Good, Better, Best

NFC North Standings

Yes, that’s real. On November 18, 2025, through eleven weeks of the season, my beloved Chicago Bears have sole possession of first place in the NFC North. It’s been way too long since the Bears were playing truly meaningful games at this point in the season. I cannot contain my happiness.

From the day Matt Eberflus was fired, through the hiring of Ben Johnson to replace him, I allowed myself to hope but tempered my expectations. I came into the season prepared to be happy with just noticeable improvements. I wanted Caleb Williams to show growth and start matching his vast potential to the job of being a franchise quarterback. I wanted to see the Bears coaching staff display competent game management. I wanted the Bears to at least be competitive and, perhaps, stay in the hunt into December.

We’ve gotten that, and more. The Bears aren’t just in the hunt, they’re leading the division. It hasn’t always been pretty, and they’ve yet to beat an opponent with a record above .500, but they’re 7-3 and that’s nothing to sneeze about.

The schedule does get tougher, but the playoffs are within their grasp and I truly believe this Bears team can get there. These are not the Eberflus Bears, this team is different. Watch the Bears post game locker room videos, they remind me of Matt Nagy’s first season. You can tell that this whole team has bought into what Ben Johnson is selling. They believe and belief can help a good team be better.

There’s work to be done yet. Caleb Williams needs to improve his accuracy. The offense, as a whole, needs to stop shooting themselves in the foot. They leave too many points on the field. They do not put teams away when they have the chance. Aside from creating turnovers, the defense has not been good. Special teams makes too many mistakes.

The Path Forward

The Bears have seven games remaining and, with a record of 7-3, I figure they need to go at least 3-4 down the stretch to make the playoffs. To win the division, I think they need 4-5 more wins. Let’s take a look at the schedule:

Week 12

Home vs Pittsburgh Steelers

I feel like if the Bears are going to make the playoffs, winning this game is step one. The Steelers are 6-4, but they’ve been very inconsistent. It’s at home and Pittsburgh is one of the weaker opponents left on the Bears schedule.

I like the Bears to win this one, especially if Aaron Rodgers is out. Truth be told, though, I want Rodgers to play. I want to beat Rodgers in the worst way.

Week 13

Away vs Philadelphia Eagles

I’ve penciled this one in as a loss. As much improved as the Bears are, they aren’t on the defending champs’ level yet. I look at this game as a measuring stick, if the Bears can keep it close, it bodes well for their chances. If not, it doesn’t necessarily kill their chances, but it should tell us it will be a slog to make the postseason.

Week 14

Away vs Green Bay Packers

It’s always a big game when the Bears play the Packers, but it’s been awhile since a December match up with the Packers meant anything more than pride to the Chicago Bears.

Lambeau Field is a tough place to play, but Green Bay is not the juggernaut I thought they’d be before the season. The defense is good, but not dominant and the offense has been very inconsistent.

Truth be told, I don’t think Jordan Love is more than an above average quarterback and none of their receivers truly scare me, except Christian Watson.

Even better for the Bears, I truly expect both Jaylon Johnson & Kyler Gordon back for this game.

Losing here won’t sink the Bears hopes, while a win would all but assure them of a playoff berth and really boost their chances of winning the division.

Week 15

Home vs Cleveland Browns

If the Bears are making the playoffs, this is another must win game. Cleveland’s defense is scary, but their offense is atrocious and this game is being played at Soldier Field, and the Browns have been much worse on the road.

A loss here probably doesn’t mathematically eliminate the Bears, but deep down we all know the season would be effectively over.

Week 16

Home vs Green Bay Packers

If the Bears are going to the playoffs, I think they need at least a split with the Packers and this one is in Chicago.

If the Bears can win two weeks prior in Lambeau, a win here could end Green Bay’s chances of winning the division.

Week 17

Away vs San Francisco 49ers

Depending on how things go over the next five weeks, this game could have huge implications for both teams. It could mean the difference between making or missing the playoffs for either team or it could be a battle for seeding.

The Niners have been ravaged by injuries this season but they keep winning. The defense doesn’t scare me, but Christian McCaffrey does and George Kittle has always had big games against the Bears.

