In FA1 of the start of Season 94, we saw 35 players inking new deals with their new teams. Some of these were smart investments, others leave you scratching your head asking "WHY??". I look at things such as their OVR rating, their age, DEV, money, and how old they will be when they are in the last year of their deal. 

So let's get into it, looking at 5 moves I loved, and 5 moves I hated.

Moves I Loved

Number 5

WR Luke McCaffrey (75), Panthers

27 years old, 30 at end of deal

3 years, $13.8M ($4.6M/Year); Normal Dev

Why I like this move

For the fans. They can finally dust off their #22 McCaffrey jerseys and wear them to the games again. That's it. That's the reason.

Number 4

LT Kingsley Suamataia (88), Steelers

25 years old, 29 at end of deal

4 years, $112M ($28M/Year); Star Dev

Why I like this move

The Steelers offensive line was decimated this off-season and had holes. They got the premier OL in FA, who is young but VERY good. While the price tag was a hefty one, they got themselves a good one and that team has money to spend. I'd rather see this than $80M in unused cap space. 

Number 3

CB Michael Carter II (81), Lions

29 years old, 31 at end of deal

2 years, $9.2M ($4.6M/Year); Normal Dev

Why I like this move

Value. Carter will get plenty of action as the Nickel corner, and the small price tag the Lions are paying him is great. He has great speed and acceleration, and can play both man and zone decently well. 

Number 2

HB Trey Benson (89), Rams

26 years old, 28 at end of deal

2 years, $16.4M ($8.2M/Year); Star Dev

Why I like this move

Benson isn't the most popular guy, and I doubt anyone brings his name up when talking about elite HBs in the league. I had to go look at his attributes, and man, he could be a weapon if Fajita can get him going. He is very fast, has great ball carrier moves, and is a big upgrade over Blake Corum. The price tag is not bad either for a guy rated as high as he is, and he isn't tied to him for too long to where he will feel the regression when it kicks in.

Number 1

LG Rob Johnson (69), Giants

23 years old, 27 at end of deal

4 years, $10M ($2.5M/Year); Star Dev

Why I like this move

I love when guys dig into the players and find gems. Johnson is not good right now, but being 23 years old and Star dev? Shit, we get happy when we hit on that in the draft. Now the big question will be is if Robo can actually develop him into a starting caliber player. If he gets him running drills every week in practice, he just might. And if it doesn't work out? He can at least end up with a solid backup on a not too crazy contract.

Moves I Hated

Number 5

DT Kris Jenkins (92), Bears

26 years old, 29 at end of deal

3 years, $86.3M ($28.8M/Year); Star Dev

Why I hate this move

Bears just spent a whole lotta money to *checks watch* go 0-17. If we can get a user in here to take this sorry team then the deal isn't as bad (Jenkins is a very good player), but I am still gonna hate on the move until then.

Number 4

SS Budda Baker (83), Bengals

32 years old, 34 at end of deal

2 years, $24M ($12M/Year); Normal Dev

Why I hate this move

A DB on the wrong side of 30 getting a pretty hefty paycheck. His 85 speed might be a liability this year, and it's likely just going to be even worse next season while hes still under contract. This feels like a payment because of name recognition, and there were definately better options to choose out in FA.

Number 3

FS Xavier McKinney (85), Bengals

30 years old, 33 at end of deal

3 years, $45M ($15M/Year); Normal Dev

Why I hate this move

You might think FS stands for Free Safety, but you are wrong. In this case, it stands for "Fuck's sake?" as in, why? Why are we doing this? You are already paying FS Geno Stone (82 OVR, 29 years old) $22M this season. Frankly, both McKinney and Stone are the same players, and the attributes are shockingly about the same. So why pay a 30 year old another $15M per year, and lock him up until hes 33? By the time he's in that last year of the deal, he is going to be unusable. Head scratcher.

Number 2

RT Taylor Decker (81), Broncos

34 years old, 37 at end of deal

3 years, $30M ($10M/Year); Normal Dev

Why I hate this move

He is old, and rumor has it every season we move on to, he gets older. Giving a 34 year old mediocre lineman a 3-year deal is GM malpractice.

Number 1

FB Jason Cabinda (63), Vikings

32 years old, 35 at end of deal

3 years, $4.8M ($1.6M/Year); Normal Dev

Why I hate this move

WHAT DIRT DOES THIS MAN HAVE ON COACH ADEL???? That is the only logical reasoning behind the Vikings only signing in FA1. He has to have something for Adel to cut 63 OVR FB Will Lewis making 390k, just to go sign an aging veteran who isn't even good, and then the audacity to keep him 3 years! I don't know if FBs can mentor HBs, but I have no idea what this big splash for the team is all about. Imagine being a fan of the Vikings, excited for FA to open, just to find out your team just signed one of the worst FBs in the league. I'm not hearing many SKOL chants after this signing.  

Drinking the Yaterade: Season 92 Predictions

*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*

[Field opens one eye slowly and looks over at the alarm clock. His hair is a mess and he has lines imprints on his face, presumably from the wrinkles on his pillow, pressing into his childish face.]

“Oh good.” He mumbles to himself. “I can’t wait for this upcoming cycle. We have like 8 new users, I bet they are going to all pan out into the future of RZ!” He sits up in bed, stretches his arms in the air, and slips on his Lightning McQueen slippers. A nice hot glass of hot cocoa and reading the morning paper is on his mind. Too tired to make the cocoa himself, he places an order on Doordash. Outside, the morning paper awaits. Opening the door, he cannot believe what he sees. Piles and piles of newspapers resting on his porch. Some look to have been left outside to rot in the rain. “What kind of prank is this? I know I missed some of my predictions in Season 89, but this is ridiculous to do to me…. But I do admire the dedication to collect a bunch of old newspapers.” He grabs the freshest paper and sets it on his kitchen table. He gazes outside at the morning sunrise… what a beautiful day.

The doorbell rings. The cocoa is here (Starbucks is literally a block away. Yes, Field is that lazy… or wealthy… you decide). Taking the drink, he sits down at the table and takes a bit sip of the chocolatey goodness. So nice. So warm. So happy. Grabbing the newspaper, he takes off the rubber band and shoots it across the room at his cat Pistachio. “Stupid cat,” he says with a chuckle. Taking another sip, he opens the paper and looks down at the date.

Suddenly, hot molten chocolate is spewed across the kitchen.

“NOVEMBER?!!?!!?”

“ITS NOVEMBER 7^TH?!?!?!?”

“WHAT THE FUUUUUUUUUUU…”

Season 92 Predictions

Recycling Steel

My favorite storyline from this offseason (and cycle really) is what the Steelers do at QB. In season 90, we saw 77 OVR Justin Fields play okay, but threw 23 INTs on the year.

Not happy with those results, Fields was allowed to hit FA and the Steelers looked to the draft to replace him, selecting QB Ted Thurston with the 6^th OVR pick in the draft. Thurston went from a 74 OVR to an 80 OVR in one year span, but ol’ Teddy also threw 25 INTs on the year.

Not happy with these results, Thurston was traded to the Raiders and the Steelers looked to the draft to replace him, selecting QB Marco Heath with the 15^th OVR pick in the draft. Heath is only a 71 OVR, and has normal dev.

Prediction? Pack your bags Marco. You are about to go on a journey up that hill over there. We call it Mount Regression.

What the hell are you doing up here?

In Season 91, we saw a surprise at the top of the NFC, with the Commanders taking the 1 seed, while in the highly competitive NFC East. Am I a believer? I am not. On paper, both the Eagles and Cowboys have higher rated teams. Cowboys will lean on Justin Fields to right their ship, and the Eagles drafted a couple of studs on offense they hope to roll out early and often. I see the Commanders dropping back a bit, and should be around the 8-9 win mark this season.

All flights are cancelled

In season 91, the New York Jets were one of the best rushing teams in the league, gaining 2,807 combined yards on the ground, and nearly had two 1k rushers in Breece Hall and Braelon Allen. Unsatisfied with these results, Coach Chapstick knew what he had to do. He went out and added veteran Derrick Henry to the mix, because of course, that’s what they needed! With the “Ground Control” in full force, I predict this trio to help the Jets eclipse 3k total yards rushing.

If you ain’t first,  you’re last…. Or maybe you really are just in last.

Predictions for the 3 worst records this season:

1. Seattle Seahawks
2. Las Vegas Raiders
3. New York Giants

Eee-ee-ee! (That’s Dolphinese for “Oh no!”)

Last season, we saw quite the run from the Dolphins, as Tauph and the Dolphins finally took home the SB trophy. Congrats to the war hero!

However, with some very unfun contracts to deal with this offseason, the team has regressed into one of the worst on paper. While the playbook and coaching pedigree can help this team slightly stay afloat, I suspect they will regress quite a bit, especially looking at that secondary. For them to win, they are going to need to score, and score a lot. I think the offense has the arsenal to do that in many games, but I suspect they fall beneath the Jets and Bills.

Season 92 Offensive Rookie of the Year – QB Andrew Horton, Carolina Panthers

This draft appears to be a pretty exciting one. We had 5 QBs taken in the 1^st round alone. However, I only suspect Horton, the highest OVR of the bunch, to do very much this season. There are a handful of WRs who will look to make impacts early (Combs, MIN; Meadows, PIT; Hayes, DET; Graham, CLE; just to name a few), as well as HBs (McNeal, MIN; Best, CLE; McMahon, BUF; Warner, DET; Hall, CHI; Farrow, HOU; and Clarke, NO). We should see rookies all over team’s offensive game plans this upcoming season. Would I be surprised to see a skill player of this bunch eclipse 1,400 yards? Nope. But when it comes to making predictions, give me the safe bet on a QB.

Season 92 Defensive Rookie of the Year – MLB Enrique Temple, Miami Dolphins

If you have made it this far and read the previous talking points, you saw there is work to be done on defense for the Dolphins. I think Temple, who was picked 32^nd overall, is an X-Factor on that defense and will be doing all the work to keep them in games. I also believe Ravens 3^rd round pick DeVante Thorpe might be in the mix, but alas, I am sure there will be a surprise defender who gets a ton of sacks or INTs that I never saw coming.

Season 92 Offensive Player of the Year – QB JJ McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

This Vikings rebuilt offense should be young, and fun to watch (unless you are on the other sideline). Justin Jefferson will get his, Hock will get his, and now we have some rookies who are hungry for touches. Add this all together, and you have one constant: McCarthy. Surround a guy with options and let him deliver.

Season 92 Defensive Player of the Year – MLB Troy Anderson, Denver Broncos

Stop me now if you have heard about this guy playing out of his G.D. mind. A freak athlete who has brought in double digit INTs in both of the last 2 seasons. Plays in an AFC West that is prime to continue to throw more. I like those odds.

Season 92 Most Valuable Player – QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

He has been on another planet the last two years. Like no QB has even been in the same conversation. Now his 2^nd year WR got even harder to cover. GG.

Season 92 Super Bowl Predictions – New York Jets 31, Minnesota Vikings 30

Vikings go for 2 in the closing moments… Big sack from T.J. Watt. GG.

Now to figure out this stupid alarm so I wake up next season….

Las Vegas Raiders

Key Pieces: WRs Davante Adams/Jakobi Meyers, TE Brock Bowers (R), DE Maxx Crosby, DT Christian Wilkins, LB Divine Deablo, S Tre’von Moehrig

Why Las Vegas?

·  Offensive Playmakers:

• The Raiders boast elite offensive talents like Davante Adams (WR) and rookie Brock Bowers (TE). These players can form the core of a potent offensive attack.

·  Exciting Market:

• Las Vegas is a vibrant and attractive market, which can make the franchise mode experience more immersive and enjoyable. The state-of-the-art Allegiant Stadium adds to the appeal.

·  Cap Flexibility:

• The Raiders have some flexibility in their salary cap, allowing you to make key signings and trades to fill roster gaps and improve overall team strength. Outside of Crosby and Adams, they do not have very much going on with their spending. Adams is 32 years old and is commanding a whopping $25M, so once he is out of there, you can buy up all the talent in FA.

 Why not Las Vegas?

·  Quarterback Uncertainty:

• The Raiders' quarterback situation is uncertain, with questions on Aiden O’Connell / Gardner Minshew. This instability at the most crucial position can be a significant challenge.

·  Defensive Weaknesses:

• The Raiders' defense has several areas that need improvement, particularly in the secondary. Building a reliable defense will require substantial investment and effort.

·  Challenging Division:

• The AFC West is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, featuring strong teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos. Competing for the division title will be challenging.

 Summary

The Las Vegas Raiders offer exciting offensive playmakers, promising young talent, and a vibrant market, making them an appealing option. If you enjoy the challenge of building a team in a competitive division and have the patience to develop young players and improve the defense, the Raiders can be a rewarding choice. However, be prepared to navigate quarterback uncertainty, defensive weaknesses, and the high expectations of the fan base. If you prefer a team with a more stable quarterback situation and fewer immediate challenges, you might want to consider other options.

