Bucs, Chiefs Advance To Super Bowl LV

Tom Brady is going to his 10th Super Bowl.

 The old pro and the new "face of the NFL" will square off in Super Bowl  LV in Tampa, Florida in two weeks. Quarterbacks Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes helped lead their teams to victory in the conference championship games on Sunday. 

 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Green Bay Packers, 31-26 to win the NFC title while the Kansas City Chiefs crushed the Buffalo Bills, 38-24 in the AFC Championship Game. The two teams met back in Week 12 in Tampa Bay and the Chiefs won that game, 27-24. This time it will be for all the marbles as the Chiefs seek to become the first repeat champion in the Super Bowl since Brady and the New England Patriots won back-to-back titles back in the 2003 and 2004 seasons. Both Brady and Mahomes have been the winning quarterbacks in the last two Super Bowls as well. 

 

TAMPA BAY 31, GREEN BAY 26 - The Buccaneers made it three consecutive road wins this post-season as Brady had three touchdown passes along with three interceptions and running back Leonard Fournette (12 carries, 55 rushing yards) added a 20-yard touchdown run to help provide the final outcome. On the other end, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers threw for three scores and had one interception and was sacked five times, but it was a decision by Green Bay Head Coach Greg LaFleur with his team trailing, 31-23 to kick a 26-yard field goal with 2:06 remaining in the game rather than trying to score on fourth-and-goal from the Bucs' eight-yard line. 

Tampa Bay got the ball back and was able to run out the game clock and punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. The Buccaneers will be the first team in the history of the Super Bowl to play in the game in their home stadium. The Bucs defense came up big with two three-and-out stops after Brady's interceptions in the second half. Linebacker Shaq Barrett had three of the five sacks for the Buccaneers. In addition, Tampa Bay scored 14 points off two Green Bay turnovers, including a 39-yard TD pass from Brady to wide receiver Scotty Miller with just one second left in the first half, which gave the Buccaneers a 21-10 halftime lead.

KANSAS CITY 38, BUFFALO 24 - In Kansas City, the Chiefs routed the Buffalo Bills, 38-24 with QB Patrick Mahomes passing for three touchdowns and 325 yards while running backs Darrel Williams (13 carries, 52 rushing yards) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire each had a rushing touchdown. Two of Mahomes' scoring passes went to tight end Travis Kelce, who had 13 receptions for 118 yards in the win.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes celebrates another AFC crown.

The Bills raced out to a 9-0 lead thanks to the first of two 51-yard field goals by kicker Tyler Bass and then scored on a three-yard TD pass from QB Josh Allen (287 passing yards, two TD, one INT) to tight end Dawson Knox following a fumbled punt return by the Chiefs Mecole Hardman, who also had a TD reception later in the game. From there, the Chiefs scored 21 unanswered points and led 21-12 at the half before building a 38-15 lead in the fourth quarter.

 

Hank Aaron - RIP To A Baseball Legend

Hank Aaron, an absolute baseball legend, has died. 

Henry "Hank" Aaron was 86 years old and he is still revered by many as the all time home run king of Major League Baseball with 755 dingers. 

On April 8, 1974, Aaron broke Babe Ruth's all time home run record of 714 when he cracked his 715th home run off Dodgers pitcher Al Downing in the Atlanta Braves first home game that season. He obviously became a first ballot Hall-of-Fame inductee in Cooperstown, NY after his retirement. 

RIP Hank. 

 

NFL Playoffs - AFC and NFC Championship Game Previews

It is down to just four teams in the NFL Playoffs for the 2020 season and this Sunday, the winners of the AFC and NFC Championship games move along to Super Bowl LV on February 7th in Tampa, Florida. The following provides a brief look at each conference championship game and the predictions for the winners of the games. 

 

 

 

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME -  Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers 

The Buccaneers knocked off the New Orleans Saints, 30-20 in the divisional round and will now face the Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay throttled the Los Angeles Rams, 32-18 last week and quarterback Aaron Rodgers sliced and diced the Rams rugged defense while the Packers ground game also had their way in the victory. 

Bucs QB Tom Brady has been playing at his best at the right time and needs to keep it going against a Packers defense that has steadily improved since the beginning of the season. The same can also be said of the Buccaneers defense. Both Brady and Rodgers had two touchdown passes along with a touchdown run in their team's victories last week. 

Many people are pointing out the fact the Bucs crushed Rodgers and the Packers back in Week Six by a 38-10 score as their defense intercepted two Rodgers passes in the rout. That much is true, but it does not mean they can do it again. The regular season game was in Tampa Bay and this time the cold climate of Green Bay, Wisconsin will set a different tone for the game. 

