NFL Outlook Article 4

NFL+Outlook+Article+4

Zachary Kontenakos, Staff Writer

Another week of exciting games has come to a close, and we are finally figuring out which teams are for real and have a chance at a Conference and Super Bowl wins.

The Raiders pulled off a spectacular win against the Chiefs on the ‘last’ play of the game, winning by 1 point! The Raiders had four chances to make a game winning touchdown, with penalties on the Chief’s defense after the game clock had expired. After multiple failed attempts, Derek Carr completed a touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree to defeat the Chiefs. The Raiders seem to be gaining momentum after a slow start and an injury to their quarterback. On the other hand, the Chiefs have lost games in back to back weeks and they are starting to lose their strong grip on the the AFC West.

The Panthers are the biggest rollercoaster for this fans and the NFL this season. They have had some very impressive performances against the Patriots and Lions, but they have been disappointing against the Saints and most recently, the Bears. The Bears are on the the worst teams in the league, and they held Cam Newton’s offense to 3 points. The Panthers were receiving love after their win against the Patriots, but the sad truth is that the Panthers have been a subpar team for the last 2 years, and they were bad before their one good year when they reached the superbowl. All Panther’s fans should not get too excited this year, and get of the rollercoaster, and hope for the best next season.

The Battle for the NFC title: Eagles vs Vikings. These two teams have the two best record in the NFC and have surprised many by being the best teams in the NFC. The Eagles have the current MVP favorite in second year quarterback Carson Wentz. They have exceeded expectations by being first in the NFC East. When the season started, they were widely considered to be the 3rd best in that division, but expectations have not held them back. The Vikings have a very different quarterback situation. The starter Sam Bradford is still injured with a knee injury, and backup Case Keenum has been impressive, managing the game and making enough plays to win. The controversy increases with former starter Teddy Bridgewater being able to play in a few weeks. The Minnesota coaching staff with have a difficult choice to make with three quarterbacks on their roster. With the hectic situation on the offensive side of the ball, the other side, the defense, has been shutting down other teams and making big plays in big moments to propel the Vikings to the second best record in the NFC. It is said that defense wins championships, and with pro bowlers on every level of the defense, the Vikings have a shot to win the NFC North and possible the NFC Championship.

Week 8 predictions! Zach won the predictions last edition and has taken the lead in the series with a score of 2-1!!

Game Zach’s Pick Nate Shirley’s Pick
Dolphins vs Ravens Ravens Dolphins
Vikings vs Browns Vikings Vikings
Chargers vs Patriots Patriots Patriots
Bears vs Saints Saints Saints
Falcons vs Jets Falcons Falcons
Colts vs Bengals Bengals Bengals
49ers vs Eagles Eagles Eagles
Panthers vs Bucs Bucs Bucs
Raiders vs Bills Raiders Raiders
Texans vs Seahawks Seahawks (Upset Alert: Texans) Texans
Cowboys vs Redskins Redskins Cowboys (Upset Alert: Redskins)
Steelers vs Lions Steelers Steelers
Broncos vs Chiefs Chiefs Chiefs