College Football Playoff Preview/Predictions

By: Joe Smeltzer
Hello, all. It's New Year's Eve, which, for some reason, means that it's playoff time. College Football's grandest stage is upon us, and here's what we think will go down.

3:00
Da Peach Bowl 
#4 Washington (12-1) at. #1 Alabama (13-0)

Photo creds to Scout.com

I love Washington. I do. I believe they are the real deal. However, they happen to be running into the world's sharpest buzzsaw; "Jolly Ole St. Nicholas" himself. Alabama is the best amateur football team in the world, and that is a universal agreement at this point. Expect Jake Browning and John Ross (best QB-Wide Receiver duo in College Football, BTW) to keep the Huskies in it for the first 30 minutes. As for the next 30, well, the Tide gonna do what the Tide gonna do.
Alabama 42, Washington 20

7:00
Da Fiesta Bowl 
#3 Ohio State (11-1) at #2 Clemson (12-1) 

Photo creds to ScottManning's Blog

By far the most intriguing of the two games. The matchup to watch in this one will be Ohio State's Secondary vs. Clemson's Receivers. Whoever wins that battle, in my opinion, will win the football game, and my gut tells me that Mike Williams, Hunter Renfrow and the rest of the Clemson receivers will get the best of Malik Hooker and the vaunted Buckeyes secondary. The Tigers offense is a powdered keg, and nobody has been able to stop them in quite some time. It is true that Watson has thrown 15 interceptions this season, and that Ohio State loves the takeaway. However, I don't see the young, inconsistent Buckeye attack doing too a whole lot of damage, as Christian Wilkins will pummel J.T. Barrett at least once. Watson might throw a pick or two, but when the going gets tough, Brent Venables defense will hold true. I'm expecting a close, fairly offensive friendly game, with both defenses holding their own. However, in the end, the will of DeShaun Watson will get the Tigers back to the national title game. This is a battle of Experience vs. Youth, and I think the young bucks will fall to the determined Tigers. The bad news for Clemson? They will have to play Alabama again.

Clemson 31, Ohio State 26. 

Ryan and Brad are both Ohio State Buckeye die-hards, and they have the Buckeyes beating Clemson, which is fair enough. But Brad, the creator of our graphics, went as far as to have the young Buckeyes knock off Alabama in the title game. As much as I love the Big 10, I reckon that won't happen. Alabama is going to skate off with their 5th national title, and when they beat Washington, I will write all about that in my 3rd annual national title preview. It's gonna be awesome. I'm Joe Smeltzer. Thanks for reading, and God bless.

The 8 worst things about Pittsburgh Sports in 2016

By: Joe Smeltzer
Hello, all. 2016 is almost put to bed, and recently, I went over what I thought were the best things about our cities sporting scene  this year. Now, let's talk about the worst. Let's get into it.


#8: Paul Spadafora goes nuts (again)

It's a sad life for "The Pittsburgh Kid" (photo creds to www.thepghkid.com)

Talk about a fall from grace. For those who don't know, Paul Spadafora of McKees Rocks was once the IBF lightweight champion of the world. That's a pretty big deal. Unfourtanly, he was never able to escape his demons in the steel city, and his criminal history hopefully reached its climax last week, when he stabbed his brother, assaulted his mother, and threatened to kill police officers. The story of Spadafora is a tragic one, and we do not yet know how it will end. Paul Spadafora might not be well known to a younger generation, as his flame burned out fairly quick. Nonetheless, his epic fall deserves to be on any "worst of" list.

#7: Heartbreak at Mile High

Poor Fitzgerald Toussiant wrongly took the fall for the Steelers playoff loss (Photo creds to totalprosports.com)

The reason the Steelers playoff loss to the Denver Broncos is "only" at 7 is that although Pittsburgh certainly had a chance to knock off the eventual Super Bowl champs in the AFC Divisional round, at the end of the day, the Steelers were not supposed to win that game. Pittsburgh came into Denver missing the best wide receiver in the world and with their quarterback not at full strength, and ended up within seven points of knocking off a great Denver team. Although losing in the playoffs is always brutal, I think the underdog factor softened the blow a tad.

#6: Martavis Bryant can't stop rolling 

Photo creds to The Weed Sreet Journal

 "Stay off the Weeeeddddddddahhhh" -Stephen A. Smith 
That is some wise advice that the receiver from Clemson could not learn to follow. After getting busted for drug violations by the league in 2015, Bryant failed to learn from his mistakes, and as a result, the NFL suspended him for the entire 2016 season. Fortunately, the Steelers won the AFC North without him. However, it's hard to argue that Pittsburgh wouldn't be a better football team if not for #10 loving him some grass.

