Here’s what I’m thinking about after the seventh week of the 2026 NFL regular season:

Win One for Da’ Coach

In their first home game since the passing of the legendary Mike Ditka, the Chicago Bears faced the defending AFC Champion New England Patriots. After some early season struggles, the Patriots came in on a three game win streak, looking very much like a Super Bowl contender, again.

The Bears led wire to wire, though there were some tense moments. This was a huge win. I think this proves that as long as Caleb Williams is healthy, Chicago is a legit Super Bowl contender themselves.

Williams has taken his game to an entirely different level. If he hadn’t missed three games due to a hamstring injury, he’d be in the MVP conversation, and he still might get there.

Some other thoughts I have regarding the Bears after this game:

• We’re still waiting for Rome Odunze to live up to his draft status. His numbers aren’t what you’d hope for from a top ten pick. He seems to have at least one bad drop a game and I think Luther Burden III has supplanted him as the Bears WR1. But, whenever Caleb Williams has a ‘gotta have it’ throw, he looks to Odunze, and Rome always seems to make that clutch catch.
• In an age when most kickers are nearly automatic from 50-55 yards, and many are routinely hitting close to sixty yards and beyond, Cairo Santos’ relative lack of a big leg has been a concern. But there’s more to kicking than just having a big leg. You have to have a short memory, you need to put mistakes behind you and do your job. Santos bounced a 53 yarder off the upright earlier in the game, but with less than two minutes left in the game, and the Bears up six, Santos nailed a career long 58 yarder to effectively seal the win for the Bears. What’s more, Santos has mastered the art of kicking in the elements one routinely has to deal with in Chicago (and Green Bay) in December & January. Santos’ perfection in the Wild Card game last season, while the Packers kicked missed two field goals and an extra point, had as much to do with the Bears winning as did Caleb Williams’ Iceman heroics.
• I’m gutted by the season ending injury to Cole Kmet. Kmet is such a big part of what the Bears do, even if he’s become the fifth option, at best, in the passing game. His leadership, professionalism and toughness cannot be replaced. Through the darkest days of the recent Bears past, Kmet was a bright spot. He deserves his flowers, and I’m disappointed he won’t be on this journey the rest of the season.
• Speaking of bright spots during the dark days, what the hell has happened to Jaylon Johnson? Johnson is a shell of his former Pro Bowl self. He’s actually become almost unplayable, he’s that much of a liability to the Bears defense. If the Bears are going to make a run this year, they need to upgrade at CB (more on that later).

Drake Maye

One final thought from the Thursday night game, I was wrong about Drake Maye. The Patriots have themselves a dude.

I was dismissive of Maye last year as he was the runner up for MVP. New England faced an impossibly easy schedule and an absurdly easy path through the playoffs. Maye wasn’t good in the playoffs and was terrible in the Super Bowl.

The start of this season reinforced my notion that Maye was overrated due to facing a cupcake schedule. Then, he and the Patriots started turning things around.

Thursday night was my first real up close view of Maye, and he was spectacular. His offensive line has been decimated, he’s got no wide receivers he can count on (AJ Brown looks average, at best, right now), yet Maye continued making plays and giving the Patriots a chance in a game that the Bears otherwise dominated.

Drake Maye can make all the throws, and I underestimated his athleticism and toughness. I’m very happy the Bears got Caleb Williams, and I will vociferously defend him and make the argument that he’s the best QB from the class of 2024, but Patriots fans should do the same for Drake Maye.

JJ McCarthy

When the New York Giants acquired McCarthy in the wake of Jaxson Dart’s season ending knee injury, I loved the move. Not just for the Giants, but because I thought it was a stupid move by a Bears division rival, the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings used a first round pick on McCarthy, then let Sam Darnold walk to hand McCarthy the starting job. They gave up on him after two years, and really just one season since he missed his entire rookie year.

McCarthy is another member of the QB class of 2024, he’s still got considerable upside. The conventional wisdom was that if Kevin O’Connell, a renowned quarterback guru, gave up on McCarthy, then there isn’t much there.

I disagree with that notion. O’Connell was part of the brain trust that drafted McCarthy. He was part of the decision to let Darnold walk in favor of McCarthy. Now, he’s hitching his wagon to Kyler Murray over McCarthy. That’s the kind of decision that eventually gets a coach fired.

McCarthy has looked pretty good for the Giants, in a small sample size, but the Vikings are 6-0, so no one is questioning the move right now. But, mark my words, by season’s end, they will.

The Dark Side

After an uneven first six games of the 2026 season, the defending champion Seattle Seahawks made an emphatic statement on Sunday night. The Seahawks, with that defense, may still be the team to beat.

Of course, I’m despairing that Seattle seemed to have found their footing a week before my Bears make a trip to the Pacific Northwest. I had long counted this one as a loss, but recent events had me thinking that maybe the Bears could pull this one off.

