We have arrived!
The final week of the extended NFL season is here and it’s bittersweet. This article has become a much-appreciated part of my weekly routine as it allows me to get out of my head and reflect on the hobby I love most. While I started writing as a way to provide Tiger Communications with more content, it seamlessly warped into competitive therapy. I aim to be the best and usurp the professionals with simple, old school knowledge of the game and its players.
As it stands now, I am 161-94-1. I truly count the tie as a win since I chose the Steelers to not win against the Lions and technically, I was correct. Yet, I digress and say I slaughtered Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com who stands at 150-105-1. (Cue Michael B. Jordan in Black Panther “IS THIS YOUR KING” vibes).
Then you have my real competition, the Human Computeress Cynthia Frelund. With all her technology, variables, algorithms, and simulations she is 165-90-1. I’ve been picking every Thursday with an incomplete injury report and internal human bias yet here I stand, within striking distance of dethroning the best to ever do it. She also took my idea of predicting the playoff seeding and teams. Coincidence, I think not.
I am so grateful to have this opportunity and want everyone who clicked in every week to know you are my real inspiration. I hope to provide Fantasy tips and betting advice in the future to repay you for your time. We’re going to win some money and talk big smack next year!
My last two weeks have been my best as I’ve gone 13-3 back to back. I’m still HEATED for not picking the Cardinals over Cowboys because I literally told everyone that cared to listen that it would happen and didn’t stick to my guns. I feel so un-American which is ironic considering the reasoning is choosing “America’s team” What’s done is done and there is still one more opportunity to achieve my objectives. Let’s start with the AFC Playoffs Seedings.
- Tennessee Titans
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Buffalo Bills
- Cincinnati Bengals
- New England Patriots
- Indianapolis Colts
- Las Ve *psych* Los Angeles Chargers
Now I’m doing this new thing in 2022 where I listen to my body. All year long the Raiders have been that team I couldn’t quite crack. They are responsible for more of my missed picks than any other team. So I honestly wouldn’t be shocked in the least if they found a way to upend Justin Herbert and LA because they themselves have been an inconsistent juggernaut. The only reason I would have for saying it’s possible is the larger fan base and there’s more money to be made in a KC vs Las Vegas playoff matchup.
So what happens?
Herbert clutches a playoff spot in Primetime!
Why?
The last game of the NFL regular season is a divisional rivalry between two future stars of this league. Derek Carr has proven he is an ELITE (I said it) QB in this league by taking this Raiders team this far basically by himself. He managed the Jon Gruden fiasco, losing Henry Ruggs III and Darren Waller for the majority of the season, and has this team and fan base believing anything is possible. He is to be royally commended for what he’s done and I am here to give him his roses.
Now, let’s set the record straight…he’s no Justin Herbert. This man is a generational talent at the position with an arm I’m completely in awe of. I look forward to the potential Mahomes vs Herbert matchups for decades to come, if the Football Gods see fit. I believe we get Round 3 next week as this Chargers team knows it’s do or die time. Carr and the Raiders will make plays as Hunter Renfrow has arrived as a legitimate threat to opposing defenses and there’s a possible Darren Waller sighting on the horizon. This Chargers’ defense understands the assignment and will provide its superstar QB enough opportunities to put this one away.
Colts secure Number 1 pick for Jaguars. (Back to Back) *Drake Voice*
Why?
Indianapolis is in a must win position. There are still a handful of AFC teams praying on their downfall to sneak into that spot. The sense of urgency will be on an all-time high for a team many analysts said were Top 10 just a week ago. On the other half of the field, you have a Jags team completely ready for the offseason. Trevor Lawrence is enjoying that Subway check and the team is coming off a 50-burger against the Patriots.
Expect a heavy dose of Jonathan Taylor, a much better prepared Carson Wentz, and a defense energized by its leader Darius Leonard. I can’t see the Jaguars being motivated enough to match the intensity Indy is coming into this game with so we will see the White and Blue Wildcard Weekend. Then there’s another White and Blue team who will be resting up for the Kings’ return!
Tennessee gets revenge in Houston!
Why?
D’Onta Foreman was a 3rd round pick by the Texans back in 2017. He flashed some talent, caught the injury bug, and never got his footing there. Fast forward to a decimated RB room in Nashville and a hero arrives. Foreman is the reason we felt comfortable releasing Adrian Peterson and he has carried the load ever since. As a matter of fact, the loss to Houston would be AP’s last game with The Boys and Foreman arriving as the bell cow back. Now with the Number 1 seed on the line, I expect Foreman to take over and carry us to victory…literally.
