Tier One: Scary Teams
There are three teams in the top tier this week. Three elite squads that have earned their spot and then some at the top of the league. One is a once terrible franchise who has added stars to their lineup in spades and is leading the league in points per game. Another is a team whose quarterback is playing the best football of his career and hoisting everyone up with him. Then there are the reigning Super Bowl champions who keep squeaking by in one-possession games and don’t look good, but cannot be underestimated. I hope you’re not sick of these teams yet, because they are sticking around well into January.
Kansas City Chiefs: 12-1
Week 8 Tier: 1 (-)
These are the same old Chiefs. They continue to be the inevitable first seed in the AFC by winning comically boring, close games.
Since we last checked in on them, they have picked up DeAndre Hopkins and had RB, Isiah Pacheco, return from his stint on the IR. With just a single loss under their belt the Chiefs seem to be moving in a positive direction, which is scary for just about every other team in the NFL.
Detroit Lions: 12-1
Week 8 Tier: 1 (-)
The Lions have continued to dominate their division, the NFC, and – in this girl’s opinion – the entire National Football League. The only danger in sight for this squad is the injuries they have sustained to key defensive players. There is no doubt that their offense can keep them in games, but their defense needs to keep the other team out of games too…
Buffalo Bills: 10-3
Week 8 Tier: 1 (-)
Speaking of scary, have you seen Josh Allen play this year? This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Bills and it has somehow turned into their most impressive regular season performance in years. While there are whisperings about Saquon and the always relevant Lamar Jackson, the MVP is Allen’s to lose. He is playing like a man possessed and is embodying the notion of putting a team on one’s back to carry them to promised land. Though they sit behind Kansas City in the standings, their relatively easy end of the season (with the exception of an exciting match-up against the Lions), they will be right on the Chiefs tail come playoff time. The Bills already handed them their lone loss of the season, will they be the ones to crush their three-peat dream or continue to suffer at the hands of playoff Mahomes? I’m excited to see how it all plays out!
Tier Two: Intimidating Teams
These teams have flaws. They have lost some key games to some less-than-impressive opponents. They are missing pieces. They are a little messy. But no one wants to see their team go up against one of these squads come playoff time.
Philadelphia Eagles: 11-2
Week 8 Tier: 3 (↑ 1)
Moving up in the NFL standings and in my estimation are the Philadelphia Eagles. Their record speaks for itself and so does Saquon Barkley’s performance. While it’s Josh Allen’s award – barring some insane backslide for him – the fact that Saquon’s name was even mentioned in MVP conversations speaks volumes to how impressive he has been this year. He is leading the league in rush yards and is tied for the third more rush touchdowns – he would have more, but Jalen Hurts takes a lot of the short yardage snaps in the red zone. It’s nice to see Barkley, who has been regarded as a top tier running back since he entered the league, finally be on a team worthy of his talents. Kelly green sure does look good on him.
Despite Saquon’s unreal season thus far, the Eagles still have a big vibes problem. At the beginning of the season things were really bad: Jalen Hurts looked off, Nick Siriani was yelling at Eagles fans, and key players were injured. Things were looking up until this week, after barely beating the 3-10 Panthers, AJ Brown hit the media with a huge dig. When asked what the offense needs to improve upon, the Wide Receiver gave a pointed, one word response: “Passing.” Yikes! He has since backtracked, but the drama and message is already out there.
Since their loss in the Super Bowl, the struggle for this Eagles team has been more about beating themselves than losing to any team. While they have looked scary at times, we have to see if they continue to bring the pain in the post-season or if they implode from within before they get the chance.
Minnesota Vikings: 11-2
Week 8 Tier: 2 (-)
The Vikings started off the 2024-2025 season as hot as a team can. But soon 5-0 turned to 5-2. The middle of the season raised some serious questions about just how much of a contender this team is.
Flash forward to week 14 and the Vikings have followed up their two game losing streak with a six game winning streak. Their most recent domination of the playoff-hopeful Falcons?! Perhaps their scariest performance of the season from an offensive perspective. Sam Darnold looks like a certified NFL starter, Addison and Jefferson are one of if not the strongest wide reciever duo in the league, and Aaron Jones…ever heard of him?!
