NFL Power Poll – Week 8

Frank Coyle/ Head Scout

NFL Power Poll – Rams Host Packers in NFC Matchup
Brees leads the Saints’ to Win over the Ravens

Teams of the Week – Saints over Ravens, 24-23
Upset of the Week – Texans over Jaguars, 20-7

Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Cam Newton – Panthers     
Defense – DT Aaron Donald – Rams

Rookies of Week
RB Kerryon Johnson – Lions
DT Da’Ron Payne – Redskins

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Games of Week #7 – New Orleans Saints (5-1) at Minnesota Vikings (4-2-1)
Saints continue to face tough road matchups

Draft Insiders’ NFL Power Poll

NFL Ranking /Record /Team
#1 -7-0 Rams
Rams’ highly rated defense preps for Aaron Rodgers coming to town.

#2 – 6-1 Chiefs
Chiefs are probably most exciting club in the league, but better find a defense to beat playoff clubs.

#3 – 5-1 Saints
Saints’ won a tough road test in Baltimore, travel to Minnesota this week.

#4 – 5-2 Patriots
Pats just know how to win with the game on the line behind Tom Terrific.

#5 – 5-2 Chargers
Chargers get their bye week after winning in London vs the Titans.

#6 – 4-2-1 Steelers
Steelers’ rested for hosting the Browns in a tough AFC North contest.

#7 – 4-2-1 Vikings
Vikings are in the spotlight Sunday night hosting the talented Saints.

#8 – 4-2 Panthers
Panthers are coming off a victory in Philly. Host Ravens Sunday.

#9 – 4-3 Ravens
Ravens continue a difficult stretch in schedule with trip to Carolina.

#10 – 4-3 Bengals
Bengals’ failed to show up in Kansas City. Host the Bucs this week.

#11 – 3-2-1 Packers
The Packers are rested for feature game vs the Rams.

#12- 3-4 Eagles
Eagles travel to London for Jaguar matchup in hopes of getting back to .500.

#13 – 4-3 Texans
Texans’ beat the Jaguars and look to step up in AFC South.

#14 – 3-3 Bears
The Bears host the Jets and look to keep pace in the balanced NFC North.

#15 – 3-3 Lions
Lions offense is hitting stride at midseason. Host the Seahawks in key contest.

#16 – 4-2 Redskins
The Redskins hoping to extend winning streak with trip to the Giants Sunday.

#17 – 3-3 Seahawks
Seahawks travel to Detroit for an interesting NFC matchup with longterm playoff ramifications.

#17 – 4-3 Dolphins
Dolphins defense was smoked by the Lions. Face the rising Texans Thursday night.

#18 – 3-4 Jaguars
Jaguars’ offense continues to struggle and it is not all Blake Bortles fault.

#19 – 3-4 Falcons
Falcons offense will have to carry this club with battered D working with limited starters.

#21 – 3-4 Cowboys
The Cowboys lost a close one to the Redskins. Adding wideout Amani Cooper is an improvement during bye week.

#22 – 3-4 Titans
The Titans get their bye week to prepare for 2nd half drive.

#23- 3-4 Broncos
Broncos face a key West matchup with tough road game in Kansas City.

#24 – 3-3 Bucs
Bucs win in OT vs the Browns. Go to Cinny in a key matchup to get to contension.

#25 – 2-4-1 Browns
Browns lost another road game in their 4th overtime game this season.

#26 – 3-4 Jets
Jets’ travel to Chitown in a winnable matchup for any longshot playoff hopes.

#27 – 2-5 Colts
Colts beat the Bills behind Andrew Luck’s 4 TD passes. Travel to Oakland hoping to extend winning streak.

#28 – 2-5 Bills
Bills struggling with backup QB Derek Anderson. Rookie QB Josh Allen is still injured.

#29 – 1-6 Giants
The Giants failed again in big spot vs Falcons. Host the East leading Redskins. Trading veterans this week.

#30 – 1-6 Cardinals
Cardinals host the 49ers in a game that should have a major bearing on the early NFL Draft 2019 selections.

#31 – 1-6 49ers
The 49ers are going through growing pains this season.

