Steelers reaction: Something's different

Three Weeks ago, it would have been a loss.
One year ago, it would have been a loss.
Two years ago, it would have been a loss.
But on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers were able to pull out as gutsy of a win as I've seen from them in quite some time, and I do not feel that I exaggerated that sentance one bit.

Before Sunday's contest with the hated Cincinnati Bungles started, it had the potential to be a trap game. The Steelers have clearly been a better football team than Cincinnati has this season, but the combination of Pittsburgh consistently losing to scrub teams, along with the unpredictability of a rivalry game, made it seem like the perfect trap. The first half appeared to confirm all of Steeler nation's fears. At best, it was a slow start. At worst, Pittsburgh got their butts handed to them on a silver platter.

I was not nearly as upset about this as some yinzers seemed to be. Photo creds to SI.Com

At the half, the Steelers were down 20-9. The offense could not move the ball. The defense was getting hit in the mouth, and topping it all off; Pittsburgh shot themselves in the foot with penalties. As the first half drew to a close, I tried to keep my thoughts positive. Well, is this proving anything we don't already know? Well, if they beat Baltimore, they still win the division. Well, they are still as good as anybody when they are on." If it were a typical day, the Steelers would have either blown away in the Ohio River wind or fought hard, only for a comeback to fall short. But this was not a typical day.

The Steelers were resilient. The defense allowed no points in the second half, as Cincy's running attack could do absolutely nothing. The offense chipped away, as three more Chris Boswell field goals (he had three in the first half) got the game to within two points. Finally, about midway through the 4th quarter, the Steelers put the Bungles in a position to do what they do better than any other team in North American sports; lose their heads in the worst possible moments.

Chirs Boswell kicked six field goals; and made them all. (Photo creds to stillcurtain.com)

Five plays. Five Bungle penalties. 30 free yards in total. This moved the ball from the 48 all the way down to the 18 and led to Ben Roethlisberger finding Eli Rogers in the end zone for the winning score. Fantastic. Maybe it was the product of playing an evil and horribly disciplined football team. Maybe it was the Curse of Cope coming back to bite Jeremy Hill. Or perhaps, this Steelers team is different from any we've seen in the past five years?

Over the past several weeks, the Steelers are debunking some of the myths that have plagued them in recent years. They've faced two prototypical "traps"; one in Buffalo and the other in Cincinnati, and have conquered both of them. Their defense has been playing at a level that I haven't seen in sometime, even without their best player, Cam Heyward. Best of all, it looks like they just may be getting back to the Pittsburgh Steelers of old, and not the "lets score some points and have some fun" football team that we have seen. These Steelers are focused. They are tough, and they have a division title and a home playoff game in their grasps.

As I rave about these men, I am well aware that it still comes down to Christmas Day. I know that, with 60 lousy minutes, the hated Dirty Birds can put a stop to everything and ruin Pittsburgh's chances of a division title, and possibly the AFC playoffs. But as of right now, through 14 weeks, I feel a hell of a lot better about the Pittsburgh Steelers then I have since I was a Middle School boy.

I know that there is still a lot of work to be done. I am aware that the notion of this being an inconsistent football team could still be alive. But I also know that the Pittsburgh Steelers are on fire, and when everything is clicking, as it was in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday afternoon, there isn't a team in the NFL that they could not beat.

NFL Week 15 Preview/Predictions

By: Joe Smeltzer
Hello, all. The boys are back, and yours truly is in the lead, with a wonderful mark of 105-55-2. Let's see how far ahead he will be by the end of Week 15. (P.S. you can see my preview for the Steeler game right here.

Remember when this was a rivalry?

George Halas (Left) and Vince Lombardi (Right). Two immortals.

1:00
Packers (7-6) at Bears (3-10)
The Packers are on fire, while the Bears are garbage. Just look at the records. Look at Aaron Rodgers, too.

