Super Bowl LVI MVP – Rams’ Cooper Kupp
Completes Generational Performance
Eighth Wide Receiver to be named MVP

Rams’ Cooper Kupp capped off a breakout season with an MVP performance in Super Bowl LVI. Kupp’s 1-yard TD reception with 1:25 left became the winning score in the Rams’ 23-20 victory over the Bengals. He was justifiably named Super Bowl MVP after catching 8 of 10 targets for 92 yards and two TDs. He became only the eighth receiver to win Super Bowl MVP. QB Matthew Stafford finished 2^nd in the balloting while DT Aaron Donald finished 3^rd in the award. Stafford threw 3 TD passes and orchestrated a brilliant game plan with savvy throwing and good decision making. Donald was invisible the first three quarters being regularly double teamed, but came on late with two big sacks to close the victory.

Draft Insiders’ predicted a Rams Super Bowl victory prior to the start of the 2021 season in our 2021 forecast

On the game winning drive, Kupp also converted a fourth-and-1 with an 8-yard run on a jet sweep with five minutes left. It was probably the critical play of the game. He caught four passes for 34 yards on the Rams’ game-winning drive. Earlier, he also caught an 11-yard TD reception early in the second quarter gave the Rams a 13-3 lead.

Kupp won by the NFL’s most prolific offensive player off a rare generational 2021 triple statistic performance of receptions, yardage and TDs. He recently became the first wide receiver to receive a regular season MVP vote since Randy Moss in 1998. He finished third behind Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, the latter of whom won his fourth MVP award and 2nd in a row. rd.

The veteran 28 year-old receiver led the NFL in catches, receiving yards and TD receptions during the regular season. His 147 receptions and 1,947 receiving yards were the second-highest regular-season totals in league history. He became the first receiver in league history to surpass 2,000 receiving yards in a season during the Rams’ win over the Cardinals in the wild card round of the playoffs. In 21 games this season, including the postseason, he totaled 178 receptions for 2,425 yards and 22 TDs. He was the catalyst on an injured receiving corps that lost vet Robert Woods early in the season and late addition Odell Beckham who was injured in the first half of the Super Bowl. Kupp’s production helped deliver the Rams’ first Super Bowl win as a Los Angeles-based team.

Kupp won the wide receiver triple crown as he led the league in catches (145), yards receiving (1,947) and touchdowns (16). He averaged 114.5 yards per game, which was also tops in the league. His run after the catch ability is incredible with both speed and power to break tackles and run away from defenders.

NFL Draft 2022 – 1st Round Mock Draft -3.0

Feb Newsletter – available now
* Underclassmen –   Selection order after Super Bowl   

All underclassmen had until Jan. 17th to declare for the NFL Draft 2022. Players had three days to rescind their decision and return to school and still retain their college eligibility. No underclassmen rescind their decision.

