NFL Week 17 Preview/Predictions

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.


Cowboys 24, Eagles 14

Browns (0-15) at Steelers (12-3) 
Line: Pit -6.0

Photo creds to Yahoo Sports

Can the Steelers' backups beat the Browns? Yes.


Steelers 31, Browns 20 

4:25
Panthers (11-4) at Falcons (9-6) 
Line: ATL -3.5

Photo creds to Sporting News

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. 

Ravens 33, Bengals 14

Penn State-Washington: 3 Keys to victory

Photo creds to The Daily Collegian, Penn State

By: Joe Smeltzer
Hello all. For the first time since 1997, Penn State is in the Fiesta Bowl. They are facing a worthy foe in the Washington Huskies, who like Penn State, could have found themselves in the college football playoff with a little more bounces in their direction. Nonetheless, both teams are here, and should make for an exciting matchup. Here are three things Penn State can do to give James Franklin his second bowl win since taking over as head coach.



Key #1: Be prepared to throw

Photo creds to Madison.com

As good as Saquon Barkley is, anybody who watches Penn State has seen how much he struggles when the line doesn't block for him.  Considering that Washington's defense allows just 2.6 yards per carry and its front features the 6'5, 340 pound Vita Vea, I wouldn't expect a 200-yard outburst from number 26. If Barkley can't find room to run, it's up to the passing game to step it up.

Luckily, the Nittany Lions have shown that when an opposing team is focusing on Barkley, the offense can still have success. If the opposing defense is worried about Saquon,  Trace McSorley can take advantage of that, and find Mike Gesicki, DaeSean Hamilton or even Barkley himself to move the football.

Penn State's offense isn't a one-man band, and it is capable of scoring points with or without an effective run game.


Key #2: Limit the deep ball

Photo creds to the Spokesman-Review

Jake Browning might be the best quarterback Penn State has faced all year, and his best receiver, Dante Pettis, is a speedy, deep ball threat. So Browning has a lot of success when throwing it deep to his main man. If the Penn State secondary can limit the big play, the chances of taming Browing and, thus, the Washington offense, will be enhanced, especially if Browning's second favorite target, freshman tight end Hunter Bryant, isn't able to play.

Pettis can burn Penn State if they are not careful, not only on offense but also on special teams, where he has scored four touchdowns on special teams this season.

Key #3: Control Myles Gaskin

Photo creds to Everett Harold

Barkley isn't the only elite running back playing in the Fiesta Bowl. Gaskin is a stud, averaging over six yards a carry on the ground. With John Ross now in the NFL, the Huskies pass game isn't what it was in 2016. Therefore, Gaskin means more to this offense this season than he did a year ago. If Penn State can limit Gaskin from breaking off a super big run, which he is very capable of doing, then it will be hard for the Huskies passing game- in which Pettis is the only player with over 500 yards receiving- to carry the load. If Gaskin rushes for less than 100 yards, I feel pretty good about Penn State's chances today.

Final prediction 
I expect both run defenses to hold their own against elite backs. If that happens, I think the winner of this game comes down to which quarterback has a better day. While I'm not sure Trace McSorley is better than Jake Browning, I am confident that he has better receiving options around him. The Washington offense just isn't the same without John Ross, and while you could say the same about Penn State without Chris Godwin, I would take Hamilton, Gesicki, Barkley and Juwan Johnson over Dante Pettis and really nobody else. The depth that Penn State has in the passing game will be the difference today, and the Nittany Lions will close out their second consecutive 11-win season.

With no national title to play for, Fiesta Bowl still provides Penn State with a chance to impress

Photo creds to Si.Com

By: Joe Smeltzer
For the Penn State Nittany Lions, the 2017 college football season has been neither an overwhelming success nor a colossal failure.

As it prepares for its seventh Fiesta Bowl appearance Saturday afternoon against the Washington Huskies, it's indisputable that  Penn State has had a good, solid year. The Lions ended their regular season at 10-2 and ranked ninth in the country. That is something to be proud of, especially considering that both of Penn State's losses came against ranked opponents on the road, and were by a combined total of just four points. For as much success as the Nittany Lions have had, however, it still feels like this team left a lot on the table. As of now, I think it's fair to describe 2017 as a year of near misses.