#32 – 1-6 Raiders
Da Raiders are rested for visit from the Colts in an equal matchup.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 20 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites

Draft Insiders’ and Coaches Top 25 Teams – Week Nine

Bama and Clemson Head Tops
Irish Rested For Playoff Push
LSU Joins Top Four Rankings

 Players of Week
Offense – QB Kyler Murray – Oklahoma
Defense – LB Austin Robinson – Houston

Team of the Week – Michigan beats Michigan St, Washington St beats Oregon
Upset of the Week – Purdue beats Ohio St

Games of Week Nine – Georgia (6-1) vs Florida (6-1) at Jacksonville, Fl
Washington St (6-1) at Stanford (5-2)

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Top 25 Teams – Week Eight
Draft Insiders’ Rankings

Rank/ Team/ Record
1 Alabama – 8-0
2 Clemson – 7-0
3 Notre Dame – 7-0
4 LSU   – 7-1
5 UCF   – 7-0
6 Michigan – 7-1
7 Georgia – 6-1
8 Texas – 6-1
9 Ohio St – 7-1
10 Oklahoma – 6-1
11 Florida – 6-1
12 West Virginia – 5-1
13 Kentucky –   6-1
14 Washington St – 6-1
15 Washington – 6-2
16 Cincinnati – 6-1
17 South Florida – 7-0
18 Iowa – 6-1
19 Oregon – 5-2
20 Texas A&M – 5-2
21 North Carolina St – 5-1
22 Stanford – 5-2
23 Penn St – 5-2
24 Wisconsin – 5-2
25 Utah – 5-2

Coaches Top 25 Poll

Rank/ Team / Record / Points
1 Alabama (60)  8-0        1548
2 Clemson (2)    7-0        1488
3 Notre Dame    7-0        1409
4 LSU   7-1        1352
5 Michigan        7-1        1228
6 Georgia          6-1        1207
7 Texas 6-1        1146
8 Oklahoma      6-1        1075
9 Ohio State      7-1        1030
10 UCF 7-0        1008
11 Florida         6-1        968
12 West Virginia            5-1        794
13 Washington  6-2        729
14 Kentucky      6-1        689
15 Washington State     6-1        633
16 Penn State   5-2        606
17 Texas A&M  5-2        583
18 Iowa 6-1        447
19 Wisconsin    5-2        430
20 South Florida            7-0        390
21 Oregon        5-2        383
22 NC State      5-1        222
23 Stanford      5-2        180
24 Utah 5-2        107
25 Miami           5-2        95

Dropped from rankings: Cincinnati 21, Colorado 25
Others receiving votes: Appalachian State 78, Utah State 63, San Diego State 62, Houston 30, Cincinnati 30, Fresno State 22, Mississippi State 18, Virginia 17, Auburn 13, Colorado 9, Buffalo 9, Army 8, Duke 8, Texas Tech 8, Purdue 7, UAB 6, South Carolina 5, Virginia Tech 4, Syracuse 3, Georgia Southern 2, Michigan State 1

Draft Insiders’ – Midseason 2018 All-American Team

 Frank Coyle

Offense

QB – Tua Tagovailoa – Alabama
RB – Benny Snell – Kentucky
RB – Jonathan Taylor – Wisconsin
WR – Marquise Brown – Oklahoma
WR – Jerry Jeudy – Alabama
TE – Noah Fant – Iowa
OL – Jonah Williams – Alabama
OL – Dalton Risner – Kansas St
OL – Mitch Hyatt – Clemson
OL – Michael Dieter – Wisconsin
OC – Ross Piershbacher – Alabama
All-Purpose Athlete – Deebo Samuel – South Carolina

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Defense

DE – Clelin Ferrell – Clemson
DT – Ed Oliver – Houston
DT – Jerry Tillery – Notre Dame
DE – Montez Sweat – Mississippi St
LB – Josh Allen – Kentucky
LB – Devin Bush – Florida St
LB – Devin White – LSU
CB – Greedy Williams – LSU
CB – Deandre Baker – Georgia
FS – Taylor Rapp – Washington
SS – Deionte Thompson – Alabama

