Week 16 wrap

Pleased to report that the WRAP is back! Week 16 tied up for your reading pleasure. 

Giants v. Jets (29-14)

This battle for New York was a lot closer than the score indicates. However, a few key mistakes by Mark Sanchez of the Jets killed them, putting the game completely out of range. These included a safety and an interception, as well as a fumble into the end zone – all of which were caplitzated on by the Giants. The Giants are fighting to keep their Coach in his job. This game showed that a team, even one which talks, needs to show up on game day to win, something the Giants know only too well from losses to the Seahawks and Redskins. And now Rex Ryan has thrown Sanchez under the bus. They say his players love him, but they won’t much longer if he keeps this up.

Chargers v. Lions (10-38)

Well, hello to you too, Detroit. You’ve finally clinched a playoff spot and are rocking into the last week of the regular season. This game was more about the Chargers than how Matt Stafford got snubbed for the Pro Bowl. The Chargers lost, throwing them out of the playoff race. Who are these Chargers? And will Norv Turner make it through the New Year? This team has consistently underperformed, but who is at fault for that? And now Drew Brees, Darren Sproles and Michael Turner (all former Chargers) have made a name for themselves ON OTHER TEAMS. Someone needs to right the ship here.

Broncos v. Bills (14-40)

Looks like Tim Tebow has been figured out by the AFC East. First the Patriots take them to town, then the Bills. I’d be worried about going into next week, Tebow fans, I mean Bronco fans. At the rate he’s turning the ball over, the Chiefs will have easy pickin’s this Sunday. Seriously, PICKS. Tebow needs to refocus and change his game – he’s now too predictable and the defense has fallen apart on him. Remember that Romeo Cranel comes from the same tree as Bellichik and that he’ll be watching the tape from the Bills and Patriots games. Sorry Tebow.

Dolphins v. Patriots (24-27)

If there had been anyone but Brady and the Hoodie on that sideline, the Dolphins would have won this game. Who are these Fins? They’ve really gotten it together in the second half of the season. Unfortunately, they couldn’t hold on to this game but the fact remains that they did play well. Considering they have nothing to play for, they’ve really put together a strong second half campaign. Yes, they will finish below .500. But good things have started to take hold in Miami.

Falcons v. Saints (16-45)

This game is notable for two reasons. The lesser one is that the Saints are NFC South champions. The bigger one is that Drew Brees finally broke Dan Marino’s single season passing record. I was heart broken when he didn’t achieve the feet in 2008, and honestly thought he’d never get another shot at it. But I am so glad he did, as is the whole city of New Orleans and his teammates. He’s a brilliant quarterback and a generally great guy. He is an example of the standard for NFL players. It has swung back from the loudmouths to the quiet, hardworking team players. And it’s a great change. 

Week 16 picks (Week 15 wrap?)

Wanted to write some snippy comments about the Packers losing and the Colts winning on the same week, but I guess that will have to wait! 

Browns (4-10) v. Ravens (10-4)

Pick: Ravens

Broncos (8-6) v. Bills (5-9)

Pick: Broncos

Cardinals (7-7) v. Bengals (8-6)

Pick: Bengals

Jaguars (4-10) v. Titans (7-7)

Pick: Jaguars

Raiders (7-7) v. Chiefs (6-8)

Pick: Chiefs

Dolphins (5-9) v. Patriots (11-3)

Pick: Patriots

Giants (7-7) v. Jets (8-6)

Pick: Giants

Rams (2-12) v. Steelers (10-4)

Pick: Rams (?)

Vikings (2-12) v. Redskins (5-9)

Pick: Vikings

Buccaneers (4-10) v. Panthers (5-9)

Pick: Panthers

Chargers (7-7) v. Lions (8-5)

Pick: Lions

Eagles (6-8) v. Cowboys (8-6)

Pick: Eagles

49ers (11-3) v. Seahawks (7-7)

Pick: 49ers

Bears (7-7) v. Packers (13-1)

Pick: Packers

Falcons (9-5) v. Saints (11-3)

Pick: Saints

Game Pick and Notice

So, here's my pick for tonight's game.
Texans (10-4) v. Colts (1-13)
Pick: Texans

They get it together after last week.

Also, there are 13 games on SATURDAY. Not Sunday. There's also a night game on Sunday (Christmas) and one on Monday.

Week 15 picks

Here are the week 15 picks! I'm sorry I didn't do a week 14 wrap -- I needed a bye week, so to speak. I had exams and such. But now I am fully rested for the playoffs! All you need to know about week 14 is two names -- TJ Yates and Tim Tebow. 

These are the picks for this week--I see Tebow magic overcome by the Hoodie and a few more teams fighting for their playoff spots. The clinching begins today. 

