Pace 11 Sunday introduced a couple of blowouts and a few key neglected kicks, nevertheless it used to be highlighted by way of a few vintage competition video games: the Expenses knocking off the Chiefs, the Packers surviving in Chicago and the Steelers outlasting the Ravens.
STEELERS DENY THE GAME-TYING 2-PT CONVERSION.
: #BALvsPIT on CBS/Paramount+
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The AFC North is heating up, the Packers may well be readying for some other late-season run, and the race for the AFC’s ultimate playoff spot is wide-open. The Athletic NFL writers Mike Jones, Ted Nguyen and Dan Pompei percentage their ideas on all of those storylines and extra.
On your thoughts, does the Chiefs’ loss in Buffalo (paired, possibly, with the Ravens’ loss in Pittsburgh) trade the best way you view the AFC hierarchy?
Jones: Issues are deliciously sly on the peak of the AFC. The Chiefs beat the Ravens to start out the season, the Ravens thumped the Expenses in Pace 4, and now the Expenses ship a powerful win over the in the past undefeated Chiefs at the similar while that the Ravens lose to the Steelers (who will play games Kansas Town in Pace 17 however won’t face Buffalo this steady season). What does it let us know? Any of those peak groups are in a position to beating the alternative, and this race for the peak seed and home-field benefit may come all the way down to the twine. I nonetheless have the Chiefs because the peak workforce within the convention — I can now not guess towards Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid within the postseason. From there, I’ll nonetheless move Baltimore as Disagree. 2 in spite of the harsh divisional loss to Pittsburgh — a contest they will have to have received. From there, Buffalo Disagree. 3, edging the Steelers out by way of a nostril.
Nguyen: Now not in reality. The Expenses received a aggressive contest at pad. The Steelers received a alike contest by which Justin Tucker neglected two discipline targets. We have now to bear in mind there’s a certain quantity of success in each contest, regardless of how just right groups are. I’ll get involved if the Chiefs and Ravens let go some other contest upcoming occasion, however shedding in aggressive video games towards superb warring parties shouldn’t significantly trade how we view groups. The Expenses do get a bump up in my hold, however till they are able to beat the Chiefs within the playoffs, I nonetheless assume the Chiefs are the most productive workforce within the AFC. The Expenses received related video games towards the Chiefs within the steady season in 2022 and ‘23, and the Chiefs went on to win the Super Bowl.
Pompei: The Bills have won six straight, which makes them the hottest team in the AFC, if not the best. Week by week, they have continued to build their case. The Steelers have the second-longest win streak in the AFC with five straight victories, which means they should be in the conversation about the best team in the AFC North. But the Chiefs, despite their loss, still deserve as much respect as any team. Just because they aren’t the 1972 Dolphins doesn’t cruel they received’t be within the Tremendous Bowl — or win the Tremendous Bowl once more. And up to any of the contenders, the Chiefs have the possible to recover because the season is going on, as they’re anticipated to have some notable avid gamers go back from accidents.
Does Sunday’s wild win in Pittsburgh let us know extra in regards to the Steelers or Ravens in terms of AFC contenders?
Jones: I believe it tells a accumulation about each groups. Let’s get started with Pittsburgh. As notable as their begin to 2024 used to be, I attempted to secure judgment till they performed a top-level workforce. Outdoor of Atlanta, the Chargers and Washington, the Steelers hadn’t performed any alternative groups with profitable data; none in their first 9 warring parties had been thought to be elite. Baltimore definitely have compatibility the “elite” billing, as they boasted the league’s maximum prolific offense, led by way of two MVP applicants in Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. However the Steelers protection in large part held Baltimore in test — that juggernaut Ravens offense had just about 120 fewer yards and two fewer touchdowns than their season averages. Henry entered Sunday averaging 112 yards in step with contest and controlled best 65 yards and a landing on 13 carries. The Steelers additionally pressured 3 submits. They did obtain a present within the mode of 2 neglected Justin Tucker discipline targets, however Pittsburgh made performs on all sides of the ball, displayed grit as all stunning groups do, and proved that they’re certainly one of the vital highest groups within the AFC. So far as Baltimore is going: This contest featured a wide variety of parts that are supposed to spark worry throughout the group. Tucker’s misses stood out, however they definitely weren’t the one explanation why the Ravens misplaced. 3 submits and 12 consequences additionally factored closely. Baltimore has a skilled workforce, however they are able to’t be expecting to win video games towards elite warring parties in the event that they again and again execute themselves within the bedrock. This loss will come again to hang-out the Ravens when it’s past for playoff seeding.
