NFL 08 "Week 16" Talkback

[The Penguin]

NFL Network has two games this week before we get to Sunday. Tonight, the Colts with face their AFC South rival the Jaguars. Normally at this point both teams would be in contention for or already have a playoff spot. This year however is different. The Colts are contention for a wild-card spot and the Jags are out of the picture.

On Saturday, two teams fighting for a wild card spot will go at it when the Ravens face the Cowboys in the last game at Texas stadium (barring Dallas hosting the #6 seed in the NFC Championship game). Neither team is a lock yet, so they need the win to ensure they keep their current spot.


http://library.toonzone.net/talkbacks/sports.jpghttp://library.toonzone.net/talkbacks/nfltb.jpgWEEK 16
Thursday, December 18
IND @ JAC, 8:15 PM

Saturday, December 20
BAL @ DAL, 8:15 PM

Sunday, December 21
CIN @ CLE, 1:00 PM
NO @ DET, 1:00 PM
ARI @ NE, 1:00 PM
PIT @ TEN, 1:00 PM
SF @ STL, 1:00 PM
MIA @ KC, 1:00 PM
SD @ TB, 1:00 PM
BUF @ DEN, 4:05 PM
NYJ @ SEA, 4:05 PM
HOU @ OAK, 4:05 PM
ATL @ MIN, 4:15 PM
PHI @ WAS, 4:15 PM

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nfl/teams/1/80x60/car.gif @ http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nfl/teams/1/80x60/nyg_2.gif, 8:15 PM

Monday, December 22
GB @ CHI, 8:30 PM

[Ajax]

Interesting slate of games this week, starting with the Ravens-Cowboys game. The G-men panthers game should be a dozy as well, so overall this should be a fun weekend for those people whos teams are still looking for a playoff spot.

[bigddan11]

Dallas can clinch a playoff birth this week with:
1- A win,
2- An Atlanta or Tampa Bay loss, and
3- Philadelphia and Chicago losses or ties

This is all possible. Atlanta has struggled on the road and will be facing a Vikings team that has seen Jackson been reborn these last couple of weeks and Peterson on the verge of 2000 rushing yards. Philadelphia is at Washington, and while the Skins have struggled the last couple of games, they always tend to play better at home against Division rivals not named Dallas. Finally Chicago will be facing a Packers team that would love to knock out a fellow division rival from the playoffs. I do think it will come down to that final Dallas/ Philadelphia game for the Cowboys playoff picture, but the possibilities of what could happen this weekend are always fun to think about.

Meanwhile the Colts continued to be the hottest team in the league last night, though the game was much closer than it probably should have been.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/IND/42x50.png (11-4) Indianapolis Colts 31
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/JAC/42x50.png (5-10) Jacksonville Jaguars 24

The win clinched a playoff spot for the Colts and the #5 AFC seed. They will face the AFC West winner in the Wild Card round of the playoffs (Denver or San Diego).

[Wonderwall]

As I'm not aware of all the details of how the NFL playoff picture works, I have a question. What exactly does Miami have to do to get in? Do they just need to win their last 2 games?

[bigddan11]

As I'm not aware of all the details of how the NFL playoff picture works, I have a question. What exactly does Miami have to do to get in? Do they just need to win their last 2 games?
Not quite. Miami must win out and have the NY Jets lose or tie one game. The NY Jets control their own destiny.

[The Penguin]

Thursday night, the Colts got a win, so they are in as the #5 seed in the AFC. Yesterday, the Cowboys are no longer a team of their own destiny as they lost to the Ravens in their final scheduled game at Texas Stadium. Baltimore is not in with the win, but they are closing in on locking out the AFC losers for the final spot.

Which brings us today. The Vikings will win the NFC North with a win over the Falcons or a Bears loss to Green Bay on Monday. The NFC wild card picture currently belongs to Tampa Bay and Atlanta, either team can get in with a win and a loss by other team although obviously both of those things cannot happen this week (if either). The Eagles are waiting in the wings with that tie and needing to win their last two (visiting Washington today) and one of the two NFC South teams losing at least one of theirs. The Bucs and Falcons still have an outside shot at the NFC South title as well.

The AFC East is still up for grabs with the Jets, Dolphins and Patriots all at 9-5. The other two will be hoping to get in over the Ravens, but we likely won't know until the end of Week 17 on this one. The Broncos still haven't officially put the Chargers away in the AFC West, but can do so today with a win over Buffalo or a San Diego loss in Tampa Bay.

The two big games this week though are Pittsburgh at Tennessee (0-10 right now) and Carolina at NY Giants. These two match-ups could very well determine home field advantage in both conferences. The Titans can take the AFC with a win, but the Steelers will not quite have it with a win. The NFC home field will be won by the team that wins tonight on NBC!


http://library.toonzone.net/talkbacks/sports.jpghttp://library.toonzone.net/talkbacks/nfltb.jpg

[ABrown]

Well, I'd say that the Arizona Cardinals have completely proven without a doubt that they are not worthy of being in the playoffs. So basically in the NFC there'll really be three teams with a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Cause whoever gets the Cardinals in the first round will only have to play their starters the first quarter, then they can play their second stringers the rest of the game.

