COLTS ON RISE,
EAGLES LAY EGG
It’s been an entertaining Week 11 filled with nail-biters, comebacks
and head-scratchers. And there’s still that Monday night clash in Los Angeles
to come.
What a wild week for the National Football League. And it
will all culminate with that showdown at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Monday
night between the 9-1 Kansas City Chiefs and 9-1 Los Angeles Rams.
As for the other 12 games already played in Week 11, nine of
those were decided by four points or less and three of those contests were won
by a field goal on the final play of the game. So can the showdown between the
AFC West and NFC West leaders live up to that in primetime?
More importantly, were there any major changes when it came
to the power rankings?
32: ARIZONA CARDINALS
Record: 2-8
Last week: L, 23-21 vs OAK
Last rank: 28th
Recap: The Cardinals were in the middle of a
three-game scratch versus AFC West opponents and hoped to fare better at home
against the Oakland Raiders than they did a week ago at Arrowhead Stadium.
While running back David Johnson ran for 1377 yards and ageless wide receiver
Larry Fitzgerald scored on both of his receptions in the game, rookie
quarterback Josh Rosen had quite the interesting afternoon. He connected on
only nine of his 20 throws, with three going for scores and two winding up in
the hands of Raiders’ defenders. But Steve Wilks’ defense couldn’t stop a late
drive and the team lost for the eighth time in 10 outings.
Next Week: Wilks’ team heads the Los Angeles for
the second time this season. Only this time, the Cardinals will face a
revitalized Chargers’ team that is vying for division title. The clubs will
meet for only the third time in nine seasons. The last road game in this series
for Big Red resulted in a 41-10 loss at San Diego back in 2010.
Playoff hopes: There have been some positive at
times for these revamped Cardinals, who have a young and promising quarterback
prospect and some nice pieces on the defense in terms of pass rushers. But this
is very much a team in rebuilding mode despite the presence of a few talented
veterans.
31: OAKLAND RAIDERS
Record: 2-8
Last week: W, 23-21 at ARI
Last rank: 32nd
Recap: The Raiders’ losing streak was at five
straight when Jon Gruden took his team south to Arizona to face a Cardinals’
team that only has two wins themselves. It was an afternoon where the real
“battle” appeared to be between Gruden and quarterback Derek Carr. The veteran
signal-caller threw for 192 yards and two scores but was sacked four times. And
the Oakland ground game came up with 152 yards on 33 carries. When it was all
said and done, Carr drove his team 63 yards in seven plays in the final 1:53.
And Daniel Carlson delivered a 35-yard field goal on the final play of the game
to give the Silver and Black their second win of ’18.
Next Week: The Raiders head east to Baltimore
for the second time in three seasons as these clubs are renew acquaintances for
the fourth consecutive year. In Week 5 of 2017 at Oakland, the Ravens came away
with a 30-17 victory. The Silver and Black had prevailed in the previous two
meetings, including a 28-27 win at Baltimore in ‘16.
Playoff hopes: Running the table doesn’t look
like a possibility for the Silver and Black as the club. But you have to start
somewhere and the team rallied in the final minutes to get its second victory
of the year.
30: NEW YORK JETS
Record: 3-7
Last week: OFF
Last rank: 30th
Recap: Not long ago, the Jets were sitting at
3-3 after consecutive home victories over the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis
Colts. But the club has now dropped four straight games (outscored a combined
115-43 in those contests) and Todd Bowles’ attack has not gotten the job done
as of late. All told, coordinator Jeremy Bates’ unit has reached the end zone
only 18 times in 10 outings. And the clubs has been limited to 17 points or
less in each of their seven setbacks. Rookie quarterback Sam Darnold has shown
flashes, but owned a 55.0 completion percentage his nine outings and totaled
more turnovers (15) than TD passes (11).
Next Week: The Jets may or may not have Donald
back at the helm when they host the New England Patriots. It’s been a lopsided
series in favor of Bill Belichick’s team these last few years. A season ago,
the Green and White was swept by the reigning AFC East champions for the fifth
time in seven seasons dating back to 2011.
Playoff hopes: Things have gotten ugly for the
Green and White as of late and this is a team that not only hasn’t been to the
playoffs since 2010 but owns a dismal 13-29 record since 2016, one year after
Bowles led the club to a 10-6 finish. And this certainly doesn’t look like a
team capable of making a strong run down the stretch.
29: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Record: 2-8
Last week: OFF
Last rank: 29th
Recap: It has turned into quote the “what could
have been” season for Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers. The team split its first two games
but in Week 3 quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a serious knee injury.
And even before the regular-season got under way, the club lost running back
Jerick McKinnon to a similar injury. While he was arguably the teams top
free-agent addition this offseason, Matt Breida has filled the bill well in his
absence, leading the club with 632 rushing yards and five total touchdowns.
Meanwhile, third-stringer quarterback Nick Mullens is now the man at the helm.
Elsewhere. Robert Saleh’s defense remains a work in progress.
Next Week: The 49ers head to Tampa for the first
time since 2013 to face a Buccaneers’ team that has been a disappointment. It’s
the second meeting in three years between the clubs, with Tampa posting a 34-17
victory at San Francisco in 2016. The Niners’ last appearance at Raymond James
Stadium resulted in a 33-14 win in ’13.
