Baltimore Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley provides a blindside for quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild card round.
Chris
Ransom Last Updated: January 9, 2025.
5. Los Angeles Chargers 11-6-0
Versus
4. Houston Texans 10-7-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
Looking at the 2025 Draft Classes in each sport there is a lot of intrigue. I'd argue the 2025 NBA Draft which would have had every player in the top 12 go ahead of last years first overall pick Zachary Rissacher in the 2024 NBA Draft headlined by Duke power forward Cooper Flagg is the strongest of the six after being the weakest of the six in 2024 when comparing that draft to the NFL, NHL, MLB, MLS, and WNBA mock drafts. The 2025 NFL Draft is pretty strong at defensive end, running back, and defensive tackle as my two round 2025 NFL Mock Draft is up. Wes Langley posted his 2025 NFL Mock Draft with an updated draft order. My 2025 NHL Mock Draft is also up. My 2025 NBA Mock Draft is also up. My 2025 MLS Mock Draft is also up. My 2025 WNBA Mock Draft is up. Draft results for the 2025 MLS Draft are up as well.
The 2025 MLB Draft has Ethan Holliday Jackson Holliday's younger brother is the top prospect as well as the top High School batter, Seth Hernandez is the top High School pitcher, Jace Laviolette a center fielder on Texas A&M is the top college batter, and Jamie Arnold the number one starter on Florida State is the top college pitcher with those four all projected to go in the top 8. The Chicago White Sox, the worst team in the MLB will not pick until 10 due to lottery rules for the 2025 MLB Draft. The Washington Nationals won the 2025 MLB Draft Lottery, and my 2025 MLB Mock Draft is coming soon now that the draft order has been finalized.
Why the Los Angeles Chargers Will Win: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has a good offensive line with Rashawn Slater at left tackle, Zion Johnson at left guard, Bradley Bozeman at center, Trey Pipkins III at right guard, and Joe Alt, the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft at right tackle. Los Angeles has Jordan McFadden as their backup left guard and Jamaree Salyer as the backup right guard. Los Angeles has a good starting lineup on the offensive line along wity quality backups at both guard spots. The lack of offensive tackle depth is still an issue, but as long as Slater and Alt are healthy this team will be tough to stop defensively as Justin Herbert will have a clean pocket. Trey Pipkins III is out this week, but Jamaree Salyer should do a good job in relief of Trey Pipkins III. Trey Pipkins III is back at right guard.
Los Angeles has Ladd McConkey their 2024 second round pick out of Georgia at flanker wide receiver. Quentin Johnston, the Los Angeles Chargers 2023 first round pick out of TCU went from being the number four wide receiver at the beginning of the year to the secondary wide receiver on the Los Angeles Chargers depth chart. Josh Palmer went from the secondary wide receiver to the slot receiver. D.J. Chark is the number four wide receiver for depth. Derius Davis is the number five wide receiver. Simi Fehoko is the number six wide receiver rounding out the second string wide receivers and Brendan Rice a 2024 seventh round pick as well as the son of Jerry Rice is the number seven wide receiver on this depth chart. Josh Palmer is out at slot receiver in th wild card round. D.J. Chark will play slot receiver this week splitting reps with Derius Davis.
Los Angeles has Will Dissly as their starting tight end and Hayden Hurst as their backup tight end. Hayden Hurst could be back this week, so you could see more two tight end sets. Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst have both been injured and that has hurt the Los Angeles Chargers. Hayden Hurst will be activated off of injured reserve and will play in week 16. Will Dissly practiced this week and will be back as the Los Angeles Chargers will have all three tight ends at full health in week 17.
The Los Angeles Chargers also have J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards as their top two running backs with both running backs capable of being a number one running back in this backfield. J.K. Dobbins is the starter and Gus Edwards is the backup, but both are getting treated like number one running backs in a run heavy ofense. Hassan Haskins is the third string running back. Kimani Vidal a rookie running back that was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft after playing on the Troy Trojans leading the Trojans to back-to-back Sun Belt Championships in the Sun Belt Conference. J.K. Dobbins got injured in week 12. J.K. Dobbins got placed on injured reserve and will be out in weeks 13-16. J.K. Dobbins did get cleared to play in week 17.
The Los Angeles Chargers have Otito Ogbonnia at 3-4 right end, Poona Ford at 3-4 nose tackle, and Morgan Fox at 3-4 left end. Justin Eboigbe a 2024 fourth round pick out of Alabama is the backup 3-4 defensive end and Teair Tartt is the backup 3-4 nose tackle.
The Los Angeles Chargers have Joey Bosa at 3-4 right outside linebacker, Denzel Perryman at 3-4 middle linebacker, Daiyan Henley at 3-4 middle linebacker, and Khalil Mack complimenting him at 3-4 left outside linebacker with both edges having the ability to win one-on-ones against left tackles or right tackles. Los Angeles has Bud Dupree as their backup 3-4 right outside linebacker, Junior Colson a 2024 third round pick as one of their backup 3-4 middle linebackers with Troy Dye as the other backup 3-4 middle linebacker, and Tuli Tuipulotu as their backup 3-4 left outside linebacker to Khalil Mack after playing 3-4 left end at USC as well as edge rusher in a 3-4 defense on USC's defensive line leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft. Los Angeles has more depth on the front seven than a year ago.
The Los Angeles Chargers have Asante Samuel Jr. at field cornerback, Kristian Fulton is the boundary cornerback, Ja'Sir Taylor is the nickel cornerback, Elijah Molden is the dime cornerback as Molden did get an interception in week 2, Cam Hart a 2024 fifth round pick out of Notre Dame is the quarter cornerback only seeing the field in five cornerback sets, and Tarheeb Still another 2024 fifth round pick out of Maryland is the number six cornerback. The Los Angeles Chargers have more cornerback depth compared to a year ago and Kristian Fulton has rebounded with the Los Angeles Chargers in the first two games of 2024 after struggling with the Tennessee Titans in 2023. Los Angeles has Derwin James at strong safety and Alohi Gilman at starting free safety. Los Angeles did not have Asante Samuel Jr. or Kristian Fulton in week 9.
Los Angeles started Cam Hart at field cornerback whose looked amazing as a rookie in relief of Asante Samuel Jr. to the point where Cam Hart might be the Los Angeles Chargers number one cornerback for the forseeable future. Tarheeb Still the Los Angeles Chargers 2024 fifth round pick out of Maryland has also been excellent showing up and dominating as the number two boundary cornerback. Elijah Molden was the nickel cornerback next to Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still in week 9. Those three cornerbacks will start again in week 10. Los Angeles had Cam Hart at field cornerback, Kristian Fulton at boundary cornerback, and Tarheeb Still at nickel cornerback in week 11.
Cam Hart suffered a concussion in the saturday practice before the Monday Night game in week 12. Los Angeles played Kristian Fulton at field cornerback, Tarheeb Still at boundary cornerback, and Elijah Molden at nickel cornerback. Alohi Gilman got injured at free safety in week 12 too. Cam Hart is out in week 16, but will make his return in week 17.
The Los Angeles Chargers have Cameron Dicker as the starting kicker and JK Scott as the starting punter. Derius Davis ended up as the return specialist as a rookie starting at both kick returner and punt returner which comes as no surprise to anyone who saw him in Mobile at the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl.
Why the Houston Texans Will Win: C.J. Stroud the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Ohio State ended up winning Offensive Rookie Of The Year and took the Houston Texans to the Divisional Round as a rookie. Houston has Laremy Tunsil at left tackle, Juice Scruggs a 2023 second round pick at left guard, Jarrett Patterson a 2023 sixth round round pick out of Notre Dame at center, Shaq Mason at right guard, and Tytus Howard at right tackle. Blake Fisher is the backup left tackle, Kenyon Green is the backup left guard, and Charlie Heck is the backup right tackle. Houston moved Tytus Howard to right tackle and Blake Fisher to right tackle when Juice Scruggs got ruled out in week 15 and it looks like Scruggs is going to be out once again in week 16. Houston got Juice Scruggs back at left guard in week 18. Shaq Mason is out at right guard once agian in the wild card round. Houston started Tytus Howard at left guard and Juice Scruggs at right guard in week 18. Houston has Laremy Tunsil at left tackle, Tytus Howard at left guard, Jarrett Patterson at center, Juice Scruggs at right guard, and Blake Fisher at right tackle for a the wild card game.
Houston has Nico Collins as their number one flanker receiver, Stefon Diggs as their number two secondary receiver, and Nathaniel "Tank" Dell as their slot receiver after Stroud told the Houston Texans to draft the Houston Cougars wide receiver as a receiving target. Houston took Tank Dell in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Houston. Houston has John Metchie III currently the number four receiver on Houston's depth chart, Robert Woods is the number five wide receiver, Steven Sims is the number six wide receiver. Xavier Hutchinson is the number seven wide receiver on this depth chart. Tank Dell will be back this week. Houston placed Nico Collins on injured reserve entering week 6. Nico Collins returned in week 11.
Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell both suffered season ending injuries. Houston signed Diontae Johnson, who Baltimore cut this week hoping he fills a void. Houston has Nico Collins at flanker receiver, Diontae Johnson as their secondary receiver if they play him, and John Metchie III as their slot receiver. Robert Woods is the number four wide receiver, and Xavier Hutchinson is the number five wide receiver with both Stefon Diggs as well as Tank Dell out for the year.
