Just when you thought Divisions in the NFL were wrapped up, teams have been playing well and made some comebacks and still have something to play for. We've got some good games that could decide which teams move up in Divisions and Wild Card spots, and BIG one on Monday Night. Let's get right into it.
Tennessee @ Indianapolis
- The Colts all of a sudden find themselves in a battle in the AFC South. The Titans are 5-6 and two games out 1st place of the 7-4 Colts. Indy has dropped their last 2, significantly because of poor play from their offensive line. The thing about the Colts offensive line is that they don't give up too many sacks because Luck is able to get rid of the ball, but there are plays where the Line just crumbles and Luck is pressured, hit, and knocked down. Luck is the most hit QB in the league right now. Their offense isn't even the same without Wayne. Wayne is one of those players that made everybody around him better. Now, there's just Hilton and Fleener and other inconsistent receivers. But somehow, they came from behind on the road against Tennessee and beat them in their last meeting. Their defense comes alive in the second half when the game is close and make a run. They did it against Houston, Seattle, and Tennessee.
- The Titans have been inconsistent as of late. Locker is out for the season and Fitzpatrick is in. He's played well, but he'll need to play better if he wants to make a miracle run in the South. Their defense is still solid, getting good pressure on the QB and disrupting rhythm. But don't underestimate the Colts Defensive Front. Mathis leading that charge makes them a stagnant force up front at getting pressure. They held CJ to just 86 yards rushing in their last meeting. Fitz will have to get rid of the ball quick and make quick decisions. They'll need to get that running game going and take shots down the field. The Colts secondary is quite susceptible to the big play ball. They acquired Corey Lynch to add some depth to the secondary because of injuries and Laron Landry's nagging injuries.
- The Titans have playing well, but their defense is what seems to keep them in games and Fitz can be inconsistent and make some erratic throws. The Colts need to throw early and impose that will, run the ball with Donald Brown a lot as he's been their most consistent back this season. The Colts surely can't lose 3 in a row and let Tennessee get one step closer to 1st place. The Colts O-Line needs to have a good game and they can't turn the ball over. I can't see the Colts losing a game like this in front if their Hometown.
Prediction: Colts defeat Titans
Jacksonville @ Cleveland
- Did anyone else call The Jags beating Houston? I know I did. But moving on, the Jags playing on the road in Cleveland will be tough. The Browns defense is pretty aggressive and stingy. The Jags have gradually gotten better. Henne is finding his receivers and Jones-Drew has been playing well in the backfield. He hasn't taken off with the running game, but he's been doing well in screen pass plays and receiving. Their defense is still vulnerable, and the Browns offense, even in a loss, played well against Pittsburgh. Josh Gordon has 200 yards receiving. If the Jags can contain Gordon, they'll still have enough offense to put up points on Jacksonville. If this game was in Jacksonville, I'd pick the Jags, but playing in Cleveland is tough. The Dawg Pound, even when their team hasn't been playing well, is hostile territory and the Browns usually play well in front of their home crowd. The Jags definitely have gotten better, but I don't think they can go into Cleveland and beat the Browns.
Prediction: Browns defeat Jagaurs
Tampa Bay @ Carolina
- Last month, this didn't look like a good matchup for the Bucs, but now it looks to be a very interesting one. The Bucs are 3-0 since starting 0-8. Their defense has played well, with 9 turnovers in their last 3 games. Glennon has been playing amazingly as well throwing 5 TD's to 1 INT in this 3 game stretch and the Bucs offense has averaged 30 points per game in their last 3 games. Their defensive line has gradually gotten better and getting pressure. The Panthers look to be vulnerable last week when Miami was throwing on them in the early going, and forcing some pressure on Cam and containing that offense. The Panthers now face a defense that can consistently stay on him and get some pressure. How will that Bucs defensive line fair when Cam Newton makes plays with his feet? If they can contain Cam in the pocket, and limit his running, that's already half the battle.
