Tom Brady shared some classic “back in my day” remarks, reminiscent of holiday gatherings with elderly relatives. However, Alex Smith quickly countered Brady’s statements, adding an unexpected twist by also addressing Rex Ryan.
The Dolphins-Jets game witnessed a Hail Mary pick-6, a play etched into memory. Meanwhile, the Chiefs surprised everyone by scoring on multiple second-half drives against the Raiders.
This week’s rankings, assessed by Stephen Serda, Rocky Magana, Matt Stagner, Maurice Elston, Jared Sapp, Nate Christensen, Dakota Watson, and the author, unfolded as follows:
1. Philadelphia Eagles (1st): Bold prediction – Jalen Hurts for MVP.
2. San Francisco 49ers (3rd): Thanksgiving’s late game falls short of expectations.
3. Baltimore Ravens (2nd): Upcoming games against the 49ers, Dolphins, and Jaguars will test their claim to the No. 1 seed.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (4th): Justin Watson’s face-off with a Raiders defender gets a nod, even if the odds might favor the defender.
5. Dallas Cowboys (7th): DaRon Bland stands out. Tom Brady shared some
6. Miami Dolphins (6th): A plea to ban artificial turf after recent events.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (8th): A significant win that feels like a breakthrough for the Jaguars.
8. Detroit Lions (5th): Their Achilles’ heel appears to be facing strong opponents.
9. Houston Texans (10th): Tank Dell gains popularity.
10. Buffalo Bills (11th): Questioning a team’s trust in their quarterback during critical moments.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (13th): Diontae Johnson’s daydreaming moment prompts curiosity among observers.
12. Cleveland Browns (9th): Myles Garrett remains a key factor for their chances.
13. Seattle Seahawks (12th): A potential one-and-done scenario looms.
14. Denver Broncos (16th): Optimism about the Broncos making the playoffs.
15. Minnesota Vikings (14th): Josh Dobbs’ generosity with interceptions doesn’t align with the festive spirit.
16. Indianapolis Colts (19th): Speculation about Gardner Minshew in the playoffs sparks humor.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (15th): Offensive struggles against the Steelers raise concerns for the rest of the season.
18. Green Bay Packers (22nd): Jordan Love’s resurgence coincides with a pivotal game against the Chiefs.
19. Atlanta Falcons (25th): The perplexing prospect of the Falcons hosting a playoff game.
20. Los Angeles Chargers (18th): Brandon Staley’s coaching future comes into question.
21. Los Angeles Rams (23rd): Despite being out of playoff contention, the Rams could still impact the season.
22. New Orleans Saints (17th): Derek Carr’s recurring pick-6 prompts frustration.
23. Las Vegas Raiders (20th): Reality check for Amik Robertson – the Raiders aren’t superior to the Chiefs.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21st): Another missed opportunity adds to their recent struggles.
25. Tennessee Titans (26th): Will Levis finds success against the Panthers.
26. Washington Commanders (24th): Doubts about Jack Del Rio’s future as a coordinator arise.
27. New York Jets (27th): The Hail Mary pick-6 becomes a new chapter in the Jets’ memorable moments.
28. Chicago Bears (19th): A score of 12-10 seems more fitting for a dull rugby union match.
29. Arizona Cardinals (28th): Questions arise about whether the team’s issues extend beyond Kyler Murray.
30. New York Giants (31st): Regardless of their performance, the Giants can reliably beat the Patriots.
31. New England Patriots (30th): A long road ahead for the Patriots to regain competitiveness.
32. Carolina Panthers (32nd): Strong criticism for David Tepper as a sports franchise owner.