NFL Sunday Divisional Round Playoff Predictions

                                                         Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

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.

                                                             Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

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.  

                                                             Courtesy of fansided.com

 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.

                                                  Courtesy of profootballrosters.com

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.  

                                                       Courtesy of rantsports.com

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. 

                                                            Courtesy of gannett-cdn.com

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?

                                                  Courtesy of fansided.com

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.  

AFC Wild Card Prediction

                                                               Courtesy of cbssports.com


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.

                                                                   Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

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.  

                                                                Courtesy of nj.com

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.

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 16 Predictions

                                               Courtesy of printableteamschedules.com

Oakland started off Week 15 with an Overtime win against San Diego, for what might be the last home game played in Oakland.  Personally, I'd like to see the Raiders stay in the Bay Area, but they clearly need a new stadium.  Still, the Black and Silver look like they've got a bright future ahead of them wherever they make their home. 

                                                     Courtesy of thebiglead.com

In the Saturday Night game, we saw that Kirk Cousins doesn't understand the difference between kneeling down vs. spiking the football to stop the clock when you don't have any timeouts remaining.  It didn't matter in the grand scheme of things though as the Eagles handed the Redskins the NFC East title.  Chip Kelly's seat is going to get mighty hot in 2016.

                                                                       Courtesy of patriotsgab.com

New England   -3
at NY Jets

The Patriots are likely looking at the No. 1 overall seed and home field advantage in the AFC yet again this season.  The Jets are trying to hang on and get a wild card spot, and they'll likely need to beat the Pats at MetLife to do it.  This should be another classic rivalry game, as the Jets know they pretty much have to win out to continue playing after next week.  Brady's record against the Jets is pretty impressive, so it's hard for me to pick against him, especially based on the fact that Ryan Fitzpatrick has only had 1 win against the Pats in his entire career.  I think the Jets throw everything they have at New England, but fall just short in a close game.  Patriots 27 Jets 24.

                                                                Courtesy of foxsports.com

Houston   -3.5
at Tennessee

With Mariota out for this week and Houston starting Brandon Weeden, this isn't exactly the game CBS was hoping for.  Still, if Houston takes care of business against the Titans and Jaguars they'll be hosting a playoff game as the AFC South Champs, and if you watched Hard Knocks this year, that didn't look possible at the start of the season.  Even with Weeden leading the Texans, I still like the way they've found ways to win games this year, and DeAndre Hopkins is a better receiver than anything Tennessee has to offer.  The Titans continue to be a mess, and look to be drafting again early in 2016.   Houston 23 Tennessee 16.

                                                               Courtesy of foxsports.com

Cleveland
at Kansas City    -10.5

Christmas was not kind to the Cleveland Browns as Armonty Bryant and DeAnte Saunders found that the Ohio State Highway Patrol is little more hard-nosed with their naughty list than St. Nick.  Manziel hasn't played poorly in his starts this year, but his teammates haven't been able to help much, outside of Gary Barnidge, as the Browns sit at 3-11.  Kansas City meanwhile has won 8 straight games, and looks poised to head to the postseason after starting the year 1-5.   Cleveland hasn't been able to stop teams from scoring, and though Kansas City doesn't always light up the score, they'll do enough to win this one comfortably.  Chiefs 31 Browns 17.

                                                           Courtesy of fansided.com

Indianapolis
at Miami    -2.5

At the beginning of the season this looked like a really good Week 16 matchup between 2 playoff teams, but now Indy is on the outside looking in, and Miami is on the phone with Sean Payton's agent.  Matt Hasselbeck is expected to start, but he's starting to show his age as he struggles to stay upright behind a weak offensive line.  This is a really tough game to predict, because Indy has something to play for, but Miami is the healthier team and playing at home.  The key for the Dolphins is getting Hasselbeck out of his comfort zone, by hitting him early and often.  I think they limit his effectiveness by blitzing early, and we see Charlie Whitehurst by the day's end.  Dolphins 27 Colts 22.

                                                            Courtesy of sfbay.ca

San Francisco
at Detroit     -9.5

Matt Stafford and the Lions have found ways to lose this year, despite being extremely competitive in most of their games.  The Lions jumped out to a big lead against the Saints on Monday Night, then hung on for the win.   On the West Coast, the Jim Tomsula era looks to be coming to a close in San Fran, much to surprise of no one.  Winning 4 games has been impressive so far, considering expectations, and the 49ers may get to 5 wins this year, but it won't be this week.  Lions 30 49ers 20.

