Sanders went 11-5 last week putting him to 107-68-2 on the season.
Dallas Cowboys vs Minnesota Vikings
For anyone who thinks the Cowboys
are just going to roll over the Vikings, you are wrong. In this entire season,
the thrillers for the Cowboys have been the games where they play good defenses
and get behind the beginning IE their games against Pittsburgh, Philadelphia,
and Baltimore games. This one should be no different. However, I have no
confidence in the Vikings offense even with Stefon Diggs back in the lineup.
Maybe if the Adrian Peterson was back, this would be a different story but I am
pretty Dallas picks up it’s 11th win here.
Cowboys 24 Vikings 17
Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons
Big game for both teams. As both desperately need a win here to keep their hopes of winning their division. Most people I see are picking the Falcons but I'm going to go ahead and pick the Chiefs and it's not even an upset. Both teams have a fair chance of winning but what puts this in the slight edge to KC for me is their ability to force turnovers and Alex Smith's ability to capitalize on them. Smith has been getting flack this year for underperforming but did you watch last Monday Night's game? He looked like Tom Brady for a moment (ONLY a moment) slicing up one of the best defenses in the NFL on that last drive in the 4th quarter. Wow. And that's how you keep your Super Bowl dreams alive. Being top tier teams. Atlanta can be no different for them. However, if Vic Beasley can go after Smith, then we're talking about a different and sad ending for KC.
Chiefs 27 Falcons 26
Miami Dolphins vs Baltimore Ravens
Many analysts (including your hobby writer here) are thinking this game has the biggest playoff implications this week. While true, many pundits are also saying this means do or die for both teams and that's not even close to true. For Miami, yes because they need a WildCard spot. For Baltimore, no. Even if Baltimore loses, they will be half a game behind the Steelers in the division race assuming the Steelers win but they play the Giants (more on that later). And so it goes, Miami will be the more desperate team here but I don't trust a Miami Dolphins team with a banged up offensive line to hold up against the terrors of Mosley, Suggs, and Dumervil even if they are on a 6 game win-streak. Besides, unless you're the Cowboys, all win-streaks gotta end at some point, right? Good luck Tannehill.
Dolphins 20 Ravens 23
San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears
With so many exciting playoff hopes on the line this week, this game has to be the least enticing because it holds nothing in regards to playoffs. However, if you want to see if Matt Barkley is a QB worth keeping or not, this might be an exciting match anyway. When a bad team plays another bad team, things get juicy. While the 49ers have showed signs of life here and there, the Bears have at least been competitive in more games than not. That makes me think the Bears win it here.
49ers 23 Bears 27
Philadelphia Eagles vs Cincinatti Bengals
The Bengals season is essentially over. At this point, Marvin Lewis might just be coaching for his job. The Eagles, however, are trying to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. While I would like to favor the home team, the Bengals roster is just too banged up and is suffering an unfortunate season as Dalton has not played bad at all. The Eagles need to get to a fast start to win this one. And anyone outside of Jordan Matthews and Zach Ertz also needs to catch a damn ball.
Eagles 20 Bengals 16
Houston Texans vs Green Bay Packers
Could I think of a more boring playoff implicating matchup? Probably not. The Packers had ONE vintage offensive game. And it was fun to watch. But can they do it again? Meanwhile, the Texans have no offense. So what gives here? Well. The Packers have Aarron Rodgers who has been performing like Aaron Rodgers since Week 7. The trouble is that the Packers defense gives up too many points. That shouldnt be the problem as the Texans offense never seems to be able to score enough points these days. And their at Lambeu field. Go figure.
Texans 17 Packers 28
Denver Broncos vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Well. Paxton Lynch will be in at QB instead of Siemian. Doesn't matter. They're playing the Jaguars. It's hard to say anything good about a Jaguars team who has the talent level of a 10-6 season but lies in a 2-9 pit hole due to poor QB play and bad defensive coaching. I don't think Bradley will keep his job after this season. As for the Broncos, they just have to keep playing championship defense and can probably win the game even if the Broncos offense does nothing. Hmm. Sounds reminiscent of last year.
