The Heftyinfo College Football FINAL Top Ten
1. Alabama (13-1)
2. Georgia (13-2)
3. Oklahoma (12-2)
4. Clemson (12-2)
5. Ohio State (12-2)
6. UCF (13-0)
7. Wisconsin (13-1)
8. Penn State (11-2)
9. TCU (10-3)
10. Auburn (10-4)
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Sunday, January 7, 2018
NFL PLAYOFFS - Wild Card Round Recap
Two home teams won and two lost this weekend in the NFL Playoff Wild Card Round.
On Saturday, the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons won road games to advance while on Sunday the Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints both won home games to move forward to the Divisional Round next week.
AFC WILD CARD GAMES
Tennessee Titans 22, Kansas City Chiefs 21 - The host Chiefs blew an 18-point halftime lead and fell to the Titans as running back Derrick Henry (156 rushing yards) scored a touchdown and then quarterback Marcus Mariota connected on a 22-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Eric Decker to provide the final margin.
The Chiefs stormed out to a big lead in the first quarter as QB Alex Smith hit tight end Travis Kelce on a 13-yard scoring pass and rookie RB Kareem Hunt scored on a one-yard run. The lead was 21-3 at halftime, but from there the Titans defense slammed the door on Kansas City.
One unusual scoring play for the Titans occurred when Mariota (pictured left) tossed a pass that was deflected back to himself and he broke the plane of the end zone for the touchdown to cut the Kansas City lead to 21-10 midway through the third quarter.
Jacksonville Jaguars 10, Buffalo Bills 3 - A throwback type of playoff game to the old days of running and defense took place in Jacksonville as the Jaguars topped the Bills behind solid defense that limited the Buffalo offense to 263 yards in total offense.
The only touchdown of the game came in the third quarter when Jags' QB Blake Bortles threw a one-yard scoring pass to tight end Ben Koyack. From there, it was defense on both sides of the field as Bortles actually ran (88 yards) for more yardage than he passed for (87 yards), which was only the third time in NFL playoff history that happened.
NFC WILD CARD GAMES
Atlanta Falcons 26, Los Angeles Rams 13 - The Falcons surprised the host Rams by bolting out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter as kicker Matt Bryant (four made field goals) hit a pair of kicks and RB Devonta Freeman scored on a three-yard run.
The Rams countered in the second quarter with a 14-yard scoring pass from QB Jared Goff to WR Cooper Kupp and then a 35-yard field goal at the end of the first half.
Bryant drilled a pair of field goals in the third quarter to give the Falcons a 19-10 lead entering the fourth quarter. Early in the fourth quarter, Rams kicker Sam Ficken nailed a 35-yard field goal to trim the Atlanta lead to 19-13.
Atlanta QB Matt Ryan threw an eight-yard TD pass to WR Julio Jones (nine receptions for 94 yards) with 5:48 remaining in regulation to provide the final outcome.
New Orleans Saints 31, Carolina Panthers 26 - The Saints rode the arm of QB Drew Brees (376 yards passing with two TD and one interception) to victory as they outlasted the visiting Panthers in the final wild card playoff game of the weekend.
Brees (pictured right) hooked up with WR Ted Ginn, Jr. on an 80-yard scoring play and later with tight end Josh Hill to help give the Saints a 21-9 halftime lead. Panthers kicker Graham Gano made three field goals in the first half to keep it close.
In the second half, the Panthers and Saints exchanged third quarter field goals before Carolina QB Cam Newton had two TD passes in the final quarter, a 14-yard strike to tight end Greg Olson and a 56-yard scoring pass to RB Christian McCaffrey that made it 31-26 with just over four minutes remaining.
The Saints took a huge gamble with two minutes left in the game by going for it on fourth down (two yards to go) from midfield. Brees' pass was intercepted and the Panthers then drove down the field before an intentional grounding penalty call against Newton set up a third-and-23 situation. Following an incompletion, Newton was sacked on fourth down and the Saints are now marching onto the Divisional Round next week.
On Saturday, the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons won road games to advance while on Sunday the Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints both won home games to move forward to the Divisional Round next week.
AFC WILD CARD GAMES
Tennessee Titans 22, Kansas City Chiefs 21 - The host Chiefs blew an 18-point halftime lead and fell to the Titans as running back Derrick Henry (156 rushing yards) scored a touchdown and then quarterback Marcus Mariota connected on a 22-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Eric Decker to provide the final margin.
The Chiefs stormed out to a big lead in the first quarter as QB Alex Smith hit tight end Travis Kelce on a 13-yard scoring pass and rookie RB Kareem Hunt scored on a one-yard run. The lead was 21-3 at halftime, but from there the Titans defense slammed the door on Kansas City.
