Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Broncos Choke One Up To The Raiders, Lose 15-12
Sunday's loss by the Broncos was one of the worst losses in recent memory. I don't even think that this game would relate to a game in the Josh McDaniels-Kyle Orton era. This feels like a end of the career Mike Shanahan/Jay Cutler 2007/2008 loss. The Broncos were up 12-0 after the first half on the heels of four field goals, and the Denver defense held the Raiders to -14 total yards in the first half. The Raiders, with the help of the bumbling Broncos, came back in the second half and took a 15-12 lead early in the 4th quarter. More Denver miscues helped the Raiders finish them off, and the Broncos went quietly into the night in a stunning home loss that drops them to 10-3. The worst part of the game is that the Raiders didn't even earn this victory. The Broncos completely gagged it up, and it was about as ugly as you can imagine. This was definitely the most frustrating game in a long, long time for Broncos fans. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game...
1) The Broncos and Brock Osweiler started really well. They put together four really nice drives in the first half, and each drive Denver moved the ball inside the Raiders 25 yard line, but they only came away with field goals and a 12-0 lead instead of something like 24-0 or 20-0. You just know that if you settle for field goals, then it will come back to bite you at some point and naturally, that is what happened. The play calling was suspect at the end of each of those drives, but execution was lacking as well. Osweiler missed a wide open Virgil Green in the end zone that would have made it 16-0 before the half. Also, a key drop by Demaryius Thomas took another touchdown off the board. Just bad football all around.
2) You can't fault the defense in this game. They did their job once again. The Raiders has 126 yards of TOTAL OFFENSE FOR THE ENTIRE GAME!!!!! Think about that for a second. And the Raiders somehow won this fucking game!!! They were 3-15 on third down and they punted 10 times. The Broncos defense was sensational, and they only made two errors. Bradley Roby got beat for a touchdown for Oakland's first touchdown early in the third quarter, and the lack of depth in the secondary due to injuries hurt them on Oakland's game-winning score early in the fourth quarter. When you have Shiloh Keo playing meaningful snaps at safety because of injuries in the secondary, then you know you have problems. Other than that, the Broncos defense should be steaming because they played lights out. Just sad
3) Here is a list of the Broncos mistakes that they made in the second half alone: Demaryius Thomas fumbled after gaining a first down early in the second half. The Broncos defense held but it turned field position, backed the Broncos up, and it led to a safety after Khalil Mack sacked Osweiler in the end zone to make it 12-9 Denver. Next, the Broncos muffed a punt by Emmanuel Sanders early in the 4th quarter at the Broncos 10 that lead to the Raiders game-winning touchdown from Derek Carr to Michael Rivera to make it 15-12. Jack Del Rio went for two because they said his long snapper was hurt, but let's not buy too much into that for big old Jack. Then, the Broncos missed a field goal by Brandon McManus that would have tied the game midway through the fourth. Then, Thomas dropped a wide open pass on a 3rd down that would have kept a drive alive late it the fourth quarter. Finally, in what was the most awful of all of the mistakes, the Vernon Davis dropped a wide open pass on a 4th down with over four minutes to go in the game at the Raider 40 yard line with nothing but open field ahead of him. You can't get any worse than that in a second half performance. It was like watching a JV game. The Broncos simply gave it away. Incredible how awful this was to witness.
4) Brock Osweiler finished with his first 300 yard game of his career and he started the game 22-25, but I thought he really struggled in the second half. The problem with Osweiler is that he is holding onto the ball too long, and he is taking too many sacks as a result. This is expected of a rookie QB, but look at the numbers: This team hasn't scored an offensive touchdown since the first drive of the game at San Diego. That is almost eight full quarters without a touchdown. In Osweiler's four starts, his offense has score 17,17, and 12 in three of those games. That is just not good enough. I think Osweiler has some ability and can play pretty well, but in my opinion if/when Peyton Manning is healthy, then he should be the starter. The bottom line is that this offense has been really poor all year long. Their offensive line is weak, their running game is weak, and they drop so many balls and make so many mistakes. It is just a very below average offensive team.
5) Speaking of the offensive line, they couldn't get holes open for the Broncos running game, and they watched as Khalil Mack just destroyed them on the way to five sacks for him. It was a dominating performance, but the Broncos should have done a better job at containing him. Bad coaching and bad execution in that regard.
