The dog masks are certainly fitting for this Super Bowl matchup. (Photo creds to NJ.Com)
In Pittsburgh, Some are billing this Super Bowl as a "battle of Evil vs. Evil."
On one side, there's the dreaded Patriots, who have owned our beloved Steelers so much so over the past 15 years that a franchise that prides itself on being a cut above everyone else has developed an obsession with them. On the other side, hated "Filthadelphia," -not Pittsburgh- is flying the Pennsylvania flag in the pinnacle of North American sports. So it's understandable that Steelers fans and a lot of others find themselves in a no-win situation of sorts come Sunday. But one of these two teams is quite likable, and for that, they should have the support of any football fan outside of the Northeast.
What's there not to like about this Eagles team? As far as neutral fans go, Philly checks off all the boxes on being the team to root for in the Super Bowl- and not just because the Eagles aren't the Patriots.
Fans love underdog stories. The Eagles fit the bill for that, not only because they got to the big dance coming off a 7-9 season, but they also overcame several injuries- most notably Carson Wentz- along the way. The fact that Nick Foles has a shot to stop Tom Terrific from winning his sixth Super Bowl says it all about Philly's long shot status. Even the head coach fits the bill.
Doug Pederson spent a total of three seasons as an NFL coordinator and had never been a head coach above the high school level before being hired to clean up Chip Kelly's mess. After a rocky (no pun intended) rookie campaign, now has a chance to do what no Eagles head coach has ever done in bringing a Super Bowl to the City of Brotherly Love. Underdogs make for a great story, and the Eagles are a great story.
Fans love personalities, and the Eagles have plenty of them. From the "take home to mom and dad" Wentz to the borderline frat-boy attitude of offensive tackle Lane Johnson, and even to the best baseball player in the world, Mike Trout, attending every home game, the Eagles enjoy what they do, and understand that games are made to be fun. Personalities make for entertainment, and the Eagles are entertaining.
Fans love teams that haven't been there before. Given that Philly has just two Super Bowl appearances in its' history and lost both of them, it's fair to say the Eagles and their fans check that box. While Philly has an ugly image- and have done more to deserve that image than a lot of fanbases have, there are Eagles fans, some of which are friends of mine, that deserve to see their beloved franchise hoist the Lombardi trophy for the first time. Fans love first-time winners, and the Eagles could bring it all home for the first time Sunday.
So for those of you outside of the Northeast, when your buddy asks you who you are rooting in the big game, you'll likely say the Eagles. But don't say that just because you don't like the Patriots. Say it because this Philly team is fun to watch, and easy to get behind.
Three of us are gone, two of us are left. Let's see who has the better picks between Jeff Stewart and yours truly.
Jags at Patriots
Line: NE -7.5
Photo creds to The Poor Homme
Joe: I don't think this will be a walk in the park for New England. We all know what Jacksonville's defense is capable of, so I wouldn't be surprised if it gave the Patriots fits regardless of how healthy Tom Brady is. With that said, how do you pick against the Pats in Foxborough?
Patriots 21, Jags 13
Jeff: The Patriots have been in this position before and that will help them against a team that has never been this far. I also think the weather will be a factor as the Jags have played in Florida for half the year.
Vikings at Eagles
Line: Min -3.0
Photo creds to Costume Wall
Joe: Here are two of the league's top defenses, so don't expect to see a lot of points on the Lincoln Financial Field scoreboard. On paper, Minnesota has a slight edge against a Carson Wentz-less Eagles team. But I have a feeling about Philly. It seems like a "destiny" type of season, and I think the Eagles defense is more than capable of playing well enough for Nick Foles to win. Fly Eagles Fly, on the road to the Super Bowl.
Eagles 15, Vikings 13
Jeff: I think this will be a close game, but Case Keenum has played for most of the year and is, for sure, the more experienced quarterback. This advantage will lift the Vikings to victory and the Super Bowl.
By: Joe Smeltzer
The divisional round is here. Our group is down from five to four. This week in the NFL will show us who the final two will be. Let's get into it. 4:35 Falcons at Eagles Line: ATL -2.5
Photo creds to Sporting News
Gauging Philly without Carson Wentz is hard. In the Eagles' three games since the superstar quarterback tore his ACL, they are 2-1 but haven't played a quality opponent in that time. That will change today.
