NFL 2025-26 Season

[SparzWizard]

Pats have had the easiest schedule, that is for sure.  But teams like IND and DEN, even BUF have had easier than average schedules.  There is no team, at least in the AFC, that appears to be a lock for a long run in the playoffs.  I don't know that BUFF, KC, and BAL, for example have done anything to establish themselves as a top team.  Neither have IND, DEN, LAC, or PIT.

There are plenty of reasons to doubt that Pats.  But there are plenty of reasons to doubt all the top teams.

There aren't a whole lot of good teams.

They just need to keep doing what they're doing and they can hang with anyone.

I think the Eagles and Rams are pretty solid contenders though, setting them apart from everyone else. Playoff teams in the AFC are all question marks, including the 'Big 3' of Chiefs, Ravens, and Bills.

[Redz]

Any fire to the Joe Burrow playing Sunday smoke?

[Donoghus]

Any fire to the Joe Burrow playing Sunday smoke?

I think so.  This is from this morning. I guess the question is Sunday or do you give him 4 more days rest and bring him back on Thanksgiving but sounds close.

When Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow returned to practice last week, he said ?Thanksgiving-ish? was his target for a return to game action.

The Bengals play on Thanksgiving, but Burrow may not wait until the turkey is in the oven to play for the first time since Week 2?s toe injury. Burrow was a full participant in Wednesday?s practice and head coach Zac Taylor left the door open to Burrow getting the start against the Patriots this Sunday during a Thursday morning radio appearance.

Taylor said on WLW that he is going to ?take in all the information? before making a call about starting Burrow or Joe Flacco against the AFC East leaders.

?Well, I?m not there yet,? Taylor said. ?We will use the time we have and come up with the best decision.?

Flacco did not practice Wednesday, which left plenty of 11-on-11 work for Burrow. Flacco is expected to throw on Thursday, but another full session for Burrow wouldn?t do anything to quiet thoughts that he will be running the offense in a few days./quote]

[Vermont Green]

So would it be Jake Browning if neither Burrow or Flacco can go?  CIN is going nowhere this season, they would be dumb to rush Burrow.  Maybe Burrow is fully healthy and back to full strength, in 100% game shape.  If so fine, but if anything less than that, why play him?

[Moranis]

Bills losing to the Davis Mills led Texans.  What has happened to Buffalo.  Falling apart.  Still expect them to win this game, but if they don't.  Yikes.

[SparzWizard]

Texans baby!!! Cooked the Bills

[Jiri Welsch]

Bills lost. Noice.

[Moranis]

They hit that 4th and 27 on a trick play and I just assumed they go right into the end zone, but nope.  Texans pass rush is amazing. 

[Phantom255x]

That 4th and 27 play was insane, though Houston's defense also bit so hard lol

If the Pats beat the Bengals I'm fairly certain their chances to win the AFC East is almost 99% even if Buffalo beats NE December 14. It only gets dicey if NE also loses to one of NYJ/MIA, but an advantage they have if BUF lost to MIA, so NE is 2 games ahead of BUF, AND have the divisional record tiebreaker. If NE finishes 13-4 which seems likely (they'll lose to BUF + BAL) but they take care of business against NYG/CIN/MIA/NYJ, they'll win the division. I'm also not sold BUF wins out, they still have some tough games remaining including the Eagles who will likely still be playing for seeding.

[Redz]

That 4th and 27 play was insane, though Houston's defense also bit so hard lol

If the Pats beat the Bengals I'm fairly certain their chances to win the AFC East is almost 99% even if Buffalo beats NE December 14. It only gets dicey if NE also loses to one of NYJ/MIA, but an advantage they have if BUF lost to MIA, so NE is 2 games ahead of BUF, AND have the divisional record tiebreaker. If NE finishes 13-4 which seems likely (they'll lose to BUF + BAL) but they take care of business against NYG/CIN/MIA/NYJ, they'll win the division. I'm also not sold BUF wins out, they still have some tough games remaining including the Eagles who will likely still be playing for seeding.

At this point the top seed in the AFC is more of the battle.  Can the outlast Denver and Indy on their improbable runs? 

If the playoffs started today the Pats would be hosting the Bills in the first round and I think they?d much rather have some other setup. 

Get that top seed and win a couple of home games then on to the Super Bowl!  Easy peasy.

[Moranis]

Saw a meme

Wins since 2020

Jets 27
Tom Brady 32

And then the reminder Brady retired after the 22 season.

Ah Jets. Embarrassing

[SparzWizard]

Notable mentions this week:

-KC rallied from 20-9 and stunned the Colts in overtime.
-Ravens have reclaimed the AFC North with their victory over the Jets and Steelers loss to the Bears.
-Jameis Winston with over 300 passing yards and 25 receiving yards in a game since Tom Brady against the Eagles in the regular season
-Geno Smith was sacked a record 10 times this game as Raiders' OC Chip Kelley also sacked with his job; NFL Black Monday starting off early this year.
-Eagles blew a 21-0 lead to Dak Prescott and the Cowboys at Jerry World.
-Bucs look like pretenders now while LA Rams look like true contenders in the NFL.

[Goldstar88]

I think the Rams are winning the SB this year.

[Vermont Green]

I think the Rams are winning the SB this year.

I watched the first half, Stafford looked great, the whole team looked great.  But what happened in second half?  Only 3 points scored?

In any case, yes, LAR looks great.  Several other teams (PHI, BUF, etc.) not so much.  BAL and KC may yet be contenders.  Overall, the Pat's strength of schedule got worse by 5 net losses.  I have no idea how this will all play out.

[Roy H.]

I have no idea how the Bears are division leaders.  Inconsistent QB play, but worse, more than half their defense is hurt.