NFL - Week Seventeen Preview

 

 Two division titles and several playoff spots remain up in the air as the NFL gets to the final week of the regular season in this improbable year known as 2020.

 The NFC East and AFC South divisions still haven't been clinched and there are three teams in the mix for the NFC East crown. The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Football Team both have 6-9 records and the New York Giants (5-10) are in the mix because if they beat Dallas and the Philadelphia Eagles (4-10-1) can knock off the Washington team on Sunday night, then the Giants take the division title as a result of them having won both games against Washington this season. If Washington wins their game, they win the division title because they swept the Cowboys this season. Dallas must win and get help from the Eagles to win the division.

The AFC South is much simpler to settle. If the Tennessee Titans (10-5) win at Houston on Sunday, they win the division. If they lose, then the Indianapolis Colts (also 10-5) can take the division title by beating the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-14), who own the league's worst record. The Colts are in danger of missing the playoffs even if they win because they have the Titans ahead of them as well as three other teams in the mix for the three remaining wild card spots. Miami, Baltimore and Cleveland all have 10-5 records as they pursue the wild card spots to make the post-season. 

If either the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens or Cleveland Browns win their games, they are in the playoffs as wild card teams. The Colts can get in either as a division winner or a wild card depending on how things shake out in Week 17 action. Same with the Tennessee Titans holds true. One wild card (no pun intended) in this whole scenario is the Browns, who have COVID-19 issues they are dealing with as numerous players and staff have tested positive and the team facilities remained shut down this morning. The Browns were without six players last week, including their top two wide receivers, in a loss against the lowly New York Jets that cost them a chance to clinch a playoff spot.

The NFC wild card playoff picture is much simpler as three teams have a shot at getting the two remaining playoff spots. The Los Angeles Rams (9-6) are in the driver's seat, but have major injury problems as two key players are out with injuries for the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals (8-7) on Sunday. Rams starting quarterback Jared Goff is out as he has a broken thumb on his throwing hand and wide receiver Cooper Kupp will miss the game due to COVID-19 protocols while running back Darrell Henderson is out with an ankle sprain and (RB) Cam Akers is also questionable with an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears (8-7) have played their way back into the playoff mix with three consecutive wins following a six-game losing streak. They will host the Green Bay Packers (12-3) on Sunday and if they win, they are in as the seventh and final playoff team in the NFC. The Packers need to win to wrap up the top spot and a first round playoff bye. Not to mention these two teams form the NFL's oldest rivalry and Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers continues to play at an  MVP level, leading the league with 44 touchdown passes.

All in all, it has been truly amazing the NFL hasn't had to cancel or scale back games on the schedule this year with the COVID-19 pandemic and it appears things will continue on as normal as could be in this bizarre year. Here is hoping for better and safer things in the coming year ahead and the Heftyinfo previews for the Week Seventeen games follow in the capsule style format and the predictions as well. 

Miami (10-5) at Buffalo (12-3) - The Dolphins are fighting for their playoff lives and will not have  "Fitz Magic" to rescue them this time around as he is out due to COVID-19 protocols. Meanwhile, the Bills are rolling hot right now, so Tua Tagovailoa and company better be ready.

Dallas (6-9) at New York Giants (5-10) - The winner of this game has no promise to make the NFC playoffs, but one thing for sure - the loser is eliminated. 

Baltimore (10-5) at Cincinnati (4-10-1) - The Ravens are rolling just as hot as any NFL team right now, but the Bengals have won two straight, so they won't just roll over. 

Pittsburgh (12-3) at Cleveland (10-5) - The Steelers are the AFC North division winners, so they will be resting their starters. The Browns need to get things right this week as they battle the COVID-19 problems with their team. Toss up here.  

Minnesota (6-9) at Detroit (5-10) - Who cares? 

Atlanta (4-11) at Tampa Bay (10-5) - The Buccaneers should continue to roll as they prepare for the playoffs. Falcons are looking forward to better things in the new year ahead. 

New York Jets (2-13) at New England (6-9) - Can the Jets make it three wins in a row? It's possible. 

Los Angeles Chargers (6-9) at Kansas City (14-1) - Chargers could win this game because the Chiefs are sitting their starters as they already have clinched home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. 

Green Bay (12-3) at Chicago (8-7) - Packers looking to blast their arch rivals here and lock up the top spot in the NFC playoffs. Bears could still back into the playoffs even if they do lose this game. 

Seattle (11-4) at San Francisco (6-9) - (Game being played in Glendale, AZ) - The Seahawks can still get the top seed in the NFC, so they will be going full strength. The 49ers can play spoilers and help the Green Bay Packers out with a win. 

Jacksonville (1-14) at Indianapolis (10-5) - The Jaguars opened the season with a win over the Colts and haven't won since then. The Colts desperately need this win. Take the Colts. 

New Orleans (11-4) at Carolina (5-10) - Saints just looking to stay healthy as they get ready for the playoffs and still could get the top seed in NFC with a victory and some help. Panthers will make this a tough game for the Saints for sure. 

Tennessee (10-5) at Houston (4-11) - The Titans got whooped last weekend, so they will be ready to win this game and clinch the AFC South division. 

Las Vegas (7-8) at Denver (5-10) - Both of these are reeling heading into the season finale. Toss up.

Arizona (8-7) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6) - The Cardinals are in a must win game against an injury depleted Rams team. Toss up here as well with playoff implications looming. 

Washington (6-9) at Philadelphia (4-10-1) - Can the Eagles play spoiler and keep the Washington team out of the playoffs? It's very possible, plus Washington isn't assured of having Alex Smith back as the starting quarterback for this one. Toss up in the Sunday night game. 

 

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

 

Buffalo over Miami 

Dallas over N.Y. Giants 

Baltimore over Cincinnati 

Cleveland over Pittsburgh 

Minnesota over Detroit 

Tampa Bay over Atlanta 

New England over N.Y. Jets 

L.A. Chargers over Kansas City 

Green Bay over Chicago 

Seattle over San Francisco 

INDIANAPOLIS over Jacksonville 

New Orleans over Carolina 

Tennessee over Houston 

Denver over Las Vegas 

Arizona over L.A. Rams 

Philadelphia over Washington  

Last Week's Record -  12-4 

SEASON RECORD -  169-70-1 

Lock of the Week Record -  13-3

 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Sixteen Review

Saints running back Alvin Kamara scored six rushing touchdowns in big win.

The Seattle Seahawks (11-4) wrapped up the NFC West division title with a 20-9 home victory over the Los Angeles Rams (9-6) as quarterback Russell Wilson ran for a touchdown and passed for another. The Seattle defense limited the Rams to three field goals while Rams QB Jared Goff suffered a broken thumb in the loss, which prevented the Rams from clinching a playoff spot in the NFC.

