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Championship Sunday has finally arrived, and in true Vegas fashion, it'll be two No. 1 seeds vs. two No. 2 seeds, as the road to the Super Bowl gets decided today in Denver and Charlotte.
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Last week, New England took care of business against Kansas City, as they never trailed the entire day. Gronk looked unstoppable, with a pair of TDs and the game didn't look like it was ever in doubt. Kansas City's clock management issues didn't help matters, and even with a late score by the Chiefs, the Patriots won 27-20.
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In Denver, the Broncos beat a hobbled Steelers team 23-16. Trailing 13-12 heading to the 4th quarter, Denver reached the end zone with 3 minutes remaining to take a 20-13 lead, then tacked on a field goal for insurance. Pittsburgh managed a late field goal with 19 seconds remaining, but couldn't get the ball back to tie the game. Big Ben did all he could, but it wasn't enough, and the Broncos win set up Brady - Manning XVII.
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On the NFC side, Arizona jumped out to a sizable lead against Green Bay only to see Aaron Rodgers complete 4th down after 4th down and a last second Hail Mary to send the game into overtime. Arizona would win the coin toss, after the coin initially did not flip, and march down the field winning the game on a shovel pass to Larry Fitzgerald, in a game that shouldn't have been that close, but certainly made for pure sports entertainment.
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In Charlotte, Carolina demolished Seattle in the 1st half, based on a pair of Russell Wilson interceptions, one of which was returned by Luke Keuchly for a touchdown to jump out to a 31-0 lead that no one saw coming. The Panthers then played prevent defense and an overly conservative on offense in the 2nd half to hang on for a 31-24 win.
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So, that brings us to today's games, and you really couldn't ask for better story lines. In the early game, two 1st ballot Hall of Famers square off for the 17th time overall, and their 5th AFC Championship game against each other, with both Manning and Brady having won twice. Will Peyton Manning make it to the Super Bowl one final time, by beating his archrival, or will Tom Brady and Bill Belichick end Manning's career in poetic fashion and head back to the Super Bowl for a 7th time?
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In the 2nd game, two Heisman Trophy winners and No. 1 overall draft picks face off for the right to go to their 1st Super Bowl. Carson Palmer has been in the league since 2003 and has 1 playoff win, but he's rarely had a team around him as talented as this. At the age of 36, he knows his years are limited in the league, and this may be his last chance at a Super Bowl. Across the field from him is Cam Newton, who is the clear NFL MVP this year. Newton is only 26, but he's well aware youth is no guarantee you'll get back to a Super Bowl. Newton has made spectacular plays all year, with a stellar tight end and committee of role playing wide receivers, but his stats spiked this year as he threw 17 more TDs and 2 less INTs than last season. Will Superman lead his team to the Super Bowl, or will Carson Palmer finally silence his critics by getting to the big game?
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New England -3
at Denver
The aura and history of this rivalry makes this must watch television. While, I don't think anyone believes this is Tom Brady's last game, it could very well be Peyton Manning's, and even Manning haters would have to reluctantly admit that he's one of the best QBs to ever play the game.
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Looking at the numbers this year though, Manning hasn't even been mediocre. He's statistically had by far his worse season ever. Manning only started 9 games in the regular season this year, due partly to injury and partly the numbers I'm about to illustrate. In the 10 games he played in and 9 games he started this regular season, Manning threw for 2,249 yards (respectable), but he also threw only 9 TDs to 17 INTs. That's undeniably tough to tolerate. You can't have your starting QB turn the ball over twice as much as he is scoring. Additionally, his arm strength has clearly diminished and he's looked like Father Time has finally caught up with him. Still, the positive thing he has going for him is that he has an elite defense on his side. He doesn't have to make big plays to win games; he just has to not make mistakes. He's thrown 1 TD including the playoffs at home this year, but he's still 6-1 in Denver, despite those numbers.