Now, I’m just hoping we make it out of this game healthy and we don’t embarrass ourselves. Seattle, with their 12th man, is a tough place to play. If their defense is going to play at this level, the task might very well be impossible.

The Seahawks have some ground to make up in the NFC West and they’ve already lost to San Francisco, but they have the pedigree to go on a run here and remind everyone who they are.

The Hot Seat

I think we have a new coach sitting on the hottest seat. I previously had Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach, Todd Bowles as the most likely coach to be fired during the season. Make no mistake, I am 100% certain that Bowles won’t be coaching the Buccaneers next season, but I do think he will survive the rest of this year.

The same cannot be said for New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn. Losing to Miami, at home, is just embarrassing. Time and again Glenn has proven to be out of his depth as a head coach. The Jets have plenty of ammunition in the first round of the 2027 draft, they should land their next franchise quarterback and there is no way you can put him in Glenn’s hands. I will not be surprised if New York gets a jumpstart on the coaching search and lets Glenn go before the end of the season.

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn’s seat gets hotter with every passing week and each boneheaded game management mistake. If they lose next week to a depleted Eagles squad, especially if it’s due to another blunder, Quinn could find himself unemployed.

I think this will be the last season that Shane Steichen is the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, but the reason I believe that is also the reason why he’ll survive until the end of the season. The Colts have already fired their GM, the new GM will want to pick his own coach, but Indy will also not make that move during the season.

Winter is Coming

There are two divisions where every team is currently above .500; the AFC North & the NFC North.

In the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings are 6-0, the last unbeaten team in the NFL, but I have little to no respect for them. The Vikings needed an epic to beat Green Bay at home, the beat Chicago on the road, in a monsoon and the Bears lost Caleb Williams on a play that he would have certainly scored the likely game winning touchdown. Minnesota’s other four victories were squeakers against bottom feeders; Tampa Bay, Miami, New Orleans & Indianapolis.

Last year, the Colts were the last undefeated team, and I think Minnesota is going to face the same fate. Their schedule gets drastically more difficult starting next week. Of their remaining ten games, I see only 2 as definite wins. I think by Thanksgiving, not only will Minnesota no longer be undefeated, but they won’t be in first place in the division and might even be third or worse.

The NFC North that worries me most, as a Bears fan, is unsurprisingly the Green Bay Packers. The Packers were atrocious through four games, but a beat down at Lambeau of the Bears seems to have rekindled their fire. They lost at Detroit this week, but they have every right to complain about the officiating. It was some of the worst officiating I’ve seen since the replacement referees debacle. Also, Green Bay should be looking for a new kicker.

The Packers will be getting Micah Parsons back soon, and that’s a better addition than any other team in the division can hope to make before the trade deadline.

The Detroit Lions are very similar to the Bears. An elite offense and a suspect defense. I think the Bears defense is actually a little better, and I think Chicago is, overall, the better coached team.

I still think my Chicago Bears will win the North. It won’t be easy. They need to play better against division rivals, and they need to find a way to beat some of the better non-division opponents on their schedule; Seattle, Jacksonville & Buffalo.

I think the Bears need to add some pieces on defense (more on that in a bit), but I think Chicago is the best team in the division, as long as Caleb Williams stays healthy.

As for the AFC North, I still think the Baltimore Ravens have the most talent, but they need Lamar Jackson back, and they cannot afford a stumble when he does return.

The Cincinnati Bengals have an improved defense and Joe Burrow leads a high powered aerial attack. I like the Bengals, but their lack of a running game and their inconsistency gives me pause.

The Cleveland Browns have been the surprise team of the season and they already hold victories over Baltimore & Pittsburgh, but both games were in Cleveland. I just can’t get on the Browns bandwagon, yet.

The Pittsburgh Steelers might be the most well balanced team in the division. They can run the ball, they play great defense. They’ll go as far as Aaron Rodgers and his noodle arm can take them. I don’t think that’s very far, but I also won’t be surprised if Pittsburgh wins this division, again.

Trade Deadline

I’ll start with my Chicago Bears. The Bears need defensive line and cornerback help. I think interior defensive line is more important than edge, but I wouldn’t mind an edge rusher either. Some players I’m keeping an eye on:

• Jeffrey Simmons- It would cost a fortune, at least one first round draft pick, to pry him out of Tennessee, but my god would he transform our defense.
• DeForest Buckner- It seems almost certain that Indy will trade Buckner and the Bears should definitely be interested. Not quite the impact that Simmons would have, but should be much cheaper, though the Bears could have some competition for him.
• Khalil Mack- I’d love to get Mack back in Chicago just so I can wear the #52 jersey again. Beyond sentiment, though, Mack shouldn’t cost more than a day three draft pick and he’d add some juice to our pass rush.
• Moro Ojomo- I’m not sure how eager the Eagles are to be sellers, and I’d be wary of making any deals with Howie Roseman, but I’d at least inquire about the asking price on Ojomo.

