Where Things Stand: 2024 NFL Edition — Part 4 Finale
“The journey is never ending. There’s always gonna be growth, improvement, adversity. You just gotta take it all in and do what’s right, continue to grow, continue to live in the moment.” ~Antonio Brown
I never thought Antonio Brown would provide the quote that resonated the most with me to cap off the year that was 2024. I refuse to elaborate any further.
Just as I refuse to elaborate what Randy did to former Intern Zack during questioning. We have our report, and he’s been sent somewhere no one can find him.
He’s a weasel for those guys! Of course we wouldn’t turn him over to them!
Mindy, Jason and Allison, he’s not dead! It was necessary!! Do I need to turn the TV on again?!
Dead silence, eh? I thought so. I didn’t want to either.
Moving on from that, I’ll be taking my pound of flesh in this Part 4 Finale. I’ll have Brandon do all the inception loop hyperlinking, as I have some rage to get out.
Hell, Mindy and Paul are giving me free reign to a degree because I WAS RIGHT! More on that in a bit.
Let me answer the question on everyone’s mind: Why is this year’s finale coming out after the Super Bowl? And why did you “break the rules” of no postseason stuff?
I’m glad you asked!
– 1a) The NFC East
– 1b) Jerry Jones being an indecisive coward!!
– 1c) the Brandon Lewis vs Austin Arnold Bowl (AKA Philly vs Washington)
– 1d) Brandon going full Philly!!
Next season, Intern Emily will start her WTS journey with us. It’s hard to believe, but Intern Allison will be departing, as she fulfilled her last graduation requirement, and Jake has two more years to go (he got a late start). That means… I need another intern.
Associate Mindy! Can you please put up the posting and have Brandon handle resumes and cover letters?
We’re no longer relinking the 2019 inception loop (long story), but here’s all of 2024’s Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 write-ups!
Part 4 playoff designations under the seven-team per conference are as follows:
Z=Best conference record, clinched division and first-round bye
Y=Clinched division
X=Clinched Wild Card
I think the amount of vitriol I have for not just the AFC East, but the entire AFC may cause multiple unintentional SoFi incidents, and it may not be reserved for only one team in the AFC East, either.
DISCLAIMER: The views in WTS are mine and mine alone, with some exaggeration and hyperbole here and there.
*Note: All team page hyperlinks are to ESPN
AFC East
Y — Buffalo: 3–1 | Part 2: 7–2 | Part 3: 10–3 | Part 4: 13–4
Miami: 1–3 | Part 2: 2–6 | Part 3: 6–7 | Part 4: 8–9
NY Jets: 2–2 | Part 2: 3–6 | Part 3: 3–10 | Part 4: 5–12
Patriots: 1–3 | Part 2: 2–7 | Part 3: 3–10 | Part 4: 4–13
State of the AFC East
Buffalo: “That aside, it’s time for one of our long-running annual traditions. While this is the first time we haven’t run this in the Part 4 Finale, it’s time to celebrate, Bills Mafia!!
Oh, what the hell! I’ll do it twice just because I want to and I can!!”
You all knew this was coming. IT’S TABLE TIME!!
*Disclaimer: I do not condone the burning of tables, and people jumping into them. I do, however, find people stupidly jumping into and breaking tables hilarious!
Even with MVP winner Josh Allen, he is but one man. I feel bad for Buffalo. Why can’t America have nice things, man?!
Ironically, we need to prepare for the upcoming threshold being crossed of having another invitational division!
We are dangerously close to having the newly minted ‘Buffalo Invitational Division’ in two years’ time.
I don’t have much else. My only ask is that next year, please give me the Buffalo-Detroit Super Bowl I’ve wanted for the last year-plus.
Miami: There was a whole drama involving Tyreek Hill late in the year that I don’t even understand what happened, but I know this: Miami’s core is about to self-destruct.
Why would I set myself up for a likely mulligan? Trust in Fitztradamus, folks. I’m not saying when, but I can’t get the sense that this group will be able to get to a Super Bowl.
The main catalyst is Tua (I don’t wanna keep going full name, Brandon. AND YES, THIS NOTE STAYS IN LOL!!). I still believe he needs to call it quits.
The guy has a concussion rap sheet, and I don’t want to see another person go like a Junior Seau or anyone else lost to CTE and other trauma from football. I think Mike McDaniel will be fine as the head coach, but the roster needs a reset.
New York: “It took you long enough to wind up eliminated! The Jonnu Smith dagger to the heart was so satisfying to watch!
Since this is the holiday season, I’ll try to play nice. Keyword, try.
…
Okay, no longer playing nice. You’ll be the AFC East Representative for the SoFi treatment. I’m honestly happy I kept one of my longtime punching bags with Bum Rodgers at the helm.”
Pathetic.
Sad and utterly pathetic. The one TRUE saving grace from this season is Woody Johnson and his sons will hopefully stay far away from this franchise and off of Franchise Mode in the Madden video game.
Bum Rodgers, farewell!
Jets fans, I hope brighter days are ahead.
From one bad quarterback situation to another, this Clevelander has your back.
New England: The Patriots fired Jerod Mayo.
My brain is still circling the drain on that one. There’s a certain thing I want to say, but my hunch — which is typically right — leads me to believe my own headcanon isn’t true.