There might have been a moment when the NFC felt unthreatened by this Vikings team despite their impressive record, but I don’t think anyone is eager to match-up with this squad in the playoffs anymore.
Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-3
Week 8 Tier: 3 (↑ 1)
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a good football team. They have beaten some very quality teams and actually look viable on offense for the first time in a few seasons with Russell Wilson playing QB. The only problem? Their losses are real head scratchers. All three of their losses have been to sub .500 teams – the Colts, Cowboys, and Browns. It’s what is keeping this good team from being great. You not only have to beat quality teams to be great, but you have to beat bad teams handily.
In their remaining four games, the Steelers have some real challenges. They match up against the Eagles and Chiefs in addition to two AFC North divisional rivals. None of these will come easily, but if the Steelers emerge from this stretch with 2 or even 3 more wins…I might have to call them great.
Green Bay Packers: 9-4
Week 8 Tier: 3 (↑ 1)
The Packers have ebbed and flowed this season. They have seen injuries to key players, contentious games to strong opponents, and a few blow out wins. Right now, coming off three wins, they are flowing. Though they barely eeked past the struggling Bears, they had commanding victories over both the 49ers and Dolphins to solidify themselves as a frightening team in the NFC.
The trouble is that an ebb seems inevitable. This team can’t stay consistent enough to get hot. Even though no one wants to play them at their best, you never know exactly which Packers team will show up on the field each Sunday: the dynamic and exciting team or the messy and undisciplined team.
In their upcoming five games they have the opportunity to get hot at the perfect time and storm into the post-season as serious super bowl contenders.
Tier 3: Are we sure they are good??
Sure, their records are good, but are we sure these teams actually have the juice? There have been moments this season where I thought all three of these teams had the it factor and moments when I thought they were complete busts. Will they sway one way or the other in the final four weeks of the season? Or are they just…mediocre?
Houston Texans: 8-5
Week 8 Tier: 3 (-)
Since the Tom Brady era ended in New England and Cam Newton broke my spirit, I have looked elsewhere in the league to find the joy in football again. Last year, the Texans were one of the best squads to alleviate the agony of watching another Patriots game. I found myself seeking out their matchups and getting invested in their progression. The start of this season was more of the same. This team looked exciting and dynamic and powerful. They looked like a powerhouse in the AFC. Until they didn’t and I am still searching for a reason why.
The Texans have had highs and lows this year that are whiplash to look back at:
- Got crushed by the Vikings.
- Beat the Bills!
- Annihilated the Patriots.
- Lost to the Jets?
- Kept it close with the Lions.
- Lose to the Titans…
I don’t know what to do with this team and I can’t figure out why they look like shells of themselves. They have so much talent and the opportunity to do so much damage, but instead they are providing two win teams with a third win for their resume. It’s beyond me.
Baltimore Ravens: 8-5
Week 8 Tier: 2 (↓1)
The Ravens have what looks like all the pieces to be the most dominant offense in the NFL: a two-time MVP at Quarterback, a veteran running back playing some of his best football, two dependable tight ends with serious pass catching ability, a young stud at wide receiver, and one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. Yet sometimes when you watch them play it looks like an ill-fitting pair of pants. I can’t quite describe it, but the Ravens aren’t working right now.
I am sufficiently perplexed by this Ravens team. Whenever I think I have them figured out they go and do something inconceivable like lose to the Raiders.
Perhaps more glaring? Their defense. The Ravens defense has allowed the most passing yards this season and are are allowing 24.5 points per game – that is a stark increase from the 16.2 they allowed last season. The teams ranked below the Ravens in points allowed? All sub .500 teams except the Rams. This is clearly not a winning formula for a team with super bowl expectations.
