“Black Friday” and “Boxing Day” have become days synonymous with big discounts in stores. A tradition of a very different kind will be in full swing in the NFL in the coming days with “Black Monday,” a moment that will make several teams realize they were wrong in their spending as several coaches are shown the door.
In fact, Black Monday has been talked about across leagues for years, but the term has almost gone out of fashion. Team owners no longer have the patience to wait until Monday, and a storm often hits in the hours after the last game.
Last year, three coaches were fired before the end of the season and the Texans fired Lovie Smith shortly after their final game. Only one driver, Kliff Kingsbury of the Cardinals, was fired Monday.
However, the term Black Monday makes it clear that a wave of layoffs is imminent.
Three teams (Panthers, Raiders and Chargers) have already pulled the ax in recent weeks and several others will follow suit.
Good evening, he's gone
In the category of certainties, it's safe to bet that commanders will be the first to show Ron Rivera an exit after four years of service. The team has had a new owner since the summer, Josh Harris, who will choose his own football team.
Rivera brought the team back to respectability with a playoff appearance and a 26-39-1 record, but this season (4-12) he has fallen just as far as his predecessors.
Not reassuring
Bill Belichick is far from certain whether he will return for a 25th season at the helm of the Patriots. Getty Images via AFP
Elsewhere, some coaches find themselves on the tightrope without necessarily being sure they will lose their position.
The name to watch most in this category is undoubtedly Bill Belichick, in office since 2000. The quality of his tenure with the Patriots is undeniable, but several serious rumors speak to owner Robert Kraft's desperation.
The Patriots have looked better in recent weeks, but a disastrous start to the season could cost him his job.
Mike Vrabel's return isn't guaranteed in Tennessee either. The Titans are floundering and some believe Vrabel will end up in Foxborough as Belichick's successor. However, Vrabel is still under contract.
This weekend's games in the National Conference South Division will play a big role for Saints' Dennis Allen and Falcons' Arthur Smith.
With the Bears, we believed all season that Matt Eberflus would be living on borrowed time, but he may have saved his job in recent weeks. This is a case to follow.
Any surprises?
Sean McDermott has had great success in Buffalo, but playoff expectations will be high. Getty Images via AFP
Among the other names to keep an eye on in the coming days or weeks that are not considered potential candidates for release, four names are highlighted here. The chances of them becoming unemployed are slim, but who knows?
Sean McDermott could logically be in danger if the Bills fail to qualify for the playoffs or are eliminated quickly. Jerry Jones' patience in Dallas will be tested if his Cowboys still can't get far with Mike McCarthy.
Even though he just signed for his 17th straight season without a losing record, Mike Tomlin and his long association with the Steelers will be a name that will get people talking. Does he want to stay? Could the Steelers get a serious offer?
After all, things don't seem to be going downhill for 72-year-old Pete Carroll with the Seahawks. It doesn't show the slightest loss of energy, but you never know…
WEEK 18
SATURDAY
MY DECISIONS
Pittsburgh to Baltimore (4:30 p.m.) STAHLER
Houston at Indianapolis (8:15 p.m.) TEXAN
SUNDAY
MY DECISIONS
Tampa Bay, Carolina (1 p.m.) PRIVATE
Cleveland at Cincinnati (1 p.m.) BENGAL
Minnesota at Detroit (1 p.m.) LIONS
NY Jets in New England (1 p.m.) PATRIOTS
Atlanta to New Orleans (1 p.m.) SAINTS
Jacksonville, Tennessee (1 p.m.) JAGUARS
Seattle, Arizona (4:25 p.m.) SEAHAWKS
Chicago to Green Bay (4:25 p.m.) BEARS
Kansas City at LA Chargers (4:25 p.m.) CHARGER
Denver to Las Vegas (4:25 p.m.) robber
Philadelphia at NY Giants (4:25 p.m.) EAGLE
LA Rams at San Francisco (4:25 p.m.) 49ERS
Dallas to Washington (4:25 p.m.) COWBOYS
Buffalo at Miami (8:20 p.m.) BILLS
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS: 10 out of 16 (62.5%)
OVERALL THIS SEASON: 164 of 256 (64.1%)
SELECTION OF NEWSPAPER
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) vs. Baltimore Ravens (13-3)
NOT THE SAME RAVENS
Tyler Huntley should see plenty of action for the Ravens. Getty Images via AFP
Why are the Steelers favorites? Because the Ravens have nothing left to win and will not play multiple starters. Or very little… In short, the door is wide open for the Steelers, who need both a win and a loss against the Bills or Jaguars to make the playoffs. Since Lamar Jackson won't play (as will several starters), Tyler Huntley will be in contention. He's a worthy reserve, but his 3-5 record with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions as a starter shows his limitations. Steelers up 3
Houston Texans (9-7) vs. Indianapolis Colts (9-7)
SERIES IN FOCUS
CJ Stroud has a lot more experience than he did in his first loss to the Colts. Getty Images via AFP