#5 Jamie Dixon leaves Pitt

And so ended the most sucessful coaching run in Pitt history. (Photo creds to spokesman.com)

Sometimes, you don't know what you have until it's gone. For years, Pitt fans would complain about their head coach not being able to get them over the hump. Well, Dixon finally left town, taking the head job at his alma mater, TCU. His replacement, Kevin Stallings, was less than well received by the Panther faithful, and no matter what Coach Stallings goes on to accomplish at Pitt (losing to Duquesne is not a good start), I will always remember the negativity surrounding his arrival. Dixon did a lot of great things in Oakland, and even as a non-Pitt fan, it was sad to see it come to an end.


#4: Andrew McCutchen's struggles 

Photo creds to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

For most of 2016, it was painful to watch Andrew McCutchen look like a shell of his former self. Sure, he came on towards the end of the year, and his final offensive stat line did not turn out terrible. However, anybody who watched Cutch on offense; and especially in centerfield, felt sad for the guy at times. Hopefully, 2017 will be much better for #22.

#3: Fawning over Neil "Ouch, my back!" Walker 

There goes my hero! (Photo creds to Pittsburgh Post-Gazzete

As bad as the Pirates trading "The Pittsburgh Kid" turned out, the reaction of the Bucco faithful to the trade was 100xxxxxxxxx worse. While it is understandable that giving up an above average second baseman for a bum like Jon Niese would garner some negativity, Pirate fans took it to a new level, and the bitching has not stopped in the year since. Walker did a lot for the Pirates, but if you ask most fans, you'd reckon the kid from Pine Richland was a perennial MVP candidate who averaged 60 homeruns a season and managed to cure cancer all while finding a different cat to rescue out of a tree on a daily basis. It was a bad trade, but it was not the worst in team history. Not close to it, and anybody who puts it in that category either does not know what they are talking about or does not have much respect for the history of Bucco baseball.

It was a bad trade. Teams make bad trades sometimes. It happens in sports, and the idea that the Pirates should have treated Walker differently based on geography (He played football at Three Rivers Stadium n'at!) is absurd. Niese was suspossed to be a reclamation project, and it didn't work out. Bad trades happen. The Pirates are a well-run organization, no matter what the sometimes whiny and entitled Pittsburgh narrative tells you. If Walker turns into Joe Morgan in the next five years, I'll eat my hat. But if he stays where he is; which is a solid, but not spactacular second baseman, then Pirates fans overreacted big time.

#2: The Pittsburgh Pirates

How Bucco fans felt for most of 2016

Of the three pro sports teams in our great city, I am sad to say that my pride and joy was by far the most underwhelming in 2016. After three consecutive playoff appearances, which a lot of goofy yinzers forget ever happened, the Pirates took a step back in 2016, winning just 79 games and missing out on the postseason. Injuries to players like Jung-Ho Kang and Gerritt Cole, combined with disappointing seasons from Andrew McCutchen and Francisco Liriano, were some factors that contributed to the Pirates downward spiral. All we can hope for is that the Bucco swagger returns, starting on April 3rd at Fenway Park.


#1: The Death of Arnold Palmer 

Long live "The King." (Photo creds to Breaking Christian News)

Yes, Arnie lived a life that was full and did it his way. Nonetheless, when word got out on the evening of September 25th, 2016, that "The King" was no longer with us, it was shocking. Very few people from this area have had as great an impact on the sporting world than Arnold Palmer, and his death signified the end of an era. Here is a write-up that I did on Palmer, along with Miami Marlins hurler Jose Fernandez, who passed away on the same day. Golf's first superstar will live in the hearts of sports fans and anybody who was lucky enough to know the man. Long live "The King," and may his legacy live forever, as we continue to bask in his great drink.



So, that concludes the worst of Pittsburgh Sports in 2016. Agree? Disagree? Let me know. God bless.

College Football Bowl Predictions Part 2

Hello, all. Part of our bowl predictions is here, and so is our graphic. In case you folks are wondering, I will be posting my Penn State/playoff picks in seperate articles. Let's get into it.

Georiga (7-5) vs. TCU (6-6)
Both of these teams have had disappointing 2016's, and although I see TCU bouncing back next season, and the SEC, aside from Alabama, is pretty bland, I'll take the Bulldogs. Look for Nick Chubb to shine.