Packers 34, Bears 17

Yuck
Jacksonville (2-11) at Houston (7-6) 
Depresses me to even wrtie about Jacksonville at this point. Yuck.

Texans 34, Jags 13

Will the Browns win?
Do I really have to answer that?

Battle of the Birds 

Eagles (5-8) at Ravens (7-6) 
Philly is in complete dissary. They have lost eight of ten, and Carson Wentz is going against one of the leagues top defensive units. Sorry, rookie. The misery will continue.

Ravens 24, Eagles 10

Tennesse is sexy, but....

Titans (7-6) at Chiefs (10-3) 
I love what Tennesse has done this season. I love Marcus Mariota. But I also love the Chiefs, and KC is on a roll that is unusual for teams that are not New England. KC is too hot to doubt, especially when playing in Arrowhead Stadium, which they will be on Sunday.

Chiefs 30, Titans 21

This is a good game
Lions (9-4) at Giants (9-4) 
This is a coin-filp game. It will be interesting to watch Matt Stafford and Detroits explosive offense going against Janoris Jenkins and New York's vaunted defense. It's too close to call, but because they are at home, and because it would make me angry, I expect a narrow Giants victory. New York is a good football team, and they will show their guts on Sunday.

Giants 27, Lions 24

The Vikings are dead
Colts (6-7) at Vikings (7-6)
Minnesota has lost six of eight, and even though they won at Jacksonville last week and even though they are getting Adrian Peterson back, I just don't have faith in this team. Yes, one of the best players on the planet is making his return; but how ready is he? I would be shocked if AP is anywhere close to his normal self, and the Vikings offense is weak cheese without him at full speed. The Colts, on the other hand, are an inconsitent football team that can be beautiful to watch at times. For Andrew, Son of Oliver, tomorrow will be one of those days.

4:05

Saints (5-8) at Cardinals (5-7-1) 
New Orleans has a fantastic offensive attack, and Drew Brees is my homeboy. Yes, the Saints are on the road, and yes, they are not a great football team in general. But I have no trust in the Arizona Cardinals. They have been one of the leagues big disappointments in 2016, and I just have a feeling that my homeboy will add to the misery in the desert today.

Saints 32, Cardinals 29

Part II 49ers (1-12) at Falcons (8-5) 
San Franscio and their bum quarterback are a disgrace to the gridiorn. I would pick against them in any game not against Clevelend or LA, and going up against an electric Matty Ice won't be an exception.

Falcons 42, 49ers 14

4:25 
Will the Patriots lose?
Yes, this game is in Denver, and yes, Tommy Boy will be going against an elite defense. But at the end of the day, do I expect Trevor Sieminan to outdual Tom Brady? No. No I do not.

Patriots 24, Broncos 13

Raiders (10-3) at Chargers (5-8)
This will be a close game, as all Raiders games seem to be these days. But I don't see Oakland taking another step back after that brutal offensive performance in Kansas City ten days ago. Derek Carr don't lose two in a row anymore.

Raiders 35, Chargers 30

Sunday Night
Bucs (8-5) at Cowboys (11-2) 
Tampa Bay is certainly on the rise, and I for one would love to see them run the table. However, the thought of Dak and Zeke falling in consecutive weeks after 11 wins in a row just doesn't seem realistic to me. Gerald McCoy and the Tampa defense won't make things easy for Dallas, but I believe that Prescott will make enough big plays to get Big D back on track.

Cowboys 24, Bucs 17

Monday Night 
Panthers (5-8) at Redskins (7-5-1) 
Carolina had some fun last week. Now, its back to reality. Kirk Cousins will come to play in prime time, and Washington will keep on fighting towards a wildcard spot. You like that?

Redskins 38, Panthers 24

Steelers-Bungals: 3 Keys to Victory

Photo creds to Cincinnati Enquirer 

Hello, all. It's rivalry week. Of course, it would be much more fun if the Cincinnati Bungles were having a quality season, but you get what you get. Here are three things the Pittsburgh Steelers can do to defeat Burfict's Buffoons in their backyard on Sunday.

