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.

College Football Bowl Season 2021-2022

College football bowl season is here. There are 44 bowl games scheduled, including the College Football Playoff and the national championship games. Bowl games begin Friday, Dec. 17 and ending on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022.

Complete Bowl Lineup
Schedule

Capital One Bowl Mania

Friday, Dec. 17 –

Bahamas Bowl
Middle Tennessee vs. Toledo
Noon, ESPN

Tailgreeter Cure Bowl
Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina
6 p.m., ESPN2

Saturday, Dec. 18

RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl
Western Kentucky vs. Appalachian State
11 a.m., ESPN

Cricket Celebration Bowl
South Carolina State vs. Jackson State
Noon, ABC

PUBG Mobile New Mexico Bowl
UTEP vs. Fresno State
2:15 p.m., ESPN

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl
UAB vs. BYU
3:30 p.m., ABC

LendingTree Bowl
Eastern Michigan vs. Liberty
5:45 p.m., ESPN

Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl
Utah State vs. Oregon State
7:30 p.m., ABC

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Louisiana vs. Marshall
9:15 p.m., ESPN

Monday, Dec 20

Myrtle Beach Bowl Presented by TaxAct
Old Dominion vs. Tulsa
2:30 p.m., ESPN

Tuesday, Dec. 21

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Kent State vs. Wyoming
3:30 p.m., ESPN

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl
UTSA vs. San Diego State
7:30 p.m., ESPN

Wednesday, Dec. 22

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Missouri vs. Army
8 p.m., ESPN

Thursday, Dec. 23

Frisco Football Classic
North Texas vs. Miami (Oh)
3:30 p.m., ESPN

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl
UCF vs. Florida
7 p.m., ESPN

Friday, Dec. 24

EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl
Memphis vs. Hawai’i
8 p.m., ESPN

Saturday, Dec. 25

TaxAct Camellia Bowl
Georgia State vs. Ball State
2:30 p.m., ESPN

Monday, Dec. 27

Quick Lane Bowl
Western Michigan vs. Nevada
11 a.m., ESPN

Military Bowl presented by Peraton
Boston College vs. East Carolina
2:30 p.m., ESPN

Tuesday, Dec. 28

TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl
Houston vs. Auburn
Noon, ESPN

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Air Force vs. Louisville
3:15 p.m., ESPN

AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Mississippi State vs. Texas Tech
6:45 p.m., ESPN

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl
UCLA vs. NC State
8 p.m., Fox

Guaranteed Rate Bowl
West Virginia vs. Minnesota
10:15 p.m., ESPN

Wednesday, Dec. 29

Wasabi Fenway Bowl
SMU vs. Virginia
11 a.m., ESPN

New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Maryland vs. Virginia Tech
2:15 p.m., ESPN

Cheez-It Bowl
Clemson vs. Iowa State
5:45 p.m., ESPN

Valero Alamo Bowl
Oregon vs. Oklahoma
9:15 p.m., ESPN

Thursday, Dec. 30

Duke’s Mayo Bowl
North Carolina vs. South Carolina
11:30 a.m., ESPN

TransPerfect Music City Bowl
Tennessee vs. Purdue
3 p.m., ESPN

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
Michigan State vs. Pittsburgh
7 p.m., ESPN

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl
Wisconsin vs. Arizona State
10:30 p.m., ESPN

Friday, Dec. 31

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Wake Forest vs. Texas A&M
11 a.m., ESPN

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
Washington State vs. Miami
2 p.m., CBS

Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl
Central Michigan vs. Boise State
2 p.m.

CFP Semifinal: Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
#4 Cincinnati vs. #1 Alabama
3:30 p.m., ESPN

CFP Semifinal: Capital One Orange Bowl
#3 Georgia vs. #2 Michigan
7:30 p.m., ESPN

Saturday, Jan. 1

Outback Bowl
Penn State vs. Arkansas
Noon, ESPN2

Vrbo Citrus Bowl
Iowa vs. Kentucky
1 p.m., ABC

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
Notre Dame vs. Oklahoma State
1 p.m., ESPN

Rose Bowl Game Pres. by Capital One Venture X
Ohio State vs. Utah
5 p.m., ESPN

Allstate Sugar Bowl
Ole Miss vs. Baylor
8:45 p.m., ESPN

Tuesday, Jan. 4

TaxAct Texas Bowl
LSU vs. Kansas State
9 p.m., ESPN

Monday, Jan. 10

CFP National Championship Presented by AT&T
Semi-Finalist Winners
8 p.m., ESPN

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 15

Chiefs Dance All Over Raiders
Rams Outlast Cardinals

Team of the Week 
Chiefs (9-4) Dance over Raiders (6-7) – 48-9
Chiefs explode in a dominant performance vs the trash talking Raiders

Upset of the Week
Rams (9-4) Slam Cards (10-3) – 30-23
QB Matthew Stafford back on the beam with strong Monday night performance.
    