Playoff hopes: The 49ers have already ensured
themselves of a fifth consecutive non-winning season. It’s a club that now owns
a disappointing 23-51 overall record dating back to 2014, the year after the
club reached the NFC title game three straight years from 2011-13 – including
Super Bowl XLVII in ‘12. The tough times continue.
28: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Record: 3-7
Last week: L, 38-35 at NYG
Last rank: 26th
Recap: Dirk Koetter’s club headed north to take
on an NFC East opponent for the second straight week as the Buccaneers clashed
with the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. And for the second consecutive
Sunday, the Tampa offense gained over 500 total yards and still found a way to
come up short on the scoreboard. Ryan Fitzpatrick again got the start but would
be pulled after throwing three interceptions. Jameis Winston would take over
and finish with 199 yards and two scores but was also picked off once as well.
The Bucs made it interesting down the stretch but it simply added up to the
team’s fourth straight loss.
Next Week: The Niners get back to action this
Sunday when they travel to Tampa Bay to take on the struggling Buccaneers. It
will be a bit of an old home week for 49ers’ general manager John Lynch who was
a big part of the franchise’s glory days and a pivotal member of the club’s
Super Bowl championship team in 2002.
Playoff hopes: This is a franchise that hasn’t
reached the playoffs since 2007 and it certainly doesn’t look like that streak
will be coming to an end. Make it 29 turnovers in 10 games for Koetter’s club,
including a combined 23 interceptions by Fitzpatrick (12) and Winston (11). A
lot has gone wrong since the team’s 2-0 start.
27: NEW YORK
GIANTS
Record: 3-7
Last week: W/L, 38-35 vs TB
Last rank: 31st
Recap: Off their come-from-behind win on Monday
night at San Francisco, the Giants hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and looked
to win two games in a row for the first time since 2016. It proved to be a big
game for rookie running back Saquon Barkley, who carried 27 times for 142 yards
and two scores and also caught a six-yard touchdown pass. Eli Manning missed on
just one of his 18 pass attempts and threw for 231 yards and two scores. But he
was sacked four times. Meanwhile, a much-maligned Giants’ defense did give up
510 yards but managed four interceptions, one of those returned for a touchdown
by linebacker Alec Ogletree.
Next Week: Big Blue heads to the City of
Brotherly Love looking to avoid another sweep at the hands of the defending
Super Bowl champions. When last the Giants and Eagles met, Philadelphia rolled
to a 34-13 Thursday night win at MetLife Stadium in Week 6. New York has
dropped four straight in this series.
Playoff hopes: The Giants held on for a win but
still have a long ways to go even to get back to the .500 mark. There’s simply
too many teams for this club to leap frog not only within the division but the
conference as well. So could two victories in the span of seven days catapult
Pat Shurmur’s squad to the role of spoiler?
26: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Record: 3-7
Last week: L, 20-16 vs PIT
Last rank: 22nd
Recap: Doug Marrone’s team was riding a
five-game losing streak as they hosted the Steelers on Sunday. The Jaguars
established the run early and often against the Pittsburgh defense, kept Mike
Tomlin’s offense off the field and grabbed a 3-0 lead early the second quarter.
They expanded that advantage to 9-0 by halftime and had intercepted Ben
Roethlisberger twice. The veteran signal-caller was picked off for a third time
in the third quarter, this time in the end zone. But the Jacksonville offense managed
a mere 74 yards in the second half, Blake Bortles would be sacked six times in
the game and the Jaguars gave up 14 points in the final 2:28 of the game.
Next Week: The Jaguars head north to Orchard
Park for the second time in three years to face the 3-7 Buffalo Bills in a 2017
postseason rematch. A year ago at Jacksonville, Marrone’s team managed a 10-3
victory in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs. Including that postseason clash, this
marks the fourth consecutive year the teams will meet.
Playoff hopes: The Jaguars had already lost more
games as they did in the regular season a year ago when the club won the AFC
South with a 10-6 record. And they now stand as the only team in the division
with a losing record. Marrone’s club squandered a 16-0 third-quarter lead and
there’s a lot of blame to go around for this latest loss.
25: BUFFALO BILLS
Record: 3-7
Last week: OFF
Last rank: 25th
Recap: A team that reached the playoffs a year
ago hasn’t come close to resembling those same attributes after 10 games this
season. Sean McDermott’s Buffalo Bills has had a few occasional moments. But
more times than not, the club’s shortcomings on the offensive line was just one
reason the club has utilized four different starting quarterbacks to date. And
when the Bills have lost, it’s been ugly for the most part – outscored a
combined 223-56 in seven setbacks. The quarterback picture has included Nathan
Peterman (no longer with the team), rookie Josh Allen and veterans Derek
Anderson and Matt Barkley. On a positive note, the defense has played better as
of late.
Next Week: When the Bills take the field once
again in Week 12, there will be a home tilt with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A
year ago in a first-round playoff encounter, McDermott’s team fell short by a
10-3 score. Including that meeting, these clubs will clash for the fourth
straight year and fifth time in six seasons.