6) The Broncos fall to 10-3 and before we pour dirt on their season and push the apocalyptic button, let's take a step back and look at the big picture. This week they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the red-hot 8-5 Steelers. This will be a very tough spot for the Broncos and Osweiler will have to go on the road again and get a big win. If the Broncos win this week, they are big underdogs for the first time in four years, then they are in good shape. If they lose, there still is hope because they will host the Bengals, who will be without the injured Andy Dalton, in Week 16 on MNF, and then they host the 3-10 Chargers in Week 17. At 12-4, they would get a bye and the 2 seed. This week will be tough, but if they lose they can still rebound and get into the playoffs, win the division, and get a bye. Plus, Peyton Manning started practicing on a limited basis this week and you know his return could be on the horizon.
1) The Broncos and Brock Osweiler started really well. They put together four really nice drives in the first half, and each drive Denver moved the ball inside the Raiders 25 yard line, but they only came away with field goals and a 12-0 lead instead of something like 24-0 or 20-0. You just know that if you settle for field goals, then it will come back to bite you at some point and naturally, that is what happened. The play calling was suspect at the end of each of those drives, but execution was lacking as well. Osweiler missed a wide open Virgil Green in the end zone that would have made it 16-0 before the half. Also, a key drop by Demaryius Thomas took another touchdown off the board. Just bad football all around.
2) You can't fault the defense in this game. They did their job once again. The Raiders has 126 yards of TOTAL OFFENSE FOR THE ENTIRE GAME!!!!! Think about that for a second. And the Raiders somehow won this fucking game!!! They were 3-15 on third down and they punted 10 times. The Broncos defense was sensational, and they only made two errors. Bradley Roby got beat for a touchdown for Oakland's first touchdown early in the third quarter, and the lack of depth in the secondary due to injuries hurt them on Oakland's game-winning score early in the fourth quarter. When you have Shiloh Keo playing meaningful snaps at safety because of injuries in the secondary, then you know you have problems. Other than that, the Broncos defense should be steaming because they played lights out. Just sad
3) Here is a list of the Broncos mistakes that they made in the second half alone: Demaryius Thomas fumbled after gaining a first down early in the second half. The Broncos defense held but it turned field position, backed the Broncos up, and it led to a safety after Khalil Mack sacked Osweiler in the end zone to make it 12-9 Denver. Next, the Broncos muffed a punt by Emmanuel Sanders early in the 4th quarter at the Broncos 10 that lead to the Raiders game-winning touchdown from Derek Carr to Michael Rivera to make it 15-12. Jack Del Rio went for two because they said his long snapper was hurt, but let's not buy too much into that for big old Jack. Then, the Broncos missed a field goal by Brandon McManus that would have tied the game midway through the fourth. Then, Thomas dropped a wide open pass on a 3rd down that would have kept a drive alive late it the fourth quarter. Finally, in what was the most awful of all of the mistakes, the Vernon Davis dropped a wide open pass on a 4th down with over four minutes to go in the game at the Raider 40 yard line with nothing but open field ahead of him. You can't get any worse than that in a second half performance. It was like watching a JV game. The Broncos simply gave it away. Incredible how awful this was to witness.
4) Brock Osweiler finished with his first 300 yard game of his career and he started the game 22-25, but I thought he really struggled in the second half. The problem with Osweiler is that he is holding onto the ball too long, and he is taking too many sacks as a result. This is expected of a rookie QB, but look at the numbers: This team hasn't scored an offensive touchdown since the first drive of the game at San Diego. That is almost eight full quarters without a touchdown. In Osweiler's four starts, his offense has score 17,17, and 12 in three of those games. That is just not good enough. I think Osweiler has some ability and can play pretty well, but in my opinion if/when Peyton Manning is healthy, then he should be the starter. The bottom line is that this offense has been really poor all year long. Their offensive line is weak, their running game is weak, and they drop so many balls and make so many mistakes. It is just a very below average offensive team.
5) Speaking of the offensive line, they couldn't get holes open for the Broncos running game, and they watched as Khalil Mack just destroyed them on the way to five sacks for him. It was a dominating performance, but the Broncos should have done a better job at containing him. Bad coaching and bad execution in that regard.
