NFL Pick 'Em, Week 16

[Figrin D'an]

* Note: Friday and Saturday games this week


Friday (Christmas Eve)

Green Bay at Minnesota


Saturday (Christmas Day)

Oakland at Kansas City
Denver at Tennessee



Sunday, Early

San Diego at Indianapolis
Houston at Jacksonville
NY Giants at Cincinnati
Chicago at Detroit
Atlanta at New Orleans
Baltimore at Pittsburgh


Sunday, Late

Buffalo at San Francisco
New England at NY Jets
Arizona at Seattle
Carolina at Tampa Bay
Washington at Dallas


Sunday Night

Cleveland at Miami


Monday Night

Philadelphia at St. Louis


Picks must be in by 3PM ET on Friday.

[Sarr Koon]

Friday (Christmas Eve)

Green Bay (W) at Minnesota


Saturday (Christmas Day)

Oakland (W) at Kansas City
Denver at Tennessee (W)



Sunday, Early

San Diego (W) at Indianapolis
Houston at Jacksonville (W)
NY Giants at Cincinnati (W)
Chicago at Detroit (W)
Atlanta (W) at New Orleans
Baltimore (W) at Pittsburgh


Sunday, Late

Buffalo (W) at San Francisco
New England at NY Jets (W)
Arizona (W) at Seattle
Carolina (W) at Tampa Bay
Washington at Dallas (W)


Sunday Night

Cleveland at Miami (W)


Monday Night

Philadelphia at St. Louis (W)

[Jedieb]

Friday (Christmas Eve)
Minnesota

Saturday (Christmas Day)
Oakland
Tennessee

Sunday, Early
Indianapolis
Jacksonville
Cincinnati
Detroit
New Orleans
Pittsburgh

Sunday, Late
Buffalo
NY Jets
Arizona
Carolina
Washington

Sunday Night
Miami

Monday Night
Philadelphia

[Syren Wyssholt]

Friday (Christmas Eve)

Green Bay at Minnesota (W)


Saturday (Christmas Day)

Oakland at Kansas City (W)
Denver (W) at Tennessee



Sunday, Early

San Diego at Indianapolis (W)
Houston at Jacksonville (W)
NY Giants at Cincinnati (W)
Chicago at Detroit (W)
Atlanta (W) at New Orleans
Baltimore at Pittsburgh (W)


Sunday, Late

Buffalo (W) at San Francisco
New England (W) at NY Jets
Arizona at Seattle (W)
Carolina (W) at Tampa Bay
Washington at Dallas (W)


Sunday Night

Cleveland at Miami (W)


Monday Night

Philadelphia (W) at St. Louis

[Ryan Pode]

Pro-Bowlers are announced. Who knew that Champ Bailey played for Baltimore?

[Figrin D'an]

Champ Bailey has no business being on the Pro Bowl roster. He's gotten torched too many times this season.

Glad to see that Drew Brees is going. Javon Walker too. And, finally, William Henderson gets some love from the voters. He's only been the best fullback in the league for a decade.

[Ryan Pode]

I am glad Rothlisberger didn't make it.

How'd La'Roi Glover make it?

[JMK]

Friday (Christmas Eve)

Green Bay at Minnesota (w)


Saturday (Christmas Day)

Oakland at Kansas City (w)
Denver at Tennessee (w)



Sunday, Early

San Diego at Indianapolis (w)
Houston at Jacksonville (w)
NY Giants at Cincinnati (w)
Chicago at Detroit (w)
Atlanta at New Orleans (w)
Baltimore at Pittsburgh (w)


Sunday, Late

Buffalo (w) at San Francisco
New England at NY Jets (w)
Arizona at Seattle (w)
Carolina (w) at Tampa Bay
Washington at Dallas (w)


Sunday Night

Cleveland at Miami (w)


Monday Night

Philadelphia at St. Louis (w)

[Jedi Master Carr]

I am posting this early so I don't forget. And Jedieb you are taking a big risk taking Oakland. They looked horrible last weekend while KC is actually playing better (way too late).

