NFL Reflections: Disappointments and Playoff Predictions

ON+THE+FIELD%3A+Washington+Commanders+quarterback%2C+Taylor+Heinicke%2C+in+a+game+against+the+Green+Bay+Packers+at+FedEx+Field+on+October+23%2C+2022.

All-Pro Reels

ON THE FIELD: Washington Commanders quarterback, Taylor Heinicke, in a game against the Green Bay Packers at FedEx Field on October 23, 2022.

The Oakland Raiders have been one of the biggest disappointments of this season not only do they have massive star power with DaVante Adams, Darren Waller, Josh Jacobs, Maxx Crosby, Chandler Jones and how could you forget about Derek Carr. The NFL has added some of these stars after coming off a 10-7 season, you would expect massive improvement from this squad but instead they’re ‘drowning their own self pity’ sitting at 4-7 through they’re first 11 games. 

A big bust this season also resides in the NFC west with the Denver Broncos. The trade for Russell Wilson with the expectation he helps take your team over the top, makes them one of the super teams of the league. Instead, the famous let Russ cook saying has failed. It’s like he’s gone from a 5 star chef to a McDonald’s cook. The Broncos have floundered hard this year and are sitting at a 3-8 record and won’t even make the playoffs. Last but not least the LA Rams, the team that won the Super Bowl, has had a really rough go this year losing often and not being able to complete games this year. Their record really shows sitting at again a terrible 3-8. 

An honorable mention would be the Packers, but their collapse makes a little more sense after losing some of their big contributors from years past. 

Locally, this year fans have fallen in love with Justin Fields, but being a Bears fan is tough, but it feels like a breath of fresh air with a lot of potential. Over these past weeks he is absolutely dominating other teams recently breaking Michael Vick’s qb rushing record. 

Definitely be watching the Washington Commanders, Taylor Heinicke, in particular.  This scrappy underdog team that I expected to be out of it by week seven is instead competing at an elite level even taking down the Eagles, the only undefeated team that was left. Now that’s something to be impressed by and they are now firm in the playoff race. This a dark horse team that’s playing loose fun, old school football is definitely a must watch team.