Los Angeles Chargers

Key Pieces: QB Justin Herbert, HBs Gus Edwards/JK Dobbins, WRs Joshua Palmer/Quentin Johnson/Ladd McConkey (R)/Brenden Rice, T Rashawn Slater/Joe Alt (R), Edges Joey Bosa/Khalil Mack, CB Asante Samuel Jr, S Derwin James

Why the Chargers?

·  Franchise Quarterback:

• Justin Herbert is one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL. His presence provides stability and high potential for your team's offense. He is also locked in until 2030, so that’s one less thing to worry about

·  Young Offensive Weapons:

• Gone are the days of Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams. Now its up to Gus Edwards/JK Dobbins, Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnson, and Ladd McConkey (anyone gonna take a chance on trying to make Jerry Rice’s son Brenden some sort of star??). They have also done a lot of work addressing the OL with Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, and rookie Joe Alt.

·  Solid Defense:

• The defense features standout players like Joey Bosa (DE/OLB), Derwin James (S), and Khalil Mack (OLB). This defensive core provides a strong foundation for building a formidable defense. CB Asante Samuel Jr. is also putting his name out there as one of the more elite CBs in the league.

Why not the Chargers?

·  High Expectations:

• With a talented roster and a franchise quarterback, there are high expectations to win and compete for championships. This pressure can be intense and may not appeal to all players.

·  Cap Constraints in the Future:

• While the Chargers currently have cap flexibility, future contract extensions for key players could create cap challenges. Balancing these contracts while continuing to improve the roster will require careful planning. Juggling Herbert, Bosa, Mack, and Derwin’s contract demands, along with retaining your OL will be a challenge.

·  Tough Division:

• The AFC West is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, featuring strong teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos. Winning the division will require consistent high-level performance.

·  Depth Concerns:

• Beyond their star players, the Chargers have some depth issues at key positions. Building a complete roster with adequate depth will be necessary to sustain success.

 Summary

The Los Angeles Chargers offer a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, dynamic offensive weapons, and a solid defensive core, making them an attractive option for an online franchise in Madden 25. If you enjoy working with a talented roster and have the patience to manage injuries and depth issues, the Chargers can be an exciting team to control. However, be prepared to navigate high expectations, potential future cap constraints, and the challenges of competing in a tough division. If you prefer a team with fewer immediate pressures and injury concerns, you might want to consider other options.

Los Angeles Rams

Key Pieces: QB Matthew Stafford, HBs Kyren Williams/Blake Corum (R), WRs Cooper Kupp/Puka Nacua/Tutu Atwell, TE Tyler Higbee, DE Braden Fiske (R), OLB Jared Verse (R), CB Tre’Davious White

Why the Rams?

·  Star Power:

• The Rams have high-profile players like Tre’Davious White (CB), Cooper Kupp (WR), Puka Nacua (WR), and Matthew Stafford (QB). These stars can provide immediate impact and a strong core to build around.

·  Offensive Potential:

• With their playbook, the Rams have a creative and dynamic offensive system. This can make the offense exciting and fun to play with, especially with players like Stafford, Kyren Williams, Kupp, and Nacua.

·  Young Talent:

• The Rams have some promising young players. Developing these players can help build a balanced roster.

·  Los Angeles Market:

• The vibrant and attractive Los Angeles market, along with the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium, adds to the appeal of managing the Rams in an online franchise.

 Why not the Rams?

1. Salary Cap Constraints:
   • The Rams have significant financial commitments and a challenging salary cap situation. This can limit flexibility in making roster moves and signing free agents. 4 of their OL are making $11M+, and they might not be worth that kind of money. Stafford is 36 years old and making almost $50M.
2. Aging Core:
   • Key players like Stafford, Kupp, and most of the OL are aging. Managing their decline and eventual replacements will be a significant challenge.
3. Lack of Draft Capital:
   • The Rams have traded away many of their future draft picks in recent years. This lack of draft capital can hinder the ability to add young talent and address roster needs.
4. Injury Concerns:
   • Players like Stafford and Kupp have had injury issues in the past. Keeping key players healthy and managing injuries can be a challenge.
5. Rebuilding Challenges:
   • Given the cap constraints, aging core, and lack of draft capital, the Rams are facing a potential rebuilding phase. This can be a daunting task requiring patience and strategic planning.
6. Tough Division:
   • The NFC West is a competitive division with strong teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Arizona Cardinals. Competing for the division title will be challenging.

Summary

The Los Angeles Rams offer star power, a creative offensive system, recent success, and the appeal of the Los Angeles market, making them an attractive option for an online franchise in Madden 25. However, be prepared to navigate significant salary cap constraints, an aging core, a lack of draft capital, and the challenges of potential rebuilding. If you enjoy managing high-profile players and are ready for the complexities of maintaining a competitive team in a tough division, the Rams can be an exciting choice. If you prefer a team with more flexibility and fewer immediate challenges, you might want to consider other options.

Miami Dolphins

Key Pieces: QB Tua Tagovailoa, HBs Raheem Mostert/De’Von Achane, WRs Tyreek Hill/Jalen Waddle/OBJ, TE Jonnu Smith, CB Kendall Fuller, CB Jalen Ramsey, OLB Jaelan Phllips, OLB Bradley Chubb, and SS Jordan Poyer

Why Miami?

·  ·  Franchise Quarterback?:

• Tua Tagovailoa has shown promise and potential as a franchise quarterback. If he continues to develop, he could be a cornerstone for the team. You will have to choose early on if he will be your guy of the future.

·  Dynamic Offensive Weapons:

• The Dolphins have one of the most explosive receiving duos in the NFL with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Don’t forget to add in veteran WR Odell Beckham Jr, and the speedy speedy HBs in Mostert and Achane. These playmakers can stretch the field and create big-play opportunities.

·  Solid Defense:

• The defense features standout players like Kendall Fuller (CB), Jalen Ramsey (CB), Jaelan Phllips (OLB), Bradley Chubb (OLB), and Jordan Poyer (SS). A strong defensive core can help keep the team competitive in games.

·  Creative Coaching:

• Head coach Mike McDaniel is known for his innovative offensive schemes. This creativity can make playing with the Dolphins' offense exciting and fun. The Dolphins will bolster the best offensive playbook in the game, which will also help set them above the rest.

·  South Florida Market:

• Miami is an attractive market with great weather and a strong fan base. This can add to the enjoyment of managing the team in an online franchise.

 Why not Miami?

1. Quarterback Health Concerns:
   • Tua Tagovailoa has faced injury issues, including concussions, which raise concerns about his long-term durability. Managing his health will be crucial, if he even is your guy of the future.
2. High Expectations:
   • With the talent on the roster and recent improvements, there are high expectations for the Dolphins to win and compete for championships. This can create pressure to perform well quickly.
3. Competitive Division:
   • The AFC East is a tough division with strong teams like the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets (LOL… good one ChatGPT). Competing for the division title will require consistent high-level performance.
4. Offensive Line Issues:
   • The offensive line has been a weak point for the Dolphins in recent years. Addressing this issue will be necessary to protect Tua and improve the running game.
5. Depth Concerns:
   • While the Dolphins have star players, there are depth concerns at several positions. Building a complete roster with adequate depth will be necessary for sustained success.
6. Cap Management for Future:
   • Although the current cap situation is manageable, future contract extensions for key players like Tua and Waddle will need careful planning to maintain cap flexibility. Year two currently has the Dolphins -$12M against the cap.

Summary

The Miami Dolphins offer a promising franchise quarterback, dynamic offensive weapons, a strong defensive core, and a creative coaching staff, making them an attractive option for an online franchise in Madden 25. If you enjoy working with explosive playmakers and have the patience to manage quarterback health and address depth issues, the Dolphins can be an exciting team to control. However, be prepared to navigate high expectations, the challenges of a competitive division, and the need for careful future cap management. If you prefer a team with fewer immediate challenges and less pressure, you might want to consider other options.

Minnesota Vikings

Key Pieces: QB J.J. McCarthy (R), HB Aaron Jones, WRs Justin Jefferson/Jordan Addison, TE T.J. Hockenson, LBs Andrew Van Ginkel/Blake Cashman, OLB Jonathan Greenard, CB Byron Murphy

Why Minnesota?

·  Star Offensive Players:

• The Vikings have elite offensive talents like Justin Jefferson (WR), who is arguably the best wide receiver in the league, and talented Tight End T.J. Hockenson. These players can be the foundation of a high-powered offense.

·  Rookie Quarterback:

• Gone is Kirk, and in comes rookie QB J.J. McCarthy. You get 5 seasons of cap controlled QB play, and media becomes easy when you are constantly posting “JJ to JJ” or “JJ to TJ” highlight reels.

·  Competitive Yet Winnable Division:

• The NFC North is competitive, but not overwhelmingly so. With the right moves, the Vikings can quickly become division contenders.

·  Cap Flexibility:

• The Vikings have managed their salary cap reasonably well, allowing for some flexibility to sign key free agents and make trades to address roster needs. Adding in a rookie QB helps with all this.

Why not Minnesota?

1. Salary Cap Management:
   • While the current cap situation is manageable, future contract extensions for key players and potential free agent signings will need careful planning to maintain cap flexibility.
2. Defensive Rebuild:
   • The defense, while having some standout players, needs an overall rebuild and depth improvement. Addressing these defensive issues will require significant resources and effort.
3. High Expectations:
   • The Vikings have a passionate fan base with high expectations. Managing these expectations while rebuilding certain parts of the roster can add pressure.
4. Consistency Issues:
   • The Vikings have struggled with consistency in recent years. Turning the team into a consistent winner will require addressing several roster and coaching issues.

Summary

The Minnesota Vikings offer star offensive players, a solid quarterback, and a mix of experienced and young defensive talents, making them an appealing option for an online franchise in Madden 25. If you enjoy developing young talent and are ready to navigate the challenges of quarterback succession and defensive rebuilding, the Vikings can be an exciting team to control. However, be prepared to manage salary cap issues, high expectations, and the need for consistency. If you prefer a team with a more stable long-term quarterback situation and fewer immediate rebuilding challenges, you might want to consider other options.

New England Patriots

Key Pieces: QB Drake Maye (R), HBs Rhamondre Stevenson/Antonio Gibson, WRs Ja’Lynn Polk (R)/DeMario Douglas/Javon Baker (R), Kendrick Bourne? (Gross group, sorry), TE Hunter Henry, DT Christian Barmore, OLBs Matthew Judon/Josh Uche, LBs Ja'Whaun Bentley/Jahlani Tavai, CBs Jonathan Jones/Christian Gonzalez, Safeties Kyle Duggar/Jabrill Peppers

Why New England?

·  Rookie Quarterback:

• A common topic with team building. Get yourself a rookie QB, save some cap room, and build around him.

·  ·  Strong Defense:

• The Patriots have a solid defensive unit with playmakers like Matthew Judon (OLB), Christian Barmore (DT), and Kyle Dugger (S). A strong defense can keep games competitive and provide a foundation to build around. This really is the strength of this squad.

·  Young Offense:

• It is young and inexperienced. Develop it, or trash it and start fresh. You decide!

·  Cap Flexibility:

• The Patriots have a manageable salary cap situation, providing flexibility to sign free agents and make trades to address roster needs.

·  Winning Culture:

• The Patriots have a winning culture and a history of success. This can be motivating and rewarding when managing the team in an online franchise.

Why not New England?

1. TB12:
   • Can you live up to the legacy of the TB12 days? Do you feel the pressure to win?
2. Offensive Limitations:
   • The Patriots lack elite offensive playmakers. Finding and developing top-tier wide receivers and tight ends will be necessary to elevate the offense.
3. Aging Roster:
   • Some key defensive players are aging, which may require you to plan for their replacements and manage their decline. While the defense is good right now, you have to balance retaining/replacing them while also building up the offense.
4. Competitive Division:
   • The AFC East is highly competitive, with strong teams like the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins. Competing for the division title will require consistent high-level performance.

Summary

The New England Patriots offer a strong defense, young talent, and cap flexibility, making them an appealing option for an online franchise in Madden 25. If you enjoy developing young players and have the patience to address offensive limitations and quarterback development, the Patriots can be an exciting team to control. However, be prepared to navigate the challenges of a competitive division, high expectations, and the need to find and develop offensive playmakers. If you prefer a team with a more stable quarterback situation and elite offensive weapons, you might want to consider other options.

Detroit Lions

Key Pieces: QB Jared Goff, HBs David Montgomery/Jahmyr Gibbs, WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown/Jameson Williams, TE Sam LaPorta, DE Aidan Hutchinson, LB Jack Campbell, CB Carlton Davis III, S Kerby Joseph

Why Detroit?

·  Young, Talented Roster:

• The Lions have a core of young, talented players, especially on offense.
• Key players such as Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR), Jameson Williams (WR), and Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) offer explosive playmaking abilities and room for growth.

