Week 17 Predictions

Well, it's nearly the end. There comes a time when all good things must come to an end. And Sunday will be the last games of the regular season. In recent years, the NFL has designed the schedule to end with as much drama as possible...generally scheduling inter-conference games for the last week of the season. Why is this important? Because a lot of these games will decide who gets into the playoffs and which don't. In short, win, or go home. So, who's winning and getting in? Let's get to the gridiron:

Browns v. Steelers: Steelers. Last week, the Steelers needed the Ravens to lose, and the Dolphins to lose, along with the Chargers to lose at least one game. Plus, they need to win their game against the Packers and the Jets to win. And for good measure, they needed it to be at least 65 degrees in Philadelphia. Well, the Steelers got a Christmas miracle last year, because the Dolphins and the Ravens both lost, It was 70 degrees in Philly during the Eagles' slaughter of the Bears, and the Steelers beat the Packers in Green Bay. That said, I can't imagine that they'll waste this miracle. They'll win against the Browns.

Washington v. Giants: Giants. With RGIII sitting out the rest of the season, Washington has little to play for. Meanwhile, the Giants may see their coach retire -- no better way send-off than with a win.

Ravens v. Bengals: Bengals.

Texans v. Titans: Titans.

Jaguars v. Colts: Colts.

Jets v. Dolphins: Dolphins. The Jets and the Dolphins have already met, and the Dolphins dominated in New York. No reason why they can't maintain that domination at home.

Lions v. Vikings: Vikings. I get the sense that the Lions have given up. And the Vikings have been spoilers for a lot of teams. Plus, I just heard that this is the final game in the Metrodome. Yup, the Vikings could pull this off.

Panthers v. Falcons: Panthers. As much as I'd like Tony Gonzalez to go out on a win, I'm not sure that the Panthers will let that happen. This isn't to say that it will be an easy game -- despite the Falcons' abysmal record, the Georgia Dome is still a tough place to play.

Buccaneers v. Saints: Saints.

Bills v. Patriots: Patriots.

Rams v. Seahawks: Seahawks. The Seahawks are at home, after all.

Packers v. Bears: Packers. The winner of this game goes to the playoffs to represent the NFC North. For these two teams, the playoffs start on Sunday.

49ers v. Cardinals: Cardinals. Tough call, but I think the 49ers could win...assuming they're throwing and Vernon Davis is on his game (and all the starters are IN the game, for that matter). But, the Cardinals do have the #1 ranked run defense, after all. Plus, the 49ers are already in the playoffs, and the Cardinals can get in if the Saints lose and they win. The Cardinals have a lot more to play for.

Broncos v. Raiders: Broncos.

Chiefs v. Chargers: Chargers.

Eagles v. Cowboys: Eagles. In another win or go home scenario, this game will decide who wins the NFC East. Buuuut, both teams are playing with backup QBs. The difference is, Nick Foles has been on fire, throwing with laser precision (and no INTs). This isn't Kyle Orton's first time to the rodeo in the league, but the Eagles' defense is pretty likely to stop him cold.

Week 16 Predictions -- Down to the Wire

We are getting down to the wire for teams to get into the playoffs. There are a few who have been knocked out and have no shot (for example: Rams, Vikings, Falcons, Jaguars, Texans) and some who have already clinched (Seahawks, Chiefs, Colts, Broncos). But that leaves a lot of slots open. There are seven teams still in the hunt, some in control of their own destiny, and some who will be waiting with bated breath to see what their division rivals will do. Looks like we'll be taking this thing right down to Week 17 this year. But for now, here are my picks:

Miami v. Buffalo: Miami. This is one of those situations where one team is already out, and the other is still in the hunt. In theory, Buffalo could just be operating as a spoiler (the way the Vikings have the past few weeks), but I don't think they've got the chops or the desire. Meanwhile, Miami's chances of getting in the playoffs will die if they don't win.

New Orleans v. Carolina: Carolina. Carolina is at home, and fighting to show that they are the winners of the NFC South. I expect it will be an interesting game.

Minnesota v. Cincinnati: Minnesota. Call me crazy, but I am starting to think that the Vikings are getting their kicks out of spoiling it for other teams.

Denver v. Houston: Denver.

Tennessee v. Jax: Tennessee.

Indianapolis v. Kansas City. Kansas City. KC is at home, and trying to knock Denver out of the top spot. Both of these teams are going, now we're just playing for the bye and for home field advantage. But, bitterness and hate will win out.

