​Normally I have to admit that I feel a sense of melancholy when we reach this particular day in the NFL’s calendar year. Because football is over for a lot of fans since they’re favorite teams are done playing, but this season… everything feels a touch different on Black Monday. Because a lot teams made the right call in regard to their respective coaching changes, something that offers up a sense of hope for fans everywhere, and some of the epic matchups from yesterday brought about some genuine surprise for certain, and of course, every coaching move and final score taught us a great many things about our favorite franchise. Which means the time has come to dive in and discuss everything we learned from Week 17 in the NFL.
 
The New England Patriots need to be worried about their postseason chances.
Make no mistake about it, yesterday’s matchup with the Dolphins was outright embarrassing for the New England Patriots. Because not only did they lose to one of the league’s worst teams with so much riding on the line, they did so in abysmal fashion. For once again the New England defense was a joke and was unable to stop the Dolphins at absolutely critical moments and Quarterback Tom Brady was awful once again, only completing 55% of his passes in that matchup and well, this is all cause for concern in Foxboro. Because teams heading into the tournament should be peaking at this point, but instead the Patriots are in decline and honestly, I won’t be shocked in the slightest if they get knocked out of the playoffs quickly. For this team simply does not have the talent to win a championship this year and the sooner they have time to reflect upon that, the better.
 
The Cleveland Browns finally made a logical coaching decision.
I think we can all agree upon the fact that the Browns make some weird decisions with the coaches they hire. Sometimes they’re simply impatient and fire a guy before he has a chance to build something special with this team, or they hang onto garbage coaches regardless of their record. But yesterday’s firing of Freddie Kitchens is the first coaching decision they’ve made that makes sense. Because Kitchens was supposed to revolutionize this offense and take it to new levels with all of the talent that GM John Dorsey acquired and that certainly didn’t happen this year. And to make matters worse, his squad was undisciplined in every sense of the word, to the point where they embarrassed the league and the franchise like never before. But while the decision to part ways and not drag out a bad situation deserves merit, the bigger task at hand now is to find the right coach for a change, one that actually can lead men and develop this young and talented squad and hopefully Cleveland does a better job of picking the next guy so people can finally take this franchise seriously once again.
 
Daniel Snyder’s decision to fire Bruce Allen is quite the pleasant surprise.
To call the Washington Redskins dysfunctional, would be an understatement. Because I am hard pressed to think of another franchise out there that tolerates mediocrity and is fine with spending stupid amounts of money on garbage free agents and are okay with maintaining a status quo in the front office as the losing seasons pile up, but that has been the M.O. for the Redskins for some time now. Which is why it was a bit of a shock, in a good way, to see Daniel Snyder let Bruce Allen go. Because Bruce has been a big part of the problem in Washington and this kind of move signals that Snyder is wanting to turn things around. But while there is some joy to be found in removing a man that believes complacency equals success, time will tell if this move brings the Redskins success down the line. Because they still need the right coach, a position that Ron Rivera is rumored to be attached to as of press time, and they also need a serious injection of solid talent from top to bottom on this squad. So, while this is a step in the right direction, Snyder’s actions following this bold act will better inform us in regard to his commitment in making this team a genuine contender.
 
The Dallas Cowboys need to quit puttering about and let Jason Garrett go.
Speaking of teams that are committed to mediocrity, let’s talk about the Dallas Cowboys and their strange decision to hem and haw on what to do with Head Coach Jason Garrett. Because as of press time, Garrett was still the coach of the Cowboys and is spending a fair chunk of the day meeting with team officials and the Jones family and well… none of this makes any sense. Because let’s be honest, Garrett is not the right guy to lead this team to the next level. He’s had talented players at his fingertips, the kind that most coaches would love to have on their team and he’s done nothing with them, and he’s made boneheaded decision after boneheaded decision on this field, the kind that has helped this squad to lose critical games. So, here’s to hoping Jerry Jones is well rested today and realizes the fact that he needs to make a change for the good of his storied franchise.
 
The San Francisco 49ers put everything together at just the right time.
The NFC playoff race has been a wild one to say the least, since the final seeding structure was waiting on the results of last night’s NFC West title game and uncertainty swirled around that game as well. Because neither team was truly dominant down the stretch, meaning this one was up for grabs, but thankfully the Niners finally put it all together in this matchup and walked away the victor. Granted, they had a late game assist from Pete Carroll and his questionable play calling, but they made the big stop when necessary and that makes this franchise the feel-good story of the playoffs. Because not that long ago they were in the bottom of the NFC, and everyone was wondering if Kyle Shanahan was the right guy to lead this team, and clearly, he was. For now, the road to the Super Bowl has to go through the city by the bay and it should be interesting to see what the Niners do in the playoffs now that they’re back in the tournament after all these years. 

Well my fellow football fans, the day has come. We have reached the end of the line for the regular season and that means Monday is going to feel quite different. Because for twenty teams, their season will be over, and the work begins to re-build the roster and any semblance of hope for a title run in 2020. But before we prepare to look toward the playoffs, the Super Bowl, free agency and the Draft. There’s still a ton of football to be played on Sunday, and plenty of fascinating storylines to explore and we are going to do just that, in slightly different fashion this go around. Because there’s really only one major game on the radar this weekend, so prepare yourself for a supremely short matchup list, as we offer up a heavier emphasis on the storylines that are brewing in Week 17 in the NFL.  
 
