Hi everyone, hope everyone had a wonderful week. We had another great week of football, a lot of big favorites winning and the Rams making a Monday night statement over my wounded redbirds. Rankings are below, thanks for reading!!
32. Lions 1-11-1 (Drew Rating: -17.70 Projected Record 2-11) LW: 32
A very predictable blowout loss in Denver with the Lions missing their best two skill position players (DeAndre Swift, T.J Hockenson). The Lions hung around for a half before the Broncos blew them out of the game in the third quarter. Jared Goff has been off much of this season (or maybe he was a product of Sean McVay). The Lions will need to draft a quarterback in the 2022 draft. The only issue is there is not an elite QB prospect, things are trending down in Mo Town.
31. Jaguars 2-11 (Drew Rating: -20.14 Projected Record 1-12) LW: 31
Urban Meyer experience is turning into more of a disaster then that one time I tried to bake something other than a sheet of cookies (even those I burn!). What is even more concerning for the Cats is that Trevor Lawrence has only thrown one touchdown in his last six games. Trevor Lawrence has always won wherever he has played in his life. This season has been a rude awaking for the former Clemson Tiger. The Jags are the miserable combination of bad and boring.
30. Texans 2-11 (Drew Rating: -19.83 Projected Record 2-11) LW: 30
There are four really bad teams in football and all four really bad teams got it handed to them this week (outside of the Jags none of them by great teams either). You think the Jags are bad and boring have you seen a Houston Texans game in 2021? They move the ball like I move after eating a bowl of macaroni and cheese with buffalo chicken (not well my friends). The Texans also need a Quarterback in the 2022 Draft yet there aren’t any elite options. We know Deshaun Watson will never play another down for the Texans either. Team Tejas may be stuck in football purgatory for a minute.
29. Jets 3-10 (Drew Rating: -20.53 Projected Record 1-12) LW: 29
Zach Wilson is a work in progress eh, he throws the ball with more velocity than a high lever baseball relief pitcher. He does not quite have the touch but he certainly has the power. The Jets are a terrible football team and unfortunately it appears they aren’t getting any better as the season goes along. Many will question if Robert Saleh is the guy. I would like everyone to stop being so impatient (but it’s almost 2022 Drew everyone is impatient!!) and give Saleh at least one more year. When it’s been as bad as it’s been in Jets land they aren’t going to turn it around in one season.
28. Bears 4-9 (Drew Rating: -13.91 Projected Record 3-10) LW: 28
The Bears played well early in getting some big plays on offense and special teams but eventually fell 45-30 to the Packers in a more exciting then expected Sunday night game. Justin Fields is tough, has a cannon and elite mobility. There is a lot there to like from the one time Georgia Bulldog. Matt Nagy’s days are numbered at this point he should be allowed to finish the season. Unless there is a scandal (example Jonathan Gruden) or some other extenuating circumstances I think that coaches should be able to coach through the entire season. What is the point of firing a coach midseason (especially if the team isn’t going anywhere).
27. Giants 4-9 (Drew Rating: -6.86 Projected Record 5-8) LW: 27
Mike Glennon is not any better than Daniel Jones huh? The Giants are likely to finish in the cellar in the NFC East for the first time in four years but I think Joe Judge deserves a season with Russell Wilson (or another veteran Quarterback). The obvious issue with this team is it’s massive limitations at Quarterback. The skill position players are decent. The Giants have a very good defense as well. Nobody is defending that Justin Herbert touchdown pass to Jalen Guyton. There’s fair, not fair and Justin Herbert throwing a perfect 65 yard pass while getting hit.
26. Panthers 5-8 (Drew Rating: -5.28 Projected Record 5-8) LW: 24
I want to apologize to the Panthers fan base, to Cam Newton’s family and to all football fans for my recommendation last week. The musical chairs of QB1s last week was a bad idea. Cam Newton nor P.J Walker could ever get into a rhythm. Both Quarterbacks were rather mediocre against the Falcons on Sunday in a 29-21 loss that likely dooms any chance of the Cats making it to the postseason after a 3-0 start. There are grumblings about Matt Rhule being chased out of town. As I have said before you chase coaches out of town out of impatience or unrealistic expectations you become a place that marquee coaching candidates do not want to go to, just ask Browns and Jets fans about this.
