The "Who wants Marcus Mariota" Quinto
32.) Tennessee Titans (2-12 = 231-390)
31.) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12 = 211-376)
30.) Oakland Raiders (2-12 = 213-381)
29.) Washington Redskins (3-11 = 257-370)
28.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-12 = 254-367)
There are so many interesting competitors this year, so let's just move on from these teams, shall we.......
The "Two Metropoles, NFC South Teams and YOung QBs enter a bar, and Jay Cutler Kills them All
" Septo
27.) New York Jets (3-11 = 230-360)
26.) Chicago Bears (5-9 = 296-409)
25.) Atlanta Falcons (5-9 = 348-369)
24.) New York Giants (5-9 = 317-339)
23.) Cleveland Browns (7-7 = 276-300)
22.) Minnesota Vikings (6-8 = 277-297)
21.) New Orleans Saints (6-8 = 364-374)
None of these teams are any good. Somehow, one of them will be a playoff team (unless Carolina runs the table and the Saints blow it... very possible, I guess). The Jets are bad, but they do play hard. To me the real problem with that team is that they are in a full rebuilding mode after years of living year-to-year with Tannenbaum, who never met a draft pick he didn't want to trade. The Giants are arguably in more dire straits given Eli's age. The Browns have no QB (by the way, has there ever been a QB who's terrible-ness was met with such joy?). The other teams are all interlopers. The Vikings could be 10-4 with a little luck, but could be 4-10 with a little bad luck. Mike Zimmer has made that defense really effective, but I feel that Bridgewater has been consistently disappointing. The Falcons have no defense. The Bears have no defense. The Saints have a defense that will play one good game in 14, and a QB who can have the most garbage 29-36 game ever. The worst part is one of these NFC South teams will likely host a team QB-ed by Ryan Lindley in Round 1.
The "Teams that will Suck the Life Out of You" Quatro
20.) Houston Texans (7-7 = 324-277)
19.) Carolina Panthers (5-8-1 = 288-358)
18.) San Francisco 49ers (7-7 = 251-285)
17.) Miami Dolphins (7-7 = 327-301)
All of these teams have proved competent to some point or another. They are all listed in order of what level they should have been. The Texans are right where they should be. They capitalized on a truly awful schedule and having a human Bowser in the lineup to get to 7-7. But now they are playing either Thad Lewis or Case Keenum. The Panthers didn't win a game for 9 straight weeks, but are just 1/5 game behind in the division. Their defense has finally started to play average just as Cam Newton survives death. The 49ers are a complete mess, and their advanced stats don't even hide a team that should have done better but lost close games. They've been outscored by 34 points. That is not good. Finally is Miami, who started the year outscoring New England 23-0 in the 2nd half in Week 1, and then just got outscored 27-0 in the 2nd half of the return leg. It is hard to say they haven't gotten better each year under Philbin, but that rate of return is glacially slow right now.
The "Is Jeff Fisher recreating his Tennessee tenure?" Uno
16.) St. Louis Rams (6-8 = 291-297)
In 1996, 1997 and 1998, the first three years of Jeff Fisher's tenure in Tennessee (yes, he started that long ago), the Titans went 8-8, 8-8, 8-8. In the first three years of Fisher's St. Louis tenure, they'll go 7-8-1, 7-9 and, probably, 7-9. Now, going 8-8 three straight years is better than 7-9, but the Rams are doing what Tennessee did. Those Titans went 13-3 in the 4th year, with a defense that kept them in every game, and an offense built on 4-yard runs by Eddie George and Steve McNair's underrated balls. The issue for the Rams is they don't have a clear Steve McNair type, but they have everything else. If Peyton Manning played for that team, they would go 12-4 at least. Jeff Fisher is building something. It may take until 2016, but I hope the Rams have that amount of patience.
The "Soft Underbelly of the AFC" Trio
15.) San Diego Chargers (8-6 = 303-294)
14.) Kansas City Chiefs (8-6 = 322-254)
13.) Cincinnati Bengals (9-4-1 = 311-289)
The Chargers and Chiefs play each other. They both also play a tough game in Week 15. The Chiefs have the easier road, as two straight wins will get them in the playoffs (they'll have h2h wins over both potential 10-6 teams). The Chargers probably have the higher ceiling. But the Chiefs have essentially been a better version of San Diego all year long. For the Bengals, I still can't believe they've lost just 4 games. I feel like they've been terrible ever since their bye and them getting housed by New England back in Week 5. Yet there they are. If they win just one more game, they're in the playoffs. They even have somewhat of a shot at 9-6-1. Somehow, the Bengals are right there, despite no one liking them. If they did anything this year, though, it was smash what dignity Johnny Manziel had left.