Will the Denver Broncos wrap up the season on a high note?
Not that long ago, it seemed as though the Denver Broncos were going to be competing for the number one overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Because the defense was tired, the offense was boring, and the losses were piling up. But then a funny thing happened. The young rookie that was deemed to be ‘not ready’, got his shot under center and well, what a ride it has been since. Because Drew Lock has energized this squad in every way imaginable and he’s finally made the offense productive and well, that brings us to the big question at hand; can Denver win on Sunday and end this season on a high note? The answer is a resounding yes. Because the Raiders aren’t that great a team and the Broncos want to bask in the joy that comes with a victory over a division rival. So, I honestly expect Lock to put some big points on the board, and for the defense to play some inspired ball, so that Broncos Country heads into 2020 with hope in their hearts.
 
Can the Miami Dolphins play the spoiler this weekend?
Make no mistake about it, the Miami Dolphins are a bad football team. They traded away all of their talent, and their quarterbacking future is shaky at best. But if there’s one thing Miami loves to do, is surprise the New England Patriots when they least expect it. For time and time again, we’ve seen the Dolphins just come out and play New England with incredible aggression and steal some important games away from them and the real question is, can they do that again this weekend? It’s possible, provided some key things happen. First and foremost, the offense has to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way and put some points on the board, and the defense has to come after Brady aggressively and shut down his receivers, and if they can pull all of that off… they’ve got the upset in hand. But honestly, it’s 50/50 that they’ll make this happen, because of their talent drain, but don’t be shocked if they come out and play some magnificent football just because they can.
 
Jason Garrett is truly coaching for his job this weekend.
What happens when you provide a head football coach with oodles of talent and said coach does nothing with it? You see the fanbase outright revolt and for proof, look no further than the Dallas Cowboys. Because Head Coach Jason Garrett has squandered great opportunities with wonderful players and every fan wants him gone, yesterday. But I do get why Jerry Jones has stood by him, because they are oddly enough, still in the playoff hunt and Garrett has playoff experience. But whether he likes it or not, he is coaching for his job on Sunday. Because if Dallas loses this game, and Philadelphia wins their matchup, that’s it, they’re out of the tournament and Garrett is likely fired hours later. So, keep an eye on how this team handles the Redskins this weekend, because you could be watching an era come to a close in Dallas if Coach Garrett does a poor job of preparing his boys to play against a terrible team.
 
The Cleveland Browns need to fire Head Coach Freddie Kitchens on Monday.
I’m sure the Browns are planning to come out swinging on Sunday, all in the hopes of winning this game and proving to the doubters that they are a good football team. But honestly, I don’t care if the Browns drop fifty on Cincy, there’s a bigger problem on this team that needs to be addressed, and that’s Head Coach Freddie Kitchens. Because this squad embarrassed themselves all season long with garbage play and controversial moments that we have never seen before, and all of that falls onto the shoulders of the Head Coach. Which means, Cleveland just needs to fire the guy and be done with it. He’s obviously not the right man for the job, nor does he have the proper mental fortitude to handle it. So, for the good of the game and for the fans in this proud city, cut the man loose on Monday, and get an experienced guy in there who knows how to handle a group of strong personalities so this team can finally get back to winning. 

​I think it is safe to say, that this is the biggest game of the week, hands down. Because so much is the on the line for both teams here. Because the winner of this one takes the NFC West title, and potentially locks up the number one seed in the playoffs. Which means I am expecting this game to be one heck of a matchup. Because there’s no room for error here, and that will likely lead to some long and sustained drives, and potentially a lot of points depending on how the defenses hold up and honestly, I think they are the key to this game. Because in order to win, one of these defenses has to slow down or stop the dynamic quarterbacks they are facing. So, whichever D is able to tighten up and control the damage, is likely the one that leads their team to victory and all kinds of rewards, and it should be interesting to see which team wants it more on Sunday night.  

Week 16 in the NFL can be a bittersweet time for football fans. For some teams provide their fans with the wonderful gift of a magnificent win, while others… give their fans a lump of coal in the form of a loss. But regardless of whether your team won or lost, I think we can all agree upon the fact, that it is a wonderful thing that we were all able to celebrate in the gift of football this past weekend, and the many storylines and lessons that our favorite teams provided us with and taught us, are the gifts that will keep on giving. Since we have plenty to discuss as we wait for one more week of regular season football and with that in mind, it’s time for us to dive right in and discuss everything that we learned from this past weekend’s slate of games.
 
The Houston Texans earned their divisional title the hard way.
Don’t get me wrong, clinching the AFC South is no small accomplishment, and I tip my cap to the Houston Texans for doing so. But let’s be honest, they definitely did this in the most difficult way imaginable. Because this team has seen its share of ups and downs this season, with some heartbreaking losses along the way. But what matters more, is that they buckled down in the most critical of moments and kept the Buccaneers at bay on Sunday and for their hard fought efforts this season, they get to enjoy a home game in the playoffs and they are indeed the Kings of the AFC South and I hope they relish in every single second of it for as long as they can. Because they have lots of work to do in the next couple of weeks.
 