25. Seahawks 5-8 (Drew Rating: 3.33 Projected Record 7-6) LW: 26
The Hawks are a long shot to make the playoff but if they pull an upset win at the Rams on Sunday with the Lions and Bears at home following the birds would likely be 8-8 and with a punchers chance at a playoff berth going into their finale in Arizona (in a game the Cards might not have anything to play for mind you). Hence why even when they were 3-8 I said to look out for Russell Wilson and company to get themselves back into the playoff hunt before the season is all said and done. The Hawks are catching the Rams at the right time too, on a short week and shorthanded coming off a big win. We have to look out for Russell Wilson to potentially pull another Houdini.
24. Falcons 6-7 (Drew Rating: -12.92 Projected Record 3-8) LW: 25
The Falcons (who have looked like an awful football team most of the season) is somehow right in the thick of the wildcard race in the NFC. The Falcons are huge underdogs in San Fran this week but if the Falcons can pull off the upset they will have games remaining against the Lions, Bills and Saints and still have a realistic chance at finishing 9-8 and somehow making the playoffs. Matt Ryan and company usually underachieve but in 2021 the football gods have shifted into their favor.
23. WFT 6-7 (Drew Rating: -10.93 Projected Record 4-7) LW: 21
Taylor Heinicke may not be it after all. In the biggest game of the season Heinicke was absolutely awful (11-25 for 122 yards a touchdown and an interception) as the Fighting football’s fell down 24-0 at the half and even with a valiant second half effort still fell 27-20 to the Cowboys on Sunday. The defense over the past 8 weeks have been playing up to their expectations this season as Washington has played their way back into the hunt. But if Heinicke (who is expected to play in next weeks game at the Eagles) doesn’t play better than he did on Sunday. The WFT will be H O M E for the postseason.
22. Steelers 6-6-1 (Drew Rating: -6.82 Projected Record 5-8) LW: 20
We all knew that Thursday night Steelers Vikings game was going to be everlastingly weird but good ol golly we all left our couches and bar stools after that game shaking out heads in disbelief in what we just watched on the tuber. The Steelers appeared for almost three quarters to not to have made the flight to Minneapolis falling down 29-0 before almost registering the biggest regular season comeback in NFL regular season history before falling just a few yards short in a 36-28 loss. Chase Claypool’s celebration of a first down on the Burgh’s last drive was a boneheaded play indeed but that wasn’t the reason why the Steelers lost, so we must calm down there national media (all a bunch of overreacters!)
21. Raiders 6-7 (Drew Rating: -6.56 Projected Record 5-8) LW: 17
Word to the wise Vegas Raiders. When you are playing a hot team that is already pissed at your for being overly cocky after being them in their building last season you might not want to give them even more motivation by stomping on their logo midfield before beginning of the game. If you are going to disrespect you better back it up. The Raiders walking the walk was more like walking the plank (Pirate joke boom!!) as they got annihilated 48-9 in arguably the most one sided game of the entire season. The Raiders were down 35-0 with two minutes left in the first half. This pre game might have been the dumbest thing any player or team has done on a football field since Leon Lett did Leon Lett things in the early 1990’s.
20. Dolphins 6-7 (Drew Rating: -6.34 Projected Record 5-8) LW: 19
The Phins come off their bye week in great shape to make a late run as they play against the Jets before three more challenging games (at Saints, at Titans, Vs Patriots) to finish the season. After starting 1-7 it is a mini miracle that the sonar specialist are even in this position to begin with. The biggest reason for the turnaround is the defense which has allowed 9, 10, 17, 10 and 9 in their five wins. If Brian Flores defense continues to ball out over their last four the 2021 Miami Dolphins may complete arguably the biggest midseason turnaround in NFL history and make the postseason.
19. Saints 6-7 (Drew Rating: 0.50 Projected Record 7-6) LW: 23
Alvin Kamara returning makes a big difference doesn’t it? The Saints dominated the Jets in a 30-9 win in New Jersey on Sunday as they still have a realistic chance at making the postseason in their first season without Drew Brees. Michael Thomas will not be returning this season so the receiving corps is still one of the worst in the game. But with a good offensive line and Taysom Hill and Alvin Kamara, the Saints have a identity to win football games down the stretch and could be a pain for opponents if they were to make it to the postseason.
