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. 

Steelers-Patriots: 3 keys to victory

By: Joe Smeltzer 

It's Steelers-Patriots. Here is what Pittsburgh can do to basically clinch the AFC's number-one seed at Heinz Field today. Lets go.
Key #1: Pressure Tom Brady

Photo creds to ABC News

Conventional wisdom says that when Brady has to work under pressure, he struggles. If he has time to make a play, well, we all know what can happen. Up until last Monday, 2017 had put a dent in that narrative. Coming into last weeks game in Miami, Brady had a 123.3 passer rating when pressured, the best in all of football. Last week, Brady completed just six passes of the sixteen times against the rush, and the Patriots lost, proving that the theory still has merit. Regardless of how good Brady has been under pressure, it wouldn't hurt Cam Heyward and the Steelers pass rush to get in this guys face.

Key #2: Protect the middle of the field

Photo creds to bleacher report

New England rushed for 25 yards on 10 carries last week. Yikes. While it would be absurd to expect a defense with Sean Spence, TJ Fort and Arthur Moats as inside linebackers to hold New England to that type of rushing total, it is key that the Rex Burkhead and James White don't do what Alex Collins did last week and shred the Steelers. The loss of Ryan Shazier almost cost Pittsburgh last Sunday night, and it could cost the Steelers again. The harder it is for the Pats to run the ball, the worse it will be for Tom Brady.

Key #3: "It's thirddddd down"

Photo creds to Bleacher Report

Whenever Steelers public address announcer Larry Richert belts out those three words, the defense must be ready to go. New England did something it hadn't done in over 25 years last week when it failed to convert even one third down. When the Steelers have the Patriots in those situations, they can't afford to have the Pats move those chains and kill the crowd. The more New England can come through on those third-and-five, third-and-six situations; the quieter Heinz Field will be.


Final Prediction 
The Patriots are coming off a loss. They are pissed. They own the Steelers. As much as I hope Tom Brady gets whacked today, I'm never comfortable picking against New England. The Pats are the kings of the NFL, and sadly, I think they prove it again today.

Patriots 31, Steelers 20

NFL Week 15 Preview/Predictions

*Disclaimer* Patriots will be talked about in a seperate preview. 

Dolphins (6-7) at Bills (7-6)
Line: BUF -3.0

Miami played a hell of a football game Monday night, knocking off the mighty Patriots. But that was in Florid, not upstate New York. No disrespect to you, Jay Cutler, but no South Florida team is coming into Buffalo in December and getting a W. No, sir. Bills win, beat the spread and move one step closer to their first playoff berth since 2000 and the "Music City Miracle."

Bills 17, Dolphins 10




Ravens (7-6) at Browns (LMFAO)
God, I hope the Browns win this game. But they won't.

Bengals (5-8) at Vikings (10-3) 
Line: MIN -11.0

Photo creds to Heavy.com

Last Sunday, the Bengals got embarrassed by the NFC North's worst team at home. Now, they face off against the NFC North's best team on the road. Yikes. I'm not sold on Case Keenum at all, but I think he can handle these guys. Can Andy Dalton deal with Linval Joseph, Everson Griffen and the rest of the Vikings elite defense? I don't believe he can.
Vikings 31, Bengals 13

Jets (5-8) at Saints (9-4)
Line: NO -16.4

Photo creds to football nation

Yeah, there's a reason the Jets are two-touchdown underdogs. I will go out on a limb, however, and say there's a good chance that the Jets offense takes a giant leap forward and doesn't get shutout. I'll go out on another limb and predict that Bryce Petty won't outplay Drew Brees.
Saints 35, Jets 10. 


Eagles (11-2) at Giants (2-11)
Line: PHI -7.5

Photo creds to Daily Shark

A quarterback is vital to a football team. Until last Sunday, Philly had one of the best in Carson Wentz. So Wentz being out for the rest of the year with a torn ACL makes the Eagles worse off.

The fact that Philly is favored by over a touchdown in its first game without Wentz should say something about its opponent. Besides how horrible the New York Football Giants are, I have faith in Nick Foles. The man has been a stud in the past and on the surface, fits Doug Pederson's system. The Eagles might not win a Super Bowl without Carson Wentz, but they are still capable of making noise in the NFC, and certainly worthy of taking out the freaking Giants.


Eagles 27, Giants 10. 

Cardinals (6-7) at Redskins (5-8)

Neither of these teams will make the playoffs, but of these two, only the Cardinals are playing like they give a crap.