Key #1: Ring the Bell

Photo creds to foxsports.com

I know. It's a redundant theme. But the Steelers passing attack isn't quite what it was from 2013-15, and never was this more evident than last week in Buffalo. Le'Veon Bell, on the other hand, has never been better. Bell is on a historically dominant terror at the moment, and he is the one who makes the machine go. If Bell can seek revenge on the team that has ended his season two years in a row, then the Steelers offense will be in good shape. If not, the chances of success are a lot slimmer.
Odds of Execution: Solid 

Key #2: Force a turnover or three

Sean Davis (#28) and Artie Burns (#25) are two young studs that could make a huge difference on Sunday (Photo creds to steelcurtainrising.com)

One of the big reasons for the Steelers recent surge is their defense, and one of the reasons that the defense has been doing well is because they force turnovers. Over the past four games, the Steelers have forced a total of seven takeaways, several being in key situations. Artie Burns and Sean Davis, in particular, have turned into INT threats, and yes, Willie Gay still has that potential to take one to the house as he did last year in Cincy. Forced turnovers helped beat the Bungles in Paul Brown Stadium last season, and I think the same thing will happen this time around.
Odds of Execution: Fantastic 

Key #3: Don't fall into the trap
I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it until the narrative is destroyed; Steelers + Inferior Opponent= Trouble. On the surface, this looks like the perfect trap game. The Steelers are on the road, playing a team that is worse than they are, and to add to it, it is a rivalry game. If the Steelers block out the noise and play how they've been playing over the past month, Cincy will not be a problem. If not, then I will be frustrated.

Final Prediction
Normally, this would be a trap that I'd predict the Steelers to fall in to. But something feels different about this football team. They are focused. They are hungry. They are clicking on all cylinders (proving to be more than an offensive juggernaut) and they are too hot to doubt. Sorry, PacMan. No, I am not. You're a punk, as are you, Vontaze.

Steelers 24, Bungles 14

College Football: Bowl Prediction Special Part 1

Hello all. Bowl season is upon is, and rather then talk about every game, I will only write about the games that are at least somewhat interesting to me, and since the big games are still two weeks away, I'm am only previewing games from this afternoon-December 29th. It's pretty self explanitory, so let's get into it.

By: Joe Smeltzer
Las Vegas Bowl 

Houston (9-3) at San Diego State (10-3)
By far the most intriguing pre-chirstmas day bowl matchup, this contest features two of the most exciting players in college football in Houston's Greg Ward Jr. and San Diego State's Donnel Pumphrey, as well as two solid mid-major teams. This game will feature a lot of scoring, but I think Houston has too many weapons on offense for San Diego State to handle. As usual, Ward will steal the show.

Houston 48, San Diego State 38

Wednesday, December 21st 
Boca Raton Bowl 

M

Byu (8-4) at Wyoming (8-5) 
Yes, the Cougars are favored by 9.5 points. But I have a feeling the Cowboys will be high on there saddles. If you haven't seen Wyoming's Brian Hill play, you'll be in for a treat on Wednesday. The kid is one of the more underatted players in college football, and he will torch the Couars defense for 150 yards and 3 TD's on the way to an upset.

Wyoming 38, BYU 31

Friday December 23rd
Armed Forces Bowl 

Louisiana Tech (8-5) vs. #25 Navy (9-4) 
Yes, the Midshippmen lost to Army for the first time since 2001, which makes their season an unsastifying one no matter what. Nonetheless, I fully expect Navy to bounce back, led by their duel-threat QB, Will Worth. Navy is just a better football team on both sides of the ball, and Anchors Aweigh will be playing loud and proud on Friday.

