Connect with us

NFL

Tyler Smith’s Perspective on the Cowboys’ Offensive Line’s Continuous Improvement

Published

on


Dallas Cowboys left guard Tyler Smith has done everything and more to take a second-year jump that continues to be impressive. Although the right side of the line has struggled more this season, the left side, with Tyler and Tyron Smith, has been a wall and highly graded when they play together.

ESPN Bet Promo Launch (Desktop) Bet Anything, Get Bonus $250

Protecting Dak Prescott

So far this season, the Cowboys’ offensive line has allowed 23 sacks on Dak Prescott. But Sunday marked two games in a row that the line has prevented him from getting sacked.

According to Inside Edge, Dallas has allowed opponents to pressure their quarterback on 18% of pass attempts this season, the fourth-best rate in the NFL.

Smith says it’s a consistent process that allows the unit to protect their quarterback.

“Our mindset in the [offensive line] room is we’re just trying to stack days on top of days, just getting better. Especially when it comes to the depth of our room,” said Smith.

He contributed to the team’s ability to win games early and sit starters in the fourth quarter, allowing younger players to get valuable game-time reps. Smith says no matter who is out there, the standard the offensive line has is still the same.

MORE: Micah Parsons Reflects on Career Game Against Panthers

A large part of why the line is clicking more is because it has found continuity with its starting five, who have played multiple weeks together since the start of the season.

Smith says across-the-room communication has contributed to the line’s success.

“We’re going to continue to improve obviously because we’re trying to at that most elite level, highest level known to mankind,” said Smith.

Tyler Smith’s Preparation for Thursday’s Game

The Cowboys play the Washington Commanders in their usual Thanksgiving Day slot. But Smith knows how to handle the quick turnaround better now that he’s in his second season.

He said, “You gotta take care of your body first and foremost and then just being ready… You definitely just have to take advantage of all the reps you get because you may not be as physical as a regular week would be.”

The 22-year-old said remembering how his body felt last year around the same time was valuable for him going into this week’s matchup. This has helped him be more proactive this season, adding he knows attacking Monday’s practice will help him in the long run this week.

However, Smith now knows how the team game plans for a Thursday game and what to expect, which he also learned last season.

Keep in mind that the Commanders also played on Sunday, so both teams will go into the matchup on a short week. However, the Cowboys have the advantage with the game being back home at AT&T Stadium, especially with their success at home winning 12 straight.

Washington is 4-7 this season, and Dallas is favored by 11 points at this time. Regardless of the Commanders’ losing record, Smith says the Cowboys still want to dominate the game to their standards.

“They may be a wounded animal now, but they still got fangs, and you can get bit,” said Smith.

Dallas can win a division game, keep the momentum they have built over the last few weeks, and not play with their food on Thursday.

From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!

Listen to the PFN Cowboys Podcast

Listen to the PFN Cowboys Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Cowboys Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Cowboys Podcast on our NFL YouTube channel.



Source link

NFL

Buy Low, Sell High Players Include Taysom Hill and Dalton Schultz

Published

on

By


The TE position remains the weakest in fantasy football. That makes trading for tight ends exceedingly difficult. Unraveling all that we saw in Week 12 and translating it into Week 13 TE trade targets is where fantasy managers can differentiate themselves.

To help you get your head around it all, here are our thoughts on some tight ends to buy low or sell high entering Week 13.

Which TEs Should You Trade For in Fantasy Football?

Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints

The cat is out of the bag with the Saints pass catchers, but that doesn’t make Taysom Hill any less of a buy. This team is out of receivers. Michael Thomas is on IR. Chris Olave is in the concussion protocol. Rashid Shaheed looks like he suffered a very serious injury. Who are the Saints going to trust more? Rookies and practice squad guys? Or Taysom Hill?

Katz’s Other Week 13 Trade Targets: WRRB | QB  

We should see a heavy dose of Hill next week. Plus, he carries higher-than-normal touchdown upside. Hill is a top-five-ish tight end for the foreseeable future.

Which TEs Should You Trade Away in Fantasy Football?

Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans

Last week, I warned that Dalton Schultz was about to take a serious downturn, largely due to a difficult schedule for tight ends. His touchdown against the Cardinals likely bought fantasy managers one more week to sell. Can you still sell him now after he saw just two targets, catching one for two yards against the Jaguars? I doubt it. But you should try.

Schultz now has a mere five targets over his last two games. It’s not an accident. The Texans are facing teams that erase tight ends.

Next week, the Texans face the worst team in the league against tight ends, the Broncos. But you can’t wait until after that game because trade deadlines are looming. Over the final four weeks, the Texans have the single-toughest schedule for tight ends remaining. If you don’t sell Schultz now, you won’t be able to, and you will be stuck with an un-startable tight end.

Trending TE Fantasy Football Trades

Are you considering making a trade in your fantasy football league? Our PFN Trade Analyzer allows you to find the best trades to make in seconds! It also allows us to see trending searches, and we’ve compiled a few of the most popular below.

Should You Trade Dalton Schultz for Dallas Goedert?

Dallas Goedert has now missed three weeks (bye included) since fracturing his forearm. I fully expected him to be out until the last few games of the season. However, it does appear as if there is a chance he plays this week. If not, next week seems likely. That changes things.

MORE: Fantasy News Tracker

Fantasy managers obviously need players who are playing football. It doesn’t matter how much better Goedert is than Schultz if Goedert is not on the field.

With the news that Goedert’s return is imminent, this one is a slam dunk. Schultz just isn’t good enough to justify passing on a chance to acquire Goedert, even if Goedert ends up sitting one more week.

Should You Trade Evan Engram for Taysom Hill?

The peripherals on Evan Engram remain excellent. He’s averaging 7.4 targets per game, and he has at least four receptions in every game this season. The problem is Engram just can’t find the end zone — 64 catches, 524 yards, no touchdowns.

Eventually, Engram is going to score. But “eventually” doesn’t help fantasy managers. Hill scores. It’s what he does. And more recently, he’s displayed a high floor even when he doesn’t.

The Saints are dealing with injuries to no fewer than four of their pass catchers. Hill suddenly looks like the most reliable guy. He has long-term sustainability and is about to experience a short-term bump in value.

With that said, I still can’t bring myself to sell Engram for Hill. Engram is a more traditional tight end with a more secure role. Even though Hill has displayed the higher ceiling, I believe in Engram and would stick with him going forward.

Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.



Source link

Continue Reading

NFL

Marvin Harrison Jr. Goes First to Bears, Caleb Williams Lands With Patriots

Published

on

By


The 2024 NFL Draft picture is starting to get clearer and clearer at the top. Patriots fans, it’s officially time to begin the tank for a quarterback. Approaching the end of the season, it’s time to start firing up the PFN Mock Draft Simulator and get to work fixing your team.

With head coach dominoes beginning to fall, it’s time to take another look at the 2024 NFL Draft order and plan out the future of each team.

There will be trades in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Trade values were determined using the MDS and previous draft precedents, as well as the Fitzgerald-Spielberger trade value chart, courtesy of Over The Cap. New mock-specific trades will be designated with an asterisk.

2024 NFL Mock Draft

1) Chicago Bears (via CAR): Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

We’ll see what the Bears eventually settle on regarding Justin Fields’ future, but for now, the plan should be to build as much talent around him as possible. Naturally, that means taking the best receiver prospect we’ve seen in years and pairing him with DJ Moore.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has all of the ability to be a top-flight wide receiver right away in the NFL. Chicago could trade down in this scenario as well, like they did in last year’s draft. But Harrison might just be too good to pass on.

2) Arizona Cardinals: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

With the Cardinals committed to building around Kyler Murray, it’s important to build around him. Left tackle DJ Humphries is out of guaranteed money following this season and could be moved for more capital.

Arizona could find a cheaper and younger replacement in Olu Fashanu, one of the best pass-protecting tackles in recent memory.

3) New England Patriots: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

While rumors swirl regarding Bill Belichick’s future with the Patriots, Mac Jones’ status as QB1 has met its end rather swiftly. The Patriots need playmakers everywhere without a doubt, but the quarterback play has been dragging the team down regardless.

