NFL Playoff Predictions: Don’t Let the Final Week Sway Good Judgment

Two blowout games in the final week of the regular season will have people licking their chops to bet on Cincinnati or Green Bay in the wild card round of the playoffs.

But beware, all who enter the valley of the sun.

Arizona, late afternoon, and the crowd is freaking out. Kurt Warner is zinging passes all over the place, and Beanie Wells looks like an all-star. If the Cardinals zip out to one of those 21-0 deals, the Pack is done.

I will take the team that was one play away from a ring rather than the Packers, to whom fate will not be so cruel as to see Brett Favre once more in the playoffs. Arizona by eight to 10 points.

The Cincinnati Bengals will rally once more for their coach and fallen teammate.

This matchup is seasoned veteran Carson Palmer against freshman Mark Sanchez. All the difference I need. The last game was silly.

This game will be nothing like the last one, and teams that back into the playoffs the way the Jets did seldom go deep into the postseason. Take the Bengals by four points.

Philadelphia played possum last week and showed Dallas nothing. Never bet against a streak until it is over. Take Dallas to lose at home and again fail to record its first playoff win since 1995.

Wade Phillips is history, and perhaps a Brian Billick type would be a wise next move for Jerry Jones. Sorry, Cowboys… maybe next season.

Baltimore made it to the second round last season and then lost. This team has improved, especially Joe Flacco. The running game can be really good at times, which New England may have trouble with.

Brady has three cracked ribs and a bad thumb, and perhaps without Wes Welker, he will be forced to throw to not so sure a target. In short, the Ravens win this game by a field goal or maybe two.

Arizona will lose in round two on the road. 

I think it will all play out so the final four will be Indianapolis playing San Diego, while Minnesota will take on New Orleans for the respective division titles.

Your Super Bowl prediction is Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings take on Philip Rivers and the Chargers.

You guessed it, Brett Favre wins the Super Bowl at age 40 and cements his legacy as one of the top five greatest quarterbacks of all time.

I love being right.

Thomas [NFL Mike] Moreland

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NFL Mikee’s Final Fantasy Adventure and Standings In Seven Leagues

Tom Brady was my man as Team two, the TWO Wreckers won their league.

Brady was a high scorer in many weeks, along with teammates Randy Moss, Adrian Peterson, LaDanian Tomlinson, Hines Ward, Heath Miller, Kevin Smith, the Steeler defense, and Nate Kaeding.

Team one, NFL Mikee’s Molemen, lost in the championship week and finished second in that league.

This team consisted of Kurt Warner or Brett Favre, Andre Johnson, Steve Smith of the Giants, Sidney Rice, Frank Gore, Rashard Mendenhall, Heath Miller, David Akers, and the Philadelphia defense.

NFL Mikee’s Maulers on a Fox league, finished third, after a second round playoff loss. This team had Drew Brees, who carried the load week after week.

Also on this team were Kurt Warner, Darren Sproles, Ryan Grant, Steve Smith, Wes Welker, Vernon Davis, Tim Hightower, Brian Westbrook, and Brent Celek.

Team four, the South Florida Tarpons, an auto drafted team was the worst of all teams at 5-8. This team was under a constant struggle at quarterback, and other positions.

This team had Matt Cassell mostly with Josh Freeman in desperation in the end. Also in this not so great lineup were DeAngelo Williams, Matt Forte, Hines Ward, Reggie Bush, John Carlson, and Frank Gore.

Team five is in the Championship round today with a 36 point lead in the two week ESPN playoff format. These are your Fort Myers Mustangs.

Starting and a probable winner of the playoffs and this league will be Donovan McNabb, Rashard Mendenhall, Jerome Harrison, Randy Moss, Anquan Boldin, Roddy White, Heath Miller, the 49ers defense, and Nate Kaeding.

Team six lost last week and will finish third in their league. The LaBelle Cowboys had in their lineup to end the season Matt Schaub, Rashard Mendenhall, Darren Sproles, Steve Smith, Larry Fitzgerald, Hines Ward, Brent Celek, the Cardinals defense, and Matt Prater.

