NFL Week 17 Predictions

                                             Courtesy of printableteamschedules.com

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.

                                                              Courtesy of giphy.com

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.

                                                               Courtesy of SBNation.com

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.      

                                                            Courtesy of reddit.com

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.  

                                                            Courtesy of fatmanwriting.com

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.

                                                          Courtesy of nesn.com

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.

                                                                 Courtesy of profootballzone.com

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.

                                                            Courtesy of ign.com

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.

                                                                    Courtesy of boards.giants.com

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.

                                                                 Courtesy of backofthejersey.com

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!  

NFL Week 14 Predictions

Courtesy of printableteamschedules.com

The Thursday Night game saw Minnesota choke away a chance to tie the Cardinals on a botched late play with 13 seconds remaining.  The play called for a clear out route to the sidelines to try and give kicker, Blair Walsh some more room to try to tie the game and set it up for overtime.  But, Bridgewater held the ball far too long and was sacked and fumbled the ball, and Arizona recovered, sealing the win for the Cardinals and making them the 2nd team to clinch an NFC playoff spot.  

                                                             Courtesy of duluthnewstribune.com

With almost every other game having playoff implications, it should be an exciting week.  The only 2 games that really won't affect the playoff picture is San Francisco at Cleveland, which sees the return of Johnny Manziel, and Detroit at St. Louis, which sees Jeff Fisher try and keep his job, as the Rams already have 8 losses.  So, let's get to some games.

                                                            Courtesy of pbs.twimg.com

Buffalo

at Philadelphia   -1

Ah, Shady McCoy's return to Philadelphia.  Will the Philly fans side with McCoy or Chip Kelly in this feud that's been brewing all week?  In any event, these two teams are both fighting for the post season.  The Bills currently sit at 6-6 and are a game out of the last AFC playoff spot, while the Eagles are 5-7 and in a three way tie for the NFC East lead.  Rex Ryan is going to give the ball to McCoy no less than 25 times in this game.   He may even send McCoy out by himself as the sole captain for the coin toss, as a big middle finger to the Eagles and Chip Kelly, but the Bills are going to have to find other ways to score if they hope to get a win today.  The Eagles are coming off a huge win against the Patriots and I think they'll throw everything they have at the Bills, because they pretty much have to win at least 2 of the next 4 games, and with a schedule that has Arizona, Washington, and the Giants left, they'll need every win they can get.  Philly gets it done at home, but just barely 23-20.

                                                          Courtesy of usatoday.com

San Francisco

at Cleveland   -1.5

It is in fact a Blaine Gabbert vs. Jonathan Football Manziel showdown in the Dawg Pound.   After coming off a 2 game suspension by the Browns, Manziel will get the start today, due largely to see if he's going to be with the team next year or they'll cut/trade him to another team in the off season.   You really have to feel for the fans in Cleveland and their QB situation.  As for San Francisco, they are coming off an overtime win against the Bears where Blaine Gabbert threw a game winning walk off touchdown to Torrey Smith.  So, who wins this game?  I think San Francisco has the better roster, and Cleveland is a mess, but with all the hype surrounding Manziel, I think he finds a way to get it done, and gives the media something to talk about all week.  It's too perfect not to happen.  Browns 24 49ers 17. 

                                                         Courtesy of fansided.com

Detroit   -3.5

at St. Louis

Both the Rams and the Lions sit at 4-8, but the Lions have looked good the last few weeks, and should be 5-7 if it wasn't for a Hail Mary last Thursday night, whereas the Rams have looked terrible.  Nick Foles should get the start again for the Rams this week, which is why I'm going with the Lions.  In his last 2 starts Foles has thrown 4 INTs and zero, count that, ZERO Touchdowns.   If you stop Todd Gurley, the Rams can't move the ball.  Lions 17 Rams 13.

                                                 Courtesy of usaftw.files.wordpress.com

New Orleans

at Tampa Bay   -4.5

The Saints had their Super Bowl last week against Carolina.  They threw everything they had at the Panthers, and put up a hell of a fight, but couldn't close it out.  The Bucs still think they've got a shot at the playoffs, and while they're likely going to fall short, they have far more to play for this week.  The Saints defense didn't get much better since Rob Ryan left, and I think Tampa Bay fires the cannon early and often today.  New Orleans won't roll over, but at this point, they need to look at rebuilding.  Bucs 31 Saints 24.

