Fifth Down

The Chiefs season officially ended on Sunday as all hope was finally lost losing to the Chargers 16-13. It was a brutal ending to a brutal season as Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL while attempting to lead the team to a tying or game winning score. Ironically, I think there was at least a good chance that they would have at least gotten a field goal and tied the game, but instead Gardner Minshew came in and threw an interception to end the game and this miserable season. Even though the season ended on Sunday there had been signs all year long. I correctly predicted that the Chiefs would start 3-3 due to not having Rice and the toughness of the first 6 games on the schedule. But I also predicted they’d turn things around and finish 12-5. They went to Buffalo and that was the first sign for me that we were in trouble. In that game they refused to run the ball even though Buffalo was terrible against the run. The Bills played extra defensive backs knowing that we either wouldn’t run because of our arrogance in our passing game or couldn’t run because of our lack of talent at running back. It was probably a combination of both. After the bye, we headed to Denver at 5-4 in a must win game if we wanted any real shot of winning the division. Pat threw an unfortunate interception in the red zone. The offense couldn’t get first downs up 3 late in the game. The defense couldn’t get off the field. Ultimately the better team won the game but there were so many moments that the old Chiefs have come through so many times in the past that they failed in that game. The next week in another must win game, the Chiefs did just enough to beat the Colts in overtime. But that would be the last meaningful win of the season. The Defense failed against the Cowboys. The offense failed against the Texans and both sides failed at times against the Chargers. There was a sequence of events during the Chargers game that perfectly exemplified the Chiefs this year. The Chiefs got the ball with around 4 minutes left. The team successfully and methodically drove down the field. However, the drive stalled and they had to settle for a field goal. It was great example of the offense all year that statistically didn’t look awful but couldn’t finish drives against good teams. Still, they were up 10 with 38 seconds left in the half which was a pretty good feeling. Then they kick off and special teams immediately lets us down by giving up a return past the 40. The defense gives up a big pass play and eventually a touchdown all in under 30 seconds of clock time. Instead of being up 10 at half, they are only up 3. The Chargers taking the second half kickoff and drive down the field to tie the game 13-13. And just like that, what was a good half of football was erased and a dynasty was ended.

There will be lots of time now to analyze what went wrong and who is to blame. But the bottom line is everyone is at fault including our biggest stars who have come through so many times. Mahomes had some good games but overall seemed impatient in the pocket (although it is hard to blame him). He often left good pockets too soon and took too many sacks and just didn’t play well against the best teams. He couldn’t hit the deep ball consistently and he forced too many throws in the red zone leading to critical turnovers. Kelce came back in much better shape. Statistically he’s been great, especially for a 36 year old tight end. He is top 3 in most categories amongst tight ends. But he had some crucial drops including 3 that lead to interceptions. Rashee Rice who was supposed to be our star receiver, looked the part for a couple of weeks against bad teams. But after that, he struggled to get open against man coverage and got his own case of the drops including 3 crucial ones against the Cowboys and the Texans. Chris Jones played amazing down the stretch. But he started out the year by blowing an assignment in the first game of the year against the Chargers that led to them being able to run out the clock. He was often seen loafing early on in the year. Against the Jags, he stood and watched as Trevor Lawrence ran in the game winning score. And even Butker missed a career high 8 kicks so far this year. The people this team has counted on for years, could no longer be counted on at least not in the same way.

And this is where the blame heads to the Coaches and the front office. They did not build a roster around these veterans to succeed. And the scheme is old and stale and everyone has caught on. The running back room is the worst in the league and it is not close. Every team we played, I thought to myself, how do they have 2 or 3 guys who can run the ball and we don’t have any? The offense was predictable. If the Chiefs were under center, 90% of the time they were running. And if they did pass, it would be obvious because the play action wasn’t good and the passing typically wasn’t successful. If they are in shotgun, they are going to throw the ball. If they did run it was typically an RPO that either Pat would end up throwing instead or the running back would gain 2-3 yards. Veach decided not to trade a 3rd round pick for Breece Hall even though he would have helped dramatically. The coaching staff refused to play Elijah Mitchell even though he was very good for the 49ers and instead called up CEH who has never been very good. They signed Dameon Pierce who is more explosive than either Pacheco or Hunt by a wide margin. But he too just sits on our practice squad. It’s odd to have a problem so obvious yet continue to run the same guys out there. On the defensive side, we have built a roster without really any defensive linemen who can win one on one besides Chris Jones. So we have to blitz constantly because we can’t get pressure otherwise. But now, teams know we are going to blitz. And we have been blitzing for seven years because we don’t have the edge rushers who can win and really never have. Eventually you run out of blitzes that they haven’t seen. We continue to play guys like Charmari Connor even though pretty much every pass that gets thrown his way is completed. Meanwhile, Jaden Hicks sits on the bench because in Spags words, He’s made some mistakes this year. Everyone on your defense has made mistakes. The scheme is bad. The players playing aren’t great choices and the roster isn’t great. Later I’ll give some thoughts on what they can do to fix it going forward but for now all we can do is accept that the season and at least this part of the dynasty is over.

Will there be a second act? Mahomes is still relatively young. I guarantee you that no one will work harder this offseason to get back to being full strength as quickly as possible. Will that be for the start of next season? I don’t know. Will he play at all next season? I don’t know. Will he ever be the same when he does come back? I don’t know. Tom Brady actually tore his ACL at the exact same stage of his career as Pat. Both were 30 and had won 3 super bowls. Tom tore his in week 2 instead of week 15. But the similarities are odd. However, Tom played a much different style than Pat. Tom was not mobile so an injury like that was not as damaging to how he plays. So much of what Pat does and how he does it has to do with his mobility. But one thing is for sure, Pat is a competitor and will want to be on the field as soon as possible. He also heals freakishly fast. His knee popped out of place and he only missed two games. He got a high ankle sprain and played the next week. But he is older now, and as we get older our bodies heal slower. No matter when Pat returns, if there is going to be an act 2, changes will need to be made.

I know many of us Chiefs fans are frustrated not because we aren’t grateful for the success but simply because of lost opportunity. You only get so many years with Prime Mahomes and this one was wasted. We also know after suffering for so long, that it could be a long time until we will be great again. It could be next year. Or it could be in 30 years. These things are fragile and can end at any time as we learned on Sunday. It’s okay to be sad and bummed about the season and perhaps the end of the greatest run in franchise history. But we should also be grateful for all that we have seen. It has been better and more amazing than anything I ever expected as a Chiefs fan. After years and years of playoff failure, Mahomes changed everything. This is arguably the second greatest run in NFL history. Here are the big highlights of what this team accomplished.

10 straight playoff appearances. Second only to the Patriots who had 11.

9 Straight division titles. Second again to only the Patriots who had 11.

7 Straight conference championship appearances. Second once again to the Patriots who went to 8.

5 Super Bowl appearances in 6 years. Never been done before.

3 Championships.

Back to back Champs.

First team to make it to the Super Bowl on a 3-peat attempt.

17-4 playoff record with Mahomes.

No AFC playoff losses in regulation.

The Chiefs dominated the AFC West for a decade, the AFC in general for 7 years and the NFL for most of 7 years.

So while it is okay to be sad, we have much to be thankful for and appreciative of. And yes, we will have to endure the talking heads who said I told you so. Even though they have been saying the same thing every year since 2022. The boy who cried wolf, eventually saw a wolf. So they can be cocky with their bad take that eventually was right. And we will have to put up with our non Chiefs fans who are celebrating and gloating. Remember they are just jealous and bitter that their team sucked during this great stretch or mad that the Chiefs kept knocking their favorite team out. Or they are just one of those people that hate greatness and don’t like it when one team is successful over and over again. It’s the price we pay for the level of success we have had. Just like being disappointed when we don’t win the Super Bowl. I remember before Patrick, I just wanted to win a playoff game. Before Andy, I just wanted to make the playoffs. We have been spoiled and it shows with some of our grumpy attitude about this season. I get it, I’m grumpy too. But it has been a hell of a run and even if we don’t make the playoffs for years, we still got to enjoy the greatest run in our franchises history and one of the greatest runs in all of sports.