Los Angeles Chargers: 8-5
Week 8 Tier: 4 (↑ 1)
People are sleeping on the Chargers. Sure, they aren’t the sexiest team in the NFL, teams like the Bengals put up more points and teams like the Vikings bring the heat on defense. They are, however, one of the most efficient teams in the NFL. Jim Harbaugh is running a tight ship in Los Angeles and the proof is right there in the pudding. Just look at some of these stats:
- The defense has allowed the least points in the NFL through 14 weeks – averaging 2.1 less points than the three teams tied for second
- QB Justin Herbert has just one interception on the season.
- Kicker, Cameron Dicker, is making 93.3% of field goals and 88.5% of extra points this season with 28 field goals and a long of 59-yards.
This team is playing very efficient, disciplined football and might just be the spoiler for a team of two as we head toward the playoffs. That is, if they can stay healthy.
Tier 4: in the hunt (complementary)
These five teams in the hunt for an appearance in these year’s playoffs are looking good at the right time.
Seattle Seahawks: 8-5
Week 8 Tier: 5 (↑1)
This team is heating up at the perfect moment.
The Seahawks are known for their ludicrous games. If you turn RedZone on any given Sunday there is a strong chance they will flash to an insane play in a Seahawks game. Whether there is a crazy turnover, a wild special teams play, or a catch of the year candidate it feels like the Seahawks are always involved. What makes this year’s team so impressive to me is that, while they started out by sticking to this typical formula, they have started to play a bit more…normally? It feels weird to even write that out.
Their division is less of the NFC West and more of the wild, wild west this season. With the Niners suffering from a serious Super Bowl hangover and the Rams getting off to a rough start, the division felt open for the taking. Thankfully, the Seahawks offense has taken advantage of this opening and is performing extremely well. Geno Smith is currently second to Joe Burrow in pass yards on the season with nearly 3,500 in thirteen games – though he is also third in interceptions, so there is still that chaotic Seahawks energy sticking around. Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is sitting at sixth in receiving yards and their running back duo have seven touchdowns each on the season. Things are clicking into gear and this team is looking as competent as ever. Can they keep it up during this final stretch?
Denver Broncos: 8-5
Week 8 Tier: 3 (↓ 1)
I am struggling to find much to say about this Broncos team. The truth is that even though the past few seasons in Denver have been comically disastrous (see this year’s Jets as a reference), this team seems to have found their footing with rookie QB, Bo Nix.
This is the same team that allowed 70+ points from the Dolphins last year, now they are tied for second in points allowed with 18 per game. Wide Receiver Courtland Sutton is a top twenty receiver in yards on the year and already has more yards in fourteen games than he had all of last season. And Bo Nix? He is leading rookie quarterbacks – of which there are four impressive starters – in passing yards and touchdowns. With the exception of their run game, which leaves a lot to be desired, this team is looking the best they have since the Peyton Manning era.
Unfortunately for them they are playing in not just a stacked AFC, but a stacked division in which they are somehow the third best team. This might not be the year where they make a splash in the playoffs, but it sure looks like that time is coming quicker than this girl would have expected.
Washington Commanders: 8-5
Week 8 Tier: 2 (↓ 2)
I have been loving the Commanders this season. As a loyal – to a fault – Terry McLaurin fantasy owner, I have always paid close attention to this team and it is finally the joyous experience I was hoping for. Thanks to rookie Jayden Daniels and coach Dan Quinn, this team has exploded onto the field in 2024 – they are fourth in the league in points per game, seventh in total offensive touchdowns. It’s been a thrill to watch…for the most part.
The truth is, the Commanders needed this bye week. Sure, they crushed the Titans in Week 13, but before that there were some real cracks in this offense that had been humming up to that point. As impressive as their offense has been, there have been moments where it looks like they have no idea what they are doing out there. And their defense isn’t much help allowing 22+ points per game.
Though they have been impressive thus far and will likely have flashes of brilliance as they finish the year, this is the beginning of something for the Commanders. Much like the Broncos, they are building something and likely won’t reap the benefits this season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-6
Week 8 Tier: 4 (-)
I love this Buccaneers team. Most of the reason being their quarterback, Baker Mayfield, who has the it factor if I’ve ever seen it. His addition to the team following Tom Brady’s departure was a big shift in tone, but hasn’t been the biggest shift in offensive production. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are still one of the most dynamic duos of wide receivers in the league, Bucky Irving has burst onto the scene as one of the best rookie running backs, and they rank third in points per game on the season thus far. There is a fun and exciting energy that this team brings to their games that is only amplified by the fact that we have a sure-fire battle for the division in the NFC South.
