As a Bears fan, I’m usually deep into mock draft season at this time, but this year I’m just now taking my first look. In between trash talking Packer fans, I decided to do my first mock draft for 2026.
Obviously, the draft order isn’t close to being set. I wasn’t going to mock trades, but with the current top two picks being the Titans & Giants, who both drafted first round quarterbacks last year, I knew I had to trade them out of those spots.
So, here we go:
BJ & Da’Bears vs Legion of Squirrels
Another week, another loss. I’ve now clinched the worst record in the league and I lost any chance I had at playing spoiler. I’ve got a meaningless Week 14 game before the Toilet Bowl, let’s make this quick.
Kyle Monangai gets MVP for a stellar 18 point performance.
Trey McBride had another great week, sorry you got wasted on a terrible team, in real life & fantasy.
Tetairoa McMillan only had one catch, but it was a 43 yard touchdown.
Bhayshul Tuten also had a TD and a respectable 8 points.
Brian Thomas Jr has cemented himself as my worst number one pick, EVER!
BJ & Da’ Bears vs Achane in the Membrane
Our previous matchup gave me my first victory on the season. This matchup is totally meaningless, both of us are eliminated from playoff contention.
My keys to the week:
NONE.
Who cares? This game means nothing, take a week off and go to the Toilet Bowl.
Previous: #1, lost at #18 Carolina, 31-28
I’m keeping the Rams at #1, despite the loss in Carolina. Long road trip, inclement weather & uncharacteristic Stafford turnovers. LA lost the top seed in the NFC, for now, but I think they’re still the team to beat.
Upcoming: at #25 Arizona
Previous: #2, won vs #25 Minnesota, 26-0
The Seahawks are right there with LA, but I can’t put them ahead of the Rams, yet, because I don’t trust playoff Darnold. Seattle might have the best defense in the NFC.
Upcoming: at #23 Atlanta
Previous: #6, won vs #29 NY Giants, 33-15
Patriots roll into their bye on a ten game winning streak. I don’t fully trust this young team, yet, but I’m not sure I trust any team in the AFC.
Upcoming: BYE
Previous: #7, won at #28 Washington, 27-26
The Broncos haven’t earned many style points in their ten game winning streak, but they keep finding ways. The defense is elite and could be enough to carry them all the way to the Super Bowl.
Upcoming: at #31 Las Vegas
Previous: #10, won at #3 Philadelphia, 24-15
What a week for the Bears. They utterly dominated the defending champs on Black Friday, then they slide into the #1 seed in the NFC on Sunday. Huge battle with their bitter rivals this week.
Upcoming: at #7 Green Bay
Previous: #3, lost vs #10 Chicago, 24-15
The Eagles are out of sorts on offense and their defense got bullied by the Chicago offensive line, but they are the defending champs. Philly has the horses to turn this around and make another run at the Super Bowl.
Upcoming: at #18 LA Chargers
Previous: #11, won at #5 Detroit, 31-24
Packers swept Detroit, but suddenly they have a challenger for NFC North supremacy they weren’t expecting. Battle for first place with Chicago in Lambeau this week.
Upcoming: vs #5 Chicago
Previous: #12, won at #23 Cleveland, 26-8
Somehow, despite the injuries, the Niners are hanging in there in the NFC West, only a half game back. They seem to have a firm grip on at least a wildcard spot.
Upcoming: BYE
Previous: #13, won at #9 Indianapolis, 20-16
The Texans have surged back into the AFC playoff race behind the best defense in the NFL. I think it’s that defense that will propel them to the AFC South crown.
Upcoming: at #19 Kansas City
Previous: #14, won at #20 Pittsburgh, 26-7
Let me be clear, I think the Bills are frauds. This is not a legit Super Bowl contender, in my opinion, but they’ll probably get in to the playoffs and could pull out a road win in the Wildcard round.
Upcoming: vs #20 Cincinnati
Previous: #4, lost vs #24 Cincinnati, 32-14
The Ravens are another team I do not expect much from in January, they just seem off. That said, they have the clearest path to the postseason from the mediocre AFC North.
Upcoming: vs #21 Pittsburgh
Previous: #5, lost vs #11 Green Bay, 31-24
The Lions should be in desperation mode. The division title is probably out of reach now, and they have little margin for error in the wildcard race, but Detroit does have a team that can make it happen.
