Halloween and NFL Reflections
With Halloween approaching, it’s challenging to write without touching on trick-or-treating or the spooky vibe that comes with the season. Here at The Skinny Post, we—Michael Peterson and RJ Ochoa—stick to our love for sports, especially the NFL. Some might even call us heroes for that commitment. But hey, there’s a comment section if you want to chime in.
It’s been a tough season for some NFL teams, while others are riding high. As we get into the candy spirit, some fans dream about the San Francisco 49ers, while others have set their sights on the mock drafts for 2026. It’s a pivotal moment in the season.
Our task today? To navigate the nuances in between. Let’s dive in.
What’s the JJ McCarthy Situation About?
JJ McCarthy is making his way back to the Vikings this week, but the way Minnesota has managed this situation all season has raised a lot of eyebrows. They seemed to be trying for a soft benching, but I think they really may have overdone it. Honestly, if they had just benched JJ entirely, the fallout might not have been as intense as what they’re facing now.
This week, McCarthy is under quite a spotlight due to the unusual scenario Minnesota has crafted. If he doesn’t perform well, the critiques will only grow louder—largely because of his role as a leader.
The way I see it, the whole JJ McCarthy situation is heading into odd territory; yet, I hesitate to overanalyze it. When he was healthy, he struggled, which led the team to rely on a veteran while McCarthy recovered. Sure, they could have put him back in sooner, but would that have helped? Perhaps they believed Wentz could keep things afloat until McCarthy was almost back to full form. Coach O’Connell’s future relies heavily on McCarthy’s rookie contract, so it’s understandable they want him to have every opportunity to thrive.
There will undoubtedly be pressure for him to perform well upon his return. But now, if the team falters, it’s not solely on McCarthy. Coach Flores’ defense is struggling quite a bit, and the offensive line is dealing with injuries. Personally, I think this season might be slipping away for the Vikings, so what really matters now is McCarthy’s growth.
Which NFL Team Might Surprise Us?
For me, the answer is straightforward. Initially, I thought about the Indianapolis Colts, but they seem aware of their Super Bowl potential this year. Winning the Lombardi Trophy won’t come easy for them, but it’s definitely in reach.
I hate to say it, but I think the New England Patriots are in the mix. It’s ironic given their past, but they seem determined to bounce back. They have a quarterback, Drake Maye, who is capable of playing at an MVP level. Sounds like a solid recipe for Super Bowl success.
And then there are the Broncos. They showed they could score 33 points in a single quarter against the Giants, a game that left them sitting at 6-2, though it felt like they deserved more than just the win.
While their offense has fluctuated this year, one thing remains steady: their defense, which features a strong pass rush. If their offense can find its rhythm, the Broncos could position themselves well for the playoffs and perhaps even contend for the AFC West title.
Which Team Seems Like a Lost Cause?
If I had to pick a team, it might be the Packers. Looking at their schedule, they haven’t quite shown they’re genuine contenders. Sure, their win over the Lions in Week 1 was notable, but it came against a team that was transitioning and figuring things out.
The only loss they faced was against the struggling Browns. They were tied in a shootout against an inferior Cowboys team, and other wins were against teams like the Bengals, Commanders, and Steelers – none of whom are truly threatening. Honestly, I need more to believe they’re serious Super Bowl contenders.
The myths we create for ourselves come into play here. I suspect the Broncos might be feeling pretty good after last week’s victory over my Cowboys. It stings a bit, I’ll admit, seeing a team convinced that beating the Cowboys means something substantial, even if reality has other plans. Look at the Bears’ offense with Caleb Williams—were they really that impressive? They briefed the Cowboys last month, but things shifted after that.
The stark truth is that the Broncos have to navigate through a division that Kansas City clearly owns. And let’s not forget the Chargers or the resurgent Colts and Patriots.
Is Any Team Giving Up on the Playoffs?
It’s tough to justify picking a team with five or more wins, but I’m leaning toward the San Francisco 49ers. They’re currently sitting third in the NFC North, while both the Rams and Seahawks are playing better football and hold the tiebreaker over them. It’s not unheard of for three teams from a single division to make the playoffs, yet the Niners seem to be managing without starting QB Brock Purdy just fine.
Usually, third place in a division quickly puts a team out of playoff contention, yet the Niners are hanging on to hope.
Believe it or not, I think I’d also include the Houston Texans. They don’t seem elite, and maybe they’re not even fully aware of their potential, but they’re good enough to rack up some wins. The AFC is uneven right now, and the path for wild card placements is challenging.
I mean, if they can face off against a team like San Francisco, why not? I think they stand a chance despite hitting a rough patch lately.