[Lazerboy5000]

Well, I'd say that the Arizona Cardinals have completely proven without a doubt that they are not worthy of being in the playoffs. So basically in the NFC there'll really be three teams with a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Cause whoever gets the Cardinals in the first round will only have to play their starters the first quarter, then they can play their second stringers the rest of the game.
I wouldn't go that far. Yeah, their geting their asses handed to them, but they are playing in Boston (which west coast team are like... 0 and whatever on the east coast) and it's snowing pretty hard. And don't forget, this is Arizona we're talking about. The situation was just really bad for them. I didn't expect them to win this game anyways.

Now, they do have Kurt Warner and Fitzgerald, so i think they'll be fine in the playoffs. They're probably not going to be a Championship team, but they should get betten this badly in the playoffs, even if they don't play up to par.

[Draft]

Naturally I have both Fitzgerald and Warner starting on my Fantasy Football Team...

#%#$^#$%&#

But ya, i'm pissed about that, but happy otherwise since i'm a Patroits fan. I expected Arizona to lose this game due to the hideous conditions in Mass and how Arizona is not used to these conditions at all. But still, Warner used to play in St.Louis and should be doing better than 6/15 for 30 YARDS, especially against the awful Patriots D.

[bigddan11]

Of course Dallas could also get back into the #5 or 6 position today. Atlanta struggles on the road and is at Minnesota. Tampa Bay is currently losing to San Diego. Chicago plays Green Bay, and Philadelphia plays Washington. A loss by 3 of those teams puts the Cowboys back in a wild card position.

[zoombie]

The Cowboys they have some soul searching to do.

[bigddan11]

The early games are now starting to come in, and Cowboys fans can rejoice as Tampa Bay did suffer the same humiliation they did. Hopefully the same will happen to Philly and Atlanta in the afternoon games.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/SD/42x50.png (7-8) San Diego Chargers 41
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/TB/42x50.png (9-6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24
The Bucs have lost 4 of the last 5 and actually are helping Dallas as the Boys own the tiebreaker over the Bucs.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/CIN/42x50.png (3-11-1) Cincinnati Bengals 14
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/CLE/42x50.png (4-11) Cleveland Browns 0
The sad thing for the Bengals is they might still finish below the Browns despite heating up at the end of the season.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/NO/42x50.png (8-7) New Orleans Saints 42
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/DET/42x50.png (0-15) Detroit Lions 7
The Lions streak to perfection continues. Will we really get consecutive perfect seasons?

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/PIT/42x50.png (11-4) Pittsburgh Steelers 14
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/TEN/42x50.png (13-2) Tennessee Titans 31
TITANS CLINCH HOME FIELD THROUGHOUT

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/SF/42x50.png (6-9) San Francisco 49ers 17
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/STL/42x50.png (2-13) St. Louis Rams 16
With Arizona losing, the question is will any NFC West team actually finish above .500, which might realistically not happen if the Cards lose in the Wild Card round at 8-9.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/MIA/42x50.png (10-5) Miami Dolphins 38
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/KC/42x50.png (2-13) Kansas City Chiefs 31
If the Jets win the late game, then the Dolphins/ Jets game next week will be for the AFC East Championship, barring the two tying and the Patriots winning next week.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/ARI/42x50.png (8-7) Arizona Cardinals 7
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/NE/42x50.png (10-5) New England Patriots 47
High profiling was shut down as the Cards continue struggling on the road and were embarrassed.

[bigddan11]

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/NYJ/42x50.png (9-6) New York Jets 3
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/SEA/42x50.png (4-11) Seattle Seahawks 13
Jets go 0-4 on the West Coast, and despite what CBS was reporting (Jets out), the Jets must beat the Dolphins and have the Patriots lose next week to win the division. Game was broadcast nationally on Sports USA.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/HOU/42x50.png (7-8) Houston Texans 16
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/OAK/42x50.png (4-11) Oakland Raiders 27
The Texans can only hope to finish .500 for a second straight season with the loss.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/BUF/42x50.png (7-8) Buffalo Bills 30
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/DEN/42x50.png (8-7) Denver Broncos 23
It was high scoring. The Broncos loss makes next Sundays Chargers/ Broncos game for the AFC West Championship.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/ATL/42x50.png (10-5) Atlanta Falcons 24
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/MIN/42x50.png (9-6) Minnesota Vikings 17
Game was broadcast nationally on Westwood One. Falcons clinched a playoff spot with the win. Vikings can still win division with a Bears loss tomorrow. A loss by the Panthers over both weeks and a Falcons win next week will give them the NFC South title.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/PHI/42x50.png (8-6-1) Philadelphia Eagles 3
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/WAS/42x50.png (8-7) Washington Redskins 10
The Eagles loss puts them back behind Dallas, Tampa, and Chicago for the #6 spot in the playoffs. They must win and have the Raiders beat the Bucs next week to get in the playoffs. The Falcons win eliminates the Redskins from the playoffs.

From Saturday:
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/BAL/42x50.png (10-5) Baltimore Ravens 33
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/DAL/42x50.png (9-6) Dallas Cowboys 24
History was made Saturday at Texas Stadium as the Ravens became the first team to have 2 rushers go over 100 yards at Texas Stadium. It also means Dallas is now 3-10 over the last three years in the months of December and January. With the Eagles loss to Washington though, and with Tampa losing today it means if Dallas wins next Sunday they claim the #6 seed in the NFC. Philly must win and then have Tampa and Chicago lose. A Bears loss tomorrow night will eliminate them from the playoffs.

