THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8:20 PM Green Bay Packers (7-5) at Detroit Lions (2-10)

Pack Bracing for Stretch Run as Lions Hunt Upset

   The last time these two teams met the Green Bay Packers saw Detroit CB Ennis Rakestraw intercept QB Jordan Love right before the half and return the ball 79 yards to paydirt giving the lions a stunning, 10-6 half-time lead! The Lions would then take the openning second half possession and turn that into a Michael Badgley 42 yard field goal to boost the lead to 13-6. From there, however, the Pack took over and would score 17 fourth quarter points to pull out the, 24-13, win. Statistically, the match was not very close with Green Bay holding a commanding 413-166 yardage advantage, but the game remained very much in doubt until later on.

   The Packers have been a team that resembles a leaking dam. They have been able to plug one hole only to spring a leak somewhere else. The defense could not stop folks early on, but has played brilliantly of late giving up just 22 total points over its last three games! The running game. that was horrid at the start of the season, has picked up a bit with back Josh Jacobs averaging 81.66 YPG over his last three starts after plodding for just 35.38 YPG in his first 8 games. But, lo and behold, now the passing game has suffered mightily as QB Jordan Love continues to misfire and receivers drop critical third down balls. After throwing for over 200 yards in every game this year, Love has  now thrown for 163, 129, and 160 yards over his last three games! In addition, he has tossed just two TD passes during this stretch. At the same time, top target WR Romeo Doubs has put up his three lowest reception numbers (24, 38, and 42 yards) of the season!

  Detroit is a talented and dangerous ballclub for sure. They hung tough with the front running Chicago Bears last week before bowing, 33-24. Super fast WR Jameson Williams was a big part of the Lions' attack registering 7 receptions for 141 yards and 2 scores. Obviously, Detroit has found ways to get him the ball and he could be a major headache for the Green Bay secondary to contend with. Still the defense continues to be too loose. Bear QB Caleb Williams threw for 423 yards and 3 touchdowns while absorbing just 4 sacks and not committing a turnover.

   Final Analysis: Detroit gets one of the top pass defenses in the league with Green Bay, but might find room to run with speedy Jahmyr Gibbs. The Packers' offensive woes could mean a tight one in Motown. Packer K Brayden Narveson has kicked a league most 13 field goals from beyond the 50 yard mark while Lion kicker Michael Badley is 2-5 from 40 yards or more and 0-2 from 50 yards and out. Green Bay 22-17.

1:00 PM Jacksonville Jaguars (9-3) at Tennessee Titans (7-5)

Rudderless Ships Meet in Meanigful Game

 1:00 PM New York Jets (5-7) at Miami Dolphins (6-5-1)

Slumping Jets Face Uncertain Dolphins

   The NY Jets have been up, down, and sideways virtually the entire season. They have dropped three in a row and are on the precipice of a dropping out of playoff contention. The Miami Dolphins, meanwhile. looked as if their offense had awakened and they were on their way, but they ran into a strong Green Bay Packers' defense last week and stumbled, 13-12. 

   Miami saw QB Tua Tagovailoa suffer through one of his worst games of the year last week. He would complete a season low 15 passes and throw for just 158 yards without a touchdown in the defensive battle with the Packers. HB De'Von Achane did, however, rush for 104 yards on 23 carries marking his second consecutive 100+ yard effort. The D was solid yielding just 234 total yards, but it could not force a turnover nor get to QB Jordan Love (2 sacks).

   Final Analysis: The Jets are heading in the wrong direction while Miami will regroup here. Miami 27-17.

1:00 PM Atlanta Falcons (4-8) at Minnesota Vikings (4-7-1)

Two Franchises with Backs to the Wall Meet

     The Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings may have run out the string on their seasons. The Falcons can do no better than 9 wins, while the Vikings could get to 9.5 wins. Obviosuly, the loser here is all but eliminated while the victor gets to fight another day...

