This final week of the 2013 NFL Regular Season will be, from what I can remember, one of the biggest and most important weeks in the modern history of the NFL. Of the 16 games to be played on Sunday, 13 of them have import for the playoffs. Heading into this final week, none of the divisions have been won and, of the teams that have already clinched playoff spots, none of the seeding is set.
The Dallas Cowboys have lost quarterback Tony Romo. Jason Garrett's press conference on Monday afternoon was your typical coach's non-responsive "everything is perfect and fine and we'll move on like normal." To strengthen that thought and to build confidence, the Cowboys have signed another backup quarterback. John Kitna is back with the Cowboys after a 3-year absence.
Green Bay should know "definitely" by Thursday whether or not they will have their regular starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers was injured in a November game in Green Bay against Chicago when he was sacked and broke his collarbone. The Packers will be renewing their rivalry with the Bears with a chance for the playoffs on the line.
Below are the playoff scenarios for this final week of the NFL regular season (per NFL.com):
CAROLINA @ ATLANTA. Panthers can earn their division title and a first-round bye in the playoffs with: a win or tie, a New Orleans loss or tie; if the Panthers and 49ers both win and Seahawks lose, Carolina earns home-field throughout the NFC playoffs.
TAMPA BAY @ NEW ORLEANS. Saints can earn their division title and a first-round bye in the playoffs with: win and Carolina loss; Saints can win a playoff spot with a win, or a tie and a Cardinals tie, or a Cardinal loss.
BUFFALO @ NEW ENGLAND. Patriots can earn a first-round bye with a win or tie, a Bengals loss or tie and a Colts loss or tie; Patriots can earn home-field throughout the playoffs with a win and a Broncos loss.
NEW YORK JETS @ MIAMI. Dolphins can earn a playoff spot with a whole lot of help, there are four different scenarios in which the Dolphins can make the post-season.
CLEVELAND @ PITTSBURGH. Steelers can earn a playoff spot with a win and losses by the Dolphins, Ravens and Chargers.
JACKSONVILLE @ INDIANAPOLIS. Colts can earn a first-round by with a win and a Patriots loss and a Bengals loss or tie.
PHILADELPHIA @ DALLAS. Winner is in, loser goes home. This is simple.
BALTIMORE @ CINCINNATI. Ravens have five different scenarios that would allow them to make the playoffs. Bengals can earn a first-round bye with a win and Patriots loss.
GREEN BAY @ CHICAGO. Packers win and their in. Bears need to win or tie to make the playoffs.
DENVER @ OAKLAND. With a win Broncos earn home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win or tie or a Patriots loss or tie.
SAN FRANCISCO @ ARIZONA. 49ers win their division and a first-round bye with a win and a Seahawks loss; with a win, a Seahawks loss and a Panthers loss or tie the 49ers win their division and home-field throughout the playoffs. Cardinals win a playoff spot with a win and a Saints loss or tie, or a tie and a Saints loss.
KANSAS CITY @ SAN DIEGO. Chiefs are in. Chargers can earn a playoff spot with a win and a Dolphins loss or tie and a Ravens loss or tie, or a tie and a Dolphins and Ravens loss.
ST. LOUIS @ SEATTLE. Seahawks can win their division and home-field throughout the playoffs with a win or tie, or a 49ers loss or tie.
Next week shouldn't be as convoluted since there will only be 4-games, two on Saturday two on Sunday.
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PIX shout-out to Michael who is now tied for first place with Brian with one week to go, PIX has never gone into the final week. Isabella has fought and is making a splash passing several in her fight. Starting next week we will have a guest picker, Savanna has requested...and who can deny a 4-year-old that request (even though she won't win anything)?
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Week 16
This has got to be my second favorite time of the year, just behind the NFL Playoffs. Teams that are in contention for post-season play are fighting and clawing. Some are getting healthy or hot at the right time to make a Super Bowl run. The dominant teams of the season are hoping they can ride their surge for another month and a half or so, bringing home the Lombardi trophy to their city.
