Well, the Ron Rivera era is now officially over. After 4 years on the job, Rivera was justifiably fired — Not long after the news, Rivera issued an official statement, followed by an insightful Josh Harris press conference.
Josh Harris has brought in Bob Myers and former Minnesota GM Rick Spielman to lead the search for a new head coach and a head of football operations — Bob Myers, a former Golden State Warriors GM, has an excellent track record as an executive. Nevertheless, this is a bold move by Harris to bring in someone straight from the NBA and with no NFL experience.
Things are moving pretty fast with the interviews as they went ahead and hired 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters. There is a significant connection between Bob Myers and Adam Peters, as they both went to the same High School and UCLA.
The list of potential head coaching names keeps growing — They have requested interviews with Lions OC Ben Johnson and Lions DC Aaron Glenn. It is worth noting that Ben Johnson, Sam Howell, and Drake Maye are all former NC QBs. Baltimore DC Mike MacDonald and LA Rams DC Raheem Morris are also on deck. However, the coach that intrigues me the most is Houston’s OC, Bob Slowik. However, Houston has a playoff game this weekend, so Washington is not allowed to interview him yet — Slowik is right out of the Shanahan Coaching tree.
I don’t want Mike Vrabel or Bill Belichick here. Or any Defensive-minded head coaches, for that matter. Unless, for some strange reason, Pete Carroll becomes an option, which I highly doubt.
And for the rest of the league…..
NY GIANTS 27 — EAGLES 10
The 6-11 NY Giants played spoiler beautifully and further sank Philly into chaos. Tyrod Taylor continues to impress in operating Brian Daboll’s Offense. Taylor finished with 338 yards, 1 TD, and 1 pick. Next, the NY Giants have plenty of issues to resolve. They fired special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey, outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins, and his brother Kevin Wilkins. It was reported that DC Wink Martindale was unhappy with the entire Giants organization for these moves and cursed out head coach Brian Daboll — resulting in Martindale agreeing to resign. I foresee another losing season in 2024 for the NY Giants.
The 11-6 Philadelphia Eagles are in complete disarray heading into the playoffs. They have lost 5 out of their last 6 games. Jalen Hurts is banged up, their offensive line is pretty shaky, and their Defense has been mediocre. Nick Sirianni must urgently figure out what to do to get this team back on track. We are starting to hear rumors and innuendos regarding Sirianni’s job security. Next, Philadelphia visits Tampa Bay. My pick: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
LA RAMS 21— 49ERS 20
The 10-7 LA Rams clinched the 6th seed in the NFC playoffs. Matthew Stafford sat out, and Carson Wentz started, finishing with 219 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 pick. The late-season signing of Carson Wentz was a smart move by the Rams, as it will guarantee a legit backup quarterback if Stafford gets hurt. Next, the LA Rams visit Detroit. My pick: The LA Rams.
The 12-5 San Francisco 49ers sat out Brock Purdy and most of their top players. Sam Darnold showed the ability to operate this Kyle Shanahan Offense efficiently, finishing with 208 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. Next, San Francisco will host the lowest seed winner from Wildcard weekend.
STEELERS 17 — RAVENS 10
The Steelers had to win this game and hope for some help to sneak into the wildcard round of the playoffs. Fortunately, everything came together for this 10-7 Pittsburgh team. Next, Pittsburgh visits Buffalo. My pick: The Buffalo Bills.
With a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs, the 13-4 Ravens rested Lamar Jackson and some crucial players for this game. Next, Baltimore will host the lowest-seed AFC winner of wildcard weekend.
SEAHAWKS 21 — CARDINALS 20
The Seahawks had to win this game and hope for a Green Bay loss to sneak into the playoffs. But Green Bay’s win eliminated this 9-8 hard-playing Seattle team. It was shocking to hear the news of Pete Carroll walking away from coaching into an advisory role for Seattle. It doesn’t sound like Pete Carroll is ready to stop coaching. Next, the Seahawks will begin searching for a new head coach and look for a young QB to develop and eventually replace an aging Geno Smith.