Dalton Schultz is the starting tight end. Brevin Jordan has been the backup tight end in Quitoriano's absence before Houston cut Quitoriano. Brevin Jordan is out for the year. Cade Stover is now the backup tight end as he showed big time playmaking in the Hall Of Fame game after being a 2024 fourth round pick out of Ohio State after entering training camp as the fourth string tight end. Cade Stover's rapport with C.J. Stroud dating back to their time at Ohio State is incredible.
Joe Mixon is the starting running back. Dameon Pierce is the backup running back. British Brooks is the starting fullback. Davis Mills and Case Keenum looked good as backups in the preseason, but both were going against second team players on the Chicago Bears in the Hall Of Fame game. Davis Mills is the current backup to C.J. Stroud while third stringer Case Keenum is on injured reserve.
Houston has Danielle Hunter starting at 4-3 right end, Folorunso Fatukasi starting at 4-3 defensive tackle, Mario Edwards Jr. starting at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Will Anderson Jr. their third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama starting at 4-3 left end. Jerry Hughes is the backup 4-3 right end until Dylan Horton gets back with Derek Barnett as the backup 4-3 left end. Denico Autry may start when he returns from his suspension if Mario Edwards Jr. struggles at 4-3 defensive tackle in absence. Tim Settle Jr., the former Buffalo Bills defensive tackle is the backup 4-3 defensive tackle. Folorunso Fatukasi will be out in week 12. Houston had all four defensive ends at full health for the first time all season in week 12, but Folorunso Fatukasi missed the week 12 game.
Houston has Christian Harris a linebacker from Alabama at 4-3 right outside linebacker, Azeez Al-Shaair at 4-3 middle linebacker, and Henry To'oTo'o at 4-3 left outside linebacker. Christian Harris and Azeez Al-Shaair will be the only starters at linebacker in 4-2-5 nickel packages, but I'd start Henry To'oTo'o over Azeez Al-Shaair since I beleive Henry To'oTo'o has a higher ceiling. If any of those three linebackers get injured Houston won't have any depth with Henry To'oTo'o being the only depth Houston has at linebacker when the Houston Texans choose to operate a nickel defense. Christian Harris made his return last week, but played 4-3 middle linebacker with Henry To'oTo'o playing 4-3 right outside linebacker. Houston's front 7 looked a lot better with everyone at full health for the first time all season. Foley Fatukasi has missed 3 of the last four games after returning in week 15 before not playing in week 16.
Houston has Derek Stingley Jr. at field cornerback, Kamari Lassiter took the boundary cornerback job from free agent Jeffrey Okudah, Jalen Pitre will transition from free safety to nickel cornerback, Jeffrey Okudah is the dime cornerback. Jimmie Ward is starting at strong safety while Calen Bullock is starting at free safety as a 2024 third round pick out of USC. Eric Murray and M.J. Stewart remain backup safeties with Eric Murray as the backup free safety and M.J. Stewart as the backup strong safety. M.J. Stewart is out in week 1, so there won't be any depth behind Jimmie Ward if he goes down with an injury since Houston opted to move Jalen Pitre to nickel cornerback which was a position Pitre played situationally at Baylor despite mainly being a strong safety and free safety at Baylor. Houston had their secondary at full health for the first time in week 12 and then Jalen Pitre got injured, so he will miss multiple weeks. Jeffrey Okudah will take over as the nickel cornerback for the Houston Texans. Jimmie Ward also got placed on injured reserve.
Houston has Ka'imi Fairbairn at kicker. Tommy Townsend the Kansas City Chiefs punter signed with the Houston Texans. Dameon Pierce is the kick returner and the punt returner despite seeing less carries in Houston's backfield with the arrival of Joe Mixon.
Prediction: Los Angeles is a 2.5 point favorite at -2.5. The over or under is 42.5 with 59% of the public betting on Los Angeles. The money line is -155 for Los Angeles and +130 for Houston. Take Los Angeles to win and to cover with the under at -155. Bet $245 on this game for Los Angeles and win up to $400 as long as the Chargers win by 3 or more.
Final Score Chargers 28 Texans 13
Who Everyone Else Picked
Oren Shiri
Jason Bantle
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
6. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-7-0
Versus
3. Baltimore Ravens 12-5-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
We're back for the 2024 NFL Season. You can follow our weekly predictions crew. Jesse Lucas won the first year in 2014-2015. Jason Bantle and myself now have two championships after I won the NFL Pickem Champion Trophy for most accurate predictions against the spread in 2020-2021 and had the most accurate NFL predictions again in 2022-2023. Oren Shiri, Tanya Holmes, and Wes Langley have one pickem title too back in 2021-2022. Lisa Donovan got her first pickem Championship last year the best record in the country last year in 2023-2024 I'm hoping to pass the torch onto someone else if you can supplant Draft Utopia in 2024-2025. Send me your predictions on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn to be eligible for prizes should you have a perfect week.
For the fourth year in a row Draft Utopia defeated the maintstream media in NFL Predictions. After I had the best record in 2020-2021 going 181-74-1, Wes Langley went 189-95-1 in 2021-2022. I went 190-92-3 in 2022-2023 allowing Draft Utopia to become the first sports website in the world to three peat in NFL predictions. Last year Lisa Donovan went 199-86 on the year before her and three other staff members left the site following this NFL Season. We still got seven of our eleven from last year trying to keep our run against the mainstream media for a potential fifth year in a row for the 2024 NFL Season.
Matt Bowen of ESPN went 15-1 in week 1 and that is the best start in week 1 since people starting keeping track of mainstream media predictions in 2014. Matt Bowen now has a 199-73 record on the year. Emmy Bantle last years runner up to Lisa Donovan is now 197-75 in sole possession of second place. John Gonzalez the admin of The Sports Authorities Facebook group, Carlos of The Sports Authorities, and Doug Burrell of Gridiron Experts are all tied for the final three spots in the top 5 occupying the 3-5 spots nationally.
Andrew Kermish has the lead with one regular season left in the 2024 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Andrew is now 194-78 on the year after a 9-7 week 18 which puts him at sixth nationally. Gary Bantle, Chris, Gus from The Sports Authorities now rank seventh-ninth behind Andreww occupying the 7-9 spots nationally.
Wes Langley is in second place with one regular season left in the 2024 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Wes has a 190-82 record on the year. Wes is tied with Jason Reid of ESPN, and Brad Of The Sports Authories for tenth nationally. Wes, Jason Reid, and Brad occupy the 10-12 spots nationally.
Jason Bantle moves into third place in the 2024 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Jason Bantle is tied for thriteenth nationally with a 189-83 record on the year. Jason is tied with Mike Clay of ESPN, Lindsey Thirty of ESPN, and Stephania Bell of ESPN with Jason and those three ESPN analysts occupying the 13-16 spots nationally.
I am now 181-91 on the year. I am in sole possession of fourth place in the 2024 NFL Draft Utopia Pickem Standings. I am tied for thirty sixth nationally.
Tracy Porter of Draft Utopia is fifth in the 2024 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings with a 176-96 record on the year. Tracy is in sole possession forty fifth nationally.
Oren Shiri is 166-106 on the year. Oren is sixth in the 2024 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Oren is sole possession of fiftieth nationally.
Joseph Potter and is seventh in the 2024 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings at 160-112 on the year. Joey his tied for fifty first nationally.
There's a lot fewer NFL picks records being posted this year as I only have 90 in my database and that includes Tony Mario's picks which aren't posted on the site he emails me his winners each week as I've increased my database from 80 to 90 people for NFL predictions this week. If you want me to feature yours email me at chris@draftutopia.com, where I will respond and post your prediction records to the site.
Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Will Win: The Pittsburgh Steelers signed two quarterbacks to one year deals. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both got one year contracts with the Pittsburgh Steelers. I think both of these quarterbacks are massive upgrades over Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph. Russell Wilson will start in week 1. Russell Wilson got ruled out in week 1 with an injury, so now Justin Fields will start in week 1. Justin Fields has won the first three games for Pittsburgh, so he has the starting quarterback job locked up. Russell Wilson is taking first team reps and that is creating a ton of friction as Russell Wilson will get the start after Justin Fields helped Pittsburgh score 32 points on th Las Vegas Raiders in week 6. That 32 points was the highest point total of the year until Russell Wilson bested that with 37 points in his debut.
Pittsburgh has Broderick Jones their 2023 first round pick out of Georgia finally starting at left tackle after easing him in last year, Isaac Seumalo is the left guard, Zach Frazier Pittsburgh's 2024 second round pick out of West Virginia will start at center, James Daniels is the starting right guard, and Troy Fautanu, Pittsburgh's 2024 first round pick out of Washington is the starting right tackle. Fautanu was a blindside to Michael Penix Jr. at Washington, but has experience at both left tackle and right tackle making him an ideal bookend to Broderick Jones since he doesn't have the high ceiling Jones has. Troy Fautanu had knee surgery and is out for the regular season, so Pittsburgh opted to start Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle and moved Broderick Jones back to right tackle where he played as a rookie after he started two games at left tackle. James Daniels is out for the year at right guard too. Spencer Anderson has also started in relief of Isaac Seumalo at left guard, but Seumalo is back this week. Pittsburgh enters week 6 with Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle, Isaac Seumalo at left guard, Zach Frazier at center, Mason McCormick at right guard, and Broderick Jones at right tackle.
George Pickens is the flanker receiver and has been Pittsburgh's number one wide receiver the last two years. Mike Williams replaces Van Jefferson as the secondary wide receiver as Pittsburgh essentially replaced Diontae Johnson who started out as the flanker receiver when George Pickens arrived and I like the addition of Mike Williams in Pittsburgh. Calvin Austin III is the slot receiver. Van Jefferson is the number four wide receiver for depth in a role that suits him much better. Roman Wilson, Pittsburgh's 2024 third round pick out of Michigan is the number five wide receiver as you can continue to develop him. Scotty Miller a former Tampa Bay Buccaneer wide receiver who played under Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in Atlanta last year when Smith was their head coach is the number six wide receiver.
