National Football League

[Alpe d'Huez]

Another taxpayer funded wimpy dome for the luxury class.

 

[Nomad]

Yep, I agree. The Chiefs, a rich tradition of playing freezing, snowy games in Dec & Jan, will be playing under a dome. Absolutely ridiculous Lol. And how about the Broncos' new stadium is to be either a dome or retractable. Penner/Walton ownership, who at least is footing the entire cost, wants an indoor stadium located in lower downtown near Coors Field. I believe in 10 or so years the only open air cold weather stadiums that'll be left will be GB, Pittsburgh & Buffalo (maybe NE). These fans are tough & like watching games in cold weather.

My bad - you're absolutely right; the Texans are #1 in those two key categories with the most important defense stat they hold- points allowed. The Broncos are 2nd in pts allowed & hold #1 in a couple of categories; sacks (58) and are on track to surpass the franchise record and potentially the NFL record for most sacks in a season (72 by the 1984 Chicago Bears), red zone & 3rd down defense.

 https://denversports.com/nfl/denver-broncos/top-defense-texans/2126969

Frankly, both defenses have been terrorizing QBs. Last week, the Denver D sacked Love 3 times, picked him off twice & held him to a 68 passer rating. He looked frustrated & despondent throughout the game under the relentless Broncos pressure. They've done the same thing to other elites - most notably Mahomes, Prescott, & Herbert. But Houston has had it's fair share of antagonizing QBs also. They destroyed Allen & Mahomes in those big victories.

Unless Coen can come up with some kind of ingenious game plan to circumvent the Bronco pass rush, I don't see Lawrence performing well enough to beat the Broncos. However, 3 QBs have had passing success against the Broncos this year; Jones, Hurts & Dart. The Colts & Eagles games were on the road, but the Giants game was at Mile High where Dart performed exceptionally well almost beating the Broncos (283 yds, 3 TDs, 93 Rtg). Lawrence would need to have that kind of a game & then some.

 

[movingtarget]

Bad 4th quarter for the Packers with a couple of critical errors. Kick off fumble and QB snap problems. Great throw and catch to win the game in overtime by Williams and Moore. Packers coach looked on in disbelief, wondering how they lost that one. Willis played well after Love got concussed. Bears run game kept them in it. Brady with the ho ho ho ho ho Christmas commentary..............if the playoffs mirror the best games of the past week or so, it should be a fun post season.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Incredible win by the Bears. They were finished. But the Packers also botched what chance they had.

Other game ho-hum. Washington missing too many players.

 

[SHAD0W93]

That’s it, I’m on the Bears bandwagon too. The Pope has convinced me, Bears 40 - Broncos 39 at the Super Bowl.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Sunday's games:

TB@CAR - Will the real NFC South contender please stand up?
LAC@DAL - Spoiler role for Cowboys only. Chargers still with a bit to prove.
NYJ@NO - Can the Saints actually win 3 in a row?
KC@TEN - Chiefs are so banged up, and of course no Mahomes. It's hard to know what to expect?
CIN@MIA - What a disappointing season for both teams, especially Bengals. Ewers to start for Fins.
ATL@ARI - Two more disappointing teams.
JAX@DEN - As Nomad says, I don't see the Jags scoring enough to win.
DET@PIT - Steelers can almost afford to lose, Lions cannot.
NE@BAL - Let's see if the Patriots can bounce back after tough loss to Bills

On Monday SF@IND - I'm not sure what to make of the 49ers because of their cupcake schedule. But what does Rivers actually have in the tank?

 

[movingtarget]

No one can pick the winner of the Panthers game with any confidence but I think they will somehow get it done.
Be surprised if Dallas had much left after the past few weeks. Cancun beckons. Chargers to win
See no reason not to pick the Saints over the NYG's.
Wouldn't be surprised if Kansas switched off and the Titans get their third win of the season .
Maybe Burrow is the difference against Miami, a win by either wouldn't surprise.
Same goes for the Cards and Falcons. Maybe the Falcons run game prevails.
Jags to win in an upset. Their offense has improved but it will probably be a low scoring game. against Denver.
Must win for the Lions but their defense is the problem. Think the Lions run game could be too strong for the Steelers and time in possession will matter.
Think the Patriots bounce back. The Ravens haven't convinced all season apart from an odd win.
SF and the Colts could be a messy game, both teams have injuries. Maybe Purdy gives the 49ers the edge but the 49ers have to at least limit Jonathan Taylor which is never easy.

