This week brings a lot more exciting bowl games, as the postseason starts to heat up, and there will be bowls everyday sans Christmas Day from now until January 7, when the BCS National title game takes place. Then, in the NFL, this week brings the last week of any intercronference games, and any non divisional games, as for the third consecutive season, the NFL has scheduled divisional games in the last week hoping that some will decide divisions and playoff match ups. Finally, my record from last week is: 2-1 bowls, don't know the result of the Beef "o" Brady's Bowl yet, as it happens today. Then, in the NFL, I went 4-2 in perhaps the most difficult week yet.
Bowls
MAACO Bowl Las Vegas, 3:30, Saturday, ESPN
Washington vs. Boise State
As you can guess, this game is being played in Vegas, and it is an interesting match up, as this is the first of back to back games these two teams have against each other. They also play in the season opener of 2013. Boise is also very familiar with this game, as they've played in it the past two seasons, and been very successful, winning their past two games. Both of these teams have some pretty good defenses in this day and age of football, holding opponents under 24 points per game, so for a bowl, should be fairly low scoring. Although, both teams' quarterbacks are pretty good, with Joe Southwick ending the season with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions in the last three games for Boise, while Keith Price, kind of a pro ready quarterback competing in a spread offense conference. Boise has played a tough schedule and want to make their exit from the Mountain West a winning one.
Pick: Boise 24, Washington 21
Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman, 3, Thursday, ESPN
#24 San Jose State vs. Bowling Green State University
Although this is a minor bowl, and features two lower to mid major conferences, it should still be a good game. These two teams at the beginning of the season, were picked to finish in the lower halves of the MAC and WAC respectively. These teams also are coming from low win totals the previous seasons, and it should just be a fun game to watch.
Pick: SJSU 26, BGSU 21
Belk Bowl, 6:30, Thursday, ESPN
Cincy vs. Duke
The only reason why this game is on my list is because Duke is making a bowl for the first time since 1994! That is how bad Duke football has been over the past two decades. David Cutcliffe has done a remarkable job in Durham, and hopes to continue it for a while. But, Duke has plunged since a 6-0 start, and will lose to one of the better teams in the Big East.
Pick: Cincy 45, Duke 12
Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl, Thursday, 9:45, ESPN
Baylor vs. UCLA
UCLA is coming off two straight losses to the same team in Stanford in the regular season finale, and in the PAC-12 title game, but are looking to have their first double digit win season since the Maurice Jones-Drew days in 2005. UCLA is led by a running back who should be a workhorse at the next level in Jonathan Franklin, and he very well could have a field day against a Baylor defense which has been a sieve, allowing 38 points per game. Baylor meanwhile, has been pretty decent down the stretch though, as they finished with a three game winning streak which started with a huge upset of number one K-State. But, go with a rebound victory for UCLA.
Pick: UCLA 47, Baylor 31
Russell Athletic Bowl, Friday, 5:30, ESPN
Rutgers vs. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech had a horrible season by their standards, only going 6-6 and ending up in this cruddy bowl. Their quarterback, Logan Thomas, had a shaky season. Rutgers, meanwhile, has had a solid season in their first year since program architect Greg Schiano left for Tampa Bay and the NFL. Their defense has been pretty good the entire year, and should be taking care of Thomas.
Pick: Rutgers 34, Tech 20
NFL
Washington at Philadelphia, 1, Fox
Washington will have RG3 back, not like it matters, against the worst Eagles team in Andy Reid's tenure. Washington will also retain its hold on the NFC East lead.
Pick: Washington 35, Philly 13
Cincy at Pittsburgh, 1, CBS
Pittsburgh needs this game to regain its footing in the AFC playoff picture, and if they lose, they are out of the playoff picture entirely. So, therefore, go with them, and their vigor to get a spot.
Pick: Pittsburgh 24, Cincy 21
Minnesota at Houston, 1, Fox
Minnesota needs this game in order to retain its hold on the NFC's sixth and final playoff spot, which they are holding on to, thanks to MVP candidate Adrian Peterson, who is basically Minnesota's offense. Houston, though, is a very stout defense and seem to look stronger each week.
