Last week divisional rivals met in the AFC playoffs, while the NFC had rematches from the regular season. For the Championship games, it has flipped as the AFC game is a rematch from week 16 with New York going to Pittsburgh, while over in the NFC, it is the third game of NFC North rivals when the Green Bay visits Chicago. Mike joins me to preview the games and give our predictions on who we think will meet in Super Bowl 45. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 21, 2011 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Showing posts with label NFL Playoffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL Playoffs. Show all posts
Friday, January 21, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Well, #6 is Higher than #1 - The SFB Podcast (1/17/2011).....
We have seen #1 seeds go down in the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs, but not both top seeds in such convincing fashion. Aaron Rodgers had one of the best games ever by a playoff quarterback, while the Jet defense played the perfect game against the high scoring Patriot offense. Meanwhile the Steelers had a great second half in beating their division rival, the Baltimore Ravens. Then in Chicago, the Bears looked like a team off a bye week playing an inferior opponent in rolling the Seahawks. Mike joins me to go over the weekend's action and breakdown the games. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 17, 2011 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 17, 2011 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Friday, January 14, 2011
NFL Divisional Weekend picks.....
I am really looking forward to this Divisional Playoff round, especially the matchups on the AFC side with both games being the third game of the year between the divisional foes. On the NFC side, they are also rematch games that were both three point affairs.
As for my Wildcard weekend picks, I was 3-1 against the spread (lost with the Colts), but only 2-2 overall in picking the winners (0-2 Saturday and 2-0 on Sunday), with me thinking the Seahawks would keep it close, but never expecting them to pull off the victory.
Divisional Round Weekend:
STEELERS (-3) over Ravens
Many consider this the best rivalry in the NFL, myself included, and NFL fans gets to see it for the third time this season and eighth time in the past three seasons. Unlike the last time they played in the 2008 AFC Championship Game where both teams played the prior week, this matchup has the Steelers coming off the bye week and I think that is an advantage for Pittsburgh. I look for at least one or two big plays by Ben Roethlisberger outside the pocket to the speedy wide receivers, Mike Wallace or Emmanuel Sanders, being the difference in this game. The Ravens need Ray Rice to have a big game running the ball and that will be difficult against this Steeler defense.
Steelers 23
Ravens 19
Packers (+3) over FALCONS
Atlanta beat Grren Bay with a last second field goal back in week 12 and we can only hope for a game with as much drama in this matchup. The Falcons are the #1 seed, but are the quiet team in this matchup as all the talk is about how well the Packers are playing,coming off their victory last week in Philadelphia. Atlanta plays solid football and at home they are a great team, but the Packers are a team that matches up well with them, especially when they spread the field in four and five receiver sets. Atlanta will need to control the ball for more than 35 minutes in order to keep the Green Bay offense in control and are capable of doing that, but in the end Aaron Rodgers gets the best of the Falcons and keeps the Packers moving forward.
Packers 24
Falcons 20
BEARS (-10) over Seahawks
There sure seems to be quite a few "Seattle can make some noise" statements and articles this week after they knocked out the New Orleans Saints last week. Well, if the Seahawks were this good as being said this week, shouldn't they have finished with a record better than 7-9 for the season? Seattle got the perfect opponent last week in a Saint team that overlooked them and played their worst defensive game of the season. An overlooked fact is the the Saints made it to the red zone seven times and scored each of those times. Chivago is rested and the overall better team. Unless the Bears play their worst defensive game, i don't see how Seattle pulls off this upset. Yes, Seattle won in Chicago during the regular season, but that was in week 6 and the Bears are much better than that early season team. My fear is the "bad" Jay Cutler shows up, and while that is possible, that Cutler hasn't been around for a couple of months and i don't think he makes an appearance this week.
Bears 31
Seahawks 14
Jets (+9) over PATRIOTS
There is a large part of my thinking that leans towards a blowout for New England in this matchup as the bye week and the third game against the same opponent is the perfect formula for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick to take advantage of, but something just says to me that this game is closer than the large spread. I think the Patriots win this game, but the Jets will and must run the ball to stay with New England and will find enough success doing so to keep this a low scoring matchup. If New York decided to put the ball in Mark Sanchez's hands, then that plays into New England's hands and then we could see a double digit blowout. This Patriot team is different than the 2007 team as it has gotten better over the season, while that 2007 team was not as good coming into the playoffs. They take the Jets best shots at the Patriots, but in the end Tom Brady shows why he his this year's NFL MVP and leads New England to the AFC Championship.
Patriots 27
Jets 19
Wildcard weekend record: 3-1
Win/Loss picks:
Wildcard weekend: Sal (2-2) / Mike (3-1)
--- Ravens at Steelers --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Mike --- Packers at Falcons ---
--- Seahawks at Bears --- Sal / Mike
--- Jets at Patriots --- Sal / Mike
As for my Wildcard weekend picks, I was 3-1 against the spread (lost with the Colts), but only 2-2 overall in picking the winners (0-2 Saturday and 2-0 on Sunday), with me thinking the Seahawks would keep it close, but never expecting them to pull off the victory.
Divisional Round Weekend:
STEELERS (-3) over Ravens
Many consider this the best rivalry in the NFL, myself included, and NFL fans gets to see it for the third time this season and eighth time in the past three seasons. Unlike the last time they played in the 2008 AFC Championship Game where both teams played the prior week, this matchup has the Steelers coming off the bye week and I think that is an advantage for Pittsburgh. I look for at least one or two big plays by Ben Roethlisberger outside the pocket to the speedy wide receivers, Mike Wallace or Emmanuel Sanders, being the difference in this game. The Ravens need Ray Rice to have a big game running the ball and that will be difficult against this Steeler defense.
Steelers 23
Ravens 19
Packers (+3) over FALCONS
Atlanta beat Grren Bay with a last second field goal back in week 12 and we can only hope for a game with as much drama in this matchup. The Falcons are the #1 seed, but are the quiet team in this matchup as all the talk is about how well the Packers are playing,coming off their victory last week in Philadelphia. Atlanta plays solid football and at home they are a great team, but the Packers are a team that matches up well with them, especially when they spread the field in four and five receiver sets. Atlanta will need to control the ball for more than 35 minutes in order to keep the Green Bay offense in control and are capable of doing that, but in the end Aaron Rodgers gets the best of the Falcons and keeps the Packers moving forward.