- I believe the Bucs secondary can match up well with the Panthers offensive weapons. How will Carolina's defense fair against the Bucs offense? The Panthers have the 3rd ranked defense overall and against the run, but as we've seen last week, their strength comes from their defensive line and the pressure they can get. Their secondary is beatable and susceptible to the big play ball. With V. Jack and Underwood, the Bucs will have to get the passing game going early and often because Carolina's defensive front will be all over that running game. Screen passes will definitely be utilized by the Bucs.
- Division Games are always tough. The question is can the Bucs defense stop Cam Newton? He's solidified himself as a playmaker in and out of the pocket and his ability has led his team to 7 straight wins. The Bucs offense will have to be aggressive like how Miami started out, and their gritty defense will have to bring the heat against Cam. But I don't think the Bucs are consistent enough to move the ball against Carolina. The Panthers playmakers are going to struggle initially to get it going, but once they find a rhythm offensively, it'll be an open and shut case. I've got Carolina going to 9-3 setting them up for a HUGE showdown next Sunday Night against Drew Brees in The SuperDome.
Prediction: Panthers defeat Buccaneers
Chicago @ Minnesota
- Quite a difference one player can make for a team. Jay Cutler gives the Bears their best chance to win, and without him, the Bears have gone 2-2 in their last 4 games. The Rams defense absolutely dominated them and Austin ran wild once again and that offense put up 41 points. The Bears are still technically in the hunt for the NFC North, but they need to win this game. The Vikings are the worst defense in the league, but they still have Adrian Peterson. As we saw last week, the Bears are poor against the run. They've given up 192.3 yards on the ground in their last 3 games. The way QB's have played against the Bears, Ponder might have a good game against this 13th ranked pass defense.
- McCown has been playing well in Cutler's absence throwing 7 TD's to 1 INT. He's been making smart plays, throwing on the run, and consistent ball movement. The Vikings secondary is susceptible to big passing plays. I can see McCown moving the ball well on this defense. Only way the Bears win this one is by forcing turnovers. The Bears defense has given up almost 30 points per game this season. They need to go back to aggressive play, get some pressure off the edge and force Ponder into erratic throws and turnovers. If they can force turnovers, and contain Adrian Peterson, the Bears can win, but the way their defense has looked, it'll be a tall task.
Prediction: Bears defeat Vikings
New England @ Houston
- Before this season started, you would think this would be a great game to decide divisional seed rankings, but the Texans are a mess at 2-9. They just lost to the Jags in their own building. Steadily, they're declining. And in come Tom Brady and the Patriots. The Texans, even at 2-9, still have the top ranked defense and allow the fewest pass yards in the NFL. Crazy, right? But I believe the Texans defense will have problems matching up with the speed of the Patriots offense, the slants, the outs, the quick strikes and such. They'll have to win the battle up front and get the pressure on Brady. The way The Broncos defensive line dominated the Pats O-Line in the firs 2 quarters of play should be a lesson.
- If the Texans had trouble moving the ball against the JAGUARS, then they'll have trouble moving it against The Patriots. The Texans have had trouble find ways to consistently move the ball by air, or by ground. The Texans need to take advantage of favorable match ups and try to control the clock. That being said, I don't think Houston has a shot. The Patriots secondary has played solid defense the last few games and this will be a test for Keenum. I don't think it'll be a blowout like people are saying. Houston's defense will show up to play against an inconsistent Patriot offense, but it'll up to the offense to put up points. Houston is clinging to some hope of ending this season on a high note, but The Patriots are a better team all across the board.
Prediction: Patriots defeat Texans
Arizona @ Phildadelphia
- Quietly, this is one of the more interesting games this Sunday. The Cardinals have flown under the radar at 7-4 and are prepared to knock San Francisco out of the #6 seed, but they have to beat Philadelphia to do so. Chip Kelly has this team playing good Football. Nick Foles has been virtually flawless through his starts with 16 TD's and 0 INT's. They've got the #2 ranked rushing attack and the league leading runner, Lesean McCoy. This offense has found some life averaging 33.3 points per game over their last 3 games. But I believe this will be a true test for their offense going up against a stingy defense like Arizona. They've allowed 16.3 points per game in their last 3 games, and they're 3rd ranked rushing defense has allowed 62.7 yards on the ground in their last 3 games. Their defense can get pressure and their secondary has played well, with 15 picks on the season.
