The Pro Football Hall of Fame unveiled their list of 26 modern era players (the result of their being a tie for the 25th spot on the list) that are finalists to be inducted into the class of 2026 this morning.
On the list include:
QB Drew Brees – 1st time as semifinalist, first year eligible
QB Eli Manning – 2nd time as semifinalist, Finalist in 2025
QB Philip Rivers – 1st time as semifinalist, first year eligible
RB Frank Gore – 1st time as semifinalist, first year eligible
RB Fred Taylor – 7th time as semifinalist, Finalist in 2025
WR Larry Fitzgerald – 1st time as semifinalist, first year eligible
WR Torry Holt – 12th time as semifinalist, Finalist in 2025
WR Steve Smith Sr. – 5th time as semifinalist, Finalist in 2025
WR Hines Ward – 10th time as semifinalist
WR Reggie Wayne – 7th time as semifinalist, Finalist in 2025
TE Jason Witten – 1st time as semifinalist, first year eligible
OL Willie Anderson – 6th time as semifinalist, Finalist in 2025
OL Lomas Brown – 1st time as a semifinalist
OL Jahri Evans – 4th time as semifinalist, Finalist in 2025
OL Richmond Webb – 2nd time as semifinalist
OL Steve Wisniewski – 3rd time as semifinalist
OL Marshal Yanda – 2nd time as semifinalist, Finalist in 2025
DL Robert Mathis – 5th time as semifinalist
DL Vince Wilfork – 5th time as semifinalist
DL Kevin Williams – 1st time as semifinalist
LB Luke Kuechly – 2nd time as semifinalist, Finalist in 2025
LB Terrell Suggs – 2nd time as semifinalist, Finalist in 2025
DB Rodney Harrison – 5th time as semifinalist
DB Earl Thomas – 2nd time as semifinalist
DB Darren Woodson – 10th time as semifinalist
K Adam Vinatieri – 2nd time as semifinalist, Finalist in 2025
Lomas Brown and Kevin Williams are the only first time semifinalists that are not in their first year of eligibility. The list was culled form a list of 128 nominees announced in September, and will now be cut to a group of 15 finalists later this year, before being debated along with Coaches, Contributor and Senior nominees in advance of Super Bowl LX. Between four and eight new members will be elected, per the HOF bylaws, announced at NFL Honors show in February, and inducted in Canton next August.
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its a solid list..but as usual the next cutdown to 15 will be brutal–the first year eligible (Brees/Fitz/Witten/Gore?) plus returning 12 finalists from 2025 will fill those 15 slots…going to be real hard for other newbees like Webb or SteveWis (last year as modern candidate) to push through as finalists
Heads up 12/3 we find out who the senior coach and contributor finalists are
Thanks for the new thread Tony.
Still hoping Wiz and Webb find a way Paul but you never know.
Just hoping there is at least a five man class this year but Kraft may cancel out a deserving senior or modern player.
Um Kraft and modern players are separate brian
Yep modern and group of 5 are separate elections – Kraft and or BillB could certainly keep up senior but don’t complete with moderns so no impact there
depends on which three seniors we get am i right paul
Honesty if BillB and Kraft are the finalists who complete with 3 seniors for just 3 slots I frankly don’t think any senior is elected in this class
lets wait and see before that happens no need to rush to any conclusions
Guys I meant the overrall draft class. Even if they get the nominations, it could still be a small class. I would prefer four players and Belichick. Not three players with Belichick and Kraft. The math still has to add up, modern or senior because there might not be a senior elected. Too many divided votes.
I know the seniors/coaches/contributors are seperate from moderns but still hoping for at least five or six overrall inductees. Should have made it more clear.
My prediction for the 15 finalists
Willie Anderson
Drew Brees
Jahri Evans
Larry Fitzgerald
Frank Gore
Torry Holt
Luke Kuechly
Steve Smith Sr
Terrell Suggs
Adam Vinatieri
Reggie Wayne
Kevin Williams
Jason Witten
Darren Woodson
Marshal Yanda
I’m glad Kevin Williams made it
This is going to be a hard list to cut down to 15 finalists
Every prediction we have ever made here is a rush to judgment- that’s the intent
Good list Andy P …
Can Gore advance over Taylor? Could both advance?
I dont feel Williams will advance. Could that help Wiz or Webb?
I still feel Thomas might join Woodson. Hoping Witten advances as the next TE.
It will come down to the receivers. If Wayne or Smith advance it will hurt Holt, though he gets to advance. Fitz is assured.
heres my final 15
Willie Anderson
Drew Brees
Jahiri Evans
Larry Fitzgerald
Frank Gore
Torry Holt
Luke Kuechly
Eli Manning
Terrell Suggs
Adam Vinatieri
Reggie Wayne
Richmond Webb
Steve Wisniewski
Jason Witten
Darren Woodson
Willie Anderson
Drew Brees
Jahri Evans
Larry Fitzgerald
Frank Gore
Torry Holt
Luke Kuechly
Eli Manning
Steve Smith Sr
Terrell Suggs
Adam Vinatieri
Reggie Wayne
Jason Witten
Darren Woodson
Marshal Yanda
I hope ur right on Wiz and Webb … The Greatest
Both you and Paul think Eli will advance … we will see
Eli made final 15 last year so clearly has support among voters-doubt he advances further but since a step back out of final 15
Eli made final 15 last year so clearly has support among voters-doubt he advances further but don’t see a step back out of final 15
Most likely Paul he gets eliminated in the cut down from 15 to 10
exactly my prediction..I think he will stay in final 15 until after Brady is elected (2028) plus BenR, who could be first ballot in 2027 or also wait until after Brady, and then Eli becomes next best QB on modern ballot long enough to get a path to election
and reminder group of 5 finalists announced by Hall on next Wednesday (Dec 3rd)
So realistically if the three wr’s cancel each other out on the seniors ballot we would be down to these 6
Ken Anderson
Roger Craig
LC Greenwood
Joe Jacoby
Eddie Meador
Steve Tasker
Which three would you pick and why
If simply looking at best 3 (with best resumes) and not attempting to game strategy best way to get one elected over the coach and contributor..but those with strongest cases I would go with Anderson/Craig/Jacoby…(of course they would not be my top three among all senior candidates but alas they are the current finalists to choose from)
Those would be my exact 3 paul anderson Craig Jacoby who would be your 3
I picked Anderson, Jacoby and Meador on the other thread but get a funny feeling that Greenwood might be part of the final 3.
Voters remember this great Steelers team and unlike the great 49ers and Chiefs teams with Craig and Taylor, Greenwood had been a finalist more times than they have. Nobody cares about AFL players and Craig got injured in his prime. He could get a Terrell Davis-argument, which I hope for, but would the voters put him in, if he makes the final 3 ?
I feel the combination of Anderson/Craig/Greenwood/Jacoby will make it tough for Kraft once he is nominated/endorsed.
Brian if they went with anderson craig and greenwood i would be very satisfied to be honest brian i never thought that about craig before
Robert that’s a tough one I don’t know with the exception of Steve Tasker they’re all worthy I think I’m going to go with Ken Anderson Roger Craig and Joe Jacoby but we’ll just see who the finalists are
what if lets say they went with meador as one of the three how would you guys react
Robert I would be happy but I would also be worried because he played a long time ago and the selection committee as Rick Gosselin said is getting younger not older so I would hope he would be elected but at the same time I would be worried he wouldn’t be elected
Appreciate the feedback andy agreed with you 100% that’s why I think it could either be anderson Craig greenwood or Craig greenwood Jacoby
Robert it could also be Ken Anderson Roger Craig and Joe Jacoby but we’ll just see
Sorry Robert … but Meador wont get elected. Its gonna be interesting with Anderson/Craig/Jacoby/Greenwood.
If Greenwood is endorsed tomorrow … he will get elected.
brian i wasnt saying meador would be elected i was saying hypothetcially and yes i agree on greenwood
Just announced
Finalists:
Seniors: Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, L.C. Greenwood
Coach: Bill Belichick
Contributor: Robert Kraft
can we rush to conclusions now…….
All 5 belong. I just hope we get the maximum number allowed.
I don’t think the election math (voting splitting that will occur) will give us that result-more likely its Bill and perhaps Kraft only, I can see a lot of vote splits among the seniors especially Craig vs Anderson so neither gets to 40…and gets harder if Bill and/or Kraft get more than 40 votes..taking more away from seniors..lets say Bill gets 46 and Kraft 44 that’s 90 out of 150 leaving only 60-and Craig/Anderson split those 30/30-neither gets to min 40 votes
Disappointed that Jacoby did not advance, but maybe for the best given that the committee seems unwilling to renominate seniors who were not elected under this new screwy format.
I don’t believe any of the seniors will be elected. And as I’ve expressed before, I’m not a huge supporter of Anderson or Craig as QBs and RBs are already over-represented in the Hall. Someone has to be the best QB and RB not in the Hall…
Yeah, that’s what I think will happen unfortunately. It was always going to be very difficult for any senior competing with both Kraft and Belichick
If anyone hears about the reduction votes, please let me know. I’d like to include in my spreadsheet of voting history
I think Greenwood and Belichick get voted in.
Congrats to all endorsed by the committee. We will see if Kraft finally makes it. I agree Justin, Jacoby would have been a safe bet that voters could elect without division.
I also feel Belichick will return as a HC before or after he is voted in. I think the Titans may approach him.
They have to get fans excited for the new stadium. He would create headlines regardless of success.
interesting fact-since Hall started releasing the final 9 seniors (election for class of 2023), Ken Anderson is only candidate not elected who has appeared on all four: 2023 to 2026;
and unofficially over the years (pre 2023) I would track public comments (rare) about other seniors considered, back when we knew nothing as to senior semifinalists and finalists, Anderson was a name that came up frequently, so over years those involved with the senior committee were aware of him and had support
of all three senior finalists I am pretty certain LC Greenwood has the least chance of election
I hope Craig makes it but I doubt it. Youre right Paul, Anderson has been consistent for awhile.
Paul: the one thing Greenwood has going for him is that he played defense.
The modern semifinalists lean heavily offense, with Brees and Fitzgerald the two most likely first ballot candidates both playing offense. The other two seniors played offense. For those voters who like to balance their ballots, Greenwood will have a leg up.
On the other hand, Greenwood passed away some time ago, and it is likely human nature to lean toward candidates who can still enjoy the enshrinement festivities.
Not a surprising group of five. Not the three seniors that I would have picked, but also not an objectionable group. I’d be fine with any of them getting in. I don’t think any further speculation is all that worthwhile though. I think it will be either Belichick and Kraft, or just Belichick. Seems really unlikely that any of these three players will get elected. A lot of good work by the committee down the drain. Could be avoided if voters somehow agree in advance on a single player to vote for. One is better than none (I wonder if in future years they could ignore the expectation of three finalists and just name one – they’d be more likely to get in).
I think the new rules have taken a lot of the joy out of the process for me. This will likely be the first class in decades with no senior, and going forward it will be difficult to see more than one senior elected in a given year (if there is a strong coach and/or contributor, the math gets very difficult). This could easily be another 4-5 person class. I only hope there will be an outcry and a rule change. I feel as though for many years, the main problem the hall has had is too many deserving players who fell through the cracks and never even had their case discussed. This is what the senior committee is for, but 1-2 seniors per year is really not enough. Every time they seem to take a step forward on that issue, they eventually take several steps backward.
My thoughts
I got 4/5
I’m so glad Robert Kraft is finally the contributor finalist
Once again I don’t need to give my thoughts we all knew the coaching finalist was going to be Bill Belichick
I’m happy for Ken Anderson Roger Craig and LC Greenwood
I’ll just say this this is going to be a hard vote because only three can get in I really hope they change the process again after this because too many seniors are being left out
Most likely the senior elected will come down to either Anderson or Greenwood who would be my pick honestly i just dont know
Jeff totally
jeff i think at least 1 senior gets in which one i dont really know
1 other thing ill add is that from what i read on the espn article belichick is a lock there not sure on kraft so that could open the door for a senior
one last thought before i go being negative all the time isnt healthy its just plain silly and thats why im done on here
Robert farewell we’ll miss you
I like all of these candidates and I actually truly believe all are HOFamers. I just think this latest process stinks! i hope they change it in a few years. This is my Prediction Belichick and Ken Anderson
I would temper any interpretation of what ESPN says about PFHOF chances for anyone including Kraft as many in the media, outside of voters, often know less and have less insight on the process than informed fans (like us) have. Also there are several well known, outspoken voters who have repeatedly strongly promoted Kraft for the PFHOF. Perhaps he falls short of 40 votes (which does not assure a senior is elected) but he has really good chance at election. Plus consider this, if not elected his case will not disappear as will remain the top candidate in contributors category, longer he remains on ballot he is a threat to getting seniors elected.
There is no negativity on here Robert other than the voting process. Either it changes or it wont.
We back the candidates that we believe in and try to be happy for the rest. Many of our favorites have gotten in. Its always interesting to speculate and show bragging rights towards favorite candidates. Discussion and debate makes this site fun. We just cant get too bent out of shape if someone doesnt get elected, or even nominated … Its all subjective.
Dont worry Andy, Robert isnt leaving. He will probably correctly predict the upcoming class, like he usually does … haha
Besides, Robert and Paul are good at looking for and finding leaks from disappointed candidates or familys. Hopefully, we can get a leg up on someone elected before the SB announcements.
We got a few leaks in 2023 and 2024, but it seemed in Jan-Feb this year, including day of, there were few leaks of those elected to class of 2025 (or disappointment of those not)..yet plenty will know-family and former teammates and in age of social media always possible a few come out.
And yep its a frustrating process, always has been..except perhaps when we got a class of 9 that allowed many deserving elected-but even then some fan bases remained upset by outcome, and reality is smaller classes create more of that, and so does having 5 complete for 3 slots, lets hope process is changed to give more direct path to election and we get classes of 6 or so.. Just worth remembering even that will leave out deserving candidates so frustration and anger of many will always be part of process-just the way it is.
And yea in early January I will post our annual prediction contest, for those interesting in participating….
Bill are you new here this is the first time I’ve seen you post if that’s the case welcome and I agree with you it stinks
Paul you’re right and you want to know how I knew this year’s class was going to be a small class I looked at the schedule for NFL Network to see what time the Hall of Fame knocks show would be on it would be on Saturday like usual but it would be 30 minutes instead of an hour
updates on next steps in election
– announcement of modern final 15 candidates, on NFL Network show, last week in Dec
-selection committee election virtual meeting, mid January-no official Hall press release or information released regarding that meeting
-class revealed during NFL Honors Show, Thursday evening before Superbowl
(and be very careful amount rumors that might spread after election and before reveal as to class, as I looked back that that period for class of 2025, in media, social media and even here among our group-myself included and many were false and other missed)
Paul according to this article by Don Van Natta Jr the selection meeting will be on January 13th
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47183383/kraft-belichick-appear-2026-hof-ballot-together
Do you know the date the finalists will be announced
watch NFL Network schedule as 15 modern finalists are announced on show there-last year was on Sat Dec 28th. (they only post their daily shows schedule 10 days out, so nothing there yet)
Paul last year they announced the finalists at 10 am as part of the pregame game I wonder if they’ll do that again this year
https://www.nfl.com/news/colts-plan-to-bring-in-8-time-pro-bowl-qb-philip-rivers-for-workout Just something to watch
Yeah, crazy Rivers might come back. I haven’t looked it up but if he plays a down does his eligibility restart (having a fresh 20 year)?. I doubt he makes it this year. Would be interesting if he were to suit up again. Colts are in really big trouble for QB. They are still well alive for playoffs. Imagine the story if he were to take them to the AFC title game or further?
yes bradley a player’s five-year clock restarts if they unretire
If Rivers signs to the practice squad but isnt activated to game day, he is still eligible to get elected. I believe if the team signs him, he will only be a practice option while helping the other QBs get ready. If Leonard is unable to play, Rivers could get activated as backup by sunday, unless the team opts to make rookie tight end Warren, the emergency QB. Like you guys said, if the activate him, his candidacy is reset. I dont believe that will happen. I think the team will sign Taylor Heinicke but we will see.
His eligibility would only reset if he is on 53 man game day roster. Maybe he does not sign but thinking if they plan to use him as starter than its possible, doubt he is interested on just being on practice squad for remainder of season
Well … Rivers signed. Whether he gets activated and actually plays is another story. I still think he wants to help the team and prepare the other QBs. Maybe he can become a QBs coach soon. It might be time to get his feet wet for future league coaching, rather than high school.
Can you guys believe that Hurts last night had two turnovers on the same play? Hasnt been done since Elias Sports Bureau tracked plays going back to 1978.
I doubt very much (and from what I have read) that he will not be activated to be starter at some point before end of season-he knows the play book so if passes health and conditioning it could be as soon as this weekend game. Colts don’t have many other QBs on current roster ready to play-no way Rivers signed if his intent and that of the team is not to have him start. They are currently on bubble for playoffs and all four remaining games are against teams (including two in their division) that are projected to make playoffs. Colts need experienced vet QB to have any chance to win and get in.
Apologies for the site outage starting yesterday…I’m still not 100% what broke the site–but we do know what to do if it does happen to go down again today.
There appears to be some confusion on social media about current PFHOF candidate status of Philip Rivers so here is how it stands as of right now (12.11 at 11am EST), remains on practice squad, thus still eligible but as soon as Colts move him up to active game day roster he is considered active player by Hall and eligibility clock resets back down to zero (even if he’s not starter, does not take snap). Perhaps that happens in coming days before next game or later but seems like he’s not there to simply practice with other QBs and help them prepare but Colts looking at him to be starter and help them win games with chance to make playoffs. A very tall ask since their four remaining games (including two division games) are all against teams currently projected to make playoffs.
seems to be massive confusion paul keep us posted
I am also hearing that Rivers had been considered to possibly join the team the last couple of years, but they were hoping Richardson would develop enough. If Rivers has any game speed legs at all, he will be activated soon but I dont feel this sunday. Lets see how the former Notre Dame QB, responds …
Challenge Colts face is Rivers is their only QB not currently injured-they may have no choice but to start him as soon as this Sunday and game plan around his limitations
Rivers announced as starter for game tomorrow (12/14) hall clock he starts to 0 meaning now earliest ballot would now be class of 2031
I emailed the Pro Football Hall of Fame asking when the finalists will be released and what time and they told me they’re working out details with NFL Network for broadcast of the list and they hope to announce it soon
I wonder why the Pro Football Hall of Fame hasn’t said anything about Philip Rivers
Not sure why they need to say anything about Rivers..he has been removed as semifinalist
(and I believe voters needed to submit their finalists ballot this week, they were told not to vote for him)
NFL Network no longer seems to be interested in prime time show announcing finalists, so I would expect it might again be on their Saturday morning pregame show, Sat Dec 27th
Paul I mean make a statement that he has been removed as a semi finalist and what makes you think the NFL Network no longer seems interested in prime show announcing finalists
Because NFL network had no prime time show last December to announce the modern finalists – as I stated here already repeatedly it was on Sat Dec 28 during their pregame show
perhaps they flip it back to a prime time show on NFL Network (as was case in Dec 2023 as aired mid week on Dec 27th), but like Dec 2024 that date this year is on weekend, which suggests could be Saturday again..previous years was announced few days before or after Jan 1st. Current NFL Network schedule up to Dec 31st does not show any special show, but that could change
many of us view the show and announcement date as important viewing but suspect for most fans its not-just announce the names and skip the 1/2 hr discussions
Paul I remember I watched it last year we’ll just see what they do
Could we see one of the following replace rivers in the final 15
Lomas Brown
Richmond Webb
Kevin Williams
Steve Wisnewski
Very possible
Robert we’ll just see who the finalists are
ahhhh obviously Andy …..but aren’t we here to debate and predict…..otherwise whats the point?
My prediction for the final 15:
Automatic (4) – Anderson, Holt, Kuechly, Vinatieri
First Year Locks (2) – Brees, Fitzgerald
Lock 2025 Finalists (6) – Evans, Smith, Suggs, Wayne, Woodson, Yanda
This leaves me three spots. I’ll first go with Witten who seems a worthy first year finalist. The next two are hard. Could be Manning and Taylor, but I’ll go with the upsets: Thomas and Wisniewski. Therefore:
1. Anderson
2. Brees
3. Evans
4. Fitzgerald
5. Holt
6. Kuechly
7. Smith
8. Suggs
9. Thomas
10. Vinatieri
11. Wayne
12. Wisniewski
13. Witten
14. Woodson
15. Yanda
100% agreed paul that’s the purpose of this site, excellent choice of finalists Justin
my predictions (not my ballot if I had one)…but I never get all 15 right LOL
1. Anderson
2. Brees
3. Evans
4. Fitzgerald
5. Gore (replaces Taylor from 2025 ballot)
6. Holt
7. Kuechly
8. Manning
9. Suggs
10. Vinatieri
11. Wayne
12. Webb (replaces SSmith from 2025 ballot)
13. Witten
14. Woodson
15. Yanda
Good ballot paul there seems to be one or two that baffles the mind
In terms of finalists
Paul your right that is the point of this site I never get the finalists right either
I really don’t get why Fred Taylor has been a finalist the last two years he only made Pro Bowl as an injury replacement and he never led the league in any category
This is going to be a hard list to cut down to 15 finalists
This waiting game for the Modern Era finalists is wearing me out we don’t have the date and the time they’ll be announced sorry but I’m a very impatient person I emailed the Pro Football Hall of Fame asking for any updates and they told me it will be next week sometime hopefully we find out this week
andy to be honest you obesses over the most insignificant things and is getting old
Merry Christmas football fans … exciting time of the year with playoffs just about set. Wide open conferences and the AFC will have a new champion? Could NE be a team of destiny, with Belichick and Kraft making the HOF ??
Worrying isn’t going to change a thing. Enjoy your Christmas and when its announced its announced. We know roughly when that’ll be based on last year which was Saturday the 28th.
Robert you’re right I do obsess over the most insignificant things but I can’t help it I’ll try to control it
Boknows thanks I will
And still no indication from Hall as to timing of announcement of moderns -should be any day now ????
Hopefully the announcement will happen tues or weds.
Not the right thread but the Eagles-Bills game today was a great, old fashioned, defensive slugfest in cold and rain. Jeez, I miss nasty, hard hitting games like this. The SNF game was a basketball game.
Tony, any chance we can get a seperate postseason thread? If not, will mix in playoff thoughts while awaiting election results. I get the feeling the Patriots could go all the way, whether people care or not … haha
Here is my prediction for the final 15
1. Drew Brees
2. Larry Fitzgerald
3. Luke Kuechly
4. Willie Anderson
5. Torry Holt
6. Adam Vinatieri
7. Jahri Evans
8. Darren Woodson
9. Reggie Wayne
10. Vince Wilfork
11. Steve Smith
12. Fred Taylor
13. Marshall Yanda
14. Steve Wisniewski
15. Terrell Suggs
Good news everybody I found when they’ll be announcing the finalists I emailed the Pro Football Hall of Fame asking for an update and they told they’ll be announcing the finalists tomorrow at 9 am on NFL Network like all of you I’ll be watching
Can’t wait
Yes! Witten advances, so does Kevin Williams a surprise. Manning also advances … No Wiz or Webb
Gore advances over Taylor. Disappointed that Thomas didnt advance but that helps Woodson.
Great job Paul, but nobody expected Williams …
Could Holt have his chance this year, or will Fitz vault ahead?
2026 Class of 2026 Modern Era Finalists:
Willie Anderson (5)
Drew Brees (1)
Jahri Evans (3)
Larry Fritzgerald (1)
Frank Gore (1)
Torry Holt (7)
Luke Kuechy (2)
Eli Manning (2)
Terrell Suggs (2)
Adam Vinatieri (2)
Reggie Wayne (7)
Kevin Williams (1)
Jason Witten (1)
Darren Woodson (4)
Marshal Yanda (2)
First feelings, I am stoked for Kevin Williams, weather he makes it or not! He was not even a semifinalist last year, but I have advocating for him for years and never understood why he was being snubbed.
I think Brees and Fritz are locks, and really, really it is time to clean up the backlogged que. Holt, Wayne and Anderson need to have consideration, the times are finalists are way overdue!
That would be my class with Woodson, Kuechy and Vinatieri as the last three not elected. For the Seniors and C/C, I would go with BB, Ken Anderson and Roger Craig. NO to Kraft.
Most likely will not happen, but Anderson and Craig have waited long enough too!
On vacation in Mexico currently but dropped my quick initial reaction on the new thread
And agree with the great comments and observations others already posted on here today
Holt will wait again as I don’t see voters electing a class of 3 or 4 with two WR as Fitz is lock
And I think others returning from final 7 (AdamV LukeK WAnderson) have huge advantage to be elected over other finalists.
Woodson with just three years (2026-28) as modern is the wildcard here
Paul, I know but I just feel it’s time to end that man’s suffering, enough. Clean up the que, but I do think that Breen and Fritz are locks. With them I would also put in Holt, Anderson and Luke Kuchely, that would be great class! Last three out: Wayne, AV and Yanda. With the Seniors and CC, add in Ken Anderson, Roger Craig and BB.
If these numbers do not get up in terms of classes, I expect changes will be made for the 2027 and beyond. I think it gets this year to see how this goes, but it’s not working right now.
No matter what, I am very happy for Kevin Williams, that is big progress!
Holt, Wayne, Woodson and Evans have all waited the longest, it is time I think to clean up some of this que and move along. **SM01**
Since this thread doesnt have more than 120 comments, I will use it for the 2025/26 Postseason. Hoping others will interact with me on this forum …
Had the 49ers beaten Seattle last night, they could have had home-field throughout the playoffs, including the SB, but the Seahawks earned the bye week.