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs        
  Defense – DT Aaron Donald – Rams
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – WR JaMarr Chase – Bengals
    Defense – CB Patrick Surtain – Broncos
 
Games of Week 15 
   Kansas City Chiefs (9-4) at LA Chargers (8-5)
      Two hot clubs via for AFC West leadership.

NFL Team Power Poll
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 10-3 Packers
The Packers are dangerous especially with Aaron Rodgers who can change games in an instant.
Packers are playing for home field advantage and a playoff bye at this point.

#2 – 10-3 Bucs
Bucs fell asleep vs the Bills, but Tom Brady woke up this club with another heroic victory this time in OT.

#3 – 10-3 Cardinals
Cardinals fell to the Rams and hold only a one game lead in West. They fail in big spots often, yet take care of business vs the mediocre clubs.

#4 – 9-4 Patriots
Pats are well rested for their trip to Indy. Belichick is getting this club playoff ready and looking for home field advantage with a few more victories.

#5 – 9-4 Chiefs
Chiefs danced on the Raiders heads in their thorough stomping Sunday. Chiefs peaking at the right time and face a critical AFC West matchup vs the Chargers for divisional leadership.

#6 – 9-4 Rams
Rams’ explosive air game is back and maybe Odell Beckham becomes an impact midseason addition. Host the Seahawks this Sunday.

#7 – 9-4 Titans
The drilled the lifeless Jaguars with an impressive shutout performance. Travel to Pittsburgh looking to maintain a strong South lead vs the desperate Steelers.

#8 – 9-4 Cowboys
The Cowboys come off a good win vs WFT. Travel to MetLife to face the faltering GMen and within reach to clinch the East title.

#9 – 8-5 Chargers
Chargers have regained their swag and look to maintain vs the Chiefs this Thursday night. Shootout between Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes has the makings on a postseason matchup.

#10- 8-5 Ravens
Ravens lost a close contest vs the Browns. Struggling with inconsistency and pressing secondary issues.

#11 – 7-6 Bills
Bills came back vs the Bucs, but fell in OT to another Tom Brady comeback. Bills are in danger of falling out of the playoff race and host the Panthers in desperate need of a victory.

#12 – 7-6 49ers
The 49ers beat the Bengals in OT. Host the Falcons that is vital for both teams’ playoff hopes.

#13 – 7-6 Colts
The Colts are rested coming off their bye week and host the Patriots this Saturday. This game may define their playoff chances.

#14 – 7-6 Bengals
Bengals’ defense failed again in big spot vs the 49ers. They travel to Denver in a must win situation for both clubs.

#15 – 7-6 Browns
Browns beat the Ravens in a huge North contest. They host the Raiders this Saturday where they need to win to separate themselves in the tight North divisional and AFC wild card races.

#16 – 6-6-1 Steelers
Steelers looked terrible in their loss to the Vikings. They host the Titans in a must win situation that will determine if they can stay alive the final month.

#17- 7-6 Broncos
The Broncos shut out the Lions to stay in the tight AFC playoff chase. They host the Bengals in
in a must win situation for two inconsistent clubs.

#18 – 6-7 Dolphins
Dolphins are on a 5 game winning streak coming off their bye week. Host the Jets, looking to get to .500
to make a stretch run where the AFC playoff spots are wide open.

#19 – 6-7 WFT
The WFT fell to the Cowboys in another close game. Travel to Philly in another key NFC East contest that could define both teams’ slim chances.

#20 – 6-7 Eagles
The Eagles come off their bye week and face WFT where the winner is alive for the last wild card position. Their offense holds the key here and must set the pace to beat a tough Washington D.

#21 – 6-7 Vikings
Vikings drilled the Steelers on Thursday night. Travel to Chi town for a Monday night matchup
and need to win to get to .500 for a chance at a wild card spot.

