So we can finally stop believing in Tennessee now right? They're done. Finito. Caput. Let's move on to some other interesting topics of this week in football.
The NFC playoff picture is much easier to sort out than the AFC. Dallas and Green Bay currently are in the Wild Card spots, but the Giants aren't far behind. It looks like if they finish tied with either of the teams ahead of them they should make the playoffs (if I did my tiebreaking procedures correctly). The AFC race is still up for grabs. Currently the Broncos and Ravens hold the Wild Card spots at 8-6, but even with the Titans' loss last night, there are still five 7-7 teams that are fighting for those spots. In the next two weeks a good portion of these teams will go head to head. These are the most intriguing games of the next few weeks. OK...to the picks.
Buffalo Bills vs. Atlanta Falcons (-9.0)
Both teams are out of the playoff hunt, but still have some questions to answer. There is an interim coach in Buffalo who might want to be promoted to head coach next year (which is NOT a good career move), and what will happen with Terrel Owens next season? In Atlanta, are they going to keep on playing Mat Ryan and Michael Turner? Or will they rest them for next season? I feel like Atlanta is going to play for next season, while Buffalo has a few things to prove still. I'll go with the Bills.
Confidence Points: 12
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals (-13.5)
With San Diego's win last night, the Bengals will be hosting a Wild Card game in the first week of the playoffs. They're currently tied with the Patriots for the #3 seed, but I don't see much of a difference between the #3 and #4 seed this year, especially since the two Wild Card teams are going to be around the same caliber. Thus I can't see the Bengals needing this win. The Chiefs don't need it either, but I think they still have something to prove, especially with Matt Cassel. The points are too high for me, so I'm going with the underdog Chiefs.
Confidence Points: 5
Oakland Raiders vs. Cleveland Browns (-3.5)
This is a battle between two bad teams that have both beaten the Superbowl Champion Steelers. I think these teams are starting to click better at this point in the season, but it's certainly too little too late. I really have no idea if this is going to be a shootout or a snoozefest, but either way I'll take the Raiders...I think they're the best of the worst.
Confidence Points: 13
Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers (-14.0)
Seattle laid an egg at home last weekend to a Tampa Bay team that came in with one win. Coincidentally, the Bucs' two wins have come against both of these teams. The Packers' heartbreaking loss to the the Steelers last week has made their playoff hopes a little more uneasy. Still, if they win out they're in, but it's not as much of a lock as it was the past few weeks. That being said, the Packers are going to come out swinging. Even with such a large spread, Green Bay has to make a statement and I think the Packers are going to win big.
Confidence Points: 11
Houston Texans vs. Miami Dolphins (-3.0)
The Dolphins lost a tough game last week in Tennessee, after they had a great fourth quarter comeback. But due to a lot of other losses, they're one of those 7-7 teams in the AFC Wild Card hunt. Actually, both of these teams are. The Texans eked out a win in St. Louis last week, but this one is going to be a bigger test. I like the home team here. The Texans have gotten close before and never figure out how to get into the playoffs. I think that trend will continue and Miami stays alive.
Confidence Points: 10
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New England Patriots (-8.0)
Will this be the end of the line for the Jags? Due to it being an away game, the one hundred or so Jaguar fans will be able to see this game. Jacksonville did play well against the Colts last week, but just couldn't get it done. The Patriots on the other hand got their first American road win in Buffalo last week, which is important since they're going to have to go on the road in the playoffs. I like New England to win the game, but I don't like the eight point spread. I think the Pats will win by a touchdown, so I'm going with Jacksonville.
Confidence Points: 1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints (-14.0)
Too bad for the Bucs that the Saints lost last week. Because then I would have liked them for a trap game. Not anymore though. The Saints are going to put on an old fashion whoopin'. They need to make a statement and there aren't many better teams to do that to besides Tampa. Big win for New Orleans here.
Confidence Points: 15
Carolina Panthers vs. New York Giants (-7.0)
Big game for the Giants here. They basically have to win out in order to have a chance to make the playoffs. (They could lose one and have the Cowboys, and maybe the Packers, lose out and still make it.) This will be their last home game in Giants Stadium, and I think that will make a difference. I like the crowd to get on the Pathers' relatively new QB Matt Moore, and with DeAngelo Williams (doubtful) and Jonathan Stewart (questionable) injured for this game, I don't see the Panthers winning via the passing attack. Will the Giants cover? Eh, I never know, but I like their chances in this game. Go Giants!
Confidence Points: 9
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5)
A must win for Pittsburgh here. I believe that the winner will get into the playoffs. The Steelers have a knack for staying in it, e.g. game winning TD catches last week against the Packers and in the Superbowl against the Cardinals. But I don't like them against this Ravens' team. These teams know each other too well. And Pittsburgh is not immune to losing at home. This is a tough call, but I think the Ravens have what it takes.
Confidence Points: 2
St. Louis Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals (-14.0)
The Cardinals almost lost to the Lions last week and the Rams almost beat the Texans last week. Every time I pick the Rams to cover (usually not to win) they get blown out, and when I pick against them on large spreads like this they make it close. So I'm going to pick the Rams again. So everyone else should pick the Cardinals. Do it. And then watch as the Rams cover.
Confidence Points: 4
Detroit Lions vs. San Fransisco 49ers (-12.5)
I'm really not sure with this one. The 49ers struggled in Philly with the Eagles last week, but so to most people. After benching Donte Culpepper, the Lions came roaring back (boo) against the Cardinals. It's a lot of points for the 49ers. I'll take the Lions and the points.
Confidence Points: 8
New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts (-5.5)
Well the Colts have it all sewn up and don't have to play for anything anymore. They don't have a meaningful game for three weeks. But they are 14-0. All of the previous Colts teams that have packed it in during the end of the regular season (and then usually lose in the playoffs) weren't undefeated. I don't see them giving away a loss. If it's close, they're going to try to win. I can't see the Jets flying out of the gate and blowing the Colts away, so I think Peyton is going to play the whole game (unless the Colts are routing) and say that Indy makes it 15-0.
Confidence Points: 7
Denver Broncos vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-7.0)
A win would almost give the Eagles the NFC East. With the Vikings' loss last week, Philly could potentially get the #2 seed and a first round Bye. Both teams have a lot to play for, as the Broncos are one of the two current Wild Card holders in the AFC. Brian Westbrook is supposed to be back for the Eagles this week, and I actually think that may hurt the Eagles since they're been playing so well without him. The Eagles don't usually lose in December, so I'm picking Philly, but I wouldn't be too surprised if the Broncos steal one here.
Confidence Points: 6
Dallas Cowboys (-6.5) vs. Washington Redskins
It's strange that the Sunday night game is the first game on the list where the home team isn't favored. Dallas obviously came off their biggest win last week in beating the Saints and the Redskins laid an egg hosting the Giants last week. Nothing would give the Redskins more pleasure than beating the hated Cowboys and severely hurting their playoff chances. I think getting embarrassed at home will rile up the Redskins, and I also think that Dallas may come into this game still riding the high of beating the Saints. That to me equals trouble for Dallas, and I like Washington here.
Confidence Points: 3
Minnesota Vikings (-7.0) vs. Chicago Bears
Last week was another poor performance by Favre and the Vikings last week. Favre almost got yanked in the 3rd quarter, up 7-6, since he was taking such a beating from the Panthers' defenders. This is Chicago's Superbowl, but they just don't have the players to compete. Jake Cutler needs reliable receivers and also needs to not be like the old Brett Favre. I like the Vikings to bounce back and try to solidify that #2 seed.
Confidence Points: 14
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