12 of the 16 games scheduled for Sunday have playoff implications. Talk about ending an interesting regular season with an exclamation point!
Sunday Game Predictions:
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 6. Even though the Packers have no reason to play this weekend, Green Bay still doesn’t want to give Detroit any confidence that they can travel to Lambeau in January and win a game.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 6. With nothing on the line, the Packers have a solid finish to their near-perfect regular season.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 4. Lions by 3.5, Over/Under 45.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 14-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3.
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston Texans by 6. Houston gains back some confidence before the playoffs.
Scottie V's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 6. Tennessee takes advantage of the Texans' lack of necessity to win (not to mention, injury depletion).
Vegas Lines Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans by 3, Over/Under 40.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans better at 10-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3.
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3. Indy will want to finish the season strong. Nothing makes the bitter taste of a horrible round of golf go away faster than a birdie on the 18th hole. The Colts look to capture that same feeling to end the season... and all Manning-Luck conversation.
Scottie V's Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 3. The "Who-Cares Bowl."
Vegas Lines Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 4. Jaguars by 3.5, Over/Under 37.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 3. Jaguars better at 4-11.
Home Team Wins Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 3.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Miami Dolphins by 3. Miami puts and end to New York's obnoxious season.
Scottie V's Pick: Miami Dolphins by 6. The Fins put a stop to any post-season aspirations for the Jets.
Vegas Lines Pick: Miami Dolphins by 3. Dolphins by 2.5, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Jets better at 8-7.
Home Team Wins Pick: Miami Dolphins by 3.
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Chicago Bears by 7. These teams have nothing to play for but pride.
Scottie V's Pick: Chicago Bears by 4. The Bears end the season on a high note after sputtering to the finish.
Vegas Lines Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 1. Vikings by 1, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Bears better at 7-8.
Home Team Wins Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 11. The Patriots have home-field advantage to clinch and passing records to chase.
Scottie V's Pick: New England Patriots by 3. The Pats put in just enough effort to seal home-field advantage.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 11. Patriots by 10.5, Over/Under 51.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots better at 12-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3.
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 12. The Saints will win, but it might all be for naught unless the Rams somehow find a way to upset the 49ers like they upset the Saints earlier this year.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. After Brees' record-setting Monday night, the Saints shut 'er down after seeing the Niners running away with it in St. Louis.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 9. Saints by 8.5, Over/Under 55.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3. Saints better at 12-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3.
Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 7. Andy Reid desperately wants this team to get to .500.
Scottie V's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 10. Philly closes out an extremely disappointing season on a positive.
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 9. Eagles by 8.5, Over/Under 46.
Best Record Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3. Eagles better at 7-8.
Home Team Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3.
San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 24. The 49ers will try and put the Rams away as early as possible so they can start enjoying their bye-week.
Scottie V's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 13. San Fran seizes 1st round bye by taking it to the Rams.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 11. 49ers by 10.5, Over/Under 35.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. 49ers better at 12-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3.
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3. Seattle gets to 8-8.
Scottie V's Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 4. Marshawn Lynch dominates on the ground in this one.
Vegas Lines Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 3. Cardinals by 3, Over/Under 40.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 3. Both teams at 7-8, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 3.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 14. Atlanta is looking for somebody to kick after the debacle in New Orleans last Monday. Why not the Buccaneers?
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3. With nothing to play for, the Falcons still beat the Bucs.
Vegas Lines Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 12. Falcons by 11.5, Over/Under 46.
Best Record Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3. Falcons better at 9-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3.
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 5. I really want Cincinnati to win this game, but I expect the Ravens to prevail in the end.
Scottie V's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 4. A fired up Bengals team takes advantage of turnovers to clinch their playoff spot.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 2. Ravens by 2, Over/Under 38.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 11-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 12. The Browns are no match for the Steelers.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 7. Big Ben sits this one out as Batch leads them to victory.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 7. Steelers by 7, Over/Under 36.
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Steelers better at 11-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3.
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. A late field goal will be the difference as Tebow leads the Broncos into the playoffs.
Scottie V's Pick: Denver Broncos by 6. Despite their 2-game losing streak, I've got more faith in Tebow and the Broncs at home than I ever will in Orton.
Vegas Lines Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Broncos by 3, Over/Under 37.
Best Record Wins Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Broncos better at 8-7.
Home Team Wins Pick: Denver Broncos by 3.
San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 5. Oakland is just too combustible to get past the Chargers, especially when San Diego comes into the game with an "If Not Us, Why Them?" attitude.
Scottie V's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 7. The Chargers go into NoCal and close out their season with a victory.
Vegas Lines Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3. Raiders by 3, Over/Under 48.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3. Raiders better at 8-7.
Home Team Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3.
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 4. Dallas will win. Why? Because they shouldn't. Such is the lot of these two franchises this season.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Giants by 7. Eli and company make the big plays to take the NFC East.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Giants by 3. Giants by 3, Over/under 46.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3. Both teams at 8-7, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3.
After the dust settles from this week's slate of games, check back next week for Creative Misfortune's playoff power rankings to see who where each team ranks among the Creative Elite and the Fortunate Seven. For the Remarkably Average, the Creatively Challenged and the Forked Few, better luck next year.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Creative Misfortune Power Rankings - Week 16 (2011)
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.
When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, production is combined with potential to determine a team's true strength compared to the rest of the league. Winning isn't the only factor, but it is one of the most important components 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 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 29)
The Bucs have lost nine straight games, and have been outscored 158-64 in their last four. A final game against Atlanta will not change their fortunes any.
# 31 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 30)
The Rams could be on the clock as early as 4:00pm Eastern on Sunday… if Indianapolis can get past Jacksonville.
# 30 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 31)
Indy is on a two-game winning streak. One more victory and they can kiss all those Manning-Luck conversations goodbye.
# 29 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 32)
That was, quite possibly, the worst ever regular season victory in franchise history.
# 28 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 28)
The Browns have been whipped by every other team in the AFC North. I don’t see the Steelers letting them off easy the final week of the season when Pittsburgh has so much to play for.
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 27)
Is the season over yet?
# 26 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 25)
How sweet would Orton's revenge be if he could knock the resurgent Broncos out of the playoffs?
# 25 - Washington Redskins (previous: 23)
The Redskins have been rebuilding ever since Daniel Snyder took the reins of the franchise. Why is Coach Shanahan surprised rebuilding in Washington is so difficult?
# 24 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 24)
The Dolphins can put an end to the Jets season once and for all. Too bad Rex Ryan will never shut up.
# 23 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 26)
Buffalo has hardly been relevant the last half of the season, aside from last week's victory over the Broncos.
# 22 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 21)
Kolb is back and, even if the season is lost, he has a starting job in 2012 to play for.
# 21 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 22)
A Panthers victory will depend on how long Brees and the other Saints starters stay on the field.
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 14)
7-9 was good enough to win the division title last year. This year, the Seahawks could finish one game better and miss the playoffs.
# 19 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 13)
The Chargers early season failures finally caught up to them.
# 18 - Chicago Bears (previous: 15)
Had injuries not derailed their season, Chicago could have been in the dance as a Wild Card.
# 17 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 20)
The Eagles have finally started to play together, but it is too late for them to save their season.
# 16 - New York Jets (previous: 12)
One more loss and we can be done listening to these idiots… at least for a few months.