Playoff hopes: The Bills finished 2017 with a
9-7 record and reached the playoffs for the first time since 1999. The club
would have to run the table to get back to that mark and would have to play
dramatically different football for that to happen. It’s been a rough year when
you have wind up with more starting quarterbacks (4) than wins (3).
24: CLEVELAND
BROWNS
Record: 3-6-1
Last week: OFF
Last rank: 24th
Recap: Of course, there’s usually nowhere to go
but up after a 0-16 season. But that’s what many said after the team won one
game in 2016. Still, these Cleveland Browns have made considerable strides from
the previous two years combined and credit general manager John Dorsey for
making a huge impression in his first draft with the club. Quarterback Baker
Mayfield, cornerback Denzel Ward and running back Nick Chubb have all made an
impact as rookies. Still, it’s been another year of change as both head coach Hue
Jackson and 2018 hire/offensive coordinator Todd Haley were given pink slips
after the Week 8 loss at Pittsburgh.
Next Week: The Browns will be back on the field
this Sunday and take on the Bengals at Cincinnati. The team has dropped seven
consecutive meetings to their intrastate rival, including three in a row at
Paul Brown Stadium. Dating back to Cleveland’s reappearance in the NFL in 1999,
the club owns a 12-26 record it this divisional series.
Playoff hopes: The team has a pair of games
remaining with the division-rival Bengals, along with a trip to Baltimore in
Week 17. Of course, this is a club that has dropped 25 consecutive road games,
one short of tying the NFL record. It’s an improved team that could make some
noise the final six weeks of 2018.
23: DETROIT LIONS
Record: 4-6
Last week: W, 20-19 vs CAR
Last rank: 27th
Recap: The Lions took a three-game losing streak
into Sunday’s meeting with the visiting Carolina Panthers, a team that was
coming off its own rough outing more than a week ago. Matt Patricia’s defense
rose to the occasion against the NFL’s third-ranked rushing attack heading into
Week 11. Detroit limited the Panthers to just 56 yards on the ground on 16
attempts. The Lions did give up 357 yards through the air to Cam Newton but sacked
him three times and picked off one of his passes. And the team got a bit of a
break late in the game when the Panthers’ quarterback misfired on a two-point
conversion pass that wound up being the difference in the game.
Next Week: It’s the annual Thanksgiving home
game for the Lions. And this holiday has treated the Men from Motown fairly
right the last few years. The opposition is to Chicago Bears, who knocked off
Detroit at Soldier Field, 34-22, less than two weeks (Week 10). The Lions are
37-39-2 lifetime on Thanksgiving Day dating back to 1934.
Playoff hopes: Consider that three of the team’s
four wins this season have come against the Patriots, Packers and Panthers and
it’s easy to see why this may be the most unpredictable team in the NFC.
Unfortunately, it’s a club that owns a 1-2 record in the division and a 2-5 vs.
the other teams in the NFC. That’s a big hole to dig out of.
22: DENVER BRONCOS
Record: 4-6
Last week: W, 23-22 at LAC
Last rank: 23rd
Recap: It was the first of two meetings this
season with the Los Angeles Chargers for the well-rested Broncos as Vance
Joseph’s club began a stretch that would see the team play third road games in
a four-week span. The team brought a two-game skid into the contest and would
attempt to cool off a club that brought a six-game winning streak into this
showdown. And Denver would get just enough offense from quarterback Case Keenum
and rookie running back Phillip Lindsay, the latter running for 79 yards and
two scores. Most importantly, the Broncos played turnover-free football and
hung around until a late drive set up Brandon McManus’ 34-yard field goal at
the gun.
Next Week: The last time the Broncos hosted the
Pittsburgh Steelers, it was three years ago in the playoffs and Denver was on
its way to a Super Bowl title. As for a little more recent history, the Men
from Mile High have won five of the last seven meetings between these franchise
(including playoffs) dating back to 2006.
Playoff hopes: Even with a road divisional win
under their shoulder pads, the Broncos are still five games behind the
first-place Kansas City Chiefs and were swept by Andy Reid’s club. If Joseph’s
club can get back to the .500 mark over the next two weeks, they very much have
a shot at a playoff appearance.
21: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Record: 4-6
Last week: L, 48-7 at NO
Last rank: 12th
Recap: The Eagles flew south to the Crescent
City looking to get back on track as the defending Super Bowl champions had
already lost two more games than they did in all of 2017. They would face a
Saints’ team that had won eight consecutive games heading into this battle. And
Doug Pederson’s club looked anything like a contender as the Philadelphia
offense managed 196 total yards while quarterback Carson Wentz was sacked three
times and threw three interceptions. Jim Schwartz’s defensive unit surrendered
a disturbing 546 total yards and allowed the Saints to control the football for
37:34. Embarrassing would be an understatement.
Next Week: It’s a rematch with the rival Giants,
who the Birds defeated back in Week 6 on a Thursday night at MetLife Stadium
(34-13). Dating back to the teams’ second meeting in 2008 and including a
playoff clash that year, the Eagles are 17-4 in the last 21 meeting in this
longtime NFC East rivalry.
Playoff hopes: Because the Birds are in a
division in which no team has separated itself from the other three, the Eagles
are still in the thick of things due to the fact that they still have both
games remaining with the first-place Redskins. But things have gone very wrong
for a team that has twice as many losses as a year ago.