Georiga 30, TCU 21 


#18 Stanford (9-3) vs. North Carolina (8-4)

Forget Christian McCaffery. Mitch Trubinsky is the man to watch in this game. Without McCaffery, I expect the Cardinal offense to sputter a tad, and the combination of that, and Turbisky being a stud will propel the Tar Heels to victory. Trubisky is smart, he is athletic, and he is built like a prototypical NFL QB, and in my mind, he could be the most pro-ready quarterback coming into this April's NFL draft. Yes, I did initially pick Stanford before McCaffrey decided to skip the bowl game. Disregard that.

UNC 34, Stanford 23

Nebraska (9-3) at #21 Tennesse (8-4)

Yes, Tennesse has been a disappointment. But of all the 8+ win teams in Power 5 conferences, is there any weaker than Nebraska? We're talking about a team that lost to Ohio State by 59 points and lost it's last game at Iowa by 30 points, and somehow manage to be unranked despite going 9-3 in the toughest conference in America. The Huskers also don't have any particularly impressive wins on their resume. Therefore, Nebraska is terribly overrated, and I feel that the Tennesse is better on both sides of the ball. Expect Josh Dobbs to shine in his final game in Orange.

Tennesse 35, Nebraska 14


#6 Michigan (10-2) at. #11 Florida State (9-3) 

One of the best non-playoff games. Michigans had some tough luck over the past month, and although the Seminoles usually have success in their home state, I think Michigan will be too pissed off to handle on Friday Night. Last season, Michigan lost their season finale to Ohio State, and wound up facing the Florida Gators in the Citrus Bowl, which is in Florida. The Maize and Blue pounded the Gators, 41-7. See the similarities? Although I think Florida State will give the Wolverines a fight, I see UM's defensive line, which is regarded as the best in the country, to make life tough for Dalvin Cook, and that will be a big difference in Michigan's victory. Also, expect Amara Darbow to have a hell of a night.

Michigan 23, Florida State 17

Georiga Tech (8-4)  vs. Kentucky (7-5)

Georiga Tech's famed triple option offense is alive and well, as the Jackets rank #10 in the country in rushing offense. Kentucky, on the other hand, is ranked just #62 in running defense. Because of these numbers, I see Justin Thomas and the Jackets running the ball down UK's throats, and getting that W. Believe that.

Georiga Tech 42, Kentucky 28

#17 Florida (8-4) at Iowa (8-4) 
If you like love offense, then hide the kids and wife for this one. Both of these teams are built on defense, and I think that the Gators have the better athletes on that side of the ball. Teez Tabor leads a unit that will make interim defensive coordinator Randy Shannon proud on New Years Day. It will be low scoring, but, contrary to what I said about Florida, I do trust Iowa's bread and butter, which is their running game, to do enough against the Gator defense to pull out the W. Just have a feeling, man.

Iowa 21, Florida 16

#15 Western Michigan (13-0) vs. #8 Wisconsin (10-3) 

Again, one of the better games of the bowl season. I'm going to  go against the grain and put my faith in the Broncos. I just have a feeling that the Cotton Bowl will be the day that all doubts are put to rest about P.J. Fleck's team. Look for wide receiver Corey Davis to boost his already high draft stock, and the Broncos to have some fun on their way to a landmark victory.

Western Michigan 31, Wisconsin 24

#14 Auburn (8-4) at #7 Oklahoma (10-2) 

Oklahoma is a playoff caliber team. If not for a brutal non-conference slate, they would be in the top 4. With all due respect to Auburn and their solid running game, I think that Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook will flex their muscles. Auburn, like many SEC teams these days, is good, but not great, and they will get exposed in the Superdome, baby.

Oklahoma 35, Auburn 21

The 8 best things about Pittsburgh sports in 2016

By: Joe Smeltzer

Hello, all. As 2016 draws to a close, it's time we reflect on some of the good things that happened in our city over the past 365 days. Lots of special games and moments happend over the past year, and here are eight that I think stand above the rest. Let's get into it. 

#8: The U.S. Open returns to Oakmont 

DJ finally got that elusive major tournament win (Photo creds to sbnation.com)

Yes, the USGA almost ruined the whole thing, yes it poured down rain on the only day that Joseph Arthur Smeltzer was in attendance. Nonetheless, the U.S. Open making it's return to Pittsburgh was fantastic. Seeing the world's best golfers is never a bad thing, and Dustin Johnson finally getting the major monkey off his back in our town was a feather in the cap. The U.S. Open doesn't come around here very often, and seeing it here in 2016 was special, and for that, it deserves to be on this list.

#7: Pitt-Penn State makes it's return 

Pitt's George Aston scored 2 TD's in Pitt's 42-39 victory on September 10th (Photo creds to theodysseyonline.com)

If not for personal bitterness, this would easily be in the top five. Although my men came out on the short end, the resurrection of the Pitt-Penn State rivalry was something that needed to happen in this area, especially for Pitt. Weather die-hards want to admit it or not; Pitt football hasn't been a huge deal in this city since God knows when. But with a renewed hatred for Penn State, fans now have reason to be excited about the Panthers and being at the game; it was evident that, at least for a few hours, Pitt was It in this city. It seems that a lot more people care about college football in the 412 than they have in years, and a lot of it has to do with 42-39, not to mention an exciting Panther team in general. As much as I'd hate to admit it, Pitt getting the W was the best thing for this rivalry going forward, as State College now has a little more hatred for the Panthers than they'd like to admit. Hopefully, I am singing a different tune about Pitt-Penn State for my 2017 year in review.

#6: The rise of Jameson Taillon 

Taillon in his MLB Debut against the New York Mets on June 8th at PNC Park (Photo creds to SI.Com

It's hard to think of great Pirate memories in 2016, as it was a forgettable season for my beloved Buccos. However, one point of light is the debut and the rise of a long time blue chip prospect, Jameson Taillon. Injuries had delayed the kid's debut for two years, and once JT was able to step foot on that PNC Park mound, he lived up to the hype. In 18 starts, the rookie from the great state of Texas went 5-4 with an ERA of 3.38 and a fantastic WHIP of 1.12 to go along with 85 strikeouts over 104 innings of work. Taillon is on his way to being a superstar, and 2016 was the first we got to see him in The Show. That is important.

#5: Duquense/RMU Womens Basketball teams go to the dance

April Robinson led the Dukes on a historic run to the big dance in 2016 (Photo creds to DKPittsburghSports.com

Some of you may be surprised to see this, but I feel it deserves to be on here. For most people, college athletics in the 412 are dominated by the University of Pittsburgh. That makes it ironic, and, as a Pitt hater, kind of cool, that the Panthers were the only Divison 1 woman's basketball program in our city that did not make it to the NCAA Tournament. Robert Morris made it to the dance for the fourth time in their history, and although mighty UcConn demolished them in the first round, the season was a fitting tribute to coach Sal Buscaglia, who's last team was a winner. Duquesne, after many close calls in the past decade, finally got selected as an At-Large out of the A10. Led by 3rd-year head coach Dan Burt and senior point guard April Robinson, the Dukes made it in as an #9 seed, and won their first game, 97-76 over Seton Hall, before falling to the mighty Huskies themselves. It was great to see our cities womens basketball teams having success, and hopefully, the sport continutes to gain traction in our town.

#4: Wilcard Wackieness 

Photo creds to Yahoo Sports

This could well end up on my "wost of 2016" list as well. It was everything but pretty, but nonetheless, the Steelers won that ugly game at Paul Brown Stadium, their first playoff win in almost six years. It was a big win, and at the same time, our rivals looked like clowns. When you think of it that way, maybe that night was pretty damn beautiful.

#3: The Reach 

The most recent moment of this list, and damn sure one of the produst. I don't feel the need to refresh anybodys memory of this picture, as it happened just three days ago, so here is an article that I wrote on the signifigance of AB's shining moment. 

#2: James Conner's recovery/return to Heinz Field 

#24 is a fighter, and one who we all can learn something from. (Photo creds to theplayerstribune.com)

I'm the furthest thing from a Pitt diehard, but James Conner trandscends the game of football. For those who don't know, the star Pitt runningback found himself diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma last November. Rather then feeling sorry for himself, Conner chose to be an inspiration to all of us, fighting back to find himself back where he belongs; on the gridiron for Pitt's home opener with Villanova on September 3rd. Here are two videos the depict Conner's struggle, and his return. What a man.

#1: The Pittsburgh Penguins 

Photo creds to WPXI.com

No brainer here. The Penguins were the Stanley Cup Champions, giving Pittsburgh their only major sports title in 2016. They did it with class. They did it with speed. They did it with heart. They took us on a thrilling two-month ride that I will never forget. Here is a piece I wrote shortly after the Pens won the Eastren Conference Title, and every bit of it holds true.  From a man who is a casual hockey fan, thank you, Penguins. Do it again in 2017.