Arguably, the Seahawks right now look like the team to beat. Denver has stumbled a little as of late, as has New England, New Orleans and Detroit, who doesn't seem to be able to hold on to the ball to win a game. In fact, of the eight divisions in the NFL this past weekend, only 2 of the division leaders, Seattle and Indianapolis, won their games. Denver was shocked by San Diego on the final Thursday night game; New England fell to a young and hungry Miami team; Cincinnati was schooled by Pittsburgh; Philadelphia was walked over by Minnesota; on Monday night, in front of everyone, Detroit dropped a close one to Baltimore; New Orleans, playing indoors, but away from the Superdome, was throttled by St. Louis. Below are some of the playoff scenarios, according to NFL.com:
DENVER @ HOUSTON. The Broncos have clinched a playoff spot, they can clinch their division, the AFC West, with a win and a loss by the Chiefs. If Denver wins, Kansas City and New England both lose, Denver earns home field through the playoffs.
NEW ORLEANS @ CAROLINA. If the Saints win, they clinch the division and earn a first-round bye. They can simply make the playoffs if Arizona loses, San Francisco loses or ties, Saints and Arizona both tie, or if the 49ers and Cardinals both tie.
MINNESOTA @ CINCINNATI. Bengals can clinch their division, the AFC North, with a win and a Baltimore loss or tie, or a Cincinnati loss and Baltimore tie. Cincinnati can clinch a playoff spot with a win and a Miami loss or tie, or a Cincinnati tie and Miami loss.
MIAMI @ BUFFALO. Miami is in with a win and a Baltimore and Cincinnati loss.
ARIZONA @ SEATTLE. Seahawks are in the playoffs and have home field advantage with a win or tie or a San Francisco loss or tie.
NEW ENGLAND @ BALTIMORE. New England can clinch their division, the AFC East, with a win or tie, or if Miami loses. In order to earn a first-round bye, the Patriots need a win and a Bengal loss or tie and an Colt loss or tie, or if both of those teams lose the Patriots are in. They can also get into the playoffs if the Bengals lose or tie. If Baltimore wins, and Miami and San Diego both lose, the Ravens make the playoffs.
CHICAGO @ PHILADELPHIA. The Bears can win their division, the NFC North, with a win and a loss or tie by the Lions, or loss by the Packers. The Eagles win their division, the NFC East, with a win and a Dallas loss, or a loss and Dallas tie.
ATLANTA @ SAN FRANCISCO. The 49ers can return to the playoffs with a win, a Cardinal loss, or a 49er loss and Cardinal tie.
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PIX shout-out to Brian who is holding on to the lead by a thread going into the final two weeks. Kathy got a 69% this week, leading the pack. Isabella has had an awesome three weeks and is doing very well.
Arguably, the Seahawks right now look like the team to beat. Denver has stumbled a little as of late, as has New England, New Orleans and Detroit, who doesn't seem to be able to hold on to the ball to win a game. In fact, of the eight divisions in the NFL this past weekend, only 2 of the division leaders, Seattle and Indianapolis, won their games. Denver was shocked by San Diego on the final Thursday night game; New England fell to a young and hungry Miami team; Cincinnati was schooled by Pittsburgh; Philadelphia was walked over by Minnesota; on Monday night, in front of everyone, Detroit dropped a close one to Baltimore; New Orleans, playing indoors, but away from the Superdome, was throttled by St. Louis. Below are some of the playoff scenarios, according to NFL.com:
DENVER @ HOUSTON. The Broncos have clinched a playoff spot, they can clinch their division, the AFC West, with a win and a loss by the Chiefs. If Denver wins, Kansas City and New England both lose, Denver earns home field through the playoffs.
NEW ORLEANS @ CAROLINA. If the Saints win, they clinch the division and earn a first-round bye. They can simply make the playoffs if Arizona loses, San Francisco loses or ties, Saints and Arizona both tie, or if the 49ers and Cardinals both tie.
MINNESOTA @ CINCINNATI. Bengals can clinch their division, the AFC North, with a win and a Baltimore loss or tie, or a Cincinnati loss and Baltimore tie. Cincinnati can clinch a playoff spot with a win and a Miami loss or tie, or a Cincinnati tie and Miami loss.
MIAMI @ BUFFALO. Miami is in with a win and a Baltimore and Cincinnati loss.
ARIZONA @ SEATTLE. Seahawks are in the playoffs and have home field advantage with a win or tie or a San Francisco loss or tie.
