Arizona Cardinals
That was the worst Cardinals loss because the flip of the millennium.
The Arizona Cardinals have by no means been all that good, although they’re the oldest franchise within the Nationwide Soccer League. Whereas they’ve 236 losses because the begin of the 2000 season, the loss they suffered by the hands of the beforehand winless Tennessee Titans may need been the worst. They may’ve put this sport away within the fourth quarter with what would’ve been a 72-yard landing by Emari Demercado. As an alternative, they fumbled the ball away and utterly collapsed, permitting 16 unanswered factors to provide the Titans their first win of the season. This workforce isn’t going anyplace this 12 months, and everyone ought to be prone to shedding their job. A loss like that’s unacceptable on the NFL degree.
Baltimore Ravens
John Harbaugh isn’t on the new seat, however he ought to be.
As one of many best-run organizations in skilled sports activities, the Baltimore Ravens would by no means think about parting methods with a Tremendous Bowl-winning head coach like John Harbaugh. Although his job might be secure for now, it shouldn’t be. He has been outcoached in principally each sport the Ravens have performed this season. Extra importantly, he hasn’t been in a position to win a Tremendous Bowl with a Corridor of Fame-caliber quarterback at his disposal. The Ravens won’t ever hearth John Harbaugh, however they need to critically think about making a training change if the season continues to unravel the best way it has over the previous few weeks.
Buffalo Payments
This workforce must play more durable.
It appears like Buffalo has been caught on cruise management ever since their Week One win over the Ravens as a result of they haven’t had that many shut video games. From Weeks Two by way of 4, they comfortably gained all of their matchups by no less than ten factors each time. That’s why it’s worrisome that this squad misplaced at dwelling to the New England Patriots once they bought punched within the mouth for the primary time in weeks. Beforehand, Buffalo let different groups make errors and took care of the soccer to win video games. However on Sunday, they had been those taking pictures themselves within the foot and giving freely a win. They have to play with extra urgency and extra care as a result of the workforce we noticed this weekend is just not a Tremendous Bowl contender. In the event that they’re going to proceed to commit penalties and switch the ball over, then Buffalo will go one other season with out a Lombardi Trophy.
Carolina Panthers
This workforce remains to be dangerous, however the Dolphins are worse.
The Carolina Panthers could have overwhelmed the Miami Dolphins in spectacular style, however who cares? The ‘Phins are one of many worst groups within the Nationwide Soccer League. They’re so dangerous that they choked away a 17-point result in the Carolina Panthers, who’ve solely 9 wins of their final 39 video games. If the Cats had been going through a reliable or well-run group, they’d’ve been crushed like they had been in Week 4. Bryce Younger nonetheless made essential errors that put his workforce in an early gap. As quickly as they face workforce – just like the Payments in Week Eight, or possibly even the Cowboys this weekend – they’ll come crashing again right down to Earth.
Cincinnati Bengals
Jake Browning is completed in Cincy.
With the news that Joe Flacco has been traded to the Bengals, we are able to shut the e book on Jake Browning’s time in Cincinnati. It’s apparent that the Week Two win over the Jacksonville Jaguars was an anomaly. As a beginning quarterback, Browning averaged 172 yards per sport, with 4 landing passes and 5 interceptions. He additionally led an offense that put up simply 12.3 factors per sport, which might rank lifeless final within the NFL. Together with his contract set to run out on the finish of this season, Jake Browning will virtually actually be enjoying elsewhere subsequent 12 months.
Cleveland Browns
Dillon Gabriel ought to be the starter for the rest of the season.
In a bizarre, neutral-site sport at 9:30 a.m. EDT, Dillon Gabriel appeared good in his first NFL begin. He solely took two sacks, didn’t flip the ball over, threw two touchdowns, and accomplished 19 of 30 passes for 190 yards. You possibly can’t ask for far more from a rookie who wasn’t projected to be a first-round draft decide. It stays to be seen if he has the skillset to raise guys round him like the very best QBs within the NFL, however he has earned the proper to be Cleveland’s beginning quarterback for the rest of the season, barring any accidents.
