Let's Talk about The NFL week # 15 ..... Who do you like ... What we Learned the week before ..

[Betallsports]

Well I can finally relax a little as there is no way I can Cash in the Westgate Super Contest.
But I won't give up and not put my weekly picks in, because I like to see how I Finish either way.

The last time I collected from the LVH/Westgate was 2011 for over $27K
So I'm still ahead of the game...

So let's get with what we Learned from last weeks games......

We learned that Someone on the oakland Raiders team must have screwed one of the Refs Wifes ... a bunch of Bad calls, and one that I thought was costly, but was called.

Anyway, KC continues to win games, winning 20 of their last 23 regular season games. ( Just Crazy )
will it continue this week vs. Tenn ??

Speaking of the Titans ... Couldn't believe the Broncos couldn't get past them last week
Still alive in the playoff picture, but they will need to Win and get a lot of help.

We Learned that the Redskins can bounce back after losing two in a row, Facing the eagles will do that to a team ;-)
Now they get an extra day off and get ready to play the Panthers.
and we also get to see Josh Norman face his old team ... Should be a Great Game for Monday Night !

We learned another team got to bounce back, the Miami Dolphins after getting trashed by the Ravens took care of business vs the Cards
I of course fell for the trap in that game. Contest had +1, but line was -2 on the Cards, so thinking I got value, I got screwed thanks to Palmer
who has looked horrible lately... and he's not even Hurt !
But this week the Dolphins will have to depend on their backup QB after Starting QB Tannehill hurt his Knee.
Moore looked good coming in, but he now faces the NYJ who know him well.
The Fish have also been working with TJ yates as well, just in case.... BTW, this is a Saturday Game****

It's been a long time but we Learned that the Houston Texans Can win in INDY ... Yeah the Colts looked Great trashing the JETS
But not so much last week.
The Texans are now the #4 seed in the AFC, and at 7-6 doesn't say much about the AFC ... other than the Pats and KC
I still don't like the Texans and still believe they are not what we think they are... But they do get to play the Jags this week, so that should help their cause.

As a JETS fan, Yes I have been happy ( not that happy ) but Happy to see them lose over the past few weeks. and Would love to see them Lose Out. But Playing the 49ers didn't Help my cause ... and being down 17-0 in the first half last week, I thought I would be happier ... But they made a Come back and showed you just how Bad the 49ers really are.

It will be a good game on Saturday vs. the Dolphins we expect Snow, rain and Winds in NJ ... so who knows what happens

Speaking of BAD teams ... How about them RAMS
Wow... and Shame on me taking them last week.
Thought they matched up well against the Falcons. Thought Gurley would Run wild against the Falcons. Thought jared Goff would Break out and show what he was made of after a couple of weeks under center.

Well I LEARNED none of the Above.

Now how will they react to Fisher being Fired ?? Does it even matter as they face the Seachickens tonight. a Team that NEEDS this game ... Well I guess the word Need is too much.. they are currently the #3 Seed in the NFC, and at 8-4-1, need is the wrong word.
I guess talking about Gambling, the better question is Will they cover the 15 ?? Yes it has dropped from as high as 16.5, now down to 15
Why ?? I don't think it's a Buy back of any kind ..

Not sure what to make of the line drop. Yes it has been the largest spread thus far. But we are talking about the RAMS here.
They just lost Quinn, Cunningham, and Alexander.
I just might look to play the Total here, but not sure yet.
As of Right now, I see 14.5 at the Wynn.

We Learned that the Green Bay packers are finally looking like the Team we thought they would be.
Now I can use the word NEED. Because GB is still alive and NEEDS this game. They face the Bears in Chicago where they have beaten them multiple times.
The Bears have played well lately, even in the loss vs. the Lions last week.
But when the Packers "need" a Win, they usually get it and are pretty good in Dec.
I probably won't use them in the contest because i would have to lay 6.5, but currently at 5.5 they are worth a wager.

I'll be back with Injuries, weather and Harrison's picks

BOL !

 

[3pointdog]

i think the reason we are seeing -15 from -16.5 is the group of math guys (i have heard of out west) seeing value in the dog with a low total of 39...for them its numbers.... But i cannot back the rams... and if gun to head, seahawks at home after last weeks sunday night game... give me seattle....

 

[Betallsports]

It's business as usual for quarterback Andrew Luck.


As expected, the Colts quarterback returned to practice Thursday while nursing shoulder and elbow injuries. He was officially limited.


Luck has been hampered by injuries all season long but has missed just one game, a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Steelers. The Colts are behind the eight-ball after losing to the Texans on Sunday and need their best player in the lineup if there's any chance of them overtaking Houston for the AFC South division lead with three games left.

Ian Rapoport ✔ @RapSheet
As #Colts QB Andrew Luck nurses shoulder soreness… @JimIrsay told me there is “no plan for surgery, certainly not on his throwing shoulder.”
11:19 AM - 15 Dec 2016

Tight end Dwayne Allen was also seen at the portion of practice open to the media. Allen has been dealing with a hip injury. He was held without a catch Sunday and was only targeted twice in the passing game.




Here are some other notable injuries we're tracking Thursday:



1. Falcons receiver Julio Jones isn't practicing. Jones missed Sunday's win against the Rams as he deals with a toe sprain. Atlanta faces the struggling 49ers on Sunday.


2. Packers running back James Starks was placed into the concussion protocol after he was involved in a car accident Monday, coach Mike McCarthy said, also noting that Starks was otherwise OK. If Starks can't play Sunday, Ty Montgomery and Christine Michael would pick up the slack in the running game.