Pittsburgh's wide receiver depth is goes from respectable to good, but not great if Mike Williams shows up after playing awful with the New York Jets. I think Mike Williams will have to go back to being that wide receiver he was when the Los Angeles Chargers drafted him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft if Pittsburgh wants to make a playoff push. George Pickens has been ruled out in weeks 14 and 15. It looks like George Pickens will be out once again in week 16. George Pickens looks like he could be back in week 17.
Pittsburgh has Pat Freiermuth as their starting tight end, Darnell Washington was my number two tight end behind Michael Mayer in the 2023 NFL Draft despite falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round. Washington showed me why he has starter potential when filling in for an injured Freiermuth despite entering training camp as the third string tight end before beating out Zach Gentry for the tight end two job as a rookie. Pittsburgh is also moving starting fullback Connor Heyward into the third string tight end role since he outplayed Gentry like Darnell Washington last year. MyCole Pruitt who was Arthur Smith's third string tight end in Atlanta is the fourth string tight end in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh has Najee Harris their 2021 first round pick out of Alabama as their starting running back coming off a third straight season with over 1,000 rushing yards. Pittsburgh chose not to place a fifth year tender on Najee Harris despite his consistency due the emergence of their backup running back Jaylen Warren who showed he could be a number one running back on Pittsburgh. Warren is an RFA after this season and will be cheaper to retain than Harris which is probably why Pittsburgh didn't place a fifth year tender on Najee Harris. Pittsburgh also added Atlanta Falcons third string running back Cordarrelle Patterson who entered last years training camp as the first team running back before being supplanted by both Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier in Atlanta. Patterson knows Arthur Smith's offense since he was the bell cow when Arthur Smith was first hired as Atlanta's head coach so having Patterson in this running back room to teach Harris as well as Warren concepts in Arthur Smith's offense is a major asset in its own right despite the fact that he's currently on the NFL injured list for Pittsburgh. Ptitsburgh also has Jack Colletto a former Oregon State running back as their starting fullback managing to reload at fullback after moving Connor Heyward to tight end. Najee Harris might be out this week. Jaylen Warren is questionable.
Pittsburgh has more depth at running back and tight end than last year. I think they downgraded at wide receiver and will be dependent on George Pickens for big plays as I don't see Van Jefferson doing much in Pittsburgh's offense. The quarterback play as well as the lack of experience on this offensive line with Broderick Jones finally starting at left tackle in the NFL after being Pittsburgh's 2023 first round pick along with Fautanu a 2024 first round pick at right tackle and Zach Frazier a 2024 second round pick at centr means this offensive line could dominate down the road, but might also have some growing pains this upcoming season. If Isaac Seumalo is out in week 1, Mason McCormick would be the third rookie on this offensive line to start in week 1 as Seumalo got injured in practice last week.
Pittsburgh has Cameron Heyward at 3-4 right end, Keeanu Benton at 3-4 nose tackle, and Larry Ogunjobi at 3-4 left end. Dean Lowry is the backup 3-4 right end after being a starting 3-4 right end on Green Bay and Minnesota in 2023. Montravious Adams started at nose tackle prior to Benton beating him out for the nose tackle job as a second round rookie out of Wisconsin in the 2023 NFL Draft, but Adams has done well as the backup nose tackle. Isaiahh Loudermilk last years backup 3-4 right end to Heyward is now the backup 3-4 left end when Lowry is healthy. DeMarvin Leal, Pittsburgh's 2022 third round pick out of Texas A&M is now being listed as the third string 3-4 right end and Logan Lee, Pittsburgh's 2024 sixth round pick out of Iowa is the third string 3-4 left end. Larry Ogunjobi missed week 16, but will be back in week 17.
Pittsburgh has a top 5 edge rusher duo in the league with Alex Highsmith at 3-4 right outside linebacker and T.J. Watt at 3-4 left outside linebacker as this is one of the better pass rushing tandems in the NFL. Patrick Queen left Baltimore to go to Pittsburgh with Baltimore's 2020 first round pick and Elandon Roberts as the two starting 3-4 middle linebackers. Nick Herbig is the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker as the 2023 fourth round pick out of Wisconsin showed promise down the stretch as Nick Herbig is now the number three edge rusher in Pittsburgh. Preston Smith the starting 4-3 right end and 3-4 right outside linebacker on the Green Bay Packers is now the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker to T.J. Watt in Pittsburgh. Payton Wilson, the Butkus Award winner that Pittsburgh drafted out of North Carolina State in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft is the main backup 3-4 middle linebacker. Pittsburgh got Alex Highsmith back in week 14. Pittsburgh has all four pass rushers they got at full health now.
Joey Porter Jr. came in as a 2023 second round pick and ended up becoming Pittsburgh's number one field cornerback by midseason. Pittsburgh let both Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace walk. Pittsburgh traded for Carolina Panthers field cornerback Donte Jackson who will get to cover number two receivers at boundary cornerback instead of number one receivers. Jackson had to face Julio Jones, Mike Evans, Michael Thomas, Chris Godwin, Drake London, and Chris Olave when he was fully healthy in Carolina. Now he will get guys like Rashod Bateman, Tee Higgins, and Jerry Jeudy which will be good competition, but also probably more managable for him when facing AFC North teams. Pittsburgh is keeping Beanie Bishop Jr. at nickel cornerback after his impressive start. Corey Trice Jr. is the dime cornerback. Cameron Sutton will be the quarter cornerback back from his suspension as Pittsburgh signed him hoping he would be their nickel cornerback before his suspension. C.J. Henderson is the number six cornerback for depth.
Pittsburgh signed DeShon Elliott who did well for Miami at safety last year as their new starting strong safety. DeShon Elliott will compliment Pittsburgh's Pro Bowl free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick quite well. Miles Killebrew remains the backup strong safety while Damontae Kazee remains the backup free safety. I did not like Terrell Edmunds as I had a fifth round grade on Pittsburgh's 2018 first round pick and gaslit the Steelers front office for allowing Lamar Jackson to fall to a Division Rival. Turns out I was right on that one yinzers. As far as the Pittsburgh Steelers current safety tandem entering 2024, this might be the most encougaring safety tandem Pittsburgh has had since Troy Polamalu lined up at strong safety with Ryan Clark at free safety there's also good depth behind those two safeties as well. This is the healthiest Pittsburgh's defense has been all season with Cameron Sutton coming back from a suspension and Pittsburgh trading for Preston Smith. DeShon Elliott missed week 16.
Pittsburgh started Joey Porter Jr. at field cornerback, Corey Trice Jr. at boudary cornerback over Cameron Sutton, Beanie Bishop Jr at nickel cornerback, moved Minkah Fitzpatrick from free safety to strong safety with DeShon Elliott out and started backup free safety Damontae Kazee in week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens. Pittsburgh gets Donte Jackson and DeShon Elliott back in week 17, but won't have Joey Porter Jr. This means Pittsburgh probably starts Donte Jackson at field cornerback where he played on the Carolina Panthers, Corey Trice jr. plays boundary cornerback, Beanie Bishop plays nickel cornerback, DeShon Elliott plays strong safety, and Minkah Fitzpatrick plays free safety. Joey Porter Jr. is expected to be back and while Donte Jackson is questionable, I expect him to play.
Pittsburgh has Chris Boswell at kicker and Cameron Johnston at punter. Cordarrelle Patterson will be Pittsburgh's kick returner while Calvin Austin III will be the punt returner.
Why the Baltimore Ravens Will Win: Lamar Jackson is coming off of his second MVP regular season as the Baltimore Ravens quarterback since being drafted with the last pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Lamar Jackson has Ronnie Stanley at left tackle, Patrick Mekari at left guard, Tyler Linderbaum at center, Daniel Faalele moving from right tackle to right guard, and Roger Rosengarten is starting at right tackle. Josh Jones is the backup left tackle, Andrew Vorhees, who started the year at left guard is the backup left guard, Nick Samac Baltimore's 2024 seventh round pick is the backup center, Ben Cleveland is the backup right guard.
Baltimore's top three wide receivers are Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor playing in the slot. Baltimore has Tylan Wallace, Devontez Walker, and Steven Sims for depth at wide receiver. Zay Flowers didn't practice on Sunday or Monday leading up to the games on Christmas and if he doesn't practice on Tuesday he will be out. Baltimore Ravens head coach said in his Monday press conference that Zay Flowers will play, so I have to keep looking at the injury report throughout the day on Christmas Eve. Nelson Agholor is likely out and Baltimore cut Diontae Johnson because he didn't want to play ont he bench. Zay Flowers got injured in week 18 and is out for the wild card round.
Mark Andrews is still one of the leagues best tight ends and he might supplant Travis Kelce as the leagues top tight end in 2024. Baltimore also has Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar giving Baltimore ridiculously good depth at tight end.
Baltimore has Derrick Henry as their starting running back, Justice Hill as their backup running back, Keaton Mitchell as the third string running back, Rasheen Ali is the fourth string running back when the top three running backs are healthy. Baltimore could have their top four running backs back in the backfield.
Baltimore has depth at running back, wide receiver, tight end, and offensive tackle if injuries occur at those positions. If anything happens to Lamar Jackson the Ravens are screwed. Same could be said with the Baltimore Ravens interior offensive line.
