
Clearly, the actual reply for many groups can be an harm to their beginning quarterback and/or famous person, however we don’t need to jinx anybody (and we definitely don’t need to hear about it within the feedback) so we’re attempting to be extra inventive than that typically.
Within the case of our new No. 1, although, we couldn’t give you something as a result of, man, the 49ers seemed like a monster on Sunday.
1. San Francisco 49ers (9-3)
(Final week 4)
Sunday: Beat Philadelphia Eagles 42-19
Worst case: Bumps and/or bruises
When the 49ers are wholesome, they’re scary. They hoped to show that Brock Purdy’s harm within the NFC Championship Sport was the one purpose they didn’t beat the Eagles and advance to the Tremendous Bowl final season. Mission achieved. Deebo Samuel, who talked essentially the most trash coming into the sport, scored three touchdowns. When he, Purdy and left deal with Trent Williams are all wholesome, San Francisco has scored at the very least 27 factors this season.
Up subsequent: vs. Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday
GO DEEPER
The MVP race by means of 13 weeks and Brock Purdy’s rising case: Sando’s Choose Six
(Final week: 2)
Sunday: Bye
Worst case: Roquan Smith regression
For the reason that Ravens despatched the Bears second- and fifth-round picks for Smith on Oct. 31 final 12 months, Baltimore is first within the NFL in yards per play allowed (4.5), third in defensive success fee (62 p.c) and third in EPA per snap (12.8). In that span, the linebacker is fourth within the league in defensive splash performs (66), in response to TruMedia. Positive, Lamar Jackson is integral to Baltimore’s success, however don’t overlook Smith’s impression.
Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Rams, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
(Final week: 5)
Thursday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 41-35
Worst case: Down day from Dak
The Cowboys can beat anyone when Dak Prescott performs like he did Thursday evening in opposition to the Seahawks. Prescott was 29-for-41 for 299 yards and three touchdowns, and Dallas scored on eight of its 9 possessions. For the season, he’s second in EPA per try (0.30) and passer score (108.3). Nonetheless, Dak does have “these days.” He’s had a detrimental EPA per try twice this 12 months. The Cowboys have misplaced each video games (to Arizona and San Francisco).
Up subsequent: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday

Dolphins vast receiver Tyreek Hill has 21 profession touchdowns of 60 yards or longer, together with two on Sunday. (Al Diaz / Miami Herald / Tribune Information Service by way of Getty Photos)
(Final week: 6)
Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 45-15
Worst case: Any tweak for Tyreek
Tyreek Hill stays on tempo to be the primary participant in league historical past with greater than 2,000 receiving yards in a season after catching 5 passes for 157 yards Sunday. He had 78- and 60-yard landing catches and leads the NFL with 1,496 yards from scrimmage. Greater than half of his touches go for a primary down or landing, however he’s such a finely tuned velocity machine that you just consistently fear that even the slightest imbalance may throw the entire thing out of whack.
Up subsequent: vs. Tennessee Titans, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday

GO DEEPER
What we discovered in Week 13: The 49ers’ playoff potential, Tyreek’s goal in sight and extra
5. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
(Final week: 1)
Sunday: Misplaced to San Francisco 49ers 42-19
Worst case: Run recreation reversal
Philadelphia is third within the league in speeding EPA this season, in response to TruMedia, however when its run recreation falters, it normally isn’t fairly. The Eagles have been held to a complete of 126 speeding yards and three.2 yards per carry of their two losses. The outcomes have been a loss to the Jets and Sunday’s drubbing by the 49ers.
Up subsequent: at Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday
(Final week: 7)
Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 33-28
Worst case: It was all a mirage
After shedding to Inexperienced Bay on Thanksgiving, Detroit needed to maintain on to beat reeling New Orleans on Sunday. The Lions are in all probability high quality. They continue to be fourth within the league in touchdowns per drive (29.3 p.c). Rookie tight finish Sam LaPorta had 9 catches for 140 yards Sunday, and he’s tied for essentially the most touchdowns by a good finish (six) and has the fourth-most receiving yards amongst tight ends (679). However it might be merciless to this group’s fan base if it doesn’t end robust.
