Week 16 Review

Game of the Week

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Giants vs. Jets
More on this game later in the week, but key things:  Giants and Dallas winner next week wins the division and Jets sit in 9th now in the AFC standings.  The need a lot of help with one week left.  A fumble to a safety, and a pass interference on Plaxico decided this game. 
Jets (-3) Loss

Dolphins vs. Patriots
Pats rally and come all the way back.  Clinch a first round bye.
Dolphins (+10) Win

Browns vs. Ravens
Baltimore held on to win and fight for a first round bye and the division.
Browns (+13) Win

Vikings vs. Redskins 
Vikings surprise the Redskins for their third win in this one.
Redskins (-6.5) Loss

Raiders vs. Chiefs
Chiefs should have won this, but went to OT and lost.  Now the Raiders have a chance to lose the division, but still make the playoffs next week if things play out correctly. 
Chiefs (-2) Loss

Bucs vs. Panthers
Cam Newton sets the all time pass record in this one and adds a 49 yard TD run.  He is turning this team around and they have a bright future.
Panthers (-7.5) Win

Rams vs. Steelers
Steelers are trying to keep up with the Ravens for the division and a first round bye in the AFC.   
Rams (+13) Loss

Eagles vs. Cowboys
Cowboys had nothing to play for, but the Eagles played with a lot of heart and handled them.  Comes down to next week in New Jersey for the Cowboys.
Eagles (+3) Win

Chargers vs. Lions 
Lions clinch a playoff birth for the first time in 13 years and take care of Rivers.
Lions (-1.5) Win

49ers vs. Seahawks
49ers come back late and win on a field goal in Seattle.
Seahawks (+2) Push

Broncos vs. Bills
Blowout here, Bills defense steps up as Tebow doesn't protect the ball.  Denver still control their own fate next week.  A win against KC, and they're in.  
Broncos (-3) Loss

Jaguars vs. Titans
Titans win at home to help their playoff hopes.  Currently in 8th place in the AFC.  Don't cover though.
Titans (-7.5) Loss

Cardinals vs. Bengals 
Cardinals don't complete the comeback, and lose to the Bengals.  Bengals now claim the 6th spot as of now and are in the playoffs.
Cardinals (+6) Push


Bears vs. Packers
The Packers dominated again and clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Packers (-12) Win

MNF
Falcons vs. Saints
Brees- the new all time single season passing leader.  Saints dominate and win 45-16.

TNF -  http://nargonsports.blogspot.com/2011/12/thursday-night-football-week-16_21.html

Happy Holidays!!!