Hopefully, the Bears take care of business before this game and the result won’t determine whether or not they make the playoffs. I think the Bears match up okay with San Francisco but this is a tough road trip late in the season.

Week 18

Home vs Detroit Lions

Aside from Philadelphia, I think the Lions are the best team left on the Bears schedule. We all know how the first matchup with Detroit, in week two, went, but this one is in Chicago and could have major stakes.

It’s okay to think that this game could determine the NFC North champion, but a lot has to happen to get to that point.

Home Field

I think it will take a minimum of ten wins to make the playoffs in the NFC & I think there are two keys to the Bears getting there, the first being home games.

Of the Bears seven remaining games, four are at Soldier Field: Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Green Bay & Detroit. If the Bears go .500 or worse at home, they’ll need at least one road win to get to 10 wins and none of those three; Philadelphia, Green Bay & San Francisco, are easy.

Win three of four in Chicago and the Bears are likely in the playoffs and perhaps even challenging for the division title. Sweep their home games and the Bears will not only be in the playoffs, but likely be the kings of the NFC North.

Division Games

The Bears play three games against divisional opponents in the last seven weeks; Green Bay twice and Detroit once. Two of those three are at home. The Bears need to win at least one of those to have any hope of making the playoffs.

Two division wins likely puts them in the playoffs and three would almost certainly make them kings of the North.

Synopsis

The road isn’t easy, but playoff runs aren’t supposed to be. The Bears do, however, have a legitimate shot. They get the benefit of four home games with a probable need for three wins out of seven games.

I’m cautiously optimistic. I can see the path to the playoffs and it seems very possible. My optimism will grow with a win this week against the Steelers. It will reach a fever pitch if they can win in Lambeau.

The thing to remember, Bears fans, is no matter what happens down the stretch, we’re playing with house money. The Bears have already topped last season’s win total and we know the answer to the two most important questions entering the season. We have our coach and we have our quarterback. The playoffs would just be a cherry on top of what has been the most fun Bears season in seven years.

Week 11 NFL Picks

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.

NE 30-13

Washington Commanders vs Miami Dolphins (-2.5) in Madrid

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

MIA 24-17

Chicago Bears (+2.5) @ Minnesota Vikings

Surging Bears gets their first division victory.

CHI 28-21

Cincinnati Bengals (+5.5) @ Pittsburgh Steelers

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

PIT 24-21

Los Angeles Chargers (-2.5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars

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

Chargers 24-17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+5.5) @ Buffalo Bills

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

BUF 28-24

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans (+7.5)

I think the Titans will keep it close at home.

HOU 24-20

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.

CAR 24-21

Green Bay Packers (-7.5) @ New York Giants

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

GB 31-17

Seattle Seahawks @ Los Angeles Rams (-2.5)

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

Rams 27-24

San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals (+2.5)

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

ARZ 24-21

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns (+9.5)

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

BAL 21-13

Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) @ Denver Broncos

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

KC 24-20

Detroit Lions @ Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5)

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

PHI 24-20

Dallas Cowboys @ Las Vegas Raiders (+3.5)

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

DAL 31-28

BYES

Indianapolis Colts
New Orleans Saints

BJ & Da’Bears: Week 10 Recap & Week 11 Preview

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.

Trey McBride, TE, Arizona Cardinals. Photo Credit- Joe Camporeale/ USA Today Sports

Week 11 Preview

BJ & Da’ Bears vs Make Fantasy Great Again

Projected Lineups & Reserves

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.

Trash Pandas: Week 10 Recap & Week 11 Preview

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.

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots Photo Credit- Jonathan Dyer/ Imagn Images

Week 10 Preview

Trash Pandas vs ACME Giants

Projected Lineups & Reserves

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.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 11

Not much change this week. We’re starting to know what teams are legit contenders and which are pretenders. Couple big matchups this week that’ll shake things up.

#1 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (7-2)

Last Week: #1, won at Green Bay, 10-7

It wasn’t pretty, but Philly pulled out the win in Lambeau.

This Week: vs #8 Detroit

#2 LOS ANGELES RAMS (7-2)

Last Week: #2, won at #15 San Francisco, 42-26

The Rams might have the best offense in the NFL. Huge matchup this week.