Packers 24
Falcons 20
BEARS (-10) over Seahawks
There sure seems to be quite a few "Seattle can make some noise" statements and articles this week after they knocked out the New Orleans Saints last week. Well, if the Seahawks were this good as being said this week, shouldn't they have finished with a record better than 7-9 for the season? Seattle got the perfect opponent last week in a Saint team that overlooked them and played their worst defensive game of the season. An overlooked fact is the the Saints made it to the red zone seven times and scored each of those times. Chivago is rested and the overall better team. Unless the Bears play their worst defensive game, i don't see how Seattle pulls off this upset. Yes, Seattle won in Chicago during the regular season, but that was in week 6 and the Bears are much better than that early season team. My fear is the "bad" Jay Cutler shows up, and while that is possible, that Cutler hasn't been around for a couple of months and i don't think he makes an appearance this week.
Bears 31
Seahawks 14
Jets (+9) over PATRIOTS
There is a large part of my thinking that leans towards a blowout for New England in this matchup as the bye week and the third game against the same opponent is the perfect formula for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick to take advantage of, but something just says to me that this game is closer than the large spread. I think the Patriots win this game, but the Jets will and must run the ball to stay with New England and will find enough success doing so to keep this a low scoring matchup. If New York decided to put the ball in Mark Sanchez's hands, then that plays into New England's hands and then we could see a double digit blowout. This Patriot team is different than the 2007 team as it has gotten better over the season, while that 2007 team was not as good coming into the playoffs. They take the Jets best shots at the Patriots, but in the end Tom Brady shows why he his this year's NFL MVP and leads New England to the AFC Championship.
Patriots 27
Jets 19
Wildcard weekend record: 3-1
Win/Loss picks:
Wildcard weekend: Sal (2-2) / Mike (3-1)
--- Ravens at Steelers --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Mike --- Packers at Falcons ---
--- Seahawks at Bears --- Sal / Mike
--- Jets at Patriots --- Sal / Mike
Friday, January 7, 2011
NFL Wildcard Weekend picks.....
Mike beat me by two games in picking the winners straight up for the 2010 season. On my picks against the spread, I was on the winning side of the ledger and that is all I can ask for after 256 games. Now it is onto the playoffs and hopefully I can stay on the positive side of the tote board. Enjoy.
Week 17 picks: 7-8-1
2010 season: 134-108-14
Win/Lose picks:
Week 17 results: Mike (11-5) / Sal (11-5) / Guest (10-6)
2010 season: Mike (163-93) / Sal (161-95) / Guest (145-111)
Wildcard Weekend:
SEAHAWKS (+11) over Saints
The Saints start their Super Bowl defense against a Seattle team that many believe don't belong in the playoffs. Well, the Seahawks are here and they will not be the pushover many think on Saturday afternoon. The key to Seattle will be feeding off the excitement of a home playoff game and not allow New Orleans to jump to an two score early lead. The lack of a running game (both Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory are out), a short week with long travel and the Seattle crowd will add up to a game closer than many think, but in the end Drew Brees and the Saint offense will find enough holes in the Seahawk defense to get the victory and move forward in defending their crown.
Saints 26
Seahawks 17
COLTS (-3) over Jets
A rematch of last year's AFC Championship game and both teams are different from twelves months ago. While the Colt offense is less explosive without Dallas Clark and Austin Collie, the Jet defense is not as dominant as last year and gives up more passing yard and points than in 2009. At the end of the day it is just hard to go against Peyton Manning, especially at home. I would feel more comfortable if Clark or Collie was available, but Joseph Addai is there and that will help Manning keep the offense balanced. New York needs to run the ball and the Indianapolis defense has been better against the run the last quarter of the season and will need a big game from Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson to help keep Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis away from Mark Sanchez.
Colts 27
Jets 20
Ravens (-3) over CHIEFS
The veteran Baltimore team against the young Kansas City squad. While I think the Ravens have the best shot of the AFC teams this weekend to make the Super Bowl, this is a match-up that is the worst one that could have happened for the Ravens. The Chiefs have more speed than the Ravens and that is the one area where Baltimore is vulnerable. While I fully expect the Ravens to pound the Chiefs with Ray Rice and Joe Flacco using play action, it would not surprise me to see this a game where the Kansas City speed bothers Baltimore enough to keep it close. Plus add in the Arrowhead crowd, where the Chiefs only lost once this season, and Kansas City has the goods to be able to pull the upset. In the end though, one of those veterans on the Raven defense steps up and helps put away Kansas City.
Ravens 23
Chiefs 19
Packers (+3) over EAGLES
Green Bay was my preseason Super Bowl pick and I will not be changing now that the playoffs have started. Andy Reid is a great coach when he has time to prepare his team and by taking last week off against Dallas, manufactured a bye week and much needed rest for Michael Vick. The Packers will attack Vick with defensive back blitzes (most likely Charles Woodson) from one side and Clay Matthews from the other, so it will be up to Vick to stay in the pocket and find DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin with Packers flying at him. The Green Bay defense has enough speed to keep up with the Eagle speed and could upset Vick enough to where he tries to force the issues. On the other side, while the Packers will try to run the ball, Aaron Rodgers will be the key to getting the victory and his ability to beat the Philadelphia biltzes. Rodgers, with his receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver will expose the Eagle secondary and get Rodgershis first playoff win.
Packers 30
Eagles 17
Win/Lose picks:
Sal / Mike --- Seahawks at Saints ---
Mike --- Jets at Colts --- Sal
Sal / Mike --- Ravens at Chiefs ---
Sal / Mike --- Packers at Eagles ---
Week 17 picks: 7-8-1
2010 season: 134-108-14
Win/Lose picks:
Week 17 results: Mike (11-5) / Sal (11-5) / Guest (10-6)
2010 season: Mike (163-93) / Sal (161-95) / Guest (145-111)
Wildcard Weekend:
SEAHAWKS (+11) over Saints
The Saints start their Super Bowl defense against a Seattle team that many believe don't belong in the playoffs. Well, the Seahawks are here and they will not be the pushover many think on Saturday afternoon. The key to Seattle will be feeding off the excitement of a home playoff game and not allow New Orleans to jump to an two score early lead. The lack of a running game (both Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory are out), a short week with long travel and the Seattle crowd will add up to a game closer than many think, but in the end Drew Brees and the Saint offense will find enough holes in the Seahawk defense to get the victory and move forward in defending their crown.