Week 16 Preview and Picks

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Game of the Week

Giants vs. Jets

     The deciding factor in this game is if the Jets offensive line can protect against Sanchez from a pounding by the Giants defense.  For the Jets to win, their offensive line needs to step up.  The Jets have to protect Sanchez coming off a game against the Eagles when he was sacked 4 times.  The Giants have 37 sacks this season on opposing QBs and the Jets have allowed 33 sacks.  Jason Pierre-Paul alone has 13.5 sacks.  If Sanchez has time to make plays, then they can win this game.  In the Jets victories this year, Sanchez has 16 TDs and 6 INTs.  In their losses: 7 and 7.  The Giants have given up the 29th most passing yards per game this year (258).  It won't fall completely on him however as Greene continues to run the ball well for the Jets.  Greene has been playing great since his awful first four games, especially in the last four weeks.  In the eight Jet wins this year, he has 5 TDs and 632 yards.  In their six losses, he has 1 TD and only 309 yards.  Add a little bit of LT and I think the Jets will be able to pile up yards against the Giants.
    On paper the Giants offense is more dynamic, with the backfield of Bradshaw and Jacobs, the phenomenal year Manning is having, and the three above average receivers, it will be a matter of if they can exploit the Jets defense.  As game time approaches however, it looks Manningham will not be playing. The Jets have the 7th best pass defense, allowing 205 yards per game.  The Giants have the 3rd best pass offense, throwing for 299 yards per game.  The Jets will need to stay with their receivers and defend the pass and force the Giants to run more.  The Giants might be able to exploit the Jets rush defense if Bradshaw can be elusive and quick.  Jacobs might not have much success in this one, but Bradshaw might be able to break off a big run.
     This game will decide a lot in the NFL.  There are so many scenarios that can happen, pending the outcome of this game.  If the Giants win this week and next, they make the playoffs.  If the Jets win out, they make the playoffs.  Both teams can to lose this game and still have a chance, but they will need help to stay in the playoff hunt.  If the Giants lose, they will still have a chance at the division, if the Cowboys lose to the Eagles this week, the Eagles lose next week, and the Giants take care of the Cowboys next week.  If the Giants lose this week and win next week, and the Eagles win this week and next week, then the Eagles will win the division.  The Jets scenario might get even messier, with the Bengals, Titans, Oakland, and San Diego all still in the race.  It is a mess for the playoffs, but this game will help solve the playoff puzzle.
     I think when all is said and done, the Jets will win this game.  It is going to be close but the Jets have what it takes to limit the damage from Manning.  I think the Jets rushing attack will prove to be the difference, and the Jets will solidify their playoff hopes this Christmas Eve.
Jets (-3)

Broncos vs. Bills
I am looking for Tebow to go to Buffalo and win this game.  He threw the ball well against the Patriots and actually showed a lot more conventional quarterback skill.  He will be able to throw against Buffalo, but with snow in the forecast, he might have to hand if off even more.  The Broncos lead the league in rushing with 163 yards per game, and Buffalo has given up the 3rd most yards, 139.5, on the ground this season.  A great matchup for the Broncos here and a chance for them to be one game away from winning the AFC West.  If they win here, then they return home to play the Chiefs on New Years Day.
Broncos (-3)

Jaguars vs. Titans
The Titans are fighting for a playoff spot still and the Jaguars are just waiting for the season to be over.  Titans are tough at home and I think they pull it off easily to stay alive.
Titans (-7.5)

Cardinals vs. Bengals
The Bengals are still alive in the AFC playoff picture, but the Cardinals can put up a fight.  I think the Cardinals keep it close in this one.
Cardinals (+6)

Dolphins vs. Patriots
The Patriots are playing for playoff positioning at this point.  The Dolphins have been winning or keeping it close as of late, and will again in Foxboro.
Dolphins (+10)

Browns vs. Ravens
The Ravens are trying to lock up the division after coming off a loss against the Chargers.  I think they win, but not in a blowout.
Browns (+13)

Vikings vs. Redskins
The Vikings are reeling, and the Redskins have some fight left in them after their blowout against the Giants last week.  Grossman and Moss have been working nicely together since Moss came back from injury, look for more of the same here.
Redskins (-6.5)

Raiders vs. Chiefs
The Chiefs might have something gong with a new coach and Orton behind center.  I don't think it will be a very high scoring game for either side, but I like the Chiefs in this one.  The Raiders are not out of it yet but they have to have a lot go right, and I don't think they'll win this one.
Chiefs (-2)

Bucs vs. Panthers
Look for Newton to have a good game and beat the Bucs at home.
Panthers (-7.5)

Rams vs. Steelers
Steelers are trying to rebound after losing in San Fran last week.  Both teams are banged up so this should be close.
Rams (+13)

Chargers vs. Lions
The Lions are coming off an exciting win and both teams still have playoff hopes.  I think this one is decided by a couple points, the team with the last possession wins this game.
Lions (-1.5)

49ers vs. Seahawks
The Seahawks are hot right now and the 49ers have not allowed a rushing TD.  Should be interesting against a red hot Lynch.  I think he breaks through against them at home.
Seahawks (+2)

Eagles vs. Cowboys 
I think the Eagles beat the Cowboys in Dallas, and with a Giants loss, things stay interesting in the NFC East.
Eagles (+3)

