🏈🏈🏈🏈
Chicago 29, NY Giants 3 – Pretty much what you would expect out of this game. The Bears looked good in the last few weeks. No, they are not heading to the playoffs or anything, but they have been playing some of their best football in recent weeks. They did it again here in this game, and the G-Men seemed to be their willing victims. Big Blue scored all of one field goal, while the Bears offense looked a bit like what many had expected them to look like under Justin Fields. Neither team is heading to the playoffs, but the Bears improved to 6-9 on the season, while the Giants fall to 4-12. My pick: Accurate
Tampa Bay 28, NY Jets 24 – A very exciting game, where Gang Green were very close to playing spoilers. I was going to try to take my son and go to this game, although ultimately, I decided against it. Perhaps that is a shame, because it proved to be an eventful game, and an entertaining one, as well. The Bucs mounted a comeback rather typical of Tom Brady, who seems to play his best specifically against the Bills and the Jets. He got the better of the Jets in this one as well, even though Gang Green were seemingly dominating the game, and held a 24-10 lead at one point in the third quarter. But the Bucs came back, of course, as they went on an 18-0 run from that point onward, with Brady finding Cyril Grayson on a 33-yard touchdown pass with just 15 seconds left for the winning touchdown. Yet, this game might be remembered more for the apparent meltdown by one famous player, Tampa Bay wide receiver Antonio Brown, who suddenly just took off his helmet and jersey and shirt underneath and walked out of the stadium right in the middle of the game, without seemingly any prior warning. The Bucs cut him from the team immediately following the incident. Very strange. In any case, Tampa Bay improves to 12-4 on the season with this win, matching their best ever mark in franchise history, which was back in 2002, their first Super Bowl season. However, they still have one more game left next weekend, so they can possibly improve on that by winning that game. As for the Jets, this loss drops them to 4-12 on the season. My pick: Accurate
New England 50, Jacksonville 10 – At least once a year, it seems that we see this level of a blowout somewhere. In recent years, perhaps in the last decade to decade and a half, it feels like the Patriots are one of those teams that belts out these humiliating, truly one-sided blowouts. They did it again here, blasting the Jaguars, 50-10. New England held onto the ball for almost 37 minutes and piled up 471 yards and 32 first downs on offense, while limiting the Jaguars to 253 yards and 11 first downs. Also, Jax committed three turnovers, while the Pats had none. And, of course, the Patriots took advantage of a lot of their scoring opportunities. A hell of a lot of them, obviously. They only had to settle for a field goal once, and scored seven TD’s, which is simply amazing, and reminiscent of the Bray days. Mac Jones completed 22 of 30 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Rhamondre Stevenson added 107 yard and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Just absolute dominance by the Patriots, who finally secured a playoff spot this season, limiting their absence to just the one season. They improve to 10-6 on the season and can still win the AFC East with a win and a Buffalo loss next weekend. As for the Jaguars, they fall to 2-14 on the season with eight straight losses now. My pick: Accurate
Tennessee 34, Miami 3 – The Dolphins were looking as unstoppable as any team that had started the season 1-7 could look there for a while. They had earned seven straight wins to improve to 8-7, and were edging close to being in the playoff picture. Credit the Tennessee Titans, then, for slamming the door on all of that with a resounding win in Nashville that officially clinched a second straight AFC South title for them, and which put them currently in the top seed in the AFC, while simultaneously officially eliminating Miami’s playoff hopes. The Titans held onto the ball for over 3 minutes and outgained the Dolphins on offense with 308 yards and 17 first downs, to just 256 yards and 16 first downs for Miami. Perhaps more importantly, the Fins committed two turnovers, while the Titans had none. Tennessee just was very good at converting their scoring opportunities, while Miami simply was not. Tennessee improves to 11-5 and, again, are one win away from clinching home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, as well as earning that all-important bye to rest up and get healthy. As for the Dolphins, their impressive streak of wins is snapped, and their playoff hopes are now gone, as they drop to 8-8. Still, it was a very impressive run, something that they can build on for next season. My pick: Accurate
Las Vegas 23, Indianapolis 20 (OT) – This one definitely did not go the way that I had expected it to go. The Colts have been a very tough, very physical team. Almost like a throwback to a different era, when big, tough, physical teams dominated. And it felt like they were built to last, and perhaps even thrive, at this time of the year, late in the regular season and the playoffs. Yet, the Colts were unable to win at home here against the Raiders, who earn themselves yet another tremendous win on the road to keep their still very realistic playoff hopes alive. The two teams were split even in terms of time of possession, and had similar numbers of first downs. But the Silver and Black did outgain the Colts, 326 yards earned to just 262 for Indy. The Raiders also overcame two turnovers, while Indianapolis had none. It is almost surprising that the Raiders managed to pull this one off, but they did. Both teams walk away from this one with 9-7 records, but the Colts squandered an opportunity to finally clinch a playoff spot with this loss. The Raiders have what amounts to a de facto playoff game next week against the Chargers, in a winner takes all game, in terms of reaching the playoffs. My pick: Inaccurate