[Tanooki]

Can't win by fumbling the ball, Adrian Peterson. Solid performance by Tavaris Jackson, but way too many miscues ruined this game for the Vikes.

[Space Cadet]

Can't win by fumbling the ball, Adrian Peterson. Solid performance by Tavaris Jackson, but way too many miscues ruined this game for the Vikes.

I was hoping the Vikings would win, since it would keep the Redskins' playoff chances alive. Ah well, at least we got the W today.

[zoombie]

The Giants get a little safety net thanks to the Falcons. But still an important game tonight.

[ABrown]

I wouldn't go that far. Yeah, their geting their asses handed to them, but they are playing in Boston (which west coast team are like... 0 and whatever on the east coast) and it's snowing pretty hard. And don't forget, this is Arizona we're talking about. The situation was just really bad for them. I didn't expect them to win this game anyways.

Now, they do have Kurt Warner and Fitzgerald, so i think they'll be fine in the playoffs. They're probably not going to be a Championship team, but they should get betten this badly in the playoffs, even if they don't play up to par.

Did you not see the game against Minnesota??? This Arizona team only wins ANY of their games when they are at home. Where are they gonna go to on the road (Atlanta, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Philidelphia, Dallas) that they lose by less than 3 touchdowns???

[Punisher]

I quite enjoyed the Ravens-Cowboys game. Two runs of over 75 yards by different running backs on two consecutive plays for touchdowns is just insane. The Dallas defense just didn't seem that motivated for the final game in their home stadium. Whatever the case was, the Ravens are now sitting pretty and control their own destiny heading into the final week against Jacksonville. Win and they're in, but the Jaguars proved against the Colts that they're not bad this year, just underachieving. Very dangerous game, but the Ravens should be pumped for the playoffs and win big. At least I really hope so.

If the playoffs started today, it would be interesting. There are so many different teams in this year. Arizona, Atlanta, MIAMI, Carolina...I hope it stays this way, it'll make for some very interesting playoff matchups.

[bigddan11]

Every game that determines a team getting home field throughout should be like this.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/CAR/42x50.png (11-4) Carolina Panthers 28
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/NYG/42x50.png (12-3) New York Giants 34
Overtime

The win makes the NFC Championship travel through New Jersey, but the loss means the Panthers still haven't clinched their division. A Falcons win (vs. St. Louis Rams) and Panthers loss (at New Orleans Saints) next week gives the NFC South title and #2 seed to Atlanta.

PLAYOFF PICTURE UPDATE:

AFC:
13-2 z- Tennessee Titans
11-4 y- Pittsburgh Steelers
10-5 Miami Dolphins
8-7 Denver Broncos
11-4 x- Indianapolis Colts
10-5 Baltimore Ravens
10-5 New England Patriots
7-8 San Diego Chargers

NFC:
12-3 z- New York Giants
11-4 x- Carolina Panthers
9-6 Minnesota Vikings
8-7 y- Arizona Cardinals
10-5 x- Atlanta Falcons
9-6 Dallas Cowboys
9-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8-6 Chicago Bears (Monday Night Football vs. Green Bay- loss gives Vikings division title and eliminates Bears from playoffs)
8-6-1 Philadelphia Eagles

x- clinched playoff spot
y- clinched division
z- clinched home field throughout

They also announced the game that NBC has picked up for next week is Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers on Sunday Night Football since the winner will make the playoffs as the AFC West Champion. Expect the Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles match-up (FOX) to be moved to 4:15 as well as Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts (CBS) and possibly the New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings game (FOX) and Miami Dolphins at New York Jets (CBS).

[zoombie]

The Giants win, and it looks like they found themselfs.

Don't get me wrong, without that gun carrying jerk, they are no longer Superbowl locks, it is an even playing field, if that jerk didn't screw up, we would be heavy favorites.

But now we are at the level of the top teams again.

[StormBlue]

That was a great game, even if my team did lose. Grr. Hopefully the Panthers can hold on to the #2 seed and win out against New Orleans.

Good game Giants. You have found yourselves.

[bigddan11]

The NFL announced the final three games the afternoon Flex is using today. I actually called two of them, but the third one surprised me. Remember that on Week 17 both CBS and FOX will have double headers. The bolded games are the games most of the nation will get, though local affiliates will always change it to regional coverage first.

1 PM- FOX
St. Louis at Atlanta
Detroit at Green Bay
Chicago at Houston
NY Giants at Minnesota
Carolina at New Orleans

1 PM- CBS
New England at Buffalo
Kansas City at Cincinnati
Tennessee at Indianapolis
Cleveland at Pittsburgh
Oakland at Tampa Bay

4:15- FOX
Dallas at Philadelphia
Seattle at Arizona
Washington at San Francisco

4:15- CBS
Miami at NY Jets
Jacksonville at Baltimore

8 PM- NBC
Denver at San Diego

Westwood One will announce their national radio schedule tonight on the MNF Radio broadcast. Sports USA is expected to announce their's tomorrow. I expect it to be the following:

Westwood One-
12:30 PM- Tennessee at Indianapolis
3:45 PM- Dallas at Philadelphia
7:30- Denver at San Diego

Sports USA-
12:30 PM- NY Giants at Minnesota
3:45 PM- Miami at NY Jets

[zoombie]

The NFL announced the final three games the afternoon Flex is using today. I actually called two of them, but the third one surprised me. Remember that on Week 17 both CBS and FOX will have double headers. The bolded games are the games most of the nation will get, though local affiliates will always change it to regional coverage first.