One unusual scoring play for the Titans occurred when Mariota (pictured left) tossed a pass that was deflected back to himself and he broke the plane of the end zone for the touchdown to cut the Kansas City lead to 21-10 midway through the third quarter.
Jacksonville Jaguars 10, Buffalo Bills 3 - A throwback type of playoff game to the old days of running and defense took place in Jacksonville as the Jaguars topped the Bills behind solid defense that limited the Buffalo offense to 263 yards in total offense.
The only touchdown of the game came in the third quarter when Jags' QB Blake Bortles threw a one-yard scoring pass to tight end Ben Koyack. From there, it was defense on both sides of the field as Bortles actually ran (88 yards) for more yardage than he passed for (87 yards), which was only the third time in NFL playoff history that happened.
NFC WILD CARD GAMES
Atlanta Falcons 26, Los Angeles Rams 13 - The Falcons surprised the host Rams by bolting out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter as kicker Matt Bryant (four made field goals) hit a pair of kicks and RB Devonta Freeman scored on a three-yard run.
The Rams countered in the second quarter with a 14-yard scoring pass from QB Jared Goff to WR Cooper Kupp and then a 35-yard field goal at the end of the first half.
Bryant drilled a pair of field goals in the third quarter to give the Falcons a 19-10 lead entering the fourth quarter. Early in the fourth quarter, Rams kicker Sam Ficken nailed a 35-yard field goal to trim the Atlanta lead to 19-13.
Atlanta QB Matt Ryan threw an eight-yard TD pass to WR Julio Jones (nine receptions for 94 yards) with 5:48 remaining in regulation to provide the final outcome.
New Orleans Saints 31, Carolina Panthers 26 - The Saints rode the arm of QB Drew Brees (376 yards passing with two TD and one interception) to victory as they outlasted the visiting Panthers in the final wild card playoff game of the weekend.
Brees (pictured right) hooked up with WR Ted Ginn, Jr. on an 80-yard scoring play and later with tight end Josh Hill to help give the Saints a 21-9 halftime lead. Panthers kicker Graham Gano made three field goals in the first half to keep it close.In the second half, the Panthers and Saints exchanged third quarter field goals before Carolina QB Cam Newton had two TD passes in the final quarter, a 14-yard strike to tight end Greg Olson and a 56-yard scoring pass to RB Christian McCaffrey that made it 31-26 with just over four minutes remaining.
The Saints took a huge gamble with two minutes left in the game by going for it on fourth down (two yards to go) from midfield. Brees' pass was intercepted and the Panthers then drove down the field before an intentional grounding penalty call against Newton set up a third-and-23 situation. Following an incompletion, Newton was sacked on fourth down and the Saints are now marching onto the Divisional Round next week.
Saturday, January 6, 2018
NFL PLAYOFFS - Wild Card Round Preview
The 2017 NFL Playoffs will kick it off later today when the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs battle it out in the first of two AFC Wild Card games, followed by the Atlanta Falcons at the Los Angeles Rams in the first NFC Wild Card game.The Sunday games feature the Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars (AFC) and the Carolina Panthers at the New Orleans Saints in the NFC.
The games in the NFC seems to be causing a bigger buzz because the Falcons were the Super Bowl representative from the NFC last season and are facing the LA Rams - the surprise team of the NFC in the 2017 season.
Led by quarterback Jared Goff (28 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions) and running back Todd Gurley (1,305 rush yards with 19 total touchdowns), the Rams have a power packed offense similar to what the Falcons displayed last year when they led the NFL in scoring.
The Rams averaged 29.9 points per game this season and also have wide receivers Cooper Kupp (62 receptions for 869 yards and five touchdowns) and Robert Woods, who made 56 catches for 781 yards and five touchdowns.
Atlanta features QB Matt Ryan (20 TD and 12 INT) along with running backs Devonta Freeman (865 yards and seven TD) and Tevin Coleman (628 yards and five TD) along with receivers Julio Jones (88 grabs for 1,444 yards but just three TD) and Mohamed Sanu, who had 67 receptions with five touchdowns.
Each team's defense can get after the opposing quarterback as the Rams had 48 sacks while the Falcons registered 39 take downs. The Rams allowed roughly 21 points per game while Atlanta allowed just under 20 points per game.
The New Orleans Saints have QB Drew Brees, who had a somewhat "down" year statistically but he didn't have to put up the usual eye popping numbers this season because he is surrounded by so many weapons on offense.
All-purpose rookie running back Alvin Kamara was sensational, rushing for 728 yards (6.1 ypc average) with eight touchdowns and also caught 81 passes for 826 yards and five more scores while also returning a kickoff 106 yards for another touchdown, giving him 14 total for the season.
