National Football League

[Nomad]

Yeah, the Colts look in trouble right now. Their QB room is a complete mess: Leonard is listed as the starter, Rypien is on the PS & TE Tyler Warren is listed as the emergency QB. I imagine the Colts will sign a FA QB to either backup Leonard or become QB3 (if Rypien moves to the backup). I believe if AR was cleared to play off of IR, he'd be hands down the starter.

Herbert has to play tonight & they need to win this game (Philly is a 1.5 point favorite). The broken left hand is no big deal for a right-handed QB. Allen played the entire season last year on a broken left hand - his MVP season nonetheless. They can't take snaps under center, so it'll have to be all shotgun formation. Harbaugh has said he would use Lance in the under center packages (about 25% of their offensive scheme).

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bills-josh-allen-confirms-that-he-broke-his-hand-in-week-1-of-his-mvp-caliber-season/

The Chargers are still very much in the division hunt only 2 games behind the Broncos. The Chargers close out the season against the Broncos. If they can win their next 4 & the Broncos lose just one of their next 3, then the Broncos & Chargers would play for the division title in that last game (if the Chargers win, they would finish tied with the Broncos at 13-4 but would hold the tie breaker having beaten them twice). IMO, I think the Chargers best bet of winning a playoff game is to win the division & host a home playoff game. Herbert is 0-2 in the postseason - both road losses.

 

[Nomad]

Sure Kelce will retire. He was supposed to be close at the end of last season.

Spags was turning down head coach jobs but who knows ?

No doubt the Chiefs need at least a makeover. Last season's SB beatdown made me think then, the dynasty might be over. The 49ers are in year one of their rebuild and have no SB to show for it after making it to three in 11 years. At least the Chiefs won multiple titles, two against the 49ers.

The Colts playoff chances are almost done. Cowboys and Chiefs are gone or hanging by a thread in the Chiefs case. Two teams with momentum seem to be the Texans and GB. The Ravens are almost done. Will Allen get a better opportunity of at least winning the AFC with probably no Mahomes or Lamar to worry about ? The Jags are doing better than I expected as are the 49ers. The Buccs seem to be in danger of losing their division to the Panthers who are erratic kinda like the Bills ! Bears have done well but their final four games will test them and the Patriots are the biggest surprise of all with Vrabel surely winning coach of the season. Denver and the Texans are riding their defense and so far it's worked.

Falcons coach will probably be the next to go. Caroll will probably get another season. Another one and done for Tomlin in the playoffs will probably be the end for him. Rams are looking good to win the NFC unless they have another form reversal re the Panthers game. I view the Lions, the same way I view the Bills, in two minds. Looking like any team in the playoffs could win the SB this season with maybe one or two exceptions.

Good commentary. With Mahomes out of the postseason, this would seem to be Allens best chance to get to his first ever SB. But there's still the Broncos, Texans & Patriots to contend with, with the Texans & Pats already beaten him.

Allen is certainly carrying the team. Their defense is only average - so he's not going to get any help there. I figure they'll have to outscore most of their opponents & hope to get a few lucky breaks here & there. He literally single-handedly won that game yesterday with his arm & legs. The guy is an absolute dual-threat beast!

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

James Cook has been underappreciated for the Bills. Allen has done the heroics, but Cook (and the OL) the workhorse.

I don't see the Chargers overtaking the Broncos. I don't see them as being a better team either. But I guess we'll find out. They do have a tougher remaining schedule. I have zero faith Herbert can lead the Chargers far in the playoffs. Not that Nix is having a killer season. Denver's D may carry their O to some wins.

 

[Nomad]

Identifying 4 Las Vegas Raiders Coaching Candidates to Replace Pete Carroll

Las Vegas Raiders Coaching Candidates: We identify top Raiders coaching candidates who could be Pete Carroll replacements.

sportsnaut.com

 

[SHAD0W93]

Colts To Host QB Philip Rivers

In the wake of Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles injury, the Colts are hoping to keep their once-promising season afloat. As …

www.profootballrumors.com

Colts should just ask Brady to leave the Raiders as owner and come back. Probably still a top 16 quarterback, especially without the weekly strain.