·  Rising Star in Quarterback:

• Jared Goff has shown considerable improvement and consistency. He can provide a reliable option at QB while you develop or draft a future star.

·  Strong Offensive Line:

• The Lions' offensive line is one of the better units in the league, featuring players like Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow. This makes building a strong offense easier.

·  Solid Defensive Pieces:

• The defense has some promising talents like Aidan Hutchinson (DE) and Kerby Joseph (S). This can be a foundation to build a formidable defense.

·  Cap Flexibility:

• The Lions have managed their salary cap well, giving you flexibility to make trades or sign free agents to address weaknesses.

Why not Detroit?

·  Incomplete Roster:

• Despite the young talent, there are still holes in the roster. The defense, while having promising pieces, needs more depth and improvement in the secondary and linebacker positions.

·  Competition in Division:

• The NFC North is competitive with teams like the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and the up-and-coming Chicago Bears. Managing a team in such a division can be challenging.

·  Quarterback Uncertainty:

• While Goff is solid, he's not considered elite. There may be concerns about his ceiling and whether he's the long-term solution at quarterback.

Summary

• If you enjoy a challenge and the idea of building a young, talented team into a contender, the Detroit Lions can be a great choice. They have a lot of potential with a strong core of young players and cap flexibility. However, be prepared to address the gaps in the roster, especially on defense, and manage the competitive nature of the NFC North. If you prefer a team with fewer immediate needs and a more established winning culture, you might want to consider other options.

Green Bay Packers

Key Pieces: QB Jordan Love, HBs Josh Jacobs/AJ Dillon, WRs Christian Watson/Romeo Doubs, Des Preston Smith/Rashan Gary, DT Kenny Clark, LB Quay Walker, CB Jaire Alexander. S Xavier McKinney

Why Green Bay?

·  Elite Defense:

• The Packers' defense features several elite players like Jaire Alexander (CB), Rashan Gary (OLB), and Kenny Clark (DT). This strong defensive lineup can help keep you competitive in games.

·  Young Quarterback with Potential:

• Jordan Love, the Packers' young quarterback, has shown flashes of potential. If he develops well, you could have a franchise quarterback for years to come.

·  Talented Receiving Corps:

• With players like Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, the receiving corps has a mix of youth and talent. This group provides a young, solid base for the passing game.

·  Cap Management:

• The Packers have been effective in managing their salary cap, providing flexibility to make necessary roster adjustments through trades or free agency.

Why not Green Bay?

·  Quarterback Uncertainty:

• While Jordan Love has potential, he is still unproven at the highest level. There’s a risk that he may not develop into a top-tier quarterback, which could hinder your franchise's progress.

·  Competitive Division:

• Like the Detroit breakdown, this division is all headed in the right direction at the same time.

·  Cap Constraints:

• While the Packers have managed their cap well, they are not without constraints. Significant contracts for key players can limit your ability to make big moves in free agency (Clark and Alexander are making a combined $50M next season). Both Clark and Jordan Love will be looking for new deals at the end of the season.

Summary

The Green Bay Packers offer a solid and competitive roster with a strong defensive core and potential at quarterback. If you enjoy working with a team that has a strong foundation and a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, the Packers are a great choice. However, be prepared to navigate the challenges of quarterback development, aging key players, and high expectations. If you prefer a team with fewer uncertainties at quarterback and less pressure, you might want to consider other options.

Houston Texans

Key Pieces: QB C.J. Stroud, HB Joe Mixon, WRs Stefon Diggs/Nico Collins/Tank Dell, LT Laremy Tunsil, Des Will Anderson/Danielle Hunter, CB Derek Stingley

Why Houston?

·  Young Talent:

• The Texans have a young roster with promising players like C.J. Stroud (QB),Will Anderson Jr. (DE), and the WR duo of Collins and Dell. These young stars provide a strong foundation for building a competitive team over the long term.

·  Cap Space:

• The Texans have a favorable salary cap situation with plenty of cap space available. This gives you the flexibility to sign key free agents and make necessary trades to improve the team. Tunsil, Hunter, and Diggs are 31 years old and are top 5 on the team in cap hit, so once you move on from those players, you will have money to burn.

·  Rebuilding Opportunity:

• Taking control of a rebuilding team like the Texans can be a rewarding challenge. You have the opportunity to shape the team from the ground up and lead them to success, with less immediate pressure to win.

Why not Houston?

·  Rebuilding Phase:

• The Texans are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, which means the roster has several holes and lacks depth. This can make the initial seasons challenging as you work to improve the team.

·  Tough Division:

• The AFC South features competitive teams like the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Competing for the division title can be challenging given the current state of the roster.

·  Uncertain Future:

• While the young talent and draft capital are positives, there is no guarantee that these players will develop as expected. The uncertainty of player development can pose a risk to your long-term success.

Summary

If you enjoy the challenge of rebuilding a team and have the patience to develop young talent, the Houston Texans offer a rewarding opportunity. The combination of young stars and potential cap space provides a strong foundation for building a competitive team in the future. However, be prepared for the initial struggles of a rebuilding phase and the competitive nature of the AFC South. If you prefer a team that is closer to contention and has more established talent, you might want to consider other options.

Indianapolis Colts

Key Pieces: QB Anthony Richardson, HB Jonathan Taylor, WRs Michael Pittman Jr / Josh Downs,/Adonai Mitchell (R), LG Quenton Nelson, C Ryan Kelly, DT DeForest Buckner

Why Indy?

·  Promising Young Quarterback:

• Anthony Richardson, the Colts' young quarterback, offers tremendous upside with his athleticism and arm strength. Developing him can provide you with a franchise quarterback for years to come.

·  Strong Running Game:

• Jonathan Taylor is one of the best running backs in the league. Having an elite running back can take pressure off your quarterback and create a balanced offensive attack.

·  Solid Offensive Line:

• The Colts have a strong offensive line featuring players like Quenton Nelson (G) and Ryan Kelly (C). A solid O-line is crucial for both the running game and protecting your young quarterback. Most of these guys are locked in for a few seasons as well.

·  Cap Flexibility:

• The Colts have managed their salary cap well, giving you the flexibility to make necessary signings and trades to address roster needs.

·  Competitive Division:

• While the AFC South is competitive, it is also winnable. With the right moves, the Colts can quickly become contenders in the division.

Why not Indy?

1. Quarterback Development:
   • Anthony Richardson, while talented, is still unproven at the NFL level. There’s a risk that he may not develop as expected, which could hinder your franchise’s progress.
2. Injury Concerns:
   • Can you keep Jonathan Taylor and Richardson healthy? If either of those guys go down, you are in for trouble.
3. Depth Issues:
   • Beyond their star players, the Colts have some depth issues at key positions, especially on defense. Building a complete roster with adequate depth will be necessary to sustain success.
4. Rebuilding Defense:
   • While there are some standout defensive players, the overall defense needs improvement and depth. Addressing these issues will require significant resources.
5. High Expectations:
   • The Colts have a strong fan base with high expectations. The pressure to win and develop a young quarterback can be intense, especially if the team struggles initially.
6. Salary Cap Management:
   • Although they have cap flexibility now, future contracts for young stars could create cap challenges. Managing these contracts while continuing to improve the roster will require careful planning.

Summary

The Indianapolis Colts offer a promising young quarterback, a strong running game, and a solid offensive line, providing a strong foundation for building a competitive team. If you enjoy developing young talent, particularly at the quarterback position, and have the patience to address depth and defensive needs, the Colts can be an exciting team to control. However, be prepared to navigate the challenges of quarterback development, injury management, and high expectations. If you prefer a team with more established talent and fewer uncertainties, you might want to consider other options.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Key Pieces: QB Trevor Lawrence, HB Travis Etienne, WRs Christian Kirk/Brian Thomas Jr (R)/Gabe Davis, TE Evan Engram, RG Bradon Scherff, DE Arik Armstead, DT DaVon Hamilton, OLBs Josh Allen/Travon Walker, LBs Devin Lloyd/Foyesade Oluokun, CBs Tyson Campbell/Darnell Savage

Why Jacksonville?

·  Franchise Quarterback:

• Trevor Lawrence is one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the NFL. His development and performance are crucial, and having a franchise quarterback is a significant advantage. Hey, if he doesn’t work out, Mac Jones is waiting for his opportunity!

·  Dynamic Offensive Weapons:

• The Jaguars have a talented group of offensive weapons, including Travis Etienne (RB), Brian Thomas (WR), and Christian Kirk (WR), and one of the more athletic TEs in Evan Engram. This makes the offensive unit exciting and potent.

·  Emerging Defense:

• The defense has young, emerging talents like Josh Allen (DE/OLB), Travon Walker (DE/OLB), and Tyson Campbell (CB). These players can be cornerstones for building a strong defensive unit.

·  Cap Space:

• The Jaguars have a favorable salary cap situation, providing flexibility to sign key free agents and make trades to fill gaps in the roster.

·  Improving Team:

• The Jaguars have shown improvement and potential, making them a team on the rise. This can make the challenge of controlling them in an online franchise exciting and rewarding.

·  Competitive Division:

• The AFC South is competitive but winnable. The Jaguars have a good chance to contend for the division title, especially with the right moves.

Why not Jacksonville?

1. High Expectations:
   • With their recent improvements and young talent, there are high expectations to continue progressing and start winning consistently. This can create pressure to perform well quickly.
2. Inexperience:
   • While there is a lot of young talent, the team still has relatively inexperienced players who may face growing pains and inconsistency in their performance.
3. Defensive Depth:
   • While there are standout players, the overall depth on defense needs improvement. Building a deep and reliable defensive unit will be necessary for long-term success.
4. Health Concerns:
   • Keeping key players healthy, especially those with injury histories like Travis Etienne, will be crucial. Managing injuries can be a challenge.
5. Cap Management:
   • Future contract extensions for key young players will need careful cap management. Ensuring that the team remains financially flexible while retaining top talent will be essential. Trevor just got a huge deal, so prepare for that to start chunking away at your cap.

Summary

The Jacksonville Jaguars offer a promising young quarterback, dynamic offensive weapons, and emerging defensive talents, providing a strong foundation for building a competitive team. If you enjoy working with young talent and developing a team on the rise, the Jaguars are an exciting option. However, be prepared to manage high expectations, address defensive depth, and navigate the challenges of developing an inexperienced roster. If you prefer a team with more established talent and less pressure, you might want to consider other options.

Kansas City Chiefs

Key Pieces: QB Patrick Mahomes, HB Isiah Pacheco, WRs Rashee Rice/Hollywood Brown/Xavier Worthy, TE Travis Kelce, International Popstar Taylor Swift, C Creed Humphrey, DE George Karlaftis, DT Chris Jones, LB Nick Bolton, CB Trent McDuffie

Why Kansas City?

·  Elite Quarterback:

• Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL, providing a massive advantage in any game. His presence alone makes the Chiefs a top-tier team.

·  Dynamic Offensive Weapons:

• The Chiefs have elite offensive players, including Travis Kelce (TE) and a host of speedy and versatile wide receivers. This makes the offense explosive and difficult for opponents to defend.

·  Winning Culture:

• The Chiefs have established a winning culture with recent Super Bowl victories and consistent playoff appearances. This can make the franchise mode experience more rewarding and enjoyable.

Why not Kansas City?

Salary Cap Constraints:

• The Chiefs have significant financial commitments, particularly to Mahomes and other key players. This can limit flexibility in making roster moves and signing free agents.

Pressure to Win:

• Given the team's recent success, there are high expectations to continue winning and competing for Super Bowls. This pressure can be intense and may not appeal to all players.

Aging Key Players:

• Some key players, like Travis Kelce, are getting older. Managing the transition as these players age and eventually retire will be a challenge.

Challenging Division:

• The AFC West (and the AFC as a whole) is highly competitive, with strong teams like the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders. Winning the division will require consistent high-level performance.

Depth Concerns:

• Beyond the star players, the Chiefs' roster depth can be a concern. Injuries to key players could expose weaknesses and make it challenging to maintain top performance.

Summary

The Kansas City Chiefs offer an elite quarterback in Patrick Mahomes, dynamic offensive weapons, and a winning culture, making them one of the most attractive teams to control in an online franchise. However, be prepared to navigate salary cap constraints, manage aging key players, and handle the high expectations that come with such a successful team. If you enjoy the challenge of maintaining a top-tier team and competing for championships, the Chiefs are an excellent choice. If you prefer a team with more flexibility and less immediate pressure, you might want to consider other options. If you are a Swifty, this is a no-brainer!

Chicago Bears

Key Pieces: QB Caleb Williams (R), HB D’Andre Swift, WRs DJ Moore/Keenan Allen/Rome Odunze, TE Cole Kmet, DE Montez Sweat, LBs TJ Edwards/Tremaine Edmunds, CB Jaylon Johnson, S Kevin Byard

Why Chicago?