The "If only they had a QB" Uno
12.) Buffalo Bills (8-6 = 302-254)
The Bills were 2-2 after four games when they benched EJ Manuel, the Bills turned to Kyle Orton, who basically retired in the offseason. Orton has not been great. Far from it. Orton has been average at best, and has looked downright awful the past two weeks. Yet, the Bills have everything else. They still have o-line and durability issues, but they have good weapons (Sammy Watkins is still very good), a stable of running backs, a deep d-line that is among the best in the NFL, and a deep secondary that has played well. They have everything but a QB. Their defensive performance against Green Bay was just frightening.
The "They just have a Fatal Flaw" Trio
11.) Philadelphia Eagles (9-5 = 416-347)
10.) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5 = 389-339)
9.) Dallas Cowboys (10-4 = 381-328)
All three of these teams are good. They all three can make the playoffs, but I can't see any of them getting too far. The Eagles have a system that will most likely score a bunch of points, and have a defense that is far better than people think when not putting Bradley Fletcher in 1v1 coverage with Dez Bryant with little help. Their issue is the QB. Mark Sanchez has been alternating slightly above average and horrible games. Nick Foles wasn't too much better when he was healthy. They've stopped making ridiculous Special Teams plays all the time, and now their scoring has gone to shit. The Steelers and Cowboys are almost like the same teams. Both have good QBs who are having career years. They have dual-purpose Running Backs who are great. They have dominant WRs, in Antonio Brown and Dez Bryant. Finally, they both have defenses that are, on the whole, not very good. These flaws will kill them long term. Dallas has a shot if the matchups break well (Arizona, Seattle), but if that is the case they'll be in for a rude awakening going to Lambeau with that defense.
The "Challengers to the AFC Hegemony" Duo
8.) Indianapolis Colts (10-4 = 424-317)
7.) Baltimore Ravens (9-5 = 376-267)
The best two teams in teh AFC are QBed by Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Amazingly, this will be just the fourth time the Top-2 seeds in the AFC will be Brady's and Manning's. Of course, it will be the third in a row. It is looking like the Patriots will take the #1 seed this time, the only change to last year's standings. The only two teams, in my mind, that can break an inevitable Broncos vs. Patriots AFC Championship Game (and an even more inevitable Patriots win), are these two. The Colts have been a little up and down lately, and there is discussion on Andrew Luck's ball security (the fumbles are, and really should, be a way bigger issue than the picks). The defense is still good against anything outside of great QBs, which is nice. Of course, both Manning and Brady are pretty good. The Ravens are just a solid team at everything. Their one weakness is their injury-riddled secondary. Of course, their biggest strength is a nice complement, in their top Front-7. Both teams have a shot in Week 2, and if the Ravens can steal that division (they'll need both Cincinnati and Pittsburgh to drop a game), it lines up nicely. The Ravens get to go to New England in the #1-vs.-#4 matchup, where they match up better, and the Colts get to avoid New England, where they don't match up at all.
The "Is it 1960?" Duo
6.) Detroit Lions (10-4 = 281-238)
5.) Arizona Cardinals (11-3 = 287-244)
These two teams are still playing like it is the 1960's with defense, run games, and bad QB play. I feel so bad for the Cardinals. They went 10-6 last year but missed the playoffs. This year, they go 11-3, pass every challenge, but are now down to their 3rd string QB. They are resourceful as hell, and Bruce Arians is a fucking wizard, but they'll likely lose to Seattle, and be relegated to a game in the Superdome for all their troubles. The Lions are the other big winners from Buffalo's win over the Packers, Unless they want a bye, which is theirs if they win out, this upcoming game against Chicago is meaninglesss. They'll keep their shot at a division even if they lose to Chicago. The Lions will change as we know them, and this has been maybe the least memorable or fun 10-win season by a continual bottom-dwellar.