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott is an MVP candidate.
This man has been improbable outdoors of a Week One defeat to the reigning Tremendous Bowl champs on the highway, and you’ll’t even blame him for that loss. He has the third-highest QBR within the league and is tied for third in passing touchdowns with ten on the season. Plus, he’s doing this with a banged-up offensive line, an injured beginning wideout, and a protection that’s twenty ninth in factors allowed per sport. He’s projected to throw for 4,610 yards and report 37 whole touchdowns on the season. These are MVP numbers. If a man like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Lamar Jackson completed this marketing campaign with these stats, they’d virtually positively be named MVP. Dak Prescott ought to be getting the identical remedy, contemplating the Cowboys are fairly aggressive.
Denver Broncos
Sean Payton lastly has a signature win with the Broncos.
Since arriving in Denver in 2023, head coach Sean Payton has been searching for a standout win over workforce. His first season was a wash with Russell Wilson main the membership to an 8-9 report. Then, they appeared actually good final 12 months with a rookie quarterback, however had been embarrassed within the playoffs. When the chips had been down on Sunday, Payton and the Broncos didn’t surrender. They fought again and confirmed super grit. Additionally they executed an extremely ballsy two-point conversion to take a lead over the Eagles within the fourth quarter on the highway. With this victory over the defending Tremendous Bowl champions, the narrative that the Broncos can’t beat good groups has been dispelled.
Detroit Lions
That is the very best workforce within the NFL.
There aren’t any extra undefeated squads left within the league, so someone has to take the highest spot within the NFL. That seat on the desk is reserved for the Detroit Lions, at present. They lead the league offensively with 34.8 factors per sport whereas rating third in turnover differential, which suggests they pressure turnovers however don’t give the ball away. Although their scoring protection isn’t nice on paper, they’re means to blow out groups early after which take the foot off the gasoline would clarify why they offer up 22.4 factors per sport. Aidan Hutchinson seems to be absolutely healed from his leg damage, and he’s placing up improbable numbers although Detroit is lacking its finest defensive deal with. Each workforce within the league has flaws, however the Lions have the fewest, which is why they’re the very best within the NFL proper now.
Houston Texans
This squad can nonetheless attain the postseason.
After beginning 0-3, the Texans have gained two in a row to insert themselves again into the playoff dialog. Everyone knows about their elite protection, however let’s give a shoutout to quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has been phenomenal in Houston’s final two matchups. Because the begin of Week 4, he has accomplished 81.8% of his passes for 477 yards, six touchdowns, and 0 interceptions whereas posting a quarterback ranking of 139.2. Granted, these numbers got here towards bottom-feeder defenses, however that efficiency will solely construct confidence in a 24-year-old quarterback. If their protection can keep the course and Stroud can proceed to play lights out, it will positively be a playoff workforce.
Indianapolis Colts
Indy is a menace to go all the best way.
We maintain ready for the clock to strike midnight and the Colts to show again right into a pumpkin, however that looks as if a futile train at this level. Indy has proven that it could play with the massive boys and beat the doorways off the NFL’s lower-tier squads. Quarterback Daniel Jones leads the league in QBR. Operating again Jonathan Taylor averages essentially the most speeding yards per sport within the NFL. Hell, even their protection ranks third in factors allowed per sport. Indianapolis has all of the instruments to make it to the Tremendous Bowl. If the Chiefs or Eagles had a top-five protection AND offense, each NFL fan on this planet can be dubbing them Tremendous Bowl favorites. Although the Colts might not be favored, they’re an apparent menace to make it to and even win the massive sport.
Jacksonville Jaguars
This group has answered the decision time and time once more.
