The NFL on Christmas Day is a true blessing! While we celebrated the Lord’s birth, we also got to witness playoff level competition from at least three of the teams. It was an overall beautiful holiday for yours truly as I got to watch football stress free while eating Christmas dinner with my mommy. The Titans had a huge win to wrap up Thursday night football for the season against a surging 49ers team. The return of AJ Brown catapulted The Boys in the second half as he had a season high in targets and receptions. The magnitude of the win was elevated on Christmas as the Colts kept their winning streak alive against the struggling Arizona Cardinals.
This season is guaranteed a photo finish as only a handful of teams have clinched playoff berths through 15 games. I’m sure this is exactly what the NFL big wigs were hoping for when they extended the regular season by a week. Three divisions in the AFC are still looking for its champ while the last two wildcard spots in the NFC are up for grabs with 6 teams battling for their position. Even the 10-5 Cardinals aren’t safe as they have a tough matchup versus Dallas and wrap up the season against the wildcard that is Seattle.
In my last article, I said that coaching is the difference maker for most of these teams and one game stands out regarding this point. The Houston Texans, the team I’ve been the toughest on all year, had a tremendous win against a pretty good Chargers unit. More impressive than the win was the manner in which they dominated all four quarters. The game was never close. This was the one game this season that I was in complete disbelief about. It showed me that in this league of professionals, never discount anyone’s chances.
I can’t believe the season is almost over. It has become a weekly delight to talk football matchups with all you great individuals. But, the mission is still incomplete…THE PERFECT WEEK. Besides not seeing that Texans explosion coming, the Bears, Jets, and Raiders all pulled off tough last second wins to bring my weekly record to 12-4.
I did beat Cynthia Frelund and massacred Gregg Rosenthal so small victories there. We got another full slate, so I am gonna get right to it. Taking the same approach as last week – Coaching is the X-Factor.
Chicago survives ugly game versus the Giants.
Why?
This is about to be one of those showdowns only lifelong true fans can tolerate. Both these teams have been eliminated from playoff contention and are deploying their backup QBs. I would feel a lot better about this pick if it were Nick Foles instead of Andy Dalton but both are upgrades over what the Giants have.
The Bears played inspired football with Foles at the helm so I don’t understand why they wouldn’t let him start this week but Nagy knows he’s on the way out. I have more faith in Chicago as they’ve been able to produce on the offensive side of the ball regularly while New York has been downright anemic. These defenses should be commended for continuing to play hard nosed football despite their offense’s ineptitudes. Whether it’s Fromm or Glennon, it makes no difference, they have no rhythm. Gross football on the docket, Let’s move on.
Patriots smother Jags.
Why?
New England is on a two-game skid and have lost control of the AFC East. This is just what the doctor ordered for Belicheck and company, a rookie QB without his best offensive weapon and no Head Coach to guide him. The Patriots also get Rhamondre Stevenson back to pair with Damien Harris. These two should have their way with a Jaguars defense that may be without their star DL Josh Allen. He was added to the COVID list earlier this week just to add the icing on the Jacksonville cake.
The Jaguars are already in the coach search phase so this will most likely be over by half. No Texans like surge here folks. I wouldn’t even be surprised if Mac Jones didn’t attempt a single pass lol.
Baltimore goes down swinging!
Why?
The QB situation for the Ravens has the entire fandom in disarray. Lamar Jackson suffered a setback after returning to practice so it’s looking like Tyler Huntley, fresh off the COVID list, will be getting his 3rd start of the season. It doesn’t help that WR1 Hollywood Brown is also banged up and may not be able to suit up.
The Ravens ran into a buzzsaw last week as Joe Burrow carved them up like Thanksgiving turkey. He threw for 525 yards and 4 TDs after Ravens D Coordinator Don Martindale made a horrible error. He made a remark about Burrow not being a Hall of Famer just yet. Then Burrow went on to break the record for most pass yards against one team in a season. And now, they face an actual future Hall of Famer in Matthew Stafford.
I’m rolling with LA because they are playing excellent complimentary football. They have the run game going with Sony Michel and defense is back to last year’s form after carrying them to a win over Minnesota last week. Now they get a completely depleted Baltimore unit that still knows how to fight. I don’t believe Lamar would be healthy enough to get the win, but I do know that whoever walks out there at QB will make plays. This one will be closer than the Bengals game last week but a L is a L.
Bucs slaughter the Jets!
Why?
