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 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.

Week 14 Power Rankings (November 30th-December 4th)

The Doctor Clears Most, if not All of You

1. 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?

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 8 Power Rankings

This is the official halfway point of the NFL season. We all know what that means - absolutely nothing. At this point last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars were 2-5, the Baltimore Ravens still had Lamar Jackson and everyone thought the Cowboys were Super Bowl contenders. Much of the same goes for this year , but we do have power rankings to get us through. For the third consecutive week, we have a new number one at the top, and this time it’s a familiar face. Lets take a look at where your team is heading into Week 8…

POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 7 (October 19th-October 23rd)

The Usual Suspects

1. Kansas City Chiefs (+2) For the first time all year, the Chiefs are on top. All it took was winning six straight after losing opening night at home by 1 without their best skill player on offense and their defensive captain. Once again, everyone is looking up at the Chiefs.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (+3) After counting out the Eagles last week, they responded in a big way. I know they read this ranking last week and used it as motivation. But seriously, they played well. Jalen Hurst still doesn’t seem to have the same mojo as last year, but this team is still 6-1 and beat Miami comfortably on a national stage.

3. San Francisco 49ers (-1) The Niners drop another spot after their second consecutive loss on the road - this time at the hands of the Vikings. It’s not time to worry…yet. But the question we asked weeks ago was how does Brock Purdy play when he’s behind. Well, we MAY have gotten our answer. Another big test against a rejuvenated Bengals teams awaits them in Santa Clara.

The Record Says Everything - Legitimate AFC Threat

4. Baltimore Ravens (+5) For all the flack I give the Ravens, they answered the bell in a BIG way Sunday. A team red hot came into their building, and the Ravens absolutely pummeled them. It was quite easily the most well rounded game for Lamar and the offense. For the first time in a long time, I can say Mr. Jackson looked like his old MVP self. If the Ravens can keep up this type of play, then watch out.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) Four games in nineteen days. Four different stadiums. Three different time zones. 4-0. What the Jags just accomplished is remarkable. Add in the fact that when they played all the teams they played they had at least a .500 record. Impressive stuff.

We Need a Statement Game

6. Detroit Lions (-5) I put the Lions number one last week because they were the most consistent team through seven weeks. So naturally they go out Sunday and get kicked to the curb by the Ravens. The Chiefs game is long gone and yes, there is something to say about them beating KC without two studs. Look at how the Lions have beaten so far this season - ATL, GB, CAR, TB. Their losses - SEA, BAL…Hmmm????

7. Miami Dolphins (-3) I can literally right the same thing for Miami as I did for Detroit. I know what Mike McDaniel said, but it can’t be ignored. The two games that they were supposed to “get up” for they lost 48-20 and 31-17. Need a win against a good team.

8. Dallas Cowboys (-1) The Boys were on a bye, but they definitely fit in this category. They need to beat a frisky Rams team this weekend to keep pace with Philadelphia in the NFC East.

9. Seattle Seahawks (+4) The Seahawks are just humming along, now 4-2 in 2023. Their impressive win came on the road against Detroit, but I need to see this team beat San Francisco once this year to have a legitimate shot in the NFC. If they beat SF, then they have no chance.

Oh Shit, These Teams are in the AFC Too?!?!?!?

10. Cleveland Browns (-) This team survived a game they probably should have lost in Indianapolis on Sunday. For the first time all year, the defense got worked and DeShaun Watson I just existing in Cleveland. Yet, the Browns find themselves 4-2 and are firmly entrenched in the AFC mix.

11. Cincinnati Bengals (-) We will find out if the Bengals are really back Sunday when they take on the Niners at their place. They’ve had two weeks to prepare.

12. Houston Texans (+2) After watching a week without Houston, I can firmly say that the Texans are a good team this year. DeMeco Ryans may be leading the pack for 2023 COTY.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (+5) Find a way. That should be the Steelers 2023 motto. I still don’t think it's sustainable to have an offense this poor and survive the season, but we’ve seen worse. Mike Tomlin continues to do his thing. They have a massive game against Jacksonville at home Sunday. The 5-2 Jags at the 4-2 Steelers? Yes please!!!

14. Buffalo Bills (-6) Panic button has been pushed for the Bills. They answered the bell last year when we hit the panic button, but they also didn’t have these injuries on defense.

15. New York Jets (-) Jets were on a bye, but the win against the Eagles set them up. They have an extremely favorable next three games - NYG, LAC, LV. We will see how serious the Jets are this year.

Are These Teams Actually Good?

16. Minnesota Vikings (+6) Last week I put the Vikings in “the abyss” and mentioned they have to win if they want their season alive. Check. Kirk Cousins is an MVP candidate this season. Yea, I said it.

17. Atlanta Falcons (+4) Now leading the NFC South, the Falcons have a chance to build on their lead with a game against a Titans team who is in flux at QB. If the Falcons can stop turning it over in the red zone though…

Got Turned Away at the “We are Serious” Club.

18. Los Angeles Rams (-6) I really like how the Rams have been competing this year, but you gotta beat the Steelers at home if you want to be a playoff team. LA seems like that team all year that will make you pull your hair out. Impossible to judge.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2) The Bucs aren’t serious. Its official. I’ll creep the door back open if they beat Buffalo Thursday - but if they lose, I would really consider selling…

20. New Orleans Saints (-4) Derek Carr is now yelling at his players. Chris Olave got arrested. Literally nothing is going right in New Orleans. Dennis Allen - your seat is officially hot.

21. Los Angeles Chargers (-2) I don’t want to hear about Justin Herbert being a top 5 quarterback. Was not that good on Sunday if you watch the game. LA is 2-4 and Brandon Staley will be the first HC fired.

22. Indianapolis Colts (+3) Indy responded in a big way after their embarrassing loss in JAX a week back. Who had Gardner Minshew cooking the Browns defense in Week 7? Not me. But as with Minshew teams, it’s always close but no cigar. Colts 0-2 since Minshew has been inserted as QB1.

The D-II Club

23. Chicago Bears (+3) Tyson Bagent has won as many games as Justin Fields since last October.

You May Not be Tanking, But You Should Be

24. Tennessee Titans (+2) I don’t even know why they moved up - maybe because the teams behind them are so bad? I don’t know. The Titans are weird though. They finally traded someone - Kevin Byard is now in Philly. Will that open the floodgates?

25. Washington Commanders (-5) I liked this team. I don’t anymore. You can’t lose to the Giants 14-7. You just can’t.

26. Las Vegas Raiders (-3) The Raiders lost the ‘back up bowl” and now face a Lions team on Monday Night coming off an embarrassing loss. Good luck!

27. New England Patriots (+4) Congrats to Bill Belichick on win 300. When will 301 come?

Still Ass

28. New York Giants (-) Beat the Jets this week and I will move them up considerably.

29. Denver Broncos (+1) The firesale is held off one more week.

30. Green Bay Packers (-6) Jordan Love is not good right now. The Packers team is awful. Matt LaFleur may be coaching for his job.

They Are Who We Though They Were

31. Arizona Cardinals (-2) Just play the Dennis Green GIF on repeat. WE let this team off the hook. They are that bad.

They Don’t Even Have Their Own Draft Pick…

32. Carolina Panthers (-) At least the Panthers couldn’t lose last week!