We Make It Rain: Shane Steichen

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

NFL Mid-Season Review

So the has reached its mid-season. Nine of the eighteen weeks are complete, and each team has played at least 8 games, and some 9, and 8 1/2 games is halfway through the season. This is our analysis of the first quarter of the NFL season, with each team's surprise of the year. The parenthetical at the end of season rankings was that team's position in the quarter-season review.

AFC EAST

New England Patriots (7-2) This team was 5-0 during the second quarter of the season (and has won 6 games in a row to push to the top of the division. Although I fully expect the Bills to end up here at the end of the year, New England is a strong contender for the playoffs, The big surprise is that this team is 8th in scoring without a significant contribution from , who, although the team's leading rusher with 283 yards, has only 13 more rushing yards than .

Buffalo Bills (6-2) A two-game losing streak - to New England and Atlanta - going into their bye dismantled what looked like an . Their biggest surprise is that this team is middle-of-the-pack in passing offense (14th).

Miami Dolphins (2-7) The Dolphins are 2-7 and sit in third place. The biggest surprise is that they are not in last.

New York Jets (1-7)

Awful. The biggest surprise is that they have not started trading veterans (Breece Hall, , Quincy Williams) yet.

AFC NORTH

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3)

must be that good of a coach (that we knew), but this is his best job yet. That is because the surprise is that the Steelers are in first place while being ranked 30th in offense and defense.

Baltimore Ravens (3-5)

Is this the scariest 3-5 team in NFL history? injuries hurt, but the biggest surprise is how poor this defense is (27th overall).

Cincinnati Bengals (3-6)

The injury is devastating. Surprise is that Joe Flacco is making this team exciting.

Cleveland Browns (2-6)

Among the worst teams in the league, even with the second-best defense in the NFL. That should have accounted for 1 or 2 more wins.

AFC SOUTH

Indianapolis Colts (7-2)

They have played exceptionally well this year. And are just a couple of Daniel Jones turnovers away from being 8-1. 's success isn't a surprise, so his candidacy for is understandable, but Daniel Jones being a top candidate? Wow.

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3)

A 2-2 quarter has flattened out the Jaguars curve, but Jacksonville is currently in playoff position if the season ended today. The biggest surprise? A virtually non-existent Brian Thomas, Jr. who has 30 receptions, only 5 more than Parker Washington.

Houston Texans (3-5)

Still one of the most disappointing teams in the whole league. Biggest surprise - Woody Marks. Not that he is surprising with his play, but the surprise is that the Texans have had to resort to Woody Marks.

Tennessee Titans (1-8)

Well, the are no longer winless! The surprise is , who is developing into a solid wide receiver, and is already one of the best kick returners in the NFL. He has almost 350 more yards in kickoff returns than the next highest returner, and has the highest per return average as a punt returner.

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos (7-2)

The Broncos went 5-0 in the second quarter, and are solidifying themselves as a Super Bowl candidate. The surprise, they are doing this with only the 14th-best total offense in the NFL. If this offense actually gets on track, watch out.

Los Angeles Chargers (6-3)

Oh what could've been with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. The surprise is that they are the second-rated offense without those two bookends!

Kansas City Chiefs (5-4)

The surprise is that they are third in their division!!!

Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)

No surprise that they are bad, the surprise is that they are only giving the ball to Ashton Jeanty 15 times a game.

NFC EAST

Philadelphia Eagles (6-2)

At the quarter mark, I noted the statistical fallacy of the Eagles being 4-0; and they went 2-2 the last quarter. The biggest surprise? That the Tush Push was ruled forward progress stopped instead of a fumble against the Giants.

Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1)

This defense is really bad, which limits the ceiling on this team, yet they still are buyers at the deadline acquiring Logan Wilson from Cincinnati. Surprise!!!

Washington Commanders (3-6)

A little regression from last year was to be expected, but not this much! The surprise is the second injury to Jayden Daniels!!! Perhaps let the running backs run?!

New York Giants (2-7)

Not a good team, but not as bad as their record. The surprise is the excitement for Jaxon Dart and Cam Skattebo!!! (Who am I kidding, we knew the over-exaggerated excitement for Skattebo was coming!).

NFC NORTH

Green Bay Packers (5-2-1)

Went 3-1 the last quarter, but they haven't looked particularly sharp. A surprise loss to the Panthers could be the difference between a division title and traveling on wildcard weekend.

Detroit Lions (5-3)

This team can look dominating, or disappointing. I still think they are the class of the division. Too much firepower.

Chicago Bears (5-3)

Could the Bears be making a run for the playoffs? The surprise is that despite a lot of negative press coming from Bears fans, his numbers are virtually identical to those of Baker Mayfield, who some people have as an outside-MVP candidate.

