The Pitiful Quatro... and the Worst Two-Game Run Ever Uno
32.) Oakland Raiders (0-9 = 146-252)
31.) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-8 = 158-282)
30.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-8 = 167-272)
29.) Tennessee Titans (2-7 = 144-223)
28.) Chicago Bears (3-6 = 194-277)
Well, how do we start this off. The Raiders suck at everything, but are probably in isolation not the worst team in the NFL. The Jaguars are probably the worst team in the NFL. Those have been the two worst teams in the NFL seemingly since 2008 (not true). The Buccaneers have probably been the worst team in the NFL since 2008, when they collapsed following a 9-3 start and have yet to recover in any way. The Titans are starting Zach Mettenberger for no good reason, and Whisenhunt's decision to pass up Detroit to go to Tennessee seems very odd right now. Finally, we get to the Bears, who gave up 50 points again. They were outscored in the 1st halves of their past two games 7-80. That is worse than anything those preceding five teams have done.
The Mediocre and Sad Quatro
27.) Washington Redskins (3-6 = 197-229)
26.) Carolina Panthers (3-6-1 = 198-281)
25.) New York Jets (2-8 = 174-265)
24.) New York Giants (3-6 = 195-247)
I'm not sure what to make of any of these teams, really. The Redskins are a team that will turn it over at will way too much with a still gimpy RGIII. The Panthers have been blowed the eff out a handful of times right now, and they've left Cam with absolutely nothing to work with. That o-line is absolutely, staggeringly pathetic at everything. The Jets and Giants then make up a sad football situation in New York. Despite the fact that the Jets were a national punchline for two months, they could easily end up with the better record of the two New York teams given their easier schedule down the stretch than the Giants. Still, we are almost certainly looking at the 3rd straight New York-less postseason, this following a five year stretch where the Jets made back-to-back AFC Championship Games, and the Giants won two Super Bowls.
The Sleepers and the Team Somehow Alive for Everything Quatro
23.) Houston Texans (4-5 = 206-197)
22.) Atlanta Falcons (3-6 = 219-238)
21.) St. Louis Rams (3-6 = 163-251)
20.) Minnesota Vikings (4-5 = 168-199)
I guess some of the teams in the previous group are sleepers too, but the Texans, Rams and Vikings are the real sleepers. The Texans have a defense that can play with most teams, especially if Clowney ever comes back. Also, maybe Mallett turns into something better than Fitzpatrick (not hard). The Rams have long been a sleeper in the Jeff Fisher era. In 2012, their 1-0-1 record against the 49ers nearly cost the 49ers a 1st round bye, and in 2013, their Week 15 win over the Saints DID cost them the 1st round bye. Given that they still have to play the Seahawks and Cardinals again, they can easily spoil something.
Finally, there is teh Falcons. They are not a very good team. Their wins are in OT at home against the Saints (not a great win in retrospect), and a sweep of the hapless Bucs. Still, they're a game back, 3-0 in the division with a head-to-head win against division leading New Orleans. Yes, they have to go to the Superdome later, but they have shown some ability to win there over the years (2010 and a close loss in 2012-13).
The Semi-Contender Septo
I don't think any of these teams to come is a true contender for a Super Bowl. They all have some good qualities and all have some notable flaws.
19.) Buffalo Bills (5-4 = 191-182)
The Bills should have won that game. They dominated the line of scrimmage on defense, something that they've done consistently apart from their game against the Patriots, Kyle Orton is playing clean football, but his inaccuracy issues are showing up at the exact wrong times. The Bills aren't too likely to win a playoff spot, given all four losses are in conference, something you have to start worrying about this time of year. They have an outside shot at the division, but I can't see Orton getting better as the weather gets worse.
18.) Cincinnati Bengals (5-3-1 = 197-211)
Well, that was a disaster for the Bengals, wasn't it? I've never seen a QB play that badly. Dalton's actually been stunningly mediocre all year now. If not for an admittedly good game against Baltimore, this team would be in complete dire straights right now. The Bengals defense has no pass rush, and their secondary can only hold up for so long. What would really help is for their supposedly good o-line to play well for once.
17.) New Orleans Saints (4-5 = 251-225)
Tough loss for the Saints, who saw their 'can't lose at home' thing disappear. It's really only a 'can't lose at home in primetime' thing, as it has always been. They struggled to put away the Vikings and probably should have lost to Tampa Bay this year at home already. The Saints have two non-primetime home games coming up against above .500 AFC teams. They'll likely win the division anyway, but they better hope they get that Saturday Night 8:00PM game this year in Wild Card Weekend.