Broncos 20 Jaguars 10
Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots
See above game for the same analysis. The difference being, the Rams have a playoff caliber defense wasted away by an offense that doesn't do much. Forget the fact the Saints tore up the Rams defense last week, the Saints can do that to anyone they want to. The Patriots, on the other hand, are without Gronkowski the rest of the season. That doesn't matter this game but could matter later on down the road. This is a perfect game for the Pats to play a good defense and figure out the winning formula on offense. I trust Tom Brady to do just that. Oh, and Jared Goff has improved! But it's not enough to outduel Brady. In the words of Chris Berman, "C'mon Man!"
Rams 14 Patriots 24
Detroit Lions vs New Orleans Saints
What a game we have here and it's one I'll be keeping a close eye on. Both offenses are good enough to win this game but both defenses will probably struggle to hold up. This means we got a great western shootout between Stafford and Drew Brees. Yes! So who wins here? Honestly, the Lions offense does magical things because Stafford and Tate are good at what they do. The Saints are good because they have a balanced between a dynamic trio of wide receivers and a one-two punch in the backfield. And Drew Brees is their field general. Give me the Saints baby. #WHODAT
Lions 31 Saints 35
UPSET OF THE WEEK!!!!
Buffalo Bills vs Oakland Raiders
Yes, two weeks in a row, I pick an upset against the Raiders. Not because i hate them, but because these are the type of games teams with mediocre defense can lose. The Bills can be quit dynamic and I can guarantee this team will be playing with all they got. They want their wildcard spot and Miami and Denver don't seem to want to give it up without a fight. So how do the Bills win? Stop Derek Carr and take advantage of defense that makes mistakes. Tough task to ask for when Carr has had an MVP campaign all season. The Raiders won't bend down and will probably win this game but I have to have an upset pick each week folks. This one is it.
Bills 28 Raiders 27
Washington Redskins vs Arizona Cardinals
The Redskins offense is one of the best in the league. The Cardinals defense is one of the best in teh league. While I give the Cardinals defense credit, you can't keep up your top performance when your offense keeps putting you back on the field. People could argue this is going to be a game. After trying to argue last weeks game of Cardinals vs Falcons defense could be a game, I can't argue this one. The Cardinals are just a shell of themselves last year flashing potential and instances of what made them a Super Bowl pick. The problem? They don't do it every play like they used to and the Redskins offense comes to play every play. Cousins will show the NFC why his team is to be feared come playoff time.
Redskins 30 Cardinals 20
New York Giants vs Pittsburgh Steelers
I've seen some people thinking the Steelers can win this game. Really? You're telling me an offense that hasn't realized it's potential is going to beat a defense who has reached it's potential? Give me a break! The Giants offense may be up and down, but the Giants defense remains constant and a force to be reckoned with. The Giants have a winning formula. Big plays by the offense combined with solid defensive play. The Steelers have the same formula but can't seem to execute when they should against better teams.
Giants 24 Steelers 17
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs San Diego Chargers
Tough one to call. The Bucs look to be trending upward and the Chargers are a tough out. Their the toughest team in the NFL who isn't going to make the playoffs because they play so hard and their defense is finally starting to step up. The key will be if the Bucs offensive line can protect Jameis Winston. While I would love to pick the Bucs here, I just can't deny Philip Rivers and his Chargers a win at home. If anything, Mike McCoy's coaching strategy of "gameplan to not lose" instead of "gameplan to win" might kill them.
Bucs 23 Chargers 24
Carolina Panthers vs Seattle Seahawks
As hyped as this matchup is getting, it seems to be all trash talk. The Seahawks are a better team and are playing at home. The Panthers can say all they want, but usually when it comes to trash talk, Sherman delivers more often than others. It also doesn't help that the Panthers just can't seem to stop giving up points to opposing offense, a good sign for Seattle who needs a jumpstart at offense.
BOLD PREDICTION: Wilson throws for over 350 yards and rushes for over 60 this game to carry the offense.