The Kansas City Chiefs had a rough go of things, but managed to eventually beat the visiting Atlanta Falcons, 17-14 when Atlanta kicker Younghoe Koo missed a 39-yard field goal in the closing seconds. The Chiefs improved to 14-1 and clinched home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs as QB Patrick Mahomes had a pair of TD passes to offset two TD tosses from Falcons QB Matt Ryan.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had four touchdown passes as his team rolled past the visiting Tennessee Titans, 40-14 on a snowy Sunday night at Lambeau Field. The Packers (12-3) jumped out to a 19-0 lead before the Titans (10-5) came back with a pair of scores to trim the deficit to 19-14 early in the third quarter. From there it was all Packers with wide receiver Devante Adams hauling in eleven receptions for 142 yards and three touchdowns and the team also rushed for 234 yards in the win, led by A.J. Dillon, who had 124 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (12-3) stormed back in the second half to defeat the visiting Indianapolis Colts, 28-24 as QB Ben Roethlisberger threw for 348 yards and three scores to lead the way. The Colts held a 24-7 lead early in the third quarter before the Steelers mounted the comeback. The Pittsburgh defense sacked Colts QB Philip Rivers five times and picked off one pass to help secure the win.

On Christmas Day, the New Orleans Saints (11-4) celebrated with a huge 52-33 win at home over the Minnesota Vikings (6-9) as running back Alvin Kamara had a record day by scoring SIX rushing touchdowns while gaining 155 yards on the ground on 22 carries as they clinched the NFC South division. The Saints gained 583 total yards in offense as they pulled away in the fourth quarter.

The Baltimore Ravens (10-5) continued their charge toward a playoff spot as they throttled the visiting New York Giants, 27-13 for their fourth consecutive victory. The Ravens went ahead 14-0 after one quarter. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson had two TD passes and rookie running back J.K. Dobbins scored a rushing touchdown to pace the win. The Baltimore defense registered six QB sacks and held the Giants (5-10) to just 54 rushing yards.

The Miami Dolphins pulled off a miracle finish as they toppled the Raiders, 26-25 in Las Vegas on Saturday night as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick came off the bench to provide the spark that led to the win by throwing for 182 yards and a touchdown and also completed an improbable 34-yard pass that was aided by a face mask penalty against the Raiders. That play set up a game winning 44-yard field goal by Jason Sanders with two seconds left to keep the Dolphins (10-5) in the thick of the AFC playoff race.

Dolphins running back Myles Gaskin had a big game by rushing for 87 yards and catching two TD passes (one on a 59-yard scoring pass play) on five receptions for 82 yards. The Raiders (7-8) were eliminated from playoff contention as they lost for the fifth time in six games as QB Derek Carr passed for 336 yards and one touchdown.

 

                                                 Elsewhere Around the NFL  . . . . . . . . .      

The Chicago Bears (8-7) defeated the host Jacksonville Jaguars, 41-17 for their third straight win to keep them in playoff contention as QB Mitch Trubisky threw for two scores and ran for another while RB David Montgomery (95 rush yards) also scored a touchdown, sending the Jaguars (1-14) to their 14th consecutive loss . . .  The New York Jets (2-13) dealt a big blow to the playoff hopes of the Cleveland Browns, winning 23-16 at home as their defense limited the Browns (10-5) to only 45 rushing yards while also getting two fumble recoveries and four QB sacks. Jets QB Sam Darnold had two TD passes in the win while the Browns had to play the game without their starting wide receivers, who missed it due to league protocols regarding the COVID-19 virus . . .  The Dallas Cowboys (6-9) blasted the visiting Philadelphia Eagles, 37-17 for their third straight win as QB Andy Dalton had three TD strikes (along with 377 passing yards) with two of them to WR Michael Gallup (six receptions for 121 yards) while Cee Dee Lamb caught a TD pass and also scored on a 19-yard run as the 'Pokes racked up 513 yards in total offense. The Eagles (4-10-1) were eliminated from playoff contention as they lost for the sixth time in seven games while turning the football over three times . . .  The Washington Football Team (6-9) lost at home against the Carolina Panthers, 20-13 as starting QB Dwayne Haskins was benched in favor of Taylor Heinicke, who had a TD pass late in the fourth quarter to provide the final outcome. It has also been announced that Washington released Haskins from the team roster. The Panthers (5-10) scored on a fumble recovery and also on a one-yard run by Mike Davis and a TD pass from QB Teddy Bridgewater as they built a 20-0 lead in the second quarter . . .  On Saturday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-5) clinched a playoff spot as they crushed the host Detroit Lions, 47-7 with QB Tom Brady passing for 348 yards and four touchdowns in the first half as the Bucs rolled up 588 yards in total offense. Tampa Bay backup QB Blaine Gabbert also added a pair of scoring passes in the second half in the rout . . .  The San Francisco 49ers (6-9) used a strong defensive effort as they won at Arizona, 20-12 on Saturday with QB C.J. Beathard throwing for three touchdowns while the defense had three sacks and forced two turnovers as the Cardinals (8-7) fell out of a playoff spot heading into final game next weekend . . .  The Los Angeles Chargers (6-9) won their third straight game, 19-16 over the Denver Broncos when kicker Mike Badgley made a 37-yard field with 41 seconds remaining. Chargers QB Justin Herbert set an NFL record for rookies with his 28th touchdown pass this season on a nine-yard scoring pass to RB Austin Ekeler. Denver (5-10) trailed 13-0 at the half but rallied to tie the game 16-16 late in the fourth quarter when Brandon McManus made his third field goal (a 52-yard kick) in the game, but the 'Bolts defense intercepted two passes, including on the final play of the game on a desperation pass to the end zone to seal the win . . .  The Cincinnati Bengals (4-10-1) broke loose on offense for a 37-31 road win against the Houston Texans (4-11) as reserve QB Brandon Allen had two TD passes and RB Samaje Perine rushed for two more scores, including a 46-yard burst in the third quarter, to lead the way. Texans QB Deshaun Watson had three TD passes in defeat . . .  The Monday night game was all Buffalo Bills (12-3) as they routed the host New England Patriots, 38-9 behind four TD passes by quarterback Josh Allen. Bills WR Stefon Diggs had nine receptions for 145 yards and three touchdowns and the Buffalo defense limited the Patriots (6-9) to only 78 passing yards while also getting three sacks.

 

Week Sixteen Results 

New Orleans 52, Minnesota 33

Tampa Bay 47, Detroit 7

San Francisco 20, Arizona 12

Miami 26, Las Vegas 25

Chicago 41, Jacksonville 17 

N.Y. Jets 23, Cleveland 16

Pittsburgh 28, Indianapolis 24

Cincinnati 37, Houston 31

Baltimore 27, N.Y. Giants 13

Kansas City 17, Atlanta 14 

Seattle 20, L.A. Rams 9

L.A. Chargers 19, Denver 16 

Dallas 37, Philadelphia 17

Carolina 20, Washington 13

Green Bay 40, Tennessee 14   

Buffalo 38, New England 9

 

 

NFL - Week Sixteen Preview

The game between the Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday is a huge one for both teams with playoff impact to be sure. Prior to that one, there will be four other games already played as three games are on tap for Saturday as well as the Minnesota Vikings (6-8) traveling to face the New Orleans Saints (10-4) on Christmas Day. 

The Miami Dolphins face the Raiders in Las Vegas on Saturday evening with playoff implications riding high, especially for the Dolphins (9-5) who are trying to stay in the seventh and final AFC wild card spot. The Raiders are 7-7 and basically hanging by a thread to make the post-season after losing four of their last five games. On a historical note, these two teams played an epic AFC playoff game in 1974 known as the "Sea of Hands" game in which the then Oakland Raiders beat Miami, 28-26 on a last ditch pass play for a touchdown with just 26 seconds remaining. 