3. Bills receiver Sammy Watkins is returning to practice. Watkins previously stated this week he wants to play out the rest of the season despite lingering foot issues, even if the Bills are mathematically eliminated from making the playoffs before the season is over. Tight end Charles Clay (knee) is also practicing.


4. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (shoulder) didn't throw in the open portion of practice for the second straight day and was limited. Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (back) also was limited and linebacker Luke Kuechly (concussion) was a full participant.

Joe Person ✔ @josephperson
Ron Rivera says MRI was clean on Cam Newton: "We're just going to bring him along. We're not going to overwork him."
2:56 PM - 15 Dec 2016

5. Cowboys wideout Dez Bryant was limited at practice with a back injury.


6. Jets running back Matt Forte will be a game-time decision against the Dolphins on Saturday. Forte tore his meniscus in his knee Sunday against the 49ers and exited the game in the first quarter.


Wideout Brandon Marshall told reporters he will be on a pitch count for the game while dealing with back, foot and knee injuries. Defensive lineman Steve McLendon will miss the game with a hamstring injury.


7. Buccaneers wide receiver Adam Humphries has been cleared from the concussion protocol and should play Sunday night against the Cowboys. Tampa Bay's receiver depth has been thin with the losses of Vincent Jackson and Cecil Shorts to injured reserve earlier in the year.


8. Texans tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz is still not practicing and remains in the concussion protocol. He has become one of Brock Osweiler's favorite weapons.


9. Lions running back Theo Riddick is still not practicing with a wrist injury. Riddick was a surprise scratch before Sunday's win over the Bears and the backfield duties fell to Dwayne Washington and Zach Zenner. Zenner himself suffered a concussion.


10. Bears receivers Eddie Royal (toe) and Marquess Wilson (groin) didn't practice.


11. Bengals wideout A.J. Green (hamstring) was limited in practice again.


12. The Rams placed defensive end Robert Quinn (concussion) and running back Benny Cunningham (neck) on injured reserve.


13. Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford was limited with a shoulder injury.


14. Packers defensive tackle Mike Daniels was added to the injury report with a shoulder injury after not previously being listed. Wideout Randall Cobb (ankle) and running back Ty Montgomery (shoulder) were limited also.


15. Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (shoulder) was limited.


16. Saints running back Mark Ingram was limited with toe and knee injuries. Fellow running back Daniel Lasco (hamstring, knee) was also limited, as well as wideout Michael Thomas (foot).


17. Chargers guard Orlando Franklin (rib) was limited at practice.


18. Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (shoulder) was limited at practice.

 

[Betallsports]

[h=1]What to watch for in Rams vs. Seahawks on 'TNF'[/h]
These are wild times in the NFC West.


The Seattle Seahawks were strolling toward a division title and another first-round bye until Earl Thomas nearly "retired" following his season-ending injury on Sunday Night Football in Week 13. One week later, Seattle's Legion of Boom looks doomed after an evisceration at the hands of Aaron Rodgers. In addition, a fully healthy Russell Wilson, coming off the five-pick outing, appears completely unlike himself for the first time this season.


Meanwhile, way down the I-5, the Los Angeles Rams are in the midst of their own turmoil. Jeff Fisher is out, the victim of his fifth straight losing season as coach of the transplanted team. John Fassel takes the interim reins in Fisher's stead on a short week, embarking on his first head coaching gig in professional football with little time to plan. Todd Gurley is shying away from the media after labeling the Rams' offense a "middle school" operation. And then there's Jared Goff, the first overall pick whose debut was delayed deep into the season and, if his game tape against the Falcons is any indication, rightly so.


The two Pacific foes meet Thursday night with different agendas. For the Seahawks, it's a get-right game: Correct whatever errors sabotaged last week's disaster and move on with clear eyes toward January. For the Rams, it's a get-up-or-get-lost game: With little left to play for but honor, who really wants to be here and who's cashed it in?


The Rams have had Seattle's number, winning the previous three games by a combined 15 points, including an early-season 9-3 snoozefest at the Coliseum. But for both teams, this is a new season. Week 2 seems like ages ago as the Rams and Seahawks look ahead to daunting futures.


Can Los Angeles pull off the upset in the Emerald City, or will the Seahawks right their wrongs?


Here's what to watch for when the Rams (4-9) look to ground the Seahawks (8-4-1) at Century Link Field on Thursday Night Football, exclusively on NFL Network, NBC and Twitter:



1. What is wrong with the Seahawks? Is there anything wrong with the Seahawks? These are week-to-week queries that produce different answers every time they're asked. Two weeks ago in Tampa Bay, it was the offensive line struggling to protect Wilson and Thomas Rawls against an underappreciated Buccaneers front. Back at home against Carolina, those issues evaporated in a 40-7 cakewalk, only to arise once again at Lambeau Field last week. Adding to the offense's bipolar identity is the sudden vulnerability of a Thomas-less secondary, one that got exposed right from the very first drive in Green Bay. Is it too easy to blame Seattle's schizo play on home and away metrics? (The Seahawks are undefeated at the CLink this season, but are 2-4-1 on the road, including their Week 2 loss to L.A.) Maybe, but the inconsistency on both sides of the ball should have Seahawks fans worried going forward.