Special Package Offer available – Order Today

1st Round
#   Team           W/L      St Sch      Player        Pos      Ht/Wt      School
1 Jacksonville             3-14      .512           Aidan Hutchinson      DE       6-6/265             Michigan
2 Detroit                     3-13-1   .528          Kyle Hamilton            S          6-4/220             Notre Dame
3 Houston                   4-13      .498          Kayvon Thibodeaux   DE       6-5/260             Oregon
4 NY Jets                    4-13      .512          George Karlaftis        DE       6-4/275             Purdue
5 NY Giants                4-13      .529          Ikem Ekwonu            OT        6-4/320             N. Carolina St
6 Carolina                   5-12      .512          Kenny Pickett            QB       6-3/220             Pittsburgh
7 NY Giants (Chicago) 6-11      .524          Derek Stingley           CB        6-1/195             LSU
8 Atlanta                     7-10      .476          Drake London            WR       6-5/210             USC
9 Denver                     7-10      .484          Devin Lloyd               ILB       6-3/235             Utah
10 NY Jets (Seattle)       7-10      .519          Tyler Linderbaum      C          6-3/290             Iowa
11 Washington              7-10      .529          Matt Corral                QB       6-1/205             Mississippi
12 Minnesota                8-9        .507          Jermaine Johnson     DE       6-5/265             Florida State
13 Cleveland               8-9        .517          Charles Cross         OT        6-5/310           Mississippi St
14 Baltimore                 8-9        .528          Evan Neal                 OT        6-7/350             Alabama
15 Phil (Miami)              9-8        .464          Nakobe Dean            ILB       6-0/225             Georgia
16 Phil (Indianapolis)     9-8        .495        Garrett Wilson           WR       6-0/190             Ohio State
17 LA Chargers             9-8        .510          David Ojabo              DE       6-5/250             Michigan
18 New Orleans             9-8        .512          Malik Willis                QB       6-1/220             Liberty
19 Philadelphia             9-8        .472          DeMarvin Leal           DT        6-4/290             Texas A&M
20 Pittsburgh                9-7-1     .521          Ahmad Gardner         CB        6-3/200             Cincinnati
21 New England            10-7      .481          Christian Harris         ILB       6-2/235             Alabama
22 Las Vegas                10-7      .510          Treylon Burks            WR       6-3/225             Arkansas
23 Arizona                    11-6      .490          Kenyon Green           OG       6-4/325             Texas A&M
24 Dallas                      12-5      .491          Jordan Davis             DT        6-6/340             Georgia
25 Buffalo                    11-6      .472          Jahan Dotson            WR       5-11/185            Penn State
26 Tennessee            12-5      .472          Trevor Penning          OT        6-7/320          Northern Iowa
27 Tampa Bay              13-4      .460          Roger McCreary        CB        6-0/190             Auburn
28 Green Bay                13-4      .479          Jameson Williams      WR       6-2/190             Alabama
29 Miami (San Fran)      10-7      .500       Andrew Booth           CB        6-0/195             Clemson
30 Kansas City              12-5      .538          Travon Walker           DE        6-5/280             Georgia
31 Cincinnati               10-7      .472       Bernhard Raimann     OT       6-6/305           C. Michigan
32 Detroit (LA Rams)     12-5      .483          Perrion Winfrey         DT        6-4/305             Oklahoma

Senior Bowl 2022

The 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl game produced one of the better classics in recent years. In a game that was dominated by the pass rush, the National team beat the American team, 20-10. The New York Jets coaching staff directed the victory over a squad led by the Detroit Lions.

Draft Insiders’ February Newsletter will be out this week. It will have an extensive section on each All-Star game plus new Top 125 Prospects and Two Round Mock Draft

Pitt QB Kenny Pickett showed a hot hand with a perfect 6-of-6 passing for 89 yards and a TD pass to Baylor’s Abram Smith. Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder threw a pair of TD passes to tight ends, Trey McBride and Jake Ferguson on 4 of 5 passing. He also showed fine running skills. Liberty QB Malik Willis rushed for a game-high 54 yards on just four carries. He had a fine week passing, but only average during the game.

The National squad overcame 14 penalties by putting strong pressure on the American team QBs.  They registered 8 sacks with an additional five pressures.

This was the second year the All-Star classic was held at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama.

Senior Bowl 2022

The Senior Bowl All-Star classic fields an outstanding roster again this year. It is considered the most prominent college football all-star game in the United States and is the most critical stage in the NFL Draft process. The first game was played on January 7, 1950, featuring two squads made up of all-star NFL Draft prospects playing at the Gator Bowl Stadium in Florida. The following year, the game moved to Mobile, AL, where it is still played today.

In 2021, a new era in the Senior Bowl’s history began with the game moving to Hancock Whitney Stadium on the South Alabama Jaguars’ campus. Throughout its history, the Senior Bowl has produced over 55 players that went on to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The game is unique among college all-star games as the teams are coached by NFL staff. Former MVPs of the game include the likes of Dan Marino, LaDainian Tomlinson, Dak Prescott and Justin Herbert.

Date: Saturday, February 5, 2022
Time: 1:30pm CT
Where: Mobile, Alabama
Stadium: University of South Alabama, Hancock Whitney Stadium
TV: NFL Network

Senior Bowl – Players to Watch

Offensive Players
QB Sam Howell             North Carolina               6002     221
QB Malik Willis             Liberty                         6003     220
QB Kenny Pickett          Pittsburgh                     6032     217

RB Abram Smith           Baylor                           5113     211
RB Brian Robinson        Alabama                       6015     226
RB Dameon Pierce        Florida                         5090     220
RB Jerome Ford            Cincinnati                      5106     209
 
WR Alec Pierce             Cincinnati                      6026     208
WR Bo Melton               Rutgers                         5107     191
WR Christian Watson    North Dakota State        6040     211
WR Danny Gray            SMU                             5115     182
WR Jalen Tolbert          South Alabama             6012     195
WR Khalil Shakir           Boise State                   6000     193
 
TE Greg Dulcich            UCLA                           6036     248
TE Cole Turner             Nevada                         6060     246
TE Jake Ferguson         Wisconsin                     6043     244
TE Trey McBride           Colorado State             6031     249
 