Baltimore has Justin Madubuike at 3-4 right end, Michael Pierce at 3-4 nose tackle, and Broderick Washington at 3-4 left end. Travis Jones is the backup 3-4 nose tackle. Baltimore placed Michael Pierce on injured reserve heading into week 8. He served his four games on the injured reserve and is eligible to return in week 12, but Baltimore hasn't activated Pierce off of injured reserve yet. Michael Pierce is supposed to be back and Travis Jones is also healthy.
Baltimore has Odafe Oweh at 3-4 right outside linebacker and Kyle Van Noy at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Roquan Smith and Trenton Simpson are quite the tandem at 3-4 middle linebacker. David Ojabo is the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker, Malik Harrison is the backup 3-4 middle linebacker, Adisa Isaac is the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. Roquan Smith got injured in week 11 with a hamstring injury and looks like he is out in week 12. Malik Harrison stepped up in week 12. Roquan Smith is back this week.
Nate Wiggins is the field cornerback, Brandon Stephens is the boundary cornerback, and Marlon Humphrey is the nickel cornerback. Tre'Davious White is the dime cornerback. Ar'Darius Washington who began the season at nickel cornerback is the quarter cornerback. Arthur Maullet last years nickel cornerback is the quarter cornerback. Jalyn Armour-Davis the former Alabama cornerback that the Ravens drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft is the number six cornerback. Tre'Davious White is the number seven cornerback. T.J. Tampa, a 2024 fourth round pick out of Iowa State is currently the number eight cornerback. Arthur Maullet is on injured reserve and Jalyn Armour-Davis is out in week 18.
Baltimore has Kyle Hamilton at strong safety and Marcus Williams at free safety. Baltimore replaced Geno Stone with Eddie Jackson as their situational backup safety. All of Baltimore's defensive starters from last years team that returned are fully healthy.
Baltimore has Justin Tucker at kicker and Jordan Stout at punter. Justice Hill is the projected kick returner on Baltimore with Tylan Wallace being the punt returner on the Baltimore Ravens.
Prediction: Baltimore is a 10 point favorite at -10. The over or under is 41.5 with 80% of the public betting on Baltimore. The money line is and +380 for Pittsburgh and -500 for Baltimore. I like Baltimore to win and Pittsburgh to cover with the over at +380. Bet $420 on this game for Pittsburgh and win up to $800 as long as the Ravens win by 9 or less.
Final Score Ravens 24 Steelers 20
Who Everyone Else Picked
Oren Shiri
Jason Bantle
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
7. Denver Broncos 10-7-0
Versus
2. Buffalo Bills 13-4-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
Draft Utopia airs on Talkshoe. We have a show on as well as our usual weekend show on Talkshoe and Restream which livestreams what I do on Talkshoe to Youtube showcasing the visuals I use when breaking down things on my podcast. The Draft Utopia podcast is already underway with season 14 of Draft Utopia kicking off you can watch the videos in of season 14 and season 13 on Restream in the playlist below. I also added a playlist for the 2025 NFL Draft positional rankings.
Why the Denver Broncos Will Win: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix won the starting quarterback job as a rookie after being Denver's 2024 first round pick. Bo Nix has Garrett Bolles at left tackle, Ben Powers at left guard, Luke Wattenberg at center, Quinn Meinerz at right guard, and Mike McGlinchey the former San Francisco 49ers right tackle enters year two as Denver's starting right tackle. Denver's offensive line is better than you would think if their starters can stay healthy.
Courtland Sutton is the flanker wide receiver. Troy Franklin, Bo Nix's teammate at Oregon and Denver's 2024 fourth round pick is now the secondary wide receiver with Josh Reynolds on injured reserve. Devaughn Vale, Denver's 2024 seventh round pick out of Utah is the slot receiver. Marvin Mims Jr. is the number four wide receiver. Lil Jordan Humphrey is the number five wide receiver. A.T. Perry is the number six wide receiver if Denver activates him off of their practice squad. Josh Reynolds got placed on injured reserve before week 7 and is eligible to return in week 11. Josh Reynolds remains out in week 12.
Adam Trautman Sean Payton's former tight end in New Orleans is now re-united with Payton in Denver as the 2020 third round pick from Dayton enters a contract year. Greg Dulcich was the starting tight end late in the season and he is the backup tight end. Lukas Krull is the third string tight end.
Javonte Williams is the starting running back for the Denver Broncos back from his season ending injury in 2022. Jaleel McLaughlin is the backup running back. Audric Estime, Denver's 2024 fifth round pick out of Notre Dame is the third string running back.
Denver has John Franklin-Myers at 3-4 right end with D.J. Jones at 3-4 nose tackle. Zach Allen is the 3-4 left end. Denver's defensive line looks pretty good on paper with this trio.
Denver has Jonathon Cooper at 3-4 right outside linebacker who got a four year extension, Alex Singleton at 3-4 middle linebacker, Cody Barton at 3-4 middle linebacker, and Nik Bonitto at at 3-4 left outside linebacker after trading away Baron Browning. Jonah Ellis is the backup 3-4 outside linebacker after being Denver's 2024 third round pick as he will be a situational pass rusher. Denver has depth at edge rusher, but thanks to Drew Sanders season ending injury they will not have depth at 3-4 middle linebacker. Alex Singleton and Cody Barton can be solid inside linebackers if both stay healthy, but Singleton got ruled out for the year. Alex Singleton tore his ACL at 3-4 middle linebacker and is out for the year and his backup Drew Sanders is also out. Drew Sanders fully practiced for the first time since tearing his ACL in May, but will remain out in week 12. He might play when Denver hosts Monday Night Football in week 13, but I'd keep my fingers crossed on that. Drew Sanders got a sack on his only snap in week 15. He played in week 16 and got a sack in the Thursday Night game. He might get more reps in week 17.
Denver has Patrick Surtain II at field cornerback, Riley Moss is the boundry cornerback, Ja'Quaun McMillian is the nickel cornerback, Kris Abrams-Draine their 2024 fifth round pick started out as the number six cornerback, but started the last two games in relief of an injured Riley Moss is now the dime cornerback, Damarri Mathis is the quarter cornerback, and Levi Wallace is the number six cornerback for depth as he was inactive in week 16. P.J. Locke is the starting strong safety and Brandon Jones is the starting free safety. J.L. Skinner looked good in the preseason and he might supplant P.J. Locke as the starting strong safety at some point this season. Denver's backup free safety Dellarin Turner-Yell is on the PUP list. P.J. Locke is out at strong safety and Dellarin Turner-Yell is out at free safety in week 9. J.L. Skinner or Devon Key will start at strong safety next to free safety Brandon Jones in week 9. Key is listed above Skinner on Denver's depth chart, but I like Skinner more personally. Denver ended up starting Devon Key in week 9.
Denver has Will Lutz at kicker and Riley Dixon at punter. Marvin Mims Jr. is the return specialist in addition to the slot receiver at both kick returner and punt returner.
Why the Buffalo Bills Will Win: Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Josh Allen has a great offensive line with Dion Dawkins at left tackle, David Edwards at left guard, Connor McGovern at center, O'Cyrus Torrence at right guard. and Spencer Brown at right tackle. Buffalo and Tampa Bay were the only teams that weren't effected by injuries on the offensive line in 2023. Buffalo is moving Connor McGovern back to center where he played at Penn State after losing Mitch Morse Morse with David Edwards getting a second chance to start at left guard on a team friendly deal after being a backup to Connor McGovern at left guard in 2023. Sedrick Van Prann, a 2024 fifth round pick out of Georgia that I had a third round grade on is the backup center as center is the one position that Buffalo has depth at on this offensive line.
Buffalo has Khalil Shakir as their flanker wide receiver, Amari Cooper is theri secondary wide receiver, Mack Hollins is their slot receiver, Keon Coleman Buffalo's 2024 second round pick is their number four wide receiver. Curtis Samuel is their number five wide receiver. Buffalo has a lot of depth at wide receiver even though I question the decision to start Mack Hollins over Keon Coleman.
Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo's 2023 first round pick out of Utah supplanted Dawson Knox as the starting tight end following the injury to Dawson Knox. Quintin Morris is still the third string tight end. Dalton Kincaid missed weeks 11 and 12 at tight end. Dalton Kincaid is out in week 13.
Buffalo has James Cook as the starting running back as he enters his second season as a full-time starting running back. Ray Davis, Buffalo's 2024 fourth round pick out of Kentucky seems to have the backup running back job secured after jumping Ty Johnson on the depth chart with a strong showing in training camp. Ty Johnson is the third string running back. Reggie Gilliam is back at fullback. Buffalo will have to win games with Josh Allen, their tight ends, and their backfield if the depth chart reports about Keon Coleman beginning the season on the second team are true. Ray Davis did well starting in relief for James Cook. Buffalo might have a more lethal one two punch in the backfield than originally anticipated.
Buffalo has A.J. Epenesa at 4-3 right end, Ed Oliver at 4-3 defesive tackle, Daquan Jones at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Gregory Rosseau their 2021 first round pick as the starting 4-3 left end. Von Miller is the backup 4-3 right end with DeWayne Carter Buffalo's 2024 third round pick out of Duke as the backup 4-3 defensive tackle to Ed Oliver, Austin Johnson the Los Angeles Chargers nose tackle as the backup 4-3 defensive tackle to Daquan Jones. Dawaune Smoot signed a one year deal in Buffalo and is currently beating out Javon Solomon Buffalo's 2024 fifth round pick out of Troy for the backup 4-3 left end job behind Gregory Rosseau. Buffalo has Casey Toohill as their third string 4-3 right end and Javon Solomon as their third string 4-3 left end. Austin Johnson hasn't practiced the first two days heading into week 5. Von Miller is suspended the next two games games before he can return after week 8.