16.) San Francisco 49ers (5-4 = 195-202)
This is the third straight year that the 49ers had to go to New Orleans. They beat them down in 2012, lost a controversial game by three in 2013, and now beat them in 2014. Before we start calling the 49ers back again, we should probably wait to see if they do this to a team they don't have good matchup advantages against. The news of Willis having to go on IR really dampens the impending return of Aldon Smith this week.
15.) Cleveland Browns (6-3 = 209-172)
I'm not going to get too excited about the Browns, but their defense looked as it was supposed to for the first time all season. The Mingo/Kruger pass rush duo should be better, and it was up to par for the first time. The team will be getting Josh Gordon back soon, which should really lift them, though I doubt someone who missed that much time will be back to 100% right away.
14.) San Diego Chargers (5-4 = 205-186)
The Chargers three-game losing streak has them hurting bad, especially since they were all AFC losses, two to Wild-Card contenders. Given the recent results of Brady/Roethlisberger/Rodgers, and the continued excellence of Peyton Manning, the Rivers for MVP campaign has really hit a rut about now. The Chargers need him to get better, and quickly. Their defense is getting injured and their o-line has returned to 2012 form. That is not a good recipe in a more crowded than expected AFC.
13.) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4 = 261-239)
That was such a latter-day Tomlin era loss for the Steelers. This is what they Steelers have done. They either dominate the eff out of bad teams, or lose outright; and then they'll either win against good teams, or lose if they're playing in Baltimore or playing the Patriots. Roethlisberger will get back to playing well going forward, but they still have o-line issues. The defense is still average at best, and continuing to rely on James Harrison won't be a good long-term solution.
The "Hey Man, if Things Break Right!" Quatro
12.) Kansas City Chiefs (6-3 = 217-151)
The Chiefs are already 5-2 in the AFC, with a home game against SD, and two against Oakland to come. I don't think people are giving them enough credit right about now. That team was picked by literally everyone to fall off this year from their 11-5 record. Instead, they're right there at 6-3 on pace for a 10-6 or 11-5 record and another playoff berth. Andy Reid's designing of offense and Alex Smith are a really good match, and they utilize every ounce of talent they have there. The defense continues to play strong. Right around now they got injured last year, if that doesn't happen this team will be as good.
11.) Baltimore Ravens (6-4 = 261-181)
The Ravens don't have a great shot at a wild card given their four AFC losses, and a trip to Miami to come. Still, I think the Ravens are the best team in the AFC North, a team with four teams multiple games above .500. The Ravens have the best point differential, the best defense, and an offense that can be very competent against most teams. The Ravens, to me, will win that division, and be a tough out in teh Wild Card round.
10.) Dallas Cowboys (6-3 = 261-212)
Hard to give them too much credit in winning a game they had to win and should win under any circumstance. While they've fallen behind the Eagles, I still think they have a great shot at that division if Sanchez falters (or if the Eagles stop getting an unsustainable amount of ST and DEF TDs). The Cowboys defense continues to play well, and my Lord is Dez Bryant on fire right now. If Tony Romo stays healthy, this team has a good chance of winning that division.
9.) Miami Dolphins (5-4 = 227-171)
The Dolphins have blown two games to NFC North teams despite leading for most of the game. Luckily for the Dolphins, NFC losses won't hurt them in tiebreakers, but with trips to New England and Denver left on the slate, the Dolphins don't have much room for error right now. The Dolphins defense is very, very good. Their offense is schemed well and can sustain drives. The problem is they've dropped some winnable games that will bite them going forward.
The "We Probably will Be The Best Teams in the NFC" Trio
8.) Philadelphia Eagles (7-2 = 279-198)
Maybe I'm wrong about the Sanchize.
7.) Seattle Seahawks (6-3 = 240-191)
The Seahawks run offense won't have it that easy every week, I guarantee you that. That's mostly due to the fact that the Giants decided to watch Packers film from teh 2012 Divisional against the 49ers for ways to not stop the zone-read, and then proceed to repeat all of it. Russell Wilson is still having major troubles passing to anyone at any time. Really, his advanced stats this year are quite terrible. Still, the Champs are still teh Champs and might have a level to jump up to.
