50 NFL Observations
We are big into the “take” world in sports media these days. You have shows such as First Take, First Things First. You HAD Undisputed until that got cancelled. Its just the way of the world. With Week 9 officially over, the season is halfway done. Now while we aren’t into the “take” industry, it is ok to make smart observations about what we’ve seen so far during the year. Each season has their surprises and disappointments, and this season is like no other. The worst to first is alive and well in multiple scenarios. The MVP conversation is hot. So much to discuss. In no particular order, here we go…
We are big into the “take” world in sports media these days. You have shows such as First Take, First Things First. You HAD Undisputed until that got cancelled. Its just the way of the world. With Week 9 officially over, the season is halfway done. Now while we aren’t into the “take” industry, it is ok to make smart observations about what we’ve seen so far during the year. Each season has their surprises and disappointments, and this season is like no other. The worst to first is alive and well in multiple scenarios. The MVP conversation is hot. So much to discuss. In no particular order, here we go…
Getting Rid of Stefon Diggs was the perfect medicine for the Buffalo Bills - Who knew that getting rid of a guy who demanded the football would lead to Josh Allen having the fewest turnovers since he’s been in the NFL?
Turns out Coaching Matters for Rookie QBs - the proof is in pudding. Look at Jayden Daniels. Then look at Caleb Williams. Bo Nix has had more “moments” so far in the NFL than Williams. The difference is clear. Matt Eberflus is a waste of space while Quinn and Payton know what they’re doing.
The Kansas City Chiefs three-peat will run through their defense - It truly doesn’t matter that the Chiefs got Hopkins. It doesn’t matter that Pacheco is coming back. Unless your blind, you will understand that the Chiefs offense is missing something. And I don’t think the fix is coming this season. And that’s ok. Their defense has been their rock this year. And that’s after losing Sneed.
The Arizona Cardinals are dangerous - This is the team that can come up from behind and knock teams off the horse. The Cardinals were expected to be awful this year, and they are currently in the NFC West lead through nine weeks. Who saw that coming? The best part. The offense hasn’t lit the world on fire yet. Kyler hasn’t been amazing, and MHJ is still finding his way. Wait for December…
Jayden Daniels is more Lamar Jackson than RG3 - Yes. You are watching Lamar lite in Washington. Daniels has been electric from Week 2 on, and the Commanders are 7-2! He made another brilliant pass to ice the game against the Giants last week. I can’t wait for this team to play Philadelphia. Speaking of…
The Eagles record is good, but something is missing - Yes, they’ve won 4 in a row now. Hurts has been way better the last 4 games than the first four games. But if you watch this team consistently, they just don’t have the it factor that some of these other teams have. Don’t be surprised if the Eagles make a splash at the trade deadline.
Zac Taylor is on the hot seat - No one is talking about it. Not yet anyway. But the Bengals are 4-5. This is a make or break year for them. Joe Burrow is having his best season since their Super Bowl year. If Cincinnati doesn’t capitalize on this, Taylor might be the surprise fire at the end of the season.
The Atlanta Falcons are the second best team in the NFC - Have you noticed the Falcons are 6-3? Many people may not have. They just got done dismantling the Cowboys and are in firm position in the NFC South with two wins over Tampa Bay already. Kirk Cousins has remedied the offense. Bijan is being used properly. London has taken a step. After Detroit, there is a mosh pit for the best challengers are. Don’t look now but…
Don’t let TNF fool you; The New York Jets season is over - does anyone really believe the Jets are going to run the table with an interim head coach? Their remaining schedule includes Arizona, Miami (2x), the LA Rams and Buffalo. You’re telling me you don’t see two losses there. Sure, Miami is 2-6, but they just took Buffalo to the final seconds in Buffalo. The Rams are healthy, Arizona is good. I didn’t mention Indy and Seattle who can screw around and decide they wanna be good on a Sunday. Its not happening folks.
The Texans are only 6-3 because of the division they play in - Look at the numbers. Houston has not played up to snuff this year. This team was exciting and fun last year. They seem very tight this year. The AFC South is a dumpster fire. They’re taking advantage of it. They are 3-0 in the division and haven’t played Tennessee yet! I wouldn’t be surprised if they got walloped in the Wild Card Round this year.
Zero Offensive Creativity is getting Coaches Fired - Look what’s happened already; Robert Saleh and Dennis Allen have been let go. Two of the lamest offenses in the NFL. The Raiders fired their offensive staff. Lame. Who else runs some truly pathetic offensive schemes. The Jaguars, for one. Bears another. And the Dallas Cowboys. Thus, to my next point…
Mike McCarthy has lost the Cowboy locker room - This isn’t hard to tell. Dak Prescott was caught saying “we suck” Sunday in Atlanta. The clock is ticking, but make no mistake; McCarthy will be fired at seasons end. Are we taking bets on how much money Jerry throws Belichick’s way?
Drafting Project Rookies in Round 1 of the NFL Draft continues to be a heinous decision - The latest culprit - Anthony Richardson. He was recently benched in favor of Joe Flacco. Other project QBs who have flamed out include Trey Lance, Kenny Pickett, and soon to be Daniel Jones. Will Levis was taken at the top of the second round and has already been benched. When will these GMs learn?
Sam Darnold has started the regression - Darnold lit the world on fire. And everyone is rooting for him. But, the poor decision making is starting to creep back up. Now the Vikings won’t turn anywhere else (they’re 6-2), but there where early conversations in Minnesota about what to do next season if this continued. There is no discussion. Go to JJ.
The discourse around Mike Tomlin needs to end - I don’t care that Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff game in half a decade or so. This man has never had a losing season. He continues to take middling rosters and put them in contention every year. He knew exactly what he was doing when he traded for Russ. When everyone was screaming at him for benching Fields (except for me of course), Russ came in and the offense was noticeably better. The Steelers are the dark horse in the AFC.
Derrick Henry will challenge the rushing touchdown record - I said it before the season began as a bold prediction. Right now, Henry has 11. If he gets one every game the rest of the year that’s 19. But you know that Henry will have one monster game where he goes for 4 scores. He won’t beat the record, but him finishing with 21-23 is absolutely in play.
Jacksonville loves hiding behind the mask of their NFL counterpart - If it wasn’t for the Panthers and David Tepper, the spotlight would be on how horribly run the Jaguars are. Trent Baalke and Doug Peterson have gone from 9-8 (and were 2-6 at one point that season) to 9-8 again (no improvement) and now 2-7 through 9 games. The players brought in this offseason haven’t contributed at all (Gabe Davis, Ronald Darby, Darnell Savage, Erik Armstead) amongst others. Shad Khan said this was the “best Jaguars team ever assembled.” Go figure.
There’s nothing wrong with Patrick Mahomes - It doesn’t matter that he isn’t throwing TD passes. He will make amazing plays in December and January and we will forget.
This Baker Mayfield is here to stay - what else needs to be said? Baker is laser focused and before his two stud receivers got hurt, he was playing at a top five level. The Bucs found a hidden gem and the Bake show will live on in Tampa for some time.
Seattle is wasting time with Geno - I’m penciling in the Seahawks to cash in their remaining chips from the Russ trade this off-season to get into the top 5 of the NFL Draft. Geno was a nice story, but its run its course. The INT in the end zone Sunday was horrendous. Seattle isn’t going anywhere with him. Watch out for them this off-season.
The Dolphins need to be blown the F*** up - This team isn’t going anywhere currently constructed. They just aren’t. Miami is just playing house NFL style right now. This team was supposed to challenge not only Buffalo, but KC for an AFC crown. Even with Tua back, they lost to Arizona at home and Buffalo AGAIN. Massive, sweeping changes need to be done in Miami if they want to truly compete.
Lamar becomes a Top 10 All-Time QB with a 3rd MVP - Do you know how many people have won the MVP award three times? Do you? I’ll tell you. Four. Those names? Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas, Brett Favre and Tom Brady. That’s it. That’s the list. Jackson would go into uncharted waters with a 3rd MVP, which is COMPLETELY in play.
Dan Campbell might be a unanimous COTY winner - We do understand what the DETROIT LIONS are doing is amazing right? They’ve scored 28 touchdowns the last six weeks and have 24 incompletions. Let that sink in. They run, they pass, they sack, they create turnovers. They go for it on 4th down. Unanimous.
NFL Officiating continues to be a disaster - Nothing really needs to be said here. Every week its something else.
The NY Giants are officially in “QB Away” territory - The pieces are there. Nabers is a stud. Tracy is very good. The defensive line is a problem. If the Giants can get a QB and fix their secondary, I think they may be the next team to come up.
The Titans are in the worst position of any team in the NFL - They put their bags into Will Levis and that failed. The offensive line is dreadful. Their prized acquisition of the off-season L’Jarius Sneed has been a disaster. Calvin Ridley has been…not good. Hopkins is gone. The offensive is still a mess. They’re going to be starting over again next season. Not good at all.
The Rams can run the table - When healthy, the Rams are still a good team. The defense is super underrated, and they can strike at any time on offense. The spark from the Super Bowl team is still there…
I haven’t mentioned the 49ers yet - And there’s a reason. They haven’t been good. They haven’t been bad. Are they that reliant on CMC? We will find out.
TJ Watt is in the conversation for the best player in the sport - Is there a player more valuable? Seriously. This dude is just it. Wrecks every game and does what’s needed to win. He should be in the top 3 when the NFL releases their Top 100 next offseason.
Brian Thomas Jr. is the next big WR - Talk about always open? I didn’t see this coming, and I don’t think anyone else did either. BTJ is fast, runs great routes, and catches damn near everything. Jags got a star on their hands.
And Quinyon Mitchell is the next Jalen Ramsey - Mitchell was highly touted out of Toledo. He’s been everything and then some since been drafted. He gets put on the top receivers every week and just does damage. Excellent rookie.
DeShaun Watson may never play again - And he really doesn’t deserve too, but color me shocked if at some point in the off-season the Browns and Watson mutually agree to part ways and void most of the contract and maybe pay it under the table. Cleveland doesn’t want him back. And the NFL always gets their way.
The Green Bay Packers are overrated - Yes, I said it. The Pack are severely overrated. They had an opportunity Sunday to tell the Lions that they weren’t all that. At home. In bad weather. In Detroits first non-dome game. And they got stomped. Jordan Love hasn’t been good this season. Bad turnovers. They may miss the playoffs entirely.
Jim Harbaugh - Yes, Jim Harbaugh. Just ask yourself one question. Have the Chargers “Chargered” once this season?
The Commanders are an EDGE rusher away - I expect Washington to be active come deadline time. They need another pass rusher. You can’t squander opportunities when they come. There’s a realistic possibility this team can make a run to the NFC title game. Need to pounce.
Alvin Kamara should be traded, but won’t be - This is the easiest thing to decipher. Kamara has no business being in NOLA this year. The Saints are non competitive and Kamara is playing at a high level. They just fired Dennis Allen. But Kamara is the face of the Saints. If they really want to pursue the overhaul, they would trade him. But they won’t.
There may be up to 10 HC openings come “Black Monday” in January - We already have the Jets and the Saints. Add in the following guarantees; Jaguars, Bears, Raiders, Cowboys. That’s six. I can also see the following team moving on if things don’t swing their way: Bengals, Eagles, Browns and Patriots. I think Mayo and Pierce have downright horrible this year.
There will be six new playoff team this season - Mark em down: Bengals (yup!), Chargers, Commanders, Vikings, Falcons and Cardinals!
The 49ers will miss the playoffs - This will be the shocker of 2024.
Josh Allen will lead the Bills to the Number 1 seed and get his first MVP - it is written.
The NFL has had a decrease in quality this year - its ok to say it. The play this year in the league has been subpar. And they need to figure it out. The lack of practices in July and August, coupled with no one playing int he preseason has brought this on. The product isn’t as good. Listen to Tom Brady.
And the ratings in the Playoffs will reflect that - Call this a hunch.
The AFC Playoff teams will be: (1) Bills, (2) Chiefs, (3) Ravens, (4) Texans, (5) Steelers, (6) Chargers, (7) Bengals
The NFC Playoff Teams will be: (1) Lions, (2) Falcons, (3) Eagles, (4) Rams, (5) Commanders, (6) Vikings, (7) Cardinals
Going into the Playoffs, the Lions will be the consensus favorites to win the Super Bowl - I never thought I’d type those words when I was 18.
Cincinnati will be the hottest team going into the playoffs and take out the Chiefs on wild card weekend; which sets up a Burrow and Allen showdown in Buffalo - We need some fresh blood in the AFC. Lets talk it into existence!
AFC Title Game: (3) Ravens @ (1) Bills - The top two QBs in the MVP conversation will square off. It will be both Allen and Jackson’s second time in the title game, with both of their losses the first time coming from Mahomes.
NFC Title Game: (2) Falcons @ (1) Lions - I think these two teams are pound for pound the best in the NFC. I almost put Philly here, but they have too much inconsistency for me.
Super Bowl 59 will feature two franchises that have never hoisted a Lombardi Trophy - As good as the Falcons are, the Lions are the clear favorites in the NFC. Hell they might even coast to the Super Bowl. Detroit learns from their mistakes in last years title game, and this one is at home. In the AFC, you need to be able to withstand four quarters. I don’t think Baltimore did enough in the off-season, and their defense has been suspect. Allen and the Bills have been a complete team this year. And the fact they got embarrassed by Baltimore in the regular season is in the back of their heads. Bills and Lions Super Bowl!
The long, long wait is over…for the Lions.
QB Tiers - Midway Point
Everyone loves the QB. We know its the most important position in sports. But when you mention the word “quarterback” it just tingles the spine doesn’t it? It’s no secret our ratings go up on the episodes and conversations we discuss the QBs. So we have been doing our QB rankings internally for a couple of weeks now, and we think its time to share it with you - We will be doing this on a quarterly basis. So one for the midway point, one for the end of November, and one for the end of the season. Some of the names on this list and where they are may surprise you. But there is no legacy award winning here. Its based on your play in 2024. Very simple. Rookies top 10? You bet. Hall of Famers in the bottom tier? Of course. Natural discourse on the rankings? Always welcomed.
Everyone loves the QB. We know its the most important position in sports. But when you mention the word “quarterback” it just tingles the spine doesn’t it? It’s no secret our ratings go up on the episodes and conversations we discuss the QBs. So we have been doing our QB rankings internally for a couple of weeks now, and we think its time to share it with you - We will be doing this on a quarterly basis. So one for the midway point, one for the end of November, and one for the end of the season. Some of the names on this list and where they are may surprise you. But there is no legacy award winning here. Its based on your play in 2024. Very simple. Rookies top 10? You bet. Hall of Famers in the bottom tier? Of course. Natural discourse on the rankings? Always welcomed.
Tier 1: MVP Front-Runners
Josh Allen - Allen has 17 total touchdowns while having a combined 13 sacks taken + lost fumbles this year. Oh, and only one interception. This is what we all wanted from Allen. Protect the football. And he has. And the Bills are 6-2 and firmly in the chair for the AFC East crown yet again. What more does the man need to do?
2. Lamar Jackson - He’s already won two MVPs. He’s coming for a third. The arrival of Derrick Henry has unlocked another gear to Jackson as the quarterback is a nightmare matchup for anyone in the world. Not to mention that in Week 1, the Ravens were an Isaiah Likely foot away from being the Chiefs only L on the season (they are 7-0). Lamar and Allen are neck and neck for the MVP at the moment. If Jackson wins a third MVP this season, he cements himself as a Top 10 QB of all-time? A Super Bowl puts him into Top 5 category.
Tier 2: Living the Dream
3. Jared Goff - The best part about this ranking is that Goff has been flying under the radar this year. The Lions Sonic and Knuckles attack of Montgomery and Gibbs has been all the flare, but Goff is just casually completing 74% of his passes while accumulating 13 touchdowns to four interceptions. With a QB rating of 115.3 and a perfect game on his resume this year, there doesn’t seem to be stopping Jared this year. Oh yeah, and the Lions are currently the best team in the sport.
4. Joe Burrow - After suffering a season ending injury last season, Burrow has come back and the “Joe Cool” moniker is alive and well. Burrow is the last reason the Bengals are 3-5 on the season as he’s thrown for essentially 2k yards already and has 15 TD passes. He’s averaging 250 yards per game and hasn’t skipped a beat in 2024.
5. Jayden Daniels - The Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Commanders are 6-2. They are in first place in the NFC East (told you so) and they look the part with Dan Quinn at the helm. Daniels is the mini me to Lamar Jackson’s Dr. Evil. They are one in the same. Daniels has elite speed that makes him so difficult to take down, and compliments that with a rocket arm and excellent accuracy. He also seems to have that clutch factor gene. From the throw on MNF to the Hail Mary on Sunday, the kid has a flare for the dramatic.
Tier 3: Rounding Out the Top 10
6. Baker Mayfield - Not having Evans and Godwin last week showed, but we aren’t deducting points for Mayfield on that. Baker has been on one this season. The Bucs are in the midst of a playoff race and an NFC South battle with Atlanta, but Mayfield’s passing attack has been one to behold. Gone are the dog days in Cleveland, even after he led them to the playoffs. And the journey to find it again led him to Tampa. People thought his numbers would dip with Canales gone, but he’s shutting everyone up one week at a time. A bonafide top 10 QB.
7. Sam Darnold - Sam is starting to slowly fall down this list. The Vikes are on a two game losing streak and they haven’t looked the same since October. That being said, Darnold is potentially having his best season ever. 14 TDs to 5 INTs. A passer rating of 107.2. Some people had this Minnesota team pegged as the worst team in the NFL going into this year. That might be the biggest lie in the NFL in 2024. Darnold needs to keep it up if he wants to stay in the Top 10.
8. Trevor Lawrence - This might be the first “oh shit” moment of this list. But if you look at the numbers, Trevor is having an extremely productive season. Forget the team (they suck), but him personally. After getting off to a brutal start, he’s somehow amassed 11 TDs and only 4 INTs while throwing for 1,800 yards. Has a passer rating of 93.6.Has ZERO lost fumbles on the season. That was a huge bugaboo for Lawrence last year. The completion rate is a bit low (63%) but he also has been the best in the NFL at downfield passing this year. 20 completions of 20 yards of more this year (no one else has more than 15).
9. Jordan Love - Love has missed some time. But the time he’s been available he’s been downright good. If we are going in terms of Packers QBs here - he has been more Favre than Rodgers. Love is a gunslinger at heart. His INT rate is high, but Love has a huge clutch factor that can’t be understated. He is a wizard in the pocket and has one of the best feels in the game. The Pack are 6-2 and have a monster matchup at home vs. Detroit Sunday.
10. Kyler. Murray - Very quietly, Murray has been a very, very good QB this season. He hasn’t had as many flashy plays as we’ve come accustomed to seeing. But he’s playing winning football. Has rarely turned the ball over. Throwing touchdowns at opportune times. He’s just been solid all around. And as a result, the Cardinals are in the think of it in the NFC West.
Tier 4: Doing Enough
11. Justin Fields - Yes he’s not playing anymore. And that was the RIGHT move. But we still have to grade him (Russ DNQ as he’s only played two games so far.) Fields did his job and then some when he was playing. The offense wasn’t electric by any means, but he wasn’t turning the football over and the team was winning. If Fields did anything this year, its that he made sure he should have a starting job in 2025 somewhere.
12. CJ Stroud - This is low for Stroud based off last season. Last night’s loss included - he hasn’t been overly impressive. Yes, Nico and Diggs are now missing. But CJ didn’t have Diggs last year. And he has Joe Mixon now. So what’s the issue? His numbers look fine if you want to go there. But at this stage of our rankings, you need to look a little deeper. He doesn’t look comfortable. At all. Being at 12 is a testament to how good he is even when we know he’s not at his best. Watching Stroud is one of my top things in the second half of the season.
13. Brock Purdy - The Niners are kind’ve floating by right now. They are an underwhelming 4-4. Purdy has done his part - mostly, this season. The game that sticks out is the Rams game in which they lost. But then you watch him against Dallas on SNF and he looks like the Purdy from last season. We all know its a long season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Purdy in the Top 10 by the end of the year.
14. Kirk Cousins - Kirk is Kirk. That’s really all there is to say. He’s throwing for a ton of yards (2,106) and a high rate of TDs to INTs (14:7). That’s who Cousins is. And that’s fine. The Falcons offense is lightyears ahead of what it was last year, and they currently lead the NFC South. No one is surprised about anything in this paragraph. And that’s ok with everyone.
15. Joe Flacco - All this man wants to do is retire. Yet again, he’s been thrust into a starting role because of inept QB play. This time in Indianapolis. It was eye popping how much better the Colts O was better with Flacco under center than Richardson. Now with Flacco presumably the starter for the rest of the year, the magic of Joe Joe Flacco from 2023 is back.
Tier 5: Ups and Downs
16. Jalen Hurts - Hurst started on a high, then went down super super low, and now is coming back again. His performance in Cincinnati Sunday was quiet easily his best of the season. I was criticizing Hurts in September due to him potentially never regaining his 2022 form (Which I still believe) but the guys is an extremely capable QB when he has his weapons. If you look at his numbers, they are pedestrian. He has a 2:1 TD to INT ratio this season, and while he’s rushed for seven touchdowns, he’s only averaging 3.5 YPC. That’s not the Hurts he know. He’s on the up now. The peaks and valleys are driving Eagles fans crazy this year.
17. Caleb Williams - Caleb has been slowly improving - but one thing that Caleb has done extremely well in his rookie season is not turn the football over. He hasn’t been a highlight machine like Daniels, but he’s playing acceptable rookie football. His numbers aren’t eye popping by any stretch. But he’s making throws when he needs to. And that’s the most important thing.
18. Justin Herbert - I feel like we haven’t heard from Herbert all season. The Chargers are 4-3 and playing good defensive football and complimentary offensive football. Herberts numbers aren’t going to wow anyone, but he’s still making some throws that are just absurd. The one of the sidelines last week was one. We need to get the guy a playmaker!
19. Matthew Stafford - Amazing what happens when your two all-pro receivers play huh! But seriously, Stafford has kept it afloat the past couple of weeks. And that’s commendable. I think missing Kupp and Nacua told me that he’s a product of the offense at this stage of his career, and he will have some ups and downs.
20. Aaron Rodgers - Bumped up a couple spots due to the TNF game last night. That was Rodgers best game of the season….by far. He was in command, accurate, and took some necessary deep shots. As for the rest of the season….been something. And not the good kind of something. Rodgers has been having trouble moving around and its showing. So much of his game is predicated on the run, and father time may finally be catching up.
21. Geno Smith - Geno was leading the league in passing before last week. Smith has been ok. The Seahawks have been ok. They are stuck in the perverbial doldrums of mediocrity. And Smith is the modicum of that. Some weeks he will be great, and others (like last Sunday) will be horrible. You get what you pay for.
22. Dak Prescott - This is probably the worst Prescott has looked since he took over for Dallas as their QB. Is that a product of the fact that the Cowboys made essentially no moves to improve their offense this year. Possibly. But Dak is getting paid to mask those problems. And he’s not doing it.