As I mentioned earlier, Jaylon Johnson has become a liability for the Bears defense. Tyrique Stevenson hasn’t been much better and Malik Muhammad is a rookie, prone to ups and downs. The Bears could use an upgrade at corner, here’s same names I’m watching:

• Tariq Woolen- Again, I’m wary of making any trade with Howie Roseman, who seems to fleece everyone, but Woolen fits the Bears profile at corner.
• Zyon McCollum- I’m not sure how eager the Buccaneers will be to be sellers. Even at 2-5, they’re not out of it in the NFC South. I’d at least call about McCollum, though.
• Alontae Taylor- Titans are certainly going to be sellers and they probably have buyer’s remorse on Taylor. It shouldn’t cost much to acquire him, but his contract might be more than the Bears are willing to take on. Played for Dennis Allen in New Orleans.
• Julius Brents- Because of his age, Miami will probably ask more for Brents than any of the other corners on this list. He has the length and athleticism that Allen loves in cornerbacks.

Here’s some thoughts on what some other contenders might do before the deadline:

• The Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys & Detroit Lions are likely looking for secondary help.
• The New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers & Los Angeles Rams could be shopping for wide receivers.
• The Patriots & Chiefs, along with the Green Bay Packers might be looking for offensive lineman.
• San Francisco & Dallas might also be in the market for defensive lineman.
• The Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings & Seattle Seahawks are teams to watch if Indianapolis is willing to move Jonathan Taylor.

Shake up at the top as only one unbeaten team remains, and at the bottom as only one team is winless.

The Rankings

1- Buffalo Bills (5-1) +2

Bills reclaim the top spot without playing a game.

2- San Francisco 49ers (6-1) -1

Niners injuries finally caught up with them. How will they respond to their first loss.

3- Seattle Seahawks (4-3) +3

Seahawks looked like the team that won the Super Bowl last season.

4- Kansas City Chiefs (5-1) -2

Chiefs were totally outclassed, but Seattle is a tough place to play.

5- Minnesota Vikings (6-0)

Vikings are the last unbeaten team, but now their schedule gets tougher.

6- Chicago Bears (5-2) +1

Bears had a statement win on Thursday, chance to make another with a trip to Seattle.

7- Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) -3

Jags dropped 3 spots during their bye because other teams impressed.

8- Denver Broncos (5-2) +1

Broncos defense is championship worthy, the offense showed some signs of life.

9- Cincinnati Bengals (4-2) +3

Bengals dominated Baltimore after a sluggish start.

10- New England Patriots (4-3) -2

Pats lost, but looked like a legit contender.

11- Detroit Lions (4-2) +2

Lions pulled out a key division win. Now they look to hand Minnesota their first loss.

12- Los Angeles Rams (3-4) +2

Rams rolled over Vegas, but they still seem a bit off.

13- Baltimore Ravens (4-3) -3

Ravens got crushed. Hopefully Lamar Jackson returns this week.

14- Green Bay Packers (4-3) +1

Packers have a legit gripe about officiating, but it’s still a loss.

15- Cleveland Browns (5-2) +1

Browns can prove they’re legit when they travel to Pittsburgh.

16- Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) +1

Steelers are suddenly looking like contenders. They can claim first place this week.

17- Atlanta Falcons (3-4) +3

Falcons handed San Fran their first loss. NFC South is wide open & they might have the momentum.

18- New York Giants (4-2-1) +4

Giants might have re-established themselves as the favorites in the NFC East.

19- Dallas Cowboys (3-4) +4

Cowboys won a game they had to have if they want any chance of making the playoffs.

20- Las Vegas Raiders (3-4) -2

Raiders have lost 4 in a row. They might not be ready to contend, yet.

21- Carolina Panthers (3-3) -10

Panthers were embarrassed. Inexcusable coming off a bye.

22-Houston Texans (2-5) -3

Thought the Texans had gotten themselves righted, maybe not.

23- New Orleans Saints (2-5) -2

Saints have proven to not be serious contenders.

24- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5) +5

Buccaneers rolled in Mayfield’s return.

25- Arizona Cardinals (2-5) -1

Cardinals fell flat coming off a big upset.

26- Philadelphia Eagles (2-5) -1

The bottom has fallen out for the Eagles.

27- Washington Commanders (1-4-1)

Wonder if the Commanders come out of their bye with any juice.

28- Miami Dolphins (1-5) +4

Dolphins win!

29- New York Jets (2-5) -3

Jets lost at home to one of the worst teams in the league. Aaron Glenn is officially on hot seat watch.

30- Tennessee Titans (1-6)

Titans were game coming off their first win, but fell short of establishing a winning streak.

31- Indianapolis Colts (2-5) -3

Colts continue to falter, will probably be selling off some players soon.

32- Los Angeles Chargers (0-6) -1

Chargers are the last winless team left.