You have the top rookie QB and debatably the best trio of WRs in the league to throw to. Really good LBs to plug up the middle. You love storied franchises and think the NFC N is fun thanks to the history of those teams. Fun uniform combinations, if you like bright orange.

Why not Chicago?

A lot of the vets on their key pieces list are making 8 figures, but that is acceptable when you have 5 years of rookie QB salary to play with. Chicago come December/January is not always a pretty sight for home field. You hate bright orange.

Cincinnati Bengals

Key Pieces: QB Joe Burrrrrow, WRs Ja’Marr Chase/Tee Higgins, T’s Orlando Brown/Trent Brown, DE Sam Hubbard/Trey Hendrickson, LB Logan Wilson

Why Cincy?

You are taking this team for two reasons: Burrow and Chase, and the jerseys (and maybe because they have not one, but TWO 6’8 OTs protecting their QB.) You can decide to keep Tee Higgins as well, and build around those guys. A cap friendly team *for now*. You like bright orange.

Why not Cincy?

Defense doesn’t have a lot of star power. Chase and Higgins BOTH need new deals and they won’t come cheap. Outdoor stadium prime for terrible weather. The AFC North is personally one of my least favorite divisions of teams to play against. You hate bright orange.

Cleveland Browns

Key Pieces: QB Deshaun Watson?, HB Nick Chubb, WRs Amari Cooper/Jerry Jeudy/Elijah Moore, TE David Njoku, REALLY GOOD OL, DE Myles Garrett, LBs Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah/Jordan Hicks/Devin Bush, CB Denzel Ward

Why Cleveland?

Nick Chubb is pretty good at the moment, and with the new Boom Tech in M25, he might be a problem to take down. Pretty solid at the majority of the offense, including one of the best OL in the league, if that’s your thing. Myles Garrett might literally murder a couple guys this cycle, I won’t rule it out, so if you are into that kind of stuff, he’s your guy. Great if you like the color orange.

Why not Cleveland?

You have morals? We all know Watson’s off the field issues (all 26 of them), but he did not perform well last season and you have to wonder what his attributes are going to look like. He’s making $63M a year for the next 3 seasons, and you are unable to cut him early. Almost all your best players are 29+ years old, so you are going to have some turnover pretty quickly. You hate orange.

Dallas Cowboys

Key Pieces: QBs Dak Prescott/Trey Lance, WR CeeDee Lamb, G Zach Martin/Tyler Smith, DE DeMarcus Lawrence, DTs Chauncey Golston/Mazi Smith, Edge Micah Parsons, CBs DaRon Bland/Trevon Diggs

Why Dallas?

It’s America’s Team.

I would be shocked if whoever takes the Cowboys if they don’t give the keys to Lance. CD is a top tier WR. I think they are in prime position to build on offense, and the defense will have some very strong pieces to continue to build around. Once Dak’s deal runs dry, they will open a lot of money for spending. In fact, 5 of their top 7 cap hits are on the last year of their deals, so you can be rich, if you choose so. Also, the ratings guy will probably give you inflated attributes to start the cycle. 

Why not Dallas?

It’s Dallas.

Uncertainty at QB. Not a lot of offensive weapons outside of CD. Mostly you hate the team or jerseys, or both. Even if you are playing virtually, you know deep down you are still in Jerry’s world. Zach Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence are getting old and you probably aren’t bringing them back. Parsons and CD might a billion dollars each.

Denver Broncos

Key Pieces: QB Bo Nix (R), HB Javonte Williams, WRs Courtland Sutton/Marvin Mims/Troy Franklin (R), DE John Franklin-Myers, MLB Alex Singleton, CBs Pat Surtain II/Levi Wallace

Why Denver?

Getting a rookie QB and a rookie WR to pair with him is always a fun way to start a cycle. This team has been gutted since they made the huge mistake of trading a ton of assets for Russell Wilson, just to give him an extension, just to cut him. They are financially ready to overhaul the roster, so if you like to make a team in your own way, this is a team for you. They do not have many big contracts, which when you pair that with a rookie QB contract, you are cooking. Fun uniform combinations, if you like orange.

Why not Denver?

You probably are not winning early on, since this is a big turnaround project. You also have to face off against Mahomes and Herbert 4 times a season, so that will get annoying real fast. Denver in December sounds terrible. The AFC will be highly competitive. You hate orange.

In this series, we are going to look at each team in the NFL, and what they have to bring for each new coach for M25. Through this guide, I will attempt to give enough inside to each team and help you decide if one of these teams come calling you next month, will you answer the call and join the team?

Arizona Cardinals

Key Pieces: QB Kyler Murray, HB Trey Benson (R), WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (R), TE Trey McBride, Edge Zaven Collins, S Budda Baker

Why Arizona?

Do you remember when you were a kid playing football at recess? That’s basically what Kyler does. Now they have added a ton of young weapons at their skill positions to go along with it. They play indoors, so you can look forward to 8-9 games of perfect weather. Outside of Kyler making $50M a year, they don’t have a lot of big contracts you have to worry about, and by the time MHJ needs a new deal, Kyler’s will expire. They do have Desmond Ritter, if you feel crazy enough to try to figure out how to make him a valuable asset.

Why not Arizona?

You have a QB who plays like he’s at recess, but this is the NFL. They play in the NFC West, which should be a very competitive division. Kyler is now 27 years old, so whatever ratings he gets at launch, you are pretty stuck there, and you are paying that man at least 4 seasons. Defense probably needs an overhaul.

Atlanta Falcons

Key Pieces: QBs Kirk Cousins/Michael Penix Jr. (R), HB Bijan Robinson, WRs Drake London/Darnell Mooney/Rondale Moore (MOO!), TE Kyle Pitts, DE Grady Jarrett, LB Troy Anderson, CB A.J. Terrell, S Jessie Bates

Why Atlanta?

That offense. Woowee. I expect the Falcons to be a hot commodity come draft day. All those weapons, and most still on rookie deals. They play in the NFC South, which is wide open for the taking. They are a great option if you don’t want to try to build something, but rather take something and develop what you already have (at least on offense).

Why not Atlanta?

Obvious #1 answer. You paid Kirk a lot of money and you don’t have an out for a couple of years. You also drafted a rookie QB in the 1^st round, and he’s not a young rookie either. Have fun with that problem. Because they have a lot of their stars on rookie deals, they have quite a few large contracts on some older players, and these young stars are going to need paid very soon, so managing the cap might be a challenge. Also, 28-3.

Baltimore Ravens

Key Pieces: QB Lamar MF’ing Jackson. (I could stop there). HB Derrick Henry, WRs Zay Flowers/Rashod Bateman, TE Mark Andrews, LT Ronnie Stanley, DE Justin Madubuike, LBs Odafe Oweh/Roquan Smith/Trenton Simpson/Kyle Van Noy, CB Marlon Humphrey, Safeties Kyle Hamilton/Marcus Williams, K Justin Tucker

Why Baltimore?

Because they are stacked? Like…. How do you defend their offense? What defensive adjustment do you put on? Do you want to focus on Derrick Henry and leave Lamar to run? Focus Lamar and let Henry run? Good lord that’s not fair. They are top to bottom one of the best built teams, and they have studs at every level. The LBs are VERY solid. WIN NOW TEAM.

Why not Baltimore?

If you like to design your own roster, this probably isn’t the one for you, unless you like trading everything away and eating cap penalties in the process. A lot of their star players are 27 years old or older, so if you don’t win early, you might miss your window. Maybe I am biased, but the AFC North is a gross division. You want to see the Browns and Steelers 4 times a season? The AFC will probably be a better conference, so you will have more competition over there. Lamar also will be earning $75M a season starting in year 3.

Buffalo Bills

Key Pieces: QB Josh Allen, HB James Cook, WRs Keon Coleman (R)/Khalil Shakir/Curtis Samuel, TE Dalton Kincaid, DE Greg Rousseau, DT Ed Oliver

Why Buffalo?

Because you like QBs who is a tank with a big cannon for an arm. The team will live and die through Josh Allen. Cook, Coleman, and Kincaid are young weapons to help him out. Jerseys! I personally love the color options with the good ol’ red, white and blue variations. The contracts are very manageable (especially when Von Miller’s contract falls off), and the team is pretty solid but still has spots for you to grow the team and make it feel like you constructed a lot of it. The AFC East should be a pretty fun and exciting division.

Why not Buffalo?

Do you like snow? Nothing like rewarding yourself with a home playoff game, just to deal with the elements affecting the gameplay of a high stakes football game! The defense might be a little sus and needs some work, unless you are trying to win a lot of 44-43 shootouts. For Josh Allen’s sake, get him some help. The Bills are also a cursed franchise.

Carolina Panthers

Key Pieces: QB Bryce Young, HB Jonathon Brooks (R), WRs Diontae Johnson/Adam Thielen/Xavier Legettte, DT Derrick Brown, LB Shaq Thompson, Edge Jadeveon Clowney, CB Jaycee Horn

Why Carolina?

Another young offense to build up. The organization spent a lot of money building up the OL this offseason to protect Bryce. Cool jerseys! A winnable NFC South. They have offloaded a lot of bad contracts and are set up for a nice rebuild (weird to say rebuild when what they tore down was not anything worth mentioning). If mascots were in the game, Sir Purr would be a premier asset, as long as you aren’t asking what that bear is doing.

Why not Carolina?

Well, they have stunk for 5 seasons now and they were the worst team last season, so you’d have to expect the ratings to be in the trash can. A lot of work to build them up from that point. The defense needs some love. Thielen is approximately 52 years old, and Diontae Johnson needs a new contract. They invested a lot of money in the OL, which is a blessing and a curse, because now you have to take those contracts and manage around them.   

More to come!

As we near the end of the cycle, some guys only have ~28 games left with their current clubs before we hit the reset button. For me, it always hits hard, knowing some of these names and faces we have learned over the past 7-8 months will fade away like when Thanos got his last infinity stone and snapped his fingers. Gone (but maybe not forgotten) will be guys like George Curran, DeAngelo Harvin, Dwayne Hix, Theo Pendleton, Titus Boston, and Ray Kennedy. It’s a gut punch, but one we repeatedly do to ourselves every year.

On a side note, Commissioner Astin asked for a word:

“Hey everyone. It’s me. So…. when you are conducting an experiment, it is important to try to control your outside variables so that you can ensure your test is not being impacted by other variants that could mislead your findings. For example, if you want to see how many people trip over a ledge, telling them in advance there is a ledge there will surely impact how many people trip over it.

So why am I talking about this, you may ask. Well you see, rumors are swirling that sliders must have changed, because this season feels different (right, Ramesu??). He was right. I did make one gameplay slider change. Run blocking was increased from 27 to 28, to make up for the difference in how much DL is progressing compared to the OL. It is also noticeable how stretch/toss plays are a huge impact to the running game, and trying to run between the tackles will very often lead to getting blown up with some block sheds. So good job Ramesu, you called it!

However….

That wasn’t the only overall change that was made. A couple other ones took place, in fact.

An individual (who asked to remain anonymous) reached out with an idea, and we empowered them to look into it, test it out, and come back with feedback. His request? Let’s play with the penalty sliders and test out if those, in fact, play a role into how the game plays and feels.

And this leads me back to my first point about experiments. Had we announced these changes were made at the start of the season, would we actually see these changes, or just convince ourselves that they were different? Anytime something happened, would we instantly blame the change? Would we play differently, knowing there could be different outcomes ahead? What I wanted to see was people playing the same way, and seeing different outcomes. And frankly, I think after 6 weeks, I feel confident in saying yes, they do actually do things.

So your next question, I am sure, is “Well, what is changed??” So here is the breakdown:

(Keep in mind, the outcomes of these sliders are highly debated in the Madden community, including if they actually DO anything, as well as the ideas of what they COULD be affecting.)

-10 to Defensive Pass Interference

Defensive backs are less weary of getting called for a penalty, and will play more aggressively on the ball. Less opportunities of them going brain dead and watching the ball go to the WR.

Turning OFF Offensive Pass Interference

First, let me remind you, I don’t think we even saw one time this being called when we aren’t switching to WRs. Also, this slider is just an ON/OFF switch, so there isn’t any tweaking. This is similar to DPI, where when we turn it off, the WRs will also be more aggressive in attacking the ball, instead of just running off their route while the DBs undercut them.

Together, we should in theory see better interactions when the ball is in the air, which is great for a league like ours where we let Jesus take the wheel once the ball is released.

-5 Roughing the Passer

What this does is makes your defenders more aggressive in attacking the ball. As one video explained, it allowed their LBs to play with “more reckless abandon”. Better pursuit angles, and not scared to attack the ball.

These adjustments were not as drastic as our mystery tester wanted, but cranking that from 0-100 might have had too strong of effect, but I am pleased to see they did have an impact, and I would say that defense is playing better (which we drastically needed!)