6.) Green Bay Packers (6-3 = 277-205)
The Packers are turning into the Saints. Let's see, this team has been absolutely untouchable at home, winning their last three by a combined 135-41. Rodgers has been ungodly at home, really. I was driving back home when that game was going on. One update it was 7-0, with the Packers driving. The next it was 42-0 at halftime. I didn't have to check, I was just pretty sure that Rodgers had 6 TDs. Their schedule is rather easy down the stretch, and if they can get the #1 seed, just give them the NFC Title right now.
The "Challenger" Uno
5.) Indianapolis Colts (6-3 = 290-211)
The Colts can do a lot of things if they win this game coming up. I'll talk more about that later.
The "Best Teams in the NFL" Quatro
4.) New England Patriots (7-2 = 281-198)
The Patriots would be the #1 seed if the playoffs started today. Gronk is as healthy as he's ever been. The defense is playing well with Browner back and Revis rounding into form. They'll get Chandler Jones back at some point. Bill Belichick is the greatest Coach in the history of every sport. Tom Brady is banging Giselle three at a time. Everything's great in Gillette, so much that Robert Kraft decided not to wear a white-collar shirt this Sunday.
3.) Detroit Lions (7-2 = 182-142)
That offense looked a lot better with Calvin Johnson back. Obviously, they were going to be better with Megatron in, but Stafford just looks more comfortable with his binky back on his side. The defense continues to be amazingly strong. Ndamukong Suh has been dominant this season. Nick Fairley should be back soon to recreate the best pair of DTs in the game. If they can hold on to the division, they'll be mighty strong in the playoffs. The big game could be that Week 17 matchup in Green Bay.
2.) Denver Broncos (7-2 = 286-202)
Solid win. It looked sketchy for a bit there with the two picks and the red zone field goals, but in the end the Raiders couldn't move the ball at all outside of a string of dumpoffs. Peyton Manning on the other hand can. If they can ever get a consistent running game they'll be unstoppable.
1.) Arizona Cardinals (8-1 = 223-170)
They'll likely fall from this spot very soon. They might not even win this week. While they've won some games in the past with Stanton, I don't know how that proposition will work against the Seahawks, or Lions, or even Chiefs. The Cards are so damn resilient though. In honor of this incredibly gutty team, I'll give them the #1 spot they've done nothing but earn.
Playoff Projections
AFC
1.) Denver Broncos = 13-3
2.) New England Patriots = 12-4
3.) Indianapolis Colts = 11-5
4.) Baltimore Ravens = 10-6
5.) Kansas City Chiefs = 11-5
6.) Miami Dolphins = 10-6
NFC
1.) Detroit Lions = 12-4
2.) Arizona Cardinals = 12-4
3.) Dallas Cowboys = 11-5
4.) New Orleans Saints = 9-7
5.) Seattle Seahawks = 11-5
6.) Green Bay Packers = 11-5
Looking Ahead to Next Week
Byes: Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9); New York Jets (2-8); Dallas Cowboys (7-3); Baltimore Ravens (6-4)
14.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-8) @ Washington Redskins (3-6) (1:00 - FOX)
13.) Minnesota Vikings (4-5) @ Chicago Bears (3-6) (1:00 - CBS)
12.) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) @ Tennessee Titans (2-7) (MNF - ESPN)
I call it "This is When We Can Start Ignoring Games for Real" Sunday and Monday, as we've gotten to the point in the season where some games will just flat out suck. Sure, some games in Weeks 1-4 don't look too appetizing, but no one is really out of it at that point. Right now? Yeah, the Bucs, Redskins, Vikings, Bears and Titans are out of it, and the Steelers are among the most maddening teams in the NFL. The fact that one of them is a MNF game only makes it worse.
11.) Atlanta Falcons (3-6) @ Carolina Panthers (3-6-1) (1:00 - FOX)
10.) Oakland Raiders (0-9) @ San Diego Chargers (5-4) (4:05 - CBS)
I call it "I thought Division Rivaries were Supposed to be Fun?" Sunday, as we get two division rivalries with not too much on the line. Well, that is not entirely true. The winner of Falcons @ Panthers can probably distort themselves into thinking they are still alive for a spot. In that division they might really be. For the Raiders... well let's just move on and say that the Chargers will likely get back to their winning ways.