Last Week: 7-7 / 8-6

Season: 55-38 / 43-50

New England Patriots @ Chicago Bears (-2.5)

Pittsburgh Steelers vs New Orleans Saints (+2.5)

In Paris

Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens (-3)

Cleveland Browns (-1.5) @ Tennessee Titans

Indianapolis Colts @ Minnesota Vikings (-5.5)

Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets (-4.5)

New York Giants (+9.5) @ Houston Texans

San Francisco 49ers @ Atlanta Falcons (+4.5)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers (-3)

Denver Broncos @ Arizona Cardinals (+4.5)

Green Bay Packers (+3) @ Detroit Lions

Los Angeles Rams @ Las Vegas Raiders (+5.5)

Kansas City Chiefs (+2.5) @ Seattle Seahawks

Dallas Cowboys (-4.5) @ Philadelphia Eagles

BYES

Week 6 Recap

Iceman Cometh vs The Tweedle Beetles

Somehow, some way, Iceman found a way to vanquish our nemesis, and the defending league champion and save our season, for now. Yes, we went back to our original name with the return of Caleb Williams.

What Went Right

• Kansas City Chiefs defense- This is why I love streaming defenses, you can pluck a good scoring week off the waiver wire.
• Caleb Williams- His return means everything to this team. He didn’t have a monster week, but he did win the QB matchup. His return also elevated Luther Burden III and…
• Colston Loveland- Loveland finally had the week I was expecting when I protected him from last season. I expect big things moving forward.
• Ashton Jeanty- Jeanty finally scored a rushing touchdown, which helped him put up double digits. That’s all I ask of any of my players.

What Went Wrong

• Emmanuel Wilson- Every time I go with Wilson, he lays an egg. To make matters worse, I opted for three RBs instead of an extra WR or TE.
• Josh Downs- I thought Downs had a really good matchup, but 4 points is pathetic. There were two much better receivers on my roster in that matchup.
• Bad Management- It ultimately didn’t cost me, but I left Kyle Pitts & Carnell Tate on my bench. Had I played both, instead of Wilson & Downs, I wouldn’t have had to sweat out Brock Purdy on Monday night.

Week 7 Preview

Iceman Cometh vs Delta House Blutarskys

Iceman is a significant underdog in this one, and that’s mostly because it’s a total mismatch, on paper, at WR. I do think I have a way to counteract that, though.

Keys to Victory

• Caleb Williams- Basically, Williams is the key to the rest of my season. If he has a good game, the chances are that Luther Burden III & Colston Loveland do as well. If that happens, we have a pretty good shot at winning.
• Tight Ends- I’m going with the rare 3 TE lineup this week. I think all of their projections are too low and I think this is where I can make up the deficit from WR. Loveland should start producing more now that Caleb Williams is back. Kyle Pitts is getting red zone looks for Atlanta & TJ Hockenson got double digit targets the last full game he played.
• Jaylen Waddle- The Broncos offense, and by extension, Waddle, have been largely disappointing this year, but they have a plus matchup this week. Waddle outperforming his projection would go a long way to giving us the victory.
• Woody Marks- We need better production out of our RBs, and that’s really on the RB2. This week it’s Marks. He has a decent matchup and Houston is starting to click.

Week 6 Recap

Trash Pandas vs The Injured Reserves

Pandas survived the bye week from hell! My top three RBs on bye but I still won, and won big. I’m back in the race, and I feel good moving forward.

What Went Right

• Michael Penix Jr- I finally had a QB break 20 points. Not only that, Penix outscored Josh Allen!
• Wide Receivers- Neither Luther Burden III, Xavier Worthy or Keon Coleman had monster weeks, but each had a solid, above average showing. Burden and Coleman actually hit double digits for me.
• Carson Schwesinger- He got thrust back into my starting lineup due to a bye week and he responded with a big game. More than doubling up my opponent’s LB.
• Chase McLaughlin- I went with a hunch at kicker and it didn’t cost me. McLaughlin won the matchup by 7 points.

What Went Wrong

• Brock Bowers- I’m nitpicking here because I won or tied at every position group, including TE. Bowers didn’t hit his projected total though.
• Kimani Vidal- I didn’t expect much from a free agent RB, but it hurts that I lost Ollie Gordon II for a measly 3 points.
• New York Giants defense- This was a late change to my lineup and had I lost would have been the biggest reason. Tennessee’s defense put up 27 points on my bench. At least the Giants didn’t get me negative.

Week 7 Preview

Trash Pandas vs Lancaster Lightning

At first glance, this is a mismatch. Lightning is. 5-1 & atop our division, the Pandas are 2-4, 3 games back. But, this is actually a pretty even matchup, in fact, the Pandas are a very slight favorite. Excellent chance for the Pandas to get themselves back in the race.

