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N.Y. Giants 41, Washington 35 (OT) – Where was this effort by the G-Men all season. They looked absolutely terrible for most of the season, and were setting the wrong kinds of records in tying the franchise longest losing streak of nine straight games, which went back well over four decades. Then suddenly, they begin looking like what they might have been in the best case scenario. Eli Manning put up a great performance and led the Giants to s win against Miami last weekend, and then they go down to Washington and complete the season sweep with a thrilling performance that goes into overtime, and sees the Giants scoring 41 points, which is the most this team has scored since the middle of the 2015 season! Daniel Jones had an amazing return, throwing five touchdown passes, while the Giants offense produced well over 500 yards of offense. Incredible! They also move out of last place in the NFC East, for the first time since early in the season. So, on the one hand, as a fan, I was glad to see this. But on the other hand, again, why were they not able to get this thing going a little bit earlier in the year? They might have made something of a serious push for the playoffs, if they had been playing like this, especially given how weak the NFC East was! Still, a win is a win, and this was a nice sweep of Washington, and allows the Giants to boast of not being the worst team in the NFC East, if you can indeed boast about such things. This was the fourth win for the Giants over Washington in their last five games, and it was the second year in a row that the G-Men managed this particular road win. My pick; Inaccurate
N.Y. Jets 16, Pittsburgh 10 – This was a pleasant surprise for me. I am kind of tired of the Steelers always either dominating the AFC North (which they usually do most seasons), or at least enjoying strong success and a playoff appearance on those seemingly rare years when they do not. Yet, while it is not at all certain that Pittsburgh will fail to qualify for the postseason, the fact of the matter is that they are not enjoying a very good season. This is the time of the year when potential playoff teams, at least the ones fighting to qualify for the postseason, really need to start playing well. Again, the Steelers might still qualify, but they have now lost two games in a row at a most critical time. First, they lost at home to Buffalo, but the Bills are admittedly a tough team. Now, they lost to the Jets, and the Gang Green are hardly a very good team. But the defense really played well and punished the Steelers, and managed to pull off a stunner, playing spoiler for a team still looking to qualify for the postseason. It might not be the death kneel for the playoff hopes that Pittsburgh is still aiming for, but if the Steelers do fail to qualify, this might be one of those games that they look back to and think of as a serious missed opportunity. What a game for the Jets! My pick: Inaccurate
Baltimore 31, Cleveland 16 – The Ravens got off to a slow start in this game, but then, they started to get things rolling, and this became yet another convincing win for the team that at least looks right now like the best team in the league. They beat the Browns in Cleveland, avenging an earlier loss to the Browns at Baltimore earlier this year. More importantly, they manage to clinch the top seed throughout the playoffs in the AFC with the win, which means that every game that they play leading up to the Super Bowl will be in Baltimore, as long as they keep winning. If they reach the AFC title game, then they will enjoy home field advantage, which should really help if it winds up being the Chiefs or the Patriots, or really, anyone else, for that matter. My pick: Accurate
Miami 38, Cincinnati 35 (OT) – Who knew that the battle between the two worst teams in the AFC, and possibly the two worst teams in the entire league, would wind up being such a thriller? Yet, that is what happened, as the Bengals orchestrated a solid comeback late in the game to force overtime. However, the Dolphins managed to get a field goal that clinched a win for them. The Dolphins improve to 4-11 on the season, while the Bengals drop to 1-14, one the verge of tying the franchise’s worst record ever of 1-15. My pick: Accurate
Indianapolis 38, Carolina 6 – There were points earlier this season when the Panthers looked like a serious team, and like they could, and maybe should, reach the playoffs. But that feels like a long time ago, does it not? They looked absolutely abysmal in this game, as the Colts simply picked them apart. Indy completely dominated Carolina, who looks like one of the worst teams in the league now, with a recently fired coach, an injured star quarterback who’s future with the team is uncertain, and a whole lot of unanswered questions heading into a long season. Not that it has been a great season for the Colts, but this win had to be satisfying, at least. My pick: Inaccurate