Bengals (7-6) v. Rams (2-11)

Pick: Bengals

Saints (10-3) v. Vikings (2-11)

Pick: Saints

Packers (13-0) v. Chiefs (5-8)

Pick: Packers

Seahawks (6-7) v. Bears (7-6)

Pick: Bears

Titans (7-6) v. Colts (0-13)

Pick: Titans

Redskins (4-9) v. Giants (7-6)

Pick: Giants

Panthers (4-9) v. Texans (10-3)

Pick: Texans

Dolphins (4-9) v. Bills (5-8)

Pick: Dolphins

Lions (8-5) v. Raiders (7-6)

Pick: Lions

Browns (4-9) v. Cardinals (6-7)

Pick: Cardinals

Jets (8-5) v. Eagles (5-8)

Pick: Eagles

Patriots (10-3) v. Broncos (8-5)

Pick: Patriots

Ravens (10-3) v. Chargers (6-7)

Pick: Ravens

Steelers (10-3) v. 49ers (10-3)

Pick: 49ers 

Week 14 Picks

He we GO!! It's the playoff push and the teams to watch are the 7-5 ones fighting to get in.

Falcons (7-5) v. Panthers (4-8)

Pick: Falcons

Vikings (2-10) v. Lions (7-5)

Pick: Lions

Raiders (7-5) v. Packers (12-0)

Pick: Packers

Buccaneers (4-8) v. Jaguars (3-9)

Pick: Buccs

Eagles (4-8) v. Dolphins (4-8)

Pick: Dolphins

Patriots (9-3) v. Redskins (4-8)

Pick: Patriots

Saints (9-3) v. Titans (7-5)

Pick: Saints

Colts (0-12) v. Ravens (9-3)

Pick: Ravens

Chiefs (5-7) v. Jets (7-5)

Pick: Jets

Texans (9-3) v. Bengals (7-5)

Pick: Texans

49ers (10-2) v. Cardinals (5-7)

Pick: 49ers

Bears (7-5) v. Broncos (7-5)

Pick: Broncos (? Bears?)

Bills (5-7) v. Chargers (5-7)

Pick: COME ON BILLS

Giants (6-6) v. Cowboys (7-5)

Pick: Giants

Rams (2-10) v. Seahawks (5-7)

Pick: Seahawks 

Week 13 Wrap

So, I have a story to tell you all. I wouldn't normally toot my own horn like this, but this was pretty epic. My uncle called me on Sunday morning and was asking me about the Redskins/Jets game. I don't beat, but sometimes will pick the spread for fun. He asked me what the spread would have to be for me to pick the Redskins. I told him I'd take them if the spread was sixteen points or more. (I don't know what the actual spread was, however.) I hope he took that bet, because it was dead on. The Redskins lost by 15. Which means they beat my spread. And I was one point off in predicting that game. Just saying. 

Chiefs v. Bears (10-3)

This was actually a moderately entertaining game. The reason I’m writing about it is the two quarterbacks playing in this one. Tyler Palko did just enough to win, which basically was throwing an incredible hail Mary pass right before half time. Teams laugh at that, but in this case it was the difference in the game. He may be headed for the bench once Kyle Orton gets his feet under him, but at least he gave them one moment of brilliance. On the other side, Caleb Hanie didn’t screw things up that badly. So he hasn’t been an instant winner, but Martz’s offense is known for being complex. Give him a few more games – he may yet save the Bears playoff hopes.

Raiders v. Dolphins (14-34)

These Miami Dolphins may save Tony Sparano’s job. MAY. But they have really turned things around. It’s a shame that they didn’t get it together before they lost the first seven. If they finish at five hundred, then I predict his job may be okay, just because of positive momentum. However, regardless of the beat-downs they seem to deliever every week (now), I still think Sparano is one of the top coaches on the hot seat. We’ve already seen one go—so I wouldn’t be surprised if Sparano goes. It would be almost a tragedy, because he has gotten things together. Go strong, Miami, play for your coach.

Falcons v. Texans (10-17)

Who is T.J Yates? Well, he doesn’t seem to be a bad quarterback. Gary Kubiak has a reputation for having his back-ups ready and this season has shown it. But by having both Yates and Leinart ready to go when he lost his starter, and a pro-bowler at that, he has shown why he has remained the Texans’ head coach when many wanted to fire him. They’re poised to make the playoffs for the first time in team history. They might not get very far, but winning the division is just the first step. Manning won’t be around forever, so this might be a sign of things to come.

Packers v. Giants (38-35)

For a moment, I was thinking that the Giants could do it again. Twice in five years would have been quite an accomplishment. But they fell just short. It’s a shame they’re fighting for a playoff spot because they’ve had one of the toughest schedules of the NFC, if not the whole league. If the season ended today, they would be out and Detroit would be in. But they have a chance to win the division, being one game behind the Cowboys. The PACK is BACK. However, they don’t look as unbeatable as I thought they should. But I’ve been talking about them going undefeated (at least in the regular season) for a while now. However, I think going undefeated in the regular season, while awesome, is not a Super Bowl ring

Colts v. Patriots (24-31)

It’s a shame that what was once one of the best rivalries in the game was moved out of the top spot due to lack of interest. But let’s face it, without Manning, this isn’t much of a game. The Colts gave it a shot, like they have all season, but fell just short. It almost breaks my heart that the Colts are thrown out of primetime without Manning. Give them a chance. They’re playing well, but not producing. I think that Jim Caldwell is on the hot seat now. If they go 0-16, then there’s no way the management can justify not cleaning house. There’s so much more wrong with this team than just the loss of Manning. Two seasons removed from what was going to be an undefeated season, they can’t win a game. What does that say about the head coach? About everyone in that organization? Watch for some major changes here. 