Keys to Victory

• Brock Bowers– Bowers is a fantasy football cheat code. If he’s healthy and plays a full game, he should win me the TE matchup every week and that gives me a chance to win. He had a down week last week, and still scored 7 points. He could not only double up my opponent but win the matchup by double digits.
• Chase Brown- Brown has not lived up to his draft status yet. With Zach Charbonnet soon to come off IR, Brown’s status as a starter may be short lived. He doesn’t have a great matchup this week, but I need him to perform like an RB2.
• Woody Marks or Zach Charbonnet- One of these guys will be my flex play. If either David Montgomery or Charbonnet are inactive, it’ll be Marks and he has a very good matchup that I need him to take advantage of. If Montgomery & Charbonnet are both active, it’ll probably be Charbonnet, despite a less than ideal matchup. Seattle is desperate to get their running game going, though, so Charbonnet does have some upside.
• Michael Penix Jr- Penix finally had a breakout game last week. First time my QB broke 20 points all season. I don’t need a monster week from him, I just need him to hit his projection.

Some of my thoughts after the sixth week of the NFL season:

Iceman Returns

Welcome back, Caleb Williams! If last week’s beat down at the hands of the hated Packers didn’t convince you of the significant gulf between Williams and every other quarterback on the Bears roster, this game should have.

The Bears are just a completely different offense with Williams at the controls, even if he wasn’t running as much as normal. Williams is just in total control of this offense, he’s seeing the whole field and he can make throws that very few others can make.

One more tidbit for the Williams haters out there: Caleb Williams currently leads the NFL in completion percentage.

Spider-Man

Speaking of triumphant returns, Kyler Gordon had himself a game. Many of us in the Bears stratosphere have been vocally frustrated with Gordon’s availability the last two years, but there’s never been a question about his talent.

Gordon transforms this defense into a more dangerous unit. He’s an excellent blitzer, as evidenced by his three sacks, but also great in coverage.

The Bears are a better defense and a better team when Kyler Gordon is healthy and playing.

Travis Hunter

Despite Jacksonville’s loss to Houston, Hunter was a bright spot, recording an interception and a touchdown reception.

I was skeptical when the Jaguars moved up to draft Hunter, especially the price they paid, but he’s truly blossoming into a unicorn. He’s well on his way to being a Pro Bowler as a full time corner and he’s a dangerous weapon as a receiver.

If a guy can make an impact on both sides of the ball, like it appears that Hunter will, he may well have been worth the price that Jacksonville paid.

Daniel Jones

I’ve said it often, the Colts decision to give Jones a 2 year, 88 million dollar contract is the kind of decision that gets coaches and general managers fired.

Well, the man that gave him that contract, general manager Chris Ballard, was fired the morning after an embarrassing loss to the Tennessee Titans. A Tennessee team that was arguably the worst in the NFL until Sunday.

Jones was awful in that game, and he’s been consistently awful this season, even in their two victories.

Other than one slightly above average season in New York and a pretty good ten game run last year in Indy, Jones has been a below average quarterback in the NFL. Yet, somehow, he’s been able to trick two franchises into paying him like a franchise quarterback.

The regime in New York that made that mistake is no longer there. The GM in Indy that did the same is now unemployed and it’s fair to wonder if head coach Shane Steichen survives this season.

The Birds are Grounded

Even before the news about Jalen Hurts, which is about so much more than football, it felt like the Philadelphia Eagles were teetering on the edge of a lost season. They’re no longer teetering.

The once vaunted offensive line has been gutted. The Eagles had to sign Dameon Pierce off the street so they could field a running back against Carolina.

Philly’s run of NFC East dominance was already on life support, losing Hurts for the rest of the season was the final nail in the coffin.

All this turmoil has probably given Nick Sirianni a reprieve, since it was all beyond his control. That may be bad news for Philly.

In the three losses prior to Sunday, the Eagles were thoroughly out coached by the Bears, Rams & Jaguars. Sirianni took this team to two Super Bowls, winning one, but that was more because of the superior talent the Eagles possessed than anything Sirianni did.

First Place Cleveland Browns

It’s been 12 years since the Browns were in first place in the AFC South this late into the season.

Since getting blown out by Jacksonville to open the season, Cleveland has gone 4-1 including division wins over Pittsburgh & Baltimore, albeit Baltimore was without Lamar Jackson.

Their loss to the Jets makes me wonder if Cleveland has the staying power to make a run at the playoffs, but it does look like the Browns are going to be a tough out for many teams.

Cleveland has had a couple good drafts the last few years. They’ve stockpiled some good, young talent, on both sides of the ball. Deshaun Watson has looked like a competent NFL quarterback. Todd Monken deserves a lot of credit and, right now, I think he’s the front runner for coach of the year.

Kenneth Walker III

The MVP has become a quarterback award, but by the truest definition of most valuable player, I think a legitimate argument can be made for Walker.

He leads the NFL in rushing yards and he’s totally transformed the Kansas City offense.

The Chiefs missed the playoffs last season and their offense was disjointed, relying too much on Patrick Mahomes playing Superman.

This year, they have a different, more sustainable identity on offense, thanks to Walker. His addition has vaulted Kansas City back into the elite echelon of the AFC.