Had Jake Browning not performed arguably his finest sport as a professional, the Jaguars can be 5-0 proper now. They manhandled the Panthers, however misplaced to the Bengals, which prompted everyone to query this workforce’s means. Then they beat Houston, however everyone stated, “Properly, Houston isn’t that good.” How did they reply? By defeating the 49ers in San Francisco, so everyone stated, “Yeah, however the Niners had been enjoying with out their finest go catchers.” Final evening, the Jaguars beat the Chiefs for the primary time in 16 years, which has prompted followers to open their eyes and admit that there is perhaps one thing occurring in Jacksonville. I’m proud of myself for recognizing how good the Jaguars are and picking them to beat KC.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
KC has but to beat a successful workforce.
The Chiefs have solely two victories this season. A type of got here towards the Russell Wilson-led New York Giants, who had been winless once they confronted Kansas Metropolis. The second victory got here towards the Baltimore Ravens, who’ve been bottoming out over the previous few weeks. The Chiefs’ wins have come towards groups with a mixed 2-8 report. In the meantime, the groups they’ve misplaced to are 11-4. Clearly, they’ve performed three of the very best squads within the NFL by way of the primary 5 weeks of the season, which is what you’d anticipate Kansas Metropolis to do. Nonetheless, they should begin racking up wins towards groups with good information for them to be considered as a menace to win Tremendous Bowl LX.
Las Vegas Raiders
Geno Smith is another dangerous sport away from being benched.
We’re starting to achieve a breaking level in Las Vegas. In reality, the Raiders most likely would’ve benched Geno in one in every of these video games if Aidan O’Connell wasn’t out for an prolonged time period with a damaged wrist. Smith’s six passing touchdowns are tied for the second-fewest by a quarterback who has began 5 video games this season. He’s third in sacks taken and leads the league in interceptions thrown with 9. Geno Smith is projected to throw 31 interceptions through the 2025-26 marketing campaign, which might be the sixth-most ever in a single season. Vegas will give the nod to backup Kenny Pickett if Geno Smith commits a number of turnovers towards the lowly Titans on Sunday. They should determine this out ASAP as a result of they’ve the oldest head coach in NFL historical past. The Raiders would not have time to waste on a quarterback who’s going to price them video games as a result of they should win RIGHT NOW!
Los Angeles Chargers
We topped this workforce too early.
After the primary three weeks of the season, everyone (myself included) was able to anoint the Chargers as the very best workforce within the Nationwide Soccer League. Since then, they’ve misplaced back-to-back matchups to the Giants and Commanders, whereas averaging 14 factors per sport, which might be good for final within the NFL. One thing has to vary. They’ve 4 turnovers of their final two contests and have been penalized 24 occasions for 192 yards. That isn’t the extent of self-discipline we now have come to anticipate from a workforce coached by Jim Harbaugh. Possibly beginning deal with Joe Alt returning to the lineup would be the spark this group wants to show issues round. Both approach, they need to be capable to proper the ship with a cupcake sport this weekend towards the Dolphins.
Los Angeles Rams
LA may need an NFC downside.
The Rams are good towards opponents which might be unfamiliar with Sean McVay’s offensive teaching fashion. However towards NFC groups, they’ve fallen properly wanting expectations this season. First, they blew a 19-point lead towards the Eagles. Then, final week, they misplaced in extra time to a 49ers squad that was lacking quite a few key gamers on the offensive and defensive aspect of the ball. On high of that, the play name Sean McVay got here up with on the 4th and 1 that ended the sport was one thing you’d anticipate from a first-time Madden participant. They need to be capable to handle the hobbled Ravens, who can’t cease a nosebleed, not to mention an NFL offense. Nonetheless, it wouldn’t be shocking in the event that they lose to the Jags or the 49ers once more.
Miami Dolphins
This squad will probably be very fortunate to win 5 video games.
This group had an opportunity to construct some momentum and win a second straight sport. All they needed to do was beat the Carolina Panthers, who’ve the worst successful proportion within the NFL because the Bryce Younger period started in 2023. However the ‘Phins couldn’t even do this. Now, head coach Mike McDaniel seems to be rambling as if he had been the President of the US when speaking about accidents and placing collectively a successful technique. That doesn’t instill confidence that issues will flip round in South Seashore. Exterior of one other sport towards the Jets, it’s unclear who the ‘Phins will probably be beating through the 2025-26 common season.