Upcoming: vs 17 Dallas
Previous: #16, won vs #26 Arizona, 20-17
The Buccaneers got a much needed victory and kept their tenuous hold on the NFC South, for another week. Tampa owns this division until someone takes it from them, but Carolina is knocking.
Upcoming: vs #30 New Orleans
Previous: #15, won at #32 Tennessee, 25-3
The Jaguars overtook Indy for first place in the AFC South. They’ve been quietly lurking all season. Their grasp may be fleeting, though, as Houston is surging.
Upcoming: vs #15 Indianapolis
Previous: #9, lost vs #13 Houston, 20-16
The Colts are plummeting back to earth and the landing promises to be rough. It’s not all on Daniel Jones, but I have always had reservations about Indianapolis because of him. Colts need to right the ship or they could be on the outside looking in.
Upcoming: at #15 Jacksonville
Previous: #18, won vs #1 LA Rams, 31-28
Panthers just aren’t going away. The win over LA is the signature win of Bryce Young’s career. If Tampa gives them an opening, Carolina could seize the division.
Upcoming: BYE
Previous: #19, won vs #8 Kansas City, 31-28
Since the trade deadline, the Cowboys have been surging. The division is probably out of reach at this point, but Dallas is poised to make some noise in the wildcard race.
Upcoming: at #12 Detroit
Previous: #17, won vs #31 Las Vegas, 31-14
I dropped the Chargers one spot, after a win, because I’m just not sure they can weather all these injuries. The latest is the biggest, possibly. Justin Herbert broke bones in his non-throwing hand and his status going forward is unclear.
Upcoming: vs #6 Philadelphia
Previous: #8, lost at #19 Dallas, 31-28
The Chiefs have squandered any margin for error they might have had. The division is lost, and they likely have to run the table to make it as a wildcard. With Mahomes, KC is never out of it, but the door is closing.
Upcoming: vs #9 Houston
Previous: #24, won at #4 Baltimore, 32-14
Joe Burrow returned and saved the Bengals season, for now. If Cincy was in any other division, they’d be dead in the water, but the AFC North is eminently winnable for the Bengals, but they have very little margin for error.
Upcoming: at #10 Buffalo
Previous: #20, lost vs #14 Buffalo, 26-7
The Steelers are still alive, because the AFC North is terrible, but it feels like Pittsburgh is circling the drain. I’m reasonably confident that this will be Aaron Rodgers’ swan song and could be Mike Tomlin’s as well.
Upcoming: at #11 Baltimore
Previous: #21, won vs #30 New Orleans, 21-17
The Dolphins are saving their coach’s job and lingering on the periphery of the playoff hunt. I still find it unlikely, but each win increases their chances.
Upcoming: at #26 NY Jets
Previous: #22, lost at #27 NY Jets, 27-24
Put a fork in ‘em, the Falcons are done. Heads are going to roll in Atlanta after another underachieving season.
Upcoming: vs #2 Seattle
Previous: #28, lost vs #7 Denver, 27-26
The Commanders jump four spots despite another loss, because Jayden Daniels is about to return. Washington has no hope of making the playoffs, but they could play spoiler.
Upcoming: at #28 Minnesota
Previous: #26, lost at #16 Tampa Bay, 20-17
The Cardinals have been eliminated from playoff contention and big changes could be coming in Arizona this offseason.
Upcoming: vs #1 LA Rams
Previous: #27, won vs #22 Atlanta, 27-24
The Jets are showing some signs of growth in Aaron Glenn’s first season. Now, if they could finally complete their endless search for a franchise quarterback.
Upcoming: vs #22 Miami
Previous: #23, lost vs #12 San Francisco, 26-8
It’s a shame the Myles Garrett’s historic season is being wasted on a terrible Browns team. Cleveland will probably be searching for a new coach come January.
Upcoming: vs #32 Tennessee
Previous: #25, lost at #2 Seattle, 26-0
The Vikings made a terrible mistake letting Sam Darnold walk. Can Kevin O’Connell fix JJ McCarthy? If not, Minnesota could occupy the basement in the NFC North for years to come.
Upcoming: vs #24 Washington
Previous: #29, lost at #6 New England, 33-15
Giants season is lost and they need to protect Jaxson Dart from himself the rest of the season.
Upcoming: BYE
Previous: #30, lost at #21 Miami, 21-17
The Saints have been eliminated from playoff contention, but Tyler Shough is giving New Orleans something to think about. He may have earned another season as starting quarterback, letting the Saints address other areas in the draft.