1 PM- FOX
St. Louis at Atlanta
Detroit at Green Bay
Chicago at Houston
NY Giants at Minnesota
Carolina at New Orleans

1 PM- CBS
New England at Buffalo
Kansas City at Cincinnati
Tennessee at Indianapolis
Cleveland at Pittsburgh
Oakland at Tampa Bay

4:15- FOX
Dallas at Philadelphia
Seattle at Arizona
Washington at San Francisco

4:15- CBS
Miami at NY Jets
Jacksonville at Baltimore

8 PM- NBC
Denver at San Diego

Westwood One will announce their national radio schedule tonight on the MNF Radio broadcast. Sports USA is expected to announce their's tomorrow. I expect it to be the following:

Westwood One-
12:30 PM- Tennessee at Indianapolis
3:45 PM- Dallas at Philadelphia
7:30- Denver at San Diego

Sports USA-
12:30 PM- NY Giants at Minnesota
3:45 PM- Miami at NY Jets

Well hopefully our Westwood One affiliatte will air the Cowboys / Eagles, because in New York, the game will be blacked out in New York, because the Jets play a home game at the same time and there is no compete clause when the Jets or Giants play a home game on sunday afternoon.

[Wonderwall]

Final week should be an exciting one. The Jets look broken so Miami can use that to their advantage and claim the division. Also we will see the a "perfect" season as Detroit will go 0-16. Its a gonna be a good final week.

[bigddan11]

Well hopefully our Westwood One affiliatte will air the Cowboys / Eagles, because in New York, the game will be blacked out in New York, because the Jets play a home game at the same time and there is no compete clause when the Jets or Giants play a home game on sunday afternoon.
Keep in mind that schedule isn't finalized. That is what my guess is to be what the national radio networks will broadcast. I also wouldn't be surprised if Sports USA ended up doing the Washington/ San Francisco or Seattle/ Arizona game since they are based out of California and have broadcast half the Seahawks games this year. I do think it'd be stupid not to do those games though since those are the featured games that will determine playoff seeding and such.

[zoombie]

It appears the Giants / Vikings game will be an exhibition game now. Unless the Bears make a comeback, the Giants have to worry about integrity of the league.

They can rest anybody they want and not any grieve from the other teams.

[Lazerboy5000]

Did you not see the game against Minnesota??? This Arizona team only wins ANY of their games when they are at home. Where are they gonna go to on the road (Atlanta, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Philidelphia, Dallas) that they lose by less than 3 touchdowns???
But that's the point, Arizona is going to have one game at home, which is why I think they will do fine. If they lose, if won't be like this. But do I think they'll go far in the playoffs, no. If they do win their home game, then I think they're road game will kill them.


And what the heck Jets? How could you lose to Seatle? I think the Jets have lost too many easy games, Seatle and Oakland most notably. Those will be the games they could keep them out of the playoffs.


And the Packers just handing it the the Bears... ok, so it's only 14-10, but the Bears have only cashed in on a great kick return and a Packer miscue on the punt. But like they say, you got to win 2/3 of the battle, and the Packers are winning the Offence and Defence right now.

Also we will see the a "perfect" season as Detroit will go 0-16. Its a gonna be a good final week.
Please don't jink it... but if the Packers play like they've played so far today, then they should have no problem against the Lions. If they play like the past 4 weeks.... well, we might actually have a game. But on the good side, I don't think the Lions have won in Green Bay... like EVER! (ok, maybe not ever, but I thinks it's been 9 years since Detroit won in GB)

[purplehairedwonder]

The Atlanta Falcons are in the playoffs. Sooo excited about this considering a year ago the Falcons had just been abandoned by Bobby Petrino and their former franchise quarterback was in prison. They won a total of 4 games. And this year they're in the playoffs. It's such an amazing turnaround.And especially since the Braves have sucked the last two years, it's nice to have a playoff-bound team *cough*With all that in mind, it boggles my mind that the Falcons could still win the NFC South, too. That would be the icing on the cake.

[StormBlue]

The Atlanta Falcons are in the playoffs. Sooo excited about this considering a year ago the Falcons had just been abandoned by Bobby Petrino and their former franchise quarterback was in prison. They won a total of 4 games. And this year they're in the playoffs. It's such an amazing turnaround.And especially since the Braves have sucked the last two years, it's nice to have a playoff-bound team *cough*With all that in mind, it boggles my mind that the Falcons could still win the NFC South, too. That would be the icing on the cake.

Hey, the Hawks made it to the playoffs too. Although I agree, baseball needs to step it up in Atlanta.

[Tanooki]

Crosby's horrible field goal attempts are driving me nuts.

[Lazerboy5000]

Yeah, Hotlanta is in. I'm excited aobut that. I always kind of liked Hotlanta (yes, I call them HOTlanta :anime: ), but I never liked Vick that much.

Jaws: "The Bears defence does EVERYTHING for them!"