Minnesota Vikings
Carson Wentz has what Minnesota has wanted him to be.
The Vikes haven’t appeared horrible with Carson Wentz filling in because the beginning quarterback. They’re 2-1 during the last three weeks and nonetheless within the hunt for a playoff spot with a 3-2 report. Presently, it’s unclear who will probably be Minnesota’s beginning QB this weekend. J.J. McCarthy is again at apply, and Carson Wentz is coping with a shoulder damage. Now appears nearly as good a time as any to insert McCarthy again within the lineup because the Vikings’ subsequent three opponents are the Eagles, Chargers, and Lions. If the London sport was the final we’ve seen of Carson Wentz, then he did an honest job holding Minnesota afloat whereas McCarthy was injured.
New England Patriots
The Pats look to be executed with their rebuild.
As a lot because it pains me to say it, the New England Patriots are again. No, they’re not the dominant, Tremendous Bowl-winning franchise they had been with Tom Brady and Invoice Belichick main the cost, however they’re adequate to make the playoffs and compete for a Lombardi Trophy. It’s loopy to consider, contemplating they principally solely had two down years earlier than turning into aggressive once more. Most groups want three to 5 years to drag off a profitable rebuild, however the Pats managed to do it in simply two. They stunk final 12 months and the 12 months earlier than that, however they’re now 3-2 and a menace to not simply make the playoffs, however overtake the Payments as kings of the AFC East.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints play with lots of coronary heart.
A workforce doesn’t finish 5 straight drives with a takeaway accidentally. There should be some performs that the protection makes to pressure these turnovers. Defenders have to dive on free fumbles and catch interceptions once they’re thrown to them, and that’s what the Saints did this weekend. They bullied the Giants after taking place 14-3, scoring 23 unanswered factors for the primary win of the Kellen Moore period. Although that victory got here towards the Giants, the win confirmed me that Moore is definitely constructing one thing within the Massive Simple. Losers surrender when the chips are down, however the Saints didn’t, which says loads in regards to the character of this group and their coaches.
New York Giants
Brian Daboll will probably be out of a job when the season ends.
As an alternative of gaining momentum and constructing on the very best win the Giants have had because the begin of the 2024-25 season, Massive Blue did what it has executed the final three years and made numerous boneheaded errors on their approach to yet one more loss. They’re 10-29 during the last 39 video games and present no indicators of bettering, which is an indictment of New York’s teaching employees. That 2023 playoff win was so way back, and the Giants have been so dangerous since then that it appears like organizational malpractice to proceed to make use of this teaching employees when the season ends. Brian Daboll won’t be the pinnacle coach of the New York Giants on Tuesday, January sixth, 2026.
New York Jets
That is the worst workforce within the league.
Certain, that is the one winless workforce within the Nationwide Soccer League, however they’re even worse than their report signifies. The Jets are the primary workforce in NFL historical past to start out a season 0-5 and never have a single takeaway, a transparent signal that the protection stinks. They solely common 10.2 factors per sport from quarters one by way of three, whereas the protection permits 23.4 factors on common by way of the primary three quarters of their video games. Which means the offense solely comes alive when the Jets are trailing by virtually two touchdowns. Who offers a crap if Justin Fields places up “good numbers?” His statistics are inflated by rubbish time throws when the sport is properly out of attain. They gained’t go 0-17, however there’s no approach this workforce wins greater than 4 video games. They’re essentially the most undisciplined group of gamers within the NFL proper now.
Philadelphia Eagles
This squad feels extra just like the 2023 workforce vs. the 2024 group.
