Nail. Coffin. That will do it on my 2025 quest for the championship belt. All I’ve got left is to play spoiler and the Toilet Bowl. It was a disappointing season, obviously, I’ll do a post mortem after the season.
I made mistakes in this game, namely leaving Kyle Monangai on the bench, but none of it cost me. My team just wasn’t good enough.
Caleb Williams, once again, carried my team with 26 points. He’ll be one of my keepers for next season.
Running back was a black hole for my team, as usual. I managed only 6 points from the RB position while my opponent scored 39.
My receivers were decent, Parker Washington, an injury replacement, and Tetairoa McMillan both scored touchdowns, but I lost the WR battle 30-25.
Trey McBride had his worst week in awhile, but he was still decent. Colston Loveland was actually better and I’m pretty certain he’ll be another one of my 2026 keepers.
Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears. Photo Credit- Nam Huh/ Associated Press
Week 13 Preview
BJ & Da’ Bears vs Legion of Squirrels
Projected Lineups & Reserves
Previous Matchup
Week 1 Result
I’m into spoiler mode. I can’t solely eliminate my opponent with a win, but I can severely hurt their playoff chances.
I’m a big underdog, right now, but the odds will get closer once I have a defense in place.
My keys to the week:
Caleb Williams: Williams has a tough matchup, but if I’m going to pull off the upset I need him to come through.
Oronde Gadsden II: I’m playing Gadsden at my second flex, over Loveland, because he has a great matchup.
Tetairoa McMillan: One of the things I’ll be trying to figure out during the remainder of the season is who I want to keep for next season. McMillan is one of the contenders as a fourth round pick.
Rome Odunze: Odunze is another contender for a keeper, as a seventh round pick. If he can be more consistent down the stretch, he might have the edge.
Big win to finish off the non-division slate for the Trash Pandas, and I didn’t need to sweat this one out. This win vaulted me into a three way tie atop my division, as of now I own the tiebreaker since I’m 3-0 in the division. A lot can happen over the next three weeks, but I feel good about this team.
Trevor Lawrence started at QB for me due to Justin Herbert’s bye week. Lawrence acquitted himself well, putting up 25 points, but I lost the QB matchup by 10.
My WRs were a disappointment, Jordan Addison was shut out, while Rome Odunze & Luther Burden III each managed only 5 points. I lost the WR battle, 16-10.
Andy Borregales had an awesome week, scoring 34 points, and any other week my kicker would have had a strong case for MVP, but not this week.
I won this week because of one man. My first round draft pick, Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs had an all-time monster fantasy week putting up an astounding 67 points!
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions. Photo Credit- Rey Del Rio/ Associated Press
Week 13 Preview
Trash Pandas vs Achilles Heels
Projected Lineups & Reserves
Previous Matchup
Week 1 Result
I picked up my first ever victory over the Achilles Heels in Week 1, despite making some serious managerial mistakes. I’m heavily favored in this rematch, though I think the odd will narrow considerably once they get Nix, Achane & Waddle into the lineup. Even still, I like my chances.
The Heels are one of the two teams I’m tied with for the division lead, so a win here would be huge.
My keys to the week:
TreVeyon Henderson: Henderson has a really good matchup this week and he got the bulk of the work last week, even with Rhamondre Stevenson back. Problem was, Stevenson vultured some red zone touches. I need Henderson to assert his dominance not just for this week, but for the remainder of the season.
Justin Herbert: Herbert’s last outing was miserable and Trevor Lawrence has a good matchup, but so does Herbert and I’m banking on a bounce back week.
Bhayshul Tuten: I’m putting Tuten into my lineup out of frustration with my WRs. I may change my mind, but Tuten has a pretty good matchup.
Jahmyr Gibbs: My bell cow carried me to a win last week and he’s really the key to my whole season. Funny enough, he’s got the exact same matchup he did the first time I played the Heels. It didn’t go well then, but this one is in Detroit.
As we start Thanksgiving week, I thought it was a good time to recalibrate my power rankings. I wanted to make sure I had playoff contenders above teams I think are pretty much eliminated. I also wanted my rankings to better reflect how good I actually think teams are and not who has the better record.
