Seattle heads to San Francisco. Can Brock Purdy lead San Francisco to another Division Title?
Chris Ransom Last Updated: January 3, 2026.
Carolina Panthers 8-8-0
Versus
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-9-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
I'm going to try my best to update Tony Mario's 2025 NFL Power Rankings this week. Find out who remains atop the NFL Power Rankings this week.
Why the Carolina Panthers Will Win: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama will have Ikem Ekwonu at left tackle as well as Carolina's 2022 first round pick out of North Carolina State, Damien Lewis at left guard, Austin Corbett at center, Robert Hunt at right guard, and Taylor Moton at right tackle. Carolina has the exact same offensive lne for the second year in a row. Brady Christensen is the backup left tackle and the backup left guard. Cade Mays is the backup center, Chandler Zavala their 2023 fourth round pick out of North Carolina State is the backup right guard, Yosh Nijman is the backup right tackle. Carolina put Austin Corbett and Robert Hunt on injured reserve prior to week 3. Carolina's backup right guard Chandler Zavala also got placed on injured reserve. Carolina did not have Taylor Moton at right tackle in week 6, but he came back in week 7. Bryce Young returned in week 9 as did starting left guard Damien Lewis and center Austin Corbett. Robert Hunt is still out at right guard, but his backup Chandler Zavala was back at right guard, and Yosh Nijman got the start in relief of Taylor Moton after Moton left week 8 against Buffalo with an injury. Taylor Moton was cleared to play in week 9, but Carolina kept him on the bench as a precautionary measure. Robert Hunt and Chandler Zavala are both out at right guard. Chandler Zavala is still on injured reserve, but Robert Hunt Carolina's best right guard is designated for return.
Carolina will most likely start Ikem Ekwonu at left tackle, Damien Lewis at left guard, Cade Mays the backup center at center, Austin Corbettt the starting center at right guard until Robert Hunt returns, and Taylor Moton at right tackle in week 10. Bryce Young should have more time in the pocket. If Robert Hunt starts at right guard, Corbett could move to center.
Bryce Young has Tetairoa McMillan Carolina's 2025 first round pick out of Arizona as his number one flanker receiver, Xavier Legette a 2024 first round pick out of South Carolina as his secondary wide receiver, Jalen Coker is the slot receiver. Jimmy Horn Jr. a 2025 sixth round pick out of Colorado began the year as the number six wide receiver on Carolina's depth chart, but he got promoted to number four wide receiver for week 9 with both Hunter Renfrow inactive and David Moore Jr. still on injured reserve in week 9.
Carolina has Tommy Tremble, Carolina's 2021 third round pick out of Notre Dame as their starting tight end. Carolina drafted Texas tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft as Sanders was my second best tight end behind Brock Bowers as Ja'avion Sanders led the tight end competiton early before Tomy Tremble own that job. Mitchell Evans a 2025 fifth round pick out of Notre Dame was the third string tight end, but with Ja'Tavion Sanders suffering a season ending injury in week 17, Mitchell Evans now becomes the backup tight end.
Carolina has Chubba Hubbard as their starting running back, Jonathon Brooks was their 2024 second round pick out of Texas and he's still on the NFL injured list. Rico Dowdle fills in for Jonathon Brooks as a stop-gap backup running back. Trevor Etienne, Carolina's 2025 fourth round pick out of Georgia is the third string running back. Chuba Hubbard was ruled out in week 5 and Rico Dowdle got the start. Rico Dowle started once again in week 6. Chuba Hubbard returned in week 7. Carolina opted to start Rico Dowdle in week 9 since he has done better than Hubbard as of late.
Carolina has Derrick Brown at 3-4 right end, A'Shawn Robinson at 3-4 nose tackle, and Tershawn Wharton who took the defensive tackle job from Derrick Nnadi last year down the stretch across from Chris Jones at 3-4 left end. Carolina has Bobby Brown III as their backup 3-4 right end, Cam Jackson a 2025 fifth round pick out of Florida that I thought had starter potential is the backup 3-4 nose tackle. Labryan Ray is be the backup 3-4 left end. Not only does Carolina have quality starters on their interior defensive line, the depth looks promising as well entering this season. Carolina activated Bobby Brown III off of injured reserve, but had him as a backup in addition to bringing back Labryan Ray as this is will be the first game of the Carolina Panthers NFL season this year where the entire defensive line is at full health.
Carolina has D.J. Wonnum at 3-4 right outside linebacker once he gets back from the PUP list, Trevin Wallace at 3-4 middle linebacker, Christian Rozeboom at 3-4 middle linebacker, and Patrick Jones II at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Carolina has Nic Scourton their 2025 second round pick out of Texas A&M as the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker and Princely Umamielen Carolina's 2025 third round pick out of Ole Miss as the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. Carolina has way more depth on the edge and on interior with the defensive line this year. The drawback is they are much thinner at 3-4 middle linebacker as it can be argued that Trevin Wallace and Christian Rozeboom are both downgrades over Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell despite being younger. Patrick Jones II is out at 3-4 left outside linebacker which means Nic Scourton or Princley Umamielen will get their first NFL start in week 3. D.J.Wonnum has been ruled out in week 4 and Patrick Jones II is still out. Carolina had Nic Scourton starting at 3-4 right outside linebacker and Princely Umamielen starting at 3-4 left outside linebacker in week 4. Carolina got D.J. Wonnum and Patrick Jones II back from injuries and those two started in week 5. Patrick Jones II suffered a season ending injury in week 6 that required season ending back surgery. Carolina has started rookie Nic Scourton at 3-4 left outside linebacker next to D.J. Wonnum since week 7 since Patrick Jones II got injured and that has worked out well for Carolina. Both Trevin Wallace and Christian Rozeboom could be out at 3-4 middle linebacker as neither player practiced on Thursday or Friday leading up to the Monday Night Football game against San Francisco in week 12.
Carolina has Jaycee Horn at field cornerback, Michael Jackson at boundary cornerback, Chau Smith-Wade at nickel cornerback, and Akayleb Evans at dime corneback, Tre'von Moehrig at strong safety, and Nick Scott at free safety. Carolina drafted Lathan Ransom with their 2025 fourth round pick out of Ohio State as he will be the third safety for depth. Carolina opted to start rookie Lathan Ransom at nickel cornerback over Chau Smith-Wade who underachieved when he started.
Carolina has Ryan Fitzgerald at kicker. Sam Martin is the punter. Jimmy Horn Jr. is the kick returner and Trevor Etienne is the punt returner.
Why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Will Win: 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. Tristian Wirfs will miss the first four weeks of the regular season meaning Baker Mayfield will have less time than usual to get rid of the football. Luke Goedeke began week 2 as the starter, but he was dealing with an injury all week as his backup Charlie Heck played the majority of the snaps in week 2. Cody Mauch the starting right guard on Tampa Bay suffered a season ending injury in that week 2 game against Houston. and there's no depth behind Mauch at right guard. Tampa Bay has their offensive tackles at full health for the first time all season in week 10. Tristan Wirfs missed week 17, but he's off the injury report and good to play in week 18.
Tampa Bay has Mike Evans as their flanker wide receiver, Emeka Egbuka the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 first round pick out of Ohio State is going to be the secondary wide receiver, Chris Godwin as the slot receiver. Jalen McMillan is the number four wide receiver. Tez Johnson Tampa Bay's 2025 seventh round pick is the number five wide receiver. Sterling Shepard is the number six wide receiver. This is Tampa Bay's first game all season with all of their wide receivers at full health.
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. Devin Culp their 2024 seventh roun pick out of Washington was the fourth string tight end last year. Ko Kieft a 2022 sixth round pick out of Minnesota is the third string tight end. Tampa Bay has incredible tight end depth as they look stronger in terms of depth than in 2023 despite not having a star tight end. Cade Otton showed flashes of being a star at times in 2024. I think Tampa Bay will be even better at tight end with some of their tight ends in contract years.
Tampa Bay has Bucky Irving their 2024 fourth round pick out of Oregon is their starting running back, Rachaad White is their backup running back and Sean Tucker last years fourth string running back is now the third string running back. Bucky Irving got injured in week 4 and may be out in week 5 since he did not practice. Bucky Irving has missed weeks 5-8 before Tampa Bay's week 9 game with backup running back Rachaad White getting a good volume in the final year of his rookie deal. All of Tampa Bay's running backs are fully healthy too.
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 Elijah Roberts a 2025 fifth round pick out of SMU as their backup 3-4 left end replacing William Gholston. Calijah Kancey suffered a season ending pectoral injury. Elijah Roberts will start in relief of Kancey moving forward this season. This will give Roberts some experience as an NFL starter if Tampa Bay opts to let Logan Hall their 2022 second round pick out of Houston walk after this season. Logan Hall and Calijah Kancey are both probably going to be out in week 4 meaning Tampa Bay will not have either 3-4 defensive end in this game. Logan Hall played in week 4 against Philadelphia, but has not returned since that game. Tampa Bay has started Greg Gaines at 3-4 right end, Vita Vea at 3-4 nose tackle, and Elijah Roberts at 3-4 left end since week 5. Calijah Kancey could be back in week 18.
Tampa Bay has Yaya Diaby at 3-4 right outside linebacker and Haason Reddick at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Tampa Bay also has Lavonte David and SirVocea Dennis at 3-4 middle linebacker. Anthony Nelson is the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker, Deion Jones 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 David Walker Tampa Bay's 2025 fourth round pick being out of for the season with a season ending injury.
Tampa Bay has Zyon McCollum at field cornerback, Jamel Dean at boundary cornerback, and Benjamin Morrison a 2025 second round pick out of Notre Dame as the nickel cornerback. Jacob Parrish Tampa Bay's 2025 third round pick out of Kansas State is the dime cornerback. Kindle Vildor is the quarter cornerback. Tykee Smith is the starting strong safety and Antoine Winfield Jr. is the starting free safety. Both of Tampa Bay's rookie cornerbacks from the 2025 NFL Draft have flashed in limited snaps next to Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean. I feel like both guys could start next to McCollum in 2026.
Zyon McCollum went on injured reserve prior to week 16. This means Benjamin Morrison is now Tampa Bay's field cornerback. Jamel Dean is the boundary cornerback. Jacob Parrish moves from dime to nickel cornerback.
Chase McLaughlin is the starting kicker. Riley Dixon is the starting punter. Tez Johnson is the kick returner and punt returner for Tampa Bay.
Prediction: Tampa Bay is a 3 point favorite at -3. The over or under is 43.5 with 96% of the public betting on Baltimore. The money line is and +130 for Carolina and -150 for Tampa Bay. Take Tampa Bay to win and cover with the under at -150. Bet $250 on this game for Tampa Bay and win up to $300 as long as the Buccaneers win by 4 or more.
Final Score Buccaneers 23 Panthers 19
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
Seattle Seahawks 13-3-0
Versus
San Francisco 49ers 12-4-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
I just cannot stand ESPN's Monday Night Football Coverage. Monday Night Football On KDKA is back with Bob Pompieni, Mark Madden, Andrew Filiponi, and newcommer Rich Walsh. Tonight the gang is in San Francisco.
Pompieni: Welcome to Monday Night Football on Sunday Night. Bob Pompieni along with Mark Madden and Andrew Filiponi covering ESPN Monday Night Football on KDKA from Atlanta. Seattle heads to San Francisco in week 18.
Madden: Fuck the Seahawks because they played Pittsburgh in Super Bowl 40. I don't have anything bad to say about the 49ers, but they cannot tie Pittsburgh in Super Bowl rings.
Filiponi: Pittsburgh and New England. Both teams have six rings.
Walsh: I'm more worried about Drake Maye getting New England 7 rings than Brock Purdy helping San Francisco tie Pittsburgh in total Super Bowl trophies.
Pompieni: Tonight's game is brought to you by Levi's. I'm ending the year promoting jeans nervous as hell about tomorrow nights AFC North Battle. Kickoff will commence after this.
Why the Seattle Seahawks Will Win: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is the new starting quarterback with Geno Smith leaving Seattle. Drew Lock is the backup quarterback. Jalen Milroe, Seattle's 2025 third round pick out of Alabama is the third string quarterback.
Sam Darnold has Charles Cross at left tackle, Grey Zabel, Seattle's 2025 first round pick out of North Dakota State at left guard, Jalen Sundell barely won the starting center job, Anthony Bradford Jr. at right guard until Christian Haynes their 2024 third round pick out of Connecticut returns from injured reserve, and Abraham Lucas the starting right tackle. Josh Jones is the swing tackle and Jalen Sundell is the backup left guard if either Gray Zabel or Anthony Bradford Jr. injured with Christian Haynes out with Seattle not wanting to start either their 2025 sixth round pick at left guard or 2025 seventh round pick at right guard. Seattle doesn't want to play either guard, and I didn't have either guard getting drafted in 2025. Charles Cross has been ruled out in week 18.
Seattle has Jaxon Smith-Njigba Seattle's 2023 first round pick out of Ohio State at flanker wide receiver, Cooper Kupp is their secondary wide receiver after playing flanker wide receiver his entire career while also winning Super Bowl 56 MVP, and Tory Horton, Seattle's 2025 fifth round pick out of Colorado State will be the slot receiver. Jake Bobo and Dareke Young are the backup wide receivers. Cooper Kupp was ruled inactive in week 9. Tory Horton got promoted from slot receiver to secondary wide receiver for this game, but Seattle traded for Rashid Shaheed whose a good fill in player while Cooper Kupp is recovering from his injury. Jake Bobo the number four wide receiver and Dareke Young the number five wide receiver were both inactive for this game due to injuries with both of those guys getting demotions in th lineup once Cooper Kupp returns. Seattle's 2025 seventh round pick Ricky White III out of UNLV that I had a third round grade on got promoted from the practice squad to the active NFL roster for Seattle's week 9 game, but is pretty clear Seattle only promoted him as an emergency wide receiver in week 9. The fact that Seattle traded for Rashid Shaheed after Cooper Kupp, Jake Bobo, and Dareke Young were injured while leaving Cody Martin the number six wide receiver in week 1 on the practice squad shows Martin regressed while Ricky White III improved enough to jump Martin, but not enough to be on Seattle's NFL roster full time. That shows you how stacked the Seattle Seahawks wide receiver room is.
Cooper Kupp got a hamstring injury on October 30, 2025. This was on the thursday before Seattle's week 9 game in Washington. My guess is Cooper Kupp sits out this week and Seattle activates him for Seattle's first game of the year against their division rival, the Los Angeles Rams, where the Los Angeles Rams 2017 third round pick out of Eastern Washington won Super Bowl 56 MVP before leaving the Los Angeles Rams to sign with the Seattle Seahawks and return to the state of Washington. Seattle has placed Tory Horton on injured reserve prior to their week 12 game. Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, and Rashid Shaheed enter this week all healthy.
Seattle has AJ Barner as their starting tight end, Elijah Arroyo Seattle's 2025 second round pick out of Miami FL began week 1 as the third string tight end behind AJ Barner and Eric Saubert, but he made his first NFL start in a two tight end set in week 9 with Cooper Kupp inactive as well as backup tight end Eric Saubert getting placed on injured reserve once again following Seattle's bye week as Elijah Arroyo was the third string tight end until week 4 when he got promoted to bckup tight end. Seattle lost Will Dissly after 2023 and cut Noah Fant earlier this offseason meaning Seattle is much weaker at tight end then two years ago and weaker at tight end than last year.
Seattle has Kenneth Walker III as their starting running back after Michigan State's former running back dominated as a rookie with Seattle in 2022. Zach Charbonnet a 2023 second round pick out of UCLA is now the backup running back. Kenny McIntosh, Seattle's 2023 seventh round pick out of Georgia is the third string running back after being the fourth string running back as a rookie for the second year in a row with Kenny McKintosh on injured reserve. George Holani is the fourth string running back when Kenny McIntosh is healthy, but right now he's the third string running back. Wesley Steiner the fullback that was expected to start is on injured reserve. Robbie Outzts a 2025 fifth round pick that was a backup tight end at Alabama won the starting fullback job despite Wesley Steiner getting injured. Zach Charbonnet has been ruled doubtful in week 3.
Seattle has Jarran Reed at starting 3-4 right end, Byron Murphy II Seattle's 2024 first round pick out of Texas at 3-4 nose tackle, and Leonard Williams at 3-4 left end. Rylie Mills the Seattle Seahawks 2025 fifth round pick out of Notre Dame is the backup 3-4 right end, but he's currently on injured reserve. Jonathan Hankins the backup 3-4 nose tackle is also currently on injured reserve. Mike Martin the backup 3-4 left end is the only backup defensive linemen not injured. Jarran Reed has been placed on injured reserve and will be out from weeks 10-13. Rylie Mills might get his first career NFL start in week 10.
Seattle has Demarcus Lawrence at 3-4 right outside linebacker and Uchenna Nwosu complimenting him at 3-4 left outside linebacker as these two guys are the starting edge rushers in Seattle for the 2023 season. Tyrice Knight and Ernest Jones IV are the starting 3-4 middle linebackers. Derrick Hall is the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker and Boye Mafe is the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. Uchenna Nwosu, Boye Mafe, and Derrick Hall will all get reps at 3-4 left outside linebacker across from Demarcus Lawrence since Seattle thinks all three of those guys have a case to start next to Demarcus Lawrence.
Seattle has Devon Witherspoon back at field cornerback. Tariq Wolen dominated number two wide receivers at boundary cornerback during his rookie season out of UTSA going even as far as to be a finalist for Defensive Rookie Of The Year after being a 2022 fifth round pick with Tarqi Wollen entering the final year of his rookie deal. Josh Jobe is the nickel cornerback and he feels like an upgrade over Tre Brown, who replaced Michael Jackson in 2024. Nehemiah Prichett their 2024 fifth round pick is the dime cornerback. Devon Witherspoon was out in week 5. Devon Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen were both out with injuries in week 6. Woolen returned in week 7 on Monday Night Football before the bye week. Devon Witherspoon returned in week 9.
Seattle opted to start Devon Witherspoon at field cornerback in his first game back from an injury with Josh Jobe at boundary cornerback moving Seattle Seahawks strong safety Cobee Bryant to nickel cornerback. Nick Emmanwori their 2025 second round pick played strong safety and Ty Okada an undrafted free safety out of Montana State got the start at free safety, after Seattle opted to place Julian Love their starting free safety on injured reserve again following the week 8 bye week meaning week 13 against Minnesota is the earliest Julian Love could return at free safety. Josh Jobe has been ruled out in week 10 meaning Tariq Woolen will start at boundary cornerback with Seattle keeping their week 9 lineup on the secondary.
Seattle has an under the radar top 10 kicker in Jason Myers at kicker. Michael Dickson isn't a bad punter. George Holani is the at kick returner and Tory Horton is the punt returner.
Why the San Francisco 49ers Will Win: Brock Purdy has a terrific offensive line with Trent Williams at left tackle, Ben Bartch at left guard, Jake Brendel at center, Dominic Puni their 2024 third round pick out of Kansas at right guard, and Colton McKivitz at right tackle. Spencer Burford is the swing tackle, Colby Connor their 2025 seventh round pick out of Iowa is the swing guard, and Matt Hennessy is the backup center. San Francisco had Spencer Burford at left guard in relief of Ben Bartch and Matt Hennessy at center in relief of Joe Brendel in week 9. Trent Williams missed week 17 and did not practice all week, but is questionable in week 18.
San Francisco has Brandon Aiyuk as their flanker receiver, Ricky Pearsall as their secondary receiver, and Jauan Jennings as their slot receiver. Kendrick Bourne is the number four wide receiver. Jordan Watkins a 2025 fourth round pick out of Ole Miss is the number five wide receiver, Russell Gage Jr. is the number six wide receiver, and Skyy Moore is the number seven wide receiver. Brandon Aiyuk is still on the PUP list, so he may miss week 1 which would make Pearsall the number one target, Jennings would play on the outside instead of the inside, and Russell Gage Jr. would play in the slot until Brandon Aiyuk returns. San Francisco will get Jauan Jennings back this week and could get Jordan Watkins back. This would give San Francisco a three wide receiver set of Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Jordan Watkins at wide receiver even without Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall. Brandon Aiyuk will not return this season and San Francsico is expected to cut Brandon Aiyuk in 2026, but San Francisco cannot cut Aiyuk without taking a cap hit until 2027.
George Kittle is San Francisco's starting tight end. San Francisco's tight end depth is much weaker than last year, so San Francisco is in trouble if George Kittle goes down. George Kittle did not play in week 17, but he expects to play.
San Francisco has Christian McCaffrey as their starting running back whose considered the best running back when fully healthy after dominating in 2022 and 2023 before a season ending injury in 2024. Brian Robinson Jr. is the backup running back. Isaac Guerendo a 2024 fourth round pick out of Louisville is the third string running back. Jordan James a 2025 fourth round pick out of Oregon is the fourth string running back. San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk is the best fullback in the NFL. San Francisco has the best running back, fullback, and depth of any team in the NFL. Jordan James is out i week 1. Christian McCaffrey is questionable to play in week 1.
San Francisco has Nick Bosa at 4-3 right end, Jordan Elliott at 4-3 defensive tackle, Alfred Collins San Francisco's 2025 second round pick out of Texas at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Mykel Williams the San Francisco 49ers 2025 first round pick out of Georgia at 4-3 left end as their starters on the defensive line. Yetur Gross-Matos is the backup 4-3 right end behind Nick Bosa, Kalia Davis and CJ West San Francisco's 2025 fourth round pick out of Indiana are the backup defensive tackles, and Bryce Huff is the backup 4-3 left end. Nick Bosa tore his ACL and is out for the season. Mykel Williams will move to 4-3 right end and Yetor Gross-Matos is now the starting 4-3 left end. Both Jordan Elliott and Alfred Collins left week 8 with injuries. San Francisco traded for Keion White. Mykel Williams is out for the year.
San Francisco has Dee Winters at 4-3 right outside linebacker, Fred Warner at 4-3 middle linebacker, and Luke Gifford as their 4-3 left outside linebacker as well as the backup to Fred Warner at middle linebacker in a 4-2-5 defense. Nick Martin San Francisco's 2025 third round pick out of Oklahoma State is the backup outside linebacker. Fred Warner got carted off against Tampa Bay and is out for the season at 4-3 middle linebacker. Dee Winters also left week 8 with an injury.
San Francisco has Renardo Green, San Francisco's 2024 second round pick out of Florida State is the new field cornerback, Deommodore Lenoir is the boundary cornerback, and Upton Stout San Francisco's 2025 third round pick out of Western Kentucky is the nickel cornerback at nickel cornerback. Upton Stout missed week 17, but is questionable for week 18. Malik Mustapha their 2024 fourth round pick out of Wake Forest returns at strong safety with Ji'Ayir Brown the San Francisco 49ers 2023 third round pick out of Penn State as the starting free safety. Jason Pinnock is the backup strong safety. Marques Sigle a 2025 fifth round pick out of Kansas State is the backup free safety.