- It'll be interesting to see how the Eagles utilize McCoy against this Arizona defensive line. The combination of Foles/Cooper has been on fire lately and if they come out and throw the ball, I can see them having consistent ball movement. With Patrick Peterson likely covering Desean, it'll leave opportunities for Cooper to make plays, but with Peterson covering Desean 1-on-1, the Cardinals will probably play more man and tight coverage making passes harder for Foles. But I can see the Eagles throwing across the middle and calling some slants. The stats don't show it, but the Cardinals defense has been very effective. They're 4th in takeaways per game, averaging 2 takeaways per game away from Home.
- The Cardinals offense has been getting the job done as well. Palmer has come alive with 8 TD's and 2 INT's in his last 4 games with a passer rating over 100. They're running the ball well, and with Fitz and Floyd on his team, the passing game has gradually found its flow and has gotten better compared to how the season started. They're putting up 31.3 points per game over their last 3 games. They're not flashy, but they can move the ball on this Eagles defense that's giving up almost 300 yards of offense per game. The Eagles pass rush will have to consistent with pressure and make Palmer make erratic throws.
- This should be an interesting one. The Eagles have only won 1 game at Home, and that was against Washington. I believe Foles will struggle against this Cardinals defense and it comes down to which defense can show up. The Eagles need to contain Palmer and that offense and find ways to exploit the Cardinals defense and not turn the ball over. Coming off a bye, and playing good Football, I think the Eagles will find a way to win.
Prediction: Eagles defeat Cardinals
Miami @ NY Jets
- Two 5-6 teams battling for they're playoff lives in a division rivalry. The Dolphins started out aggressively against the Panthers, throwing the ball down the field and forcing pressure on Cam and generating turnovers. Now, they go on the road and face one of the best defensive lines in Football. The Jets are 4-1 at Home and have played well, beating teams like New England & New Orleans, but losing to Pittsburgh. Dolphins have a habit of starting games out Hot, but fizzling away. Case in point, the game last week and the Patriots game. They come out aggressive and they seem to cool down and blow the lead in the 2nd half. The Dolphins have been progressing, but they need to be consistent in the passing game. Mike Wallace for example; where has that been all season? If he played like that all season long, maybe Miami would be better right now.
- Only way Miami can win this game is control and the clock and come out throwing the ball on the secondary. But to do that, their offensive line needs to buy Tannehill time. Miami may just have the worst offensive line in Football. Tannehill's been the most sacked QB in the league (44) and they're not going to be able to run the ball on the Jets because they have the top ranked rushing defense in the league. They'll have to take advantage of favorable match ups in the secondary, maybe throw in some screen passes. As far as the Jets go, as a unit, they play better at Home. Geno needs to not force the issue, make smart plays, and not turn the ball over. They'll need to ground and pound and take advantage of Miami's defense, but they shouldn't underestimate them.
- Both of teams are looking for a win to catch Baltimore in the race for the #6 seed. The Jets have the Homefield Advantage and their defense is what keeps them in games and what ultimately closes games out. Miami's offensive line will need to be prepared, but I've got to give this game to The Jets.
Prediction: Jets defeat Dolphins
Atlanta @ Buffalo
- Even when the Falcons play well, they still struggle to produce on offense and play defense. This game isn't Buffalo though, it's in Toronto. I forgot they actually had games up there. Either way, I don't think it's a true Homefield for Buffalo and we know how good they play teams in their building. The Falcons gave everything they had at the Saints, but still lost by 4 points. They've been on a 6 game losing streak, turning the ball over, not running the ball well, and inconsistency in the passing game. This could be due to the loss of Julio, but they were struggling in games even when they had him. Harry Douglas has really stepped up in his absence though.