Penn State entered this season with most of the key pieces of the 2016 Big Ten champions returning to Happy Valley. So while a College Football Playoff berth wasn't necessarily the expectation coming in, it was far from an unrealistic objective. The Nittany Lions nearly accomplished that goal but failed their two biggest tests of the season, losing at Ohio State and Michigan State in consecutive weeks. Winning just one of those games- along with the Big Ten championship- would have almost surely gotten Penn State into the playoffs. But it wasn't to be.

Collectively, Penn State failed to reach the mountaintop of winning a national championship.  Individually, junior running back Saquon Barkley couldn't bring home the most significant honor in college sports. Barkley was a preseason Heisman favorite and for the first half of the year, looked to be running away with the trophy. But as Penn State's playoff dreams faded, so did Barkley's Heisman hopes, and number 26 didn't even get invited to New York as a finalist for the award. Saturday will likely be Barkley's last game for the Blue and White, and it's a chance for him to end his Penn State career on a high note with a dominant performance.

Besides not reaching the playoffs or repeating as Big Ten champions, of Penn State's ten wins, not many were eye-opening. The Nittany Lions beat rival Pitt. Whoopie. The Panthers ended up going 5-7.  Penn State fans will remember the last-second thriller in Iowa City for years to come. Awesome. But considering that the Lions were two-touchdown favorites over Iowa, forgive me for classifying that as a game they were supposed to win, and should have won by more than two points. Watching the Blue and White pound Jim Harbaugh and Michigan in front of a record-setting Beaver Stadium crowd was fabulous. But the "team up north" ain't what it used to be. Unlike 2016, this year's Penn State squad failed to win a game it wasn't supposed to. While a win in the Fiesta Bowl wouldn't necessarily change that- Penn State is favored by two- it would be, far and away, Penn State's most impressive win of 2017.

For Penn State, beating Washington wouldn't qualify as a signature triumph. The Lions are ranked ahead of the Huskies. But aside from Ohio State, Washington is the best team Penn State has faced all year and is similar to the Nittany Lions in multiple areas. Both schools were Power Five conference champions last year and finished 2016 ranked in the top ten. Both brought a lot of talent back from a year ago, particularly on offense, and thus, were thought to be playoff contenders before this season, and both failed to repeat as conference champs due to two close road losses, with the Huskies losing at Arizona State and Stanford by a combined 14 points. If Penn State beats Washington, it would give the Nittany Lions a win over a top 15 team, which they haven't had in 2017, as well as a former "BCS" bowl triumph, which the Nittany Lions haven't accomplished since 2006.

I've said in the past that bowl games are glorified exhibitions, and I think that's true in a lot of cases. But I also believe that the end of one season sets a tone for the next year and beyond. The Nittany Lions look to have a lot of talent coming back for 2018, in addition to an elite recruiting class, so the future of Penn State football is bright regardless of what happens Saturday. But a win in the Fiesta Bowl would leave Nittany Nation feeling a lot better about the present, as well as the future of this football program. Wouldn't ending the year at 11-2 and ranked in the top ten with a marquee bowl win on top of it look better than finishing 10-3 with no real impressive victories?

Right now, my feeling of this Penn State football season is one of unsatisfied hunger. While winning the Fiesta Bowl instead of the national championship wouldn't change that, it would end the year on a high note, and give James Franklin his first major bowl victory as a head coach.

Steelers-Texans: 3 Keys to Victory

By: Joe Smeltzer

Merry Christmas! The Steelers are playing today. Here is what they can do to get a win. Let's get into it.

Key #1: Get over it 

Photo creds to Larry Bown Sports

Last Sunday sucked. Everybody understands that. But that's over with now. The Steelers most likely blew their chance at the AFC's number one seed, but that's in the past. All Pittsburgh can do is move forward, and the depleted Houston Texans are a nice setup to do just that.

If the Steelers play well and avoid that classic Mike Tomlin letdown, they will be fine. Hopefully, the players and coaches have done a much better job of coaching than "Steeler Nation" has.


Key #2: Throw to Martavis 

Photo creds to SI.Com

Last week, Martavis Bryant grew a pair. The disappointing wideout didn't have a great game against New England statistic wise, but anybody who watched knows what type of impact he had. Bryant looked like a man ready to prove that he, not JuJu, is poised to be the Steelers number one wideout in Antiono Brown's absence.

The corner covering Bryant Sunday will most likely be Jonathan Joseph, who hasn't played his best football this year. If Martavis can catch Joseph on a bad day, there's a good chance big plays are coming.

Key #3: Play like it means something 

Photo creds to Zimbio

In the grand scheme of things, this game probably doesn't mean anything. Thanks to Jimmy Garoppolo, the Steelers are virtually assured a first-round bye, and since New England ain't losing to the Jets in Foxborough Week 17, and Pittsburgh ain't losing to Cleveland at Heinz Field, the number-two seed is almost a formality.

If the Steelers lose to Houston, it would likely prove to be meaningless in the end. But that's not the mindset Pittsburgh should have. Play this game like it matters, get the W, and go into Week 17 holding out hope that Bryce Petty can pull a miracle while knowing that a first-round bye is the worst case scenario.

Prediction 
The Texans are a mess. Without its most important players on each side of the ball in J.J. Watt and DeShaun Watson, Houston is nothing. The Steelers have done a good job at beating teams that they are supposed to in 2017, and there's no reason to expect that to change today. It might not be as lopsided as it should be; few Steelers "mismatches" are, but I'll take a win any way I can get it. Here we go.

Steelers 27, Texans 17.

NFL Week 16 preview/predictions

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.

Cardinals 33, Giants 21. 

5 Things from Steelers-Patriots

By: Donny Chedrick

To call it heart-breaking would be an understatement. In a play that will lead to debates and possible rule changes, the Steelers lost their first game since early October, 27-24 loss to the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on Sunday. The loss gives New England the track to the number one seed in the AFC with two weeks to play in the regular season. The Steelers play at Houston on Christmas Day and host Cleveland in the final week. Because of Sunday's loss, Pittsburgh has to root for Buffalo and Miami in the last two weeks against New England. A loss by the Pats in either game and two wins from the Steelers would give Pittsburgh the number one seed. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's take a look at five things from the Steelers loss against New England.

1. "Surviving the Ground"

Photo creds to www.theathletic.com

 This was the terminology used by referee Tony Corrente Sunday evening after Steelers tight end Jesse James came to the ground with what the whole world thought was the game-winning touchdown with roughly 30 seconds left. Corrente used this phrase because James lost possession of the football after crossing the goal line and hitting the ground. Although there are similar examples like Dez Bryant and Calvin Johnson, who had big plays taken away for not maintaining control, there are also examples of guys losing control, but being awarded the score, like Patriots' wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Wait, the Patriots had this call go their way earlier this season and then again on Sunday? Interesting. Debates have been going on for days, and people are calling for the league to change the horrible rule, so that may be the justice, but in this case, the Steelers lost the game because Jesse James didn't "survive the ground."

2. Unstoppable Gronk

Photo creds to The Denver Post 

Rob Gronkowski showed his worth Sunday. He was the unstoppable force for New England that proved to be the real difference. Gronk hauled in nine receptions for 168 yards and he owned Sean Davis for roughly three hours. It's hard to knock Davis because Gronkowski is a mismatch for pretty much every defender in the league, but Gronk put on a show Sunday afternoon. If and likely when the Steelers meet the Patriots again this season with the year on the line, Gronk has to be addressed and neutralized better than what he was in this game, or else he could end the Steelers' season by himself.

3. The Pats, yet again, avoid a Killer Bee

Photo creds to SB Nation

It seems that every time in recent memory that the Steelers and Patriots have played each other, the Pats have somehow avoided at least one member of the "Killer Bees" in some capacity. In the past, it's been an injured or suspended Le'Veon Bell or an injured Ben Roethlisberger. Sunday, it was an injured Antonio Brown. Brown was on his way to possibly becoming the first wide receiver in NFL history to become the league's Most Valuable Player before he suffered a calf injury in the first half of Sunday's game. It isn't a certainty that Brown would have made a difference in the outcome, but it is hard to argue that he wouldn't have. To this point, the Patriots have never had to play the Steelers while the "Killer Bees" were in full effect.

