Offensive Line Articles

Week 17 Offensive Line Ranings

12/29/2021

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Previous Rank: 2) – The Bucs o-line had one of the best performances of any o-line this season in their victory over the Panthers. Their starters shut the Panthers defense out as their starters didn’t allow a single pressure all game. The game was a blowout so some reserve players got in, and Josh Well allowed a pressure in garbage time, but the starters were simply phenomenal in this game. The Bucs are having a special season, and I can’t deny their season body of work any longer after a game like that against a really good defense that has been one of the best defenses at generating pressure in 2021. As a unit, they have a 15.3% PA% which leads the NFL by a wide margin of three percent. They are also the only team in which all five of their starting offensive linemen have a PA% less than four percent.
New England Patriots (Previous Rank: 1) – The Patriots o-line played well vs. the Bills in both phases. The Patriot RBs rushed for 107 yards on 20 carries and three TDs. They were even better in pass pro as they only allowed pressure 15% of pass snaps. Unfortunately, Mac Jones was awful and unable to take advantage of this group’s performance.
Philadelphia Eagles (Previous Rank: 3) – The Eagles o-line had an ok run-blocking game by the lofty standards they’ve set this season. They’re playing at such a high level that 130 yards on 4.3 YPC is sort of a mediocre game for them. However, the Eagles played one of their best pass pro games of the season. They only allowed four pressures, and all four allowed pressures came from Nate Herbig, who is technically the fifth string guard because they lost both of their starting guards for the year early in the season, and Jack Driscoll was lost for the season last week. I guess the Eagles had to run out of good guards eventually. Even with Herbig now set to start at RG for the remainder of the season, this group will be fine if Kelce, Johnson, and Mailata continue to play at a high level. Philly’s o-line is also the only group that is top three in both run and pass-block win rate.
Dallas Cowboys (Previous Rank: 4) – The Cowboys o-line played their best game since the Falcons game back in week 10. They only allowed pressure 8% of pass snaps, and most of came from the three pressures allowed by Biadasz. Terence Steele started his fifth game at LT this season, and this was by far the best one as he didn’t allow any pressures. The best stat of the game from this group has to be the fact that nobody was penalized which is just the second time all season that has happened for the Cowboys o-line.
Cleveland Browns (Previous Rank: 5) – There comes a point in which a unit simply can’t overcome it’s losses, and that is what happened with the Browns o-line vs. the Packers. Baker was awful, but this group allowed pressure 32% of pass snaps and four sacks, which greatly contributed to Baker’s struggles. Bitonio and Teller both played well, but they were also the only starters left in the lineup as Tretter and Wills were on the Covid list. Of their 14 allowed pressures, half came from Michael Dunn who also allowed two sacks. Tretter and Wills will be back soon, so I can’t ding this group much for this performance.
Los Angeles Rams (Previous Rank: 7) – Andrew Whitworth missed the Vikings game with Covid, but this o-line didn’t miss a beat. There were a lot of moving parts for the Rams o-line in this game. LG David Edwards got the start at LT to replace Whitworth, and Coleman Shelton was in at LG in Edward’s place. However, Brian Allen left the game early with a knee injury, and Shelton was then moved to center, Edwards back to LG, and Alaric Jackson finished the game at LT. Despite all the moves, this unit had one of their better run-blocking performances of this season and only allowed pressure on 13% of pass snaps. The Rams are fourth in pass blocking with a PA% of 19.4% and are first in pass-block win rate.
Los Angeles Chargers (Previous Rank: 6) – LA’s o-line played well vs. Houston. They were solid in the run game and great in pass pro. They gave up two sacks but only allowed pressure 11% of pass snaps, so that’s still a strong game from them. Slater was back after missing their week 15 game with Covid and didn’t allow any pressures. He continues to justify his pro-bowl selection as a rookie. This group is now top five in pass blocking with a PA% of 19.7%.