This Week: vs #4 Seattle

#3 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (8-2)

Last Week: #3, won at #7 Tampa Bay, 28-23

With each passing week, the Patriots look like legit contenders.

This Week: vs #25 NY Jets

#4 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (7-2)

Last Week: #4, won vs #20 Arizona, 44-22

Seattle is looking like the most complete team in the NFL. Huge matchup this week.

This Week: at #2 LA Rams

#5 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-2)

Last Week: #5, won vs #22 Atlanta, 31-25, in Berlin

Colts have a stranglehold on the AFC South.

This Week: BYE

#6 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (5-4)

Last Week: #6, BYE

This is a must win game coming off a bye if the Chiefs want to defend their AFC West crown.

This Week: at #7 Denver

#7 DENVER BRONCOS (8-2) +1

Last Week: #8, won vs #28 Las Vegas, 10-7

Denver has a chance to prove they’re legit this week. I have my doubts.

This Week: vs #6 Kansas City

#8 DETROIT LIONS (6-3) +3

Last Week: #11, won at #25 Washington, 44-22

When the Lions are clicking, they are a juggernaut.

This Week: at #1 Philadelphia

#9 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (7-3) +3

Last Week: #12, won vs #13 Pittsburgh, 25-10

Chargers keep winning and Justin Herbert might be a dark horse MVP candidate.

This Week: at #18 Jacksonville

#10 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (6-3) -3

Last Week: #7, lost vs #3 New England, 28-23

Buccaneers are in control of the NFC South, but they’re reeling.

This Week: at #13 Buffalo

#11 BALTIMORE RAVENS (4-5) +3

Last Week: #14, won at #19 Minnesota, 27-19

Ravens are suddenly just a game back in the AFC North.

This Week: at #31 Cleveland

#12 CHICAGO BEARS (6-3) +4

Last Week: #16, won vs #27 NY Giants, 24-20

Bears are the cardiac kids, but they’re tied for first in the NFC North.

This Week: at #20 Minnesota

#13 BUFFALO BILLS (6-3) -4

Last Week: #9, lost at #29 Miami, 30-13

I’m completely out on this Bills team, they’ll make the playoffs but that’s it.

This Week: vs #10 Tampa Bay

#14 GREEN BAY PACKERS (5-3-1) -4

Last Week: #10, lost vs #1 Philadelphia, 10-7

I’m not sure Green Bay has the offense to make any noise in the NFC.

This Week: at #28 NY Giants

#15 PITTSBURGH STEELERS (5-4) -2

Last Week: #13, lost at #12 LA Chargers, 25-10

Steelers are teetering on the brink of collapse.

This Week: vs #26 Cincinnati

#16 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (6-4) -1

Last Week: #15, lost vs #2 LA Rams, 42-26

Niners are slipping out of the NFC West race.

This Week: at #21 Arizona

#17 HOUSTON TEXANS (4-5) +4

Last Week: #21, won vs #17 Jacksonville, 36-29

Epic comeback for the Texans, but they might already be out of the playoff race.

This Week: at #32 Tennessee

#18 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (5-4) -1

Last Week: #17, lost at #21 Houston, 36-29

Jags now have a steep climb to make the postseason.

This Week: vs #9 Jacksonville

#19 CAROLINA PANTHERS (5-5) -1

Last Week: #18, lost vs #29 New Orleans, 17-7

Brutal home loss might have sunk any postseason hopes Carolina had.

This Week: at #24 Atlanta

#20 MINNESOTA VIKINGS (4-5) -1

Last Week: #19, lost vs #14 Baltimore, 27-19

Vikings face a must win this week if they have any hope of making the playoffs.

This Week: vs #12 Chicago

#21 ARIZONA CARDINALS (3-6) -1

Last Week: #20, lost at #4 Seattle, 44-22

Cardinals ran into a buzz saw in Seattle.

This Week: vs #16 San Francisco

#22 MIAMI DOLPHINS (3-7) +7

Last Week: #29, won vs #9 Buffalo, 30-13

Miami showed more heart this week than they had all season.

This Week: vs #27 Washington in Madrid

#23 DALLAS COWBOYS (3-5-1)

Last Week: #23, BYE

Dallas made moves at the trade deadline to bolster their defense. Is it too little, too late?

