Last week continued the trend of mediocrity. I went 8-8 and will have a winning record for the year even if I get every pick wrong for the rest of the regular season. Overall I am, 127 - 80 for the year.
The Playoffs are almost set. The NFC East is a mess and the AFC North is unsettled. The AFC playoff positions look certain at this point barring major collapses. Houston will be the one seed with Denver and Patriots taking up the two and three spots. The Ravens can win the AFC North with a victory this weekend or next and the four seed with it. The Colts are on target to get the five seed while the Bengals and Steelers are in a battle for the six spot and a visit to the Pats.
On the NFC Front: the Falcons are in line for the first seed with the 49ers and Packers following in the that order. The winner of the NFC East will get the four seed. The Wild Cards look to be Seattle and four teams are tied for the last slot. Lots more on this will be addressed in the picks below.
Lots of playoff wishes are being asked of Santa this year, but who has been naughty and who has been nice...
Atlanta Falcons (12-2) at Detroit Lions (4-10) - Prove it in the playoffs at Listless kitties
A win and the Falcons have home field throughout the NFC playoffs. The Lions need discipline and may make a coaching change given how badly this season has gone from what was expected. Pick: Falcons
Minnesota Vikings (8-6) at Houston Texans (12-2) - Adrian Peterson at Great Expectations
The Vikings are currently a one man band and that is not much of a stretch. AD is a cyborg I've decided because what he is doing is beyond remarkable. However, he comes to Houston playing a team that needs one win to claim the AFC home field advantage. This game could be close early given Kubiak's horribly conservative play calling. Pick: Texans
New Orleans Saints (6-8) at Dallas Cowboys (8-6) - Wait for Next Season! at Egomaniacs
The Saints have had a season to forget. The Cowboys are actually in the hunt for the playoffs - pity. I was looking forward to all the offseason turmoil in Dallas. maybe barely missing out will be worse. The Saints will play spoilers this weekend. Pick: Saints
Tennessee Titans (5-9) at Green Bay Packers (10-4) - Very confusing at LOOKOUT!
Aaron is rounding into form and the Pack is getting some key defensive players back. The Pack must be feared heading into Jan. The Titans are also a mess. This could be a blowout. Pick: Packers
Indianapolis Colts (9-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-12) - Andrew's Luck at HORRIBLE
The Colts need to win and they are in the postseason. The Chiefs STINK!!! Not another way to put it honestly. The Colts have holes and issues, but Andrew Luck has been as advertised. Pick: Colts
Buffalo Bills (5-9) at Miami Dolphins (6-8) - Overpaid at Better that Expected
UGH! The Bills paid a fortune for nothing. The Dolphins did better than I thought they would. I think Chan is done in Buffalo, but the Dolphins look like they have a good plan. Pick: Dolphins
San Diego Chargers (5-9) at NY Jets (6-8) - Surf's Up at Media Hos
Can the Circus in New York end please? Sanchez is done for the season. The Chargers are coming to town and that is another team that needs a fresh start. I picked them last week and they bombed. A change in QB for the Jets might get them out of neutral. Pick: Jets
Washington Redskins (8-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-10) - Wonderboys at Bye Andy!
Dan's team is in prime position to win the division. They need to win out and they claim the NFC East. The Eagles are a complete mess. Such high hopes and they all crashed. They New Year will bring massive change. meanwhile in the nation's capital all is well. Pick: Dan's Toy
Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7) - Super Sophomores at Old & Rusty
Playoff knock out game. Lose and the Steelers are done. The Bengals still have a shot to claim the AFC North crown winning out. Big Ben and Todd Haley need to get locked in a room and see who is the bigger man because they love getting into public pissing contests. Pick: Bengal
St. Louis Rams (6-7-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8) - Rebuilding at Rampaging Pirates
Game doesn't mean much. Two teams trying to build for next year with coaches who should be safe. Though both teams have questions at the QB position. This game next year could have major implications. Pick: Buccaneers
Oakland Raiders (4-10) at Carolina Panthers (5-9) - Black Hole at Cam's Comeback
Another useless game for Sunday. However, these teams need lots of help for next season. The Raiders, however, need to keep the coach for a second year! I'll take the home team. Pick: Panthers
New England Patriots (10-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12) - The Empire at Terrible!
The Empire was defeated at home by an old power trying to rise again. The Sith are not amused. Pity the Jags for they shall suffer the wrath of Lord Brady and his minions. Pick: The Empire
Cleveland Browns (5-9) at Denver Broncos (11-3) - Coming on Strong at Peyton's Place
The Browns are better than expected, but still not that good. The Broncos are trying to get the bye and the right to host the Patriots in the second round of the playoffs. I don't expect the Browns to be more than a speed bump for the Broncos. Pick: Broncos
Chicago Bears (8-6) at Arizona Cardinals (5-9) - Midways Maulers at Desert Disaster
This game looked good in September. The game looks horrible in December. However, the demise of the Bears is a bit premature. They can still get into the postseason if they win out. The Cardinals beat the Lions last week which was shocking. If Jay screws this up he may not want to go into the locker room. Pick: Bears
NY Giants (8-6) at Baltimore Ravens (9-5) - The Champs at the Contenders
Neither of these teams looks good right now. It is possible for the Champs to not make the playoffs and possible for the Ravens to not win the North. If the Giants falter then they are most likely out. The Ravens are looking horrid of late. Honestly, not sure who wins this. Pick: Giants
San Francisco 49ers (10-3-1) at Seattle Seahawks (9-5) - Bay Area Brawlers at Russell's wrecking crew
This is all about the Seahawks. The biggest news they made this season had to do with one of worst calls in NFL history and the one that brought back the real refs. If they win this game they win...a playoff spot. The Niners win and they lay claim to the treasure NFC West. I'm all about seeing a dynasty reborn. Pick: 49ers
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!