Buffalo has Dorian Williams at 4-3 right outside linebacker and Terrell Bernard at 4-3 middle linebacker on plays where Buffalo deploys a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Buffalo's best linebacker Matt Milano is out until December again. Terell Bernard has missed weeks 2, 3, and 4 now. Terrell Bernard is back. Terrell Bernard did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Baylon Spector the backup 4-3 middle linebacker might be starting again in relief of Bernard in week 8. Matt Milano returns in week 13. Matt Milano was inactive in week 16.
Buffalo has Christian Benford at field cornerback covering number one wide receivers, Rasul Douglas at boundary cornerback covering number two wide receivers, Taron Johnson is out this week so, Kaiir Elam, Buffalo's 2022 first round pick will be the nickel cornerback in relief of Taron Johnson as Taron Johnson has missed weeks 2, 3, and 4. Taron Johnson might be back in week 5. Kaiir Elam has done much better in training camp to the point where he's pushing both Rasul Douglas and Taron Johnson for the boundary corneback job across from Benford. Buffalo has Taylor Rapp last years backup strong safety back on a team friendly deal as the starting strong safety replacing Jordan Poyer after showing he could start in relief of an injured Poyer. Damar Hamlin is projeced to start at free safety. Buffalo also drafted Cole Bishop the Utah free safety with their second draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft which is something I actually predicted correctly in my 2024 NFL Mock Draft as Cole Bishop is the backup free safety to Damar Hamlin. Rasoul Douglas missed week 16 as did Taylor Rapp at strong safety. Kaiir Elam and Cole Bishop played in relief of those two in week 16.
Buffalo has Tyler Bass at kicker. Tyler Bass is the only asset on Buffalo's special teams. I don't trust Sam Martin at punter or Brandon Codrington the return specialist at both kick returner and punt returner.
Prediction: Buffalo is a 8.5 point favorite at -8.5. The over or under is 47.5 with 75% of the public betting on Buffalo. The money line is +340 for Denver and -440 for Buffalo. I like Buffalo to win and Denver cover with the over at +340. Bet $360 on this game for Denver and win up to $700 as long as the Bills win by 8 or less.
Final Score Bills 28 Broncos 20
Who Everyone Else Picked
Oren Shiri
Jason Bantle
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
7. Green Bay Packers 11-6-0
Versus
2. Philadelphia Eagles 14-3-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
I started a new show called Under The Bleachers with William Yanish and Brandice Bell. Here's a playlist of all the episodes.
I started a new show called Utopia Football Insider with Oren Shiri. Here's a playlist of all the episodes.
Why the Green Bay Packers Will Win: Jordan Love became the highest paid quarterback after going 9-8 and taking Green Bay to the Divisional Round of the NFC Playoffs last year after Green Bay's 2020 first round pick finally replaced Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay has Rasheed Walker at left tackle, Elgton Jenkins at left guard, Josh Myers at center, Jordan Morgan at right guard, and Zach Tom at right tackle. Green Bay also has Andre Dillard as the backup left tackle, Jacob Monk as the backup center, and Sean Rhyan as the backup right guard with better depth on their interior offensive line for quarterback Jordan Love.
Christian Watson, Green Bay's 2022 second round pick out of North Dakota State finished his rookie season strong after missing the early portion of the season with injuries and enters year three as the flanker receiver and number one target. Romeo Doubs Green Bay's 2022 fourth round pick out of Nevada is the secondary wide receiver, but will be Green Bay's number one receiver unless he gets ruled out too after being listed as questionable for week 1. Jayden Reed Green Bay's 2023 second round pick supplanted Romeo Doubs as the number two secondary wide receiver on this depth chart after winning the slot receiver job as a rookie. Dontayvion Wicks is the number four wide receiver on the Green Bay Packers. Christian Watson tore his ACL and he's out for the season.
Green Bay has Luke Musgrave their 2023 second round pick out of Oregon State as the starting tight end. Tucker Kraft was a starting tight end on South Dakota State before the Packers picked him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Green Bay has a good starter and backup tight end on rookie deals for three more years and both tight ends can perform like number one tight ends when fully healthy. Luke Musgrave got placed on injured reserve heading into week 6 and has not played since week 4. Luke Musgrave rehabbed in practice by practicing in a limited capacity. I doubt Luke Musgrave plays in week 13 or week 14 next thursday when Green Bay goes to Detroit. I bet Musgrave returns in week 15 or week 16 if he does end up returning.
Green Bay has Josh Jacobs as their starting running back and Marshawn Lloyd is the backup running back, and A.J. Dillon is the third string running back, but he will begin the season on injured reserve. Marshawn Lloyd the backup was inactive in week 1. Emmanuel Wilson who was supposed to be the third string running back got promoted to backup running back at the last minute. Green Bay has depth at running back, wide receiver, tight end.
Green Bay is moving from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense. Lukas Van Ness will start at 4-3 right end, Kenny Clark will start at 4-3 defensive tackle, T.J. Slaton will start at 4-3 defensive tackle beating out DeVonte Wyatt for one of the starting defensive tackle spots, and Rashan Gary is the starting 4-3 left end. Kingsley Engabare is the backup 4-3 defensive end as the backup to both Lukas Van Ness as well as Rashan Gary, Devonte Wyatt one of Green Bay's two 2022 first round picks out of Georgia is the backup 4-3 defensive tackle to Kenny Clark, and Karl Brooks is the backup 4-3 defensive tackle to T.J. Slaton. Colby Wooden is the third string 4-3 defensive tackle.
Green Bay has Quay Walker as their 4-3 right outside linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense with Isaiah McDuffie projected to start at 4-3 middle linebacker. Ty'Ron Hopper a rookie drafted in the third round is the backup to Quay Walker and Edgerin Cooper is the backup to Isaiah McDuffie right now, but something tells me Edgerin Cooper is starting for Green Bay by next season at the very latest with McDuffie in a contract year on the final year of his rookie deal. Edgerin Cooper missed week 12 and will be out again in week 13.
Green Bay has Jaire Alexander as their field cornerback as the Green Bay Packers 2018 first round pick out of Louisville is still the teams top cornerback. Eric Stokes is the boundary cornerback after being Green Bay's 2021 first round pick. Keisean Nixon is Green Bay's nickel cornerback. Carrington Valentine is the dime cornerback and Corey Ballentine is the quarter cornerback. Green Bay has Xavier McKinney at strong safety and Javon Bullard at free safety. Jaire Alexander missed week 4. He might be back in week 5, but he could also be out this week. Jaire Alexander played in week 5. Evan Williams has looked like a starting safety despite playing situationally. Jaire Alexander is out in week 12. Green Bay will have Eric Stokes at field cornerback, Carrington Valentine at boundary cornerback, and Keisean Nixon at nickel cornerback in week 12. Green Bay will go with the same three cornerbacks in week 13 that they went with in week 12. Jaire Alexander suffered a season ending injury making him out for the season.
Brandon McManus is the new stating kicker. Keisean Nixon Green Bay's nickel cornerback is the return specialist at kick returner and punt returner.
Why the Philadelphia Eagles Will Win: Philadelphia has Jalen Hurts at quarterback. Philadelphia has Jordan Mailata at left tackle, Landon Dickerson at left guard, Cam Jurgens at center, Mekhi Becton at right guard, and Lane Johnson at right tackle. Philadelphia also has Trevor Keegan as a backup left guard, Matt Hennessy as a backup center, Tyler Steen as a backup right guard. Jalen Hurts got injured in week 16 and backup quarterback Kenny Pickett came in. Pickett looked good early, but struggled as the game progressed. Former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy believes Pickett will start and Hurts will be out in week 17. Jalen Hurts and Kenny Pickett will be out in week 18, so third string quarterback Tanner McKee makes his first career NFL start.
Philadelphia has A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith two wide receivers that are capable of being number one options at wide receiver. Smith played flanker receiver as a rookie, but became the secondary wide receiver once Philadelphia traded for A.J. Brown in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Jahan Dotson is the slot receiver. Johnny Wilson, Philadelphia's rookie wide receivers drafted in the sixth round is the number four wide receiver. Ainis Smith, Philadelphia's 2024 fifth round pick is the number five wide receiver. DeVonta Smith will be back from his injury in week 14 after missing the last two games.
Dallas Goedert remains a top 10 tight end in the NFL making him another asset in the passing game for quarterback Jalen Hurts. Grant Calcentera remains the backup tight end to Dallas Goedert. Dallas Goedert returned from his injury in week 18.
Philadelphia has Saquon Barkley as their starting running back, Kenneth Gainwell as their backup running back, and Will Shipley the former Clemson running back from the 2024 NFL Draft as the third string running back. Philadelphia is deep at a lot of positions offensively and will be a force in the NFC as long as Jalen Hurts is healthy at quarterback, Jordan Mailata is healthy at left tackle, and Lane Johnson is healthy at right tackle. They have depth to reload if others on this offense outside of those three get injured, but those three must play all 17 games for Philadelphia to go on another run to a Super Bowl. I also believe offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will do well as the Philadelphia Eagles new offensive coordinator.
Philadelphia is moving from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. Jalen Carter is going to start at 3-4 right end, Jordan Davis will start at 3-4 nose tackle, and Milton Williams will start at 3-4 left end in a contract year. Byron Young who got cut by the Raiders is the backup 3-4 right end which is a scheme he's better suited in while Moro Ojomo is the backup 3-4 left end.