Mike Vrabel has been a coaching wizard this season as Tennessee set the NFL record for most players played in a season. The total was up to 89 players last I checked. I am so proud of this team for overcoming the loss of its best offensive weapons for the season and being in a position to have home field throughout the playoffs. I went through something similar in one of my fantasy football leagues and now find myself in the championship bout. I picked up Derrick Henry for morale, am starting Foreman and AJ Brown, and contemplating inserting Ryan Tannehill to make it a full Titan effort for the ring. There’s something poetic about it and Tennessee will bring the music with them to NRG.
I will say Houston’s Coach David Culley has done a phenomenal job managing that team and earned my respect. He’s no Bill O’Brien though! #OBrienToJags
Pats sink Dolphins.
Why?
This is a game I care nothing for. I would like to see the Dolphins win, but the Patriots know how to get the job done when January hits. Tua Tagovailoa showed he can be shut down after 7 straight weeks of above average play and Bill Belicheck has taken notice. His defense is back to its former self and making hell for QBs in the passing game.
Now his former pupil Brian Flores is no pushover and will focus all his energy on stopping Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. He will try and force Mac Jones to throw because that gives his team the best chance at a victory. I’m taking the Patriots because after what I watched Tennessee do to Miami last week, I don’t have faith the Dolphins can succeed at slowing this New England rushing attack. Belichick is as committed to the ground attack as my OC Todd is and it was shown that persistence will pay off. With the Dolphins pretty much eliminated and New England already clinched, the fervor just isn’t there in this one.
Browns finish strong against Cincinnati’s backups.
Why?
No Joe Burrow, no Joe Mixon, most likely no JaMarr Chase or Tee Higgins equals an easy day at the office for Cleveland’s underwhelming defense. This unit gets my reward for second most disappointing right after the offense. It seems like years ago when Baker Mayfield went throw for throw against Justin Herbert in a 47-42 loss. Some will blame the litany of injuries Mayfield was suffering through, but this league is about wins and losses.
Eliminated from contention, Stefanski is FINALLY starting Case Keenum and watching how this offense hums. Albeit again, it’ll likely be backups but that’s irrelevant THIS LEAGUE IS ABOUT WINS AND LOSSES. Excuse my tone, I am a Browns optimist stuck in the reality that they squandered away a down year by both the Ravens and Steelers and missed their chance. I love Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, their fantastic O Line, Jarvis Landry and Auburn Alum Anthony Schwartz, even Donovan peoples-Jones and Rashard Higgins. They’re a rough and tumble group that resembles one of my Madden Franchise teams of old.
Myles Garret put together another all-pro year in vain and now this Browns team heads to the offseason with a ton of decisions to make on both sides of the ball. It’ll be nice to hang their cap on a victory.
Buffalo pounds Jets!
Why?
This game makes my spider sense tingle. While I expect the Bills to emerge victorious, I also feel the Jets will make some huge plays and obstruct the Bills journey to the playoffs in some shape, way, or fashion. The reason being is the way they played against Brady and the Bucs last week. Then you have the absolutely ridiculous point spread of 16.5 that I can’t see Josh Allen covering in the least. It seems too disrespectful for a team that over the last month has been playing high-quality football.
Nevertheless, Buffalo knows they absolutely CANNOT afford a slip up with New England nipping at their heels. The playoff implications will motor them to make plays in the second half and pull out this victory. They will overtake the Bengals and begin prepping for a playoff rematch against an Indy team they barely escaped last season. God, I love this game!
Then you have the team that eliminated them getting ready for a 3rd attempt at the big game.
Kansas City ends Drew Lock’s Denver Bronco career today.
Why?
What a game we had in Cincinnati last week! It was everything I dreamed it would be right down to the last possession. The Bengals gave the Titans a prime opportunity at the Number 1 seed behind JaMarr Chase’s historic rookie receiving performance. However, I am still aware of the fact that Joe Burrow had to come back from two scores TWICE in the same ballgame. The Chiefs are playing playoff level football and have been the past two months.
Denver on the other hand has been a shell of itself since losing Bridgewater to injury. The O line has been their biggest liability all season and while Teddy, Javonte, and Melvin Gordon have done the work of saints to cover them, it’s all fallen apart the last 3 games. There’s no chance Drew comes in and upsets a “locked-in” (pun intended) Patrick Mahomes coming off a searing loss that knocked them out of first place.Plus I say this is the last we see of him in a Denver Broncos uniform. Just another QB in a growing list of John Elway failures.*sigh*.
The last AFC matchup is a bitter rivalry missing the juice of expectations or star power it’s accustomed to. No one saw this one not having meaning but if 2020 taught us anything…
I am picking the Steelers *MIND BLOWN*
Why?