- Now, they face a rather underrated Bills team that could easily have 7 wins under their belt if certain things had gone their way. Things went downhill when EJ went out and Bills dropped 4 out of 6 games. Now, that he's back, the offense is flowing better, he's not running as much as Thad Lewis was and throwing from the pocket more, finding players downfield and their running game is ranked 5th in the league with Spiller and Jackson back there. Their defense has been quietly performing well. They lead the league in Sacks AND Interceptions. They can get pressure on the QB and their secondary plays good coverage and utilizes different schemes to make passing difficult.
- The Falcons are going to have to do a better job at giving Matt Ryan time in the pocket and they've got to get that running game going. They've got the worst running attack in the NFC. Ryan can't do it all by himself. Receivers need to make plays, Ryan himself needs to not turn the ball over and the Falcons defense has to bottle down and make some plays. They're giving up 28.1 points per game and 30.3 in their last 3 games. It's hard to choose. Buffalo is a dangerous team having only lost 2 games by double digits, but Atlanta has to end this streak of losing eventually. Off a coin toss, I got the Bills.
Prediction: Bills defeat Falcons
St. Louis @ San Francisco
- UPSET ALERT!
- The Rams are 5-6, and don't look now, but they're still not out of playoff contention. They need A LOT of things to go their way, but as for now, they're still in it. Their defense has been out of this world amazing. Their defensive line has always been impressive, but their last few games have been dominant. Their pressure and speed off the edge and they make lines collapse and swarm around the ball has been phenomenal. Almost 3 sacks a game and allowing 19.0 points per game over their last 3 games. All this is complimented by their offense. Clemens has come in and played well, but that's not the full story. Tavon Austin is being used properly and Zac Stacy has been great running the ball. The Rams have averaged 186 yards on the ground in their last 3 games. They need to utilize more plays to get Austin in the open field. Once he gets out in the clear field, he's too fast to catch up to.
- The Niners have been up and down this season. They've gradually gotten better and offensively and been playing better defense, getting pressure, and forcing turnovers. Kaepernick has only thrown 7 INT's all season. He's been running a lot like last season and hasn't become a pocket passer. Carolina's defensive line shut down their running attack and when Kaepernick became a pure pocket passer, he only had 91 yards passing on that defense. Kaep and Boldin connected twice last Monday Night. They need to get the ball to Boldin more. The Rams aren't a top run defense but they still haven't given up 100 yards in their last 3 games. The Niners O-Line needs to be on top of their game protecting Kaepernick and giving him time in the pocket. If this is a repeat of the Carolina game, the Niners offense is gonna have a long day producing offensively.
- The Rams need to focus on ball control and controlling the clock. The Rams need to run the ball a lot and get Tavon Austin going early and start aggressive. That Rams defensive line has been imposing over their last few games and in a division game like this, it's their chance to get a huge win on the road. Neither team turns the ball over a lot, but the Rams have been on a roll lately. Clemens hasn't been asked to do a lot, but with Austin & Stacy playing well, I believe the Rams have the upper hand in this game. I'm not sure if the Niners can produce and get the ball off against this defense. The Niners have a better team across the board, but the Rams have been playing well as of late and they're looking to play spoiler and move one step closer to the maybe capturing the #6 seed. This will be a slugfest and I've got St. Louis in this one.
Prediction: Rams defeat 49ers
Cincinnati @ San Diego
- The Bengals are slowly beginning to lose control of this division. They're 7-5 and the Ravens are quietly creeping up at 6-6. A win here is almost a MUST. They play the Colts next, then Minnesota, on the road against a Pittsburgh team that is still technically in the hunt and they close out the season at Home against Baltimore. The Bengals are a different team away from Home. Barely winning in Buffalo, barely winning in Detroit, losing by a safety in Miami and losing other road games to Chicago, Baltimore, & Cleveland. Their defense is what's making plays. They're 6th in points per game allowed, averaging almost 3 turnovers in their last 3 games, forcing 4 against Cleveland. Geno Atkins is still a big loss on the defensive side of the ball and we're gonna see if they can generate pressure on Rivers.