Mark Ingram ran for 1,124 yards (4.9 ypc) and scored 12 touchdowns while Michael Thomas led all receivers with 104 receptions for 1,245 yards and five scores. Ted Ginn, Jr. had 53 grabs for 787 yards and four scores.
The Panthers counter with QB Cam Newton (22 TD passes and 16 picks) who can pass and run as he amassed 754 yards on the ground and scored six times rushing the football. Tight end Greg Olson played just seven games (broken foot) and had 17 receptions and gives Newton another outlet in a potent arsenal.
Wide receiver Devin Funchess (63, 840, eight TD) but questionable after suffering injury, along with rookie RB-WR Christian McCaffrey (435 rush yards with two TD) and 80 receptions for 651 yards and five more touchdowns, are capable threats in the passing game.
Both these teams can sack the quarterback as well. New Orleans had 42 sacks while the Panthers dropped the opposing QB 50 times this season. They both allowed 20 points per game in the regular season.
As far as the AFC is concerned, the Buffalo Bills make their first playoff appearance in 18 years and will travel to face the upstart Jacksonville Jaguars, who haven't been to the playoffs in ten years.
Bills QB Tyrod Taylor is a dual threat (427 rush yards with four TD and 14 TD passes with just four INT) and relies on RB LeSean McCoy (1,158 rush yards, six TD and 59 receptions with two TD) to propel the offense.
But McCoy suffered a sever ankle injury last week and will most likely be a game time decision for Buffalo. Expect him to go if it's even remotely possible. After all, this IS the NFL Playoffs.
The Jaguars offense centers around rookie running back Leonard Fournette (1,040 rush yards with nine TD and 36 catches with one TD this season) while QB Blake Bortles relies on Marqise Lee (56, 702, three TD) and Keelan Cole (42, 748, three TD) at wide receiver. Veteran TE Mercedes Lewis snared five TD catches this season.
Jacksonville's vaunted defense was second in the entire league allowing points (268) and registered a league high 55 QB sacks, with Calais Campbell getting 14 1/2 of those sacks. Jacksonville also had 21 interceptions this year. Meanwhile, the Bills intercepted 18 passes while allowing just over 22 points per game.
The Kansas City Chiefs finished the season strong, winning their final four games to put away the AFC West division and will look for their offense to remain high flying (112 points scored the last four games) behind QB Alex Smith and company.
Smith the led the NFL in passer rating this season (104.7) and had 26 TD passes with only six picks thrown. Rookie running back Kareem Hunt also finished strong after a long dry spell in the middle of the season. Hunt finished with 1,327 rushing yards (4.9 ypc) and had eight touchdowns.
The passing game thrives with Smith getting the ball to TE Travis Kelce (83, 1,038, eight TD) and Tyreek Hill, who made 75 receptions for 1,183 yards and seven touchdowns. Hill also had a kick return score this year.
The Titans are led by QB Marcus Mariota, who threw for 3,232 yards with pedestrian like numbers of 13 TD and 15 INT this season. Mariota is a good scrambler (5.2 ypc average with five TD) who can extend plays.
The running game is the bread and butter for the Titans, evidenced by their 18 rushing touchdowns this year. Rookie RB Derrick Henry ran for 744 yards and five scores while injured back DeMarco Murray had 659 rushing yards along with six touchdowns. Delanie Walker led Tennessee with 74 receptions for 807 yards and had three touchdowns. Rishard Matthews made 53 receptions for 795 yards and had four scoring receptions. Another weapon is Eric Decker, who had 54 receptions.
Both defenses create problems for the opposition as the Chiefs allowed just 21 points per game while the Titans gave up 22 points per contest. Kansas City had 31 sacks and made 16 interceptions. The Titans sacked the QB 42 times this year and just 88 yards per game rushing allowed while the secondary was led by Kevin Byard's eight picks.
Heftyinfo PREDICTIONS for Wild Card Round Games (Home teams are listed in BOLD)
Kansas City over Tennessee
Atlanta over LA Rams
Jacksonville over Buffalo
New Orleans over Carolina
FINAL 2017 REGULAR SEASON RECORD - 177-79
Lock of the Week Record - 15-2
Monday, January 1, 2018
NFL - Week Seventeen Recap
The 2017 NFL regular season is now in the books and the teams in the playoffs include some expected teams and some big surprises considering the finishing records from last season.The New England Patriots (13-3) rolled past the New York Jets, 26-6 as quarterback Tom Brady had a pair of touchdown passes. The Pats will be the top seed in the AFC while the Pittsburgh Steelers (also 13-3) will be the number-two seed following their 28-24 win against the Cleveland Browns, who became just the second team in NFL history to finish the season with an 0-16 record.
Pittsburgh sat many starters in this one and still won the game as backup QB Landry Jones connected with wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster for a scoring pass. Smith-Schuster also took a kickoff back 96 yards for a score after the Browns had tied the game 21-21 in the third quarter.