OT Bernhard Raimann   Central Michigan           6061     304
OT Daniel Faalele         Minnesota                     6081     387
OT Darian Kinard          Kentucky                      6046     324
OT Max Mitchell            Louisiana                      6056     299
OT Spencer Burford      UTSA                           6037     293
OT Trevor Penning        Northern Iowa               6066     330
OT Abraham Lucas       Washington St               6061     332
OT Braxton Jones         Southern Utah               6051     306
OG Zion Johnson          Boston College             6026     314
OG Cade Mays             Tennessee                    6044     321
OG Chris Paul               Tulsa                            6033     324
OG Cole Strange           Chattanooga                 6043     304
OG Dylan Parham         Memphis                       6020     313
OG Ed Ingram               LSU                              6031     317
OG Jamaree Salyer       Georgia                        6025     320
OG Lecitus Smith          Virginia Tech                 6031     321
OC Luke Fortner           Kentucky                      6037     302
 
Defensive Players
DE Jermaine Johnson   Florida State                 6043     259
DE Kingsley Enagbare   South Carolina             6036     261
DE Logan Hall               Houston                        6057     278
DE Myjai Sanders          Cincinnati                      6043     242
DE Arnold Ebiketie        Penn State                    6023     250

DT Perrion Winfrey        Oklahoma                     6036     303
DT Travis Jones            UConn                         6043     326
DT Devonte Wyatt         Georgia                        6026     307
DT Eric Johnson            Missouri State               6042     300
DT Haskell Garrett         Ohio State                    6013     298
DT John Ridgeway        Arkansas                      6046     327

LB Chad Muma             Wyoming                      6023     241
LB Channing Tindall      Georgia                        6015     223
LB D’Marco Jackson      Appalachian State         6001     235
LB Damone Clark          LSU                              6023     240
LB Darrian Beavers       Cincinnati                      6040     252
 
CB Roger McCreary      Auburn                         5110     189
CB Tariq Castro-Fields Penn State                    6003     194
CB Tariq Woolen           UTSA                           6033     205
CB Josh Thompson       Texas                           5107     199
CB Jaylen Watson         Washington State          6014     197
CB Gregory Junior         Ouachita Baptist            5112     202
S Jalen Pitre                 Baylor                           5106     196
S Sterling Weatherford Miami (Oh)                    6035     230
S Tariq Carpenter         Georgia Tech                6022     225

Tom Brady Retires After Incredible 22 Year Career

From #199 to the GOAT

The amazing QB Tom Brady ended his NFL career after a record setting 22 year stay which included 7 Super Bowl titles along with 5 game MVP awards in two stops with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Bucs. The 44-year-old Buc QB Tom Brady stated that he owes time to his wife and children after a final run for the title. Retirement writing was on the wall for the GOAT after the Bucs lost in the divisional playoffs to the Rams. The greatest of all time made it official today, concluding an unparalleled career.

After being selected in the 6th round as the #199 overall draft choice in the NFL Draft 2000, Brady set virtually every QB record, Super Bowl wins, career victories, passing yards, TDs and playoff wins and divisional titles. He spent his first 20 seasons with the Patriots under HC Bill Belichick that includes 6 Super Bowl titles. He began as a 4^th string QB before moving up the ranks and earning starting time when Drew Bledsoe was injured by a late hit that cost him the rest of his season and eventually his starting job. Brady led the Pats to an upset SB win over the St. Louis Rams that began the legacy that arguably has transformed him into the greatest NFL player in history.

His short two-year career in Tampa, began with a 6-2 start that set the ground work for another playoff run including winning the NFC title in Green Bay before beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. He returned in 2021 to win another unprecedented divisional title with a performance of over 5300 yards passing and 43 TD tosses.

He completes his career with 3 season MVP awards, 15 time Pro Bowler and the only player in NFL history to win a Super Bowl in three decades. His 7 Super Bowl victories in 10 appearances may stand for decades. Interesting in his three Super Bowl losses, he left the field (2x against the Giants and once vs Eagles) with a late 4^th quarter lead, only for the vaulted Patriots defense to fail at the close. In 2007, he led the Patriots to a perfect 16-0 record along with a record 50 TD passes at the time. Their dream of perfection ended in SB XVII with Eli Manning’s late game dramatics for a crushing disappointing 17-14 loss.