Up subsequent: at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

The inconsistency of the Chiefs’ receivers continues to hamper Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas Metropolis offense. (Stacy Revere / Getty Photos)
(Final week: 3)
Sunday: Misplaced to Inexperienced Bay Packers 27-19
Worst case: Patrick Mahomes can’t do it on their own
It positive seemed like he might when Kansas Metropolis gained the Tremendous Bowl the 12 months after buying and selling Tyreek Hill, however the Chiefs slipped to eleventh within the league in scoring Sunday (22.9 ppg). The Chiefs have scored fewer than 20 factors in six video games this season. That occurred solely six occasions complete in Mahomes’ first 5 seasons because the starter. Inconsistency at receiver is the principle offender. Justin Watson, a fifth-round choose by Tampa Bay in 2018 who signed as a low-money free agent within the offseason, is the second-leading vast receiver with 332 yards on 20 catches.
Up subsequent: vs. Buffalo Payments, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

GO DEEPER
Jones: NFL officers face unimaginable job — we or league should make change
(Final week: 9)
Sunday: Bye
Worst case: They’re dwelling it
This group was 13-3 final season and got here into this season with related expectations, however Josh Allen has had some tough moments and the protection has misplaced pillars Tre’Davious White and Matt Milano for the season due to harm. In truth, greater than 16 p.c of Buffalo’s wage cap is on injured reserve, in response to Spotrac. The Payments might nonetheless make the playoffs, however the Chiefs, Cowboys and Dolphins all stay on the schedule.
Up subsequent: at Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday
(Final week: 10)
Sunday: Beat Denver Broncos 22-17
Worst case: C.J. Stroud and the rookie wall
It’s simple to overlook that Stroud is a rookie. He overtook Sam Howell for the league’s passing lead Sunday, throwing for 274 yards to get to three,570 for the season. He and Dak Prescott are the one quarterbacks within the league with a passer score above 100 and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 4 or increased. We’re stepping into uncharted territory for Stroud, although. He by no means performed greater than 13 video games in a season at Ohio State. His subsequent one in Houston can be No. 13.
Up subsequent: at New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
(Final week: 19)
Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 36-19
Worst case: San Francisco taking part in for home-field benefit
There’s an honest likelihood the Rams will head into Week 18 having to beat the division-rival 49ers to get into the playoffs. San Francisco can have a playoff spot locked up by then and can be tempted to relaxation its stars except it has a first-round bye on the road. That received nearer to actuality when the Niners beat the Eagles on Sunday. Why is that this such unhealthy information? The Rams have misplaced 9 of their final 10 to the 49ers.
Up subsequent: at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

GO DEEPER
NFL playoff image after Week 13: Jaguars lose management of AFC’s high seed
(Final week: 15)
Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 31-28
Worst case: Losing a 12 months
The Colts might make the playoffs this season. They’d be the sixth seed if the season ended at the moment, and their 5 remaining video games are winnable (Houston, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Cincinnati). However what this 12 months was actually imagined to be about was growing Anthony Richardson. If Gardner Minshew leads the Colts to the playoffs this 12 months, then the stress is de facto on Richardson subsequent season.
Up subsequent: at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
“We’re very gritty. We’re gonna discover a method. It’s not all the time gonna be attractive, however dang, it’s good.”
– Gardner Minshew with a possible soundbite of the 12 months with @AJRoss_TV following the @Colts W pic.twitter.com/yDfOS5Kikz
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 3, 2023
12. Inexperienced Bay Packers (6-6)
(Final week: 16)
Sunday: Beat Kansas Metropolis Chiefs 27-19
Worst case: Flipped turnover luck
The Packers have turned their season round with three straight wins, the newest two coming in opposition to Tremendous Bowl contenders. It is likely to be an indication of nice issues to come back. Or it’d simply be turnovers. The Packers are second within the league in turnover margin within the final three weeks (plus-five). The remaining schedule is within the Packers’ favor as 6-6 Minnesota is the one group that doesn’t have a shedding report.