I agree with Alpe on Herbert. Chargers are unlikely to catch the Broncos and you don’t want to run the risk of Herbert being out for the season. The Chiefs game is big on a short week to end the Chiefs season.

 

[movingtarget]

I'll be surprised if the Colts win another game. They play @SEA, SF, JAX, @HOU. They will quite likely finish 8-9, after starting 7-1. This year is a double disaster in that they went all-in on this season, trading two first round picks to the Jets to get Sauce Gardner.

I would rest Herbert. All the Chargers have to do is win two remaining games to get a WC playoff shot, and they aren't winning the division, Denver is. If they lose 3, and KC wins out, they are out. There is no point in pushing Herbert out there IMO.

Pete Carroll should just retire when the season is over. Let the Raiders rebuild with a new HC, this one chosen by GM John Spytek, and accept they need a true rebuild. Also, Kenny Pickett definitely looked better than Geno this Sunday. Granted, the Broncos were playing soft at that point, but Pickett got rid of the ball quicker, he looked a lot more mobile (Geno was somewhat mobile years ago), and threw some nice passes. Raiders need to just cut bait with Geno after the season. Accept the dead money, move on. He's washed. Raiders lose out they win the Fernando Mendoza sweepstakes. Seems destiny to me a hispanic QB would be in their future (Plunkett, Tom Flores years ago). Kid is bilingual as well. Would sell a zillion jerseys in California alone. And maybe even a couple pirated ones will be seen in Cuba.

If Seattle can beat the Rams in two weeks, at home, they will be in the driver's seat to gain the top seed. They almost beat them a couple weeks ago in LA, so it's definitely possible. One thing about the Rams is if someone can get pressure on Stafford he doesn't play as well. He's always been great moving out of the pocket and throwing on the run, but the Panthers showed he's slowing in this regard. Pressure him, he's not as good. Cardinals couldn't do that at all, Rams OL gave Stafford all day to throw. As explosive as the Rams are, they look beatable to me.

I still like Tampa to win that division. They are scheduled to get Mike Evans back in two weeks against Carolina (they play Atlanta on Thursday). He's actually practicing now, but I doubt he'll suit up this week. They've also been missing all-pro LT Tristin Wirfs, and he's scheduled to return Thursday.

My concerns for both NE, and SF, is that their schedule has been soft. We'll see next week if the Pats are for real when Buffalo comes to town.

The wind seems to be changing a little re the Rams. more than a few talking heads seem to like Seattle better. Looks like the NFC West will have three teams in the playoffs with the 49ers currently the sixth. seed and they are getting players back, unfortunately not the ones named Bosa and Warner but it will still boost their depth going into the playoffs. Unfortunately the 49ers will probably have to meet one of their NFC West compadres in the Rams or Seattle in the first playoff round. but they have also beaten both teams this season although early in the season.

Thanks to a weird trade by the Falcons, the Rams have a pretty high first round pick in 26 which most expect to see them use on a QB re the eventual replacement for Stafford. The big question mark for Seattle in the playoffs is obviously Darnold, the 49ers their defense and WR depth while the Rams on paper still look the most complete team and have done well with injuries till now. Most weeks their injury column is next to empty unlike the 49ers and Cardinals. That's just the way it goes sometimes. A lot of teams seem to be limping into the playoffs but the Rams not so much.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Colts should reach out to Taylor Heineke, who has experience filling in. They could also steal Desmond Ridder from the Vikings practice squad. He has experience starting. Another option is to convince the Giants to cut Russell Wilson, then sign him. Maybe they can convince the Raiders to cut Geno Smith? Also, Colin Kaepernick is out there, and 5 years younger than Rivers.