Atlanta is rolling, having won seven of its past nine games. A big reason for that is its defense, which has been excellent. Over the last nine contests, that unit has allowed just a little over 17 points per game, and that spells trouble for Philadelphia without its field general.
The Eagles have an excellent defense as well, so I'm expecting an old-school football game. In the end, what it will come down to is can Matt Ryan outplay Nick Foles? I think the answer is yes, and that's why Atlanta will move on to its second straight NFC title game.
8:15 Titans at Patriots Line: NE -13.5
Photo creds to Ranker
As bad as we want it, New England isn't going to lose. Sorry.
Sunday
1:05
Jags at Steelers
Line: PIT -7.0
Photo creds to SI.Com
Blake Bortles beating Ben Roethlisberger? It's happened before. But there's a slight difference between Week 5 and the playoffs. Pittsburgh remembers that 30-9 embarrassment, and you better believe Big Ben will be ready to avenge what was possibly the worst game of his career. I'm so confident in my Steelers getting a W that even if Antonio Brown can't go, I'd still ride with the Black and Gold. If AB can play and be effective, things might get ugly. Here we go.
4:40
Saints at Vikings
Line: Min -5.0
Photo creds to Texas Monthly
This game is a toss-up, but I'm going with Minnesota for two reasons.
The first is that the Vikings are playing at home. In even matchups, I tend to favor the home team for obvious reasons. The second is that in my opinion, the Saints need to have more go right to win than the Vikings do.
Minnesota has arguably the leagues best defense, along with an offense that has big-play capabilities with Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs as receivers. While New Orleans, as always, has a dominant attack, its defense is not as established as Minnesota's. Therefore, I think that the Vikings are more balanced.
For the Saints to win, they need a big day from Drew Brees, and in my opinion, Case Keenum doesn't have as much pressure on him. So while I can see an upset, I just think the Vikings have too much going for them and will move one step closer to being the first team ever to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium.
The playoffs are here, and this is how the Smeltzer on Sports playoff picks will work.
1. The seeding is done based on regular season standings
2. Since there are five player, only Brad and David will be playing this week.
3. Because the same teams will be picked a lot, total points is are tie-breaker. So whoever's points are closer to the total in the actual game will get the win for that contest.
Seems easy enough. Let's get into it.
Saturday
4:20
Titans (9-7) at Chiefs (10-6)
Line: KC -8.5
Photo creds to SI.Com
Kansas City had an hot-and-cold regular season, and unfortunately for Tennessee, the Titans are catching the Chiefs on a hot streak.
KC won it's last four regular season games, and last week, beat Denver despite quarterback Alex Smith and star receiver Tyreek Hill not playing. The Titans are an average football team, and unless Marcus Mariota plays like an early 2000s Mike Vick, I don't see how they upset the red-hot Chiefs in Arrowhead with Smith and Hill back in the fold. If receiver Albert Wilson plays anything like he did last Sunday, the KC offense will be even more to handle.
8:15
Falcons (10-6) at Rams (11-5)
Photo creds to CBS Sports
Atlanta's season has been one of unsatisfied hunger. From winning the NFC last season to sneaking into the playoffs in Week 17 this year, the Falcons haven't lived up to their potential yet.
While Atlanta has underachieved, the Rams are possibly the NFL's biggest overachievers, so you could say this is a matchup of contrasting seasons. The Falcons are such an enigma that I see this game going one of two ways; either Atlanta wins by three, or loses by 17. I'm going to take the latter.
Matt Ryan has had trouble with turnovers this year, throwing 12 interceptions. My gut tells me that Wade Phillips' defense is going to exploit those struggles Saturday night. If Ryan throws two or more picks, the Rams will be sitting pretty. If Jared Goff and Todd Gurley have enough chances to make some magic, they'll take advantage, and I think Aaron Donald and the Rams defense will give the offense enough opportunities to do just that.
Bills (9-7) at Jags (10-6)
Line: Jax -8.5
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey leads a Jags defense that can handle any offense in the league, especially Buffalo's. (photo creds to jaguars.com)
It sure would be something to see Buffalo get its first playoff win in 22 years, and I think there's an outside chance that it happens.
