I thought, for sure, that I lost this week after Kyle Pitts had an all-time tight end fantasy game on Thursday night, but then the Sunday one o’clock window came.
Trevor Lawrence had a game for the ages. SIX total touchdowns & 70 points! He won the QB matchup by 28 and gets my MVP.
I won the RB duel 55-4 despite Jahmyr Gibbs only putting up 5 points because TreVeyon Henderson exploded for 50!
Wide receiver was an issue for me going into the week as my top two, Rome Odunze & Marvin Harrison Jr, both missed the previous game. Harrison was ruled out again, but Odunze was slated to go. Two minutes before kickoff, Odunze gets ruled out but he was already locked into my lineup. It could have been catastrophic, but ended up not hurting me, though I lost the WR battle, 34-8.
The TE battle was a bloodbath as Brock Bowers had a complete dud, while Pitts had a monster game. I lost this matchup, 41-4.
Dalton Schultz won the flex battle, 14-8.
The Philadelphia Eagles defense pitched a shutout and won the team defense matchup by 31 points.
The final score became a lot closer because I got crushed at kicker, 48-7.
This epic win, coupled with a loss by the division leader vaulted me into first place in the division and the #2 overall seed for the playoffs.
For the second time in three seasons the Pandas & Heels face off three times in a season. My opponent has, quite literally, been my Achilles heel, as I have a 1-6 record versus them. My only win coming in week one this season.
We split the season series this year and, coincidentally, also scored the exact same amount of points in the two matchups. My loss in week 13 was my only division loss of the season.
This is projected to be another close one. I need to keep an eye on my receivers as I have injury issues with all of them.
My keys to the week:
Justin Herbert- Even after Trevor Lawrence’s monster game, Herbert moves back into my starting lineup because he has a much better matchup than Lawrence. Don’t make me regret it.
Jahmyr Gibbs & TreVeyon Henderson- I feel like I have a distinct advantage at RB, especially since I think Devon Achane is projected way too high. If Gibbs & Henderson perform like they’re capable of, they could carry me to the next round.
Rome Odunze & Luther Burden III- One of the Bears receivers needs to be healthy for me, it would be even better if Marvin Harrison Jr was as well. I need my receivers not to squander any advantage my RBs might have.
Dalton Schultz– My stud TE, Brock Bowers, has a terrible matchup but I’m still playing him because I just can’t not. I’m also playing his counterpart, Schultz, because he has a much better matchup. It would be huge if my TE2 wins the flex battle.
Denver is the first team in the AFC to clinch a playoff berth & they have the inside track to the number one overall seed & a first round bye.
Clinching Scenario- Win vs Jacksonville or Chargers loss clinches the AFC West.
2. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (11-3)
RemainingSchedule
at Baltimore Ravens
at New York Jets
vs Miami Dolphins
New England blew a big lead against Buffalo & a chance to wrap up the AFC East. The Patriots still hold a one game lead in the division & a pretty favorable schedule to finish the season.
Clinching Scenario- Win vs Baltimore, or Colts or Texans loss clinches a playoff berth.
3. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (10-4)
RemainingSchedule
at Denver Broncos
at Indianapolis Colts
vs Tennessee Titans
Jacksonville maintained their one game lead in the AFC South, but the Jaguars have a tough road game this week & Houston is breathing down their necks.
Clinching Scenario- Win vs Denver & Colts or Texans loss clinches a playoff berth.
4. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (7-7)
RemainingSchedule
at Detroit Lions
at Cleveland Browns
vs Baltimore Ravens
Pittsburgh currently leads the AFC North & holds the fourth seed in the AFC, but their position is precarious. The Steelers could still miss the playoffs entirely. Their schedule isn’t easy, with the rematch with Baltimore looming in the final week.
#5 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (10-4)
RemainingSchedule
at Dallas Cowboys
vs Houston Texans
at Denver Broncos
The Chargers ended Kansas City’s run of postseason appearances & greatly enhanced their own playoff chances, but that finishing schedule is brutal.
Clinching Scenario- Win vs Dallas & Colts or Texans loss clinches a playoff berth.
6. BUFFALO BILLS (10-4)
RemainingSchedule
at Cleveland Browns
vs Philadelphia Eagles
vs New York Jets
Buffalo stayed alive in the AFC East race, but the Bills need help to surpass New England.
Clinching Scenario- Win vs Cleveland & Colts or Texans loss clinches a playoff berth.
7. HOUSTON TEXANS (9-5)
RemainingSchedule
vs Las Vegas Raiders
at Los Angeles Chargers
vs Indianapolis Colts
Houston kept pace in the AFC South. The Texans have a rather favorable schedule to make the playoffs & possibly catch Jacksonville for the division title.
8. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-6)
RemainingSchedule
vs San Francisco 49ers
vs Jacksonville Jaguars
at Houston Texans
Indianapolis showed some fight in their first game with the un-retired Philip Rivers, but they’re now 2 games back in the division & a full game back of a playoff spot. That schedule is super tough, as well.
9. BALTIMORE RAVENS (7-7)
RemainingSchedule
vs New England Patriots
at Green Bay Packers
at Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore eliminated Cincinnati & kept pace in the AFC North. The schedule is tough, but it will probably come down to that final game in Pittsburgh.
Eliminated This Week
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (6-8)
MIAMI DOLPHINS (6-8)
CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-10)
Games to Watch
Week 16– Jacksonville Jaguars @ Denver Broncos
Denver wants to hold onto the #1 seed & Jacksonville wants to stay one game ahead of Houston in the AFC South. This game will go a long way into determining both.
Week 16– San Francisco 49ers @ Indianapolis Colts
The Niners are solidly in the playoffs, but if the Colts want their last two games against division rivals to mean anything, it feels like this is a must win for them.
Week 16– New England Patriots @ Baltimore Ravens
Patriots could clinch a playoff berth. Baltimore could keep pace with or tie Pittsburgh. Buffalo could catch New England.
Week 17– Houston Texans @ Los Angeles Chargers
Both teams are in good shape to make the playoffs, though nothing is clinched yet. This game will go a long way in determining seeding.
Week 18– Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
The AFC North always seems to come down to these two and it certainly appears as if this final week matchup will settle it once again.
My AFC Picks
Denver Broncos (14-3) AFC West Champions
New England Patriots (14-3) AFC East Champions
Houston Texans (12-5) AFC South Champions
Baltimore Ravens (8-9) AFC North Champions
Buffalo Bills (13-4)
Jacksonville Jaguars (12-5)
Los Angeles Chargers (10-7)
NFC
1. LOS ANGELES RAMS (11-3) -x
RemainingSchedule
at Seattle Seahawks
at Atlanta Falcons
vs Arizona Cardinals
The Rams seem like the most complete team in the NFL. This week’s trip to Seattle has massive implications.
2. CHICAGO BEARS (10-4)
RemainingSchedule
vs Green Bay Packers
at San Francisco 49ers
vs Detroit Lions
Chicago jumped back ahead of Green Bay in the NFC North race with a huge matchup against their bitter rivals this week. The Bears can seize total control of the division & keep their hopes alive for the #1 seed with a win.
Clinching Scenario- Win vs Green Bay & Lions loss clinches a playoff berth.
3. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (9-5)
RemainingSchedule
at Washington Commanders
at Buffalo Bills
vs Washington Commanders
Any Philadelphia win or Dallas loss will give the Eagles the NFC East for a second consecutive season.
Clinching Scenario- Win vs Washington or Cowboys loss clinches the NFC East.
4. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (7-7)
RemainingSchedule
at Carolina Panthers
at Miami Dolphins
vs Carolina Panthers
The two games with Carolina will decide if Tampa Bay maintains their grip on the AFC South.
5. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (11-3)
RemainingSchedule
vs Los Angeles Rams
at Carolina Panthers
at San Francisco 49ers
Seattle has two tough division games sandwiched around a trip to Carolina that will determine their fate. The could end up anywhere from the #1 seed to the seventh seed.
Clinching Scenario- Win vs Los Angeles or Lions loss clinches a playoff berth.
6. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (10-4)
RemainingSchedule
at Indianapolis Colts
vs Chicago Bears
vs Seattle Seahawks
The Niners have been quietly hanging around in the NFC West & they find themselves with a shot at not only winning the division but getting the #1 seed, as well.
Clinching Scenario- Win vs Indianapolis or Lions loss clinches a playoff berth.
7. GREEN BAY PACKERS (9-4-1)
RemainingSchedule
at Chicago Bears
vs Baltimore Ravens
at Minnesota Vikings
This week’s trip to Chicago will determine if Green Bay is taking the NFC North or battling for a wildcard spot.
Clinching Scenario- Win vs Chicago & Lions loss clinches a playoff berth.
8. DETROIT LIONS (8-6)
RemainingSchedule
vs Pittsburgh Steelers
at Minnesota Vikings
at Chicago Bears
Detroit is two games back in both the division and wildcard race, but they can still get either with a final week victory in Chicago & an extra loss for the Bears or two losses for Green Bay.