If the Buccaneers can get pressure on Rodgers (five sacks in the Week Six game) and once again disguise their coverages against the pass, they can enjoy success against the highest scoring team in the NFL this past season. But Rodgers is an elite quarterback and it will be tough to fool him again. Odds are this game will be a tight one and will most likely come down to the final possession. Perhaps this one could go into overtime. 

Prediction -  Green Bay 30, Tampa Bay 24  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME -  Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs 

The key to this game will be Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes being ready to go as he has been in the league's concussion protocol since leaving last week's 22-17 win against Cleveland in the second half on a legit, but rough tackle while scrambling. Mahomes has been bothered by a foot injury as well, but if he is ready to go, the Chiefs should be able to repeat the success they had against the Bills back in Week Six when they won, 26-17 in Buffalo. 

Since that loss, the Bills have gone 11-1 and quarterback Josh Allen has been just as good as any other QB in pro football. The Bills beat Baltimore, 17-3 last week in the divisional round and their defense was outstanding, limiting the vaunted Ravens running game and knocking out QB Lamar Jackson with a concussion late in the third quarter. If they can limit Mahomes and company this Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, they could be on the way to their first Super Bowl appearance in 27 years. 

Slowing down the Chiefs attack is no easy task and the Bills know this. There are simply too many weapons and if rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is able to play, it is just another headache for the Buffalo defense. Both teams have seen steady improvement with their defenses this past season and that will need to continue in this huge game. 

This game could be a high scoring one in Kansas City and whoever has the ball last will go a long way in determining the winner. 

Prediction -  Kansas City 31, Buffalo 28 

 

Last Week's Record -  3-1 

Playoffs Record -  7-3 

 

 

Here We Go America - Onward And Upward

 

Today, Joe Biden is the new President of the United States and Kamala Harris is the new Vice President. 

 

As Biden and Harris, the first ever female VP, take over at the White House, the United States of America is ready to move onward and upward, with or without those who still support the outgoing Donald Trump. 

It's time. 

 

The last four years have been long and tenuous for most Americans as the freak show went on and on, in particular in 2020. But now we have a new start and a fresh beginning and it's time to move on from the past four years of the selfishness that was. 

It's time!

Joe Biden - The 46th President of the United States of America. 

Here we go America - Onward and upward!

God Bless the United States of America!

NFL Playoffs - Divisional Round Review

The AFC and NFC Championship games are set. 

Next Sunday, the Green Bay Packers will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC while the Buffalo Bills will travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game. 

 

GREEN BAY 32, L.A. RAMS 18 - Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers ran for a touchdown and passed for two more scores along with 296 passing yards to lead the way. Green Bay running back Aaron Jones added 99 yards on the ground and a rushing score as the Packers used a balanced attack (188 rushing and 296 passing) to the tune of 484 total yards in offense against the Rams defense, which was number-one in the NFL this past season. Los Angeles running back Cam Akers had a TD run for the Rams while QB Jared Goff (who was sacked four times) had a touchdown pass in the loss. 

 

BUFFALO 17, BALTIMORE 3 - The Bills defense stifled Ravens QB Lamar Jackson along with the  vaunted ground game and also scored a touchdown when Taron Johnson raced 101 yards with an interception return to put the game away. Jackson was limited to only 34 rushing yards and threw the costly interception before leaving the game in the second half with a concussion. The Bills scored on a three-yard TD pass from QB Josh Allen to wide receiver Stefon Diggs to break a 3-3 tie in the third quarter. It will be Buffalo's first appearance in the AFC title game since the 1993 season.

 

KANSAS CITY 22, CLEVELAND 17 - The Chiefs held off the Browns as reserve QB Chad Henne scrambled to set up a fourth down-and-one yard situation which they converted on a pass play from Henne to WR Tyreek Hill to clinch the win. Kansas led 19-3 at the half behind QB Patrick Mahomes (who left the game in the third quarter with a concussion) with a 20-yard scoring pass to tight end Travis Kelce and a one-yard TD run. Kansas City kicker Harrison Butker made three field goals to help with the victory. 

The Browns had a crucial lost fumble late in the first half as WR Rashard Higgins made a reception but lost the ball at the goal line and it went out of bounds in the end zone for the automatic touchback and turnover. Browns QB Baker Mayfield had a TD pass and RB Kareem Hunt scored on a three-yard run in the second half to help provide the final score. 

 

TAMPA BAY 30, NEW ORLEANS 20 - Tampa Bay QB Tom Brady (pictured at upper right) passed for two touchdowns and 199 yards and also scored on a one-yard run to put the game away with just under five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to send the Buccaneers to the NFC Championship game for the first time in 18 years with the road victory. 

The Bucs defense forced four turnovers on a fumble recovery and intercepted Saints QB Drew Brees three times. Brees and backup QB Jameis Winston each threw a touchdown pass in defeat before the Buccaneers scored the final ten points in the fourth quarter to break a 20-20 deadlock. Tampa Bay kicker Ryan Succop added three field goals to help provide the winning outcome.