The "Great QBs, and Maybe Other Stuff?" Duo
4.) Green Bay Packers (10-4 = 436-325)
3.) Denver Broncos (11-3 = 407-303)
The sheen has come off the Packers a bit, and that horrendous offensive performance has shone light on their struggles on the road this season. That will become important since they have basically no shot of getting the #1 seed now. Unless upsets, they'll have to win a road playoff game. Guess who else will have to? Denver that team tied for the best record in the NFL, but the one that no one thinks is playing well. They've had seven wins against teams with winning records (IND, KCx2, SDx2, BUF, ARZ). They're really good, but let no one tell you that.
The "Maybe they should just play Super Bowl XLIX tomorrow" Duo
2.) Seattle Seahawks (10-4 = 339-242)
1.) New England Patriots (11-3 = 442-280)
Final Score: Patriots 34 Seahawks 31
Both Tom Brady and Russell Wilson have perfect passer ratings and get assumed to heaven.
Playoff Projections
AFC
1.) New England Patriots = 13-3 (@NYJ (w); vs.BUF (w))
2.) Denver Broncos = 13-3 (@CIN (w); vs.OAK (w))
3.) Indianapolis Colts = 11-5 (@DAL (l); @TEN (w))
4.) Baltimore Ravens = 11-5 (@HOU (w); vs.CLE (w))
5.) Kansas City Chiefs = 10-6 (@PIT (w); vs.SD (w))
6.) Pittsurgh Steelers = 10-6 (vs.KC (l); @CIN (w))
NFC
1.) Seattle Seahawks = 12-4 (@ARZ (w); vs.STL (w))
2.) Green Bay Packers = 12-4 (@TB (w); vs.DET (w))
3.) Dallas Cowboys = 12-4 (vs.IND (w); @WAS (w))
4.) New Orleans Saints = 8-8 (vs.ATL (w); @TB (w))
5.) Arizona Cardinals = 11-5 (vs.SEA (l); @SF (l))
6.) Detroit Lions = 11-5 (@CHI (w); @GB (l))
Awards Look
Coach of the Year
1.) Bruce Arians (ARZ)
2.) Jason Garrett (DAL)
3.) Jim Caldwell (DET)
With the Cardinals clinching a playoff spot, this is basically guaranteed for Arians. He will win this award for a 2nd time in three years. That is incredible. I still think Garrett is flying a little behind the radar as a COTY candidate. They were a laughingstock after Week 1, but Dallas has played well, gotten the most out of its talent. I really have no idea who should be in 3rd, but Caldwell took over a team, made them disciplined, and has them close to another playoff berth.
Defensive Player of the Year
1.) JJ Watt (HOU)
2.) Justin Houston (KC)
3.) Darrelle Revis (NE)
I'll give Revis a quick nod just because he's been very good and turned this Patriots team into a Top-10 defense. He's not as good as he was in New York at his peak, but he's damn close. Houston has had an incredible season for the Chiefs in both pass rush and run protection. In the end, though, this is so clearly JJ Watt's award. No one else should get a second of consideration.
Offensive Player of the Year
1.) Demarco Murray (DAL)
2.) Antonio Brown (PIT)
3.) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
Yes, I think that one pathetic start will cost Rodgers a chance at the OPOTY award. You have to be pretty special as a QB to win it, or have no real good candidate at RB or WR (like Brady in 2010). For Rodgers, there is a better WR and RB candidate. Antonio Brown has been absolutely amazing all season for the Steelers, piling up 6-9 catches every single game. I think Murray will win it with his record setting pace (for yards from scrimmage), and his incredible usage rate.
Most Valuable Player
1.) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
2.) Peyton Manning (DEN)
3.) Tony Romo (DAL)
4.) Andrew Luck (IND)
5.) JJ Watt (HOU)
Watt should not win the award, but I can't think of a defensive player being a better choice. For the rest, the only real switch is replacing Demarco Murray with Tony Romo, which I think is fair. Tony Romo has been amazing this season. We saw them fail miserably without him in the one game he missed. He has a 28-8 TD/INT, with an 8.4 YPA and a league leading completion percentage. He's got the 2nd best passer rating in the NFL right below Rodgers. What stops him from being higher is Murray's presence. Manning to me is going so under the radar right now. Yes, they're not going to be the #1 seed, and yes they've been worse than last year, but Peyton Manning has been the best QB in the NFL by advanced stats. For Rodgers, he's just been the best.