Special Teams

R/S – Mecole Hardman – Georgia
PK – Andre Szmyt – Syracuse
P – Braden Mann – Texas A&M

   NFL Power Poll – Week 7

Frank Coyle/ Head Scout

Draft Insiders’ NFL Power Poll –
Rams Stand Alone as NFL’s Unbeaten Team
Patriots’ QB Tom Brady Outduels Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes In Sunday Night Classic

Team of the Week – Patriots over Chiefs 43-40
Upset of the Week – Cowboys over Jaguars 40-7

Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Tom Brady – Patriots     
  Defense – LB Za’Darious Smith – Ravens

Rookies of Week
RB Saquon Barkley – Giants
LB Bradley Chubb – Broncos

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Games of Week #7 – New Orleans Saints (4-1) at Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
Saints face acid test with trip to play the tough Ravens

NFL Ranking /Record /Team
#1 -6-0 Rams
Rams’ are the only undefeated club in the league.

#2 – 5-1 Chiefs
Chiefs lost a heartbreaker to the Patriots despite Patrick Mahome’s dramatics.

#3 – 4-1 Saints
Saints’ are rested for tough road test in Baltimore.

#4 – 4-2 Patriots
Pats may be the best with the game on the line with Tom Terrific.

#5 – 4-2 Ravens
Ravens beat up the tough Titans on the road. Wait for Saints to challenge their physical D.

#6 – 4-2 Chargers
Chargers travel to London to face the battered Titans.

#7 – 3-2-1 Steelers
Steelers’ owned the Bengals for their eighth straight victory over their AFC North rival.

#8- 3-3 Eagles
Eagles pounded the Giants. Host the Panthers this Sunday.

#9 – 4-2 Bengals
Bengals’ go to Kansas City after tough loss to the Steelers.

#10 – 3-2-1 Vikings
Vikings hoping to keep winning streak alive with trip east to face the Jets.

#11 – 3-3 Jaguars
Jaguars’ offense struggling without Fournette. Face hungry Texans club at home in key South matchup.

#12 – 3-2 Panthers
Panthers travel to Philly in another important NFC matchup.

#12 – 3-2 Bears
The Bears lost to Dolphins in a tough overtime game. Host the Patriots in difficult matchup.

#14 – 4-2 Dolphins
Dolphins are on a three game winning streak with the rested Lions coming to town.

#15 – 3-2-1 Packers
The Packers beat the 49ers Monday night on Aaron Rodgers late game dramatics. Get bye this week.

#16 – 3-3 Texans
Texans’ edged the Bills. Travel to Jacksonville for a critical midseason AFC South matchup for division leadership.

#17 – 3-3 Seahawks
Seahawks punched the Raiders in London. Bye week to regroup for 2^nd half playoff push.

#18 – 3-3 Cowboys
The Cowboys jumped the Jaguars in their best effort of the season. Face archrival Skins in key NFC East contest.

#19 – 3-3 Titans
The Titans were taken to the woodshed by the Ravens. Go to London for Charger matchup.

#20 – 3-2 Redskins
The Redskins have been inconsistent, but beat the Panthers. Cowboys come to town this week in an important East matchup.

#21- 2-4 Broncos
Broncos lost a close one to the Rams. Need a victory in the desert vs the Cards to stay in the playoff chase.

#22 – 2-3-1 Browns
Browns were outclassed by the Chargers. Travel to Tampa in a winnable matchup.

#23 – 3-3 Jets
Jets’ riding the hot hand of rookie QB Sam Darnold. Face the highly regarded Vikings at home in hopes to get into the playoff conversation.

#24 – 2-4 Falcons
Falcons edged the Bucs last week. Get the woeful Giants at home Monday night.

#25 – 2-3 Lions
Lions rested for their trip to Miami to get to the .500 mark. Look to get into playoff race in the balanced NFC North.

#26 – 2-3 Bucs
Bucs fire DC Mike Smith. Browns come in for a key matchup to get to .500.

#27 – 2-4 Bills
Bills lose to Houston. Go with backup QB Derek Anderson with rookie Josh Allen injured.