4. Breakout for Bryant

Photo creds to Pittsburgh-Post Gazette

A week after having mighty struggles against Baltimore, Martavis Bryant rose to the occasion against New England. With AB out Bryant made several high-impact plays that added to his best performance of the season. It wasn't his highest yardage total of 2017, but the catches he made were outstanding. An all-out diving catch on a critical third down play to keep the Steelers drive alive, a one-handed touchdown grab with his left arm held back, and two others helped him he notch 59 yards on four receptions. His numbers didn't blow anyone away, but his impact was felt.

5. The Fake Spike 

Photo creds to Patriots.com

The play that ultimately proved to be the most costly was the final offensive snap for the Steelers. In what seemed to be a chaotic moment, Pittsburgh rushed to the line with the majority of the offense believing Ben Roethlisberger was going to clock the football to set up a chip-shot field goal for Chris Boswell. However, only Ben and wide receiver Eli Rogers realized the call for the fake spike was on, and a dangerous pass across the middle led to an interception and Patriot win. After the game, it seemed that the blame was being tossed around from Ben to offensive coordinator, Todd Haley until Ben eventually took responsibility and admitted that he should have just spiked the football. Hopefully, no turmoil comes of this in the locker room, but this is not the first time that Roethlisberger and Haley have had visible differences.

Sour Grapes N'at.

Catch or Nah? (Photo creds to NY Daily News)

The refs aren't to blame for the Patriots yet again getting the best of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Fans have made Many interpretations about Jesse James' catch that never was. For the most part, people are livid about the call. There are those who will blame the officiating crew for butchering the ruling, and some who defend the refs are still critical of the rule itself. But let's assume, for fairness sake, that it was the worst decision in the history of North American sports. It still wouldn't give Pittsburgh a free pass for how it blew what should have been a landmark win.

For 58 minutes, the Steelers outplayed New England. They led 24-19 with 2:23 left, and the offense faced a third-and-four. A first down would have almost surely put the game on ice. But it didn't happen. JuJu Smith Schuster fell one yard short of the sticks, and Pittsburgh was forced to give New England the ball with two timeouts and the two-minute warning to work with

On the first play of the next possession, Sean Davis had sealed the game. The Steelers safety was  in prime position to pick off Tom Brady and put a fork in the Pats. But it didn't happen. Davis dropped the ball, both figuratively and literally. The damn thing him right in the hands and New England drove 77 yards over the next 1:10 to take a two-point lead.

What happened over the last minute is what will dominate all local and national sports radio and TV talk shows over the next few days. I'm not going to analyze what is and isn't a catch in the NFL because frankly, I don't know anymore. What I am sure of is that, regardless of whether the officials got it right or wrong, the Steelers have nobody to blame but themselves for blowing a shot at the AFC's number one seed.

I know how sports fans think. We find it a lot more fun to cry conspiracy and blame outside forces when things don't go our way, then to break down other key elements of why it all went wrong. While it would be more than logical to talk about Davis' blown INT, the fake spike turned INT to end the game, or even Antiono Brown's dropped touchdown pass that unfortunately led to a calf injury, people will talk for days, possibly weeks, about the NFL rulebook.

The Steelers are my team. I want them to win every game they play and am frustrated when that doesn't happen. But what also irritates me is how hard it is for fans to say, "yeah, the boys got beat." There always has to be something that gives the bad guys an unfair advantage.

Whenever the Patriots beat the Steelers, there's always more to it than New England having a better day. After the 2001 and 2004 AFC Title games, New England won because they cheated. In last year's conference championship game, Le'veon Bell's injury was the reason Pittsburgh couldn't get anything done. Sunday, it was because of the rotten refs. The officiating didn't help Pittsburgh's cause. But neither did Pittsburgh's mistakes both before and after James' "drop". But believe it or not, every team benefits from a controversial decision at some point.

The Steelers are fine examples of this. Mike Refroe was totally in bounds in the 1979 AFC title game, and Super Bowl 40... well, there was a lot wrong with that. Fans can either look at the big picture and recognize that a 60-minute football game is never decided by one play, or they could talk about how Roger Goodell is behind all of the Steelers problems. I know which road I'm taking.