Overview of What's Wright — Best Of
This episode is a highlights package from Nick Wright’s weekly NFL takes, centered on a major statement win by the Chicago Bears, growing concern about the Seattle Seahawks, a likely franchise-altering situation with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, and Nick’s Week 9 NFL picks. The episode also reinforces his view that the Bills are the current AFC favorite after their dominant finish against Baltimore.
Chicago Bears: Nick’s New No. 1 Team
Nick argues that, as of November 3, the Chicago Bears are the best team in the NFL.
Why he’s so high on Chicago
- Caleb Williams looked elite against Seattle, playing “damn near perfect” football.
- Ben Johnson’s offense made the Seahawks defense look ordinary, similar to the way elite Shanahan/McVay offenses can neutralize strong units.
- The Bears defense was flying around and immediately benefited from the Jeffrey Simmons trade, which Nick says made an instant impact.
- Chicago responded well to a turnover and never let Seattle settle in.
Important caveat
Nick repeatedly notes that:
- Being the “best team right now” does not mean the Bears are his Super Bowl pick.
- The Bears still have a very tough remaining schedule with major tests against the Lions, Bills, Packers, and Vikings.
- This could be the peak of their season, but it could also be a sign they’re simply the best team.
Seattle Seahawks: Real Concern Setting In
Nick says Seattle deserves respect, but he’s a little worried they’ve taken a step back.
Main concerns
- Sam Darnold’s play has regressed significantly since the season’s early stretch.
- Nick points to a 79 passer rating, 10 TDs, and 9 interceptions as evidence of inconsistency.
- Even in Seattle’s big win over Kansas City, Darnold made a costly mistake that helped keep the Chiefs alive.
- Seattle’s offense now feels too dependent on Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Playoff outlook
- Because the NFC South and NFC East are likely to send teams to the playoffs, the NFC North and NFC West are fighting over fewer remaining spots.
- Nick thinks the NFC North may end up with three playoff teams, leaving the Rams and Seahawks competing directly for the final Wild Card-type spots.
- That makes the late-season Rams-Seahawks matchups potentially decisive.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens: End of an Era?
This is the most dramatic segment of the episode. Nick lays out why he thinks it’s very possible Lamar Jackson’s time in Baltimore is nearing its end.
Why the situation is so precarious
- Lamar has one year left on his deal.
- The Ravens have manipulated the cap in a way that creates a large future void-year hit if no extension is reached.
- Baltimore cannot franchise tag him at the end of the deal.
- Lamar also has a no-trade clause, so he controls any potential destination.
Nick’s core argument
- Lamar is likely to seek a fully guaranteed, top-of-market deal.
- Given his injury history, Baltimore would be taking enormous risk by committing that kind of money.
- Nick believes the last snap Lamar may have played for the Ravens could already have happened.
Possible landing spot
- Nick thinks Miami is the most realistic trade destination:
- Lamar is from Florida.
- The Dolphins may be positioned to offer a top draft pick.
- Miami could be attractive enough for Lamar without requiring a full rebuild.
Ravens’ missed window
Nick says Baltimore’s best Super Bowl chances came and went:
- 2023 was their best shot.
- 2024 was another missed opportunity.
- 2025 has been derailed by injuries and defensive regression.
Bills: The AFC Favorites Right Now
Nick says the Bills deserve to be the AFC favorites after their win over Baltimore.
Why
- The offense is described as a juggernaut.
- Even when Josh Allen wasn’t sharp early, Buffalo still put up 36 points.
- He sees Buffalo as the most complete AFC team at the moment, with the defense still something to monitor over time.
Nick’s Week 9 NFL Picks
Nick closes with his “Nick’s Picks” segment. His selections:
1. Carolina +2.5 vs. Denver
- Likes the Panthers as a home dog with rest advantage.
- Thinks Denver could be in a letdown spot after beating Kansas City.
- Expects Bryce Young to bounce back.
2. Dallas -5.5 at Indianapolis
- Expects a Cowboys bounce-back after a painful loss.
- Thinks Indy may be spiraling for the season.
- Raises the possibility that Jonathan Taylor could be limited or inactive due to trade-related caution.
3. Houston -5.5 at the Chargers
- Calls the Chargers a team he is close to must-fade territory on.
- Believes Houston’s defense, off a bye and under pressure, can dominate.
- Predicts multiple Justin Herbert turnovers.
4. Tampa Bay +6.5 at Chicago
- Thinks Chicago is likely the better team, but the number is too large.
- Believes Tampa’s defense can slow the Bears’ run game.
- Sees value in taking the points.
5. Minnesota +3.5 vs. Buffalo
- Likes Carson Wentz in this matchup more than he would have liked Kyler Murray.
- Expects Brian Flores’ defense to create some problems for Josh Allen.
- Thinks this is a field-goal game either way.
Final Takeaways
- Chicago is Nick’s current No. 1 team in the NFL.
- Seattle is slipping enough to raise real concern.
- Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore is now a serious question.
- Buffalo is the AFC favorite right now.
- Nick’s Week 9 card leans toward:
- Panthers
- Cowboys
- Texans
- Buccaneers
- Vikings