Fifth Down

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.

Well, we are halfway through the season and we are starting to have a better idea of who is good and who isn’t. Although, I’m not sure anyone is great yet. Let’s dive in to the always accurate, unbiased, and best rankings in all the land.

Trash with Draft Picks: Jets

The Jets were already a disaster and they just traded arguably their best two players. They wouldn’t trade their 3rd best player to the Chiefs because the Chiefs offered a 4th round pick and instead they wanted a 3rd round pick. This way, Breece Hall can just leave in free agency and they can get nothing for him. They did get quite the draft haul for the other two guys. Not that it matters, I’m sure they will screw it up.

Titanically bad: Titans

I was all set to put the Titans as the worst team after I saw a stat going into week 9 that their point differential was -120. But they put up a decent fight this week and only lost by 7 so I kept them just slightly ahead of the Jets.

Raiders gonna Raider: Raiders

The Raiders finally show up offensively and play half way decent and still find a way to lose. They are a special bunch, I tell ya.

So bad that they aren’t even fun to make fun of at this point: Dolphins, Browns and Saints

They are all sad in their own little way. I’m sure I’ll get back to making fun of them next week but for now they get the week off, just like what their offenses do most weeks.

Probably going to lose 48 to 47 this week: Bengals

The Bengals are on a bye this week. I stand by this prediction.

NFC Least: Cowboys, Commanders, Giants

Commanders are injured and really haven’t played great this year anyway. The Cowboys can’t stop anyone and now their offense sucks too. The Giants are still slightly fun but not as much fun as they were. Also, what’s with the gruesome injuries in this division? First Skattebo and this week Jayden Daniels.

Not good but poised to mess things up: Cardinals, Texans and Falcons

None of these teams are making the playoffs. But something tells me they are going to beat a team or two and keep that team out of the playoffs.

Sort of good with a shot: Bears, Vikings, Panthers, and Jaguars

All these team have some life in them and they all won this week. I think they all miss the playoffs but they still got a shot to sneak in.

Minimal room for error: Ravens and Chiefs

I think both of these teams can be really good, even great. But they are both behind where they need to be record wise. They can’t lose many more. The Ravens really need to win the next couple to get back to .500. The Chiefs can lose the next two and still make the playoffs but it would all but ruin their chances of winning their 10th straight AFC West title. I don’t think anyone would be excited to play either in the playoffs. But at this point one or both could get left out.

Depends on the week: Steelers, Lions and Packers

Some weeks I think this team is for real. And other times, they are losing to the Bengals or losing home games to the Vikings or Panthers.

Good but too injured: Chargers and 49ers

I have much respect for what both teams have accomplished. I think both are good, I’m just not sure if either can get enough wins with all their injuries to limp into the playoffs.

Back to Bake show after the bye?: Bucs

The Bucs had the week off. They weren’t playing great going into the bye. Will they return to their earlier form? Let’s hope so.

Super Bowl Picks looking better: Bills and Eagles

Both teams have looked good the last couple of weeks with big wins in week 8 and the eagles on a bye (hard to screw that up) and improving their team via trade and the Bills beating up on the Chiefs this week.

Cinderella slipper cracking?: Colts and Patriots

The Colts got beat up pretty good this week. The Patriots almost lost to the bi-polar Falcons at home. No one predicted either of these teams to be elite but their Cinderella stories have been fun so far. We will see if the magic holds up in the coming weeks as their schedules get a little more difficult.

Last Year’s Chiefs: Broncos

The Broncos are inconsistent on offense, real good on defense and find ways to win close games. I think they are a little more explosive than last year’s Chiefs at least at this point in the season. They have won 6 in a row and is about to be 7 when they beat the Raiders on Thursday night. Then they get a mini bye and get ready to host the Chiefs. If they win that, the rest of their schedule isn’t any harder and probably easier than the first half. I think you are looking at the AFC west champs.