20: ATLANTA FALCONS
Record: 4-6
Last week: L, 22-19 vs DAL
Last rank: 17th
Recap: The Falcons looked to rebound it on
following last Sunday’s surprising loss at Cleveland as Dan Quinn’s club hosted
the Dallas Cowboys – a team the Falcons handled a year ago at Atlanta. Things
would be different this time around as Matt Ryan and company wound up trailing
in the fourth quarter, 19-12, but managed to forge a tie thanks to a 34-yard
touchdown reception by Julio Jones and Matt Bryant’s PAT with 1:52 to play. But
the Atlanta defense couldn’t make the big play on defense and the Cowboys wound
up with a game-winning field goal on the final play of the afternoon. And
Quinn’s team failed to force a turnover in the latest frustrating loss.
Next Week: Quinn’s club follows up its tilt with
the Cowboys by heading to the Crescent City for a Turkey night clash with the
rival New Orleans Saints. Back in late September at Atlanta (Week 3), the
Falcons couldn’t hold off to Drew Brees and company when it counted most and
fell in overtime, 43-37.
Playoff hopes: Just when it looked like this was
a resilient team ready to make a run at a third consecutive playoff appearance,
things have gone south for the Falcons once again. The defense remains
shorthanded and that’s bad news in a division where each of their rivals have
few problems putting points on the scoreboard.
19: MIAMI DOLPHINS
Record: 5-5
Last week: OFF
Last rank: 20th
Recap: You can certainly make the case that
these Dolphins are the most unpredictable team in the AFC, if not the entire
National Football League. The club’s 3-0 start was followed by five losses in
its next seven games. It’s been another season of injuries the quarterback Ryan
Tannehill, who started the first five games of the season but hasn’t been on
the field since. Ageless Frank Gore has sparked a running game on occasion but
the passing attack has been sporadic, be in Tannehill or Brock Osweiler at the
controls. And Miami’s defense has been abysmal as of late, especially against
the run. That despite the fact Adam Gase’s club has 19 takeaways in 10 games.
Next Week: Those unpredictable Dolphins come off
their midseason vacation and head north to Indianapolis to face a Colts’ team
that has played much better football as of late and also sports a 5-5 record.
It’s Miami’s first appearance at Lucas Oil Stadium since 2013, when the ‘Fins
came away with a 24-20 victory.
Playoff hopes: There are now a bunch of 5-5 team
in the AFC and if the Dolphins can string together a few wins as they did at
the start of the season, they could be back in the playoffs for the second time
in three years. But Gase is going to need a major turnaround from a defense
that has fallen on hard times after a respectable start.
18: BALTIMORE RAVENS
Record: 5-5
Last week: W, 24-21 vs CIN
Last rank: 19th
Recap: The Bengals made their way to Baltimore
in position to sweep the rival Ravens for the third time in five seasons. It
was a year ago that Marvin Lewis’ club knocked this divisional adversary out of
the playoffs with a 31-27 victory at Baltimore in Week 17. And back in Week 2
at Cincinnati, the Bengals pushed around the Ravens’ defense. Rookie
quarterback Lamar Jackson made his first start, throwing for 150 yards (1
interception) but carrying 27 times for 117 yards as well. All told, Baltimore
rushed for 265 yards and rolled up 403 total yards. Harbaugh’s club held the
ball for 38:09 and did just enough to squeeze out a crucial win.
Next Week: Harbaugh’s club hosts the Raiders for
the second time in three seasons. When last these teams met, the Ravens came up
with a 30-17 win a year ago at Oakland (Week 5). Including a postseason meeting
in 2000, Baltimore owns an 8-3 advantage in a series that dates back to the
franchise’s first regular-season game in 1996.
Playoff hopes: Another loss to the Bengals would
have put Harbaugh’s team very much behind the eight ball when it came to making
a run at the postseason. But the Ravens stepped up when they had to and are
very much in the middle of a jumbled AFC. Can this club get hot down the
stretch instead of fading late in the year?
17: TENNESSEE
TITANS
Record: 5-5
Last week: L, 38-10 at IND
Last rank: 15th
Recap: Off back to back impressive wins over the
Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots, Mike Vrabel’s squad made its way to
Lucas Oil Stadium to fate a Colts’ team that a year ago the Titans swept for
the first time since 2002. And for as good as this team looked in their
previous two games was as inept as it was at Indianapolis. Tennessee allowed 38
points and 397 yards of total offense after allowing 151 points and 328 yards
per contest in its first nine outings. Meanwhile, quarterback Marcus Mariota
took a whipping, sacked four times and eventually leaving the game. It was
quite the surprise outing for a team that looked like it was turning the
corner.
Next Week: It is arguably the biggest game of
the season in the AFC South to date. The Titans head to Houston for a Monday
night clash with the Texans. Back in Week 2 at Nashville, the club held on for
a 20-17 win over Bill O’Brien’s team. But a year ago when the clubs met at NRG
Stadium, the Texans rolled to a wild 57-14 win.
Playoff hopes: The Titans are sitting at .500
with six games to play. But they still ow a 2-1 record within the AFC South and
one of those victories came against the first-place Texans. Those two teams
meet this Monday night and it’s very important that Vrabel and company stop the
bleeding as soon as possible.