# 15 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 16)
The Titans have the faintest of playoff hopes still left.
# T-13 - Denver Broncos (previous: 17)
Tebow vs Orton? Nobody saw this coming eight weeks ago.
# T-13 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 19)
I expect an ugly game from the Raiders this week, with lots of penalties and some long, booming kicks from Janikowski. I wonder, though, which will propel them to victory or send them home in bitter defeat?
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# T-11 - New York Giants (previous: 18)
By all rights the Giants should already be eliminated… but talk of December collapses will vanish if New York can win at home to take the NFC East crown.
# T-11 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 10)
The season should not have come down to a one-game playoff just to get into the postseason tournament. The Cowboys have one more chance to prove themselves - or to continue their reign as the kings of underachievement.
# 10 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 8)
A humiliating loss to a division rival is no way to charge into the playoffs. Maybe the Falcons can take out some of their frustration on the miserable Buccaneers this weekend.
# 9 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 11)
C'mon, Cincinnati. Complete your Cinderella run into the playoffs by knocking off the Ravens this weekend.
# 8 - Detroit Lions (previous: 9)
Do they travel to New Orleans, New York or Dallas? It all depends on how much of a fight Green Bay decides to give them.
# 7 - Houston Texans (previous: 6)
The Texans haven’t won since clinching a playoff spot. They better figure things out quickly otherwise they will be no better off than when they started the season - without a playoff victory in franchise history.
# 6 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 7)
The only seeds the Steelers can't be are #4 and #6.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 5)
How sad would it be if the Ravens swept the Steelers and still lost the division title?
# 4 - New England Patriots (previous: 2)
The best team in the AFC finds ways to win, but there are still a lot of holes in their defense.
# 3 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 4)
A win over the hapless Rams is all the 49ers need to clinch a first-round bye.
# 2 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 3)
The Saints' record-setting peformance on Monday should make a possible Wild Card rematch with Atlanta very interesting.
# 1 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 1)
With nothing substantial left to play for, having already clinched a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, the Packers just have to decide if they would prefer the Lions to go into the playoffs as the #6 seed or the #5 seed.
Week 16 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - San Diego Chargers (-6), Seattle Seahawks (-6), New York Jets (-4), Chicago Bears (-3), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)
The Biggest Movers - New York Giants (+7), Oakland Raiders (+6), Denver Broncos (+4), Philadelphia Eagles (+3), Buffalo Bills (+3)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Green Bay Packers (1), Baltimore Ravens (5), Miami Dolphins (24), Jacksonville Jaguars (27), Cleveland Browns (28)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 16
Green Bay Packers
Check back tomorrow for week 17 predictions.
When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, production is combined with potential to determine a team's true strength compared to the rest of the league. Winning isn't the only factor, but it is one of the most important components 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 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 29)
The Bucs have lost nine straight games, and have been outscored 158-64 in their last four. A final game against Atlanta will not change their fortunes any.
# 31 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 30)
The Rams could be on the clock as early as 4:00pm Eastern on Sunday… if Indianapolis can get past Jacksonville.
# 30 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 31)
Indy is on a two-game winning streak. One more victory and they can kiss all those Manning-Luck conversations goodbye.
# 29 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 32)
That was, quite possibly, the worst ever regular season victory in franchise history.
# 28 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 28)
The Browns have been whipped by every other team in the AFC North. I don’t see the Steelers letting them off easy the final week of the season when Pittsburgh has so much to play for.
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 27)
Is the season over yet?
# 26 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 25)
How sweet would Orton's revenge be if he could knock the resurgent Broncos out of the playoffs?
# 25 - Washington Redskins (previous: 23)
The Redskins have been rebuilding ever since Daniel Snyder took the reins of the franchise. Why is Coach Shanahan surprised rebuilding in Washington is so difficult?
# 24 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 24)
The Dolphins can put an end to the Jets season once and for all. Too bad Rex Ryan will never shut up.
# 23 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 26)
Buffalo has hardly been relevant the last half of the season, aside from last week's victory over the Broncos.
# 22 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 21)
Kolb is back and, even if the season is lost, he has a starting job in 2012 to play for.
# 21 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 22)
A Panthers victory will depend on how long Brees and the other Saints starters stay on the field.
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 14)
7-9 was good enough to win the division title last year. This year, the Seahawks could finish one game better and miss the playoffs.
# 19 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 13)
The Chargers early season failures finally caught up to them.
# 18 - Chicago Bears (previous: 15)
Had injuries not derailed their season, Chicago could have been in the dance as a Wild Card.
# 17 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 20)
The Eagles have finally started to play together, but it is too late for them to save their season.
# 16 - New York Jets (previous: 12)
One more loss and we can be done listening to these idiots… at least for a few months.
# 15 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 16)
The Titans have the faintest of playoff hopes still left.
# T-13 - Denver Broncos (previous: 17)
Tebow vs Orton? Nobody saw this coming eight weeks ago.
# T-13 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 19)
I expect an ugly game from the Raiders this week, with lots of penalties and some long, booming kicks from Janikowski. I wonder, though, which will propel them to victory or send them home in bitter defeat?
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# T-11 - New York Giants (previous: 18)
By all rights the Giants should already be eliminated… but talk of December collapses will vanish if New York can win at home to take the NFC East crown.
# T-11 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 10)
The season should not have come down to a one-game playoff just to get into the postseason tournament. The Cowboys have one more chance to prove themselves - or to continue their reign as the kings of underachievement.
# 10 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 8)
A humiliating loss to a division rival is no way to charge into the playoffs. Maybe the Falcons can take out some of their frustration on the miserable Buccaneers this weekend.
# 9 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 11)
C'mon, Cincinnati. Complete your Cinderella run into the playoffs by knocking off the Ravens this weekend.
# 8 - Detroit Lions (previous: 9)
Do they travel to New Orleans, New York or Dallas? It all depends on how much of a fight Green Bay decides to give them.
# 7 - Houston Texans (previous: 6)
The Texans haven’t won since clinching a playoff spot. They better figure things out quickly otherwise they will be no better off than when they started the season - without a playoff victory in franchise history.
# 6 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 7)
The only seeds the Steelers can't be are #4 and #6.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 5)
How sad would it be if the Ravens swept the Steelers and still lost the division title?
# 4 - New England Patriots (previous: 2)
The best team in the AFC finds ways to win, but there are still a lot of holes in their defense.
# 3 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 4)
A win over the hapless Rams is all the 49ers need to clinch a first-round bye.
# 2 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 3)
The Saints' record-setting peformance on Monday should make a possible Wild Card rematch with Atlanta very interesting.
# 1 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 1)
With nothing substantial left to play for, having already clinched a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, the Packers just have to decide if they would prefer the Lions to go into the playoffs as the #6 seed or the #5 seed.
Week 16 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - San Diego Chargers (-6), Seattle Seahawks (-6), New York Jets (-4), Chicago Bears (-3), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)
The Biggest Movers - New York Giants (+7), Oakland Raiders (+6), Denver Broncos (+4), Philadelphia Eagles (+3), Buffalo Bills (+3)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Green Bay Packers (1), Baltimore Ravens (5), Miami Dolphins (24), Jacksonville Jaguars (27), Cleveland Browns (28)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 16
Green Bay Packers
Check back tomorrow for week 17 predictions.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Creative Misfortune's Fantasy Bowl II Results (2011) ~ "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..."