W Green Bay at Minnesota


Saturday (Christmas Day)

Oakland at Kansas City W
W Denver at Tennessee



Sunday, Early

San Diego at Indianapolis W
Houston at Jacksonville W
NY Giants at Cincinnati W
Chicago at Detroit W
W Atlanta at New Orleans
W Baltimore at Pittsburgh


Sunday, Late

W Buffalo at San Francisco
W New England at NY Jets
Arizona at Seattle W
W Carolina at Tampa Bay
Washington at Dallas W


Sunday Night

Cleveland at Miami W


Monday Night

W Philadelphia at St. Louis

[Ryan Pode]

Friday (Christmas Eve)

Green Bay Win at Minnesota


Saturday (Christmas Day)

Oakland at Kansas City Win
Denver at Tennessee Win



Sunday, Early

San Diego at Indianapolis Win
Houston at Jacksonville Win
NY Giants at Cincinnati Win
Chicago at Detroit Win
Atlanta Win at New Orleans
Baltimore Win at Pittsburgh


Sunday, Late

Buffalo Win at San Francisco
New England Win at NY Jets
Arizona at Seattle Win
Carolina at Tampa Bay Win
Washington Win at Dallas


Sunday Night

Cleveland at Miami Win


Monday Night

Philadelphia Win at St. Louis

[Jedieb]

OMG, how did they leave Boller off the AFC Pro Bowl roster?! I bet Feely stole some of his votes. :evil

[Jedieb]

NFC Offense
Pos. Player Team Stats
WR Joe Horn Saints 85 recs, 1,248 yds, 10 TDs
WR Muhsin Muhammad Panthers 79 recs, 1,195 yds, 12 TDs
WR Terrell Owens Eagles 77 recs, 1,200 yds, 14 TDs
WR Javon Walker Packers 81 recs, 1,210 yds, 10 TD
OT Orlando Pace Rams 6th Pro Bowl selection
OT Tra Thomas Eagles 3rd Pro Bowl selection
OT Walter Jones Seahawks 5th Pro Bowl selection
OG Larry Allen Cowboys 8th Pro Bowl selection
OG Steve Hutchinson Seahawks 2nd Pro Bowl
OG Marco Rivera Packers 3rd Pro Bowl selection
C Matt Birk Vikings 4th Pro Bowl selection
C Olin Kreutz Bears 4th Pro Bowl selection
TE Alge Crumpler Falcons 48 recs, 774 yds, 6 TDs
TE Jason Witten Cowboys 73 recs, 853 yds, 5 TDs
QB Daunte Culpepper Vikings 336-481, 4,133 yds, 34 TDs
QB Donovan McNabb Eagles 297-466, 3,839 yds, 30 TDs
QB Michael Vick Falcons 175-314, 2,278 yds, 13 TDs
RB Shaun Alexander Seahawks 304-1,462, 12 TDs
RB Tiki Barber Giants 276-1,314, 11 TDs
RB Ahman Green Packers 236-1,086, 6 TDs
FB William Henderson Packers 1st Pro Bowl

NFC Defense
Pos. Player Team Stats
DE Bertrand Berry Cardinals 12.5 sacks
DE Patrick Kerney Falcons 10 sacks
DE Julius Peppers Panthers 10 sacks, 2 TDs
DT La'Roi Glover Cowboys 5 sacks
DT Shaun Rogers Lions 4 sacks
DT Kevin Williams Vikings 10 sacks
LB Keith Brooking Falcons 90 tkls
LB Derrick Brooks Bucs 116 tkls, 3 sacks
LB Dan Morgan Panthers 82 tkls
LB Jeremiah Trotter Eagles 58 tackles
LB Marcus Washington Redskins 3.5 sacks
CB Ronde Barber Bucs 3 INTs, 12 pass breakups
CB Dre' Bly Lions 4 INTs, 14 pass breakups
CB Lito Sheppard Eagles 5 INTs, 15 pass breakups
SS Michael Lewis Eagles 84 tackles, 1 INT
FS Brian Dawkins Eagles 68 tackles, 4 INTs
FS Roy Williams Cowboys 2 INTs, 10 pass breakups

