Welcome to Week 16 in the NFL. With but two weeks left in the season, picking games becomes a question of motivation. At this stage of the game, with the playoff picture becoming much clearer, and with individual stats reaching levels where records and incentives are within reach, teams are playing for different reasons. Some teams have already clinched playoff spots, and are playing for a better seeding, or perhaps even for a coveted first-round bye. Other teams are playing for their playoff lives, some of which control their own destiny, while others need other teams need certain results in other games as well as to win their own (Believe it or not, the Miami Dolphins can still make the playoffs; all they need to do is win their last two games… and for the Bengals to lose their last two… and for the Steelers to lose to the Browns in week 17 after beating the Bengals… and for the Jets to lose at least one of their last two games… piece of cake, right?). Some teams are out of the running for playoffs, and as a result, their motivations change as well. Some of these also-rans have players who are approaching records, while others just want to end a down season on a positive note. Some teams may use this remaining time to evaluate new talent or to give lesser-used players a look, which can result in some very highly-motivated players who are playing for their future NFL lives. It’s a lot to think about.
Take the Saturday night contest between the Atlanta Falcons and the Detroit Lions. The Falcons entered the game with a playoff spot already secure, but with an opportunity to clinch home-field advantage through the playoffs. They would be extra motivated by the chance to rest key players in week 17, as they would then have nothing to play for. The Lions are limping towards the end of a disappointing season. A surprise playoff team last season with a lot of young talent, the Lions had high expectations entering this season. They entered this game 4-10, and out of the playoffs, but with WR Calvin Johnson within range of Jerry Rice’s record for receiving yards in a season.
The results were predictable. The Falcons played efficiently on offence, particularly in the passing game, against Detroit’s terrible secondary, while on defence, they did as many teams have done this season; allowed Megatron his catches and yards, while keeping him from beating them. The Lions did what they had to do to please their home fans in a game they had no business winning; they threw the ball to Johnson, early and often. In all, Lions QB Matt Stafford attempted 56 passes (as he approaches 700 attempts for the season), throwing for 443 yards, but no TDs. In the end, both teams got what they needed; the Falcons got their clinching win, and the Detroit fans got to witness a record-breaking performance by their best player.
Such is life as the end of the regular season approaches.
Titans at Packers
The Titans have very little to play for at this point. The Packers, on the other hand, should be highly motivated here. Although the Pack have already won their division, they still have an outside shot at a first-round bye. Also, it’s been an up and down year for them, due mostly to a slew of injuries to key players. The Packers are working to get into a good rhythm now, hoping to repeat their success from two seasons ago, when they overcome similar adversity, got hot at the end of the season, and ripped through the playoffs on their way to a Super Bowl championship. Winner: Packers
Bills at Dolphins
Even if they win, the Dolphins are a huge long-shot to make the playoffs. The Bills are looking to end a disappointing season on a high note. It’s a close matchup, but I like Miami’s defence. Winner: Dolphins
Raiders at Panthers
Raiders’ QB Carson Palmer has played reasonably well this year, and he has good numbers, but the lack of a running attack, and the team’s defensive liabilities, have translated into a bad season. They may be looking at opening things up this week to evaluate the talent. The Panthers had their high-hopes dashed by a poor season as well, but have come on offensively of late. This has the potential of being a fun game to watch, if you like a lot of offence. Winner: Panthers
Chargers at Jets
One headline I saw this week said, “Sanchez Will Be Number Two This Sunday.” I couldn’t figure out why this was news, as he plays like number two every week. Then I read that he would be the backup to Greg McElroy. Insert your own ass joke here. And speaking of asses, Philip Rivers. I don’t think you could pay me to watch this game. Winner: Jets
Vikings at Texans