9.) Houston Texans (4-5) @ Cleveland Browns (6-3) (1:00 - CBS)
8.) San Francisco 49ers (5-4) @ New York Giants (3-6) (1:00 - FOX)
7.) Denver Broncos (7-2) @ St. Louis Rams (3-6) (1:00 - FOX)
I call it "These Games Wouldn't Look So Bad on Most Sundays" Sunday, as a loaded slate pushes some games a little further back in the consciousness than they really deserve. The Texans have an outside shot at the playoffs, mostly because they've only lost 2 AFC games so far, and still get Jacksonville/Tennessee three more times. The Browns are a win away from their best 10 game start since the first iteration of the Cleveland Browns. The 49ers and Giants renew pleasanteries in New York for the first time in a long time. The Broncos then go play the Spoiler Extraordinaire. All games worth watching, but not as much given the loaded slate.
6.) Cincinnati Bengals (6-3-1) @ New Orleans Saints (4-5) (1:00 - CBS)
5.) Buffalo Bills (5-4) @ Miami Dolphins (5-4) (TNF - NFLN)
I call it "Which Teams are Going to Make Run" Thursday and Sunday, as we get four teams that are fighting for playoff position. The Saints already made their run, getting to the top of the division by default. They'll try to avoid a two-game home losing streak. The Bengals are just jekyll-and-hyde enough to do something interesting here. The Bills and Dolphins play in teh first official 'Loser Leaves Town' match of the 2014 season. The loser is pretty much done unless they win out, especially if it is Miami. That should actually be a good game, which is a lot more than what it seemed to be coming into the season.
4.) Philadelphia Eagles (7-2) @ Green Bay Packers (6-3) (4:25 - FOX)
I call it "NFC Fan Favorites Play for Supremacy" Sunday, as the two preseason favorites in the NFC to not disappoint so far (unlike SEA and SF), square off in a nice little game. Sanchez gets to take his newfound skills on the road to a place that is quietly one of the toughest to win at in the NFL. The Packers get to put their newfound defensive skill against a fast pace offense. Last time they played one was... two weeks ago when the Saints housed them. The winner will likely become everyone's favorite in the NFC, as the two teams above them square off in teh less watched match.
3.) Seattle Seahawks (6-3) @ Kansas City Chiefs (7-3) (1:00 - FOX)
I call it "Can the Chiefs Pull their Home Voodoo again?" Sunday, as the Chiefs host the defending champs. The Chiefs are not a very good rush defense, which could be problematic, but their pass rush will definitely force Wilson and Co. to depend on ~200 yards rushing. Hali and Houston will be in Wilson's face all day long. The Chiefs offense will play a damn good defense, but the one thing that ruined Alex Smith last week, a devastating interior pass rush, will be lessened from its already reduced form with Red Bryant out for the year.
2.) Detroit Lions (7-2) @ Arizona Cardinals (8-1) (4:25 - FOX)
I call it "NFC Me Favorites Play for Supremacy" Sunday, as this game will be between the top two seeds in the NFC if the playoffs started today (Lions have the better conference record to Philadelphia). Of course, FOX is giving 'America's Game of the Week' status to Philadelphia and Green Bay instead, which of course allows me to watch this game on Sunday Ticket! Anyway, can't wait to watch an old school defensive struggle in the pass happiest of seasons yet. That said, I will be quite surprised if the Cards manage to pull this one off without Palmer against that defense.
1.) New England Patriots (7-2) @ Indianapolis Colts (6-3) (SNF - NBC)
I call it "Is this the Beginning of Something Special?" Sunday, as the Colts play their biggest regular season game since the Luck era began. Now, they've played in big games at home before. First was the initial game of #Chuckstrong, with the Packers coming to town. Then last year they of course played Denver in Manning's return. But this has real playoff implications. A win here, and given the easy remaining schedule, the Colts have a real shot at the #2 seed. For the Pats, a win here pretty much assures them a bye with wins against the Broncos and Colts. The Patriots have the matchup edge (Gronk will likely go WILD), but the Colts are a special team at home in the Luck era. In 2012, they beat Green Bay (11-5) and Houston (12-4). In 2013, they beat Seattle and Denver (both 13-3, and the two Super Bowl teams) at home. So far in 2014, they've beaten Baltimore and Cincinnati convincingly. This could be the beginning of the Colts run, knocking off the at-the-time #1 seed in the AFC. This is the biggest regular season game in that building since Peyton Manning left.
