It’s time to get into the middle-iest of the NFL’s middle, as Conor and Gary continue their four-at-a-time season preview countdown. This episode features two 2021 playoff teams, one underdog darling and one former underdog darling of whom we’ve talked about quite a bit.

Once again, we will not reveal who the teams are in this episode description, but we will provide these clues from our conversations:

Team 20: Taking on the crushing noise that will define 2022.

Team 19: Let’s get carried away with some unbridled optimism for once.

Team 18: They managed to screw everything up over the past 10 months, but maybe the quarterback can carry them to the playoffs anyway.

Team 16: One of the league’s best-coached teams, but can they overachieve yet again?

Come back every Monday for the next four teams in the countdown!

Have a comment, critique or question for a future mailbag? Email themmqb@gmail.com or tweet at @GGramling_SI or @ConorOrr See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fascinating Middle of the NFL, Part 1

The MMQB NFL Podcast brings you unique, informed and immediate analysis from around the NFL. Whether you’re looking to catch up on Sunday’s football action, take a deep dive into the film or answer some burning NFL questions, The MMQB staff has you covered and you’ll finish each episode knowing more about football than you ever thought you could.

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2024 NFL Top Ten Mock Draft

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The Fascinating Middle of the NFL, Part 1

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