With all that being said, sorry that you all didn’t know in advance, but it really was the only way we could test this without putting the ideas in your head first.” –Commie Astin

Anyway… this is the Yaterade article, and this dude wants to steal my thunder after all the years of writing this thing?! Ugh, that guy is the worst. Let’s get to the recap (and let’s see how well I wrote these so early in the morning…)

Update: Just landed in NYC. It’s 6:22am. My body says it’s 4:22am. These predictions might be shit.

Flying High in 6K Resolution

Yep. The goal was to make defenses better with some adjustments. Now we speculate…. Did making them better actually make them worse? Does better coverage mean more open spots in the field? Maybe. But now there is speculation – Will a QB throw for 6,000 yards in the regular season?

No. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t be close. A QB would have to average 352 yards per game, which isn’t too crazy. However, to do that 17 times while dodging a 3PS or injury, or even just a rough game passing is also a challenge. I would speculate we may have someone flirt with 5,700-5,800 yards, but just pull up short.

Curran lead the league in passing yards with 5,558 yards, and had he not gone to the locker room early against the Bengals in Week 5 (85 yards, 3 INT), he very easily would have hit that mark. Fields was also close, but was pulled at halftime in Week 18 in thanks to a blowout victory.

Buy! Buy! Then Sell! Sell!

With the Cowboys sitting at 6-1 (good hell this article took forever to write itself), one must ask “Are the Cowboys real?” My answer is: Yeah, kinda. With impressive wins against Adel and King John, they have to be, right? Well, those are the only challenges they have faced thus far, and they also had a loss against Andy. But the good news with all this is they have a nice looking schedule remaining, and I expect them to run away with the NFC East title. Will they survive the playoffs? Probably not, so sell before all the value is lost at the end of the season. Should still be a nice story. I am sure none of the Sister Kissers will be riding his coattails in the playoffs as the rest of them watch from home.

The Cowboys did finish out the season going 5-5 the rest of the way, but did end up winning their WC game against Lions, before getting knocked out of the playoffs the following week by Baker and the Rams. I’d say I summarized how the season would go pretty well.

All Charged Up

Don’t look now, but the Chargers are currently in first place in the AFC West, sitting at 5-1. Ramesu hasn’t had a bad cycle by any means, but he is overshadowed by the Chiefs every season. This team he inherited was ancient and had some really bad contract situations to deal with early on in the cycle, but those are now in the past and the excuses have to go to. It’s time to show up or shut up. Will this be the season to get over the hump?

I’d say not quite yet. They currently sit with the #1 scoring defense, so that has to amount to something, right? Welllllll…. Outside of the beatdown they received from Moji and the Titans, 4 of the other 5 games they have played were against teams with 2 wins or less. They are also middle of the pack on offense, and bottom 5 in passing yards per game. In this day and age, you need to be able to win shootouts, and I don’t know if they can keep up with a high scoring KC battle. I hope I am wrong, as the AFC could use more contenders.

Well, they did surprise me in going 15-2 on the season. On top of that, they even won the AFC Championship. The AFC got another contender, which is great. Now if only the NFC could do the same…

“And with the 1st pick in the Season 88 draft, the ______ selects…”

Patriots. I hear it’s hard to win games when you don’t play your games.

They got pick two. At the time of writing this, they were being coached from Germany (and being “coached” meant not playing your games and taking sim losses every week).

X Gon Give It To Ya

What’s this prediction, you may ask? Well it’s not a prediction. It’s a rant instead. Twitter (also known by dweebs as X) is free. For now. So why am I making this plug? HB DeAndre Gore, the all-but-forgotten son of Frank, is currently leading the league in rushing yards. Did you all know that? Do you even know what team he plays for? He must be a rookie, right? Nope. Apparently he’s the lead back in Dallas, and he is in year 3. And I had no idea who the kid is. Selfless plugs on Twitter about guys you love not only helps show the passion to the league, but helps build a world of immersion. Let me tell you, if I had Frank’s son, you’d all know. Buy into world building in Red Zone if you haven’t before, you might find out you really like it.

All it takes is to dangle some pizza and Madden 2025 teams in front of guys, and Twitter starts going off. We need to do this more often.

Season 87 Offensive Rookie of the Year – WR Chris Reyes, Cleveland Browns

While I know this league loves quarterback stats, Reyes has been Kelly’s best friend since joining the team, and I don’t think he let’s up. Reyes will probably end around 1,300 receiving yards and 12 tuddies, the league will still vote for QB Alex LeClair in Detroit. (Nobody is voting for Chris Reyes’ brother, Manuel, the QB for the Bengals. Call it Pat QB Shuffle fatigue.)

Well, I was wrong. People did, in fact, vote for Manuel, who definitely improved his statistical output in the 2^nd half of the season. Chris Reyes only ended up with 1,023 yards and 10 TDs.

Season 87 Defensive Rookie of the Year – DL David Simmons, CLE

Simmons was the “sit in my office while I tell you about this guy in the draft who is really smart” of last season, and thus far he is already at 9 sacks. He is doing this while surrounded by George Karlaftis and Myles Garrett on each side of him. On a side note, the Ravens currently have the top 3 rookies in tackles. They also have a player with a personal favorite name of Manu Aragon as one of those top tacklers. I hope to see his name more throughout the cycle.

Simmons won this award, in thanks to his 27 TFL and 16 sacks. Personal favorite Manu Aragon finished 4^th in the voting.

Season 87 Offensive Player of the Year – QB George Curran, San Francisco 49ers

The Curran Cannon is ready to reclaim his spot at the top of the QB world. When I predicted my top passer for the year, he is the guy at the top of my list to do it. Bombs away.

Curran didn’t get nominated, thanks to him only throwing the ball and not running more. Hot take.

Season 87 Defensive Player of the Year – DE Maxx Crosby – Las Vegas Raiders

What the hell. Seriously. What. The. Hell. He has 18 sacks. Just. How. Can you guys just block him? That’s all I ask. Keep a guy in to save your QB. Ugh. WhatHappenedToTheGameILove.jpg

Crosby didn’t get nominated, thanks to his team stinking and his coach abandoning his team. Hot take.

Season 87 Most Valuable Player - QB George Curran, San Francisco 49ers

He is going to put up cycle-best QB stats. Crosby might get some votes, but the Raiders need to win some games to make it show the value part of “valuable”.

Curran won, barely edging out Justin Fields. He had 1 more total vote, but outscored him in 1^st place votes 12 to 6.

Season 87 Super Bowl Prediction – San Francisco 49ers 37, Tennessee Titans 36

Would be a fun one to watch. Much better than something like a Bears-Chiefs game. Let’s give the people what they want!

Bears-Chiefs… Bears-Chargers… same thing. Still think we needed to give the people what they want!

2,152 words into this thing (and counting!), and we haven’t even made predictions. These are going to be short and sweet, as we finish this thing out.

Put up or shut up!

Don’t look now, but the Jaguars are atop the AFC, sitting at a nice 5-1 record. Will they stay up there and get the coveted 1 seed? I am going with… No. In fact, they might not even win their division. In their last 11 games of the season, EIGHT! of them are against teams currently 4-2 or better. That is a nightmare. While it is possible (and if you are going to be a legit threat, your time to prove it is now), a remaining schedule like this is not ideal for anyone.

AFC East or NFC South: Who is the worst?

Yes. That’s my answer. They are both bad. Dolphins (5-1) and Panthers (4-2) both have the leads, and then the rest is not great. Patriots (3-3) show flashes some weeks, Jets (1-5) are an afterthought with the new coaching regime, and BM and the Bills are surprisingly at the bottom at (1-5). Side Note: I later remembered he was cutting Josh Allens every week, so that’s rough to dig out of.

The South has last year’s division winner Falcons (2-3) struggling a bit after the roster reshuffle, and the Saints and Bucs have each only won 1 game.

I’ll give the edge to the East being better, but neither are great.

Parity!

Speaking of divisions… I really like the NFC East. Spencer, Eikim, BP, and Austin (in my opinion) are pretty close in their abilities (looking at a combination of stick skills + GM skills), and all 4 teams are .500 or better. I hope they have a bunch of close games and this division comes down to the wire (sorry Spencer, this means I am rooting for some losses down the stretch to let them catch up!)

On the clock

With the 1^st pick in next year’s draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select _______.

Reviewing other 1 win teams, I made cases for them winning some games down the stretch. I had a harder time with the Bucs.

Season 88 Offensive Rookie of the Year – QB Russ Daniels, ARI

I think this is a 3 man race between Russ, Las Vegas QB Shane Overbay, and Eagles QB Collin Beckham. Overbay is throwing too many INTs right now, and Beckham just isn’t doing quite enough to push him past Daniels to me. I’d love to see Beckham using his speed more and getting in space, which could not only help his case, but keep the defenses more honest in playing against him, allowing him to open it up more.

Season 88 Defensive Rookie of the Year – DE Ben Corbett, MIN

He reminds me of a young Titus Boston. If we had more time this cycle, he would be a scary problem for the league.

Season 88 Offensive Player of the Year – HB Quincey McLean, CAR

I think this will be interesting, and one that will depend on each individual voter’s mindset. Do you go with the QB who carried his team? The RB who sets the pace of the game? Or a WR like Jameson Williams who will threaten to break 2k yards in the air and keep the secondaries on their heels?

Season 88 Defensive Player of the Year – LB David Knight, CHI

Hard to vote against a guy who is literally doing all the things (tackles, sacks, FF, INTs). We would likely need to see a guy with 20+ sacks or 14+ INTs to steal this away, at the current paces (my opinion).

Season 88 Most Valuable Player – QB George Curran, SF

Like I have said for years, he is the glue to this team. The defense stinks and it is all on Curran’s back to carry them. If he went down, I think the Niners go from a 14-15 win team to a 9-10 win team. That is a lot of value for one guy.

Season 88 Super Bowl – Kansas City Chiefs 38, San Francisco 49ers 31

Hey, if I continue to pick these guys, it will eventually happen… right???

Season 87, Week 14 Fun and Random facts:

Normally, I start these articles with a fun little monologue to set the mood. However, this round I am going to do something different. Coach Astin recently won the Super Bowl, and he asked if he could borrow my platform to send a message. And of course I am allowing him to! (He may have also given me an undisclosed payment that I will not speak of, as I am not claiming it on my taxes).

“When I joined RedZone in Season 32, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. In my mind, I would just take a team, schedule and play games, and see how I could hold up against unknown competition across the nation. I took over a very poorly ran Bills team, and my first season and a half was rocky. It didn’t help that at the time mid-cycle, I was running with a 37-year old Phillip Rivers with 84 THP. I still recall after my first game in the league (against Moji of all people!), he would later jump on his 1-2-3 Boys podcast and give a breakdown of my game, and I can still remember him making the comment “well he seemed to touch pass every throw”, in which I was yelling at my speakers “ITS NOT MY FAULT MY QB HAS A NOODLE ARM!” Things were rocky, but I did not give up, especially after my wife saw some beat downs and asked “Do you need more practice or something?”

I stayed resilient to the beat downs, and spent hours upon hours in practice mode figuring it all out. [New guys or those who might be struggling – THIS IS THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO TO GET BETTER. Put it on random plays for both sides of the ball, and get used to reading defenses, finding weak spots, and seeing how different plays react to different coverages.] So why did I want to put in the effort? I was starting to realize something about this random league. This league was more than just guys scheduling Madden games. I wanted to stick around, and I wanted to prove myself.

Fast forward 56 seasons later. I just celebrated my 10^th Super Bowl, and I am currently in the airport about to fly across the country to meet up with some of the guys I have known for years. Again I am reminded what I learned early in my time here. This is more than Madden.

(And to those who are wondering, the 10^th win is still just as sweet of a feeling as the first.)”

• Coach Astin

AND WE ARE BACK. And now Fieldy doesn’t have to write as many words this time around! Now to the recap!

A Little Help From the Chat?

[Insert image of Longville saying he was gonna beat the Giants]

Thanks for the material Longville.

This won’t happen.

Field is 1/1 in this article so far.

NEEEEEEXT.

The Giants won 27-24. A little too close for comfort, but a dub is a dub.

Bippity-Boppity-Boop

The Los Angeles Rams have been the Cinderella story thus far through this season, amassing a 3-3 start, including impressive wins over the Chiefs and Chargers, and remaining competitive in two of the others.

However, I am not in on this fairy tale story. While it is a huge step up for Baker from where he was when he joined the league, I don’t think it is sustainable. He does have what I would consider a lot of winnable games on the schedule (Saints, Seahawks, Cowboys, Broncos, and Cardinals?), I think he caps out at about 6 wins max. Sure, this is a big step up, and hopefully he can keep the momentum going season by season, but I don’t think it is his time yet.

I don’t know if you can see this from there, but there is a lot of egg on my face right now. Let me tell you one thing about these articles. I absolutely LOVE when I get a prediction wrong when someone outperforms my expectations in a positive way. It is so much better than when I am like “Hey this team will win 13 games!” and then finishes 5-12. Baker proved me wrong, going 11-6 winning games I didn’t think he had in him, and now we see if it was a fluke or if he will continue being successful moving forward. The bar has been raised.

