San Diego really shook up the AFC Playoff Scene when they stunned Denver. Now, the race is on for the #1 seed in the AFC and the #6 seed is extremely tight between San Diego, Miami, and Baltimore. It's going to be an interesting weekend of Football. Gonna be hard to top last Sunday's action, but there's a lot of interesting games this week.
Washington @ Atlanta
- RG3 is officially shut down for the rest of the season, and Kirk Cousins is gonna get the start this Sunday. Cousins isn't really an upgrade from RG3, but I digress. That Redskins team was doomed from the moment Ngata took out RG3's leg taking him out. Last week was just a testament to how bad this team has been all season. Kansas City tore them apart. Now, they're going up against Atlanta. A team, that also thought they'd be doing better than they are.
- The Falcons running game hasn't taken off the way they thought, as they rank last in the league. Roddy White is back, giving Matt Ryan more firepower in the offensive game. But against a poor defense like Washington, I can see the Falcons consistently move the ball down the field. Their running game will probably be inconsistent and they'll need to win off the strength of their passing game. The Falcons defense isn't exactly like Kansas City, so I don't expect the Redskins offense to have that abysmal of a showing again, but I don't see them mounting enough offense to take out Atlanta.
Prediction: Falcons defeat Redskins
Chicago @ Cleveland
- This is an interesting one. Jay Cutler is back as the starting QB of Chicago. He picked a nasty game to come back to. The Browns have a stingy defense, ranked 4th against the run, and can contain the passing game. At Home, it's tough to beat them. Cutler is going to struggle moving the ball consistently as this is his first game back. Whether people like it or not, Cutler gives this Bears team a better chance at making the playoffs than McCown. Don't get me wrong, McCown has stepped and played really well in Cutler's absence, but Cutler is a better QB. The only thing McCown has on Cutler is that he's more accurate. Cutler has a stronger arm, better at throwing on the run and throwing the deep ball. McCown used Alshon as a primary target. It'll be interesting to see if Cutler continues to target Alshon more, or if he'll go back to his chemistry with Marshall. With Haden most likely covering Marhsall, Alshon will see a lot of targets. The Browns do cover receivers and cut off patterns well.
- Offensively though, this is where the Browns may falter. Their offense only puts up 19.8 ppg, but they've looked decent as of late mainly due to Josh Gordon who's on his way to leading the league in receptions and receiving yards. He's been impossible to defend against. Tillman will have his hands full against this guy. It'll be fun to watch. If Gordon really does get contained by Tillman, Campbell will have to find other receivers to throw to. He'll need to invest in Jordan Cameron, and maybe depend on their running game to get them some decent offense. Then again, their running game hasn't really taken off this season. The only thing they've got going for them is that Chicago's defense is also one of the worse in the league. It'll be interesting to see these two physical teams go at it. This may be Cutler's first game back, but with that offense, I think those big Bears receivers can match up well with Cleveland's secondary.
Prediction: Bears defeat Browns
Houston @ Indianapolis
- The only positive that came from the Colts loss in Cincy last week is that we found some sort of offense outside of Hilton and Fleener. Da'rick Rogers and Brazill stepped up and made plays. They should've been implemented more in the offense the week Reggie went down. Ever since Reggie went down, the only games The Colts have won were against divisional rivals, including the sweep of the Titans and beating Houston in their house after being down 18.
- The Texans are still allowing 183.6 yards passing per game as one of the more elite pass defenses in the league. The Texans have been in the steady decline all season long. The issue with Schaub, Keenum playing well and now the firing of Gary Kubiak. No telling where Houston goes from here, but if they keep Keenum as the starter, they're going somewhere. The kid has a good arm, can throw on the run, and makes accurate throws either short, or down the field. The chemistry he's had with Andre in the deep ball game has been impeccable. But they've got bring their A game against the Colts. The Colts defense may not be good, but they can make plays in front of their Home crowd. The Texans will have implement a good dose of the running game and throw deep often and early.
