Chiefs: Matigy is on one of the longest winning streaks in PML (8 wins) after an impressive victory over the Green Bay Packers this week. Patrick Mahomes is on pace to win the MVP title and the Kansas City offense is averaging the most points per game in PML (38), but with games against possible playoff contenders (bills, patriots, and chargers) left on the schedule, can Kansas City keep up this high level of play and lock in a much needed bye during the playoffs?
Cowboys: The Cowboys stall as the Seahawks take a close game from the boys on their home field. I wouldn’t panic in Dallas, as they are playing at a high level against top tiered users with their only 2 losses are to the Seahawks and Chargers by less than 3 points.
Seahawks: Drama said Z is not ‘that guy’. Z has heard that narrative for cycles now and is playing with a chip on his shoulder. Could this be the year he finally quiets the naysayers?
Patriots: New England is very enigmatic this season. They are leading their division and have remarkable wins against potential playoff teams in the Chargers, Bills, and Jets but they have two ties in games that they really should have won, especially against a Commanders team that was just blown out by 72 points and shut out altogether. The Patriots are getting it down on the ground this season with Elliot and Stevenson nearly eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards a piece respectfully.
Saints: The Saints are solidifying themselves as legit Super Bowl contenders. I wouldn’t put it past them as they certainly have the capability to take down the best in the NFC. Derek Carr is playing at a high level and JC continues to roll in New Orleans.
Packers: Suddenly, they don’t look like they will secure the 1st round bye in the NFC. The only one who will suffer here is the sorry soul who secures a wildcard berth and gets to face them in the opening round.
49ers: 49ers were my season 1 prediction to win the Super Bowl in pre-cycle Breakfast Show segments. At 9-3, and taking down the Seahawks, CEO is still not getting any consideration around the league. Time to wake up people.
Chargers: Justin Herbert looked great in his first game back after his two game suspension, but his two touchdown performance wasn’t enough to bring home the victory. Los Angeles slips a game behind Kansas City after losing to New England this week. The Chargers allowed 169 rushing yards this week and you have to believe they are going to load the box next week against a Denver offense that is averaging 130 rushing yards per game this season.
Texans: Houston, we have a problem..that we completely avoided. CJ Stroud tore his labrum this week against Denver and initially, the injury appeared to be far worse but after a positive diagnosis, he will only next week’s game against the Jets. It’s a tough game to miss, but Max Duggan is plenty capable of pulling off a victory. He has mid accuracies, but his 88 throwpower and 88 speed are enough to develop a safe gameplan around.
Dolphins: Miami is averaging 33 points a game, but they have scored 72 points in two games this season. I know Miami did it in real life, but this is remarkable. They even topped their first game of scoring 72 points, because this week they also held the Commanders to 0 points. No shame to the Commanders, but I feel like this is an impossible feat if you are actually trying to win games. Nevertheless, Miami got some hate for trading Jaylen Waddle, but their offense looks better than ever and it will be needed down the stretch.
#11
Titans: Five weeks ago, it appeared that the Titans may be throwing in the towel, especially after trading away Derrick Henry. However, that trade appears to be locking them into a top five draft selection and they are right in the mix for a wildcard berth and possible division title if the wins keep on coming. They are on a four game winning streak, but with four consecutive games against teams with 7 or more wins, Dlloyd will be able to show what his team is made of. 2 of those games are against the Texans, so there’s potential that the Texans could leap Houston if they’re able to win those games.
#12
Steelers: The AFC North was predicted to send a team to the playoffs that couldn’t eclipse 6 total wins, well Curt and his Steelers are on their to a potential double digit win season with three games left on their schedule against teams with 4 wins and under. It’s a two man race in the AFC North, but the Steelers have the easier remaining schedule, so as long as Curt beats the teams he is expected to beat, he will be crowned King in the North.
#13
Cardinals: Suddenly, it appears Kyler Murray may be the man in Arizona this cycle. I always thought he was, especially with his salary, but many put the Cardinals on tank watch for Caleb. He’s not only turned the narrative on the tank watch, but proven he can play winning football with Murray.
#14
Jets: The Jets have two losses against the Falcons and the Eagles, moreover these are two guys that allegedly called for the head of Papagreeny way back when that cost him his team in PML, but the Jets are in the thick of the AFC playoff race despite the loss this week. Facing a wounded Texan team next week, Aaron Rodgers should be able to coast into his 8th win of the season.
#15
Rams: The Rams have now lost two straight to the Cardinals and Browns. Are they suddenly not a lock to make a deep playoff run in the NFC? I wouldn’t go that far, look for the Rams to get back on track as heavy favorites in Baltimore this week.
#16
Browns: Mali gets a lot of hate for trading Patrick Mahomes last cycle, but you have to give him credit for what he has been doing with his Cleveland Browns. Understanding that his team is negative cap space, he is trying to pull it altogether this season before he has to break up the band and pulling off the upset against the Rams is a way to get believers on your side. Mali has a loaded roster on paper and they were able to use they talent by forcing 5 interceptions, ultimately helping them pull off what no one believe was possible.
#17
Bears: Jefe is fighting for his life with the injury narrative front and center. He has a winnable, but not easy game against division rival Lions this week. A win here should further solidify his playoff chances, but a loss puts them into a log-jam where they don’t control their fate. Big game in cold Chi-town.
