Nothing generates as a lot buzz and pleasure because the NFL. Week after week, the depth continues to be ratcheted up as we race towards the postseason. As ordinary, a number of noteworthy headlines emerged from this week’s gridiron motion.
With out additional ado, listed below are 5 overreactions to what we noticed within the NFL in Week 9:
5. An AFC North Group is Making Championship Sunday
It will be a powerful feat if the AFC playoff image stays the identical. Because it stands, all 4 AFC North groups occupy a playoff berth. Whether or not they all make the postseason or not, a type of squads is making a run to the AFC Championship Sport, if not additional.
The Baltimore Ravens are the category of the division, however the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals have all flashed promise. Joe Burrow has the Bengals again on observe, Cleveland is getting wholesome, and the Steelers protection is again to reminding followers of what it felt like through the glory years.
All 4 groups have championship items. One in all these groups will come collectively on the proper time and make a deep playoff run.
4. The Minnesota Vikings Will Be NFC North Champions
To date this season, the Minnesota Vikings have overcome a 1-4 begin, the absence of Justin Jefferson, and the lack of Kirk Cousins. Now, they’re driving a four-game successful streak into the latter half of the season.
Minnesota’s newest triumph was a come-from-behind highway win over the Atlanta Falcons. With out even taking a rep in apply or realizing his teammates’ names, Josh Dobbs got here off the bench and led his workforce to a pivotal convention win.
The Vikings’ divisional aspirations may come all the way down to the ultimate three weeks of the season. Over that stretch, they play the Detroit Lions twice, giving Dobbs loads of time to get acquainted along with his teammates and Jefferson ample alternative to rise up to sport velocity. Now’s the time to purchase the Vikings as NFC North Champions.
3. The NFL Ought to Arrange European Video games Each Week of the Common Season
This is likely to be an unpopular opinion, however the NFL ought to have a sport in Europe each week of the season.
There’s no higher feeling than rolling away from bed, turning on the TV, and having fun with NFL motion. The league’s finished a wonderful job exposing completely different groups to the abroad schedule. Consequently, groups have applied methods for performing nicely with the time change.
This wouldn’t be a good suggestion if the journey impacted the product. However groups have enhanced their preparations, and each contest this 12 months has been as much as the standard NFL customary. I say roll with it and provides viewers one thing to stay up for each Sunday morning.
2. A.J. Brown is the Offensive Participant of the 12 months
This is likely to be a daring proclamation after a pedestrian effort from the Philadelphia Eagles vast receiver, however A.J. Brown is the NFL’s Offensive Participant of the 12 months.
No disrespect to Tyreek Hill, however Brown has been a extra constant performer week after week. Already this season, Brown has extra 100-receiving video games than Hill and a barely superior 72.8% catch price. Nonetheless, Brown is a part of a extra dynamic offense that includes a number of playmakers and doesn’t get the identical credit score as Hill in Miami.
Brown and Hill are heading into bye weeks. Whoever emerges from their break with a greater second half places themselves on the entrance of the Offensive Participant of the 12 months class. At +600 or higher, we’re betting that’s going to be Brown.
1. Invoice Belichick’s 301st Win Will Come With a Completely different Group
All good issues should come to an finish, they are saying. Irrespective of how eloquently we wax poetic about Invoice Belichick‘s reign as head coach of the New England Patriots, it doesn’t absolve him of his present calamity. The Patriots are terrible. Robert Kraft ought to act decisively and hearth Belichick earlier than extra of the shine wears off.
Week 9’s dwelling tilt in opposition to the Washington Commanders needs to be Belichick’s final likelihood to get this workforce again on observe. Mac Jones can’t make open passes, almost all of Rhamondre Stevenson‘s speeding yards got here on one large play, and the as soon as stout protection is getting obliterated.
As coach and common supervisor, Belichick is single-handedly liable for all the Patriots’ missteps. The perfect has come and gone, and now it’s time for Belichick to observe go well with.
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