                                                              Courtesy of buffalobills.com

Dallas
at Buffalo   -6.5

Oh Cowboys and Bills fans...if only this was 1993.  With both teams suffering a number of injuries and having their seasons secured to end next week, give me the Bills to get the win at home.  No Tony Romo, no Dez, and a banged up Witten, plus having to play on the road doesn't spell success for Dallas.  Bills 24 Cowboys 17.

                                                           Courtesy of sportstalkflorida.com

Chicago
at Tampa Bay   -3

If this game was in Chicago, I'd go with the Bears, but the 3 point line pretty much means Vegas thinks these teams are evenly matched so they're giving the edge to Tampa Bay, and so am I.  Doug Martin is 2nd in the league in rushing, sitting only 9 yards behind Adrian Peterson heading into the final two weeks of the season.  Moreover, Jameis Winston has been about what we expected, he's looked like a rookie at times, but also made some dynamic plays and Tampa's selection...so far...looks to have been a smart one.  The Bears got trounced by the Vikings last week, and I think it was a mistake to get rid of Lovie Smith in the first place, as they haven't had much success since he left.  Give me the Bucs to get a win over Chicago at home 26 - 21.

                                                          Courtesy of carolinaprofootball.com

Carolina    -6.5
at Atlanta


Carolina took the Falcons to the woodshed 2 weeks ago in Charlotte, beating them 38-0, and you can bet Dan Quinn used that game, and the late game team photos by the Panthers, as motivation for this week.  A win by the Panthers secures that the NFC runs through the Queen City, but Carolina, who jumped out to a big lead against the Giants has had a history this year of letting teams back into games.  The Falcons got a much needed win last week against Jacksonville, and this game will be a lot closer than 38-0, but I still don't see Atlanta being able to outscore the Panthers, with the way Cam Newton is playing.  Panthers 31 Atlanta 24. 

                                                        Courtesy of healthaven.com

Pittsburgh     -10
at Baltimore

Normally, you wouldn't see this kind of line in a Steelers-Ravens game, but Pittsburgh has Antonio Brown at wideout and Big Ben under center, and Baltimore has the option of starting Matt Schaub, Ryan Mallett, or Jimmy Clausen.  The Steelers look poised to make a run in January, and they should win comfortably against a banged up Ravens team that can't wait for 2016 to get here.  Steelers 34 Ravens 16.

                                                            Courtesy of bigcatcountry.com

Jacksonville
at New Orleans   -3

Blake Bortles looks like he might be the best overall QB out of the 2014 class, though Teddy Bridgewater and the Viking faithful would vehemently disagree with that.  With Drew Brees struggling with a torn plantar fascia, I don't see why you'd risk getting Brees hurt for the long term by playing him in this game.  Whether the Saints decided to trade him in 2016 or try and make one more run with him at the helm, an injured Drew Brees helps no one.  Reports out this morning are that Brees will play and being that this could be the last game for the Payton-Brees Era in New Orleans, I'll go with the Saints to get a win at home.  Saints 35 Jags 31.

                                  Courtesy of permissionslips.files.wordpress.com

St. Louis
at Seattle    -12

Seattle has looked mighty tough the last month of the season, and they'll continue their winning streak against the Rams at home this week.  There's not much to say here.  Seattle wins and covers against a Rams team that's likely headed to L.A.  Seahawks 28 St. Louis 13.

                                                           Courtesy of fansided.com

Green Bay
at Arizona    -4.5

This could be a playoff preview with the Packers heading to Arizona to take on the Cardinals.  The Packers sit with a 1 game lead on Minnesota, and a Week 17 showdown in Lambeau, but they can clinch the NFC North with a win today and a Minnesota loss.  Green Bay has had troubles on defense, but with The Honey Badger out for the year, it's Arizona's defense that has questions swirling around it heading into the playoffs.  I'd look for Rodgers to avoid throwing to Patrick Peterson and focus on the other side of the field with Mathieu out and he's still an elite QB, but I like the offensive weapons and supporting cast in Arizona more than I do Green Bay.  Despite multiple injuries in the running game, Arizona finds ways to get production running the football and keeps rolling.  It looks like Andre Ellington will play today, but David Johnson has been awfully good filling in for him.  Cardinals 27 Packers 24.