#28 – 1-5 Colts
Colts score points, but have one of the worst defenses in the league. Host the Bills in a basement bowl.

#29 – 1-5 Giants
The pathetic Giants were toasted by the Eagles. Get more national exposure with Monday night road game in Atlanta.

30 – 1-5 Cardinals
Cardinals will go through their baptism season with rookie QB Josh Rosen in hopes to build a new foundation.

#31 – 1-5 49ers
Like we said in August – ‘The 49ers are the most overrated team in the league.’

#32 – 1-5 Raiders
Da Raiders certainly need some ‘Gruden Grinders.’

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 20 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites

Draft Insiders’ Rookie Spotlight – RB Saquon Barkley – Giants

Frank Coyle

Each week Draft Insiders’ will do a Rookie spotlight and post their Scouting Report from our NFL Draft 2018 Yearbook. Scouting Reports are written from the fall into March annually.

Week 6 showcased the top rookie running back Saquon Barkley of the Giants. He has started since day one and been one of the few bright spots during the GMen’s dismal 1-5 season.

He brings the most completed back to the game in years and new energy and life to a lackluster offense. Despite a weak offensive line, Barkley has rushed for 428 yards for a 5.2 yard average along with 40 receptions for 373 yards and 6 TDs. He has been dramatic and impressive despite special attention on virtually every play. His numbers are on pace for both a 1000 yard rushing and receiving performance which would be a first in NFL annals.

He has uncanny instincts with quick decision making and footwork that allows him to move and create situations and extend plays. He displayed rare composure in a pressure packed situation Thursday night vs the Eagles where he displayed big play ability as both a runner and receiver.
He was the #1 running back selected from a very deep class and the #2 overall choice behind only QB Baker Mayfield. He gives Giant fans hope during a frustrating period where the changing roster is in

We compared him to LaDainian Tomlinson in talent, mobility and leadership which emerged dramatically over his Penn St career and postseason prior to the NFL Draft 2018.
 
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2018 Running Backs Class – Grade: A
      Positional Overview:
 This year’s running back position is an excellent group with a super blue-chip junior in Saquon Barkley at the top of the class. Barkley is a premier NFL feature back who can be an elite pro player early in his career. We rank him higher than Zeke Elliott or Leonard Fournette both of whom were difference makers from their first season.

Running Backs
1 Saquon Barkley #26 – Penn St          6-0       230 – Sp. 4.45              
        Player Comparison: LaDainian Tomlinson                  Rating 95       
Dynamic powerful junior is the most physically gifted back to arrive in the NFL since Adrian Peterson. Strong compact frame with very quick feet and the explosive burst to go the distance from anywhere on the field. The complete package to become a top NFL feature back with rare skills to be an instant impact three down player as a rookie. Difference maker the past two seasons at Penn St. and produced impressive numbers despite weekly special attention in the Big Ten. Earned first team Big Ten his final two seasons. Great team leader with smarts, instincts and leadership. Possesses an ideal NFL body with a well-developed muscular frame with the natural ability to drop his pads and square up when attacking the line. Shows great lateral quickness with the burst to get outside consistently and go the distance. Displays the initial burst to hit an opening with the cutting skills of a smaller back and the power to break and bounce off tacklers. Very good lower body strength (squats 600 lbs.+) to run through tacklers and carry a big load weekly. As a runner, shows natural vision and balance with the power and toughness to consistently get the most of each attempt. Reads his initial blocks very well with a feel for finding an opening with the speed to hit a hole and run away from defenders. Patient runner allows play to unfold with the burst to create. Faced eight in a box often and put up huge numbers vs Big Ten talent in key games with conference and national impact. Shows the power to run through creases with rare lateral quickness and long speed to stick-and-go out of his cuts. Displays the patience to follow blockers and the ability to shift his weight very well and string multiple moves together. Soft hands as a receiver out of the backfield and capable of a big play in space where his speed and power are a dangerous combination. Strong hands to protect the ball well. Needs work on his blocking especially in blitz situations. Shows the toughness and athleticism to face up with backers, but needs the practice time to progress in that key area. Good route running and defense recognition. Elite combination of speed and power to provide early impact as a pro feature runner. Very strong lower body with good straight arm and can sink his hips and explode to come downhill. Extremely tough to tackle inline or in space. Sets up cut-back lanes exceptionally well with the body lean to get much yardage after contact.