Panthers 21 Seahawks 31
Indianapolis Colts vs New York Jets
The Jets are bad. That's just a fact. The Colts? They're okay but they've got an edge to them because they are in "desperate playoff" mode. So who wins here? The team destined to rebuild their offense a little bit? Or the team needing the win to beat the Texans and Titans for the AFC South? Hint hint: It's the team with Andrew Luck on it.
Colts 24 Jets 17
Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons
Big game for both teams. As both desperately need a win here to keep their hopes of winning their division. Most people I see are picking the Falcons but I'm going to go ahead and pick the Chiefs and it's not even an upset. Both teams have a fair chance of winning but what puts this in the slight edge to KC for me is their ability to force turnovers and Alex Smith's ability to capitalize on them. Smith has been getting flack this year for underperforming but did you watch last Monday Night's game? He looked like Tom Brady for a moment (ONLY a moment) slicing up one of the best defenses in the NFL on that last drive in the 4th quarter. Wow. And that's how you keep your Super Bowl dreams alive. Being top tier teams. Atlanta can be no different for them. However, if Vic Beasley can go after Smith, then we're talking about a different and sad ending for KC.
Chiefs 27 Falcons 26
Miami Dolphins vs Baltimore Ravens
Many analysts (including your hobby writer here) are thinking this game has the biggest playoff implications this week. While true, many pundits are also saying this means do or die for both teams and that's not even close to true. For Miami, yes because they need a WildCard spot. For Baltimore, no. Even if Baltimore loses, they will be half a game behind the Steelers in the division race assuming the Steelers win but they play the Giants (more on that later). And so it goes, Miami will be the more desperate team here but I don't trust a Miami Dolphins team with a banged up offensive line to hold up against the terrors of Mosley, Suggs, and Dumervil even if they are on a 6 game win-streak. Besides, unless you're the Cowboys, all win-streaks gotta end at some point, right? Good luck Tannehill.
Dolphins 20 Ravens 23
San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears
With so many exciting playoff hopes on the line this week, this game has to be the least enticing because it holds nothing in regards to playoffs. However, if you want to see if Matt Barkley is a QB worth keeping or not, this might be an exciting match anyway. When a bad team plays another bad team, things get juicy. While the 49ers have showed signs of life here and there, the Bears have at least been competitive in more games than not. That makes me think the Bears win it here.
49ers 23 Bears 27
Philadelphia Eagles vs Cincinatti Bengals
The Bengals season is essentially over. At this point, Marvin Lewis might just be coaching for his job. The Eagles, however, are trying to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. While I would like to favor the home team, the Bengals roster is just too banged up and is suffering an unfortunate season as Dalton has not played bad at all. The Eagles need to get to a fast start to win this one. And anyone outside of Jordan Matthews and Zach Ertz also needs to catch a damn ball.
Eagles 20 Bengals 16
Houston Texans vs Green Bay Packers
Could I think of a more boring playoff implicating matchup? Probably not. The Packers had ONE vintage offensive game. And it was fun to watch. But can they do it again? Meanwhile, the Texans have no offense. So what gives here? Well. The Packers have Aarron Rodgers who has been performing like Aaron Rodgers since Week 7. The trouble is that the Packers defense gives up too many points. That shouldnt be the problem as the Texans offense never seems to be able to score enough points these days. And their at Lambeu field. Go figure.
Texans 17 Packers 28
Denver Broncos vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Well. Paxton Lynch will be in at QB instead of Siemian. Doesn't matter. They're playing the Jaguars. It's hard to say anything good about a Jaguars team who has the talent level of a 10-6 season but lies in a 2-9 pit hole due to poor QB play and bad defensive coaching. I don't think Bradley will keep his job after this season. As for the Broncos, they just have to keep playing championship defense and can probably win the game even if the Broncos offense does nothing. Hmm. Sounds reminiscent of last year.