Creative Misfortune's second "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." season has come to an end.
While the AFC Champion San Diego Chargers saw their real-life playoff hopes get crushed in a 38-10 loss to the Detroit Lions, the NFC Champion New Orleans Saints rolled to a 45-16, record-setting victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Victory for the Saints may seem like a foregone conclusion, but in fantasy football, a team can lose in real life and still be victorious if the numbers add up properly. Unfortunately for San Diego, this is the second straight year they have stumbled in the Fantasy Bowl - and missed the playoffs in real life.
CREATIVE MISFORTUNE'S FANTASY BOWL II
San Diego Chargers (9-5)
(playing at Detroit Lions)
vs
New Orleans Saints (11-2)
(playing vs Atlanta Falcons)
Complete Fantasy Bowl II Scoreboard Result ~
Congratulations to the New Orlean Saints, 2011's Creative Misfortune "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." Champions! Now we will see if their fantasy success will translate into true Super Bowl glory!
Creative Misfortune Fantasy Playoff Seeds and Prior Week Results
AFC Seeds
Division Champions ~
1. Houston Texans (9-2, 845 pts)
2. Baltimore Ravens (8-3, 821 pts)
3. New England Patriots (7-4, 968 pts)
4. San Diego Chargers (6-5, 803 pts)
Wild Cards ~
5. Cincinnati Bengals (8-3, 765 pts)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3, 760 pts)
NFC Seeds
Division Champions ~
1. Green Bay Packers (9-2, 997 pts)
2. New Orleans Saints (9-2, 975 pts)
3. Dallas Cowboys (8-3, 905 pts)
4. San Francisco 49ers (6-5, 740 points)
Wild Cards ~
5. Detroit Lions (7-4, 914 pts)
6. New York Giants (7-4, 851 pts)
Wild Card Game Results - Week 13
AFC #6 Pittsburgh Steelers (playing vs Cincinnati Bengals) at
AFC #3 New England Patriots (playing vs Indianapolis Colts)
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 92, New England Patriots 60
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Defense (19), Rashard Mendenhall (18), Ben Roethlisberger (15)
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (19), Wes Welker (11), Stephen Gostkowski (7)
AFC #5 Cincinnati Bengals (playing at Pittsburgh Steelers) at
AFC #4 San Diego Chargers (playing at Jacksonville Jaguars)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 105, Cincinnati Bengals 31
Cincinnati's Key Performers: A.J. Green (15), Andy Dalton (9), Cedric Benson (5)
San Diego's Key Performers: Philip Rivers (23), Ryan Mathews (17), Malcolm Floyd (16)
NFC #6 New York Giants (playing vs Green Bay Packers) at
NFC #3 Dallas Cowboys (playing at Arizona Cardinals)
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 78, Dallas Cowboys 60
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (21), Hakeem Nicks (20), Lawrence Tynes (11)
Dallas' Key Performers: Tony Romo (15), Dez Bryant (14), Laurent Robinson (7)
NFC #5 Detroit Lions (playing at New Orleans Saints) at
NFC #4 San Francisco 49ers (playing vs St. Louis Rams)
Fantasy Score: San Francisco 49ers 98, Detroit Lions 67
Detroit's Key Performers: Mathew Stafford (18), Kevin Smith (13), Maurice Morris (12)
San Francisco's Key Performers: Alex Smith (19), Defense (18), Michael Crabtree (15)
Top Seeds Playing for Bye-Week Advantage*
AFC #1 - Houston Texans (playing vs Atlanta Falcons)
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 61
Houston's Key Performers: Arian Foster (21), T.J. Yates (10), Andre Johnson (9)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 61/4 = 15.25 = +15 points
AFC #2 - Baltimore Ravens (playing at Cleveland Browns)
Fantasy Score: Baltimore Ravens 73
Baltimore's Key Performers: Ray Rice (27), Defense (15), Ricky Williams (13)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 73/4 = 18.25 = +18 points
NFC #1 - Green Bay Packers (playing at New York Giants)
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 101
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (31), Donald Driver (15), Greg Jennings (15)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 101/4 = 25.25 = +25 points
NFC #2 - New Orleans Saints (playing vs Detroit Lions)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans 101
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (25), Robert Meachem (17), Darren Sproles (12)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 101/4 = 25.25 = +25 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 the Houston Texans score 80 fantasy points in Week 13 against Atlanta, 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.
Divisional Game Results - Week 14
AFC #6 Pittsburgh Steelers (playing vs Cleveland Browns) at
AFC #1 Houston Texans (BWA*: +15) (playing at Cincinnati Bengals)
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 85, Pittsburgh steelers 82
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Antonio Brown (21), Ben Roethlisberger (17), Defense (14)
Houston's Key Performers: T.J. Yates (19), Bye-Week Advantage (15), Kevin Walter (13), Owen Daniels (10)
AFC #4 San Diego Chargers (playing vs Buffalo Bills) at
AFC #2 Baltimore Ravens (BWA*: +18) (playing vs Indianapolis Colts)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 100, Baltimore Ravens 93
San Diego's Key Performers: Philip Rivers (19), Antonio Gates (18), Defense (17)
Baltimore's Key Performers: Ray Rice (18), Bye-Week Advantage (18), Joe Flacco (15), Torrey Smith (11)
NFC #6 New York Giants (playing at Dallas cowboys) at
NFC #1 Green Bay Packers (BWA*: +25) (playing vs oakland Raiders)
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 127, New York Giants 95
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (22), Brandon Jacobs (22), Hakeem Nicks (16)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Bye-Week Advantage (25), Ryan Grant (21), Defense (18), Aaron Rodgers (17)
NFC #4 San Francisco 49ers (playing at Arizona Cardinals) at
NFC #2 New Orleans Saints (BWA*: +25) (playing at Tennessee Titans)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 101, San Francisco 49ers 58
San Francisco's Key Performers: David Akers (13), Frank Gore (13), Defense (8)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Bye-Week Advantage (25), Marques Colston (22), Drew Brees (21), John Kasay (10)
Conference Championship Game Results - Week 15
AFC #4 San Diego Chargers (playing vs Baltimore Ravens) at
AFC #1 Houston Texans (playing vs Carolina Panthers)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 96, Houston Texans 38
San Diego's Key Performers: Ryan Mathews (22), Malcom Floyd (15), Philip Rivers (14)
Houston's Key Performers: Arian Foster (19), Neil Rackers (6), T.J. Yates (5)
NFC #2 New Orleans Saints (playing at Minnesota Vikings) at
NFC #1 Green Bay Packers (playing at Kansas City Chiefs)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans 109, Green Bay 49
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (34), Lance Moore (21), Pierre Thomas (14)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (22), Ryan Grant (9), Jermichael Finley (8)
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?
While the AFC Champion San Diego Chargers saw their real-life playoff hopes get crushed in a 38-10 loss to the Detroit Lions, the NFC Champion New Orleans Saints rolled to a 45-16, record-setting victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Victory for the Saints may seem like a foregone conclusion, but in fantasy football, a team can lose in real life and still be victorious if the numbers add up properly. Unfortunately for San Diego, this is the second straight year they have stumbled in the Fantasy Bowl - and missed the playoffs in real life.