NFC Specialist
Pos. Player Team Stats
Punter Mitch Berger Saints 44.1 avg.
Kicker David Akers Eagles 26-30 FGs, 39-40 PATs
Returner Eddie Drummond Lions 26.6 kick ret. avg., 4 TDs
Special teamer Ike Reese Eagles 1st Pro Bowl selection

AFC Offense
Pos. Player Team Stats
WR Marvin Harrison Colts 75 recs, 969 yds, 14 TDs
WR Chad Johnson Bengals 82 recs, 1,161 yds, 7 TDs
WR Hines Ward Steelers 75 recs, 972 yds, 4 TDs
WR Andre Johnson Texans 73 recs, 1,083 yds, 5 TDs
OT Jonathan Ogden Ravens 9th Pro Bowl selection
OT Willie Anderson Bengals 4th Pro Bowl selection
OT Willie Roaf Chiefs 10th Pro Bowl selection
OG Alan Faneca Steelers 4th Pro Bowl selection
OG Will Shields Chiefs 10th Pro Bowl selection
OG Brian Waters Chiefs 1st Pro Bowl
C Kevin Mawae Jets 6th Pro Bowl selection
C Jeff Hartings Steelers 6th Pro Bowl selection
TE Tony Gonzalez Chiefs 77 rec, 990, 5 TDs
TE Antonio Gates Chargers 74 rec, 915 yds, 12 TDs
QB Peyton Manning Colts 308-451, 4,168 yds, 47 TDs
QB Drew Brees Chargers 241-369, 2,869 yds, 24 TDs
QB Tom Brady Patriots 245-412, 3,202 yds, 24 TDs
RB Curtis Martin Jets 330 att, 1,511 yds, 14 TDs
RB LaDainian Tomlinson Chargers 318 att, 1,254 yds, 16 TDs
RB Edgerrin James Colts 311 att, 1,464 yds, 9 TDs
FB Tony Richardson Chiefs 2nd Pro Bowl selection

AFC Defense
Pos. Player Team Stats
DE Jason Taylor Dolphins 8.5 sacks
DE Dwight Freeney Colts 15 sacks
DE John Abraham Jets 9.5 sacks
DT Richard Seymour Patriots 39 tkls, 5 sacks
DT Marcus Stroud Jags 44 tkls, 4 sacks
DT Sam Adams Bills 34 tkls, 4 sack
LB Takeo Spikes Bills 86 tkls, 4 INTs
LB Terrell Suggs Ravens 9.5 sacks
LB Joey Porter Steelers 49 tackles, 7 sacks
LB James Farrior Steelers 84 tkls, 4 INTs
LB Ray Lewis Ravens 134 tkls
CB Champ Bailey Broncos 72 tackles, 3 INTs
CB Chris McAlister Ravens 36 tkls, 1 INT
CB Tory James Bengals 56 tackles, 7 INTs
S Ed Reed Ravens 66 tkls, 8 INTs
S Troy Polamalu Steelers 88 tkls, 5 INTs
S John Lynch Broncos 58 tkls, 1 INT

AFC Specialist
Pos. Player Team Stats
Punter Shane Lechler Raiders 47.6 yard average
Kicker Adam Vinatieri Patriots 28-29 FGs, 43-43 PATs
Returner Terrence McGee Bills 3 return TDs
Special teamer Larry Izzo Patriots 3rd Pro Bowl

DENIED!!!