But I wouldn’t be me, if I didn’t end with a little hope. 2021 was a rough year. Teams started playing us different and the Chiefs struggled early in the season. They began to figure things out and ended up losing in the AFC championship game that they should have won. In the offseason they made changes. Pat changed how he played. Tyreek got traded. Lots of our personnel changed. We changed our game plan. We went to the next 3 Super Bowls and won the first two. This franchise has been at a crossroads before. That one wasn’t nearly as bad as this year and they still made a bunch of changes. So this front office and coaching staff has it in them to make changes again and I hope and believe they will.

But for now, be sad and grateful at the same time. And watch our Chiefs play the next 3 weeks even though it doesn’t mean anything. It will kind of suck but remember bad football is still way better than no football. And perhaps watching meaningless games will make us appreciate all the meaningful ones we have watched over the past decade all the more. And have us hungry for the beginning of next year to see how our Chiefs respond. I’m already looking forward to it. Go Chiefs!

Well it is the last week of the regular season for my fantasy leagues and I got to say, my fantasy teams are doing much better than my actual favorite team the Chiefs. I’ve clinched a playoff spot in 2 of 3 leagues and need a win and a loss or two from other people to clinch a spot in the 3rd league. If you told me at the beginning of the year that you have a better chance of making the playoffs in all 3 of your fantasy leagues than the Chiefs have of making the playoffs, I would have laughed at you. But yet, here we are. I may be a homer as a fan for my Chiefs, but you know I keep it real in my rankings. So here are this week’s unbiased, completely accurate and completely fair rankings. Let’s dive in.

Lost to the Titans: Browns

The Browns were eliminated from the playoffs this week in the most Browns way by losing to the worst team in the league. I don’t think the Browns are worse than the other eliminated teams but if you lose to the Titans you are ranked last for that week no matter who you are.

Eliminated and Bad: Titans, Jets, Raiders, Falcons, Giants and Commanders

These teams all stink.

Eliminated but less bad: Saints and Cardinals

These team stink slightly less.

Not sure how they aren’t eliminated: Vikings

The Vikings aren’t good either but somehow still aren’t mathematically eliminated.

Should be eliminated but their division sucks: Bengals

The Bengals can still potentially win the North if they win out, even though they would be 8-9.

Less crappy than the crappy teams: Dolphins

The Dolphins have won 4 in a row. Those last 3 wins have been against the Commanders, Saints and Jets. Their next 4 are against the Steelers, Bengals, Bucs and Patriots. Win some of those and I’ll move them up.

Not done yet…but pretty much done: Chiefs and Ravens

These two once proud football teams both seem like a hot mess. Neither looks good and they can’t seem to beat anyone with a pulse. They are both still technically alive in the playoff hunt but it seems like it is pretty much over. The Ravens have a better chance because they are just a game behind in their crappy division.

Pretty much done but it’s not their fault: Colts

They signed Phillip Rivers today. That tells you how desperate they are. Even before Daniel Jones got hurt, I wasn’t sure they were going to win another game. It looks even less likely now.

Going to win the AFC North I guess: Steelers

They are the least crappy of the crappy teams in this division. It would be the most Mike Tomlin thing to go 9-8, win the division and then immediately lose in the first round of the playoffs.

Somebody has to win the NFC South, I guess: Bucs and Panthers

The Panthers are on the rise, the Bucs are on the fall. Neither are great. They play each other twice the last 3 weeks of the season to determine who gets to host and lose a playoff game.

Gonna win the NFC East, I guess: Eagles

The Eagles are on a free fall. They have lost 3 in a row. If I thought they could mathematically lose this division to the Cowboys I would bet on it. But 3 of their next 4 are against the Raiders and the Commanders twice. Even if they lose to the Bills which is likely, they are at 11-6. The best the Cowboys can do is 10-6-1.

Going to miss the playoffs even though they are better than half the teams that will get in: Cowboys

They are playing good football, especially at home. The math just doesn’t work in their favor.

Fighting for playoff spot #7: Lions and Bears

The Lions will probably lose this week and the Bears will probably win giving the Bears a 2 game lead on Detroit. But then the Bears have to play the Packers and 49ers while the Lions play the Steelers and Vikings. Which could even things up. Even if they are just a game behind, it would likely come down to that week 18 game in Chicago. Here’s betting that is your Sunday night game, with the winner getting the final spot in the playoffs.

Scrappy and tough: Jags, Chargers and 49ers

These teams all have some issues, a lot of them due to injuries. But they play hard and will be tough out for anyone in the post season.

Very good, but flawed: Bills and Texans

I wouldn’t be shocked if either of these teams represented the AFC in the Super Bowl. But both teams have some issues. The Texans D is incredible but their offense isn’t great. The Bills have Josh Allen, who is amazing but the defense is suspect. Either could make a deep playoff run despite those issues.

I trust the team, not sure about the quarterback: Seahawks and Packers

These teams are really good. The quarterbacks have been playing well. Do I trust them quite yet? I trust Love more than Darnold. Both sometimes have some erratic play. Darnold especially seems to play poorly when it matters most.

Battle for the 1 Seed: Broncos and Patriots

While I think both are really good, I still have questions about both teams. But one of them is getting the one seed. I have less concerns about the Broncos as I think their defense is better and they have played a tougher schedule. It’s hard to know how good the Patriots really are since they have played arguably the easiest schedule in the league. But they have handled their business. If they beat the Bills this week, I think they will get the 1 seed because their other games are @ the ravens, @ the jets and home against the dolphins. Meanwhile, the Broncos have the Packers and Jags at home, @ the Chiefs on a short week and then home against the Chargers to wrap things up. It wouldn’t be shocking for the Broncos to go 2-2 in those games.

Still the best: Rams

To me the Rams are clearly the best team. They have a good defense, really good offensive players and potential hall of fame quarterback playing at an MVP level. They are the team to beat in my opinion.

Super Bowl Prediction: Rams over Broncos

Chiefs fans typically fall into 4 categories right now. There is the fringe positive group who have all the faith in the world. These folks aren’t glass is half full people. They are glass is half full for now but it is about to get filled up people. They believe no matter what that the Chiefs will find a way to win. The other fringe group is the people who think we are done not just for this year but forever. This is the Fire Andy, Fire Veach, Fire Spags group. They aren’t glass is half empty people. They are the glass is half empty and the fluid that fills that half is piss kind of people. I’m not sure either of those groups really watch football and if they do, they probably became fans somewhere around 2013 or later. They haven’t felt the pain of many seasons falling short. And also don’t remember all the bad decisions it took to get to the great decision of hiring Andy Reid. This column is not for them.

The rest of us Chiefs fans also are divided into two groups. But we also have a lot in common. We are loyal and have suffered and no matter what happens appreciate where the Chiefs have come from and all that they have accomplished the last few years. But we are two groups within this group. One group has sort of thrown in the towel. They are saying things like this just isn’t our year. They are pointing to real facts like we can’t get off the field on 3rd down. We can’t get pressure without blitzing and we can’t cover when we blitz. We refuse to run the ball especially under center even though when we do, it works really well. But we can’t pass or don’t pass from under center so we are predictable. Pat can’t throw a deep ball. We aren’t good when it matters. I see all that too. It’s reasonable to believe that we won’t win out and so what’s the point in having hope. The other half of us, although it might be less than half these days, has more hope and can point to some facts for believing. I get both sides and I think the conversation about hope in the movie Shawshank Redemption is fitting. Those of us with hope are like Andy. “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” Those more skeptical or you could argue more realistic, are like Red. “Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.” Man, wasn’t that true of us all before Andy. And really before Patrick. Mahomes changed everything. From just hoping to make a run at some point to now the expectation being super bowl or bust every year. Going to the Super Bowl right now seems unrealistic. With the news today, that we might be playing Sunday night without 3 of our starting offensive linemen, things certainly look even bleaker. So why am I writing about hope when everything looks so terrible. Because hope is more fun. Isn’t that what fandom is all about? I mean who wants to hang in the towel in week 14? I mean if they lose on Sunday and you thought they would lose, does it suck any less for you than it does for me who hopes and thinks they will win? So here are a few thoughts and facts to encourage my hopeful Chief brethren and hopefully get some my other more disgruntled Chiefs fans to get on the hope train one last time.

The last 12 years the Chiefs have had a 5 game win streak at some point in the season:

Every year that Andy Reid has been our coach, we have had at least a 5 game win streak. Why can’t this be lucky year number 13? And the only way that it can happen is if we win out.

Pat is extra good in December:

Pat is undefeated in 5 out of 7 Decembers that he has been the starter. Why not make it 6 out of 8. And if we go undefeated in December, then you know we are going to win out. We aren’t losing to the Raiders after winning 4 in a row.