CREATIVE MISFORTUNE'S FANTASY BOWL II
(playing at Detroit Lions)
vs
(playing vs Atlanta Falcons)
Complete Fantasy Bowl II Scoreboard Result ~
| San Diego Chargers | pts | pts | New Orleans Saints | |||
| Philip Rivers | 11 | QB | 26 | Drew Brees | ||
| Ryan Mathews | 6 | RB1 | 11 | Pierre Thomas | ||
| Mike Tolbert | 3 | RB2 | 3 | Chris Ivory | ||
| Malcom Floyd | 15 | WR1 | 14 | Marques Colston | ||
| Vincent jackson | 4 | WR2 | 13 | Robert Meachem | ||
| Vincent Brown | 3 | WR3 | 3 | Devery Henderson | ||
| Antonio Gates | 4 | TE | 10 | Jimmy Graham | ||
| Nick Novak | 4 | K | 9 | John Kasay | ||
| Defense | -4 | DEF | 9 | Defense | ||
| Total | 46 | >>> | 98 | Total |
Congratulations to the New Orlean Saints, 2011's Creative Misfortune "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." Champions! Now we will see if their fantasy success will translate into true Super Bowl glory!
Creative Misfortune Fantasy Playoff Seeds and Prior Week Results
AFC Seeds
Division Champions ~
1. Houston Texans (9-2, 845 pts)
2. Baltimore Ravens (8-3, 821 pts)
3. New England Patriots (7-4, 968 pts)
4. San Diego Chargers (6-5, 803 pts)
Wild Cards ~
5. Cincinnati Bengals (8-3, 765 pts)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3, 760 pts)
NFC Seeds
Division Champions ~
1. Green Bay Packers (9-2, 997 pts)
2. New Orleans Saints (9-2, 975 pts)
3. Dallas Cowboys (8-3, 905 pts)
4. San Francisco 49ers (6-5, 740 points)
Wild Cards ~
5. Detroit Lions (7-4, 914 pts)
6. New York Giants (7-4, 851 pts)
Wild Card Game Results - Week 13
AFC #6 Pittsburgh Steelers (playing vs Cincinnati Bengals) at
AFC #3 New England Patriots (playing vs Indianapolis Colts)
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 92, New England Patriots 60
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Defense (19), Rashard Mendenhall (18), Ben Roethlisberger (15)
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (19), Wes Welker (11), Stephen Gostkowski (7)
AFC #5 Cincinnati Bengals (playing at Pittsburgh Steelers) at
AFC #4 San Diego Chargers (playing at Jacksonville Jaguars)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 105, Cincinnati Bengals 31
Cincinnati's Key Performers: A.J. Green (15), Andy Dalton (9), Cedric Benson (5)
San Diego's Key Performers: Philip Rivers (23), Ryan Mathews (17), Malcolm Floyd (16)
NFC #6 New York Giants (playing vs Green Bay Packers) at
NFC #3 Dallas Cowboys (playing at Arizona Cardinals)
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 78, Dallas Cowboys 60
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (21), Hakeem Nicks (20), Lawrence Tynes (11)
Dallas' Key Performers: Tony Romo (15), Dez Bryant (14), Laurent Robinson (7)
NFC #5 Detroit Lions (playing at New Orleans Saints) at
NFC #4 San Francisco 49ers (playing vs St. Louis Rams)
Fantasy Score: San Francisco 49ers 98, Detroit Lions 67
Detroit's Key Performers: Mathew Stafford (18), Kevin Smith (13), Maurice Morris (12)
San Francisco's Key Performers: Alex Smith (19), Defense (18), Michael Crabtree (15)
Top Seeds Playing for Bye-Week Advantage*
AFC #1 - Houston Texans (playing vs Atlanta Falcons)
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 61
Houston's Key Performers: Arian Foster (21), T.J. Yates (10), Andre Johnson (9)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 61/4 = 15.25 = +15 points
AFC #2 - Baltimore Ravens (playing at Cleveland Browns)
Fantasy Score: Baltimore Ravens 73
Baltimore's Key Performers: Ray Rice (27), Defense (15), Ricky Williams (13)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 73/4 = 18.25 = +18 points
NFC #1 - Green Bay Packers (playing at New York Giants)
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 101
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (31), Donald Driver (15), Greg Jennings (15)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 101/4 = 25.25 = +25 points
NFC #2 - New Orleans Saints (playing vs Detroit Lions)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans 101
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (25), Robert Meachem (17), Darren Sproles (12)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 101/4 = 25.25 = +25 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 the Houston Texans score 80 fantasy points in Week 13 against Atlanta, 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.
Divisional Game Results - Week 14
AFC #6 Pittsburgh Steelers (playing vs Cleveland Browns) at
AFC #1 Houston Texans (BWA*: +15) (playing at Cincinnati Bengals)
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 85, Pittsburgh steelers 82
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Antonio Brown (21), Ben Roethlisberger (17), Defense (14)
Houston's Key Performers: T.J. Yates (19), Bye-Week Advantage (15), Kevin Walter (13), Owen Daniels (10)
AFC #4 San Diego Chargers (playing vs Buffalo Bills) at
AFC #2 Baltimore Ravens (BWA*: +18) (playing vs Indianapolis Colts)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 100, Baltimore Ravens 93
San Diego's Key Performers: Philip Rivers (19), Antonio Gates (18), Defense (17)
Baltimore's Key Performers: Ray Rice (18), Bye-Week Advantage (18), Joe Flacco (15), Torrey Smith (11)
NFC #6 New York Giants (playing at Dallas cowboys) at
NFC #1 Green Bay Packers (BWA*: +25) (playing vs oakland Raiders)
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 127, New York Giants 95
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (22), Brandon Jacobs (22), Hakeem Nicks (16)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Bye-Week Advantage (25), Ryan Grant (21), Defense (18), Aaron Rodgers (17)
NFC #4 San Francisco 49ers (playing at Arizona Cardinals) at
NFC #2 New Orleans Saints (BWA*: +25) (playing at Tennessee Titans)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 101, San Francisco 49ers 58
San Francisco's Key Performers: David Akers (13), Frank Gore (13), Defense (8)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Bye-Week Advantage (25), Marques Colston (22), Drew Brees (21), John Kasay (10)
Conference Championship Game Results - Week 15
AFC #4 San Diego Chargers (playing vs Baltimore Ravens) at
AFC #1 Houston Texans (playing vs Carolina Panthers)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 96, Houston Texans 38
San Diego's Key Performers: Ryan Mathews (22), Malcom Floyd (15), Philip Rivers (14)
Houston's Key Performers: Arian Foster (19), Neil Rackers (6), T.J. Yates (5)
NFC #2 New Orleans Saints (playing at Minnesota Vikings) at
NFC #1 Green Bay Packers (playing at Kansas City Chiefs)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans 109, Green Bay 49
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (34), Lance Moore (21), Pierre Thomas (14)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (22), Ryan Grant (9), Jermichael Finley (8)
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?
Monday, December 26, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - MNF - Week 16 (2011)
Boxing Day is here! The Christmas holidays are gone, but New year's is still a week away! Let's celebrate with a great divisional matchup on Monday Night Football.
Monday Night Game Prediction:
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 6. It won’t be easy, but the Saints should clinch the division with a win over the Falcons.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 13. The Saints are looking like the Packers best competition at this point.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 7. Saints by 6.5, Over/Under 52.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3. Saints better at 11-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3.