The 2020 version of this one could go either way as Las Vegas is hoping to have starting quarterback Derek Carr back after he had to leave last week's game in the first quarter with a groin injury. Marcus Mariota is a more than an adequate backup signal caller and should he get the call, the Raiders could still very well beat Miami in this one. The Dolphins strong defense will look to prevent that from happening. A wild game with lots of scoring is likely in this one.

Two other games on Saturday include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing at the Detroit Lions as they look to extend their win streak to three games and stay in the thick of the wild card chase in the NFC. The Lions have been done for quite awhile now as far as post-season hopes are concerned, but they could play spoiler against the Bucs, so Tom Brady and company better be ready. The third game on Saturday has the Arizona Cardinals playing host against the depleted San Francisco 49ers (5-9), who are looking to get this miserable season over with. The Cards are 8-6 and holding down the final wild card spot and need to win this one to keep the good times going. Look for QB Kyler Murray and company to win this one and make it three in a row for Big Red this weekend. 

Back to the Steelers and Colts now as they will go at it in Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon. The Steelers (11-3) won their first eleven games but are struggling big time after dropping three straight games since then, including that embarrassing 27-17 loss last Monday night in Cincinnati to the lowly Bengals. The Colts beat Houston, 27-20 last week and have won three in a row as they look to hold off the surging Baltimore Ravens (9-5) in the AFC wild card chase. The Colts are currently tied with Tennessee (10-4) in the AFC South division race, but the Titans hold the tie breaker edge at this point, so the Colts have to win. 

As long as Indy QB Philip Rivers continues to play well and limit any mistakes, the Colts should get this game, but then again the Steelers are wanting to win the AFC North division and have the Cleveland Browns (10-4) breathing down their necks. Pittsburgh has already clinched a playoff berth, but would rather play at home so they also need to keep winning. By the way, the Steelers face the Browns in Cleveland in the season finale next week. 

Two other games of big interest on Sunday include the Los Angeles Rams (9-5) playing the Seahawks (10-4) in Seattle with first place in the NFC West division on the line. The Rams won the first meeting between these teams by a 23-16 score six weeks ago. Seattle (already a playoff team) can clinch the division with a win and QB Russell Wilson seems to be back on track after a rough stretch when Seattle dropped three out of five games after a 6-1 start this season. This game could go down to the wire and the Rams definitely want to atone for their loss to the previously winless New York Jets last Sunday. 

The Sunday Night Football game features the Tennessee Titans (10-4), the leaders of the AFC South, traveling to play the Green Bay Packers (11-3), who are looking to clinch home field advantage in the NFC playoffs if they can win out the rest of the season. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has been excellent this year (40 TD passes and only four interceptions) while completing just under 70 percent of his pass attempts. The Titans will look to control the ball with Derrick Henry and the rushing attack to keep the potent Packers offense off the field. This one could come down to the final possession. 

 

The rest of the Week Sixteen action is featured in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo predictions follow up. 

 

Minnesota (6-8) at New Orleans (10-4) - Saints looking to rebound after two straight defeats and keep quarterback Drew Brees healthy. Vikings are playing out the string the last two weeks.

Atlanta (4-10) at Kansas City (13-1) - Chiefs can clinch home field throughout the AFC playoffs with a win. Count on it. 

Cleveland (10-4) at N.Y. Jets (1-13) - Can the Jets make it two wins in a row? Not if the Browns have anything to say about it. 

Carolina (4-10) at Washington (6-8) - Washington Head Coach Ron Rivera faces his former team with a chance to win the NFC East as well. Look for a good game that should go down to the wire.  

Chicago (7-7) at Jacksonville (1-13) - The Bears should win this one and keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Jaguars looking to end a 13-game losing streak. 

N.Y. Giants (5-9) at Baltimore (9-5) - The Ravens are rolling and should make it four consecutive wins this week. 

Cincinnati (3-10-1) at Houston (4-10) - The stinker game of the week. 

Denver (5-9) at L.A. Chargers (5-9) - The Chargers will be looking to get some measure of revenge after blowing a 21-point lead and losing against the Broncos on the final play of the game in early November. 

Philadelphia (4-9-1) at Dallas (5-9) - The Eagles seem rejuvenated with rookie Jalen Hurts at quarterback. Dallas still has a slim shot at winning the weak NFC East division. Toss up in this game. 

Buffalo (11-3) at New England (6-8) - The Monday night game and the Patriots will try to avoid a losing season for the first time in 20 years, but the Bills are a team on a mission these days. 

 

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

New Orleans over Minnesota 

Tampa Bay over Detroit 

Arizona over San Francisco 

Las Vegas over Miami 

KANSAS CITY over Atlanta 

N.Y. Jets over Cleveland 

Indianapolis over Pittsburgh 

Chicago over Jacksonville 

Baltimore over N.Y. Giants 

Houston over Cincinnati 

Carolina over Washington 

L.A. Chargers over Denver 

Dallas over Philadelphia 

Seattle over L.A. Rams 

Green Bay over Tennessee 

Buffalo over New England 

Last Week's Record -  11-5 

SEASON RECORD -  157-66-1

Lock of the Week Record -  12-3

NFL - Week Fifteen Review

Saints QB Drew Brees and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes talk after Sunday's exciting game.

In the big showdown between the host New Orleans Saints (10-4) and the Kansas City Chiefs, it was close, but in the end the Chiefs (13-1) came away with a 32-29 win behind three TD passes from quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Saints QB Drew Brees, coming back from broken ribs, had three TD passes as well in his first action in five weeks, but it wasn't enough as Kansas City out gained the Saints 411-285 in total yardage, including 179 rushing yards. The Chiefs defense allowed New Orleans just 60 yards rushing in the game. It was the ninth straight win for Kansas City as they had 34 first downs and ran out the clock to send the Saints to their second straight defeat. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5) stormed back from a 17-point deficit to defeat the host Atlanta Falcons, 31-27 with QB Tom Brady having a monster second half. Atlanta (4-10) held a 17-0 halftime lead, but the Bucs took over as Brady passed for 390 yards and two scores, including the game winning 46-yard scoring toss to wide receiver Antonio Brown with 6:19 remaining in the game. Bucs RB Leonard Fournette had two scoring runs to help offset three TD passes from Falcons QB Matt Ryan.

Arizona toppled the visiting Philadelphia Eagles, 33-26 with QB Kyler Murray running for a touchdown and throwing for three more scores and 406 passing yards as the Cardinals improved to 8-6 to stay in the final wild card playoff spot in the NFC. The Eagles (4-9-1) trailed 16-0 after one quarter before rallying back to tie the game 26-26 late in the third quarter on a seven-yard TD run by QB Jalen Hurts, who also had three TD passes in the loss. The Cardinals scored the winning touchdown on a brilliant catch by WR DeAndre Hopkins for a 20-yard scoring pass with 7:17 left to play.

The New York Jets (1-13) finally won a game as they held off the host Los Angeles Rams, 23-20 with QB Sam Darnold throwing a TD pass and RB Frank Gore scoring on a one-yard run. The Jets nearly blew a 17-point lead as the Rams (9-5) closed to within three points as QB Jared Goff threw two TD passes in the second half to account for the final score.