This selection could change depending on who the head coach is, but the bottom line is that they need a quarterback of Caleb Williams‘ caliber to make plays on his own and bring up the rest of the roster.

4) New Orleans Saints (via CHI): Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

*Trade: The New Orleans Saints receive picks 4 and 104. The Chicago Bears receive picks 12, 49, and a 2025 first-round pick. 

With Chicago already nabbing the best player in the class, they turn around and trade back to gain more capital to invest in their roster.

I am of the belief it is time for New Orleans to hit the big red reset button on their roster and coaching staff and actually commit to it. They can get themselves cap-compliant, but part of that is designating Derek Carr as a post-June 1 cut.

The Saints have never been afraid to be aggressive, and with the talent already on the roster, make a blockbuster move to nab an elite quarterback like Drake Maye.

5) Washington Commanders: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

The Washington Commanders have gotten enough out of Sam Howell to earn another year as the starter. If they want to really see what they have out of him, they have to protect him better.

MORE: Top OTs in the 2024 NFL Draft

Joe Alt is an elite tackle prospect with some teach-tape out there at left tackle. LT Charles Leno is slated to hit free agency, and Alt could slide right into his spot.

6) New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

If you haven’t gotten to watch Malik Nabers‘ film, do so soon. He’s one of the most explosive receivers to hit the draft in recent years and simply glides across the field.

The Giants will need to get a quarterback at some point, but having Nabers on the field is too good to pass on.

7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

Tampa Bay will also likely look to figure out their long-term QB situation this offseason. For now, the team has struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks all season and needs some help on that side of the ball.

This makes Dallas Turner, who has nine sacks and fifty pressures for the Crimson Tide and is one of the best defensive players in the country, a consideration here.

8) New York Jets: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Without a doubt, the New York Jets need to get their offensive line right if they want the Aaron Rodgers trade to work out. There isn’t a situation where they can fix it all in one go, but taking JC Latham, a talented and powerful tackle, is a step in the right direction.

9) Los Angeles Chargers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

The Chargers could take a defensive player, and I wouldn’t bat an eye. But Justin Herbert is their most important asset, and they have to be better at protecting him.

After watching Trey Pipkins at right tackle get targeted on Sunday night, the RT spot has to get fixed. Amarius Mims is an elite athlete with serious power in his punch. He has been a dominant force for the Bulldogs this season and projects as a top prospect this year.

10) Tennessee Titans: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

We’re still trying to figure out what Will Levis is as an NFL quarterback, but for now, we’ll assume he is the Titans’ plan for next year.

Tennessee wants to live out of 12 personnel often, and putting Brock Bowers and Chigoziem Okonkwo on the field together is an easy matchup creator. The offense just needs playmakers, and there’s none better than Bowers.

11) Las Vegas Raiders: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

There’s been plenty of flashes out of Aidan O’Connell that I’d be willing to see him get another year with the Raiders before they seek out another quarterback. Las Vegas could invest in the offense to give him more talent to work with, but the defense needs an injection of talent as well.

Jer’Zhan Newton is the best defensive tackle in the class by a rather comfortable gap and would add a difference-maker up front for the Raiders.

12) Chicago Bears (via NO): Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

With all of the drama surrounding Jaylon Johnson and his future with the team, the Bears could look to add his replacement if he hits free agency.

Nate Wiggins is an excellent blend of length and quickness who could be an instant boost to that secondary.

13) Green Bay Packers: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Green Bay could absolutely take a tackle or cornerback if one was here, but with all of the top talent off the board, they should add to the wide receiver room.

Keon Coleman is an elite alpha-style receiver who adds another dimension to the Packers’ offense to play X next to Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks.

14) Los Angeles Rams: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

The Rams’ secondary has begun to turn things around in recent weeks, and the team is making a surprising playoff push. However, L.A.’s pass rush is still a work in progress trying to find non-Aaron Donald players.

Donald is the only player on that team with a double-digit win rate, and they’re having to rely on scheming guys open to get to the quarterback. Laiatu Latu is an elite technician as a pass rusher with a bag full of pass-rush moves and a constantly hot motor.