To do this I began by ranking the teams in each conference and drawing a line between contenders and pretenders in each conference. Then, I compared each list and decided who I felt was stronger. This resulted in quite the shakeup.
I hope this will allow my rankings to continue to reflect my true thoughts on teams going forward. I’ve split the teams into three tiers, as we move forward there may be more:
Contenders
#1 LOS ANGELES RAMS (9-2)
Previous: #2, won vs Tampa Bay, 34-7
The Rams have been the best team in the NFL for the last month or so & Matthew Stafford has probably surged ahead in the MVP race. The road to the Super Bowl runs through Los Angeles in the NFC.
Upcoming: at #18 Carolina
#2 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (8-3)
Previous: #5, won at Tennessee, 30-24
The Seahawks only blemish over the last several weeks was a road loss to the Rams, a game they had a chance to win despite four turnovers. They get a chance to avenge that loss in a week 16 Thursday night tilt, a game that could decide the number one seed in the NFC. I do have reservations about Sam Darnold, who seems to play his worst in high stakes games.
Upcoming: vs #25 Minnesota
#3 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (8-3)
Previous: #1, lost at Dallas, 24-21
The Eagles have the defense to repeat, but Jalen Hurts and the offense has been wildly inconsistent. At their offensive best, they can beat anyone, but I think home field advantage would be huge for them. Right now, I can’t see them beating LA or Seattle on the road.
Upcoming: vs #10 Chicago
#4 BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-5)
Previous: #7, won vs NY Jets, 23-10
After a 1-5 start where they often looked listless, the Ravens have stormed back to 6-5 and the lead in the AFC North. With a healthy Lamar Jackson, they’re once again my pick to emerge from the AFC, though they’ll likely have to win a couple road games in the playoffs to do it.
Upcoming: vs #24 Cincinnati
#5 DETROIT LIONS (7-4)
Previous: #11, won vs NY Giants, 34-27
Even though the Lions are currently third in the NFC North, I think they’ll eventually emerge with the division crown. They’re the most complete team in the division & Jahmyr Gibbs is probably the most explosive player in the NFC. I don’t think they’re on the same level as the top three teams in the conference, but they have the potential to get there.
Upcoming: vs #11 Green Bay
#6 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (10-2)
Previous: #3, won at Cincinnati, 26-20
I believe in the Patriots. Drake Maye is firmly in the MVP conversation & Mike Vrabel is the front runner for Coach of the Year, but they still have a lot to prove before I can comfortably pick them to emerge from the AFC. Remember, this was a four win team a year ago.
Upcoming: vs #29 NY Giants
#7 DENVER BRONCOS (9-2)
Previous: #6, BYE
The Broncos have a championship level defense, but I’ve got no confidence in Bo Nix and this offense. They have a stranglehold on the AFC West and should end the Chiefs decade long reign in the division. Getting the number one seed would be huge for their Super Bowl chances.
Upcoming: at #28 Washington
#8 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (6-5)
Previous: #8, won vs Indianapolis, 23-20
The Chiefs have no margin for error as we approach December. They’re third in the AFC West, three games behind the Broncos & they’ve already lost to Denver & the Chargers. They’re still on the outside looking in for the AFC Playoff picture, but Patrick Mahomes cannot be counted out.
Upcoming: at #19 Dallas
#9 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-3)
Previous: #4, lost at Kansas City, 23-20
The Colts have fallen back to the pack after dominating the first two months of the season. Their lead in the AFC South has shrunk to one game over Jacksonville with Houston another game back. If Jonathan Taylor can continue his MVP level season, the Colts should secure at least a playoff berth.
Upcoming: vs #13 Houston
#10 CHICAGO BEARS (8-3)
Previous: #9, won vs Pittsburgh, 31-28
The Bears are surprisingly alone atop the NFC North standings and riding a four game winning streak. The next two games are tough road tilts and the final four games aren’t much easier. I think Caleb Williams can lead them to the playoffs, but they’ll fall short of the division crown.