16: DALLAS COWBOYS
Record: 5-5
Last week: W, 22-19 at ATL
Last rank: 18th
Recap: Off their biggest victory of the season,
the Cowboys made their way to Atlanta to face a team that abused quarterback
Dak Prescott a year ago (Week 10) to the tune of eight sacks in a 27-7 Falcons’
win. But it would be a much different story thus time around as running back
Ezekiel Elliott enjoyed a huge afternoon against the Falcons’ defense. The
third-year pro carried 23 times for 122 yards and one score, plus caught seven
passes for 79 yards. Dallas’ defense limited Atlanta to only 80 yards rushing
and while Matt Ryan had his share of yards (291), Rod Marinelli’s unit made
plays when it counted most and allowed just one touchdown in the three-point
win.
Next Week: The Cowboys prepare to welcome the
Redskins to AT&T Stadium on Thanksgiving Day. The clubs met back in Week 7
at Washington, with the ‘Skins coming away with a 20-17 win. Despite that loss,
Dallas owns an 8-3 record in this series dating back to 2013. The ‘Boys own a
30-19-1 lifetime record on Thanksgiving.
Playoff hopes: Things took a dramatic turn on
Sunday. While the Cowboys won a second consecutive road game, the Eagles and
first-place Washington Redskins both took it on the chin. And the latter will
have a different quarterback at the helm on Thanksgiving Day at Arlington as
Dallas inches close to first place in the NFC East.
15: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Record: 5-5
Last week: W, 27-24 vs GB
Last rank: 16th
Recap: Winners of four out of five games after
opening 0-2, the Seahawks were back under the .500 mark following their recent
losses to the Chargers and Rams. The club hosted the Green Bay Packers on
Thursday night and fell behind 14-3 after one quarter of play. But Pete
Carroll’s club exercised patience with the ground game and it paid off in a big
way despite digging itself an early hole at home. By game’s end, Seattle
totaled 35 running plays (for 173 yards) and 34 pass plays, controlling the
clock for 34:18. Russell Wilson threw for 225 yards and two scores. And the
Seahawks’ defense was brilliant when it came to stopping the Packers on third
down.
Next Week: It wasn’t long ago that the Seahawks
and Carolina Panthers were facing each other in the playoffs. The teams clashed
in the post season two straight years from 2014-15. Including playoffs, next
Sunday’s clash in Charlotte will mark the eight times in seven years (dating
back to ‘12) that these clubs will square off.
Playoff hopes: Despite the fact that the
Seahawks have won five of their last eight games after that 0-2 start, two of
their five losses this season are to the first-place Rams. So the chances of
the team winning the NFC West are very slim. But there’s no reason that this
club can’t grab a wild card berth if they continue to improve.
14: CINCINNATI BENGALS
Record: 5-5
Last week: L, 24-21 at BAL
Last rank: 14th
Recap: There were some coaching changes made by
the Bengals in advance of this rematch with the Ravens at Baltimore. Cincinnati
defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was let go while recently-fired Cleveland
Browns head coach Hue Jackson re-joined Marvin Lewis’ staff. In any case, the
Bengals’ defense continued to have its issues and wound up surrendering 403
total yards (265 on the ground) to a Baltimore attack that saw rookie
quarterback Lamar Jackson make his first NFL start. Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s
ground attack managed only 48 yards on 16 carries and the team lost the time of
possession battle by more than 16 minutes.
Next Week: The Bengals will face an AFC North
rival for the second consecutive Sunday as they host the 3-6-1 Cleveland
Browns. It’s been a lopsided series as of late as Cincinnati has prevailed in
the last seven meetings between these clubs – by a combined score of 213-63.
Playoff hopes: Now losers of four of their last
five games, the Bengals are now one of five teams in the AFC with a 5-5 record.
It figures to be a very interesting final six weeks of the season, especially
if Lewis can get the club’s defensive issues resolved. There’s still enough
talent on this team to make a strong stretch run.
13: GREEN BAY PACKERS
Record: 4-5-1
Last week: L, 27-24 at SEA
Last rank: 13th
Recap: Mike McCarthy’s club made its way to the
Pacific Northwest for a Thursday evening tilt with the Seahawks as the Packers
sought their first road win of 2018. And Green Bay got off to a 14-3
first-quarter lead thanks to an early turnover by Pete Carroll’s team (setting
up an Aaron Jones TD run) and a 54-yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers to reserve
tight end Robert Tonyan. But the team couldn’t hold the lead and dropped below
.500 again. And it’s worth noting that on Green Bay’s first possession of the
game, the team ran twice for 16 yards, both by Jones – the second for a score.
The Packers ran the ball only 11 times (32 yards) the remainder of the game.
Next Week: The Pack heads to the Twin Cities for
a Sunday evening tilt with the Minnesota Vikings. Back in Week 2 at Lambeau
Field, these longtime divisional rivals (which have combined to win the last 7
NFC North titles) played to a 29-29 overtime tie. Green Bay is just 1-4-1 in
the last six meetings between these clubs.
Playoff hopes: The Packers remain winless on the
road and that’s something that has to be rectified sooner than later if they
are going to qualify for the playoffs. Fortunately for this club, the NFC North
remains extremely tight. And fortunately for McCarthy, Rodgers and the team,
Green Bay gets 3 more cracks at their division rivals.