Saints 26
Seahawks 17
COLTS (-3) over Jets
A rematch of last year's AFC Championship game and both teams are different from twelves months ago. While the Colt offense is less explosive without Dallas Clark and Austin Collie, the Jet defense is not as dominant as last year and gives up more passing yard and points than in 2009. At the end of the day it is just hard to go against Peyton Manning, especially at home. I would feel more comfortable if Clark or Collie was available, but Joseph Addai is there and that will help Manning keep the offense balanced. New York needs to run the ball and the Indianapolis defense has been better against the run the last quarter of the season and will need a big game from Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson to help keep Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis away from Mark Sanchez.
Colts 27
Jets 20
Ravens (-3) over CHIEFS
The veteran Baltimore team against the young Kansas City squad. While I think the Ravens have the best shot of the AFC teams this weekend to make the Super Bowl, this is a match-up that is the worst one that could have happened for the Ravens. The Chiefs have more speed than the Ravens and that is the one area where Baltimore is vulnerable. While I fully expect the Ravens to pound the Chiefs with Ray Rice and Joe Flacco using play action, it would not surprise me to see this a game where the Kansas City speed bothers Baltimore enough to keep it close. Plus add in the Arrowhead crowd, where the Chiefs only lost once this season, and Kansas City has the goods to be able to pull the upset. In the end though, one of those veterans on the Raven defense steps up and helps put away Kansas City.
Ravens 23
Chiefs 19
Packers (+3) over EAGLES
Green Bay was my preseason Super Bowl pick and I will not be changing now that the playoffs have started. Andy Reid is a great coach when he has time to prepare his team and by taking last week off against Dallas, manufactured a bye week and much needed rest for Michael Vick. The Packers will attack Vick with defensive back blitzes (most likely Charles Woodson) from one side and Clay Matthews from the other, so it will be up to Vick to stay in the pocket and find DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin with Packers flying at him. The Green Bay defense has enough speed to keep up with the Eagle speed and could upset Vick enough to where he tries to force the issues. On the other side, while the Packers will try to run the ball, Aaron Rodgers will be the key to getting the victory and his ability to beat the Philadelphia biltzes. Rodgers, with his receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver will expose the Eagle secondary and get Rodgershis first playoff win.
Packers 30
Eagles 17
Win/Lose picks:
Sal / Mike --- Seahawks at Saints ---
Mike --- Jets at Colts --- Sal
Sal / Mike --- Ravens at Chiefs ---
Sal / Mike --- Packers at Eagles ---
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
NFL Week 17 & Holiday Sports - The SFB Podcast (1/4/2011).....
The NFL season ended on Sunday and we are onto the playoffs. NFL Week 17 wasn't the greatest football Sunday we have seen, but there was still good football. I'll review the games of importance from Sunday and set-up the Wildcard weekend. Also, there was a NHL Winter Classic and college bowl games over the holiday week that we'll look back on. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 4, 2011 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 4, 2011 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Friday, December 31, 2010
NFL 2010 - Week 17 picks.....
The final week of the NFL season has arrived and we still have division titles up for grabs, three NFC teams fighting for the final Wildcard spot and much of the playoff seeding still in play. There are a few games with absolutely no meaning this week, but overall a good final Sunday of games on the slate.
As for the picks, I was 11-5 both against the spread and straight up win/loss. Picked up two games on Mike and come into the last week two games behind for bragging rights.
Below are the point spread games and following them are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and my wife, Morgan.
NFL Week 17 picks (Home Team in CAPS)
FALCONS (-14 1/2) over Panthers
BROWNS (+6) over Steelers
LIONS (-3 1/2) over Vikings
CHIEFS (-4) over Raiders
Dolphins (+2 1/2) over Patriots
Buccaneers (+8) over SAINTS
JETS (no line) over Bills
Bengals (+9 1/2) over RAVENS
Chargers (-3 1/2) over BRONCOS
PACKERS (-10) over Bears
COLTS (-8 1/2) over Titans
EAGLES (no line) over Cowboys
Cardinals (+6 1/2) over 49ERS
Giants (-3) over REDSKINS
TEXANS (-2 1/2) over Jaguars
Rams (-3) over SEAHAWKS
Week 16 picks: 11-5
2010 season: 127-100-13
Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 17: my wife, Morgan
Week 16 results: Mike (9-7) / Sal (11-5) / Guest (8-8)
2010 season: Mike (152-88) / Sal (150-90) / Guest (135-105)
Week 17 picks:
--- Panthers at Falcons --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Steelers at Browns ---
Mike --- Vikings at Lions --- Sal / Morgan
Morgan --- Raiders at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike
Sal --- Dolphins at Patriots --- Mike / Morgan
--- Buccaneers at Saints --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Morgan --- Bills at Jets ---Sal / Mike
--- Bengals at Ravens --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Chargers at Broncos ---
--- Bears at Packers --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Morgan --- Titans at Colts --- Sal / Mike
--- Cowboys at Eagles ---Sal / Mike / Morgan
--- Cardinals at 49ers --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Giants at Redskins ---
Morgan --- Jaguars at Texans --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Rams at Seahawks ---
As for the picks, I was 11-5 both against the spread and straight up win/loss. Picked up two games on Mike and come into the last week two games behind for bragging rights.
Below are the point spread games and following them are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and my wife, Morgan.
NFL Week 17 picks (Home Team in CAPS)
FALCONS (-14 1/2) over Panthers
BROWNS (+6) over Steelers
LIONS (-3 1/2) over Vikings
CHIEFS (-4) over Raiders
Dolphins (+2 1/2) over Patriots
Buccaneers (+8) over SAINTS
JETS (no line) over Bills
Bengals (+9 1/2) over RAVENS
Chargers (-3 1/2) over BRONCOS
PACKERS (-10) over Bears
COLTS (-8 1/2) over Titans
EAGLES (no line) over Cowboys
Cardinals (+6 1/2) over 49ERS
Giants (-3) over REDSKINS
TEXANS (-2 1/2) over Jaguars
Rams (-3) over SEAHAWKS
Week 16 picks: 11-5
2010 season: 127-100-13
Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 17: my wife, Morgan
Week 16 results: Mike (9-7) / Sal (11-5) / Guest (8-8)
2010 season: Mike (152-88) / Sal (150-90) / Guest (135-105)
Week 17 picks:
--- Panthers at Falcons --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Steelers at Browns ---
Mike --- Vikings at Lions --- Sal / Morgan
Morgan --- Raiders at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike
Sal --- Dolphins at Patriots --- Mike / Morgan
--- Buccaneers at Saints --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Morgan --- Bills at Jets ---Sal / Mike
--- Bengals at Ravens --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Chargers at Broncos ---
--- Bears at Packers --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Morgan --- Titans at Colts --- Sal / Mike
--- Cowboys at Eagles ---Sal / Mike / Morgan
--- Cardinals at 49ers --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Giants at Redskins ---
Morgan --- Jaguars at Texans --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Rams at Seahawks ---
Monday, January 25, 2010
The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (1/25/2010).....
