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

Thursday Night Football Preview and Recap

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Week 12
Eagles vs. Seahawks

UPDATE:  Seahawks Win Huge 31-14

     Vince Young had one of the worst nights he has ever had in professional football.  He had 4 interceptions, and these interceptions ultimately led to the Eagles getting blown out.  Lynch continued to dominate in this game, and Jackson had an efficient night, going 13 for 16 for 190 yards and a TD.  He had to manage the game and not make errors.  With Young falling apart, and Lynch putting up 148 yards and 2 TDs, the Seahawks managed to win this game easily.  The team as a whole played error free and if you don't turn the ball over, and force the other team to, then wins should come easily...and tonight the win came easy for the Seahawks.  The Eagles season ended in New York a couple weeks ago and the rest of this year is going to be embarrassing for them.  They are a team that lacks heart and DeSean seemed to quit again in this one.  They sit in last place in the NFC East.  Seattle on the other hand, played a great game and showed what kind of team they can be if they click on all cylinders.

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Thursday Night Football Preview
Thursday Night Football has a matchup of two 4-7 teams...Ouch.  This game is going to be especially tough for Philadelphia.  They are coming off a blowout against the Patriots at home and now travel across the country on a short week.  The main guys for the Eagles to watch here are Vince Young, filling in for Vick, and Riley Cooper, filling in for Maclin.  These two worked together on the scout team before they were starting, and in the last two weeks they have had great performances.  The problem for the Eagles is going to be the short week and the blowout they were a part of.  They looked as though they might be able to salvage their season with a big win in New York, but I think that the win in New York was their season.  That game was their Superbowl, and everything now is just an afterthought.  I think that they might win a few more games, but this one is going to be tough on the road in a tough place to play.  A huge factor in this one is LeSean McCoy's status.  He is set to be a game time decision, and he might be the difference in a Philly win or a Philly loss.

    For Seattle, Lynch has been piling up the rushing yards and Philly's run defense is not what it used to be, so expect him to have another big game.  He has averaged 111 yards in his last 4 games.  The wild card in this game is Tavaris Jackson, who has not been having great games as of late.  He has a torn pectoral muscle, but is playing through it.  Jackson's last four weeks have been abysmal though and have been getting worse each week.  The questions that the Seahawks face...Will Lynch be enough in this one?  And can Jackson be any worse? 
     This game is going to be close but Philly is loaded with injuries.  If McCoy plays, I do not think it will be at 100%, so this affects my pick.  If he is a game time decision, then I will take Seattle in this one.  Seattle does not get many opportunities to play in a nationally televised game, so this will be a big game for them and their fans.  On the other hand, it is just another game for the "Dream Team."  They have been in the spotlight all year, and they have four wins to show for it.  I'll take Seattle.
Seattle (+3) Win