Mike Sando
@sandonfl.bsky.social
27th season covering NFL. The Athletic + HOF selector, PFWA board, AP Awards Voter, QB Tiers, Pick Six column. Alum: ESPN, TNT, S-R, Football GM Podcast .
Pick Six column leads with #bills, also contrasts #ravens from other teams looking for coaches. Big gap!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Bills fallout, the real officiating issue and more divisional-playoff madness: Pick Six
Bills coach Sean McDermott was fired Monday, two days after an officiating controversy involving Buffalo underscored a decades-old issue.
www.nytimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:22 AM
Pick Six column leads with #bills, also contrasts #ravens from other teams looking for coaches. Big gap!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Reposted by Mike Sando
Sean McDermott leaned into the officiating angle after the Buffalo Bills' loss in the divisional round.
But when your superstar QB is responsible for four turnovers, officiating makes for a more inviting topic, writes @sandonfl.bsky.social.
McDermott has now been relieved of his duties.
But when your superstar QB is responsible for four turnovers, officiating makes for a more inviting topic, writes @sandonfl.bsky.social.
McDermott has now been relieved of his duties.
January 19, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Sean McDermott leaned into the officiating angle after the Buffalo Bills' loss in the divisional round.
But when your superstar QB is responsible for four turnovers, officiating makes for a more inviting topic, writes @sandonfl.bsky.social.
McDermott has now been relieved of his duties.
But when your superstar QB is responsible for four turnovers, officiating makes for a more inviting topic, writes @sandonfl.bsky.social.
McDermott has now been relieved of his duties.
Reposted by Mike Sando
A defensive coach to @sandonfl.bsky.social on Caleb to Cole: "This is like Aaron Rodgers in his prime. Patrick Mahomes. It is really hard to throw that ball 7 yards deep in the end zone over someone's head that is standing 2 yards in front of the guy. Miraculous."
Sando's weekly Pick Six
Sando's weekly Pick Six
Bills fallout, the real officiating issue and more divisional-playoff madness: Pick Six
Bills coach Sean McDermott was fired Monday, two days after an officiating controversy involving Buffalo underscored a decades-old issue.
www.nytimes.com
January 19, 2026 at 6:52 PM
A defensive coach to @sandonfl.bsky.social on Caleb to Cole: "This is like Aaron Rodgers in his prime. Patrick Mahomes. It is really hard to throw that ball 7 yards deep in the end zone over someone's head that is standing 2 yards in front of the guy. Miraculous."
Sando's weekly Pick Six
Sando's weekly Pick Six
How culpable was Matt LaFleur for the #packers blowing a 15-point lead and losing at Chicago?
Pick Six column does not pile on, but does not go easy either--put together a point and counterpoint focusing on a strange 4-minute drive featuring bombs away
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Pick Six column does not pile on, but does not go easy either--put together a point and counterpoint focusing on a strange 4-minute drive featuring bombs away
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Matt LaFleur’s culpability for Packers’ collapse, and more from wild-card weekend: Pick Six
Another debacle finish in Chicago has put the spotlight on LaFleur's future in Green Bay, with the final year of his contract looming.
www.nytimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 7:35 PM
How culpable was Matt LaFleur for the #packers blowing a 15-point lead and losing at Chicago?
Pick Six column does not pile on, but does not go easy either--put together a point and counterpoint focusing on a strange 4-minute drive featuring bombs away
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Pick Six column does not pile on, but does not go easy either--put together a point and counterpoint focusing on a strange 4-minute drive featuring bombs away
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
When is it time to move on from a long-tenured Super Bowl winning head coach?
#ravens asked that question regarding John Harbaugh and decided it was now
Recent video reveals what the data says 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
#ravens asked that question regarding John Harbaugh and decided it was now
Recent video reveals what the data says 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
When should an NFL team part with its long-time coach?
www.nytimes.com
January 6, 2026 at 10:20 PM
When is it time to move on from a long-tenured Super Bowl winning head coach?
