NFL Week 11 Preview/Predictions

*some of the comments attributed to David Rutz and Ryan Stewart we not actual quotes by those men. I apologize for the error and it has been corrected.

Hello, all. Unfortunately, we were not able to get our weekly graphic up in time for this week of NFL predictions. However, we have a logjam at the top, as Bradley William Stewart has tied me, Joseph Arthur Smeltzer, for first place in our group at 83-63. Ryan Carlton Stewart is not too far behind at 82-64. Hopefully, I can distance myself from the pack a little more this week.

1:00
The ''Back to Reality'' game of the week

Raiders (4-5) at Lions (2-7)
Joe: The Raiders have lost 2 in a row, but I think they will get back on track here. I'm sorry to say to any Detroit fan who may be reading this that last week's win over Green Bay was a fluke. Derek Carr will send Detroit back to reality with a little help from Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, with a mix of Latavius Murray.

Brad: Tossup, but I'll go with the team with the better record

Jeff: Raiders. Going with my gut.

David: I'll go with the Lions since I can't keep picking the Raiders.

Ryan: Raiders
The ''Fairly young Matt vs. Old Matt'' game of the week
Colts (4-5) at Falcons (3-6)

Joe: Matt Hasselbeck is 40 years old starting for the Colts at QB against a loaded but underperforming Falcons offense in the Georiga Dome. I think Matt Ryan will break out here, and there is nothing that the Colts can do about it. Falcons 38, Colts 14.

Brad: The Falcons are simply better than the Colts, and they are playing at home.

Jeff: Colts have been disappointing, and the Falcons offense will get the better of them in what should be a shootout.

David: Sigh. Falcons. I'll regret this, won't I.

Ryan: Falcons. 
The ''Houston, we have a problem'' game of the week
Jets (5-4) at Texans (4-5)

Joe: The Jets are coming off a tough loss at home to Buffalo last Thursday night, and I think they'll bounce back here. New York is a good football team, and I see them squeaking by Houston with Ryan Fitzpatrick having a big day and throwing for 300+ yards. It's a toss-up, but I think the Jets are a better team overall. But fear not Texans fans, if JJ Watt simply sneezes, it should take a lot of the attention away from your loss. Jets 34, Texans 20

Brad: Another toss-up, but I'll go with the Texans due to home-field advantage.

Jeff: Texans have been struggling this year, and the Jets offensive is pretty good, so I'll go with the team from the Meadowlands.

David: Texans. 

Ryan: Jets. 

The ''Eagles can't beat Florida teams'' game of the week
Buccaneers (4-5) at Eagles (4-5)

Joe: The Eagles suffered a tough loss at home against Miami last week, and they play another team from Florida this week in Tampa Bay. This is an even matchup, but Jameis Winston is an impressive QB, who is on the rise while Mark Sanchez might throw a key pick or four. Because of the Eagles knack for disappointing and Mark Sanchez's knack for being bad, I'm going with the Pirates. Bucs 28, Eagles 20

Brad: Tampa. The Eagles are so consistent with being inconsistent.

Jeff: Winston. That's all I have to say about that.

David: Eagles. 

Ryan: Eagles. 

The ''Brock Lesner? No? Wait, who?'' game of the week
Broncos (7-2) at Bears (4-5)

Joe: Brock Osweiler, not WWE superstar Brock Lesner, will be starting for Denver this week in place of Peyton Manning, who is out with a foot injury. There is turmoil going on in the Mile High city at the moment, as apparently Denver is ''tired'' of Manning while #18 is more focused on healing then helping Osweiler out. Denver has looked terrible the past two weeks with Manning in the lineup, so I don't exactly love their chances with a guy who has never started an NFL game in his life behind center. The Bears have proven me wrong in that they haven't been nearly as bad as I thought they would be, and I like Jay Cutler's chances against a backup QB. Jeremy Langford has been impressive over the past few weeks, so look for him to be a factor in today's game. Bears 31, Broncos 14.

Brad: The Bears are heating up, and Denver's defense has been bad the past few weeks. I think that Osweiler will struggle in his first NFL start.

Jeff: Both teams have been struggling (false) but the Broncos defense is better, so I'll go with Denver in a close one.

David: The Bears fail me every time I pick them, so I'll be superstitious and go with Denver.

Ryan: Broncos.
The ''Who the hell cares?'' game of the week (with the exception of Thursday night
Rams (4-5) at Ravens (2-7)

Joe: Two teams who I pick to win a lot and have let me down so much this year are going at it, and I wish they could both lose. The Ravens are at home, so I guess I'll go with them. Ravens 24, Rams 14. Not that I care.