The North Fort Myers Warlocks, team seven, also lost last week and finished third with a nice 11-2 record, but got killed by a couple of guys in the playoffs. This team had Roelthlisberger or Warner, Frank Gore, Wes Welker, Thomas Jones, Larry Fitzgerald, Hines Ward, Brent Celek, and Heath Miller.

It’s been a fun fantasy season, and I would like to be in a prize/money kind of league or two next season. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Thomas[ NFL Mikee ]Moreland

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NFL Week 17 Point Spread Winners: Unusual Undertakings In Vegas-Land

The Colts are (gulp!) underdogs this week, as they play Buffalo. The Bills are favored by 8.5.  Somehow, I still like the Colts to cover 8.5.

Minnesota has the Giants at home and the Vikings are favored by nine. I like the Giants to cover in this game for a number of reasons.

The Saints rest Drew Brees this week, so you have to take Carolina in this one. It will be hard to get a bet on this game, as there is no line as of Saturday night.

Pittsburgh will beat Miami but needs a huge amount of help to get in the playoffs, namely the Jets losing to Cincinnati and Oakland beating the Ravens. Not too likely. The Steelers cover the three points.

New England has Houston at home  Houston is desperate and also needs help to reach the postseason. Houston is favored by eight. Take Houston as New England will rest starters.

Chicago is in Detroit and will cover the three points.

Atlanta hosts Tampa Bay and will reach 8-8 with a win over the Bucs. This is a strong play with Atlanta only giving 2.5 points. Take the Falcons.

The division title is up for grabs as Dallas has Philadelphia in Jerry’s house. I like the Eagles to win the division, and play Dallas again next week. The Cowboys are favored by three at home. I ‘ll take the visiting Eagles.

The 49ers will cover at home against the still-hated Rams. The 49ers must win by seven, and they will.

Jacksonville can finish at 8-8, an improvement over last season, with a victory over Cleveland. Cleveland had improved also. Cleveland is favored by 1.5. I like the Jags at home.

Here’s a contrversial game, especially in the NFL moving the time up: The Bengals have nothing to play for, perhaps, while the Jets win and are in.

I think Cincinnati will play in this game, however. The Jets are favored by 10. Take the Bengals with that many points.

San Diego has Washington, and should win this game also, in a tune up for the playoffs. Give the four points and take the Chargers.

Baltimore must win to make the playoffs, so take them in this game to get it done. Baltimore by 10.5 .

Denver is probably out of the playoffs, but should handle Kansas City by two touchdowns this week.

Arizona will probably lose to Green Bay as they feel this team out and take notes. Arizona is favored by 3.5, but I think Green Bay wins this week. They play again next week.

Tennessee finishes up at 8-8 for the season as they destroy Seattle in Tennessee.

That’s about it. Have a great weekend and I ‘ll pick some playoff winners for you next week.

Thomas [NFL Mikee] Moreland

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Week 17 NFL Prime Picks: Prelude to the Playoffs

In Week 17, some games will have no meaning, while others will fight for their playoff lives.

New Orleans cruises into the playoffs as the number one seed in the NFC. They will play Carolina in the final week, and most likely, rest starters in the second half. I still think New Orleans wins this one.

On the other hand, Minnesota has the Giants, fighting for legitimacy, in Minnesota. Minnesota,  resting players big time before the playoffs, might not be into this game at the level they should be. Take the Giants in this one.

Indianapolis will keep on trucking, and finish the regular season undefeated for the first time in franchise history. This will be a sleepwalk for Buffalo in coaching limbo, and wanting to go on vacation from this uninspired season.

Pittsburgh will finish off the Dolphins, and give them about the record everyone expected after looking at the schedule for 2009. That would be 7-9 for the Dolphins.

New England should also play well enough to beat a disappointing Houston Texan team that did not live up to expectations this season. Take the Patriots at home, maybe in the snow.

Chicago also finishes up a bad season with a win against Detroit and a 6-10 record most likely.

Atlanta will handle the sad case of the Tampa Bay Bucs with a final week win and it looks like a 9-7 record. They, however, will not make the playoffs.

I like Philadelphia to show why it was close to the Super Bowl last season. They have added some youth and speed to the offense, and the defense is adequate, as usual.