23. Patrick Mahomes - get it together.
Tier 6: The Good Play is There
24. Tua Tagovailoa - Tua qualified for this by playing on Sunday. Not a large sample size - but he wasn’t great in Week 1 and wasn’t lighting the world on fire in Week 2 before he got hurt. Then he comes back Sunday and loses to Arizona at home. Need to be better.
25. Bo Nix - The good news? The Broncos are 5-3. And Nix has been a piece of that. The bad news? There are games where Nix is unwatchable. These are the trials and tribulations of a rookie QB. But last week against Carolina was a good one for the young signal caller. Lets see if he can build off that.
Tier 7: Woof
26. Daniel Jones - I mean, what’s left to say? Jones has a good game once a month, and then reminds you why his tenure has been so tumultuous. Firmly believe he will not be a Giant next year, and may not have a starting job in 2025.
27. Andy Dalton - He’s doing his best. Leave the guy alone.
28. Derek Carr - the first two weeks seem like that was 1977. What has transpired since them has been nothing short of brutal. We may be seeing an overhaul in NOLA when the season ends.
Tier 8: Uncontrollable Vomiting
29. Mason Rudolph - I don’t even think he wants to play.
30. Will Levis - So bad he got benched and got D-Hop shipped out. Are we seeing the last of Levis in Tennessee?
31. Gardner Minshew - He dressed up as Lt. Dan for Halloween. He has also been playing as Lt. Dan this season. Cruel joke. The Uncle Rico days are gone.
32. Bryce Young - Kid comes back - Carolina gets waxed again. If the confidence could be below zero, it would be.
33. DeShaun Watson - the injury was a mercy killing. The question has to be asked - Will Watson ever play in the NFL again?
34. Jacoby Brissett - Anyone ever see the movie Small Soldiers? Like we are watching the toys in real time but when they zoom out they are moving in the slowest motion ever. That’s the Pats offense with Jacoby Brissett. But Hey!!!!!! They beat the Jets.
35. Anthony Richardson - What a colossal, colossal disaster. I’ve been seeing all the comps to other QBs in their first ten starts. None of those guys were benched. He shouldn’t have been either. But the Colts clearly thought that he would be a step up from where he actually is. His completion percentage is below 50%. In today’s NFL that’s unheard of. It just has been a disaster of a campaign for AR15.
36. Snoop Huntley - He will be alternate 36 at this rate for the pro bowl….and probably make it.
DNQ (Did Not Qualify)
Russell Wilson
Drake Maye
Spencer Rattler
Malik Willis
Week 5 Power Rankings
We are officially a month into the season. Can’t believe it right? The emotions are on such a pendulum from week to week, but as each passing week goes by, the intensity raises. Four weeks is a good sample size for what teams are early in the season. As we know, things can change on a dime, but identities (mostly) are there. Injuries are taking place. Depth is being tested. Coaches seats are getting hot. Let’s see where each team matches up…
We are officially a month into the season. Can’t believe it right? The emotions are on such a pendulum from week to week, but as each passing week goes by, the intensity raises. Four weeks is a good sample size for what teams are early in the season. As we know, things can change on a dime, but identities (mostly) are there. Injuries are taking place. Depth is being tested. Coaches seats are getting hot. Let’s see where each team matches up…
Week 5 Power Rankings
Kansas City Chiefs
Minnesota Vikings
Detroit Lions
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills
Washington Commanders
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Houston Texans
Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco 49ers
Pittsburgh Steelers
New Orleans Saints
Green Bay Packers
Atlanta Falcons
Dallas Cowboys
New York Jets
Cincinnati Bengals
Denver Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers
Indianapolis Colts
Chicago Bears
Philadelphia Eagles
Las Vegas Raiders
Arizona Cardinals
New York Giants
Los Angeles Rams
Carolina Panthers
Cleveland Browns
Tennessee Titans
New England Patriots
Miami Dolphins
The School for the Dumb, Deaf and Blind
James Madison Dukes
Jacksonville “Satan” Jaguars
Week 3 Power Rankings!
Believe it or not, we are almost at the end of September! Week 3 is coming full steam ahead, and we have a few teams that are turning our heads a bit. We also have others that are floundering…One thing to remember though. It is VERY, VERY early. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Last season, the 49ers were on the verge of collapsing before righting the ship in November. I remember in 2021 when the Bucs weren’t gonna make the playoffs in December before they got everything together and won a title. Things change in a flash in the NFL. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t perk our ears up and pat some teams on the back here. Let’s see what we got with Week 3 knocking on the door.
Believe it or not, we are almost at the end of September! Week 3 is coming full steam ahead, and we have a few teams that are turning our heads a bit. We also have others that are floundering…One thing to remember though. It is VERY, VERY early. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Last season, the 49ers were on the verge of collapsing before righting the ship in November. I remember in 2021 when the Bucs weren’t gonna make the playoffs in December before they got everything together and won a title. Things change in a flash in the NFL. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t perk our ears up and pat some teams on the back here. Let’s see what we got with Week 3 knocking on the door.
Week 3 Power Rankings
Kansas City Chiefs (-) - Status quo.
Buffalo Bills (+6) - Extremely impressive first two weeks.
Houston Texans (+2) - Taking care of business.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+5) - Revenge in Detroit.
San Francisco 49ers (-4) - Haven’t beaten the Vines in Minnesota since ‘92.
Detroit Lions (-3) - Jared Goff needs to step it up.
New Orleans Saints (+8) - Klint Kubiak for President.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+4) - Its never pretty.
Los Angeles Chargers (+9) - The Harbaugh effect.
Minnesota Vikings (+12) - Eyebrow raising win against SF.
Arizona Cardinals (+14) - It wasn’t the win that impressed; it was how they won. Maybe the close loss in Buffalo wasn’t a fluke.
Seattle Seahawks (+7) - Winning the games on their schedule.
Dallas Cowboys (-9) - Embarrassing home loss.
New York Jets (-) - I need a dominant performance.
Green Bay Packers (+2) - Guts.
Atlanta Falcons (+4) - Benchmark win in Philly
Philadelphia Eagles (-7) - Difficult to watch. Truly.
Las Vegas Raiders (+12) - Some Minshew Moxxy late in Baltimore.
Baltimore Ravens (-13) - Big woof.
Miami Dolphins (-9) - Without Tua its game over.
New England Patriots (+2) - Fighting hard.
Cincinnati Bengals (-1) - too good to get brownie points to losing to KC by 1.
Cleveland Browns (+4) - More that the team they played lost the game then Cleveland won.
Chicago Bears (-) - The offense has been piss poor.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-12) - Blow it up. Offensive gameplan is atrocious.
Washington Commanders (+4) - They won a game! Who cares if its against the Giants.
Indianapolis Colts (-11) - The Anthony Richardson we saw Sunday was the one I fear may be the guy we usually get.
Los Angeles Rams (-21) - Injuries already seeping in. Embarrassed by Arizona. This could get ugly quick.
Tennessee Titans (-3) - Will Levis has solely prevented them from being 2-0.
Denver Broncos (-2) - The Bo Nix we saw at Auburn is coming out. Funny enough he’s wearing orange again.
New York Giants (+1) - The rise is because of the team below them. On to 2025.
Carolina Panthers (-1) - Good lord. Is Bryce Young the biggest bust since JaMarcus Russell?
Week 2 Power Rankings
As per usual, the guys at Perfect Spiral are going to give you our updated Power Rankings on a week to week basis. While Week 1 was interesting in a lot of ways, there is still a long way to go. Can we put stock in some of the things that happened Sunday? Monday? Sure. I’m not betting the entire season on it though. So these rankings are an indication of how we feel about teams going into Week 2, but also trying to resist some of our urges a bit…
As per usual, the guys at Perfect Spiral are going to give you our updated Power Rankings on a week to week basis. While Week 1 was interesting in a lot of ways, there is still a long way to go. Can we put stock in some of the things that happened Sunday? Monday? Sure. I’m not betting the entire season on it though. So these rankings are an indication of how we feel about teams going into Week 2, but also trying to resist some of our urges a bit…
POWER RANKINGS WEEK 2
Kansas City Chiefs
Sam Francisco 49ers
Detroit Lions
Dallas Cowboys
Houston Texans
Baltimore Ravens
Los Angeles Rams
Buffalo Bills
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Philadelphia Eagles
Miami Dolphins
Pittsburgh Steelers
Jacksonville Jaguars
New York Jets
New Orleans Saints
Indianapolis Colts
Green Bay Packers
Los Angeles Chargers
Seattle Seahawks
Atlanta Falcons
Cincinnati Bengals
Minnesota Vikings
New England Patriots
Chicago Bears
Arizona Cardinals
Tennessee Titans
Cleveland Browns
Denver Broncos
Washington Commanders
Las Vegas Raiders
Carolina Panthers
New York Giants
2024 NFL Predictions
After seven grueling months, we finally made it back. All the way back. The NFL season starts in two days. I can almost shed a tear. Everyone’s a fan - and they are looking for reasons to believe. It’s just natural. Just like players, fans will find whatever they need to motivate them. “People don’t believe in us.” “This player wasn’t in the Top 100.” You know the drill. So the one thing that everyone looks forward to this time of year is the predictions. Everyone looks for that one TV personality who says your team is going to do it. They’re gonna make their move. It’s the only validation we need.
After seven grueling months, we finally made it back. All the way back. The NFL season starts in two days. I can almost shed a tear. Everyone’s a fan - and they are looking for reasons to believe. It’s just natural. Just like players, fans will find whatever they need to motivate them. “People don’t believe in us.” “This player wasn’t in the Top 100.” You know the drill. So the one thing that everyone looks forward to this time of year is the predictions. Everyone looks for that one TV personality who says your team is going to do it. They’re gonna make their move. It’s the only validation we need.
Last season, the guys at PSP did a pretty ok job at predicting the season. Richie correctly predicted the Super Bowl, only to pick the wrong winner. I predicted the Bengals/49ers, so I will give myself an incomplete. And John, we knows - we know he was wrong though. I think he picked the Jaguars and the Eagles…what a mush. But here we are, at it again. Prediction time. We each picked everything. We know you’ll love it.
**Denotes Playoff Teams
Joe’s Predictions
AFC
East
Jets (11-6)**
Bills (10-7)**
Dolphins (9-8)
Patriots (3-14)
North
Bengals (13-4)**
Ravens (11-6)**
Browns (7-10)
Steelers (6-11)
South
Jaguars (10-7)**
Texans (10-7)**
Colts (9-8)
Titans (6-11)
West
Chiefs (12-5)**
Chargers (7-10)
Broncos (6-11)
Raiders (4-13)
NFC
East
Commanders (10-7)**
Eagles (10-7)**
Cowboys (8-9)
Giants (4-13)
North
Lions (12-5)**
Bears (9-8)
Packers (8-9)
Vikings (6-11)
South
Falcons (10-7)**
Bucs (9-8)
Panthers (5-12)
Saints (4-13)
West
Rams (11-6)**
49ers (11-6)**
Cardinals (9-8)**
Seahawks (5-12)
PLAYOFFS
Conference Championships
AFC - Chiefs defeat Bengals
NFC - Falcons defeat Lions
Super Bowl
Chiefs defeat Falcons
First 3-Peat EVER!
John’s Predictions
AFC
East
Bills (11-6)**
Jets (11-6)**
Dolphins (7-10)
Patriots (4-13)
North
Ravens (13-4)**
Bengals (11-6)**
Browns (9-8)
Steelers (3-14)
South
Jaguars (11-6)**
Texans (11-6)**
Colts (8-9)
Titans (3-14)
West
Chiefs (13-4)**
Broncos (10-7)
Chargers (6-11)
Raiders (5-12)
NFC
East
Eagles (12-5)**
Commanders (10-7)**
Cowboys (9-8)
Giants (4-13)
North
Packers (13-4)**
Lions (11-6)**
Bears (10-7)**
Vikings (5-12)
South
Falcons (13-4)**
Panthers (9-8)
Bucs (5-12)
Saints (3-14)
West
49ers (12-5)**
Rams (10-7)
Cardinals (8-9)
Seahawks (3-14)
PLAYOFFS
Conference Championships
AFC - Chiefs defeat Ravens
NFC - Packers defeat 49ers
Super Bowl
Packers defeat Chiefs
Richie’s Predictions
AFC
East
Jets (12-5)**
Bills (10-7)
Dolphins (7-10)
Patriots (1-16)
North
Ravens (14-3)**
Bengals (13-4)**
Browns (12-5)**
Steelers (6-11)
South
Texans (12-5)**
Jaguars (11-6)**
Colts (7-10)
Titans (4-13)
West
Chiefs (15-2)**
Raiders (7-10)
Chargers (5-12)
Broncos (3-14)
NFC
East
Eagles (14-3)**
Cowboys (10-7)**
Giants (5-12)
Commanders (4-13)
North
Lions (11-6)**
Packers (11-6)**
Bears (10-7)
Vikings (2-15)
South
Falcons (13-4)**
Bucs (8-9)
Saints (8-9)
Panthers (3-14)
West
49ers (15-2)**
Rams (11-6)**
Cardinals (9-8)
Seahawks (4-13)
PLAYOFFS
Conference Championships
AFC - Chiefs defeat Texans
NFC - Falcons defeat 49ers
Super Bowl
Chiefs defeat Falcons
2024 Awards Season
MVP
Joe Burrow
Josh Allen
OPOY
Bijan Robinson
Amon-Ra St.Brown
DPOY
Josh Hines-Allen
Derek Stingley Jr.
OROY
Caleb Williams
Marvin Harrison Jr.
DROY
Jared Verse
Jonah Elliss
COTY
Dan Quinn
DeMeco Ryans
The Pressure is On…
As the off-season winds to a close every year, many experts, analysts, podcasters (ahem) and the laymen take a real look at the landscape of the National Football League. When September rolls around, you always have that one friend who says “I didn’t know “X” was now in “X”.” It’s too much movement. I said it to myself on Thursday Night after I got home from work. “When did Allen Robinson sign with the Giants” as he’s playing into the 2nd half to try and make the team. It’s just natural to do that.
As the off-season winds to a close every year, many experts, analysts, podcasters (ahem) and the laymen take a real look at the landscape of the National Football League. When September rolls around, you always have that one friend who says “I didn’t know “X” was now in “X”.” It’s too much movement. I said it to myself on Thursday Night after I got home from work. “When did Allen Robinson sign with the Giants” as he’s playing into the 2nd half to try and make the team. It’s just natural to do that. We have the Free Agent frenzy, the NFL Draft, coaches firings and hirings. So. Much. Movement. And that’s great. What we normally don’t discuss is the teams, players and coaches that stay put. And they stay put for a reason. Their owners and front office leaders believe they are the right people in place.
The internal clock that begins in the heads of those people (as well as the fans) ticks louder and louder as the games, weeks and years go by. There comes a point where the pressure becomes too much, and then its either sink or swim. That’s what leads to the frenzy. The movement. The craziness. 2024 is no different. You look around the league about 20 days before the Chiefs and Ravens kick off, and you wonder which players are under the most pressure this year. Either viewed by themselves, their fanbases, or the league in general. Same for teams. Same for coaches. The list is endless, and depending on who you ask, can change. I remember on ESPN as a kid they would do “fact or fiction” or the “hot seat” which were always great. Today I’ll do something similar. Division by division, I’ll give you a player, team or coach that is “feeling the heat” in 24, and how whatever outcomes lies ahead may lead to a stark difference this time next year.
AFC East
1. Sean McDermott - Again, depending on who you ask this can change. Many, many people would say the team in general, or Josh Allen. But I’m sticking with McDermott here. And yes, the Bills won the AFC East again in 2023. But it’s not about that for this team anymore. This team can’t get past the Chiefs. Simple as that. Buffalo said goodbye to the likes of Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis and Jordan Poyer this season. In January, if the Bills miss the playoffs because they didn’t have enough “playmakers” I don’t think people will be blaming Josh Allen. McDermott needs to make a move here. Where there is a will, there is a way. I don’t think his seat is particularly “hot”, but I think an AFC Championship appearance would really put this franchise in the place of “ok, we made the right moves.” However, if this team misses the playoffs, some eyebrows could be raised.
Heat Meter - 4
2. New York Jets - Yeah, this one is the whole unit. The apologists will tell you that the team hasn’t really played together yet and you need to let them gel. The New York media will tell you that this team went 7-10 last year while Aaron Rodgers played four famous snaps. Here’s the skinny: A-Rod is 40 years old. That’s right. Turning 41 in December. The Jets are now above the league average in roster age. We all know they haven’t made the playoffs since 2013, the longest drought in the NFL. Let’s make one thing clear: If the Jets miss the playoffs again, everyone is gone. Saleh, Douglas, Rodgers (probably) and a whole slew of players. Someone will come in and press the reset button. If they make the playoffs and bow out in the first round, Saleh and Douglas get fired. The players stay and a new coach comes to get one more shot at getting over the hump. Make the AFC Title game, everyone stays. There may not be more pressure on a team in the NFL (the other lies in the Heart of Dixie) to perform. There are a ton of personalities on this team, and they all like to speak. Some people like that. Some people don’t. But one thing is certain. The Jets need to win.
Heat Meter - 10
3. Tua Tagovailoa (Performing in December/January) - Tua just got the big deal. 53 million. And he’s letting people know at camp. Good for him. With all the concussions he dealt with in 2022, he was healthy in 23 and played well. The reality is also this. Since he’s been in the league, he and the Dolphins have absolutely, unequivocally sucked in December and January. The Dolphins, who were leading the AFC East all year last season, struggled down the stretch to the tune of a 3-4 record and lost the division in the last week of the season to the Bills. Which in turn, granted them a travel date to Kansas City to play the Chiefs on one of the coldest days in recorded history. They lost. It wasn’t close. In 2022, yes, Tua was hurt. The concussions sucked. But being on the field is part of it. He wasn’t. Miami is 4-10 in December and January in 22’ and 23’. That’s not going to cut it. This is a team who hasn’t won a playoff game since 2000. Going on 25 years now. No one will bat an eye on this team as they wax teams they should, and lose to teams they should. Pay attention in December.
Heat Meter - 6
NFC East
4. Mike McCarthy - This is simple. If the Cowboys don’t make a serious run this season, McCarthy is cooked. The Cowboys have been “put up or shut up” for years now. And if you listen to our show, we poke fun at the yearly Dallas wheel that goes round and round every year ending with “disappointing ending” in the playoffs. This year there is some extra spice as Dak Prescott, the MVP runner up in 2023, is playing on an expiring contract. There is no telling what happens if Dallas bows out in the wild card round again, or heaven forbid, miss the playoffs!
Heat Meter - 10
5. Eagles Offense - All the pieces are there. But if you watched the Eagles in 2023, you know that something was just off. Hurts wasn’t having fun. Sirianni wasn’t himself. And it culminated with an embarrassing loss to the Baker Mayfield led Bucs in the wild card round. So 2024 is afoot and the birds are two years removed from coming within minutes of taking out the Chiefs for their second Super Bowl victory. Now, I think, the pressure is on this offense. They added Saquon Barkley. Another year of DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown. Dallas Geodert is healthy. Hurts and the offense need to do damage. Specifically, the passing attack. A lot of people think Hurts isn’t a great passer, and personally, I think the jury is still out. It will be interesting watching Philadelphia this year.
Heat Meter - 5
AFC North
6. Lamar Jackson AND John Harbaugh - I mean, you can read the Bills one. Its the same deal, except Baltimore has the pieces. Hell, they added Derrick Henry. Lamar won his 2nd MVP in 2023. Baltimore HOSTED the AFC Championship. They still couldn’t beat Mahomes. Is there “pressure” on the Ravens to win a Super Bowl. Some may say no. I say yes. This is potentially Baltimore’s best shot at the crown. Mahomes isn’t going away. He’s here for another 10-12 years. Deal with it. I don’t think people are getting fired, but at what point do you realize that you may need to change something to get over the hump?
Heat Meter - 3
7. All other AFC North Starting QBs - Let’s make this simple. Joe Burrow needs to stay healthy. If he doesn’t and misses significant time again, the Bengals have to look themselves in the mirror and say “what are we doing here”. When Burrow is healthy, he’s unbelievable. But availability is key. And Burrow has basically missed two of the past three years. In what some people believe is the worst trade of all time, Russell Wilson was removed after a year in Denver and signed with Pittsburgh. He’s starting for Mike Tomlin. He also has Justin Fields behind him. The leash is short. Wilson wasn’t statistically bad in 2023, but if you watched him every play, it was underwhelming. This year will prove if Russ can still cook. In Cleveland, in what some people believe is the worst trade of all time, DeShaun Watson has had a full off-season for the first time since I think Avengers: Endgame came out? Literally. In what we’ve seen from Watson in a Browns uniform has been dreadful. Hasn’t been the same guy he was in Houston. This is the year for Watson to make amends. If we get more of the same, Watson won’t have a starting job anywhere in 2025.
Heat Meter - 8
NFC North
8. Matt Eberflus - Consider me a guy that doesn’t think Eberflus should be coaching this team in 2024. And no, Hard Knocks won’t change that. The current regime in Chicago couldn’t develop Justin Fields. No matter what you think of Fields, that’s on Poles, Eberflus and Getsy. Getsy is in Las Vegas now (someone had to get the chop) and Shane Waldron is in. Now, Caleb Williams is a much better prospect than Justin Fields. But with that, expectations are higher. Fans in Chicago are expecting the Bears to make the playoffs.I think Eberflus has the hottest seat to start 2024. If the Bears get off to an Urban Meyer-esque start like Meyer did in Jacksonville in 2021, with Trevor Lawrence in his rookie year, then Eberflus will see the door so fast. Chicago has loaded up, and they are now in a way tougher division than what presented itself two years ago. That’s a factor, but the coaching staff in Chicago needs to turn it around, and do so quickly.
Heat Meter - 9
AFC South
9. Press Taylor - I could’ve put Doug Pederson here. I could’ve put Trevor Lawrence here. I’m not going to go into all the metrics in where Lawrence was hampered last season due to his receiving core and injuries (do that yourself). All I can tell is that Jaguar fans currently hate Press Taylor. The playcylling last year for a team that seemingly had weapons all over was abysmal. It went so far as that it was widely reported that Shad Khan had a meeting with Doug Pederson in the off-season to ask him to call plays again in 2024. Pederson, who had the SAME ISSUE in Philadelphia, hasn’t “decided” on who was calling plays in 2024. Taylor called plays on Saturday night in the Jags first pre-season game. We will see. The Jaguars are getting a new stadium in 2028. The Jaguars owner has publicly put some pressure on this team in 2024. Let’s see how Doug and Press respond.
Heat Meter - 7
10. Will Levis - When you aren’t drafted in the first round, you don’t have the same type of rope other QBs get. I think the same applies for Levis here. Sure, the Titans lost Derrick Henry to the Ravens this off-season, but they gained Tony Pollard, Tyler Boyd and Calvin Ridley. The pieces are there. The Titans defense and offensive line still are a work in progress to be nice, but I think Levis needs to show some consistency in 2024 to keep the job in 25.