All that's left standing after three weeks of NFL Playoffs are two teams, the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. The Colts defeated the New York Jets 30-17 to take the AFC crown, while the Saints worked overtime in taking care of the Minnesota Vikings 31-28, to claim the NFC crown. Mike joins me on the podcast to review what happened on Championship Sunday, and thinks I set my daughter's bedtime too early. Enjoy.
*** I was incorrect when stating The Beatles did not win any musical Grammys prior to their breakup in January 1969. In fact they won five musical Grammys along with the many techincal ones I thought they had only won before they separated. This is why I talk sports and not music. ***
Mike on Twitter.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 25, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
*** I was incorrect when stating The Beatles did not win any musical Grammys prior to their breakup in January 1969. In fact they won five musical Grammys along with the many techincal ones I thought they had only won before they separated. This is why I talk sports and not music. ***
Mike on Twitter.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 25, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Championship Game Picks & The SportsFan Buzz (1/21/2010).....
The AFC and NFC Championships are on the line this weekend. Mike and I preview the two games and breakdown what we think the teams need to do to win. Do we think the #1 seeds will survive? Also, we poke a little fun at the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets. Enjoy.
Mike on Twitter.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 21, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
(home team in CAPS)
Jets (+7 1/2) over COLTS
SAINTS (-3 1/2) over Vikings
Divisional Round (0-4) Yes, 0 wins!
2009 Playoff record (2-6)
2009 regular season (85-79-2)
Mike on Twitter.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 21, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
(home team in CAPS)
Jets (+7 1/2) over COLTS
SAINTS (-3 1/2) over Vikings
Divisional Round (0-4) Yes, 0 wins!
2009 Playoff record (2-6)
2009 regular season (85-79-2)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Coachable Moments.....
I don’t profess to be able to walk in and be the head coach on a NFL team, but after watching football for this long, I have enough knowledge to be an educated critic of some coaching decisions. Many times those questions are answered or echoed by the analyst doing the game or later during a review show recapping the game so I feel pretty good about my “mind coaching”. I have my peeves about how certain things are handled during a game, but nothing gets under my skin and causes me to pull my hair like the lack of adjustments some coaches ignore during a game. Poor play calling and schemes also bother me, but when adjustments are not made or at least tried, yelling at the TV is a common occurrence. The playoffs are only 2 weeks and eight games old and I have seen my fill of questionable coaching moves, or lack there of, and I feel one set on non-adjustments cost a team their chance to win the game.
My first question for Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles is how after being shut out in Week 17 can you make it seem like no adjustments were made in facing the Dallas defense in the Wildcard round? While the Eagles had made their living off the big play in 2009, in the two games against Dallas the big plays were not there and Philadelphia had a total of sixteen points against their defense. When the Wildcard game was being played out, there seemed to be no changes in philosophy made, and while I understand the Eagle offensive line was banged up which is even more of a reason to changes things up, and the Cowboy defense again shut down the Eagles. Now sometimes match-ups just are the way they are and one team is just better then the other and that might have been the case here, but to at least not try different things with the talent you have seemed like a wasted opportunity and poor way for Philly to end its season.
The same Saturday, but this time in the earlier game, Bengals’ coach Marvin Lewis was the one getting my notes about “why play it like that?” While facing the tough Jet defense and with his Carson Palmer looking nervous and out of sorts early in the game, Lewis and the Bengals were at least able to execute a descent running game in the early going. Then on a 3rd and 2 while deep in their territory, Lewis pulled his star running back, Cedric Benson and went shotgun formation. Now the Jet defense, which was getting run on by Benson, was able to worry about the wide receivers and less about a run picking up the first down, and just like clockwork, Palmer tried to connect with Laveranues Coles, but he was well covered and the pass was broken up.
Even if Lewis didn’t want to run the ball in that situation, and I don’t know why because they were having success running against the Jets’ defense, keeping Benson in the backfield would give the Jets the thought about a run, which would make the linebackers and defensive backs lean forward just a little to cheat against a Benson run, and make separation for the receiver on a short route just a little easier. Instead Lewis went with his “package” for that formation / situation and that meant Benson was off the field. Lewis is not the only coach that does this, but in that situation, at home and in a playoff game, I want my best players out there for my opponent to think about, even if they are only a decoy on that particular play.
Now this week in the Divisional games there was more head scratchers from the coaching sidelines with, in my opinion, one coach’s decisions costing his team a chance to win their game, while another called a successful play, but it may not have been the smartest idea.
It started Saturday night in Indianapolis where the Baltimore Ravens were tangling with the Colts. As the first half was ending the Colts put together a nice drive, including converting a 4th and 4, to take a 10-3 lead. Besides taking the lead, the score brought the home crowd back into the game. With two minutes to go and getting the ball back to start the second half, depending on where the kickoff return started the drive I expected the Ravens to run the ball and if they get some descent yardage, then get into the two minute offense to try and score before heading to halftime. If nothing else, running would force the Colts to use up their timeouts before possibly getting the ball back in Peyton Manning’s hands, plus it would give your defense more of a chance to catch its breath.
Instead, Baltimore started on their 18 yard line and ran Ray Rice on the first play for four yards and forced Indy to use their first timeout. To me four yards was not enough to start the two minute offense, but for John Harbaugh he thought differently and the Ravens’ offense went into shotgun formation and took a shot down the field to Derrick Mason which fell incomplete. Then after taking that shot and missing, you would think another run would be in order to run clock, but again Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco was in shotgun formation and again the pass attempt fell incomplete.