Does 10-6 get a wild card for Dallas? It could, with a little help. Minnesota will have to beat the Giants for Dallas to make it to the post season. I have the Giants winning that game, so possibly bye bye Dallas.

San Francisco will finish the season at 8-8 most likely, and a small improvement over last season. They need a quarterback, linebacker help, and a defensive big time player.

Jacksonville should handle Cleveland in the finale of the season and improve over last season also. It looks like 8-8 for the Jags.

Cincinnati will beat the Jets, who do not have any motivation left this season. Next year we will see if Mark Sanchez learned anything.

San Diego will play the starters in the first few series, and then bench everyone. The Redskins will enjoy the weather in San Diego as we say farewell to the Jim Zorn experiment. Oh, take the Chargers in this one.

Mike Shanahan may get this mess in some order next season. You might see a quarterback change here. San Diego is the second seed in the AFC and will play Indianapolis for the AFC Title.

Baltimore will handle Oakland and should have a wild card ticket to the playoffs, unless the Steelers spoil the party in Week 16.

Denver hold court at home, and must win to have any shot at the playoffs. They will beat Kansas City by a field goal, most likely. If they lose to Philadelphia in week 16, they might be having a problem.

Arizona plays a pretty hot Packer team, with both teams at 10-5 it looks like, heading into the final week. If Green Bay can protect Rodgers from the improved defense of Arizona they have a chance in this one.

Arizona may also throw in the towel in this one, as they have the division and a playoff game at home. Let’s take Green Bay in this one, just for fun.

Tennessee will finish this down and up season, with a win against Seattle to get to 8-8. Chris Johnson will be number one on my draft list for next season’s fantasy football leagues.

There’s a few teams that may have a chance to sneak into the playoffs, ahead of Denver or Baltimore. Week 16 is key, and Week 17 might create key situations not in Denver or Baltimore’s favor.

Good luck to all your teams and Happ.

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Week 16 NFL Point Spread Winners

The Tennessee Titans host the San Diego Chargers in a must win game for Jeff Fisher and the Titans.

San Diego might rest key players as the second half unfolds. Tennessee has much more to play for this week, so giving three points should be alright. Take Tennessee, as San Diego won’t show up for this one.

New Orleans will win this week against Tampa Bay, in a tune-up for the post season. You have to give two touchdowns with New Orleans. They need to wrap up home field over Minnesota, so expect a strong showing. New Orleans by 20.

Oakland travels into Cleveland, with Frye playing quarterback. Brady Quinn is out also. A new starting quarterback on the road is a tough bet, so I will take Cleveland to win by 3.5.

The Giants should look strong over Carolina, and the defense should give the new Carolina quarterback fits. The Giants win this one at home and cover the seven.

Green Bay should continue control of one of the wild cards in the NFC with a win over Seattle. Green Bay will cover the 14 points, as Seattle is done this season.

Houston is more talented than Miami, but underachieves quite regularly. Still, Matt Schaub should be able to handle this team, and get the win. You get three points taking Houston, which I will.

Pittsburgh at home hosting Baltimore should be a war. I like Pittsburgh to steal this one, building a quick lead, and keeping pressure on Flacco. The Steelers  cover the 2.5 with a late field goal to keep playoffs hopes alive.

Cincinnati will refocus this week and beat Kansas City on the Bengal home field to get in a winning mode for the upcoming playoffs. It will interesting to see how Carson Palmer does in his return to playoff action. Cincinnati by two touchdowns a la runaway.

Atlanta travels to Buffalo with not much hope for a postseason berth this season. This team’s defense needs improvement. Atlanta should overwhelm Buffalo with offense, however, and win by the required nine points.

New England is at home against the Jags, and this should be it for Jacksonville this season. They should be desperate enough to hang around in this one and beat the point spread of eight points. Take the Jags with eight.

The 49er defense will welcome a first time starting quarterback and annihilate this team from Detroit this week. San Francisco covers easy. Detroit gets 12.5 which is not enough.

The Arizona Cardinals have the Rams as a break before the playoiffs. They should play their starters long enough to win by at least 14. And that;s the spread. Take the Cardinals.

The Colts will beat the Jets in a boring fashion and take it to 15-0. The line has dropped from seven to 5.5. People like the Jets inn this game? That’s nuts. Take the Colts by a touchdown.