Boston Cream Pie

Did I just include Cream Pie into my header, not only because it fits with Boston and where the Patriots are theoretically located, but also because it’s Kevin coaching the team and he would insist on having a sexually themed header? Absolutely.

So let’s talk about these Patriots. Who would have guessed they’d start the season 4-2? Put your hands down, you liars. Like Baker, it has been nice seeing teams take a step up who normally haven’t been showing signs of success, but also similarly, I think he is about to hit rough waters ahead. My prediction here? He finishes out the season going 2-9. Hope you have a protection on, Kevin. I MEAN A LIFE VEST FOR THE ROUGH WATERS AHEAD. THAT’S ABSOLUTELY ALL I MEANT.

Patriots finished 5-12, and some of that can be thanked for Kfox checking out and eventually leaving his post. Close enough. You didn’t think I would get back to back “this team will stink” picks wrong, did you?

Sleeping Giant

Not the hottest of takes, but I think VC and the Giants come out strong this season, and really push to become a leader in the NFC. I think he goes at least 14-3 this season, which in the NFC doesn’t mean much :cryface:. I would say he has the best defensive weapons in the league, and as long as Dexter Lawrence stays upright, he’s wrecking the game. This is your notice, Red Zone.

The Giants started 8-1, VC went on vacation, and never returned. I think that is good enough to say I was kinda right. Now if I predicted him to disappear after 9 games and on an 8 game winning streak, I would really impress some folks, I am sure.

RZ2K

I hope this article doesn’t get banned by Gort for that header. I think this is the season we see a player get 2,000 yards SOLELY on the ground or SOLELY through the air. DeAngelo Harvin might be the guy (if BM can keep his hands on the wheel and control himself in the process), Rashee Rice has a shot, and you can’t count out a handful of other guys who are a big game away from shooting to the top of the list. I don’t think it will be a running back getting that many rushing yards, but you never know.

Rashee Rice was the closest, getting 1,821 receiving yards in the regular season. If you count his two playoff games, he broke 2k. DO YOU SEE ANYWHERE THAT SAYS IT HAS TO BE REGULAR SEASON YARDS??

Season 86 Offensive Rookie of the Year: QB Cody Jackson, NYG

I think at the end of the day, it will become a two-player race between Jackson and Vikings QB Malik Hancock, but I trust the Giants passing the ball a tad more, and I like his schedule more. There will be a couple of offensive weapons who get nominated, but QBs trump any skill position players, when used properly.

I did not anticipate Panthers HB Quincey McLean to get the workhorse load for the team, as I thought they might split things more evenly between him and 24 year old Forrest Cleary. Also thought VC was gonna be here long term.Welp.

Season 86 Defensive Rookie of the Year: LB Derek Thomas, KC

I am sure I will get this wrong. Does Doni have any rookie pass rushers that are gonna come in out of nowhere and get 15 sacks and steal the award?

LOL Doni…. That’s a can of worms we won’t get into in here. Bobby Adkins was Mr. DoItAll on defense for the Panthers, and these duo of 2^nd year players should help lead this team until they are eventually replaced by younger guys looking to win more awards. *SHOTS SHOTS*

Season 86 Offensive Player of the Year: WR Rashee Rice, KC

[Trying to avoid picking a QB here] I think he and DeAngelo Harvin both have good cases, but the voters will feel better giving Rice the votes because Adel just “does it the right way”. Right? White? I can’t remember the exact verbiage they use, but it’s something like that.

I shoulda took the QB. However, Rice outdid Harvin for 3^rd place, proving my intuition about the two was accurate.

Season 86 Defensive Player of the Year: S Minkah Fitzpatrick, KC

At least he’s making the playoffs this time he’s earning the award. Sure, Jaelan Phillips has 11 sacks thus far, but it feels slimy giving that to him when he’s skirting SubDT rules to pass rush from inside.

HEY LOOK AT ME! DPOY is typically one of the hardest ones to get correct, but I hit the nail on the head on this one.

Season 86 Most Valuable Player: QB Tua Tagovailoa, TEN

I wanted to lean towards guys like Mahomes, Lance, or even a sneaky picks in Rashee Rice and Theo Pendleton, but I look at the start for Tua, and even though he hasn’t been asked to do much thus far, he has been very, very successful with it. Throw in the opinion that  what I consider the AFC the weaker conference, he should be able to continue the success, and has debatably one of if not the best WR groups in the league to throw to.

Shoutout to me for calling out Rice and Pendleton as the two non-QBs (who finished 3^rd and 2^nd in voting), but I picked the wrong QB. Tua had a good year, just not as good as Justin Fields (and we saw that in action in the last game of the year).

It has been refreshing the past few season often seeing MVP and OPOY going to different guys, and I hope that’s the case.

It was not the case. Refreshing as mud.

Season 86 Super Bowl Prediction: New York Giants 31, Jacksonville Jaguars 24

(Pssst… Field. You picked the two top teams last season and you finally got it right. What the hell are you doing???)

New year, new Field.

At least I didn’t pick Bucs or Chiefs. One team folds to adversity in chat, and the other folds in big games. Honestly, great call on my part.

Update: Just landed in NYC. It’s 6:22am. My body says it’s 4:22am. These predictions might be shit.

Flying High in 6K Resolution

Yep. The goal was to make defenses better with some adjustments. Now we speculate…. Did making them better actually make them worse? Does better coverage mean more open spots in the field? Maybe. But now there is speculation – Will a QB throw for 6,000 yards in the regular season?

No. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t be close. A QB would have to average 352 yards per game, which isn’t too crazy. However, to do that 17 times while dodging a 3PS or injury, or even just a rough game passing is also a challenge. I would speculate we may have someone flirt with 5,700-5,800 yards, but just pull up short.

Buy! Buy! Then Sell! Sell!

With the Cowboys sitting at 6-1 (good hell this article took forever to write itself), one must ask “Are the Cowboys real?” My answer is: Yeah, kinda. With impressive wins against Adel and King John, they have to be, right? Well, those are the only challenges they have faced thus far, and they also had a loss against Andy. But the good news with all this is they have a nice looking schedule remaining, and I expect them to run away with the NFC East title. Will they survive the playoffs? Probably not, so sell before all the value is lost at the end of the season. Should still be a nice story. I am sure none of the Sister Kissers will be riding his coattails in the playoffs as the rest of them watch from home.

All Charged Up

Don’t look now, but the Chargers are currently in first place in the AFC West, sitting at 5-1. Ramesu hasn’t had a bad cycle by any means, but he is overshadowed by the Chiefs every season. This team he inherited was ancient and had some really bad contract situations to deal with early on in the cycle, but those are now in the past and the excuses have to go to. It’s time to show up or shut up. Will this be the season to get over the hump?

I’d say not quite yet. They currently sit with the #1 scoring defense, so that has to amount to something, right? Welllllll…. Outside of the beatdown they received from Moji and the Titans, 4 of the other 5 games they have played were against teams with 2 wins or less. They are also middle of the pack on offense, and bottom 5 in passing yards per game. In this day and age, you need to be able to win shootouts, and I don’t know if they can keep up with a high scoring KC battle. I hope I am wrong, as the AFC could use more contenders.

“And with the 1^st pick in the Season 88 draft, the ______ selects…”

Patriots. I hear it’s hard to win games when you don’t play your games.

X Gon Give It To Ya

What’s this prediction, you may ask? Well it’s not a prediction. It’s a rant instead. Twitter (also known by dweebs as X) is free. For now. So why am I making this plug? HB DeAndre Gore, the all-but-forgotten son of Frank, is currently leading the league in rushing yards. Did you all know that? Do you even know what team he plays for? He must be a rookie, right? Nope. Apparently he’s the lead back in Dallas, and he is in year 3. And I had no idea who the kid is. Selfless plugs on Twitter about guys you love not only helps show the passion to the league, but helps build a world of immersion. Let me tell you, if I had Frank’s son, you’d all know. Buy into world building in Red Zone if you haven’t before, you might find out you really like it.

Season 87 Offensive Rookie of the Year – WR Chris Reyes, Cleveland Browns

While I know this league loves quarterback stats, Reyes has been Kelly’s best friend since joining the team, and I don’t think he let’s up. Reyes will probably end around 1,300 receiving yards and 12 tuddies, the league will still vote for QB Alex LeClair in Detroit. (Nobody is voting for Chris Reyes’ brother, Manuel, the QB for the Bengals. Call it Pat QB Shuffle fatigue.)

Season 87 Defensive Rookie of the Year – DL David Simmons, CLE

Simmons was the “sit in my office while I tell you about this guy in the draft who is really smart” of last season, and thus far he is already at 9 sacks. He is doing this while surrounded by George Karlaftis and Myles Garrett on each side of him. On a side note, the Ravens currently have the top 3 rookies in tackles. They also have a player with a personal favorite name of Manu Aragon as one of those top tacklers. I hope to see his name more throughout the cycle.

Season 87 Offensive Player of the Year – QB George Curran, San Francisco 49ers

The Curran Cannon is ready to reclaim his spot at the top of the QB world. When I predicted my top passer for the year, he is the guy at the top of my list to do it. Bombs away.

Season 87 Defensive Player of the Year – DE Maxx Crosby – Las Vegas Raiders

What the hell. Seriously. What. The. Hell. He has 18 sacks. Just. How. Can you guys just block him? That’s all I ask. Keep a guy in to save your QB. Ugh. WhatHappenedToTheGameILove.jpg

Season 87 Most Valuable Player - QB George Curran, San Francisco 49ers

He is going to put up cycle-best QB stats. Crosby might get some votes, but the Raiders need to win some games to make it show the value part of “valuable”.

Season 87 Super Bowl Prediction – San Francisco 49ers 37, Tennessee Titans 36

Would be a fun one to watch. Much better than something like a Bears-Chiefs game. Let’s give the people what they want!

Don't look now, but we are just about a week away from entering Season 87's free agency. While there are plenty of deals ready to be signed before we get there, I thought it would be fun to take a look at those with 1 year left on their deals and where I think they might end up. First off, let's chalk up who I think will be returning to their current teams, via either a new deal or a franchise tag:

Guys I would guess get tagged or signed:

SS Derwin James, CLE (97)

CB Jaire Alexander, LAC (98)

FS Minkah Fitzpatrick, KC (98)

DT Da’Ron Payne, KC (91)

LT Laremy Tunsil, SF (95)

LOLB BJ Ojulari, ARI (94)

MLB Trenton Simpson, BAL (94)

LT Ikem Ekwonu, CAR (93)

CB Marlon Humphrey, BAL (92)

Those guys are almost too valuable to let walk, especially since there are no compensatory picks here.

Now to the good stuff. 

HB Isiah Pacheco, PHI (96)

Projected Team: Tennessee Titans

The Titans finished 4^th in the league in rushing, thanks to the unlikely duo of Israel Abanikanda and Najee Harris. While Izzy is only 23 years old currently, he is also on the last year of his contract. While I think the chances of Moji bringing him back are pretty high, there might also be some temptation to go grab Pacheco, who is Izzy 2.0.

FS Jessie Bates III, NYG (94)

Projected Team: San Francisco 49ers

The Niners are projected to lose both free safeties in Ji’Ayir Brown and Quandre Diggs, and he will tell you first hand that giving up big plays is his forte. I foresee him trying to solidify that backline in hopes of protecting deep.

WR A.J. Brown, KC (93)

Projected Team: New England Patriots

Helle is going to come in like a bat out of Helle, trying to fix this sinking ship sooner than later. His wide receiver room is scaring no one, so I anticipate him making splashes.

WR Deebo Samuel, JAX (92)

Projected Team: New Orleans Saints

Do you know who Glenn’s top wide receiver was in Season 86? Romeo Doubs.

DE T.J. Watt, NE (91)

Projected Team: Washington Commanders

After shipping away Montez Sweat and Da’Ron Payne, this defense was never the same. They were 27^th in sacks, and on top of that, the team struggled all year to one of Eikim’s worst showings lately. Watt could come in and play opposite of Chase Young, bringing the fear back to that Washington defensive line.

DE Montez Sweat, KC (86)

Projected Team: Tennessee Titans

Do the names Jermaine Johnson II and Glen Colvin scare you? How many of you even know who they are? The Titans were bottom 10 in sacks, and need to do something if they want to really push their way over the hump.

RT Jawaan Taylor, KC (86)

Projected Team: San Francisco 49ers

Will the Niners have enough money to get Bates and Taylor? Who knows. Maybe he does. They are losing Trent Brown to FA, and if I know anyone to pick up an old offensive lineman, it’s Jake.

QB Will Levis, MIA (82)

Projected Team: New England Patriots

Mac Jones is not the answer. Mac Jones has never been the answer. Picking Mac is like selecting “E” on a multiple choice test that only has the answers “A-D” as options.

