On Sunday, Buffalo was blanketed with snow all day, which felt like a fitting metaphor for how many of our initial reactions are beginning to settle into concrete realities. By the time Monday night’s game concludes, Week 13 will be wrapped up, leaving only five weeks remaining in the 2024 NFL season. By now, we’ve learned a few key things…
Throughout this season, especially after some devastating losses, we’ve questioned whether the Bengals’ once-promising season was still salvageable. With Joe Burrow and the offense playing well, and plenty of division games still ahead, there remained hope for this AFC contender. However, after allowing 44 points, letting Russell Wilson have one of his best games, and losing to the Steelers on Sunday, it’s clear this isn’t just an overreaction. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Bengals’ playoff chances have dropped to a mere 4.9%. If you’ve been holding on to any hope, it might be time to let go.
The Playoff Picture Tightens
Teams are beginning to lock up playoff spots, adding excitement and intensity to the stretch run. As the pool of potential overreactions shrinks, the ones that remain feel all the more crucial. Let’s break down some Week 13 overreactions, judging whether they’re legitimate or irrational.
Russell Wilson Earns Another Big Contract?
Wilson and the Steelers may have sealed the Bengals’ fate for 2024, dominating the Cincinnati defense and forcing turnovers. Pittsburgh sealed the game with a Justin Fields run, running out the clock and preventing Burrow from launching one last comeback. Wilson threw for 414 yards, the second-highest single-game total of his career, and three touchdowns.
Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION
Could Wilson get another contract? “Big” might be a stretch. At 36, he’s no longer a candidate for a Dak Prescott-like deal, but something similar to Baker Mayfield’s three-year, $100 million deal is plausible. If he keeps up his strong play and the Steelers remain in contention, Wilson could command such a deal. While the Steelers might be more interested in developing Fields, with a shortage of quality quarterbacks on the market and teams in need of one, Wilson could find a new home offering him another chance.
Should the Falcons Bench Cousins for Penix?
After a dismal performance against the Chargers in Week 13, the Falcons are in freefall, having lost three in a row and dropping to .500. Kirk Cousins’ struggles—four interceptions and no touchdowns in his last three games—have fans calling for a change. Meanwhile, rookie Michael Penix Jr. sits on the bench, despite being drafted eighth overall this year.
Verdict: OVERREACTION
This situation was inevitable when the Falcons signed Cousins after drafting Penix. While fans may be clamoring for Penix, it’s a huge gamble to hand the reins to a rookie with zero NFL experience. The Falcons’ issues aren’t purely on Cousins, and benching him now could backfire, especially with Penix untested. The safer bet is for the Falcons to stick with Cousins through the season and reevaluate their QB situation in the offseason.
Saquon Barkley to Break Dickerson’s Rushing Record?
Barkley ran for 107 yards in the Eagles’ win over the Ravens, bringing his season total to 1,499 yards, putting him on pace for 2,123 yards. The NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set by Eric Dickerson in 1984, is within reach.
Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION
With the Eagles in playoff contention and a favorable schedule ahead—against some of the league’s worst run defenses—Barkley could very well break the record. Even with a possible rest week in Week 18, Barkley’s current pace suggests he’ll be close enough to Dickerson’s mark to surpass it, especially with the Eagles’ solid blocking and leading games where Barkley can rack up yards.
Can Mike McCarthy Save His Job in Dallas?
Despite a season marred by injuries and disappointing play, the Cowboys remain alive in the NFC playoff race after their Thanksgiving win. While not likely to overtake the Eagles for the division, they’re still in the hunt for a wild-card spot.
Verdict: OVERREACTION
While McCarthy deserves credit for keeping the team competitive, it’s a stretch to believe the Cowboys can run the table with their current roster. Even if they somehow make the playoffs, McCarthy’s playoff track record may still not be enough to save his job. Jerry Jones has already fired a coach for not achieving playoff success, and unless McCarthy makes a deep postseason run, he’s likely out.
Could the Bears’ Next Coach Be a Rival?
After firing Matt Eberflus, the Bears’ search for a new head coach has already begun. Given their NFC North rivalry, many believe that Lions coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn could be prime candidates, particularly Johnson, whose offensive prowess has helped elevate the Lions to the top of the division.
Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION
Johnson, who could be a hot commodity for head coaching vacancies, would be an appealing hire for the Bears. His ability to develop quarterbacks, particularly someone like Caleb Williams, could make him a top choice for Chicago, especially after they just fired a defensive-minded coach in Eberflus. If Johnson becomes available, the Bears should make a strong push, potentially weakening a division rival in the process.