Oh My God!!! I can't believe they blocked that kick. How can the Packers screw up EVERY SINGLE TIME!! AHHHH, this makes me so frustrated. :mad:

I think they showed the stat. When Rodgers I tied, or losing by 8 or less in the fourth quarter (which has been 7 games this year) the Packers have lost Every Single One of those Games! This is why I liked Brett Favre, becuase he could win those game. Rodgers can't, and that's the only thing that seperates them.

I can't believe that the 4th quarter has been such a strugle for the Packers. There's is too much talent for this team to be 5-9 or worse. I'm sorry, if I'm ranting on and on, but it's just so frustrating.

And oh great, the Bears are already in field goal range. Ok, I'm done ranting...


Edit: I think I should note that 7 of the 10 Packers loses have been by 4 points or less. What terrible luck. Dominating for 3.5 quarters of that game... and we just come up empty handed. I think only Lions fans can feel the pain that I feel right now. *cries* :crying:

[bigddan11]

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/GB/42x50.png (5-10) Green Bay Packers 17
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/CHI/42x50.png (9-6) Chicago Bears 20
Overtime


UPDATED PLAYOFF STANDINGS:

AFC-
13-2 @- Tennessee Titans
11-4 z- Pittsburgh Steelers
10-5 Miami Dolphins
8-7 Denver Broncos
11-4 x- Indianapolis Colts
10-5 Baltimore Ravens

Still in the race
10-5 New England Patriots
9-6 New York Jets
7-8 San Diego Chargers

NFC-
12-3 @- New York Giants
11-4 x- Carolina Panthers
9-6 Minnesota Vikings
8-7 y- Arizona Cardinals
10-5 x- Atlanta Falcons
9-6 Dallas Cowboys

Still in the race:
9-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9-6 Chicago Bears
8-6-1 Philadelphia Eagles

x- clinched playoff spot
y- clinched division title
z- clinched first round bye
@- clinched home field throughout

Playoff scenarios for week 17:

AFC East
Miami clinches the AFC East with a win at NY Jets.

New England Patriots clinch the AFC East with a win and a Miami loss. New England clinches a playoff spot with a win and a Baltimore loss.

NY Jets clinch the AFC East with a win and losses by Miami and New England.

AFC North
A Baltimore win means they are in. A Ravens loss and a loss by New England also puts them into the playoffs.

AFC West
The winner of Denver/ San Diego wins the division and hosts Indianapolis in the first round.

NFC East
A Dallas win clinches a playoff birth.

Philadelphia gets into the playoffs with a win, a Tampa Bay loss to Oakland, and a Chicago loss to Houston or a Minnesota loss to the NY Giants.

NFC North
Minnesota wins the division with a win or a loss and a Chicago loss.

Chicago wins the division with a win and a Minnesota loss. Chicago clinches the #6 seed with a win and losses by Dallas and Tampa Bay.

NFC South
Carolina wins the division and a first round bye with a win or an Atlanta loss.

Atlanta wins the division and a first round bye with a win and a Carolina loss.

Tampa Bay clinches a playoff spot with a win and a Dallas loss.


WESTWOOD ONE NFL WEEK 17 SCHEDULE:
12:30 PM- TBA (NY Giants at Minnesota, Tennessee at Indianapolis, or Chicago at Houston)
3:45 PM- Miami at NY Jets
7:30 PM- Denver at San Diego

[zoombie]

The Giants can actully help the Eagles, maybe their biggest threat into the playoffs.

If the Eagles beat the Cowboys, the Bucs lose to the Raiders, the Bears beat the Texans.

If that happens than if the Giants beat the Vikings, the Eagles win the wild card, if the Vikings beat the Giants, than the Eagles make the playoffs. Since the Giants play first before the Eagles / Cowboys game, there is no way they can know what is going on, but if I know that scenero would happen, the Giants should take a dive, and help the Bears get the wild card.

[Ajax]

Lol the funny part about that whole scenario is that everyone of those teams is playing horribly right now. You never know which Cowboys team will show up, the Eagles managed only 3 point against the Redskins of all teams, it took the Bears a somewhat miraclous turn of events to beat a horrible Packers team at home and the Bucs are on a 3 game losing steak.

This is what I think will happen, the Bucs will beat Oak, which will elimante Philly before they even get a chance to play. There gonna lay an egg against the Cowboys, the Bears will lose to the Texans etc etc.

[Lazerboy5000]

Lol the funny part about that whole scenario is that everyone of those teams is playing horribly right now. You never know which Cowboys team will show up, the Eagles managed only 3 point against the Redskins of all teams, it took the Bears a somewhat miraclous turn of events to beat a horrible Packers team at home and the Bucs are on a 3 game losing steak.

This is what I think will happen, the Bucs will beat Oak, which will elimante Philly before they even get a chance to play. There gonna lay an egg against the Cowboys, the Bears will lose to the Texans etc etc.
Exactally!!! Which is why I have made a Superbowl perdiction.

Steelers vs. Panthers

Yeah, both 2 seeds. But they are probably the only 2 teams not playing with heads in their butts. The Giants seem to be a little distracted by the Bureess incident, the Titans aren't playing like they were and the beginning of the season, neither have the Jets. Patriots are looking ok, but there are still a little iffy. Same with the Colts. Atlanta is ok, but I don't think a rookie quarterback, even as good as Matt Ryan is, can lead them to a Superbowl. Zona... well just look at last week.