Heat Meter - 5
NFC South
11. Bryce Young - This is simply because of how Bryce was in 2023. But, to the Panthers credit, they cleaned house and brought in a new Head Coach and new weapons to help Young. The offensive line is still awful, but as long as Young shows progression in 2024, there shouldn’t be an issue here. I mean, he can’t be that bad again. Right?
Heat Meter - 2
12. Derek Carr/Dennis Allen - These two go hand in hand. The Saints were hoping to come back to relevance when they signed Carr last off-season, but the reality is they have sunk back to irrelevance. Derek Carr and the Saints offense was pathetic last year. I remember Dennis Allen’s first run as a Head Coach and it wasn’t pretty. I was flabbergasted when he got the job in New Orleans and he’s done absolutely nothing to make me change my mind. New Orleans defense will keep them in games, but if Carr doesn’t lift this offense in 2024, he will most likely be gone. Keep an eye on Spencer Rattler. As for Allen, his seat is probably hot on the level of Robert Saleh and Mike McCarthy.
Heat Meter - 8
AFC West
As much as I want to put Harbaugh on here, the fact is he’s on his first year of remaking that roster. Payton reset himself with drafting Nix, and Pierce is a first time head coach. No pressure in the West. Good job guys.
NFC West
13. San Francisco 49ers - The time is now. What is it, 4 NFC title games? Two Super Bowl losses to the Chiefs? San Francisco is the most complete team in the NFL from top to bottom. Sure, Kansas City has the best player in the world. But the 49ers are loaded at each and every spot. As long as San Fran is going to NFC Championships and Super Bowls, no one is getting fired. But internally, the pressure is real. They know they have what it takes to win. They know they should’ve probably won already. Some guys are getting older. Trent Williams, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey to name a couple. We spoke about the internal clock getting louder and louder. Its ringing in the ears of the 49er faithful.
Heat Meter - 9
2024 NFL Top 75 Free Agents
We stress over at PSP that the National Football League is a 24/7, 365 affair…and that slogan is no more apparent than in the month of March. The Super Bowl has been won. Players have retired. Coaches have been fired. It seems like the wagons are circling (and not for the Buffalo Bills). But the month of March is important for a ton of reason…players get tagged, fifth year options are awarded, negotiation periods start, the new year league starts, and the free agent frenzy begins.
This is what.we.do.
We stress over at PSP that the National Football League is a 24/7, 365 affair…and that slogan is no more apparent than in the month of March. The Super Bowl has been won. Players have retired. Coaches have been fired. It seems like the wagons are circling (and not for the Buffalo Bills). But the month of March is important for a ton of reason…players get tagged, fifth year options are awarded, negotiation periods start, the new year league starts, and the free agent frenzy begins.
This is what.we.do.
There is now hope for 31 teams to get better and fill team holes before April’s draft in Detroit. Where will the big names go? Christian Wilkins? Calvin Ridley? Michael Onwenu? These are players that can really elevate a team. And while those are just a couple of names, below you will find Perfect Spiral’s Top 75 Free Agents going into next week. These are players that we think will make impacts going into next season. 2023 stats aside, these can be players on the rise, on the decline, or right in their prime. How many players does your team need? Let’s get to the list.
***Players with the transitional tag are included on this list as they can be made offers by other teams.
Players Franchise Tagged
Michael Pittman, Indianapolis Colts (21.8 million) - has since signed a 3 year, $70 million dollar extension
Antoine Winfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (17.1 million)
Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears (19.1 million) - has since signed a 4 year, $76 million dollar extension
Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars (22.7 million)
Justin Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens (22.1 million) - has since singed a 4 year, $98 million dollar extension
Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers (24 million) - has since been traded to the New York Giants and signed a 5 year, $150 million dollar extension
L’Jarius Sneed, Kansas City Chiefs (19.8 million)
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals (21.8 million)
Top 75 2024 Free Agents
Chris Jones, Defensive Tackle - 29 years old; 2023 Statistics: 16 Games Played (GP), 30 Total Tackles (TT), 10.5 Sacks, 4 Passes Defended (PD), 7 Stuffs (STF)
**** RESIGNED BY CHIEFS - Deal: 5 yrs, $160 million (95 million guaranteed)****
Danielle Hunter, EGDE - 29 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 83 TT, 16.5 Sacks, 4 Forced Fumbles (FF), 2 PD, 9 STF
**** SIGNED BY TEXANS - Deal: 2 yrs, $49 million (48 million guaranteed)****
*Kirk Cousins, Quarterback - 35 years old; 2023 Stats: 8 GP, 216 Completions (CMP), 69.5 Completion % (CMP%), 2,331 Yards (YDS), 18 Touchdowns (TD), 5 Interceptions (INT)
**** SIGNED BY FALCONS - Deal: 4 yrs, $180 million (100 million guaranteed)****
Michael Onwenu, Guard - 26 years old; 2023 Stats: 15 GP, 71.5 PFF Grade, 3 Sacks Allowed (SA), 4 Penalties (PEN)
**** RESIGNED BY PATRIOTS - Deal: 3 yrs, $57 million (38 million guaranteed)****
Christian Wilkins, Defensive Tackle - 28 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 65 TT, 9 Sacks, 1 FF, 2 PD, 4.5 STF
**** SIGNED BY RAIDERS - Deal: 4 yrs, $110 million (85 million guaranteed)****
Jonathan Greenard, EDGE - 26 years old; 2023 Stats: 15 GP, 52 TT, 12.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 2 PD, 9 STF
**** SIGNED BY VIKINGS - Deal: 4 yrs, $76 million (42 million guaranteed)****
Justin Simmons, Safety - 30 years old; 2023 Stats: 15 GP, 70 TT, 1 Sack, 2 FF, 3 INT, 8 PD, 2.5 STF
Calvin Ridley, Wide Receiver - 29 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 76 Receptions (REC), 1,016 YDS, 8 TD
**** SIGNED BY TITANS - Deal: 4 yrs, $92 million****
Patrick Queen, Linebacker - 24 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 133 TT, 3.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT, 6 PD, 10 STF
**** SIGNED BY STEELERS - Deal: 3 yrs, $41 million****
Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback - 33 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 68 TT, 1 FF, 2 INT, 13 PD
Saquon Barkley, Running Back - 27 years old; 2023 Stats: 14 GP, 962 YDS, 6 TD, 41 REC, 280 YDS, 4 REC TD
**** SIGNED BY EAGLES - Deal: 3 yrs, $38 million (26 million guaranteed)****
Derrick Henry, Running Back - 30 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 1,167 YDS, 12 TDS, 28 REC, 214 YDS
**** SIGNED BY RAVENS - Deal: 2 yrs, $16 million (9 million guaranteed)****
Kyle Dugger, Safety - 27 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 109 TT, 1.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 2 INT, 7 PD, 6 STF
Leonard Williams, Defensive Tackle - 29 years old; 2023 Stats: 18 GP, 62 TT, 5.5 Sacks, 2 PD, 8 STF
**** SIGNED BY SEAHAWKS - Deal: 3 yrs, $64.5 million (43 million guaranteed)****
Chase Young, EDGE - 24 years old; 2023 Stats: 16 GP, 25 TT, 7.5 Sacks, 1 PD, .5 STF
Russell Wilson, Quarterback - 35 years old; 2023 Stats: 15 GP, 297 COM, 66.4 COM%, 3,070 YDS, 26 TD, 8 INT
**** SIGNED BY STEELERS - Deal: 1 yrs, $1.2 million****
*Connor Williams, Center - 26 years old; 2023 Stats: 9 GP, 86.5 PFF Grade, 1 SA, 7 PEN
Josh Jacobs, Running Back - 26 years old; 2023 Stats: 13 GP, 805 YDS, 6 TD, 37 REC, 296 YDS
**** SIGNED BY PACKERS - Deal: 4 yrs, $48 million (12.5 million guaranteed)****
Robert Hunt, Guard - 27 years old; 2023 Stats: 11 GP, 77.1 PFF Grade, 1 SA, 2 PEN
**** SIGNED BY PANTHERS - Deal: 5 yrs, $100 million (63 million guaranteed)****
Xavier McKinney, Safety - 25 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 116 TT, .5 Sacks, 1 FF, 3 INT, 11 PD, 2 STF
**** SIGNED BY PACKERS - Deal: 4 yrs, $68 million (50 million guaranteed)****
Baker Mayfield, Quarterback - 28 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 364 CMP, 64.3 CMP%, 4,044 YDS, 28 TD, 10 INT
**** RESIGNED BY BUCCANEERS - Deal: 3 yrs, $100 million (50 million guaranteed)****
Lloyd Cushenberry, Center - 26 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 73.2 PFF Grade, 1 SA, 5 PEN
**** SIGNED BY TITANS - Deal: 4 yrs, $50 million (26 million guaranteed)****
*Arik Armstead, Defensive Tackle - 30 years old; 2023 Stats: 12 GP, 27 TT, 5 Sacks, 1.5 STF
**** SIGNED BY JAGUARS - Deal: 3 yrs, $51 million****
Leonard Floyd, Linebacker - 31 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 32 TT, 10.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 PD, 3 STF
**** SIGNED BY 49ers - Deal: 2 yrs, $20 million****
Bobby Wagner, Linebacker - 33 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 183 TT, 3.5 Sacks, 3 PD, 21.5 STF
**** SIGNED BY COMMANDERS - Deal: 1 yrs, $8.5 million (6 million guaranteed)***
Kevin Dotson, Guard - 27 years old; 2023 Stats: 14 GP, 85.2 PFF Grade, 4 SA, 2 PEN
**** RESIGNED BY RAMS - Deal: 3 yrs, $48 million (32 million guaranteed)****
*Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Safety - 26 years old; 2023 Stats: 3 GP, 17 TT, 1 INT, 3 PD, 3 STF
**** SIGNED BY EAGLES - Deal: 3 yrs, $33 million****
Lavonte David, Linebacker - 34 years old; 2023 Stats: 15 GP, 134 TT, 4.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 5 PD, 15 STF
**** RESIGNED BY BUCCANEERS - Deal: 1 yrs, $10 million****
AJ Epenesa, Defensive End - 25 years old; 2023 Stats: 15 GP, 20 TT, 6.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 2 INT, 1 TD, 8 PD, 2.5 STF
**** RESIGNED BY Bills - Deal: 2 yrs, $12 million (10 million guaranteed)****
*Tyron Smith, Offensive Tackle - 33 years old; 2023 Stats: 13 GP, 83.8 PFF Grade, 1 SA, 3 PEN
**** SIGNED BY JETS - Deal: 1 yrs, $6.5 million****
Jordyn Brooks, Linebacker - 26 years old; 2023 Stats: 16 GP, 111 TT, 4.5 Sack, 1 FF, 1 INT, 1 TD, 4 PD, 12 STF
**** SIGNED BY Dolphins - Deal: 3 yrs, $30 million ****
Bryce Huff, Linebacker - 25 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 29 TT, 10 Sacks, 1 PD, 1.5 STF
**** SIGNED BY EAGLES - Deal: 3 yrs, $51 million (34 million guaranteed)****
Jadeveon Clowney, EGDE - 31 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 43 TT, 9.5 Sacks, 2 FF, 5 PD, 4.5 STF
Tony Pollard, Running Back - 26 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 1,005 YDS, 6 TD, 55 REC, 311 YDS
**** SIGNED BY TITANS - Deal: 3 yrs, $24 million****
Darious Williams, Cornerback - 30 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 53 TT, 2 FF, 4 INT, 1 TD, 19 PD, .5 STF
**** SIGNED BY RAMS - Deal: 3 yrs, $22.5 million****
Za’Darius Smith, EDGE - 31 years old; 2023 Stats: 16 GP, 27 TT, 5.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 3 PD, 5 STF
**** RESIGNED BY Browns - Deal: 2 yrs, $23.5 million ****
Denico Autry, Defensive Tackle - 33 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 50 TT, 11.5 Sacks, 2 FF, 4 PD, 7.5 STF
**** SIGNED BY TEXANS - Deal: 2 yrs, $10 million****
Mitch Morse, Center - 31 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 64.1 PFF Grade, 1 SA, 5 PEN
**** SIGNED BY JAGUARS - Deal: 2 yrs, $10.5 million (7 million guaranteed)****
Kamren Curl, Safety - 24 years old; 2023 Stats: 16 GP, 115 TT, 1 Sack, 1 FF, 5 PD, 3.5 STF
**** SIGNED BY RAMS - Deal: 2 yrs, $13 million****
Aaron Jones, Running Back - 29 years old; 2023 Stats: 11 GP, 656 YDS, 2 TD, 30 REC, 233 YDS, 1 TD
**** SIGNED BY VIKINGS - Deal: 1 yrs, $7 million****
Marquise Brown, Wide Receiver - 26 years old; 2023 Stats: 14 GP, 51 REC, 574 YDS, 4 TD
**** SIGNED BY CHIEFS - Deal: 1 yrs, $7 million****
Chidobe Awuzie, Cornerback - 28 years old; 2023 Stats: 15 GP, 57 TT, 1 FF, 6 PD, 2 STF
**** SIGNED BY TITANS - Deal: 3 yrs, $36 million (23 million guaranteed)****
Gabe Davis, Wide Receiver - 24 yards old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 45 REC, 746 YDS, 7 TDS
**** SIGNED BY JAGUARS - Deal: 3 yrs, $39 million (11 million guaranteed)****
Willie Gay, Linebacker - 26 years old; 2023 Stats: 16 GP, 58 TT, 1 Sack, 1 FF, 1 INT, 4 PD, 7.5 STF
**** SIGNED BY SAINTS - Deal: 1 yrs, $5 million****
*Jonah Jackson, Guard - 26 years old; 2023 Stats: 12 GP, 59.7 PFF Grade, 2 SA, 5 PEN
**** SIGNED BY RAMS - Deal: 3 yrs, $51 million (34 million guaranteed)****
D’Andre Swift, Running Back - 25 years old; 2023 Stats: 16 GP, 1,049 YDS, 5 TD, 39 REC, 214 YDS, 1 TD
**** SIGNED BY BEARS - Deal: 3 yrs, $24 million (15.3 million guaranteed)****
DJ Reader, Defensive Tackle - 29 years old; 2023 Stats: 14 GP, 34 TT, 1 Sack, 1 PD, 4 STF
**** SIGNED BY LIONS - Deal: 2 yrs, Money TBD****
*Trent Brown, Offensive Tackle - 30 years old; 2023 Stats: 11 GP, 80.2 PFF Grade, 3 SA, 2 PEN
Kendall Fuller, Cornerback - 29 years old; 2023 Stats: 15 GP, 79 TT, 2 INT, 9 PD, 1 STF
**** SIGNED BY Dolphins - Deal: 2 yrs, $16.5 million ****
Rayshawn Jenkins, Safety - 30 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 101 TT, 1 Sack, 2 INT, 9 PD, 5 STF
**** SIGNED BY SEAHAWKS - Deal: 2 yrs, $12 million****
Devin White, Linebacker - 26 years old; 2023 Stats: 14 GP, 83 TT, 2.5 Sacks, 2 INT, 6 PD, 5.5 STF
**** SIGNED BY EAGLES - Deal: 1 yrs, $7.5 million****
Joe Mixon, Running Back - 27 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 1,034 YDS, 9 TD, 52 REC, 376 YDS, 3 TD
**** Traded to TEXANS - Deal: 3 yrs, $27 million (13 million guaranteed)****
*Tre’Davious White, Cornerback - 29 years old; 2023 Stats: 4 GP, 12 TT, 1 INT, 2 PD, .5 STF
*Marcus Davenport, EDGE - 27 years old; 2023 Stats: 4 GP, 7 TT, 2 Sacks, .5 STF
**** SIGNED BY LIONS - Deal: 1 yrs, $10.5 million****
Austin Ekeler, Running Back - 28 years old; 2023 Stats: 14 GP, 628 YDS, 5 TD, 51 REC, 436 YDS, 1 TD
**** SIGNED BY COMMANDERS - Deal: 2 yrs, $11.4 million***
Blake Cashman, Linebacker - 27 years old; 2023 Stats: 14 GP, 106 TT, 2 Sack, 2 INT, 5 PD, 11.5 STF
**** SIGNED BY VIKINGS - Deal: 3 yrs, $25.5 million****
*Darnell Savage, Safety - 26 years old; 2023 Stats: 10 GP, 51 TT, 1 PD, 3 STF
**** SIGNED BY JAGUARS - Deal: 3 yrs, $21 million (12.5 million guaranteed)****
Amik Robertson, Cornerback - 25 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 50 TT, 1 Sack, 1 FF, 2 INT, 6 PD, 1 STF
**** SIGNED BY LIONS - Deal: 2 yrs, $9.3million****
Donovan Smith, Offensive Tackle - 30 years old; 2023 Stats: 12 GP, 55.4 PFF Grade, 2 SA, 9 PEN
Josey Jewell, Linebacker - 29 years old; 2023 Stats: 16 GP, 108 TT, 3 Sacks, 2 FF, 3 PD, 4.5 STF
**** SIGNED BY PANTHERS - Deal: 3 yrs, $23 million (10 million guaranteed)****
Kevin Byard, Safety - 30 years old; 2023 Stats: 16 GP, 122 TT, 1 INT, 3 PD, .5 STF
**** SIGNED BY BEARS - Deal: 2 yrs, $15 million****
Tyler Boyd, Wide Receiver - 29 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 67 REC, 667 YDS, 2 TD
Eddie Jackson, Safety - 30 years old; 2023 Stats: 12 GP, 37 TT, 1 INT, 5 PD, 1.5 STF
Grover Stewart, Defensive Tackle - 2023 Stats: 11 GP, 41 TT, .5 Sack, 8 STF
**** RESIGNED BY COLTS - Deal: 3 yrs, $39 million ****
Garder Minshew, Quarterback - 27 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 305 CMP, 62.2 CMP%, 3,305 YDS, 15 TD, 9 INT
**** SIGNED BY RAIDERS - Deal: 2 yrs, $25 million (15 million guaranteed)****
Curtis Samuel, Wide Receiver - 27 years old; 2023 Stats: 16 GP, 62 REC, 613 YDS, 4 TD
**** SIGNED BY Bills - Deal: 3 yrs, $24 million (15 million guaranteed)****
Josh Uche, Defensive End - 25 years old; 2023 Stats: 15 GP, 8 TT, 3 Sack, 1.5 STF
**** RESIGNED BY PATRIOTS - Deal: 1 yrs, $3 million****
Sheldon Rankins, Defensive Tackle - 29 years old; 2023 Stats: 15 GP, 37 TT, 6 Sack, 1 FF, 5.5 STF
**** SIGNED BY BENGALS - Deal: 2 yrs, $26 million****
Kenny Moore, Cornerback - 28 years old; 2023 Stats: 16 GP, 93 TT, 1.5 Sack, 3 INT, 2 TD, 6 PD, 5.5 STF
**** RESIGNED BY COLTS - Deal: 3 yrs, $30 million ****
Frankie Luvu, Linebacker - 27 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 125 TT, 5.5 Sack, 2 FF, 5 PD, 10.5 STF
**** SIGNED BY COMMANDERS - Deal: 3 yrs, $36 million***
Gus Edwards, Running Back - 28 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 810 YDS, 13 TD, 12 REC, 180 YDS
**** SIGNED BY CHARGERS - Deal: 2 yrs, $7 million (3.5 million guaranteed)****
Quandre Diggs, Safety - 31 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 95 TT, 1 INT, 5 PD, 3 STF
Kenneth Murray, Linebacker - 25 years old; 2023 Stats: 15 GP, 107 TT, 3 Sack, 1 INT, 4 PD, 7 STF
**** SIGNED BY TITANS - Deal: 2 yrs, $18 million****
Dorance Armstrong, Defensive Tackle - 26 years old; 2023 Stats: 17 GP, 38 TT, 7.5 Sack, 1 PD, 6 STF
**** SIGNED BY COMMANDERS - Deal: 3 yrs, $45 million***
Jeff Okudah, Cornerback - 25 years old; 2023 Stats: 13 GP, 44 TT, 3 PD, 3 STF
**** RESIGNED BY TEXANS - Deal: 1 yrs, $5 million (2.5 million guaranteed)****
* - Coming off Injury in 2023
2024 Tracker Signees by Team
Tennessee Titans - 5
Jacksonville Jaguars - 4
Washington Commanders - 4
Houston Texans - 4
Philadelphia Eagles - 4
Los Angeles Rams - 4
Minnesota Vikings - 3
Detroit Lions - 3
Green Bay Packers - 2
Las Vegas Raiders - 2
Pittsburgh Steelers - 2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 2
Chicago Bears - 2
Indianapolis Colts - 2
New England Patriots - 2
Seattle Seahawks - 2
Buffalo Bills - 2
Miami Dolphins - 2
Kansas City Chiefs - 2
Atlanta Falcons - 1
Baltimore Ravens - 1
Carolina Panthers - 1
San Francisco 49ers - 1
New Orleans Saints - 1
Cleveland Browns - 1
Los Angeles Chargers - 1
Cincinnati Bengals - 1
New York Jets - 1
Overall Money Spent (All Free Agents & Extensions)
*Franchise Tagged players not included as they have until July to work out long term deal with clubs.
