Week 11 in the NFL brought plenty of surprises and storylines to dissect. From the Lions’ continued dominance to the Dolphins clawing their way back into the playoff picture, reactions are flying fast and furious. But which claims are legitimate, and which ones are overblown? Let’s dive into the biggest potential overreactions from the week’s action and separate truth from hype.
The Lions Are Destined for the Super Bowl
The Detroit Lions made a resounding statement on Sunday, obliterating the Jacksonville Jaguars 52-6. It was a performance for the ages, setting franchise records in margin of victory, total yards, and first downs. Quarterback Jared Goff was surgical, the defense suffocated, and now the Lions sit at a commanding 9-1.
So are the Lions a lock for the Super Bowl? Not so fast. While their level of play has been undeniably impressive, history cautions us. The 2007 Patriots, who the Lions are drawing comparisons to, also won big until coming up short in the big game. The road ahead isn’t easy either, with the Packers, Bills, Vikings and 49ers still on the schedule.
The Lions look like the best team in football right now, but let’s see how they navigate the challenges ahead before crowning them.
– Anonymous NFL executive
Verdict: Not an Overreaction
It’s hard to bet against this Lions squad. The offense is a juggernaut that can beat you in multiple ways, while the young, hungry defense continues to improve. They’re playing like a team on a mission. Until proven otherwise, Detroit has earned the right to be in the Super Bowl conversation. Just temper expectations for now.
The Colts Shouldn’t Have Benched Richardson
After a three-game stint on the bench, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson returned to the starting role Sunday against the Jets. And he made it count, throwing for 272 yards and a touchdown while running for two more scores in a 28-27 win. The 2023 No. 4 overall pick showed flashes of the dynamic playmaker the Colts drafted him to be.
So should Indy have stuck with Richardson all along rather than turn to journeyman Joe Flacco? Richardson’s play was shaky before the benching, and the Colts faced tough opponents in his absence. The time off may have been just what the rookie needed to reset and return with a vengeance.
Verdict: Overreaction
Enamored as we are with immediate results, development isn’t always linear. Sometimes taking a step back is the best way to move forward. Credit the Colts for not panicking and putting Richardson in a position to grow and succeed. If he continues to ascend, the benching will be a forgotten footnote.
The Dolphins Can Still Make the Playoffs
Left for dead two weeks ago at 2-6, the Miami Dolphins have resurrected their season with back-to-back wins. With Tagovailoa healthy and the offense rounding into form, a path to the postseason has materialized in an underwhelming AFC.
The AFC is wide open after the top few teams. If the Dolphins can stack a few more wins, they’ll be right in the thick of the wild-card race come December.
– AFC scout
Verdict: Not an Overreaction
Don’t count out this talented Dolphins roster. With Tagovailoa distributing to the explosive Hill and Waddle, this offense can hang with anyone when clicking. The remaining schedule is manageable too. A postseason berth after a 2-6 start would be quite the feat.
Other Notes:
- Don’t sleep on Broncos QB Bo Nix in the Offensive Rookie of the Year race. If Denver rallies for a playoff spot and Nix continues to impress, he could make it very interesting.
- Speaking of vets playing well, how about that Matthew Stafford? On short rest, he carved up the Patriots defense. With Kupp and company healthy, the Rams are looking frisky in the NFC West.
The takes are flowing after an eventful Week 11, but don’t overreact to a single game or stretch. The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. True contenders prove it in December and beyond. But based on the early returns, it seems we have some fascinating plots to follow down the stretch. Buckle up.