San Francisco 49ers (Previous Rank: 8) – The 49ers lost a game they should’ve won to the Titans on TNF, but the o-line played well and did something I felt they needed to do, which is pass block well in a game where the team had to throw significantly more than they run. They had 39 pass snaps to 21 run snaps, and it was one of their best pass pro games of the year. This group has struggled some in games where the team has thrown significantly more than they’ve run, but that was not the case vs. a good Titans pass rush. We know this group can run-block, but as the playoffs approach, this team won’t go very far if this unit can’t hold up in pass pro without the threat of run.
Kansas City Chiefs (Previous Rank: 9) – It was another strong performance from the Chiefs o-line as everything seems to be coming together at the right time for this offense. They were better than the numbers show in the run game and great in pass pro as they only allowed pressure 15% of pass snaps. Creed Humphrey had one of his best games of the year and may have been motivated by being this year’s biggest pro-bowl snub. The Chiefs are top five in both run and pass-block win rate and look ready to help the Chiefs make another Super Bowl run.
Indianapolis Colts (Previous Rank: 10) – The Colts were missing all three interior starters upfront, and you could tell in the run game. It took Taylor 27 carries to get 108 yards (4.0 YPC), and the team as a whole averaged 3.8 YPC. Eric Fisher also left the game early dealing with multiple injuries. However, this unit still managed to hold up in pass pro despite being without four starters most of the game. Fisher’s status for next week is day-to-day but Nelson and Glowinski should be back from the covid list and Kelly should be back after missing the last three games due to injury.
Detroit Lions (Previous Rank: 12) – The Lions o-line has been one of the most improved units of the second half of the season, and it continued vs. the Falcons. This group continued to trend of any offensive line will have a great day vs. the Falcons.
Buffalo Bills (Previous Rank: 13) – It was a prototypical game for the Bills o-line in their win vs. the Pats. They were solid in pass pro and not so great in the run game. The Bills rush attack is so reliant on Josh Allen, and this group’s inability to consistently win in the run game is one of their biggest issues. However, the Bills or going to go as their passing game goes, and as long as they continue to pass block well this team has a chance.
Washington Football Team (Previous Rank: 16) – So much went wrong for Washington in the blow-out loss to Dallas, but the o-line play was solid. They actually held up against a talented Cowboys pass rush as they only allowed pressure 17% of pass snaps and only one sack. This unit should be even better next week with Brandon Scherff activated from the Covid list.
Baltimore Ravens (Previous Rank: 11) – The Ravens o-line struggled in the loss to the Bengals. The Ravens only managed 39 yards rushing on 2.4 YPC in the run game and allowed pressure 33% of pass snaps. This unit remains one of the most inconsistent in the NFL.
Green Bay Packers (Previous Rank: 22) – The Packers are getting the absolute most out of the players they have available upfront. This cast of backups had another good game vs. the Browns which contributed to another good Rodgers game. Their current starting five has been one of the most effective pass-blocking units in the NFL since their bye week.
Arizona Cardinals (Previous Rank: 15) – It was a mediocre overall game for the Cardinals o-line vs. the Colts. Outside of a 57-yard scamper by Kyler, Arizona didn’t have great success on the ground. They allowed pressure 23% of pass snaps which is a little above average, but it was very concerning seeing D.J. Humphries, their best o-lineman, allow six pressures.
New Orleans Saints (Previous Rank: 13) – The Saints o-line continues to be a mess without Armstead and Ramczyk, and it may cost them a trip to the playoffs this season.
Denver Broncos (Previous Rank: 17) – The Broncos went up against the best pass-rushing d-line in the league in terms of pressure generated and struggled. This o-line allowed two sacks and pressure on 48% of pass snaps. It didn’t help that the Broncos run game was a disaster. Their backs rushed for 8 yards on 14 carries. Whenever a team’s RBs have more carries than rush yards, the o-line probably had a bad day.
New York Jets (Previous Rank: 19) – The Jets were without both starting guards vs. the Jags, but the game plan clearly was to run it until the Jags make them do something else, and they were successful. They rushed for 273 yards on 7.6 YPC. The pass-blocking wasn’t great, but it hasn’t been great all season, even at full strength.