This is a duel of great importance in the South Division! With a win the Texans will reach the playoffs, a huge achievement considering no one saw them there. They even have the opportunity to win the division if the Jaguars win, in addition to a loss. The scenario is identical for the Colts, which brings with it a lot of excitement. In short: you win and you're in the playoffs, if you lose you go home. In September, the Colts beat the Texans, but CJ Stroud was a rookie green…Texans with 6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) vs. Carolina Panthers (2-14)
A GIFT FROM HEAVEN
Baker Mayfield and Bryce Young face each other in the second duel. Getty Images via AFP
For the Buccaneers, it's a division championship served on a silver platter. The poor Panthers have their two small wins waiting for them this season. If the Bucs win, they will be crowned in the South Division and advance to the playoffs. If they lose, they have to trade in their shoulder pads for completely infamous golf clubs. Please note that in the last matchup of the season, the Bucs won by just three points and 202 passing yards. Buccaneers at 10
Cleveland Browns (11-5) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
NO CHALLENGE
Jeff Driskel was a member of the Cardinals until recently before joining the Browns for their final inconsequential game. Getty Images via AFP
The Browns are already qualified for the playoffs, while the Bengals are eliminated. With nothing on the line, the Browns will give veteran quarterback Joe Flacco a break by bringing in Jeff Driskel, their fifth quarterback of the season. Driskel was just signed by the Cardinals, and don't expect miracles from a center whose career record is 1-9. It will be a change for the Bengals, who have lost six of their last seven games against the Browns. Bengals by 3
Minnesota Vikings (7-9) vs. Detroit Lions (11-5)
STORAGE IN POSITION
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he wanted to see his starters in position against the Vikings. Getty Images via AFP
The Lions have already qualified for the playoffs thanks to their first division title in 30 years. They are the third seed in the National Conference and shouldn't move unless the Eagles and Cowboys lose, which would be surprising. Even though there wasn't much on the line, they still promised to use their starters to finish in style against the Vikings. The Mauves are bringing back Nick Mullens following the loss of Jaren Hall last Sunday. It won't change anything. Lions at 6
New York Jets (6-10) vs. New England Patriots (4-12)
Belichick's farewell?
If Bill Belichick is in his final stages with the Patriots, he will be happy to beat the Jets again. AFP
The two division rivals have been eliminated for some time, but there will be some interest since this could be Bill Belichick's last game as Patriots coach. In the hours following the meeting there will be non-stop speculation. As far as the game goes, whether Belichick goes or stays, he will end on a high note. The Pats have won their last 15 meetings against the Jets, who have not scored more than 17 points against them since 2020. Patriots at 6
Atlanta Falcons (7-9) vs. New Orleans Saints (8-8)
STILL ALIVE
Receiver Drake London and the Falcons offense must win to survive. Getty Images via AFP
The Falcons may have a negative record, but they are still alive. If they win and the Bucs come away against the Panthers, the Falcons will be crowned division champions. The same goes for the Saints, who will become champions with a win and a loss to the Bucs. The Saints can also enter the playoffs as second aces with a win and a loss against the Seahawks and Packers. Five of the last seven meetings between the Falcons and Saints have been decided by a single possession. Saint at 7
Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7) vs. Tennessee Titans (5-11)
FOR THE TITLE
The rivalry between the Jaguars and Titans is in full swing. Getty Images via AFP
It's simple: The Jaguars must beat the Titans to win their second straight South Division title. They desperately need the return of Trevor Lawrence, but their quarterback with a shoulder injury remains a questionable case. It is difficult to see clearly under these circumstances. The Titans have lost four of their last five games and have held their offense to 17 points or fewer 10 times this season. Everything indicates that the Jaguars can hold on. Jaguars at 4
Seattle Seahawks (8-8) vs. Arizona Cardinals (4-12)
ALWAYS POSSIBLE
DK Metcalf will try to make the Cardinals look bad. AFP
The Seahawks have shot themselves in the foot with five losses in their last seven games, but it's not all over yet. If they beat the Cardinals and the Bears surprise the Packers, they will still clinch a playoff spot. However, the Cardinals are not as easy a target as their record seems to show. In December they surprised the Steelers and the Eagles. The Seahawks, on the other hand, have won the last four duels against the Cards. Seahawks at 6
Chicago Bears (7-9) vs. Green Bay Packers (8-8)
BEARS Trouble Party?