Creative Misfortune's "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." Fantasy Bowl II played out over the weekend. Did the San Diego Chargers score enough in their Christmas Eve game against the Detroit Lions to overcome the points the New Orleans Saints will score tonight against the Atlanta Falcons? Check back on Wednesday for the complete Fantasy Bowl II recap...
Monday Night Game Prediction:
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 6. It won’t be easy, but the Saints should clinch the division with a win over the Falcons.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 13. The Saints are looking like the Packers best competition at this point.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 7. Saints by 6.5, Over/Under 52.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3. Saints better at 11-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3.
Creative Misfortune's "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." Fantasy Bowl II played out over the weekend. Did the San Diego Chargers score enough in their Christmas Eve game against the Detroit Lions to overcome the points the New Orleans Saints will score tonight against the Atlanta Falcons? Check back on Wednesday for the complete Fantasy Bowl II recap...
Friday, December 23, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - Week 16 (2011)
Happy Holidays! May misfortune not find your team this wonderful weekend and may visiting family members not overstay their welcome!
Christmas Eve Game Predictions:
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 13. The Ravens have rekindled hope after Pittsburgh's loss last week.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 7. After leaving the door open for the Steelers last week, this week the Ravens slam it shut.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 12. Ravens by 12, Over/Under 38.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 10-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3.
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Despite the stumble last week, the Broncos still have some magic left in them.
Scottie V's Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Maybe I just have "the fever", but I think the Broncs will be eager to bounce back from last week's shellacking.
Vegas Lines Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Broncos by 3, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Broncos better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 9. The Panthers are still having fun… the Bucs, eh, not so much.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 8. Newton, Tebow, and Locker… The next big things at the QB position?
Vegas Lines Pick: Carolina Panthers by 8. Panthers by 7.5, Over/Under 47.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. Panthers better at 5-9.
Home Team Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3.
Arizona Cardinals at Cincinnati Bengals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 4. The Bengals are getting closer to a surprising playoff spot.
Scottie V's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 7. The Cards aren't the same away from home… and they aren't that great at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 4. Bengals by 4, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3.
Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 6. The Chiefs won't catch lightning in a bottle two weeks in a row.
Scottie V's Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 6. What do you do for an encore after your interim head coach knocks off the only undefeated team in the league in his first outing? It would be easy to let down against the Raiders, but the Arrowhead crowd won't let that happen.
Vegas Lines Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3. Chiefs by 2.5, Over/Under 42.
Best Record Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3. Raiders better at 7-7.
Home Team Wins Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3.
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 7. The Patriots still have home field advantage to play for.
Scottie V's Pick: New England Patriots by 8. Feeling good about themselves after silencing the Tebow furor, the Pats don't let their guard down.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 10. Patriots by 9.5, Over/Under 48.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots better at 11-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3.
New York Giants at New York Jets
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Jets by 5. Neither of these teams instills confidence.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Giants by 6. The Battle for New York… The Giants are not nearly as bad as their performance last week… Right?
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Jets by 3. Jets by 3, Over/Under 45.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Jets better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3.
St. Louis Rams at Pittsburgh Steelers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 17. The Steelers cannot afford another loss.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 14. After the "lights out" (hehe) performance from the Niners last week, Big Ben and the Steelers look to keep the heat on the Ravens.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 16. Steelers by 16, Over/Under 37.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Steelers better at 10-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 6. If the Titans lose two straight to the Colts and Jaguars, they don’t deserve to be part of the playoff discussion.
Scottie V's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 4. It feels like the Locker era is about to begin and there's a bit of a buzz (think Tebow scaled down by a factor of about 1 million).
Vegas Lines Pick: Tennessee Titans by 7. Titans by 7, Over/Under 40.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans better at 7-7.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3.
Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Washington Redskins by 4. Grossman is no Brees, but he should still light up the Vikings' suspect secondary.
Scottie V's Pick: Washington Redskins by 8. Eager to show that last week's game was not a fluke, the Redskins… Ah heck, the Vikings stink!
Vegas Lines Pick: Washington Redskins by 7. Redskins by 6.5, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. Redskins better at 5-9.
Home Team Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3.
San Diego Chargers at Detroit Lions
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 1. The Lions have to win one more game… easier to get it against the Chargers than the Packers.
Scottie V's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 6. San Diego Super-Chargers! In the midst of their annual rise from the dead period… The Lions' shine has worn off.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions by 2.5, Over/Under 52.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 9-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3.
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 2. This game scares me… but Dallas should be up to the task.
Scottie V's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 9. Though it's too little, too late, the Eagles start to show what all the fuss was about.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 2. Cowboys by 1.5, Over/Under 50.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. Cowboys better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 9. The 49ers have to keep one step ahead of the Saints, if at all possible.
Scottie V's Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3. There is bad blood between Harbaugh and Carroll… The 12th Man will be on fire in this one and the 'Hawks are clinging to the slimmest of hopes for a playoff spot… I'm looking forward to this one.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 2. 49ers by 2, Over/Under 37.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. 49ers better at 11-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3.
Christmas Night Game Prediction:
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 10. The Packers won’t admit it, but they are angry at their loss last week, and stomping the Bears on Christmas night will certainly make them feel better.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 17. Now that perfection is out of the picture, the Pack can get back down to the business of kicking butt and taking names.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 13. Packers by 13, Over/Under 44.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 13-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's Boxing Day prediction.
Christmas Eve Game Predictions:
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 13. The Ravens have rekindled hope after Pittsburgh's loss last week.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 7. After leaving the door open for the Steelers last week, this week the Ravens slam it shut.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 12. Ravens by 12, Over/Under 38.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 10-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3.
Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Despite the stumble last week, the Broncos still have some magic left in them.
Scottie V's Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Maybe I just have "the fever", but I think the Broncs will be eager to bounce back from last week's shellacking.
Vegas Lines Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Broncos by 3, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Broncos better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 9. The Panthers are still having fun… the Bucs, eh, not so much.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 8. Newton, Tebow, and Locker… The next big things at the QB position?
Vegas Lines Pick: Carolina Panthers by 8. Panthers by 7.5, Over/Under 47.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. Panthers better at 5-9.
Home Team Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3.
Arizona Cardinals at Cincinnati Bengals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 4. The Bengals are getting closer to a surprising playoff spot.
Scottie V's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 7. The Cards aren't the same away from home… and they aren't that great at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 4. Bengals by 4, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3.
Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 6. The Chiefs won't catch lightning in a bottle two weeks in a row.
Scottie V's Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 6. What do you do for an encore after your interim head coach knocks off the only undefeated team in the league in his first outing? It would be easy to let down against the Raiders, but the Arrowhead crowd won't let that happen.
Vegas Lines Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3. Chiefs by 2.5, Over/Under 42.
Best Record Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3. Raiders better at 7-7.
Home Team Wins Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3.
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 7. The Patriots still have home field advantage to play for.
Scottie V's Pick: New England Patriots by 8. Feeling good about themselves after silencing the Tebow furor, the Pats don't let their guard down.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 10. Patriots by 9.5, Over/Under 48.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots better at 11-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3.
New York Giants at New York Jets
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Jets by 5. Neither of these teams instills confidence.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Giants by 6. The Battle for New York… The Giants are not nearly as bad as their performance last week… Right?
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Jets by 3. Jets by 3, Over/Under 45.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Jets better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3.
