My picks were once again poor. What can I say?
Bucs over Ravens (wrong)
Jags over Broncos (wrong)
Vikings over Cards ✔
Panthers over Falcons (wrong)
Cowboys over Bears ✔
Raiders over Saints (wrong)
Fins over Lions ✔
Jets over Patriots (wrong)
Eagles over Steelers ✔
Titans over Texans ✔
Seahawks over Giants ✔
Niners over Rams ✔
Colts over Commanders (wrong)
Bills over Packers ✔
Bengals over Browns (wrong)
8/15 is rough. But I feel like some truths are coming out about the good and not so good teams in the NFL. Let’s go through my top 8 truths from Week 8.
8. The Browns are talented. They have a legit shot at the AFC North, with a dominant run-game, and some big time play from Jacoby Brissett. If DeShaun Watson can roll into the pivot when he returns from suspension, the Browns could be playoff bound.
7. The Niners are going to be a headache going forward in the NFC. Their defence, while dealing with injuries, is nasty. New toy McCaffrey has slotted in perfectly to the zone run scheme in San Fran, and it has given Jimmy G a new lease on life. With the Rams and Cards in flux, and the Seahawks playing above their talent, I can see the Niners as a legit NFC Championship contender.
6. The Vikings will be the #2 seed and host a home playoff game. Probably the most boring division leader in the league, the Vikes are taking advantage of the Packers’ struggles in the North. The Bears and Lions look a few years away, so Minnesota is hoping to use this window to capitalise on some rival weakness. Their issue has always been playoff success, and whether Kirk Cousins can take the next step as a winning QB.
5. The Eagles are the most complete team in the NFC. Jalen Hurts is quickly playing himself into a monster contract extension, and the defence is smothering. AJ Brown was the best pickup of the offseason, and the offensive line blow other teams off the park. That said…
4. Both the Chiefs and Bills are still better. Their ability to control the game on offence, and play timely defence have allowed them to comfortably control their last matchups. Expect both Allen and Mahomes to continue to run masterful offences, and the coaching staffs to continue putting together great gameplans on defence. It will be fun to see their rematch, but in the AFC Championship this time.
3. Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady are playing their last seasons in the NFL. Brady’s personal issues must be difficult, even for a robot. And Rodgers' play has taken a step back. I think it might be time to hang-em up for these two future first ballot HOFs.
2. Josh Allen is the mid-season MVP. Everything he is doing is spectacular, including his turnovers. You cannot gameplan for his mobility, and I cannot remember a better arm. Combined with laser accuracy, and you can see why this man is the MVP favourite.
1. This will be Mike Tomlin’s first losing season. And that’s OK. Probably not for Tomlin, or the frankly spoilt Steelers fanbase, but its not the end of the world. Perhaps his upcoming offseason, Pittsburgh will actually put some resources into upgrading its offensive line and give their promising young rookie a chance to get some success.
Thursday Night Preview: Texans v Eagles
So, this is it. The Eagles against my wife’s favourites: The Texans. And this is going to be ugly. The Texans have had zero answer for mediocre defences, and I can see this being a rough day for Davis Mills and co. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mills is knocked out of the game. The only chance they have is if Pierce has a big game…but that’s just the offence. Their defence, which has been OK is about to be picked to pieces. I can see Hurts on the bench by the end of the third quarter. Final score:
Eagles 56 over Texans 0.
LET’S GO BIRDS!
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