As we near the midpoint of the Year of the 29 Year Old Running Back, it occurred to me that it might be interesting to see if any other positions are putting together signature seasons.
Pass rushers, meh, kinda, but that faded when Aidan Hutchinson got hurt. Before that, he was on pace for 25-1/2 sacks. Now the highest is Dexter Lawrence, currently on pace for 19.
QBs? Not really. Geno Smith leads the way in passing yards but no one is currently on pace to hit 4,700. Baker Mayfield is at the top in passing TDs, but who knows if the injuries to his WR corp will let him continue on the path that suggests he’ll throw 45 TDs by the end of the year.
The QB numbers are something I find interesting, because it lines up with what I perceived as an uptick in the running game for a lot of teams through the first half of the season. QB numbers are down, RB numbers are very much up.
Which brings us to receivers, and this one is a bit shocking. So here’s your anchor links first, then I’ll share those numbers before we get to the rankings.
- 1. Kansas City Chiefs (7-0) 🥇
- 2. Detroit Lions (6-1) ⇔
- 3. Buffalo Bills (6-2) ⇧2
- 4. Baltimore Ravens (5-3) ⇩1
- 5. Washington Commanders (6-2) ⇧1
- 6. Green Bay Packers (6-2) ⇧1
- 7. Minnesota Vikings (5-2) ⇩3
- 8. Houston Texans (6-2) ⇔
- 9. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) ⇔
- 10. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) ⇔
- 11. Atlanta Falcons (5-3) ⇔
- 12. Chicago Bears (4-3) ⇧1
- 13. San Francisco 49ers (4-4) ⇧2
- 14. Denver Broncos (5-3) ⇧2
- 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4) ⇩3
- 16. Los Angeles Chargers (4-3) ⇧3
- 17. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5) ⇩3
- 18. Arizona Cardinals (4-4) ⇧4
- 19. Los Angeles Rams (3-4) ⇧5
- 20. Seattle Seahawks (4-4) ⇩3
- 21. Indianapolis Colts (4-4) ⇩3
- 22. Dallas Cowboys (3-4) ⇩2
- 23. Miami Dolphins (2-5) ⇩2
- 24. Cleveland Browns (2-6) ⇧7
- 25. New England Patriots (2-6) ⇧5
- 26. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) ⇧3
- 27. New York Giants (2-5) ⇩2
- 28. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) ⇩1
- 29. New York Jets (2-6) ⇩6
- 30. New Orleans Saints (2-6) ⇩4
- 31. Tennessee Titans (1-6) ⇩2
- 32. Carolina Panthers (1-7) ⇔
First of all, the league leader in receptions is a rookie TE, Brock Bowers, with 52. Played out over a season, he would have 110 catches for 1,137 yards and unfortunately 2 TDs. But those are big numbers for a young TE as that position historically takes several years to grasp before making an impact.
Receiving yards is even more striking. Ja’Marr Chase leads overall with 674, which would put him at 1,432 receiving yards on the year. Amongst receivers who have played in every game, Justin Jefferson leads on a per game average at 92.3 yards, putting his pace at 1,569 by the end of the season. Those numbers are remarkably low considering just a year ago we were talking about Tyreek Hill possibly being the first 2,000 yard receiver.
The focus on the running game through the first half of the season is evident. If it continues through the season, will contract numbers start to reflect that shift?
As always, may all your teams win or your right foot hit the ground infinity times and still not be a catch because your left foot is somehow still off floating.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (7-0) 🥇
Week 8: W @ Raiders 27-20
Next up: vs Buccaneers
One of my favorite things pissing off fans who are easily pissed off is that Patrick Mahomes has thrown 8 TDs, 9 INTs, and most betting sites have his odds in the top 3.
I don’t even bet on football, but if you do, and you don’t understand why his odds are what they are… first of all, you should stop gambling, cause you don’t understand odds.
Second, and more importantly, Vegas oddsmakers aren’t stupid. They’re not about to give you +10000 on Mahomes just cause his stats don’t currently look very good. He’s the QB of the only undefeated team and they just brought in DeAndre Hopkins, one of the best jumpball WRs in the game. The stats will come. I’ll check back on this when he throws for 300-4-0 several weeks in a row later this season.
2. Detroit Lions (6-1) ⇔
Week 8: W vs Titans 52-14
Next up: @ Packers
You know how Happy Gilmore sucks at putting, but then he hits a hole-in-one on a par 4 and he’s like, “That was so much easier than putting, I should just try to get the ball in one shot every time.”