Minnesota Vikings (4-4)

Their defeat of the Detroit Lions brings this division much closer from top-to-bottom. The biggest surprise is even the Vikings don't know which JJ McCarthy will show up from quarter-to-quarter: the one that plays essentially like a first-year starter, or the one that comes-from-behind in the fourth quarter.

NFC SOUTH

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2)

Tampa Bay is playing very consistently, and is 3-1 in each of the first two quarters. The big surprise is that Richaad White is the leading rusher, despite not having a rusher with over 300 yards on the season.

Carolina Panthers (5-4)

The surprise is that Carolina is 5-4!!!

Atlanta Falcons (3-5)

The inverse of the Carolina Panthers, the surprise is that Atlanta is only 3-5even with the number 3 ranked defense!

New Orleans Saints (1-8)

The surprise is that Alvin Kamara is still on the Saints.

NFC WEST

Seattle Seahawks (6-2)

Playing very well. This organization knows how to find QBs tossed away by other franchises (first Geno Smith, now Sam Darnold). Jaxson Smith-Njigba leads the entire NFL in receiving yards. Surprising that it looks smart to have traded DK Metcalf!

Los Angeles Rams (6-2)

Might actually be the best team in the division. Surprising that Matt Stafford is an MVP front-runner!

San Francisco 49ers (6-3)

In playoff contention despite running through wide receivers like the Kardashians ... run through wide receivers!

Arizona Cardinals (3-5)

Surprised they haven't pulled the plug on the Kyler Murray Experiment yet.

POWER RANKINGS

1. Indianapolis Colts (7-2) (8)

2. Denver Broncos (7-2) (14)

3. New England Patriots (7-2) (16)

4. Buffalo Bills (6-2) (1)

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) (5)

6. Seattle Seahawks (6-2) (9)

7. Los Angeles Rams (6-2) (7)

8. Philadelphia Eagles (6-2) (2)

9. Green Bay Packers (5-2-1) (12)

10. Los Angeles Chargers (6-3) (3)

11. San Francisco 49ers (6-3) (6)

12. Detroit Lions (5-3) (4)

13. Chicago Bears (5-3) (18)

14. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3) (10)

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) (11)

16. Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) (13)

17. Carolina Panthers (5-4) (29)

18. Minnesota Vikings (4-4) (17)

19. Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1) (22)

20. Baltimore Ravens (3-5) (23)

21. Atlanta Falcons (3-5) (19)

22. Houston Texans (3-5) (24)

23. Arizona Cardinals (3-5) (20)

24. Washington Commanders (3-6) (15)

25. Cincinnati Bengals (3-6) (21)

26. Cleveland Browns (2-6) (28)

27. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) (25)

28. New York Giants (2-7) (26)

29. Miami Dolphins (2-7) (27)

30. New Orleans Saints (1-8) (31)

31. New York Jets (1-8) (30)

32. Tennessee Titans (1-8) (32)

Biggest Movers: New England Patriots +13, Denver Broncos +12, Carolina Panthers, +12, Washington Commanders -9, Detroit Lions -8, Los Angeles Chargers -7

QUARTER SEASON AWARDS

Offensive MVP - Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

Defensive MVP - Byron Young, Los Angeles Rams

Offensive Rookie of the Year - Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts

Defensive Rookie of the Year - Jihaad Campbell, Philadelphia Eagles

Coach of the Year - Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts

Most Improved - Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

NFL Quarter-Season Review

As anyone who knows us knows - we are huge NFL fans here at We Make It Rain. And like any good NFL fans, we watch more than our share of games every year. This year is no exception. Since we have all of this NFL knowledge just seething to get out of our craniums, I thought that I would resurrect an old feature from way-back in the day - the quarter-season review. This is our analysis of the first quarter of the NFL season.

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills (4-0)

The class of this division, most likely the conference, and possibly even the NFL at this point. Josh Allen starting off on a repeat-MVP type of season, and James Cook back to his old touchdown-scoring self. And the defense is stepping up, as it is the stoutest defense against the pass and 9th in Total Defense,

New England Patriots (2-2)

A surprisingly spry start for the Patriots who have definitely found their quarterback in Drake Maye. They will lose some that they shouldn't as the running game is lacking (26th), but they will win some they shouldn't as their rush defense is strong (2nd).

Miami Dolphins (1-3)
Lots of holes on this team as they are 26th in total offense and 27th in total defense. And, they just lost Tyreek Hill for the season.

