PML Unified Power Rankings, Week 9 – New Number 1!?

Seahawks: Two more weeks until we finally see the Seahawks play a competitive team.  With Ravens and Commanders on deck, they will continue to develop players before a potential 1st place showdown with the Rams.  Looking forward to that one. 

Texans (6-1): Shutting out a coach in PML is a tall task, but shutting out JT, phew. Kingke has something to prove in the AFC, but his next five opponents all boast losing records, it looks like smooth sailing for the Texans all the way to the playoffs.

Rams: The Rams enter the L column by the hands of Dramaman and the Cowboys.  I wouldn’t be too concerned about it though as they are still a favorite in the NFC.  Cooper Kupp is playing like a man possessed with nearly 918 yards and 9 touchdowns through 8 games.  That puts him on pace for 1950 yards to end the season.  Could he potentially go for 2k?

Cowboys: Are the Cowboys Super Bowl contenders in the NFC? I think we have to officially put them in that category after taking down Cook and the Rams this past week 26-20.  They hold a 2 game lead and can further expand that with a win over the Eagles this week.

Chiefs (6-2): Matigy has proven his ability to win in the tough games, and his Chiefs have become one of the best teams in the AFC. Statistically speaking, teams that start 0-1 have a less likely chance to make the playoffs, but Kansas City has been able to overcome the odds.

Packers: Huge win against the Vikings this past week as they are showing who the true leader of the pack is in the NFC North.  I’ve called for the Packers to pull away, and this could be the start of that as they set their sights on a 1st round bye in the playoffs.

Lions: Fallen and the Lions are confident.  A team nobody talks about as a threat in the NFC, they are looking to come out the bye week and put themselves on the map if they could take down some of the upcoming heavy hitters.  LAC, CHI, GB, NO, and CHI are on deck.  If they are truly contenders, they will finish above .500 on those.

Saints: The Saints have a true test ahead of them with the ascending Chicago Bears coming to town.  JC shows up against top users, and I expect the Saints to show up this week and possibly come out with the win.  In shocking news, 32 year old Derek Carr was just anointed with Superstar status.  Does this change their long-term quarterback plans?  Knowing JC, probably not and Carr will be the best backup QB in the league next season.  

Dolphins (5-3): A very controversial week for the Miami Dolphins after they traded away Jaylen Waddle, like what were they thinking? Regardless, the Dolphins had other plans for their team and were able to pull off an unpredicted upset over the Patriots. Miami just might be alright after this trade.

Patriots (4-3-1): This was a game that SP should have had in the bag, especially after the Dolphins traded away Jaylen Waddle. Robbie Chosen of all people ate up the Patriots defense for almost 130 yards. The Patriots have a decision in the off-season, because Mac Jones doesn’t seem to be cutting it.

Chargers (5-2): Codes is fumbling the bag away, from 5-0 to 5-2 and Justin Herbert has thrown an interception in both losses, so expect the Chargers to find a way to protect the ball better. I think they end the losing streak this week, but by leaning on the ground game instead of through the air.

49ers: Sitting at 5-3, the 49ers are destined for a wildcard berth and a potential tough matchup.  They aren’t convincing anyone they could beat the better users in the NFC even with that stacked roster.  Maybe they enjoy flying under the radar, like a silent assassin? 

Bills (5-3): Beast has only defeated one team over .500 this season, so his 5 wins a definitely inflated, but he shouldn’t have much difficulty defeating the Buccaneers this week, but harder competition awaits around the corner.

Bears: The Bears win with a walkoff kickoff return in overtime after allowing the Chargers to go 99 yards in the final seconds to tie the game.  Nevertheless, a huge win for the Bears and all of a sudden we are looking at the Bears as a serious Super Bowl contender this season.  Breece Hall will miss 4 weeks, so we will get another heavy dosage of Leonard Fournette.  

Falcons: Don’t look now, but the Falcons are at .500 and just acquired Jaylen Waddle from the Dolphins in a shocking trade deadline deal.  Nef is confident he could still make a run at the division, or at the very least a wildcard berth.  I could see it happening.

Jets (4-3): The Jets were the winners of the Battle for New York, and they have a chance this week to give the Chargers a third straight loss, but Aaron Rodgers needs to be almost perfect for them to pull it off. The Jets also have to find a way to limit opposing offenses in the redzone, they are the 27th ranked defense in points given up, something has to budge for them.

Browns (4-3): Mali is still the favourite to win the AFC North, but he has shown time and time again that he doesn’t have the fortitude to compete with the better coaches in the league, despite having one of the highest rated teams in the league.

