NFL - Week Seventeen Review

It's on to the playoffs for twelve NFL teams, starting next weekend in the Wild Card Round.
The Indianapolis Colts (10-6) punched the last playoff ticket by beating the host Tennessee Titans, 33-17 on Sunday night.
Colts quarterback Andrew Luck had three touchdown passes and running back Marlon Mack rushed for 119 yards and scored a TD as well while the Colts defense intercepted two passes and also had a fumble recovery. The loss knocked the Titans (9-7) out of the playoff race.
The Colts will face AFC South division foe Houston (11-5) in the AFC Wild Card round next weekend.
The Houston Texans wrapped up the AFC South with a resounding 20-3 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Texans defense dominated the game, holding the Jags to only six first downs and 119 yards in total offense.
The Baltimore Ravens (10-6) clinched the AFC North title and their first playoff appearance in four years with a thrilling 26-24 home win against the Cleveland Browns. Ravens rookie QB Lamar Jackson scored two rushing touchdowns and kicker Justin Tucker made four field goals. Browns QB Baker Mayfield had three TD passes, but also threw three interceptions, including a pick on fourth-and-ten at the Baltimore 39-yard line with 1:02 remaining in the game.
The Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) clinched a wild card playoff spot in the NFC race with a 24-0 shutout win at Washington. The Eagles defense crushed the Redskins, limiting them to a ridiculous 89 yards in total offense (21 rushing, 68 passing) and only eight first downs. Meanwhile, QB Nick Foles had two scoring passes and completed 25 consecutive passes, tying an NFL record, before leaving the game with a rib injury. Backup Eagles QB Nate Sudfeld threw a TD pass in relief.
The Eagles will face the Chicago Bears (12-4) in the Wild Card round next weekend.
The Bears helped Philadelphia get into the playoffs by defeating the host Minnesota Vikings, 24-10 behind two rushing touchdowns by Jordan Howard and another rushing TD from Tarik Cohen. The Bears defense dominated the Vikings offense, limiting them to just 164 total yards. The Vikings (8-7-1) were eliminated from playoff contention.
The Kansas City Chiefs (12-4) clinched home field advantage in the AFC as they won at home, 35-3 over the Oakland Raiders. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes had two TD passes in the rout, which gave him 50 TD passes for the season along with over 5,000 yards passing as well, becoming just the second quarterback in NFL history to accomplish that. Peyton Manning was the other QB to do so back in 2013 with the Denver Broncos.
The Los Angeles Chargers (12-4) will be the fifth seed in the AFC playoffs as they beat the Denver Broncos, 23-9. The game was a sloppy one as each team had four turnovers and there was 150 penalty yards as well.
The Los Angeles Rams (13-3) clinched a first round bye in the NFC with a 48-32 thumping of the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Rams QB Jared Goff had four scoring passes and running back C.J. Anderson scored once and ran for 132 yards in place of Todd Gurley, who sat it out with a playoff spot already clinched.
Tom Brady (pictured right), the Heftyinfo NFL Player of the Week, and the New England Patriots

(11-5) clinched a first round bye in the AFC with a 38-3 trouncing of the New York Jets. Brady had four TD passes in a balanced attack (131 yards rushing, 244 passing) while the Patriots defense forced three turnovers, including a score off a fumble recovery.
The Seattle Seahawks (10-6) held off the stubborn Arizona Cardinals, 27-24 thanks to a 33-yard field goal by Sebastian Janikowski as time ran out. The Seahawks locked up the fifth spot in the NFC playoffs and will face the Dallas Cowboys next weekend in the Wild Card round.


                                                       Elsewhere  Around  the  NFL  . . . . . . .  

The Carolina Panthers finally snapped their seven game losing streak, beating the host New Orleans Saints, 33-14 as QB Kyle Allen ran for a score and passed for two more as the Saints (13-3) rested many starters, including QB Drew Brees, having already clinched home field advantage in the NFC playoffs . . .   The Dallas Cowboys (10-6) won an exciting game, 36-35 on the road against the New York Giants as QB Dak Prescott connected with wide receiver Cole Beasley on a 32-yard scoring pass on fourth down with just over a minute to play. The Cowboys got the two-point conversion for the win. Giants RB Saquon Barkley became only the third rookie (running back) to go over 2,000 scrimmage yards in a season . . .  Atlanta concluded a dismal season with a 34-32 road win at Tampa Bay as QB Matt Ryan threw two TD passes and also caught a touchdown pass. Bucs QB Jameis Winston had four TD passes in the loss to the Falcons . . .  The Detroit Lions routed the host Green Bay Packers, 31-0 as they knocked Packers QB Aaron Rodgers out of the game (concussion) and cruised to the shutout win as QB Matthew Stafford had a pair of TD passes . . .  The Buffalo Bills crushed the Miami Dolphins, 42-17 for a home win as QB Josh Allen passed for three touchdowns and also ran for two more scores . . . The Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6-1) won their home finale, 16-13 against the Cincinnati Bengals behind three field goals from Matt McCrane, but then watched helplessly as they were eliminated from the AFC playoffs when Baltimore beat the Cleveland Browns.

Notable - Four more head coaches were let go today (Adam Gase in Miami, Vance Joseph in Denver,  Steve Wilks in Arizona, Marvin Lewis in Cincinnati) joining Todd Bowles (NY Jets) and Dirk Koetter (Tampa Bay), who were fired yesterday. Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy and Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson were canned during the regular season.


WEEK SEVENTEEN RESULTS
Chicago 24, Minnesota 10
Detroit 31, Green Bay 0
Philadelphia 24, Washington 0
Dallas 36, NY Giants 35
Seattle 27, Arizona 24
LA Rams 48, San Francisco 32
Atlanta 34, Tampa Bay 32
Carolina 33, New Orleans 14
Indianapolis 33, Tennessee 17
Houston 20, Jacksonville 3
New England 38, NY Jets 3
Buffalo 42, Miami 17
Baltimore 26, Cleveland 24
Pittsburgh 16, Cincinnati 13
Kansas City 35, Oakland 3
LA Chargers 23, Denver 9

So Called Progressive Radio Station Making Questionable Moves

They did it again.
Radio station WCPT (AM 820) out of Chicago suddenly announced the firing of political talk show host Ben Joravsky following his daily show on Thursday, December 27.
Benny J as he has been affectionately known by his producer Dennis Schetter (aka Doctor D) and his loyal listeners is also a political columnist for The Reader, a newspaper based in Chicago and is known for his vast knowledge of all things political in the city of Chicago.
Joravsky had to be taken by complete surprise with the WCPT management decision because he signed off on Thursday by stating there would be many follow up interviews and stories surrounding the upcoming Chicago mayoral election (primary in February and expected run off election in April) that has as many as 18 candidates vying for the spot being vacated by the outgoing Rahm Emanuel, who back in September announced he would be not be running for a third term.
Just a few weeks prior to axing Joravsky, the FM (92.5) affiliate for WCPT was sold off to a religious music format. Several years ago, the so called "progressive" radio station also had a 92.7 and 99.9 FM affiliation as well, but those were also sold off.
Joravsky (pictured at right with yours truly) offered more of a localized political gabfest and he regularly held interviews with political candidates and also movers and shakers while he and producer Dennis ridiculed Donald Trump, outgoing Illinois governor (Thank God) Bruce Rauner  and many other right wing nut jobs (including troll callers) with a good dose of humor. Producer Dennis also does a great voice impersonation of Trump and Rauner, but that routine will likely be squelched as management looks to go in a different direction.
A couple of years back, WCPT also unexpectedly got rid of political talker Wayne Besen, who was more involved with national politics on his show, so when Joravsky stepped in as his replacement and emphasized Chicago politics on a regular basis, things clicked and the show was a welcome break from the national view of all things political on the daily broadcast schedule.
With the sheer dominance of right wing political talk shows all across the United States, WCPT has been a refreshing change of venue since it came on the air in 2007 following the departure of Air America radio, which was a champion for left wing style political views.
It's unfortunate this continues to happen, but hopefully the station will remain on the air as it carries the shows of political talkers Bill Press, Stephanie Miller, Thom Hartmann and Norman Goldman as well as Amy Goodman and her news report on a nightly basis. Hal Sparks is on the air on Saturday and is followed by legendary Chicago political reporter Dick Kay (Back on the Beat) with his political views.
There is a big outcry about this decision and while there will be a revolving door of varying hosts for the next few months (coincidence this happens as the Chicago mayoral election is in high gear?) until a replacement is selected, no one will be able to do what Joravsky did or bring the knowledge of  Chicago politics he possesses.
The old saying applies here . . .  If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Maybe it is time to change the MANAGEMENT at WCPT-AM 820 in Chicago.
They seem to be wanting to go off in a different direction and that is not a good thing.