The Numbers:  As a junior, he started 13 games and rushed for 1271 yards on 217 carries for a 5.9 average and 18 TDs. He added 54 receptions for 632 yards and 3 TDs. For the 2016 season, he started 14 games and rushed for 1496 yards on 272 attempts for 5.5 yard average and 18 TDs. He added 28 receptions for 402 yards and 4 TDs. As a freshman in 2015, he rushed for 1076 yards on 182 carries for a 5.9 average and 7 TDs and added 20 receptions for 161 yards and 1 TD. Over his career, he rushed for 3843 yards on 671 attempts for a fine 5.7 average and 43 TDs plus totaled 102 receptions for 1195 yards and 8 TDs. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’ and 233 lbs. and ran a 4.40 time. He did 29 reps in the lifting with a 41” VL and a 4.24 shuttle. In the mold of premier breakaway power backs like LaDainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson and Zeke Elliott in body type and style, he is similar yet superior to Todd Gurley with the speed and power to be the best in the game. Major early impact weapon.

The Skinny:  Fast physical downhill thumper with the long speed to be a game breaker. Rookie impact feature back who becomes his own blocker. Rookie three down starter with developed receiving skills. As a blocker, he shows quick reactions and toughness to face up to use his strong frame and agility, though needs to prove he can square off with blitz defenders. Natural runner and early difference maker. Faced NFL caliber defenders weekly and carried a full load with great production despite special attention. Very well rounded back and excellent skill set to be an impact player. Super blue-chip athlete and my #1 prospect since September 2017 with no need to change that grade. Top 2 prospect with elite talent to be among the league’s best runners immediately.
           Draft Projection: 1st Round – Top 2                                       
 

Draft Insiders’ and Coaches Top 25 Teams – Week Eight
Tide Rolls, Irish Moves Up Into Top Four

    LSU and Michigan Join Top Ten Rankings
Four Top Ten Clubs Lose to Shuffle Polls

Players of Week
Offense – QB Jarrett Guarantano – Tennessee
Defense – S Khari Willis – Michigan St

Team of the Week – LSU beats Georgia, Oregon beats Washington
Upset of the Week – Iowa St beats West Virginia,

Games of Week Eight – Florida (6-1) vs Georgia (6-1) at Jacksonville,
North Carolina St (4-2) at Clemson (6-0), Michigan (6-1) at Michigan St (4-2)

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Draft Insiders’ – Top 25 Teams – Week Eight

Rank/ Team/ Record
1 Alabama – 7-0
2 Ohio St – 7-0
3 Clemson – 6-0
4 Notre Dame – 7-0
6 LSU   – 6-1
7 UCF   – 6-0
8 Georgia – 6-1
9 Oklahoma – 5-1
10 Michigan – 6-1
11 Florida – 6-1
12 Texas – 6-1
13 Oregon – 5-1
14 North Carolina St – 5-0
15 West Virginia – 5-1
16 Cincinnati – 6-0
17 South Florida – 5-0
18 Washington – 5-2
19 Iowa – 5-1
20 Texas A&M – 4-2
21 Kentucky –   5-1
22 Michigan St – 4-2
23 Penn St – 4-2
24 Washington St – 5-1
25 Colorado – 5-1

Coaches Top 25 Poll

Rank/ Team / Record / Points
1 Alabama (61)  7-0        1597
2 Ohio State (1) 7-0        1518
3 Clemson (2)    6-0        1484
4 Notre Dame    7-0        1408
5 LSU   6-1        1303
6 Georgia          6-1        1163
7 Michigan        6-1        1149
8 Texas            6-1        1138
9 UCF   6-0        1034
10 Oklahoma    5-1        1019
11 Oregon        5-1        927
12 Florida         6-1        918
13 West Virginia            5-1        768
14 Washington  5-2        682
15 NC State      5-0        637
16 Penn State   4-2        604
17 Kentucky      5-1        589
18 Texas A&M  5-2        501
19 Wisconsin    4-2        399
20 South Florida            6-0        346
21 Cincinnati     6-0        248
22 Iowa 5-1        218
23 Washington State     5-1        211
24 Stanford      4-2        147
25 Colorado      5-1        141