If a non quarterback is going to win MVP, right now Kenneth Walker III should be under serious consideration.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

The Los Angeles Rams were heavy favorites entering the season. They were anointed as a “super team” and for good reason. They came agonizingly close to a Super Bowl last year. Matthew Stafford was coming off an MVP season. They added 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade with Cleveland. They also remade, and presumably upgraded their secondary by adding Trent McDuffie & Jaylen Watson. Then, Aaron Donald came out of retirement to join the march to the Super Bowl.

Then, the games started. The Rams laid an egg in Australia, getting routed by the division rival 49ers. Most wrote that off due to their insane travel plans, but I think that whole fiasco is indicative of the Rams true issues.

Head coach Sean McVay is brilliant, and he knows it. He and the entire Rams organization think they’re smarter than everyone else. Even though the entire world knows you need time to get acclimated to such a drastic time change, the Rams and McVay thought they knew better.

The Rams haven’t looked anything close to being a juggernaut this season. Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals, a team that didn’t even score a touchdown, may have been a harbinger of a total collapse, because now the injuries are mounting.

Davante Adams & Kobie Turner are joining Garrett on IR. Donald looks like a guy that’s been retired for years. Stafford looks like his early Lions days.

I’m not fully counting out the Rams, because McVay is a very good coach, but I do think the buzzards are circling.

Flags are Flying

Is it me or are there an inordinate amount of penalties being called in NFL games these days?

Every game I watch, when I’m not watching Red Zone, feels borderline unwatchable with flags flying on what seems like every single play.

Most are probably legitimate, but there have been many that are borderline questionable to outright terrible calls.

No one watches football for the referees, and it feels like all these flags are killing the flow of the games.

Dan Quinn

A week after an embarrassing tie, when the Washington Commanders inexplicably let time expire when they were in range of a game winning field goal, their head coach gets caught on camera not knowing what down it is.

I suffered through the Matt Eberflus era in Chicago. I know what a clueless head coach looks like and I’m seeing it in Washington. These mental lapses are embarrassing and should cost the head coach his job.

The Rankings

1-San Francisco 49ers (6-0)

Niners are in complete control of the NFC West.

2- Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) +1

Chiefs are one of the elites, again.

3- Buffalo Bills (5-1) +1

With Josh Allen, Buffalo always has a chance. With their defense, so do their opponents.

4- Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) -2

Jacksonville had a chance to bury their biggest threat in the AFC South, they didn’t.

5- Minnesota Vikings (5-0) +2

I’m still expecting the Vikings to collapse, but they’ve earned a top five ranking, so far.

6- Seattle Seahawks (3-3) -1

Seahawks defense will keep them in the hunt, but Sam Darnold and the offense is holding them back.

7- Chicago Bears (4-2) +4

Caleb Williams returned and the Bears looked like a juggernaut, again.

8- New England Patriots (4-2)

Patriots and Drake Maye seem to have found their footing.

9- Denver Broncos (4-2) +1

Denver has an elite defense. The offense, not so much.

10- Baltimore Ravens (4-2) -4

Baltimore had a chance to take a stranglehold on the AFC North without Lamar Jackson. Now, they hope he returns before they fall too far back.

11- Carolina Panthers (3-2) +2

Carolina is in complete control of the NFC South, for now.

12- Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)

Bengals come out of their bye in last place, but only a half game back.

13- Detroit Lions (3-2) +1

Lions come out of their bye looking to establish themselves in the NFC North race.

14- Los Angeles Rams (2-4) -5

Rams are in trouble as injuries start to mount.

15- Green Bay Packers (4-2) +6

It looks like the Packers have turned a corner.

16- Cleveland Browns (4-2) +2

This is the latest in a season that Cleveland has been in first place in the AFC North in 12 years.

17- Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) +2

Steelers head to France firmly in the mix in the AFC North.

18- Las Vegas Raiders (3-3) -2

Raiders have lost 3 straight, but they still look like a legit playoff contender.

19- Houston Texans (2-4) +4

Houston has salvaged their season. Can they make a run?

20- Atlanta Falcons (2-4)

Falcons have stumbled after a hot streak. Can they right the ship?

21- New Orleans Saints (2-4) +3

Saints ended their 3 game skid. Heading to France looking to keep the momentum.

22- New York Giants (3-2-1) -7

Giants might have a quarterback quandary, but the division is still theirs for the taking.

23- Dallas Cowboys (2-4) -1

The Cowboys should be the favorites in the NFC East, but can they seize it?

24- Arizona Cardinals (2-4) +5

If only the Cardinals could play every game at SoFi.

25- Philadelphia Eagles (2-4) -8

The loss of Jalen Hurts is probably the nail in the coffin for Philly.

26- New York Jets (2-4)

Jets hung in against the Patriots, a sign of growth for this team.

27- Washington Commanders (1-4-1)

Washington gave San Fran all they wanted. They just need to get better at game management.

28- Indianapolis Colts (2-4) -3

An embarrassing loss made Indy fire their GM, how long until the head coach joins him on the unemployment line?

29- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-5) -1

Bucs let another big win slip out of their grasp.

30- Tennessee Titans (1-5) +1

Tennessee finally won a game in 2026.

31- Los Angeles Chargers (0-6) -1

It feels like heads have to start rolling soon in LA.

32- Miami Dolphins (0-5)

Dolphins return from their bye looking for their first win.

Starting a new series, some random NFL thoughts heading into the weekend.

Da’ Bears

God, we need Caleb Williams back. Maybe we wouldn’t have beaten the Packers in Lambeau with him, but we wouldn’t have gotten annihilated because our offense was stuck in neutral.

Let’s face it, Green Bay, and especially Jordan Love, exposed our defense, in particular our secondary, but we knew the limitations there. Unfortunately, the Tyson Bagent led offense made the Packers defense look like the ‘85 Bears. Not having Kyle Monangai out there didn’t help either.

We, the fans, got complacent. We thought the Ben Johnson offense could roll no matter who the quarterback was, whether it be Williams, Bagent or Case Keenum. We were rudely told otherwise.

Williams is just on a completely different level than the backups. We saw that in week one versus the Panthers. A torrential downpour in week two kept the offense from truly soaring, again, but Caleb gave the Bears a few chances to win that game before he got hurt.

Hopefully, he’s back this week against Atlanta, and not a moment too soon, because I have a feeling we’re going to need to score thirty points just to keep pace with the Falcons.

More Bears

The rumors are flying that the Bears could bring back Khalil Mack. I get it, we need pass rush help, especially with Montez Sweat suspended and Dayo Odeyingbo injured. If the price is right, I’m all for the return of the Mack.

However, Ryan Poles’ main objective on the trade market should be cornerback. The Bears corners have been atrocious. Jaylon Johnson is a shell of his former Pro Bowl self. Tyrique Stevenson has always been inconsistent, now he’s just consistently bad. Malik Muhammad has been the lone bright spot, but he is a rookie and prone to rookie mistakes.

Kyler Gordon could return soon, but can we really count on a guy that’s barely played for the better part of two years?

Seahawks/ Broncos

It was a great two year run, but Sam Darnold seems to be Sam Darnold again. Turnover prone, seeing ghosts. This is the Darnold we remember from his Jets days.

The Broncos offense has never been a juggernaut with Bo Nix, but it’s downright putrid this year. Denver wins because of their defense, but they’re going to have to figure something out on offense. I don’t think it was the play calling.

Is Bo Nix 100%?

Patriots Are Back

Maybe not all the way back, yet, but New England seems to have righted the ship. More importantly, Drake Maye has resembled his nearly MVP form from 2025.

Packers Might Be

It was only one game, and the Bears defense has issues, but that offense was humming. The defense was stifling and ball hawking, as well.

I need to see more, though, because the Packers were dreadful in their wins against the Jets & Buccaneers and god awful in their loss to Atlanta.

Which version is the real Green Bay Packers?

Is it too Late for the Texans?

Houston got their first win, against the hapless Titans, and their defense finally resembled the terrifying unit from 2025. Can they dig themselves out of this 1-4 hole?

The Texans have overcome slow starts before, they were 0-3 last season and made it to the divisional round of the playoffs.

I doubt they can catch Jacksonville, even with a win against them on Sunday, but such a win could give them the momentum they need.

I’m not counting Houston out, at least until Monday morning.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have a chance to be the last unbeaten team standing. They hit their bye at 5-0, while the Kansas City Chiefs, at 4-0, and the San Francisco 49ers, at 5-0 play this weekend.

However, I think the Vikings are the undefeated team most likely to miss the playoffs. I’m just completely underwhelmed by this team. Yes, the defense is good, but who have they played?

They squeaked by the Buccaneers and Dolphins, two of the worst teams in the NFL. They won a little more comfortably against the Saints, but New Orleans is struggling too. They had an epic comeback against Green Bay after looking lost for three quarters.

Minnesota’s signature win was over the Bears at Soldier Field. In a torrential downpour. The Bears shot themselves in the foot repeatedly in that game, and Caleb Williams was on his way to scoring the go ahead, and likely game winning, touchdown on the play where he got hurt.

I’m a Kyler Murray truther. He is not a good quarterback. Great athlete, but below average quarterback. He’ll fade as the season progresses, he always does. The schedule gets tougher and I’m sticking to my belief that the Vikings are eliminated before Christmas.

NFC Least

Even before the Jalen Hurts news, I felt that the Philadelphia Eagles were a team at the beginning of a collapse.

The Dallas Cowboys are what they’ve always been in the Dak Prescott era, a high powered offense that maddeningly disappears at times and a defense that more closely resembles a wet paper bag.

The Washington Commanders just had the kind of meltdown that has tanked better teams. Their clock management in the tie with the Giants was Eberflusian.

Which brings me to the New York Giants. I, like many, thought they were cooked when Jaxson Dart went down, but here they sit at 3-1-1, atop the division. The Jameis Winston experience will have its bumps, but it will always be entertaining.