His statistics are amazing and ranks #1 in NFL history in completions (7,263), pass attempts (11,317), yards (84,520), passing TDs (624), starts (316), QB wins (243), Pro Bowl nods (15), and Super Bowl MVPs (five). In addition, Brady led the NFL in TD passes five times (2002, 2007, 2010, 2015, 2021), the most such seasons by any player in NFL history.

His 2021 performance is beyond belief for anyone, let alone a 44-year old QB. He threw for 5316 yards with 43 TD passes along with 485 completions. He led the Bucs to their first AFC South title since 2007. In his final game, he led the Bucs vs the Rams to recover from a 27-3 deficit only to lose to a game winning FG at the buzzer. This season, he ranks with Aaron Rodgers in the two-man MVP award chase.

His postseason performances are even more incredible with no rivals in every critical category. No QB comes remotely close to his playoff success. In his 22-season career, he made 19 appearances, started 47 games, earned 35 wins, 10 Super Bowl appearances, seven Super Bowl wins, 1,165 postseason completions, 13,049 postseason passing yards, 86 postseason passing TDs with the most 3 TD passing games, in addition to 14 game-winning drives, and nine fourth-quarter comebacks, all most in NFL history.

Brady leaves at the top of the game with accomplishments that no 44-year old athlete even dreams about. Only a few rare athletes were able to accomplish retiring at their peak – Roger Staubach, John Elway, Jimmy Brown and Barry Sanders on the elite short list.

NFL Draft 2022 Selection Order – The Jaguars are ‘On the Clock’ (Again)!

Jaguars Lions, Texans, Jets & Giants Hold Current Top 5 Selections
                         Eagles Hold Three #1 Selections,
               Giants and Jets Hold Two #1 Draft Choices

The Jacksonville Jaguars are ‘On the Clock’ with the first overall selection for the NFL Draft 2022. They earned the top overall draft choice again currently off a horrible 3-14 record. Rookie head coach Urban Meyer was fired in early December. Their recent overall draft decisions have been weak.

Detroit currently holds the 2nd overall selection off a poor 3-13-1 record with the Texans, Jets and Giants completing the top five selections. There is a logjam with nine clubs between 4-13, 7-10 and 9-8 that will impact the top  selections.

Jets (#4 & #10) and Giants (#5 & #7) hold two first round picks each with both top ten selections. The Eagles hold three #1 selections (#15, 16 & 19) with all from the middle of the round back.

A teams’ opponent’s W-L record will determine all tie situations. Teams that are still tied will flip though none necessary this year. Playoff teams will shuffle according to their postseason results to determine the final top 32 selections.

NFL teams look to both the veteran Free Agency period and the NFL Draft 2022 to improve their rosters. The salary cap went up after  in years with a $175 million cap range per team expected. It will dictate the movement of many veteran players this offseason and have an impact among the premier draft selections.

        Playoffs – Super Bowl game will determine final position
                postseason determines the final two positions

#            Team               W-L / Opp W-L %
1          Jacksonville          3-14     .512
2          Detroit                  3-13-1  .528
3          Houston                4-13     .498
4          NY Jets                 4-13     .512
5          NY Giants             4-13     .529
6          Carolina                5-12     .512
7          NY Giants (Chic)   6-11   .524
8          Atlanta                  7-10     .476
9          Denver                  7-10     .484
10         NY Jets (Seattle)   7-10   .519
11         Washington           7-10   .529
12         Minnesota             8-9     .507
13         Cleveland              8-9      .517
14         Baltimore              8-9     .528
15         Phil (Miami)         9-8      .464
16         Phil (Indianapolis) 9-8    .495
17         LA Chargers      9-8          .510
18         New Orleans     9-8          .512
19         Philadelphia      9-8          .472
20         Pittsburgh         9-7-1       .521
21         Cincinnati          10-7        .472
22         New England    10-7        .481
23         Miami (San Fran) 10-7   .500
24         Las Vegas        10-7          .510
25         Buffalo            11-6           .472
26         Detroit (Rams)   11-6     .490
27         Dallas               12-5         .491
28         Arizona            12-5        .483
29         Kansas City      12-5       .538
30         Tampa Bay       13-4      .460
31         Tennessee        12-5        .472
32         Green Bay        13-4       .479
 
               *** April 28-30 – NFL Draft 2022 – ***
 
Team tie-breaking procedure for the NFL Draft
If two or more clubs are tied in the selection order, the strength-of-schedule tie breaker is applied, subject to the following exceptions for playoff clubs: The Super Bowl winner is last and the Super Bowl loser next-to-last. Any non-Super Bowl playoff club involved in a tie shall be assigned priority within its segment below that of non-playoff clubs and in the order that the playoff clubs exited from the playoffs. Within a tied segment a playoff club that loses in the Wild-Card game will have priority over a playoff club that loses in the Divisional playoff game that in turn will have priority over a club that loses in the Conference Championship game. If two tied clubs exited the playoffs in the same round, the tie is broken by strength of schedule. If any ties cannot be broken by strength of schedule, the divisional or conference tie breakers, when applicable, are applied. Any ties that still exist are broken by a coin flip.