                                                          Courtesy of twincities.com

NY Giants
at Minnesota   -6

The NY Giants will be without their best player, not named Eli Manning, this week against Minnesota.  Unless you have been living off the grid, you're likely familiar with the Norman-Beckham showdown last Sunday.  When I wrote that it would be must see television, that's not exactly what I was expecting.  Beckham clearly should have been ejected multiple times after throwing punches at multiple players and launching himself head first at Josh Norman, and Norman deserved a fine for his unnecessary roughness throughout the game on Beckham.  The League acted to correct the failures by the officials to adequately controls the game on both sides, and for once I actually agree with the punishment for both players.  Now, as for this week, Minnesota still has the NFC North crown in its sights with Green Bay having to go to Arizona, and the having the league's leading rusher suit up against a porous New York run defense.  Without Beckham, I don't think the Giants have enough weapons to compete with a more disciplined Vikings team, and with Washington clinching the NFC East last night, the Giants don't have nearly as much to play for this week.  Minnesota gets it done at home and Week 17 in Lambeau is for the NFC North title.  Minnesota 31 New York 20. 

                                                          Courtesy of foxsports.com

Cincinnati
at Denver     -3

The NFL was hoping this would be Peyton Manning vs. Andy Dalton and a preview of the possible AFC Championship, but as fate would have it, NFL fans are treated to a Monday Night Football showdown between AJ McCarron and Brock Osweiler.  Cincy got a vital win on the road against the 49ers last week, while Denver has lost two in a row to Oakland and Pittsburgh.  With Osweiler having more experience, a better defense, and playing at home, I'm going with the Broncos to get a close win against the Bengals.  This game could very well decide who gets a 1st round bye in the playoffs and who has to play in the Wild Card Round, so both teams will come out guns blazing, but I believe in Osweiler more than I do AJ McCarron.  Broncos 28 Bengals 24.

                                            Courtesy of achristmasstoryhouse.com

With Christmas behind us and the New Year and Playoffs quickly approaching, we're likely to see some unusual games come January.  Cheers to the rest of the holidays!

NFL Week 15 Predictions

   Courtesy of printableteamschedules.com

Thursday night saw what could likely be the last home game for the Rams franchise in St. Louis, as the franchise's owner looks to move the team to Los Angeles.  The Color Rush game saw Mustard beating Ketchup 31-23, whereby the Rams essentially knocked the Bucs out of the playoff picture, as both teams now sit at 6-8.  

                                                           Courtesy of usatoday.com

Last night's game, saw the Cowboys finally join the ranks of those mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, and Skip Bayless's rhetoric about how he expected Dallas to finally turn the corner can be put back on the shelf until 2016.  The Cowboys had a good chance to win the game with Kellen Moore at QB, but a late jump ball pass down the field to Dez Bryant ended in an interception and officially ended the season for the Cowboys.  

                                                         Courtesy of kxan.com

One of today's biggest games has Houston and Indy both starting back up QBs in a game that could very well decide who wins the AFC South and secures the 4 seed in the playoffs.  Carolina heads to MetLife Stadium to try and stay perfect, and the Chiefs looks to continue their winning streak in Baltimore.  The most important game of the week though is probably Denver at Pittsburgh.  With the Jets winning last night, the Steelers have to keep pace with a win, while Denver is hoping to stay in the hunt for a playoff bye after losing a close game to Oakland at home.

                                                       Courtesy of centriotimes.com

Chicago
at Minnesota    -5.5

Minnesota suddenly looks like a mediocre football team after dropping 3 out of the last 4 to fall to 8-5.  I still think this team makes the playoffs, but they are likely going to be the 6 seed and heading to Green Bay, unless something changes quickly.  The Bears have played a lot better than expected this season, but that's because the expectations were very low.  Chicago is coming off back to back loses to the 49ers and Redskins, both at home, and now they have to go on the road against a divisional opponent that is going to the playoffs.  9 of the last 10 Chicago games have been decided by 6 points or less, so give me the Vikings to win, but the Bears cover.   Vikings 20 Bears 16.