Bears vs. Packers
The Packers will rebound from their first loss last week.  They should rout the Bears at home on Christmas night.
Packers (-12)

MNF
Falcons vs. Saints
The Saints are home but the Falcons usually play them tough.  This one will be close and I will take the Falcons to stay close in this one.
Falcons (+7)


TNF -  http://nargonsports.blogspot.com/2011/12/thursday-night-football-week-16_21.html

Giants vs. Jets Preview and Pick

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Game of the Week

Giants vs. Jets

The deciding factor in this game is if the Jets offensive line can protect against Sanchez from a pounding by the Giants defense.  For the Jets to win, their offensive line needs to step up.  The Jets have to protect Sanchez coming off a game against the Eagles when he was sacked 4 times.  The Giants have 37 sacks this season on opposing QBs and the Jets have allowed 33 sacks.  Jason Pierre-Paul has 13.5 sacks and Osi has 7, so the Jets have to stop these two.  If Sanchez has time to make plays, then they can win this game.  In the Jets victories this year, Sanchez has 16 TDs and 6 INTs.  In their losses: 7 and 7.  The Giants have given up the 29th most passing yards per game this year (258).  It won't fall completely on him however as Greene continues to run the ball well for the Jets.  Greene has been playing great since his awful first four games, especially in the last four weeks.  In the eight Jet wins this year, he has 5 TDs and 632 yards.  In their six losses, he has 1 TD and only 309 yards.  Add a little bit of LT and the Jets will be able to pile up yards against the Giants.

On paper the Giants offense is more dynamic, with the backfield of Bradshaw and Jacobs, the phenomenal year Manning is having, and the three above average receivers, it will be a matter of if they can exploit the Jets defense.  The Jets have the 7th best pass defense, allowing 205 yards per game.  The Giants have the 3rd best pass offense, throwing for 299 yards per game.  The Jets will need to stay with their receivers and defend the pass and force the Giants to run more.  The Giants might be able to exploit the Jets rush defense if Bradshaw can be elusive and quick.  Jacobs might not have much success in this one, but Bradshaw might be able to break off a big run.

This game will decide a lot in the NFL.  There are so many scenarios that can happen, pending the outcome of this game.  If the Giants win this week and next, they make the playoffs.  If the Jets win out, they make the playoffs.  Both teams can to lose this game and still have a chance, but they will need help to stay in the playoff hunt.  If the Giants lose, they will still have a chance at the division, if the Cowboys lose to the Eagles this week, the Eagles lose next week, and the Giants take care of the Cowboys next week.  If the Giants lose this week and win next week, and the Eagles win this week and next week, then the Eagles will win the division.  The Jets scenario might get even messier, with the Bengals, Titans, Oakland, and San Diego all still in the race.  It is a mess for the playoffs, but this game will help solve the playoff puzzle.

I think when all is said and done, the Jets will win this game.  It is going to be close but the Jets have what it takes to limit the damage from Manning.  I think the Jets rushing attack will prove to be the difference, and the Jets will solidify their playoff hopes this Christmas Eve.

Jets (-3)

Check back for the rest of my week 16 picks

Thursday Night Football Week 16

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Texans vs. Colts 

The Texans couldn't pull off the win last week against the Panthers but this week face the Colts.  Even though the Colts just won their first game, I don't think they are going to suddenly find the desire to play hard for the last two weeks.  The Texans already have clinched the division, but remain in a battle for a first found bye.  They will be trying to win out the next two weeks and prepare for the playoffs in the meantime.  They are still trying to mesh with Yates, and each game is a learning experience for these guys for the postseason.  Look for things to go better in this game for the Texans as they will win in Indianapolis.

