The NFL Roundup 2019: Week 12

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

I think the old saying, that there is nowhere to go but up, is quite applicable for Week 12 in the NFL. Because despite featuring some exciting games, Week 11 was an embarrassment, all thanks to that nightmarish Thursday night game featuring the Browns and the Steelers. But that is now thankfully behind us and we can get back to the playoff race and some passionate football from teams that are still on the bubble. Which means there are plenty of fascinating storylines waiting for us this weekend, so let’s dive right in and discuss every last one of them and take a look at the games that we should all be paying attention to.
 
Will the Texans be able to rebound from their shocking loss to Baltimore?
Make no mistake about it, there is no one in Houston that is happy with how that quarterbacking ‘duel’ went last week against the Ravens. Which means the Texans are itching to avenge that loss and they would love to stick it to the Colts to make that happen. But there’s just one problem when it comes to that; Indianapolis is no slouch. In fact, this is team filled to the brim with scrappy warriors who welcome a big-time challenge. So, expect the Colts to give the Texans an outright run for their money and in all honesty, if Houston starts to make mistakes or back down when Indy punches them in the mouth, expect them to lose another critical game in the AFC playoff race.
 
Can the Atlanta Falcons make it three in a row?
Slowly but surely, the Falcons are starting to climb out of the utter mess that is their season, by way of some big wins and I’m sure they’re expecting to snag their third win in a row when they take the field on Sunday against the Bucs. But the question looming over this game is whether or not they can pull off another impressive victory and honestly, I think they can. Because Tampa Bay is a terrible team, one that features a sub-par quarterback at the helm. So, if the Atlanta defense can force Winston to make some foolish mistakes, and the offense can do what it’s been doing for the past two weeks, they’ve got a solid shot at sealing up another important win.
 
We are going to learn a lot about QB Kyle Allen this weekend.
I think it is safe to say that overcoming adversity is in essence, the mantra of the NFL. For every play and every down feature challenges for players to face. But how our favorite players respond to incredible tests, is what truly garners our attention in this sport and Carolina Panthers QB Kyle Allen has quite the task ahead of him in New Orleans this weekend. For he is coming off of an embarrassing 4 interception performance and how he handles his game this week will tell everyone plenty about his mental fortitude. Because if he comes out and plays without an ounce of regret or hesitation, we’ll know he’s got the chops to play QB in this league. But if he falters again and is hesitant to make certain throws, that will let everyone know he can be rattled when the pressure is on and that he hangs onto his mistakes, and it should be interesting to see where Allen’s head is at, come Sunday. 

---

The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

Dallas Cowboys (6-4) at New England Patriots (9-1)
Gillette Stadium – Foxboro, Massachusetts
Sunday, November 24th, 2019 – 4:25 p.m EST – FOX

This particular game has my attention simply because there’s an air of desperation surrounding it. Which sounds weird with both teams enjoying a winning record. But doubt surrounds the Dallas Cowboys since fans aren’t quite sure they’re as elite as they might like to think and beating a team as elite as the Patriots would go far in proving that they are in fact, a top tier football team. As for the Patriots, well recently their own QB said they can be better at this point in time, which is scary when one considers the fact, they’re a dominant 9-1. Which means they too will be bringing their A game in this particular matchup and having two hungry teams take the field should make this one worth everyone’s while. As for who wins this game however, my guess is it will be the Patriots. Because they really are the better team.

Sunday Night Football
Green Bay Packers (8-2) at San Francisco 49ers (9-1)
Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California
8:20 p.m. EST – NBC

​After weeks of up and down prime time matchups, the playoff race is finally delivering unto us some epic games when the sun goes down and this one should reinforce that fact. Because two of the top teams in the NFC take the field in this one and they both feature scrappy squads that will fight for every yard and every point. But what truly has me excited to watch this one, is the sheer fact that the 49ers have a giant target on their back after their loss to Seattle a few weeks back, and every team that faces them is going the extra mile to try and beat them. Which means I expect this game to be a good old-fashioned brawl, the kind that features big time plays and stunning moments. But the big question on everyone’s mind is who is going to win this one, and I honestly think the Niners will come out on top once again, because they just don’t quit, and I don’t see that changing in this game. 

Monday Night Football
Baltimore Ravens (8-2) at Los Angeles Rams (6-4)
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – Los Angeles, CA
8:15 p.m. EST – ESPN 

​Speaking of another potentially epic prime time matchup, you can’t go wrong with a game that features the defending NFC Champion and an AFC playoff hopeful. For the Rams are working hard to collect as many wins as possible in order to defend their title, and while they haven’t been as dominant as they were in 2018, that hasn’t stopped them from playing solid defense and trying new things on offense. But they’re going to have their hands full on Monday night. Because the Baltimore Ravens are fearless right now when they play their game and QB Lamar Jackson is finding every single weakness in the defenses he faces. Which means, I think the Ravens are going to collect another win in this game, because they’re  a dynamic team that shocks whomever they face and I fully expect them to put up a lot of points against a Rams defense that simply isn’t ready for what Baltimore brings to the table.