Dropped from rankings: Miami 15, Auburn 21

Others receiving votes:  Miami 124, Mississippi State 110, Michigan State 98, San Diego State 71, Duke 60, Appalachian State 55, Utah State 33, Utah 32, USC 25, Houston 7, Fresno State 6, South Carolina 5, Army 4, Virginia 4, Auburn 4, Virginia Tech 3, North Texas 3, Iowa State 3, Boston College 1, UAB 1, Texas Tech 1, Buffalo 1

NFL Calendar 2019

  Thru the NFL Draft 2019

February 3: Super Bowl – Atlanta, Georgia

February 19 – First day for clubs to designate Franchise or        Transition Players.

Feb 26-March 4 – NFL Combine Timing & Testing, Lucas Stadium, Indianapolis, In.

March 4 – Prior to 4:00 p.m., NY time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 11-13 – During the period beginning at 12 noon, New York time, on March 12th and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14th, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2018 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 14. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 14.

During the above two-day negotiating period, no direct contact is permitted between a prospective unrestricted free agent and any employee or representative of a club, other than the player’s current club.

March 13 – The 2019 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.

The first day of the 2019 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the League office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14.

March 13 – Trading period for 2019 begins at 4:00 p.m. est time, after expiration of all 2017 contracts.

March 24-27 – Annual League Meeting, Orlando, Florida.

April 1 – Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2018 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.

April 15 – Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.

April 19 – Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign Offer Sheets.

April 24 – Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to Restricted Free Agents.

                                 **** NFL Draft 2019 – April 25-27 ****

                        Thursday through Saturday – Nashville will host NFL Draft 2019

March 13: NFL Free Agency & Trade Period starts
NFL league year, includes start of free agency and trading period begins at 4 pm ET

March 24-27 – Annual Owners Meeting, Phoenix, Az.

April 25-27 – NFL Draft 2019 – Nashville, Tennessee

NFL Power Poll – Week 6

Frank Coyle/ Head Scout

NFL Power Poll – Rams and Chiefs Head Conferences
Saints’ QB Drew Brees and Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes Hot Early Starts

Teams of the Week – Chiefs over Jaguars 30-14
Upset of the Week – Browns over Ravens 12-9 OT

Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Drew Brees – Saints   
Defense – LB Melvin Ingram – Chargers

Rookies of Week
  RB Sony Michelle – Patriots
  CB Denzel Ward – Browns

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Games of Week #6 – Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) at New England Patriots (3-2)
Chiefs look to take early AFC leadership

Draft Insiders‘ – NFL Power Poll

NFL Ranking /Record /Team
#1 -5-0 Rams
Rams’ are focused for run at the title.

#2 – 5-0 Chiefs
Chiefs continue to putt up big numbers vs top defenses.

#3 – 4-1 Saints
Saints’ Drew Brees gives them a chance to get to the Show.

#4 – 4-1 Bengals
Bengals host the Steelers with AFC North leadership in the balance.

#5 – 3-2 Patriots
Pats are well rested for the Chiefs to come to town.

#6 – 3-2 Jaguars
Jaguars’ offense will have to step up without Fournette.

#7- 2-3 Eagles
Eagles lose to the Vikings, but back vs weak East opponents in the Giants.

#8 – 3-1 Panthers
Panthers travel to the Capital in an important NFC matchup.

#9 – 3-2 Ravens
Ravens face the tough Titans on the road in a key AFC matchup.

#10 – 3-2 Chargers
Chargers go to the Dawg pound in AFC contest of playoff contenders.

#11 – 3-1 Bears
The Bears had two weeks to prepare for the Dolphin game.

#12 – 2-2-1 Steelers
Steelers’ light up the Falcons. Go to Cinny in AFC North leadership matchup.

