For the first time in a long time, most week 17 contests feature somebody playing for something more than pride. In an interesting scheduling twist by the NFL, all games are division matchups. Some are more relevant than others.
Sunday Game Score Predictions:
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Atlanta, 24-13. If the Falcons can't beat the Panthers at home they deserve to lose the #1 seed in the NFC and will need to go to St. Louis or Seattle to think about what they've done.
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta, 31-13. The Falcons take it to the lowly Panthers.
Vegas Lines Pick: Atlanta, 28-13. Atlanta by 14, Over/Under 41.
Accuscore Pick: Atlanta, 28-9. Atlanta 77% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Atlanta, 30-13. Atlanta won all 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Atlanta, 20-17. Atlanta better at 12-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Atlanta, 20-17
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh, 27-14. The Steelers have so much to gain with a victory and so much to lose with a loss. Despite being on the road, they should win in Cleveland to gain a first-round bye.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh, 27-17. The Steelers stake their claim to the AFC North.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh, 23-14. Pittsburgh by 5.5, Over/Under 47.
Accuscore Pick: Pittsburgh, 27-10. Pittsburgh 74% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Pittsburgh, 20-12. Pittsburgh won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh, 20-17. Pittsburgh better at 11-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cleveland, 20-17
New York Giants at Washington Redskins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York, 28-17. For the Giants it will be too little, too late, but they will outlast the resurgent, Grossman-led Redskins in D.C.
Scottie V's Pick: New York, 24-20. The Giants do their part to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York, 24-20. New York by 3.5, Over/Under 44.
Accuscore Pick: New York, 24-10. New York 69% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New York, 26-17. New York won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York, 20-17. New York better at 9-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Washington, 20-17
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore, 20-14. The Bengals are playing better without T.Ocho, but the Ravens will still come away with the victory.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore, 23-16. The Ravens take care of business, but the Steelers victory means no bye week in Baltimore.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore, 27-16. Baltimore by 9.5, Over/Under 43.
Accuscore Pick: Baltimore, 28-7. Baltimore 79% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Baltimore, 23-7. Baltimore won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore, 20-17. Baltimore better at 11-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Baltimore, 20-17
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Jacksonville, 38-31. The Jaguars still have hope... The Texans are just trying to finish the season without getting injured.
Scottie V's Pick: Jacksonville, 28-14. Keeping pressure on the Colts, the Jags play like they mean business.
Vegas Lines Pick: Jacksonville, 26-23. Jacksonville by 2, Over/Under 49.
Accuscore Pick: Houston, 20-17. Houston 53% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Houston, 26-21. Houston won all 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Jacksonville, 20-17. Jacksonville better at 8-7.
Home Team Wins Pick: Houston, 20-17
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit, 27-21. The Lions are eager to finish off 2010 on a high note with a four-game winning streak and they have always played the Vikings tough.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit, 23-13. The Lions make sure the Vikings' season ends with a thud... Brett Favre's retirement contemplation begins again.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit, 24-20. Detroit by 3, Over/Under 43.
Accuscore Pick: Detroit, 21-16. Detroit 58% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Minnesota, 20-17. Minnesota won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Minnesota, 20-17. Minnesota better at 6-9.
Home Team Wins Pick: Detroit, 20-17
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay, 28-20. A tough game to call. The Packers have to win to guarantee themselves a spot in the playoffs, but Chicago has very little desire to see Green Bay invited to the dance at their own expense.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay, 27-17. Like a phoenix rising, Aaron Rodgers looks playoff-ready, destroying the Giants and Bucs playoff hopes.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay, 27-16. Green Bay by 10, Over/Under 41.5.
Accuscore Pick: Green Bay, 26-10. Green Bay 71% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Chicago, 20-17. Chicago won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago, 20-17. Chicago better at 11-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Green Bay, 20-17
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Indianapolis, 24-17. The Colts are willing themselves into the playoffs.
Scottie V's Pick: Indianapolis, 28-13. There is no way the Colts lose this game at home, right? Sorry, Jags.
Vegas Lines Pick: Indianapolis, 31-17. Indianapolis by 10, Over/Under 48.
Accuscore Pick: Indianapolis, 26-10. Indianapolis 72% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Tennessee, 19-10. Tennessee won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Indianapolis, 20-17. Indianapolis better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Indianapolis, 20-17
Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Kansas City, 17-14. The Chiefs just need to survive this game without injury, but they will still keep Oakland from getting to .500.
Scottie V's Pick: Kansas City, 27-14. The Chiefs treat their fans to a playoff tune-up against the hated Raiders.
Vegas Lines Pick: Kansas City, 24-20. Kansas City by 3, Over/Under 43.
Accuscore Pick: Kansas City, 20-17. Kansas City 53% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Oakland, 23-17. Oakland won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Kansas City, 20-17. Kansas City better at 10-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Kansas City, 20-17
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England, 31-21. The Patriot starters will play long enough to guarantee a victory.
Scottie V's Pick: New England, 24-13. Though a meaningless game for the Pats, they are still better than the Dolphs.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England, 26-20. New England by 4, Over/Under 44.
Accuscore Pick: New England, 24-10. New England 70% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New England, 20-17. New England won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England, 20-17. New England better at 13-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: New England, 20-17
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans, 24-14. After getting some swagger back in Atlanta on Monday, the defending champs will not fall to the Bucs at home.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans, 30-17. The Saints head into the playoffs to defend their title with some solid momentum.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans, 28-20. New Orleans by 7.5, Over/Under 47.5.
Accuscore Pick: New Orleans, 28-10. New Orleans 76% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New Orleans, 24-17. New Orleans won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans, 20-17. New Orleans better at 11-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: New Orleans, 20-17
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York, 16-10. Who knows which Jets team will show up, but I'm sure they'll tell us which team has arrived once they get there.
Scottie V's Pick: New York, 23-20. The Bills give the Jets all they can handle before a late Santonio Holmes (of course) touchdown.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York, 23-20. NY Jets by 1.5, Over/Under 39.5.
Accuscore Pick: New York, 24-13. NY Jets 67% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New York, 28-10. NY Jets won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York, 20-17. New York better at 10-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York, 20-17
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas, 31-24. Philadelphia has nothing to play for on a short week, so I expect them to rest some starters, particularly Vick, after the way the Vikings banged him around last Tuesday.
Scottie V's Pick: Dallas, 27-23. Philly limps into the playoffs after two straight defeats.
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia, 27-21. Philadelphia by 4, Over/Under 48.
Accuscore Pick: Philadelphia, 24-10. Philadelphia 69% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Philadelphia, 21-17. Philadelphia won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Philadelphia, 20-17. Philadelphia better at 10-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Philadelphia, 20-17
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Arizona, 27-17. Sorry, 49ers. Firing Singletary this late in the season was pointless. Had the move been made 3-4 weeks ago, San Francisco might already be in the playoffs as the NFC West's best.
Scottie V's Pick: San Francisco, 20-14. Does this game really need to be played? The Niners play a somewhat inspired game under their interim coach and win at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Francisco, 23-16. San Francisco by 6, Over/Under 39.
Accuscore Pick: San Francisco, 24-13. San Francisco 65% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: San Francisco, 23-13. San Francisco won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco, 20-17. Both records at 5-10, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: San Francisco, 20-17
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Diego, 38-24. So much promise for both teams, yet two completely wasted seasons. At least the Broncos are finding out how good Tim Tebow just might be.
Scottie V's Pick: Denver, 23-17. The Broncs add insult to the injury of the Chargers dashed playoff hopes.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Diego, 26-21. San Diego by 3, Over/Under 47.
Accuscore Pick: San Diego, 26-10. San Diego 71% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: San Diego, 23-16. San Diego won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Diego, 20-17. San Diego better at 8-7.
Home Team Wins Pick: Denver, 20-17
St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks
Creative Misfortune's Pick: St. Louis, 24-10. Traditionalists everywhere are hoping the Rams get in at 8-8. Those in favor of revamping the NFL's playoff structure should be cheering for the Seahawks to get crushed by a Wild Card team next weekend.
Scottie V's Pick: St. Louis, 27-17. As a Pacific NW'erner I'm supposed to like the Seahawks, but how can you root for a sub-.500 team to make the playoffs??? That's ridiculous.
Vegas Lines Pick: St. Louis, 24-17. St. Louis by 3, Over/Under 41.
Accuscore Pick: St. Louis, 21-17. St. Louis 57% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Seattle, 17-14. Seattle won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: St. Louis, 20-17. St. Louis better at 7-8.