Tennessee Titans (Previous Rank: 18) – The Titans o-line had a solid game giving the quality of opponent combined with the fact they were missing two starters. Lewan is hurt again and is questionable for the next game. Saffold missed week 15 with a shoulder injury and then missed the 49er game with Covid. This group allowed two sacks and pressure at a rate of 27% which was serviceable work for a shorthanded group that even when at full strength hasn’t pass-blocked well this year.
Atlanta Falcons (Previous Rank: 20) – The Falcons o-line isn’t playing well. After one of the worst pass pro performances of the year last game vs. the 49ers, they didn’t play well against a weak opponent vs. the Lions. They gave up two more sacks and pressure 30% of pass snaps, and the run-game wasn’t a factor. Hennessy has especially struggled of late and is now has the worst PA% of eligible centers at 5.18%.
Minnesota Vikings (Previous Rank: 21) – The Vikings o-line struggled to protect Cousins in a game that was there for the taking against the Rams. The interior pass blocking has been a problem all season, and it was again vs. the Rams. They allowed pressure 34% of pass snaps, and 11 of the total 15 pressures came from the three interior guys.
Jacksonville Jaguars (Previous Rank: 27) – The Jags o-line has played better in the past two games, albeit against very bad teams. What’s interesting is the recent play of Cam Robinson. He has only allowed two pressures in his last four starts, and two of those games were against good teams. How much of what he’s doing is a fluke? The Jags will have to decide whether or not his play down the stretch warrants a long-term extension.
Cincinnati Bengals (Previous Rank: 24) – After a rough three-game stretch pass-blocking, this unit finally had a respectable outing. The only starter that played poorly was backup RT Isaiah Prince. The Bengals o-line isn’t going to be elite, but they allowed pressure about 24% of pass snaps which is league average. If they can do that in the playoffs this team might have a chance to win a playoff game.
Houston Texans (Previous Rank: 28) – The Texans o-line played big vs. the Chargers, which led to a huge upset win. They only allowed pressure 10% of pass snaps, and they had one of their best run-blocking performances of the year, which resulted in 189 yards on 5.3 YPC.
New York Giants (Previous Rank: 23) – The Giants wanted to play spoiler against the division-rival Eagles, who appear to be surging towards a playoff berth, but the o-line returned to their early season form after a string of good games. It didn’t help that this unit lost another RT to injury as Peart went down. Korey Cunningham came in to replace him and allowed six pressures and a sack.
Seattle Seahawks (Previous Rank: 29) – The Seahawks o-line had their first good pass-blocking game against a credible defense since week six. They only allowed pressure 22% of pass snaps and one sack vs. a Bears defense that is top five in the NFL in sacks.
Miami Dolphins (Previous Rank: 30) – While much is being made of the Dolphins turnaround as a team, they’re the first team ever to win and lose seven games in a row in a season, more needs to be made of the Dolphins o-line turnaround. In their first 11 games, this unit only had three games in which they allowed pressure less than 30% of pass snaps. However, in their last four games they have allowed pressure less than 30% of pass snaps. It’s one of the best 180 turnarounds we’ve seen from any position group on any team this season.
Chicago Bears (Previous Rank: 25) – The month of December has been one to forget for this o-line in terms of pass pro, and it was another poor outing vs. the Seahawks in the snow. They allowed three sacks and pressure 32% of their pass snaps.
Pittsburgh Steelers (Previous Rank: 26) – The Steelers were up against one of the NFL’s hottest defenses, and their o-line didn’t fare well at all. They allowed pressure on 37% of pass snaps and two sacks. The pressure stats on the year may be good, but this unit is tied for the fourth-most sacks allowed with 23, and they are ranked 31st in pass-block win rate.
Las Vegas Raiders (Previous Rank: 32) – The Raiders o-line played well vs. the Broncos. Their overall PA% was dragged down by Leatherwood, who was the one starter that really struggled in pass pro as he allowed five pressures and sack. However, by Raider standards, this was a really solid game upfront for them. They even ran-block well, which allowed Josh Jacobs to rush for over 100 yards for the first time this season. However, the fact that the Raiders were unable to have a 100-yard rusher until week 16 is an indictment against this group for the year.
Carolina Panthers (Previous Rank: 31) – The Panthers o-line struggled again vs. the Bucs. They allowed pressure 31% of pass snaps and three sacks. On the year, they’ve allowed the third-most sacks and they have the third-highest PA%.