12: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Record: 5-5
Last week: W, 38-10 vs TEN
Last rank: 21st
Recap: Winners of 3 consecutive games, Frank
Reich’s improving Colts hosted Tennessee with an opportunity to get back to the
.500 mark. One of the keys to Indianapolis’ revival in recent weeks has been
the play of an offensive line that had not allowed a sack in four consecutive
outings entering this clash with the Titans’ defense. And the Colts’ resurgence
continued as the club built a 24-0 halftime lead and rolled to a resounding
win. Andrew Luck threw for297 yards and three touchdown passes and wasn’t
sacked for the fifth consecutive game. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis’ defense
came up with five quarterback traps and a pair of timely interceptions.
Next Week: The Colts will be home for the third
consecutive week as the team takes on the 5-5 Miami Dolphins. It’s the clubs’
first meeting since 2015 as these one-time AFC East rivals collide for just the
fourth time since 2012. Indianapolis came away with an 18-12 win in ’15 at
South Florida when last these clubs squared off.
Playoff hopes: Never say never in a league where
there have been plenty of comebacks after a shaky start. The Colts are right
back in the thick of the playoff race thanks to four consecutive wins,
including back-to-back victories over their divisional rivals from Jacksonville
and Tennessee. And yes, this is a team now doing things the Reich way.
11: WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Record: 6-4
Last week: L, 23-21 vs HOU
Last rank: 10th
Recap: It was a battle of division leaders at
FedEx Field as the Redskins hosted the Houston Texans for the first time since
2010 in what was only the fifth regular-season meeting between the franchises.
And Jay Gruden’s team found itself in a 17-7 hole in the second quarter. Things
would get even worse in the second half as veteran quarterback Alex Smith (2
interceptions, 1 returned for a touchdown) went down with a broken tibia and
fibula (via Gruden) and is now out for the season. Veteran running back Adrian
Peterson scored twice but Washington’s makeshift offensive line surrendered
five sacks, three on Smith and two on backup Colt McCoy.
Next Week: Back in Week 7 at Landover, the
Redskins held off the Cowboys, 20-17. Now the teams clash on Turkey Day at
Arlington with Washington in position to sweep this series for the 1st time
since 2012. It marks the third straight year that the ‘Skins will play on
Thanksgiving Day and the second time in three years at Dallas.
Playoff hopes: The team still owns a one-game
lead in the NFC East and has already beaten the second-place Cowboys once this
season. The team meet again on Turkey Day and the ‘Skins are hoping they are up
to the task. Washington owns a 2-0 record vs. their division brethren and play
four of their last six games against those rivals.
10: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Record: 7-3
Last week: L, 23-22 vs DEN
Last rank: 9th
Recap: When it was all said and done, it proved
to be an unusual afternoon for a club that brought a six-game winning streak
into this contest. The Chargers would roll up 479 total yards against the
Denver defense. But once again, a missed kick would come back to haunt
Anthony’s Lynn’s squad. Philip Rivers threw for 401 yards and two scores but
was also picked off twice and sacked three times. Ageless Antonio Gates caught
five passes for 80 yards and one of Rivers’ two touchdowns. But Michael
Badgley, who connected for three field goals on the afternoon, botched a PAT on
the team’s second touchdown of the game and that unfortunately proved to be
very costly.
Next Week: The Bolts are home for a second
consecutive week as they host the struggling Cardinals. The teams last met in
2014 at on a Monday night at Arizona with the home team coming away with an
18-17 victory. As for the last time the Chargers hosted the series, the club
came away with a 41-10 win in 2010 at San Diego.
Playoff hopes: While the Chargers’ unexpected
loss was certainly a slight blow to their division title hopes, the team has
still built up quite the resume in terms of making its first playoff appearance
since 2013. There’s a lot of talent on this team but the Bolts nay be kicking
themselves
9: CAROLINA PANTHERS
Record: 6-4
Last week: L, 20-19 at DET
Last rank: 8th
Recap: Off that humbling 52-21 road loss to the
Steelers, the Panthers did have a few extra days to prepare for their visit to
Ford Field. Ron Rivera’s club took the opening possession and drove for a
touchdown but the Lions responded by tying the score. Cam Newton, who threw for
357 yards and three scores (1 interception) went down briefly but would return
and find Curtis Samuel for a 12-yard touchdown pass. But Graham Gano would miss
the PAT and the game would remained tied at 13-13 in the fourth quarter. Down
20-13 late, Newton then found D.J. Moore for a TD with 1:07 to play but would
overthrow a wide-open target on the two-point conversion try.
Next Week: The Panthers return home and host
Pete Carroll’s Seahawks for the first time since Carolina was humbled on a
Sunday night in the Pacific Northwest (40-7) two years ago. Rivera’s team will
be hosting the ‘Hawks for the first time since Carolina’s 31-24 win in the 2015
NFC Divisional Playoffs.
Playoff hopes: Carolina is now three games
behind the red-hot Saints in the NFC South. But Rivera’s team also has two
games remaining with Sean Payton’s team and four games overall remaining
against their divisional rivals. The Panthers will need some help to topple New
Orleans. But the playoffs are certainly well in range.
