The Steelers season will probably end today.
For this team to make it to the postseason, a lot of things have to go right.
First, Pittsburgh must beat the 13-2 Ravens and must do so in Baltimore. That's no easy feat, not even with Lamar Jackson taking a rest.
If the Steelers find a way to take down the dirty birds, they then must watch and pray for the Texans to beat Tennessee in Houston, which wouldn't be a lot to ask on most days.
On this Sunday, however, there's a good chance Bill O'Brien will sit his stars, as a Chiefs win over the LA Chargers would give the Texans absolutely nothing to play for. Since Kansas City's game starts at 1, about 3.5 hours before the Texans kick off, Houston can relax and see what the Chiefs do before deciding whether or not to send out the A-team.
In the likely event of a Chiefs win, the Steelers will need a Houston team with nothing to play for to beat a Titans squad with their season on the line. Not exactly an ideal predicament.
Just like last year, when the Steelers needed the Browns to win in Baltimore, Week 17 will be a stressful time to breathe for Pittsburgh. What's different this time, however, is that the Steelers can be proud of this season, even if they fail to get into the playoffs.
The year of our lord, 2018 was one sent straight from hell. The Steelers, who were 7-2-1 through 10 games, should have made the playoffs but missed out because of one of the worst collapses in NFL history. This year, the team had no business winning six games, let alone making the postseason.
Yet, here we are, on the last Sunday of the regular season, a few fortunate bounces away from the Steelers doing what they couldn't do last year with Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown at their disposal.
After several years of underachieving, the Steelers are getting the most out of their talent in 2019, and more than that, the team, overall, is likable.
Last season, we heard all about Le'Veon Bell's absence, Big Ben's radio show adventures, and, eventually, AB losing his mind. On the field, a defense that couldn't get a turnover if its life depended on it plagued the team through several close defeats.
This year, we've been hearing not about drama, but instead about the lovable Devlin Hodges. We've seen the defense transformed by the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade, and a motivated Bud Dupree. We've enjoyed Heinz Field coming to its feet whenever Zach Banner is announced as an eligible receiver.
The only chatter has been about whether or not the team will play football in January, and that's how it should be.
The Steelers missing the postseason would still be disappointing. This was a team many expected to win the AFC North in August, and failing to qualify for the playoffs will leave us all wondering what could have been if Roethlisberger's elbow didn't betray him way back in week two. No matter what happens, this Steelers team overachieved, and when was the last time any of us could say that?
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Good teams win, great teams cover: Championship week edition
It's December, and the boys are back. Let's get into it.
Brad
Utah -6.5 over Oregon (LOL)
Baylor [+9] over Oklahoma
I'm not saying the Bears are going to win this game. However, they did significantly outplay the Sooners for a half in Waco, and would be 12-0 had they just finished the game. Both of these teams can't escape playing close games and this should be no different.
LSU [-6.5] over Georgia
This is probably the safest bet of the weekend. Georgia is a good football team, but LSU is playing for its first SEC championship since 2011. and will feel compelled to just unleash on the Bulldogs. This game will come down to the opening quarter. If UGA can run the ball effectively and kill the clock, this will be a good game. If not, expect a Tiger rout.
NFL
Browns [-7.5] over Bengals
The Browns are angry, which is not a good sign for a horrid Bengals team. The game will start slow, but Cleveland will unload for 24 points in the second quarter.
Falcons [-3] over Panthers
Matt Ryan or the team that just fired its head coach? Matt Ryan.
Dolphins [+5.5] over Jets
I'm officially jumping ship on the Jets. I've supported Sam Darnold and company for too long. I believe Miami will finish strong and reach six wins. Who would have thought?
Jeff
College
Oklahoma [+9] over Baylor
LSU [-7] over Georgia
NFL
Dolphins [+5.5] over Jets
Joe
College
Oklahoma [-9] over Baylor
Baylor had its shot at Oklahoma a few weeks ago, and it blew it. The Sooners know what to expect from Baylor, and they'll be ready to go.
UVA [+28.5] over Clemson
Obviously, I like the Tigers to win, but 28.5 points is a lot of points. UVA can score, and I think Bryce Perkins will lead the offense to enough yards and points to cover the spread.