The ''Skip Bayless might see his team win for once'' game of the week
Cowboys (2-7) at Dolphins (4-5)

Joe: The Cowboys have to win at some point, and they have their QB and leader back for the first time since week 2 in Tony Romo. Romo will be at least better than Matt Cassel and Brandon Weeden this week, and going against a pedestrian at best Miami team,  I think that will be enough for Big D to get a Big W. Cowboys 31, Dolphins 21.

Brad: Dallas was 2-0 before Romo went down and I think they will find their mojo today.

Jeff: Miami is starting to play well, and I think Romo will struggle in his return.

David: Dallas. Why not? Both teams are terrible.

Ryan: Cowboys.
The ''I can't think of a good title'' game of the week
Redskins (4-5) at Panthers (9-0)

Joe: James Taylor has Carolina on his mind, but Carolina has the Superbowl on their mind. Kirk Cousins has had some great moments this season, but I don't see the 4-5 Redskins getting in Cam Newton's way, especially on the road. Washington will make it close, but I think Carolina will be too much in this one. Expect Jonathon Stweart and Mike Tolbert to both have big days against the putrid Redskins run defense.  Panthers 34, Redskins 24.

Brad: Undefeated playing at home against a horrible Redskins team? Yeah, no way Carolina loses.

Jeff: Undefeated. That won't change because of the Redskins.

David: Undefeated, at home.

Ryan: Panthers.

4:05
The.... West is Bad.... Game of the Week
Chiefs (4-5) at Chargers (2-7)

Joe: I don't really care about this game because both teams are going nowhere, but if I had to pick, I'd say that the combination of the Chiefs being bad, Phillip Rivers being good and the Chargers playing at home will be just enough to get the Bolts a win. The Chiefs won't be able to shut down a marquee QB two weeks in a row. Chargers 34, Chiefs 27.

Brad: Don't look now but the Chiefs have won 3 in a row and are showing no signs of slowing down. San Diego has been in a lot of close games, but I see them falling short once again.

Jeff: Chiefs. KC is coming in hot.

David: Chiefs.

Ryan: Chiefs.

4:25
The ''this is quite intriguing'' game of the week
Packers (6-3) at Vikings (7-2)

Joe: This is the game that I am most looking forward to watching, as the NFC North title very well could be on the line. Minnesota has been a great story this year, but I have a feeling that their luck will run out. Green Bay has lost 3 in a row, and I really don't see them losing 4 straight. Aaron Rodgers won't let that happen, and I see him leading an exciting last minute drive to win it for the cheese heads. Packers 34, Vikings 30.

Brad: The Vikings will keep on rolling, as a win could very well put the NFC North in their hands.

Jeff: Packers lose 4 in a row? I don't think so.

David: Vikings. It's all happening. 

Ryan: Vikings.

The ''Bring back Faith Hill'' game of the week
Bengals (8-1) at Cardinals (7-2)
Joe: This should be fun. Two of the NFL's best teams from different conferences going at it in prime time. It will be close, but I think that Carson Palmer will be fired up playing against his old team. Arizona is slightly better than Cincy in my opinion, and they are playing at home. Keep in mind that the Cards excel during prime time. Cards 27, Bengals 17.

Brad: This game will be very close and very tight, but I see Palmer's veteran leadership trumping Dalton's youthful tactics.

Jeff: The Cards will be pumped up and ready to go. They CAN win big games.

David: Bengals

Ryan: Cards. 

Bills (5-4) at Patroits (9-0)

Will the Patriots lose? No. 

K

Smeltz: Penn State-Michigan: 3 Keys to a Penn State victory

By: Joe Smeltzer

Photo courtesy of cbssports.com

Hello, all. After a losing heartbreaker at Northwestern, Penn State is back at Beaver Stadium for the first time in 3 weeks. Last week's bye week might prove to be vital, as the Nittany Lions have a tough foe coming into State College on Saturday in the 8-2 and #12 Michigan Wolverines. Let's break down what Penn State needs to do to foil Jim Harbaugh's first trip to Happy Valley as UM head coach in Joe Smeltzer's three keys to victory 

Key #1- Limit the big plays

Photo Creds to isportsweb.com

A key reason Penn State let the Northwestern game two weeks ago slip through the cracks was because they allowed too many big plays. The Penn State defense cannot allow Michigan's De'veon Smith to run all over them the way Northwestern's Justin Jackson did two weeks ago. The Special Teams unit cannot let another kickoff  be returned for a touchdown like they did at Northwestern when Solomon Vault took one 96 yards to the house. Any mistake made in an even matchup like this could prove to be fatal, and I believe that Penn State's defense is too talented to have another game like the one in Evanston. I'll even go as far as to predict that Penn State will force Michigan's talented QB, Jake Rudock, to throw at least one interception that will have an effect on the outcome of this game.

