2018 NFL Wild Card Predictions

Wild Card Weekend is upon us, ladies and gentleman. After a season full of twists and turns, we are left with 12 teams still trying to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February. But before we get there, those lower seeds need to get through the gauntlet that is the Wild Card round. If you know you’re going to miss some of the action, or you just need a quick preview, read on. Let’s take a look at what’s going down this weekend in the NFL.

 

Titans at Chiefs (Saturday 4:20 PM ET ESPN/ABC)

The Chiefs have a knack for getting hot at weird times. This season was no different. After starting the season on a thrilling 5-game winning streak, they found themselves back at .500 after Week 13. With a ton of pressure from fans and the media alike, Kansas City punched their ticket to the playoffs with a division-clinching victory against the Dolphins in Week 16. Now sporting a 4-game winning streak, the Chiefs look to roll with the momentum down the homestretch.

Alex Smith has had an unbelievable season this year. From being undrafted in Fantasy to the #2 QB in the league, Smith has quietly had a very good and, most importantly, consistent year for the Chiefs. With his leadership and stability, KC has handled adversity well, and they’re about to face a lot more this January. Luckily, playoff experience from last year will help the majority of the roster excel at home on Saturday.

However, not among those with experience is rookie running back Kareem Hunt. It’ll be important for him to approach the playoffs the same as any other game. He’s definitely not as daunting as he was early in the season, but he’s still a talented back with a lot to give. Other contributors will be speedy return man and wide receiver Tyreek Hill and big tight end Travis Kelce. When these three are playing in sync with Alex Smith, the Chiefs are one of the most dominant teams in the NFL.

As for the Titans, they do not boast the same type of postseason experience nor the big playmakers like Kansas City. They had an up and down year that had them in the hunt for the AFC South title against the Jaguars before dropping 3 straight late in the season. However, a win against the Jags in Week 17 locked in their spot as the 5 seed as they look to battle their way to their first postseason win since 2003.

It won’t be easy. Marcus Mariota didn’t have the year he’s capable of, and the Titans have struggled to gain momentum for the majority of the season. With the passing game in flux, it’s up to Derrick Henry to carry the load for the offense with DeMarco Murray already ruled out.

The problem is that there is so much youth and inexperience in Tennessee right now. This will be a great stepping stone for years to come, but it’s going to take all hands on deck plus a little luck for the Titans to come to Arrowhead Stadium and steal a victory. I’m sure head coach Mike Mularkey will pull out all the stops as he tries to do whatever it takes to win, but I don’t think it will be enough against a pretty sound Chiefs team.

Prediction: Chiefs win 31-20.

 

Falcons at Rams (Saturday 8:15 PM ET NBC)

The Falcons start their quest for revenge in Los Angeles after a pretty smooth Week 17 went their way. It was an up-and-down season that left Atlanta with a respectable 10-6 record, which seems worse than it appears in a stacked NFC. The Falcons definitely have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, and with a subpar defense, reigning MVP Matt Ryan is going to need to be on top of his game to lead Atlanta back to the Super Bowl.

The issue is that Matt Ryan hasn’t played nearly as well as he did last year. He’s gotten significant help with the likes of Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, and Julio Jones. The triple threat has been a nightmare for opposing defenses, and it’s unlikely that Saturday night will be any different.

So, we’re likely going to see a shootout which probably means that whoever scores last is going to win. We’ll see a lot of big plays and long runs, and the punters may only kick once or twice a side. That said, the winner of this game comes down to defense. The Falcons are probably the worse of the two, but they are no less athletic, and they have proven that they know how to shut down a two-minute drill on more than one occasion. That skill is going to be crucial for Atlanta to try to survive and advance.

Like the Titans, the Rams are seriously lacking in playoff experience. It’s been 13 years since the Rams last made it to a playoff game, so this is a brand new experience for everyone in Los Angeles. Second year QB and first year starter Jared Goff has been awesome this year, but the playoffs are an entirely different animal. Luckily for him, he does have some veteran help in the backfield.

Todd Gurley is one of my favorite running backs in the league this year. He’s big, strong, agile, and he has that extra gear when he finds open field. By far my vote for MVP this year besides an injured Carson Wentz, Gurley keeps having big game after big game. Goff has the responsibility to keep the Falcons’ D guessing, and if he does, Gurley will have another 100+ yard effort with ease.

While the Rams have home field advantage in a 3-6 matchup, they are not the clear favorites. With youth and inexperience behind a first year head coach, L.A. is going to have to prove they belong. That comes with balanced play calling, rolling the dice when they need to, and stopping the Falcons’ relentless attack. It’s a tall order, but I think they’re up to the task.

Prediction: Rams win 35-34.

