Last year the Lions were 1-6 heading into week 9. They went 8-2 the rest of the way. Which team, with a horrible record right now, do you think will finish the season off strong and be a spoiler along the way?
Last year the Dolphins were 8-3 heading into week 13 and then finished off with 5 straight losses, almost missing the playoffs. Which team, with a great record right now, do you think will end the year with a bad streak of losses?
My fear is that my Lions are about to come up against a bunch of bad losses. 5 divisional games (which always can go either way) two of which are against the Vikings who are putting together a streak and getting healthy plus 2 more against the Bears who have a mobile QB that seem to give the Lions D fits. Plus the Cowboys! Maybe its the 30 year Detroit fan in me expecting the worst, but I fear them even losing the division. Its set up too perfectly for us Lions fans to have the proverbial "ball pulled out by Lucy" in week 16-18.
Strength of remaining schedule for your speculation purposes. Hardest at top left, easiest at bottom right:
My pick: maybe the Jets can win the AFCE this year? They've got an easier schedule than the Bills and Dolphins, just a question of how much of an anchor Z.Wilson is going to be.
they simply do not have the QB play capable of winning the division
Fr, it's impressive how much Zach Wilson holds back that team. You put any Tier 1 backup under center like a Tyrod, Brissett, or Dobbs, and they could make a serious run.
total waste they didn’t push harder to find a competent replacement. malpractice
The Bengals had a tough road anyways, now with no Joe...it's over - put in the backups to try and maximize your draft picks. (obviously I know that won't actually happen - contracts and incentives and whatnot)
Personally, as good as the 49ers are, I don't think their path is exactly clear. They've still got some tough ones coming up, and they've shown they don't adjust well to injuries. As physical as they are, hard to just assume they will be healthy at all the key spots from here on out.