Five “Other” Coaches That We Need to Recognize

It’s Halloween season if you weren’t aware. One of my favorite times of the year - getting to dress up as whatever/whoever you want with little to no repercussions? And an excuse to eat things you probably shouldn’t. Who doesn’t love that? I’m also a horror fan, and growing up, one of my favorite horror movies was “The Others” starring Nicole Kidman. I remember being able to scare my sister at any time of day just by simply saying “the otherrrrssss” and she would run and cry in fear. It was fantastic. But that movie pertained to ghosts, or beings who lurked in the shadows. And that is the purpose of this article today.

We are about to embark on Week 8 of the NFL season. And we have done a solid job talking up teams, players, fanbases, etc. But one area we haven’t really covered is the coaching department. More than any other sport in the United States, NFL coaching is wildly important. It’s the sport where motivation and messaging to your players is a key ingredient to yearly success. It’s also something that can absolutely derail a team. We always talk about how coaches come in and change the “culture” around the league for different squads all the time. Last year we saw Brian Daboll and Doug Pederson do it. This year DeMeco Ryans and Shane Steichen are doing a really good job at changing the culture in Houston and Indianapolis, respectively. But the purpose of today’s article is to highlight some of the guys who aren’t on the surface, and lay beyond the shadows - much like the ghosts in “The Others”. See how I’m connecting the dots here? I know, really invaluable writing.

I like to think I have a good eye for things like this - so I’ve been thinking about different positional groups and even coordinators who have gone under the radar over the past couple of years and to give them their opportunity to shine today. So if you’re looking for an article on Pete Carroll, Andy Reid, Ben Johnson or Wink Martindale - I apologize, but you won’t here those names. We are taking a much deeper look into some of the “other” best coaches in the NFL.

*These are in no particular order, just five guys who deserve recognition

1. Hank Fraley - Offensive Line Coach, Detroit Lions (4th Year)

Hank Fraley has been with the Lions now for six years, starting out as assistant offensive line coach in 2018 and taking over the main duties in 2020. Over his time with Detroit, we have seen the Lions become one of, if not the premiere team in the NFL when it comes to offensive line play. You want to hear something wild? This is the Lions current starting offensive line:

LT - Taylor Decker

LG - Jonah Jackson

C - Frank Ragnow

RG - Graham Glasgow

RT - Penei Sewell

Every single one of these players was drafted by the Detroit Lions. Three in the first round (Decker, Ragnow, Sewell) and two in the third round (Jackson, Glasgow). Four of them have spent their entire career with Detroit - Glasgow spent the last couple of seasons with Denver but then came back to Detroit for 2023. And the kicker?  Decker and Glasgow started in 2016, Ragnow in 2018, Jackson in 2020 and Sewell in 2021. Hank Fraley developed all of them. And now he is reaping the benefits of his boys dominating every week up front. The Lions currently rank 2nd in pass protection and 4th in run blocking in 2023, according to PFF. This is the second year in a row that they have been in the top 10 in run protection. We all know that EDGE rushers are the hot thing in the NFL today, and while there are plenty of men who make offensive lines sleep at night, the Lions are not one of those teams. They have consistently gotten better in Sacks Allowed since Fraley’s arrival. Their year over year ranking in Sacks Allowed since Fraley took over as OL Coach - 22nd, T-8th, T-5th, T-3rd. You are reading that right. They jumped from 22nd in 2020 to tied for 8th in 2021 (and that was with a Frank Ragnow season ending injury). They also have three all-pro caliber players on the line with Decker, Ragnow and Sewell. Fraley clearly has an eye for talent - he may not be a scout, but if you think he doesn’t have any impact on what lineman the Lions are taking, you are out of your mind. We have seen the Lions go through a massive culture shift since Dan Campbell took over. And Campbell kept Fraley on staff in 2021, believing in his ability to develop. Well, he has done that and then some as the Lions now have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. And they wouldn’t be able to do it without the play of their dominant offensive line, and Hank Fraley has a ton to do with that. Ben Johnson gets a lot of chatter in Detroit, but don’t forget about Hank Fraley - one of the key cogs to the engine that makes the Lions go.

2. Clint Hurtt - Defensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks (2nd Year)

I remember the 2022 off-season. The quarterbacks stole a lot of the headlines - mainly Aaron Rodgers retirement talk and Russell Wilson’s impending trade from Seattle. Once Wilson was traded, everyone (and I mean everyone) had the Seattle Seahawks pegged as being one of the worst team in the NFL that season. Well, the season played out and Geno Smith garnered most, if not all of the attention. Winning comeback player of the year and leading the Seahawks to a playoff berth when everyone thought they would be picking in the top three in the 2023 draft.

Now, if I handed you a blank piece of paper and asked you to name the Seahawks defensive coordinator, would you be able to? Probably not. And that’s ok. They go under the radar, and that’s the way they like it. Clint Hurtt took over in 2022 from Ken Norton Jr. and immediately made some changes. Hurtt switched the Seahawks base defense from a 4-3 to a 3-4 leading to an increase in team sacks from 34 in 2021 to 45 in 2022. Per the Seahawks official website, Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor were the only pair of teammates to each have 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles each last season. They also garnered one of the steals of the entire draft is Riq Woolen, a 5th round pick into a star corner who, if not for Sauce Gardner, probably would’ve won defensive rookie of the year. Fast forward to 2023 and the Seahawks are actually being carried by their defense. They are currently 7th in total defense according to PFF, the 6th best team against the run (87.2 YPG) and are one of thirteen teams giving up less the 20 PPG (19.7). They have also drafted extremely well - this past draft they spent their top 10 pick on Devon Witherspoon, the lanky, athletic corner out of Illinois - and that move is already paying dividends. He is currently the front runner for DROY as he already being matched up with top receivers on the other side of the field. They also drafted Derick Hall, the project rookie out of Auburn who is starting to make his presence known in the Seahawks D-line room.

Hurtt has been able to communicate extremely well during his stint in Seattle, and if he continues to impress and help lead the Seahawks to another playoff berth, ears may get perked up about possible NFL head coaching opportunities.

3. Bobby Slowik - Offensive Coordinator, Houston Texans (1st Year)

Let’s get one thing straight - DeMeco Ryans is a hell of a coach, and if the trend keeps on going, he will win coach of the year in 2023. Ryans is the second defensive coordinator to get hired from the Kyle Shanahan tree (Robert Saleh), but unlike Saleh, Ryans is making an immediate impact. He has the Texans at 3-3 through their bye week when people thought they were at least 1-2 years away. Ryans didn’t come alone though - he brought over Bobby Slowik from San Francisco to be his OC and help mold CJ Stroud into an NFL quarterback. Slowik was in San Francisco for 6 years and worked as the passing game coordinator under Shanahan - a role that will never get recognized because Shanahan gets all the praise for the offensive success. But think of the Quarterbacks that Slowik has worked with in his 6 years with the 49ers - Brock Purdy, Jimmy Garoppolo, Trey Lance and Nick Mullens. He has proven to be successful with Jimmy and Brock. He has now moved over to Houston and is working wonders with CJ Stroud. As we all know, Stroud broke the record for most passes before throwing his first INT for a rookie; folks, that’s Bobby Slowik. He has done a masterful job at putting Stroud in positions to succeed. Slowik’s passing attack ranks 12th in the NFL through seven weeks and his receivers rank 6th. The run game hasn’t been able to get going as much, but I think that has to do with the depleted offensive line. The Texans are in the top half of the league in total yards per game and rank within the top 10 for passing yards per game. The turnaround in Houston’s offensive ability has been remarkable.

Will Slowik be able to keep Stroud upright and keep up these kind of numbers all year? I’m not entirely sure. But there is reason to be optimistic. Coming from the San Francisco school of coaching hasn’t been the worst thing in the world. While Robert Saleh and the Jets haven’t been able to find team success yet, Saleh has transformed the Jets into one of the top defenses in the NFL - that’s no accident. He, as well as Ryans, both had schemes in San Francisco extremely conducive to today’s NFL. I have faith that Slowik will fall from the same tree. Kyle Shanahan’s offense has proven to be wildly successful in the NFL - just look at his track record. And Slowik is doing it with guys who many people thought were afterthoughts in the NFL - Nico Collins, Robert Woods, John Metchie; just like the QBs in San Francisco. It seems after the disaster that the Texans went through the past couple of years, they finally got it right with DeMeco Ryans at the helm and Bobby Slowik as the OC.

4. Deshea Townsend - Secondary/Cornerbacks Coach, Jacksonville Jaguars (1st Season)

The one common theme amongst Jacksonville Jaguars coaches? Experience. Playing experience that is. The majority of their coaches have NFL experience prior to coaching, and Deshea Townsend may be the most decorated of them all. He is a two time Super Bowl champ, both with Pittsburgh, and amassed 21 career interceptions as well as 15.5 sacks over nine NFL seasons. Townsend has been around the block, both coaching in the NFL and college ranks. But, one common theme with him is that his secondaries have been successful anywhere he’s been. Lets review:

2011 - Assistant DB’s coach (Arizona Cardinals) Limited opponents to 215.9 net passing yards, 5th best in the NFC.

13-15: Cornerbacks Coach, Mississippi State - Led the nation in passes defensed (89) and passes broken up (73) while ranking 15th nationally in Interceptions (15).

19-21: Secondary Coach, Chicago Bears - Defenses ranked inside the top 12 every year in passing yards per game, with the best output being in 2021 where the Bears ranked 3rd in passing yards per game while finishing 7th in first downs allowed.

*All info via Jaguars.com

Townsend took a year off in 2022 and was then hired by Doug Pederson in 2023 to lead a young, hungry Jaguars secondary that the team had put a lot of resources into. A group led by draftees Tyson Campbell (2nd Round, Georgia) and Andre Cisco (3rd Round, Syracuse) as well as FA signings Darious Williams and Rayshawn Jenkins, the Jacksonville defense saw an increase in 2022, but were looking for more of a spark in 2023. How’s this for a spark. The Jacksonville Jaguars are number one in the NFL in coverage grade in 2023 (90.4). When you think of secondaries, you think of the Ravens, Jets, Saints, Falcons, Chiefs. You normally don’t think of Jacksonville. You need to start doing so. Takeaways? Check. They lead the NFL in takeaways through 7 weeks with 16. 9 of those are interceptions to go along with 29 (!!!) PBU’s. None of their starting secondary has a receiving rate higher than 65.2. They have only been called for five penalties. Five. Stat watchers will point and look at the fact that they rank 31st in passing yards allowed per game and say they aren’t good, but when you actually look at the numbers, this is an elite secondary. The Jaguars have been up in the second half in each of their last 4 games, so the opposing team has had to throw the ball to try and climb out of a hole. Both Gardner Minshew and Derek Carr had 50+ pass attempts when they played Jacksonville, something neither of those offenses want to do. Townsend has come in and been a stud for the Jags secondary, and if Mike Caldwell does get calls for Head Coaching opportunities this year, Townsend will be a popular pick to replace Caldwell as DC for Jacksonville.

5. Stump Mitchell - Running Backs Coach, Cleveland Browns (4th Season)

Right now when you think of the Cleveland Browns, you think of defense. You think of Jim Schwartz. Nick Chubb. Hell, you may still think of Baker Mayfield. I guarantee you don’t think of Stump Mitchell, who outside of rocking a sick beard, is maybe the best running back coach in the entire league. Mitchell has been a coach for 21 years, but his work with Cleveland the past four has definitely been his best. A former player, Mitchell has overseen five running backs rush for over 1,000 yards (Ricky Watters, Shaun Alexander, Clinton Portis, David Johnson and Nick Chubb). That is an impressive list. He was also the man behind Andre Ellington (remember him?) when he had his 1,000 yard scrimmage season. He was the running backs coach when Shaun Alexander set the record for 28 touchdowns in 2005. He has an extremely established background.

His work with the Browns though is great. Starting in 2019, he guided Nick Chubb in rushing for 1,494 rushing yards (2nd in NFL) as well as 1,772 scrimmage yards, which is the 5th most in Browns history. In 2020, Mitchell used the two headed monster of Chubb and Hunt; both running backs had over 1,000 scrimmage yards for the season and amassed a combined 23 touchdowns. In 2021, the Browns led the NFL in rushing average at 5.09. Chubb again finished 2nd in rushing and has been a pro bowler every year under Mitchell. This season has been a little different though. Nick Chubb had a nasty injury on Monday Night Football a few weeks ago that sidelined him indefinitely, and the Browns had little to no avenues of where they were gonna go for a rushing attack. But have no fear, Stump Mitchell is here.

The Browns inserted Jerome Ford into their starting role and picked up Kareem Hunt for a second stint with Cleveland as he was roaming the free agent streets. Anyone who thought the Browns would skip a beat in the rushing department should receive an “F” for something. This year, the Browns rank 5th in rushing with an 82.8 grade according to PFF, and are second in rushing yards per game at 147.5. That’s an astounding number. And doing it without Nick Chubb is all the better. It really is a testament to how Mitchell prepares his room each and every week. This is a Browns team that has had injuries at the QB and RB spot this year, and yet they are 4-2 behind some old school football - a hard, physical, violent defense and a thumping running attack. The days of being an OC or even a HC for Stump Mitchell may be gone, but Mitchell will be in the NFL as long as he wants to be. He’s been nothing but successful every step of the way.

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!

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.

Quarter Mark NFL Report Cards

Week 6 started on Thursday with the Chiefs defeating the Broncos for the 16th straight time. That is the longest streak in the NFL today. We had enough information through five weeks that we were pretty confident that the Chiefs were going to take down the Broncos - but we also have a really good sample size on the rest of the NFL teams through the first chunk of games. So how is your team doing? Does their record indicate how good they are? Is there a run on the horizon? Conversely, is your team playing over their heads and will they come down to earth? We answer all these questions below as we do our first of four quarter mark NFL Report Cards!

AFC East

Miami Dolphins

Record: 4-1

HomeR: 2-0

AwayR: 2-1

+/-: (+46)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 1st

PPG - 1st

RuYds - 1st

RuYds/PG - 1st

PaYds - 1st

PaYds/PG - 1st

Total Yards - 1st

Yds/PG - 1st

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 26th

Pts/G - 26th

RuYds All. - 17th

RuYds All/PG - 18th

PaYds All. - 21st

PaYds All/PG - 19th

Total Yards Allowed - 24th

Yds All/PG - 23rd

Record Rank - 4th

Offensive Rank - 1st

Defensive Rank - 25th

Composite Rank - 7th

Last season, the Dolphins offense was running circles around teams until had the concussion issues. So far in 2023, nothing has changed. This Dolphins offense has absolutely domimated other squads. You can’t teach speed. Don’t get it twisted - the Dolphins are Super Bowl contenders, but if they want to get to the promised land, the defense will have to step up.

Grade: A

Buffalo Bills

Record: 3-2

HomeR: 2-1

AwayR: 1-1

+/-: (+79)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 3rd

PPG - 3rd

RuYds - 15th

RuYds/PG - 16th

PaYds - 5th

PaYds/PG - 4th

Total Yards - 5th

Yds/PG - 4th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 6th

Pts/G - 6th

RuYds All. - 25th

RuYds All/PG - 25th

PaYds All. - 9th

PaYds All/PG - 9th

Total Yards Allowed - 13th

Yds All/PG - 12th

Record Rank - 9th

Offensive Rank - 5th

Defensive Rank - 11th

Composite Rank - 5th

This is where the Bills should be. Ranking in the Top 5 in offense and sitting around the Top 10 in defense is great, but they only have 3-2 to show for it. A lot of people (including myself) wrote Buffalo off this-offseason and through five weeks they have proven they are anything but. It will be interesting to see where this defense lands without Tre White, Matt Milano and Daquan Jones.