Broncos 20 Jaguars 10
Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots
See above game for the same analysis. The difference being, the Rams have a playoff caliber defense wasted away by an offense that doesn't do much. Forget the fact the Saints tore up the Rams defense last week, the Saints can do that to anyone they want to. The Patriots, on the other hand, are without Gronkowski the rest of the season. That doesn't matter this game but could matter later on down the road. This is a perfect game for the Pats to play a good defense and figure out the winning formula on offense. I trust Tom Brady to do just that. Oh, and Jared Goff has improved! But it's not enough to outduel Brady. In the words of Chris Berman, "C'mon Man!"
Rams 14 Patriots 24
Detroit Lions vs New Orleans Saints
What a game we have here and it's one I'll be keeping a close eye on. Both offenses are good enough to win this game but both defenses will probably struggle to hold up. This means we got a great western shootout between Stafford and Drew Brees. Yes! So who wins here? Honestly, the Lions offense does magical things because Stafford and Tate are good at what they do. The Saints are good because they have a balanced between a dynamic trio of wide receivers and a one-two punch in the backfield. And Drew Brees is their field general. Give me the Saints baby. #WHODAT
Lions 31 Saints 35
UPSET OF THE WEEK!!!!
Buffalo Bills vs Oakland Raiders
Yes, two weeks in a row, I pick an upset against the Raiders. Not because i hate them, but because these are the type of games teams with mediocre defense can lose. The Bills can be quit dynamic and I can guarantee this team will be playing with all they got. They want their wildcard spot and Miami and Denver don't seem to want to give it up without a fight. So how do the Bills win? Stop Derek Carr and take advantage of defense that makes mistakes. Tough task to ask for when Carr has had an MVP campaign all season. The Raiders won't bend down and will probably win this game but I have to have an upset pick each week folks. This one is it.
Bills 28 Raiders 27
Washington Redskins vs Arizona Cardinals
The Redskins offense is one of the best in the league. The Cardinals defense is one of the best in teh league. While I give the Cardinals defense credit, you can't keep up your top performance when your offense keeps putting you back on the field. People could argue this is going to be a game. After trying to argue last weeks game of Cardinals vs Falcons defense could be a game, I can't argue this one. The Cardinals are just a shell of themselves last year flashing potential and instances of what made them a Super Bowl pick. The problem? They don't do it every play like they used to and the Redskins offense comes to play every play. Cousins will show the NFC why his team is to be feared come playoff time.
Redskins 30 Cardinals 20
New York Giants vs Pittsburgh Steelers
I've seen some people thinking the Steelers can win this game. Really? You're telling me an offense that hasn't realized it's potential is going to beat a defense who has reached it's potential? Give me a break! The Giants offense may be up and down, but the Giants defense remains constant and a force to be reckoned with. The Giants have a winning formula. Big plays by the offense combined with solid defensive play. The Steelers have the same formula but can't seem to execute when they should against better teams.
Giants 24 Steelers 17
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs San Diego Chargers
Tough one to call. The Bucs look to be trending upward and the Chargers are a tough out. Their the toughest team in the NFL who isn't going to make the playoffs because they play so hard and their defense is finally starting to step up. The key will be if the Bucs offensive line can protect Jameis Winston. While I would love to pick the Bucs here, I just can't deny Philip Rivers and his Chargers a win at home. If anything, Mike McCoy's coaching strategy of "gameplan to not lose" instead of "gameplan to win" might kill them.
Bucs 23 Chargers 24
Carolina Panthers vs Seattle Seahawks
As hyped as this matchup is getting, it seems to be all trash talk. The Seahawks are a better team and are playing at home. The Panthers can say all they want, but usually when it comes to trash talk, Sherman delivers more often than others. It also doesn't help that the Panthers just can't seem to stop giving up points to opposing offense, a good sign for Seattle who needs a jumpstart at offense.
BOLD PREDICTION: Wilson throws for over 350 yards and rushes for over 60 this game to carry the offense.
Panthers 21 Seahawks 31
Indianapolis Colts vs New York Jets
The Jets are bad. That's just a fact. The Colts? They're okay but they've got an edge to them because they are in "desperate playoff" mode. So who wins here? The team destined to rebuild their offense a little bit? Or the team needing the win to beat the Texans and Titans for the AFC South? Hint hint: It's the team with Andrew Luck on it.
Colts 24 Jets 17
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