Corey Dillon (More yards than LT, but LT's had better numbers over the last couple of years so that's probably what helped him.)
Rodney Harrison (Rep as a cheap shot artist probably cost him a few votes)
Jevon Kearse (He was healthy and the Eagles D was better because of him. But the guys ahead of him had more sacks.)
Jeff Saturday (Colts center who's had a great year and helped Manning and Co. put up historic numbers.)
Rothletshaveaburger (Rookies need to wait in line, even if they're unbeaten.)
AJ Feeely (No QB has thrown more TD's for an opposing team than Feely. Why he was snubbed is a mystery I'll never solve.)
Kyle Boller (Yes, he played better in the second half of the season, but his ineptness during the first half of the year should have earned him some votes. He rivaled only Feely for lameness.)

Coach of the Year
Clearly, this is a horserace between Martz and Holmgrem. Martz is in the running year after year for making boneheaded calls and forgetting he has Faulk in his backfield. Holgrem officially buried the "genius" labled he earned in GB by underperforming with a talented Superbowl favorite. Way to go guys!

[Master Yoghurt]

Friday (Christmas Eve)

Green Bay at Minnesota (W)


Saturday (Christmas Day)

Oakland at Kansas City (W)
Denver at Tennessee (W)



Sunday, Early

San Diego at Indianapolis (W)
Houston at Jacksonville (W)
NY Giants at Cincinnati (W)
Chicago at Detroit (W)
Atlanta at New Orleans (W)
Baltimore at Pittsburgh (W)


Sunday, Late

Buffalo (W) at San Francisco
New England (W) at NY Jets
Arizona at Seattle (W)
Carolina (W) at Tampa Bay
Washington at Dallas (W)


Sunday Night

Cleveland at Miami (W)


Monday Night

Philadelphia (W) at St. Louis

[Jedieb]

Wow, if Oakland pulls off a miracle I pick a game on just about everybody! I just think Collins will put up some decent numbers against that defense. It's a roll of the dice.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Its in KC too and I don't think they will want to lose to them at home. Also Oakland's defense is just about as bad. KC should put a lot of points on the board.

[Figrin D'an]

Friday (Christmas Eve)

Green Bay (W) at Minnesota


Saturday (Christmas Day)

Oakland at Kansas City (W)
Denver at Tennessee (W)



Sunday, Early

San Diego at Indianapolis (W)
Houston at Jacksonville (W)
NY Giants at Cincinnati (W)
Chicago at Detroit (W)
Atlanta at New Orleans (W)
Baltimore (W) at Pittsburgh


Sunday, Late

Buffalo (W) at San Francisco
New England (W) at NY Jets
Arizona at Seattle (W)
Carolina (W) at Tampa Bay
Washington at Dallas (W)


Sunday Night

Cleveland at Miami (W)


Monday Night

Philadelphia (W) at St. Louis

[jjwr]

Nice breakdown on the Pro-Bowl Jedieb, as a Pats fan of course I have a few comments :)

Dillon should have been there IMO, he is 3rd in rushing but missed a game...drop James and put in Manning...it must be tough rushing with him throwing on occasion...

Rodney Harrison...he should have been there last year and this year, yeah he has a rep but so does John Lynch but he made it? On a defense that is mediocre and is getting torched? WTF!

Big Ben...been hearing a lot about him so far...why? Big deal, his team won a lot of games, that doesn't make you a lock for the Pro-Bowl. Jay Fiedler had one of the highest win %'s but that doesn't mean he was a pro-bowl qb by any means.

[Ryan Pode]

I still wanna know how La'Roi Glover made it... he has like 5 sacks.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Lynch didn't deserve to be there it is like Champ Bailey what in the world is he doing there.

[jjwr]

The guy on CNNSI was talking abou Glover, apparently he didn't get the popular vote but was voted in the players/coaches...thats one of those popularity things within the players.

Agreed on Bailey as well, thats one of those cases where a guy goes because of past accomplishments and not current.