Looking Ahead to Next Week's Games
16.) Tennessee Titans (2-12) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12) (TNF - NFLN)
15.) New York Giants (5-9) @ St. Louis Rams (6-8) (1:00 - FOX)
I call this "No one has anything to play for" Thursday and Sunday
14.) Buffalo Bills (8-6) @ Oakland Raiders (2-12) (1:00 - CBS)
13.) Green Bay Packers (10-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-12) (1:00 - FOX)
12.) New England Patriots (11-3) @ New York Jets (3-11) (1:00 - CBS)
11.) Baltimore Ravens (9-5) @ Houston Texans (7-7) (1:00 - CBS)
10.) Detroit Lions (10-4) @ Chicago Bears (5-9) (1:00 - FOX)
I call this "Almost as bad, the Home team has nothing to play for" Sunday
9.) Minnesota Vikings (6-8) @ Miami Dolphins (7-7) (1:00 - FOX)
I call this "Why the hell am I intrigued by this game" Sunday
8.) Philadelphia Eagles (9-5) @ Washington Redskins (3-11) (Sat. 4:30 - NFLN)
7.) San Diego Chargers (8-6) @ San Francisco 49ers (7-7) (Sat, 8:25 - CBS)
I call this "Saturday Football!!!!!" Saturday
6.) Cleveland Browns (7-7) @ Carolina Panthers (5-8-1) (1:00 - CBS)
5.) Indianapolis Colts (10-4) @ Dallas Cowboys (10-4) (4:25 - CBS)
I call this "Intriguing for all the Wrong, and all the Right Reasons" Sunday
4.) Atlanta Falcons (5-9) @ New Orleans Saints (6-8) (1:00 - CBS)
I call this "Another normal Sunday in the NFC South" Sunday
3.) Denver Broncos (11-3) @ Cincinnati Bengals (9-4-1) (MNF - ESPN)
2.) Kansas City Chiefs (8-6) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5) (1:00 - CBS)
I call this "Let's Separate the AFC, or Maybe Muddle it up some More" Sunday and Monday
1.) Seattle Seahawks (10-4) @ Arizona Cardinals (11-3) (SNF - NBC)
I call this "Does Ryan Lindley stand a Chance" Sunday
32.) Tennessee Titans (2-12 = 231-390)
31.) Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12 = 211-376)
30.) Oakland Raiders (2-12 = 213-381)
29.) Washington Redskins (3-11 = 257-370)
28.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-12 = 254-367)
There are so many interesting competitors this year, so let's just move on from these teams, shall we.......
The "Two Metropoles, NFC South Teams and YOung QBs enter a bar, and Jay Cutler Kills them All
" Septo
27.) New York Jets (3-11 = 230-360)
26.) Chicago Bears (5-9 = 296-409)
25.) Atlanta Falcons (5-9 = 348-369)
24.) New York Giants (5-9 = 317-339)
23.) Cleveland Browns (7-7 = 276-300)
22.) Minnesota Vikings (6-8 = 277-297)
21.) New Orleans Saints (6-8 = 364-374)
None of these teams are any good. Somehow, one of them will be a playoff team (unless Carolina runs the table and the Saints blow it... very possible, I guess). The Jets are bad, but they do play hard. To me the real problem with that team is that they are in a full rebuilding mode after years of living year-to-year with Tannenbaum, who never met a draft pick he didn't want to trade. The Giants are arguably in more dire straits given Eli's age. The Browns have no QB (by the way, has there ever been a QB who's terrible-ness was met with such joy?). The other teams are all interlopers. The Vikings could be 10-4 with a little luck, but could be 4-10 with a little bad luck. Mike Zimmer has made that defense really effective, but I feel that Bridgewater has been consistently disappointing. The Falcons have no defense. The Bears have no defense. The Saints have a defense that will play one good game in 14, and a QB who can have the most garbage 29-36 game ever. The worst part is one of these NFC South teams will likely host a team QB-ed by Ryan Lindley in Round 1.