Philadelphia has Josh Sweat at 3-4 right outside linebacker, Zach Baun starting at 3-4 middle linebacker after playing outside linebacker at Wisconsin and on the New Orleans Saints, Nakobe Dean starting at the other 3-4 middle linebacker spot, and Nolan Smith starting at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Philadelphia has Bryce Huff as their backup 3-4 right outside linebacker. Oren Burks and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. are the two backup 3-4 middle linebackers. Brandon Graham is the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. Jalyx Hunt, Philadelphia's 2024 third round pick out of Houston Christian began the season as the third string 3-4 left outside linebacker, but has now been promoted to backup 3-4 right outside linebacker thanks to Bryce Huff their backup 3-4 right outside linebacker heading to injured reserve meaning Jalyx Hunt will be the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker in weeks 12, 13, 14, and 15. Philadelphia will not have Bryce Huff back until week 16 and lost Brandon Graham to a season ending injury as Graham announced his retirement following this season on monday.
Philadelphia has Darius Slay at field cornerback, Quinyon Mitchell is the boundary cornerback, and Cooper DeJean is Philadelphia's nickel cornerback as he looks as good as advertised. Isaiah Rodgers is the dime cornerback, Avonte Maddox is the quarter cornerback, and Kelee Ringo is the number six cornerback. Darius Slay left week 12 with an injury against the Los Angeles Rams. Philadelphia's secondary was not as good with Isaiah Rodgers in the lineup despite excellent play from both Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Darius Slay returns in week 14.
Philadelphia brought back C.J. Gardner-Johnson to start at strong safety and Reed Blankenship will start at free safety. James Bradberry is the backup strong safety. Sydney Brown their 2023 third round pick out of Illinois is the backup free safety.
Philadelphia has Jake Elliott at kicker. Jake Elliott is the only asset Philadelphia has on special teams, but having a top five kicker is crucial when you need points.
Prediction: Philadelphia is a 4.5 point favorite at -4.5. The over or under is 45.5 with 64% of the public betting on Philadelphia. The money line is +190 for Green Bay and -230 for Philadelphia. Take Philadelphia to win and cover with the under at -230. Bet $270 on this game for Philadelphia and win up to $500 as long as the Eagles win by 5 or more.
Final Score Eagles 24 Packers 19
Who Everyone Else Picked
Oren Shiri
Jason Bantle
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
6. Washington Commanders 12-5-0
Versus
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10-7-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
I will be doing a 12 team College Football Breakdown of my top 12 teams in College Football Each Week. This will be replacing the Bill Clinton College Football Playoff Selection Special that I've done for many years meaning you will get an authentic take from yours truely. I will also rank my projected SEC, Big 10, ACC, and Big 12 Champions in the top 4 overall since that's how the final College Football Playoff will be formatted with teams 5-11 also being power 4 teams as well as one group of five team.
Texas 13-2
Texas only lost one game to Georgia. Texas won out to clinch a spot in the SEC Title game. Texas lost the SEC Title to Georgia in overtime. Texas did well against Clemson and Arizona State. Texas is now the highest seeded team left in this years College Football Playoff.
Previously Ranked: 5th
Penn State 13-2
Penn State has Drew Allar back at quarterback, Nicholas Singleton back at running back, Tyler Warren back at tight end, Sal Wormley back at right guard, and Abdul Carter back at right outside linebacker. Penn State also added Julian Fleming Ohio State's slot receiver in the transfer portal. Penn State lost to Ohio State. Penn State won out while Ohio State lost to Michigan. Penn State played SMU and Boise State having a really easy path to the Semifinals after losing the Big 10 Championship to Oregon.
Previously Ranked: 6th
Notre Dame 13-1
Notre Dame lost to Northern Illinois earlier in the season. Notre Dame finished 11-1. As long as Notre Dame wins out they should be in the 12 team playoff. Notre Dame should be the 6 seed. Notre Dame ended up getting the 7 seed beating both Indiana and Georgia. Notre Dame will play Penn State in the Orange Bowl.
Previously Ranked: 7th
Ohio State 12-2
Ohio State has a ton of talent returning and they might be a more complete team than Georgia. Georgia has Carson Beck at quarterback while Ohio State has former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard coming in from the transfer portal to replace Kyle McCord whose now at Syracuse. Lots of seniors returned to Ohio State and this is the preseason number two team in the country as well as the consensus favorite to win the Big 10. Ohio State only lost to Oregon by 1 point. Ohio State defeated Penn State on the road handing the Nittany Lions their first loss of the year. Ohio State has two regular season games left. Ohio State hosts Michigan after blowing out Indiana. Ohio State lost to Michigan, but they no longer control their own destiny. Ohio State lost to Oregon by 1 point 32-31 and Michigan by 3 points 13-10. Their two losses are by fewer points then the two games Tennessee lost which is why they beat out Tennessee for the number eight spot heading into the Conference Championship week. I believe the 5-8 spots will be Oregon, Notre Dame, the SEC runner up, and Ohio State at 8 if Penn State wins the Big 10 Championship. Georgia was ranked higher in the preseason than Ohio State and Texas has a head-to-head win over Michigan, so both of those teams deserve to be ranked ahead of Ohio State since Ohio State lost to Michigan. I believe the top 5-8 spots will be Notre Dame, the SEC runner up, Ohio State, and Tennessee with Penn State coming in at 9 if Oregon wins the Big 10 Championship. Ohio State outscored Tennessee and Oregon 82-35 in the first two rounds of the College Football Playoff. They play Texas in the Semifinals at the Cotton Bowl which could be considered a home field for Texas.
Previously Ranked: 8th
Oregon 13-1
Oregon has one of the most complete offenses in the country. Dillon Gabriel is the starting quarterback, Evan Stewart as well as Tez Johnson are the top two wide receivers, Terrance Ferguson is the starting tight end, Josh Connerly is the blindside at left tackle, and Ajani Cornelius is the bookend offensive tackle at right tackle. Oregon finished the regular season undefeated in the regular season. Oregon remains undefeated heading into the 2024 Big 10 Championship Game and if they win that, they will be the number one overall seed. Oregon trailed Ohio State 34-0 in the first half and even though Oregon scored 21 points on Ohio State, they got routed by Ohio State in the quarterfinals of the this years College Football Playoff.
Previously Ranked: 1st
Georgia 11-3
Georgia has clinched a spot in the SEC Championship prior to this week. Georgia needed 8 overtimes to defeat Georgia Tech, but they made it to Atlanta where they get a rematch at a Texas Longhorns team they defeated earlier in the regular season. Georgia won the 2024 SEC Championship in overtime. Carson Beck had UCL surgery before the playoff game against Notre Dame. Georgia couldn't find a way to defeat Notre Dame.
Previously Ranked: 2nd
Boise State 12-2
Boise State's only regular season loss was to Oregon. Boise State has one game left against Oregon State at home before the Mountain West Championship. Boise State should win out. Ashton Jeanty is now the favorite to win the 2024 Heisman Trophy. Boise State won the Mountain West Championship game. Boise State couldn't do shit against Penn State's defense even with Abdul Carter and Kevin Winston Jr. the two best players on Penn State's defense out of the lineup.
Previously Ranked: 3rd
Arizona State 11-3
Arizona State finished the regular season at 10-2. Arizona State demolished Iowa State in the 2024 Big 12 Championship to secure the 4 seed in the 12 team playoff. Arizona State lost a heartbreaker to Texas in double overtime of the quarterfinals.
Previously Ranked: 4th
Tennesseee 10-3
Tennessee finished the year 10-2. Their only losses came to Arkansas and Georgia. I think Tennessee is firmly locked into the top nine heading into this week. If Oregon wins the Big 10 Championship, I think Tennessee moves into the top 8 and Penn State slides down to 9 especially if Penn State loses by more than 1 which is what Ohio State lost to Oregon by even with the loss to Michigan. If Penn State wins the Big 10 Championship Oregon would be 5 and Notre Dame would be 6. Ohio State would be 7 and Tennessee would be 8 if Georgia won the SEC Championship. If Texas gets even with Georgia, I suspect Georgia would be 7 and Ohio State would be 8 moving Tennessee down to 9. The only way I believe Tennessee stays at 9 is if Texas and Penn State win their conference championships in the SEC and Big 10 next week. Tennessee got slaughtered by Ohio State in Columbus in the first round of the first College Football 12 Team Playoff.
Indiana 11-2
Indiana finished the year 11-1. Despite the blowout loss to Ohio State, I believe they are firmly locked into the top 10. I believe the 9 VS 8 game will either be Penn State VS Tennessee if Penn State wins the Big 10 or Tennessee VS Ohio State if Oregon wins. Indiana will most likely the SEC runner up in the 10 VS 7 matchup on the road against Texas or Georgia. Indiana got blown out by Notre Dame. The only reason the game looked close at the end was due to some garbage time points by Indiana in South Bend.
SMU 11-3
The SMU Mustangs also known as Southern Methodist located in Dallas, Texas are undefeated in conference play in their first ACC season. SMU lost the ACC Title to Clemson by a field goal. SMU got blown out by Penn State in Happy Valley in the play-in round of the first 12 team College Football Playoff.
Clemson 10-4
Right now the eleven seed is up for grabs. I gave Alabama over Clemson the edge heading into this week. However, if Clemson defeats SMU to win the ACC Championship, I believe Clemson would move into the top 4 and SMU would drop to 11 setting up an SMU VS Notre Dame, SMU VS SEC runner up, SMU VS Penn State, or SMU VS Ohio State. If SMU wins the ACC, they will be the three seed and Alabama will likely keep this spot playing either Penn State, Notre Dame, or Ohio State on teh road depending on what happens in the Big 10 Championship. The selection committee will avoid conference matchups in the first round. Clemson lost to Texas in the play-in round.
