With four weeks left in the regular season, this is the first time in NFL history that no teams have clinched a playoff spot by Week 14. This is a testament to the increase of talent over the past decade. All NFL admirers are mourning the loss of Demaryius Thomas who was the 22nd pick back in 2010. Individuals from that draft class that are still playing at a high level include Ndamukong Suh and Jason Pierre-Paul for Tampa, Trent Williams for the 49ers, and Devin McCourty for The New England Patriots.
Fast forward one year and you have early round playmakers like Von Miller, AJ Green, Tyron Smith, JJ Watt before a season-ending injury, Cameron Jordan and Cameron Heyward combined with mid round lineman such as Rodney Hudson and Jason Kelce still playing at the top of their positions. It has only ascended each and every year leading all the way to the 2021 draft that has yielded superstars already with the likes of JaMarr Chase, Micah Parsons, and Patrick Surtain II. The future is bright as even the worst teams have something to look forward to…well except Houston. (Sorry Texans fans)
Last week I had my best record so far at 11-3. I also discovered my knack for NBA betting which has nothing to do with anything, I just wanted to brag a little bit. This week, I don’t have many words as it’s now crunch time for every team in the league. The playoff race is so tight that one more loss WILL end a team’s season. The Rams triumphant victory over Arizona Monday night busted the NFC wide open as Green Bay reclaimed the Number 1 seed tied with the Cards and Bucs at 10-3. The Cowboys and Rams are right there both at 9-4 with crucial division games on the horizon.
All bye weeks are over and done with so we not only get our usual Thursday night game, we get two Saturday games as a holiday treat. Christmas comes early for a few football fans with four teams capable of clinching their division this weekend. Titans’ fans are in that mix along with Pats, Bucs, and Packers faithful. So without further ado, let’s get to it starting with an explosive division deciding Thursday night showdown in LA.
Justin Herbert arrives!
Why?
This is where Justin Herbert makes his name for himself. I compare this matchup to what Mahomes and Brady had prior. Brady got the best of Mahomes in their first two matchups, the first being a 43-40 shootout then the second being the AFC Championship game where a Dee Ford offsides negated a Chiefs victory. Mahomes went on to beat Brady the next two times they played and Herbert just so happened to get his first victory against Mahomes earlier this year after losing to him twice last season.
The Chiefs have been led by a resurgent defense and ball control offense. Despite the stomping they gave the Raiders, Patrick Mahomes threw for just 258 yards. Then you have the red-hot Herbert who has thrown for over 300 yards in his last 3 of 4. The Chargers are getting Keenan Allen back on offense as well as Derwin James back on defense.
I am hoping for a shootout as both these teams possess supremely talented offensive arsenals capable of scoring in a blink. I mean did you see those throws made to Jaen Guyton over the past two weeks…INSANE. I’m rolling with LA because I don’t think the Chiefs have seen a QB like Herbert since they played Josh Allen and Herbert in back-to-back losses. May the best gunslinger win!
Next up, two Saturday games with playoff seeding implications galore.
Colts defense takes over against Pats.
Why?
We are back in that win-win scenario. I despise both these teams for different reasons. The Colts because I believe they pose a threat to any team they face in the playoffs and the Pats because I just don’t like Mac Jones. This game will showcase two defenses hell-bent on stopping the run. The league is fully aware of Jonathan Taylor with Bill Belichick using every resource available to gain a competitive edge against the future All-Pro. Maybe Hard Knocks will be the advantage he needs to slow down this tour de force.
Then you have Indy fresh off a bye as well in a must win pseudo-playoff game to maintain their playoff hopes. I’m sure they saw the Buffalo game plan and preached trench superiority all week long. I expect a grueling battle up front and the most physical team to come away victorious. This is a game for those old school, hard-nosed fans that love to see grown men thrown around.
I say Indianapolis comes out with the win because I oddly have more trust in Carson to make big throws in crunch time then Mac Jones. Now I also have more trust in Carson to throw a couple INTs so field position, turnover ratio, and time of possession will be the most critical variables in this showdown. I would love to see a scenario where Mac Jones has to go down and score a TD to win the game so I can gain a sense of who he really is. If I were to place a bet on this one, I’m surely taking the under.
Next up, two ailing squads meet up. One from injuries, one from Rona. Who wins?
Cleveland hits big against Vegas!
Why?
Even with a slew of COVID-19 cases, one man remains and that’s Nick Chubb!