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Week 16 Odds & Predictions

12/23/2021

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NFL Point spreads week 16
*Predicted winners are in bold
Predictions Record on the season: 131-92-1

San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) at Tennessee Titans (+3.5)
Cleveland Browns (+7.5) at Green Bay Packers (-7.5)
Indianapolis Colts (+2.5) at Arizona Cardinals (-2.5)
New York Giants (+9.5) at Philadelphia Eagles (-9.5)
Los Angeles Rams (-3.5) at Minnesota Vikings (+3.5)
Buffalo Bills (+2.5) at New England Patriots (-2.5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-11.5) at Carolina Panthers (+11.5)
Jacksonville Jaguars (+2.5) at New York Jets (-2.5)
Detroit Lions (+3.5) at Atlanta Falcons (-3.5)
Los Angeles Chargers (-10.5) at Houston Texans (+10.5)
Baltimore Ravens (+2.5) at Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5)
Chicago Bears (+6.5) at Seattle Seahawks (-6.5) (UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK!)
Pittsburgh Steelers (+9.5) at Kansas City Chiefs (-9.5)
Denver Broncos (+1.5) at Las Vegas Raiders (-1.5)
Washington Football Team (+10.5) at Dallas Cowboys (-10.5)
Miami Dolphins (+3.5) at New Orleans Saints (-3.5)

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The 2021 NFL pro-bowl rosters have been announced and you can see the official selections here. As expected, there were some selections we didn't agree with and some deserving players that got snubbed. Therefore, In this article I will present the olinestats.com official pro-bowl team.
*Denotes Starters
AFC
Tackles

*Rashawn Slater (Chargers)
*Kolton Miller (Raiders)
Braden Smith (Colts)

I've had Rashawn Slater and Kolton Miller projected to make the pro-bowl since my first pro-bowl voting guide and they not only made the NFL's list but they are the OLS starters as well. Slater has performed better than any other tackle in the AFC. He currently ranks third in PA% among AFC tackles, he only allowed one tackle for loss, and has only been penalized three times. Miller's stand-out play has shined through despite being stuck on a Raiders o-line that ranked last in our latest offensive line rankings. He ranks sixth among AFC tackles in PA%, but he's been much better run-blocking than most of the players ahead of him. The final spot went to Braden Smith. One can make the case that either Isaiah Wynn or Orlando Brown deserved the spot over him because Smith only played in eight games. However, Smith was significantly more impressive than those two in those eight games. Smith has been arguably the best run blocker in the AFC, and definitely the best at tackle. Jonathan Taylor's MVP surge also coincided with Smith's return from injury. Taylor averaged 87.2 rush yards per game in the six games Smith was out. He averaged 124.4 rush yards per game in the eight games Smith played.
First Alternate: Isaiah Wynn (Patriots)

Guards

*Joel Bitonio (Browns)
*Shaq Mason (Patriots)
Joe Thuney (Chiefs)

Bitonio has been a lock to make the pro-bowl all season, but his recent play might get him the nod over Zach Martin as this year's best guard, and him moving over to LT and playing great in the Browns last game just put him in the mix to finish top three in the most valuable offensive lineman voting in our end of season awards. Shaq Mason is having a great season. He's been the best player on the OLS top-ranked o-line proving to be a force as both a run and pass blocker. The final spot came down to Thuney and Teller. I gave the nod to Thuney because he has been the best pass-blocking guard in the NFL this season. His 1.77% PA% leads all guards, and he's the only guard in the NFL with a sub 2% PA%.
First Alternate: Wyatt Teller (Brown)

Centers

*Corey Linsley (Starter)
Creed Humphrey (Chiefs)

With respect to David Andrews and J.C. Tretter who both are having good seasons, the AFC center pro-bowl race has been over for a while now. It was always going to be Linsley and Humphrey. Humphrey's omission from the NFL team is one of the biggest snubs in recent memory, especially when considering they put in Ryan Kelly, who is having one of his worst seasons. But hey, he starts on a team that leads the league in rushing, and unfortunately, o-line pro-bowl voting too often comes down to that sort of trivial thinking.
First Alternate: David Andrews (Patriots)