The Buffalo Bills (9-7) are playoff bound for the first time since the 1999 season after they outlasted the host Miami Dolphins, 22-16 and got help when the Cincinnati Bengals stunned the Baltimore Ravens, 31-27 to knock Baltimore out of the playoff chase.
Buffalo used a balanced attack on offense and got three field goals from kicker Steven Hauschka to make the difference. Meanwhile, the Bengals squandered a 14-point lead and trailed the Ravens, 27-24 but QB Andy Dalton hooked up with WR Tyler Boyd on a 49-yard scoring pass with only 44 seconds remaining in the game to provide the excitement.
The Tennessee Titans (9-7) won a yawner game at home, 15-10 against AFC South division champion Jacksonville (10-6) to lock up a wild card spot as well. Titans kicker Ryan Succop made three field goals and running back Derrick Henry scored on a 66-yard screen pass to make the difference against the listless Jaguars, who wound up as the number-three seed in the AFC.
The Atlanta Falcons (10-6) clinched the sixth and final playoff spot in the NFC following their 22-10 win at home against the Carolina Panthers (11-5), who also are a wild card team (fifth seed) in the NFC. Falcons kicker Matt Bryant made five field goals and QB Matt Ryan had a TD pass to provide the difference.
Around the NFL . . . . . . . .
The Minnesota Vikings (13-3) sewed up the second seed in the NFC with a 23-10 home win over the Chicago Bears, who, as expected, fired Head Coach John Fox this morning. Vikings RB Latavius Murray had two touchdown runs and the defense limited the Bears to just 201 yards in total offense . . . The Tampa Bay Buccaneers stormed back in the fourth quarter to beat the visiting New Orleans Saints, 31-24 as QB Jameis Winston had a scoring pass and run to pace the offense. The Saints (11-5) are the NFC's fourth seed in the playoffs and all purpose back Alvin Kamara scored twice in the loss, including a 106-yard kickoff return . . . The Seattle Seahawks (9-7) were eliminated from the NFC playoff chase when the Atlanta Falcons won their game, but they lost 26-24 at home to the Arizona Cardinals (8-8) as kicker Blair Walsh missed a 48-yard field goal attempt in the closing seconds. Seattle QB Russell Wilson had two TD passes in the loss . . . The Los Angeles Chargers (9-7) throttled the Oakland Raiders, 30-10 as QB Philip Rivers (387 passing yards and three TD strikes) did all he could to get his team into the AFC playoffs, but they didn't get the help needed when Baltimore lost their game and the Tennessee Titans won to clinch a wild card spot. The Raiders fired Head Coach Jack Del Rio after the game . . . The San Francisco 49ers finished the season a five-game winning streak as they pounded the Los Angeles Rams (11-5), the NFC's third seed in the playoffs, 34-13. 49ers RB Carlos Hyde scored twice and QB Jimmy Garoppolo had two scoring passes to lead the way . . . The New York Giants beat the Washington Redskins, 18-10 as QB Eli Manning threw a TD pass and RB Orleans Darkwa scored on a 75-yard run . . . Kansas City (10-6) won 27-24 on the road at Denver as kicker Harrison Butker drilled a 30-yard field goal as time expired . . . The Indianapolis Colts beat the visiting Houston Texans, 22-13 as QB Jacoby Brissett had a TD pass. The Colts fire Head Coach Chuck Pagano following the game . . . The Detroit Lions (9-7) also fired their Head Coach Jim Caldwell following their 35-11 trouncing of the visiting Green Bay Packers. Lions QB Matthew Stafford had three TD passes to go with 323 passing yards . . . The Dallas Cowboys won a 6-0 road game against the Philadelphia Eagles (13-3), the NFC's top seed in the playoffs. The Eagles rested their starters in this game.
Heftyinfo NFL Player of the Week - Philip Rivers (QB- Los Angeles Chargers)
WEEK SEVENTEEN RESULTS
New England 26, NY Jets 6
Pittsburgh 28, Cleveland 24
Minnesota 23, Chicago 10
Dallas 6, Philadelphia 0
NY Giants 18, Washington 10
Detroit 35, Green Bay 11
Indianapolis 22, Houston 13
San Francisco 34, LA Rams 13
LA Chargers 30, Oakland 10
Atlanta 22, Carolina 10
Tampa Bay 31, New Orleans 24
Tennessee 15, Jacksonville 10
Buffalo 22, Miami 16
Arizona 26, Seattle 24
Kansas City 27, Denver 24
Cincinnati 31, Baltimore 27
Friday, December 29, 2017
NFL - Week Seventeen Preview
It's come down to the final weekend of the 2017 NFL season and there still are three playoff spots up for grabs between the two conferences. The AFC has two spots left (four teams in contention) and the NFC has just one spot left as the Atlanta Falcons or Seattle Seahawks will be the last team in.
