(6-5) Baltimore Ravens v (4-7) Atlanta Falcons
That pretty much does it for the Falcons’ 2018 season. This loss to the Ravens killed any real chance of getting a Wild Card slot. This has been a disappointing season, but they still have much to build upon. They just could not get around the Ravens’ defense, who made things difficult for the Falcons’ offense. This win keeps the Ravens sitting at the 6th and final AFC slot. But there are 4 teams that are a win or two away from possibly taking that slot, so the Ravens can not afford to get too comfortable.
But they can afford one day to celebrate their victory over the Falcons, 26-16.
Ravens (1-0)
Ravens (1-0)
(5-6) Denver Broncos and (5-6) Cincinnati Bengals
How about them Broncos, they quietly crept into the playoff picture after a sub-par season. With their remaining schedule, they could end the season 10-6 and maybe take that final playoff spot. Final score in this game was 24-10.
Broncos (2-0)
Broncos (2-0)
(10-1) Los Angeles Rams v (4-7) Detroit Lions
I don’t think anyone had Detroit winning this game. Todd Gurley was going down short of the goal line so he could “hurry up and get out of there.” Rams in a blow out, 30-16.
Rams (3-0)
Rams (3-0)
(2-9) Arizona Cardinals v (4-6-1) Green Bay Packers
Who would have seen this one coming, I know none of us did. The Cardinals beating the Packers in Green Bay, this Packers team that still had something to play for. This loss ended up costing Mike McCarthy his job. Though I do not think Mike McCarthy deserve all the blame for the Packers disappointing season, the nature of the business demand someone pay for that loss, and that season. And unfortunately it had to be the coach.
Arizona with the upset 20-17.
Packers (3-1)
Packers (3-1)
(4-6-1) Cleveland Browns v (8-3) Houston Texans
Texans are just on fire. They have ripped off 9 straight. The Texans are clearly the hottest team in the AFC right now, and I hope their magical season can land them in Atlanta this year. As far as the Browns, I think less time should have been paid worrying about what Hugh Jackson is doing, and more time focusing on the opponents ahead. Texans keeps it going 29-13.
Texans (4-1)
Texans (4-1)
(6-5) Indianapolis Colts v (3-8) Jacksonville Jaguars
Another hot team was the Colts. I was already planning on how they could steal a Wild Card spot. But like the Colts, I looked ahead of the Jags and that cost me (and the Colts). The Colts could not find the end zone on Sunday, and that may have cost them their chance. Jaguars with the upset 6-0.
Colts (4-2)
Colts (4-2)
(4-7) Buffalo Bills v (5-6) Miami Dolphins
This game came down to the wire with Josh Allen’s end zone pass just barely missing the finger tips of Charles Clay. I know the Bills are disappointed in how both this game and season went, but I think they are a few pieces short of being a playoff team. The Dolphins put themselves in the playoff picture with this win. Final score 21-17.
Bills (4-3)
Dolphins (5-2)
(8-3) Chicago Bears v (3-8) New York Giants
I would say the same thing I said about the Packers-Cardinals game, “no one saw this loss coming”. But it looks like DeeCee saw this, or at least was willing to make the sleeper pick. The Giants with the upset victory in OT, 30-27. Thankfully for the Bears, the Vikings and Packers lost as well.
Bears (4-4)
Giants (6-2)
(6-5) Carolina Panthers v (4-7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cam did not have a good game at all. This was probably his worst game in the NFL throwing 4 picks. Despite that, Carolina still had a chance to tie. Cam knew he had a poor game, and owned it. I expected him to “pout” like he normally does in a loss. And he did pout, but at least he handle the questions from the media in owning his mistakes. This game likely cost the team their playoff chances. Carolina loses to Tampa 24-17.
Panthers (4-5)
Panthers (6-3)
(9-2) Kansas City Chiefs v (2-9) Oakland Raiders
The Raider put up some points in this one. But the Chiefs maintained control of this game. As expected, Chiefs won 40-33.
Chiefs (5-5)
Chiefs (7-3)
(3-8) New York Jets v (5-6) Tennessee Titans
I had my notes set to talk about how the Titans let their playoff opportunity slip through their grasp. Then they found a way to comeback at home. This victory keep Tennessee in the running for the 6 spot. Final score 26-22.
Titans (6-5)
Titans (8-3)
(6-4-1) Minnesota Vikings v (8-3) New England Patriots
The Chiefs may have the better record, but I don’t think anyone is wanting to play the Pats in the playoffs. This team is primed and playoff ready. And the Vikings got a look at what a super bowl team looks like. The Pats handle business at home, winning 24-10.
Patriots (7-5)
Patriots (9-3)
(2-9) San Francisco 49ers v (6-5) Seattle Seahawks
Seattle won the game they’re suppose to win, and landing themselves the #5 spot. Impressive for a team that started like they did. There is still some football left, but congrats to the Seahawks for now. Seahawks dominated 43-16.
Seahawks (8-5)
Seahawks (10-3)
Sunday Night Game: (8-3) Los Angeles Chargers v (7-3-1) Pittsburgh Steelers
I needed this victory to stay alive in this week’s picks, and it slipped away. But we may be seeing this match up again at the exact same spot (in Pittsburgh), except this time for keeps. Chargers came out on top 33-30.
Steelers (8-6)
Chargers (11-3)
Monday Night Game: (6-5) Washington Redskins v (5-6) Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles managed to stay alive after their 28-17 win over the Redskins Monday night. And this put a cap on this week’s predictions, with DeeCee coming out on top 12-3 over my 8-7.
Redskins (8-7)
Eagles (12-3)
What we learned this week?
We learned that the AFC #6 seed is still up for the taking, with 4 teams having a legitimate chance at that 6 spot. The NFC race has a bit more breathing room, but not by much. Mike McCarthy is out in Green Bay, the Redskins lose another quarterback to a leg injury (Colt McCoy suffering a broken leg), the Cowboys may be the sleeper team in the East, and the Patriots found their stride right on time for the playoffs.