6) The Broncos fall to 10-3 and before we pour dirt on their season and push the apocalyptic button, let's take a step back and look at the big picture. This week they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the red-hot 8-5 Steelers. This will be a very tough spot for the Broncos and Osweiler will have to go on the road again and get a big win. If the Broncos win this week, they are big underdogs for the first time in four years, then they are in good shape. If they lose, there still is hope because they will host the Bengals, who will be without the injured Andy Dalton, in Week 16 on MNF, and then they host the 3-10 Chargers in Week 17. At 12-4, they would get a bye and the 2 seed. This week will be tough, but if they lose they can still rebound and get into the playoffs, win the division, and get a bye. Plus, Peyton Manning started practicing on a limited basis this week and you know his return could be on the horizon.
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Broncos-Raiders Preview and Week 14 Picks!
The Broncos host the Raiders on Sunday and with a 10-2, they are still in play for a bye week and possibly homefield advantage. A win over this week in imperative because the next two weeks feature a trip to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers and a home game on a Monday night against the Bengals. So why is this game a tricky one for the Broncos? For starters, the Broncos are down a bunch of starters and key players. On offense, C.J. Anderson is questionable to play with an ankle injury, and Vernon Davis is questionable with a concussion. Obviously, Peyton Manning is out, but Ronnie Hillman was limited all week with a sore foot. Defensively, the Broncos are really depleted and banged up. LB Danny Trevathan is out with a concussion, T.J. Ward is still out with an ankle injury, and David Bruton, his replacement, is out with a knee injury. Demarcus Ware is a game-time decision, and if he plays it will be very limited. Sylvester Williams is questionable as well. The Broncos are beat up physically, and now they host a Raiders team that is 5-7 but playing better than they have played over the last few years. The Broncos have to get enough for it knowing that they have Pittsburgh next week and Cincy in two weeks. The only way this game is a blowout for the Broncos is if Brock Osweiler has a career day, and the defense gets a couple of defensive touchdowns. Otherwise, this game will be close throughout because that is how the Broncos play this year. I think this one will come down to the wire.
Oakland (+7) over DENVER:
Final Score: Raiders-24 Broncos-17
Last Week's Record: 10-4-2
Overall Record: 90-95-10
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
CINCY (-3) over Pittsburgh: The Bengals are the best team in the AFC at this point, and now they get the Steelers coming to town in a huge game in mid December. This is a statement game for the Bengals, and the last time these two teams played it was a close game decided by a few Big Ben interceptions. This game is at home and I think the Bengals will come out fired up, and they will stake their claim as the team to beat with an emotional win over Pittsburgh.
Buffalo (-1) over PHILLY: Can you trust the 5-7 Eagles? Somehow they are tied for first in the NFC East. The Bills come to Philly at 6-6 and in the thick of the AFC Wild Card race. The media is billing this game as Chip Kelly vs. LeSean McCoy. This game is more important than that. I just think the Bills are the better team and find a way to win a tough game on the road.
Atlanta (+8) over CAROLINA: I'm going on a hunch here because I do believe that Carolina is for real, but at 12-0 the pressure will mount to see if they can go undefeated. I just have a feeling that he free-falling Falcons will keep this game close.
San Francisco (+2) over CLEVELAND: Johnny Manziel is back starting for the Browns, but at this point they just need to lose every game and get the #1 pick in the draft next spring. I'll take the Niners as a road dog.
Washington (+3) over CHICAGO: The Skins are also tied for first place in the NFC East, but they are awful on the road. The Bears are on playoff life support and they are terrible at home. Something has to give. I'll take the Skins to break their road stigma.
Detroit (PICK) over ST. LOUIS: The Rams are a disaster and Jeff Fisher may be on his way out and the franchise might be moving back to Los Angeles. The Lions have played better the last month, despite their gut-wrenching loss to the Packers last Thursday night.
San Diego (+10) over KANSAS CITY: The Chiefs have to trip up at some point? Are they really going to win 10 in a row after a 1-5 start? It looks that way, but they are due for a trip up at some point.
TAMPA BAY (-3) over New Orleans: The Bucs are 6-6 and they are in the thick of the Wild Card chase in the NFC playoff picture. They will get the job done at home over the imploding Saints.