Led by rookie Tre'Davious White, the Bills defense is talented enough to compete with anybody in the league, and Jacksonville isn't known for its offense. What gives the Jags the edge, however, is that their defense is possibly the best in the NFL, and I just can't see Buffalo's attack, which averages under 20 points per game, getting anything done against that unit unless LeSean McCoy goes bonkers.
I'm expecting a defensive battle that won't be decided until the fourth quarter. But Blake Bortles will make one or two more plays than Tyrod Taylor, and that will be the difference.
4:40
Panthers (11-5) at Saints (11-5)
Line: NO -7.0
Photo creds to USA Today
They say its almost impossible to beat the same team three times in a year. I think that when one team is has shown themselves obviously better than the other, it's not just possible, but pretty likely as well.
Not only did the Saints beat the Panthers in both regular season meetings, but they were also obviously the better team in those games. I don't see any reason to expect a much different result Sunday, especially with the game in New Orleans. Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara shredded the Panthers in the last meeting Dec. 3 and I expect them to be on their A-game Sunday. If Ingram and Kamara are factors, goodbye Carolina.
By: Joe Smeltzer
It's Week 17 of the NFL season. Not all the games matter, but our picks always matter. Let's see what the boys can do to wrap up the regular season. Packers (7-8) at Lions (8-7) Line: DET -7.0
Photo creds to Detroit Free Press
Our first in a long line of games that do not matter in the slightest as far as the playoffs go. As last week showed, Green Bay is nothing without Aaron Rodgers. Although the Lions are out of the playoff picture, they still want to secure a winning season and, in the process, pound their NFC North foe. I think Detroit gets both of those objectives accomplished New Year's Eve. Lions 27, Packers 10 Texans (4-11) at Colts (3-12) Line: Ind -5.5
Photo creds to IndyStar
Regardless of what happens in this game, both of these teams are bound to see brighter days in 2018. But for now, as bad as Indy is, the Texans depleted offense is one of the worst I've ever seen in the NFL. So awful in fact, that Jacoby Brissett and company could be in for an easy W. The Colts get the win and then spend the next half year wondering when Andrew Luck will come back into their lives.
Colts 28, Texans 7 Bears (5-10) at Vikings (12-3) Line: MIN -12.0
Photo creds to Daily Noresman
Sometimes, win-loss records don't tell the full story of how two teams match up against each other. Sometimes, they do. This matchup between Chicago and Minnesota is the later.
I haven't exactly been a passenger on the Vikings hype train this season, and while I still don't see Case Keenum as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, I can't deny that Minnesota is one of the best teams in the NFL. Minnesota still has reason to come out firing with a first-round bye on the table. While I like Mitch Turbisky a lot and the Bears secondary and offensive line show promise, the Bears are not there yet, and I don't think they can rain on the Vikings' parade.
Vikings 30, Bears 13 Is there any way the Steelers get the number one seed? Jets (5-10) at Patriots (12-3) Line: NE -15.0
There's a reason Pittsburgh is benching its stars. Sorry, yinzers. The Pats ain't losing this one.
Patriots 35, Jets 13 Redskins (7-8) at Giants (2-13) Line: WSH -3.5
Washington isn't anything special. But this Giants season has been such a trainwreck that many are saying that 2017 has been even worse for the G-men that for the Cleveland Browns. I agree with those people. Every week brings new off-the-field drama for New York. Whether it be quarterback benching, front-office changes, or teammates publically calling out other teammates, this Giants season has sucked. Kirk Cousins and company will give New York's campaign the ending it deserves.
Redskins 21, Giants 14 Cowboys (8-7) at Eagles (13-2) Line: DAL -3.0
Here's another game with absolutely nothing riding on it. Philly already has the NFC's number one seed sewn up, while the Dallas is out of the playoff picture. In what would be a reversal of last year's Week 17 matchup between these two teams, I expect the Cowboys to end the Eagles' magical regular season on a somewhat sour note. It was clear Christmas Day against Oakland that the Eagles aren't the same team without Carson Wentz, and as much as I want to believe in Nick Foles, I don't think Philly will go far in the brutal NFC largely for that reason.
For now, I expect Big Zeke to look a little fresher than he did in his return from suspension last week. Elliot makes the Cowboys offense so much better, and I don't think the Eagles will have an answer for him on this day.