 

Bills at Jaguars (Sunday 1:05 PM ET CBS)

As I’m sure you’ve heard, the Bills snapped the longest active postseason drought of any major U.S. sport at 17 years. After remaining stagnant at 8-8 for too long, the Bills Mafia has a right to celebrate playing a 17th game, but you know they don’t want it to end there. Buffalo has been practicing hard all week as they try to upend the favored Jaguars on Sunday afternoon.

The key for Buffalo will be running back LeSean McCoy. As the #7 RB in fantasy, McCoy has carried his team this far, and the load isn’t going to fall off his shoulders anytime soon. With the QB situation still a little bit of a question mark, and the best pass defense in the league facing Tyrod Taylor, this game is all up to McCoy… and it’s nearly an impossible task to meet those kinds of expectations.
Luckily for the Bills, this will definitely be a defensive struggle.

As stout as the Jags secondary is, they are equally as weak on the offensive end. So, as long the Bills can keep their emotions in check, pick their battles, and take any points they can get, they definitely have a chance. Not to mention, the Patriots hate playing the Bills. That would be an underrated matchup in the Divisional Round.

The Jaguars are also in unfamiliar territory. Jacksonville hasn’t played into January since 2007, after clinching their first AFC South crown in franchise history. So with home field advantage, EverBank Field is expanding their capacity to help out the Jags on Sunday. While this has already been a historical season for the largely struggling franchise, they have a good chance to make it even better.

It’s already pretty well known that the Jags possess a suffocating defense that has limited opponents to an AFC-best 16.8 PPG and 268 YPG. The Bills offense already isn’t that threatening, so it could definitely be a long day for the Buffalo faithful. However, the Jaguars’ offense has it own problems.

Despite a bounty of playmakers, Blake Bortles has been atrocious this year. While his numbers have risen with his top receivers on the sidelines (who knows why), he has all the makings to be a bust in the postseason. Leonard Fournette has the talent to make up for Bortles’ shortcomings, but he is still a rookie and the game cannot hinge on his success. In a low scoring affair, it might just come down to which kicker you trust more.

Prediction: Jaguars win 17-13.

 

Panthers at Saints (Sunday 4:40 ET FOX)

The final game of the Wild Card Weekend pits the two NFC South foes that have been jockeying for position all season long. First we have the Panthers, who just couldn’t quite catch up to the blistering hot Saints. They dropped two games to New Orleans in the regular season, and lost home field advantage for their troubles. The good news is, it’s nearly impossible to beat the same team 3 times in a single season.

So how will Carolina pull off the upset? They need to do a few things. First, they have an athletic defense that can keep pace with anybody. The Saints offense has been awesome due to their balance of weapons and ability to make the big plays. So, the Panthers need to shut those down and frustrate the Saints as much as possible. It won’t be easy, and they won’t be 100% successful, but every little bit counts.

Part two is Cam Newton’s offense. Knowing full well the Saints are going to score, and potentially score often, the Panthers need to correct their mistakes from the first two games and go after this tough defense. They have some of the best rushers in the league and Newton’s quick slants can be deadly. Unfortunately, he’s known for letting his emotions get the best of him at times, so if he can stay calm and let his game flow, I think the Panthers have a great shot at upsetting the Saints.

New Orleans has had a storybook season. Besides the unlikely Super Bowl run in 2010, this is arguably the best Saints team in franchise history. Drew Brees is still putting up record yards to countless receivers, while the tandem of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram boast diverse skill sets to confuse defenses. It’s a staggering embarrassment of riches, and the Saints’ offense is showing no signs of slowing down.

The defense has been on fire too. After a terrible season last year that let the secondary get torched, a couple of defensive draft picks have completely swung the team around. Now it seems that New Orleans is the complete package as they roll everyone that hops in their path. Since their 0-2 start, they have yet to lose a home game, and they don’t plan on starting on Sunday.

There is far less pressure on the Saints to perform. They have momentum, the home crowd, and confidence. That’s why I’m worried. It is extremely difficult to beat a team 3 times in a season, and I always choose the team that’s lost twice in such battles. There is only so much room in that playbook for surprises, so if Carolina already knows what cost them in weeks prior, I can’t see them getting swept.

Prediction: Panthers win 27-24.

NFL Week 16 Reactions

Week 16 brought a lot of intrigue and a lot of excitement for football fans over the holiday weekend. With a few more division titles and the Wild Card picture clearing up, there’s just one day left of the regular season. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look at how we got to this point.

 

Ravens hold off Colts 23-16

The Colts put up a fight against the playoff-seeking Ravens, but in the end everyone wins. The Colts are the favorites for the #3 pick in the draft in April, and another loss could move them up a spot. For the Ravens, a win at 4:25 (sorry Harbaugh), will lock them into the #5 seed this postseason. While a lot of people see this team as a threat, all I see is a good defense and a good enough offense. That won’t make it very far in January, so next week is their chance to show everyone how they play when it’s all on the line.