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For the visiting Patriots, Tom Brady, unbelievably, doesn't look to be slowing down. He's had another phenomenal season and put up extremely good numbers yet again, despite being 38 years old, having a patchwork offensive line, that has been decimated by injuries all season, and having his receiving corps on and off of the trainer's table throughout the year. You have to tip your hat to a guy that throws for 4,770 yards, 36 TDs and 7 INTs, and completes 64% of his passes at 38 years old.
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I think this game comes down to how Denver's defense limits Tom Brady's ability to get the ball down field. If Brady has any kind of time, this game isn't going to be close, so expect Wade Phillips to dial up blitzes early and often. An amazing story today is going to be how Denver Cornerback Chris Harris plays. Harris reportedly had problems raising his arm to brush his teeth this week, and yet he's going to play in one of the most vulnerable positions in the AFC Championship game against Tom Brady; that's unfathomable. Additionally, if Gronk doesn't get double teamed all day, Tom Brady will find a way to make Denver sorry. The best thing the Broncos can do is take away Gronk and Edelman and make the other receivers and the Patriots running game beat them.
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Denver is going to have to find ways to manufacture points, but they've been good at that all year. I look for them to disguise a lot of coverages and blitzes and hit Tom Brady as often as possible in hopes to get a turnover. On offense, Peyton Manning is going to have to be a game manager. He's going to have to make short and intermediate throws, especially on 3rd down, and trust his running game.
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Personally, I'd love nothing more than to see Peyton Manning have his last game be at the Super Bowl, but I just can't see it happening outside of a flawless performance. New England looked really good last week against a good defense, and Gronk just looks like he's on another level right now. Tom Brady continues his march to be the G.O.A.T. and heads back to his 7th Super Bowl. Patriots 24 Broncos 16.
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Arizona
at Carolina -3
The nightcap is in Charlotte, as the Panthers host their first ever NFC Championship game in franchise history, against the Arizona Cardinals. These two teams have clearly been the best two teams in the NFC from start to finish, and it appeared destined that they would meet for the right to go to Super Bowl.
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Arizona has a veteran pocket passer, with a very good receiving corps, and a sound defense. Carolina has a dynamic QB who can hurt you both inside and outside of the pocket, a very good running game, and like Arizona, a sound defense. This game is likely going to be won on big plays, and both teams have the ability to make them. Arizona's receiving corps is one of the best in the league and Carolina's secondary outside of Josh Norman has struggled, especially in the 2nd half of games, so I'm expecting a lot of 3-4 wide sets to get favorable matchups.
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Greg Olsen has been the second best tight end in the league this year, so Arizona is likely going to blanket him all game and force Cam to make throws to Ginn, Cotchery, Funchess, and Philly Brown if they want to win. Ted Ginn, Jr. can flat out fly, and I expect Cam to target him down the field for some big gains, as Bruce Arians has said Arizona is going to try and take away Greg Olsen. If you don't think he wants to make the Cardinals pay for cutting him last year, you don't understand sports.
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Newton in his last 9 games is 8-1, with 22 Passing TDs to 1 INT, a Passer Rating of 116.4, and 5 Rushing TDs. Those numbers are impressive, and he's clearly matured in his leadership role this year. Carson Palmer though had an MVPesque season had it not been for Cam Newton, as he threw for 4671 yards 35 TDs and 11 INTs, while averaging nearly 300 yards per game. He's looked poised and composed all year, and with the receivers he has it's easy to see why.
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I expect Carolina to rely on it's strength, the running game, and make Arizona's secondary and linebackers have to commit to the run, which will open up the field for Ginn and Brown to get open. The deciding factor though is going to be Arizona's ability to get to Cam Newton and limit his ability to run outside of the pocket. Newton didn't do much running last week, because he didn't have to, but I think that changes this week and Ron Rivera takes the reins off Cam and let him use his legs more. Additionally, if Carolina gives Carson Palmer time to throw the ball, he's going to find someone open and likely for a big gain, so I see the Panthers defense using it's linebacking corps to bring pressure, because Palmer isn't the most mobile QB in the league.