In the AFC, there are numerous possibilities as the Baltimore Ravens (9-6), Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills (all with 8-7 records) are battling for the remaining two wild card spots.
The following is a capsule style preview of all 16 games for the final week, followed of course by the Heftyinfo predictions for the games.
Green Bay (7-8) at Detroit (8-7) - This game means absolutely nothing to the NFC playoff chase.
Houston (4-11) at Indianapolis (3-12) - Who cares?
Chicago (5-10) at Minnesota (12-3) - The Vikings are looking to wrap up the number-two seed in the NFC playoffs.
NY Jets (5-10) at New England (12-3) - The Patriots should roll in this one as they look to clinch home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
Washington (7-8) at NY Giants (2-13) - Eli Mannining's final game as Giants quarterback? Could be.
Cleveland (0-15) at Pittsburgh (12-3) - Steelers roll !
New Orleans (11-4) at Tampa Bay (4-11) - The Saints are marching back to the playoffs for the first time in four years.
Carolina (11-4) at Atlanta (9-6) - The Falcons need this one to clinch the sixth spot in the NFC playoff chase.
Cincinnati (6-9) at Baltimore (9-6) - Ravens looking to wrap up a playoff spot for first time since 2014 season.
Buffalo (8-7) at Miami (6-9) - The Dolphins always beat the Bills in South Florida.
Dallas (8-7) at Philadelphia (13-2) - The Eagles have already locked up home field edge in NFC playoffs. Cowboys are out of it.
Jacksonville (10-5) at Tennessee (8-7) - Must win for the Titans, unless both Chargers and Bills lose their games. Jaguars would love to knock the Titans out of the playoff race.
Kansas City (9-6) at Denver (5-10) - Nightmare season for Denver coming to a close . . . Chiefs are playoff bound.
Arizona (7-8) at Seattle (9-6) - Can the Seahawks make it to the playoffs for a sixth straight season? They must win this one and get some help.
San Francisco (5-10) at LA Rams (11-4) - The Rams will likely be resting their starters as they are likely to finish as the third seed in the NFC playoffs . . . 49ers are unbeaten with Jimmy G at quarterback.
Oakland (6-9) at LA Chargers (8-7) - The Chargers are on a mission to make the playoffs after starting the season with a 0-4 record.
Heftyinfo predictions for Week Seventeen . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Detroit over Green Bay
Atlanta over Carolina
Baltimore over Cincinnati
Pittsburgh over Cleveland
NEW ENGLAND over NY Jets
NY Giants over Washington
Minnesota over Chicago
Miami over Buffalo
Indianapolis over Houston
Philadelphia over Dallas
New Orleans over Tampa Bay
Jacksonville over Tennessee
Kansas City over Denver
Seattle over Arizona
San Francisco over LA Rams
LA Chargers over Oakland
Last Week's Record - 13-3
SEASON RECORD - 167-73
Lock of the Week Record - 14-2
In the AFC, there are numerous possibilities as the Baltimore Ravens (9-6), Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills (all with 8-7 records) are battling for the remaining two wild card spots.
The following is a capsule style preview of all 16 games for the final week, followed of course by the Heftyinfo predictions for the games.
Green Bay (7-8) at Detroit (8-7) - This game means absolutely nothing to the NFC playoff chase.
Houston (4-11) at Indianapolis (3-12) - Who cares?
Chicago (5-10) at Minnesota (12-3) - The Vikings are looking to wrap up the number-two seed in the NFC playoffs.
NY Jets (5-10) at New England (12-3) - The Patriots should roll in this one as they look to clinch home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
Washington (7-8) at NY Giants (2-13) - Eli Mannining's final game as Giants quarterback? Could be.
Cleveland (0-15) at Pittsburgh (12-3) - Steelers roll !
New Orleans (11-4) at Tampa Bay (4-11) - The Saints are marching back to the playoffs for the first time in four years.
Carolina (11-4) at Atlanta (9-6) - The Falcons need this one to clinch the sixth spot in the NFC playoff chase.
Cincinnati (6-9) at Baltimore (9-6) - Ravens looking to wrap up a playoff spot for first time since 2014 season.
Buffalo (8-7) at Miami (6-9) - The Dolphins always beat the Bills in South Florida.
Dallas (8-7) at Philadelphia (13-2) - The Eagles have already locked up home field edge in NFC playoffs. Cowboys are out of it.
Jacksonville (10-5) at Tennessee (8-7) - Must win for the Titans, unless both Chargers and Bills lose their games. Jaguars would love to knock the Titans out of the playoff race.