- As far as the Colts go, they're pass protection was a little better last week as Luck wasn't sacked, but he was still hurried and was throwing under pressure. The Colts showed signs of improvement last week in that area. And now, Luck has more weapons to play with and see how consistent they are. Heyward-Bey is inconsistent, Fleener and Hilton are the only receivers Luck can trust at the moment. If I see a lot of upside in Rogers, more than Brazill. Rogers can be another deep threat right alongside Hilton and maybe they can work Brazill into the slot role position. It'll be interesting to see how they play them.
- The Texans are WINLESS at Indianapolis. Even back to the days when the Colts were in the RCA Dome. The Texans are 2-11 and a team with nothing to lose is dangerous, but the Colts have dominated this division this season. The Colts have found some life with their receivers and with an energetic team like that, in their Home building is tough to beat. The Texans will get a win someday in Indy, but it won't be this week. I'll take the Home team.
Prediction: Colts defeat Texans
Buffalo @ Jacksonville
- A game between two mediocre teams. Jones-Drew is probably out, so it'll be interesting to see how Jordan Todman produces against a Buffalo defensive line that's very underrated, but still give up 124.8 yards per game on the ground. The Jags still give up 28.6 ppg and the Bills were contained by a solid defense in Tampa Bay. But against a team like the Jags, that give up 126.8 yards on the ground, and are 26th in pass defense, I expect EJ to have a solid day throwing the ball and a great game from Spiller and Jackson running the ball. The Jags offense has gradually been increasing. They've put up 24 points per game in their last 3 games, and ever since winning their first game, they've won 4 out of their last 5 games. The Bill secondary and defensive line are very underrated, but for some reason I'm gonna go with the Jags in this game. The Jags have gradually become a better team over the weeks. They're trying to close out the season strong. I'm gonna take the Jags.
Prediction: Jaguars defeat Bills
New England @ Miami
- UPSET ALERT!
- Miami has quietly been playing some solid Football. At 7-6, they've won 4 out of their last 6 games, including wins against Cincinnati, a stomping of the Jets in their home building and going toe to toe with Carolina. Their defense has played well at not giving up the big play ball and limiting ball possession and opposing points per game. They've allowed 17 points per game, 188.3 pass yards per game and have gotten 3.3 sacks all in their last 3 games. Opponents have only averaged 4.3 points per game against them in the 1st half of games. Miami has been known for opening a game strong, getting pressure on the QB, and making plays offensively, but then the 2nd half is another story. Almost 13 points per game have been given up by Miami in the 2nd half. Miami's offense has finally been rolling. Mike Wallace has shown why Miami got him in the first place, Clay has come alive as premier playmaker, and Hartline has been up and down all season, but he's played well over Miami's last few games. Their offense as a whole averaged 24.3 points per game over their last 3 games. Tannehill still has the worst offensive line in Football, but their have playmakers across the board stepping up and making Tannehill's job easier.
- The New England Patriots win last week was mired in controversy, but the past is the past. They've lost Gronk for the season, and now have to implement Matthew Mulligan in the passing game and get his feet wet and have him step up. Brady's receivers and that passing game was shut down by the Browns through 3 1/2 quarters. Brady has Amendola, Kenbrell and Dobson looks like he's going to come back. The problem with the Pats receiving core is that Gronk, Edleman and Kenbrell were the only dependable and consistent receivers. Dobson gives Brady another deep threat opposite Kenbrell, and if we're gonna see if they Mulligan can step up in Gronk's spot. I can see Miami's defensive line getting pressure and making Brady throw inaccurate passes. It'll be up to the Pats defensive line to see if they can take advantage of the worst O-Line in Football, get some pressure, generate sacks and force turnovers.
- Miami had a 17-3 lead on New England in Foxboro, but blew the lead. They've dropped the last 3 games against New England in Miami. If Miami can get their running going, and Tannehill doesn't turn the ball over, I like their chances. Miami's defensive line needs to step up and get the pressure on Brady, and get some sacks. New England better not take Miami lightly. That defense has been playing well and making key stops when necessary, and that offense is finally finding some consistent rhythm. Miami is playing good Football and they're flying under the radar. Give me the Home team.