Why the Washington Commanders Will Win: The Washington Commanders have Jayden Daniels starting at quarterback as the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of LSU will start at quarterback after winning last years Heisman Trophy. Washington has Brandon Coleman a 2024 third round pick out of TCU at left tackle, Nick Allegretti at left guard, Tyler Biadasz at center, Sam Cosmi Washington's 2021 second round pick out of Texas is at right guard, and Andrew Wylie the right tackle. Washington doesn't have a lot of quality depth players on the offensive line.
Washington has Terry McLaurin as their flanker wide receiver, Noah Brown is now the secondary wide receiver after his hail mary catch after starting the year as the number six wide receiver. Luke McCaffrey their 2024 third round pick out of Rice as the number four wide receiver earned the slot receiver job by week 4. Dyami Brown their secondary wide receiver who began the season as the number two wide receiver in week 1 got benched for Luke McCaffrey after McCaffrey stepped up in Washington's Monday Night Football win versus the Cincinnati Bengals in week 3, but Dyami is still the number four wide receiver. Olamide Zaccheaus began the year as the slot receiver, but he's now the number five wide receiver. Jamison Crowder was the number five wide receiver at the beginning of the year, but he's currently on injured reserve.
Washington has Zach Ertz as their starting tight end, John Bates their 2021 draft pick out of Boise State is the backup tight end, and Ben Sinnott their 2024 second round pick out of Kansass State is the third string tight end. Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kinsbury decided to start all three tight ends while only starting their best wide receiver Terry McLaurin in week 9 against the New York Giants. Washington won and that controversial decision by the former Arizona Cardinals head coach paid off. Kingsbury has done a masterful job as an offensive coordinator with Jayden Daniels, but if your a Washington fan you want to keep Kingsbury on as the offensive coordinator as long as possible because he's a great offensive coordinator, but not an NFL head coach.
Washington also has Brian Robinson Jr. as their starting running back with Austin Ekeler as a solid backup running back as Ekeler will be the change of pace running back to Brian Robinson Jr. Washington's third string running back is weaker than last year as the Washington Comanders will rely heavily on Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. Washington has Jeremy McNichols as their third string running back and Chris Rodriguez Jr. their 2023 sixth round pick out of Kentucky going from third string running back to fourth string running back. When Brian Robinson Jr. was ruled out in week 9, Chris Rodriguez Jr. got promoted from the practice squad to third string running back. Austin Ekeler started that game, but Chris Rodriguez Jr. showed he could push Jeremy McNichols for backup reps if Brian Robinson Jr. is injured. Brian Robinson Jr. is out again he missed week 9 and will miss week 10.
Washington has Dorance Armstong Jr. at 4-3 right end, Jer'Zhan Newton their 2024 second round pick starts at 4-3 defensive tackle replacing Jonathan Allen who suffered a season ending injury, Da'Ron Payne at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Clellin Ferrell at 4-3 left end. Sebastian Jean-Baptiste their 2024 seventh round pick is the backup 4-3 right end behind Dorance Armstrong Jr., Phidarian Mathis is the backup 4-3 defensive tackle to Da'Ron Payne as well as Jer'Zhan Newton thanks to Jonathan Allen suffering a season ending injury, and Dante Fowler Jr. is the backup 4-3 left end behind Clellin Ferrell.
Washington has Frankie Luvu as their 4-3 right outside linebacker, Bobby Wagner is the 4-3 middle linebacker, and Jamin Davis the Washington Commanders 2021 first round pick out of Kentucky is the 4-3 left outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense, but he's also the backup middle linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Washington has good starters at linebacker, but there's not a lot of depth at linebacker.
Washington has Marshon Lattimore at field cornerback, Benjamin St. Juste is the boundary cornerback after having to transition from nickel cornerback to number one cornerback in the final year of his rookie deal as trading for Lattimore gives you the flexibility to put Benjamin St. Juste against number two wide receivers rather than number one receivers, Mike Saintristl their 2024 second round pick is the nickel cornerback. Michael Davis is the dime cornerback. Emmanuel Forbes is the quarter cornerback after being Washington's 2023 first round pick. Noah Igbinoghene is the number six cornerback cornerback. Jeremy Chinn is the starting strong safety and Jartavius Martin now known as Quan Martin is the starting free safety. Darrick Forrest is the backup safety to both Chinn and Martin. Washington's pass defense was ranked fifth in the NFL before adding a true number one cornerback in Marshon Lattimore at the 2024 NFL Trade Deadline, but Washington's pass defense is ranked high because Washington played an easier strength of schedule at the beginning of the year. Marshon Lattimore missed weeks 10 and 11. Marshon Lattimore played in week 16 making his debut, but he's out in week 17.
The Washington Commanders cut their kicker Cade York, but Austin Seibert was great at kicker in his debut in week 2 making seven field goals in one game. Byron Pringle is the kick returner and Jamison Crowder is the punt returner.
Why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Will Win: Baker Mayfield did well in his first year as a starting quarterback, but I'm not sure he does as well without his offensive coordinator Dave Canales. Baker Mayfield has Tristian Wirfs at left tackle, Ben Bredeson at left guard, Graham Barton their 2024 first round pick is the starting center, Cody Mauch is at right guard after being the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 second round pick out of North Dakota State entering his second year, and Luke Goedeke is entering his third season as well as his second season at right tackle. Royce Newman the backup left guard and Robert Hainsley the backup center are the only quality backups on the offensive line.
Tampa Bay has Mike Evans as their flanker wide receiver, Chris Godwin is their secondary wide receiver, and Jalen McMillan their 2024 third round pick as the slot receiver. Trey Palmer, Tampa Bay's 2023 sixth round pick out of Nebraska was the slot receiver last year as a rookie, but is now the number four wide receiver this year. Sterling Shepard is the number five wide receiver on this depth chart. Rakim Jarrett is the number six wide receiver. Tampa Bay feels deeper at wide receiver than last year. Chris Godwin is out for the year, but Mike Evans is finally back in week 12. Mike Evans will be the flanker wide receiver, Jalen McMillan will be the secondary wide receiver, and Trey Palmer will be the slot receiver.
Cade Otton Tampa Bay's 2022 fourth round pick at tight end enters his second season as Tampa Bay's starting tight end. Payne Durham their 2023 fifth round pick is the backup tight end. Ko Kieft a 2022 sixth round pick out of Minnesota is the third string tight end. Devin Culp their 2024 seventh round pick out of Washington is the fourth string tight end. Tampa Bay has incredible tight end depth as they look stronger in terms of depth than last year despite not having a star tight end.
Tampa Bay has Rachaad White as their starting running back, Bucky Irving their 2024 fourth round pick out of Oregon is their backup running back, and Sean Tucker last years fourth string running back is now the third string running back. Bucky Irving hasn't practiced this week, but he didn't leave the Monday Night Football game with the injury.
Tampa Bay has Logan Hall at 3-4 right end, Vita Vea at 3-4 nose tackle, and Calijah Kancey at 3-4 left end. Greg Gaines is the backup 3-4 nose tackle and William Gholston as their backup 3-4 left end. Tampa Bay will have their defensive line at full health for the first time all season in week 6. Greg Gaines is out in week 9 after having a fully healthy defensive line the last three weeks.
Tampa Bay has Yaya Diaby at 3-4 right outside linebacker and Joe Tryon at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Tampa Bay also has Lavonte David and K.J. Britt at 3-4 middle linebacker. Anthony Nelson is the backup 3-4 right outsie linebacker, SirVocea Dennis a 2023 fifth round pick out of Pittsburgh as their backup 3-4 middle linebacker, and Chris Braswell a 2024 second round pick out of Alabama is the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. Tampa Bay has quite a bit of depth on the front 7 despite Shaquille Barrett leaving the team and retiring shortly afterwards. Lavonte David missed week 8, but he will play in week 9.
Tampa Bay has Zyon McCollum at field cornerback, Jamel Dean at boundary cornerback, and Tykee Smith their 2024 third round pick out of Georgia as a nickel cornerback. Jordan Whitehead is starting at strong safety and Antoine Winfield Jr. is starting at free safety. Antoine Winfield Jr. is returning from his injury for the wild card game. Mike Edwards will play strong safety in relief of Jordan Whitehead who got placed on the NFL injured list after a car accident.
Chase McLaughlin is the starting kicker. Bucky Irving is the kick returner for Tampa Bay as a rookie. Trey Palmer is the punt returner for Tampa Bay, so he will still have a pivotal role on this team despite being demoted from the slot receiver to the number four wide receiver.
Prediction: Tampa Bay is a 3 point favorite at -3. The over or under is 50.5 with 61% of the public betting on Tampa Bay. The money line is +140 for Washington and -170 for Tampa Bay. Take Tampa Bay to win and cover with the over at -170. Bet $230 on this game for Tampa Bay and win up to $400 as long as the Buccaneers win by 4 or more.
Final Score Buccaneers 28 Commanders 23
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5. Minnesota Vikings 14-3-0
Versus
4. Los Angeles Rams 10-7-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
Jake Ellenbogen is one of the better Rams insiders on Youtube. We had him on the podcast. He interviewed former Los Angeles Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth on Monday afternoon.
