MIAMI GARDENS, FL – AUGUST 17: A detail shot of an NFL shield logo painted on the field prior to an NFL preseason football game between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders at Hard Rock Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
This could very well be the league’s last chance to knock off the Kansas City Chiefs. They are heading to Buffalo to take on the No.3 ranked Bills. The Chiefs are 9-0, but have seemed less than invincible for much of the season. Tampa Bay took them to OT the week before, and this past week, it took a last-second blocked FG to hold onto a 16-14 win against the Broncos. By the way, did I mention that both games were at home?
Kansas City Chiefs:
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
To be the man, you have to beat the man…The Chiefs are “the man”. Let’s see if the Bills have what it takes.
Detroit Lions:
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 16: Jahmyr Gibbs #26 of the Detroit Lions runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Ford Field on December 16, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
The sign of a really good team is being able to find what it takes to prevail even when you don’t have your best stuff. The Lions have now proven that…they are a really good team.
Buffalo Bills:
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills passes the ball for a Touchdown to Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs #14in the game between the Buffalo Bills vs the New York Jets on Monday Night Football at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)
The Bills were in four consecutive Superbowls, and this may be their biggest game of all time.
Baltimore Ravens:
KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 05: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 5, 2024 in Kansas City, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Ravens have a huge tilt of their own this week against the No. 5 Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a sack in the third quarter of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Despite leading the AFC North, this game against the Ravens will quiet all the doubters if they wind up winning this game.
Philadelphia Eagles:
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Eagles also have a huge matchup this week, facing off against the Commanders. A win will almost guarantee the NFC East division title.
Minnesota Vikings:
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 8: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings lines up for a play in the second quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 8, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The Vikings seemed to have righted the ship, but their victory this week against the Jaguars wasn’t overly impressive…but a win is a win.
Green Bay Packers:
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 31: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The Packers are coming off of a bye this week.
Washington Commanders:
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 06: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders rushes against the Cleveland Browns at Northwest Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Commanders suffered an excruciating loss at home this past week; heading to Philadelphia won’t be a picnic.
San Fransisco 49ers:
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 23: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass on the run during an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 23, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
The Niners have Christian McCaffrey back and are only a half-game behind the Cardinals. They have a tough divisional game against the Seahawks. Now that they are getting healthier and the weeks are winding down look for them to prevail.
Los Angeles Chargers:
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after defeating the Washington Football Team 20-16 at FedExField on September 12, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Jim Harbaugh now has the Chargers at 6-3 and in prime position for a postseason berth.
Atlanta Falcons:
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 20: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Falcons lost a tough game against the previously 2-7 Saints. This type of loss really separates the contenders from the pretenders. Until proven otherwise, the Falcons are pretenders.
Houston Texans:
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 13: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans drops back and looks to pass during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
The Texans may be proving to be pretenders themselves this year. They were dominating the Lions this week, forcing five interceptions…and still found a way to lose.
Arizona Cardinals:
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 31: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts to a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Cardinals have now won four in a row and are in first place in the NFC West.
Seattle Seahawks:
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 31: DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lumen Field on December 31, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)
The Seahawks season may rest on this week’s game against the 49ers.
Los Angeles Rams:
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 10: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams hands the ball off to Kyren Williams #23 during the first quarter in the game against Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
The Rams lost a lackluster game against the Dolphins this week. Many would call that a “get right” game. They have another one this week in New England, facing off against the Patriots. This is their chance to claw back to .500…but if they lose back-to-back games to the Dolphins and Pats, they aren’t going anywhere.
Denver Broncos:
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos hands to the ball to Audric Estime #23 against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 17, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gus Stark/Getty Images)
Missed it by that much…The Broncos were a blocked FG away from giving the Chiefs their first loss on the season.
Cincinnati Bengals:
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the ball after a catch during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Sometimes, you just have to throw your hands up and say it’s not your year. The Bengals lost a heartbreaker to the Ravens 35-34 and are now 4-6.
Miami Dolphins:
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 12: Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins embraces Tua Tagovailoa #1 after leaving the game with an injury during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Dolphins showed heart going cross-country to play the Rams in primetime, and coming away with a victory. At 3-6, their season is most likely over, but if they can string a few wins together they could make the rest of the season interesting.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 21: Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates his touchdown catch with Jalen McMillan #15 during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Tampa lost another tough game, losing to the 49ers 23-20. They now find themselves 4-6. With their injuries, they should be thinking about the offseason, but in the NFC South, they are still in it, two games behind the Falcons.
Chicago Bears:
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 29: D’Andre Swift #4 of the Chicago Bears carries the ball past Byron Young #0 of the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter at Soldier Field on September 29, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
The Bears are now down an offensive coordinator, firing Shane Waldron. No NFL QB should be sacked nine times in a game, hopefully their new OC will be able to overhaul the offensive line to keep Caleb Williams upright.
Indianapolis Colts:
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 13: Josh Downs #1 of the Indianapolis Colts catches a touchdown pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Welcome back, Anthony Richardson…the second-year QB will be starting this week. Maybe his benching opened his eyes and refocused him moving forward. I’d look seriously at all of his o/u numbers…rushing yds, passing yds, TDs, and completions, and take the over across the board. If he’s ever going to have a good game, it will be this week against the Jets.
Carolina Panthers:
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 13: Xavier Legette #17 of the Carolina Panthers makes a touchdown pass against Clark Phillips III #22 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)
Don’t look now, but the Panthers have actually won two in a row. QB Bryce Young is looking better.
New Orleans Saints:
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 19: Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints looks to pass during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Caesars Superdome on October 19, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
The interim HC factor kicked in again for the Saints, with Darren Rizzi winning his inaugural game with the Saints.
New York Jets:
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 14: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets throws a pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Put a fork in them; the Jets season is over. The Rodgers experiment didn’t work out.
Dallas Cowboys:
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 24: CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after a first down during the fourth quarter in the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Put a fork in them; the Cowboys season is over. Fire the coaching staff and start over.
Cleveland Browns:
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 27: Jameis Winston #5 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after his team’s 29-24 win against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field on October 27, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Browns didn’t lose this week…mainly because they had a bye. They are on the road against the Saints this week. They are 2-7 while the Saints are 3-7…unless there is a tie, one of them has to win. I usually side with the home team when two lousy teams are facing off.
Tennessee Titans:
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 31: Will Levis #8 of the Tennessee Titans warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Tennessee lost again despite getting solid play from QB Will Levis. They are truly one of the worst teams in the league.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 15: Travis Etienne Jr. #1 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Jacksonville lost again, and they are truly one of the worst teams in the league. HC Doug Pederson will eventually lose his job.
New England Patriots:
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 18: Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots rushes for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
The Patriots have now won two out of three games, but they are still one of the worst teams in the league. A win this week against the Rams will go a long way toward moving them up this list a bit and starting to be taken seriously.
Las Vegas Raiders:
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 29: Tight end Brock Bowers #89 of the Las Vegas Raiders stands on the field during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, at Allegiant Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
The Raiders had a bye but still dropped one spot on this list due to New England’s win in Chicago.
New York Giants:
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – AUGUST 08: Tyrone Tracy Jr. #29 of the New York Giants runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at MetLife Stadium on August 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
The Giants lost again and are 2-8. It is amazing to me that Brian Daboll still has a job.