Indy (+2) over JACKSONVILLE: I just trust Matt Hasselback at this point to find a way to win this game on the road. Jacksonville will play well, but look for a Colts win in an ugly type of game.
NY JETS (-7) over Tennessee: At 7-5, the Jets are in the AFC Playoffs at this point, and they get an easy home game against the 3-9 Titans. Look for Todd Bowles and his defense to give Marcus Mariota fits in this one.
GREEN BAY (-7) over Dallas: Dallas' dream of winning the NFC East will be extinguished this week in Lambeau. The Packers should roll in this one and use their momentum from their crazy win over the Lions, and they will take care of business this week.
Seattle (-8) over BALTIMORE: Seattle looks like they are about to get on a roll into the playoffs, and this one shouldn't provide too much of an obstacle over an injury riddled Ravens team.
New England (-3) over HOUSTON: SNF features the banged up Pats, losers of two in a row, traveling to Houston to take on the 6-6 Texans. Tough game to call, but are the Pats really going to lose three in a row? I didn't think so.
New York Giants (-1) over MIAMI: The Giants are 5-7 and they could easily be 9-3 and ready to clinch the NFC East. Instead they are in a dogfight to try and win the division. I think they will right the ship here and take care of the Dolphins on Monday Night Football and get to 6-7.
Oakland (+7) over DENVER:
Final Score: Raiders-24 Broncos-17
Last Week's Record: 10-4-2
Overall Record: 90-95-10
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
CINCY (-3) over Pittsburgh: The Bengals are the best team in the AFC at this point, and now they get the Steelers coming to town in a huge game in mid December. This is a statement game for the Bengals, and the last time these two teams played it was a close game decided by a few Big Ben interceptions. This game is at home and I think the Bengals will come out fired up, and they will stake their claim as the team to beat with an emotional win over Pittsburgh.
Buffalo (-1) over PHILLY: Can you trust the 5-7 Eagles? Somehow they are tied for first in the NFC East. The Bills come to Philly at 6-6 and in the thick of the AFC Wild Card race. The media is billing this game as Chip Kelly vs. LeSean McCoy. This game is more important than that. I just think the Bills are the better team and find a way to win a tough game on the road.
Atlanta (+8) over CAROLINA: I'm going on a hunch here because I do believe that Carolina is for real, but at 12-0 the pressure will mount to see if they can go undefeated. I just have a feeling that he free-falling Falcons will keep this game close.
San Francisco (+2) over CLEVELAND: Johnny Manziel is back starting for the Browns, but at this point they just need to lose every game and get the #1 pick in the draft next spring. I'll take the Niners as a road dog.
Washington (+3) over CHICAGO: The Skins are also tied for first place in the NFC East, but they are awful on the road. The Bears are on playoff life support and they are terrible at home. Something has to give. I'll take the Skins to break their road stigma.
Detroit (PICK) over ST. LOUIS: The Rams are a disaster and Jeff Fisher may be on his way out and the franchise might be moving back to Los Angeles. The Lions have played better the last month, despite their gut-wrenching loss to the Packers last Thursday night.
San Diego (+10) over KANSAS CITY: The Chiefs have to trip up at some point? Are they really going to win 10 in a row after a 1-5 start? It looks that way, but they are due for a trip up at some point.
TAMPA BAY (-3) over New Orleans: The Bucs are 6-6 and they are in the thick of the Wild Card chase in the NFC playoff picture. They will get the job done at home over the imploding Saints.
Indy (+2) over JACKSONVILLE: I just trust Matt Hasselback at this point to find a way to win this game on the road. Jacksonville will play well, but look for a Colts win in an ugly type of game.
NY JETS (-7) over Tennessee: At 7-5, the Jets are in the AFC Playoffs at this point, and they get an easy home game against the 3-9 Titans. Look for Todd Bowles and his defense to give Marcus Mariota fits in this one.
GREEN BAY (-7) over Dallas: Dallas' dream of winning the NFC East will be extinguished this week in Lambeau. The Packers should roll in this one and use their momentum from their crazy win over the Lions, and they will take care of business this week.
Seattle (-8) over BALTIMORE: Seattle looks like they are about to get on a roll into the playoffs, and this one shouldn't provide too much of an obstacle over an injury riddled Ravens team.