[jjwr]

Friday (Christmas Eve)

Green Bay at Minnesota(W)

Saturday (Christmas Day)

Oakland at Kansas City(W)
Denver at Tennessee(W)

Sunday, Early

San Diego at Indianapolis(W)
Houston at Jacksonville(W)
NY Giants at Cincinnati(W)
Chicago at Detroit(W)
Atlanta at New Orleans(W)
Baltimore(W) at Pittsburgh

Sunday, Late

Buffalo(W) at San Francisco
New England(W) at NY Jets
Arizona at Seattle(W)
Carolina at Tampa Bay(W)
Washington(W) at Dallas

Sunday Night

Cleveland at Miami(W)

Monday Night

Philadelphia(W) at St. Louis

[Cyrel Annat]

Friday (Christmas Eve)

Green Bay at Minnesota (W)

Remainder of picks posted in the edit Saturday just before noon.

Saturday (Christmas Day)

Oakland at Kansas City (W)
Denver at Tennessee (W)

Sunday, Early

San Diego at Indianapolis (W)
Houston at Jacksonville (W)
NY Giants at Cincinnati (W)
Chicago at Detroit (W)
Atlanta at New Orleans (W)
Baltimore at Pittsburgh (W)

Sunday, Late

Buffalo (W) at San Francisco
New England (W) at NY Jets
Arizona at Seattle (W)
Carolina at Tampa Bay (W)
Washington (W) at Dallas

Sunday Night

Cleveland at Miami (W)

Monday Night

Philadelphia (W) at St. Louis

[Figrin D'an]

Exciting game at the Metrodome, with Green Bay pulling it out at the end, 34-31 (the exact same score of the game at Lambeau Field earlier in the season). The Packers win the NFC North, and will be the 3rd seed in the NFC playoffs.

Minnesota will still likely get into the playoffs as a wild card, but I have to wonder if Mike Tice will be out of a job regardless. Unless the Vikings were to go on a run in post-season play and at least get to the NFC Title game, I'm thinking he might be fired. But, we'll have to wait for few weeks if that is to transpire.

Is there anyone better at running the two-minute drill than Favre? When Green Bay got the ball back with 1:35 left, even starting from inside their own 20 yard line, one could just feel that they were going to get into field goal range and give Longwell a chance to win it. I've seen Favre do it too many times to not believe that it would happen. As a side-note, Favre passed Warren Moon on the all-time passing yardage list today:

1) Marino - 61,361
2) Elway - 51,475
3) Favre - 49,538
4) Moon - 49,325

[Master Yoghurt]

Exciting game for sure. I was like "I cant freaking believe the Vikings are going to screw this up!", but then I paused for a second and slapped myself as I realized "oh, thats right. This is Minnesota were talking about.. they do this at the end of every year". Although, Vikings lost, I am happy to see Burleson had a good game. I look forward to the games tomorrow, I expect some fireworks then :)

About Favre, he is a legend for sure. Although, he is getting old. Will he play next season?

[Figrin D'an]

Originally posted by Master Yoghurt
About Favre, he is a legend for sure. Although, he is getting old. Will he play next season?

The only way I see him quiting before his 40th birthday (he's 35 right now) is if his wife or his daughters ask him to. Either that, or if the Packers were to win another Super Bowl, I'd could see him retiring, as it's no secret that he wants to go out on top (like Elway did).

[Jedi Master Carr]

I think Montana was the best at running the two minute drill. Farve is a close second though.

[JMK]

Brady is awfully good at it too, but his shoddy work against Miami this past monday really put a dent in his reputation in that regard.

As for Favre, he's a legend, he's been great and continues to be awesome, but I'm SO sick of every single announcer, analyst, and columnist gushing over this guy.
I had to turn off the pre game show today when they cut to a Favre montage seemingly out of nowhere. Then I put on the radio and it was a Favre interview! Enough already. I get it. We all get it. He's terrificly humble and tough and great. He's all the things we want our athletes to be, but I just can't take another interview of the same questions being asked over and over and over again.