These are two teams on completely different levels. The Jets had a good win against a reeling Jags team last week, but this game is a whole other monster. The Buccaneers are still hoping the Packers slip up and they get an opportunity at that #1 seed. They know they can’t afford a letdown against a porous New York team. Tampa Bay were without their top 2 wideouts and RB, but had no issue putting up 32 points against a good Carolina defense. I foresee an equal offensive performance against a New York team that has a similar build on the defensive side of the football.
The Jets also are without their top 3 WRs Elijah Moore, Corey Davis, and Jamison Crowder. Zach Wilson will most likely be running for his life once the must pass scenario inevitably arrives. I pray for everyone’s health but if this one gets out of hand early, New York should protect its future and get that man out of there. Just my two cents.
Bills down Falcons.
Why?
Josh Allen finally got over the Belichick hump. I don’t count the Rona year last year because the Patriots were missing almost all their defensive starters and had a non-existent offense. After the snow game earlier this year, this was the game the Buffalo Bills absolutely needed to win. A loss would have knocked them out of playoff contention while a win put them in the AFC East lead. I think they keep up this momentum and make Atlanta start their offseason preparations early.
The Falcons still have a miniscule chance at playoffs, but it would take some outside help to reach that goal. I don’t know what Falcons fans were hoping for this year, but I would say it was a year to be proud of for first year Head Coach Arthur Smith. Without their best offensive weapon, Atlanta found gems in Cordarrelle Patterson and CB AJ Terrell. Kyle Pitts has quietly had one of the best seasons ever by a rookie TE. Even with these achievements, Buffalo is just out of their league at this juncture. There’s a bright future on the horizon for this team, but this year is a wrap.
The AFC could be decided by Sunday’s end with a couple of key matchups early. First…
Cincinnati upsets Kansas City!
Why?
The Chiefs haven’t seen an offensive arsenal like this all season. They are on an 8-game win streak and besides an OT win over Justin Herbert, the best offenses they’ve seen are a Packers team without Aaron Rodgers and a Cowboys team without Amari Cooper and Dak Prescott healing from an injury. The Bengals have a 1,000-yard rusher in Joe Mixon, two 1,000 receivers in Tee Higgins and JaMarr Chase, with Tyler Boyd pushing 900. CJ Uzomah has entered the scene and is capable of producing himself.
Now I admit the Bengals have a bit of that Chargers in them where they don’t play up to their potential, but teams seem to kick it into gear when Patrick Mahomes is their opponent. I expect a shootout with the Bengals getting the ball last. The Chief’s defense has been playing lights out during their win streak and while I think they will succeed in shutting down the run, I also believe they are one of three teams in the entire NFL that has the passing game to outduel Kansas City.
By far the most anticipated game of the day, playoff seeding is also severely affected by the outcome. The Bengals could either win the division or fall out completely depending on how this one turns out. Now if they pull it off, that opens the door for a certain team in Nashville to make a play for that #1 spot.
Titans defense saves the day!
Why?
I’ve been watching these Miami Dolphins all season. I started off being their lone supporter last year and was so happy when they succeeded. Then this year rolled around, and I had high expectations. I was disgusted with how they performed and wrote them off at 1-7. Then they found their defensive identity against Lamar Jackson and haven’t looked back. I expect nothing to change Sunday.
They will blitz, and blitz, and blitz again. I am curious how Todd will counter this. Now I have been very vocal that Tennessee needs a new offensive coordinator but one positive thing I have seen from us this year is, we do not abandon the run. We do not care, if there’s a first down, a second down, or a third down, a run is possible. It makes watching the game one giant guessing game which also is the only way to enjoy it when the run isn’t necessarily effective.
AJ Brown came back last week and led the squad to victory, but this week, I feel it will be the defense doing the dirty work. It’s up to the offense to take care of the ball and don’t put the defense in pushed back situations. I pray that Vrabel makes sure to tell Downing to chill on the play actions because they are BLITZING EVERY PLAY!! I cannot bear to see Tannehill get smacked up like he did Week 1. It’ll be a nail biter, but I got faith. Plus we got a division rival on our tails who are showing no signs of slowing down.
Colts and Raiders have an old-school slugfest.
Why?
If Carson Wentz were for sure playing, this game wouldn’t be close. Now the NFL and NFLPA made an agreement to lessen the COVID protocols from 10 to 5 days so there’s a slight chance he makes it back in time but I don’t think so. Enter Sam Ehlinger!