San Francisco has Eddy Pineiero starting at kicker. Thomas Morstead is the starting punter. Isaac Guerendo is the kick returner and Skyy Moore is the punt returner.
Prediction: Seattle is a 1.5 point favorite at -1.5. The over or under is 47.5 with 56% of the public betting on Seattle. The money line is -120 for Seattle and +105 for San Francisco. I like San Francisco to win and to cover with the over at +105. Bet $195 on this game for San Francisco and win up to $300 as long as the Seahawks win by 1 or less.
Final Score 49ers 28 Seahawks 20
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
New Orleans Saints 6-10-0
Versus
Atlanta Falcons 7-9-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
We're back for the 2025 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 two years the best record in the country last year in 2023-2024. Andrew Kermish had the best pickem record on Draft Utopia in 2024-2025 with 203 games, but ESPN's Matt Bowen had 204 games correct and won the National pickem pool with Andrew finishing third in the country. Tony Mario replaces Jason Bantle after a decade of outstanding contributions at Draft Utopia. William Yanish and Daniel Keyser also join our NFL Predictions pool. Send me your predictions on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn to be eligible for prizes should you have a perfect week. You will also see each Draft Utopia members record from the season at the bottom of the screen including my record with Who Draft Utopia picked replacing Who Everyone Else Picked which is the new change I rolled out for 2025.
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. Two years ago Lisa Donovan went 199-86 on the year before her and three other staff members left the site following that NFL Season in 2023-2024. Last year Andrew Kermish had 203 games correct with Wes Langley having 199 games correct and ESPN"s Matt Bowen barely and one other person edging out Andrew with 204 games correct on the year as Kerm finished third in 2024-2025. I will provide updates on where people are nationally, but our records will be displayed below our winners.
Wes Langley emerged as the overall leader in the 2025 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings as Wes was the National Pickem NFL Champion in 2021 helping Draft Utopia repeat during our tenure where we four peated in NFL predictions. Wes is 172-84. Wes leads Reagan Holgate by one game now after both of them were tied for first nationally last week as Reagan is now 171-85.
Andrew Kermish is now second in the 2025 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Andrew is 169-87. Andrew is third nationally behind Wes Langley and Reagan Holgate. Pete Prisco, the 2018 NFL Pickem Champion of CBS is 167-83 in fourth place nationally. Jason Reid of ESPN is at 166-84 in fifth place nationally.
Tony Mario is now third in the 2025 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Tony is 165-91 and is sixth nationally.
Oren Shiri and I are now tied for fourth in the 2025 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Oren and I are 162-94 on the year. We're tied for ninth nationally with Ryan Wilson of CBS with the three of us ranking 9-11 nationally.
Daniel Keyser is now sixth in the 2025 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Daniel is 158-98 on the year. Daniel is tied for nineteenth nationally with Eric Moody of ESPN with those two rounding out the top 20 nationally.
Tracy Porter is now seventh in the 2025 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Tracy is 150-106. Tracy is twenty eighth nationally.
Joseph Potter is eighth in the 2025 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Joey is 148-108 on the year and is twenty ninth nationally.
William Yanish is ninth in the 2025 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. William is 147-109 on the year and is thirtieth nationally.
My pickem pool expanded once again from 84 members to 90 members. I'm hoping we end up at 100 members for NFL Predictions at a certain point.
If you want to be listed and are not listed email me at chris@draftutopia.com. You can also direct message me on social media.
Why the New Orleans Saints Will Win: Spencer Rattler the 2024 Senior Bowl MVP was drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of South Carolina beat out Tyler Shough, the New Orleans Saints 2025 second round pick out of Louisville for the starting quarterback job as Tyler Shough . Jake Haener the 2023 Senior Bowl MVP who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints got cut from the roster and is on the New Orleans Saints practice squad since nobody picked him up. New Orleans benched Spencer Rattler. Tyler Shough will make his first NFL start in week 9.
Tyler Shough has Kelvin Banks Jr. a 2025 first round pick at left tackle, Dillon Radunz at left guard, Erik McCoy at center, Cesar Ruiz at right guard, and Taliesa Fuaga their 2024 first round pick that played right tackle at Oregon State at right tackle after Fuaga played left tackle in the NFL as a rookie. The New Orleans Saints have five quality starters on the offensive line even after trading away Trevor Penning, but the depth is absolutely awful if injuries occur. Erik McCoy suffered a season ending injury three weeks ago, so Luke Fortner has taken over as the starting center ever since Tyler Shough took over as the starting quarterback. Cesar Ruiz could return at right guard as the interior offensive line has been a liability since trading away left guard Trevor Penning while Erik McCoy got injured at center in addition to Ruiz.
New Orleans has Chris Olave as their flanker wide receiver. New Orleans will not have Chris Olave. Tyler Shough has had a lot of success down the stretch due to how dominant Chris Olave has been making Olave's absence a concern.
New Orleans has Juwan Johnson as the starting tight end, Foster Moreau as the backup tight end, and Taysom Hill as their third string tight end. Moliki Matavao the New Orleans Saints 2025 seventh round pick out of UCLA is the fourth string tight end.
Alvin Kamara is the starting running back. Devin Neal, the New Orleans Saints 2025 sixth round pick, out of Kansas is the backup running back. Kendre Miller is the third string running back. Alvin Kamara did not practice the first two days leading up to this game and backup running back Devin Neal is on injured reserve. Kendre Miller, the third string running back will start at running back.
New Orleans is changing their defensive scheme from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley specializes in a 3-4 defense. New Orleans has Bryan Bresse at 3-4 right end, Davon Godchaux at 3-4 nose tackle, and Nathan Shepherd at 3-4 left end. Bresse and Shepherd are 4-3 guys with Godchaux being the only starter among that group having experience in the 3-4 defense. Bryan Bresse and Nathan Shepherd could both be out in week 18 after not praciting all season. Davon Godchaux could have some success against Luke Forner, but Matthew Bergeron and Chris Lindstrom will destroy the second team 3-4 defensive ends on the New Orleans Saints which should give Kirk Cousins more time in the pocket.
New Orleans has Chase Young at 3-4 right outside linebacker, Demario Davis at 3-4 middle linebacker, Pete Werner at 3-4 middle linebacker, and Cameron Jordan starting at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Carl Granderson, who began the year at 3-4 right outside linebacker got benched due to poor play. Danny Stutsman a 2025 fourth round pick out of Oklahoma and Jaylan Ford a 2024 fifth round pick out of Texas are the two backup 3-4 middle linebacker. Most of these guys at pass rusher are 4-3 guys, but New Orleans has four really good 3-4 middle linebackers. I think the run defense will be good at stuffing runs in the middle, but will be suspect at stopping runs on the outside. I also believe the pass rush will struggle in this defensive scheme.
New Orleans has Alontae Taylor at field cornerback, Kool-Aid McKinstry at boundary cornerback, and Quincy Riley, the New Orleans Saints 2025 fourth round pick out of Louisville is the nickel cornerback since week 6 starting three games in weeks 6-8 when New Orleans hosted New England after Isaac Yiadom got injured against New Orleans in week 5. New Orleans has rotated Quincy Riley at field cornerback when moving Alontae Taylor inside to play nickel cornerback. Isaac Yiadom will probably be the dime cornerback when he returns from his injury, but we don't know yet. Isaac Yiadom was cleared to play in week 9, but New Orleans deployed only two cornerbacks after nickel cornerback Quincy Riley was the only cornerback to intercept Caleb Williams in week 7 before causing trouble for Baker Mayfield in New Orleans. Jonas Sanker took the starting strong safety job after being eased in where he intercepted Josh Allen in week 4 as Justin Reid moved over from strong safety to free safety. Julian Blackman became the backup safety. Jordan Howden their 2023 fifth round pick out of Indiana is the number four safety on this depth chart.
Kai Kroger is the punter. New Orleans needs a makeover on special teams at both kicker and return specialist.
Why the Atlanta Falcons Will Win: Atlanta has Michael Penix Jr. drafted out of Washington eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft in his first full season as the starting quarterback. Kirk Cousins is now the backup quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. tore his ACL and is out for the season. Kirk Cousins will start the rest of the 2025 NFL Season.
Kirk Cousins will have Jake Matthews at left tackle, Matthew Bergeron at left guard, Chris Lindstrom at right guard, and Elijah Wilkinson at right tackle thanks to Kaleb McGary the blindside to Michael Penix Jr. out for the year since McGary is right tackle for a left handed quarterback in Michael Penix Jr. while Jake Matthews would only be the blindside if Kirk Cousins or a right handed quarterback is starting. The swing tackle Storm Norton is out for the first eight weeks and his backup Tyrone Wheatley Jr. is out for the first four weeks. Basically Atlanta is gonna be rotating between Elijah Wilkinson, Tyrone Wheatley Jr. when he comes back, Storm Norton when he comes back, and Jack Nelson, Atlanta's 2025 seventh round pick out of Wisconsin whose currently the backup left tackle to Jake Matthews at the right tackle position with Atlanta's right tackle spot for left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr. being a bigger mess than the Cleveland Browns quarterback room in 2025. Both Matthew Bergeron and Chris Lindstrom left the week 9 game against New England injured and both players may be unavailable when Atlanta heads to Germany in week 10. Jake Matthews at left tackle is the only healthy offensive lineman that is good with both guards injured, Kaleb McGary injured, and Atlanta neglecting center after losing Drew Dalman to the Chicago Bears in Free Agency.
Atlanta has Drake London as their flanker wide receiver, Darnell Mooney who began his career as a number one wide receiver in Chicago before being supplanted by D.J. Moore last year is now a number two wide receiver as he compliments Drake London quite well. Jamal Agnew, Khadarel Hodge, and Casey Washington are the backup wide receivers which have to plugged into slot receiver since Atlanta cut the guy who won the slot receiver job in training camp in Ray-Ray McCloud. Outside of Drake London and Darnell Mooney this wide receiver core doesn't excite me. Drake London got injured again for the second time this season as Drake London left a game for the second time this season. Drake London is out in week 12.
Atlanta still has Kyle Pitts their 2021 first round pick drafted fourth overall out of Florida as the main starting tight end. Kyle Pitts can thrive as long as he's healthy. My issue with Atlanta is their depth at tight end was so much better two years ago with Jonnu Smith and MyCole Puritt were on this roster. Charlie Woerner, San Francisco's third string tight end last year doesn't move the needle for me as a pass catcher despite being an okay blocker in San Francisco. Teagan Quitoriano is the third string tight end and he did well with Houston. Honestly, I got more confidence in Quitoriano than Woerner, but as long as Kyle Pitts stays healthy Atlanta will be okay at tight end.
Bijan Robinson is the starting running back and Tyler Allegeier is the backup running back. Both running backs are expected to see lots of carries with Allegier getting significant playing time despite being the second running back on Atlanta's depth chart. Atlanta has an undrafted running back as their third string running back. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allegeier have ran by committee the last two years and Atlanta's depth behind those two running backs is awful. If one of those running backs goes down the other guy essentially becomes the bellcow in the running game and if both running backs go down this becomes a one dimensional offense.
Atlanta's new defensive coordinator switched this defense from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense. Jeff Ulbrich was the New York Jets defensive coordinator and interim head coach last year after Robert Saleh got fired. Atlanta has Leonard Floyd at 4-3 right end, Ruke Orhorhoro at 4-3 defensie tackle, David Onyemata at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Jalon Walker Atlanta's 2025 first round pick out of Georgia started at 4-3 left end over Arnold Ebiketie in week 8. James Pearce Jr., Atlanta's second 2025 first round pick out of Tennessee is the backup 4-3 right end and Arnold Ebiketie is the backup 4-3 left end. Zach Harrison and Brandon Dorlus are the backup 4-3 defensive tackles. Bralen Trice, the third string 4-3 defensive end is currently on injured reserve to start the season.
Leonard Floyd got injured in week 9 and did not return to the game. Atlanta will most likely start James Pearce Jr. at 4-3 right end and Jalon Walker at 4-3 left end in week 10 since Atlanta played James Pearce Jr. against New England and their pass rush had more success against New England than any other team this season.
Atlanta has Kaden Elliss at 4-3 right outside linebacker, Divine Deabolo at 4-3 middle linebacker who played 4-3 right outside linebacker in all four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders and JD Bertrand as a 4-3 left outside linebacker when Atlanta runs a 4-3 defense with only two cornerbacks. JD Bertrand is also the backup right outisde linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Atlanta is expected to play a combination of a 4-2-5 nickel defense and a 4-3 defense with Atlanta mainly playing a 4-2-5, but when they play 4-3 situationally, JD Betrand will be in as a 4-3 left outside linebacker.
A.J. Terrell, Atlanta's field cornerback is the only healthy cornerback at the moment. Atlanta is starting Mike Hughes who was awful at nickel cornerback for Kansas City and just as awful at dime cornerback for Detroit at boundary cornerback against number two wide receivers for the second year in a row. Billy Bowman Jr. Atlanta's 2025 fourth round pick that I had a second round grade on beat out Dee Alford for the nickel cornerback job in camp. Billy Bowman Jr. was a strong safety at Oklahoma, but he will be used in the exact same capacity as Josh Metellus was used on the Minnesota Vikings when Minnesota had Camryn Bynum and Harrison Smith at safety moving Metellus over to nickel cornerback. Dee Alford is the dime cornerback now. Clark Phillips III who won the nickel cornerback job as a rookie before missing time with injuries early in the season was demoted to dime cornerback in his sophomore year and he is now demoted to the quarter cornerback in year 3. Jesse Bates III moves from free safety to strong safety because Xavier Watts, Atlanta's 2025 third round pick that I had a first round grade on won the starting free safety job next to Jessie Bates III. Billy Bowman went on IR after getting injured in week 9. Mike Hughes is likely to miss week 18 at boundary cornerback. Atlanta will finish the season with A.J. Terrell at field cornerback, C.J. Henderson at boundary cornerback, and `Dee Alford at nickel cornerback.
John Parker Romo took the starting kicker job from Younghoe Koo in week 2. Atlanta cut Younghoe Koo after John Parker Romo dominated in week 2. Atlanta cut John Parker Romo after missing an extra point in week 9. Atlanta signed their third kicker of the year with Zane Gonzalez set to make his debut for Atlanta at kicker in week 10. Zane Gonzalez has been effective with the Atlanta Falcons.
Prediction: Atlanta is a 3.5 point favorite at -3.5. The over or under is 44.5 with 61% of the public betting on Atlanta. The money line is +155 for New Orleans and -175 for Atlanta. Take Atlanta to win and to cover with the under at -175. Bet $225 on this game for Atlanta and win up to $400 as long as the Falcons win by 4 or more.
Final Score Falcons 24 Saints 20
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
Cleveland Browns 4-12-0
Versus
Cincinnati Bengals 6-10-0
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 15 of Draft Utopia kicking off you can watch the videos in of seasons 13-15 on Restream in the playlist below with the most recent episodes from season 15 at the top of the playlist. I've also posted my playlist with my 2026 NFL Draft player rankings below.
Why the Cleveland Browns Will Win: Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland's 2025 third round pick out of Oregon started, but has been benched for Shedeur Sanders. Shedeur Sanders Cleveland's 2025 fifth round pick out of Colorado will get his first NFL start in week 12. Deshaun Watson is on the PUP list, but has been practicing regularly, so he could be cleared soon and if he is cleared, he would be the third string quarterback.
Shedeur Sanders has Cam Robinson at left tackle, Joel Bitonio at left guard, Ethan Pocic at center, Wyatt Teller at right guard, and Jack Conklin at right tackle. Cleveland also has KT Leveston as the swing tackle as both the backup left tackle as well as the backup right tackle, Teven Jenkins is the backup left guard, Luke Wypler is the backup center, and Zak Zinter is the backup right guard. Cleveland lost Dawand Jones who began the season at left tackle to a season ending injury and he's better at right tackle than he is at left tackle anyways. Jack Conklin left this game injured, so I'm not sure who will play right tackle as Cleveland's running game declined after Conklin got injured.
Cleveland has Jerry Jeudy as their flanker wide receiver, Cedric Tillman as their secondary wide receiver and Jamari Thrash as their slot receiver at slot receiver. Isaiah Bond an undrafted rookie is the number four wide receiver. Malachi Corley is the number five wide receiver.
Cleveland has David Njoku as their starting tight end and Harold Fannin Jr. their 2025 third round pick as their backup tight end. Both tight ends could be out with an injury in week 18. Harold Fannin Jr. is likely out, and David Njoku did not appear at practice the last two days.
Cleveland has Quinshon Judkins their heir 2025 second round pick out of Ohio State as the starting running back, Dylan Sampson their 2025 fourth round pick is the second string running back, Jerome Ford is the third string running back, Raheim Sanders who went undrafted is the fourth string running back. Quinshon Judkins is the only guy with the upside to be an Pro Bowl caliber running back. Quinshon Judkins is done for the year.
Cleveland has Myles Garrett at 4-3 right end, Mason Graham their 2025 first round pick at 4-3 defensive tackle, Maliek Collins at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Alex Wright at 4-3 left end. Cleveland has Isaiah McGuire as their situational pass rusher, Shelby Harris is the backup 4-3 defensive tackle to Maliek Collins, Michael Hall Jr. is the backup 4-3 defensive tackle to Mason Graham. Alex Wright continues to be out with an injury. Isaiah McGuire will start at 4-3 left end next to Myles Garrett and that's for the best since McGuire had a higher ceiling than Wright coming out of college. Defensive ends are pass rushers you don't pay them past their rookie deal unless they get 10 sacks at least once during their rookie contract. Maliek Collins left week 13 with an injury. Isaiah McGuire and Shelby Harris both returned in week 13 after getting injured and neither will be 100 percent. Alex Wright returned and looked good in week 17.
Cleveland has Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah at 4-3 right outside linebacker when he comes back from the NFL injured list with Mohamoud Diabate starting at 4-3 right outside linebacker when he comes back. Right now Devin Bush is the starting 4-3 right outside linebacker. Carson Schwesinger a 2025 second round pick out of UCLA that I didn't think much of is 4-3 middle linebacker, and Jerome Baker at 4-3 left outside linebacker until Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah or Mohamoud Diabate returns with Devin Bush starting once one of those two comes back. Carson Schwesinger played through an injury in week 17, but will likely sit the last game of the season out.
Cleveland has Denzel Ward at field cornerback, Tyson Campbell at boundary cornerback with Martin Emerson tearing his ACL in his contract year. Cleveland traded Greg Newsome II to get Tyson Campbell, cut Cameron Mitchell and is starting Myles Bryant a backup at nickel cornerback. Grant Delpit is the starting strong safety and Ronnie Hickman is the starting free safety.
Cleveland has Andre Szmyt at kicker. I'm not sold on Corey Bojorquez at punter, but the Cleveland Browns like him. Cleveland DeAndre Carter as their return specialist, but might need upgrades at both kicker and punter this offseason.
Why the Cincinnati Bengals Will Win: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will have Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle, Dylan Fairchild their 2025 third round pick out of Georgia at left guard, Ted Karras at center, Lucas Patrick at right guard, and Amarius Mims at right tackle. Cincinnati has Jalen Rivers their 2025 fifth round pick as a swing tackle as both the backup left tackle as well as the backup right tackle from Miami FL, Dalton Risner is the backup left guard, Matt Lee their 2024 seventh round pick from Miami FL is the backup center, and Cody Ford is the backup right guard. Cordell Volson was Cincinnati's starting left guard, but he's on injured reserve at the moment. When Lucas Patrick got injured at right guard in week 1, Dalton Risner came in as the starting right guard and I believe Dalton Risner is better than Lucas Patrick since Lucas Patrick is going on injured reserve for the next five weeks. Cincinnati should have Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle, Dylan Fairchild at left guard, Ted Karras at center, Jalen Rivers at right guard, and Amarius Mims at right tackle.
Cincinnati has Ja'Marr Chase as their flanker wide receiver, Tee Higgins as their secondary wide receiver even though you can argue he's good enough to be a number one target when Chase is injured, and Andrei Iosivas is the slot receiver. Jermaine Burton is the number four wide receiver after being the number five wide receiver as a rookie. Charlie Jones, Cincinnati's 2023 fourth round pick out of Purdue is the number five wide receiver. Mitchell Tinsley is the number six wide receiver. Tee Higgins is in concussion protocol and is out this week.
Mike Gesicki is the Cincinnati Bengals starting tight end. Drew Sample is the backup tight end. Noah Fant is the third string tight end. Tanner Hudson went from backup tight end in 2023, to third string tight end in 2024, to fourth string tight end in 2025, but still made the Cincinnati Bengals final roster. Erick All Jr. their 2024 fourth round pick out of Iowa missed all of last year and was expected to miss all of this season when he tore an ACL back in March.
Cincinnati has Chase Brown Cincinnati's 2023 fifth round pick out of Illinois entering year three as the starting running back. Samaje Perine the long-time backup running back to Joe Mixon is back as the backup running back. Tahj Brooks their 2025 sixth round pick out of Texas Tech is the third string running back. Cincinnati has depth everywhere except quarterback and as long as Joe Burrow is healthy the sky feels like the limit for the Cincinnati Bengals over the next four years. Chae Brown might be out with an illness.
Cincinnati has Trey Hendrickson at 4-3 right end and Joseph Ossai complimenting him at 4-3 left end. B.J. Hill and T.J. Slaton Jr. compliment Hendrickson and Ossai at 4-3 defensive tackle on the inside. Myles Murphy their 2023 first round pick is the backup 4-3 right end and Shemar Stewart their 2025 first round pick out of Texas A&M is the backup 4-3 left end as those two started at right end and left end in week 9 with Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai out of the lineup. Kris Jenkins Jr. a 2024 second round pick out of Michigan and McKinley Jackson a 2024 third round pick out of Texas A&M are the backup 4-3 defensive tackles. Cam Sample is the third string 4-3 right end and Cedric Johnson will be the third string 4-3 left end when he returns from injured reserve. Howard Cross III is a third string 4-3 defensive tackle as the undrafted defensive tackle out of Notre Dame that I had a third round grade on made the Cincinnati Bengals final roster. Trey Hendrickson was out in week 7, but returned in week 8. Trey Hendrickson would leave week 8 with an injury and has been out since as he going to be out for the fifth week in a row in week 13. B.J. Hill and Joseph Ossai are out.
Cincinnati has Barrett Carter their 2025 fourth round pick at 4-3 right outside linebacker and right outside linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Demetrius Knight Jr. their 2025 second round pick out of South Carolina replaces Logan Wilson at 4-3 middle linebacker and middle linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense.