Home Team Wins Pick: Seattle, 20-17
Come back on Monday to view the prediction roundup for all week 17 Sunday games. No recaps will be posted, as I will be traveling away from Winter's wonderland, but prediction results for all systems will be highlighted for accuracy.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Creative Misfortune Power Rankings - Week 16
Creative Misfortune Power Rankings are based on a complicated formula that takes into account, among other things, a team's projected ability to score an Offensive Fumble Recovery TD. All power rankings guaranteed to be less accurate than real NFL team abilities on any given Sunday and are subject to change on a weekly basis. If your team’s ranking remains unchanged for 4 hours or more, please consult with your doctor, as serious side effects may occur.
When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, winning isn't the only thing, but it is the most important component of the rating. I don't believe teams can be powerful if they consistently lose, even to other great teams.
The Forked Few~
Abandon hope and fortune all ye who rank here
# 32 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 31)
The season mercifully comes to an end after one last beat down in Atlanta.
# 31 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 32)
The Cards have serious issues on offense they will need to address during the offseason, starting at the quarterback position. On the bright side, the defense looks somewhat solid.
# 30 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 28)
Just when you think the Bills might be on to something, they throw out a collossal stink-bomb. Sure, it is difficult to beat New England, but you should be able to score more than three points against a division rival.
# 29 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 29)
Funny how when Ochocinco and Owens aren't in the lineup, Carson Palmer can play loose and go off for four touchdowns. Really makes you think, doesn't it?
# 28 - Denver Broncos (previous: 30)
TIM TEBOW!
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 20)
How painfully sad is it that Seattle, starting their back-up quarterback and having lost nine games already this season, will be playing in primetime on Sunday night for the right to host a playoff game?
# 26 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 27)
Finally the 49ers do something right. Singletary should have been gone weeks ago when San Francisco still had a chance to make the playoffs. Once they were eliminated, why even bother making the in-season change?
# 25 - Houston Texans (previous: 25)
No one can fault you for losing to the wonder that is Tim Tebow, but, seriously, double-digit losses this season was quite unacceptable.
# 24 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 21)
An extra point doinked off the upright? Yep. Pretty much sums up the entire Cowboy season.
# 23 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 26)
A decent showing against a division rival, but there is still a lot of work left to be done in Cleveland.
# 22 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 22)
One more game until the nightmare season ends, but at least the 2011 search for a quarterback has gained some positivity. Joe Webb looked quite impressive against Philadelphia. And as far as Favre- will he or won't he? Oh, please, just go away already.
# 21 - Detroit Lions (previous: 23)
The Lions on a three-game winning streak? That hasn't happened in like... ever.
The Remarkably Average ~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 16)
Look. Give up or don't give up. I don't care, just pick one and go with it for your week 17 game against the Colts.
# 19 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 18)
A trip out of the state to finish the season is exactly what the Dolphins need. Sure, the game will be in frigid New England against the best team in the league, but at least it won't be in the nightmarish confines of South Florida.
# 18 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 14)
A tough loss to the Colts means the Raiders will have to win in Kansas City in order to finish at .500 for the first time since their last Super Bowl appearance.
# 17 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 10)
Their early season losses finally sunk the Chargers.
# 16 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 15)
There is still hope. If Tennessee decides to play and Houston doesn't, Jacksonville could sneak back into the playoff picture when it matters the most.
# 15 - Washington Redskins (previous: 24)
Could Rex Grossman actually be the answer?
# 14 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 19)
Please, please, please, St. Louis. Beat Seattle and Sunday night. Sure, an 8-8 division champion isn't all that great, but it certainly would be better than the 7-9 Seahawks going into the playoffs.
# 13 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 17)
Tampa Bay still has a chance if they can knock off the defending champions and get help from the Bears and Redskins. Yes, it's a long shot, but if things go right, the Bucs could be in. Can you imagine both Seattle and Tampa Bay in the playoffs?
The Fortunate Seven ~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - New York Giants (previous: 8)
The total collapse against the Eagles followed by the second-half explosion of the Packers has all but killed the Giants. Now, if they could ever just get back to New York...
# 11 - New York Jets (previous: 4)
For a strong defense, the Jets sure allowed a lot of points to a suspect Bears offense. The Jets are in the playoffs, but they have serious issues that need to be corrected if they hope to make a near-magical run like last year.
# 10 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 13)
One more win and the division, once again, will be theirs.
# 9 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 12)
All the Pack have to do is beat the Bears.
# 8 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 3)
Michael Vick lost his bid to be the league's MVP with the sub-par performance of the Eagles on Tuesday. He still will be the Comeback Player of the Year and may do some damage in the post-season, but the Vikings gave the league a beautiful blueprint on how to short-circuit the high-flying Eagles explosive offense.
# 7 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 9)
The best surprise team of the season and a young team that can may surprise a lot of people in the playoffs, especially if they can manage to avoid New England until the championship game.
# 6 - Chicago Bears (previous: 11)
The Bears still have something to play for and the last team they want to see in the playoffs is Green Bay.
The Creative Elite ~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 6)
The Ravens can still take the division if Pittsburgh stumbles against Cleveland as long as they can get by Cincinnati.
# 4 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 5)
A win and a week off will provide enough motivation for the Steelers to put away the Browns.
# 3 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 7)
These are the defending champions everyone remembers. Now they have sown the seeds of doubt in the Falcons should they meet again in Atlanta during the playoffs.
# 2 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 2)
Atlanta is still the best team in the NFC, but great teams close out games against their division rivals at home with so much on the line.
# 1 - New England Patriots (previous: 1)
With nothing to play for in week 17, how will Belichick approach the game? If history has shown us anything, Brady and the other starters will be on the field late into the game until the Patriots are ahead by 30.
Week 16 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - New York Jets (-7), San Diego Chargers (-7) and the Seattle Seahawks (-7)
The Biggest Movers - Washington Redskins (+9), St. Louis Rams (+5) and the Chicago Bears (+5)
Maintaining The Status Quo - New England Patriots (1), Atlanta Falcons (2), Minnesota Vikings (22), Houston Texans (25) and the Cincinnati Bengals (29)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLV Favorite ~ After Week 16
New England Patriots
When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, winning isn't the only thing, but it is the most important component of the rating. I don't believe teams can be powerful if they consistently lose, even to other great teams.
The Forked Few~
Abandon hope and fortune all ye who rank here
# 32 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 31)
The season mercifully comes to an end after one last beat down in Atlanta.
# 31 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 32)
The Cards have serious issues on offense they will need to address during the offseason, starting at the quarterback position. On the bright side, the defense looks somewhat solid.
# 30 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 28)
Just when you think the Bills might be on to something, they throw out a collossal stink-bomb. Sure, it is difficult to beat New England, but you should be able to score more than three points against a division rival.
# 29 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 29)
Funny how when Ochocinco and Owens aren't in the lineup, Carson Palmer can play loose and go off for four touchdowns. Really makes you think, doesn't it?
# 28 - Denver Broncos (previous: 30)
TIM TEBOW!
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 20)
How painfully sad is it that Seattle, starting their back-up quarterback and having lost nine games already this season, will be playing in primetime on Sunday night for the right to host a playoff game?
# 26 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 27)
Finally the 49ers do something right. Singletary should have been gone weeks ago when San Francisco still had a chance to make the playoffs. Once they were eliminated, why even bother making the in-season change?
# 25 - Houston Texans (previous: 25)
No one can fault you for losing to the wonder that is Tim Tebow, but, seriously, double-digit losses this season was quite unacceptable.
# 24 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 21)
An extra point doinked off the upright? Yep. Pretty much sums up the entire Cowboy season.
# 23 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 26)
A decent showing against a division rival, but there is still a lot of work left to be done in Cleveland.
# 22 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 22)
One more game until the nightmare season ends, but at least the 2011 search for a quarterback has gained some positivity. Joe Webb looked quite impressive against Philadelphia. And as far as Favre- will he or won't he? Oh, please, just go away already.
# 21 - Detroit Lions (previous: 23)
The Lions on a three-game winning streak? That hasn't happened in like... ever.
The Remarkably Average ~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 16)
Look. Give up or don't give up. I don't care, just pick one and go with it for your week 17 game against the Colts.
# 19 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 18)
A trip out of the state to finish the season is exactly what the Dolphins need. Sure, the game will be in frigid New England against the best team in the league, but at least it won't be in the nightmarish confines of South Florida.
# 18 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 14)
A tough loss to the Colts means the Raiders will have to win in Kansas City in order to finish at .500 for the first time since their last Super Bowl appearance.
# 17 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 10)
Their early season losses finally sunk the Chargers.
# 16 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 15)
There is still hope. If Tennessee decides to play and Houston doesn't, Jacksonville could sneak back into the playoff picture when it matters the most.
# 15 - Washington Redskins (previous: 24)
Could Rex Grossman actually be the answer?