You…the fans at Arrowhead:

The last 5 games, we play 2 easy games on the road and 3 hard games at home. We are significantly better at home this year. Partly because of the raucous Arrowhead crowd. I saw some seats were going for like $53. If I lived there I’d be in an heart beat. Hell, I’m half tempted to drive across Kansas to go to the game. But Jeff…it’s gonna be cold. But Jeff…they are gonna lose. But Jeff…it’s not gonna matter if I go or not. After what this team has given us the past 7 years, you owe them. Get there if you are able. Be loud, be proud and help will them to victory. If you can’t go, I get it. Be like me and watch every minute of it with positive vibes. I know the 3 home games are tough. But they are winnable. Even with Wayna Morris at left tackle. Less winnable…sure. But winnable none the less.

Tough Schedules all around:

I know a lot of you are doing the math and saying, even if we win out, we might not get in. If we win out and don’t make the playoffs, I’ll wear a Raiders t shirt for every playoff game. There is no way we win out and don’t make it in. Everyone else has a tough schedule too. Let’s look at who we are competing with and some of the tougher teams they have to play.

Colts: @ Jags, @ Seahawks, 49ers, Jags, @ Texans (hell, the Colts might not win another game).

Jags: Colts, @ Broncos, @ Colts

Texans: @ Chiefs, @ Chargers, Colts

Bills: Bengals, @ Patriots, Eagles

Chargers: Eagles, @ Chiefs, @ Cowboys, Texans, @ Broncos (brutal 5 game stretch)

Ravens: Steelers, @ Bengals, Patriots, @ Packers, @ Steelers

Steelers: @ Ravens, the suddenly pesky Dolphins at home, @ Lions, Ravens

These teams at most have two more wins than us. The margin for error is thin, but if we win the next two, it isn’t out of the question that we could get in at 10-7. And we would certainly get in at 11-6.

It’s gonna be cold:

I’m not saying the Texans aren’t tough. But they play in a dome…in Texas. And the cold weather will hopefully slow down those Texan pass rushers a little bit. Some snow would be even better. Maybe we can get some of that in the forecast before Sunday.

It’s Christmas time, the season of miracles:

You got to have hope this time of year. This is the time of year that dreams come true. The time of year that everyone is full of hope and joy. Don’t be a debbie downer during Christmas time. Turn that frown upside down with a little hope in Patrick and the boys.

We’ve been here before:

Okay, we have never been 6-6 before. But we have been down and thought this isn’t going to happen or we just aren’t good. In 2019, Pat hurt is leg and we thought we were toast. He came back after missing two games and we immediately lost to the Titans and were 6-4. We didn’t lose again. In our first playoff game, we were down 24-0. We came back and won. Then we were down at least 10 in the AFC championship and the Super Bowl and won both. In 2021, we came off a tough super bowl loss. The offense was broken. We lost to the Titans…again. We were 3-4. We finished 12-5. We beat the Bills in the 13 second game and then lost in OT in the AFC championship game. In 2022, we were done because no Tyreek. I told my brother before the season we were going to prove the world wrong and win the whole thing and we did just that. In 2023, we were painful to watch offensively. We had so many dropped passes. And even when we weren’t dropping passes, it didn’t look good. We got our butts kicked on Christmas Day by the Raiders. We limped into the playoffs and everyone thought we were toast. What happened next, we beat the Dolphins then went to Buffalo and won, then went to Baltimore and won and then beat the 49ers in overtime. Last year, it felt like every game we were going to lose. But we found a way to end up 15-2. Everyone thought we were frauds. We again made it to the Super Bowl. Besides 2020, every year in this dynasty has been a year of doubt. Every year the media says we aren’t good anymore and the dynasty is over. Every year fans doubt that the Chiefs can overcome their weaknesses. And then they find a way and we all say we will never doubt again…of course until next year. So why now, should we give up hope? Do things look bleak, sure. Do I wish we had a healthy offensive line? Of course. Do I wish we could get off the field on 3rd down and that someone besides Chris Jones could get pressure in one on one match ups? You betcha. Do I wish we would run the ball from under center 10 more times a game than we do? Yes, please. But every time I think this just might be it for us, they find a way. So instead of moping around and dreading watching Morris try to block Will Anderson Jr, have a little faith that Andy, Pat, Travis, Chris and the gang will be ready to go and find a way to grind out a win. It’s the holiday season, and all I want for Christmas is an undefeated December from our Chiefs. I guess if they lose on Sunday, you can say I told you so. Or you can hop on the Polar Express of Hope and join me in believing. With our backs against the wall and no one believing in them, I’ll take our guys over everyone. Sunday night we will find out if they prove me right. Until then, I’m spending the week full of hope and expecting a Chiefs victory on Sunday night. Let’s do this! Go Chiefs!

It’s December…already. 5 weeks left in the season! Who will be in the playoffs? Besides like 5 teams, who the heck knows. Week 14 brings some massive games with huge playoff implications. More on that later, but for now here we go with the always unbiased and accurate NFL Rankings.

Eliminated: Raiders, Titans, Giants, Saints, Cardinals

All these teams are mathematically eliminated. The Raiders, Saints and Titans are all bad. The Cardinals and Giants are also real bad but kind of fun at least.

Not eliminated but might as well be: Browns, Jets, Falcons, Commanders and Vikings

All of these teams have quarterback issues. The Vikings have an actual good team but their quarterback play is so bad that they are done. I didn’t think it could get worse than JJ McCarthy. But then Max Brosmer said hold my beer. He threw 4 interceptions and one of them was one of the worst decisions I have seen in some time.

All of the sudden scrappy: Bengals and Dolphins

I don’t think there is enough season left for these team to make a playoff run but they have a great chance to play spoiler for the next 5 weeks.

Someone has to win the AFC North: Steelers and Ravens

These two .500 teams do not look good. They aren’t good. But one of these two teams is getting into the playoffs since someone has to win this division.

Someone has to win the NFC South: Bucs and Panthers

The Bucs and Panthers have had their ups and downs this year. The Bucs have battled a ton of injuries and the Panthers have dealt with some up and down quarterback play. They have both proven they can beat just about anyone but also lose to just about anyone. They play each other twice in the last 3 weeks.

December to remember?: Chiefs and Cowboys

The Cowboys are real hot. The Chiefs are real not. Both likely need to win out and still might need help to get in.

Might be in trouble: Lions and Colts

These two were favorites to make the playoffs and make a run to the Super Bowl just a few weeks ago. Lately, they have looked pretty shaky and might get left out.

Overcoming Injuries: Chargers and 49ers

Both these teams are currently in the playoff hunt. There are challenges a head, but the fact they are where they are despite so many injuries is impressive.

The South Rises again: Jaguars and Texans

While the Colts are struggling and kind of an odd fit in the south anyway, the Texans and Jaguars are playing their best ball. They both have huge match ups this week with playoff implications as the Jags face the Colts and the Texans play the Chiefs.

Shaky Super Bowl Pick: Eagles and Bills

My preseason prediction was Eagles over Bills. That doesn’t look great right now. The Bills look good every other week. The Eagles haven’t looked good in weeks. But hey, at least AJ Brown and his fantasy owners are happy.

You’re real good but I just can’t believe in you: Bears and Seahawks

My Seattle issue is purely a Sam Darnold one. I just don’t think he will show up when it matters most. I was super impressed with the Bears on Friday. But then their coach took his shirt off and flexed in the locker room after. I can’t take a team who’s head coach takes his shirt off seriously.

Depends on the Day: Packers

I will put the Packers best against anyone. The problem is you don’t know when you are going to get their best. They seem to play to the level of their competition. Which should be a good thing come playoff time.

Frauds or Favorites?: Broncos and Patriots

The AFC is weird this year with normal favorites like the Ravens, Chiefs and Bills all struggling. During this time two teams have risen to the top. They both seem really good but the Broncos play close games with just about everyone and the Patriots have only played like 2 good teams. I think they are both good but they do have some fraudulent characteristics.

Bump in the road but they are fine: Rams

The Rams travelled across the country to play a game at 10 AM their time in Carolina. Not an ideal set up. Matt Stafford who only had two interceptions going into the game, uncharacteristically turned the ball over 3 times against the pesky Panthers. It was unfortunate for the Rams but not the end of the world. They are still the most complete team and the team I trust most in the post season.