Senior Bowl Names Lions & Jets Staffs for All-Star Classic

The Reese’s Senior Bowl today announced that NFL Football Operations has assigned the Detroit Lions and New York Jets as the coaching staffs for the 73rd annual Reese’s Senior Bowl to be played on Saturday February 5, 2022, at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama.

The game will be aired live on the NFL Network at 1:30 CT.  The Lions own the No. 2 pick, while the Jets own the Nos. 4 and 10 selections in the 2022 NFL draft. NFL teams are offered the opportunity to coach the two Senior Bowl squads based on draft order, unless they are transitioning coaching staffs. The Jaguars hold the No. 1 pick of the draft but with the club in search of a coach did not quality. The Lions hold the #2 overall pick, while the Jets have the #4 overall selection. The Lions last coached the Senior Bowl in 2020 under then-coach Matt Patricia. The Jets have not coached a Senior Bowl team since 1979 under coach Walt Michaels.

       Go to   seniorbowl.com   for this years Player list

Draft Insiders.com will attend all events and have in-depth coverage in Feb Newsletter

The Senior Bowl is coming off a record-breaking year in which 106 players were selected in the 2021 NFL draft, which represents 41% of the entire class. Over the past three drafts (2019-2021), 88.4% of the players wound up making an active 53-man NFL roster at some point during their rookie season.

The Senior Bowl has long been the nation’s most prestigious college all-star game and it is the only one coached by entire staffs from two NFL clubs.  NFL Football Operations smartly uses the draft order to select participating clubs because it serves as a valuable mechanism of parity for competitive balance in the league each year.

For the first time in the game’s rich history, head coaches will serve in more an advisory capacity while promoting select assistants into leadership roles on the staff (e.g. running backs coach to head coach, secondary coach to defensive coordinator, etc.). This new change will offer position coaches and coordinators developmental opportunities in a setting that showcases their skills in front of peers from all 32 clubs.

In addition, Senior Bowl leadership is excited to announce that four coaches from Historically Black Colleges & Universities will be a part of Senior Bowl coaching staffs in this year’s game. Coaches selected to take part in this minority fellowship program will be a part of on-field coaching, position meetings, and nightly staff evaluations.  The primary goal of this new initiative is to connect HBCU coaches with NFL decision-makers in hope that it leads to future career opportunities, while also giving the rest of the league’s teams four individuals to contact for information on Senior Bowl participants.

The three recent rosters have included the following standouts: QB Justin Herbert (Chargers), QB Mac Jones  (Patriots), QB Jalen Hurts (Eagles),  DS Jeremy Chinn (Panthers), WR Deebo Samuel (49ers), WR Chase Claypool (Steelers), WR Brandon Aiyuk (49ers), (Eagles), DB Kyle Dugger (Patriots), RB Elijah Mitchell (49ers), RB Antonio Gibson (WFT), WR Terry McLaurin (WFT), OL Chris Lindstrom (Falcons),  OL Elgton Jenkins (Packers), DL Montez Sweat (WFT), RB Najee Harris (Steelers), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots), RB Michael Carter (Jets), WR Kadarius Toney (Giants), WR Devonta Smith (Eagles), OL Quinn Meinerz (Broncos), and OL Creed Humphrey (Chiefs).

NFL Power Poll – Titans Clinch AFC South Title
Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 18

Bengals Clinch AFC North Title for First time in Six Years
Titans Earn AFC South Title For 2nd Year in a Row

Team of the Week 
Bengals Take AFC North Title in Chiefs Win 34-31
QB Joe Burrows outshines Patrick Mahomes to win a great shootout that may be a postseason preview.

Upset of the Week
Las Vegas Raiders (9-7) Edges Indianapolis Colts (9-7) – 23-20
    
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Joe Burrow – Bengals        
  Defense – LB TJ Watt – Steelers
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – WR Ja’Marr Chase – Bengals
    Defense – S Jevon Holland – Dolphins  
 
Game of Week 18 
   LA Chargers (9-7) at Las Vegas Raiders (9-7)
      Winner Earns Wild Card spot in playoffs.

