Chris Ransom Last Updated: January 9, 2025.

Chris Ransom's Pick

Jake Ellenbogen is one of the better Rams insiders on Youtube. We had him on the podcast. Him and his co host Alexis discussed the Rams wild card game against the Carolina Panthers

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. Kevin Dotson could be out this week too as he is the only starter that did not practice this week.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Prediction: Los Angeles is a 10.5 point favorite at -10.5. The over or under is 46.5 with 83% of the public betting on Los Angeles. The money line is -590 for Los Angeles and +490 for Carolina. I like Los Angeles to win and Carolina to cover with the under at +490. Bet $510 on this game for Los Angeles and win up to $1,000 as long as the Rams win by 10 or less.

Final Score Rams 26 Panthers 20 OT

Who Draft Utopia Picked

Chris Ransom's Pick

I'll be introducing a brand new segment to Draft Utopia for the Thursday Night Games called Unfiltered Al. It's basically a parody of all the savage things that Al Michaels could say after blowing people out of the water with his comments on Amazon Prime last year.

Unfiltered Al: Welcome to the Amazon Prime Wild Card Game. The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears is one of the oldest rivalries.

Kirk Herbstreet: Jordan Love VS Caleb Williams. This was the most requested game by the Amazon staff. I'm still in disbelief we get to call this game Al.

Unfiltered Al: My former employers at NBC were looking at Bills VS Jaguars and Chargers VS Patriots. They went with Chargers VS Patriots because both of those markets rank in the top seven in viewership. CBS wanted Josh Allen VS Trevor Lawrence. So this is a rare instance where Amazon, CBS, and NBC all end up getting happy endings from the NFL during Super Wild Card Weekend.

Kirk Herbstreet: Don't ever use the words NFL and happy ending in the same sentence ever again. Who do you like to win? Quarterback play between Jordan Love and Caleb Williams will be key tonight Al.

Unfiltered Al: I bet some money on Green Bay. Every time we talk about the Green Bay Packers your dog Peter will not stop wagging his tail. Also Jordan Love pet Peter and Caleb Williams didn't during warmups. I'm a believer in karma as well as bad omens. That is a bad omen for the Chicago Bears Kirk.

Kirk Herbstreet: Caleb is locked in on winning tonights game. We cannot talk about gambling during this telecast though.

Unfiltered Al: You can now mute Cris Colinsworth if you watch Chargers VS Patriots on Peacock. You can also mute my replacement at NBC in Mike Tirico. I know back in 2007 on a Pro Football Talk article, Mike Florio referred to Tirico as a retard when he worked at ESPN back in the day. Michele Tafoya would say that Tirico is more competent than Minnesota governor Tim Walz. Kickoff from Chicago after this.

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. Zach Tom is likely to be back at right tackle for the wild card game. Green Bay should have Rasheed Walker at left tackle, Aaron Banks at left guard, Sean Rhyan at center, Jordan Morgan their 2024 first round pick at right guard, and Zach Tom at right tackle for the wild card game.

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.

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 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. Braxton Jones is back from injured reserve and Ozzy Trapilo sat out in week 18 to recover from an injury.

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. D.J. Moore and Rome Oduzne are both playing through injuries.

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.

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 and only had their top three cornerbacks at full health once this season in week 13.

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: Green Bay is a 1.5 point favorite at -1.5. The over or under is 45.5 with 56% of the public betting on Green Bay. The money line is and -115 for Green Bay and +105 for Chicago. Take Green Bay to win and cover with the over at -115. Bet $185 on this game for Green Bay and win up to $300 as long as the Packers win by 2 or more.

Final Score Packers 24 Bears 22

Who Draft Utopia Picked

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 181-91. Wes leads Reagan Holgate by two games and enters first nationally.

Andrew Kermish is now second in the 2025 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Andrew is 177-95. Andrew is third nationally behind Wes Langley and Reagan Holgate.

Tony Mario is now third in the 2025 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Tony is 173-99 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 171-101 on the year. We're tied for eighth nationally with Ryan Wilson of CBS, John Breech of CBS, and Lindsey Thiry of ESPN with the five of us ranking 8-12 nationally.

Daniel Keyser is now sixth in the 2025 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Daniel is 167-105 on the year. Daniel is tied for eighteenth nationally with Greg Kellogg of The Sports Affiliation with those two tied for eighteenth and nineteenth nationally.