18. Vikings 6-7 (Drew Rating: 2.96 Projected Record 7-6) LW: 22
The Vikings did Vikings things in letting the Steelers back in a game that the Vikes were up 29-0 with 17 minutes left to play (dumb penalties, big pass plays allowed, Kirk Cousins shrinking in the spotlight) but were able to barely hold on for a 36-28 win what may be the weirdest game of the entire season. So now the Vikes have an interesting schedule down the stretch (2 Bears games, but also the Rams and Packers) and likely have to go 3-1 to make the playoffs. Could this weird Vikings team beat the Bears twice and upset the Rams to get there? Yup, but knowing the Vikings they probably will blow another game and be sitting at home for the playoffs, but you never know, stay tuned.
17. Eagles 6-7 (Drew Rating: 6.50 Projected Record 8-5) LW: 14
The Eagles come off their bye week with a great opportunity to make the postseason. Simple as this they beat Washington twice and the Giants in Philly they will be back in the playoffs after a disappointing 2020 season. Jalen Hurts will likely be back under center for the birds for Sunday’s game but man is Gardner Minshew the most unheralded backup quarterback in football as he again showed out in his one game cameo at the Jets last week. Minshew has a career stat line of 39 TD’s and 11 INT and a solid career QB rating of 94.4 but his only true starting opportunity was with a team that was purposely trying to lose (the 2020 Jags). I would love to see Minshew end up on a team (say the Steelers or Broncos) who has some talent. I believe the man with the amazing mustache could still be a solid starter in this league.
16. Browns 7-6 (Drew Rating: .78 Projected Record 7-6) LW: 16
Is it possible to win a big game and I feel worse about your team? That is where I am at right now with the Cleveland Browns. Lamar Jackson sprains his ankle and leaves the game. Myles Garrett shows the world how much of a freak he is getting (I’m about to use a hockey word here it comes..) trifecta, the strip sack, scoop and score to go up 24-3. With the former Utah Utes legend Tyler Huntley now in the game the Ravens got to within 2 and had the ball with a chance to win. Kudos to the Brownies defense for not allowing the Ravens to get into even Justin Tuckers range and hold on for the win. Kevin Stefanski trusts Baker Mayfield like Baker Mayfield just cheated on him with the mail man. This fact is going to limit a very talented team from going very far this season.
15. Broncos 7-6 (Drew Rating: 1.59 Projected Record 7-6) LW: 18
The Broncos did what they should have in a very business like 38-10 win over the depleted one win Lions. Now the Donkeys who have a realistic chance to make their first playoff appearance since winning it all six years ago heads into a do or die stretch over their last four games. Next up is the Bengals in what feels like a loser leaves town game and then all division games after that. An unlikely ask but if the Broncos run the table down the stretch and the Chiefs lose at L.A on Thursday the Broncos would win the AFC West. I know a lot of Broncos fans and they like to dream big so why not!!
14. 49ers 7-6 (Drew Rating: 3.34 Projected Record 7-6) LW: 15
The 49ers do have a ton of blue chippers and this is going to be a dangerous team in January (assuming the 49ers make the playoffs which if they win Vs the Falcons on Sunday is highly likely), but the rankings are based on performance and overall the 49ers have been very inconsistent all season and should be right in the middle of the pack of these rankings. Jimmy Garoppolo is a very underrated Quarterback (27-12 in his career) and if the 49ers go on a run don’t be surprised if a team that is built to win now brings the handsome man from suburban Chicago back for another season.
13. Bengals 7-6 (Drew Rating: 4.80 Projected Record 8-5) LW: 12
I know that the Bengals just lost the 49ers but my metrics and eyes have still been slightly more impressed with the Bengals overall this season. The Bengals are the ultimate variable team at this point. They could very possibly win their division or they could finish 8-9 and not make the playoffs. There are other young teams (Cardinals who aren’t even that young, Bills still relax everyone, Chargers Justin Herbert anyone) who have a ton of optimism for the now and near future. But how can we not see the Bengals as a Super Bowl contender as early as 2022. The drafting of Ja’Mar Chase 5th overall was the biggest non QB homerun of this entire draft.