Texans (-6) Loss
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UPDATE:  Colts rally with seconds left for their second straight victory

Week 15 Review

Patriots vs. Broncos

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The Broncos held a 16-7 lead, before a calamity of turnovers.  They coughed up the ball and couldn't stop the Patriots on third down, leading to 27 unanswered points and a 34-16 lead.  The Patriots never looked back after that as they went on to win 41-23.  This is a minor setback for Tebow, but it showed a few things about Tebow.  He showed that he could throw in the beginning of the game when he had to, and that had been questioned coming into this game.  The Broncos were simply overwhelmed as this game continued, but it was a good check for them as they get ready for the playoffs.

Broncos (+7.5) Loss

Redskins vs. Giants
An embarrassing game for the Giants.  They are now in a position where they basically need to win the last two games to assure the playoffs.  They were never in this game against the Redskins, even after starting the game with a pick of Grossman.  The game was ugly from the beginning and the Redskins showed everyone that they do indeed have a defense that can click and stifle an offense.  The Giants need to rebound next week, in what will be a crazy atmosphere in New Jersey.  They take on the Jets at MetLife Stadium, in front of a crowd that will primariliy be Jets fans.  It will be a crazy game, and they way it looks now, will be a very tough game on both teams.
Giants (-7) Loss

Packers vs. Chiefs
Who saw this coming?  The Chiefs defeated the Packers in a shocking game.  The Packers had to think this game was going to be the easiest one left in the season, but they were stunned by the Chiefs in Kansas City.  Kansas City was led by Orton in his first start.  He threw for 299 yards going 23/31.  Rodgers just could not get anything going and their hopes for an undefeated season ended.  On Thanksgiving, I still thought they would not pull off the undefeated season, but they finally got me believing after the last two games.  And now this week, it ends.  Good win by the Chiefs in this one.
Packers (-12) Loss

Jets vs. Eagles

The Jets fell behind 28-0 in what looked like the rout in Baltimore earlier this season.  They were able to salvage 13 points at the end of the half to make it a 28-13 game, but the Eagles struck for another TD to start the second half and would continue to pile it on.  The Jets were helped by the Titans losing, but hurt by the Bengals winning.  They now must win the final two games if they want to make it to the playoffs.
Jets (+3) Loss

Saints vs. Vikings

Brees put up 5 TDs and 412 yards in this game.  The Saints blew out the Vikings, as they should have, and move to 11-3 this season.
Saints (-8) Win

Seahawks vs. Bears
Lynch did not put up a lot of yards, only 42, but he ran for 2 TDs.  The Seahawks had no problem in the second half putting away the lifeless Bears.  The Bears have no QB, and are slowly slipping out of the playoff picture.
Seahawks (+3.5) Win

Dolphins vs. Buffalo
Miami went to Buffalo in the snow and pulled off the victory.  Reggie Bush thought he was back at USC, running for over 200 yards.  They won 30-23, as Buffalo has now lost 7 in a row.

Buffalo (even) Loss

Panthers vs. Texans

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The first half was dominated by the Panthers, and unlike last week, they were able to maintain the lead and win this one.  Carolina jumped out to a 21-0 lead and carried it to halftime.  They would hold on to win, 28-13.  The Texans playoff position still looks good, but they will have to battle for a first round bye.  

Panthers (+6) Win

Titans vs. Colts
The Colts finally win a game, and do it against a Tennesse team that is battling for a playoff spot.  Donald Brown took control of the game, with 161 yards rushing and a TD.  The Colts finally fill the win column this season.
Titans (-7) Loss

Bengals vs. Rams
Cincy gave up a late TD to bring the score closer, but it was not a close second half. The Bengals controlled the second half, after trailing 6-3 at half time.  They relied heavily on their running game with Benson and Scott.  The Bengals remain in the playoff hunt after pulling off this win.