Kansas City (9-6) at Denver (5-10) - Nightmare season for Denver coming to a close . . . Chiefs are playoff bound.
Arizona (7-8) at Seattle (9-6) - Can the Seahawks make it to the playoffs for a sixth straight season? They must win this one and get some help.
San Francisco (5-10) at LA Rams (11-4) - The Rams will likely be resting their starters as they are likely to finish as the third seed in the NFC playoffs . . . 49ers are unbeaten with Jimmy G at quarterback.
Oakland (6-9) at LA Chargers (8-7) - The Chargers are on a mission to make the playoffs after starting the season with a 0-4 record.
Heftyinfo predictions for Week Seventeen . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Detroit over Green Bay
Atlanta over Carolina
Baltimore over Cincinnati
Pittsburgh over Cleveland
NEW ENGLAND over NY Jets
NY Giants over Washington
Minnesota over Chicago
Miami over Buffalo
Indianapolis over Houston
Philadelphia over Dallas
New Orleans over Tampa Bay
Jacksonville over Tennessee
Kansas City over Denver
Seattle over Arizona
San Francisco over LA Rams
LA Chargers over Oakland
Last Week's Record - 13-3
SEASON RECORD - 167-73
Lock of the Week Record - 14-2
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
NFL - Week Sixteen Recap
Week Sixteen around the NFL answered many questions regarding playoff teams and positioning in both the AFC and NFC.
The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers (both 12-3) clinched first round byes in the AFC with easy victories while the Philadelphia Eagles (13-2) locked up home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs with their 19-10 win against Oakland on Monday night.
The Patriots steamrolled the Buffalo Bills in the second half en route to a 37-16 win. The Steelers blasted the Houston Texans, 34-6 on Monday afternoon to stay even with New England for the top spot in the AFC race.
The Kansas City Chiefs (9-6) blasted the Miami Dolphins, 29-13 to wrap up the AFC West division. New Orleans and Carolina (both 11-4) also punched tickets to the post-season in the NFC playoffs with home wins against division foes. The Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons (9-6), 23-13 while the Panthers outlasted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 22-19 thriller.
The Los Angeles Rams (11-4) beat the Tennessee Titans, 27-23 to clinch the NFC West division for the foest time since the 2003 season. The Titans (8-7) still control their own destiny and can clinch a wild card spot with a win against Jacksonville next week.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens (9-6) inched closer to a wild card spot in the AFC by beating the Indianapolis Colts, 23-16 on Saturday afternoon. The Minnesota Vikings (12-3) shut out the host Green Bay Packers, 16-0 on Saturday night to all but clinch the second seed in the NFC race.
Teams that stayed alive in the playoff chase included the Seattle Seahawks (9-6), 21-12 winners on the road against the Dallas Cowboys (8-7), who were eliminated from the playoff race with the loss.
The Los Angeles Chargers won a tight one in New York, beating the Jets, 14-7 to improve to 8-7 and stay in the hunt for the two remaining wild card playoff spots in the AFC.
Heftyinfo NFL Player of the Week - Jared Goff (QB - Los Angeles Rams)
WEEK SIXTEEN RESULTS
Baltimore 23, Indianapolis 16
Minnesota 16, Green Bay 0
Chicago 20, Cleveland 3
Cincinnati 26, Detroit 17
Washington 27, Denver 11
New England 37, Buffalo 16
LA Chargers 14, NY Jets 7
LA Rams 27, Tennessee 23
Carolina 22, Tampa Bay 19
New Orleans 23, Atlanta 13
Kansas City 29, Miami 13
Seattle 21, Dallas 12
Arizona 23, NY Giants 0
San Francisco 44, Jacksonville 33
Pittsburgh 34, Houston 6
Philadelphia 19, Oakland 10
The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers (both 12-3) clinched first round byes in the AFC with easy victories while the Philadelphia Eagles (13-2) locked up home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs with their 19-10 win against Oakland on Monday night.
The Patriots steamrolled the Buffalo Bills in the second half en route to a 37-16 win. The Steelers blasted the Houston Texans, 34-6 on Monday afternoon to stay even with New England for the top spot in the AFC race.
The Kansas City Chiefs (9-6) blasted the Miami Dolphins, 29-13 to wrap up the AFC West division. New Orleans and Carolina (both 11-4) also punched tickets to the post-season in the NFC playoffs with home wins against division foes. The Saints beat the Atlanta Falcons (9-6), 23-13 while the Panthers outlasted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 22-19 thriller.