Up subsequent: at New York Giants, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday
13. Seattle Seahawks (6-6)
(Final week: 12)
Thursday: Misplaced to Dallas Cowboys 41-35
Worst case: They missed their likelihood
Seattle wanted to steal at the very least one recreation throughout this present four-game stretch that features the 49ers twice, the Cowboys and the Eagles. It missed the possibility in opposition to Dallas, losing a 406-yard offensive day and a six-catch, 134-yard, three-touchdown effort from DK Metcalf. Seattle now will get the 49ers and Eagles back-to-back whereas sitting one spot out of the playoff race.
Up subsequent: at San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday
(Final week: 8)
Monday: Misplaced to Cincinnati Bengals 34-31 (OT)
Worst case: It occurred late Monday evening
Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 choose within the 2021 draft and one among 10 quarterbacks to throw for greater than 3,000 yards this season, went down with what gave the impression to be a big harm after his proper ankle was stepped on by one among his offensive linemen. Lawrence slammed his helmet to the turf after which made a sluggish and painful stroll to the locker room with numerous assist. If Lawrence is finished for the season, so are the Jaguars. Backup C.J. Beathard has a profession passer score of 80.3.
Up subsequent: at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
If Trevor Lawrence can’t play Sunday, FOUR of the 7 present AFC playoff groups will begin a backup QB in Week 14.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) December 5, 2023
(Final week: 13)
Sunday: Misplaced to Houston Texans 22-17
Worst case: Working out of fuel
The Broncos got here again from the lifeless due to a five-game successful streak, however that took a whole lot of power and the tank lastly ran dry Sunday. They have been plus-13 within the turnover margin throughout their successful streak. Towards the Texans, that quantity flipped and the Broncos misplaced the turnover battle 3-0. They play just one extra group with a successful report (Detroit), so that they’re nonetheless alive, however they’ll must get their momentum again.
Up subsequent: at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday
(Final week: 14)
Sunday: Misplaced to Los Angeles Rams 36-19
Worst case: Uncovered defensive weaknesses
Since Week 10, the Browns and their previously fearsome protection are twenty sixth within the league in factors allowed (26.5 ppg) and twenty eighth in level margin (minus-29), in response to TruMedia. With Joe Flacco now the quarterback (23-for-44 for 254 yards, two touchdowns and an interception Sunday), Cleveland wants this protection greater than ever. It has given up 5 yards per carry within the final month, which ranks twenty sixth within the league whereas recording solely seven sacks (twentieth).
Up subsequent: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

The Jets held Falcons rookie working again Bijan Robinson to 2.9 yards per keep on Sunday. (Al Bello / Getty Photos)
17. Atlanta Falcons (6-6)
(Final week: 17)
Sunday: Beat New York Jets 13-8
Worst case: Unfulfilled promise
Tight finish Kyle Pitts, vast receiver Drake London and working again Bijan Robinson — all drafted within the high 10 within the final three seasons — have been imagined to be a three-headed monster. Every has been electrical at occasions, but it surely has by no means occurred concurrently, and Atlanta’s offense definitely isn’t scaring anybody. Robinson surpassed 1,000 yards from scrimmage on Sunday (1,022, which ranks thirteenth within the league and second amongst rookies), however the Falcons are twenty fourth in scoring (18.8 ppg).
Up subsequent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
18. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)
(Final week: 11)
Sunday: Misplaced to Arizona Cardinals 24-10
Worst case: Matt Canada wasn’t the issue
Pittsburgh received a bump the primary week after firing its beleaguered offensive coordinator, but it surely was again to enterprise as typical Sunday. The Steelers scored 10 factors in opposition to an Arizona protection that ranks thirtieth in factors allowed (25.5 per recreation). On high of that, quarterback Kenny Pickett suffered an ankle harm that’s anticipated to maintain him out a number of weeks. The AFC North lead seems a great distance away now.
Up subsequent: vs. New England Patriots, 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday
19. Cincinnati Bengals (6-6)
(Final week: 20)
Monday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 34-31 (OT)
Worst case: A quarterback controversy
Simply kidding, however Jake Browning was wonderful on Monday evening in opposition to an honest Jacksonville protection. Browning was 32-for-37 for 354 yards and a landing in his second recreation since changing Joe Burrow. If he retains taking part in like that, the Bengals can get again into the playoff combine and in addition might entice one thing on the commerce market as soon as Burrow is wholesome. Cincinnati racked up a season-high 491 yards behind Browning.