Pick: Houston 31, Minnesota 16
New York Giants at Baltimore, 4:25, Fox
Both teams got their butts handed to them last week. But, Baltimore has been playing horribly of late, and since Pittsburgh lost last week, Baltimore miraculously has a playoff spot, even though they have sucked in the past three weeks. New York also needs this game in order to even have a shot at the playoffs and defending their championship. Plus, New York has more fight in them, as whenever they lose, they tend to bounce back the next week and win.
Pick: New York 31, Baltimore 21
San Francisco at Seattle, 8:20, NBC
This is a very interesting game, as it has two young quarterbacks competing for a shot at the NFC West title. San Francisco has to win in order to secure themselves the NFC West title, and Seattle has to win in order to clinch a playoff berth. San Francisco also needs this in order to keep their hopes for the second seed in the NFC alive. Both these teams also have stellar defenses, allowing the fewest points in the entire league throughout the year, as nobody else is within 30 of these teams. So, it should be a very exciting game, in one of the best atmospheres in the NFL.
Pick: San Francisco 24, Seattle 20
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
10 Best Football Games!
This week begins the way too long bowl season, which spans nearly an entire month, with all but five days from Saturday until January 7 not having a bowl, and all of those occur within the next week and on Christmas day. There are 35 bowl games, which allows too many 6-6 teams into a bowl, and even a 6-7 team, but ESPN rakes in the money off of these bowls, so they will continue to go on. Finally, with the bowl games, my picks will go from Saturday-Friday with the games, which covers an entire week, as the bowls start on a Saturday, I only see it as appropriate.
Then, in the NFL, this Sunday marks the latest calendar date in which there will be six games between teams with winning records in the history of the NFL. So, football fans, you've got yourselves quite a feast this Sunday from 1 p.m. until 11:45 p.m. chock full of what should be great games. Now, my record of futility has improved slightly, going 1-0 in college, and 6-3 in the NFL.
Bowls
Gildan New Mexico Bowl, Saturday, 1, ESPN (Albuquerque, N.M.)
Nevada vs. Arizona
Nevada and Arizona present two of the most high powered rushing offenses in the nation, with Ka'Deem Carey and Stephfon Jefferson both having over 1700 yards rushing during the season. And, since both teams really don't play too much defense, as they rank in the bottom third in total defense in Division 1-A. This should signify a high powered, high scoring offensive game. Both teams also are looking to bounce back from big starts and then they fell flat in their respective conferences. So, they're looking to rebound and head into the off season with a win.
Pick: Arizona 41, Nevada 34
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Saturday, 4:30, ESPN (Boise, ID)
Toledo vs. #22 Utah State
This is actually a game where if you're able to watch, do, as it matches two mid major teams against one another in one of the weirder bowl game names, but companies want to get their name out there, and one of the best ways to do that is through bowls. Anyway, on to the game itself, which pits a team from the MAC against a team from the WAC. These teams are really pretty good, as Utah State is ranked, and Toledo very well could be, as they only have three losses on the year. Utah State is making a return trip to the blue turf of Boise, losing by one to another MAC team in Ohio. So, they went out this season and set a school record for wins. Toledo meanwhile, is looking for its first bowl victory in nearly two decades. These two teams also rank completely opposite of each other in terms of total defense, with Utah State ranking 15th in the nation, and Toledo nearly last, at 106. Toledo is also looking to rebound after losing two straight to end their season, granted it was to the top two teams in the MAC West, but still. Utah State should continue their momentum and gain their 7th consective victory.
Pick: USU 24, Toledo 13
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, Thursday, 8, ESPN (San Diego, CA)
BYU vs. San Diego State
Easy pick, San Diego State is playing a home game, which to me is an automatic victory. Plus, BYU has struggled this season, after winning 10 games last season.
Pick: San Diego State 27, BYU 21
Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg, Friday, 7:30, ESPN (St. Petersburg, FL)
Ball State vs. UCF
One of three bowls being played primarily in a baseball stadium, this is another essential home game, as UCF is located in Orlando, less than 100 miles from campus in Orlando. This game is also a match up between two second place teams in their respective divisions, so this should also be a good one. But, as mentioned before, this is a home game, so go with UCF.