32.) Oakland Raiders (0-9 = 146-252)
31.) Jacksonville Jaguars (1-8 = 158-282)
30.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-8 = 167-272)
29.) Tennessee Titans (2-7 = 144-223)
28.) Chicago Bears (3-6 = 194-277)
Well, how do we start this off. The Raiders suck at everything, but are probably in isolation not the worst team in the NFL. The Jaguars are probably the worst team in the NFL. Those have been the two worst teams in the NFL seemingly since 2008 (not true). The Buccaneers have probably been the worst team in the NFL since 2008, when they collapsed following a 9-3 start and have yet to recover in any way. The Titans are starting Zach Mettenberger for no good reason, and Whisenhunt's decision to pass up Detroit to go to Tennessee seems very odd right now. Finally, we get to the Bears, who gave up 50 points again. They were outscored in the 1st halves of their past two games 7-80. That is worse than anything those preceding five teams have done.
The Mediocre and Sad Quatro
27.) Washington Redskins (3-6 = 197-229)
26.) Carolina Panthers (3-6-1 = 198-281)
25.) New York Jets (2-8 = 174-265)
24.) New York Giants (3-6 = 195-247)
I'm not sure what to make of any of these teams, really. The Redskins are a team that will turn it over at will way too much with a still gimpy RGIII. The Panthers have been blowed the eff out a handful of times right now, and they've left Cam with absolutely nothing to work with. That o-line is absolutely, staggeringly pathetic at everything. The Jets and Giants then make up a sad football situation in New York. Despite the fact that the Jets were a national punchline for two months, they could easily end up with the better record of the two New York teams given their easier schedule down the stretch than the Giants. Still, we are almost certainly looking at the 3rd straight New York-less postseason, this following a five year stretch where the Jets made back-to-back AFC Championship Games, and the Giants won two Super Bowls.
The Sleepers and the Team Somehow Alive for Everything Quatro
23.) Houston Texans (4-5 = 206-197)
22.) Atlanta Falcons (3-6 = 219-238)
21.) St. Louis Rams (3-6 = 163-251)
20.) Minnesota Vikings (4-5 = 168-199)
I guess some of the teams in the previous group are sleepers too, but the Texans, Rams and Vikings are the real sleepers. The Texans have a defense that can play with most teams, especially if Clowney ever comes back. Also, maybe Mallett turns into something better than Fitzpatrick (not hard). The Rams have long been a sleeper in the Jeff Fisher era. In 2012, their 1-0-1 record against the 49ers nearly cost the 49ers a 1st round bye, and in 2013, their Week 15 win over the Saints DID cost them the 1st round bye. Given that they still have to play the Seahawks and Cardinals again, they can easily spoil something.
Finally, there is teh Falcons. They are not a very good team. Their wins are in OT at home against the Saints (not a great win in retrospect), and a sweep of the hapless Bucs. Still, they're a game back, 3-0 in the division with a head-to-head win against division leading New Orleans. Yes, they have to go to the Superdome later, but they have shown some ability to win there over the years (2010 and a close loss in 2012-13).
The Semi-Contender Septo
I don't think any of these teams to come is a true contender for a Super Bowl. They all have some good qualities and all have some notable flaws.
19.) Buffalo Bills (5-4 = 191-182)
The Bills should have won that game. They dominated the line of scrimmage on defense, something that they've done consistently apart from their game against the Patriots, Kyle Orton is playing clean football, but his inaccuracy issues are showing up at the exact wrong times. The Bills aren't too likely to win a playoff spot, given all four losses are in conference, something you have to start worrying about this time of year. They have an outside shot at the division, but I can't see Orton getting better as the weather gets worse.
18.) Cincinnati Bengals (5-3-1 = 197-211)
Well, that was a disaster for the Bengals, wasn't it? I've never seen a QB play that badly. Dalton's actually been stunningly mediocre all year now. If not for an admittedly good game against Baltimore, this team would be in complete dire straights right now. The Bengals defense has no pass rush, and their secondary can only hold up for so long. What would really help is for their supposedly good o-line to play well for once.
17.) New Orleans Saints (4-5 = 251-225)
Tough loss for the Saints, who saw their 'can't lose at home' thing disappear. It's really only a 'can't lose at home in primetime' thing, as it has always been. They struggled to put away the Vikings and probably should have lost to Tampa Bay this year at home already. The Saints have two non-primetime home games coming up against above .500 AFC teams. They'll likely win the division anyway, but they better hope they get that Saturday Night 8:00PM game this year in Wild Card Weekend.