   Atlanta ended a three game losing streak by defeating the LA Chargers, 27-22, last week. QB Malik Willis threw for 284 yards and 2 touchdowns and ran another 50 yards on 10 carries as he thrived within the Falcons' collegiate styled attack. HB Bijan Robinson had a big game as well rushing 18 times for 155 yards in the win. The Falcons own the league's 11th rated offense and 10th rated defense, however, they have lost five games by 6 or fewer points in a bit of a hard luck year. 

   The Vikings were victims of numerous big plays by the Arizona Cardinals last week and fell, 40-24. Rookie QB JJ McCarthy did throw for 334 yards and 3 touchdowns, but he would be picked off late and suffer 8 sacks in the contest. The defense would be straddled with a few huge plays. 'Zona QB Kyler Murray would connect for 450 yards through the air with 3 TDs including 70 and 69 yard monster plays to rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. and veteran WR Zay Jones.

   Final Analysis: Atlanta holds the statistical edge over Minnesota on both O and D. Both teams have turnover problems. The Vikings come in with a -8 TO ratio and the Falcons have a -7 margin. So, whichever team can take care of the ball better stands a good chance of walking away with the W. Stats, at times, can be deceiving. Minnesota 24-22?

GAME OF THE WEEK

1:00 PM New Orleans Saints (7-5) at New York Giants (7-5)

Massive Playoff Implications in Metlife Battle

   This one has serious playoff ramifications especially for the loser. With just 5 games left on the schedule, a loss here would put the vanquished team at 7-6 , on the edge of the final playoff berth, and having lost the H2H factor. The winner will come out of this in great shape and can look ahead to marching on to the post-season assuming they can take care of business. For the Saints, they have Washington, Green Bay, Vegas, and a looming mega-game with Tampa Bay to finish out the year in week 18. The G-Men will have a very tough road to haul as they still have Baltimore, Atlanta, Indianapolis, and Philadelphia remaining. Obviously this one likely has much more significance to New York than it does New Orleans.

   The Saints have lost two straight as the poor play of QB Derek Carr does not seem to be getting any better. Carr would throw 3 more picks last week as the Halos lost, 23-14, to the Rams in a big contest. He has tossed 17 interceptions on the season and has now had back-to-back 3 pick games! HB Alvin Kamara is doing his part though. The burly back rushed 26 times for 126 yards in the loss giving him four 100+ games out his last six outings.

   New York blasted the rival Dallas Cowboys, 42-21, as QB Daniel Jones posted one of his best performances of the season! Jones would throw for 353 yards and 4 touchdowns while completing 19 of 22 attempts! Tailback Devin Singletary added 122 yards on 18 carries as the Big Blue offense rolled. Jones' 158.3 QBR, along with his yardage and touchdown totals, were all season highs. HB Tyron Tracy continued to see his workload reduced as he rushed just 9 times for 17 yards. After enjoying a dual roll with Singletary for much of the season, Tracy has now had run totals of 9, 8, and 9 carries over his last three games. Meanwhile, Singletary's numbers have been boosted greatly as he has averaged 24.33 carries and 119.67 YPG over the last three weeks!

   New York's defense still ranks #1 allowing just 247.4 YPG. The key number, though, is their #6 run defense that is giving up only 74.2 YPG. Only two backs (Cleveland's Nick Chubb and Tampa Bay's Rachaad White) have been able to break the 100 yard rushing barrier on the G-Mens' defense. They have held seven backs to 65 or fewer yards rushing! This does not bode well for a Saints' team that is heavily reliant upon the legs of Kamara and cannot rely upon the arm of Carr to bail them out if the ground game is stifled.

  Final Analysis: The play of Jones was encouraging and the running game is still going strong for the Giants. Their run defense will likely slow down Kamara and force Carr to the air. New York 24-18.

1:00 PM Carolina Panthers (4-8) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)

Eagles Stake Claim as League's Top Team. Panthers Still Searching for Answers

   The Philadelphia Eagles made a major statement last week as they routed the Baltimore Ravens, 46-27, in a big intra-conference showdown! QB Jalen Hurts was spectacular throwing for a season high 535 yards and massive DE Jalen Carter had one of the best games of the year racking up 6 sacks of Raven QB Lamar Jackson! The Ex-Georgia Bulldog now has 20 traps on the season. The Panthers lost a tough one to Tampa Bay, 20-14, in overtime! The team could not get RB Jonathon Brooks going and let Bucs' QB Baker Mayfield get loose a few times. Brooks would finish with just 39 yards on 13 carries, while Mayfield led all runners with 63 yards on 13 carries and was able to run it in for 2 touchdowns!