Upcoming: at #3 Philadelphia
#11 GREEN BAY PACKERS (7-3-1)
Previous: #12, won vs Minnesota, 23-6
The Packers defense is very good & they have the weapons on offense, but I’m just not sure Jordan Love has it. He’s the new version of Kirk Cousins, in my opinion, he’ll put up big numbers, fool you into thinking he’s elite, but then lays an egg when you need him most. Green Bay should make the playoffs & they could win the division, but I expect an early exit.
Upcoming: at #5 Detroit
#12 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (8-4)
Previous: #16, won vs Carolina, 20-9
The 49ers have had a rash of injuries this year, playing long stretches without their QB1, they’ve lost their top pass rushers & their All-World linebacker. They’ve got no true number one receiver, but they keep winning. The reason? Christian McCaffrey is once again playing at an MVP level.
Upcoming: at #23 Cleveland
#13 HOUSTON TEXANS (6-5)
Previous: #17, won vs Buffalo, 23-19
After an 0-3 start, the Texans have clawed their way back into contention in the AFC & the AFC South division. They’ve managed this with CJ Stroud missing multiple games due to a concussion. Houston’s defense is playing at a championship level right now.
Upcoming: at #9 Indianapolis
#14 BUFFALO BILLS (7-4)
Previous: #10, lost at Houston, 23-19
I’ve been out on the Bills for quite awhile now. I’ve certainly got them ranked much lower than everyone else, but I’ll stick to my guns. Buffalo is NOT a Super Bowl contender. Josh Allen will probably will this team to the playoffs and maybe advance a round, but the lack of complimentary talent and suspect coaching will ultimately doom them.
Upcoming: at #20 Pittsburgh
#15 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (7-4)
Previous: #18, won at Arizona, 27-24
The Jaguars suddenly find themselves just a game back in the AFC South, with Houston lurking. I’m not sure Trevor Lawrence can push them into the postseason, though. Their defense is opportunistic and the running game is decent, but they’re down a few receivers and I’m just not a true believer, yet.
Upcoming: at #32 Tennessee
#16 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (6-5)
Previous: #13, lost at LA Rams, 34-7
The rash of injuries finally caught up with the Buccaneers after a hot start to the season. The latest injury, to Baker Mayfield, may be enough to break their hold on the NFC South crown.
Upcoming: vs #26 Arizona
#17 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (7-4)
Previous: #14, BYE
The Chargers offensive line has been decimated by injuries & the last we saw them Justin Herbert was being beat up. LA has the talent to make the postseason, but I wonder if the lack of protection will doom them.
Upcoming: vs #31 Las Vegas
#18 CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-6)
Previous: #19, lost at San Francisco, 20-9
The Panthers have been a bit inconsistent, looking great for a couple games, then laying an egg. Tampa’s injury issues, however, have opened the door for Bryce Young to lead this team into the postseason.
Upcoming: vs #1 LA Rams
#19 DALLAS COWBOYS (5-5-1)
Previous: #21, won vs Philadelphia, 24-21
The Cowboys have gotten themselves back into the playoff conversation, but they’ve still got an uphill climb to get there. If they do, Dak Prescott will surely be mentioned in MVP conversations.
Upcoming: vs #8 Kansas City
#20 PITTSBURGH STEELERS (6-5)
Previous: #15, lost at Chicago, 31-28
The Steelers were gifted with a massive head start to win the AFC North & they’ve squandered it. I’m not sure Aaron Rodgers has enough juice left to get them into the playoffs at this point. The streak of winning records is in dire jeopardy.
Upcoming: vs #14 Buffalo
On the Fringe
#21 MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-7)
Previous: #20, BYE
The Dolphins have shown some life lately & may be saving Mike McDaniel’s job. They’ve also gotten themselves into the fringe of contention, though it seems highly unlikely that Tua Tagovailoa can get them there. For now, though, they linger.
Upcoming: vs #30 New Orleans
#22 ATLANTA FALCONS (4-7)
Previous: #24, won at New Orleans, 24-10
The Falcons are still alive simply because Tampa Bay is faltering. Make no mistake, I don’t think Kirk Cousins can rally the most underachieving team in the NFL to make a run at the postseason.
Upcoming: at #27 NY Jets
#23 CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-8)
Previous: #31, won at Las Vegas, 24-10
The Browns have the slightest of chances only because the NFC North hasn’t been good and the Myles Garrett led defense is scary. Playoffs are probably out of reach, but Garrett’s pursuit of the single season sack record will be fun to watch.
