Week 17 NFL Predix

By Jacob Sanders

Here it is. Week 17. And with this year, there’s practically no playoff seeds to play for. There are two. One in the AFC and one in the NFC. However, there is some nice drama in the NFC where not a single seed if officially locked up yet. Meanwhile, the Ravens have locked up the #1 seed and, barring a miracle, the Texans are 99% locked into the #4 seed. It’s crazy how even in a conference with a higher ceiling, that nothing is truly figured out in the NFC yet. Welcome to Week 17 everybody: where there’s only 2 playoffs spots to play for, but almost everything is on the line for these playoff teams.

Sanders went 9-7 putting him to 152-86-1 on the season. There was no Thursday game, so he is 0-0 heading into Week 17!

ATL Falcons v TB Buccaneers

Strangely enough, this is a tough game to pick. Both of these teams have positive records in the second half of the season which could possibly indicate a shift in the powers of the NFC South with the Panthers in revamp mode and Drew Brees not getting any younger in New Orleans. Nevertheless, this game has a lot of intrigue if you care about the future of the NFL. Quinn has been confirmed to be next year's head coach, and Winston’s future new deal with the Bucs could become more expensive or cheaper with this game. For this matchup to workout, the game rests in Jameis Winston’s hands. If the Jekyll and Hyde version of the Falcons defense shows up, Winston should be able to have another outstanding day. However, if Dan Quinn’s defense shows up again like it did against the 49ers or Saints, it could be very rough day for Winston. These thoughts aren’t to discredit Matt Ryan and Co. or the Bucs defense, but with the way these teams have played out this year, it really depends on how many turnovers Winston commits. I’ll take 2 INTs which is enough for Matt Ryan and Co. to convert into a 7 point difference.

Falcons 28 Bucs 21

MIA Dolphins vs NE Patriots

I think in a lot of cases, you could pick the Dolphins to upset the Patriots because of how hard Brian Flores has his team playing. In addition, outside of John Harbaugh and Andy Reid, Bellichick’s squads struggle the most against coaches who were formally under him (see Bill O’Brien, Mike Vrabel). But, the Dolphins simply don’t have enough gas in the tank. I understand the Patriots offense has appeared flatter than an open bottle of soda this season, but they’ve appeared to find a formula that works in recent weeks. Not good for future playoff opponents and especially not good for the Dolphins here. Not even Fitzmagic is enough to steal a win (and a playoff bye) from the Patriots in Foxborough.

Dolphins 10 Patriots 20

CHI Bears vs MIN Vikings

Tough game to assess based on the fact the Vikings are resting their starters for the second week. *insert knee slap and laugh track here* But for real, the Vikings didn’t show up last week. When you’re at home and the division (read: a home playoff game) is on the line, but you can only muster 10 points against middling defense, that’s a big concern to me. Here they face the challenge of facing a tougher defense and with backup players on offense. For me, there just isn’t much for the Vikings to play for, and a few of them are probably looking forward to next weekend. Yes, the players on the field will want to win, but if you ask me, Nagy and Trubisky have much more to play for than the Vikings do in Week 17. The team who wants it more, wins it.

Bears 19 Vikings 17

LA Chargers vs KC Chiefs

I’ll give my “this for sure isn’t happening” statement on this game here. I do it nearly every week and I get burned just about every week and look foolish. But there’s no way the Chargers are beating the Chiefs, right? To me, the Chiefs are the Super Bowl favorite at the moment for the AFC. Yes, my boys in Baltimore are the No. 1 seed, but the Chiefs are the perfect “anti-Lamar” team as they have shown going 2-0 against him so far. Patrick Mahomes is rounding into form. The Chiefs have somewhat of a running game and this defense has been allowing 9.6 points per game since Week 11. Let me repeat that. THE CHIEFS DEFENSE IS ALLOWING 9.6 POINTS PER GAME SINCE WEEK 11. Does anyone not realize how insane that is? I think if more people recognized this, they’d understand why the Chiefs are my Super Bowl favorite in the AFC right now in Week 17. Anyway, what I’m saying is the Chiefs are a far superior team to the Chargers and they’re going to stomp them into the ground.

Chargers 13 Chiefs 30

GB Packers vs DET Lions

It’s a damn shame that Matt Stafford isn’t here for this game. It’s weird how the Lions can win games they aren’t supposed to when Matt Stafford is in the game. But when Stafford is out, the Lions just look so hapless. Truly a sad story of the NFL and here they are playing the Packers who have a potential No. 1 seed on the line. There’s a lot I could talk about between the Packers middling (yet opportunistic) defense, and the Packers “punch you in the mouth” offense, but I’ll just stick with the idea the Packers are just a better team and SHOULD beat the Lions. Should is the key word there. The Packers have made a living this season beating up on inferior opponents this season. What makes you think this game would be any different?