#18
Vikings: Are the Vikings overperforming at 6-6 because of the team and competitive nature of the NFC North? Or are they underperforming based on Wimmys potential? Nevertheless, the Vikings hang by a thread and are on the outside looking in. With the Raiders and Bengals as their next two games, they have a shot to make a late season push upwards in the wildcard race.
#19
Bills: For a team that only averages 30 points a game, Buffalo went above and beyond putting 57 on the heads of the Eagles. Josh Allen was perfect, literally perfect in this game. He completed 19 of his 19 passing attempts, that is so rare and difficult to do in PML. But, it’s just like the Eagles coach to belittle this feat. The Bills undrafted rookie Khalan Laborn had a day this week eclipsing 160 yards and finding paydirt 3 times, the Bills may have found a gem in this halfback.
#20
Falcons: Sitting at 6-6, Nef is in the thick of things for a wildcard push. They don’t control their own destiny, but they will go out and do what they need to do and hope for a little luck on the schedule. I project a 3-2 finish, so it really depends on what the Bears and Vikings do.
#21
Broncos: DK has 6 losses this season by one score, his three win record looks a lot worse than his games have shown. He has mortgaged the future on his current team, but he has been fruitful against the pass defensively. Lattimore and Surtain have locked up opposing defensive backs and Denver is 5th against the pass, but they’re 32nd against the rush. As soon as they find a better balance, DK is going to be more formidable and the wins will start piling up.
#22
Lions: I feared the 2nd half schedule would derail the Lions playoff chances and I am afraid it has happened. They’ve proven they could compete in a competitive division, so it will be interesting to see where they stand after a full-offseason of roster upgrades.
#23
Bengals: Joe Burrow has thrown 8 interceptions in the last two weeks and has thrown 22 total interceptions this season. He isn’t in jeopardy of losing his development trait and abilities but in the 4 games that the Bengals have won this season, Burrow didn’t throw any interceptions. Goose has to find a way to protect the ball on offense and let his team do the rest.
#24
Buccaneers: Can you believe they’re the number 1 passing offense in PML, all while playing 4 games with Kyle Trask. I think Cammy will be one of the teams to turn it around next season with a few roster adjustments. Until then, they’ll be paying out the final few games evaluating the roster for next year.
#25
Jaguars: I think most people expected Tbandit to perform better with the Jaguars, but there’s just no balance in his offense. Trevor Lawrence has almost as many rushing yards as Travis Etienne this season, that’s disastrous if you ask me. But, the Jaguars pulled off a solid win over a better Bengals roster this week and have an opportunity to play spoiler against the Browns this week.
#26
Giants: I know Burn is looking forward to his final 3 games as the Giants have the Eagles on the schedule two times. And this was the NFL’s schedule? They have to do better in spreading out the games. This could also be looked as the Danny Dimes farewell tour as they are more than likely to draft their franchise quarterback this upcoming draft.
#27
Raiders: Jimmy Garoppalo isn’t the right fit in Las Vegas. He has 29 interceptions this season and the Raiders are asking way too much of him instead of leaning on Josh Jacobs to move the chains. Las Vegas is playing for more than it’s pride, but the week 17 game against the Colts and week 18 game against the Broncos will surely impact some draft boards.
#28
Eagles: PlayerPropGate is sweeping Philadelphia as everything continues to fall apart as the Eagles User cheating scandal takes front and center. Rumor has it that Bubba, Miles, and KMFO are all in contention for the possible vacancy in the city of brotherly love. Fans are turning on the team as the possibility looms their beloved Eagles draft pick could fall into the top 5- which is now held by the Titans.
#29
Panthers: Could Chris Brooks carve himself a role in the offense next season? He’s certainly playing like he warrants one. Rumors are swirling that the Panthers will make a play at the number 1 pick and go all-in on generational talent Caleb Williams. I’ll just leave it as a rumor.
#30
Colts: This isn’t the type of streak that you want to find yourself on, but the Colts have lost their last 6 games with the most recent loss coming against the Titans. Jonathan Taylor averaged 1.9 yards per carry in that game and finished with 25 rushing yards. You aren’t going to win a game by getting that kind of production out of your lead back. The Colts have to slow the game down. They are playing way too fast and it’s caused Anthony Richardson to force the ball downfield. He’s leading the league in interceptions (29). Lean on your rushing game and the play action game will open itself up.
#31
Commanders: Seventy two. 70+2. LXXII. 23 × 32, 72/1. This was ugly, no matter how you spell out 72-0. The Commanders went from the PML Cinderella story to getting blown out every week. The past 4 weeks the have been outscored 214 to 45. Vet will come out the bye and close out the season with the Rams, Jets, 49ers, and Cowboys waiting for them. It could get even uglier out in Wasington.
#32
Ravens: Are we going to see one of the most talented rosters in the league draft at the top spot this season? It’s looking that way. 32nd in points per game, total yards per game, and passing yards per game is mind numbing because the Ravens have the talent to move the ball downfield. They are on a 7 game losing streak with no end in sight. There’s a potential win against the Jaguars left on their schedule, but the remaining games are against playoff caliber coaches, so I think it’s safe to say that the Ravens will be getting a treasure chest kind of offer from a team desperate enough to want to draft Caleb Williams.