Atlanta 24, Jacksonville 12 – No real surprise here in this one, right? The Jaguars have seen their season completely spiral into chaos. The gamble to obtain former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles was a failure, and the Jaguars just never fully got going this season. They showed glimpses, but by now, they are clearly one of the worst teams in the league. And the Falcons have been improving as the season wears on, looking almost like the playoff caliber team that some people, like myself, expected them to be from the beginning this season. Atlanta improves to 6-9 on the season (after a 1-7 start), while Jax falls to 5-10 on the year. My pick: Accurate
New Orleans 38, Tennessee 28 – Early on in this game, it looked very much like the Titans were on their way to a win. It might prove costly to the Saints, who were still in the running for home field advantage. But at least they had secured a playoff berth with the NFC South division title. For Tennessee, there was much more at stake after a crushing defeat against the Texans last weekend. So apparently they had showed up. But then, the Saints really got going, particularly on offense, as they managed to get in a rhythm, and took over the game. Eventually, they earned a solid win on the road to improve to 12-3 on the season, tied with the Niners and Packers for the best record in the NFC, with each fighting for home field advantage. The Titans fall to 8-7 on the season, but can still clinch a playoff spot if they beat the Texans in Houston next week, or if the Steelers lose. My pick: Accurate
Philadelphia 17, Dallas 9 – This was the major showdown for both teams, the one that may very likely determine who wins the NFC East. Of course, the Eagles have to still win at the Giants next weekend, and the way that the G-Men are playing, that might not exactly be a gimme. But they absolutely had to win to even have a chance at the playoffs, which both of these teams needs in order to reach the playoffs. Only one NFC East team will be there, and with a tough, mostly defensive struggle kind of a win, the Eagles look to be on the verge of reaching it now, having contained Dallas to merely one touchdown (with a missed PAT) and a field goal. They did not really light up the scoreboard themselves, but with that kind of effort by the defense, they hardly needed to. While Philly can secure the division title with a win over the Giants on the road next weekend, the Cowboys now have to hope that Philly loses that, while they take care of business and beat Washington, which would give them the NFC East. It should be an interesting final weekend in the NFC East! My pick: Accurate
Arizona 27, Seattle 13 – If you are a Seattle fan, you kind of think one thing after this loss: uh, oh. Yeah, this was not the kind of game that the Seahawks really could afford to lose. They had so much going for them, including momentum. They had home field advantage, and that is usually considerable for this team. And they had every incentive to win, to remain ahead in the NFC West, and to also stay relevant in the race for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. But they lost to a losing team, and now, are compromised. They can still win next weekend against the 49ers, and clinch the NFC West, which would be a good thing. But home field advantage, or even a playoff bye, is looking unlikely now, and that would make everything tougher, presumably, if the Seahawks survive later into the playoffs. They fall to 11-4, while the Cardinals improve to 5-9-1 on the year. My pick: Inaccurate
Oakland 24, L.A. Chargers 17 – In another game that hardly matters in the bigger picture, the once seemingly playoff-bound (but no longer) Oakland Raiders pulled off a solid win on the road against the Chargers. The Raiders took a 21-7 lead, and then managed to hang on for a good road win to end their bleeding and get back to winning, which they were doing a bit more regularly earlier in the season. They improve to 7-8, while the Chargers, who went 12-4 last season, fall to 5-10 this season, with one game left. My pick: Inaccurate
Denver 27, Detroit 17 – The Broncos wore their throwback “color flush” uniforms, meaning that, other than their helmets, they were a vision in orange in this game. And they made the Lions look particularly dismal, which is to say, this was pretty much a predicable outcome. Few expected the Lions to really win, although they owned a surprising 10-0 lead early on. But Denver obviously came back and played very strong, and found a way to earn the comeback win, although neither of these teams will be anywhere near the playoffs. Denver improves to 6-9 on the season, while the Lions fall to 3-11-1, with their eighth straight loss. A nice win nonetheless for the Broncos. My pick: Accurate