NFC
Tackles

*Trent Williams (49ers)
*Tyron Smith (Cowboys)
Tristan Wirfs (Buccaneers)

The NFC tackle pro-bowl race was the toughest of all o-line positions and possibly of any position in the league. Seven NFC tackles (Trent Williams, Tyron Smith, Tristan Wirfs, Andrew Whitworth, Brian O'Neil, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata) had better seasons than any AFC tackle, and all seven legitimately played well enough to make the pro-bowl. Unfortunately, there are only three spots. Williams and Smith were neck-and-neck for the best offensive lineman award in our mid-season awards, so they've been locks to make this team since then. However, the toughest call I had to make for the OLS pro-bowl team was Wirfs or Whitworth for the third tackle spot. In both pro-bowl voting guides, I went with Whitworth. But Wirfs play down the stretch led me to ultimately choose him. Wirfs has a PA% of 1.79% which ranks second among tackles, and he and Smith are the only tackles with a sub 2% PA%. Whitworth isn't far behind with a PA% of 2.3%, but ultimately with it being so close a call, I had to nitpick, and Wirfs has been slightly better run-blocking, and he has started all 14 games whereas Whitworth has missed one game.
First Alternate: Andrew Whitworth

Guards

*Zach Martin (Cowboys)
*Ali Marpet (Buccaneers)
Chris Lindstrom (Falcons)

Zach Martin has been the best guard in the NFC by far. He has the best PA% of all eligible NFC guards and has been the best run-blocker at the position as well. Marpet has been the second-best guard in the conference and a key piece to the league's best pass-blocking o-line. Lindstrom has been in the mix for the pro-bowl since the first pro-bowl voting guide, but his play in the last three games nearly got him off the team. However, his overall body of work this season still is slightly better than Tomlinson who is the next most deserving NFC guard so he gets the last guard spot.
First Alternate: Laken Tomlinson (49ers)

Centers

*Jason Kelce (Eagles)
Alex Mack (49ers)

Injuries hurt the NFC center race. My money would've been on Frank Ragnow to be the conference's top pivot man, and Chase Roullier may have given Kelce a run for his money. However, both were lost for the season due to injury leaving Kelce unopposed as the NFC's only elite player at the position. Alex Mack and Brian Allen were the best remaining candidates for the final NFC center spot. Allen has been a force in the run game, but he's 25th in PA%, and his five allowed sacks are tied for most allowed by a center this season. With him being such a liability in pass pro, I couldn't justify giving him the nod over the steady Alex Mack, who hasn't been great this season in either phase, but he's been good in both.
First Alternate: Brian Allen (Rams)

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Week 16 Offensive Line Rankings

