NFL Week 17 Predictions

As we roll into the final week of the NFL’s regular season, a full slate of 16 games are on hand today to close out the year. Here are my picks:

Falcons over Buccaneers

Atlanta has already clinched the top spot in the NFC, but I still think that they will defeat the reeling Bucs, who have lost five straight games since the middle of November.

Bills over Jets

The Jets forgettable circus season will finally come to an end today in Buffalo. In what is expected to be Tim Tebow’s final game in New York, I believe that the Jets will fall.

Ravens over Bengals

The Ravens are resting quite a few of their top starters on both sides of the ball, but I still like them to get a victory in what may be a preview of a playoff matchup next week.

Bears over Lions

Chicago obviously needs a win and help to get into the playoffs after a promising 7-1 start. I think that this one will be a shootout in the Motor City, but the Bears will ultimately prevail.

Texans over Colts

It will be an emotional day in Indianapolis as the Colts head coach Chuck Pagano will be making his return to the sidelines after his battle with Leukemia. But Houston has much more to play for in this one and they will get the victory.

Saints over Panthers

In what will probably be the most entertaining but meaningless game in the NFL this week, the Saints should be able to outscore the Panthers for a victory.

Giants over Eagles

The Giants must first win today over the Eagles to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, and I believe that they will. Look for this one to be close though as Michael Vick auditions for a starting spot somewhere else in 2013.

Steelers over Browns

The Steelers have pretty much nothing to play for today, but they have only four losses against Cleveland since 2000, with one of them coming this year. Ben Roethlisberger won’t allow his team to be swept today.

Titans over Jaguars

We have a winner for the most meaningless and boring game of the day. The Jaguars would probably rather lose this one to have a better chance at the number one pick, so I’ll take Tennessee.

Broncos over Chiefs

In a matchup of the worst team in the league versus arguably the best team in the league, Kansas City doesn’t stand much of a chance today in Denver.

Packers over Vikings

This is a pretty big game for each team today as Green Bay fights for a first round bye, and Minnesota tries to clinch a playoff spot. I like the high-powered Packer offense to prevail in this one.

Patriots over Dolphins

In New England, the Patriots still have a chance at the AFC’s top seed if they can win and get some help. The Dolphins have been playing well recently, but they won’t be able to keep up today.

Chargers over Raiders

Norv Turner will most likely be coaching his final game today in San Diego, so look for the Chargers to hopefully play an inspired game today in a win.

Seahawks over Rams

Seattle still actually has a chance at a division title and a first round bye going into the playoffs with a win today, so they will likely outplay St. Louis today.

49ers over Cardinals

Coming off of their blowout loss in Seattle, the 49ers will not be happy today. They should jump on Arizona quick and roll to an easy victory.

Cowboys over Redskins

Something feels different about this Cowboys team compared to last year. This game will be a shootout, but I have a feeling that Dallas will surprisingly not make a crucial mistake, leading to a big win.

NFL Week 16 Predictions

Packers over Titans

The Packers have already clinched their second straight NFC North title, but I don’t see them letting up today. They should roll over the Titans, who despite winning last week, are playing for next season.

Ravens over Giants

This one is pretty difficult to pick as both of these teams looked absolutely terrible last week. These are the types of games that New York always seems to pull off, but I don’t see that happening today.

Panthers over Raiders

The Carolina Panthers and Cam Newton have quietly turned their season around in the past few weeks. They’ve won three of their last four with Newton looking like he did last year, and I see that continuing today against the Raiders.

Cowboys overSaints

The Cowboys and Tony Romo have finally been playing winning December football in the past few weeks. They can’t possibly blow it all away with a home loss to the six-win Saints can they?

Texans over Vikings

Minnesota is currently the sixth seed in the NFC right now, but I don’t see that holding strong after today. They should get pushed around by the Texans, who are looking poised to make their second straight run deep into the playoffs.

Patriots over Jaguars

Jacksonville didn’t really stand a chance in this one when the schedules were announced back in April. Now that New England is coming off of a poor performance in a primetime home game? They should strive to keep it within 20.