After the punt and return, that left 86 seconds and two timeouts to Manning and the Colts to try and score before the end of the half. Eight plays later and with only three seconds left on the clock, Manning and the Colts scored that “dagger” touchdown to jump ahead 17-3, and in all essence it was “game over”, as the Baltimore offense is not built to make a two touchdown comeback.
Why give a quarterback like Manning that much time and two of his timeouts with the chance to put the game away? Nobody seemed to question Harbaugh’s decision to pass the ball in that situation, but I think it is a valid question and should have been addressed more by the television announcers and the media.
Then in Sunday’s first game it was the Dallas Cowboy offense, specifically Jason Garrett’s play calling, that had me shaking my head. The Cowboys were able to run the ball against the Viking defense, but on the first two 3rd and short situations Dallas ran an end around to Miles Austin and passed out of shotgun formation. Now while those plays worked, I could not understand why the Cowboys were not using their strength of running the ball to wear down the Viking defense. On the second drive with Dallas again moving the ball, the drive was stalled and Dallas was faced with a 4th and one. Instead of pounding the ball with Marion Barber or Felix Jones, Wade Phillips sent out Steve Suisham to attempt a 48 yard field goal. The kick was missed and four plays later Brett Favre connected with Sidney Rice for a 49 yard touchdown pass and Minnesota grabbed the game’s momentum.
The other curious part of that game was how Dallas handled their draw play. That play has been the Cowboys’ bread and butter running play for a better part of the season, but Minnesota was stopping it most of the time. How that was happening was that the plays were being run away from defensive end Jared Allen, and he was able to slow down the play by using his speed from the backside. Why those runs were not going to the area Allen was vacating to take advantage of his backside pursuit, while it probably would not have changed the outcome, is confusing to me.
Oh, and let’s not forget the Vikings’ last touchdown pass. While I am all for the “we are professionals” mantra and that Dallas should have stopped them from scoring, I will question why Brett Favre and the #1 offense were still in the game at that time. One Favre or Rice twisted knee and the Viking chances to making the Super Bowl go right out the window. A 27-3 lead with two minutes to play is equivalent to being 13-2 and having your playoff spot wrapped up going into the final game of the season. If you wouldn’t play your starters in that regular season game, then there was no reason for them to be finishing this playoff game.
Finally, in the San Diego I feel the lack of adjustments by Norv Turner and the Charger offense against the Jets’ blitzing defense is what eventually cost them the game. This was a game of adjustments and was started by Jet head coach, Rex Ryan, who changed his coverage schemes to negate the early success the Chargers were having by motioning either Antonio Gates or the running back (either Sproles or Tomlinson) wide to get Vincent Jackson away from Darrelle Revis.
Then as the Jets blitzes were starting to get pressure on Philip Rivers, the Chargers remained stagnant and continued to try and force their offense against the New York defense. San Diego’s offense is known for it long pass routes which are slower to develop, but the Jet blitzes when penetrating the blocking protection don’t allow for slow developing to happen, and the New York blitzes were making an impact on Rivers. The two River’s interceptions were directly related to him being rushed to throw and in the case of the first one, while moving backwards so he got no power into his throw. Why the Charger receivers were not running more slant routes, especially effective with the big receivers the Chargers employ, and drag routes to allow quicker passes to slow down the Jet blitzes is a question that was never addressed by the media and certainly not Norv Turner.
Add in the onside kick attempt and the wasting of seven seconds by not calling their timeout before the 2 minute warning, and overall I don’t feel it was not a good day for Norv Turner and his coaching staff.
Guess though the San Diego management thinks differently as Turner was given a three year extension, while I’m still calling plays from my couch.
My first question for Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles is how after being shut out in Week 17 can you make it seem like no adjustments were made in facing the Dallas defense in the Wildcard round? While the Eagles had made their living off the big play in 2009, in the two games against Dallas the big plays were not there and Philadelphia had a total of sixteen points against their defense. When the Wildcard game was being played out, there seemed to be no changes in philosophy made, and while I understand the Eagle offensive line was banged up which is even more of a reason to changes things up, and the Cowboy defense again shut down the Eagles. Now sometimes match-ups just are the way they are and one team is just better then the other and that might have been the case here, but to at least not try different things with the talent you have seemed like a wasted opportunity and poor way for Philly to end its season.
The same Saturday, but this time in the earlier game, Bengals’ coach Marvin Lewis was the one getting my notes about “why play it like that?” While facing the tough Jet defense and with his Carson Palmer looking nervous and out of sorts early in the game, Lewis and the Bengals were at least able to execute a descent running game in the early going. Then on a 3rd and 2 while deep in their territory, Lewis pulled his star running back, Cedric Benson and went shotgun formation. Now the Jet defense, which was getting run on by Benson, was able to worry about the wide receivers and less about a run picking up the first down, and just like clockwork, Palmer tried to connect with Laveranues Coles, but he was well covered and the pass was broken up.
Even if Lewis didn’t want to run the ball in that situation, and I don’t know why because they were having success running against the Jets’ defense, keeping Benson in the backfield would give the Jets the thought about a run, which would make the linebackers and defensive backs lean forward just a little to cheat against a Benson run, and make separation for the receiver on a short route just a little easier. Instead Lewis went with his “package” for that formation / situation and that meant Benson was off the field. Lewis is not the only coach that does this, but in that situation, at home and in a playoff game, I want my best players out there for my opponent to think about, even if they are only a decoy on that particular play.
Now this week in the Divisional games there was more head scratchers from the coaching sidelines with, in my opinion, one coach’s decisions costing his team a chance to win their game, while another called a successful play, but it may not have been the smartest idea.
It started Saturday night in Indianapolis where the Baltimore Ravens were tangling with the Colts. As the first half was ending the Colts put together a nice drive, including converting a 4th and 4, to take a 10-3 lead. Besides taking the lead, the score brought the home crowd back into the game. With two minutes to go and getting the ball back to start the second half, depending on where the kickoff return started the drive I expected the Ravens to run the ball and if they get some descent yardage, then get into the two minute offense to try and score before heading to halftime. If nothing else, running would force the Colts to use up their timeouts before possibly getting the ball back in Peyton Manning’s hands, plus it would give your defense more of a chance to catch its breath.