Week 13 Picks

It's sad to think that what was once one of the most desirable match-ups in the league (Colts/Patriots) has now become a throw away game that no one will watch. That's all. 

Ravens (8-3) v. Browns (4-7)

Pick: Ravens

Bengals (7-4) v. Steelers (8-3)

Pick: Steelers

Panthers (3-8) v. Buccaneers (4-7)

Pick: Panthers

Chiefs (4-7) v. Bears (7-4)

Pick: Bears

Jets (6-5) v. Redskins (4-7)

Pick: Jets

Falcons (7-4) v. Texans (8-3)

Pick: Falcons

Raiders (7-4) v. Dolphins (3-8)

Pick: Dolphins

Lions (7-4) v. Saints (8-3)

Pick: Saints

Titans (6-5) v. Bills (5-6)

Pick: Bills

Broncos (6-5) v. Vikings (2-9)

Pick: Broncos

Rams (2-9) v. 49ers (9-2)

Pick: 49ers

 Cowboys (7-4) v. Cardinals (4-7)

Pick: Cowboys

Packers (11-0) v. Giants (6-5)

Pick: Packers (? Because the Giants have been here before…)

Colts (0-11) v. Patriots (8-3)

Pick: Patriots

Chargers (4-7) v. Jaguars (3-8)

Pick: Chargers (because it’s December) 

Week 12 Wrap

Here's the week 12 wrap! I was at the Ravens game, which was just as epic as advertised. I loved every second of it. What a great game to pick to go to. Oh, and they won. Speaking of winning, Tebow Time seems win everything. 'all he does is win... all he does is win' -- wasn't that a song somewhere? Tebow's theme song, as a matter of fact. Bills' fans, don't despair. Steelers' fans, panic? 

49ers v. Ravens (6-16)

The Baltimore Ravens have developed this incredible tendency of performing to the level of their competition. 3-3 against teams at .500 or below and 5-0 against teams with winning records. This baffles me. But they show in the big games. The 49ers are a good team. Except for the Packers, they would have the best record in the NFC. This game was about more than brother v. brother, though that was an important historical moment for the NFL and the Harbaughs. But it was about two good teams battling out on Thanksgiving Day. And the Ravens came out on top. Even without Ray Lewis.

Bills v. Jets (24-28)

The Bills may have fallen a little bit. But I have a feeling they are on the rise. This was a good game between the Bills and the Jets. The Bills played very well and fought until the end, losing on a last minute drive by the Jets. Their playoff hopes are on the fritz now, but if they win out they still have a shot. Don’t write them off yet—this game showed that when they play well, they can go with the best of them. The Jets have a mixed bag here. They should be proud of Sanchez, but worried about this defense. This is not really a Rex Ryan defense. Too many points given up, too many running yards given up. It’s is not fixed yet.

Broncos v. Chargers (16-13)

This game was almost a tie. Almost. Thirty seconds away from being one, one might say. However, besides the Chargers’ slide, we must once again talk about Tim Tebow. The Broncos at 5-1 with him leading the charge. Clearly all this kid does is win. I still have a feeling that it might be short lived. He still can’t throw as well as he should be able to and is still more of a single wing tail back than a true quarterback. But John Fox is known for developing young quarterbacks. We’ll see if he can be the one who fixes Tebow. Elway’s not sold yet, so no one else should be either. Someone please put the Chargers out of their misery. I wouldn’t be surprised if Norv Turner bit the dust at the end of this season, or before.

Panthers v. Colts (27-19)

This game was within the Colts’ reach, but once again they dropped the ball. Benching Painter will not solve this. These problems run so much deeper than a lack of quarterback. The defense is terrible, the pass rush in nonexistent and the whole thing has just gone completely to hell without Peyton. Yet I still hear trade rumors about Peyton Manning. That will never happen. They would have to be stupid. They need to draft Luck, and let him sit behind Peyton for a year or two or as many as it takes before he retired. They have a unique situation here, and they should take advantage of it to ensure that the Colts never seen another season like this.

Steelers v. Chiefs (13-9)

If the Chiefs hadn’t kicked field goals, but rather gotten touchdowns, they would have won this game. But their quarterback (what was his name again?) threw three interceptions and doomed them. But perhaps Chiefs fans can take solace from this. After all, with a real quarterback like Kyle Orton at the helm, there might be hope for this team. Steelers’ fans should be a little concerned. Where are the points this offense is capable of generating? They should have blown out the Chiefs, rather than taking the game down the wire. And if they lose Troy out of this, then they’re really in trouble. After all they have to keep up with those pesky Ravens, who own the tie break.