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

These two teams are tough. I think they are the best two teams in the league right now. Ironically, one of them isn’t even going to finish first in their own division. They are more consistent on offense than the Broncos and I’d argue just as good on defense. They don’t have the pass rush that the Broncos have but I think they are better at other spots that make up for it. At this point in the season, these are the two best teams in my opinion.

1st half awards:

MVP: Matt Stafford

Offensive Player: Jonathan Taylor

Defensive Player: Nik Bonitto

Offensive rookie: Jaxson Dart

Defensive rookie: Abdul Carter

Comeback player: CMC

Super Bowl Prediction: sticking with Eagles over Bills…for now but will update weekly

It’s been a while since I have actually got this done on Friday but look at me go this week. It’s a good slate of games so let’s dive in!

Let’s get defensive: Broncos @ Texans

The Broncos are 6-2 and riding high (see what I did there? because you ride horses and a bronco is a horse) after destroying the Cowboys. They take their stingy D and their 5 last quarter explosive offense on the road to visit the Texans. The Texans have been up and down this year to say the least but just shut down the 49ers at home last week and their offense even looked somewhat functional. While the Broncos defense gets a lot of hype and media attention, the Texans defense is also elite. While they are only 3-4, it is not because of their defense. It has been their offensive woes that have created the problems for their team. They have also dealt with a lot of injuries offensively. But it does appear that they will get most of them back this week. Meanwhile, the Broncos are now dealing with some injuries of their own, mainly last year’s defensive player of the year, Patrick Surtain. He is out this game and perhaps a few others. If the Texans can exploit him being gone, they have a real shot. The problem is their offensive line is not good and they are facing the best pass rush in the league. I’ll be impressed if they can figure it out and get the win. On the flipside, I’ll also be impressed if the Broncos offense looks as good as it has the past 5 quarters against this great Texans D. I don’t think either of those things happen and I leave this game feeling the same as I already do about these teams, that the Texans are pretty good but have too many weaknesses that keep them from being a contender and the Broncos are a solid and scrappy playoff team that isn’t elite quite yet. Broncos win a close one.

Broncos 23 Texans 20

Indiana Jones vs Rodgers Last Crusade: Colts @ Steelers

The Colts have the best record in football, just like we all expected. Daniel Jones is playing at high level, Jonathan Taylor is unstoppable and they have plenty of other weapons running around. Their defense is playing great and they are 7-1 and their one loss is in a game they really should have won. They do have 2 good wins against the Broncos (a game they probably should have lost) and the Chargers. But their other wins are against the dolphins, raiders, cardinals and titans twice. Starting this week they head into the tougher part of their schedule. The Steelers on the other hand were once 4-1 but have dropped two in a row due to a defense that can’t seem to stop anyone. Now they are in danger of dropping to .500 and being just a game a head of the Ravens who looked flightless just a few weeks ago. Coming into the year, the question was if Rodgers could still play. Well, he has played and played well. Their problem somehow has become their defense. Can they turn it around against the high riding Colts? I think it is unlikely. Who would have thought that we would be excited to watch Daniel Jones and Aaron Rodgers dual it out in a shoot out back in August? But yet, here we are. The Colts have too much working for them right now. They will lose a few more games this year but this won’t be one of them.

Colts 30 Steelers 20

The “stop what you are doing and watch” game: Chiefs at Bills

The Bills beat the Chiefs in the regular season. The Chiefs beat the Bills in the post season. We have watched this show 10 times the last 6 years or so. And it’s been beautiful every time. Minus a few blow outs early on in the series, including one in an AFC championship game, the last few have all been close and just great television. The 13 second game. The game where Mahomes lost his mind after Kadarius Toney was offsides on one of the craziest touchdowns that didn’t count. Probably the low point for Mahomes publicly which he apologized for but hey, he’s human after all. Then the hurdling and jumping and diving of Allen to win in the regular season games. And then the last two playoff games, Mahomes outdueling Allen and Spags and the D coming up with the key stops. I don’t know what is going to happen in this one but you will be entertained. Both teams have 5 wins and the Chiefs have an extra loss. They both need to win this game to stay within reach of the top teams in their division. An unusual place for these teams to be. The Bills dropped two in a row before the bye but just blew out the Panthers. The Chiefs after starting 0-2, have won 5 of their last 6 including 3 in a row. Can they make it 4 in a row in an hostile environment? I say yes. The Chiefs are playing well on both sides of the ball currently ranking in the top 5 on both defense and offense. Meanwhile, the Bills are struggling a bit on both sides of the ball and are a little banged up as well. The Bills will put up a good fight, and I won’t even be shocked if they win. But I think Pat and the Chiefs break their regular season losing to the Bills and get the W.

