The Stinger

The NFC east went from winning 2 games outside the division through 9 weeks. To posting a respectable 11 wins by season's end. Still finishing as the worst division in the league with the winner guaranteed a losing record. We also are talking playoff scenarios. And asking why the NFL decided to flex the Washington/Philly game into Sunday night rather than AZ/LAR. Philly has nothing to play for and the Rams and Arizona need to win. Scratching my head on that.

Going into the mind of a Broncos fan. The standard in Denver is that you win superbowls and over the last 25 years they have won 3. the only team that can say they have won more is New England. Pittsburgh fans be like: "we've been to 4" but they have only won 2. Cole has a theory of why Denver has not been to the playoffs since their superbowl in 2015 with Peyton Manning. Also talking current playoff predictions. the AFC is loaded and ultimately we don't think it matters cause of the Chiefs. But it will be interesting who gets in. there will be a really good team sitting at home in January. Will it be the Colts? The Titans? The Ravens? The upstart Browns? The Dolphins? Not all of them will get in. NFC is a little more wide open but Guaranteed you have The Packers, The Rams, The Seahawks, The Bucs, and The Saints. In no particular order. Who are gonna be the other three teams? Vikings and Bears play a pseudo playoff game this week, loser is essentially out. The Eagles and Cardinals are playing for their lives in different situations. Should be really exciting in the last 3 weeks. Will the Washington/Philadelphia game week 17 be for the division?

Talking about situations you could be in going into playoffs and some random guys to look out for. People could be on COVID reserve or injured. Look out for Ronald Jones (COVID reserve, Matt Stafford hurt last game.) you are going to need some fill in players for big wholes in your roster in crunch time. Notable starts: Jalen Hurts is a must start until the league catches up to him, and Baker Mayfield vs. the Giants and Jets the next two weeks. Also a sleeper at Running back: The Miami back field is depleted due to Covid and Injury monitor this but Lynn Bowden (RB and WR) had 7 catches fir 82 yards who is similar to a dual threat player like Robert woods or Corderelle Patterson for Chicago, Miami may need to get creative offensively. Notable sits: AZ running backs Vs. the Eagles top 10 run Defense and playing inspired (thank God the Eagles are watchable). QB Justin Herbert as he is trending down as the season closes (3 TD's 4 INT in last 2 games). Though he has a favorable matchup (Las Vegas, #22 vs the pass), it is a division opponent on a short week and feels very much like a 21-17 low scoring almost unwatchable affair.

Should be noted. Pablo loves high powered passing offenses and James Loves offensive line play. Games like the Patriots and Baltimore were highlights to the season for James. Pablo fell asleep. Talking NFC east top to bottom and playoff predictions. We have a really interesting take on a sleeper team in the NFC. Should be interesting on that side of the bracket. We still think that the Chiefs are the best team and will win the superbowl but the rest of the teams in the AFC playoff picture are good and should make it entertaining but shouldn't effect the outcome. Bill Calihan is currently the Browns offensive line coach and was the cowboys offensive line coach when Zeke was relevant. Oh yeah and he was the offensive line coach for the Redskins when Alfred Morris had 1000 yard season. Coincidence to why the browns have the #1 O line in the league and are dominating at the line of scrimmage with the best running back duo in the NFL. I think not. Have fun people.

What we did right (Cam scored 25 pts, Beasley may have saved someone from losing the 1 seed) what we did wrong (Tight ends are impossible to predict, we picked all of them wrong Kamara looks like he will still get volume before week 15).  Top sleepers and sits. Notable sits: New England is giving up an average of 11 catches a game to wide receivers. Be cautious with the Rams receiving core. though really good all the time. Do not be surprised if they surprise you with a rough week, not knowing who will get the targets of the 3. Notable starts: Look for Cam to continue to produce in fantasy, Darnold and Crowder may be throwing for the lives the rest of the season, don't be surprised if their high fantasy numbers continue having to play catch up the rest of the year. Talking playoffs throughout. Praying for Kyler Murray this week.

Bantering with a die hard Chiefs fan about who they think could beat the Chiefs. I might get buried but I think the Vikings are going to make the playoffs and represent the NFC in the Super bowl. Kirk Cousins could ruin it, but they are a lot like the Titans. Can run the ball with the second best running back (as long as he doesn't get hurt). QB is not as good as Tannehill but comparable. Defense is average. Vrabel is a better coach in my opinion but they wont have to play the Chiefs until the Superbowl, Whereas the Titans will have to beat the Chiefs to get to the Superbowl. Minnesota is Greenbay's Cryptonite and if the Pack end up with the 2 seed and the Vikings the 7. That is not a game the Packers want to play. Similar to the Raiders and Chiefs. Fortunately for the Chiefs, The AFC is loaded and a 9-7 or 10-6 Raiders team most likely will miss the playoffs. Colts are a team to look out for, despite getting worked by the Titans while missing their best D lineman (Colts note: Only team to hold the Chiefs to under 20 points in the last two seasons). Buffalo can't run the ball effectively enough to be a threat to the Chiefs in my opinion but should win their first playoff game under Sean Mcdermott (Currently my favorite coach in the NFL, not the best coach, just favorite). A Packers/Chiefs Superbowl would be fun to watch for everyone. But can the Packers get out of the NFC? Should be fun to watch as the season comes to a close.