A message to Robert Kraft: Did you think Mayo was going to the playoffs this year? Was it because of a culture thing or winning the Week 18 game against Buffalo?!
Mayo was a rookie head coach with a rookie quarterback and a roster that isn’t anywhere close to the glory days of old. Only one year after giving Bill Belichick the graceful exit, you do this?! All the pomp and circumstance was incredible! That’s not to mention in Part 1 when Mayo and New Englanders could laugh together!
Is this how the Patriots are going to be going forward without both Tom Brady and Bill Belichick?!
Bostonians, do not even think I will sympathize with you. You deserve this!
– 2007 ALCS
– Kelly Olynyk
– Everything else on my mile-long list of crimes against the small markets
The only reason I’m even going to let you off the hook is the hiring of Mike Vrabel. If you’re letting Mayo go, you have to hit the home run, and as of now, you have.
There is one somber note to mention. For those who have listened for years on the Cleveland Sports Radio airwaves, we learned of the passing of the legendary caller known as “The Bostonian” in January.
Even if I didn’t like the guy, I could respect the man at the end of the day.
Rest In Peace, Bostonian. You will be missed.
AFC North
Y–Baltimore: 2–2 | Part 2: 6–3 | Part 3: 8–5 | Part 4: 12–5
X–Pittsburgh: 3–1 | Part 2: 6–2 | Part 3: 10–3 | Part 4: 10–7
Cincinnati: 1–3 | Part 2: 4–5 | Part 3: 5–8 | Part 4: 9–8
Cleveland: 1–3 | Part 2: 2–7 | Part 3: 3–10 | Part 4: 3–14
State of the AFC North:
Baltimore: “While Justin Tucker is still a Hall of Famer, his inability to make kicks is far more alarming than imagined (especially if you love drafting him early in fantasy football).”
This take on the Baltimore kicker did not age well given the allegations levied against the above individual. I’m wording it like this — for both Brandon and you guys — as a way of giving him the cold shoulder.
Now here’s where I shock everyone else at our headquarters: Lamar Jackson should have won the MVP over Josh Allen.
I dove more into it in a broader “Fitz On Sports: Extra Bytes” Segment split off from my usual podcast. If the embed player doesn’t take you to the 0:48 starting marker, please leave me a comment on my Socials to let me know.
Again: PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!
As much as I hate Baltimore for taking the original Browns and causing years of childhood suffering, Jackson more than one-upped his 2023 MVP campaign with an onslaught for the ages.
Jackson has finally morphed into the true Tier 1 franchise quarterback that I have told you he needed to become since the first year of WTS.
He is more than capable of throwing the ball without it turning into a duck, setting himself up well for when his natural speed and athleticism takes a dive. Man, do things come full circle or what??
This is why I was so hard on Lamar despite him playing for a division rival. I respect competitors. You saw what happened to a bigger-framed Cam Newton, right?!
Even in the loss to Buffalo, Lamar excelled from my perspective. Unfortunately, Mark Andrews’ untimely drop left the Ravens on the short end of the stick.
Speaking of Andrews, my gut instinct is he’ll be cut loose. The last year or two he’s lost a step. That lost step was very evident in 2024.
It’s sad because I think he’s one of those guys who should spend his career in one uniform. It’d be like seeing Clayton Kershaw pitching for the Cleveland Guardians or Cincinnati Reds.
Much respect boys, minus the kicker (FOR NOW barring new developments), and I hope to kick your ass again next year!
Pittsburgh: “You thought I was going to praise you? NOPE!!!
George Pickens, you want to say that again?
This is a copy and paste from a post I made on Twitter (aka X, Sorry Elon): “You're 8-3 and yet, all I hear are excuses of a team that is 3-8.
I'm calling frauds on this 2024 rendition of the Steelers. They'll likely make the playoffs but fall well short of the Lombardi.
I even tagged Old Takes Exposed as a form of self-accountability. Pickens complaining about the weather is an absolute loser mentality.
Both teams played in the same conditions and would you be saying that if it were a Pittsburgh home game, George?!”
The day has finally come! HELLO, AFC MULLIGAN YINZERS!!
I can't believe it! Following that loss in Cleveland and wins over a decimated Bengals defense and at home versus Cleveland, these Fraudulent Yinzers managed to lose the AFC North lead!
From 10-3 to 10-6 and following Week 18, 10-7! Never doubt the powers of Fitztradamus!!
With apologies to Matt Hathaway, Gabe Collura and my extended Pittsburgh half from the one side of my family, the Sucksburgh Yinz-towels are the AFC Mulligan Team!!
IT'S SHREDDING TIME!!
Hmm… I’ll let Baltimore do the honors. Associate Jason, I need the ULTIMATE COMPILATION!!
LONG LIVE THE SUCKSBURGH YINZ-TOWELS!!!
Cincinnati: Your season ended in Week 1.
The one shocking upset that was New England winning by 16–10 turned out to be the one game that kept you out of the playoffs.
I know Cincy fans aren’t happy, and it’s kind of funny (if not for my two uncles on the one side of the family being upset — especially one of the two calling the Brown family “cheapskates” with contracts).
No, no, no. All of my ire that I could have directed at you and Robert Kraft’s franchise post-Bill and Brady will go to the perennial bottom dwellers of the AFC North. I think my new punishment for Cincy’s little brother is even worse than the SoFi treatment.
Clowns: “It’s a shame this team had a year squandered by the incompetence of the front office and higher up’s. If only certain people hadn’t pushed former Offensive Coordinator Alex Van Pelt out the door, along with continuing to have Deshaun Watson play, Kevin Stefanski might have the team around 6–7 overall.
Here’s what should happen: Andrew Berry gets canned, Stefanski stays.
Here’s what I think happens: Both stay, and Watson becomes the league’s most expensive clipboard holder.
Ya know, Andrew, Stefanski has done really well with quarterbacks not named Deshaun Watson. Baker Mayfield, Case Keenum, Jacoby Brissett, Joe Flacco, etc.
I’m also not going to believe those rumors of Stefanski wanting to stay at home for the holidays (subscription required for the hyperlink) are coming anywhere else but from you and maybe one other Browns higher-up that IS NOT Paul Depodesta, nor Jimmy and Dee Haslam.”
Before you read the Cleveland narrative below, I highly advise listening to Robert Slump’s “KING SLAYER” soundtrack in the background.
Did you open the hyperlink?
Good. Let’s begin!
I’m so happy for Baker Mayfield. He made the playoffs and clinched the division to make Tampa Bay happy.
You know who is not happy? Several legions of Cleveland Clowns fans — AND ESPECIALLY ME!!!!!
The Clowns finally managed to fully break me. Somehow, this year was worse than when the Arizona Cardinals snuffed out any hope I had in 2015 until the CLOWNS drafted Mayfield.
Yo, Mason Lawlor!! I WAS RIGHT!!! ~HOW ABOUT THAT?!~
Everyone else who said it wouldn’t have worked here and called ME crazy for wanting him to return in 2022, I. WAS. RIGHT.
And when the Watson trade went down, I immediately felt my sixth sense gut punch go off. The very accurate indicator that this was going to be bad.
I! WAS!! F*CKING!!! RIGHT!!!!
No one can tell me that it wouldn’t have worked for Baker and Cleveland.
Your arguments are null and void — FOR I AM FITZTRADAMUS!! BEND THE KNEE FOR MY INTUITION, TALENT AND SKILL OF FUTURE FORESIGHT!!!
I’m legitimately questioning my CLOWNS fandom. 2007, 2020, 2023. Three good years. Pain in all the others I remember from 2007-onward. Over two decades of pain!!!!!
No, I am actually serious after having my rage boil over on Jan. 12! If my dad sees this, I may not be invited home for future holidays.
Buffalo, Philadelphia, Detroit, Minnesota and Tampa Bay: I welcome your pitches.
OH, AND SURPRISE!!
Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles — the same one he injured Oct. 20, 2024, and had surgically repaired — AGAIN!!!
I could really go for a below-the-belt blow, but that’s beneath me. The short of it is: The nightmare of Watson in Brown and Orange should, for all intents and purposes, FINALLY BE OVER!
Time to take another ‘I told you so’ victory lap.
Baker Mayfield was THE GUY!! I really want to fully unload the chamber, but I have sources to protect.
Oh, wait! Jason Lloyd came out and said the stuff that I haven’t been able to say before.
Full disclosure: I never received these exact specifics from sources before, but this jibes with what I’ve heard previously.
Tell me when this franchise is finally fixed, and I’ll be invested again. It’s not worth all the trauma I’ve had to endure — along with millions of others.
Going back to a common refrain in WTS over the years: Do not waste my damn time!
P.S. DO NOT draft a quarterback this year, PLEASE!! None of them are worth it. Give Myles Garrett a new buddy in Penn State’s Abdul Carter!
Didn’t I tell you not to question me after how I. WAS. RIGHT. THESE. PAST! FEW!! YEARS?!?!
GET ME THE NITTANY LION EDGE!!
Wait… Intern Jake, what’s this article from The Athletic?
*Reads it through*
Okay, time to break out the column I have had sitting in my drafts for more than a year! Fitz-dot-exe rage mode has reached universal scale!!
AFC South
Y — Houston: 3–1 | Part 2: 6–3 | Part 3: 8–5 | Part 4: 10–7
Indianapolis: 2–2 | Part 2: 4–5 | Part 3: 6–7 | Part 4: 8–9
Jacksonville: 0–4 | Part 2: 2–7 | Part 3: 3–10 | Part 4: 4–13
Tennessee: 1–3 | Part 2: 2–6 | Part 3: 3–10 | Part 4: 3–14
State of the AFC South:
Houston: “The sophomore slump is real for C.J. Stroud. I think he’ll be fine over the long-term, but a Super Bowl trip isn’t in the cards this year.
The Dolts are hanging by a thread. Crush them and conquer this division.”
So… Houston won the division.
Why am I hesitating, you ask?
It’s not for the fact that Stefon Diggs and a plethora of starters have suffered season-ending injuries, but I feel so bad for second-year wideout Tank Dell.
During the Week 16 contest versus Kansas City, Dell caught a touchdown pass a little over three minutes into the third quarter, making it a 17–16 game pending the extra point (the kick didn’t go through).
Dell — having suffered a major injury last season — tore his ACL and dislocated his knee cap in a case of friendly fire on that touchdown catch.
The seriousness of the injury put the game in a delay, and the players were crying. As much as my WTS series has a lot of humor in it, my stomach sank as well, and I almost wanted to cry for the guy. His 2025 availability, via this Pro Football Rumors’ article by Adam La Rose is in serious doubt, meaning 2026 would be his contract year.
Stroud wanted the Texans to draft Dell, a Houston product, and fulfilled the former Ohio State gunslinger’s request. Dell and Stroud have been dynamic, but I’m concerned for the health of the former. This injury could mark the end of his career.
I hope I’m not insensitive when I say this, but if there’s any silver lining that Dell could have if his NFL career is truncated, it would be this:
No one else can say they’re last catch in the NFL was a 30-yard reception to give him a six-catch, 98-yard, one touchdown line against the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.
If this ends up being his last game, Dell played in 25 total games (14 in 2023) and had 98 receptions for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Indianapolis: The fantasy angle isn’t even fun with the Dolts. Yet, why is everyone and their mother dropping the ball before crossing the goal line these days??
And oh my… PAUL!! KOOL-AID!! SLEEPY VARIETY!!
Just… get out. I used to like you, but get out.
Figure out your crap and DO SOMETHING that’ll fix the on-field product.
Mindy, put the Dolts on 2025 SoFi watch, please. I’m taking a nap.
Jacksonville: “I gave you a chance, Saduars. I really did.
Now all we need is to have Bill ‘The Hoodie’ Belichick come in and–
Jason, what’s up?
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BELICHICK IS REPLACING MACK BROWN AT NORTH CAROLINA?!?!??!
You guys f***ed up. How?!”
Doug Pederson, buh-bye! I know Brandon’s going to push back on this heavily, but he needed to go after the utter collapse of the Saduars.
Shad “Fraud” Khan, I’ll give you credit for having the balls to put General Manager Trent Baalke on job watch alert on that end of season zoom presser. Oh, how hard I laughed!!
Ya know what, that moment and the CLOWNS soaking up so much of my vitriol may save you…
BUT!
What other stupid crap happened recently? Brandon, what did the Saduars screw up this time?!
Oh wait… THEY FIRED BAALKE TO HIRE LIAM COEN!!!???
How rich it is! Okay, y’all are getting off the hook for that hilarious about-face.
2–2 without blowing any games through four weeks in 2025, Saduars. Otherwise, prepare for SoFi!
Tennessee: “Both Cleveland and Tennessee played their respective division leaders in Week 12.
Both of those bottom dwellers won.
Will Levis isn’t your golden goose. Go out and get serious! I’m done with you!!”
If you guys trade out of the №1 overall pick like in 2016 and then Cleveland (who had the №2 pick that year) follow your lead in trading down, I will figuratively end you!!
General Manager Ron Cathron is gone so hopefully someone won’t give me draft trade-down PTSD again.
AFC West
Z — Kansas City: 4–0 | Part 2: 8–0 | Part 3: 12–1 | Part 4: 15–2
X — LA Chargers: 2–2 | Part 2: 5–3 | Part 3: 8–5 | Part 4: 11–6
X — Denver: 2–2 | Part 2: 5–4 | Part 3: 8–5 | Part 4: 10–7
Las Vegas: 2–2 | Part 2: 2–7 | Part 3: 2–11 | Part 4: 4–13
State of the AFC West:
Kansas City: Paul and Mindy, it’s time to break out that secret project. You both know which one I mean! Jason was gone at the time, and Randy won’t be back for a bit.
If we can’t make it work for the regular season, we can have it finally make an impact in the playoffs!!
If everyone is wondering what ‘that’ is, I’d tell ya if you-know-who didn’t want to get their hands on our tech. Also, ~Zack gave me a lot of trust issues.~
We never told Brandon about this one because we knew he would have stopped us.
Brandon: “No comment.”
IT WORKED!!! CARSON WENTZ LOST A SUPER BOWL TO THE EAGLES!!!
America hate-watched, and Philadelphia delivered a decisive blow!!
Let’s get one thing straight: Much to my chagrin and the rest of the NFL, the Chiefs Dynasty isn’t dead.
Could it hibernate, a la the former evil empire (you know who I’m talking about!!)? Possibly.
But they aren’t gone. Hitting in the draft and managing the roster is going to be tougher this go-around for Brett Veach, Andy Reid and company, especially if t̶h̶e̶ ̶r̶e̶f̶s̶ ̶c̶a̶l̶l̶ ̶a̶ ̶f̶a̶i̶r̶ ̶g̶a̶m̶e̶ ̶l̶i̶k̶e̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶y̶ ̶d̶i̶d̶ ̶i̶n̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶S̶u̶p̶e̶r̶ ̶B̶o̶w̶l̶ the luck factor goes the other way in 2025.
Oh, and I am exempting Travis Kelce from this, BUT TOM BRADY MUST’VE BEEN GRINNING EAR TO EAR KNOWING HIS GOAT STATUS REMAINED INTACT!!!
DIE, THREE-PEAT!! DIE!!!!
LA Chargers: FREE KICK!!! FREE KICK!!!!!!
NOW HAVE SOMEONE PULL A DOUG FLUTIE!!
This was a good season with a lot to build on.
While J.K. Dobbins should be set for unrestricted free agency at last check, Ladd McConkey is THAT DUDE!!
You guys get a pass this year. Next year, not so much. Jim Harbaugh needs to win and do it fast.
Denver: “I will not trust the Bronc-lows until I see the playoff berth clinched designation next to their name.
Also, papa needs Courtland Sutton and Javonte Williams to score lots of points in the fantasy playoffs in the next few weeks.
No promises can be made, but I think Denver may have minor celebrations come January.
As for Craig Carton, there will be no celebration.”
Denver, this has been a journey. Quite a ride, in fact. On this day, your honor will finally be restored.
I’m not crying, Intern Allison! I’m not!
THE BRONC-LOWS ARE DEAD!!! LONG LIVE THE DENVER BRONCOS!!!
The fact Bo Nix played through three fractures in his back (do not ask me to explain the medical terminology) shocked me.
Nix and Payton are the current future of the Broncos. Finding a more competent tailback is what I personally believe Denver needs to do this offseason. I think they could find that guy in the first three rounds of the NFL draft or signing one of a few free agent options.
Aaron Jones (and maybe J.K. Dobbins) should be available. Please don’t make me hate you guys by snagging Nick Chubb. I need some morsel of hope!
Las Vegas: I got most of the venting out when we SoFi’d Las Vegas last time.
Now, I feel somewhat conflicted with Pete Carroll coming in to coach. Carroll has had success in the NFL, but the timing is weird given his age. Then again, going the opposite way of Antonio Pierce isn’t a terrible idea.
That’s about it. I’ve given the nepotism child’s franchise a long leash. Next year, results are needed before we break out the moniker list.
I’m really going to enjoy having my brand new AFC West punching bag!! Hasta la vista, baby!!
__________________
I f****** HATE the NFC East. Not necessarily because of Philly and Washington, but one of the two royal screwups put our production into a crunch here, AND THIS ISN’T THE FIRST TIME EITHER!
__________________
NFC East
Y — Philly: 2–2 | Part 2: 6–3 | Part 3: 11–2 | Part 4: 14–3
X — Washington: 3–1 | Part 2: 7–2 | Part 3: 8–5 | Part 4: 12–5
Dallas: 2–2 | Part 2: 3–5 | Part 3: 5–8 | Part 4: 7–10
NY Giants: 1–3 | Part 2: 2–7 | Part 3: 2–11 | Part 4: 3–14
State of the NFC East:
Philadelphia: These are Brandon’s words, not mine! Let the resident Eagles fan have his moment, folks.
BRANDON LEWIS: “THEY SAID NICK SIRIANNI COULDN’T COACH! THEY SAID JALEN HURTS COULDN’T THROW!
THEY SAID VIC FANGIO COULDN’T COACH YOUNG PLAYERS! THEY SAID JALEN CARTER HAD TOO MANY CHARACTER ISSUES TO TAKE A CHANCE ON!
THEY SAID NOLAN SMITH WAS TOO SKINNY TO PLAY DEFENSIVE END! THEY SAID ZACK BAUN WAS A SPECIAL TEAMER! THEY SAID DARIUS SLAY AND BRANDON GRAHAM WERE WASHED!
WHAT IN THE F*CK ARE THEY GOING TO SAY NOW, FITZTRADAMUS?!
Since Week 4, when the Eagles were 2–2, I told EVERYBODY they were the BEST TEAM IN FOOTBALL! I DID NOT CARE THEY GOT OFF TO A SLOW START! They had an *ELITE* offensive line, an *ELITE* defensive line, a coach the players love, star weapons everywhere, a star defensive coordinator and a quarterback who doesn’t let ANYTHING bother him!
Before Super Bowl LIX, almost everybody tried to tell me the Chiefs were going to get their three-peat because they had Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, and I said, “NO! NO! NO! YOU HAVE IT ALL WRONG! THE EAGLES ARE GOING TO WIN BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE BEST TEAM IN FOOTBALL, BAR-NONE, AND THE DEFENSIVE LINE IS GOING TO WIN US THE GAME!”
FOR I AM BRANDON-DAMUS!
Right after the NFC Championship game, our fellow BSR Alumni and friend Alex Wilcox (Packers fan) typed in our group chat, “Your quarterback f*cking sucks!”
Hey, Wilcox, DOES HE F*CKING SUCK NOW?!” HE WENT TO DISNEY WORLD!”
Fitz in the background: Holy Crap, he went for the haymaker on Wilcox! Intern Jake, get the chair. He’s gone full-Philly!!
BRANDON: They tried to fire Sirianni for a guy with a girlfriend who’s younger than me! DOES ANYBODY REMEMBER WHAT THAT HACK COACH PENCIL DID TO MY DEFENSE LAST YEAR?! IMAGINE WHAT BELICHICK WOULD DO TO THIS LOCKER ROOM THAT’S YOUNG AND HIP!
Oh, and sorry NFC East-fellow teammate Austin Arnold, my boys AREN’T GOING ANYWHERE! And Fitz, I’m sorry Saquon Barkley didn’t break the all-time regular season rushing record, but GUESS WHAT?! HE IS NOW IN IMMORTALITY!
Howie Roseman, Eagles general manager, is now a Hall of Famer! Two Super Bowl wins, three appearances, won both championships with a new coach and a new quarterback!
Name me a GM outside of Belichick and Bill Walsh, who built the Niners dynasty in the 1980s and 90s with Joe Montana and Steve Young, who’s had a more accomplished career than Roseman! Chip *BLEEPING* KELLY RAN THIS GUY TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BUILDING A DECADE AGO!
Carson Wentz had to watch Nick Foles win a Super Bowl! Then, he had to watch another one of his backups, Jalen Hurts, win a Super Bowl and MVP with him on the other sideline!
What a season. What a story. My team lost ONCE after September 29 (my birthday, ironically), and in that game, Jayden Daniels threw for five scores, and Hurts left the game in the first quarter. UTTER DOMINANCE!
Oh, and KENNY *BLEEPING* PICKETT, an Eagles fan growing up, TOOK THE FINAL KNEEL DOWN! HE’S WON MORE SUPER BOWLS IN THE PAST 15 YEARS THAN THE STEELERS!
That’s for you, Fitz!”
Fitz: And with that, we’re all good!! DOWN WITH THE YINZ-TOWELS!!
Washington: “From Part 2: Jayden Daniels has an MVP case, but I doubt he’ll get it since it’ll probably go to a veteran over a rookie.
…
I’m still skeptical about a few things, but Austin Arnold may actually get the last laugh.”
“From Part 3: I jumped the gun a little.
Daniels hasn’t looked quite the same the last few weeks, but he’s still been incredible.
There’s a reason I hyperlinked that video because SPOILERS!!! Austin Seibert is still choking in the NFL!
I’ll reserve judgment until Part 4.”
Yep, Austin gets the last laugh. Shell shocking Detroit certainly caught my attention.
Out of an abundance of caution, I’m technically not labeling Jayden Daniels as a franchise quarterback for the purposes of future narrative writing.
Hence the technical part: He’s probably already there in my mind, and this is to reduce the expectations I’d have for next year.
It wouldn’t have been wrong to say Daniels could have been the MVP, but if he keeps this up, I’d be shocked if a few of those trophies don’t go his way in the five remaining years of this decade.
Yes, only five years remain in this decade. For those screaming that 2029 isn’t the end of the decade. 2010–2019 was one decade, and 2020–2029 will be another by official counting. End of story.
Late apology here to Brandon, but the Commanders are my pick to narrowly win the NFC East in 2025. You know my policy, buddy: I will not pick a repeat winner for this accursed division until someone actually does it for the first time in two-plus decades!!
Dallas: The first-ever NFL Part 4 finale in 2019 had Brandon and I hanging at the mercy of Jerry Jones because HE WOULDN’T LET GO OF JASON GARRETT FAST ENOUGH!!
And now he’s pulling the same crap with Hack McCarthy!!
Jerry, just let the guy go!! For the love of god (and our production), I AM BEGGING YOU AS OF Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 at 7:45 p.m. ET!!
A few days later, I returned to WTS HQ, and the hack finally was sent packing. I’m still mad at Jerry.
TWICE!! YOU DELAYED THIS SERIES FINALE TWICE IN SIX YEARS BECAUSE OF YOUR HEAD COACHING SITUATION!!
You deserve nothing nice. I was going to say something else in this sentence, but I think it’s some of the rage still carrying over from the Clowns.
Hey, Jerry boy! You’re worth billions and decide to run a shoestring budget at your advanced age?!
The salary cap is a myth. Go and do what is needed or come Part 1 2025, I will guarantee absolute annotation regardless of your record with whatever coach you have.
Also, BRIAN SCHOTTENHEIMER?!!? AND KEN DORSEY!!!!!!!!!
*Fitz-dot-exe broke from laughter*
NJ Frauds: Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen still have jobs?!
Until those hacks are canned, I hereby dub this franchise — barring a miraculous turnaround, A.K.A. a Super Bowl win — the New Jersey Frauds until further notice.
Malik Nabers was great. Your team is not.
YOU BLEW IT!! GET OUT!! NO, NOT YOU, MR. SANDLER!! GET THEM!!!
NFC North
Z — Detroit: 3–1 | Part 2: 7–1 | Part 3: 12–1 | Part 4: 15–2
X — Minnesota: 4–0 | Part 2: 6–2 | Part 3: 11–2 | Part 4: 14–3
X — Green Bay: 2–2 | Part 2: 6–3 | Part 3: 9–4 | Part 4: 11–6
Chicago: 2–2 | Part 2: 4–4 | Part 3: 4–9 | Part 4: 5–12
State of the NFC North:
Detroit: I was more shocked that the Commanders took you down, until I saw what happened against Tampa Bay.
I feel bad for Detroit. Gut-punched and curb stomped, they lose both Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. Johnson’s offense was one of the best and most creative out there, and it may take a year for the Lions to recover from his defection (joking) to Chicago.
I can’t beat you guys up right now. Just… please do good next year, okay?
Minnesota: “I had to talk to old friend Quentin Griffin about the Vikings, and he provided some interesting analysis.
“If Sam Darnold walks after he wins one or even two playoff games — or even competing for the №1 Seed and the NFC North in Week 18 — I don’t think it’s intelligent to let him walk. I think they’re the third-best team in the NFC behind the Eagles and Lions.”
Quentin’s Week 18 prediction came to pass. For the Season 2 opener of the ‘Fitz On Sports’ Podcast, presented by Voltage Live, I asked him for some help on the 2024 Vikings final narrative.
Because I want you to listen to us, I’ll give you a one-word summary: Optimistic.
From a great offensive core and the 2024 Head Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings had a rough offseason and an unexpected quarterback revival — or rather, arrival? — by Darnold, the Vikings are set to have tons of cap room to upgrade the offensive line, the secondary, and more.
Now let’s see if J.J. McCarthy turns out to be “the guy.”
Green Bay: In the short existence of the 14-team playoff era, only Green Bay has won a game as the №7 seed (hi, Dallas).
They ran into the brick wall known as Philadelphia and took an early exit to their vacation homes. I feel like I’m getting deja vu?
Whatever. I honestly don’t have much here other than DRAFT. A. WIDEOUT. IN. THE. FIRST. ROUND.
Might I suggest an Emeka Egbuka to energize your receiver room?
Chicago: To escape my end-of-season shredding over several deserved idiotic moments takes a lot of good fortune.
Hiring Ben Johnson away from your divisional rival in Detroit is a good start. GOODBYE TO THE EBERFLUS ERA!!
Chicago, I don’t need to repeat myself, do I? By the way, your consulting fee is $1 million USD because of the previously noted idiots.
- Big Money and Capital needs invested in the offensive line. Protect your golden goose (Caleb Williams)
- Obvious mention: Rebuild that porous excuse for a defense!
- Cut all the above idiots who are not long-term members of your core to fully wash away the past year’s sins. No ifs, ands, or buts!
- If you can appropriately satisfy the upgrades to your offensive line and you don’t feel great about any of the tackles or guards available with the No. 10 overall pick, TAKE ASHTON JEANTY!!!
Think for a minute, people! If (because let’s be fair, Chicago has kept screwing up) the Bears manage to improve the protection around Williams, combined with the talents of Rome Odunze, D’Andre Swift, Jeanty, D.J. Moore and Cole Kmet?!
That would have every general manager salivating.
If you follow these instructions to the letter, I’m calling you guys the №7 seed for next year’s playoffs.
Remember, ignore my advice, and you pay the price!
NFC South
Y — Tampa Bay: 3–1 | Part 2: 4–5 | Part 3: 7–6 | Part 4: 10–7
Atlanta: 2–2 | Part 2: 6–3 | Part 3: 6–7 | Part 4: 8–9
Carolina: 1–3 | Part 2: 2–7 | Part 3: 3–10 | Part 4: 5–12
New Orleans: 2–2 | Part 2: 2–7 | Part 3: 5–8 | Part 4: 5–12
State of the NFC South:
Tampa Bay: I said a lot about Tampa Bay in the AFC North section. I’m happy for Baker Mayfield. I’m stoked about Mike Evans continuing the 1,000 yard reception yards streak, and I invite the Bucs to pitch me on why I should become a fan of theirs.
One problem still stands out: Todd Bowles. I’ve probably said it before, but he’s a good head coach. I don’t know if he’s your guy to go to the Super Bowl.
He’s earned some leash, but I can imagine if he doesn’t make a deep run in 2025 (assuming no midseason pink slip), he’ll be on a scalding seat in 2026.
I do have one more thing to thank you for, and that would be…
Atlanta: “The Fall Down Cons are choking?! ~Who would have thought it was possible!~
Sweep Tampa Bay. You sit at 6–3 after Week 9.
Only to wet the bed and dip a game below .500, with Kirk Cousins looking absolutely spent. I could be wrong, but I hope we get to see Michael Penix at some point soon.”
THE FALL DOWN CONS LIVE ON!!!!
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
NO!! I’M NOT DONE!!!
I MAY HAVE LOST ONE OF MY LONG-TIME PUNCHING BAGS, BUT THE VERDICT IS IN!!!
NO MATTER HOW MUCH SUCCESS YOU HAVE, YOU WILL REMAIN THE FALL DOWN CONS UNTIL YOU WIN THE SUPER BOWL!!!
RANDY AND PAUL!! WE HAVE HOPE AND SNARK!!
Carolina: “I’m grateful to see Baker Mayfield give Bryce Young some encouragement. He knows full-well that Carolina is a tough place to flourish in the David Tepper era.
I like seeing some of the tangible progress by Young, but there are still growing pains.
You can see he’s working through the game and playing well to keep his team in it. I’m more concerned that Tepper makes a knee-jerk move and dumps Young early.
If Young were to succeed elsewhere, Tepper might be more of a laughingstock than Jerry Jones at future NFL Owners’ Meetings.”
I may have been slightly harsh on the Panthers early in the season (all warranted), though I am impressed by Bryce Young’s improvement late in the year under Dave Canales.
ESPN’s David Newton summed up the end of the year perfectly. I’m not going to be super bullish on Carolina in 2025, so let’s throw in an old WTS: MLB reference.
Stock faith of 20% in 2025 and 80% faith in 2026.