Upcoming: vs #12 San Francisco
#24 CINCINNATI BENGALS (3-8)
Previous: lost vs New England, 26-20
Like Cleveland, the Bengals have slim hopes because of the AFC North & because Joe Burrow may return soon. The defense, however, is this team’s Achilles heel. They could’ve had a better chance to survive Burrow’s absence but that defense is abysmal.
Upcoming: at #4 Baltimore
#25 MINNESOTA VIKINGS (4-7)
Previous: #22, lost at Green Bay, 23-6
The Vikings remain on the fringe, barely. They have a JJ McCarthy problem, though. His play has been bad enough to completely nullify any hope they might have remaining.
Upcoming: at #2 Seattle
Put a Fork in ‘Em
#26 ARIZONA CARDINALS (3-8)
Previous: lost vs Jacksonville, 27-24
The Cardinals have played most games close this season, and they’ve been much better offensively without Kyler Murray. The questions that need to be answered down the stretch are; do they move on from Murray. & do they fire head coach Jonathan Gannon?
Upcoming: at #16 Tampa Bay
#27 NEW YORK JETS (2-9)
Previous: #25, lost at Baltimore, 23-10
The Jets have been dead for weeks now, they’re just playing out the string. Justin Fields has been benched and New York fans should be looking ahead to the draft to find their next quarterback.
Upcoming: vs #22 Atlanta
#28 WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (3-8)
Previous: #27, BYE
The Commanders have been on a downward spiral since losing to Chicago in Week 6. Jayden Daniels could return before the end of the season, but should he? This season is lost, no need to risk the franchise quarterback.
Upcoming: vs #7 Denver
#29 NEW YORK GIANTS (2-10)
Previous: #28, lost at Detroit, 34-27
The Giants are the first team to be officially eliminated from playoff contention. They’ve fired their head coach and now their defensive coordinator. At least they can be confident knowing they probably have their quarterback in Jaxson Dart.
Upcoming: at #6 New England
#30 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-9)
Previous: #30, lost vs Atlanta, 24-10
Outside of Tennessee, the Saints might be the least talented team in the NFL, but they’ve played hard for most of the season. The remainder of the season is about determining if Tyler Shough is the answer or if they need to use a high draft pick on a quarterback.
Upcoming: at #21 Miami
#31 LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (2-9)
Previous: #29, lost vs Cleveland, 24-10
The Raiders are a mess and only a 1 win team keeps them out of #32. Geno Smith has been an absolute disaster & it’s fair to wonder if this will be Pete Carroll’s final season as an NFL head coach.
Upcoming: at #17 LA Chargers
#32 TENNESSEE TITANS (1-10)
Previous: #32, lost vs Seattle, 30-24
The Titans are just playing out the string. Their focus should be on finding the right coach to maximize the potential of Cam Ward.
Another week, another tight loss. I thought this would be the final nail in my 2025 coffin, but I was given another week of life when my division leader was beaten on Monday night.
Not much went right for my team this week. Caleb Williams managed only 6 points. I played the wrong two running backs, Aaron Jones & Rachaad White, who were both outscored by my benchwarmers, Kyle Monangai & Bhayshul Tuten.
My receivers, other than MVP Tetairoa McMillan, were bad. TE Trey McBride was his usual great self.
It’s pretty simple, a win this week keeps me alive for one more week, a loss eliminates me from playoff contention.
Last time we met, I left a lot of points on the bench, enough that I could’ve won comfortably. This time around, my opponent needs to play their backup QB due to bye & they need to find a tight end.
I’m tentatively favored at this point, but that’s hardly mattered this season.
My keys to the week:
Caleb Williams: As a Bears fan, I don’t care if Williams only puts up single digits as long as the Bears win, as a fantasy manager I need more out of him. If I’m to survive any longer this season, I need him to approach twenty points.
Rome Odunze: Odunze is similar to Williams, I care more about the Bears results than Odunze’s individual numbers, but for fantasy purposes I need more. A double digit output would be huge.
Bhayshul Tuten: I left Tuten on the bench last week and it cost me. He’s got a good matchup against Arizona this week and I need him to take advantage of it.