New York Jets (0-4)

Just dreadful. At least Justin Fields will make some plays exciting as he is funning for his life. This team IS somehow 3rd in the NFL in rushing, which ain't nothing.

AFC NORTH

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

Doing this with smoke-and-mirrors and an ayuhuasca-addled Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers are 29th in Total Offense and 28th in Total Defense, yet they are 3-1. I do not expect them to stay high in the Power Rankings all year, but Mike Tomlin might actually be the best coach in NFL history. He has done more with less than any other coach. Please note that I am not saying that he has never had talent, but even when he doesn't have a lot of talent, his teams are still good.

Cincinnati Bengals 2-2

Starting off 2-0 with Joe Burrow is way different than finishing at least the majority of the season without him. The fact that the defense is 29th in total defense doesn't help matters, either.

Baltimore Ravens (1-3)

Easily the best 1-3 team of all time with their losses to the Bills/Lions/Chiefs - but they are still only 1-3. The trepidatiously await the results of Lamar Jackson's MRI today.

Cleveland Browns (1-3)

time to give Dillon Gabriel a chance. And if that doesn't work, Shadeur Sanders. And look to trade Myles Garret to get a haul of picks in the next two to three years. This year is O-V-E-R.

AFC SOUTH

Indianapolis Colts (3-1)

Maybe New York/New Jersey was the problem and not Daniel Jones. The Colts have the 3rd overall offense in the NFL (4th passing?!) and have scored the 4th-highest amount of points. The defense is less stout than usual (17th overall) but is T8th against the run. And, they have Jonthan Taylor and Nick Cross who are among the NFL's best at their positions, and the emerging star Tyler Warren.

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1)

One of the surprises of the year - at least to me - and their one loss was prior to Joe Burrow's injury in Cincinnati. Travis Etienne is leading a rushing group that is 4th in the NFL, keeping the time of possession in the Jags' favor, and the rush defense is also 4th in the league.

Houston Texans (1-3)

So disappointing. We may have seen the best of C.J. Stroud (23rd in Passing Offense). Defense is tough, as they lead the league in Scoring Defense and are 7th in Total Defense.

Tennessee Titans (0-4)

Worst team in the league, but on the bright side, Cam Ward looks like he belongs!

AFC WEST

Los Angeles Chargers (3-1)

The Chargers are balanced on both sides of the ball (7th in Total Offense and 4th in Total Defense), and could make a deep run in the playoffs. However, they have lost both tackles in Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, and that could ultimately spell their downfall this season.

Kansas City Chiefs (2-2)

They started off 0-2 with losses to the Chargers and Eagles, but boy what a difference Xavier Worthy makes. The Chiefs offense was humming in this week's victory over the Ravens, scoring 37. And what a difference Chris Jones makes, as his return also coincided with the Chiefs defeat of the Ravens. Will be scary for the rest of the year (Stop me if you have heard this before!)

Denver Broncos (2-2)

Losses to the Colts (by 1) and Chargers (by 3) are not bad losses by any stretch of the imagination, especially since Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton seem to be on the same page these last two weeks. That could be dangerous to the rest of the league, as Denver is already 5th in the NFL in Rushing Offense. The defense, led by Nick Bonitto is T2 in Scoring Defense and T3 in third-down percentage defense.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-3)

They may have an emerging star at running back in Ashton Jeanty, but Geno Smith is nowhere near his Seattle-level of play. Defense isn't helping matters as they are 20th in Total Defense despite Maxx Crosby's stellar play.

NFC EAST

Philadelphia Eagles (4-0)

At 4-0, clearly one of the best teams in the league, but they are undefeated despite have the 30th ranked Total Offense in the league and the 22nd ranked Total Defense. Sound victory over Tampa this weekend shows that they just might be better than the stats show - or they could revert to the mean.

Washington Commanders (2-2)

A way different team with Jayden Daniels injured, but the second-best rushing offense using a multitude of running backs can at least keep you in every game.

Dallas Cowboys (1-2-1_

At times they have looked awful (a 31-14 loss to the Bears and a 3-point victory over the Giants), and then they come out of nowhere and tie the Green Bay Packers 40-40. Dak Prescott leads the NFL in passing, and is spreading the ball around in the wake of losing CeeDee Lamb for a bit to injury. Defense is atrocious though - last in the league in Total Defense and 31st in Scoring Defense.

New York Giants (1-3)

The plusses are that they are finally starting Jaxson Dart and have played gritty. The negative is that Malik Nabers is lost for the year.

NFC NORTH

Detroit Lions (3-1)

A two-touchdown loss to the Packers in week 1 is the only blemish in an otherwise stellar resume. The lead the NFL in scoring, and are 8th in Total Offense, while maintaining a respectable 13th-rankin in Total Defense. They will be a team to reckon with in the playoffs, and a likely NFC Championship game participant barring injuries.