Philadelphia 20, Washington 16 – The Eagles seriously flirted with a disastrous and very costly loss here in this one, but pulled a huge comeback win off right at the end. Washington was dominating throughout the first half and into the third quarter, and enjoyed a 16-7 lead midway through that third quarter. But that was when Philadelphia finally began to answer, earning a touchdown to make it a close game. Philadelphia’s defense really tightened up in the second half, shutting Washington out the rest of the way, and enjoying a 13-0 run that clinched the comeback win and kept their playoff chances strong and alive. Philly held onto the ball for over 32 minutes and earned 330 yards and 18 first downs, while Washington had 312 yards and 24 first downs. Washington also committed one turnover, while the Eagles had none. This was the fourth straight loss for the home team, who went from a surprising run that seemed to get them into playoff positioning, to well out of the playoff picture by around the time of the holidays, as they fall to 6-10. Meanwhile, Philadelphia improves to 9-7 on the year, and remain in strong position to qualify for the postseason. My pick: Accurate
Buffalo 29, Atlanta 15 – For a little while there, the Falcons appeared to be keeping up with the Bills in snowy Buffalo, even holding a slight lead by halftime, which was a mild surprise. In the second half, however, the Bills stepped up. The defense shut Atlanta out the rest of the way, and the offense scored two touchdowns, one in the third quarter to take the lead, and then another in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. Buffalo held onto the ball for over 36 minutes and compiled 351 yards and 28 first downs, to just 265 yards and 18 first downs for the Falcons. That helped Buffalo overcome three turnovers, while Atlanta only had one. This win improved th Bills record to 10-6 and clinches a playoff berth for the Bills, marking the third straight year that the team has now qualified for the postseason. They also control their own destiny regarding the AFC East division title, as all they need to do is win to clinch. As for the Falcons, this loss officially ended their playoff hopes, dropping them to 7-9. My pick: Inaccurate
LA Rams 20, Baltimore 19 – The Rams were seriously flirting with what would have proven to be a disastrous upset loss, and a major letdown. It would have compromised their division title chances, which would have ended their controlling their own destiny in that regard. Yet in the fourth quarter, down 16-7, the Rams pulled through with two touchdowns, including one with under a minute to play, allowing them to edge past the Ravens. That, despite Baltimore dominating the time of possession at well over 33 minutes. The Rams outgained Baltimore with 373 yards and 20 first downs to 327 yards and 19 first downs for the Ravens. The Rams did commit three turnovers, but the Ravens also had two. With this win, the Rams improve to 12-4 and remain in control of their own destiny, as a win next week gives them the NFC West division title. As for the Ravens, this was their fifth straight loss, dropping them to 8-8 on the year, and hurting their flickering and very fragile playoff hopes even more. My pick: Accurate
San Francisco 23, Houston 7 – The 49ers took care of business when they had to, notching a convincing blowout win over the Houston Texans. Houston actually had a slight edge in terms of overall time of possession, although San Fran piled up 416 yards and 19 first downs on offense, compared to just 222 yards and 15 first downs for the Texans. Houston actually took the lead originally with a touchdown in the second quarter, and still clung to a 7-3 halftime lead. But it was all 49ers in the second half, as they shut Houston out the rest of the way and cruised to a lopsided win. That improved the Niners to 9-7 on the season, as they remain on track for a playoff berth, currently in sixth overall in the NFC. As for the Texans, they fall to 4-12 on the season, and have been eliminated for some time now. My pick: Accurate
Arizona 25, Dallas 22 – This was a big game, with a lot at stake for both teams, and for the overall layoff picture in the NFC. The Cowboys had a chance to keep their hopes for home field advantage and a playoff bye alive with a win, while the Cardinals were also hoping to keep their division title hopes alive. Arizona was able to go ahead early, notching a field goal in the first quarter, and then scoring a touchdown in the second to take a firm 10-0 lead. Dallas did score quickly after that, but the Cards got another field goal to go into the lockers up 13-7. The Third quarter belonged to Arizona, as they scored a touchdown and a field goal, and held Dallas scoreless. The Cowboys tried to rally, down 23-7 entering the final quarter. Indeed, they did score two touchdowns, although Cardinals field goal helped to keep the ‘Boys at bay, and allowed the Cardinals to secure this very important road win. Arizona held onto the ball for over 34 minutes and piled up 399 yards and 23 first downs n offense, to 301 yards and 19 first downs for Dallas. The Cowboys also suffered one turnover, while the Cards had none on their end. With the win, the Cardinals improve to 11-5 and stay alive in the NFC West division title race, although they need to win and hope that the Rams lose. As for the Cowboys, they fall to 11-5, and drop from second seed to fourth in the NFC after this loss. My pick: Inaccurate