The Buffalo Bills aren’t quite ready to be viewed as an elite team.
Make no mistake about it, the Buffalo Bills have had quite the season. For after years subpar play and heartbreaking seasons, they finally put it all together this year and have been one of the feel-good stories in the NFL. But their loss on Sunday to the New England Patriots demonstrated the fact that this team needs a little more time before we can call them elite. Because they let the moment overwhelm them, and despite having opportunities to put the Pats away, fear got in the way, and while they are all set to make their first playoff appearance in years, their inexperience and obvious nerves will likely help them secure an early exit from the tournament. And while that will likely no bring no comfort or joy to footballs fans looking for this wonderful tale to continue or Bills fans in general, it will all be fine in the end. Because this team is getting better year by year and it won’t be long before the Bills are a force to be reckoned with.
 
Expect big changes for the Los Angeles Rams this offseason.
There’s really no positive way to spin what happened to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, because this was a huge loss, one that exposed all kinds of deficiencies on this particular squad, the kind that prompt change to come to a particular team. And I expect them to be sweeping and powerful in the offseason, starting with likely a coordinator change on defense and a complete overhaul of the secondary and the changes won’t end there. Because the offense needs a spark too, and there’s a fair chance there will be some changes at wide receiver and running back and it should be interesting to see what kinds of big names the team pursues in free agency as ownership works to make this team as competitive as possible before they move into their brand new home.
 
Once again, the Dallas Cowboys managed to disappoint football fans everywhere.
There was, understandably, a lot of hype leading up to the Cowboys/Eagles game on Sunday and there was good reason for that. Because this was Dallas’ grand opportunity to shut down the critics and show the football world that they had the talent and the coaching to get the job done. But alas, once again an important game for this team ended in outright disaster. For the offense couldn’t get anything going, and the defense couldn’t stop the Eagles when it counted most and well… once again the Cowboys found a way to disappoint the football world and this is just irritating on so many levels. Because they have proven time and time again that they can play at a high level. Which means once again, the conversation and the blame reverts to the coaching staff and it really does seem that barring a miracle, a new head coach will be on the sidelines in Dallas next year and that’s a good thing because this team needs a solid leader on the sideline in 2020.
 
The Seattle Seahawks have only themselves to blame for their stunning loss on Sunday.
If there’s one important lesson that everyone knows about football, whether you’ve played the game or watch it religiously, it’s that; you always take your opponent seriously. Because teams that stink, are always hungry for a win and will do whatever it takes to enjoy the thrill that comes with a victory, especially over a quality team and that’s a lesson that the Seattle Seahawks forgot on Sunday. Because they walked into that game, firmly believing that the Arizona Cardinals would be a pushover and they paid the price. Because the Cards seized every opportunity that came their way and played some inspired ball in the process and of course, walked away with a win and well, hopefully this horrible loss serves as a solid reminder to the Seahawks to take their opponents seriously, or they’ll face another embarrassing defeat in this manner.  

Well my fellow football nerds, the end of the regular season is nigh. The playoff picture is nearly assembled, the hot seat is getting hotter for some coaches, and some firings are already underway. But while many of us are already starting to shift mental gears toward the post season and in turn the Super Bowl, it is important we keep our focus on these final two weeks of regular football. Because as this season has proven to us already, anything can and will happen come game time and there are plenty of important matchups still awaiting us, this week included. So, with that in mind, let’s take a moment and examine the big storylines that are brewing and the most fascinating games to watch as Week 16 in the NFL prepares to get underway.
 
Will the Jacksonville Jaguars respond to their owner’s bold message?
If there’s one thing we can all agree upon when it comes to the Jacksonville Jaguars, it would have to be that their owner; Shad Khan, is a bold and fearless man. Because it takes some serious guts to just fire a guy like Tom Coughlin, but he had no qualms in doing so and I think the decision to start at the top was meant to send a message to the team. In that, either you perform, or you are gone, and one has to wonder… will the team hear what the big boss is saying? My hope is that they do, because there is some talent on this team and some solid coaches and clearly Mr. Khan felt that Coughlin was holding this team back and really, the only way to know if the team is buying what Mr. Khan is selling, is to see how they perform this weekend. For if they come out and play with heart, they heard the message loud and clear. But if it is more of the same, then expect the boss to continue to hand out pink slips when the season comes to a close.
 
Don’t be surprised if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers upset the Houston Texans.
Earlier this season, I was calling for the Bucs to bench Jameis Winston because he was playing some stinky football for certain. But I am a firm believer in giving credit where it is due and #3 has absolutely turned his season around. Granted he’s still throwing picks like Oprah gave out cars back in the day, but he’s also tossing touchdowns and making big plays and he’s a big reason why Tampa Bay is still a topic of discussion late in the season. And in all honestly, when one considers the fact that the Texans take lesser teams for granted when they take the field, the Bucs have a solid chance at stunning Houston this weekend. So, if Jameis comes out and lets it loose, don’t be shocked if he helps to upset the Texans again because he is looking to make more writers like myself, eat a little humble pie, and he’s doing a fine job of it as the season comes to a close.
 