2. Of all the lasting relics of the Fisher era in Rams Land, Goff might be the most troubling. While we're not ones to overreact to a rookie quarterback's baby steps in the pros, Goff's production in his first four games has inspired little confidence in his critics, his teammates and the Rams' fan base, which clamored for his debut weekly while Case Keenum admirably drudged along through QB purgatory. Do the Rams have buyer's remorse with Goff, or at least starter's remorse? By all metrics, the Rams' offense has performed worse under Goff than under Keenum. Not only are the Rams winless under the rookie (Keenum was 4-5), but they are averaging 71 yards fewer per games and are going to Gurley, their most-skilled offensive player, on a fewer percentage of plays. That's no recipe for success with a rookie QB, and it makes you wonder whether Fisher should have ever caved and started the first-year.
And now, Goff has to take on what many consider to be the most aggressive, threatening secondary in the league in their building. Richard Sherman and the 'Hawks think so little of Goff that the cornerback said Tuesday that they aren't even game planning for Goff to get past his third read against them. A silver lining for the wayward rook is the aforementioned absence of Thomas, the quarterback of a Seattle defense that looked lost against a future Hall of Famer last week. Can Goff channel Rodgers and take advantage of a hampered Seahawks secondary, or will the rookie fall flat on his face in his first prime-time game?


3. The Rams' answer to beating the Seahawks on their last three go-arounds has been one-fold: Pressure Russell Wilson. No group has harassed and disrupted Wilson better than Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn and Co. over the past two seasons. The same could be true once again on Thursday night. Wilson was pressured into five interceptions against the Packers last week, in part due to his porous offensive line, which has been Seattle's Achilles' heel since last season. Wilson has been sacked 20 times in his last six games and 12 times in his last three meetings with the Rams. Los Angeles' secondary is vulnerable on the back end and miscommunicates often, but Wilson won't exploit those weaknesses if he's on his back all game.


4. Because of Seattle's aforementioned home-road splits, securing a first-round bye should be a prime concern for the Seahawks. This makes Thursday's contest -- and really every one going forward -- a crucial one. Barring a total collapse and a Cardinals revelation, Seattle is guaranteed an NFC West title, but a bye is no certainty. The Seahawks have the easiest remaining strength of schedule in the NFL (.269), and even with a sweep of their division rivals, they'll need help to get a first-round bye. Detroit currently holds the second seed but is up against a murderer's row (@NYG, @DAL, GB) down the stretch. If Seattle puts away Los Angeles, it will be in good shape to earn a bye and pave an easier path to Arlington.


5. For those aesthetically inclined, this week's Color Rush is a doozy. The Rams are debuting white horns on their navy helmets for the first time since the days of Rosey Grier, a look that could be a preview of a rebrand to come. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are going full Charlie Kelly and wearing straight neon green in an attempt to 1) fry our retinas and 2) blend in with nearby green screens, rendering themselves invisible to the naked eye and Rams tacklers.

 

[Betallsports]

Elliot Harrison went 11-5 on his predictions for Week 14, giving him a record of 137-69-2 thus far this season. How will he fare in Week 15? His picks are below:

Thursday 8:25 PM ET NBC/NFLN 27 13
Well, we'll see if John Fassel can pull a rabbit out of a hat ... or a 3-yard run out from behind this DeVry, er, Rams offensive line. Jared Goff is still an inexperienced quarterback taking on what should be an extremely ticked-off Seahawks defense coming off a blowout loss to the Packers. Not good. You would expect Russell Wilson to rebound following his five-interception performance last week, but his recent history versus these Rams says otherwise: Over his last four games against Los Angeles, Wilson has thrown only three touchdown passes to go with three interceptions, and the Seahawks lost all but one of those games. The Seattle win here will come on the strength of the defense at home putting the offense in favorable positions.

Side note: You have my pick for Thursday night, but be sure to make yours, as well. Go to NFL.com/budlight to vote for "Which Can will Win" or use #RamsCan or #SeahawksCan on Twitter.

#LAvsSEA

 

[RedWhiteBlue]

Look for Vikings to destroy a Colts team that should be missing 3 of their starting Offensive lineman. Not to mention Peterson comes back. Even if he isn't in great form, it should be an emotional pick up for Vikings.

The game I am eagerly awaiting is the Cowboys game. Prescott finally starting to lose ats and then straight up last game. Let's see how he responds after a bad game against a tough defense. If he falters does the start Romo whispering turn into chants?

 

[Betallsports]

o view each team's tiebreaker explanations, scenarios and remaining schedule, click on the team name.

AFC Seed Team Division Record 1 New England East 11-2-0 2 Kansas City West 10-3-0 3 Pittsburgh North 8-5-0 4 Houston South 7-6-0 5 Oakland West 10-3-0 6 Denver West 8-5-0 Still Alive Seed Team Division Record 7 Miami East 8-5-0 8 Baltimore North 7-6-0 9 Tennessee South 7-6-0 10 Indianapolis South 6-7-0 11 Buffalo East 6-7-0 12 Cincinnati North 5-7-1 13 San Diego West 5-8-0 Eliminated Seed Team Division Record 14 N.Y. Jets East 4-9-0 15 Jacksonville South 2-11-0 16 Cleveland North 0-13-0

NFC Seed Team Division Record 1 (x) Dallas East 11-2-0 2 Detroit North 9-4-0 3 Seattle West 9-4-1 4 Atlanta South 8-5-0 5 N.Y. Giants East 9-4-0 6 Tampa Bay South 8-5-0 Still Alive Seed Team Division Record 7 Washington East 7-5-1 8 Minnesota North 7-6-0 9 Green Bay North 7-6-0 10 Arizona West 5-7-1 11 New Orleans South 5-8-0 12 Carolina South 5-8-0 13 Philadelphia East 5-8-0 Eliminated Seed Team Division Record 14 Los Angeles West 4-10-0 15 Chicago North 3-10-0 16 San Francisco West 1-12-0