   It would be quite the stunner should Carolina strut into Philly and escape with a win. The Panthers' 3880 total yards of offense for the season is 31st in the league and Philadelphia's D ranks 6th! Still, Philly has had issues running the ball and Hurts has been sacked 80 times which is the sixth most in the league!

   Final Analysis: Carolina is much more about the future than the current season. Philly is all about the now and has the roster to go all the way this season! Philadelphia 30-13.

1:00 PM Cleveland Browns (8-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6)

Has Rivaly Tipped Towards Cleveland!

   For far too long the Cleveland Browns have had to suffer through Pittsburgh success at their expense. The Steelers own 5 PFL titles and have been to the Big Game an amazing 9 times! The Browns have 1 Super Bowl appearance (SB XIV) some 34 seasons ago and lost that one!  Now, though, these Dog Pound denizens appear to have a team that could make a deep playoff run should they keep their good mojo rolling. They have won four of their last five including a, 27-17, win over these Steelers just two weeks ago. QB DeShaun Watson had a fine day throwing for 231 yards and 3 touchdowns and the defense shut down QB Russell Wilson limiting him to just 181 yards passing while sacking him 10 times and picking him off once. DE's Myles Garrett and Za'Dariius Smith were demons combining for 5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.

   Pittsburgh has been defensive minded much of the year. That D was on display again last week as the Steelers stuffed the Bengals for a mere 123 total yards of offense in the, 19-13, Pittsburgh victory! Bengal QB Joe Burrow would be grounded for a season low 88 yards passing! Pittsburgh's 250.7 YPG allowed on defense is tops in the league. They are #1 in the AFC versus the run ceding just 64.6 YPG. That could prove decisive against a Cleveland offense that is #6 in the PFL averaging 113.3 YPG on the ground. Both teams feature bruising power backs. The Steelers have 6'1" 242 Lbs Najee Harris to hammer away at defensive fronts, while the Browns showcase 5'11" 227 Lbs Nick Chubb. Chubb is 3rd in the league with 1099 yards rushing on the year.

   Final Analysis: Games in Pittsburgh have not been kind to the Browns. This one does shape up as a defensive battle, but feel the Browns are better suited to mix it up more. Najee Harris has not been a major threat this season, thus far, and does not have a 100+ yard game under his belt yet. Cleveland 24-18.

1:00 PM Las Vegas Raiders (3-9) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-3)

Bucs' Escape of Panthers Worrisome? Raiders Drop of Tight One Against Rival KC Promising?

   The Vegas Raiders can view things as either half-full or half-empty. Their, 14-10, loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last week could be seen as a positive since the team did sack the Chiefs 15 times and knocked QB Patrick Mahomes out of the game. But, it could also be interpreted as a negative since the team still scored just 10 points and lost anyways. The Buccaneers are getting closer to claiming the NFC South crown following their narrow, 20-14, OT win over the Carolina Panthers. They own a 2-game lead over the second place New Orleans Saints.

   The biggest problem in Vegas is a passing game that is averaging a 28th rated 174.5 YPG and has allowed 75 sacks. The Bucs own a sparkling +11 turnover margin with an NFC best 13 interceptions and 19 takeaways. The Raiders are a +1 in the TO department, but the team's 11 picks thrown ranks as the 6th most in football. How well the Raider offensive line can stand up to the Bucs' defensive front 7 will probably be the single biggest factor in the end. RG Nash Jensen is certainly strong enough (90) and big enough (6'4" 328 Lbs), but he lacks agility and lateral movement to contend with the likes of DT Vita Vea. Vea has tremendous power (98 strength) and can be extremely disruptive inside. He has 10 sacks on the year and has had four multi-sack games.