Green Bay Packers (2-1-1)

The Packers started off as literally the best team in the league in the first two weeks. Then, a 13-10 loss to Cleveland and a 40-40 tie against Dallas. Has the league figured out Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur? They do boast the 6th best Total Defense (2nd against the rush) and the offense is ranked 9th, but have they lost some luster?

Minnesota Vikings (2-2)

J.J. McCarthy is hurt, but it seems the offense might be better without him. The Bears let them off the hook in week 1, and the Vikes other win was a thrashing of a Joe Burrow-less Bengals team. They are 3rd against the pass defensively, but their 22nd Total Offense ranking leaves a lot to be desired. Could go either way this season.

Chicago Bears (2-2)

They definitely look much better this year, and Caleb Williams is well on his way to setting team single-season records for yards and touchdowns. The rushing game needs to improve (24th) as does the rushing defense (32nd) to make any real noise, but the improvement is there.

NFC SOUTH

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)

Tampa Bay has played fantastic, despite having been cut-down by injuries. They have been led by the defense which is 5th in Total Defense, and Rush Defense, while the offense is middle-of-the-pack. The one dangerous sign is that each of their three wins has been on last-minute drives by Baker Mayfield. The good thing is that they know they can win last-minute drives!

Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

The fact that Atlanta is only 2-2 is fascinating. They are like the anti-Eagles, in that all of their stats say "Undefeated!" They have the 6th ranked Total Offense (9th in passing and 7th in rushing) ANZD the 2nd ranked Total Defense (including 2nd against the pass). One of the losses was a 30-0 drubbing at the hands of the lowly Carolina Panthers.

Carolina Panthers (1-3)

Really, really bad, and except for the 30-0 blowout of the Falcons, one could say that they are horrible and that the Bryce Young pick was a waste.

New Orleans Saints (0-4)

Easily the bottom-dweller of the NFC. Only stats you need to know: 28th in scoring and 30th in scoring defense.

NFC WEST

San Francisco 49ers (3-1)

Surprisingly spry considering the amount of injuries they have suffered. All of the time these backups have been playing is only going to make them deeper and more dangerous as the year progresses. The Fred Warner-led defense is 3rd in Total Defense, and 7th in Scoring Defense. The offense, that even lost Brock Purdy for a couple of games, is 2nd in Passing Offense and 5th in Total Offense.

Los Angeles Rams (3-1)

The Rams have been fantastic besides, even though two of their wins are against the Texans and Titans. They are 4th in Total Offense and 10th in Total Defense, without any real contribution in the pass game outside of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

Seattle Seahawks (3-1)

Seattle is a surprising 3-1, but we forget that Sam Darnold is a more than serviceable regular season quarterback. The team is 6th in Scoring Offense and Tied for 2nd in Scoring Defense. That will win you a lot of games. Plus, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is having an Offensive Player of the Year type of year.

Arizona Cardinals (2-2)

Arizona is an unusual 202, as they rank 28th in Total Offense and 23rd in Total Defense. Kyler Murray is going to stunt Marvin Harrison, Jr.'s growth - and potential stardom.

POWER RANKINGS

1. Buffalo Bills 4-0

2. Philadelphia Eagles 4-0

3. Los Angeles Chargers 3-1

4. Detroit Lions 3-1

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-1

6. San Francisco 49ers

7. Los Angeles Rams 3-1

8 Indianapolis Colts 3-1

9. Seattle Seahawks 3-1

10. Jacksonville Jaguars 3-1

11. Pittsburgh Steelers 3-1

12. Green Bay Packers 2-1-1

13. Kansas City Chiefs 2-2

14. Denver Broncos 2-2

15. Washington Commanders 2-2

16. New England Patriots 2-2

17. Minnesota Vikings 2-2

18. Chicago Bears 2-2

19. Atlanta Falcons 2-2

20. Arizona Cardinals 2-2

21. Cincinnati Bengals 2-2

22. Dallas Cowboys 1-2-1

23. Baltimore Ravens 1-3

24. Houston Texans 1-3

25. Las Vegas Raiders 1-3

26. New York Giants 1-3

27. Miami Dolphins 1-3

28. Cleveland Browns 1-3

29. Carolina Panthers 1-3

30. New York Jets 0-4

31. New Orleans Saints 0-4

32. Tennessee Titans 0-4

QUARTER SEASON AWARDS

Offensive MVP - Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Defensive MVP - Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers

Offensive Rookie of the Year - Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers