7 weeks down and 11 to go in this crazy thing we call the NFL. The Rams and Eagles have won a combined 5 games meanwhile the Browns have won 5 games on their own just like we all thought would happen. It was an especially brutal week for me as I went 1-4 in my fantasy leagues and the Sunday night Chiefs looked like the 2025 Chiefs. But that’s how it goes in this up and down world. It’s hard to have a lot of clarity right now so there are a lot less categories this week as teams are starting to lump themselves together and at the same time less teams are separating from one another. Let’s dive in.
Somehow lost on a bye: Chargers
The Chargers didn’t even play but came away as losers as the dolphins won a game and the Titans took the Browns down to the wire. They are the only remaining team without a win. Ouch.
Not good and definitely missing the playoffs: Dolphins, Jets, Colts, Titans and Cardinals
These are bad football teams with a combined 8 wins among them. Some weeks they look better than others but they all should go ahead and start doing mock drafts.
Not good and probably missing the playoffs: Raiders, Texans, whoever doesn’t win the NFC South and the NFC East
The Raiders haven’t won since Clint Kubiak said at halftime of the Chiefs game they were going to win the game. They lost that one and then 3 more. They are a team you can’t not show up for but they are not good. I’m done with the Texans. I’m sure they will win a few more games but their “elite” defense is yet to stop anyone. The NFC South and East have all bad teams and 6 of the 8 of them aren’t making the playoffs.
Not good but will make the playoffs: The winner of the NFC South and East
Someone has to win these crap divisions. My prediction is the Giants edge out the Cowboys and who knows with the crazy NFC south. 9 wins probably gets it done for either of these divisions. 8 is probably more than enough for the South.
Gonna need some help: Rams
I still believe the Rams are a good team. If it was the 7 best teams in the NFC they would be in the top 7. But they are 3-4 and behind the 49ers and Seahawks as it is and all the NFC North teams have a better record than them. Someone from the NFC East and South have to make the playoffs. They are going to need only 2 North teams to get in and that seems unlikely.
75% probability 100% possibility: NFC and AFC North
Both of these divisions have all 4 teams with winning records. I’m sure they will beat each other up and I’m not sure any of the teams are great but they are all pretty dang good. Obviously the winner in each division will get in and they will get at least 1 wild card but 2 is likely in both conferences and 3 wouldn’t be impossible although the math is harder in the AFC with both the East and West likely sending 2 teams.
Flawed AFC Playoff teams: Chiefs, Broncos, Bills, Jaguars and Patriots
These teams are all good but all have some issues. The Patriots turn it over too much. The Bills can’t stop anyone. The Broncos offense is not good (1 good game over the cardinals doesn’t convince me). The Chiefs have no answer if teams stop Walker. And the Jags are well…the Jags and always a little suspect. I think all 5 get in along with two AFC north teams but because the North has 4 teams in the hunt there is little room for a slip up.
A good Sam Darnold away from a repeat: Seahawks
They have the best defense in the league. They have the best receiver in the league. They are getting better at running the football. Darnold just needs to play pretty good and not turn the ball over and they could run it back.
Best Resume: 49ers
Sure they lost at Atlanta but when healthy they are still the best team so far and they already beat the Seahawks so I can’t put them behind them yet. I do think the injuries will continue to catch up with them but they have been the best team after 7 weeks.