 

[Nomad]

I would think a win by Miami with a rookie QB making his debut would be an embarrassment for Cinncinati. Lol

Injuries galore in the Bills - Browns game. Judkins suffered one of those gruesome ankle dislocations where the telecast won't replay it. Sanders is playing with what looks to be a broken pinky finger on his throwing hand. And Allen is playing on a high-ankle sprain sustained on a sack.

I missed the games last night because I didn't think there were any games on. Lol. I thought the Saturday night specials were scheduled for the last two weeks of the season - week #17 & #18? I had been watching bits & pieces of the college playoff games & didn't see any advertising for the NFL games.

Sounded like an exciting Bears - Packers game. Williams is performing like a #1 OA should be. And Love now in concussion protocol?

I didn't miss anything in the Commanders - Eagles crap game. Obviously, when that game was scheduled for Sat prime time, they had no idea that Daniels would be injured this season with the team tanking. If Daniels hadn't gotten injured, that could have been a big game for the division lead or something like that.

It must be really tough for diehard Commander fans to watch their team implode like this. Last year the team wins 12 games & plays in NFCCG. This year they have a measly 4 wins & have reverted back to the pre-2024 Ron Rivera era. Lol. But typically this is what happens when you lose your star QB & your backup is incompetent. Sad state of affairs in DC.

 

[Sciatic]

That’s it, I’m on the Bears bandwagon too. The Pope has convinced me, Bears 40 - Broncos 39 at the Super Bowl.

Google-Ergebnis für https://lookaside.fbsbx.com/lookaside/crawler/media/?media_id=1364191762169679

 

[SHAD0W93]

Gardner Minshew injury: Chiefs fear torn ACL, turn to QB Chris Oladokun in loss

Two quarterbacks are now injured for the struggling Kansas City Chiefs

www.cbssports.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Andy Reid sat a large amount of starters today. Anyone with even so much as a hangnail. Presuming he does this the rest of the season, the Chiefs may not win another game. There's some real sense to this as they are out of the playoffs, and it gives them a chance to evaluate who has it, and who is worth taking a serious look at keeping next season. Treat it like pre-season games.

Raiders should honestly do this. Plus it would facilitate tanking for Mendoza. But I don't think that's in Pete's nature. But he's also so far behind the times, and so loyal to old Seahawks (plus his kids have good coaching gigs on the team) he may not need to.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Lions should have won that game. Ends their season and Tomlin gets another winning season.

 

[movingtarget]

Lions should have won that game. Ends their season and Tomlin gets another winning season.

Lions loss means the 49ers and Bears are in the playoffs. Considering the years both teams had last year, they have done well. Chiefs season from hell but a good draft will help them. Bills get another unflattering win against the schizo Browns team. Good win for the Jags, Buccs have imploded at the wrong time. Lions will rue their choke against the 49ers in 23 NFC game. They were in SB winning form that year and as Campbell said after the game, SB chances don't come along often especially for teams like the Lions. Who would have thought the Lions and Chiefs would both miss the playoffs. Crazy season, and Washington took a dive after a good season last year. Expect more surprises in the playoffs, the way this season has gone so far. Might not be long for the Ravens playoff chances to be finished as well. Steelers might make the playoffs but will they actually win a game ?

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Jags to win in an upset. Their offense has improved but it will probably be a low scoring game. against Denver.

Good call. Wasn't low scoring, but the Jags kicked their butts. Really impressive game for Lawrence. This is maybe the best he's ever played. And it was the Jags defense that was more aggressive.

Wild finish to the Steelers Lions game. Have to feel for Detroit. But also praise for Pittsburgh. Remember when they lost to Buffalo and (some) fans were chanting "fire Mike Tomlin"? They've won 3 in a row, and are likely to win out and host a playoff game.