The Cardinals finished with a 4-13 record for the second straight year. But the absence of Kyler Murray for most of the season contributed to Arizona’s struggles this year. Next, Arizona has the 4th overall pick in the 2024 Draft. And they desperately need to make some substantial upgrades to their roster.
TEXANS 23 — COLTS 19
It was a massive win for the Texans as they managed to sneak into the playoffs. This was an outstanding 9-8 season for Houston under rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie QB CJ Stroud. Next, Houston hosts Cleveland. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
Losing 3 out of their last 5 games cost the Colts a wildcard spot. The silver lining for this 9-8 Indianapolis team is how they kept a steady pace in the AFC playoff race with backup QB Gardner Minshew. Next, Indianapolis will look to continue to build around young QB Anthony Richardson.
BILLS 21 — DOLPHINS 14
It was a colossal momentum-building win for Buffalo. The Bills went on a 5-game winning streak and managed to pull the division title from Miami— At 11-6, Buffalo clinched the AFC East Division for the 4th straight year., and secured the 2nd seed in the AFC playoffs. Next, Buffalo hosts Pittsburgh. My pick: The Buffalo Bills.
The Dolphins lost their last 2 games of the season and, at 11-6, failed to clinch their Division. From week to week, Miami has been inconsistent and unreliable. On top of that, Miami must travel to Kansas City under potentially rough weather conditions for their wildcard matchup. Next, Miami visits Kansas City. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
TITANS 28 — JAGUARS 20
The Titans finished their season playing hard, delivering a bittersweet victory to their fan base and, at the same time, spoiling Jacksonville’s playoff push. Still, this was a 6-11 losing season for Tennessee, and they missed out on the playoffs. As a result, the Titans stupidly decided to fire Mike Vrabel — a suspect move by the Titans. Vrabel will be a hot commodity this offseason and will probably land on his feet in Carolina, Seattle, or Atlanta. Next, Tennessee will begin another rebuild under a new head coach.
The Jaguars lost 5 out of their last 6 games, finishing at 9-8 and missing out on the playoffs. Trevor Lawrence’s lingering injuries contributed to Jacksonville’s downfall. Head coach Doug Pederson wasted no time and fired defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell and multiple defensive assistants. Next, Jacksonville must go out and find a big-name Defensive Coordinator. I heard Wink Martindale lives in Florida.
NY JETS 17 — PATRIOTS 3
Seeing the Jets put the final dagger into Bill Belichick’s time in New England was fitting. Nevertheless, the 7-10 NY Jets finished a drama-filled, disappointing season. But at least they avoided finishing last in the AFC East. Next, the Jets will look to revamp their Offense and make some noise in the AFC with a healthy Aaron Rodgers in 2024.
After 24 years, New England’s owner, Robert Kraft, finally decided to move away from Belicheater. The Patriots finished an embarrassingly 4-13 losing season, sinking this once proud franchise into football purgatory. Next, New England, keeping things in-house, wasted no time and hired ILB coach Jerod Mayo as their new head coach. Also, New England holds the 3rd overall pick in the draft, so they should use it to find a new franchise quarterback.
RAIDERS 27 — BRONCOS 14
Rallying behind interim head coach Antonio Pierce, the Raiders finished the season strong with an 8-9 record, barely missing the playoffs. Next, the Raiders must immediately address their head coaching position. Antonio Pierce has made a solid case to be promoted to permanent employment.
For their final game of the season, the Broncos benched Russell Wilson over Jarrett Stidham — and drama ensued. The relationship between Sean Payton and Russell Wilson seems fractured beyond repair. Next, Denver must urgently address their QB situation during the offseason.