Philadelphia Eagles - $249.3 Million
Saquon Barkley (RB)
Bryce Huff (EDGE)
Landon Dickerson (Extension - OG)
Albert Okwuegbunam (Extension - TE)
Devante Parker (WR)
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (S)
Jake Elliott (K - Extension)
Devin White (LB)
Zack Baun (LB)
Braden Mann (P)
Atlanta Falcons - $238.3 Million
Kirk Cousins (QB)
Charlie Woerner (TE)
Darnell Mooney (WR)
Rondale Moore (via trade)
Ray-Ray McLoud (WR)
Khadarel Hodge (WR)
Houston Texans - $236 Million
De’Nico Autry (DT)
Jeff Okudah (CB)
Michael Ford (CB)
Azeez Al-Shaair (LB)
Dalton Schultz (Extension - TE)
Kai-mi Fairbairn (Extension - K)
Desmond King (Extension - CB)
Eric Murray (Extension - S)
Tommy Townsend (P)
Joe Mixon (RB - via trade)
Noah Brown (WR)
Danielle Hunter (EDGE)
Del’Shawn Phillips (LB)
Lonnie Johnson (CB)
Tim Settle (DT)
Charlie Heck (OT)
Carolina Panthers - $230.5 Million
Robert Hunt (OG)
Damien Lewis (OG)
A’Shawn Robinson (DT)
Josey Jewell (LB)
Dane Jackson (CB)
DJ Wonnum (DT)
K’Lavon Chaisson (EDGE)
Tennessee Titans - $229.3 Million
Tony Pollard (RB)
Lloyd Cushenberry (C)
Chidobe Awuzie (CB)
Kenneth Murray (LB)
Saahdiq Charles (OT)
Calvin Ridley (WR)
Nick Folk (K)
Mason Rudolph (QB)
New York Giants - $217.9 Million
Jon Runyan Jr. (OG)
Devin Singletary (RB)
Brian Burns (via trade) (EDGE)
Jermaine Eleumenor (OT)
Drew Lock (QB)
Gunner Olszweski (KR)
Jalen Mills (S)
Indianapolis Colts - $213.3 Million
Grover Stewart (DT)
Tyquan Lewis (LB)
Michael Pittman (Extension - WR)
Zaire Franklin (Extension - LB)
Rigoberto Sanchez (P)
Kenny Moore (CB)
Raekwon Davis (DT)
Joe Flacco (QB)
Genard Avery (DE)
Kansas City Chiefs - $194.3 Million
Chris Jones (Extension - DT)
Drue Tranquille (Extension - LB)
Irv Smith Jr (TE)
Deon Bush (S)
Tershawn Wharton (DE)
Marquise Brown (WR)
Derrick Nnadi (DT)
Chicago Bears - $181.6 Million
D’Andre Swift (RB)
Kevin Byard (S)
Jaylon Johnson (Extension - CB)
Gerald Everett (TE)
Jonathan Owens (S)
Keenan Allen (WR - via trade)
Coleman Shelton (C)
Nathan Peterman (QB)
Keenan Allen (WR - via trade)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - $178.3 Million
Baker Mayfield (QB)
Greg Gaines (DT)
Mike Evans (Extension - WR)
Chase McLaughlin (Extension - K)
Lavonte David (LB)
Jordan Whitehead (S)
Chase Edmonds (RB)
Jacksonville Jaguars - $173.2 Million
Gabe Davis (WR)
Darnell Savage (S)
Mitch Morse (C)
Devin Duvernay (WR/KR)
Ronald Darby (CB)
Ezra Cleveland (Extension - OG)
Daniel Thomas (Extension - S)
Mac Jones (QB - via trade)
Arik Armstead (DT)
D’Ernest Johnson (RB)
Caleb Johnson (LB)
Washington Commanders - $173 Million
Tyler Biadasz (C)
Dorance Armstrong (DT)
Frankie Luvu (LB)
Austin Ekeler (RB)
Nick Allegreti (OG)
Brandon McManus (K)
Marcus Mariota (QB)
Clelin Ferrell (DE)
Jeremy Chinn (S)
Bobby Wagner (LB)
Jeremy Reaves (S)
Dante Fowler Jr. (EDGE)
Las Vegas Raiders - $160.3 Million
Christian Wilkins (DT)
Gardner Minshew (QB)
Andre James (Extension - C)
Harrison Bryant (TE)
Minnesota Vikings - $159.4 Million
Jonathan Greenard (EDGE)
Blake Cashman (LB)
Andrew Van Ginkel (LB)
Johnny Mundt (Extension - TE)
Blake Brandel (OT)
Sam Darnold (QB)
Aaron Jones (RB)
Brandon Powell (WR)
Jerry Tillery (DT)
Trent Sherfield (WR)
John Parker Romo (K)
Los Angeles Rams - $158 Million
Colby Parkinson (TE)
Jonah Jackson (OG)
Kevin Dotson (OG)
Darious Williams (CB)
Kamren Curl (S)
New England Patriots - $149.2 Million
Antonio Gibson (RB)
Chukuwuma Okafor (OT)
Michael Onwenu (OG)
Hunter Henry (Extension - TE)
Kendrick Bourne (Extension - WR)
Jacoby Brissett (QB)
Sione Takitaki (LB)
Jaelen Raegor (WR)
Josh Uche (EDGE)
Austin Hooper (TE)
Anfernee Jennings (LB)
Armon Watts (DT)
Austin Hooper (TE)
Green Bay Packers - $137.8 Million
Xavier McKinney (S)
Josh Jacobs (RB)
Keisean Nixon (CB)
Tyler Davis (TE)
AJ Dillon (RB)
Buffalo Bills - $135.6 Million
Mitchell Trubisky (QB)
Cam Lewis (CB)
Dion Dawkins (Extension - OT)
Taylor Rapp (Extension - S)
David Edwards (Extension - G)
Daquan Jones (DT)
AJ Epenesa (LB)
Curtis Samuel (WR)
Ty Johnson (RB)
Arizona Cardinals - $132 Million
Bilal Nichols (DT)
Sean Bunting (CB)
Justin Jones (DT)
Mack Wilson (LB)
Triston Colon-Castillo (Extension - C)
Deejay Dallas (RB)
LJ Collier (DE)
Jonah Williams (OT)
Desmond Ridder (QB - via trade)
Krys Barnes (LB)
Baltimore Ravens - $121.7 Million
Justin Madubuike (Extension - DT)
Nelson Agholor (Extension - WR)
Derrick Henry (RB)
Brent Urban (DE)
Josh Johnson (QB)
Malik Harrison (LB)
Miami Dolphins - $107.6 Million
Jonnu Smith (TE)
Jordyn Brooks (LB)
Jake Bailey (Extension - P)
Aaron Brewer (C)
Shaq Barrett (LB)
Ryan Tannehill (QB)
Jordan Poyer (S)
Salvon Ahmed (RB)
Kendall Fuller (CB)
Neville Gallimore (DT)
Anthony Walker (LB)
Seattle Seahawks - $107.2 Million
Noah Fant (TE)
Leonard Williams (DT)
Pharaoh Brown (TE)
Nick Harris (OL)
Sam Howell (QB - via trade)
Artie Burns (CB)
George Fant (OT)
New York Jets - $71.7 Million
Greg Zuerlein (Extension - K)
John Simpson (OG)
Tyrod Taylor (QB)
Lexi Fotu (DT)
Javon Kinlaw (DT)
Thomas Morstead (P)
Tyron Smith (OT)
Isaiah Oliver (CB)
Chuck Clark (S)
Kenny Yeboah (TE)
Jake Hanson (G)
Morgan Moses (RT - via trade)
Cincinnati Bengals - $71.3 Million
Geno Stone (S)
Drew Sample (Extension - TE)
Cody Ford (Extension - G)
Zack Moss (RB)
Mike Gesicki (TE)
Sheldon Rankins (DT)
Vonn Bell (S)
Akeem Davis-Gaither (LB)
Pittsburgh Steelers - $69 Million
Russell Wilson (QB)
Patrick Queen (LB)
Cameron Johnston (P)
Miles Killibrew (S)
Deshon Elliott (S)
Montravius Adams (DE)
Detroit Lions - $68 Million
Marcus Davenport (LB)
Carlton Davis (via trade - CB)
Graham Glasgow (Extension - OG)
Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Extension - LB)
Emmanuel Moseley (Extension - CB)
Michael Badgley (Extension - K)
Amik Robertson (CB)
Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR)
San Francisco 49ers - $62.5 Million
Leonard Floyd (LB)
Yetur Gross-Matos (EDGE)
George Odum (S)
Jordan Elliott (DT)
Brandon Allen (C)
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (LB)
Cleveland Browns - $57.6 Million
Za’Darius Smith (EDGE)
Maurice Hurst (DT)
Jordan Hicks (LB)
Nyheim Hines (RB)
Jameis Winston (QB)
Michael Dunn (OG)
Shelby Harris (DT)
Denver Broncos - $44.8 Million
Brandon Jones (S)
PJ Locke (Extension - S)
Tim Patrick (Extension -WR)
Malcolm Roach (DE)
Wil Lutz (K)
Lil Jordan Humphrey (WR)
Los Angeles Chargers - $31.5 Million
Will Dissly (TE)
Alohi Gilman (S)
Gus Edwards (RB)
New Orlean Saints - $18.7 Million
Tyrann Mathieu (Extension - S)
Willie Gay Jr (LB)
Dallas Cowboys - $7.5 Million
Jourdan Lewis (CB)
Eric Kendricks (LB)
CJ Goodwin (CB)
Players Still to be Accounted For:
Foley Fatukasi (Texans)
Matt Hennessy (Eagles)
Nicholas Morrow (Bills)
Isaiah McKenzie (Giants)
Ihmir Smith-Marsette (Panthers)
Corey Ballentine (Packers)
Mack Hollins (Bills)
Julius Chestnut (Titans)
Ronnie Harrison (Colts)
Corey Bojorquez (Browns)
Siran Neal (Dolphins)
Jamison Crowder (Commanders)
Devin Bush (Browns)
Quinton Jefferson (Browns)
Cedrick Wilson (Saints)
Poona Ford (Chargers)
Tyrel Dodson (Seahawks)
Chris Moore (Cardinals)
Nick Westbrook-Ihkine (Titans)
Jack Stoll (Giants)
Tony Brown (Browns)
Kevin Givens (49ers)
Jonathan Bullard (Vikings)
Matt Pryor (Bears)
Amen Ogbongbemiga (Bears)
Julius Chestnut (Titans)
Stanley Morgan (Saints)
Chase Lucas (49ers)
De’Vondre Campbell (49ers)
Jimmy Garoppolo (Rams)
Dan Feeney (Vikings)
Bryce Hall (Buccaneers)
Tanner Hudson (Bengals)
Ben Bredeson (Buccaneers)
Jonathan Harris (Dolphins)
John Wolford (Buccaneers)
Austin Schlotmann (Giants)
Isaac Yiadom (49ers)
Van Jefferson (Steelers)
Iosua Opeta (Buccaneers)
Easton Stick (Chargers)
Solomon Thomas (Jets)
Chris Manhertz (Giants)
Secondary Impact
Next week, everyone will focus on Wednesday, March 14th @ 4pm. Why? Because everyone (myself included) will be refreshing their phones to see which players your team may sign. Whether you follow Schefty, Rapaport, or Meriov, you will constantly be checking to see if your team spent some money. As we know though, it’s not always who gets to acts the quickest. Yet, it’s who acts the smartest. That’s why I am here to tell you one thing - be patient.
Photograph of:
Xavien Howard
Next week, everyone will focus on Wednesday, March 14th @ 4pm. Why? Because everyone (myself included) will be refreshing their phones to see which players your team may sign. Whether you follow Schefty, Rapaport, or Meriov, you will constantly be checking to see if your team spent some money. As we know though, it’s not always who gets to acts the quickest. Yet, it’s who acts the smartest. That’s why I am here to tell you one thing - be patient. If your team isn’t splurging on Day 1, it’s not the end of the world. And it also doesn’t mean your team won’t get real, impact players. We compiled a small list of players who won’t be signed Day 1 who will make an immediate impact on their new team in 2024. Call it a secondary impact…
Danielle Hunter, EDGE
An obvious pass rusher who can move the needle. I can think of several teams that would benefit immensely from Hunter’s presence. Because of that, I think he’ll have a lot of suitors. Hunter should assess which scheme maximizes his ability on top of his pay, which will lead to him not sign immediately. A couple of teams have new coordinators, so that’s important to note in terms of his decision to sign.
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Safety
I noticed that teams who need a safety also need a CB. L’Jarius Sneed was franchise tagged by Kansas City, but he could ultimately end up being traded, and could potentially determine CGJ’s suitors. There were rumors he could go back to the Eagles and if that’s true, then you can rule out a first day signing for sure. I think it’s also important to note that elite players like this have contract demands that not many teams have the flexibility to accommodate. I wouldn’t rule out a potential return to Detroit either, as it seems he was the most important player on that defense when he was on the field last season.
Austin Ekeler, Running Back
This one should come as no surprise. The reason I don’t think he’s going to be signed on Day 1 is pretty simple; Ekeler believes his value is extremely high. Well, prior to this season, I would be inclined to agree. However, due to his 2023 production and the aversion to rewarding running backs in free agency, Ekeler may be waiting for a bit. Not to mention Derrick Henry and Saquon are both free agents and they should get contracts before Ekeler does anyway. I will say this though. This isn’t necessarily a strong RB class, so securing a good run game is going to be important in the free agency market this year. But gone are the days of the workhorse back. There are maybe a handful of workhorses left in the league, and Ekeler is unfortunately not one of them.
Xavien Howard, Cornerback
Xavien Howard is a name that two years ago contenders would be foaming at the mouth for. But after a lackluster performance in ‘23, I think he will be taking meetings consistently for the first couple of weeks in free agency to determine his best fit. I’m also adding that as of me writing this, Marshon Lattimore has become available. If that’s the case, that may be an option for those in need of an elite corner. I have an inkling that upon the Chiefs decision on Sneed, we will know the destination of Howard. Spoiler alert: i think Xavien Howard will replace Sneed in Kansas City.
Za’Darius Smith, EDGE
I don’t know what it is this year, but these edge rushers with some gas left in the tank can provide such a good punch for these fringe contenders. He’s up there in age, but Smith just contributed to a pretty stacked defense this past season in Cleveland. Now I think he returns to Cleveland, BUT there’s a team in the AFC south that our co-host Joseph Miglio loves that is in need of a veteran edge presence. With a new DC in Jacksonville, I think they may request his services.
Russell Wilson, Quarterback
Ok, this one is kind of obvious. Russell Wilson was recently cut from his tumultuous tenure in Denver. The Broncos willingly decided to eat 85 million dollars over two years to have Wilson off their team. Let that sink in. Now the reason he’s not getting signed Day 1 is simple: He is in such a weird state in his career. He’s clearly a bridge quarterback. But the teams in need of a bridge quarterback are very slim, and are also in the position to potentially land another bridge quarterback/ quarterback of the future in Justin Fields. The impending decision from Chicago to trade Fields to draft Caleb Williams at 1 is going to influence which team decides to sign Russ. I personally think Wilson’s best fit would probably be in Pittsburgh if Fields is not sent there. But who knows. With these rumors floating surrounding the Falcons interest in Kirk over Fields, that could be unrealistic.
2024 Off-season Report: Team Needs
Everyone needs something. Even when you feel like you have everything…you don't. In the NFL world, these things reign true. The Chiefs, who are the latest dynasty in the NFL history books, have needs for 2024. When piecing together what teams need, it’s more of an opinion based thought than fact. People may think the Atlanta Falcons don’t need a quarterback. They would be wrong, but you can’t be wrong about an opinion (technically). So we scoured the NFL underworld to see what each teams biggest needs are as the NFL Free Agency period approaches. Take the journey with us and find out what your need team needs to compete in 2024.
Everyone needs something. Even when you feel like you have everything…you don't. In the NFL world, these things reign true. The Chiefs, who are the latest dynasty in the NFL history books, have needs for 2024. When piecing together what teams need, it’s more of an opinion based thought than fact. People may think the Atlanta Falcons don’t need a quarterback. They would be wrong, but you can’t be wrong about an opinion (technically). So we scoured the NFL underworld to see what each teams biggest needs are as the NFL Free Agency period approaches. Take the journey with us and find out what your need team needs to compete in 2024.
TEAM NEEDS
Atlanta Falcons - Quarterback Hierarchy
I want to start this off by saying the following: The Falcons have been one of the most intriguing teams for the Perfect Spiral boys over the last few years; they have a solid defense, solid skill players, and they were let down by horrible coaching and quarterback play. This is why they need to build right starting with Free Agency. Kirk Cousins will be a slam dunk signing, and while I’d be sad to lose him, he could usher in the future of the Atlanta Falcons. Kirk’s time in Atlanta may be limited but crucial to developing the future franchise QB.
Arizona Cardinals - Someone to stop a nosebleed
The backend of this defense is dreadful. I can see the Cardinals taking a flyer on someone like Jeff Okudah, just to try and inject some life into this secondary.
Baltimore Ravens - Derrick Henry.
Isn’t it wild to think that one of the best rushing teams over the last few years would have the biggest need at the running back position? The hodge podge of oft injured JK Dobbins, inconsistent Gus Edwards, and sometimes flashy co star Justice Hill just isn’t good enough anymore. And while Keaton Mitchell showed flashes of promise as an undrafted rookie, Henry would take this team to another level; a ground and pound attack and deadly RPO between him and Lamar could really put this offense over the edge.
Buffalo Bills - Properly Balanced…. Like all things should be.
The Bills offense is lopsided, and Josh Allen simply does way too much. While they did make improvements by drafting Dalton Kincaid last year and getting James Cook more involved, this team is still missing some balance on the opposite side of Diggs. Gabe Davis has flamed out and I think this would be a great landing spot for a guy like Calvin Ridley. He could help level out this passing attack and open up more doors for the guys there. We’ve seen him be part of a great one two combo in the past so who’s to say he can’t do it again.
Carolina Panthers - Where do I start…
It’s hard to pinpoint one thing a team needs when they end up being the worst team we’ve seen since the 2008 Lions. Except unlike that Lions team, the Panthers have a good base. One of the leagues best defenses despite their horrible record, and a quarterback in Bryce Young that they drafted #1 overall. But in order for him to be successful, you need to surround him with offensive skill players and even before that….. you need to set up and offensive line. The offensive line needs to be addressed fast on the opening day of Free Agency - full stop.
Chicago Bears - A Skill Player or Two?
We all know the Bears are gonna land Caleb Williams. It’s at about -1000000000 odds, but with him they need some skill player help. The RB situation is extremely dire even though I can see Roschon Johnson being a guy. However, I do think this is something they need to address; Saquon (like some other teams here) would fit great here.
Cincinatti Bengals - BIG BOIS
Can we have some help on the offensive line…PLEASE?!! We thought this was addressed after the Super Bowl year, but this is a re-occurring issue. Burrow is coming off another season ending injury and if they want to get back to the Super Bowl to become one of the AFC Elite once again, they need to protect the Franchise.
Dallas Cowboys - Tyron Smith Replacement
I like Donovan Smith here. He is three years younger than the departing Tyron Smith, and they need to find his replacement immediately. The Cowboys can’t afford offensive line issues.
Denver Broncos - Mr. Very Limited.
The Broncos intrigue me, and if you listen to me on the pod, you know I love this team; why? I really have no idea. They have finally moved on from Russell Wilson. The damage is done. So what’s next? How about replacing him with a younger, more fun option. Kirk would be cool here, but I reallly actually like Jacoby Brissett. He is the perfect QB to help develop a young QB.
Detroit Lions - “A Hog Molly” - Dave Gentleman
This one is simple. The Dolphins are expected to part ways with Christian Wilkins and I think the Lions need to be at the front of the line. Build on this defense to compliment this high flying offense.
Green Bay Packers - Jordan Love’s next Love
With Mike Evans re-signing in Tampa this week, this leaves Calvin Ridley as the number one wide receiver option on the board. He brings a different skill set then what they already have in that room, and can be the perfect number one for a team that has a bunch of supporting cast type players.
Indianapolis Colts - Keep the guys together
They have already started by franchise tagging Michael Pittman Jr. Now they have a window until July to negotiate a long term deal. This is one of the only priorities for this team because he’s been so good for them, especially with Richardson returning. They don’t want their number one receiver disgruntled going into 2024.
Houston Texans - Take me over the top
SAQUON, POLLARD, HENRY, JACOBS, EKELER….. ANYBODYY???? Ok, that’s a little dramatic, but while Singletary did burst onto the scene last year, I do think this run game can go to another level. Stroud was a revelation last year as a rookie - so let’s take this kid to the promise land.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Make Joe love you once more.
The Jaguars are a team that doesn’t need much help, but also needs all the help - if that makes sense? At times you’d watch them and think this team is legit; then others they like they’re playing a bunch of XFL guys who are lost. I do think this team needs a big guy in the middle, I’d love to see them pry a Chris Jones from KC, but I think that may be next to impossible. So any of the other DTs would do.
Kansas City Chiefs - SNEED.
I mean, Sneed is the obvious one here right? Finding a way to bring him and Jones back is priority numero uno. Sneed was unreal last year, and a huge part as to why they were repeat champs. Make it work and bring the guy back.
Los Angeles Chargers - Set the Tone.
There is a new sheriff in town and his name is Jim Harbaugh. He’s going to want to set the tone with grit, and that starts with the trenches. Danielle Hunter would be a great fit here, especially if they move off off Khalil Mack.
Los Angeles Rams - Brian Burns..
The Panthers have paused long term talks with star edge rusher Brian Burns and franchised him, but the Rams have been known that they made a monster offer for him in the past. Even though Burns is tagged, don’t sleep on the Rams making a deal for the star pass rusher during the free agency period before the draft. I also like Jonathan Greenard here if they can’t pry Burns away.
Miami Dolphins - Don’t be Stupid
Are we really going to let Christian Wilkins walk? They chose to let Wilkins test free agency, so he may be as good as gone. They will need a replacement, so a guy like DJ Reader sticks out if they can’t bring Wilkins back.
Minnesota Vikings - Run it Back.
Sign JJ and Bring back Cousins… lets run it back - this team would’ve been close last year.
New England Patriots - Make Bill Proud
This one is gonna be weird, not seeing Bill on the sidelines or in the front office. The greatest coach of all time left this team in disarray. They have needs on offense, but I think that will be addressed in the draft. They also have needs on defense that I think will be addressed in free agency. I expect them to be in on all the defensive stars in free agency and maybe even mix it up for Tyron Smith.
New Orleans Saints - Let’s Take it Back to 2017
The Saints are another one of those weird teams to me, they have so much talent but yet always feel kinda stunted? They bring in Carr last year and they were the same team. I think this team needs to address the running back room in free agency. Bring it back to where Kamara had another high flying co-star. His usage last year at his age was preposterous. I also think landing a deep threat wide receiver may help. Maybe Hollywood Brown?
New York Giants - Someone who’s seen some shit
Now that we’ve seen Russell Wilson be released from Denver, I see this as the PERFECT landing spot for him. Considering he would probably sign for the vet minimum while they still have Daniel Jones on the roster.
New York Jets - Did you bring Protection?
The Jets offensive line is an absolute mess, the very weak spot of an otherwise pretty decent roster. Yeah we could say they need another wide receiver, but man you gotta have Rodgers play more then 5 minutes this year.
Philadelphia Eagles - Rosemans Revenge
Howie Roseman always looks to make the splash play. Last year, he made a deal at the deadline by trading for Kevin Byard. That move that didn’t quite work and has since been released. I can see this team going after a guy like Sneed via trade, but also look for them to check in on now free agents Jamal Adams & Quandre Diggs.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Bring me Back to Relevance
The Steelers are so lucky they have Mike Tomlin as their coach. If this was any other team, everyone would have been cleared out by now. Kenny Pickett was an absolute miss and contrary to what they say publicly, they need a veteran to level this out. I can see any of these veteran QB free agents landing here as a 2 year band-aid situation.
San Francisco 49ers - Buckeyes x The Bay
Even though at times his effort was dismal, Chase Young showed some flashes. I think he comes in a lot cheaper then a lot of these free agent EDGE rushers and still offers a ton of upside - if bring him back on a prove it deal.
Seattle Seahawks - New Regime
The new Regime wasted no time this week making major changes. Releasing Jamal Adams & Quandre Diggs, leaving a need open at Safety, I can see Rayshawn Jenkins landing here, he was productive in JAX, but didn’t fit the new scheme and was a cap casualty.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Keep the Baker In the Kitchen
Baker was very good last year, it’s hard to deny that. The signing of Evans signals that they may just run this thing back. I do think they have major needs on defense also, but you need to bring back your most important position - it starts there.
Tennessee Titans - Saftey Blanket
The Titans have a ton of needs, let’s not get it twisted. But I do think tight end is a big one going into year two of Levis. I like Hunter Henry here or Logan Thomas.
