Graphics: Mali
Analysis 1-16 Fallen
Analysis 17-32 Arod
Raiders (8-0): Some teams lose to the All-Madden CPU, but Matigy doesn’t. In fact, he demolished them and he put up 40 points on the All-Madden controlled Tennessee Titans this week, who also only rushed 5 times in this game, shame on them. The Raiders are the favorite to take the 1 seed in the AFC and of their remaining 9 games, only 3 of them are against teams that have above a .500 record. It’s going to be easy pickings for Las Vegas.
Ravens (8-1): Some allegations about unnecessary yards being gained in the fourth quarter were swirling in the chat this week, but the Ravens are just stomping teams as of late. I’m impressed with their ability to hold the Chargers to just 19 yards on 18 attempts this week. An average of 1 yard per carry is very debilitating to an opposing offense. The Ravens have forced teams to pass against them and their ball hawking defensive backers have come away with 23 interceptions so far this season.
Cowboys (8-1): For the first time this cycle, the Dallas Cowboys have swept the New York Giants. It’s all smiles in Dallas and Mason Garcia is showing opposing defenses that he has the ability to throw the ball down the field. He has a career best 157 QBR this week and threw for over 300 yards and 2 touchdowns, but the best stat was that he didn’t turn the ball over at all.
Seahawks (6-3): I believe that CJ Stroud can take the Seahawks deep into the playoffs. The Texans aren’t really much competition this season, but the Hawks made mincemeat of them this week. Next week, they’ll face off against the 49ers in what will give the winner a leg up on the division. Watch out for DK Metcalf next week, I think that he’s going to have a breakout against the average corners in San Francisco.
Bengals (5-3): The Bengals were able to take a commanding lead against the Bears early and they almost squandered it but ultimately defeated the Bears by two points. The four game winning streak that they are on has put the Bengals back in the running for playoff contention, but what has been the biggest change for the team? Joe Burrow. Joey B has only turned the ball over 3 times in four games versus his 7 interceptions in his first four games this season.
Bears (6-2): You know when your offense puts up 518 total yards, you aren’t really expecting to lose the game. The Bears almost pulled off the comeback, but you have to commend them on their resilience and drive. Jordan Love’s three interceptions really set them back early on, but he will have to bounce back quickly as the Bears head to Dallas next week.
Browns (6-2): Cleveland is feeling fresh coming off of the bye week. They are in primetime this week in PML’s game of the week. The Brown’s 31st ranked passing offense is taking on the Packer’s 18th ranked passing defense. The Browns will need to play turnover free football to avoid losing in back to back weeks.
Colts (6-3): Quinn Ewers has to settle down. He has thrown 11 interceptions in his last 5 games, but this week, his ratio of 4 touchdowns to just 1 lone interception helped ease the Colts back into the win column. I think the Colts are going to run away with the division. They are 2 games ahead with the other 3 teams securing 5 or more losses. Aside from a matchup with the Raiders late in the season, the Colts have a very easy schedule on paper moving forward.
Rams (5-4): Here’s a vote of confidence for a spiraling Rams team. Beating anyone 41-3 has its bright spots, but when its a division rival, it feels all the better. DJ U looked like his former self throwing for 4 touchdowns and the Rams head into their bye week with a positive record and something to keep the spirits up in LA.
49ers (6-3): The 49ers have just two wins over teams that have a better record than .500. I like what Ant is doing, he has balance all over his offense. He has two halfbacks with over 400 rushing yards a piece and 3 receivers with over 400 receiving yards each. I think that balance helps throw off opposing defenses, but when a big play is needed, I think it does confuse Trey Lance at times because he doesn’t have a favorite target to key in on. Keep an eye on next week’s matchup against the Seahawks.
Dolphins (5-3): What’s up with DTR? He was brought in to help with the deficiencies of Devon Leary, but he hasn’t played really at all. The Dolphins haven’t really changed up their offense at all, so it’s possible they are waiting to reveal the new playbook, but whatever the case, they are on a win streak with Leary at the helm.