CHIEFS 13 — LA CHARGERS 12
The 11-6 Chiefs seem to be struggling heading into the playoffs. Their Offense is not generating the type of productivity it used to produce. Encouragingly, their Defense is holding its own and keeping games close enough for some Patrick Mahomes magic. Kansas City will have a challenging road ahead in the AFC playoffs. Next, Kansas City hosts Miami. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
The LA Chargers finished a massively underperforming season at the bottom of their Division. At 5-12, the Chargers have the 5th overall pick in the 2024 Draft and hopefully find some upgrades to Justin Herbert’s weapons. Next, the LA Chargers are in the market for a new head coach and have plenty of Free Agency questions to address.
SAINTS 48 — FALCONS 17
The Saints put in an impressive display of firepower against Atlanta. But it was a little too late; Green Bay’s win at Chicago ended Atlanta’s playoff push. At 9-8, New Orleans must figure out how to upgrade their roster in order to get past their main divisional rival, Tampa Bay.
Another disappointing 7-10 season for Atlanta — a team loaded with a super-talented roster but without a legit starting QB. As a result of missing the playoffs, head coach Arthur Smith was fired within hours of their final game of the season. Next, the Falcons must find a new head coach and continue looking for a franchise quarterback.
BUCCANEERS 9 — PANTHERS 0
The 9-8 Tampa Bay Buccanneers clinched their division title for a third straight year. Baker Mayfield has provided a steady hand for this Tampa Bay Offense. But their Defense has led the way throughout this up-and-down season. Next, the Bucs will look to shock Philly in the wildcard round. Next, Tampa Bay host Philadelphia. My pick: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Panthers are officially the most dysfunctional team in the league. Their owner, David Tepper, is the new Dan Snyder of the NFL. The mid-season firing of Frank Reich did not prevent Carolina from finishing with a mediocre and league-worst 2-15 record. Next, Carolina must hire a new head coach, look for ways to upgrade their roster and continue to build around Bryce Young.
PACKERS 17 — BEARS 9
Surprisingly, the 9-8 Packers clinched a playoff spot, and they did it with a first-year starting quarterback—an impressive achievement for Jordan Love, Green Bay, and head coach Matt LaFleur. The Packers have the foundation to build a contender for years to come. Next, Green Bay visits Dallas. My pick: The Green Bay Packers.
The Bears secured the number 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Chicago managed to finish their 7-10 season strong while showing flashes of a potential contender in the NFC. Next, Chicago’s first order of business is to decide what to do with Justin Fields and their first pick in the 2024 Draft. Also, the Bears chose to retain Head Coach Matt Eberflus but fired OC Luke Getsy. So, they will be in the market for a new Offensive Coordinator.
LIONS 30 — VIKINGS 20
The Lions played their starters with a clear resolve to win this game and improve their AFC playoff seeding. However, this victory came at a high cost, as they lost rookie TE Sam LaPorta to a knee injury. Detroit finished an impressive 12-5 season as the 3rd seed in the NFC playoffs. Next, the Detroit Lions host the LA Rams. My pick: The LA Rams.
After losing Kirk Cousins for the year, the Vikings could never regain their footing in their Division. None of the QBs they brought in could generate a spark for Minnesota as their Division rivals Detroit, Green Bay, and Chicago surge forward. Next, Minnesota will look to rebound from this 7-10 season and reload and upgrade their roster.
BENGALS 31 — BROWNS 14
Already eliminated from playoff contention, the Bengals needed to finish their season positively. Backup QB Jake Browning and veteran RB Joe Mixon led the way to victory against their divisional rival. The Bengals failed to make the playoffs. But statistically, with a 9-8 record, this was not a losing season for Cincinnati. Next, the Bengals must continue to improve their O-Line and hope for a healthy Joe Burrow in 2024.
The Browns rested most of their starters and approached this game as a preseason game. Cleveland had a remarkable 11-6 season — Most significantly, after losing Deshaun Watson to a season-ending injury, things did not look promising for the Browns. At first glance, the late-season signing of Joe Flacco seemed like a long-shot attempt at salvaging their season. However, Flacco’s experience gave Cleveland a steady dose of solid wins as they pushed for a playoff spot. Next, Cleveland visits Houston. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
Rod Rioja 