The Ringer NFL Show Unanswered Questions: J.J. McCarthy, the Bears' Ceiling, and Who's the AFC Favorite?
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Nov 18, 2025 
Nate Tice, a football reporter and podcast host at Yahoo Sports, joins to dive into pressing NFL questions post-Week 11. They debate who the favorite in the AFC should be, analyzing the strengths of teams like the Chiefs and Bills. The conversation shifts to the Bears, discussing their potential to seize the NFC North. Tice shares insights on J.J. McCarthy's struggles with mechanics and confidence, leaving Vikings fans pondering. They also touch on the Falcons' mismanagement following Michael Penix Jr.'s injury. This insightful chat covers the heart of current NFL dynamics.
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Chiefs Remain AFC Favorite
- Nate Tice and Sheil Kapadia still consider the Chiefs the AFC favorite despite a 5-5 record.
- They cite Mahomes, solid offense metrics, coaching, and no true fatal weakness as reasons to trust them.
Metrics And DNA Favor Kansas City
- Sheil emphasizes the Chiefs' strong underlying metrics like EPA per drive and DVOA.
- He argues championship DNA and Andy Reid's track record make them likely to rebound down the stretch.
Bears' Offense Shines, Schedule And Defense Threaten
- Nate says the Bears' offense ranks among the NFL's most explosive units while the defense is a clear weakness.
- He warns their remaining schedule is the hardest, making sustained division success uncertain.