Colts over Chiefs

A win in Kansas City today could give the Colts probably their most improbable playoff berth in franchise history. But a loss could put them in danger of missing the playoffs. I don’t see them tripping up in this one though.

Dolphins over Bills

The Bills are certainly looking towards next year after a disappointing 2012, while the Dolphins still somehow have incredibly slim playoff chances. Overall Miami has been the better team this year, and they won’t trip up today.

Redskins over Eagles

You really do have to hand it to the Eagles as they have certainly been playing hard for their all-but-gone head coach Andy Reid. Expect them to keep it close today, but RG3 and the playoff-hopeful Redskins should ultimately win out.

Steelers over Bengals

Although they have lost two games in a row, the Steelers could have very easily won last week in Dallas. Either way, these are the exact games that Pittsburgh always seems to pull out, and I expect them to do so again today.

Rams over Buccaneers

Both of these two teams have had surprising yet not playoff-worthy years in 2012, and they should both be excited for the future. I like the fight that St. Louis has shown over the past few weeks, and I think that they will defeat the reeling Bucs.

Jets over Chargers

Both of these teams have pretty much nothing to play for today, but the Jets are evaluating their possible quarterback for next season. I see Greg McElroy playing very serviceable for them today in a victory.

Broncos over Browns

Denver is by far the leagues hottest team right now, and they have been so for quite some time. The Browns are just waiting for a somewhat forgettable season to come to an end, and they will not bring down the Broncos today.

Cardinals over Bears

I can’t say that I’m confident in this pick, but the Bears have looked absolutely terrible recently, losing five of their last six. I think that Arizona will pull off a somewhat shocker today as they get a win in the desert.

49ers over Seahawks

Seattle has really impressed a lot if people, including myself in recent weeks. But I still do believe that the 49ers are the class of the NFC West, and they will prove it tonight with a huge division-clinching victory.

NFL Week 15 Thoughts

NFC East Tied Up

With the New York Giants getting absolutely pummeled in Atlanta on Sunday 34-0, the Redskins defeating Cleveland 38-21, and the Cowboys winning a 24-27 thriller over Pittsburgh, the NFC East is now all tied up at the top with three teams at 8-6. At this point it really is anyone’s guess as to who will win this division in two weeks. Washington, who in my opinion has the easiest road to the crown, has reeled off five straight wins after a 3-6 start, and will most likely be getting Robert Griffin III back for the remainder of the season. Dallas has also been hot of late, winning five of its last six games with the last two coming in dramatic fashion. The Cowboys have actually not faltered in December so far, and they may actually have a shot at the playoffs after a 3-5 start. Then there’s the New York Giants. They are just a win and some help away from being in the playoffs after this week, but they looked terrible against Atlanta and will have to improve before taking on the Ravens. As I said before we may not have any clue as to who will win this division, but we do know that it will be entertaining.

Peterson, Johnson Gunning for History

Just about a year ago on Christmas Eve 2011, Adrian Peterson suffered a gruesome knee injury which appeared may sideline him for a good portion of this year, as well as hinder him for the rest of his career. Well it certainly hasn’t done either of those two as AD has been an absolute beast in 2012. Currently he’s on pace to break Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,150 rushing yards in a season, which would be a remarkable feat that no doubt makes him the MVP in my book. Not to be outdone is Lions wideout Calvin Johnson, who on Sunday recorded his seventh straight game with at least 100 receiving yards. The Lions have probably been the NFL’s biggest disappointment at 4-10 this year, but Johnson is just 181 yards short of breaking Jerry Rice’s single-season record of 1,848 receiving yards in a season. He has truly been the only bright spot for the lowly Lions this season.

Jets Hit a New Low

I don’t mind the New York Jets. I think that Rex Ryan is a pretty funny guy and very formidable head coach. I don’t even dislike Tim Tebow after the mind-numbing coverage that he received this off-season. But I had to laugh-out-loud seeing them pathetically fumbling away their final chance at a postseason bid last night. Now that they are officially out of the playoffs this year, it’s definitely time to start looking at changes for next season in New York. I do not think that Rex Ryan, Tim Tebow, Mark Sanchez, or Tony Sparano will be back in 2013. Ryan, Sparano, and Sanchez will all be canned due to the general ineptitude of the 30th ranked offense in the league. Tim Tebow will most likely ask for a trade or release in the off-season, according to numerous reports. It is now clear that he was only brought in for publicity in New York, and he will certainly get a chance to produce elsewhere in the league.

