Every weekend in the NFL, elements attract our attention regarding the forces present, the records that are within reach or in relation to certain historical notes. Here, for the 13e week of activities, 5 elements to watch out for.
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1. A first team in the playoffs?
Nick Sirianni and the Eagles are having another thunderous season. Getty Images via AFP
It’s the final stretch of the season and this week, a first team has the opportunity to punch their ticket to the playoffs. This won’t be an easy task for the Eagles, but if they have the 49ers and a little help elsewhere, they will officially be in the tournament. With a victory, plus a loss or draw for the Rams against the Browns, the Eagles will qualify. They could also get there with a win, plus losses to the Lions and Packers. Moreover, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is the third in history to start two seasons in a row with 10-1 records, after Don Shula (1972 and 1973) and Tony Dungy (2005 and 2006).
2. Congestion at the top
Brock Purdy and the 49ers are among the eight teams with at least eight wins. Getty Images via AFP
In the American Conference, the Ravens (9-3) are on a bye. Three other teams will try to join them at the top during this time. The Dolphins, who face the Commanders, the Jaguars, who face the Bengals, as well as the Chiefs, who face the Packers, could all three end up with a record identical to that of the Ravens. By adding the four teams in the National Conference (Eagles, Cowboys, Lions and 49ers), there are therefore eight teams with at least eight victories. This ties the mark of 2020, 2019 and 2003 for the most teams with at least eight victories after 12 weeks.
3. Keenan Allen and feu
Keenan Allen is the leader in receptions. Getty Images via AFP
Even though the Chargers are having a disappointing season, the same cannot be said for their receiver Keenan Allen. He leads the league with 97 receptions and if he catches three passes against the Patriots, he will be in his fifth season with at least 100 receptions. In history, only Antonio Brown (6), Brandon Marshall (6), Larry Fitzgerald (5), Andre Johnson (5) and Wes Welker (5) have as many or more. Allen also has at least 10 receptions and 100 yards in three straight games. He will try to become the second in history to have four consecutive games of 10 receptions and 100 yards, after Calvin Johnson in 2012.
4. Hill runs towards history
Tyreek Hill is trying to become the first receiver in history to amass 2,000 yards in a season. Getty Images via AFP
Speaking of dominant receiver, Tyreek Hill continues his momentum toward the record books. The explosive Dolphins wide receiver leads the NFL with 1,324 yards. He needs 76 yards against the Commanders to become the fifth receiver in history to reach the 1,400-yard plateau in 12 games, after Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch (in 1951), Charlie Hennigan (in 1961), Lance Alworth (in 1965) and Calvin Johnson (in 2012). At this rate, Hill would finish with a season record of 2,046 yards, but it should be noted that the record of 1,964 yards was established by Calvin Johnson in 16 games, rather than 17.
5. A rare bird…
Malcolm Rodriguez receives congratulations from quarterback Jared Goff. Getty Images via AFP
There is a Lions player who deserves to come out of the shadows. Malcolm Rodriguez is one of the rare players of his era to play on both sides of the ball. On offense, he fills the role of fullback, while on defense, he is a linebacker. So far this season, he has appeared in 20 plays on offense and 66 on defense. This week, head coach Dan Campbell hinted that he would like Rodriguez to see more of the field, both on defense and offense. That’s without mentioning the fact that he also participated in 187 games on special teams.
2023-12-03 06:00:00
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