As to the Raiders future HC, I think both Flores, and especially Spagnola would not work. Both are more re-treads. Flores was 24-28 when HC of Miami. Spagnola was a miserable 11-41 in his HC stints with the Giants and Rams. Both of these guys would likely be fired after one season as well.

If the Raiders are going to accept reality, maybe Kubiak or Stenavich might work. If I were that guy though I'd go into the interview telling them they are going to need a near total rebuild, it will take 2-4 years to be truly competitive. And the team could very well have the worst record in the NFL in 2026, and they need to accept this reality. I'd also want a 5 year deal, 100% guaranteed (most HC get it guaranteed), with a bunch of clauses making it almost impossible for the Raiders to not pay every penny.

Getting the #1 pick overall in the draft could help entice one of those guys.

 

[Sciatic]

Seahawks have a lot better offense than the Texans. The team with the superior offense and similar defense is always going to beat the inferior offensive team. The Texans held steady in the game till their defense couldn’t overcome the offensive struggles.

Texans 20th in offensive points and yards, 1st in defensive points and yards.
Seahawks are 2nd and 9th in offensive points and yards, 2nd and 6th in defensive points and yards.

solid argument. The Hawks would be much closer to the top spot in yards except that they've have so many blowout wins that opposing teams have been adding significant yardage to their game totals during garbage team. But Texans statistically come out on top.

 

[movingtarget]

Colts should reach out to Taylor Heineke, who has experience filling in. They could also steal Desmond Ridder from the Vikings practice squad. He has experience starting. Another option is to convince the Giants to cut Russell Wilson, then sign him. Maybe they can convince the Raiders to cut Geno Smith? Also, Colin Kaepernick is out there, and 5 years younger than Rivers.

As to the Raiders future HC, I think both Flores, and especially Spagnola would not work. Both are more re-treads. Flores was 24-28 when HC of Miami. Spagnola was a miserable 11-41 in his HC stints with the Giants and Rams. Both of these guys would likely be fired after one season as well.

If the Raiders are going to accept reality, maybe Kubiak or Stenavich might work. If I were that guy though I'd go into the interview telling them they are going to need a near total rebuild, it will take 2-4 years to be truly competitive. And the team could very well have the worst record in the NFL in 2026, and they need to accept this reality. I'd also want a 5 year deal, 100% guaranteed (most HC get it guaranteed), with a bunch of clauses making it almost impossible for the Raiders to not pay every penny.

Getting the #1 pick overall in the draft could help entice one of those guys.

Kaep has been out for 9 years. where did that time go ? Rivers seems just as unlikely.. I think Mariota is off contract next season, don't think the 49ers will trade Jones, Wilson also unlikely, Colts issues started when Andew luck suddenly retired but his body was worn out and he was never going to make a comeback and has a good job at Stanford. Not sure Spags wants a head coaches job, someone like Saleh would steer clear especially after the Jets experience. Some people think he may do another season at the 49ers working with the young defense plus he's not an offensive coach which will limit his opportunities in the current coaching environment especially with teams that are also drafting a QB. Geno might be back to his old back up role after this season but on another team. Colts are probably also done with Richardson and with Jones out long term, the QB position is problematic again. Not sure if Jimmy G would be given another chance, he's hardly played at the Rams and the Rams want a long term replacement for Stafford anyway eventually.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

 

[SHAD0W93]

solid argument. The Hawks would be much closer to the top spot in yards except that they've have so many blowout wins that opposing teams have been adding significant yardage to their game totals during garbage team. But Texans statistically come out on top.

The points ranking are one of if not the best way to measure the offense and defense. For yards it gets tricky, but you don’t win or lose games depending on the yards. Offense I think it’s a better measuring stick as more often than not the offense has to drive the field repeatedly each game. The defense it’s a worse stat because more things can effect it; offense or special teams giving the defense a short or long field to work with, garbage time, or a bend but don’t break philosophy.

 

[movingtarget]

Who's going to drive the bus to take his kids to school ?

 

[SHAD0W93]

Who's going to drive the bus to take his kids to school ?

