Let me walk you through why I think all of these bold takes aren’t just hot takes — they’re brewing truths you might as well accept now if you’re an NFL fan. By Week 6, things have lit up in ways no one expected, and it’s time to recalibrate a few narratives.
First, isn’t wild. It’s grounded in what we’re seeing. In the Giants’ win over the Eagles, the rookie QB and rookie RB combined for five touchdowns. Dart tossed one and ran one, Skattebo ran for three. (NFL.com) That speaks to chemistry, swagger, and a shift in mindset. The story of the Giants since the start of the season has been “young guys making noise,” but that noise is now game-changing. Even the narrative around their fall so far is shifting — analysts are now seeing potential, not just growing pains.
Now, is that enough for them to sniff the playoffs? That depends on sustainability. Will defenses figure Dart out? Will Skattebo’s workload be managed? But as of now, they’ve given the Giants a vibe, an identity, a reason to believe. If you’re a fan watching your team build, that kind of energy shifts expectation. Accept it: Dart + Skattebo can make a difference.
Next: Rico Dowdle deserves RB1 over Chuba Hubbard. Yes. Dowdle’s exploded in the last two weeks. He ran for 206 yards in Week 5, then against his former team the Cowboys, he racked up 183 on the ground plus a receiving touchdown, for 239 total scrimmage yards. (Reuters) Compare to Chuba, who’s sidelined with a calf injury. (Reuters) Dowdle is playing with momentum, confidence, volume, big plays — all things you look for in a feature back. When your backup (or supposed backup) demands starter usage under these conditions, you can’t ignore it. As one fan quipped, “Let Chuba rehab — Rico is the guy now.” (Reddit)
Sure, Chuba is established, but football is a meritocracy. Dowdle is earning it right now. If he keeps this level of production — high averages, consistency, durability — then yes, Dowdle as RB1 makes total sense. It may be time for the Panthers to pivot.
Then there’s Tyrod Taylor should be QB1 over Justin Fields. This one feels audacious, but look at the whispers: multiple Jets players reportedly prefer Taylor, seeing his steadier play as a better foundation. (Reddit) Fields is talented, but his inconsistency and questionable decision-making have shown cracks. Tyrod offers experience, calm under pressure, a different style of leadership. In a messy situation, sometimes you pivot to stability. Accept that there could be a real internal push for Taylor if Fields continues to struggle. Especially on a team already under pressure, confidence in the QB spot is everything.
Now: The Chargers will trade for a RB. That feels inevitable. The modern NFL demands flexibility in the backfield. The Chargers’ current backfield has question marks — injuries, production gaps, volatility. The window for elite offenses is small; defenses adjust quickly. Having a dependable RB — whether for short-yardage, change of pace, or depth — is nonnegotiable. It’s not just about desperation. It’s about readiness. If the Chargers see a chance to elevate their offense midseason, they’ll pounce. Accept that a trade is probably coming, whether a mid-tier veteran or a boom-or-bust younger guy.
Next: Baker Mayfield deserves MVP hype. Hear me out: Baker is playing with a chip on his shoulder and an environment that rewards his strengths. He’s worn, he’s been doubted, and now he’s in a situation where his gunslinger instincts can shine. If he can string together high-output games, lean into low-turnover ball, and lead wins in close contests, the MVP narrative becomes viable. People will point to the upside, the story arc, the redemption angle. In a league that loves a comeback, Baker (if healthy and hot) is one to watch. It’s not outlandish. In fact, he might be underhyped.
Finally: Drake Maye finishing Top‑5 in MVP voting. Bold? Absolutely. But Maye’s trajectory points that direction. He’s got youth, dual-threat potential, a supporting cast that’s getting better, and the weight of storyline behind him. Most of all, when rookies or young QBs play at a high level, voters reward them (if their team wins). Even if he doesn’t win, a Top‑5 finish is plausible if he keeps trending upward, exceeds expectations, and rallies his team into contention. It’s about story + stats + wins. Maye has two of those three already, and can build the third.
So yes — accept these six. They’re not guaranteed, but they’re no longer wild swings. They’re plausible currents in the 2025 season. If you ride the waves early, you catch the narrative momentum before people call you a bandwagoner. Want me to pick which ones are most likely by season’s end? I can break down odds next.