 

Saturday's Results 

Green Bay 32, L.A. Rams 18

Buffalo 17, Baltimore 3 

 

Sunday's Results 

Kansas City 22, Cleveland 17 

Tampa Bay 30, New Orleans 20

 

 

 

NFL Playoffs - Divisional Round Preview

 The NFL Playoffs are down to eight teams and the action this weekend features two games on Saturday and Sunday, including the number-one seeds from the AFC and NFC in action. 

On Saturday, the Los Angeles Rams take on the Green Bay Packers while the Baltimore Ravens will travel to Buffalo and face the Bills. The Sunday games include the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Cleveland Browns. The final game this weekend will take place Sunday evening in New Orleans with the Saints playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

 

 

Saturday, January 16

Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers - The Packers have been rolling hot heading into the playoffs, winning their final six games this season. That Rams defense though will make it tough for Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and company to simply have it their way.

Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills - Two good teams that haven't lost since November go at it in what could be a snowy evening in Buffalo. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Bills QB Josh Allen should make this game an exciting and close one, which will likely come down to the final possession.

 

Sunday, January 17 

Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs - The Browns have been on a magic carpet ride this season and now they face their toughest foe. The Chiefs, led by QB Patrick Mahomes, will be ready and waiting and should advance to the AFC Championship Game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints - This is the third meeting between these two NFC South division foes and the Saints have rolled in the other two games while their defense intercepted Bucs QB Tom Brady five times during those victories. This should be a great game as Brady and Saints QB Drew Brees finally meet in the post-season. 

The Heftyinfo predictions for the Divisional Round games  . . . . .  (Home teams are listed in bold)

Green Bay over Los Angeles Rams 

Baltimore over Buffalo 

Kansas City over Cleveland 

Tampa Bay over New Orleans 

 

Last Week's Record -  4-2 

Playoffs Record -  4-2 

REGULAR SEASON RECORD -  181-74-1 

Trump - The Sequel

President Donald J. Trump has been impeached yet again. 

But don't say we didn't tell you so. 

Alabama Wins College Football Championship*

The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Ohio State, 52-24 on Monday night to win the College Football championship* in a controversial season amid the COVID-19 pandemic that is still ongoing. 

See you all next season.

NFL Playoffs - Wild Card Round Review

The Wild Card round of the 2020 NFL Playoffs are over now and six teams move on to the divisional round next weekend. In the NFC, it will be the Los Angeles Rams facing the top seeded Green Bay Packers while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints will meet for the third time this season, but this time with a trip to the NFC Championship Game on the line. The AFC will see the top seeded Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Cleveland Browns while the Buffalo Bills will play at home against the Baltimore Ravens. 

 

The AFC Wild Card game on Saturday saw the Buffalo Bills defeat the Indianapolis Colts, 27-24 while two others were played on Sunday. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the host Tennessee Titans, 20-13 and the Cleveland Browns opened up with a 28-0 lead in the first quarter en route to a 48-37 road victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

 

BUFFALO 27, INDIANAPOLIS 24 - Bills QB Josh Allen threw for two scores along with 324 passing yards and rushed for another to lead his team in rushing (54 yards) in the playoff win, which was the first for the Buffalo Bills since the 1995 season. Colts QB Philip Rivers (309 passing yards) had two TD passes in the loss. The Colts were driving in the final minute of the game, but a fourth down desperation pass was batted down by the Buffalo defense near the Bills' goal line to end the game.

 

BALTIMORE 20, TENNESSEE 13 - Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (pictured right) took over this game, rushing for 136 yards and scored on a 48-yard run to tie the game, 10-10 by halftime. The Baltimore defense

limited Titans running back Derrick Henry to just 40 yards on 18 carries to lead the way after Tennessee got out to a 10-0 lead, thanks in part to a ten-yard TD pass from QB Ryan Tannehill to wide receiver A.J. Brown. For the game, Tennessee gained only 209 yards in total offense. Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins helped seal the game with a four-yard TD run in the third quarter. The Ravens rushed for 236 yards in the win.

 

 

CLEVELAND 48, PITTSBURGH 37 - The game started with the Browns defense scoring on a fumble recovery in the Steelers end zone and the Browns had a 28-0 lead after the first quarter and coasted from there for their first playoff win since the 1994 season. Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield had three TD passes and RB Kareem Hunt scored two rushing touchdowns while the defense intercepted Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (501 passing yards and four TD) four times along with the fumble recovery. The Steelers closed to within 35-23 and had the ball early in the fourth quarter, but punted and from there, the Browns put the game away with a 40-yard TD pass play from Mayfield to RB Nick Chubb. 

In the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams surprised the Seattle Seahawks, 30-20 on Saturday while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers held off the host Washington Football team, 31-23 on Saturday night. On Sunday, the New Orleans Saints blasted the Chicago Bears, 21-9 for the home victory to move on to the divisional round. 

