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?
With all that being said, if they can leave Buffalo with a win, they’ll be sitting at 10-0 with only the Steelers in their way. But by that time, they’d be 15-0, and there’s no way they’re losing if they get that far toward immortality. What’s ironic is, it may be better for them to lose in the regular season. They’ll be able to rest players down the stretch…because although 17-0 is immortal, so is winning three Superbowls in a row. I’m convinced that the Patriots worked so hard the year they went 16-0 in the regular season that it ultimately cost them the big prize, losing to the Giants in the Superbowl.
But for now, the Chiefs are still No.1…it will be interesting to see if they stay there after this week’s games are played.
Kansas City Chiefs:
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:
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:
The Bills were in four consecutive Superbowls, and this may be their biggest game of all time.
Baltimore Ravens:
The Ravens have a huge tilt of their own this week against the No. 5 Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Despite leading the AFC North, this game against the Ravens will quiet all the doubters if they wind up winning this game.
Philadelphia Eagles:
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:
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:
The Packers are coming off of a bye this week.
Washington Commanders:
The Commanders suffered an excruciating loss at home this past week; heading to Philadelphia won’t be a picnic.
San Fransisco 49ers:
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:
Jim Harbaugh now has the Chargers at 6-3 and in prime position for a postseason berth.
Atlanta Falcons:
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:
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:
The Cardinals have now won four in a row and are in first place in the NFC West.
Seattle Seahawks:
The Seahawks season may rest on this week’s game against the 49ers.
Los Angeles Rams:
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:
Missed it by that much…The Broncos were a blocked FG away from giving the Chiefs their first loss on the season.
Cincinnati Bengals:
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:
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 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:
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:
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:
Don’t look now, but the Panthers have actually won two in a row. QB Bryce Young is looking better.
New Orleans Saints:
The interim HC factor kicked in again for the Saints, with Darren Rizzi winning his inaugural game with the Saints.
New York Jets:
Put a fork in them; the Jets season is over. The Rodgers experiment didn’t work out.
Dallas Cowboys:
Put a fork in them; the Cowboys season is over. Fire the coaching staff and start over.
Cleveland Browns:
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:
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 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:
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:
The Raiders had a bye but still dropped one spot on this list due to New England’s win in Chicago.
New York Giants:
The Giants lost again and are 2-8. It is amazing to me that Brian Daboll still has a job.
