Last week signaled a turning point in the league. We all were witnesses to the wildest upset in recent history where the 1-11-1 Detroit Lions smashed the once NFC favorite Arizona Cardinals by a final score of THIRTY to TWELVE!!!
Fast forward to Sunday Night where the depleted New Orleans Saints shut out G.O.A.T Brady 9-0 on his own field. The video clip of Tom chucking the tablet in a fit of rage has been playing non-stop all week. He even commented on it himself saying he threw it into the ground so it wouldn’t be intercepted lmao!!
I’m sure if you are reading this article, you’ve heard all the experts give their “analysis” on what the cause of these results were. Majority will blame injuries. The dedicated bandwagon reporters will lobby for their respective benefactors. But I will write the facts.
Coaching Matters!
What we are living through is the reformation of leadership. Where the leadership of football teams is dictating the outcomes of football games. I am in heaven!!
As an expert Madden player, I’ve always considered myself the “coach”. I call the plays, I set the depth chart, I set the matchups, I formulate the offensive and defensive game plans, I control the clock, and I create blocking schemes, I make the throws, and I hit the holes. That is why I love the sport of football because I understand how each individual unit and them doing their job can change an entire game.
The eye test, betting lines, and entertainment news media have made it so the majority of viewers are looking for the splash plays, record-breaking stats, and re-postable moments for their own benefit but anyone who’s been involved in the sport knows each and every play has meaning. What’s lost in translation is the immense preparation, execution or in most cases ..lack there-of.
So after an obvious down week last week, I decided to measure myself against my rivals… Gregg Rosenthal and Cynthia Frelund. Think of me as Naruto Itachi, I just want to measure my ability before I murk them all. Yet I had to leave one with potential, so I chose NFL.com.
I’ve read this website more religiously than any other publication since 2011. I’ve watched NFL Network morning, noon, and night. I’ve even watched in the offseason when they had absolutely nothing to talk about but pure speculation. They have two professionals in today’s landscape that they entrust with the authenticity of their publication. The one named Rosenthal is like most of us, he follows his “gut” and tries to help us win some money along the way.
The other…she is the Future.
Cynthia Frelund is basically if you take the women from “Hidden Figures” and insert them into the NFL analytics world. I don’t know if she is producing these results on her own but she reports the finding to us faithfuls. Any metric you can fathom, she’s integrated it into her calculation. Trust me when I say, she’s already thought about…move on. Yet even with this supreme technology at her disposal, one thing is missing. It’s a tale old as time itself in a world heading blindly into the metaverse… Where is the Love?? (shoutout Black Eyed Peas)
You can’t gauge the Heart of a man with a computer-generated algorithm. It’s taking a 60-minute football game, condensing it to 5 or 6 highlights/momentum-shifting videos, and thinking you know who has the better team. Probabilities are true, but they’re not all there is. Watching Motor City Dan Campbell will his team to victory or understanding why a Saints organization missing their elite Head Coach, top 2 WRs, top 2 OTs, and a TE playing QB was able to shut out the greatest QB in NFL history takes HEART.
Now we have Week 16. Gregg Rosenthal, Around the NFL Editor since 2012, formerly of NFL for NBC Sports, Rotoworld.com, and ProFootballTalk has a record of 130-93-1. Then you have the Woman, the Myth, the Legend Cynthia Frelund – whose credentials are BONKERS – at 142-81-1. Lastly, first-year entrant Barry Blanchard, Madden expert and Lover of Competitive Sport, smack dab in the middle at 135-88-1.
With an extra week of war on the horizon, I shift my full attention to proving the Love of the Game is stronger than analytics. You can’t code guts.
Titans Win!
As of this moment in time, it’s looking like AJ Brown is suiting up for action. He hasn’t officially been activated but all signs point to a Thursday night return. This is an absolutely huge game for both teams. The 49ers are fighting for a wildcard spot while Tennessee is fighting for the division. Indianapolis is peaking at the right time and even with the tiebreaker, we cannot afford to let them have hope.
I am so happy we will have Julio and AJ on the field together in what feels like a millennium. Obviously having Derrick Henry would be ideal, but this tandem is a vast improvement over Racey McMath and Dez Fitzpatrick. It is a prove-it game for Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing. Can he create a scheme to contend with offensive guru Kyle Shanahan? There is no better measure in the NFL to me than that.
I don’t pick against my squad no matter what. I have no more words..it’s time for action.
Sunday is no shortage of drama. Let’s begin!!
Packers takedown Browns.
Why?
Aaron Rodgers is my MVP pick for the second year in the row. The throw he made to Valdes-Scantling last week over the middle was impossible for 99.99% of the league. Rodgers does that on the regular. Cleveland, on the other hand, was unable to capitalize on an enormous opportunity to take the lead in the AFC North. Even if they’re able to get Baker Mayfield back this week, the momentum both these teams have cannot be ignored. It would take a Packers collapse of their own doing for the Browns to have a chance, and that’s supremely unlikely.