WR Davante Adams (90)

Projected Team: Green Bay Packers

I just like the story of Adams coming to finish his career here. Chase Claypool was their 2^nd highest rated WR last season, so there is definitely a spot for him.

DT Vita Vea, DET (87)

Projected Team: Buffalo Bills

Even with monster run stuffer Ed Oliver, this team could not stop the run, finishing 2^nd to last in that category. Adding Vea next to him would really help plug up the middle and stop the inside zone plays that this league adores.  

LE Danielle Hunter, MIN (87)

Projected Team: Kansas City Chiefs

After trading George Karlaftis this past season, and letting Montez Sweat walk in free agency, there is not only a need here, but we all know Adel will be salivating getting this former Viking on his team and seeing what he has left in the tank.

Although we are just a little more than halfway through the season, let's take a look at who I have projected as awards leaders at the moment, using my own calculations:

Season 86 All-Drafted Players Team

For this scenario, I created a 53 man roster of all created players, with a few conditions:

• The roster had to meet the RZ rules requirements
• All players are in-game drafted (so not real guys)
• ALL teams must have representation
• No team shall have more than 3 players represented

All that being said, some tough decisions were made, and some very good players were cut in the process. I also took into account little things like devs and injury ratings when making certain cuts. Starters will be bold and underlined.

QB

George Curran (93), SF

Christopher Mouton (84), PIT

Conrad Swift (82), HOU

Not surprise here, as the former Super Bowl champ and multiple award winner gets the starting nod to lead the squad. Mouton has developed nicely since converting from WR, and a surprise pick in Conrad Swift finishes out the QB room.

HB

Dwayne Hix (97), ARI

Theo Pendleton (95), MIN

Chris Thomas (91), CHI

I am using all three guys in this offense, with Hix taking the short-yardage power runs (even though he wants to be a receiving back so much!), using Pendleton as the change of pace, and utilizing Thomas’ speed as the receiving back.

FB

Jimmy Tovar (79), BUF

It’s a fullback. What do you want me to say here?

WR

Ray Kennedy (92), TEN

P.J. Fusco (87), MIN

DeAngelo Harvin (94), BUF

Clayton Richardson (86), LV

J.D. Benedict (82), MIA

Derek Boatwright (79), DAL

Any coincidence that 5 of the 6 guys here are 95 speed or faster, and all are 6’0 or taller? This is a BM dream team, and good luck to anyone trying to stop them. I like to put very speedy guys in the slot to mismatch with LBs who might slide out on them, and they don’t get much quicker than Harvin.

TE

Trevor Smith (96), WAS

Kaleb Gatson (89), CAR

Keon Montague (91), TB

Smith might be one of the most undervalued, unknown, and underappreciated players in the league, for those who have not been tortured by him in a game. He’s not going to wow you with speed, but he’s a guy with pillow soft hands and does it all. Reminds me of a young Greg Olsen.

LT

Bradley Jacobs (85), SEA

Damarius Tull (80), GB

LG

Andy DuVall (78), WAS

C

Brian Delgado (81), BAL

Billy Young (80), PIT

RG

Brett Nugent (83), SF

Cody Miller (83), PHI

Rudy Crowther (78), ATL

RT

Tyler Gaffney (83), JAX

Jarred Mayweather (82), CIN

The only thing I will say with the offensive line is man… I wish we could develop these guys better. These are the best of the best, and I wish I could say they were higher rated at this point. Thanks EA.

Defensive Ends

Titus Boston (90), CHI

Sheldon Downing (88), BAL

Titus Wayne (86), SF

Warren Durant (86), IND

Jabari Stewart  (84), LAR

It is nice to have DE depth, as a constant rotation of these guys will keep the OL trying to guess what’s coming next. Maybe I will get crazy and throw 4 of them out there at the same time and watch them race to see who can get to the QB first.

Defensive Tackles

Mike Spain (85), KC

Ben Watts (86), LAR

Tim Edison (87), TB

Alex Wright (82), DEN

I know it just secretly makes JP so mad any time that he sees anything positive with Mike Spain, so naturally I gave him a starting nod here.

OLB

Antwan Pickens (89), LAC

Deacon Dobbins (86), NO

Javon Sandridge (85), KC

Davon Holloman (86), KC

Dionte Kramer (78), IND

Sure, it might be confusing throwing some pass rushing OLBs together with some off-ball OLBs in my depth chart, because it would probably be too difficult for EA to label them as pass rushers and off-ball LBs. The KC guys can go help the MLBs when needed.

MLB

Joe Graham (92), WAS

David Knight (89), CHI

The only thing stopping these two from getting a ton of tackles would be because the other guy got there first, and they are rarely going to miss or let the tackle be broken.

CB

Isaiah Jennings (94), NYG

John Baker (89), JAX

Matthew Brown (87), DET

Daniel Griffin (83), DAL

Spencer Rhodes (81), NYJ

The list of CBs to choose between was VERY large, as there are 25 players that are 80 OVR or better. It is nice, though, because I can hand select guys at will with so many options to pick from.

FS

Zach Bryan (89), SEA

Deon Morrison (80), NE

Before today, I had never heard of either of these two guys. I blame their lack of media showcasing their actual talents.

SS

Jameel Albert (91), MIN

B.J. Penn (89), NE

I unfortunately know Albert all too well, as I get to see him 2-3 times a year. And shoutout to the Patriots for having some great young safeties that I had no idea about!

K

Matt Graham (79), GB

LOL…. Fat Kicker.

P

Neil Merritt (75), CLE

It only took until the 53^rd guy for Kelly to get a guy on the roster. I guess that’s what happens when you set yourself on auto-draft and the CPU takes like 6 WRs in a row one season.

There you have it folks, the complete 53 man roster! I have also listed the teams and numbers of players below, for your reference.

ARI         1

ATL         1

BAL        2

BUF        2

CAR        1

CHI         3

CIN         1

CLE         1

DAL        2

DEN       1

DET        1

GB          2

HOU      1

IND        2

JAX         2

KC           3

LAC        1

LAR        2

LV           1

MIA       1

MIN       3

NE          2

NO         1

NYG       1

NYJ         1

PHI         1

PIT          2

SEA        2

SF           3

TB           2

TEN        1

WAS      3

2024 is upon us. Some of you might even lie to yourselves and say you are going to the gym and get in shape, lose some weight, and not be a complete trash bag. Others have accepted the trash bag life. Well friends, let me tell you this. You don’t get to decide that. The trash bag life chooses you. And guess what, if you are reading this….. the outlook does not look good.

On the other hand, 2024 will also bring new things. We’ve got new players! That’s exciting. The league’s file is still intact! It’s weird that we celebrate that! And lastly, we are a mere ~6 weeks away from Bro Trip ’24, which will hopefully be full of inside jokes that will be blasted in main chat and those who didn’t attend will just pretend to know what they are talking about for the next year, and will have to have things put together with context clues.

Either way, new year, new Red Zone!

Just kidding, we will never change.

Recap time!

A New Threat to the AFC

Lately, when you think about who might be representing the AFC, most people will flock to the AFC West and the occasional very smart predictions of the Titans. The Colts have been a fun story as well. Today I am going to throw in a dark horse to this contest: the Jacksonville Jaguars. Trevor Lawrence is a very talented Madden QB, and Spittah’s CPU GM has helped him draft WRs in back to back drafts. Pair that with Etienne, the Jaguars are turning into a very fun offense. Time will tell if Terry can replicate his offensive success he had in Cincy just a few seasons ago, but he is headed on that path. The AFC S will be a fun one to watch.

 The AFC South was indeed a fun one to watch, as the Titans stole the AFC 1 seed, going 14-3. However, the Jaguars did not disappoint, improving from 7-10 the prior season up to 13-4. They also made it all the way to the AFC Conference Championship, before losing to the Chiefs. I will take a big dub on this one.

I Hate It Here

The Bucs are going 17-0 this season. With 12 games remaining, they only have the Bears, Falcons, Panthers, and Jets left as teams with winning records. Don’t hold your breath, because you will be waiting at least 13 weeks for them to get some real chances at losing.

17-0. Another dub, but I wish I would have missed this one. At least this season we don’t have to worry about ANOTHER perfect season!

King of the North

5 weeks into the season, and the Vikings already have a 2 game lead in the NFC North, as they sit 5-0 on the season. They also sit at 3-0 on the season in divisional games, and have the 2^nd highest point differential in the league. This one is a wrap; the other 3 NFC teams can throw in the towel now. Who knew that you just needed to trade your two best offensive weapons on your first day on the job to get to this point. [Takes notes]

That lead went from a 2 game divisional lead all the way up to a 7 game lead, as we witnessed for the first time in Red Zone where we had two teams with perfect regular season records. I am 3-0 thus far… I should play the lotto more. Am I legally allowed to do sports betting within ESPN headquarters?

Oden? More like Odumb.

Don’t look now, but the Bengals are 1-4 on the season, are 31^st in passing offense, and 29^th in scoring. Sure, losing Jamarr Chase for the first 6 games doesn’t help, but neither does losing you’re All-Pro QB and moving to 2^nd year QB Gerald Oden. Oden is only completing 58% of his passes thus far, and has yet to eclipse 1k yards so far. With the Burrow trade, the Bengals whiffed on their pick (3^rd pick overall) in taking Donnie Stover, an outside linebacker from Ohio State. Stover was tied for the 3^rd worst OVR rating for ALL players picked in the 1^st round, and you hate to see that for a guy who is already 23 years old. Stover has 3 total tackles in 5 games so far, and he really is JAG (Just A Guy).  Raise your hands if you saw this one coming.

Odumb lead the Bengals to a stellar 7-10 record, completed 56% of his passes with a 26/16 TD/INT ratio.

Donnie Stover finished his immaculate rookie season eclipsing 5 whole tackles and 1 INT on the season. That was exactly the production Pat expected from the 3^rd overall pick. (Don’t look now, he’s got 4 tackles and 1 sack thus far in Season 86!)

Season 85 Offensive Rookie of the Year 

WR Ray Kennedy, Tennessee Titans

There are quite a few options this year at HB/WR, and QB Conrad Swift hasn’t wowed me quite yet. When in doubt, go with the #1 pick in the draft.

RFK was a no-brainer, as everyone watched him to get the usage from Coach Mojica we all expected for a guy you give up so much draft capital to get.

I DON’T MISS

Season 85 Defensive Rookie of the Year 

OLB J.C. Pettis, Minnesota Vikings

Pettis wasn’t even the top pick for the Vikings. He wasn’t even the top defender they took. Safety Jameel Albert is an absolute stud and game wrecker, but Pettis is a guy who is doing everything at the moment.

Okay, I missed. I will always claim defenders are the hardest thing to predict success, as you never know who is going to break out and get the stats. Pettis didn’t have a bad year at all, as he pulled in 47 solo tackles, 5 sacks, 3 FF, and 3 INTs. The future is bright with this kid (unfortunately!).

Season 85 Offensive Player of the Year 

WR Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs

Sure Adel traded for AJ Brown. Little did Brown know he was just going take the small plays and let Rice do all the big plays. Rice is going to get 2k yards on the season. He has 630 on the season, and that includes a 1 catch for 12 yards in a simmed game. You can do the math.

His numbers tallied off at the end of the season, as he only finished with 1,644 yards and 10 TDs. Those numbers could have been much, much higher if he didn’t get a sim game in Week 4 where he got 11 yards, and 2-0 loss to the Eagles in Week 18, where things got weird and the players just went home early. In his last 10 games (including playoffs), Rice only went for over 100 yards twice.

Defensive player of the Year? Apparently I forgot this section. Let’s just pretend I said Aaron Donald, patted myself on the back for being not only a genius, but a fantastic looking one as well, and let’s move on.

Season 85 Most Valuable Player

QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Assuming the awards ballot is released before Adel gets eliminated.

Similar to the synopsis of Rashee Rice, things tallied off in the 2^nd half of the season for him and had a few unfortunate circumstances that dropped him back. He still finished the year with 3 second place votes and 4 third place votes for MVP, which put him at 6^th overall in the voting. I will note that 75% completion is very nutty, and he was 2^nd in yards with 5,305 passing. He just needed more TDs.

Season 85 Superbowl 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 41, Kansas City Chiefs 28

You have to take the best odds here.

I FINALLY DID IT! IN ALL THESE SEASONS, I HAVE YET TO GET BOTH TEAMS CORRECT, BUT THAT ENDS!

Sure, I didn’t get the score of 49-31 right, but that’s some pretty close prediction, if you ask me. I don’t think I can do any better than that.

This season might have been my best prediction article (and again, ignore the fact I missed the DPOY, which I get wrong 90% of the time anyway). You know what that means? This next season’s predictions are going to be so wrong. So, so wrong. Like putting pickles in ice cream wrong. Like taking a ride on Epstein’s jet wrong. Like JP saying “This next season is the year!” wrong.

Let’s get wrong together, friends.

A Little Help From the Chat?