 

LOS ANGELES RAMS 30, SEATTLE 20 - The Rams defense scored on a 42-yard interception return by cornerback Darious Williams and it also had five quarterback sacks to lead the way in the win. Rams RB Cam Akers scored on a five-yard run and had 131 yards on 28 carries as Los Angeles used a balanced offense (164 rushing yards, 169 passing yards) including a stellar effort from QB Jared Goff, who came off the bench for starting QB John Wolford (neck injury) and had a 15-yard scoring pass (with a broken thumb) to WR Robert Woods with 4:46 remaining in the fourth quarter to give them a 30-13 lead. Rams kicker Matt Gay added three field goals to help the effort. Seattle QB Russell Wilson was just 11-for-27 passing in the game for 174 yards with two touchdowns and the interception. The Seahawks also lost a fumble and were limited to 278 yards in total offense in the loss. 

 

TAMPA BAY 31, WASHINGTON 23 - Buccaneers QB Tom Brady (pictured left) passed for 381 yards and two touchdowns and RB Leonard Fournette gained 93 rushing yards and scored a touchdown and kicker Ryan Succop kicked four field goals in the win. Washington QB Taylor Heinicke had 306 passing yards

along with a TD pass and an eight-yard scoring run to help keep things close. A 37-yard field goal by Succop with just under three minutes remaining in the game put the Buccaneers up by eight points and the Tampa Bay defense did the rest as Washington turned the ball over on downs to finish up the game. 

 

NEW ORLEANS 21, CHICAGO 9 - The Saints advanced in the home win behind two TD passes from QB Drew Brees and a three-yard scoring run by RB Alvin Kamara, who had 99 rushing yards in the game. The Saints defense limited the Bears to eleven first downs and 239 yards in total offense, including just 48 rushing yards. The game was close with the Saints ahead 7-3 at halftime before they scored twice in the second half to open up a 21-3 lead. The Bears scored their only touchdown with a 19-yard pass play from QB Mitch Trubisky to tight end Jimmy Graham on the final play of the game.

 

Saturday's Results 

Buffalo 27, Indianapolis 24

L.A. Rams 30, Seattle 20 

Tampa Bay 31, Washington 23

Sunday's Results 

Baltimore 20, Tennessee 13

New Orleans 21, Chicago 9

Cleveland 48, Pittsburgh 37

NFL Playoffs - Wild Card Round Preview

The NFL Playoffs get going this weekend with the Super Wild Card Round on Saturday and Sunday and this time around there will be six games in all as the playoff format allowed 14 teams into the playoffs for the 2020 season. That means there will be three games on each day. 

The following will offer a look at the games and predictions on which teams will get the victory and advance to the Divisional Round next weekend. Only two teams have the "bye week" in the new format as the Kansas City Chiefs (14-2) had the top record in the AFC and the Green Bay Packers (13-3) finished atop the NFC this season. They will play the lowest remaining seeded team and they both have the home field advantage for as long as they are in the playoffs.

AFC PLAYOFFS

Saturday, January 9

Indianapolis Colts (11-5) at Buffalo Bills (13-3) - The Bills have been rolling the last six weeks as they won the AFC East division and enter the playoffs with a six-game wining streak. Bills quarterback Josh Allen had 37 touchdown passes and ten interceptions and threw for 4,544 yards this season and teams with his favorite target, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who had 127 receptions for 1,535 yards and eight touchdowns. Cole Beasley (82, 967, four TD) is another primary weapon in the Bills passing game. The Bills defense has allowed 18.3 points per game during the last six games. 

Meanwhile, the Colts have won four of their last five games and have averaged just under 30 PPG during that span to end the season. Quarterback Philip Rivers has been steady (4,169 passing yards with 24 TD and 11 INT) and running back Jonathan Taylor has been on a mission since mid-season and wound up the year with 1,169 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns while also catching 36 passes for 299 yards and one score. The top receivers for Indy include RB Nyheim Hines (63 receptions with four TD) and T.Y. Hilton, who had 56 receptions for 762 yards and five touchdowns. The Colts defense is strong against the run and they can rush the passer, getting 40 sacks this past season. 

 

Sunday, January 10

Baltimore Ravens (11-5) at Tennessee Titans (11-5) - The Ravens have won five straight games and have been crushing it on the ground, averaging 192 YPG rushing this season. Led by QB Lamar Jackson (1,005 rushing yards, seven TD and also 2,757 passing yards with 26 TD and nine INT) the Ravens have averaged 37.2 points a game during the last five this season. Running backs J.K. Dobbins (805 rush yards and nine TD) and Gus Edwards (723 yards, six TD) team with Jackson to form the solid run game. Tight end Mark Andrews and WR Marquise Brown each had 58 receptions to lead the team in that area. Baltimore's defense allows 108 yards on the ground and has been consistent in the red zone, allowing 17.8 PPG down the stretch in the 2020 season. 