NFL Week 15 Predictions

Packers over Bears

The Bears have certainly been reeling of late, losing four of their last five. The Packers, on the other hand, have won four of their last five and are looking to put away the division today. I believe that they will in a big road win.

Falcons over Giants

New York has owned the Falcons of late, but I see that changing today. Atlanta certainly wants to forget their performance in Carolina last week, and I think that they will.

Broncos over Ravens

At this point the Broncos are absolutely rolling as they have won eight straight games and haven’t lost since October. The Ravens defense is still banged up in my mind and I doubt that they can contain the Denver offense today.

Browns over Redskins

Just to be clear, I was picking Cleveland in this one whether or not RG3 was playing for the Redskins. I think that Washington is set up for a let down against the Browns who are 5-3 in their last eight games.

Texans over Colts

Houston has been very good at home this season, and I see them rebounding from their Monday night embarrassment with a division-clinching win at home today.

Dolphins over Jaguars

The Dolphins are still barely alive for the playoffs at 5-8 right now, and I don’t see them dying yet with a win today over the Jaguars.

Saints over Buccaneers

Tampa Bay absolutely needs this win if they are going to have any chance at the playoffs this season, but I don’t see them getting it. Their loss against the lowly Eagles sealed their fate last week.

Vikings over Rams

In this elimination matchup of two surprising teams in the playoff hunt this year, I like the Vikings to stay alive and get to 8-6 on the season.

Lions over Cardinals

This may just be the most depressing game in the NFL this year. Both of these teams had such hope at the beginning of this season, only to have it fall away terribly. I’ll take the Lions I guess.

Bills over Seahawks

The Bills should be playing in front of an energized Toronto crowd, and even after their win at the Bears, Seattle has been a very bad road team this year. I’ll take the Bills in an upset.

Chargers over Panthers

The Chargers are once again pulling a classic move and making a late season push to save Norv Turner’s job. I think that they will defeat the Panthers today although I cannot confirm that Norv will return next year.

Cowboys over Steelers

This is probably the biggest game in an awesome NFL week. I like the Cowboys to build off of their big win last week in Cincinnati and stay alive in the division.

Raiders over Chiefs

The Chiefs have been dreadful on the road this season and I don’t like their chances today in Oakland.

49ers over Patriots

The Patriots have been rolling of late, especially at home. But I’ll take the 49ers to pull off the upset tonight led by a great performance Collin Kaepernick.

Jets over Titans

The Jets have actually been playing pretty good recently, and with some help, they could actually still make the postseason. I’ll take them in their Monday night matchup in Tennessee.

Who Should Win the Heisman Trophy?

The three finalists, Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o, Kansas State’s Collin Klein, and Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel. (Photo credit: NFL.com)

The voting for college football’s most prestigious individual award, the Heisman Trophy, is officially over. The 928 voters have made their selections as to who they believe is the NCAA’s best and most valuable player, and now all that the rest of us have to do is wait. The three finalists who have been announced are Manti Te’o of Notre Dame, Collin Klein of Kansas State, and Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M, and any one of them could take home the trophy on Saturday night. Before the presentation I would like to give candidate’s case, and state who I believe will win the award. First with the finalists:

Manti Te’o- Linebacker, Notre Dame

The 2012 season has been a nearly perfect one for Manti on the field, with his Fighting Irish currently undefeated and heading to Miami for a shot at the national title. But off the field he has dealt with an incredible amount of hardships, as he lost his girlfriend and grandmother within one day earlier this year. Te’o has certainly not let that affect his play on the field, as he has been the anchor of the Irish defense and has made the big plays in their biggest games. In my opinion he has had several “Heisman moments” this season, as his his three best games have arguably been in Notre Dame’s biggest games. He had two interceptions against rival Michigan back in a September win, an interception and sack in their road win at Oklahoma, and an interception in their BCS Championship-clinching win at Oklahoma. Head coach Brian Kelly stated of Te’o ” if Manti doesn’t win the Heisman, just cut to the chase and give all future awards to the offensive player of the year.” I happen to agree with him on that.

