As we approach the midway point, these ratings become easier, and we start making slight adjustments for injuries while just using mostly 2025 numbers, letting our priors fade into the ether. However, it was another week with few teams that impressed.

I’d say the Rams got a nice win, despite it being a Jaguars defense that I thought was a bit overrated by the market. Still, a statement to fly across the pond and play that well without your biggest offensive playmaker. They’ll head to the bye flying high in a very tough division.

The Colts probably deserve some credit as well, beating a good team on the road, solidifying their spot among the “good teams”. If JT stays healthy all year, they have a legit shot at the one seed despite the monster lurking down in Missouri.

Other things that deserve some lauding:

• The Cowboys are getting it done with a ramshackle offensive line; Dak is really having an MVP year (they still may not even get into the playoffs).

• The Seahawks’ defense was the most fun part of the Monday night games. They had CJ Stroud uncomfortable for most of the night.

• Tatum Bathune is just stepping into Fred Warner's (massive) shoes and showing out in the 49ers’ win vs the Falcons. Hard not to mention CMC as well in that one, as he looks spry AF.

• The Bronocos never gave up, I guess? That was a wild one.

• They played very poor teams, but Mahomes and Maye showed out. Both teams played in games with scoreless 4th quarters as the games were well in hand.

Things that made me sad:

• The Dolphins appear to be broken beyond repair on both sides of the ball, having suffered another injury to the receiving corps —a pec for Darren Waller this time.

• The Raiders’ trade for Geno is looking worse by the day

• No one is staying healthy to play with Baker Mayfield

• The Jets in general. Everything is bad there

• Jerry Jones

Assumptions in the ratings (so far):

1. I have Jayden Daniels OUT for my purposes as of now. We can always fix that later

2. I’ll assume Lamar Jackson plays this week, but he isn’t 100% as a rusher. Also, penciling in Roquan Smith.

3. Wentz is already confirmed to be the guy again for the Vikes on Thursday

4. Same for Tyrod and the Jets, as he’s been announced as the starter

5. As well as the Andy Dalton adjustment for the Panthers

COME HANG OUT THIS AFTERNOON

We’ll go live (as we always do) and go through each game this afternoon at 3 pm ET on YouTube and Twitter. We love the comment section helping us to remember names, dates, and stats, as well as the insightful questions and hot takes. So hop in the chat with your best bets and we’ll likely let you know what we think. See you then.