16.) San Francisco 49ers (5-4 = 195-202)
This is the third straight year that the 49ers had to go to New Orleans. They beat them down in 2012, lost a controversial game by three in 2013, and now beat them in 2014. Before we start calling the 49ers back again, we should probably wait to see if they do this to a team they don't have good matchup advantages against. The news of Willis having to go on IR really dampens the impending return of Aldon Smith this week.
15.) Cleveland Browns (6-3 = 209-172)
I'm not going to get too excited about the Browns, but their defense looked as it was supposed to for the first time all season. The Mingo/Kruger pass rush duo should be better, and it was up to par for the first time. The team will be getting Josh Gordon back soon, which should really lift them, though I doubt someone who missed that much time will be back to 100% right away.
14.) San Diego Chargers (5-4 = 205-186)
The Chargers three-game losing streak has them hurting bad, especially since they were all AFC losses, two to Wild-Card contenders. Given the recent results of Brady/Roethlisberger/Rodgers, and the continued excellence of Peyton Manning, the Rivers for MVP campaign has really hit a rut about now. The Chargers need him to get better, and quickly. Their defense is getting injured and their o-line has returned to 2012 form. That is not a good recipe in a more crowded than expected AFC.
13.) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4 = 261-239)
That was such a latter-day Tomlin era loss for the Steelers. This is what they Steelers have done. They either dominate the eff out of bad teams, or lose outright; and then they'll either win against good teams, or lose if they're playing in Baltimore or playing the Patriots. Roethlisberger will get back to playing well going forward, but they still have o-line issues. The defense is still average at best, and continuing to rely on James Harrison won't be a good long-term solution.
The "Hey Man, if Things Break Right!" Quatro
12.) Kansas City Chiefs (6-3 = 217-151)
The Chiefs are already 5-2 in the AFC, with a home game against SD, and two against Oakland to come. I don't think people are giving them enough credit right about now. That team was picked by literally everyone to fall off this year from their 11-5 record. Instead, they're right there at 6-3 on pace for a 10-6 or 11-5 record and another playoff berth. Andy Reid's designing of offense and Alex Smith are a really good match, and they utilize every ounce of talent they have there. The defense continues to play strong. Right around now they got injured last year, if that doesn't happen this team will be as good.
11.) Baltimore Ravens (6-4 = 261-181)
The Ravens don't have a great shot at a wild card given their four AFC losses, and a trip to Miami to come. Still, I think the Ravens are the best team in the AFC North, a team with four teams multiple games above .500. The Ravens have the best point differential, the best defense, and an offense that can be very competent against most teams. The Ravens, to me, will win that division, and be a tough out in teh Wild Card round.
10.) Dallas Cowboys (6-3 = 261-212)
Hard to give them too much credit in winning a game they had to win and should win under any circumstance. While they've fallen behind the Eagles, I still think they have a great shot at that division if Sanchez falters (or if the Eagles stop getting an unsustainable amount of ST and DEF TDs). The Cowboys defense continues to play well, and my Lord is Dez Bryant on fire right now. If Tony Romo stays healthy, this team has a good chance of winning that division.
9.) Miami Dolphins (5-4 = 227-171)
The Dolphins have blown two games to NFC North teams despite leading for most of the game. Luckily for the Dolphins, NFC losses won't hurt them in tiebreakers, but with trips to New England and Denver left on the slate, the Dolphins don't have much room for error right now. The Dolphins defense is very, very good. Their offense is schemed well and can sustain drives. The problem is they've dropped some winnable games that will bite them going forward.
The "We Probably will Be The Best Teams in the NFC" Trio
8.) Philadelphia Eagles (7-2 = 279-198)
Maybe I'm wrong about the Sanchize.
7.) Seattle Seahawks (6-3 = 240-191)
The Seahawks run offense won't have it that easy every week, I guarantee you that. That's mostly due to the fact that the Giants decided to watch Packers film from teh 2012 Divisional against the 49ers for ways to not stop the zone-read, and then proceed to repeat all of it. Russell Wilson is still having major troubles passing to anyone at any time. Really, his advanced stats this year are quite terrible. Still, the Champs are still teh Champs and might have a level to jump up to.