This Week: at #29 Las Vegas

#24 ATLANTA FALCONS (3-6) -2

Last Week: #22, lost vs #5 Indianapolis, 31-25 in Berlin

Falcons season is circling the drain.

This Week: vs #19 Carolina

#25 NEW YORK JETS (2-7) +5

Last Week: #30, won vs #24 Cleveland, 27-20

Jets rode their special teams to a second straight victory.

This Week: at #3 New England

#26 CINCINNATI BENGALS (3-6)

Last Week: #26, BYE

Well, Joe Burrow may be back soon. Is it too late?

This Week: at #15 Pittsburgh

#27 WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (3-7) -2

Last Week: #25, lost vs #11 Detroit, 44-22

Washington heads overseas on a five game skid.

This Week: vs #22 Miami in Madrid

#28 NEW YORK GIANTS (2-8) -1

Last Week: #27, lost at #16 Chicago, 24-20

Giants fired their head coach after their latest collapse.

This Week: vs #14 Green Bay

#29 LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (2-7) -1

Last Week: #28, lost at #8 Denver, 10-7

Raiders are a team with no identity.

This Week: vs #23 Dallas

# 30 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-8) +1

Last Week: #31, won at #18 Carolina, 17-7

Saints have been playing hard all season, they just lack talent.

This Week: BYE

#31 CLEVELAND BROWNS (2-7)

Last Week: #24, lost at #30 NY Jets, 27-20

It’s about time to see what Shedeur Sanders can bring.

This Week: vs #11 Baltimore

#32 TENNESSEE TITANS (1-8)

Last Week: #32, BYE

This season can’t end soon enough for the Titans.

This Week: vs #17 Houston

Brian Daboll

Brian Daboll. Photo Credit- Getty Images

The Giants have fired head coach Brian Daboll. I can’t say I’m surprised. I think it was inevitable after that epic collapse against the Denver Broncos. This latest blown lead versus my Chicago Bears was just the final straw.

I remember when the Giants hired Daboll, it was the same offseason that the Bears hired Matt Eberflus. I wanted Daboll. I pounded the table for Daboll.

Daboll played a big role in developing Josh Allen, and I thought he could do the same for Justin Fields, who was the Bears franchise quarterback at the time.

After a great first year in New York, things started going sideways for Daboll. I placed a good amount of blame on Daniel Jones. I thought Daboll was saddled with a mediocre quarterback, who reached his ceiling in Daboll’s first year as head coach.

This year has proven otherwise. Jones has been very good in Indianapolis, I still think he’s only slightly above average and he’ll revert to that come playoff time, but there is no denying his play in Indy has made the Giants look really bad.

Then, there’s the Giants on field product this season. I survived two and half years of Matt Eberflus, and I know when I see a coach that is in way over his head.

Daboll is a good offensive coach, he showed that against the Bears as the Giants gave the Bears D fits until Jaxson Dart left the game with a concussion. However, Daboll has shown time and again that he doesn’t have a grasp of game management.

The massive collapse against Denver was facilitated by an awful Dart interception. Yes, it was a terrible decision and awful throw by the rookie quarterback, but Daboll should have never put him in that situation.

The Giants had a huge lead, all they needed to do was burn clock. I am not one to advocate a conservative approach, but the Giants were in a position that that was exactly what was required. Three runs, if you don’t get the first down, punt and make Denver march the length of the field.

Against Chicago, there was his decision to take a field goal instead of going for a touchdown from inside the one yard line. Yes, the field goal put them up by two scores, but ultimately, that decision provided the margin of victory for the Bears.

Ultimately, Brian Daboll is a good coordinator that just didn’t have it as a head coach. He’ll be an OC somewhere next season and will probably be a candidate for another head coaching opportunity down the road.

As for the Giants, where do they go from here? They should be an attractive job, they have their quarterback in Dart, they have some pieces on offense in Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo, once they return from their injuries next season. They have a good pass rush.

I think some names you’ll hear are Arizona OC Drew Petzing, Seattle OC Klint Kubiak, Buffalo OC Joe Brady & Kansas City OC Matt Nagy. One name I’d keep an eye on in Kevin Stefanski.