Weekly Updated Super Bowl Pick: Rams over Broncos

It’s Thanksgiving! Which means it’s time for my annual top 10 list of things I am thankful for. It’s been a wild ride in 2025 but there is plenty to be thankful for, here are the top 10 things I am currently thankful for.

10. Relevant Royals

There has been one year my whole life that I would have been disappointed if the Royals didn’t win the World Series and that was in 2015 coming off a loss in game 7 in 2014. Since we only win the World Series every 30 years, I have no expectations until 2045. However, I do like for them to be relevant. I don’t even need them to make the playoffs. Just be above .500 and be in the hunt until football season starts. They delivered on that this year. Way to go Royals.

9. Stable employment

Most of you don’t know that the company I was working for suddenly closed in the summer of 2023. I luckily was able to land on my feet quickly and joined another company and after over a full year of employment I am very thankful for them. I have worked for a lot of different companies/organizations and I can say that this is the best company I have worked for. Feeling valued and cared for while chasing significant goals isn’t always the case. Luckily, I’m working for a company like that right now.

8. Mizzou Football Success

It hasn’t been a great year, but coming off back to back 10 win seasons, they are in position to finish 8-4 with a win this weekend and then if they win their bowl game that would be 9 wins and 30 wins over the last 3 seasons. I know that isn’t amazing but it is pretty dang good for the Tigers.

7. Fantasy Football

I love fantasy football. I’m in 3 leagues this year and am in the playoff hunt in all 3. Each league has a different scoring system and different roster set ups. It’s a lot of work especially since I am commissioner in 2 of 3 leagues. But it is also a lot of fun. Even know I am doing the worst in it, my favorite league is our family league. We added two of my nieces this year so now we have 14 teams. Its great to interact with everyone in the family during football season. It creates a little community and is often pretty funny. One highlight is my sister who always has some odd strategy for how she drafts. This year was based upon the alphabet. It did not spell success.

6. Dynasty still alive…for now

It was a rough end to the football season last year and a pretty rough go of a season this year for the Chiefs. But the dynasty isn’t quite dead yet. They kept their season alive by beating the Colts. Hopefully they win today. If they lose they will have to win out in order to have a shot to get into the playoffs. Either way, it’s on thin ice. But the fact that they have been this good for this long and are still in it this year…I am thankful for that.

5. 3 year wait until next Colonoscopy

As some of you know, I had a little bit of a scare leading to my first Colonoscopy. A few weeks later I had to get a second colonoscopy to make sure they got everything. As bad as the prep is which isn’t enjoyable, during the second colonoscopy I woke up at the end which isn’t supposed to happen. And lets just say, I experience things coming out of my body that you aren’t supposed to experience. I can not get that event out of my head. So I am thankful I don’t have to go back for 3 years and even more thankful they got all the polyps out.

4. My dog being cancer free

Nessie had a mass that we found out was likely cancerous. We decided to get it removed. It did have some cancerous cells but they think they got it all. She is an idiot and a trouble maker but she makes the kids and wife happy and they love her so much so I’m glad we got her taken care of. I also think she is okay sometimes. Although she has been extra annoying lately, banging around into everything with a cone on her head.

3. My kids school and academic success

We made the decision to send Walker to private school starting his freshman year. We moved Savannah the next year for 6th grade. It ain’t cheap, but it is so worth it. Both kids are excelling academically and as people. They are crushing it this fall and I couldn’t be more proud of them.

2. Family

I’ve got an amazing wife, two great kids, a silly doodle, amazing siblings who are two of my best friends and great parents. To top it off, I got an awesome extended family and family in laws. I am super blessed in this area for sure.

1. The one who makes the world go round.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers in life or religion. But I believe in God and I believe I wouldn’t have anything else on this list without Him. My life would look completely different if I wasn’t following Jesus and even though it isn’t always easy, it is significantly better. And for that I am thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful day enjoying the 3 greatest F’s: Family, Food and Football.

I’ve been watching the Lions and Cowboys host Thanksgiving games, all my life. At some point they added a 3rd game because you know…more football. I’ll be watching the first two and will likely check in on the 3rd but Thanksgiving night, we always kick off the Christmas festivities by watching Home Alone. Also, I don’t really like the Bengals or the Ravens so I won’t be too heart broken about missing this one. But I’ll still write about it. So before we dive into a Thanksgiving feast, let’s dive into these games.

What’s Love got to do with it: Packers @ Lions

Our first game of the day features two rivals with good coaches. The Lions have none other than ankle biting Dan Campbell who recently decided to take over play calling duties. Every other week he looks amazing putting up a ton of points on bad teams. The opposite week he looks not so good as they struggle against good teams. It bodes the question, are the Lions good? I think the answer is kind of. The Packers on the other hand, do quite the opposite. Led by Matt LaFleur, they tend to play down to their level of the competition and then play better against good teams. That may have shifted after a dominant performance against the Vikings. Early on in the year, they were airing it out a lot but due to injuries and some inconsistent play from Jordan Love, they have found a new identity which is really their old identity from last year, run the ball and play really good defense. It seems to be working but the Lions run d is pretty good. Their pass defense…not so much. On the flip side, the Packers D is good all around but so is the Lions offense. In particular, Jahmyr Gibbs is freaking amazing. The Packers D will try to contain him. This should be a great back and forth game. What’s love got to do with it? I think a lot. The Packers air it out in this one, Jordan Love has a big game and the Packers leave Detroit as quickly as possible because, ya know…it’s Detroit. But they leave with a victory.

Packers 31 Lions 27

Mahomes Magic vs Dynamite Dak: Chiefs @ Cowboys

Both of these teams are coming off comeback victories at home. The Chiefs overcame an 11 point deficit. Mahomes is no stranger to overcoming deficits. He is the only quarterback in NFL history with a winning record when trailing by 10 or more points. Dak just led the Cowboys to an historic come from behind victory after trailing 21-0. The Cowboys are self proclaimed America’s team. But the Chiefs have sort of taken over that roll as they are on TV non stop to the chagrin of fans of many other teams. This has the makings of perhaps being the most watched regular season NFL game of all time due to the historic and popular franchises playing. If nothing else, people will tune in with the hope of the team they hate losing, which in this case might be both teams. This has the making of a shootout due to the Cowboys having the best passing offense in the league and the Chiefs getting to go against that Cowboys secondary. Dak is playing at very high level and he has plenty of people to throw to with George Pickens, Ceedee Lamb and Jake Ferguson. Although Lamb has been dropping a lot of passes lately. But there is one thing most people aren’t factoring in. The Chiefs defense is pretty good. They are 4th in the league in least points given up. They don’t have a great pass rush, but their secondary is better than people give them credit for and you know Spags will have some blitzes dialed up. You combine that with Mahomes throwing against what is typically a zone coverage scheme and I think the Chiefs do enough to get out of Dallas with a victory. Their receivers motto is “everybody gotta eat” and that’s just what they’ll do with the celebratory turkey after the game.

Chiefs 31 Cowboys 20

The Return of Macauley Culkin: Bengals @ Ravens

As we tune in to Home Alone on Thanksgiving night, their will be another Kevin McCallister sighting in Baltimore as Joe Burrow returns to play. He had turf toe and had to have surgery. Can we rename turf toe? It sounds so silly and seems like anyone should be able to play with it. I remember hearing about it as a kid and thinking why can’t people play with an injured toe? But what is really happening is is an injury to a ligament sometimes a tear. I mean if we called ACL tears grass knee it wouldn’t sound very bad either. Anyway, Burrow is back although I am not sure why. Your team is 3-8, they can’t stop anyone and they can’t block. I’ll be shocked if Burrow survives the night without getting injured again. Burrow in some ways the opposite of Kevin McCallister. Kevin hurts everybody. Burrow always gets hurt. On the flipside, the Ravens were once 1-5. If you follow my blog closely you know that I predicted their revival as I thought they would go on a run due to their super easy schedule. They have won 5 in a row and are now leading their division. They truly control their own destiny with 4 of their last 6 games against the Bengals and Steelers. While they have been winning, their offense has been a little shaky. Lamar is obviously not 100% and it shows on the field and on one of my fantasy teams. 7 points, Lamar! You only got me 7 points! Nothing fixes an offense like the Bengals defense. I think this will be yet another exciting high scoring battle between Lamar and Burrow that Burrow and the Bengals ultimately lose.