I don’t know why, but I think of that sometimes when I watch the Lions play. Interpret that however you want.
3. Buffalo Bills (6-2) ⇧2
Week 8: W @ Seahawks 31-10
Next up: vs Dolphins
Keon Coleman is getting really good, really fast. This should be a concern for the rest of the league, cause he won’t disappear when it gets cold. He might actually get better.
4. Baltimore Ravens (5-3) ⇩1
Week 8: L @ Browns 24-29
Next up: vs Broncos
What an ugly, ugly loss. The offense delivered as they normally do, but the missed turnovers is inexcusable. I couldn’t even count how many times the missed interception from Kyle Hamilton bricked off his hands and face and everywhere else before he just crashed to the ground, knowing he failed to seal the game.
The Ravens are still one of the most talented teams in the league, but they can’t afford to lose gimme games like that.
Derrick Henry Rushing Yards Pace: 2,010 yards
5. Washington Commanders (6-2) ⇧1
Week 8: W vs Bears 18-15
Next up: @ Giants
How much credit do you give a team that wins on a Hail Mary?
Jayden Daniels definitely gets credit for not only playing pretty well with a rib injury, but also putting up that Hail Mary deep enough. Even though he actually didn’t throw it deep enough, but got an assist from the Bears. Whatever the case, that wasn’t even the first time in the game he ignored his injury to casually flip it 65 yards.
The Commanders are 6-2 and I don’t even know how to process that. The defense mostly shut down Caleb Williams, who many felt was on the rise and picking up momentum.
I’m in the process of putting together my midseason awards after this week, but suffice it to say, Dan Quinn is near the top for Coach of the Year.
6. Green Bay Packers (6-2) ⇧1
Week 8: W @ Jaguars 30-27
Next up: vs Lions
One of the areas of study I badly want to find time for is the value of a backup QB.
With injury medicine advancing at a rapid pace, a 10-week injury to a starting QB could be a 4-week injury now, and all you need from a backup QB is to hold it together. 4 weeks… if they can manage 2 wins, the starter comes back and the team doesn’t miss a step.
Malik Willis has done that and then some for the Packers this season. Not only is the team 2-0 in his starts and 3-0 when he plays, there’s also a noticeable improvement in the running game.
Perhaps that’s just Josh Jacobs and the offensive line knowing they need to step it up for the backup, but there’s something else there, too. The skills Willis presents are a different threat than Jordan Love, and a big one is his play action. Travon Walker bit hard on his fake and let Tucker Kraft dance into the end zone for a critical TD.
Jordan Love’s injury turned out to be a relatively minor one, and it appears he’ll be ready to play against the Lions. But if not, Willis will be ready.
7. Minnesota Vikings (5-2) ⇩3
Week 8: L @ Rams 20-30
Next up: vs Colts
I got extremely worried about the Vikings when Christian Darrisaw went down. It’s now confirmed to be season-ending, and that’s a catastrophic loss.
Luckily, it happened before the trade deadline and they went out and got Cam Robinson from the Jaguars for what will likely be a 4th round pick. A step down from Darrisaw, but a step up from anyone else on their roster.
8. Houston Texans (6-2) ⇔
Week 8: W vs Colts 23-20
Next up: @ Jets
A close win over the Colts didn’t inspire confidence, but the pieces all seem to be working fine. Just one of those games where they should’ve won by 20 if field goals were touchdowns.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) ⇔
Week 8: W @ Bengals 37-17
Next up: vs Jaguars
The Eagles have silently put together 3 straight wins since their bye week, the last 2 by 20+ and both on the road. As analysts put together midseason revisions to Super Bowl picks, I have yet to see Philly mentioned. They probably should be.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) ⇔
Week 8: @ vs Giants 26-18
Next up: Bye
Let’s get this part out of the way first:
A forward pass is complete (by the offense) or intercepted (by the defense) in the field of play, at the sideline, or in the end zone if a player, who is inbounds:
- secures control of the ball in his hands or arms prior to the ball touching the ground; and
- touches the ground inbounds with both feet or with any part of his body other than his hands; and…
“Both feet,” not “two feet.” We good?
On to more important topics. Russell Wilson looks… pretty good.