Instead, Baltimore started on their 18 yard line and ran Ray Rice on the first play for four yards and forced Indy to use their first timeout. To me four yards was not enough to start the two minute offense, but for John Harbaugh he thought differently and the Ravens’ offense went into shotgun formation and took a shot down the field to Derrick Mason which fell incomplete. Then after taking that shot and missing, you would think another run would be in order to run clock, but again Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco was in shotgun formation and again the pass attempt fell incomplete.
After the punt and return, that left 86 seconds and two timeouts to Manning and the Colts to try and score before the end of the half. Eight plays later and with only three seconds left on the clock, Manning and the Colts scored that “dagger” touchdown to jump ahead 17-3, and in all essence it was “game over”, as the Baltimore offense is not built to make a two touchdown comeback.
Why give a quarterback like Manning that much time and two of his timeouts with the chance to put the game away? Nobody seemed to question Harbaugh’s decision to pass the ball in that situation, but I think it is a valid question and should have been addressed more by the television announcers and the media.
Then in Sunday’s first game it was the Dallas Cowboy offense, specifically Jason Garrett’s play calling, that had me shaking my head. The Cowboys were able to run the ball against the Viking defense, but on the first two 3rd and short situations Dallas ran an end around to Miles Austin and passed out of shotgun formation. Now while those plays worked, I could not understand why the Cowboys were not using their strength of running the ball to wear down the Viking defense. On the second drive with Dallas again moving the ball, the drive was stalled and Dallas was faced with a 4th and one. Instead of pounding the ball with Marion Barber or Felix Jones, Wade Phillips sent out Steve Suisham to attempt a 48 yard field goal. The kick was missed and four plays later Brett Favre connected with Sidney Rice for a 49 yard touchdown pass and Minnesota grabbed the game’s momentum.
The other curious part of that game was how Dallas handled their draw play. That play has been the Cowboys’ bread and butter running play for a better part of the season, but Minnesota was stopping it most of the time. How that was happening was that the plays were being run away from defensive end Jared Allen, and he was able to slow down the play by using his speed from the backside. Why those runs were not going to the area Allen was vacating to take advantage of his backside pursuit, while it probably would not have changed the outcome, is confusing to me.
Oh, and let’s not forget the Vikings’ last touchdown pass. While I am all for the “we are professionals” mantra and that Dallas should have stopped them from scoring, I will question why Brett Favre and the #1 offense were still in the game at that time. One Favre or Rice twisted knee and the Viking chances to making the Super Bowl go right out the window. A 27-3 lead with two minutes to play is equivalent to being 13-2 and having your playoff spot wrapped up going into the final game of the season. If you wouldn’t play your starters in that regular season game, then there was no reason for them to be finishing this playoff game.
Finally, in the San Diego I feel the lack of adjustments by Norv Turner and the Charger offense against the Jets’ blitzing defense is what eventually cost them the game. This was a game of adjustments and was started by Jet head coach, Rex Ryan, who changed his coverage schemes to negate the early success the Chargers were having by motioning either Antonio Gates or the running back (either Sproles or Tomlinson) wide to get Vincent Jackson away from Darrelle Revis.
Then as the Jets blitzes were starting to get pressure on Philip Rivers, the Chargers remained stagnant and continued to try and force their offense against the New York defense. San Diego’s offense is known for it long pass routes which are slower to develop, but the Jet blitzes when penetrating the blocking protection don’t allow for slow developing to happen, and the New York blitzes were making an impact on Rivers. The two River’s interceptions were directly related to him being rushed to throw and in the case of the first one, while moving backwards so he got no power into his throw. Why the Charger receivers were not running more slant routes, especially effective with the big receivers the Chargers employ, and drag routes to allow quicker passes to slow down the Jet blitzes is a question that was never addressed by the media and certainly not Norv Turner.
Add in the onside kick attempt and the wasting of seven seconds by not calling their timeout before the 2 minute warning, and overall I don’t feel it was not a good day for Norv Turner and his coaching staff.
Guess though the San Diego management thinks differently as Turner was given a three year extension, while I’m still calling plays from my couch.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Divisional Round Review - The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (1/17/2010).....
Mike and I review the four NFL Divisional Playoff games and discuss the New York Jets upset victory over the San Diego Chargers. And yes, I was 0-4 on my picks. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 17, 2010
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is also on Facebook.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
The SportsFan Buzz: January 17, 2010
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is also on Facebook.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Divisional Round Picks & The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (1/16/2010).....
NFL Divisional Playoff round is here and we have four teams rested and waiting for their opponents. Flying solo on this podcast, I give you Mike's picks for the games, and the reasoning behind my choices for this week. Plus I cover a few news stories from this week in the NFL. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 16, 2010
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is also on Facebook.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
(home team in CAPS)
Cardinals (+7) over SAINTS
Ravens (+6 1/2) over COLTS
Cowboys (+3) over VIKINGS
CHARGERS (-7) over Jets
Wildcard Weekend (2-2)
2009 Playoff record (2-2)
2009 regular season (85-79-2)
The SportsFan Buzz: January 16, 2010
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is also on Facebook.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas
(home team in CAPS)
Cardinals (+7) over SAINTS
Ravens (+6 1/2) over COLTS
Cowboys (+3) over VIKINGS
CHARGERS (-7) over Jets
Wildcard Weekend (2-2)
2009 Playoff record (2-2)
2009 regular season (85-79-2)
Friday, January 15, 2010
EA Sports - The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (1/15/2010).....
Something a little different today on the podcast as I welcome Will Kinsler and Justin Dewiel, who are community managers for EA Sports onto the podcast. Will, Justin and I discuss their jobs at EA Sports, how EA interacts with the community of gamers and lots of Madden Football. Will and Justin also talk about the sport teams they follow and give us their predictions for this week's NFL Divisional Playoff games. Enjoy.
Will on Twitter
Justin on Twitter
EA Sports Website
The SportsFan Buzz: January 15, 2010
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is also on Facebook.
Voiceover talent provided by Morgan Thomas
Will on Twitter
Justin on Twitter
EA Sports Website
The SportsFan Buzz: January 15, 2010
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is also on Facebook.
Voiceover talent provided by Morgan Thomas
Monday, January 11, 2010
The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (1/11/2010).....