St. Louis Rams at Pittsburgh Steelers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 17. The Steelers cannot afford another loss.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 14. After the "lights out" (hehe) performance from the Niners last week, Big Ben and the Steelers look to keep the heat on the Ravens.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 16. Steelers by 16, Over/Under 37.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Steelers better at 10-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 6. If the Titans lose two straight to the Colts and Jaguars, they don’t deserve to be part of the playoff discussion.
Scottie V's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 4. It feels like the Locker era is about to begin and there's a bit of a buzz (think Tebow scaled down by a factor of about 1 million).
Vegas Lines Pick: Tennessee Titans by 7. Titans by 7, Over/Under 40.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans better at 7-7.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3.
Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Washington Redskins by 4. Grossman is no Brees, but he should still light up the Vikings' suspect secondary.
Scottie V's Pick: Washington Redskins by 8. Eager to show that last week's game was not a fluke, the Redskins… Ah heck, the Vikings stink!
Vegas Lines Pick: Washington Redskins by 7. Redskins by 6.5, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. Redskins better at 5-9.
Home Team Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3.
San Diego Chargers at Detroit Lions
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 1. The Lions have to win one more game… easier to get it against the Chargers than the Packers.
Scottie V's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 6. San Diego Super-Chargers! In the midst of their annual rise from the dead period… The Lions' shine has worn off.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions by 2.5, Over/Under 52.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 9-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3.
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 2. This game scares me… but Dallas should be up to the task.
Scottie V's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 9. Though it's too little, too late, the Eagles start to show what all the fuss was about.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 2. Cowboys by 1.5, Over/Under 50.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. Cowboys better at 8-6.
Home Team Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 9. The 49ers have to keep one step ahead of the Saints, if at all possible.
Scottie V's Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3. There is bad blood between Harbaugh and Carroll… The 12th Man will be on fire in this one and the 'Hawks are clinging to the slimmest of hopes for a playoff spot… I'm looking forward to this one.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 2. 49ers by 2, Over/Under 37.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. 49ers better at 11-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3.
Christmas Night Game Prediction:
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 10. The Packers won’t admit it, but they are angry at their loss last week, and stomping the Bears on Christmas night will certainly make them feel better.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 17. Now that perfection is out of the picture, the Pack can get back down to the business of kicking butt and taking names.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 13. Packers by 13, Over/Under 44.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 13-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's Boxing Day prediction.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - TNF - Week 16 (2011)
The NFL's early Christmas gift for all you fantasy football players out there who made it to the championship game- Arian Foster running wild vs the Indianpolis Colts. Enjoy!
Thursday Night Game Prediction:
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston Texans by 21. Now that they have avoided infamy, the Colts have no reason to win the rest of the season.
Scottie V's Pick: Houston Texans by 6. Coming off their first win of the season, the Colts momentum comes to a screeching halt.
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston Texans by 7. Texans by 6.5, Over/Under 40.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans better at 10-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3.
Check back tomorrow for all the holiday weekend picks!
Thursday Night Game Prediction:
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston Texans by 21. Now that they have avoided infamy, the Colts have no reason to win the rest of the season.
Scottie V's Pick: Houston Texans by 6. Coming off their first win of the season, the Colts momentum comes to a screeching halt.
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston Texans by 7. Texans by 6.5, Over/Under 40.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans better at 10-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3.
Check back tomorrow for all the holiday weekend picks!
Creative Misfortune Power Rankings - Week 15 (2011)
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.
When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, production is combined with potential to determine a team's true strength compared to the rest of the league. Winning isn't the only factor, but it is one of the most important components 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 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 30)
Drew Brees had a career day in just three quarters against the Vikings. I wouldn’t expect Minnesota to get an interception until 2012.
# 31 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 32)
Defeated no more, the Colts can now tank their remaining two games with a clear conscience.
# 30 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 31)
The Rams are having a devil of a time winning this year, but their strength of schedule could end up hurting them come draft time if they end up tied with the Vikings.
# 29 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 29)
The Buccaneers just keep on falling.
# 28 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 27)
The Browns had the game against the Cardinals in the bag until they collapsed in the fourth quarter before losing the game outright in overtime.
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 25)
The Jaguars suffered a good old fashioned butt-kicking against the Atlanta Falcons. With at least one game left against the Colts, the Jaguars can gain some hint of positivity before they shut the doors on a miserable 2011 campaign.
# 26 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 23)
So much for the Bills being the surprise team of the season.
# 25 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 28)
Just when you think Kansas City has no life left in them, they go out and play a game like that… and totally redeem themselves.
# 24 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 22)
The Dolphins have shown flashes of brilliance this season. There is hope for 2012, depending on who ends up being hired as the coach during the offseason.
# 23 - Washington Redskins (previous: 26)
Despite all expectations, the Redskins gained a huge victory over the Giants on Sunday. Even a Cowboys fan like myself can appreciate this win.
# 22 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 24)
I don’t know what the heck that trick play was, but it was definitely entertaining!
# 21 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 21)
Could the Cardinals actually sneak into a Wild Card spot? The odds are not in their favor by any means, but for Arizona to even be part of the discussion after the way the season started is worthy of note.
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 20)
An 8-8 division champion in the NFC East? Maybe, but it won’t be the Eagles.
# 19 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 18)
The fourth quarter collapse against the Lions may have sealed Oakland's fate come playoff time.
# 18 - New York Giants (previous: 12)
I love the Giants' ability to consistently collapse in December. They are like the anti-Chargers.
# 17 - Denver Broncos (previous: 11)
Tebow failed against the Evil Empire, but that doesn’t mean the Broncos are out of it by any stretch of the imagination. If you haven’t seen the SNL Tebow skit from last weekend, you are missing out.
# 16 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 16)
A loss to the Colts? Seriously? This would almost be acceptable if the Titans weren't fighting for a playoff spot.
# 15 - Chicago Bears (previous: 15)
Who would have thought Cutler was so valuable?
# 14 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 19)
Seattle sure put a beating on Chicago. The Seahawks are just starting to get interesting. It only took them 14 weeks to get there.
# 13 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 13)
The Chargers can win in December. Nobody doubts that. The question is - will it actually matter this year or will they once again fall short of the playoffs?
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - New York Jets (previous: 9)
These guys can shut up anytime, but I do hope they can somehow recover from the beatdown in Philadelphia last week and go on to win the Battle of New York.
# 11 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 17)
The surprise team of the AFC is holding on… and losses by both Baltimore and Pittsburgh definitely helps Cincinnati's cause.
# 10 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 14)
The Cowboys haven’t clinched anything yet. With the Eagles and Giants remaining on the schedule, 8-8 is just as likely, if not more likely, than 10-6.
# 9 - Detroit Lions (previous: 10)
The Lions are playoff bound if they can get past either San Diego or Green Bay the final two weeks of the season.
# 8 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 8)
Atlanta still has faint hopes for a division title, but those dreams will die quickly if they lose to the Saints on Monday Night.
# 7 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 6)
More than just the lights went out for Pittsburgh during last week's game in San Francisco.
# 6 - Houston Texans (previous: 3)
The Texans have played valiantly since losing their quarterbacks. A game against the Colts later tonight should keep them in the hunt for a first round bye in the playoffs.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 2)
The Ravens gained a reprieve since the Steelers lost, but they are looking more and more like a team that will struggle on the road. All the more reason for them to win out so they are guaranteed to host at least one playoff game.
