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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Upcoming: vs #15 Jacksonville

Last Week: 12-3 / 7-8

Season: 108-56 / 84-80

Buffalo Bills @ Houston Texans (+5.5)

I want to pick Houston, but I can’t without CJ Stroud.

New York Jets (+14.5) @ Baltimore Ravens

I think Baltimore wins handily, but I’m not touching that spread.

New York Giants (+10.5) @ Detroit Lions

Detroit wins at home, but Giants put up a fight.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Chicago Bears (-3)

I like the Bears at home, especially if Rodgers is out.

New England Patriots @ Cincinnati Bengals (+7)

I like New England, but I’ll take the Bengals and the points at home.

Minnesota Vikings (+6.5) @ Green Bay Packers

Packers beat their rivals at home, but fail to cover.

Indianapolis Colts (+3.5) @ Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs need this in the worst way, the pull it out with a late field goal.

Seattle Seahawks (-13) @ Tennessee Titans

As big a mismatch as you’ll find. Seahawks roll.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Arizona Cardinals (+2.5)

Jaguars are an up and down team and the Cardinals are at home, I’m picking the mild upset.

Cleveland Browns (+3.5) @ Las Vegas Raiders

This is a game only bettors care about. I’ll take the Raiders at home but Cleveland to cover.

Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) @ Dallas Cowboys

This game got a little more interesting after the trade deadline, but I think Philly’s defense is the difference.

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints (+1.5)

Falcons are on a downward spiral, I like the Saints to knock them off at home.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+6.5) @ Los Angeles Rams

Buccaneers desperately need a win, I don’t think they’ll get it against the Rams, but they’ll keep it close.

Carolina Panthers (+7) @ San Francisco 49ers

Did anyone imagine this game would have major playoff implications? I’ll take the Niners at home.

Week 11 Recap

BJ & Da’Bears vs Make Fantasy Great Again

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.

Week 12 Preview

BJ & Da’ Bears vs Dawgs of the Gridiron

Previous Matchup

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Week 11 Recap

Trash Pandas vs ACME Giants

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.

Week 11 Preview

Trash Pandas vs Prestige Worldwide

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Last Week: 9-5 / 7-7

Season: 96-53 / 77-72

New York Jets @ New England Patriots (-10.5)

Two teams in different stratospheres, I’ll take the Patriots at home.

Washington Commanders vs Miami Dolphins (-2.5) in Madrid

The Dolphins showed some fight, I don’t think Washington has any left.

Chicago Bears (+2.5) @ Minnesota Vikings

Surging Bears gets their first division victory.

Cincinnati Bengals (+5.5) @ Pittsburgh Steelers

I like the Steelers at home, but… I’ll take the points and Cincinnati.

Los Angeles Chargers (-2.5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Chargers solidify their standing in the playoff race, while Jacksonville continues to falter.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+5.5) @ Buffalo Bills

I’m losing confidence in both these teams, but Buffalo is at home.

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans (+7.5)

I think the Titans will keep it close at home.

Carolina Panthers (+3.5) @ Atlanta Falcons

These are two teams that are increasingly hard to predict. Call it a hunch, I’ll take the Panthers.

Green Bay Packers (-7.5) @ New York Giants

Giants just fired their coach, perfect get right game for the Packers.

Seattle Seahawks @ Los Angeles Rams (-2.5)

Huge battle of heavyweights, I’ll take the Rams at home.

San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals (+2.5)

Playing another hunch here, give me the Cardinals at home.

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns (+9.5)

Ravens keep winning, but that’s a lot of points.

Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) @ Denver Broncos

Are the Broncos for real, I have my doubts. Feels like a must win for Kansas City.

Detroit Lions @ Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5)

Another battle of heavyweights, I’ll take the Eagles at home.

Dallas Cowboys @ Las Vegas Raiders (+3.5)

Not sure how much the Cowboys defensive additions will help, but they should pull out the win.

BYES

Week 10 Recap

BJ & Da’Bears vs The Juice is Loose

Another week, another disappointing loss in a game I had a chance to win. I’m now 3-7, mathematically still alive, but on life support. I am lucky that I’m in a weak division, but I still feel like this one was the first nail in my coffin.