12. Colts 7-6 (Drew Rating: 11.07 Projected Record 9-4) LW: 11
The Colts come off a bye week with two brutally tough games (Pats, @ Cardinals on Christmas night) and two favorable games (Raiders, @ Jaguars). If the Colts can go 3-1 they will be in the playoffs for the second straight season. The game the Colts will be brewing over if they are sent home for the playoffs is a 31-25 loss in Week 5 at Baltimore in which the Colts led by 19 late in the second half. Carson Wentz has been well Carson Wentz, mostly good but has shrunk in some big spots. If the horseshoes make the playoffs though this is going to be an extremely dangerous football team. They can ground and pound you to death, not a fun way to watch your team get beat.
11. Bills 7-6 (Drew Rating: 20.53 Projected Record 12-1) LW: 10
Can you believe this Bills team is 7-6. The overall team stats are still gaudy but they have been embarrassingly bad in close games this season (0-5 in one score games). The schedule is one of the most favorable in football down the stretch (Panthers, @ Patriots, Falcons, @ Jets). So It still is almost a certainty the Bills will be in the postseason and will be a force once they get there. The buffalo helmets showed a ton of fight coming back from down 24-3 to Tom Brady and the Bucs on Sunday. Everyone on twitter is ripping the officials for missing two obvious late game pass interference penalties on Stefon Diggs. My counterargument to this is you cannot argue about calls when you are down 24-3 at the half regardless. Play better for the entire game and take advantage of winning the overtime coin toss and you will not have to worry about the missed calls, sorry Joe please read my stuff still :-).
10. Ravens 8-5 (Drew Rating: -1.63 Projected Record 6-7) LW: 8
The Ravens are a team going in the wrong direction and with a brutal closing schedule (Packers, at Bengals, Rams, Steelers) the Ravens could go all Ricky Bobby and go from first to last. On a positive note even with all of the injuries on the defensive side the 24 points the Browns scored on Sunday (and 0 in the second half) was the most the Ravens have allowed since Week 9. The issue is Lamar Jackson is dealing with an ankle sprain and even if he plays he’s certainly not going to be the dynamic Lamar Jackson that makes defensive coordinators terrified of the night. This is going to be interesting finish in the land of crab cakes.
9. Chargers 8-5 (Drew Rating: 3 Projected Record 7-6) LW: 13
The Bolts get a nice leap back into the top ten with a second straight impressive win over the Giants. The best living American down in Tampa is probably going to keep my Justin Herbert top passing yards prop from hitting but still Justin Herbert is having an unbelievable sophomore season (30 touchdowns 100.3 passer rating). His 59 yard touchdown pass to Jalen Guyton is the throw of the year. The biggest game of Justin Herbert’s young career is on Thursday night against the potentially Chris Jonesless Chiefs. If the Chargers win they have a very probable chance of winning the division, if they lose it’s all about the wildcard. One of the biggest games of the year in the entire NFL in my opinion take place Thursday night at SoFi stadium.
8. Titans 9-4 (Drew Rating: .78 Projected Record 7-6) LW: 9
The Titans got a very ugly 20-0 win over the Jaguars on Sunday. The Derrick Henryless offense was as bad as it’s been since the former Heisman Trophy Winner got injured having 263 yards of offense and only averaging 3.8 yards per play. The defense did show out getting four Jags turnovers and only allowing 192 total yards. The Titans schedule is not brutal but with the Steelers, 49ers and Dolphins as the next three games the Titans might want to figure out some ways to generate offense to make sure the Titans stay towards the top of the AFC standings at seasons end. A series sweep of the Colts still makes winning the AFC South still almost a certainty.
7. Chiefs 9-4 (Drew Rating: 9.88 Projected Record 9-4) LW: 7
Impressive win over the Raiders on Sunday as the Chiefs have officially put one team away in the division. The Iron Chefs can erase all doubt by beating the Chargers in Inglewood on Thursday night. The most impressive part of the Chiefs 6 game winning streak is their defensive turnaround (allowing 10.8 points per game during the streak). The defense is almost certain to give up the most points since Week 7 against the Chargers on Thursday with Chris Jones likely to not play (COVID list). Patrick Mahomes is going to have to show he’s still the best Quarterback in the division for the Chiefs to win and almost certainly clinch their sixth AFC West Title if the Chiefs win their seventh straight on Thursday, buckle up it’s going to be fun!