New England (-3) over HOUSTON: SNF features the banged up Pats, losers of two in a row, traveling to Houston to take on the 6-6 Texans. Tough game to call, but are the Pats really going to lose three in a row? I didn't think so.
New York Giants (-1) over MIAMI: The Giants are 5-7 and they could easily be 9-3 and ready to clinch the NFC East. Instead they are in a dogfight to try and win the division. I think they will right the ship here and take care of the Dolphins on Monday Night Football and get to 6-7.
Week 14 TNF Pick
ARIZONA (-7) OVER Minnesota: A short week for the Vikings who come to Arizona after getting pounded at home by the Seahawks. The Cardinals are 10-2 and looking to secure a first round bye, and they have been a very good home team. The Vikings are all beat up as well coming into the game, and it just looks like Arizona will be able to handle this one on Thursday night.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Broncos Bust Up Chargers, Improve to 10-2
The Broncos dominated the Chargers in San Diego on Sunday in route to a 17-3 win and advancing their record to 10-2. The Broncos jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and that would be all that they needed as their defense demolished, harassed, and dominated the rest of the game to cruise to a 17-3 lead. There were bumps in the second half and missed opportunities by the offense to extend the lead, but the defense took care of it and the game was never in doubt. It was a another big win for the Broncos as they are now tied with New England and Cincy for the best record in the AFC.
Here are my thoughts and observations on the game.....
1) Great first drive capped off by a Brock Osweiler to Demaryius Thomas touchdown to make it 7-0. Great drive and great way to start the game. The drive featured some good play-action and runs by C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman.
2) This game was about Denver's defense. What a dominating performance. Von Miller and Malik Jackson dominated up front. Miller had his best game of the year. Jackson was basically in the backfield all game long. I also like the way Derek Wolfe played and Shane Ray even stepped up his game in the second half. The pass rush continues to pressure and disrupt opposing offenses into submission.
3) Darian Stewart was a beast on Sunday. He blew up Antonio Gates on the sideline on the first drive, and he crushed another Chargers receiver to end the Chargers first drive of the game. He was so physical it was scary at one point. The whole defense in general was physical. They flat out beat up the Chargers
4) The defense forced Phillip Rivers to throw a pick-six to Danny Trevathan in the 1st quarter to make it 14-0. They forced the fumbles by Melvin Gordon and Malcolm Floyd in the second half. Bradley Roby crushed Floyd over the middle with a solid, textbook tackle to jar the ball loose and force a big turnover in the third quarter.
5) It was like giving a dominating starting pitcher a 1-0 lead in the first inning and then not worrying about it the rest of the way. Once Denver got up 7-0 and 14-0, their defense took over and the Broncos just had to avoid screwing it up. You just had a feeling that there was no way that the Chargers were going to comeback in this game.
6) Osweiler made some really nice throws but mainly stayed in the confines of the offense and that is all that he needed to do in this game. He had a bad pick in the endzone in third quarter, and the offense had some miscues that they should have capitalized on, but they really didn't need to do anything else but not turn the ball over and that is what they did. They played complimentary football with a defense that was absolutely dominant. Brandon McManus missed a field goal, and Osweiler's pick in the end zone took points off the board because this game felt like a 23-3 or a 27-3 game instead of a 17-23 final. Brock's numbers were pedestrian (16-26 166 yards 1 TD and 1 INT) but he didn't make too many mistakes, didn't take too many chances, and played within the offense. The running game was effective enough to keep drives alive and take time off the clock.
7) If nobody has noticed, this Broncos defense has pretty dominant all year long, but this might have been their best game of the year. Phillip Rivers has been putting up big numbers all year long, and the defense held him to just 202 yards. The defense got a pick-six, two forced fumbles, and four sacks (2 by Von Miller).
8) Phillip Rivers was a nemesis for the Broncos for most of his early career, but Denver has dominated him since 2012. He just doesn't scare them anymore, and every time they play it seems like Denver's defense just buries him down after down like they did in this game.
9) The Broncos continued their road dominance of the AFC West. They extended their NFL record with their 15th straight divisional road win on Sunday. They haven't lost an AFC West road game since December of 2011 when Josh McDaniels was the head coach and Kyle Orton was the QB in a loss at Kansas City. That is a pretty remarkable streak that has spanned Tim Tebow, Peyton Manning, and now Brock Osweiler.
