50 NFL Observations
We are big into the “take” world in sports media these days. You have shows such as First Take, First Things First. You HAD Undisputed until that got cancelled. Its just the way of the world. With Week 9 officially over, the season is halfway done. Now while we aren’t into the “take” industry, it is ok to make smart observations about what we’ve seen so far during the year. Each season has their surprises and disappointments, and this season is like no other. The worst to first is alive and well in multiple scenarios. The MVP conversation is hot. So much to discuss. In no particular order, here we go…
QB Tiers - Midway Point
Everyone loves the QB. We know its the most important position in sports. But when you mention the word “quarterback” it just tingles the spine doesn’t it? It’s no secret our ratings go up on the episodes and conversations we discuss the QBs. So we have been doing our QB rankings internally for a couple of weeks now, and we think its time to share it with you - We will be doing this on a quarterly basis. So one for the midway point, one for the end of November, and one for the end of the season. Some of the names on this list and where they are may surprise you. But there is no legacy award winning here. Its based on your play in 2024. Very simple. Rookies top 10? You bet. Hall of Famers in the bottom tier? Of course. Natural discourse on the rankings? Always welcomed.
Week 5 Power Rankings
We are officially a month into the season. Can’t believe it right? The emotions are on such a pendulum from week to week, but as each passing week goes by, the intensity raises. Four weeks is a good sample size for what teams are early in the season. As we know, things can change on a dime, but identities (mostly) are there. Injuries are taking place. Depth is being tested. Coaches seats are getting hot. Let’s see where each team matches up…
Week 3 Power Rankings!
Believe it or not, we are almost at the end of September! Week 3 is coming full steam ahead, and we have a few teams that are turning our heads a bit. We also have others that are floundering…One thing to remember though. It is VERY, VERY early. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Last season, the 49ers were on the verge of collapsing before righting the ship in November. I remember in 2021 when the Bucs weren’t gonna make the playoffs in December before they got everything together and won a title. Things change in a flash in the NFL. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t perk our ears up and pat some teams on the back here. Let’s see what we got with Week 3 knocking on the door.
Week 2 Power Rankings
As per usual, the guys at Perfect Spiral are going to give you our updated Power Rankings on a week to week basis. While Week 1 was interesting in a lot of ways, there is still a long way to go. Can we put stock in some of the things that happened Sunday? Monday? Sure. I’m not betting the entire season on it though. So these rankings are an indication of how we feel about teams going into Week 2, but also trying to resist some of our urges a bit…
2024 NFL Predictions
After seven grueling months, we finally made it back. All the way back. The NFL season starts in two days. I can almost shed a tear. Everyone’s a fan - and they are looking for reasons to believe. It’s just natural. Just like players, fans will find whatever they need to motivate them. “People don’t believe in us.” “This player wasn’t in the Top 100.” You know the drill. So the one thing that everyone looks forward to this time of year is the predictions. Everyone looks for that one TV personality who says your team is going to do it. They’re gonna make their move. It’s the only validation we need.
The Pressure is On…
As the off-season winds to a close every year, many experts, analysts, podcasters (ahem) and the laymen take a real look at the landscape of the National Football League. When September rolls around, you always have that one friend who says “I didn’t know “X” was now in “X”.” It’s too much movement. I said it to myself on Thursday Night after I got home from work. “When did Allen Robinson sign with the Giants” as he’s playing into the 2nd half to try and make the team. It’s just natural to do that.
2024 NFL Top 75 Free Agents
We stress over at PSP that the National Football League is a 24/7, 365 affair…and that slogan is no more apparent than in the month of March. The Super Bowl has been won. Players have retired. Coaches have been fired. It seems like the wagons are circling (and not for the Buffalo Bills). But the month of March is important for a ton of reason…players get tagged, fifth year options are awarded, negotiation periods start, the new year league starts, and the free agent frenzy begins.
This is what.we.do.
Secondary Impact
Next week, everyone will focus on Wednesday, March 14th @ 4pm. Why? Because everyone (myself included) will be refreshing their phones to see which players your team may sign. Whether you follow Schefty, Rapaport, or Meriov, you will constantly be checking to see if your team spent some money. As we know though, it’s not always who gets to acts the quickest. Yet, it’s who acts the smartest. That’s why I am here to tell you one thing - be patient.
2024 Off-season Report: Team Needs
Everyone needs something. Even when you feel like you have everything…you don't. In the NFL world, these things reign true. The Chiefs, who are the latest dynasty in the NFL history books, have needs for 2024. When piecing together what teams need, it’s more of an opinion based thought than fact. People may think the Atlanta Falcons don’t need a quarterback. They would be wrong, but you can’t be wrong about an opinion (technically). So we scoured the NFL underworld to see what each teams biggest needs are as the NFL Free Agency period approaches. Take the journey with us and find out what your need team needs to compete in 2024.
