National Football League

[Nomad]

Depending upon how many other starters sit on offense, this could be Lance's big moment to prove himself. Chris Oladakun played well against the Broncos & almost beat them. It would be funny if Lance upsets the Broncos, the Chargers go on to lose their playoff game again which prompts Harbaugh to move on from Herbert & go with Lance next season.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Another incredible game! Who had the Falcons beating the Rams? Atlanta almost blew it late with their prevent defense, and two really, really close calls went against the Rams late. But they never should have allowed themselves to get their backs against the wall like that. And the Falcons took their foot off the gas too early.

I can't see the Raiders going another season with Geno Smith. Not unless they want to go 0-17 and aim for the top pick next season when QBs will arguably be better.

Herbert out makes a Denver win easier, giving them HFA. But if Lance plays well, and Herbert doesn't in the playoffs, they could have a competition next season at QB.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Herbert rests, so I think Patriots should rest as well. It would also be better if they went from the second to third seed to get out of playing the Bills.

Rams with a tough loss and Stafford missing too many opportunities. Falcons can now play a spoiler to the Bucs since if they win against the Saints, Bucs can’t make the playoffs.

 

[Nomad]

Buccs coach another one probably not safe.

I agree...they lose to the Panthers missing the playoffs & Bowles might as well start cleaning out his office. This team has imploded losing 7 out of their last 8 in a lousy division that no one seems interested in winning. Lol.

The defense isn't playing very good & they've had injuries to some key skill position players. But Baker is playing well - top 12 in all passing stats except passer rating where he's 20th. He's also rushed for 351 putting him in the top 10 for that category. So, it's not like he's playing poorly & the cause of the team's decline. But the team is definitely regressing from seasons past.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

It's hard to guess if the Pats will rest anyone, simply because if the Chargers beat Denver, the Pats get the #1 seed. But I do think the Patriots will rest some players, but they could also pull Maye and a few others if they are way ahead (or behind) and Denver is ahead (both games are in the afternoon).

Saints-Falcons are in the morning, while Tampa-Carolina is in the afternoon. So if Atlanta does win, does Carolina rest anyone?

Rams are going to have to go on the road at either the Eagles, or Bears in the playoffs. This is 99% likely to happen. I can't see another scenario. They are still explosive, but those are two teams that will not go out without a fight. Both are noticeably better than the Falcons (or Panthers, who also beat the Rams).

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

As to Quinn Ewers: He dealt with a lot of pressure at Texas. Everyone wanted to see Arch Manning. Fans, announcers, pundits, experts. Of course we saw what happened when Arch finally did play, and it explained why Ewers started for Texas all last season. Quinn remained poised very well through it all. Also, Ewers fall in the draft was surprising. His fall was overshadowed by Sanders fall. So people forgot about him. But he did well in college, and the potential is there.

Here's the problem with Tua. The way his contract was written, the 2026 season is where it's most heavily loaded, with $54m guaranteed. They can't easily cut him, or it would cause something like a $57m dead money hit, which would be brutal, as Miami is currently -$5m over the cap for next season. Or they could split it at $99m in dead cap hit over two years. The only other option is to find a trading partner. Someone with some cash, who would take Tua and a draft pick for junk in return, then keep Tua as a backup for a year or so, then just cut him. But even that seems unlikely as few teams have that cash, or want to spend it that way (Jets? Titans? Raiders? That's about it). Good article on ESPN explains the details. In it some exec suggested the Fins just rip off the bandaid and cut him, the way Payton did with Russell Wilson. If that happens, I can see Tua retiring. He has plenty of money, and health concerns.

 

[movingtarget]

Rams crawling into the playoffs. Won't win the division let alone the NFC, recent losses to the Panthers and Falcons ! Plus the Hawks loss. not an ideal lead up. Stafford's MVP form has also slipped.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Rams are still explosive and might surprise someone. But they can't seem to play a full 60 minutes on both sides of the ball. And they aren't consistent from week to week, no matter who the opponent. While they can beat anyone, I don't see them running the table, especially with a bunch of road games, come playoffs.

Troy Aikman said the team that gets HFA in the NFC is going to earn it, deserve it, and benefit a lot from it. I agree with him.

 

[SHAD0W93]

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