Tracy Porter is now seventh in the 2025 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Tracy is 158-114. Tracy is twenty eighth nationally.

William Yanish is ninth in the 2025 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. William is 157-115 on the year and is twenty ninth nationally.

Joseph Potter is eighth in the 2025 Draft Utopia NFL Pickem Standings. Joey is 156-116 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 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. Joshua Palmer took the secondary wide receiver job from Keon Coleman after Coleman began the year as the number two wide receiver. Tyrell Shavers began the year as the number six wide receiver, but took the slot receiver job from Keon Coleman due to Coleman's maturity issues in year two as Shavers was an undrafted wide receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft that spent his first two seasons on the Buffalo Bills practice squad before cracking the 53 man roster this season. Keon Coleman is now the number four wide receiver, but the defacto backup to Joshua Palmer whose a game-time decision as Palmer missed the first two days of practice before returning on Friday. Brandin Cooks is the number five wide receiver and the backup to Khalil Shakir, Josh Allen's number one wide receiver. Gabe Davis got promoted from the Buffalo Bills practice squad and is now the number six wide receiver.

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.

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. This could be the healthiest the Buffalo Bills offense has been since playing the Kansas City Chiefs in week 9.

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. Shaq Thompson will start at middle linebacker once again as he will compliment Matt Milano whose back.

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. 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 as Hairston recorded his first career interception. Buffalo has kept Hairston in a dime cornerback role, but he's out for the wild card round. Luckily, the other three Buffalo Bills starting cornerbacks would be healthy.

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.

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 ranks second in turnovers behind the Chicago Bears, but I don't think that will matter if a quarterback can make good decisions against this defense since the secondary is suspect in coverage without their three best corners. Also the trio of Greg Newsome II, Montaric Brown, and Jarrian Jones is all dealing with injuries this week.

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: Buffalo is a 1.5 point favorite at -1.5. The over or under is 51.5 with 55% of the public betting on Buffalo. The money line is -115 for Buffalo and +105 for Jacksonville. Take Buffalo to win and cover with the over at -115. Bet $185 on this game for Buffalo and win up to $300 as long as the Bills win by 2 or more.

Final Score Bills 28 Jaguars 24

Who Draft Utopia Picked

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 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 weeks 17 and week 18. He didn't practice wednesday with some doubting his availability for the wild card, but did practice in a limited capacity on thursday. Trent Williams practiced on Friday, so San Francisco should have a fully healthy offensive line for this years NFL Playoffs.

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.

Ricky Pearsall has not practiced this week and likely looks like he is out. San Francisco will not have Brandon Aiyuk or Ricky Pearsall against Philadelphia for their wild card game. Jauan Jennings would be the flanker wide receiver, Kendrick Bourne would be the secondary wide receiver, and Demarcus Robinson would be the number three wide receiver without Pearsall or Aiyuk in the lineup.

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 does not have Nick Bosa or Mykel Williams. Keion White their third best pass rusher did not practice either. This means Bryce Huff and Yetur Gross-Matos are starting at 4-3 defensive end for San Francisco. Jordan Elliot and Kalia Davis would compliment those two at 4-3 defensive tackle.

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.

Dee Winters has not practiced this week and is likely out. Dee Winters, the 4-3 right outside linebacker, Fred Warner the 4-3 middle linebacker, and Nick Martin the 4-3 left ouside linebacker are all out this week. Eric Kendricks, the former UCLA middle linebacker from the 2015 NFL Draft that was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings is a player I've liked for mahy years, but he's now a role player compared to the dominant force he was a decade ago when he first entered the league. Eric Kendricks will need to step up and be a dominant force if San Francisco goes on any sort of run in this years NFL Playoffs.

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.

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. Philadelphia is getting Lane Johnson back and will have their offensive line back at full health.

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.

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 Adoree' Jackson at nickel cornerback. Kelee Ringo is the dime cornerback. Jakorien Bennett is the quarter cornerback. Michael Carter II is the number six 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. Andrew Mukaba is on injured reserve. Marcus Epps is the backup strong safety now, but he's questionable to play. If Marcus Epps is not cleared to play, Sydney Brown will get the start as Philadelphia will have zero safety depth behind Sydney Brown and Reed Blankenship if injuries occur.