Honestly I loved watching Najee Harris takeover the game last week. Those Alabama RBs have grown on me for obvious reasons so although I hate the school, I root for their players in the league. Call it Southern Pride, I don’t care.
The Steelers’ defense has been the one constant all season and I don’t expect anything to change here. The Ravens are injured beyond belief but they play to the end every week and I admire that. Both these teams have a miniscule chance at making the playoffs with a ton of help and while I don’t see that happening, It’s still Ravens/Steelers. That means big hits, defense, and gritty play in the trenches. Pittsburgh’s coming in healthier and with momentum while Baltimore is on a 5-game skid and still without Lamar Jackson. So eff it, it’s Week 18 lol.
Now for the fun part ☺
I love a challenge and that’s exactly what predicting this NFC Playoff picture is, a toughie. As expected, the NFC West has 3 teams as of today. It might come as a shock that one of those teams isn’t Seattle, but a Russell Wilson injury will do that to ya. I’ve played around with these Seedings all week and waited until Saturday to give myself the best chance at getting this correct so without further ado… Here we GO!!!
- Green Bay Packers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Dallas Cowboys
- Arizona Cardinals
- Philadelphia Eagles
- New Orleans Saints
BOOM!!! Let me tell you the story of how. First…
Cowboys lose.
Why?
Because, it’s playoff time. I knew it, I knew it, I knew. I knew they were gonna choke against the Cardinals last week but I believed in their talent. I trusted in their skill players/difference makers. Yet, somehow the Cowboy-ness of it all that ate away at my insides still shined brightest. I didn’t watch the game but by the way the score looked, it was ugly and a lot of shenanigans occurred. I won’t make the same error twice as the Eagles look to bolster their positioning.
Now as of this writing, the RB room in Philly is looking pretty barren. COVID has run through and left only Kenneth Gainwell healthy. Dallas isn’t 100% either as Tony Pollard and Trevon Diggs have both been ruled out already. It’ll come down to both these QBs and who can make the plays when their team needs them most. I have more faith in Jalen Hurts since he’s had to do that all year long so it’s another day at the office for him. Dak has been up and down since returning from his injury and you don’t know what you’ll get so strap up folks, it’s about to be a wild ride this evening.
Then…
Saints survive Falcons.
Why?
The better question here would be, How? It will be a defensive lover’s dream as both these offenses are completely oblivious at times. Dean Pees and Dennis Allen will battle it out for supremacy and whichever team takes better care of the ball and field position will win this grudge match. I’m taking New Orleans because Taysom Hill is capable of taking off at any moment and flipping the game on its head. You still have Alvin Kamara in the backfield to catch passes and Deonte Harris’ is back to make the Falcons defense back up just enough to open up that middle.
The Falcons still have Matty Ice so they will have a drive or three where they get the ball moving, but this Saints defensive unit has played outstandingly the last month. Cameron Jordan is a monster up front, nobody is running on them, and CJ Gardner-Johnson is emerging as a shutdown CB. This is a game I personally wouldn’t want to view but Saints fans will be there loud and proud rooting for their team and Matthew Stafford alike.
Because…
Rams need to win at home to secure #2 seed and they do.
Why?
Stafford has been bad the past couple games and the Rams still got the win. I mean he’s thrown 5 interceptions the past two games bad and the RAMS STILL WON. I know people will say it was the Dalvin Cook-less Vikings and the Lamar Jackson-less Ravens but I’ll repeat, THIS LEAGUE IS ABOUT WINS AND LOSSES! I believe the fact that Stafford has now been shown he doesn’t have to carry a team all by himself will calm him down and find his early season self where he was casually putting up 28 a game.
The 49ers haven’t said who they will be starting at QB and that’s detrimental because if there’s a chance Trey Lance gets the call, he’ll need all the preparation he can get. This Rams defense is clicking on all cylinders and now even Von Miller is changing games. Jimmy G wouldn’t be anywhere close to 100% but I still think he gives San Fran the best odds to get this win. The Rams definitely remember the beating they took from this team Week 10. Garropolo was nearly perfect, they ran the ball down their throats, and stifled Stafford all night long.
I say history doesn’t repeat itself in SoFi and LA takes care of business to send this 49ers team home with a big QB decision to make in the offseason.
Next…
Arizona squeaks by Seattle.
Why?
This game is my toughest choice of the entire week. My love and respect for Russell Wilson is unprecedented and he can take out any team in the league when he’s feeling it. It seems like he was feeling it last week against Detroit going 20/29, 236 and 4 TDs. While that was impressive, it was against the Tim Boyle Lions and the Kyler Murray Cardinals had a bigger win with much more to play for in this matchup.