Upcoming: at #13 Tampa Bay
Previous: #31, lost at #17 LA Chargers, 31-14
The Raiders have been eliminated from playoff contention and reports suggest that Vegas is just as dysfunctional as ever. I think this could be Pete Carroll’s final season as an NFL head coach.
Upcoming: vs #4 Denver
Previous: #32, lost vs #15 Jacksonville, 25-3
The Titans are eliminated from playoff contention. The good news, they can probably ransom the first overall pick for a pretty sizable haul.
Upcoming: at #27 Cleveland
If the Packers send the Bears back to Chicago, defeated, they’ll take over first place in the NFC North. You’ll get to dunk on Bears fans, give them their comeuppance for not knowing their place.
You’ll get to remind us this is your division. That Green Bay owns us, whether it’s Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love under center. You’ll get to mock us, mercilessly, for two whole weeks. Then, you’ll have to do it again, but in Chicago this time.
See, that’s the thing, Green Bay, you need to beat the Bears twice to control your own destiny in the division, we only have to win once.
So, yeah, if you win on Sunday, it’ll hurt us. They always hurt. But, the thing is, we’re Bears fans. We’ve got layers upon layers of scar tissue. There is nothing you can say to us that we haven’t already heard a dozen times over the last 30 years.
Well take our licks and two weeks later we’ll get a shot at redemption, in Soldier Field. I wonder, Green Bay, if you’ve considered, for a moment, the alternative?
If the Bears march into Lambeau and do to your Packers what they just did to Philly, how will you cope?
How will you cope knowing there is a new king in the North, because, make no mistake, if the Bears win in Lambeau this Sunday, they are winning the North. It won’t matter what you do. It won’t matter if you come to Chicago and win, we’ll still be ahead of you, unless you get some help. Have you considered that?
Even if the Packers win and seize control of the NFC North, it will not crush us. We’ve been down that road many, many times. We know the way back.
We will survive. But, will you?
You can put on the brave face. Pretend you’re not worried. That’s cool, confidence is admirable. But, deep down, somewhere in that part of your soul you don’t speak of in polite company, the thought has crossed your mind. What if these aren’t the same old Bears?
What if that big swing for the fences you took with Micah Parsons was all for naught, because Chicago had already trumped it last January when they hired Ben Johnson.
Face it, Green Bay, if you win you can dunk on us all you want, but nothing you say will affect us, we’ve been there, done that. But if the Bears win, your world, as you know it, crumbles to ash.
No pressure, Green Bay, none whatsoever.
Just remember,
I was planning on writing this after next week’s game against Green Bay, but I find myself with some free time on a Sunday and I’m still buzzing about the huge win against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
The Bears haven’t lost since the Sunday before Halloween. They just went 5-0 in November, the last two victories over division leaders, Pittsburgh and the aforementioned Eagles.
They enter December in first place in the NFC North. The last time they led the division this late in the season was 2018, and I can draw a significant parallel between that season and this one.
In 2018, I was enjoying the Bears winning after several down years, but deep down I wasn’t sure how good they actually were. They had gotten to 8-3 by the end of November, they had some impressive wins but the only one over a decent opponent was at home against the Vikings.
They opened December by losing to a below average Giants team and sat at 8-4 entering a Sunday night matchup with the 11-1 Los Angeles Rams. The Bears did not play well, offensively, in that game but the defense was utterly dominant. So dominant, in fact, that the New England Patriots studied the tape of that game prior to holding the Rams to 3 points in the Super Bowl.
The Bears win over the Rams was the game where I finally knew, this team was good. Of course, we all know how that season ended. The double doink robbed us Bears fans of seeing what that team could have accomplished.
This season, while not following the same trajectory as 2018, had a similar feeling. I was happy with the wins, but deep down I was wondering how good are the Bears, really?
They had barely escaped with wins against the lowly Raiders, Giants & Bengals without Joe Burrow. Sure, they had shutdown a high powered Cowboys offense and beat the Commanders with a fully healthy Jayden Daniels, but they also lost to JJ McCarthy and the Vikings & Baltimore without Lamar Jackson. Their only victory over a team with a winning record was over the Steelers, who were playing without Aaron Rodgers.
Then, Black Friday came. I didn’t hold out much hope. The Eagles are a juggernaut. Their offense is inconsistent, but their defense is elite. I was looking at this game as a measuring stick. I just wanted the Bears to look respectable, play a true Super Bowl contender close in their own building.