Sunday Night Football - Kansas City 26, Chicago 3 – Remember how last season and earlier this season, the Chiefs offense looked unstoppable, and how their defense was regarded as a liability? Well, KC’s offense is still formidable (although probably no longer regarded as the most explosive or dangerous offense in the league at this point this season), but their defense has stepped it up several notches, and has looked incredible even at points this season. Yes, I know, the Bears are not exactly an offensive machine. Also, they are out of the playoffs, while the Chiefs are still fighting to try and get that second seed and a playoff bye, so the incentive clearly favors Kansas City. But still, the Chiefs defense has just looked very solid, and they pretty much completely shit down the Bears in Chicago on Sunday evening. This was the second straight game where they allowed only one field goal, and the game before that was when they beat the Patriots in New England, the only team to have done that in two years. In fact, the Chiefs defense has allowed a total of 31 points in the last four games! They are stepping up in a huge way, and right when they need it most, on time for the playoffs. That bodes well for this team, and their chances in the postseason. A solid win for the Chiefs. My pick: Accurate
N.Y. Jets 16, Pittsburgh 10 – This was a pleasant surprise for me. I am kind of tired of the Steelers always either dominating the AFC North (which they usually do most seasons), or at least enjoying strong success and a playoff appearance on those seemingly rare years when they do not. Yet, while it is not at all certain that Pittsburgh will fail to qualify for the postseason, the fact of the matter is that they are not enjoying a very good season. This is the time of the year when potential playoff teams, at least the ones fighting to qualify for the postseason, really need to start playing well. Again, the Steelers might still qualify, but they have now lost two games in a row at a most critical time. First, they lost at home to Buffalo, but the Bills are admittedly a tough team. Now, they lost to the Jets, and the Gang Green are hardly a very good team. But the defense really played well and punished the Steelers, and managed to pull off a stunner, playing spoiler for a team still looking to qualify for the postseason. It might not be the death kneel for the playoff hopes that Pittsburgh is still aiming for, but if the Steelers do fail to qualify, this might be one of those games that they look back to and think of as a serious missed opportunity. What a game for the Jets! My pick: Inaccurate
Baltimore 31, Cleveland 16 – The Ravens got off to a slow start in this game, but then, they started to get things rolling, and this became yet another convincing win for the team that at least looks right now like the best team in the league. They beat the Browns in Cleveland, avenging an earlier loss to the Browns at Baltimore earlier this year. More importantly, they manage to clinch the top seed throughout the playoffs in the AFC with the win, which means that every game that they play leading up to the Super Bowl will be in Baltimore, as long as they keep winning. If they reach the AFC title game, then they will enjoy home field advantage, which should really help if it winds up being the Chiefs or the Patriots, or really, anyone else, for that matter. My pick: Accurate
Miami 38, Cincinnati 35 (OT) – Who knew that the battle between the two worst teams in the AFC, and possibly the two worst teams in the entire league, would wind up being such a thriller? Yet, that is what happened, as the Bengals orchestrated a solid comeback late in the game to force overtime. However, the Dolphins managed to get a field goal that clinched a win for them. The Dolphins improve to 4-11 on the season, while the Bengals drop to 1-14, one the verge of tying the franchise’s worst record ever of 1-15. My pick: Accurate
Indianapolis 38, Carolina 6 – There were points earlier this season when the Panthers looked like a serious team, and like they could, and maybe should, reach the playoffs. But that feels like a long time ago, does it not? They looked absolutely abysmal in this game, as the Colts simply picked them apart. Indy completely dominated Carolina, who looks like one of the worst teams in the league now, with a recently fired coach, an injured star quarterback who’s future with the team is uncertain, and a whole lot of unanswered questions heading into a long season. Not that it has been a great season for the Colts, but this win had to be satisfying, at least. My pick: Inaccurate
Atlanta 24, Jacksonville 12 – No real surprise here in this one, right? The Jaguars have seen their season completely spiral into chaos. The gamble to obtain former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles was a failure, and the Jaguars just never fully got going this season. They showed glimpses, but by now, they are clearly one of the worst teams in the league. And the Falcons have been improving as the season wears on, looking almost like the playoff caliber team that some people, like myself, expected them to be from the beginning this season. Atlanta improves to 6-9 on the season (after a 1-7 start), while Jax falls to 5-10 on the year. My pick: Accurate