On Saturday, the Buffalo Bills clinched their first AFC East division title in 25 years as they routed the host Denver Broncos, 48-19 to go to 11-3 as QB Josh Allen passed for 359 yards with two scoring passes and two touchdown runs while the team piled up 534 total yards in offense and the defense also scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery return. The Broncos fell to 5-9 with the loss as they were limited to just 255 total yards in offense.

                                                               Elsewhere Around the NFL  . . . . . . . . . . 

The Indianapolis Colts won a tight game, 27-20 against the visiting Houston Texans (4-10) as QB Philip Rivers threw two touchdown passes to lead a balanced attack (127 rushing yards, 223 pass yards) to go to 10-4 this season and keep pace with the Tennessee Titans (also 10-4) in the AFC South division race . . .   The Titans rolled past the visiting Detroit Lions, 46-25 with running back Derrick Henry going for 147 rushing yards and a scoring run while QB Ryan Tannehill (273 passing yards and three TD passes) ran for two more scores to pace the rout. The Titans defense forced three turnovers as well as Detroit fell to 5-9 this season . . .  In the Sunday night game, the Cleveland Browns (10-4) won on the road, 20-6 over the New York Giants (5-9) as their defense limited New York to 288 yards in total offense while QB Baker Mayfield had 297 yards passing along with two scoring passes and a scoring run from RB Nick Chubb . . .  The Chicago Bears (7-7) kept their playoff hopes alive with a 33-27 road victory against the Minnesota Vikings (6-8) behind a big day from running back David Montgomery, who rushed for two touchdowns and 146 yards on 32 carries while QB Mitch Trubisky threw a scoring pass and kicker Cairo Santos made four field goals. Vikings RB Dalvin Cook ran for 132 yards and a score and QB Kirk Cousins had two TD passes in the loss . . .  On Saturday night in Green Bay, the Packers (11-3) continued to roll as they beat the Carolina Panthers, 24-16 behind a big game from RB Aaron Jones, who scored a touchdown and had 145 rushing yards on 20 carries while QB Aaron Rodgers had a scoring pass and scoring run as they built a 21-3 halftime lead. Carolina dropped to 4-10 in the loss as QB Teddy Bridgewater scored their only touchdown on a 13-yard run . . .  The Baltimore Ravens (9-5) throttled the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars 40-14 as they used a balanced offense (159 rushing yards, 250 passing yards) and three TD passes and a scoring run by QB Lamar Jackson to build a 26-0 halftime lead and coasted from there. The Jaguars (1-13) dropped their 13th consecutive game as they turned the football over twice and allowed five QB sacks . . .  The Seattle Seahawks held off the host Washington Football Team, 20-15 to improve to 10-4 and take over first place in the NFC West division as QB Russell Wilson had a TD pass and RB Carlos Hyde scored on a 50-yard run as the 'Hawks rushed for 181 yards in the game. WFT (6-8) had their four-game win streak snapped, but still have a one-game lead in the NFC East division . . . The Dallas Cowboys (5-9) won their second straight game as they took advantage of four turnovers by the San Francisco 49ers in a 41-33 victory. Cowboys running back Tony Pollard had two rushing touchdowns and QB Andy Dalton threw for two scores while Cee Dee Lamb iced the game with a 47-yard (onside) kickoff return for a score. The 49ers (5-9) became the second Super Bowl runner-up in the last 13 years to have a losing record the following season . . .  The Miami Dolphins (9-5) beat the New England Patriots, 22-12 to eliminate the Patriots (6-8) from playoff contention, marking the first time since the 2008 season that New England will miss the playoffs. Dolphins rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa rushed for two touchdowns and RB Salvon Ahmed added a scoring run along with 122 rushing yards to pace the win as Miami rushed for 250 yards. The Patriots scoring all came from kicker Nick Folk, who made four field goals in defeat . . .  In the Thursday night game in Las Vegas, the host Raiders (7-7) lost for the fourth time in five games as the Los Angeles Chargers (5-9) won 30-27 in overtime when QB Justin Herbert scored on a one-yard run following a 23-yard field goal by Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson. Herbert passed for two touchdowns as well and had 314 passing yards in the win. Raiders starting QB Derek Carr left the game in the first quarter with a groin injury and Marcus Mariota filled in and threw a TD pass (and one interception) and also rushed for 88 yards and one touchdown in the loss . . .  The Cincinnati Bengals (3-10-1) beat the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-17 on Monday Night Football to snap a five-game losing streak as RB Gio Bernard scored two touchdowns and backup QB Ryan Finley also scored on a 23-yard run to give Cincy a 24-10 lead early in the fourth quarter. The Steelers (11-3) had three turnovers (two fumbles and an interception) in the first half as they fell behind 17-0. Pittsburgh running back Benny Snell had a rushing score and QB Ben Roethlisberger had  a TD pass for the Steelers, who dropped their third straight game and blew a chance to clinch the AFC North division title.

 

Week Fifteen Results 

L.A. Chargers 30, Las Vegas 27 (OT) 

Buffalo 48, Denver 19 

Green Bay 24, Carolina 16 

Chicago 33, Minnesota 27

Miami 22, New England 12 

Baltimore 40, Jacksonville 14 

Dallas 41, San Francisco 33

Tennessee 46, Detroit 25

Indianapolis 27, Houston 20 

Seattle 20, Washington 15

Tampa Bay 31, Atlanta 27

N.Y. Jets 23, L.A. Rams 20 

Arizona 33, Philadelphia 26

Kansas City 32, New Orleans 29

Cleveland 20, N .Y. Giants 6

Cincinnati 27, Pittsburgh 17

 

 

NFL - Week Fifteen Preview

 

There are plenty of big games this week in the NFL as so many teams are still vying for the playoff spots. So far, Green Bay, New Orleans, Kansas City and Pittsburgh have clinched playoff spots and the Saints (10-3) will be hosting the Chiefs (12-1) this Sunday and Drew Brees is back as the the starting quarterback for this one after missing the last four games with rib injuries. 

One team that had big time damage dealt to their playoff hopes were the Las Vegas Raiders, who lost 30-27 in overtime on Thursday night against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. The loss left the Raiders at 7-7 this season and it's unlikely they will be able to overtake the Miami Dolphins (8-5), Baltimore Ravens (8-5), Cleveland Browns (9-4) or the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans (both also 9-4) in the AFC playoff race. 

Two Saturday games are up this weekend as the Green Bay Packers (10-3) host the Carolina Panthers (4-9) and the Buffalo Bills (10-3) travel to face the Denver Broncos (5-8) as they seek to keep the pressure on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC chase. 

Without question, the biggest game this Sunday will have the Kansas City Chiefs at the New Orleans Saints and the Saints announced they will have Drew Brees back as the starting quarterback for this one. The Chiefs have won eight in a row and the Saints were stunned against Philadelphia last Sunday, snapping their nine-game winning streak. 

Five of the Chiefs victories have been one-score games and they have struggled on defense as well. The Saints have been one of the league's top defensive teams this season (fourth in the NFL in scoring defense) and they will have their hands full with Kansas City, which ranks second in the league in scoring, averaging 33.5 points per game. The Saints allow an average of 22.1 points per game. The Saints have been running the ball quite a bit with Taysom Hill at quarterback, but look for them to air it out more with Brees back, though he likely will not have wide receiver Michael Thomas (ankle injury) for the game. Regardless, look for a high scoring game with the Saints possibly getting back on track after last week's hiccup. 