The Bears exceeded my loftiest hopes. They not only went into Philly and won, they dominated. The final score, 24-15, doesn’t tell the story of how utterly Chicago dominated this game.
The Bears offensive line bullied one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL. The Bears rushed for 280+ yards & both D’Andre Swift & Kyle Monangai had over 100 yards rushing.
The Bears defense forced two turnovers against an offense that had the fewest turnovers in the league coming in. They shut down Saquon Barkley and really the entire Philly offense, except AJ Brown.
I’m sitting here, smiling as I write this, because I now know the Chicago Bears are a good football team. Not only do I know that we’ll be playing meaningful games in December, but we’ll be in the playoffs come January.
The Bears are now 9-3. Ten wins might get them in the playoffs, 11 surely will. A 2-3 stretch drive isn’t being overly optimistic, in fact I think it’s too pessimistic. Winning all five is probably asking too much, but why not 4-1 or 3-2?
3-2 probably wins the division, especially if at least one of the wins is against Green Bay. 4-1 certainly wins the North. Win the North and they get a home playoff game.
So what are the keys to make this happen?
HOLY SHIT! AS I’M WRITING THIS, THE CAROLINA PANTHERS BEAT THE LOS ANGELES RAMS AND THE BEARS ARE CURRENTLY THE NUMBER ONE SEED IN THE NFC!
Now, back to it…
@ Green Bay- A couple weeks ago, I was hoping the Bears would split their two games with the Packers. Now, I want the sweep and I don’t think it’s out of the question. Green Bay has a good defense, but not as dominant as Philadelphia and the Bears just bullied the Eagles defensive line. It’s entirely fathomable that they can do similar to Green Bay. Lambeau is a tough place to win, but if the Bears offensive line can control the line of scrimmage, it’s very possible. The Packers have already lost twice at home, to Philly and to Carolina. I want the Bears to hand them number three next week.
vs Cleveland- The Browns defense, especially Myles Garrett, worries me a little bit. Their offense, however, has me salivating. Cleveland will be starting a rookie quarterback, either Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel, in what will likely be a raucous Soldier Field. I anticipate the Bears defense forcing several turnovers, creating short fields for the offense to offset a stingy Browns defense.
vs Green Bay- Yes, I want the sweep, but this is the gotta have it game against the Packers. Defend Soldier Field and they have a decent shot at winning the NFC North. Speaking of defending, the Bears defense could be as close to full strength as they’ve been all season for this game. TJ Edwards should be back by then and Tremaine Edmunds is eligible to come off IR for this one. I think the Bears could force Jordan Love into a couple turnovers in this one.
@ San Francisco- I have to admit, as the season has progressed and the Bears have gotten better and better, this game has started to concern me more. The reason is because the Niners are a gutsy team that has battled through numerous injuries to find themselves in the thick of the playoff race. A west coast road trip this late in the season is tough and San Fran could be fighting for their playoff lives. It’s a winnable game for the Bears, but also a prime spot for a letdown if they beat the Packers the week before.
vs Detroit- The Lions annihilated Chicago in week two, but that was a different Bears team. Detroit still poses a threat. They have superb playmakers in Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St.Brown & Jameson Williams. They have a quarterback, Jared Goff, who can use those weapons to great effect if he’s not pressured. Add in the fact that Detroit might be very desperate for a win to make the postseason and this one could be a nail biter, if the Bears don’t have things wrapped up by then. Can Dennis Allen dial up some pressure on Goff and force a couple mistakes?
I think the Bears go 3-2 down the stretch, but I do think 4-1 is possible. I can’t, in good conscience, pick the sweep of Green Bay, but I do think we’ll get the split and that will be enough to win the NFC North.
In addition to the two games with the Bears, Green Bay also has to go to Denver and they host Baltimore. If Chicago goes 3-2, Green Bay has to go 4-1 to wrest the division from our grasp. Detroit would need to go 5-0.
3-2 is probably not good enough to secure the number one seed, because the Rams & Seahawks have identical records to Chicago and each are capable of going 5-0 down the stretch, though they do play each other. Philadelphia also remains a threat, though they do have 2 tough road games remaining and they’re a game behind Chicago and the Bears own the tiebreaker.
MVP
Dark Horse– Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Offensive Player of the Year
Dark Horse– George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Defensive Player of the Year
Dark Horse– Jordyn Brooks, LB, Miami Dolphins
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Dark Horse– Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Dark Horse– Will Johnson, CB, Arizona Cardinals
Coach of the Year
Dark Horse– Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys
OVER
Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions (-2.5)
Green Bay dominated the first matchup, but this one is in Detroit. I like the Lions.