Ravens 28 Bengals 27

12 weeks down and 6 weeks to go. It also happens to be Thanksgiving week which is my favorite holiday. I’ll do a special preview of the Thanksgiving games tomorrow but here are this weeks rankings based upon Thanksgiving food. So it is a double ranking of not only the teams but things you eat on Thanksgiving. For the record, there are no bad thanksgiving foods but there are bad football teams. Here we go!

Appetizers: Jets, Titans, Saints and Raiders

Appetizers are fine, and you got to eat something while your cooking all the good food but they aren’t memorable and no one really cares about them. These teams are all awful and having unmemorable seasons.

Red Cabbage: Browns, Giants, Falcons and Cardinals

My wife and her family love red cabbage. It’s like a big deal. I joke that they are all just pretending they love it but in reality they just like the tradition of it. It’s fine and it brings them joy, but I think it is pretty average overall. These teams have their moments here and there but just aren’t very good.

Pearl Onions: Commanders

My mother in law makes pearl onions for thanksgiving and they are quite good when they are warm. But after the initial meal, no one dives in for left over onions. So they fall towards the bottom of the rankings. The Commanders are good and fun when they are healthy. But when they are beat up, the are not good or fun at all.

Mac and Cheese: Dolphins

We don’t have mac and cheese at our thanksgiving. I actually love mac and cheese but I just don’t think it belongs at thanksgiving. And just like mac and cheese, I don’t really know what to do with the Dolphins. They aren’t good. They aren’t bad. They are just there. But I do kind of like them.

Rolls: Bengals, Panthers, Vikings

Rolls are something you got to have at the meal. But by themselves they aren’t much. You need some butter or even better some gravy to dip them in. Or throw a little turkey on there for a late night snack. All good things. These 3 teams have some good things going for them. But not enough to be a stand alone good team. They have too many issues that keep them from being good.

Green Bean Casserole: Cowboys, Steelers, Texans and Bucs

I think this is an underrated dish. It’s simple and easy to make but delicious. It’s not the star. If it wasn’t there it wouldn’t be the end of the world. But I like that it is there. These teams are all pretty good. Some have injury issues. The Texas teams are real good on one side of the ball and just serviceable on the other side of the ball. But they are solid teams.

Sweet Potato Casserole: Missouri Tigers

We don’t have this at our Thanksgiving, but this was a staple in the Campbell home when I was a kid. This is the sweet potato thing with the marshmallows on top. My brother, Justin would pretty much eat the whole thing. He was obsessed with it. He is also obsessed with the Tigers. Football fandom is a team effort in our family. I watch every Chiefs game and track everything around them and Justin does the same with the Tigers. Then we keep each other informed. We do text about meaningful things as well, but about every other day or so if not more, we are texting each other an update. That is why Sweet potato casserole and the Tigers get an honorary spot in this week’s rankings.

Pumpkin Pie: Chiefs, Ravens, Bills

I’m not a pie guy, but I do love Pumpkin Pie. I finish every Thanksgiving with a piece…or two. It’s not my favorite part of Thanksgiving but it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it. These 3 teams have all had their struggles and there is a chance that they could miss the playoffs. But come on, even you haters know the playoffs wouldn’t be the same without these 3.

Stuffing/Dressing: Bears, Lions, Jaguars, 49ers, Chargers

You might call it Stuffing or Dressing or whatever. I call it delicious. However, Stuffing can go bad if it is too dry or too moist. Also, I hate the word moist. It is one of those things that can be real good but also can be real average if done poorly. These teams can be real good sometimes and other times…not soo much.

Cranberry Sauce (from a can): Packers

I don’t really like Cranberry Sauce but I know it is very popular. But you know who loves Cranberry Sauce, my son. He will eat a whole can…or two…by himself. But he doesn’t like the fancy stuff where you got to actually make it. Nope, all he needs is a can opener. His other love is the Packers and they play this thanksgiving. He can eat cranberry sauce and watch his Packers. I actually would rank the Packers with the teams under the dressing category. But it works better for my blog for them to have their own little category so that’s what they get.

Mashed Potatoes: Colts, Eagles, Seahawks

Mashed Potatoes are really good anytime of the year. But my wife makes them from scratch on thanksgiving and they are extra good. However, they aren’t as exceptional without the next item in my rankings. These teams are all really good. But they all seem to be missing something that would make them great.

Gravy: Broncos and Patriots

I love Gravy. I used to joke that it was my favorite food. Gravy is so good and Thanksgiving Gravy is even better. But it can’t be number 1 because you don’t eat Gravy by itself. Well you can, but you probably shouldn’t. Both of these teams are really good. But can you see either of them winning it all? It’s just hard to imagine at this point. But that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

Turkey: Rams

Some people are Turkey haters. Even the Kelce brothers knocked it recently on their podcast. They say it is dry and overrated. To which I say…who the hell is making your Turkey? I make the Turkey at our house and get zero complaints. You got to make it in a way that it doesn’t get dry. People will say you can’t put it in the oven and you have to use alternative methods to make it to keep it moist. Have I mentioned I hate the word moist? But I have my way of making it and that is never a problem. I’ve been making turkeys for thanksgiving since I was in college and we did our first of many friends thanksgiving. A tradition that lived on for many years in St. Joseph, Missouri even after I left. In fact it may still be going on, I’m not sure. What I do know is if your turkey is dry…that’s on you, not the turkey. And what would thanksgiving be without the Turkey? It’s the centerpiece of the whole meal. The Rams are the best team in the NFL right now and it isn’t particularly close. They are playing on an elite level. A lot can change in the next six weeks, but right now they are the best.

Ever Changing, Weekly Super Bowl Prediction: Rams over Broncos

Six for Sunday makes its triumphant return! I was doing well picking the games each week before I took a couple of weeks off. Let’s see if I can get back on track.

Playoff Pat?: Colts @ Chiefs

The Colts come to arrowhead to play a team licking their wounds after back to back losses on the road. The Colts need to win to keep pace with the other teams with only 2 losses. They are also trying to hold off the Jags and the Texans from catching up to them. The Colts haven’t looked quite as sharp the last couple of games but they are well rested coming off a bye. And they are really good this year. Jonathan Taylor is arguably the MVP and Daniel Jones has been playing quite as well. An to top it all off, the Colts are good at a lot of things we aren’t good against, like play action, man coverage and rushing only 4. On the flip side, the Chiefs are playing for their playoff lives. Losing this game doesn’t eliminate them but they would need to win out the rest of the way and still probably need some help. Of all the “must win” games, this is a must win game. I know most of my Chiefs fan friends are not feeling great about this game and this team in general. But here is a little hope for you. In 2019, the Chiefs lost a terrible game they had no business in losing to the Titans. They fell to 6-4. They didn’t lose again in that year. In 2021, the league had supposedly figured the Chiefs out. We looked terribly offensively. We got blown out at Tennessee and then we only lost one game the rest of the year and lost in overtime in the AFC championship game. In 2023, the Chiefs started off okay and then really struggled down the stretch and lost just an awful game on Christmas Day against the Raiders. They didn’t lose again and won the Super Bowl. Every other year the Chiefs struggle and at some point lose a game where everyone thinks they are done. Then they win the rest of their games. I’m not saying last week was that game. I’m also not saying it isn’t. I think Sunday’s game will tell us a lot. I think Playoff Pat shows up and the Chiefs get it done. He has never lost 3 regular season games in a row, I don’t think this is the first time that happens. If they do, I think we are back in action. If we don’t, then I think we are done for this year.

Chiefs 31 Colts 24

Jameis in the Lions Den: Giants @ Lions

I don’t think this will be a close game. I just couldn’t resist writing about Jameis Winston. Besides being a really nice guy and a Christian, he is also just hilarious with some of the things he says. This week when asked about starting again, he said “There’s no pressure for the prepared.” Where else do you get lines like that from a guy who isn’t very good. Winston is also awesome to watch play because he is going to throw it a bunch and probably throw multiple tds to both teams. In this one, he heads to Detroit. The Lions have been real good against bad teams and so so against good teams. The Giants are a bad team. Goff indoors is much better and the Giants secondary is not great. I think this will be a fun high scoring game but Winston and the Giants won’t be able to keep up. Which will lead to more throwing and more Winston fun. Winston will throw 4 touchdowns in this one. 3 to his team and 1 to the Lions.