#22 – 6-7 Saints
The Saints come off a win vs the Jets. Travel to Tampa in a must win situation to have any chances for a playoff spot.

#23 – 6-7 Falcons
Falcons beat the Panthers in a critical matchup. They go to San Fran with the loser looking to next season.

#24 – 5-8 Seahawks
Seahawks extended their winning vs Houston. Travel to LA for major test vs the Rams, hoping to extend their long shot hopes for the postseason.

#25 – 6-7 Raiders
The Raiders got crushed by the Chiefs. Trash talking never won an NFL game yet.

#26 – 5-8 Panthers
Panthers struggled in loss to the Falcons. They travel to Buffalo to face the desperate Bills this Sunday.

#27 – 4-9 Giants
The Giants are a total mess with backup QBs struggling. They host the Cowboys and are playing only on pride in this divisional rivalry.

#28 – 4-9 Bears
The Bears will probably finish with rookie QB Justin Fields going through his learning curve. He faces the Vikings at home on Monday Night this week.

#29 – 3-10 Jets
Jets continue to struggle especially offensively. Rookie Zach Wilson continues to adjust to the NFL and travels to Miami for a traditional AFC East matchup.

#30 – 2-11 Texans
Texans outmatched again last week vs the Seahawks. Travel to Jacksonville in a battle for the AFC South basement the door prize.

#31 – 2-11 Jaguars
Jaguars were shutout in Nashville. Host the Texans looking for this young roster to gain a victory and get more experience despite facing a huge wholesale roster change.

#32 – 1-11-1 Lions
Lions were outclassed in Denver. Host the Cardinals looking to surprise the NFC West leader.

College Football Mondays
Draft Insiders’ – College All-American Teams 2021

SEC and Big Ten Dominates First Two Teams
Staff

First Team
Offense

Pos       Player               Team                Year
QB Bryce Young           Alabama           Sophomore
RB Kenneth Walker III   Michigan St       Junior
RB Breece Hall             Iowa St             Junior
WR Jameson Williams   Alabama           Junior
WR David Bell               Purdue             Junior
WR Jordan Addison      Pittsburgh         Soph
TE Trey McBride           Colorado St       Senior
C Tyler Linderbaum       Iowa                 Junior
OL Evan Neal                 Alabama           Junior
OL Charles Cross           Mississippi St.   Junior
OL Ikem Okwonu             NC St               Sophomore
OL Nicholas Petit-Frere   Ohio St             Junior

Defense

DL Aidan Hutchinson      Michigan           Senior
DL Jordan Davis             Georgia             Senior
DL DeMarvin Leal          Texas A&M       Junior
DL Jermaine Johnson II  Florida St          Senior
LB Will Anderson Jr.       Alabama           Sophomore
LB Nakobe Dean             Georgia            Junior
LB Devin Lloyd              Utah                 Junior
LB David Ojabo              Michigan           Junior
CB Ahmad Gardner       Cincinnati          Junior
CB Roger McCreary       Auburn              Junior
S Kyle Hamilton             Notre Dame      Junior
S Jalen Pitre                    Baylor               Senior

Special Teams
K Jake Moody               Michigan           Senior
P Matt Araiza                San Diego St     Junior
KR Zonovan Knight       NC St               Sophomore
PR Britain Covey           Utah                 Junior
AP Marcus Jones          Houston            Senior

Second Team

Offense
QB Kenny Pickett          Pittsburgh         Senior
RB Tyler Badie              Missouri            Senior
RB Kyren Williams         Notre Dame      Soph
WR Chris Olave            Ohio State        Senior
WR Treylon Burks         Arkansas          Junior
WR Garrett Wilson        Ohio State        Junior
TE Michael Mayer          Notre Dame      Soph
C Jarrett Patterson        Notre Dame      Junior
OL Darian Kinnard         Kentucky          Senior
OL Zion Johnson           Boston College Senior
OL Kenyon Green         Texas A&M       Junior
OL Sean Rhyan            UCLA               Junior

Defense
DL Kayvon Thibodeaux  Oregon             Junior
DL Will McDonald IV      Iowa St             Junior
DL Myjai Sanders          Cincinnati          Senior
DL George Karlaftis       Purdue             Junior
LB Damone Clark          LSU                  Senior
LB Leo Chenal              Wisconsin         Senior
LB Nik Bonitto               Oklahoma         Junior
LB Sam Williams           Ole Miss           Senior
CB Coby Bryant            Cincinnati          Senior
CB Riley Moss              Iowa                 Senior
S Jordan Battle             Alabama           Junior
S Jaquan Brisker           Penn St            Senior

Special Teams
K Noah Ruggles            Ohio St             Senior
P Jordan Stout              Penn St            Senior
KR Brian Battie             South Florida    Soph
PR Marcus Jones          Houston            Senior
AP Deuce Vaughn         Kansas St         Soph

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.

