We've reached the point of the season where a good number of the games played feature teams going nowhere with backups, no-names and guys you thought retired littering the field with barely- watchable football. So instead of doing my normal "pick every game" column, i'll be previewing the games of consequence this week. So what better way to start than with the greatest talent of our generation?
Denver vs. Oakland- Ok you caught me, this really isn't a game of any real consequence, nor was it a game whose outcome was in doubt at any point. But why waste an oppurtunity to praise the great and powerful Peyton Manning? Despite having an average game, Manning threw his 30th touchdown of the season. There have been 77 30-touchdown performances in NFL history and seven of them are courtesy of Mr. Manning (only Brett Favre has more, with nine). He also moved within sniffing distance of his 14 4000-yard season. Oh and earned his 151st career win which will likely lead to his fifth MVP. Did I mention his neck surgery?
Cincy at Dallas (+3)- This is a matchup of two teams that would be afterthoughts by now if it weren't for the ineptitude of the teams around them. But have no fear good people! Because of the return of Big Ben and the continued presence of RG III, these teams likely won't play past December. Yet, whoever wins this game will live on for another week in the playoff hunt. If the winner is Cincy, their next test will come against the very team they're vying for a wild-card spot against; the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Dallas wins they'll still have to face their biggest foes every week for the rest of the season; themselves. But, at this point, this matchup matters.
Chicago at Minnesota (+3)- The Bears need to win this game to remain in the hunt for the NFC North title. Minnesota has lost four of five and the Vikings are a loss away from wasting a 5-2 start. A Bears victory means they go into Green Bay next week in control of their own destiny. If they lose, however, they'll likely be out of the hunt for the NFC North title and will have to settle for a wild card spot.
Pittsburgh vs San Diego (no line)- Big Ben is expected to make his return here as the Steelers will play host to the lowly Chargers. The Steelers need to beat San Diego in order to remain in the wild card race. But, if for no other reason, this game is worth watching just to see if Norv Turner gets fired at halftime.
Tampa at Philly (+7.5)- After all the dynasty talk last year, the Eagles have become one of the worst all-around teams in the NFL. Their offense is plagued by turnovers, a lack of firepower and somehow, a lack of weapons. The defense has reverted to its 2011 self and is giving up 25+ points to anyone who will take them. The Eagles will likely have trouble with the suprise offense of the year, Tampa Bay. The Bucs are still fighting for a playoff spot after a disappointing couple of weeks. This game is worth the watch to see if the young Bucs can stay alive in their fight to make the playoffs (my guess is yes).
Washington at Baltimore (+2.5)- This is possibly the most important game all week. After a 3-6 start RG III will look to lead the Redskins to a suprise playoff spot in his first season. Any game Griffin plays in is worth the watch but this one even more so. There's a possibility that Washington might be better than Baltimore right now. The Ravens seem to scrape by in any game they win and haven't looked impressive in over a month. They appear to be the least impressive 9-3 team in recent memory and apparently the gambling public is sure they're going to fall this week to Washington (line has moved 3 points in 3 days). This game will determine if the Skins will be able to stick in the playoff race for another week but it may mean something else as well. If the Redskins win in impressive enough fashion, it could turn the public against the Ravens. It's difficult to believe they're headed towards anything but a fifth straight playoff appearance ending before february.
New York Jets at Jacksonville (+2.5)- Just kidding.
New York Giants vs. New Orleans (+6)- After all the craziness that has surrounded the Saints organization, it appears their playoff/stick it to Goodell hopes are dead. Meanwhile, the Giants are doing their annual December swoon. This generally ends in one of two ways. They could sneak into the playoffs and win the Super Bowl like in 2007 and 2011. They could also totally collapse like they did in 2009 and 2010. Either way, a win here makes it difficult for any other team to win the East. A loss opens the floodgates for all the usual New York Media speculation.
Green Bay at Detroit- Pretty Simple here, Rodgers on Co. need to win here to retain control of the NFC North. Also Rodgers is a td away from becoming the first qb ever to throw 30 in four of his first five seasons.
New England at Houston (+3.5)- The game of the week! The two best teams in the league match up here in a possible preview of the AFC championship. The Texans have the upperhand in terms of record right now but no offense is humming along like the Pat's right now. A win by Houston basically clinches the first seed in the AFC and establishes them as the team to beat in the playoffs. Meanwhile, a win by New England likely makes the Pats the favorite in the AFC while giving them a shot at first-round bye. Clear your schedules Monday night folks, you could be in for a treat.
Stay Hungry My Friends
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