Washington Commanders - BACK UP TERRRRRY
Washington seems poised to address Quarterback in the draft. While I do think bringing Curtis Samuel back is definitely a need, they also need one more guy to complement Terry Mclaurin.
Observations From Divisional Weekend
Did you know that since October 15th Diggs hasn’t recorded a 100 yard game? There was a lot of chatter before the season that Diggs was unhappy in Buffalo, and while he got off to a solid start this season personally, he has been a shell of himself for 3/4 of the season. It all culminated on Sunday when Diggs caught 3 balls for 21 yards in the divisional loss to Kansas City. He had the biggest drop of the game, a beautiful throw by Josh Allen in the most critical point in the game slipped through his fingers. Now it has been reported that Diggs does not want out of Buffalo and is happy with his role, but I think there is something more important to decipher here. The days of Stefon Diggs being an elite receiver are over.
Stefon Diggs is no longer an Elite NFL Receiver.
Did you know that since October 15th Diggs hasn’t recorded a 100 yard game? There was a lot of chatter before the season that Diggs was unhappy in Buffalo, and while he got off to a solid start this season personally, he has been a shell of himself for 3/4 of the season. It all culminated on Sunday when Diggs caught 3 balls for 21 yards in the divisional loss to Kansas City. He had the biggest drop of the game, a beautiful throw by Josh Allen in the most critical point in the game slipped through his fingers. Now it has been reported that Diggs does not want out of Buffalo and is happy with his role, but I think there is something more important to decipher here. The days of Stefon Diggs being an elite receiver are over. He will continue to have nice games, sure, but the dominant performances? I think they are gone. Next season Dalton Kincaid will be this teams leading receiver. You can book that. Diggs may want Buffalo, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Buffalo doesn’t want Diggs.
2. Isiah Pacheco is the most important player on the Chiefs
If Sunday wasn’t an indicator, I don’t know if you will ever get on board. The Chiefs can’t operate any longer as a pass, pass, pass team. They don’t have the horses on the outside (although Rice is coming along nicely). Mahomes only attempted 23 passes Sunday. Pacheco had 16 touches and averaged 6.5 YPC. He is the engine. I whole heartedly believe that if Pacheco was held in check Sunday, the Bills would’ve won. And the same will go for the AFC title game. It will be interesting to see, as Andy Reid has never really leaned on the run during his head coaching career, but if Sunday was any indication, he may be wavering a little. I also love the way Pacheco runs more than I think any other back I’ve ever seen.
3. The Lions will miss their home field advantage on Sunday.
If you were in the camp that home field advantage didn’t matter in the NFL, then you must’ve not watched the Lions two home playoff games. I can’t even begin to count how many pre-snap penalties the Bucs had during this game, but it killed them multiple times. And how many free runners did the Lions defense have? You think that was all Baker? I’m sure communicating during the game was tough. The Lions definitely got some help from their fans, and rightly so, but Sunday will present an even bigger test - doing it away from Ford Field. It has been a storybook season so far, but now the stadium will be against Detroit on Sunday - I will really be paying attention as to how that affects Detroit early on.
4. The Buccaneers do not need to re-sign Baker Mayfield if the price is too steep; their roster is good.
We easily forget how good the Bucs roster was when Brady got their three years ago. That was a “win-now” team. When Brady left last season, the Bucs brought back most of their players, but everyone (myself included) thought they were going to be one of the worst teams in football because Brady was gone. Mayfield came in and had a wonderful season, but lets not pretend the talent on this team is dire - Rachaad White, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer and Cade Otton on offense is nothing to sneeze. And the defense isn’t bad either. There are some lifers on that defense including Shaw Barrett and Lavonte David. Now I will put some stock into Dave Canales possibly leaving, but if returns, I say vehemently - The Bucs do not need to overpay for Baker Mayfield. If you don’t think that the Bucs can do this with a Tyrod Taylor, a Gardner Minshew or even maybe grab Russell Wilson and/or Daniel Jones via trade, then I think you’re kidding yourself. If Baker is in the right range, then yes, sign him. But if he’s asking for obscene money, move on.
5. The Packers will be better next season simply because Joe Barry is gone.
Jordan Love was good this year. He was very good this year. Sure, his last throw was ridiculous and very Brett Favre-esque, but this Packers team is on the right track. Matt LaFleur is a good coach. We got to see what life is with Aaron Jones being the featured guy (and its really good!) And I like the collection of receivers they have. But this team was 9-8 because their defensive scheme was garbage. Now they have the ability to go out and get a young, modern defensive mind to mold these guys. Its seems like Jaire Alexander will be gone, and he will be replaced, but its bad news for the Vikings and Bears. The Pack is here to stay, and so is Love. If the defense can get better, which it will, this team will battle for a division crown next year.
6. The 49ers are a machine…literally.
Hear me out. When you use a machine and everything works, its intended use is always exactly what its supposed to be. However, when there is a malfunction, everything goes awry. This is exactly what happened on Saturday night after Deebo Samuel got hurt. San Francisco looked like a different team. The Niners put this team together very particularly and it shows. This team isn’t super deep, so any big injuries I feel like will derail their season. Brock Purdy was pedestrian AT BEST on Saturday, and he will need to be much better this weekend. Lets not forget when this team was missing Samuel and Trent Williams in the middle of the season they went 0-3. If Samuel is forced to miss Sunday’s game, I think San Francisco will struggle. If Samuel plays, I think they win.
7. The Ravens are the most complete team in the field.
This shouldn’t shock anyone, but it was just confirmed this weekend. The Ravens can beat you a multitude of ways. They have the most dynamic quarterback in the league, they run the ball effectively, their defense is fantastic, and they have the best kicker to ever live. Where is the weakness? The only touchdown they gave up Saturday was on a punt return, and if you think John Harbaugh won’t have that cleaned up you’re crazy. This team made CJ Stroud - the Offensive ROY a wet blanket. It was maybe the most blah Stroud has looked all year. Its funny how these things work out - if the Ravens want to win the Super Bowl, they will have to dethrone the king, who always seems to find ways to win. Sunday will be an excellent matchup.
8. CJ Stroud is fantastic, but the Texans will be the latest worst to first team to miss the playoffs the following year.
I know this will get me in a lot of trouble, but here me out. Dating back to 2019, there have been four teams that went from either worst to first or first to worst in back to back season. Those teams are the Washington Commanders (2020-2021), the Jacksonville Jaguars (2022-2023) the Minnesota Vikings (2022-2023), and the Cincinnati Bengals (2022-2023). The Texans had the benefit of playing a last place schedule and the NFC South. Next year, things aren’t so easy. Next year, they have to play the Bills, Chiefs and Ravens along with the Dallas Cowboys the NFC North (Lions, Packers) and the AFC East (Jets, Dolphins). That schedule alone is a gauntlet. It was proven Saturday the Texans are a young team. And it is imperative that Bobby Slowik stays in Houston. But we have seen too many times how the schedule is meant for parity, and this is the latest example. The Jaguars and Colts will have significantly easier schedules than Houston, so we will find out what his team really is next season.
The Chicago Bears Are On The Clock
The Chicago Bears find themselves in familiar, yet unfamiliar territory. After finishing 3-14 in the 2022 season, they claimed the right to the first overall pick in the draft. And with Justin Fields at the helm, the “presumed” franchise quarterback, they had some wiggle room to deal with. Quarterback needy teams were destined to come calling for that pick - with the right to draft either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud. We all know what happened afterwards. David Tepper and the Panthers gladly took that pick in the process. They swapped picks, added the 61st overall pick, a first round pick in 2024, a second round pick in 2025 and wideout DJ Moore.
The Chicago Bears find themselves in familiar, yet unfamiliar territory. After finishing 3-14 in the 2022 season, they claimed the right to the first overall pick in the draft. And with Justin Fields at the helm, the “presumed” franchise quarterback, they had some wiggle room to deal with. Quarterback needy teams were destined to come calling for that pick - with the right to draft either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud. We all know what happened afterwards. David Tepper and the Panthers gladly took that pick in the process. They swapped picks, added the 61st overall pick, a first round pick in 2024, a second round pick in 2025 and wideout DJ Moore. Carolina then selected Bryce Young over CJ Stroud…and we all know how that turned out. The key part of this is that first round pick in 2024, which ended up culminating in the number one pick for this years draft. More on that in a bit.
In the heads of the Bears and Ryan Poles this was a no brainer. Stockpile picks and pair a Pro Bowl wide receiver with your promising young dual-threat quarterback. We’ve seen it done in other places like Buffalo and Miami. And while it did translate to big numbers from DJ Moore this year, the questions about Fields remain. A 7-10 finish this year, while an improvement, is still not good enough. Fields found himself still searching for that “jump” that we see with year three guys. His somewhat subpar QB play was concerning, and heading into year four with contract talks looming, that’s not the ideal place Chicago wants to be. But with all this uncertainty, the first overall pick has again fallen into their lap. Now we all know the prized possession of this draft is generational talent USC QB Caleb Williams. The Bears have themselves in one of the most interesting draft conundrums in quite some time.
I want to highlight some of the avenues the Bears can take leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft; what kind of offers could be on the table and what looms for Justin Fields. Who’s gonna offer a king’s ransom for the first overall pick?
Trade Scenario 1
- The Bears keep the Pick, Trade Fields to ATL and select USC QB Caleb Williams
(Trade Terms: Chicago receives Falcons 2024 2nd, 2026 4th and Cordarelle Patterson)
I feel like this is the most likely situation that occurs. It’s really hard to pass up on a guy like Williams who comes out every once in a blue moon. And from recent comments and actions via Ryan Poles, this seems the most likely situation. They like Fields but don’t think he’s good enough and they want to rebuild the offense around the next franchise QB in Williams. The addition of Patterson here is a nice wrinkle, as the Falcons will give the bulk of the load to Bijan Robinson in his second year. With Tyler Allgeier backing him up, Patterson’s spot becomes expendable. He fits in as a gadget player for Chicago who can do multiple things. For Atlanta, they get a quarterback who can finally play the position, and get the ball to his backs and receivers. While you may think the 2024 2nd rounder is too high, remember that the Falcons will receive either the Jaguars 2nd or 3rd round pick this draft, depending on what happens with Calvin Ridley. So its not a total loss for Atlanta.
Trade Scenario 2
- The Bears keep Fields and trade back with the Patriots. Chicago selects Marvin Harrison Jr.
(Trade Terms: NE sends 2024 1st, 2024 2nd, 2025 1st, 2025 4th & Matthew Judon)
This one also really intrigues me. The idea of pairing DJ Moore with a big time talent like Harrison could be a deadly combo. With Luke Getsy fired, they can bring in a new offensive coordinator, who can maximize the talent of Fields and use what works for him while adding an incredibly talented skill player. They’d get big time assets from a rebuilding team like New England and a pass rusher to pair with recently acquired Montez Sweat.
Trade Scenario 3
-The Bears trade with the Commanders, keep Fields.
(Trade Terms: WAS trades 2024 1st, 2024 2nd, 2025 1st, 2025 3rd, Curtis Samuel & Emmanuel Forbes)
This one I love. These two teams already have a real relationship after the Montez Sweat deal, and both teams are looking to shake things up. Joe Harris isn’t afraid to swing big as he’s done a bunch of times during his time as 76ers owner, and this time would be no different. The Bears would move back one spot and could still take Harrison. In this scenario, they’d add Samuel whose a multi-gadget offensive weapon and a second year corner in Forbes, who struggled and may need a change of scenery. win-win for both teams.
Trade Scenario 4
-The Bears trade with the Minnesota Vikings, keep Fields
(Trade Terms: 2024 1st, 2024 2nd, 2025 1st, 2026 1st, & Danielle Hunter)
As a lifelong Vikings fan, I’d be perfectly fine doing this for the chance to draft Williams. Hunter was shopped various time over the last two years, so including him in this deal feels like a no brainer. He’d add a presence on the other side of Sweat, coming off a career best season. Chicago could take best available in this spot - maybe Rome Odunze.
Now I do feel like there are other teams that could make a move for this pick; the Broncos and the Raiders being two of them. But I’m not entirely sure they have enough assets to move up that far to take Williams.
However, when it’s all set and done, I believe that there will be a new signal caller under center in 2024 for the Chicago Bears. It’s been a longtime coming for Bears fans - a true franchise quarterback.
Playoff Predictions - Whose Going to Vegas!
The time is now! The 2024 NFL playoffs are among us and this crazy season is only getting crazier. The Bills completed the comeback; the Jaguars completed the collapse. Joe Flacco and Mason Rudolph are starting playoff games. The Lions are in the playoffs. It will be -30 in Kansas City Saturday Night. Have I said enough? It really is SUPER wildcard weekend. The guys (myself included) took the week to think about who they think could hoist the Lombardi trophy in Las Vegas next month. I wouldn’t say we all went chalk across the board, but the winners may not surprise a bunch. I’m going to give all of our original predictions as well and see how well we landed (it’s not pretty). Without further ado, let’s see whose going to Vegas!
The time is now! The 2024 NFL playoffs are among us and this crazy season is only getting crazier. The Bills completed the comeback; the Jaguars completed the collapse. Joe Flacco and Mason Rudolph are starting playoff games. The Lions are in the playoffs. It will be -30 in Kansas City Saturday Night. Have I said enough? It really is SUPER wildcard weekend. The guys (myself included) took the week to think about who they think could hoist the Lombardi trophy in Las Vegas next month. I wouldn’t say we all went chalk across the board, but the winners may not surprise a bunch. I’m going to give all of our original predictions as well and see how well we landed (it’s not pretty). Without further ado, let’s see whose going to Vegas!
John McCarthy
Original Pick - Jaguars defeat Eagles
If you asked this to John in Week 10 how he felt about this, he probably would’ve went to the casino and cashed a futures bet. Fast forward to today, and these two teams were the worst teams down the stretch. The Jaguars completely bottomed out, losing 5/6 and missing the playoffs in the last week of the season. The Eagles, after starting off 10-1, finished the year at 11-6, lost the NFC East and have to travel to Tampa Bay to take on Baker Mayfield and the resurgent Buccaneers. Maybe the big guy will do better in his playoff prediction…
NFC
WildCard Weekend
(2) Cowboys defeat (7) Packers 31-14
(6) Rams defeat (3) Lions 38-31
(4) Bucs defeat (5) Eagles 20-17
NFC Divisional
(1) 49ers defeat (6) Rams 31-17
(2) Cowboys defeat (4) Bucs 38-10
NFC Championship
(1) 49ers defeat (2) Cowboys 21-17
AFC
Wildcard Weekend
(2) Bills defeat (7) Steelers 31-10
(4) Texans defeat (5) Browns 17-10
(3) Chiefs defeat (6) Dolphins 28-14
Divisional
(1) Ravens defeat (4) Texans 21-14
(2) Bills defeat (3) Chiefs 17-14
AFC Championship
(2) Bills defeat (1) Ravens 21-16
SUPER BOWL
Bills defeat 49ers 34-31
Super Bowl MVP - Josh Allen
Rich Jones
Original Pick - Chiefs defeat 49ers
This is the only pick of the bunch that is still in play! And there is a scenario where both teams get back to Vegas this February. The Chiefs are looking to become the first back to back Champs since the 03-04 Patriots, but in order to get out of the AFC, they will need to find an answer to their offense. The 49ers have looked like a juggernaut all year, so them getting to the big dance would surprise no one.
NFC
Wildcard Weekend
(2) Cowboys defeat (7) Packers 41-13
(3) Lions defeat (6) Rams 34-21
(5) Eagles defeat (4) Bucs 21-18
Divisional
(1) 49ers defeat (5) Eagles 31-30
(2) Cowboys defeat (3) Lions 27-21
NFC Championship
(1) 49ers defeat (2) Cowboys 38-17
AFC
Wildcard Weekend
(2) Bills defeat (7) Steelers 24-21
(3) Chiefs defeat (6) Dolphins 21-14
(4) Texans defeat (5) Browns 27-21
Divisional
(1) Ravens defeat (4) Texans 30-10
(3) Chiefs defeat (2) Bills 21-14
AFC Championship
(1) Ravens defeat (3) Chiefs 31-21
SUPER BOWL
Ravens defeat 49ers 30-27
Super Bowl MVP - Lamar Jackson
Joe Miglio
Original Pick - Bengals defeat 49ers
This pick is more of an incomplete as Joe Burrow’s season never quite felt right. He eventually got hurt and missed the season after wrist surgery, and the Bengals season crumbled with it. The 49ers have already been discussed so no need to go back to that well.
NFC
Wildcard Weekend
(2) Cowboys defeat (7) Packers 41-17
(3) Lions defeat (6) Rams 35-24
(5) Eagles defeat (4) Bucs 23-21
Divisional
(1) 49ers defeat (5) Eagles 27-16
(3) Lions defeat (2) Cowboys 34-28
NFC Championship
(3) Lions defeat (1) 49ers 28-27
AFC
Wildcard Weekend
(2) Bills defeat (7) Steelers 24-6
(3) Chiefs defeat (6) Dolphins 16-13
(5) Browns defeat (4) Texans 23-14
Divisional
(1) Ravens defeat (5) Browns 17-14
(3) Chiefs defeat (2) Bills 26-22
AFC Championship
(1) Ravens defeat (3) Chiefs 20-17
SUPER BOWL
Ravens defeat Lions 29-27
Super Bowl MVP - Zay Flowers
The year of Harbaugh.
Week 14 Power Rankings
Injuries are starting to mount. When we talk about teams going all the way, we talk about teams having very few holes, having good schemes, good coaches, etc. But the thing that always seems to prevail more than most is health. Last season, the Dolphins lost Tua for the playoffs and barely lost to Buffalo. It clearly impacted the game. This year has been a historic year for injuries - the players list of guys that have missed time is enormous, and many guys are done for the year. The NFL season is a marathon; don’t ever let anyone tell you any differently. As we get closer to Christmas, I’m sure each organization wants a healthy team under the tree.
Injuries are starting to mount. When we talk about teams going all the way, we talk about teams having very few holes, having good schemes, good coaches, etc. But the thing that always seems to prevail more than most is health. Last season, the Dolphins lost Tua for the playoffs and barely lost to Buffalo. It clearly impacted the game. This year has been a historic year for injuries - the players list of guys that have missed time is enormous, and many guys are done for the year. The NFL season is a marathon; don’t ever let anyone tell you any differently. As we get closer to Christmas, I’m sure each organization wants a healthy team under the tree.
Week 14 Power Rankings (November 30th-December 4th)
The Doctor Clears Most, if not All of You
San Francisco 49ers (+1) When this team is fully healthy, there is no one better. Any doubt was put to rest this weekend with a 42-19 thumping of the Philadelphia Eagles in their building. This team is undefeated when they have their full squad. That three game losing streak back in October? It was when both Trent Williams and Deb Samuel were on the shelf. It seems like the only thing stopping this team is health. It stopped them last year - will it happen again?
Baltimore Ravens (+1) Baltimore jumps up a spot after their bye. They have their own injury - Mark Andrews, who is due back sometime during the playoffs, but Lamar and the offense have done a great job masking his injury. The rookie sensation Zay Flowers has really blossomed in his first year. It seems the Ravens finally hit on a wide receiver. After 13 weeks, the Ravens are the most complete team in the AFC.
Philadelphia Eagles (-2) This loss was eye opening a bit. The Eagles got beat in every which way on Sunday. They have work to do if they want to get back to the Super Bowl. The addition of Shaw Leonard should hopefully help, but all of the sudden the SNF game next in Dallas is now huge. And outside of San Francisco, there may be nobody hotter in the league than the Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys (+2) The Cowboys offense put up another 40 spot on the offensive side of the football this past Thursday, winning a close one 41-35 over the desperate Seahawks. Dallas has now put themselves in position to overtake first place in the NFC East with a win on Sunday Night when they host the Eagles. Dak Prescott has never looked better in his career and is now really in the conversation to take home his first MVP award.
You Have A Injury That is Hurting You
5. Detroit Lions (+3) The Lions got back on track Sunday in New Orleans with a 33-28 win, but the defensive woes continued. Right now, the Lions are a step below the NFC elite and I think would struggle containing high octane offenses like San Francisco and Dallas. The injury early in the year to CJ Gardner-Johnson has taken its toll as he was expected to be the vocal leader of the defense. That unit seems to be lacking that at the moment.
6. Kansas City Chiefs (-2) A disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers on SNF showed the flaws of this years version of the Chiefs. The injury to Nick Bolton has really hurt this defense as it has not been itself the past few weeks. Jordan Love torched this defense last weekend, and they have a desperate Bills team coming in now off a bye. Can Patrick Mahomes save this team this season? Its the first time during his career where the Chiefs probably aren’t the favorite in the AFC.
7. Miami Dolphins (-) Miami stands pat this week after crushing another sub-par opponent. Is this team good? Yes. Yes they are. But I will not sit here and sing their praises until they beat a good team. They currently have the worst Strength of Victory (SOV) amongst all qualified playoff teams at .303!!!!! Tua, last week excused, has come down to earth a little bit. The piling of injuries of Terron Armstead worries me when it comes protection against good defensive lines. You saw what the Jets did. Oh, and by the way - Tyreek Hill should win the MVP.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) The Jags missed a golden opportunity on Monday Night to take control of the one seed in the AFC when they lost at home to the Bengals 34-31. That, unfortunately was the back story. This team got killed by injuries on Monday. Christian Kirk suffered a core muscle injury and will likely have surgery that will end his season, unless Jacksonville makes it to the AFCCG or better. Tre Herndon, Walker Little and Andre Cisco all suffered injuries. And then the motherload - Trevor Lawrence suffered a high ankle in a gruesome looking injury where we are all thankful it’s only a high ankle sprain. However much time he misses seriously impacts Jacksonville’s hold on the AFC South.
Try and Keep Your Young Stud Healthy
9. Houston Texans (+1) A thrilling win over the weekend agains the Broncos put the Texans at 7-5 after a heartbreaking loss last week. Houston didn’t come away unscathed though as Tank Dell is out for the season with a fractured fibula. Dell was CJ Stroud’s top target and it will be very interesting to see how this impacts Houston’s offense. This team has not really run the ball well this year, and they have the Jets up next. While the Jets can’t seemingly score…ever, their defense is very good, and it might be CJ Stroud’s biggest test yet. We will see how he responds.
10. Indianapolis Colts (+3) The Colts enter the top 10 for the first time this season. Gardner Minshew has done magnificent work since Anthony Richardson’s injury, and this team answered the bell after learning of the Jonathan Taylor injury. I’ll keep saying it - this team is 7-3 against teams not named the Jaguars. This is a good football team. And they have a playoff-type game coming up this week in a game against the suddenly alive Cincinnati Bengals.
11. Green Bay Packers (+3) The new “hottest” team in the league? Jordan Love is playing out of his mind right now, and he showed out again on the national stage. Love has arguably been the best QB in the NFL the past 3 weeks along with Brock Purdy, Dak Prescott and Trevor Lawrence. Even with this team missing Aaron Jones and Luke Musgrave, they are putting up numbers. It’s been fun to watch Love grow this season.
You NEED to Keep Your QB Healthy!