Lions 45 Giants 27

Rodgers Return to his other home?: Steelers @ Bears

The Steelers are headed to Chicago. This we know. Who will be quarterback be? This we don’t know. Aaron Rodgers has owned the Bears over the years. He has an injured wrist and may not be able to play. But you know he wants to play. Rodgers is a weird dude. He also loves to hold grudges. He hates the Bears and more importantly loves to beat the Bears. If Rodgers doesn’t go, Mason Rudolph leads the team. I don’t think the Steelers aren’t great. But I also don’t think the Bears are great. I know they are 7-3 but they really haven’t beaten anyone good. If Rudolph plays, I’d probably go Bears. But I think Rodgers plays and turns the Bears into the Cubs and gets the win.

Steelers 27 Bears 17

Birds fly south: Eagles @ Cowboys

The Cowboys are coming off a positive win, even though it was against the Raiders and their two best receivers were out partying the night before. The Cowboys have been terrible on defense, are 4-5-1 and had a teammate die and they still have better vibes than the 8-2 Eagles. AJ Brown is not getting the ball and is letting everyone know about it. Saquon is not playing well but the trades they made dramatically improved the Eagles D. Which creates a great match up of the Cowboys explosive offense vs a very good defense. Dak has been incredibly good in his division and is 7-1 against the Eagles at home. The Eagles just seem off and due for a loss. I think the Cowboys make the Eagles flightless.

Cowboys 27 Eagles 24

Bake Show vs the MVP: Bucs @ Rams

Baker and the Bucs are coming off back to back losses and now have to head to LA to face the Rams. The Rams are playing as good of football as anyone right now. Matt Stafford is playing at an MVP level. They have good skill guys and a great defense. The Bucs have Baker. Their D hasn’t been great and they are down some weapons. But you know I love me some Baker. They may get back Chris Godwin which should help. But they are still missing Bucky Irving and Mike Evans. Stafford is great but if you can get pressure on him he isn’t very mobile. The Rams don’t have much of a home crowd but they are better off at home than the Chargers. And I can’t imagine the Bucs are bringing a huge crowd all the way from Tampa. I think Baker plays one of his better games and keeps it close. But ultimately the Rams are just better than the Bucs.

Rams 38 Bucs 28

McCaffrey thank you game: Panthers @ 49ers

Usually when a player plays his former team, it’s a revenge game. But not when you played for the Panthers. This is a thank you game. Thank you for trading me to the 49ers so I can compete for super bowls as opposed to celebrating when you win a game or two. The Panthers have been an up and down team all year with some great moments and some bad moments. They are at their best when they are running the ball well which they usually do. Bryce Young has had some good moments like last week but also had some not so good moments. The 49ers have been battling injuries all year which isn’t shocking because they are the 49ers. But they are finally getting healthy and if last week was a sign of things to come, the offense is going to be very good. Both these teams need this win for their playoff hopes. Ultimately, I just don’t trust the Panthers week to week. Give the 49ers in this one.

49ers 30 Panthers 17

We got a good one tonight, as the Texans elite defense faces off against Josh Allen and the Bills. That should be enough reason to watch, but here are 10 more reasons anyway.

10. See how long Davis Mills neck is.

Mills has the longest neck in the NFL since Merton Hanks. No one has noticed because he has been on the bench the last couple of years but wait until you see his intro pic.

9. See if Josh Allen can score a gazillion fantasy points again.

He had 6 total touchdowns on Sunday. Will we get a repeat performance? Plus my wife has him in fantasy so she will be motivated to watch.

8. See who loses to help the Chiefs!

As a Chiefs fan, I need both these teams to lose, so it is a win, win…based upon a loss.

7. Bills relapse continue?

The Bills struggle to do well after big games. They played the Patriots and lost a close one. Next game, they got rolled by the flightless Falcons. They beat the Chiefs in a close one, then they lost badly to the Dolphins. This past Sunday they played a great game against a good Bucs team. Will there be another let down following it?

6. Watch Woody Marks have a day.

The Bills are not good against the run. They just gave up like 200 yards to some guy named Sean Tucker. And unlike the Chiefs, the Texans will actually run the ball. Woody should have his best day since Toy Story 2.

5. See how many times they mention Josh Allen and MVP.

The Media loves them some Josh Allen. They will talk about how he was the MVP last year and how he is playing like an MVP, blah, blah, blah.

4. Cheer for Nico!

Nico Collins is on one of my fantasy teams. Let’s all hope he has a good game.

3. Playoff like football

The Texans really need this win to stay in the hunt. The Bills really need this win to stay close to the Patriots who are leading their division. Big game for both teams in prime time should create a playoff like atmosphere.

2. Texans D vs Bills O

The Texans D is not giving up very many yards. In fact the fewest in the league and the fewest since 2014. The Bills have Josh Allen and James Cook and a very good offensive line. It should be an intriguing battle.

1. You get to use Amazon for something else besides buying stuff right before you use Amazon to buy a bunch of stuff.

Christmas is right around the corner which means you are about to drop some money via Amazon. But tonight, you get to use them to watch a good football game. So that’s a nice change of pace.

11 Weeks down and only 7 more to go. Makes me a little sad how quick the season is flying by. It’s Tuesday so it is time for the most accurate, unbiased and totally serious rankings in all the land. Let’s do this!

Music City…more like Miserable City…am I right?: Titans

The Titans are bad. They have won one game which they really shouldn’t have won. They have lost 5 in a row and are -98 in point differential. I can’t name one thing they do well.

Raiders gonna Raider: You know who

The Raiders actually have a few really good players. Unfortunately, they also have the worst offensive line in the league. They already beat the Titans so if they don’t beat the Browns this week, I’m not sure when they are winning a game again.

2-8 more like 2 late: Saints, Browns, Jets

These teams are toast. Just like we all expected them to be. All of these teams will be starting back up quarterbacks this week and not due to injury. The Browns should be able to bring in some decent ratings this week since Shedur Sanders will be playing. He will not be playing well.

This losing streak goes to 11: Commanders and Falcons

These teams were supposed to be in contention for division titles or at least wild card spots. Instead they have a combined 11 game losing streak.

Terrible but still fun: Giants

The Giants are not good. But either we get Jaxson Dart running around or Jameis Winston playing. It’s a win, win. Well except in the win column. That is always a loss.

Can Joe Burrow play safety?: Bengals

Joe Burrow is coming back in a few weeks, to throw for 400 yards and 8 touchdowns and lose 63 to 56 and tear his ACL in a loss. Can’t wait.

Setting records: Cardinals

Jacoby Brissett completed the most passes in NFL history on Sunday! Michael Wilson caught 15 balls for 185 yards the most by anyone all season! They lost 41-22.

Haven’t quit…even though they should probably just quit: Dolphins

I’ll give their video game coach credit, he hasn’t lost the locker room. Even though they don’t like winning, apparently they like him and being able to break dance in the locker room. They have won 2 in a row and can’t lose this week because they are on a bye. Way to go Dolphins.

Occasionally good but mostly bad: Cowboys and Vikings

These teams have had some high moments. But not many.

Houston we have less problems: Texans

The Texans still aren’t great but they are finding ways to win. Is Davis Mills better than CJ Stroud?

Average: Chiefs

The Chiefs blow out all the bad teams and lose close games to all the good teams. That’s pretty much what an average team in the NFL does. So they get to be right in the middle of my rankings.

Running out of dudes: Chargers

I think the Chargers actually have a good team. But unfortunately for them, a lot of that team is injured. Where they sit is more of a projection than their current situation. I just don’t know how many more games they can win when they can’t block anyone.

Crazy Cats: Lions, Panthers and Jaguars

My cat as a kid could be really nice to you and come sit on your lap and cuddle. Then you would pet her in someway she didn’t like and she’d dig her claws into you. She was a wild card. Just like these 3 cats that seem to be great one week and average the next. They too are hoping to be wild cards.

In first place but I still don’t believe in you: Bears

I know they are 7-3. I know they are in first place. I do not think they are good.

Pretty good, I guess: Bucs

The Bucs are the Chiefs with a better record.

Somebody has to win the division: Steelers and Ravens

One of these teams is going to win the North and host a playoff game. I have little confidence at this point that either of them can win that playoff game.

I don’t even know who you are anymore: Packers

Are you good? I think you are good. You seem like you should be good. But yet every week, I’m like why won’t you do something good?