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With the Panthers getting 3 points at home, you can see that Vegas basically calls this game a push and gives the Panthers the advantage as the home team. It certainly could go either way, but the way the Panthers have played this year, I'm going with Carolina to make enough plays to get to the Super Bowl. I think you'll see some unreal plays from both sides, but the experience Carson Palmer has, which many have people have elaborated on this week, isn't playoff experience. Arizona is going to likely be one dimensional having to throw the ball to win this game. With Cam Newton looking like the best player in football right now, I think he shines today and Carolina holds on with another defensive stop to get to Santa Clara. Carolina 27 Arizona 23.
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Let's hope for a great Championship Sunday in route to the Super Bowl! Cheers!
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Well last night was certainly entertaining with the Packers converting 4th down after 4th down, and then sending the game to overtime on a Hail Mary as time ended, only to lose on a coin flip that didn't initially flip, as Arizona marched down the field and scored on a shovel pass to Larry Fitzgerald. The New England - Kansas City game wasn't nearly as exciting, as the Patriots looked like what we expected, and Kansas City put on a display of how to mismanage the clock at the end of the game.
As for today's games, the Seahawks head to Charlotte to take on the Panthers at 1:05PM EST on FOX, and the banged up Steelers face off against the Broncos in Denver at 4:40PM EST on CBS. So, let's get to today's games.
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Seattle
at Carolina -2.5
You probably won't find two teams that are more like each other in the playoffs than Carolina and Seattle. Both teams have young dynamic QBs who can extend plays, strong defenses, a power running game, and a receiving corps that wouldn't scare most teams, but somehow manages to make plays when it matters. While there's freezing rain in Charlotte this morning, by game time the weather looks to clear up. Still, the field is going to be damp and cold, but that doesn't really favor either team, as these two teams are built to run the football.
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In the often overused words of Charlotte's 2nd most famous resident, To Be The Man, You Gotta Beat The Man. If Carolina wants to claim they're the new dynasty in the NFC, they're going to have to knock the Seahawks off that pedestal. While the Panthers beat Seattle this year in the Pacific Northwest, they're 0-2 against them in the playoffs, but both of those losses have come in Seattle. Panthers fans and players have been dreaming about this type of game since last year. And like a lot of dreams....there's a monster at the end of it.
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With Marshawn Lynch back, I'm interested to see how the team chemistry is affected. He's clearly a very good running back, but the Seahawks have actually been better without him. I expect Russell Wilson to make the same kind of plays he made last week, where it appears the Seahawks are done, only to see him find an open receiver to keep the drive alive. However, this year, I think the torch gets passed to the Panthers. They've been the best team in football all year from start to finish, and while Seattle has looked good as of late, I think Carolina is better. The Panthers get Jonathan Stewart back today along with Ted Ginn, Jr., and that allows the Panthers to stretch the field and run the ball effectively. Lastly, Cam Newton has been the unquestioned MVP this year, and I think he'll make one or two more plays than Russell Wilson. Panthers 27 Seahawks 24.
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Pittsburgh
at Denver -7.5
Vontaze Burfict not only took the Bengals out of the playoffs with his play last week, he likely took the Steelers out as well, as Antonio Brown is a no go for today. Big Ben additionally is banged up, but he'll still give it a go. As for the ground game, Deangelo Williams is out again today, so Pittsburgh will again have to rely on Todman and Toussaint to run the ball effectively. I expect a lot of short passes based on Big Ben's injury, so Heath Miller should have a big day.
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As for the Broncos, Peyton Manning didn't look extremely effective in the season finale against San Diego, but he got the job done, and with that defense, as long as he doesn't make mistakes the Broncos should be alright today. Manning hasn't show the ability to throw the ball deep this year with much accuracy so like Big Ben, I expect a lot of quick short passes to compliment a heavy run game. The question is how short of a leash is Peyton on if he struggles, and will Gary Kubiak go to Brock Osweiler?