Observations From Divisional Weekend
Did you know that since October 15th Diggs hasn’t recorded a 100 yard game? There was a lot of chatter before the season that Diggs was unhappy in Buffalo, and while he got off to a solid start this season personally, he has been a shell of himself for 3/4 of the season. It all culminated on Sunday when Diggs caught 3 balls for 21 yards in the divisional loss to Kansas City. He had the biggest drop of the game, a beautiful throw by Josh Allen in the most critical point in the game slipped through his fingers. Now it has been reported that Diggs does not want out of Buffalo and is happy with his role, but I think there is something more important to decipher here. The days of Stefon Diggs being an elite receiver are over.
The Chicago Bears Are On The Clock
The Chicago Bears find themselves in familiar, yet unfamiliar territory. After finishing 3-14 in the 2022 season, they claimed the right to the first overall pick in the draft. And with Justin Fields at the helm, the “presumed” franchise quarterback, they had some wiggle room to deal with. Quarterback needy teams were destined to come calling for that pick - with the right to draft either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud. We all know what happened afterwards. David Tepper and the Panthers gladly took that pick in the process. They swapped picks, added the 61st overall pick, a first round pick in 2024, a second round pick in 2025 and wideout DJ Moore.
Playoff Predictions - Whose Going to Vegas!
The time is now! The 2024 NFL playoffs are among us and this crazy season is only getting crazier. The Bills completed the comeback; the Jaguars completed the collapse. Joe Flacco and Mason Rudolph are starting playoff games. The Lions are in the playoffs. It will be -30 in Kansas City Saturday Night. Have I said enough? It really is SUPER wildcard weekend. The guys (myself included) took the week to think about who they think could hoist the Lombardi trophy in Las Vegas next month. I wouldn’t say we all went chalk across the board, but the winners may not surprise a bunch. I’m going to give all of our original predictions as well and see how well we landed (it’s not pretty). Without further ado, let’s see whose going to Vegas!
Week 14 Power Rankings
Injuries are starting to mount. When we talk about teams going all the way, we talk about teams having very few holes, having good schemes, good coaches, etc. But the thing that always seems to prevail more than most is health. Last season, the Dolphins lost Tua for the playoffs and barely lost to Buffalo. It clearly impacted the game. This year has been a historic year for injuries - the players list of guys that have missed time is enormous, and many guys are done for the year. The NFL season is a marathon; don’t ever let anyone tell you any differently. As we get closer to Christmas, I’m sure each organization wants a healthy team under the tree.
Week 13 Power Rankings
The heat is on! December is here, and that means only one thing. PLAYOFF PUSH. The NFL is known for having parity from year to year, and this season is no different. If the season were to end today, we would have 5 new playoff teams from the turnover last season. In the AFC, it seems like the divisions are in firm control, but with a month to play, anything is possible. In the NFC, the East and South are anyone’s game. The Wild Card spots may come down to Week 18. For this week, we will break down the categories in terms of playoff chances. If you don’t like where your team lies…too bad!
Does What Happen in San Diego Stay in San Diego?
Does what happens in San Diego stay in San Diego? In the case of the Chargers the grass may not have always been greener on the other side. The stench of past mistakes made by The San Diego Chargers stil rings true in Los Angles. The team faces a pivotal point; With the franchise quarterback in place, the time is now to look in the mirror and say “how do we change the narrative.” In this article their will be no praise for the Chargers, but instead criticism on how past mediocrity has trickled into today.
Week 12 Power Rankings
I apologize for missing a week! I was basking in my sorrows after the Jaguars got curb stomped by the 49ers. It’s ok though, we move. And we move onto Thanksgiving week, a week which is a fairly good sticking point to see where your teams are going to be for the remainder of the season. As we give thanks to the important things in our life, today’s theme of categories will be related to Thanksgiving foods and the popularity of them. A fun little anecdote for the week ahead. Both conferences are heating UP! In the AFC, all but three teams are still very much in it for the last two spots. And over in the NFC, the same thing occurs - the last two wildcard spots are available, but not as many teams in the hunt. Let’s get to the Turkey, shall we?
Week 10 Power Rankings
November is finally upon us! The leaves are falling and the cold weather is starting to set in. This is football weather. Teams are hitting and running the football is paramount as the season drags along. For the first time in over a month, we have a mainstay at the number one spot as the Philadelphia Eagles held on this week to defeat the Dallas Cowboys. This week’s theme? The middling teams. The teams jarring and jockeying for playoff positioning. That is now an important thing. We’ve had 9 rookie quarterbacks start a game this season, which is on the cusp of an NFL record, but guys are getting healthy. We can expect Deebo Samuel back this week for the 49ers as they travel to Jacksonville in one of, if not the best game of the week. Justin Fields also may return tomorrow against Carolina. So guys are getting healthy. And if you think your team is out - my Jaguars were 2-6 at this point last year before they went on their run. So anything is possible. Lets get to it!
Week 9 Power Rankings
The revolving door of the number one team is alive and well. For the 4th week in a row, the team we previously had number one has lost the following. The Chiefs were the latest victim as they fell 24-9 at Denver, marking Patrick Mahomes first loss against the Broncos. This season of NFL play has seen the renaissance of defensive play - and it was on display against this past weekend. We saw multiple teams this week lead with defense while offenses continue to struggle on a weekly basis. We also have a new “hottest” team in the NFL…and they resolve in Duval county. Let’s reveiew the latest power rankings!