12. Denver Broncos (-3) Big loss in Houston - no other way to slice it. Right now, the Broncos are on the outside looking in, but they still have a favorable schedule the last five weeks of the season. Right now, they need to make sure Russell Wilson stays healthy. With the QBs dropping like flies, everyone is wondering whose next.
13. Los Angeles Rams (+2) The Rams were able to beatdown the Browns at home as they seem to now have all their horses on offense. The health of Matthew Stafford is paramount to this team’s playoff chances. The Rams have two tough games left - Baltimore (this week) and San Francisco. If they can find a way to win one of those games, 10-7 is on the table.
14. Buffalo Bills (+3) The Bills are a step above the “mid” teams. They are definitely one of the best 7 teams in the AFC, but now they need to find a way to get in. Their playoffs start this week when they play Kansas City. They also have Miami and Dallas left on the schedule. It will not be an easy road. We will see what the Bills are made of.
The Backup QB Crew…And the Seahawks
15. Cleveland Browns (-3) It seems like the Browns have been ravaged by injury the most this year losing three QBs, Nick Chubb, Amari Cooper amongst a host of others. There is also an argument Joe Flacco looked like their best QB all year last week. Either way, this team is in flux right now. I don’t think you can expect PJ Walker, DTR or Joe Flacco to lead you anywhere - and the Browns are getting a pissed off Jaguars team coming in this Sunday who is undefeated on the road this season. Can the defense pull out a great performance after two sub-par ones in a row?
16. Seattle Seahawks (-) Seattle’s postseason chances are slipping. Now losers of three straight, the Hawks find themselves at 6-6 and out of the playoffs if they started today. What started off as a promising season is now crumbling in front of them. Next up? A second date with the 49ers. Seattle is in danger of falling under .500 for the first time since Week 1.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (-6) I finally started believing in them - and them got smacked in the face as to never not trust my judgement again. If you are a playoff team you do NOT lose to the Arizona Cardinals at home by double digits!!! The Steelers were never in this game. Kenny Pickett got hurt (again) and will be out 2-3 weeks. They have a soft game Thursday against the doormat Patriots. They may get in off their schedule alone, but this team is absolutely no threat.
18. Cincinnati Bengals (+2) Jake Browning? Yes, Jake Browning. What the. Bengals did on Monday Night was great for them and for the sport. Browning has had a career in the NFL of going through it and finally got his shot on the National stage and delivered. He went toe to toe with Trevor Lawrence and was able to get a victory in OT against a good football team. The Bengals are in the hunt - and now have a massive game against the Colts Sunday.
19. Minnesota Vikings (-1) The Vikes were on bye, so nothing to add that wasn’t said last week. It will be interesting to see who starts at QB this week.
You Would Think These Teams Would’ve Had Big Injuries
20. Atlanta Falconsss (-1) Did the Falcons go down a spot after winning a game? Yes. Why you ask? Because their offense is putrid. It’s like watching paint dry. Whoever wins the NFC South is doing a detriment to their long term success.
21. Los Angeles Chargers (+2) Last week, I sat here and said the Bears had the most uninspiring win of the NFL season. Leave it to the Chargers (always) to one up other teams in categories. They beat the Patriots 6-0. Now, yes, the shutout is great by the defense, but it’s not like they played Jake Browning and the Bengals! They played Bailey Zappe and the Patriots, who are the worst team in football. But more than that, 6 points from the offense? SIX - with Justin Herbert! Man, I can’t wait for this team to get a new coach.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-) The Bucs are just one of those teams that make you want to put your head through a wall. Somehow, someway this team controls their own destiny in the NFC South (again) and can be in first place with a win against the Falcons this week. The back to back 8-9 division champs is officially on the table.
23. New Orleans Saints (-2) Fuck this team. They suck. All the weapons, players, etc. It doesn’t matter. Bad teams find ways to lose, and the Saints are a bad team. Dennis Allen should get fired.
24. Las Vegas Raiders (-) If you told me that Jimmy G was not playing in Week 14, I would’ve thought he got injured, but alas, he got benched. For Aiden O’Connell. This team is in shambles. Again.
Injuries Wouldn’t Matter
25. Chicago Bears (-) On bye. Thank Christ.
26. Tennessee Titans (+2) Showed up this week for a change and almost won a football game. Took the Colts to OT where the defense couldn’t contain Gardner Minshew (lol). The Titans are approaching a full rebuild, probably somewhere they should’ve been a couple of years ago.
27. New York Giants (-) Tommy Devito is officially the starter over Tyrod Taylor. Someone needs to do a documentary on what happened to Tyrod in his career, cause it is bizarre. I don’t think anyone actually thinks that Tommy Devito is better than Tyrod Taylor. The Giants are still mathematically in the playoff race.
The Jets Need Their Own Category
28. New York Jets (-2) The Jets suffered the biggest injury of the season (yes, more than Joe Burrow). Aaron Rodgers would’ve probably masked a lot of deficiencies this team had, but it was almost good for the Jets in a way. It showed how far away from contention they really are. This roster is NOT as good as we thought, and it needs to be addressed in the off-season. I, for one, will be really keen to see if they draft a QB in this year’s draft. whispers…they should.
Do You Even Deserve a Category?
29. Arizona Cardinals (+1) They won a game! After an embarrassing performance agains the Rams, this team showed up. I still think of Jonathan Gannon’s first speech and wonder how many guys take the bus to the facility.
30. Washington Commanders (-1) What a fall from grace. Back to back games of giving up 45 points? Sacks galore? This team is actually pitiful. The mass player exodus on this team will be something to watch. Terry McLaurin and Jonathan Allen should be traded in the offseason.
31. Carolina Panthers (+1) The Panthers move up because they didn’t give up. Simple. They are still garbage in every sense of the word.
32. New England Patriots (-1) I mean in every which way possible - I would rather get waterboarded than watch the Patriots play football. This team has given up.
Week 13 Power Rankings
The heat is on! December is here, and that means only one thing. PLAYOFF PUSH. The NFL is known for having parity from year to year, and this season is no different. If the season were to end today, we would have 5 new playoff teams from the turnover last season. In the AFC, it seems like the divisions are in firm control, but with a month to play, anything is possible. In the NFC, the East and South are anyone’s game. The Wild Card spots may come down to Week 18. For this week, we will break down the categories in terms of playoff chances. If you don’t like where your team lies…too bad!
The heat is on! December is here, and that means only one thing. PLAYOFF PUSH. The NFL is known for having parity from year to year, and this season is no different. If the season were to end today, we would have 5 new playoff teams from the turnover last season. In the AFC, it seems like the divisions are in firm control, but with a month to play, anything is possible. In the NFC, the East and South are anyone’s game. The Wild Card spots may come down to Week 18. For this week, we will break down the categories in terms of playoff chances. If you don’t like where your team lies…too bad!
100% Chance - There is no doubt!
Philadelphia Eagles (-) A thrilling win over the Buffalo Bills last week tested the Eagles a little bit. But there is no doubt that this week the favorite of the NFC will be revealed as they take on the 49ers. Let’s see what happens when Brock Purdy doesn’t get hurt in the first half…
San Francisco 49ers (-) The niners continue to dominate off their bye. Now, their biggest game of the season against a team who sen them home last year. It’s definitely interesting that they are favored in Philly. I’m sure that’s going over well in the Eagles locker room.
Baltimore Ravens (-) They played with a little bit of fire in LA last weekend, but the Ravens continue to find ways to win. The Steelers remain on their heels and can climb to one game back with a win over Arizona this weekend. There is a chance that the division may come down to Week 18. Either way, the Ravens will make the postseason.
Kansas City Chiefs (+1) After going down 14-0, Patrick Mahomes said enough is enough. The Chiefs outscored the Raiders 31-3 after that and now are in firm position for another AFC West title. Will Mahomes carry his receivers this year in the postseason? Or is this the defenses year to shine?
90 -95% - We are feeling PRETTY CONFIDENT
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) After the Jags debacle against SF, they proved that was a just a hiccup as they dismantled Tennessee and then won a huge game on the road in Houston. The Jaguars now have an 8-3 record and have an essential 3 game lead over second place Indianapolis in the division. They are also 4-1 in the division with their last division game being in Week 18 against the Titans. With teams such as the Burrow-less Bengals, the Bucs and the Panthers left on the schedule, the Jags may fool around and end up with the one seed in the AFC.
6. Dallas Cowboys (+2) So the Cowboys feast on teams that they are better then. That’s a fact. Let’s see what they do with a desperate Seattle team on Thursday night.
7. Miami Dolphins (+2) The fins took care of the Jets on the first Black Friday game. One thing to note here - Tua has struggled a tad lately, including throwing a pick six on Friday and another bad INT against a good Jets defense. Miami takes on another struggling team in Washington this weekend.
8. Detroit Lions (-4) A very disappointing loss on Thanksgiving in front of the national crowd. The Lions defensive struggles have become a topic of conversation over the past month as to whether they can defeat the elite teams in the conference. They will get their chance as the division seems in hand.
60-65% - The Odds are in your Favor
9. Denver Broncos (+3) Denver just keeps on winning. If you ask me right now who the first wildcard in the AFC is going to be, I would say the Broncos - their remaining schedule is Houston, LAC, Detroit, NE, LAC, and LV. 5-1 is not off the mark. That would put that at 11-6. Even 4-2 puts them at 10-7, which gives them a legitimate shot. What Sean Payton has done to turnaround this team is incredible. And Old Russ is back.
10. Houston Texans (-3) The Texans are relevant again - which is great. What’s not great is how they thoroughly got outplayed at home in a game they needed to have against Jacksonville. The Texans are an upstart team but we got a stark reminder they aren’t there yet. Their pass defense got gashed all game and were not able to slow down the Jags passing attack. However, CJ Stroud gives this team as good a chance as any to garner a wild card spot.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (+4) Matt Canada out, 400 yard offense in. Funny how that works right? The Steelers are 7-4 with a favorable schedule the rest of the way. This team is looking more and more playoff bound and if they keep winning, they could have a division title on the line in Week 18.
12. Cleveland Browns (-2) A stark reminder that without a legitimate QB this team won’t make any noise. Now there is a chance Joe Flacco starts for them this week. Big yikes. If there is one team where the wheels could fall off, this one is it.
13. Indianapolis Colts (+3) The Colts would be in the playoffs if the season ended today. Everyone is talking about Demeco Ryans for COTY, but what about Shane Steichen? He lost his QB early, his RB didn’t play for the first month, and they just cut the face of their defense. And guess what? They keep winning.
50% - The Pendulum continues to Swing
14. Green Bay Packers (+5) The Packers have suddenly won two in a row, with the latest one coming in a big way on Thanksgiving over the Lions. Green Bay is sitting at 5-6 and has a chance for that last wild card spot. They have a tough matchup against the Chiefs this weekend, but after that they have the Giants, Bears and Vikings as three of their remaining games. They would need to sweep those to have a chance of getting. 9-8 is not out of the question.
15. Los Angeles Rams (+5) The Rams continue to confuse us. Here is the reality though. They swept the Seahawks. Right now, they are a half game back of that last playoff spot. If they can beat Cleveland on Sunday, they would be in at 6-6. How crazy is that? This offense is starting to find itself. Kyren Williams has been a crowned jewel for this offense. Remember when we all asked why McVay wasn’t playing Cam Akers - lets not question this guy again.
16. Seattle Seahawks (-3) The Seahawks are in a free fall. After going to 6-3, they have now lost two in a row to divisional opponents and face a Cowboys team on Thursday Night who has yet to lose at home this year. Seattle can find itself on the outside looking in after this weekend.
17. Buffalo Bills (-) A tough, tough loss to the Eagles this past weekend. Buffalo is now 6-6. Von Miller is facing domestic abuse charges. It has been a nightmare season for the Bills. Can they still get in? Yes. They can catch fire like no other team in the NFL. But the chances are looking bleaker week by week with all the good teams in the AFC.
18. Minnesota Vikings (-4) I think the Josh Dobbs experience might have run its course. There is a reason this guy has jumped around teams in the NFL. The Vikes are 6-6 and still have the playoffs in front of them, but the QB questions in December don’t bode well for their chances. I am selling high on Minnesota right now.
40-45% - The NFC South and the Bengals
19. Atlanta Falcons (+5) Desmond Ridder is back. And threw two more INTs. But, the Falcons beat the Saints and are in the drivers seat for the NFC South crown. This team has the best defense in the division so I give them the best chance, but lets not pretend they wouldn’t get thumped in the first round of the playoffs.
20. Cincinnati Bengals (-9) It was confirmed Sunday this teams season is over. Jake Browning is not 2017 Nick Foles. The Bengals are still talented and can make the playoffs, but they won’t be a real threat. If they want any kind of chance, a MNF win in Jacksonville is necessary. But if you ask Bengals fans, they may want the team to lose out and get a higher draft pick.
21. New Orleans Saints (-3) This team man. What a disappointment. The offense cannot get out of its own way, and Derek Carr has clearly lost something. I would not be surprised if the Saints were movers in the draft to pick up a QB. This team is not going anywhere in the postseason.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-) I like them on paper but they can’t win a game they need to. Losing to the Colts 27-20 in a game you needed to have is unacceptable. Wildly enough, they are a game back in the NFC South because it’s a terrible division. Has anyone ever been back to back 8-9 division champs?
30% - A lot of things Need to Go Right
23. Los Angeles Chargers (-) The Chargers need a new regime running things. This cast of characters is over. Being 4-7 with Justin Herbert is actually incredible.
24. Las Vegas Raiders (-3) Another bad football team. But a lot of teams vying for playoff spots are on their schedule. One more loss and they are cooked.
15-20% - Start thinking about Free Agency and the Draft
25. Chicago Bears (+1) Maybe the most uninspiring win of the NFL season. The Bears are a bad football team and won a game without scoring a touchdown. Just Fields did everything he could to lose that game in the 4th quarter, but Minnesota wouldnt allow it. The play calling is terrible. How many throws are going to be behind the LOS? I think this team can’t wait to pick another QB.
26. New York Jets (-1) The Jets are 4-7 and realistically can’t really afford another loss this season. With Atlanta and Houston up next that seems unlikely. But the big news: Aaron Rodgers possibly coming back. Why you may ask? Simply for Rodgers ego. We now know who runs that team.
27. New York Giants (+3) Technically speaking, the Giants are only two games out of the playoffs, so I put them in here for shits and giggles, but the season is over. Tommy Devito has been a cute story, but this team is killing its draft stock. It’s nice though that the guys haven’t given up on the season. Credit Daboll for that much.
0% - The Season is Over
28. Tennessee Titans (+1) The Titans struggled to beat the Panthers Sunday. That tells you all you need to know about where this team is. They should absolutely field calls on Henry in the offseason. They need a facelift.
29. Washington Commanders (-1) After getting embarrassed by losing to the Giants, it got worse by getting gashed by the Cowboys in front of the whole country. Jack Del Rio lost his job, but Ron Rivera will soon be following him after the season. I still think Sam Howell is a fine NFL QB - he just needs a line and the right OC.
30. Arizona Cardinals (-3) The Kyler Murray energy juice is out of service. This team is back to being terrible. It's widely rumored they won’t draft a QB. If they have a top two pick, Marvin Harrison Jr. is seriously in play.
31. New England Patriots (-) Every week you think it can’t get worse, but it does. I’m now on the bandwagon that this team will have a new QB and a new HC next season. Bill Belichick switching organizations will dominate the off-season headlines.
32. Carolina Panthers (-) Frank Reich is gone. Good for him to get out of there. David Tepper is the old grandpa sitting on his front porch yelling at the kids for playing in the snow. Someone needed to replace Dan Snyder.
Does What Happen in San Diego Stay in San Diego?
Does what happens in San Diego stay in San Diego? In the case of the Chargers the grass may not have always been greener on the other side. The stench of past mistakes made by The San Diego Chargers stil rings true in Los Angles. The team faces a pivotal point; With the franchise quarterback in place, the time is now to look in the mirror and say “how do we change the narrative.” In this article their will be no praise for the Chargers, but instead criticism on how past mediocrity has trickled into today.
Does what happens in San Diego stay in San Diego? In the case of the Chargers the grass may not have always been greener on the other side. The stench of past mistakes made by The San Diego Chargers stil rings true in Los Angles. The team faces a pivotal point; With the franchise quarterback in place, the time is now to look in the mirror and say “how do we change the narrative.” In this article their will be no praise for the Chargers, but instead criticism on how past mediocrity has trickled into today.
Lets wind the clocks back to 2004 - which may have become the start of this mess if you really think about it. The Chargers were in the thick of one of the most contentious draft day controversies of all time when Eli Manning refused to play for them; forcing a trade with the Giants to which brought them Philip Rivers - the future franchise QB to the city of San Diego. What’s really funny about this whole thing is how misguided you could say they were at the time. Future Hall of Fame QB Drew Brees was the starter at the time and although he wasn’t what he became in New Orleans, was it really worth picking Rivers? With guys like Larry Fitzgerald & Sean Taylor on the board they could have preached patience, but instead they took Rivers. In 2006, after sitting two years behind Brees and due to the uncertainty around Brees recent shoulder injury, the Chargers finally pulled the trigger. Brees went on to sign a 6 year 60 million dollar deal with the Saints, which ended up being one of the best free agent signings in football history. Brees became one of the greatest quaterbacks of all-time, winning one Super Bowl while Rivers stewed in medicoricy for most of his career, only reaching the divisonal round....twice. This is where we find ourselves with the Chargers today, and quite frankly, history is starting to repeat itself.
In 2017, the Chargers moved to Los Angeles in one of the more controversial team relocations that’s happened in recent memory. Rams owner Stan Kroenke, owner of SoFi Stadium, entered a 20 year 1$ a month lease agreement with the Chargers on the new stadium. In 2018, the Chargers made the playoffs as one of the best teams in football. Almost like a swan song you could say for Philip Rivers and a nice christening to a new stadium with possibly a Super Bowl in arms reach. The Chargers would lose to the Patriots (like they did for most of the 2000s) 41-28. The following year the Chargers would bottom out; they went 5-11 in Rivers’ final season in a Chargers uniform and they would secure a top 6 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Before I go any further, let me explain how rare it is for a team to go from one franchise QB to the next. I think you can only really look at the 49ers and the Colts as true examples of just how good the Chargers had it in 2020. While those teams went from Joe Montana and Peyton Manning to Steve Young and Andrew Luck respectively, it truly is rare to find your guy after the assuming franchise quarterback leaves. The Chargers would go onto take Oregon Quarterback phenom Justin Herbert. Herbert was an absolute revelation for what at the time was a loaded Chargers team. Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams were the tops names on the offense when Herbert arrived. Herbert would go onto win the offensive ROTY and have one of the greatest rookie quarterback seasons that we've ever seen. However, the team went 6-10 and changes were on the horizon.
2021 ushered a new era for the Chargers; The second year of Herbert after ROTY campaign brought hope to the team - the belief that the team, the fans, and the city finally had their guy who can compete with the top dogs in the NFL, and possibly topple the juggernaut Chiefs. Brandon Staley, one of the more saught after names in that years coaching cycle, was hired by the team to lead the way. The Defensive brain trust of Sean Mcvay finally had a team of his own. One with a ton of weapons on the defensive side. In Staley’s first year, LA would go 9-8, a three game improvement on 2020, while losing multiple one score games. The thing that were cemented in people’s minds that entire off-season was Staley’s decision making in last week of the season against the then Oakland Raiders. The Chargers found themselves in a situation where a tie would net them a playoff berth, but Staley opted to play for the win, which eventually backfired and cost the Chargers a playoff spot.
The following season things did get a little better; the team traded for Khalil Mack from Chicago to bolster what should have already been a lights out defense. However, this is where the Staley era started to rear its ugly head. LA finished 10-7 and actually made the playoffs for the first time with Justin Herbert at the helm. He had one of his best seasons as pro yet and was going to face a Jaguars team that was hot coming into the playoffs. The Chargers got on Lawrence and jumped out to a 27-0 lead in the first half. Then, the unthinkable happened. Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars outscored LA 31-3 the rest of the game to pull off the third largest comeback in NFL history. The Chargers were part of one of the biggest collapses in playoff history. After this, the Staley firing chants got louder; how much longer could this team go on with a loaded roster and just stew in mediocrity. That brings us to today - The Chargers currently sit at 4-6 and are on the outside looking in for the playoffs yet again. What needs to change? Should Staley still be calling defensive plays? Leading up to today, the Chargers have never ranked any higher than 23rd in total defense under his tootelege. The team is riddled with injury prone players all over the place. Joey Bosa and Mike Williams can’t stay on the field, they’ve made HORRIBLE draft selections - drafting for luxury as opposed to need; Free Agent signings like JC Jackson have blown up in their face… and its all lead to a 4-6 record and on and on the wheel goes. In the famous words of Danerys Targaryen, the Chargers need to break the wheel. The problems of yesteryear with Marty Schottenheimer, Drew Brees, Philip River and company have seemingly followed them into Los Angeles. The famous saying is “The Chargers are going to Charger” and until that narrative is broken, that will forever be their fate. Is Justin Herbert the answer? With each passing week, it looks like this roster will be gutted and re-tooled as players are getting older every year. There will certainly be a new head coach in place as the rumors of Bill Belichick coming to LA are front and center. The Chargers and their fans need a lifeline - they need hope, and more importantly, faith. The ghosts of San Diego have certainly followed the franchise to sunny Los Angeles. Someone tell them “Whatever happened in San Diego, needs to stay in San Diego.”
Thanksgiving Check-In: NFL Report Card
Thanksgiving! A time to celebrate what truly matters in life. Family. Friends. Football. The three F’s. Back in October, we did our first quarter check in to see how everyone was holding up. Now, teams are who they are as we head into the holiday break. Is there time to fix it? Yes, but barely. The stretch run is around the corner, and we will finally seperate the men from the boys.
AFC East
Miami Dolphins
Record: 7-3
HomeR: 5-0
AwayR: 2-3
+/-: (+67)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 30.5 (1st)
RuYds/PG - 143.0 (2nd)
PaYds/PG - 291.0 (1st)
Yds/PG - 434.0 (1st)
Penalties/PG - 5.9 (12th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 23.8 (23rd)
RuYds All/PG - 99.2 (10th)
PaYds All/PG - 220.6 (14th)
Yds All/PG - 319.8 (12th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.2 (22nd)
Record Rank - 8th
Offensive Rank - 1st
Defensive Rank - 15th
Composite Rank - 8th
Miami continues to feast on offense against poor team, but their wireless streak against good teams is alarming. Vic Fangio’s defense is quietly coming around…
Grade: A-
Buffalo Bills
Record: 6-5
HomeR: 5-2
AwayR: 1-3
+/-: (+104)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 26.7 (7th)
RuYds/PG - 117.7 (11th)
PaYds/PG - 254.5 (7th)
Yds/PG - 372.2 (6th)
Penalties/PG - 6.6 (22nd)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 17.3 (4th)
RuYds All/PG - 110.5 (16th)
PaYds All/PG - 204.2 (10th)
Yds All/PG - 314.6 (10th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.7 (7th)
Record Rank - 15th
Offensive Rank - 7th
Defensive Rank - 6th
Composite Rank - 10th
Despite ranking 10th, Buffalo is on the outside looking in. Due to some poor coaching and timely turnover, the Bills have their work cut out for them. They got off on the right foot against the Jets, but the next four games will determine their season.