The Eagles will show Denver a tough time in Philadelphia and should dominate this team.

Take the Eagles to win by a touchdown as Denver fights to stay in the playoff picture.

Dallas should dominate Washington as well, as playoff teams get ready, while sub-par teams pack it up for 2009. Dallas will cover the 6.5.

The Vikings must get it together, and only have the Bears this week, who have seemed uninterested in this season in being competitive. I doubt if the Bears show up in Week 16. Why bother? Just a touchdown seems an easy enough cover.

Good luck to all your teams in the upcoming playoffs, and happy holidays.

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Week 16 NFL Power Rankings: To the Victor Go the Spoils

1. Indianapolis Colts (14-0): The Indianapolis Colts are the best team in football right now—this very moment, this season. They are 14-0 and will cruise into the playoffs after a first-round bye.

The AFC crown goes through Indy this season.

2. New Orleans Saints (13-1):  The Saints face Tampa Bay next. The Saints will finish out 15-1 and have the NFC Championship game due in New Orleans. Saints, just don’t have one of those bad halves against a good team.

3. Minnesota Vikings (11-3):   Okay, the Vikings are 11-3 now and looking human. Brett is not tired. Still, this looks to be one of the teams in the final four, so to speak.

4. San Diego Chargers (11-3):  You’ve come a long way, L.T., and now it’s time to wrap a a great career with a Super Bowl. Get hot in the playoffs and see you in Pasadena.

5. Arizona Cardinals (9-5): This is the team no one wants to play in the playoffs. If they get hot, boom—21 points. Larry Fitzgerald, I dare you to do it again.

6. Philadelphia Eagles (10-4): The Eagles won again while other teams with good records took losses. Philadelphia was one quarter away from the Super Bowl last season, and now they have added some weapons in youth and speed. Watch out for this team also.

7. Dallas Cowboys (9-5): Dallas has interesting work ahead of them. Win a playoff game—that would be a great start. Washington should not pose a problem this week as Dallas goes to 10-5. 11-5 may not win the division, however.

8. Green Bay Packers (9-5): The Packers dropped a couple of spots after losing to Pittsburgh with a poor defensive showing.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (9-5): Cincinnati is dealing with much off the field and will have to regroup after a tough going last week in San Diego.

10. New England Patriots (9-5): The Patriots must keep winning now and try to shore up the defense that has gone on vacation early. C’mon Belicek, get it together.

11. Baltimore Ravens (8-6): The Ravens have the big test in Pittsburgh this week.

12. Denver Broncos (8-6): The Broncos are needing to keep winning and find other weapons besides Brandon Marshall.

13. New York Giants (8-6): The Giants are still alive in the playoff race. They must win out and get some breaks. I do not think they will make the playoffs.

14. Miami Dolphins (7-7): Miami will fall just short in this playoff race and might lose to Houston, which will kill their playoff hopes for sure.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7): Jacksonville is not going to make the playoffs. New England will take care of that plan this week. No playoffs, no top 12. I’m sorry.

16. Houston Texans (7-7): Houston is desperately clinging to playoff hope. Forget it, it’s over. 9-7 will not cut it.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7): Pittsburgh is right there with ya, Houston. Beat Baltimore first, and they need a lot of help. Could be 9-7—not great.

18. Tennessee Titans (7-7): The Titans also have a scat-cat chance of making the playoffs. Nice to save the 0-6 start with a 9-7 season. Just awesome, dudes.

19. Atlanta Falcons (7-7): Atlanta has a decent record at 7-7, but this will not be enough with Dallas and Philly both playing well. They sure can’t catch the Packers.

20. New York Jets (7-7):  The Jets will be toast soon. The quarterbacking was spotty, at best. But a rookie, thrown in Week One, is not that bad. He will improve.