Grade: A-

New York Jets

Record: 2-3

HomeR: 1-2

AwayR: 1-1

+/-: (-12)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 22nd

PPG - 23rd

RuYds - 12th

RuYds/PG - 11th

PaYds - 31st

PaYds/PG - 32nd

Total Yards - 23rd

Yds/PG - 26th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 16th

Pts/G - 14th

RuYds All. - 28th

RuYds All/PG - 28th

PaYds All. - 14th

PaYds All/PG - 14th

Total Yards Allowed - 23rd

Yds All/PG - 21st

Record Rank - 24th

Offensive Rank - 25th

Defensive Rank - 23rd

Composite Rank - 25th

On the contrary, this is where Jets shouldn’t be. Granted, if you told me that there record was 2-3 with how their schedule started, I probably wouldn’t have been too surprised. But then you sprinkle in the Rodgers achilles injury, the corpse that is Dalvin Cook, and the fact that their defense is ranked 23rd in the NFL. The defense was supposed to be the backbone of this team and they haven’t been able to replicate their effectiveness from 2022. Zach Wilson has played better the last two games, but the Jets may hover around .500 without Rodgers.

Grade: C-

New England Patriots

Record: 1-4

HomeR: 0-3

AwayR: 1-1

+/-: (-76)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 32nd

PPG - 32nd

RuYds - 24th

RuYds/PG - 25th

PaYds - 17th

PaYds/PG - 18th

Total Yards - 22nd

Yds/PG - 25th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 24th

Pts/G - 24th

RuYds All. - 15th

RuYds All/PG - 16th

PaYds All. - 7th

PaYds All/PG - 7th

Total Yards Allowed - 10th

Yds All/PG - 9th

Record Rank - 30th

Offensive Rank - 28th

Defensive Rank - 12th

Composite Rank - 24th

I think this rank is a little deceiving. Although the defense still hasn’t been terrible, the offense is putrid and has caused New England’s defense to be on the field more than it should. Their first two losses against Philadelphia and Miami were hard fought games that went down to the final minutes, but the last couple of weeks have been shameful. We are nearing the territory of calling Mac a bust and entering the Patriots into the Caleb Williams sweepstakes.

Grade: D

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 5-0

HomeR: 2-0

AwayR: 3-0

+/-: (+37)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 6th

PPG - 5th

RuYds - 2nd

RuYds/PG - 2nd

PaYds - 10th

PaYds/PG - 10th

Total Yards - 3rd

Yds/PG - 2nd

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 15th

Pts/G - 13th

RuYds All. - 2nd

RuYds All/PG - 1st

PaYds All. - 26th

PaYds All/PG - 24th

Total Yards Allowed - 11th

Yds All/PG - 10th

Record Rank - 2nd

Offensive Rank - 3rd

Defensive Rank - 10th

Composite Rank - 2nd

We’ve seen so many Super Bowl hangovers in the past. But these Eagles are different - they haven’t been flashy like the Dolphins or been a juggernaut like the 49ers, but they have gotten the job done every week. Ranking 3rd in offense and 10th in defense is no joke, and the Eagles are here to stay. A win is always a will - stop questioning it.

Grade: A

Dallas Cowboys

Record: 3-2

HomeR: 2-0

AwayR: 1-2

+/-: (+51)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 7th

PPG - 8th

RuYds - 11th

RuYds/PG - 10th

PaYds - 18th

PaYds/PG - 19th

Total Yards - 17th

Yds/PG - 16th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 7th

Pts/G - 7th

RuYds All. - 18th

RuYds All/PG - 18th

PaYds All. - 2nd

PaYds All/PG - 2nd

Total Yards Allowed - 6th

Yds All/PG - 6th

Record Rank - 10th

Offensive Rank - 12th

Defensive Rank - 6th

Composite Rank - 6th

The Cowboys once again will be judged by how they do in the postseason. They should get there, but they were once again outclassed by the 49ers in front of the national stage. The criticism of Dak Prescott and Mike McCarthy is warranted. And if the Boys want to get anywhere, they will need to start showing up in big games.

Grade: B

Washington Commanders

Record: 2-3

HomeR: 1-2

AwayR: 1-1

+/-: (-51)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 18th

PPG - 17th

RuYds - 22nd

RuYds/PG - 23rd

PaYds - 12th

PaYds/PG - 12th

Total Yards - 17th

Yds/PG - 17th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 31st

Pts/G - 31st

RuYds All. - 23rd

RuYds All/PG - 23rd

PaYds All. - 21st

PaYds All/PG - 20th

Total Yards Allowed - 25th

Yds All/PG - 24th

Record Rank - 27th

Offensive Rank - 18th

Defensive Rank - 28th

Composite Rank - 27th

If there is a definition of a seesaw team, its the 2023 Commanders. If you watch this team play, you would think they aren’t that bad. Sam Howell throws a good ball, they have some weapons on offense, and their defensive line is elite. But their offensive line has given up the most sacks through five games. Their secondary is poor and I’m not sure Ron Rivera is the right coach for them. They failed their big test agains the Bills horribly and then lost at home to the Bears. Maybe this team isn’t there yet.

Grade: C+

New York Giants

Record: 1-4

HomeR: 0-2

AwayR: 1-2

+/-: (-91)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 31st

PPG - 31st

RuYds - 21st

RuYds/PG - 22nd

PaYds - 30th

PaYds/PG - 31st

Total Yards - 30th

Yds/PG - 32nd

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 29th

Pts/G - 29th

RuYds All. - 30th

RuYds All/PG - 30th

PaYds All. - 19th

PaYds All/PG - 18th

Total Yards Allowed - 27th

Yds All/PG - 26th

Record Rank - 31st

Offensive Rank - 32nd

Defensive Rank - 31st

Composite Rank - 32nd

I don’t care that the Panthers are 0-5. I don’t care that the Broncos gave up 70 points. The New York Giants are the worst team in football. They can’t throw. They can’t block. They can’t tackle. An unmitigated disaster over in East Rutherford. It’s time to watch Caleb Williams and Drake Maye tape.

Grade: F

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 3-2

HomeR: 2-1

AwayR: 1-1

+/-: (-31)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 29th

PPG - 30th

RuYds - 29th

RuYds/PG - 30th

PaYds - 24th

PaYds/PG - 26th

Total Yards - 26th

Yds/PG - 30th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 19th

Pts/G - 17th

RuYds All. - 27th

RuYds All/PG - 27th

PaYds All. - 25th

PaYds All/PG - 23rd

Total Yards Allowed - 31st

Yds All/PG - 30th

Record Rank - 15th

Offensive Rank - 31st

Defensive Rank - 29th

Composite Rank - 29th

We were promised an elite offense this preseason. I drafted as such. But the Steelers offense has looked extremely similar to that of last season. Kenny Pickett has not been good, but may have quelled the critics for a bit with his clutch throw to George Pickens last week against the hated Ravens. But for me, its about the defense here. Everyone will point to TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, as you should, but there really hasn’t been a ton of other bright spots for the Steelers early on. They are 3-2 yes, but their type of play is not sustainable. If there was one team I’m circling to come down to earth, its the Steelers.

Grade: C

Baltimore Ravens

Record: 3-2

HomeR: 1-1

AwayR: 2-1

+/-: (+34)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 17th

PPG - 17th

RuYds - 4th

RuYds/PG - 4th

PaYds - 23rd

PaYds/PG - 25th

Total Yards - 13th

Yds/PG - 13th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 4th

Pts/G - 3rd

RuYds All. - 9th

RuYds All/PG - 7th

PaYds All. - 3rd

PaYds All/PG - 3rd

Total Yards Allowed - 3rd

Yds All/PG - 2nd

Record Rank - 10th

Offensive Rank - 16th

Defensive Rank - 4th

Composite Rank - 8th

If I was doing tiered rankings, I would put the Ravens in the same category as the Cowboys. The days are done of Baltimore being judged in the regular season. But then you look and they have inexcusable losses to both Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. Their wideouts dropped seven passes last week. Some teams don’t drop seven passes in a year. The defense has been lights out. That’s a fact. Are the Ravens are who we thought they were though?

Grade: B-

Cleveland Browns

Record: 2-2

HomeR: 2-1

AwayR: 0-1

+/-: (+16)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 30th

PPG - 22nd

RuYds - 16th

RuYds/PG - 5th

PaYds - 32nd

PaYds/PG - 30th

Total Yards - 31st

Yds/PG - 19th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 1st

Pts/G - 4th

RuYds All. - 1st

RuYds All/PG - 4th

PaYds All. - 1st

PaYds All/PG - 1st

Total Yards Allowed - 1st

Yds All/PG - 1st

Record Rank - 16th

Offensive Rank - 26th

Defensive Rank - 1st

Composite Rank - 14th

This defense is elite. They’ve given up the least amount of points so far this season and are almost impenetrable against the pass. If their offense was able to get it going, this would be a shoe-in playoff team. However, the injury to Nick Chubb changes things a ton. Then factor in that DeShaun Watson will be missing his second straight game, and I don’t know if there is a path to postseason football in a extremely competitive AFC.

Grade: B

Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 2-3

HomeR: 1-1

AwayR: 1-2

+/-: (-31)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 26th

PPG - 27th

RuYds - 30th

RuYds/PG - 31st

PaYds - 22nd

PaYds/PG - 24th

Total Yards - 27th

Yds/PG - 31st

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 20th

Pts/G - 19th

RuYds All. - 31st

RuYds All/PG - 31st

PaYds All. - 11th

PaYds All/PG - 11th

Total Yards Allowed - 22nd

Yds All/PG - 20th

Record Rank - 25th

Offensive Rank - 30th

Defensive Rank - 24th

Composite Rank - 30th

Despite the win against the Cardinals last week, which wasn’t easy, the Bengals have been one of the worst teams in the NFL. Just look at the numbers. 26th in scoring, 31st in rushing. 31st in run defense. Those aren’t the numbers of Bengals teams in years past. They are the biggest disappointment so far in 2023. Joe Burrow was running around last week so hopefully they are back on the right track, but the first month has not been what any Bengals fan would have wanted.

Grade: D-

NFC North

Detroit Lions

Record: 4-1

HomeR: 2-1

AwayR: 2-0

+/-: (+41)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 4th

PPG - 4th

RuYds - 7th

RuYds/PG - 7th

PaYds - 8th

PaYds/PG - 9th

Total Yards - 6th

Yds/PG - 6th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 17th

Pts/G - 15th

RuYds All. - 4th

RuYds All/PG - 3rd

PaYds All. - 18th

PaYds All/PG - 17th

Total Yards Allowed - 7th

Yds All/PG - 7th

Record Rank - 5th

Offensive Rank - 4th

Defensive Rank - 9th

Composite Rank - 4th

The Lions have completely flipped the script. Ranking Top 5 in offense and Top 10 in defense is really incredible. We should’ve known how good this team is after their opening win in Arrowhead, but we credited that to no Travis Kelce and no Chris Jones. All they’ve done since is go 3-1 and look extremely comfortable in doing so. Make no mistake - the Lions have their eyes on the Lombardi.

Grade: A+

Green Bay Packers

Record: 2-3

HomeR: 1-1

AwayR: 1-2

+/-: (0)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 12th

PPG - 13th

RuYds - 26th

RuYds/PG - 27th

PaYds - 19th

PaYds/PG - 18th

Total Yards - 24th

Yds/PG - 27th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 19th

Pts/G - 18th

RuYds All. - 26th

RuYds All/PG - 26th

PaYds All. - 10th

PaYds All/PG - 10th

Total Yards Allowed - 18th

Yds All/PG - 17th

Record Rank - 20th

Offensive Rank - 21st

Defensive Rank - 20th

Composite Rank - 21st

The Packers are weird. One week you watch them and say that their is something there. And then you watch them against Detroit and Las Vegas and scratch your head. Here is the reality - this is an extremely young team going through some growing pains. Love has accuracy issues, but what “rookie” doesn’t. Their defense is young as well as their skill players. The Packers will be the hardest team to judge week in and week out.

Grade: C

Minnesota Vikings

Record: 1-4

HomeR: 0-3

AwayR: 1-1

+/-: (-12)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 16th

PPG - 15th

RuYds - 27th

RuYds/PG - 29th

PaYds - 3rd

PaYds/PG - 2nd

Total Yards - 9th

Yds/PG - 9th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 23rd

Pts/G - 22nd

RuYds All. - 13th

RuYds All/PG - 13th

PaYds All. - 23rd

PaYds All/PG - 21st

Total Yards Allowed - 20th

Yds All/PG - 18th

Record Rank - 25th

Offensive Rank - 14th

Defensive Rank - 21st

Composite Rank - 20th

No one wanted to believe last year was a fluke. But 11-0 in one score games was not sustainable. And its showing this year. There are heavy, heavy talks of the Vikings blowing it up, and the rumblings will only grow with their GM at the USC game last night watching Caleb Williams. There could be a massive sell-off here before Halloween, and it may be the smart thing to do.

Grade: D

Chicago Bears

Record: 1-4

HomeR: 0-2

AwayR: 1-2

+/-: (-42)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 10th

PPG - 11th

RuYds - 9th

RuYds/PG - 9th

PaYds - 16th

PaYds/PG - 17th

Total Yards - 14th

Yds/PG - 14th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 30th

Pts/G - 30th

RuYds All. - 11th

RuYds All/PG - 11th

PaYds All. - 31st

PaYds All/PG - 31st

Total Yards Allowed - 30th

Yds All/PG - 29th

Record Rank - 27th

Offensive Rank - 10th

Defensive Rank - 30th

Composite Rank - 22nd

The Bears have shown signs of life the last weeks, with last Thursdays effort resulting in a win. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This is a bad football team. The defense is weak and the offense was not able to generate anything before games agains the Broncos and the Commanders, who rank 32nd and 28th in defense respectively. Call me a skeptic, but I need to see Justin Fields do it against an average defense. This is a failure of a season so far for the Bears.

Grade: F

AFC South

Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 3-2

HomeR: 1-2

AwayR: 2-0

+/-: (+3)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 19th

PPG - 19th

RuYds - 14th

RuYds/PG - 14th

PaYds - 11th

PaYds/PG - 11th

Total Yards - 10th

Yds/PG - 10th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 13th

Pts/G - 12th

RuYds All. - 7th

RuYds All/PG - 5th

PaYds All. - 29th

PaYds All/PG - 26th

Total Yards Allowed - 21st

Yds All/PG - 19th

Record Rank - 13th

Offensive Rank - 13th

Defensive Rank - 16th

Composite Rank - 12th

The Jags haven’t hit their stride yet. You can just tell by watching them. Nothing is coming easy. But talented teams find ways to win, and the Jaguars are sitting at 3-2 in a surprisingly competitive AFC South. No one would have thought though that its the defense early on carrying the offense. I know the stats tell a different story, but the Jags haven’t been able to put the ball in the end zone like they’ve wanted. One thing is certain.- they wont coast to a division title like everyone thought.

Grade: B

Indianapolis Colts

Record: 3-2

HomeR: 1-2

AwayR: 2-0

+/-: (+5)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 9th

PPG - 10th

RuYds - 8th

RuYds/PG - 8th

PaYds - 14th

PaYds/PG - 14th

Total Yards - 12th

Yds/PG - 12th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 22nd

Pts/G - 21st

RuYds All. - 18th

RuYds All/PG - 19th

PaYds All. - 30th

PaYds All/PG - 27th

Total Yards Allowed - 29th

Yds All/PG - 27th

Record Rank - 12th

Offensive Rank - 8th

Defensive Rank - 26th

Composite Rank - 17th

Indianapolis has been surprisingly good these first five weeks. They are extremely good up front, and were able to sustain a running game while they sorted out the Jonathan Taylor situation. It’s going to be difficult without Anthony Richardson for the unforeseeable future, but Gardner Minshew is a more than capable backup. We need to see a little bit more, but this team is definitely in the mix.

