In our latest installment of the Pigskin Daily History Dispatch, we embark on a compelling journey through the current NFL landscape, contemplating the implications of Week 16 predictions as the season approaches its conclusion.

Early Observations After NFL Week 15 (2025 Season)

Based on the discussion between Darin Hayes and Ed Kleese, the primary observations after Week 15 revolved around two main themes: the plight of the Washington Commanders and the volatility of the league standings.

The Washington Commanders' Annual December Misery

Ed Kleese, a Commanders fan, detailed his team's historically difficult relationship with the late season:

Status:The Commanders are characterized as "dead and done" and playing in a "dismal atmosphere" (3-10 vs. 2-11 game).
Historical Context:In 17 out of the last 33 seasons, the Commanders have been either officially or essentially eliminated from the playoffs by December 1st. In 25 out of those 33 seasons, they were eliminated before the last game of the season.
Current Sentiment:Kleese is "grappling with the bitterness" and now just "root[s] for around the league... just pain," hoping other teams join the misery. He noted the team is "playing out the string" and starting to think about 2026.

High League Volatility and the "Roller Coaster" Season

Kleese noted that the "roller coaster of the NFL season" has been extreme, with inconsistent performances dominating the league:

Inconsistent Teams:Kleese estimates that15 out of 32 teamshave had a "roller coaster season" (being significantly different from how they looked at the start or middle of the year).
Examples of Volatility:
Chiefs:Described as having a "bad start, good middle, miserable end."
Dolphins:Started 1-6 before making a run.
Commanders:Started 3-2 before an eight-game losing streak.
Texans:Looked "dreadful in as recently as mid-October" but now look like Super Bowl contenders.
Contenders Falling:Both the Buccaneers and Colts were 5-1 and near the one-seed at one point but are now fighting for their playoff lives or likely to miss entirely.
Saints:Had a "rough, rough first three quarters" but look like they will "finish strong."
Consistent Teams (Exceptions):The NFC West (Rams, Seahawks, 49ers) were singled out as teams that were "pretty good Week 1... and they're still good in December," showing consistency throughout.

Conclusion on Season Length

The hosts concluded that the volatility serves as a reminder "to not panic, not freak out" early in the year, and that in the NFL, "things may not be what they seem in the NFL because you got it. You got to make it through the long haul." They cautioned against dismissing any team that is "one in five."

Week 15 Results Summary

Here are the points awarded to Darin and Ed for Week 15.

Ravens vs. Bengals

Darin - 2 Points (Perfect Call/Win)

Ed- Not Discussed (Implied not a pick)

Bills vs. Patriots

Darin -2 Points (Win)

Ed- 2 Points (Win by 4+ points)

Broncos vs. Packers

Darin - 1 Point (Partial Credit - Win but score missed)

Ed- 0 Points (Loss - Called Packers win)

Chiefs vs. Chargers

Darin - 0 Points (Loss)

Ed- 0 Points (Loss)

Panthers vs. Saints

Darin - 0 Points (Loss - Called Panthers rolling)

Ed- Not Discussed (Implied not a pick)

Steelers vs. Dolphins

Darin - Not Discussed (Implied not a pick)

Ed- 2 Points (Win - Called steamrolling)

WEEK 15 TOTAL

Darin- 5 Points

Ed- 4 Points

Final Point Totals

Darin's Week 15 Total:5 points
Ed's Week 15 Total:4 points

This means Darin finished ahead of Ed for the week, narrowing the overall gap in the season total.

Season Total (After Week 15)

Ed - 71 points

Darin - 67 points

Our predictions for week 16 went something like this:

Ed Kleese's Bold Predictions

Seahawks vs. Rams (Thursday Night):Ed picks the Seahawks to win a "coin flip" game, stating it is a "law of averages game" and that Sam Darnold will play much better.
Packers over the Bears
Commanders vs. Eagles:Ed predicts the Eagles will win, but the game will be "way closer than people think," with the Eagles' defense holding on during a crucial final drive by the Commanders.
Dallasto bounce back, have a big week and beat theChargersin Dallas
Lions vs. Steelers:Ed predicts the Lions will "roll the Steelers" and win the game by10 or more points.

Darin Hayes's Bold Predictions

Seahawks vs. Rams (Thursday Night):Darin picks the Seahawks to win and specifically predicts that the Seahawks'defense is going to set up a score (or score themselves) late in the second halfto make the difference.
Bears vs. Packers (Saturday):Darin predicts the Bears will win a hard-fought game with alate Caleb-led driveputting them over the edge.
Buccaneers vs. Panthers:Darin predicts the Buccaneers will "write the ship" with astatement win, and that quarterbackBaker Mayfield will account for at least three touchdowns.
Patriots vs. Ravens:Darin predicts a big Patriots win, stating that Drake May willoutduel Lamarand the Patriots' defense will lead them to holding Baltimore's offense to21 points or less.
Colts vs. 49ers:Darin makes his "Christmas miracle" prediction, taking Philip Rivers and theIndianapolis Colts to knock off the 49ers. He also suggests Rivers might become theAFC Player of the Week.

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From the Gridiron: Key Predictions for Week 16 of the NFL

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