Grade: C
New York Jets
Record: 4-6
HomeR: 2-3
AwayR: 2-3
+/-: (-54)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 15.0 (30th)
RuYds/PG - 99.8 (23rd)
PaYds/PG - 170.5 (30th)
Yds/PG - 270.3 (30th)
Penalties/PG - 6.5 (20th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 20.4 (11th)
RuYds All/PG - 137.6 (30th)
PaYds All/PG - 178.7 (5th)
Yds All/PG - 316.3 (11th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.6 (8th)
Record Rank - 22nd
Offensive Rank - 31st
Defensive Rank - 9th
Composite Rank - 19th
The defense woke up. The offense is still asleep. The decision to stick with Zach Wilson may very well cost Robert Saleh his job. The season is slipping away.
Grade: C-
New England Patriots
Record: 2-8
HomeR: 1-5
AwayR: 1-3
+/-: (-97)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 14.1 (31st)
RuYds/PG - 94.9 (27th)
PaYds/PG - 199.6(22nd)
Yds/PG - 294.5 (26th)
Penalties/PG - 6.3 (16th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 23.8 (23rd)
RuYds All/PG - 97.9 (9th)
PaYds All/PG - 228.8 (18th)
Yds All/PG - 326.5 (16th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.0 (27th)
Record Rank - 30th
Offensive Rank - 29th
Defensive Rank - 20th
Composite Rank - 29th
With rumors swirling around Bill leaving after the season, it would be quite a sour end. One we all saw coming though. This roster is bad. Plain and simple. This is the worst season in New England in over 25 years.
Grade: F
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 8-1
HomeR: 4-0
AwayR: 4-1
+/-: (+57)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 27.3 (5th)
RuYds/PG - 128.1 (8th)
PaYds/PG - 234.8 (12th)
Yds/PG - 362.9 (9th)
Penalties/PG - 5.4 (6th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 21.2 (16th)
RuYds All/PG - 76.5 (1st)
PaYds All/PG - 248.1 (28th)
Yds All/PG - 324.6 (14th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.3 (19th)
Record Rank - 1st
Offensive Rank - 3rd
Defensive Rank - 13th
Composite Rank - 4th
Different team than last year - same results. Philly keeps on winning, and while Hurts may not be playing at an MVP level, he’s doing what he has to do to win.
Grade: A
Dallas Cowboys
Record: 7-3
HomeR: 4-0
AwayR: 3-3
+/-: (+127)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 30.2 (2nd)
RuYds/PG - 116.8 (12th)
PaYds/PG - 255.5 (5th)
Yds/PG - 372.3 (5th)
Penalties/PG - 7.4 (31st)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 17.5 (5th)
RuYds All/PG - 109.2 (15th)
PaYds All/PG - 157.1 (2nd)
Yds All/PG - 266.3 (2nd)
Takeaways/PG - 1.6 (8th)
Record Rank - 7th
Offensive Rank - 9th
Defensive Rank - 3rd
Composite Rank - 5th
We are at the point in the season where people consider Dallas for the Super Bowl. I need to see it to believe it. Consider me a skeptic.
Grade: A
Washington Commanders
Record: 4-7
HomeR: 1-4
AwayR: 3-3
+/-: (-69)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 21.5 (17th)
RuYds/PG - 95.7 (26th)
PaYds/PG - 245.0 (10th)
Yds/PG - 340.7 (12th)
Penalties /PG - 5.5 (8th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 27.7 (32nd)
RuYds All/PG - 114.3 (21st)
PaYds All/PG - 258.5 (30th)
Yds All/PG - 372.8 (29th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.2 (24th)
Record Rank - 26th
Offensive Rank - 15th
Defensive Rank - 32nd
Composite Rank - 27th
Unserious football team. Ron Rivera is cooked as a head coach, and the small rebuild has begun. Two losses to the Giants - this season is over.
Grade: D
New York Giants
Record: 3-8
HomeR: 1-3
AwayR: 2-5
+/-: (-136)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 13.5 (32nd)
RuYds/PG - 111.5 (13th)
PaYds/PG - 150.6 (32nd)
Yds/PG - 262.2 (32nd)
Penalties /PG - 5.6 (11th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 25.9 (28th)
RuYds All/PG - 135.1 (29th)
PaYds All/PG - 236.5 (22nd)
Yds All/PG - 371.6 (28th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.5 (14th)
Record Rank - 28th
Offensive Rank - 28th
Defensive Rank - 31st
Composite Rank - 31st
When the highlight of your season is an undrafted rookie QB who lives at his mom’s house, that should tell you all you need to know.
Grade: F
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Record: 8-3
HomeR: 4-2
AwayR: 4-1
+/-: (+127)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 27.6 (4th)
RuYds/PG - 155.1 (1st)
PaYds/PG - 211.5 (20th)
Yds/PG - 366.5 (7th)
Penalties/PG - 6.2 (15th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 16.1 (2nd)
RuYds All/PG - 103.7 (13th)
PaYds All/PG - 169.7 (3rd)
Yds All/PG - 273.5 (3rd)
Takeaways/PG - 1.4 (18th)
Record Rank - 2nd
Offensive Rank - 5th
Defensive Rank - 4th
Composite Rank - 2nd
Best team in the AFC.
Grade: A+
Cleveland Browns
Record: 7-3
HomeR: 5-1
AwayR: 2-2
+/-: (+57)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 22.7 (13th)
RuYds/PG - 142.7 (3rd)
PaYds/PG - 183.1 (26th)
Yds/PG - 325.8 (19th)
Penalties/PG - 6.3 (16th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 18.0 (6th)
RuYds All/PG - 99.6 (11th)
PaYds All/PG - 143.7 (1st)
Yds All/PG - 243.3 (1st)
Takeaways/PG - 1.5 (12th)
Record Rank - 9th
Offensive Rank - 16th
Defensive Rank - 2nd
Composite Rank - 9th
Despite all the injuries, the Browns keep on winning. That is impressive. A real nice job by Kevin Stefanski this year. The Browns may not win a Super Bowl in 2023, but they won’t be an easy out at all.
Grade: A
Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 6-4
HomeR: 4-2
AwayR: 2-2
+/-: (-29)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 16.6 (28th)
RuYds/PG - 110.1 (16th)
PaYds/PG - 170.0 (31st)
Yds/PG - 280.1 (28th)
Penalties/PG - 5.5 (9th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 19.5 (7th)
RuYds All/PG - 127.7 (23rd)
PaYds All/PG - 239.9 (23rd)
Yds All/PG - 367.6 (27th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.9 (2nd)
Record Rank - 10th
Offensive Rank - 24th
Defensive Rank - 17th
Composite Rank - 18th
Matt Canada has finally been fired. Now, we can see if this offense can do anything. Kenny Pickett needs to play better. Pittsburgh is hanging on to a playoff spot by a thread.
Grade: B
Cincinnati Bengals
Record: 5-5
HomeR: 3-2
AwayR: 2-3
+/-: (-24)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 20.2 (20th)
RuYds/PG - 80.9 (30th)
PaYds/PG - 217.8 (18th)
Yds/PG - 298.7 (24th)
Penalties/PG - 5.0 (3rd)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 22.6 (21st)
RuYds All/PG - 138.3 (31st)
PaYds All/PG - 247.8 (27th)
Yds All/PG - 386.1 (30th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.8 (5th)
Record Rank - 16th
Offensive Rank - 20th
Defensive Rank - 29th
Composite Rank - 22nd
Joe Burrow is done for the season. Chalk this season up as a dud for Cincy. It’s a shame, but now the attention turns towards 2024.
Grade: D
NFC North
Detroit Lions
Record: 8-2
HomeR: 4-1
AwayR: 4-1
+/-: (+43)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 27.2 (6th)
RuYds/PG - 136.6 (5th)
PaYds/PG - 263.0 (4th)
Yds/PG - 399.6 (2nd)
Penalties/PG - 5.5 (9th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 22.9 (22nd)
RuYds All/PG - 89.5 (5th)
PaYds All/PG - 223.5 (16th)
Yds All/PG - 313.0 (9th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.2 (22nd)
Record Rank - 3rd
Offensive Rank - 2nd
Defensive Rank - 11th
Composite Rank - 3rd
This is the best Lions start since 1963. 60 years. Go. Fucking. Lions.
Grade: A+
Minnesota Vikings
Record: 6-5
HomeR: 2-3
AwayR: 4-2
+/-: (+23)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 23.0 (11th)
RuYds/PG - 93.8 (28th)
PaYds/PG - 266.7 (3rd)
Yds/PG - 360.5 (10th)
Penalties/PG - 4.9 (2nd)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 20.9 (15th)
RuYds All/PG - 94.0 (7th)
PaYds All/PG - 226.6 (17th)
Yds All/PG - 320.6 (13th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.3 (20th)
Record Rank - 13th
Offensive Rank - 8th
Defensive Rank - 10th
Composite Rank - 11th
The Vikings coulda mailed it in at 0-3. Or when Justin Jefferson went down. Or when KirK Cousins tore his Achilles. Yet, they are 6-4. KOC deserves a COTY award.
Grade: B+
Green Bay Packers
Record: 4-6
HomeR: 3-2
AwayR: 1-4
+/-: (0)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 20.2 (20th)
RuYds/PG - 102.1 (21st)
PaYds/PG - 217.5 (19th)
Yds/PG - 319.6 (21st)
Penalties/PG - 7.2 (30th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 20.2 (10th)
RuYds All/PG - 134.7 (28th)
PaYds All/PG - 193.2 (7th)
Yds All/PG - 327.9 (17th)
Takeaways/PG - 0.9 (29th)
Record Rank - 24th
Offensive Rank - 23rd
Defensive Rank - 18th
Composite Rank - 23rd
The Packers are boring. Which is crazy, cause they’re going. They are just lacking a punch.
Grade: D+
Chicago Bears
Record: 3-8
HomeR: 2-3
AwayR: 1-5
+/-: (-56)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 20.9 (19th)
RuYds/PG - 139.5 (4th)
PaYds/PG - 184.4 (25th)
Yds/PG - 323.8 (20th)
Penalties/PG - 6.6 (22nd)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 26.0 (29th)
RuYds All/PG - 79.5 (2nd)
PaYds All/PG - 245.9 (26th)
Yds All/PG - 325.5 (15th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.2 (24th)
Record Rank - 29th
Offensive Rank - 19th
Defensive Rank - 21st
Composite Rank - 26th
Chicagos hope for a playoff run ended in September. Now, we find out if Justin Fields will have a job come April.
Grade: D
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars
Record: 7-3
HomeR: 3-3
AwayR: 4-0
+/-: (+26)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 23.0 (11th)
RuYds/PG - 108.7 (17th)
PaYds/PG - 225.4 (16th)
Yds/PG - 334.1 (16th)
Penalties/PG - 4.8 (1st)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 20.4 (11th)
RuYds All/PG - 87.0 (4th)
PaYds All/PG - 254.4 (29th)
Yds All/PG - 341.4 (20th)
Takeaways/PG - 2.0 (1st)
Record Rank - 5th
Offensive Rank - 11th
Defensive Rank - 8th
Composite Rank - 7th
Jacksonville won 5 straight in October. Last year at this juncture, they were 3-7. Now they’re 7-3. Doug Pederson has worked wonders with this football team.
Grade: A-
Houston Texans
Record: 6-4
HomeR: 4-1
AwayR: 2-3
+/-: (+30)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 23.8 (10th)
RuYds/PG - 99.5 (24th)
PaYds/PG - 277.2 (2nd)
Yds/PG - 377.2 (4th)
Penalties/PG - 6.5 (20th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 20.8 (14th)
RuYds All/PG - 96.5 (8th)
PaYds All/PG - 241.4 (25th)
Yds All/PG - 337.9 (19th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.4 (15th)
Record Rank - 12th
Offensive Rank - 10th
Defensive Rank - 16th
Composite Rank - 12th
This team will have hardware this year. Whether it’s Demeco Ryan’s or CJ Stroud, or both, they deserve something. A remarkable turnaround. And oh, they are VERY alive for the division.
Grade: A+
Indianapolis Colts
Record: 5-5
HomeR: 1-4
AwayR: 4-1
+/-: (-6)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 24.2 (9th)
RuYds/PG - 118.0 (10th)
PaYds/PG - 218.1 (17th)
Yds/PG - 336.1 (14th)
Penalties/PG - 6.3 (16th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 24.8 (26th)
RuYds All/PG - 129.7 (25th)
PaYds All/PG - 228.8 (18th)
Yds All/PG - 358.5 (25th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.6 (8th)
Record Rank - 19th
Offensive Rank - 13th
Defensive Rank - 24th
Composite Rank - 17th
The Colts keep hanging around. They’re in every game and Shane Steichen deserves credit. I don’t know if they’ll make the playoffs, but they are a team you can’t take lightly.
Grade: B
Tennessee Titans
Record: 3-7
HomeR: 3-1
AwayR: 0-6
+/-: (-46)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 16.8 (27th)
RuYds/PG - 105.0 (19th)
PaYds/PG - 181.0 (27th)
Yds/PG - 286.0 (27th)
Penalties/PG - 6.1 (14th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 21.4 (17th)
RuYds All/PG - 112.3 (17th)
PaYds All/PG - 230.8 (20th)
Yds All/PG - 343.1 (22nd)
Takeaways/PG - 0.7 (31st)
Record Rank - 27th
Offensive Rank - 26th
Defensive Rank - 26th
Composite Score - 28th
It’s over - blow it up. And I mean everything. Vrabel. Henry. Everything.
Grade: D
NFC South
New Orleans Saints
Record: 5-5
HomeR: 2-2
AwayR: 3-3
+/-: (+16)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 21.4 (18th)
RuYds/PG - 100.0 (22nd)
PaYds/PG - 237.4 (11th)
Yds/PG - 337.4 (13th)
Penalties/PG - 6.4 (19th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 19.8 (8th)
RuYds All/PG - 113.6 (20th)
PaYds All/PG - 199.1 (8th)
Yds All/PG - 312.7 (8th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.8 (5th)
Record Rank - 14th
Offensive Rank - 17th
Defensive Rank - 7th
Composite Rank - 13th
NOLA can win some games, they can also lose so games. The only reason this team is in the playoff conversation is because of the division they play in.
Grade: B-
Atlanta Falcons
Record: 4-6
HomeR: 3-2
AwayR: 1-4
+/-: (-28)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 18.9 (24th)
RuYds/PG - 130.4 (7th)
PaYds/PG - 204.9 (21st)
Yds/PG - 335.3 (15th)
Penalties/PG - 5.4 (6th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 21.7 (18th)
RuYds All/PG - 108.4 (14th)
PaYds All/PG - 200.4 (9th)
Yds All/PG - 308.7 (7th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.0 (27th)
Record Rank - 25th
Offensive Rank - 14th
Defensive Rank - 12th
Composite Rank - 14th
Get this team a quarterback. And a coach who likes Bijan Robinson.
Grade: C
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 4-6
HomeR: 2-3
AwayR: 2-3
+/-: (-16)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 19.2 (23rd)
RuYds/PG - 76.9 (32nd)
PaYds/PG - 227.8 (14th)
Yds/PG - 304.7 (22nd)
Penalties/PG - 6.9 (27th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 20.0 (9th)
RuYds All/PG - 90.0 (6th)
PaYds All/PG - 270.7 (31st)
Yds All/PG - 360.7 (26th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.6 (8th)
Record Rank - 23rd
Offensive Rank - 27th
Defensive Rank - 14th
Composite Rank - 21st
I feel bad because this team tried hard and Baker is playing well. They just don’t have enough. But they aren’t as far off as we thought they might be.
Grade: C+
Carolina Panthers
Record: 1-9
HomeR: 1-4
AwayR: 0-5
+/-: (-112)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 16.3 (29th)
RuYds/PG - 92.3 (29th)
PaYds/PG - 174.4 (28th)
Yds/PG - 266.7 (31st)
Penalties/PG - 7.0 (29th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 27.5 (31st)
RuYds All/PG - 129.4 (24th)
PaYds All/PG - 179.2 (6th)
Yds All/PG - 308.6 (6th)
Takeaways/PG - 0.7 (31st)
Record Rank - 32nd
Offensive Rank - 32nd
Defensive Rank - 23rd
Composite Rank - 32nd
Bad football team.
Grade: F
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
Record: 7-2
HomeR: 4-1
AwayR: 3-1
+/-: (+65)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 22.5 (14th)
RuYds/PG - 110.2 (14th)
PaYds/PG - 255.2 (6th)
Yds/PG - 365.4 (8th)
Penalties/PG - 6.7 (24th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 16.4 (3rd)
RuYds All/PG - 112.4 (18th)
PaYds All/PG - 170.8 (4th)
Yds All/PG - 283.2 (4th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.4 (15th)
Record Rank - 4th
Offensive Rank - 12th
Defensive Rank - 5th
Composite Rank - 6th
The Chiefs have only themselves to blame if they don’t win a Super Bowl. They didn’t get a receiver. And it’s extremely noticeable they need one. Their defense is absolutely elite though.
Grade: B+
Denver Broncos
Record: 5-5
HomeR: 3-3
AwayR: 2-2
+/-: (-51)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 21.7 (15th)
RuYds/PG - 110.2 (15th)
PaYds/PG - 191.0 (24th)
Yds/PG - 301.2 (23rd)
Penalties/PG - 6.8 (26th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 26.8 (30th)
RuYds All/PG - 160.0 (32nd)
PaYds All/PG - 240.1 (24th)
Yds All/PG - 400.1 (32nd)
Takeaways/PG - 1.9 (2nd)
Record Rank - 17th
Offensive Rank - 21st
Defensive Rank - 30th
Composite Rank - 24th
The Broncos are the hottest team in the league. Sean Payton is doing his thing. Can this team make the playoffs?
Grade: C
Las Vegas Raiders
Record: 5-6
HomeR: 4-1
AwayR: 1-5
+/-: (-40)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 16.8 (26th)
RuYds/PG - 79.0 (31st)
PaYds/PG - 198.3 (23rd)
Yds/PG - 277.3 (29th)
Penalties/PG - 5.1 (4th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 20.5 (13th)
RuYds All/PG - 132.3 (27th)
PaYds All/PG - 210.0 (11th)
Yds All/PG - 342.3 (21st)
Takeaways/PG - 1.3 (20th)
Record Rank - 19th
Offensive Rank - 30th
Defensive Rank - 19th
Composite Rank - 25th
Josh McDaniels was the first HC fired. The Raiders all of the sudden played better. Coincidence? I think not.
Grade: C-
Los Angeles Chargers
Record: 4-6
HomeR: 2-3
AwayR: 2-3
+/-: (+21)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 25.9 (8th)
RuYds/PG - 105.7 (18th)
PaYds/PG - 248.6 (9th)
Yds/PG - 354.3 (11th)
Penalties/PG - 5.2 (5th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 23.8 (23rd)
RuYds All/PG - 102.0 (12th)
PaYds All/PG - 291.6 (32nd)
Yds All/PG - 393.6 (31st)
Takeaways/PG - 1.5 (12th)
Record Rank - 21st
Offensive Rank - 6th
Defensive Rank - 27th
Composite Rank - 15th
It’s too much of a headache to talk about them. I don’t know.
Grade: D
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers
Record: 7-3
HomeR: 4-1
AwayR: 3-2
+/-: (+122)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 27.9 (3rd)
RuYds/PG - 132.7 (6th)
PaYds/PG - 254.3 (8th)
Yds/PG - 387.0 (3rd)
Penalties/PG - 6.9 (27th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 15.7 (1st)
RuYds All/PG - 81.4(3rd)
PaYds All/PG - 221.4 (15th)
Yds All/PG - 302.8 (5th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.9 (2nd)
Record Rank - 6th
Offensive Rank - 4th
Defensive Rank - 1st
Composite Rank - 1st
When healthy, they are incredible. Only they will hold themselves back.
Grade: A+
Seattle Seahawks
Record: 6-4
HomeR: 4-1
AwayR: 2-3
+/-: (-2)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 21.6 (16th)
RuYds/PG - 96.6 (25th)
PaYds/PG - 230.8 (13th)
Yds/PG - 327.4 (18th)
Penalties/PG - 7.6 (32nd)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 21.8 (19th)
RuYds All/PG - 112.6 (19th)
PaYds All/PG - 233.0 (21st)
Yds All/PG - 345.6 (23rd)
Takeaways/PG - 1.4 (15th)
Record Rank - 11th
Offensive Rank - 22nd
Defensive Rank - 22nd
Composite Rank - 16th
Seattle is alive and well, but they aren’t particularly doing anything. They are pretty average at everything. However, they are 6-2 against anyone not named the Rams.
Grade: B
Los Angeles Rams
Record: 4-6
HomeR: 2-3
AwayR: 2-3
+/-: (-25)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 19.5 (22nd)
RuYds/PG - 102.6 (20th)
PaYds/PG - 226.4 (15th)
Yds/PG - 329.0 (17th)
Penalties/PG - 5.9 (12th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 22.0 (20th)
RuYds All/PG - 117.3 (22nd)
PaYds All/PG - 217.8 (13th)
Yds All/PG - 335.1 (18th)
Takeaways/PG - 0.9 (29th)
Record Rank - 20th
Offensive Rank - 18th
Defensive Rank - 25th
Composite Rank - 20th
The Rams are close, but not there yet. The defense is better than we thought. The offense is ok. They are talent deficient, but they’re playing hard. Good job here by McVay.
Grade: B-
Arizona Cardinals
Record: 2-9
HomeR: 2-3
AwayR: 0-6
+/-: (-92)
Offensive Rankings
PPG - 17.5 (25th)
RuYds/PG - 126.2 (9th)
PaYds/PG - 171.8 (29th)
Yds/PG - 298.0 (25th)
Penalties/PG - 6.7 (25th)
Defensive Rankings
Pts/G - 25.8 (27th)
RuYds All/PG - 132.1 (26th)
PaYds All/PG - 217.5 (12th)
Yds All/PG - 349.5 (24th)
Takeaways/PG - 1.2 (24th)
Record Rank - 31st
Offensive Rank - 25th
Defensive Rank - 28th
Composite Rank - 30th
We got Kyler Murray back. So the Cards aren’t tanking? I don’t know, but they are competitive now. It will be very very interesting to see what this team does come draft time. Maybe Marvin Harrison Jr?
Grade: C+
Week 12 Power Rankings
I apologize for missing a week! I was basking in my sorrows after the Jaguars got curb stomped by the 49ers. It’s ok though, we move. And we move onto Thanksgiving week, a week which is a fairly good sticking point to see where your teams are going to be for the remainder of the season. As we give thanks to the important things in our life, today’s theme of categories will be related to Thanksgiving foods and the popularity of them. A fun little anecdote for the week ahead. Both conferences are heating UP! In the AFC, all but three teams are still very much in it for the last two spots. And over in the NFC, the same thing occurs - the last two wildcard spots are available, but not as many teams in the hunt. Let’s get to the Turkey, shall we?