                                                         Courtesy of concordmonitor.com

Tennessee

at NY Jets   -7

The Jets currently hold the last wild card playoff spot at 7-5, and they are lucky they get the 3-9 Titans at home this week.  The Jets have the Cowboys, Patriots, and Bills remaining on their schedule, and they'll need to likely win at least 2 of the next 4 to get to the playoffs, and hope for some help.  Barring a complete collapse or Mariota running all over them, the Jets should get it done this week at home.  Fitzpatrick will play well enough to put the Jets in position to get to 8-5 and hold their lead in the playoffs.  Jets 27 Titans 13.

                                              Courtesy of profootballfocus.com

Pittsburgh

at Cincinnati   -2.5

This is arguably the most intriguing game of the week.  The Steelers need to keep pace with the rest of the AFC, and they need a win in Cincy to do so.  Right now the Bengals have the No. 1 overall seed, but a loss and wins by New England and Denver mean they'd drop to No. 3 and lose a first round bye.  Being that this is a huge game for the Steelers and Andy Dalton hasn't exactly shined in big spots, I'm going with Pittsburgh to get a victory on the road in an extremely hard fought game.  I still think Cincy wins the AFC North, but every game going forward for Pittsburgh is a must win.  Steelers 31 Bengals 28.

                                                        Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

Indianapolis

at Jacksonville  -1.5

Hasselbeck should play again for the Colts today despite suffering a rib separation and a neck injury last week.  The Jags have lost a lot of close games this year and Allen Robinson is emerging as a top NFL receiver.  If the Jags put pressure on Hasselbeck and force him out of the pocket, they should be in good shape today.   That's a big if, and Indy usually beats Jacksonville fairly easily, but I don't think that happens today.  I think the Jags get a win at home today and the Colts drop to 6-7 as Hasselbeck is under pressure all day.  Jags 22 Indy 17. 

                                                        Courtesy of nydailynews.com

 San Diego

at Kansas City     -11

11 points is a lot to give in a divisional game, but these two franchises are headed in opposite directions.  The Chiefs have been unstoppable lately, winning their last 6 games in a row, while the Chargers have lost 7 of their last 8 games.  The Chiefs are sitting at 7-5 and are currently 5th in the AFC playoff standings with games left against San Diego, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Oakland, so they're going to the playoffs.  With Philip Rivers fighting the flu, give me the Chiefs to win big at home.  Chiefs 34 Chargers 14.

                                                         Courtesy of chicagonow.com

Washington

at Chicago    -3.5

The Redskins had every opportunity to take a lead in the NFC East, but a Monday Night loss to Dallas puts the NFC East lead in a 3 way tie at 5-7, with Dallas only a game back at 4-8.  The Bears meanwhile lost a thrilling overtime game to the 49ers thanks to a missed Robbie Gould field goal.  This is probably the hardest game of the week to pick, because both of these teams are unpredictable.  Kirk Cousins and Jay Cutler have run hot and cold all year.  Being that this game is in Chicago, I'm going with the Bears, but I don't feel good about it.  Bears 24 Redskins 21.   

                                                     Courtesy of tumblr.com

Atlanta

at Carolina   -8

Though this is a divisional game, this is clearly a tale of two different teams from when both were 5-0.  Carolina sits at 12-0 and Atlanta is 6-6, but they've lost 5 of their last 6, and they haven't looked good in any of those games.  Carolina got a scare last week, but I think that was the wake up call they needed, and Cam Newton has 10 touchdowns in the last two games.  They've done a great job at finding ways to win games this year, even if it means winning ugly.  I'd be surprised if this game was a blowout, but Matty Ice has been a turnover machine this fall, and the Carolina defense isn't going to make it easier on him.  It'll be interesting to see how often he throws to Julio Jones with Josh Norman sitting across from him.  Panthers 31 Falcons 20.  

                                                   Courtesy of gannett-cdn.com

Seattle     -11

at Baltimore   

So, Seattle heads to Baltimore and will face Jimmy Clausen for a 2nd time this year, after he was waived by Chicago and picked up by Baltimore.  What did Jimmy Clausen do to deserve the kind of beating he's going to get today?  The Seahawks have been red hot of late and they don't look to be slowing down.  Baltimore hopefully won't get embarrassed, but they have almost zero chance of winning this game.  Seahawks 28 Ravens 10.