# 14 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 19)
Please, please, please, St. Louis. Beat Seattle and Sunday night. Sure, an 8-8 division champion isn't all that great, but it certainly would be better than the 7-9 Seahawks going into the playoffs.
# 13 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 17)
Tampa Bay still has a chance if they can knock off the defending champions and get help from the Bears and Redskins. Yes, it's a long shot, but if things go right, the Bucs could be in. Can you imagine both Seattle and Tampa Bay in the playoffs?
The Fortunate Seven ~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - New York Giants (previous: 8)
The total collapse against the Eagles followed by the second-half explosion of the Packers has all but killed the Giants. Now, if they could ever just get back to New York...
# 11 - New York Jets (previous: 4)
For a strong defense, the Jets sure allowed a lot of points to a suspect Bears offense. The Jets are in the playoffs, but they have serious issues that need to be corrected if they hope to make a near-magical run like last year.
# 10 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 13)
One more win and the division, once again, will be theirs.
# 9 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 12)
All the Pack have to do is beat the Bears.
# 8 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 3)
Michael Vick lost his bid to be the league's MVP with the sub-par performance of the Eagles on Tuesday. He still will be the Comeback Player of the Year and may do some damage in the post-season, but the Vikings gave the league a beautiful blueprint on how to short-circuit the high-flying Eagles explosive offense.
# 7 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 9)
The best surprise team of the season and a young team that can may surprise a lot of people in the playoffs, especially if they can manage to avoid New England until the championship game.
# 6 - Chicago Bears (previous: 11)
The Bears still have something to play for and the last team they want to see in the playoffs is Green Bay.
The Creative Elite ~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 6)
The Ravens can still take the division if Pittsburgh stumbles against Cleveland as long as they can get by Cincinnati.
# 4 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 5)
A win and a week off will provide enough motivation for the Steelers to put away the Browns.
# 3 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 7)
These are the defending champions everyone remembers. Now they have sown the seeds of doubt in the Falcons should they meet again in Atlanta during the playoffs.
# 2 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 2)
Atlanta is still the best team in the NFC, but great teams close out games against their division rivals at home with so much on the line.
# 1 - New England Patriots (previous: 1)
With nothing to play for in week 17, how will Belichick approach the game? If history has shown us anything, Brady and the other starters will be on the field late into the game until the Patriots are ahead by 30.
Week 16 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - New York Jets (-7), San Diego Chargers (-7) and the Seattle Seahawks (-7)
The Biggest Movers - Washington Redskins (+9), St. Louis Rams (+5) and the Chicago Bears (+5)
Maintaining The Status Quo - New England Patriots (1), Atlanta Falcons (2), Minnesota Vikings (22), Houston Texans (25) and the Cincinnati Bengals (29)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLV Favorite ~ After Week 16
Week 16 - Roundup of Creative Misfortune - Tuesday Game
Sunday Night Result ~ Tuesday Night Special:
Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles (Actual ~ Minnesota, 24-14)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Philadelphia, 37-10. I can't believe NBC flexed this game instead of the Giants-Packers de facto playoff game.
Scottie V's Pick: Philadelphia, 34-13. Is Brett really done??? Well, either way, you can stick a fork in the Vikings.
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia, 30-14. Philadelphia by 14.5, Over/Under 44.
Accuscore Pick: Philadelphia, 31-6. Philadelphia 86% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Minnesota, 21-20. Minnesota won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Philadelphia, 20-17. Philadelphia better at 10-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Philadelphia, 20-17
Michael Vick's MVP aspirations took multiple hits Tuesday nightas the Vikings defense swarmed all over him from all angles. The Eagles showed little fire in a game they needed to win in order to have a chance at a first-round bye in the playoffs. The 6-9 Vikings, starting rookie quarterback Joe Webb, played like the superior team they were one season ago and surprised almost all pick systems with their impressive play. Only What If Sports struck gold by taking Minnesota to win in Philadelphia.
Week 16 Final Prediction Scoreboard...
Scottie V's: 11-5 (season overall: 151-89)
Creative Misfortune: 10-6 (season overall: 140-100) *1 Perfect Pick
Vegas Picks: 9-7 (season overall: 157-83) *2 Perfect Picks
Accuscore: 9-7 (season overall: 152-88)
Best Record Wins Pick: 9-7 (season overall: 142-98) *3 Perfect Picks
Home Team Wins Pick: 9-7 (season overall: 133-107) *3 Perfect Picks
What If Sports: 7-9 (season overall: 126-114) *1 Perfect Pick
Check back later today for Creative Misfortune's Power Rankings through week 16.
Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles (Actual ~ Minnesota, 24-14)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Philadelphia, 37-10. I can't believe NBC flexed this game instead of the Giants-Packers de facto playoff game.
Scottie V's Pick: Philadelphia, 34-13. Is Brett really done??? Well, either way, you can stick a fork in the Vikings.
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia, 30-14. Philadelphia by 14.5, Over/Under 44.
Accuscore Pick: Philadelphia, 31-6. Philadelphia 86% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Minnesota, 21-20. Minnesota won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Philadelphia, 20-17. Philadelphia better at 10-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Philadelphia, 20-17
Michael Vick's MVP aspirations took multiple hits Tuesday nightas the Vikings defense swarmed all over him from all angles. The Eagles showed little fire in a game they needed to win in order to have a chance at a first-round bye in the playoffs. The 6-9 Vikings, starting rookie quarterback Joe Webb, played like the superior team they were one season ago and surprised almost all pick systems with their impressive play. Only What If Sports struck gold by taking Minnesota to win in Philadelphia.
Week 16 Final Prediction Scoreboard...
Scottie V's: 11-5 (season overall: 151-89)
Creative Misfortune: 10-6 (season overall: 140-100) *1 Perfect Pick
Vegas Picks: 9-7 (season overall: 157-83) *2 Perfect Picks
Accuscore: 9-7 (season overall: 152-88)
Best Record Wins Pick: 9-7 (season overall: 142-98) *3 Perfect Picks
Home Team Wins Pick: 9-7 (season overall: 133-107) *3 Perfect Picks
What If Sports: 7-9 (season overall: 126-114) *1 Perfect Pick
Check back later today for Creative Misfortune's Power Rankings through week 16.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Creative Misfortune's Fantasy Bowl I Results ~ "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..."
Creative Misfortune's first ever "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." season has come to an end.
Both conference champions may have struggled terribly in their real Week 16 games (San Diego lost to Cincinnati, 34-20 and was eliminated from the playoffs; New York was crushed by the Packers in Green Bay, 45-17), but in fantasy football, a team can lose in real life and still be victorious if the numbers add up properly!
CREATIVE MISFORTUNE'S FANTASY BOWL I
San Diego Chargers (11-2)
(playing at Cincinnati Bengals)
vs
New York Giants (10-4)
(playing at Green Bay Packers)
Complete Scoreboard Result ~
Congratulations to the New York Giants, the first ever Creative Misfortune "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." Champions! If only their fantasy success translated to actual on-field victories, they might have already clinched a playoff spot and been bound for true Super Bowl glory!