School? You mean to work? They’ll all be on the team in one way or the other.

 

[Sciatic]

The points ranking are one of if not the best way to measure the offense and defense. For yards it gets tricky, but you don’t win or lose games depending on the yards. Offense I think it’s a better measuring stick as more often than not the offense has to drive the field repeatedly each game. The defense it’s a worse stat because more things can effect it; offense or special teams giving the defense a short or long field to work with, garbage time, or a bend but don’t break philosophy.

True in most cases. Points allowed by a defense (of Team A) is also a reflection of the type and quality of team A's offense. And as a fan--and as a fan of good defense-- I'm not thrilled by bend-but-don't-break teams. That strategy doesn't play out as well in the playoffs against very top tier quarterbacks.

 

[Unchained]

Who's going to drive the bus to take his kids to school ?

And Daddy makes a full team! Rivers has 10 kids according to the Internet. There are a few stories, I thought that there would be more about guys who work regular jobs and keep themselves in shape using private coaching and extreme workouts. Stories like Kurt Warner..but Rivers is 44! You think Tom Brady called him to say go for it!
Another game another wrong prediction by me..they didn't rest Herbert and it worked out. Barely..
I really agree with comments about Pete Carroll, guy still comes off as really positive and energetic, he has a great football legacy, get out gracefully. Let Raiders rebuild from ground up.
Chargers at Arrowhead this weekend..Packers playing in Denver.

 

[Nomad]

I don't see the Chargers overtaking the Broncos. I don't see them as being a better team either. But I guess we'll find out. They do have a tougher remaining schedule. I have zero faith Herbert can lead the Chargers far in the playoffs. Not that Nix is having a killer season. Denver's D may carry their O to some wins.

And until he can win a playoff game your lack of faith in him is completely understandable. He's 0-2 in postseason having getting slaughtered by Houston last year in the WC round. Allen is 7-6 in the postseason with two conference championship appearances. Allen is a #7 OA pick....Herbert #6 OA. Herbert is an underachiever & not living up to expectations.

Greg Roman set a goal for Herbert to run more & add dual-threat capability to his game. And that's exactly what he's done with hitting 419 yds rushing (6.3 avg) which is #2 behind Allen & already blows away his career high last year of 306. But the question is -- will that translate to some playoff wins?

It was Herbert's legs that won that game last night - 10 carries for 66 (leading rusher) while only throwing for 139 & one score (205 total O which was about 75% of the offense). Playing with mostly a backup OL he was pressured 68% of the time on drop backs which is unheard of in the NFL (when Pipkins went down that's 3 starters now out). He was sacked 7 times & running for his life on every pass play. But he survived to find a way to win the game. And that protective glove really seem to hold up - I couldn't believe he was taking snaps under center. Next KC @ Arrowhead.

And WTH is wrong with Hurts? A career high five (5) turnovers?!? (4 picks/1 fumble - 27 Rtg). Does that look like a SB MVP QB out there? Lol And he's credited with committing 2 turnovers in one single play. What a clown show the Philly offense was:

 

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/Qa4I-xz7w4c?si=DasvelvePRe8ACz0

 

[Nomad]

Rivers signed to the PS.

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/rd3Tetb4M3Y?si=Pd3V7nhq8dWXbvp2

The Colts actually can't be serious about playing him? This is all got to be a PR stunt...right? For one, I wouldn't think Rivers' wife would want him to play & risk a concussion. Major concussions are ripping through QBs/players like crazy (see Stroud, Fields, Dart, etc). And defenses aren't going to go easy on him just because he's the Great Philip Rivers coming out of retirement. If a young defensive stud has a shot to drill him, he will & not think twice about it.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Rivers signed to the PS.

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/rd3Tetb4M3Y?si=Pd3V7nhq8dWXbvp2

The Colts actually can't be serious about playing him? This is all got to be a PR stunt...right? For one, I wouldn't think Rivers' wife would want him to play & risk a concussion. Major concussions are ripping through QBs/players like crazy (see Stroud, Fields, Dart, etc). And defenses aren't going to go easy on him just because he's the Great Philip Rivers coming out of retirement. If a young defensive stud has a shot to drill him, he will & not think twice about it.