Cincinnati has Cam Taylor-Britt at field cornerback Cincinnati's 2022 third round pick out of Nebraska is the field cornerback, D.J. Turner took the boundary cornerback job as a rookie as Cincinnati now has their top two cornerbacks on rookie deals for one more year, and Daxton Hill, Cincinnati's 2022 first round pick out of Michigan is the nickel cornerback. Josh Newton, Cincinnati's 2024 fifth round pick out of TCU is the dime cornerback after showing enough potential to be a number one field cornerback in the season finale. Jordan Battle is the starting strong safety with Geno Stone starting at free safety. Tycen Anderson is the backup safety. Cam Taylor-Britt will have surgery after getting re-injured in his first game back and is now out for the year. D.J. Turner will be Cincinnati's field cornerback, Daxton Hill will be the boundary cornerback, and Josh Newton will be the nickel cornerback for the rest of this season. I think Cincinnati will end up letting Cam Taylor-Britt walk, so this will be an opportunity to see if Cincinnati can keep this core at cornerback moving forward or if the Bengals reload at cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft. Josh Newton will be out, so Cincinnati will have only two good cornerbacks when they deploy a nickel cornerback set.
Cincinnati has Evan McPhearson at kicker and Ryan Rehkow at punter. Charlie Jones is the return specialist.
Prediction: Cincinnati is a 7.5 point favorite at -7.5. The over or under is 44.5 with 76% of the public betting on Cincinnati. The money line is +310 for Cleveland and -380 for Cincinnati. I like Cincinnati to win and Cleveland to cover with the over at +310. Bet $390 on this game for Cleveland and win up to $800 as long as the Bengals win by 7 or less.
Final Score Bengals 24 Browns 21
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
Green Bay Packers 9-6-1
Versus
Minnesota Vikings 8-8-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
Draft Utopia now has an E-Commerce Store on Teespring. Click on the word Teespring to be redirected to our shop to buy Draft Utopia merchandise. You can get an 11-NO shirt with Steelers colors or a Go Be Great shirt with Browns colors. I want to add Scouting College Football, Scouting College Basketball, and Scouting College Soccer shirts to the store soon.
Why the Green Bay Packers Will Win: Jordan Love enters his third season as the full-time starting quarterback on the Green Bay Packers. Jordan Love has Rasheed Walker at left tackle, Aaron Banks at left guard, Elgton Jenkins at center, Jordan Morgan Green Bay's 2024 first round pick out of Arizona at right guard, and Zach Tom at right tackle. Green Bay also has Anthony Belton a 2025 second round pick out of North Carolina State as the swing tackle and Sean Rhyan as a swing guard. Elgton Jenkins went on injured reserve after the week 10 game. Elgton Jenkins and Zach Tom are both injured again. Jordan Love and Malik Willis both got injured against Chicago in week 16, but both did practice in a limited capacity heading into week 17. Malik Willis started in week 17, but he got injured which forced third string quarterback Clayton Tune to finish the game. Jordan Love cleared concussion protocol, but will wait until the wild card game to start. Clayton Tune will start this week. Zach Tom is likely to be back at right tackle, but Green Bay will probably make sure he's 100 percent for the wild card game next week. Green Bay started Rasheed Walker at left tackle, Aaron Banks at left guard, Sean Rhyan at center, Anthony Belton their 2025 second round pick at right guard, and Jordan Morgan their 2024 first round pick at right tackle in week 17. I think Green Bay rolls with that lineup in week 18, but Jordan Morgan moves back to right guard with Zach Tom at right tackle once the wild card round starts.
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 is the number one flanker wide receiver. Romeo Doubs Green Bay's 2022 fourth round pick out of Nevada is the secondary wide receiver. Jayden Reed, Green Bay's 2023 second round pick came back from his injury and was the slot receiver. Matthew Golden, the Green Bay Packers 2025 first round pick out of Texas is the number four wide receiver. Dontayvion Wicks is the number five wide receiver on the Green Bay Packers, but has been the number four wide receiver since Jayden Reed got injured. Savion Williams Green Bay's 2025 third round pick out of TCU is the number six wide receiver. Christian Watson got injured in Green Bay's first game with all six wide receivers at full health against Denver in week 15, but his injury is not considered serious.
Green Bay has Tucker Kraft a 2023 third round pick out of South Dakota State as the starting tight end. Luke Musgrave their 2023 second round pick out of Oregon State began as a starting tight end, but his injury history caused him to get demoted to second string. Josh Whyle was the third string tight end, but now the former Tennessee Titans tight end drafted out of Cincinnati in 2023 is now the Green Bay Packers backup tigh tend. Tucker Kraft suffered a season ending injury. Luke Musgrave will be the starting tight end for the rest of this season.
Green Bay has Josh Jacobs as their starting running back Emmanuel Wilson is the backup running back thanks to Marshawn Lloyd being injured to start the season for the second year in a row.
Green Bay enters year two with a 4-3 defense. Micah Parsons will start at 4-3 right end, Devonte Wyatt will start at 4-3 defensive tackle, Karl Brooks will start at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Rashan Gary is the starting 4-3 left end. Lukas Van Ness is the backup 4-3 right end as a situational pass rusher. Nazir Stackhouse and Colby Wooden are the two backup defensive tackles. Micah Parsons tore his ACL and Devonte Wyatt suffered a season ending injury on Thanksgiving. Green Bay will now have Rashan Gary at 4-3 right end, Karl Brooks at 4-3 defensive tackle, Colby Wooden at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Lukas Van Ness at 4-3 left end for the rest of this season.
Green Bay has Quay Walker as their 4-3 right outside linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense with Edgerrin Cooper as the 4-3 middle linebacker. Isaiah McDuffie is the 4-3 left outside linebacker as well as the backup 4-3 middle linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Ty'Ron Hopper a rookie drafted in the third round is the backup to Quay Walker. Quay Walker will be out in week 12.
Green Bay has Trevon Diggs at field cornerback replacing Nate Hobbs who got placed on injured reserve. Keisean Nixon goes from nickel cornerback to boundary cornerback. Javon Bullard transitions from free safety to 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. Nate Hobbs finally got cleared to return from his injury at cornerback as Green Bay has their secondary at full health for the first time all season in week 3. Nate Hobbis will be back this week meaning Green Bay will have all of their cornerbacks at full health.
Brandon McManus is Green Bay's kicker. Keisean Nixon Green Bay's nickel cornerback is the kick returner and Jayden Reed is the punt returner.
Why the Minnesota Vikings Will Win: Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota's 2024 first round pick out of Michigan has Christian Darrisaw at left tackle, Donovan Jackson, Minnesota's 2025 first round pick out of Ohio State at left guard, Ryan Kelly at center, Wil Fries 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. Walter Rouse could be a decent swing tackle and Blake Brandel is a decent guard. J.J. McCarthy has been ruled out in week 17, so Max Brosmer will get the start. J.J. McCarthy went from a limited practice in week 18 to a full practice. That leads me to believe J.J. McCarthy is starting.
Justin Jefferson is a number one flanker receiver for Minnesota, but he's also the best wide receiver in the NFL. Jordan Addison is the secondary wide receiver. Jalen Nalor is the slot receiver. Tai Felton, Minnesota's 2025 third round pick out of Maryland is the number four wide receiver on this depth chart when everyone else is healthy. Rondale Moore is on season ending injured reserve.
Minnesota has T.J. Hockenson as their starting tight end, Josh Oliver as their backup tight end as well as a number two tight end in two tight end sets, and Ben Yurosek an undrafted tight end that played college at both Georgia as well as Stanford became the Minnesota Vikings third string tight end. Ben Yurosek made the final roster due to Gavin Bartholomew, Minnesota's 2025 sixth round pick out of Pittsburgh going on injured reserve. T.J. Hockenson did not practice on wednesday or thursday and is probably out this week.
Aaron Jones is the starting running back. Jordan Mason is the backup running back. Aaron Jones did not practice on wednesday or thursday heading into this game. Ty Chandler is the third string running back. C.J. Ham is the starting fullback.
Minnesota has Jalen Redmond whose been Minnesota's best 3-4 defensive linemen in training camp at 3-4 right end, Javon Hargrave at 3-4 nose tackle, and Jonathan Allen at 3-4 left end. Minnesota does not have good depth at 3-4 defensive line.
Minnesota has Andrew Van Ginkel at 3-4 right outside linebacker, Blake Cashman at 3-4 middle linebacker, Ivan Pace Jr. at 3-4 middle linebacker, and Jonathan Greenard at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Dallas Turner, Minnesota's other 2024 first round pick is the backup 3-4 right outside linbeacker. Kobe King, Minnesota's 2025 sixth round pick out of Penn State is the backup 3-4 middle linebacker.
Byron Murphy Jr. is the field cornerback and Isaiah Rodgers is number two boundary cornerback. Minnesota has Jeffrey Okudah at nickel cornerback as he's back after missing week 2. Minnesota has Josh Mettellus at strong safety and Harrison Smith at free safety. Minnesota would try their backup safety Theo Jackson at nickel cornerback replacing Jeffrey Okudah in week 9. Jeffrey Okudah is out in week 10.
Minnesota Vikings kicker Greg Joseph is a top 10 kicker. Minnesota has question marks at punter, kick returner, and punt returner on special teams heading into the season.
Prediction: Minnesota is a 9.5 point favorite at -9.5. The over or under is 35.5 with 78% of the public betting on Minesota. The money line is +310 for Green Bay and -360 for Minnesota. I like Green Bay to win and to cover with the under at +310. Bet $390 on this game for Green Bay and win up to $800 as long as the Vikings win by 9 points or less.
Final Score Packers 21 Vikings 14
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
Dallas Cowboys 7-8-1
Versus
New York Giants 3-13-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
Hank Hill from King of the Hill and assistant GM and Director Of College Scouting Dale Gribble finally got back to the playoffs since taking over for Lumberg in 2020. Dallas is 54-40-1 since 2020.
Here is this weeks hot take from Hank Hill.
You have one job this week Dallas. Kick New York's ass. Show the Giants why they are the Little Giants.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Will Win: Dak Prescott has Tyler Guyton a 2024 first round pick out of Oklahoma at left tackle, Tyler Smith at left guard, Cooper Beebe at center, Tyler Booker a 2025 first round pick out of Alabama at right guard, and Terence Steele at right tackle. Dak Prescott has four offensive linemen that the Dallas Cowboys drafted on rookie deals. Tyler Guyton is out at left tackle in week 13.
Dallas put Tyler Guyton on injured reserve. Dallas started Tyler Smith at left tackle, T.J. Bass at left guard, Cooper Beebe at center, Tyler Booker at right guard, and Terence Steele at right tackle. T.J. Bass has not practiced this week due to an injury and might be out. Hakeem Adeniji the backup right tackle and backup right guard would probably slide inside to left guard in this scenario.
Having weapons like CeeDee Lamb as your flanker wide receiver and George Pickens as your secondary wide receiver helps since Dak Prescott has two wide receivers who have experience as a number one wide receiver. Jalen Tolbert is the slot receiver when Dallas runs three wide receiver sets. KaVontae Turpin is your number four wide receiver for depth. Tight end Jake Ferguson is the starting tight end, Luke Schoonmaker a 2023 second round pick out of Michigan won the backup tight end job. Dallas does not have a good third string tight end.
Dallas has Javonte Williams as their number one running back. Miles Sanders is the Dallas Cowboys backup running back. Jayden Blue is the Dallas Cowboys third string running back after being the Dallas Cowboys 2025 fifth round pick. Javonte Williams has not practiced this week and may be out in week 18. His backup Miles Sanders is on injured reserve. Jayden Blue the Dallas Cowboys 2025 fifth round pick out of Texas is in line to get his first career NFL start in week 18.
Dallas has Sam Williams at 4-3 right end, Kenny Clark at 4-3 defensive tackle, Quinnen Williams at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Dante Fowler Jr. at 4-3 left end. Osa Odighizuwa as well as Solomon Thomas are the backup 4-3 defensive tackles, and Donovan Ezeiruaku is the backup 4-3 defensive end end.
Dallas is starting Damone Clark at 4-3 right outside linebacker and Logan Wilson at 4-3 middle linebacker. Dallas will also have DeMarvion Overshown their 2023 third round pick out of Texas healthy as a 4-3 left outside linebacker when he comes back from the PUP list. Jack Sanborn will fill that role for now though. Marist Liufau came very close to taking the 4-3 right outside linebacker job from Damone Clark.
Dallas has Caelan Carson at field cornerback thanks to cutting Trevon Diggs as well as Da'Ron Bland being on injured reserve as Caelan Carson looked good at field cornerback in week 17 on Christmas. Shavon Revel Jr., the Dallas Cowboys 2025 third round pick out of East Caroina began at nickel cornerback, but got promoted to boundary cornerback across from Carson and did well there before he left the game with a concussion. Shavon Revel Jr. will be out in week 18. Dallas is much thinner at cornerback now compared to the start of training camp.
Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson are the starting safeties with both safeties having the versatility to play strong safety or free safety. Dallas doesn't have the safety depth you'd want if something happened to Hooker or Wilson for a second year in a row. Malik Hooker will be out dealing with a toe injury in week 4.
Former Notre Dame center back Brandon Aubrey is now the Dallas Cowboys kicker. I actually found an archive of my Aubrey scouting report from the 2017 MLS Super Draft when Toronto F.C. took Brandon Aubrey in the first round of the 2017 MLS Draft. After Aubrey failed in the MLS, he went to the USFL and had success as a kicker there before receiving a contract to join the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. Brandon Aubrey dominated in his first NFL season. Bryan Anger is the punter. KaVontae Turner the number six wide receiver on the Dallas Cowboys depth chart is the kick returner and punt returner for the Dallas Cowboys.
Why the New York Giants Will Win: New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, the New York Giants 2025 first round pick out of Ole Miss is the new starting quarterback, Russell Wilson got benched as the starting quarterback and now has been benched as the backup being demoted to third string and Jameis Winston is the new backup quarterback.
Jaxson Dart has Andrew Thomas at left tackle, Jon Runyan Jr. at left guard, John Michael Schmitz a 2023 second round pick out of Minnesota starts at center, Greg Van Roten is the starting right guard, and Jermaine Eluemunor is the starting right tackle. Marcus Mbow, a 2025 fifth round pick out of Purdue is the backup left tackle, Aaron Stinnie is the backup left guard, Austin Schlottman is the backup center, Evan Neal is the backup right guard after going from starting right tackle as a rookie to backup right tackle, to third string right tackle last year with him entering the final year of his rookie deal as the backup right guard, James Hudson III is now the backup right tackle. New Yor has surprisingly more depth than usual on the offensive line when everyone is healthy.
New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas and New York Giants center John Michael Schmitz are both on injured reserve. Joshua Ezeudu the backup left guard is also on injured reserve. New York will start Marcus Mbow their 2025 fifth round pick out of Purdue at left tackle, Jon Runyan Jr. at left guard, Austin Schlottmann at center, Greg Van Roen atright guard, and Jermaine Eluemunor at right tackle. Evan Neal, is designated to return from injured reserve, but I only see him being used as a swing guard for depth if he returns from his injury.
New York has Malik Nabers their 2024 first round pick out of LSU as their number one flanker wide receiver. Darius Slayton is the secondary wide receiver. Wan'Dale Robinson is the slot receiver. Isaiah Hodgins took the number four wide receiver job from Jalin Hyatt. Jalin Hyatt, a 2023 third round pick out of Tennessee who won the Billetnikoff Award in 2022 is the number five receiver on this depth chart after beginning the year as the number four wide receiver. Hyatt got an opportunity to play in the slot in relief of Malik Nabers, but did not capitalize on that opportunity. Beaux Collins an undrafted wide receiver out of Notre Dame won the number six wide receiver job. Gunner Olszewski is the number six wide receiver for depth. Malik Nabers left week 3 with an injury, but was cleared to play in week 4.
Malik Nabers got carted off with an injury in week 4 and is out for the year. Wan'Dale Robinson has not practiced this week and is likely out in week 18. Jalin Hyatt is dealing with an illness and has not practiced this week. Beaux Collins and Bryce Ford-Wheaton are on injured reserve. New York has four wide receivers on injured reserve three depth guys outside of Nabers, but with Robinson and Hyatt out this week too, that's six wide receivers unavailable for the New York Giants. Caelan Carson should be able to limit Darius Slayton.
Can Isaiah Hodgins be an x factor? If Hodgins can be an x factor, the Giants can steal this game. New York is just as depleted at wide receiver as Dallas is at cornerback with Dallas not having three of their top four cornerbacks from trainign camp while New York has four wide receivers on injured reserve plus two more expected to be inactive. The matchup between these two teams does favor the Giants since Dallas no longer has Diggs, Bland is on IR, Revel Jr. is in concussion protocol. Carson can limit what Darius Slayton does. He cannot limit what Isaiah Hodgins does. Gunner Olszewski might be the New York Giants slot receiver this week given how depleted the New York Giants are at slot receiver, but their still less depleted at wide receiver than the Dallas Cowboys are at cornerback.
The New York Giants have Theo Johnson as their starting tight end. Daniel Bellinger enters the final year of his rookie deal as the backup tight end. Chris Manhertz is the third string tight end after being the backup tight end at one point. Theo Johnson is dealing with an illness and has missed the New York Giants first two days of practice. Daniel Bellinger is expected to get the start in what will likely be his final game with the New York Giants.
Cam Skattebo a 2025 fourth round pick out of Arizona State was supposed to be the third string running back, but he got promoted to second string running back in week 2 and will start his first NFL game in week 4 after outperforming both Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. Tyrone Tracy Jr. a 2024 fifth round pick out of Purdue got injured in week 3 on sunday, but practiced in a limited capacity. This tells me Skattebo will be the bellcow moving forward. Cam Skattebo suffered a season ending injury.
New York has Rakeem Nunez-Roches at 3-4 right end, Dexter Lawrence at 3-4 nose tackle, and Roy Robertson-Harris at 3-4 left end. New York drafted Darius Alexander in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Toledo for depth at both 3-4 right end and 3-4 left end. D.J. Davidson a 2022 fifth round pick enters the final year of his rookie contract and is the backup 3-4 nose tackle to Dexter Lawrence, but he's on injured reserve now.
Abdul Carter, the New York Giants 2025 first round pick out of Penn State as the starting 3-4 right outside linebacker. enters his third season in the NFL as the starting 3-4 right outside linebacker with Brian Burns complimenting him at 3-4 left linebacker. New York signed Bobby Okerke to a 4 year contract at 3-4 middle linebacker. Micah McFadden compliments Bobby Okereke 3-4 middle linebacker. Kayvon Thibodeaux is the situtational pass rusher.
Abdul Carter is dealing with an illness at 3-4 right outside linebacker and may not play. Kayvon Thibodeaux is on injured reserve, so who will start at 3-4 right outside linebacker across from Brian Burns? Right now, former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Chauncey Golston is the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker to Brian Burns. He might be summoned to start at 3-4 left outside linebacker with Brian Burns at 3-4 right outside linebacker just for this week if Abdul Carter is not cleared to play.
Paulson Adebo is the field cornerback. Deonte Banks, the New York Giants 2023 first round pick out of Maryland was the field cornerback his first two years, but will now be the boundary cornerback. Dru Phillips, the New York Giants 2024 third round pick out of Kentucky is the nickel cornerback. Tyler Nubin their 2024 second round pick out of Minnesota is the starting strong safety. Jevon Holland plays free safety.
Dane Belton, the New York Giants backup safety has been starting in relief of Tyler Nubin at strong safety since the New York Giants placed Tyler Nubin on injured reserve. Also, Jevon Holland has not cleared concussion protocol. New York is depleted at safety in week 18.
New York has Graham Gano as their starting kicker, but he's out this week. Gunner Olszewski is the return specialist at both kick returner and punt returner.
Prediction: Dallas is a 3.5 point favorite at -3.5. The over or under is 49.5 with 62% of the public betting on Dallas. The money line is -185 for Dallas and +160 for New Yor. Take Dallas to win and cover with the over at -185. Bet $225 on this game for Dallas and win up to $400 as long as the Cowboys win by 4 or more.
Final Score Cowboys 27 Giants 23
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
Tennessee Titans 3-13-0
Versus
Jacksonville Jaguars 12-4-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
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Why the Tennessee Titans Will Win: Tennessee drafted Cam Ward first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Miami FL. Cam Ward will be the day 1 starter in Tennessee after Will Levis had a season ending injury.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward has Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle, Peter Skoronski Tennessee's 2023 first round pick who was Northwestern's left tackle entering year two at left guard, Lloyd Cushenberry III at center, Kevin Zeitler is the starting right guard, and JC Latham Tennessee's 2024 first round pick a right tackle at Alabama that was drafted seventh overall will move back to right tackle after playing left tackle as a rookie. Jaleyn Duncan is the backup left tackle, Jackson Slater Tennessee's 2025 fifth round pick out of Sacramento State is the backup left guard, Drew Moss is the backup center, Corey Levin is the backup right guard, and Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson is the backup right tackle. Tennessee also has Garrett Dellinger, a former Cleveland Brown as their third string left guard and Clay Webb on the practice squad as a player they can bring up when Kevin Zeitler retires.
Tennessee has Calvin Ridley as their flanker wide receiver. Elic Ayomanor a 2025 fourth round pick out of Stanford beat out Chimere Dike a 2025 fourth round pick out of Maryland and Van Jefferson for a for the slot receiver job despite Dike being drafted ahead of Ayomanor as I had Ayomanor graded higher which means Van Jefferson is the number four wide receiver with Chimere Dike being the number five wide receiver. This means Treylon Burks, the Tennessee Titans 2022 first round pick out of Arkansas goes from being a number one wide receiver as a rookie, to being the number two wide receiver in year two, to being the number four wide receiver in year 3, to being the number six wide receiver in year four, but he got cut. Calvin Ridley got placed on injured reserve and Tennessee cut Tyler Lockett. Elic Ayomanor was the number one flanker wide receiver and Chimere Dike was the secondary wide receiver with Calvin Ridley on injured reserve and Tyler Lockett cut from the team. Calvin Ridley returned in week 11, but got carted off and suffered a season ending injury.
Since Calvin Ridley got injured, things have changed at wide receiver. Elic Ayomanor has taken over as the flanker wide receiver. Chimere Dike is the secondary wide receiver. Van Jefferson has played slot receiver since Ridley went out, but Van Jefferson has not practiced this week due to an injury. Former Baltimore Ravens 2020 draft pick James Proche II who spent time with both the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns will start at slot receiver if Van Jefferson cannot go this week.
Tennessee has Chigoziem Okonwko as their starting tight end whose in the final year of his rookie contract and Gunnar Helm a 2025 fourth round pick out of Texas as the backup tight end. Tennessee cut last years backup tight end Josh Whyle in training camp after he failed to win the backup tight end job rather than trade their former 2023 fifth round pick, when Whyle would have been perfect in a third string role. Joel Wilson took over as the third string tight end, but went on injured reserve. David Martin-Robinson spent his rookie season on the Tennessee Titans practice squad after going undrafted out of Temple in the 2024 NFL Draft as the former Hemphield High School player played running back, wide receiver, linebacker, safety, and return specialist before converting to tight end at Temple improving his blocking. David Martin-Robinson won the Tennessee Titans third string tight end job in 2024. He did well enough to push last years backup Josh Whyle for that role which led to Whyle getting cut. Gunnar Helm has not practiced this week, so David Martin-Robinson could end up being the number two tight end in week 18.