Both of these teams have a ton to play for. Carolina is going for a division title, while Atlanta is still fighting for a playoff spot. Some people seem to think that the Falcons has run out of steam. While last week's performance in New Orleans was one to forget, I think being back in Atlanta will set a fire under the Falcons, and particularly under running back Devonta Freeman. Freeman hasn't had monster performance yet, and I think he's due for one.
If Freeman goes off, the Atlanta offense is hard to stop. Carolina will find that out the hard way Sunday.
Falcons 27, Panthers 17 Chiefs (9-6) at Broncos (5-10) Line: Den -4.0
Photo creds to The Denver Post
Denver stinks, while Kansas City is solid. But in Week 17, things aren't always that simple.
The Chiefs already have the AFC West gift wrapped, so of course, they will bench some of their stars, most notably resting starting quarterback Alex Smith and giving rookie Patrick Mahomes his first NFL start. Unlike Cleveland, the Broncos are capable of beating a playoff team in Week 17 mode. Denver is bad but its defense is excellent, and I think that KC will struggle to move the football without Smith and Tyreek Hill. The Broncos offense has a hard time scoring against anyone, so this will be a close game. But I see the Broncos going all out for their home fans and taking advantage of a depleted postseason-bound opponent.
Broncos 17, Chiefs 10
Jags (10-5) at Titans (8-7)
Line: TEN -2.5
It's do-or-die for Tennessee in the AFC playoff race, while Jacksonville already knows its fate. That combination, along with the Titans playing at home, seems like a recipe for a Titans victory. But I don't think the Jags are going to step off the gas.
After that embarrassing defensive performance by the bay last Sunday, I'd imagine Jacksonville would want to go into the playoffs on a high note. The Jags are the better team, and they proved that way back in Week Two. If Jacksonville goes for it, it will beat Tennessee again, this time at a much higher cost for the Titans.
Jags 24, Titans 20
49ers (5-10) at Rams (11-4)
Line: SF -4.0
There's a reason the team with six fewer wins is four-point favorites. The Rams have nothing left to prove in the regular season, which means that its time for Jimmy G to shine, baby.
49ers 30, Rams 17
Can Buffalo do it?
Bills (8-7) at Dolphins (6-9)
Line: BUF -2.5
No matter what Buffalo does Sunday, it probably isn't making the playoffs. But I have faith that Tyrod and company will do everything they can to make one last push. Jay Cutler and Miami on the other hand, are done, son. The Dolphins have no motivation, while the Bills have a chance, albeit a slim one, to make their first playoff appearances in almost two decades. I'd say Buffalo has slightly more to gain in this one, and that is why the Bills will win.
Bills 20, Dolphins 13
Cardinals (7-8) at Seahawks (9-6)
Line: SEA -8.5
Photo creds to Seattle Seahawks
Like Buffalo in the AFC, a win might not be enough to get the Seattle in the playoffs. But I see no reason the Seahawks can't take care of business Saturday and let the rest take care of itself. With all due respect to Larry Fitzgerald, I can't see Arizona coming into the NFL's loudest stadium and getting a W against a motivated Seattle team with everything to lose and gain.
Seahawks 34, Cardinals 13
Raiders (6-9) at Chargers (8-7)
Line: LAC -7.0
Photo creds to Memesbot
Yes, LA is the better team. Yes, the Chargers should be more motivated than Oakland. But the Chargers have to win, and whenever the Chargers have to win, they choke. That will happen again in Week 17. Some way, somehow.
Raiders 24, Chargers 21
Saints (11-4) at Bucs (4-11)
Line: NO -6.0
The Saints are a talented team looking to clinch a division title. Although Jameis has looked good lately, the Sucky Buccys are toast. Mr. Kamara and Mr. Ingram will make sure of that.
Saints 31, Bucs 16
Bengals (6-9) at Ravens (9-6)
Line: BAL -9.5
Photo creds to Baltimore Ravens
As a Steelers fan, it's hard to ever root for the Bengals. But it would be even harder to watch the Dirty Birds get in the playoffs. But Baltimore is playing its best football at a pretty important time, while Cincy checked out after that Monday Night slugfest with the Steelers. The Ravens are clicking, and they will be a tough out in the postseason.
By Joe Smeltzer *Disclaimer* Christmas Day games will be talked about in seperate previews.
Merry Christmas. It's time for some football. Let's get into it.