College Football Award Winners 2021

Heisman Trophy Award – Sat, Dec 11, ESPN
The Home Depot College Football Awards – Thurs, Dec, 9, 2021

Below is a list of the winners:

Maxwell Award – Player of the Year
– Bryce Young, QB Alabama

Walter Camp Award – Player of the Year
– Kenneth Walker III, RB Michigan State

AP Player of the Year –
Bryce Young, QB Alabama

Davey O’Brien Award – best QB
– Bryce Young, Alabama

Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award – top senior QB
– Kenny Pickett, Pitt

Doak Walker Award – best RB
– Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State

Fred Biletnikoff Award – best WR
– Jordan Addison, Pitt

John Mackey Award – best TE
– Trey McBride, Colorado State

Rimington Trophy – best Center
– Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa

Bronko Nagurski Trophy – best defensive player
– Will Anderson Jr., LB Alabama

Chuck Bednarik Award – defensive player of the year
– Jordan Davis, DT Georgia

Outland Trophy – best interior lineman
– Jordan Davis, DT Georgia

Lombardi Award – top lineman
– Aidan Hutchinson, DE Michigan

Butkus Award – best LBer
– Nakobe Dean, Georgia

Jim Thorpe Award – top defensive back
– Coby Bryant, CB Cincinnati

Lou Groza Award – top kicker
– Jake Moody, Michigan

Ray Guy Award – top punter
– Matt Araiza, San Diego State

The Home Depot Award – Coach of the Year
– Luke Fickell, Cincinnati

Broyles Award – best Assistant Coach
– Josh Gattis, Michigan offensive coordinator

Disney Spirit Award – Inspirational player/team
– Tre Tipton, WR Pitt

Wuerffel Trophy – Community service
– Isaiah Sanders, QB Stanford

Burlsworth Trophy – Top Former Walk-On
– Grant Morgan, LB Arkansas

William V. Campbell Trophy – Academic Heisman
– Charlie Kolar, TE Iowa State

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll Week 14

Patriots Win 7th in a Row with Victory over Bills
Cardinals, Bucs, Cowboys and Chiefs Lead Divisions

Team of the Week 
Patriots (9-4) edge Bills (7-5)
Pats’ Control Clock to Take Command of AFC East

Upset of the Week
Lions Shock Vikings – 29-27
Detroit claims first victory with gutty performance on last second TD pass.
    
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Justin Herbert – Chargers        
  Defense – LB Jordan Hicks – Cardinals
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – WR Amon-Ra St. Brown – Lions
    Defense – LB Jaelen Phillips – Dolphins
 
Games of Week 14 
   Los Angeles Rams (8-4) at Arizona Cardinals (10-2)
     Rams looking to close the gap in the West entering final month.

NFL Team Power Poll
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 10-2 Cardinals
Cardinals hold the top spot with a narrow victory over the Bears. Host the Rams Monday night that may decide the West title winner.

#2 – 9-3 Packers
The Packers are rested to host the Bears Sunday night. Packers are playing for home field advantage and a playoff bye with the North title also a certainty.

#3 – 9-3 Bucs
Bucs kept rolling along. Host the Bills in a playoff primer for their high scoring attack.

#4 – 9-4 Patriots
Pats win their 7th straight game with gutting victory in Buffalo. The Belichick magic never left.

#5 – 8-4 Chiefs
Chiefs come off a win vs the Broncos. Host the Raiders looking to maintain their West leadership.

#6 – 8-4 Ravens
Ravens came up short vs the Steelers. Travel to Cleveland with a makeshift secondary for the stretch run.

#7 – 8-4 Rams
Rams rebound vs the Jaguars with their explosive air game. Travel to the desert for major West battle with the Cardinals that they must win to close the gap.

#8 – 8-4 Titans
The rested Titans host the Jaguars looking to maintain their South lead over the surging Colts.

#9 – 8-4 Cowboys
The Cowboys travel to the Capital looking to improve their East lead to three games.