Pick: UCF 26, Ball State 24
NFL
Denver at Baltimore, 1, CBS
Game between two division leaders, one of which can clinch this weekend. Baltimore could clinch this weekend, with a win and losses by Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. But, Cincy won, so it's a moot point for the division. However, this game does present playoff positioning, as Baltimore is third in the AFC, while Denver holds down that coveted number two spot, which holds a bye week along with it. Baltimore could also struggle offensively, as they just fired their offensive coordinator, and replaced Cam Cameron with Peyton Manning's former coach, Jim Caldwell. And, since Denver's defense has been playing so dominantly, go with the Broncos.
Pick: Denver 29, Baltimore 22
Green Bay at Chicago, 1, Fox
Chicago has been in a free fall after starting the season 7-1, they are now 8-5, and trying to regain their grip on a playoff spot. Green Bay meanwhile, has won two straight after getting beat down at the hands of the New York Giants. Aaron Rodgers has also been quite effective since the Giants game, managing the offense well, and the defense has also been playing pretty well. Chicago also could be without Jay Cutler, who has been battered the entire season.
Pick: Green Bay 27, Chicago 20
Indianapolis at Houston, 1, CBS
Houston secures the AFC South with this victory. The reason why Houston wins is because Andrew Luck, while good, has gone through some growing pains while playing the likes of elite teams such as the Patriots.
Pick: Houston 34, Indianapolis 14
New York Giants at Atlanta, 1, Fox
Last week was very different for these two teams, as Atlanta went on the road and lost to a pretty woeful Carolina team, while New York was at home and completely pummeled the New Orleans Saints by more than three touchdowns. Both teams come in to this game, needing it proving to themselves and to the fans that they are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. As Atlanta has just cruised past opponents, not winning by a whole lot, and not really feeling impressive. While New York has had some questionable games this season, leaving a feeling of what just happened. But, go with Atlanta, as they are at home, and at home, they've been quite dominant under Matt Ryan.
Pick: Atlanta 30, New York 28
Pittsburgh at Dallas, 4:25, CBS
An old, classic rivalry from the 1970s Super Bowls is renewed, and both teams need this victory in order to even have a shot at going back to the Super Bowl this season. Pittsburgh really needs it, as they need to keep up with the Cincinnati Bengals, who won on Thursday night. Dallas also needs it because they are only one game out of a playoff spot in the NFC. Pittsburgh looked very bad against a bad San Diego team last week, when Big Ben Roethlisberger returned, which looked to be a week too early. Dallas got an emotional win at Cincinnati last week after the death of practice squad player Jerry Brown. Pittsburgh will also be without their man running back, Rashard Mendenhall, who received a one game suspension. But, I think that Pittsburgh rebounds and keeps up with the Bengals.
Pick: Pittsburgh 24, Dallas 23
San Francisco at New England, 8:20, NBC
New England has really been firing on all cylinders of late, crushing opponents in their last three games, by an average of 20+ points. The only reason that isn't higher is because the Patriots only beat Miami by seven. San Francisco meanwhile, has only really struggled against the surprising St. Louis Rams, who tied them and then beat them within a span of a month. Otherwise, they've been playing well under second year man Colin Kapernick. Kapernick has been playing excellent, and the defense, as usual, has been playing above expectations. So, this should be a good game, but I said that about last Monday night when the Patriots and Texans squared off.
Pick: New England 31, San Francisco 20
Then, in the NFL, this Sunday marks the latest calendar date in which there will be six games between teams with winning records in the history of the NFL. So, football fans, you've got yourselves quite a feast this Sunday from 1 p.m. until 11:45 p.m. chock full of what should be great games. Now, my record of futility has improved slightly, going 1-0 in college, and 6-3 in the NFL.
Bowls
Gildan New Mexico Bowl, Saturday, 1, ESPN (Albuquerque, N.M.)