Seattle 51, Detroit 29 – Kind of figured that the Seahawks would enjoy a statement win. Scoring 51 points was a bit of a surprise, and mighty impressive. They were pretty much in complete control of this from early on, jumping ahead 10-0 in the first quarter, and never really looking back. By halftime, their lead had stretched to 31-7, and if there was any suspense left, it was ended when the Seahawks scored a touchdown early in the third quarter. Obviously, Seattle was excellent at converting their opportunities in this one. They held onto the ball for well over 33 minutes and piled up 497 yards and 29 first downs on offense, to just 357 yards and 20 first downs for the hapless Lions. Also, Detroit turned the ball over three times, which certainly did not help matters for them. All of which translates to a blowout win by the Seahawks, who improve to 6-10 on the year while Detroit falls to 1-13-1. My pick: Accurate
New Orleans 18, Carolina 10 – New Orleans relied on a tough defense and the return to good health of running back Alvin Kamara to notch this important win and keep their flickering playoff hopes alive. The Saints pounded out 280 yards and 15 first downs, while the Panthers were held to just 178 total yards and 16 first downs. Carolina also committed two turnovers. The two teams were split fairly evenly in terms of time of possession. This win improves the Saints to 8-8 on the year, and again, they keep their playoff hopes alive. But they have to hope that the 49ers lose, and that they win. As for the Panthers, they have been eliminated for a long time, largely a a result of the six straight losses that they have suffered at this untimely part of the season. They fell to 5-11 on the year. The Saints have to defeat the Falcons next weekend, and hope the Rams defeat the 49rs to reach the playoffs. My pick: Accurate
LA Chargers 34, Denver 13 - The Chargers absolutely needed this game. To their credit, they took it by the throat right away, seizing control early by jumping out to a 17-0 lead. They never looked back, and the Broncos were never seriously in this one the rest of the way. Statistically, the two teams were split fairly evenly, a fact that the lopsided score kind of hides. Less than a minute separated the two teams in terms of overall time of possession. The Chargers produced 341 yards and 21 first downs on offense, while Denver got 319 yards and 18 first downs. The Broncos also committed one turnover, while the Chargers had none. With the win, Los Angeles improves to 9-7 on the season, and now heads into a big divisional showdown against the Raiders, with the winner heading to the playoffs. As for Denver, they fall to 7-9 on the season. My pick: Accurate
SNF: Green Bay 37, Minnesota 10 – Both teams needed this win. Green Bay needed it to finally outright clinch the number one seed, and that important playoff bye. Minnesota needed it just to keep their flickering playoff hopes alive. But the Packers have been the most consistently winning team in the entire league this season, and they showed why here in this one. They showed patience and scored points, producing a commanding 20-0 lead by late in the second quarter. The Vikings did manage a field goal to make it 20-3 by halftime, but they never seriously recovered form the hole that they had dug for themselves. The Pack scored 10 points in the third quarter to make it virtually impossible for the Vikings, and it seemed to rob Minnesota of any life and hopes that remained. Green Bay dominated the time of possession, hanging onto the ball for over 38 minutes. The offense produced 481 yards and 29 first downs, while Minnesota was held to just 206 yards and 11 first downs. Indeed, the Packers just left no room for doubt in this one at all, as they improve to 13-3, which is the best overall record in the entire league. The road to the Super Bowl on the NFC side will go through the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field. As for Minnesota, they fall to 7-9 and are now officially eliminated from playoff contention. My pick: Accurate
MNF: Pittsburgh 26, Cleveland 14 – It seems like the same old boring results for the Browns this year. Even though around a year ago, the Browns earned themselves a thrilling road win in the playoffs against the Steelers, they got swept by them this season, as normalcy was apparently re-established. Pittsburgh held onto the ball for nearly 35 minutes, and produced 299 yards and 20 first downs on offense. Cleveland only managed 232 yards and 15 first downs. The Browns also committed two turnovers, to just one for the Steelers. Pittsburgh built up a 13-0 lead before Cleveland finally answered with a touchdown to try and make it close. But the Steelers kept doing just enough, and they got two field goals to extend their lead to 19-7, before the Browns earned another touchdown to keep their hopes of winning this game alive with a little more than a minute to play. But a 37-yard touchdown run by Najee Harris ended any remaining suspense and iced the game for the Steelers, who improve to 8-7-1 and keep their playoff hopes alive, at least until the regular season finale next weekend. They still need some help, but they also absolutely need to beat the Ravens next week, first and foremost, if they hope to reach the playoffs. As for the Browns, they fall to 7-9, and a once promising season has largely fallen by the wayside again in the city by the lake. My pick: Accurate
No comments:
Post a Comment