Likelihood of Executing: Solid 

Key #2:  Make enough big plays on offense 

Photo creds to zimbio.com

Michigans defense is the backbone of their team, as they are 8th in the nation in run defense and 2nd in defensive pass efficiency. Penn States defense has been excellent as well, so there should not be too many offensive fireworks to speak of on Saturday afternoon. The key for Penn State is to make just enough plays on offense to come away with a W. In what could be his last game at Beaver Stadium, Christian Hackenberg will want to go out with a bang. Doing that against Michigans secondary will be much easier said than done, however. If the PSU defense plays the way it should, I think that the Lion offense will need to put up at least 21 points to win this game. With all of the weapons that Penn State has offensively, this is not a big stretch. However, this offense is also known for underperforming at times, and that cannot happen if the Nittany Lions want to get James Franklin his first win against a top 25 team. 

Likelihood of Execution: Moderate

Key #3: Go out with a bang 

Photo Courtesy of pennlive.com

Saturday will be Penn State's final home game of the 2015 season. For the seniors, it will be the last time they will ever play at Beaver Stadium. For the underclassmen, it will be the last time they will get a chance to play in front of 107,000 screaming fans for close to a year. No matter who Penn State would be playing tomorrow, it would be a game of added importance, and the fact that it is Michigan coming in will make the whole experience even more meaningful. Penn State owes it to themselves to leave everything on the field Saturday because it will be their last chance to do so on their home field until 2016, if ever. Penn State should use these circumstances as motivation to perform at their highest possible level. No matter what happens to Michigan on Saturday, every single player on that team will get to run out of the tunnel at the Big House at least one more time. For Penn State, this will be it. I expect the Nittany Lions to give it everything they have on Saturday, and the result will take care of itself.

Likelihood of Execution: High

Final Prediction
I expect this to be a close game that will showcase both teams defenses, but due to the game being at Beaver Stadium and the emotions of senior day, combined with the crave for redemption after that awful Northwestern loss, I predict a close Penn State victory. Expect a big play from Jason Cabinda on defense and a sharp enough Christian Hackenberg on offense to both contribute to a close Penn State win.

Penn State 21, Michigan 17

Smeltz: David Ortiz to retire at the end of 2016 season: Thank you, Papi

By: Joe Smeltzer

Photo Creds to Bleacher Report

I've been a baseball fan all of my life, and much of my attention to the sport has centered around the Pittsburgh Pirates. I have had season tickets for my hometown club ever since I was in my first month of existence, which makes it ironic that one of my first memories of great pleasure while watching the sport involved two teams in two different leagues in games that I did not attend.

Even as a young boy, I knew all about the Boston Red Sox and their efforts to break the ''Curse of the Bambino''. I knew that Boston had been waiting since 1918 to win a World Championship, and I knew that Babe Ruth starred on that team as a pitcher before being sold to the rival Yankees two years later. I knew about Bucky Dent, Bill Buckner, and all of Boston's heartache that had transpired over an 86-year period. I knew about the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry and how New York had won 26 world championships in the span it took Boston to win one. So naturally, when the 2004 ALCS rolled around, I was rooting for the team that had been waiting almost a century to win a world championship as opposed to George Steinbrenner's ''Evil Empire''. 

The first time I remember being mesmerized by Boston's large designated hitter, David Ortiz, took place four days before that ALCS got underway. The Red Sox were facing the Anaheim Angles in game 3 of the American League Division Series, having a 2-0 series lead and needing just one more win to advance. I remember watching Anaheim's star right fielder, Vladimir Guerrero, coming up to the plate in the top of the 7th with the bases loaded and two outs, and promptly smacking a Mike Timlin offering over Fenway Parks notoriously small right field wall, tying the game at 6. 

The game remained tied until the bottom of the tenth inning when little Joe Smeltzer found out what Big Papi was all about. With two outs and Johnny Damon on first base, I watch with glee as David Ortiz smashed a Jared Washburn offering over the left field wall ("The Green Monster"), and Boston was on their way to the ALCS. The Evil Empire was next.

I had been a baseball fanatic before 2004, and remember bits and pieces of the playoff action from 2002 and 2003. However, the 2004 ALCS was the first playoff series in which I remember where I was for every single game. I watched game one on my mothers tv upstairs (she was out of town) and was disappointed to see the Yankees snuff out a Red Sox rally and hang on for a 10-7 win.

