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]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2005750557068362083

View: https://x.com/NFLSTROUD/status/2005750557068362083

 

[SHAD0W93]

NFL Memes

.. And that's all she wrote for old man Philip Rivers! 😭

www.facebook.com

And that’s all she wrote on Rivers return for alleged health insurance. See you again in five years.

NFL Memes

Woah

www.facebook.com

NFL Memes

Oh boy..

www.facebook.com

And that’s all she wrote on the Diggs’ Brothers.

 

[Nomad]

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.

What team would want him? Let's be honest, he's an injury bust. He's played only one full season healthy in his 6 yr career. Been on IR several times. Multiple concussions putting him at a high risk for CTE. Can't play in the cold where he's 0-5 when the temp is below 40 degrees & 6-13 when the temp is only below 70 degrees. And only one playoff appearance which was a first round exit.

He's in physical decline aging rapidly. He's lost arm strength & quickness. His footwork is getting bad. He's lost leadership with the team. This year he's thrown almost as many picks as scores, and recorded his worst passer rating of his entire career.

I don't know if Tua is in denial or what, but he was demoted to QB3 & replaced by a 7th ed drafted rookie. McDaniel doesn't even have confidence in him as a backup. Lol. It doesn't get any worse than his for a 1st rd drafted QB.

Tua has a ton of money & could retire in a life of luxury that only we could dream of. And I'm sure he'd be a top candidate for a color commentary job on one of the networks or on a panel of one of the talking heads shows. Or if he still has football in his blood, I'm sure he could easily become a QB coach in the league.

The Finns gambled taking him 5th OA knowing the injury history he had at Bama. A 5th OA pick is supposed to be a high performing QB turning the team into a SB contender each & every year. An injury-prone QB who's physical skills start diminishing becomes a major liability.

Scout reveals fatal Tua Tagovailoa flaw that led to riding Dolphins' bench

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's decline didn't happen overnight, and even if he has the will to bounce back, he may not have the physical ability.

phinphanatic.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Considering McDaniel was maybe his biggest supporter, the fact he's #3 on the depth chart says all anyone needs to know.

I can see a team like the Raiders doing something like trading Tonka Hemingway (who? Young DT who only plays special teams) to the Dolphins. And in return they get: Tua, the Dolphins 2nd round draft pick, $20m in cash. Then the Raiders cut Tua, and eat the dead money, knowing that 2nd round pick will help them rebuild. It may take more than that. Like a 2nd and 3rd round pick, or a 1st round pick.

A team in the south could then sign Tua for cheap, and keep him as a 3rd QB for a year or two, maybe as a mentor, as he seems like a good person, and help him transition into coaching. That's the only way I see him staying in the league.

 

[Nomad]

I don't think Tua will settle for anything other than a starting role. Call it the "Russell Wilson" effect where they think they're still starting material despite evidence to the contrary. Lol.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Then he may end up the starting QB for the Birmingham Stallions in the UFL.

 

[Nomad]

View: https://youtu.be/vexiD2G7eR4?si=JlzSvVueXCz5lLMm

3 #1 OAs on the list.

 

[movingtarget]

Playoff-clinching scenarios for Week 18 of 2025 NFL season

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I don't think that video was fair to Flacco, considering what he was asked to do. Why not put Deshaun Watson on there? Sure, he's been hurt, but he's also been awful. I also think it's not fair to put Ward on there. He has steadily improved over the season and there is promise there.

I'm curious where Kyler Murray ends up next year, if there's a coach out there who thinks they can "fix" him. Or if he's going to be a backup for a few years until out of the league.

Presuming the Raiders get the #1 pick, I'm pretty sure they will cut Geno and eat the dead money. Not only has he been bad, he's been pouty, and twice flipped off fans. I can't see Tom Brady wanting someone like that around Mendoza (Moore?).

With the Giants likely to have the 2nd pick in the draft, I see them trading that pick away to the Jets, who have a lot of draft stock. Some poor QB is going to end up on the Jets. If I were Dante Moore, I'd seriously consider staying at Oregon another year instead of being drafted by the Jets. That entire organization just kills quarterbacks.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Eagles resting this week.

REPORT: Eagles To Rest Jalen Hurts, Most Starters In Week 18

The Eagles offensive struggles have been well documented, especially after a rough second half against the Buffalo Bills, but it doesn’t look like they’ll be using their Week 18 game against the Washington Commanders to try and get their offense back on track. Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia...

dailysnark.com

 

[Nomad]

I agree with you on Flacco. On Watson, he wasn't on the list because it only evaluated QBs that played this season. Ward may be a rookie but he was a starter since day one & hasn't shown anything: 30th in QBR (32.1), last in passer rating (79.8), sub-60 Comp Pct, only 15 TDs thrown (24th worse). The offense is terrible under him: 3rd worse points scored (behind the Raiders & Browns), and near bottom in total O. If the team loses to the Pats, they finish 3-14 no better than last year's record under Will Levis who played most of the season with a bad shoulder! And to make matters even worse, Ward is being outplayed by 2nd rounder Tyler Shough, who is the leading candidate for ROY. Remember, Ward comes with a Mahomes Superman package & is suppose to be the answer to the Titan's QB woes.

