Graphics: Mali
Analysis 1-16 Fallen
Analysis 17-32 Arod
Raiders (7-0): This is one of the wildest stat lines of the week. Jayden Daniels went 9/16 for 131 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.. But the Raiders demolished the Eagles 48-19. It helps that the Raiders defense forced 5 interceptions of their own, but it further drives the tenacity and grit of this Raiders team, even when the offense isn’t playing up to par, they can rely on their defense to win the game for them.
Ravens (7-1): “Lamar Jackson is injury prone.” Lamar hears the critics, but this man got it done this week against the Colts. Despite suffering an injury in last week’s practice, he recovered quickly and completed 85% of his passes while also throwing 4 touchdowns and leading his team to a 42-21 victory over a very good Colts team. The Ravens are on a seven game winning streak which ties the Raiders for the longest winning streak so far this season.
Bears (6-1): Despite the Bears having the 31st ranked defense against the rush, the Rams decided to test out their 7th ranked defense against the pass and paid the price. DJ U threw the ball 41 times, completed just over half of his passes, and threw 5 interceptions. The Bears have completely overhauled their team in just a season. It can’t be easy facing off against higher rated teams week in and week out, but the 82 overall Bears have found some magic and they will definitely need it for the next three weeks.
Cowboys (7-1): The Dallas Cowboys are going to make the playoffs for the first time this cyclr and they are in complete control of the NFC East. Another devastating victory this week at the expense of the Kansas City Chiefs, but Jefe has really found his groove and it starts on defense. The way he has been able to disguise his defensive scheme has opposing offenses on the fence, in fact, there have been 8 Cowboys who have 1 or more interceptions this season. It’s an all around team effort for America’s team.
Seahawks (4-3): PML Sportsbook Game of the Week had the Seahawks coming in as a 3 point underdog, but CJ Stroud was pinpoint against the Green Bay defense. Stroud has been scrutinized ever since his first PML game about the way he consistently misses open receivers, but his reliance on DK Metcalf in tough situations has really settled his nerves as of late. The Seahawks face off against a sneaky Texans team that have pumped their chest and all but guaranteed a victory next week.
Browns (6-2): No one predicted that the Browns were going to get taken down this week against the Vikings, but in the PML any coach can win on any week. Deshaun Watson had a reminiscence of last season when he threw a league high 66 interceptions, though his 3 interceptions this week only brings him up to 7 for the season. In their two losses this season, Watson has thrown 5 interceptions, but in their 6 winning games he has only thrown 2. When Deshaun Watson doesn’t turn the ball over, the Browns win, it’s a simple formula that we’ll have to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Colts (5-3): Can the Colts compete at a high level against a playoff caliber team? Despite their 5-3 record, that fact remains to be seen. They are now on a two game losing streak and have let up 42 points in each of those losses. On the season, they generally only give up 29 points per game, so their defense has to play better against the tougher opponents in the league. The Colts are 0-2 in playoff games this season and it is an achievement to make the playoffs, but JC is looking for more than just an appearance this season.
Bengals (4-3): Don’t look now, but here’s a Bengals team that we’re used to seeing. The Bengals are on a three game winning streak and Joe Burrow has thrown 10 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions during that winning streak. In his first four games where the Bengals went 1-3, he had thrown 7. Joey B has to take care of the ball better if the Bengals expect to reach the playoffs this season. They are currently third in the AFC North staring up to the Ravens and the Browns.
Rams (4-4):The Rams are 1-3 in their last four games and this isn’t where we expected them to sit halfway through the season. The overall rating on paper of their roster is a little shaky, but their pass defense is one of the highest rated in the league. The offense is only averaging 25 points per game and in these last 4 games, the Rams defense is giving up over 30 points a game, it’s just not a recipe for winning and definitely not what we’re used to seeing out of DK.
49ers (5-3): In his first four games this season, Trey Lance only threw 4 interceptions and the league was in awe, but lately, he has thrown 11 interceptions in his last 4 games. The 49ers are 2-2 in those games, but they picked up a narrow four point victory over the Cardinals this week that could have easily went the other way. However, give Ant credit because it isn’t easy throwing 6 interceptions and still winning the game.
Falcons (3-4): Greeny started 0-4, his team was decimated with injuries, and it appeared very bleak for his Falcons. However, since returning to full health, the Falcons are on a three game win streak with two victories over division opponents and a victory over a previous Superbowl champ. So, how has he been able to pull this off? By playing efficient football and taking away the thing that his opponents like to do, just like against the Buccaneers this week. While he allowed 162 rushing yards, they weren’t very meaningful, and more garbage yards than anything. Sitting a 3-4, the Falcons are just one game out of first place in the NFC South.
Commanders (3-5): Sam Howell has been scrutinized for his performance every game this week and understandably so, he’s thrown 25 interceptions through 8 games, unacceptable. Despite his 5 interception performance against LA last week, he still had the confidence to lead his team to victory and this week he completed 87% of his passes, that’s a season high and helped lead his team to a crushing victory over the Giants. Definitely one of the surprising upsets this week.
Giants (4-4): The Giants are very confusing this season. They have 4 victories this season and only one victory over a quality opponent in the Green Bay Packers. Danny Dimes threw ducks this week, throwing four interceptions (a season high) and he struggled to find open targets after completing just 65% of his passes. The Giants have a bye week in week 11, but before then they have to play against the Cowboys and the Buccaneers, and those are two teams they cannot afford to lose to if they want to keep the playoffs in hand.
Dolphins (4-3): How has the bye week been treating the Dolphins? Rumours are swirling that DTR isn’t what they hoped for when they traded for him and that Leary would be getting the start next week against Atlanta. No matter who the starter is, the Dolphins cannot take this game lightly. I think a few teams have expected Atlanta to be a cakewalk and they’ve come out on the wrong end of a W that week.