                                                               Courtesy of bigcatcountry.com

Atlanta
at Jacksonville   -3

Jacksonville's season will likely end on January 3rd, but in their last 3 games the Jags have scored 25, 39, and 51 points, so I think they have finally figured it out on offense.  I like what Blake Bortles has done this year; he has 30 passing touchdowns, which is 3rd in the NFL this season, and he has clearly found a rhythm with Robinson, Hurns, and Julius Thomas.  Atlanta has officially fallen apart after getting trounced 38-0 in Charlotte last week.   Give me the Jags to win at home 34 - 31.

                                                        Courtesy of gannett-cdn.com

Houston
at Indianapolis   -1.5

JJ Watt's hand is clearly affecting his performance.  He has zero sacks and a pedestrian 7 total tackles in the last two games.  Indy hasn't exactly been setting the world on fire either though in the last few weeks.  They got blown out in the 2nd half against the Jaguars and were dominated by the Steelers, so they also need a win badly.  With the AFC South crown likely on the line in this game, I'm going with the Colts to get the win.  The Colts are playing at home, they have more explosive players than Houston, and I believe in Matt Hasselbeck more than I do TJ Yates.  If Hasselbeck's rib injury gives him problems and the Colts have to turn to Charlie Whitehurst, that could open the door for the Texans, but assuming he's healthy I think the Colts get a win at home and likely secure the AFC South crown.  Colts 22 Texans 20.

                                                               Courtesy of sportingnews.com

Carolina      -4
at NY Giants  

This game has probably been one of the most hyped 13-0 vs 6-7 match ups in recent memory, because it puts the best wide receiver (with all due respect to Julio Jones and Antonio Brown) in the game against the best corner in the game.  Odell Beckham has 6 straight games with over a 100 yards receiving and 12 TDs this year, but Josh Norman's numbers against top wide receivers are insane.  This year against DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Evans, T.Y. Hilton, Dez Bryant, and Julio Jones he has given up 9 receptions, 89 yards, and 0 touchdowns total.  He hasn't give up more than 35 yards receiving to any receiver, and none of those players has caught more than 4 balls against him.  That's total domination against some of the best players in the NFL.  With Jonathan Stewart out, the Panthers are going to rely on Fozzy Whitaker to carry the load, with Cameron Artis-Payne and Mike Tolbert mixed in to change up the pace.  I think this comes down to the fact the Panthers play good defense and run the ball well, and the Giants can't run the ball and don't play good defense.   The Giants are too reliant on Eli and Beckham, and if you take away those two from them, their offense doesn't move the ball.  I don't know if Josh Norman completely shuts down Odell Beckham, but I don't think Beckham has a career day either.  It should be an awesome chess match between these two.  Panthers 31 Giants 23.  

                                                              Courtesy of trbimg.com

Tennessee
at New England    -14

I don't think anyone outside of a die hard Titans fan is expecting Tennessee to go up to Foxboro and get a win, so this questions comes down to will they cover the spread?  The Titans have played a lot of teams close this year, but they got blown out last week against the Jets.  The Patriots still have multiple key players nursing injuries, but they've still got far more talent than the Titans.  Tennessee may keep it close for the 1st half, but I think New England pulls away and wins this one by double digits.  It should be interesting to see how the Pats use Brandon Bolden and James White.  Patriots 34 Titans 17.

                                                                 Courtesy of cbssports.com

Buffalo      -2.5
at Washington

Rex Ryan's playoff hopes are likely over and there's dissension in the locker room in Buffalo.  The Redskins meanwhile got a much needed win on the road in Chicago last week, and they are 5-2 at home this year.   This game is pretty much a push, but I like Kirk Cousins and the Redskins at home over Rex Ryan's Bills.  If this game was in Buffalo, I'd go with the Bills, but I think Washington just has more to play for today.  Washington 21 Buffalo 20.

                                               Courtesy of panicbutton.sportsblog.com

Kansas City     -6.5
at Baltimore     

Kansas City has won 7 of their last 8 games, but last week they struggled mightily against a bad San Diego Chargers team, only winning 10-3.  Baltimore has been eliminated from the playoffs, but they've still been competitive in most of their games this year.   While this might not be a sexy game, it does have significant playoff implications.  The Chiefs have been finding ways to win and they should continue that today against the Ravens.  They'll run the ball and Alex Smith will move the ball down the field when he has to.  Chiefs 25 Ravens 17.