21. San Francisco 49ers (6-8): They didn’t quite cut it this season.

22. Oakland Raiders (5-9): The Bay Area stays together with the Raiders moving up to No. 22. Hooray!

23. Carolina Panthers (6-8)

24. Chicago Bears (5-9): Chicago needs a lot of work.

25. Washington Redskins (4-10): Washington needs even more work.

26. Buffalo Bills (5-9): Buffalo is shopping for a coach. Is Marv Levy around?

27. Kansas City Chiefs (3-11): Not so fun out of New England, huh Matt? Kansas City, here we come.

28. Seattle Seahawks (5-9): Seattle just lost to Tampa Bay at home. Have I said enough?

29. Cleveland Browns (3-11): Cleveland has really moved up out of the cellar with a huge game by Marvin Harrison.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-12): Tampa Bay got win number two.

31. Detroit Lions (2-12): Detroit keeps losing.

32. St. Louis Rams (1-13): The worst team in the NFL is still the St. Louis Rams.

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NFL Mikee’s Fantasy NFL Playoff Adventures

Steve Smith caught just enough balls and a touchdown, to propel  NFL Mikee’s Molemen to win in the first round.

The Molemen will start in the championship round  in their league, Kurt Warner. Brett Favre is benched this week. Warner has the Rams and the coach said the starters will play.

Favre has Chicago and it will be cold and windy and a running kind of day.

Also starting will be Andre Johnson, Steve Smith, Derrick Mason, Frank Gore, Rashard Mendenhall, Heath Miller, David Akers, and the Philadelphia defense.

Team Two, the TWO Wreckers also won and advanced into the next round. Starting will be the powerful force consisting of Tom Brady, Vincent Jackson, Randy Moss, Hines Ward, Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Heath Miller, Jay Feeley, and the Arizona defense.

Team three NFL Mikee’a Maulers lost last week, and seem to be done in fox.  Looks like a third place, and an early playoff exit.

Team four the South Florida Tarpons lost in their consolation playoff round, and are playing again this week. Why, who knows?

This team has been up and down and has been hard to improve. They finished the regular season at 5-8. It was an auto drafted team because I had Internet problems. I could never get a good quarterback.  Starting will be Matt Cassell, Matt Forte, DeAngelo Williams, Frank Gore, Hines Ward, Davone Bess, John Carlson,the Raiders defense, and Dan Carpenter.

Team five The Fort Myers Mustangs won to advance to the final round against a real good team that was 11-3 during the season.  The Mustangs are starting Donovan McNabb,Rashard Mendenhall,Jerome Harrison, Anquan Boldin, Randy Moss, Roddy White,Tony Gonzales, the San Francisco defense, and Nate Kaeding kicking.

Team six , The LaBelle Cowboys, who had won seven straight, finally dropped to anther good team last week. This week they will start Matt Schaub, Pierre Thomas, Rashard Mendenhall, Steve Smith, Larry Fitzgerald, Hines Wrad, Brent Celek, the Cardinals defense, and Matt Prater. Looks like a third place in the playoffs perhaps.

Team seven got waxed in this ESPN two week playoff format, and now is in some loser bracket as well. LOL. Anyway the North Fort Myers Warlocks will start Ben Roethlisberger, Frank Gore. Thomas Jones, Wes Welker, Larry Fitzgerald, Hines Ward, Brent Celek, the Giants defense, and Nate Kaeding.

I could win three league’s I’m in still , out of seven teams. We shall see. Good luck in the playoffs and have a great week.

Thomas[ NFL Mikee] Moreland.

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Week 16 NFL Power Rankings: Indianapolis Takes No.1

No.1 Indianapolis Colts 14-0

The Colts worked the Jaguars of Jacksonville, kicking the sleek cats with those powerful young hooves, and stomping them into the turf.

No. 2 New Orleans Saints 13-1

New Orleans lost a game to Dallas, who the game meant much more to, and dropped a spot to No 2. They will finish the season at 15-1 and stay at this position into the playoffs.

No. 3 Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings rebounded from their Arizona defeat by chopping up the Bengals, piece by piece. Minnesota should also win out to finish at 14-2 and keep the No. 3 ranking into the playoffs. They are a dangerous team to face on the road.

No. 4 San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers may be finally at the dream season they have been waiting for. Beat Cincinnati at home and wrap this division up in Tennessee next week. Simple formula, huh?

No.5 Arizona Cardinals

Arizona is hot more than they are cold, are in control of that division, and headed for the playoffs. Many teams can’t say that, in Week 16. 11-5  or 10-6 will be the final record and the NFC West title will be theirs again.