Who will rebound in the Rams/Niners game?
Make no mistake about it, last week was a rough one for both the Rams and the Niners, since they each suffered devastating losses against the Cowboys and the Falcons respectively, and with the playoffs on the line for both teams, who is going to step up and rebound with a win this Saturday? Honestly? I haven’t a clue. Because I simply don’t trust the defense of either squad when all is said and done, since everyone has figured out how to beat both of these once vaunted defenses with little effort. So really, I think the team that rebounds, is the one that figures out how to tighten up their weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball. But even then, it may take four quarters for that to happen. So, don’t be shocked if this one ends up a being a shootout until the very end when someone on the D finally makes an important play.

​Normally this time of year, no one would give much thought to this particular matchup. For the Bills would have a losing record and the Pats would either have or be on the cusp of clenching the number one seed. But this time around, things are quite different. Because Buffalo’s defense is playing magnificent football and QB Josh Allen is driving the offense in seamless fashion and the Patriots, well they’re a mess. Tom Brady can’t complete a five-yard slant to save his life and their once fierce defense is about as tame as they come. Which means, there is a fair chance that Buffalo could win this game and upend playoff seeding in the AFC, and if they follow the current formula to beat Brady, which involves hitting him and sacking him and disrupting his mediocre receivers, all while wearing down that D; then they’ve got the win and potentially the AFC East Division Title. 

Talk about a wild finish to the year. Because early on in the season, it seemed as though the Dallas Cowboy were going to run away with the NFC East and well… we know how that story ends. But on the flip side of this, we also didn’t think the Eagles were going to do all that much, but they’ve been resurgent in the past few weeks and are now in the mix to win the division, which means this game is likely the biggest of the year for both teams. For if the Eagles win, they could be heading toward the postseason in red-hot fashion and momentum goes far in the tournament. But if Dallas wins, then they can silence the critics as they too prepare for football in January. As for who wins this one, well that’s honestly up to Dallas. For if the determined team that showed up last week returns this week, then they’ve got this. But if the lackadaisical Cowboys show up, expect disaster. 

​I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, nothing beats a good NFC North matchup. Because when two teams from this division take the field, it’s often an ugly fight, one that goes right down to the wire and this one, has the makings of an instant classic. Because both the Packers and the Vikings boast wonderful records and have been executing on the field all year long, and of course, they would both like to win the division and that’s why this game has me excited. Because the possibilities are endless in this one. It could end up being a shootout as Rodgers and Cousins take to the air to secure the victory, or it could be an ugly defensive battle, the kind filled with turnovers and big hits. And while I haven’t a clue who is going to win this one, what matters more is that this is going to be a heck of a game and you can never go wrong with that.  

​I’ve always found it funny how the universe finds a way to create balance on a moment’s notice and for proof, look no further than this past weekend’s slate of NFL games. Because a week prior, elite teams were scrambling for wins or being upset by squads that had no business hanging with them, which made for some stunning matchups. But this week, everything was right in the football world again. For everyone that needed to handle their business did so in compelling fashion and now the playoff picture is taking shape and that made for some compelling storylines, and without further ado, let’s dive in and discuss those stories and everything that we learned from Week 15 in the NFL.
 
The Baltimore Ravens took another big step in their quest for the title.
While getting into the playoffs is quite important in its own right, because a team cannot make a run at the title without entering the tournament, there are still quite a few things that a team can do to help their chances in the postseason, such as locking up a Division Title. Because that lands a team a home game in the playoffs, something that always comes in handy and the Baltimore Ravens accomplished that particular feat this weekend by defeating the New York Jets. In fact, they beat the Jets so badly that once again, one has to wonder just how far this team is going to go in January and at this rate, there is a good chance they will lock up the most important accolade of all when it comes to playoff seeding in the next couple of weeks; Home Field Advantage. Because they really are the best team in the AFC right now and it would be quite fitting to see the road to the Super Bowl run through Baltimore.
 
Everything Von Miller said about the Broncos, is spot on.
It’s been another whirlwind week in the Mile High City following the Broncos ninth straight loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. But none of the hulabaloo has revolved around how Denver looked disheveled in the snow, instead it’s all been about the fact that Von Miller called this team out for losing for its third year straight, and for not offering up any hunger or desire to be better, and boy is he getting the business because of it. For fans are calling for his head in Denver and asking John Elway to not pick up his 2020 option and well, this is just ridiculous because… Von’s totally in the right here. This team really hasn’t been competitive for the past three years, nor have they had any consistency on the coaching staff or shown any fight on the field and I don’t see what the problem is with #58 calling out his team and demanding better of a franchise that stood for nothing but excellence not that long ago. So, here’s to hoping his words resonate all over the organization and we finally see some fight from this team as the season comes to a close.
 
The San Francisco 49ers need to be concerned about their defense.
Make no mistake about it. There’s a lot for the San Francisco 49ers to celebrate when it comes to the 2019 season. After all, they’re 11-3, and they’ve turned around a program that was in the bottom of the conference for several years. But knowing Kyle Shanahan and the executive staff over at Niners HQ, they cannot be happy with the fact that the second half of the season has seen them suffer some painful losses and how some of those are related to the defense’s overall play. Because that D is letting opponents get back into the game, and they are struggling to close drives and quite frankly, their sloppy play cost the Niners the win on Sunday. Which means something needs to change and quick on this defense or the final two weeks of the season, and the playoffs might end in disaster for San Fran. So, hopefully the Niners shore up their shaky defense quickly, so their magical season can continue along.
 
Drew Brees made history yet again this week.
Monday night was quite the special night for Quarterback Drew Brees, for he broke the all-time career passing touchdown record in the early third quarter of the game, and he even set a single game completion record as well and the more I think I about this important night for #9, the more I realize how special these accomplishments truly are. Because back in the day, when Brees was a San Diego Charger, he was regarded as a so-so quarterback, a guy who might not ever do anything special, to the point where the Chargers let him walk and well… what a transformation he underwent as a quarterback. Because now, he’s a Super Bowl Champion and in the conversation as one of the best to ever play the game and that’s a just a wonderful feel-good story to reflect upon, one that reminds us of the wonder of this game and how hard work and dedication truly pay off.
 
It is going to be strange to see the Raiders in their new digs.
The Denver Broncos are the team that helped me to fall in love with football, and over the many years that I’ve been a proud citizen of Broncos Country, I’ve seen some incredible games take place in the city of Oakland when my boys swung by there to take on the Raiders. Which makes Oakland’s game against the Jaguars this past Sunday, pretty darn special and melancholy in its own right because this was the grand farewell to the Oakland Coliseum. And while the Raiders may have lost this game in the most Raiders way imaginable, one cannot deny the fact that this was a special place for football, since it features one of the most passionate fan bases I’ve ever seen in the sport, since the fans of The Black Hole made life hell for opposing quarterbacks with the noise they could generate. If anything, this truly is the end of an era, one that will never be replicated or replaced in the league and that’s a shame really, because Oakland fans deserve better than this hasty exit by the Raiders, and time will tell if the city of Las Vegas will embrace this team with the same fervor as the fans the Raiders are leaving behind.   

Three weeks. That’s all that remains in the regular season of the NFL and the air surrounding this time of year is quite intense. Because there’s still a lot of teams in the playoff hunt at a time when seeding should be close to finalization, and there are also some struggling teams that are refusing to give up the fight regardless of whether or not their fans believe they should tank, in the hopes of getting a better draft pick. If anything, this uncertainty and thirst for victory is making for some incredible games this year and some powerful storylines and I’m expecting this weekend’s slate of games to be no different. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into today’s preview and examine some of the storylines that are brewing and which games everyone should be keeping an eye upon as Week 15 in the NFL gets underway.
 
Will the Denver Broncos upset the Chiefs this weekend?
If someone were to ask me this question five weeks ago, I would have quickly replied with no. But things have changed in the Mile High City. For the Broncos defense is starting to jell at just the right time and of course, the offense finally has a quarterback that can play. But of course, none of those elements guarantee a win in KC this weekend, but if some key things go down, Denver can pull it off. First and foremost, that defense really does need to bring its A game to the table on Sunday and if they can contain Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, they have a chance at slowing down the vaunted Kansas City offense. And If Drew Lock can exploit the holes in the Chiefs defense, then Denver has a shot at winning this thing and honestly, don’t be shocked if they do. Because this team is quickly becoming something quite special and if they can upset the Texans, they can upset the Chiefs.
 
Can Dallas get back on track this weekend?
Make no mistake about it, this has been a disastrous season for the Cowboys, and I don’t think anyone expected them to be fighting for their playoff lives at this point in the season. But here we are, and they could potentially get knocked out of the playoffs soon if the Eagles continue to play better and they continue to lose and well, is it possible for them to right the proverbial ship this weekend against the Rams? Well that’s a solid maybe. Because the Cowboys have little to no confidence right now, and the coaching is a mess. So, if Coach Garrett installs a game plan that builds said confidence and his boys can execute it to a tee, then yes, they can win this game. But in all honesty, I don’t see them walking out of this one a winner, because the team just isn’t responding to their head coach and they don’t play like a team and that’s always a recipe for losing.
 
Can the Oakland Raiders finally put it all together this weekend?
I think it is safe to say that the Oakland Raiders have been one of the league’s biggest surprises this season. Because they have a coach who knows how to win in Jon Gruden. They have a dynamic quarterback in Derek Carr and they’ve been revamping the roster since Gruden arrived back in the building. And everything they’ve done to improve this team should have paid off this season, yet their record reflects a mediocre squad. Which I think is due to the fact that this team simply has not jelled yet, nor do these guys work together as a unit and that sadly does take time. But a complete game from all three segments of the team would go a long way into making that happen and well, is this the weekend they finally put it all together? It’s possible. Because they’re facing the lowly Jaguars and if they can just go out there and ball and have a little fun for a change, that might do wonders for a squad that is looking to finally become a team. 