1:0 Browns (0-14) at Bears (4-10) Line: Chi -6.5
Photo creds to SI.Com
It might seem as if have no reason to believe the Browns will win Sunday. They're the worst team in the NFL. But my gut tells me that Cleveland won't finish 0-16. If there were ever a time for the Brownies to pick up a W, it would be Christmas Eve. The Bears stink as well, and Cleveland won it's lone game of 2016 one year to the date. So, why can't it happen again?
Browns 17, Bears 10
Lions (8-6) at Bengals (5-9) Line: Det -3.0
Photo creds to WWLP.Com
It appears Cincy has given up on the season. The Bungles have been shredded by NFC North teams the past two weeks, and don't see Christmas Eve bringing a much different result. The Lions offense has been in solid form the past two weeks, and I expect former Bungle Marvin Jones to light up his old team at Paul Brown Stadium. It won't be as ugly as the Chicago and Minnesota games were, but Sunday will not be a fun day for Cincinnati, but will be an appropriate way to end 2017.
Lions 34, Bungles 17. Rams (10-4) at Titans (8-6) Line: LAR -6.5
Photo creds to LA Times.Com
Although I'm not sold on Tennessee, and I think the Rams can go to the Super Bowl, I expect this to be a close game. The Titans are 5-1 at home and will be fired up after a droppinga heartbreaker to Jimmy G last week. The Rams can't get much higher than that 42-7 win over the Seahawks last Sunday, so I think a slight dropoff is realistic. At the end of the day, however, LA much better than Tennessee, and even on an off afternoon, the Rams should be able to get past the Titans. Jared Goff will channel his inner Garoppolo and lead a game-winning drive, capped off by a field goal from "Greg the Leg." NFC West champs, baby.
*correction: Greg the Leg was placed on IR well before Sunday, so this prediction did not come true. Yes
Rams 27, Titans 24 Dolphins (6-8) at Chiefs (8-6) Line: KC -10.5
The Chiefs might be back. Not only has the offense been scoring a lot the past few weeks; it's also been a balanced attack. KC is getting it done both with Alex Smith in the air and Kareem Hunt on the ground. If the Chiefs offense is clicking, it's hard to beat. Miami, on the other hand, peaked with that Monday night win over New England. KC is rolling, and the Chiefs will march closer to the AFC West championship. Chiefs 33, Dolphins 14.
Bills (8-6) at Pats (11-3) Line: NE -11.5
Welp, Buffalo better hope Week 17 goes well, because the Bills are not helping their playoff cause Christmas Eve. No, sir.
Pats 34, Bills 13
Falcons (9-5) at Saints (10-4) Line: NO -5.5
Both of these teams have capable running backs that are aided by talented offensive lines. So, while a lot of the talk coming into this one has been about Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram from the Saints going against Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman of the Falcons, I think it will come down to which defensive line can win the battle up front and thus, stop the opposite running game. As good as Atlanta's o-line can be, I think the Saints defensive front, led by Cameron Jordan, will do its job, while the New Orleans o-line will be more effective in giving those two studs room. It will be a close game, but the most dominant duo in the NFL will eat a little more than the pair on the opposite end. Saints 24, Falcons 17
Chargers (7-7) at Jets (5-9) Line: LAC -6.5
Yes, LA got clowned by the Chiefs last week. But Phillip Rivers and Keenen Allen are still studs on the offensive side of the ball, while Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa are similarly impressive on defense. The Chargers probably won't win the AFC West, but they are still dangerous, while the Jets are the Jets.
Chargers 31, Jets 17 Broncos (5-9) at Redskins (6-8)
Not interested Redskins 13, Broncos 10 Bucs (4-10) at Panthers (10-4) Line: CAR -10.5
Photo creds to ontherocks
It's funny how the team I picked to win the NFC South at the beginning of the season will likely end up being the only team in that division to win less than 10 games. Tampa stinks, and Dirk Koetter could be on the way out. Carolina is solid, and if things go right, Ron Rivera could be on the way to the Super Bowl for the second time in three years.
Carolina 34, Tampa 20
4:05 Jags (10-4) at 49ers (4-10) Line: JAX -4.0
Photo creds to deadspin
Don't let the records fool you. Jimmy G will make the Jags earn everything, and I wouldn't be entirely shocked to see a 49ers win. But even with Garoppolo at QN, San Fran isn't a better team than Jacksonville. If the Jags play like anything that resembles a Super Bowl contender, they'll win the game. I think Jacksonville is too hot and too talented to have a setback in Week 16.