In recent years the NFC South has been…snoozeworthy to say the least. The Panthers and Saints have been pretty terrible, the Falcons have struggled, and the Buccaneers have done very well for themselves. This year the hierarchy is a bit more muddled. And based on how Carolina has been playing, it looks like this trend is likely to continue – how exciting! This year I am placing all my eggs in the Bucs basket and praying they get to make a playoff appearance. I don’t know about you, but to me this team has all the trappings of an unlikely squad who could make a playoff run.
Los Angeles Rams: 7-6
Week 8 Tier: 4 (-)
I was ready to count this Rams team out until they put on the performance of the season against a scary Bills team this weekend. Everything was working for the Rams – offensively that is, their defense left a bit to be desired and allowed a lot of points. Puka Nacua looks like a man possessed, Kyren Williams remains one of the most quietly reliable backs in the league, and Matt Stafford reminded us all who the fuck he is. When the Rams are fun, they are must watch TV.
It’s just hard to tell what Rams team is going to show up each week. Will we get the team that beat the Bills or the team that got CRUSHED by the Cardinals?
This final stretch is crucial for the Rams due to their three remaining divisional matchups. It’s time to find out if the age old saying is true that pressure makes diamonds.
Tier 5: In the hunt (Derogatory)
While these teams are technically still in the hunt for a playoff spot, I don’t know is anyone is confident that they will actually be able to secure themselves a spot. Vibes aren’t great and seasons that once held promise now seem to be headed down the drain. There is a lot of work to be done to get there, but it seems like we can’t officially rule these squads out yet.
Atlanta Falcons: 6-7
Week 8 Tier: 3 (↓ 2)
Yikes. The Falcons have turned a corner this season and it has revealed some ugly truths about this team. Namely that Kirk Cousins is probably not the guy to bring this team to the level they need to get to in order to make a splash in this league.
It’s a real shame too because on paper, Kirk was the perfect fit: the reliable, veteran quarterback to head up an offense of promising skill players. The result has been much more muddled. True, Kirk has a 500+ yard passing game on the season and the team has swept their biggest divisional threat, the Bucs, but they still don’t feel like a playoff team with Cousins. It doesn’t help that he is leading the league in interceptions with 15 through 14 weeks.
It’s tempting to say the Falcons are already mentally thinking about next season and whether or not they should start rookie Michael Penix to see what he has up his sleeve. It’s tempting to think that was, but technically they are still a very viable playoff team.
If this team somehow makes it into the NFC playoff picture, I expect them to suffer a devestating loss on wildcard weekend that will send everyone into a spiral about their future, especially their future as it relates to Mr. Cousins.
San Francisco 49ers: 6-7
Week 8 Tier: 4 (↓ 1)
While recency is certainly a factor in this next statement, it’s hard to ignore that the Niners are in the midst of one of the worst Super Bowl hangovers in a long time. It really does look like the Chiefs have broken this team beyond repair.
On paper this team has everything you could dream of for an NFL team:
- THE star running back in Christian McCaffery
- Some of the biggest defensive names in the game: Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Dre Greenlaw.
- Two dynamic receivers in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.
- George Kittle, a tight end oozing with charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent.
- Brock Purdy, a capable and impressive quarterback who is still on his rookie contract and allows for more cap space to pay the aforementioned players.
- One of the most respected coaches in the NFL, Kyle Shanahan, who has supplied the league with several coordinators and coaches from his coaching tree.
But not much is working for this team this year. They are perhaps the most injured team in the league:
- Christian McCaffrey only played in three full games before suffering a season-ending injury. Backup running back Jordan Mason also suffered a season-ending injury.