Divisional Standings

Legend: ( X ) -clinched playoff berth | ( Y ) -denotes division winner | ( Z ) -denotes first-round bye | ( * ) -clinched home-field advantage
[h=2]Playoff Picture Scenarios: Week 15[/h] Playoff Scenarios: Week 15

AFC Scenarios:		NFC Scenarios:
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS New England can clinch the AFC East division title with: 1) NE win or tie OR 2) MIA loss or tie New England can clinch a first-round bye with: 1) NE win or tie OR 2) MIA loss or tie + PIT loss or tie OR 3) MIA loss or tie + KC win KANSAS CITY CHIEFS Kansas City can clinch a playoff berth with: 1) KC win OR 2) KC tie + MIA loss OR 3) KC tie + DEN loss or tie OR 4) DEN loss + BAL loss or tie OR 5) DEN loss + PIT loss or tie OAKLAND RAIDERS Oakland can clinch a playoff berth with: 1) OAK win OR 2) OAK tie + MIA loss OR 3) OAK tie + DEN loss OR 4) OAK tie + MIA tie + DEN tie OR 5) OAK tie + MIA tie + KC win OR 6) MIA loss + PIT loss or tie + DEN loss OR 7) MIA loss + PIT loss or tie + KC win or tie OR 8) MIA loss + BAL loss or tie + DEN loss OR 9) MIA loss + BAL loss or tie + KC win or tie		DALLAS COWBOYS Dallas can clinch the NFC East division title and a first-round bye with: 1) DAL win + NYG loss or tie OR 2) DAL tie + NYG loss Dallas can clinch home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs with: 1) DAL win + NYG/DET tie DETROIT LIONS Detroit can clinch the NFC North division title with: 1) DET win + GB loss or tie OR 2) DET tie + GB loss + MIN loss or tie NEW YORK GIANTS New York can clinch a playoff berth with: 1) NYG win + WAS loss + MIN loss or tie + GB loss or tie
AFC clinches:		NFC clinches:
None.		SEATTLE clinched the NFC West division title (Week 15). DALLAS clinched a playoff berth (Week 13).

During the regular season, the seeds reflect how the playoffs would stand if the season ended up to that point. The NFL playoffs are not based on a pure bracket system. In the divisional playoffs, the No. 1 seed is assured of playing the lowest-seeded Wild Card survivor. There are no restrictions on intra-division games and the higher seed of any matchup will have home-field advantage.

 

[Bad_Cat]

Good luck this week BAS

 

[Betallsports]

[h=3]Green Bay at Chicago, 1 p.m.[/h]

• Weather factors: Bitter cold, breezy.
• Temperatures will struggle to rise much above zero.
• With west to northwest winds, wind chills in the 10s below zero are expected.
• Cover all exposed skin and dress in layers if you're headed to Soldier Field Sunday.
• Record coldest game at Soldier Field: 2 degrees on Dec. 22, 2008, versus the Packers.
• There have been only seven NFL games on record played in subzero cold, most recently, an NFC playoff game last January between the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
• Record coldest wind chill at Soldier Field: -15 degrees on Dec. 18, 1983, versus the Packers (credit: Chicago Tribune).
• Considering that used the old wind chill index calculation, which was much colder than the current index, this record may be broken Sunday.
• Interestingly, the coldest Bears/Packers game in Green Bay was a mere 6 degrees on Nov. 28, 1976 (credit: packers.com).

[h=3]Cleveland at Buffalo, 1 p.m.[/h]

• Weather factors: Not nearly as cold as other locations, but windy; A snow flurry or two are possible
• Wind will be the biggest concern.
• This is a matchup between the two worst weather NFL cities, among those who play home games outdoors.
• A Dec. 16, 2007 game between these teams in Cleveland ended 8-0 in a snowstorm. It was the first 8-0 NFL game since Nov. 10, 1929. Passing was nearly impossible, so the teams resorted to running, which was also nearly impossible given the snow.

[h=3]Detroit at New York Giants, 1 p.m.[/h]

• Weather factors: Rain, windy, turning colder. Rain could turn to snow if overtime occurs.
• A cold front will likely be sweeping through during the game, so temperatures will fall.
• Rain will be accompanied by brisk west winds with the frontal passage.
• Last week, the Lions missed out on the elements in their climate-controlled home of Ford Field.

[h=3]Philadelphia at Baltimore, 1 p.m.[/h]

• Weather factors: Rain, windy, turning colder.
• This is basically the same forecast as just up Interstate 95 in New Jersey.
• Bring your rain jackets for the game. The wind will add a raw feel, despite being much less cold than other games.

[h=3]Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.[/h]

• Weather factors: Cold and breezy.
• We can't rule out a lingering flurry, but the main weather component here will be the cold (20s for highs, at best).
• Nagging northwest winds will lead to wind chills in the single digits and teens.
• So, no, this won't be the snowy game played in November 1976 at Riverfront Stadium, and it won't come close to the infamous 1981 AFC Championship "Freezer Bowl".