Nevada vs. Arizona
Nevada and Arizona present two of the most high powered rushing offenses in the nation, with Ka'Deem Carey and Stephfon Jefferson both having over 1700 yards rushing during the season. And, since both teams really don't play too much defense, as they rank in the bottom third in total defense in Division 1-A. This should signify a high powered, high scoring offensive game. Both teams also are looking to bounce back from big starts and then they fell flat in their respective conferences. So, they're looking to rebound and head into the off season with a win.
Pick: Arizona 41, Nevada 34
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Saturday, 4:30, ESPN (Boise, ID)
Toledo vs. #22 Utah State
This is actually a game where if you're able to watch, do, as it matches two mid major teams against one another in one of the weirder bowl game names, but companies want to get their name out there, and one of the best ways to do that is through bowls. Anyway, on to the game itself, which pits a team from the MAC against a team from the WAC. These teams are really pretty good, as Utah State is ranked, and Toledo very well could be, as they only have three losses on the year. Utah State is making a return trip to the blue turf of Boise, losing by one to another MAC team in Ohio. So, they went out this season and set a school record for wins. Toledo meanwhile, is looking for its first bowl victory in nearly two decades. These two teams also rank completely opposite of each other in terms of total defense, with Utah State ranking 15th in the nation, and Toledo nearly last, at 106. Toledo is also looking to rebound after losing two straight to end their season, granted it was to the top two teams in the MAC West, but still. Utah State should continue their momentum and gain their 7th consective victory.
Pick: USU 24, Toledo 13
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, Thursday, 8, ESPN (San Diego, CA)
BYU vs. San Diego State
Easy pick, San Diego State is playing a home game, which to me is an automatic victory. Plus, BYU has struggled this season, after winning 10 games last season.
Pick: San Diego State 27, BYU 21
Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg, Friday, 7:30, ESPN (St. Petersburg, FL)
Ball State vs. UCF
One of three bowls being played primarily in a baseball stadium, this is another essential home game, as UCF is located in Orlando, less than 100 miles from campus in Orlando. This game is also a match up between two second place teams in their respective divisions, so this should also be a good one. But, as mentioned before, this is a home game, so go with UCF.
Pick: UCF 26, Ball State 24
NFL
Denver at Baltimore, 1, CBS
Game between two division leaders, one of which can clinch this weekend. Baltimore could clinch this weekend, with a win and losses by Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. But, Cincy won, so it's a moot point for the division. However, this game does present playoff positioning, as Baltimore is third in the AFC, while Denver holds down that coveted number two spot, which holds a bye week along with it. Baltimore could also struggle offensively, as they just fired their offensive coordinator, and replaced Cam Cameron with Peyton Manning's former coach, Jim Caldwell. And, since Denver's defense has been playing so dominantly, go with the Broncos.
Pick: Denver 29, Baltimore 22
Green Bay at Chicago, 1, Fox
Chicago has been in a free fall after starting the season 7-1, they are now 8-5, and trying to regain their grip on a playoff spot. Green Bay meanwhile, has won two straight after getting beat down at the hands of the New York Giants. Aaron Rodgers has also been quite effective since the Giants game, managing the offense well, and the defense has also been playing pretty well. Chicago also could be without Jay Cutler, who has been battered the entire season.
Pick: Green Bay 27, Chicago 20
Indianapolis at Houston, 1, CBS
Houston secures the AFC South with this victory. The reason why Houston wins is because Andrew Luck, while good, has gone through some growing pains while playing the likes of elite teams such as the Patriots.
Pick: Houston 34, Indianapolis 14
New York Giants at Atlanta, 1, Fox
Last week was very different for these two teams, as Atlanta went on the road and lost to a pretty woeful Carolina team, while New York was at home and completely pummeled the New Orleans Saints by more than three touchdowns. Both teams come in to this game, needing it proving to themselves and to the fans that they are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. As Atlanta has just cruised past opponents, not winning by a whole lot, and not really feeling impressive. While New York has had some questionable games this season, leaving a feeling of what just happened. But, go with Atlanta, as they are at home, and at home, they've been quite dominant under Matt Ryan.