The Tennessee Titans offense revolves around super running back Derrick Henry, who gashed the opposition for 2,027 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns this season. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill passed for 3,819 yards with 33 TD and just seven interceptions this year and also scored seven rushing touchdowns. His main targets include A.J. Brown (70, 1,075, 11 TD) and Corey Davis, who caught 65 passes for 984 yards and five touchdowns. The Titans defense has been a sore spot at times this year, especially against the pass as they gave up 289 YPG while only getting 19 quarterback sacks. Tennessee finished first in the AFC South race and has won five of their last seven games heading into the playoffs. 

 

Cleveland Browns (11-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) - The Browns defeated the Steelers last week to get into the playoffs for the first time since the 2002 season. The two teams split their games against one another and Pittsburgh won the AFC North division, starting out 11-0 before stumbling down the stretch while dealing with numerous injuries on both sides of the ball. 

The Browns are led by QB Baker Mayfield, who had 3,563 passing yards with 26 TD and eight interceptions. Nick Chubb (1,067 rush yards and 12 TD) and Kareem Hunt (841 rush yards and six TD) form a solid one-two punch for Cleveland's run game and Jarvis Landry (72, 840, three TD) and tight end Austin Hooper (46, 435, four TD) are the top pass catchers. Myles Garrett led the Browns defense with 12 sacks and the team allowed just under 122 rushing yards per game. The Browns will be without at least six players (COVID-19/IR list) as well as Head Coach Kevin Stefanski for the same reason.

The Steelers have veteran QB Ben Roethlisberger in charge of things and he passed for 3,803 yards with 33 TD and ten interceptions this season. However, Big Ben put the ball in the air an astounding 608 times due to the lack of a running game. When healthy, running back James Conner rushed for 721 yards and six touchdowns while Benny Snell had 368 yards and four scores. The wideouts are led by JuJu Smith-Schuster (97, 831, nine TD) and Diontae Johnson, who made 88 grabs for 923 yards and seven touchdowns. Rookie WR Chase Claypool had 62 receptions for 873 yards and nine touchdowns while tight end Eric Ebron (56, 558, five TD) also added to the passing attack. The Steelers defense allowed 19.8 PPG and registered 56 sacks with T.J. Watt getting 15 of them and Stephon Tuitt adding eleven more sacks. Steelers DB Minkah Fitzpatrick had four interceptions, including one for a touchdown.

NFC PLAYOFFS 

Saturday, January 9 

Los Angeles Rams (10-6) at Seattle Seahawks (12-4) - These two division rivals split their two games with each win coming at home. The Rams have struggled down the stretch and QB Jared Goff (3,952 passing yards with 20 TD and 13 INT) might not play in this game after a broken thumb on his right hand kept him out of action in Week Seventeen. John Wolford is the backup quarterback. Cam Akers (625 rushing yards, two TD) and Darrell Henderson (624, five TD) are the top running backs and Robert Woods (90 receptions for 936 yards and six TD) and Cooper Kupp (92, 974, three TD) who is coming off the COVID-19 IR list, lead the way in receiving. The Rams defense is the strength of this team and Aaron Donald (13 1/2 sacks) and Leonard Floyd (10 1/2 sacks) lead the way along with cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The Rams had 53 sacks and picked off 14 passes this season. 

The Seahawks will go as far as QB Russell Wilson can bring them with the offense. Wilson passed for 4,212 yards with 40 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also rushed for 513 yards and two scores. The top receivers for Seattle include Tyler Lockett (100, 1,054, ten TD) and DK Metcalf, who had 83 receptions for 1,303 yards and ten touchdowns. Running back Chris Carson was the leading rusher this year with 681 yards and five touchdowns. Seattle's defense has gotten better after a terrible start, especially against the pass. The Seahawks had 14 interceptions and 46 sacks while allowing 300 passing yards per game. The run defense fared much better, allowing 96 YPG this season. The Seahawks have won four straight games going into the playoffs. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5) at Washington (7-9) - The Buccaneers have Tom Brady at quarterback and all the 43-year old did was pass for 40 touchdowns (12 interceptions) and 4,633 yards this season while helping lead the team to their first playoff game since 2007. Ronald Jones led the team with 978 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Mike Evans (70, 1,006, 13 TD) and Chris Godwin (65, 840, seven TD) are the top receivers and Antonio Brown (45, 483, four TD) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (45, 623, seven TD) are two more options for Brady in the passing game. The Tampa Bay run defense is very stingy, giving up just 81 yards per game this season while also getting 48 sacks and 15 interceptions. The Bucs allowed 22 PPG this season and scored 30.7 points per game. 