So that is my list of the 8 best things about Pittsburgh Sports in 2016. Agree? Disagree? Let me know, either with a comment, through my twitter (@joesmeltzer775 or @briefcasejoeeee), or any other way you can reach the great Joseph Arthur Smeltzer. Thanks for reading!

Steelers 31, Ravens 27: Back to our old identity

By: Joe Smeltzer

Toughness

It's a word that the Pittsburgh Steelers, and honestly, the city of Pittsburgh in general, have prided themselves on, and rightfully so. But over the past few years, I haven't seen the same Steel Town Tough mentality from the Pittsburgh Steelers that was so commonplace in the mid-2000s, when I was growing up about 20 minutes from the North Shore. Sure, there's been a lot of winning. Sure, there's been some comeback victories. But on Christmas Day, with 9 seconds left in a must-win game against the hated Baltimore Ravens, Antonio Brown gave us a reminder of who the Pittsburgh Steelers are, and what we do.

Growing up in Allegheny County, about 20 minutes from Three Rivers Stadium/Heinz Field, I am one of the many that grew to believe that the Pittsburgh Steelers were a smash-mouth, hard-nosed, blue-collar football team. For the first 13 years of my life, that held true. For me, the Steelers were about Joey Porter going crazy, Troy Polamalu flying through the air, running the ball, hard-hitting defenses, and most of all, championships. Nasty weather. Joey Porter going crazy. Troy Polamalu flying through the air. That's what Steeler football was to me.

But as time went on, the Steelers became something else. Now, Steeler football is 40-yard passes, 5 TD, 400-yard performances courtesy of Ben Roethlisberger, and "first to 30" type shootouts, completely the opposite of the hard nose teams that won Super Bowls 40 and 43 in my lifetime. Not that there is anything wrong with that, as Pittsburgh's explosive offense has provided this city with a lot of points and a lot of excitement. At the same time, although the results may not be terribly different, as Pittsburgh is consistently in the upper echelon of the AFC, this new style is the opposite of the Pittsburgh Steelers that stole our cities heart 44 years ago.

On the surface, Sunday's classic with the hated Dirty Birds seems to fit the new Steeler identity rather than the old, as the final score of 31-27 suggests that it was an shootout. However, I think all who watched can agree that the Steelers showed more pride and poise than they have in quite some time.

For Ben Roethlisberger, it was a flashback to the quarterback he was from 2004-11. To me, for the longest time, Big Ben was the type of QB who never had the stats or the glamor that people like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning or Drew Brees possessed, but who was as good if not better than anybody when all the chips were on the table. For the past few years, as the Steelers identity has changed, so has their quarterback, as Ben started to post big numbers, but the number of championship drives that he used to lead his troops on so often had decreased. On Sunday, the old Big Ben was back.

He didn't play a great game statistically, as he threw for a fairly pedestrian 279 yards and two interceptions that could have been fatal; and would have been, if not for that last drive. As soon as Baltimore's fullback, Kyle Juszczyk plunged into the end zone with 88 seconds left on the clock, giving Baltimore a 27-24 lead in a seasow battle, it was up to Big Ben to lead a Super Bowl 43 level drive, or else dreams of a division title would go up in smoke. Thankfully, Ben found it in himself to do just that, taking the Steelers 71 yards in 9 plays. And the man who capped it all off could not have been a better fit for the moment. Enter, Antonio Brown.

The Steelers change in identity started to come to fruition as soon as the wide receiver from Central Michigan began to blossom into the NFL's top receiver. As good as Brown is, his flashy behavior, in the eyes of some, goes against the so called "Steeler Way" that we in Pittsburgh have taken pride. For all of his accomplishments, it's hard to think of one particular career defining "signature" play that #84 has made. Well, on Sunday, he had his big moment, and it was glorious.

Add caption

Above is a play that you could call "the reach." It was a play that personified what our city prides itself in; going the extra mile to succeed. In other words, Brown's range with 9 seconds left was all heart. It's not a surprise that AB came through in the clutch, as he is a big time player. However, there was never a prouder moment in Browns six NFL seasons than that reach. It was gutsy. It was critical. It was gorgeous, and it won the Steelers the AFC North for the 5th time under Mike Tomlin.

So, while the Steelers have been a consistent winner for the past decade, the change of identity that this team has experienced is undeniable, as "smash-mouth Stiller football" has given way to "let's score some points and have some fun." On Sunday, the 2016 edition of the Men of Steel reminded us that the Steelers the history books told us about are still here, and, hopefully,  here to stay, baby. 

Steelers-Ravens: 3 Keys to Victory

Photo creds to mmqb.si.com

Merry Christmas to all. There is Steeler football on this the birthday of Christ, and here is what Pittsburgh needs to do to defeat the hated dirty birds

Key #1: Don't get burned by the run

Stephon Tuitt (#91) may be a no go on Christmas Day. (Photo creds to Nfl.Com

Is is true that Baltimore is not known for their ground game. However, the Steelers may be without their two top edge defenders, as Cam Heyward is out for the season, and Stephon Tuitt is questionable for Sunday. Terrance West doesn't remind anybody of Gale Sayers, but with the D-Line banged up, there's that fear that West could become Jay Ajayi 2.0. Cincinnati was running the ball down the Steelers throats in the first half of last week's game, and hopefully, Baltimore will not do the same.


Key #2: Take advantage of a crippled secondary

Photo creds to mmqb.si.com

The Baltimore Ravens are a solid defensive team all around. However, they are missing their best cornerback, Jimmy Smith, and that is a big loss. The last time Ben Roethlisberger was facing a banged up Ravens secondary, he tore them up for 6 TD's. The Steelers haven't had an explosive passing game in a while, and if Eli Rogers can step up as another stud receiver to give Antiono Brown some help, that will go a long way in putting some points on the board.


Key #3: Don't let it come down to special teams

Forget Joe Flacco. Forget Terrell Suggs. Forget Steve Smith. To me, the most obnoxious Baltimore Raven is Justin Tucker. Can anybody imagine the Ravens coming out on top today without the best kicker in the NFL playing a big part? I sure can't. If the game is close, Tucker will smell blood. Therefore, when the chips are down, the Steelers need to be up by at least a touchdown for me to feel comfortable. Here is the bottom line; If it comes down to Tucker, that will be bad news.

Final Prediction
Today is obviously a crucial day for the Steelers, as the AFC North hangs in the balance. Pittsburgh is clicking on all cylinders, and in my opinion, are just more talented than Baltimore is. The set of circumstances is different than it was seven weeks ago when the Dirty Birds got their way. Big Ben is healthy, the Steelers are hot, and the game is in the Burgh, baby. I don't see the boys being denied by the Baltimore Ravens. It will be close, but the Stillers will prevail this time around. Oh, and expect that Le'Veon Bell character to have some fun.

Steelers 28, Ravens 21

NFL Week 16 Picks

By: Joe Smeltzer
Hello, all. Week 16 is here. Our picks are in. Bradly Stewarts graphic is up, and the boys are ready, with me in the lead. Let's get into it. (Disclaimer: I thought I had picked the Texans. Alas, I picked the Bengals).


Saturday, December 24th 
Rex nearing the end?
Dolphins (9-5) at Bills (7-7)

This sight may never been seen again after 2016. (Photo creds to cbssports.com)

Rex Ryan's days as Bills head coach could be coming to an end, and facing a hot Dolphins team will not do anything to cool the big man's seat. I have faith in Matty Moore, and I have faith that the Dolphins will get dat wildcard spot. The two Vandy grads picked the Bills. Well, maybe they only have book smarts after all?

Dolphins 24, Bills 16

Will the Patriots lose?
Hell to the no.

This could get ugly 

Tennesse (8-6) at Jacksonsuck (2-12)
On one side, you have a team playing great football and doing everything possible to win a division title. On the other, you have a garbage franchise that just canned their garbage head coach. Gee, I wonder who I like here?
Tennesse 34, Jacksonville 17 

Member when

The Minnesota Vikings were the favorites in the NFC? Ha. Well, those days have passed. The Vikings are cold, Aaron Rodgers is hot, and I expect the Pack to win and win comfortably in the tundra.

Packers 28, Vikings 10

The Cleveland Browns will lose 

Redskins Stay Alive

Redskins (7-6-1) at Bears (3-11)
That Monday Night loss to Cammy Cam was crushing, but luckily for Washington, they get the 3-11 Bears. I don't suspect the Skins to make the playoffs, but I think Kirk Cousins and Pierre Garcon will pick apart the piss poor Chicago secondary and put up enough points to hold a surprisingly surging Matt Barkley and the Bears offense. Barkley and Jordan Howard will keep Chicago in it, but Washington will win it in the end.
Redskins 31, Bears 26

Cammy Cam had his fun
Falcons (9-5) at Panthers (6-8)

Cam Newton was far and away the best quarterback in the NFC South last season, and maybe in the NFL. But 2016 has not been his year, as Matt Ryan and Jameis Winston have unseated Newton from the QB throne in his division. The former will show up in Charlotte on Sunday, and he will be ready to put on a show. On, and Julio Jones is coming back. My cousin Jeff stated that the Panthers would not start a win streak vs. Matt Ryan, and I agree with the man. Good luck, Carolina.