Tennessee has Tony Pollard as their starting running back and Tyjae Spears their 2023 third round pick out of Tulane entering year three as the backup running back with Tyjae Spears back from injured reserve as a full practice entering week 5. Kalel Mullings a 2025 sixth round pick that played fullback out of Michigan is currently the backup running back until Tyjae Spears returns from injured reserve as Kalel Mullings beat out Julius Chesnut last years third string running back for the third string running back job.
Tennessee has Jeffrey Simmons at 3-4 right end, T'Vondre Sweat, Tennessee's 2024 second round pick out of Texas will start at 3-4 nose tackle, and Sebastian Joseph-Day will start at 3-4 left end. Tennessee also has Shy Tuttle for depth behind T'Vondre Sweat.
Tennesee has Arden Key at 3-4 right outside linebacker and Oluwafemi Oladejo the Tennessee Titans 2025 second round pick out of UCLA at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Cody Barton and Cedric Gray, Tennessee's 2024 fourth round pick out of North Carolina are the two starting 3-4 middle linebackers. Jihad Ward is the backup 3-4 outside linebacker. Arden Key is unlikely to play this week, so Jihad Ward will play at 3-4 right outside linebacker. Oluafemi Oladejo is dealing with an injury and has limited experience starting at 3-4 left outside linebacker after getting benched for Arden Key when the Tennessee Titans had both Dre'Mont Jones and Arden Key earlier in the season. Tennessee traded Dre'Mont Jones to Baltimore and have started Jihad Ward and Arden Key at pas rs rusher in the second half of the season.
Tennessee has L'Jarius Sneed at field cornerback. Nobody else on this secondary can cover. Sneed is also on injured reserve.
Tennessee has Amani Hooker at strong safety and Xavier Woods at free safety. Tennessee also has Kevin Winston Jr. their 2025 third round pick out of Penn State as the backup stong safety. Both Xavier Woods and Kevin Winston Jr. are on injured reserve.
Tennessee has Joey Slye at kicker and Johnny Hekker is back at punter. Chimere Dike will be the return specialist at both kick returner and punt returner as a rookie.
Why the Jacksonville Jaguars Will Win: Trevor Lawrence got extended at quarterback. Jacksonville has Walker little at left tackle, Ezra Cleveland at left guard, Robert Hainsey at center, Patrick Mekari at right guard, and Anton Harrison at right tackle. Cole Van Lanen is the backup left tackle. Wyatt Milum, Jacksonville's 2025 third round pick out of West Virginia is the backup the backup left guard. Jonah Monheim the Jacksonville Jaguars 2025 seventh round pick out of USC is the backup center. Cooper Hodges is the backup right guard, but he's been on the PUP list all season. Chuma Edoga the backup right tackle has handled additional responsibilities as the backup right guard which led to his promotion at swing tackle. Jonah Monheim looked good in relief of Hainsey against Kansas City on Monday Night Football. Jonah Monheim got his first career start at center in week 6 before Robert Hainsey returned to the lineup in week 7. Ezra Cleveland and Robert Hainsey were both limited practices this week despite dealing with injuries and as long as both are medically cleared, both should play in the regular season finale with the division on the line. Jacksonville has great starters on the offensive line along with quality depth players.
Jacksonville has Brian Thomas Jr. as their flanker wide receiver as a 2024 first round pick out of LSU, Travis Hunter their secondary wide receiver as a 2025 first round pick out of Colorado, and Jakobi Meyers as the slot receiver. Dyami Brown is the number four wide receiver, but will play the slot until Travis Hunter returns from injured reserve. Tim Patrick is an okay number four wide receiver, but will play the number five wide receiver role when Travis Hunter returns. Parker Washington is the number six wide receiver when everyone is healthy, but is the number five wide receiver while Travis Hunter recovers from his injury. Brian Thomas Jr. is out in week 10. Jacksonville will not have Brian Thomas Jr. or Travis Hunter in week 10. Brian Thomas Jr. is out this week in week 12 and Travis Hunter is out for the season. Brian Thomas Jr. returned in week 13 and started at flanker wide receiver with Jakobi Meyers as the secondary wide receiver and Parker Washington as a slot receiver.
Brenton Strange, Jacksonville's 2023 second round pick is the starting tight end which does not make sense since Strange ranked twenty out of twenty on my tight end rankings for the 2023 NFL Draft. Johnny Mundt Minnesota's third string tight end is the backup tight end. Hunter Long the Los Angeles Rams fourth string tight end is the third string tight end. This is without a doubt the worst tight end room in the entire league this year. Brenton Strange was out in week 6.
Jacksonville has Travis Etienne as the starting running back, Bhayshul Tuten a 2025 fourth round pick out of Virginia Tech is the backup running back , and LeQuint Allen Jr. a 2025 seventh round pick out of Syracuse is the third string running back.
Jacksonville has a lot more depth at a lot of key positons. The problem is that the Jacksonville Jaguars have the worst tight end room in the entire league.
Jacksonville has Josh Hines-Allen at 4-3 right end, DaVon Hamilton at 4-3 defensive tackle, Arik Armstead at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Trevon Walker at 4-3 left end. `Dawuane Smoot is the backup 4-3 right end, EAustin Johnson is the backup 4-3 defensive tackle, Maason Smith a 2024 second round pick out of LSU is the number four 4-3 defensive tackle now being promoted from third string to backup, Emmanuel Ogbah is the backup 4-3 left end behind Travon Walker, and Khalen Saunders is the third string 4-3 defensive tackle. Travon Walker has been ruled inactive in week 5 and he missed week 6 with Emmanuel Ogbah making his second consecutive start in relief of Walker.
Jacksonville has Foyesade Oluokun at 4-3 right outside linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense and Devin Lloyd at 4-3 middle linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Dennis Gardeck is starting at 4-3 left outside linebacker. Jack Kiser their 2025 fourth round pick out of Notre Dame is the backup 4-3 right outside linebacker, Ventrell Miller is the backup 4-3 middle linebacker, and Yasir Abdullah is the backup 4-3 left outside linebacker. Jacksonville has depth at linebacker for not just a 4-2-5 nickel defense, but a 4-3 base defense as well.
Jacksonville has Travis Hunter at field cornerback, Montaric Brown at boundary cornerback, Jourdan Lewis the former Dallas Cowboys nickel cornerback is the new nickel cornerback, Greg Newsome II was the dime cornerback, and Jarian Jones who began the season as the boundary cornerback has already been demoted to the quarter cornerback. Eric Murray will be the new starting strong safety with Andrew Wingard at free safety. Antonio Johnson is the backup strong safety and Darnell Savage is the backup free safety. Jacksonville has a lot of depth on defense and that depth is going to make this defense much better this season. Travis Hunter got placed on injured reserve, but now Greg Newsome II is now the field cornerback until Travis Hunter comes back. Jourdan Lewis also left week 9 with an injury and did not return to the game.
Jacksonville's top three cornerbacks entering the training camp were Tyson Campbell at field cornerback, Travis Hunter at boundary cornerback, and Jourdan Lewis at nickel cornerback. Jacksonville never got to use any of those three cornerbacks, traded Campbell to the Browns for Greg Newsome II whose a UFA in 2026. Hunter tore his ACL and is out for the year and Lewis has been out for most of the second half. Jacksonville has Greg Newsome II at field cornerback, Montaric Brown at boundary cornerback, and Jarrian Jones their 2024 third round pick out of Florida State that I was not a fan of at nickel cornerback. Jacksonville has a great offense and great front 7, but the weakness of this team is that they have three second team cornerbacks starting now.
Jacksonville has Cam Little a sophomore kicker out of Arkansas at kicker entering year two which I think was an solid decision by the Jaguars at kicker. Logan Cooke doesn't excite me as a punter yet he's back. Parker Washington is the return specialist both a kick returner and a punt returner. Washington has asserted himself as a quality slot receiver in relief of Travis Hunter with Hunter injured.
Prediction: Jacksonville is a 13.5 point favorite at -13.5. The over or under is 47.5 with 85% of the public betting on Jacksonville. The money line is +600 for Tennessee and -800 for Jacksonville. Take Jacksonville to win and cover with the over at -800. Bet $900 on this game for Jacksonville and win up to $1,700 as long as the Jaguars win by 14 or more.
Final Score Jaguars 35 Titans 14
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
Indianapolis Colts 8-8-0
Versus
Houston Texans 11-5-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
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Why the Indianapolis Colts Will Win: Anthony Richardson the fourth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Florida started the year before a season ending injury shut him down early in 2023. Anthony Richardson entered the season as the favorite to be the starting quarterback, but Daniel Jones won the starting quarterback job. Daniel Jones tore his ACL and Anthony Richardson is still on injured reserve. Philip Rivers retired again after the Colts got eliminated from the playoffs.
Riley Leonard has Bernard Raimann at left tackle, Quinton Nelson at left guard, Tanor Bortolini a 2024 fourth round pick out of Wisconsin at center, Matt Goncalves a 2024 third round pick out of Pittsburgh at right guard, and Braden Smith at right tackle. Jalen Travis a 2025 fourth round pick out of Iowa State is the backup left tackle, Danny Pinter is the backup center, and Blake Freeland one of their draft picks out of BYU is the backup right tackle, but Blake Freeland is currently on injured reserve.
Indianapolis put Braden Smith on injured reserve prior to their week 15 game against the Seattle Seahawks. With both right tackles on injured reserve, Jalen Travis didn't give up a sack against Seattle in week 15 or San Francisco holding Keion White in check in his second NFL start. He gave up a sack to Travon Walker, but outside of that one sack he allowed, he held him in check the rest of the game. Jalen Travis looks like someone who can pickup where Braden Smith fell off. Bernard Raimann is the only offensive lineman locked up long-term, and Quinton Nelson enters a contract year next season. With the emergence of Jalen Tavis being a viable starter, Indianapolis can pay their best offensive lineman in Quinton Nelson while Bortolini Goncalves, and Travis all start on rookie deals next season.
Indianapolis has Michael Pittman Jr. as their flanker wide receiver, Josh Downs as their secondary wide receiver when fully healthy, and Alec Pierce as their slot receiver. Ashton Dulin is the number four wide receiver. Anthony Gould a 2024 fifth round pick out of Oregon State is the number five wide receiver after moving ahead of Adonai Mitchell, the former Indianapolis Colts 2024 second round pick out of Texas that was traded to the New York Jets in a trade that allowed the Indianapolis Colts to obtain cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner.
Tyler Warren, the Indianapolis Colts 2025 first round pick out of Penn State is the starting tight end. Mo Alie-Cox is the backup tight end. Drew Ogletree is the third stright tight end. Will Mallory beat out Jelani Woods for the fourth string tight end job. Indianapolis did not start Tyler Warren in week 9, he wasn't injured, but Indianapolis opted to start both Moe-Alie Cox and Alec Ogletree hoping to throw off the Pittsburgh Steelers and that backfired immensely.
Indianapolis has Jonathan Taylor as their starting running back, but the Colts are in trouble if he goes down again. Tyler Goodson is the backup running back. DJ Giddens a 2025 fifth round pick out of Kansas State is the third string running back. If DJ Giddens becomes the backup, the Colts could have some running back depth. Right now, the Indianapolis Colts running game will continue to lean on Jonathan Taylor as their bell cow at running back.
Indianapolis has Laiatu Latu their 2024 first round pick out of UCLA at 4-3 right end, DeForest Buckner at 4-3 defensive tackle, Grover Stewart back at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Kwity Paye their 2021 first round pick at 4-3 left end. Samson Ekubam is the backup 4-3 right end, Adetomiwa Adebawaroe a defensive lineman out of Northwestern that I loved in the 2023 NFL Draft is getting the start over Neville Gallimore in week 13 with DeForest Buckner out for two more games. Neville Gallimore will be the backup number four 4-3 defensive tackle, and Tyquan Lewis is the backup 4-3 left end. JT Tuimoloau is the third string 4-3 defensive end after being the Indianapolis Colts 2025 second round pick out of Ohio State. DeForest Buckner is not just out, he's been placed on injured reserve prior to week 10. DeForest Buckner is still out at 4-3 defensive tackle.
Indianapolis has Germaine Pratt at 4-3 right outside linebacker in their 4-2-5 nickel defense and Zaire Franklin at 4-3 middle linebacker in their 4-2-5 nickel defense. Jaylon Carlies is back and I'm not sure if he or Chad Muma will play 4-3 left outside linebacker when the Indianpaolis Colts bring a 4-3 personnel. If the Colts run a 4-2-5, they got depth at linebacker now with Carlies as the backup outside linebacker nad Muma as the middle linebacker. Jaylon Carlies is off of injured reserve, but has been ruled out in week 12.
Indianapolis will have Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner as their number one field cornerback after trading two first round picks to the New York Jets to get Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner. Charvarius Ward has been cleared to return from his injury and will move over to boundary cornerback after being a field cornerback as the number one cornerback for most of his NFL career after going undrafted in 2018 as Ward won the number one cornerback job as a sophomore following his rookie season when the Chiefs won Super Bowl 54. Kenny Moore II remains at nickel cornerback. Jaylon Jones a 2023 seventh round pick out of Texas A&M enters his second season as a full-time starter and will play boundary cornerback until Charvarius Ward returns from his injury. Kenny Moore II last years nickel cornerback remaining at nickel. Mekhi Blackmon, Minnesota's boundary cornerback before his season ending injury in 2024 is the dime cornerback, and Mike Hilton is the quarter cornerback. Charvarius Ward got injured in week 6 and was placed on injured reserve prior to week 7, meaning Ward is out for two more games before he returns. Indianapolis got their boundary cornerback back in week 9 before opting to trade for Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner in week 10. This secondary could really take off once Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner and Charvarius Ward are both fully healthy. Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner will probably miss the next two games and come back on Monday Night Football in week 16 when the Colts host the San Francisco 49ers. Charvarius Ward also got placed on injured reserve and might be done for the year unless the Indianapolis Colts get a wild card spot.
Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner is still out after getting injured in week 14 while Ward remains on injured reserve. Mekhi Blackmon their dime cornerback is starting at field cornerback as the number one cornerback, Cameron Mitchell, a former Cleveland Browns backup cornerback is getting the start at boundary cornerback, and Kenny Moore II is starting at nickel cornerback.
Indianapolis is starting Camryn Bynum at strong safety and Nick Cross a 2022 third round pick out of Maryland enters the final year of his rookie deal at free safety. Daniel Scott is the backup strong safety. Rodney Thomas II is the backup free safety.
Spencer Shrader is the Indianapolis Colts starting kicker, but he got ruled out for the season, so Indianapolis brought in Michael Badgley to replace him at kicker. Now Blake Grupe is the Indianapolis Colts starting kicker. Some guy named Rigoberto Sanchez who I never heard of is the Indianapolis Colts punter. Anthony Gould will be both the return specialist as a kick returner and a punt returner.
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 before doingn that once again as a sophomore. C.J. Stroud has Aireontae Ersery the Houston Texans 2025 second round pick out of Minnesota at left tackle, Laken Tomlinson at left guard, Jake Andrews, the New England Patriots backup center as a rookie in 2023 that was drafted out of Troy got demoted to third string center in 2024 after New England signed Ben Brown, yet somehow Jake Andrews beat out Jarrett Patterson for the starting center job, Ed Ingram at right guard, and Tytus Howard the right tackle. Juice Scruggs is the swing guard, Jarrett Patterson is the backup center, and Blake Fisher is the backup right tackle as these moves on the offensive line strengthen the Houston Texans depth on the offensive line. Houston did not have Aireontae Ersery in week 17 due to a thumb injury, but he went from a limited practice on Wednesday to a full practice on thursday. Houston will have their offensive line at full health when they play the Indianapolis Colts in week 18.
Houston has Nico Collins as their number one flanker receiver, Jayden Higgins, the Houston Texans 2025 second round pick out of Iowa State began the year as the number two secondary wide receiver, but he got benched for Xavier Hutchinson in week 3 and was the number four wide receiver on the depth chart. Jayden Higgins has jumped Xavier Hutchinson since then to become Houston's slot receiver in week 12. Jayden Higgins did win player of the game on Draft Utopia when Houston defeated the Indianapolis Colts earlier this year. Last week, Houston promoted Jayden Higgins to their secondary wide receiver role and demoted Christian Kirk to slot receiver. Houston's other rookie out of Iowa State, Jaylin Noel, the Houston Texans 2025 third round pick out of Iowa State was the player of the game in week 17 last week and is literally pushing Christian Kirk for the starting slot receiver job as Noel got more targets than Kirk who only had one against the Los Angeles Chargers. Houston will roll with Collins and Higgins on the outside this year and next year.
Nahaniel "Tank" Dell, Houston's 2023 third round pick will replace Christian Kirk as the veteran slot receiver once he's back from his injury in 2026 since he took the number two wide receiver job from Stefon Diggs in Houston during his sophomore year before tearing his ACL after showing great promise as a rookie slot receiver. Jaylin Noel will most likely compete with Dell for the slot receiver job next season with Dell on the final year of his rookie deal unless Houston trades Dell and finds a buyer for Tank Dell this offseason ince. If Houston trades Dell, the wide receiver C.J. Stroud told the Texans to draft, then Noel could be Houston's permanent slot receiver next season.
Xavier Hutchinson a 2023 sixth round pick out of Iowa State started at slot receiver in week 3 with Tank Dell expected to be out most of this season, but is now the number four wide receiver. Hutchinson will probably be Houston's number five wide receiver if Tank Dell recovers and plays for the Texnas in his contract year. Houston has stability at wide receiver this year and in 2026.
Justin Watson is the number six wide receiver back off of injured reserve. Braxton Berrios is the number seven wide receiver. Houston has seven of their eight wide receivers that made the final roster with Tank Dell being the only injured wide receiver. Tank Dell will probably not play this season, but he's making enough progress in his rehab to where he should be at Houston Texans Training Camp in 2026.
Dalton Schultz is the starting tight end. Cade Stover, the Houston Texans 2024 fourth round pick out of Ohio State is the backup tight end. Brevin Jordan, Houston's 2021 fourth round pick out of Miami FL is the third string tight end once he returns from injured reserve, but he might get some games as the backup tight end once he comes back. Harrison Bryant who began the season on the practice squad emerged into a quality third string tight end. Luke Lachey the Houston Texans 2025 seventh round draft pick with the Houston Texans remains on the Houston Texans practice squad. I think Houston was always planning on stashing Lachey on the practice squad for this season before making him their third string tight end starting in 2026.
Jo'quavious "Woody" Marks, the Houston Texans 2025 fourth round pick out of USC is the entered the season as the fourth string running back, but became the starting running back after Joe Mixon's season ending injury and Nick Chubb's struggles. Jahwar Jordan, Houston's 2024 sixth round pick out of Louisville made his NFL debut in week 14 where he had 17 carries, 101 rushing yards, 17 receiving yards, and 118 total yards with a 50 yard carry in his NFL debut which is now the longest carry in Houston Texans history. Jahwar Jordan spent most of two seasons on Houston's practice squad, but his impact in his short tenure was so massive, that he already supplanted Nick Chubb as the backup running back behind Jo'quavious "Woody" Marks meaning that Nick Chubb is the current third string running backs. Joe Mixon will not be back this season, but if the Pro Bowl running back makes a full recovery next season, Houston would have Mixon to go with Marks and Jordan in 2026. Houston can also move Mixon for draft capital or cut him to save $8.5 million in cap space since Houston has a fourth and sixth round pick on rookie deals that have shown they can get 100 rushing yards in relief of Mixon.
Dare Ogunbowale was supposed to be the fifth string running back, but is playing fourth string running back behind Jo'quavious "Woody" Marks, Jahwar Jordan, and Nick Chubb. British Brooks is the Houston Texans starting fullback as he is going to make his first start of the season in week 9 playing fullback.
Houston has Danielle Hunter starting at 4-3 right end, Sheldon Rankins 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. Derek Barnett is the backup 4-3 right end with Darrell Taylor Jr. as the backup 4-3 left end. Tim Settle Jr., the former Buffalo Bills defensive tackle is the backup 4-3 defensive tackle with Folorunso Fatukasi being the other backup 4-3 defensive tackle. Dylan Horton is a third string defensive end and Tommy Togiai is a third string 4-3 defensive tackle.
Houston has their two sack artist pass rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. fully healthy, but their backups Derek Barnett ad Darrell Taylor Jr. are both back from injured reserve, plus third stringer Dylan Horton is there. This is the first time since Houston's week 3 44-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens that all five defensive ends are at full health. Sheldon Rankins, thier best defensive tackle is healthy too. Houston has four different defensive takles on injured reserve including Mario Edwards Jr., Tim Settle Jr., Folorunso Fatukasi, and their number six defensive tackle Kyonte Hamilton, the fourth string defensive tackle behind Tommy Togiai and Denico Autry is also on injured reserve. Kurt Hinish the other fourth string defensive tackle is on the PUP list too. Togiai and Autry are solid enough as a tandem together to hold up next to Rankins until some of the other defensive tackles return.
Houston has E.J. Speed at 4-3 right outside linebacker, Azeez Al-Shaair at 4-3 middle linebacker, Henry To'oTo'o, a 2023 fifth round pick out of Alabama began the year starting at 4-3 right outside linebacker, but has moved to 4-3 left outside linebacker in a 4-3 set. In a 4-2-5 nickel defense, he's still the right outside linebacker. Christian Harris, Houston's 2022 third round pick out of Alabama is the backup linebacker to Speed, Al-Shaair,and To'oTo'o.
Houston has Derek Stingley Jr. at field cornerback, Kamari Lassiter won the boundary cornerback job as a 2024 second round pick out of Georgia, and Jalen Pitre is back at nickel 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. M.J. Stewart is now the Houston Texans starting strong safety until Jimmie Ward returns. Jaylin Smith, the Houston Texans 2025 third round pick is the number four dime cornerback behind the top three cornerbacks for depth. Jimmie Ward, M.J. Stewart, Jaylen Reed, and Jaylin Smith the top four options at strong safety are all on injured reserve, but Calen Bullock the USC teammate of Jaylin Smith is still fully healthy at free safety.
Houston has arguably the most complete defense in the entire NFL when everyone is healthy. Kamari Lassiter is out this week. Houston moved Jalen Pitre to strong safety a few weeks ago giving Houston Stingley, Lassiter, Pitre, and Bullock as the starters in the secondary while deploying 3 linebacker sets. Basically the Texans are the only team outside of Denver and New England with a dominant starting 11 on their defense when everyone is healthy. You could throw Jacksonville in this conversation too, but Jacksonville's top three cornerbacks from week 1 are no longer on the active roster with Tyson Campbell in Cleveland, Hunter gone for the season, and Jourdan Lewis still on injured reserve. With five defensive tackles, three safeties, and multiple cornerbacks injured with Lassiter and Jaylin Smith, there are some tiny holes in Houston's defense that are beginning to crack.
