The Bengals are on a three game win streak and look to keep it going against a tough Chiefs team. Photo courtesy of Bengalswire/USA Today
Ravens Blow Another Lead While the Bengals Have Been Hot
The Ravens are 7-4 and have looked good at times this season, but in all four of their losses they have blown double-digit leads. This is not a good trend for a team that is fighting for a playoff spot. There is a lot of pressure on Lamar Jackson on the offensive side of the ball, as the run game with their running backs has struggled for the most part of this season, and they lack weapons on the outside. Mark Andrews is still a great receiving option at tight end, but the wide receiver position is not impressive. The defense is good at times, but it is definitely not good when they blow leads. They can still be a competitive team and make the playoffs, but I do not look at them as a serious Super Contender right now. As for their division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals, they have won 3 in a row, all without their best weapon in Ja’Marr Chase, but Tee HIggins and others have stepped up to the challenge and the offense has still performed well. The defense is coming off of a great game against the Titans where they shut down Derrick Henry in the run game and only allowed one big pass play. The Bengals are getting hot at the right time and there is a good chance they can come back and win the AFC North. They have a huge matchup with the Kansas CIty Chiefs this week, and won both matchups last season. Can the Chiefs redeem themselves, or will we have found the Chiefs kryptonite?
Titans Winning Formula is Dangerous
As for the team in which the Bengals beat last week, the Tennessee Titans, they are still a good team, but have a recurring issue that they have also had in the past. When Derrick Henry and the Titans rushing attack is working well, they tire out opposing defenses, the play action pass works, and the offense looks great. Although, when the run game is not working well, the offense struggles because of its lack of weapons. Treylon Burks is coming along as a threat in the pass game, but they still need Robert Woods and others to step up. We have seen this formula become an issue in the past in playoff games and other big games. The defense is relied on heavily to hold opponents to low scores and the run game to work well in order to grind out wins. While this can win some games, it is difficult to get on a run and win all games like this, play from behind, and keep up with other teams who have explosive offenses.
Are the Jets Legitimate Contenders with Mike White at Quarterback?
The Jets defense is for real and we have known that for a while, so this week we are discussing their offense. Mike White got the start against the Bears and the offense looked great. Now, let’s keep in mind the Bears defense is not good and many receivers were wide open, so this could be a reason for the game looking so easy for White and the offense. This week they go up against the Vikings, who do not have a good pass defense either, so we could see a good offensive performance this week too. As for the future of this team and being a contender, I think it will be difficult for White and good defenses will catch up to him. Some people are getting carried away and saying Mike White is a franchise quarterback and all that. Relax. They could definitely make the playoffs, but I am not sold on them as a Super Bowl contender with Mike White under center.
Plan for Aaron Rodgers/Jordan Love and the Packers
If Aaron Rodgers is healthy and the team still has a shot at the playoffs, you play him. I know it would be great to see Jordan Love and if he is the real deal or not, but Rodgers is still Rodgers and you definitely want him under center if the team is eligible for a playoff spot. Now, if they are eliminated from contention, I would understand Love playing, but it seems like next season Love could be the starter and Rodgers will go elsewhere or retire, but who knows, we will have to wait and see. Another quick note on the Packers is that it is a good sign for the Packers that Christiam Watson seems to be getting going now and his potential is quite clear. He is 6’4”, very fast, and will be a great deep threat. He has some drop issues, but this can be fixed. I am excited to see his development.
Week 13 Slate is Spectacular
Bills @ Patriots, Thursday 8:15
Last season they played three times. In the Patriots lone win, Mac Jones passed the ball three times and they were able to run all over the Bills. In the two Bills wins, the Bills offense looked great and was very efficient. Right now, the Bills offense has not looked spectacular lately and neither has their defense, and Von Miller is now injured. The Patriots defense has looked dominant at points this season, but did not play that good last week and had trouble stopping Justin Jefferson. This will be a very interesting divisional matchup.
Jets @ Vikings, Sunday 1:00
The Vikings offense has to go up against another tough defense and we get to see if the Jets offense can continue to play well with Mike White at quarterback.
Titans @ Eagles Sunday, 1:00
The Eagles rushing offense was great last week, but their passing offense has not been great since Dallas Goedert was injured. The Titans defense has been better defending the run than the pass, so this matchup will be interesting to pay attention to. Also, the Eagles defense has not stopped the run as well without Jordan Davis, and the Titans obviously want to run the ball. Another thing to note in this game is the A.J. Brown going up against his former team dynamic. I expect this game to be close.
Commanders @ Giants Sunday, 1:00
Two overachieving division rivals matchup this weekend in what should be a close, competitive matchup. The Commanders defense has been playing great, but I am still not buying their offense with Taylor Heinicke under center. The Giants have struggled the past two weeks, but have the opportunity to bounce back this week, and I think they do.
Dolphins @ 49ers Sunday, 4:05
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan goes up against his prodigy, Dolphins first year head coach, Mike McDaniel. McDaniel has transformed the Dolphins offense into a powerful unit and has his team hot right now. The 49ers have also been very good lately and pitched a shutout last week, but could have a difficult time matching up with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and the other Dolphins weapons. I am unsure of a prediction for this game, but I am anticipating a very good one.
Chiefs @ Bengals Sunday, 4:25
This is the game of the week. The Chiefs are the #1 seed in the AFC at the moment, while the Bengals have won three in a row and their whole team is hitting on all cylinders right now. Ja’Marr Chase has missed the last four games, but is expected to return this week. The Bengals beat the Chiefs twice last season, the second matchup being in the AFC Championship, where the Chiefs were up 21-3, but gave that lead up and ended up losing. The way they lost the last matchup could give extra motivation for the Chiefs in this matchup.
Just know this Sunday I will be glued to the television screen, and I advise you to do the same if you are a fan of football.