 

Vikings shut out Packers 16-0

It’s abundantly clear that the Packers couldn’t care less about the rest of their season, and why should they? With their playoff hopes dashed and Aaron Rodgers on IR, it’s no wonder they looked so lazy. However, the Vikings are breathing down the Eagles’ necks in the race for the best team in the NFC. It remains to be seen how many starters will suit up next week, but an all-around get-it-done performance against their division rival went a long way.

 

Redskins skin Broncos 27-11

Kirk Cousins is playing with house money as he will be a UFA after next week. As the most coveted free agent QB, Cousins will continue to try to add value to his name this offseason. Personally, I think he’s a great guy that can lead a team of stars around him… but he isn’t one. If your team wants him, make sure that it’s the last piece keeping you from the playoffs. So, is it ironic that the Broncos would be a perfect fit?

 

Panthers escape Buccaneers 22-19

It was an ugly day at home for Carolina, but no one’s complaining after the hard-fought victory. The question is if this gritty performance against one of the worst teams in the NFL is indicative of things to come, or if the Panthers were looking ahead to a titan clash with the Falcons next week. Time will tell. In the meantime, the Panthers are going to the playoffs with a chance at the division title.

 

Bears beat Browns 20-3

In a pedestrian game without much on the line, Mitch Trubisky and the Bears were in firm control throughout the game as they got a momentum-building win for next year. Unfortunately for the Browns, the loss drops them to 0-15 and in danger of becoming the worst team in NFL history. With the #1 pick already going to Cleveland, they can play with nothing to lose against a cautious Steeler team next week. But will that even be enough?

 

Bengals bludgeon Lions 26-17

The Bengals surprisingly came to play against a Lions team that needed to win way more than Cincinnati did. The victory doesn’t mean much, but they have a chance to spoil the Ravens’ season as well next week. With the Lions’ season now over, there isn’t much reason to try to watch their duel with the Packers next week either.

 

Chiefs miff Dolphins 29-13

Kansas City has officially clinched the wild AFC West and the #4 seed in the playoffs. With their immediate future decided, they have already announced that they will bench their key players next week to keep them rested for a crucial clash in the Wild Card round. With their win streak at three, I think it’s extremely important momentum-wise for KC to roll into the playoffs with a win, but obviously health is priority #1.

 

Patriots pound Bills 37-16

The Bills held their own for 45 minutes, but a 21-point finish by the Pats put this thing away and locked up a 1st Round bye for the AFC East champs. The loss was expected from Buffalo, but now they need some help to squeak into the postseason. Hopefully another controversial touchdown reversal and a gutting loss to their rivals doesn’t deter the Bills from taking care of business against the Dolphins next week.

 

Saints smother Falcons 23-13

No one said it would be easy, but New Orleans got the job done on Sunday as they move one step closer to clinching the NFC South. Currently in a tie with the Panthers, the Saints need a win against Tampa Bay to seal their spot in the top 4. For the Falcons, they still own the 6 seed over the Seahawks for the time being, but they need to pull it together and upset the Panthers next Sunday to lock in their spot in January.

 

Rams ruin Titans 27-23

It took some heart and guts, but the Rams were able to hang on and clinch the NFC West on Sunday. Todd Gurley put a stamp on his MVP campaign with an additional 276 yards and 2 touchdowns, while rookie coach Sean McVay has a chance to win Coach of the Year. It was quite a ride for Los Angles this year, and it’s not about to end.

Unfortunately for Tennessee, the loss puts them on the hot seat for their final game against the Jaguars. Luckily, the Jags don’t have much to play for, so maybe the Titans can snap their 3-game skid and win at the most crucial time of the year. With a final loss, the Titans might go down as one of the biggest collapses in NFL history. That’s a lot on the line.

 

Chargers trump Jets 14-7

This one meant even less than the Browns-Bears game. Both teams are stuck in the middle of the road between a medium draft pick and no playoff birth. And before you say it, I know the Chargers are still in the hunt if they can win their final game, but that’s far from a sure thing. Of course, stranger things have happened.

 

49ers stun Jaguars (and me) 44-33

I keep doubting him, and he keeps pulling through. Jimmy Garoppolo is 4-0 with San Francisco and showing no signs of slowing down. The undefeated QB’s latest victim was the Jags, who were once seeking a 1st Round bye. With the upset, they’re locked into the 3 seed and will play in the opening weekend of the playoffs. Worse things can happen to a team I guess, but it can’t feel good to be upended by the 49ers at this stage in the season.