#13 – 3-2 Titans
New HC Mike Vrabel has the Titans playing hard. Host the Ravens in key contest.

#14 – 2-2-1 Vikings
Vikings beat the Eagles. Host the Cards this week.

#15 – 3-2 Dolphins
Dolphins are on a two game losing streak with the tough Bears coming to town.

#16 – 2-2-1 Packers
The Packers have ways of losing any game. Host the 49ers Monday night.

#17 – 2-2 Bucs
Bucs go to Atlanta well rested in key South matchup.

#18 – 2-2 Redskins
Redskins were hammered by the Saints. Host Carolina in an important matchup for both divisions.

#19 – 2-3 Seahawks
Seahawks lost a tough West game with the Rams. Go to London for Raiders contest.

#20 – 2-2-1 Browns
Browns beat the Ravens in OT for a gutty win.  Host Chargers in an important AFC game.

#21- 2-3 Broncos
Broncos host the Rams this Sunday in a game that may define their season.

#22 – 2-3 Texans
Texans’ JJ Watt leads a dominant unit, but they must score more points to beat the top clubs.

#23 – 2-3 Lions
Lions beat the Packers for a huge victory. Get bye week to regroup to prepare for the competitive NFC North.

#24 – 2-3 Cowboys
The Cowboys host the Jaguars in an important matchup to get to .500.

#25 – 1-4 Falcons
Falcons were toasted by the Steelers. Face the Bucs at home this week in a must win situation.

#26 – 1-4 Giants
Giants played well behind a strong Eli performance, but lost to the Panthers. Host the Eagles in a huge NFC East contest.

#27 – 2-3 Jets
Jets’ get the battered Colts at home in a vital game to stay alive in the balanced AFC.

#28 – 2-3 Bills
Bills won second in a row with tough victory over Titans. Travel to Houston with winner getting to .500.

#29 – 1-4 Colts
Colts came up just short vs the Patriots. Face the Jets in a game to get into the playoff hunt.

#30 – 1-4 Cardinals
Cardinals beat the 49ers for their first victory. Rookie QB Josh Rosen gets the call the rest of the way.

#31 – 1-4 49ers
The 49ers lost to the winless Cards. Club relies on young CJ Beathard going forward.

#32 – 1-4 Raiders
Raiders struggled vs the Chargers. Face Seahawks in a London matchup.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 20 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites

Draft Insiders’ and Coaches Top 25 Teams – Week Seven

Tide Rolls, Irish Moves Into Top Five
Clemson, Georgia & Ohio St Win
Big Matchups for Week Seven

Players of Week
Offense – RB Dexter Williams – Notre Dame
Defense – LB Josh Allen – Kentucky

Team of the Week – Florida beats LSU, Texas Wins Red River Battle with Oklahoma
Games of Week Seven – Georgia (6-0) at LSU (5-1), Washington (5-1) at Oregon (4-1)

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Top 25 Teams – Week Seven

Rank/ Team/ Record
1 Alabama –      6-0
2 Clemson –      6-0
3 Georgia –        6-0
4 Ohio St –        6-0
5 Notre Dame – 6-0
6 West Virginia – 5-0
7 Penn St –        4-1
8 Washington – 5-1
9 LSU   – 5-1
10 UCF – 5-0
11 Oklahoma – 5-1
12 Oregon –      4-1
13 Wisconsin – 4-1
14 Florida – 5-1
15 Michigan –    5-1
16 Texas – 5-1
17 Miami – 5-1
18 South Florida – 5-0
19 Kentucky –   5-1
20 North Carolina St – 5-0
21 Colorado –    5-0
22 Stanford –     4-2
23 Auburn –       4-2
24 Texas A&M – 4-2
25 Cincinnati – 6-0