Grade: A

Houston Texans

Record: 2-3

HomeR: 1-1

AwayR: 1-2

+/-: (+15)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 11th

PPG - 12th

RuYds - 25th

RuYds/PG - 26th

PaYds - 4th

PaYds/PG - 3rd

Total Yards - 11th

Yds/PG - 11th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 12th

Pts/G - 11th

RuYds All. - 16th

RuYds All/PG - 17th

PaYds All. - 18th

PaYds All/PG - 17th

Total Yards Allowed - 18th

Yds All/PG - 17th

Record Rank - 18th

Offensive Rank - 11th

Defensive Rank - 15th

Composite Rank - 16th

Everything about the Texans starts and ends with CJ Stroud. He has unquestionably been the Rookie of the Year thus far. The upstart Texans also rank inside the Top 15 in both offense and defense, and showed people they were no longer a doormat after a 20 point drubbing of their division rival Jaguars. Keep an eye on this team.

Grade: A-

Tennessee Titans

Record: 2-3

HomeR: 2-0

AwayR: 0-3

+/-: (-5)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 23rd

PPG - 25th

RuYds - 17th

RuYds/PG - 18th

PaYds - 25th

PaYds/PG - 27th

Total Yards - 20th

Yds/PG - 23rd

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 10th

Pts/G - 9th

RuYds All. - 11th

RuYds All/PG - 9th

PaYds All. - 24th

PaYds All/PG - 22nd

Total Yards Allowed - 17th

Yds All/PG - 16th

Record Rank - 21st

Offensive Rank - 24th

Defensive Rank - 14th

Composite Score - 19th

The Titans do what they always do - they make other teams play their game. And that will work during some weeks. But this is a team that has yet to make it to the modern era of football and is battling father time in terms of their competitive clock ticking. Derrick Henry doesn’t seem to have the same juice he’s had in years past an they are nowhere near exciting as the other three teams in their division. Can this team make the playoffs? Maybe. Will they ever make any significant noise? No. Its time for the Titans to start over.

Grade: C

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 3-1

HomeR: 1-1

AwayR: 2-0

+/-: (+16)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 24th

PPG - 20th

RuYds - 32nd

RuYds/PG - 24th

PaYds - 27th

PaYds/PG - 13th

Total Yards - 32nd

Yds/PG - 21st

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 3rd

Pts/G - 8th

RuYds All. - 6th

RuYds All/PG - 10th

PaYds All. - 4th

PaYds All/PG - 16th

Total Yards Allowed - 2nd

Yds All/PG - 11th

Record Rank - 7th

Offensive Rank - 27th

Defensive Rank - 5th

Composite Rank - 11th

The Bengals are the biggest disappointment. Well, the Bucs are the biggest surprise. Baker Mayfield looks revitalized in Tampa when everyone left him for dead. The defense is still elite. Todd Bowles knows what he’s doing on that side of the ball. And while the offense still figures itself out on the ground, the defense is happy to pick them up. This is a feisty team, and while they may not be a Super Bowl contender yet, its not an automatic “W” on your schedule like you may have thought.

Grade: A+

Atlanta Falcons

Record: 3-2

HomeR: 3-0

AwayR: 0-2

+/-: (-13)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 25th

PPG - 26th

RuYds - 13th

RuYds/PG - 12th

PaYds - 20th

PaYds/PG - 22nd

Total Yards - 17th

Yds/PG - 18th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 11th

Pts/G - 9th

RuYds All. - 14th

RuYds All/PG - 15th

PaYds All. - 8th

PaYds All/PG - 8th

Total Yards Allowed - 9th

Yds All/PG - 8th

Record Rank - 14th

Offensive Rank - 20th

Defensive Rank - 7th

Composite Rank - 13th

All off-season I clamored for the Falcons to inquire about Lamar. They told the world that Desmond Ridder was their guy. Here’s a proclamation that probably isn’t a world shocker; if the Falcons had an above average quarterback, they would be a Super Bowl contender. This defense is absolutely for real and has players at every level. Bijan Robinson is a human joystick while their receivers are oozing with talent waiting to be unleashed. Maybe Desmond Ridder is good. Maybe he’s not. The fact that we don’t know yet is quite frankly the issue.

Grade: B

New Orleans Saints

Record: 3-2

HomeR: 1-1

AwayR: 2-1

+/-: (+20)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 20th

PPG - 21st

RuYds - 18th

RuYds/PG - 20th

PaYds - 21st

PaYds/PG - 23rd

Total Yards - 21st

Yds/PG - 24th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 5th

Pts/G - 5th

RuYds All. - 10th

RuYds All/PG - 8th

PaYds All. - 5th

PaYds All/PG - 4th

Total Yards Allowed - 5th

Yds All/PG - 4th

Record Rank - 12th

Offensive Rank - 22nd

Defensive Rank - 3rd

Composite Rank - 9th

New Orleans has the same issue they had last season. This team has a Super Bowl worthy defense, but their offense is constantly stuck in the mud. Derek Carr was supposed to change that. And last week was the first week they looked like they had a pulse, but that was against the Patriots. We need to see it on a more consistent basis before we call the Saints contenders, but they are trending in the right direction.

Grade: B+

Carolina Panthers

Record: 0-5

HomeR: 0-2

AwayR: 0-3

+/-: (-53)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 22nd

PPG - 24th

RuYds - 19th

RuYds/PG - 21st

PaYds - 20th

PaYds/PG - 21st

Total Yards - 19th

Yds/PG - 24th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 27th

Pts/G - 27th

RuYds All. - 25th

RuYds All/PG - 25th

PaYds All. - 6th

PaYds All/PG - 6th

Total Yards Allowed - 13th

Yds All/PG - 13th

Record Rank - 32nd

Offensive Rank - 23rd

Defensive Rank - 18th

Composite Rank - 28th

Like John mentioned in his rookie report card, I feel like this team gets an incomplete. They are bad. I’m not trying to not say that. But I think with a more competent offensive line there was a win or two in there so far. Their statistics aren’t awful but they aren’t scaring anyone. I will say this; the fact that Frank Reich wanted a different QB and they are the last winless team is not a coincidence. The front office seems to be the overarching problem in Carolina.

Grade: F

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 5-1

HomeR: 2-1

AwayR: 3-0

+/-: (+59)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 5th

PPG - 9th

RuYds - 6th

RuYds/PG - 15th

PaYds - 2nd

PaYds/PG - 7th

Total Yards - 2nd

Yds/PG - 7th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 8th

Pts/G - 2nd

RuYds All. - 18th

RuYds All/PG - 12th

PaYds All. - 16th

PaYds All/PG - 5th

Total Yards Allowed - 19th

Yds All/PG - 5th

Record Rank - 3rd

Offensive Rank - 6th

Defensive Rank - 8th

Composite Rank - 3rd

It’s scary when a team isn’t playing their best and are still the class of the conference. That’s the Chiefs. Nobody, including themselves would tell you that they are operating where they want to. But they still have a Top 10 offense. The difference this year is that their defense is very, very good. I won’t call them elite yet, but the duo of L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie is a top unit in the league.

Grade: A

Los Angeles Chargers

Record: 2-2

HomeR: 1-1

AwayR: 1-1

+/-: (+6)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 15th

PPG - 7th

RuYds - 19th

RuYds/PG - 13th

PaYds - 13th

PaYds/PG - 6th

Total Yards - 19th

Yds/PG - 5th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 14th

Pts/G - 23rd

RuYds All. - 8th

RuYds All/PG - 14th

PaYds All. - 22nd

PaYds All/PG - 32nd

Total Yards Allowed - 12th

Yds All/PG - 31st

Record Rank - 17th

Offensive Rank - 9th

Defensive Rank - 22nd

Composite Rank - 18th

The Chargers are the following meme:

“Whenever I think I’m out, they pull me back in.”

Team starts off 0-2, then wins two in a row with Khalil Mack taking a dive in the Lazarus Pit (Batman shout out) for at least one week is nice. But can we get a little consistency?

Grade: B

Las Vegas Raiders

Record: 2-3

HomeR: 1-1

AwayR: 1-2

+/-: (-35)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 27th

PPG - 29th

RuYds - 31st

RuYds/PG - 32nd

PaYds - 15th

PaYds/PG - 16th

Total Yards - 25th

Yds/PG - 29th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 21st

Pts/G - 20th

RuYds All. - 22nd

RuYds All/PG - 22nd

PaYds All. - 12th

PaYds All/PG - 12th

Total Yards Allowed - 15th

Yds All/PG - 14th

Record Rank - 25th

Offensive Rank - 29th

Defensive Rank - 19th

Composite Rank - 26th

The definition of “meh”. The defense has slightly improved, but the Raiders still have their issues. They are one of two teams who have yet to eclipse the 20 point mark this season. Throw in their offense has Josh Jacobs, Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers and that is an absolutely inexcusable statistic. However, they are 2-3 and have a favorable schedule coming up. Lets see if they can take advantage of it.

Grade: C

Denver Broncos

Record: 1-5

HomeR: 0-3

AwayR: 1-2

+/-: (-71)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 9th

PPG - 18th

RuYds - 10th

RuYds/PG - 18th

PaYds - 9th

PaYds/PG - 19th

Total Yards - 7th

Yds/PG - 20th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 32nd

Pts/G - 32nd

RuYds All. - 32nd

RuYds All/PG - 32nd

PaYds All. - 32nd

PaYds All/PG - 29th

Total Yards Allowed - 32nd

Yds All/PG - 32nd

Record Rank - 29th

Offensive Rank - 15th

Defensive Rank - 32nd

Composite Rank - 31st

There is nothing to say here that hasn’t already been said. If the Giants weren’t a pee-wee team, we would be highlighting Sean Payton and Russell Wilson a ton more than we are. I don’t care if he’s playing better, he’s making an absurd amount of money. The QB gets all the praise when they win. He’s deservedly getting killed as they are the in the pits of hell in the AFC.

Grade: F

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers

Record: 5-0

HomeR: 3-0

AwayR: 2-0

+/-: (+99)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 2nd

PPG - 2nd

RuYds - 3rd

RuYds/PG - 3rd

PaYds - 7th

PaYds/PG - 8th

Total Yards - 4th

Yds/PG - 3rd

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 2nd

Pts/G - 1st

RuYds All. - 3rd

RuYds All/PG - 2nd

PaYds All. - 13th

PaYds All/PG - 13th

Total Yards Allowed - 4th

Yds All/PG - 3rd

Record Rank - 1st

Offensive Rank - 2nd

Defensive Rank - 2nd

Composite Rank - 1st

Whatever you want to say they are, they are. Are they Thanos with the Infinity Stones? Yes. Are they Optimus Prime. Yes. Are they Danerys Targaryen with all of her dragons. Yes. Are they all these things combined? Also yes. They are the unquestioned best team in the NFL right now. And oh, Brock Purdy is the MVP.

Grade: A+

Seattle Seahawks

Record: 3-1

HomeR: 1-1

AwayR: 2-0

+/-: (+20)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 14th

PPG - 6th

RuYds - 23rd

RuYds/PG - 17th

PaYds - 29th

PaYds/PG - 15th

Total Yards - 29th

Yds/PG - 18th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 9th

Pts/G - 18th

RuYds All. - 5th

RuYds All/PG - 6th

PaYds All. - 17th

PaYds All/PG - 30th

Total Yards Allowed - 8th

Yds All/PG - 23rd

Record Rank - 6th

Offensive Rank - 19th

Defensive Rank - 13th

Composite Rank - 10th

After a shocking Week 1 loss to a *not bad* Rams team, the Seahawks haven’t lost. Their defense has been surprisingly effective and Geno continues to incorporate the new pieces into the offense. This is a playoff team. They are good. Pete Carroll has done an unbelievable job.

Grade: B+

Los Angeles Rams

Record: 2-3

HomeR: 0-2

AwayR: 2-1

+/-: (+4)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 13th

PPG - 14th

RuYds - 20th

RuYds/PG - 21st

PaYds - 6th

PaYds/PG - 5th

Total Yards - 8th

Yds/PG - 8th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 18th

Pts/G - 17th

RuYds All. - 19th

RuYds All/PG - 19th

PaYds All. - 15th

PaYds All/PG - 15th

Total Yards Allowed - 16th

Yds All/PG - 15th

Record Rank - 19th

Offensive Rank - 7th

Defensive Rank - 17th

Composite Rank - 15th

Everyone counted this team out. I still probably can’t name five guys on their defense. But this season has proved one thing - Sean McVay is a Top 5 NFL coach. The guy gets his team ready to play every week, and he’s very good at finding diamonds in the rough. The latest crowned jewel? Puka Nacua. The Rams will be around in December.

Grade: B

Arizona Cardinals

Record: 1-4

HomeR: 1-2

AwayR: 0-2

+/-: (-28)

Offensive Rankings

Total Points - 18th

PPG - 17th

RuYds - 5th

RuYds/PG - 6th

PaYds - 26th

PaYds/PG - 29th

Total Yards - 15th

Yds/PG - 15th

Defensive Rankings

Total Points Allowed - 26th

Pts/G - 26th

RuYds All. - 21st

RuYds All/PG - 21st

PaYds All. - 27th

PaYds All/PG - 25th

Total Yards Allowed - 26th

Yds All/PG - 25th

Record Rank - 26th

Offensive Rank - 17th

Defensive Rank - 27th

Composite Rank - 23rd

The Cardinals are tanking, right? Don’t tell them that. Their record is poor, sure. But at the beginning of the season, they were in every game and even beat the Dallas Cowboys. But the last two weeks have been rough. It seems like reality is setting in. But I think we can all say that this team isn’t as far away as we thought they were.

Grade: C+

Rookie Report Card - Quarterbacks

We are about to enter into Week 6. And every year, we have guys under center who are new to this called the NFL. And it's job and judgement to decide if they will make it or not after their first handful of games. Screw the Peyton Mannings of the world and the Trevor Lawrence’s - their first year struggles don’t count. Sarcasm, for anyone who can’t read between the lines. We don’t know how these guys are going to perform. However, what we can do is talk about what we’ve seen so far and how they have seemed to progressed. The future is young and bright for the three guys we are about to discuss - no matter the record, TD:INT ratio, or the amount of turnovers they’ve committed. These kids are learning on the fly - something the old heads would’ve never done. But in 2023, it’s a “what have you done for me lately” kind of world. Let’s check in on the three QBs…

Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers

63% COM, 750 PaYds, 5 TDs, 4 INTs

Grade: Incomplete

I truly struggled with Bryce. He’s already missed some time with an ankle injury, but also the team around him is seriously struggling. That isn't to say Bryce isnt struggling himself. One of the first things i noticed is that he has struggled with the pace of the NFL; When at Alabama, he ran a very uptempo spread offense. The antithesis has occurred for him so far in the NFL, which is perfectly warranted by a Rookie QB. I went and reviewed some game tape from the game against the Lions and another blaring issue is something that a fellow Alabama alumni in Tua Tagovailoa had - looking for wideouts that are NFL open and not Alabama open. You can see him go through his progressions, but it almost seems like he’s a little too afraid to throw the ball when it should be thrown. Instead he waits and ends up having to throw it away. This is something that has consistently gone on since Week 1. He definitely needs to improve on his quick decisions, which he should due to his high football IQ. One thing that also may factor into this is his time to throw, or lack thereof. He’s getting killed out there behind his offensive line, so maybe a little bit of happy feet has lead to indecisiveness when it comes to ball placement. When Young does connect with his WRs, I will say it’s always an accurate, nice ball for the most part. I do belive in time alot of this will be sorted out but because of the situation around him in Carolina, I need to give him an incomplete 

CJ Stroud - Houston Texans

61% COM, 1,461 PaYds, 7 TDs, 0 INTs

Grade: A-

What can be said about Stroud that hasn't already been said? Hes off to one of the greatest starts by a rookie QB ever, and he’s way farther ahead than most people including myself thought he’d be at this point. One thing I've noticed in his first games as a rookie QB is that he sees the field incredibly well; way better then he did in college. He’s constantly making the right play and actually has the opposite issue that Young has. He is already seeing guys that are NFL open and isn't afraid to throw them the football. This is big, because one of our biggest questions back in April was could he adjust to playing with lesser talent then what he did at Ohio State? Nico Collins is turning out to become a true WR1, but he had some dawgs over there in Buckeye Nation. He’s really elevated the play of the guys around him and that says a lot. The boys at Perfect Spiral actually have an early comp for him of Matt Ryan with more mobility. But just the way he sits in the pocket and delivers the ball shows early comparisons. One thing I definitely think he needs to clean up on is ball security; He’s done a great job of not throwing interceptions but he’s lost 3 fumbles on sacks so that needs to be cleaned up.