I know I was hesitant after the Jets game, and he’s definitely been aided by a strong running game, but he delivered some great throws on Monday night. Including the 2-foot no-catch. That was a perfect throw and George Pickens missed the ground with his left foot by an inch.
Steelers defense did Steelers defense things. On Tuesday’s podcast recap, I talked a little about how the elite pass rushers are the ones who know what move will work, and they sense the perfect time to deploy it. T.J. Watt did that and ended the game on Monday.
11. Atlanta Falcons (5-3) ⇔
Week 8: W @ Buccaneers 31-26
Next up: vs Cowboys
Everyone who’s been waiting on the Falcons for the past 2-3 years, it’s time to start paying attention. Kyle Pitts looks like a dangerous weapon for the first time ever, and Bijan Robinson is ridiculous. I’m already thinking ahead to what this team could look like in a few years when Michael Penix, Jr. takes over.
12. Chicago Bears (4-3) ⇧1
Week 8: L @ Commanders 15-18
Next up: @ Cardinals
Save for one play, the Bears defense is so good. Thing is, that wasn’t the worst play by the Bears on the day.
The worst play came shortly before that when the shadow of William Perry hovered over the stadium and blinded backup center Doug Kramer, Jr. from taking a handoff for what will likely be the only chance he’ll ever get to score a TD.
Maybe that’s a little dramatic. I’m just annoyed cause the moment I saw what they were doing my eyes went wide and I said, “Nooooo” and then the ball popped out, but no one heard me say that so it just sounds like hindsight.
However, I offer up as proof that I would’ve said the same thing about Fridge if I wasn’t 4 years old when it happened.
If you want your bigs to score TDs, do it in the 2nd quarter of a non-conference game or the 4th quarter of a blowout. Not when the game is on the line.
13. San Francisco 49ers (4-4) ⇧2
Week 8: W vs Cowboys 30-24
Next up: Bye
No one in the NFC West is positioned better than the Niners.
After a big win over the Cowboys, they get a bye week to heal. Christian McCaffrey will start practicing next week and hopes to play in week 10.
The rest of the team’s injuries are week-to-week and definitely aided by this perfectly-timed rest week. That includes Dre Greenlaw.
A significant portion of the team that went to the Super Bowl last year will be coming back in the coming weeks healthy and rested. If I had to pick one team for a huge 2nd half of the season run, it’s right here.
14. Denver Broncos (5-3) ⇧2
Week 8: W vs Panthers 28-14
Next up: @ Ravens
I’m really not trying to negate the Broncos 5-3 record by placing them in the middle of the pack.
It’s just that 4 of their 5 wins have come against the teams I currently have ranked 28, 29, 30, and 32. And their next 3 games come against the teams I have ranked 4, 1, and 11. They could very easily be 5-7 or 6-6 by Thanksgiving.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4) ⇩3
Week 8: L vs Falcons 26-31
Next up: @ Chiefs
Chris Godwin is done for the year and Mike Evans has a hamstring injury. I’m sure he won’t be out too long, but Bucs fans should expect him to be out intermittently the rest of the season. Hamstring injuries don’t fade or go away in the middle of the season; they linger.
It’s time for Baker to start bringing along some of his young receivers and giving the Bucs offense a path.
16. Los Angeles Chargers (4-3) ⇧3
Week 8: W vs Saints 26-8
Next up: @ Browns
3 years ago, Justin Herbert threw for over 5,000 yards. This year, he may not hit 4,000 yards. Hell, he may not hit 3,000 yards. It’s a new day in LA.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5) ⇩3
Week 8: L vs Eagles 17-37
Next up: vs Raiders
You make me look like a fool, and I do not appreciate it.
18. Arizona Cardinals (4-4) ⇧4
Week 8: W @ Dolphins
Next up: vs Bears
A triumphant return to the field for Tua Tagovailoa and the Cards just took a dump all over it.
Marvin Harrison, Jr. is on his way to a career a greatness surpassing even his father. I could watch his clips all day long. The Cards aren’t a deep playoff run team this year, though I’m sure I could eat those words, but they have such a great foundation.
19. Los Angeles Rams (3-4) ⇧5
Week 8: W vs Vikings 30-20
Next up: @ Seahawks
I’m not saying I called it, but I kinda called it. When the Rams most important players are healthy at the same time, they’re a top-10 team. I simply have no faith that they can all stay healthy together the rest of the year. But for now, they’re intimidating.