Looking Purdy good: 49ers

Brock Purdy came back this week and the offense looked real good. I’m not going to overreact too much because it was against the Cardinals but they are right in the thick of the playoff race.

Hoping the Chiefs don’t make the playoffs: Bills

They may end up a wild card, but regardless, I like their chances of making a run if that run doesn’t involve the Chiefs.

There’s the Sam Darnold we know: Seahawks

The Seahawks have a hell of a team. They also have Sam Darnold as their quarterback. He’s a nice guy. He is a really good quarterback…until the game really matters. Then he throws 4 interceptions.

Looking good without looking good: Eagles

It’s not pretty, but the Eagles are winning and winning against good opponents. They are still the NFC team I’d least want to play in the playoffs.

Battle for the 1 seed: Colts, Patriots and Broncos

Just like everyone predicted, these 3 teams are competing for the 1 seed. These are 3 really good teams with Quarterbacks who have never been here before so that will be interesting come playoff time. The Colts have by far the toughest schedule of the 3, so I think we can count them out for the 1 seed. The Patriots have the easiest schedule so my money is on them but time will tell. There’s a good chance that the Pats and Broncos finish 13-4 and then it will come down to tie breakers that none of us understand.

The best of the west and the league: Rams

The Rams beat the Seahawks, have a really good defense and a great coach and a quarterback playing at an MVP level. They are the best team right now.

Weekly Super Bowl Prediction: Eagles over Bills

I’ve had a few things going on work wise and travel wise so I haven’t gotten a lot of my normal posts in. I should be back in action this week. With that being said, after yesterday’s loss I felt the need to share some thoughts since a good majority of my readers are Chiefs fans. In one of my favorite movies, “This is Spinal Tap”, the band’s tour is not going the way they had hoped. During a stop in Memphis the band heads to Graceland and bassist Derrick Smalls while looking at Elvis’s grave, says “This certainly puts things into perspective.” To which David St. Hubbins says, “It’s a little too much f’ing perspective if you ask me.” So my goal here is to give Chiefs fans the right amount of perspective.

Nothing lasts forever:

The Chiefs have had an historical run winning the division 9 years in a row, been to 7 straight AFC championships, 5 super bowls, 3championships and haven’t had a losing season since 2012. You can’t keep that pace forever. The Patriots dynasty will likely never be matched because they were so good for so long, only missing the playoffs twice in the Tom Brady era. Besides them, this is one of the best runs in NFL history. But the run seems to be ending or at least is having a down year like Chiefs fans haven’t experienced since Andy Reid took over and especially since Mahomes started playing quarterback. But it is unrealistic to expect the Chiefs to keep winning the division every year and making super bowls every year. But that is what greatness does. It makes you have higher expectations than you really should for your team. I am also a Royals fan. If the Royals have a winning record, I’m a happy fan. If Mizzou wins 10 games including a bowl win, I’m a happy fan. If Missouri basketball makes the tourney, I’m a happy fan, except for the one day they play in the tournament and lose to whoever no matter what their seed is. But I get over it pretty quickly. But because of all the success and greatness, I’m depressed that the Chiefs are 5-5. And this might sound weird, but I’m honestly depressed because this particular group of players have given us fans so much, I want them to have success. I want Kelce and Jones to go out winners and with the Super Bowl loss last year and their current record that is slipping away. But pretty much no one goes out a winner. The Cowboys dynasty had 4 great years and didn’t do much of anything after that. Brady retired after going 8-9 and getting blown out in the playoffs. Belicheck went 4-13 his last year with the Patriots. It always ends and you don’t always see it coming. The truth is I’m not sure it is actually over yet and I’ll tell you more about that in a bit, but it is going to end at some point. Before I give you some hope though, first let me break down what I believe the biggest issues are now that are leading to our struggles.

Run the Damn Ball:

One of our biggest issues is our refusal to run the ball. Especially run the ball from under center. We get positive yards pretty much every time we do that. The problem is we don’t have good play action plays and more importantly we refuse to run the ball consistently. Teams are happy to give up 6 yards a carry. Because they know we won’t do it more than 3 or 4 teams. Our other issue is that our running backs aren’t that good. Kareem Hunt is by far our best running back right now. He is slow and not explosive but he runs where he is supposed to. Pacheco hasn’t looked right since he got hurt last year. CEH is terrible but we keep him around. Smith has potential but seems better at catching passes than running the ball. And I don’t know what Elijah Mitchell is or isn’t in this offense because he is yet to get a carry. Andy refuses to call run plays. Mahomes refuses to take the run option on RPOs and every team knows we will abandon the run whether or not it is working or not.

Can’t get pressure on the quarterback:

Our D Line just isn’t very good at pressuring the quarterback. Getting pressure with 4 is dang near impossible. Spags has covered this up for a while with well timed and well planned blitzes. But that hasn’t worked this year either. No one can win 1 on 1 match ups besides Chris Jones. And he is always double teamed. He may have lost a step because he can no longer beat double teams. This has been an issue for a while but the stuff we usually do to overcome this weakness isn’t working.

Pat can’t throw the deep ball:

It feels weird criticizing the greatest player in Chiefs history. But I try to be fair and balanced in my assessments. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fanboy when it comes to Pat. As we all should be. We couldn’t win a playoff game before he came along. But he isn’t perfect. He has made some dumb mistakes this year especially in the red zone. But stuff happens. What doesn’t make sense to me is his inability to hit the deep ball. When he first came into the league, he lived on the deep ball. He was hitting Tyreek, Hardman, Demarcus Robinson and Sammy Watkins all over the field on deep balls. Then teams adjusted and he adjusted as well. The deep ball was off the menu so to speak. But then defenses adjusted to stop the short and mid passing game so the deep ball is open again but Pat can’t hit it. It’s not like his arm isn’t good anymore, because he is overthrowing everyone. Worthy and Thornton are always open deep. But he just can’t hit them. Even when he does connect he throws behind them. I’m not sure why he is struggling but it is killing the offense because those shots would be massive. It is also odd because I know they practiced it all summer.

Not making the adjustments:

The team just isn’t making any changes. It was just a couple of years ago when we had a bunch of dropped balls and the offense was a mess. But they figured it out and they said we are going to run the ball and eat up the clock and let our defense make stops. This year, it seems we just keep running out there with the same plays whether they are working or not. No adjustments are made. We abandon things that are working just because we don’t feel like doing them on both sides of the ball. Also, I don’t understand who plays and who doesn’t. Why did Fulton play a bunch yesterday and suck it up, when the rookie Williams has been great in coverage all year? Why was Elijah Mitchell just finally active but we didn’t even give him one carry to see what he could do even though the Broncos were giving us the run. It’s just the same crap week in and week out.

Big Payroll Players aren’t making Big plays:

In the salary cap era, you can’t pay everyone. The Chiefs have chose to pay certain people a lot of money. Mahomes, Kelce and Jones were all the highest paid player at their positions when they got their latest contracts. Trey Smith and Creed are making big money. Karlaftis just got paid. And of course good ole number 74 gets a lot of money to get penalties and kill drives. But what hasn’t happened is in the big moments, those guys aren’t making big plays when it matters most. Pat can’t lead drives when it matters. Jones can’t get pressure on 3rd down in key moments and Travis has had a bit of the case of the drops. Think about this, if Jones stays in his rush lane against the Chargers, Herbert doesn’t take off for a long run to seal game one and we get a chance to go down and score. If Kelce doesn’t drop what would have been a td but instead turns into an interception we likely beat the Eagles. Against the Jags, if Pat doesn’t throw a pick at the goal line that leads to a pick 6, we win that game. Even if we just won 2 out of 3 of those games, we would be 7-3 and probably the highest wild card seed with everything on the table going forward. But our best players just haven’t played their best when it has mattered most like they have for the past 7 seasons. And to pour salt in the wound, Rashee Rice who over his short career when healthy has made lots of big plays, didn’t come through on Sunday either.