[/rant]

[Sarr Koon]

WOO HOO!!! Go Packers! That was an awesome game to watch. Both Culpepper and Favre had excellent performances. Donald Driver had an awesome game as well. I was glad to see Javon Walker getting some passes in the second half. I don't recall the ball being thrown to him at all in the first. Ironic that the Packers would beat them in the same fashion as last time with a last second field goal. Did anyone else catch what Javon Walker did after the game? he turns to the crowd and starts bowing. it was unsportsmanlike to be sure but damn funny.

[jjwr]

Agreed JMK, Favre is a all-time QB for sure but just about everyone has their noss so far up his butt its not even funny. Like you I get sick of it as well, to me all the fawning detracts from how good the guy really is.

2 Minute Drill right now...I would still take Brady, 2 horrible mistakes in the final 2 minutes don't take away 2 super bowl winning drives with under 2 minutes to go.

[Sarr Koon]

Damn them Chiefs!!!

[Ryan Pode]

I'd take Favre. He's gotten to the superbowl via good defense, Brett wins games by willing it to be.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I knew KC would find a way to win against Oakland they have been as bad as they were last year, maybe worse.

[Ryan Pode]

Surprisingly, KC is 7-8. Didn't see that happening.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Neither did I. Part of that is the defense. Although the offense wasn't playing well the first month of the season when they started 1-4. If the offense had played better they probably would have one two of those games and been 3-2 instead and would have a shot at the playoffs. Oh well I just hope they fix that defense next season. They need to sign some people.
Also Nick Saban is going to Miami. I think he is a good choice to help rebuild that team. He is a very good coach not sure how he will do in the pros. Although unlike some college coaches that have tried the transation he has NFL experience. He was a defensive coordinator in the early 90's with the Browns.

[Master Yoghurt]

Finally. Peyton Manning broke Marinos record.

[JMK]

While one Manning was having a record setting day, the other Manning was trying to get his first win. Nope. Eli is now 0-6. He really made a couple BAD throws in the final couple minutes of this game, and it cost them a victory.

[Figrin D'an]

Good game between San Diego and Indy. The Chargers pretty much contained Manning and Co. for about 55 minutes, but couldn't get another stop when they needed it most. Of course, everyone will focus on Manning breaking Marino's TD record, but to be honest, he was outplayed by Drew Brees for about 90% of the game. Good win for the Colts, as it gives them the #3 seed in the AFC, and impressive comeback down the stretch by Manning. The Chargers, however, are going to be dangerous in the playoffs. They have the ability to go into Pittsburg or New England and win, IMO. Barring any first round upsets, the AFC Divisional round is going to be great to watch.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

AWESOME Colts game. :D

[Sarr Koon]

No it wasn't. Colts won. hahaha

[Jedi Master Carr]

The Chargers are going to have a tough time going into a stadium that is really cold. To me the dangerous team is Buffalo they are just really hot right now. Not sure if they make it to the SB as a five seed. But I wouldn't be shocked to see them knock off a couple of teams before losing in the AFC Championship game.

[JMK]

I agree. It's all about momentum and no one has as much going for them right now as the Bills do. They're on fire and they're scoring a TON of points.

[Jedi Master Carr]

To me they are just very dangerous.

[Jedieb]

Nice to see the Steelers run over the Ravens today. Rothletshaveaburger took a shot to the ribs and couldn't finish the game today. The Steelers have locked up HF so they can afford to rest him next week if they have to. The Pats really took it to the Jets today. So the two big guns of the AFC made their point today. The Colts had an impressive comeback today and the Chargers didn't embarrass themselves. The Colts are just going to be a wild card. Their defense isn't as bad as some of their rankings would lead you to believe. In total yards they rank towards the bottom, but in points allowed they're right in the middle of the pack. Also, Freeney is a friggin' stud. He's not very big, but he's one of the fastest DL in the league. He made a big sack on 3rd down today that helped get Manning the ball back today.