Bucs (5-3):Jacurri Brown breakout game. He must have heard all of the criticism the past couple weeks about his ability to pass the ball. He lit up the Jets offense this week throwing for a career high of 4 touchdowns. He wasn’t an effective runner this week, but he didn’t need to be. The Buccaneers timeshare is in full swing again with the next closest team in the division having a 3-5 record, although they did suffer a loss to that team, so they can’t let up at all this season.
Packers (5-3): I can’t trust the Packers just yet. I commend them on their 5 wins, but those were against teams that are under performing this season. I am excited to see next week’s game against the Browns. I think they match up well, especially defensively. If Hoocker can manage the game effectively and let his defense take over, the Packers have a very good chance at pulling off the upset.
Bills (5-3): Davis Mills is 2-0, albeit against two teams with a combined 3 wins on the season, but it’s impressive how Tbandit was able to overcome Josh Allen’s suspension and remain on top of the AFC East standings. Josh Allen returns next week in a matchup against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. Which of these two dominant QBs will lead their team to victory?
Vikings (5-4): Don’t count CEO out. Matthew Stafford is 3-1 since getting the starting position back and his veteran presence has rejuvenated the team. Really, all of the success for the Vikings came when CEO’s computer controlled team defeated the Cowboys and gave them their only loss of the season. You have to love the All-Madden CPU momentum.
Giants (4-5): I was ready for Cookie to come out swinging this week and regain control over the NFC East, but it appears it is Dallas’s division to lose. The Giants are still clinging on playoff hopes, but with the Raiders, Vikings, and Rams still on the schedule, they can really only afford one more loss to have a shot at making the playoffs. Give some magic to the team Danny Dimes!
Falcons (3-5): Greeny lost a heartbreaker in Miami that would have kept the Falcons at pace with the Buccaneers and in prime position to continue a hot run to the top of the division. The good news is they have a game against the Panthers before a showdown with Codes and the Bucs. Greeny has to like where he is at given the circumstances. He is gaining confidence by the week, and Ridder is playing at another level the past two weeks posting 5TD to 1INT and a 128QB rating over the 2 games. If I’m a betting man, the Falcons will give the Bucs a play this year for the division.
Commanders (3-6): The Commanders secondary had no answer for Hooker as he spread the ball all over the field connecting with 3 different receivers for touchdowns while the ground defense had their own problems being carved up by the Packers RB duo. Wimmy is at code red and to have any chance at a playoff spot they need to win out. Wimmy is one of the users I am hesitant to write off until the fat lady sings. So the book is still open as far as I’m concerned.
Patriots (4-4): Aside from all the turnovers, believe it or not, the Patriots boast a top 10 offense. They play the Dolphins in a game which could ultimately put the Patriots atop the standings in a two or three way tie at the end of the week. If I’m Nef, I am all in with Caleb, regardless of the interception total and I am making my run now without compromising the offensive play calls. The Patriots are yet to defeat a team over .500, so I would say that they haven’t officially arrived as playoff contenders yet. They could sure change this narrative over the next two weeks as the Jets are on the schedule week 11.
Jets (4-5): The defense is putting way too much pressure on Patrick Mahomes. The ground game is not clicking, leaving the Jets offense one dimensional and turning the ball over. Fallen has a pick me up game against the Steelers this week where he may be able to embed some confidence into gang green before a potential first place game with the Patriots. It is now clear, some of the pieces they shipped away for Mahomes were a bit more important than we knew.
Chiefs (4-4): The Chiefs will come out of the bye week at .500 and try to show the PML that they are contenders and the first half was not a fluke. I’m not sold however, and this is solely based on the rest of the season schedule. With a mix of very winnable games, and some tough matchups, Mali will need to win a few of the tougher matchups to have any chance at a wildcard spot. That goes without saying he needs to sweep the 4 ‘winnable’ games as well. Mali has been another roller coaster this season, but is showing that when the game slows down, and isn’t played through the air, he can win games.