Bengals (-7) Push

Lions vs. Raiders

The Lions completed a 98 yard drive with two minutes left to take the 28-27 lead against Oakland.  The Lions remain in the hunt for the playoffs after this comeback win in Oakland.
Lions (-1.5) Loss

Browns vs. Cardinals

Seneca Wallace filled in nicely for McCoy in this one.  The Browns jumped out to a 10-0 lead before they surrendered a TD with 25 seconds left in the half.  Wallace found Little in the third for a 76 yard TD to make it 17-7.  The Cardinals came back however, and tied it at 17 to force the game into overtime, where they would go on to win on a field goal, 20-17.

Cardinals (-6.5) Loss

Ravens vs. Chargers

The Chargers dominated this one and are keep their playoff hopes alive.  The Ravens are not as good a team on the road as they are at home, and this trend continues.  They will now battle with the Steelers for the division in the final two weeks.  

Chargers (+3) Win

MNF- Steelers vs. 49ers

The Steelers were unable to play well with a hobbled Big Ben.  They now fall to 5th place in the AFC and miss their opportunity to claim the first seed.  The 49ers continue to roll and dominated in this game.  Both teams are headed to the playoffs, so this one was all about positioning for the playoffs.

Steelers (+3) Loss

TNF Jax vs. Atl - Win -  http://nargonsports.blogspot.com/2011/12/thursday-night-football-week-15.html 

Dal vs. TB - Win - http://nargonsports.blogspot.com/2011/12/saturday-night-football.html

Week 15 @ the Half

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Surprises all around the NFL.  The unbeaten Packers are losing to the Chiefs 6-0.  We know they have a good defense, but really?  Packers need to pick it up here.  The Giants are behind 17-3 against the Redskins, even with a couple Grossman picks.  Carolina and Cam are beating up the Texans, lets see if they can hold onto the big halftime lead this week.  The rest of the games right now are real close.  Cincy trails the Rams 6-3 at halftime.  New Orleans is beating the Vikings 21-13 as they scored a TD with under 2 minutes left in the half.  Miami is beating the reeling Bills.  Chicago scored a late TD to take the lead on Seattle.  The Titans are barely beating the Colts at the half.

Week 15 Preview and Picks

Patriots vs. Broncos

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The Broncos are looking to continue their current win streak. They will go for their seventh straight against the Pats in Denver.  After a shootout in Minnesota, they returned to their typical ways of playing last Sunday.  They were trailing all game, Tebow was only 3-16 before the fourth quarter, and had a 13.5 QB rating.  It looked like he might actually lose.  Until he went on a typical fourth quarter Tebow tear.  He took advantage of a lazy Bears defense and picked them apart.  He led receivers with his throws and looked like he was in control of the game.  He completed 13 of 17 passes in the fourth quarter and overtime for 130 yards and a TD.  Will we see it again this week?  If Tebow wants to pull off another victory he is going to have to take advantage of the wounded and weak Patriots defense.  He will have to make throws that he usually makes in the fourth quarter, all game long.  If he can execute and mix in McGahee and his own running game, then this has all the makings of another huge win for Tebow and the Broncos.  The Broncos are going to have to bring their A game on defense as well.  They have been playing at a very high level, but they are going to have to step it up even more.  They need to keep close from the beginning and not let Brady pull too far ahead.  They will need to be creative in the way they attack the Patriots and Brady.  It is impossible to pick against Tebow right now.  He is bringing out the best in his teammates, and making them believe that they can beat just about anyone.  For what it's worth, the Patriots have lose their last three games in Denver.  I like the Broncos to stun the Pats in Denver.  In terms of the spread on this one, the Pats are 8-2-1 against the spread in their last 11 road games, and the Broncos are 1-4-1 against the spread in their last 6 home games.  I think the Broncos are an excellent option getting 7 points in this matchup.
Broncos (+7.5)