The next game was exciting for me because Pedro Martinez, who was one of my favorite baseball players at the time, was on the mound and was greeted with the now famous "who's your daddy" chants from the Bronx faithful. Pedro pitched well, but a two-run blast from John Olerud was the difference in a 3-1 Yankee win. Watching the game from the same location, I was again disappointed.

Game 3 was an absolute massacre. I don't remember too much about it, but the score says it all: Yankees 19, Red Sox 8. It was the most lopsided loss in Red Sox postseason history, and it appeared to have buried them. Then something funny happened. You know that big fella I was telling you about earlier? Yeah, well, he wouldn't let that happen.

I wish I could tell you I saw the Red Sox comeback in game four, but I am sad to say that I fell asleep before the 9th inning. I remember waking up the next morning, however, and finding that Boston came back from 4-3 down in the bottom of the 9th against the great Mariano Rivera, with Bill Muller driving home the tying run. Then I saw the highlight of that big puma driving one over the right field wall in the Bottom of the 12th, not allowing the Evil Empire to come away with a sweep. I was thrilled to see this, and I began to have hope that my playoff heroes would come back. I was aware that no team had ever rallied from being down three games to none in a postseason series, but after seeing what David Ortiz was capable of, I had a glimmer of hope.

I am quite thankful that game 5 of the 2004 ALCS was:
1) Not played when I was at an age old enough to know what stress was
2) Not involving my Pittsburgh Pirates

If both of these things were the opposite, I might be dead from a heart attack. That's how intense this game was. Just like the night before, the Red Sox were able to tie the game off of Rivera (this time it was in the bottom of the 8th). Just like the night before, that large man who didn't play defense and had a smile that was even bigger than his 6'3, 230-pound figure, sent the Northeast into a frenzy. It was 11:10 PM, the game had been going on for close to 6 hours, and Big Papi  just wanted to go home. He had already homered earlier, and he delivered once again by driving home Johnny Damon for the games winning run. Just like that, the series was headed back to New York. I remember coming home from daycare (6 years old, remember), and watching every pitch in our living room with my parents. We were elated when Big Papi finally brought the game to an end, and I don't think I'll ever forget it.

Game Six was more about Curt Schilling than it was Big Papi, as Schill pitched one of the most courageous games in MLB history in the now infamous ''Bloody Sock Game''. This set up a do-or-die game 7, and the big boy was clutch once again, hitting a 2-run homer in the top of the 1st inning to set the tone for a Red Sox rout. Boston won 10-3, completing the greatest postseason comeback in the history of sports. Boston would go on to win a rather anti-climatic World Series, sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in four games and finally breaking the Curse of the Bambino.

Ortiz was a solid hitter before the 2004 postseason, but this is when the world realized how special he was. The big guy would go on to become one of baseball's most dangerous hitters over the next few seasons, including a fantastic 2006 campaign in which he hit 54 home runs and had 137 RBI. Ortiz became one of my favorite baseball players, and so much of it was due to his heroics in 2004 that gave me my first great baseball memories. I thought Big Papi was a hero. Then I got to middle school, and things began to change.

Photo Creds to america.aljazeera.com

I can't pinpoint an exact moment, but sometime in my middle school career, I started to have harsh feelings about Ortiz and the Red Sox. I saw Boston as a team filled with money that was no longer the underdogs and saw them as no different from their pin-stripe wearing rivals. I saw Ortiz as a guy who possibly got away with PED use and questioned why the media were not hammering him.  I developed a resentment of Boston, who has won two more world titles since breaking the curse, that lasted up until this past Tuesday, when, after 503 career home runs and 1,641 career RBI, the mountain of a man that is David Ortiz announced that the 2016 season would be his last. I originally did not want to do an article on Ortiz's announcement, but then I thought of the thrills he gave me in 2004. I thought of how happy I was when my cousins watched him hit a walk-off home run during a Sunday Night Baseball game in August of 2006 (yes, I seriously do remember that). I thought of the fact that, for the first six seasons of his career (all with the Minnesota Twins), Ortiz was, at best, a slightly-above-average player, and how he worked his tail off to become a superstar. Above all, I have realized that for the past five years or so, I have been too hard on the man who I once admired. 

When I started writing this piece, memories of that 2004 ALCS started flooding back into my brain. I realized that there had been post seasons that took place much later than that ALCS did that I do not have nearly as much a recollection. It reminded me of a time when I didn't know what stress was and just enjoyed everything sports had to offer, and just like that, I grew to love David Ortiz once again. I believe that this man will find himself in Cooperstown one day. It is true that Ortiz has been linked with PED's, but I do not think that this should keep him out (I'll probably do a whole separate post on the juicers). Ortiz was/is a great player, and next to Edger Martinez, I feel that he is the greatest career Designated Hitter ever to play the game. Ortiz also seems like a great guy. The Boston Red Sox and Major League Baseball will miss the big guy's power, charisma, and smile, and I feel that Ortiz has earned his place as a Red Sox legend.  Athletes can be jerks who take everything so seriously, but I never saw that with Ortiz.