Prediction: Dolphins defeat Patriots
Philadelphia @ Minnesota
- Still 3 games to go, but right now the Eagles are in the driver's seat to win the NFC East. Even in the deep Snow, they came back after being down by double digits to Detroit to win. Despite, throwing a pick in the Snow, Foles is still playing some damn good Football. 20 TD's to 1 INT, with a 61.93 completion% and near perfect QBR. These Eagles lead the league in making big plays, with 17 passing plays going over 40 yards with Foles and Desean making plays. But a HUGE part of their offense comes from the league leading rusher in Lesean McCoy vaulting the Eagles into the top rushing team in the league. Their defense has also turned it up a notch. They're getting better pressure, averaging almost 3 turnovers and 3 sacks in their last 3 games, giving up just 19.0 ppg in that 3 game span as well.
- And they go on the road to face a Vikings team that won't have Adrian Peterson with them, but they've got a good backup in Gerhart that can power through and get physical with defensive players. As far as the passing game goes, Cassel has been the best QB out of himself, Ponder, and Freeman. Freeman only played 1 game with little to no prep time in reading the playbook, but nonetheless, Cassel has stepped up and played well throwing the ball and finding his receivers. The Vikings defense as a whole is one of the worst in the league right behind Dallas, giving up 400 yards of offense per game. These Eagles are coming in as an offensive powerhouse, ranked 3rd in total offense. The Vikings might make a good showing in front of their Home crowd, but I've got the Eagles in this one.
Prediction: Eagles defeat Vikings
Seattle @ NY Giants
- Last week was a testament to how the Giants season has gone. The only wins they can get are against inferior teams with 3rd stringers, and they get slaughtered by great teams. Eli leads the league in picks, their offense has struggled all season, and their defense may be ranked 10th, but they're giving up 25.7 points per game. Their defensive line can't get consistent pressure and are ranked 31st in sacks per game. And now in come the top ranked defense in the league in Seattle.
- The Seahawks ran into a bump in the road against San Francisco. Their defense held the Seahawks offense in check. That was only their second loss on the road this season. And people said Seattle can't win on the road. The Giants defense is ranked 10th overall, but they're giving up well over 200 yards through the air. I don't believe the Giants secondary can match up well with Seattle's offense. Kearse has really stepped up in Rice's absence, and Baldwin and Tate have been consistent weapons as well. The Giants defense will have to be on their toes. Wilson is such a dynamic QB, he can extend the play when the pocket breaks down, he can throw on the run, his ball release is so fluid and he's accurate. Only way the Giants can win is getting consistent pressure and breaking off the timing patterns between Wilson and his receivers. I haven't even mentioned Marshawn Lynch yet. I don't think the Giants defense is stagnant enough to contain him.
- As far as the Giants go, I see Sherman all over Cruz this game. Cruz might get lucky and break on, but I think Sherman will contain him. Eli will have to make smart throws, which hasn't been something he's done all season, and the Seahawks are animals on the defensive line at getting pressure. He'll need to get the ball out quickly. They'll need to hit them with a heavy dose of the running game if they want to at least keep it close. But Seattle is a better team all across the board. This could very well be a slaughter.
Prediction: Seahawks defeat Giants
San Francisco @ Tampa Bay
- San Francisco seems to have a strong hold on that #6 seed, but Arizona is gaining fast and they need to keep up their winning ways. The Buccaneers have declined a small bit. Glennon didn't do too well against Carolina and only completed 9 passes against Buffalo last week. It's the Bucs defense that's keeping them in these games. Their defense is very stingy and aggressive, ranked 8th against the run, but 17th in pass defense. Their stats may show otherwise, but the Bucs are a solid defense, that lead the league in interceptions. The Niners are going to have a tough time consistently getting the running game going, but as far pass defense goes, Niners have just way too much offensive firepower and I have a feeling Tampa Bay's secondary might just get torched. Kaepernick may not be the best pocket passer in the league, he's got a strong arm and can make plays outside of the pocket.