No. 6 Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers have come charging out of the woods, surprising teams, and slaughtering them, storing their seasons in a deep freeze until next year. The Packers could be at a wild card pace of 10-5 when this Week 16 ends.

No. 7 Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are having a tragedy type season, with two very emotional situations interfering with the concentration needed to win championships.

If they over come this last hardship, Chris Henry’s tragic death, by beating San Diego, I’d be shocked. They will finish out with a win in Kansas City and be at 11-5 at the season’s end. Move these guys up with a win in San Diego to No. 4.

No. 8 Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles are surging along with new, young talent and veteran leadership. Yes, this might just work. The Eagles were a quarter away from the Super Bowl just last season, so be careful ruling the Eagles out this season.

No. 9 Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have almost locked up a playoff spot up, and have Philadelphia the last game of the season. This will be a good test of Romo under pressure, right before the playoffs start.

No. 10 Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are still alive in the playoffs at an 11-5 pace and a wild card. Well, maybe 10-6. We shall see. A good record, and a pretty good team. Not great, but pretty good.

No. 11 New England Patriots

The New England Patriots should also finish at 11-5 and win the division. This team can be beat in the playoffs, and are not the threat they used to be. Still, Brady can step it up one more notch, and win the close ones.

No. 12 Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are fighting for their playoff lives, and have to beat Chicago to make it to 8-6. The Ravens have to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh to have a chance. That’s probably not going to happen. The Steelers and the Jets still have a shot at a race for the last wild card spot.

No. 13 Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins went on a nice run beating New England and Jacksonville in back to back weeks. If they could just get by Tennessee, they would be at 8-6, and be in a race with the Ravens for the last spot.

They will, however, lose to the Titans and fall to 7-7.

Houston comes to Miami a sour, disappointed bunch eager to ruin the Dolphins season. That will be the Dolphins season next week.

No. 14 New York Jets

The Jets have a tough road to make the playoffs with too much needing to happen in their favor to advance to post-season play. Let’s start with Atlanta, then Indy. Win both of those games then come see me.

No. 15 [for now] Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jags are 7-7 and need to win in New England next week. What? They won’t?  That will be the end of the Jaguars play-ff aspirations in 2009.

No. 16 New York Giants

The New York Giants are going to come up a game short of the playoffs this season. The defense has been porous and youth is needed to provide a bit more speed in the years to come. Not this year, Eli. It’s Peyton’s turn.

No. 17 Houston Texans

The Houston Texans have a huge amount of talent and I feel the coach might be changed here to get this team to the next level. Also needed are one or two impact defensive players.

No. 18 Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers could move back up into some kind of respectability with wins against Green Bay and Baltimore. If they make it to 9-7, and a tie breaker out of the playoffs, so be it.

No. 19 Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have been victim to some injuries, a sophomore jinx from Matt Ryan, and some better play by their opponents to finish out of the playoffs this season.

No. 20 San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are perhaps a quarterback and a good linebacker away from a playoff team. The defense has been pretty good, but other than Frank Gore, they have an inconsistent offense.

No. 21 Tennessee Titans

The Titans started out 0-6 this season and now are at 7-7 and tied with Miami, Jacksonville, and maybe the Jets and Baltimore. With a win against Miami they will move all the way up to No. 13-14 and be in the playoff discussion. Wow!

Tennessee is still in the playoff hunt. Now that’s amazing. Pittsburgh must win against Green Bay to keep up also, and reach 7-7. It could be a crazy finish in the AFC for the last wild card.

No. 22 Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have not been a great team this season, and as they lose to the Vikings in Week 15, that’s about it for the Jake Delhomme era, I imagine.

No. 23 Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are also looking at the shopping list of needs to solidify their team.  Cutler needs protection. more weapons to throw to and the defense needs to recover and fill holes from injuries.

No. 24 Washington Redskins

The ghost of George Allen appears as Washington starts with some change. Mike Shanahan is coming to Washington, maybe, and this team will be on a fast track, back to winning in the NFL.

No. 25 Oakland Raiders

The Raiders of Oakland have finally improved to maybe 6-10 this season. Without Jamarcus Russell this could possibly have been a 8-8 mark. Expect the Raiders to draft another quarterback next.

