The Browns stumbled on the road against the Bengals on Sunday, losing 24-6. But that AFC North clash wasn’t the only thing making waves in the NFL. There’s always plenty of drama brewing, and this week was no exception. Let’s dive into some of the hottest storylines from around the league and sort out whether they’re fact or fiction.
And to keep things interesting, we’re borrowing a bit of flair from the 1990s show Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction—yes, the one with all the Jonathan Frakes memes. We’ll channel our inner Frakes to declare this week’s biggest narratives either fact or fiction. Let’s get started!
1. Kevin Stefanski Deserves a Shot to Fix the Browns Offense Next Season
Verdict: Fact.
Sunday’s loss was just another frustrating chapter in a season full of them for the Browns, who now sit at 3-12. Sure, there are plenty of reasons for their struggles, but quarterback play is high on the list.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s two interceptions highlighted yet again that the Browns don’t have a viable answer at quarterback on their roster—or maybe even in the league right now. Add to that a sputtering offensive scheme, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
Kevin Stefanski has taken a lot of the heat, and while he’s not blameless, it’s not entirely fair to pin everything on him. Let’s not forget: the Deshaun Watson trade was billed as a collective decision by ownership, the front office, and Stefanski. If it’s a team failure, then firing Stefanski after one horrendous season seems rash, especially when he’s shown flashes of success in the past.
The Browns need a plan, and that plan starts with fixing their quarterback situation. Drafting Shedeur Sanders might be a pipe dream, but signing a reliable veteran and overhauling the run game could make a big difference. Stefanski deserves a shot to enact those changes in 2025. Blowing everything up after one ugly year would be a knee-jerk move that might do more harm than good.
2. The Steelers Blew Their Best Shot at Winning the AFC North
Verdict: Fact.
For at least one day, Lamar Jackson shook off his Pittsburgh demons. Jackson was lights out, throwing for 207 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-17 Ravens victory over the Steelers. This win didn’t just keep Baltimore’s AFC North hopes alive; it might’ve slammed the door on Pittsburgh’s best shot at the division crown.
Here’s the kicker: Kansas City is up next. The Chiefs roll into Pittsburgh on Christmas Day, needing a win to lock up the AFC’s No. 1 seed. Beating Patrick Mahomes and company is a daunting task, even at home, and the Steelers haven’t been the same since George Pickens’ hamstring injury.
The silver lining? Pickens has a “real chance” to return, according to Mike Tomlin. But even with Pickens back, the Steelers face an uphill battle—not just against the Chiefs but also against the high-powered Bengals in Week 18.
Meanwhile, the Ravens have a more manageable path, closing out the season with the Browns at home. If Pittsburgh falters, the Ravens are primed to pounce. Saturday’s loss in Baltimore might just be the moment Steelers fans look back on and wonder, “What if?”
3. Houston Is the Division Leader Most Likely to Lose in the Wild Card Round
Verdict: Fiction.
The Texans have had an up-and-down season, and their 24-19 loss to the Chiefs on Saturday was a harsh reminder of their inconsistency. C.J. Stroud has regressed a bit from his stellar 2023 campaign, throwing 19 touchdowns to 11 interceptions this season.
While the Texans look shaky in the AFC playoff picture, they’re probably not the most vulnerable division leader. Look to the NFC, where the Rams and the NFC South winner (whether it’s the Buccaneers or Falcons) seem ripe for a first-round exit.
The Vikings, Packers, and Commanders—all NFC wild card teams—each have 10 wins and are more than capable of pulling off an upset. The Texans might not be invincible, but they’re not in as precarious a position as some of their NFC counterparts.
4. Minnesota Is the Most Dangerous Wild Card Team in the NFC
Verdict: Fiction.
The Vikings are riding an eight-game win streak and just notched a 27-24 victory over the Seahawks to stay in the hunt for the NFC’s top seed. At 13-2, they’ve had an incredible season. But calling them the most dangerous wild card team in the NFC might be a stretch.
Here’s why: playoff success often hinges on quarterback play, and Sam Darnold, while solid, doesn’t inspire the same confidence as someone like Jordan Love (Packers) or Jayden Daniels (Commanders). Love already has playoff experience, and Daniels just showed his resilience by leading a win over the Eagles despite committing five turnovers.
This isn’t to knock Darnold or the Vikings—they’re absolutely a team to watch. But history shows that great quarterback play is essential for road playoff wins, and we simply don’t know how Darnold will perform in those high-pressure moments.
5. Beating the Jaguars Did the Raiders More Harm Than Good
Verdict: Fact.
The Raiders finally snapped their 10-game losing streak with a 19-14 win over the Jaguars on Sunday. Aidan O’Connell had a strong outing with 257 passing yards, and the team won the turnover battle. Sounds great, right?
Not so fast. That win might have cost Las Vegas more than it was worth. By climbing to 6th in the 2025 NFL Draft order, the Raiders now risk missing out on top quarterback prospects like Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward.
It’s no secret that the Raiders need a franchise quarterback, and picking outside the top five might leave them with fewer options. Players don’t tank, but fans might look back on this win and wonder if it was worth it.
Final Thoughts
The NFL never disappoints when it comes to drama and unpredictability. From the Browns’ struggles to the Steelers’ missed opportunities, there’s no shortage of storylines to dissect. As we head into the final weeks of the regular season, the stakes couldn’t be higher for teams fighting for playoff spots—or for those already looking ahead to the draft.
Stay tuned, because in the NFL, the only thing guaranteed is more surprises. And as always, we’ll be here to separate fact from fiction!
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