A few weeks ago, this would have been a matchup worth missing. Because the Bears were falling to pieces and the Packers were destroying defenses. But what a difference a few weeks can make. For the Chicago offense is suddenly finding its footing again, giving the defense the support they so desperately need and oddly enough, Green Bay isn’t quite racking up the points like they did early on in the season, and bad teams are suddenly keeping things close, which means… this might be quite the game when all is said and done. Because Chicago has a shot at upsetting the mighty Packers and honestly, it is Green Bay’s game to lose. So, if the Pack comes out onto the field unfocused and if they don’t take the Bears seriously, expect one hell of an upset. But my hope for this game, is that it becomes another NFC North classic, wherein these two duke it out and it comes down to the wire. 

This is another game that speaks to how unpredictable the 2019 regular season has turned out to be. Because not that long ago, Houston was in the driver’s seat in the AFC South, and it seemed like no one could stop them. But the Broncos exposed some serious vulnerabilities on their defense, giving the entire football world and Houston’s latest opponent, something to study. And in regard to the Titans, well a few weeks ago they were virtually forgotten in the football world since their record was hot garbage and they were on the outside, looking in. But a quarterbacking change made all the difference in the world and just like that, they’re now poised to potentially take control of the South with a win here. Which means this one has the makings of a powerhouse game, one where both teams strive hard because they know what’s on the line and honestly, don’t be shocked if the Titans win this one, because they are focused and they are playing like they have nothing to lose, and that makes them supremely dangerous. 

​I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the best part about watching football this time of year is that we are often treated matchups that feature quality teams and this game follows that particular rule. Because both the Steelers and the Bills are on fire right now, and both squads feature dynamic young quarterbacks that give it their all when they take the fields and they both offer fans defenses that abide by the ‘bend but don’t break’ mentality. Which means this game will likely be a battle royale, one where the lead will likely change multiple times over the course of sixty minutes. And really, I think the winner of this one is the team that makes the least amount, of mistakes possible. So, keep an eye on the turnover column and watch for missed opportunities, because those two elements are likely what will decide an important game that will have all kinds of impact on the playoff race. 

Normally this time of year, football can get a little routine. Because the bad teams keep disappointing, the mediocre stay just that and the elite pummel on both of them as the playoffs begin to take shape. But this past weekend of football demonstrated to all of us, that this is going to be a year of football unlike any other. For upsets were everywhere to be found this past weekend, and teams that everyone forgot about, thinking that their season was over; continued to impress with big time wins. If anything, these matchups taught us to expect the unexpected in the NFL and that an impossible win can become possible when a team is willing to put in the work and execute. But that’s not the only thing we learned about the NFL over the past few days, so let’s dive right in and discuss everything else Week 14 in the NFL, took the time to teach us.
 
The Dallas Cowboys really are in a sticky situation, when it comes to their head coach.
You know, normally coaching situations like the one the Cowboys are facing are pretty clean cut and dry. Because when a coach has lost his team and can’t get the job done on the field, you fire him. But Dallas is oddly still in the playoff hunt, thanks to subpar play from the entire NFC East and well… how do you justify firing a coach that might win a division title? So, while I too have called for Garrett’s head, I suddenly understand the tough place that Jerry Jones is in right now. Because it is damned if you do, or damned if you don’t in Dallas, and if there isn’t anyone better to lead this team right now, the decision to hang on to Garrett, and ride this thing to the end, makes actual sense.
 
The Baltimore Ravens are getting another shot at the title.
Make no mistake about it, the 2018 season ended in heartbreak for the Baltimore Ravens when they lost to Los Angeles at home in the first round of the playoffs. But what a difference a year makes. Because this team put in the work and it shows and for their incredible efforts, they get another shot at the tournament since their win over Buffalo locks them up a playoff spot and that’s a huge deal. Because as plenty of teams have proven time and time again, just a chance to play in the tournament opens up every opportunity imaginable to a team. But while it’s wonderful to celebrate their spot in the postseason, I think we all know this team isn’t quite satisfied with a mere berth. They want it all and I expect them to keep fighting hard to lock up the North, a bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs and there is solid chance they will pull that off thanks to the incredible talent they have on this team and how well they’re executing on the field. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that their biggest competition in the AFC is stumbling right now and speaking of the other guys, I think it is safe to say that…
 
The New England Patriots are team that is in decline.
Look, I get it, legends cement a reputation when they pull of miracles time and time again, and that’s why everyone is seemingly pulling for Tom Brady right now, because that’s just what he does. But his play on the field and the play of his teammates continue to prove that something is woefully wrong in Foxboro right now and it really is becoming evident that this storied team of destiny is starting to move in the wrong direction. For their vaunted defense is being exposed week in and week out, and their offense is stagnant, and Brady is struggling to make throws that he used to make with ease a year ago. So, defend the Patriots all you like, and continue to profess your faith in #12. But the cold, hard truth of the matter is that the New England Patriots are a team in decline and unless something incredible happens in the next couple of weeks, I expect them to continue to stumble and make an early exit from the playoffs as well.
 
