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The race to the fantasy playoffs is in full swing. Four teams are on a bye this week (Denver, LA Chargers, Miami, Washington), which makes roster decisions a bit more challenging than usual. Here are 11 thoughts worth thinking about as we inch closer to the playoffs.
11 Thoughts Worth Thinking
1. The NFC North title could come down to a Week 18 matchup of Detroit at Chicago
Detroit handled Chicago 52-21 in Week 2 at Detroit. Since then, the Bears have won seven of eight games, putting them atop the NFC North with a 7-3 record. Detroit's Week 11 loss to Philadelphia has them at 6-4, but they own the tiebreaker against the Bears. Chicago has a rough schedule the rest of the way, starting this week vs Pittsburgh, at Philadelphia, at Green Bay, vs Cleveland, vs Green Bay, at San Francisco, and then the last game at home vs Detroit. Detroit has four home games in its next five, followed by two road games to finish the season. If they want to make their move, the next few games are paramount. Their schedule is vs NY Giants, vs Green Bay, vs Dallas, at LA Rams, vs Pittsburgh, at Minnesota, and at Chicago.
2. The AFC Playoffs could be without Patrick Mahomes II, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow.
Cincinnati is all but out of the race with a 3-7 record. There is a possibility that Joe Burrow (toe) could return at some point this season, but if Cincinnati is not in the hunt for a playoff spot, is it worth it to bring him back for meaningless games? Many believe we won't see Burrow under center until 2026.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have won four straight games after starting 1-5 to begin the year. They are in the hunt for a wildcard berth in the AFC, but they will battle Jacksonville, Kansas City, and Houston for a spot; however, both Kansas City and Houston hold the tiebreaker. It's an uphill climb for Baltimore, but not impossible.
Kansas City and Patrick Mahomes II are likely out of the race in the AFC West, but they are in the hunt to potentially earn a wildcard berth if they can finish strong and get help. They hold the tiebreaker against Baltimore but not Jacksonville. Key games against Houston and the LA Chargers in Weeks 14 and 15 could be a big factor in whether or not they earn a wildcard berth. They also still have to play Indianapolis, at Dallas, and vs. Denver. A winning record the rest of the way is needed, and that still may not be enough.
3. If you lost your quarterback for a stretch, you are likely out of the playoff hunt - unless you are the 49ers
Several teams have turned to their backup quarterback for multiple games this season. Nearly all are on the outside looking in for the playoffs. The only team to have a quarterback loss and keep a winning record is San Francisco. Is Mac Jones the real MVP, and I'm only half joking. Ok, quarter joking.
- NY Jets - Tyrod Taylor replaced Justin Fields. Currently 2-8.
- Cincinnati - Jake Browning and Joe Flacco replaced Joe Burrow. Currently 3-7.
- Cleveland - Dillon Gabriel replaced Joe Flacco. Currently 2-8.
- Baltimore - Cooper Rush replaced Lamar Jackson. Currently 5-5.
- Houston - Davis Mills replaced C.J. Stroud. Currently 5-5 (in large part to Mills).
- Washington - Marcus Mariota replaced Jayden Daniels. Currently 3-8.
- NY Giants - Combination of Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart, and Jameis Winston. Currently 2-9.
- Minnesota Vikings - Carson Wentz replaced J.J. McCarthy. Currently 4-6.
- Atlanta - Kirk Cousins replaced Michael Penix Jr.. Currently 3-7.
- New Orleans - Tyler Shough replaced Spencer Rattler. Currently 2-8.
- Arizona - Jacoby Brissett replaced Kyler Murray. Currently 3-7.
- San Francisco - The only team that survived a quarterback loss. Mac Jones replaced Brock Purdy. Currently 7-4.
4. Has TreVeyon Henderson Rico-Dowdled Rhamondre Stevenson?
Rhamondre Stevenson suffered a toe injury in Week 8 and has been out of the lineup since then. At first, TreVeyon Henderson shared duties with Terrell Jennings, only to take over the lead role in Week 10. In his last two games, Henderson has 243 total yards on 35 carries with five touchdowns. Stevenson is expected to return soon, and the big question is, will Mike Vrabel keep feeding Henderson, or will there be a dual approach to the running back position? Earlier in the season, Vrabel did his best to curtail Henderson's involvement in the Patriots' ground game. It was only when he had no other choice that he finally took the training wheels off Henderson. When that happened, it was full speed ahead for the rookie second-round pick. It would stand to reason that Vrabel will lean on his hot running back even when Stevenson returns, plus we don't know how that toe injury will affect his ability to perform at 100%. All signs point to a backfield takeover, but if there is any coach who could quell that movement, it's Vrabel. One certainty: New England has the best remaining schedule and best strength of schedule for running backs with five positive SOS opponent scores.
5. No Jaguars receiver has more than two receiving touchdowns. Something tells me that needs to change.