The Panthers and the Steelers. That's what I got.

[Ajax]

And I will point out the funny part of your prediction is both teams lost this past weekend. I dont know about the Steelers, yeah there good, yeah there defense is from Jupiter but there offense plays like a third world country. They find ways to win yeah, but eventually (especially in the posteason) thats gonna catch up with them. You need to score more then 14 points in a game if you wanna make it far in the tournament, something they havent done in three weeks.

Carolina is very meh. If you go back to Oct 5th, the Panthers were given an almost cupcake schedual. In that span, those teams that they've lost to are currently already in the playoffs (or in the hunt for a berth) so take that for what its worth lol. Not to mention, should it come to pass, Carolina is notorious for losing important games against the Falcons and havent beat the Cowboys in four years.

[bigddan11]

Sports USA has released their Week 17 broadcast schedule with the following games:
12:30 PM- Chicago at Houston
4 PM- Jacksonville at Baltimore

Also, what I thought would be the Sports USA doubleheader ends up being the first two of the Westwood One triple header.
12:30 PM- NY Giants at Minnesota
3:45 PM- Miami at NY Jets
7:30 PM- Denver at San Diego

[Road to Gotham]

Well the Vikes fumble away their chance to win the division on Sunday.
Now they have to beat the Giants. Or have the Texans beat the Bears.
AP needs to work on ball security over the off season.
I have like the way T-Jack has played in the last 2 1/2 games.
And I thought the Defense played well enough without Pat Williams.
Giants-Panthers game was a Great Game to watch. Very Exciting!

Those IDIOTS, Bucs and Eagles. Both lost and let the Cowboys into the 6th playoff spot. :(
And Here I was so HAPPY watching the highlights of the Ravens running thru the Cowboys D.
Hopefully the Eagles redeem themselves this coming Sunday.

[Lazerboy5000]

And I will point out the funny part of your prediction is both teams lost this past weekend. I dont know about the Steelers, yeah there good, yeah there defense is from Jupiter but there offense plays like a third world country. They find ways to win yeah, but eventually (especially in the posteason) thats gonna catch up with them. You need to score more then 14 points in a game if you wanna make it far in the tournament, something they havent done in three weeks.

Carolina is very meh. If you go back to Oct 5th, the Panthers were given an almost cupcake schedual. In that span, those teams that they've lost to are currently already in the playoffs (or in the hunt for a berth) so take that for what its worth lol. Not to mention, should it come to pass, Carolina is notorious for losing important games against the Falcons and havent beat the Cowboys in four years.
Yeah, they did both lose. But look to who they lost to, the Titans and the Giants, the 1 seeds in their respective conferences. And that's why I really like the Steelers, becuase they have a defence where they might only have to score 14 points. But they should be able to score more in the playoffs. I think the Panthers should be able to at least make it to the NFC Championship game becuase they are virtually unstopable at home.

The Cowboys are also looking really though. They bit one against the Ravens, but I still think they might be a team to watch in the playoffs.

[Ajax]

Yeah, they did both lose. But look to who they lost to, the Titans and the Giants, the 1 seeds in their respective conferences. And that's why I really like the Steelers, becuase they have a defence where they might only have to score 14 points. But they should be able to score more in the playoffs. I think the Panthers should be able to at least make it to the NFC Championship game becuase they are virtually unstopable at home.Yeah they lost to the number 1 seeds but thats what makes those two number 2 seeds such enigmas for the playoffs. The Titans havent been the same team since they lost to the Jets and the Gaints havent been the same team since they lost Cheddar Plax. By all accounts, Pitt and Carolina should of destroyed the teams they were playing. Carolina has yet to be tested and doesnt have one impressive win to date. The Steelers I can see making it to the title game but I also see Big Ben costing them a game (like he did in the three losses they have). But thats just my opinion.

[Lazerboy5000]

Yeah they lost to the number 1 seeds but thats what makes those two number 2 seeds such enigmas for the playoffs. The Titans havent been the same team since they lost to the Jets and the Gaints havent been the same team since they lost Cheddar Plax. By all accounts, Pitt and Carolina should of destroyed the teams they were playing. Carolina has yet to be tested and doesnt have one impressive win to date. The Steelers I can see making it to the title game but I also see Big Ben costing them a game (like he did in the three losses they have). But thats just my opinion.
I see where you're coming from. I totally respect that. So I'm just curious, who do you thinks going to make it to the Superbowl?

[zoombie]

A number 1 seed from one of the conferences almost always makes it to the Superbowl. So the Giants or the Titans will be in the Superbowl probably, but one probably won't.

Now the question is, which 2 seed is better, and which 1 seed is more likely to get picked off. In my opinoin, the Titans are more valunable than the Giants, the Stealers are better than the Panthers.

Giants / Stealers Superbowl is what we probably will have. Though there is a also a chance of a Giant / Colts Superbowl, either way that would be great for the league.

[Ajax]

A number 1 seed from one of the conferences almost always makes it to the Superbowl. So the Giants or the Titans will be in the Superbowl probably, but one probably won't.See my pick is Atlanta, even with a rookie QB. The Giants seem to vulnerable right now, cause all of a sudden Eli doesnt know how to throw the ball down field. They have absolutely no talent at the WR position, their pass rush isnt half of what it was last year and im almost certain the Giants are gonna face a NFC east rivial and you know how those games go. Cheddar Plax not being there is really killing them.