Creative Misfortune Fantasy Playoffs - Seeds and Prior Results
Conference Championship Game Results - Week 15
AFC #3 New England Patriots (playing vs Green Bay Packers) at
AFC #1 San Diego Chargers (playing vs San Francisco 49ers)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 100, New England Patriots 75
New England's Key Performers: Aaron Hernandez (15), Defense (15), Tom Brady (14)
San Diego's Key Performers: Vincent Jackson (29), Philip Rivers (22), Defense (12)
NFC #3 New York Giants (playing vs Philadelphia Eagles) at
NFC #1 New Orleans Saints (playing at Baltimore Ravens)
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 97, New Orleans Saints 66
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (25), Mario Manningham (21), Hakeem Nicks (12)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (20), Jimmy Graham (14), Marques Colston (8)
Divisional Game Results - Week 14
AFC #4 Pittsburgh Steelers (playing vs Cincinnati Bengals) at
AFC #1 San Diego Chargers (BWA*: +12) (playing vs Kansas City Chiefs)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 98, Pittsburgh Steelers 77
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Defense (25), Hines Ward (11), Shaun Suisham (11)
San Diego's Key Performers: Malcolm Floyd (17), Defense (14), Philip Rivers (13), Bye-Week Advantage (12)
AFC #3 New England Patriots (playing at Chicago Bears) at
AFC #2 Indianapolis Colts (BWA*: +21) (playing at Tennessee Titans)
Fantasy Score: New England Patriots 116, Indianapolis Colts 110
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (22), Deion Branch (21), Defense (20)
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Pierre Garcon (21), Bye-Week Advantage (21), Peyton Manning (20), Adam Vinatieri (12)
NFC #5 Atlanta Falcons (playing at Carolina Panthers) at
NFC #1 New Orleans Saints (BWA*: +23) (playing vs St. Louis Rams)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 105, Atlanta Falcons 82
Atlanta's Key Performers: Michael Turner (30), Defense (13), Matt Ryan (11)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Bye-Week Advantage (23), Defense (19), Drew Brees (16), Marques Colston (16)
NFC #3 New York Giants (playing at Minnesota Vikings) at
NFC #2 Green Bay Packers (BWA*: +23) (playing at Detroit Lions)
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 77, Green Bay Packers 57
New York's Key Performers: Brandon Jacobs (17), Ahmad Bradshaw (17), Defense (13)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Bye-Week Advantage (23), Defense (10), Matt Flynn (6), Greg Jennings (5)
Wild Card Game Results - Week 13
AFC #6 Baltimore Ravens (playing vs Pittsburgh Steelers) at
AFC #3 New England Patriots (playing vs New York Jets)
Fantasy Score: New England Patriots 119, Baltimore Ravens 56
Baltimore's Key Performers: Anquan Boldin (17), Joe Flacco (13), Defense (9)
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (29), BenJarvus Green-Ellis (19), Wes Welker (14)
AFC #5 New York Jets (playing at New England Patriots) at
AFC #4 Pittsburgh Steelers (playing at Baltimore Ravens)
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 59, New York Jets 27
New York's Key Performers: Santonio Holmes (7), Shonne Greene (6), LaDainian Tomlinson (5)
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Ben Roethlisberger (12), Defense (10), Isaac Redman (9)
NFC #6 Chicago Bears (playing at Detroit Lions) at
NFC #3 New York Giants (playing vs Washington Redskins)
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 87, Chicago Bears 71
Chicago's Key Performers: Matt Forte (15), Jay Cutler (12), Chester Taylor (12)
New York's Key Performers: Brandon Jacobs (22), Ahmad Bradshaw (21), Defense (20)
NFC #5 Atlanta Falcons (playing at Tampa Bay Buccaneers) at
NFC #4 San Francisco 49ers (playing at Green Bay Packers)
Fantasy Score: Atlanta Falcons 67, San Francisco 53
Atlanta's Key Performers: Michael Turner (14), Matt Ryan (12), Defense (9)
San Francisco's Key Performers: Vernon Davis (18), Jeff Reed (10), Troy Smith (9)
Top Seeds Playing for Bye-Week Advantage*
AFC #1 - San Diego Chargers (playing vs Oakland Raiders)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 50
San Diego's Key Performers: Antonio Gates (13), Philip Rivers (13), Malcom Floyd (7)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 50/4 = 12.5 = +12 points
AFC #2 - Indianapolis Colts (playing vs Dallas Cowboys)
Fantasy Score: Indianapolis Colts 86
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Reggie Wayne (26), Peyton Manning (14), Javarris James (14)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 86/4 = 21.5 = +21 points
NFC #1 - New Orleans Saints (playing at Cincinnati Bengals)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 93
New Orleans' Key Performers: Chris Ivory (23), Drew Brees (18), Robert Meachem (16)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 93/4 = 23.25 = +23 points
NFC #2 - Green Bay Packers (playing vs San Francisco 49ers)
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 95
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (26), Greg Jennings (24), Donald Driver (13)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 95/4 = 23.75 = +23 points
*Bye-week Advantage - To reflect the benefit gained by the top 2 seeds in each conference getting a bye week before they host Divisional Playoff games, the four teams who earn these bye weeks in the fantasy standings will play Week 13 to gain bonus points that will be added to their score in the Divisional Playoff round. For every 4 points they score in their Week 13 game, they will receive 1 bonus point in their Divisional round matchup.
For example, if Indianapolis scores 80 fantasy points in Week 13 against Dallas, they would receive 20 bonus points (80/4) for their Divisional matchup. Conversely, if they had an off week and scored 22 fantasy points, they would only receive 5 bonus points (22/4, any fractional points rounded down).
Since there are no bye weeks between the Divisional games and the Championship Games, bonus points will only be a factor in the Divisional playoff games.
AFC Seeds
Division Champions ~
1. San Diego Chargers (9-2, 905 pts)
2. Indianapolis Colts (8-3, 876 pts)
3. New England Patriots (8-3, 855 pts)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3, 791 pts)
Wild Cards ~
5. New York Jets (8-3, 817 pts)
6. Baltimore Ravens (8-3, 786 pts)
NFC Seeds
Division Champions ~
1. New Orleans Saints (10-1, 814 pts)
2. Green Bay Packers (8-3, 859 pts)
3. New York Giants (7-4, 879 pts)
4. San Francisco 49ers (5-6, 651 points)
Wild Cards ~
5. Atlanta Falcons (7-4, 822 pts)
6. Chicago Bears (7-4, 729 pts)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings. Which teams will remain in the Creative Elite as playoff spots are clinched with only one week left to play in the regular season?
Both conference champions may have struggled terribly in their real Week 16 games (San Diego lost to Cincinnati, 34-20 and was eliminated from the playoffs; New York was crushed by the Packers in Green Bay, 45-17), but in fantasy football, a team can lose in real life and still be victorious if the numbers add up properly!
CREATIVE MISFORTUNE'S FANTASY BOWL I
(playing at Cincinnati Bengals)
vs
(playing at Green Bay Packers)
Complete Scoreboard Result ~
| San Diego Chargers | pts | pts | New York Giants | |||
| Philip Rivers | 12 | QB | 13 | Eli Manning | ||
| Ryan Mathews | 13 | RB1 | 5 | Ahmad Bradshaw | ||
| Mike Tolbert | -2 | RB2 | 2 | Brandon Jacobs | ||
| Vincent Jackson | 5 | WR1 | 19 | Mario Manningham | ||
| Legedu Naanee | 5 | WR2 | 15 | Hakeem Nicks | ||
| Kelley Washington | 10 | WR3 | 1 | Derek Hagan | ||
| Randy McMichael | 1 | TE | 0 | Kevin Boss | ||
| Nate Kaeding | 8 | K | 5 | Lawrence Tynes | ||
| Defense | 1 | DEF | -1 | Defense | ||
| Total | 53 | >>> | 59 | Total |
Congratulations to the New York Giants, the first ever Creative Misfortune "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." Champions! If only their fantasy success translated to actual on-field victories, they might have already clinched a playoff spot and been bound for true Super Bowl glory!
