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.

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 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!

POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 8 (October 26th-October 30th)

The Cream of the Crop

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.