Falcons 41, Panthers 28

4:05
Stud QB's
Colts (7-7) at Raiders (11-3)

Luck vs. Carr. Two of the games best field generals. I project the same song and dance from the Silver and Black this week; get behind early, come out firing in the second half, and escape with a close win. AC/DC. 12-3. We are all united for Oakland. Common.
Raiders 33, Colts 28

4:25
The Old vs. the New 
Bucs (8-6) at Saints (6-8)

Photo creds to cbssports.com

Any game that New Orleans is involved in has to be high scoring, and this will be no exception. I think young Jameis Winston will get the best of old Drew Brees. It will be a shootout, as Tampa's D will give up some points courtesy of Brees and his top receiver, Brandin Cooks. However, Tampa is still fighting for a playoff spot, and they will bounce back from their tough loss in Jerry World last Sunday and come out on top. Once again, Ryan and David are the only ones that disagree. Book smarts?
Bucs 35, Saints 31

This could get ugly 
Cardinals (5-8-1) at Seahawks (9-4-1)
Remember when the Cards were the cream of the crop in the NFC West? Well, those days were brief, and they are all over now. Arizona has been incredibly disappointing, while the Seahawks are Super Bowl contenders. The game is also at the home of the 12th man, so that won't make life any easier for Carson Palmer. Seattle rolls. It's a shame, as Arizona's running back, David Johnson may be the best player in football, and not enough people know about him because his team is garbish.
Sehawks 34, Cardinals 16

4:25
Who the hell cares?
49ers (1-13) at Rams (4-10)

There have been a lot of uneventful football games this season, but I can't think of one quite as putrid as this one. Here, we have a one win team, verses a franchise that got shut out by that one win team or their only win, and has lost nine in a row themselves. To put it into perspective, thesetwo teams have combined for 22 straight losses and an overall mark of 5-23. Disgusting. Absolutly repulsive.

8:25
Tommy Boy!
Bungles (5-8-1) at Texans (8-6)

Tom Savage always hat potential (Photo creds to Nfl.Com

I've always liked Tom Savage. Even as a Pitt hater, I thought this guy was a calm, cool and collected QB that could be a solid pro one day. Well, now he's getting his chance, and doing so at the expense of the hated Bungles. I'm not a fan of either of these teams, as the Bungles are the Bungles, while Houston is about as dull as any team in the league in my eyes. That said, I think Tommy Boy will continue his momentum from last week's comeback over Jacksonville and keep Houston in the hunt for a division crown. For Cincy, it might be time to say goodbye to Marvin Lewis. Jeff provides more insight, as he believes that Houston's Jadeveon Clowney will make life hard for Andy Dalton. Once again, I agree with the man.
Texans 23, Bungles 13

Broncos (8-6) at Chiefs (10-4) 
KC losing two in a row at home? Against a disgraceful Denver offense? Nope. Thankfully, all of us agree.
Chiefs 24, Broncos 13

Lions (9-5) at Cowboys (12-2)
Detroit is a terrific story, but they haven't been great on the road this season, as they are just 3-4 away from Motown. The Cowboys, on the otherhand, win everywhere, and with Lions QB Matt Stafford's finger still a concern, I'm not sure the Lions acclaimed offense will be able to get much done. Jeff Stewart agrees that Big Zeke Elliot is a beast, and once more, Jeff is the man.
Dallas 28, Detriot 14

Fournette, McCaffery aren't missing much

I'd give anything for one more game with my boys.

That's the type of phrase I've heard so much from former high school and college athletes, and those words are sincere and very moving. The catch is that a lot of the people who utter those types of phrases were never on the brink of millions of dollars.

For those who haven't been keeping up on their college football recently, LSU's Leonard Fournette and Stanford's Christian McCaffrey have decided to skip their school's respective bowl games and focus their attentions on the NFL draft this spring, where both men are projected to go in the first round and make bank. Naturally, this has created a great debate about the selfishness of professional athletes. Many are in support of the decisions, while others are either outraged or have their disagreements. While I see where not suiting up one final time for your school can be frowned upon and looked at as selfish, lazy and insensitive, my question is; what are Fournette and McCaffrey missing?