Creative Misfortune Fantasy Playoffs - Seeds and Prior Results
Conference Championship Game Results - Week 15
AFC #3 New England Patriots (playing vs Green Bay Packers) at
AFC #1 San Diego Chargers (playing vs San Francisco 49ers)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 100, New England Patriots 75
New England's Key Performers: Aaron Hernandez (15), Defense (15), Tom Brady (14)
San Diego's Key Performers: Vincent Jackson (29), Philip Rivers (22), Defense (12)
NFC #3 New York Giants (playing vs Philadelphia Eagles) at
NFC #1 New Orleans Saints (playing at Baltimore Ravens)
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 97, New Orleans Saints 66
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (25), Mario Manningham (21), Hakeem Nicks (12)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (20), Jimmy Graham (14), Marques Colston (8)
Divisional Game Results - Week 14
AFC #4 Pittsburgh Steelers (playing vs Cincinnati Bengals) at
AFC #1 San Diego Chargers (BWA*: +12) (playing vs Kansas City Chiefs)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 98, Pittsburgh Steelers 77
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Defense (25), Hines Ward (11), Shaun Suisham (11)
San Diego's Key Performers: Malcolm Floyd (17), Defense (14), Philip Rivers (13), Bye-Week Advantage (12)
AFC #3 New England Patriots (playing at Chicago Bears) at
AFC #2 Indianapolis Colts (BWA*: +21) (playing at Tennessee Titans)
Fantasy Score: New England Patriots 116, Indianapolis Colts 110
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (22), Deion Branch (21), Defense (20)
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Pierre Garcon (21), Bye-Week Advantage (21), Peyton Manning (20), Adam Vinatieri (12)
NFC #5 Atlanta Falcons (playing at Carolina Panthers) at
NFC #1 New Orleans Saints (BWA*: +23) (playing vs St. Louis Rams)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 105, Atlanta Falcons 82
Atlanta's Key Performers: Michael Turner (30), Defense (13), Matt Ryan (11)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Bye-Week Advantage (23), Defense (19), Drew Brees (16), Marques Colston (16)
NFC #3 New York Giants (playing at Minnesota Vikings) at
NFC #2 Green Bay Packers (BWA*: +23) (playing at Detroit Lions)
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 77, Green Bay Packers 57
New York's Key Performers: Brandon Jacobs (17), Ahmad Bradshaw (17), Defense (13)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Bye-Week Advantage (23), Defense (10), Matt Flynn (6), Greg Jennings (5)
Wild Card Game Results - Week 13
AFC #6 Baltimore Ravens (playing vs Pittsburgh Steelers) at
AFC #3 New England Patriots (playing vs New York Jets)
Fantasy Score: New England Patriots 119, Baltimore Ravens 56
Baltimore's Key Performers: Anquan Boldin (17), Joe Flacco (13), Defense (9)
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (29), BenJarvus Green-Ellis (19), Wes Welker (14)
AFC #5 New York Jets (playing at New England Patriots) at
AFC #4 Pittsburgh Steelers (playing at Baltimore Ravens)
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 59, New York Jets 27
New York's Key Performers: Santonio Holmes (7), Shonne Greene (6), LaDainian Tomlinson (5)
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Ben Roethlisberger (12), Defense (10), Isaac Redman (9)
NFC #6 Chicago Bears (playing at Detroit Lions) at
NFC #3 New York Giants (playing vs Washington Redskins)
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 87, Chicago Bears 71
Chicago's Key Performers: Matt Forte (15), Jay Cutler (12), Chester Taylor (12)
New York's Key Performers: Brandon Jacobs (22), Ahmad Bradshaw (21), Defense (20)
NFC #5 Atlanta Falcons (playing at Tampa Bay Buccaneers) at
NFC #4 San Francisco 49ers (playing at Green Bay Packers)
Fantasy Score: Atlanta Falcons 67, San Francisco 53
Atlanta's Key Performers: Michael Turner (14), Matt Ryan (12), Defense (9)
San Francisco's Key Performers: Vernon Davis (18), Jeff Reed (10), Troy Smith (9)
Top Seeds Playing for Bye-Week Advantage*
AFC #1 - San Diego Chargers (playing vs Oakland Raiders)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 50
San Diego's Key Performers: Antonio Gates (13), Philip Rivers (13), Malcom Floyd (7)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 50/4 = 12.5 = +12 points
AFC #2 - Indianapolis Colts (playing vs Dallas Cowboys)
Fantasy Score: Indianapolis Colts 86
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Reggie Wayne (26), Peyton Manning (14), Javarris James (14)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 86/4 = 21.5 = +21 points
NFC #1 - New Orleans Saints (playing at Cincinnati Bengals)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 93
New Orleans' Key Performers: Chris Ivory (23), Drew Brees (18), Robert Meachem (16)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 93/4 = 23.25 = +23 points
NFC #2 - Green Bay Packers (playing vs San Francisco 49ers)
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 95
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (26), Greg Jennings (24), Donald Driver (13)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 95/4 = 23.75 = +23 points
*Bye-week Advantage - To reflect the benefit gained by the top 2 seeds in each conference getting a bye week before they host Divisional Playoff games, the four teams who earn these bye weeks in the fantasy standings will play Week 13 to gain bonus points that will be added to their score in the Divisional Playoff round. For every 4 points they score in their Week 13 game, they will receive 1 bonus point in their Divisional round matchup.
For example, if Indianapolis scores 80 fantasy points in Week 13 against Dallas, they would receive 20 bonus points (80/4) for their Divisional matchup. Conversely, if they had an off week and scored 22 fantasy points, they would only receive 5 bonus points (22/4, any fractional points rounded down).
Since there are no bye weeks between the Divisional games and the Championship Games, bonus points will only be a factor in the Divisional playoff games.
AFC Seeds
Division Champions ~
1. San Diego Chargers (9-2, 905 pts)
2. Indianapolis Colts (8-3, 876 pts)
3. New England Patriots (8-3, 855 pts)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3, 791 pts)
Wild Cards ~
5. New York Jets (8-3, 817 pts)
6. Baltimore Ravens (8-3, 786 pts)
NFC Seeds
Division Champions ~
1. New Orleans Saints (10-1, 814 pts)
2. Green Bay Packers (8-3, 859 pts)
3. New York Giants (7-4, 879 pts)
4. San Francisco 49ers (5-6, 651 points)
Wild Cards ~
5. Atlanta Falcons (7-4, 822 pts)
6. Chicago Bears (7-4, 729 pts)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings. Which teams will remain in the Creative Elite as playoff spots are clinched with only one week left to play in the regular season?
Week 16 - Roundup of Creative Misfortune - Monday Game
Monday Night Result:
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (Actual ~ New Orleans, 17-14)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Atlanta, 24-21. As much as I like the Saints, the Falcons are the best, most well-rounded team, in the NFC.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans, 28-27. The Saints remind the surging Falcons who the defending Super Bowl Champions are.
Vegas Lines Pick: Atlanta, 26-23. Atlanta by 2.5, Over/Under 48.5.
Accuscore Pick: New Orleans, 20-17. New Orleans 54% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New Orleans, 24-23. New Orleans won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Atlanta, 20-17. Atlanta better at 12-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Atlanta, 20-17
The Saints survived two fourth quarter interceptions by Drew Brees to even the score with Atlanta, punch a ticket to the post-season and keep their division title hopes alive. The Falcons fought hard, only falling at home for the second time since Matt Ryan has been their quarterback, but ultimately could not overcome the Saints' defense. It is very possible that these two teams could meet again in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Falcons can still clinch home-field advantage with a victory next week over Carolina.
Check back later today for the results of the first ever Creative Misfortune "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." Fantasy Bowl. Both the Chargers and Giants struggled in their games. Which of these two teams will emerge as the fantasy champion?
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (Actual ~ New Orleans, 17-14)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Atlanta, 24-21. As much as I like the Saints, the Falcons are the best, most well-rounded team, in the NFC.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans, 28-27. The Saints remind the surging Falcons who the defending Super Bowl Champions are.
Vegas Lines Pick: Atlanta, 26-23. Atlanta by 2.5, Over/Under 48.5.
Accuscore Pick: New Orleans, 20-17. New Orleans 54% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New Orleans, 24-23. New Orleans won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Atlanta, 20-17. Atlanta better at 12-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Atlanta, 20-17
The Saints survived two fourth quarter interceptions by Drew Brees to even the score with Atlanta, punch a ticket to the post-season and keep their division title hopes alive. The Falcons fought hard, only falling at home for the second time since Matt Ryan has been their quarterback, but ultimately could not overcome the Saints' defense. It is very possible that these two teams could meet again in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Falcons can still clinch home-field advantage with a victory next week over Carolina.
Check back later today for the results of the first ever Creative Misfortune "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." Fantasy Bowl. Both the Chargers and Giants struggled in their games. Which of these two teams will emerge as the fantasy champion?
Monday, December 27, 2010
Week 16 - Roundup of Creative Misfortune - Sunday Games
Another snow-related incident has complicated the NFL schedule and wrecked havoc with the Minnesota Vikings. With another two days off, Brett Favre may start against the Eagles, but in the meantime, let's kick back and relax with some recaps of all the Sunday games that actually took place.
Thursday Night Result:
Carolina Panthers at Pittsburgh Steelers (Actual ~ Pittsburgh, 27-3)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh, 30-10. This will only be a contest if the Steelers are already looking forward to a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh, 24-9. The Steelers rebound after a disappointing loss to the Jets, keeping the tie-breaker over the Ravens.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh, 27-10. Pittsburgh by 14.5, Over/Under 37.
Accuscore Pick: Pittsburgh, 31-6. Pittsburgh 85% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Pittsburgh, 21-14. Pittsburgh won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh, 20-17. Pittsburgh better at 10-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Pittsburgh, 20-17
All pick systems get the Thursday Night picks correct as the Pittsburgh Steelers dominated the Carolina Panthers in all facets of the game. For their part, Pittsburgh played like solid division champions, while Carolina looked every bit like a team that would be first on the clock come April.
Christmas Day Result:
Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals (Actual ~ Arizona, 27-26)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas, 28-13. The game means nothing in the standings, but Jason Garrett is still out to show he deserves to be the man leading Dallas next season.
Scottie V's Pick: Dallas, 27-13. Kudos to Jason Garrett for quite possibly the best half-season coaching job ever.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas, 28-17. Dallas by 7, Over/Under 45.
Accuscore Pick: Dallas, 21-16. Dallas 60% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Dallas, 23-20. Dallas won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Dallas, 20-17. Dallas better at 5-9.
Home Team Wins Pick: Arizona, 20-17
Dallas' forgotten season adds one more loss with a dramatic CLANG! as kicker David Buehler doinks an extra point off the upright late in the fourth quarter. The miss, coupled with two early Pick-6 touchdowns by the Cardinals' secondary, ends up being too much for the Cowboys to overcome in their trip to the desert. The loss may not help Jason Garrett in his quest to return as the head coach in Dallas next year. All systems, except the Home Team Wins system, come away with a Christmas Day loss.