Jags 24, 49ers 21
Seahawks (8-6) at Cowboys (8-6) Line: Dal -3.5
Zeke is back. The Seahawks are banged up. Dallas is hot. Seattale is reeling. The game is in Jerry World. It's a slam dunk.
Cowboys 31, Seahawks 17
Giants (2-12) at Cardinals (6-8) Line: ARI -3.0
The Giants aren't very good.
*Disclaimer* Patriots will be talked about in a seperate preview.
Dolphins (6-7) at Bills (7-6) Line: BUF -3.0
Miami played a hell of a football game Monday night, knocking off the mighty Patriots. But that was in Florid, not upstate New York. No disrespect to you, Jay Cutler, but no South Florida team is coming into Buffalo in December and getting a W. No, sir. Bills win, beat the spread and move one step closer to their first playoff berth since 2000 and the "Music City Miracle."
Bills 17, Dolphins 10
Ravens (7-6) at Browns (LMFAO)
God, I hope the Browns win this game. But they won't.
Bengals (5-8) at Vikings (10-3) Line: MIN -11.0
Photo creds to Heavy.com
Last Sunday, the Bengals got embarrassed by the NFC North's worst team at home. Now, they face off against the NFC North's best team on the road. Yikes. I'm not sold on Case Keenum at all, but I think he can handle these guys. Can Andy Dalton deal with Linval Joseph, Everson Griffen and the rest of the Vikings elite defense? I don't believe he can. Vikings 31, Bengals 13 Jets (5-8) at Saints (9-4) Line: NO -16.4
Photo creds to football nation
Yeah, there's a reason the Jets are two-touchdown underdogs. I will go out on a limb, however, and say there's a good chance that the Jets offense takes a giant leap forward and doesn't get shutout. I'll go out on another limb and predict that Bryce Petty won't outplay Drew Brees. Saints 35, Jets 10. Eagles (11-2) at Giants (2-11) Line: PHI -7.5
Photo creds to Daily Shark
A quarterback is vital to a football team. Until last Sunday, Philly had one of the best in Carson Wentz. So Wentz being out for the rest of the year with a torn ACL makes the Eagles worse off.
The fact that Philly is favored by over a touchdown in its first game without Wentz should say something about its opponent. Besides how horrible the New York Football Giants are, I have faith in Nick Foles. The man has been a stud in the past and on the surface, fits Doug Pederson's system. The Eagles might not win a Super Bowl without Carson Wentz, but they are still capable of making noise in the NFC, and certainly worthy of taking out the freaking Giants.
Eagles 27, Giants 10. Cardinals (6-7) at Redskins (5-8)
Neither of these teams will make the playoffs, but of these two, only the Cardinals are playing like they give a crap.
Packers (7-6) at Panthers (9-4) Line: Car -3.0
Photo creds to USA Today's FTW
Like everybody else, I'm excited to see Aaron Rodgers healthy. But I can't feel comfortable picking a guy who hasn't played a down in over two months to go on the road and beat a team that's won five of its past six games, with a quarterback who is capable of matching a fresh Rodgers, let alone one coming off an injury. I expect number 12 to give it his all, and I don't think he'll make life easy on Carolina's defense. But Cam Newton is hot, and he's still fighting for an NFC South title. It will be a tight football game and a fun one to watch, but it's hard for me to trust a rusty QB against a hot one, even if that rusty QB is Aaron Rodgers.
Panthers 27, Packers 24.
Texans (4-9) at Jags (9-4)
Line: JAX -11.0
Marqise Lee has a lot to smile about (Photo creds to RotoViz)
It looks as if Jacksonville won't have Leonard Fournette for this AFC South matchup. But the still have Blake Bortles, Marqise Lee and one of, it not the best defense in the NFL. Houston hasn't had DeShaun Watson for the past six games and is 1-5 since. Which team is worse off because of a key injury?
Jags 20, Texans 10.
4:05
Rams (9-4) at Seahawks (8-5)
Line: Sea -1.0
Cooper Kupp is making a big play. Just you wait. (Photo creds to Bleacher Report)
The fact that the loser of this game could well miss out on the postseason shows how loaded the NFC is. This Western Division showdown has enormous implications, and also serves as a measuring stick for how far Sean McVay and LA have come over the past year.