He is the driving force of this Cleveland offense and team as a whole. Kareem Hunt has been on and off the field all season long but Chubb has been a steady force after returning from his 3 game stint. I am also Team Cleveland because Case Keenum looks like the impromptu starter given Baker’s diagnosis. I believe him to be the best option at QB right now and the Raiders haven’t been able to stop anyone in over 2 months.
The Raiders have hit that point where they’ve fallen into oblivion which is kind of ironic given the Black Hole references associated with their organization’s history. Derek Carr is severely missing his guys Darren Waller and Henry Ruggs III. There has been a lone offensive bright spot with the ascendance of Hunter Renfrow but he alone is not enough to keep Las Vegas in the game. With a win against Baltimore last week, Lamar Jackson on the mend, and the Bengals tragically falling to San Francisco last week in OT, this is Cleveland’s chance to make a run at that division title. I say they get it started with a W Saturday night.
Now for Sunday. All bets are off in these games as the shenanigans are about to shenanigan lol.
Titans survive Pittsburgh.
Why?
This Steelers team is not good but plays til the final whistle. That was evidenced last week where they stormed back from a 29-point deficit to being a Pat Freiermuth drop away from causing OT. I’ve thrashed Big Ben all season but it’s undeniable he is a future Hall-of-Famer. Tennessee is getting healthier with former Steeler Bud Dupree being activated from IR. Now I’m not sure if he plays but his return would be a huge help.
I’m rolling with my Boys because we are used to playing close games and finishing them. Our defensive front is stout and we are pressuring the QB with the best of them. The game plan will be to limit Najee Harris’ and Pittsburgh’s run game and force Roethlisberger to pass. That’s how you create turnovers and beat this team. Julio Jones was a welcome addition back into the lineup and I expect even more from him this week. Dalvin Cook had a field day last week against this front so while I hope Foreman, Hilliard, and McNichols can do the same… none of them are Dalvin Cook.
I only type cautiously because I know the league LOVES this team, evidenced in the Chicago game, and we are playing in their stadium. Tennessee needs to go in there, punch them in the mouth, and remove the ref’s influence early because I will absolutely lose it if they do to us what they did to Bears fans.
Please God, not before Christmas.
Bills rebound against faltering Panthers.
Why?
I didn’t mention Cam Newton as one of those 2011 playmakers because he’s been too inconsistent ever since he came back from the Ronies last season. He was unable to pull out a very winnable game against Atlanta last week and Buffalo is coming off a two-game skid where they were in it til the very end. This is not the team Carolina wants to see right now, even with a potentially hobbled Josh Allen leading the charge.
Buffalo has fallen all the way to the 7 seed in a short span so the sense of urgency is at an all season high. They simply can’t afford to lose to a Panther’s team barely hanging on to their 2021 season. I expect Buffalo to put their foot down, assert their dominance, and take care of business as soon as possible. Then again, this Panther’s defense is still very much intact so if Josh Allen’s injury is more serious than the team is letting on, they could be in for another grueling fight.
Only time will tell but Buffalo’s back is against the wall so I expect a resounding response.
Hurts sends a message with a win over Washington.
Why?
This Eagles team has been disrespected all season long. It’s telling that the most praise they received is when Gardner Minshew slaughtered a lowly New York Jets team in Jalen Hurts absence. Speaking of Hurts, I’m unsure why but ever since preseason, the media has been reporting that this team is unsure at QB and don’t believe their future QB is on the roster. Then you saw those same reports resurface after Minshew’s performance implying a QB controversy in Philadelphia. It’s as if they’ve not been watching as he’s put the team on his back for stretches over the season as the only source of offense on the ground and through the air.
I say Hurts put on a show in his return from injury against a good Washington squad. The Eagles should also get Jordan Howard back to compliment Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and Kenneth Gainwell. Both Washington and Philadelphia are in the playoff hunt and have multiple division games left on their schedule. The Football Team is coming into this one with Taylor Heinicke banged up, JD McKissic still not practicing along with WRs Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, and Logan Thomas on IR. It’ll be on the defense to keep this one close but as I stated earlier, Hurts is on a mission. He hears the whispers and I say he puts them to rest for at least a week after this game.
Then about an hour and some change east, the other half of the NFC East face-off.
Cowboys take care of business against Giants.
Why?
This is another one of those LOL games. It gives me the same feeling I felt on Thanksgiving when the Raiders showed up the Cowboys in their own stadium. While the Cowboys haven’t lost since then, this game is one to keep an eye on. They almost choked away the game last week against Washington but the defense saved the day. I expect a similar occurrence here as the Giants just can’t seem to figure it out on the offensive side of the football.