The rookie QB from Texas had a solid preseason and was my Madden Franchise QB for a lot of seasons. I, therefore, have a ton of unsubstantiated confidence in his ability. Now I’m not so naïve to think that he’ll do it all himself. They still have Jonathan Taylor and a top ranked defense. Darren Waller was ready to come back but then ole Rona came through and ended that dream. I don’t know where Las Vegas will find offense without him leaving the bulk of the work to their underrated defense.
Now this would be Ehlinger’s first start so turnovers are to be expected. The Raiders pass defense is capable of catching a few and I believe they will. However, this Colts team is just that- a TEAM. All three phases are well-coached and have playmakers. Whether it’s a defensive or special teams TD, one is coming to secure another victory for Indianapolis.
The last noon game is a divisional matchup where the loser is done for the season.
Eagles dismantle Football Team!
Why?
Washington fought a good fight. Losing their starting QB for the season would derail 90% of NFL teams. Taylor Heinicke has played admirably and gave Washington fans something to cheer for. Then the COVID came through, they lost their top pass rushers, and everything fell apart last week when Dallas stomped them into the dirt 56-14. Now, they get a red-hot Eagles team that is running the heck out of the football.
I do believe Washington makes the game interesting. They still have Riverboat Ron and Heinicke under center. They will however be without both Antonio Gibson and JD McKissic which is why they will lose. This team operates through their run game and this Eagles front seven is not one you try and attack with backups. Jalen Hurts has done his job and has started connecting with his old friend DeVonta Smith more as of late. I foresee a similar game they had with New York last week where they struggled in the first half before finding their groove in the second. Next year, the Football Team is my sleeper team for sure. They are one CB and WR away from greatness but this year…NFC East already has its alpha dogs.
The 3pm games are jam packed with playoff implications. Who lands where?
Chargers rebound against Broncos!
Why?
What a loss! That’s all anyone could say after what the Houston Texans did to this LA team last week. It was chalked up as an easy win by everyone including myself. Now, to be fair, they were without a boatload of players thanks to COVID. Still, they had Herbert and Keenan Allen while Justin Jackson gave his best Austin Ekeler impersonation. While I couldn’t watch this game, from what I was able to ascertain, it was both an offensive and defensive letdown. Rex Burkhead had the best rushing game of his career, LA gave up defensive TDs, and Davis Mills was looking like a seasoned vet when he did have to pass. This was also without Brandin Cooks available.
On the other hand, you have Denver who really is just a QB away from elite. They battled the Raiders for four quarters, but Drew Lock isn’t Teddy. The latter was at least capable of generating first downs and field goals on a normal basis, but Lock has shown no signs of improvement from last year. If Teddy were starting, I’d be more inclined to go with the better defense, but Drew Lock combined with the way in which LA lost last week has me convinced they don’t lose again. They get their stars Bosa and Ekeler back and are still very much in the playoff hunt so they take full advantage and blow off some steam to get ready for their playoff push.
Then you have the team that put the hurting on them ushering in a new era right across the state.
The Trey Lance show begins with a bang!
Why?
Now this is the battle of rookie QBs nobody saw coming. Davis Mills has made his case for the second-best rookie QB to play this season after Mac Jones. He was thrown into the lineup because of Tyrod Taylor’s injury and performed valiantly all year long. But we all know why we’re going to tune into this game. It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for!
I still recall the draft speculation when San Francisco traded up to number 3 overall. Everyone knew it would be Lawrence 1st and Wilson 2nd. But who would that 3rd QB be? Trey Lance was the choice and I along with everybody else immediately said, “Shanahan’s never had a QB like this before!” A coach who loves to run the football with a QB who can run and throw a mile. That’s a powerhouse offense.
Fast forward and here we are. 49ers are right there occupying one of those coveted last 2 wildcard spots with a season finale against the Rams to close out the season. That means their playoffs essentially start here and they know it. I cannot wait to see what Kyle has schemed up for this guy they traded up to acquire because I know it’s about to be Waterboy level genius. I could be wrong, but I just have faith that this 49ers offense is about to EXPLODE!!
Seahawks beat the Lions.
Why?
Wow I never thought in a million years that I would be saying Jared Goff is a difference maker. The Lions have been playing inspired football all year long and Goff has been a steadying force. If he were available, I would be taking Detroit here, but the Tim Boyle show is a whole other story. I do believe Russell Wilson has mentally checked out on the season and wants out of Seattle. Even so, when you have a son named Win, you are going to put forth your best effort each time you step on the field.