12/22/2021

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New England Patriots (Previous Rank: 1) – The Patriots o-line played their worst game since week six, which was the last time they lost. By league-wide standards, their o-line was fine against the Colts, but this group had been playing at an elite level, and on Saturday they did not. It should worry Patriots fans that this team apparently can’t win games in which the o-line doesn’t play elite.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Previous Rank: 2) – The Bucs could have taken over the top spot with another good game, but they played their worst game of the season, and it may have cost them the number one seed. They allowed pressure 31% of their pass snaps, and it was the first time all season they’ve allowed pressure at a rate of over 30%. Their overall play on the season suggests that there is no reason to panic about this group, and I expect them to finish the season strong and help TB win out.
Philadelphia Eagles (Previous Rank: 3) – The Eagles o-line was dominant in the run game vs. Washington. They rushed for 238 yards on 41 carries (5.8 YPC). The duo of Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson may be the best tackle duo in the NFL, and Kelce somehow is still playing at a pro-bowl level. But what has been most impressive about the Eagles is that they have an infinite amount of good guards. Both of their starting guards were lost for the season and both Dickerson and Herbig have played well in their absence. But Dickerson was out due to Covid, and Iosua Opeta, a 2019 undrafted FA making his first start this season, came in and was great in the run game in his absence. What keeps me from moving the Eagles up is that they are still an inconsistent pass pro team. They’ve had some great pass pro games and some bad ones, and they were bad vs. WSH. They allowed pressure on 30% of pass snaps and allowed three sacks.
Dallas Cowboys (Previous Rank: 4) – The Cowboys offense hasn’t played to the high standard it set in the first half of the season, and neither has their o-line. As the playoffs approach, this group is playing their worst football of the season. The run blocking hasn’t been consistent enough for Dallas to lean on the run game as much as they’d like, and they had their second-worst pass pro performance of the season against a bad Giants team. Tyron Smith missed his fourth game of the season, and at this point, you have to be concerned about him being right for the final stretch of the season given his history. The good news is, the Cowboys took my advice and finally put Connor Williams back in the lineup. He had a strong game as he had no penalties and allowed no pressures.
Cleveland Browns (Previous Rank: 5) – Given the circumstances, this group’s performance in their MNF victory over the Raiders was their best of the year. Joel Bitonio had to play LT for the first time in his eight-year career and played great. Michael Dunn, a 2017 undrafted free agent, made his first appearance of the year and just the second of his career and played well. Tretter and Teller played well, and Hance was serviceable. They only allowed pressure 16% of the time, and they ran block well.
Los Angeles Chargers (Previous Rank: 8) – The Chargers o-line played great. Rashawn Slater missed his first game of the season due to Covid, and this group didn’t miss a beat. Everyone stepped up their game, including Trey Pipkins, who replaced Slater and was solid. The Chargers rushed for 192 yards and were winning the LOS in the run game consistently throughout the night. They also only allowed pressure 14% of pass snaps. Combine Herbert and all the talented skill players on this team with an offensive line playing at a high level, and you get one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL to match up with in the playoffs.
Los Angeles Rams (Previous Rank: 6) – The Rams had to play without Rob Havenstein due to Covid and it hurt them. Bobby Evans got the start at RT in his place, and he allowed two sacks, three pressures, and two TFL. It wasn’t just Evans that struggled. This unit allowed four sacks and pressure on 32% of pass snaps, and it was just the second time all year they’ve allowed pressure at a rate over 30%.
San Francisco 49ers (Previous Rank: 9) – The 49ers o-line was awesome on Sunday. However, I’m making an executive decision about these rankings for the remainder of the season. We’re just not going to talk about what happens when an o-line goes up against the Falcons defense. It just doesn’t matter who plays them, every o-line plays well against them.
Kansas City Chiefs (Previous Rank: 7) – The Chiefs had one of their worst run-blocking games of the year. Mahomes tied for their highest rusher on TNF with 32 yards on scrambles. However, the Chiefs threw most of the game, and their o-line had a solid game in pass pro. They only allowed pressure 19% of pass snaps. The Chiefs have actually been one of the best run-blocking teams in the league, and I believe they need to use it more despite what happened vs. the Chargers.
Indianapolis Colts (Previous Rank: 10) – The Colts offensive line continues to assert their dominance as a run-blocking juggernaut. They rushed for over 200 yards and had 38 run snaps to just 14 pass snaps. Everyone knows when going against the Patriots they try and take away what you do best. Well, the Colts didn’t care. They run the ball best and decided they were going to run it vs. the Pats, and there was nothing they could do about it. Unfortunately, this group’s ability to pass block is still a concern. They allowed pressure nearly 43% of pass snaps, and while the sample size was small, they haven’t pass blocked at a high level all season.
