The final single-digit week of the NFL season is in the books and it’s terrifying considering it feels like it’s just started.

Nonetheless, November is here, the clocks have gone back, and serious stakes are now at stake, week after week, throughout the National Football League, something we all live for. In the midst of fear, it’s incredible; That’s what’s so invigorating.

But with the passage of a new series of actions, our opinions and assessments about everything that is happening continue to change. Every week we, Michael Peterson and RJ Ochoa, specialize in sorting out the magic that the NFL has just delivered and we’re about to do it again.

Welcome to The skinny message. Let’s have a little fun.

We may have ruled out the Bengals a little too early

RJ:

I’ll be the first to admit that I decided to bury the Cincinnati Bengals when the opportunity presented itself about a month ago. I even said in this weekly column that their reputation since reaching the Super Bowl three years ago pales in comparison to our perception of who they really are.

That may still be at least partly true, but the Bengals are definitely digging in and fighting through all of this, which is why we (except maybe me) have learned not to ignore them at the Joe Burrow era. After Sunday’s latest win, where Burrow himself was brilliant against the Las Vegas Raiders – who were going to fire just about everyone – they are still one win away from reaching .500 this season.

The next game in question for Cincy is Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens. As if that doesn’t excite you in itself, consider that a win would bring the Bengals to 5-5 on the season while dropping the Ravens to 6-4, just ahead of them.

The Bengals are not dead yet!

Michael:

Man, the Bengals were a real game-changer…or was that just a cakewalk on the schedule?

Entering Week 10, Cincinnati won four games. Those wins came against the Panthers (2-7), Raiders (2-7), Giants (2-7) and Browns (2-7).

Hmm. I think there’s something in common between all of these teams, but I can’t put my finger on it…

Oh yeah, they’re all tied for the worst record in the NFL. It makes sense that they’ve had what appears to be a recent resurgence since three of them have also come in their last four outings. Their next three games will be against teams with winning records: the Ravens (6-3 and to whom they have already lost), the Chargers (5-3) and the Steelers (6-2). There’s a good chance that all three games will be lost and they’ll then find themselves facing a 4-8 hole that would be nearly impossible to climb out of for a playoff spot.

So, are the Bengals really back? I’m going to have to say no until they show me more over the next few weeks.

The Word Incarnate’s New Viral Wide Receiver-Inspired Touchdown Celebration Should Stay Because the NFL Needs Sillier Celebrations

Michael:

I don’t know why this matters so much to me, but I know it.

I don’t know if you’ve seen the original, but a wide receiver who plays for Incarnate Word scored a touchdown on Saturday, then immediately did a handstand with his entire body stiff and erect straight up in the air before gravity pulled him down. tilt towards the ground. It wasn’t anything flashy or spectacular, but it was very silly and gave the football world a good laugh.

On Sunday, receivers Drake London and Amon-Ra St. Brown both did the same celebration after scoring touchdowns in their respective games. The London one was a little weak in its execution, but the St. Brown one was much closer to the original. Regardless, it was cool to see a player from a small school inspire some of the best in the league to do the same celebration.

The NFL has relaxed its celebrations in recent years, allowing players to express themselves more freely in the biggest moments of games. In my opinion, dancing and such are cool, but there’s nothing like a celebration that leaves fans in suspense, “hahaha…what?”

So, in conclusion, I hope more players choose to be silly geese on the field because the league needs it.

RJ:

There is no doubt that it is very cool. Honestly, my favorite part is the point of origin. The fact that a small school like the Incarnate Word is behind all this makes it even more impressive.

I am not as passionate about it as Michael, but I have no problem with the celebration staying and becoming a bit of a thing. Fun is good for everyone involved. I literally don’t see any bad results from letting this happen.

Of course, that means the NFL will find a way to ruin our fun, take it away from us, and justify it in the stupidest way possible.

Which team seems to be the best coach of 2025?

RJ:

On Monday morning, the New Orleans Saints announced the firing of Dennis Allen. Considering they’ve lost seven games in a row, that’s hardly shocking.

The Saints are officially the second team this season to make a coaching change, with the New York Jets firing Robert Saleh about five months ago or whatever. Right now, if I had to guess, these other teams all have a chance of also needing a new head coach this offseason:

• Dallas Cowboys
• New York Giants
• Chicago Bear
• Miami Dolphins
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Jacksonville Jaguars

I admit I’m hedging my own bet somewhat by including the Bengals here, but I’m just trying to imagine what might be available. This group is one of eight, and that’s pretty normal for an offseason cycle. Come with me for the sake of conversation.

If we assume these are (generally) the open positions in the league and you are THE candidate on the block… what place do you want? You can make a case for the Bears, I guess, with Caleb Williams and the young core Chicago is developing. This kind of team thriving under new staff is a model we’ve certainly seen before.

The Bengals obviously have to be mentioned because of the quarterback presence, and there’s an argument to be made that Joe Burrow could make them the No. 1 pick.

Ultimately, I think the answer is Chicago.

Michael:

I also believe Chicago is the answer here if you evaluate the second year quarterback they will have to start with versus the young core you mentioned. Rome Odunze and DJ Moore will be a great duo for years to come if the offense can solidify even more this upcoming offseason.

While the Bears are attractive for obvious reasons, the Bengals should not be overlooked as a team with a legitimate franchise quarterback and a top-5 receiver in the NFL. This side of the ball will always have a higher floor than most teams, simply because of what this pair can do. I like this job potentially for a coach that appreciates and wants to invest in the trenches on both sides of the ball, as they certainly have Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard on that side to go along with recent day two pick Kris Jenkins and veteran B.J. Hill. along the interior.

Two important pieces of any football team are already established here, and if a savvy general manager is also brought in, I could see the Bengals rebounding quickly with some early hits in the new regime’s first draft, similar to the Chargers . competitive than expected thanks to an excellent 2024 rookie class.

Which player do you think deserved to be traded from a team with no playoff hopes to a contender?

Michael:

They’ll never do it because he’s insanely good, but the Giants Dexter Lawrence 110% deserves to be on a better team than the G-Men. The guy is an athletic marvel in his size and had nine sacks through the first nine weeks of the season. His previous career high for an entire season was 7.5 in 2022. So let me reiterate: it is ABSURD how well he is performing this year and it is simply a travesty that his efforts are wasted on a team who will not qualify for the playoffs. .

Free this man. Someone. Anyone.

RJ:

I’m going to stick with my team here and give away Zack Martin, as painful as it is.

It was 10 years ago when Dallas bravely (and rightly) traded Martin from Johnny Manziel and discovered one of the greatest interior linemen of all time, let alone of his era.

But the state of the Dallas Cowboys is what it is and I’ve seen too many franchise legends retire without even playing in a conference championship game. DeMarcus Ware managed to break free and hoist the Lombardi Trophy, but what about Tony Romo? Jason Witten? From Bryant? Sean Lee? Tyron Smith left for greener pastures, no pun intended, on the New York Jets and is learning that it’s tough in a lot of places, but the Cowboys find a way to trick people differently.

Let Zack Martin fly free. Please.