There’s no telling what Seattle team you’re getting on Sunday but their defense has been playing above their rankings the past couple of weeks. I expect that to continue here and if Wilson “struggles”, the defense can pick up the slack. I don’t see this being the most exciting game but it will be telling on the future of both these franchises. Who knows, maybe both these teams have new quarterbacks next season, maybe neither do. Either way, this game will be a determining factor.
Saints wreak havoc on Sam Darnold & company.
Why?
Boy is this one about to get disgusting. The Saints are coming off a brutal loss where they had no chance offensively. Rookie Ian Book was harassed all night long and I’d be surprised if we ever heard from him again. That Dolphins D ate him alive and left no crumbs behind. I know Sean Payton has to be thanking the Gods that he gets Taysom Hill back for this crucial divisional showdown. The Panthers will be without their best CB Stephon Gilmore and potentially CJ Henderson so yeah, there goes the Panthers strength.
The team hasn’t been the same since McCaffrey went down for the season. They tried the PJ Walker experiment, the Cam Newton experience, and are back on the Darnold Train. This is his last chance to attempt and salvage something from this lost year, but this Saints defense isn’t the ones to do it against. They had a bit of a blitz party themselves against Miami that went unnoticed thanks to their offense stinking up the joint. This Carolina O Line is in no condition to hold up and once again I pray for everyone’s health. Amen.
The last 3pm game is the NFC version of Bengals/Chiefs. While I sense another upset, I have no evidence to support it, so I’ll go the conventional route.
Cowboys win?
Why?
I feel it. Deep down, I feel the letdown approaching. I saw what they did to Washington. I’m well aware of how explosive this offense and defense is. I know the Cardinals have been struggling since losing DeAndre Hopkins. Even with all that knowledge, I still have that inkling of doubt.
I’m choosing Dallas because I was unable to concoct a palpable argument for Arizona. Just know people, If the Cardinals win… I’m heated for not following my gut. H-E-A-T-E-D ☹.
Sunday night was looking to be a great battle…now it’ll most likely be a dull affair.
Let’s get it over with.
Packers light up Vikings!
Why?
Aaron Rodgers vs… Sean Mannion?!? That sounds like what we all signed up to see. I am disappointed because Minnesota has a rookie QB Kellen Mond that I loved coming into the draft. I was slightly amped when Minnesota drafted him because I thought he was the missing link. While he had a rocky preseason, to get your first NFL start against the greatest thrower of the football with a chance to make playoffs on the line is a dream start to an NFL career.
Anyways, with the reality of Sean Mannion getting the start, Dalvin Cook is the Vikings entire gameplan. They must think they will play defense and ball control against the likely MVP and while on paper that’s the best strategy, you are not beating the Packers without scoring some serious points. We got a snippet of Sean Mannion with the Rams and while he wasn’t necessarily a bum, I didn’t see a star on that field. With no Captain Kirk or Adam Thielen, I don’t give Minnesota any chance to get the W. Season over.
One more divisional game to decide playoffs or not. Who I got?
Cleveland steamrolls Pittsburgh in Big Ben’s last home game.
Why?
All good things must come to an end. Ben Roethlisberger is a 2x Super Champ and future Hall of Famer. He provided stability and leadership for over 17 years and for that he deserves immense praise for what he’s given that organization. This game will not be that.
Cleveland looks to get back Kareem Hunt and although Baker is still a liability at the QB position, the 1-2 punch of Chubb and Hunt is more than enough to take care of business. I predict another defensive bout but I am taking a banged up Baker over an old Big Ben at QB.
Simple as that.
That’s all she wrote for the 2022 version of NFL Pick ‘Em. I brought the New Year in writing this paper, watching Snape murk Dumbledore on one channel (spoiler) and Dom fighting his family to save his family on the other along with my mommy fast asleep because she couldn’t hang. It’s a beautiful start to an amazing year already.
Thanks again to Jovan Cutler for making the magic happen, Tiger Communications for giving this wandering soul a home to create, and the NFL for giving my life meaning. John Madden passed away on December 28th and it showed me that this sport is a defining part of my character. So if anyone who has ever played football on any level reads this, just know you have my highest level of love and respect because you deeply understand the spirit I possess. And Madden counts!!!
Have a Happy New Year and as a treat, next week I’ll give my playoff predictions! 😊