                                                               Courtesy of ibtimes.com

Oakland

at Denver   -6.5

Oakland has done some nice things this year, but it's going to be a tough day against that Broncos defense for Derek Carr and the Raiders.  Brock Osweiler looks to be the future in Denver, but he only threw for 166 yards last week.  Still he's 3-0 as a starter this year, and the Broncos should rely on their running game and defense to keep them in the hunt for a playoff bye.  They've got some injury concerns, and Oakland is a decent football team, so it won't be an easy game today.  Time for Michael Crabtree to earn that new contract he got this week.  Give me the Broncos to get the win at home, but I like Oakland to cover.  Broncos 23 Oakland 17.    

                                                                  Courtesy of si.com

Dallas

at Green Bay   -6.5

Green Bay finds themselves in a good position at 8-4, after an amazing Hail Mary win against Detroit, and a Vikings loss to Arizona.  I think it's pretty clear both Carolina and Arizona are likely getting a bye in the NFC, but the Packers still can make some ground in the division, by taking a 1 game lead over the Vikings with a win against a bad Dallas team.  I don't think there's a snowball's chance Dallas gets a win in Lambeau today.  Green Bay 30 Dallas 16.  

                                              Courtesy of cbsboston.files.wordpress.com

New England      -3.5

at Houston

New England vs. New New England.  The Pats head down to Houston today to try and get back on track after dropping 2 straight.  With Gronk back, you have to give the edge to the Patriots.  Houston knows New England well, as many of their players and coaches were once employed by the Patriots.  I don't see Tom Terrific and the Pats losing 3 in a row, even against a Houston team that plays great defense.  I'm curious to see if Watt is hindered by his broken hand.  Patriots 24 Houston 20.  

                                                          Courtesy of nydailynews.com

NY Giants    -2

at Miami

Has any team found more ways to lose games this year than the Giants?  They'll need to get a win in South Beach today if they want to keep pace in the NFC East.  The Giants have Miami, Carolina, Minnesota, and Philly to close out the year.  They'll likely need to get at least 2 wins to get to the postseason, and this is one that they're favored to win.  Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham, Jr. should put on a show today with their ability to make circus-like catches.  I'm hoping for a high scoring game, and I think the Giants make enough plays to get a win, and hopefully won't go for it on 4th down, when they should clearly kick a field goal.  Giants 35 Dolphins 31. 

                                                       Courtesy of photobucket.com

The League had it's Series Finale this week, and I for one will be sad to see it go.  The show was brilliantly written, and though it had its ups (Ghost Monkey) and downs (Rafi and Dirty Randy's episode), it was legitimately hilarious throughout every season.  From Mr. McGibblets to Kegel the Elf and of course Andre as the Expert Witness, the characters were spot on.  You will be missed.  Cheers to Football Sunday and the Christmas/Hanukkah Holiday Season.  

                                                  Courtesy of childstarlets.com

NFL Week 13 Predictions

                                                             

                                              Courtesy of printableteamschedules.com


Well, the College Football regular season is over, with the exception of the Army - Navy game next Saturday....GO NAVY!  In the NFL, Green Bay had a miraculous comeback win over Detroit based on a highly questionable face mask call at the end of the game that gave the Packers one last shot on an un-timed down, which resulted in a Hail Mary game winning touchdown for Green Bay in an effort to keep their playoff hopes alive.

                                                              Courtesy of syracuse.com

This week's games see a lot of divisional match ups that have post season implications.  A struggling Falcons team heads to Tampa Bay, Arizona tries to stay within striking distance of Carolina by winning in St. Louis, Carolina meanwhile tries to lock in their NFC South crown at New Orleans, Cincy takes on Austin Davis in Cleveland, Denver continues to go with Brock Osweiler against a bad San Diego team, the Chiefs look to continue their winning streak against Oakland, and Washington tries to move into first place at home against Dallas.  So, let's take a look at the games this weekend.

                                                             Courtesy of turnonthejets.com

NY Jets          -2.5
at NY Giants 

While technically this is a home game for the Giants, both teams call MetLife Stadium home, so this is really as close a neutral site game as you can get.  Both the Giants and Jets right now are on the outside looking in to the playoffs, so this game is vital.  Odell Beckham, Jr. won't have Revis shadowing him, as Revis Island is closed for business for a 2nd straight week, and that's good news for Giants fans.  The bad news is, their offensive line is a mess, and they don't have any semblance of running the ball, or an ability to play sound defense; all things that the Jets do well.  If the Giants are going to win, it's going to be on Eli and Beckham's shoulders.  I think the Giants know that they can't fall another game back of Washington, and with the Redskins playing the Cowboys, that's almost a guaranteed win.  Give me the Giants to make just enough plays to get a win against their cross town rivals.  Giants 27 Jets 23.  

                                                                 Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

Arizona          -4.5
at St. Louis

I feel like Bruce Arians has told his entire starting offensive line, whatever you do, protect Carson Palmer, because if he goes down, like a ton of other QBs have that have faced the Rams, the Cardinals season is over.  The Rams got the best of the Cards in the desert earlier this year, and you can bet Arizona would like some payback as they head to St. Louis.  In recent weeks, the NFL has figured out that if you stop Todd Gurley, the Rams can't beat you, and Arizona will stack the box and make Nick Foles beat you with his arm.  That's not a winning formula for Jeff Fisher's team.  Arizona 30 St. Louis 17.

                                                                    Courtesy of fansided.com

Atlanta 
at Tampa Bay    Even

The Dirty Birds look to stop their losing skid, having lost 5 of their last 6, after starting 5-0.  Atlanta QB Matt Ryan has had some serious questions raised about his play during this stretch, but the Falcons have said they're going to stick by him.  Tampa Bay on the other hand, has played pretty well this year.  They've run the ball well, and Winston has been better than a lot of people expected.  The Falcons get their leading rusher, Devonta Freeman, back this week, and I think that helps them out tremendously.  If Atlanta limits their turnovers, they should be able to get a win in Tampa, and I think this is the week Matt Ryan turns it around.  Atlanta 24 Tampa Bay 20.

                                                                  Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

Seattle      -1.5
at Minnesota

That Seattle-Pittsburgh game last week was a fun game to watch.  Seattle looked like they finally found some rhythm on offense without Beast Mode.  Minnesota meanwhile, clearly has an identity, run the ball with Adrian Peterson, play good defense and have Teddy Bridgewater manage the game for you, only making plays only when he has to.  That's a good game plan, and being that Minnesota is at home, I like the Vikings to get their 9th win of the year and keep a one game lead over the Packers.  Vikings 22 Seattle 17.

                                                             Courtesy of fansided.com

Houston
at Buffalo     -3.5

The honeymoon for Rex is officially over, and if the Bills don't get their problems fixed soon, they're going to be well out of the playoff race.  Houston has been fire lately, due largely to playing phenomenal defense.  They ended Drew Brees's touchdown streak last week, and that wasn't easy to do for a future 1st ballot hall of famer.  The way Houston's defense is playing, I think the Bills are going to have some serious problems scoring, so I'll take Houston on the road to go and get an upset win.  Texans 23 Bills 17.

                                                               Courtesy of youtube.com

Baltimore
at Miami       -3.5

What a finish that Baltimore - Cleveland game had on Monday night!  I know people were hoping for Flacco vs JFF, but that game was pretty good with 2 back up QBs starting.  Neither of these teams are going to be heading to the postseason, but it should be interesting to see if Ryan Tannehill, who is now on his 3rd offensive coordinator of the season, can get things turned around.  Based on the number of injuries Baltimore has suffered, Miami has better skill position players, and I think they'll make enough plays at home to get a win.  Dolphins 30 Ravens 20.

                                                                  Courtesy of s3.amazonaws.com

Cincinnati      -9
at Cleveland

You've got to feel for Browns fans.  They've been through a lot, and things don't get better this week as the AFC North leading Bengals come to town.  Cincy is fighting for a 1st round bye against Denver and New England, so every game matters going forward.  Cincy is just the vastly superior team, and facing a back up QB, they'll win by double digits, even though the game is at Cleveland.  Bengals 31 Cleveland 17.  

                                                                   Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

Jacksonville
at Tennessee    -2.5

At this point, it's pretty evident the Jags and Titans won't be going to the postseason.   The Jags won a close game in their previous meeting with the Titans in Jacksonville 19-13, and they'll look to get their 5th win today, as they head to Nashville.  Jacksonville will be without Allen Hurns for this game, so they're going to have to rely heavily on Allen Robinson and Julius Thomas.  That having been said, I think the Jags just have better players than Tennessee and the overall better team, and they'll get a win on the road.  Jaguars 20 Tennessee 13.  

                                                         Courtesy of zimbio.com

San Francisco
at Chicago      -6.5

I've been pleasantly surprised at how well the Bears and Jay Cutler have played this year.  John Fox has done a very nice job with this team in Chicago.  I wondered if they'd win 5 games all year, and they're about to be 6-6 after today.  San Francisco, meanwhile appears to be looking to 2016, and either drafting or trading for a new QB.  The Bears defense has played very well lately, giving up less than 20 points in each of the last 4 games, and that doesn't bode well for a 49ers team that struggles to score.  I think Chicago continues to play well today and they get to 6-6 at home with a win over San Fran, 24 - 13.

                                                     Courtesy of mnginteractive.com

Denver       -3.5
at San Diego

I think it's fair to call it, the Peyton Manning era in Denver is officially over.  Osweiler beating the Patriots in the snow, something Manning has struggled to do, signaled that the Broncos feel more confident with Brock than with Peyton.  Manning may play one more season, but it likely won't be at Mile High.  The weather should be a little warmer in San Diego today, but I don't think that will really effect the outcome.  With the Broncos defense, and San Diego's struggles on both sides of the ball, this looks like it should be Osweiler's 3rd straight win since Peyton went down.  Give me the Broncos to win 27 - 20.

                                                          Courtesy of cbssports.com

Kansas City      -3
at Oakland

Kansas City is on a roll and at this point, I'm not going to bet against the Chiefs, even though I like Oakland.  Kansas City has won 5 in a row, and Oakland got a win against Tennessee last week, but it wasn't easy.  The real question for Kansas City though is how long are they going to be without Justin Houston, and is that injury going to cost them a game or two.  As for this week, I think they still find a way to get it done in a close game in Oakland.  Alex Smith doesn't make mistakes and I think even with their injuries Kansas City is the overall better team.  Chiefs 17 Raiders 14.  

                                                                  Courtesy of theadvocate.com

Carolina    -6.5
at New Orleans

The Panthers - Saints game originally scheduled at 1:00, was flexed to 4:25pm, thus the location on this chart.  This game sees two teams headed in opposite directions.  Carolina remains the only unbeaten team in the NFL, while the Saints just dropped to 4-7, with a loss against the Texans.  The Brees/Payton era may be coming to a close in New Orleans, and while they're still not going to roll over in this game, Carolina is just the better football team.  If Brees plays lights out, the Saints have a shot, but I think the Panthers defense and their ability to make big plays when they need them give them a clear edge.  Carolina 34 New Orleans 24.

                                                    Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

Philadelphia
at New England     -8

I don't see New England losing this game for a number of reasons:  it's at home; they're coming off a loss; the Pats get Amendola back; they still have Tom Brady; and they're playing an Eagles team that's just quite frankly not very good.  Despite New England's injuries concerns, I believe in Tom Brady and Bill Belichick far more than I do Chip Kelly and Sam Bradford/Mark Sanchez.  Give me the Patriots to win at home, 31 -17.

                                                                  Courtesy of espn.go.com

Indianapolis
at Pittsburgh    -7.5

Hasselbeck did what he was supposed to do last week against the Bucs, and got the Colts to 6-5.  He's undefeated as a starter this season, but I think that streak ends tonight in Pittsburgh.  The Steelers badly need this win after losing a hard fought game in Seattle last week, and I think they'll get it at home.  While fans were hoping for Luck vs Big Ben, this should still be an exciting game to watch.  Pittsburgh is going to lean heavily on Deangelo Williams and Antonio Brown, while Indy will look to Moncrief and Hilton to help them keep pace in the AFC South.  The Steelers win, but just barely.  Pittsburgh 23 Indy 21.  

                                                         Courtesy of cbssports.com

Dallas
at Washington   -4

Without Tony Romo, Dallas just ain't the same team.  Washington on the other hand has been very very good at home this year.  For all the jokes about how much of a dumpster fire Washington has been in recent years, their coach might have the best job security in the NFC East right now.  I don't think this game's a blowout, but I do think Washington will make enough plays to get their team to 6-6 and remain in 1st place in the NFC East.  Redskins 27 Cowboys 23.

With Saturday taking a back seat to Sundays now that the college regular season is over, and the bowl season only a couple of weeks away, I think a lot of us are excited to enjoy the Holidays because the doldrums of January and February will be here soon.  Cheers.