I’ve said it before, Cleveland would be stupid to move on from Stefanski, but Cleveland is known for stupid moves. If Stefanski should become available, he should be at the top of the Giants wish list.

Week 10 NFL Picks

Last Week: 10-4 / 9-5

Season: 87-48 / 70-65

Las Vegas Raiders (+9.5) @ Denver Broncos

Broncos should win, but Raiders will keep it close.

DEN 23-17

Atlanta Falcons vs Indianapolis Colts (-6.5) (in Berlin)

Colts get back to winning on an overseas trip.

IND 31-20

Cleveland Browns (+1.5) @ New York Jets

The Browns defense will be too much for the Jets to handle.

CLE 16-13

Jacksonville Jaguars (+1.5) @ Houston Texans

I like the Jaguars, especially if CJ Stroud is out.

JAX 23-20

Buffalo Bills (-8.5) @ Miami Dolphins

I don’t expect a let down game from the Bills in south Florida.

BUF 38-13

New England Patriots @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5)

I’ll take the Bucs, at home, by a field goal, in this battle of heavyweights.

TB 27-24

New York Giants @ Chicago Bears (-3.5)

Bears should roll at home.

CHI 31-20

Baltimore Ravens (-4.5) @ Minnesota Vikings

Ravens continue their resurgence with a road victory.

BAL 27-16

New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers (-5.5)

Panthers continue their surge in the NFC South.

CAR 24-13

Arizona Cardinals (+6.5) @ Seattle Seahawks

I expect the Seahawks to win, but Arizona hasn’t lost by more than 4 points all season.

SEA 27-23

Detroit Lions (-8.5) @ Washington Commanders

Lions get revenge for Washington bouncing them out of the playoffs last season.

DET 34-13

Los Angeles Rams (-3.5) @ San Francisco 49ers

Niners won in LA earlier, but I think that was a fluke. Rams even it up.

Rams 28-20

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Los Angeles Chargers (-3.5)

Chargers are banged up on the offensive line, but this is a long road trip for Pittsburgh.

Chargers 24-20

Philadelphia Eagles (+2.5) @ Green Bay Packers

The Eagles let the NFL know they are still the defending champions.

PHI 24-21

BYES

Cincinnati Bengals
Dallas Cowboys
Kansas City Chiefs
Tennessee Titans

Trade Deadline

Some quick thoughts on the trade deadline moves:

Sauce Gardner, CB, Indianapolis Colts. Photo Credit- Lucas Boland/ Imagn Images
  • INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: I completely understand the Colts pushing all their chips in for this season. They’ve been one of the best teams in the NFL. Corner was a need and Sauce Gardner is one of the best in the NFL, but man did they pay a steep price. Two first round picks AND a young receiver with some upside. Does Sauce make the Colts better? Absolutely. Does he push them over the top in the AFC? Possibly. All I am going to say is Indianapolis better hope Daniel Jones doesn’t revert to what many of us believe he really is because the Colts won’t have a first round pick until 2028.
Quinnen Williams, DT, Dallas Cowboys. Photo Credit- Vincent Carchietta/ Imagn Images
  • DALLAS COWBOYS: Only Jerry Jones would go all in on a lost season. Don’t get me wrong, Quinnen Williams & Logan Wilson are good players and Dallas’ defense needs the help, but you gotta ask, why not just pay Micah Parsons? In the long run, this might work out for the Cowboys, but I’m scratching my head that Jerry thinks two players can lift this Cowboys team to a playoff run in the stacked NFC.
  • NEW YORK JETS: You can’t help but feel for a fanbase when a team throws in the towel on a season, but the Jets absolutely made the right moves here. They are loaded with high end draft ammunition for the next two years (3 firsts & 2 seconds in 2026, 2 firsts & a second in 2027). The first step in a rebuild is getting your franchise QB, the Jets took a shot with Justin Fields and it didn’t work, now they have to capital to get one either through the draft or acquiring a veteran. They could have garnered more draft capital by lowering the asking price on RB Breece Hall & DE Jermaine Johnson, but what they did get is pretty impressive.
Rashid Shaheed, WR, Seattle Seahawks. Photo Credit- Matthew Hinton/ Imagn Images
  • SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Seattle had already established themselves as legit Super Bowl contenders and adding a true deep threat to their passing game only strengthens that. Rashid Shaheed will complement Jaxon Smith-Njigba & Cooper Kupp perfectly. If Sam Darnold doesn’t fold in the playoffs like he did last season, Seattle is a threat.
Jaelan Phillips, DE, Philadelphia Eagles. Photo Credit- Kirk Irwin/ Associated Press
  • PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Howie Roseman does it again. He addressed the Eagles two biggest areas of need, corner & pass rush, and he got good players at a decent price. Jaelan Phillips is an electric pass rusher when healthy and he could take over the void left by Josh Sweat. Michael Carter II is a good add at cornerback, he’s young and has some upside. Jaire Alexander was a Pro Bowler not long ago and he’s worth the risk at such a cheap price.
  • CHICAGO BEARS: Even though my Bears only made a minor move, I have to address them. Pass rush and corner were their two biggest needs. They addressed the pass rush by acquiring Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. It’s not a needle moving move, but it’s also not mortgaging the future on a season with a limited ceiling. I know they talked with the Jets about Jermaine Johnson, the asking price was too high, and I imagine they inquired about other possibly available pass rushers like Miami’s Bradley Chubb and the Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux or Brian Burns. They went the cheap route and I’m fine with that. Corner could work itself out, Kyler Gordon should be back soon and Jaylon Johnson may be ready by December, there are also reports they’re going to meet with free agent Asante Samuel Jr. The Bears did nothing exciting, and I’m okay with it.