Pick: Atlanta 30, New York 28
Pittsburgh at Dallas, 4:25, CBS
An old, classic rivalry from the 1970s Super Bowls is renewed, and both teams need this victory in order to even have a shot at going back to the Super Bowl this season. Pittsburgh really needs it, as they need to keep up with the Cincinnati Bengals, who won on Thursday night. Dallas also needs it because they are only one game out of a playoff spot in the NFC. Pittsburgh looked very bad against a bad San Diego team last week, when Big Ben Roethlisberger returned, which looked to be a week too early. Dallas got an emotional win at Cincinnati last week after the death of practice squad player Jerry Brown. Pittsburgh will also be without their man running back, Rashard Mendenhall, who received a one game suspension. But, I think that Pittsburgh rebounds and keeps up with the Bengals.
Pick: Pittsburgh 24, Dallas 23
San Francisco at New England, 8:20, NBC
New England has really been firing on all cylinders of late, crushing opponents in their last three games, by an average of 20+ points. The only reason that isn't higher is because the Patriots only beat Miami by seven. San Francisco meanwhile, has only really struggled against the surprising St. Louis Rams, who tied them and then beat them within a span of a month. Otherwise, they've been playing well under second year man Colin Kapernick. Kapernick has been playing excellent, and the defense, as usual, has been playing above expectations. So, this should be a good game, but I said that about last Monday night when the Patriots and Texans squared off.
Pick: New England 31, San Francisco 20
Friday, December 7, 2012
10 Best Football Games!
This week is the bridge week between the end of the college football season and the start of bowl season, so that means the vast majoriity of games this week are of the professional variety, and the only college game is the annual Army vs. Navy game in Philadelphia. Now, as far as bowl season is concerned, there aren't all that many intriguing games, and for some odd reason, ESPN doesn't seem to be broadcasting as many games in primetime, which perplexes me. Then, again, there are way too manny bowl games, and a few bowls which pit 6-6 teams against each other, as well as a 6-7 team competing in a bowl game for the second consecutive season, which is absurd to me. Why reward teams for mediocrity? But, there are some very intriguing bowls, but their time will come when I pick them.
Then, the other story coming out of last week was the horrific story of Jovan Belcher killing his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, and then committing suicide in front of his GM and coach. The Chiefs then pulled together and won the game on Sunday, after this happened. When things like this happen, it reminds us of the frivolity in sports and football, it serves as an escape from the rigors of everyday life. (It helps when you have a winning team to root for.) But, please, take a moment everyday to think of those around you, and ask how they're doing, and be sincere about it. Plus, for those who are closest, say I love you.
Finally, my record for last week: 1-4 in college, and 3-2 in the pros, another losing record unfortunately overall, let's see if I can improve upon it!
College
Army vs. Navy (in Philadelphia), 3, CBS
The annual game pitting the two biggest service academies returns to its rightful place in Philadelphia, after spending a year in Washington, D.C. Navy will try and continue its decade long winning streak against the Black Knights of Army. Which, they should continue to do so, considering their records, and Navy wants to win the commander in Chief's trophy again.
Pick: Navy 31, Army 21
NFL
Baltimore at Washington, 1, CBS
This beltway battle should be a good one, considering how well Washington has been playing, and coming off their great win versus the Giants on Monday Night Football. The biggest question will be to see if Robert Griffin III and the Washington offense will be stopped against a very solid Baltimore defense. Baltimore is coming off an emotional loss, in which they gave the game away against the Steelers, and derailed their plans to clinch the AFC North. But, they still have a two game lead on both the Bengals and Steelers, and should clinch within the next two weeks. It probably will not be this week though, go with the Skins.
Pick: Washington 24, Baltimore 20
Dallas at Cincinnati, 1, Fox
Both teams are just slightly out of the playoff picture at the moment, Dallas is only one game out of the NFC East lead, and Cincy is the loser of the tiebreak between them and Pittsburgh for the final playoff spot in the AFC. So, this will be a game of desperation. Dallas has to be the most inconsistent team in all of the NFL, losing to teams they shouldn't, and winning against the likes of the Giants. But, go with the Bengals because they are at home, and they play more consistently.