Caleb Williams was solid, putting up 22 points, but it could have been even better. Bears receivers had at least 6 drops, two of which should have been touchdowns. I lost the QB battle by 7 points.

This matchup hinged on running backs, and I got crushed here, 67-13, because Jonathan Taylor had a monster game in Berlin. It’s a testament to the rest of my team that I was able to make it as close as it ended up being.

Rome Odunze bounced back from being shutout a week ago, scoring his first touchdown since week 4. Tez Johnson was an emergency start due to injuries and he scored two touchdowns. I won the WR battle, 36-21.

Trey McBride is firmly established as my MVP, not just for this game but for the season. He had another big game and I won the TE matchup 19-1.

Jake Bates was an emergency pick up when Ka’imi Fairbairn was ruled out. He won the kicker battle for me, 15-1.

Week 11 Preview

BJ & Da’ Bears vs Make Fantasy Great Again

I’m still alive, barely, thanks to being in the worst division in our league, but I have no margin for error. A loss this week won’t eliminate me, but this is still pretty much a must win.

This isn’t going to be easy, the only clear advantage I have is at tight end. I’m going to have to be completely on top of my game in my lineup decisions.

My keys to the week:

1. Trey McBride: As I said, tight end is my only real position of advantage and that is because of McBride. If I have any chance of winning this one, McBride needs to continue his hot streak.
2. Caleb Williams: On paper, the quarterback matchup is pretty even, but I think there’s a chance Williams can better his projections. I need him to win this and handily.
3. Defense: Right now, I’m leaning towards picking up the Green Bay defense off the waiver wire. You have no idea how much this pains me, but if I want to win, this is a move I think I have to make.
4. Rachaad White: This is really about whichever running backs I decide to play. My opponent has Bijan Robinson, which gives him an advantage. I need my RBs to somehow counteract that.

Week 10 Recap

Trash Pandas vs Shamrocks N Shenanigans

Wow, I’m starting to feel it with this team. A second straight game where an opposing player scored over 60 points and I overcame it, in part because of a Monday Night defense.

The Trash Pandas have won four in a row and it would take an epic collapse for me not to make the playoffs. I do have to worry about my QB1 going on bye in a couple weeks, but this team is starting to click.

The week didn’t start well. Brock Bowers, who I had been counting on after his huge game in week 9, was shutdown by Denver and only managed three points. Then, Jonathan Taylor went absolutely nuts in Berlin, racking up 66 points for my opponent.

But, slowly but surely I clawed my way back into this game. TreVeyon Henderson finally had the breakout game I’d been waiting for all season, racking up 49 points. Jahmyr Gibbs rebounded from his dud last week to put up 43 points and I actually won the RB battle, 92-76.

Marvin Harrison Jr and Rome Odunze each scored touchdowns, though I lost the WR matchup, 35-31.

Justin Herbert wasn’t great, but he did outscore Sam Darnold, 18-16.

I came into Monday night needing 6 points from the Philadelphia Eagles defense, they scored 22, and I had my fourth straight win.

Henderson gets my MVP, welcome to the party, rook.

Week 10 Preview

Trash Pandas vs ACME Giants

On paper, this should be an easy win for the Trash Pandas, but as we learned earlier in the season, it never quite pans out that way.

Our quarterbacks and running backs are pretty evenly matched, but I should have a clear advantage at wide receiver and tight end.

My opponent needs to find a kicker and should probably change their defense and think about a new flex play. I will probably change my defense.

My keys to the week:

1. Brock Bowers: I’ve got a big advantage at TE and Bowers has a great matchup against Dallas. Bowers could be the difference in this game.
2. TreVeyon Henderson: Henderson had a huge game in a big matchup for the Patriots. I hope this solidifies him as RB1 in New England. If he starts becoming a reliable start down the stretch, that would be huge.
3. Rome Odunze: Odunze has been up and down, lately. I need him to string together two consecutive good performances. I have a clear advantage, on paper, at WR, I need to capitalize on that.
4. Quentin Johnston: I’m sticking with Johnston over Jordan Addison at my flex spot because I don’t want to play Addison against my Bears, even though his projection is higher. Johnston can make me not regret that.