Oh look, all of the games are on Sunday ... AS IT SHOULD BE! Yes, I am an old school curmudgeon.
With the exception of the sixth seed in both conferences, the playoff field is set. Seeding is a different story. Picking the week 17 games is so difficult because you have no idea which team will sit players and which won't. Still I will do my best.
Bloody Monday (the day coaches and GMs generally get their walking papers) is on New Year's day this year, so it may be delayed a bit until Plasma Tuesday. Still, the coaches I expect to take the long walk are Pagano, Fox, Lewis (which is already a given), and probably Mularkey. Since Cleveland will go 0-16, I think Hue Jackson might be leaving. But he has a done a significant amount of talent and pride building of a team desperate for something resembling consistency, so we'll see. I'll have more to say next week.
Sunday:
Washington (7-8) at New York Giants (2-13) - Taterskins (10-18, GMen)
It's Cousins' last chance audition. I think he's earned the job, but Washington is the most fucked up GM/Ownership situation in the NFL.
New York Jets (5-10) at New England (12-3) - Hatriots (6-26, Hatriots)
Krap (Kraft) will not allow his team to lose home field through the playoffs. I can't be all that unhappy, because, at least in the AFC, a record of 13-3 tends to be a curse.
Chicago (5-10) at Minnesota (12-3) - Vikings (10-23, Vikings)
It doesn't matter if the Vikings rest their starters. They are still better than the Bears and they are playing for the bye week.
Green Bay (7-8) at Detroit (8-7) - Lions (11-35, Lions)
Pride
Houston (4-11) at Indianapolis (3-12) - Colts (13-22, Colts)
Not much to work with here.
Cleveland (0-15) at Pittsburgh (12-3) - Steelers (24-28, Steelers)
Yes, Pittsburgh will rest starters and still beat the hapless Browns at home.
Dallas (8-7) at Philadelphia (13-2) - Cowboys (6-0, Cowboys)
The Eagles have everything as they want them. They will not play anyone who risks a playoff run.
San Francisco (5-10) at Los Angeles Rams (11-4) - 49ers (34-13, 'Niners)
The Rams have already announced they are resting starters before the Wildcard weekend.
Oakland (6-9) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-7) - Chargers (10-30, Chargers)
The LA team is playing for a possible playoff birth. They need a win and some help, which they might get.
Kansas City (9-6) at Denver (5-10) - Broncos (27-24, Chiefs)
The Chiefs have their seed and nothing to play for save safety. I don't like the Broncos QB carousel drifting back to Lynch, but they should be able to beat the KC seconds.
Jacksonville (10-5) at Tennessee (8-7) - Jaguars (10-15, Titans)
The Jags may rest on offense, but that defense is still smarting from being spanked by the 'Niners.
New Orleans (11-4) at Tampa Bay (4-11) - Saints (24-31, Buccaneers)
The Saints are just a better team.
Buffalo (8-7) at Miami (6-9) - Dolphins (22-16, Bills)
My upset pick of the week, and Cutler is playing for a job. The Bills run the ball, the Miami D is set to stuff the run. I think the 'Fish take this.
Arizona (7-8) at Seattle (9-6) - Seahawks (26-24, Cardinals)
The Hacks are playing for a spot in the post season and ...
Carolina (11-4) at Atlanta (9-6) - Panthers (10-22, Falcons)
Julio Jones is dinged and the Panthers are hungry to take the top spot from the Saints.
Cincinnati (6-9) at Baltimore (9-6) - Ravens (31-27, Bengals)
It would be nice to see Marvin Lewis go out with a win. But no.
Last Week's Score: 13 - 3, 81% Overall: 161 - 79, 67%
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