NFL Team Power Poll
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 13-3 Packers
The Packers maintain the best record in the league for bye and homefield advantage. Face Lions in their finale.

#2 – 12-4 Bucs
Bucs bounced back vs the Jets behind late dramatics by Tom Brady. Host the Panthers this Sunday.

#3 – 11-5 Chiefs
Chiefs lost a shootout vs the Bengals with their secondary toasted by Joe Burrow. Travel to Mile High for finale.

#4 – 12-4 Rams
Rams beat the Ravens behind late game heroics by QB Matthew Stafford.  Host the 49ers this Sunday hoping to clinch the NFC West and high playoff seating.

#5 – 11-5 Titans
The Titans drilled the Dolphins to clinch the AFC South title. Travel to Houston for their finale hoping to earn AFC bye with a victory.

#6 – 11-5 Cardinals
Cardinals end a three game losing streak with a big Sunday night win over the Cowboys.  It was their best performance on the season. Hosting the Seahawks this week.

#7 – 10-6 Patriots
Pats bounced the weak Jaguars to clinch a playoff berth. Travel to Miami for hoping to win the AFC East with a victory.

#8 – 11-5 Cowboys
The Cowboys came up short vs the Cardinals. Travel to Philly for Saturday night finale that will dictate both club’s playoff positions.

#9 – 10-6 Bills
Bills took care of business vs the Falcons. Host the Jets looking to repeat with an AFC East title.

#10 – 10-6 Bengals
Bengals outshot the Chiefs for an impressive late season victory. Winning the AFC North behind another strong performance by QB Joe Burrow. Travel to Cleveland looking to maintain momentum.

#11 – 9-7 Colts
The Colts lost tough thriller to the Raiders in last one. Travel to Jacksonville this Sunday and needs a victory and help to claim a Wild card berth in the AFC logjam.

#12 – 9-7 Chargers
Chargers rebound and blasted the Broncos. They face the Raiders in a must win situation for both clubs with the winner in for the playoffs.

#13 – 9-7 49ers
The 49ers beat the Texans to stay alive for the postseason. Travel to LA to face the Rams looking for victory to claim the final Wild card NFC position.

#14 – 9-7 Eagles
The Eagles claimed a Wild card spot off a victory over WFT. Host the Cowboys on Saturday night
hoping to get a favorable playoff matchup.

#15 – 8-7-1 Steelers
Steelers beat the Browns in Ben Roethlisberger’s home finale to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. Travel to Baltimore hoping to earn final Wild card spot.

#16 – 9-7 Raiders
The Raiders hung together for the stretch run and won a huge game vs the Colts. Host the Chargers Sunday night with the winner going to the Show.

#17 – 8-8 Dolphins
Dolphins were eliminated after coming up empty vs the Titans. Play out the string playing on pride with the Patriots coming to town.

#18 – 8-8 Saints
The Saints stayed alive for the postseason edging the Panthers. Travel to Atlanta for finale looking for victory to claim a Wild card berth.

#19- 8-8 Ravens
Ravens lost a close one to the Rams that put their postseason hopes as only a longshot. Host the Steelers looking to end their playoff hopes.

#20 – 7-9 Vikings
Vikings lost to arch rival the Packers Sunday night ending any playoff hopes. Host the Bears in finale with a postseason of many changes coming.

#21 – 7-9 Browns
Browns came up short again this time vs the Steelers. They were eliminated from playoffs and play out the string hosting Bengals without QB Baker Mayfield.

#22- 7-9 Broncos
The Broncos continue to lack the firepower to beat the top clubs. They fell to the Chargers last week. Host the Chiefs playing only on pride after their 5th consecutive sub .500 season.

#23 – 7-9 Falcons
Falcons come up flat vs the Bills. Host rival the Saints hoping to end their playoff hopes.

#24 – 6-10 WFT
The WFT lost to the Eagles in another close game where they come up short offensively. Play Giants in an NFC East game of disappointing clubs.

#25 – 6-10 Seahawks
Seahawks crushed the Lions. Travel to Arizona hoping to make a final statement in the NFC West.

#26 – 6-10 Bears
The Bears beat the Giants for their first two game win streak since 2020 season. Face the Vikings in their finale where both clubs expected to have major overhauls.

#27 – 5-11 Panthers
Panthers lost to the Saints. They travel to Tampa playing out the string in a season where they collapsed after a good first month.