Pick: Cincy 23, Dallas 17
Chicago at Minnesota, 1, Fox
Minnesota has been sliding of late, and are currently in tenth place in the NFC playoff standings. But, Chicago hasn't been playing the best either, losing three of their last four, with their only win coming against these Vikings at home. Chicago really needs this win to improve their playoff standings, and I think that they will bounce back this week against a very much struggling Vikes team.
Pick: Chicago 24, Minnesota 23
San Diego at Pittsburgh, 1, CBS
The only reason this game is even notable is because Pittsburgh brings back Big Ben Roethlisberger from injury, and with Ben, the team plays so much differently than normal. Plus, Pittsburgh's other two quarterbacks are horrible in comparison to Roethlisberger. Then, San Diego is traveling cross country to play this game, and they seemingly have given up on their season now after their loss to the Ravens a few weeks ago at home.
Pick: Pittsburgh 34, San Diego 21
Miami at San Francisco, 4, CBS
Miami desperately needs this game in order to even still have a prayer for the playoffs. Too bad for them, they face the NFC's second best team in the 49ers, who will be looking to take out their frustrations after a loss at St. Louis last week. Plus, if Colin Kapernick can play incredibly well in his first two starts against Chicago and New Orleans, who have pretty stout defenses, he should bounce back against Miami, who doesn't have that great of one.
Pick: San Francisco 37, Miami 21
Arizona at Seattle, 4:25, Fox
Arizona will continue to suck after starting out the season incredibly well. They are heading into a very tough environment in Seattle, and Seattle has been surging of late, including a notable win at Chicago last week.
Pick: Seattle 32, Arizona 21
New Orleans at New York Giants, 4:25, Fox
New York is coming off an emotional loss in Washington on Monday Night, and has been struggling of late, losing three of its past four games. New Orleans, meanwhile, is desperate for a win, considering they need to run the table to even have a remote chance at the playoffs in the NFC. New York really needs a victory too, considering if Washington wins, and they lose, then New York goes into danger of missing the playoffs. So, it's a very critical game for both teams. New York I believe has the strength and resolve to come back and win, and since they are at home, go with the Giants.
Pick: New York 31, New Orleans 26
Detroit at Green Bay, 8:30, NBC
NBC for some reason did not flex out of this game in favor of the beltway battle for Sunday Night Football, as this game is a dud. The reason being, Detroit has under-performed this season after going to the playoffs last year and surprising most teams. Detroit was supposed to come back and be a playoff team, but they've gone back to their ways of losing close games, i.e. last week, when they let a lead slip away against Indianapolis. Green Bay meanwhile, has been playing well and are looking to head back to the playoffs for the third consecutive year.
Pick: Green Bay 45, Detroit 21
Houston at New England, Monday, 8:30, ESPN
This game is a coin flip honestly, as both teams are playing incredibly well, and both teams are clicking in all three aspects of the game. Tom Brady seems to get better as time goes by, and Matt Schaub for Houston is emerging as an elite quarterback, although he plays in Houston. The game should be a great one, and just enjoy what very well could be a preview of a game in the AFC playoffs.
Pick: New England 28, Houston 27
Then, the other story coming out of last week was the horrific story of Jovan Belcher killing his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, and then committing suicide in front of his GM and coach. The Chiefs then pulled together and won the game on Sunday, after this happened. When things like this happen, it reminds us of the frivolity in sports and football, it serves as an escape from the rigors of everyday life. (It helps when you have a winning team to root for.) But, please, take a moment everyday to think of those around you, and ask how they're doing, and be sincere about it. Plus, for those who are closest, say I love you.
Finally, my record for last week: 1-4 in college, and 3-2 in the pros, another losing record unfortunately overall, let's see if I can improve upon it!
College
Army vs. Navy (in Philadelphia), 3, CBS
The annual game pitting the two biggest service academies returns to its rightful place in Philadelphia, after spending a year in Washington, D.C. Navy will try and continue its decade long winning streak against the Black Knights of Army. Which, they should continue to do so, considering their records, and Navy wants to win the commander in Chief's trophy again.