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 6 point favorite at -6. The over or under is 44.5 with 69% of the public betting on Philadelphia. The money line is +225 for San Francisco and -255 for Philadelphia. I like Philadelphia to win and San Francisco cover with the under at +225. Bet $275 on this game for San Francisco and win up to $500 as long as the Eagles win by 5 or less.

Final Score Eagles 21 49ers 17

Who Draft Utopia Picked

Chris Ransom's Pick

I just posted a brand 2026 MLS Mock Draft. I do have one round mocks for both the NFL and NHL 2026 and 2027 though. My 2026 NFL Mock Draft is up. My 2026 NHL Mock Draft is up. My 2026 NBA Mock Draft is up. My 2026 MLS Mock Draft which features all 90 picks and all three rounds is up. My 2027 NFL Mock Draft is up. My 2027 NHL Mock Draft is up.

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.

My first draft simulator, a 2026 MLS Draft Simulator is now up. The draft order is now finalized. The 2026 MLS Super Draft live grades are also now up with the 2026 MLS SuperDraft in the books. You can go to this link 2026 MLS Draft Results to read about the players being selected. I am also currently starting prototypes for our 2026 WNBA Draft Simulator, 2026 MLB Draft Simulator, and 2026 NFL Draft Simulator. which is now at 24 players.

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 Trey Pipkins III at right tackle.

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. Omarion Hampton is a game-time decision for this wild card game.

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 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.

New England has Stefon Diggs as their flanker wide receiver. Kayshon Boutte is the secondary wide receiver. DeMario Douglas is the slot receiver. 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, but now he's back at number four with Mack Hollins going on injured reserve. Efton Chism III an undrafted wide receiver out of Eastern Washington is the number five wide receiver. Both Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III have shown they can handle bigger roles next season in limited action at wide receiver this year.

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. New England has rotated Stevenson and Henderson as the number one running backs down the stretch. 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. Cory Durden, the third string 3-4 nose tackle got called up from the practice squad after Joshua Farmer got placed on injured reserve and Cory Durden did a respectable job as New England's starting 3-4 nose tackle in week 18 starting for an injured Khyiris Tonga. The trio of Barmore, Durden, and Milton Williams is one of the better trios among 3-4 defensive linemen. If New England gets Tonga or Farmer back, then the ability to make a deep run is there.

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 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 3.5 point favorite at -3.5. The over or under is 45.5 with 63% of the public betting on New England. The money line is +165 for Los Angeles and -190 for New England. Take New England to win and cover with the under at -190. Bet $210 on this game for New England and win up to $400 as long as the Patriots win by 4 or more.

Final Score Patriots 28 Chargers 17

Who Draft Utopia Picked

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 Monday Night Football. Bob Pompieni along with Rich Walsh thanks to Roger Goodell suspending Mark Madden and Andrew Filiponi. Hosuton heads to Pittsburgh. Rich who do you like?

Walsh: I didn't say anything last week. Houston is the only team with two edge rushers that generated 10 or more sacks. The Pittsburgh Steelers get D.K. Metcalf back which is a small price to pay for losing Madden and Filiponi. Without Broderick Jones at left tackle, the Houston Texans should win.

Pompieni: Ok, you heard it from Rich Walsh. We'll be back with kickoff after this.

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. Houston is getting Kamari Lassiter back and will have a very healthy defense for teh wild card round. 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.

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..

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. Marquez Valdes-Scantling is now the number two wide receiver. Adam Thielen is the slot receiver. Calvin Austin III is the number four wide receiver. Scotty Miller is the number five wide receiver. Ben SKowronek is the number six wide receiver. Roman Wilson, Pittsburgh's 2024 third round pick out of Michigan was the slot receiver as a rookie and began this season as the number two wide receiver, but he's now seventh on the depth chart.

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 ever since.

Pittsburgh has Chris Boswell at kicker. Kenneth Gainwell will be Pittsburgh's kick returner while Calvin Austin III will be the punt returner.

Prediction: Houston is a 3 point favorite at -3. The over or under is 38.5 with 63% of the public betting on Houston. The money line is -155 for Houston and +135 for Pittsburgh. I like Houston to win and Pittsburgh to cover with the over at +135. Bet $165 on this game for Pittsburgh and win up to $300 as long as the Texans win by 2 or less.

Final Score Teexans 21 Steelers 20

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