What a weekend in the NFL! Some surprised, and some things that pretty much all expected became official today.
Let's take a look:
Arizona 12, St. Louis 6 - The Rams had held their two prior opponents to 0 points combined, and looked red hot. And although the defense played very well again, and held the Cardinals to no touchdowns, Arizona managed to win this battle of field goals, and become the first NFL team to clinch a playoff berth, and they remain the only NFC team to have done so.
NY Giants 24, Washington 13 - I suspect that this will be the last win of the season for the G-Men. Not saying that they have no chance to win either of their next two games, but they have to play the Rams at St. Louis, then at home against the Eagles, who will be fighting for a playoff spot. But at least they got this one, coming back from a strong defensive performance early by Washington to win the game with a solid second half. The standout, once again, was Beckham, who caught 12 passes for 143 yards and three touchdowns! Incredible!
Pittsburgh 27, Atlanta 20 - Another piece of evidence to confirm the mediocrity that is the NFC South. The Falcons cannot win the biggest games when they absolutely need to. They fell behind and tried to fight back. But they just never had the consistency this season, and once again, they have to hope to get help to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Cincinnati 30, Cleveland 0 - I had high hopes for the Browns for much of the season. Bur what a dismal way for their playoff hopes to end! Yes, a loss is possible and acceptable. But losing in this way? Manziel's start could possibly knock him down a few notches and bring him back down to reality a bit. For the Bengals, this was a huge win that keeps them in the lead in the AFC North, although they have a tough road to go still.
Baltimore 20, Jacksonville 12 - Definitely not a pretty win for Baltimore, but an effective one that keeps their playoff chances alive. It was a terrible team that they beat, but they did it on the road, and look like a serious playoff contender, and possible division winner, if things keep going their way.
Carolina 19, Tampa Bay 17 - Another match-up featuring the weak NFC South. The Panthers, a team that looked dead in the water just a little more than eight or so days ago, now have won two games in a row, barely edging the Bucs to pull closer to the Saints and Falcons.
Buffalo 21, Green Bay 13 - Here was one of those shockers! The Packers looked red hot, possibly the hottest NFC team out there! Then, suddenly, they lose a big game at Buffalo, and the whole NFC playoff picture gets scrambled beyond recognition! Buffalo really needed this, and they managed to keep their playoff hopes alive. Unfortunately, however, their remaining games are on the road, and it will not be easy to reach the postseason, finishing the season at New England. But, hey! You never know!
Kansas City 31, Oakland 13 - Revenge time for the Chiefs, who did not blow away the Raiders to the extent that I thought. But they beat them soundly, and ended their own losing streak in the process, although the playoffs are out of reach.
Indianapolis 17, Houston 10 - The Colts managed to clinch their second straight division title by knocking off the Texans. Sporting a 10-4 record, they still have hopes of getting a playoff bye, to boot. But up next is a tough showdown at Dallas, which will be very interesting!
New England 41, Miami 13 - Well, the Dolphins are out. Like with the Colts, this was completely expected, but made official by the outcome of this game. New England was the better team all day long, but they really blew the game wide open in the end, blowing the Dolphins, and their slim playoff hopes, out late.
Denver 22, San Diego 10 - Denver clinched the AFC West with an impressive road win against the Chargers, and now look to wrap up at least a playoff bye, while ultimately aiming for home field advantage. For the Chargers, their playoff hopes are flickering badly, and in serious risk of being extinguished.
NY Jets 16, Tennessee 11 - What a weird game! Strange score, two weak and irrelevant teams. At least it was nice to see a game on natural grass, however. Looks so much better! In a game
Detroit 16, Minnesota 14 - I was worried that Detroit was on their way to blowing yet another late season game, which may have meant blowing yet another chance at the postseason. But they rallied to come back and win from behind, even if it was at home against a weak opponent in Minnesota. They should be a playoff team at the very least this season.
Seattle 17, San Francisco 7 - A defensive battle, which was expected. The 49ers looked really good at certain points, particularly in the first half, to the point that they even looked capable of pulling off an upset. But the Seahawks assumed control in the second half, and completed a tough, but needed win. They are starting to look like a really dangerous team with a chance, if they should beat Arizona next Sunday night, to gain home field advantage throughout.
Dallas 38, Philadelphia 27 - This one surprised me as well. Not a shock, but a surprise, for sure. A little more than two weeks since Philly handed Dallas their butts on Thanksgiving in front of their home fans, the Cowboys returned the favor by soundly beating the Eagles in Philadelphia before a national audience. The defense was good when they needed to be, bending but not breaking. And Dallas's offense was hot! Also, Dallas is an impressive 7-0 on the road, and I heard on the radio that four of the last five teams to go undefeated on the road during the regular season made it to the Super Bowl.
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