   The quarterback play heavily favors the Bucs. Baker Mayfield has thrown 28 touchdowns with just 7 interceptions and 36 sacks. Those numbers have translated into a very good 111.7 QBR. The Raiders' Gardner Minshew has just 16 TD passes compared to 11 picks and 75 sacks leading to a relatively pedestrian 92.5 QBR.

   Final Analysis: Quarterback play and a superior defense should keep the Bucs on track. The Raiders are competitive, but still need pieces. Tampa Bay 28-17.

4:05 PM Seattle Seahawks (10-2) at Arizona Cardinals (6-6)

Can Cards Slow Down Big Play Seahawks?

  The Seattle Seahawks keep coming up with dramatic plays at key moments in their games. Last week it would be CB Tariq Woolen intercepting the Jets' Aaron Rodgers and taking it to the house to help seal a, 26-14, win. The team has had numerious defensive scores this season and their ability to get into the backfield and create TFLs is well documented. TFLs might not be something many pay attention to, but, in many ways, a TFL can be as disruptive as a sack. The Cardinals got a number of big plays from QB Kyler Murray and the Arizona receiving corps in their, 40-24, win over the Minnesota Vikings.

   These two met just two weeks ago in a classic battle. Seattle would win, 30-27, as the defense got one of its six scores on the season to help the cause. MLB Tyrel Dodson would scoop up a fumble, jarred loose by Leonard Williams, and rumble into the endzone. However, the Arizona defense did a great job of checking HB Kenneth Walker (11-35) and recorded 6 sacks and an interception of QB Geno Smith. If the Crads can duplicate the defensive effort, and not allow Seattle to come up with any game changing defensive plays, they could pull off the upset.

   Both teams do a solid job of protecting the quarterback and the football. Seattle has turned it over just 7 times all season, while Arizona has been right there giving it away only 10 times. Both teams can run the football averaging over 100 YPG on the ground. If there is a glaring separator it would have to be the Seahawks' 86-48 massive edge in the sack department. Arizona simply has not been able to generate much pressure and will surely be seeking an edge rusher in next year's draft.

   Final Analysis: Seattle's propensity for the big play and ability to not give the ball away makes it hard for any team to ever get them down or pull too far ahead. That, then, allows the Seahawks to game manage and play field position football. Arizona really does not have the firepower to blow teams away and will have to hope they can hang in here and maybe pull the upset off late. Seattle 27-20.

4:25 PM Buffalo Bills (4-8) at Los Angeles Rams (7-4-1)

Revived Rams Looking Ahead to Playoffs? Bills Improving and Dangerous

   The Rams were in deep trouble heading into their big time clash with the Saints last week. Afterall, they had gone 0-3-1 over their prior four games and seemed headed in the wrong direction. But, a solid, 23-14, win seems to have calmed the troubled waters. The defense played exceptionally well recording 4 interceptions and 7 sacks in the victory. CBs Tre'Davious White and Darious Williams each had two picks. Buffalo could not keep the momentum going from their huge, 52-26, upset of the Chiefs 3 weeks ago and came off their bye week with a clunker against the 49ers. QB Josh Allen would throw two interceptions and be sacked 8 times in the loss. Allen has now thrown 7 interceptions over his last four games.

   The Bills remain a very dangerous team. They are scoring at a 26.5 PPG clip which ranks #5 in the league and have averaged 36.25 PPG in their four wins! Unfortunately, the defense has been porous allowing 29 PPG and that has put a ton of pressure on the offense. HB James Cook has had four 100+ rushing game this year. WRs Keon Coleman and Curtis Samuel are enjoying stellar campaigns. Coleman has a team leading 1080 yards and 11 touchdowns while Samuel leads the club with 70 catches for 1056 yards and 8 touchdowns!

   LA is still hoping to catch the Seahawks in the NFC West, but the window is closing quickly. They cannot afford a loss here and still hold much of a chance of having their week 18 showdown with Seattle have any meaning.  3rd year tailback Kyren Williams got back on track last week as he ran for 104 yards on 23 carries sending him over the 1000 yard plateau (1004). 

   Final Analysis: The Rams' +7 turnover ratio is significantly better than the Bills' -8 number! Only the Saints (-10) have a worse number than Buffalo. LA at least nails down a playoff berth here soon. Los Angeles 28-20.