Anthony Richardson - Indianapolis Colts

59% COM, 577 PaYDs, 3 TDs, 1 INT

25 Rushes, 136 RuYds, 4 TDs

Grade: C

It really sucks to see Richardson’s season cut short as he’s been placed on IR with a Grade 3 AC Joint sprain. It’s uncertain if he will return this season, but he is eligible to come off during Week 10. He’s already missed time with a concussion and possibly, if surgery is needed - the rest of his rookie season. When he did play, we definitely got some highlights. He’s everything we thought he would be - in both the good and bad department. Lets start with the good; Shane Stehien has done a really good job of trying to incoporate what Richardson does well. He took a little bit of what made Hurts successful in Philadelphia early on and has applied it here. Richardson has been a force with his legs. When he gets going, it’s pretty hard to stop him. He has done well on deep ball passing and immedietly felt like he built a rapport with the players around him. With all the amazing praise though comes the criticism, and that’s been the accuracy issues that plagued him at Florida. He’s sailed easy balls over his receivers heads on short routes time after time and that really needs to be cleaned up. The big…big…big issue is that he needs to learn to protect himself and SLIDE!!! Two serious injuries in five weeks isn’t a great look and one of them could have been avoided if he just knew when to give up on the play. 

Week 6 Power Rankings

The first quarter-ish of the season is over. And while that doesn’t mean that the season is over, we have a pretty good idea of who teams are and what their identity is. I think we can firmly say that the season is over for about 5 teams (who you will see shortly). I have changed the format of the rankings up a little bit today; Teams will be sorted into groups based off where I think they are right now. This way you can see EXACTLY how I feel about them…

POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 5 (October 5th-October 9th)

Super Bowl or Bust

1. San Francisco 49ers (-) The Niners have been in our number one spot all season, and that doesn't change after a drubbing of the Dallas Cowboys. Who is best suited to beat this team. They will lose - but when?

2. Philadelphia Eagles (-) They are winning a different way this year. The run game is at the forefront while the pass game is complimentary. We all know Jalen Hurts can beat you with his legs and his arm, but when he doesn’t need to, that’s what makes this team scary.

3. Miami Dolphins (+3) Right now, there is no better team in the AFC. Yes, they lost to Buffalo big. But the Bills just lost Milano and Daquan Jones for possibly the season. There is no one in the conference who can keep up with the offense…currently.

4. Detroit Lions (+3) It’s time we give the Lions their flowers. This team is legitimate and a Super Bowl contender. I would love to see them play San Francisco right now. Dan Campbell has these boys playing smart and sound football. Love to see it.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (-1) Right now, the Chiefs are just peddling along while the other teams in front of them grab the headlines. Doesn’t that scare you just a little bit?

The Super Bowl Contender is Itching to Come Out

6. Seattle Seahawks (+3) Watching a week’s slate of games without the Hawks playing in it showed me how good they are. This is a young team with some excellent veterans and a Head Coach who knows how to communicate. This team has room to go and will not be an easy out all year.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (+6) It’s been a see-saw start for the Jags, but the London trip seemed to get them right with two straight wins. The win against the Bills was overly impressive as they led the entire way and still didn’t put a complete game together. If this team can improve on their red zone efficiency, they will move into the next bracket.

8. Buffalo Bills (-5) Every time we think this team is the class of the conference, they throw up a stinker. But make no mistake, the Bills lose to a good team this week. It’s going to be interesting to see what this team does at the trade deadline now as they have three defensive stars out for the remainder of the season.

You’re Fun, But You’re Not a Contender…Yet

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1) The Bucs have an absolutely enormous test this week hosting the Lions. If they take them down, I will be a firm believer.

10. Dallas Cowboys (-5) These are indeed the same old Cowboys until proven otherwise.

11. New Orleans Saints (+9) The Saints have an elite defense. And I don’t care who you play - shutting out an NFL team is HARD. They have a Super Bowl caliber defense, but the offense is still stuck in the mud. Derek Carr needs to pick it up. The next two contests against Houston and Jacksonville should be telling.

12. Baltimore Ravens (-4) The exact same comment as the Dallas Cowboys.

The QB is Holding You Back

13. Indianapolis Colts (+6) Putting this team in this group was hard, but here is the reality - if the Colts had a franchise QB, you can probably put them in Tier 2. But alas, they have a rookie who has been inefficient and now been hurt three times in five weeks. And they’re still 3-2. See what I’m sayin?

14. Atlanta Falcons (+7) Desmond Ridder has yet to lose at home, and yet to win on the road. Last week was the first time in all his starts that he looked like a starting QB in the NFL. Let’s hope it continues, cause this roster is ready to win.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (+9) This is the AFC version of the Saints with a worse offense. The main two cogs in this offense (Pickett and Harris) are fighting for starting jobs the rest of the season. TJ Watt is an animal.

16. Cleveland Browns (-1) Isn’t it insane to put this team in this category? But here they are. DeShaun Watson stole money from the Browns, and it’s clear he’s not the same QB he was in Houston. This defense is ridiculous and is going to have to scratch and claw for a playoff spot.

Someone Call Mystery Inc…I Need to Know Whose Behind the Mask!

17. Los Angeles Chargers (-) The Chargers don’t want you to figure them out. It must be because of their aura. I can absolutely see them beating Dallas and then losing to a team like Vegas or Denver.

18. Cincinnati Bengals (+7) That’s the Bengals I remember! Ja’Marr Chase returned to form and now the Bengals have one more game before the bye. After all the talk, they have a chance to go into the bye with a share of the AFC North lead. Incredible.

19. Houston Texans (-8) This team is a nice story and they are definitely better, but I feel like this see-saw type season is what we are gonna get from Houston. And that’s absolutely fine from where they were last year.

20. Los Angeles Rams (-6) The Rams are much better than anticipated. That’s a fact. They played the Eagles tough and find themselves 2-3 through 5 weeks. While the top of the NFC is heavy, the wild card teams can really go anywhere. For LA, its going to come down to how quickly their defense can grow up.

21. New York Jets (+2) The Jets won a sloppy game against the Broncos, but Zach Wilson hasn’t been god awful for two weeks in a row. They don’t have to beat Philadelphia next week, but if you want to be a playoff team in the AFC, you’re going to need to sweep the Giants, Chargers and Raiders coming out of the bye.

22. Washington Commanders (-10) The Commanders had the most shocking loss of Week 5 on Thursday Night where they got blitzed by the Bears. That’s twice in three weeks where they got absolutely bombarded and they have now lost three in a row.

You May be in the Mix Now, But You Won’t Be Come December

23. Las Vegas Raiders (+4) Even though they won Monday, they are 1/2 teams to not score 20 points this year. That’s inexcusable with Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams. Their two wins came against the Broncos and the Packers. Not impressed at all. Jimmy G has been bad.

24. Tennessee Titans (-8) This team just ain’t it. I was starting to drink the kool-aid last week but they reminded me how devoid of talent they really are. When they go up against an athletic team they are going to get waxed.

25. Green Bay Packers (-7) Jordan Love is hitting an early crossroads. Back to back bad games is putting the Packers season in a hole quick. With how good the Lions are, the division may already be cooked.

You’re Not Playing Postseason Ball, But You’re Not as Bad as your Record

26. Minnesota Vikings (-4) The title says it all.

They Already Got Their Draft Network Subscription…

27. Chicago Bears (+5) They put out the fire in the dumpster fire, but this team isn’t going anywhere fast.

28. Denver Broncos (-) To say that the previous coach did the worst coaching job of all -time and then lose to his new team is a hell of way for Sean Payton’s first year in Denver to go.

29. Arizona Cardinals (+1) They didn’t move up by any play of their own. After a couple of competitive weeks, reality is setting in.

30. New York Giants (-1) I’ve never seen a team regress more than the Giants have from 2022 to 2023. An unmitigated disaster. Between the o-line issues, the fact that they can’t tackle, the handling of the Barkley situation, and the Daniel Jones contract, this team is in hell.

31. New England Patriots (-5) Laughably bad.

32. Carolina Panthers (-) When the Head Coach pretty much says he wanted another QB while the owner went over his head….yea, not great in Carolina.

Week 5 Power Rankings

Yes, we skipped a week. Very, very busy time for the guys over at PSP. However, we are back at it and we are ready to reveal our new and improved power rankings for the beginning of October. Things are coming into focus now. Teams can be crossed off and we have raised our eyebrows at some other teams. The month of October is a true test though that separates the men from the boys.

POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 4 (SEPTEMBER 28TH-OCTOBER 2ND

1. San Francisco 49ers (-) Through 4 weeks, the Niners are the most complete team in the sport. Brock Purdy has yet to lose a game and they haven’t played a game where they were in serious danger of losing. A big date with the Cowboys is on deck for Sunday Night.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (+2) People keep complaining the Eagles don’t look as good as last year. Why don’t you go back and look how Super Bowl losers do the following seasons. The list aint pretty.

3. Buffalo Bills (+5) The Bills are hammering opponents. A 37-3 drubbing of the Commanders and then dropping 48 on the Dolphins. This team is clicking after their week one hiccup. They travel to London to take on the Jags next.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (+2) Now these are the Chiefs that we know. After blowing out Chicago, they may have gotten bailed out by some shotty officiating at MetLife on Sunday. This is the best defense that Mahomes has ever had.

5. Dallas Cowboys (-3) The Cowboys take a small dip cause of their loss to Arizona, but they righted the ship when they handed Bill Belichick his worst career defeat. Their kryptonite is up next in San Francisco.

6. Miami Dolphins (-3) So they drop 70(!!!) on Denver, then give up 48 to Buffalo. The offense showed it can be tamed, but the defense needs to step up. Vic Fangio needs to earn his reputation. A get right game against the lowly Giants is up next.

7. Detroit Lions (+2) The NFC North goes through Detroit. That was proven emphatically in Green Bay last Thursday.

8. Baltimore Ravens (-3) After a weird loss to Indianapolis at home in Week 3, they shut down DTR and the Browns offense in a 27-3 wallop. Their rivalry with Pittsburgh continues in Week 5.

9. Seattle Seahawks (+9) The Week 1 one loss was an anomaly. This team is very, very good. They just get off playing Tecmo Bowl against the Giants on Monday Night.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1) Are the Bucs for real? It sure seems so. They are the best team in the NFC South right now by a wide margin. And if Baker plays like this, they may run away with that division.

11. Houston Texans (+18) This is obviously from the last two weeks, but what looked like a fluke win in Jacksonville was backed up by an ass kicking at home against the Steelers on JJ Watt day. CJ Stroud looks like the real deal.

12. Washington Commanders (-5) After getting beaten to a pulp by Buffalo at home, they showed up in Philadelphia taking the Eagles to OT. I believe in Sam Howell. Tomorrow night at home vs. Chicago should serve them well.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) The Jags got right in London after getting blown out at home by Houston. What looked like a cakewalk of a division now seems like a dogfight. The Jags defense is legit, but a huge test awaits them in Tottenham against the Bills.

14. Los Angeles Rams (+2) They blew a 23 point lead on the road, but super hero Puka Nacua saved the day. The thought of him and Kupp together is agonizing.

15. Cleveland Browns (-1) The Browns are going to be “that” team this year. When you have them pegged, they will surprise you - for better or worse. Even without Watson, you woulda thought this team would show up at home against Baltimore. Think again.

16. Tennessee Titans (+3) They already are “that” team. After getting blown out in Cleveland, they give their own ass kicking to Cincinnati with the same score. Just asking for consistency!

17. Los Angeles Chargers (-1) Khalil Mack had an outer world experience Sunday, and Justin Herbert may be playing the best ball of his career, but for the second week in a row the talent on this team bailed out a Brandon Staley moronic decision.

18. Green Bay Packers (-1) The vibes were good around this team after Week 3. They failed their first test miserably, and now firmly planted in the “wtf” of the NFL.

19. Indianapolis Colts (+2) A surprising win over Baltimore behind Gardner Minshew was cute. Anthony Richardson returned and has been great as a runner, but he’s also been exactly what we expect as a passer.

20. New Orleans Saints (-8) Back to back losses and an offense stuck in the mud is not exactly what you want. This problem was supposed to be corrected with Derek Carr. However, it seems like his sub-par play carried over from Vegas to Nola.

21. Atlanta Falcons (-8) Desmond Ridder and this passing offense may be the worst tin the league. Rumblings are starting whether Ridder is the guy or not.

22. Minnesota Vikings (+3) What a difference a year makes. After starting 0-3, they struggled to get a win in Carolina, but got it done. Things may get worse before they get better though as they travel to KC this week. Is a firesale coming?

23. New York Jets (-3) Zach Wilson just outperformed Patrick Mahomes. That is a fact. If we can get that Wilson again, glory be to the father. But the Jets need WINS. They can get one this Sunday at Denver.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (+2) Kenny Pickett needs to take a hard look in the mirror. There’s a conversation to be had he’s been the worst QB in the league this year. The Steelers offense was supposed to be fun, and its been anything but.

25. Cincinnati Bengals (-10) It’s time to push the panic button here. The Bengals look lifeless. Burrow is clearly hurt, and Ja’Marr Chase is now speaking out publicly against the offense. They statistically have the two worst safeties in the sport.

26. New England Patriots (+1) Add Mac Jones to the list of QBs who may lose their job in 2023. But Bill Belichick is not without blame here. This team is his construction and they seem lightyears behind all three teams in their division.

27. Las Vegas Raiders (-5) The players join the movement in wanting Josh McDaniels fired. Its getting ugly in Vegas.

28. Denver Broncos (-) After getting a 70 burger dropped on them, the Broncos responded with a come from behind win against the worst team in the sport! Hallelujah. Now picture this - this team can be 2-3 if they beat the Jets at home Sunday.

29. New York Giants (-6) 2022 was a mirage. The offensive line is at a college level. Seriously. And Daniel Jones has regressed back to the Joe Judge days. Its hard pressed to see how this team isn’t 1-5 after games against Miami and Buffalo.

30. Arizona Cardinals (+2) The Cards have been competitive in all 4 games they’ve played this year, which is more than we can say for last year’s group. Josh Dobbs has proven to be a more than capable backup in the league. They wont give up and no team should take them lightly. Just ask Dallas.

31. Carolina Panthers (-1) Woo boy. It’s gonna be a long, long season in Carolina. Can’t block. Can’t catch. Can’t run. Can’t do a lot of things.

32. Chicago Bears (-1) The dumpster fire is on fire. Add Chase Claypool to the list of pathetic things that has happened to this franchise in a month.

Week 3 Power Rankings

Yes, we are a little late to the party. But Week 3 hasn’t REALLY started yet. After a couple of weeks, teams identities are starting to come into form. But the end of September is when the teams who were down in the dumps last year really rise to make their mark. The teams at the top haven’t changed week over week, but there is a lot of jumping and hopping in the middle. Let’s get right to it.

Power Rankings - Week 2 (September 15th-18th)

1. San Francisco 49ers (-) Frisco had a more competitive game last week against the Rams, but the fans showed out as they took over SoFi Stadium. A win was never really in doubt.