8: MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Record: 5-4-1
Last week: L, 25-20 at CHI
Last rank: 6th
Recap: The defending NFC North champions headed
to the Windy City as the team’s first meeting of the season with the Chicago
Bears was flexed into prime time. But quarterback Kirk Cousins was under plenty
of duress all evening despite being sacked only two times. He would throw for
262 yards and two scores but was also picked off twice, one of those returned
27 yards for a score. And Mike Zimmer’s defense gave up 148 yards on the ground
after entering the week as the NFL’s third-ranked run defense. Meanwhile, the
Minnesota pass rush just couldn’t handle Mitch Trubisky as he eluded Zimmer’s
defense for most of the evening.
Next Week: Zimmer’s team host a Green Bay
Packers’ squad who hasn’t won on the road this season (0-5) but will have had a
little extended time to prepare for this rematch. Back in Week 2 at Lambeau
Field, these longtime rivals played to a 29-all tie. As of late, Minnesota has
own this series with a 4-1-1 record in the last 6 meetings.
Playoff hopes: The Vikings’ first divisional
loss of the season was a tough one and the team must rebound quickly nest
Sunday night at home against the Packers. The club’s defense continues to be
inconsistent and this talented squad is still not quite in sync. But the Bears
are still very catchable with six weeks to go.
7: NEW ENGLAND
PATRIOTS
Record: 7-3
Last week: OFF
Last rank: 7th
Recap: The NFL’s reigning dynasty remains one of
the league’s best team and currently owns a two-game lead in the AFC East. But
at times, the New England Patriots have been a little bit mystifying. The club
has not performed very well on the road, with all three of its losses the
season occurring away from the friendly confines of Foxborough and each by
double digits. While quarterback Tom Brady remains one of the masters of his
craft and the offense has been better as of late, injuries to rookie running
back Sony Michel and tight end Rob Gronkowski haven’t helped. And Bill
Belichick’s defense has been subpar for the second consecutive year.
Next Week: Dating back to realignment in 2002,
no team in the NFL owns a better divisional record then the Patriots. The team
has already easily disposed of the Dolphins (38-7) and Bills (25-6) this year
and now head to MetLife Stadium to take on the Jets. New England has prevailed
in 12 of the last 14 meetings dating back to 2011.
Playoff hopes: Even with all of their flaws, the
Patriots still own the top spot in the AFC East. And it would take a big effort
from one of the other three clubs to derail the team on the way to another
division title and an NFL-record 10th consecutive playoff appearance. And just
when you think this club is on the decline, well…
6: HOUSTON TEXANS
Record: 7-3
Last week: W, 23-21 at WAS
Last rank: 11th
Recap: Bill O’Brien’s club had two weeks to
prepare for its first trip to Washington since 2010. The Texans also took a
six-game winning streak into this meeting of first-place teams. Houston opened
up a 10-0 lead with just over three minutes remaining in the first quarter.
With the Redskins threatening to take the lead late in the first half, rookie
safety Justin Reid picked off Alex Smith and raced 101 yards to the end zone.
It was a wild outing for kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn, who connected for three field
goals but missed two attempts as well. The Texans won a road game despite
turning over the ball three times; two of those interceptions by quarterback
Deshaun Watson.
Next Week: It’s another prime time game for the
Texans, who get a chance to avenge that 20-17 loss in Week 2 at Nashville as
the rival Tennessee Titans come to town. A year ago in Week 4 at NRG Stadium,
Watson and company put on quite the show in a wild and resounding 57-14
victory.
Playoff hopes: Both playoff teams from a year
ago in the AFC South, the Jaguars and Titans, took it on the chin on Sunday.
O’Brien’s team still owns a two-game lead in the division and still has all
three home divisional games remaining on the schedule. But those surging
Indianapolis Colts certainly bear watching.
5: CHICAGO BEARS
Record: 7-3
Last week: W, 25-20 vs MIN
Last rank: 5th
Recap: For the 2nd consecutive week, the Bears
looked to increase their lead in the NFC North as they took on the talented
Minnesota Vikings. Vic Fangio’s swarming defense made life uncomfortable for
Kirk Cousins, who was sacked twice and served up two interceptions – one of
those thefts returned 27 yards for a touchdown by safety Eddie Jackson midway
through the fourth quarter. Chicago’s ground attack rolled up 148 yards on 39
carries, the vast majority of that by running back Jordan Howard (63) and
quarterback Mitch Trubisky (43). But the second-year signal-caller was also
picked off twice in the game, part of three turnovers by Matt Nagy’s club.
Next Week: Less than 2 weeks ago, the Bears handed
the Lions a 34-22 setback at Soldier Field. Now comes the rematch on
Thanksgiving Day at Ford Field, a place where Chicago has dropped five straight
games dating back to 2013. Despite the win in Week 10, the Bears are still just
2-9 in their last 11 games in this series.
Playoff hopes: After dropping 10 straight games
to division foes, the Bears have now knocked off the visiting Lions and Vikings
on consecutive Sundays. The team owns a 2-1 record vs. their NFC North rivals
and now has the chance to sweep Detroit on Thursday. Nagy’s team has appeared
to survive its midseason burp.