- The Niners defense on the other hand, contained that Seahawks offense and against an average Tampa Bay offense, I see the same outcome. Glennon will have a tough time getting the ball out because that Niners pass rush is still one of the best in the league. Getting the ball out quickly and making smart decisions will be key. Their running game probably won't produce as well, but V. Jackson and Underwood will have to play big. The Bucs are 4-1 since getting their first win, but I don't see them beating the Niners. The Bucs defense is solid, but the Niners offense is too much.
Prediction: 49ers defeat Buccaneers
NY Jets @ Carolina
- The Jets are not making the playoffs. I'll say that right now. Their offense showed signs of life against Oakland, but this a totally different beast of a team. Carolina has a QB that can make plays with his feet outside of the pocket, has a strong arm, and can find his receivers. But they were decimated by the Saints last Sunday. They brought the pressure on Cam, contained that offense and Brees put in work on that defense. Now, they come home against a poor Jets team. The Jets defensive line has been gradually declining as of late, and aren't getting the consistent pressure they have been. In these cases, the defense goes as the offense goes. Jets still have the top rush defense in the AFC, so it'll be interesting to see if they can keep Cam in the pocket and contain his playmaking abilities outside of the pocket. The Jets secondary is what can do them in. If their defensive line can't get the necessary pressure, Cam will rip through that 24th ranked pass defense of New York. He's got the weapons to do so.
- The Jets offense need to do quite a lot to get a win here. Carolina has the top rush defense in the league. I don't see the Jets having much success in the running game. Geno will have to most of the work. Carolina's pass defense is ranked 5th, but the strength of Carolina's defense comes up front. Their defensive line is one of the best in Football at getting pressure and disrupting rhythm and forcing bad throws and turnovers. Carolina's only forced 1 turnover in their last 3 games. They get pressure and force the QB into bad throws. Geno's found some offense with Kerley going up and making plays for his QB. It'll take a lot more than just one receiver to make plays on Carolina. The Jets don't have the offensive firepower, or consistent receivers to start aggressive and throw the ball down the field and match up against the Carolina secondary.
Geno is 3-0 vs the NFC South, playing well in each of those games, but this is a different team and the Jets are on the decline, despite their showing against Oakland. I'll take Carolina for the bounce back win.
Prediction: Panthers defeat Jets
Kansas City @ Oakland
- The Chiefs defense is longer the feared beast that it used to be. Peyton and Rivers have exposed the secondary of the KC defense with good QB play and consistent receivers making plays against the KC Secondary. Matt McGloin has stepped in and played well despite only having a 1-3 record as a starter in the league, with 6 TD's to 3 INT's. He doesn't have the dynamic playmaking ability that Pryor has. He's just an average pocket passer. People are clamoring for Pryor. Pryor's dynamic ability makes the offense better but McGloin hasn't exactly been abysmal. Streater has been the only dependable receiver in Oakland's passing game with Denarius looking like he's going to come back this week. But Oakland is still a Top 5 team in terms of running the Football and KC is ranked 17th in rush defense.
- The Chiefs have also changed since Denver ended their unbeaten streak. The Chiefs went from scoring in the teens, to averaging 37 points in their last 3 games. Alex Smith is still making smart decisions and managing games, but he's showing what he can do when he's asked to throw the ball down the field and make those throws in coverage. He showed how good he was in both Denver games and against San Diego. But Jamaal Charles has carried a bulk of the offense. I'd put him in the MVP conversation right up there with Peyton, and Russell Wilson. He's an extremely dangerous ball carrier whether it's in the the running game or in the receiving game catching screen passes. Oakland is ranked 23rd in pass defense, giving up 25.9 points per game. Their defensive line is underrated and can get pressure, but I like the Chiefs in this one.