Collin Klein- Quarterback, Kansas State

In my opinion, Collin Klein epitomes the idea that one bad game can absolutely crush a players Heisman hopes. He and the Wildcats were riding high at 10-0, and appeared headed for Miami to play for the national title. What followed next was a 52-24 loss at Baylor in which he threw three interceptions, effectively ending Kansas State’s title hopes and his shot at the Heisman. Besides that game, Klein has been almost flawless this season for the Wildcats. Throwing for 2,490 yards and rushing for 890 more, all while amassing 37 total touchdowns. He has rushed for at least one touchdown in every game they’ve played this season, excluding the opener against Missouri State, and he leads the Big 12 in both quarterback rating and scoring. Back in November he graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, and had the magazine called him “The best player on the nation’s best team.” That statement may no longer be true, but if was that late in the season, it should certainly qualify him to still be in the running.

Johnny Manziel- Quarterback, Texas A&M

Johnny Manziel, or “Johnny Football” as he is known by most of the nation, may be the most electrifying player that college football has seen in a long time. He has led the Aggies to a 10-2 record, and has 4600 total yards (an SEC record) along with 43 total touchdowns this season. Oh and by the way, he’s done this all as a red-shirt freshman. If you don’t believe that Manziel is the real deal then you simply must have a screw loose. He’s led Texas A&M to three wins against ranked opponents this year, including a 29-24 victory over then-number-one Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Ever since that improbable win he has been the presumed front-runner for the Heisman, and I cannot dispute that. The only problem that I have with his case is that his team was never really in the national title race. Now I understand why that should not factor into the voting, but it is still important to me. Building off of that point, in their two losses this season he has looked incredibly average. I’m not saying that Manziel doesn’t deserve this award, but he will certainly not run away with it.

Final Verdict: If I had a vote for the Heisman trophy this year, it would go to Manti Te’o of Notre Dame. Now I know that defensive players almost never win this award, but I believe that Te’o has held together the best defense on the best (right now) team in the nation. Manziel and Klein have each had games where they have looked over-matched, while Te’o and the Irish defense have been incredibly consistent this season. In fact, they’ve given up more than 20 points just once. This Saturday we are certainly bound to see a very rare occurrence in the college football world. Either a freshman or a defensive player will most likely win the Heisman trophy, and I think that Johnny Football will have to wait another year as Manti Te’o will take home the hardware.

NFL Week 13 Thoughts

RG3, Redskins, Win Third Straight

Just four short weeks ago, the Washington Redskins seemed absolutely dead in the water. They had just lost a home game to lowly Carolina Panthers, and were sitting at 3-6. Their coach Mike Shanahan made a rather curious statement after that game which seemed to give the team even less hope in their final seven games. But after their bye week Washington has rattled off three straight division wins and propelled themselves to 6-6, and just a game out of first place in the NFC East. The most recent of those three wins came last night over the New York Giants in a 17-16 upset at home. Quarterback Robert Griffin III continued to look like anything but a rookie in this one as he threw for 163 yards, one touchdown, and once again zero interceptions. Maybe the Redskins have something brewing in D.C. thanks to RG3, but at this point the NFC East is completely up in air. The Giants, Redskins, and Cowboys each do not have incredibly easy schedules down the stretch, and this one truly will come down to which team executes the best in crunch time.

Rookie QB’s Each Win on Final Play

Andrew Luck and the Colts won an absolutely fantastic game on Sunday in Detroit, as they scored a game-winning touchdown as time expired to defeat the Lions 35-33. That was the second of two unanswered touchdowns that Indianapolis scored in the waning moments of the fourth to go from 33-21 down to a 35-33 win. But not to be outdone, Seahawks rookie quarterback Russell Wilson showed outstanding poise in his teams 23-17 overtime win in Chicago. Wilson was able to his team down the field on the vaunted Chicago defense not once but twice in the crucial fourth quarter and overtime as threw for two touchdowns late, giving Seattle only their second road win this year. This year we are seeing something that we haven’t ever before in the NFL, and that is rookie quarterbacks not looking like rookies. Luck, Griffin, and Wilson all have their teams in the playoff hunt with just four games to go. How many other draft classes could say that in their rookie seasons?