6.) Green Bay Packers (6-3 = 277-205)
The Packers are turning into the Saints. Let's see, this team has been absolutely untouchable at home, winning their last three by a combined 135-41. Rodgers has been ungodly at home, really. I was driving back home when that game was going on. One update it was 7-0, with the Packers driving. The next it was 42-0 at halftime. I didn't have to check, I was just pretty sure that Rodgers had 6 TDs. Their schedule is rather easy down the stretch, and if they can get the #1 seed, just give them the NFC Title right now.
The "Challenger" Uno
5.) Indianapolis Colts (6-3 = 290-211)
The Colts can do a lot of things if they win this game coming up. I'll talk more about that later.
The "Best Teams in the NFL" Quatro
4.) New England Patriots (7-2 = 281-198)
The Patriots would be the #1 seed if the playoffs started today. Gronk is as healthy as he's ever been. The defense is playing well with Browner back and Revis rounding into form. They'll get Chandler Jones back at some point. Bill Belichick is the greatest Coach in the history of every sport. Tom Brady is banging Giselle three at a time. Everything's great in Gillette, so much that Robert Kraft decided not to wear a white-collar shirt this Sunday.
3.) Detroit Lions (7-2 = 182-142)
That offense looked a lot better with Calvin Johnson back. Obviously, they were going to be better with Megatron in, but Stafford just looks more comfortable with his binky back on his side. The defense continues to be amazingly strong. Ndamukong Suh has been dominant this season. Nick Fairley should be back soon to recreate the best pair of DTs in the game. If they can hold on to the division, they'll be mighty strong in the playoffs. The big game could be that Week 17 matchup in Green Bay.
2.) Denver Broncos (7-2 = 286-202)
Solid win. It looked sketchy for a bit there with the two picks and the red zone field goals, but in the end the Raiders couldn't move the ball at all outside of a string of dumpoffs. Peyton Manning on the other hand can. If they can ever get a consistent running game they'll be unstoppable.
1.) Arizona Cardinals (8-1 = 223-170)
They'll likely fall from this spot very soon. They might not even win this week. While they've won some games in the past with Stanton, I don't know how that proposition will work against the Seahawks, or Lions, or even Chiefs. The Cards are so damn resilient though. In honor of this incredibly gutty team, I'll give them the #1 spot they've done nothing but earn.
Playoff Projections
AFC
1.) Denver Broncos = 13-3
2.) New England Patriots = 12-4
3.) Indianapolis Colts = 11-5
4.) Baltimore Ravens = 10-6
5.) Kansas City Chiefs = 11-5
6.) Miami Dolphins = 10-6
NFC
1.) Detroit Lions = 12-4
2.) Arizona Cardinals = 12-4
3.) Dallas Cowboys = 11-5
4.) New Orleans Saints = 9-7
5.) Seattle Seahawks = 11-5
6.) Green Bay Packers = 11-5
Looking Ahead to Next Week
Byes: Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9); New York Jets (2-8); Dallas Cowboys (7-3); Baltimore Ravens (6-4)
14.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-8) @ Washington Redskins (3-6) (1:00 - FOX)
13.) Minnesota Vikings (4-5) @ Chicago Bears (3-6) (1:00 - CBS)
12.) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) @ Tennessee Titans (2-7) (MNF - ESPN)
I call it "This is When We Can Start Ignoring Games for Real" Sunday and Monday, as we've gotten to the point in the season where some games will just flat out suck. Sure, some games in Weeks 1-4 don't look too appetizing, but no one is really out of it at that point. Right now? Yeah, the Bucs, Redskins, Vikings, Bears and Titans are out of it, and the Steelers are among the most maddening teams in the NFL. The fact that one of them is a MNF game only makes it worse.
11.) Atlanta Falcons (3-6) @ Carolina Panthers (3-6-1) (1:00 - FOX)
10.) Oakland Raiders (0-9) @ San Diego Chargers (5-4) (4:05 - CBS)
I call it "I thought Division Rivaries were Supposed to be Fun?" Sunday, as we get two division rivalries with not too much on the line. Well, that is not entirely true. The winner of Falcons @ Panthers can probably distort themselves into thinking they are still alive for a spot. In that division they might really be. For the Raiders... well let's just move on and say that the Chargers will likely get back to their winning ways.