20. Seattle Seahawks (4-4) ⇩3
Week 8: L vs Bills 10-31
Next up: vs Rams
I refuse to make any kind of prediction of how the Seahawks will play in any game ever again.
21. Indianapolis Colts (4-4) ⇩3
Week 8: L @ Texans 20-23
Next up: @ Vikings
The Colts announced Joe Flacco would be the starter at QB this Sunday. I feel like I’ve already said enough about the Anthony Richardson situation, but I’ll also add that I’m desperately hoping Shane Steichen puts him in at spots to take advantage of his skillset.
You have 2 QBs with different styles and an offense that has worked with both of them. Use them.
22. Dallas Cowboys (3-4) ⇩2
Week 8: L @ 49ers 24-30
Next up: @ Falcons
This is a generous ranking, and 3-4 is just good enough to come back from.
23. Miami Dolphins (2-5) ⇩2
Week 8: L vs Cardinals
Next up: @ Bills
So it turns out the Dolphins offense is pretty good when Tua Tagovailoa is in. I know that’s not shocking, but considering how many people called him a system QB and a product of the talent around them, it’s worth noting.
Thing is, Miami is facing a tough matchup on the road against the Bills that threatens to send them to 2-6. If that happens, I have to wonder what the benefit would be to having Tua keep going out there and risk his mental health for the rest of his life just to maybe string together a few wins over a busted season.
24. Cleveland Browns (2-6) ⇧7
Week 8: W vs Ravens 29-24
Next up: vs Chargers
Despite the few throws that should’ve been picks, Jameis Winston instantly made the Browns better. Just like last season when Flacco instantly made the Browns better. Just like next season when Deshaun Watson is sent packing and Dorian Thompson-Robinson instantly makes the Browns better.
25. New England Patriots (2-6) ⇧5
Week 8: W vs Jets 25-22
Next up: @ Titans
How do you not love Jacoby Brissett? What a pro. I love these veteran backup QBs who just come in and deliver.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) ⇧3
Week 8: L vs Packers 27-30
Next up: @ Eagles
It’s nice that the Jags seem to finally be putting it together on offense, but maybe they should’ve done that before this stretch of games that started with the Packers last week and now goes to the Eagles, Vikings, and Lions. They can probably start sending out scouts to look at top-5 draft talent.
27. New York Giants (2-5) ⇩2
Week 8: L vs Steelers 18-26
Next up: vs Commanders
The Giants have some really good receivers and a really good defense and somehow a really good running back. Now we wait to see if the problems on offense are Daniel Jones or Brian Daboll, cause one of them won’t be back next year.
28. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) ⇩1
Week 8: L vs Chiefs 20-27
Next up: @ Bengals
Brock Bowers is pretty good. Which is nice.
29. New York Jets (2-6) ⇩6
Week 8: L @ Patriots 22-25
Next up: vs Texans
I would like to talk about something on the Jets other than Aaron Rodgers. Literally anything.
Here’s what I’ll go with. Nathaniel Hackett. At this point, it seems absolutely clear that Matt LaFleur was the offensive mind behind the offenses Hackett coached in Green Bay. Every offense he coaches looks disorganized and undisciplined.
His only value at this point is that he’s a necessary pawn to keeping Rodgers happy. Crap, I walked right into that one.
30. New Orleans Saints (2-6) ⇩4
Week 8: L @ Chargers 8-26
Next up: @ Panthers
I’m not saying I would ever turn down an announcing gig. I’m just saying I’d feel disrespected if it was Saints-Panthers.
31. Tennessee Titans (1-6) ⇩2
Week 8: L @ Lions 14-52
Next up: vs Patriots
The question starting to linger in Tennessee is whether the team uses the top draft pick they get on one of the young QBs in the next draft, or on talent to surround Will Levis. I’m leaning towards the former.
32. Carolina Panthers (1-7) ⇔
Week 8: L @ Broncos 14-28
Next up: vs Saints
I mean, Bryce Young wasn’t terrible last week. Dave Canales can work with this. Andy Dalton isn’t quite ready, so might as well let the young kid get more reps against a team like the Saints.
The Chiefs do one thing better than everyone else. Win. Mahomes knows how to win and I don’t give a flip where he’s ranked, I just know that when the money’s on the line, make sure you ain’t betting against the dude.
Miami had a nice game today. Tua was very impressive. But still, I hold my breath.