NFL - Week Seventeen Preview

There are only three playoff spots still undecided as the NFL heads into the final game on the 2018 schedule.
In the NFC, the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles are battling for the last wild card spot while over in the AFC, the Indianapolis Colts face the Tennessee Titans on the road in a winner take all game (on Sunday Night Football) for the sixth playoff spot.
The Colts and Titans game is the final one on the schedule while the Vikings host the Chicago Bears (already in the NFC playoffs) and will look to get the playoff spot with a win. The Eagles need to beat the Washington Redskins and hope the Bears can knock off the Vikings to get the playoff spot.
There are numerous scenarios that can play out, but the bottom line for the Vikings, Colts and Titans as well as the Baltimore Ravens is win and they are in.
For a preview of the week's action, the following offers a capsule style preview of all the games and is followed up by the Heftyinfo picks for Week Seventeen, the final one for the regular season.


Cleveland (7-7-1) at Baltimore (9-6) - Can the Browns play spoilers? Probably not, the Ravens seem to be on a mission.

Miami (7-8) at Buffalo (5-10) - Take the Bills.

Detroit (5-10) at Green Bay (6-8-1) - Both of these teams concluding miserable seasons.

Jacksonville (5-10) at Houston (10-5) - The Texans get back on the horse after a last second loss in Philadelphia.

NY Jets (4-11) at New England (10-5) - Patriots want the first round playoff bye and with a win, they will get it.

Carolina (6-9) at New Orleans (13-2) - Saints are resting many starters, so perhaps the Panthers can snap their seven game losing streak.

Dallas (9-6) at NY Giants (5-10) - Will this be Eli Manning's final start as the Giants quarterback?

Atlanta (6-9) at Tampa Bay (5-10) - The Buccaneers would like to finish the season the way they started it - with a win.

Oakland (4-11) at Kansas City (11-4) - Chiefs roll !

Chicago (11-4) at Minnesota (8-6-1) - Vikings need this game to make the playoffs. Bears going for a possible first round bye with a win. Toss up in this one.

Cincinnati (6-9) at Pittsburgh (8-6-1) - Steelers must win this game and get some help to make the playoffs.

Philadelphia (8-7) at Washington (7-8) - The Eagles can make the playoffs with the win in this game and some help from the Chicago Bears.

San Francisco (4-11) at LA Rams (12-3) - Rams should win this one in a rout.

LA Chargers (11-4) at Denver (6-9) - Chargers out to avenge a tough loss to the Broncos last month. The top seed in the AFC playoffs is still possible for the 'Bolts, though not likely to happen.

Arizona (3-12) at Seattle (9-6) - The Seahawks are rolling as the playoffs approach.

Indianapolis (9-6) at Tennessee (9-6) - Winner take all for the last AFC playoff spot in this Sunday night tilt. Will banged up Titans QB Marcus Mariota be available to play?


The Heftyinfo predictions for Week Seventeen  . . . . . . .   (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)

Baltimore over Cleveland
Buffalo over Miami
Green Bay over Detroit
Houston over Jacksonville
New England over NY Jets
Carolina over New Orleans 
NY Giants over Dallas
Tampa Bay over Atlanta
KANSAS CITY over Oakland
Minnesota over Chicago
Pittsburgh over Cincinnati
Philadelphia over Washington 
LA Rams over San Francisco
LA Chargers over Denver
Seattle over Arizona
Indianapolis over Tennessee  


Last Week's Record -  14-2 

SEASON RECORD -  157-81-2 

Lock of the Week Record -  14-2 

NFL - Week Sixteen Review

The Baltimore Ravens served notice they are a team to be reckoned with, especially on defense, as they beat the host Los Angeles Chargers, 22-10 on Saturday evening. The win put the Ravens (9-6) in first place in the AFC North as Pittsburgh (8-6-1) lost at New Orleans on Sunday.
The Ravens defense held the high powered Chargers offense to just 198 total yards and their lowest point total for the season in a game. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was sacked four times, threw two interceptions and had no touchdown passes. Also, the Chargers (11-4) blew the chance to leap frog the Kansas City Chiefs (also 11-4) for the top seeded spot in the AFC playoff picture.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (202 passing yards) had a 68-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mark Andrews while they rushed for 159 yards in the win, which was Baltimore's fifth in six games since Jackson became the starting QB in place of then injured Joe Flacco.
The New Orleans Saints (13-2) held off the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-28 to wrap up home field advantage throughout the NFC Playoffs. The key play might have been the fake punt late in the fourth quarter by Pittsburgh on 4th-and-5 yards to go that didn't work. Another big blow to the Steelers was a fumble after catch by wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster with under a minute to go and the ball inside the Saints 40-yard line.
Saints QB Drew Brees passed for 326 yards (one TD pass to WR Mike Thomas for the deciding score) and running back Alvin Kamara had two rushing touchdowns to pace the offense. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger had three TD passes in the loss.
The Seattle Seahawks (9-6) topped the visiting Kansas City Chiefs, 38-31 on Sunday Night Football to wrap up a wild card playoff spot as QB Russell Wilson threw for three scores while the Seattle offense racked up 210 yards rushing against the Chiefs defense. Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes had three more TD passes (48 for the season to lead the NFL) in defeat.
The Dallas Cowboys (9-6) won the NFC East division title with a 27-20 home win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite gaining only 232 yards in offense. The Dallas defense scored on a 69-yard fumble recovery return by Jaylon Smith while QB Dak Prescott passed and ran for the other touchdowns to lead the way.

Eagles QB Nick Foles celebrates a huge win

The Philadelphia Eagles (8-7) kept their playoff hopes alive with a thrilling 32-30 victory at home against the Houston Texans (10-5) as QB Nick Foles, the Heftyinfo NFL Player of the Week, passed for a team record 471 yards and had four TD passes in the huge win. Eagles kicker Jake Elliott made the game winning 35-yard field goal as time expired.
Texans QB Deshaun Watson had two running scores and also two TD passes in the loss as the Texans fell back to the number-three slot in the AFC Playoff race.
The New England Patriots (10-5) clinched their tenth straight AFC East division title with a 24-12 win against the visiting Buffalo Bills as they ran for 273 yards and the defense forced three turnovers. The Patriots are now the number-two seed in the AFC playoff race and can still clinch the top spot with a win the final game along with losses by both Kansas City and the Los Angeles Chargers.



                                                    Elsewhere Around the NFL  . . . . . . .      

The Los Angeles Rams (12-3) beat down the Arizona Cardinals, 31-9 as reserve running back C.J. Anderson rushed for 167 yards and a TD in place of the injured Todd Gurley and the offense racked up 461 yards while Roberts Woods scored two touchdowns in the win . . .  The Chicago Bears (11-4) kept pace with the Rams for the number-two spot in the NFC playoffs with a 14-9 win at San Francisco as they did enough on both sides of the football for success . . .  The Minnesota Vikings (8-6-1) stayed in the sixth and final NFC playoff spot with a 27-9 road win against the Detroit Lions behind three TD passes by QB Kirk Cousins . . .  The Indianapolis Colts (9-6) won a nail biter at home, 28-27 against the New York Giants as QB Andrew Luck threw a one-yard scoring pass to WR Chester Rogers with 55 seconds remaining in the game. The win puts the Colts into the final playoff spot in the AFC . . .  The Tennessee Titans (9-6) beat the Washington Redskins, 25-16 on Saturday to stay in the AFC playoff race. Titans RB Derrick Henry had a rushing score and backup QB Blaine Gabbert passed for another score. Titans starting QB Marcus Mariota left the game with an elbow injury and did nor return. The loss eliminated the Redskins (7-8) from playoff contention  . . .  The Green Bay Packers (6-8-1) stormed back from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the host New York Jets, 44-38 in overtime as QB Aaron Rodgers passed for 424 yards with two TD passes (including game winner in OT to WR Devante Adams) and also had two rushing scores. Jets QB Sam Darnold had three TD passes in defeat  . . .  The Cleveland Browns (7-7-1) beat the Cincinnati Bengals, 26-18 as rookie QB Baker Mayfield had three scoring passes. The Browns outgained the Bengals 493-209 in total yardage . . .  The Atlanta Falcons topped host Carolina, 24-10, sending the Panthers (6-9) to their seventh consecutive loss. Falcons QB Matt Ryan had three TD passes and the defense forced four turnovers in the win . . . The Jacksonville Jaguars won on the road in Miami, 17-7 as Telvin Smith took an interception back 33 yards for the clinching score in the fourth quarter. The Dolphins (7-8) were limited to just 183 yards in total offense . . . In the final Monday Night Football game of the season, the host Oakland Raiders knocked off the Denver Broncos, 27-14 as RB Doug Martin scored a TD and went for 107 yards on the ground while the Oakland defense picked off two passes to lead the way. Raiders punt returner Dwayne Harris took one back 99 yards for the first score of the game.


WEEK SIXTEEN RESULTS
Tennessee 25, Washington 16
Baltimore 22, LA Chargers 10
Minnesota 27, Detroit 9
Green Bay 44, NY Jets 38 (OT)
Indianapolis 28, NY Giants 27
Cleveland 26, Cincinnati 18
Dallas 27, Tampa Bay 20
New England 24, Buffalo 12
Atlanta 24, Carolina 10
Jacksonville 17, Miami 7
Philadelphia 32, Houston 30
Chicago 14, San Francisco 9
LA Rams 31, Arizona 9
New Orleans 31, Pittsburgh 28
Seattle 38, Kansas City 31
Oakland 27, Denver 14 

NFL - Week Sixteen Preview

Only two games remain on the 2018 NFL schedule, so it's crunch time for those teams in contention for the remaining seven playoff spots.
The two Saturday games will have big implications in the playoff chase. The Washington Redskins (7-7) travel to Tennessee to face the Titans (8-6), who are in a three-way battle with Baltimore and Indianapolis (both also at 8-6) for the sixth and final AFC playoff spot.
The Redskins, tied with the Philadelphia Eagles (7-7) trail the Dallas Cowboys (8-6) in the NFC East race and are just one-half game behind the Minnesota Vikings (7-6-1) for the sixth spot in the NFC playoffs.
The night cap on Saturday will have the Baltimore Ravens playing at the Los Angeles Chargers (11-3), who are looking to move from the fifth (wild card) spot in the AFC playoff chase up to the top seed if they can win this game and then see the Seattle Seahawks (8-6) beat the visiting Kansas City Chiefs (11-3 and current top team in the AFC) in the Sunday night game.
The Ravens have one of the league's best defenses while the Chargers, despite numerous injuries this season to key players, boast one of the top offenses in the NFL. So this game should be a good one that could go down to the wire.
The Sunday games that are looming large includes the New Orleans Saints (12-2) hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5-1), who are fresh off their huge victory against the New England Patriots that kept them on top in the AFC North divisional race.
The Saints are looking to lock up "home field advantage" in the NFC race while the Steelers are seeking to hold off Baltimore for first place in the AFC North division.
Houston (10-4) travels to play the Philadelphia Eagles and a lot is at stake for both teams. The Texans are trying to stay in the number two spot in the AFC for a bye in the Wild Card round. The Eagles want the chance to get back in the playoffs and defend their Super Bowl title.
When all the dust settles this weekend, there will be just one game left on the schedule and the playoff picture will be much more clear. Here is a look at the games in capsule style with the Heftyinfo predictions following up.

Washington (7-7) at Tennessee (8-6) - The Titans looking to stay in the mix for the last playoff spot in the AFC while the Redskins have to win out and get help to make the NFC playoffs.

Baltimore (8-6) at LA Chargers (11-3) - This game is HUGE as far as impacting the AFC playoff picture. Chargers win in a squeaker.

Atlanta (5-9) at Carolina (6-8) - Panthers have lost six straight games and QB Cam Newton is out for the rest of the season.

Cincinnati (6-8) at Cleveland (6-7-1) - The Browns should win this game, but the Bengals will battle them.

Tampa Bay (5-9) at Dallas (8-6) - The Cowboys are looking to wrap up the NFC East title in time for Christmas.

Minnesota (7-6-1) at Detroit (5-9) - Vikings roll !

NY Giants (5-9) at Indianapolis (8-6) - Colts are one of the hottest teams in the NFL and they smell a playoff appearance.

Jacksonville (4-10) at Miami (7-7) - Dolphins still "in the hunt" in AFC playoff picture, Jaguars are a total mess.

Buffalo (5-9) at New England (9-5) - Patriots will look to clinch a playoff spot with a win in this game.

Green Bay (5-8-1) at  NY Jets (4-10) - Two also rans playing out the schedule.

Houston (10-4) at Philadelphia (7-7) - Eagles in a must win game at home with Nick Foles playing quarterback?  Take the Eagles.

LA Rams (11-3) at Arizona (3-11) - Rams win and they likely secure a "bye" in the NFC playoffs.

Chicago (10-4) at San Francisco (4-10) - Both of these teams are on a roll of late, but the Bears have a much, much better defense.

Pittsburgh (8-5-1) at New Orleans (12-2) - Saints want to lock up "home field advantage" throughout NFC playoffs . . .  Steelers fighting for their playoff lives. This should be a great game decided in the final minutes.

Kansas City (11-3) at Seattle (8-6) - Seahawks are solid in "prime time" at home and they should win a close one against a suddenly slumping Chiefs team.

Denver (6-8) at Oakland (3-11) - The last Monday Night Football game of the 2018 season - Merry Christmas!

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Sixteen  . . . . . . .    (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)

Tennessee over Washington
LA Chargers over Baltimore
Atlanta over Carolina 
Cleveland over Cincinnati
Dallas over Tampa Bay
Minnesota over Detroit 
Indianapolis over NY Giants
Miami over Jacksonville
NEW ENGLAND over Buffalo
Green Bay over NY Jets 
Philadelphia over Houston
LA Rams over Arizona 
Chicago over San Francisco 
New Orleans over Pittsburgh
Seattle over Kansas City
Oakland over Denver


Last Week's Record -  8-8 

SEASON RECORD -  143-79-2

Lock of the Week Record -  13-2  

NFL - Week Fifteen Review

The playoff picture around the NFL is taking shape and now there are five teams that have clinched playoff spots.
The Los Angeles Rams (11-3) and New Orleans Saints (12-2) had already clinched their division title last week, but this week the Chicago Bears (10-4) clinched the NFC North title to punch their playoff ticket. In the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers (both 11-3) are both playoff bound and one of them will likely be the top seeded team in the AFC playoffs.
As for the action this weekend, the Chargers beat the Chiefs in Kansas City last Thursday night, 29-28 in an exciting game that was decided in the final seconds when quarterback Philip Rivers (313 

Chargers WR Mike Williams celebrates clutch winning catch.

passing yards with two TD passes and two interceptions) threw a one-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Mike Williams, the Heftyinfo NFL Player of the Week.
It was the third touchdown of the game for Williams (seven receptions for 76 yards with two TD and a rushing TD also) and he also caught the two-point conversion pass from Rivers to make the final score and propel the Chargers into a first place tie with the Chiefs in the AFC West. Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes passed for 243 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.
The Bears clinched their division by beating the Green Bay Packers, 24-17 in Chicago behind a pair of scoring passes from QB Mitch Trubisky and a rushing TD by running back Jordan Howard. The Bears defense sacked Packers QB Aaron Rodgers five times and also intercepted a pass. Green Bay

Bears Coach Matt Nagy celebrates division clinching win.

(5-8-1) was eliminated from playoff contention.
The Minnesota Vikings (7-6-1) blew out the visiting Miami Dolphins, 41-17 as they rushed for 220 yards and sacked Miami QB Ryan Tannehill nine times. Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (19 carries for 136 yards) scored twice on the ground to lead the way. Minnesota is still the sixth seeded team in the NFC playoff picture with the win.
The Indianapolis Colts blanked the Dallas Cowboys, 23-0 to improve to 8-6 and snapped Dallas' five-game win streak. It was the first time in over 15 years the Cowboys (8-6) were shut out. Colts RB Marlon Mack ran for two scores while accumulating 139 yards rushing on 27 carries to lead the charge.
The Tennessee Titans (8-6) kept pace with the Colts in the AFC Wild Card race with a 17-0 shutout victory on the road against the New York Giants. Derrick Henry scored two rushing touchdowns and went for 170 yards (on 33 carries) in the winning effort.
The Baltimore Ravens (8-6) held off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 20-12 as they rushed for 242 yards and the defense limited the Bucs to just 241 yards in offense. The win keeps the Ravens in the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC race.
The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5-1), the team that Baltimore is chasing in the AFC North race, won at home 17-10 against the New England Patriots (9-5) behind a pair of TD passes from QB Ben Roethlisberger. New England lost two consecutive games in December for the first time since 2002 season.

                    
                                                 Elsewhere Around the NFL  . . . . . . . 

The Philadelphia Eagles (7-7) kept their playoff hopes alive with a 30-23 road win against the Los Angeles Rams (11-3) in the Sunday night game. QB Nick Foles, filling in for injured starter Carson Wentz, was efficient and running back Wendell Smallwood scored two rushing touchdowns and Josh Adams added another. Rams RB Todd Gurley scored twice on the ground, but was hampered with a leg injury in the game, limiting him to only 48 rushing yards. Rams QB Jared Goff threw for 339 yards, but was intercepted twice in defeat . . .  The Houston Texans (10-4) beat the New York Jets, 29-22 on Saturday afternoon as QB Deshaun Watson (294 passing yards) had two TD passes and kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn made five field goals to lead the way . . .  The San Francisco 49ers surprised the visiting Seattle Seahawks, 26-23 in overtime as kicker Robbie Gould made a 36-yard field goal to win it. The Seahawks (8-6) blew a chance to wrap up a wild card playoff spot in the NFC as QB Russell Wilson threw for two scores in the loss . . .  The Washington Redskins (7-7) beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 16-13 as kicker Dustin Hopkins drilled a 36-yard FG as time expired to keep their playoff hopes alive . . .  The Cleveland Browns (6-7-1) knocked off the host Denver Broncos, 17-16 on Saturday night as QB Baker Mayfield had two TD passes. It was the second straight loss for Denver (6-8) as QB Case Keenum was picked off twice in the loss . . .  The Atlanta Falcons snapped a five-game losing streak with a 40-14 trouncing of the Arizona Cardinals as QB Matt Ryan had a pair of TD passes and RB Tevin Coleman (145 rushing yards on 11 carries) scored a touchdown while their defense recorded seven QB sacks  . . .  The Buffalo Bills beat the visiting Detroit Lions, 14-13 behind a rushing and passing TD from QB Josh Allen . . .  The Cincinnati Bengals (6-8) thrashed the Oakland Raiders, 30-16 for a home win as RB Joe Mixon (27 carries for 129 yards) scored two times to pace the easy win . . .  The New Orleans Saints topped the host Carolina Panthers, 12-9 on Monday Night Football, sending the Panthers (6-8) to their sixth straight defeat as Will Lutz kicked two field goals and RB Alvin Kamara scored on a 16-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter. The Saints defense held Carolina to 247 yards in total offense. 


WEEK FIFTEEN RESULTS
LA Chargers 29, Kansas City 28
Houston 29, NY Jets 22
Cleveland 17, Denver 16
Chicago 24, Green Bay 17
Baltimore 20, Tampa Bay 12
Indianapolis 23, Dallas 0
Tennessee 17, NY Giants 0
Cincinnati 30, Oakland 16
Atlanta 40, Arizona 14
Buffalo 14, Detroit 13
Washington 16, Jacksonville 13
Minnesota 41, Miami 17
Pittsburgh 17, New England 10
San Francisco 26, Seattle 23 (OT)
Philadelphia 30, LA Rams 23
New Orleans 12, Carolina 9

NFL - Week Fifteen Preview

The biggest game of the season in the AFC West race is Thursday night in Kansas City when the Chiefs (11-2) play the Los Angeles Chargers (10-3) in the game that will decide the winner of the division.
The Chiefs can wrap things up with a win as they have already beaten the Chargers (38-28 in LA in the season opener) while the Chargers would still need some help even if they do win this game. The Chargers lost to Denver (AFC West opponent) back in Week Eleven as well as their loss to Kansas City.
Either way, this game will likely go down to the wire and whoever has the last possession will likely be the deciding factor of who wins this game.
The Chiefs have been riding high on the offensive end all season with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (4,300 passing yards, 43 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) leading the way. Meanwhile, the Chargers have been solid on offense as well as QB Philip Rivers (3,638 passing yards, 29 TD, six INT) has been enjoying perhaps the best ever statistical season of his career.
Kansas City leads the NFL in scoring (471 points) and will look to pour it on against the Chargers, who have a pretty good defense. The Chargers allow 20.7 points per game while scoring 28.1 points per game.
Both teams are hurting in the run game as Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler are likely out for the Chargers for this one while the Chiefs will look to Spencer Ware and even Charcandrick West to pound the rock without released RB Kareem Hunt. The 'Bolts hope Justin Jackson can do some damage in the backfield.
The key for the Chargers winning this game is getting steady pressure on Mahomes and not letting him escape the pocket and improvise as he has done so well this season. If the Chiefs are able to move up and down the field and score touchdowns, they will roll in this one.
There are also two Saturday games this weekend as the Houston Texans (9-4) travel to New York to face the Jets (4-9) while the Cleveland Browns (5-7-1) will be at the Denver Broncos (6-7).
The Texans will look to solidify their grip on the AFC South division with a win while the loser of the Broncos-Browns game will be out of the playoff picture.
The New England Patriots (9-4) will play on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5-1) on Sunday and that game is huge for the Steelers, who have lost three straight games, including an embarrassing 24-21 setback against the Oakland Raiders last week.
You can bet on it the Patriots are still fuming after the way they lost to the Miami Dolphins (7-6) last Sunday on the "miracle" play that gave them a 34-33 win over New England, preventing the Pats from clinching the AFC East.
The Dolphins are still in the hunt and face the Minnesota Vikings (6-6-1) on the road in what should be a very interesting game. The Dolphins need to win out and essentially get some help to make the AFC playoffs.
The Vikings suddenly find themselves clinging to the sixth and final NFC wild card spot after a dismal effort at Seattle last Monday night. In fact, the team fired their offensive coordinator in an attempt to get a spark going with QB Kirk Cousins and the offense.
The Dallas Cowboys (8-5) are the hottest team right now, having won five in a row and will face the Indianapolis Colts (7-6) in a road game that will test their defense against QB Andrew Luck (34 TD passes) and company.
The rest of the games will feature some also rans and of course, teams playing to stay on course for the NFL playoffs.
Here is a capsule style look at the action for Week Fifteen, along with the Heftyinfo predictions for the games.

LA Chargers (10-3) at Kansas City (11-2) - This game will factor huge in the top seed for the AFC playoffs. Chiefs rate a slight edge at home.

Houston (9-4) at NY Jets (4-9) - The Texans need to rebound in this one after seeing their nine-game win streak snapped.

Cleveland (5-7-1) at Denver (6-7) - The Broncos laid an egg last week while the Browns would love to play spoiler to the Broncos playoff hopes.

Green Bay (5-7-1) at Chicago (9-4) - The Bears can clinch the NFC North and eliminate their biggest rivals from the playoff picture. Talk about incentive.

Arizona (3-10) at Atlanta (4-9) - The Falcons have to win this one, right?

Tampa Bay (5-8) at Baltimore (7-6) - The Ravens should have their way in this one.

Detroit (5-8) at Buffalo (4-9) - Who cares?

Oakland (3-10) at Cincinnati (5-8) - See above comment.

Dallas (8-5) at Indianapolis (7-6) - Huge game for both teams. Dallas can clinch the NFC East this weekend.

Washington (6-7) at Jacksonville (4-9) - The Jaguars should win this game, if they don't play stupid football.

Miami (7-6) at Minnesota (6-6-1) - Must win game for both teams . . . Vikings at home in this one.

Tennessee (7-6) at NY Giants (5-8) - The Giants have been playing good football in recent weeks, so the Titans will have a battle.

Seattle (8-5) at San Francisco (3-10) - Seahawks are flying high, but the 49ers surprised Denver last week, so . . . Beware!

New England (9-4) at Pittsburgh (7-5-1) - The Steelers need this one bad. The Patriots are steaming mad after losing in a ridiculous way last week. Toss up in this one.

Philadelphia (6-7) at LA Rams (11-2) - The Sunday night game will be the last hurrah for the Eagles as they are likely out of the playoff race with another loss. The Rams were embarrassed last week in Chicago.

New Orleans (11-2) at Carolina (6-7) - The Panthers must find a way to snap their five-game losing streak and they just might do it at home in "prime time" in this one.


The Heftyinfo predictions for Week Fifteen  . . . . . . .    (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)

Kansas City over LA Chargers
Houston over NY Jets 
Denver over Cleveland
Chicago over Green Bay
Atlanta over Arizona
BALTIMORE over Tampa Bay
Buffalo over Detroit
Oakland over Cincinnati 
Dallas over Indianapolis 
Jacksonville over Washington
Minnesota over Miami
Tennessee over NY Giants 
Seattle over San Francisco 
Pittsburgh over New England
LA Rams over Philadelphia
Carolina over New Orleans


Last Week's Record -  9-7

SEASON RECORD -  135-71-2

Lock of the Week Record -  12-2

NFL - Week Fourteen Review

Miracles, surprises and mistakes . . .
It was all part of some fantastic finishes around the NFL this weekend as the NFL Playoff picture continues to take shape.

Miracle in Miami

Without a doubt, the Miami Dolphins 34-33 victory over the New England Patriots on the final play of the game with the laterals that wound up with running back Kenyan Drake (pictured right) taking the ball 52 yards for the touchdown as time ran out was the most exciting moment, in Week Fourteen and perhaps all season.
The Patriots (9-4) were stunned at the outcome as the Dolphins (7-6) kept alive their playoff hopes and also thwarted the Patriots from clinching their tenth consecutive AFC East title. Pats quarterback Tom Brady had three touchdown passes and 358 passing yards in the loss while Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill had three touchdown throws, including the "miracle" one that won the game.
The Chicago Bears (9-4) dominated the Los Angeles Rams (11-2) on the Sunday Night Football game, winning at home, 15-6 as their defense smothered the Rams, holding them to a season low 214 yards in total offense (including just 52 rushing yards) and two field goals. Rams QB Jared Goff was intercepted four times in the game.
The Kansas City Chiefs (11-2) defeated the Baltimore Ravens, 27-24 in OT as kicker Harrison Butker made a 35-yard field goal and then the Chiefs defense stopped the Ravens (7-6) to seal the win. The Chiefs were able to force the OT thanks to two big plays on fourth down by QB Patrick Mahomes (377 passing yards with two TD and one interception), including a big pass play to WR Tyreek Hill (eight catches, 139 yards) and the game tying five-yard TD pass to Damien Williams.

Derrick Henry 99-yard TD run

Last Thursday night, Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, the Heftyinfo NFL co-Player of the Week,  had a game for the ages, rushing for 238 yards and scoring four touchdowns, including a record tying 99-yard TD run to lead the Titans (7-6) to a 30-9 romp over the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. Tony Dorsett of the Dallas Cowboys (1982) also went 99 yards for a score.

Amari Cooper scored three TD in big win

Another huge effort to aid a win was turned in by Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper, the Heftyinfo NFL -co-Player of the Week. The Cowboys (8-5) outlasted the visiting Philadelphia Eagles, 29-23 in overtime for their fifth straight win as Cooper (10 receptions for 217 yards and three TD) hauled in the winning 15-yard TD catch on a deflection.
The win all but clinches the NFC East division for Dallas as both Philadelphia and Washington sit with 6-7 records.





                         
                                               Elsewhere Around the NFL . . . . . . .  

The Los Angeles Chargers (10-3) kept pace with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West race with a 26-21 hard fought home victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, who were playing without their top two offensive players (injured QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green). Chargers kicker Michael Badgley nailed four field goals, including a team record 59-yard boot to end the first half, to help make the difference in the outcome . . .  The Cleveland Browns beat Carolina, 26-20, sending the Panthers (6-7) to their fifth consecutive defeat as WR Jarvis Landry scored twice . . .  The New Orleans Saints (11-2) clinched the NFC South division with a 28-14 road win against Tampa Bay as QB Drew Brees ran for a score and threw a TD pass to pace the win. Bucs QB Jameis Winston had two TD passes in the loss . . .  The Green Bay Packers (5-7-1) knocked off the visiting Atlanta Falcons, 34-20 as QB Aaron Rodgers had two TD passes . . .  The Oakland Raiders stunned the Pittsburgh Steelers, 24-21 behind two TD passes from QB Derek Carr and a blocked field goal as time expired to send the Steelers (7-5-1) to their third straight defeat . . .  The New York Jets rallied past the Buffalo Bills for a 27-23 road win as Elijah McGuire scored on a one-yard TD run late in the fourth quarter . . .  The New York Giants (5-8) routed the fading Washington Redskins, 40-16 as rookie RB Saquon Barkley went off for 170 yards rushing (on just 14 carries), including a 78-yard scoring run. The Redskins (6-7) have lost four in a row . . .  The Indianapolis Colts (7-6) won at Houston, 24-21, which snapped the Texans nine-game winning streak. Colts QB Andrew Luck had two TD passes and kicker Adam Vinatieri's 54-yard field goal to end the first half proved to be the difference in the final score . . .  The San Francisco 49ers beat the Denver Broncos, 20-14, damaging the Broncos (6-7) playoff hopes in the AFC race as 'Niners tight end George Kittle scored on an 85-yard pass play and hauled in seven catches for 210 yards to stun the Broncos . . .  The Detroit Lions won a yawner at Arizona, beating the Cardinals, 17-3 as Darius Slay took an interception back 67 yards for a touchdown . . . The Seattle Seahawks (8-5) beat the Minnesota Vikings, 21-7 on Monday Night Football as RB Chris Carson scored on a two-yard rushing TD and Justin Coleman took a fumble back 29 yards for another score in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. 


WEEK FOURTEEN RESULTS
Tennessee 30, Jacksonville 9
New Orleans 28, Tampa Bay 14
NY Jets 27, Buffalo 23
NY Giants 40, Washington 16
Kansas City 27, Baltimore 24 (OT)
Cleveland 26, Carolina 20
Green Bay 34, Atlanta 20
Miami 34, New England 33
Indianapolis 24, Houston 21
Dallas 29, Philadelphia 23 (OT)
LA Chargers 26, Cincinnati 21
San Francisco 20, Denver 14
Oakland 24, Pittsburgh 21
Detroit 17, Arizona 3
Chicago 15, LA Rams 6
Seattle 21, Minnesota 7

NFL - Week Fourteen Preview

The Dallas Cowboys (7-5) have won four consecutive games and are leading the NFC East division by one game over the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, who are both at 6-6 entering Week Fourteen.
The Cowboys can put a real lock hold on the division with a win at home against Philadelphia this Sunday afternoon. They have already beaten the Eagles once this season and split their two games with the Redskins. The Eagles beat Washington last Monday night and for now hold the tie breaker between them for second place.
Dallas demonstrated real resolve after their 3-5 start this season and their defense dominated the powerful offense of the New Orleans Saints (10-2) in Week Thirteen.
If they can again beat Philadelphia and the Redskins lose to the New York Giants, they would be two games clear of both foes with just three games remaining in the regular season.
Another big matchup this weekend includes the Chicago Bears (8-4) hosting the Los Angeles Rams (11-1), who boast the best record in the NFL at this point, in the Sunday Night Football game.
The Rams have already clinched the NFC West title and a playoff berth while the Bears were surprised by the lowly New York Giants (4-8) last week in a road loss that went to overtime. The Bears currently lead the NFC North division over Minnesota (6-5-1) while Green Bay (4-7-1) and Detroit (4-8) are pretty much toast with just four games remaining in the regular season.
The Minnesota Vikings will be on the road in Seattle on Monday night to face the surging Seahawks (7-5), who have won three straight games to push themselves to the five-seed (wild card) in the NFC Playoff race. The Vikings are currently the sixth seeded team in the NFC Playoff picture.
One other big game involving playoff contenders this weekend is the Baltimore Ravens (7-5) facing the Kansas City Chiefs (10-2) in Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Sunday afternoon. This game will determine quite a bit in the AFC Playoff picture once things shake out this weekend.
The Ravens have won three consecutive games and their defense has been the key element along with rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson stepping in for the injured Joe Flacco in those victories. Meanwhile, Kansas City won a shootout with the Oakland Raiders last week and still boast the highest scoring offense in the NFL. However, their defense has been getting lit up in recent weeks and if they are to hold off the Los Angeles Chargers (9-3) in the AFC West race, they must improve in that area.
The other games in the NFL this week feature key games for playoff contenders as well along with some games involving teams who are just playing out the string. For a look at all the action in Week Fourteen, the following offers the capsule style previews along with the Heftyinfo predictions for this week.


NY Jets (3-9) at Buffalo (4-8) - The host team from upstate New York should win this one.

Carolina (6-6) at Cleveland (4-7-1) - The Browns can further ruin the playoff hopes of the Panthers in this one. Carolina has lost four in a row.  Ouch!

Atlanta (4-8) at Green Bay (4-7-1) - Both of these teams were pre-season hopefuls to perhaps meet up in the NFC Championship Game. Not so much any more.

Indianapolis (6-6) at Houston (9-3) - The Texans are gunning for their tenth straight win and they will likely get it in this game.

Baltimore (7-5) at Kansas City (10-2) - Can the surging Ravens hang with the high flying Chiefs?  It's possible.

New England (9-3) at Miami (6-6) - The Patriots usually struggle in south Florida for some reason and the Dolphins are hoping so again to keep their fading playoff hopes alive. The Patriots can clinch their tenth consecutive AFC East title with a victory.

New Orleans (10-2) at Tampa Bay (5-7) - The Bucs beat the Saints in the season opener, so look for another high scoring game between these two teams, but this time it's the Saints in the win column.

NY Giants (4-8) at Washington (6-6) - The Giants have won three of their last four games while the Redskins are banged up and have dropped three straight games.

Cincinnati (5-7) at LA Chargers (9-3) - The Chargers know they cannot look past Cincy to their huge game next Thursday night in Kansas City . . .  Chargers roll !

Denver (6-6) at San Francisco (2-10) - The Broncos have been riding high and are back in the AFC Playoff picture with three straight wins.

Detroit (4-8) at Arizona (3-9) - Yawn

Pittsburgh (7-4-1) at Oakland (2-10) - These two old rivals are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but don't expect the Raiders to just lay down in this one.

Philadelphia (6-6) at Dallas (7-5) - It's now or never for the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles this week. Cowboys are on a big time roll going into this game.

LA Rams (11-1) at Chicago (8-4) - Can the Bears defense slow down the Rams high powered offensive attack?

Minnesota (6-5-1) at Seattle (7-5) - Seahawks are soaring of late while the Vikings are just barely hanging on to the final playoff spot in the NFC race. Should be a good MNF game.

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Fourteen . . . . . .    (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)

Tennessee over Jacksonville
Buffalo over NY Jets
Carolina over Cleveland 
Green Bay over Atlanta
Houston over Indianapolis
Kansas City over Baltimore
New England over Miami 
New Orleans over Tampa Bay 
NY Giants over Washington 
LA CHARGERS over Cincinnati
Denver over San Francisco
Detroit over Arizona
Pittsburgh over Oakland 
Dallas over Philadelphia
LA Rams over Chicago 
Seattle over Minnesota


Last Week's Record -  9-7

SEASON RECORD -  126-64-2

Lock of the Week Record -  11-2 

NFL - Week Thirteen Review

One of the biggest events taking place this weekend in the NFL involved a non-playoff contender as the Green Bay Packers fired Head Coach Mike McCarthy (pictured left) following a 20-17 loss at home to the Arizona Cardinals. Joe Philbin was named the interim Head Coach for the remaining four games this season.
Cardinals kicker Zane Gonzalez drilled a 44-yard field goal with just two minutes to play to provide the difference. Packers kicker Mason Crosby missed a 49-yard field goal attempt as time ran out that could have forced overtime. Green Bay dropped to 4-7-1 with the defeat.

The best game of Week Thirteen took place in the Sunday night game as the Los Angeles Chargers (9-3) rallied from a 16-point halftime deficit (23-7) to stun the host Pittsburgh Steelers, 33-30 as kicker Michael Badgley made a 29-yard field goal as time expired.

The Chargers celebrate their huge comeback win over the Steelers on Sunday night.

The Steelers (7-4-1) rolled out to the big lead at the half as running back James Conner scored two rushing touchdowns and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (281 passing yards, two TD, one interception) hooked up with wide receiver Antonio Brown for a 28-yard scoring pass.
But the second half was all Chargers as the defense stymied the Steelers offense and quarterback Philip Rivers (299 passing yards and two TD passes) hooked up with WR Keenan Allen (14 receptions for 148 yards) for a scoring pass while Desmond King took a punt back 73 yards for another score and finally, rookie RB Justin Jackson came off the bench to score the go ahead touchdown on an 18-yard run midway through the fourth quarter.
The Los Angeles Rams (11-1) clinched the NFC West title and a playoff spot with a 30-16 road win against the Detroit Lions as RB Todd Gurley (132 yards rushing) scored two touchdowns and the defense had four QB sacks.
The Kansas City Chiefs (10-2), who cut their top running back Kareem Hunt this weekend after a video surfaced showing him physically abusing a woman during the off-season, went to Oakland and topped the Raiders, 40-33. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes threw four TD passes, giving him 41 through 12 games this season.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (12 receptions, 168 yards) hauled in a pair of TD passes from Mahomes. Raiders QB Derek Carr had three TD passes in defeat.
The New England Patriots (9-3) methodically beat the visiting Minnesota Vikings, 24-10 behind a pair of rushing touchdowns by James Develin and a defensive effort that limited the Vikings to 278 total yards in offense, including getting two interceptions. Minnesota slipped to 6-5-1 with the loss.
The New York Giants surprised the Chicago Bears, 30-27 in overtime as Aldrick Rosas made a 44-yard field goal and then the defense stopped the Bears (8-4) to preserve the win.
Chicago stormed back with ten points in the last two minutes, including a one-yard scoring pass on the option from RB Tarik Cohen to WR Anthony Miller as time expired in regulation. Earlier in the game, the Giants (4-8) got a 49-yard TD pass from wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. to WR Russell  Shepard to take a 17-14 lead. Giants rookie running back Saquon Barkley rushed for 125 yards (24 carries) to help aid the victory.
Last Thursday night, the Dallas Cowboys (7-5) stunned the New Orleans Saints, 13-10, holding the NFL's top offense to only 176 total yards in offense. Dallas RB Ezekiel Elliott caught a TD pass from QB Dak Prescott for their only score while kicker Brett Maher drilled two field goals. The loss snapped the Saints (10-2) winning streak at ten games and dropped them into the number two spot in the NFC playoff race.


                                                           Elsewhere Around the NFL   . . . . . . 

The Baltimore Ravens (7-5) beat the host Atlanta Falcons, 26-16 behind a defensive effort that held the Falcons to a paltry 131 yards in offense and also had a touchdown off a fumble recovery. Baltimore rushed for 207 yards with QB Lamar Jackson (75 yards) scoring on a 13-yard run . . .  The Tennessee Titans (6-6) kept their playoff hopes alive with a 26-22 home victory against the New York Jets as QB Marcus Mariota hooked up with WR Corey Davis on an 11-yard scoring pass with only 36 seconds remaining . . .  The Seattle Seahawks (7-5) throttled the visiting San Francisco 49ers, 43-16 as the defense forced three turnovers and QB Russell Wilson, the Heftyinfo NFL Player of the Week, threw four scoring passes . . .  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers knocked off the Carolina Panthers, 24-17, sending them to their fourth straight loss (Carolina is 6-6) as QB Jameis Winston had two TD passes and the defense intercepted Cam Newton four times . . .  The Houston Texans (9-3) won their ninth straight game, 29-13 over the visiting Cleveland Browns as they intercepted Browns rookie QB Baker Mayfield three times, which included a "pick six" INT return for score . . .  The Denver Broncos (6-6) won their third consecutive game, 24-10 over the host Cincinnati Bengals behind rookie RB Phillip Lindsay (157 yards rushing), who had two scoring runs to lead the way . . .  The Miami Dolphins (6-6) topped the visiting Buffalo Bills, 21-17 as QB Ryan Tannehill had three TD passes . . .  The Jacksonville Jaguars won a home game, 6-0 against the Indianapolis Colts (6-6), snapping their seven game losing streak as kicker Josh Lambo made two field goals and the defense getting three QB sacks and forcing two turnovers . . .  The Philadelphia Eagles (6-6) pulled away in the final quarter to defeat the visiting Washington Redskins, 28-13 on Monday Night Football. Eagles QB Carson Wentz had 306 passing yards and two TD tosses in the win while the Eagles defense held the Redskins (6-6) to just 235 total yards in offense.


WEEK THIRTEEN RESULTS
Dallas 13, New Orleans 10
NY Giants 30, Chicago 27 (OT)
Baltimore 26, Atlanta 16
Tampa Bay 24, Carolina 17
LA Rams 30, Detroit 16
Miami 21, Buffalo 17
Arizona 20, Green Bay 17
Jacksonville 6, Indianapolis 0
Houston 29, Cleveland 13
Denver 24, Cincinnati 10
Tennessee 26, NY Jets 22
New England 24, Minnesota 10
Kansas City 40, Oakland 33
Seattle 43, San Francisco 16
LA Chargers 33, Pittsburgh 30 
Philadelphia 28, Washington 13

College Football Top Ten

Heftyinfo College Football Top Ten                               (Week ending December 2) 

1.  Alabama (13-0)
2.  Clemson (13-0)
3.  Notre Dame (12-0)
4.  Ohio State (12-1)
5.  Oklahoma (12-1)
6.  Georgia (11-2)
7.  UCF (12-0)
8.  Michigan (10-2)
9.  Florida (9-3)
10.  Penn State (9-3)
10. (tie) Washington (10-3)

NFL - Week Thirteen Preview

As the calendar turns over into December, the NFL is heading down the home stretch and the numerous teams still in playoff contention are ready to make things happen.
One team that did that last night was the Dallas Cowboys (7-5) as they beat the New Orleans Saints, 13-10 in a home game that saw their defense dominate the game, holding the high powered Saints offense to their lowest output this season. It was the fourth straight win for the Cowboys and snapped the Saints (10-2) ten-game winning streak.
Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott hauled in a scoring pass from quarterback Dak Prescott for the 'Pokes only touchdown in the game. Kicker Brett Maher made two field goals while the defense limited New Orleans to just 176 total yardage in offense.
As for the rest of the action, two games in particular will have big impact for playoff positioning in both conferences. The Los Angeles Chargers (8-3) travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3-1) in the "prime time" Sunday Night Football game while the New England Patriots (8-3) will host the Minnesota Vikings (6-4-1) in the afternoon schedule.
The Chargers and Steelers have been two of the hotter AFC teams in recent weeks, but both had six-game winning streaks snapped by the suddenly resurgent Denver Broncos in the past two weekends.
However, this game is huge as Pittsburgh is looking to get back in place for a first round bye that now belongs to New England and top seeded Kansas City (9-2) in the AFC. As for the Chargers, they are just one game behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West race.
Both teams have potent offenses and the Chargers lead the NFL in big plays this season (gains of 20-plus yards) and QB Philip Rivers (26 TD passes and six interceptions) is coming off a record setting performance last week when he completed his first 25 passes of the game in a rout of Arizona.
He has a plethora of targets in the passing game (wide receivers Keenan Allen - 69 receptions, four TD; Tyrell Williams - 28 catches, five TD and Mike Williams - 24 receptions and seven TD) along with running back Austin Ekeler, who will be starting in place of injured Melvin Gordon (knee sprain). Ekeler has 409 rushing yards and has scored four total touchdowns (three receiving) along with 32 receptions out of the backfield.
The Steelers are led by QB Ben Roethlisberger (24 TD passes and 12 interceptions this season) and wide receivers Antonio Brown (eleven TD receptions) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (team high 77 receptions and also four TD) while running back James Conner has rushed for 849 yards and scored ten rushing touchdowns.
Defensively, the Chargers received a huge boost as rush end Joey Bosa is back after missing the first nine games of the season with a foot injury. Along with Melvin Ingram (5 1/2 sacks), the duo forms a strong pass rush tandem that is tough on opposing offenses.
The Steelers defense is solid against the run (101.8 ypg allowed) but has struggled at times against the pass, giving up an average of 223 yards per game.
Meanwhile, the Patriots rebounded from a blowout loss three weeks ago in Tennessee with a solid effort against their AFC East rival New York Jets. Pats QB Tom Brady has been pretty pedestrian this season, averaging 270 yards passing per game along with 19 TD passes and seven picks thrown.
The Vikings knocked off the Green Bay Packers last Sunday night as QB Kirk Cousins had three TD passes (he has totaled 22 TD so far this year along with seven INT) while their stellar defense held Aaron Rodgers and company in check. They will look to put the pressure on Brady as well this weekend.
The rest of the action should provide excitement as numerous teams look to solidify their playoff positions while the rest of the contenders jockey for better positioning in the playoff hunt.

The following provides a capsule style preview of the games and is followed up by the Heftyinfo picks for Week Thirteen.

Baltimore (6-5) at Atlanta (4-7) - Don't sleep on the slumping Falcons in this one. They are always tough to beat at home.

Denver (5-6) at Cincinnati (5-6) - The surging Broncos travel to face the lethargic Bengals, who are now without starting QB Andy Dalton (broken thumb) for the remainder of the season.

LA Rams (10-1) at Detroit (4-7) - Can the Lions dial up another home surprise as they did earlier this year vs. Patriots?  Doubtful in this one.

Arizona (2-9) at Green Bay (4-6-1) - Yes, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is correct. The Packers MUST run the table if they want to be in the playoffs.

Cleveland (4-6-1) at Houston (8-3) - Texans roll again !

Indianapolis (6-5) at Jacksonville (3-8) - The Colts should win this one, but on any given Sunday.

Buffalo (4-7) at Miami (5-6) - The loser of this game can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye.

Chicago (8-3) at NY Giants (3-8) - The Bears defense is perhaps the BEST in the NFL this year. Giants are just playing out the string at this point.

Carolina (6-5) at Tampa Bay (4-7) - The Panthers look to stop their three-game losing streak in this one. Toss up.

Kansas City (9-2) at Oakland (2-9) - The Chiefs could hang 50 points on the board for the second straight game in this one.

NY Jets (3-8) at Tennessee (5-6) - The Titans must win this game while the Jets have no pressure at all.  Beware!

San Francisco (2-9) at Seattle (6-5) - Seahawks in a rout !

Minnesota (6-4-1) at New England (8-3) - This game could go down to the wire.

LA Chargers (8-3) at Pittsburgh (7-3-1) - Great Sunday night match up that will likely go down to the wire.

Washington (6-5) at Philadelphia (5-6) - The Monday night game with two teams desperate for a win as they chase the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East race.

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Thirteen . . . . . .    (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)

New Orleans over Dallas
Atlanta over Baltimore
Denver over Cincinnati 
LA Rams over Detroit 
Green Bay over Arizona
Houston over Cleveland
Indianapolis over Jacksonville 
Miami over Buffalo
Chicago over NY Giants 
Carolina over Tampa Bay 
Kansas City over Oakland
Tennessee over NY Jets
SEATTLE over San Francisco
New England over Minnesota
Pittsburgh over LA Chargers
Philadelphia over Washington


Last Week's Record -  11-4

SEASON RECORD -  117-57-2

Lock of the Week Record -  10-2

NFL - Week Twelve Review

What a weekend in the NFL as the Thanksgiving Day games offered up some excitement, followed by some record setting performances in the Sunday games.

Bears defense celebrates another touchdown in win over Lions.

The Chicago Bears (8-3) won at Detroit on Thanksgiving Day, 23-16 as defensive back Eddie Jackson took an interception back 41 yards for a score late in the fourth quarter to help decide the outcome. The Bears defense leads the NFL in takeaways and has 20 interceptions as well.
It was the fifth straight win for the Bears and Chase Daniel filled in at quarterback for the injured Mitch Trubisky in this one.
The other Turkey Day game saw the Dallas Cowboys improve to 6-5 by downing the visiting Washington Redskins, 31-23. Dallas wide receiver Amari Cooper had two TD receptions, including a 90-yard score as he hauled in eight receptions for 180 yards.
Meanwhile, Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott also scored a rushing TD and went for his third straight game with over 100 yards rushing, gaining 121 yards on 26 carries. The Redskins (6-5) dropped their second straight game as backup QB Colt McCoy was picked off three times.
The New Orleans Saints (10-1) rolled past the visiting Atlanta Falcons, 31-17 in the Thanksgiving night cap behind four TD passes from QB Drew Brees, which gave them their tenth consecutive win. Falcons QB Matt Ryan had two TD tosses in defeat.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers had a record setting day in big win over Arizona.

The Los Angeles Chargers (8-3) routed the visiting Arizona Cardinals, 45-10 as QB Philip Rivers, the Heftyinfo NFL Player of the Week, stole the show by completing his first 25 passes and finished the game with 28-of-29 accuracy (96.6 percent) with three TD passes included. Rivers set two records (completion percentage for a single game and 25 consecutive completions to start a game) in the win.
Chargers running back Melvin Gordon scored a pair of rushing touchdowns, but left the game with a sprained knee in the third quarter. His status is listed as week to week.
The New England Patriots (8-3) toppled the host New York Jets, 27-13 as QB Tom Brady broke Peyton Manning's NFL record for most career passing yardage, which includes post-season games. Brady had two TD strikes in the win as the Pats rolled up 498 yards in total offense, including 215 rushing yards.
The Denver Broncos (5-6) surprised the Pittsburgh Steelers, 24-17 as their defense intercepted two passes and had two fumble recoveries, which made the difference as the Steelers amassed 527 total yards in offense, including a 97-yard TD pass play to WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (13 receptions for 189 yards).
Denver QB Case Keenum had two TD passes and RB Phillip Lindsay (110 rushing yards) scored the deciding touchdown on a two-yard run. The loss snapped the Steelers (7-3-1) six-game winning streak.
The Seattle Seahawks (6-5) showed their resilience as they knocked off the host Carolina Panthers, 30-27 on a 31-yard field goal by kicker Sebastian Janikowski as time ran out. Seahawks QB Russell Wilson had two TD passes and 339 yards passing in the win. Carolina QB Cam Newton also threw for two scores, but the Panthers (6-5) lost their third consecutive game.


                                               Elsewhere Around the NFL  . . . . . . .  


The Minnesota Vikings (6-4-1) put some distance between themselves and the Green Bay Packers (4-6-1) in the NFC playoff race with a 24-17 home victory on Sunday night as QB Kirk Cousins passed for three touchdowns . . .  The Baltimore Ravens (6-5) won at home, 34-17 over the Oakland Raiders as QB Lamar Jackson ran and passed for a TD to lead the way . . .  The Philadelphia Eagles (5-6) survived at home, beating the New York Giants, 25-22 on a game winning 43-yard field goal by Jake Elliott . . .  The Cleveland Browns routed the host Cincinnati Bengals, 35-20 behind four TD passes from rookie QB Baker Mayfield. Bengals QB Andy Dalton was lost for the rest of the season with a thumb injury in the loss . . .  The Indianapolis Colts (6-5) won their fifth consecutive game, 27-24 over the visiting Miami Dolphins as kicker Adam Vinatieri drilled a 32-yard field goal as time expired. Colts QB Andrew Luck had three TD passes in the win . . .  Tampa Bay rolled the visiting San Francisco 49ers, 27-9 as QB Jameis Winston returned to the starting role and had two TD passes . . . The Buffalo Bills held off the hapless Jacksonville Jaguars, 24-21 as rookie QB Josh Allen had a rushing and passing touchdown . . .  The Houston Texans (8-3) beat the Tennessee Titans, 34-17 on Monday Night Football. The win was the eight in a row for the Texans, a franchise record. Houston QB Deshaun Watson had a pair of scoring passes to WR Demaryius Thomas and running back Lamar Miller led the rushing attack (Houston gained 281 yards) with a 97-yard TD run. Titans QB Marcus Mariota was 22-for-23 passing for 303 yards and two TD passes in defeat.


WEEK TWELVE RESULTS
Chicago 23, Detroit 16
Dallas 31, Washington 23
New Orleans 31, Atlanta 17
Cleveland 35, Cincinnati 20
Buffalo 24, Jacksonville 21
Tampa Bay 27, San Francisco 9
Philadelphia 25, NY Giants 22
New England 27, NY Jets 13
Baltimore 34, Oakland 17
Seattle 30, Carolina 27
LA Chargers 45, Arizona 10
Indianapolis 27, Miami 24
Denver 24, Pittsburgh 17
Minnesota 24, Green Bay 17
Houston 34, Tennessee 17 

College Football Top Ten

Heftyinfo College Football Top Ten                           (Week ending November 25)

1.  Alabama (12-0)
2.  Clemson (12-0)
3.  Notre Dame (12-0)
4.  Georgia (11-1)
5.  Ohio State (11-1)
6.  UCF (11-0)
7.  Oklahoma (11-1)
8.  Michigan (10-2)
9.  Florida (9-3)
10.  Penn State (9-3)

NFL - Week Twelve Preview

It's that time again - Thanksgiving Day and the annual NFL games played on the holiday.
The Detroit Lions will be hosting the Chicago Bears to get things started, then the Dallas Cowboys will be doing the same against the Washington Redskins and that game will be followed by the night cap as the Atlanta Falcons travel to The Big Easy to face the New Orleans Saints (9-1), who are the hottest team going right now in professional football, having won nine consecutive games.
The Bears (7-3 and leading the NFC North division) will be playing the Lions (4-6) without starting quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who is out with a sore right (throwing) shoulder, which was injured during last Sunday night's victory against the Minnesota Vikings.
 The Lions will likely be without their top running back as well. Kerryon Johnson, who is having a good rookie season, injured his knee during last week's win against Carolina. Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones is also being ruled out for the Thanksgiving Day game.
The Cowboys (5-5) are resurgent all of a sudden, winning two in a row (over Philadelphia and Atlanta on the road) and now host the faltering Redskins (6-4), who are without starting QB Alex Smith, out for the season with a broken leg.
Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has rushed for over 100 yards in those wins and the offense has looked much better than the first half of the season. If they can do that once again this week, the Dallas Cowboys should win this one and that would put them into a first place tie with Washington. 
The night game between the Saints and Falcons (4-6) will likely be a win for the home team, which would be their tenth straight. The Falcons have stumbled the past two games after winning three straight to get back to a .500 record.
It should be a fun day of football on Thanksgiving Day once again and the rest of the action this weekend should be equally as good. Only the Rams and Chiefs have the bye week.


For the rest of the action and previews, the following offers a look at the games with the Heftyinfo picks following up.

Oakland (2-8) at Baltimore (5-5) - Ravens roll !

Jacksonville (3-7) at Buffalo (3-7) - Hard to believe these two teams were playing each other in the NFL Playoffs last season.

Seattle (5-5) at Carolina (6-4) - Big battle for positioning for a possible wild card spot.

Cleveland (3-6-1) at Cincinnati (5-5) - Browns could win this game, which would really make things interesting in the AFC Wild Card race.

Miami (5-5) at Indianapolis (5-5) - The Colts are red hot while the Dolphins have sputtered after a hot start.

New England (7-3) at NY Jets (3-7) - Patriots roll !

NY Giants (3-7) at Philadelphia (4-6) - The Eagles have to win this game, right? Not necessarily with the way they have been playing.

San Francisco (2-8) at Tampa Bay (3-7) - Who cares?

Arizona (2-8) at LA Chargers (7-3) - If the Chargers lose this game, they don't deserve to make the playoffs.

Pittsburgh (7-2-1) at Denver (4-6) - Broncos lucked out last week at home for a win, not this time vs. the hottest team in the AFC in recent weeks.

Green Bay (4-5-1) at Minnesota (5-4-1) - The Vikings on the Sunday night game two straight weeks? They should win this one at home, but Aaron Rodgers knows his team is in a MUST WIN situation. Stay tuned.

Tennessee (5-5) at Houston (7-3) - Can the Titans stop the Texans seven-game winning streak? Doubtful.


The Heftyinfo picks for Week Twelve  . . . . . . .       (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)

Thanksgiving Day Games
Chicago over Detroit 
Dallas over Washington
New Orleans over Atlanta

Sunday Games
Baltimore over Oakland
Jacksonville over Buffalo 
Carolina over Seattle
Cincinnati over Cleveland
Indianapolis over Miami
New England over NY Jets
Philadelphia over NY Giants
Tampa Bay over San Francisco
LA CHARGERS over Arizona
Pittsburgh over Denver 
Minnesota over Green Bay

Monday Night Football
Houston over Tennessee 


Last Week's Record -  9-4

SEASON RECORD -  106-53-2 

Lock of the Week Record -  9-2

NFL - Week Eleven Review

Drew Brees and the Saints dominated the Philadelphia Eagles.

The New Orleans Saints (9-1) continue to dominate the league, winning their ninth straight game on
Sunday with a 48-7 pounding of the visiting (and defending Super Bowl champion) Philadelphia Eagles.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees, the Heftyinfo NFL co-Player of the Week, had four touchdown passes and 363 yards passing as they rolled up 546 total yardage in offense. The Saints defense dominated as well, limiting the Eagles to a paltry 196 total yards in offense. The Saints also intercepted Eagles QB Carson Wentz three times.

The Monday Night Football game saw a record for scoring as the Los Angeles Rams (10-1) topped the visiting Kansas City Chiefs, 54-51, which is the most ever combined points scored for the "prime time" game.

Mahomes and Goff put on a show on Monday night.

Rams QB Jared Goff, the Heftyinfo NFL co-Player of the Week, had four TD passes and 413 passing yards along with a rushing TD as the Rams outlasted the Chiefs (9-2) in the roller coaster event.
Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes threw for 478 yards and six touchdowns, but was intercepted three times, including the pick that sealed the game in  the final minute.
Rams linebacker Samson Ebukam scored twice, one touchdown on a fumble recovery and another on an interception return. The Chiefs Allen Bailey also had a defensive TD on a fumble recovery (fumble by Goff) and return. It was the first time in NFL history both teams scored 50 or more points in a game as they also combined for 1,001 total yards in offense.
Whew!

The Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2-1) won for the sixth consecutive game, storming back from a 16-0 hole to defeat the host Jacksonville Jaguars, 20-16. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger called his own number and scored the game winning TD on a one-yard plunge with only five seconds remaining in the game. Big Ben also had two TD passes, but was also picked off three times, including two by Jags corner man Jalen Ramsey.
The Houston Texans (7-3) won their seventh straight game with a thrilling 23-21 road win at Washington. Texans safety Justin Reid turned the tables on the Redskins with a 101-yard interception touchdown to give them a 17-7 halftime lead. That proved to be the pivotal play as kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn nailed a 54-yard field goal to make the difference in the final score.
Redskins starting QB Alex Smith was lost for the season to a broken leg, and backup Colt McCoy did rally the 'Skins to a brief 21-20 advantage with a scoring pass to tight end Jordan Reed, followed by a seven-yard scoring run from Adrian Peterson.
The Denver Broncos stunned the Los Angeles Chargers, 23-22 as kicker Brandon McManus drilled a game winning 34-yard field goal as time ran out. The Broncos received a second chance when the Chargers (7-3) self destructed late in the fourth quarter as they attempted to run out the clock.
Los Angeles out gained Denver 479-325 in offensive yardage, but two interceptions from QB Philip Rivers and 120 yards in penalties, along with a missed PAT kick and allowing a successful fake punt for the Broncos proved to be huge in the final score. The loss snapped the Chargers six-game win streak.
The Chicago Bears improved to 7-3 with a 25-20 home win against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. The Chicago defense dominated once again as Eddie Jackson had a 27-yard "pick six" interception to give the Bears a 22-6 lead early in the final quarter.
The Vikings were held to just 22 rushing yards as they turned the football over three times. Meanwhile, Bears kicker Cody Parkey made three field goals, including a 48-yard kick that iced the game late in the fourth quarter.


                                                    Elsewhere Around the NFL  . . . . . . .

The Indianapolis Colts (5-5) won their fourth game in a row with a 38-10 rout of the visiting Tennessee Titans, who also dropped to 5-5 with the loss. Colts QB Andrew Luck had three TD passes (seven straight games doing that) to lead the win. Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton caught two of the touchdown passes . . .  The Dallas Cowboys (5-5) notched a huge win in Atlanta, 22-19 as kicker Brett Maher nailed the game winning 42-yard field goal as time ran out. Dallas RB Ezekiel Elliott had 122 rushing yards and a 23-yard scoring run in victory . . .  Baltimore rode the first start of rookie QB Lamar Jackson (117 yards rushing of team total 265 rushing yards) to a 24-21 win over the visiting Cincinnati Bengals. Ravens kicker Justin Tucker hit a 24-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to help make the difference as both teams are now 5-5 in the AFC North race . . .  The New York Giants outlasted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 38-35 as rookie RB Saquon Barkley scored three touchdowns while rushing for 142 yards . . .  The Detroit Lions dodged a bullet with a 20-19 home win when the Carolina Panthers (6-4) tried an unsuccessful two-point conversion with just over a minute to go. Panthers QB Cam Newton had three TD passes in defeat . . .   The Oakland Raiders got a game winning 35-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson as time expired to defeat the host Arizona Cardinals, 23-21, snapping their five game losing streak . . .  The Seattle Seahawks (5-5) edged the Green Bay Packers, 27-24 last Thursday night as QB Russell Wilson threw a 15-yard TD pass to Ed Dickson in the final quarter to decide the outcome. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers had a pair of TD passes in the loss.


WEEK ELEVEN RESULTS
Seattle 27, Green Bay 24
Pittsburgh 20, Jacksonville 16
Baltimore 24, Cincinnati 21
Detroit 20, Carolina 19
Dallas 22, Atlanta 19
Houston 23, Washington 21
Indianapolis 38, Tennessee 10
NY Giants 38, Tampa Bay 35
Denver 23, LA Chargers 22
New Orleans 48, Philadelphia 7
Oakland 23, Arizona 21
Chicago 25, Minnesota 20
LA Rams 54, Kansas City 51