New Orleans 38, Tennessee 28 – Early on in this game, it looked very much like the Titans were on their way to a win. It might prove costly to the Saints, who were still in the running for home field advantage. But at least they had secured a playoff berth with the NFC South division title. For Tennessee, there was much more at stake after a crushing defeat against the Texans last weekend. So apparently they had showed up. But then, the Saints really got going, particularly on offense, as they managed to get in a rhythm, and took over the game. Eventually, they earned a solid win on the road to improve to 12-3 on the season, tied with the Niners and Packers for the best record in the NFC, with each fighting for home field advantage. The Titans fall to 8-7 on the season, but can still clinch a playoff spot if they beat the Texans in Houston next week, or if the Steelers lose. My pick: Accurate
Philadelphia 17, Dallas 9 – This was the major showdown for both teams, the one that may very likely determine who wins the NFC East. Of course, the Eagles have to still win at the Giants next weekend, and the way that the G-Men are playing, that might not exactly be a gimme. But they absolutely had to win to even have a chance at the playoffs, which both of these teams needs in order to reach the playoffs. Only one NFC East team will be there, and with a tough, mostly defensive struggle kind of a win, the Eagles look to be on the verge of reaching it now, having contained Dallas to merely one touchdown (with a missed PAT) and a field goal. They did not really light up the scoreboard themselves, but with that kind of effort by the defense, they hardly needed to. While Philly can secure the division title with a win over the Giants on the road next weekend, the Cowboys now have to hope that Philly loses that, while they take care of business and beat Washington, which would give them the NFC East. It should be an interesting final weekend in the NFC East! My pick: Accurate
Arizona 27, Seattle 13 – If you are a Seattle fan, you kind of think one thing after this loss: uh, oh. Yeah, this was not the kind of game that the Seahawks really could afford to lose. They had so much going for them, including momentum. They had home field advantage, and that is usually considerable for this team. And they had every incentive to win, to remain ahead in the NFC West, and to also stay relevant in the race for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. But they lost to a losing team, and now, are compromised. They can still win next weekend against the 49ers, and clinch the NFC West, which would be a good thing. But home field advantage, or even a playoff bye, is looking unlikely now, and that would make everything tougher, presumably, if the Seahawks survive later into the playoffs. They fall to 11-4, while the Cardinals improve to 5-9-1 on the year. My pick: Inaccurate
Oakland 24, L.A. Chargers 17 – In another game that hardly matters in the bigger picture, the once seemingly playoff-bound (but no longer) Oakland Raiders pulled off a solid win on the road against the Chargers. The Raiders took a 21-7 lead, and then managed to hang on for a good road win to end their bleeding and get back to winning, which they were doing a bit more regularly earlier in the season. They improve to 7-8, while the Chargers, who went 12-4 last season, fall to 5-10 this season, with one game left. My pick: Inaccurate
Denver 27, Detroit 17 – The Broncos wore their throwback “color flush” uniforms, meaning that, other than their helmets, they were a vision in orange in this game. And they made the Lions look particularly dismal, which is to say, this was pretty much a predicable outcome. Few expected the Lions to really win, although they owned a surprising 10-0 lead early on. But Denver obviously came back and played very strong, and found a way to earn the comeback win, although neither of these teams will be anywhere near the playoffs. Denver improves to 6-9 on the season, while the Lions fall to 3-11-1, with their eighth straight loss. A nice win nonetheless for the Broncos. My pick: Accurate
Sunday Night Football - Kansas City 26, Chicago 3 – Remember how last season and earlier this season, the Chiefs offense looked unstoppable, and how their defense was regarded as a liability? Well, KC’s offense is still formidable (although probably no longer regarded as the most explosive or dangerous offense in the league at this point this season), but their defense has stepped it up several notches, and has looked incredible even at points this season. Yes, I know, the Bears are not exactly an offensive machine. Also, they are out of the playoffs, while the Chiefs are still fighting to try and get that second seed and a playoff bye, so the incentive clearly favors Kansas City. But still, the Chiefs defense has just looked very solid, and they pretty much completely shit down the Bears in Chicago on Sunday evening. This was the second straight game where they allowed only one field goal, and the game before that was when they beat the Patriots in New England, the only team to have done that in two years. In fact, the Chiefs defense has allowed a total of 31 points in the last four games! They are stepping up in a huge way, and right when they need it most, on time for the playoffs. That bodes well for this team, and their chances in the postseason. A solid win for the Chiefs. My pick: Accurate
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