 

Seahawks eliminate Cowboys 21-12

I don’t know if the Cowboys felt a sense of security with Ezekiel Elliott and were lulled into complacency, or if the Seahawks’ defense was just that dominate, but in any event, Dallas is done for the season. The Seahawks aren’t in yet, as they need a win and a Falcons loss to get into the postseason, but it’s better to have a shot than to be playing for scraps next weekend.

 

Cardinals blank Giants 23-0

The “sneaky Giants” I mentioned never showed up as the cracks widen in New York. With so much internal strife and off the field issues, there is almost reason to be fearful that it will leak into next year. Hopefully a new coach, a high draft pick, and some healthy stars can make for a quick turnaround for the Giants.

 

Steelers slaughter Texans 34-6

It was a Merry Christmas indeed for Steelers fans as there was little to be upset about during the thumping of Houston. The win locks Pittsburgh into the Divisional round, and more importantly, gives Antonio Brown an extra week to recover from his calf injury. If the Steelers are at full strength in the playoffs, they have got to be favored among the very best in the NFL to win the Super Bowl.

 

Eagles edge Raiders 19-10

First, the offense thrived with Nick Foles. Then, the defense made up for a lack of offense last weekend. So, which Philly team will show up next week against the Cowboys in a pretty important game? Hopefully, they can find a balance as they get ready for a playoff run and try to bring the passionate Eagles fans their first Lombardi trophy.

NFL Week 14 Reactions

After yet another crazy week in the NFL, the state of Pennsylvania is on top of the world as the first two teams have clinched their spots in the playoffs by winning their divisions on Sunday.  For others, crushing losses pop some bubbles and clear the way for the true contenders. Let’s take a look at everything going on in the NFL.

 

Falcons stymie Saints 20-17

The Falcons played a phenomenal game in front of their home crowd to stay in contention in the NFC South. At 7-5 and in danger of falling into obscurity, the Falcons were able to make a late 4th quarter charge and move to 8-5. In an extremely competitive NFC Wild Card race, 9 wins may not even be enough, so it’s imperative that Atlanta keeps their foot on the gas.

For the Saints, a crushing end zone interception by Dion Jones sealed the victory for the Falcons and likely cost the Saints home field advantage in the postseason. However, with 3 games to play and 1 game separating the NFC South contenders, the division is entirely up for grabs. New Orleans still controls their own fate though, and they are favored in each of their final few games.

 

Bills shovel Colts 13-7 (OT)

If you didn’t see it, a blizzard slammed Buffalo over the weekend leaving hellish football conditions. The sure-footed Adam Vinatieri missed two short field goals and nearly an extra point, and with the lack of offense on both sides, that played a major role in the end of this game. Leave it to LeSean McCoy to break away with only 2 minutes to go in overtime for the clinching touchdown to send the suffering fans home with a win.

The Bills needed it too. To avoid going 8-8 for the 3rd straight season, the Bills will need to beat the Dolphins twice assuming a loss to the Patriots. So, they are still contenders for the 6 seed, but they might have to hope that the Ravens and the Chargers falter. It’s going to be very interesting to see which of the 3 teams will hang on.

 

Bears blast Bengals 33-7

I’ve got to be honest. I didn’t think the Bengals were ones to give up like they did in Cincinnati. After a demoralizing loss to Pittsburgh and with their season on the line, instead of fighting back, the Bengals completely surrendered any chance they had at playing in January. For Marvin Lewis, his seat as coach is looking pretty hot as the Bengals appear to be heading to yet another disappointing season. At least they’re still the best team in Ohio for now.

Mitch Trubisky and the Bears got a solid win on the road, but it doesn’t mean much. They are way out of playoff contention, and now they’re not that close to a top 3 pick either. As long as it’s encouraged, I’m a proponent of tanking, so the Bears should look to dropping their last few games to get the best pick possible.

 

Packers beat Browns 27-21

I was 100% when predicting Browns’ games until this weekend. With a 21-7 lead late with 13 minutes left, I was worried that Cleveland would still blow it, and they did just that. Well, DeShone Kizer did. I guess the panic set thinking the Browns might actually win a game, and he threw two crucial picks to cap off what would’ve been an awesome game for the Browns. Such a shame.

Meanwhile, the Packers are 7-6, and now Aaron Rodgers is back in the picture. He is eligible to play the remaining games so long as he is healthy, and the Packers need him in a razor-thin Wild Card race. Brett Hundley has done well enough, but Green Bay will need Rodgers to fend off 3 of the top teams in the league and sneak into January.