The Miami Dolphins host the New England Patriots (6-7), who are on life support as far as making the playoffs is concerned. The Dolphins battled Kansas City last week, but fell short while the Patriots were manhandled by the Los Angeles Rams. Pats coach Bill Belichick seems to be the master at making rookie quarterbacks struggle against his teams defense, so Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa better be prepared in this one. The Dolphins have had their way against the Patriots in recent seasons in South Florida, so this game should be a close one. 

The Sunday night game will have the Cleveland Browns playing on the road against the New York Giants (5-8) as they look to solidify their position in the AFC playoff chase. The Giants need this one bad because they trail the Washington Football Team (6-7) by one game in the NFC East division. Washington will be hosting Seattle (9-4) in a big tilt as they go for their fifth straight win. The Seahawks need to keep pace with the Rams (also 9-4) in the NFC West. 

The rest of the action for Week Fifteen follows below in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks, which bounced back last week after a rough time in Week 13, will follow up. 

Buffalo (10-3) at Denver (5-8) - Can the Broncos derail the Bills hopes of possibly clinching the AFC East division? 

Carolina (4-9) at Green Bay (10-3) - Packers roll in the Saturday evening "prime time" game because QB Aaron Rodgers is playing at a MVP level. 

Tampa Bay (8-5) at Atlanta (4-9) - The Buccaneers need this game. The Falcons are just playing out the string, but this is a division game, so anything can happen.  

Detroit (5-8) at Tennessee (9-4) - The Titans should roll in this one. 

Houston (4-9) at Indianapolis (9-4) - The Colts should roll in this one. 

New England (6-7) at Miami (8-5) - Last chance for the Patriots. The Dolphins would love to eliminate New England, their long time nemesis, from playoff contention. Toss up. 

Chicago (6-7) at Minnesota (6-7) - This is a big game for these two also ran teams as far as having a shot at the playoffs in concerned. The loser will be out of it. 

Seattle (9-4) at Washington (6-7) - Washington's defense keeps on rolling and that could be the difference in this one. 

San Francisco (5-8) at Dallas (4-9) - The Cowboys still have a chance in the NFC East race, so they have motivation. But the 49ers have a much better defense and that will be the difference. 

Jacksonville (1-12) at Baltimore (8-5) - Give Lamar Jackson an Ex-Lax before the game and then let him do his thing.  Ravens roll ! 

N.Y. Jets (0-13) at L.A. Rams (9-4) - Rams should smoke the Jets in this game. 

Philadelphia (4-8-1) at Arizona (7-6) - This game will likely go down to the wire with each team having quarterbacks with similar playing styles. 

Kansas City (12-1) at New Orleans (10-3) - Saints win in a squeaker. 

Cleveland (9-4) at N.Y. Giants (5-8) - An old fashioned brawl between two teams that have struggled in recent seasons. Take the Browns. 

Pittsburgh (11-2) at Cincinnati (2-10-1) - The Steelers should get back on track in this Monday night game after losing two consecutive games. 

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

 

L.A. Chargers over Las Vegas 

Buffalo over Denver 

Green Bay over Carolina 

Tampa Bay over Atlanta 

Tennessee over Detroit 

Indianapolis over Houston 

Miami over New England

Minnesota over Chicago 

Seattle over Washington 

San Francisco over Dallas 

BALTIMORE over Jacksonville 

L.A. Rams over N.Y. Jets 

Arizona over Philadelphia 

New Orleans over Kansas City 

Cleveland over N.Y. Giants 

Pittsburgh over Cincinnati 

 

Last Week's Record -  12-4

SEASON RECORD -  146-61-1 

Lock of the Week Record - 11-3 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Fourteen Review

 

Bills QB Josh Allen was solid in a big win against the Steelers.

The Kansas City Chiefs (12-1) defeated the host Miami Dolphins, 33-27 with quarterback Patrick Mahomes throwing for a pair of touchdowns and 393 passing yards, but he was intercepted three times as the Dolphins (8-5) built an early 10-0 lead. However, Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill scored two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) and Mecole Hardman took a punt back 67 yards for another score to help Kansas City take control. Dolphins rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa ran for a touchdown and also passed for 316 yards and two touchdowns and one interception in the loss.

In the Sunday night game in Buffalo, the Bills (10-3) took over the game in the second half  en route to a 26-15 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The spark was actually a "pick six" 51-yard interception by Bills DB Taron Johnson that gave them a 9-7 halftime lead. From there, it was all Buffalo as QB Josh Allen (pictured above right) passed for 238 yards and two touchdowns, including a 19-yard TD strike to WR Stefon Diggs (ten receptions for 130 yards) and the defense, which limited the Steelers (11-2) to 224 yards in total offense, including just 47 rushing yards. 

The Monday Night Football game was one for the ages as the Baltimore Ravens (8-5) outlasted the host Cleveland Browns (9-4) in a wild and crazy 47-42 victory. Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker decided the game with a 55-yard field goal with just two seconds remaining. That spoiled a great drive by Cleveland to tie the game 42-42 with just 1:06 remaining when Browns QB Baker Mayfield connected with running back Kareem Hunt on a 22-yard TD pass.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson rushed for 124 yards and had two scoring runs and also had one touchdown pass (a 44-yard TD pass to WR Marquise Brown with two minutes left for a 42-35 lead) while RB Gus Edwards scored twice on the ground and J.K. Dobbins had a rushing score as well. The Browns, not to be outdone, scored 22 points in the fourth quarter and had a 35-34 lead with just over two minutes remaining.  Mayfield passed for 343 yards with two touchdowns (one interception) and also rushed for a score. Browns running backs Nick Chubb (82 rushing yards and two TD) and  Hunt (one rushing TD and 77 receiving yards and the game tying TD) helped the cause but in the end, the Ravens came out on top in this one.

The Indianapolis Colts (9-4) rolled over the Raiders, 44-27 in Las Vegas as Philip Rivers had a pair of scoring passes and the defense scored on a 50-yard interception return by defensive back Khari Willis while rookie running back Jonathan Taylor rushed for 150 yards with two touchdowns, including a 62-yard run. The Raiders (7-6) lost for the third time in four games with QB Derek Carr throwing for two scores and the one interception.

Tampa Bay won at home, 26-14 against the Minnesota Vikings (6-7) with QB Tom Brady tossing a pair of touchdown passes and the defense getting six quarterback sacks. The Buccaneers (8-5) scored 23 unanswered points to take control of the game and Vikings kicker Dan Bailey had a miserable day, missing an extra point and three field goal attempts.

The Philadelphia Eagles (4-8-1) surprised the New Orleans Saints, 24-21, snapping the Saints (10-3) nine-game winning streak in the home win as rookie QB Jalen Hurts won his first start by throwing for a touchdown along with 167 passing yards while also rushing for 106 yards. The Eagles gashed the Saints defense for 246 rushing yards while building a 17-0 halftime lead. Eagles RB Miles Sanders rushed for 115 yards and two scores, including an 82-yard TD dash and the defense registered five QB sacks to help snap a four-game losing streak.

The Green Bay Packers (10-3) clinched the NFC North division title for the second consecutive season as they won, 31-24 in Detroit as QB Aaron Rodgers had three TD passes and a scoring run and the Green Bay defense had four sacks while holding the Lions (5-8) to 293 yards in offense and only 51 rushing yards. The game was close before Rodgers threw his third TD pass of the game to give the Packers a 28-14 lead early in the fourth quarter.

 

                                                           Elsewhere Around the NFL  . . . . . . . . .    

 

The Arizona Cardinals (7-6) smashed the host New York Giants, 26-7 in a dominating game from the defense, which had eight QB sacks (including FIVE by linebacker Haason Reddick, who also had three forced fumbles) and limited the Giants (5-8) to just 159 total yards in offense, which included 81 passing yards. Cardinals kicker Mike Nugent made four field goals and QB Kyler Murray threw a TD pass to help lead the way . . .  The Washington Football Team (6-7) won a fourth consecutive game, getting a 23-15 decision on the road against the San Francisco 49ers (5-8) as their defense scored twice. Defensive lineman Chase Young took a fumble back 47 yards for one score and DB Kamren Curl raced 76 yards with an interception for another to pace the win, which put them in first place all alone in the NFC East . . .  The Tennessee Titans steam rolled the host Jacksonville Jaguars, 31-10 to remain atop the AFC South with a 9-4 record while giving the Jags (1-12) their twelfth straight defeat. Titans RB Derrick Henry rushed for 215 yards and two scores and QB Ryan Tannehill had two TD passes in the rout . . .  Seattle (9-4) crushed the winless New York Jets, 40-3 with QB Russell Wilson throwing four TD passes and the team dominating on defense, allowing only 185 yards in total offense by the Jets (0-13) . . .  The Los Angeles Chargers (4-9) won 20-17 at home against the Atlanta Falcons (4-9) as kicker Mike Badgley made a 43-yard field goal as time ran out. The Chargers defense intercepted Falcons QB Matt Ryan three times to help get the win . . .  Dallas (4-9) won on the road, 30-7 against the Cincinnati Bengals (2-10-1) as QB Andy Dalton threw two TD passes against his former team and DL Aldon Smith scored on a 78-yard fumble return for an early 10-0 lead. The Bengals had three fumbles in the loss, which was their fifth in a row . . .  The Chicago Bears (6-7) snapped a six-game losing streak with a 36-7 trouncing of the visiting Houston Texans (4-9) with the defense getting seven QB sacks and two fumble recoveries and a safety. Bears QB Mitch Trubisky threw for three touchdowns and RB David Montgomery ran for 113 yards and scored on an 80-yard rush on the Bears' first play from scrimmage . . .  In the Thursday night game, it was all Los Angeles Rams as they dominated the visiting New England Patriots, 24-3 to improve to 9-4 this season. Rams linebacker Kenny Young took an interception back 79 yards for a touchdown while QB Jared Goff ran for a score and passed for another while RB Cam Akers rushed for 171 yards (on 29 carries) to lead the way. The Patriots fell to a 6-7 record while being limited to 220 yards in total offense as QB Cam Newton was also sacked six times . . .  The Denver Broncos (5-8) won a 32-27 road game against the Carolina Panthers (4-9) as QB Drew Lock had four touchdown passes and Diontae Spencer took a punt return 83 yards for the first score of the game to lead the way. Panthers RB Mike Davis had two rushing touchdowns in the loss.

 

Week Fourteen Results 

L.A. Rams 24, New England 3 

Chicago 36, Houston 7

Tennessee 31, Jacksonville 10

Denver 32, Carolina 27

Tampa Bay 26, Minnesota 14

Dallas 30, Cincinnati 7

Arizona 26, N.Y. Giants 7 

Kansas City 33, Miami 27

Indianapolis 44, Las Vegas 27

Seattle 40, N.Y. Jets 3 

L.A. Chargers 20, Atlanta 17 

Philadelphia 24, New Orleans 21

Green Bay 31, Detroit 24

Washington 23, San Francisco 15

Buffalo 26, Pittsburgh 15

Baltimore 47, Cleveland 42

 

NFL - Week Fourteen Preview

For the first time in three weeks, the NFL looks to be in the clear for all the games to go off as scheduled. The COVID-19 virus has been doing much damage to the league in recent weeks and the action for Week Fourteen kicks off tonight with the New England Patriots (6-6) taking on the Los Angeles Rams (8-4), who lead the NFC West division, in L.A. in a game that has big time playoff implications for both teams. 

 

 

The Patriots have won four of their last five games to get back into contention in the AFC playoff picture while the Rams have been battling the Seattle Seahawks all season long for first place in the NFC West. These two teams played in the Super Bowl two years ago in what became the lowest scoring contest in the history of the game as the Patriots won, 13-3 to get their sixth title. Pats QB Cam Newton just needs to avoid mistakes and keep the ground game going if they want to win this game. Things could go either way in this one for the Rams, with they key being quarterback Jared Goff protecting the football, as he has ten turnovers in the last five games.

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs travel to play the Miami Dolphins (8-4) and their strong defense. The Chiefs (11-1) have won seven straight games and lead the AFC in scoring and are second in the NFL to only the Green Bay Packers, averaging 30.8 points per game. Meanwhile, the Dolphins give up 17.4 points per game, which is second best in the NFL. If the Dolphins can contain Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense, they could pull off the victory. Miami is equally as hot as the Chiefs as well, winning seven of their last eight games. This one could go down to the wire. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) host the Minnesota Vikings (6-6) in a huge game for playoff positioning in the NFC. The Bucs have struggled in recent weeks as QB Tom Brady has been throwing an unusual amount of interceptions. The Vikings have won five of six after a terrible 1-5 start this season and if quarterback Kirk Cousins doesn't turn the ball over, then Minnesota can keep it close and perhaps get the win. 

The surging New York Giants are 5-7 and have won four in a row and lead the NFC East division and will host the Arizona Cardinals (6-6), losers of four of their last five games. The Giants defense was tremendous last week in an upset win at Seattle while the Cards lost at home to the Rams. The Giants might have Daniel Jones back as the starting quarterback for this game so that could be a boost on the offense. The Giants defense has allowed 16.5 points per game during the win streak and if they can pressure Arizona QB Kyler Murray into mistakes and turnovers, they could make it five straight wins. 

A big game in Las Vegas will have the Raiders (7-5) hosting the Indianapolis Colts (8-4) as both teams are right there in the AFC playoff race. Colts QB Philip Rivers has been steady after a rough start to the season and if the Colts can get the running game going again it will be a tough combination to beat as they have averaged 27.5 points per game while winning three of their last four games. The Raiders survived the lowly New York Jets last week, getting a last second TD pass from QB Derek Carr to wide receiver Henry Ruggs in the 31-28 win. This one could be a high scoring affair that could be decided by whoever has the ball last. 

The two "prime time" games this weekend will have the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night and then the Baltimore Ravens (7-5) face the Cleveland Browns on Monday night. 

The Steelers (11-1) lost their first game last week against Washington and now have to go against one of the hottest teams in the NFL. The Bills are 9-3 and are coming off a Monday night win against the San Francisco 49ers on the road. Bills QB Josh Allen has been on fire and threw four TD passes last week while Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger struggled somewhat in the loss. Pittsburgh has to establish a running game if they want to make life easier for Big Ben, who attempted 53 passes last week. The Bills also need to run the ball better as they have averaged just over 95 yards rushing per game this season. This game will be tight and protecting the ball is a must. 