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I think this game is still going to be closer than the spread, but I like Denver to get the win at home based on Pittsburgh's injuries. A Manning - Brady AFC Championship, for what could be the last time, is what America needs. It's too perfect not to happen. Broncos 20 Steelers 17.
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With the Wild Card Round over, we move on to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs, which start today, with Kansas City heading to New England at 4:35 PM EST on CBS, and then the nightcap is Green Bay heading to Arizona at 8:15PM EST on NBC. The Chiefs completely obliterated the Texans last week, winning 30-0, as Brian Hoyer threw 4 INTs in the loss. Green Bay took care of business on the road against the Redskins, 35-18 as the Packers looked like their old selves in route to a victory. Things get a lot tougher for both the Chiefs and Packers as they'll continue their road trip against much better teams who have had the benefit of a week's worth of rest. So, let's see how today's games could play out.
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Kansas City
at New England -4.5
I'll start out by saying I think this is going to be a hard fought game from start to finish. New England has some serious medical concerns with Gronk going to a Boston area hospital for knee injections, and Chandler Jones having a bad reaction to synthetic marijuana. The Patriots should have Julian Edelman back, which will help tremendously, but most of the eyes in Foxboro will be on Tom Terrific after his injury in Miami. Kansas City has their own issues with a banged up Jeremy Maclin suffering from an ankle injury. I think all these guys eventually get on the field today. While the team trainer will do his best to get these players ready, it's the playoffs. Outside of you being completely unable to perform, you're playing.
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Alex Smith will protect the ball and he'll make timely throws to Maclin and Travis Kelce from start to finish, but don't expect the Chiefs to suddenly turn into a huge vertical passing attack. You'll see a lot of out routes, check downs, and slants. Kansas City's success if going to be based on it's 3rd down completion percentage. On defense, the Chiefs have to blitz all day. They need to get Tom Brady out of his comfort zone, and with that make shift offensive line, you can bet Justin Houston and Tamba Hali will get the green light early and often.
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New England will do what it does, and that's run the ball and give Tom Brady the chance to win the game for them. Like Alex Smith, he'll make timely throws to Edelman and Gronk, but the Patriots have the ability to move the ball down the field at a much better pace than Kansas City. Brady's going to be tested to get rid of the ball quickly, so much as the Patriots did in the Super Bowl, I expect him to throw some short passes early to keep Kansas City honest.
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The Chiefs are going to give New England some real problems today. The Patriots have not looked impressive in the last month of the season, while Kansas City has looked stellar since starting 1-5. I've gone back and forth on this game, largely based on the injury report, and I think Kansas City could very well pull off the upset today, but I'm still going with the defending Super Bowl Champs to find a way to win. Look for a late score to keep New England's repeat hopes alive. Patriots 24 Chiefs 21.
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Green Bay
at Arizona -7.5
That brings us to the nightcap in the desert. I know very well that the Arizona Cardinals destroyed Green Bay in Week 16, but we'd likely have arrived at the current scenario anyways with Green Bay having to go back to Arizona in the Divisional Round despite that outcome. As for last week, Green Bay looked good against Washington, but Aaron Rodgers's numbers didn't exactly set the world on fire. They won the game by running the ball effectively and playing good defense. Arizona meanwhile, mailed it in against Seattle in Week 17, and that was probably the right move.
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Outside of Carolina, the Cardinals have looked like the best team in football from start to finish. They play defense well, they run the ball well, they have a good group of receivers, and they have a top notch QB. Here's an interesting statistic though, Carson Palmer, who is 36 years old and has been in the league since 2003, has never won a playoff game. Granted, he's been the victim of bad fortune having to play in Cincinnati and Oakland, before last year's season ending injury in Arizona, but it's still worth noting that he's never won in the postseason.