#ravens asked that question regarding John Harbaugh and decided it was now
Recent video reveals what the data says 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
#ravens asked that question regarding John Harbaugh and decided it was now
Recent video reveals what the data says 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
“This is a great year for a wild-card team. You win one game in the AFC, you have a chance.”
No offense, Denver or any other team. You’ve all got a shot, especially in the AFC (well, maybe not you, Pittsburgh).
Pick Six column is live
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
No offense, Denver or any other team. You’ve all got a shot, especially in the AFC (well, maybe not you, Pittsburgh).
Pick Six column is live
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
Seahawks the Super Bowl favorite? Who wins wide-open AFC playoff race? Pick Six
The stage is set for the most unpredictable playoffs in years, especially in the AFC. Coaches and execs helped us break down the field.
www.nytimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 4:51 PM
“This is a great year for a wild-card team. You win one game in the AFC, you have a chance.”
No offense, Denver or any other team. You’ve all got a shot, especially in the AFC (well, maybe not you, Pittsburgh).
Pick Six column is live
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
No offense, Denver or any other team. You’ve all got a shot, especially in the AFC (well, maybe not you, Pittsburgh).
Pick Six column is live
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
When is it time to move on from a long-tenured Super Bowl-winning head coach?
#seahawks made that move a couple years ago.
#steelers & #ravens make for interesting case studies entering their Week 18 loser-out game
More here 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
#seahawks made that move a couple years ago.
#steelers & #ravens make for interesting case studies entering their Week 18 loser-out game
More here 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
When should an NFL team part with its long-time coach?
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 5:51 PM
When is it time to move on from a long-tenured Super Bowl-winning head coach?
#seahawks made that move a couple years ago.
#steelers & #ravens make for interesting case studies entering their Week 18 loser-out game
More here 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
#seahawks made that move a couple years ago.
#steelers & #ravens make for interesting case studies entering their Week 18 loser-out game
More here 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
What do Luca Doncic and Lamar Jackson have in common?
Pick Six column asks that question and many more
Also: MVP comp between Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
Pick Six column asks that question and many more
Also: MVP comp between Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
December 29, 2025 at 5:49 PM
What do Luca Doncic and Lamar Jackson have in common?
Pick Six column asks that question and many more
Also: MVP comp between Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
Pick Six column asks that question and many more
Also: MVP comp between Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
Especially proud to weave Philip Rivers, Steve DeBerg and a Hooters halftime show into one item
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
A Chiefs dynasty on pause, and the inspirational Philip Rivers: Pick Six
Patrick Mahomes' injury extinguished the Chiefs' final hope (and raised major questions), while Rivers gave Indy slim hope, even in defeat.
www.nytimes.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Especially proud to weave Philip Rivers, Steve DeBerg and a Hooters halftime show into one item
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
#chiefs are one of four true dynasties of Super Bowl era … and are at crossroads with Mahomes hurt. Can high draft choice save them?
Also in Pick Six: Philip Rivers!!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Also in Pick Six: Philip Rivers!!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
December 15, 2025 at 5:11 PM
#chiefs are one of four true dynasties of Super Bowl era … and are at crossroads with Mahomes hurt. Can high draft choice save them?
Also in Pick Six: Philip Rivers!!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Also in Pick Six: Philip Rivers!!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
The "scramble" for #NFL MVP will not include Matthew Stafford. He's the betting favorite anyway. Are his Hall of Fame chances at stake? Lots to consider! #rams
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Who will win NFL MVP? History says Drake Maye, but Matthew Stafford could break the mold
Maye has better numbers in most areas, but Stafford's play style could put him over the top for an award that could help shape his legacy.
www.nytimes.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:46 PM
The "scramble" for #NFL MVP will not include Matthew Stafford. He's the betting favorite anyway. Are his Hall of Fame chances at stake? Lots to consider! #rams
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Jam-packed Pick Six column runs through a (nearly) post-Chiefs AFC, plus much more!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
With the Chiefs on the ropes, the AFC is upside down. Who will win it? — Pick Six
The Chiefs' odds to win the AFC are down to 1 percent, leaving the conference wide open like it hasn't been in nearly two decades.