Houston has Ka'imi Fairbairn at kicker. Tommy Townsend the Kansas City Chiefs punter signed with the Houston Texans.
Prediction: Houston is a 10.5 point favorite at -10.5. The over or under is 38.5 with 85% of the public betting on Houston. The money line is +450 for Indianapolis and -550 for Houston. I like Houston to win and Indianapolis to cover with the under at +450. Bet $550 on this game for Indianapolis and win up to $1,000 as long as the Texans win by 10 or less.
Final Score Texans 21 Colts 17
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
New York Jets 3-13-0
Versus
Buffalo Bills 11-5-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
I got College Scoreboards from the Scorestream app as well as NFL scores. I just feel like posting ten different scoreboards before getting to the article will cause readers to lose interest. Scoreboards for the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, SEC, and Mountain West are now up.
Why the New York Jets Will Win: Brady Cook has Olumuyiwa Fashanu, the New York jets 2024 first round pick out of Penn State at left tackle, John Simpson at left guard, Josh Myers at center, Joe Tippman moving from center to right guard thanks to a season ending injury of Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Armand Membou the New York Jets 2025 first round pick a right tackle out of Missouri as the right tackle. Max Mitchell is the backup left tackle and Chukwuma Okorafor is the backup right tackle, and Gus Hartwig made the New York Jets final roster as an undrafted free agent and I had Hartwig as a guy with starter potential, but Gus Hartwing is currently on injured reserve and will be the backup center when he returns.
New York has officially benched Justin Fields for Tyrod Taylor. Tyrod Taylor sat out wednesday before practicing in a limited capacity on thursday and Friday. Brady Cook who went undrafted is ahead of Tyrod Taylor on the New York Jets depth chart. Brady Cook is making Tim Boyle look like Tom Brady with his horrendous play, but Cook and Fields are both under contract in 2026, so if the New York Jets prefer the 2027 NFL Draft over this years quarterback class, running it back with Fields is an option since the New York Jets did put Fields on season ending injured reserve.
The New York Jets Garrett Wilson as the flanker wide receiver, Adonai Mitchell is the secondary wide receiver, and and Josh Reynolds is a number four wide receiver for depth. The New York Jets have zero depth at wide receiver if injuries occur. Garrett Wilson got injured in London and he missed week 7. Garrett Wilson looks like he will be out in week 8. Garrett Wilson should be back following the bye week, but the New York Jets put Josh Reynolds on injured reserve prior to their week 8.
New York has Garrett Wilson and Josh Reynolds on injured reserve now. New York has Adonai Mitchell at flanker wide receiver and John Metchie III is the secondary wide receiver. Isaiah Williams is the slot receiver.
New York Jets 2025 fourth round pick Arian Smith a wide receiver that played at Texas A&M started in a limited role. This was before the New York Jets cut Allan Lazard. That stint by Arian Smith was short lived and now backup wide receiver Tyler Johnson is pushing Arian Smith for the New York Jets number four wide receiver. This is not encouraging news for the New York Jets 2025 fourth round pick.
Mason Taylor the New York Jets 2025 second round pick out of LSU is the starting tight end. Jeremy Ruckert is the backup tight end. Stone Smartt the Los Angeles Chargers third string tight end last year is now the New York Jets third string tight end. Jelani Woods is the fourth string tight end. Mason Taylor and Jelani Woods are not on injured reserve, but both have not practiced this week and are ruled out with injuries in week 18.
New York has Breece Hall as their starting running back, Braelon Allen their 2024 fourth round pick as their backup running back, and Isaiah Davis a 2024 fifth round pick out of South Dakota State is the third string running back. Kene Nwangu is the fourth string running back. Braelon Allen is out 8-12 weeks. Isaiah Davis will get promoted from third string running back to change of pace running back as Isaiah Davis showed promise in that role when Braelon Allen was injured. Kene Nwangu practiced in a limited capacity, so he could be cleared to return too and when he does return he would be the third string running back until Braelon Allen returns as Braelon Allen looks like he is out for the year.
Breece Hall is a game time decision at runing back. Braelon Allen and Andrew Beck is the starting fullback.
The New York Jets have Jermaine Johnson II a 2022 first round pick from Florida State as the starting 4-3 right end, Mazi Smith at 4-3 defensive tackle, Harrison Phillips as their other starting 4-3 defensive tackle, and Will McDonald IV a 2023 first round pick from Iowa State as their 4-3 left end. New York has good starters on the defensive line if both Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald IV can stay healthy, but the New York Jets depth on the defensive line is worse than last season. Will McDonald IV is on injured reserve.
New York has Quincy Williams at 4-3 right outside linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense and Jamien Sherwood at 4-3 middle linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Michael Clemons would play 4-3 left outside linebacker in a 4-3 set, but luckily for Clemons New York runs a 4-2-5 nickel defense.
The New York Jets have Azareye'h Thomas the New York Jets 2025 third round pick out of Florida State at field cornerback covering number one wide receivers with the New York Jets trading Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts. Brandon Stephens the boundary cornerback who covers number two wide receivers staying in this role even after trading for Jarvis Brownlee Jr. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. is the nickel cornerback Qwan'tez Stiggers is the dime cornerback. Kris Boyd is the dime cornerback. Malachi Moore, the New York Jets 2025 fourth round pick out of Alabama is expected to get his first NFL start at strong safety and Andre Cisco is the new free safety. Tony Adams is the backup strong safety and Isaiah Oliver is the backup free safety. Azareye'h Thomas is out this week after getting injured in week 10.
New York put Azareye'h Thomas on injured reserve. Jarvis Brownlee the nickel cornerback is on injured reserve. Quantez Stiggers took over at field cornerback after Azarey'h Thomas got injured. Brandon Stephens is the only healthy cornerback on the New York Jets.
Nick Folk is the starting kicker. Kene Nwangwu is the kick returner and the punt returner, but he has missed time with an injury.
Why the Buffalo Bills Will Win: Josh Allen finally won his first MVP last season. 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. Buffalo saw their offensive line stay fully healthy for the second year in a row in 2024. 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. Kendrick Green and Dan Feeney are good enough to be backup guards on Buffalo, but both players are on the Buffalo Bills practice squad. Both Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown have been ruled out in week 13.
Buffalo has Khalil Shakir as their flanker wide receiver, Keon Coleman Buffalo's 2024 second round pick out of Florida State is the secondary wide receiver, and Joshua Palmer as the slot receiver as their top three wide receivers. All three guys can play flanker wide receiver, secondary wide receiver, or slot receiver. Curtis Samuel is their number four wide receiver, Elijah Moore is the number five wide receiver, Tyrell Shavers is the number six wide receiver as an undrafted free agent, and Gabriel Davis who was Jacksonville's number one wide receiver for a brief period before being supplanted by Brian Thomas Jr. is on the Buffalo Bills practice squad as the number seven wide receiver. Gabriel Davis has the talent to jump Tyrell Shavers, but will he do enough to earn a promotion. That remains to be seen.
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 in 2023. Jackson Hawes, the Buffalo Bills 2025 fifth round pick out of Georgia Tech is the third string tight end. Buffalo started Dawson Knox over Dalton Kincaid in week 8 and did the same thing in week 9 hoping they could trick the Kansas City Chiefs into covering Knox so Kincaid would fly under the radar. This strategy worked ot perfection as Dalton Kincaid felt like he had a chip on his shoulder with Knox getting the start as Kincaid caught every target Josh Allen threw against the Kansas City Chiefs while also having over 100 receiving yards, and 1 receiving touchdown. I'm not sure whether Buffalo will start Knox or Kincaid in week 10, but either guy will be a problem at tight end for the Buffalo Bills. I am guessing Buffalo will deploy a two tight end set versus playing three wide receivers in week 9 since Tyrell Shavers had a minimal impact in relief of Josh Palmer. Dalton Kincaid is questionable. This could be Buffalo's first game before Dalton Kincaid got injured with the offense at full health. Buffalo probably knows Kincaid is healthy enough to play, but they are resting him up for the wild card round of the playoffs.
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 did well as the backup running back as a rookie 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 has more depth at wide receiver and tight end than last year with Buffalo being just as deep at running back.
Buffalo has Joey Bosa 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. A.J. Epenesa is the backup 4-3 right end with T.J. Sanders Buffalo's 2025 second round pick out of South Carolina as a backup defensive tackle along with Deone Walker the Buffalo Bills 2025 fourth round pick as the other backup defensive tackle. Landon Jackson, Buffalo's 2025 third round pick out of Arkansas is the backup 4-3 let end.
Buffalo wanted to ease their 2025 rookies at defensive tackle into the lineup by keeping them on third string as long as possible. Michael Hoecht got suspended and honestly, Hoecht might be a third stringer on Buffalo when he comes back if Landon Jackson impresses with limited reps since I believe Landon Jackson has a higher ceiling than Michael Hoecht. The other defensive tackle that got suspended is Larry Ogunjobi who will be needed after he returns from his suspension if either or the rookie defensive tackles struggles right out of the gate. DeWayne Carter Buffalo's 2024 third round pick out of Duke as the backup 4-3 defensive tackle to Ed Oliver as a rookie, but suffered a season ending injury in year two which is why the rookie defensive tackles got promoted to second team. DeWayne Carter will have to compete with the rookie defensive tackles in camp next year for a roster spot entering year three which won't be easy with the loser of that competition being the third string defensive tackle on Buffalo. Javon Solomon is the third string 4-3 left end with Michael Hoecht being the third string 4-3 right end. Buffalo has six different defensive ends and six different defensive tackles for the defensive line on their 4-3 base defense that also runs a 4-2-5 nickel defense when everyone is healthy.
Ed Oliver has shoulder surgery in late October as Ed Oliver is expected to miss the rest of the regular season, but he could be back for the playoffs. Ed Oliver now had knee surgery. I do not see Ed Oliver playing. DaQuan Jones got injured and missed last week in week 17 and is out in week 18. Jordan Phillips last week. Deone Walker, Buffalo's 2025 fourth round pick out of Kentucky that I had a first round grade on took over for Ed Oliver and never gave the job back. T.J. Sanders, Buffalo's 2025 second round pick out of South Caroilina has started next to Deone Walker since week 15.
Buffalo has Matt Milano 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 has Dorian Williams as the 4-3 left outside linebacker and the backup outside linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Shaq Thompson is the backup 4-3 middle linebacker to Terrel Bernard.
Matt Milano missed the first half of the season with injuries. Terrel Bernard is missing the second half of the season with injuries. Terrel Bernard is out in week 18. Shaq Thompson is healthy and will start at middle linebacker in week 18.
Buffalo has Tre'Davious White back at field cornerback covering number one wide receivers, Christian Benford did well at boundary cornerback covering number two wide receivers before taking the number one cornerback job after White got injured in Buffalo a few years ago, and Taron Johnson at nickel cornerback covering slot receivers in nickel packages. Maxwell Hairston, Buffalo's 2025 first round pick out of Kentucky will be the dime cornerback once he returns from injured reserve. Dane Jackson is the quarter cornerback. Dorian Strong, Buffalo's 2025 sixth round pick out of Virginia Tech is the number six cornerback after actually starting the week 1 game against Baltimore as a boundary cornerback.
Buffalo did not have Taron Johnson at nickel cornerback in week 9. Maxwell Hairston their 2025 first round pick was cleared to play, but Buffalo didn't want to tip their hand to Kansas City, so they opted to start Cam Lewis at nickel cornerback instead while easing Maxwell Hairston into this game giving Kansas City the impression he was still the Buffalo Bills dime cornerback. Buffalo started Cam Lewis over Maxwell Hairston, Dane Jackson, and Dorian Strong.
Buffalo has Jordan Poyer as the starting strong safety and Cole Bishop the Buffalo Bills 2024 second round pick out of Utah as the starting free safety. Taylor Rapp is the backup strong safety and Damar Hamlin is the backup free safety. Jordan Hancock, the Buffalo Bills 2025 fifth round pick out of Ohio State had to convert from nickel cornerback to safety, but played well enough to earn the number four safety job on the Buffalo Bills roster. Jordan Hancock will make his first career NFL start in week 18 with Jordan Poyer out this week.
Buffalo has Tyler Bass at kicker. Tyler Bass is the only asset on Buffalo's special teams. I don't trust Brad Robbins at punter or Brandon Codrington the return specialist at both kick returner and punt returner. Buffalo placed Tyler Bass on injured reserve on Friday. Buffalo signed Matt Prater to replace Bass until he comes back. Matt Prater has actually been better than Tyler Bass this year.
Prediction: Buffalo is a 7.5 point favorite at -7.5. The over or under is 37.5 with 79% of the public betting on Buffalo. The money line is +330 for New York and -375 for Buffalo. Take Buffalo to win and cover with the under at -375. Bet $425 on this game for Buffalo and win up to $800 as long as the Bills win by 8 or more.
Final Score Bills 27 Jets 10
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
Detroit Lions 8-8-0
Versus
Chicago Bears 12-4-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
Sometimes I'm a regular on the COWPOTE Radio podcast. He hosts the NFL and NHL Podcast on Spreaker. I'll post links to those below.
Why the Detroit Lions Will Win: Detroit Lions starting quarterback Jared Goff has a strong offensive line once again He's got Taylor Decker back at left tackle, Christian Mahogany, Detroit's 2024 sixth round pick out of Boston College that I had a third round grade on at left guard, Graham Glasgow at center, Tate Ratlidge Detroit's 2025 second round pick out of Georgia at right guard, and Penei Sewell at right tackle. Detroit cut Dan Skipper and does not have any depth on the offensive line if any of these players get injured on the offensive line. Graham Glasgow has not practiced all week and could be out on Thanksgiving. Christian Mahogany is also injured.
Taylor Decker missed week 17 and is questionable for week 18. Penei Sewell is out at right tackle in week 18.
Jared Goff has Amon-Ra St. Brown as his number one flanker wide receiver, Jameson Williams is the secondary wide receiver, Isaac TeSlaa, the Detroit Lions 2025 third round pick out of Arkansas won the slot receiver job despite me not having him getting drafted. Kalif Raymond last years slot receiver is the number four wide receiver. Dominic Lovett, Detroit's 2025 seventh round pick out of Georgia is Detroit's number five wide receiver. Amon-Ra St. Brown left the week 13 game on Thanksgiving with an injury in the first quarter. Amon-Ra St. Brown came back ad played in week 14.
Sam LaPorta had a great rookie season in 2023 and managed to emerge as a top 10 starting tight end in 2024. Sam LaPorta suffered a season ending injury and is out for the rest of 2025. Brock Wright is the number two tight end, but he did not practice this week and will be out. Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to be the number one running back with David Montgomery complimenting Gibbs. Last year David Montgomery started with Jahmyr Gibbs complimenting him with Gibbs being eased in. Detroit has two number one running backs in their backfield. Craig Reynolds is the third string running back and Detroit Lions 2024 fourth round pick Sione Vaki a safety at Utah is the fourth string running back. Sione Vaki is out this week.
Detroit will have Aidan Hutchinson at 4-3 right end, D.J. Reader at 4-3 defensive tackle, Alim McNeil at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Marcus Davenport at 4-3 left end as their starters on the defensive line. Josh Pascal is the situational pass rusher, but he's on injured reserve. Tyliek Williams the Detroit Lions 2025 first round pick out of Ohio State started the first four games, but now he will be the number three defensive tackle with Alim McNeil back. Levi Onwuzirike is the number four 4-3 defensive tackle when he returns from injured reserve.
Alex Anzalone is at 4-3 right outside linebacker, Jack Campbell Detroit's 2023 first round pick out of Iowa will start at 4-3 middle linebacker, and Derrick Barnes at 4-3 left outside linebacker as well as the backup 4-3 middle outside linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Malcolm Rodriguez is the backup 4-3 right outside linebacker as well as the backup right outside linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Alex Anzalone is out in week 18.
Detroit currently has Terrion Arnold a 2024 first round pick out of Alabama at field cornerback, D.J. Reed is the boundary cornerback, Amik Robertson as their nickel cornerback. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. their 2024 second round pick did challenge Amik Robertson for the nickel cornerback job before his injury in the preseason. Avonte Maddox the former Philadelphia Eagles nickel cornerback is now the Detroit Lions quarter cornerback. Terrion Arnold missed the week 1 game, without Arnold, Detroit's cornerbacks got carved pretty easily. Detroit's entire secondary missed week 7 before the bye week, but every starter on the Detroit Lions secondary should be back in week 9. Kerby Joseph and D.J. Reed are still injured, but Terrion Arnold and Brian Branch are back in the lineup entering week 10.
Terrion Arnold suffered a season ending injury in week 11. Brian Branch tore his achilles in week 14 at strong safety. Kerby Joseph is still injured at free safety.
Jake Bates is Detroit's kicker. Jack Fox is punter. Kalif Raymond is the return specialist at both kick returner and punt returner.
Why the Chicago Bears Will Win: Caleb Williams the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of USC enters year two as the starting quarterback. Tyson Bagent is the backup quarterback with Bagent getting a two year extension this summer.
Caleb Wiliams has Ozzy Trapilo their 2025 second round pick out of Boston Colelge at left tackle, Joe Thuney at left guard, Drew Dalman is the Chicago Bears starting center, Jonah Jackson starting right guard, and Darnell Wright rounds out this offensive line after the Chicago Bears drafted the Tennessee right tackle tenth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Chicago has Theo Benedet as their backup left tackle as well as the backup right tackle, Luke Newman a 2025 sixth round pick out of Michigan State as the backup left guard, Ryan Bates as the backup center, and Kiran Amegadjie their 2024 third round pick out of Yale as the Chicago Bears backup right guard, which was the first position Amegadjie played at Yale during his freshman season before transitioning to left tackle.
Chicago has D.J. Moore as their number one flanker wide receiver after trading the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft away to Carolina for D.J. Moore. Rome Oduzne, who was also drafted in the top 10 of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Washington along with Caleb Williams is the number two wide receiver. Luter Burden III, the Chicago Bears 2025 second round pick out of Missouri that was my top wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft entered training camp as the favorite to win the slot receiver job and did take over at slot receiver by week 3. Olamide Zaccheaus is now the number four wide receiver. Devin Duvernay is the number five wide receiver on the Chicago Bears wide receiver depth chart.
Chicago is going to run a two tight end set in their offense with two starting tight ends on their depth chart. Chicago has two special tight ends in Colston Loveland Chicago's 2025 first round pick out of Michigan that was drafted tenth overall and Cole Kmet who got a contract extension after being a 2020 second round pick out of Notre Dame will be the two starting tight ends this season. Chicago also has Durham Smythe, but he's mainly a backup tight end and if either of these tight ends get injured, I expect Chicago to deploy a three wide receiver set like most NFL teams. Cole Kmet was out in week 8.
Chicago has D'Andre Swift as their starting running back, Kyle Monangai, Chicago's 2025 seventh round pick out of Rutgers that I had a second round grade on has jumped Roschon Johnson as the backup running back, and Roschon Johnson is the third string running back. Roschon Johnson and Travis Homer are both inactive in week 12, but D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai are both fully healthy.
I love Chicago's depth at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, and on the offensive line. I loved Chicago's depth in every area outside of the offensive line last year. Chicago made the necessary improvements offensively under first year head coach Ben Johnson.
Chicago has Montez Sweat at 4-3 right end, Grady Jarrett at 4-3 defensive tackle, Gervon Dexter at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Dayo Odeyingbo at 4-3 left end. Chicago added Joe Tryon, Tampa Bay's 2021 first round pick that signed with the Cleveland Browns as a third pass rusher that can compliment Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo as a situational pass rusher. Chicago gave Cleveland a 2026 sixth round pick and got Joe Tryon and the Cleveland Browns 2026 seventh round pick. Andrew Billings and Chris Wills are the backup 4-3 defensive tackles. Shemar Turner, Chicago's 2025 second round pick out of Texas A&M is the third string 4-3 defensive tackle. Grady Jarrett did not practice this week, but even if he's out veteran Andrew Billings would start next to Gervon Dexter and with Billings experience, I don't see the absence of Grady Jarrett causing a drop off in the Chicago Bears defensive tackle group since Chicago has three quality defensive tackles with Jarrett, Gervon Dexter, and Andrew Billings despite Jarrett being the best of that bunch with Jarrett missing a few games due to injures.
Chicago has T.J. Edwards entering year three at 4-3 right outside linebacker as well as right outside linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Chicago Tremaine Edmunds as their new 4-3 middle linebacker as he will also play middle linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Noah Sewell is the 4-3 left outside linebacker as well as the backup middle linebacker in a 4-2-5 nickel defense. Ruben Hyppolite II, Chicago's 2025 fourth round pick out of Maryland will play 4-3 left outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme, but when Chicago runs a 4-2-5 nickel defense, he will be a backup to T.J. Edwards at right outside linebacker. T.J. Edwards has missed the first three weeks and looks like he is out in week 4. T.J. Edwards is out in week 10 and has dealt with numerous injuries throughout this season. Tremaine Edmunds went on injured reserve prior to week 13.
Chicago has Jaylon Johnson at field cornerback, Tyrique Stevenson at boundary cornerback, and Kyler Gordon is currently holding the nickel cornerback job. Terrell Smith, Chicago's 2023 fifth round pick out of Minnesota is currently the dime cornerback, but suffered a season ending injury. Jaylon Jones returns as the quarter cornerback with all of Chicago's top four cornerbacks from last year returning, but he will be the dime cornerback this season with Terrell Smith suffering a season ending injury. Jaylon Jones has been limited in practice. Chicago did not have Jaylon Johnson or Kyler Gordon in week 1. Not having three of their top four cornerbacks led to injuries. Jaylon Johnson returned in week 2, but was expected to suffer a season ending injury. Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are both game-time decisions, but both are expected to play in week 13 meaning Chicago has their secondary at full health for the first time all season.
Kyler Gordon is out at nickel cornerback. He is the main starter on injured reserve. Chicago enters the NFL Playoffs pretty healthy, but Jaylon Jones and Kyler Gordon are both on injured reserve. Chicago is going to struggle against teams that have multiple quality wide receivers in the playoffs.
Jaquan Brisker is the starting strong safety. Kevin Byard is the starting free safety. Elijah Hicks is the backup strong safety and Jonathan Owens is the backup free safety.
Chicago has Cairo Santos as their starting kicker and Tory Taylor their 2024 fourth round pick out of Iowa as their starting punter. Devin Duvernay is the return specialist at both kick returner and punt returner.
Prediction: Chicago is a 3 point favorite at -3. The over or under is 50.5 with 59% of the public betting on Chicago. The money line is +135 for Detroit and -155 for Chicago. Take Chicago to win and cover with the over at -155. Bet $245 on this game for Chicago and win up to $400 as long as the Bears win by 4 or more.