Packers (7-6) at Panthers (9-4)
Line: Car -3.0

Photo creds to USA Today's FTW

Like everybody else, I'm excited to see Aaron Rodgers healthy. But I can't feel comfortable picking a guy who hasn't played a down in over two months to go on the road and beat a team that's won five of its past six games, with a quarterback who is capable of matching a fresh Rodgers, let alone one coming off an injury. I expect number 12 to give it his all, and I don't think he'll make life easy on Carolina's defense. But Cam Newton is hot, and he's still fighting for an NFC South title. It will be a tight football game and a fun one to watch, but it's hard for me to trust a rusty QB against a hot one, even if that rusty QB is Aaron Rodgers.

Panthers 27, Packers 24. 

Texans (4-9) at Jags (9-4)

Line: JAX -11.0

Marqise Lee has a lot to smile about (Photo creds to RotoViz)

It looks as if Jacksonville won't have Leonard Fournette for this AFC South matchup. But the still have Blake Bortles, Marqise Lee and one of, it not the best defense in the NFL. Houston hasn't had DeShaun Watson for the past six games and is 1-5 since. Which team is worse off because of a key injury?

Jags 20, Texans 10. 

4:05

Rams (9-4) at Seahawks (8-5) 

Line: Sea -1.0

Cooper Kupp is making a big play. Just you wait. (Photo creds to Bleacher Report)

The fact that the loser of this game could well miss out on the postseason shows how loaded the NFC is. This Western Division showdown has enormous implications, and also serves as a measuring stick for how far Sean McVay and LA have come over the past year. 

Winning in Seattle is never easy, and neither is containing Russell Wilson. But my gut tells me that after getting torched by Carson Wentz last week, Wade Phillips' defense will be ready for revenge. Wilson will make his fair share of plays, and Seattle's defense will make its a few big stops. But the Rams are ready. Spurred on by Todd Gurley's running and a late touchdown pass from Jarred Goff to Cooper Kupp, LA will pull off the most miniature of upsets and itself in position to make the playoffs. 

Rams 21, Seahawks 17

4:25

Titans (8-5) at 49ers (3-10)

Line: Ten -1.0

Jimmy G, Baby (photo creds to Yahoo Sports)

Jimmy G can play. Oh, yes he can. Tennessee isn't as good as its record. Oh, no it's not. Garapollo will lead San Fran to its fourth win in five games. Oh, yes he will. The 49ers are trending upwards. Oh, yes they are.

49ers 23, Titans 20. 

Sunday Night 

Cowboys (7-6) at Raiders (6-7) 

Line: DAL -3.0

Photo creds to USA Today

Dez Bryant is a well known wide receiver. T.J. Carrie isn't a big name defensive back. According to Pro Football Focus, when Carrie is targeted, opposing quarterbacks have a 109.5 rating. That's pretty good. If Dak Prescott throws to his main man, I have faith that Bryant will earn his pay. If Bryant delivers, the Cowboys offense will be much better off. We know the Cowboys' offensive line will give Prescott the time he needs. It's up to him to use it wisely.  I think he will, and that keep Dallas alive in the NFC. 

Cowboys 20, Raiders 17. 

Monday Night 

Falcons (8-5) at Bucs (4-9) 

Line: ATL -6.5

Tampa Sucks. 

The Patriot Problem

By: Joe Smeltzer

The New England Patriots play the game of football well.

That line will probably end up being as obvious as any printed in sportswriting or anywhere else all year. Every person in America knows how good New England is. But what Pittsburgh Steelers fans, in particular, might not notice, or at least not comprehend, is that the Patriots are so good that they have almost single handly skewed the perception that Pittsburgh has of its football team.

Things should be smelling like roses for the Steelers. They are 11-2 and on top of a weak AFC. Aside from the awful Ryan Shazier accident, as well Joe Haden and Marcus Gilbert- both of which figure to be back soon- missing time, the Steelers have been fortunate when it comes to health.  For how good Pittsburgh has been this year, and how sub-par its competition in the AFC is, compared to what NFC teams have to deal with, this city is more pessimistic than what one would expect. There are a few theories as to why this is the case.

The first is that although the Steelers are winning, they haven't looked good doing it. There is substance to this. Recently, we've seen Andrew Luck-less Indy, Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay and the mediocre Bungles all push Pittsburgh to the limit, and that is something that is a cause for concern. But let's not kid ourselves.

If the Steelers had the same record but looked dominant in most of their wins, and still had Shazier and Haden fully healthy on defense, fans still wouldn't be satisfied because of New England. I know it's a hypothetical, but I can't imagine any scenario where Steelers fans are booking their flights to Minnesota knowing that   Tom Terrific plas in the AFC. This is because of how good the Patriots are in general, and also because New England is even better than usual when they play the Steelers.

Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady are supposed to be "rivals."

That's the perception around the sports world. But aren't rivalries supposed to be, you know, competitive? Since Big Ben took the league by storm in 2004, he is 2-7 against Brady. Of those seven losses, only two have been by less than two touchdowns. So while Pittsburgh and New England are indisputably two of the NFL's flagship franchises, and any meeting between these teams is, more often than not, the main event in NFL for that day, the stats don't lie. New England has ruled over the Steelers over the past 13 years, and Tom Terrific has dominated Big Ben.

It's crazy to think about given the talent disparity between the two conferences, but I can't see how Steelers fans wouldn't trade being in the NFC, where a 10-6 team could well miss the playoffs, for where they are now in the AFC, a conference in which a team with six or more losses is guaranteed to win the AFC West. There is only one reason for this; New England doesn't play in the NFC.

It's been 13 years since the Steelers were 11-2 or better after 13 games. Yet it's amazing how uneasy fans are about this team. Call me crazy, but I think fans would be far more comfortable if the Steelers were in the NFC, battling with Nick Foles and Case Keenum for the top seed, as opposed to where they are now, competing with Tom freaking Brady. Even if the Steelers beat New England Sunday at Heinz Field, guess what? They're probably going to have to do it again in January. So buckle up, because the Patriots ain't going away.

Steelers-Ravens: 5 Things

By: Donny Chedrick 
Another fun week of "AFC North football," as Ben Roethlisberger would say. Sunday night turned out to be another good one for the Steelers. They came from behind yet again in the 39-38 win over Baltimore to clinch the division for the third time in four seasons. The first game without Ryan Shazier proved to test the defense, but the only thing that mattered, in the end, was the final score. This week, it is time for a showdown with the 10-3 New England Patriots to decide who has control of the AFC. But before that, let's take a look at the victory that clinched the AFC North.

1. Big Ben makes history

Photo creds to Steel City Underground

Ben Roethlisberger threw the ball 66 times Sunday. He completed 44 of those passes for 506 yards and two touchdowns. Five-hundred and six yards. Big Ben became the first QB in history to throw for 500 yards not once, not twice but three times in his career. Lately, Roethlisberger has looked like a different player and not like a guy ready to call it quits after this season. If Big Ben can stay in this kind of groove for the remainder of the year the "old cowboy" might be taking a ride to Minnesota in early February.

2. AB

Photo creds to goingfor2.com

It's never happened in NFL history, but is Antiono Brown a favorite to win league MVP? Brown hauled in 11 catches for 213 yards Sunday night, which put him at 99 receptions on the season. Brown is currently in unprecedented territory as he will become the first wide receiver in NFL history with the numbers he has accumulated over the five-year span. To me, he is an MVP possibility with his 99 catches for 1509 yards on the season with nine touchdowns.


3. Defensive struggles

Photo creds to BetsApi

 Without Ryan Shazier, the Steelers defensive unit noticeably struggled. As the best player on the defense, it creates a hole as Sean Spence and Arthur Moats tried filling in. The Steelers struggled to stop the run Sunday night. Alex Collins ran free on several occasions, totaling 120 yards on 18 carries. The Ravens as a team ran for 152 yards on 26 attempts. The struggle against the run needs to be fixed for Sunday against the Patriots, or else it will create several issues for the defense as a whole.

4. Joe Haden return

Photo creds to Behind the Steel Curtain

After missing roughly a month with a broken leg, cornerback Joe Haden could return to action Sunday, which could prove to be vital for the defense. With the Steelers secondary having a few struggles the last few games, getting Haden back will secure a defense that needs the help when the team welcomes New England to Heinz Field.Although the Steelers lost Ryan Shazier, Haden has been a guy that has been one of the more valuable defensive players throughout the season.


5. Boswell does it...AGAIN 

Photo creds to WPXI.com

This seems like it is becoming a point every week, but Chris Boswell once again pulled through as the clutch hero en route to a Steelers win as he connected on all four of his field goal attempts. The game-winner with under a minute to go moved the Steelers to 11-2 and won the AFC North for the second straight year against the Ravens. Fans have criticized Pittsburgh at times for how often the team can't get into the end zone, but having a reliable kicker like Boswell is what will come up in crunch time.

The Steelers are 11-2 and awaiting a showdown with the New England Patriots on Sunday at Heinz Field for a chance to control their own destiny in the AFC. If you're not in front of your television at 4:25 on Sunday afternoon, you're in the wrong place.