6. Rams 9-4 (Drew Rating: 10.03 Projected Record 9-4) LW: 6
The Rams played their best game of the season in a 30-23 win in Arizona last night. The Rams are still likely to be a wildcard team (the Cards still own the tiebreaker due to a better division record). Even though the Rams are to be favored in every game they play down the stretch every game is a landmine game that the Rams could certainly lose (Vs Seahawks, @ Vikings, @ Ravens, Vs 49ers). Even though the Rams are the likely five seed in the NFC what last night proved was Matthew Stafford can go and win a big stand alone game on the road, even when shorthanded. There is enough talent here that the Rams even as a wildcard could go on a deep playoff run.
5. Cowboys 9-4 (Drew Rating: 12.14 Projected Record 10-3) LW: 5
The Cowboys have blue chippers at almost every position on the roster. On Sunday led by rookie standout linebacker Micah Parsons it was the Dallas defense making the explosive plays in a 27-20 win at Washington. However, there are a couple of concerns on the offensive side of the ball for the Cowboys. The running back injuries are concerning, Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard are both banged up and the Cowboys are best when they are running the ball effectively which is hard to do without healthy backs. But the biggest concern is Dak Prescott. He has not played well for five weeks now. Is he healthy? That is a valid question and right now the Cowboys need their signal caller to play better otherwise the Cowboys are going home after Wild Cards weekend.
4. Patriots 9-4 (Drew Rating: 18.11 Projected Record 11-2) LW: 2
The Pats come off their bye still sitting atop the AFC Standings. Bill Belichick has done it again as mine and everyone else’s doubt about his status as the GOAT has been put to rest this season. The schedule is not easy down the stretch as they play at the Colts (in a game the Colts are favored, hmmm Vegas what are you telling me) the Bills (looking for revenge) and the Dolphins (who already beat the Pats). One thing is true for the Pats to win the AFC East and remain as the overall conference one seed. Mac Jones will have to throw the ball more than three times to win.
3. Packers 10-3 (Drew Rating: 7.69 Projected Record 8-5) LW: 4
The stats are not overly impressive but the eye test tells me this Packers team is still pretty good. Some things that the Pack will need to clean up to give themselves a shot at holding onto the NFC #1 seed and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs is special teams (place kicking, return coverage) and limiting big plays. What gave the Bears a glimmer of hope at an upset on Sunday night was the Bears getting big plays for scores or to put them in scoring range and a better team will make you pay for that. However, Aaron Rodgers looks locked in right now. The Touchdowns to DeVante Adams (the one before halftime) and Aaron Jones were absolute dimes. No one makes difficult throws looks more easy than Aaron Rodgers.
2. Cardinals 10-3 (Drew Rating: 15.87 Projected Record 10-3) LW: 1
The Cards looked sloppy in a 30-23 loss to the Rams on Monday night. The Cards lost the number one seed (likely for good with Tampa’s finishing schedule) but they can still are in great shape to win the division and to give themselves a chance for a deep playoff run. My big takeaways from Monday’s defeat was that Matthew Stafford has the potential to be great. Kyler Murray is so damn electrifying but he can still make the bad throw that hurts his team (that third Quarter interception after a Matthew Stafford dime to Van Jefferson was the game killer). But most importantly this is still a really good football team that is remains a Super Bowl Contender. The national media is writing off the Cardinals, but I am still bullish on this football team.
1.Bucs 10-3 (Drew Rating: 15.35 Projected Record 10-3) LW: 3
Did you see the 2nd down Touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Mike Evans. Let me remind you that Tom Brady is 44 years old!!! Gerald Ford was the president and Disco music was still en vouge when Tom Brady was born (that’s how old he is!!). Tom Brady has 36 touchdown this season. Brady is going to throw for 5,000 by the normal 16th game on the schedule (could still throw for 5,500 thanks to the extra game). The remaining schedule is the most favorable in football (2 Panthers games Saints and Jets left). I predicted the Bucs would finish 14-3 and get the number one seed in the NFC. It is looking like I’m going to be correct. Tom Brady is going to have homefield advantage throughout the playoffs again, god I hate football!!