Lots going on in this game. The Vikes atill have a shot at the postseason, but they need to win both of their remaining games, plus they need to rely on other teams for help. Houston is in a similar situation to the Atlanta; a win secures them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, with the chance to rest players in week 17. Thus far, the Texans have been consistently excellent, on offence and defence. The only teams that have given their defence significant trouble have been the Packers and the Patriots. The Vikings don’t have an elite offence with multiple weapons like the Pack and the Pats. However, they do have Adrian Peterson. Almost exactly a year ago, Peterson tore his ACL. That he is playing now is remarkable. That he is playing at a high level is amazing. I do not believe that anyone imagined that he would come back as strong as he has, though. He is nearing 2000 rushing yards on the season, and has a shot at the single-season record, which is borderline miraculous. The Vikings, with AP, and their defence, have a better than decent chance to pull an upset. It should be close. Winner: Texans
Bengals at Steelers
So, here we are, Bengals. It’s been an up-and-down year. You’ve thrilled me. You’ve disappointed me. You won me back with that huge win over the Giants in Week 10. This is where you need to be, in Pittsburgh, with a chance to put a dagger in the Steelers’ black hearts and earn, EARN a playoff spot. Keep it simple early, ride out the early nerves, let the talent take over. It’s right there. Winner: Bengals
Patriots at Jaguars
The Jags haven’t played a meaningful game all season. The Pats still have a shot at a first-round bye. I have a feeling that New England would be happy just getting out of this game without any catastrophic injuries. Winner: Patriots
Colts at Chiefs
These were two of last season’s worst teams. The Colts are on their way to the playoffs. The Chiefs have known for a while that they are not. Winner Colts
Saints at Cowboys
The Saints keep presenting themselves as victims of some sort of horrible injustice. It’s been their motivation for most of this season. Whatever. I’ve enjoyed each one of their losses. Having said that, their offence is still explosive. I have to think that the Cowboys, a better team overall, and playing for their playoff lives, will prevail. I’d certainly enjoy another Saints’ loss. Winner: Cowboys
Washington (D.C.) at Eagles
I can’t think of a single reason why the Eagles would even care. They are the poster team for disappointment. RGIII and Co., surprisingly, are in the hunt for the NFC East Title. Winner: Washington (D.C.)
Rams at Buccaneers
The Rams are even a longer shot for the playoffs than the Dolphins. The explosive Bucs have been accused of a few things this season, but they play hard, and they have an explosive offence. Winner: Buccaneers
Browns at Broncos
Surprise, surprise, the Browns are playing out the string. Meanwhile, the Broncos survived a brutal early schedule to be in position now for a possible first-round bye. Denver keeps rolling. Winner: Broncos
Giants at Ravens
A month ago, both these teams looked like locks to win their respective divisions. The Ravens, though they have been mediocre at best lately, are at least in the playoffs, based on their early-season success. The Giants, meanwhile, are under sufficient pressure in their division and the conference that they may not even make the playoffs. They have to beat the Ravens, so they will. Winner: Giants
Bears at Cardinals
The Bears are another team that was riding high a month ago, only to hit a rough patch. Now they need to win out and get help to make the playoffs. Fortunately, they play the awful Cards this week. Winner: Bears
49ers at Seahawks
A lot has been said about the fact that the Seahawks have scored over 50 points in each of their last two games. The first of these was against a dreadful Arizona team that turned the ball over 8 times, while the second was against a Bills team that was playing a “home” game in Toronto, that turned the ball over on its first three possessions of the game, and which pretty much gave up after that. When you step up in weight class, you get hit a lot harder. The Cards and Bills are lightweights. Winner: 49ers
Take the Saturday night contest between the Atlanta Falcons and the Detroit Lions. The Falcons entered the game with a playoff spot already secure, but with an opportunity to clinch home-field advantage through the playoffs. They would be extra motivated by the chance to rest key players in week 17, as they would then have nothing to play for. The Lions are limping towards the end of a disappointing season. A surprise playoff team last season with a lot of young talent, the Lions had high expectations entering this season. They entered this game 4-10, and out of the playoffs, but with WR Calvin Johnson within range of Jerry Rice’s record for receiving yards in a season.
The results were predictable. The Falcons played efficiently on offence, particularly in the passing game, against Detroit’s terrible secondary, while on defence, they did as many teams have done this season; allowed Megatron his catches and yards, while keeping him from beating them. The Lions did what they had to do to please their home fans in a game they had no business winning; they threw the ball to Johnson, early and often. In all, Lions QB Matt Stafford attempted 56 passes (as he approaches 700 attempts for the season), throwing for 443 yards, but no TDs. In the end, both teams got what they needed; the Falcons got their clinching win, and the Detroit fans got to witness a record-breaking performance by their best player.
Such is life as the end of the regular season approaches.
