2021 NFL Season

[SeaBreeze341]

With Arizona’s loss at home to the Packers, there are no more undefeated teams left.  Last year the NFL made it all the way to December before all 32 teams tasted defeat.  This year, despite the annual mid-September start, we don’t even get out of October and into November with at least one undefeated team.  Not really a big deal since that’s not the ultimate goal.  Plus, it’s impossible for more than two teams per conference (four overall) to win all of their games prior to the postseason in January.

Nevertheless, pretty good game & nice win for Green Bay.  First win against the Cardinals in nearly a decade.  Even that horrific 2018 squad was able to conquer the Packers in Lambeau, so it was a mild surprise to see Aaron Rodgers and no Adams win at State Farm Stadium.  Similar to the Steelers last year, I didn’t think the only unbeaten team was the best team in the conference or in the league.  Great start & much better than in 2012, and this time, the remaining schedule is favorable.  Nine years ago, most of their losses came to good teams & playoff teams.  So the Cards should be able to regroup and get to where they want to go, meaning a chance to play at SoFi in February.

Arizona will not drop to fourth place with wins from Tampa and the Rams.  Eventually, it’s possible they will if everyone keeps winning including Dallas (conference record).  The Cards and Cowboys do have a game against each other later.  But for now, they’ll drop to third since they beat division rival LA.  Or they’ll stay in second if New Orleans can win on Sunday

[jude_este]

Despite Dak Prescott being out due to a calf injury, the Dallas Cowboys continues their winning streak with a 20-16 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

[moneygamelover]

Breaking news: The Rams are trading for Von Miller https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32526503/sources-los-angeles-rams-finalizing-trade-acquire-von-miller-denver-broncos

[SeaBreeze341]

Apparently, Dallas was trying to obtain Von Miller as well.  While I could see Tampa get it together and rise to the top along with Green Bay dominating, Dallas is still for real this year.  However, Von to LA is a big deal.  He isn’t as good as in the past, but he doesn’t need to be.  It’s possible that the Rams win out through February.

Other trade stuff included Melvin Ingram going from Pittsburgh to Kansas City & Watson from Houston going nowhere

[PatrickRox80]

Henry Riggs III has been released by the Raiders after his high-speed DUI crash that killed a 23-year old woman.

[Superballer]

Apparently, Dallas was trying to obtain Von Miller as well.  While I could see Tampa get it together and rise to the top along with Green Bay dominating, Dallas is still for real this year.  However, Von to LA is a big deal.  He isn’t as good as in the past, but he doesn’t need to be.  It’s possible that the Rams win out through February.

Other trade stuff included Melvin Ingram going from Pittsburgh to Kansas City & Watson from Houston going nowhere

 

Still, one should consider that so far, the Cowboys have yet to really beat anyone of note thanks to what has panned out to be an almost ridiculously easy schedule.  If they want a Super Bowl berth, they'll have to really earn it against the other clear NFC contenders--and with well over a quarter of the payroll locked into about 10 players at the present, it'll likely be more difficult for them to remain competitive at a high level for long without making major sacrifices. 

Rams probably now have to be considered the NFC favorite.  Buccaneers and Cardinals are also right in the mix. Right now I see either the Bills or Ravens--maybe the Bengals might make a dark horse run, Titans may still have a shot even without Derrick Henry--as the AFC representative.  We'll see how everything pans out

[JayC]

Aaron Rodgers tests positive for COVID-19 and will miss Sunday's game against the Chiefs. Jordan Love will make his first career start for the Packers. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32542413/green-bay-packers-qb-aaron-rodgers-tests-positive-covid-19-source-says

[SeaBreeze341]

Well, back to the awful Thursday Night Football slate, as Indianapolis basically blows out the Jets.  It is the Jets, but much needed win for the Colts.  Even though Tennessee lost Derrick Henry, the Titans did sweep the season series.  The schedule for Indy is much more difficult down the stretch.  Plus at best they'll be 2 back + the tiebreaker.  Tennessee has a couple of tough games coming up and the Colts have about 5.  Indy might gain ground, but I think they'll fall short.  There's still a ton of time left and anything can happen

[PatrickRox80]

Odell Beckham Jr. has parted ways with the Browns.

[Ccook]

Atlanta tops New Orleans on a Younghoe Koo FG with :00 left in a game they didn't deserve to win. A 24-3 lead was squandered in (what else?) the fourth quarter, through a defense in which a chihuahua could defend better and inexcusable penalties. Matt Ryan's 64-yard toss to Cordarelle Patterson set things up for the win. Atlanta is now 4-4 with Dallas on tap next week.

[moneygamelover]

YES!!!!!!!! My Cardinals are 8-1 after coming away with a 31-17 win over the 49ers as backup quarterback Colt McCoy completed an efficient 18 of 22 passes for 229 yards and a touchdown and the Cardinals also score 3 rushing touchdowns, including 2 by James Connor. It always feels good to get a win over a division rival! GO CARDINALS!!!!!!!!

[Nate Powalie]

Adios losing streak. Browns lay a thumping on Cincinnati in the first Battle of Ohio in the 2021 season. Baker Mayfield hit two touchdown passes, and Chubb broke off two scores on the ground. Next up, New England.

[moneygamelover]

Sunday was weird. The Giants beating the Raiders, the Jaguars beating the Bills, and the Broncos not only beating the Cowboys but having a 30-0 lead at one point.

What's really interesting now is AFC West race which LITERALLY has all 4 teams within a 1/2 game of each other. Raiders and Chargers are both 5-3 and Chiefs and Broncos are both 5-4. All 4 teams have had their ups and downs. The AFC West is turning into a fascinating and unpredictable race.

[Superballer]

But that of course is what we like to see, so hopefully it'll stay close to the end.  We'll see who grabs the reins in the division this week, if anyone (for one thing, over the last 30 years, I've noticed, the Broncos can't lose to Philadelphia in Denver, but can't beat them in Pennsylvania, and the winner usually piles up a lot of points in the process.  We'll see if that pattern continues). 

[SeaBreeze341]

Well, the Steelers survive, and it appeared that the Black & Gold were prime for yet another Tomlin loss.  Nevertheless, Coach Mike finally got his first win as a head coach against Chicago.  Something had to give there, given the fact that Pittsburgh has the longest-ever record in terms of home wins on Monday Night Football (19 with a chance to go to 20 on January 3rd 2022).

Who knows what'll happen when the Steelers play host to Detroit on Sunday?  Given how yesterday went, I could sorta see the Lions win (for the only time).  After all, they're coming off of a bye playing a team with short rest!