4: PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Record: 7-2-1
Last week: W, 20-16 at JAC
Last rank: 4th
Recap: Off that rousing Thursday night home win
over Carolina, Mike Tomlin’s team had a few extra days to prepare for their
trip to Jacksonville. A year ago, the Jaguars defeated the Steelers twice at
Heinz Field – including a wild 45-42 setback in the AFC Divisional Playoffs. By
intermission, the team was down 9-0, Pittsburgh’s offense had gained a total of
66 yards and Ben Roethlisberger had thrown a pair of interceptions. Meanwhile,
Tomlin’s defense had already surrendered 141 yards on the ground. There would
be a third pick for Big Ben, but he gathered himself and led the club to a
comeback win, scoring the deciding touchdown on a one-yard run with five
seconds to play.
Next Week: The Steelers head to the Mile High
City for the first time since the 2015 AFC Divisional Playoffs – a 23-16 loss
to the eventual Super Bowl 50 champions. That also marks the last time these
two clubs. Including playoffs, Tomlin’s team owns a 1-4 record at Denver dating
back to ‘07.
Playoff hopes: This may prove to be the team’s
most important victory of the season as Tomlin’s club overcame a horrendous
start, got its act together and won for the sixth straight time. This Steelers’
defense has done its share as well as of late. And the other three teams in the
AFC North have all lost at least five games.
3: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 9-1
Last week: MNF at LAR
Last rank: 3rd
Recap: Due to the shaky field conditions at
Azteca Stadium, the league opted to move Monday night’s clash with the Rams
slated for Mexico City to the Los Angeles Coliseum. Of course, no matter where
Andy Reid’s team has played this season, the club has had few problems finding
the end zone. The team averages 35.3 points per contest and the club’s
offensive unit has totaled 41 touchdowns – 31 of those courtesy of
quarterback’s Patrick Mahomes. This supporting cast of running back Kareem
Hunt, wideouts Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins and tight end Travis Kelce are as
good as it gets. And Bob Sutton’s defensive unit is starting to show signs of
life.
Next Week: Reid’s team has a week off following
the Monday night showdown with the Rams at Los Angeles. When the club returns
to the field in Week 13, the Chiefs’ remaining schedule starts with the first
of two games with the rival Raiders in the final five weeks – beginning with a
trip to Oakland.
Playoff hopes: With the Chargers going down on
Sunday, Reid’s squad can increase its lead in the AFC West with a victory over
the Rams. The team has won four consecutive games since that heartbreaking
Sunday night loss at Foxborough. And if the defense can continue to improve,
the sky’s the limit for these talented Chiefs.
2: LOS ANGELES RAMS 9-1
Last week: MNF vs KC
Last rank: 2nd
Recap: It figures to be quite a show down at a
Los Angeles as the explosive Rams look for their 10th victory of the season.
The last time this franchise reached double digits in the win column was when
they achieved that feat for three consecutive years was 1999-2001. Quarterback
Jared Goff has been highly efficient, running back Todd Gurley remains
sensational (17 touchdowns, 108 total points) and a talented receiving corps
that will miss Cooper Kupp the rest of the year. But Wade Phillips’ defensive
unit has to be much more effective. Despite all of the firepower by Sean
McVay’s offense, the Rams are allowing 23.1 points per game in ’18.
Next Week: The Rams, along with the Kansas City
Chiefs, are the last two teams to have their off week. When McVay’s club
returns to action, the reigning NFC West champions have back-to-back road games
– the first a Sunday night clash with the Chicago Bears, followed by a trip to
the Motor City to face the Lions.
Playoff hopes: With the Seahawks winning on
Thursday, the Rams will have to wait at least another week to wrap up the NFC
West. Meanwhile, the club has a lot of work to do on defense, especially when
it comes to stopping the run. It’s a team that appears headed to the postseason
but it could be a short stay if this area isn’t tightened up.
1: NEW ORLEANS
SAINTS
Record: 9-1
Last week: W, 48-7 vs PHI
Last rank: 1st
Recap: Sean Payton’s red hot team took an
eight-game winning streak into their home tilt with the struggling Philadelphia
Eagles. And the Saints wasted little time showing just how dominant a team they
are these days by cruising to a 24-7 halftime lead over the Birds. By game’s
end, the NFC South front-runners had out-gained the defending Super Bowl
champions by 350 yards (546-196), played turnover-free football and did not
allow a sack. Drew Brees threw for 363 yards and four scores to four different
players. Mark Ingram ran for 103 yards and two touchdowns and the New Orleans’
defense picked off Carson Wentz three times.
Next Week: The Saints are home for the second
time in five days as they host the rival Falcons on Thanksgiving night. Back in
Week 3 at Atlanta, Payton’s team prevailed in a wild 43-37 overtime
extravaganza. Dating back to Brees’ arrival in the Big Easy in 2006, New
Orleans owns a 17-8 advantage in this longtime rivalry.
Playoff hopes: While Payton’s team remains on
cruise control, the other three teams in the NFC South all lost for the second
consecutive week. A year ago, this club got off to a 0-2 start. Since then, the
Saints own a 20-4 regular-season record and are on a nine-game winning streak.
No team is playing better football these days.
No comments:
Post a Comment