Jaguars (3-5): I’m not a fan of the Season 4 Jaguars. Mike did his thing this off-season, acquiring draft picks and making deals to chase that elusive Super Bowl ring. Why squander all this on avoidable suspensions to main pieces of the roster? I also don’t buy into the I’m busy partying narrative either. Nobody will outparty me, believe that, but I’ll never use it as a cop out. Ya gotta own the record and circumstance at this point. Mike, I keep it real with you every time we talk. Enough with the I dont care narrative when things are rough. Chin up and let’s go grab that bowl. Sonny always said the saddest thing in life is wasted talent.
Texans (3-6): Drama tells Z he is coming for him. Drama then gets blown out. Loads gun and aims at foot. Has been the analogy for Drama and the Texans this season. Made all this noise to take over the AFC with Kyler, and the season has been nothing short of a disaster. Hopefully there are some better days ahead big man.
Chargers (3-5): The Chargers leave the bye week losers of 3 straight. They will continue to roll with now disgruntled quarterback Justin Herbert after several failed attempts to deal him to Tennessee. They traded their first a week earlier in a win-now move for Chris Jones. I don’t exactly know what’s going on in Charger-land, but the time is ticking on HD justifying a successful tenure with the top CFM squad.
Titans (3-5): Well here we are sitting at 3-5 when they had all the momentum and looked destined for a run this season. Unfortunately because with HypeMike taking an unofficial sabbatical, this was Bubba’s golden opportunity. I sure miss Madden 22 Bubba. He would have made all the difference in a wide open AFC this cycle.
Eagles (3-6): Tough cycle for CB, but I’m glad he stuck around and quickly became one of the boys. Early 1st round pick Isaiah Bond is making a case for NFC OROY coming off a two touchdowns performance in the recent loss. While one rises, we are watching future Hall of Famer Derrick Henry play out his final days in the league. They passed on drafting his eventual replacement this past draft, so it will be a priority next season.
Lions (2-6): Narrowly took down the Steelers this past week in the Toilet Bowl to secure their second win of the season and end the losing streak. I’ll say this, all that speed LQ has is scary and will definitely be tough to stop when he gets it all together. If LQ could find himself a proven quarterback for the final season, they may be able to contend with the division.
Steelers (1-8): Oh man we almost produced a win streak. Murphy must limit the turnovers to close out the season otherwise his dev will be gone in a flash. They will look to play spoiler this week against Fallen and the Jets and are primed for another top 3 selection in the upcoming draft.
Broncos (2-7): Now losers of 3 straight, things don’t get better with Jaguars and Raiders on the schedule. What are they playing for? I’d say a Brian Robinson dev game. He is due for one about now. Deebo entered the cycle with so much promise after a season 1 wildcard appearance. Where did it all go? I said it before and I’ll say it again, grooming a non-star QB over a proven vet (Russell) in season 4 was not the move.
Saints (2-6): We are heading into week 10 and no Saint back has passed 300 yards on the ground yet. This has been a cycle to forget for Burn ever since season 1. In a cycle he had all the opportunity in the world to emerge, the Saints just didn’t show up. I mean I can’t talk, but I’d love a .390 played strength of schedule.
Panthers (1-8): The Panthers have 10 wins on the cycle, and by now we were destined to see season 4 and 5 JT emerge from the shadows and claim supreme over the NFC South. Hasn’t been the story though and the Panthers and Steelers will duke it out for the ultimate trade chip that will eventually be flipped for an Arch Manning needy team. Or plot twist! ARich loses his dev, is shipped out to San Francisco, and JT drafts Manning.
Cardinals (2-7): And the Cardinals have hit rock bottom. This latest loss marks the 3rd time in 4 games the Cardinals did not break 6 points on offense. Safe to say Zach Wilson and his 30 interceptions was not the answer in Arizona. Enter Will Levis. One bright spot is the emergence of rookie RB Sean Tucker. Looking forward to his breakout game any week now.