Coaches Top 25 Poll

Rank/ Team / Record / Points
1 Alabama (61)  6-0        1597
2 Georgia          6-0        1496
3 Ohio State (1) 6-0        1476
4 Clemson (2)    6-0        1433
5 Notre Dame    6-0        1348
6 West Virginia  5-0        1249
7 Washington    5-1        1148
8 Penn State     4-1        1136
9 UCF   5-0        932
10 Wisconsin    4-1        916
11 Oklahoma    5-1        903
12 LSU 5-1        858
13 Michigan      5-1        86
14 Texas           5-1        833
15 Miami           5-1        657
16 Florida         5-1        633
17 Oregon        4-1        558
18 Colorado      5-0        513
19 NC State      5-0        413
20 Kentucky      5-1        381
21 Auburn         4-2        357
22 Texas A&M  4-2        205
23 South Florida            5-0        185
24 Stanford      4-2        156
25 Cincinnati     6-0        133

Dropped from rankings: Michigan State 19, Oklahoma State 21, Virginia Tech 23, Boise State 24

Others receiving votes: Washington State 113, Iowa 89, Mississippi State 67, Appalachian State 38, TCU 33, San Diego State 25, Utah 12, Utah State 11, South Carolina 10, Duke 8, Troy 8, Syracuse 6, Hawai’i 6, Boise State 6, Virginia Tech 2, Michigan State 1, Army 1, UAB 1, Fresno State 1

Draft Insiders’ and Coaches Top 25 Teams – Week Five

Tide Rolls, Irish Wins vs Stanford
Ohio St Comes Back to Beat Penn St

Top Teams Remain Unbeaten
Big Matchups for Week Five

Players of Week
Offense – RB Travis Etienne – Clemson
Defense – DT Jerry Tillery – Notre Dame

Team of the Week – Ohio St beats Penn St, Kentucky beats Mississippi St
Games of Week Six – Oregon (3-1) at Washington (4-1)

 Support Hurricane Florence Relief Fund
Go to   www.RedCross.org  to donate money or time
DraftInsiders.com supports all Emergency Relief efforts worldwide along with Breast Cancer for over 25 years.

Draft Insiders’ – Top 25 Teams – Week Five
Rank/ Team/ Record

1 Alabama –      5-0
2 Clemson –      5-0
3 Georgia –        5-0
4 Ohio St –        5-0
5 Oklahoma –    5-0
6 LSU   – 5-0
7 Notre Dame – 5-0
8 West Virginia – 4-0
9 Penn St –        4-1
10 Stanford –     4-1
11 Washington – 4-1
12 Auburn –       4-1
13 Kentucky –   5-0
14 UCF – 4-0
15 Oregon –      4-1
16 Wisconsin – 3-1
17 Florida – 4-1
18 Miami – 4-1
19 Michigan –    4-1
20 Oklahoma St – 4-1
21 Michigan St –            3-1
22 Texas – 4-1
23 North Carolina St   4-0
24 Colorado –    4-0
25 Virginia Tech – 3-1

Coaches Top 25 Poll
Rank/ Team / Record / Points

1 Alabama (61)  5-0        1597
2 Georgia          5-0       1490
3 Ohio State (1) 5-0        1467
4 Clemson (2)    5-0        1417
5 Oklahoma      5-0        1313
6 LSU   5-0        1285
7 Notre Dame    5-0        1246
8 West Virginia  4-0        1055
9 Auburn           4-1        1049
10 Washington  4-1        1027
11 Penn State   4-1        1002
12 Wisconsin    3-1        797
13 UCF 4-0        763
14 Stanford      4-1        753
15 Kentucky      5-0        690
16 Michigan      4-1        627
17 Miami           4-1        587
18 Oregon        4-1        453
19 Michigan State         3-1        376
20 Texas           4-1        342
21 Oklahoma State        4-1        255
22 Colorado      4-0        170
23 Virginia Tech            3-1        167
24 Boise State  3-1        160
25 NC State      4-0        121

Dropped from rankings: Mississippi State 19, Duke 23

Others receiving votes: South Florida 109, Florida 105, Syracuse 48, Washington State 43, Cincinnati 42, TCU 40, Appalachian State 34, Texas A&M 31, Iowa 23, Missouri 21, Maryland 14, Mississippi State 13, USC 10, San Diego State 9, Boston College 9, Arizona State 8, South Carolina 6, Troy 5, California 5, Duke 5, BYU 4, Army 4, Louisiana Tech 2, Fresno State 1