NEW ENGLAND @ BALTIMORE. New England can clinch their division, the AFC East, with a win or tie, or if Miami loses. In order to earn a first-round bye, the Patriots need a win and a Bengal loss or tie and an Colt loss or tie, or if both of those teams lose the Patriots are in. They can also get into the playoffs if the Bengals lose or tie. If Baltimore wins, and Miami and San Diego both lose, the Ravens make the playoffs.
CHICAGO @ PHILADELPHIA. The Bears can win their division, the NFC North, with a win and a loss or tie by the Lions, or loss by the Packers. The Eagles win their division, the NFC East, with a win and a Dallas loss, or a loss and Dallas tie.
ATLANTA @ SAN FRANCISCO. The 49ers can return to the playoffs with a win, a Cardinal loss, or a 49er loss and Cardinal tie.
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PIX shout-out to Brian who is holding on to the lead by a thread going into the final two weeks. Kathy got a 69% this week, leading the pack. Isabella has had an awesome three weeks and is doing very well.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Fun in the Snow
Was this past weekend a fun weekend in the NFL or what? The Eagles, Ravens, Redskins, Steelers, and Packers all hosted games that had at least some snowfall, with Philadelphia and Detroit playing in what looked like a blizzard. Interestingly, of the teams that visited those outdoor stadiums and normally play indoors, including with a retractable roof, no one won. Detroit, Minnesota, and Atlanta ended up on the short end, while the Dolphins flew up from Miami and shocked Pittsburgh.
Dallas ended the week with a drubbing by Chicago in Soldier Field, threatening their playoff chances.
Following is a review of this weeks upcoming games with playoff implications:
SAN DIEGO @ DENVER. Chargers are fighting for a playoff spot, but need some help. Broncos are in, need to win to try and get home field throughout the playoffs.
SAN FRANCISCO @ TAMPA BAY. 49ers should be in if they finish the season strong. Buccaneers are eliminated.
BUFFALO @ JACKSONVILLE. Both of these teams are not eliminated, but should be after this weekend.
SEATTLE @ NEW YORK GIANTS. Seahawks are in already, but also need to win out for home field. Giants are eliminated.
PHILADELPHIA @ MINNESOTA. Eagles are in first place in their division right now and need this win and Dallas to lose. Vikings are eliminated.
NEW ENGLAND @ MIAMI. Patriots are currently in 2nd place in the AFC. Dolphins need a win and some help to make the playoffs.
HOUSTON @ INDIANAPOLIS. Texans are eliminated. Colts are in and are looking to finish with some momentum. Texans have never defeated the Colts in Indianapolis.
CHICAGO @ CLEVELAND. Both teams need a lot of help this week.
NEW YORK JETS @ CAROLINA. Jets need help. Carolina is trying to rebound from a spanking in New Orleans on Sunday night. If the season ended today, the Panthers are in.
KANSAS CITY @ OAKLAND. Chiefs need the win, are currently the 5th seed in the AFC. Raiders are close to being eliminated.
GREEN BAY @ DALLAS. Packers are reeling and hoping Aaron Rodgers can return to help them into the playoffs. Cowboys need this win and the Eagles to lose to keep their hopes alive. Green Bay hasn't won in Dallas since 1989.
NEW ORLEANS @ ST. LOUIS. Saints are currently the 2nd seed in the NFC. Rams are eliminated.
ARIZONA @ TENNESSEE. Cardinals need a win and some help to make the playoffs. Titans need more help than is really available to make the post-season.
CINCINNATI @ PITTSBURGH. When these two teams played in week two the Bengals were dominant. Bengals are currently leading their division and have the 3d seed in the AFC, guaranteeing a home playoff game. Steelers need a lot of help to make it.
BALTIMORE @ DETROIT. If the season were to end today, the Ravens would have the sixth seed in the playoffs. They've been there before and have won a Super Bowl while playing all their playoff games on the road. The Lions are tops in their division right now, but have buttery fingers. Detroit has really struggled with holding onto the ball the last few weeks, especially last week in their snowy loss to Philadelphia.
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PIX shout out to Brian for pulling away just a bit more, extending his lead to 3-games. Darrell who had the best percentage of the week with 88%, and to the Heffalump (Isabella) who is scrambling her way through the rankings (not bad for a 7-year-old).
Dallas ended the week with a drubbing by Chicago in Soldier Field, threatening their playoff chances.
Following is a review of this weeks upcoming games with playoff implications:
SAN DIEGO @ DENVER. Chargers are fighting for a playoff spot, but need some help. Broncos are in, need to win to try and get home field throughout the playoffs.
SAN FRANCISCO @ TAMPA BAY. 49ers should be in if they finish the season strong. Buccaneers are eliminated.
BUFFALO @ JACKSONVILLE. Both of these teams are not eliminated, but should be after this weekend.
SEATTLE @ NEW YORK GIANTS. Seahawks are in already, but also need to win out for home field. Giants are eliminated.
PHILADELPHIA @ MINNESOTA. Eagles are in first place in their division right now and need this win and Dallas to lose. Vikings are eliminated.
NEW ENGLAND @ MIAMI. Patriots are currently in 2nd place in the AFC. Dolphins need a win and some help to make the playoffs.
HOUSTON @ INDIANAPOLIS. Texans are eliminated. Colts are in and are looking to finish with some momentum. Texans have never defeated the Colts in Indianapolis.
CHICAGO @ CLEVELAND. Both teams need a lot of help this week.
NEW YORK JETS @ CAROLINA. Jets need help. Carolina is trying to rebound from a spanking in New Orleans on Sunday night. If the season ended today, the Panthers are in.
KANSAS CITY @ OAKLAND. Chiefs need the win, are currently the 5th seed in the AFC. Raiders are close to being eliminated.
GREEN BAY @ DALLAS. Packers are reeling and hoping Aaron Rodgers can return to help them into the playoffs. Cowboys need this win and the Eagles to lose to keep their hopes alive. Green Bay hasn't won in Dallas since 1989.
NEW ORLEANS @ ST. LOUIS. Saints are currently the 2nd seed in the NFC. Rams are eliminated.
ARIZONA @ TENNESSEE. Cardinals need a win and some help to make the playoffs. Titans need more help than is really available to make the post-season.
CINCINNATI @ PITTSBURGH. When these two teams played in week two the Bengals were dominant. Bengals are currently leading their division and have the 3d seed in the AFC, guaranteeing a home playoff game. Steelers need a lot of help to make it.
BALTIMORE @ DETROIT. If the season were to end today, the Ravens would have the sixth seed in the playoffs. They've been there before and have won a Super Bowl while playing all their playoff games on the road. The Lions are tops in their division right now, but have buttery fingers. Detroit has really struggled with holding onto the ball the last few weeks, especially last week in their snowy loss to Philadelphia.
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PIX shout out to Brian for pulling away just a bit more, extending his lead to 3-games. Darrell who had the best percentage of the week with 88%, and to the Heffalump (Isabella) who is scrambling her way through the rankings (not bad for a 7-year-old).
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
One Month to Go
There is only one month left for this season and playoffs are being seriously fought over. Several teams are making a serious push to prove that they are for real. With the Seahawks' win over New Orleans on Monday night, Seattle was the first team to earn a playoff spot. Below will be some of the games and what the teams in those games have at stake.
ATLANTA FALCONS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS. Green Bay still is in the playoff hunt and desperately needs a win, however with Aaron Rodgers still mending from a broken collarbone, it's unlikely they will be able to make the playoffs, but should have no problem throttling the Falcons at Lambeau Field.
MIAMI DOLPHINS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS. Miami has a better chance of making the post-season than does Pittsburgh, but both are fighting against other teams' success.
DETROIT LIONS @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES. Detroit is leading their division and holds their fate in their own hands. Philadelphia needs a little help but must stay consistent before the last game of the season when they meet Dallas with a chance of winning their division.
OAKLAND RAIDERS @ NEW YORK JETS. Both of these teams have a very slim chance of making the playoffs, they need a lot of help.
CLEVELAND BROWNS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS. All New England needs to do is finish strong. They currently are the number 2 seed in the AFC and are certain to host at least one playoff game.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ BALTIMORE RAVENS. Purple battle. If the season were to end today, Baltimore would be in, but as a final and 6th seed. They must fight to defend their Super Bowl title.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS. Losing to the Broncos twice in the last three weeks has really hurt the Chiefs, despite having a fantastic season. They are still in the playoffs, though, if they can turn around from recent losses. Washington is officially out of the playoffs.
BUFFALO BILLS @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS. Buffalo has a tiny little chance. Tampa has been eliminated.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS @ CINCINNATI BENGALS. This should be a really good game, between two potential playoff teams. Indy has shown some sloppiness down the stretch, and is hoping to show that last year was not an illusion.