Nguyen: This contest informed me a accumulation in regards to the Steelers; it used to be simply some other ode to the tradition that Mike Tomlin has inbuilt Pittsburgh. This used to be an unsightly, hard-hitting contest with depth. The sport used to be received on performs that had been completed with a negligible extra struggle, like Nate Herbig’s strip of Derrick Henry or rookie Payton Wilson ripping an interception clear of Justice Hill on a downfield path. The Ravens drove the ball into Pittsburgh length a number of occasions, however the Steelers dug their heels in and stored the Ravens out of the top zone all however as soon as. They were given some support with two Tucker misses, however I used to be inspired with the Steelers’ get to the bottom of. I believe the Ravens are the simpler workforce, however that is going out of the window when those opponents play games each and every alternative.
Pompei: I’m now not certain we discovered a lot more about both workforce in what used to be a normal AFC North November slugfest. Each are detail groups, regardless that they didn’t all the time glance find it irresistible on Sunday. If the Steelers and Ravens performed upcoming occasion, the Ravens would possibly win 18-16. And after in the event that they performed once more the occasion upcoming, the Steelers would possibly win 18-16. It’s that more or less competition. We will be able to be informed a accumulation extra Dec. 21 when those groups meet in Baltimore in a contest that might make a decision the AFC North. Next once more, it wouldn’t be sudden to peer them paired within the playoffs. If that situation performs out, we will be able to be in for a deal with.
Does Bo Nix have a prospect to problem Jayden Daniels for Offensive Rookie of the Moment honors?
Jones: Daniels were given off to an notable begin to the season; he displayed stunning accuracy as a passer and improbable operating skill, and Washington looks as if they’ve a in reality just right prospect to split their four-year playoff drought. However Daniels has cooled off a little bit ever since that rib trauma, and Washington has now misplaced two instantly — only a hiccup, or are defenses initiation to determine Daniels and Kliff Kingsbury’s offense? In the meantime, Nix is surging. He appears so comfy in Sean Payton’s offense and has multiple-touchdown performances in 3 of his terminating 4 video games. This occasion, he had each his first 300-yard day out and his first four-touchdown efficiency to support the Broncos give a boost to to 6-5. If he assists in keeping turning in performances like this and is helping Denver snap its nine-year playoff drought life Daniels struggles to recapture his early season mode, Nix definitely may problem.
Nguyen: It’s going to be a fascinating fight as we move ailing the stretch. Kingsbury’s offenses have a pattern of initiation scorching and after falling off towards the top of the yr. A few of that has to do with quarterbacks (Kyler Murray after, Daniels now) taking residue of a burden as runners and scramblers, and defenses catching as much as the simplicity of the offense. We’ll see if that pattern continues with Washington, or if he can evolve his offense to keep away from a fall-off. Nix appears to be getting higher each occasion, and Payton is dialing up performs to get guys large unoccupied for him. Payton has clearly had an extended monitor document of good fortune, so I think a little bit higher in regards to the Broncos offense proceeding to recover, which might give Nix a powerful prospect of profitable Rookie of the Moment. I consider Daniels is the simpler participant, however stats and offensive good fortune will clearly have a plenty have an effect on on who wins the award.
Pompei: The award will likely be determined over the upcoming six video games, however Daniels has a substantial govern. If Nix had been a keep, analysts would charge him a “buy” as a result of he has really extensive enlargement possible, as we’ve not hidden in contemporary video games. That isn’t to mention Daniels can be a “sell.” He’s a “buy” as properly. It’s getting to be tough for Daniels to be as notable within the ultimate six video games as he used to be within the first 11. Daniels’ terminating two video games most probably had been his worst two, however he’s very in a position to completing sturdy. Those are two cast younger quarterbacks who will have to win a accumulation of video games within the NFL.
Closing yr, the Packers got here on overdue within the yr and ended up profitable a playoff contest — and virtually knocking off the 49ers within the divisional spherical. Does this yr’s workforce profile in a similar way?
Nguyen: This Packers workforce is best than terminating yr’s version. The protection isn’t elite, however they’re an progressed unit beneath brandnew defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Closing season, the offense took off ailing the stretch. That offense hasn’t appeared as explosive as terminating season, however they’ve handled a accumulation of accidents — together with Jordan Love lacking a number of video games. If the Packers’ passing contest improves, they’ve the protection to manufacture them a valid contender within the NFC. The inconsistency of Love and his promising team of younger move catchers is exasperating however they really feel alike to a breakout. So that you could nonetheless win seven video games with the wounds and offensive inconsistencies presentations that this workforce has many avenues to profitable video games.