The rivalry between the Packers and Bears is the oldest in NFL history. Getty Images via AFP
The Packers just need one win to make the playoffs. They have beaten the Bears 18 out of 20 times in recent years, but that statistic should be taken with a grain of salt since their tormentor Aaron Rodgers is no longer with the team. The Bears have the perfect time to get out of their slump against the Packers. They have just won four of their last five games and knocking the Packers out of the playoffs would be a great moment for this franchise. The motivation will be strong. Bears at 2
Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (5-11)
NOT THE REAL BOSSES
In a matchup with no stakes, the Chiefs are counting on Blaine Gabbert to give Patrick Mahomes a break at quarterback. Getty Images via AFP
Since Easton Stick was thrust into the role of the Chargers' starting quarterback, the offense has been a disaster, averaging 14.8 points. True, except the Chiefs won't be in a better position with Patrick Mahomes on the bench since there's nothing left to win. Blaine Gabbert will inherit his first start since 2018 and several key players such as Isiah Pacheco, Rashee Rice, Chris Jones and L'Jarius Sneed are injured. You will see little to no action. Fees by 3
Denver Broncos (8-8) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (7-9)
BIG TEST FOR PIERCE
Antonio Pierce in conversation with Greg Van Roten. Getty Images via AFP
Both clubs are eliminated, but for Antonio Pierce it is a big test. The Raiders' interim coach wants to get the full-time job next year. Several key players are recruiting for him, but he still has to make a good impression. He is now 4-4 and the Raiders have only lost one game by more than one possession under his leadership. The Broncos continue with Jarrett Stidham, who was decent in his first start (224 yards, 1 touchdown). Raiders by 3
Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) vs. New York Giants (5-11)
Can't wake up!
Head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts must find solutions to revitalize the Air Attack. Getty Images via AFP
The Eagles have been having a tough time for a month with four defeats in five games! And considering that before this dismal period, the same Eagles had beaten the Cowboys, Chiefs and Bills in quick succession… Hard to fathom! They still have a shot at the division title if they win and the Cowboys lose. The defense has given up 31 points per game for five weeks and the offense has suffered eight turnovers. The airstrike has not reached 300 yards since October 29th. A wake-up call is urgent! Eagles at 10
Los Angeles Rams (9-7) vs. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
The big blur
Have you forgotten it? Carson Wentz is back and making his first start for the Rams. Getty Images via AFP
The Rams have already announced that they will start bringing Carson Wentz back since they are in the playoffs and have nothing to win. For the 49ers, home advantage and a first-round bye are already secured. Driver Kyle Shanahan said he didn't like the idea of the starters not seeing the field for two weeks, but gave Brock Purdy the day off anyway. Sam Darnold can do the job, but who else will be missing? 49ers par 3
Dallas Cowboys (11-5) vs. Washington Commanders (4-12)
DEMONS TO HUNT
DaRon Bland and the Cowboys will want to win again against the Commanders. Getty Images via AFP
The Cowboys have been poor since the start of the season, but just a small win against the failed Commanders and the division title will ensure they play at least one local game in the playoffs. They've scored 20 or fewer points five times on the road in Dallas this season, but there's no team that gives up more points than the Commanders at 30 per game. The Commanders are on a seven-game losing streak and the end of the season will be a relief. Cowboys at 10
Buffalo Bills (10-6) vs. Miami Dolphins (11-5)
DESSERT AT THE END
Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa will appear again in the Bills-Dolphins clash. Getty Images via AFP
This is the best possible scenario where the winner of the matchup is the division champion. The Dolphins are already qualified for the playoffs and the Bills can do the same if the Steelers or Jaguars also lose. Even if the matchup takes place in Miami, it's hard not to favor the Bills. They have won 12 of the last 14 meetings against the Dolphins, including the last three by 48, 34 and 32 points. The Dolphins have several injuries that don't help their cause. Invoices until 3
Dad's night poster. Photo: X Cienciano