Up subsequent: vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
20. Minnesota Vikings (6-6)
(Final week: 18)
Sunday: Bye
Worst case: Kirk doesn’t come again
Since Kirk Cousins grew to become a daily starter in 2015, he’s sixth within the NFL (amongst quarterbacks with greater than 1,000 makes an attempt) in passer score (99.9) and tenth in EPA per go try (.21). After beating two NFC South groups within the first weeks with out Cousins, the Vikings have misplaced their final two, and it’s clear how a lot they miss Captain Kirk. There’s each purpose to imagine Cousins will return at mainly full power from his torn Achilles, however he’s scheduled to be a free agent in 2024. Minnesota ought to repair that.
Up subsequent: at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)
(Final week: 22)
Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 21-18
Worst case: Dropping Mike Evans
The Buccaneers didn’t get a contract extension executed with Evans this offseason, and he’s one of the best factor this group has going proper now. On Sunday, he prolonged his personal NFL report of most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start a profession with 10. Evans had seven catches for 162 yards Sunday, accounting for 80.2 p.c of Tampa Bay’s passing recreation. A Buc because the group drafted him in 2014, he ought to keep a Buc, however he may desire a shot at one other ring.
Up subsequent: at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
The catch to make historical past 🙌
📺: #CARvsTB on CBS pic.twitter.com/ldFzSwkAHQ
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 4, 2023
(Final week: 24)
Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 6-0
Worst case: Losing Justin Herbert
There are lots of people who aren’t Herbert believers as a result of he’s .500 in his profession, 31-31 after Sunday. That’s not on Herbert, although. He’s as bodily proficient as any quarterback within the league, and he already has 11 fourth-quarter comebacks in his profession, which is barely two fewer than Patrick Mahomes and greater than Lamar Jackson, Geno Smith, Jalen Hurts and Joe Burrow amongst others. He begins getting actually costly in 2025, although, and it’s going to be even tougher for the group to win then.
Up subsequent: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 4:05 p.m. Sunday
(Final week: 23)
Sunday: Bye
Worst case: Quarterback conundrum
The Raiders are already there. The benched Jimmy Garoppolo counts $28.5 million in opposition to the cap for the subsequent two seasons and would price $33.7 million to chop earlier than June 1. Rookie Aidan O’Connell is 2-3 as a starter, twenty sixth within the league in yards per try (6.7) and has extra interceptions than touchdowns (six to 4). Nonetheless, if Las Vegas wins a pair extra video games, it’s going to be outdoors the perfect spot to draft a sure-fire quarterback prospect this offseason.
Up subsequent: vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
24. New Orleans Saints (5-7)
(Final week: 21)
Sunday: Misplaced to Detroit Lions 33-28
Worst case: Paying their bank card invoice
The Saints maintain kicking the salary-cap can down the highway. It hasn’t gotten them double-digit wins since 2020, and that isn’t altering this season. New Orleans is $71 million over the 2024 wage cap for the time being and appears like it is going to be beginning Jameis Winston at quarterback for some time after Derek Carr was injured Sunday. That may not be so unhealthy contemplating Saints followers booed loudly this week when Carr changed Taysom Hill at quarterback in the course of the recreation.
Up subsequent: vs. Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
(Final week: 25)
Sunday: Bye
Worst case: NFC East obscurity
Division rivals Philadelphia and Dallas have already got doubled up New York in wins this season. They’ve franchise quarterbacks on (Jalen Hurts) or about to be on (Dak Prescott) long-term offers. Even the Commanders have new possession and a few juice. What do the Giants have? An enormous query about what to do with Daniel Jones when he’s wholesome and a hometown, feel-good quarterback fill-in in Tommy DeVito who is because of flip right into a pumpkin at any time.
Up subsequent: vs. Inexperienced Bay Packers, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday
26. Arizona Cardinals (3-10)
(Final week: 30)
Sunday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 24-10
Worst case: Successful extra video games
Severely, that is sufficient. The Cardinals are third within the draft order after successful Sunday for the second time in 4 video games. That is likely to be proper on the borderline to amass an elite participant on this draft, and Arizona wants elite gamers, whether or not that’s a quarterback or not. Since returning in Week 10, Kyler Murray is tenth within the league in passing yards (864) and seventh amongst quarterbacks in speeding yards (106). Sadly for Arizona, that’s been adequate for a few wins.