 

Chiefs stuff Raiders 26-15

Kansas City finally got a much-needed win, but they’re not out of hot water just yet. After going up 26-0 against their arch rivals, they gave way to 15 unanswered points that would’ve been more if Oakland didn’t run out of time on their final drive. In any case, the Chiefs keep their division lead for now. However, a division battle against the Chargers this Saturday will clinch it for the Chiefs.

If you caught my hint earlier, I’m counting the Raiders out. They have 3 moderately tough games remaining, and even if they win them all, they could still lose a playoff tiebreaker. This was a must win for Oakland, and it just didn’t happen. I expect them to look ahead and try to strengthen their secondary this offseason.

 

Cowboys cruise past Giants 30-10

It was tough sailing for most of the game, but the Cowboys finally broke away with 20 points in the 4th quarter to cap off the victory. They are too late to capture the division, but they are still in the thick of the Wild Card race. Next week’s battle with the Raiders marks the last game that Dallas will be without Ezekiel Elliott, and it will be a must-win with the way the NFC is shaking out.

Eli Manning got his starting job back, but the Giants didn’t do any better. The new interim coach did fine, I guess, but this season was lost since Week 5, so it’s best to just steal a top draft pick and instantly become NFC East contenders with a legitimate head coach in 2018.

 

Lions leap Buccaneers 24-21

It was a struggle for Detroit, but one score in each quarter was enough to hold off the pesky Buccaneers. With the win, the Lions move to 7-6 and have the ability to hang in the Wild Card discussion. Their play may not be very convincing against an exploitable matchup, but the playoffs are all about “survive and advance”.

The Bucs played as good of a game as they could have, I guess. Their defense should have been scorched by the Lions air raid, but they held their own for the majority of the game to keep their team in it until the very end. Mike Evans has been a huge disappointment with and without Jameis Winston at QB, so I would make it an effort to get Evans more involved before next season.

 

Panthers polish off Vikings 31-24

In another crucial game, the Panthers stole a win from the Vikings to move into a tie for the NFC South lead with the Saints. With 9 wins, one more victory over their next 3 games should clinch a playoff spot for Carolina. However, their sights are set on home field advantage by surpassing New Orleans. Unfortunately, the Saints own the tiebreak so they will need help.

The loss really hurts the Vikings, but they still have a pretty firm grip on the NFC North. The #1 seed looks gloomier, but with Carson Wentz going down for the Eagles, the door is still ajar. There is little margin for error, but I would think Minnesota’s goal at this point is to just stay healthy and save the fighting for when it really counts.

 

49ers beat Texans 26-16

Jimmy Garoppolo may be 2-0 as a starter in San Francisco, but he hasn’t really shined in either outing. While was able to throw for 334 yards against a formidable Texans defense, but his QBR was still an average 67.6. Don’t get me wrong, the future of the 49ers is bright; I just haven’t seen that spark yet.

The 4-9 Texans now move one step closer to stealing a top pick from a worse team. Assuming Deshaun Watson doesn’t succumb to a sophomore slump in 2018, Houston is a prime candidate to win the AFC South. However that is a big assumption, despite how terrific he was over the first half of the season.

 

Broncos blank Jets 23-0

The Broncos dominated the Jets in a pretty complete game. They finally stopped the bleeding of an embarrassing 8-game losing streak and move up to 4-9, while ending the Jets season. There may be not be anything flashy to report from the victory, but Denver will take the win all the same.

The Jets lost a great deal more than just the game on Sunday. At 5-8, their playoff hopes are safely dashed as well. Also, Josh McCown suffered a broken hand to end his terrific season. Things continue to get worse for New York football, but at least they’re not Ohio football.

 

Cardinals kick Titans 12-7

In a pretty boring game for the most part, the Titans only amounted to a single first half touchdown while the Cardinals let Phil Dawson kick for all 12 second half points to outlast the Titans. However, the win doesn’t mean much for Arizona as they sit at 6-7 with little hope of surpassing the 4 teams ahead of them for the #6 seed.

The Titans’ loss is extremely disappointing as they drop a game behind the Jaguars in the AFC South race. With a good game looming against the 49ers followed by two tough battles, the Titans are in danger of sinking further down the playoff pedestal. It’s of utmost importance for Tennessee to stay focused week in and week out or their season might come to an abrupt end.

 

Chargers destroy Redskins 30-13

Los Angeles was all over the Redskins from the opening kickoff as they quickly jumped out to a 30-7 lead up to the 3rd quarter as they were simply on cruise control. With so much at stake, it was clear that the Chargers coming back from an 0-5 start to a Wild Card spot was far more important than the Redskins season.

Washington’s disappointing losses continue to pile up, and what makes it worse is that they’re not even close. Moving forward, they can look to trying to get healthy again as the owners weigh their options with Kirk Cousins. For the Chargers, they can move to a crucial clash with the Chiefs this Saturday to try and make it all the way back to AFC West leaders.