4:25 PM Chicago Bears (7-5) at San Francisco 49ers (6-6)

Bears Continue to Claw Way to NFC North Crown. Niners Need Wins Down the Stretch

     While these two clubs have similar records and this one is extremely important to both, the reality is the Bears are rolling along while San Francisco is trying to gain entry to the playoffs as a Wild Card. Chicago has now won five straight to take control of the NFC North. They moved past a stubborn Detroit Lions' squad last week, 33-24, as rookie QB Caleb Williams continued to shine under coach Mike Kelinknechts well documented "Heave Ho" offense. Williams threw for 423 yards and 3 touchdowns in the win and has now thrown at least 3 touchdown passes in four of his last five outings! San Fran may have salvaged their season last week as they defeated the Buffalo Bills, 23-13. The running game was, to say the least, ineffective with HB Christian McCaffrey rushing for 12 yards on 18 carries! QB Brock Purdy, though, would throw for 313 yards and a TD and the defense would sack Bills' QB Josh Allen 8 times and pick him off twice.

   Final Analysis: San Fran has the top run defense in the league (61.6 YPG), but ranks 30th versus the pass (263 YPG). The Bears can run the ball, but that has never really been Kleinknecht's MO and one can anticipate Williams having a big day. Chicago 32-20.

8:20 PM Los Angeles Chargers (1-11) at Kansas City Chiefs (7-5)

"Nuts and Bolts" Head to KC as Chiefs Eye Playoffs

    The Los Angeles Chargers cannot seem to buy a win. They ended up going with backup QB Taylor Heinicke last week and, despite his 335 yard 2 TD performance, still came up short against the Atlanta Falcons, 27-22. Heinicke, a second level signal caller out of Old Dominion University, did give Charger fans something to cheer about, but, as has been the case for LA quarterbacks this year, he threw a pick! Kansas City struggled against an outgunned Las Vegas Raiders team last week before prevailing, 14-10. QB Patrick Mahomes would be knocked out of the game and the Chiefs would allow 15 sacks on the day! The post-game imagery on Mahomes was negative and he should be available for this matchup.

   Kansas City is a near lock to win the AFC West. They need to focus on the post-season and get the team on a much more consistent trend. HB Isiah Pacheco's 59 yard TD jaunt was the hilite of the game. Pacheco would rush for 127 yards on 17 carries as the ground game is starting to find its way. Pacheco has posted three straight 100+ yard running efforts!

   Final Analysis: Kansas City can clinch at least a tie for the divisional crown with a win this week. They are moving the ball on the ground now and just need to get some pass protection in order to get this ship sailing. Kansas City 31-16.   

8:15 PM Cincinnati Bengals (6-6) at Dallas Cowboys (6-6)

Two More Clubs in Dire Need of a Win in Prime Time MNF Clash

     Like many teams this time of year, both the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys are in serious need of a victory here in a Prime Time matchup. Dallas suffered a damaging, and lopsided, loss to the New York Giants last week, 42-21, as the defense simply could not slow down the G-Mens' attack giving up 445 yards of offense. Cinci dropped a rugged,19-13, game to the hated Pittsburgh Steelers as QB Joe Burrow had, arguably his worst game of the season throwing for a meager 88 yards! 

   Both teams are very much in the playoff mix, but cannot fall much off the pace now. The Bengals have had interception problems having thrown 12, while Dallas comes in with the league's 27th ranked running game averaging just 68.4 YPG. Defense has not been at a premium either, with both in the lower half of the league. Cinci is rated 18th, but is 23rd versus the pass giving up 234.8 YPG. Dallas is ranked 21s, but is sitting 29th in the PFL against the run yielding 108.5 YPG!

   Final Analysis: Neither team appears to have a true edge over the other as the strengths and weaknesses do not collide. However, Dallas has put up 83 sacks on the season (tied for 6th most). The Bengals are the least penalized team in the league (126 penalty yards) and Dallas is 15th (277 penalty yards). Should be a close one. Dallas 24-20.

ON A BYE