Wide receiver Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs breaks beyond the Oakland Raiders last line of defense en route to a punt return touchdown at Arrowhead Stadium during the second quarter of the game on December 8, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Peter Aiken/Getty Images)




[h=3]Tennessee at Kansas City, 1 p.m.[/h]

• Weather factors: Very cold
• For the second straight game, Arrowhead Stadium will host a frigid NFL game.
• Titans QB Marcus Mariota, born and raised in Honolulu and a University of Oregon alumnus, said this "will probably be the coldest game I've ever played."
• Record coldest game at Arrowhead Stadium: -6 degrees on Jan. 7, 1996, versus the Indianapolis Colts (source: nfl.com).
• Sunday could have the coldest high temperature in Kansas City since March 2, 2014, when the high only reached 5 degrees.
• Fortunately, winds should be light, and there should be plenty of sunshine.
• On Dec. 8, the host Chiefs beat the Oakland Raiders in a key AFC West battle played with wind chills in the single digits.

[h=3]New England at Denver, 4:25 p.m.[/h]

• Weather factors: Cold.
• It won't be windy, but breezes may plunge wind chills into the teens or 20s.
• Record coldest game in Denver: 9 degrees on Dec. 10, 1972, versus the San Diego Chargers (source: NFL.com).
• The Patriots and Broncos played in a "Mile-High" snowstorm in November 1979. Fortunately, not a concern this time.

 

[Betallsports]

Elliot Harrison went 11-5 on his predictions for Week 14, giving him a record of 137-69-2 thus far this season. How will he fare in Week 15? His picks are below:

Saturday 8:25 PM ET NFL NETWORK 24 14
I like Bryce Petty. A lot. But at this point, the Jets' second-year man is not as experienced as veteran Miami backup Matt Moore, and the Dolphins have much to play for this week. They're currently the seventh seed in the AFC -- or, in other words, the best team on the outside of the playoff picture. And even that position is tenuous, to say the least. No less than the Broncos (who currently project as the final wild-card team), Ravens and Titans are eyeing that last spot. Thus, a win in New York is very much needed.

Hard to believe, but Miami has won seven of eight games. Obviously, Moore stepping in for the injured Ryan Tannehill presents an interesting twist to the back end of the season, but given that the Jets are allowing more yards per game (355.5) than they have in any season since 1989, I think the QB2 will find a few openings to exploit. #MIAvsNYJ



Sunday 1 PM ET FOX 26 16
The only thing this matchup needs is icy conditions -- and for the Bears' 3-10 record to be inverted. OK, so the last thing won't happen, but Packers- Bears is always fun, especially when at least one of the teams has something to play for. In this case, Green Bay is hoping the Lions falter in a tough matchup against the Giants, so they can gain a game in their pursuit of the NFC North leaders. The Packers are also hoping Aaron Rodgers isn't limping around out there. Obviously, Bears quarterback Matt Barkley won't be able to keep up with Rodgers in a track meet. So it's up to an improving Chicago defense to hold the fort. You know which D really has been holding it down lately? Green Bay's. Dom Capers' unit has allowed 36 points over the last three games. Total. #GBvsCHI



Sunday 1 PM ET CBS 37 13
This could be a close game, or this could be one of those deals where a group of guys play for their embattled head coach. The media in Buffalo continually peppered Rex Ryan about his defense getting run over the last several weeks. Methinks that group will ball out against an easy target. Of course, will pummeling the winless Browns solve anything for the Bills? Probably not, as it looks like the wild-card ship has sailed for them. Still, Buffalo could run the table and finish 9-7 -- which would mean handing another loss to the Dolphins, who are starting a backup quarterback at the moment and are among the frontrunners for that final AFC wild-card spot. Meanwhile, if Cleveland is to get win No. 1, Isaiah Crowell must go off, à la Le'Veon Bell -- or at least post 110 rushing yards, so that the outcome doesn't rest on the Browns' passing game. #CLEvsBUF



Sunday 1 PM ET FOX 28 14
Don't like the Eagles this week, mainly because their offensive skill players aren't going to do jack against the Ravens. Carson Wentz has watched his rookie season head south, but what's he supposed to do, throw the football to himself? Philadelphia lacked the firepower to beat the defenses of the Redskins, Bengals and Packers -- and none of those units rank top 10. So have fun with the league's fourth-best D in Baltimore. Now, in fairness, the Ravens were riddled for nearly 500 yards by the Patriots on Monday. But in fairness, Carson Wentz is not Tom Brady, and you would take New England's wideouts and LeGarrette Blount over whomever the Eagles are trotting out there. We haven't even talked about the Eagles on the road, where they're 1-6 and the defense has been ransacked to the tune of 25.7 points allowed per game. Ransacked. Not sure that word works there, but we're going with it. You're along for the ride. #PHIvsBAL



Sunday 1 PM ET CBS 26 20
The Titans will have a bit more trouble with the Chiefs than they did with the Broncos last week. Alex Smith will be able to deal with the Tennessee pass rush better than the hobbled Trevor Siemian did. Moreover, unlike Denver, Kansas City can run the football, and Spencer Ware will provide some semblance of balance for the Chiefs. Marcus Mariota probably has never heard noise in an NFL stadium as loud as what he'll hear in Arrowhead. (And has never played in an environment so friggin' frigid.) The good news for the Titans is that they're a pretty straightforward team -- we don't see Peyton Manning-esque histrionics from Mariota, as the quarterback is not changing plays at the line much. Will DeMarco Murray and that third-ranked Tennessee ground game be enough? Don't think so. Kansas City has won 20 of its last 23 regular-season games. #TENvsKC