The Los Angeles Rams (11-4) beat the Tennessee Titans, 27-23 to clinch the NFC West division for the foest time since the 2003 season. The Titans (8-7) still control their own destiny and can clinch a wild card spot with a win against Jacksonville next week.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens (9-6) inched closer to a wild card spot in the AFC by beating the Indianapolis Colts, 23-16 on Saturday afternoon. The Minnesota Vikings (12-3) shut out the host Green Bay Packers, 16-0 on Saturday night to all but clinch the second seed in the NFC race.
Teams that stayed alive in the playoff chase included the Seattle Seahawks (9-6), 21-12 winners on the road against the Dallas Cowboys (8-7), who were eliminated from the playoff race with the loss.
The Los Angeles Chargers won a tight one in New York, beating the Jets, 14-7 to improve to 8-7 and stay in the hunt for the two remaining wild card playoff spots in the AFC.
Heftyinfo NFL Player of the Week - Jared Goff (QB - Los Angeles Rams)
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| Rams QB Jared Goff had 301 yards passing with four TD passes to help them clinch the NFC West title. |
WEEK SIXTEEN RESULTS
Baltimore 23, Indianapolis 16
Minnesota 16, Green Bay 0
Chicago 20, Cleveland 3
Cincinnati 26, Detroit 17
Washington 27, Denver 11
New England 37, Buffalo 16
LA Chargers 14, NY Jets 7
LA Rams 27, Tennessee 23
Carolina 22, Tampa Bay 19
New Orleans 23, Atlanta 13
Kansas City 29, Miami 13
Seattle 21, Dallas 12
Arizona 23, NY Giants 0
San Francisco 44, Jacksonville 33
Pittsburgh 34, Houston 6
Philadelphia 19, Oakland 10
Friday, December 22, 2017
NFL - Week Sixteen Preview
It's Week Sixteen around the NFL and it's also Christmas as the teams remaining in playoff contention battle it out for those remaining spots in both conferences.
In the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) and Minnesota Vikings (11-3) have clinched playoff spots while in the AFC, New England (11-3), Pittsburgh (11-3) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) have clinched playoff spots already as well.
There is a very big battle that looms in the NFC South between the Atlanta Falcons (9-5) and the New Orleans Saints (10-4) on Sunday in The Big Easy. The Saints control the division for now as they topped the Carolina Panthers (also 10-4) twice this season. The Falcons could take over first place with another win against the Saints this weekend, but only if Tampa Bay (4-10) can get the upset win on the road against Carolina.
Stay tuned.
The Los Angeles Rams (10-4) will travel to face the Tennessee Titans (8-6) as they look to wrap up a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Titans suddenly find themselves in a four way battle with Buffalo (8-6), Baltimore (8-6) and the Los Angeles Chargers (7-7) for the final two wild card spots in the AFC race.
Back in the NFC, there is a do or die battle looming in Dallas as the Cowboys (8-6) who have won three straight games, will host the Seattle Seahawks (8-6), who are literally a walking M*A*S*H unit as far as their famed defense is concerned.
Add to that the fact the Cowboys will be getting back All-Pro running back Ezekiel Elliott from his six-game suspension this Sunday, it looks like it could be another long afternoon for the 'Hawks, who were crushed, 42-7 at home last week against the Rams.
It all adds up to another exciting weekend around the NFL as jolly old St. Nick will be prepping for his annual trek across the skies later that Christmas Eve night.
The following offers a brief look at the rest of the games along with the Heftyinfo predictions.
Merry Christmas !
Indianapolis (3-11) at Baltimore (8-6) - The Ravens should blow out the hapless Colts in this game.
Minnesota (11-3) at Green Bay (7-7) - The Packers shut down QB Aaron Rodgers after being eliminated from playoff contention. The Vikings can still get the top seed in the NFC.
Tampa Bay (4-10) at Carolina (10-4) - Cam Newton and company roll again.
Cleveland (0-14) at Chicago (4-10) - The Browns last won a football game exactly one year ago this Christmas Eve . . . Bears better beware.
Detroit (8-6) at Cincinnati (5-9) - Can the Lions keep their playoff hopes alive with a road win? Bengals will battle them.
Miami (6-8) at Kansas City (8-6) - The Chiefs can clinch AFC West with a win . . . Count on it.
Buffalo (8-6) at New England (11-3) - The Bills will likely have to win out to make the playoffs. The Patriots are on a mission once again.
LA Chargers (7-7) at NY Jets (5-9) - The Chargers are banged up heading into this must win game. The Jets could play spoilers in this one.
Denver (5-9) at Washington (6-8) - Who cares?
Jacksonville (10-4) at San Francisco (4-10) - Suddenly the 49ers with Jimmy G at QB are unstoppable. Jags have perhaps the NFL's top defense . . . something has to give.
NY Giants (2-12) at Arizona (6-8) - Giants are due for a win, but the Cardinals are a better team.
Pittsburgh (11-3) at Houston (4-10) - Steelers still steaming after being robbed of a victory last week at home against the Patriots. Texans are a disaster.