Next,
Colts continue their ground dominance.
Why?
Jonathan is a gazelle in the hole. When I watch him run, I never have any clue what move he’ll make or where he’ll end up. He can seamlessly create his own path which is why we see so many huge runs. Whereas Derrick Henry goes through or around you, Jonathan Taylor goes his own way.
The Colts also have a defense that can defend against any team they play because they are so sound in their assignments. This is why I think they take control of the flow against a Cardinals team trying to figure out how to readjust to their midseason form. I believe they get it figured out before playoffs but Indianapolis is the one team no one wants to play right now. I am interested to see how Kyler Murray performs, but no faith they pull off the W.
Now for the difficult stretch.
QBs decide scoreboard Atlanta.
Why?
Once again, as of this moment, Jared Goff has the Rona. I believe he plays but it is uncertain. If Goff plays, I have Detroit continuing their fantastic play and getting this win. Now if Tim Boyle is under center, my money is on Matt Ryan and company.
Detroit vs Atlanta is a matchup that in a couple of years, will be for playoff positioning. That’s because their coaching staffs are phenomenal and get their squads to buy-in to the culture they’re building. I miss Arthur Smith and Dean Pees every single day and the emotion Dan Campbell puts into his players is unmatched. I can’t wait to see the energy these teams play with on Sunday. It’ll make for one heck of a special one day.
Rams overpower Minnesota!
Why?
Another game, another key player out with COVID-19. This time it’s star RB Dalvin Cook for the Vikings. As soon as news broke about Alexander Mattison returning from his own Rona stint, there goes Dalvin. Adam Thielen is also questionable so I can’t see Justin Jefferson keeping up with the Los Angeles offense by himself.
Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, along with this stingy defense is creating havoc all over the field. I also have no confidence that the Minnesota Vikings can keep it together for four quarters. The Rams are a good team so they’ll take Minnesota’s best punch, but Stafford has enough experience from his Detroit days to put this team down for the season.
Jaguars take advantage of Robert Saleh’s absence.
Why?
My entire theme this week is leadership and determination. If Saleh were available, I think the New York Jets take this one. However, you know the story so we have two rookie QBs going head to head with no supervision. That atmosphere is much more conducive to Trevor Lawrence seeing as he hasn’t had any adult supervision all season. He has more weapons, a healthier defense, more backfield experience in James Robinson, and a very winnable matchup.
There will be some Fantasy Championship winning performances in this one. May the odds be forever in your favor!!
Eagles sprint past Giants!
Why?
The Philly rushing attack has quietly been number one since Week 6. Miles Sanders has a cool 100 yards and no one says a word. Then you have Jalen Hurts getting rushing TD after rushing TD and people question his ability as a viable future QB. I say all this to highlight the fact that this team has maybe the best O line in the league, 4 capable RBs, and a defense that has a lockdown CB to compliment an almost immovable front four.
New York on the other hand has been wind blowing on a brick building. They show up, trot out something at the QB position, and play just enough defense to make the score look respectable for three quarters. I pray they find a new coach and QB next season because they have wasted two seasons of a quality defense. Pitiful.
Bills get revenge against Belichick!
Why?
This game will decide the AFC East. The Patriots were able to minimize Josh Allen last time with a punishing rushing attack and pristine weather conditions for how they wanted to play. This time around, I say Josh Allen busts loose. Mac Jones had an ok game last week and he will pass more than 3 times in this contest. I haven’t seen anything to convince me that he can score points to win a game. It will take another defensive smothering for the Patriots to pull this one off and while possible, Josh Allen isn’t going.
I love the fact that Buffalo finally deployed Devin Singletary last week and he will only get better the more runs he gets. They also get back Emmanuel Sanders to go along with Stephon Diggs and breakout WR Gabriel Davis. Offense is my deciding factor in this game and Buffalo has that outright.
Houston can’t keep up with Herbert’s Chargers.
Why?
Davis Mills is earning his spot in the Texan’s organization. He has been a pleasant surprise for a team trying to figure out what their future holds. I don’t see Deshaun Watson playing another snap for this team so QB is one of the many positions they’re in the market for. Now I know it was the Jaguars, but a win is a win.
Too bad Justin Herbert is next up on the schedule. I feel about this game the same way I felt about Arizona versus Detroit but there’s a 0% chance Justin Herbert plays four quarters and only manages 12 points against this Houston squad. The Chargers defense will create turnovers, get stops, and keep Houston off Herbert’s scoring frenzy.
The last two noon games are divisional deciding matchups. Both have defenses that deserve respect, but the QBs are the highest paid position for a reason.
Buccaneers wallop Panthers!
Why?