Redskins vs. Giants
The Giants are now on top of the division and will win it if they win out.  They have been piling up the offensive numbers, but their defense, much like Dallas, has been questionable.  The Redskins have a pretty good defense, so it might be a challenge for the Giants to break through. They have the big play capability however, and that should be enough against the Skins.  The Giants are back to using Jacobs and Bradshaw.  On the season, they both have 130 carries, Bradshaw has 490 yards and 5 TDs, and Jacobs has 480 yards and 7 TDs.  Most the season it has been one or the other playing.  They are at their best when Bradshaw is the main back and Jacobs is complimenting him.  Look for a return to that type of run game.  The Giants need to use the run game a bit, even though it will be tempting to just air it out all day to Cruz and Nicks.  They should win this game by a TD at least.  If they don't win by at least a TD, then the Redskins will have probably upset the Giants at home.
Giants (-7)

Packers vs. Chiefs
The Chiefs will be making a change at QB if Orton is healthy enough to go.  It won't make a difference though.  The Packers can't be stopped right now and are simply embarrassing teams.  Even with the loss of Jennings, they are going to destroy KC.  Finley is going to be used as the number one guy now in the offense, so look for a huge game from him.  The Raiders are a decent team that the Packers dismantled last week, so to think that the Chiefs, no matter who their QB is, can stay close is ridiculous.  The Packers move to 14-0 this week in Kansas City.
Packers (-12)

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Jets vs. Eagles
The Jets need this game.  If they run the table, they make the playoffs.  If they prepare and limit what Vick does then they have a shot to win this one on the road.  This is a playoff type game, in a playoff atmosphere.  If the Cowboys and Giants win before this game, then maybe the Eagles lose some of their motivation, as their season will be officially over.  If both teams lose however, then the Eagles are going to be coming out playing their best football of the year because they will still have a chance at the playoffs.  If all is lost though, I see Jackson and others shutting it down and making it easy for the Jets.  The Jets need to do their best to control McCoy.  They have not been special controlling the run this year.  They are ranked 14th in rushing yards allowed this year, giving up 109 per game.  They need to step up here and I think they will.  The Eagles have given up 115 rushing yards a game, 18th best in the league.  They have a difficult task with the physical Shonn Greene running for the Jets.  He is on a great streak as of late, and when he gets hot, the Jets get hot.  In the last three week he has put up an average of 98 yards per game, with four TDs rushing.  He also led the Jets last week in receiving yards with 58.  I think he has another big game in Philly and leads the Jets to another victory.  Sanchez is coming off a big game last week and in interviews this week, he sounds more focused than ever.  He has been playing great and this week has to play error free football to win the game.
Jets (+3)

Saints vs. Vikings

The Saints struggle away from the confines of New Orleans.  This one however, is in a dome, thus making it more like their home turf.  They are playing a struggling Vikings team who have lost five straight games, and are only 2-11 on the season.  The Saints just hung on long enough last week in Tennessee, but the Vikings aren't the Titans, and won't be able to stay close.  They are expecting to get Peterson back, but who knows how effective he will be.  Ponder has been practicing this week so he should be back at QB for the Vikings.  For the Saints, Jimmy Graham had been hurting before the game on Sunday with back pain.  He received treatment on his back, and was a full participant in practice this week, so look for him to be at full strength this week.  The Saints will win this one on the road and continue to battle for the first round bye in the  NFC.
Saints (-8)

Seahawks vs. Bears
The Seahawks are trying to keep their playoff hopes alive and the Bears are trying to get back in the playoff picture.  Seattle has the best running back in football right now.  Lynch is running over every team he faces, and there is no reason to think he won't continue in Chicago.  The Bears are struggling on offense and look like they can barely make a first down, yet alone score a TD.  I like the Seahawks in this one against an injured Bears squad.
Seahawks (+3.5)

Dolphins vs. Buffalo
I think Buffalo will end their losing streak at home against the Dolphins.  After the firing of Sparano in Miami, the Dolphins might have lost the reason to battle the rest of this season.  Both these teams will be doing no more than playing spoiler to other teams as the season winds down.
Buffalo (even)