Ohio State [-16] over Wisconsin
Ohio State will do what Ohio State does.
NFL
Ravens [-6.0] over Bills
Baltimore has won five of its last six games by 14, 17, 36, 34, and 39 points respectively. I think the Ravens can win this game by six.
Packers [-12.5] over Redskins
Aaron Rodgers vs. The Redskins. I like Aaron Rodgers. A lot.
Broncos [+9] over Texans
Denver's been playing in close games all year. Even with Courtland Sutton banged up, I feel safe picking the Broncos to keep this game within a touchdown.
Brad
Utah -6.5 over Oregon (LOL)
Baylor [+9] over Oklahoma
I'm not saying the Bears are going to win this game. However, they did significantly outplay the Sooners for a half in Waco, and would be 12-0 had they just finished the game. Both of these teams can't escape playing close games and this should be no different.
LSU [-6.5] over Georgia
This is probably the safest bet of the weekend. Georgia is a good football team, but LSU is playing for its first SEC championship since 2011. and will feel compelled to just unleash on the Bulldogs. This game will come down to the opening quarter. If UGA can run the ball effectively and kill the clock, this will be a good game. If not, expect a Tiger rout.
NFL
Browns [-7.5] over Bengals
The Browns are angry, which is not a good sign for a horrid Bengals team. The game will start slow, but Cleveland will unload for 24 points in the second quarter.
Falcons [-3] over Panthers
Matt Ryan or the team that just fired its head coach? Matt Ryan.
Dolphins [+5.5] over Jets
I'm officially jumping ship on the Jets. I've supported Sam Darnold and company for too long. I believe Miami will finish strong and reach six wins. Who would have thought?
Jeff
College
Oklahoma [+9] over Baylor
LSU [-7] over Georgia
NFL
Dolphins [+5.5] over Jets
Joe
College
Oklahoma [-9] over Baylor
Baylor had its shot at Oklahoma a few weeks ago, and it blew it. The Sooners know what to expect from Baylor, and they'll be ready to go.
UVA [+28.5] over Clemson
Obviously, I like the Tigers to win, but 28.5 points is a lot of points. UVA can score, and I think Bryce Perkins will lead the offense to enough yards and points to cover the spread.
Ohio State [-16] over Wisconsin
Ohio State will do what Ohio State does.
NFL
Ravens [-6.0] over Bills
Baltimore has won five of its last six games by 14, 17, 36, 34, and 39 points respectively. I think the Ravens can win this game by six.
Packers [-12.5] over Redskins
Aaron Rodgers vs. The Redskins. I like Aaron Rodgers. A lot.
Broncos [+9] over Texans
Denver's been playing in close games all year. Even with Courtland Sutton banged up, I feel safe picking the Broncos to keep this game within a touchdown.
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Good teams win, great teams cover: Turkey Day edition
Happy Turkey Day! Let's get into it.
Brad
Bears -4 over Lions
This is a blowout
Cowboys -6.5 over Bills
Also a blowout. The Bills will get exposed
Saints -7 over Falcons
Another blowout. The Saints won't lost to Atlanta twice.
Jeff
Lions +4 over Bears
Bills +6.5 over Cowboys
Saints -7 over Falcons
Joe
Bears -4 over Lions
I loved David Blough at Purdue, but he isn't ready for the NFL yet. He's starting as a last resort, and that's trouble, especially against a good Chicago defense.
Cowboys -6.5 over Bills
Buffalo is pretty poor for an 8-3 team. Dallas is pretty good for a 6-5 team. The Cowboys are at home and need a win. I think they get one.
Saints -7 over Falcons
What Brad said.
Brad
Bears -4 over Lions
This is a blowout
Cowboys -6.5 over Bills
Also a blowout. The Bills will get exposed
Saints -7 over Falcons
Another blowout. The Saints won't lost to Atlanta twice.
Jeff
Lions +4 over Bears
Bills +6.5 over Cowboys
Saints -7 over Falcons
Joe
Bears -4 over Lions
I loved David Blough at Purdue, but he isn't ready for the NFL yet. He's starting as a last resort, and that's trouble, especially against a good Chicago defense.
Cowboys -6.5 over Bills
Buffalo is pretty poor for an 8-3 team. Dallas is pretty good for a 6-5 team. The Cowboys are at home and need a win. I think they get one.
Saints -7 over Falcons
What Brad said.
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Path to the Big 10 title/College Football Playoff still goes through Ohio State
If you're a Penn State fan, Saturday's loss to Minnesota sucked.
It was a game the Nittany Lions should have won, could have won, almost won, but didn't win. The players didn't execute, and the coaches didn't always put them in an ideal position to do so. As a result, Penn State is no longer undefeated, and the common thought is that its college football playoff hopes are dead.
Although this loss is significant to an extent, and could well result in the Nittany Lions not getting a Rose Bowl bid, how much does it change as far as the playoff goes?
At 11:59 Saturday morning, I don't think anybody would have argued that Penn State could get to the playoff without beating Ohio State.
A loss to the Buckeyes would eliminate any chance of the Nittany Lions winning the Big 10, and without a conference title, it's hard to imagine the playoff committee putting Penn State in over teams like Oregon, Oklahoma or good ole Alabama [with or without an SEC championship]. Although the Nittany Lions are no longer ranked in the top four, the path to the playoff is, although difficult, still there.
If Penn State beats Ohio State in two weeks, it will win the Big 10 East. If the Nittany Lions win the Big 10 East, they'll play in the championship game against the winners of the Big 10 West. The Big 10 West champion will be Minnesota, so, therefore, the Nittany Lions would have a chance to negate their only loss of the season.
If Penn State finishes 12-1 with a win at Ohio State, plus three more quality conference wins, and with proof that they could beat the team that slayed them, it's hard to imagine the committee passing them up.
Pretty simple, isn't it? The bad news is, Penn State probably won't beat Ohio State. It doesn't matter that Chase Young will probably be suspended. The Buckeyes could start Neil Young at defensive end and still put a national championship contender on the field. Playing Ohio State anywhere is a chore.
Playing in Columbus is a death sentence, and unless something epic transpires Nov. 23, dreams of a national title returning to Old Main will be buried under the Horseshoe's turf while the Buckeyes sing "Carmen Ohio" in celebration of another expected win.
At the moment, Saturday's loss stings, but it's not as if Penn State had a great chance at a College Football Playoff appearance anyway. In all likelihood, when we look back on 2019, we'll see that the reason Penn State misses the College Football Playoff will be because it isn't on Ohio State's level. Not because of losing to Minnesota.
It was a game the Nittany Lions should have won, could have won, almost won, but didn't win. The players didn't execute, and the coaches didn't always put them in an ideal position to do so. As a result, Penn State is no longer undefeated, and the common thought is that its college football playoff hopes are dead.
Although this loss is significant to an extent, and could well result in the Nittany Lions not getting a Rose Bowl bid, how much does it change as far as the playoff goes?
At 11:59 Saturday morning, I don't think anybody would have argued that Penn State could get to the playoff without beating Ohio State.
A loss to the Buckeyes would eliminate any chance of the Nittany Lions winning the Big 10, and without a conference title, it's hard to imagine the playoff committee putting Penn State in over teams like Oregon, Oklahoma or good ole Alabama [with or without an SEC championship]. Although the Nittany Lions are no longer ranked in the top four, the path to the playoff is, although difficult, still there.
If Penn State beats Ohio State in two weeks, it will win the Big 10 East. If the Nittany Lions win the Big 10 East, they'll play in the championship game against the winners of the Big 10 West. The Big 10 West champion will be Minnesota, so, therefore, the Nittany Lions would have a chance to negate their only loss of the season.
If Penn State finishes 12-1 with a win at Ohio State, plus three more quality conference wins, and with proof that they could beat the team that slayed them, it's hard to imagine the committee passing them up.
Pretty simple, isn't it? The bad news is, Penn State probably won't beat Ohio State. It doesn't matter that Chase Young will probably be suspended. The Buckeyes could start Neil Young at defensive end and still put a national championship contender on the field. Playing Ohio State anywhere is a chore.
Playing in Columbus is a death sentence, and unless something epic transpires Nov. 23, dreams of a national title returning to Old Main will be buried under the Horseshoe's turf while the Buckeyes sing "Carmen Ohio" in celebration of another expected win.
At the moment, Saturday's loss stings, but it's not as if Penn State had a great chance at a College Football Playoff appearance anyway. In all likelihood, when we look back on 2019, we'll see that the reason Penn State misses the College Football Playoff will be because it isn't on Ohio State's level. Not because of losing to Minnesota.
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Good teams win, great teams cover part IX
After a week off, the boys are back, and they are buzzin. Let's get into it.
Brad
College
Florida (-26) over Vandy
Florida's going to come out strong after that disappointing loss to Georgia last week.
Duke (+8) over Notre Dame
Just a gut feeling.
Penn State (-7) over Minnesota
Until Minnesota prove that they're as good as their undefeated record, I'm still going to see the Gophers as overrated.
Cincinnati (-35) over UcConn
I see Cincinnati as the best team in the American conference. UcConn is one of the worst teams in the country. Give me the Bearcats at home. By a lot.
NFL
Rams (-3.5) over Steelers
The Rams are slowly heating up. I see a last second Rams touchdown giving LA a 17-13 victory.
Lions (+2.5) over Bears
Detroit will win this one straight up.
Jets (+2.5) over Giants
I'm still on board with the Jets and Le'Veon Bell. NYJ wins a close one over NYG.
Cowboys (-3) over Vikings
The Vikings still have Kirk Cousins under center. Cousins can't beat teams that are above .500, and Dallas is 5-3. You do the math.
Jeff
College
Baylor -2
Alabama -6.5
Wake Forest -3
NC State + 31.5
Bills +3
Ravens -10
Colts -10.5
Seahawks +6.5
Joe
College
Vanderbilt (+27) at Florida
The last time Vanderbilt was a massive underdog, it upset a ranked Missouri team. That wont happen today, but I think four touchdowns is enough for Vandy to handle.
Oklahoma (-14.5) over Iowa State
After losing out on an undefeated season, the Sooners our pissed off. I expect Iowa State to feel their wrath today.
SMU (-21.5) over East Carolina
See above
Minnesota (+6.5) over Penn State
I have a bad feeling about this one. The Gophers are fired up, and the Lions can't afford to look ahead to Ohio State.
NFL
Cardinals (+4.5) over Bucs
Last week, Tampa Bay played well in a losing effort at Seattle. Given who the Buccaneers are, that can only mean Tampa lays an egg this week.
Browns (-2.5) over Bills
Cleveland is too talented to lose forever. I like Baker and the boys at home against an overrated Buffalo team.
Packers (-5.5) over Panthers
The Packers are the opposite of Tampa Bay. If anybody knows how to keep calm after a tough loss, it's Aaron Rodgers. On the other side, does anybody see Kyle Allen getting a win in Lambeau Field? I don't.
Bengals (+10.5) against Ravens
Baltimore will win, but after having its two best performances of the season in consecutive weeks, it's natural to expect somewhat of a letdown. Cincy can keep this close, and I think it will.
Brad
College
Florida (-26) over Vandy
Florida's going to come out strong after that disappointing loss to Georgia last week.
Duke (+8) over Notre Dame
Just a gut feeling.
Penn State (-7) over Minnesota
Until Minnesota prove that they're as good as their undefeated record, I'm still going to see the Gophers as overrated.
Cincinnati (-35) over UcConn
I see Cincinnati as the best team in the American conference. UcConn is one of the worst teams in the country. Give me the Bearcats at home. By a lot.
NFL
Rams (-3.5) over Steelers
The Rams are slowly heating up. I see a last second Rams touchdown giving LA a 17-13 victory.
Lions (+2.5) over Bears
Detroit will win this one straight up.
Jets (+2.5) over Giants
I'm still on board with the Jets and Le'Veon Bell. NYJ wins a close one over NYG.
Cowboys (-3) over Vikings
The Vikings still have Kirk Cousins under center. Cousins can't beat teams that are above .500, and Dallas is 5-3. You do the math.