I see Papi as a child in a grown man's body, as he has always been filled with enthusiasm and has so much fun playing the game. I'm sure anybody who knows him can attest to that statement. Thank you, Papi, for the great memories that you gave me in my youth.  It is hard to think about the game without your presence in it. I hope that your 162 game farewell tour is special, because you are certainly deserving of one. 

Smeltz: Steelers Reaction: Ben is awesome/what did little Johnny do to deserve this?

Photo Courtesy of wtae.com

By: Joe Smeltzer
''Compared to last week's thriller against Oakland, this game will be very subdued, and the Steelers should win quite comfortably as they head into their bye week''. - Joe Smeltzer

That was an excerpt from my preview for this week's Steelers game. While I was right in that Pittsburgh would cruise to a comfortable win, I was a little off when I said that this game would be "subdued" compared to that thrilling victory over the Raiders 8 days ago. While this week's contest was not nearly as competitive, it was equally, if not more, strange.


Landry Jones was the man behind center to start the afternoon, but his day would last less than a possession as he was lost for the game with a foot injury during Pittsburgh's first offensive series. Mike Vick did not dress for the game, so this meant that for the first time since 2004 (how's it going Tommy Maddux?), Big Ben Roethlisberger would be coming into an NFL game off of the bench. Ben did what Ben does (on one good foot), and the big fella got himself into the NFL history books by throwing for 379 yards, the most ever by a QB who started the day as a back-up. #7 got by with a little help from his friends, as Antonio Brown (10 Rec, 139 Yards, 2 TD's, one awesome flip) and Martavis Bryant (6 Rec, 178 Yards, 1 TD) both had huge days receiving. The Steelers offense left little to complain about, aside from Bryant's careless fumble in the first half that prevented a possible scoring drive. The Steelers attack did their job, as scoring 30 points is always a solid day's work, even if the points came against a terrible defense.

The story is a little different on the other side of the ball. Judging by the final score of 30-9, it would be easy for one to assume that the Steelers defense played a solid football game. But I think the fact that Cleveland was only able to manage 9 points speaks more about their ineptitude than it does the Steelers greatness. The Steelers allowed Johnny Manziel to have his best passing day ever, as the former Texas Aggie threw for 372 yards. The Browns also beat the Steelers in time of possession and had 16  first downs passing the ball as opposed to Pittsburgh's 13. These numbers show that the Steelers were lucky to come away allowing only 9 points, and a performance like this could very well burn them against quality competition. When the opposing QB puts up numbers like that, it will more often than not lead to a greater scoring output from the opposition, and this is because, more often than not, Pittsburgh will not be playing against the Cleveland Browns.

A perfect example of the Browns ineptitude took place midway through the 3rd quarter. With Cleveland looking for a spark of any kind, Manziel drove the Browns 78 yards, all the way down to the Pittsburgh 1 yard line. A holding penalty on the next play negated a touchdown and moved the ball back to the 11. A false start penalty on the next play moved it back 5 yards to the 16. The next play was a sack, and just like that, the ball went from the 1-yard line all the way back to the 25. The drive ended in an interception, and any remaining hope of an upset that Cleveland had was dashed.


These penalties were just a few of the boneheaded mistakes made by Cleveland on Sunday. Cleveland also jumped offside on a field goal attempt, allowing Pittsburgh to come away with 7 points on that drive instead of 3. There was even a drive early in the 3rd quarter were the Steelers drove 80 yards, and 77 of them were in penalties (including pass interferences calls on back to back plays.) The drive ended in a field goal. Cleveland finished the day with 12 total penalties called on them and the Steelers gained 188 yards as a result of those penalties.

Arthur Moats grabs Johnny's facemask. Photo courtesy of pennlive.com

The Browns performance was disgusting, and that brings me the "poor little Johnny" portion of this post. People can say what they want about Johnny Manziel, but he did his job on Sunday, and it should be apparent by now that he is Cleveland's best option at the quarterback position. The Browns agree, and it was confirmed today that Johnny Football will be the man for the rest of the season.



For all that has been said about Johnny Manziel's work ethic and intense lifestyle away from the field, this is a 22-year old kid with a world of talent. It is sad to think that this talent is currently being wasted due to the organization that he is associated with. The Cleveland Browns are inept both on the field and in the front office, and this isn't exactly breaking news. I think that Manziel's ability is one that a franchise can build themselves around, provided he stays out of trouble (the kid is only 22 years old and just likes to party, cut him some slack).