Prediction: Chiefs defeat Raiders
Green Bay @ Dallas
- Aaron Rodgers has been ruled our for the Dallas game. They might as well shut him down for the season, because Green Bay's chances of getting in the playoffs are slim to none. They're still in the race mathematically, but I don't like their chances. Matt Flynn hasn't played up to the player Green Bay thought he would be. He's inaccurate, doesn't make smart choices, and has bad pocket presence. His only shining moment was that 6 TD game against Detroit some time ago. Ever since then, he's been quiet. Even with Jordy Nelson on his team and Eddie Lacy dominating in the backfield, Flynn has failed to produce consistently and now, they're going on the road against a Dallas team fighting for their playoff lives.
- Speaking of Dallas, if they fail to make the playoffs, they can look back at that Chicago game. They made Josh McCown look like a God the way the he was playing, consistently moving the ball, and how those big Bears receivers dominated the Dallas secondary. Romo isn't devoid of blame either. Their offense sputtered and couldn't put up points consistently either. You could blame the cold weather, but you would think they'd adapt. But they didn't and lost, badly. But the Cowboys always seem to bounce back after a loss. Dallas has the playmakers on offense to match up and move the ball on Green Bay's defense. Green Bay hasn't been great against the run, so expect Demarco to have a good game. As long as Dallas' defense can make some stops and not let Flynn look like Rodgers, they've got it. They need to pray Philly messes up so they can keep pace.
Prediction: Cowboys defeat Packers
New Orleans @ St. Louis
- This won't be an easy win. I can guarantee that one. We already know how beastly of a defensive line the Rams have. The Saints offensive line will have to be ready to take care the Rams defensive front and give Brees time in the pocket. If Brees gets time, he will tear up the secondary, work the middle of the field, and the Saints playmakers, being implemented in the screen game will eat up chunks of yardage when they get in the open space. Pass protection will have to be paramount if the Saints are to escape with a win. The Rams have held running backs to under 90 yards in their last 3 games, and even on the road, the Saints will have to use the screen game a little more.
- On the other side of the spectrum, The Rams offense runs through Tavon Austin and Zac Stacy. The Saints are giving up over 100 yards on the ground and Stacy has been an effective running back for the Rams this season, and when Tavon Austin gets in the open space, he's extremely dangerous with breakaway speed and juking skills. Clemens is playing the role of game manager well. He's had some bumps in the road, but he's been decent for the most part. He'll have to maintain his poise in the pocket and make smart decisions. The Saints pass rush improved this year, but is decent now, and get some pressure, but it's not consistent as it is if they were playing in the Super Dome.
- If the Rams pass rush can get consistent pressure and really throw off Brees' rhythm, and Clemens delivers the ball and produces, we could see an upset in the making. I'd be shocked if the Rams got blown out, because the Saints are not a very good road team. Nobody's getting blown out, but I still take the Saints .
Prediction: Saints defeat Rams
Arizona @ Tennessee
- The Titans playoff hopes are pretty much dead and in the water. They went from a solid team ranked 9th in total defense with a solid offense to 14th in the league in total defense, to a team putting up 21.7 ppg in their last 3 games, with their strength coming from their running game which is averaging well over 100 yards in their last 3 games. But Arizona's defense has quietly been effectively efficient. They're ranked 3rd in the league against the run, and 5th in total defense overall. The Titans have capable receivers in Hunter, Washington, and Wright to make plays, but the Cardinals secondary is pretty strong, allowing just 172.7 yards through the air in their last 3 games. Not to mention Carson Palmer has really led this offense, efficiently putting up the points and consistently moving the ball down the field. It also helps that he's got Fitz going up and getting up the ball. Fitzpatrick has been serviceable at best this season, but this is a tall task. I don't think the Cardinals defense will completely shut down the Titans offense, but their defense will keep them in check and make the key plays when it counts.
