Week-ten officially kicked off the second half of the NFL season. Division races and races for the top seed are heating up and several contenders showed signs of weakness. The Eagles suffered their first defeat of the season on Monday night, and Buffalo – once the favorites to win the Super Bowl – have lost back-to-back games. In Green Bay, the Cowboys blew a 14-point lead to the Packers and ended up losing in overtime.
It’s a long season, so of course there will be bumps in the road, but are these losses concerning, or just the result of a long season?
Eagles Lose Their First Game:
The Philadelphia Eagles finally suffered their first loss of the season against the Washington Commanders. Turnovers doomed the Eagles in this game. Philadelphia committed four turnovers versus Washington and couldn’t overcome those mistakes. The Eagles also committed seven penalties. Anytime you lose the turnover battle and commit more penalties, it is very hard to overcome. What had to be concerning for the Eagles was that Washington converted 9 of 12 third downs in the first half and dominated time of possession 23:49 to 6:11. Was this game a cause for concern? For now, I would say it was more a bump in the road. The Eagles are still in a good position to win the NFC East and the top overall seed in the conference.
Vikings vs Bills Was The Game of the Year So Far:
Justin Jefferson staked his claim as the best receiver in the NFL with an absolute master class performance. Jefferson caught ten passes for 193 yards and a touchdown. Every single time a big play was to be made, Jefferson made it – including one of the best catches you’ll ever see on fourth-and-eighteen. For the Bills, Josh Allen has turned the ball over in the red zone four times in the last two weeks and the Bills have gone from AFC favorites, to not even in first place in their division. We also don’t know if Allen will re-aggravate his elbow injury at some point later in the season. If you’re a Bills fan you must be concerned. Not only will the Bills have to fight like hell to win the competitive AFC East, but now Kansas City has taken back the top seed in the AFC and the Bills have already stated the importance of getting home field advantage in the playoffs.
Dak and Run Defense Let the Cowboys Down:
There are two areas of concern for the Cowboys coming off a 31-28 loss to the Packers. The first being Dak Prescott. Dak threw two costly interceptions and the questions of him being “that guy” are coming back to the forefront. Jerry Jones has hinted about signing Odell Beckham Jr. and, at this point, the Cowboys may need another weapon in their passing game. On the defensive side of the ball, giving up over five yards a carry is concerning. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon both had strong performances against this Cowboys defense. Even when they were down by fourteen, the Packers kept running the ball and Dallas couldn’t stop it. Mike McCarthy’s decision to go for it fourth down on the Packers’ 35-yard line in overtime, instead of kicking the field goal, was questionable and Aaron Rodgers led the Packers down the field for the game-winning field goal. The Cowboys are near the bottom of the NFL in rushing defense, giving up 143.1 yards rushing a game. That is concerning, especially if they play a team that jumps on them early with a physical offensive line.
Week 11 Games to Watch:
6-3 New York Jets vs the 5-4 New England Patriots (-3):
Both teams are fighting to stay in the mix for the AFC East and wild card races
6-3 Cowboys (-1) vs 8-1 Vikings:
Despite the Vikings win in Buffalo, the Cowboys are one-point favorites. The Vikings will have another opportunity to prove they’re legit.
7-2 Chiefs vs 5-4 Chargers:
The Chiefs will try to maintain their position as the top seed in the AFC while a Chargers win would only put them one game back in the division race.
Current Playoff Seedings:
AFC:
1) Chiefs 7-2
2) Dolphins 7-3
3) Titans 6-3
4) Ravens 6-3
5) New York Jets 6-3
6) Buffalo Bills 6-3
7) New England Patriots 5-4
In the mix: Chargers and Bengals 5-4
NFC:
1) Eagles 8-1
2) Vikings 8-1
3) Seahawks 6-4
4) Buccaneers 5-5
5) New York Giants 7-2
6) Dallas Cowboys 6-3
7) 49ers 5-4
In the mix: Washington Commanders 5-5
The Carolina Panthers Did the Right Thing Trading Up for the Guy they Loved