The question is: will he be able to do this on the shores of Lake Erie any time soon? Unless a miracle happens and the Browns can attain the right front office that would hire the right head coach and get Manziel the pieces he needs (such as a version of Josh Gordon that has a brain), I don't ever see Manziel reaching his full potential. Manziel played great on Sunday, but his team was comfortably beaten due to stupid penalties, awful defense, dropped passes, etc. Cleveland is 2-8 and showing no signs of improving. Unless something drastic happens, if Manziel wants to be a winner soon, he will need to get the hell out of Cleveland any way he can to avoid feeling Archie Manning's pain of being the light in a very dark tunnel.

Now back to the Steelers. Sunday was a good day to be a Steeler fan overall aside from some issues on the defensive side of the ball. This week is a bye week, and the Steelers next game will be a week 12 tilt with the Seattle Seahawks at Quest Field. It is crunch time, so sit back and enjoy the rest of the NFL season.

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to follow ''Smeltzer on Sports'' on Twitter.

NFL Week 10 Preview/Predictions

 

Disclaimer: I slipped up and told Brad I picked the Titans. I actually beleive that Carolina will win this game. 

Hello, everybody. The boys are back for week 10 of NFL picks. The great Smeltzer is still in first place, but as you can see by the graphic above, my cousin Brad (who also did a fantastic job of making this graphic as well as all of our graphics throughout this NFL season), is quickly gaining on me at just one game back. Hopefully, I will still be in front after this week. Jeff and David are the only members of our panel without a win, as they picked the Jets on Thursday night. I have already predicted the Steelers-Browns game, and that can be seen right here http://joesmeltzer775.blogspot.com/2015/11/steelers-browns-3-keys-to-victory.html.

1:00
The ''Who the hell cares?'' game of the week
Jags (2-6) at Ravens (2-6)

Joe: The records of these two teams say it all. The Ravens have been competitive in most of their games, and they are playing at home. I expect Baltimore to take this one, but that doesn't mean I give a damn. Ravens 34, Jags 20. Not that I care

The '' Our explanations for predictions are unnecessary'' game of the week
Panthers (8-0) at Titans (2-6) 

Joe: The Panthers are hot, the Titans are not. Tennesse will not be able to compete with Carolina. Panthers 31, Titans 10

Brad: I'll take an undefeated team over the Titans any day of the week.

David: Panthers. Ditto (whatever that means).

Jeff: One good team versus one bad team. A short and simple game.

The ''Dallas is kinda due'' game of the week
Cowboys (2-6) at Bucs (3-5)

Joe: Barring a miracle, the 2015 Dallas Cowboys will go down as the definition of bad luck. The Cowboys have lost six in a row, due in large part to Tony Romo and Dez Bryant being out for extended periods of time (Romo is still injured). With their playoff hopes all but destroyed, I think the Cowboys are due for a win. Their last three losses have been by a combined total of 14 points, and I think that the stars will finally align in Tampa Bay on Sunday. Tampa Bay ranks just 29th in the league in points against, as opponents have been averaging 28.9 PPG against their defense. This will allow the Dallas offense to finally break through. Expect Darren McFadden to have 100+ yards rushing. Cowboys 33, Bucs 20.

Brad: Tampa Bay. Dallas is lost without Romo.

David: Dallas has to break through at some point.

Jeff: Jameis Winston will lead the Bucs to victory.

The ''Battle of the Midwest.''
Bears (3-4) at Rams (4-4) 

Joe: I've been high on the Rams all year long, but they have been inconsistent. That said, they are more talented than Chicago is, and I expect that to be evident on Sunday. Jay Cutler has been a gun-slinger ever since returning from injury, but Robert Quinn will be ready and waiting for him. Playing at the Edward Jones Dome will prove to be kind to St. Louis, and the great Quinn will have at least two sacks. Oh, and that Todd Gurley fella might put in a good days work. Rams 34, Bears 14.

Brad: This is a toss-up, but the Rams are a better overall team, and they are playing at home.

David: Interesting matchup. I'll go with St. Louis in a close one.

Jeff: Picking the Bears based on my gut.

The ''Poor Jim Caldwell'' game of the week
Lions (1-7) at Packers (6-2)

Joe: I have an easier time breathing than I did predicting this game. Packers 38, Lions 10.

Brad: The Pack has lost two in a row, but are still a top 5 team.

David: No explanation needed.

Jeff: I sure don't remember the last time the Packers lost 3 in a row.