Trey McBride: McBride has been hands down the best tight end in fantasy football for the last month or so and I need him to keep that up. My opponent is going to have to grab a TE off waivers and I need McBride to win this matchup big.
This week started off well for the Pandas when my MVP, TreVeyon Henderson, put up 28 points on Thursday night. It quickly went sideways on Sunday.
My opponent had big weeks from all three of his running backs, while the Los Angeles Chargers didn’t show up in Jacksonville, meaning my QB, Justin Herbert & WR Quentin Johnston posted season lows.
Jahmyr Gibbs had a nice game with 19 points and Brock Bowers won the TE matchup with 8 points.
My cause wasn’t help by the Arizona Cardinals defense getting -3 points or my IDP, Tatum Bethune, getting knocked out of the game, and probably heading to IR, with only 3 points.
Time to regroup and prepare for next week.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots. Photo Credit- Jaiden Tripi/ Getty Images
Week 11 Preview
Trash Pandas vs Prestige Worldwide
Projected Lineups & Reserves
I need a bounce back week. This is the last regular season game outside my division and I need to be in a position to make a run at winning it.
My QB1 is on bye, so that presents a challenge. My opponent may need to go to his backup, as well, because Aaron Rodgers is questionable.
My opponent also has two running backs on bye. I’m favored, by quite a bit, but I was favored just as heavily last week & lost.
My keys to the week:
Trevor Lawrence: Lawrence gets the start because Herbert is on bye. Lawrence has a pretty good matchup against Arizona. As bad as Herbert was this past week, Lawrence could put his name in the mix to be my QB1 down the stretch.
TreVeyon Henderson: Back to back big weeks for Henderson. I really hope this means he’s established himself as the lead back in New England. He could be key to my playoff and championship hopes.
Brock Bowers: Huge TE matchup in this one as my opponent has Trey McBride. I need the good Bowers. It’s tough because the Raiders are such a mess & Cleveland has a good defense, but Vegas needs to run their offense through Bowers.
Marvin Harrison Jr: Harrison missed last week due to an appendectomy, I’m hoping he returns this week. His production had been on an uptick and I could really use him. If he’s out, I may have to get creative at my flex position.
Yes, that’s real. On November 18, 2025, through eleven weeks of the season, my beloved Chicago Bears have sole possession of first place in the NFC North. It’s been way too long since the Bears were playing truly meaningful games at this point in the season. I cannot contain my happiness.
From the day Matt Eberflus was fired, through the hiring of Ben Johnson to replace him, I allowed myself to hope but tempered my expectations. I came into the season prepared to be happy with just noticeable improvements. I wanted Caleb Williams to show growth and start matching his vast potential to the job of being a franchise quarterback. I wanted to see the Bears coaching staff display competent game management. I wanted the Bears to at least be competitive and, perhaps, stay in the hunt into December.
We’ve gotten that, and more. The Bears aren’t just in the hunt, they’re leading the division. It hasn’t always been pretty, and they’ve yet to beat an opponent with a record above .500, but they’re 7-3 and that’s nothing to sneeze about.
The schedule does get tougher, but the playoffs are within their grasp and I truly believe this Bears team can get there. These are not the Eberflus Bears, this team is different. Watch the Bears post game locker room videos, they remind me of Matt Nagy’s first season. You can tell that this whole team has bought into what Ben Johnson is selling. They believe and belief can help a good team be better.
There’s work to be done yet. Caleb Williams needs to improve his accuracy. The offense, as a whole, needs to stop shooting themselves in the foot. They leave too many points on the field. They do not put teams away when they have the chance. Aside from creating turnovers, the defense has not been good. Special teams makes too many mistakes.
The Path Forward
The Bears have seven games remaining and, with a record of 7-3, I figure they need to go at least 3-4 down the stretch to make the playoffs. To win the division, I think they need 4-5 more wins. Let’s take a look at the schedule:
Week 12
Home vs Pittsburgh Steelers
I feel like if the Bears are going to make the playoffs, winning this game is step one. The Steelers are 6-4, but they’ve been very inconsistent. It’s at home and Pittsburgh is one of the weaker opponents left on the Bears schedule.