Vikings:  I don’t see the Vikings as a threat this season to make any noise if they make the playoffs.  The roster isn’t ready, and they’re having a difficult time keeping up with better users and rosters.  Until they solidify the quarterback position next season, I see them finishing middle of the pack in the NFC and a possible wildcard appearance.  

Titans (3-4): Goodbye Derrick Henry and a wave goodbye to all hope in Tennessee. Henry had the bulk of the carries for the Titans, so they are going to have to replace his production. Will Levis doesn’t have many weapons surrounding him, but he is still have a positive rookie season all things considered.

Eagles: Eagles take down the Commanders by skin of their teeth to keep the season alive.  Swift took a backseat to recently acquired Ty Chandler who outcarried the latter 14 to 5.  Not sure the situation going on over there as Swift could slowly be looking at free agency at the end of the season. They have a chance to make a big splash if they could take down the surging Cowboys this week.  

Jaguars (2-6): Trevor Lawrence has thrown 17 interceptions, he is in jeopardy of losing his abilities, but I think Tbandit will sit him before he lets that happen. A devastating loss over the Steelers this week foreshadows the rest of the season for the Jaguars, there’s no hope in sight.

Raiders (2-6): The Raiders are making some GM moves to position themselves in a better spot for the cycle, but the light isn’t at the end of the tunnel for them this season. Sitting at 6 losses, they’d have to win out in order to make the playoffs, I can’t see that happening with Jimmy “turnover incoming” Garoppolo..

Commanders: The Commanders are now 0-2 against the Eagles this season, and are now looking like a team that will shift its focus on the draft instead of a wildcard run.  They come in as +15.5 underdogs against the Patriots this week, and then have the Seahawks on the schedule following.  Not looking good.

Steelers (3-4):Just when you think Curt has gone and hid in the corner, he comes out with an explosive victory. If Zach Wilson can find his composure, the Steelers have the potential to challenge the Browns for the top spot atop the AFC North.

Colts (3-5): Poor Anthony Richardson, he is tied for throwing the most interceptions in the league (21). CB has a top 15 rushing offense, but he has to lean on the rushing game more often, at least until Richardson becomes a better passer.

Giants:  Daniel Jones just looked awful in his 5 interception performance.  He now has 21 on the season which leads the league.  His contract makes it difficult to move on in the off-season, however, I still expect the Giants to have a new quarterback under center week 1 next season.  

Bengals (2-5): A blowout loss for the Bengals after coming off a bye week, I mean c’mon man. Cincinnati should have prepared a bit harder, but rumor has it that the players were given the authority to party on their bye week instead of preparing. I can see a coaching change in the future for this team.

Buccaneers: Season went down with the Baker Mayfield injury.  I would have liked to see the organization possibly start their QB rebuild with a trade deadline deal if it were possible, instead of rolling with Kyle Trask and Carson Strong just haven’t been it.  But was there anyone out there worth grooming? Malik Willis would have been the play for me.  

Panthers: The Panthers fall flat to a dangerous Texans defense this past week.  They didn’t put a single point on the board while Bryce Young was pulled after 4 interceptions.  Very winnable matchup against the Colts upcoming which could keep them alive for the time being.  

Cardinals: The Cardinals got on the board as the Murray and Brown connection ran wild on the Ravens.  Murray looked great and as we saw with 32 year old Derek Carr, it is never too late to develop a quarterback this cycle.  

Ravens (2-6): Are the Ravens killing themselves, yes I think that’s obvious. They gave Arizona their first win of the season/cycle, but we have seen some positive gameplay out of Arod, I think he just needs to find a scheme that limits his turnovers, cause the Ravens have the potential to win, just look at their loaded roster.

Broncos (1-7): DK is making all of the right moves, but his team just isn’t in shape to compete this season. They head into the bye week next and will have to do some regrouping because at 7 losses, his shot at the playoffs is fading very quickly.

Deebo Top 5 Fumble:
Trading Waddle to begin with is definitely a questionable move, but that’s now what the main focus is going to be. The main focus on this move is the fact that Deebo didn’t put him on the trade block. My sources tell the original trade Deebo agreed to and submitted was Nefs 1st and Nefs 2nd… that’s it. A young 98 speed 85+ overall superstar WR for just a 1st and 2nd??? Trade committee stepped in and forced nef to send a future first, even that isn’t full value. Deebo thinks just because he has 30 year old 95 speed Chosen means the trade was good… that’s not what we are saying. Teams with multiple firsts this year might’ve offered both and worse players than nef, nef isn’t the best but he’s in that 15-20 range, I know for a FACT users in the 25-32 range could’ve matched or offered better than nef. I told greeny after Deebos first game he was gonna ship waddle or hill because everyone has the expectations that he will be a big time passer and it’s too much pressure. He’s made a few comments saying Waddle might be jesus to the cheese heads who know the money plays… Deebo be Fr you know u don’t need cheese plays to utilize 98 speed, even then you’re known for juking every single play no matter the situation because it’s the meta. 