Sunday Game Results:
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills (Actual ~ New England, 34-3)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England, 27-23. The Patriots won't win in a blow-out, but they will clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Scottie V's Pick: New England, 27-23. Much as I'd like to see the inspired Bills get a big win over the Pats, I just don't see it happening.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England, 27-17. New England by 8, Over/Under 44.
Accuscore Pick: New England, 28-7. New England 79% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New England, 30-9. New England won all 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England, 20-17. New England better at 12-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Buffalo, 20-17
Following Buffalo's opening drive, there was little drama in New England as the Patriots locked up home-field advantage throught the playoffs. Brady finished the game once again without getting picked and set the NFL record for most attempts without an interception at 319 and still counting. All systems, except the Home Team Wins system, make up for their Christmas Day pick by taking the Patriots.
New York Jets at Chicago Bears (Actual ~ Chicago, 38-34)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Chicago, 23-16. I have a hard time believing Coach Ryan and the rest of the Jets will be focused enough to beat Chicago after all the "foot" talk in New York.
Scottie V's Pick: Chicago, 17-13. Homefield advantage gives the Bears the nod in this defensive battle.
Vegas Lines Pick: Chicago, 20-17. Chicago by 1, Over/Under 36.5.
Accuscore Pick: Chicago, 20-17. Chicago 55% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New York, 20-13. New York won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago, 20-17. Both teams at 10-4, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Chicago, 20-17
Chicago continues to defy logic and prove that they are, in fact, a very solid team when they emerged victorious from a surprising shoot-out at Soldier Field with the New York Jets. Few systems saw the score going as high as it did as both teams nearly beat the game's Over/Under threshhold. Chicago now controls their own destiny with regards to locking up a first-round bye in the playoffs. The Jets also stumbled into the playoffs, despite losing, after Jacksonville was upset by Washington.
San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams (Actual ~ St. Louis, 25-17)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: St. Louis, 24-14. The division is there for the Rams to win and with two games against weak division foes, they will only have themselves to blame if they fall short.
Scottie V's Pick: St. Louis, 20-16. Sam Bradford takes some of the pressure off Steven Jackson to make them the best team in the uber-pathetic NFC West.
Vegas Lines Pick: St. Louis, 23-17. St. Louis by 2, Over/Under 39.5.
Accuscore Pick: San Francisco, 20-17. San Francisco 53% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: San Francisco, 14-10. San Francisco won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: St. Louis, 20-17. St. Louis better at 6-8.
Home Team Wins Pick: St. Louis, 20-17
Will somebody please put the NFC West out of its misery! The 49ers finally are eliminated from post-season contention by their loss in St. Louis. The Rams now have to win next week against Seattle in order for a team from the NFC West to win the division with a .500 record. How many NFC teams with 9 wins or more will be left out just so St. Louis or Seattle can get blown out at home in a Wild Card game? Most systems get a victory by backing the Rams.
Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins (Actual ~ Detroit, 34-27)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit, 24-17. Even though the Lions are anything but a great road team, I can't pick the Dolphins to win in South Florida.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit, 23-17. The Dolphins drop their second game in a row at home to the two most dangerous bottom-feeder teams (last week, Buffalo).
Vegas Lines Pick: Miami, 24-20. Miami by 3.5, Over/Under 41.5.
Accuscore Pick: Miami, 24-10. Miami 70% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Detroit, 13-9. Detroit won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Miami, 20-17. Miami better at 7-7.
Home Team Wins Pick: Miami, 20-17
For the longest time the Lions couldn't get a win, now they have three in a row. And, Miami, my goodness. How can they be so inept in South Florida? A mixed bag of predictions results in most systems getting a loss, while Creative Misfortune, Scottie V and What If Sports all are rewarded for their faith in Detroit winning on the road. How crazy does that last statement sound?
Seattle Seahawks at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Actual ~ Tampa Bay, 38-15)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tampa Bay, 24-21. Despite Tampa's loss to Detroit last week, they still should finish the season a solid 9-1 against teams with losing records.
Scottie V's Pick: Tampa Bay, 24-10. The Seahawks can't win at home let alone the opposite corner of the United States.
Vegas Lines Pick: Tampa Bay, 27-17. Tampa Bay by 6, Over/Under 44.
Accuscore Pick: Tampa Bay, 26-10. Tampa Bay 71% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Tampa Bay, 20-17. Tampa Bay won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tampa Bay, 20-17. Tampa Bay better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tampa Bay, 20-17
Tampa Bay dominated the Seahawks and rising star quarterback Josh Freeman tossed 5 touchdown passes to lead the rout of Seattle. Sad, sad note though. If Seattle wins next week against St. Louis, the Seahawks, at 7-9, will be in the playoffs while Tampa Bay, at 9-7 or even 10-6, will be sitting at home wishing they played in the NFC West. All systems get a victory along with the Buccaneers.
Washington Redskins at Jacksonville Jaguars (Actual ~ Washington, 20-17 (OT))
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Jacksonville, 27-20. The Jaguars lost a lot of momentum with last week's loss to the Colts, but they can still take back the division if Indy stumbles.
Scottie V's Pick: Jacksonville, 28-14. The Jags are playing as a team and the Redskins are falling apart.
Vegas Lines Pick: Jacksonville, 28-20. Jacksonville by 7, Over/Under 46.5.
Accuscore Pick: Jacksonville, 28-9. Jacksonville 77% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Washington, 28-20. Washington won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Jacksonville, 20-17. Jacksonville better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Jacksonville, 20-17
Without Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville fell in overtime to the Redskins and slid a full game back of the Indianapolis Colts in the standings. If the Jags win next week and Indy loses, they might be able to get into the playoffs, but Jacksonville has to win the division outright because their are no Wild Card spots available in the AFC as two teams from both the North and East divisions have already clinched a spot in the playoffs. Only What If Sports gets this game picked correctly as all other systems flounder along with the Jaguars.
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns (Actual ~ Baltimore, 20-10)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore, 28-21. The Ravens will continue to keep the Steelers honest and pressure them to win out in order to keep hold of the division title.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore, 24-14. The Ravens take care of business on the road to stay on the Steelers' heels.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore, 23-17. Baltimore by 3.5, Over/Under 39.5.
Accuscore Pick: Baltimore, 24-13. Baltimore 66% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Cleveland, 16-13. Cleveland won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore, 20-17. Baltimore better at 10-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cleveland, 20-17
The Ravens clinched their third consecutive playoff appearance with a solid, if not flashy, victory over their division rivals. Baltimore can still claim the division title if Pittsburgh loses the final week of the season, but it looks like Baltimore will be locked into the 5th seed in the playoffs, which could set them up for a date with the Chiefs in the first round. Most systems, except the Home Team Wins and What If Sports, picked this divisional matchup correctly.
Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs (Actual ~ Kansas City, 34-14)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Kansas City, 24-17. The Chiefs can't afford to lose at home if they hope to continue their surprising run at the post-season.
Scottie V's Pick: Kansas City, 24-13. Matt Cassell's gutsy performance last week is followed up by another solid game to stave off the Chargers in the AFC West.
Vegas Lines Pick: Kansas City, 26-17. Kansas City by 4.5, Over/Under 42.5.
Accuscore Pick: Kansas City, 20-17. Kansas City 54% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Tennessee, 26-17. Tennessee won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Kansas City, 20-17. Kansas City better at 9-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Kansas City, 20-17
Matt Cassel may not be the MVP of the league, but he is definitely the MVP of the Chiefs. Two weeks ago Kansas City laid an egg against the Chargers while Cassel recovered from appendix surgery. Since he has been back in the lineup, the Chiefs have outscored their opponents 61-27. Cassel had 300 yards and 3 touchdowns today as the Chiefs capped another solid win with the AFC West's division crown. They now wait to host either the Ravens or the Jets during the first round of the playoffs. All systems, except What If Sports, picked up another win along with the Chiefs.
Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders (Actual ~ Indianapolis, 31-26)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Indianapolis, 27-24. The Colts have regained their momentum and won't let a trip out west slow them down.
Scottie V's Pick: Indianapolis, 28-20. Dainty Peyton in dirty Oakland? Just doesn't seem right, but Manning gets the upper-hand in this one.
Vegas Lines Pick: Indianapolis, 26-21. Indianapolis by 3, Over/Under 47.
Accuscore Pick: Indianapolis, 20-17. Indianapolis 54% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Oakland, 26-17. Oakland won all 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Indianapolis, 20-17. Indianapolis better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Oakland, 20-17
Indianapolis expanded its lead on the Jaguars with a hard-fought victory over the plucky Oakland Raiders in California. Manning and company still have work to do, so they won't be resting any starters in week 17, but it looks more and more likely they will be facing off against either the Jets or the Ravens in the first round of the playoffs as they become AFC South division champions. Once again only What If Sports and the Home Team Wins system misstepped with their pick.