Packers 24 Lions 14

CLE Browns vs CIN Bengals

What an odd game that feels do-or-die for the Browns. Win this game, and you match last year’s win total while ending the season on a positive note even if it’s a small positive. However, lose this game, and the Browns define their season in one that failed to raise to high expectations. Hell, they failed to meet my 8 win expectation. I’m going to be honest and tell you this feels like a coinflip. Part of me feels like Baker will light it up in his final game to walk out the season with confidence. Another part of me feels like Kitchens will fail his team yet again and Andy Dalton lights it up in his last hurrah in CIN. Both are poetic but only one can happen. I am (unfortunately) taking the Browns and Baker Mayfield. Don’t ask why. I just can’t bring myself to think Baker will let his season end at 6-10.

Browns 20 Bengals 17

NO Saints vs CAR Panthers

The Panthers are a mess. Kyle Allen clearly isn’t the answer. This Panthers defense can’t win a game to save their lives. Who’s their opponent this week? The Saints who are playing for a No. 1 seed. Yep. That’s all you and I need to know. Saints win. Kept this one short and sweet, didn’t I?

Saints 27 Panthers 16

NY Jets vs BUF Bills

The Bills are locked into the No. 5 seed. There’s a part of me that believe the Bills don’t play too hard and the Jets come out swinging. However, the other part of me realizes that’s not something a Sean McDermott team would do. This is a team that likes to play tough and loves to punch you in the mouth on their way to gritty wins. The Bills aren’t flashy and never will be with this roster. But it’s the perfect recipe to win a meaningless game and keep up momentum heading in Wildcard weekend to play at HOU. Meanwhile, the Jets FO may be second-guessing their decision to keep Coach Gase after this one.

Jets 16 Bills 20

ARI Cardinals vs LA Rams

The Rams don’t have a lot to play for outside of winning their final game in the coliseum. However, there’s a lot of injured players sitting out for the Rams and a lack of motivation within the walls of a team that’s going to see a lot of players leave after this season. On the other side of the ball, the Cardinals are a team that’s hit their stride and have gone 4-4 in their last 8 games. However, with Kyler Murray out, I’m not quite sure they’ll have the firepower to beat the Rams. So I’ll give you two score predictions below. I got the Cardinals winning if Murray is playing. But I got the Rams winning if Murray isn’t playing.

Cards 14 Rams 20 (No Murray)

Cards 24 Rams 20 (Murray)

OAK Raiders vs DEN Broncos

Big game for the Raiders today. Bad sign for the Raiders too who have failed to win big games this season. Here, they play a Broncos team who’s been a tough out all year. Last time these two teams played, a statue named Joe Flacco was playing QB on Monday Night Football. Now, a much more mobile QB, Drew Lock, is in place and may provide a tougher challenge. The key here is for Gruden and Carr to execute a gameplan good enough to beat the Broncos defense. Considering the improvement of the Broncos over the course of the year, I’d say that’s a tall task. And not one this Raiders team has proved to be up to.

Raiders 17 Broncos 20

PHI Eagles vs NY Giants

Color me skeptical on the Eagles ability to win this game. The Eagles have been, what I would call, the most unlucky team in the NFL this season. Handicapped by injuries and a WR that can’t catch the ball makes it really tough to win on any given Sunday. But, they’ve done enough to put themselves in a position to be 9-7 and win their rotten division. Meanwhile, the Giants have contributed to why this division is rotten. It almost seems sure that Pat Shurmur is destined to be fire, and the building blocks for the Giants are far and few inbetween. Overall, you have to think the better coached team wins this game, no?

Eagles 24 Giants 17

IND Colts vs JAX Jaguars

With Doug Marrone being informed that today is his last game, it’s hard to think these Jaguars players won’t lay out everything on the field for their coach. There’s a lot of pride these Jags can play for, but the question is if they have the ability to do so. The Colts aren’t necessarily scary, but they’re a few missed kicks away from being an 8-7 or 9-6 team. As a whole the Colts roster is better off than the Jaguars and they have the better coaching. When it’s all said and done, I won’t be surprised when I see the Jaguars have won this game, but that’s not the “logical” pick to me.

Colts 19 Jaguars 17

TEN Titans vs HOU Texans

The Texans confirmed that the AJ McCaron will be starting today. In other words, the Texans are resting their starters giving the Titans a chance to win the game and punch their ticket into the playoffs. I’ve liked this Titans team ever since Tannehill stepped onto the field. They’re fun to watch, well-coached, and have a certain grit to them. That being said, they have failed to win games they are supposed to win. This one may be no different here, but they’re good enough to beat a Texans team that isn’t hellbent on winning this one.

Titans 24 Texans 14

WAS Redskins vs DAL Cowboys

I am boycotting myself from trusting the Dallas Cowboys for the foreseeable future. I’ve never really like the Cowboys. I’ve always believe they are a team who comes up short. I picked them to lose to Green Bay in 2014 in the playoffs. I picked them to lose to Green Bay in 2017. I just don’t trust them. But this year, I placed so much faith and called them a top 3 NFC team. Here I sit, betrayed and staring at a 7-8 record that doesn’t show the record such a talented team should have. It’s unbelievable that the Cowboys can’t win games when they are supposed to. They are supposed to win this game against Washington with their playoff hopes on life support. That being said, the Redskins lack some firepower. They’re arguably the worst team in the NFL *tips cap to Cincinnati* and yet it feels like they could pull off an upset against these Cowboys. To me, it would define their season if the Redskins beat the Cowboys. I’ll be rooting for the Redskins to win this game. However, I just can’t see the Cowboys losing to such a bad defense. Dak and Elliot are good enough to rip through Washington and gain one final victory at home.