Drama got hoed:
I know everyone likes laughing at drama and make him the clown of PML, but sometimes it goes too far. What happened with Tyron Smith was a display of the TC proving they can’t be fair, consistent, and unbiased. I initially submitted Jamaree Salyer (73 normal dev guard) and a 3rd for Tyron Smith… that’s pretty fair if you ask me. That’s a young guard who needs to be developed and a mid round pick for Tyron Smith who is an older higher overall Superstar. That was denied. Then we submitted a 3rd and a future 1st for Tyron Smith and a 7th. I can admit in this one I may be giving up a little much than what Smith is worth, but that’s my decision. It’s not a complete robbery, it’s just a bit of an overpay which we see all the time. A TC member denied it because “Tyron is likely to regress” now this member is in power to approve and deny people’s trades that will affect our entire cycle… with this is mind I’ve done 3 sims with PML sliders and Dlloyd did 1… 4/4 times Tyron Smith keeps SS and at the worst drops 1 overall. So where does this “likely to regress” come from? What research or testing was done to give this answer and deny our trade? None. This is lazy work and that should not being something the TC should be known for yet they are. They just make something up and it’s supposed to be taken for FACT. They get to decide who is “likely to regress” based on no tests. It’s something that needs to change. 

Joe Montana: Laaaaadiesssss and gentlemen! Yes, we are back again! Welcome to another segment of Gridiron Emotions. This week we have a lot to cover, so we’re not going to waste much time with an introduction. First of all, we’re going to take a trip to Miami and talk to Pete. Pete, is a long tenured Dolphins fan. Yes, I know we recently talking to fans in Miami, but we have to again after the block-buster trade that went down earlier this week. So, Pete. Talking to me. Jaylen Waddle for a couple first rounders and a second, how are you feeling?

Pete (Long-time Dolphins fan): Joe, I am lost for words. We traded one of the best young talents in the league, for picks.. Picks that might be meaningless going forward? That’s wild to me. I hate this trade, I hate this front-office. I hate this coach. This team just went from limiting the pass game because of being so run heavy, to killing the pass game. Yes, we have Tyreek… but outside of ‘Reek? Who else? Chosen Anderson? Please. Might as well pick me up, Miami. I hate it, Miami you guys better hope the Falcons suck and these picks offer some value.

Joe: It’s okay, Pete. Keep it together my friend. I’m sure things will pay off, in the long-run. Maybe not, best of luck either way. As we dive.. Into Arizona for the FIRST time this season. Because, breaking news.. In PML anything is possible, so yes… Arizona, you did see a win for the first time this season. Probably your only one at that, but a win is a win. Congratulations! On the line we have Bruno, Bruno. Hola, amigo! Tell me how you’re feeling.

Bruno (Short-term Arizona Cardinals fan): Joe! My amigo! Yes! Yeeees! We did it. I was getting worried, I would have to find a new NFL team despite just getting into the sport. But, no! My Cardinals. VAMOS! This is the turning point of our season. This is where we get it all together, Joe. Trust me! 10-7 has never looked better. I’m sorry, that probably won’t happen. I’m saying things to make me feel better. But, god d***. It finally feels good to get a win.

Joe: My amigo, Bruno. Maybe 10-7, won’t come this year… but next year? Anything is possible. Big win to Arizona, congratulations. Baltimore clean it up, you’re all over the place after racking up a couple wins. Next up, we take a dive into Denver. I have Nick on the line, Nick talk to me man. It has been a couple rough weeks, what are you going through and thinking?

Nick (Doesn’t know what life is anymore): Joe. Free me of this h***, that is all. (hangs up the phone).

Joe: Well. That was.. Brief? Nick. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Next up, to wrap up this edition of Gridiron Emotions. We have Megan. Megan from Seattle. Talk to me Megan, how are you feeling? Your team has been quiet, but killing in silence.

Megan (Long-term Seahawks fan): Joe! We did it! Well, not yet. But Coach Z has us moving in silence like you said. No one has given us credit, yet we’re 6-1. Fighting for that one seed in the NFC. Geno Smith anit write back. Coach Z anit write back. We are coming for that Lombardi, baby! WOO!

Joe: H*** yeah, Megan. Keep an eye out for those Seahawks ladies and gentlemen. Always loved that team, despite my love for the Niners. Well, ladies and gentlemen. That brings us to the conclusion of yet another episode of Gridiron Emotions. Before we sign off, we wish the Broncos fans well because.. God it looks bad, real bad. There might not be any light at the end of that tunnel. Anyways, we’ll catch you guys next time!