Here are my thoughts and observations on the game.....
1) Great first drive capped off by a Brock Osweiler to Demaryius Thomas touchdown to make it 7-0. Great drive and great way to start the game. The drive featured some good play-action and runs by C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman.
2) This game was about Denver's defense. What a dominating performance. Von Miller and Malik Jackson dominated up front. Miller had his best game of the year. Jackson was basically in the backfield all game long. I also like the way Derek Wolfe played and Shane Ray even stepped up his game in the second half. The pass rush continues to pressure and disrupt opposing offenses into submission.
3) Darian Stewart was a beast on Sunday. He blew up Antonio Gates on the sideline on the first drive, and he crushed another Chargers receiver to end the Chargers first drive of the game. He was so physical it was scary at one point. The whole defense in general was physical. They flat out beat up the Chargers
4) The defense forced Phillip Rivers to throw a pick-six to Danny Trevathan in the 1st quarter to make it 14-0. They forced the fumbles by Melvin Gordon and Malcolm Floyd in the second half. Bradley Roby crushed Floyd over the middle with a solid, textbook tackle to jar the ball loose and force a big turnover in the third quarter.
5) It was like giving a dominating starting pitcher a 1-0 lead in the first inning and then not worrying about it the rest of the way. Once Denver got up 7-0 and 14-0, their defense took over and the Broncos just had to avoid screwing it up. You just had a feeling that there was no way that the Chargers were going to comeback in this game.
6) Osweiler made some really nice throws but mainly stayed in the confines of the offense and that is all that he needed to do in this game. He had a bad pick in the endzone in third quarter, and the offense had some miscues that they should have capitalized on, but they really didn't need to do anything else but not turn the ball over and that is what they did. They played complimentary football with a defense that was absolutely dominant. Brandon McManus missed a field goal, and Osweiler's pick in the end zone took points off the board because this game felt like a 23-3 or a 27-3 game instead of a 17-23 final. Brock's numbers were pedestrian (16-26 166 yards 1 TD and 1 INT) but he didn't make too many mistakes, didn't take too many chances, and played within the offense. The running game was effective enough to keep drives alive and take time off the clock.
7) If nobody has noticed, this Broncos defense has pretty dominant all year long, but this might have been their best game of the year. Phillip Rivers has been putting up big numbers all year long, and the defense held him to just 202 yards. The defense got a pick-six, two forced fumbles, and four sacks (2 by Von Miller).
8) Phillip Rivers was a nemesis for the Broncos for most of his early career, but Denver has dominated him since 2012. He just doesn't scare them anymore, and every time they play it seems like Denver's defense just buries him down after down like they did in this game.
9) The Broncos continued their road dominance of the AFC West. They extended their NFL record with their 15th straight divisional road win on Sunday. They haven't lost an AFC West road game since December of 2011 when Josh McDaniels was the head coach and Kyle Orton was the QB in a loss at Kansas City. That is a pretty remarkable streak that has spanned Tim Tebow, Peyton Manning, and now Brock Osweiler.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Broncos-Chargers Preview and Week 13 Picks!
The Broncos head to San Diego this Sunday to take on their division rival the Chargers in a game that they are favored to win. Coming off the huge overtime win over the Patriots on Sunday night, and a week where Brock Osweiler made the regional cover of Sports Illustrated, Denver now has to regroup and go into San Diego and take care of business over the 3-8 Chargers. Although the Broncos won't say they are overlooking the Chargers this week, there are multiple reasons why this game is a classic trap for the Bronx. First, Phillip Rivers is always a thorn in the Broncos side and he can single handedly beat them on his own. Also, Denver's defense is going to be without Demarcus Ware, Sylvester Williams, and T.J. Ward. As well as Osweiler has played the last two weeks, you have to worry he could have a tough time and play like a guy who is only making his third start. The Chargers are going nowhere and would like nothing else but to spoil the Broncos and the momentum they have built the last two weeks. The Broncos haven't lost a road divisional game since 2010, so they are due for a loss. I just feel like this is a very dangerous game. The Broncos have not blown out anyone all season long, with the exception of the Packers, and I don't see why this game won't be a close one as well.