Why the Minnesota Vikings Will Win: Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback Sam Darnold has Cam Robinson at left tackle atfter Christian Darrisaw tore his ACL and MCL in week 8, Blake Brandel at left guard, Garrett Bradbury at center, Ed Ingram at right guard and Brian O'Neill at right tackle. This is an effective offensive line when fully healthy, but the Vikings do not have any depth behind these five starters. That's why Minnesota traded for Cam Robinson after their 2021 first round pick Christian Darrisaw got paid. Minnesota drafted Oklahoma left tackle Walter Rouse in the sixth round for depth at left tackle, but he struggled in his NFL debut. J.J. McCarthy suffered a season ending injury in practice as Minnesota's 2024 first round pick and will not play this season after getting season ending knee surgery. Daniel Jones, the former New York Giants starting quarterback who handed Kevin O'Connell a loss in Kevin O'Connell's only playoff game as a head coach wanted to go to a contender, so Minnesota signed Daniel Jones for only $375,000.
Justin Jefferson is a number one flanker receiver for Minnesota, but he's also the best wide receiver in the NFL. Jordan Addison is going to start out as the secondary wide receiver on this depth chart as he returns in week 4 with Jalen Nailor remaining at slot receiver. T.J. Hockenson is Minnesota's starting tight end and he will make his season debut. Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver will split reps as the number two tight end with the other guy being the third string tight end. Minnesota has Aaron Jones as their starting running back and Ty Chandler as the backup running back. Josh Oliver is out at tight end in week 12.
Minnesota has Jerry Tillery at 3-4 right end, Harrison Phillips at 3-4 nose tackle, and Jonathan Bullard at 3-4 left end. Minnesota has some depth at 3-4 defensive end with Jonathan Bullard as their backup 3-4 defensive end to Dean Lowry and Jacquelin Roy won Minnesota's backup 3-4 nose tackle job after being the Minnesota Vikings 2023 third round pick out of LSU.
Minnesota has Jonathan Greenard at 3-4 right outside linebacker, Blake Cashman at 3-4 middle linebacker, Ivan Pace Jr. at 3-4 middle linebacker, and Andrew Van Ginkel at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Dallas Turner, Minnesota's other 2024 first round pick is the backup 3-4 right outside linbeacker, Brian Asamoah II is the backup 3-4 middle linebacker, and Patrick Jones II is the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. Ivan Pace Jr. is out at 3-4 middle linebacker in week 3 and once again in week 4, so Brian Asamoah II will take his place as the other starting 3-4 middle linebacker next to Brian Cashman. Dallas Turner could be back this week in a depth role. Blake Cashman missed week 9, but he's gonna finally be back from his injury in week 10. Ivan Pace Jr. got injured in week 9. Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. are both questionable in week 10.
Byron Murphy Jr. is the field cornerback and Stephon Gilmore is number two boundary cornerback this season with Mekhi Blackmon tearing his ACL. Minnesota has Shaq Griffin at nickel cornerback after he beat out last years nickel cornerback Akayleb Evans their 2022 fourth round pick out of Missouri for that job in training camp. Akayleb Evans is dealing with an injury. Khyree Jackson died and Minnesota traded Andrew Booth Jr. away. Minnesota has Camryn Bynum at strong safety and Harrison Smith at free safety. Minnesota has Josh Mettellus as their backup safety.
Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard has done well at kicker. Minnesota has question marks at punter, kick returner, and punt returner on special teams heading into the season.
Why the Los Angeles Rams Will Win: Matthew Stafford is back from his injury and should be healthier in 2023. Los Angeles has Joseph Noteboom at left tackle, Steve Avila their 2023 second round pick out of TCU is the left guard, Jonah Jackson is the starting center, Kevin Dotson is the right guard, and Rob Havenstein is starting at right tackle. Alaric Jackson is the backup left tackle. Connor McDermott the backup left guard is on injured reserve to begin the year. Beaux Limmer a 2024 sixth round pick out of Arkansas is the backup center. Logan Bruss is the backup right guard. Warren McClendon Jr. the starting right tackle at Georgia last year was the Los Angeles Rams 2023 fifth round pick is the backup right tackle. The Los Angeles Rams have better starters and still have quality depth on the offensive line even though the depth doesn't feel as strong as last year. I do think the Rams have better starters on the offensive line though.
Joseph Noteboom missed week 8 and week 9. He could be back soon in week 10. Steve Avila could be back at left guard and Jonah Jackson could be back at center. Los Angeles could have Joseph Noteboom at left tackle, Steve Avila at left guard, Jonah Jackson, Kevin Dotson at right guard, and Rob Havenstein at right tackle. Los Angeles could have their offensive line at full health for the first time all year. Los Angeles had Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson back, but did not have Joseph Noteboom at left tackle in week 10. Joseph Noteboom and Rob Havenstein did not practice on wednesday heading into week 11. Joseph Noteboom and Rob Havenstein missed week 12, but both should be back in week 13.
Los Angeles has Cooper Kupp as their flanker number one wide receiver, Puka Nacua is the secondary wide receiver, but showed he could be a number one primary receiver as a rookie when Cooper Kupp was injured, and Demarcus Robinson is the slot receiver. Tutu Atwell is the number four wide receiver, Tyler Johnson is the number five wide receiver, and Jordan Whittington a 2024 sixth round pick out of Texas is the number six wide receiver beating out Ben Skowronek for that final roster spot at wide receiver.
The Los Angeles Rams have amazing depth at tight end too. Tyler Higbee is on the PUP list to begin the year. Colby Parkinson who was brought in to be the number two tight end to Higbee will be the number one tight end in week 1. Davis Allen the third string tight end is the backup tight end until Tyler Higbee returns. Hunter Long the fourth string tight end is the third string tight end until Tyler Higbee returns. Tyler Higbee is expected to make his season debut in week 16.
Los Angeles has Kyren Williams as their starting running back with Blake Corum their 2024 third round pick out of Michigan as the number two running back. Ronnie Rivers is the third string running back. Cody Schraeder is the fourth string running back.
The Rams have a lot more depth at running back, wide receiver, tight end, and offensive line compared to a season ago when injuries began to pile up. As long as everyone on this offense is fully healthy, Stetson Bennett might be able to come in and make an impact if something happens to Matthew Stafford. For now, quarterback Matthew Stafford and Super Bowl 56 MVP Cooper Kupp at wide receiver are still the core pieces on this offense with young emerging talents like Puca Nacua and Kyren Williams estabilishing themselves as stars on this offense as well.
Los Angeles has Braden Fiske their 2024 second round pick taking over for Aaron Donald at 3-4 right end. Bobby Brown III a 2021 fourth round pick out of Texas A&M as the starting nose tackle, and Kobie Turner a 2023 third round pick out of Wake Forest was one of the best rookies at 3-4 left end. Neville Gallimore replaces Larrell Murchison as the backup 3-4 right end to Braden Fiske. Tyler Davis their 2024 sixth round pick out of Clemson is the backup nose tackle, and Desjuan Johnson, Mr. Irrelevant in the 2023 NFL Draft is the backup 3-4 left end. Los Angeles still has a lot of depth on this defensive line despite Aaron Donald retiring.
Los Angeles will have Jared Verse at 3-4 right outside linebacker and Byron Young a 2023 third round pick out of Tennessee starting at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Omar Speights who went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft is one of the undrafted rookies to win a starting job as he will start at 3-4 middle linebacker and Christian Rozeboom are the two starters at 3-4 middle linebacker. Nick Hampton a 2023 fifth round pick out of Appalachian State is the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker and Michael Hoecht last years 3-4 right outside linebacker is now the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. The Rams don't have great depth at 3-4 middle linebacker if anything happens to Omar Speights or Christian Rozeboom as that is one area of the defense that will need to be upgraded if both guys underperform and this is a weak inside linebacker draft in 2025. Los Angeles signed Rahshod Weaver as a 3-4 outside linebacker for depth. Los Angeles signed Tony Fields II to their roster after the Cleveland Browns demoted him to the practice squad.
Los Angeles has Darious Williams at field cornerback, and Decobie Durant at boundary cornerback. Quentin Lake is the nickel cornerback. There's no depth at cornerback outside of Lake due to Derrion Kendrick going on season ending injured resrve along with Tre'Vious Hodges-Tomlinson. Russ Yeast also got cut by the Los Angeles Rams. Darious Williams going on injured reserve for the first four weeks. Kamren Curl is the starting strong safety and John Johnson III is the starting free safety. Kamren Kinchens one of their two 2024 third round picks out of Miami FL is the backup safety. John Johnson III has been out with an injury since week 2 and Kamren Kinchens has gained invaluable experience starting at free safety as a rookie.
Joshua Karty is the starting kicker as the Los Angeles Rams got my top kicker in the 2024 NFL Draft. Ethan Evans enters his second year as the starting punter after being a 2023 seventh round pick. Tutu Atwell is the kick returner and Kyren Williams is the starting punt returner.
Prediction: Minnesota is a 1.5 point favorite at -1.5. The over or under is 46.5 with 60% of the public betting on Minnesota. The money line is -125 for Minnesota and +105 for Los Angeles. I like Los Angeles to win and to cover with the over at +105. Bet $195 on this game for Los Angeles and win up to $300 as long as the Vikings win by 1 or less.
Final Score Rams 24 Vikings 23
Who Everyone Else Picked
Oren Shiri
Jason Bantle
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
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The Utopia Of Sports
Texas 13-2
Penn State 13-2
Notre Dame 13-1
Ohio State 12-2
Oregon 13-1
Georgia 11-3
Boise State 12-2
Arizona State 11-3
Tennesseee 10-3
Indiana 11-2
SMU 11-3
Clemson 10-4