15) Cincinnati Bengals: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

We’ll see what the future holds for Tee Higgins in Cincinnati. With the potential for him and/or Tyler Boyd to depart, the Bengals should add as much talent as they can to surround Joe Burrow with. Rome Odunze is a great start.

16) Buffalo Bills: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

For the Bills, the fire has been lit underneath them quite a bit recently, and everyone in that building is feeling the heat. A frequent criticism has been the lack of receiving talent, as the last non-Day 3 pick for Buffalo’s WR room was Zay Jones.

MORE: Top WRs in the 2024 NFL Draft

Emeka Egbuka is an excellent route runner capable of getting open with ease, something the non-Diggs receivers in Buffalo have struggled with.

17) Arizona Cardinals (via HOU): Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

Arizona could go wide receiver here to replace Marquise Brown — who is currently slated to be a free agent — and continue to add players around Murray on the offense. However, it’d be prudent to add to the defense.

The Cardinals have been effective at generating sacks, but they’ve struggled to bring consistent pressure. Chop Robinson, who has 19.5 tackles for loss, including 11.5 sacks, in 29 college games, is a force to be reckoned with up front and would add plenty of juice to their pass rush.

18) Denver Broncos: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

The Broncos have won five in a row, but I still find myself feeling unconvinced about Russell Wilson and the offense being super sustainable. Plus, the Sean Payton-Russell Wilson marriage still seems as rocky as ever.

Wilson still has another year of guaranteed money on his deal, which could be the perfect opportunity for a quarterback to sit and learn from behind.

Opinions on J.J. McCarthy will vary from person to person, but I remain a believer in his talent and accuracy. Michigan limits a lot of his true dropbacks due to just overall team philosophy and a poor offensive line, but he’s shown the ability to make plays when the team needs it.

McCarthy and Payton could be a great combination for the future in Denver.

19) Atlanta Falcons: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Falcons corners outside of A.J. Terrell have gotten picked on routinely this season. Atlanta should find another player to add next to him, and nabbing a talent like Kool-Aid McKinstry would be a great start.

20) Minnesota Vikings: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

After seeing how much he means to that team, I’m willing to bet the Vikings are going to bring Kirk Cousins back for at least one more season, though the Joshua Dobbs story has been one of the best in recent memory.

MORE: Top EDGEs in the 2024 NFL Draft

While this pick could still be a quarterback, they’ll go all-in with Cousins once more in this scenario. With Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport slated for free agency, Minnesota needs to add to their pass rush, and Jared Verse is one of the best in the class.

21) Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The Indianapolis Colts’ cornerback room is gearing up for plenty of turnover, and they need talent at the position.

Quinyon Mitchell is an elite athlete at corner who thrives in man coverage. In a division with quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and C.J. Stroud, the Colts need cornerbacks that can play man and make plays on the ball.

22) Detroit Lions (via SEA): Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Trade: The Detroit Lions receive pick 22. The Seattle Seahawks receive picks 27, 162, and a 2025 fifth-round pick. 

Seattle has shown a willingness to move down often in the draft, while the Lions have never been afraid to make a move either.

I remain unconvinced that Jared Goff will do anything for the Lions when it comes time to show up and play in less-than-ideal situations. Goff has no more guaranteed money on his deal, and the Lions’ front office has shown an ability to get out in front of team needs and be aggressive.

Jayden Daniels is playing at an extremely high level and would bring a totally different style of play to the Lions’ offense.

23) Pittsburgh Steelers: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

Kenny Pickett isn’t the only problem with the Steelers’ offense…but he isn’t the solution, either.

While they did beat up on the Bengals’ defense….most offenses have this year. That experiment should be over soon, although Pittsburgh is admittedly slow to move on.

Carson Beck has been superb over the last few weeks of the season and has all the necessary traits to be a successful NFL quarterback and get the most out of Pittsburgh’s wide receivers.

24) Houston Texans: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

With Stroud playing at this level, it’s important to ensure the defense takes strides to match his offensive output so it doesn’t all fall on his shoulders. The Texans have three corners who have all played over 200 snaps this year hitting free agency and haven’t had a full season of Derek Stingley Jr. yet.