2. Dallas Cowboys (-) For the second week in a row, the defense dominated. But the offense got going and handled a really good Jets defense. They have outscored their opponents 70-10 in the first two weeks and travel to Arizona. The loss of Trevon Diggs cannot be understated.

3. Miami Dolphins (-) Miami is now 2-0 on the road. Tua is 5-0 against Bill Belichick. The fins found another way to win by running the ball, and for the second week in a row the defense came up big when it needed to.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (-) I kept them here out of respect for them, but they have not looked good for two weeks in a row. They are a Justin Jefferson fumble and a Kayhson Bouttee foot from possibly being 0-2.

5. Baltimore Ravens (+6) Baltimore knew this game would be tough, but they handled their business and are now 2-0. For the Ravens though, the trend seems to be about how they finish, not how they start.

6. Kansas City Chiefs (+2) So far it’s been about defense. Against two high powered offenses, the Chiefs defense has given up two total touchdowns so far. Their secondary has vastly improved year over year.

7. Washington Commanders (+12) Sam Howell has looked very good after two weeks. The defense had seven more sacks and if not for the Hail Mary, they would have won comfortably in Denver. If they can find a way to beat Buffalo at home this week, you better start believing.

8. Buffalo Bills (+9) A complete 180 from week one. Josh Allen was almost perfect and the defense was excellent. They travel to Washington to face an up and coming Commanders team.

9. Detroit Lions (-2) The loss of CJ Garner-Johnson is huge. The secondary still has its issues defending the pass. 31 points should be enough to win at home, but until the Lions figure it out defensively, its hard to see them getting extremely far.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars (-5) The offense was pathetic on Sunday, not scoring once in four red zone trips. The defense has been outstanding, giving up a shade over 15 PPG in two weeks to start the year. They should be able to right the ship against Houston.

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+5) Baker has been playing loose and free, and it’s showing. The defense is not done yet, and these guys are playing inspired. Kudos to Todd Bowles, who we’ve crushed in the past for these guys getting off to a good start. Huge test Monday night against the Eagles.

12. New Orleans Saints (+1) The defense has been outstanding so far, although it’s been against two subpar offenses. The offense needs to figure out how to score in the red zone. That flaw has seemed to follow Derek Carr from Vegas to New Orleans.

13. Atlanta Falcons (+7) Gutsy win at home against Green Bay. This defense is legit. Another week of watching these boys and I’m doubling down on the NFC version of the Titans.

14. Cleveland Browns (-8) You can’t underestimate the loss of Nick Chubb. Probably the best pure runner in the game, he will be missed. Now all the pressure lies on the QB who is making the most guaranteed money in the NFL. And he hasn’t looked good in 8 contests in a Browns uniform.

15. Cincinnati Bengals (-3) For the fourth time in five years, the Bengals have started 0-2. I am not worried…yet. If this Burrow calf injury lingers, then yes, I will be officially worried.

16. Los Angeles Rams (-2) The Rams stayed competitive against San Francisco, but they did revert a little bit to 2022 Rams. We will see how things go on Monday against a desperate Bengals team who may or may not be without their star QB.

17. Green Bay Packers (-7) Jordan Love is playing well, but the accuracy is a clear issue. There is no doubt I think the Aaron Jones injury played a part in the loss on Sunday. But i’m fully blaming the defense for a 4th quarter collapse.

18. Seattle Seahawks (+7) In a game they had to win, Seattle walked into Detroit again and beat the Lions for the second straight season. Geno Smith was excellent, as was Tyler Lockett. The Hawks better figure out the defense though. Second week in a row they gave up 30+ points.

19. Tennessee Titans (+5) Is anyone surprised the Titans have played two games that came down to the wire? This time they came out on top, and Ryan Tannehill quelled the QB controversy talk for at least one week.

20. New York Jets (-11) Yes, they went against the vaunted Cowboys defense. But reality set in this week for the Jets. This is a vastly different team with Zach Wilson. They need to get the run game going, and the defense needs to step up in big games. A 14 game losing streak against the Patriots is on the line next week.

21. Indianapolis Colts (+6) We saw the full Anthony Richardson experience on display. He ran for two scores in the first quarter, but also got hurt for the second week in a row. This time, it was a concussion that took him out of the game and will reportedly miss week 3. The kid has to be able to protect himself.

22. Las Vegas Raiders (-4) Who are the real Raiders? We will find out Sunday Night as they host the Steelers. The offense hasn’t produced a 20 point game yet, and with Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs, you think that should be quite easy.

23. New York Giants (+7) Well, it took the Giants a massive second half comeback against the Arizona Cardinals to keep the NY fans from having a full blown panic attack. I wish we had a camera for Brian Daboll in that half time locker room.

24. Los Angeles Chargers (-9) I’m done with the Chargers. Is this team ever going to win a close game? Their season is on the line Sunday in Minnesota.

25. Minnesota Vikings (-2) After going 11-0 in one score games last year, the Vikes are now 0-2. The arrival of Cam Akers should help the run game, but they need a win Sunday at home to keep their season afloat.

26. Pittsburgh Steelers (+2) This is your yearly reminder to NEVER take pre-season to seriously.

27. New England Patriots (-5) It’s actually sad when you see a team playing hard and doing the best they can, but they’re just not good enough. That’s the reality in Foxborough. They just don’t have the horses. Bill always gets his guys up for Jets week though.

28. Denver Broncos (-7) Sean Payton has made this team more competent, sure. But they are still losing games. Two straight to start the year at home, and now they travel to Miami…

29. Houston Texans (-2) CJ Stroud hasn’t looked bad at all, but the team is just not good. Now we have injuries to Derek Stingley, Laremy Tunsil, Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward. Woof.

30. Carolina Panthers (+1) Yes, they moved up after a loss. But that is an indictment on the team behind them.

31. Chicago Bears (-2) Dumpster fire.

32. Arizona Cardinals (-) “Caleb Williams, no matter what” (Kevin Costner voice)

Week 2 Power Rankings

And just like that, Week 1 is in the books. The NFL is always full of surprises and the first week of the season was not an outlier. The league saw nine road teams win in week one - including the Buccaneers and the Rams who took home the most surprising wins of the week. The game of the week was out in Los Angeles, where Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert went shot for shot. It was Tua and the Dolphins who came out on top - a game where the Quarteback threw for 466 yards (215 of those going to Tyreek Hill). Out in Cleveland, the house of horrors continued for the Bengals as Joe Burrow threw for 82 yards the entire game. The Browns defense dominated in a 24-3 victory. And then there’s the embarrassment that took place at MetLife Stadium Sunday Night. But there’s nothing to be said there. With the first week in the books, teams are already looking ahead to Week 2. And we will as well, but as weeks go by in the NFL season, the Power Rankings always reign supreme. Whether you look at ESPN, Bleacher Report, CBS, or anywhere else - they will not match up to Perfect Spiral’s rankings! Below you will find our Week 1 Power Rankings, based off of performance with a hint of respect to the teams that lost. You’ll get the picture.

Power Rankings - Week 1 (September 7th-11th)

1. San Francisco 49ers - Brock Purdy is still undefeated in games he starts and finishes, and San Fran was the most complete team Sunday.

2. Dallas Cowboys - The beatdown at Metlife proved one thing - the Dallas defense is still an elite unit.

3. Miami Dolphins - The question coming out of Week 1 in LA is “Can anyone stop this offense?”

4. Philadelphia Eagles - Playing on the road against Belichick is never easy, but Philly proved they can win with defense when their offense isn’t up to par.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars - The Lawrence to Ridley connection was as advertised, and the Jags ended a long losing streak in Indianapolis.

6. Cleveland Browns - Defense dominated the day; But will the real DeShaun Watson please stand up?

7. Detroit Lions - Winning on the road against the defending Super Bowl champs isn’t easy, no matter who is playing or not playing. No asterisk required.

8. Kansas City Chiefs - No Kelce. No Jones. Receivers were awful. And they still only lost by a point. The Chiefs are fine. A date in Jacksonville next week should be a doozy.

9. New York Jets - Unfortunately, the season outlook is completely different with Rodgers done for the year.

10. Green Bay Packers - The Jordan Love era is off with flying colors, and the Packers are still the Bears daddy.

11. Baltimore Ravens - Sloppy game from the offense, but the defense held firm. The injury bug already hitting Baltimore as JK Dobbins is out for the year, and Marcus Williams will miss a ton of time.

12. Cincinnati Bengals - After sleepwalking through Week 1, the Bengals fall out of the Top 10, but a win against Baltimore in Week 2 will put them right back in there.

13. New Orleans Saints - Derek Carr still having trouble in the redzone I see? No matter, the defense was solid against a weak Titans O.

14. Los Angeles Rams - I’m not ready to say the Rams are back, but they were dominant in Seattle. Stafford got it done with guys named Tutu Atwell and Puka Nacua.

15. Los Angeles Chargers - Will the Chargers ever win a close game?

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Baker Mayfield had that “Baker energy” to him and got better as the game went on. The defense in Tampa is still very, very solid.

17. Buffalo Bills - Taking care of the football is officially an issue for Josh Allen. The defense is solid, but Buffalo can’t play clean football, the Bills won’t be going anywhere in 2023.

18. Las Vegas Raiders - Jimmy G finds ways to win. A touchdown in the 4th quarter to go ahead plus a game winning scramble on 3rd and 8 will win hearts with Raider Nation.

19. Washington Commanders - The new look Commanders had to squeak out a win against “not tanking” Arizona.

20. Atlanta Falcons - If you don’t think the Falcons are “Titans NFC” you’re kidding yourself. This passing offense is anemic, but the defense is severely underrated.

21. Denver Broncos - Russ was more efficient, but 16 points against a subpar Raiders defense isn’t gonna cut it. I don’t think Sean Payton had this as an “L” on the schedule.

22. New England Patriots - An encouraging debut from the new look Patriots offense. Mac was better Sunday than he was in any game in 2022.

23. Minnesota Vikings - They didn’t run the ball nearly enough. After going 9-0 in one score games in 2022, they are now 0-1 in 2023.

24. Tennessee Titans - If Tannehill keeps this up, we will see Will Levis or Malik Willis by Week 5.

25. Seattle Seahawks - Perhaps the biggest upset of the day, the Hawks were dominated in every facet in their own building against a very young Rams team.

26. Indianapolis Colts - The defensive line was impressive. Anthony Richardson has the ability, the medium to deep passing will need significant work this season.

27. Houston Texans - CJ Stroud was not awful, and this game was closer than the final score indicated. But this team is super young and will need time.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers - All the pre-season hype just got thrown in the garbage.

29. Chicago Bears - How many times are we going to defend Justin Fields and this offense? Also, what’s the timetable on Matt Eberflus if their is no improvement?

30. New York Giants - There’s nothing to say.

31. Carolina Panthers - The offensive line is a problem. Bryce has a lively arm, but he won’t make it through the season if he can’t be protected. Hayden Hurst is worth a waiver wire pickup.

32. Arizona Cardinals - The Commanders tried to give them the game and they still couldn’t win. Josh Dobbs last two losses both end 20-16. He should play those numbers.

Is This the Last Hoorah in Big D?

Every time September rolls around, there are teams that we look at and say “Hey, those guys should be really good!” The last few years we’ve seen the Chiefs, Bengals and Eagles become those teams while teams such as the Patriots, Falcons and Steelers have fallen the every year “good” list. But outside of New England, there is really one team in the NFL who pundits have consistently looked at year over year and said before the season started “this team should be really good.” That team? The Dallas Cowboys. For what seems like forever, every summer analysts and people alike look up and down their roster and say that they’re a top five unit “on paper”. But what does “on paper” really mean? Is it the fact that if you made a list of top players at their position, the Cowboys would have a guy on every list? Is it the fact that there are household names seemingly everywhere you look? Or is it just the fact that there is the famous/infamous (however you decide) star on the helmet, and the expectations just come with it?

Regardless of what it is, Dallas has seemingly fell short really since Tony Romo became quarterback. A lot of those teams were littered with 7-9, 8-8 or 9-7 finishes and a few playoff blunders here and there. But the Dallas expectations didn’t really skyrocket until Dak Prescott stepped in and took the football world by storm back in 2016. Since Prescott’s arrival, we have seen the Cowboys offense become elite, then not so elite….then elite again, and then just pretty average. We’ve seen the defense go from a wet paper towel to an iron fist with a top three defensive line in the NFL. We saw Leighton Vander Esch and Trevon Diggs take the NFL by storm for a year before crashing back down to earth. We finally saw the dismissal of Jason Garrett only to bring in an aging Mike McCarthy.

But surely, with all these new pieces and additions etc., things would change. Surely. *Checks Notes* - they have not. Since Prescott took over, the Cowboys have been to the playoffs four times: 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2022. The Cowboys playoff record is 2-4, but still haven’t reached that elusive NFC title game for the first time in almost thirty years. The 2023 season starts tomorrow for Dallas on Sunday Night in New York against a reinvigorated Giants team. A team that has lost to Dallas 11 of the past 12 times (since 2017) with the lone win coming when Prescott was hurt during the 20-21 season. Ezekiel Elliott is now in New England. Kellen Moore is now in Los Angeles. Travis Frederick had to retire. Tyron Smith is older. As is Zach Martin. McCarthy is undoubtedly on the hot seat, as is Prescott. The former responded by making the executive decision to call his own plays this season. He has been successful in the past doing that - although when he was doing that consistently, it was with Aaron Rodgers. But McCarthy does have a Super Bowl on his resume; albeit it was 13 seasons ago. The league has changed much since then.

What hasn’t changed is the expectation in Dallas. Yet again, analysts, pundits and Jerry Jones are giving the Cowboys lofty expectations. Many playoff and Super Bowl predictions are pouring in, and while a lot people aren’t picking the Cowboys to win the big game, people are predicting them to go there, or go to the NFC title game. That isn’t new. That shouldn’t change how Prescott and McCarthy approach this season. What has changed is the roster - and the talent level. And you’d be a fool to believe otherwise. The Cowboys, even at full strength, are third in terms of talent in their division. For years and years, the “on paper” people would point to Dallas as the best team. Not anymore. So for the first time in a long time, the Cowboys will have to find a new way to win games. Prescott will have to stop turning the ball over. Receivers outside of Ceedee Lamb will have to fight to get open and create separation. The offensive line will have to play better and commit less penalties. The secondary will have to be better and not give up as many big plays. A lot of these things aren’t easy.

But what happens if things go sideways this season? What happens if the Cowboys finish under .500 and miss the playoffs? Here’s a fun fact: The Dallas Cowboys haven’t made the playoffs three consecutive seasons since the 94-96 seasons. That’s 28 years. The Cowboys have made the playoffs two years in a row - so somethings gotta give. The heat is on this year in Big D, and everyone knows it. And it’s not just making the playoffs for Dallas. They have to win. Even last season; beating an under .500 Buccaneers team and then having horrendous mismanagement towards the end of the playoff game in San Francisco left a really bittersweet taste in everyone’s mouth. And other than the National Hockey League, no league has more year to year turnover than the National Football League. You look around the NFC and a ton of young teams are on the come up: Detroit, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Seattle. Hell, even the Commanders have a new owner now! While teams in the conference are making moves and having hope…what does Dallas have? Expectations. Always expectations. Sometimes unfair. But they are always there. And one can’t help but think that many changes would come if Prescott, McCarthy and Jones are watching the playoffs from their couches come January. Things may finally change in Dallas. And it get worse before it gets better. So, this is it Cowboys fans. This is the last hoorah. There’s no two ways about it - its NFC Championship or bust in 2023. No excuses. The Boys have to show out. That means Pollard, Parsons, Lawrence, Lamb, Gilmore and the rest of them. You can’t let Philadelphia be the first team since 03-04 to repeat as NFC East Division champs! This is it. Because who the hell knows what’s going to happen if things don’t go well this year. 2024 may see no McCarthy, no Dak, and possibly. One thing is for certain though. It’s in Prescott’s hands. We’ve all seen him at his best. We’ve also seen him at his worst. If Dak wanted to ball out, this is the year. It may be his last chance to do so.