 

Eagles escape Rams 43-35

The Eagles may have come away with the win, but it came at a terrible cost. Potential league MVP Carson Wentz tore his ACL and will miss the homestretch of Philadelphia’s season. Just how much his talents are needed remains to be seen, but I simply do not trust Foles to lead this team the way the young NDSU alum did. The Eagles are in serious trouble.

For the Rams, a 4th loss probably takes them out of contention for the #1 seed, but thanks to a Seahawks loss, they remain 1 game up on the NFC West lead. That is, until they play Seattle this Sunday. A win clinches the division but a loss puts them on the brink of disaster as they fall into a tie for the final Wild Card spot. Time to focus up.

 

Jaguars chip Seahawks 30-24

Things got pretty ugly between the Seahawks and Jaguars as a new rivalry might be forming. With multiple ejections, fines, and suspensions on the way due to on and off the field conduct, it’s apparent how much this game meant to both teams. The Jags now hold a game lead in the AFC South and look to control their destiny from here on out, while the ‘Hawks have to move on to L.A. and try to take back the NFC West.

Russell Wilson might be in the MVP hunt too as he tore up a stout Jaguars pass defense with 271 yards and 3 touchdowns. It’s apparent that the man can go against anyone to keep the Seahawks competitive. So if Aaron Rodgers can do it for the Packers, why not Wilson?

 

Steelers slay Ravens 39-38

After their bitter rivalry with the Bengals ended, the Steelers went home to welcome the Ravens in another classic back and forth battle. I wasn’t expecting the offensive showing in what is usually a very physical battle, but perhaps the loss of Ryan Shazier toned things down for the two enemies. The Ravens poor offense came alive, which is a great sign for the rest of the season, although now they have much less margin for error.

The Steelers were led by a combination of Le’Veon Bell’s 3 touchdowns, Ben Roethlisberger’s 3rd career 500+ yard game, and Antonio Brown’s stellar 213 yard performance. It all adds to a Pittsburgh AFC North title and the current #1 team in the NFL. Now they must finish off the toughest stretch of the season by knocking off the Patriots and clinching the #1 seed for good.

 

Dolphins disappoint Patriots 27-20

Well, that came out of nowhere. Jay Cutler had himself a game as he shredded a hardened Pats defense with 263 yards and 3 touchdowns which was all the Dolphins would need to complete the upset. Unfortunately, the win really only acts as a spoiler as there is little chance Miami can amount to much with only 3 games remaining in the season.

It’s been a long time since Tom Brady has performed so poorly. The Dolphins always seem to give New England problems, and on Monday night it was just too much. One might think the Pats were just looking ahead to the Steelers next Sunday, and you can’t blame them. A victory this weekend puts the Patriots back into the 1 seed where they would likely remain until seasons end.

NFL Week 14 Predictions

It’s the clinching part of the season as teams lock up playoff berths and division titles. For others, it’s about staying alive and fighting to compete another day. There’s so much on the line as we complete Turn 4 and head down the homestretch of the season. For most, it’s going to be an unpredictable time. So let’s take a look at my predictions for Week 14.

Saints at Falcons

The week starts with a crucial NFC South matchup that almost every team in the NFC will keep an eye on. The Saints need the win to hang around near the top of the league, while the Falcons have to stay competitive in the Wild Card race. Truthfully though, a win doesn’t mean as much as not losing. So which offense is going to be able to outdo the other? Saints win 31-20.

Colts at Bills

The Bills continue their homestand in Buffalo after a tough loss to the Pats that brought them back to .500. Bills fans have to fear finishing 8-8 for the third straight year, and a win against Indy is crucial. As close as the race is for the AFC Wild Card, the Bills can’t afford to get upset at this point in the season… and I don’t think they will. Bills win 20-14.

Bears at Bengals

After another chapter of their physical rivalry with the Steelers, the Bengals welcome the Bears in a must-win situation. Considering Chicago didn’t let the 49ers score a touchdown last week and still lost, I think the Bengals have a good shot here. There is no margin for error, and I think Cinci will come out strong and handle the Bears with ease. Bengals win 35-13.

Packers at Browns

Aaron Rodgers is projected to be back in the saddle for Week 15, so this is Brett Hundley’s go home show. He’s done well to keep Green Bay afloat, but a loss against the Browns will undo all of his hard work. Cleveland is already making some changes to turn things around to find that one win, and they’re running out of time. I think this will be competitive in the Dawg Pound as the Packers look ahead and the Browns play with nothing to lose. Browns win 17-16.