Redskins 14 Cowboys 28

PIT Steelers vs BAL Ravens

When you look at this matchup from a pure on-paper talent stance, you still can’t pick the Steelers to win even with Jackson, Ingram, and Thomas sidelined. It’s almost a guarantee that Martindale is gonna bring the pressure with some exotic blitzes and it’s hard to imagine that Duck Hodges is going to handle the pressure well. When looking at this game, you have to ask yourself “Can the Steelers score enough points to beat the Ravens?”. The answer is probably not because this Ravens defense is too good even when sitting someone like Earl Thomas. Also, RG3 is making his return in a system that’s perfect for him. So the Ravens scoring points without Lamar isn’t an issue. Although, for the sake of Mike Tomlin, I hope the Steelers defense fares better than I’m imagining.

Steelers 20 Ravens 26

SF 49ers vs SEA Seahawks

This is it folks. This matchup right here is what Week 17 is all about. The No. 1 seed and the division is on the line. You can’t ask for a better final SNF game of the season than this. With Marshawn Lynch returning and the Richard Sherman returning home to take away a divisional title from his former team, you just can’t come up with better storylines. The matchup is insane. The last two times these teams met up, we watched a near full 75 minute game. However, when that game happened, the better team lost. Yes, the 49ers were the better team and lost that day. They also were without George Kittle that night. If you ask me, the 49ers are healthy and locked and loaded. This time around, the Seahawks are injured across the board, and their defense has been leaky. Barring a performance by Wilson to make his final case for MVP, the 49ers will prove to be the better team. Don’t get me wrong, I love both of these teams, but one is much more complete than the other.

49ers 31 Seahawks 28

Week 16 NFL Predix

By Jacob Sanders

Hello y’all. I am currently on vacation right now.I promise you will get a pre-picks spot on Week 17’s column and the playoffs. For now though, here are your picks!

Sanders went in 10-6 Week 14 and 12-4 in Week 15 putting him to 143-79-1 on the season. There was no Thursday game so he is 0-0 heading into Week 16!

HOU Texans vs TB Buccaneers

This would be the perfect game for the Buccaneers to win and prove they’re not a losing squad. Bruce Arians finger prints have started to make their mark all over this team and, specifically the offense. This offense still has problems (I.E. Jameis Winston’s knack for giving away the ball) but the elite production of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans has made this team a tough one to beat in recent weeks. That, and we can also give credit to Winston for elevating his play as well. As for the Texans, this is the team that I feel is least dangerous if they make the post-season. They are so hot and cold that it’s hard to imagine which team you’re gonna get. With a mediocre secondary, I think this team leans on the cold side and the Bucs offense tears it up at home.

Texans 20 Bucs 28

BUF Bills vs NE Patriots

There’s a few factors to consider when picking this game. The last time these teams met up was early in the season, but teams usually grow from the early season. This is true for Buffalo in the fact that it’s clear Josh Allen has more control and comfort in this Buffalo offense. Allen is still not perfect, but it’s not very often (if at all) that you can point to Josh Allen as being a reason the Bills lose. As is usually stated in this column, the defense is well-coached, and the mass exodus the Bills made two years ago makes so much sense now that we can see Sean McDermott’s vision come true. This team is tough and definitely the in the conversation for a dark-horse Super Bowl contender. The same can not be said for the Patriots who have not shown much (if any) growth on offense and the defense still remains elite. To me, the Bills have the mismatch advantage. The defense will be too tough for the Patriots to overcome. The real question is, can Josh Allen beat this Patriots defense? My guess, is yes.

Bills 21 Patriots 14

LA Rams vs SF 49ers

A tough loss for the 49ers to swallow means a possible rough outing for the Rams. To me, this game will fall squarely on which team wants it more. Both teams have talent and both teams have good coaching. However, the 49ers have more to play and talented defense have been tough for the Rams to beat at times (see Ravens, Cowboys games). That being said, it’s not impossible for the Rams to win this. If they can spread out their 3-4 receivers out on the field and create space/time for Gurley to move, it’s a W for the Rams. But, the more likely scenario is Bosa and Co. shut everything down in the trenches making a miserable day for Sean McVay and Co.

Rams 17 49ers 31

NY Giants vs WAS Redskins

This game would be way better if either team was good. The thought of Daniel Jones vs Dwayne Haskins should be exciting, instead, it’s a matchup I want to avoid, at least for this season. With both Jones and Haskins experiencing bumps and hiccups during their rookie season, it’s hard to grasp just good they can possibly be. The advantage here though, is that the Giants have Saquon to help out their offense. Yeah, Haskins has Peterson, but it’s not much of a comparison. Peterson is a future HoFer, but he isn’t running like Saquon is these days.