Washington finished strong in 2020, going 5-2 to win the NFC East division. Led by a solid defense, which includes rookie defensive end Chase Young (7 1/2 sacks) and Montez Sweat (nine sacks) they allowed just over 20 points per game this season, which included giving up only 15.8 PPG in the final seven games. They also intercepted 16 passes to bolster the defense. Quarterback Alex Smith has been a great story in the  2020 season, coming back from a severe leg injury in 2018 to pass for 1,582 yards and six touchdowns along with eight interceptions. If Smith isn't able to play (calf injury), then Taylor Heinicke will run the offense. Running back Antonio Gibson rushed for 795 yards and eleven touchdowns and J.D. McKissic gained 385 yards rushing and caught 80 passes, totaling three scores overall. Terry McLaurin is the top wide receiver for Washington, making 87 receptions for 1,118 yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Logan Thomas caught 72 balls for 670 yards and six touchdowns. 

 

Sunday, January 10

Chicago Bears (8-8) at New Orleans Saints (12-4) - The Saints rate a big edge on paper, but when these two teams met in Chicago back on November 1, it was decided in overtime with a 26-23 win for the Saints. The Bears will go with much maligned quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who had 2,055 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions in nine games. David Montgomery led the team in rushing with 1,070 yards and scored eight touchdowns while making 54 receptions and two more scores. Allen Robinson is the bread and butter man for the passing game, leading Chicago with 102 receptions for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns. The Bears defense slumped in the second half of this season, allowing 25.5 points per game. The pass rush generated only 35 sacks and the Bears picked off ten passes. 

Quarterback Drew Brees came back from broken ribs for the Saints and finished the season with 2,942 yards along with 24 TD passes and just six interceptions. Taysom Hill can also play quarterback, but is more relied upon as a running option, gaining 457 yards and scoring eight touchdowns. Running back Alvin Kamara should be ready to play after being on the COVID-19/IR list last weekend. Kamara scored 21 touchdowns this season, including a record tying six rushing TDs in one game on Christmas Day. Kamara had 932 rushing yards (16 TD) and hauled in 83 receptions for 756 yards and five more scores. Letavius Murray (656 rush yards and four TD) adds depth for the Saints. The wideouts are led by Emmanuel Sanders, who had 61 receptions for 726 yards and five touchdowns. Tight end Jared Cook made 37 receptions for 504 yards and seven touchdowns. Wide receiver Michael Thomas, who missed most of the regular season with ankle injuries, could be ready to play as well. The Saints defense is solid, giving up 21 points per game while allowing just 93 rushing yards a game. The Saints intercepted 18 passes this year and DE Trey Hendrickson had 13 1/2 sacks to lead the team, which totaled 45 sacks this season. 

 

The Heftyinfo picks for the Super Wild Card Round  . . . . . . .    (Home teams are listed in bold) 

Saturday Games

Buffalo over Indianapolis

Seattle over L.A. Rams 

Tampa Bay over Washington 

Sunday Games 

Baltimore over Tennessee 

New Orleans over Chicago 

Pittsburgh over Cleveland 

FINAL SEASON  RECORD -  181-74-1

Lock of the Week Record -  14-3 

 

Trump Is A Traitor To The United States of America

This miscreant has got to go. 

Period - end of discussion. 

 

America Gets A New Senate Leader

 Mitch McConnell - your time is up. 

NFL - Week Seventeen Review

Browns players celebrate big win to make the NFL playoffs.

 The 2020 NFL season made it to the finish line and every team played all 16 scheduled games in the year of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The playoffs are set and will begin next weekend with six wild card games and just one team from each conference getting the bye week. The Kansas City Chiefs (14-2) finished with the best record in the league and will be looking to repeat as Super Bowl champions as the top seed in the AFC. The Green Bay Packers finished 13-3 and will have the bye as well as the top team in the NFC. 

As for the action in Week 17 around the NFL, the Cleveland Browns (11-5) defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 24-22 to clinch a playoff spot in the AFC for the first time since the 2002 season. Browns running back Nick Chubb rushed for 108 yards and scored a touchdown and quarterback Baker Mayfield had a touchdown pass to help build a 24-9 lead before the Steelers made it close in the final quarter as backup QB Mason Rudolph threw for two touchdowns. The Browns were able to prevent a two-point conversion try by the Steelers (12-4) with 1:23 remaining that would have tied the game. The Steelers will host the Browns next Sunday night in the Super Wild Card playoff round. 

The Washington Football Team (7-9) wrapped up the NFC East division and final NFC playoff spot with a 20-14 road win against the Philadelphia Eagles (4-11-1) on Sunday Night Football as their defense limited the Eagles to just 218 yards in total offense, including three turnovers. Washington led 17-14 at the half thanks to a pair of scoring passes by QB Alex Smith, who was also intercepted twice in the game. The Eagles sat starting QB Jalen Hurts, who rushed for two touchdowns, in the fourth quarter and Washington took advantage by getting a fumble recovery and an interception against reserve QB Nate Sudfeld to pace the win. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will travel to Washington next Saturday night for the wild card game.