Manning tied Marino's TD record on a weak shuttle pass, but broke it on a great double move by Stokley. I would say that Marino's 84 season was a bit more impressive because of the glaring fact that Marino made his run without a running game. I don't think the rules changes are that big of a deal, in part because people said the same thing in 84 when Dan made his run. (Clotheslines, stickum, etc.)

As for the 2-minute drill, the best I ever saw was Marino. Elway was a close second, especially with his scrambling ability. Today, I'd give it to Manning, Favre, or Brady. Manning and Favre get more practice because their teams trail more often then the Pats. But Brady has the most historic comebacks, even though they were for winning FG's, not TD's.

[Jedieb]

Oh, I forgot about the Bills. They look great this last month. There's no telling how far they could go if they snuck into the playoffs. If they were to face off against a team like the Colts we could get a classic playoff shootout.

[Master Yoghurt]

Buffalo score a ton of points AND they have a very powerful defense. Theire simply on fire right now, and could cause some major upsets.

[Jedieb]

With the Ravens and Jags losing Buffalo has life. Next week should have a few playoff spots on the line. Sweeeet.

Saban got the gig at Miami but I'm afraid he's gotten way too much control. Hopefully he let someone else handle personnel and focus on coaching. He's a defensive guy and that's not really what the Dolphins needed. Hell, they have that with Bates.

[Jedi Master Carr]

It is between Buffalo and Denver for that last playoff spot in the AFC. Who has the tie breaker? In the NFC unless St. Louis wins tomorrow. It is going to come down to New Orleans vs Carolina for the last playoff spot.

[Master Yoghurt]

I believe Buffalo got the better score difference, so that would put them in the playoffs if they win against Pittsburg, right?

Denver got 348-290
Buffalo got 371-255

The other option of course, Denver losing against the Colts.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I think the Colts will beat the Broncos they beat a very bad team which shows they aren't that good.

[Master Yoghurt]

How many playoffs spots are there though? In the AFC, is it 4 winners + 2 wildcard spots?

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yeah, of course the Jets aren't guarenteed that final spot they could lose and put it more up for grabs.

[Master Yoghurt]

Lets see.. here is a comparison of the wild card candidates in the AFC before the last round:

NY Jets 10-5, 304-229= +75 (away vs St Louis)
Buffalo: 9-6, 371-255= +116 (home vs Pittsburgh)
Denver: 9-6 348-290= +58 (home vs Indianapolis)
Baltimore: 8-7 287-245= +42 (home vs Miami)
Jacksonville: 8-7, 248-274= -26 (away vs Oakland)

Basically, both Jacksonville and Baltimore are likely out of the playoffs no matter what happens, because they got a poor score difference.

[Ryan Pode]

Well, if Buffalo, Denver, and Jacksonville all lose, and the Ravens score 18 points plus how ever many Denver scores, they can go to the playoffs. But Jacksonville will probably win, so they get common games.

[Jedieb]

The first tie breaker is always head to head records. So it all depends on which of these teams finish at 10-6. I know that the Jags would win a tiebreaker against Buffalo, but I'm not sure about the other teams. Buffalo seems to have the toughest game, but how hard will the Steelers go at them considering they have nothing to gain from winning? Buffalo will be playing for their playoff lives so I expect to put up a great fight. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them win, especially at home.

I think the weakest of these teams are the Broncos and the Jags. They're first round fodder. The Jags could surprise some people, but they just looked horrible today. Denver has been so inconsistent that I can't see them doing anything but losing in the first round. Baltimore has that defense, but it's not nearly as good as it was during their Superbowl year so they're nothing more than first round fodder as well. I'd really like to see the Bills and and Jets take the WC spots because I can easily see one or both of those teams pull off an early upset. Although I don't think the Jets will do much against either the Steelers or Pats.

