The New York Jets are making headlines again after firing GM Joe Douglas, which wasn’t a surprise given the team’s disappointing 3–8 record.

With both the GM and head coach positions open, Aaron Rodgers could be forced to retire or find a new team. However, there might still be a scenario where Rodgers returns for a third season with the Jets.

While the Philadelphia Eagles have no issues with their GM, some doubted Howie Roseman following the team’s collapse last season after a strong 10–1 start. During that rough finish, the defense showed its age and the offense struggled, with quarterback Jalen Hurts offering inconsistent performances.

But it turns out Roseman was playing the long game, and we are now seeing the results of his moves on the field. Let’s explore if the Eagles can truly compete with the dominant Detroit Lions and if the Jets should consider bringing Rodgers back for another season.

Eagles are a true threat to the Lions thanks to Howie Roseman’s moves

It’s been a while since analysts have been raving about Howie Roseman’s GM skills, but the Eagles are once again contenders, and it’s clear he hasn’t lost his touch. The moves made over the past three years, along with the signing of Saquon Barkley, have transformed the Eagles into Super Bowl contenders. They now boast the perfect mix of youth, experience, depth, and star power to challenge the Lions when the NFC playoffs arrive.

What’s been most impressive is how Roseman has addressed glaring holes from last season with smart draft picks. He excels at adding depth at key positions to ensure players are ready when called upon. For example, linebacker Nakobe Dean and defensive tackle Jordan Davis, who weren’t ready to start last year, have improved and are now making a difference in their third seasons. Cam Jurgens, drafted in 2022, has transitioned from guard to center seamlessly, filling in for Jason Kelce.

But it’s the offseason moves that have been crucial to the Eagles’ 8–2 record. The secondary has been revamped with young rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, while veteran Zack Baun has bolstered an improved linebacker corps.

Then there’s the signing of Barkley, who has rushed for 1,137 yards and eight touchdowns in his first 10 games with the Eagles. With a defense capable of disrupting Lions quarterback Jared Goff and enough offensive firepower to keep pace, the Eagles are a serious threat to Detroit.

Jets should consider another Aaron Rodgers season

With the Jets’ 2024 season all but over, discussions have turned to whether Rodgers, who turns 41 next month, will retire or return for a third year with the team. Given that Rodgers isn’t owed any guaranteed money for 2025 (meaning the Jets would be saddled with $49 million in dead money if they cut him), there’s little financial incentive to keep him around, especially after two disappointing seasons. Rodgers has appeared to be past his prime and only played four snaps in 2023 after suffering an Achilles injury.

Committing to Rodgers for another season would also require his input on the new GM and head coach hires. The team might also need to address the outdated contract of Davante Adams, which could be risky with the receiver approaching his 32nd birthday. A new GM and coach might prefer to build the roster their own way, without being tied to Rodgers and his former Green Bay teammates.

Although a third year with Rodgers could limit the team’s long-term potential, there is a scenario where Rodgers agrees to be a bridge quarterback for a rookie QB, with no roster demands. However, the Jets might be better off exploring other veteran options to pair with a young signal-caller. A reunion with former QB Sam Darnold, now with the Minnesota Vikings, seems unlikely, though.

It’s hard to imagine Rodgers accepting a backup role without interfering in the Jets’ personnel decisions, making a 2025 return less appealing. After two seasons of disappointment, it may be time for the Jets to move on.

Someone other than Lamar Jackson will win MVP

There has been debate over whether Joe Burrow deserves MVP consideration, given the Bengals’ 4–7 record. But the same could be said for Lamar Jackson, who may not even be in the MVP conversation if the Ravens (7–4) had lost a couple of close games to Burrow’s Bengals.

Both Burrow and Jackson are worthy candidates, regardless of their teams’ records. However, their success has been bolstered by elite playmakers like Ja’Marr Chase and Derrick Henry. For reasons unknown, neither Chase nor Henry is likely to be seriously considered for MVP, despite being strong contenders for Offensive Player of the Year.

One name to keep an eye on is Barkley, who has had a standout season with the Eagles. He carried the team during a stretch without A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith and has been the team’s top player all year. Barkley’s impact is a major reason the Eagles are once again Super Bowl contenders after a rough end to the 2023 season.

Despite Barkley’s strong case, MVP voters typically favor quarterbacks. Josh Allen could also be in the mix, especially if he delivers more clutch performances in upcoming games against the 49ers and Lions. It’s still a tough battle for Allen, Barkley, Burrow, or even Jared Goff to dethrone Jackson, but Jackson should not be considered a lock for the award, especially given the Ravens’ losses to the Raiders and Browns.

Additionally, Jackson’s MVPs came when the Ravens had the best record in the AFC, and it’s unclear if Baltimore will win the AFC North this season, especially with the Steelers (8–2) emerging as a serious threat.

Falcons will hold on to win NFC South

While the Atlanta Falcons have been inconsistent, they still hold a slim lead in the NFC South, despite the other teams in the division having losing records.

The Falcons briefly gave hope to the other teams by ending the Saints’ seven-game losing streak in Week 10, only to suffer a humiliating 32-point loss to the Broncos in Week 11. The Saints (4–7) are now just two games behind the Falcons (6–5), thanks to a two-game win streak following the firing of coach Dennis Allen. The interim coaching change has revitalized New Orleans.

But the Falcons shouldn’t get too comfortable at the top of the division. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4–6), who have lost four straight, are still in the hunt. The Bucs, despite injuries to key receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, have stayed competitive, losing narrowly to the Chiefs and 49ers before their bye week. With upcoming games against the Giants, Panthers, and Raiders, don’t be surprised if the Buccaneers take the NFC South title for a fourth consecutive year.

Even the Panthers (3–7) could have an outside shot, having won two straight games against the Saints and Giants.

After their bye week, the Falcons will face the Chargers and Vikings, two tough opponents. Atlanta needs to find consistency with its offense, led by Kirk Cousins, and shore up a defense that has been surprisingly porous, allowing 357.1 yards and 24.9 points per game. The NFC South race is still wide open as the Falcons’ lead continues to shrink.

Cowboys will free-fall into the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft

The Dallas Cowboys have struggled mightily in their past two games, leading to questions about whether coach Mike McCarthy has lost control of the team.

It does appear that the Cowboys are fading fast after blowout losses to the Eagles and Texans. With quarterback Dak Prescott out for the season due to a hamstring injury, the Cowboys (3–7) have little chance of being competitive against playoff-bound teams. Their remaining schedule includes games against the Giants (3–7) and Panthers (3–7), but both teams will likely be playing hard to avoid the No. 1 pick in the draft.

It’s looking increasingly likely that the Cowboys, despite their playoff hopes at the start of the season, could finish with the worst record in the league and claim the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. However, it’s possible that one of the two-win AFC teams—the Raiders, Browns, Titans, or Jaguars—might also secure that top pick by season’s end, especially if they fail to win another game.