Keep in mind the 2023-24 Eagles who began the season 10-1 earlier than shedding six of their final seven video games? That’s what this 12 months’s workforce jogs my memory of. They aren’t nice at something. With Saquon Barkley and probably the very best offensive line within the NFL, they’re twenty fifth in speeding yards per sport. Final season, they had been second. The Eagles aren’t nice at forcing turnovers after ending sixth in takeaways final 12 months. Possibly we’re all contemplating Tremendous Bowl LIX when evaluating this workforce. If we take a look at simply the 2025-26 season up to now, they’re good, however they don’t really feel anyplace near what they had been final 12 months. This seems just like the workforce Philly had two seasons in the past.
San Francisco 49ers
Mac Jones is about for all times.
Many quarterbacks have made thousands and thousands upon thousands and thousands of {dollars} on the again of a single excellent efficiency. Tim Tebow had the playoff sport towards the Broncos. Matt Flynn had the 480-yard, six-touchdown sport towards the Lions. Now, Mac Jones has the Thursday evening sport towards the Rams, the place he gutted it out and led a really injured offense to a win over a Tremendous Bowl-contending divisional opponent. For the remainder of his NFL profession, that sport will probably be the very first thing folks consider once they discuss signing or buying and selling for Mac Jones. All people who brings him in will suppose, “Possibly we are able to get that model of Mac Jones after we want him.” That may result in quite a few one-year contracts and thousands and thousands of {dollars} as a backup who doesn’t should play each sport to have a profitable NFL profession.
Seattle Seahawks
It’s not the top of the world, however you actually would’ve liked to have that one again.
Sam Darnold has a near-perfect sport, and your well-coached protection decides to let up 38+ factors for the primary time in over a 12 months? That appears like an enormous missed alternative. As an alternative of being 4-1 and the second-place workforce within the NFC West, the Seahawks are 3-2 and have the Los Angeles Rams respiratory down their necks. Relatively than having a cushion going into a troublesome matchup with the Jaguars, Seattle may very well be 3-3 subsequent weekend, whereas the Rams will most likely be 4-2. There’s nonetheless probability that the Seahawks make the playoffs, however their path to the postseason is way more durable with that loss to the Bucs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield ought to be the favourite to win the MVP award.
In a 12 months the place there is no such thing as a clear favourite to be named the NFL’s Most Worthwhile Participant, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has leapfrogged everyone and inserted his title into the dialog. He has 4 game-winning drives beneath his belt and the stats to assist an MVP marketing campaign. Baker Mayfield is sixth in passing yards per sport, is tied for the very best touchdown-to-interception ratio within the NFL (10:1), is eighth in QBR, and ninth in passer ranking. Extra importantly, his workforce is 4-1 and is enjoying successful soccer. So long as Tampa continues to win video games, Baker Mayfield’s MVP candidacy will solely get stronger.
Tennessee Titans
The plan hasn’t modified: hearth Brian Callahan.
Hooray, the Titans gained a sport! If we’re being trustworthy, although, they lucked into that victory. If Emari Demercado waited a fraction of a second longer earlier than celebrating a walk-in landing, the Titans can be 0-5 proper now. If a Cardinals defender doesn’t fumble an interception and the ball doesn’t get kicked round, who is aware of if Tennessee can be 1-4? It feels just like the Titans gained that sport regardless of all the poor teaching choices Brian Callahan made. Whatever the win, Tennessee is aware of it must let go of Callahan when the season is completed. That call will probably be justified because the Titans appeared poised to win 4 video games or fewer this 12 months.
Washington Commanders
We will all cease worrying about Jayden Daniels’ sophomore droop.
After the Commanders’ loss to the Inexperienced Bay Packers in Week Two, members of the media and NFL followers started to whisper that Jayden Daniels can be taking a step again this 12 months after arguably the best rookie season a quarterback has ever had. Regardless of lacking two video games with a knee damage and being down ten factors towards Chargers squad, Daniels nonetheless managed to steer the offense to 27 unanswered factors on the best way to a formidable highway win. He had 270 whole yards and threw a landing within the fourth quarter to principally put this sport away. So long as Jayden Daniels stays wholesome, he will probably be probably the greatest and most dynamic quarterbacks within the Nationwide Soccer League.
Groups on a bye: Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Inexperienced Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers
