Week 16: It's Now or Never

Nothing too spectacular happened in the NFL last week, in fact I can’t really think of anything worth writing about. There was Brett Favre who broke another one of Dan Marino’s records, the Patriots did take another step towards perfection, the Buccaneers returned their first kickoff for a touchdown in team history while clinching the NFC south, the Vikings continued their unbelievable journey to the postseason, Mario Williams posted three and a half sacks, and really that’s about it.

I’m sorry, I completely forgot there was one unforgettable moment. Cleo Lemon’s 64-yard pass to Greg Camarillo to beat the Baltimore Ravens in overtime and finally remove that overbearing monkey off their shoulders to get one into the win column and that's about it.

Last weeks stats weren’t too impressive, an overall 9-7. If I was an NFC team that’s all I would need to make the playoffs (do do cha) but I want be the best, and to be the best I have to challenge myself. So that’s why this week I’m going for at least eleven wins here, otherwise I’ll put on a dress and sing Christmas Carols to all my adoring neighbors.

Week 16 has four NFC teams fighting for survival. The fate of the Giants, Vikings, Redskins, and Saints will be determined in the next two weeks. Tampa Bay and Seattle are in a deadlock for the third and fourth seeds, while Dallas and Green Bay each have a legitimate shot at the highly coveted number one spot.

In the AFC things are a lot less exciting but there's still some drama unfolding. The Texans and Titans are looking from the outside (way outside) in, while Cleveland, Jacksonville, and Pittsburgh are still awaiting where they will sit come the playoffs.

Upset specials are a dish that will likely be served more than once in the NFL's final weeks. Dinner and a show, get excited because I am delighted to give you this junkies expert picks for week 16.


1) Pittsburgh at St. Louis (Thursday night)- A few weeks ago the debate was raging between the Colts and Steelers to see who was the second best team in the AFC, now the debate is between the Browns and the Steelers to see who is the second best team in the AFC North. The Rams don’t have too much to brag about, their moral will sink a little lower as the fall on national TV. Pittsburgh over St. Louis 24-9

2) Dallas at Carolina- Dallas was upset by the Eagles last week, Tony Romo bruised his throwing hands and his reputation after his three interception performance, center Andre Gurode isn’t expected to play, and Roy Williams will have to serve his one game suspension for his third horse collar tackle this year, so what? The Panthers are awful. Even with all the setbacks the Cowboys get back on track. Dallas over Carolina 16-6

3) Cleveland at Cincinnati- Can the Bengals beat anybody? The Browns are going to be in the playoffs, but will it be as a wildcard or AFC North champ? Romeo Crennel should be coach of the year, Derek Anderson, Kellen Winslow, and Jamal Lewis should be in the Pro-Bowl, this team still has a lot to prove. It was a shoot out the first time these teams matched up 51-45, don’t expect another high scoring game from a Bengals team who couldn’t muster enough to beat the lonely 49ers. The Browns win in fashion 28-10.


4) New York Giants at Buffalo- Imagine if the Giants lose and they’re forced into a must win game versus New England? If the Giants lose this game and go to New England they could be out of the playoff picture. Once again Eli has crashed and burned the second half of the season, and the loss of Jeremy Shockey is just about the worst thing that could happen to the G-Men during these next critical games. The Giants can't catch a break or the ball, it looks like the Giants will be watching the playoffs from their homes. The Bills have nothing to lose since they’re out of it, I smell an upset of epic proportions here. Buffalo over New York 23-17

5) Kansas City at Detroit- I know what you’re thinking, who cares? Both teams are riding extensive losing streaks, and after strong starts both teams have sputtered away. Roy Williams was put on IR this week that doesn’t help a Lions team whose offense has only been able to keep two of their last six straight losses close. Jon Kitna promised us 10 wins, he won’t get it but he’ll win this weekend. Detroit over Kansas City 26-18

6) Houston at Indianapolis- Mario Williams is a beast, he has done nothing but silence his critics this year. His 13 sacks are 2nd in the league; he’s also forced two fumbles, recovered one, and scored a touchdown. He is the most obvious Pro-Bowl snub and he’ll bring passion this weekend to an Indianapolis team who has already secured another AFC South title and a first round bye. Believe it or not I’m taking the Houston Texans over the Indianapolis Colts 38-36

7) Green Bay at Chicago- I’m pretty sure Brett Favre won’t set any records this weekend, but he’ll take his team one step closer to the top NFC seed. The Bears are awful on offense; Kyle Orton, Rex Grossman, Brian Griese, whoever you stick back there can’t get any production. Packers are right back in it for the #1 seed in the NFC don’t look for them to slow down. Green Bay over Chicago 24-9

8) Oakland at Jacksonville- Fred Taylor came back last week and upset Pittsburgh, David Garrard is becoming a field general out there and the Jaguars are becoming a team that nobody wants to play. Oakland lost Justin Fargas last week for the season, but on a bright note first overall pick JaMarcus Russell might get some substantial playing time this week, other than that it’s another lousy season for the Raider faithful. Jacksonville over Oakland 45-24



9) Philadelphia at New Orleans- From a 0-4 start to smelling playoffs for the second season in a row, the Saints might just be able to turn their awful start around and make it in again. Drew Brees should be in the Pro-Bowl but he could care less, he wants in the playoffs and the Saints offense is going to unleash everything they have. The Eagles have been eliminated but Andy Reid isn’t going to hold back anything they’ll put up a fight. The Saints have their backs against the wall; even without Reggie Bush this team still has a lot of talent. New Orleans over Philadelphia 27-16


10) Tampa Bay at San Francisco- All that’s left for the Buccaneers is deciding whether they’ll be the third or fourth seed. Both Seattle and Tamp Bay are 9-5 and luckily for the Bucs this game is a must win against a lackluster opponent. Tampa Bay over San Francisco 27-10

11) Atlanta at Arizona- Both teams are out, and both teams have had abysmal seasons. The Falcons have had probably the worst season any NFL team has ever had in the leagues history, and probably won’t win another game this season. Kurt Warner is back to his old fashion and Larry Fitzgerald just cashed in on another Pro-Bowl appearance, Cardinals are a better team they will win this on. Arizona over Atlanta 24-9

12) Miami at New England- The Dolphins won once can they do it again? Absolutely not, Cleo Lemon might have own AFC Offensive Player of the week last week but he’s going to have pressure in his face till the cows come home. Do we expect the Patriots to give up their pursuit of perfection even though they have claimed the AFC East title, a first round bye, and home field advantage? No sir. New England over Miami 34-13

13) Baltimore at Seattle- When we thought things couldn’t get worse for the Ravens they just did. A proud team who stood strong against the leagues best fell to the absolute worst. Seattle is fighting for that third spot and is not going to let the Ravens stand in their way, especially at home. The Ravens losing streak reaches an alarming nine games as Seattle beats Baltimore 27-23

14) New York Jets at Tennessee- It’s unlikely but the Titans can still sneak into the playoffs, while the Jets are in dire need of an off season vacation. Titans keep their slim dreams alive, Tennessee over New York 29-12

15) Washington at Minnesota (Sunday night)- A win here does not guarantee either team a trip to the playoffs but it sure helps. However if Washington loses they are officially out. Tavaris Jackson played in quite possibly his worst professional start but still managed to pull out a win last week over Chicago. Neither team has a spectacular passing game, but both run offenses are a force to be reckoned with. Minnesota has the edge in nearly every category and the game is in the Metrodome where the Vikings are 5-2 this year. It’ll be a close one but the Vikings win their sixth straight and make their unbelievable playoff push. Minnesota over Washington 28-20.

16) Denver at San Diego (MNFL)- Norv Turner finally understands why L.T. won the MVP last year, he’s a pretty good running back. Denver ranks 29th in the league against the rush and that’s not good news for a San Diego team playing with the passion of last years 14-2 club. Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall have the making of a legit threat, but that’s for the future. The here and now suggest San Diego will punish Denver. San Diego over Denver 31-14


Studs of week 16:

Kurt Warner-QB Ari
Drew Brees- QB NO
Willie Parker-RB Pit
Brian Westbrook- RB Phi
Braylon Edwards- WR Cle
Terrell Owens- WR Dal
Chris Cooley- TE Wash
Ryan Longwell- K Min

Duds of week 16:

Eli Manning-QB NYG
Carson Palmer- QB Cin
Clinton Portis- RB Wash
Shaun Alexander- RB Sea
Plaxico Burress- WR NYG
Greg Camarillo- WR Mia
Vernon Davis- TE SF
Matt Stover- K Bal

Good luck in the fantasy playoffs boys and girls! Happy Holidays and best of luck to your team, whether it be in the playoff or draft pick festivities!

For more sports coverage you can listen to So You Think You Know Sports. Tuesday nights from 8-9 pm on WXJM 88.7 fm or online at www.orgs.jmu.edu/wxjm-- back on the air January 8th, 2008.