A talent like Cooper DeJean, with his ability to play corner and safety at an elite level, would be a fun boost for DeMeco Ryans to use in that secondary. DeJean’s leg injury will dock his draft stock a tad, but he should still comfortably be a first-round pick.

25) Miami Dolphins: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Miami’s offensive line will have some shuffling to figure out, with Austin Jackson, Robert Hunt, Connor Williams, Isaiah Wynn, Kendall Lamm, and Robert Jones all pending free agents.

Tyler Guyton can step right into the Dolphins’ RT spot right away and has the athletic ability to flip over and learn at left tackle if the Dolphins move on from Terron Armstead this offseason.

26) Dallas Cowboys: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington

The Michael Gallup saga is reaching its end in Dallas, with him drawing lower and lower snaps with too large of a contract. Dallas has to figure out how to extend CeeDee Lamb, Tyron Smith, Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, and potentially Tyler Biadasz and Tony Pollard. They can’t afford to keep Gallup around.

MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Big Board

While they’re still trying to figure out what Jalen Tolbert can be, they should cash in on Dak playing at an elite level and continue to add playmakers around on the offense by nabbing an elite and reliable target in Washington’s Ja’Lynn Polk.

27) Seattle Seahawks (via DET): Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

After moving down and snagging some more picks to fill out the roster, the Seahawks take an offensive lineman to finally sort out their pass protection.

Whether Taliese Fuaga takes the right tackle spot or slides inside to guard, Seattle needs to actually invest in their line up front if they want to contend for the NFC.

28) Jacksonville Jaguars: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Adding as much talent as you can around Trevor Lawrence is never a bad idea, especially a natural talent like Adonai Mitchell. At 6’4, Mitchell provides a red-zone threat that the Jaguars desperately need, especially if they move on from Zay Jones in the offseason.

29) Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Rashee Rice has started to come on as Patrick Mahomes’ go-to target, but the Chiefs should continue to add to this room and bring in more talented weapons.

Brian Thomas Jr. is a height/weight/speed freak at 6’4″, 205 pounds and blazing explosiveness. More importantly, he rarely drops the football downfield, something the Chiefs have been hurt by repeatedly this season.

30) San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

The 49ers have built an excellent roster from top to bottom, but the absence of Trent Williams is notable on that offensive line, and they don’t seem to have his eventual replacement on the roster.

Patrick Paul is another superb athlete who needs further refinement, which could be perfect for the 49ers to develop and plug behind Williams whenever he decides to hang it up.

31) Baltimore Ravens: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington

The Ravens have gotten a career year out of Jadeveon Clowney, but the rest of that room hasn’t taken that next step. Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo have battled injuries throughout their careers.

Bralen Trice has emerged as a force for the Washington Huskies. His 62 pressures sit second in the country on the season, and he’s a physical, disruptive pass rusher that the Huskies like to move around.

32) Philadelphia Eagles: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

Howie Roseman only drafts trench players, wide receivers, and quarterbacks in the first round. I think we’re at the point where we can say they won’t take a quarterback here. A wide receiver would be a fun luxury, though not entirely Roseman’s M.O.

With Jason Kelce’s pending retirement, the Eagles will need some shuffling along the OL. Graham Barton is viewed as a prospect who can play all spots on the offensive line, so the Eagles could slide him in at center down the line or have him step into the right guard spot if Cam Jurgens moves over, especially with Tyler Steen’s struggles in pass protection this season.

Listen to the PFN Scouting Podcast

Listen to the PFN Scouting Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Scouting Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Scouting Podcast on our Scouting YouTube channel.



Source link

Continue Reading

NFL

Packers Enter the Race While 49ers, Cowboys, Dolphins Stand Strong

Published

on

By


The NFL playoff picture is in heavy contention, and Week 12 put an exclamation point on that. In the AFC, the playoff picture is as tight as ever while the NFC leaders are extending their leads.

Below is the entire NFL playoff picture following Week 12’s action.

