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News From
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| Sometimes you need a bit of luck |
| Cleveland had been sporting a 3 game losing streak when they went to Detroit last week, and were down by 7 with just under 7 minutes remaining in the game. A tying TD drive followed by a pick 6 in the last minute gave Cleveland the comeback win they desperately needed; so now they come back home with the wind at the backs (hopefully) as they play a Miami team tied for the worst record in the leage, and a game where they would seemingly be favored. Ask Buffalo what high expectations hold...that said, I tend to think Cleveland keeps pace in the battle for the last playoff spot. Miami 10, Cleveland 17 |
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| Battle for the AFC future |
| Both of these teams are effectively out of the playoff race, but that doesn't diminish the fact that both of these franchises could very well be competing for playoff berths as early as next season. While both teams are looking to the draft to up their defenses, Kansas City is dealing with usage/injury issues at WR that make this game tough to predict. Personally, I think this could be considered a toss-up, but I like KC just a tiny bit more, especially if they manage to establish the run and give their passing game a break. Kansas City 27, Pittsburgh 23. |
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| Battle for the AFC future, Part Deux |
| Two other teams that are looking to make noise in the future in the AFC; I know Rudy will have the Broncos and the road to recovery sooner rather than later, and Craig will do likewise with the Titans. At this point, I think Craig has the Titans a bit more prepared than the Broncos are, though an upset wouldn't exactly blow me away. That said, I think the Titans keep their slimmest possible window for a playoff berth open, for at least another week. Denver 17, Tennessee 21. |
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| Another Battle of the AFC Runner-up |
| In a game that has already been played, Buffalo shuts out a depleted Saints team to take the H2H tie for 2nd place. This is the start of a very tough stretch for New Orleans, who could use one more upset win in the next 3 games to solidify a playoff spot a season early. Buffalo meanwhile, wins their 3rd in a row following a minor hiccup to their season, as they prepare for the very likely post-season. New Orleans 0, Buffalo 19. |
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| Battle for the NFC East |
| I have to say...I love this divisional race. The winner of this game will be at worst, tied for 1st and will do alot to damage the other team in their quest to make the playoffs. Carolina won the 1st game in this divisional battle, and with a win, would not only take a 1 game lead, but would put themselves in the driver's seat for the divison (Carolina also holds a H2H win over Washington, and could wrap things up with a win in Week 16). Going total gut here, but I am with the hot hand, who dealt Cincinnatti a convincing loss and is a bit healthier at this point in the season. Carolina 21, New York (N) 24. |
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| Fire those Cannons!!! |
| So the Bucs are not going to make the playoffs, but someone should have mentioned that to Tampa Bay, where they played the Bears hard and managed to pull off the upset against Arizona last week. Both teams are beat up at the moment, and face uncertainies next year...that said, I am going to throw my penny on the Bucs, as having been the victim of their offensive prowess last week, though a Viking win is totally possible. Tampa Bay 24, Minnesota 21 |
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| Time for the Bengals to take charge? |
| I think you can pretty much pencil the Bengals at this point for the playoffs, even though the Colts are only a game back; that said, that Week 16 rematch looms large with both teams now in striking distance for the division. I think it is fair to say Cincy if favored here, though I would caution them not to take the Seahawks lightly, which would make that rematch with Indianapolis just that much larger. Cincinnati 27, Seattle 17. |
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| Bob...watch out, it's a trap!!! |
| This game right here, is the perfect game for an upset to arise. Now, of course, I am picking Indianapolis, which is Strike 1. San Francisco has some deceptively decent offensive players, who might be able to get an unexpected score...Strike 2. Bob also has a way of seeing games like this go off the rails, so he better pack a lunch, bring his A game, and do a few more cliches to keep pace in the Central. San Francisco 21, Indianapolis 24 |
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| Almost the GOTW.... |
| So Green Bay is tied for 1st; the Rams are, as usual, in 1st. Both of these teams will be in the playoffs, but this is a chance for the Packers to prove they belong in the Super Bowl conversation. Don't get me wrong; both teams will carry high seeds come the post-season, but an LAR win will put them in the driver's seat for a bye, which make a run in the playoffs that much shorter. Kenny has been here before, so for that reason, and that reason alone, I give him the edge. Los Angeles (N) 26, Green Bay 24 |
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| Can anyone stop this train? |
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So while not quite as impressive as what the Jags and Raiders are doing so far this season, the Chicago Bears have wone 8 games in a row, as Calvin has been figuring out how to coach this team. Detroit lost by 21 the last time these two teams played, so while they do play these games for a reason, I am not so sure Detroit is equipped to close that gap. Chicago 38, Detroit 7.
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| Is this the week the slide comes to an end? |
| Fun fact...the Falcons were the last team that the Chargers beat prior to their current 6 game losing streak. At that point, LAC was printing playoff tickets; this week, those tickets may be used for other purposes not related to football. Oh, the Falcons are hardly an easy out, so the Chargers must take this game seriously in order to secure the win. Atlanta 17, Los Angeles (A) 21. |
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| Could the loser miss the playoffs? |
| Early on this season, I got the sense my Redbirds were not Super Bowl worthy, so I made some moves that were intended to help Arizona in the future. This week the Cardinals take on the pesky Commanders, who have led their division way more that Arizona has. I have been to this rodeo before...I shan't be predicting my team to win. That said, this is a H2H that will have some meaning at the end of the season. Arizona 24, Washington 26. |
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| Definitely....the GOTW |
| Both of these teams are stacked and are clearly the class of the AFC, if not the entire PAFL. While I doubt this game does more that see who gets the top seed overall, the fact that both of these teams are where they are is a testament to good drafting and good coaching. So...who do I think is going to win? In order to be the champion, you have to beat the champion, and at this point Jacksonville is the champion....any questions? Jacksonville 24, Las Vegas 23 |
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| Battle for the Basement |
| During the last podcast, Len put it out there that the Cowboys would NOT have the 1st overall pick in the upcoming draft; well, they are tied with Miami for that less than enviable honor, but in order to make that move forward, this is a game Dallas needs to win. The Eagles have struggled all season to score, though they did manage to upset Washington last week and take a bit of wind out of their playoff sails. Can the Eagles put together a winning streak? Or do the Cowboys make good on their pledge to stay out of the basement. What the hell Len, you deserve the cookie this week. Dallas 16, Philadelphia 14. |
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