Cleveland v. New York Jets. Cleveland. Geno Smith seems to have entered into his sophomore slump a year early.

Tampa Bay v. St. Louis: Tampa Bay.

Dallas v. Washington: Dallas. This is a hard pick, because Dallas has a tendency to choke. But, evidently Washington has already given up. So Dallas it is.

New York Giants v. Detroit: Detroit. Even though Detroit was headed to the playoffs as winner of the NFC North, they are now going to have to win AND see the Bears and the Packers lose. This isn't going to be the game in which they dig their own grave, however.

Arizona v. Seattle: Seattle.

New England v. Baltimore: Baltimore.

Pittsburgh v. Green Bay: Green Bay. If you haven't heard, the Packers have transformed into a second half team. So you may want to wait until half time to tune in.

Oakland v. San Diego: San Diego.

Chicago v. Philadelphia: Chicago. Unless the weather is madness, then the winner will be whichever players are able to see in the middle of a blizzard.

Atlanta v. San Francisco: San Francisco.

The Wild Wild West of the NFC North

For the past couple years, the NFC North has been pandemonium. In my opinion, it all started with the 2010 NFC North Championship. As a reminder, that's the year when Green Bay played Chicago in Chicago.* That year, the Bears went 11-5 and the Packers went 10-6 with the Lions and Vikings having losing seasons.

The 2011 season, we saw a shift in position:
Packers went 15-1
Lions took 2nd at 10-6
Bears 8-8
Vikings 3-13.

The 2012 season brought yet another jockeying for position:
Packers: 11-5
Vikings: 10-6
Bears: 10-6
Lions: 4-12

This year is no different. Before last week, the Lions looked like they were going to take the NFC North, with the Bears nipping at their heels, the Packers in 3rd, and the Vikings dying with a losing record. But after two games the Lions the Lions are no longer in first, and the Bears are only half a game ahead of the Packers (the Vikings are still losing). If either the Packers or the Bears win out (meaning, one has to beat the other in the last game of the season) then they will win the NFC North.

Frankly, I just can't decide if winning the division will be a theft or the price of parity. To be on top for so long, and then to fall from grace just seems unjust for the Lions. On the other hand, it's their own damn fault for losing to a team that scored no touchdowns. We'll see what happens.

At the end of the day, it's really of no import who represents the NFC North. Or the NFC East for that matter. Mark my words, the NFC Championship game will comprise of teams from the NFC South and/or the NFC West. With the way they are playing, it may very well be an inter-divisional rivalry between the 49ers and the Seahawks.




*Incidentally, the first time the two have ever played in a championship game.

Week 15 Predictions

Redskins v. Falcons: As we talked about earlier this week, RGIII will be watching this game from the sideline. Is Washington giving up on the season? Are they strategizing for the next season?

49ers v. Buccaneers: 49ers.

Seahawks v. Giants: Giants. I don't know why...but I've got a feeling. Also, I really don't believe in the Seahawks on the road.

Eagles v. Vikings: Vikings. I have a sneaking suspicion that the Vikings are going to continue their campaign of spoilers.

Patriots v. Dolphins: Patriots.

Bills v. Jaguars: Jaguars. This game will be a bit like watching a high school game, but it may be a bit entertaining.

Texans v. Colts: Colts.

Bears v. Browns: Browns. What I love about this game is that Bears fans are already psyching themselves out. Announcers are saying that the Bears have very clearly given up on the season, proven by the fact that they are sitting their perfectly good QB and put in Jay Cutler.

Chiefs v. Raiders: Chiefs. Why yes, the bitterness and hate is going to be enough to get them through this game. The more the Chiefs win, the farther they will go in the post-season.

Jets v. Panthers: Panthers. Cam Newton may take those boys into a wild card spot.

Packers v. Cowboys: Packers. Let's go Pack!

Cardinals v. Titans: Cardinals.

Saints v. Rams: Saints.

Bengals v. Steelers: Bengals.

Ravens v. Lions: Ravens. At least I hope so. If the Lions keep losing and the Packers keep winning, the Packers may actually take the NFC North.

RG Maybe Year III will be better???

Today I got an alert from NFL Mobile -- RGIII is out for the season. In his words, "Coaches decided to shut me down for rest of season. Rex Grossman* will back up Kirk Cousins as quarterback." Talk about a bad day.