The San Francisco 49ers continue to prove how tough of a team they are.
If there’s one universal truth when it comes to football, it would have to be that tough teams figure out a way to win, regardless of the odds and this is something that the Niners reinforced on Sunday. Because they found themselves embroiled in a good old-fashioned brawl with the Saints and they hung with them every step of the way and that’s important when all is said and done. Because sometimes teams fold when they get punched in the mouth or see a team respond. But not the Niners, they just kept plugging away in this game, and took advantage of every single opportunity that came their way, and that has put them back atop the NFC, and hopefully this game will serve as a fine lesson for the league. In that, every team that faces San Francisco needs to be prepared for one hell of a fight, one that will come down to the wire.
 
The Denver Broncos may have finally found their franchise quarterback.
Ever since Peyton Manning walked off into the sunset after an epic win in Super Bowl 50, it’s been a long and tough road at quarterback for the Denver Broncos. But the dark days under center in Broncos Country may have finally come to an end. For Drew Lock turned in an inspired and powerful performance in Houston on Sunday, the kind that definitely left everyone in awe. Because rookie quarterbacks shouldn’t look as good as he did against a playoff bound team, but Lock did indeed look like a seasoned veteran out there and his ability to read a defense, and do all the right things as a play develops is definitely giving everyone in the Mile High City hope. Because there’s seemingly something special about this kid and it seems as though he might be the guy that the Broncos have been looking for and if he continues to turn in these kind of performances in the next couple of weeks, expect him to be the starter for Denver in 2020, and for years to come.

Well the time has come fellow football fans, we are now in the home stretch of the 2019 regular season and I think we all know, that everything gets supremely exciting from here on out. Because the playoff push is in full swing, which means we will be treated to some epic games and some surprises along the way and well, it’s best we waste zero time today and get right down to previewing the top storylines that are brewing on the field and highlight some of the most fascinating games to keep an eye upon in Week 14 in the NFL.
 
Kyler Murray needs to step it up this weekend.
Look, I totally get that rookie quarterbacks need time to develop and adjust to life in the NFL. But at this point in their first season, we should be seeing progress and potential and right now, we aren’t seeing anything special from Kyler Murray. Which is a problem. Because he was the number one guy this year and he should be giving the Cardinals hope for the future. But instead, he’s turning in performances akin to a backup QB, week in and week out and the bottom line, is that he needs to step up his game this weekend and show the football world that he can in fact play at a high level. And honestly, I hope he does because you hate to see someone that talented, falter this much. But clearly, some kind of mental block is keeping him from just letting loose and balling, which means it’s up to him to make some magic happen and it should be interesting to see how he handles everything from here on out since the pressure is on.
 
Will Drew Lock be able to lead the Broncos to a second straight win this weekend?
The more time I’ve had to think about Drew Lock’s performance last Sunday, the more excited I am to watch him play. Because he showed some wonderful poise and accuracy from the pocket, and some incredible leadership on the field as well. And I am outright certain that he would like nothing more than to light up the scoreboard and pull off another victory for the underdog Broncos on Sunday. But can he lead this team to a big time win over a quality opponent? The answer is a solid maybe. Because really, a victory here is dependent on the coaching and the playcalling this week. Because if the gameplan looks anything like last week, that’s going to spell disaster for this team. So, here’s to hoping the coaching staff decides to let loose for a change, because honestly, what do they have to lose?
 
Will a coaching change in Carolina make a difference?
I think we can all agree upon the fact that the firing of Coach Ron Rivera came as quite the surprise to football fans everywhere this week. Because the Panthers have been competitive on the field on multiple occasions, despite the loss of their franchise QB. But clearly owner David Tepper believes something is missing when it comes to coaching and that a shakeup will get this team immediately moving in the right direction and well, Sunday’s game against the Falcons will let us know if he’s right or not. Because if this team comes out in organized fashion and surprises Atlanta, then we will indeed know Rivera was the problem. But if it is business as usual for Carolina, then we simply know that Mister Tepper better be ready to spend heavy on a good coach and some top-tier talent in order to get this team back to the Super Bowl. 

​Normally, when you see this particular matchup on paper, it’s easy to dismiss. Because in the past, the Bills have been terrible, and Baltimore has handled them with ease. But this year, is quite the different year. For the Bills are suddenly good, thanks to their new franchise quarterback and a resurgent defense that makes life difficult for quarterbacks, and they should give the Baltimore Ravens quite the challenge when all is said and done. But that particular notion goes both ways. For the Ravens are the team to beat in the AFC right now and despite Buffalo’s ability to surprise, Lamar Jackson is going to find weaknesses in the Bills’ defense and exploit them at every turn. Which means this game will likely be a back and forth affair, until Baltimore takes control once again and seals up the win in impressive fashion. 