The Carolina Panthers offense is shot. The QBs aren’t performing, the RBs aren’t producing, and the O line is a revolving door. I commend their defense for playing tough and making plays, but even against a crippled Tampa Bay offense, they still have Brady. They also get back Antonio Brown, still have my guy Ronald Jones II, and even signed Le’Veon Bell to add RB depth.
If Carolina can protect the football, I see a potentially exciting game in the works, but they haven’t done that all season. Tampa Bay wins and the seat under Matt Rhule reaches scolding.
Bengals survive against Ravens!
Why?
John Harbaugh plays to win the game. I admire the spirit and I know his team does, but it’s ok to go to OT, I promise. I’m rolling with the Bengals because I don’t expect Lamar Jackson to play. Tyler Huntley played brilliantly in the game against Green Bay, but not getting that win hurts bad. Joe Burrow has his guy Joe Mixon feeling good and still employs the best WR trio in the league. I know Baltimore will be competitive and have a chance in the 4th, but this is Cincinnati’s time.
The No-Name defense of the Bengals is one that NFL fans will respect by season’s end. I actually think they have a better game against Baltimore than Green Bay because they have Huntley film and they have Baltimore smacking experience from earlier this year. I love Burrow’s reasoning for the Bengals staying relatively healthy through this round of COVID and I think it makes the key difference.
Either way, the winner of this game will win the AFC North, mark my words. Now for the late afternoon games that while not as enticing, have huge meaning.
Seahawks over Bears.
Why?
I really don’t know. Both these teams have failed my expectations so I am continuing on the DangeRuss train. No reasoning, just faith.
Broncos beat Raiders.
Why?
Drew Lock is no Teddy Bridgewater, that’s for sure. Even so, I think Denver has more than enough talent to make up for the deficiencies at the QB position. Drew Lock is a turnover liability so the Denver defense will need to make some plays to help him. I still love the duo of Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon III so I expect them to be the mass majority of the offensive game plan.
I missed the Browns/Raiders game but it looks like Derek Carr was able to do just enough. Carr has been the lone bright spot for this Las Vegas team and I wish him all the luck in the future. I’m going with the Broncos because I can’t imagine Derek Carr carving up this defense at the same time as I can’t see this Las Vegas offense stopping both these RBs. AFC West games have been a snore for the most part and with Lock in the lineup, don’t hold your breath with this one being any different. Let’s wrap things up with a blowout, shall we?
Chiefs slaughter Steelers!
Why?
As I write this, I am aware of the Chiefs Corona woes. That’s why I am saying it will be a blowout because I am giving positive vibes to the Kansas City organization. I want Pittsburgh to suffer after holding on to beat my Titans last week. I also think there is something in the air propelling the Steelers forward and want that energy for my boys.
There is also a force behind this Kansas City defense so it will be a divine clash in Arrowhead. If I were so lucky, both these teams would lose but better to go with the safe pick and get that validation. *super heavy sigh*.
Sunday night has yet another divisional matchup where the division can be clenched with a victory. Who wins?
Dallas retakes NFC East glory!
Why?
The stars are aligned in glorious fashion! Home game against a decimated Washington team in your own stadium. You have 2 defensive player of the year candidates, a completely healthy offense, and all the momentum. This game shouldn’t be close by any foreseeable metric… except the ones all lifelong fans know. Dallas chokes!!
I’m taking Dallas only because JD McKissic is on IR. I believe he’s that important to this Washington team and I think worth seven points in the spread. I will feel so wise if Dallas wins this by like 3 points or something after almost choking the game away. They tried to do it last time these two teams met so why not try again LMAO!!
Lastly, the Book of Ian is upon us!! Too bad?
If Tua plays the whole game, Dolphins win.
Why?
Something is off about the energy of this game. I can’t quite put my finger on it but it stirs me up. Ian Book is a rookie QB. This will be the Saints 4th starting quarterback this year and the most intriguing one by far. I think you know what you had with Winston, Siemian, and Taysom Hill, but Ian Book is a complete wildcard. That is why I am putting a caveat on this pick.
My tingle tells me this is one of those games where Tua gets smacked up, doesn’t return, and the Saints have a second half explosion to win the game. So I give myself some leeway to catch up with my rival Cynthia. The Dolphins are right there with the Colts in terms of peaking at the right time so they are my favorite. I pray for everyone’s health but in the game of football, there is no mercy.
That wraps up my Week 16 picks. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, eats a ton of good food, and feels appreciated by the ones you love the most. That’s what the best coaches show their players and the loyal fans show their teams.
My apologies to Jovan for taking my time with this one but it was written out of love and forgiveness after reconnecting with my family for the holiday spirit. May everyone else have the courage and peace to say I’m sorry, even if you’re not in the wrong, and let go of the pride that plagues the relationships we covet the most. Trust me, it’s worth it!!