Giants / Stealers Superbowl is what we probably will have. Though there is a also a chance of a Giant / Colts Superbowl, either way that would be great for the league.
I cant see the Giants repeating, and im not saying this as a Cowboys fan. Before Plax shot himself I might of been inclined to pick the Giants but this is the same team as last year minus three of their superstars, I think thats just too much for them to overcome. Remember that theres a big difference between being a team nobody cares about and the defending SB champs.

[bigddan11]

See my pick is Atlanta, even with a rookie QB. The Giants seem to vulnerable right now, cause all of a sudden Eli doesnt know how to throw the ball down field. They have absolutely no talent at the WR position, their pass rush isnt half of what it was last year and im almost certain the Giants are gonna face a NFC east rivial and you know how those games go. Cheddar Plax not being there is really killing them.
I have to disagree with you. Remember that the Eagles had no big name receivers playing the year they went to the Superbowl because Owens was injured until the Superbowl. Also, Burress wasn't even the #1 receiver for the Giants this year. The three RB system the Giants have and home field should be more than enough for the Giants to repeat as NFC Champions. The only team I think might be able to beat them in the NFC is Dallas, but Dallas first has to beat Philadelphia this week and then do what they've struggled at all year- win on the road (3-4 with road losses to St. Louis, Arizona, NY Giants, and Pittsburgh going into Philadelphia for the finale).

[Ajax]

I have to disagree with you. Remember that the Eagles had no big name receivers playing the year they went to the Superbowl because Owens was injured until the Superbowl. Its a good point my friend but lets take a bunch of things into consideration. The Eagles were THE team in their SB year. There was nobody standing in there way. The NFC was a pushover conference that could easily be dominated by one team and that team was the Eagles. They only needed McNabb for those two games to take them to the SB. Remember who they played in the title game, the Atlanta Falcons. This is def not 2003, there is no dominate team as of now in the NFC. There are a bunch of really good, really dangerous teams standing in the Giants way.


Also, Burress wasn't even the #1 receiver for the Giants this year. The three RB system the Giants have and home field should be more than enough for the Giants to repeat as NFC Champions.True but let me throw this at you. TO isnt our #1 WR (in terms of production) either but you could bet your ass that teams would play us a lot differently if he was injuried and out for the season. Plax was a dangerous threat, and allowed Earth Wind and Fire to succeed, but with that threat gone, teams can man up (remember what the Boys did in that game a couple of weeks ago) and stack the line. You know it as much as anyone because were Cowboy fans, receivers dont need to have staggering numbers to change the game.


The only team I think might be able to beat them in the NFC is Dallas, but Dallas first has to beat Philadelphia this week and then do what they've struggled at all year- win on the road (3-4 with road losses to St. Louis, Arizona, NY Giants, and Pittsburgh going into Philadelphia for the finale).I agree with you there, and the Cowboys will have a 4-4 record on the road if they reach the playoffs. Plus if you take into consideration that two of those road losses came with Brad under center, well make what you want of that lol.

[dark knight acolyte]

Well, heading into week 17, there are a few things I feel comfortable with and there are a couple of glaring enigmas:

First of all, everyone seems to think it is a foregone conclusion (at least in these parts, western PA) that Carolina will secure the second seed and bye, but I'm not convinced they'll be able to win easily in New Orleans. While the Panthers running game may be able to control the clock, their anemic defense against a (at least of late) anemic offense in the Giants causes me to wonder how well New Orleans may be able to perform in what I foresee as a shootout. Atlanta should be able to dismantle St. Louis with relative ease, so I'll hesitantly assume Carolina will secure the bye and second seed, but I'm not certain of it.

Therefore, the only question I can really contemplate at this point is: are there teams in the NFC truly equipped to beat a hard-hitting ball-control Giants team in January... in the cold? I'd certainly rule out Dallas, who despite playing a close game had a handful of turnovers against Pittsburgh and were only in it as a result of Pittsburgh's lack of opportunism. The Steelers, not entirely unlike the Giants, are a cold weather team with a tough defense, though their running game has suffered a bit. So, I don't think Dallas can beat Nueve York.

The Falcons are red-hot and if they can secure the second-seed, I think they could be a surprise in the NFC playoff race. However, I don't think they will, and after beating up on overrated Arizona, a second round matchup on the road will be quite the test.

That essentially, with the Eagles being wishy-washy, the Bucs falling apart, the Vikings having no real deep playoff leadership at QB (it's a fact) and Arizona being bust, leaves the Panthers again. We'll see, but I've seen the matchup once already. Both teams played well (outside of run defense) and I see them both shoring up against the run. Edge: Giants.


As for the AFC, the Colts are hot, BUT BUT BUT... despite a recent victory, if the Chargers win the West, they've owned the Colts in recent history and Rivers is just as hot as Manning with just as many targets.