Why it sucks:

At the end of the day, it is just a game and the Chiefs being average isn’t the end of the world. There are more important things than sports and stuff. But I still hate this team losing. So why does it bother us so much? I think one of the main reasons is because we simply know they are better than this. We can see that if they just made a few more plays, we would be in great shape. We also hate it because these guys have given us a lot and overall are good guys. It sucks because we want them to be successful. It also sucks because of all the haters. I have disliked certain teams for many years. Teams like the Yankees and of course divisional rivals. But I never hated greatness. I never hated the Patriots like most people did. I never hated the Warriors when they were winning all the time. I don’t hate the Dodgers now. I don’t cheer for them but I don’t hate them. But unfortunately most people hate success. They don’t want any team to have extended success. And when a team does, the excuses and accusations start. It’s rigged. They cheat. The Refs and the league help them, etc. The fact of the matter it is more difficult than ever to have extended success in this league and the Chiefs have found a way. And everyone hates them for it. And the majority of the talking heads in the sports world suck and just say most things for clicks. They are of course all over this acting like they called it all year. Which they did. But they also called it in 2022. And in 2023. And in 2024. Of course they were wrong in all those scenarios. But now that it appears they are right, they will act like they are super smart. If you cry wolf enough, eventually there will be a wolf. But we have been spoiled with success so I guess it is about time we take some lumps as fans.

Saying they don’t care or aren’t trying is dumb:

I see a lot of people on social media questioning this team’s effort which I think is unfair. They want to win. They want to play well. They don’t sit around saying who cares. They work hard. But in the end, guess what this is a job for them. Do they take their failures hard? Sure. Do they try their best and want to succeed? Of course. Imagine if your effort was watched every day at your job. How many of us look in the mirror every day and say I gave my job 100% effort today? We all have good days and bad days. And just like us, they have to go home after a bad day at work and then try to be good husbands and boyfriends and fathers, etc. I’m not saying we can’t be critical but I think it is important to remember they are people just like us. They are trying their best and even if they don’t, they can have bad days at work just like we do.

Silver Lining Playbook:

I’m about to restore hope but before I do, let’s say we don’t make the playoffs. It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. This team has played like an extra season and half the last 7 years. For them to be done shortly after the new year might actually help this franchise going forward. They would be more rested going into next year. They would also probably be more motivated or at least motivated in a different way. Right now, they are trying to do the same thing over and over again. Next year, assuming they miss the playoffs, they could enter next year with different motivation and a chip on their shoulder. Also, imagine having a top 18 pick instead of drafting 30-32 like always. And how about playing a 3rd place schedule? What would our record be and the vibe if we had played the Broncos schedule this year? So one below average year, doesn’t mean the franchise or dynasty is doomed. All the great teams have had down years from time to time. Maybe they need a reset. Also, it might actually make them address some of the issues that have been there for a few years that we can all see.

It ain’t over until it is over:

With all that being said, this season is far from over. Does this team have issues? Sure. Does this team need to fix some stuff and figure out how to win a close game again? Absolutely. But let’s not act like the Chiefs have been dominant throughout every season. The first year we won the Super Bowl, we were 6-4 before winning 9 straight. In 2021, we looked awful especially on offense. We turned it around and lost in the AFC championship in overtime. In 2023, we limped into the playoffs after losing 5 of 8 late in the season. And then we won our second Super Bowl in a row. Even last year, we were winning but it seemed shaky all year. But once we got late in the year and into the playoffs we pulled it together and looked like a good football team again. And quite honestly, there isn’t much of a difference between this year’s team and last years. The main difference is last year’s team won close games and this year’s doesn’t. But they also only play close games with good teams and beat the bad teams easily. They tend to get better and figure it out as the season goes on and come through when it matters most. That’s probably why yesterdays loss felt so bad. We needed that win to have a shot at the division and we didn’t get it done. That is abnormal for them. Next week is huge and and if we lose the Chiefs would need to win out to even have a shot. Every week is the playoffs from here on out. We don’t have the tie breaker with any of the teams currently ahead of us. It’s a weird place to be. But it still doesn’t feel like they are that far away. And if they get in…look out. There is not a team in the AFC that would like to catch them in the first round of the playoffs. So while it looks bleak and there are no more guarantees or room for error, it ain’t over until it’s over. Win out and they are in. Win 6 of 7 and they probably get in. Go 5-2 and get some help, they might get in. Anything worse than they are toast. That means for at least the next 3 weeks, there is still hope. And as the wise Andy Dufresne said, “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things and no good thing ever dies.” And isn’t that what fandom is? Hope. Didn’t we as Chiefs fans, live our lives based upon hope? For the first 38 years of my life, I lived my Chiefs fandom on nothing but hope. Mahomes made that hope become a reality. Maybe he will do it again and maybe he won’t. But lets have some fun the next few weeks and have some hope that the Chiefs can become the team we think and hope they will be.

10 weeks down and 8 to go in this NFL regular season. Which makes me a little sad that it is going by so fast. Due to work and travel for work, I’m a little late with my rankings but don’t worry they are serious and accurate like always, let’s dive in!

Somehow still lost on a bye: Titans

The Titans didn’t play last week but because the Jets somehow found a way to win a game, the Titans fall to the worst team in my rankings. They are 1-8 and pretty much terrible at everything.

Lost to the Jets: Browns

Only thing saving the Browns from being the worst team in the league after losing to the Jets, is the Titans being just awful.

Found the key to success: Jets

The Jets found out how to win, simply don’t pass the ball. They returned a kick and a punt for a td. Meanwhile, Justin Fields was 6-11 for 54 yards. What makes that statistically even worse, is that 42 of those yards came on a pass to a running back. The Jets are terrible.

Raiders gonna raider: Raiders

They almost pulled the upset but then they had to raider it all up. They even had a chance to tie it but of course their kicker missed the fg late in the game.

Fired their coach bad: Giants

It really says something about the teams already listed that the Giants have blown four 4th quarter leads on the road and just fired their coach but they aren’t the worst team on the list because other teams are just that bad.

Showed a little life: Dolphins and Saints

Props to these two teams that pulled big upsets this past week. They still suck, but they had a good week.

Running out of dudes: Commanders

The injuries have added up and it hasn’t gone well.

Used the bye to get prepared to lose 55-50 this week: Bengals

The Bengals had the week off to rest up for another shoot out that they will ultimately lose.

Flightless birds: Falcons and Cardinals

More like penguins and emus, am I right? These teams occasionally show life but are overall disasters.

Not good but I have to put them somewhere: Cowboys and Vikings

The Cowboys problem is there defense. The Vikings problem is their quarterback. Neither problem is getting fixed anytime soon.

Catnipped: Jaguars and Panthers

When I was a kid, we had a calico cat named, Cali. Clever name, I know. Anyway, she would sometimes play with something that had catnip in it and would go kind of crazy and run around like an idiot. That was these teams this week and really off and on this season. You never know what you are going to get.

Headed in the right direction, but still have a ways to go: Bears and Texans

The Bears are much closer to making the playoffs but I’m still not a believer. The Texans might be better with Davis Mills at quarterback, which isn’t exactly a good sign.

Headed in the wrong direction: Steelers and Packers

Both these teams started off the season real well but lately haven’t looked great. Both are in danger of missing the playoffs if they don’t turn things around quickly.

Good but injured: 49ers and Chargers

The 49ers are always hurt but still competitive. The Chargers are missing like 8 offensive linemen but hanging in there. Both can make the playoffs but probably can’t do much if they get in because they are banged up.

Need some more wins: Chiefs and Ravens

I think both of these teams can be real good and make a run in the playoffs but they still have some work to do to even get in.

Beat the Chiefs and Ravens: Bills

The Bills look awful on Sunday and have lost 3 of their last 5. But hey…they beat the Chiefs and Ravens.

Good but don’t feel great about them: Lions and Bucs

I think these teams are good but the Bucs haven’t looked great the last 3 games or so. The Lions love to run up the score on bad teams but they lost to the Vikings 2 weeks ago. I have a ton of confidence in them both to make the playoffs. I don’t have a ton of confidence in them to do much once they get there.

Real good but with limitations: Broncos and Colts

These are two really good teams and their record shows that. But they seem to have some kinks in their armor that will limit their upside potential, namely some inconsistent quarterback play.

They might be back: Patriots

How mad would the world be if the Chiefs dynasty ended and immediately the Patriots dynasty started back up again. I’m not saying that is happening but the Patriots are real good.

Problematic Philly: Eagles

The Eagles just wouldn’t be the Eagles if there wasn’t drama. It has gotten so bad for AJ Brown that he told fantasy football owners to drop him. But they just keep winning and their defense looks way better after their trades.

Best of the west…and the league: Rams and Seahawks

It may not end this way, but these two are the best teams right now. And they play this week. Winner gets the very important and most coveted position on top of my rankings next week.