9. CAROLINA PANTHERS (7-7)
RemainingSchedule
vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
vs Seattle Seahawks
at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Those two games with Tampa will decide Carolina’s fate, unless they lose the first & drop the game vs Seattle & the Bucs beat Miami, then that last one is meaningless.
10. DALLAS COWBOYS (6-7-1)
RemainingSchedule
vs Los Angeles Chargers
at Washington Commanders
at New York Giants
Dallas is still alive, barely, but their only shot is the division & there is no margin for error. The Cowboys must win out & have Philly lose out.
Eliminated This Week
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (6-8)
Games to Watch
Week 16– Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks
The biggest heavyweight fight of the year. Rams could all but clinch the NFC West with a win. A Seattle win would give them first place with a huge date with San Francisco looming in the final week.
Week 16– Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
Whoever wins this one will be in control of the NFC North. Chicago has the tougher remaining schedule, but a win gives them essentially a 2 game lead.
Week 16– Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers
The winner would be in control of the NFC South with a chance to clinch the following week because both teams have difficult games in week 17.
Week 17– Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers
Both teams could possibly clinch a playoff spot with a victory or set themselves up for a nervous week 18 with a loss.
Week 18– Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers
Regardless of how the Rams-Seahawks battle shakes down, this final week game will have major seeding implications.
This was a meaningless game. Both of us were already eliminated, so just for my own amusement, I replaced most of my normal starters. The results were predictable.
Caleb Williams, who I played simply because I have no other quarterback on my roster, was the only player that truly showed up.
The Los Angeles Chargers defense also had a nice game.
Anyway, let’s leave this one behind and move on to the Toilet Bowl.
Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears. Photo Credit- Mike Roemer/ Associated Press
Week 15 Preview
TOILET BOWL: ROUND 1
BJ & Da’ Bears vs Make Fantasy Great Again
Previous Matchup
Week 11 Result
In our first matchup, I made managerial mistakes that cost me a victory, which has been one of the stories of my season.
I’m a heavy underdog in this one, and for good reason. We’ll see how it plays out.
My keys to the week:
Caleb Williams– In our first matchup, Williams managed only 6 points. If I’m to advance, I need him to be closer to a QB1 this time.
Trey McBride– McBride has been my MVP this season and I need him to continue his run of great performances.
Tetairoa McMillan– McMillan has played himself into consideration to be one of my keepers for next season. I need another strong showing.
Kyle Monangai– A good showing from Monangai against a tough Browns defense would warm my heart, even if my team should lose.
Big win for the Pandas! I didn’t clinch a playoff spot, but nearly did. I won or tied every position battle except kicker, where I lost 4-0.
I listed Trevor Lawrence as one of my keys since I opted to start him over Justin Herbert. That decision paid off. Lawrence outscored Herbert & won the QB matchup for me, 23-19.
The story of this game was told on Thursday night, when Jahmyr Gibbs romped for 30 points. I rode my season long MVP to another victory & probable playoff berth.
Even with Bhayshul Tuten putting up a zero, I won the RB battle 30-18.
WR had the makings of a disaster when Rome Odunze & Marvin Harrison Jr were both ruled out. I picked up Isaac TeSlaa & Luther Burden III. Neither had big games, but they did enough to win the WR matchup 14-13.
Brock Bowers didn’t have a great matchup, but he still won the TE battle 10-0.
I already had the game won when Monday night came around, but I kept the Philadelphia Eagles defense in and they were able to equal the output of the Denver Broncos.
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions. Photo Credit- Paul Sancya/ Associated Press
Week 15 Preview
Trash Pandas vs Lancaster Lightning
Projected Lineups & Reserves
Previous Matchup
Week 7 Result
In the first matchup with Lancaster Lightning, I rebounded from one of my worst fantasy football weeks & exploded for one of my best of the season. I wouldn’t mind history repeating itself.
It’s pretty simple, a win this week guarantees a playoff spot and gives me a chance to win the division & get a higher seed. I probably still make the playoffs with a loss, but I’d be relegated to the 7th or 8th seed and a tough first round matchup.
My keys to the week:
Jahmyr Gibbs- He’s been everything I expected when I drafted him in the first round & I’ll ride him as far as he can take me. The matchup this week isn’t the greatest, but Gibbs is capable of putting up big numbers in any game.
Brock Bowers- My receivers are a big question mark once again this week, so I need Bowers to make up the difference. The Raiders don’t have a good matchup, but the offense runs through Bowers.
TreVeyon Henderson- Buffalo has a porous run defense so New England should take advantage. I really hope they’ve come to the realization that Henderson should be getting the bulk of the carries.
