Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Actually, games 14 - 17, where back in the days of Vince Lombardi, he would address and motivate his Packers by telling them to prepare for their Big Push, to get them to win the division and get into postseason. For me, its the start of the most exciting time of the football year, as the postseason starts early for some teams, while some teams on long winning streaks or alot of momentum might need a loss, or setback to bring them back to earth before the second season begins.

-- Speaking of streaks, Can the Patriots get their 11th straight victory by sweeping the Bills and winning the division, in front of their fans?

-- Can Denver do the same and get closer to their own divisional title in Payton's third season?

-- Phillip "Daddy" Rivers is back. Could he hold off HOF election results to start and help the Colts get on a playoff run? Is he coming back to get a start on an NFL coaching career by mentoring the other two Colts QBs? Can he survive a pass rush and help win a needed victory?

-- Can the Chargers keep the Chiefs from making the postseason for the first time since the 2014 season?

-- Can the Rams win and get closer to their own divisional title? A win, like the Broncos and Patriots, puts them in the postseason.

-- The Bengals could still have a glimmer of hope for the division only if they can beat Baltimore this sunday. A loss eliminates them.

-- A loss by the Cowboys could also eliminate their hopes for the division.

Based upon simulations where the home and away games could be decided from weeks 15 - 18, with other variables factored in of course, these are considered the highest possible, potential seedings in both conferences.

NFC -- 1st seed -- Rams or Seahawks
2nd seed -- Packers, Bears or Rams
3rd seed -- Eagles, Bucs, Panthers
4th seed -- Bucs, Panthers, Eagles

AFC -- 1st seed -- Broncos or Patriots
2nd seed -- Patriots, Broncos or Jags
3rd seed -- Jags, Texans, Colts?
4th seed -- Steelers, Ravens

Suddenly I don't see Carlie Irsay Gordon being plastered all over social media anymore playing make believe coach and peacocking for the camera's anymore...wonder why that is?

I was rooting for Daniel Jones though, sad to see that happen to him and it left the Colts in a bad way. Philip Rivers joining them at 44 years old (practice squad for now) wonder if they can get him ready to perhaps at least start the last two games?

The NFL loves these storylines. They say the last thing to go is a QB's arm but five years? At least Rivers always had a quick release and will need it but I just dont feel his legs will make it unless he has been steadily running? I think Steichen probably asked him if he wanted to coach regardless of actually being activated and Rivers jumped at the chance. If the other QBs know the playbook and they should, he can at least give them an extra perspective even in street clothes.

If the Dolphins upset the Steelers, Daniels will coach them next season, I predict.

The Patriots would love to have the Packers beat Denver, if they can beat Buffalo at home.

Game integrity is at issue as well. How much dogging will go on between teams wanting higher draft position these final weeks?
I feel the Titans will try to follow a win against SF, the Saints as well against Carolina but will the Raiders, Jets, Cards, Commanders or Giants try to play hard and give their fans a win?
The Browns know they could have beaten the Titans. I think they will give the Bears a competitive game. The defense has to be upset.

Love the throwback uniforms for the Falcons, who turned the clock back to last year when Cousins swept the Bucs. Cousins may not get another starting job but he has to savor this win when everybody counted him out. Pitts had a good audition for a team next year as well, if the team moves on from him.*

*Since I only saw the last five minutes of the game, the dreaded two-point try monster reared its head again. With the Falcons cutting the Bucs lead to 28-20, the Falcons declined a point after kick and did the same thing after scoring another TD, missing on both two-point attempts. The Bucs should have won but couldnt possess a strip sack fumble from Cousins. Then on 3rd and 28, they allowed two completions that enabled the game winning kick. Had Atlanta lost, those lack of extra point tries, would have been hammered home.

Bucs have to find away to secure the division soon.