Pick: Navy 31, Army 21
NFL
Baltimore at Washington, 1, CBS
This beltway battle should be a good one, considering how well Washington has been playing, and coming off their great win versus the Giants on Monday Night Football. The biggest question will be to see if Robert Griffin III and the Washington offense will be stopped against a very solid Baltimore defense. Baltimore is coming off an emotional loss, in which they gave the game away against the Steelers, and derailed their plans to clinch the AFC North. But, they still have a two game lead on both the Bengals and Steelers, and should clinch within the next two weeks. It probably will not be this week though, go with the Skins.
Pick: Washington 24, Baltimore 20
Dallas at Cincinnati, 1, Fox
Both teams are just slightly out of the playoff picture at the moment, Dallas is only one game out of the NFC East lead, and Cincy is the loser of the tiebreak between them and Pittsburgh for the final playoff spot in the AFC. So, this will be a game of desperation. Dallas has to be the most inconsistent team in all of the NFL, losing to teams they shouldn't, and winning against the likes of the Giants. But, go with the Bengals because they are at home, and they play more consistently.
Pick: Cincy 23, Dallas 17
Chicago at Minnesota, 1, Fox
Minnesota has been sliding of late, and are currently in tenth place in the NFC playoff standings. But, Chicago hasn't been playing the best either, losing three of their last four, with their only win coming against these Vikings at home. Chicago really needs this win to improve their playoff standings, and I think that they will bounce back this week against a very much struggling Vikes team.
Pick: Chicago 24, Minnesota 23
San Diego at Pittsburgh, 1, CBS
The only reason this game is even notable is because Pittsburgh brings back Big Ben Roethlisberger from injury, and with Ben, the team plays so much differently than normal. Plus, Pittsburgh's other two quarterbacks are horrible in comparison to Roethlisberger. Then, San Diego is traveling cross country to play this game, and they seemingly have given up on their season now after their loss to the Ravens a few weeks ago at home.
Pick: Pittsburgh 34, San Diego 21
Miami at San Francisco, 4, CBS
Miami desperately needs this game in order to even still have a prayer for the playoffs. Too bad for them, they face the NFC's second best team in the 49ers, who will be looking to take out their frustrations after a loss at St. Louis last week. Plus, if Colin Kapernick can play incredibly well in his first two starts against Chicago and New Orleans, who have pretty stout defenses, he should bounce back against Miami, who doesn't have that great of one.
Pick: San Francisco 37, Miami 21
Arizona at Seattle, 4:25, Fox
Arizona will continue to suck after starting out the season incredibly well. They are heading into a very tough environment in Seattle, and Seattle has been surging of late, including a notable win at Chicago last week.
Pick: Seattle 32, Arizona 21
New Orleans at New York Giants, 4:25, Fox
New York is coming off an emotional loss in Washington on Monday Night, and has been struggling of late, losing three of its past four games. New Orleans, meanwhile, is desperate for a win, considering they need to run the table to even have a remote chance at the playoffs in the NFC. New York really needs a victory too, considering if Washington wins, and they lose, then New York goes into danger of missing the playoffs. So, it's a very critical game for both teams. New York I believe has the strength and resolve to come back and win, and since they are at home, go with the Giants.
Pick: New York 31, New Orleans 26
Detroit at Green Bay, 8:30, NBC
NBC for some reason did not flex out of this game in favor of the beltway battle for Sunday Night Football, as this game is a dud. The reason being, Detroit has under-performed this season after going to the playoffs last year and surprising most teams. Detroit was supposed to come back and be a playoff team, but they've gone back to their ways of losing close games, i.e. last week, when they let a lead slip away against Indianapolis. Green Bay meanwhile, has been playing well and are looking to head back to the playoffs for the third consecutive year.
Pick: Green Bay 45, Detroit 21
Houston at New England, Monday, 8:30, ESPN
This game is a coin flip honestly, as both teams are playing incredibly well, and both teams are clicking in all three aspects of the game. Tom Brady seems to get better as time goes by, and Matt Schaub for Houston is emerging as an elite quarterback, although he plays in Houston. The game should be a great one, and just enjoy what very well could be a preview of a game in the AFC playoffs.
Pick: New England 28, Houston 27
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