Franchise Quarterback

Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images Written by Sam DeCoste With Thanksgiving just a week away, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape. Every game is crucial to the playoff standings, and there is no shortage of massive games in the NFL this week, with valuable wins on the line. Week 11 begins in Seattle, where the Seahawks battle the Packers for a critical NFC win, the Bengals and Ravens have their consequential rematch from Week 2 in Baltimore, the Eagles and Saints go head to head in New Orleans, and finally, the Chiefs and Rams duel in what should be a classic shootout between two 9-1 squads. While the Bills, Browns, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots, and 49ers go on bye, 26 teams are in action, and there are 13 games to discuss and predict. Carry on, and enjoy! Here are my season records: Lock of the Week record: 6-4 Last week's record: 8-6 Regular season record: 98-48-2 GB @ SEA The Packers return to CenturyLink Field for the first time since the 2014 NFC Championship,...

Photo taken by Matt Rourke/AP Written by Ben Slavin There weren’t too many close games this week, but 95% of fans enjoyed one game in particular. The Patriots lost. They didn’t just lose, either, they were dominated. Besides Patriots haters getting their fix, divisional games in the NFC East, NFC West, and AFC South went down to the wire and vintage Eli showed up. Between those close finishes, there were a whole lot of blowouts. Depending on which side of a blowout your team was on, you’ll either be pleased or saddened by your team’s rankings. Regardless, enjoy this week’s rankings. Real quick let’s reiterate. Now that we’re into the season, teams will move up or down a lot based on trades, injuries, or big wins or losses. Who the opponent was, how close of a game it was, and in general how good the team looked will be considered more than just getting the victory. 32. Oakland Raiders (1-8, Same) With a lead at the end of the first quarter, it looked like the Raiders might have a...

Written by Sam DeCoste We've hit the midseason mark in the NFL season, which means it's midseason playoff predictions time! That's right, we did it right before the start of the regular season, we do it midseason, and we look back at them at season's end as well, to see how accurately we projected the postseason. We are certainly smarter now than we were back in August, as we have a better idea of the contenders and pretenders in the NFL, and who have the best chances of playing elimination football in January. So as Week 10 is underway, let us predict who will be playing in the postseason! AFC 1. New England Patriots (13-3)  For three out of the past four years, the road to the Super Bowl ran through New England, and you'd be a fool to bet against them to clinch homefield advantage once again. New England has been without Gronk for a handful of games recently, but they are still winning. Tom Brady is flourishing with Julian Edelman back, James White ma...

Written by Ben Slavin In the NFL, everyone says they only care about team success and winning Super Bowls. But we all know getting recognition for their individual efforts takes some of the sting out of watching the Super Bowl from their couch. And those who get an award and a chance to play in the big game, you ask? A small award is perfect for keeping players motivated to get the ultimate prize -- a Lombardi Trophy. Now let’s find out who I see taking home these prestigious honors. Remember, these awards are not always given to the most deserving candidates. Comeback Player of the Year JJ Watt, DE, Houston Texans Watt has barely played the last two years after looking like a surefire Hall of Famer the four years before that. Now, he’s back, and Watt has been a big part in the Texans’ 6-3 record and position atop the AFC South. Maybe later in the season we’ll even get to see vintage Watt catching red zone touchdowns. Other Candidates: Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Col...

Written by Sam DeCoste We've reached double digits in weeks this season, which means stretch runs for the big boys are just beginning. Every week brings bigger games than the last, with greater competition and higher stakes, and it shows in the slate of games we have here in Week 10. The Panthers go to Pittsburgh for a massive Thursday night game with playoff implications, the Bengals return from their bye against the 7-1 Saints, and the Cowboys and Eagles renew their heated rivalry in Philadelphia this week, on Sunday Night Football.  Since Week 6, I have been on a roll, with a Predix record of 45-11. I have correctly predicted games with an 80% success rate in the past four weeks, so you know you can count on my analysis! Carry on, and enjoy the predictions! Here are my season records: Lock of the Week record: 6-3 Last week's record: 11-2 Regular season record: 90-42-2  CAR @ PIT At this point, Le'Veon Bell's return would only cause friction in the...