The "Teams that will Suck the Life Out of You" Quatro
20.) Houston Texans (7-7 = 324-277)
19.) Carolina Panthers (5-8-1 = 288-358)
18.) San Francisco 49ers (7-7 = 251-285)
17.) Miami Dolphins (7-7 = 327-301)
All of these teams have proved competent to some point or another. They are all listed in order of what level they should have been. The Texans are right where they should be. They capitalized on a truly awful schedule and having a human Bowser in the lineup to get to 7-7. But now they are playing either Thad Lewis or Case Keenum. The Panthers didn't win a game for 9 straight weeks, but are just 1/5 game behind in the division. Their defense has finally started to play average just as Cam Newton survives death. The 49ers are a complete mess, and their advanced stats don't even hide a team that should have done better but lost close games. They've been outscored by 34 points. That is not good. Finally is Miami, who started the year outscoring New England 23-0 in the 2nd half in Week 1, and then just got outscored 27-0 in the 2nd half of the return leg. It is hard to say they haven't gotten better each year under Philbin, but that rate of return is glacially slow right now.
The "Is Jeff Fisher recreating his Tennessee tenure?" Uno
16.) St. Louis Rams (6-8 = 291-297)
In 1996, 1997 and 1998, the first three years of Jeff Fisher's tenure in Tennessee (yes, he started that long ago), the Titans went 8-8, 8-8, 8-8. In the first three years of Fisher's St. Louis tenure, they'll go 7-8-1, 7-9 and, probably, 7-9. Now, going 8-8 three straight years is better than 7-9, but the Rams are doing what Tennessee did. Those Titans went 13-3 in the 4th year, with a defense that kept them in every game, and an offense built on 4-yard runs by Eddie George and Steve McNair's underrated balls. The issue for the Rams is they don't have a clear Steve McNair type, but they have everything else. If Peyton Manning played for that team, they would go 12-4 at least. Jeff Fisher is building something. It may take until 2016, but I hope the Rams have that amount of patience.
The "Soft Underbelly of the AFC" Trio
15.) San Diego Chargers (8-6 = 303-294)
14.) Kansas City Chiefs (8-6 = 322-254)
13.) Cincinnati Bengals (9-4-1 = 311-289)
The Chargers and Chiefs play each other. They both also play a tough game in Week 15. The Chiefs have the easier road, as two straight wins will get them in the playoffs (they'll have h2h wins over both potential 10-6 teams). The Chargers probably have the higher ceiling. But the Chiefs have essentially been a better version of San Diego all year long. For the Bengals, I still can't believe they've lost just 4 games. I feel like they've been terrible ever since their bye and them getting housed by New England back in Week 5. Yet there they are. If they win just one more game, they're in the playoffs. They even have somewhat of a shot at 9-6-1. Somehow, the Bengals are right there, despite no one liking them. If they did anything this year, though, it was smash what dignity Johnny Manziel had left.
The "If only they had a QB" Uno
12.) Buffalo Bills (8-6 = 302-254)
The Bills were 2-2 after four games when they benched EJ Manuel, the Bills turned to Kyle Orton, who basically retired in the offseason. Orton has not been great. Far from it. Orton has been average at best, and has looked downright awful the past two weeks. Yet, the Bills have everything else. They still have o-line and durability issues, but they have good weapons (Sammy Watkins is still very good), a stable of running backs, a deep d-line that is among the best in the NFL, and a deep secondary that has played well. They have everything but a QB. Their defensive performance against Green Bay was just frightening.
The "They just have a Fatal Flaw" Trio
11.) Philadelphia Eagles (9-5 = 416-347)
10.) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5 = 389-339)
9.) Dallas Cowboys (10-4 = 381-328)
All three of these teams are good. They all three can make the playoffs, but I can't see any of them getting too far. The Eagles have a system that will most likely score a bunch of points, and have a defense that is far better than people think when not putting Bradley Fletcher in 1v1 coverage with Dez Bryant with little help. Their issue is the QB. Mark Sanchez has been alternating slightly above average and horrible games. Nick Foles wasn't too much better when he was healthy. They've stopped making ridiculous Special Teams plays all the time, and now their scoring has gone to shit. The Steelers and Cowboys are almost like the same teams. Both have good QBs who are having career years. They have dual-purpose Running Backs who are great. They have dominant WRs, in Antonio Brown and Dez Bryant. Finally, they both have defenses that are, on the whole, not very good. These flaws will kill them long term. Dallas has a shot if the matchups break well (Arizona, Seattle), but if that is the case they'll be in for a rude awakening going to Lambeau with that defense.