The NFC
Who cares? The conference I use to love is so sad now I can't even bear to watch it sometimes. Atlanta will probably face off against Philly in the Championship game and without TO the Eagles are ripe for a record setting 4th consecutive NFC championship loss. They'll end up being the Bills of the new millenium.

[jjwr]

Great breakdowns!

I didn't know that Buffalo was in the drivers seat like that, I thought that the Jags were there with 9 wins as well, with all those losses this weekend it really opens up the door for the Bills!

With Denvy playing Indy they really are in trouble, then again Indy is locked into the #3 seed so they may not go all out either as they don't want any injuries and don't have a week off like the Pats & Steelers do.

NFC....eh...who cares? When your #2 seed has a 11-5 record and teams with losing records are being talked about as possible NFC Champs how good can they be?

Right now I would take any of the top 4 AFC teams over any team in the NFC.

[Master Yoghurt]

NFC just plain sucks. Im a moron when it comes to football and even I can see that :lol

[Figrin D'an]

I'm going to laugh heartily if, after all of this dissing of the NFC, the NFC champ wins the Super Bowl.

These things go in cycles, anyway. For a long time, the AFC was pretty pathetic and the NFC was dominant. Now the roles are reversed. Give it another 5-10 years or so and the situation will likely be different again. Or even sooner. Free agency can make things change pretty quickly.

[jjwr]

Too true, it really is odd the disparity right now. As for the Superbowl, I don't think the NFC will win but its not to say they can't, it all comes down to the matchup and how the players perform once they are out there.

It is funny though, put any of the top 4 seeds from the AFC in the NFC and they would be the clear favorite. The Eagles without TO just aren't the same, not against a tested team like the top AFC squads.

[Jedi Master Carr]

If the Eagles had TO they could win, but without him they are just a different team.

[JMK]

If I were Andy Reid I would have sat McNabb for this game as well. What have you got to lose except for your last real playmaker?

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yeah I am sure they were scared. Man the last two NFC spots are going to be a wild finish. The New Orleans/ Carolina winner will have to wait to see what Minnesota does against Washington or hope Seattle beats Atlanta or hope the Jets beat St. Louis. What a wild final weekend.

[jjwr]

I was hoping the Rams would lose last night, no way do they deserve to make it, I would much rather see the Panthers or Saints in there.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I think the Rams will lose to the Jets I can't see them winning that game. Besides the Rams need a lot of help they would need Seattle to lose to have any chance because New Orleans, Carolina, and Minnesota all have tie breakers over them and so they have to win the division.

[jjwr]

Oh it definetly won't be easy, especially with the Jets needing the game as well. Sadly I want the Jets and the Rams to lose so I don't know which one to cheer for. I'd love to see the Panthers & Bills in the playoffs but odds are only one will happen.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well if the Broncos lose the Bills are in that way. I actually think the Jets and Bills will be in the playoffs.

[Figrin D'an]

Week 16 Results

Sarr Koon: 8-8
Jedieb: 8-8
Syren Wyssholt: 12-4
JMK: 12-4
Jedi Master Carr: 12-4
Ryan Pode: 9-7
Yoghurt: 12-4
Figrin D'an: 12-4
jjwr: 9-7
Cyrel Annat: 10-6


Updated Season Totals

Yoghurt: 164-76
Cyrel Annat: 157-84
jjwr: 155-85
Jedieb: 153-87
Figrin D'an: 151-90
Nathanial K'cansce: 147-77
Syren Wyssholt: 147-93
Jedi Master Carr: 145-80
JMK: 136-91
Ryan Pode: 130-94
Darth McBain: 78-68
Lilaena De'Ville: 64-53
Sarr Koon: 56-36
Darth Sauron: 11-5
Reaperfett: 11-5
Lucian Belial: 11-3