NFL Fact or Fiction: Lamar Jackson's Negotiations, Zeke's Impact, Bears Playoff Push

In today’s Fact or Fiction — NFL edition — I look at three big recent topics in the NFL and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.

1. Lamar Jackson is blundering through this process.

Farrell’s take: FACT

Jackson refused to sign with an agent and now has someone not sanctioned by the NFLPA reaching out to teams on his behalf (I know he denies it, but let’s be real), and we are to think he’s not messing this up? He’s already lost tens of millions from an awful decision to not travel with the team for the Ravens’ playoff loss which enhanced his image as a guy who won’t fight for his team and now the lack of an agent is killing his market value. He’ll end up with a much less lucrative deal than he could have had because of his decisions and he has only himself to blame.

Dec 4, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium.

2. Ezekiel Elliott can make an impact for one of this top three teams.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

It’s the NY Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cincinnati Bengals for Zeke, but who cares? The tread has been off the tires for a few seasons now, and these three teams all have better options. I know the Eagles lost Miles Sanders, and the Bengals lost Samaje Perine, but depth is still solid in both places, and the Jets have some good young running backs. Zeke may share the load at one of these places, but he won’t make a difference.

Jan 22, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21)runs past San Francisco 49ers linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (51) during the fourth quarter of a NFC divisional round game at Levi’s Stadium.

3. The Bears are going to push for a playoff spot next season.

Farrell’s take: FACT

I may be crazy here, but I think the Bears can go from 3-14 and push for 8 or 9 wins. Why? GM Ryan Poles has done a great job in the offseason so far, and the Bears division isn’t that great. Now don’t get me wrong, the NFC North isn’t as horrible as the NFC South, where an 8-win team can make the playoff but hear me out. The Vikings are solid but lucked into 13 wins last season and should probably be projected to win 10 at most barring injuries. Detroit is on the upswing for sure but has Jared Goff turned a corner, and can they shore up the defense, which was pretty bad? Green Bay? We know they won’t be good without Aaron Rodgers. So can Justin Fields take the next step? Will DJ Moore and a revamped offensive line help that horrible offense? Can TJ Edwards and other additions help a defense that was worse than Detroit’s? These are all question marks, but the Bears will win at least six next season, and a push for 9 isn’t out of the question.