Kyler Murray looks to be an injury bust, IMO. 27 games missed in the 4 seasons? Are you kidding me? This year he plays in the first five games, then out for the year with that foot injury. Lol. What team wants to take on the risk of an injury-prone QB that isn't getting any younger?

I wonder if the Raiders will actually keep Smith for one more year & take the top-rated offensive lineman with their first pick? Then draft one of the top projected 2nd rd QB prospects like John Maater or Klint Kubnick? Like what the Saints did with drafting OT Keven Banks, Jr with their 1st rd pick & taking Shough in the 2nd rd (Banks has been a day one starter performing well). Mateer is the top dual-threat in this class. Good size, excellent running ability, elite arm strength & good processing speed. Does this sound like the type of QB that Brady might be interested in?

Dart better hope his team gets the #2 pick & not #1 because inside sources say the Giants will look at drafting Mendoza & move on from Dart! Unbelievable if there's any truth to this:

https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/giants-look-fernando-mendoza-no-183159857.html

 

[Oldman]

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).

Rams have shown lack of defensive flexibility when the opponent's run game gets moving. That could be coincidental but the Iggils are the lessor of those two teams on that count.

 

[Oldman]

Watching the 2 ESPN morning sports shows and they seem to avoid discussing what happens if San Fran doesn't beat the Seahawks. For the moment, anyway. Every analysis ends with "what about Sam Darnold?" Hope he does well enough to lose the question mark over his head.

 

[SHAD0W93]

NFL Memes

Trevon Diggs to Green Bay!

www.facebook.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Darnold has the same critics who still think Purdy is average. Sam just had an excellent game against the Rams, and everyone has short term memory loss about it.

As to Ward, his season has indeed been disappointing. But he has looked better the last few games. They were supposed to be an offensive focused team this year with him, and it all crumbled.

ROY on offense I think will go to Tetairoa McMillan. However, voters love QBs, and it could go to Dart. But if you look close at the numbers, Shough has won more with less, against arguably better competition. He throws the ball deeper downfield, and has more clutch throws. He just played less games. Dart also has plenty of TDs.

I wonder if the Raiders will actually keep Smith for one more year & take the top-rated offensive lineman with their first pick?

I don't see that happening, unless A) they get the 2nd pick in the draft, not the first. B) Mendoza and Moore both disappoint in the Combine and Pro Days, and one of the other guys like you mention (toss in Simpson) shine the way Shough did. There is also a chance Mendoza won't do much at the Combine, which I think could be a mistake, then have an average Pro Day. We saw what happened when Shedeur did this.

Rams likely hoping SF beats Seattle, and Tampa beats Carolina. This allows them to have their first playoff game on the road against Tampa. I don't think they have much interest flying to Philly, or Chicago.

 

[Nomad]

Ward is absolutely terrible! Are you aware that he came with the Mahomes Superman package that had the scout's salivating? Lol. I'm not going to buy this BS that he's a rookie with a bad OL & all that crap (and McCoy is doing a horrible job as interim HC). Jayden Daniels had a horrible OL his rookie yr & still found a way to win earning ROY. Nix had a good rookie year & was in the final balloting. Herbert & Stroud were ROY winners. Andrew Luck had an impressive rookie year taking the team to the playoffs. And now Shough is the front runner for ROY:

Former Louisville star making serious push for NFL ROY after odds skyrocket

Former Louisville football star Tyler Shough led the Saints to their fifth win of the season. Shough took over the starting position after Spencer Rattler went

bigredlouie.com

Dart is also terrible! (3-8 as a starter). He doesn't have the best arm & passing skills, and he's uncoachable refusing to protect himself by sliding & running out of bounds more. 4 concussions already? WTH...is this guy an idiot or what? Lol. Daboll blew it on this guy & that's why he was fired. He touted this guy as the next "Josh Allen" & the organization believed him trading up big time to take him in the 1st round. He's more like a 3rd or 4th rounder & no better than Gabriel with a career trajectory more toward a backup (unless he has to medically retire because of concussions).

 https://empiresportsmedia.com/new-y...in-jaxson-dart-really-excited-about-this-guy/

 

[Oldman]

Darnold has the same critics who still think Purdy is average. Sam just had an excellent game against the Rams, and everyone has short term memory loss about it.

This might be the matchup of the season. East Coasters hope they both find ways to lose all the way to NFC championship.
Kindalike Texas Tech fans couldn't believe they lose to a former Pac12....scoring ZERO. Hype doesn't win.