Baltimore Ravens (Previous Rank: 14) – The Ravens o-line played great vs. GB and have put together back-to-back strong performances against credible defensive fronts. Even Villanueva had a great pass pro game as he allowed no pressures for just the second time all season. They were solid in the run game and outstanding in pass pro as they only allowed pressure 13% of pass snaps.
Detroit Lions (Previous Rank: 12) – The Lions o-line had another solid outing which led to their best win of the season in a major upset over the Cardinals. This group held up well in pass pro, only allowing six pressures, which played a key role in Goff having his most efficient game of the season.
Buffalo Bills (Previous Rank: 13) – The Bills o-line was in flux with Dawkins out of the lineup due to covid. Spencer Brown was moved to LT and had his worst game of the season. Williams had to move to RT and was good there, but that also meant Cody Ford was in at RG, and he wasn’t so good. The Bills o-line didn’t have a good game, but Dawkins should be back next week and everyone back in their normal spots, so I won’t hold this performance against them.
New Orleans Saints (Previous Rank: 11) – The Saints had to play another game without their top two guys in Armstead and Ramczyk, and they struggled. They allowed pressure 36% of pass snaps and didn’t run block well either. All the Saints could do on Sunday was stay out of the defense’s way, and at least they did a good job of that.
Arizona Cardinals (Previous Rank: 15) – The Cardinals were another team hit by the Covid bug as their starting center Rodney Hudson was out. RG Max Garcia moved over to C, and Josh Jones was back in the lineup for the first time since week 10. This group didn’t play great vs. the Lions, but they also played well enough where Arizona should have scored more than 12 points. The run blocking wasn’t great, but this hasn’t been a good run-blocking group all year. They only allowed pressure 12% of pass snaps, but Murray still struggled.
Washington Football Team (Previous Rank: 16) – It was a rough outing Tuesday night for Washington’s o-line. They allowed pressure on 47% of pass snaps along with three sacks, and the run blocking wasn’t great either. The good news is Cosmi was back in the lineup. He struggled, but he’s been dealing with injury all season, so he might need time to work his way back into rhythm. Scherff was also out with Covid. The biggest problem for Washington vs. the Eagles was the backup interior guys. Keith Ismael and Saahdiq Charles allowed 10 pressures and two sacks.
Denver Broncos (Previous Rank: 20) – The Broncos o-line has played better since Bolles and Massie returned to the lineup, and they had another productive game in their loss to the Bengals. The three sacks they allowed wasn’t great, but they only allowed pressure on 19% of pass snaps. They were also solid in the run game as the Broncos backs combined for 125 yards on 4.1 YPC. Unfortunately, Denver has one of the worst QB situations in the NFL, and it’s negating any other positives on their offense.
Tennessee Titans (Previous Rank: 18) – The Titans o-line had a good outing run-blocking. However, it was a disaster in pass pro as they allowed five sacks and pressure on 36% of pass snaps. Everyone knows Tannehill needs ideal circumstances to perform at a high level, and this group’s pass blocking in the last four games has a lot to do with why he’s played terribly in the last four games. Each week they look more and more like a team that’s destined to be one-and-done in the postseason.
New York Jets (Previous Rank: 19) – The Jets were without George Fant who has been their best lineman this season. Conor McDermott got the start at LT in his absence and struggled, allowing two sacks and three pressures. Overall, this group played average vs. the Dolphins. They didn’t get killed in pass pro but weren’t good either as they allowed pressure on 25% of pass snaps. They were solid in the run game as they rushed for 100 yards.
Atlanta Falcons (Previous Rank: 17) – It’s a shame the Falcons o-line can’t play the Falcons defense. They ran into a hot 49ers team and got dominated. They didn’t run block or pass block well. Take away Matt Ryan’s 20 yards rushing, and they only had 42 yards rushing on 18 carries. They also allowed two sacks and pressure at an alarming rate of 65% per pass snap. What is most concerning is Chris Lindstrom appears to be in a slump. He’s now had three straight subpar performances.
Minnesota Vikings (Previous Rank: 23) – The Vikings o-line actually played well vs. the Bears, their pass pro numbers were just negatively skewed by Mason Cole’s poor performance. Cole allowed two sacks and six pressures. Darrisaw struggled some too, as he allowed two sacks. However, minus Cole, the Vikings only allowed three pressures. Brian O’Neill kept his streak of not allowing a sack alive, and he’s the only tackle that has not missed a game who hasn’t been credited with allowing a sack.
Green Bay Packers (Previous Rank: 26) – The Packers have played two games now with this new lineup that is missing four starters and have played well in both games. They allowed pressure only 10% of pass snaps in back-to-back games, and it may be time to start taking this group more seriously. This unit will have to play much better competition than the likes of the Ravens beat-up defense, but for now, Packers fans don’t need to panic that their offensive line is a disaster.