Navy 35, Louisiana Tech 23

Independence Bowl

Monday December 26th 
NC State (6-6) at Vanderbilt (6-6) 
A great matchup? Harldy. But out of respect for my cousins, I will include their beloved Commodores. Unfourtanly, I expect the Wolfpack to ruin Vandy's hope for their first winning season under Derrick Mason. NC State is a team that is slightly better than their .500 mark would indicate, as aside from getting waxed by Lamar Jackson, they have been tight in every game, and I think they will carry over the momentum they have from their 28-21 win at rivals UNC. By the way, hows the former Vanderbilt coach doing these days?

NC State 35, Vandy 21
Heart of Dallas Bowl
Tuesday December 27th 
Army (7-5) vs. North Texas (5-7) 
Army, you've done good. You beat Navy, and you are in a bowl game, and you deserve better than to be playing a 5-7 scrub squad.

Army 27, North Texas 13

Millitary Bowl 
#24 Temple (10-3) vs. Wake Forest (6-6) 
Wake Forest is in shambles. Temple is a very good football team. Jahad Thomas, you are the man.

Temple 30, Wake Forest 14

Holliday Bowl 

Minnesota (8-4) at Washington State (8-4) 
Saldy, Minnesota is also in shambles. Otherwise, this would be one of the better games of the whole bowl season. Nonetheless, Luke Falk is a beast, and he will do his thing against the Gopher defense. Love the Big 10, but I have to call it like I see it.

Washington State 38, Minnesota 24

Cactus Bowl 

Get it?

Bosie State (10-2) vs. Baylor (6-6)
Remember when Baylor was a top 10 quality football team? Ha. Now, Jermery McNicholes and Brett Rypin will put a fitting end to a crappy season in Waco. Now its up to Matt Ruhle to get Baylor back on it's feat. Since he is not from the south, good luck, Mr Ruhle.

Pinstripe Bowl

Wednesday, December 28th 
#23 Pitt (8-4) vs. Northwestern (6-6) 
Hate to say it, as I hate Pitt and love the Big 10, but the Panthers should have no problem taking out Northwestern. James Conner will end his career in style, and year 2 of Pat Narduzzi will come to a successful end. Oh, and expect Quadree Henderson to have a long touchdown run or two.

Pitt 42, Northwestern 27
Russel Athletic Bowl 
#16 West Virginia (10-2) vs. Miami (8-4) 

Yes, this game is in Florida, and that gives The U an advantage. However, I genuinally believe that West Virgina is a solid football team. This has been the best season for the Mountianeers since Dana Holgerson took over as coach, and it deserves a nice !. Expect the Hopewell kid, Rushel Shell, to shine in his final colligite game.

WVU 36, Miami 26

Foster Farmes Bowl 
Indiana (6-6) vs. #19 Utah (8-4) 
An underwhelming top 25 team vs. An underwhelming mediocre team. Yuck. Utah does have Joe Williams, and Joe Williams is a beast who is one of 2016 greatest success stories. Williams will run wild, and Indiana's gonna Indiana.

Utah 35, Indiana 20

Texas Bowl 
Texas A&M (8-4) vs. Kansas State (8-4) 
Remember when A&M was in the playoff hunt? Ha. Yes, this game is in Texas, and I do believe that the Aggies have a better football team that Kansas State does. However, this Aggies season deserves to end with a choke, so a choke we shall have.

Kansas State 24, A&M 21

Birmingham Bowl

South Florida (10-2) vs South Carolina (6-6) 
South Florida is one of the most underlooked teams in college football. Sure, they've played crap competition, but Quinten Flowers and Marlon Mack make up a fantastic rushing duo, and Flowers is also a damn good quarterback. Personally, I hope South Florida romps, just to show how far the SEC has fallen. Charlie Strong, you're program is giving you a solid cabinent to work with.

Belk Bowl
Arkansas (7-5) vs. #22 Virginia Tech (8-4) 
Arkansas is what most of the SEC is; mediocre. While Virginia Tech isn't exaclty a team for the ages, they do have Jerod Evans, who is a fine duel threat quarterback, as well as Isiah Ford, who is one of the top receivers in the ACC. The Hokies offense is loaded, and Arkansas defense is fragile. Virginia Tech will score somepoints, and give up some points as well, but because of the Evans to Ford connection, I see the Hokies walking away with a win.

Tech 42, Arkansas 31

Steelers proving to be more than a one-dimesional team

Just four weeks ago, the sky was falling.

The Pittsburgh Steelers couldn't do anything right. They couldn't play defense. Their offense was inconsistent. They had no discipline, and because of it, they were 4-5. It looked as if Pittsburgh would be lucky to make the playoffs, and even then, accomplishing that would be a testament to how pathetic the AFC North is, not how good the Pittsburgh Steelers are. In short, the Steelers, who were sexy Super Bowl picks before the season started, were a colossal disappointment. Then, the switch flipped.

Just like that, the Steelers have won four in a row, and have looked damn good doing it, allowing just 40 points over that four-game stretch, and scoring 93. Granted, one of those wins was against the Browns, and another one against an Andrew Luck-less Colts team. However, the past two W's over the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills, have been particularly eye-opening, especially from a defensive perspective.

The Steelers offense is supposed to put up a lot of points, so no amount of success that they have is all that shocking. On the contrary, their defense is supposed to allow a lot of points, and much to our delight, Keith Butler's unit has been stingy over the past four weeks. Although I must say that none of the offensive unites that Pittsburgh has encountered over the past month is particulary impressive, we are still seeing a lot of progress from Butler's troops. The Steelers defensive success may come as either a complete shock, or a product of the competition, but honestly, I'm not sure it's either. My theory is: maybe the Steelers defense is actually pretty good?

Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Kevin Colbert  have received criticism over the years for not drafting quality defensive talent, and that is sighted as a big reason for Pittsburgh's defensive struggles over the past few years. We've seen guys like Ziggy Hood not accomplish much of anything, guys like Ryan Shazier be injured too damn much, and guys like Jarvis Jones take awhile to develop. Well, it looks like it all may be coming together.

Let's look at the Steelers prized defensive draft choices and see what they have been doing through this current hot streak

Jarvis Jones- 1st round, 2013
Jones has been heavily scrutinized for his play over the first two seasons in the Steel City, and rightfully so. But he's been pretty solid in this his third year. The outside linebacker from Georiga has made several big plays, and he looks like he's improving by the week. If Jones continues to get better, than he could help fill the void left at outside linebacker when James Harrison decides to hang up the cleats.

Ryan Shazier- 1st round 2014
Self-explanatory. The Ohio State grad is one of the best in football at his position when healthy, and the Steelers hit a home run when they drafted him two years ago. If Shazier can stay on the field and out of UPMC, the sky is the limit.

Bud Dupree: 1st round, 2015
Dupree missed a lot of time due to injury this season, but he gets the job done when he is on the field. Dupree's performance in Buffalo last Sunday earned him a 74.2 rating according to Pro Football Focus. If he keeps up with those types of performances, then him and Jones will both help give the Steelers linebacking group a stable future.

Stephan Tuitt- Second Round, 2014
Beast. Tuitt has come on in the second half of the season, and he will be a Pro Bowler very soon. When Cam Heyward gets back from injury, these two will define the Steelers pass rush for years to come.

Artie Burns: 1st Round, 2016
Many people, including yours truly, did not approve of Burns selection in the first round of this past April's draft. Well, there is a reason that we are not in the Steelers front office. Burns keeps getting better by the week, as he leads the Steelers in INT's with 3, and is worlds ahead of the travesty that was Antwon Blake at cornerback. Burns is a player, and he will be an asset in this league for years to come.

Sean Davis: 2nd round, 2016
Yes, his dumb penalty against Dallas likely cost the Steelers that game. But he has grown since then. Davis hits hard, is among the Steelers leading tacklers with 48, and like Artie Burns, this rookie from Maryland is getting better as the weeks go on.

