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!

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 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?

Hot, Juicy Turkey

1. 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.

2. 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 7 Power Rankings

We are firmly not entrenched in the meat of the NFL season. Last week we talked about teams finding their identities, but now it seems teams are starting to separate themselves from the pack. There were some big time performances last week including the Browns and Jets amongst others, but teams we thought we were out on, we might need to reconsider. The public has spoken and the overwhelming majority enjoyed the format last week, so we roll on putting teams in tiers. Lets get to it!

POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 6 (October 12th-October 16th)

Eyes on the Prize!

1. Detroit Lions (+3) For the first time in a while, we have a new number one. Both 5-0 teams went down this week, but the Lions (!) are the model of consistency in the NFL. Another test passed as they went into Tampa Bay and dropped the Bucs on cremesicle day.

2. San Francisco 49ers (-1) Drop the Niners one spot with their shocking loss to Cleveland with PJ Walker under center. The Browns do flaunt the best defense in the league, and they made Brock Purdy look like a human being. The injuries to CMC, Deebo and Trent Williams are concerning.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (+2) The only game they’ve lost this year is without their two best players not named Mahomes, and it was by one point. Everyone knows this team hasn’t fully clicked on offense yet, and they haven’t skipped a beat. The Chiefs are the new Patriots.

4. Miami Dolphins (-1) They drop due to no fault of their own. They continue to wear teams down with their offensive explosions every week. A small scare from Tyreek Hill, but he came back quickly. Jalen Ramsey’s 21 day window is officially open to help a defense that has struggled at times this season.

Knocking On the Door

5. Philadelphia Eagles (-3) Yup, I dropped the Eagles out of the first tier. This team has been flirting with getting away with bad play all year, and it finally bit them on Sunday. Another subpar performance from Jalen Hurts, who now has 7 INTs on the year, and the Eagles don’t seem like a team that SHOULD be 5-1. They have an absolutely monumental game against Miami next week on SNF at home.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) This team went to London for 10 days and beat two teams who had winning records. They come back to Jacksonville and beat another team with a winning record. They are starting to find themselves. A trip to the Big Easy on a short week (and their 3rd city in 12 days) will be a big test with T-Law questionable to play.

7. Dallas Cowboys (+3) It’s not surprising that the Cowboys came out after a big loss and won a game on the road against a tough opponent. It’s how they will respond coming off that big win.

8. Buffalo Bills (-) For the second week in a row, the offense struggled mightily. This week it was against the lowly Giants at home on the national stage. Buffalo went through a small rut last year. Is this that rut?

WHAT ARE YOU - AFC NORTH EDITION

9. Baltimore Ravens (+3) We all watched that game Sunday morning. The Ravens are the exact same team as last year. You can’t convince me otherwise. For all the hype Todd Monken got over the off-season, this team’s play calling in the red zone was abysmal. It needs to be better.

10. Cleveland Browns (+6) This defense is unreal. They took the key out of the machine that is the 49ers and made them look like kids playing at a park. They did JUST enough offensively to squeak out a win. If the offense can be good consistently, look out.

11. Cincinnati Bengals (+7) After all the talk about how bad the Bengals were, and they were that bad early on, they go into their bye week one game out of first place. Un-frickin-believable.

I SEE YOU FAM !

12. Los Angeles Rams (+8) The Rams take a major step this week as they win a game they were supposed to win. Cooper Kupp is officially back and the Rams will be in this thing in December.

13. Seattle Seahawks (-7) This was a measuring stick game for the Seahawks, and they failed. They couldn’t protect Geno and only mustered 13 points against a struggling Bengals team. The defense continues to impress and Devon Witherspoon is now the clear front runner for the DROY.

14. Houston Texans (+5) DeMeco Ryans has this team grinding every week. These guys feel like they are never out of a game and always punch their opponent in the mouth - that’s a dangerous combination.

15. New York Jets (+6) Everyone wrote the Jets off, but they continue to show that their roster was more than A-Rod. A big, big win at home against the Eagles (for the first time) has them riding high into the bye. Their next 3 games (Giants, Chargers, Raiders) gives them a huge opportunity to put themselves in fantastic position. Time for Zach Wilson to put on his big boy pants.

PRETENDER TERRITORY

16. New Orleans Saints (-5) This team has an all world defense but has nothing to offer on offense. And it’s mind boggling with so many good players. I wouldn’t be shocked if they beat Jacksonville Thursday or got blown out. I know one thing - this teams inconsistency will hold them back.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-8) Unfortunately, this is an unserious football team. They had two big tests this year (Eagles, Lions) and failed both miserably as they were outscored 45-17 in both contests. Its a cute story, but the Bucs aren’t a serious threat in the NFC.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) The drop here has to do with teams that are clearly better than them (Rams, Texans, Jets). They can prove me wrong this week by beating said Rams on the road.

19. Los Angeles Chargers (-2) Another big loss for this football team. Conversations need to be had about this offense and Justin Herbert. I don’t care that he’s second in the NFL in game winning drives since his arrival. How many big wins does this team have since he’s been there?

THE ABYSS

20. Washington Commanders (+2) As up and down a team as you will see. If things check out, they will lose to the Giants this week. I don’t know what this team needs.

21. Atlanta Falcons (-7) I am officially out on Atlanta. Desmond Ridder suffered his first home loss and was pathetic on Sunday. The clock is ticking on him, officially.

22. Minnesota Vikings (+4) The Vikings have won two games in a row and after an 0-4 start, they find themselves one game out of a wild card spot. They also have the 49ers on deck. I believe their season is on the line Monday.

23. Las Vegas Raiders (-) Out of any team in the NFL, the Raiders have an opportunity to make a big splash here. They now sit at 3-3, but their schedule is extremely favorable. Jimmy G being hurt isn’t great, but Brian Hoyer isn’t the worst backup in the world. I will say, Hoyer vs. Bagent Sunday is riveting TV.

24. Green Bay Packers (+1) They were on bye this past week and hopefully got healthy. If they want a playoff spot, beat the Broncos on the road.

BACK TO REALITY

25. Indianapolis Colts (-12) With AR probably out for the season now, we got a glimpse of what life with Gardner Minshew is like. Not great Bob. The sad reality is that this team would’ve been a threat with a growing AR, but it looks like it will have to wait another year.

26. Tennessee Titans (-2) As long as this team refuses to come into this decade, they will be what they are. And right now, they have become the worst team in the AFC South.

WILL YOU GIVE CALEB WILLIAMS A STOCK IN OWNERSHIP?

27. Chicago Bears (-) Remember when the Justin Fields hype was going on for like 10 days? Me too. That ended Sunday as well his time being on the field with an injury. Tyson Bagent time!

28. New York Giants (+2) For the first time in a month they looked like they didn’t belong in the California Penal League.

29. Arizona Cardinals (-) Without James Conner and Budda Baker give me one reason to watch the Cardinals.

30. Denver Broncos (-2) The firesale is coming. Pre-Order your tickets at www.denverbroncos.com

31. New England Patriots (-) You guys think Mac Jones is cross-eyed?

32. Carolina Panthers (-) At least Bryce Young likes Spider-Man.