The "Challengers to the AFC Hegemony" Duo
8.) Indianapolis Colts (10-4 = 424-317)
7.) Baltimore Ravens (9-5 = 376-267)
The best two teams in teh AFC are QBed by Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Amazingly, this will be just the fourth time the Top-2 seeds in the AFC will be Brady's and Manning's. Of course, it will be the third in a row. It is looking like the Patriots will take the #1 seed this time, the only change to last year's standings. The only two teams, in my mind, that can break an inevitable Broncos vs. Patriots AFC Championship Game (and an even more inevitable Patriots win), are these two. The Colts have been a little up and down lately, and there is discussion on Andrew Luck's ball security (the fumbles are, and really should, be a way bigger issue than the picks). The defense is still good against anything outside of great QBs, which is nice. Of course, both Manning and Brady are pretty good. The Ravens are just a solid team at everything. Their one weakness is their injury-riddled secondary. Of course, their biggest strength is a nice complement, in their top Front-7. Both teams have a shot in Week 2, and if the Ravens can steal that division (they'll need both Cincinnati and Pittsburgh to drop a game), it lines up nicely. The Ravens get to go to New England in the #1-vs.-#4 matchup, where they match up better, and the Colts get to avoid New England, where they don't match up at all.
The "Is it 1960?" Duo
6.) Detroit Lions (10-4 = 281-238)
5.) Arizona Cardinals (11-3 = 287-244)
These two teams are still playing like it is the 1960's with defense, run games, and bad QB play. I feel so bad for the Cardinals. They went 10-6 last year but missed the playoffs. This year, they go 11-3, pass every challenge, but are now down to their 3rd string QB. They are resourceful as hell, and Bruce Arians is a fucking wizard, but they'll likely lose to Seattle, and be relegated to a game in the Superdome for all their troubles. The Lions are the other big winners from Buffalo's win over the Packers, Unless they want a bye, which is theirs if they win out, this upcoming game against Chicago is meaninglesss. They'll keep their shot at a division even if they lose to Chicago. The Lions will change as we know them, and this has been maybe the least memorable or fun 10-win season by a continual bottom-dwellar.
The "Great QBs, and Maybe Other Stuff?" Duo
4.) Green Bay Packers (10-4 = 436-325)
3.) Denver Broncos (11-3 = 407-303)
The sheen has come off the Packers a bit, and that horrendous offensive performance has shone light on their struggles on the road this season. That will become important since they have basically no shot of getting the #1 seed now. Unless upsets, they'll have to win a road playoff game. Guess who else will have to? Denver that team tied for the best record in the NFL, but the one that no one thinks is playing well. They've had seven wins against teams with winning records (IND, KCx2, SDx2, BUF, ARZ). They're really good, but let no one tell you that.
The "Maybe they should just play Super Bowl XLIX tomorrow" Duo
2.) Seattle Seahawks (10-4 = 339-242)
1.) New England Patriots (11-3 = 442-280)
Final Score: Patriots 34 Seahawks 31
Both Tom Brady and Russell Wilson have perfect passer ratings and get assumed to heaven.
Playoff Projections
AFC
1.) New England Patriots = 13-3 (@NYJ (w); vs.BUF (w))
2.) Denver Broncos = 13-3 (@CIN (w); vs.OAK (w))
3.) Indianapolis Colts = 11-5 (@DAL (l); @TEN (w))
4.) Baltimore Ravens = 11-5 (@HOU (w); vs.CLE (w))
5.) Kansas City Chiefs = 10-6 (@PIT (w); vs.SD (w))
6.) Pittsurgh Steelers = 10-6 (vs.KC (l); @CIN (w))
NFC
1.) Seattle Seahawks = 12-4 (@ARZ (w); vs.STL (w))
2.) Green Bay Packers = 12-4 (@TB (w); vs.DET (w))
3.) Dallas Cowboys = 12-4 (vs.IND (w); @WAS (w))
4.) New Orleans Saints = 8-8 (vs.ATL (w); @TB (w))
5.) Arizona Cardinals = 11-5 (vs.SEA (l); @SF (l))
6.) Detroit Lions = 11-5 (@CHI (w); @GB (l))
Awards Look
Coach of the Year
1.) Bruce Arians (ARZ)
2.) Jason Garrett (DAL)
3.) Jim Caldwell (DET)
With the Cardinals clinching a playoff spot, this is basically guaranteed for Arians. He will win this award for a 2nd time in three years. That is incredible. I still think Garrett is flying a little behind the radar as a COTY candidate. They were a laughingstock after Week 1, but Dallas has played well, gotten the most out of its talent. I really have no idea who should be in 3rd, but Caldwell took over a team, made them disciplined, and has them close to another playoff berth.