As for the game in Cleveland between the Ravens and Browns (9-3) on Monday Night Football, it should be a tilt as the Ravens seemed to get back to their brand of football last week, rushing for 294 yards in a 34-17 rout of the Dallas Cowboys. The Ravens did blast the Browns, 38-6 in the season opener in Baltimore as well. Meanwhile, the Browns (winners of four straight games) rolled over the Tennessee Titans for a road win last week to keep them two games ahead of Baltimore in the rugged AFC North division. They mirror the Ravens in that they can run the football and have a good tandem of backs just like Baltimore does. Avoiding turnovers and controlling the clock will determine the winner of this game. 

 

The rest of the action in Week Fourteen is featured below in the capsule style form and the Heftyinfo predictions follow up. 

Houston (4-8) at Chicago (5-7) - Can the Bears snap their six-game losing streak? The Texans are tough with Deshaun Watson at quarterback. 

Dallas (3-9) at Cincinnati (2-9-1) - The stinker game of the week with both teams playing backups at quarterback. The Cowboys QB is Andy Dalton, who is making his return to Cincinnati, where he played for nine seasons. 

Denver (4-8) at Carolina (4-8) - This game will be close with two pretty good defensive teams going at it. 

Tennessee (8-4) at Jacksonville (1-11) - The Titans need to bounce back after getting blown out last week. The Jaguars are looking to snap their eleven game losing streak. 

New York Jets (0-12) at Seattle (8-4) - The Seahawks can't lose at home to an inferior team for the second straight week can they? Not a chance. 

Green Bay (9-3) at Detroit (5-7) - The Lions usually play the Packers tough at home, so this game could be a close one. 

New Orleans (10-2) at Philadelphia (3-8-1) - The Saints have won nine in a row while the Eagles have lost four straight and have benched their starting quarterback. Take the Saints. 

Atlanta (4-8) at Los Angeles Chargers (3-9) - These two teams both find ways to lose football games. Who knows, maybe this game ends up in a tie. 

Washington (5-7) at San Francisco (5-7) - (Game played in Glendale, AZ) - The 49ers have to win out to have a shot at the playoffs while Washington is flying high after stunning the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road last week. Toss up in this one. 

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

L.A. Rams over New England 

Chicago over Houston 

Dallas over Cincinnati 

Kansas City over Miami 

Arizona over N.Y. Giants

Tampa Bay over Minnesota 

Carolina over Denver 

Tennessee over Jacksonville 

Indianapolis over Las Vegas 

SEATTLE over N.Y. Jets 

Green Bay over Detroit 

New Orleans over Philadelphia 

L.A. Chargers over Atlanta 

San Francisco over Washington 

Pittsburgh over Buffalo 

Baltimore over Cleveland 

 

Last Week's Record -  8-7 

SEASON RECORD -  134-57-1 

Lock of the Week Record -  10-3 

NFL - Week Thirteen Review

Browns QB Baker Mayfield and his team got a huge win on Sunday in Tennessee.

The Cleveland Browns raced out to a huge 31-point halftime lead and then coasted in the second half as they toppled the host Tennessee Titans, 41-35 to improve to 9-3 this season. The Titans (8-4) still hold first place in the AFC South for now. Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield threw four touchdown passes in the first half as his team built a 38-7 lead. The Cleveland defense was able to hold Titans running back Derrick Henry in check, limiting him to just 60 yards rushing in the game while Titans QB Ryan Tannehill attempted 45 passes with three TD passes and one interception along with 389 passing yards in the loss.

In the surprise of the day, the New York Giants (5-7) won their fourth straight game, 17-12 in Seattle as their defense sacked Seahawks QB Russell Wilson five times while running back Alfred Morris scored two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) and fellow back Wayne Gallman gained 135 yards on 16 carries to account for 190 yards rushing in the game. The Seahawks (8-4) out gained the Giants in total yardage, but two turnovers contributed to the loss as they fell out of first place in the NFC West.

The Los Angeles Rams (8-4) moved back into first place in the NFC West division as they topped the host Arizona Cardinals, 38-28, sending the Cards (6-6) to their fourth loss in the last five games. Rams QB Jared Goff ran and threw for a touchdown and the L.A. defense scored on a 35-yard "pick six" by cornerback Troy Hill along with rushing touchdowns by Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson to pace the win. Arizona QB Kyler Murray had three TD passes and one interception in defeat.

The Las Vegas Raiders (7-5) got a big play against the New York Jets, winning 31-28 as QB Derek Carr (381 passing yards with three TD and one INT and also a rushing TD) threw a 46-yard TD pass to wide receiver Henry Ruggs with five seconds remaining in the game. The Jets (0-12) took the lead on a one-yard TD run by running back Ty Johnson (104 rushing yards) with 5:34 left in the fourth quarter. Jets QB Sam Darnold threw for two scores and ran for another in the losing effort.

The Green Bay Packers moved to 9-3 with a 30-16 home victory against the Philadelphia Eagles as QB Aaron Rodgers had three touchdown passes and running back Aaron Jones went 77 yards for the clinching score. Wide receiver Davante Adams hauled in two touchdowns and had 121 yards on ten receptions while Green Bay had balanced offense with 288 yards passing and 149 rushing yards in the effort as they maintained a three-game lead in the NFC North division. The Eagles benched starting QB Carson Wentz and replaced him with rookie Jalen Hurts, who threw one touchdown pass along with one interception as the Eagles (3-8-1) lost their fourth consecutive game. 

The Washington Football Team (5-7) won their third game in a row as they shocked the host Pittsburgh Steelers, 23-17 on Monday evening to give the Steelers (11-1) their first loss this season. Washington QB Alex Smith had a TD pass and RB Peyton Barber scored a rushing touchdown to go with three field goals from kicker Dustin Hopkins. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger attempted 53 passes in the loss, throwing for two touchdowns to give his team a 14-0 first half lead. The Washington defense came up with a deflected interception with less than two minutes to go to help seal the win.

                                                             Elsewhere Around the NFL  . . . . . . . .    

 

The New Orleans Saints moved to 10-2 this season with their ninth straight win and clinched a playoff spot as they won on the road, 21-16 against the Atlanta Falcons (4-8) as QB Taysom Hill had two TD passes and rushed for 83 yards while RB Alvin Kamara had 88 rushing yards and one rushing TD to lead the way . . .  The New England Patriots improved to 6-6 as they crushed the host Los Angeles Chargers, 45-0 behind a suffocating defense that picked off two passes along with three QB sacks while limiting the Chargers (3-9) to just 258 yards in total offense. The Pats special teams accounted for two touchdowns on a blocked field goal return and a 70-yard punt return by Gunner Olszewski, who also had a 38-yard TD pass reception while QB Cam Newton ran for two scores and passed for another . . .  The Indianapolis Colts (8-4) held off the Houston Texans, 26-20 for the road win as their defense got a safety in the fourth quarter for the only points in the second half. Colts QB Philip Rivers passed for 285 yards and two touchdowns . . .  The Detroit Lions (5-7) took advantage of a fumble by Bears QB Mitch Trubisky late in the fourth quarter inside his own 10-yard line as RB Adrian Peterson scored his second rushing TD of the game with only 1:37 remaining to provide a 34-30 road victory. Lions QB Matthew Stafford had three TD passes and threw for 402 yards. The Bears (5-7) dropped their sixth game in a row as their defense was shredded for a second consecutive game . . . The Miami Dolphins (8-4) beat the listless Cincinnati Bengals (2-9-1) in a 19-7 contest for the home win as kicker Jason Sanders made four field goals and rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa threw for a score to lead the way. The Dolphins defense limited the Bengals to only 196 yards in total offense, including just 40 rushing yards . . .  The Minnesota Vikings (6-6) survived a scare from the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-11) in a 27-24 overtime win as kicker Dan Bailey made the 23-yard field goal to win it. Vikings QB Kirk Cousins passed for 305 yards along with three touchdowns and one interception, which was taken back for a score while rookie wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught nine passes for 121 yards and one touchdown . . .  The Kansas City Chiefs held off the stubborn Denver Broncos (4-8) for a 22-16 home win on Sunday Night Football to improve to 11-1 this season while also clinching a playoff berth for the sixth consecutive year. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes threw a 20-yard TD pass to tight end Travis Kelce and Harrsion Butker made five field goals to help make the difference. Broncos QB Drew Lock had two TD passes (both to WR Tim Patrick) along with two interceptions while RB Melvin Gordon went for 131 yards on 15 carries in the loss . . .  The Monday Night Football game saw the Buffalo Bills (9-3) smash the San Francisco 49ers, 34-24 at a neutral site (in Glendale, Arizona) due to COVID-19 county restrictions regarding the 49ers home stadium. Bills QB Josh Allen had four TD passes and 375 passing yards while 49ers QB Nick Mullens had 316 passing yards along with three touchdowns and two interceptions. The 49ers fell to 5-7 with the loss . . .  The Baltimore Ravens (7-5) ran all over the Dallas defense in a 34-17 rout in Baltimore on Tuesday night, amassing 294 yards on the ground. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson rushed for 94 yards and one score and also had two touchdown passes (and one interception) in the win while Gus Edwards rushed for 101 yards and J.K. Dobbins added another 71 yards rushing along with a scoring run. The Cowboys fell to 3-9 this season in the losing effort as QB Andy Dalton threw for two scores along with an interception.

 Week Thirteen Results 

Detroit 34, Chicago 30

Cleveland 41, Tennessee 35

Miami 19, Cincinnati 7

Indianapolis 26, Houston 20

New Orleans 21, Atlanta 16

Las Vegas 31, N.Y. Jets 28 

Minnesota 27, Jacksonville 24 (OT)  

New England 45, L.A. Chargers 0 

L.A. Rams 38, Arizona 28

N.Y. Giants 17, Seattle 12

Green Bay 30, Philadelphia 16 

Kansas City 22, Denver 16  

Washington 23, Pittsburgh 17

Buffalo 34, San Francisco 24

Baltimore 34, Dallas 17

 

NFL - Week Thirteen Preview

Week Twelve is finally complete and the NFL is now in Week Thirteen with some huge games coming up regarding playoff implications. The Steelers and Ravens finally got their game in on Wednesday afternoon in Pittsburgh and this week the Steelers will host the Washington football team on Monday as the second game to the regularly scheduled Monday night game between the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers, which is being played in Glendale, Arizona because the county where the 49ers play in has strict COVID-19 virus guidelines in effect. 

That is the NFL (and all of the sports world) in 2020. 

As for the Ravens, they will host the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday night and are hopeful to have more of their starting players back from the COVID-19/IR list. Dallas got smoked on Thanksgiving Day and is 3-8 and in danger of not making the playoffs once again this season. Meanwhile, the Sunday night "prime time" game features the Denver Broncos (4-7) at the Kansas City Chiefs (10-1) in what should be a blowout win for the Chiefs. The Broncos are looking to have at least two of their regular quarterbacks for this game after having to go with the emergency QB last week because of COVID-19 protocols. 

One of the biggest games this Sunday afternoon will see the Cleveland Browns at the Tennessee Titans (both teams are 8-3) in what should be a good old fashioned, grind it out type of game with the way these two squads run the football. Look for a tight game with the winner being the team that protects the ball and perhaps has it in the final two minutes of play. 

The NFC West division has been a tight battle all season long and this weekend the Los Angeles Rams (7-4) travel to play the Arizona Cardinals (6-5) for the first time in the 2020 campaign. The Rams lost on the final play last weekend to the 49ers, 23-20 and the Cards also lost their game on the last play when the New England Patriots hit on a 50-yard field goal for a 20-17 victory. This one should also go down to the wire as these two teams chase the Seattle Seahawks in the division race. 

All of the NFL action for this week's games is featured in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks will follow up. 

Cleveland (8-3) at Tennessee (8-3) - The Titans and Browns both run the football well and Cleveland's two headed monster of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt will give Derrick Henry and the Titans all they can handle. 

New Orleans (9-2) at Atlanta (4-7) - Can the Falcons snap the Saints eight-game winning streak? It's possible. 

Detroit (4-7) at Chicago (5-6) - The Bears looking to end a five-game losing streak. The Lions have a new head coach for this one. Toss up. 

Indianapolis (7-4) at Houston (4-7) - This one could go down to the wire. Colts rate the edge with a better defense. 

Cincinnati (2-8-1) at Miami (7-4) - The Miami Dolphins looking to keep a good thing going in this game. Bengals are banged up and looking toward next season. 

Jacksonville (1-10) at Minnesota (5-6) - The Vikings should win this one and that would put them right in the thick of the NFC playoff hunt after a terrible start this year. 

Las Vegas (6-5) at New York Jets (0-11) - The Raiders try to snap a two-game losing streak against perhaps the worst team in the NFL. 

Los Angeles Rams (7-4) at Arizona (6-5) - This game could go either way. Take the Cardinals in a close one. 

New York Giants (4-7) at Seattle (8-3) - Take the Seahawks in this one as the Giants three-game roll comes to an end. 

Philadelphia (3-7-1) at Green Bay (8-3) - Packers roll ! 

New England (5-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (3-8) - The Chargers finally win a close game. 

Denver (4-7) at Kansas City (10-1) - Chiefs roll ! 

Washington (4-7) at Pittsburgh (11-0) - Steelers need to get back on track on offense, but the Washington defense could keep it closer than most people might think.

Buffalo (8-3) at San Francisco (5-6) - (game played in Glendale, AZ) - The 49ers could spring a surprise in this one on Monday Night Football. 

Dallas (3-8) at Baltimore (6-5) - Perhaps the NFL's two most under achieving teams go at it on a Tuesday night in this one. Take the Ravens. 

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

 

Tennessee over Cleveland 

New Orleans over Atlanta 

Chicago over Detroit 

Indianapolis over Houston 

Miami over Cincinnati 

Minnesota over Jacksonville 

Las Vegas over N.Y. Jets 

Arizona over L.A. Rams 

Seattle over N.Y. Giants 

Green Bay over Philadelphia 

L.A. Chargers over New England 

KANSAS CITY over Denver 

Pittsburgh over Washington 

San Francisco over Buffalo 

Baltimore over Dallas 

 

Last Week's Record -  13-3 

SEASON RECORD -  126-50-1

Lock of the Week Record - 9-3