Prediction: Cardinals defeat Titans
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh
- The Bengals need to win this game to maintain their place in the division and possibly vault to the #2 seed since they own the tiebreaker over New England. They defeated Pittsburgh in their last meeting and held them to just 10 points. Pittsburgh's offense has gotten better since then, and the Bengals defense is still great. They excel at the pass rush and forcing turnovers, (2.3 in their last 3) and not to mention their offense keeps getting better. They don't put up 40 on the road, like they do at Home, but their offense is still solid, but they take a while to get it going. On the road, they average 8.3 ppg in the 1st half of games compared to the 10.6 in the 2nd half of games. It's not a huge jump, but an slight increase nonetheless.
- Pittsburgh really blew their chance at staying in the playoff race losing to Miami the way they did. Their defense let Tannehill have his way, and Miami's offense put 30 on them. Big Ben and that offense have gotten better, receivers get separation, Big Ben back to extending the play and making plays on the run. Geno Atkins not being there is big, but I can see the Steelers moving the ball down the field more, but struggling to run the ball.
- It'll be about which offense can step up and make plays. The Bengals are a slow starting team on the road, and the Steelers have been playing better, producing points and controlling the ball at Home. But in a divisional game like this, against a team like the Bengals who could possibly get a #2 seed, they can't be stopped.
Prediction: Bengals defeat Steelers
Baltimore @ Detroit
- This is a HUGE game for both teams. Baltimore needs to keep pace with Miami and San Diego in the race for the #6 seed, and Detroit can't seem to get rid of Chicago and pull away from them in the division, even though they swept them and own the tiebreaker. The Ravens have already begun the trash talking. Safety Matt Elam called Calvin Johnson "Pretty Old." The last time somebody talked about Megatron, he went for 329 yards on the day. If these young players learn anything, it's not to call out a receiver like Megatron.
- Getting to the game, the defense will be key. Detroit's bane is the their poor secondary and the amount of big plays they give up. But Baltimore now leads that category allowing 16 plays going over 40 yards, to Detroit's 14. The Lions had a 20-3 lead over Philadelphia in the snow, but the Eagles came back and defeated them. Lesean McCoy had 200 yards on what was the #3 ranked rush defense in the league. Ray Rice has underperformed this season, but Detroit's defensive line is still inconsistent against the run. Their secondary needs to step more than anything. Against guys like Jacoby Jones, Torrey Smith, Dennis Pitta is back in the lineup, containing the big play will be a priority. Flacco may not be a Top 5 QB overall, but his arm strength is definitely Top 5 and he can launch it. The Ravens running game hasn't picked up, but I sort of expect Rice to have a breakout game on Monday Night. Other than rushing for over 100 yards against Chicago, he hasn't even broke 80 yards on a team.
- The Lions offense needs no introduction. They've got Megatron, Pettigrew has been a reliable target. Outside of those two, nobody has actually done anything to write home about. Durham's been inconsistent, and Burleson is probably going to play Monday Night. Fauria used to get some targets, but I guess he's lost his place in the offense. Their passing begins and ends with Calvin Johnson. Shutting him down is nigh impossible and now that he's been called out, he'll remind the world just what happens when this sort of things happen. The key here will be if the Lions can Bush and Bell going early. Baltimore has the 7th ranked rush defense in the league. I think Bush and Bell will have success running the ball. I don't think Baltimore has faced a tandem like these two yet. But if running the ball deems successful, implementing some screen passes can be useful.
- Baltimore has found new life since beating Pittsburgh on Thanksgiving Night, but now they find themselves in a tight race with Miami and San Diego. The Ravens have gradually gotten better, but Detroit is a different team on their Home turf, only losing twice there, allowing 66.8 yards on the ground, and almost 2 interceptions per game in front of their Home crowd. Forcing turnovers is what will win them the game. But in Detroit, I don't like Baltimore's chances.
Prediction: Lions defeat Ravens
Enjoy The Games!
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By: Gerald "Showstopper" Prophete
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