The ''Drastic climate change'' game of the week
Dolphins (3-5) at Eagles (4-4)

Joe: The Eagles are ready to roll, having won three of their last four games. The Eagles are a very talented team that is starting to put it together, and they are my pick to win the albeit weak NFC East. The Dolphins, on the other hand, look poised for a lost season. Being a warm weather team playing in Philidelphia won't help, either. Eagles 34, Dolphins 20.

Brad: Eagles. Homefield advantage is the key.

David: Eagles. That is all.

Jeff: Demarco Murray will run wild on the fish.

The ''This is just kind of there'' game of the week
Saints (4-5) at Redskins (3-5)

Joe: The Saints have shown some good things this season, but they just have not been able to find a consistent rhythm, especially when playing on the road. For this reason, I am picking the Skins in a coin flip game. Kirk Cousins will have 300+ yards passing against an awful Saints defense, and he will get the best of Drew Brees in a shootout. Redskins 34, Saints 30.

Brad: Drew Brees is on fire right now, and the Redskins won't be able to stop him

David: Redskins. This will give me added reason to root for them as I will be at the game.

Jeff: As long as Brees is playing well, I don't think the Redskins can answer him.

4:05
The ''Battle of the 70s dynasties.''
Vikings (6-2) at Raiders (4-4) 

Joe: Both of these teams had fantastic runs in the 70s while the Raiders won a Superbowl and the Vikings lost 3 of them. In the present day, these are two teams that are currently on the upswing. I expect the stars of both teams to shine in this one, as Adrian Peterson will have 100+ yards rushing while Amari Cooper will have 90+ yards receiving. However, since Oakland is at home, and I really can't see the Vikings starting at 7-2, I'm taking the Silver and Black. Derek Carr is a stud, and he will have another big game passing with the help of Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Raiders in a close one. Raiders 35, Vikings 30.

Brad: Oakland is playing great, but I think Latavius Murray's injury will hinder the Raiders chances of winning.

David: Raiders in a close one. Looking forward to it.

Jeff: AP will run all over the Raiders.
4:25
Patriots (8-0) at Giants (5-4)
Will the Patriots lose?
No.

The ''Mile High Mismatch.''
Chiefs (3-5) at Broncos (7-1)

Joe: I was skeptical of the Broncos as they skated through their first six games, but they made a believer out of me when they pounded Green Bay in week 7. Denver finally has a reliable defense and even with DeMarcus Ware out with a lower back injury, I still do not expect Alex Smith to lead KC to what would be a massive upset. Last weeks slip at Indianapolis was just a blip on the radar, and Denver is the real deal. Broncos 28, Chiefs 14.

Brad: Peyton Manning in Mile High does not bode well for this struggling KC team

David: This will be a bounce back game for Denver, and their defense will be dominant.

Jeff: The Chiefs have been a letdown all year, but I think they will put up a close fight in a losing effort.

The ''Bring back Faith Hill'' game of the week
Cardinals (6-2) at Seahawks (4-4)

Joe: It is obvious that the Cards are for real. However, they might be in for a slip up here. The Seahawks have been a mixed bag this year, but I think that Quest Field and defense will be the key to a Seattle win on Sunday Night. It will be close, but I think the Hawks will be focused and ready to pull off a mini-upset on NBC. Seahawks 24, Cardinals 14.

Brad: This is a huge game for Seattle, and I think the 12th man will be the difference.

David: Mini upset? Nope. Seattle is too tough at home.

Jeff: Gut feeling that the Cards will win.

The ''Bring Back Hank Williams Jr.'' game of the week
Texans (3-5) at Bengals (8-0)

Joe: ''Are you ready for some football? A Monday Night mismatch?'' Andy Dalton is a stud. The Bengals are on fire. The Texans stink. Easy call here. Bengals 35, Texans 13.

Brad: Houston is playing really bad, and Andy Dalton is playing really well. Bengals will win, but I have a hunch it might not be a blowout.

David: Bengals. Another boring Monday Night game.

Jeff: Texans have been sloppy on both sides of the ball, and the Bengals will take advantage of it.

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Smeltz: Steelers-Browns: 3 Keys to Victory

Photo courtesy of www.clevland.com

By: Joe Smeltzer

After an eventful win over Oakland last Sunday, the Steelers come into this week with a modest record of 5-4. This week's game against the Clevland Browns will have significant playoff implications, as likely will most, if not all remaining games on the schedule. Here are three important things for the Steelers to execute in order get a W on Sunday in this one-sided but still historic rivalry.