 

[Nomad]

I wouldn't believe it unless I saw it: Jacksonville comes into Mile High & gut punches the Broncos. Worse defeat this year & most points scored on the Broncos (34). Lawrence looking like an All-Pro throwing for 279, 3 TDs, no turnovers. And the Jags punched in 4 out of 5 TD scores in red zone...against the #1 red zone defense nonetheless. Jags have won 7 out of their last 8 & hold a one-game lead over Houston. Coen is looking like a great hire. Broncos play KC on X-mas. Assuming they win and if the Chargers beat Houston, then the two would play for the division title to close out the season.

Chargers destroy Dallas. Herbert on fire throwing for 300 & 2 TDs plus the second leading rusher with another score (maybe he needs a broken hand every year to play this well. Lol). But it all comes down to next week's game against Houston. A win & they got a showdown with the Broncos for the division title.

Bills squeak by with an ugly win. Both QBs played hurt in the 2nd half. Cook a great game with over 100 yds.

Shough looked really good throwing the ball with the Saints getting their 3rd win in a row with their rookie QB. I think Moore can go all in with Shough as his starter next season.

 

[Nomad]

Raiders should honestly do this. Plus it would facilitate tanking for Mendoza. But I don't think that's in Pete's nature. But he's also so far behind the times, and so loyal to old Seahawks (plus his kids have good coaching gigs on the team) he may not need to.

It wouldn't hurt them to start Cam Miller for the last 2 games....would it? That's what the Jets are doing with Brady Cook as he had his 2nd start today.

 

[Nomad]

Gardner Minshew injury: Chiefs fear torn ACL, turn to QB Chris Oladokun in loss

Two quarterbacks are now injured for the struggling Kansas City Chiefs

www.cbssports.com

What are the odds of two QBs from the same team tearing the ACL to their left knee within one week each other? Astronomical? I'm beginning to think we live in a simulated universe or something. Lol.

 

[Nomad]

Steelers might make the playoffs but will they actually win a game ?

Good question. They would have to win though or Rodgers will be sent packing. Remember last year they made the playoffs with Wilson but lost in the WC round & we all know what happened to him. Lol.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Nice win for the Patriots. They had to fight to come back. But losing Lamar sure didn't help the Ravens.

Believe it or not, I can see Rodgers playing for the Vikings next year anyway. It all lines up. Good OL, great receivers. Inside and warm for his tired old bones. Plus it allows them to sit JJ another game. And, he can follow Favre's career (with a pitstop in Pittsburgh).

I can see either Buffalo, the Chargers, or Patriots going into Pittsburgh and beating them.

I don't see Carroll changing what he's doing. He seems irrationally loyal to his ex-Seahawks, still thinking he can recapture the 2020 season.

 

[SHAD0W93]

What a comeback win by the Patriots and meltdown of the Ravens. A lot of the games this season have been good and the playoff seeding is all topsy turvy. Even with their inconsistent play, this has to be the Bills moment. If they win the Super Bowl they never will. Bar getting the division and one seed everything is going there way. Patriots have to hope they don’t have another meltdown in Miami.

 

[Unchained]

What a comeback win by the Patriots and meltdown of the Ravens. A lot of the games this season have been good and the playoff seeding is all topsy turvy. Even with their inconsistent play, this has to be the Bills moment. If they win the Super Bowl they never will. Bar getting the division and one seed everything is going there way. Patriots have to hope they don’t have another meltdown in Miami.

Many exciting games again this week. Pleasantly surprised by Chargers running game. A personal observation from surfing many games throughout the day, was surprised by how many defensive players were called for lining up or being called off sides.
Watching a couple of things with Travis Kelce and he doesn't have much of a poker face in my take.. He really looks like he is going to retire.
I also agree Raider resting period. I really don't see anything disgraceful about putting practice squad players out on the field and see what they can do. Some young QBs have a chance to take some snaps.
I feel bad about being a turncoat but I am betting against 49ers because I want Old Man Rivers to get joy in this once in a lifetime experience. I also enjoyed Aaron Rodgers interview were he said he was happy that Phil took over the title of old quarterback. Rodgers also gave a really professional compliment about Rivers saying something about Rivers not being physically gifted, implied that he worked really really hard for his NFL success.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Rodgers also had high praise for Mike Tomlin, calling him the best coach in the NFL.