www.nytimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Jam-packed Pick Six column runs through a (nearly) post-Chiefs AFC, plus much more!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
Pick Six column leads with the 9-3 #bears ... who are on a roll
Some good signs!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Some good signs!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Ben Johnson’s Bears sit atop the NFC. How good are they? How high can they climb? — Pick Six
www.nytimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Pick Six column leads with the 9-3 #bears ... who are on a roll
Some good signs!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Some good signs!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Reposted by Mike Sando
A former head coach to @sandonfl.bsky.social on Ben Johnson's post-game celebration: "It’s perfect for them because they are high energy right now, and they are believing.”
Great insight from Sando on the Bears to lead "Pick Six"
Great insight from Sando on the Bears to lead "Pick Six"
Ben Johnson’s Bears sit atop the NFC. How good are they? How high can they climb? — Pick Six
Chicago is the current No. 1 seed in the NFC and at 9-3 has surpassed its preseason Vegas win total with five games to play.
www.nytimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:01 PM
A former head coach to @sandonfl.bsky.social on Ben Johnson's post-game celebration: "It’s perfect for them because they are high energy right now, and they are believing.”
Great insight from Sando on the Bears to lead "Pick Six"
Great insight from Sando on the Bears to lead "Pick Six"
Not on the plays where he’s holding the ball a super long time. Which is plenty.
November 26, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Not on the plays where he’s holding the ball a super long time. Which is plenty.
Caleb Williams is holding the ball even longer than last season. His sack rate has plummeted. OL upgrades can’t explain it. What gives?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Video: Caleb Williams is playing unlike any NFL QB. It's working, but is it sustainable?
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Caleb Williams is holding the ball even longer than last season. His sack rate has plummeted. OL upgrades can’t explain it. What gives?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Also in PIck Six: Josh Allen is the most betrayed QB in the league right now
Full column...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Full column...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
November 17, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Also in PIck Six: Josh Allen is the most betrayed QB in the league right now
Full column...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Full column...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
These perceptions will linger until...
November 17, 2025 at 6:16 PM
These perceptions will linger until...
Jam-packed Pick Six column live for Week 11 and leading with #seahawks vs #rams
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
The Rams exposed Sam Darnold (again). Will he sink the Seahawks? — Sando's Pick Six
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Jam-packed Pick Six column live for Week 11 and leading with #seahawks vs #rams
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
My run thru all 32 #NFL quarterback situations required getting creative with some categories. Such as, "Our opponents hope we stay the course"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
QB future for all 32 NFL teams: Daniel Jones, Tua Tagovailoa among intriguing decisions ahead
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:13 PM
My run thru all 32 #NFL quarterback situations required getting creative with some categories. Such as, "Our opponents hope we stay the course"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Speaking of Super Bowl chances from the NFC...
November 10, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Speaking of Super Bowl chances from the NFC...
Jam-packed Pick Six column today as we re-stack the NFC with #rams now projected with best Super Bowl chance -- but must play #seahawks this week
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Re-stacking NFC contenders: Are Rams, Seahawks more dangerous than Eagles? — Pick Six
"I'm trusting Seattle and the Rams both over Philadelphia," an exec said, as the Rams and Seahawks sit atop the NFC at 7-2.
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Jam-packed Pick Six column today as we re-stack the NFC with #rams now projected with best Super Bowl chance -- but must play #seahawks this week
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Always fun catching up with Colin Cowhered. Today we figured out the entire #NFL in one short segment (😉).
youtu.be/kOr5EeeG_LE?...
youtu.be/kOr5EeeG_LE?...
Raiders-Broncos REACTION: Denver's Bo Nix PROBLEM, Geno STRUGGLES | THE HERD NFL w/ Colin Cowherd
YouTube video by The Herd with Colin Cowherd
youtu.be
November 7, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Always fun catching up with Colin Cowhered. Today we figured out the entire #NFL in one short segment (😉).
youtu.be/kOr5EeeG_LE?...
youtu.be/kOr5EeeG_LE?...
November 6, 2025 at 9:00 PM