Chiefs 30 Bills 22

Battle of last year’s darling quarterbacks: Seahawks @ Commanders

Last year was the resurgence of Sam Darnold. Actually it was the only time he has been good. But he was real good…except the last couple of games. He got signed by Seattle and it has worked out pretty good. Darnold hasn’t quite been as elite as he was last year but he is still playing very well. Jayden Daniels has played well too…he has just barely played due to injuries. He was amazing last year as a rookie leading his team to the NFC championship. Now they are in danger of missing the playoffs in a must win game. And he will be without his best receiver since scary Terry is hurt. The Seahawks have a stingy defense and their offense is solid as well. They are the better team in my opinion and the Commanders just got walloped by the Chiefs and have lost 3 in a row. This seems like a Jayden Daniels moment. Can’t lose game, check. Undermanned, check. Primetime game, check. My mind is telling me to go with Seattle but the heart wants what the heart wants. My gut says Jayden does something special and they pull out the victory.

Commanders 28 Seahawks 27

The Fantasy Football game: Cardinals @ Cowboys

I don’t typically write about two bad teams that have a combined 5 wins in week 9. But it is the stand alone game on Monday night. And even though it has little regular football appeal or meaning…fantasy football owners across the land will be tuning in to see if there guy can help them come back and win their fantasy match. Across my 3 teams I have Javonte Williams (on two teams), Ceedee Lamb, and Marvin Harrison assuming I decide to start him. Which I mean, I know he hasn’t been great, but that Dallas secondary…I got to start him, right? right? I’ll probably start him. I like having a player on Monday night because it feels like you still have a shot, even if that shot is just 1% according to Yahoo Sports. Other players that people will be counting on are George Pickens, Trey McBride, those folks who smartly picked up Bam Knight for the week, of course Dak Prescott and for some desperate fellows, Kyler Murray. So while this game has no real life meaning or purpose, I’ll be tuned in. Assuming Youtube tv has worked out things with ESPN by then. Can I get the Monday night game through the Disney app? I bet I can. Take that Youtube tv. Anyhoo, I’ve got to predict a winner I guess. The Cowboys are at home and they are way better there. And the Cardinals are just generally unlucky and kind of a mess. So I’ll go Cowboys. But the real winners will be fantasy owners across the land.

Cowboys 34 Cardinals 24

Ravens got their mojo back. The Dolphins finally won a game. They face off in a somewhat exciting, what else are you gonna watch, match tonight. Here are 10 reasons to tune in.

10. Tua in row?

Tua wasn’t terrible last week. In fact, he was quite good. He went 20 for 26 for 205 yards and 4 touchdowns. Apparently he could only see through one eye, so maybe that’s the trick he needed. Can he make it two good games in a row?

9. Is the Ravens D back?

The Ravens defense was horrendous early this year. But that was the case last year and they turned it around. They have been much better the last two games. Can they keep it rolling?

8. Watch Waddle…waddle

One of my favorite td celebrations is when Jaylen Waddle scores a td and then waddles around like a duck. There is a good chance it happens this game.

7. Return of Lamar

Lamar is back and is finally healthy enough to play. When he was playing they were averaging like 30 points a game. So there should be some scoring in this one.

6. Watch Mike McDaniel lose his job.

The Dolphins are 2-6. A loss in this one all but seals their playoff fate. There isn’t much hope as is, but dropping to 2-7 would make it all but impossible. I don’t see how this guy keeps his job even he makes it through the season.