Up subsequent: Bye
27. Chicago Bears (4-8)
(Final week: 27)
Sunday: Bye
Worst case: A nasty quarterback selection
It’s wanting like Chicago can have its selection of Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or … Justin Fields. The incumbent has thrown for 386 yards and rushed for one more 163 in two video games since coming back from a thumb harm. He’s undeniably dynamic and can be powerful to surrender on, however he’s additionally fiftieth within the NFL in passing EPA per dropback (0.07) within the three seasons he has been Chicago’s starter, in response to TruMedia.
Up subsequent: vs. Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
(Final week: 28)
Sunday: Misplaced to Indianapolis Colts 31-28
Worst case: Will Levis shouldn’t be the man
There was a short glimmer of hope when Levis took over in Week 8 and beat the Falcons. He had 4 touchdowns that day. He’s had three since, and he’s thirty second within the league in completion share (56.4 p.c) and twenty ninth in passer score (77.6). On Sunday, he accomplished 16 passes and was arguing with DeAndre Hopkins on the sideline. The one different quarterbacks on the roster are Ryan Tannehill (who might want out of city) and Malik Willis (who isn’t the reply).
Up subsequent: at Miami Dolphins, 8:15 p.m. ET Monday
Will Levis and DeAndre Hopkins 👀
🎥: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/FBD9HG8xTN
— The Sporting Information (@sportingnews) December 3, 2023
29. Washington Commanders (4-9)
(Final week: 26)
Sunday: Misplaced to Miami Dolphins 45-15
Worst case: A distracted new proprietor
Josh Harris, who purchased the group this offseason, has lots on his plate. He may change the group identify once more, and he has to get a brand new stadium constructed someplace. It’s doable all this may forestall him from shifting on from Ron Rivera. Attainable, however not going. Since a stunning 2-0 begin, Washington is 2-9 and final within the NFL in level margin (minus-140).
Up subsequent: Bye
30. New York Jets (4-8)
(Final week: 29)
Sunday: Misplaced to Atlanta Falcons 13-8
Worst case: One other Aaron Rodgers subject
Look, the man is 40 years outdated. He’ll be getting back from a torn Achilles at any time when he does come again. It’ll in all probability be high quality, however we’ve seen what it seems like when Rodgers shouldn’t be high quality. The Jets performed Tim Boyle and Trevor Siemian in opposition to the Falcons on Sunday, and it was so unhealthy they could return to Zach Wilson this week. New York is thirtieth within the league in scoring (14.25) and hasn’t topped 13 factors in a recreation since Oct. 15.
Up subsequent: vs. Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
(Final week: 31)
Sunday: Misplaced to Los Angeles Chargers 6-0
Worst case: Invoice Belichick staying cussed
Invoice Belichick has earned the appropriate to have a big say in how he exits New England after six Tremendous Bowl titles. He might make it tough on proprietor Robert Kraft if he desires to, however that may be a disgrace. The Patriots, and doubtless Belichick, want a change. New England is thirtieth in offensive EPA per play and thirty first in particular groups EPA within the league. It’s gotten unhealthy sufficient that drafting Caleb Williams or Drake Maye is an choice, however the Patriots don’t seem like a young-quarterback-friendly setting.
Up subsequent: at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m. ET Thursday
(Final week: 32)
Sunday: Misplaced to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21-18
Worst case: Ruining Bryce Younger’s confidence
The No. 1 choose within the 2023 draft hasn’t been good, but it surely’s not all his fault. Carolina has given up 47 sacks this season. Solely three groups have given up extra. Thirty-three-year-old Adam Thielen is the one vast receiver on the group with greater than 34 catches. Subsequent 12 months’s coach can be charged with growing Younger, but it surely’s going to be powerful if he’s overwhelmed down earlier than this season ends.
Up subsequent: at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET Sunday
(High photograph of Deebo Samuel: Mitchell Leff / Getty Photos)
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