Last weeks games saw the AFC Playoff picture pretty much set, with the Patriots, Bengals, Colts, Broncos, Steelers, and Jets all winning. It's possible Miami could bounce back and Buffalo could find a consistency from Tyrod Taylor, but right now it looks like the rest of the AFC's season is going to be more about seeding and the 2016 Draft than it is who makes the playoffs.
The NFC picture is a little more complicated. We know Green Bay is definitely going to the postseason. The NFC South is a two horse race between Carolina and Atlanta, with both teams likely to make the playoffs. The NFC West looks to be Arizona's to lose, and the East is up for grabs. Philly looks like the favorite, but if Tony Romo comes back soon, Dallas can get back in the race, and New York is right in the mix as well.
The NFC Wild Card looks to be wide open with 1 spot up for grabs between Minnesota, Seattle, St. Louis, and the team that finishes with the 2nd best record in the NFC East. Thursday Night saw Seattle thump San Francisco to the tune of 20-3 in a game that was never close. Sunday Morning at 9:30AM EST, the Bills take on the Jaguars across the pond in a game that will broadcast exclusively on Yahoo.com. I hope y'all have Apple TV or a mighty nice laptop. So, without further delay, let's get to some games.
Buffalo -4
at Jacksonville (in London)
The 2nd game in London of the year sees the Jaguars hosting the Buffalo Bills. Jacksonville has the better QB, and better starting receivers going into this game, as both Tyrod Taylor and Sammy Watkins are out, so expect a heavy dose of Shady McCoy from Rex Ryan. TJ Yeldon is questionable for this game, and if he doesn't play, expect Jacksonville to rely solely on its air attack. The Jags defense is ranked 30th in the league, and Bortles has a tendency to turn the ball over. I'm going with Rex and the Bills over the Jags because defense travels and the Bills will ride Shady McCoy to take pressure off EJ Manuel. Bills 28 Jags 19.
Tampa Bay
at Washington -3
I think this game will be more Alfred Morris vs. Doug Martin than Kirk Cousins vs. Jameis Winston. With a 3 point line, this game is pretty much a push. Washington's wide outs have been plagued by injuries, so expect a lot of running in this game. Kirk Cousins isn't likely to win this game by himself, but the good news for the Redskins is that the Tampa Bay defense leaves a lot to be desired. Washington 17 Tampa Bay 14.
Atlanta -5.5
at Tennessee
News came out this week that Mariota is out for this game, so Zach Mettenbeger will get the start for the Titans. If Tennessee fans were upset about how little protection Mariota has gotten this year, wait until they see Mettenberger. Atlanta is going to have a field day with that Titans offensive line. Atlanta wins is a blow out. Falcons 35 Titans 10.
New Orleans
at Indianapolis -4
The Saints head up to Indy for a match up between star QBs on teams with no defense. If this game was in New Orleans, I'd go with the Saints, but on the road against Andrew Luck, I think the Saints struggle and Luck has a big day. This might be Brees and Sean Payton's final season in New Orleans together. I'm curious to see what kind of talk is made during the game about Payton coaching Luck in 2016. Indy 28 NOLA 23.
Minnesota - 1.5
at Detroit
I think the Lions are a better football team than their record, and the Vikings have not won a game on the road yet this year. I think this one is a high scoring game from start to finish and the Lions get a win at home. Lions 34 Vikings 31.
Pittsburgh
at Kansas City -3
Landry Jones stepped up last week and got a win for the Steelers in relief. He'll lead the Steelers against a Kansas City team that has become solely one dimensional without Charles running the ball. I think this is a close game all day, but Pittsburgh just has too many skill position players and they survive the trip to Arrowhead. Pittsburgh 22 Kansas City 19.
Cleveland
at St. Louis -6.5
With the exception of probably Seattle, Cleveland might be the best 2-4 team in the NFL. They gave that game to Denver last week. That having been said, I think St. Louis is the better team, and being that they are playing at home, I like the Rams to run the ball and play clock possession and get a hard fought win to get to .500. Rams 27 Browns 21.
Houston
at Miami -4.5
The Dolphins have some of their swagger back after crushing the Titans last week in Nashville. They'll get the Texans at home this week in a game that is scheduled to be played in wonderful Miami October weather at 84 degrees. I think the Dolphins cruise in this one again and get to 3-3 and start looking like a potential playoff team. Miami 28 Houston 17.
NY Jets
at New England -7.5
This game has been one of the trendy upset picks all week. Jets fans are hoping their team can go into Foxboro and beat Tom Terrific. I've been extremely impressed with the Jets defense, but outside of something completely unforeseen I don't see Ryan Fitzpatrick outplaying Tom Brady on the road. If this game was at Metlife Stadium I'd be a little more optimistic about the chances for the Jets. I don't think it will be a high scoring affair, with the Jets utilizing clock management, but Brady will make plays when he has to and the Pats will win. Patriots 22 NY 17.
Oakland
at San Diego -3.5
Rivers threw for over 500 yards last week in Green Bay, but he couldn't make the plays when it counted and the Chargers suffered a heartbreaking loss after failing to convert on 4th and goal. This one should be a barn burner from the outset with Rivers and Carr matching each other stride for stride. Look for big days out of Cooper and Antonio Gates, who clearly didn't miss a beat last week with Rivers. After jokes being made about Chargers fans not showing up against the Steelers, I don't know what kind of home field advantage San Diego has, but I think they'll edge the Raiders in a game that sees a ton of scoring. Chargers 42 Raiders 38.
Dallas
at NY Giants -3
The Giants went to Philly on Monday Night, and showed that they aren't ready to win the East just yet. They'll host Dallas this week and with the Cowboys still missing Tony Romo, Matt Cassel will get the start against the Giants. This game should be close, but I'll go with the Giants to bounce back at home against a Dallas team that doesn't have Dez or Romo. New York 20 Dallas 17.
Philadelphia
at Carolina -3
Carolina showed that it's a playoff contender by going into Seattle and coming out with an impressive 4th quarter comeback win. Philly on the flip side beat up on the Giants on Monday Night. This should be one of the best games of the weekend. Carolina has looked steady all season, never getting too high or too low, and I hate to say it, but I think they're due for a bad game, and this might be it. Philly has run hot and cold since the start of the year, but lately they've looked like a playoff team. I'm reluctantly going with the upset on Sunday Night. Philly 30 Carolina 24.
Baltimore
at Arizona -8
Baltimore's season is officially done. It's over. The Ravens are 1-5, and have lost some tough games, but their last game this season will be January 3rd against the Bengals. Arizona has looked good, but they have some flaws, having lost to the Rams and Steelers. I think they'll get back on track this week against the Ravens. It should be interesting to see Steve Smith, Sr. and Larry Fitzgerald put on a veteran show on Monday Night. Arizona 32 Baltimore 20.
Early morning football returns today. I'll be glued to the Red Zone Channel until tonight's Panthers/Eagles showdown. Enjoy Football Sunday. Cheers!
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