Contenders That Should Have Done More

  • BUFFALO BILLS: Buffalo could’ve used help at wide receiver & defense and there were options available. To come up empty seems like something they may regret.
  • LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Both of the Chargers starting offensive tackles, Rashawn Slater & Joe Alt, are out for the season. To not swing a deal for a possible upgrade, more than Trevor Penning, to what they have could come back to bite them.
  • DETROIT LIONS: Detroit could have used offensive line help, too, and reinforcements for a banged up secondary.
  • SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: With the rash of injuries the Niners suffered to their receiver corps and pass rush, I’m a bit surprised they weren’t more aggressive.

Teams That Should’ve Been Bigger Sellers

  • TENNESSEE TITANS: As bad as Tennessee has been, they did have a couple desirable assets, WR Calvin Ridley & DT Jeffrey Simmons to name two. As far as Simmons goes, I understand the reluctance to trade away players of that caliber, but the simple fact is that he is 28 years old and I seriously don’t think he fits into Tennessee’s timeline to contend.
  • NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: The Saints should be in full rebuild mode. They did trade Shaheed & Trevor Penning, but they had other assets, especially in the secondary, they could’ve moved.
  • MIAMI DOLPHINS: Miami got a third rounder for Jaelan Phillips, but they should have been able to trade more. With so many teams needing pass rushers, I’m surprised that Bradley Chubb & Matthew Judson are still Dolphins.
  • NEW YORK GIANTS: The Giants have an excess of pass rushers and I’m a bit shocked that someone didn’t pay handsomely to pry one of them away.

BJ & Da’Bears: Week 9 Recap & Week 10 Preview

Week 9 Recap

BJ & Da’Bears vs Delta House Blutarskys

I said in my preview of this matchup that my roster could look a lot different by Sunday, and it did. I traded away David Montgomery, Quentin Johnston & Kimani Vidal. I now have 2 fifth round & 2 sixth round picks in next year’s draft.

On top of that, my team went out and won! It is still an uphill battle for me to make the playoffs, and I still may trade away some players, but unlike a week ago, I think there may be some guys that I’ll take off the block.

Caleb Williams took advantage of his plus matchup against Cincinnati’s defense and put up his best week since week 3, scoring 41 points, winning the QB matchup by 29 points.

After trading away Montgomery & Vidal, I was left with no healthy running backs that weren’t on bye after Rhamondre Stevenson was ruled out, so I hit the secondary waiver wire and added Kyle Monangai & Bhayshul Tuten. Monangai had a huge game, even without scoring a TD, Tuten did get a touchdown and I won the RB battle, 25-6.

None of my receivers were good, but at least Brian Thomas Jr & Tetairoa McMillan scored some points. Rome Odunze was completely shut out by the worst defense in the NFL. I lost the WR matchup 22-8.