Remember when I was talking about the Sophomore Slump? Well, it would appear that Mr. Griffin is suffering from the mother of all sophomore slumps, wouldn't it?

There are people who would say the downward spiral all began during last season's playoffs, when he busted his knee, taking him out for the rest of the playoffs and dashing the hopes of Washington fans everywhere. Others would blame the problems on the coaches, and medical staff allowing him to come back too soon. Possibly it's just a curse for the horrible team name that came under fire early this year. We may never really know what caused it, but I would hazard a guess that the sophomore slump is a solid part of the problem.

But here's my question...no one has confirmed that this demotion isn't at least partially due to Washington's abysmal 3-10 record and RGIII's less-than-amazing play. The official reason is that he is being benched for his health. Does anyone else find it suspicious that he's being benched for his health at the END of the season as opposed to the BEGINNING? Why would a player need to be benched after he's spent the last 14 weeks cutting and running on a tender knee? Isn't that something that would need to be done -- the resting and the easing into routine, that is -- early on in the recovery process?

My next question is, will RGIII be able to recover from being benched? Let's remember what happened with Josh Freeman. Suddenly benched under suspicious circumstances, no official comment, and then BOOM traded to a different team. Ooooh wait, there's also Alex Smith. So, then again, perhaps RGIII will find himself in the playoffs with a new team. Bitterness and hate being the basis of that winning streak.

Washington definitely won't be making a repeat appearance in the post-season. But maybe this will prove an interesting off season.




*Yes, that Rex. Sexy Rexy rides again!

Week 14 Predictions

I just can't believe I was right about Thursday's pick. The Jags beat the Texans by 7. Oh Houston, what happened?! Anyway, it's getting down to the wire for teams to make it into the playoffs. My guess? My boys from Green Bay won't be in it. But I get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that the Bears won't be in it either. :) So, let's get to the gridiron...

Colts v. Bengals: Colts.

Browns v. Patriots: Patriots. I said it once, I'll say it again. Never pick against Tom Brady.

Raiders v. Jets: Raiders. This will be the battle of teams that had hope and surprisingly badass quarterbacks at the beginning of the season, and then fell off somewhere in week 10.

Chiefs v. Washington: Chiefs. Media darling RGIII just isn't the same miracle worker. His sophomore slump is really showing. It's hard to say whether it's him, or the team that's around him. Proving once again that year 2 is a bitch for QBs.

Vikings v. Ravens: Vikings. I don't necessarily believe that the Vikings will win. But the last couple weeks, the Vikings have just been spoilers. It's as though AP and company are playing for nothing but to spoil other teams' playoff chances. HA.

Falcons v. Packers: Packers. Sure, Aaron Rodgers will still be on the sideline. But the Packers are home, and the Falcons seem to have fallen apart. I think they've been hit with the same curse as the Texans.

Bills v. Buccaneers: Bills. The Buccaneers playoff chances are dead. The Bills still have a tiny ounce of hope. That may be just enough to give Buffalo the edge.

Dolphins v. Steelers: Steelers. This is a tough pick. The Steelers just aren't what they used to be. But they are at home, and maybe Mike Tomlin is a little bitter that he got busted trying to trip Jacoby Jones with a two step. A win would go a long way to making him feel better, right? I don't know about $100,000 better, but you know, better.

Lions v. Eagles: Lions.

Titans v. Broncos: Broncos.

Rams v. Cardinals: Cardinals. Until last week, the Cardinals weren't even on my radar. But this sleeper team is fighting for a playoff spot and being in 8th place, it's still a very real possibility.

Seahawks v. 49ers: 49ers. I suspect they want revenge for that butt-kicking they got up in Seattle earlier this year.

Giants v. Chargers: Chargers. Although San Diego often finds a way to lose, and the Giants are super streak-y, I still say the Chargers take it at home.*

Panthers v. Saints: Saints. Sexy sexy Cam Newton is leading Carolina into a wild card spot -- unless they take over the Saints as head of the NFC South. This game should be a good one to watch.

Cowboys v. Bears: Cowboys. Look, admittedly Tony Romo has a reputation for choking. But the Bears team is full of injuries. So I go with who Special Correspondent Jillian calls the "guys in the white hats".





*Despite the fact that everything I wrote implies I should go with the Giants, doesn't it?