Just as Mike and I are about to record this podcast we learn that Mark McGwire admitted to using steriods. But then we get the real big news when Mike's wife calls to tell us Simon Cowell would be leaving American Idol after this season. Fighting back the tears, we move forward and review the games from the NFL's Wildcard weekend, including one of the greatest playoff games ever when the Arizona Cardinals beat the Green Bay Packers in overtime. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 11, 2010
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 11, 2010
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Wildcard Picks & The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (1/9/2010).....
Eric Mangini keeps his job in Cleveland, Mike Shanahan is taking over the Redskins and it looks like Pete Carroll will leave USC to coach the Seahawks. It's been a wild NFL week and we haven't even gotten to the actual Wildcard games. Mike joins me this time for a preview of the Wildcard Playoff games and we discuss the above mentioned NFL coaching jobs. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: January 9, 2010
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
BENGALS (-3) over Jets
COWBOYS (-4) over Eagles
Ravens (+3 1/2) over PATRIOTS
Packers (+1 1/2) over CARDINALS
Week 17 record (10-6)
2009 regular season (85-79-2)
The SportsFan Buzz: January 9, 2010
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
BENGALS (-3) over Jets
COWBOYS (-4) over Eagles
Ravens (+3 1/2) over PATRIOTS
Packers (+1 1/2) over CARDINALS
Week 17 record (10-6)
2009 regular season (85-79-2)
Monday, January 4, 2010
The SportsFanBuzz Podcast (1/4/2010).....
Mike Tricarico is back with me this week as we review the final week of the 2009 NFL season, discuss how some teams played while others didn't seem to show up, and take a look at the games coming up on Wildcard Weekend. Enjoy.
***Note*** Giants' defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan was fired while Mike and I recorded the podcast.
Mike on Twitter
The SportsFan Buzz: January 4, 2010
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
***Note*** Giants' defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan was fired while Mike and I recorded the podcast.
Mike on Twitter
The SportsFan Buzz: January 4, 2010
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
Friday, January 1, 2010
NFL Week 17 picks.....
Week 17 picks (Home team in CAPS)
Last week of the NFL regular season and the games can be just as difficult to pick as in week 1 because we just don't know which players will be playing, and which will be sitting it out. Four games involve teams with no playoff involvement, while three others have playoff teams for which the games will not change their seeding, while the other nine involve one or two teams that could still make the playoffs or at least change their playoff seeding. Not a bad slate for the final week of games.
Bears (-3) over LIONS
Chicago played well last Monday against Minnesota, and even though the Vikings came back on them, they showed something to hang on and win it in overtime. The Bears finish the season on a high note, and Detroit looks forward to 2010 and hopes the young roster get better.
Falcons (-2 1/2) over BUCS
Tampa Bay is on a two game winning streak, but the Falcons are looking for the franchise's first back to back winning seasons. Atlanta accomplishes the winning season streak and point towards a playoff return in 2010.
49ers (-7) over RAMS
The 49ers thought they would be looking at playing games in the post season this year, but it has not worked out like they anticipated. St. Louis is looking to wrap up the worst season this franchise has ever experienced.
Titans (-4 1/2) over SEAHAWKS
This game has two non-playoff teams, but it does have a history element involved as Chris Johnson runs towards 2,000 yards and an outside chance at Eric Dickerson's single season rushing record of 2,105 yards. The Titans self destructed on Christmas against San Diego and wiped out their playoff hopes at the same time, but with an 8-8 season in front of them after the 0-6 start and Johnson's pursuit of 2,000 yards, Tennessee puts it together and finishes the season on a high note.
BILLS (NL) over Colts
The Colts decided to give up their chance at perfection last Sunday against the Jets and will probably rest their players even more this week in a game with nothing at stake. With Indy disinterested, the Bills sneak out a victory to end a disappointing season on a good note.
PANTHERS (NL) over Saints
Saints locked up the #1 seed when the Vikings lost Monday night, so don't expect many starters to play much. The Panthers' management has stated that Coach John Fox will return in 2010 and the team has played well the last part of the season. Losing Steve Smith to the broken arm concerns me, but Carolina rides their momentum to another victory.
CHARGERS (-4) over Redskins
San Diego is playing the best football in the AFC and possibly the whole NFL. I still don't like their running defense, or their rushing offense, but the Redskins come cross country just looking to finish off a dismal season.
BROWNS (-1 1/2) over Jaguars
First game with playoff implications, but Jacksonville needs a ton of help along with their own win over the Browns. Cleveland is on a three game winning streak, may have found a running back in Jerome Harrison, and is trying to impress their new head honcho, Mike Holmgren. They win and knock Jacksonville from the playoff picture.
Giants (+9) over VIKINGS
Minnesota needs to win and have Philadelphia lose to Dallas to regain the #2 seed they relinquished in Monday Night's loss to Chicago. The Vikings have some problems and can use the week off. The Giants had a terrible effort against Carolina with their playoffs on the line and will come into this game without Brandon Jacobs, but I think they will put up a fight, and keep this close.
Chiefs (+13) over BRONCOS
Who would have thought after starting 6-0 that Denver needs help, win or lose, to gain a playoff spot? Denver came close last week against the Eagles, but in the end lost on a last minute field goal. The Broncos are the only team that can make the playoffs even with a loss on Sunday, but they will get the victory over Kansas City in a game that the Chiefs will keep close.
Ravens (-10 1/2) over RAIDERS
The Ravens win and they are in the AFC playoffs, and they will not let the opportunity slip away. While Oakland has played other playoff caliber teams tough, Baltimore will not allow the Raiders the chance to get the upset as they go on the road and bring home a playoff birth.
Patriots (+8) over TEXANS
Houston needs the victory and help to get into the playoffs, while New England can secure the 3rd seed with a win. Texans also secure their first winning season if they beat the Patriots. Even though New England knows they are playing next week, they play this game hard and at least keep it close, if not beat the Texans outright to spoil their playoffs and winning season hopes.
Steelers (NL) over DOLPHINS
The defending champions have life, but the pulse is weak as they must win and get victories by rivals to gain a playoff spot. Miami has lost two in a row and while they could still make the playoffs, the amount of help they need would fill another page. The Dolphins may be without Ricky Williams, so the task could be even more difficult, and that is not good when facing a tough Steelers team.
Packers (+3 1/2) over CARDINALS
Both teams are in the playoffs and could possibly face each other in Arizona again for the first round of the playoffs. The Cardinals have an outside chance at the second seed in the NFC and the week off, but with the possibility of the teams facing each other, this will be a "vanilla" game with neither team showing the other any of their tricks.