It all starts tomorrow night at MetLife Stadium, where the Cowboys will look to continue their dominance against the Giants. I can’t remember a more important Week 1 game for the Boys in some time. This should be fun….

2023 NFL Predictions!

The time is now. The 2023 NFL season starts tonight, where it will all begin in Arrowhead between the Lions and the defending champion Chiefs. Andy Reid. Patrick Mahomes. Dan Campbell. Amon-Ra St. Brown. Two high powered offenses. We really, really can’t wait. There is still time though to make our Perfect Spiral 2023 NFL predictions this season. We have broken down each division and how we think it will play out along with our playoff predictions plus who we think will hoist the Lombardi. Each member of the Perfect Spiral Team were assigned different divisions, which you will see next to each one. We know that each and every one of you will wholeheartedly agree with every single take we have, so this should be rather easy…right?

AFC EAST - Joe Miglio

1. Miami Dolphins (11-6) LY 9-8

   I will not go into these predictions thinking of injuries. I will not go into these predictions thinking of injuries. Ok, I let it out. Here’s the thing. When the Dolphins were healthy last year, they were the 2nd best team in the AFC. That is a fact. Tua was leading all quarterbacks in many offensive categories and the combination of Tyreek Hill/Jaylen Waddle was giving teams fits. Well, Miami goes into this season with mainly the same offensive unit as last season. They added De’Von Achane to the backfield, and he will absolutely help, but this team has a chance to do special things on offense. It’s’ the defensive side I want to focus on though. Bradley Chubb is now there for a full season. The Fins may have the most improved player on defense on their roster: Jaelan Phillips. This guy is just waiting to explode. And with Christian Wilkins also there, this defensive front has the chance to be really dominant. Their secondary scares me especially without Jalen Ramsey. But if this team can weather the storm, I think they can weather the rest of the AFC East.

2. New York Jets (11-6) LY 7-10

I have the Jets losing a tiebreaker here to the Dolphins based off division record, but that shouldn’t stray you away from this team. The Jets are going to be good. Very good. Put this into perspective. The Jets won 7 games with Zach Wilson as their quarterback. SEVEN. In steps Aaron Rodgers and the team is immediately better. Garrett Wilson is on the verge of superstardom and with the addition of Dalvin Cook, they may have the best 1-2 punch in the league at the running back room. Their defense was elite last year, and they are a year older now and in the system another year. Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed are the best CB tandem in the NFL while Quinnen Williams blossomed into a star last year. The defensive front all of the sudden has depth to it as well. This defense will be a force, and is still the alpha of this team. The defining factor of the Jets season will be its offensive line. At the tackle positions, the team a 38 year old at the left and a former first round pick who has played one game since 2020. That is not ideal. And Rodgers isn’t really a young pup anymore. If the Jets can get adequate play from their o-line, I stand by this prediction. The start to their season is absolutely brutal, but if they can come out of their first 6 games 3-3, this team can go on a serious run in the latter half of the year.

3. Buffalo Bills (10-7) LY 12-4

Oh, the Bills. Count me amongst the people who think their best days are behind them. Folks, this defense is old. The offense is in flux. Stefon Diggs isn’t happy. Last year, we were told Gabe Davis and Isaiah McKenzie would be possible stars - they weren’t. Josh Allen had the most collective turnovers in the league last year. He was also hurt. They got embarrassed at home in the playoffs. And yet, I have them at 10-7. Why? Because they have Josh Allen. And he’s one of the five best quarterbacks in the NFL. He will give the Bills a fighting chance every week. The 10-7 has a lot to do with two things. The first place schedule and the improved AFC East. This is a gauntlet for the Bills to take through. Can I see the Bills going 13-4 and being a Super Bowl threat? Yes. Can I also see them going 7-10 and missing the playoffs completely? Also, yes. SO I have them right in the middle.

4. New England Patriots (6-11) LY 8-9

The storyline this year will be Bill Belichick and whether or not he will want to come back for 2024. This team is simply not good. Mac Jones is not good. The receiving core is not good. Rhamondre is! And the defense will keep them in games. But they play the AFC West and the NFC East this season, and there is an argument to be made that they are the worst team out of all 12. Bill O’Brien is there to help Mac Jones after a dismal 2023, but that may even be a tall task. The schedule doesn’t do them any favors, and the Pats will struggle week in and week out to win games. Bill will always have them prepared, but the heyday of the Pats if officially done.

AFC NORTH - Richie Jones

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-3) Last Year (LY) 9-8

   Starting off this division with a bang. In what will the biggest surprise out of any of the divisions covered, the Steelers have the chance to shock everyone. They bring with them the best coach in the division - Mike Tomlin, who has never had a losing season while rocking the black and gold. Obviously, we are expecting a massive, massive jump from Kenny Pickett. He had a rough go of it in his limited time last season, but he has had an entire off-season to make improvements to his game. Pittsburgh quietly has one of the better skill groups in the entire league. They boast a running back tandem of Najee Harris and Jaylen along with pass catchers Diontae Johnson, George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth. Expect Harris to have a bounce back season as the improvements to the quarterback, offensive line and skill group may impact him the most as he will not be asked to do everything that he might’ve during his short career thus far. And don’t forget about the defense. TJ Watt is a top 5 defensive player in the NFL when healthy. They have incredible front seven depth led by Cam Heyward, but also with players such as Alex Highsmith and Larry Ogunjobi. They also addressed the back end by drafting Joey Porter Jr. in Round 2 of the NFL draft whereas a lot of analysts and draft experts had him as a first round talent. Their schedule isn’t overly difficult either as they play the AFC South and NFC West. There is an argument to be made that Pittsburgh can pull together as good as an 7-1/6-2 record in those contests. The division is tough yes, but if everything we spoke about here hits, then the Steelers can have both a Top 10 offense and Top 10 defense.

2. Cincinnati Bengals (12-5) LY 12-4

The defending champs of the North have a legitimate chance at a Super Bowl this upcoming season. And that’s because of Joe Burrow - the best QB in the division. He is an easy top three quarterback in the entire NFL. For years now, the Bengals have been heavily criticized for Burrow’s lack of protection up front. It was apparent in the AFC Championship game last year against Kansas City. So one of the first things the Bengals did was go and poach KC’s left tackle from them and stick him on their line to protect Burrow. Cincy has an array of talent with Joe Mixon, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase amongst others. They spent their first round selection of the draft on EDGE Myles Murphy out of Clemson to aid their pass rush against elite level QB play in the daunting AFC. There are some questions in the secondary, especially with the loss of both safeties, but the return of Chidobe Awuzie should lighten that a bit. Also look out for rookie Jordan Battle who was drafted on day two. But I would pay attention to that secondary this year as the Bengals play a first place schedule are going against the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Trevor Lawrence and Josh Allen as well as Lamar Jackson and DeShaun Watson. An easier schedule to start should bode well for them and get them into a groove early, but make no mistake - this team will be playing deep into January and even maybe February.

3. Baltimore Ravens (10-7) LY 10-7

Unlike previous Ravens off-seasons, Baltimore garnered a ton of headlines during the summer months due to the standstill they had with the Lamar Jackson contract negotiations. Thankfully, both sides struck a record deal (at the time) and all that seems to be behind them. Baltimore wasn’t done though, as they have assembled the best Wide Receiver group they have had since Jackson has been under center. Odell Beckham has arrived along with Zay Flowers. And with Rashod Bateman coming off injury and Mark Andrews returning, the Ravens have the tools to throw the ball all over the yard. The addition of Todd Monkey as OC should see Lamar’s passing numbers go up as well, potentially making the Ravens more two dimensional than they have been in years past. The issue here is on the defensive side of the football though. Baltimore felt a need to upgrade their pass rush, and did so by adding….Jadaveon Clowney. Clowney is ok, but at this point of his career he is more of a rotational piece than anything else. The injury to Marlon Humphrey will hurt as well. It also seems like they whiffed on the Patrick Queen selection a few years back. This team has not been able to find consistent EDGE play for some time now, and with the types of QBs in the AFC North, that could be a big problem. Talent along here will net them 6-7 wins, but will 10 wins be enough to secure a playoff spot in the AFC this year?

4. Cleveland Browns (9-8) LY 7-10

Out of all the teams in the AFC North, the Browns probably have the biggest upside and downside of any team. For the first time since 2020, DeShaun Watson has had a full off-season program. The Browns do have the best offensive line in this division, highlighted by Nick Chubb racking up rushing yards year in and year out. The line is led by Joel Bitonio and Jack Conklin, but also has guys such as Wyatt Teller and Jedrick Wills Jr. Speaking of Chubb, there is no Kareem Hunt anymore, so we should see Chubb on the field much more, which is a good thing. They also traded for Elijah Moore, who should garner the “Deebo Samuel” role for Cleveland. So, offense isn’t a problem. The EDGE rushers aren’t either, as Myles Garrett and newly acquired Za’Darius Smith should be a top ten tandem in the league. It’s really everything else defensively. Yes, Denzel Ward is there - but what else? The secondary is rounded out by Grant Delpit, Juan Thornhill and Greg Newsome - which is average. JOK and Anthony Walker are the linebackers. Ok? I’m not wowed. It’s not bad. It’s not stellar either. The thing that benefits the Browns the most is that they are playing a last place schedule. But the inconsistency from the team in years past has me thinking another .500 season is on the horizon.

AFC SOUTH - John McCarthy

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) LY 9-8

   Folks, it’s time we just say it. The Jacksonville Jaguars have arrived. This team has come together from the turmoil that was Urban Meyer to the leaders that are Trevor Lawrence and Doug Peterson. This team started off slow last season but showed flashes before they ran off 5 straight wins to end the season and 7/8. They pulled off an improbable comeback over the Chargers and had the Chiefs on the ropes until Jamal Agnew fumbled a goal line play to put the game on ice. The addition of Calvin Ridley gives Trevor a clear number one guy who, last time we saw him, was one of the best in the game. The Jags have an impressive set of skill players and an ascending defense with guys such as Travon Walker, Tyson Campbell and Andre Cisco. They play in a really weak AFC South and play an even weaker NFC South this year. This is the year for Trevor Lawrence. A lot of quarterbacks break through in Year 3 - and I expect Trevor to take this team to unexpected heights.

2. Tennessee Titans (8-9) LY 7-10

   Truly, I wanted to like the Titans more than I have them here. The schedule is light, Mike Vrabel is a hell of a coach, but this team just has the feel of being old. Derrick Henry, although successful again last year, quite possibly has the worst offensive line blocking for him in his career. DeAndre Hopkins was having issues even when healthy last year. Ryan Tannehill is just kind of existing also. The Titans spent two drafts in a row on quarterbacks - a third round pick in 2022 on Malik Willis and a second round pick in this past draft on Will Levis. I believe we will see possibly both, but definitely Levis this year. Tennessee will always be in games because of Vrabel and how well he prepares. And some games you will look at Tennessee and say “how did they win that game?” But, they are weeks where you will also say “how did they lose that game!” I think they will be in it until Thanksgiving until things start to go sideways.

3. Houston Texans (5-12) LY 3-13-1

It finally feels like Houston is headed in the right direction after years of turmoil. Demeco Ryans as the new coach seems like the right hire and a guy who is going to bring stability to the organization. They made a big move in this years draft; taking CJ Stroud second and then Will Anderson third overall. Houston potentially got two cornerstone pieces in the same draft. The complete antithesis to the Titans, this team is extremely young. There will be growing pains - and many of them. But one thing about being young is the fact that the team can grow together. Out of all the team not named the Jaguars in this division, the Texans have the best chance to climb the ladder quickly. They may win some surprising games this year. But the future is finally bright in Houston.

4. Indianapolis Colts (5-12) LY 4-12-1

Another young roster who doesn’t have a player over 30 on it. However, we are long gone from the days of Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck. This team has had drama all off-season; most notably with Jonathan Taylor. Taylor has an outstanding trade demand and is starting the season on the PUP list. Personally, we don’t think he plays another down in Indy. Jim Irsay has become the new Dan Snyder as the owner who can’t stay out of his own way. It was just a few short years ago this team was considered “close” to getting back to a Super Bowl, and now here we are. The Colts should have started rebuilding years ago, but instead they tried to band-aid the QB position for far too long with names like Philip Rivers and Matt Ryan who were way past their prime. Because of that, the roster suffered and now they are starting from square one. They do have one thing going for them though - Anthony Richardson. While we don’t agree that he should be starting right away, he will have highlight reel plays throughout the year, and he may be the best QB of the current class if everything breaks right. It’s going to be a little while before Indianapolis is competitive again though. And it sure won’t be in 2023.

AFC WEST - Joe Miglio

1. Kansas City Chiefs (13-4) LY 14-3

   The mainstay of the division. As long as Patrick Mahomes is the QB of this division, this prediction will never change. There really isn’t much else needed to be said. We thought Tyreek Hill would nosedive this team. Nope. Remember a couple of years ago when people thought the league figured out Mahomes? That didn’t work. Hell, the script writers in the NFL office even put Mahomes on one ankle for the playoffs last year. He still won the damn thing. Chris Jones can hold out. Juju Smith-Schuster can go play in New England. Eric Bieniemy can call plays in Washington. Come January, Kansas City will be in the playoffs and looking for their 3rd title in six years.

2. Denver Broncos (9-8) LY 5-12

This prediction should tell you what I think of the arrival of Sean Payton. Payton is a great offensive mind. And he’s in Denver to do one thing: Fix Russell Wilson. The Broncos were struck by Murphy’s law last season where everything that could go wrong…went wrong. Wilson became the most unlikeable character in the entire NFL. From the “Dangerwich” to the cringy Tik Tok videos, even to the kid doing the bathrooms to touchdown ratio. It was just bad, bad, bad. And then, on top of that - injuries. Javonte Williams went down with an ACL. Tim Patrick got hurt. Jerry Jeudy got hurt. Bradley Chubb was shipped off to Miami. Just a bunch of things. Now, Payton is ruling the roost and it seems like things are off to a much better start. However, I think the 5-12 record last year was an indicator of how far this team has to come to be relevant again. A four game increase is a massive, massive jump. The Broncos secondary is solid, but their linebacker core is something to be desired. They are hurt again at the WR position as Marvin Mims is set to be WR2 in Week 1. I think a lot of things have to go right for this team to be a playoff team in 2023, but going 9-8 in Payton’s first full season is a really good step.

3. Los Angeles Chargers (7-10) LY 10-7

This was a tough one to make a call on. But with so many good teams in the AFC, a couple of teams will have to go sideways. Unfortunately, I think that’s the Chargers this year. There are good things going on here. Justin Herbert is 1A. He is a top flight quarterback and just got a massive extension to be there for the foreseeable future. They also found a gem in Asante Samuel Jr. and have a really good secondary. But there were issues with Austin Ekeler in the off-season with the trade demand, then the reneg of the trade demand. I’m not in love with their pass rush. Bosa is very good, yes. But Mack is another year older. Kenneth Murray hasn’t been the show stopper he was in college. Eric Kendricks was in Minnesota last season (that tells you all you need to know). And then worst of all is Brandon Staley. This guy should’ve been on the hot seat when he fumbled the bag in Week 17 of 2021. He got a pass for that. Then his team blew a 27-0 lead in the playoffs last year. Got a pass for that. This year, Staley will be the first Head Coach fired during the season. I can see it happening. When that happens, consider me back in on the Chargers. For now, I’m out.