I apologize for missing a week! I was basking in my sorrows after the Jaguars got curb stomped by the 49ers. It’s ok though, we move. And we move onto Thanksgiving week, a week which is a fairly good sticking point to see where your teams are going to be for the remainder of the season. As we give thanks to the important things in our life, today’s theme of categories will be related to Thanksgiving foods and the popularity of them. A fun little anecdote for the week ahead. Both conferences are heating UP! In the AFC, all but three teams are still very much in it for the last two spots. And over in the NFC, the same thing occurs - the last two wildcard spots are available, but not as many teams in the hunt. Let’s get to the Turkey, shall we?
Hot, Juicy Turkey
Philadelphia Eagles (-) They passed their biggest test on Monday in KC. The Eagles aren’t winning flashy or pretty this year, but they are getting the job done. A makeup of a championship team.
San Francisco 49ers (+5) The bye week clearly did this team wonders. A wildly impressive win in Jacksonville and then coming home to take care of business against the Bucs. The Niners are officially back.
Mac N Cheese
3. Baltimore Ravens (-1) After a tough loss at home to Cleveland, the Ravens bounced back by sweeping Cincinnati. This team is the biggest threat to Kansas City right now, and it's not particularly close. We will see how much the loss of Mark Andrews for the year impacts this team.
4. Detroit Lions (+2) The Lions just came from behind at home to beat the Bears and have their best start since 1963. Let me repeat. 1963. Bask in it, Detroit.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (-3) the Chiefs made a mistake at the deadline by not getting a wide receiver. It cost them on Monday. Will it cost them a championship?
Sweet Potato Pie
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (-1) Their loss to the 49ers was eye opening. It was the Jags worst home loss in 4 years, but they responded with an absolute drudging of their division rival Titans. So the Jags are stuck in the hall of very good. They will remain there until proven otherwise - however, their next two games can change that narrative: at Houston and then home for the Ravens on SNF. If they can sweep those two games and go to 9-3, maybe they are the biggest threat to Kansas City.
7. Houston Texans (+6) - This is a top 10 football team. Stroud has already claimed the OROY award, and his team is finding ways to win. His last two weeks have been turnover heavy, but when you play the Cardinals you can figure it out. The Texans have a monstrous game against Jacksonville Sunday at home with the AFC South division lead on the line.
8. Dallas Cowboys (-) The boys continue to dominate bad teams, so it’s hard to move them up in any significant fashion. They play Washington on Thanksgiving, so there shouldn’t be any issues there. However, after the Commanders, Dallas starts a stretch of games that will tell us who they are.
9. Miami Dolphins (-) Read the Cowboys.
Ham and Corn Casserole
10. Cleveland Browns (-) DeShaun Watson is out for the remainder of the season, but if there is any team in the league that can withstand their QB going down, it’s Cleveland. The Browns defense is now on par with the 2000 Ravens and the 2008 Steelers, both teams that won Super Bowls. The defense did it again Sunday by taking the Steelers at home in a 13-10 walkoff win. DTR was serviceable.
11. Cincinnati Bengals (-5) Obviously, losing Joe Burrow for the year is a massive hit. The Bengals aren’t serious Super Bowl contenders anymore, but they are still alive for the playoffs. Let’s see what Jake Browning can do.
12. Denver Broncos (+10) The new hottest team in the NFL. Four straight wins and the 70 point debacle seems like a lifetime ago. Sean Payton has these guys playing great football and Russell Wilson looks great again. Broncos Country is ridin!
13. Seattle Seahawks (-1) The Seahawks are 6-2 against everyone not named the Rams. It doesn't make sense, but Pete Carroll just seems to struggle against Sean McVay. No matter, I think the Hawks are still in a good spot though. They need to keep pace though. A Thursday Night Thanksgiving bout against the 49ers awaits.
14. Minnesota Vikings (-3) So the Vikings winning streak is over. But Josh Dobbs and the boys were in it until the last minute. A late TD by Russell Wilson prevented them from winning their 6th straight game. The Vikings aren’t going away, that’s for sure. Kevin O’Connell should deserve some recognition at the end of the year.
Butternut Squash Soup
15.Pittsburgh Steelers (-1) This team simply aint doing anything with this offense. Mitchell Trubisky can do what Kenny Pickett is doing. Let that sink in.
16. Indianapolis Colts (+4) Bye week, but the Colts are marvelously knocking on the door.
17. Buffalo Bills (-2) This drop includes the loss to Denver. The Bills beat down the Jets, but at 6-5 they are on the outside looking in. They could realistically only afford one more loss until things can possibly get dicey. 10-7 doesn’t guarantee to get you in the playoffs in the AFC this year.
18. New Orleans Saints (-1) Bye week.
Brussel Sprouts
19. Green Bay Packers (+7) Winners of two of their last three, and probably should’ve won all three. They are 4-6 and have a punchers chance at a wild card spot. They need to win in Detroit on Thanksgiving to have a shot. No easy task.
20. Los Angeles Rams (+7) The Rams are alive. A second win against the Seahawks puts them in an interesting position. They now own the tiebreaker and they play the Cardinals next week. A Rams win and a Seahawks loss has the Rams a game out.
21. Las Vegas Raiders (-) The Raiders may have lost to Miami, but they fought hard. This team is no longer a cupcake on the schedule. Antonio Pierce should get a shot to do this full time.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1) The Bucs are frisky, but they clearly don’t have enough. However, if you look at the standings, they are only a game off the division pace. Can they do it again with a sub .500 record?
23. Los Angeles Chargers (-7) More of the same from this team. It’s over for Brandon Staley and may be over for 2023. Out of all the teams in the NFL, the Chargers are the most dissapointing one.
24. Atlanta Falcons (-) Bye week. Arthur Smith should still be let go.
Stringbeans and Broccoli
25. New York Jets (-7) One of the worst offenses I have ever watched. Aaron Rodgers shouldn’t even come back if he can - he would get killed behind this offensive line. Saleh’s coaching should come into question with his undying support of Zach Wilson. It was wild two months ago and can end up getting him fired.
26. Chicago Bears (+2) More of the same for the Justin Fields Bears era. He makes a couple of nice throws, but the game ends up in an L. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
27. Arizona Cardinals (+5) They aren’t the worst team in football. Not even close. Kyler makes this team watchable. Had ample opportunities against Houston and couldn’t pull it off. But no longer an easy “W” on the schedule. Should still be a W though.
28. Washington Commanders (-9) Ron Rivera is cooked. I’ve been defending Sam Howell all year, but this past weekend was horrendous. You can’t lose to the Tommy Devito Giants. You just can’t. Embarrassing L for the Commanders. Season is over.
29. Tennessee Titans (-4) Officially one of the worst teams in football. The run for the Titans is over. They have the worst roster in their division, and there is really no end in sight. The Jags and Texans have franchise QBs. AR oozes talent. What do the Titans have? A stubborn HC and an aging running back. Will be a long couple of years for Titans fans.
30. New York Giants (-) Tommy Devito won a football game. What I would give to be at that Thanksgiving table.
Thankful These Teams Aren’t Playing on Thanksgiving
31. New England Patriots (-2)
32. Carolina Panthers (-2)
Week 10 Power Rankings
November is finally upon us! The leaves are falling and the cold weather is starting to set in. This is football weather. Teams are hitting and running the football is paramount as the season drags along. For the first time in over a month, we have a mainstay at the number one spot as the Philadelphia Eagles held on this week to defeat the Dallas Cowboys. This week’s theme? The middling teams. The teams jarring and jockeying for playoff positioning. That is now an important thing. We’ve had 9 rookie quarterbacks start a game this season, which is on the cusp of an NFL record, but guys are getting healthy. We can expect Deebo Samuel back this week for the 49ers as they travel to Jacksonville in one of, if not the best game of the week. Justin Fields also may return tomorrow against Carolina. So guys are getting healthy. And if you think your team is out - my Jaguars were 2-6 at this point last year before they went on their run. So anything is possible. Lets get to it!
November is finally upon us! The leaves are falling and the cold weather is starting to set in. This is football weather. Teams are hitting and running the football is paramount as the season drags along. For the first time in over a month, we have a mainstay at the number one spot as the Philadelphia Eagles held on this week to defeat the Dallas Cowboys. This week’s theme? The middling teams. The teams jarring and jockeying for playoff positioning. That is now an important thing. We’ve had 9 rookie quarterbacks start a game this season, which is on the cusp of an NFL record, but guys are getting healthy. We can expect Deebo Samuel back this week for the 49ers as they travel to Jacksonville in one of, if not the best game of the week. Justin Fields also may return tomorrow against Carolina. So guys are getting healthy. And if you think your team is out - my Jaguars were 2-6 at this point last year before they went on their run. So anything is possible. Lets get to it!
POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 9 (November 2nd - November 6th)
Playoffs Already? Yes, Playoffs Already
Philadelphia Eagles (-) The Eagles broke the mini curse. After defeating the Cowboys in a 28-23 thriller, Philly just keeps racking up wins. Have they looked as dominant as last year? No. Bust does it matter? Also no. The Eagles are 8-1 and will be in the playoffs again looking to get back to their second consecutive Super Bowl.
Baltimore Ravens (-) The Ravens answered the bell yet again against a premiere opponent by destroying the Seahawks on Sunday. While the division may not be a lock yet, the playoffs absolutely are. This team is 7-2 and is not looking back. They are extremely dangerous.
Kansas City Chiefs (-) This team just doesn’t lose back to back games. The defense was on display again as they thwarted any type of Dolphins comeback Sunday morning in Germany. The offense still seems “broken” but while it finds itself, the defense is carrying the load. The secondary is the best its ever been under Reid.
The Kings of the Jungle
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (-) The Jags were on a bye this week, and the most important thing is that this team got healthy. Going into their game against the 49ers Sunday, all but Zay Jones should be suited up and playing. If the Jaguars came beat San Francisco at home, the team is officially a Super Bowl threat and a lock for the playoffs. Make no mistake, its a big game Sunday in Duval County.
5. Detroit Lions (+1) Our first mover of the week even though they were on bye. Their hold on the NFC North is strong, but all of the sudden the Vikings are coming up fast in the rearview mirror. An important game against the Chargers in LA is on deck. A loss and a Minnesota win shrinks the NFC North lead to one game.
6. Cincinnati Bengals (+2) Last week I said they were back. Boy, are they really back. Joe Burrow has looked incredible and the Bengals are back to being firm Super Bowl contenders. However, the hole they dug at the beginning of the year now causes every game to be important here on out in a crowded AFC.
All Eyes Are On You
7. San Francisco 49ers (+3) A week off for Frisco showed how good they actually are. Coming off a bye, look for things to get right as they travel to Jacksonville for a 1pm game. It should be a great game. Look for the Niners to get back to running the ball.
8. Dallas Cowboys (-1) A tough fought loss at Philly drops them a spot, but it seems we are the point in the year where “experts” are talking about the Boys in blue as Super Bowl contenders. Reminder - this team hasn’t been to a conference title game since 1995. And they will be judged on that and only that.
9. Miami Dolphins (-4) 0-3 against teams over .500. Not good enough. The Dolphins are officially the Cowboys of the AFC until they prove otherwise. This team is not a lock for the playoffs until they can beat those teams. A week off is much needed as they need to figure things out.
Getting Taped Up for the Fight
10. Cleveland Browns (+4) The defense did its job but pitching a shutout against rookie Clayton Tune and the Arizona Cardinals. They are sitting at 5-3 and currently the six seed in the AFC standings. Let’s see how good they are this week when they play the Ravens for a second time. Last time didn’t go well, and they want to be in the dance, they are going to have to beat their AFC North counterparties.
11. Minnesota Vikings (+1) And another one! Josh Dobbs doesn’t know anyone, but who cares. The Vikes fought back and stunned the Atlanta Falcons and are over .500 after starting 0-3. An incredible turnaround. Kevin O’Connell deserves a bunch of credit.
12. Seattle Seahawks (-3) Embarrassed in Baltimore. When Detroit did, they answered the bell the following week. Seattle is home for Washington this week. They should beat them. The difference between 6-3 and 5-4 is monumental. And Geno Smith needs to pick it up.
13. Houston Texans (+3) The CJ Stroud game. The kid is a baller and pulled a rabbit out of his hat Sunday. The front runner for the OROY, the Texans may have found something. They are on the outside looking in right now, but they are for sure in the fight.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (+1) They cooled down the Will Levis train on Thursday as they handled the Titans, but they continue to win ugly. I’m extremely skeptical that it's sustainable but your record says who you are, and the Steelers are 5-3.
15. Buffalo Bills (-2) If the season ended today, the Buffalo Bills wouldn’t qualify for the playoffs. A lot of people in the off-season thought that Buffalo may not up to snuff this year and so far it’s been true. Yea, their talent is really good, but they need to win games. A hot Denver team is on deck at home Monday Night.
16. Los Angeles Chargers (+2) A statement win on Monday in Metlife against the Jets. Their offense wasn’t great, but the defense stepped up big time. The Chargers are now 4-4 and firmly in the hunt. They have a massive game at home against the Lions Sunday.
17. New Orleans Saints (-) They won a game they were supposed to. They are now 5-4 in what continues to be a see-saw season. They were the favorites for the division going into the season and may be the best of the bunch when it's all set and done.
Stuck in the Atmosphere
18. New York Jets (-7) An extremely uninspiring performance from the Jets on Monday where they really could’ve taken control of a ton. The offense simply didn’t show up. Zach Wilson aint it. The offensive line is terrible. And Robert Saleh should be coaching for his job. Don’t care about the Rodgers injury.
19. Washington Commanders (+4) It’s hard to pinpoint where they truly belong in the NFL. They are 4-5 and I think that’s about right. They gave up both of their young, premiere EDGE rushers at the deadline, sending a message to fans that they are essentially starting over. I think Ron Rivera’s days are numbered.
20. Indianapolis Colts (+5) In a game a lot of people thought they could lose, they handled their business. This isn’t a playoff team, but it’s not an easy out either. Take away their two losses to Jacksonville and this team is 4-3!
21. Las Vegas Raiders (+5) Pretty wild how much Josh McDaniels affected that locker room. An inspiring victory against the Giants at home on Sunday sets them up for a big, big matchup against the Jets on Sunday Night. A win puts them at .500 and in the mix for a wild card spot. Wild stuff.
22. Denver Broncos (-1) On a bye last week, Denver is sitting at 3-5 and made no moves at the trade deadline. Extremely interesting. I don’t hope this team thinks they have a shot at hell at the playoffs, but its going to be really interesting to see what happens down the stretch.
FRAUDS
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-4) This team is cooked. I would’ve kept the door open if they won that game in Houston but after blowing it I’m done. And this isn’t Baker’s fault either. Its about everyone else outside of Baker that’s the problem.
24. Atlanta Falcons (-2) Arthur Smith should be fired. If not for anything else, for his usage of Bijan Robinson alone. You’re not smarter than everyone else man. Your team is under .500, so whatever you are doing isn’t working.
25. Tennessee Titans (-5) When we believe, they let us down. Will Levis wasn’t bad on Thursday, but he also wasn’t fantastic. Yes, he made a couple of throws, but as Mike Vrabel said - WE lost. The Titans can theoretically only afford two more losses and I just don’t think that’s in the cards.
What Do You Provide, Exactly?
26. Green Bay Packers (+4) Sure, they won. They beat Brett Rypien and didn’t look great doing it. Not a good first year under Jordan Love for the Pack.
27. Los Angeles Rams (-3) We got fooled and thought this team was decent. They are not. They are bad. 3-6 at the break and two games out of a wild card spot they are alive, but they need to go on some sort of run and still have to play the 49ers and Seahawks again.
28. Chicago Bears (-) I swear, this team just exists. Cole Kmet had a pulse Sunday. And this kid Bagent isn’t awful. But hey, Justin Fields may come back against the PANTHERS, so when he lights it up lets not forget to act like he’s Steve Young.
The Shit Under My Shoe
29. New England Patriots (-2) Holy shit, they’re terrible. We all saw it coming, but I think its worse than we anticipated.
30. Carolina Panthers (-1) Bryce Young, you have a TON of work to do.
31. New York Giants (-) My fucking lord. Just good christ. The fall from grace is astounding.
32. Arizona Cardinals (-) Kyler comes back this week. Soooooo about the tank?
Week 9 Power Rankings
The revolving door of the number one team is alive and well. For the 4th week in a row, the team we previously had number one has lost the following. The Chiefs were the latest victim as they fell 24-9 at Denver, marking Patrick Mahomes first loss against the Broncos. This season of NFL play has seen the renaissance of defensive play - and it was on display against this past weekend. We saw multiple teams this week lead with defense while offenses continue to struggle on a weekly basis. We also have a new “hottest” team in the NFL…and they resolve in Duval county. Let’s reveiew the latest power rankings!
The revolving door of the number one team is alive and well. For the 4th week in a row, the team we previously had number one has lost the following. The Chiefs were the latest victim as they fell 24-9 at Denver, marking Patrick Mahomes first loss against the Broncos. This season of NFL play has seen the renaissance of defensive play - and it was on display against this past weekend. We saw multiple teams this week lead with defense while offenses continue to struggle on a weekly basis. We also have a new “hottest” team in the NFL…and they resolve in Duval county. Let’s reveiew the latest power rankings!
POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 8 (October 26th-October 30th)
The Cream of the Crop
Philadelphia Eagles (+1) Philly just keeps on winning. Even with the Commanders up 14-3, this game never felt in doubt. Jalen Hurts had his best game on Sunday and AJ Brown continues to be a special, special player. The Eagles are back on top as the team to beat in the NFC.
Baltimore Ravens (+2) This team keeps finding a way. It isn’t always pretty, but it doesn’t have to be. Sunday it was Gus Edwards who carried the offense. Next week it can be someone else. That’s what makes this team dangerous.
Kansas City Chiefs (-2) Mahomes finally lost to the Broncos. It took a long while, but the Chiefs winning streak was snapped at 6 on Sunday in a snowy setting in Denver. They just didn’t look right all game. Massive game on deck in Germany against the Dolphins.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) All they do is win, win, win no matter what. That’s five in a row for the cats in Duval. They currently have the best SOV (Strength of Victory) in the AFC while having the toughest SOS among the AFC elite. The defense is excellent and the offense is coming along. Dangerous football team with a much needed bye next week.
You’re Really Good, but How Good Are You?
5. Miami Dolphins (+2) You play who is on your schedule. The Dolphins took care of the Patriots Sunday with another double digit victory. Jalen Ramsey made his debut and picked off Mac Jones. They now get on a flight to Germany to take on KC for their third test of the season. So far they are 0/2.
6. Detroit Lions (-) The Lions beat a team they were supposed to beat handedly. Are they the biggest threat to Philly in the NFC?
7. Dallas Cowboys (+1) They beat the Rams in the first quarter and then cruised. While we will praise them this week, next week is the big one. A game against the Eagles with the division lead on the line. Will Dan show up two weeks in a row?
8. Cincinnati Bengals (+3) They’re back.
9. Seattle Seahawks (-) The new leaders of the NFC West! Seattle won a tight game at home against Cleveland and traded for Leonard Williams. They’re going for it, and why not? This is a serious football team.
10. San Francisco 49ers (-7) Now losers of three in a row after looking unstoppable. Brock Purdy hasn’t looked comfortable in a month, and all of a sudden the Niners are holding onto a wild card spot by a game. What a difference a month makes.
You Need to be Active on Deadline Day
11. New York Jets (+4) Won the ugliest of games on Sunday, but when we look back in six months it will still say “W”. This team needs more - a receiver and offensive line depth should be on Joe Douglas’ wish list. A massive game against the Chargers looms on Monday Night.
12. Minnesota Vikings (+4) Another win, but at what cost? Kirk Cousins is done for the year with an achilles injury. Brutal loss for Minnesota and likely kills their Super Bowl hopes. They are the most interesting team to watch on deadline day.
13. Buffalo Bills (+1) They took care of business at home, but it wasn’t pretty. There is something off with this team, but I can’t pinpoint it. With all their injuries on defense, they should look for help there.
Nice Teams; That’s All They Are
14. Cleveland Browns (-4) Credit PJ Walker for keeping the Browns afloat while DeShaun Watson nurses his injury (ego??). But a brutal mistake late in the 4th quarter yesterday cost the Browns from potentially being 5-2. This team won’t get to where it can with the QB play from either quarterback.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (-2) The Steelers got “out-steelered” at their own place and then cried about it after the game. Not a good look. The defense is solid, but the offense is way, way, way behind schedule.
16. Houston Texans (-4) For all the talk about CJ Stroud, it was very weird to see a conservative gameplan against an 0-6 football team. Just when we were loving Houston, a stark reminder they are now quite there…yet.
We WANT to Believe in You!
17. New Orleans Saints (+3) They’ve now put together 5 straight competent quarters of offensive football. In a wide open NFC South, maybe they finally figured something out? I’m not sold yet.
18. Los Angeles Chargers (+3) A vintage Herbert performance on SNF reminded us how good he is. This team didn’t break a sweat. Next week? A gigantic game against the Jets on Monday Night Football with AFC positioning at play. Which Chargers team will show up?
If We Take Small Pieces From All of You, We Have a Good Team!
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-) The Bucs beat who they’re supposed to…and lose who they’re supposed to lose to.
20. Tennessee Titans (+4) Will Levis looked incredible in his first start. Can he carry it over to a second game? It will be interesting to see if the Titans sell on deadline day.
21. Denver Broncos (+8) Ok, MAYBE the Broncos aren’t that terrible. They still aren’t good, but no denying this team is way better than it was in September.
22. Atlanta Falcons (-5) Someone needs to be held accountable for not entertaining the thought of Lamar Jackson and then benching Desmond Ridder in Week 8. Concussion or no concussion - Ridder got benched. This team needs a QB. Arthur Smith’s job is in danger.
You Drive Me Crazy
23. Washington Commanders (+2) I can’t imagine being a fan. The ultimate tease.
24. Los Angeles Rams (-6) This team has dropped 12 spots in two weeks. I think they are who we thought they were. Stafford is hurt, again.
25. Indianapolis Colts (-3) They score 27 points against a good Saints defense….and give up 38 to the poor Saints offense. The Colts are stuck in hell.
26. Las Vegas Raiders (-) There is now a stench on the Raiders. This team was more disciplined under Rich Bisaccia.
We Watch Because?
27. New England Patriots (-) Of Bill Belichick
28. Chicago Bears (-5) They currently employ a D-II QB who has as many wins as Justin Fields in a year.
29. Carolina Panthers (+3) To watch Bryce Young’s Development.
Do We Have to Watch?
30. Green Bay Packers (-) There is nothing special. You’re better off painting.
31. New York Giants (-3) Only in torture chambers they show the Giants. They team actually moved backwards in the pass game yesterday (-.5 Yards Per Pass). I mean good christ.
32. Arizona Cardinals (-1) How many guys take the bus to the facility? I think I’d rather know that whole interaction than watch whoever is worse than Josh Dobbs.