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Panthers vs. Texans
The Panthers are coming off a tough loss at home against the Falcons.  They led the game 23-7 at halftime and then gave it away after half, giving up 24 unanswered points. The Texans on the other hand, pulled off a stunning comeback against the Bengals in Cincinnati in the final seconds of the game to win 20-19. Yates has been able to keep his team in the game and get a couple wins since taking the reigns at QB.  Houston is trying to stay in the lead of the AFC, as they are currently in first place.  This is a great matchup, as Houston has the 3rd best passing defense and 4th best rushing defense.  The Panthers on the other hand have the 8th most passing yards, and 5th most rushing yards.  It will be interesting to see if Newton can take apart the Houston defense in this game.  If he can, then it will be close, if not, they Carolina doesn't stand a chance.  The Panthers defense is awful, so Yates and Foster have an opportunity to put up big numbers.  Foster might get 150 yards rushing and over 50 yards receiving.  I think Cam has a good game and keeps them close.
Panthers (+6)

Titans vs. Colts
The Titans are sitting in 7th place in the AFC, one spot out of the playoffs.  They might not have Hasselbeck in this game, but against the Colts, will still win.  The Titans have too much to play for to give one up to the winless Colts.  Looks for Chris Johnson to have a big game, especially if Locker gets his first career start at QB.
Titans (-7)

Bengals vs. Rams
The Bengals are continuing to disappear in the end of the season, now losers of 4 of their last 5.  They had a brutal last second loss to Houston in their last game but now go against a bad St. Louis team.  The only way I see the Rams winning is if Steven Jackson has a monster game running the ball.  The Bengals however are 7th in the league against the run, allowing 100 yards even to their opposition.  If they control Jackson, then they win this game easily, and rebound from a handful of tough losses.
Bengals (-7)

Lions vs. Raiders

If the Lions want to hold on to the last playoff spot then they need to beat the reeling Raiders on the road.  The Raiders will be without McFadden again and on the other side, the Lions look like they will be getting Kevin Smith back at runningback.  The Lions should win this game easily and continue to cling to the 6th spot in the NFC.
Lions (-1.5)

Browns vs. Cardinals
The Cardinals are a great team at home, and the Browns are a bad team period.  Cleveland will also be without McCoy this week after taking the viscous hit from Harrison last week against Pittsburgh.  Seneca Wallace will most likely get the start for Cleveland.  The Cardinals are 4-2 at home this year, and should handle the Browns easily this week.  

Cardinals (-6.5)

Ravens vs. Chargers
The Chargers have put together a couple wins and are hoping to continue their modest two game win streak at home against the Ravens.  The Ravens have won four in a row and sit in a tie atop the AFC standings for best record, at 10-3.  Baltimore has a tough task on the road against a Chargers team that has finally found some confidence.  I think this is a great test for the Ravens, but I don't think they get it done.  If they do, it will be a close one, so I will take the Chargers getting 3.

Chargers (+3)

TNF Jax vs. Atl-Win -  http://nargonsports.blogspot.com/2011/12/thursday-night-football-week-15.html 

SNF Dal vs. TB - http://nargonsports.blogspot.com/2011/12/saturday-night-football.html 

Check back for my Monday Night Football pick!

Saturday Night Football

http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss359/alex_09_09/romo.jpg

Cowboys vs. Bucs

The Cowboys are coming off of a tough loss at home against the Giants.  They now are behind the Giants in the division, but all is not lost.  They have a matchup in week 17 against the Giants, so if they keep winning, they will keep their hopes alive.  The defense needs to step up.  Romo is doing all he can for Dallas and it is time for the defense to pick it up.  I tend to always believe the Bucs are going to show up and fight, but I think it is safe to say they are a bad team, and should get blown away here.  With a game back under Miles Austin's belt, I think he has a better game than last week and helps the Cowboys more.  Although they are without Murray not, Felix Jones looked god last week when he had to step in for him.  They look like they should have no problem with the Bucs, if they can get the memories of their last two games out of their heads.

Dallas (-7) Win

Update: Dallas wins in a rout, 31-15