Believe it or not, the NFL season is almost halfway over. At this point in the season everybody has nicks and aches, but there were some devastating injuries this week. Derrick Henry suffered a foot injury and is most likely out for the season. Jameis Winston suffered a torn ACL and damaged his MCL – leaving the Saints to rely on either Taysom Hill or Trevor Siemian to man the quarterback position. These are two injuries that will impact the playoff race as teams are jockeying for position, especially in a loaded NFC. Let’s breakdown the key games from Week 8 and how they will shape up the playoff races
Packers vs Cardinals:
Despite being without his best receiver, Devante Adams, Aaron Rodgers was able to lead the Packers to a 24-21 over the Cardinals – moving them into a tie for the best record in the NFC. Rodgers’ numbers weren’t eye popping, but he didn’t turn the ball over while his counterpart, Kylar Murray, threw two interceptions..the last being very costly. Rasul Douglas, who the Packers just signed a few weeks ago, was able to pick Murray off after what was a miscommunication between Kylar and AJ Green – Green appeared to not expect the football. The implications of that play could be huge, as both of these squads are in play for the number one seed.
Steelers vs Browns:
This was a slug-fest, but the Steelers were able to secure the victory over the Cleveland Browns. The Browns are now in last place in the AFC North, and for a team that had Super Bowl aspirations, that is a huge letdown. The Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham project isn’t working out and Jarvis Landry had a crucial fumble and two drops.
Buccaneers vs Saints:
Despite Jameis Winston going down with a torn ACL, the Saints were able to defeat Tom Brady and the Bucs. New Oleans’ defense forced two interceptions, including a pick-six to seal the game. Trevor Siemian was able to fill in nicely, and it looks like he’ll be the Saints starting QB moving forward. This could be a loss that haunts Tampa Bay later down the road as they jockey for home field advantage.
NFC Playoff Picture:
The NFC playoffs will be a blood bath. The top-5 seeds are all teams that could win the NFC
1) Green Bay 7-1
2) Arizona Cardinals 7-1
3) Dallas Cowboys 6-1
4) Tampa Bay 6-2
5) LA Rams 7-1
6) New Orleans Saints 5-2
7) Carolina Panthers (yes, the Panthers) 4-4
AFC Playoff Picture:
Still a lot to be sorted out here, with New England, Kansas City and Cleveland on the outside looking in.
1) Tennessee Titans 6-2
2) Las Vegas Raiders 5-2
3) Baltimore Ravens 5-2
4) Buffalo Bills 5-2
5) Cincinnati Bengals 5-3
6) Pittsburgh Steelers 4-3
7) LA Chargers 4-3
Week 9 Games to Watch:
- (4-4) Cleveland at (5-3) Cincinnati
- (4-4) New England vs (4-4) Carolina Panthers
- (7-1) Green Bay vs (4-4) Kansas City: Aaron Rodgers is out with covid Jordan Love you’re up
- (6-2) Tennessee vs (7-1) LA Rams