- Bosa, Greenlaw, Samuel, Kittle, and Purdy have all missed time with injuries.
- Aiyuk underwent season ending knee surgery after an incredibly lack-luster start to the season.
- League-best offensive lineman, Trent Williams, has missed three straight games.
You simply cannot win with injuries like this. Maybe we just write this season off and see what happens next year? Or maybe these injuries are the perfect excuse for the terrible performance by this team? Who knows.
Arizona Cardinals: 6-7
Week 8 Tier: 4 (↓ 1)
There was a second there where I thought the Cardinals might mess around and be a contender this year. Unfortunately, this squad has come back down to earth and by earth I mean the mediocrity they have been living in for the past few seasons.
Miami Dolphins: 6-7
Week 8 Tier: 6 (↑ 1)
The Dolphins are on a very different journey than the Cardinals. There was a second where it looked like the Dolphins had completely fallen apart and were broken beyond repair. Fortunately for them, Tua has returned and restored balance to this team. They are crawling back into relevance since his return, but unfortunately the hole they have dug for themselves might be too much to recover from.
Indianapolis Colts: 6-7
Week 8 Tier: 5 (-)
The Colts are so messy this year and I kind of love it? They are hands down my favorite team to have randomly pop up on RedZone with a crazy play. You always know that Anthony Richardson is going to throw either a belligerent pick or a moon-ball to Alec Pierce whenever Scott Hanson brings us live to their game.
It’s fun for me, a Patriots fan who has no happiness tied up in the Colts organization, to watch them play this year. But I doubt the feeling is the same amongst the Colts faithful. If you look at quarterbacks who have had at least 200 pass attempts this year, Anthony Richardson is dead last in completion percentage and second to only Deshaun Watson in passing touchdowns. It’s not great! There are more questions than answers when considering the future of the Colts after fourteen games this year and I doubt anything will be discovered in a positive way in the games that remain.
Cincinnati Bengals: 5-8
Week 8 Tier: 4 (↓ 1)
The trajectory this season has gone on for the Bengals is going to be looked back on for a long time. Sitting well below .500, this team is leading the league in an immense number of offensive stats:
- Joe Burrow is currently leading passing yards with nearly 250 more than second place, Geno Smith. He also leads the league in passing touchdowns.
- On the recieving end of all this is – primarily – Ja’Marr Chase who leads the league in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns (by 6 over Terry McLaurin and Amon-Ra St. Brown), yards after catch per reception, and receptions of 40+ yards,
- As a whole, the offense leads the league in pass yards and passing touchdowns. They are averaging 27.8 points per game which is sixth in the league after 14 weeks.
This is cataclysmic offense happening in Cincy. But it’s hard to win when your defense is as weak as theirs is. Let’s just look at a few of the stats about this defense:
- Allows an average of 27.7 points per game.
- Gives up the seventh most pass yards and the third most passing touchdowns.
- They have the fourth lowest number of forced fumbles.
- Opponents have a 67% conversion rate on fourth down.
The inconsistency between offensive and defensive ability is astounding and unfortunately, the Joe Burrows and Ja’Marr Chase’s will not be rewarded for their hard work by an appearance in the playoffs. It’s shame to see it.
Tier 6: Bad Record, Feisty Vibes
We have officially arrived at the teams who are not good. Their records are bad and their performance has left a lot to be desired. However, we are entering the end of the season when some bad teams decide to do something really fun: play spoiler to those who are in the hunt. Of all the bad record teams we have in the league this year, these are the four who I think are most likely to mess stuff up down the stretch of the regular season.
Dallas Cowboys: 5-8
Week 8 Tier: 5 (↓ 1)
Things have been soap-opera level dramatic in Dallas this year. The curtains fiasco has been one of my favorite storylines in recent NFL memory, but it just the tip of the iceberg for the Cowboys. Under Mike McCarthy, this team has gained the reputation of being the darlings of the regular season who bring incompetence to a new level each year in the playoffs. This year has been very different in that the incompetence has showed up much earlier to the party. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb both got paid and have gone on to underperform – the former suffering a season ending injury in week eight. Lamb, who has been one of the most dominant receivers in recent years, is the league leader in targets but is ranked 71st in yards per catch. This pair of superstars are making money, but not much of a difference on the field.