Javon Hargrave: 3rd round, 2016
6'1, 309 lbs. Hargrave is big, he is quick, and he can play defensive end as well as nose tackle. This man is a monster. Stay the hell out of his way. Davis, Burns and Hargrave are three rookies. These men are the future, and the future is looking pretty bright from where I am sitting.



Yes, the Steelers young talent is impressive, and hopefully, the past four games are a sign of things to come. But this recent surge of defensive success as well as the greatness of Le'Veon Bell  shows how quick things can change in sports, as well as how ready sports fans are to jump the gun.

Just four weeks ago, Mike Tomlin was a bum, the Steelers were a trainwreck, and the whole organization was just one big fraud. Many people were talking about Tomlin's job being on the line, and although I have never for a day in my life envisioned Tomlin getting the ax, I did raise the question in this post. Fast forward, and such claims and issues and speculations seem silly. The Steelers are 8-5, arguably the most dangerous team in the AFC outside of Foxborough, Mass, and a lot of it has to do with the defensive talent that Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert have gotten some flack over the years for drafting.

In short, not one part of the Steelers turnaround should be surprising. The offense dominates, and the defensive has a lot of talent that is just now starting to blossom. Pittsburgh is a good football team that is only getting better. So as fans, all we can do is buckle up, and hope that the season doesn't sway again

Steelers-Bills: 3 keys to victory

Hello, all. It's December, and every game is a must-win for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Today at Buffalo is no exception. Here are three things that the Steelers can do to ensure a fourth straight victory.

Key #1: Contain the running game
The Buffalo Bills offense goes through the ground. LeSean McCoy is one of the leagues best runningbacks, and the Steelers run defense is not steller. However, for whatever reason, I don't see McCoy getting anymore than 75 yards today. I can't explain it; it's just a gut feeling. Mark it down.

Odds of execution: Decent 

Key #2: O-Line: Step up
The Buffalo Bills have a talented defensive line. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a talented offensive line. Something has to give. It all depends on what version of the Steelers O-Line shows up. If the line plays as they have been during this three-game win streak, they will be okay. If they play as they did during their four-game losing streak, then it could be trouble. I trust that the big bois up front have found themselves, and they will be just fine.

Odds of execution: Solid

Key #3: Ring the Bell
It feels like I am recycling, but next to Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell is the most important player on this football team. No disrespect to Antiono Brown, but Bell is the one who makes this offense go. He is able to help this team with both running and catching, and he is the most complete back in football. If Bell lights up Buffalo for 150+ all purpose yards, the Steelers will win this football game.

Odds of execution: Fantastic 

Final prediction
The Bills have a decent football team. But the Steelers are boomin in ever facet of the game. This is a runaway train that won't be stopped. At least not today. Normally, this is the type of road game that the Steelers would lose. However, this team is playing to well for me to see that happening.

Steelers 28, Bills 17

NFL Week 14 Picks

Graphic creds to Bradley W. Stewart

Hello, all. Due to Penn State's Big 10 title win, I was not able to post an NFL Preview article last week. However, we all got are picks in, and they all count. Week 14 is here. Let's get into it. Also, I will talk about the Steelers-Bills game in a seperate preview.
1:00
Close, but no cigar
Broncos (8-4) at Titans (6-6) 

Tennesse has been one of the surprises of this season, as they are in a three-way tie with Houston and Indianapolis for first in the AFC South (for whatever that is worth). I expect the Titans to give Denver all they can handle. However, Denver's defense will make a big play late to preserve a win, and that's the bottom line because Smeltzer said so.
Denver 17, Tennesse 13

The Eagles are a joke, but... Redskins (6-5-1) at Eagles (5-7)

Philly has fallen off a cliff, which is why I expect them to win this game. They are at home, playing against a mediocre and one-dimensional Redskins team. If Fletcher Cox and the Eagles defensive line can get pressure on Kirk Cousins and force some bad passes, Philly will win the football game. If Washington doesn't score a lot, they won't win. That's what the difference will be. 