Giants 20 Redskins 14

NO Saints vs TEN Titans

Two weeks ago, I have this game penned as a Titans W. Not because I believe the Saints are worse than the Titans, but because I believed in the Music City Miracle and ressurection of Tannehill’s career. While last week’s loss wasn’t entirely Tannehill’s fault, the Texans made sure the Titans come crashing down to earth. Meanwhile, the Saints lit up the Colts on MNF in another historic night for Drew Brees in what has been a historic career. So you merely have to ask yourself. Are the Titans going to beat a Saints team that is lighting up every defense in their way? Probably not.

Saints 35 Titans 21

PIT Steelers vs NY Jets

Odd game to pick, but one that I believe is easily favored for the Steelers here. Hodges looked befuddled by the Bills defense last week, but the Jets defense is no comparison to the Bills. When it’s all said and done, the better defense wins this game, and the Steelers have the better defense. I’ve wrote that same sentence before and got burned last time for it. I have confidence it doesn’t burn me this time. Sam Darnold hasn’t progressed like I thought he would and Bell hasn’t been all-world like he was supposed to be. I anticipate more of the same from the Jets.

Steelers 23 Jets 13

CIN Bengals vs MIA Dolphins

Oh boy. What a hot game. Game of the year coming right here. In all seriousness though, this game could be close and fun simply because of where both of these teams are at. In the Dolphins case though, there seems to be a type of energy that the Bengals haven’t matched all season. It’s very clear the Dolphins locker room believe in what Flores has had to say and thus why the Dolphins play hard every week. I think that matters when you consider two bottom teams like this. The Bengals all but wrap up the No. 1 pick, right here.

Bengals 19 Dolphins 21

CAR Panthers vs IND Colts

There’s not much to get excited for in this game in terms of post-season hopes, but there are some things to observe for both of these teams in the last two weeks. The first would be the regression of both Kyle Allen and Jacoby Brissett. Unfortunately for Allen, his regression led to a benching. The second would be the defense on both sides as well. Neither team looks like the worldbeaters they were in the first 5 weeks of the season and here they rest both with losing records. The biggest thing to ask yourself is which offense do you think will move the ball more. The Colts or the Panthers? I trust the Colts with Jacoby Brissett more than I do the Panthers with rookie QB Will Grier.

Panthers 14 Colts 24

BAL Ravens vs CLE Browns

I get the feeling this game will be UGLY. The Browns may pack it up before the first half is over. I don’t say this in bias as a Ravens fan. As a Ravens fan, I still don’t think, as of right now, they make the Super Bowl (hello, Kansas City). However, I think anybody would be amiss if they didn’t recognize that this Cleveland team has no heart, no drive, and no motivation to win football games like they did earlier this season. Meanwhile, the Ravens have it all in front of them: Revenge, a No. 1 seed, and the ability to stamp out any early season doubts. Yeah, I expect a sports murder in Cleveland this week. My thoughts and prayers are with Baker and Co.

Ravens 48 Browns 17

JAX Jaguars vs ATL Falcons

Well. This is a game to pick. And not one I have much analysis for either. If I’m being frank, I haven’t watched any Jaguars tape in a couple weeks now. Call it loss of interest, call it bias against a team I believe needs a complete overhaul. Call it whatever you want. But the Jaguars are just not interesting enough to watch right now. Sure, Minschew Mania is fun, but not enough to want to watch them. However, I have given the Falcons a look, and man are they frustrating to watch. A team that has this much talent should be more efficient than they are. They beat the 49ers and Saints, good lord. Anyway, if you want my opinion, Matt Ryan and Co. light up a Jaguars defense that hasn’t found their footing all season.

Jaguars 17 Falcons 28

OAK Raiders vs LA Chargers

The Chargers get to play their final “home” game with no real home. The Raiders will be looking to redeem themselves and win their final “home-state” game. When you look at this game, there’s nothing but sadness to feel for both orgs. What looked promising in preseason, has turned into non-winning seasons once again for both orgs. However, the stars look brighter in the sense that both will have new homes for next year. Oh. Wait. The game analysis. Right. Well, the Chargers win it here. Their ceiling is just higher than the Raiders. I mean, really. One team was able to blow out the Jaguars. The other lost in miserable fashion. Was that enough, editor? Can I leave this paragraph now?

Raiders 17 Chargers 20

DET Lions vs DEN Broncos

Holy moly. Another great game. Okay, but really, I’d watch this game. I like Drew Lock and I want to see more of what he’s got. If he can perform well in these final 2 games, Elway might be able to breathe and finally build an offense around his quarterback. Meanwhile, the Lions have jobs to play for. Knowing that Patricia will be back means you gotta play your tail off if you want to keep a roster spot. If you ask me though, the Orange Crush D takes care of business here.

Lions 16 Broncos 24

ARI Cardinals vs SEA Seahawks

Historically in this decade, the Cardinals win their games in Seattle, and the Seahawks win their games in Arizona. While I’d love for that to continue, the Seahawks are just a better overall team. Kyler Murray and Co. are definitely gonna give a bottom 10 Seattle defense a run for their money, but MVP candidate Russell Wilson just may blow this Cardinals secondary out of the water. Yeah, this game really comes down to which QB has a better day. I’ll take the MVP candidate.