This season has been nothing short of a campy disaster for the Cowboys, but they aren’t dead yet. After losing five straight, they have won two of their last three and play three playoff-hopeful teams in their last four weeks…smells like a spoiler to me!
Carolina Panthers: 3-10
Week 8 Tier: 7 (↑ 1)
Other than the curtains drama in Dallas, the Panthers have my second favorite story of the NFL season thus far: the theory that Andy Dalton’s car accident was an inside job.
For those who don’t know, the Panthers have been going THROUGH IT at quarterback for the past two years. Their number one overall pick Bryce Young has been…well, he’s been terrible! Eventually the playing was so bad and the vibes were so far down the drain, they had to tap in veteran quarterback Andy Dalton to start. Dalton won his first game as a starter and for a minute the team looked like something might be cooking. But that feeling didn’t last long as the Panthers quickly returned to sucking. It was at this point that “fate” intervened: Andy Dalton and his family were in a car accident where the QB suffered minor injuries. While he was okay, the injuries were major enough that Bryce Young needed to step back into the driver’s seat – sorry, I couldn’t resist that one. What happened when Young took the field was a shock to everyone:
- In his first two games, Young averaged 122.5 yards. Since returning as the starter, he has averaged 212.2.
- He threw for zero touchdowns in his first two starts, since returning he has thrown at least one every game.
- Those first two starts saw a completion percentage of 56.25%. Week eight onward? Nearly 60%.
- Young through three picks in his first two games and has only thrown three in his six starts since returning.
It’s been exciting to see this suffering team do a little better and especially to see Young look like he is growing.
Now the question is: do you think someone on the inside saw progress in Young at practice, but knew that Dalton would have to be injured for him to start so they took things into their own hands an caused the accident? I don’t, but it’s hilarious that anyone has even floated that idea (hilarious because the Dalton family is okay, of course).
Cleveland Browns: 3-10
Week 8 Tier: 6 (-)
Jameis Winston is a national treasure and has brought a rejuvenated energy to this Browns team. He is still as inconsistent as ever: throwing for an insane amount of yards and sprinkling in an egregious interception every once in a while. My person favorite stat line from Jameis this year was his 497 yards, 4 passing touchdown, and 3 interception (2 of which were pick sixes) against the Broncos. Classic Jameis!
Even though the Browns are still losing and are still beholden to Deshaun Watson’s idiotic contract, they are so much more fun to watch. Not to mention they are poised to ruin someone’s season as they face off against three potential playoff teams to end the season. My money is on them to beat the Ravens in the last week of the season.
New England Patriots: 3-10
Week 8 Tier: 7 (↑ 1)
Speaking of quarterbacks who have breathed life into their offense, the Patriots have come to life – or something resembling it at least – since Drake Maye became the starter in week six.
As someone who has watched nearly every Patriots game since Tom Brady left us, this is some of the most exciting football I have seen from us in some time. The Cam Newton era looked exciting for a few minutes before it irreparably damaged my psyche. The Mac Jones Pats had some serious exciting games, but there was always the anxiety of Mac’s decision making. Now, we are looking like the start of something. We are no longer trying to place a bandaid on what once was or racing through the season as quickly as we can. There is something brewing. A lot is missing, don’t get me wrong, but there is some really exciting groundwork being laid this season.
The Patriots have some seriously tough games coming up, but don’t be surprised if they beat one of these playoff hopefuls and ruin their season or momentum. How fun would that be?!
Tier 7: Bad Record, Bad Vibes
Nothing more lies in the 2024-2025 NFL season for these teams, in my opinion anyway. It’s on to next season and the future for them.
New Orleans Saints: 5-8
Week 8 Tier: 6 (↓ 1)
The Saints would have landed in tier six had Derek Carr not been injured this past week. Adding that on to the Taysom Hill injury, it’s looking like the season is pretty much over for this team. Time to start thinking about what comes next.