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That having been said, the Packers are going to have to play flawlessly to win this game. They'll need Rodgers to throw for 300 yards and Eddie Lacy to be able to run the ball effectively against a very good Arizona defense. The good news is that with Mathieu out for the year, they can target the receiver that Patrick Peterson isn't covering. So look for targets to James Jones and Richard Rodgers to open up the running game for Eddie Lacy. On the defensive side of the ball Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers are going to have to get to Carson Palmer if they want to have any chance to get the Cardinals off the field. Palmer has played extremely well all season, and if the Packers give him time, he'll pick them apart.
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I think Arizona jumps out to an early lead today, and they run the ball well to keep Aaron Rodgers off the field. I do expect the Packers to make a late charge and get a back door cover, but I still think this game is Arizona's to lose. Cardinals 31 Packers 24.
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Well, yesterday certainly was interesting. The Chiefs completely destroyed the Texans 30-0, as Brian Hoyer threw half as many interceptions as he'd thrown all season in this one game. Kansas City's offense wasn't exactly setting the world on fire, outside of Travis Kelce, but when you get 5 turnovers, you don't have to do much to secure a victory.
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And the Bengals....oh Cincinnati. I think we all know that Cincy has had problems in playoff games, but this was just difficult to watch. After crawling back into this game, and then taking the lead, Cincy fumbles the ball with under 2 minutes to go in their own territory and Pittsburgh kicks a late field goal to hang on for the 18-16 win to advance to Denver next week. Based on that win, Kansas City will head to Foxboro to face the Patriots.
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Now, in today's games, we have Seattle heading to Minnesota for what will be one of the coldest games in NFL history, with the game time temperature expected to be -2 at kickoff at 1:05PM on NBC. It's also the first time the Vikings have hosted a playoff game outside since 1976, and with today's weather, you see why they usually play in a dome. Green Bay meanwhile will head to Washington to face the Redskins in much warmer weather; it's expected to be 54 degrees at kickoff at 4:40PM on FOX. So, let's take a look at those games.
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Seattle -4.5
at Minnesota
Seattle will be without Beast Mode today as they head to Minnesota, but outside of a hiccup against the Rams in Week 16, Russell Wilson has been electric in the 2nd half of the season, and the clear MVP for Seattle. The Vikings have had a good season though as well, going 11-5 and beating the Packers at Lambeau in Week 17 to win the NFC North. If this game was in Seattle, I think the Seahawks would likely be favored by 10 points, but with it being in Minnesota, in the frigid cold and with the Seahawks likely going to be forced to run the ball based on the weather, I'm going with the Minnesota Vikings to get an upset win at home.
I think Adrian Peterson wills his team to a victory today with his running ability. The Vikings aren't going to win this on the arm of Teddy Bridgewater, in the cold, against that Seattle secondary, so they're going to need a big performance from All Day. Usually, you wouldn't see a 3 seed playing a 6 seed at home as being an underdog, but the 6 seed hasn't usually been to the Super Bowl the last two years. I realize the Seahawks blew out the Vikings on December 6th in Minnesota, but I think the Vikings will make some major adjustments, and come out hungry today. Vikings 20 Seahawks 17.
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Green Bay
at Washington -1
I'm just going to get straight to the point on this game, I think Washington is the better overall team. Most people would say, look Aaron Rodgers is light years above Kirk Cousins, but NFL Network had a great comparison between the two QBs this morning. Since Week 10 here are the statistics between Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins:
Aaron Rodgers Kirk Cousins
Completion % - 57.5 Completion % - 73.6
Pass YPG - 235.5 Pass YPG - 276.5
TD-INT - 12-5 TD-INT - 19-2
Passer Rating - 80.5 Passer Rating - 126.1
By those numbers, it's abundantly clear that Kirk Cousins is playing far better than Aaron Rodgers is as of late. Now, a lot of that has to do with Bill Callahan being his offensive line coach, and Jordan Reed emerging as a star at Tight End, but I like the Redskins today. Green Bay clearly hasn't been the same team all year without Jordy Nelson, and their offensive line has been extremely shaky. Additionally, Kirk Cousins is tough to beat at home, and Green Bay hasn't really had an impressive win since before Thanksgiving. I think the Redskins will play sound defense and clock management and keep Aaron Rodgers off the field for as long as possible and they'll get the win at home. Washington 27 Green Bay 23.