Cardinals 20 Seahawks 31

DAL Cowboys vs PHI Eagles

This game is not hard to pick if you ask me. The Cowboys have more talent and a higher ceiling than the Eagles. The Eagles are also hurt everywhere on their roster. The matter of the fact is, the Eagles are not healthy enough to compete in a playoff environment like this one. The Cowboys are also coming off a win where they realized their full potential as a team. If they can keep that up, they can be dangerous heading into the post-season. No, not Super Bowl contenders, but yes, dangerous.

Cowboys 28 Eagles 17

KC Chiefs vs CHI Bears

What looked like a promising run for the Bears ended in defeat last week as the Bears playoff hopes were crushed in Lambeau Field. The Bears have an opportunity to play spoiler against the Chiefs here and possibly even end their season with a winning record. However, the Chiefs are my current pick to make the Super Bowl. Their defense is tightening up. Patrick Mahomes is getting better and better every game since his injury. This is just a game that the Chiefs do not lose even if it is against a tough defense in a harsh environment.

Chiefs 28 Bears 19

GB Packers vs MIN Vikings

I had this penned as a Vikings win a couple weeks ago and I am keeping that pick this way. The last several weeks, the Vikings have shown to be playoff ready even if they haven’t been winning every time. The Packers, on the other hand, have been winning but merely winning because they are a better team, not necessarily because they look seasoned and ready to go for the post-season. The lack of offensive consistency is quite a concern and if the Packers don’t get some consistency going, it may be a one and out deal this year for rookie head coach Matt Lafleur. The Vikings are a great test for Green Bay, but one I don’t think they will pass. Also, Kirk Cousins bout to light it up. YOU LIKE THAT?!?! Round 2. (For real this time, cause it didn’t happen last time….ugh. I suck at picking Vikings games).

Packers 24 Vikings 27

Week 14 NFL Predix

By Jacob Sanders

Week 14. I can’t believe it. It is Week 14. Where have the past 13 weeks gone by? It feels just like last week when the Browns stomped Baltimore and looked like a team realizing their potential. It seems so recent since Daniel Jones won his first game. And the Cardinals win streak? Yeah, it’s been 5 weeks since. Really doesn’t feel like time has been going by that fast at all but here we are. It’s crunch time. Some games this week ARE playoff games. Teams like the Raiders, Titans, Colts, and Rams can’t lose this week or they are unofficially eliminated. Mathematically, it would still be possible for them, but they would need a ton of help from multiple other teams which makes it far less likely. Yes, December football is here. Get excited.

Sanders went 8-8 last week putting him to 121-69-1 on the season. He also picked Dallas to win Thursday night and is 0-1 to start Week 14.

CAR Panthers vs ATL Falcons

At this point, it’s really hard to say anything positive about the NFC South. The 2nd best team, statistically, just lost to the Redskins. Yes, our fellow Panthers hit rock bottom and it only costed Ron Rivera’s job. With the Panthers up in the air, you’d think you want to pick their opponent but the problem is that the Falcons are having the worst season possible of the Dan Quinn era. This team has realized it’s potential at certain points in the season, but most of it feels fake in a lost season. Considering the matchup here though, why don’t we got with the team that has the starting QB healthy, and the head coach that still has his job. Pretty bad that’s the criteria I’m going with to a pick a Falcons win.

Panthers 19 Falcons 24

IND Colts vs TB Bucs

It’s odd. I think the Colts are a better team, but I get the feeling the Buccaneers lay down a whooping here. After being demoralized in a tough loss against the Titans, the Colts are being asked to travel to the east coast against a streaking Buccaneers team. That’s not ideal at all for a Colts team that has to winout in order to earn just a chance (not a guarantee) to make the playoffs. The Bucs on the other hand, have nothing to lose with no playoffs insight, and their coach to play for. If Jameis Winston wants to earn another year with the Bucs, he’s gotta finish the season hot. It’s possible that happens and would also be quite unfortunate for Bucs fans if it does. Winston isn’t the answer, and the Bucs org shouldn’t be fooled if Winston does go off in a game like this. Sure, Winston outduels Jacoby Brissett in this game. Doesn’t mean he’s the future. Those INTs stats are all we need to look at to know it.

Colts 14 Bucs 20

MIA Dolphins vs NY Jets

I’m keeping this one short. Like, really short. I’m confident the team with the better coach wins. So hey Miami Dolphins, kick the Jets butt. Make them rethink their Adam Gase hire because Sam Darnold needs hope for the future. Brian Flores > Adam Gase. Also, this Miami team plays with fire even in losses. The Jets look lost when they’re losing. Ugh.

Dolphins 28 Jets 17

SF 49ers vs NO Saints

Is it weird that I don’t think this will be the best game of the week? On paper, it looks like it will be, but I really don’t think it will be. It’s quite a test for the 49ers more than it is the Saints. The Saints get to play at home. If it were in San Fran, this game would be much more exciting if you ask me. But the Saints, to me, are just the better team at home simply because this crowd won’t let the 49ers communicate on the field. Also, we’re really gonna find out if no one in the NFL can guard Michael Thomas. If the 49ers can’t do it, no team will this season. Essentially, if you can shutdown Michael Thomas, you might be able to shutdown the Saints offense. Hasn’t happened all year. Probably won’t happen here either.

49ers 20 Saints 31

DET Lions vs MIN Vikings

Tough loss for the Vikings. But one thing’s for certain. They look playoff ready. If they can play those types of games where they allow less big plays or maybe even make one more big play on offense, the story is completely different. A game of inches quite literally is what Minnesota’s future will come down to. On the Lions side of this matchup, well, there’s not a whole lot of positivity to go around. The Lions may make this one tough because there isn’t a lot of tape on the David Blough, and it’s a division game, but the Vikings are clearly the favorite here. It’s the Vikings to lose.

Lions 17 Vikings 29

DEN Broncos vs HOU Texans

It would be quite the story in many ways if the Broncos came into NRG stadium and dropped an upset bomb on the Texans. Drew Lock would look like the future for the Broncos and everyone would wonder just how in the world the Texans beat the Patriots last Sunday night. Watson’s consistency would be called into question. I could go on about how great the storylines would be if the Broncos beat the Texans. But that’s more a dream if you ask me. The Broncos are a tough team to beat. I’ve stood by this memo all season. But, the Texans are a good team with a quarterback who can play, and a coach who’s always put his team into the right position to win. O’Brien’s offensive masterpiece against the Patriots D was nothing short of spectacular and I anticipate he’ll have another great gameplan cooked up to beat Vic Fangio and his defense.

Broncos 17 Texans 24

BAL Ravens vs BUF Bills

No I don’t think this will be the best game this week either but folks should be excited for this one. This is a matchup featuring the two 2018 QBs who were slammed the most for not having the traits to start in the NFL. Both deemed as busts before they were even drafted. Now, they’re the two best QBs drafted in the NFL with no question that they are looking ready to try and own the AFC. Yes, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have shocked the collective football world by playing with their team’s gameplan and enhancing it far more than anyone anticipated. The key to this matchup though, is how you think each team’s defense will fair. Upon first examination, I had the Bills winning this game simply because I have liked Sean McDermott’s gameplans all year and thought he would find a way to get past Baltimore’s defense. Upon further examination, I realized the Bills rushing defense isn’t good. Well, if your rushing defense isn’t good, you aren’t beating Baltimore. It’s been that simple all year. Can’t stop Baltimore’s running game? You can’t stop them from winning then.

Ravens 20 Bills 17

CIN Bengals vs CLE Browns

A divisional matchup that’s been painful for years to watch, this one feels more painful than normal. The Bengals are near lifeless at times, and the Browns have officially become the most overhyped team of this last offseason. Neither team has realized it’s potential, and both teams have players/coaches who just aren’t playing their best ball. Freddie Kitchens is potentially playing for his job, while Andy Dalton is playing for his job. So there’s some storyline intrigue here, but the way the season has gone, this just doesn’t look fun. Skip this one if you can ladies and gents. Not much to see here other than the Browns trying to save themselves from being a laughingstock.

Bengals 17 Browns 20

WAS Redskins vs GB Packers

Well, the Redskins are on a two game winning streak. What a world we live in. That stops this week as they are traveling to Lambeau Field to play the Packers. I’d like to be optimistic and think that Haskins is improving. But, the matter of the fact is, Haskins hasn’t shown much improvement in his game over his first couple starts and the running game led by Guice and Peterson have been carrying the load to back-to-back wins. Are they gonna do it here against Green Bay? Probably not. I anticipate the Packers to continue their angry run after a bad 49ers loss and drop another 30+points on a poor NFC East team.

Redskins 13 Packers 35

LA Chargers vs JAX Jaguars

I just really wish I didn’t have to talk about either of these teams this season. The Chargers are infuriating to watch because you know just how good they can be, but then they find the most creative and best ways to lose. If there was an award for “best team at losing” it goes to the Chargers. Ugh, I could write an entire column on the Chargers so don’t get me started. However, their opponent isn’t faring much better. No matter if Minschew or Foles is playing, the Jaguars are experiencing a problem where they have realized they have far many more roster problems than just the guy under center. The defense is sugar-coated candy shell of what it could be, and the offense lacks firepower. Overall, it’s starting to feel like the same ol’ Jags of the 2010s, and the Jaguars who made the AFC Championship feel like a distant memory fading away.

Chargers 27 Jaguars 17

PIT Steelers vs AZ Cards

It’s happening. I’m released. I’m finally given a Cardinals matchup where I don’t think their gonna win. If anyone has ready my column, you’ll see that I have dipped my hand into the “Cardinals potential” jar too many times this season. At this point, they are what they are. A team with an average offense, an exciting QB, but a dreadful defense. This is the exact type of team Mike Tomlin’s Steelers normally play down to, but that’s not happening this year. This is a different story for Mike Tomlin and Co. This is the type of campaign where the Steelers show everyone they are better off than everyone though. It’s the type of campaign, where you squash lower quality opponents. And it’s the type of campaign, where Mike Tomlin puts himself in the conversation for CoTY. Steelers stomp the Cardinals in the desert.