Sunday 1 PM ET CBS 28 21
The Steelers travel to Cincinnati for the first time since that wild playoff game last January. Emotions always run high with these two teams, so even if the Bengals' playoff hopes are scant -- minuscule -- they should give Pittsburgh all it can handle. Worth noting is how much Cincinnati struggled with the Browns' Isaiah Crowell last week. Good thing that front seven doesn't face an explosive RB this week ... Can Le'Veon Bell approach 236 rushing yards again? Won't need to. Even prior to the Bills game, Bell racked up big days versus the Cowboys, Browns and Giants. He's been the best running back in the league over the last month. The Steelers do need Ben Roethlisberger to play better away from Heinz. His passer rating on the road is more than 40 points lower than it is at home. And these Bengals are playing much better on defense. Ahh, the Eagles and Browns are always good for skewing data. #PITvsCIN



Sunday 1 PM ET FOX 26 24
Wow. Talk about a tough game to pick. I'm going with the Giants, with no disrespect to a Lions team that repeatedly has found ways to win in the fourth quarter this season. In fact, Detroit has trailed in the fourth quarter in all but one game thus far. That is truly an incredible stat, given the Lions' record. Each team has won eight games decided by seven points or less, tied for the most in the NFL. Detroit has turned the ball over just 10 times, tied for third-lowest in the NFL. New York has 16 takeaways since Week 7, tied for second-most in the NFL in that span. Each team is 9-4. Holy cow -- you can stress yourself out picking these things. Going with the home team here. #DETvsNYG



Sunday 1 PM ET CBS 20 17
Yet another difficult game to call here, but after much consternation, I'm going with the Vikings at home. As for the quarterback matchup, Andrew Luck > Sam Bradford. The Vikings' offense has struggled all season, while Luck, despite struggling last week, always seems to find at least one big play (SEE: T.Y. Hilton's vertical touchdown last week.) But though I think Luck is capable, the overall matchup and the way Minnesota's defense plays at home looks like too steep a hill to climb. Unfortunately for Indy, it's not just about quarterbacks in this game. Case in point: Luck's protection (or lack thereof). He's been pelted 96 times this season, most in the league. The Vikings are second in NFL with 97 QB hits. Yeeesh. Sure would be nice to see Sam Bradford put together back-to-back quality starts. #INDvsMIN



Sunday 1 PM ET CBS 21 14
The Texans get a defensive touchdown to go along with two Lamar Miller scores, besting the Jaguars in Houston and remaining atop the AFC South. The Texans are yet to lose in the division, and I don't see that happening this week, either. Although I don't anticipate Brock Osweiler improving on his middling campaign against what has become a top-notch pass defense this season. Osweiler completes only 18 percent -- 18 PERCENT -- of his passes that travel more than 20 yards in the air. So the Jags are fine on the back end. If they are to have a chance, though, Blake Bortles must stay turnover-free again. He was able to manage no giveaways against that stout Vikings defense, but the Jacksonville offense as a whole couldn't muster enough points to win. Houston has won five straight against this team. Make it six. #JAXvsHOU



Sunday 4:05 PM ET FOX 30 23
Not the best matchup for a Saints offense that has struggled mightily the last two weeks. Drew Brees has failed to throw a touchdown in consecutive starts, but has managed to toss six interceptions in that span. New Orleans is generally worse away from the Superdome, which makes it harder to pick against Arizona this week -- no matter the Cards' middling record. While the Saints' offense is still ranked No. 1 (even though the unit isn't playing like it), the Cardinals' defense is No. 1 in its own right. Neither unit here is playing as well as its stats, but Arizona has lost only two games at home all season. We'll see if Dennis Allen's D can keep the Saints in the game like last week. #NOvsAZ



Sunday 4:05 PM ET FOX 31 13
This won't be a fun game for the 49ers. Was listening to Sirius XM NFL Radio talk about Colin Kaepernick's recent record as a starter. They spoke of his 3-18 mark over his last 21 starts -- as in, What else do the 49ers need to evaluate? It's a shame for a player who was once so scary to opponents that not only did this franchise almost win a Super Bowl, but felt confident enough in Kaepernick to deal Alex Smith. Kap won't get any help from a defense that is horrific against the run. Make sure Tevin Coleman AND Devonta Freeman are in your fantasy lineups. On the whole, the 49ers are giving up a whopping 415.3 yards per game, which is on pace to be among the five worst defensive performances since the merger. #SFvsATL



Sunday 4:25 PM ET CBS 30 27
Last time these two teams met, we saw a barnburner straight out of the AFL. The Chargers wouldn't say die in Oakland ... until they couldn't handle the hold on a game-tying field-goal attempt. Both teams' defenses have improved since that Week 5 clash, but expect a fair share of points to be scored Sunday. Despite improvement, the Raiders' defense is still not in the top half of the league, while San Diego might be trying to get after Derek Carr sans Joey Bosa (or with a compromised Joey Bosa). Speaking of which, Carr should be plenty motivated to perform after another poor outing versus the Chiefs. Interesting sidebar: Carr has taken 100 percent of his snaps from the shotgun or pistol since injuring his pinkie. Bruised feelings for Philip Rivers, who has appeared weary from the struggle the last couple of outings. And he won't have a healthy Melvin Gordon this week. #OAKvsSD