#28 – 4-12 Texans
Texans fell to the 49ers with a weak offensive performance. Host the Titans to complete a horrible season and major changes expected prior to training camp.

#29 – 4-12 Giants
The Giants offense scored another FG in loss to Bears. Host WFT in a merciful finale of season that never got off the ground.

#30 – 4-12 Jets
Jets pushed the Bucs to the limit before falling on Tom Brady’s late heroics. Travel to Buffalo where they can impact the AFC East winner with a top performance.

#31 – 2-14 Jaguars
Jaguars were blasted by the Patriots in another mismatch. Host the Colts in a must win for them in the finale in a season where little progress was made.

#32 – 2-13-1 Lions
Lions were toasted by the Seahawks. Host the Packers looking to establish respect for next season.

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 17

Chiefs Clinch 6th West Title
Bucs Win 1st South Title Since 2007

Teams of the Week 
Bills Take AFC East led with huge win over Patriots (9-6) – 33-21
Cowboys explode in a dominant performance over WFT for NFC East title

Upset of the Week
Houston (4-11) Slams LA Chargers (8-7) – 41-29
RB Burkhead rushes for 149 yards and 2 TDs with both rosters hindered by Covid
    
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Joe Burrow – Bengals        
  Defense – S Micah Hyde – Bills
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – TE Kyle Pitts – Falcons
    Defense – LB Micah Parsons – Cowboys
 
Games of Week 17 
   LA Rams (11-4) at Baltimore Ravens (8-7)
      Two clubs in tight divisional races that are on the line.

NFL Team Power Poll

Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 12-3 Packers
The Packers maintain the best record in the league for homefield advantage. Host the Vikings this week.

#2 – 11-4 Bucs
Bucs bounced the Panthers to stay apace for the best record in the NFC with a bye week the bonus.
Travel to MetLife to face the Jets this Sunday.

#3 – 11-4 Chiefs
Chiefs pounded the Steelers to clinch the AFC West and looking to claim the #1 seed for a bye week the first week of the playoffs.

#4 – 11-4 Rams
Rams beat the Vikings to reclaim lead in NFC West. In the dogfight for the top NFC position that will determine home field advantage and possible bye week. Face the Ravens this Sunday.

#5 – 11-4 Cowboys
The Cowboys bombed WFT staying abreast for playoff bye. Host the Cardinals in a playoff type matchup that has major ramifications in the NFC races.

#6 – 10-5 Cardinals
Cardinals failing in big spots and surrender the NFC West led to the Rams. Club is looking like a paper tiger as we enter crunch time.

#7 – 9-6 Patriots
Pats lose a tough game to the Bills and are tied with two games to go. Host the Jaguars this week and Belichick gets this club ready in must win situations.

#8 – 10-5 Titans
The Titans edged the 49ers for a critical win. Host the hot Dolphins this Sunday in a matchup that shapes the playoff hopes of both clubs.

#9 – 9-6 Bills
Bills came out with a strong performance beating the Pats to claim AFC East led. Host the Falcons and must take care of business over the final two weeks to make the postseason.

#10 – 9-6 Colts
The Colts beat the Cardinals in last one. Host the Raiders this Sunday with QB Carson Wentz testing positive for Covid early ln the week.

#11 – 9-6 Bengals
Bengals drilled the Ravens behind another strong performance by QB Joe Burrow. Host the Chiefs in huge AFC matchup for North division and key playoff positions on the line.

#12 – 8-7 Chargers
Chargers came up short vs the Texans that puts them in a dogfight for a playoff position. Host the Broncos in a must win situation and needing help for a postseason berth.

#13- 8-7 Ravens
Ravens were toasted by the Bengals in last one. Needs help for a playoff berth and host the Rams in must win situation Sunday for their longshot possibilities.

#14 – 8-7 49ers
The 49ers fell to the Titans putting them in a tough spot for the final playoff spot. Host the hot Texans this week in a must win situation for any playoff hopes.

#15 – 8-7 Dolphins
Dolphins beat the Saints to stretch their winning streak to seven games. Travel to Nashville in a must win situation to stay alive for the final AFC playoff spot.

#16 – 8-7 Eagles
The Eagles stay alive for the last wild card position with a strong win over the Giants. Travel to the Capital hoping to keep pace for the final week of the season.

#17 – 7-8 Vikings
Vikings lost a shootout with the Rams last week. Travel to Titletown for a Sunday night matchup
in a desperate chance to earn the final playoff spot.