To continue about the Ravens collapse. Dan Orlovsky says it all. After Henry was gashing the Pats all game long, why on earth did the Ravens sit him in the 4th quarter??? This reminds me of the AFCC loss to the Chiefs when the Ravens came in with the best running numbers in the NFL, the Chiefs had the best pass defense, so what did Baltimore do? Try to pass all the time. Bad on Jim Harbaugh, bad on OC Todd Monken. Ravens have been very lenient on Harbaugh for some time, but to come into this season with the best roster, and not even make the playoffs...

Orlovsky: Ravens are most disappointing team this season - ESPN Video

Dan Orlovsky and Dominique Foxworth express their disappointment in Ravens falling short of expectations this season.

www.espn.com

Orlovsky also says Trevor Lawrence is now the best QB in the NFL, finally. Nice breakdown here:

 

[movingtarget]

Don't get what the Ravens have been doing with Henry, even in the playoffs last season. Think Harbaugh is getting closer to the door. Ravens are getting no closer to the SB despite having the MVP for multiple seasons recently. The Bills use Cook much better and they started the season in a similar position to the Ravens where they were expected to make the playoffs but still had to get past Mahomes. Now Allen gets that opportunity without Mahomes while the Ravens won't. Both teams have slipped on defense and needed the offense to carry them. Allen and Cook have managed it frequently enough but the Ravens have had Lamar injured for many weeks this season and he hasn't looked himself when he did play. The odd usage of Henry has just made it worse.

 

[Nomad]

Orlovsky also says Trevor Lawrence is now the best QB in the NFL, finally. Nice breakdown here:

Wouldn't the best QB in the NFL be the 37 yr old with the bad back? Stafford is #1 in passer rating, #1 in passing yardage & #1 in TDs (40). His career high is 41 which he should easily break over the next 2 games. And he's the front runner for MVP. The way Stafford is throwing the ball at his age & with that bad back is utterly insane. He's got to be one of the best pure pocket passers in the history of the game.

And Lawrence isn't even the most improved QB - that would go to Maye, IMO. Maye is #1 in QBR & #1 in CMP% at 70.9 (the only QB currently in the 70s). Maye is also a leading candidate for MVP. And most important of all, the Patriots have tripled their win column from last year.

The Key Ingredient in Patriots QB Drake Maye's Meteoric Rise | FOX Sports

New England's Drake Maye is playing like the best QB in the NFL right now. And there's one trait in particular that's setting him apart.

www.foxsports.com

Those guys forget that Lawrence had a stellar year in 2022 when the Jags went to the postseason & even won a playoff game. He threw for over 4100 yds, 66 CMP% & a 95 Rtg. Other than TDs thrown this year, he's not coming close to those numbers.

Yes, he a did fine job yesterday carving up the Denver D playing like an All-Pro. But that's just one game against a tough team. First of all, they need to make the postseason (likely) & then win two playoff games to exceed what they did in 2022 (that would most likely put them in AFCCG if they don't get the #1 seed). If the Jags make it to the CG, I'll surely jump on their SB bandwagon. Lol.

 

[Nomad]

Pleasantly surprised by Chargers running game.

They're currently 7th in team rushing averaging 125 per game. A large part of that is Hetbert - the team's 3rd leading rusher with 462 (30 ypg) - which puts him #2 behind Allen in QB rushing yards.

And Herbert is first in the league in yds per scramble with 11.9 (no other starter has above 10 yds per scramble).

He's also the most pressured QB with that depleted OL playing with 3 backups. They currently have the 3rd worst OL.

'J Herbo' has turned on the turbo: Justin Herbert is having a career-best rushing season -- because he has to

Quarterback Justin Herbert looks to continue to step up for the Chargers as a runner on Thursday night against the Vikings.

www.espn.com

It'll be interesting to see how he handles the ferocious pass rush of the Texans in the big upcoming game. When the Texans beat the the Bills, they did a number on Allen sacking him a career high 8 times & picking him off twice taking him completely out of his game.