Chicago Bears: 4-9
Week 8 Tier: 2 (↓ 1)
Chicago has been on a rollercoaster this season. A relatively dull and mediocre one, but a rollercoaster nonetheless.
After allowing the Hail Mary against the Commanders in week 8 the Bears have not won a single game. Changes needed to be made so they fired their offensive coordinator after a tragic performance against the Patriots. There were certainly improvements after this change, but no wins. All three games were one score games lost more by the Bears than won by the other teams. The result: the first time the organization has ever fired a head coach mid-season. I know what you are thinking: the interim head coach bump! Nope, that didn’t work for the Bears either. They lost again.
A lot needs to change not just on the Bears roster, but in the organization as a whole before this team is a contender again. I don’t know how long it will take for them to be good again, but it definitely won’t be this season.
New York Jets: 3-10
Week 8 Tier: 6 (↓ 1)
The Jets losing is equivalent to the Patriots winning in terms of the dopamine released in my brain. Seeing life-long Jets fan and The Ringer’s head of content, Sean Fennessey’s, tweet before the season stay biblically true through fourteen seasons is better than any Christmas gift anyone could even try to get me this year.
Needless to say, the headache of a season that was supposed to involve a playoff run and has resulted instead in just three wins seems never ending for the Jets. They lost yet another game in week fourteen in comical fashion to their divisional rival Dolphins in overtime. With four games left, the Jets have the opportunity to do the funniest thing and lose out the season. Fingers crossed!
Tennessee Titans: 3-10
Week 8 Tier: 7 (-)
It feels like pulling teeth to try and come up with something to write about this Titans team, but I will try my best in the laziest way possible: with bullet points!
- Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has looked decent!
- Tony Pollard is good at football!
- Their defense has allowed the second lowest amount of yards per game – which makes your head hurt when you consider their record.
- Nick Folk might be the best kicker in the league in terms of consistency.
- They lead the league in non-offensive touchdowns allowed per game.
- They average the second most turnovers per game!
A little good and a lot of bad on this team. On to next season!
Jacksonville Jaguars: 3-10
Week 8 Tier: 6 (↓ 1)
Injuries have plagued this team all season and don’t seem to be letting up any time soon. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence suffered one of the most upsetting injuries of the season in the team’s loss to the Texans and receiver Christian Kirk has missed the majority of the season due to injury. While rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is a rare bright spot on this team, it’s hard to ignore the waste of talent this season has been for what should be a decent Jacksonville team. Heck, they won a playoff game not long ago! A fact which you would never be able to guess watching them play this year.
My guess is that Doug Pederson is gone as headcoach not long after the season ends. Something needs to change in this organization and the coach will likely be the first to go.
Las Vegas Raiders: 2-11
Week 8 Tier: 7 (-)
I can’t say I have watched a single Raiders game this season. I have seen Brock Bowers highlights, but that is the extent of it. Whenever they play it is an easy decision for me not to tune in. Bowers and defensive superstar, Maxx Crosby aside, there is nothing exciting about this Raiders team. Change is overdue and, as their are currently positioned, it will come in the form of the first overall pick in next year’s draft. Here’s hoping they make a move that is exciting, even if it doesn’t result in more wins.
New York Giants: 2-11
Week 8 Tier: 6 (↓ 1)
The Giants are up there with the Bears and Cowboys in terms of off the field drama this year. Daniel Jones was benched and then cut after receiving a huge contract from the team that prevented them from being able to pay Saquon Barkley. A plane flew over the field during last week’s game with a runner directly addressing ownership that read: “Mr. Mara enough – plz fix this dumpster fire.” At least they were polite enough to address him as mister!
Both New York teams are bringing incompetence to a new low this season. Besides the fans, who have turned to excitement about the upcoming baseball season already, the biggest victim is rookie receiver Malik Nabers who has shone brightly in terrible circumstances this year. Here’s hoping something positive happens for this team, for his sake.
Statistics sources: nfl.com, teamrankings.com, and espn.com.
Just One Girl's Opinion 
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