Houston Texans at Denver Broncos (Actual ~ Denver, 24-23)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston, 34-27. The Texans finally face a defense possibly even worse than their own.
Scottie V's Pick: Denver, 24-20. I admit, I have no idea what to expect here... The Texans seem to have thrown in the towel and Tebow gets his second start... When in doubt, Tebow!
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston, 27-23. Houston by 3, Over/Under 48.5.
Accuscore Pick: Houston, 21-17. Houston 56% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Houston, 24-20. Houston won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston, 20-17. Houston better at 5-9.
Home Team Wins Pick: Denver, 20-17
The Broncos, on the strength of Tim Tebow's legs and arm, scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to rally for a much needed win and stamped an exclamation point on a horrible season for Houston. Once again the Texans' defense gives up too much to the opposition. Though the game means nothing in the standings, Denver fans have to be thrilled about Tebow's success in his two starts so far. Houston fans have to be less than thrilled with their team's performance. As their playoff hopes are once again dashed, expect Coach Kubiak to be let go at the end of the season. Congrats to Scottie V who picked this game nearly perfect just because of the Tebow factor.
New York Giants at Green Bay Packers (Actual ~ Green Bay, 45-17)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay, 23-21. The Packers showed a lot of heart last week in New England... The Giants' season is one bad loss away from completely spinning out of control.
Scottie V's Pick: New York, 27-23. A win on the frozen tundra helps the Giants to forget about the Miracle at the New Meadowlands.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay, 24-20. Green Bay by 3, Over/Under 43.
Accuscore Pick: Green Bay, 21-16. Green Bay 58% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New York, 28-14. New York won all 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York, 20-17. New York better at 9-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Green Bay, 20-17
The Giants are in a flat spin and heading out to sea. As if to add further insult to their injured playoff hopes, the Giants will be stranded in Green Bay one more night as the same weather system that postponed the Eagles-Vikings game will prevent New York from returning to the East Coast. Can you imagine how much fun Coughlin will be as the Giants review their six sloppy turnovers in a must win game? For the Packers, the win is bittersweet, as they still do not control their own destiny and must defeat Chicago next week at Lambeau and get some extra help in order to have any chance at a Wild Card spot.
San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals (Actual ~ Cincinnati, 34-20)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Diego, 35-17. The Bengals won't be able to slow the Chargers down unless Mother Nature lends a helping hand with miserable game conditions.
Scottie V's Pick: San Diego, 23-14. The Chargers get it done in the cold and keep pressure on the Chiefs.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Diego, 27-17. San Diego by 7.5, Over/Under 44.
Accuscore Pick: San Diego, 28-7. San Diego 79% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: San Diego, 38-10. San Diego won all 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Diego, 20-17. San Diego better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cincinnati, 20-17
The Chargers' season ends the way it began - with a lackluster performance and a crushing loss to a struggling team. All systems take a hit, except the Home Team Wins system. San Diego's loss gives the division to Kansas City and eliminated the Chargers from all playoff contention. Let's hope they fared better in Creative Misfortune's Fantasy Bowl...
Come back tomorrow for a recap of the week 16 Monday Night game and to view the results of the first ever Creative Misfortune "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." Fantasy Bowl. Both the Chargers and Giants struggled in their games. Which of these two teams will emerge as the fantasy champion?
Thursday Night Result:
Carolina Panthers at Pittsburgh Steelers (Actual ~ Pittsburgh, 27-3)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh, 30-10. This will only be a contest if the Steelers are already looking forward to a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh, 24-9. The Steelers rebound after a disappointing loss to the Jets, keeping the tie-breaker over the Ravens.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh, 27-10. Pittsburgh by 14.5, Over/Under 37.
Accuscore Pick: Pittsburgh, 31-6. Pittsburgh 85% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Pittsburgh, 21-14. Pittsburgh won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh, 20-17. Pittsburgh better at 10-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Pittsburgh, 20-17
All pick systems get the Thursday Night picks correct as the Pittsburgh Steelers dominated the Carolina Panthers in all facets of the game. For their part, Pittsburgh played like solid division champions, while Carolina looked every bit like a team that would be first on the clock come April.
Christmas Day Result:
Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals (Actual ~ Arizona, 27-26)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas, 28-13. The game means nothing in the standings, but Jason Garrett is still out to show he deserves to be the man leading Dallas next season.
Scottie V's Pick: Dallas, 27-13. Kudos to Jason Garrett for quite possibly the best half-season coaching job ever.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas, 28-17. Dallas by 7, Over/Under 45.
Accuscore Pick: Dallas, 21-16. Dallas 60% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Dallas, 23-20. Dallas won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Dallas, 20-17. Dallas better at 5-9.
Home Team Wins Pick: Arizona, 20-17
Dallas' forgotten season adds one more loss with a dramatic CLANG! as kicker David Buehler doinks an extra point off the upright late in the fourth quarter. The miss, coupled with two early Pick-6 touchdowns by the Cardinals' secondary, ends up being too much for the Cowboys to overcome in their trip to the desert. The loss may not help Jason Garrett in his quest to return as the head coach in Dallas next year. All systems, except the Home Team Wins system, come away with a Christmas Day loss.
Sunday Game Results:
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills (Actual ~ New England, 34-3)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England, 27-23. The Patriots won't win in a blow-out, but they will clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Scottie V's Pick: New England, 27-23. Much as I'd like to see the inspired Bills get a big win over the Pats, I just don't see it happening.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England, 27-17. New England by 8, Over/Under 44.
Accuscore Pick: New England, 28-7. New England 79% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New England, 30-9. New England won all 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England, 20-17. New England better at 12-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Buffalo, 20-17
Following Buffalo's opening drive, there was little drama in New England as the Patriots locked up home-field advantage throught the playoffs. Brady finished the game once again without getting picked and set the NFL record for most attempts without an interception at 319 and still counting. All systems, except the Home Team Wins system, make up for their Christmas Day pick by taking the Patriots.
New York Jets at Chicago Bears (Actual ~ Chicago, 38-34)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Chicago, 23-16. I have a hard time believing Coach Ryan and the rest of the Jets will be focused enough to beat Chicago after all the "foot" talk in New York.
Scottie V's Pick: Chicago, 17-13. Homefield advantage gives the Bears the nod in this defensive battle.
Vegas Lines Pick: Chicago, 20-17. Chicago by 1, Over/Under 36.5.
Accuscore Pick: Chicago, 20-17. Chicago 55% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New York, 20-13. New York won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago, 20-17. Both teams at 10-4, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Chicago, 20-17
Chicago continues to defy logic and prove that they are, in fact, a very solid team when they emerged victorious from a surprising shoot-out at Soldier Field with the New York Jets. Few systems saw the score going as high as it did as both teams nearly beat the game's Over/Under threshhold. Chicago now controls their own destiny with regards to locking up a first-round bye in the playoffs. The Jets also stumbled into the playoffs, despite losing, after Jacksonville was upset by Washington.
San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams (Actual ~ St. Louis, 25-17)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: St. Louis, 24-14. The division is there for the Rams to win and with two games against weak division foes, they will only have themselves to blame if they fall short.
Scottie V's Pick: St. Louis, 20-16. Sam Bradford takes some of the pressure off Steven Jackson to make them the best team in the uber-pathetic NFC West.
Vegas Lines Pick: St. Louis, 23-17. St. Louis by 2, Over/Under 39.5.
Accuscore Pick: San Francisco, 20-17. San Francisco 53% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: San Francisco, 14-10. San Francisco won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: St. Louis, 20-17. St. Louis better at 6-8.
Home Team Wins Pick: St. Louis, 20-17
Will somebody please put the NFC West out of its misery! The 49ers finally are eliminated from post-season contention by their loss in St. Louis. The Rams now have to win next week against Seattle in order for a team from the NFC West to win the division with a .500 record. How many NFC teams with 9 wins or more will be left out just so St. Louis or Seattle can get blown out at home in a Wild Card game? Most systems get a victory by backing the Rams.
Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins (Actual ~ Detroit, 34-27)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit, 24-17. Even though the Lions are anything but a great road team, I can't pick the Dolphins to win in South Florida.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit, 23-17. The Dolphins drop their second game in a row at home to the two most dangerous bottom-feeder teams (last week, Buffalo).
Vegas Lines Pick: Miami, 24-20. Miami by 3.5, Over/Under 41.5.
Accuscore Pick: Miami, 24-10. Miami 70% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Detroit, 13-9. Detroit won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Miami, 20-17. Miami better at 7-7.