It’s always a wonderful thing when you can get a taste of the playoffs early, and that’s precisely what this game has in store for us. Because there is a solid chance that both of these teams will meet again in January, the only question is which city will host the follow up game. Thankfully this game may help decide that, since both of these teams are fighting for their playoff seeding lives and well, I expect this one to be quite the thriller when all is said and done. Because it features a pair of dynamic quarterbacks that make magic happen on a moment’s notice and the same goes for both of these defenses. So really, this could be a shootout, or this could be a defensive struggle, but what I can guarantee it is going to be, is a great game. One that is worth our while and one that will likely end in epic fashion.  

​It’s all about big games in the NFL this time of year, and this is a matchup that meets that particular criteria. After all, it features the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that is hungry to return to the playoffs but are inconsistent on the field and that’s cost them the opportunity to hang with the big boys this season. And on the other side of the coin there’s the New England Patriots, a team that should be dominating but continue to find themselves under scrutiny for their off kilter play and really, all of those elements are the recipe for an intense game, one that both teams believe they must win, and in all honesty, they’re right to think that. But the big question of the hour is who will walk away with the victory and honestly, I don’t know. Because neither team has shown me that they are elite and it really could go either way, and at this point, all I’m expecting is a high scoring affair, and you can never go wrong with a good old-fashioned shootout. 

​Thanksgiving weekend really is a bittersweet affair for football fans when all is said and done. Because while we get to enjoy a long weekend filled with our favorite sport, the conclusion of those games signals the fact that the we are in the home stretch now, and the end of the regular season is drawing near. Which is always a tough prospect to face since this game delivers so much joy into our hearts. But while it is a shame that the season is coming to an end for so many teams, there’s still good news to come out of this weekend’s slate of games in that… they still had plenty to teach us about our favorite franchises. So, now that we are free of our turkey coma, let’s dive right in and discuss everything we learned from Week 13 in the NFL.
 
The New Orleans Saints deserve their newfound title of NFC South Champions.
It’s always a wonderful thing when you see a team lock up a playoff berth nice and early in the season and New Orleans has done just that. But to sweeten the pot, the Saints also earned the magnificent honor of winning their division as well. And while normally this would be a good time to say something snarky about the fact that the NFC South isn’t exactly a division filled with talent since so many other teams in said division have underperformed, that would be insulting to New Orleans. Because they have played dominant football all season long and they really did earn this particular honor. So, I tip my cap to Sean Payton and his boys for this well-deserved reward, and I have no doubt they’ll give their opponents some fits when the playoffs get underway.
 
Something is clearly wrong in New England.
Yeah, I’m well aware of the fact that the Pats are now 10-2 and in the thick of the playoff race. And sure, their defense does a solid job week in and week out. But look, there has to be some measure of concern when it comes to the Patriots because something is clearly amiss with them. Because they looked awful this weekend, their defense was exposed on a consistent basis, the offense is as stagnant as can be and Brady is indeed starting to look like he’s making nice with Father Time since some of his throws were errant and soft. Which means that other teams are going to feast on these weaknesses in matchups to come and I honestly don’t know if New England can overcome some of their shortcomings since they don’t have an answer at receiver and their defense continues to falter. If anything, this is a team to keep a close eye upon as the season comes to its close, to see if their search for a seventh title, might end in outright frustration and failure.
 
Holy cow, the Bengals finally won a game.
I’ve been pretty snarky when it comes to Cincinnati and their embarrassing performance this year. Even going so far as to declare them to be the next potential team to go 0-16. But a funny thing happened on Sunday, they showed up to play, and after weeks of dumb mistakes and lackadaisical execution on the field, this team finally put it all together and enjoyed their first win of the season. Granted, they still have a long way to go before anyone declares them to be a force to be reckoned with, but a win is a win, and it’s a huge deal for a squad that’s suffered through so much this year. So, my apologies to the Bengals for ever doubting them, and I really do hope this team enjoys a little more success before 2019 closes out.
 
The Baltimore Ravens continue to leave fans in awe.
I honestly didn’t have a clue who was going to win the San Francisco/Baltimore game on Sunday, simply because I believed both of these teams were evenly matched when all is said and done. A fact that was further enforced by the score during this game since it was quite the knockdown, drag it out affair. But as the game went on, Baltimore made some key adjustments on both sides of the ball, and found weaknesses to exploit and for their attention to detail and their efforts, they’re atop the AFC in the playoff race and they stunned the Niners on the road and man, this team is just impressive. Because they just keep finding incredible ways to win and they are fearless in doing so and honestly, they are quickly becoming the team to beat in the NFL because no one can stand up to them right now and I will be shocked, if they don’t finish 2019 with home field advantage in the playoffs.
 
The Drew Lock era got off to a promising start in Denver.
It’s been a long time since Broncos Country has seen a quarterback take the field with a little fire in their eyes. Because every man that’s filled the role since Peyton Manning retired has been a system QB, one that is as robotic and boring and as bad as they come. But Sunday’s game at Empower Field engendered a little hope in a season of sadness because rookie Drew Lock took the field and changed the overall feel of a normally lifeless offense. For he was excited to play and that spread like wildfire through his teammates and he was solid in his debut as well, and while the coaches more or less shied away from letting him do his thing as the game went on, what everyone saw early on, definitely gives Broncos Country something to look forward to, and it should be interesting to learn what this confident kid can do in the weeks to come.