1. Are the Patriots running out of weapons? The Patriots are undefeated but they keep losing offensive weapons. How long can the winning go on is a question being asked around the league.
I’ve been to enough Patriots practices to know Belichick cross-trains everyone on his team so he is prepared to call the "next man up." Dion Lewis went down and James White stepped right up. Julian Edelman went down and Danny Amendola stepped up -- and if he can’t go or is limited, keep an eye on Keshawn Martin.
When it comes to offensive linemen, the Patriots have had so many combinations it is hard to count -- but somehow they keep Tom Brady upright. This week the Patriots have a big test in Denver, where Brady is 2-5 for his career.
2. So is Brock Osweiler the real deal? Osweiler was the AFC's offensive player of the week after his first professional start, which is a strong statement. He did it by not turning the ball over, hitting eight different receivers and benefitted from a running game that wasn’t very good in recent weeks.
Does all of that add up to him keeping the QB job when Peyton Manning is healthy?
I talked to Broncos coach Kubiak every week and he continues to say Peyton is their QB and when he’s healthy, he plays. I agree with that philosophy, but a win over the 10-0 Patriots this week by Osweiler and the club may have to reevaluate their QB situation.
3. Bad losing streaks that must end -- or playoff dreams will: Teams that were serious contenders for playoff spots just three weeks ago have been on a slide and now face big uphill climbs if they lose this weekend.
The Falcons are on a three-game losing streak and they face the Vikings at home in a game that is sure to have an impact on the wild-card race.
The Rams, just a month ago, were in the conversation for a playoff spot but a three-game losing streak and a questionable offense has pushed them to the side. Now they head into Cincinnati a team that's in the middle of a two-game skid. The Rams are in trouble, to say the least.
The Raiders were a hot team three weeks ago, but their three-game losing streak makes them look like all the other teams chasing a dream that's turned into a nightmare. They could end the streak in Tennessee. Then again, a trip East hasn’t been the best formula for Raiders success.
The Jets are home against the Dolphins, a team they beat 27-14 earlier in the year. Ryan Tannehill is 3-0 in New York.
Finally, what has happened to the Eagles, who are on a three-game losing streak that is downright ugly.
4. Here comes a late charge: There are only nine teams with a winning record for the first time in recent NFL history. Consequently, three 5-5 teams would be in the playoffs if they were to start today. That means a lot of teams still have a chance to make it if they keep winning.
My three favorite teams to get to the six qualifying playoff spots (that are not currently qualifiers) are Seattle, Tampa Bay and Houston.
5. How good is the Cardinals' passing attack? In the second half of the Cincinnati-Arizona game, Carson Palmer was as impressive as any quarterback this season. He has the most TD passes (27), the highest QB rating (108.6), the highest fourth quarter passer rating (118.1), the most third down touchdowns (9), and only has 10 drops from a great set of receivers.
There are two big receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd, as well as a speedster in John Brown. Next up are the 49ers, who give up 290 passing yards a game and quarterbacks are completing a league-worst 70.1 percent of passes.
6. Some things to keep in mind for Week 12: Russell Wilson does not have a rushing touchdown this year. Yes, you read that right.
- Matt Ryan threw three touchdowns last week and lost at home for the first time in his career when throwing three TD passes. He is now 13-1 when hitting pay dirt three times at home.
- Andy Dalton has been sacked 13 times in the last four games after being sacked just six times in the first six games.
- Matt Hasselbeck is not only 3-0 as a starter, but he averages 236 yards passing, only has two turnovers and gets sacked just once every 23 pass plays (1:23).
- In the last two games the Jaguars are giving up 16 points a game.
- After averaging 344 passing yards and three TD passes per game for the first eight weeks, Philip Rivers has averaged 229 yards and half a TD in the last two weeks.