#18 – 8-7 Raiders
The Raiders edge the Broncos to keep their slim playoff chances alive. Travel to Indy hoping for a final push to claim a postseason berth.

#19 – 7-8 Browns
Browns came up short again this time vs the Packers. Travel to Pittsburgh for Monday night clash with the loser out for any even long shot chances for the playoffs.

#20 – 7-7-1 Steelers
Steelers were bashed by the Chiefs in another lackluster performance. They host the Browns in a must win situation that will determine if they stay alive the final week.

#21- 7-8 Broncos
The Broncos lack the firepower to beat the top clubs. They fell to the Raiders in a must win situation. Travel to LA to face the equally erratic Chargers in a must win situation for both clubs.

#22 – 7-8 Saints
The Saints loss to the Dolphins all but eliminates them from the postseason. They have started four QBs this season hoping to stay atop the NFC South division. Host the Panthers in a game of also rans.

#23 – 7-8 Falcons
Falcons edged the Lions. They go to Buffalo with only a super longshot for the postseason.

#24 – 6-9 WFT
The WFT were blasted by the Cowboys. Host the Eagles in a key NFC East contest that will define any Philadelphia chances.

#25 – 5-10 Seahawks
Seahawks lose to the Bears in a close contest. Host the Lions in a battle for top ten positions in the NFL Draft.

#26 – 5-10 Panthers
Panthers were drilled in their loss to the Bucs. They travel to New Orleans with only NFC South pride on the line.

#27 – 5-10 Bears
The Bears edged out the Seahawks for their first win in weeks. Host GMen in a matchup of pathetic offenses.

#28 – 4-11 Texans
Texans won back to back games for the first time this season. Travel to San Fran hoping to get crazy and finish strong in a nightmare season for the former AFC South winner.

#29 – 4-11 Giants
The Giants offense hits new heights of ineptitude in loss to the Eagles. Travel to Chi town holding both team’s 1st round draft selections in April.

#30 – 4-11 Jets
Jets beat the struggling Jaguars for a good win. Rookie Zach Wilson continues to improve. Faces the tough Bucs defense this week which will be a major test at this point of his development.

#31 – 2-13 Jaguars
Jaguars lost a close contest with the Jets. Travel to New England to face a hungry Patriots club that rarely lets a must win situation get away from them.

#32 – 2-12-1 Lions
Lions fought the Falcons to the end, but came up short again in a season of difficult losses. Travel to Seattle hoping to register another victory.

Bama’s Bryce Young Wins 2021 Heisman Trophy
Back to Back Alabama Heisman Award Winners

Alabama’s QB Bryce Young parlayed an outstanding 2021 season to win the Heisman Trophy 2021 after leading the Crimson Tide to the SEC title early this month. Young also won the Maxwell Award, given to the best player in college football, and the Davey O’Brien Award, given to the nation’s top quarterback last week.

Young ran away in the voting of this year’s Heisman Trophy, winning the award in a ceremony in New York City on Saturday night. He built a strong resume with several big wins this fall, including a dramatic late overtime comeback vs arch rival Auburn. His best performance came in the SEC title game vs undefeated Georgia, the nation’s top ranked defense.

The sophomore is a former 5-star prospect from California. Young entered the season with huge expectations as the main choice to replace former Crimson Tide QB and NFL 1st-round pick Mac Jones.

During the national coaching convention this summer, Alabama coach Nick Saban let the media know that Young, without even starting a game, would become the highest earning name and image which becomes available to college athletes for the first time this year.

Young not only lived up to the hype, beginning with a 4 TD performance in a season-opening win over then-#14 Miami before going on the road to beat #11 Florida two weeks later. in a dramatic come-from-behind win at Auburn to close out the regular season and then by dominating Georgia and its top ranked defense in the SEC championship game a week later, that Young sealed his Heisman victory.

He showed the ability to keep calm under pressure, avoid the pass rush and find the open receiver. An accurate passer, he completed 68.0% of his attempts with few interceptions. Young’s final credentials included a strong 43 TD passes and only 4 interceptions.

With Young winning this year’s Heisman Trophy, Alabama became the sixth school to win the award in back-to-back seasons. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith won it last year. The Tide’s other recemt Heisman winners include running backs Derrick Henry and Mark Ingram II, all coming during the Nick Saban era.

Michigan defensive end and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Aidan Hutchinson finished second in this year’s voting, followed by Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett and Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud.

On Dec. 31, #1 Alabama will play #4 Cincinnati in the CFP Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.