4. Las Vegas Raiders (5-12) LY 6-11

When I initially did this, I wrote the Raiders in second place. And then I deleted it and put them in 4th. There are way too many question marks with this team. While Josh Jacobs is back and ready to roll, there is now an issue with Chandler Jones. There is something brewing with the happiness of Davante Adams. Darren Waller is gone and was replaced with Austin Hooper and Michael Mayer. On paper, the Raiders have good skill players - Jacobs, Adams, Meyers, Renfrow. But the offensive line is not good, and someone tell me the last time Jimmy G played a full season? On the defensive side of the football, Maxx Crosby is an absolute stud, but there is not much else there. Marcus Peters signed up in the off-season, and while he’s really always been feast or famine, there was a reason Baltimore didn’t re-sign him. And then much like LAC, the Head Coach is a problem. Josh McDaniels was not great in Denver, hoodwinked the Colts, and has now been a massive disappointment in Las Vegas. He is also on the hot seat going into the season. And if things go awry and the Raiders do in fact trade Davante Adams, they will also be looking for a new coach in 2024.

NFC EAST - John McCarthy

1. Philadelphia Eagles (12-5) LY 14-3

Many times when a team goes to a Super Bowl (win or lose), it is very difficult for a team to retain a lot of the talent they had the year before. And the Eagles did loose players - such as Miles Sanders (Panthers), Javon Hargrave (49ers), TJ Edwards (Bears) and CJ Gardner-Johnson (Lions). However, there is excitement in Philly as Howie Roseman may have actually improved the roster year over year. Roseman drafted Jalen Carter to replace Hargrave, Nolan Smith to replace TJ Edwards and traded for D’Andre Swift to replace Miles Sanders. This is a team that, on paper, is the best team in the NFL. The reason for the two game dip is due to the improvement of the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders. Although the Eagles went 4-2 in the division last year, the game they lost to Dallas was with Gardner Minshew playing QB. The Eagles will be one of the best teams in football and will be playing deep into the postseason.

2. New York Giants (10-7) LY 9-7-1

Pound for pound, the Giants may be one of the most improved teams in the NFL. A playoff team that added Darren Waller, Isiah Simmons and Bobby Okereke doesn’t really get worse. Daniel Jones is back on a 4 year deal while Saquon agreed to a one year contract to keep him in New York for at least another season. The Giants have better weapons than they did in 2022, and that includes rookie receiver Jalin Hyatt. The offensive line should be better, but it’s the defense that can take the real step forward. Another year of Kayon Thibodeaux, Leonard Williams, Dexter Lawrence and Azeez Ojulari as part of a front seven can be dangerous. The only thing that scares me here is that they are starting two rookie corners (Deonte Banks and Tre Hawkins) on the outside, and with teams like the Eagles and Cowboys boasting two very good 1-2 punches at receivers, there might be growing pains on the back end. Don’t get it twisted though, the Giants are improved from 2022.

3. Dallas Cowboys (8-9) LY 12-5

Time is running out in Big D. For the first time in a while, the roster in Dallas is not great. Gone are people like Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper and Dalton Schultz from this offense. Brandin Cooks steps in. Tony Pollard is now ready for a full time role at running back. But the offensive line is significantly older, especially where Tyron Smith sits. He is seemingly injured every season now, and guys like Tyler Biadiasz and Terrence Steele aren’t the show stoppers Zack Martin is and Travis Frederick was. On defense, the line is as good as it gets with Micah Parson and Demarcus Lawrence. However, I am not so sold on what is going on with the rest of the defense. Leighton Vander Esch has chronic injury issues, and Trevon Diggs may be the most overrated player in the entire league. And then the big question: Dak Prescott. What is he? Is he the QB who threw 16 interceptions last year in less than a full season? Or is he 201 Dak and throwing the ball all over the field. There is definitely pressure there as Kellen Moore moved on to LA and Mike McCarthy took over play calling. Add McCarthy to the list of candidates on the hot seat. Winning a playoff game last year against a putrid Bucs team ain’t gonna cut it. And let’s not forget the Cowboys did trade for Trey Lance a couple of weeks back. Things could get interesting in Dallas.

4. Washington Commanders (7-10) LY 8-8-1

The biggest thing going into this season for Washington is the fact that Daniel Snyder is no longer the owner. The group led by Josh Harris now owns the team in DC, and the for the first time in a long time, there is hope in Washington. People forget this team 8-8-1 last year and finished a game out of the playoffs with Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke playing musical chairs all year. Now, it is Sam Howell’s team. Howell was drafted last season out of UNC on day three of the 2022 NFL Draft and will now get an opportunity to show the brass what he is. There are a couple of pieces on this offense. We know about Terry McLaurin, but how about Jahan Dotson? And Brian Robinson Jr.? Not to mention the defensive front, which stars Jonathan Allen and Montez Sweat accompanied by budding star Chase Young and reliable Da’Ron Payne. This team has pieces. But I’m putting the microscope on Ron Rivera. Riverboat Ron has had a go of it since his arrival in Washington, but I think this year is put up or shut up. With the hiring of Eric Bieniemy from Kansas City, I feel like Rivera has to watch his back. I don’t think the Commanders have to make the postseason, but I do think they need to show improvement. They will be frisky for sure, but ultimately may come up short because of the tough division.

NFC North - Richie Jones

1. Detroit Lions (11-6) LY 9-8

   I think the Lions are here to stay folks. A team who two years ago gave away Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff is now talking about extending that very same QB. The Lions were exciting last year - on offense at least. They put up points all year. Amon-Ra St. Brown became a household name. The offensive line finally got recognized for being a top three unit. Jamaal Williams had 18 rushing touchdowns. The Lions get flexed into SNF on the last week of the season, and even though they were eliminated before the game played, they beat the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau to send Aaron Rodgers packing. It was a marvelous season; so much so that the NFL decided to make the Detroit Lions the first game of the 2023 NFL season. The aforementioned Jamaal Williams is now in New Orleans and D’Andre Swift is in Philadelphia. But they signed David Montgomery and spent their first (of two) round draft picks on Jahmyr Gibbs. The offense got better. They drafted Sam LaPorta to play tight end. The offense got better. They used their other first round pick on Jack Campbell. The defense got better. They plucked CJ Gardner-Johnson from the Eagles. The defense got better. They also drafted Brian Branch and signed Cam Sutton from Pittsburgh to play corner. The defense got better. See the theme? The Lions are better everywhere. And in a division where there is uncertainty around the three other teams, the only team that seems to know what and who they are…is the Lions.

2. Minnesota Vikings (10-7) LY 13-4

This may be the easiest prediction to make. A team that went 9-0 in one score games last year and had a -3 scoring differential will suffer a regression. The team improved offensively - if you can believe it, by drafting Jordan Addison to replace an aging Adam Thielen. They also decided to move on from Dalvin Cook and gave the keys to Alexander Mattison. Mattison had more explosion than Cook the past two seasons, but doesn’t have the knack to catch the ball like Dalvin did. Minnesota should still put up points offensively. But anyone with a pulse knows that the Vikings issues came from the defensive side of the ball. Yes, they re-signed Danielle Hunter. But they lost two of their better defensive players last year in Eric Kendricks (Chargers) and Patrick Peterson (Steelers). The biggest “addition” to this defense was the hiring of Brian Flores as the DC. Flores will bring an energy to the team they haven’t seen in some time, but we may be a year away before he can really inject his serum into this defense. Minnesota will still win games because they are just too talented on offense, but their defense will cost them games again. It’s also ridiculous to assume they will go undefeated again in one score games. I almost went a whole paragraph without mentioning Justin Jefferson - yea, he’s still really really good.

3. Green Bay Packers (8-9) LY 8-9

A lot of change this season in Titletown. Out is Aaron Rodgers and in is Jordan Love. The Packers have undergone and embraced a full youth movement with this team. Consider me skeptical on the Jordan Love hype train. The skill group is young, and I am not sure either Christian Watson or Romeo Doubs have “number one wide receiver” potential in them. Watson can’t take over a game like Davonte Adams used to do, or even a Jordy Nelson used to do . Their best offensive player is Aaron Jones, who they willingly split carries with. The offensive line has good for a while now, but David Bhaktiari is a man who has trade speculation swirling around him, especially to join Rodgers in New York if things go sour quick in Green Bay. With all these new pieces on offense coming together, it may be difficult for them to gel right away. And as a result, they may struggle this season. Very similar to the Houston Texans, the Packers future actually seems like it could go somewhere, but growing pains will happen. The defense will keep them in games, but the offenses inability to put up consistent points will hamper this team in 2023.

4. Chicago Bears (7-10) LY 3-14

We are expecting some improvement from Chicago this season. Bears fans are excited for Justin Fields upcoming third season - mainly because of his new toy, DJ Moore. Moore came over in a trade with the Panthers to be the new number one. The front office for Chicago is hoping that Moore can do for Fields with AJ Brown and Stefon Diggs did for Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen, respectively. They addressed the offensive line woes by drafting Darnell Wright in the first round at pick 10, but not really much else there. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears signed Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards to play linebacker while signing Yannick Ngakoue to be their premier pass rusher. The Bears will be improved on offense and defense, but the two things that question me is their secondary and the fact that they may be the worst pass defense in the league. And then, of course, the Justin Fields accuracy issues. We all know Fields can run, and he can escape pressure. But for Fields, it’s about being consistently accurate. There were way too many games last year where Fields was unable to be effective as a passer. That needs to change. And they are hoping that DJ Moore can have that effect on Fields.

NFC SOUTH - Joe Miglio

1. Atlanta Falcons (10-7) LY 7-10

   Let me start off by saying this. There is always a team that goes from worst to first every season. Last year, it was Jacksonville. This year, it will be Atlanta. This team is oozing with talent. For years now, they have been ramping up this offense. First Kyle Pitts, then Drake London, and now Bijan Robinson. All three of those guys were top ten picks. The offensive line is a unit led by Chris Lindstrom. This is a team that ran the ball really, really well last year with Tyler Allgeier and Cordarelle Patterson. Their defense is sneaky as it’s led by Grady Jarrett and AJ Terrell. The signing of Jesse Bates III will absolutely help the back end. The reason Atlanta didn’t make the playoffs last year was because of sub-par quarterback play. I was clamoring for Atlanta to make a move for Lamar Jackson when he asked for a trade, but alas, that didn’t happen. Desmond Ridder was good at Cincinnati, even taking them to the CFP two years ago. But Ridder wasn’t good in his four game audition last season. That will need to change. All Ridder needs to do this season is be adequate in order for the Falcons to make a three game swing and be a 10 win team. 10 wins will be enough to get a division crown this year.

2. New Orleans Saints (8-9) LY 7-10

I really wanted to make the Saints win this division. But what I saw last year from Derek Carr was frightening. He looked like a guy that just lost it. It got masked because everyone was poking fun at Russell Wilson and Zach Wilson all year long, but Carr was not good. He gets a fresh start in New Orleans where the QB position has been a black hole since Drew Brees retired. They are without Alvin Kamara for their first three games where they play Tennessee, Carolina and Green Bay. None of those games are gimmes. The budding star on this team is Chris Olave. Last year, I had him as my number one ranked receiver (ahead of Garrett Wilson) and much like Wilson, Olave had a very good year with really lousy QB play. Carr is better than what the Saints had last year, so Olave should improve. I liked this defense a lot in years past, but I think it’s starting to get worn a bit. Cam Jordan seems like he’s been there since the Patriots dynasty, and Marshon Lattimore’s name has been in the news more than it has been on the field. They still have Demario Davis and Marcus Maye, but I’m not sure this team has enough energy and moxey to keep up with Atlanta. Their coach also doesn’t have any redeeming qualities. A bad season in New Orleans could mean a coaching change is coming.

3. Carolina Panthers (5-12) LY 7-10

The two game dip here comes at the expense of Atlanta and New Orleans being slightly better. Carolina has a lot of issues on their team right now. The offensive line is a mess, their WR group is already banged up, and I don’t trust their running game. Bryce Young was getting pummeled in the pre-season against second team defenses. Their defense is young and has some ballers on it, but this is a group that will be worse before they get better. I think them and Atlanta will be good in a couple of years. But right now, they aren’t there yet. Frank Reich is the right guy for Bryce Young though. Will be an interesting watch.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-13) LY 8-9

If this team didn’t have the defense it had, it could actually go 1-16. With an aging Tom Brady last year, this team went 8-9 and were “crowned” NFC South champs. They got dismantled against Dallas in the playoffs, and it left a sour taste in everyones mouth. Fast forward a year, and Baker Mayfield is heading the ship now. Playoff Lenny is gone as well as Rob Gronkowski. The offense still has Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but there is already talk about the Bucs shipping out Mike Evans for the right price. The defense is still good. Lavonte David, Jamel Dean, Antoine Winfield, JTS, Devin White, etc. can all ball. That will keep them in games. But I really think this team is going to struggle and can be shipping off players all year. And don’t get me started with Todd Bowles. He is the worst coach in the NFL. It’s not really close either. If Brandon Staley isn’t canned first during the season, Bowles is next in line.

NFC WEST - John McCarthy

1. San Francisco 49ers (13-4) LY 13-4

   The creme dela creme of the NFL in terms of team building. After a run to the NFC title game, the 49ers brought back nearly everyone and added Javon Hargrave to the mix. As of this article, Nick Bosa is now the highest paid defensive player in NFL history as well, so he will be back for the season. This team is absolutely legit, and there is no real threat to them in their division. The only question mark is Brock Purdy. Mr. Irrelevant came in towards the latter half of last season and still hasn’t lost a game he both started and finished. He is already back from his partially torn UCL, but that will be something to monitor as the year goes on. San Francisco should be in it from beginning to end this year.

2. Seattle Seahawks (9-8) LY 9-8

A team that many people (including us) to be one of the worst teams in football last year shocked everyone when they ended up playing in January. We can’t dismiss the job that Pete Carroll has done in Seattle. After bringing a Super Bowl there, we saw the Legion of Boom dismantle, Russell Wilson cook and then uncook, trade Wilson to Denver and still be relevant. It’s a truly remarkable job. This is one of the deepest rosters in the league, and it’s a shame they play in the same division as San Francisco. Adding Jaxon Smith-Njigba to an already good receiver group of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett really gives teams like the Bengals and Dolphins a run for their money for “best WR core”. But let’s not forget about the other first round pick - Devon Witherspoon. The corner out of Illinois is the most polished corner that came out of the draft with great length and speed to be a perfect future lockdown guy. He will man the secondary with Tariq Woolen. Bobby Wagner is back after a vacation in LA as well. Lastly, Geno Smith had an insane season last year - throwing 30 touchdown passes and completion over 70% of his passes. It was just remarkable. Even if Geno regresses a bit, the roster is deep enough to pick him up and find themselves playing in January again.

3. Los Angeles Rams (4-13) LY 5-12

Let’s do a quick exercise. Take out Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, Matthew Stafford and Cam Akers. How many of you can name three more Rams players on their roster? That’s how quick a team can be broken down. Now, the “f them picks” strategy did net the Rams a Super Bowl, so it’s not a failure. But these are the repercussions you now have to pay. This is a bad football team. And with Cooper Kupp already ruled out for Week 1 (and a possible IR stint) there is actually no positive thing going on with LA this season. Their defense is young and raw with Donald being the only guy teams need to worry about. The Rams are officially on Caleb Williams watch.

4. Arizona Cardinals (2-15) LY 4-13

This is the worst roster in football - bar none. It’s really an abysmal roster from top to bottom. The Cardinals cut DeAndre Hopkins. They gave away Isiah Simmons. Kyler Murray may not play this year. It was recently reported that Josh Dobbs is going to start Week 1 against Washington. Dobbs has been with the team less than a month. The three guys on this team are James Conner, Hollywood Brown and Budda Baker. Conner is a crazy fantasy value, but in terms of real NFL, he’s running behind a weak offensive line and will need loaded boxes every game. Baker will be traded at some point. To where, I don’t know. But he will be. He’s too good to keep on this team. It will be interesting to see what happens if this team ends up with the number one pick and gave Kyler all that money. Doesn’t Jonathan Gannon give you Adam Gase vibes?

PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

AFC

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

2. Kansas City Chiefs

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

4. Miami Dolphins

5. Cincinnati Bengals

6. New York Jets

7. Buffalo Bills

NFC

1. San Francisco 49ers

2. Philadelphia Eagles

3. Detroit Lions

4. Atlanta Falcons

5. New York Giants

6. Minnesota Vikings

7. Seattle Seahawks

Wild Card Round

Chiefs defeat Bills

Jaguars defeat Jets

Bengals defeat Dolphins

Eagles defeat Seahawks

Lions defeat Vikings

Giants defeat Falcons

Divisional Round

Jaguars defeat Chiefs

Bengals defeat Steelers

Eagles defeat Lions

49ers defeat Giants

Championship Round

Eagles defeat 49ers

Jaguars defeat Bengals

SUPER BOWL

EAGLES defeat Jaguars 26-20

To be clear, Joe did not pick the Jaguars to go to the Super Bowl. He picked the Bengals. But John and Richie felt so strongly about Jacksonville beating a hypothetical Bengals team that majority won over. However, in the Super Bowl, John and Richie were split, so it was down to Joe to pick who won the Super Bowl. Ultimately, he chose to take the “Maurice Jones-Drew” approach. If you aren’t familiar with that, MJD chose the opposition down the stretch last year against the Jaguars every time to bring the Jags good luck - and it was perfect until the Chiefs playoff game. So Joe decided to take that route and took the Eagles. But in all seriousness, the Eagles are probably the most complete team on paper going into the NFL season. In this hypothetical scenario, Jacksonville would struggle with Philadelphia’s defensive line rotations and Hurts ability to run. But Lawrence going to the Super Bowl in his third season would put him in the elite of elite with Mahomes, Burrow and Hurts. He would be ahead of Allen, Jackson and Herbert. We hope you all enjoyed this as much as we did. Football starts TOMORROW! GET HYPED!

Why Giving the Jacksonville Jaguars a new Stadium is Great for the NFL

Photo via The Athletic

We have roughly had this website for three months and I have yet to write any story about my beloved Jaguars. You can all thank the city of Jacksonville for that, as the release of that new stadium design got the juices flowing again. The initial reaction was one of hope, shock and awe by those who are “in the know” and saw the designs. And like with any Jaguars post, it was also met with jokes and venom of people who mention “that’s not London” or “for your twelve fans”.

Those people are ignorant, and just have absolutely no idea what’s going on farther than they can see. As NFL fans, we see how constantly the shift is from being good to bad and vice versa. Other than Hockey, Football has the biggest year to year turnover, which is great for the league. It’s not often that players or coaches come along that can stabilize a franchise for years to come. Those types of things don’t happen everyday. In today’s NFL, the names that come to mind are Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen - all those players have stabilized their teams into being perennial playoff and Super Bowl contenders. As of a couple of weeks ago, the Buffalo Bills broke ground on their new NFL stadium, which will make its debut in 2026. And we typically love watching all these players play.

But the Jaguars? They aren’t allowed to be good. They aren’t allowed to be great. They are the butt of every joke, so if we can’t make fun of them, then who will we, as a collective fan base make fun of? The Lions, Browns and Jets all have playoff aspirations this year. The perennial bottom feeders aren’t “fun” anymore because they can actually complete. So we are supposed to make fun of who…The Patriots, Colts, Raiders, Packers? teams with rich histories and Hall of Fame players in the rafters. No, that’s not allowed. The bad teams always need to be bad to maintain the status quo.

So why is it “great” for the NFL for the Jaguars to get a new stadium? What does that mean for their long term future in Jacksonville? I’m glad you asked. Let’s switch sports for a second. I wanna travel to the NBA for a second. Back in time to 2009 and 2013 - when the Warriors and Bucks respectively drafted Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokoumpo. The Warriors were playing in Oakland, and the Bucks in Milwaukee - and neither team was taken seriously. Small market teams with little no chance every year because no one wanted to play in those cities. They didn’t have the bright lights of New York or Los Angeles; or the beaches of sun that Miami has; or the undying loyalty that cities like Boston, Philadelphia and Houston have. Milwaukee…Oakland. No one cared. But players come along and transform the game. No one has more than Steph since Michael Jordan.

We fast forward to today and the Golden State Warriors franchise is now one of the top organizations in NBA history. They also got a new arena - now closer to San Francisco, and they are a top attraction in the league for players and fans alike. Steph did that. Over in Milwaukee, Giannis led the Bucks to the title just two years ago and the small city of Milwaukee is now revered as one of, not if the toughest place to play in all of the NBA. Players want to go play there. Giannis did that.

Parity is good for a league. Players wanting to go to small cities is good for the sport. It keeps teams, fans and cities engaged. It gives other cities hope that it can one day happen to their city. Their team. Their player. If the cities of Milwaukee and Oakland can achieve greatness, then there is no reason that Jacksonville can as well. The plans for this new stadium comes on the heels of the Jags going from 4-7 to winning the division at 9-8 and pulling off one of the top three comebacks in NFL postseason history. It wasn’t a coincidence that the city released the plans after this season.

The NFL needs a new “New England Patriots”. It needs a new “Kansas City Chiefs”. Teams that had little to no history of success before those iconic players got there. We as a society thrive on seeing new teams rise up and take the mantle. We want the engine that never could to take down the Mad Titans. But we only want them to do it for a few years and then hand it off for another team. As the famous Harvey Dent said:

“You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”

— Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight (2008)

Jaguars fans have been waiting since 1996 to find a franchise quarterback. A guy that can put the team on his back and go win a game if every one of his teammates was subpar that day. We liked Mark Brunell, but we fell in love with people who would never be considered franchise guys; David Garrard, Byron Leftwich, Blake Bortles - all three of these have mild success with this franchise and the fanbase thought they were the second coming because they just had a taste of it. And the same thing has happened this off-season. Trevor Lawrence rose from the dead last season after fans had given up on him, analysts and experts gave up on him. And like a phoenix he rose from the ashes after his return from London and led the Jags to the playoffs. He just clocked in at number six on Chris Simms QB rankings for this season (if you’re into that sort of thing). This was the same “expert” who ranked Zach Wilson ahead of Lawrence when the 2021 NFL Draft was coming up. Stood by it and shouted it to the rafters after their rookie seasons. Wilson wasn’t on Simms 2023 Top 40, for those wondering.

This one seems like it’s gonna stick though because of the talent and the drive this kid house. He has the right coach as well, as Doug Pederson has transformed a franchise who was thought of as the gum on your shoe after the Urban Meyer debacle, into a well-respected franchise who even has made Trent Baalke look good. This is a franchise where its fans wore clown outfits to the last game of the 2021 season in protest to the owner, and now the GM has a clown toy on his desk to remind him and where he was before (courtesy of The Hunt on Youtube).

It seems like a truly phenomenal turnaround, almost too good to be true. And time will tell if the Jaguars are for real and will become perennial playoff contenders. But this new stadium signifies that the NFL is ready for the Jaguars to have a seat at the table. The lowly Jaguars getting their opportunity. Everyone who's a fan of the NFL should be rooting for the Jags, because it is truly a symbol that any team can overcome the highest of adversities. If the same franchises won consistently, then what’s the point? Where is the return on the investment? That’s where all the “this is rigged” comes from. We want the little engine that could to get to the top. This stadium proposal seems like a doorway for Jacksonville - and if they are able to walk through it, then good things will happen for this franchise.

And they absolutely deserve it. Every single fanbase deserves to climb the mountain and experience what it’s like to be on top. Personally, I never have. Between the Mets, Knicks and Jaguars, it seems like I may be doomed forever. But there is a hope that comes with a new stadium. A hope that you belong and that something, even if it seems insignificant, is aligned for once. We all see what’s going on in MLB with the Oakland Athletics. It’s not something that any commissioner, fan or player want to be a part of. It’s hard to watch and it’s a disgraceful scene to be completely honest. But I do feel that’s what is on the horizon for the city of Jacksonville if this plan doesn’t get approved. This is it. This is the moment where the tide can turn, and the city of Jacksonville has the fate of the Jaguars in their hands.

Trevor Lawrence, Doug Pederson, Calvin Ridley, Tyson Campbell, Christian Kirk, Travis Etienne, Josh Allen, Travon Walker - those are a few names of a young core that is ready to thrive. And these players are excited about this. Do yourself a favor and go check out the Jaguars Twitter retweets from the announcement video, and you will see what they players think. Those guys want to be in Jacksonville. They want to be a part of something special. The same way that the players in Golden State and Milwaukee did. Those teams built for a few years before they broke through. And now…well, I don’t think those franchises will have any problems for a long time, even post Steph and Giannis. The Jaguars have that opportunity in front of them now. Trevor Lawrence, Doug Pederson and Shad Khan have that opportunity in front of them right now. The city of Jacksonville has that opportunity in front of them right now…

They just need to go and take it.

Video created by Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jets and Aaron Rodgers - A Love Story

March 17th. Yes, today is St. Patrick’s Day. And while those who celebrate will pack the bars and pubs and sing and dance, other individuals, those who are in lockstep with the football community, may remember this an as anniversary of some sorts. Five years ago today, the New York Jets traded up for the number three draft selection in the 2018 NFL Draft where they selected Sam Darnold. There is no reason to revisit those tumultuous years for the sake of Jets fans reading this, but it is important to note for the rest this love story. Fast forward to now, and the Jets organization are on their third head coach (Bowles, Case, Saleh), their second general manager (Maccagnan, Douglas) and have been through a litany of starting quarterbacks (too many to name).

This past season saw gang green finish 7-10, but also had the rookie of the year on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. How rare is that? It has only happened twice since the Super Bowl era (1967 Detroit Lions, 2017 New Orleans Saints). One would think that two rookies of the year, coupled with players like Quinnen Williams, CJ Mosley, and DJ Reed amongst some others would have finished above .500. Alas, the Jets did not, and their playoff-less streak extended to a league leading twelve years. And the only saving grace for the Jets fan was that they did not have the longest playoff drought within the four major sports. Well, that is going to end - the NBA’s Sacramento Kings are currently 42-27 and will end their sixteen year long playoff drought. Once that officially happens, the Jets (and the Buffalo Sabres) will own the longest droughts in sports.

The AFC is currently loaded with quarterback talent. Led by two time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes, the conference also boasts Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Trevor Lawrence, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. How in the world would the Jets be able to compete with that? Even the legendary Mike White only lasted two games before his ribs seemed to burst through his chest. But all love stories aren’t so black and white, right? It’s not like the Jets have been chasing for their franchise QB since Joe Namath retired, right? I digress, but seriously, HOW WOULD THEY BE ABLE TO COMPETE? Simple - four walls and no lights.

Last off-season the NFL went through this whole charade with Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, the two lynchpins or our sport for the better part of the past 15 years. Brady retired, then unretired, and Rodgers seemed to do everything under the sun before coming back. Both of these icons struggled this past season with Rodgers Green Bay Packers being eliminated from playoff contention in front of the entire country, at home, in Week 18 against the already eliminated Detroit Lions. Brady won another division title, although it was at an embarrassing 8-9 record, and the Bucs promptly got stomped on by the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round. Brady retired (again) and seemingly for good, while Rodgers noted he would take his time and talk to whoever he needed to, and take whatever drugs he needed to put him in the right “mental space”. But the Jets had been linked as a destination for a while if A-Rod would actually leave Green Bay. Things only grew when owner Woody Johnson said he would take whatever it took to get a QB to win some games. Even Douglas and Saleh admitted that a veteran presence was needed at the position - and no, not Joe Flacco.

The Jets had links though - to other free agent quarterbacks. Jimmy G for instance, played with Saleh while he was the defensive coordinator for San Francisco. Then the Jets brought Derek Carr in for a visit, where they told him he would be a hall of famer if he won in New York. The entire time though, Rodgers to the Jets had some sort of hope, some sort of glimmer. Kind of the like the girl or boy you watch from a distance and they have no idea how you really feel. And then the Jets hired the former disgraced Denver Broncos head coach Nathanial Hackett as their new offensive coordinator. His connection to Rodgers? Only the fact that he was his OC in Green Bay for a couple of NFC Championship appearances. He was also the OC for the Jacksonville Jaguars for their run in 2017 with Blake Bortles. But would that really lure Rodgers over to NYC?

Over the past couple of weeks, you couldn’t turn on a radio station in the city without the hosts talking about Rodgers and the Jets. It had already happened. They fell in love with the idea that this guy could come in and save them. But how many times have the Jets been burned before? The last time they got an aging Green Bay quarterback, he started off 9-2 only to get hurt and lose his last five games and miss the playoffs altogether. He then went to Minnesota the next year and took the Vikings to the NFC title game. His name shall remain nameless because we don’t want to take away the spotlight from Aaron.

His darkness retreat couldn’t have come at a better time (sarcasm, folks) as the other quarterbacks who would even sniff starting this year landed in other qb needy locations. So it’s Rodgers or bust for the Jets. They put their eggs all in one basket. He hadn’t said anything for more than a week after he came out of the box (literally), and then finally broke his silence where he said he had some things to say on the Pat McAfee show. He spoke about before going into the retreat, he was 90% retired. After he came out, his mind had changed. He stated his intentions to play for the Jets this upcoming season. Aaron Rodgers, who is a top ten QB of all-time, seemingly came out of retirement to come play for the New York Jets. But a trade still needed to happen between the two clubs, which as of this article has still not occurred yet.

The news of Rodgers wanting to play for the Jets nearly broke the internet, but in a very peculiar way. There are people who think it’s a bad move. There are Jets fans who want no part of Aaron Rodgers - because he may be a weird guy, because he’s going on his age 39 season, or because he can only give the Jets 1-2 years at the max. Let's go through a couple of things really quick here. First, and I can’t overstate this: Aaron Rodgers WANTS to play for the New York Jets. Can anyone reading this please tell me the last time a superstar player, specifically at the quarterback position, said publicly they want to play for the Jets? I can't. Second, who absolutely cares if he is only here for 1-2 years? When healthy, he very well may be the most talented thrower of the football I’ve ever seen. I say when healthy because he wasn’t fully healthy last season. Lastly, the Jets are ready to win right now.

With Rodgers at the helm, put the Jets in the same boat as the Bills, Dolphins, Jaguars and Chargers. We have to leave the Bengals and Chiefs in their own category for right now until one of these other teams proves they can beat them. But think about that. The J-E-T-S are in the conversation now. With a defense that finished in the top five last year, and not one, but two rookies of the year, this team is poised to end their playoff drought.

Now, can the Jets not make the playoffs? Yes. I counted seven teams in that last paragraph, but we did not mention the Ravens (assuming Lamar returns), the Browns - with a full year of DeShaun Watson, and the Broncos - with Sean Payton seemingly there to “fix” Russell Wilson. That’s ten teams potentially vying for seven spots. So can the Jets get unlucky and can guys get hurt? Of course. Can the Rodgers decline last year be absolutely real? Sure. But we aren’t here for that today. Every single Jets fan should be excited about this upcoming season. Aaron Rodgers will be your quarterback. He will be throwing the ball to Garrett Wilson. Breece Hall will be back. Sauce Gardner will be locking down the opponent’s number one receiver. Quinnen Williams will be saying “bless me” when he sacks the quarterback. The New York Jets will have as good as a chance as any team in the AFC to dethrone the Chiefs.

So on the five year anniversary of a trade that completely backfired, take your victory lap, Jets fans. Because in a love story, the guy always gets the girl in the end. And well, the Jets got the girl. Yea, you can say it again - The Jets got the girl.