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The Playoffs start off today with two AFC Matchups, Kansas City kicks off against Houston at 4:20PM, and then Pittsburgh heads to Cincinnati for the 2nd game at 8:15PM on CBS. One thing most people didn't expect after they lost to Baltimore in Week 16, was the Steelers making the Playoffs. However, the Jets' epic collapse against the Bills in the final week of the season opened the door for the Steelers to grab the final Wild Card spot. So, let's take a look and see who'll take on Denver and New England in the Divisional Round.
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Kansas City -3
at Houston
Kansas City has been on a hot streak, winning their last 10 games after starting the year at 1-5. Houston has found ways to win, despite having major issues at the QB position. They've won the last 3 games, and they've only given up 22 total points in those wins. Kansas City beat Houston 27-20 in Week 1, and Travis Kelce went off scoring 2 TDs and totaling 106 yards receiving on 6 catches, but a lot has changed since then.
I think Kansas City is the better overall team, and Houston's wins have largely come against bad teams. JJ Watt and company will give Alex Smith a lot of trouble today, and I think DeAndre Hopkins will do some nice things, but I trust Kansas City to protect the football more than I do Houston. This game should be a low scoring defensive struggle all day. I wouldn't be surprised to see Houston pull an upset, but with Andy Reid's experience, I think the Chiefs make enough plays to get a win. Chiefs 17 Texans 13.
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Pittsburgh -3
at Cincinnati
The second game sees an AFC North battle between the Steelers and Bengals. Deangelo Williams is out for tonight's game, so Pittsburgh is going to have to find ways to move the ball on the ground with Fitzgerald Toussaint and Jordan Todman. However, I think most of their offense will be based on Big Ben throwing to Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant.
On the Cincinnati side, AJ McCarron gets his first postseason start, since he was the QB for the Crimson Tide. McCarron has been decent this year throwing for 6 TDs and only 2 INTs, and a lot of analysts like his deep ball better than Andy Dalton's. I think the biggest key for the Bengals though is how they blitz Roethlisberger on passing downs, and how well the Steeler running backs can block for him to get the ball down the field. Marvin Lewis is going to have to bring pressure, because if Brown and Bryant have time to get open, Big Ben is going to be able to make big plays against the Bengals.
While I think Cincinnati is clearly the better team top to bottom, the Bengals haven't won a playoff game since 1991, they have a backup QB starting tonight, and the Steelers even with their challenges, still have an elite QB and WR, and they know how to win playoff games. Steelers 30 Bengals 27.
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Well, here we are...Week 17 of the NFL season and it couldn't have come fast enough for a lot of teams in the league. Last week saw complete chaos with the Panthers, Patriots, Seahawks, and Steelers all losing to teams they were favored against. The NFC playoffs teams are set, but their seeding is still up for grabs as only the Redskins are locked into their seed heading into the last game of the regular season. In the AFC, there's one Wild Card playoff spot open, with the Jets and Steelers both fighting for it. It's pretty simple for the Jets, win and you're in. For the Steelers, they need the Jets to lose at Buffalo, and they have to beat the Browns, thanks to their awful loss to the Ravens last week. There's also a chance Indy could overtake the Texans for the AFC South crown, but they have to win and hope Houston loses to Jacksonville, plus have a lot happen in order to win the tie breaker, which I won't bore you with. The short version is, that it is extremely unlikely all those games go Indy's way, so Houston should win the AFC South, let's take a look at how the final week of the season could end, and how the playoffs could shape up.
NY Jets -3
at Buffalo
As I indicated above, it's easy for the Jets, win and you're in. Lose, and you better hope Cleveland pulls off a miracle against Pittsburgh. Buffalo will throw everything they have at the Jets, but I think New York is going to be extremely focused in this one. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been playing exceptionally well the last month of the year, and the Jets may have the best WR tandem in the NFL with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. With Shady McCoy out, give me the Win and In Jets to clinch a playoff birth in Buffalo. Jets 27 Bills 20.
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New England -9
at Miami
At the beginning of the year, analysts thought this game might decide the AFC East title, but things have not gone well for the Dolphins this year. The Patriots currently have the No. 1 overall seed and they'll get a win today at Miami to ensure that the AFC road to the Super Bowl runs through Foxboro. I expect the Pats to get up by double digits early and then coast through the rest of the game. I know the Patriots have been riddled with injuries, but Miami hasn't looked good all year. Despite all the controversy and injuries, the Patriots will secure home-field advantage today. Patriots 31 Dolphins 17.
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New Orleans
at Atlanta -5.5
The Falcons started off red hot, then looked abysmal for 2 months, then ended up beating a 14-0 Panthers team at home to get to 8-7. The Saints have been up and down all year, playing a lot of close games, but rarely coming out on the winning side of those games. These two teams hate each other, and I expect this game to be a war between two franchises who know they won't play again for another 8 months. Despite good play by Drew Brees, their defense has been awful throughout the season, which should set up nicely for Julio Jones and Matty Ice. Atlanta 30 New Orleans 24.
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Baltimore
at Cincinnati -9.5
How happy were the Ravens on Sunday? That upset, that could very well have knocked the Steelers out of the playoffs, and it had Baltimore fans dancing in the streets despite only winning 5 games this year. With the injuries both teams are suffering at QB, this game is a toss up, despite the 9 point line. The Bengals have a lot more talent though, and with a win and a Denver loss, the Bengals secure a 1st round bye. With a lot more to play for, I'm going with the Bengals to get the win at home, but I think the Ravens make enough plays to cover the spread. Cincy 23 Baltimore 16.
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Pittsburgh -11
at Cleveland
The Steelers completely blew it last week losing to the Ravens. It was a complete meltdown, against Ryan Mallett and the Ravens. I don't think they make the same mistake against the Browns this week. With Austin Davis starting for the Browns, the Steelers should be able to secure a victory. This one should be a blowout, and they'll keep a close eye on the score in Buffalo. Steelers 34 Cleveland 13.
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Jacksonville
at Houston -6.5
At the beginning of the year, I didn't think the Texans had any shot at the postseason, but solid defense and a seemingly season-ending injury to Andrew Luck propelled the Texans into a situation where they're likely going to win the AFC South and host a playoff game. In Jacksonville, the Jags have only won 5 games this year, but they've found their QB and No. 1 WR, so that gives them the chance to focus on their defense in the draft. Gus Bradley has been told he'll be retained, but Jacksonville better get to the playoffs next year if he wants his services retained for 2017. I think this is a game Houston finds a way to win, but Jacksonville covers the spread. Texans 27 Jags 23.
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Tennessee
at Indianapolis Even
With Indy being the trendy pick for the Super Bowl at the beginning of the year, this has not been the year the Colts were hoping for after Andrew Luck's injury. The organization looks poised to make a change at the head coaching position, and you can bet Jimmy Sexton will get a call for several of his clients. As for this game, if Tennessee loses they secure the No. 1 overall pick, so they actually have a pretty strong incentive to lose this game, and I think they will, even with the problems Indy has had. Give me the Colts to get a win 20-17.
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Washington
at Dallas -3.5
If I'm the Redskins, I sit every single starter this week. You're not going to increase or decrease your playoff position, so this is your bye week. I wouldn't even let Kirk Cousins dress for this game. Dallas should come out and just throw the ball all day with Kellen Moore, because they have nothing to lose. I'm going with the Cowboys, but I don't feel good about it. Dallas 22 Washington 20.