Kansas City Chiefs (-3) @ Dallas Cowboys
Both teams are fighting for their playoff lives, I’ll bet on the Chiefs recent history.
Cincinnati Bengals (+7) @ Baltimore Ravens
Joe Burrow will be back, but I think the Ravens are going to pull away in the AFC North.
Chicago Bears (+6.5) @ Philadelphia Eagles
I don’t think the Bears are on the Eagles level, yet, but there is a non-zero chance of an upset here.
San Francisco 49ers @ Cleveland Browns (+5.5)
The Browns defense is legit, don’t count them out, but I think the Niners pull this one out.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-6.5) @ Tennessee Titans
Jaguars should roll and keep marching to a possible playoff spot.
Houston Texans (+4.5) @ Indianapolis Colts
Texans are resurgent and I like them to pull off the mild upset here and really tighten up the AFC South.
New Orleans Saints (+6) @ Miami Dolphins
I like the Dolphins to pick up another win, but I’d never take them to cover more than a field goal.
Atlanta Falcons @ New York Jets (+2.5)
I’ll take the Jets at home because I just don’t trust the Falcons.
Los Angeles Rams (-10) @ Carolina Panthers
Panthers really need this game, but the Rams are just too good.
Arizona Cardinals @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)
I think the Buccaneers finally get back on track here at home.
Minnesota Vikings @ Seattle Seahawks (-10.5)
Darnold & the Seahawks show the Vikings the mistake they made.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Los Angeles Chargers (-5.5)
Chargers have offensive line problems, but the Raiders are trash.
Buffalo Bills @ Pittsburgh Steelers (+4)
Both teams should be desperate. I think the Bills pull out the road win.
Denver Broncos @ Washington Commanders (+6.5)
Broncos should win, but I don’t trust them to cover.
New York Giants @ New England Patriots (-7.5)
The Patriots keep marching towards that number one seed.
BJ & Da’Bears vs Dawgs of the Gridiron
Nail. Coffin. That will do it on my 2025 quest for the championship belt. All I’ve got left is to play spoiler and the Toilet Bowl. It was a disappointing season, obviously, I’ll do a post mortem after the season.
I made mistakes in this game, namely leaving Kyle Monangai on the bench, but none of it cost me. My team just wasn’t good enough.
Caleb Williams, once again, carried my team with 26 points. He’ll be one of my keepers for next season.
Running back was a black hole for my team, as usual. I managed only 6 points from the RB position while my opponent scored 39.
My receivers were decent, Parker Washington, an injury replacement, and Tetairoa McMillan both scored touchdowns, but I lost the WR battle 30-25.
Trey McBride had his worst week in awhile, but he was still decent. Colston Loveland was actually better and I’m pretty certain he’ll be another one of my 2026 keepers.
BJ & Da’ Bears vs Legion of Squirrels
I’m into spoiler mode. I can’t solely eliminate my opponent with a win, but I can severely hurt their playoff chances.
I’m a big underdog, right now, but the odds will get closer once I have a defense in place.
My keys to the week:
Trash Pandas vs Prestige Worldwide
Big win to finish off the non-division slate for the Trash Pandas, and I didn’t need to sweat this one out. This win vaulted me into a three way tie atop my division, as of now I own the tiebreaker since I’m 3-0 in the division. A lot can happen over the next three weeks, but I feel good about this team.
Trevor Lawrence started at QB for me due to Justin Herbert’s bye week. Lawrence acquitted himself well, putting up 25 points, but I lost the QB matchup by 10.
My WRs were a disappointment, Jordan Addison was shut out, while Rome Odunze & Luther Burden III each managed only 5 points. I lost the WR battle, 16-10.
Andy Borregales had an awesome week, scoring 34 points, and any other week my kicker would have had a strong case for MVP, but not this week.
I won this week because of one man. My first round draft pick, Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs had an all-time monster fantasy week putting up an astounding 67 points!
Trash Pandas vs Achilles Heels
I picked up my first ever victory over the Achilles Heels in Week 1, despite making some serious managerial mistakes. I’m heavily favored in this rematch, though I think the odd will narrow considerably once they get Nix, Achane & Waddle into the lineup. Even still, I like my chances.
The Heels are one of the two teams I’m tied with for the division lead, so a win here would be huge.
My keys to the week:
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:
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
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
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
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.
Nickels and Dimes 