SAN DIEGO (+4) over Denver
Final Score: Chargers-23 Broncos-20
Now, onto the picks for Week 13....
Last Week's Record: 7-9
Overall Record: 80-91-8
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
San Francisco (+7) over CHICAGO: The Bears will win the game, but the Niners will keep it closer than people expect.
Cincy (-8) over CLEVELAND: Only the Browns would lose a game on a blocked field goal return as time expires like they did last Monday night. This should be a blowout in Cincy's favor.
TENNESSEE (-2) over Jacksonville: The Titans will finally get a home win under rookie Marcus Mariota.
BUFFALO (-3) over Houston: Huge game between the 5-6 Bills and the 6-5 Texans. The Bills will get back on track and the get the important win at home to get to 6-6.
Baltimore (+4) over MIAMI: The Ravens will always play hard for John Harbaugh no matter how bad their season is, and the Dolphins are the opposite. They rarely show heart. I could see the Dolphins winning the game, but look for the Ravens to keep it tight all the way.
NEW ORLEANS (+7) over Carolina: I'll take the Saints because I think that Drew Brees and Sean Payton will have their last great moment in New Orleans on Sunday as they take down the previously undefeated Carolina Panthers.
Seattle (-1) over MINNESOTA: I have no idea where this game goes, but I'll take the Seahawks because I still believe that Russell Wilson and this offense will find a way go get themselves into the playoffs even without Marshawn Lynch and Jimmy Graham. I don't think the Vikings have much of a homefield advantage since they play at the University of Minnesota, and that plays a factor in my opinion. This game looks like a tough one to call either way.
Arizona (-4) over ST.LOUIS: The Rams have fallen on hard times at 4-7, and QB Nick Foles is playing with zero confidence at this point. I have doubted the Cardinals all year long, but at 9-2 I am a believer, and I think they win this game by a touchdown or maybe even 10 points.
Atlanta (+2) over TAMPA BAY: The Falcons have fallen apart after their 5-0 start. They now stand at 6-5 and head to Tampa to take on the 5-6 Bucs. Tampa Bay pulled the upset in Atlanta a few weeks ago, so logic would think that the Bucs will get the win at home in the rematch, but I have to think that the Falcons will find a way to win a gutty game on the road and get to 7-5.
NY GIANTS (+3) over NY Jets: The Battle of New York is a very pivotal one. The Jets are 6-5 and in the thick of the AFC Wild Card race, and the 5-6 Giants are currently tied for first in the NFC East The last time these two teams played in the regular season in 2011, the Giants beat the Jets and never looked back on their way to winning Super Bowl XLVI. The Giants are banged up on the offensive line and I just don't think they have enough upfront to hold off the Jets defense-eventhough the Jets will be without Darrelle Revis. This will be a close game but look for the Jets to hold on for the win.
OAKLAND (+3) over Kansas City: The Chiefs are 6-5 and have won five in a row after a 1-5 start. They have the easiest schedule of any of the playoff contenders down the stretch in the AFC, and I think they will they get into the playoffs, but this is one of their toughest games left. The Raiders are 5-6 and they very capable of pulling the mild upset this week. I think the Raiders win the game and stop the Chiefs winning streak.
Philly (+10) over NEW ENGLAND: The Pats will win this game, but without Rob Gronkowski it is hard to see them blowing out the Eagles. I think Philly will keep it close enough and getting Sam Bradford back will only help their chances.
Indy (+7) over PITTSBURGH: Give 40-year old Matt Hasselback credit for being undefeated in every game he has started for the injured Andrew Luck. I think the Steelers will win, but I feel like Indy will play well enough to make Pittsburgh really earn it on SNF.
WASHINGTON (-3) over Dallas: The Cowboys are 3-8 and Tony Romo is injured again and out for the rest of the year. The Cowboys should hope to lose every game left they have on the schedule, finish 3-13, get a high draft pick, and reboot next year when Romo comes back. The Redskins are 5-6 and somehow are in first place in the NFC East. I would think they would take advantage of the Romo injury to win this game handily, but you just never know. I think they will get it done at home and get to 6-6.
SAN DIEGO (+4) over Denver
Final Score: Chargers-23 Broncos-20
Now, onto the picks for Week 13....