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Philadelphia
at NY Giants -5
The Chip Kelly era comes to an end in Philly, and begins in Tennessee...? Well, we'll see, but you can bet the Titans give his agent a call. The Eagles need a lot of help because they've completely changed their roster and they're going to have to rebuild that team from scratch. The Giants will likely say goodbye to Tom Coughlin after today, and he's had a great NFL career. Despite the Giants' own concerns with personnel, I'm going with the Giants to get a win to send Coughlin off with a nice swan song at home, but this was a year where the Giants should have been playing for at least one more week. Giants 28 Eagles 23.
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Detroit -1
at Chicago
The Lions and Bears both hoped they could sneak into the playoff this year, but that just didn't happen. Both teams sit at 6-9, but I think Detroit is the better team. They started the year 1-7, but are 5-2 since that start. The Bears haven't been able to find their rhythm all year, and will likely lose their offensive coordinator to a head coaching job at the end of the season. Chicago also is going to have to make a tough decision as Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery's contracts are up this year. I think Stafford throws early and often and Chicago has trouble defending against Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. Lions 30 Bears 24.
Courtesy of usatoday.com
Tampa Bay
at Carolina -10
The perfect season is over in Carolina, but the bigger issue is whether or not they can secure home-field advantage today. It's going to be tough with Ted Ginn, Jr., and Kirk Coleman doubtful, plus Jonathan Stewart and Fozzy Whitaker out. This is a game where Cam and Olsen are going to have to take over, and the defense is going to have to play light's out, but I think they'll get it done. That line is huge considering all of Carolina's injuries. Give me the Panthers at home 27 - 21.
Courtesy of viralpirate.com
Oakland
at Kansas City -7
Kansas City has had a phenomenal 2nd half to their season. A team that looked left for dead is going to the playoffs, and could easily win their Wild Card round game. I don't think this team is headed to the Super Bowl, but Andy Reid and Alex Smith have certainly made for a nice tandem. Oakland also looks like they're headed in the right direction, but they still need to add some pieces before they can compete for the playoffs on a regular basis. Kansas City 20 Oakland 17.
Courtesy of fansided.com
San Diego
at Denver -9
The Chargers have had a tough season, while Denver has been able to overcome a lot of adversity, namely that of Peyton Manning declining in his play, then being injured for a good portion of the season. Even with Brock under center and Peyton on the sideline, I like the Broncos to get it done and lock down the No. 2 seed. Broncos 24 Chargers 17.
Courtesy of azcardinals.com
Seattle
at Arizona -6.5
The NFL moved the Panthers-Bucs game to later in the afternoon, due largely to the fact that if Carolina won, this game wouldn't be nearly as exciting. The Cardinals have looked pretty impressive all season, and Seattle has been good, but they still have 6 loses. Arizona is fighting with the Panthers for the No. 1 overall seed, and Seattle's only question is whether they will be the 5 or the 6 seed. With a LOT to play for, I'm going with the Cardinals at home. They're arguably the most complete team in the NFL right now. Arizona 27 Seattle 20.
Courtesy of reddit.com
St. Louis
at San Francisco -3.5
The Rams and 49ers can't wait for this season to end and the only celebrating they'll be doing will likely be on draft day. Both have major questions at QB and the head coaching position. The Rams have won 3 games in a row to get to 7-8, and they have an opportunity to end the season at 8-8 in Santa Clara. With the Rams having suddenly surged and the 49ers struggling to score points all year, I'm going with Case Keenum and Todd Gurley to get a win against San Fran 24 - 19.
Courtesy of fanvice.com
Minnesota
at Green Bay -3
The final regular season game of the year decides who wins the NFC North. Green Bay got absolutely throttled by Arizona last week, and Minnesota took care of business against a depleted Giants team. Green Bay has struggled on defense all year, and you can bet that Minnesota is hoping to ride Adrian Peterson to an NFC North crown. If this game were anywhere but Lambeau, I'd like the Vikings, but it's hard to go against Green Bay at home in a meaningful game. Packers 30 Vikings 28.
Courtesy of reddit.com
It's been a fun regular season, and I'll be listening to the games on the road today as I head back from the Sugar Bowl. Cheers to the Playoffs!