5. See how many times the broadcast mentions the fact that the Ravens removed the toys from the locker room.

Apparently Lamar decided the team was having too much fun while losing so they took out the video games, ping pong tables and tv’s. Ironically Lamar did this while he wasn’t even playing and it didn’t seem to help that much, but it will be brought up, I’m sure.

4. Costume contest

It’s the day before Halloween so we are bound to get some good costumes in the stadium. You’ll probably see skeletons and ghosts and monsters and dolphin fans dressed up as empty seats. Plus Mike McDaniel dressed up like an NFL coach.

3. It won’t be as long as game 3 of the World Series

Everyone loves a close game with extra periods. But don’t fret, the longest this game will go is one overtime, so you don’t have to worry about being up until 1 in the morning watching this one.

2. See John Harbaugh with a dumb, confused look on his face.

This happens every game at some point.

1. Watch the AFC North Champs get closer to their division title

I’m holding strong to both my preseason prediction as well as what I said after the Steelers lost to the Bengals. The Ravens are winning the North. Tonight’s victory will get them that much closer to that.

8 weeks have come and gone and we are starting to see the have’s separate themselves from the have nots as most of the games were blow outs this week. I’m still not 100% sure who is good yet but I definitely know who is bad. Let’s dive in.

Won a game but still trash: Jets

Putting up 39 points on the Bengals defense is sort of like winning a game in Madden on the rookie level. Sure you won but it’s nothing to celebrate about.

Fired their coach but still suck: Titans

Usually a team gets a little boost for a week or two when they fire their coach. The Titans were like, nah.

Were on a bye and still almost lost: Raiders

It was a close one, but the Raiders survived the weekend without a loss.

Bad and getting less frisky: Saints, Cardinals, and Browns

All these teams are bad and seem to be getting worse each week.

Bad but finally frisky: Dolphins

Hey, I see you Dolphins! I’m sure you will go back to your loser ways on Thursday but nice road win on Sunday.

Lost to the Jets: Bengals

The fact that the Bengals are just now showing up on the list after losing to the Jets tells you how bad the teams listed already truly are.

Getting less fun due to gruesome injuries: Giants

The fun and cocky young Giants have been humbled the last two weeks with a 4th quarter collapse two weeks ago and an all around beat down this week. To add to the painful experience they lost Cam Skattebo for the year to an injury that you don’t want to see if you haven’t already and if you did see it, you are going to spend the rest of the week trying to erase it from your memory. I’m in the second category unfortunately.

Kirk Cousins isn’t the answer and neither is who else they have at quarterback: Falcons and Vikings

These teams have solid rosters with good coaches but they have a quarterback problem that I don’t think is getting solved this week.

Tamed Cats: Jaguars and Panthers

The Panthers were looking pretty good until they had to start Andy Dalton this week and got totally demolished by the Bills. The Jags haven’t won a game since pulling out a miracle against the Chiefs a while back on Monday night football.

Depressing D in Dallas: Cowboys

It turns out, you need good players on both sides of the ball after all.

Bearly good: Bears

Even without Lamar playing the Ravens did exactly what I thought they would against the Bears. Ironically the Bears last year were also 4-2. They finished 5-12. Here’s hoping a better outcome this year for Bears fans.

Saved their seasons: Ravens and Texans

Both these teams badly needed wins and got them. I’m not sure that it matters that much for the Texans but I stand by the fact that I think the Ravens can win their division. If they win on Thursday night and the Steelers lose to the Colts which both are likely, they will just be 1 game back in the division lead.

Steel Curtain is actually made of plastic: Steelers

The problem is actually not Aaron Rodgers and the offense. The problem is they are giving up 300 yards passing and 30 points a game. The Colts are next. Ouch.

Injuries adding up: Commanders and 49ers

I actually think both these teams are good. They are just out of healthy dudes.