They are sorely missing Daniel Jones. He was at least capable of driving the team down the field more times than not. Mike Glennon hasn’t done anything as the offense is still missing a WR or two a game. Saquon had a pretty good fantasy day last week but Dallas’ defense will clearly focus on him. It should be smooth sailing for the Cowboys but New York’s defense has the capability of making this interesting. I look forward to seeing how this one plays out.
Cardinals destroy Lions!
Why?
It’s the Lions. I’m not about to waste space explaining my reasons. This isn’t the Minnesota Vikings. My only conundrum is do I start Amon-Ra St. Brown was a sleeper down 24 in the playoffs.
Anyways the final two 12pm games are divisional showcases of minor proportion. Results?
Dolphins outlast Jets.
Why?
This Miami defense is playing at a supremely high level. They’ve rediscovered the 2020 magic that carried them to 10-6. Coming off their bye week, Tua Tagovailoa is playing like the QB Miami hoped when they took him 5th overall in last year’s draft. It seems the arrival of old buddy Jaylen Waddle was exactly what he needed as Waddle leads all rookie pass catchers in receptions. Zach Wilson is good for at least two turnovers and although New York coach Robert Saleh says RB Michael Carter is going to play, the Jets’ WR core is still decimated.
No Elijah Moore or Corey Davis means Miami can focus on stopping the run and employ that all-out blitz they’ve fallen in love with so much. Miami is in the playoff race as well and will be ready to go against a familiar rival whose season is already over with.
Staying in Florida, news of a departure rallies a team to a new beginning.
Jacksonville Jaguars maul Texans!
Why?
HE’S OUTTA HERE!
Urban Meyer is gone after just 13 games in Jacksonville. It seems Josh Lambo’s story of Meyer kicking him was the straw that broke Khan’s back. He could no longer justify keeping a coach that hasn’t produced while creating so much negative media attention for the organization. Marvin Jones IV comments as well as the benching of James Robinson and Trevor Lawrence having to step in seems to have played a part as well.
It’s ironic that the game after his firing is against the same team that Jacksonville played Week 1. It’s a symbolic restarting of the season for a team that while no one expected them to win a Super Bowl, they have not been nearly as competitive as the roster entails. I fully expect a revitalized Jacksonville team and fan base to storm the TIAA Bank Field and overrun a Texans team praying for this season to end. Darrell Bevill has experience as interim Head Coach as he took over for Detroit last year but has a much more capable offensive unit with this team and should be able to do as he pleases with the big man breathing down his neck.
As for Texans fans, I mean Brevin Jordan the rookie TE looks good, right?
The midday slate of games are the ones to pay most attention to as seeding will change immensely. 7 of the 8 teams are either division leaders or in the wildcard with the Seahawks looking to re-enter the conversation in a do or die game against the Los Angeles Rams. Let’s start there, shall we?
Seahawks shock Rams!
Why?
I just can’t abandon my man Russell Wilson. Their 5-8 record is because of the time Russell Wilson missed with his finger injury. After almost leading the comeback charge against Washington in his first game back, Russell has beat the 49ers and Texans in consecutive weeks. This will be his biggest challenge yet with the Rams coming off a huge Monday night victory against the NFC West leading Cardinals.
The Rona has hit LA hard with Odell being the biggest offensive player being hit recently. The Rams were without TE Tyler Higbee and CB Jalen Ramsey Monday and it is uncertain if they are available for this game. Russell Wilson also got an early Christmas gift with the emergence of Rashaad Penny to balance out this Seattle attack. If he’s able to repeat his performance against a Rams team that has been vulnerable to the run, it can neutralize the beast that is Aaron Donald just long enough to allow Russ to Lockett magic. I say Penny is the real deal and the Seahawks cause even more anarchy in this upset. I love football!
Falcons can’t stop the 49ers.
Why?
George Kittle is back on top!
The TE everyone seems to have forgotten about is back making plays and taking over games late. His amazing stats over the last two weeks have reminded folks that when he’s on, there is no one better at the position in all of football. Then you have Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk making people miss and scoring big TDs at crucial moments. Jimmy G is taking care of the ball and if Elijah Mitchell returns from injury, the 49ers have perhaps one of the most complete offenses in the entire league.
Kudos to the Falcons for a huge win against division fie Carolina last week, but this game they will need more offensive cohesion to keep up with San Francisco. I mentioned earlier my conundrum of starting Amon-Ra St. Brown and that’s because I also want to start Kyle Pitts in my flex. It’s tough because you never know what Atlanta team you will get on any given Sunday and Pitts has disappeared for stretches throughout the season. They will absolutely require his presence if they want to make this game competitive and honestly, I don’t feel it. Wow, that’s just what I needed to hear from myself. Writing is such a great therapy, unless you’re a Falcons fan at this current moment. My bad.