Key #1: Don't let Johnny be good

Photo Courtest of www.thesportsbank.net

Although head coach Mike Pettine has not yet made anything official, it is likely that the Browns starting QB this week will be none other than the charismatic, controversial and unproven Johnny Manziel. In his short career, Manziel has yet to have a breakout performance that he became so well known for while at Texas A&M. The Steelers defense cannot afford to have his first such performance come against them, and if they play the way they are capable of playing, I do not foresee Manziel silencing any doubters. 

Likelihood of Executing: High 

Key #2- Make sure the offense revolves around DeAngelo Williams 

Photo Courtesy of stillcurtin.com

Assuming that Landry Jones will be the starting quarterback on Sunday, the Steelers passing game will become less of a threat. Therefore, the Steelers use of running back DeAngelo Williams will become all the more significant. Williams should not only get more carries but also be used in the passing game as well. Like Le'Veon Bell, Williams does a solid job of gaining yardage through the screen pass. It is obvious that the Steelers won't be as pass heavy with Jones behind center as opposed to Big Ben, so Williams will be given plenty of carries. This combined with Todd Haley's knack for calling screen passes means that we will see #34 quite often. Williams is in stellar form right now, and I do not expect the Browns defense to slow him down, and the passing game being limited will give him even more of an opportunity to shine.

Likelihood of Executing: High

Photo courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Key #3: Don't have a meltdown 
The Clevland Browns are a 2-7 football team. Granted, they are a 2-7 football team that has lost a few close games along the way, but still a 2-7 football team. To emerge victorious on Sunday, the Steelers don't need to play a great football game. Hell, they don't even have to play a very good football game. For Pittsburgh to lose in their home stadium to a team that is tied for the second-worst record in the NFL, things are going to have to go quite awry. If the Steelers play even a decent football game, and Landry Jones does what he needs to do as a babysitter QB (again, assuming he is starting), and Johnny Manziel doesn't turn into Mike Vick circa 2004, I see no reason the Steelers should lose this game.

Likelihood of Executing: High

Final Prediction
It should be rather apparent at this point in the article that I do not see the Steelers losing this game. The Steelers are better than Clevland in every phase of the game, and they are playing at Heinz Field. If this game were on Lake Erie, I would call it a trap game, but since it is by the Allegheny River, I'll call it a ''we have no excuse not to win this one'' game. Compared to last week's thriller against Oakland, this game will be very subdued, and the Steelers should win quite comfortably as they head into their bye week.

Steelers 28, Browns 10

Smeltz: After first round win, West A aware of the challenge ahead

By: Joe Smeltzer
After getting past the Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers in the first round of their playoff journey, a familiar foe awaits the West Allegheny Indians.

The Thomas Jefferson Jaguars under head coach Bill Cherpak have been one of the WPIAL's flagship programs for several years, as has West Allegheny under Bob Palko. In addition to being two of the WPIAL's finest football programs, these two teams have plenty of history with each other, particularly in the WPIAL playoffs. Since 2005, these teams have met five times when the season was on the line. TJ got the upper hand in both 2005 and 2007, winning 35-0 in the semifinal round in 2005 and 49-21 in the quarterfinal round in 2007. The tide turned in 2009, as the Mike Caputo-led Indians upset a heavily favorited TJ team in the semifinals by a score of 28-21, ending the Jaguars run of three consecutive WPIAL championships. A similar situation occurred three years later when West Allegheny defeated TJ 24-7 to advance to Heinz Field for what was to be the first of three straight WPIAL championship game appearances. The meeting that players will be thinking about most of all on Friday night took place last season, when, again in the semi-finals, the Indians ended the Jaguars season with a 41-7 romp.

Palko knows that TJ will be out for revenge.''They are a well-coached team that is on a mission to undo what happened last year'', Palko stated when asked about what to expect from Thomas Jefferson. ''It is very easy to see by watching them that they are well motivated and playing very well now, so we have our work cut out for us.'' After losing their first two games to Ringgold and Belle Vernon, the Jags caught fire and are currently riding an eight-game winning streak, led by their vaunted running attack, featuring  junior Quinton Hill and senior Braden Pahanish, who have combined for nearly 2,000 yards rushing this season. The Jags defeated Armstrong by a score of 42-7 in their first playoff game last week.

''This week's game is gonna go fast,'' said West A tackle Nick Lonerio. ''They are a team that's going to try to run the ball down you throat, and that's exactly what we do. So the short amount of plays that we have, we need to make count.''

Terrance Stephens was once again the focal point of the West A offense last Friday, rushing for 207 yards. When asked about TJ, Terrance simply stated: ''They're physical. They're physical.''

West A will be tested tomorrow night at Upper Saint Clair High School, and the seniors for both teams know that any remaining game could be their last. That is part of what makes the WPIAL playoffs so great, as everything will be left out on the field.

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