As for the AFC East, a discipline defense can take down Miami's WILDCAT and I don't think Cassel is prepared to face the inevitable no. 6 seed in Baltimore. If either of those teams beat the Ravens, who I assume will beat Jacksonville, it'll be because they shut down the run and prove Flacco a rookie. However, the Ravens are truly a dark horse in my estimation, much more capable of tough, cold January road treks than the Colts or Chargers (which is surprising for me to say considering the Colts recent playoff experience). That leaves the Ravens, Steelers, and Titans. The Steelers swept the Ravens and... perhaps most importantly...

IN spite of five turnovers (could have been eight) a handful of sacks, a bonehead unsportsmanlike call, a tactical error (which they will not make again) not bringing pressure on a long third-and-20 with the lead, and a missed FG, they played neck-to-neck with Tennessee for three quarters. If they clean up half of their errors, they'd have probably went into the final frame with the lead. If they can play a disciplined game, even with Tennessee's health improving, I feel they can beat the Titans. Hands down.



So, my week 16 talkback is that I'm beginning to get a feel for what could happen in the playoffs, though NFL stands for Nobody Figured League.

Nonetheless, early prediction:

SUPERBOWL XLIII- STEELERS VS. GIANTS

[bigddan11]

True but let me throw this at you. TO isnt our #1 WR (in terms of production) either but you could bet your ass that teams would play us a lot differently if he was injuried and out for the season. Plax was a dangerous threat, and allowed Earth Wind and Fire to succeed, but with that threat gone, teams can man up (remember what the Boys did in that game a couple of weeks ago) and stack the line. You know it as much as anyone because were Cowboy fans, receivers dont need to have staggering numbers to change the game.
The thing to consider in that game is that the Giants #1 RB- Brandon Jacobs, was also injured. Sure, Dallas can try and stack the line to stop the run, knowing that they failed when they did this to Clinton Portis and Brandon Jacobs earlier this year, but consider this- Pittsburgh did the same thing to the Giants with a healthy Jacobs and did struggle. Carolina did the same thing with a semi-healthy Jacobs and did struggle. The Ravens were #1 against the rush when the faced the Giants and gave up more than 200 yards rushing in one of the few games Jacobs went over 100 yards this season. Brandon Jacobs is a dangerous force that I believe was the difference in the game against Baltimore, Carolina, and Pittsburgh, and I believe he will be the difference in the playoffs.

[Ajax]

The thing to consider in that game is that the Giants #1 RB- Brandon Jacobs, was also injured. Sure, Dallas can try and stack the line to stop the run, knowing that they failed when they did this to Clinton Portis and Brandon Jacobs earlier this year, but consider this- Pittsburgh did the same thing to the Giants with a healthy Jacobs and did struggle. Carolina did the same thing with a semi-healthy Jacobs and did struggle. The Ravens were #1 against the rush when the faced the Giants and gave up more than 200 yards rushing in one of the few games Jacobs went over 100 yards this season. Brandon Jacobs is a dangerous force that I believe was the difference in the game against Baltimore, Carolina, and Pittsburgh, and I believe he will be the difference in the playoffs.Very true, Jacbos is a big factor in the Giants offensive effectiveness, but I will point out that Pitt did not struggle against Jacobs in that game. Unless i misunderstood what you meant, he only averaged 2.6 for 47 yards and the game against the Raven was not one of the games he went over 100 yards. Like I said, the Giants remind me to much of the 07 Cowboys. There pretty much limping into the playoffs but then again which NFC east team (if they make it) wont be limping into the playoffs. The Cowboys and Eagles are playing as unimpressive as the Giants....so yeah.

[dark knight acolyte]

Very true, Jacbos is a big factor in the Giants offensive effectiveness, but I will point out that Pitt did not struggle against Jacobs in that game. Unless i misunderstood what you meant, he only averaged 2.6 for 47 yards and the game against the Raven was not one of the games he went over 100 yards. Like I said, the Giants remind me to much of the 07 Cowboys. There pretty much limping into the playoffs but then again which NFC east team (if they make it) wont be limping into the playoffs. The Cowboys and Eagles are playing as unimpressive as the Giants....so yeah.

It's not necessarily the yardage he produces alone; its the physical toll he presents and applied on a defense. Derrick Ward averaged over 20 yards per carry in his four rushes following two or more runs by Jacobs this past Sunday, none of them shorter than 10 yards. The strain and acute fatigue he applied on a defensive front creates a cumulative effect that can only be positive for the G-Men.

I'm not arguing against any point you've made; I just wanted to elaborate a bit on the conversation and provide another interesting point.


While I don't think either conference is a lock, I do feel the Giants will be the toughest team to oust in the NFL playoffs.

[Ajax]

While I don't think either conference is a lock, I do feel the Giants will be the toughest team to oust in the NFL playoffs.Yeah the NFL is a funny place. When the Cowboys beat the Giants in week 15, all of a sudden they became the hot team in the NFC, one that resembled the Giants of a year ago, then they suffer a crushing defeat at the hands of the Ravens. The Giants entering week 16 looked lost, vunlerable and confused without there key players and now there back to tip top shape for the playoffs. The Vikings looked like they might of found lighting in a bottle with Jackson as QB, but lose to Atlanta. The only point here is, its almost impossible to predict whos gonna becoming out of the NFC because its been one big kind of rollercoaster. And the Divisional Playoff round might represent a third divisonal game for both of the top two seeds and you know how crazy those games can be. Thats why Im picking Atlanta, there the only team riding any kind of winning streak.