- Speaking of Rivers, he just got finished lighting up Kansas City and dropping 41 on them. The absence of Hali & Houston played a big part. When Rivers wasn't pressured, he stepped up and fired the ball down the field, making plays and delivering the ball with such precision. He still leads the league in completion% and he's still been playing well. The Chargers have exceptional playmakers on offense; Woodhead, Allen, Royal, Matthews, etc. How will the Bengals be able to defend against these receivers? It starts up front. If Cincinnati can generate pressure and throw Rivers off his game, they can contain this big play offense. Speaking of which, they need to defend the big play and the slant routes where they might utilize Woodhead. They'll also need to tackle and wrap up these Chargers players as they are dangerous in yards after the catch.
- The Bengals offense isn't as explosive as the Chargers, but they have the playmakers. They've got AJ, Jones, Gresham, Sanu, Bernard and such. But they're a little inconsistent when it comes to making plays. The Chargers secondary got torched by Alex Smith as well. The Bengals will come out throwing early and attacking this secondary with its playmakers. The Chargers defense will have to step up and contain these receivers. The Bengals are 2-4 on the road, but the Chargers have a habit of blowing leads late in games, especially at Home. If they get a lead, they need to hold on to it. I think the Bengals will struggle against San Diego and without consistent pressure off the edge, the Bengals secondary will have to step up, and I don't think they have against this Chargers offense.
- San Diego is 5-6 with 4 of their final 5 games at Home. If there was ever a time for them to bring it Home and get into the playoffs, this is it.
Prediction: Chargers defeat Bengals
Denver @ Kansas City
- I was ready to pick the Chiefs to get revenge for Denver ending their undefeated streak, but after what Rivers did to them, imagine what Peyton Manning will do to them. Hali is questionable, and their leading edge rusher and league leading sack leader, Houston, is expected to be out 2-3 weeks. Already, that's a blow to KC's defense. If there's no pressure in Manning's face, he will find receivers and he will annihilate that defense. Even in the cold weather in Kansas City. The Broncos are seething after blowing that game in New England. They knew they should've won that one, but it slipped through their fingers. Moreno has 200 yards on the ground in a loss and the Chiefs have given up almost 150 yards on the ground in their last 3 games. I can see the Broncos running a little more and passing when necessary in those bunch formations they love to run. Rodgers-Cromartie is questionable for Sunday and without him, Denver's pass defense is vulnerable, if it wasn't already.
- While we're on Denver's secondary, Alex Smith performed well against them up in Denver. A couple of missed opportunities here and there. Look at how New England was able to exploit Denver's secondary when Rodgers-Cromartie went out. Receivers were getting more separation across the field making passing easy. Smith will have to take advantage of match ups, start out aggressive and get the ball to his best players; Charles and Bowe to move the ball down the field. Denver is vulnerable in the secondary. Pounding the ball with Charles is the way to go here and Alex himself will have to extend the play and make some plays with his feet. I posed this same question last time; If the Chiefs fall behind by 14, can Alex Smith bring them back? They didn't come back in Denver, could they keep up with Denver in a shootout? They kept up with San Diego, so it's possible.
- The last time these teams met, Denver won the battle at the line of scrimmage containing that KC pass rush. They'll need to adjust with Houston out there and make up other ways to get pressure on the ball and contain Manning and that offense. But, no pressure on Manning, and that offense will move the ball on the KC defense. I believe this will be high scoring, but I like Denver in this one. This AFC West Showdown is gonna be a good one.