Shanahan was outcoached, with the team only attempting 12 rushing attempts on offense. The Hawks played excellent defense and ran the ball well. Sam Darnold becomes the first QB to lead different teams to 14 wins in consecutive seasons.
Why did Minny let this guy get away?
The Bucs beat the Panthers for a chance to win their division but if the Falcons beat the Saints today, the Panthers back into the playoffs at 8-9 …
Huge slugfest tonight for the AFC North. The Ravens or Steelers winner will advance.
Denver can get the AFC bye today against the Chargers, who rest Herbert. Today is the final game in Rich Stadium for the Bills, unless they can host a playoff game there.
RE: Darnold… they would have welcomed him back with open arms, but realistically, he was a deer in headlights the last two games of last year–they needed to use cap space to shore up the OL and the DL, so they couldn’t match what Seattle gave him…and they had McCarthy in the wings.
A lot of questionable decisions on their part, in hindsight–although with the way their OL started the season, you could have had Darnold, Rodgers, Rodgers in his prime, Brady, whoever back there–they would have struggled.
I think their GM is on a very warm seat, at this point–and for all the talk of “QB whisperer” KOC has some pretty significant holes in his coaching…he seems unwilling to change his system at all to match the strengths of the QB, until forced to–these last few games that McCarthy has actually played, they finally told him to basically just go play football, stop thinking about all the stuff that KOC wants you to do from a technical stand point…and if they’d stopped the Bears on a kickoff return, they might have actually found their way into the playoffs.
Good call, Tony …
That Minny line did struggle. Will be interesting to see if Rodgers would scorn Pittsburgh to try and go there? Depends on if he likes and believes in Tomlin?
Give Rodgers credit though with winning last night without Metcalf. The Ravens defense was bad in the second half and after dominating the first half, Henry only got five carries in the second half. I feel had Tucker still been there, he would have made the game winning kick.
I will delve into the playoffs on the next post. Carroll, Morris, Gannon and Stefanski got fired today.
Tucker would have made the kick, and celebrated with a late night massage…can’t believe Pittsburgh won that game throwing 47 times–I know the Ravens weren’t as good against the pass, but…just seems like not a winning plan. Ravens must not have had the ball much in the second half?
I hope that the Vikings don’t have another offseason flirtation with Rodgers. He can just hang them up.
Whats your feeling about O’Connell moving forward, Tony? Will he show faith in McCarthy, or bring in a veteran like Flacco or Wilson to win in a pinch? Do you feel Brosmer can continue to develop?
We all know the NFL will go to possibly 18 games by 2031. Could they start sooner with changing the playoff format? Could seeds start to be about overall record rather than divisional titles? Similar to the NBA?
You get tired of seeing 12-13 win teams going on the road to play an 8-9 win division champion. Maybe they could reward teams with the best non-division record with the only home game against the lowest division winner … like Carolina going to the Rams, or Steelers going to Houston.
I don’t think O’Connell is on the same ground as he was last year, after rebuilding Darnold–I think the belief really was that he’s some kind of “QB Whisperer” but clearly McCarthy had issues this year, that KOC struggled to get him through. One rumor I heard recently was that KOC was willing to stake his career on keeping Darnold, and might have been the one keeping the interest at least lukewarm on Rodgers…I have heard rumors that GM & Coach aren’t always on the same page, even though they don’t tend to show it publicly. And I think Kwesi is on the hot seat, with his draft record… I wouldn’t hate Flacco (big no on Wilson), but I think the preference would be to find a guy like Darnold–guy with some talent that has been beat down by organization (or two)…no idea who that would be though, since Mac Jones already has shown flashes of resurrection…Will Levis? Kenny Pickett? Zach Wilson? Not sure any had Darnold’s level of raw talent…
Unless they really add one international game for every team (not an easy task), I actually hope they don’t go 18–I didn’t even really like 17. Schedule was nicely balanced with 16 games & 32 teams…and I hope they don’t consider expansion either, unless they commit to going to 40 (which is too much).
I don’t see them changing the playoff format any time soon, either–and despite the oddity of it, and the fact that my team has been hit by it (last year), I actually don’t hate on the current format, although I do seem to be in the minority on that. The issue is that yes, sometimes (more often, probably) there is an 8-9 division winner because the division is terrible…but at times, you might end up with divisions that finish with the worst record of the division winners because their division is good & beating each other up, rather than because their division is bad…
Now, if you want to talk about changing up the NHL playoff brackets…that’s a conversation to have…
Haha … Thanks. I think I would take Russell Wilson over Levis or Zac Wilson any day of the week but I see what you mean. Levis does have raw talent but gets emotional and caught up in the moments like a young, Josh Allen. If O’Connell could develop him and teach him to get rid of the ball quicker and smarter, he could surprise.
Yeah, they will keep divisions as they are, since nobody ever knows who will get hot at the end of the year? Eli Manning had an up-and-down career, but got hot at the right times to now possibly enter the HOF.
NFC Playoffs And Predictions
Rams
Packers
Eagles
Rams should win but not sure on taking that spread on the east coast.
I would love to see the Bears advance but their defense is reeling right now. The Packers isnt much better, but unless the Bears run it down their throat, I think Love wins a shootout. LaFleur himself, could hit the hotseat if the Bears whip his team. Most of his wins were with Rodgers.
The 49ers had a bad game plan against Seattle and now have to go on the road to beat the champions.
Should be a nasty slugfest and to win, the Niners have to run the ball, which they hardly attempted against Seattle. I see Barkley having a good game as Philly wins a close one.
I’ll go Rams, Bears, Eagles.
LaFleur should be on the hot seat, but I hope not…most overrated Packers coach since…the last one. Bears shouldn’t be able to win this game–but then again, they shouldn’t have been able to win the division. And any team that is picking up a CB on the waiver wire in Week 18 and playing him…especially from the Cowboys…
Bills, Patriots, Texans in the AFC.
I’d like the Jags to take that next step, but I’m not sure they’re there yet. Texans defense wins them this week–might even take them past Denver.
Was gonna pick my AFC teams tomorrow, but might as well list them.
I agree, Buffalo will beat the Jags.
I want an upset in NE but doubtful.
The NFL loves giving the Patriots primetime night games in postseason. Next week, you watch, it will be on a saturday night.
I think the Steelers could upset the Texans if they can run the ball. They dont want that pass rush all over Rodgers. With Metcalf and Theilen, Steelers in an upset …
Harbaugh is out in Baltimore. Miami, NY, Dallas and Atlanta should try to get ’em.
NFC: Eagles over Niners – Philly’s been bored, but it’s the playoffs now. Rams over Panthers, not close. Packers over Bears – Chicago on the right track, but too green to win in the first playoff game for Williams, Green Bay rights the ship at least for a week.
AFC: Jaguars over the Bills, Lawrence shows his improvement isn’t a fluke. Texans over Steelers – Houston defense is for real and Steelers are merely the best of a bad division. Only one I’m hung up on is Patriots/Chargers. I think I lean Chargers. Same reason I picked against Chicago – Pats on right track, but a lot of new guys who’ll be learning how things are different in the postseason.
You would think that making the playoffs would keep coaches safe on their jobs, but what if some teams were blownout or too disappointing?
–With Harbaugh out in Baltimore, could Tomlin suffer the same fate if the Texans blew out the Steelers?
–With no Chiefs or Ravens to worry about, could the Bills move on from McDermott if the Jags were to beat up on the Bills?
–If the Bears were to roll over the Packers, would LaFleur keep his job?
Yes, he has won alot, but mostly with Rodgers.
Could Harbaugh possibly replace one of these coaches? Lets hope the games are close, competitive and every coach and player, giving their all.
Youre right Andy, for this round we will see how 1st time playoff teams do against playoff teams from last year with the Bears, Panthers, Jags and Patriots. I would love to see the Chargers win in NE, but their offensive line is in shambles …
Wow … the Packers really blew it. Chicago fans will be watching the replay of this game as I type. Good call Tony. The Rams should have won in a blowout but let the Panthers back in it. We will see how bad Stafford’s finger is throughout the week …
Hoping todays games are exciting with the referees doing their jobs.
Four of the five games were exciting to the wire, while the Patriots ground it out against the Chargers.
The Eagles go home, unable to make the divisional round and the fans have to be disappointed with an offense that struggled all year.
Will they bring in a new OC? AJ Brown had a tough year and playoff game. Will he stay with the team?
The Bills won their first road playoff game since 1992/93. Can they get it done against Denver? The Jags had their chances to win the game.
Patriots looked great on defense but the Chargers were also ugly to watch on offense. The defense came to play but will their DC become a new HC?