Last Week's Record: 7-9
Overall Record: 80-91-8
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
San Francisco (+7) over CHICAGO: The Bears will win the game, but the Niners will keep it closer than people expect.
Cincy (-8) over CLEVELAND: Only the Browns would lose a game on a blocked field goal return as time expires like they did last Monday night. This should be a blowout in Cincy's favor.
TENNESSEE (-2) over Jacksonville: The Titans will finally get a home win under rookie Marcus Mariota.
BUFFALO (-3) over Houston: Huge game between the 5-6 Bills and the 6-5 Texans. The Bills will get back on track and the get the important win at home to get to 6-6.
Baltimore (+4) over MIAMI: The Ravens will always play hard for John Harbaugh no matter how bad their season is, and the Dolphins are the opposite. They rarely show heart. I could see the Dolphins winning the game, but look for the Ravens to keep it tight all the way.
NEW ORLEANS (+7) over Carolina: I'll take the Saints because I think that Drew Brees and Sean Payton will have their last great moment in New Orleans on Sunday as they take down the previously undefeated Carolina Panthers.
Seattle (-1) over MINNESOTA: I have no idea where this game goes, but I'll take the Seahawks because I still believe that Russell Wilson and this offense will find a way go get themselves into the playoffs even without Marshawn Lynch and Jimmy Graham. I don't think the Vikings have much of a homefield advantage since they play at the University of Minnesota, and that plays a factor in my opinion. This game looks like a tough one to call either way.
Arizona (-4) over ST.LOUIS: The Rams have fallen on hard times at 4-7, and QB Nick Foles is playing with zero confidence at this point. I have doubted the Cardinals all year long, but at 9-2 I am a believer, and I think they win this game by a touchdown or maybe even 10 points.
Atlanta (+2) over TAMPA BAY: The Falcons have fallen apart after their 5-0 start. They now stand at 6-5 and head to Tampa to take on the 5-6 Bucs. Tampa Bay pulled the upset in Atlanta a few weeks ago, so logic would think that the Bucs will get the win at home in the rematch, but I have to think that the Falcons will find a way to win a gutty game on the road and get to 7-5.
NY GIANTS (+3) over NY Jets: The Battle of New York is a very pivotal one. The Jets are 6-5 and in the thick of the AFC Wild Card race, and the 5-6 Giants are currently tied for first in the NFC East The last time these two teams played in the regular season in 2011, the Giants beat the Jets and never looked back on their way to winning Super Bowl XLVI. The Giants are banged up on the offensive line and I just don't think they have enough upfront to hold off the Jets defense-eventhough the Jets will be without Darrelle Revis. This will be a close game but look for the Jets to hold on for the win.
OAKLAND (+3) over Kansas City: The Chiefs are 6-5 and have won five in a row after a 1-5 start. They have the easiest schedule of any of the playoff contenders down the stretch in the AFC, and I think they will they get into the playoffs, but this is one of their toughest games left. The Raiders are 5-6 and they very capable of pulling the mild upset this week. I think the Raiders win the game and stop the Chiefs winning streak.
Philly (+10) over NEW ENGLAND: The Pats will win this game, but without Rob Gronkowski it is hard to see them blowing out the Eagles. I think Philly will keep it close enough and getting Sam Bradford back will only help their chances.
Indy (+7) over PITTSBURGH: Give 40-year old Matt Hasselback credit for being undefeated in every game he has started for the injured Andrew Luck. I think the Steelers will win, but I feel like Indy will play well enough to make Pittsburgh really earn it on SNF.
WASHINGTON (-3) over Dallas: The Cowboys are 3-8 and Tony Romo is injured again and out for the rest of the year. The Cowboys should hope to lose every game left they have on the schedule, finish 3-13, get a high draft pick, and reboot next year when Romo comes back. The Redskins are 5-6 and somehow are in first place in the NFC East. I would think they would take advantage of the Romo injury to win this game handily, but you just never know. I think they will get it done at home and get to 6-6.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Packers-Lions TNF Pick
Green Bay (-3) over DETROIT: The Packers have lost four out of their last five games, and now they have to go into Detroit to take on the suddenly hot Lions- who have won three in a row. I find it hard to believe that the Lions are going to sweep the Packers this year (They won in Lambeau about a month ago), so I'll take the Packers to figure out some of their problems on offense and take this one on Thursday night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)