Titans at Packers
The Titans have very little to play for at this point. The Packers, on the other hand, should be highly motivated here. Although the Pack have already won their division, they still have an outside shot at a first-round bye. Also, it’s been an up and down year for them, due mostly to a slew of injuries to key players. The Packers are working to get into a good rhythm now, hoping to repeat their success from two seasons ago, when they overcome similar adversity, got hot at the end of the season, and ripped through the playoffs on their way to a Super Bowl championship. Winner: Packers
Bills at Dolphins
Even if they win, the Dolphins are a huge long-shot to make the playoffs. The Bills are looking to end a disappointing season on a high note. It’s a close matchup, but I like Miami’s defence. Winner: Dolphins
Raiders at Panthers
Raiders’ QB Carson Palmer has played reasonably well this year, and he has good numbers, but the lack of a running attack, and the team’s defensive liabilities, have translated into a bad season. They may be looking at opening things up this week to evaluate the talent. The Panthers had their high-hopes dashed by a poor season as well, but have come on offensively of late. This has the potential of being a fun game to watch, if you like a lot of offence. Winner: Panthers
Chargers at Jets
One headline I saw this week said, “Sanchez Will Be Number Two This Sunday.” I couldn’t figure out why this was news, as he plays like number two every week. Then I read that he would be the backup to Greg McElroy. Insert your own ass joke here. And speaking of asses, Philip Rivers. I don’t think you could pay me to watch this game. Winner: Jets
Vikings at Texans
Lots going on in this game. The Vikes atill have a shot at the postseason, but they need to win both of their remaining games, plus they need to rely on other teams for help. Houston is in a similar situation to the Atlanta; a win secures them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, with the chance to rest players in week 17. Thus far, the Texans have been consistently excellent, on offence and defence. The only teams that have given their defence significant trouble have been the Packers and the Patriots. The Vikings don’t have an elite offence with multiple weapons like the Pack and the Pats. However, they do have Adrian Peterson. Almost exactly a year ago, Peterson tore his ACL. That he is playing now is remarkable. That he is playing at a high level is amazing. I do not believe that anyone imagined that he would come back as strong as he has, though. He is nearing 2000 rushing yards on the season, and has a shot at the single-season record, which is borderline miraculous. The Vikings, with AP, and their defence, have a better than decent chance to pull an upset. It should be close. Winner: Texans
Bengals at Steelers
So, here we are, Bengals. It’s been an up-and-down year. You’ve thrilled me. You’ve disappointed me. You won me back with that huge win over the Giants in Week 10. This is where you need to be, in Pittsburgh, with a chance to put a dagger in the Steelers’ black hearts and earn, EARN a playoff spot. Keep it simple early, ride out the early nerves, let the talent take over. It’s right there. Winner: Bengals
Patriots at Jaguars
The Jags haven’t played a meaningful game all season. The Pats still have a shot at a first-round bye. I have a feeling that New England would be happy just getting out of this game without any catastrophic injuries. Winner: Patriots
Colts at Chiefs
These were two of last season’s worst teams. The Colts are on their way to the playoffs. The Chiefs have known for a while that they are not. Winner Colts
Saints at Cowboys
The Saints keep presenting themselves as victims of some sort of horrible injustice. It’s been their motivation for most of this season. Whatever. I’ve enjoyed each one of their losses. Having said that, their offence is still explosive. I have to think that the Cowboys, a better team overall, and playing for their playoff lives, will prevail. I’d certainly enjoy another Saints’ loss. Winner: Cowboys
Washington (D.C.) at Eagles
I can’t think of a single reason why the Eagles would even care. They are the poster team for disappointment. RGIII and Co., surprisingly, are in the hunt for the NFC East Title. Winner: Washington (D.C.)
Rams at Buccaneers
The Rams are even a longer shot for the playoffs than the Dolphins. The explosive Bucs have been accused of a few things this season, but they play hard, and they have an explosive offence. Winner: Buccaneers
Browns at Broncos
Surprise, surprise, the Browns are playing out the string. Meanwhile, the Broncos survived a brutal early schedule to be in position now for a possible first-round bye. Denver keeps rolling. Winner: Broncos
Giants at Ravens
A month ago, both these teams looked like locks to win their respective divisions. The Ravens, though they have been mediocre at best lately, are at least in the playoffs, based on their early-season success. The Giants, meanwhile, are under sufficient pressure in their division and the conference that they may not even make the playoffs. They have to beat the Ravens, so they will. Winner: Giants
Bears at Cardinals
The Bears are another team that was riding high a month ago, only to hit a rough patch. Now they need to win out and get help to make the playoffs. Fortunately, they play the awful Cards this week. Winner: Bears
49ers at Seahawks
A lot has been said about the fact that the Seahawks have scored over 50 points in each of their last two games. The first of these was against a dreadful Arizona team that turned the ball over 8 times, while the second was against a Bills team that was playing a “home” game in Toronto, that turned the ball over on its first three possessions of the game, and which pretty much gave up after that. When you step up in weight class, you get hit a lot harder. The Cards and Bills are lightweights. Winner: 49ers
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