TENNESSEE TITANS @ DENVER BRONCOS. Tennessee is in with some help, Denver has been strong all season and should not disappoint their fans this Sunday.
NEW YORK GIANTS @ SAN DIEGO CHARGERS. Neither of these teams has much hope of making the post-season, but the Chargers' chances are slightly higher.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS. Wow!! Another barn-burner. Wonder if the Niners can hold off the mighty 'Hawks, or if the blowout Monday will act as a trap for Seattle.
ST. LOUIS RAMS @ ARIZONA CARDINALS. Both have a slight chance for post-season play.
CAROLINA PANTHERS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS. This game will have huge playoff implications as these two teams meet twice in the final four weeks. Could mean hosting at least one game in the big dance come January.
DALLAS COWBOYS @ CHICAGO BEARS. Tony Romo is known for having a fabulous season only to choke in the final month, missing out on the playoffs. In his time as a Cowboys' starter, Romo has only won one playoff game (which is the only playoff game Dallas has won since they won three Super Bowls in the early- and mid-90's. Chicago looked like their coaching was strong and ready to take the Bears to new glory, only to fall down mid-season after quarterback Jay Cutler has been sidelined with an injury.
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PIX shoutout to Brian for pulling away by another game this week, now two-games in the lead of EVERYone. Also, Brian set the example for us with 81% correct.
ATLANTA FALCONS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS. Green Bay still is in the playoff hunt and desperately needs a win, however with Aaron Rodgers still mending from a broken collarbone, it's unlikely they will be able to make the playoffs, but should have no problem throttling the Falcons at Lambeau Field.
MIAMI DOLPHINS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS. Miami has a better chance of making the post-season than does Pittsburgh, but both are fighting against other teams' success.
DETROIT LIONS @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES. Detroit is leading their division and holds their fate in their own hands. Philadelphia needs a little help but must stay consistent before the last game of the season when they meet Dallas with a chance of winning their division.
OAKLAND RAIDERS @ NEW YORK JETS. Both of these teams have a very slim chance of making the playoffs, they need a lot of help.
CLEVELAND BROWNS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS. All New England needs to do is finish strong. They currently are the number 2 seed in the AFC and are certain to host at least one playoff game.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ BALTIMORE RAVENS. Purple battle. If the season were to end today, Baltimore would be in, but as a final and 6th seed. They must fight to defend their Super Bowl title.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS. Losing to the Broncos twice in the last three weeks has really hurt the Chiefs, despite having a fantastic season. They are still in the playoffs, though, if they can turn around from recent losses. Washington is officially out of the playoffs.
BUFFALO BILLS @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS. Buffalo has a tiny little chance. Tampa has been eliminated.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS @ CINCINNATI BENGALS. This should be a really good game, between two potential playoff teams. Indy has shown some sloppiness down the stretch, and is hoping to show that last year was not an illusion.
TENNESSEE TITANS @ DENVER BRONCOS. Tennessee is in with some help, Denver has been strong all season and should not disappoint their fans this Sunday.
NEW YORK GIANTS @ SAN DIEGO CHARGERS. Neither of these teams has much hope of making the post-season, but the Chargers' chances are slightly higher.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS. Wow!! Another barn-burner. Wonder if the Niners can hold off the mighty 'Hawks, or if the blowout Monday will act as a trap for Seattle.
ST. LOUIS RAMS @ ARIZONA CARDINALS. Both have a slight chance for post-season play.
CAROLINA PANTHERS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS. This game will have huge playoff implications as these two teams meet twice in the final four weeks. Could mean hosting at least one game in the big dance come January.
DALLAS COWBOYS @ CHICAGO BEARS. Tony Romo is known for having a fabulous season only to choke in the final month, missing out on the playoffs. In his time as a Cowboys' starter, Romo has only won one playoff game (which is the only playoff game Dallas has won since they won three Super Bowls in the early- and mid-90's. Chicago looked like their coaching was strong and ready to take the Bears to new glory, only to fall down mid-season after quarterback Jay Cutler has been sidelined with an injury.
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PIX shoutout to Brian for pulling away by another game this week, now two-games in the lead of EVERYone. Also, Brian set the example for us with 81% correct.
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