Defensive Player of the Year
1.) JJ Watt (HOU)
2.) Justin Houston (KC)
3.) Darrelle Revis (NE)
I'll give Revis a quick nod just because he's been very good and turned this Patriots team into a Top-10 defense. He's not as good as he was in New York at his peak, but he's damn close. Houston has had an incredible season for the Chiefs in both pass rush and run protection. In the end, though, this is so clearly JJ Watt's award. No one else should get a second of consideration.
Offensive Player of the Year
1.) Demarco Murray (DAL)
2.) Antonio Brown (PIT)
3.) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
Yes, I think that one pathetic start will cost Rodgers a chance at the OPOTY award. You have to be pretty special as a QB to win it, or have no real good candidate at RB or WR (like Brady in 2010). For Rodgers, there is a better WR and RB candidate. Antonio Brown has been absolutely amazing all season for the Steelers, piling up 6-9 catches every single game. I think Murray will win it with his record setting pace (for yards from scrimmage), and his incredible usage rate.
Most Valuable Player
1.) Aaron Rodgers (GB)
2.) Peyton Manning (DEN)
3.) Tony Romo (DAL)
4.) Andrew Luck (IND)
5.) JJ Watt (HOU)
Watt should not win the award, but I can't think of a defensive player being a better choice. For the rest, the only real switch is replacing Demarco Murray with Tony Romo, which I think is fair. Tony Romo has been amazing this season. We saw them fail miserably without him in the one game he missed. He has a 28-8 TD/INT, with an 8.4 YPA and a league leading completion percentage. He's got the 2nd best passer rating in the NFL right below Rodgers. What stops him from being higher is Murray's presence. Manning to me is going so under the radar right now. Yes, they're not going to be the #1 seed, and yes they've been worse than last year, but Peyton Manning has been the best QB in the NFL by advanced stats. For Rodgers, he's just been the best.
Looking Ahead to Next Week's Games
16.) Tennessee Titans (2-12) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12) (TNF - NFLN)
15.) New York Giants (5-9) @ St. Louis Rams (6-8) (1:00 - FOX)
I call this "No one has anything to play for" Thursday and Sunday
14.) Buffalo Bills (8-6) @ Oakland Raiders (2-12) (1:00 - CBS)
13.) Green Bay Packers (10-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-12) (1:00 - FOX)
12.) New England Patriots (11-3) @ New York Jets (3-11) (1:00 - CBS)
11.) Baltimore Ravens (9-5) @ Houston Texans (7-7) (1:00 - CBS)
10.) Detroit Lions (10-4) @ Chicago Bears (5-9) (1:00 - FOX)
I call this "Almost as bad, the Home team has nothing to play for" Sunday
9.) Minnesota Vikings (6-8) @ Miami Dolphins (7-7) (1:00 - FOX)
I call this "Why the hell am I intrigued by this game" Sunday
8.) Philadelphia Eagles (9-5) @ Washington Redskins (3-11) (Sat. 4:30 - NFLN)
7.) San Diego Chargers (8-6) @ San Francisco 49ers (7-7) (Sat, 8:25 - CBS)
I call this "Saturday Football!!!!!" Saturday
6.) Cleveland Browns (7-7) @ Carolina Panthers (5-8-1) (1:00 - CBS)
5.) Indianapolis Colts (10-4) @ Dallas Cowboys (10-4) (4:25 - CBS)
I call this "Intriguing for all the Wrong, and all the Right Reasons" Sunday
4.) Atlanta Falcons (5-9) @ New Orleans Saints (6-8) (1:00 - CBS)
I call this "Another normal Sunday in the NFC South" Sunday
3.) Denver Broncos (11-3) @ Cincinnati Bengals (9-4-1) (MNF - ESPN)
2.) Kansas City Chiefs (8-6) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5) (1:00 - CBS)
I call this "Let's Separate the AFC, or Maybe Muddle it up some More" Sunday and Monday
1.) Seattle Seahawks (10-4) @ Arizona Cardinals (11-3) (SNF - NBC)
I call this "Does Ryan Lindley stand a Chance" Sunday