Sunday 4:25 PM ET CBS 22 17
Yet another rivalry game for the Patriots, in so much as they lost the AFC championship in Denver last season in a bitterly fought battle. The difference this time around will be none other than LeGarrette Blount, who was unavailable for last year's title defense in the postseason, but who has played his butt off this year. If you recall, New England trotted Steven Jackson out there at tailback last January. When the offense became one-dimensional, Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware started teeing off. Blount crossed the 1,000-yard barrier Monday night versus the Ravens, and will be facing the league's 29th-ranked run defense. Can you believe that? Thought Trevor Siemian played well in Tennessee, especially considering all the duress he was under. But my concern is that the Broncos could get down two scores in the first half, forcing the young QB to press. Going with the Pats on Sunday. #NEvsDEN



Sunday 8:30 PM ET NBC 24 20
Believing in Ezekiel Elliott here. If Zeke truly is league MVP, then he'll get his against the hottest defense in the league. The Cowboys' passing game has been downright cold for weeks now. Dak Prescott has been provided time to throw, but either isn't seeing the field well or is in a slump. Last week, he was just 7 for 21 from a clean pocket, according to stats maven Pro Football Focus. Dallas can ill-afford a repeat of that performance against a defense that is allowing 12.8 points per game over its last five (lowest in the NFL since Week 10). As for Jameis Winston, he'll be asked to put up points Sunday night. Can he do it? The huge uptick in the play of the Cowboys' defense has been as shocking a development in Dallas as the 11-2 record. The 'Boys have allowed 25 points combined over the last two weeks. If they cover Mike Evans, Cowboys win. #TBvsDAL



Monday 8:30 PM ET ESPN 34 21
Unusual contest this Monday night between the Panthers and Redskins -- or at least it appears that way. Washington was the one NFC team most analysts thought would fail to return to the postseason in 2016. If the Redskins win out, I think they're in. The team wasn't sure about Kirk Cousins, yet he has repeated his sterling performance from 2015. As for Carolina, the sure bet to return to the playoffs has been no deal, with a big reason for this being the mediocre play of quarterback Cam Newton. Everyone thought he'd turned the corner to unstoppable force in his MVP run last season. Of course, the Panthers' corners haven't exactly been playmakers -- although the secondary as a whole played quite well last week. Cousins picks on them this week, to the tune of 340 yards and three touchdowns. DeSean Jackson tracks another moon shot, and the Redskins move to 8-5-1. They're making the playoffs. #CARvsWAS

 

[Betallsports]

Philadelphia Eagles at

Baltimore Ravens
SUN
1:00 PM ET

Rainy
According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 54° F and with a 52% chance of rain and 12 MPH wind in Baltimore at 1:00 PM ET.

Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Weather Underground Forecast.io
Showers and moderate temperatures are expected for Sunday afternoon's game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The slick conditions alongside gusty winds blowing diagonally across the field will make passing and kicking difficult.

Cleveland Browns at

Buffalo Bills
SUN
1:00 PM ET

Partly Cloudy
According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 25° F and with a 0% chance of and 16 MPH wind in Orchard Park at 1:00 PM ET.

Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Weather Underground Forecast.io
A slight chance of snow may make for some slick conditions during Sunday afternoon's game at New Era Field in Buffalo. Temperatures will be cold, and breezy conditions may force both teams to rely on their running games to reduce turnovers.

Green Bay Packers at

Chicago Bears
SUN
1:00 PM ET

Partly Cloudy
According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 10° F and with a 0% chance of and 12 MPH wind in Chicago at 1:00 PM ET.

Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Weather Underground Forecast.io
Sunny skies and cold temperatures are expected for Sunday afternoon's NFC North matchup at Soldier Field. Gusty winds blowing diagonally across the field will make passing difficult, and ball security will be an issue with the cold conditions.

Pittsburgh Steelers at

Cincinnati Bengals
SUN
1:00 PM ET

Cloudy
According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 28° F and with a 0% chance of and 9 MPH wind in Cincinnati at 1:00 PM ET.

Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Weather Underground Forecast.io
Cloudy skies and cold temperatures are expected for Sunday afternoon's AFC North matchup at Paul Brown Stadium. Both teams will look to take advantage of field direction with a light-to-moderate breeze blowing from end zone to end zone.

Jacksonville Jaguars at

Houston Texans
SUN
1:00 PM ET

Domed Stadium
This game takes place inside a domed stadium so weather should not be a factor.

Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Weather Underground Forecast.io
Temperatures in the low 40s will keep the roof of NRG Stadium closed for Sunday afternoon's game, so weather will be a non-factor.

Tennessee Titans at

Kansas City Chiefs
SUN
1:00 PM ET

Clear
According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 9° F and with a 0% chance of and 4 MPH wind in Kansas City at 1:00 PM ET.

Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Weather Underground Forecast.io
Clear skies and extremely cold temperatures may keep the offenses limited during Sunday afternoon's game at Arrowhead Stadium. Turnovers by both teams will likely be costly. Winds will remain calm throughout the afternoon.

Indianapolis Colts at

Minnesota Vikings
SUN
1:00 PM ET

Clear
According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be -13° F and with a 0% chance of and 8 MPH wind in Minneapolis at 1:00 PM ET.

Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Weather Underground Forecast.io
Weather will not be a factor for Sunday afternoon's game played inside U.S. Bank Stadium.

Detroit Lions at

New York Giants
SUN
1:00 PM ET

Possibility Of A Delay Or Rainout
According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 52° F and with a 51% chance of rain and 12 MPH wind in East Rutherford at 1:00 PM ET.

Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Weather Underground Forecast.io
Heavy rain may lead to a delay during Sunday afternoon's game at MetLife Stadium, and ball security will be an issue. Passing and kicking may be difficult with gusty winds blowing diagonally across the field.