Good luck, guys.
New Orleans: “No, I don’t believe New Orleans is a playoff contender. This is even worse than all the years they went 7–9 consecutively prior to that last gasp from Drew Brees.
The Saints are in purgatory. Not good enough, but not bad enough to do anything. This is what happens when you kick the salary cap consequences down the road, Mickey Loomis.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t to say Loomis is a bad general manager (though having ownership intervene to fire Dennis Allen last time we were here instead of the end of the season doesn’t bode well for your future). It’s just Karma and the rent is finally coming due.”
The story of the 2024 New Orleans Saints:
1) Start 2–0 with plenty of false hope, lose seven straight.
2) Win three of four to inspire more false hope and proceed to lose out in the final four games.
3) Laughably finish the season last in the division behind Carolina by tiebreakers.
You. Are. Wasting. My. Time.
Hit the rebuild button, Mickey Loomis. Don’t waste your fans’ time either by deluding yourself into being contenders again.
NFC West
Y — LA Rams: 1–3 | Part 2: 4–4 | Part 3: 7–6 | Part 4: 10–7
Seattle: 3–1 | Part 2: 4–5 | Part 3: 8–5 | Part 4: 10–7
Arizona: 1–3 | Part 2: 5–4 | Part 3: 6–7 | Part 4: 8–9
San Fran: 2–2 | Part 2: 4–4 | Part 3: 6–7 | Part 4: 6–11
State of the NFC West:
LA Rams: This is the 24th WTS: NFL Edition, but I believe I’ve said in years past that Lombardi’s live forever.
Evidently, that’ll be the franchise’s mantra, as rumors of a tear down swirl. The team has already informed Cooper Kupp they intend to trade him, with Matthew Stafford reportedly on the trade block, too.
You got your prize, Los Angeles. Now I can’t wait to see the fallout of the ‘f*** them picks’ years come back and blow up in spectacular fashion!
What, you thought I’d praise you? If Kupp stays with the franchise, I’ll change my tune. He’s a guy I can’t fathom being in another team’s colors… or uniform. Whatever!
Still, with the Rams starting off 1–4 and making the playoffs, it would be a sensible direction to take with the franchise.
I hate rationality sometimes.
Seattle: So, I wanted to put the last bit of my energy into Chicago (I’ve been a bit under the weather), so here’s what I have to say.
Blow it up. Not the coaching staff, but the roster. The Seahawks are the NFC equivalent of Pittsburgh right now.
Why is my anger starting to boil? Something’s amiss here.
Arizona: The enigma known as the Arizona Football Cardinals.
You know what, I actually have nothing. This is a first.
You know why?
You are wasting my valuable time and brain cells. Off to purgatory you go!!
San Francisco: Much to my surprise, San Francisco is my mulligan team for the NFC but not exactly for shred-worthy reasons.
Before we get to that, we first need to talk about D’Vondre Campbell — A.K.A, The Deserter!
First of all, screw you! This is coming from my competitor side.
Refusing to go into the game is something I will never respect unless you are severely injured or some UNKNOWN mitigating circumstance.
Selfish. Cowardice! You don’t deserve the opportunity to play football anymore. There are so many people out there that they’d figuratively — or literally — do anything to have your career.
Yet you only have the mind to think about yourself, Mr. Campbell. It reminds me of a certain someone I personally know. I’m not going to elaborate. If you know, you know.
I am not at the level of a toxic fan, but from the athlete mindset, I likely would have punched you if I were in the same locker room. Maybe a lot of folks don’t think it’s a big deal, but trust me when I say this guy is a loser!!
Okay, Mindy, I’m good! I just need some water. I don’t need the chair to the head.
Now back on topic! Why did San Fran get the Mulligan?
Injuries. That, and my optimism the 49ers could overcome an onslaught that seemed to turn out even worse than the year they were inflicted with ‘The Curse of MetLife!’
Do you know how unbelievably bad it is to top THAT campaign? Some deity must be REALLY upset that the Chiefs won last year and are dishing out their anger out on Kyle Shannahan and Co.
In the end, nearly everyone not named George Kittle was a broken toy. You’re getting a reprieve with this mulligan, guys. I have some small bit of compassion left in my heart.
Well, I didn’t lie when I said the Year 6 finale would be out a month ago, but circumstances changed the timeline dramatically. I’m still salty at that division, and Brandon is getting to feel the joy of his second Super Bowl victory.
Maybe a certain franchise should just let me take charge and work with the people to achieve results
Brandon and I also agreed on a new rule: If Jerry Jones pulls this stunt again where he delays our production, no other articles or columns will be produced during that time.
Thank you all for another wonderful season. I went through a lot at the end of 2024, and I’m very appreciative of the support everyone gave me.
With a heart full of gratitude, we’ll see you next fall (probably. Still undecided on MLB edition for 2025).
Sean Fitzgerald is an award-winning journalist, writer, sports reporter, voiceover talent and podcaster. Tune in to the ‘Fitz On Sports Podcast’ on Voltage Live each Friday and follow him on Twitter/X @fitzonsportsbsr; as well as Bluesky @fitzonsportsbsr.bsky.social for insights, articles and occasional livestreams, as well as columns here on medium.com.