Thanks for the material Longville.

This won’t happen.

Field is 1/1 in this article so far.

NEEEEEEXT.

Bippity-Boppity-Boop

The Los Angeles Rams have been the Cinderella story thus far through this season, amassing a 3-3 start, including impressive wins over the Chiefs and Chargers, and remaining competitive in two of the others.

However, I am not in on this fairy tale story. While it is a huge step up for Baker from where he was when he joined the league, I don’t think it is sustainable. He does have what I would consider a lot of winnable games on the schedule (Saints, Seahawks, Cowboys, Broncos, and Cardinals?), I think he caps out at about 6 wins max. Sure, this is a big step up, and hopefully he can keep the momentum going season by season, but I don’t think it is his time yet.

Boston Cream Pie

Did I just include Cream Pie into my header, not only because it fits with Boston and where the Patriots are theoretically located, but also because it’s Kevin coaching the team and he would insist on having a sexually themed header? Absolutely.

So let’s talk about these Patriots. Who would have guessed they’d start the season 4-2? Put your hands down, you liars. Like Baker, it has been nice seeing teams take a step up who normally haven’t been showing signs of success, but also similarly, I think he is about to hit rough waters ahead. My prediction here? He finishes out the season going 2-9. Hope you have a protection on, Kevin. I MEAN A LIFE VEST FOR THE ROUGH WATERS AHEAD. THAT’S ABSOLUTELY ALL I MEANT.

Sleeping Giant

Not the hottest of takes, but I think VC and the Giants come out strong this season, and really push to become a leader in the NFC. I think he goes at least 14-3 this season, which in the NFC doesn’t mean much :cryface:. I would say he has the best defensive weapons in the league, and as long as Dexter Lawrence stays upright, he’s wrecking the game. This is your notice, Red Zone.

RZ2K

I hope this article doesn’t get banned by Gort for that header. I think this is the season we see a player get 2,000 yards SOLELY on the ground or SOLELY through the air. DeAngelo Harvin might be the guy (if BM can keep his hands on the wheel and control himself in the process), Rashee Rice has a shot, and you can’t count out a handful of other guys who are a big game away from shooting to the top of the list. I don’t think it will be a running back getting that many rushing yards, but you never know.

Season 86 Offensive Rookie of the Year: QB Cody Jackson, NYG

I think at the end of the day, it will become a two-player race between Jackson and Vikings QB Malik Hancock, but I trust the Giants passing the ball a tad more, and I like his schedule more. There will be a couple of offensive weapons who get nominated, but QBs trump any skill position players, when used properly.

Season 86 Defensive Rookie of the Year: LB Derek Thomas, KC

I am sure I will get this wrong. Does Doni have any rookie pass rushers that are gonna come in out of nowhere and get 15 sacks and steal the award?

Season 86 Offensive Player of the Year: WR Rashee Rice, KC

[Trying to avoid picking a QB here] I think he and DeAngelo Harvin both have good cases, but the voters will feel better giving Rice the votes because Adel just “does it the right way”. Right? White? I can’t remember the exact verbiage they use, but it’s something like that.

Season 86 Defensive Player of the Year: S Minkah Fitzpatrick, KC

At least he’s making the playoffs this time he’s earning the award. Sure, Jaelan Phillips has 11 sacks thus far, but it feels slimy giving that to him when he’s skirting SubDT rules to pass rush from inside.

Season 86 Most Valuable Player: QB Tua Tagovailoa, TEN

I wanted to lean towards guys like Mahomes, Lance, or even a sneaky picks in Rashee Rice and Theo Pendleton, but I look at the start for Tua, and even though he hasn’t been asked to do much thus far, he has been very, very successful with it. Throw in the opinion that  what I consider the AFC the weaker conference, he should be able to continue the success, and has debatably one of if not the best WR groups in the league to throw to.

It has been refreshing the past few season often seeing MVP and OPOY going to different guys, and I hope that’s the case.

Season 86 Super Bowl Prediction: New York Giants 31, Jacksonville Jaguars 24

(Pssst… Field. You picked the two top teams last season and you finally got it right. What the hell are you doing???)

New year, new Field.

A time to be thankful. Thankful to the family and friends I have. Thankful to be born in the greatest country on earth (Right, Greg??). Thankful for my health. And thankful to not be in the AFC North and NFC South, my opinion of the two least fun to play divisions in the league. And thankful to you all, because without you all, I would have way too much free time on my hands to possibly be more productive in my life.

Recap time!

Back home

One of the storylines this upcoming offseason will be what Pat does with his QBs. Well, what he does with the one he should have been keeping this whole time. Oden will never be Burrow. But Pat would rather pay a $25M cap penalty to HOPEFULLY trade him this offseason. If I was to pick who, I think pairing him with Glenn in New Orleans would be a great fit, and I would love to see if getting a guy like Joe would help him overcome his INT woes, which really is the biggest thing that holds him back from more success. Plus, I hear Joe is pretty familiar with that region from his days at LSU.

Glenn said “Why go get an elite QB, when I could be mediocre with a mediocre QB in Kenny Pickett?” Pickett (80 OVR, 27 years old) cost Glenn a 3^rd and two 4ths, and while this most recent draft class was not one to write home to mom about, Glenn also could have taken one of the 2 star dev QBs drafted in the 5^th round (NE Bryan Price, DET Michael Henley) and kept his other picks to use elsewhere, and they will surely be just as good or better than Pickett will be.

Burrow found his new home in LA, and has been getting the dog shit kicked out of him week in and out. Cool Joe deserves better than all this.

Coming up a bit short

Kyler Murray and a short joke?! I am sure you’ve never seen that done before. After a disappointing Season 83 in which Kyler got hurt and missed time, we have seen Kyler get hurt two more times this most recent season, as the red birds start 1-3 on the season. I don’t have a lot of confidence Kyler makes it the whole season, and if they stay on course with how it looks right now, JP might need to take a darkness retreat to really think about if Kyler is a part of the problem or the solution to competing moving forward. After this season, I think he will start entering the financial point where he can afford to move on and start fresh.

The Cardinals finished the season at 8-9, but Kyler regressed this past season, throwing 6 less TDs and 1 more INT, while attempting nearly 100 more passes than the previous year. You could blame the moo’s for taking a step backwards, but I attribute their decline in the fact that Coach Panos got a new toy in the backfield he wanted to play with. I think they ride out the cycle with Kyler still, but this team needs to do something to get out of this .500 rut they keep finding themselves in.

Mops, Aisle 6

This is a bold one. 49ers QB George Curran gets hurt at some point in the season. Jake questions why the world has it out for him, and wonders if it’s him or the team that is cursed. Chat feels bad, but also gets quality entertainment out of watching pain flow through both Curran’s body and Jake’s mental well-being. We aren’t perfect people for being entertained by travesty, okay!?

Bold take, and still nailed it. Now if you told me that he would get hurt IN THE SUPERBOWL AND JAKE WOULD STILL WIN, I would tell you to clean yourself up, because drugs hurt not only yourself, but those around you. But kudos to Jake for fighting through adversity. (Is it time to retire the Jake-complex jokes??)

Season 85 Top 5 Draft Order

(I don’t know if they have their picks, and I am too lazy to look.)

New England Patriots

Denver Broncos

LA Rams

Pittsburgh Steelers

Seattle Seahawks

(Side note: I was appalled to see the Cowboys at 3-1 and Giants at 1-3.)

Actual draft order: Patriots, Broncos, Rams, [Steelers, Saints, Packers tied for 4-6]. Seahawks shocked me by going 9-8, so I gotta hand it to Longville for proving me wrong.

Stop it already

Simple and easy one. Sometimes I feel like I need one of these. The Bucs won’t go 20-0 again. You all can relax.

16-1 with a playoff loss on top of it. I will gladly take it.

Season 84 Offensive Rookie of the Year

QB George Curran, San Francisco 49ers

Injury aside, I think the voters look at what he did all season and give him the nod. I also think there will be some guys that will be nominated that will cause some voters to not like their usage and refuse to give them votes.

Easiest prediction ever. This one didn’t even need listed on the ballot.

Season 84 Defensive Rookie of the Year

LB David Knight, Chicago Bears

Currently leads all rookies in tackles and sacks, from the MLB position. Add a couple of INTs this season and he will make this an easy race. I am impressed with Jabari Stewart in LAR, as he was one of the guys in the draft with a big draft profile.

2/2! This might be the first time I have got both ROTYs correct since doing these articles.

Season 84 Offensive Player of the Year

HB Dalvin Cook, Tennessee Titans

I think Dalvin will be fighting with a few QBs for this honor, but if he stays healthy, look for 2,200 total yards and flirts with 20 TDs.

Dalvin Cook in Season 84: 2,065 total yards, 24 TDs

All that work just to not even end up on the voting ballot. Moji would complain more about it, but then it would just fit into the narrative that he complains too much.

Season 84 Defensive Player of the Year

FS Kevin Byard, Tennessee Titans

I think people will see INTs being more impactful than sacks (they are), and he will get the nod over some 20+ sack guys. I like his abilities, and I like the chances he will to rack up the turnovers.

Apparently this cycle is going to favor TFLs and sacks, as 3 of the top 5 vote getters were defensive linemen, and we saw a guy get 18 INTs in the season and only get 5 1^st place votes out of 32.

Season 84 Most Valuable Player

QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

He avoids injury, he avoids suspension, he brings home more hardware.

If the awards come out on time, Mahomes wins this. Patty actually had more 1^st place votes than Curran (15 to 11).

Season 84 Super Bowl

Tennessee Titans 32, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31

Moji gets a final drive down 7, scores under :30 seconds remaining, and takes a page out of Trent’s book to go for 2 to knock out the former champ.

After a season of me saying Moji might stink, I then go on to proclaim he wins offensive and defensive players of the year and win the Super Bowl. Instead, he loses to Jim in the Wild Card round. Any given Sunday, I guess!

Time for a new season, new me.

A New Threat to the AFC

Lately, when you think about who might be representing the AFC, most people will flock to the AFC West and the occasional very smart predictions of the Titans. The Colts have been a fun story as well. Today I am going to throw in a dark horse to this contest: the Jacksonville Jaguars. Trevor Lawrence is a very talented Madden QB, and Spittah’s CPU GM has helped him draft WRs in back to back drafts. Pair that with Etienne, the Jaguars are turning into a very fun offense. Time will tell if Terry can replicate his offensive success he had in Cincy just a few seasons ago, but he is headed on that path. The AFC S will be a fun one to watch.

I Hate It Here

The Bucs are going 17-0 this season. With 12 games remaining, they only have the Bears, Falcons, Panthers, and Jets left as teams with winning records. Don’t hold your breath, because you will be waiting at least 13 weeks for them to get some real chances at losing.

King of the North

5 weeks into the season, and the Vikings already have a 2 game lead in the NFC North, as they sit 5-0 on the season. They also sit at 3-0 on the season in divisional games, and have the 2^nd highest point differential in the league. This one is a wrap; the other 3 NFC teams can throw in the towel now. Who knew that you just needed to trade your two best offensive weapons on your first day on the job to get to this point. [Takes notes]

Oden? More like Odumb.

Don’t look now, but the Bengals are 1-4 on the season, are 31^st in passing offense, and 29^th in scoring. Sure, losing Jamarr Chase for the first 6 games doesn’t help, but neither does losing you’re All-Pro QB and moving to 2^nd year QB Gerald Oden. Oden is only completing 58% of his passes thus far, and has yet to eclipse 1k yards so far. With the Burrow trade, the Bengals whiffed on their pick (3^rd pick overall) in taking Donnie Stover, an outside linebacker from Ohio State. Stover was tied for the 3^rd worst OVR rating for ALL players picked in the 1^st round, and you hate to see that for a guy who is already 23 years old. Stover has 3 total tackles in 5 games so far, and he really is JAG (Just A Guy).  Raise your hands if you saw this one coming.

Season 85 Offensive Rookie of the Year 

WR Ray Kennedy, Tennessee Titans

There are quite a few options this year at HB/WR, and QB Conrad Swift hasn’t wowed me quite yet. When in doubt, go with the #1 pick in the draft.

Season 85 Defensive Rookie of the Year 

OLB J.C. Pettis, Minnesota Vikings

Pettis wasn’t even the top pick for the Vikings. He wasn’t even the top defender they took. Safety Jameel Albert is an absolute stud and game wrecker, but Pettis is a guy who is doing everything at the moment.

Season 85 Offensive Player of the Year 

WR Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs

Sure Adel traded for AJ Brown. Little did Brown know he was just going take the small plays and let Rice do all the big plays. Rice is going to get 2k yards on the season. He has 630 on the season, and that includes a 1 catch for 12 yards in a simmed game. You can do the math.

Season 85 Most Valuable Player

QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Assuming the awards ballot is released before Adel gets eliminated.

Season 85 Superbowl 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 41, Kansas City Chiefs 28

You have to take the best odds here.