Week 6 Panel Picks
They say the NFL season doesn’t start until after Thanksgiving, but the panel is its own game. And even though there’s still 17 weeks to go, the guys at the bottom of the standings have a reason for worry. Here were the standings last year prior to week six.
Theo
George
Webb
Rahul
Ray
Jackson
Josh
Here were the standings at the end of the season.
Theo
George
Webb
Ray
Rahul
Jackson
Josh
Practically identical.
If last season tells us anything, you are what your record says you are. Does that mean George is en route to winning the second panel championship ever? Is Jackson destined for the most miserable season anyone has ever had? Take a look at the full standings and decide for yourself.
Now for the picks.
Primetime Games
Early Window
Late Window
Most alike picks: Former foes Josh and Rahul agreed on 12 of the 14 games.
Least alike picks: Theo and Ben differed on nine of the 14 picks.
Most upsets picked: Josh led the panel with seven upsets.
Fewest upsets picked: Ray played it safe this week, picking only two upsets.
Most picks with majority: Ray was in the majority all but one time.
Most picks against majority: For the first time in his career, Theo was in the minority the most with five picks going against the grain.
What Stands Out?
The early window last week was incredible. The Ravens outlasted the Bengals in the game of the year thus far, the Texans beat the Bills at the horn, and the Jaguars fended off an epic Joe Flacco comeback for their first win of the season. However, this week looks to provide the same thrilling finishes—there wasn’t a single early window team that didn’t receive at least two votes. Even the Browns and the Patriots, who are both playing miserably, were picked twice against superior opponents.
The panel has bought into Sean Payton’s operation in Denver. After week two, I guarantee the 2-0 Chargers would have swept the 0-2 Broncos across the board. Thanks to a suddenly thriving defense, promising signs from Bo Nix, and three straight wins, the Broncos were out-voted 6-2 against the Chargers who have lost two straight.
Speaking of rookie QB hype, let’s write our weekly paragraph about Jayden Daniels. The Ravens have the most picks of any team this season, out-picking their opponents 36-4. This week, despite a spread of -7, Josh, Rahul, and Theo are all riding with the Commanders thanks to Jayden Daniels’ incredible play.
We can’t make it through the “What Stands Out?” section without talking about the Bills vs Jets Monday Night Showdown. Clearly, I am the only one with a glimmer of hope for the Jets, who have only played seven good quarters of football this season. I believe in the New Coach Theory, which you can read about here.
My time management was poor this week which is why I’m getting this article out late. Anyways, sorry Rahul and Ben. That Seahawks pick isn’t looking too good right about now.
Playoff Picture
Let’s pretend our majority pick in each matchup won this weekend. Here are the projected playoff matchups on Wild Card Weekend.
AFC
(1) Kansas City Chiefs vs BYE | With Kansas City on bye this week, they automatically retain the one seed.
(2) Houston Texans vs (7) Indianapolis Colts | Houston defeated Indianapolis 29-27 in week one.
(3) Baltimore Ravens vs (6) Denver Broncos | The Mile High Miracle was the last time these teams faced off in the playoffs.
(4) Buffalo Bills vs (5) Pittsburgh Steelers | Buffalo beat Pittsburgh 31-17 in the Wild Card round last year.
NFC
(1) Minnesota Vikings vs BYE | With Minnesota on bye this week, they automatically retain the one seed.
(2) Atlanta Falcons vs (7) Green Bay Packers | If you love your cousins, I hope you get to watch this game with them.
(3) Washington Commanders vs (6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Tampa Bay beat Washington 31-23 in the 2021 playoffs.
(4) San Francisco 49ers vs (5) Detroit Lions | San Francisco beat Detroit 34-31 in the NFC Championship game last season.