Trevor Lawrence- Right now, I’m leaning heavily towards starting Lawrence again. His ceiling isn’t as high as Herbert’s, but I think he’s got a safer floor.
The AFC currently runs through Denver, but that could change. The Broncos are virtually a lock to make the playoffs & it would take an utter collapse to lose the division, but the battle for the #1 seed will be tough. Denver doesn’t have any cupcakes left on the schedule.
2. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (11-2)
RemainingSchedule
vs Buffalo Bills
at Baltimore Ravens
at New York Jets
vs Miami Dolphins
New England is nearly a lock to win the AFC East, even with a loss to Buffalo next week. The Patriots also have a really good chance to be the #1 seed, their remaining schedule is considerably easier than Denver’s.
3. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (9-4)
RemainingSchedule
vs New York Jets
at Denver Broncos
at Indianapolis Colts
vs Tennessee Titans
Jacksonville currently sits alone atop the AFC South & with 9 wins, the Jaguars are a virtual lock to make the playoffs. The division, however, is up in the air, with a red hot Houston breathing down their necks. Unfortunately, Jacksonville & Houston will not play each other over the next four weeks.
4. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (7-6)
RemainingSchedule
vs Miami Dolphins
at Denver Broncos
at Cleveland Browns
vs Baltimore Ravens
Pittsburgh currently leads the AFC North & holds the fourth seed in the AFC, but their position is precarious. The Steelers could still miss the playoffs entirely. Their schedule isn’t easy, with the rematch with Baltimore looming in the final week. A rejuvenated Cincinnati is also lurking. Winning the division seems like the only path for Pittsburgh as a wildcard is a very, very long shot.
#5 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (9-4)
RemainingSchedule
at Kansas City Chiefs
at Dallas Cowboys
vs Houston Texans
at Denver Broncos
The Chargers have one of the toughest closing schedules of any playoff contender, not a single cupcake involved. They’re in good shape now, but every win is critical.
6. BUFFALO BILLS (9-4)
RemainingSchedule
at New England Patriots
at Cleveland Browns
vs Philadelphia Eagles
vs New York Jets
A loss in New England will end Buffalo’s hopes of winning the AFC East & getting a top three seed, but the Bills are a virtual lock for the playoffs. In a playoff scene that could be missing Kansas City & Baltimore, some may think this is Buffalo’s year, but if they have to win three tough road games to make the Super Bowl, I’m skeptical.
7. HOUSTON TEXANS (8-5)
RemainingSchedule
vs Arizona Cardinals
vs Las Vegas Raiders
at Los Angeles Chargers
vs Indianapolis Colts
Houston has worked themselves all the way back into the playoffs, if the season ended today, but they have their sights set higher. Texans are just a game behind Jacksonville in the AFC South, they don’t play each other, but one little slip by the Jags & Houston will pounce.
8. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-5)
RemainingSchedule
at Seattle Seahawks
vs San Francisco 49ers
vs Jacksonville Jaguars
at Houston Texans
Indianapolis was already in a full on collapse before they lost Daniel Jones for the season. They shouldn’t let the Jones’ injury change the narrative, the Colts were a long shot to make the playoffs with that closing schedules.
9. BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-7)
RemainingSchedule
at Cincinnati Bengals
vs New England Patriots
at Green Bay Packers
at Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore should stay alive until the final week, when they visit Pittsburgh, because the AFC North is very weak. The Ravens have a tough schedule & they haven’t looked good lately.
10. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (6-7)
RemainingSchedule
vs Los Angeles Chargers
at Tennessee Titans
vs Denver Broncos
at Las Vegas Raiders
Kansas City pretty much has to run the table to make the playoffs, but don’t doubt for a second that Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid & the Chiefs aren’t capable of doing just that. Their two toughest games are in Arrowhead. Don’t count out KC until they are officially eliminated.
11. MIAMI DOLPHINS (6-7)
RemainingSchedule
at Pittsburgh Steelers
vs Cincinnati Bengals
vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
at New England Patriots
Miami also needs to run the table, and get some help, to make the playoffs. The schedule is tough, but manageable, especially if New England has everything wrapped up by the final week. Dolphins are a long shot, but still alive.
12. CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-9)
RemainingSchedule
vs Baltimore Ravens
at Miami Dolphins
vs Arizona Cardinals
vs Cleveland Browns
Cincinnati is still alive because of a bad AFC North, but any loss will all but eliminate the Bengals. Call me crazy, but with a healthy Joe Burrow, I think Cincy has a legitimate shot.
Games to Watch
Week 15– Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
KC has no margin for error & LA has a brutal schedule. Feels like the winner of this one will make the playoffs, the loser could be out.
Week 18– Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
The AFC North usually comes down to these 2 teams, and this game will, again, decide the winner of the division. But, there’s a caveat, I think it will be between the Steelers & a resurgent Cincy. If Pittsburgh wins this, they’re in, lose & I think the Bengals sneak in.
Week 15– Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
This game will probably have no bearing on the AFC East, I don’t think Buffalo will make up two games in 4 weeks, but it could be the difference between the Pats having the #1 seed and a bye or being #2.
Week 15– Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos
Huge heavyweight fight. Broncos need it in their battle for the #1 seed, Packers need it to maintain their lead in the NFC North. This one will have a lot of seeding implications.
Week 16– Cincinnati Bengals @ Miami Dolphins
Both teams could be eliminated by then, but one of them almost certainly will be afterwards. Both Cincy & Miami have no margin for error which raises the stakes for this one.
My AFC Picks
Denver Broncos (14-3) AFC West Champions
New England Patriots (14-3) AFC East Champions
Houston Texans (12-5) AFC South Champions
Cincinnati Bengals (8-9) AFC North Champions
Buffalo Bills (13-4)
Jacksonville Jaguars (12-5)
Kansas City Chiefs (10-7)
NFC
1. LOS ANGELES RAMS (10-3)
RemainingSchedule
vs Detroit Lions
at Seattle Seahawks
at Atlanta Falcons
vs Arizona Cardinals
The division and conference #1 seed will be decided in two weeks when the Rams travel to Seattle. LA will be either the first or fifth seed in the NFC.
2. GREEN BAY PACKERS (9-3-1)
RemainingSchedule
at Denver Broncos
at Chicago Bears
vs Baltimore Ravens
at Minnesota Vikings
Green Bay has two tough road games the next two weeks that will ultimately decide what seed they end up with. Packers could end up as the #1 seed if they run the table.
3. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (8-5)
RemainingSchedule
vs Las Vegas Raiders
at Washington Commanders
at Buffalo Bills
vs Washington Commanders
Philadelphia is scuffling & their fans are in panic mode, but a favorable closing schedule means they should easily clinch the #3 seed in the NFC. Eagles need to fix things to defend their title, but they certainly have the chance to do so.
4. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (7-6)
RemainingSchedule
vs Atlanta Falcons
at Carolina Panthers
at Miami Dolphins
vs Carolina Panthers
Tampa’s playoff destiny will be decided by those two games with Carolina. Buccaneers are floundering, but the division still runs through them, for now.
5. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (10-3)
RemainingSchedule
vs Indianapolis Colts
vs Los Angeles Rams
at Carolina Panthers
at San Francisco 49ers
Seattle is in much the same boat as the LA Rams, that matchup next week is huge, but the Seahawks also have two tough road games to finish the season.
6. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (9-4)
RemainingSchedule
vs Tennessee Titans
at Indianapolis Colts
vs Chicago Bears
vs Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco has a firm grip on a wildcard spot, but they should still have eyes on the division title. Two tough games to finish the season, but the Niners get them both at home.
7. CHICAGO BEARS (9-4)
RemainingSchedule
vs Cleveland Browns
vs Green Bay Packers
at San Francisco 49ers
vs Detroit Lions
Chicago lost first place in the NFC North & the #1 seed, but they have a shot to get both back rather quickly. The rematch with Green Bay will decide the division. If the Bears defend their home field, they should be no worse than the second seed.
8. DETROIT LIONS (8-5)
RemainingSchedule
at Los Angeles Rams
vs Pittsburgh Steelers
at Minnesota Vikings
at Chicago Bears
Detroit controls their own destiny, for now, because of the final week matchup with Chicago. The Lions, however, don’t have the easiest of schedules. Every loss hurts.
9. CAROLINA PANTHERS (7-6)
RemainingSchedule
at New Orleans Saints
vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
vs Seattle Seahawks
at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Carolina’s season hinges on those two games with Tampa. Panthers best bet to make the playoffs is to win the NFC South.
10. DALLAS COWBOYS (6-6-1)
RemainingSchedule
vs Minnesota Vikings
vs Los Angeles Chargers
at Washington Commanders
at New York Giants
Dallas is still alive because of Philly’s struggles, but the Cowboys have no margin for error. This week’s matchup with Minnesota probably eliminates one of them.
11. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (5-8)
RemainingSchedule
at Dallas Cowboys
at New York Giants
vs Detroit Lions
vs Green Bay Packers
Minnesota is still mathematically alive, so I’m including them in this list. The Vikings, however, are the longest of long shots. Three very tough games in the last four, I expect them to be eliminated quickly.
Games to Watch
Week 16– Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
This game will likely decide the NFC North champion. Packers have a tough one the week before, then easier ones after this. Bears have what should be an easy one before this, but 2 tougher ones to finish the season.
Week 16– Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks
Huge, huge game with major implications. Winner will probably win the NFC West and the #1 seed & first round bye. Loser will end up the fifth seed & on the road in the playoffs.
Week 16– Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers
Week 18– Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lump these two together because these will decide the NFC South. One team will get in & host a playoff game, the other will go home for the offseason.
Week 15– Minnesota Vikings @ Dallas Cowboys
Both teams are long shots, but one of them will almost certainly be eliminated after this one.
The week 16 rematch with Seattle looms large for division & conference supremacy.
Upcoming: vs #13 Detroit
#2 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (10-3)
Previous: #2, won at #23 Atlanta, 37-9
As stated above, the rematch with LA will determine a lot.
Upcoming: vs #21 Indianapolis
#3 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (11-2)
Previous: #3, BYE
Patriots could clinch division with win versus Buffalo.
Upcoming: vs #7 Buffalo
#4 DENVER BRONCOS (11-2)
Previous: #4, won at #31 Las Vegas, 24-17
Denver has a stranglehold on the division & should be either the 1 or 2 seed.
Upcoming: vs #5 Green Bay
#5 GREEN BAY PACKERS (9-3-1) +2
Previous: #7, won vs #5 Chicago, 28-21
Green Bay outlasted Chicago & took over first place in the North & the #2 seed, for now.
Upcoming: at #4 Denver
#6 HOUSTON TEXANS (8-5) +3
Previous: #9, won at #19 Kansas City, 20-10
Signature win for CJ Stroud, Demeco Ryans & this Texans team vs KC. Houston is the team nobody wants to face in the playoffs.
Upcoming: vs #26 Arizona
#7 BUFFALO BILLS (9-4) +3
Previous: #10, won vs #20 Cincinnati, 39-34
Bills narrowly avoided a home loss to Cincy. Big game in New England if they have any hope of earning a home playoff game.
Upcoming: vs #3 New England
#8 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (9-4)
Previous: #8, BYE
Niners come off their bye one game back in the NFC West & a strong grip on a wildcard spot.
Upcoming: vs #30 Tennessee
#9 CHICAGO BEARS (9-4) -4
Previous: #5, lost at #7 Green Bay, 28-21
Bears fell behind Green Bay in the NFC North & down to the 7th seed, but they have a chance to flip that again over the next two weeks.
Upcoming: vs #31 Cleveland
#10 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (8-5) -4
Previous: #6, lost at #18 LA Chargers, 22-19
I’m officially worried about Philly after their third straight loss. They could have sealed the division with a win, now they still haven’t clinched a playoff berth, yet.
Upcoming: vs #32 Las Vegas
#11 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (9-4) +3
Previous: #14, won vs #15 Indianapolis, 36-19
Jaguars have seized control of the AFC South, but Houston is hot on their heels.
Upcoming: vs #28 NY Jets
#12 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (9-4) +6
Previous: #18, won vs #6 Philadelphia, 22-19
Huge win for the Chargers, solidifying their position in the playoff race.
Upcoming: at #20 Kansas City
#13 DETROIT LIONS (8-5) -1
Previous: #12, won vs #17 Dallas, 44-30
Lions got a much needed win & now control their own destiny because of the their week 18 matchup with Chicago.
Upcoming: at #1 LA Rams
#14 CAROLINA PANTHERS (7-6) +2
Previous: #16, BYE
Carolina returns from their bye with a clear path to the postseason, those 2 games with Tampa will determine their fate.
Upcoming: at #25 New Orleans
#15 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (7-6) -2
Previous: #13, lost vs #30 New Orleans, 24-20
Tampa is struggling but with two games left versus Carolina, they still control their own destiny.
Upcoming: vs #24 Atlanta
#16 PITTSBURGH STEELERS (7-6) +5
Previous: #21, won at #11 Baltimore, 27-22
Steelers gained the upper hand in the AFC North, but their position is far from solid.
Upcoming: vs #18 Miami
#17 DALLAS COWBOYS (6-6-1)
Previous: #17, lost at #12 Detroit, 44-30
Despite the loss, Dallas stays alive because of Philly’s struggles.
Upcoming: vs #23 Minnesota
#18 MIAMI DOLPHINS (6-7) +4
Previous: #22, won at #26 NY Jets, 34-10
Dolphins have surged back into the playoff race, but they have no margin for error.
Upcoming: at #16 Pittsburgh
#19 BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-7) -8
Previous: #11, lost vs #21 Pittsburgh, 27-22
Ravens still have a shot, but they look like a team that’s lost its way.
Upcoming: at #22 Cincinnati
#20 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (6-7) -1
Previous: #19, lost vs #9 Houston, 20-10
KC is still alive, but they’re hanging by a thread.
Upcoming: vs #12 LA Chargers
#21 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-5) -6
Previous: #15, lost at #14 Jacksonville, 36-19
Colts were already in free fall, now they’ve lost Daniel Jones for the season.
Upcoming: at #2 Seattle
#22 CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-9) -2
Previous: #20, lost at #10 Buffalo, 39-34
Cincy let one slip away in Buffalo, but they could still run the table & win the AFC North.
Upcoming: vs #19 Baltimore
#23 MINNESOTA VIKINGS (5-8) +5
Previous: #28, won vs #24 Washington, 31-0
Minnesota is still mathematically alive, but it probably won’t be for long.
Upcoming: at #17 Dallas
#24 ATLANTA FALCONS (4-9) -1
Previous: #23, lost vs #2 Seattle, 37-9
Atlanta is eliminated from playoff contention.
Upcoming: at #15 Tampa Bay
#25 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (3-10)+5
Previous: #30, won at #13 Tampa Bay, 24-20
New Orleans is eliminated from playoff contention.
Patriots are in the drivers seat for the AFC East title, even with a loss to Buffalo they’d be a game up. Tight battle with Denver for #1 seed, might need to go 4-0 to get it.
DENVER BRONCOS (10-2)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– at Las Vegas Raiders
Week 15– vs Green Bay Packers
Week 16– vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 17– at Kansas City Chiefs
Week 18– vs Los Angeles Chargers
Assuming Broncos take care of business versus Vegas, they’ll be tied with New England in the race for #1 seed. The road for Denver, however, is much tougher. Their last four games could all have major playoff implications. They could officially eliminate the Chiefs in week 17.
ControllingTheirDestiny, for now
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (8-4)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– vs Indianapolis Colts
Week 15– vs New York Jets
Week 16– at Denver Broncos
Week 17– at Indianapolis Colts
Week 18– vs Tennessee Titans
Jaguars have two huge matchups with Indianapolis down the stretch. If they can split with Indy & take care of business against the Jets & Titans, they should get a playoff spot, possibly win the division.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-4)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– at Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 15– at Seattle Seahawks
Week 16– vs San Francisco 49ers
Week 17– vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 18– at Houston Texans
Colts are currently tied for first with Jacksonville & they play the Jaguars twice down the stretch. It feels like Indy needs to win both of those to have any shot at the playoffs because their schedule is very tough. After dominating the first two months of the season, the Colts could very well miss the playoffs.
BUFFALO BILLS (8-4)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– vs Cincinnati Bengals
Week 15– at New England Patriots
Week 16– at Cleveland Browns
Week 17– vs Philadelphia Eagles
Week 18– vs New York Jets
Barring a complete collapse, the Bills should make the playoffs. The division, however, may be out of reach. Even if they win in New England, they’ll need help to overtake the Patriots.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (8-4)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– vs Philadelphia Eagles
Week 15– at Kansas City Chiefs
Week 16– at Dallas Cowboys
Week 17– vs Houston Texans
Week 18– at Denver
The Chargers currently occupy a playoff spot and they trail Denver by 2 in the AFC West, but they have a very difficult schedule & they’ve had a rash of injuries. They control their own destiny for the postseason, but it might be fleeting.
BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-6)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 15– at Cincinnati Bengals
Week 16– vs New England Patriots
Week 17– at Green Bay Packers
Week 18– at Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore controls their own destiny because they have two games versus Pittsburgh and one against Cincinnati. Win those three and they should take the AFC North. Lose one or more and they likely miss the playoffs because their other games are tough.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (6-6)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– at Baltimore Ravens
Week 15– vs Miami Dolphins
Week 16– at Detroit Lions
Week 17– at Cleveland Browns
Week 18– vs Baltimore Ravens
Pittsburgh needs at least a split with Baltimore and probably a win versus Cleveland to have a shot. They have a slightly easier schedule than Baltimore, but they’ve been faltering.
Lurking
HOUSTON TEXANS (7-5)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– at Kansas City Chiefs
Week 15– vs Arizona Cardinals
Week 16– vs Las Vegas Raiders
Week 17– at Los Angeles Chargers
Week 18– vs Indianapolis Colts
The battle with Kansas City is huge. With a win they could solidify their position and all but eliminate the Chiefs. Houston has a favorable schedule down the stretch and a real shot to make up the one game deficit and win the AFC South.
Needing Help
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (6-6)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– vs Houston Texans
Week 15– vs Los Angeles Chargers
Week 16– at Tennessee Titans
Week 17– vs Denver Broncos
Week 18– at Las Vegas Raiders
The Chiefs run of AFC West titles is pretty much over and they have little margin for error in the race for a wildcard, but as long as they have a pulse you cannot count them out.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (5-7)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– at New York Jets
Week 15– at Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 16– vs Cincinnati Bengals
Week 17– vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 18– at New England Patriots
The Dolphins need to run the table to have any chance. A tall task, but possible, especially since New England might have nothing to play for in the final week.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-8)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– at Buffalo Bills
Week 15– vs Baltimore Ravens
Week 16– at Miami Dolphins
Week 17– vs Arizona Cardinals
Week 18– vs Cleveland Browns
Cincy dug a deep hole for themselves during Joe Burrow’s absence, but somehow they’re still alive. Buffalo isn’t necessarily a must win, if they can win their last 4 they could have a shot.
My Picks
DENVER BRONCOS (AFC West Champion)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (AFC East Champion)
HOUSTON TEXANS (AFC South Champion)
CINCINNATI BENGALS (AFC North Champion)
BUFFALO BILLS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
NFC
Locks
LOS ANGELES RAMS (9-3)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– at Arizona Cardinals
Week 15– vs Detroit Lions
Week 16– at Seattle Seahawks
Week 17– at Atlanta Falcons
Week 18– vs Arizona Cardinals
The week 16 battle with Seattle looms large, it could decide the division & possibly the #1 seed.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (9-3)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– at Atlanta Falcons
Week 15– vs Indianapolis Colts
Week 16– vs Los Angeles Rams
Week 17– at Carolina Panthers
Week 18– at San Francisco 49ers
Again, that week 16 matchup with the Rams is huge. Seattle will make the playoffs, but if they lose to LA & San Francisco they could end up with the 7 seed.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (8-4)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– at Los Angeles Chargers
Week 15– vs Las Vegas Raiders
Week 16– at Washington Commanders
Week 17– at Buffalo Bills
Week 18– vs Washington Commanders
It would take an epic collapse for Philly not to win the division or make the playoffs. Number one seed is still in play, but I think LA or Seattle will pull away with that.
ControllingtheirDestiny, sort of
CHICAGO BEARS (9-3)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– at Green Bay Packers
Week 15– vs Cleveland Browns
Week 16– vs Green Bay Packers
Week 17– at San Francisco 49ers
Week 18– vs Detroit Lions
Those two Packers games probably decide the division. If Chicago defends their home field, they’ll win the NFC North. Probably need a minimum 4-1 to get the #1 seed.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (8-3-1)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– vs Chicago Bears
Week 15– at Denver Broncos
Week 16– at Chicago Bears
Week 17– vs Baltimore Ravens
Week 18– at Minnesota Vikings
Green Bay probably needs to sweep Chicago to win the division. Not an easy road, but the Packers should make the playoffs.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (7-5)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– vs New Orleans Saints
Week 15– vs Atlanta Falcons
Week 16– at Carolina Panthers
Week 17– at Miami Dolphins
Week 18– vs Carolina Panthers
Those two games with Carolina will decide the division. Bucs have an outside shot of a wildcard, but it seems like winning the division is their best bet.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ers (9-4)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– BYE
Week 15– vs Tennessee
Week 16– at Indianapolis Colts
Week 17– vs Chicago Bears
Week 18– vs Seattle Seahawks
Niners are a near lock for the playoffs and they’re right there in the NFC West race, but they need help. The final two versus Chicago & Seattle could determine seeding.
Right There
CAROLINA PANTHERS (7-6)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– BYE
Week 15– at New Orleans Saints
Week 16– vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 17– vs Seattle Seahawks
Week 18– at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Panthers best bet is to win the NFC South, and the two games against Tampa should decide the division.
Need Help
DETROIT LIONS (7-5)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– vs Dallas Cowboys
Week 15– at Los Angeles Rams
Week 16– vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 17– at Minnesota Vikings
Week 18– at Chicago Bears
Lions have little margin for error. It feels like the Dallas game is a must win for both. Their division hopes are probably lost.
DALLAS COWBOYS (6-5-1)
RemainingSchedule
Week 14– at Detroit Lions
Week 15– vs Minnesota Vikings
Week 16– vs Los Angeles Chargers
Week 17– at Washington Commanders
Week 18– at New York Giants
Dallas has no margin for error. Any loss probably eliminates them from division contention & playoff contention.
Nickels and Dimes 