BRONX, NY – Another Wednesday is upon us. By this time next week I’ll be one day away from filling myself up like a I need a creative graphic in landscape format, 1280 by 720 pixels of. But, for now, there’s writing to be done. I hasten to add that, even if you abhor what I write here on this digital death ship, 100% of these blatherings are coming directly from me. Let’s rock!
I’ve said this before but, I can’t make heads or tails of this NFL season. Outside of the Jets and Giants being putrid again, and my Vikings always finding fun new ways to lose, I just can’t see any team emerging as “the one to beat.” Just when you think a team like Buffalo is about to assert themselves, they get crushed by the Dolphins. This kind of thing happens virtually every week. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the contenders and why you might not want to trust them.
Detroit Lions. Unlike actual lions, this group from Detroit might not be so good out in the wild. Keep them in a nice, comfortable, climate-controlled environment and these cats got claws. Take ’em outdoors and it sometimes seems like they’re looking for a couch to slink under.
Buffalo Bills. Josh Allen is awesome. When James Cook gets going he’s one of the best backs in the game. But these are the Buffalo Bills. You simply know something is gonna go wrong. Plus, even if you throw that loss to Miami out as an anomaly, the Falcons beat the holy crap out of them a month ago.
Philadelphia Eagles. If the Eagles offense is simply playing possum and is going to flip the switch come playoff time, then they deserve a group Oscar this year for best acting. It is painful watching this offense. Their defense is still great, but sooner or later you’ve got to put points on the board and, outside of the horrible tush push, this group has been abysmal.
Denver Broncos. Here’s all you need to know about the Denver Broncos: Head Coach Sean Payton is a smarmy, smug SOB and will get his comeuppance. Book it. He won his only Super Bowl maiming opposing teams’ players and lost in Minnesota on the “Minneapolis Miracle” as he was mocking their fans. Can’t stand this guy.
Los Angeles Rams. The Rams should put Matthew Stafford in bubble wrap now and hope he’s good to go for the playoffs. Without him, this team is beating no one. How do I know this? Jimmy Garoppolo is their backup QB.
Baltimore Ravens. I’m not sure I should even include the Ravens as a contender, but with the Steelers only one game ahead of them in the AFC North, I guess I need to. Shut down Derrick Henry and the running game and you have a good chance beating the Ravens. Sometimes your defense has to do it and sometimes Ravens OC Todd Monken does it for you.
Seattle Seahawks. I root for Sam Darnold but, until I see him win a game that really counts, I am not going to believe in the Seahawks.
Kansas City Chiefs. This may sound crazy but, I think Patrick Mahomes is overrated. He started his career looking like he’d be a surefire 4,000 yard 35+ TD guy for years to come. But for the past three seasons, he and the Chiefs offense have struggled just to be mediocre. I still think he has the potential to be great, but I haven’t seen it in a long time.
Chicago Bears. Um… no.
Los Angeles Chargers. Not even worth discussing after getting shellacked by Jacksonville last week.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hard not to like Mayfield, but way too many injuries.
Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have beat a bunch of really bad teams. Let’s see if they can beat an OK team in KC this weekend. Also, Daniel Jones?
San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Look, I need to end this already. No and No.
I’m outta here. Come back tomorrow for Buddy Diaz, who almost never writes about his Eagles.
P.S. I totally left the New England Patriots out of this thing!!! I thought it was just an oversight but, as Freud said, there are no accidents. So, I guess, put all your money on Mike Vrabel (very good coach) and the Pats, I suppose.