New Orleans Saints at

Arizona Cardinals
SUN
4:05 PM ET

Domed Stadium
This game takes place inside a domed stadium so weather should not be a factor.

Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Weather Underground Forecast.io
Sunny skies and comfortable temperatures are expected for Sunday afternoon's game at University of Phoenix Stadium. The roof may remain open, but weather will be a non-factor, regardless.

San Francisco 49ers at

Atlanta Falcons
SUN
4:05 PM ET

Domed Stadium
This game takes place inside a domed stadium so weather should not be a factor.

Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Weather Underground Forecast.io
Weather will not be a factor for Sunday afternoon's game played inside the Georgia Dome.

New England Patriots at

Denver Broncos
SUN
4:25 PM ET

Clear
According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 21° F and with a 0% chance of and 2 MPH wind in Denver at 4:25 PM ET.

Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Weather Underground Forecast.io
Sunday afternoon's AFC matchup in Denver will feature sunny skies and cold temperatures. Light and variable winds will not have a significant impact on the game, but the cold conditions may cause some ball security issues.

Oakland Raiders at

San Diego Chargers
SUN
4:25 PM ET

Clear
According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 59° F and with a 0% chance of and 7 MPH wind in San Diego at 4:25 PM ET.

Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Weather Underground Forecast.io
Sunny skies, comfortable temperatures, and calm winds are expected for Sunday afternoon's AFC West matchup at Qualcomm Stadium, so weather will not have an impact on the game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at

Dallas Cowboys
SUN
8:30 PM ET

Domed Stadium
This game takes place inside a domed stadium so weather should not be a factor.

Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Weather Underground Forecast.io
Very cold temperatures will keep the roof of AT&T Stadium closed for Sunday night's game, so weather will not be a factor during the game.

Carolina Panthers at

Washington Redskins
MON
8:30 PM ET

Partly Cloudy
According to Forecast.io, it's expected to be 31° F and with a 0% chance of and 5 MPH wind in Landover at 8:30 PM ET.

Hourly Forecasts: Weather.com Weather Underground Forecast.io
There are no weather notes available for this game yet. Check back closer to kickoff.

 

[Betallsports]

Derek Carr is expected to have his full allotment of weapons available against the Chargers.


Despite Amari Cooper battling a shoulder injury and Michael Crabtree fighting through a finger injury, both Raiders receivers are expected to play, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.


Here are other injuries we're tracking early Sunday morning:



1. As expected, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (calf) will play against the Bears, Rapoport reported. Though the Packers will have three quarterbacks active just in case Rodgers can't make it through the game.


2. Ty Montgomery will get the start at running back for the Packers with James Starks (concussion) out, Rapoport reported.

Ian Rapoport ✔ @RapSheet
With James Starks (concussion) out, #Packers will treat RB(!) Ty Montgomery as starter, sources say. Christine Michael will get carries, too
4:46 AM - 18 Dec 2016

3. Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant popped up on the injury report with a back injury late this week, but Rapoport reported the big wideout is expected to play against the Buccaneers. Linebacker Sean Lee (knee) is also expected to play, Rapoport reported.


Darren McFadden, meanwhile, will make his return from an elbow injury as Ezekiel Elliott's backup against the Bucs, Rapoport reported. Alfred Morris, who served as Elliott's primary backup throughout this season, could be inactive.

4. Eagles receivers Jordan Matthews (ankle) and Dorial Green-Beckham (abdomen) are set to play vs. the Ravens. Both are active for Sunday's matchup.


5. Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (knee) will start against the Colts.


6. Jets quarterback Bryce Petty will undergo tests today to see if he has a punctured or otherwise injured lung. X-rays taken on his chest Saturday night were negative.


7. Tight end Eric Ebron (knee), defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (shoulder), linebacker DeAndre Levy (knee) and cornerback Darius Slay (hamstring) are all active for the Lions. Running back Theo Riddick (wrist), however, is inactive.


8. Chiefs pass rusher Justin Houston (illness, knee) is active and will play against the Titans.


9. Tight end Martellus Bennett (ankle, shoulder), cornerback Malcolm Butler (hip) and linebacker Dont'a Hightower (knee) are all expected to play against the Broncos, Rapoport reported.


10. Linebacker Lavonte David (hamstring) and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (foot) are both expected to play against the Cowboys, Rapoport reported.


11. Bengals receiver A.J. Green (hamstring) is iinactive versus the Steelers.


12. Ryan Tannehill's status for the rest of the season is "very uncertain," Rapoport reported. The Dolphins quarterback had his injured knee in a cast on the sideline during the Dolphins' win over the Jets on Saturday night.

Ian Rapoport ✔ @RapSheet
#Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill (slight ACL tear/sprain) to see how his knee responds to rest & rehab. If it doesn’t… reconstruction is possible
7:51 AM - 18 Dec 2016

13. Bills GM Doug Whaley told the Bills' official website that wideout Sammy Watkins (foot), who is listed as active against the Browns, has been playing well despite his injured state.


"We've been pleasantly surprised," Whaley said. "Obviously he's not 100 percent, but an 80-90 percent Sammy looks pretty good to me. And I'm sure everybody would agree.


14. Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams (knee) was removed from the injury report earlier this week and practiced fully, but is inactive for Sunday's tilt against Bengals.

 

[BillBillo]

Thank you for your continued effort betallsports in doing these threads. I'm sure I speak for many when I say that I appreciate your insight along with the general information around the league and match ups you provide.

BILL