Prediction: Broncos defeat Chiefs
NY Giants @ Washington
- Last Monday Night's game is a clear indication of what the Redskins season has been; inconsistency on offense, poor blocking on the offensive line, and their defense can't make any stops, or force turnovers. The Giants lost a heartbreaker against Dallas on a last second FG. The Giants are still offensively competent enough to put up points against this poor Redskins secondary. Only way the Redskins win is if they control the clock and run the ball. They do have the #1 rushing attack in the league, so they'll have to utilize that. They need to control the clock and their offensive line will need to buy Griffin some time in the pocket. Washington is LAST in the league in points in the 1st Quarter. They've have not gotten off to a Hot start this season with all sorts of problems.
- The Giants have slowed down on the turnovers, but they still turn the ball over a lot, averaging almost 3 a game. The Redskins defense isn't good at forcing turnovers, but average on generating pressure. Eli will have to make smart plays and not throw picks like he's accustomed to. Their offense was contained by Dallas' defense, but came alive in the 2nd half. I can see the Giants pass rush generating pressure and getting to RG3, knocking him down and roughing him up. Griffin is scared to run nowadays and he's being exposed as an average pocket passer. I don't like the Redskins in this game.
Prediction: Giants defeat Redskins
New Orleans @ Seattle
- This is the BIG one. Monday Night Football with Drew Brees & The Saints visiting Russell Wilson & The Seahawks. Remember the last time Drew Brees was in Seattle? The Seahawks were 7-9 and put 41 on The Saints eliminating them for the playoffs. You have one of the league's best offenses against one of the leagues best defenses. The winner here will have a good chance at locking up the #1 seed and Homefield throughout.
- So, what are the match ups and X-Factors in this game? The Seahawks lost Browner and Thurmond. That will prove to be interesting to see if Brees goes at that backup early. So, how will the Seahawks defense matchup vs the Saints offense? The Seahawks have one of the best D-Line's in the league. They're speed off the ball and ability to generate pressure is among the best in the league. That's how Brees and Co. fell to New York. The Jets won off getting pressure with their defensive front and containing that passing attack. The Seahawks hit hard and are the 2nd ranked pass defense in the league. Brees loves working the middle of the field and utilizing those little screen passes. The Seahawks defense love to close gaps and shut those kinds of plays down. Even with Jimmy Graham playing as well as he has been, and with Moore, Colston, Thomas, Sproles, etc. they're going to be cautious in the passing game and not force anything against this beastly defense.
- How do the Seahawks offense matchup against the Saints defense? Wilson has quietly flown under the radar in terms of QB play. He's thrown 8 TD's to 2 INT's in their last 4 games with a 64 completion%. He's been great at extending the play and making plays with his feet, throwing on the run, and his ball release and arm strength on the deep ball just seem to get better and better. Their offense is ranked 12th, but their 2nd in points per game with 27.8 with Saints 3rd in that same category. How about that? The Seahawks are ranked higher in points per game than the Saints. They're running the ball well, ranked #2 in total rushing yards per game. Rob Ryan has had this defense playing well. Their defense line has played well with getting pressure and forcing turnovers, putting them as the NFL's 5th ranked defense. The Seahawks will be able to run the ball and throw the ball on this Saints defense. Their defensive line will have to win the battle of scrimmage and get to Wilson and disrupt his rhythm.
- The X-Factor in this game is Percy Harvin. Bringing him back a week earlier to get his feet wet was obviously a smart move. When he gets in the open field, he's dangerous and a tough man to bring down and will definitely boost the Seahawks special teams as well. Brees is 6-0 at Home, but 2-3 away from the Super Dome. Saints are averaging 21.2 ppg, compared to the 33.2 ppg they score at Home. Seattle has only allowed 15.4 points per game at Home all season. In Seattle, with the 12th Man, the Seahawks are entirely different team and their energy on both sides of the ball goes up by 20. Their defensive pressure is gonna contain Brees' offense. Saints are more finesse, but the Seahawks are a more physica Football team. At 10-1, the Seahawks have been overlooked and maybe they'll get respect with a statement win over the beloved Saints. I know one thing; I can't wait to see this one.
Prediction: Seahawks defeat Saints
Enjoy The Games!
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By: Gerald "Showstopper" Prophete
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