The Los Angeles Rams (10-6) beat the Arizona Cardinals, 18-7 to clinch a wild card playoff spot in the NFC and that eliminated the Cards (8-8) from making the playoffs. Behind strong defense that held Arizona to 214 yards in total offense, the Rams had three field goals and an 84-yard interception return for a touchdown by Troy Hill and a safety that made the difference. The Rams will travel to play the Seattle Seahawks in the wild card round next Saturday. 

The Green Bay Packers clinched home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs with a 35-16 road win at Chicago as QB Aaron Rodgers had four TD passes on 19-of-24 passing and solid defense that held the Bears (8-8) to three field goals in five trips into the red zone before Green Bay pulled away in the final quarter. The Bears still made the playoffs as a wild card because the Arizona Cardinals lost their game to the Los Angeles Rams and next they will play at the New Orleans Saints next Sunday afternoon. 

Both the Tennessee Titans (11-5) and Indianapolis Colts (11-5) wrapped up AFC playoff spots as they took care of business. The Titans won a road thriller against the Houston Texans, 41-38 as kicker Sam Sloman made a 37-yard field goal at the buzzer to give them the AFC South division title. Tennessee running back Derrick Henry rushed for 250 yards and two touchdowns and also became the eighth running back in NFL history to reach 2,000 yards rushing in a season. Titans QB Ryan Tannehill had a pair of rushing scores and one TD pass to help the cause. Texans QB Deshaun Watson had 365 passing yards and three TD passes in the loss. Tennessee will host the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday in the wild card round. 

Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts earned a wild card spot as well with a 28-14 home victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15) as rookie running back Jonathan Taylor went off for 253 yards and scored twice on the ground, including a 45-yard TD run that put the game away with 3:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Colts win, coupled with the Miami Dolphins loss in Buffalo, gave the Colts a wild card spot and a match on the road against the Buffalo Bills next Saturday. 

The Baltimore Ravens (11-5) won their fifth consecutive game and wrapped up a playoff spot with a 38-3 trouncing of the host Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) behind a record setting 404 rushing yards in the game, including 160 yards (on 13 carries) from rookie running back J.K. Dobbins, which included his two TD runs, one of which was a 72-yard romp. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson threw for three touchdowns and had 97 rushing yards which made him the first ever NFL quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards in two different seasons. Baltimore's defense held the Bengals to just 195 yards in total offense along with two interceptions and allowing just ten first downs. 

The Buffalo Bills finished the season with a 13-3 record as they routed the visiting Miami Dolphins, 56-26 behind three TD passes from QB Josh Allen in the first half along with an 84-yard punt return for touchdown by Isaiah McKenzie (pictured right), who also had two TD receptions in the first half. The

Bills defense also got in on the act as Josh Norman had a "pick six" interception return, which was one of three interceptions against Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa. The Bills built a 28-6 halftime lead and coasted from there and will host the Indianapolis Colts next Saturday in the AFC wild card playoffs. The Dolphins (10-6) missed out on a chance to make the playoffs with the loss. 

 

                                                          

                                                               Elsewhere Around the NFL  . . . . . . .    

   
 

The New Orleans Saints (12-4) finished off the regular season on a high note in a 33-7 pasting of the host Carolina Panthers as QB Drew Brees threw for three scores and the defense intercepted five passes against the Panthers (5-11). New Orleans plays against the Chicago Bears in the wild card round next Sunday . . .  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5) crushed the Atlanta Falcons, 44-27 behind a big game from QB Tom Brady, who threw for 399 yards and four TD passes while wide receivers Antonio Brown and Chris Godwin each caught two TD passes and topped 100 receiving yards in the game . . .  The Los Angeles Chargers (7-9) finished the season on a four-game win streak as they routed the host Kansas City Chiefs, 38-21 with QB Justin Herbert passing for three scores and running for another. Herbert set the NFL record for TD passes in a season by a rookie quarterback, finishing the year with 31 to break Baker Mayfield's record. Kansas City (14-2) rested many starting players, including QB Patrick Mahomes, as they had already clinched the NFL's best record last week . . .  The Seattle Seahawks (12-4) battled back from a ten-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win 26-23 against the San Francisco 49ers (6-10) as QB Russell Wilson had two TD passes. The Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams next Saturday in the wild card round of the NFC playoffs . . .  The Las Vegas Raiders (8-8) survived a 32-31 road win against the Denver Broncos (5-11) as they blocked a last second 63-yard field goal attempt. Raiders RB Josh Jacobs had two rushing scores and QB Derek Carr threw for a pair of scores to offset two TD passes from Broncos QB Drew Lock. The Raiders took a risk but it paid off when Carr passed to tight end Darren Waller (nine receptions for 117 yards) for the two-point conversion with just 24 seconds left in the game . . .  New England (7-9) finished with their first losing record since the 2000 season as they toppled the visiting New York Jets, 28-14 behind three TD passes from QB Cam Newton, who also caught a touchdown pass in the win. The Jets (2-14) fired Head Coach Adam Gase following the season finale . . .  The Minnesota Vikings (7-9) won a shootout, 37-35 against the host Detroit Lions (5-11) as QB Kirk Cousins had three TD passes and also a scoring run while Lions QB Matthew Stafford had three TD passes in defeat . . .  The New York Giants (6-10) won at home, 23-19 against the Dallas Cowboys (6-10) then had to sit and watch as their playoff hopes were dashed on Sunday night when Washington defeated the Philadelphia Eagles. Giants QB Daniel Jones had two scoring passes and Sterling Shepard hauled in one of them along with a 23-yard rushing touchdown to pace the win. Cowboys QB Andy Dalton was sacked six times and threw an interception in the final minute into the Giants end zone. 