If I have to pick a winner in this division, I’m going with the team with the best coaching and that’s the Giants.

Cam Ward

It’s time to start wondering if the 2025 #1 overall pick is a bust. Yes, the Tennessee Titans are a bad football team, but Ward seems to have regressed and I’m starting to think he may be holding them back.

Tennessee appears to be heading to a top two draft pick in 2027, in a quarterback draft class that could rival 2024. Could the Titans pull the plug on Ward and hit the reset button?

The Steelers

Mike Tomlin may be gone, but these are the same Pittsburgh Steelers. Great one week, terrible the next.

They’ll hang around in the AFC North, and the AFC Playoff Picture, and Aaron Rodgers will probably find a way, somehow, to get this team into the postseason.

They shouldn’t be. Pittsburgh is not one of the seven best teams in the AFC, but the Steelers always seem to find a way.

Week Five Recap

Trash Pandas vs Lanc Lanc Underdawgs

Tough loss for the Pandas. We had a chance to go 2-3 and get back in this race, but fell short in a couple areas.

What Went Wrong

• Michael Penix Jr- I made the right choice at QB, but the position continues to be my Achilles heel. Yet to get 20 points out of my QB. Now, Penix may be out.
• Chase Brown- Brown has not come close to meeting his draft status yet. He had a plus matchup and only managed 5 points.
• Roman Wilson- Luther Burden III wasn’t good, but at least he got points. Wilson exited with injury and a giant goose egg.

What Went Right

• Jahmyr Gibbs- When you have a fantasy performer like Gibbs, you shouldn’t be 1-4. He’s been an absolute stud so far.
• Brock Bowers- Damn, it’s good to have him back. Even in a tough TE matchup against Trey McBride, Bowers won big.
• Ollie Gordon II- What a great waiver wire add. He’s been excellent, too bad I have to cut him loose.

Week Six Preview

Trash Pandas vs The Injured Reserves

In a normal week, I’d probably be the favorite in this matchup, but this just happens to be the bye week from hell. My top three RBs are on bye. Right now, I only have one active RB, but I do have a trade proposal in that could net me Bryce Young & Kenneth Gainwell.

Keys to Victory

• Brock Bowers- I’m really leaning on Bowers this week. I need one of his Superman efforts if I’m going to have any shot.
• Quarterback- If my trade proposal gets accepted this will be Young. If not, I’ll probably go with Michael Penix Jr. QB has been the problem area for this team. If I have any chance to win, I need that to change this week.
• Woody Marks- Right now, Marks is my only active RB. He doesn’t have the greatest matchup, but he should be the clear lead back for Houston.
• Wide Receivers- I really need one of Luther Burden III, Xavier Worthy or Keon Coleman to show out. My WRs have not been good this year, now would be a good time to change that.

Week Five Recap

Iceman Shelved vs Dawgs of the Gridiron

Ouch. This was as ugly a performance as my Chicago Bears had against Green Bay. Hardly anyone on my team showed up. To think I actually had a lead heading into Monday night is astounding.

What Went Wrong

• Running Backs- Kyle Monangai got ruled out after a monster week four. Ashton Jeanty did nothing on the ground, but salvaged some decency with his receiving. Jeremiyah Love was a total non factor.
• Wide Receivers- I started three receivers, Jaylen Waddle, Luther Burden III & Carnell Tate, and didn’t break 10 points combined.
• Michael Penix Jr- Started Penix because Bryce Young had his bye and Caleb Williams remained out. Twelve points just won’t cut it.
• Colston Loveland- The Bears were brutal offensively, and Loveland continues to be a non-factor.

What Went Right

• Ka’imi Fairbairn- Starting to look like the kicker I protected during his bye week last year. When your kicker is your MVP, though…
• Kyle Pitts- Pitts finally found the end zone and produced my first double digit TE output of the season.
• New York Giants defense- It wasn’t a good week to stream defenses, but the Giants exceeded expectations. Won the DEF matchup by 10 points.

Week Six Preview

Iceman Shelved vs The Tweedle Beetles

Iceman looks to salvage our season against our nemesis and the defending champions. Looks likely that we’ll have Caleb Williams back. I’m a significant underdog here, but there is a path to pulling off the upset.

Keys to Victory

• Caleb Williams- Welcome back, QB1. Not only should he stabilize the QB position for me, but hopefully he elevates Luther Burden III & Colston Loveland as well.
• Woody Marks & Emmanuel Wilson- I think I have a pretty solid group of running backs and who to start was a tough decision. Ultimately I went with Marks and Wilson because they should get the bulk of the work for their respective teams.
• Wide Receivers- I’m long overdue for a WR breakout game. Josh Downs, Xavier Worthy & Luther Burden III all have plus matchups this week.
• Kansas City Chiefs defense- Streaming the Chiefs this week, coming off a bye versus the struggling Chargers offense.