Winning in Seattle is never easy, and neither is containing Russell Wilson. But my gut tells me that after getting torched by Carson Wentz last week, Wade Phillips' defense will be ready for revenge. Wilson will make his fair share of plays, and Seattle's defense will make its a few big stops. But the Rams are ready. Spurred on by Todd Gurley's running and a late touchdown pass from Jarred Goff to Cooper Kupp, LA will pull off the most miniature of upsets and itself in position to make the playoffs.
Rams 21, Seahawks 17
4:25
Titans (8-5) at 49ers (3-10)
Line: Ten -1.0
Jimmy G, Baby (photo creds to Yahoo Sports)
Jimmy G can play. Oh, yes he can. Tennessee isn't as good as its record. Oh, no it's not. Garapollo will lead San Fran to its fourth win in five games. Oh, yes he will. The 49ers are trending upwards. Oh, yes they are.
49ers 23, Titans 20.
Sunday Night
Cowboys (7-6) at Raiders (6-7)
Line: DAL -3.0
Photo creds to USA Today
Dez Bryant is a well known wide receiver. T.J. Carrie isn't a big name defensive back. According to Pro Football Focus, when Carrie is targeted, opposing quarterbacks have a 109.5 rating. That's pretty good. If Dak Prescott throws to his main man, I have faith that Bryant will earn his pay. If Bryant delivers, the Cowboys offense will be much better off. We know the Cowboys' offensive line will give Prescott the time he needs. It's up to him to use it wisely. I think he will, and that keep Dallas alive in the NFC.
By: Joe Smeltzer *Disclaimer* the Steelers will be written about in a seperate preview.
Week 14 is here, which means the boys are back for some picks. Let's get into it. Colts (3-9) at Bills (6-6) Line: BUF -3.0
One of these teams has been a punchline for most of its existence. The other is developing into one. Both Buffalo and Indy stink, but the Bills are at least competent. Jacoby Brissett was awful against a talented Jags secondary last week, and he won't fare much better against Tre'Davious White and the Bills defensive backfield today.
Neither Chicago or Cincinnati is going anywhere. But the Bears are god awful, while the Bengals, as all Steeler fans know, are known for their physicality. I think Geno Atkins takes advantage of an inexperienced right guard in Tom Compton, while A.J. Green wins a marquee matchup with Chicago corner Kyle Fuller. Andy Dalton will put a complete game of football together, which he couldn't do Monday night, and the Bengals will inch closer towards a mediocre season. Bengals 31, Bears 14 Packers (6-6) at Browns (0-1999)
LOL. Excellent tune up game for the Packers in what could well be Aaron Rodgers' last week on the shelf. Packers 24, Browns 10 (Cleveland's defense is decent, believe it or not) Raiders (6-6) at Chiefs (6-6) Line: KC -4.5
Photo creds to Kansas City Chiefs
A lot can change in a year. Last season, the AFC West was the best division in football. This year, two 6-6 teams are playing in a game that could go a long way in deciding the division.
Part of me thinks that KC is due to break out of this funk, in which the Chiefs have lost six of their past seven after a 5-0 start. The other part of me doesn't trust the Chiefs to do anything right. Although the game is at Arrowhead, I'm riding with the Silver and Black for two reasons; Marshawn Lynch and Navarro Bowman.
After a slow start to the season, Lynch has come on recently, forcing 15 missed tackles in the past three weeks according to Pro Football Focus, the third most in football. The Chiefs haven't had a good defense all year, and "Beast Mode" will take advantage of that. Lynch's counterpart, Kareem Hunt, needs to perform well for KC's offense to move the way it wants to, and I don't think Bowman lets that happen. Sure, Bowman's best days are behind him. But my gut tells me the vet from Penn State finds another gear and adds to Hunt's frustrating second half.