Jeff
College
Baylor -2
Alabama -6.5
Wake Forest -3
NC State + 31.5
Bills +3
Ravens -10
Colts -10.5
Seahawks +6.5
Joe
College
Vanderbilt (+27) at Florida
The last time Vanderbilt was a massive underdog, it upset a ranked Missouri team. That wont happen today, but I think four touchdowns is enough for Vandy to handle.
Oklahoma (-14.5) over Iowa State
After losing out on an undefeated season, the Sooners our pissed off. I expect Iowa State to feel their wrath today.
SMU (-21.5) over East Carolina
See above
Minnesota (+6.5) over Penn State
I have a bad feeling about this one. The Gophers are fired up, and the Lions can't afford to look ahead to Ohio State.
NFL
Cardinals (+4.5) over Bucs
Last week, Tampa Bay played well in a losing effort at Seattle. Given who the Buccaneers are, that can only mean Tampa lays an egg this week.
Browns (-2.5) over Bills
Cleveland is too talented to lose forever. I like Baker and the boys at home against an overrated Buffalo team.
Packers (-5.5) over Panthers
The Packers are the opposite of Tampa Bay. If anybody knows how to keep calm after a tough loss, it's Aaron Rodgers. On the other side, does anybody see Kyle Allen getting a win in Lambeau Field? I don't.
Bengals (+10.5) against Ravens
Baltimore will win, but after having its two best performances of the season in consecutive weeks, it's natural to expect somewhat of a letdown. Cincy can keep this close, and I think it will.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Win tonight could mean big things for Penn State
The mood for tonight's game against Michigan is quite different from what the college football world expected it to be back in August.
Before the season, the common thought was that Michigan was a national championship contender, while Penn State would be a team in transition without Trace McSorley, having come off an unremarkable 9-4 season in 2018.
Yet as the year has unfolded, the perception of both teams has changed. Michigan is 5-1 but has been underwhelming thanks to a shaky offense. Penn State, on the other hand, is 6-0 and has looked pretty good in most of those wins. The Nittany Lions comes into tonight's "White Out" game as eight-point favorites. If they win tonight, something big could be happening in Central PA. Something much bigger than people expected before the year.
If the Nittany Lions can pull one out against Michigan, every remaining game, aside from the one at Ohio State Nov. 23, should be a win.
That means that, if all goes the way it's supposed to, Penn State will finish the regular season with 11 wins for the first time since 2008, and have a decent shot at its second Rose Bowl appearance in four years.
That's not to say that all of Penn State's remaining opponents are easy. Minnesota is the best its been in years under PJ Fleck, and although Michigan State has been disappointing, no trip to East Lansing is easy, especially considering Penn State will come in beat up after facing Iowa and Michigan's defenses in consecutive weeks. Nonetheless, both Michigan State and Minnesota are games Penn State should win, so all the Nittany Lions have to do is beat Michigan tonight to have an inside track at 11-1.
If Penn State loses to Jim Harbaugh, however, who knows what that will mean for the rest of the season? A loss at home, in a White Out against a good but beatable opponent, could crush the spirits of a young team. That loss of confidence could turn an 11 win season into a nine-win season, which would leave fans feeling underwhelmed, to say the least.
In any case, whatever Penn State does won't win them the Big 10 unless they can upset Ohio State in Columbus. This is obviously a tall order, as the Buckeyes might be the best team in the country, but the last three games between Penn State and Ohio State have been among the closest and most entertaining in college football over that time, so we can expect another tight one around Thanksgiving. If Penn State is undefeated by the time it rolls into Colombus and can pull out a win, then, our dreams can move to those of a national championship.
Last week's win at Iowa was great, but the lights are brighter this week. If Penn State beats Michigan, there's no reason it shouldn't finish 11-1. If it loses, however, more disappointment could be in order, just like 2018.
Before the season, the common thought was that Michigan was a national championship contender, while Penn State would be a team in transition without Trace McSorley, having come off an unremarkable 9-4 season in 2018.
Yet as the year has unfolded, the perception of both teams has changed. Michigan is 5-1 but has been underwhelming thanks to a shaky offense. Penn State, on the other hand, is 6-0 and has looked pretty good in most of those wins. The Nittany Lions comes into tonight's "White Out" game as eight-point favorites. If they win tonight, something big could be happening in Central PA. Something much bigger than people expected before the year.