Arizona still has a chance at the #2 seed if San Fran is able to upset the Rams so they will still be playing all out football against a Seahawks squad with nothing to gain. The deciding factor for me is the absence of All-Pro Bobby Wagner for a Seattle defense he’s anchored for over a decade. You don’t replace a mainstay like that in a week and I expect Arizona to light these boys up with Russell not quite having enough time and opportunities to keep up.
Finally…
Tompa Bay smacks Sam Darnold’s Panthers.
Why?
I mean, it’s Kids See Ghosts Sam Darnold lol. Luckily for him he won’t be haunted by Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul but the Bucs have the defensive depth to obstruct Darnold into a couple of picks regardless.
I don’t have much to say after Tom Brady came back throwing to Cyril Grayson Jr. last week. It was a clear reminder why we call him the G.O.A.T and while this Panther’s defense deserves a medal for attempting to save this offense all year, I think Brady creates enough points to put Carolina away.
Will David Tepper and the Carolina Panthers give Matt Rhule the SEVEN YEARS he seeks for a rebuild? Find out next offseason on Dragonball GT!!
The rest of the NFC games have no value beyond how these teams’ ownership care to proceed. There is one team playing for their coach and it’s where my heart rests.
Minnesota saves Mike Zimmer’s job!
Why?
Captain Kirk is back in action for the Minnesota Vikings. They saw his worth last week living through Sean Mannion and briefly Kellen Mond attempts to keep up with Aaron Rodgers. Now they get the Chicago Bears and Andy Dalton whom I have to say, I feel truly sorry for. Once they lost Khalil Mack, I thought they were clearly done but the Bears defense has outperformed their offense still and when your Head Coach is former Andy Reid Offensive Coordinator, that’s depressing. I don’t blame a single player on this team for this lost year and I know this is Matt Nagy’s last game.
Mike Zimmer on the other hand, deserves one more shot. The Vikings offense has been one of the league’s best all year and their defense also lost their best player in Danielle Hunter. When you lose your pass rusher and don’t have any CBs to depend on, a defense suffers no matter how good of a coach you are. That’s what happened to the Vikings and they still competed all season long. The loss to the Lions is a scar but this is also a team that beat the Packers so that’s gotta count for something. I say these players rally around their unquestioned leader and blow the Bears out…badly. It is the Vikings, but if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.
The Football Team ends its era with a W.
Why?
Easy, they’re playing the Giants. I don’t think this game will be particularly close unless the Giants defense has the game of their lives. Maybe Saquon busts a couple. Either way, Ole Riverboat and the crew come out of this one with a dominating performance and walk into the sunset with their heads held high.
I pray Taylor Heinicke gets a chance to run it back as he’s played brilliantly this whole year. I also pray, for Giants’ fans sake, that this final loss convinces the Mara family to fire Joe Judge and get a coach worthy of this roster. In the words of Coach, “It’s effing EMBARRASSING!”
The last game is one I’ve jumped back and forth with and you know what…I don’t like Matt LeFleur so I’m going with the guy I love.
MCDC & Company ends the year with a game-winning drive!
Why?
I battled and I don’t believe in Matt LeFleur. I think Aaron Rodgers is the Heart & Soul of this team and the fact is he won’t be out there for 4 quarters. Of course, if he plays, points will come. However, this Lions team has grit and doesn’t care who their opponent is. They will give it their all til the time won’t allow it anymore and that’s what is going to occur on Sunday.
I’m going with the guy who never gives up, inspires both his team and myself, and has completely changed the culture in Detroit in one short season. I am on the Detroit Train until the end and this is my announcement. Coaching matters, players decide the game (unless those asshole refs get their egos involved), and a football game is 60 minutes long at least.
And that folks is how you end a NFL season!
Shoutout to my guy Jovan Cutler for once again making this professional, Tiger Communications for giving me a platform to be great, my Day 1’s for encouraging me to create my best work, and my loyal listeners for inspiring me to give the best of myself in everything I do. These last couple of years have been difficult but fun thanks to all y’all.
Stay tuned to the Tiger Communications App as I drop all new content for my new and improved nightly show Dinner Time w/Bear Blanchard (Mon-Thurs 6-10pm), follow me @TheDenChillin on Twitter & @brotherbearblanchard on Instagram.
Of course, I’m sticking around for Playoff picks so don’t worry bout that. I’m also dropping the Pod next month so a ton of interactive media is heading your way ASAP. Teaser…
A Perfect Week?