There's a lot of star power in the next two NFL and NHL Drafts. The 2026 NBA Draft has a better top three than the 2022 NBA Draft which featured Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Jabari Smith Jr. That's what Wes Langley told me earlier this week and after rewatching the tape of Darryn Patterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer. ESPN analysts are saying the 2026 NBA Draft is the best NBA Draft Class since the LeBron James draft in 2023. This is the strongest goalie draft I've scouted for the 2026 MLS Draft and the weakest center back draft that I have scouted as well. I will post a 2026 WNBA Mock Draft with a Women's College Basketball draft simulator at some point very soon now that we know the Dallas Wings won the WNBA Draft Lottery again. The 2026 MLB Draft Lottery will be next week too. The top 10 of the 2026 MLB Draft looks strong, but its weak after that.
Why the Los Angeles Chargers Will Win: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has a good offensive line with Joe Alt at left tackle, Zion Johnson at left guard, Bradley Bozeman at center, Mekhi Becton at right guard, and Trey Pipkins III at right tackle. Los Angeles had to adapt quickly after Rashawn Slater suffered a season ending injury at left tackle. Andre James the backup center and Jamaree Salyer who can play either offensive tackle or guard spot are the only two offensive linemen that the Los Angeles Chargers have for depth. Joe Alt got carted off with an injury in week 4. Los Angeles will not have either offensive tackle in week 5. Los Angeles faces a team that does not have a sack artist and that is why they may be able to win this game even without the best offensive tackle play in week 5. Los Angeles will not have Rashawn Slater or Joe Alt for the rest of the season. Los Angeles did trade for Trevor Penning. Los Angeles will most likely roll with Jamaree Salyer their 2022 fifth round pick out of Georgia that played left tackle as a rookie when Rashawn Slater was injured at left tackle with Zion Johnson at left guard, Bradley Bozeman, at center, Mekhi Becton at right guard, and Trevor Penninng the offensive tackle that the Los Angeles Chargers traded for before the 2025 NFL Trade Deadline.
Trey Lance is starting in relief of Justin Herbert in week 18. Jamaree Salyer is the only good left tackle outside of Rashan Slater and Joe Alt who both suffered season ending injuries. Salyer will rest for the wild card game dealing with a hamstring injury. Either Bobby Hart or Trevor Penning will be the blindside for Trey Lance in Denver.
Los Angeles has Ladd McConkey their 2024 second round pick out of Georgia at flanker wide receiver after McConkey had a dominant rookie season, Keenan Allen as their secondary wide receiver, and Tre Harris their 2025 second round pick beat out Quentin Johnston for the slot receiver job. Quentin Johnston, the Los Angeles Chargers 2023 first round pick out of TCU is the number four wide receiver on the Los Angeles Chargers depth chart, but he did enough throughout the season to reclaim the slot reeiver job over Tre Harris. Johnston started year two as the number four wide receiver, but was the number two wide receiver by the end of the year despite having a career high 7 receiving touchdowns he didn't improve on his drops. Derius Davis is the number five wide receiver. KeAndre-Lambert Smith a 2025 fifth round pick out of Penn State is the number six wide receiver. All six of the Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers are at full health for the first time since week 3 when the Los Angeles Chargers had a lindslide win over the Denver Broncos.
Los Angeles has Oronde Gadsden II the Los Angeles Chargers 2025 fifth round pick out of Syracuse as their starting tight end, Will Dissly as their backup tight end, and Tyler Conklin as the third string tight end. Oronde Gadsden II was a tight end that I was high on when watching his tape for the 2025 NFL Draft, but he was not the established starter on the Los Angeles Chargers. All of the weapons at wide receiver and tight end are fully healthy for the Los Angeles Chargers for the first time at both wide receiver and tight end since week 3 outside of fourth string tight end Tucker Fisk, who got injured in training camp, probably would have been cut if he was healthy enough to compete with this tight end room.
Omarion Hampton their 2025 first round pick out of North Carolina as starting running back. The Los Angeles Chargers have Najee Harris who had four straight seasons of 1,000 rushing yards in Pittsburgh as their backup running back. Kimani Vidal is the third string running back. Hassan Haskins is the fourth string running back. Scott Matlock is the starting fullback. Najee Harris suffered a season ending injury and Omarion Hampton came back a few weeks ago, but is out in week 18. Both third string running back Kimani Vidal and fourth string running back Hassan Haskins who became the third strung running back when Najee Harris got injured are both questionable in week 18. If neither is cleared to play fifth string running back Jaret Patterson would get the start.
The Los Angeles Chargers have Otito Ogbonnia at 3-4 right end, Los Angeles Chargers 3-4 nose tackle Jamaree Caldwell, a 2025 third round pick out of Oregon took the 3-4 nose tackle job from Teair Tartt, and Da'Shawn Hand 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 now the backup 3-4 nose tackle.
The Los Angeles Chargers have Khalil Mack at 3-4 right outside linebacker, Denzel Perryman at 3-4 middle linebacker, Daiyan Henley at 3-4 middle linebacker, and Tuli Tuipulotu 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 Kyle Kennard their 2025 fourth round pick as their backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. Odafe Oweh is now the third string 3-4 right outside linebacker and Caleb Murphy out of Ferris State is their third string 3-4 left outside linebacker. Khalil Mack and Denzel Perryman both returned from injured reserve to start for the Los Angeles Chargers in week 7. Junior Colson is on injured reserve.
The Los Angeles Chargers have Donte Jackson at field cornerback, Cam Hart a 2024 fifth round pick out of Notre Dame is the boundary cornerback, Tarheeb Still another 2024 fifth round pick out of Maryland is the nickel cornerback, Benjamin St-Juste is the dime cornerback, and Ja'Sir Taylor is the quarter cornerback. Los Angeles has Derwin James at strong safety and Elijah Molden at free safety. RJ Mickens a 2025 sixth round pick out of Clemson got his first career NFL start at free safety in week 9 with Elijah Molden moving to nickel cornerback for an injured Tarheeb Still. Los Angeles has three good cornerbacks plus Derwin James. RJ Mickens has done better than I expected in the second half, but now Clemson's former strong safety is injured at free safety, so there may be a weakness in this Los Angeles Chargers defense.
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 as Derius Davis enters his third season as the return specialist on the Los Angeles Chargers.
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 taking Denver to the playoffs. 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 is now Denver's starting right tackle. Matt Peart the swing tackle and Alex Forsyth the backup center is the only backups I like on this offensive line. Denver's offensive line is better than you would think if their starters can stay healthy. Ben Powers got injured in week 5 and had surgery following Denver's week 5 win as he will miss two months before making a return at left guard in December.
Ben Powers is off of injured reserve, but Denver has been so impressed with Alex Palczewski filling in for Powers, that Ben Powers has been demoted to the Denver Broncos backup left guard. Luke Wattenberg is on injured reserve, but Alex Forsyth has been superb in relief of Wattenberg as Forsyth was teammates with Bo Nix at Oregon during Nix first season with the Oregon Ducks prior to the 2023 NFL Draft. Alex Palczewski is an RFA, so Denver can trade Ben Powers in the final year of his contract or release him to save $8,650,000 in cap space.
Courtland Sutton is the flanker wide receiver. Troy Franklin, Bo Nix's teammate at Oregon and Denver's 2024 fourth round pick is the as the secondary wide receiver. Marvin Mims Jr. is the slot receiver. Pat Bryant a 2025 third round pick out of Illinois is the number four wide receiver. Trent Sherfield is the number five wide receiver. Marvin Mims Jr. was out in week 9, so Pat Bryant got to play at slot receiver in relief of Marvin Mims Jr.
Evan Engram is now the starting tight end. Adam Trautman Sean Payton's former tight end in New Orleans is the backup tight end. Adam Trautman started in week 9 as Evan Engram was the backup tight end to Trautman despite being cleared to play since Trautman knows Sean Payton's offense and he was healthier than Engram. I'm not sure who will start in week 10 on a short week.
J.K. Dobbins reclaimed the starting job he won at the beginning of the season. RJ Harvey, Denver's 2025 second round pick out of Central Florida was the starting running back in week 3 after J.K. Dobbins started the first two games, but is now the backup running back. Jaleel McLaughlin last years backup running back is the third string running back.
Denver's offense is completely healthy outside of the injury to Luke Wattenberg at center and J.K. Dobbins on injured reserve. Gettng the one seed means possibly both of those guys come back at full health for Denver.
Denver has John Franklin-Myers at 3-4 right end, Malcolm Roach at 3-4 nose tackle after he took the starting 3-4 nose tackle job from D.J. Jones, and Zach Allen is the 3-4 left end. D.J. Jones is now the backup 3-4 nose tackle.
Denver has Jonathon Cooper at 3-4 right outside linebacker, Alex Singleton at 3-4 middle linebacker, Dre Greenlaw at 3-4 middle linebacker, and Nik Bonitto at at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Jonah Ellis is the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker after being Denver's 2024 third round pick out of Utah. Nik Bonitto is the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. Drew Sanders is injured for the third year in a row at 3-4 middle linebacker. Dre Greenlaw and Drew Sanders are out for Denver.
Denver has Patrick Surtain II at field cornerback, Riley Moss is the boundry cornerback, Jahdae Barron, their 2025 first round pick out of Texas is the nickel cornerback, Ja'Quaun McMillian last years nickel cornerback becomes the dime cornerback, and Kris Abrams-Draine their 2024 fifth round pick is the quarter cornerback. Damarri Mathis surprised everyone when he took control of the boundary cornerback job as a 2022 fourth round pick out of Pittsburgh. Talanoa Hufanga is the starting strong safety and Brandon Jones is the starting free safety. Brandon Jones is still on injured reserve.
Denver has Will Lutz at kicker and Jeremy Crawshaw a 2025 sixth round pick out of Florida at punter. Marvin Mims Jr. is the return specialist in addition to the slot receiver at both kick returner and punt returner.
Prediction: Denver is a 13.5 point favorite at -13.5. The over or under is 37.5 with 92% of the public betting on Denver. The money line is +750 for Los Angeles and -900 for Denver. I like Denver to win and Los Angeles to cover with the under at +750. Bet $850 on this game for Los Angeles and win up to $1,600 as long as the Broncos win by 13 or less.
Final Score Broncos 20 Chargers 17
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
Kansas City Chiefs 6-10-0
Versus
Las Vegas Raiders 2-14-0
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.
Why the Kansas City Chiefs Will Win: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in week 15. He's on pace to play in week 1 of next season, but Gardner Minshew II is starting the rest of the season. Gardner Minshew II is now out for the season too. I'm not sure who is starting for Kansas City on Thursday.
Kansas City has Josh Simmons a 2025 first round pick out of Ohio State at left tackle, Kingsley Suamatia a 2024 second round pick out of BYU at left guard, Creed Humphrey at center, Trey Smith at right guard, and Jawaan Taylor starting at right tackle. Jaylon Moore is the swing tackle as both the backup left tackle as well as the backup right tackle, Hunter Nourzad is the backup center, and Wanya Morris is the third string offensive tackle as well as the number four offensive tackle on this depth chart. Trey Smith is out at right guard this week. Kansas City is placing Josh Simmons on injured reserve. Jawaan Taylor and Trey Smith have also missed the last two games at right guard and right tackle. Gardner Minshew II has backups on the offensive line at some positions.
Kansas City has Xavier Worthy as their flanker wide receiver, Rashee Rice as their secondary wide receiver, Marques Brown will be the slot receiver. JuJu Smith-Schuster the number four wide receiver. Tyquan Thornton is the number five wide receiver. Jalen Royals a 2025 fourth round pick out of Utah State is the number five wide receiver and number six wide receiver once Rashee Rice returns. Travis Kelce is the best tight end in the NFL as well as the main receiving option on this offense. Noah Gray is the backup tight end. Jared Wiley is the Kansas City Chiefs third string tight end. Robert Tonyan is the fourth string tight end on the Kansas City Chiefs. Noah Gray is out this week, so Jared Wiley the third string tight end gets elevated to the backup tight end and fourth string tight end Robert Tonyan Jr. becomes the third string tight end.
Isiah Pacheco is the starting running back. Kareem Hunt is the backup running back. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is the third string running back. Elijah Mitchell is the fourth string running back. Brashard Smith a 2025 seventh round pick out of SMU is the fifth string running back. Carson Steele, an undrafted Free Agent out of UCLA who was the third string running back last year got demoted to the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. The Kansas City Chiefs have six different running backs that they can utilize which leads me to believe they will use two running backs by committee with the surplus and depth that the Kansas City Chiefs have at running back. Isiah Pacheco is still out, so Kareem Hunt will get one more start. Isiah Pacheco will be back this week.
Kansas City has Mike Danna at 4-3 right end and George Karlaftis at 4-3 left end. Felix Anudike-Uzomah is the backup 4-3 right end and Charles Omenihu is the backup 4-3 left end when he gets activated off of the PUP list. Ashton Gillotte their 2025 third round pick out of Louisville is the backup 4-3 right end while Felix Anudike-Uzomah begins the season on injured reserve. Kansas City had Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi the two starting 4-3 defensive tackles. Omar Norman-Lott their 2025 seconnd round pick and Jerry Tillery are back as backup 4-3 defensive tackles. Mike Danna missed week 4 with an injury.
Kansas City has Drue Tranquill at 4-3 right outside linebacker, Nick Bolton at 4-3 middle linebacker, and Leo Chenal at 4-3 left outside linebacker. Kansas City still has depth on the defensive line, but their lack of depth at linebacker compared to when the Chiefs won Super Bowl 58 does concern me to a point.
Kansas City has Trent McDuffie at field cornerback for the fourth year in a row. Jaylen Watson is the boundary cornerback. Kristian Fulton is the nickel cornerback. Nohl Williams their 2025 third round pick out of California is the dime cornerback. Joshua Williams is the quarter cornerback. Chamarri Conner is the starting strong safety, and Bryan Cook is the starting free safety in the final year of his contract. Jaden Hicks is the backup strong safety and Chris Roland-Wallace is the backup free safety.
Kansas City has Harrison Butker at kicker. Kansas City also has Matt Ariaza at punter.
Why the Las Vegas Raiders Will Win: The Las Vegas Raiders Geno Smith at quarterback. Geno Smith has Kolton Miller at left tackle, Dylan Parham at left guard, Jordan Meredith at center, Jackson Powers-Johnson a 2024 second round pick out of Oregon at right guard, and and DJ Glaze a 2024 third round pick out of Maryland is the right tackle. Charles Grant their 2025 third round out of William & Mary is the backup left tackle. Caleb Rogers a 2025 third round pick out of Texas Tech is the backup left guard, Alex Cappa is the backup right guard, and Stone Forsythe is the backup right tackle. Center appears to be the only position that the Las Vegas Raidersneed to upgrade. I'm not high on Glaze, but he will get a year to prove himself. Kolton Miller is out for the year and Stone Forsythe the backup right tackle got the start at left tackle when Kolton Miller got injured in week 4. Geno Smith is out this week. Kenny Pickett will likely be starting against his former team for the Las Vegas Raiders this week.
Las Vegas has weapons in the passing game. Tyler Lockett is now the flanker wide receiver. Tre Tucker, the Las Vegas Raiders 2023 third round pick out of Cincinnati is the secondary wide receiver in a role that suits him better. Donte Thornton Jr. a 2025 fourth round pick out of Tennessee is the slot receiver receiver. Jack Bech the Las Vegas Raiders 2025 second round pick out of TCU is the number four wide receiver.
Brock Bowers, the Las Vegas Raiders 2024 first round pick is the number one tight end coming off a historically great rookie season. Michael Mayer is the number two tight end in two tight end sets as well as the backup tight end after being my top ranked tight end in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame as well as the Las Vegas Raiders 2023 second round pick. Ian Thomas is the third string tight end. Brock Bowers was out in week 5 and was out once again in week 6. Michael Mayer missed week 4 before returning in week 5. Brock Bowers missed week 7, but he is expected to be back in week 9.
Ashton Jeanty, the Las Vegas Raiders 2025 first round pick out of Boise State is the starting running back. Raheem Mostert is the backup running back. Zamir White last years starting running back is the third string running back. Dylan Laube a 2024 sixth round pick out of New Hampshire is the fourth string running back.
Las Vegas has Malcolm Koonce at 4-3 right end, Thomas Booker IV at 4-3 defensive tackle, Adam Butler at 4-3 defensive tackle, and Maxx Crosby at 4-3 left end. Tyree Wilson is currently the backup 4-3 defensive end to both Malcolm Koonce and Maxx Crosby entering year three after being the Las Vegas Raiders 2023 first round pick with the Raiders whiffing big time by drafting Tyree Wilson over Jalen Carter. Leki Fotu is the backup 4-3 defensive tackle at both spots.
Las Vegas has Germaine Pratt at 4-3 right outside linebacker. Elandon Roberts is the starting 4-3 middle linebacker. Devin White is the 4-3 left outside linebacker as well as the backup 4-3 middle linebacker in a 4-2-5 defense. Jamal Adams the former safety is the backup 4-3 right outside linebacker as well as the backup 4-3 left outside linebacker, Tommy Eichenberg a 2024 fifth round pick out of Ohio State is the third string 4-3 middle linebacker, and Cody Lindenberg a 2025 seventh round pick is the third string 4-3 right outside linebacker.
Eric Stokes is the field cornerback. Kyu Blu Kelly is the boundary cornerback. Jeremy Chinn a safety is the nickel cornerback. Darnay Holmes is the dime cornerback The other two safeties in Chris Smith II and Isaiah Pola-Moa are awful as the Las Vegas Raiders might have the worst safety tandem in the NFL.
Daniel Carlson is a top 10 kicker, but not a top 5 kicker. The rest of the Raiders special teams is a question mark outside of Carlson.
Prediction: Kansas City is a 5.5 point favorite at -5.5. The over or under is 36.5 with 72% of the public betting on Kansas City. The money line is -250 for Kansas City and +230 for Las Vegas. I like Las Vegas to win and to cover with the under at +230. Bet $270 on this game for Las Vegas and win up to $600 as long as the Chiefs win by 5 or less.
Final Score Raiders 18 Chiefs 17
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
Arizona Cardinals 3-13-0
Versus
Los Angeles Rams 11-5-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
Jake Ellenbogen is one of the better Rams insiders on Youtube. We had him on the podcast. In one of his latest videos Jake discusses which playoff opponent the Los Angeles Rams will face.
Why the Arizona Cardinals Will Win: Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback Kyler Murray seems to have matured last offsesason and it is refreshing to see him take responsibility. Kyler Murray was out in week 6 with Jacoby Brissett starting in weeks 6 and 7 before a week 8 bye week. Jacoby Brissett started on Monday Night Football in week 9 leading Arizona to a Monday Night Football win over Dallas. Arizona is 3-10 All Time on Monday Night Football with all three wins coming against Dallas. Kyler Murray's injury has a 4-8 week recovery period with as Kyler Murray was 50 percent back to full health with Brissett getting the start in week 9. After Jacoby Brissett's Monday Night win, Kyler Murray is at 60 percent full health, but Brissett will get another week as Arizona's starter while Murray recovers from his injury. Arizona posted Kyler Murray on injured reserve for four more weeks after Kyler Murray was out in weeks 6-9 after getting injured in week 5. Kyler Murray will not return until December at the earliest.
Jacoby Brissett has Paris Johnson Jr. at left tackle, Evan Brown is back starting at left guard, Hjalte Froholdt is Arizona's starting center, Will Hernandez is the starting right guardd, and Jonah Williams is the startig right tackle. Arizona has Kelvin Beachum as their backup left tackle who will now be the main swing tackle with Arizona's backup right tackle on injured reserve the first four weeks once again. Jon Gaines II is the backup left guard as well as the backup center, and Isaiah Adams, Arizona's 2024 third round pick out of Illinois is the backup right guard. Christian Jones is the backup right tackle once he returns from injured reserve as this is his second year in a row on injured reserve to start the season after being a 2024 third round pick out of Texas. Paris Johnson Jr. will be out in week 15.
Arizona got a true number one flanker wide receiver for Kyler Murray in Marvin Harrison Jr. who was the best receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft. Michael Wilson is the number two secondary wide receiver. Zay Jones is the slot receiver. Greg Dortch who began last year as the slot receiver is the number four wide receiver. Former Colorado wide receiver Xavier Weaver, who I had a fifth round grade on, made Arizona's final 53 man roster as an undrafted rookie and was the number six wide receiver in year one. Xavier Weaver got promoted to the number five wide receiver this season. Marvin Harrison Jr. has been ruled out for this game in week 12.
Trey McBride, Arizona's 2022 second round pick out of Colorado State took the starting tight end job from Zach Ertz in the second half of the 2023 season after seeing limited action as a rookie when Ertz got injured in 2022. Trey McBride was the best tight end in the NFC last year even though he didn't score a touchdown until late in the season. Tip Reiman, Arizona's 2024 third round pick out of Illinois took the backup tight end job from Elijah Higgins. Elijah Higgins is now the third string tight end, but I'm not even sure Higgins can make that distinction since Arizona started their swing tackle Kelvin Beachum as a third tight end in week 9.
James Conner remains the starting running back. Trey Benson, Arizona's 2024 third round pick is a good backup for James Conner in Arizona. James Conner reportedy tore his ACL in week 3. Trey Benson has a grade 3 injury and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Michael Carter II and Emari Demercado were supposed split carries in the backfield until Trey Benson returns, but both running backs have sucked. Zonovan Knight an undrafted running back out of North Carolina State that I was high on in college has had more success than either Michael Carter II or Emari Demercado and that's no surprise.
Arizona has Calias Campbell at 3-4 right end, Dalvin Tomlinson came back from his injury and made his first start of the NFL season for the Arizona Cardinals at 3-4 nose tackle, and Darius Robinson, Arizona's 2024 first round pick out of Missouri got the start at 3-4 left end, but he was eventually benched for Walter Nolen, Arizona's 2025 first round pick who was spectacular in his NFL debut after missing the first seven games of the season. I expect Walter Nolen to be a starter on Arizona moving forward. Bilal Nichols could be back at 3-4 left end in week 5, but Justin Jones and Walter Nolen will remain on injured reserve. Arizona should have Bilal Nichols as the backup 3-4 right end, Dante Stills as the backup 3-4 nose tackle, and Dariujs Robinson as the backup 3-4 left end to Walter Nolen in week 10.
Arizona will start Josh Sweat at 3-4 right outside linebacker, Mack Wilson returns at 3-4 middle linebacker with Akeem Davis-Gaither complimenting him at 3-4 middle linebacker as Akeem Davis-Gaither deserves an opportunity to start after being a great backup role player at linebacker for many years with the Bengals. Zaven Collins got the start over Baron Browning at 3-4 left outside linebacker in week 9 with Arizona running a 3-3-5 nickel defense where Baron Browning and Jordan Burch, Arizona's 2025 third round pick out of Oregon were backup 3-4 outside linebackers while Akeem Davis-Gaither and Cody Simon Arizona's 2025 fourth round pick out of Ohio State , were both backup middle linebackers to Mack Wilson in Arizona's 3-3-5 nickel defense. Arizona had everyone at full health in week 9 and they had so much depth and success with a 3-3-5 defense under head coach and defensive mastermind Jonathan Gannon that it wasn't even funny. This Arizona team literally had more depth on the front 7 then the Philadelphia Eagles team that lost Super Bowl 57. Mack Wilson is out in week 10 after leaving week 9 with an injury on Monday Night Football.