Broncos and Bengals battle, but Teddy Two Gloves gets the job done!
Why?
This is my toughest game of the week. Both these teams possess top class offenses and defenses capable of shutting an opponent down. The Bengals are coming off a gruesome loss where they fought back and were looking to take the AFC North lead. The 49er offense was too much and they fell in OT. Then you have the Broncos who cruised after an emotional display in Demaryius Thomas’ honor. Javonte and Melvin Gordon took over and Detroit had no answers.
I say the same thing happens in this matchup where the extra minutes from that OT loss plays a deciding factor in the Bengals defensive front. Teddy Bridgewater hasn’t had to do much but still has the WRs to make big catches if needed. Neither Joe Burrow nor Joe Mixon is 100% and this Denver defense hits hard and plays fast. I think it’ll be close but Teddy ends up with the ball last and gets the Broncos into the position they need to win the game.
This Broncos unit is a sleeper heading into the postseason, don’t sleep!
The final 3pm game was scripted to be one of the season best but I expect it will be over quickly.
Green Bay handles Baltimore.
Why?
I must say John Harbaugh has one of the best cultures in the league. He gets the absolute best out of each and every player on his team regardless of the adversity. From an offense missing its leader and top 4 RBs, to a defense missing almost all its CBs and defensive line leaders in Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe, and even the special teams that are a game changing factor almost every week, they play tough until the very last second.
While I admire their grit and resilience, Green Bay is a monster. They have the best QB in the league and a gear-grinding defense that fights for every single yard. Even a fully healthy Lamar Jackson would have trouble finding points in this game and that’s not the Lamar that would appear in this crucial matchup. This would be the shock of the year for me if the Ravens found a way to win this game and although I’m biased to Mike Vrabel, if they did.. John Harbaugh deserves Coach of the Year. I will be watching but my money’s on A-Rod.
Sunday night, the Bucs and Saints meet up in a division deciding matchup. It won’t be close.
Tampa Bay clobbers New Orleans in Primetime.
Why?
Taysom Hill has had a great run. Actually, he’s had a couple great runs. The Saints beat the Jets with a good game plan and strong defense. However, Tom Brady and company seems indefensible. Leonard Fournette has provided an offensive balance that has led the Buccaneers QB1 to a league leading 4,134 yards through 13 games. There is no way Taysom and this Saints offense is able to keep up with Tampa’s offensive onslaught without a passing game…which they don’t have.
New Orleans most effective WR Deonte Harris is serving a 3-game ban and there is no Michael Thomas in sight. Mark Ingram is still on the COVID list so there’s only Alvin Kamara as a primary weapon for this team. Their only hope is for the Saints defense to have the game of their lives and yeah, this Tampa team is playing lights out right now. I do foresee some shenanigans but not in this one.
On to the final game, a divisional matchup where a star will be born.
Chicago upsets Minnesota!
Why?
Minnesota always plays to the talent level of their opponents. It’s part of their team’s DNA. This Chicago Bears team is not one that is looked at as primarily talented or a threat. That means it will be close. When it’s close, somehow, someway, Minnesota chokes. That’s what I’m expecting here as it is uncertain if Adam Thielen will be available for the game and Chicago is looking to expand Justin Fields’ control of the offense.
Minnesota is still in the playoff race, but after the almost meteoric collapse last week, I think it’s time to end the façade. They have the talent and coaching to be one of the top contenders in the entire NFL, but something about this team still isn’t right. I say it’s identity in moments of crisis. They are like the anti-Ravens who have a history of hard-nosed defense and superb special teams play to fall back on in tough times. Minnesota doesn’t know if they are a running team, a passing team, a defensive force, and damn sure can’t count on special teams in crunch time.
All these deficiencies show themselves as Justin Fields arrives on the national stage under the Monday night lights. I believed in Minnesota, and I was wrong. *heavy sigh*
That’ll do it for this Week 15 edition of NFL Pick ‘Em. I’ll do a final recap of the season next week as we enter, as Scott Hanson says, THE WITCHING HOUR. Thanks to all my faithful readers and I will deliver that perfect week. A big thanks to Jovan Cutler as well for everything he does, he makes me look too good.
Make sure to download our app, Tiger Communications, as we have a lot of exciting new content and promotions coming for the upcoming year. Adios and Go Titans!!!