New York Giants (Previous Rank: 25) – The Giants o-line had another good game in the loss to the Cowboys. They only allowed pressure 16% of pass snaps and gave up no sacks. They also ran block very well. They rushed for 124 yards on (5.4 YPC). It’s just a shame this group didn’t start to play well until they were stuck with a QB unable to take advantage of it.
Cincinnati Bengals (Previous Rank: 21) – The Bengals got out of Denver with the win, but the offense as a whole and the o-line weren’t impressive. This group allowed pressure on 32% of pass snaps, and this is their third straight game allowing pressure over 30% of pass snaps. Quinton Spain is the only player in this unit that has played consistently well.
Chicago Bears (Previous Rank: 22) – The good news is Teven Jenkins resembled an NFL player after playing what may have been the worst game any offensive lineman had played all season last week. The bad news is he still is struggling with penalties. He had four in the last game and three more vs. the Vikings. The biggest problem this group had vs. the Bears was interior pass pro. All three starters struggled as they allowed a combined 11 pressures and four tackles for loss. The good news is Germain Ifedi was back in the lineup for the first time since week five and played well. If Jason Peters can come back and play well, the Bears will at least have solid tackle play to help the Bears evaluate Fields for these last three games.
Pittsburgh Steelers (Previous Rank: 24) – The Steelers o-line had a decent game in pass pro. They only allowed four pressures but also two sacks. Unfortunately, the Steelers run game still can’t be counted on. They rushed for 35 yards on 17 carries, and Harris only had 18 yards on 12 carries.
Jacksonville Jaguars (Previous Rank: 27) – The Jaguars o-line played well in their win over the Texans. This unit has played two good games in their last six games, and the two opponents were the Texans and Falcons, the two defenses all o-lines play well against. This is still a bad o-line.
Houston Texans (Previous Rank: 30) – The Texans o-line has been solid of late. Justin Britt returning to the lineup has really helped. He hasn’t allowed any pressures in the three games he’s played since he came back. It is unclear whether or not Tunsil will play again this year. He’s eligible to return from IR, but the team has not committed to saying if he’ll come back this season, and given their record and the fact they may want to tank, he might not come back.
Seattle Seahawks (Previous Rank: 28) – The Seahawks o-line struggled again in pass pro in the loss to the Rams. Outside of Duane Brown, the entire line struggled. They allowed pressure at a rate of 30%, and it’s the third time in their last four outings they’ve allowed pressure on at least 30% of pass snaps.
Miami Dolphins (Previous Rank: 32) – The Dolphins haven’t made a single personnel change upfront and yet the Dolphins have been a completely different unit since week 12. They only allowed pressure 19% of pass snaps and allowed no sacks vs. the Jets, and they haven’t allowed pressure at a rate over 20% in three straight games. Whether the Dolphins make the playoffs or not, if this o-line closes the year playing like this in their last three games, It’ll completely change how the Dolphins have to look at this upcoming offseason.
Carolina Panthers (Previous Rank: 29) – The Panthers o-line has been one of the worst pass-blocking units in the NFL since the season started, and unlike other bad lines like the Dolphins and Giants, this group has shown no improvement whatsoever. They allowed three sacks and pressure on 33% of pass snaps in their loss to the Bills. At least Taylor Moton has played well this season, he’s all they’ve got.
Las Vegas Raiders (Previous Rank: 31) – The Raiders were ok vs. the Browns, but it’s the fact that they were just ok against a defense that was missing multiple starters that’s concerning, especially when you factor in that they allowed pressure on 47% of pass snaps vs. a healthy Chiefs defense the week before.

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Week 15 Odds & Predictions

12/16/2021

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NFL Point spreads week 15
*Predicted winners are in bold
Predictions Record on the season: 120-87-1

Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers: KC -3.5
Las Vegas Raiders at Cleveland Browns: CLE -5.5
New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts: IND -2.5
Washington Football Team at Philadelphia Eagles: PHI -4.5
Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills: BUF -10.5
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins: MIA -8.5 (UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK!)
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants: DAL -10.5
Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers: TEN -1.5
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars: JAX -3.5
Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions: ARI -13.5
Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers: SF -8.5
Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos: DEN -1
Green Bay Packers at Baltimore Ravens: GB -4.5
Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams: LAR -6.5
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TB -10.5
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears: MIN -4

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