Arizona Cardinals 2025 second round pick Will Johnson is the number one field cornerback as I had Will Johnson in my top 5, but he fell to day 2 due to durability concerns. Max Melton a 2024 second round pick out of Rutgers enters year two and will be the boundary cornerback. Garrett Williams, the Arizona Cardinals 2023 third round pick out of Syracuse is the projected nickel cornerback. Denzel Burke Arizona's 2025 fifth round pick is the dime cornerback. Kei'Trel Clark is the quarter cornerback. Jalen Thompson is back at strong safety. Budda Baker is back at free safety. Arizona is deep at cornerback, but doesn't have great safety depth if injuries occur at safety. Arizona may move a cornerback to safety if an injury occurs at safety with how deep Arizona is at cornerback.
Chad Ryland is Arizona's kicker. Greg Dortch is the return specialist at kick returner and punt returner.
Why the Los Angeles Rams Will Win: Matthew Stafford is still the quarterback, but the Los Angeles Rams have Jimmy Garoppolo as their backup, and Stetson Bennett IV, the Los Angeles Rams 2023 fourth round pick out of Georgia as the third string quarterback. Los Angeles has Alaric Jackson at left tackle, Steve Avila moves back to at left guard, Coleman Shelton is the starting center, Kevin Dotson is the right guard, and Rob Havenstein is starting at right tackle. D.J.Humphries is the backup left tckle, Beaux Limmer is the backup left guard, and Warren McClendon Jr., the Los Angeles Rams 2023 fifth round pick is the backup right tackle. Steve Avila returned from his injury, but Rob Havenstein missed his first start of the season at right tackle. Rob Havenstein is going on injured reserve and Warren McClendon Jr. will start the next four games.
Los Angeles has Puka Nacua as their flanker number one wide receiver, Davante Adams is the secondary wide receiver, and Tutu Atwell is the slot receiver. Jordan Whittington a 2024 sixth round pick out of Texas is the number four wide receiver after being the number six wide receiver as a rookie. The Los Angeles Rams drafted Pittsburgh wide receiver Konata Mumpfield in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft as Konata Mumpfield is the number five wide receiver. Slot receiver Tutu Atwell was out in week 6, so Jordan Whittington got his first start of the season.
The Los Angeles Rams have amazing depth at tight end too. Tyler Higbee is the starting tight end. Colby Parkinson who played most of last year as the number one tight end when Higbee was injured is the number two tight end. Terrance Ferguson, the Los Angeles Rams 2025 second round pick out of Oregon is the third string tight end. Davis Allen got some experience as a backup tight end in his sophomore season, but now he is the fourth string tight end once again for the first time since his rookie season.
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. Jarquez Hunter, the Los Angeles Rams 2025 fourth round pick out of Auburn is the third string running back.
Los Angeles saw Braden Fiske a 2024 second round pick out of Florida State that was my second best defensive tackle behind Jer'Zhan Newton taking over for Aaron Donald at 3-4 right end with Fiske doing a great job there. Poona Ford 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. Larrell Murchison is the backup 3-4 right end to Braden Fiske. Ty Hamilton, the Los Angeles Rams 2025 fifth round pick out of Ohio State that I had a starter potential grade on is the backup 3-4 nose tackle to Poona Ford as Hamilton enters a great situation where he can learn under Ford for two to three years and start for the Rams in the final year of his rookie deal in 2028 when Ford becomes a UFA. Tyler Davis their 2024 sixth round pick out of Clemson is the 3-4 left end which is a role that might actually suit him better than nose tackle since Davis was 290 coming out of Clemson.
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 despite the fact that I had a fourth round grade and starter potential on Speights a year ago and Nate Landman who will compliment Speights feels like an upgrade over Christan Rozeboom. Nick Hampton a 2023 fifth round pick out of Appalachian State is the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker and Josaiah Stewart, the Los Angeles Rams 2025 third round pick out of Michigan is the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. The Rams have Troy Reeder and undrafted middle linebacker Shaun Dolac who I had graded as a late round pick that could develop into a starter as their two backup 3-4 middle linebackers.
Los Angeles has Darious Williams at field cornerback, Akhello Witherspoon at boundary cornerback, Quentin Lake at nickel cornerback, Decobie Durant as their dime cornerback, and Emmanuel Forbes, the former Washington Commanders 2023 first round pick at quarter cornerback. Kamren Curl is the starting strong safety and Kamren Kinchens one of their two 2024 third round picks out of Miami FL is the starting free safety after beginning last season as a backup before becoming a full-time starter in the middle of the season where he started next to Curl and never looked back. Darius Williams got benched for Emmanuel Forbes as the Rams played Witherspoon at field cornerback, Forbes at boundary cornerback, and Lake at nickel cornerback in week 1. Ahkello Witherspoon got injured in week 2 and did not return to the game. Los Angeles benched Emmanuel Forbes at boundary cornerback for Darious Williams in week 5. Quentin Lake is also going on injured reserve. As long as Darious Wiliams, Decobie Durant, and Emmanuel Forbes are healthy, the Rams should be okay. If the Los Angeles Rams have three of their five cornerbacks or more on injured reserve, then we can look at the Rams.
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. Jordan Whittington is the kick returner and Xavier Smith is the starting punt returner.
Prediction: Los Angeles is a 8.5 point favorite at -8.5. The over or under is 46.5 with 78% of the public betting on Los Angeles. The money line is +330 for Arizona and -375 for Los Angeles. Take Los Angeles to win and cover with the over at -375. Bet $425 on this game for Los Angeles and win up to $800 as long as the Rams win by 9 or more.
Final Score Rams 34 Cardinals 13
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
Miami Dolphins 7-9-0
Versus
New England Patriots 13-3-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
There's a few 2026 Senior Bowl invites. There's also a blockbuster update on the 2026 East West Shrine Bowl. I'll post some of those.
I got a first round grade on Dontay Corleone. He's my second best defensive tackle behind Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. When we broke down the defensive tackle rankings a few weeks ago, Joey and William spent more time talking about Corleone than Woods.
Nicholas Singleton is another guy that I had a first round grade on in the preseason. Nicholas Singleton is going to Mobile this year making this a fun running back group to scout.
Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker can play either 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, 3-4 left outside linebacker, 3-4 right end, and 3-4 left end with his versatility. He entered the preseason as the top 4-3 defensive end. He's no longer a top 5 pick, but still a possible top 10 pick making this a huge get for the Senior Bowl.
Why the Miami Dolphins Will Win: Miami Dolphins quarterbak Quinn Ewers a 2025 seventh round pick that played on Texas took the backup quarterback job from Zach Wilson is getting the start in week 16. Tua Tagovailoa has been demoted to the backup. Zach Wilson began the year as the backup quarterback, but is now the third string quarterback. One development I have heard is that if Tua Tagovailoa has another poor showing like the ones he had in week 1, week 7, and week 9, that he will get benched for rookie Quinn Ewers when the Miami Dolphins face the Washington Commanders in the NFL's first International game in Madrid Spain next week. This is not official, but it is a rumor that has gained a ton of traction.
Quinn Ewers has Patrick Paul their 2024 second round pick out of Houston at left tackle, Jonah Savaiinaea a 2025 second round pick out of Arizona at left guard, Aaron Brewer at center, James Daniels at right guard, and Austin Jackson is the blindside at right tackle for left handed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Kendall Lamm is the backup left tackle, Daniel Brunskill is the backup interior offensive lineman at left guard, center, Cole Strange is the backup right guard, and Larry Borom is the backup right tackle. Aaron Brewer returned at center in week 6. James Daniels has missed time with an injury which has led to him being on injured reserve. Austin Jackson is making his first NFL start in week 13, but Coel Strange has started in relief of an injured James Daniels at right guard.
Miami has Jaylen Waddle as their flanker wide receiver now that Tyreek Hill is out for the year at wide receiver. Malik Washington a 2024 sixth round pick out of Virginia goes from being the slot receiver to the secondary wide receiver with Tyreek Hill out for the year. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was the number four wide receiver for depth, but he now gets promoted to slot receiver with Tyreek Hill out for the year. Tahj Washington a 2024 seventh round pick is the number five wide receiver for depth, but he now gets promoted to number four wide receiver.
Darren Waller is Miami's starting tight end. Miami is a team that could upgrade at tight end as Darren Waller retired last offseason. Darren Waller was supposed to be out in week 7, but was cleared in time. Miami deployed a two tight end set, but they only have one decent tight end that retired last year.
Miami has De'Von Achane, Miami's 2023 third round pick out of Texas A&M as their starting running back with Achane having enough experience of a full-time starter, Ollie Gordon IV Miami's 2025 sixth round pick out of Oklahoma State is the backup running back, and Jaylen Wright Miami's 2024 fourth round pick is the third string running back after entering the season as the backup running back. Fullback Alec Ingold enters year three as the Miami Dolphins fullback.
Miami has Zach Seiler at 3-4 right end, Benito Jones at 3-4 nose tackle, and Kenneth Grant Miami's 2025 first round pick out of Michigan at 3-4 left end. Matthew Butler who played defensive tackle on the Las Vegas Raiders last season is the backup 3-4 right end, Jordan Phillips a 2025 fifth round pick out of Maryland is the backup 3-4 nose tackle, and Zeek Biggers a 2025 seventh round pick out of Georgia Tech is the backup 3-4 left end.
Miami has Bradley Chubb at 3-4 right outside linebacker, Jordyn Brooks at 3-4 middle linebacker, Willie Gay Jr. at 3-4 middle linebacker, and Chop Robinson, Miami's 2024 first round pick at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Matthew Judon is the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker. Tyrel Dodson and K.J. Britt are the backup 3-4 middle linebackers.
Miami has Jack Jones at field cornerback. Rasul Douglas at boundary cornerback with Storm Duck the guy who began this season as the field cornerback missing the last two weeks due to injuries. Kader Kohoo is the nickel cornerback, but he suffered a season ending injury. Jason Marshall Jr., the Miami Dolphins 2025 fifth round pick out of Florida will play nickel cornerback to start the season. Ifeatu Melifonwu is now Miami's strong safety and Minkah Fitzpatrick is Miami's free safety. Ashtyn Davis is the third safety for depth.
Miami has Jason Sanders at kicker and Jake Bailey at punter, but Jason Sanders will miss the first 4-6 weeks of the regular season. Mike McDaniel stated that guys who are eligible to come off of injured reserve will not be eligible to practice this week. Malik Washington is the return specialist at kick returner and punt returner for the Miami Dolphins.
Why the New England Patriots Will Win: The New England Patriots Drake Maye the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of North Carolina entering year two as the starting quarterback.
Drake Maye will have Will Campbell, New England's 2025 first round pick out of LSU at left tackle, Jared Wilson a 2025 third round pick out of Georgia at left guard, Garrett Bradbury at center, Michael Onwenu at right guard, and Morgan Moses at right tackle. New England has Verderian Lowe last years starting left tackle as the backup left tackle. Caedan Wallace kicks inside to guard after being New England's 2024 third round pick and backup right tackle as a rookie. Marcus Bryant the New England Patriots 2025 seventh round pick out of Missouri is the backup right tackle. Will Campbell got placed on injured reserve and will not be back until week 18. Will Campbell should be back this week. Jared Wilson should be back for the playoffs.
New England has Stefon Diggs as their flanker wide receiver. Kayshon Boutte is the secondary wide receiver. DeMario Douglas is the slot receiver. Mack Hollins the number four wide receiver, but has played well enough to push DeMario Douglas for the slot receiver job and got the start at slot receiver over DeMario Douglas in week 9. Kyle Williams New England's 2025 third round pick out of Washington State began the season as the number four wide receiver after impressing enough in the preseason to push for the slot receiver job, but got demoted to the number five wide receiver. Efton Chism III an undrafted wide receiver out of Eastern Washington is the number six wide receiver.
Kayshon Boutte should be back possibly by the wild card round. Mack Hollins got placed on injured reserve prior to New England's week 17 game.
Hunter Henry will remain the starting tight end. Austin Hooper is the backup tight end. Austin Hooper is in concussion protocol and New England doesn't have a quality third string tight end behind Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper.
New England has TreVeyon Henderson, New England's 2025 second round pick out of Ohio State is the starting running back running back. Rhamondre Stevenson is now the number two running back. Terell Jennings the fourth string running back got promoted from the practice squad to New England's roster once Antonio Gibson went down. Jack Westover is the starting fullback.
New England looks much better offensively than a year ago. That should translate to the New England Patriots being much more competitive this season with Josh McDaniels back at offensive coordinator.
New England has Christian Barmore at 3-4 right end, Khyiris Tonga at 3-4 nose tackle, and Milton Williams at 3-4 left end. New England has Joshua Farmer a 2025 fourth round pick out of Florida State as the backup 3-4 nose tackle. Milton Williams got placed on injured reserve after the week 11 game. The earliest he could be back is either week 16 against Baltimore or week 17 if Williams is required to sit out four games if we include the bye week.
New England has Harold Landry III at 3-4 right outside linebacker, Robert Spillane at 3-4 middle linebacker, Christian Elliss at 3-4 middle linebacker, and K'Lavon Chaisson as the starting 3-4 left outside linebacker. Anfernee Jennings is the backup 3-4 right outside linebacker and Jahlani Tavai, the former New England Patriots starting 3-4 middle linebacker before injuries is now the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. Marte Mapu and Jack Gibbens are the backup 3-4 middle linebackers. New England opted to start Jahlani Tavai over K'Lavon Chaisson at 3-4 left outside linebacker against Atlanta after K'Lavon Chaisson won AFC Defensive Player Of The Week last week, but New England subbed K'Lavon Chaisson in on the second play of the game where he sacked Michael Penix Jr. after many fans questioned that coaching decision. New England did the same thing with Demario Douglas by giving people the impression he wouldn't start against Atlanta only for Douglas to be the wide receiver that broke out for Drake Maye in week 9. Christian Ellis is out in week 10, so it looks like Jack Gibbens will start next to Robert Spillane at 3-4 middle linebacker in week 10. Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane are both inactive in week 18. New England might be the healthiest AFC team entering the NFL Playoffs, but you could make the same argument with the Denver Broncos.
New England has Christian Gonzalez their 2023 first round pick out of Oregon is the the number one field cornerback. Carlton Davis III is the boundary cornerback next to Chrstian Gonzalez. Marcus Jones last years nickel cornerback will play nickel cornerback. Alex Austin is the dime cornerback. Isaiah Bolden is the quarter cornerback after being the dime cornerback lst year. Craig Woodson, New England's 2025 fourth round pick out of California is the strong safety and Jaylinn Hawkins is the starting free safety.
New England has Andres Borregales their 2025 sixth round pick out of Miami FL at kicker and Bryce Baringer a 2023 sixth round pick out of Michigan State who was my top punter in the 2023 NFL Draft as the starting punter with Barringer entering year three as the starting punter. TreVeyon Henderson is the kick returner and Marcus Jones is the punt returner.
Prediction: New England is a 11.5 point favorite at -11.5. The over or under is 45.5 with 85% of the public betting on New England. The money line is +500 for Miami and -625 for New England. Take New England to win and cover with the under at -625. Bet $675 on this game for New England and win up to $1,300 as long as the Patriots win by 12 or more.
Final Score Patriots 31 Dolphins 14
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
Washington Commanders 4-12-0
Versus
Philadelphia Eagles 11-5-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
Year two of my 12 team playoff is underway. Unlike last year with my preason projections, this poll will include updated records from week 1 inlcuding rankings. Also, I try to put undefeated teams over 1 loss teams in my AP polls for fun until the official rankings come out. If a one loss team lost by one score to a ranked opponent and their tape looked good with that team keeping the game competitive, I will consider moving them up or down.
Indiana 14-0
Indiana has Fernando Mendoza at quarterback, Lee Beebe Jr. at running back, Elijah Sarratt at wide receiver, and Carter Smith at left tackle on offense. Mikail Kamara is the pass rusher that anchors this defnse. Indiana also has Aiden Fisher at right outside linebacker. D'Angelo Ponds is the field cornerback. Amare Ferrell and Devan Boykin makea formidable safety tandem. Indiana defeated Oregon on the road. Indiana defeated Michigan State to improve to 7-0 as Ferando Mendoza threw for over 300 passing yards for the first time all season. Indiana defeated UCLA to improve to 8-0. Indiana blew out Maryland to improve to 9-0. Indiana pulled off a fourth quarter comeback against Penn State to get to 10-0. Indiana went 12-0 in the regular season. Indiana defeated Ohio State to win the Big 10 Championship 13-10. Indiana will face Oregon in the Peach Bowl after routing Alabama in the Rose Bowl.
Oregon 13-1
Oregon has one of the most complete offenses in the country. Dante Moore did well at quarterback and Isaiah World did a good job replacing Josh Connerly Jr. at left tackle. Matayo Uiagalelei is the 4-3 right end. Makhi Hughes is the starting running back. Dillon Thieneman is a really talented safety. Iapani Laloulu and Theran Johnson give Oregon a great cornerback tandem. Other players like Emmanuel Pregnona at left guard, Kenyon Sadiq at tight end, Teitum Tioti at left outside linebacker, Bryce Boettcher at middle linebacker, and defensive tackle Bear Alexander are players to watch. Oregon defeated Penn State in overtime, but lost to Indiana at home before rebounding which is why they moved up a spot. Oregon handled USC quite easily. Oregon made the Final 4 where they will face Indiana in the Peach Bowl after losing to them earlier in the regular season.
Previously Ranked: 5th
Ole Miss 13-1
Ole Miss has Damien Tayor as their starting runnign back. Ole Miss has De'Zhaun Stribling and Cayden Lee at wide receiver. Luke Hasz and Dae'Quan Wright are a formidable tight end tandem. Zxavian Harris is the 4-3 defensive tackle. Suntraine Perkins plays 4-3 right outside linebacker. Ole Miss beat LSU to improve to 5-0 on the year. Ole Miss lost to Georgia, but has defeated everyone else they have faced. Ole Miss defeated Georgia and will now face Carson Beck and the Miami Hurricanes.
Previously Ranked: 6th
Miami FL 11-2
The Miami Hurricanes defeated a top 10 team for the first time since defeating Notre Dame in 2017. Carson Beck played well in this game thanks to protection by his offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. The real star was defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. who might be the best defensive end in the 2026 NFL Draft. Charles Brantley and OJ Frederique Jr. is a very strong cornerback duo for the Miami Hurricanes. Mark Fletcher Jr. is a solid running back and Jordan Lyle isn't bad either with those two running backs stepping up after losing Damien Martinez. CJ Daniels is back at wide receiver. Alex Bauman is a guy that I think can be better than Elijah Arroyo down the road. The Miami Hurricanes edged out Notre Dame for the final at large spot in the College Football Playoff due to their head to head win as Miami FL will face Texas A&M in this years College Football Playoff. Miami FL won that matchup and will face Ohio State on New Years Eve. Miami FL faces Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl next Friday.
Previously Ranked: 8th
Ohio State 12-2
Ohio State managed to defeat number one Texas 14-7 in a defensive game. Ohio State took a 14-0 lead in the fourth quarter with Matt Patricia frustrating Arch Manning in his debut as Ohio State's defensive coordinator before Arch Manning threw a garbage time touchdown. Ohio State defeated Grambling in week 2. Ohio State appears to have reloaded on the defensive line with Ohio State having guys like Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs emerge as stars on defense. Jeremiah Smith is the best offensive player in college football with Smith being my top player in the 2027 NFL Draft and Caleb Downs being my top player in the 2026 NFL Draft. Carnell Tate and Max Klare compliment Jeremiah Smith quite well at wide receiver and tight end. Davison Igbinosun and Jermaine Matthews Jr. compliment Caleb Downs at cornerback, and Ohio State has five star recruit Devin Sanchez as their dime cornerback. James Peoples and Jayson Ball are a solid running back tandem as quarterback Julian Sayin showed a lot of poise. My favorite college football teamm claims the top spot after beating Texas in week 1 for now. Ohio State enters the first College Football playoff rankings as the 1 seed. Ohio State has maintained that top spot since beating Texas back in week 1 and has three games left in the regular season. Ohio State is 10-0 with two games left a home game against Rutgers and a road game against Michigan. Ohio State also went 12-0. Ohio State was number one all year. They only dropped a spot for losing by three. That game could have went to overtime if Ohio State's kicker hadn't missed a field goal. Ohio State never lead at any point in the entire game against Miami FL.
Previously Ranked: 2nd
Georgia 12-2
Georgia dominated Marshall in the season opener. Georgia and Texas were the two preseason favorites to win the SEC for the second year in a row. KJ Bolden the top safety in the 2027 NFL Draft is the Georgia Bulldogs best overall player. The only other three players that I could see becoming stars are C.J. Allen at middle linebacker, Oscar Delp at tight end, and Daylen Everette at cornerback. Georgia has some other guys that could be high end starters in the NFL like Monroe Freeling at left tackle, Earnest Greene III at right tackle, Zachariah Branch at wide receiver, Noah Thomas at wide receiver, Dilln Bell at slot receiver, and Lawson Luckie the number two tight end. I think Gunner Stockton is worse than both Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck, but his supporting cast feels just as good as the last two Georgia quarterbacks. Georgia was the preseason favorite to win the SEC. Georgia only lost one game to Alabama. Georgia defeated a previously undefeated Ole Miss team to improve to 6-1 as Georgia defeated Florida to improve to 7-1. Georgia is now 9-1 on the year and has finished SEC play. Georgia defeated Alabama to win the SEC Championship. Georgia lost the rematch to Ole Miss.
Previously Ranked: 3rd
Texas Tech 12-2
I have to put a Big 12 team in the playoff. Texas Tech destroyed Utah on the road 34-10 as Texas Tech was my preseason pick to win the Big 12 over Arizona State. Arizona State was the only team to defeat Texas Tech this year, but Texas Tech has beaten everyone else convincingly. BYU faces Texas Tech which is a home game for Texas Tech this weekend. Texas Tech has Behren Morton at quarterback, Quinten Joyner at running back, Reggie Virgil at wide receiver, Caleb Douglas at wide receiver, Terrance Carter at tight end, Vinny Sciury at left guard, Sheridan Wilson at center, Davion Carter at right guard, and Sheridan Wilson at center. Texas Tech has Jacob Rodriguez at right outside linebacker and David Bailey a former Stanford edge rusher at 4-3 left end as their two signature pass rushers on the edge. Texas Tech also has Lee Hunter at 4-3 defensive tackle as Hunter has the size of a nose tackle with Skyler Gill-Howard, whose got the size of a 3-4 defensive end as the other defensive tackle complimenting Lee Hunter. Maurion Horn is the cornerback on Texas Tech. Texas Tech defeated BYU once again to win the Big 12 Championship. Texas Tech got shutout in their first College Football Playoff game after a bye week.