Raiders at Chiefs

The winner will be the 4 seed and the loser will have to win out to stay alive. Kansas City is in the middle of an unprecedented collapse, while the Raiders seek to get over .500 for the first time since Week 4.  After getting destroyed by the Patriots in Mexico, Oakland’s last two wins were pretty close considering the teams they played which is indicative of the team they really are.  Meanwhile, I keep trusting in the Chiefs to finally get a win, and it just hasn’t happened as of late. I’m on the fence about this one, but Raiders win 29-23 (OT).

Cowboys at Giants

This matchup was supposed to have more spunk before the wheels fell off of the Giants, but the rivalry should still be fun. Eli Manning is back in control and with a new interim head coach, things will be different for New York. Don’t let that fool you though; Dallas just dominated the Redskins on Thursday and should be ready roll again on Sunday. Cowboys win 31-17.

Lions at Buccaneers

Detroit needs this win more than most teams in the NFL and Matthew Stafford is clutch enough to get it done. It may or may not take more than a 4th quarter effort, but I expect him to throw  3 or 4 touchdowns in the winning effort. The Bucs’ secondary is a terrible matchup for the air raid, and things will blow up quickly. Lions win 34-17.

Vikings at Panthers

It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch Minnesota’s stingy defense face the Panthers’ triple run option. Case Keenum has had an incredible season on his end as well, but he’s also going to face an athletic Carolina defense. The teams play to each other’s stakes, and it’s going to have a playoff feel with so much on the line. Vikings win 14-10.

49ers at Texans

Jimmy Garoppolo struggled against a good Chicago defense, and the Texans are even more feisty. Everyone is excited to see him succeed in the NFL, but even with all of his prep behind Tom Brady, it’s going to take a while to get his feet under him. The Texans aren’t much better than San Francisco, but they’re good enough. Texans win 24-16.

Jets at Broncos

Eh, who really cares at this point? The Jets are playing relatively well despite the fact that they’re going to fall into a pit of 7-9 or so. The Broncos are on the brink of losing their 9th straight, and the “boo birds” are surely going to be flying if things go south early at Mile High Stadium… and they will. Jets win 21-10.

Titans at Cardinals

I can’t believe how stacked the 4 o’ clock lineup is this Sunday. We begin with the Titans who might get a leg up on the AFC South race if the Jags get upset on Sunday night. Arizona is struggling mightily, but their strong secondary could give Marcus Mariota some problems. If that’s the case, DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry should have enough juice to escape Phoenix. Titans win 23-17.

Redskins at Chargers

Washington’s toughest remaining test comes at the perfect time for football fans. With the Chargers needing another win to keep themselves in the hunt after starting 0-5, the two playoff hopefuls lock horns in what should be a slugfest. I’m expecting a back and forth battle that will likely eliminate the loser. All else equal, the Chargers are home and healthier. Chargers win 26-23.

Eagles at Rams

The NFC fun continues as the Eagles look to rebound from a tough loss to the Seahawks. They’ll stay on the West Coast to face a red hot Rams team that wants that #1 seed for themselves. It’s odd to see two pocket-passers square off, so if you want old-fashioned football, try to tune into this one. Eagles win 33-27 (OT).

Seahawks at Jaguars

I doubted the Seahawks defense last week, but I don’t have to against Jacksonville. With Blake Bortles at the helm, there is nothing to worry about. This is going to be a really low scoring struggle, and the Jags should do a good job of bottling up Russell Wilson too. The key is to make the most of field position and limit mistakes as much as possible. On that note, I said it already, but a Blair Walsh missed field goal should end his career. Seahawks win 13-10.

Ravens at Steelers

The last thing Pittsburgh needs after the hard hits of Cincinnati is the Ravens. With Ryan Shazier still on everyone’s minds in western PA, it could be hard to focus on their arch rivals. That said, his leadership even from his hospital bed could inspire the Steelers to go out there and win a tough one for him in front of the home crowd. It won’t come without at least a couple of more injuries, but Steelers win 24-20.

Patriots at Dolphins

What better way to finish off this amazing week than seeing the Patriots destroy the Dolphins on Monday night? New England is riding an 8-game winning streak and an undefeated road record into Miami as they look to hang with the Steelers at the top of the conference before they meet next week. Patriots win 28-6.

NFL Week 8 Predictions

We’re approaching the midpoint of the season, and it’s make or break time for a slew of teams. Almost every matchup has playoff implications which makes for some really exciting football on Sunday. So far, I’m 53-38, but I can do better than 58%. Let’s take a look at what’s going to go down during a crucial Week 8 in the NFL.