No. 26 Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have exposed Matt Cassell for what he truly was in New England. A good quarterback in a great system. Not a great quarterback in a good system. Huge difference as the Chiefs will go 3-13 for the season and will have much work to do in improving next season.

No 27 Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have not had good leadership, need a strong coach, and key positions filled. Expect T.O. to shop elsewhere.

No. 28 Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks have not had a very good season after high expectations by the owner and fans.  Matt Hassellbeck has never really won anything, except one trip to the Super bowl, that he lost.

Will this team ever be good again, with the free agent market the way it is these days?

No. 29 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bays Buccaneers also have much work to do. I am not impressed with the coaching changes on this team, and the talent level, in comparison to the rest of the league is shaky, at best.

No. 30 Detroit Lions

The Lions won two more games than last season, due to Matt Stafford. Get three more great players, you’ll win eight games next season.

No. 31 Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are finally playing better and Josh Gibbs is fantastic. The quarterback problem seems solved also. Get it going, Cleveland. Maybe Mike Holmgren will help save the franchise.

No. 32, and the worst team in the NFL is the St. Louis Rams 

Enjoy the last two weeks of the regular season and happy holidays.

Thomas [NFL Mikee] Moreland

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Week 16 NFL Picks: Last Gasps and Sunday Walks In the Park

The Green Bay Packers will, in all probability, play Brett Favre and the Vikings again this season if they want to advance in the playoffs.

This week they must concentrate on the Seattle Seahawks and their futile efforts to play football.

Take Green Bay at home in December against a weak team. The Packers should be sitting at a nice 10-5 at this point, or even 11-4, provided they beat Pittsburgh.

The Cowboys have broken their December jinx, with a nice win over New Orleans.  New Orleans did not seem interested in that game at all.

Bush was out, and I just can’t believe New Orleans was running on all systems. New Orleans will beat Tampa Bay this week, and Dallas will beat Washington.

At 10-5, Dallas has a firm grip on the wild card, or possibly the division title. New Orleans will be 14-1 after this win. I hope New Orleans plays to win this game in Tampa, but Dallas has to keep winning.

Oakland has the capability to go into Cleveland and get a win. I will go with the Raiders to make it to 5-10 for the season.

The Chargers travel to Tennessee and must also continue winning to keep pesky Denver away. The Titans have salvaged this season and should be pretty loose.

This could be a troublesome game for San Diego. Can Chris Johnson slice and dice the Charger defense? I will take the Titans in a mild upset.

The Giants are home against Carolina and must win this game. They would likely win anyway, but now they have to. Am I repeating myself? Giants win at home. Grab some milk and cookies and leave Santa a present, Giants fans.

Houston is in Miami and have given me too many losses this season. As I think about this team, I realize they need more team effort (not poor individual effort), a couple of impact defensive players, and maybe a new coach?

The talent on this team makes it shocking they don’t win more. Still, I will take them over the Dolphins. This is like hanging out on a sinking ship. Go, Texans!!

The Steelers can ruin Baltimore’s season, so of course they will do just that and win this one at home.

Cincinnati prepares for new ground in the playoffs as they go about their business, beating Kansas City this week.

Atlanta should be back up to strength as they take on Buffaloes in Atlanta. Take the Falcons in this game, of course.

New England might wreck Jacksonville’s season as they give the Jags another loss and separate them from the Jets, Miami, and Baltimore. Can 9-7 get in the playoffs? If the Steelers win out and make it to 9-7, can they get in?

The 49ers, with maybe nothing left to play for, will beat the Lions at home. Mike Singletary will not lose to the Lions.

Arizona pretty much wraps up this weak division once more with a win here against the Rams in Arizona. This will have the Cardinals at 10-5 and resting for the playoffs. 9-7 would have won this division; maybe even 8-8.

The Colts at 14-0 are home against the Jets. I believe they will stay in their regular routine and win this game. Fifteen-0: be prepared for four more Peyton Manning commercials to be on all the time.

Philadelphia is at home and must keep winning in this heated division race. Denver must keep its grip on a wild card at least. Take the Eagles at home in December most of the time in your life.

Even with a loss, Denver is still in the wild card driver’s seat. If Oakland beat Denver this week, which I doubt, this game takes on more meaning. The game has more meaning for Philadelphia, and that is why they will win.