Rivers just has to last until Colts resign Ryan for the final playoff push.

 

[movingtarget]

And until he can win a playoff game your lack of faith in him is completely understandable. He's 0-2 in postseason having getting slaughtered by Houston last year in the WC round. Allen is 7-6 in the postseason with two conference championship appearances. Allen is a #7 OA pick....Herbert #6 OA. Herbert is an underachiever & not living up to expectations.

Greg Roman set a goal for Herbert to run more & add dual-threat capability to his game. And that's exactly what he's done with hitting 419 yds rushing (6.3 avg) which is #2 behind Allen & already blows away his career high last year of 306. But the question is -- will that translate to some playoff wins?

It was Herbert's legs that won that game last night - 10 carries for 66 (leading rusher) while only throwing for 139 & one score (205 total O which was about 75% of the offense). Playing with mostly a backup OL he was pressured 68% of the time on drop backs which is unheard of in the NFL (when Pipkins went down that's 3 starters now out). He was sacked 7 times & running for his life on every pass play. But he survived to find a way to win the game. And that protective glove really seem to hold up - I couldn't believe he was taking snaps under center. Next KC @ Arrowhead.

And WTH is wrong with Hurts? A career high five (5) turnovers?!? (4 picks/1 fumble - 27 Rtg). Does that look like a SB MVP QB out there? Lol And he's a credited with committing 2 turnovers in one single play. What a clown show the Philly offense was:

 

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/Qa4I-xz7w4c?si=DasvelvePRe8ACz0

Eagles have a similar vibe to the 23 team that had a string of losses before the playoffs then went out in the first round to the Buccs. Where's the 24 SB team gone to ? Barkley hasn't been as good this season and he was a monster last season. They seem to be another team on the slide at the wrong time as opposed to teams like the Texans . In 23 it was their defense, this time it's their offense.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Yards per play is a metric a lot of insiders (like Vegas) like to focus on. Red zone efficiency is another.

Rivers is nuts. Or the Colts are.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Yards per play is a metric a lot of insiders (like Vegas) like to focus on. Red zone efficiency is another.

Rivers is nuts. Or the Colts are.

Maybe Rivers is trying to lose his to stop from having kids.

 

[movingtarget]

Maybe Rivers is trying to lose his to stop from having kids.

Or buy a reproduction bank...........

 

[SHAD0W93]

Colts To Host QB Philip Rivers

In the wake of Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles injury, the Colts are hoping to keep their once-promising season afloat. As …

www.profootballrumors.com

Colts should just ask Brady to leave the Raiders as owner and come back. Probably still a top 16 quarterback, especially without the weekly strain.

Even at the dentist’s office multiple people were talking about this and saying they should have got Brady instead if they wanted an old a$$ man.

 

[Nomad]

I think Brady is even too old - he'd killed out there (and if you asked him, he'd tell you that. Lol). I don't understand what the heck is going through Stiechen's mind thinking Rivers would be the answer to his QB problems?

There's still some decent backups out there that would make a better choice. Alpe mention Taylor Heinicke - a veteran backup with 29 starts. Trevor Siemian is available (Titans PS) - former starter with the Broncos. Sam Ehlinger (Broncos PS) was on the Colts roster for 3 seasons. Dorian Thompson-Robinson (Eagles PS) has some starting experience and is a dual-threat with decent talent.

Who could replace Daniel Jones? Top Colts QB options to finish 2025

What are the Colts QB options after Daniel Jones' Achilles injury? The team will likely add external help given its dearth of experienced depth.

www.usatoday.com

 

[SHAD0W93]

Brady is too old but if we’re taking an old retired player, rather him. Heck if he wanted someone in the system already he could have tried getting Ryan who retired sooner. Of everyone available I’d pick Heinicke.