Bucky Brooks

Last year at this time, the Eagles were starting a swoon from which they never recovered. What a difference a year makes.

After watching the Detroit Lions ' unlikely emergence as the best team in the NFL under Dan Campbell, the football world is obsessed with uncovering

Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. Today's installment covers:

Four teams have clinched playoff spots so far, but not all of them are at the top of my rankings.

The Raiders lost their ninth straight game after dropping a 28-13 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite keeping the game close for more than a half, the Silver and Black could not close it out in the fourth quarter. Baker Mayfield's heroics as a passer (completing 18-of-29 passes for 295 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions) and Rachaad White's dominance as a runner (17 carries for 90 yards and a score) were too much for the Raiders to overcome playing with the third-string quarterback in the fourth quarter.

The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, with several executives saddled with buyer's remorse after watching some of their selections fail spectacularly in roles that are not suited for their talents.

Buffalo ended Detroit's 11-game winning streak while Philadelphia won its 10th straight, shaking up the top of Bucky Brooks' rankings.

The Raiders dropped their tenth straight game due to a series of special teams blunders and squandered opportunities. Despite allowing three blocked kicks—two on punts and another on an extra point – the Raiders had a chance to win with two throws into the end zone in the final minute. Although the offense scored just three points on their first ten possessions, Desmond Ridder rallied the unit on the final possessions, finishing 13-of-18 for 135 with a touchdown and an interception. It was too late for a team that lacked confidence and precise execution in the clutch.

The NFL's running back renaissance in 2024 has helped the position re-emerge as an essential piece to the team-building puzzle. With workhorse runners like

It took six weeks and a virtuoso performance by Jayden Daniels , but the Chiefs are back in the top spot for the first time since Week 10.