Minnesota has the Bears on Monday Night Football in an absolutely meaningless game.  Minnesota has the division, but can’t catch New Orleans for home field advantage. Take the Vikings anyway, but New Orleans will finish 15-1.

Can Dallas go into Minnesota or New Orleans and win in the playoffs? That’s the billion dollar question. New Orleans will certainly be more animated next time Dallas visits, I would imagine.

I am 148-74 for the season, about on pace with the 80 games over 500 last season. Still, some picks, especially with Houston, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee in the early goings, got me extra losses this season; otherwise the NFL is predictable to a point.

Thanks for the reads, and have a great holiday season,

Thomas[ NFL Mikee] Moreland.

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Week 15 NFL Point Spread Winning Picks: Tricky Weeks Coming

Indy has clinched the division and home field through the playoffs. Coupled with a short week and travel, expect a small mental letdown.

The Jags must keep winning or crack the barn door open, for other teams to slip in, and ruin a nice comeback season from the previous year. I took the Jags in a small upset in this one. You get three points. This was not the right pick, as Indy wins 35-31.

Those Vegas guys are good. The line was three and Indy wins by four. Now I really like the next pick with New Orleans bashing Dallas and giving that division to a deserving Eagle team.

New Orleans will keep Dallas skidding out of control in December, like a car on black ice, cliffs on both sides. Seven is the number and New Orleans shows the team in control in 2009/2010.

New England has Buffalo and is favored by seven. Brady should outscore this team by a couple of touchdowns.

Arizona will handle Detroit easily and win by the required 12 points.

Tennessee has a chance to put a dent in Miami’s post season hopes, and will win this game at home.

Kansas City will have enough offense to overcome the one good player Cleveland has and will cover two at home in a game you can probably nap to.

Houston has pride and not much else to play for this season, as they host the Rams. Matt Schaub should score enough by halftime to put this game away. Houston by a couple touchdowns.

The Jets must beat a talented, but injury depleted Atlanta team to stay in playoff talks. The Jets can win this one with defense and very few turnovers. Heavy doses of Thomas Jones. Jets by six.

Philadelphia will be a tough out in December at home. Sorry San Francisco, You won.t win this one. Nine points seems like it might be a high number, but fear not.

The Ravens handle Chicago by the 11 points, and must win out to make the playoffs.

Denver is favored against Oakland by 14. Huh?  The Raiders will keep in this game. What’s up with 14?  I got to take the Raiders and the points in this one.

San Diego has a rough situation trying to hammer a team, who lost Chris Henry suddenly in a tragic death, plus all the struggle after another death this season to another close friend of the team.

Cincinnati will have to travel, and the emotion of a team dedication to Henry for the rest of the season, will maybe carry them through the first half of this game.

San Diego will pull away quickly in the second half and get the Bengals back home. San Diego wins by around 10.

I have Pittsburgh to shock everyone with a win this week over the Packers. Despite the Steelers losing five in a row. All they have to do is win, baby. One point is the number.

Seattle will handle Tampa Bay at home. The spread is seven. Seattle could reach 6-8 with a win at home.

Minnesota plays an injury ridden Carolina team, that will tiptoe around in an effort to not get hurt in a meaningless game for them. The Vikings are simply tuning up for the playoffs at this point. Nine is reasonable with the way Carolina has played this season.

The Giants are clinging to playoff hope and will handle Washington, who has looked a bit better lately. The shine, however is worn dull in this rivalry, with a lack of talent to compete at a high level on the Redskin teams of late.

Good luck to all in this weeks games. I am 112-94 against the line this season. Not the best of seasons, but not a losing season, as far as if you were betting on these games.

A good finish would help, in these last three weeks. At a bet of 100 dollars per game, you would be ahead this season 860 dollars. At 1000 per game, you’d be up 8600 dollars, and at 10 dollars per game, a whopping 86 bucks.

Betting on as many games as possible is more fun, and your odds, as you make intelligent picks, are much safer with multiple single game bets then trying a big bet on a sure thing, that  messes up quite often.

Have a great week.

Thomas [NFL Mikee ]Moreland

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

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