Looked Tough: Bills, Eagles, Broncos, Chargers

This starts a run of 12 teams that I think have a real shot at winning this thing. They all have some issues but any of them could win multiple playoff games. I’m guessing the order of these 12 will move around some over the coming weeks but I am pretty confident these are all good teams. The Bills and Chargers both won easily against subpar opponents. The Broncos and Eagles showed what they can do when they play all 4 quarters. I’m not sure what either of them were doing still throwing the ball up by 20 late in the 4th quarter but hey, too each their own.

Scrappy but need to get healthy: Bucs

The Bucs are still winning but they need to get some offensive guys back. Baker hasn’t looked the same the last couple of weeks. This bye comes at a good time.

Legit looking Lions:

The Lions looked great the last time we saw them against the Bucs. They have tougher games ahead that will tell the story of whether they are truly legit or not.

Dynastic Duo: Patriots and Chiefs

These two teams also beat bad teams. After slow first half starts the Patriots put up a ton of points on a tough Browns Defense and the Chiefs continue to be dominant on both sides of the ball for the 4th straight week.

Play to the level of their competition: Packers

It seems like the Packers can’t quite play the same way all the time. But I like their chances in the playoffs because they seem to rise to the occasion when playing better teams. They looked great the second half last night and have the best record in the NFC.

Bye, Bye 49ers: Rams and Seahawks

Both teams had a bye and benefited from a 49ers loss. This is helpful because it puts them a half game a head which is especially helpful since the 49ers beat both of them. I trust the Rams more when it counts because Matt Stafford has been great in the playoffs and Sam Darnold has well…not done so well.

Still Rolling: Colts

The Colts continue to roll and look like a dominant team led by Daniel Jones. I know, I’m as shocked as you are.

Tonight is a real doozey. The Vikings will head on the road to visit the Chargers. I’m sure plenty of Vikings fans will make the trip. And there will be plenty of seats available for them since the Chargers don’t have any fans. But why should you spend your Thursday night watching these two teams battle it out? Here are 10 reasons why.

10. See which team Carson Wentz throws touchdowns to.

Wentz is a sporadic player but he’s got a good arm and is going to throw some touchdowns. To which team? Only time will tell, but I’m betting both teams.

9. See who gets hurt for the Chargers.

Every week someone goes down. They’ve lost at least 3 linemen and 3 running backs and I believe some defensive guys too. I don’t know who will be next, but it will be someone.

8. See how many people are dressed up like Vikings.

Halloween is right around the corner. And Vikings fans love to dress up as Vikings all the time anyway. So see how many people dressed up like Vikings in the crowd you can see. Since it is a road game, I’m setting the over/under at 3.5 in case you want to play along.

7. Watch them show clips of Jim Harbaugh during warm ups as they talk about what a great coach he is.

Look at him. He’s catching a football. Now he’s throwing a football. Now he is pretending to block someone. He’s amazing.

6. See if 6-7 is referenced.

This is all the rage with the kids, according to my 16 year old son and especially my 13 year old daughter. They explained what it means. I still don’t understand it and I’m not sure they do either. But of course us adults can’t let them have their thing so I’m sure eventually enough adults will say it on tv that it will no longer be cool with middle schoolers.

5. See Kevin O’Connell stare up at the replay board dreaming of Sam Darnold.

Kevin can win with anyone, but it seems to be easier to win with someone not named Carson Wentz or JJ McCarthy.

4. Watch everyone gush over Justin Herbert.

The Sports media loves them some Herbert. You know what doesn’t love Herbert? The post season.

3. Watch Justin Jefferson do Justin Jefferson things.

Jefferson is real good. Pretty much every game he does something special.

2. Watch Kimani Vidal and Oronde Gadsen get shut down by the Vikings D.

I got both these guys starting on one of my fantasy teams so I only assume they will do poorly.

1. Watching two slightly above average football teams is more entertaining than anything else right now.

My wife often asks, what do you want to watch tonight. We literally just watch reruns of the office and football. So take a break from your office marathon and watch these two pretty injured teams battle it out.