Trey McBride continued his hot streak with 11 points, helping me win the TE battle, 16-3.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my kicker, Ka’imi Fairbairn, hitting 5 field goals and winning the kicker matchup, 18-5.

He wasn’t my top scorer, but for putting up 17 points a day after I plucked him off the free agent wire, Kyle Monangai gets my MVP.

Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears. Photo Credit- Joseph Maiorana/ Imagn Images

Week 10 Preview

BJ & Da’ Bears vs The Juice Is Loose

Projected Lineups & Reserves

These lineups could look very different come Sunday. My opponent will hit the waiver wire for a kicker and probably make a QB change and possibly a few others.

I’ve kept the trade block open, looking for draft picks, but I did make Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze, Trey McBride & Colston Loveland unavailable.

This is a winnable game for me and if I get back to 4-6, I might still have a shot to make the playoffs.

Here are my keys to the week:

  1. Rome Odunze: I survived Odunze putting up zero points this past week, but I need him to start producing like the WR1 he was in the early season.
  2. Trey McBride: McBride has really taken off the last few weeks and if I have any hope of sneaking into the playoffs, he needs to continue his hot streak.
  3. Kyle Monangai: Swift might be back for the Bears and I may not end up playing Monangai, but he could still help me if he gets more of an equal time share in the Bears backfield.
  4. Colston Loveland: I drafted Loveland and held on to him for a reason, we saw a glimpse this past week. If he establishes himself as a solid weekly flex play, he could be a cheap TE1 for me for years.

Trash Pandas: Week 9 Recap & Week 10 Preview

Week 9 Recap

Trash Pandas vs SteelCity Mafia

Wow! What a game! This is why I play fantasy football.

I nearly got Flacco’d. Two of my studs didn’t even show up, but my cheat code tight end gave me a chance going into Monday night.

Down 16, Marvin Harrison Jr up against CeeDee Lamb. All week, I had planned on deliberately taking a zero from my team defense by putting the Eagles, on bye, into my lineup instead of risking negative points by facing the Cowboys offense in Dallas.

I had no choice, though. The deficit was too much. I had to play them and boy, did the Arizona Cardinals defense come through! I was able to flip a 16 point loss into a 15 point win.

I thought I had an advantage at QB with Justin Herbert. Herbert was very good, but Joe Flacco nearly doubled him up.

Jahmyr Gibbs had, perhaps, his worst fantasy performance of his career and Rome Odunze got completely shut out. Those two and Joe Flacco put me in a hole I didn’t think I had a chance to crawl out of.

Then, Brock Bowers returned and reminded the world why I drafted him in the second round. Welcome back, Mr. Bowers! I missed ya! You get my MVP for the week.

I’m 5-4 now, on a three game winning streak and a game back in the division. A division, I might add, that I’m undefeated in. I think I’m set up pretty well for the stretch drive.

Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders. Photo Credit- Kirby Lee/ Imagn Images

Week 10 Preview

Trash Pandas vs Shamrocks N Shenanigans

Projected Lineups & Reserves

Huge matchup this week. My opponent has been one of the best teams in the league this season, powered by the best running back tandem in the league. I’ll need to be at my best to keep my momentum going.

Here’s the keys to my week:

  1. Jahmyr Gibbs: Gibbs was terrible last week and I cannot afford a repeat of that. My opponent trots out Jonathan Taylor & Christian McCaffrey. I have little to no chance of winning the running back duel, but Gibbs can keep it from being a total embarrassment.
  2. Rome Odunze: Odunze put up zero points last week, in a game where the Bears scored 47 points and had over 500 yards of offense. He needs to bounce back, big. Finding the end zone for the first time since week 4 would be nice, too.
  3. Brock Bowers: Last week is the reason why Brock Bowers was my second round draft pick. He’s a cheat code. He should not only win the TE battle for me, he should put up WR1 numbers. To put it simply, Bowers has the ability to flip losses into wins for me.
  4. Bhayshul Tuten: If Rhamondre Stevenson remains out, I may go back to TreVeyon Henderson, but I like Tuten. He’s got a tough matchup, but he’s starting to get a bigger share of the running back snaps. He could be a wildcard down the stretch.