What a week it was for the NFL. Odell Beckham signs with the Los Angeles Rams, Cam Newton returns to the team that cut him early in 2020, and we had some surprising results on the field.Things are definitely heating up, as teams are beginning to make playoff pushes with the 2nd half of the season underway. Let’s recap the action and how these transactions can affect the playoff race.
Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals:
There isn’t much to breakdown from this game except Cam Newton is back and his energy was infectious. Newton scored a TD on his first play in the game and the Panthers never looked back – routing the Cardinals 34-10. Carolina played with a different energy and swagger that they haven’t had all season. It’s clear to see how quickly Cam has impacted the team and it will be interesting to see how the Panthers incorporate him more in the offense moving forward. With the Panthers 5-5, they are clearly in the thick of a wild card spot and are only two games behind Tampa Bay, with two showdowns against the Bucs in December and January.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Washington Football Team:
In the most surprising result of the week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got stunned by the Washington Football Team. Tom Brady was picked off twice in the first quarter. Late in the game Tampa’s defense couldn’t get off the field, as Washington sealed the game with a 19-play drive. To add insult to injury, Vita Vea, a key player on the Bucs defensive line, was carted off with an apparent knee injury. Tampa has lost two games in a row and will look to get in sync vs the Giants this Sunday.
LA Rams vs San Francisco 49ers:
Another top contender on a 2-game losing streak are the LA Rams. The Rams got blown by a team that has had their number in recent years. Stafford threw 2 interceptions for the 2nd game in a row, including a pick-six, as the Rams offense struggled without Robert Woods. Fortunately for the Rams, they have a bye week to get Odell Beckham and Von Miller up to speed, however their next game is against the Green Bay Packers.
Cleveland Browns vs New England Patriots:
This game wasn’t close from the start, as the Patriots jumped on Cleveland and never looked back in a 45-7 ass whooping. New England is starting to hit their stride, winning four in a row. The Patriots’ defense held the Browns’ offense to only 211 yards. Baker Mayfield was knocked out of the game with a lingering shoulder injury that’s bothered him all season. The Browns have a roster that is better than 5-5, but this team is underachieving and is currently sitting on the outside looking in as far as the playoffs are concerned.”
Cleveland Browns vs New England Patriots:
This game wasn’t close from the start as the Patriots jumped on Cleveland and never looked back in a 45-7 ass whooping. New England is starting to hit their stride winning four in a row. The Patriots’ defense held the Browns’ offense to only 211 yards. Baker Mayfield was knocked out of the game with a lingering shoulder injury that’s bothered him all season. The Browns have a roster that is better than 5-5, but this team is underachieving and is currently sitting on the outside looking in as far as the playoffs are concerned.
Quick Takes:
For one week the Kansas City offense looked like the previous years’ offense as they dominated the Raiders. As of today the Chiefs are on top of a tight AFC West.
The Titans’ win over the Saints was huge, as they continue to hold an edge for home-field advantage in the AFC.
It wasn’t pretty, but Aaron Rodgers was able to lead the Packers to a win and Green Bay sits on top of the NFC.
Playoff Picture:
NFC:
1. Green Bay 8-2
2. Arizona 8-2
3. Dallas 7-2
4. Tampa Bay 6-3
5. LA Rams 7-3
6. New Orleans Saints 5-4
7. Carolina Panthers 5-5
Other playoff hopefuls: Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons all are 4-5
AFC:
1. Tennessee 8-2
2. Buffalo 6-3
3. Baltimore 6-3
4. Kansas City 6-4
5. Pittsburgh 5-3-1
6. New England Patriots 6-4
7. LA Chargers 5-4
Other playoff hopefuls: Las Vegas & Cincinnati are both 5-4. Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Denver are 5-5