Eagles 28, Redskins 21

Fins to the left, fins to the right Cardinals (5-6-1) at Dolphins (7-5)

Here we have one of the league's most surprising teams going against perhaps its most disappointing. Miami took a step back in Baltimore last week, but I still trust Ryan Tannehill, DeVante Parker, and the Dolphins offense to get back on track. Miami is very much alive in the AFC Playoff race, and they will play like it on Sunday. However, Arizona will come to play, and they will be just a little better. I just gots a feeling
Cardinals 32, Dolphins 29


"Who the hell cares" part I
Chargers (5-7) at Panthers (4-8) 

Carolina is garbage in every sense of the word. But they are at home against a bad Chargers team, so I guess Cammy Cam can feel good about himself for a few hours.
Panthers 33, Chargers 24

It's Gonna Happen Bengals (4-7-1) at Browns (0-12)

This game is the Browns best chance to get a win, and I just can't see them going 0-16. Can't do it. Go crazy, lands of Cleves.
Browns 24, Bengals 20

Look at the records Bears (3-9) at Lions (8-4) 
Look at the records and tell me who should win this one.
Lions 38, Bears 23

Somehow an important game Texans (6-6) at Colts (6-6) 

There is a good chance that whoever wins this game ends up taking the AFC South crown (again, no saying very much). I think that Indy is starting to figure things out. Andrew Luck is healthy again and playing good football, while Brock Osweiler might well be the worst QB in the game. Luck will pick apart the Texans secondary, and Indy will avenge that woeful Sunday Night loss at Houston in Week 6.
Colts 31, Texans 17

"Who the hell cares?" Part II Vikings (6-6) at Jags (2-10)
Jacksonville is awful. Minnesota has lost six of seven. But other than that, great matchup we have here.

4:05
"Who the hell cares?" Part III
Jets (3-9) at 49ers (1-11)
I want Colin Kaepernick to lose every game he starts, and I  believe Bryce Petty will keep that dream alive. A San Fran victory may frustrate the fanbase, because with the Browns being as bad as they are, a 9er victory would all but destroy their chances of getting the #1 draft pick. So, I say, root for the 49ers to lose along with me.

49ers Something, Jets Something less

4:25
Passing of the torch
Saints (5-7) at Bucs (7-5)

Brees vs. Winston. The established vs. The up-and-comer. On Sunday, I'm taking the young bull. Jameis Winston is the real deal, and he will have a field day with the putrid Saints defense. Drew Brees will play well like he always does, but his team just does not do him justice. Tampa, meanwhile, is on the rise, and they will inch one step closer to an NFC South title.
Bucs 35, Saints 27

Fire Jeff Fisher Falcons (7-5) at Rams (4-8)
Fire. Jeff. Fisher.
Falcons 28, Rams 13

A-Rod is back Seahawks (8-3-1) at Packers (6-6)

Aaron Rodgers is finding his groove, and the Packers are playing in the tundra. That's a dangerous combination for the Earl Thomes-less Seahawks. Seattle may be the best team in the NFC, but it's hard to win at Lambeau Field, and Green Bay will remind us all of that fact on Sunday. However, Seattle is going to prove to be too tough for the putrid Packers defense to handle. Russell Wilson will come to play, and the Seahawks will grind it out for a big victory.
Seahawks 27, Packers 24

8:30
Turn out the lights
Cowboys (11-1) at Giants (6-4) 
The Giants were exposed last Sunday against my Steelers, and the Cowboys cannot lose. That's a dangerous thing. But all good streaks must come to an end, and I feel that the Giants will come to play in their home stadium. Dallas will be fine, but on Sunday night, the fun is over.

Giants 24, Cowboys 21

Will the Patriots lose?
The Dirty Birds are going down. Let's go, Brady!