Lynch outplays Hunt, Carr outplays Smith and the Raiders complete the season sweep over their rivals. Raiders 31, Chiefs 24 Cowboys (6-6) at Giants (2-10) Line: DAL -3.5
Photo creds to Larry Brown Sports
Just like Raiders-Chiefs, both of these division rivals were expected to be much better coming into the season. The difference between the two games is that, in this case, neither the Cowboys or the Giants have a shot at getting to the playoffs. Eli is back, but he'll be greeted by DeMarcus Lawerence. Oh, and his offensive line stinks. Good luck, Eli. Cowboys 26, Giants 13 Lions (6-6) at Bucs (4-8) Line: DET -3.0
Photo creds to The Pewter Plank
Anybody who reads this blog knows how disappointed I am in Tampa Bay. But I have a feeling that the Bucs come out of their shell Sunday.
Mike Evans hasn't had a big game all year. That's due to change. O.J. Howard has been disappointing at tight end. That's also due to change. Tampa won't make the playoffs, so Sunday will be a day of happiness and frustration. The Bucs will play well, and that will make fans wonder where the hell this was all year. Bucs 31, Lions 20 Vikings (10-2) at Panthers (8-4) Line: Min -2.5
Photo creds to Aliaba
I keep picking against Minnesota, and the Vikings keep proving me wrong. But this team isn't going 14-2 with Case Keenum at QB. No sir. On the other side, Cam Newton is due for a breakout after two sub-par weeks, and even though Minnesota's defense is terrific, I expect number one to shine. On the other side of the ball, Luke Kuechly and the Panthers defense will be fired up after getting shredded by Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara last Sunday, and that will led to a rough afternoon for the Minnesota attack. The Panthers haven't played their best football recently, but that will change Sunday. Panthers 24, Vikings 16 Who the hell cares? 49ers (2-10) at Texans (4-8) LMFAO. 4:05 Jets (5-7) at Broncos (3-9) Line: NYJ -1.0
For as bad as Kansas City has been, Denver has been worse. While I didn't expect the Broncos to win the AFC West, I surely didn't imagine myself picking the Jets over them at Mile High. New York is developing into a mediocre football team. Josh McCown is playing like...well not Josh McCown, and Jermaine Kearse is among the leagues best slot receivers. While New York's defense has struggled, it is more than good enough to contain Trevor Siemian. The Jets have given a glimmer of hope, while the Broncos have shown little reason to believe. Jets 24, Broncos 17. Titans (8-4) at Cardinals (5-7) Line: TEN -3.0
Yes, Tennessee is 8-4. But the Titans haven't looked all that impressive in their wins. The last two weeks against Indy and Houston are examples of that. The Titans are just 3-3 away from Nissan Stadium this year, and while Arizona has the same mark at home, my gut tells me that the Tennessee's sloppy play will catch up to it Sunday afternoon. I think that rookie sensation Buddah Baker will control Delanie Walker, and that will limit Marcus Mariota's options to throw to. The Cardinals defense will play well enough to win, which will allow Blaine Gabbert to work some magic with an epic game-winning drive.
Cardinals 23, Titans 20 Redskins (5-7) at Chargers (6-6) Line: LAC -5.5
Don't let the records fool you. One of these teams is rolling, while the other is delpeted, got embarrassed by a less depleted Cowboys team 10 days ago. Anybody who watched that game wouldn't predict Washington's o-line to do anything to stop Joey Bosa or Melvin Ingram. LA wins and keeps marching towards an unlikely AFC West title.
Chargers 33, Redskins 14 4:25 Eagles (10-2) at Rams (9-3) Line: LAR -1.0
Photo creds to American Eagle Foundation
Flip a coin for this one. It could go either way. Both of these teams are Super Bowl contenders, and this is undoubtedly the game of the week in the NFL. I think that the Eagles are legit, and because of that, I can't see them losing two in a row. I think that Philly has the tools on defense to overpower LA's offensive line and neutralize Todd Gurley, while the secondary can limit Jared Goff and Sammy Watkins. It won't be easy, but these Eagles are special, and today could be a signature win.
Eagles 20, Rams 17 Seahawks (8-4) at Jags (8-4) Line: Jax -2.5
Another toss-up. Honestly, this is a game where I tend to lean towards the team playing at home. I don't trust the Seahawks away from CenturyLink field, and because of that, my gut tells me Jacksonville by three. Jags 24, Seahawks 21 Monday Night Pats (11-2) at Dolphins (5-7)
You know who I'm going with, and you know why I'm going with them
Pats 34, Dolphins 14 Other games: Houston over San Fran
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55309067/630763782.0.jpg)