#10 – 7-5 Bills
Bills continue to struggle offensively. Travel to Tampa Bay for crucial matchup where they must reestablish themselves as playoff contenders.

#11 – 7-6 Colts
The Colts shut out the Texans. Get their bye week to heal up for the stretch run.

#12 – 7-5 Chargers
Chargers came out firing vs the Bengals to stay in the tight AFC West race. Host the struggling GMen in a crucial contest for their playoff hopes.

#13 – 7-5 Bengals
Bengals defense failed to show up vs the Chargers. Host the 49ers in a must win situation this week.

#14 – 6-5-1 Steelers
Steelers won slug out vs the Ravens to keep alive their AFC playoff hopes. Travel to Minny for vital Thursday night contest.

#15 – 6-6 WFT
The WFT beat the Raiders in yet another close game. Host the Cowboys in an NFC East contest that could define divisional title.

#16 – 6-6 49ers
The 49ers failed vs Seahawks that puts them in a dogfight for the final NFC playoff spot. Travel to Cinny for vital contest that could determine both teams’ playoff hopes.

#17 – 6-6 Raiders
The Raiders came up short vs WFT. Travel to KC for major matchup with the Chiefs which has all the makings of a must win to stay in contention.

#18 – 6-6 Browns
Browns coming off their bye week and need to get their bearings to stay alive in the AFC playoff chase. Host the Ravens with major ramifications.

#19- 6-6 Broncos
The Broncos struggled offensively in the loss to the Chiefs. Host the hot Lions in a must win situation.

#20 – 6-7 Eagles
The Eagles get a late bye to prepare for the stretch run. Face an NFC East diet the rest of the schedule.

#21 – 6-7 Dolphins
Dolphins won their 5th straight behind a solid defense. Get their bye week to prep for stretch run where they hope to extend their stretch and get help for playoff possibility.

#22 – 5-7 Vikings
Vikings lost another tough game, this time to division rival the Lions. Host the Steelers Thursday night and need to win to keep their remote postseason hopes alive.

#23 – 5-7 Saints
The Saints are rested after lose to the Cowboys on Thursday night. Travel to Jets in a crucial game for their slim postseason hopes.

#24 – 5-7 Falcons
Falcons failed vs the Bucs in a critical matchup. They go to Carolina with the loser looking to next season.

#25 – 4-9 Giants
The Giants came up empty with backup QB Mike Glennon. Playing out the string from here with major changes expected this offseason.

#26 – 4-8 Seahawks
Seahawks dug in for their victory over the 49ers. Travel to Houston hoping to extend their winning despite a long shot for postseason.

#27 – 5-7 Panthers
Panthers are coming off their bye week and host the Falcons. Offense has struggled mightily since the first month with hopes they can turn it around with Cam Newton.

#28 – 4-8 Bears
The Bears will return to rookie Justin Fields for stretch run. He faces the Packers in Green Bay on Sunday Night.

#29 – 3-9 Jets
Jets reaching new levels of ineptitude on both sides of the ball. Host the Saints looking to get young players into new schemes.

#30 – 2-10 Texans
Texans host the Seahawks, hoping to recover from shut out in last game.

#31 – 2-10 Jaguars
Jaguars travel to Nashville to face the rested Titans. Looking to an offseason of wholesale changes in this collapsing organization.

#32 – 1-10-1 Lions
Hail to the Lions. Gutty win after several heartbreaking losses. Travel to Mile High looking for two game winning streak.

College Football Monday – Week 15

Alabama Bombs Georgia
Cincinnati Bearcats – Nation’s Only Unbeaten Club

Draft Insiders’ – Top 25 Weekly Rankings

Team of Week –  Alabama Pounds Georgia, 41-24
 
Upset of the Week – Baylor over Oklahoma State, 21-16

Offensive Player of Week – QB Bryce Young – Alabama
Defensive Player of Week – LB Will Anderson – Alabama
 
Championship Semi Final Games – Dec, 31, 2021
 
   Cotton Bowl – Arlington, Texas – 3:30 pm, ESPN
  #1 Alabama (12-1) vs #4 Cincinnati (13-0)
 
   Orange Bowl – Miami, Fla – 7:30 pm, ESPN
   #2 Michigan (12-1) vs #3 Georgia (12-1)
 
National Championship Game – Jan. 10, 2022
  Semi Final winners
Indianapolis, In, – 8 pm, ESPN  
 