Neither LSU or Stanford is playing in a particularly unique bowl game, as the Tigers will take on Lamar Jackson and Louisville in the Citrus Bowl while the Cardinal will take on North Carolina in the Sun Bowl. Now, I understand where the critics are coming from, as not being there with your team for the season finale, on the surface, seems pretty crappy. However, when I think of the Jaylon Smith situation and the repercussions of that, I can't help but support Fournette and McCaffrey.

Jaylon Smith would be a much richer man had he sat out his final game (photo creds to Washington Post)

Smith was a stud linebacker from Notre Dame, who was projected to go high in the first round of last year's NFL Draft. His Irish were taking on Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl, which, you know, America was actually invested in. In that game, Smith blew out his knee and wound up dropping to the second round of the draft, losing millions of dollars. There have been other similar examples, such as Miami's Willis McGhee in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, or fellow Hurricane Melvin Bratton in the 1988 Orange Bowl. All of these examples happened in situations much more important than what Fournette and McCaffrey would be a part of if they were to play in their bowl games. So, is a young thoroughbred risking their future for the Sun Bowl or the Citrus Bowl worth it, and how much does it affect the schools that they represent?

If Stanford wins or loses the bloody Sun Bowl, it won't win them/cost them a national title. It won't hurt them going into next season, and it's more or less a glorified exhibition game. Now, every Bowl Game is unique, but how meaningful are the smaller ones? If Stanford wins, good for them. But if they don't, it won't change anything going into next August, and they'll be able to cite not having their best player as a reason why. Also, disappointed Stanford fans can watch clips of McCaffrey getting the Cardinal to the Rose Bowl last season and dominating Iowa in Pasadena if they are feeling hurt. Christian McCaffrey has been a godsend to Stanford football over the past two years, and he deserves nothing but praise from that program.

Fournette's case might be a little different. As college football fans know, the LSU star spent a few weeks on the shelf with a foot problem, and a theory has developed that Fournette was milking his injury to play it safe. While I have no way of knowing whether or not this is true, it would be troubling if Fournette was missing important games that he could have realistically suited up for. Nonetheless, LSU's season will not be significantly affected by whatever happens in the Sun Bowl. Both LSU and Stanford have the same players coming back next season that they would if McCaffrey/Fournette were playing in their bowl games, so nothing changes much as far as the future goes. Thinking of all that, doesn't this seem a little less repulsive now?

Pitt's James Conner, who recently decided to turn pro as a junior, announced that he would suit up for the Pinstripe Bowl against Northwestern, and he rational reasons for doing so, as do other draft prospects, such as Texas A&M's Miles Garrett. However, the difference between Connor and McCaffrey/Fournette is that Connor is not expected to be a first-round draft choice. Therefore, Conner could increase his stock with a big game. As Pittsburgh sports personality Mark Madden put it, McCaffrey and Fournette "have nowhere to go but down," and I think he hit the nail on the head with that statement.

Obviously, these two men are looking out for themselves before their teammates, and people do have a problem with that. But wouldn't they be doing the same thing by declaring early for the draft in the first place? Aren't Stanford and LSU's outlooks for 2017 less promising without their star running backs? Nobody seems to care when a kid leaves school a year early to make millions. With that in mind, complaints about skipping a secondary bowl game, to me, are less valid.

My biggest concern about this whole situation is that, while I completely understand why athletes feel compelled to skip their bowl games, I do not hope that this becomes a trend. I think that, if Fournette and McCaffrey intentionally or unintentionally start an epidemic, it will be unfair to college football fans, as the bowl season is a magical time that would lose some of its luster if the more of the best players started bailing out. However, because the two athletes who skipped their bowls games that, let's face it, aren't very prestigious, I am less worried.

I could be wrong, but I think is LSU was playing in the Sugar Bowl and Stanford was playing in the Rose Bowl, then maybe this issue wouldn't be an issue. I think that bowl games vary in terms of relevance, and the Sun and Citrus Bowls just don't measure up, and that had a lot to do with McCaffrey and Fournette's decision making.

I was never an athlete, so I don't know how special it is to be on the field with your teammates for a season. But I can say that million dollar chances do not happen to a lot of people, and Christian Jackson McCaffrey and Leonard Fournette III have that rare opportunity. So, I think it's only fair for them to have the choice not to risk it by playing in games that, frankly, don't mean very much.