Last week’s total: 10-6
Overall record: 129-79
Pittsburgh has played itself to a half game back of Cincinnati after defeating them last week. They also hold onto the #5 seed in the AFC. Atlanta, on the other hand, currently sits as the leader in the NFC South at 5-8. Although Atlanta had a very furious comeback that stopped short against Green Bay, Matt Ryan showed signs of life. The question will be, can they repeat that against Pittsburgh and take the W? With Julio Jones out, it will not be enough.
New York teams tend to find a way to rally around their coach. Tom Coughlin is definitely on the hot seat but can his team play him off of it? The New York Giants began to click last week (a few week too late) after a 36-7 defeat of the Tennessee Titans. RB Andre Williams and WR Odell Beckham Jr. played as the key components to the offense. Washington became another victim of the St. Louis Rams, losing 24-0. Colt McCoy will be starting for Washington. It’s hard to see New York losing this one.
New England’s defense was out in full force last week, disrupting Philip Rivers on Sunday Night Football in San Diego. Despite a hiccup in Green Bay, New England has been the hottest team in the AFC. Miami, who beat New England all the way back in Week 1 is not playing against that same team they saw a few months ago. The importance of this game differs for both teams. For New England, home field advantage plays a huge role. For Miami, their playoff hopes are on the line. Can Ryan Tannehill go blow for blow with Tom Brady? In New England, I think not.
Kansas City is currently riding a 3-game losing streak. Funny enough, the streak just happened to start in Oakland. This week, they get a shot at redemption at home. Oakland has been playing spoiler, beating Kansas City in week 12 and virtually taking San Francisco out of the playoffs last week. Odds are Kansas City will not lose this game at home but Derek Carr has proved to be very valuable to this organization. Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles will need to open the offense up for each other in order to find success and win the game. A loss will just about kill their playoff hopes.
Indianapolis pulled off the very narrow win against Cleveland last week. While Houston has played itself back into the playoff conversation. Indy had to come back from two defensive TDs by Cleveland, one a pick-6 and the other a fumble recovery. Houston had the benefit of playing Jacksonville and won by having 3 TDs on the ground, none in the air. Although J.J. Watt will make some appearances in the Indy backfield today, and maybe a TE appearance for Houston, Andrew Luck is going to be very hard to beat.
After a terrible performance by Brian Hoyer last week, it is time for Johnny Manziel to lead Cleveland. Cincinnati is coming off of a big loss against Pittsburgh and a much needed win will keep them atop the AFC North. Due to the lack of game film on the rookie QB, Manziel could be due for a big game against a very inconsistent Cincinnati team. But, if Cincinnati decides to lock down for their playoff push, it will not be close. I have some hope for Manziel and calling on him to make the upset happen.
Baltimore has kept themselves in the playoff hunt after a big win over Miami last week. Playing Jacksonville could be just what they needed as their two rivals, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, play tough games. Jacksonville lost against Houston last week at home and now need to play in Baltimore. Blake Bortles will have the opportunity to play against the scariest pass rush in the NFL. Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil have shown no signs of slowing down and could prove to be a big threat if Baltimore makes the playoffs.
Playing in Buffalo should be no problem for Green Bay. The only problem presented in this match-up in Buffalo having to play the hottest team in the NFL. As surprising as it sounds, Green Bay is yet to actually have a firm lead in their division. The Detroit Lions are one game back and the two teams get to go head to head in week 17, with the winner taking the division, assuming the do not lose until that match-up, Kyle Orton has not been the answer for Buffalo. No surprise. But the likes of Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods have proved to be very valuable on the receiving end. It certainly will not be enough against Aaron Rodgers and the Pack.
After today, the Carolina Panther could potentially be in first place in the NFC South at 5-8-1. That is if they win and Atlanta loses. They would also need New Orleans to lose tomorrow night in Chicago. Despite losing Cam Newton, playing Tampa Bay is no true challenge. Derek Anderson will need to lead the offense against a very weak Tampa team. Playing at home also plays a huge role. Carolina knows what this game means for them, so a win can help towards their playoff push.
This is one of two match-ups this week with two teams that are out of the playoff picture. With both teams sitting at 2-11, this game is all about saving any ounce of pride left. The New York Jets should already have their sites set on looking for a new coach after yet another mediocre season under Rex Ryan. Ken Whisenhunt, in his first year with Tennessee, has had a significant amount of trouble. Playing at home gives the nod to Tennessee.
Denver did not play the best of games last week but it was enough for a win at home against Buffalo. San Diego is coming off of a loss against New England, where the offense looked terrible and Philip Rivers looked hesitant. Yet, no blow out. Both teams come with big playoff implications. San Diego gets an edge by playing at home, that is if their fans actually show up. That small edge may not be enough against Denver.
Detroit is chasing Green Bay for the NFC North and looks to continue against Minnesota. Detroit has shown to have one of the best defenses in the league and Teddy Bridgewater will have all he can handle from them. Matthew Stafford should have field day with a Minnesota defense that has struggled throughout the year.
Seattle has yet again shown why they are the defending Super Bowl champions. Their defense has smoothed out and has become the most dominant defense in the NFL. San Francisco has been sub-par. Proof being their loss to Oakland last week. Playing in Seattle will also play heavily against San Francisco. In all honesty, this game should not be close.
Dallas has been incredible all season. That can be said fairly easily after being counted out early on. They currently sit tied with Philadelphia for the NFC East lead but can change tonight as both teams go head to head. Mark Sanchez has done decently as Nick Foles‘ replacement and it has been a long while since he has played in a game with so much significance. Tony Romo has fallen short of the playoffs several times but can overturn that with a win tonight.
I’ve been picking New Orleans the last few weeks, thinking that they would steal the NFC South. Wrong, I was. Drew Brees has not been able to get the team going. Although they still sit tied for first, I still see Chicago as the better team. Jay Cutler has not been worth his contract but playing at home on Monday Night Football can pump him up a bit. Matt Forte will likely be the lifeline of the Chicago offense.
Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Sports