Joe Burrow: here is the SOS, from an MVP in distress
Here is the SOS, from an Earthling in distress. In 2024, Joe Burrow has passed for 3,028 yards, 27 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions. In the entire history of the Super Bowl era, never has a quarterback lost so much in these conditions. Abandoned by the ground game, by his coach and by his defense, the quarterback cannot do more.
His team's record will deprive him of the MVP title. But the best player of the season is him!
Bengals/Jets, end of course?
The Bengals won't just deprive Burrow of an individual title, but probably the playoffs. This is also the case for the Jets, 2 teams who could dream of a title in 2025 before the season.
Two groups which have one thing in common: there is not a coach capable of getting the best out of this group. Big changes are expected, because with so much talent it is unacceptable to have such a record.
The Broncos and Chargers are strong!
The situation mentioned above opens the doors to the playoffs for less expected teams in the AFC. The Denver Broncos were supposed to play the first pick of the draft, but today they are a formidable team. With a confident Bo Nix and a united defense, they crushed the Falcons without an answer to the steamroller that Sean Payton's men had become.
The AFC West is definitely formidable, as Jim Harbaugh has completely changed the Chargers' mentality as well. Good loser in recent seasons, the Chargers are winning now. And every week, the offense seems to be improving. Justin Herbert is having a remarkable season in the shadows, and the confidence seems to have been transmitted to his targets. They will not be good to take in the playoffs.
Patrick Mahomes is not good
In this AFC West, the leader is still Kansas City. Yes, but for all that Kansas City does not impress. Patrick Mahomes embodies this offensive difficulty, he who seems to have lost his magic and his capacity for improvisation. And he multiplies the interceptions, penalizing his team at the worst time.
The balance sheet is good, and what counts will be the level in January, like last season. But there is work to be done to rediscover the magic.
The 49ers are in the west
After last week's victory and the return of Christian McCaffrey, optimism was back in San Francisco. But this beautiful dynamic only lasted a few days. In a typical NFC West game, the Niners let Geno Smith play executioner.
With the toughest schedule in the division, it's no longer so crazy to think the 49ers can miss the playoffs. If that happens, it will be an earthquake in the NFL.
The Eagles are definitely back
The best team in the NFL today is Detroit. but the Eagles seem to have a shot to play in the NFC. Saquon Barkley is perhaps the most indispensable player in the league, the attack in the air is running well and the line is formidable.
But what's new is the defense, which under Fangio has become one of the best in the league. Zach Baun, Cooper Dejean and Quinyon Mitchell are playing at an All Pro level, unimaginable just 2 months ago. And that’s without mentioning Jalen Carter, who has become one of the best at his position in the NFL.
The Eagles are once again favorites in the NFC East, and can play for the title.
Baltimore is on AC
Baltimore's offense is the best in the NFL…on a good week. Faced with an increasingly incredible Steelers defense, Lamar Jackson and his squad disappeared, as has already happened this season. To win the title, you have to respond every week, this is not the case for Baltimore.
In addition to having shot themselves in the foot in the AFC North, the Ravens today seem to be a ticking time bomb, and missing out on a game in the playoffs is not an option.
Taysom Hill is fun (and good)
The NFL is also about fun players. And Taysom Hill is one of those players who can ignite a match. Author of 188 yards and 3 touchdowns, he broke the deadlock in a quagmire match for his team. He'll never be a star, but he's a player who makes you want to turn on the television, and that's no small thing.
Anthony Richardson, then maybe?
Benched, proclaimed a “bust,” a disappointment in the NFL, Anthony Richardson used his time away from the field to get his head back on track. Decisive in the air and on the ground, despite his typical inaccuracies on short passes, Richardson gave his team the taste of victory. It's not nothing, and it's a new start for him.
The Bears have a big brother
Since 2018, the Bears have not beaten the Packers. That could have changed this week, with a field goal for the victory, but it didn't.
Big brother syndrome is very present, and the Bears will still have to wait before revolting.