Previously Ranked: 4th
Alabama 11-4
Alabama has Ty Simpson at quarterback and Jam Miller at running back. Alabama has a wide receiver tandem of Ryan Williams a top 5 pick at wide receiver in the 2027 NFL Draft and Isaiah Horton at wide receiver. Germie Bernard is a senior wide receiver that plays at slot receiver. Kadyn Proctor is the left tackle, Parker Brailsford is the center, and Jaeden Roberts is the right guard on Alabama's offensive line. LT Overton can play 4-3 defensive end, 4-3 defensive tackle, and 3-4 defensive end with his versatility on the defensive line. Tim Kennan III is a senior 4-3 defensive tackle. Deontae Lawson has the versatility to play 4-3 middle linebacker, 4-3 left outside linebacker, and 3-4 middle linebacker with his versatility. Alabama has Domani Jackson, Zabien Brown, and Cam Calhoun at cornerback. Bray Hubbard is the strong safety and Keon Sabb the free safety complete one of the most complete secondaries in the country. Alabama lost the season opener to Florida State, but has won three in a row defeating Georgia on the road. Alabama defeated Vanderbilt at home. Alabama defeated Missouri on the road. Alabama improved to 7-1 on the year since the opening week loss to Florida State and is the 4 seed in the official college football playoff with four games left. Alabama won the Iron bowl and wll play Georgia in the SEC Championship. Alabama lost the SEC Championship. Alabama will travel to Norman, Oklahoma to take on the Oklahoma Sooners. Alabama deffeated Oklahoma and will now face Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Alabama got routed in the Rose Bowl against Indiana.
Previously Ranked: 7th
Texas A&M 11-2
Texas A&M has Le'Veon Moss at running back, Amari Daniels as their change of pace running back, and Rueben Owens as their third string running back, Kevin Concepcion at wide receiver, Amari Niblack at tight end, Trey Zuhn III at left tackle, Ar'maj Reed-Adams at right guard, and Dametrious Crownover at right tackle on offense. Texas A&M has Cashius Howell at 4-3 right end, Tyler Onyedim at defensive tackle, Taurean York at right outside linebacker, Will Lee III at cornerback, Julian Humphrey at cornerback, and Dalton Brooks at safety. Texas A&M still has one of the leagues most complete rosters even with all of the turnover from last year. Unlike last year, the Aggies are now 8-0 and have the 3 seed in the first playoff. Texas A&M won in the last two weeks to get to 10-0. Texas A&M trailed South Carolina 30-3 at halftime only to come back and win. Texas A&M hosts Samford in a non conference game this week and travels to Austin Texas to take on the Texas Longhorns on Black Friday. Texas A&M lost the regular season finale to Texas. Texas A&M also lost in the first round of the College Football Playoff to Miami FL.
Oklahoma 10-3
Oklahoma has a pretty complete roster on both sides of the ball. Oklahoma has John Mateer at quarterback, Michael Fasusi a five star recruit starting at left tackle as a true freshman as he is the first of the trio of five star offensive tackles to make the transition to left tackle. Oklahoma has Jaydn Ott at running back as well as Jovante Barnes to form a formidable one two punch. Deion Burks is the number one wide receiver. Jaren Kanak has been a pleasant surprise at tight end. R Mason Thomas is the 4-3 right end, Damonic Williams is the 4-3 defensive tackle, Kip Lewis is the 4-3 right outside linebacker. Kendal Daniels at strong safety and Robert Spears-Jennings at free safety form a formidable safety tandem. Two home wins over Michigan and Auburn have them in my top seven as Oklahoma was one of five colleges along with Ohio State, Miami FL, Penn State, and Oregon to get a first place vote. Oklahoma's two losses came against Texas when John Mateer was injured and Ole Miss with John Mateer's first game from John Mateer. Oklahoma lost to Alabama in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Tulane 11-2
Tulane has Jake Retzlaff at quarterback, Derrick Graham aat left tackle, Shadre Hurst at left guard, and Maurice Westmoreland at right end. Tulane won the American Conference and has a head-to-head victory over the current ACC Champion Duke Blue Devils. Tulane gets a rematch with an Ole Miss team that creamed Tulane earlier in the season.
James Madison 12-1
James Madison has Alonza Barnett III at quarterback. James Madiso ha a running back tandem of Wyane Knight and Ayo Adeyi. George Pettaway might be the best third string running back in the country as he is one point shy of my grade for players with NFL starter potentail. Pat McMurtie is the right tackle. Jacob Thomas is the best player on James Madison's defense as he has the versatility to play both strong safety and free safety. James Madison will face Oregon in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
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 had a dominant rookie season guiding Washington to the NFC Championship game. Washington has Laremy Tunsil at left tackle, Brandon Coleman a 2024 third round pick out of TCU that played left tackle as a rookie moves inside to left guard, Tyler Biadasz returns at center, Andrew Wylie last years right tackle moves inside to right guard, and Josh Conerly Jr. Washington's 2025 first round pick out of Oregon beat out both Andrew Wylie and George Fant for the right tackle job. Jayden Daniels missed weeks 3 4, but he's back in week 5. Jayden Daniels got injured in week 7 and missed week 8, but he will be back in week 9. Jayden Daniels got injured in week 9 and may be done for the year. Jayden Daniels returned in week 14, but got injured again in that game. Marcus Mariota is expected to start for the rest of the regular season at quarterback. Washington Commanders third string quarterback Josh Johnson will start in week 17.
Washington has Terry McLaurin as their flanker wide receiver, Deebo Samuel is the secondary wide receiver with Washington now having two wide receivers that have the experience to pay flanker wide receiver, and Noah Brown last years secondary wide receiver down the stretch is the slot receiver. Washington has Luke McCaffrey their 2024 third round pick out of Rice as the number four wide receiver as McCaffrey began in this role last year before becoming the slot receiver near the end of the season. Jaylin Lane, Washington's 2025 fourth round pick out of Virginia Tech is the number five wide receiver for depth. Noah Brown has been ruled out in week 3. Terry McLaurin did not practice on wednesday heading into week 4 and is likely out. Noah Brown could be out too in week 4. This means we would see Washnington play Deebo Samuel as the number one flanker wide receiver for the first time he was with San Francisco. Luke McCaffrey would start on the outside if both McLaurin as well as Noah Brown are out. Jaylin Lane the rookie wide receiver could play slot receiver, but Washington could also run a two tight end set if Kliff Kingsbury doesn't believe Jaylin Lane is ready to play. Washington will be without Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown once again.
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. John Bates the backup tight end has been ruled out in week 3, so Ben Sinnott will get promoted from third string tight end to backup tight end this week. Washington also has Austin Ekeler as their starting running back with Jacory Croskey-Merritt a 2025 seventh round pick out of Arizona beating out Chris Rodriguez for the backup running back job. Chris Rodriguez is the third string running back. Austin Ekeler suffered a season ending injury which means Jacory Croskey-Merritt will now be the starting running back moving forward. Zach Ertz tore his ACL. He's out for the year.
Washington has Von Miller at 4-3 right end, Dorance Armstrong Jr. at 4-3 left end their 2019 first round pick, DaRon Payne their 2018 first round pick, and Javon Kinlaw at 4-3 defensive tackle after Kinlaw beat out Jer'Zhan Newton who showed a lot of promise as a rookie for the 403 defensive tackle job. Washington doesn't have great depth at pass rusher, but Jer'Zhan NEwton last years 2024 second round pick out of Illinois and Eddie Goldman are the backup 4-3 defensive tackles.
Washington has Frankie Luvu as their 4-3 right outside linebacker, Bobby Wagner is the 4-3 middle linebacker, and Jordan Magee a 2024 fifth round pick out of Temple won the 4-3 left outside linebacker job when Washington deploys a 4-3 personnel. When Washington plays a 4-2-5 nickel Jordan Magee will be the main backup linebacker at both outside and inside linebacker if something happens to Frankie Luvu or Bobby wagner
Washington has Marshon Lattimore to field cornerback, Trey Amos a 2025 second round pick out of Ole Miss the boundary cornerback, Mike Saintristl their 2024 second round pick is the nickel cornerback for the second year in a row. Will Harris replaces Jeremy Chinn as the starting strong safety and Jartavius Martin now known as Quan Martin is the starting free safety. Washington's depth at safety is weaker, but Percy Butler is an effective backup safety entering the final year of his rookie deal. Marshon Lattimore tore his ACL and is done for the season as that will decimate the cornerback play that Washington has.
Washington has Jake Moody as their starting kicker. Jaylin Lane is the 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, Tyler Steen at right guard, and Lane Johnson at right tackle. Philadelphia also has Drew Kendall as a backup center. Landon Dickerson left week 6 with an injury and did not return. Landon Dickerson did play in week 7, but Cam Jurgens got injured at center and did not return to this game. Drew Kendall might get his first career start at center in week 8 if Cam Jurgens cannot play this week. Kendall has the upside to develop into an NFL starter and has done a solid job. Brett Toth has played in relief of both Dickerson and Jurgens this year and has been god awful. Cam Jurgens could be back at center which would keep Brett Toth from playing, but he's a game-time decision. Lane Johnson has been ruled out in week 12 and will be out once again in week 13.
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. John Metchie III is the number four wide receiver for depth with Johnny Wilson out for the year. DeVonta Smith did not practice heading into week 13.
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. Kylen Granson is the third string tight end. Philadelphia has more depth at tight end this season versus last season when they won Super Bowl 59.
Philadelphia has Saquon Barkley as their starting running back, Will Shipley the former Clemson running back from the 2024 NFL Draft is the backup running back after being the third string running back as a rookie. A.J. Dillon is the third string depth. Will Shipley is out in week 3, so A.J. Dillon is the backup running bak this week. Ben VanSumeren is the starting fullback. 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, A.J. Brown is healthy at wide receiver, DeVonta Smith is healthy at wide receiver, Jordan Mailata is healthy at left tackle, Lane Dickerson is healthy at left guard, and Lane Johnson is healthy at right tackle.
Philadelphia did well transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in 2024. Jalen Carter is going to start at 3-4 right end, Jordan Davis will start at 3-4 nose tackle, and Moro Ojomo is now starting at 3-4 left end. Jalen Carter missed week 6 with an injury.
Philadelphia has Jaelan Phillips at 3-4 right outside linebacker, Zack Baun starting at 3-4 middle linebacker after playing outside linebacker at Wisconsin and on the New Orleans Saints, Jihaad Campbell their 2025 first round pick out of Alabama is filling in for Nakobe Dean at 3-4 middle linebacker until week 5 with Campbell possibly moving to right outside linebacker when Dean returns, and Nolan Smith starting at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Philadelphia has Jalyx Hunt as their backup 3-4 right outside linebacker. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Smael Mondon Jr. are are the two backup 3-4 middle linebackers until Nakobe Dean returns. Azeez Ojulari is the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker.
Philadelphia has Quinyon Mitchell at field cornerback, Cooper DeJean as the boundary cornerback covering number two wide receivers, and Jaire Alexander at nickel cornerback. Kelee Ringo is the dime cornerback. Adoree' Jackson is the quarter cornerback and Jakorien Bennett is the sixth cornerback for depth.
Philadelphia has Andrew Mukaba their 2025 second round pick out of Texas to start at strong safety and Reed Blankenship will start at free safety. Philadelphia has Sydney Brown as a backup safety for depth.
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 38.5 with 62% of the public betting on Philadelphia. The money line is +185 for Washington and -200 for Philadelphia. Take Philadelphia to win and to cover with the under at -200. Bet $300 on this game for Philadelphia and win up to $500 as long as the Eagles win by 5 or more.
Final Score Eagles 27 Commanders 10
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
Baltimore Ravens 8-8-0
Versus
Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7-0
Chris Ransom's Pick
I just cannot stand ESPN's Monday Night Football Coverage. Monday Night Football On KDKA is back with Bob Pompieni, Mark Madden, Andrew Filiponi, and newcommer Rich Walsh. Tonight the gang is in Pittsburgh.
Pompieni: Welcome to Sunday Night Football. Bob Pompieni along with Mark Madden and Andrew Filiponi covering ESPN Monday Night Football on KDKA from Pittsburgh. Baltimore heads to Pittsburgh. Who do you guys like?
Madden: It's the final game of the season. Anyone that helps the Steelers through the means of putting the bounty on any Ravens players gets free playoff tickets and a Pre World War 1 or World War 2 Rally Towel.
Filiponi: Are those the terrible towels with the swastika's on them? I'm just asking because I am curious how to cope with flipping off Ken Carman after losing to the Browns last week.
Roger Goodell: We had Spygate, Bounty Gate, and Deflate Gate. Now we have Broadcaster Gate. Mark Madden and Andrew Filiponi you assholes will be suspended for the playoffs on KDKA. Also, I'm referring to Bob and Rich as Robert Pompieni and Richie Rich Walsh until all four of you assholes get your shit together.
Pompieni: Ok, you heard it from commissioner Goodell. Will you see us in this stadium next week? Stay tuned next week. Kickoff is back in the Steel City after this.
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 out of Louisville. Many will argue Lamar should have gotten a third MVP last year. Lamar Jackson's backup quarterback is Tyler Huntley with Cooper Rush as the third string quarterback. Lamar Jackson left the game against New England in week 16 with an injury.
Lamar Jackson has Ronnie Stanley at left tackle, Andrew Vorhees at left guard, Tyler Linderbaum at center, Daniel Faalele at right guard, and Roger Rosengarten is starting at right tackle. Baltimore drafted Carson Vinson in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Alabama A&M with Carson Vinson as the backup left tackle. Ben Cleveland is the backup left guard, Corey Bullock is the backup center, Emory Jones Jr the Baltimore Ravens 2025 third round pick was a right tackle at LSU, but he will be a right guard in the NFL when he comes back from injured reserve, and Joseph Noteboom who began last year as the Los Angeles Rams left tackle is now the backup right tackle. Joseph Noteboom is the swing tackle with Carson Vinson as the number four offensive tackle for insurance.
Baltimore's top three wide receivers are Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and DeAndre Hopkins playing in the slot. Baltimore has Tylan Wallace as their number four wide receiver, LaJohntay Wester the Baltimore Ravens 2025 sixth round pick out of Colorado as the number five wide receiver, and Devontez Walker as a number six wide receiver for depth. Baltimore not only has a better slot receiver in DeAndre Hopkins over Nelson Agholor, they have better wide receiver depth this season. Rashod Bateman is out in wee 12. Baltimore will have Zay Flowers and DeAndre Hopkins as their top two wide receivers in week 12. Tylan Wallace will play slot receiver until Rashod Bateman returns, but something tells me Baltimore will start a two tight end set.
Mark Andrews is still one of the leagues best tight ends. Baltimore also has Isaiah Likely as their number two tight end. Charlie Kolar is the third string 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, and rookie Rasheen Ali is the fourth string running back. Patrick Ricard is the starting fullback on the Balitmore Ravens and is one of the leagues better fullbacks. Patrick Ricard is out with an injury, but Baltimore may not need him with all of their depth at running back. Patrick Ricard missed week 1 as well as week 2 and he will be out in week 3. Ricard will miss week 4 as well as week 5.
Baltimore has depth at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, and everywhere on the offensive line. I would make the argument that the Baltimore Ravens have more offensive depth than any team in the entire NFL this season and the crazy part is the Baltimore Ravens were my preseason pick to win Super Bowl 59 last season.
Baltimore has Justin Madubuike at 3-4 right end, Travis Jones at 3-4 nose tackle, and Broderick Washington Jr. at 3-4 left end. Aeneas Peebles, the Baltimore Ravens 2025 sixth round pick out of Virginia Tech is the backup 3-4 defensive end and John Jenkins is the backup 3-4 nose tackle. `Justin Madubuike is out at 3-4 right end, so Aeneas Peebles could make his first career start. Justin Madbuike, Travis Jones, and Broderick Washington Jr. are all injured entering week 5. Baltimore did get Travis Jones back despite placing Justin Madubuike and Broderick Washington on season ending injured reserve prior to their week 4 game. Baltimore has moved Travis Jones to 3-4 right end where Justin Madubuike played as John Jonkins is now the starting 3-4 nose tackle. Baltimore also added Taven Bryan at 3-4 left end. Baltimore placed Taven Bryan on injured reserve prior to this game.
Baltimore has Dre'Mont Jones at 3-4 right outside linebacker and Kyle Van Noy at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Roquan Smith and Teddye Buchanan Baltimore's 2025 fifth round pick out of California are the starting 3-4 middle linebackers. Tavius Robinson is the backup 3-4 right outside liinebacker and Mike Green, Baltimore's 2025 second round pick out of Marshall that had a consensus first round grade is the backup 3-4 left outside linebacker. David Ojabo is the third string 3-4 right outside linebacker and Adisa Isaac is the third string 3-4 outside linebacker is out with an injury. Trenton Simpson Baltimore's 2024 third round pick out of Clemson is now the backup 3-4 middle linebacker for depth.
Nate Wiggins, Baltimore's 2024 first round pick out of Clemson is the field cornerback, Marlon Humphrey is the boundary cornerback, Alohi Gilman is the nickel cornerback, Chidobe Awuzie is the dime cornerback, and T.J. Tampa, Baltimore's 2024 fourth round pick out of Iowa State is the quarter cornerback. All five of these cornerbacks can cover number one, number two, or number three wide receivers. These corners can blanket x, y, or z receivers. They can shut down your flanker wide receiver, secondary wide receiver complimenting your flanker, or shut down your slot receiver. Heck, if a team plays four or five wide receivers, you have the personnel in dime and quarter packages to prevent deep passes.
Kyle Hamilton is the starting strong safety and Malaki Starks, Baltimore's 2025 first round pick out of Georgia is the starting free safety. Ar'Darius Washington would have been nice to have, but he suffered a season ending injury in training camp.
Baltimore has Tyler Loop, Baltimore's 2025 sixth round pick out of Arizona as the starting kicker replacing Justin Tucker and Jordan Stout at punter. Justice Hill is the projected kick returner on Baltimore with LaJohntay Wester the other sixth round pick along with Tyler Loop being the punt returner on the Baltimore Ravens.
Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Will Win: The Pittsburgh Steelers got Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Mason Rudolph is the backup quarterback. Skylar Thompson is the third string quarterback. Will Howard, Pittsburgh's 2025 sixth round pick out of Ohio State is the fourth string quarterback. Aaron Rodgers left week 11 with an injury. Aaron Rodgers will not need surgery, but it is unclear
Aaron Rodgers has Broderick Jones their 2023 first round pick out of Georgia starting at left tackle, Isaac Seumalo is the left guard, Zach Frazier Pittsburgh's 2024 second round pick out of West Virginia will start at center, Mason McCormick a 2024 fourth round pick out of South Dakota State at right guard, and Troy Fautanu, Pittsburgh's 2024 first round pick out of Washington is the starting right tackle. Andrus Peat is the backup left tackle, Spencer Anderson is the backup left guard, Ryan McCollum is the backup center, Max Scharping is the backup right guard, and Calvin Anderson is the backup right tackle. Pittsburgh does not have great depth on the offensive line with the only solid players being Andrus Peat, Spencer Anderson, and Max Scharping. Isaac Seumalo is out in week 10 and Spencer Anderson will start in relief of Seumalo.
Broderick Jones suffered a season ending injury against Chicago two weeks ago in week 12. I overlooked this on a short week heading into week 13. Aiden Williams an undrafted left tackle out of Minnesota Duluth started in relief of Jones in week 13 at left tackle and he sucked. Pittsburgh may not win another game the rest of the season unless they move Troy Fautanu their 2024 first round pick out of Washington at right tackle over to left tackle.
Pittsburgh has D.K. Metcalf as the flanker wide receiver. Roman Wilson, Pittsburgh's 2024 third round pick out of Michigan is the secondary wide receiver. Calvin Austin III is the slot receiver. Scotty Miller is the number four wide receiver and Ben Skowronek is the number five wide receiver. Pittsburgh did pick up Adam Thielen on waivers, but his role is unknown right now. D.K. Metcalf got suspended for the final two regular season games.
Pittsburgh has Pat Freiermuth as their starting tight end, Jonnu Smith is the backup 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 as Georgia's complimentary tight end next to Brock Bowers. 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 fourth string tight end role.
Pittsburgh has Jaylen Warren as their starting running back. Pittsburgh has Kaleb Johnson a 2025 third round pick out of Iowa as the backup running back. Kenneth Gainwell is the third string running back.
Pittsburgh has Cameron Heyward at 3-4 right end, Keeanu Benton at 3-4 nose tackle, and Derrick Harmon their 2025 first round pick out of Oregon at 3-4 left end. Pittsburgh doesn't have the depth they had on the defensive line last year, but Derrick Harmon is an upgrade in the starting lineup. Cameron Heyward got paid and played in week 1. Derrick Harmon might be out another week.
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 Payton Wilson, the Butkus Award winner that Pittsburgh drafted out of North Carolina State in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft are 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 is the backup to Alex Highsmith at 3-4 right outside linebacker. Jack Sawyer a 2025 fourth round pick out of Ohio State is the backup to T.J. Watt at 3-4 left outside linebacker. Cole Holcomb and Malik Harrison are the 3-4 middle linebackers. Carson Bruner a 2025 seventh round pick out of UCLA is the third string 3-4 middle linebacker.
Pittsburgh has Jalen Ramsey at field cornerback, and Joey Porter Jr. their 2023 second round pick out of Penn State who spent the last two years at field cornerback is now the boundary cornerback after Pittsburgh waived Darius Slay.
Pittsburgh had DeShon Elliott at starting strong safety and Juan Thornhill at free safety as their two starting safeties to start the year. Chuck Clark is the backup strong safety and Miles Killebrew is the backup free safety. Jabrill Peppers is the third string safety at both strong safety as well as free safety. Pittsburgh lost DeShon Elliott to a season ending injury, so they traded for New England Patriots backup safety Kyle Dugger last week and started Kyle Dugger in their week 9 game.
Pittsburgh has Chris Boswell at kicker. Kenneth Gainwell will be Pittsburgh's kick returner while Calvin Austin III will be the punt returner.
Prediction: Baltimore is a 4 point favorite at 4. The over or under is 41 with 63% of the public betting on Baltimore. The money line is -205 for Baltimore and +175 for Pittsburgh. Take Baltimore to win and cover with the under at -205. Bet $295 on this game for Baltimore and win up to $500 as long as the Ravens win by 5 points or more.
Final Score Ravens 23 Steelers 17 OT
Who Draft Utopia Picked
Chris Ransom
Oren Shiri
Tony Mario
Joseph Potter
Andrew Kermish
Tracy Porter
Wes Langley
William Yanish
Daniel Keyser
162-94
162-94
165-91
148-108
169-87
150-106
172-84
147-109
158-98
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The Utopia Of Sports
Indiana 14-0
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Georgia 12-2
Texas Tech 12-2
Alabama 11-4
Texas A&M 11-2
Oklahoma 10-3
Tulane 11-2
James Madison 12-1