Bengals (+10) over JETS
The Jets got a huge break in the Colts pulling its starters and allowing New York to face their second team and get an important victory that puts them in a "win and in" position for this game. Cincinnati can only move up to the third seed if New England has lost earlier in the day, but they may not be too important to them as much as making sure they are healthy. These two teams also have a chance at facing each other in the first playoff weekend, so while the Jets need the win, the Bengals will do enough to keep it close.
Eagles (+3) over COWBOYS
This game means something for both teams as the winner gets the NFC East division title and a home playoff game. The Eagles secure the #2 seed with a victory, while the Cowboys could also move to the second seed with a win along with Viking and Cardinal losses. The Eagles have been playing the best football in the NFC and with the week off within their reach, they keep up the good play and get revenge for the Cowboys win in Philadelphia back in week 9.
Week 16 record (7-9)
2009 season (75-73-2)
Last week of the NFL regular season and the games can be just as difficult to pick as in week 1 because we just don't know which players will be playing, and which will be sitting it out. Four games involve teams with no playoff involvement, while three others have playoff teams for which the games will not change their seeding, while the other nine involve one or two teams that could still make the playoffs or at least change their playoff seeding. Not a bad slate for the final week of games.
Bears (-3) over LIONS
Chicago played well last Monday against Minnesota, and even though the Vikings came back on them, they showed something to hang on and win it in overtime. The Bears finish the season on a high note, and Detroit looks forward to 2010 and hopes the young roster get better.
Falcons (-2 1/2) over BUCS
Tampa Bay is on a two game winning streak, but the Falcons are looking for the franchise's first back to back winning seasons. Atlanta accomplishes the winning season streak and point towards a playoff return in 2010.
49ers (-7) over RAMS
The 49ers thought they would be looking at playing games in the post season this year, but it has not worked out like they anticipated. St. Louis is looking to wrap up the worst season this franchise has ever experienced.
Titans (-4 1/2) over SEAHAWKS
This game has two non-playoff teams, but it does have a history element involved as Chris Johnson runs towards 2,000 yards and an outside chance at Eric Dickerson's single season rushing record of 2,105 yards. The Titans self destructed on Christmas against San Diego and wiped out their playoff hopes at the same time, but with an 8-8 season in front of them after the 0-6 start and Johnson's pursuit of 2,000 yards, Tennessee puts it together and finishes the season on a high note.
BILLS (NL) over Colts
The Colts decided to give up their chance at perfection last Sunday against the Jets and will probably rest their players even more this week in a game with nothing at stake. With Indy disinterested, the Bills sneak out a victory to end a disappointing season on a good note.
PANTHERS (NL) over Saints
Saints locked up the #1 seed when the Vikings lost Monday night, so don't expect many starters to play much. The Panthers' management has stated that Coach John Fox will return in 2010 and the team has played well the last part of the season. Losing Steve Smith to the broken arm concerns me, but Carolina rides their momentum to another victory.
CHARGERS (-4) over Redskins
San Diego is playing the best football in the AFC and possibly the whole NFL. I still don't like their running defense, or their rushing offense, but the Redskins come cross country just looking to finish off a dismal season.
BROWNS (-1 1/2) over Jaguars
First game with playoff implications, but Jacksonville needs a ton of help along with their own win over the Browns. Cleveland is on a three game winning streak, may have found a running back in Jerome Harrison, and is trying to impress their new head honcho, Mike Holmgren. They win and knock Jacksonville from the playoff picture.
Giants (+9) over VIKINGS
Minnesota needs to win and have Philadelphia lose to Dallas to regain the #2 seed they relinquished in Monday Night's loss to Chicago. The Vikings have some problems and can use the week off. The Giants had a terrible effort against Carolina with their playoffs on the line and will come into this game without Brandon Jacobs, but I think they will put up a fight, and keep this close.
Chiefs (+13) over BRONCOS
Who would have thought after starting 6-0 that Denver needs help, win or lose, to gain a playoff spot? Denver came close last week against the Eagles, but in the end lost on a last minute field goal. The Broncos are the only team that can make the playoffs even with a loss on Sunday, but they will get the victory over Kansas City in a game that the Chiefs will keep close.
Ravens (-10 1/2) over RAIDERS
The Ravens win and they are in the AFC playoffs, and they will not let the opportunity slip away. While Oakland has played other playoff caliber teams tough, Baltimore will not allow the Raiders the chance to get the upset as they go on the road and bring home a playoff birth.
Patriots (+8) over TEXANS
Houston needs the victory and help to get into the playoffs, while New England can secure the 3rd seed with a win. Texans also secure their first winning season if they beat the Patriots. Even though New England knows they are playing next week, they play this game hard and at least keep it close, if not beat the Texans outright to spoil their playoffs and winning season hopes.
Steelers (NL) over DOLPHINS
The defending champions have life, but the pulse is weak as they must win and get victories by rivals to gain a playoff spot. Miami has lost two in a row and while they could still make the playoffs, the amount of help they need would fill another page. The Dolphins may be without Ricky Williams, so the task could be even more difficult, and that is not good when facing a tough Steelers team.
Packers (+3 1/2) over CARDINALS
Both teams are in the playoffs and could possibly face each other in Arizona again for the first round of the playoffs. The Cardinals have an outside chance at the second seed in the NFC and the week off, but with the possibility of the teams facing each other, this will be a "vanilla" game with neither team showing the other any of their tricks.
Bengals (+10) over JETS
The Jets got a huge break in the Colts pulling its starters and allowing New York to face their second team and get an important victory that puts them in a "win and in" position for this game. Cincinnati can only move up to the third seed if New England has lost earlier in the day, but they may not be too important to them as much as making sure they are healthy. These two teams also have a chance at facing each other in the first playoff weekend, so while the Jets need the win, the Bengals will do enough to keep it close.
Eagles (+3) over COWBOYS
This game means something for both teams as the winner gets the NFC East division title and a home playoff game. The Eagles secure the #2 seed with a victory, while the Cowboys could also move to the second seed with a win along with Viking and Cardinal losses. The Eagles have been playing the best football in the NFC and with the week off within their reach, they keep up the good play and get revenge for the Cowboys win in Philadelphia back in week 9.
Week 16 record (7-9)
2009 season (75-73-2)
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