                                                                     Courtesy of foxsports.com

Cleveland
at Seattle      -14

Mike Pettine has officially hopped aboard the I Don't Give A Damn Express.  Is Russell Wilson elite?  No.  But the guy has still been to back to back Super Bowls, and his team is going back to the playoffs again this year.  Additionally, his statistics over the last few weeks have been phenomenal.  So, saying that someone is not elite, when your team has struggled at the QB position for the last 2 decades, isn't exactly smart, but you have to appreciate the fact that Pettine knows his days in Cleveland are numbered and he's going out with a bang.  Maybe his comments help motivate his team; maybe they go into Seattle and surprise the Seahawks and only lose by 13 points.  I don't see it happening, but it's worth a shot.  Seattle 35 Cleveland 10.

                                                 Courtesy of silverandblackpride.com

Green Bay       -3.5
at Oakland

Green Bay heads to the black hole today to try and keep their lead in the NFC North.  This game should be a very good battle as both QBs love to throw the ball.  Rodgers has completed 282-461 passes for 3175 yards and 28 TDs, while Carr has completed 283-455 passes for 3313 yards and 28 TDs.  It's amazing to think that Carr, a second year player, has those kind of numbers compared to Aaron Rodgers.  The Raiders likely aren't going to the playoffs, barring a miracle, but they've had a very nice season.  I'm hoping this game is a high scoring affair in the Bay Area, but I like Green Bay to get a close win.  Packers 38 Raiders 34.

                                                            Courtesy of cbsboston.com

Denver
at Pittsburgh    -6

Reports from the Broncos via Ian Rapoport, are that Peyton Manning does not plan on being Brock Osweiler's back up, even if he's healthy, so it likely means the Manning era in Denver is over.  Peyton wasn't going to play this week anyway due to injury, but this looks like to be an EXTREMELY interesting developing story over the next couple of weeks.  With all these distractions, it looks like Pittsburgh's chances of winning and covering the spread just jumped through the roof.  I think Denver's defense is going to play tough, but I still think the Steelers win and cover.  Pittsburgh 24 Denver 17.

                                                        Courtesy of foxsports.com

Miami
at San Diego    -1

San Diego and Miami both have packed it in and are looking to 2016.  The Chargers almost knocked off the Chiefs last weekend, but couldn't punch it in from the red zone.  Miami has usually played well against bad teams, but heading to the West Coach for what could be the last Chargers home game in San Diego, could prove challenging.  If this game was in Miami I'd go with the Dolphins, but being that this may be the last time Philip Rivers plays in San Diego, I'm going with the Chargers to get the win 27-24. 

                                                          Courtesy of foxsports.com

Cincinnati      -6
at San Francisco

AJ McCarron gets the start today for the Bengals, and he's not shy about his confidence.  The Bengals are clearly a better team than San Francisco, but going on the road with a QB who is making his first NFL start, is going to be a challenge.  As has been well reported, the University of Alabama hasn't had one their alumni win an NFL game as a starting QB since Reagan was president.  I think that streak ends today.  As long as McCarron doesn't play terribly, the Bengals should move to 11-3.  Cincy 20 San Fran 13.

                                                                       Courtesy of foxsports.com

Arizona     -3.5
at Philadelphia

The Cardinals head to Philly tonight to take on an Eagles team that looks poised to take the NFC East crown.  Arizona has already locked in a playoff spot and they can lock up the NFC West with a win or a Seattle loss.  Carson Palmer has had an MVP type season and he'll look to lead to the Cards to another victory tonight.  Philly, surprisingly controls their own destiny thanks to a deplorable NFC East.  I think this game is close, but I like still like Arizona to get a win and lock up the NFC West.  Cardinals 30 Eagles 24.

                                                          Courtesy of bleacherrport.com

Detroit
at New Orleans    -2.5

Monday Night's game sees the Lions heading to New Orleans to the face the Saints.  Drew Brees against Matthew Stafford should be a fun to watch as two dynamic passing teams go up against each other with nothing to lose.  The Saints got a win last week in Tampa, while Detroit fell to St. Louis.  Stafford should have a better week against that bad Saints defense, but I think the Saints get a win at home in a high scoring game.  Saints 34 Lions 28.

The Holidays are in full swing as Hanukkah ended on Monday and Christmas comes on Friday, which means the playoff race heats up.  Cheers to the last few games of the season and the start of the NFL Playoffs.