Steelers 28 Cardinals 16

TEN Titans vs OAK Raiders

I’ve officially jumped off the Raiders bandwagon. Man, you just can’t lose back-to-back games by double digits like that if you consider yourself a playoff contender. While this year’s Raiders are an improvement from last year, the playoff mojo they had is gone. And they have to regain it by facing a Titans team that has been recharged by a rejuvenated Ryan Tannehill. Not gonna happen. If I was a betting man, this is the game I put money on. Mike Vrabel is a fantastic coach, and he’s got this Titans team rolling all around. Their dangerous, and they’re gonna stay dangerous.

Titans 27 Raiders 18

KC Chiefs vs NE Patriots

This game doesn’t necessarily decide the AFC, but it certainly has “playoff bye” written all over it. Both of these teams are looking for the bye, and both of these teams need a win desperately. When looking at how both teams are faring, it’s really hard to sit here and doubt the Patriots. But they feel so off this year. More than usual. Am I gonna sit here and tell you the Patriots dynasty is finally ending? No. I’m no fool. But I certainly will be impressed if/when(?) the Patriots offense does bounceback and the Patriots go on this “You all doubt us” tour like they’ve done in recent years. For now though, the Patriots offense is below average, and their being asked to beat a KC team that’s gotten their offensive mojo back. The recipe for beating New England has been this: If you beat the Patriots defense, you beat the entire team. The Chiefs are just the team to be up to the task for it.

Chiefs 31 Patriots 20

SEA Seahawks vs LA Rams

This game is much more important than people think. If the Rams want to keep any playoff hopes alive, they have to win this game. In fact, they have to win every game this season. It’s that time of the year where contenders set themselves apart from the pretenders. Do the Rams have it in them? It’s possible, but if you watched that Seattle game last week, it’s really hard to justify the Rams winning here. The Seahawks are rolling, coming off a gritty win on MNF, and confidence is sky high. It’s not impossible for the Rams here. But there’s many doubts in believing the Rams will be able to stop Russell Wilson from doing his thing. If the Rams can stop Russell Wilson, then yeah, the Rams will probably win the game. That’s not very likely though…

Seahawks 28 Rams 20

NY Giants vs PHI Eagles

What a Monday night game. What a treat for us. Eli Manning will be playing vs the Eagles on Monday Night football. A real treat for us NFL fans who remember the days of Eli Manning crushing the hopes of the Eagles every year. But, it’s different this year. The Eagles have hope, yes, but you can’t find much of anything to say about the Giants in a lost season. Their head coach is certainly getting fired this year, Daniel Jones hasn’t looked great, and Eli Manning has, well, not been good since 2015. Harsh, but true. If there’s anything left in Eli Manning, and if the football gods want a feel-good ending for Eli Manning, the Giants win here. Not because they should, but because Eli deserves to ride into the sun giving his franchise a primetime win against a divisional opponent, and once again crushing the dreams of Philly’s playoff hopes. Nothing sounds better to me.

Giants 24 Eagles 16

Head Coaching Spotlight: A Look at Tomlin, Kingsbury

By Jacob Sanders

Last year, I did a fun piece that examined the careers of Gruden, Harbaugh, Payton, and McCarthy. Well this year, I would like to do that again but this time, I’ll be examining two coaches that have set a bar for themselves year in displaying just how great a job they have done, despite not having the results they probably wanted this year. These two coaches this time around, are Mike Tomlin and Kliff Kingsbury. Now, you may be wondering to yourself why I would choose to talk about “great coaching” from two teams that haven’t necessarily performed up to either standard each team wanted this season. And you’d be correct in thinking both the Steelers and Cardinals have underperformed in terms of wins and losses. However, when you examine the stats, situations, and overall eye-test of the teams, you’ll see that both teams are far better off than you think.

So, let’s get into it!

The Mike Tomlin Experience

Let me say something that may sound bias, but I promise it isn’t. The “Mike Tomlin” hate that we hear every year is severely overrated and this year Mike Tomlin has put forth his best coaching effort yet. Yes, this coaching year is better than the year he won a Super Bowl against the Cardinals. Yes, this coaching year is better than the year he went to his second Super Bowl where he eventually lost to the Packers. Yes, sitting at 7-5 right now, Mike Tomlin has performed his best work yet. But before I get to why this year is so brilliant, let’s examine what’s happened to lead to a “disappointing” 7-5 start to this Steelers team. Exactly one year ago, the Lev Bell drama was almost evaporating. And then, Antonio Brown decided to start another circus in Pittsburgh. From here, it very much looked like the Steelers were in chaos. Brown could not be controlled and the Bell situation that happened recently made everything look bad. The Steelers were about to lose the best receiver in the League and the best running back in the League all in the same year. The whispers came about that Mike Tomlin couldn’t control his locker room. Nothing coming out of Pittsburgh was good news. Fast forward to the beginning of end of September, 2019 and the Steelers were 0-3 with everyone in the national media seemingly portraying the Steelers as a team doomed to have a top 10 draft pick next year. The Steelers couldn’t handle the talent drain and were destined to go no where with Ben Roethlisberger sidelined for the season. Mike Tomlin was rumored to be fired or traded to the Washington Redskins. But then, an event happened that created a domino effect for the rest of the season. The Steelers pulled the trigger on a trade that even your friendly writer here thought was dumb just like everyone else did. They traded a 1st round draft pick for Minkah Fitzpatrick. And the Steelers have gone 7-2 since. How incredible is that? That one trade just seemed to push the Steelers defense over the top and suddenly gave the Steelers a defensive identity? This is where Mike Tomlin comes into the picture. Mike Tomlin saw that he couldn’t run his defensive scheme without a No. 1 CB. He knew better than everyone else that if he got a playmaking corner, he could run the defense he wanted to run. Before the trade, the Steelers were 0-3 with the defense allowing 28.3 points per game. Since that trade, the Steelers have gone 7-2 with the defense allowing 15.6 points per game. That’s Mike Tomlin right there. That’s the genius of Mike Tomlin. People often forget that Pittsburgh’s defensive dominance wasn’t just Dick Lebeau. They often forget that Mike Tomlin was the mastermind behind one of the three defenses in NFL history (the 2006 Minnesota Vikings) that have never allowed over 1,000 yards rushing in a 16 game season. Mike Tomlin, is and always has been a good coach. Now, there are some blunders that Mike Tomlin has had. Does his team choke when the game is at its highest pressure point? Sometimes. Look no further than playoff games against the Patriots. Are the Steelers guaranteed to play down to their opponent who is 3-6? Yeah, it happens every year. But that’s part of the Mike Tomlin experience. Mike Tomlin’s squads have been dominating almost this entire decade and have been the 2nd best team in the AFC. Now, nobody remembers 2nd best and the Patriots have had a say in that. But Mike Tomlin has always had a great squad and people can no longer question that Mike Tomlin is part of the reason the Steelers have been so great and this season proves why. No Antonio Brown, No Lev Bell, and no Ben Roethlisberger. Yet Mike Tomlin has instilled such a passion into his players to bury the hatchet of a 1-4 start to a season, to be 7-5 right now and controlling their own destiny to be a wildcard. That, right there, is great coaching. That, my fellow footballs fans, is the Mike Tomlin experience. So relax Pittsburgh fans. Yes, you expect greatness from your organization. I get it. But if what you’re watching unfold this season isn’t “great” in your eyes, then you’re missing out on the reality of the situation. Mike Tomlin is putting forth his best coaching year yet and you should be excited for the future that is to come.

Speaking of being excited for the future, hello(!) Cardinals fans….

Cool Guy Kliff

Sitting at 3-8-1, you’d think that Cardinals fans would be miserable like they were during last year’s 3-13 campaign. But, believe it or not, Cardinals fans have been excited this year and it’s because of two important reasons. The number one reason being that Kyler Murray is looking like a franchise QB in his rookie season. Yes, the kid makes mistakes. He takes sacks that he shouldn’t be taking and often isn’t recognizing situational football when he needs to. However, the kid has had an incredible rookie season and follows up his rookie mistakes with veteran throws and electric playmaking. It’s clear that Kyler Murray has a high ceiling and hasn’t even touched it yet. Enter the reason number two which is responsible for Kyler Murray looking as good as he does: Kliff Kingsbury. Kyler’s Murray fate as the No. 1 pick was absolutely sealed the second Kliff Kingsbury said he would take Kyler Murray with the No. 1 pick. Murray is Kingsbury’s ideal quarterback and it’s been clear since Week 1 that this duo would/should be inseparable. I don’t think anyone watched last year’s Cardinals squad, but even though both squads have the same record, this year’s squad is so much more fun to watch. They are competitive and tough. Their offense is a real thing to be scared of. And it all starts with Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury transformed an offense that was ranked dead last in offense last year to currently being ranked 20th. That doesn’t sound great, but you have to remember just how awful that Cardinals offense last year. It was dreadful, unbearable, unwatchable, and pretty much any other negative adjective you can think of. To climb up the offensive ranks by 12 spots with a near identical offensive roster speaks to Kingsbury’s ability to game plan an offense. His willingness to transfer from a 5WR set to putting TEs into his gameplan has shown his maturity as a rookie head coach. His ability to put Kyler Murray into good spots only showcases the strengths that Kliff Kingsbury has a head coach and play caller. Now, it’s not all positive when considering Kliff Kingsbury. For what it’s worth, Kliff Kingsbury has a great offensive mind but has no affinity for the defensive side of the ball. Sure, he had the highest scoring college teams in NCAA history, but he also had the worst defenses in NCAA history. That same thing has carried over to the NFL where Kingsbury has taken a talentless offense and made it look average, but his defense is the worst defense in the NFL ranking 32nd in multiple categories. Kingsbury has also had some games where I genuinely question what in the world he was thinking. A couple 3rd and shorts where he is calling a play for an intermediate throw. Going for it on 4th and intermediate yardage. Failing to run the ball on 10 consecutive plays. Why? Like, why would you do that? Well, chalk it up to rookie mistakes. That’s something you can do in college ball. Not the NFL. As a collective group of football fans, we must remember the Cardinals are being led by a rookie head coach and rookie quarterback. The defensive part of his coaching still concerns me, but as of right now, everyone should be excited about Kliff Kingsbury and the Arizona Cardinals. They have put an offense on the field that nobody else runs and is so fun to watch. If you ask me, people should start paying attention to the Arizona Cardinals. They’re rebuilding right now. And they’re just getting started.