Another riveting week of NFL action is in the books, and as always, it’s time to sort through the biggest potential overreactions and see which have staying power. Did Week 13 provide clear signals about the trajectory of certain teams and players, or are some takes a bit premature? Let’s dive in and separate fact from fiction.
Russell Wilson Resurgence: Long-Term or Fleeting?
The veteran quarterback turned back the clock on Sunday, dismantling the Bengals defense and throwing for 414 yards, his second-highest single game total ever. It was an impressive display that lifted the Steelers to 9-3, firmly atop the AFC North. But does this mean Wilson is poised for one more massive contract this offseason, even at age 36?
The verdict: Not an overreaction. While Wilson likely won’t command top-tier QB money, a strong finish to this season could absolutely land him a lucrative short-term deal, especially with the number of QB-needy teams out there. His Denver days are firmly in the rearview mirror.
Falcons’ QB Quandary: Time to Bench Cousins?
After a promising 6-3 start, the Falcons have nosedived to 6-6, with Kirk Cousins struggling mightily during the three-game skid. The veteran has tossed six interceptions against zero touchdowns in that span, leading some to wonder if rookie Michael Penix Jr. should take the reins.
But benching Cousins now would be an overreaction. Asking a rookie QB to salvage a spiral with five games left is a tall order. The Falcons’ best path forward is riding with Cousins and hoping he rediscovers his early-season form. Making a switch now could do more harm than good.
Mike McCarthy’s Future in Dallas
The Cowboys have won two straight to claw back to 5-7, with owner Jerry Jones hinting that Mike McCarthy could earn an extension. But it’s still an overreaction to think McCarthy is safe. Barring a miracle finish and playoff run, Dallas is likely to move on from a coach who hasn’t delivered postseason success.
The Bears’ Next Coach
After firing Matt Eberflus, the Bears could look to the Lions’ staff for their next head coach. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn are rising stars who will garner interest. Pairing one of them, particularly Johnson, with Justin Fields is a legitimate possibility Chicago must explore.
Week 13 delivered its share of drama and potential turning points. As the regular season hits the home stretch, it’s crucial to differentiate between fleeting narratives and emerging truths. The coming weeks will reveal which overreactions were spot-on and which were simply knee-jerk takes in a wildly unpredictable NFL landscape.