Jones: I believe a accumulation of it is determined by Love. He used to be improbable ailing the stretch terminating season. This yr, then again, he’s suffering with ball safety, having thrown a minimum of one interception in each contest he’s performed on this season. That is proper in regards to the past he sizzling up terminating yr, throwing 18 landing passes and one interception over the terminating 8 regular-season video games (Inexperienced Bay received six of the ones video games). I believe this workforce has the facility to contend within the playoffs. Their offense is extra well-rounded, and their protection is best. However Love is the important thing to how a ways they are able to move.
Pompei: Those Packers might be higher than the ones Packers, however provided that Love can get started enjoying extra like he did a yr in the past — and there may be explanation why to consider he can be enhanced now that he’s wholesome. He threw his eleventh interception of the season Sunday, which connect his overall for all of terminating season. That pick out got here in any case zone and can have value the Packers the sport. Their protection has been higher (regardless that it wasn’t superb towards the Bears Sunday). The important thing as the elements turns might be their operating contest, which will have to be progressed with Josh Jacobs.
A generation from now, are we getting to be speaking in regards to the Dolphins, Colts, each or neither as competing for the 7th seed within the AFC?
Pompei: The contest for the terminating wild-card spot within the AFC may come all the way down to the Dolphins, Colts, Bengals and Broncos. The Dolphins would possibly have extra possible than the Colts as a result of they might be buoyed by way of Tua Tagovailoa’s go back. They’ve a manageable agenda ailing the stretch, with 3 video games that glance in reality difficult — at Inexperienced Bay and Houston, and residential towards the 49ers. The Colts have an more uncomplicated street, as they will have to have a significance prospect of profitable each extra contest aside from upcoming occasion towards the Lions. The wild-card for them is reliant at the play games and construction of Anthony Richardson. If he performs like he did Sunday, the Colts rather well might be within the playoffs.
Jones: I believe it’s imaginable that each will likely be within the operating. There’s very negligible margin for error, however each groups appear to be figuring issues out and enjoying higher than they did early within the season. The Colts protection has progressed, and on Sunday Richardson accomplished higher than he did previous to his benching. The Dolphins offense is way more efficient now that Tagovailoa is again; he offers them hope. Having a look on the schedules the remainder of the best way, the Colts (5-6) have winnable video games in 4 in their upcoming six contests (they play games the Lions, Patriots, Broncos, Titans, Giants and Jaguars). They’re most probably now not beating the Lions, and the Broncos are iffy. However the Patriots, Titans, Giants and Jaguars are all very winnable. That suggests, they’re taking a look at 9-8? Maaaaybe 10-7? In the meantime, the Dolphins (4-6) have a negligible little bit of a harder street. They’ve lifelike pictures at beating the Patriots, Jets, Browns and Jets once more, however the Packers, Texans and 49ers will likely be tricky matchups. Generation they may well be within the combine overdue, 8-9 isn’t most probably getting to get the task finished. And naturally, that is all hinging at the Broncos, these days the 7th seed, faltering. They’ve the Raiders, Browns, Colts, Chargers, Bengals and Chiefs extra.
Nguyen: The Colts protection has been progressed upcoming an abysmal begin to the season, however I nonetheless don’t accept as true with them. Richardson performed one of the vital highest video games he’s performed within the professionals on Sunday however I nonetheless need to see extra consistency from him (regardless that it’s definitely thrilling to peer how a lot he’s progressed along with his footwork and accuracy since his past at the bench). The Dolphins glance to have the most productive prospect to get into playoff competition. Tagovailoa is again and, even supposing he hasn’t been as fruitful as he’s been when Miami’s offense used to be at its height, he’s enjoying at an excessively prime point. Tyreek Hill isn’t 100% and defenses have taken away the center of the discipline, however within the terminating two video games Tagovailoa has made a number of game-changing performs out of doors of construction. The Dolphins protection turns out to have discovered its stride. Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is from the Mike Macdonald tree and that machine takes a negligible past to be told as a result of avid gamers have to be told everybody else’s task. After they do, they are able to mix’n’match staff and assignments and in reality confuse offenses. This Dolphins protection looks as if they’re attending to that time. It is a bad Miami workforce.
(Manage picture: Timothy T. Ludwig / Getty Photographs)