Chiefs Get Emotional Win

Going into Saturday morning, this NFL season had already been horrifically bad for the Kansas City Chiefs. They were just 1-10, and appeared to be well on their way to the NFL’s worst record of the season. But on that Saturday morning, a real life horror struck the team as they heard the news of linebacker Javon Belcher murdering his girlfriend and then taking his own life at the teams practice facility. After this tragedy there was obviously an outcry from many for the Chiefs to not play their meaningless game the next day against the Carolina Panthers. But the team and the NFL decided that the game would go on, and it did with the Chiefs winning 27-21. Obviously I am in no position to tell the Chiefs players and coaching staff how to handle this tragedy, as I do not know any of them personally and how they choose to deal with it. But I do know that there was no correct or set way for handling this circumstance. So if the players and coaches decided that they wanted to play a football game a little over a day after witnessing this tragedy, then I have no problem with it. Playing football is what they do best, and I truly do hope that it gave a few grieving players some happiness in an otherwise horrific few days. Finally I’d like to say R.I.P. to Belcher’s girlfriend Kasandra Perkins, who will leave behind a three month-old baby girl, who I wish the very best to in her lifetime.

NFL Week 13 Predictions

Packers over Vikings

The Packers should certainly bounce back in this one after their dreadful performance last week in New York. They’ll win this one to stay in the NFC North race.

Bills over Jaguars

The Jaguars have really been playing well in the last two weeks, but the Bills should be able to handle them. I like Buffalo to pull off the win at home today.

Bears over Seahawks 

Seattle has been absolutely dreadful on the road this season with only one win coming away from home. I don’t see that changing today as the Bears should take care of business.

Colts over Lions

At this point Detroit’s hopes for a playoff spot are probably far-fetched, after their loss on Thanksgiving day their season essentially ended. The Colts need this a lot more and will get it.

Panthers over Chiefs

The Chiefs will certainly be playing with heavy hearts today after the events that transpired yesterday, but I think that Cam Newton will be too much for them and the Panthers will win a close one.

Patriots over Dolphins

The Patriots offense is absolutely rolling right now, and that should continue against Miami. New England will all but clinch the division after a win today.

Jets over Cardinals

Both of these teams are in absolute disarray right now as they both come in playing horrible. The Cardinals have been historically bad when playing on the east coast so I’ll take the Jets.

49ers over Rams

It would’ve been hard enough already for the Rams offense to be able to score on the potent San Francisco defense today, but now that wideout Danny Amendola will not play it will be almost impossible. The 49ers will win easily.

Texans over Titans

There’s not really much to say about this game really. The Texans should be able to easily handle their business today on the road in Tennessee.

Broncos over Buccaneers

This one may be a lot closer than some people expect as the Bucs have really been playing good football of late. I don’t see them winning in the end though as the Denver offense will simply be too much.

Ravens over Steelers

The Ravens have gotten incredibly lucky this season as they have played Pittsburgh twice without Ben Roethlisberger. I don’t see the Pittsburgh offense turning it over eight times, but they won’t be able to pull out a win today.

Browns over Raiders

I’ve said many times how I like the way that Cleveland has been playing this year. The Raiders shouldn’t be able to stop Trent Richardson today as the Browns should coast to an easy road win.

Bengals over Chargers

In this one the Bengals are playing in a must win game essentially while the Chargers season is basically over. I don’t think that Cincinnati will slip up today in San Diego.

Cowboys over Eagles

The Eagles are missing Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy, and DeSean Jackson in this one. If Dallas loses head coach Jason Garrett may not be able to make it into the locker room before he is fired.

Giants over Redskins

This is probably the Redskins biggest game of the last few years, but I don’t believe that they will pull of the upset. New York can basically cement themselves as division champs with a win, and I think that they will.