DraftInsiders.com – Staff – Top 25 Rankings
 

Rank / Team               Record               
1 Alabama                    12-1
2 Michigan                   12-1
3 Georgia                     12-1
4 Cincinnati                 13-0
 
5 Notre Dame              11-1                 
6 Ohio State                 10-2                 
7 Ole Miss                     10-2
8 Utah                           10-3     
9 Baylor                        11-2                 
10 Michigan State      10-2
11 Oklahoma State     11-2
12 Pittsburgh               11-2                 
13 Oklahoma               10-2                 
14 Oregon                     10-3                 
15 Iowa                          10-3
16 Wake Forest           10-3
17 BYU                            10-2
18 North Carolina St   9-3
19 Clemson                     9-3                   
20 Louisiana                12-1
21 Houston                    11-2
22 Arkansas                  8-4                   
23 Kentucky                  9-3
24 Texas A&M               8-4
25 San Diego St           11-2
 
College Football Playoff Rankings
 
Rank /     Team             Record
1          Alabama             12-1                 
2          Michigan            12-1                 
3          Georgia              12-1                 
4          Cincinnati         13-0                 
5          Notre Dame      11-1                 
6          Ohio State         10-2                 
7          Baylor                11-2                 
8          Ole Miss            10-2                 
9          Oklahoma St    11-2                 
10         Michigan St    10-2                 
11         Utah                   10-3                 
12         Pittsburgh       11-2                 
13         BYU                   10-2                 
14         Oregon             10-3                 
15         Iowa                  10-3                 
16         Oklahoma        10-2                 
17         Wake Forest    10-3                 
18         NC State            9-3                   
19         Clemson            9-3                   
20         Houston           11-2                 
21         Arkansas          8-4                   
22         Kentucky          9-3                   
23         Louisiana         12-1                 
24         Texas A&M       8-4       
25         San Diego St    11-2                 

Championship Weekend 2021
SEC and Big Ten Matchups Have Major Impact on
Final Playoff Four Teams

Friday Dec 3
Matchup /Time (ET)    
 
Conference USA Championship Game
Western Kentucky vs   #22 UTSA
            7:00 PM            CBSSN             Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
 
PAC-12 Championship Game
#11 Oregon      #19 Utah
            8:00 PM            ABC     Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV      
 
Saturday, December 4
Matchup / Time  (ET)        
 
Big 12 Championship Game
#8 Baylor vs #7 Oklahoma State
            12:00 PM          ABC                 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX 
 
MAC Championship Game
Kent State vs Northern Illinois
            12:00 PM          ESPN               Ford Field, Detroit, Mi 
 
Mountain West Championship Game
Utah State vs #21 San Diego State
            3:00 PM            FOX                 Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, Ca          
 
Sun Belt Championship Game
Appalachian State Vs Louisiana
            3:30 PM            ESPN               Cajun Field, Lafayette, La       
 
SEC Championship Gam
#1 Georgia vs #3 Alabama
            4:00 PM            CBS                 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga 

AAC Championship Game
#24 Houston vs #4 Cincinnati
            4:00 PM            ABC                 Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, Oh         
 
Big Ten Championship Game
#5 Michigan vs #16 Iowa
            8:00 PM            FOX                 Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, In    
 
ACC Championship Game
#17 Pittsburgh vs #18 Wake Forest
            8:00 PM            ABC                 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC        

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 13

Patriots Win 6^th in a Row for 1^st in AFC East
Packers Edge Rams in NFC Matchup

Team of the Week 
Patriots (6-5) crush Titans (8-4) – 36-13
Rookie QB Marc Jones leads Pat’s 6th victory in a row.

Upset of the Week
Raiders Beat Cowboys – 36-33
QB Derek Carr dices Cowboys secondary.
    
Players of the Week
  Offense – RB Leonard Fournette – Bucs        
  Defense – CB JC Jackson – Patriots
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – WR Jaylen Waddle – Dolphins
    Defense – LB Odafe Oweh – Ravens

Games of Week 13 
   New England Patriots (8-4) at Buffalo Bills (7-4)
     First of two meetings in next month that should determine AFC East winner.

NFL Team Power Poll
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking/Record /Team
#1 – 9-2 Cardinals
Cardinals return from their bye week with trip to Chi-town. Hoping QB Kyler Murray regains his magic down the stretch.