I like the Bears to win this one, especially if Aaron Rodgers is out. Truth be told, though, I want Rodgers to play. I want to beat Rodgers in the worst way.
Week 13
Away vs Philadelphia Eagles
I’ve penciled this one in as a loss. As much improved as the Bears are, they aren’t on the defending champs’ level yet. I look at this game as a measuring stick, if the Bears can keep it close, it bodes well for their chances. If not, it doesn’t necessarily kill their chances, but it should tell us it will be a slog to make the postseason.
Week 14
Away vs Green Bay Packers
It’s always a big game when the Bears play the Packers, but it’s been awhile since a December match up with the Packers meant anything more than pride to the Chicago Bears.
Lambeau Field is a tough place to play, but Green Bay is not the juggernaut I thought they’d be before the season. The defense is good, but not dominant and the offense has been very inconsistent.
Truth be told, I don’t think Jordan Love is more than an above average quarterback and none of their receivers truly scare me, except Christian Watson.
Even better for the Bears, I truly expect both Jaylon Johnson & Kyler Gordon back for this game.
Losing here won’t sink the Bears hopes, while a win would all but assure them of a playoff berth and really boost their chances of winning the division.
Week 15
Home vs Cleveland Browns
If the Bears are making the playoffs, this is another must win game. Cleveland’s defense is scary, but their offense is atrocious and this game is being played at Soldier Field, and the Browns have been much worse on the road.
A loss here probably doesn’t mathematically eliminate the Bears, but deep down we all know the season would be effectively over.
Week 16
Home vs Green Bay Packers
If the Bears are going to the playoffs, I think they need at least a split with the Packers and this one is in Chicago.
If the Bears can win two weeks prior in Lambeau, a win here could end Green Bay’s chances of winning the division.
Week 17
Away vs San Francisco 49ers
Depending on how things go over the next five weeks, this game could have huge implications for both teams. It could mean the difference between making or missing the playoffs for either team or it could be a battle for seeding.
The Niners have been ravaged by injuries this season but they keep winning. The defense doesn’t scare me, but Christian McCaffrey does and George Kittle has always had big games against the Bears.
Hopefully, the Bears take care of business before this game and the result won’t determine whether or not they make the playoffs. I think the Bears match up okay with San Francisco but this is a tough road trip late in the season.
Week 18
Home vs Detroit Lions
Aside from Philadelphia, I think the Lions are the best team left on the Bears schedule. We all know how the first matchup with Detroit, in week two, went, but this one is in Chicago and could have major stakes.
It’s okay to think that this game could determine the NFC North champion, but a lot has to happen to get to that point.
Home Field
I think it will take a minimum of ten wins to make the playoffs in the NFC & I think there are two keys to the Bears getting there, the first being home games.
Of the Bears seven remaining games, four are at Soldier Field: Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Green Bay & Detroit. If the Bears go .500 or worse at home, they’ll need at least one road win to get to 10 wins and none of those three; Philadelphia, Green Bay & San Francisco, are easy.
Win three of four in Chicago and the Bears are likely in the playoffs and perhaps even challenging for the division title. Sweep their home games and the Bears will not only be in the playoffs, but likely be the kings of the NFC North.
Division Games
The Bears play three games against divisional opponents in the last seven weeks; Green Bay twice and Detroit once. Two of those three are at home. The Bears need to win at least one of those to have any hope of making the playoffs.
Two division wins likely puts them in the playoffs and three would almost certainly make them kings of the North.
Synopsis
The road isn’t easy, but playoff runs aren’t supposed to be. The Bears do, however, have a legitimate shot. They get the benefit of four home games with a probable need for three wins out of seven games.
I’m cautiously optimistic. I can see the path to the playoffs and it seems very possible. My optimism will grow with a win this week against the Steelers. It will reach a fever pitch if they can win in Lambeau.
The thing to remember, Bears fans, is no matter what happens down the stretch, we’re playing with house money. The Bears have already topped last season’s win total and we know the answer to the two most important questions entering the season. We have our coach and we have our quarterback. The playoffs would just be a cherry on top of what has been the most fun Bears season in seven years.
Nickels and Dimes 