Note - So far, three NFL head coaches were fired as Adam Gase (N.Y. Jets), Anthony Lynn (L.A. Chargers) and Doug Marrone (Jacksonville) lost their jobs.

Week Seventeen Results 

Cleveland 24, Pittsburgh 22

Baltimore 38, Cincinnati 3

N.Y. Giants 23, Dallas 19 

New England 28, N.Y. Jets 14

Buffalo 56, Miami 26

Tampa Bay 44, Atlanta 27

Minnesota 37, Detroit 35

Green Bay 35, Chicago 16 

L.A. Rams 18, Arizona 7

L.A. Chargers 38, Kansas City 21

New Orleans 33, Carolina 7

Tennessee 41, Houston 38

Indianapolis 28, Jacksonville 14 

Seattle 26, San Francisco 23

Las Vegas 32, Denver 31

Washington 20, Philadelphia 14

 

 

 

So What Is Going To Be Different?

 

It's New Year's Day - 2021. 

Will things be different now that the dread of the year 2020 is behind us all? 

What I mean is will things REALLY be different as the calendar changes over from December 31 to January 1? We all can make a difference in that happening. 

I am optimistic as this blog enters into its 13th year that people can help make a real difference, but I'm not convinced by the powers that be in politics or in the news media that cover said politicians. You see, those folks and the occupation they have is driven solely by money and that will never change unless the people call for it to do so. 

Meaning there needs to be a real shift in attitudes all over the country as well as the world. 

Things always seem to stay the same and things don't really change at all. Like U2 sang about nearly 40 years ago in their song New Year's Day -- Nothing changes on New Year's Day . . . 

Let's make it happen America. 

We have a new President of the United States coming into power on January 20th and the narcissist we have had as POTUS for the last four years will begin a new life battling the legal folks who have him by the balls regarding his past finances and tax records. Let the games begin. 

For one, I will be ignoring the folks who want to continue the insanity that took a mantra known as "MAGA" and perverted it into racism and hatred and now their time is up. Their fifteen minutes are over with and it is time to put them in the past. 

The United States of America is moving onward and upward with or without these people. The best part is they don't quite realize it yet because they insist on living in the past and not moving forward and just trying to hold people back because they themselves are so miserable. 

Not for me pal. Don't want any part of that nonsense. 

As for the media, those folks and their directors and producers need to make a change for the betterment of everyone in the country. When the impeached former president is out of office in about 19 more days, do not (I repeat) DO NOT pay any attention to him whatsoever when the tweets start coming fast and furious to criticize the Joe Biden Administration.  (You know that will be happening the second Biden removes his hand from the Bible after taking the oath of office.)

Social media and all the silly trends it produces will be another factor as to whether things might be different as 2021 gets rolling as well. People are creatures of habit and the monkey see, monkey do mentality isn't about to change. The silly videos will continue to churn out as people seek attention and the haters will continue to do their thing, but if people can resist that crap and look to make things different, then maybe (just maybe) things can really be different. But I am not holding my breath with that happening. 

Not being negative, just keeping it real and being honest. Fact is, the country needs more action and less talk and/or tweeting and posting of silliness on social media. Be a doer folks, not a pretender. 

So, here is to the new year and hopefully things can be different as the COVID-19 vaccines roll out and the Biden Administration takes the action in the coming months to speed things up with the distribution to everyone and stops the politicizing of it. I'm optimistic things can be better for everyone, but only if folks demand it. Hold the powers that be accountable. 

Demand it. Make it happen. Don't just sit around hoping so,  be a difference maker and hold people accountable. 

Happy New Year!