Assumptions are a bad thing, no matter how strong the underlying data. That maxim was certainly true than in yesterday’s slate of NFL games, which was frankly shocking across the board.
I want to trot out some assumptions I had coming into Week 10 and see how they fared. Spoiler: not great overall. Onward:
Assumption: Detroit is the best team in the NFL.
Answer: True! âś…
We start with last night’s closer, an incredible game. I was all ready to apologize for doubting the Texans (6-4), who largely walloped the Lions — until the final quarter. Gritty defense and two incredible kicks from Jake Bates sealed a 26-23 Detroit win. The 8-1 Lions won despite MVP-candidate quarterback Jared Goff throwing five interceptions. Charmed stuff. (Apologies to the undefeated Chiefs, who won via a last-second field goal block, for not earning the top spot. Kansas City can’t get away with this every weekend. Right?)
Assumption: Carolina has the league’s worst vibes.
Answer: False ❌
That distinction belongs to the 4-5 Bears, who suffered one of this season’s worst defeats in a 19-3 home loss to the Patriots. We talked about this last week, but coach Matt Eberflus probably needs to go. Caleb Williams completed only about 50 percent of his passes, and the Bears’ offense was simply awful. How is it this bad already? Meanwhile, the former laughingstock Panthers (3-7) have won two straight after a victory in Germany against the 2-8 Giants, which might send Daniel Jones to the bench.
Assumption: Dallas is still a good football team.
Answer: False ❌
The Cowboys aren’t quite Chicago, but then again, their record is worse: 3-6. Dak Prescott is hurt, his backups aren’t great, Mike McCarthy’s seat is boiling and the sun is still taking away touchdowns — in Dallas’ domed stadium. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says he won’t fire McCarthy midseason, which means these last eight weeks are going to be awkward. Hey, at least we were right about the Eagles (7-2) being good again.
Assumption: The Jets will figure it out.
Answer: False ❌
Every game, we scrape New York’s film for signs of hope. Last week’s win had us poring over the Jets’ remaining games, wondering what would help them get into the playoffs. Then they went and lost 31-6 to the Cardinals — winners of four straight — yesterday, dropping to 3-7 and essentially ending a second straight cursed year.
And now, teams I don’t know what to do with:Â
See our full Week 10 takeaways here.