If the Nittany Lions can pull one out against Michigan, every remaining game, aside from the one at Ohio State Nov. 23, should be a win.
That means that, if all goes the way it's supposed to, Penn State will finish the regular season with 11 wins for the first time since 2008, and have a decent shot at its second Rose Bowl appearance in four years.
That's not to say that all of Penn State's remaining opponents are easy. Minnesota is the best its been in years under PJ Fleck, and although Michigan State has been disappointing, no trip to East Lansing is easy, especially considering Penn State will come in beat up after facing Iowa and Michigan's defenses in consecutive weeks. Nonetheless, both Michigan State and Minnesota are games Penn State should win, so all the Nittany Lions have to do is beat Michigan tonight to have an inside track at 11-1.
If Penn State loses to Jim Harbaugh, however, who knows what that will mean for the rest of the season? A loss at home, in a White Out against a good but beatable opponent, could crush the spirits of a young team. That loss of confidence could turn an 11 win season into a nine-win season, which would leave fans feeling underwhelmed, to say the least.
In any case, whatever Penn State does won't win them the Big 10 unless they can upset Ohio State in Columbus. This is obviously a tall order, as the Buckeyes might be the best team in the country, but the last three games between Penn State and Ohio State have been among the closest and most entertaining in college football over that time, so we can expect another tight one around Thanksgiving. If Penn State is undefeated by the time it rolls into Colombus and can pull out a win, then, our dreams can move to those of a national championship.
Last week's win at Iowa was great, but the lights are brighter this week. If Penn State beats Michigan, there's no reason it shouldn't finish 11-1. If it loses, however, more disappointment could be in order, just like 2018.
Good teams win, great teams cover part VII
You know the drill. Here we go
College
Florida (-5) over South Carolina
South Carolina's upset over Georgia was historic. The Gamecocks will suffer a hangover at home, as Florida knows a win is necessary to stay in the running in the SEC East.
Missouri (-21) over Vanderbilt
God Vandy is awful. It lost at home by 24 against UNLV. UNLV has made one bowl game since 2000 and hasn't come close before or after its only bowl appearance of the decade in... 2013. Enough said.
Arizona State (+13.5) over Utah
I see a good, high-scoring game in Salt Lake City.
NFL
Chiefs (-3) over Broncos (Correct)
Texans (even) over Colts
The spread has this as the game of the week and with good reason. The difference lies in the quarterback position. Deshaun Watson is better than Jacoby Brissett. Houston 27, Indy 23.
Ravens (+3.5) over Seahawks
Lamar gets a big win over a good team, cementing himself as a top 10 and arguably top five QB in this league.
Jeff
College
Ohio State (-28.5) over Northwestern (Right)
You know why
South Carolina (+5) over Florida
LSU (-18.5) over Mississippi State
LSU is good. Too good for Joe Moorhead.
NFL
Broncos (+3) over Chiefs
Rams (-3) over Falcons
The Rams have struggled, but the Falcons have struggled worse. Atlanta won't stop LA's offense
Jags (-3.5) over Bengals
I honestly don't think the Bengals will win a game.
Joe
College
Wisconsin (-31) over Illinois
Wisconsin's defense is possibly the best in the country, and its offense can run it down Illinois' throat. Easy money.
App State (-15.5) over UL Monroe
The Sun Belt is getting some love. App State is ranked, and UL Monroe is mediocre. Three touchdowns won't be a problem.
Michigan (+8) against Penn State
I see Penn State winning this game, but the trend of lopsided match ups between these two teams is due to come to a stop. Lions by six in a slugfest.
NFL
Giants (-3.0) over Cardinals
Last week's win was draining for Arizona. This Giants team is getting healthy, and getting better. The returns of Saquon Barkley and Evan Engram will spark New York to a win, and earn them a tie for second in the NFC East as either Philly or Dallas will lose to the other.
49ers (-10.0) over Redskins
The 49ers know how to win and know how to look good doing it. Washington knows how to suck.
Dolphins (+17.0) against Bills
Buffalo should win this game without much of an issue. However, 17 points is a lot of points. Not sure I trust the Bills offense enough to whip Miami that badly.
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