Dolphins at Ravens

The Dolphins swim into Baltimore riding an unexpected 3-game winning streak and 4-2 record. A win tonight may not impress the skeptics, but they would remain tied for at least the 4th-best record in the AFC. However, I’m still a fan of Baltimore’s stingy defense. Hopefully for the Ravens, the “elite” Joe Flacco can put up just a couple of touchdowns, and that should be enough to get them back to .500. Ravens win 20-13.

Vikings vs. Browns (in Twickenham, England)

I’m putting the Vikings on upset alert, because the Browns keep on inching closer to that first win. However, Hue Jackson somehow had the guts to put Deshone Kizer back in the saddle, and I won’t be surprised if he gets pulled for a 3rd-straight game. Poor Cody Kessler did the best he could in under 30 minutes of play, but still didn’t do enough to be the starter Sunday morning in Twickenham. A beat-up Vikings team should advance to 6-2 and to put them in the driver’s seat of the NFC North. Vikings win 28-16.

Raiders at Bills

It probably doesn’t matter what I say here because the Bills are just going to do the opposite. I know #BillsMafia want me to go against them again so they can get their 5th win of the season, but I can’t this time. The Raiders were on a sharp decline until an emotional win last Thursday against the Chiefs, but without Marshawn Lynch, they are too one-dimensional and should be pretty easy to stop. Bills win 31-21.

Colts at Bengals

It’s my “Game of the Weak”! The only game that really doesn’t mean anything with regards to the postseason will send one team into panic mode. Both Indy and Cinci had hopes for the playoffs, but without Andrew Luck and Andy Dalton, they have both struggled. Right, Andy Dalton really isn’t there when he is playing. I mean, come on. This will be sloppy, but I’m going to say Bengals win 17-7.

Chargers at Patriots

The Chargers are on a hot streak of their own, but even the most optimistic fans probably don’t see it extending past Sunday. The Patriots thrashed the Falcons in one of the biggest home-field advantages in the league. The Chargers aren’t dead with a loss here, so the goal should be to stay healthy, but also be aggressive and try to steal one. They’ve got nothing to lose. Patriots win 34-7.

Bears at Saints

The Bears’ defense has far surpassed expectations this year. Each week they face a prolific offense and continue to shut them down. Next up, it’s a trip to New Orleans to try to stop Drew Brees’ Saints. I believe they can hold them to 20 points or so, but I don’t trust Mitch Trubisky to outscore them. Saints win 20-10.

Falcons at Jets

The Falcons and the Jets are both trending down at the moment, and only one team can turn it around. While the Falcons offense has left plenty to be desired, my money is on them as the Jets have already surpassed their expectations this year. New York will make it tough on a struggling Matt Ryan, but Atlanta wins a close one. Falcons win 21-17.

49ers at Eagles

The best team in the NFL faces the worst team in the NFL. It won’t be a major blowout, but I don’t think Philly is going to have much trouble. The 49ers finally snapped their streak of heartbreaking losses with a terrible showing against the Cowboys last week, and the Eagles continue to fly high with convincing wins against everyone in their path. They both keep it going. Eagles win 38-20.

Panthers at Buccaneers

This is a major NFC South battle. The winner hangs close to the top of the division while the other enters panic mode. My division champion Bucs are 2-4 and desperately need this win to keep the peace, and the inconsistent Panthers need this to try to find stability. Cam Newton’s off the field issues definitely aren’t helping matters. Buccaneers win 28-17. (Please?)

Texans at Seahawks

Lost in Deshaun Watson’s heroics is the fact that the Texans are still 3-3. While this is partly due to a very tough schedule, it means Houston needs to step up and win some of these hard ones including against the Seahawks this week at CenturyLink Field. I’m excited to see how the rookie does under the pressure of Seattle’s fans and athletic defense. However, Seahawks win 24-17.

 

Cowboys at Redskins

Speaking of crucial divisional battles, right behind the Eagles are the arch-rivals Cowboys and Redskins. In what’s always a fun game, the Boys are coming to D.C. in desperate need of a win to get back over .500. But they face a Redskins team in the midst of what could be a storybook season. There’s nothing better than some Sunday afternoon rivalry football. Cowboys win 27-24.

Steelers at Lions

Another excellent team from Pennsylvania is the Steelers. While their offense still hasn’t hit their former routine of 30-plus points, their defense has been phenomenal. In what was surely tagged as a shootout in the preseason, the Lions’ and Steelers’ struggling offenses might make for a lower scoring game than some anticipated. I’m giving this one to Pittsburgh, but Detroit is coming off an extra week to prepare and could easily come out on top. Steelers win 25-21.

Broncos at Chiefs

The last game of the series is one final divisional duel. The once-undefeated Chiefs return to Arrowhead Stadium to get back on track and the once-mighty Broncos try to do the same. It has been a bad month for the AFC West, so who can take back control of their season? Chiefs win 17-16.