9.) Houston Texans (4-5) @ Cleveland Browns (6-3) (1:00 - CBS)
8.) San Francisco 49ers (5-4) @ New York Giants (3-6) (1:00 - FOX)
7.) Denver Broncos (7-2) @ St. Louis Rams (3-6) (1:00 - FOX)
I call it "These Games Wouldn't Look So Bad on Most Sundays" Sunday, as a loaded slate pushes some games a little further back in the consciousness than they really deserve. The Texans have an outside shot at the playoffs, mostly because they've only lost 2 AFC games so far, and still get Jacksonville/Tennessee three more times. The Browns are a win away from their best 10 game start since the first iteration of the Cleveland Browns. The 49ers and Giants renew pleasanteries in New York for the first time in a long time. The Broncos then go play the Spoiler Extraordinaire. All games worth watching, but not as much given the loaded slate.
6.) Cincinnati Bengals (6-3-1) @ New Orleans Saints (4-5) (1:00 - CBS)
5.) Buffalo Bills (5-4) @ Miami Dolphins (5-4) (TNF - NFLN)
I call it "Which Teams are Going to Make Run" Thursday and Sunday, as we get four teams that are fighting for playoff position. The Saints already made their run, getting to the top of the division by default. They'll try to avoid a two-game home losing streak. The Bengals are just jekyll-and-hyde enough to do something interesting here. The Bills and Dolphins play in teh first official 'Loser Leaves Town' match of the 2014 season. The loser is pretty much done unless they win out, especially if it is Miami. That should actually be a good game, which is a lot more than what it seemed to be coming into the season.
4.) Philadelphia Eagles (7-2) @ Green Bay Packers (6-3) (4:25 - FOX)
I call it "NFC Fan Favorites Play for Supremacy" Sunday, as the two preseason favorites in the NFC to not disappoint so far (unlike SEA and SF), square off in a nice little game. Sanchez gets to take his newfound skills on the road to a place that is quietly one of the toughest to win at in the NFL. The Packers get to put their newfound defensive skill against a fast pace offense. Last time they played one was... two weeks ago when the Saints housed them. The winner will likely become everyone's favorite in the NFC, as the two teams above them square off in teh less watched match.
3.) Seattle Seahawks (6-3) @ Kansas City Chiefs (7-3) (1:00 - FOX)
I call it "Can the Chiefs Pull their Home Voodoo again?" Sunday, as the Chiefs host the defending champs. The Chiefs are not a very good rush defense, which could be problematic, but their pass rush will definitely force Wilson and Co. to depend on ~200 yards rushing. Hali and Houston will be in Wilson's face all day long. The Chiefs offense will play a damn good defense, but the one thing that ruined Alex Smith last week, a devastating interior pass rush, will be lessened from its already reduced form with Red Bryant out for the year.
2.) Detroit Lions (7-2) @ Arizona Cardinals (8-1) (4:25 - FOX)
I call it "NFC Me Favorites Play for Supremacy" Sunday, as this game will be between the top two seeds in the NFC if the playoffs started today (Lions have the better conference record to Philadelphia). Of course, FOX is giving 'America's Game of the Week' status to Philadelphia and Green Bay instead, which of course allows me to watch this game on Sunday Ticket! Anyway, can't wait to watch an old school defensive struggle in the pass happiest of seasons yet. That said, I will be quite surprised if the Cards manage to pull this one off without Palmer against that defense.
1.) New England Patriots (7-2) @ Indianapolis Colts (6-3) (SNF - NBC)
I call it "Is this the Beginning of Something Special?" Sunday, as the Colts play their biggest regular season game since the Luck era began. Now, they've played in big games at home before. First was the initial game of #Chuckstrong, with the Packers coming to town. Then last year they of course played Denver in Manning's return. But this has real playoff implications. A win here, and given the easy remaining schedule, the Colts have a real shot at the #2 seed. For the Pats, a win here pretty much assures them a bye with wins against the Broncos and Colts. The Patriots have the matchup edge (Gronk will likely go WILD), but the Colts are a special team at home in the Luck era. In 2012, they beat Green Bay (11-5) and Houston (12-4). In 2013, they beat Seattle and Denver (both 13-3, and the two Super Bowl teams) at home. So far in 2014, they've beaten Baltimore and Cincinnati convincingly. This could be the beginning of the Colts run, knocking off the at-the-time #1 seed in the AFC. This is the biggest regular season game in that building since Peyton Manning left.