#2 – 8-3 Packers
The Packers win la wild shootout with the Rams. QB Aaron Rodgers continues to amaze scouts with his uncanny ability to lead this offense with rare accuracy and time management.

#3 – 8-3 Bucs
Bucs Tom Brady once again toasted a quality defense. Travel to Atlanta hoping to widen their South lead.

#4 – 7-4 Patriots
Pats won their 6th straight game and travel to Buffalo for monster AFC East clash.

#5 – 7-4 Chiefs
Chiefs come off their bye week and are gaining momentum weekly. Host the Broncos looking to separate in the AFC West.

#6 – 8-3 Ravens
Ravens win another one on guile and toughness vs the Browns. Travel to Steel City with huge AFC North implications.

#7 – 7-4 Rams
Rams come up short again this time vs the Packers as they continue to decline. Host the Jaguars looking to get back into the win column.

#8 – 8-4 Titans
The erratic Titans were drilled by the Patriots. Get their bye week looking to regroup for final stretch.

#9 – 7-4 Cowboys
The Cowboys were stifled by the Raiders for another loss. Travel to New Orleans needing to get back in the win column.

#10 – 7-4 Bills
Bills had their best performance in a month vs the Saints. Host Patriots hoping to regain the AFC East lead.

#11 – 7-4 Bengals
Bengals crushed the Steelers in a key North matchup. Host the Chargers in crucial playoff contender contest.

#12 – 6-6 Colts
The Colts lost a shootout vs Tom Brady. Travel to Houston needing a victory to stay apace in their playoff push.

#13 – 6-5 Chargers
Chargers were bashed by the Broncos in the tight AFC West race. Travel to Cinny to face the hot Bengals in a crucial AFC contest that could affect the wild card positions.

#14 – 6-5 49ers
The 49ers have quietly jumped into playoff contention. Travel to Seattle in a vital AFC West matchup.

#15 – 6-5 Raiders
The Raiders edged Cowboys on Turkey day. Host WFT in hopes to stay in tight AFC West division where one game separates the entire division.

#16 – 5-6 Vikings
Vikings lost a tough game vs the 49ers. Travel to Motown and must win scenario to get to .500 for stretch run.

#17 – 5-5-1 Steelers
Steelers were toasted by the Bengals. Host the Ravens in a must win situation for any playoff hopes.

#18 – 6-6 Browns
Browns offense continues to struggle with a banged up Baker Mayfield. Get a bye week to get healthy for a stretch run that will challenge them in the competitive AFC race.

#19- 6-5 Broncos
The pesky Broncos get the Chiefs in KC in a terrific Sunday night contest. Defense faces their toughest test.

#20 – 4-7 Giants
The Giants gutted it out in their victory over Eagles. Travel to Miami for must win game to keep their playoff possibilities alive.

#21 – 5-6 Saints
The Bills danced all over the Saints. Host Cowboys Thursday night in a crucial game in their postseason hopes.

#22 – 5-7 Eagles
The Eagles were jumped by the GMen. Face the Jets this week hoping to stay in the playoff chase.

#23 – 5-6 Falcons
Falcons looking to get to .500 vs the Bucs in a critical matchup. Their defense has failed continuously this fall.

#24 – 5-7 Dolphins
Dolphins are on a hot streak hoping get into the wild car race. Host the Gmen this Sunday where the loser is most likely done for the season.

#25 – 5-6 WFT
The WFT beat the Seahawks in another close game. Travel to Las Vegas looking to reach the .500 level.

#26 – 5-7 Panthers
Panthers continue to struggle offensively despite Cam Newton. Bye week gives them time to regroup for final stretch.

#27 – 4-7 Bears
The Bears got lucky vs the Lions on Thanksgiving. Host the Cardinals looking to jumpstart struggling offense.

#28 – 3-8 Seahawks
Seahawks continue to struggle especially offensively. Host the hot 49ers hoping to avert sinking deeper in the West basement.

#29 – 3-8 Jets
Jets edged the Texans despite a shaky performance by QB Zach Wilson. Host the Eagles hoping to build some momentum.

#30 – 2-9 Texans
Texans host the Colts, hoping to earn their 3rd divisional victory.

#31 – 2-9 Jaguars
Jaguars face the Rams looking for their young roster to gain further experience.

#32 – 0-10-1 Lions
Lions gave away the Thanksgiving game to the Bears. Host the Vikings looking for that first victory.