Oakland (6-8) at Philadelphia (12-2) - With a win, the Eagles clinch home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Raiders blew their playoff chances last week with the home loss to Dallas.
The Heftyinfo predictions for Week Sixteen . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
BALTIMORE over Indianapolis
Minnesota over Green Bay
Carolina over Tampa Bay
Chicago over Cleveland
Detroit over Cincinnati
Kansas City over Miami
New England over Buffalo
New Orleans over Atlanta
LA Chargers over NY Jets
LA Rams over Tennessee
Washington over Denver
Jacksonville over San Francisco
Arizona over NY Giants
Dallas over Seattle
Pittsburgh over Houston
Philadelphia over Oakland
Last Week's Record - 11-5
SEASON RECORD - 154-70
Lock of the Week Record - 13-2
In the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) and Minnesota Vikings (11-3) have clinched playoff spots while in the AFC, New England (11-3), Pittsburgh (11-3) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) have clinched playoff spots already as well.
There is a very big battle that looms in the NFC South between the Atlanta Falcons (9-5) and the New Orleans Saints (10-4) on Sunday in The Big Easy. The Saints control the division for now as they topped the Carolina Panthers (also 10-4) twice this season. The Falcons could take over first place with another win against the Saints this weekend, but only if Tampa Bay (4-10) can get the upset win on the road against Carolina.
Stay tuned.
The Los Angeles Rams (10-4) will travel to face the Tennessee Titans (8-6) as they look to wrap up a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Titans suddenly find themselves in a four way battle with Buffalo (8-6), Baltimore (8-6) and the Los Angeles Chargers (7-7) for the final two wild card spots in the AFC race.
Back in the NFC, there is a do or die battle looming in Dallas as the Cowboys (8-6) who have won three straight games, will host the Seattle Seahawks (8-6), who are literally a walking M*A*S*H unit as far as their famed defense is concerned.
Add to that the fact the Cowboys will be getting back All-Pro running back Ezekiel Elliott from his six-game suspension this Sunday, it looks like it could be another long afternoon for the 'Hawks, who were crushed, 42-7 at home last week against the Rams.
It all adds up to another exciting weekend around the NFL as jolly old St. Nick will be prepping for his annual trek across the skies later that Christmas Eve night.
The following offers a brief look at the rest of the games along with the Heftyinfo predictions.
Merry Christmas !
Indianapolis (3-11) at Baltimore (8-6) - The Ravens should blow out the hapless Colts in this game.
Minnesota (11-3) at Green Bay (7-7) - The Packers shut down QB Aaron Rodgers after being eliminated from playoff contention. The Vikings can still get the top seed in the NFC.
Tampa Bay (4-10) at Carolina (10-4) - Cam Newton and company roll again.
Cleveland (0-14) at Chicago (4-10) - The Browns last won a football game exactly one year ago this Christmas Eve . . . Bears better beware.
Detroit (8-6) at Cincinnati (5-9) - Can the Lions keep their playoff hopes alive with a road win? Bengals will battle them.
Miami (6-8) at Kansas City (8-6) - The Chiefs can clinch AFC West with a win . . . Count on it.
Buffalo (8-6) at New England (11-3) - The Bills will likely have to win out to make the playoffs. The Patriots are on a mission once again.
LA Chargers (7-7) at NY Jets (5-9) - The Chargers are banged up heading into this must win game. The Jets could play spoilers in this one.
Denver (5-9) at Washington (6-8) - Who cares?
Jacksonville (10-4) at San Francisco (4-10) - Suddenly the 49ers with Jimmy G at QB are unstoppable. Jags have perhaps the NFL's top defense . . . something has to give.
NY Giants (2-12) at Arizona (6-8) - Giants are due for a win, but the Cardinals are a better team.
Pittsburgh (11-3) at Houston (4-10) - Steelers still steaming after being robbed of a victory last week at home against the Patriots. Texans are a disaster.
Oakland (6-8) at Philadelphia (12-2) - With a win, the Eagles clinch home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Raiders blew their playoff chances last week with the home loss to Dallas.
The Heftyinfo predictions for Week Sixteen . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
BALTIMORE over Indianapolis
Minnesota over Green Bay
Carolina over Tampa Bay
Chicago over Cleveland
Detroit over Cincinnati
Kansas City over Miami
New England over Buffalo
New Orleans over Atlanta
LA Chargers over NY Jets
LA Rams over Tennessee
Washington over Denver
Jacksonville over San Francisco
Arizona over NY Giants
Dallas over Seattle
Pittsburgh over Houston
Philadelphia over Oakland
Last Week's Record - 11-5
SEASON RECORD - 154-70
Lock of the Week Record - 13-2
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