Bucs (4-3):Do the Buccaneers trust their rookie quarterback to throw the ball? They have the 32nd ranked passing offense in the league and the top ranked rushing offense in the league, so it’s no surprise what they want to do each week. Are teams figuring out the way to stop the Buccaneers, well Atlanta did this week, and New York will have to figure it out next week. Jacurri Brown is going to have to be let loose at sometime, but will Codes have the faith in him to go out and win him a game?
Packers (4-3): With Arod season 1 the Packers were a favorite to come out of the NFC. Present day with Hooker under center, they’re scratching and clawing for a wildcard position. I only wish season 2 they gave Arod a chance before prematurely moving onto Hooker. What could have been.
Bills (4-3): Too close for comfort versus the 1-win Panthers week 8. I just don’t know if they have that killer instinct to take the division. They have a 4 week stretch where 3 of the games are against the bottom of the barrel (CAR, NO, PIT) before playing 5 straight divisional games. They can surely give themselves a head start by cleaning up on the rest of the ‘winnable’ games.
Jets (4-4): The Jets are on a 2-game winning streak and look to make it 3 which would be the first time this cycle they would achieve this feat. Two teams trending in the opposite direction all of a sudden make the Jets look like favorites when Tampa Bay comes into MetLife week 9. Mahomes is clicking and the Jets look ready for takeoff. Their schedule is not as generous as the Bills, so each game is that much more important for Fallen.
Patriots (4-4): And just like that, all 4 teams in the AFC east are sitting right with each other. Historically, Nef hasn’t been on the same tier as the other 3 users, but is hanging right there this season and looks to write an underdog story for the rebuilt New England Patriots. The only thing in their way is the interception total of franchise QB Caleb Williams. Push through the season at full throttle, or preserve him for season 5?
Texans (3-5): Drama is one of the teams that are fairly difficult to gauge in the Power Rankings. Loses to KC one week, then beats JAX the next. Nevertheless, Drama is confident, and a confident Drama is a winning Drama. Texans look to get back to .500 and they could do it with a victory over the Seahawks, a game in which Drama has already promoted a victory personally to Zstar in Gen Chat. Load that gun and aim it at your foot.
Chiefs (4-4): Mali is an enigma. He has the team to compete, but sometimes he just over thinks his play calling and that’s what happened this week against the Cowboys. You have a guy in Keaton Mitchell, let him do the work for you. Mali has to find ways to get his best player the ball, or even disguise that the play is for Mitchell and throw it to the open man when the defense takes the bait. I like what the Chiefs are doing, they just have to be more consistent and commit less turnovers.
Vikings (4-4): The Vikings look to be playing at a fairly competitive level this season and are on the outside looking in at the NFC wildcard picture. I’d bet against them as of this write-up based on the competitive nature of the NFC wildcard pool, but CEO is a PML vet and has what it takes to rise up past the competition.
Jaguars (3-5): Don’t look now, but the Jaguars are in danger of missing the playoffs. I wouldn’t hit the panic button because they could certainly rip off 9 straight to end the season, but at 3-5 halfway through the season, it is not where we expect to see the back to back AFC east champs.
Eagles (3-5): Derrick Henry could be a true asset for a contending team, just saying. Could he be moved before the deadline? The Eagles rank 28th in the run with arguably the best runningback in the PML. Feed that man or trade him.
Chargers (3-4): The Chargers are a hot mess right now. Coach HD is trying to move Herbert, the trade committee is making him stick with the franchise signal caller. Why move on from a player who has the offense playing at a top 5 level? The problem is the defense, and not necessarily the personnel, but more than likely the scheme.
Titans (3-4): They were poised for a successful season, but have since dropped 2 straight in very winnable games. Back to the drawing back, one week at time for the Titans. A tough stretch of games that includes LV, IND, JAX, SEA, LAR, and JAX to close the season may foreshadow the fate of the Titans.
Steelers (1-7): The Steelers win! Steelers roll the dice and go for the TD on 4th and 1 on the goalline to secure their first victory of the season. The big concern continues to be the defense which played at a top 12-15 level last season, suddenly are in the bottom percentile. Injuries have plagued the team all season and they are yet to have their full unit out there with notable injuries to their top 3 players all year. Maalik Murphy is playing like a rookie and turning the ball over at a high rate, something they will have to monitor moving forward.
Broncos (2-6): The Broncos blew a 2 score lead late in Pittsburgh as the Ty Simpson experiment continues to prove costly for the Denver franchise. With the season all but done, do we have another team eyeing the franchise savior, Arch Manning?
Cardinals (2-6): The defense picked off Trey Lance 6 times… and lost. Wilson managed the game, and Sean Tucker ran wild for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns in some bright spots for the freefalling Cardinals. Quite the role reversal for the defense and offense. The angry Rams are on the schedule next for Dlloyd… not good.
Saints (2-5): Speaking of freefalling, the Saints have now dropped 4 in a row and a lot of these win now moves they made the past 2 seasons are suddenly biting them in their rear. The Saints have had the easiest played strength of schedule this season at a lowly .378. To say they haven’t taken advantage of this gift is an understatement.
Lions (1-6): Losers of now 6 in a row, LQ has vowed to give the league h*** as he now has his full squad ready to go. A little late for that, but pride is on the line for coach LQ as he also tries to figure out who will start each week at quarterback. They will play the Toilet Bowl this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers where we will see one of these teams move onto their 2nd win of the season.
Panthers (1-7): Another team on a 6-game losing streak, the Panthers nearly beat the Bills with backup quarterback Matt Carrol still under center. Will Arich keep his dev next season and beat out the Madden algorithm? This injury may have sent shockwaves through the team a bit deeper than we thought.