AFC Playoff Picture:

  1. Baltimore Ravens (8-3)
  2. Kansas City Chiefs (8-3)
  3. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3)
  4. Miami Dolphins (8-3)
  5. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4)
  6. Cleveland Browns (7-4)
  7. Indianapolis Colts (6-5)

In the hunt: Houston Texans (6-5), Buffalo Bills (6-6), Denver Broncos (6-5), Las Vegas Raiders (5-7), Cincinnati Bengals (5-6), Los Angeles Chargers (4-7), Tennessee Titans (4-7), New York Jets (4-7), New England Patriots (2-9)

The Jaguars’ victory over the red-hot Texans pushed them into first place in the AFC and cemented a two-game lead inside the AFC South. The game was a battle to the finish, with the 24-21 win coming off of a Matt Ammendola missed 58-yard field goal. The Texans’ loss, however, dropped them out of the playoffs and behind Indianapolis.

Pittsburgh moved into the fifth seed thanks to a divisional victory over the Burrow-less Bengals. The win keeps Pittsburgh’s AFC North hopes alive and keeps them safely in the playoffs for another week.

The Ravens will head into their bye week atop the AFC. They defeated the Los Angeles Chargers thanks to a plethora of turnovers. The loss drops the Chargers all the way down to 13th in the AFC, giving them an unlikely chance to make the playoffs.

The Colts kept their playoff hopes alive in Week 12, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The win pushed them into the seventh seed and gave them life heading into the final stretch.

MORE: NFL Prime-Time Games 2023

The Dolphins’ victory on Black Friday kept their one-seed aspirations alive. They beat up a struggling Jets team, led by backup Tim Boyle. The Jets’ loss pushed them further down the seeding and made their playoff hopes significantly slimmer.

The Cleveland Browns dropped to the Denver Broncos, dropping back to the sixth seed. In the loss, they got more beat up. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson went down with a concussion and superstar defensive end Myles Garrett was seen in a sling post-game. The Broncos, however, continued to stay hot with their fifth win in a row.

The Steelers earned another gritty division win over the Bengals, who are without Joe Burrow for the rest of the season. The win kept them in the AFC North race and kept them in the playoffs for another week. The Bengals’ loss drops them even further back in the standings.

NFC Playoff Picture:

  1. Philadelphia Eagles (10-1)
  2. San Francisco 49ers (8-3)
  3. Detroit Lions (8-3)
  4. Atlanta Falcons (5-6)
  5. Dallas Cowboys (8-3)
  6. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)
  7. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

In the hunt: Green Bay Packers (5-6), New Orleans Saints (5-6), Los Angeles Rams (5-6), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7), New York Giants (4-8), Washington Commanders (4-8), Chicago Bears (4-8), Arizona Cardinals (2-10), Carolina Panthers (1-10)

The 49ers continued their season of dominance when they ran all over the Seahawks on Thanksgiving night. The 18-point win moved them into the NFC’s second seed, thanks to a Lions loss. Additionally, the loss pushed Seattle down to the bottom seed.

The Eagles made it to 10-1 in comeback fashion. After being down 24-14 with 1:40 left in the third, the Eagles rallied back and earned a 37-34 win in overtime over the Bills. The Rams also defeated the Cardinals in dominant fashion, 37-14, to keep their playoff hopes alive, sitting in the nine seed.

The Packers started Thanksgiving with a major victory, defeating the Lions 29-22. The win extended their win streak to three and kept their playoff aspirations alive. They’re the first team out of the playoffs. They’ll face Kansas City next.

The Falcons earned arguably their biggest game of the season in Week 12. They took down the previously division-leading Saints, 24-15. With the win, they moved into first place in the NFC South and sit as the fourth seed. The Buccaneers and Panthers both lost, setting up for a Falcons and Saints race to the finish.

The Cowboys kept their foot on the gas, defeating the Commanders in dominating fashion on Thanksgiving afternoon. The win led to the firing of the Commanders’ defensive coordinator, Jack Del Rio. Additionally, the win kept the Cowboys within range of the Eagles for the NFC East and kept them in the driver’s seat for the fifth seed.

Want to predict the rest of the 2023 season with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? Looking for the most up-to-date NFL standings? What about a breakdown of team depth charts or the NFL schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with that and more!



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending