Important Stats/Facts 📊
What to Take Away from the Divisional Round:
Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the Broncos’ victory over the Bills
Jarrett Stidham is starting for Denver the rest of the way. In 6 seasons, he is 1-3 as a starter with a 4 to 6 TD/INT ratio
The Patriots forced 5 turnovers against Houston, and they open as 5.5 point favorites in Denver
C.J. Stroud showcased dreadful decision-making all postseason long, raising questions about his future in Houston.
The Bears showcased some of their signature 2025 magic, but it was not enough against the battle-tested Rams
The Rams will now take on Seattle for the third time this season, after two incredibly competitive clashes in the regular season.
The home team has won the game in each of the two Rams vs. Seahawks in 2025.
The Seahawks are the Super Bowl favorite right now with odds around +150 to win the whole thing.
Grading Head Coach Hires
New Giants Head Coach, John Harbaugh
New York Giants: John Harbaugh
Harbaugh brings experience, as well as a winning mentality, which is something the G-Men have been desperately in need of. New York is giving him a BAG, signing him to a 5-year contract that is somewhere north of 100 million dollars.
Grade: A-
Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Stefanski
Any of my fellow WalterPicks colleagues will tell you that I am a bit of a skeptic when it comes to Kevin Stefanski. But, his style fits with the Falcons well, and the former two-time Coach of the Year is going to bring a good staff. I have some concerns about the Atlanta QB situation, which is what hindered Stefanski in Cleveland. In the weakest division in the NFL, Kevin Stefanski can certainly lead this team to division titles.
Grade: B (sorry Falcons fans I am a certified hater)
Miami Dolphins: Jeff Hafley
The former Boston College head coach and Packers Defensive Coordinator has found himself leading the charge for a pretty directionless Dolphins squad. When healthy, the Green Bay defense was excellent, and he designs one of the more difficult defensive schemes for opposing offenses to handle. To me, this feels like one of those signings that may take a few seasons to see if it actually is working out or not. Miami has the Tua Tagovailoa contract hanging over their heads, as well as a lack of personnel on defense. I do like the continuity of their new GM, Jon-Eric Sullivan (the Packers VP of Player Personnel), coming in with someone he is familiar with.
Grade: C+
Tennessee Titans: Robert Saleh
Saleh is getting another shot at leading the way for an organization after being fired by the Jets just last season. I personally would have preferred an offensive-minded coach to pair with Cam Ward, but if Robert Saleh brings Mike McDaniel (former Dolphins Head Coach) with him, I think this hire is great. For now, I think it is solid at best.
Grade: B- (would change to A- if he brings McDaniel with him)
Robert Saleh
Which of the New Head Coach Hires Do You think is Best?
Predictions for the Rest of the Openings 🔮
1: Arizona Cardinals: Sean McDermott (recently fired Bills Head Coach)
This prediction really has no basis behind it yet, considering Arizona has not requested to interview him yet. But, McDermott wants to keep coaching, and I believe he could have a leash long enough to develop a winning culture in Arizona, a team deep in the heart of a rebuild.
2: Cleveland Browns: Grant Udinski (current Jaguars Offensive Coordinator)
This job is going to go to one of Grant Udinski or Jim Schwartz (the Browns current Defensive Coordinator). I am predicting them to take the chance on the 30-year-old wizkid, Grant Udinski. Sean McVay was hired when he was 30, and he turned out to be pretty good.
3: Las Vegas Raiders: Klint Kubiak (current Seahawks Offensive Coordinator)
Tom Brady is going to want to pair his number one pick, Fernando Mendoza, with a young, offensive-minded coach. Kubiak has been under some of the greatest coaches in recent memory, and he is going to get his first HC opportunity in Vegas.
Chris Shula
4: Pittsburgh Steelers: Chris Shula (current Rams Defensive Coordinator)
The Steelers have an affinity for hiring young, defensive coaches as their Head Coach. Shula is the cream of the crop in that category of this cycle. At just 39 years old, Shula makes too much sense.
5: Buffalo Bills: Joe Brady (current Bills Offensive Coordinator)
This opening is the most recent, and it seems like there are a bunch of players in Buffalo who would vouch for Joe Brady getting this opportunity. Josh Allen will have a lot of say in this decision, so it would not be surprising to see some sort of combination of Joe Brady and Brian Daboll running the Buffalo offense.
6: Baltimore Ravens: Brian Flores
It is pretty speculative of me to say this, but it almost felt as if the Ravens’ owner Steve Bisciotti was hinting at the idea of someone like Robert Saleh, Brian Flores, or Mike McDaniel getting this opportunity. He mentioned wanting no flack for hiring someone who may or may not have a losing record as a previous Head Coach. I would give this hire an A-, especially when considering the staff he would be able to bring in.
I am fully aware that Jesse Minter(Chargers Defensive Coordinator) is one of the hottest names of this cycle, but I would not be surprised to see him have another year with the Chargers, similarly to how Ben Johnson waited for an opportunity to get a job that he felt was ideal.
