It has been a rollercoaster ride of a season this year. With three weeks left there is a lot of playoff stuff already determined. But, the 4-9-1 Indianapolis Colts are technically not eliminated. In fact, only 5 teams have been eliminated so far. Lets take a look at some of my bolder predictions from earlier in the season and then take one last stab at the playoffs.
Detroit Lions
In my preseason Lions predictions I had them at 7-7 going into week 16. Well, hear we are, and the Lions are 7-7. And EVERYONE is all twitterpated. Now, I didnt think they would win six of the last seven to get there and I definitely didnt think they would look so good against the Bills on Turkey Day. Also, I thought their schedule would be a lot easier. As it turns out, they have the hardest schedule in the league so far this season so 7-7 looks a lot better than my prediction originally implied.
This isnt the same old Lions. But it is a team that is still rebuilding. If you see me in the grocery store wearing a Lions sweatshirt, there is no reason to shout “Were going to the Super Bowl” at me from across the chips aisle! They have a road to the playoffs but I dont think they quite make it. They need too much help. That said, they have a lot of draft capital and its a good year for that. So if they can fix the holes in their defense we could be looking at 12-5 and winning the NFC North in 2023. (First #DaveDecidesBoldPick of 2023)
New York Giant
My Week 11 picks gave a rundown of how the Giants would end the season with eight straight losses. Well, the Commanders decided not to show up. A week 13 tie and then a victory in week 15 means the Giants are not as bad as I thought they are. Either that, or the Commanders arent as good as I thought.
I still think that the Giants lose their last three. The Colts might still be in the playoff race week 17 after all.
Dallas Cowboys
Oh boy. I picked the Cowboys to edge out Eagles for first in the NFC East. Sure, the Cowboys killed the Colts but they really struggled with the Texans. (Dont mess with Texas!) And then a loss to the Jaguars. Now, Im not sure whats going on in Jacksonville right now but I wouldnt want to play them right now. (Are they this seasons Bengals?) While this prediction isnt dead yet, The Eagles would have to lose out and the the Cowboys need to win out. They play head to head this week and the Cowboys should beat the Titans and Commanders. The Eagles however, will not lose to the Saints AND the Giants though.
AFC South
“It would take a complete collapse from the Titans ☑ and a near perfect run from the Colts Jaguars ☑ for the Titans to lose the division.” – Week 13 pick
NFC South
Im not changing my pick here. I still dont pick against Tom Brady no matter how bad the team he is on is. I just wanted to point out the the Bucs are in first at 6-8 and the 5-9 Panthers/Saints/Falcons are all very much alive.
The rest of my picks seem to be playing out. Bengals will probably win the AFC North but the Ravens will still make the playoffs. Seahawks, Giants, and Commanders is all still up in the air but if the Giants lose out and the others dont wet the bed thatll be fine too. Unless the Lions and Packers sneak in! How can that even be known.
