By Matt Stuart | Published | No Comments
All hail the San Francisco 49ers. It’s beginning to look like it’s the Niners world and everyone else is just living in it. Brock Purdy is playing the quarterback position about as well as anyone has or can, and it seems like they are headed to a first round bye. Heck let’s just call the NFC side of the playoffs, the “Niners Invitational.” Sure sounds like fun if you are the rest of the NFC doesn’t it? But wait! Could the Lions, Eagles and Cowboys still throw a wrench in those plans?
Santa is bringing us some key matchups this holiday weekend, that could still go a long ways in determining who really is the top dog. Some teams are hoping that they don’t get lumps of coal coming out of week 16, while several coaches are hoping they see the “New Year”.
On the AFC side, it’s looking like things are a little more wide open, just like I said in week 8. Baltimore has its eyes on a first round bye, but behind the Ravens, it’s a sea of challengers just waiting for the Ravens to slip up. With the Ravens still set to play the Niners this week, and the Dolphins next week, there is still much left to write about how good the Ravens really are. Once again I remind you to not sleep on the Buffalo Bills, who could still win the AFC East. Trust me, that Buffalo team is going to be a real thorn in the side of several AFC contenders if they do reach the playoffs.
So here is how I see things shaking out here at the start of week 16.
I see no reason why they will lose another game until perhaps sometime around week five or six of next season.
The Ravens have a healthy Lamar Jackson this December and that’s good for their chances of playing meaning football in January and perhaps into February.
They still haven’t beaten a team with a winning record, but the good news is that they will get three cracks at it.
The Lions looked as good as they have looked all season against the Broncos, but now they must take care of their division starting with two critical games against the Vikings.
That loss could change the entire NFC playoff picture right there.
They didn’t bother to show up in Buffalo, now the questions becomes will they be a no show in the playoffs again as well.
They are not the same Chiefs we are used to seeing this time of the year, but they will still be a tough out come playoff time.
They could go from missing the playoffs entirely, to winning it all.
Joe Flacco knows how to win in the playoffs and if he gets the Browns there you better not take them lightly.
The Texans saw their playoff chances on the ropes when C.J. Stroud missed his first start of the season due to a concussion, but Case Keenum gave them a reprieve.
The Bengals are looking to make the playoffs for the third season in a row, but this one would be a lot more special.
The Jaguars went from sure fire playoff entrants to possible spectators in the course of just three weeks.
The Colts just keep finding ways to impress me and if they win out they will make the playoffs and that will be one of the most impressive feats in the NFL this season.
The Seahawks halted their four game losing streak with an upset over the Eagles and keep their playoff chances in tact, well for at least another week.
The Broncos saw their playoff chances take a hit on the road in Detroit, but their season is not done yet.
The Steelers have no business making the playoffs, but this aint college and if they win out they will be there, deserving or not.
They are one of the hottest teams in the NFL, and they are going to send some NFC division winner home in the wild card round come playoff time, if they can just get in.
Win out and win the NFC South and host a playoff game.
See above.
The Vikings loss to the Bengals was a tough pill to swallow, but they have a slim shot at the NFC North and a decent shot at a wild card berth.
They likely have to win out now if they have any shot at reaching the playoffs.
The Raiders stomped the Chargers in more ways than one.
They may have blown their season on a rainy afternoon in Charolette.
Their prayers went unanswered on the final play of the game and now the Bears are praying that they can hold onto Carolina’s top pick.
Mike Vrabel tried to honor Bum Phillips by wearing a Cowboy hat. Bum Phillips did not deserve that.
Tommy DeVito is the first Italian to not enjoy a trip to the Big Easy, since well, ever.
Aaron Rodgers says he wants to play next week. You won’t hear any complaints from Zach Wilson.
Ron Rivera is getting fired, isn’t he?
The players wanted a fresh start, and by quitting on their coach against the Raiders, they got just that.
If New England and Carolina win a couple more games, they could be back where they were expected to be before the season began, the worst team in football.
Maybe the Panthers should build around their place kicker next season, because he seems to be the only one capable of winning them a game.
Seeing the Patriots at the bottom of the power ranking in week 16 is just weird.