Home Team Wins Pick: Miami, 20-17
For the longest time the Lions couldn't get a win, now they have three in a row. And, Miami, my goodness. How can they be so inept in South Florida? A mixed bag of predictions results in most systems getting a loss, while Creative Misfortune, Scottie V and What If Sports all are rewarded for their faith in Detroit winning on the road. How crazy does that last statement sound?
Seattle Seahawks at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Actual ~ Tampa Bay, 38-15)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tampa Bay, 24-21. Despite Tampa's loss to Detroit last week, they still should finish the season a solid 9-1 against teams with losing records.
Scottie V's Pick: Tampa Bay, 24-10. The Seahawks can't win at home let alone the opposite corner of the United States.
Vegas Lines Pick: Tampa Bay, 27-17. Tampa Bay by 6, Over/Under 44.
Accuscore Pick: Tampa Bay, 26-10. Tampa Bay 71% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Tampa Bay, 20-17. Tampa Bay won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tampa Bay, 20-17. Tampa Bay better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tampa Bay, 20-17
Tampa Bay dominated the Seahawks and rising star quarterback Josh Freeman tossed 5 touchdown passes to lead the rout of Seattle. Sad, sad note though. If Seattle wins next week against St. Louis, the Seahawks, at 7-9, will be in the playoffs while Tampa Bay, at 9-7 or even 10-6, will be sitting at home wishing they played in the NFC West. All systems get a victory along with the Buccaneers.
Washington Redskins at Jacksonville Jaguars (Actual ~ Washington, 20-17 (OT))
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Jacksonville, 27-20. The Jaguars lost a lot of momentum with last week's loss to the Colts, but they can still take back the division if Indy stumbles.
Scottie V's Pick: Jacksonville, 28-14. The Jags are playing as a team and the Redskins are falling apart.
Vegas Lines Pick: Jacksonville, 28-20. Jacksonville by 7, Over/Under 46.5.
Accuscore Pick: Jacksonville, 28-9. Jacksonville 77% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Washington, 28-20. Washington won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Jacksonville, 20-17. Jacksonville better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Jacksonville, 20-17
Without Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville fell in overtime to the Redskins and slid a full game back of the Indianapolis Colts in the standings. If the Jags win next week and Indy loses, they might be able to get into the playoffs, but Jacksonville has to win the division outright because their are no Wild Card spots available in the AFC as two teams from both the North and East divisions have already clinched a spot in the playoffs. Only What If Sports gets this game picked correctly as all other systems flounder along with the Jaguars.
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns (Actual ~ Baltimore, 20-10)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore, 28-21. The Ravens will continue to keep the Steelers honest and pressure them to win out in order to keep hold of the division title.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore, 24-14. The Ravens take care of business on the road to stay on the Steelers' heels.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore, 23-17. Baltimore by 3.5, Over/Under 39.5.
Accuscore Pick: Baltimore, 24-13. Baltimore 66% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Cleveland, 16-13. Cleveland won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore, 20-17. Baltimore better at 10-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cleveland, 20-17
The Ravens clinched their third consecutive playoff appearance with a solid, if not flashy, victory over their division rivals. Baltimore can still claim the division title if Pittsburgh loses the final week of the season, but it looks like Baltimore will be locked into the 5th seed in the playoffs, which could set them up for a date with the Chiefs in the first round. Most systems, except the Home Team Wins and What If Sports, picked this divisional matchup correctly.
Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs (Actual ~ Kansas City, 34-14)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Kansas City, 24-17. The Chiefs can't afford to lose at home if they hope to continue their surprising run at the post-season.
Scottie V's Pick: Kansas City, 24-13. Matt Cassell's gutsy performance last week is followed up by another solid game to stave off the Chargers in the AFC West.
Vegas Lines Pick: Kansas City, 26-17. Kansas City by 4.5, Over/Under 42.5.
Accuscore Pick: Kansas City, 20-17. Kansas City 54% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Tennessee, 26-17. Tennessee won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Kansas City, 20-17. Kansas City better at 9-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Kansas City, 20-17
Matt Cassel may not be the MVP of the league, but he is definitely the MVP of the Chiefs. Two weeks ago Kansas City laid an egg against the Chargers while Cassel recovered from appendix surgery. Since he has been back in the lineup, the Chiefs have outscored their opponents 61-27. Cassel had 300 yards and 3 touchdowns today as the Chiefs capped another solid win with the AFC West's division crown. They now wait to host either the Ravens or the Jets during the first round of the playoffs. All systems, except What If Sports, picked up another win along with the Chiefs.
Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders (Actual ~ Indianapolis, 31-26)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Indianapolis, 27-24. The Colts have regained their momentum and won't let a trip out west slow them down.
Scottie V's Pick: Indianapolis, 28-20. Dainty Peyton in dirty Oakland? Just doesn't seem right, but Manning gets the upper-hand in this one.
Vegas Lines Pick: Indianapolis, 26-21. Indianapolis by 3, Over/Under 47.
Accuscore Pick: Indianapolis, 20-17. Indianapolis 54% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Oakland, 26-17. Oakland won all 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Indianapolis, 20-17. Indianapolis better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Oakland, 20-17
Indianapolis expanded its lead on the Jaguars with a hard-fought victory over the plucky Oakland Raiders in California. Manning and company still have work to do, so they won't be resting any starters in week 17, but it looks more and more likely they will be facing off against either the Jets or the Ravens in the first round of the playoffs as they become AFC South division champions. Once again only What If Sports and the Home Team Wins system misstepped with their pick.
Houston Texans at Denver Broncos (Actual ~ Denver, 24-23)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston, 34-27. The Texans finally face a defense possibly even worse than their own.
Scottie V's Pick: Denver, 24-20. I admit, I have no idea what to expect here... The Texans seem to have thrown in the towel and Tebow gets his second start... When in doubt, Tebow!
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston, 27-23. Houston by 3, Over/Under 48.5.
Accuscore Pick: Houston, 21-17. Houston 56% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Houston, 24-20. Houston won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston, 20-17. Houston better at 5-9.
Home Team Wins Pick: Denver, 20-17
The Broncos, on the strength of Tim Tebow's legs and arm, scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to rally for a much needed win and stamped an exclamation point on a horrible season for Houston. Once again the Texans' defense gives up too much to the opposition. Though the game means nothing in the standings, Denver fans have to be thrilled about Tebow's success in his two starts so far. Houston fans have to be less than thrilled with their team's performance. As their playoff hopes are once again dashed, expect Coach Kubiak to be let go at the end of the season. Congrats to Scottie V who picked this game nearly perfect just because of the Tebow factor.
New York Giants at Green Bay Packers (Actual ~ Green Bay, 45-17)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay, 23-21. The Packers showed a lot of heart last week in New England... The Giants' season is one bad loss away from completely spinning out of control.
Scottie V's Pick: New York, 27-23. A win on the frozen tundra helps the Giants to forget about the Miracle at the New Meadowlands.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay, 24-20. Green Bay by 3, Over/Under 43.
Accuscore Pick: Green Bay, 21-16. Green Bay 58% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New York, 28-14. New York won all 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York, 20-17. New York better at 9-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Green Bay, 20-17
The Giants are in a flat spin and heading out to sea. As if to add further insult to their injured playoff hopes, the Giants will be stranded in Green Bay one more night as the same weather system that postponed the Eagles-Vikings game will prevent New York from returning to the East Coast. Can you imagine how much fun Coughlin will be as the Giants review their six sloppy turnovers in a must win game? For the Packers, the win is bittersweet, as they still do not control their own destiny and must defeat Chicago next week at Lambeau and get some extra help in order to have any chance at a Wild Card spot.
San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals (Actual ~ Cincinnati, 34-20)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Diego, 35-17. The Bengals won't be able to slow the Chargers down unless Mother Nature lends a helping hand with miserable game conditions.
Scottie V's Pick: San Diego, 23-14. The Chargers get it done in the cold and keep pressure on the Chiefs.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Diego, 27-17. San Diego by 7.5, Over/Under 44.
Accuscore Pick: San Diego, 28-7. San Diego 79% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: San Diego, 38-10. San Diego won all 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Diego, 20-17. San Diego better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cincinnati, 20-17
The Chargers' season ends the way it began - with a lackluster performance and a crushing loss to a struggling team. All systems take a hit, except the Home Team Wins system. San Diego's loss gives the division to Kansas City and eliminated the Chargers from all playoff contention. Let's hope they fared better in Creative Misfortune's Fantasy Bowl...
Come back tomorrow for a recap of the week 16 Monday Night game and to view the results of the first ever Creative Misfortune "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." Fantasy Bowl. Both the Chargers and Giants struggled in their games. Which of these two teams will emerge as the fantasy champion?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)