# 4 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 7)
I'm still not sold on the 49ers being able to defeat either the Saints or the Packers. Realistically, for them to reach the Super Bowl, they will have to beat them both.
# 3 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 4)
For my money, the NFC is a two-team race between the Saints and the Packers. On a neutral field, I think the Saints win. Unfortunately it looks like Drew Brees will have to learn to throw the ball in the snow as a date with the Packers in Green Bay looks like the road New Orleans will have to travel to make it to Super Bowl XLVI.
# 2 - New England Patriots (previous: 5)
Doesn’t it kind of feel like the Patriots killed Christmas when they defeated the Broncos last week and laughed at Tebow's fourth quarter magic?
# 1 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 1)
The Packers can try and spin their loss to the Chiefs any way they want, but the bottom line is they missed out on a chance to make history. If all it takes is a power running game to take them out, Green Bay's next loss very well may kill any Super Bowl dreams they have.
Week 15 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Denver Broncos (-6), New York Giants (-6), Baltimore Ravens (-3), Houston Texans (-3), New York Jets (-3)
The Biggest Movers - Cincinnati Bengals (+6), Seattle Seahawks (+5), Dallas Cowboys (+4), New England Patriots (+3), San Francisco 49ers (+3)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Green Bay Packers (1), Atlanta Falcons (8), San Diego Chargers (13), Chicago Bears (15), Tennessee Titans (16), Philadelphia Eagles (20), Arizona Cardinals (21), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (29)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 15
Green Bay Packers
Check back later tonight for Thursday Night game picks. The Colts go for win #2 against the Texans...
When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, production is combined with potential to determine a team's true strength compared to the rest of the league. Winning isn't the only factor, but it is one of the most important components 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 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 30)
Drew Brees had a career day in just three quarters against the Vikings. I wouldn’t expect Minnesota to get an interception until 2012.
# 31 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 32)
Defeated no more, the Colts can now tank their remaining two games with a clear conscience.
# 30 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 31)
The Rams are having a devil of a time winning this year, but their strength of schedule could end up hurting them come draft time if they end up tied with the Vikings.
# 29 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 29)
The Buccaneers just keep on falling.
# 28 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 27)
The Browns had the game against the Cardinals in the bag until they collapsed in the fourth quarter before losing the game outright in overtime.
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 25)
The Jaguars suffered a good old fashioned butt-kicking against the Atlanta Falcons. With at least one game left against the Colts, the Jaguars can gain some hint of positivity before they shut the doors on a miserable 2011 campaign.
# 26 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 23)
So much for the Bills being the surprise team of the season.
# 25 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 28)
Just when you think Kansas City has no life left in them, they go out and play a game like that… and totally redeem themselves.
# 24 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 22)
The Dolphins have shown flashes of brilliance this season. There is hope for 2012, depending on who ends up being hired as the coach during the offseason.
# 23 - Washington Redskins (previous: 26)
Despite all expectations, the Redskins gained a huge victory over the Giants on Sunday. Even a Cowboys fan like myself can appreciate this win.
# 22 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 24)
I don’t know what the heck that trick play was, but it was definitely entertaining!
# 21 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 21)
Could the Cardinals actually sneak into a Wild Card spot? The odds are not in their favor by any means, but for Arizona to even be part of the discussion after the way the season started is worthy of note.
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 20)
An 8-8 division champion in the NFC East? Maybe, but it won’t be the Eagles.
# 19 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 18)
The fourth quarter collapse against the Lions may have sealed Oakland's fate come playoff time.
# 18 - New York Giants (previous: 12)
I love the Giants' ability to consistently collapse in December. They are like the anti-Chargers.
# 17 - Denver Broncos (previous: 11)
Tebow failed against the Evil Empire, but that doesn’t mean the Broncos are out of it by any stretch of the imagination. If you haven’t seen the SNL Tebow skit from last weekend, you are missing out.
# 16 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 16)
A loss to the Colts? Seriously? This would almost be acceptable if the Titans weren't fighting for a playoff spot.
# 15 - Chicago Bears (previous: 15)
Who would have thought Cutler was so valuable?
# 14 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 19)
Seattle sure put a beating on Chicago. The Seahawks are just starting to get interesting. It only took them 14 weeks to get there.
# 13 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 13)
The Chargers can win in December. Nobody doubts that. The question is - will it actually matter this year or will they once again fall short of the playoffs?
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - New York Jets (previous: 9)
These guys can shut up anytime, but I do hope they can somehow recover from the beatdown in Philadelphia last week and go on to win the Battle of New York.
# 11 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 17)
The surprise team of the AFC is holding on… and losses by both Baltimore and Pittsburgh definitely helps Cincinnati's cause.
# 10 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 14)
The Cowboys haven’t clinched anything yet. With the Eagles and Giants remaining on the schedule, 8-8 is just as likely, if not more likely, than 10-6.
# 9 - Detroit Lions (previous: 10)
The Lions are playoff bound if they can get past either San Diego or Green Bay the final two weeks of the season.
# 8 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 8)
Atlanta still has faint hopes for a division title, but those dreams will die quickly if they lose to the Saints on Monday Night.
# 7 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 6)
More than just the lights went out for Pittsburgh during last week's game in San Francisco.
# 6 - Houston Texans (previous: 3)
The Texans have played valiantly since losing their quarterbacks. A game against the Colts later tonight should keep them in the hunt for a first round bye in the playoffs.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 2)
The Ravens gained a reprieve since the Steelers lost, but they are looking more and more like a team that will struggle on the road. All the more reason for them to win out so they are guaranteed to host at least one playoff game.
# 4 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 7)
I'm still not sold on the 49ers being able to defeat either the Saints or the Packers. Realistically, for them to reach the Super Bowl, they will have to beat them both.
# 3 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 4)
For my money, the NFC is a two-team race between the Saints and the Packers. On a neutral field, I think the Saints win. Unfortunately it looks like Drew Brees will have to learn to throw the ball in the snow as a date with the Packers in Green Bay looks like the road New Orleans will have to travel to make it to Super Bowl XLVI.
# 2 - New England Patriots (previous: 5)
Doesn’t it kind of feel like the Patriots killed Christmas when they defeated the Broncos last week and laughed at Tebow's fourth quarter magic?
# 1 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 1)
The Packers can try and spin their loss to the Chiefs any way they want, but the bottom line is they missed out on a chance to make history. If all it takes is a power running game to take them out, Green Bay's next loss very well may kill any Super Bowl dreams they have.
Week 15 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Denver Broncos (-6), New York Giants (-6), Baltimore Ravens (-3), Houston Texans (-3), New York Jets (-3)
The Biggest Movers - Cincinnati Bengals (+6), Seattle Seahawks (+5), Dallas Cowboys (+4), New England Patriots (+3), San Francisco 49ers (+3)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Green Bay Packers (1), Atlanta Falcons (8), San Diego Chargers (13), Chicago Bears (15), Tennessee Titans (16), Philadelphia Eagles (20), Arizona Cardinals (21), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (29)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 15
Green Bay Packers
Check back later tonight for Thursday Night game picks. The Colts go for win #2 against the Texans...
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Week 15 - Championship Round Results (2011) ~ "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..."
This holiday weekend, the AFC champion San Diego Chargers, making their second straight appearance in the Fantasy Bowl, will square off against the NFC Champion New Orleans Saints to determine the second ever "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." championship. Will these two teams face off in Super Bowl XLVI come February 2012? I guess it will depend if San Diego can actually make the real NFL playoffs...
CREATIVE MISFORTUNE'S FANTASY BOWL II ~
San Diego Chargers (9-5)
(playing at Detroit Lions)
vs
New Orleans Saints (11-2)
(playing vs Atlanta Falcons)
Misfortune Bowl II Preview:
The San Diego Chargers stumbled into the fantasy playoffs as the lowest seeded of the AFC division champions and were barely above .500 with a 6-5 regular season record. The Chargers have since turned on the fantasy scoring and crushed the Cincinnati Bengals in their Wild Card game by 74 points, winning 105-31. Next up they faced the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional round and Baltimore's solid 18-point bye-week advantage. Once again the Chargers hit the century mark and overcame the Ravens' sputtering offense and their bye-week advantage to claim a 100-93 victory. San Diego, rolling with with sudden emergence of their offense, came into the championship game against the Houston Texans confident they could advance to their second straight Fantasy Bowl. When the dust settled, the contest ended up not being a contest at all as the 4th-seeded Chargers knocked off the top-seeded Texans by the impressive score of 96-38. San Diego heads into Fantasy Bowl II averaging 100 points in the playoffs, but they will have to play lights out this weekend if they hope to win the title. San Diego's championship aspirations, both in the Fantasy Bowl and in real-life, hinge on how well they perform next week against the Detroit Lions.
While the Chargers didn't exactly fly into the fantasy playoffs, the New Orleans Saints head into the championship game with a solid 11-2 overall record and victories over two NFC division champions - the San Francisco 49ers and the nigh unstoppable Green Bay Packers.
The Saints gained an impressive 25-point bye-week advantage for their Divisional round matchup against the 49ers, but they needed exactly 0 of those points as they won the contest easily by the score of 101-58. New Orleans won another surprising laugher in the NFC Championship game as the Kansas City Chiefs crushed the real-life undefeated hopes of the Green Bay Packers. Not only did the Chiefs put an unsightly blemish on the Packers' magical season, they ended Green Bay's fantasy hopes as well by only allowing the Packers to rack up 49 fantasy points. The Saints met no resistance from the Minnesota Vikings and scored a dominating 109 points to guarantee their first appearance in the Fantasy Bowl.
A tough, real-life divisional battle against the Atlanta Falcons on Boxing Day is all that stands between New Orleans and their first Fantasy Bowl title.
Check back next Wednesday to find out who will be crowned the Creative Misfortune's 2011 Fantasy Football champion!
Championship Game awards:
High score of Championship weekend goes to the New Orleans Saints, who scored 109 fantasy points.
Low score falls to the Houston Texans at 38 fantasy points.
Closest Game of the Week: Neither of the championship games were much of a contest as both the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers failed to score more than 50 points, while both the Chargers and the Saints both exceeded 95 points.
Fantasy Star of the Week: Drew Brees, 34 points. Drew Brees only needs 305 yards to pass Dan Marino's all-time single season passing yardage record. He could easily get that this week against the Atlanta Falcons and, in doing so, propel the Saints to their first ever "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." championship.
Conference Championship Game Results - Week 15
AFC #4 San Diego Chargers (playing vs Baltimore Ravens) at
AFC #1 Houston Texans (playing vs Carolina Panthers)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 96, Houston Texans 38
San Diego's Key Performers: Ryan Mathews (22), Malcom Floyd (15), Philip Rivers (14)
Houston's Key Performers: Arian Foster (19), Neil Rackers (6), T.J. Yates (5)
NFC #2 New Orleans Saints (playing at Minnesota Vikings) at
NFC #1 Green Bay Packers (playing at Kansas City Chiefs)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans 109, Green Bay 49
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (34), Lance Moore (21), Pierre Thomas (14)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (22), Ryan Grant (9), Jermichael Finley (8)
Creative Misfortune Fantasy Playoff Seeds and Prior Week Results
AFC Seeds
Division Champions ~
1. Houston Texans (9-2, 845 pts)
2. Baltimore Ravens (8-3, 821 pts)
3. New England Patriots (7-4, 968 pts)
4. San Diego Chargers (6-5, 803 pts)
Wild Cards ~
5. Cincinnati Bengals (8-3, 765 pts)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3, 760 pts)
NFC Seeds
Division Champions ~
1. Green Bay Packers (9-2, 997 pts)
2. New Orleans Saints (9-2, 975 pts)
3. Dallas Cowboys (8-3, 905 pts)
4. San Francisco 49ers (6-5, 740 points)
Wild Cards ~
5. Detroit Lions (7-4, 914 pts)
6. New York Giants (7-4, 851 pts)
Wild Card Game Results - Week 13
AFC #6 Pittsburgh Steelers (playing vs Cincinnati Bengals) at
AFC #3 New England Patriots (playing vs Indianapolis Colts)
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 92, New England Patriots 60
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Defense (19), Rashard Mendenhall (18), Ben Roethlisberger (15)
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (19), Wes Welker (11), Stephen Gostkowski (7)
AFC #5 Cincinnati Bengals (playing at Pittsburgh Steelers) at
AFC #4 San Diego Chargers (playing at Jacksonville Jaguars)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 105, Cincinnati Bengals 31
Cincinnati's Key Performers: A.J. Green (15), Andy Dalton (9), Cedric Benson (5)
San Diego's Key Performers: Philip Rivers (23), Ryan Mathews (17), Malcolm Floyd (16)
NFC #6 New York Giants (playing vs Green Bay Packers) at
NFC #3 Dallas Cowboys (playing at Arizona Cardinals)
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 78, Dallas Cowboys 60
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (21), Hakeem Nicks (20), Lawrence Tynes (11)
Dallas' Key Performers: Tony Romo (15), Dez Bryant (14), Laurent Robinson (7)
NFC #5 Detroit Lions (playing at New Orleans Saints) at
NFC #4 San Francisco 49ers (playing vs St. Louis Rams)
Fantasy Score: San Francisco 49ers 98, Detroit Lions 67
Detroit's Key Performers: Mathew Stafford (18), Kevin Smith (13), Maurice Morris (12)
San Francisco's Key Performers: Alex Smith (19), Defense (18), Michael Crabtree (15)
Top Seeds Playing for Bye-Week Advantage*
AFC #1 - Houston Texans (playing vs Atlanta Falcons)
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 61
Houston's Key Performers: Arian Foster (21), T.J. Yates (10), Andre Johnson (9)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 61/4 = 15.25 = +15 points
AFC #2 - Baltimore Ravens (playing at Cleveland Browns)
Fantasy Score: Baltimore Ravens 73
Baltimore's Key Performers: Ray Rice (27), Defense (15), Ricky Williams (13)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 73/4 = 18.25 = +18 points
NFC #1 - Green Bay Packers (playing at New York Giants)
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 101
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (31), Donald Driver (15), Greg Jennings (15)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 101/4 = 25.25 = +25 points
NFC #2 - New Orleans Saints (playing vs Detroit Lions)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans 101
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (25), Robert Meachem (17), Darren Sproles (12)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 101/4 = 25.25 = +25 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 the Houston Texans score 80 fantasy points in Week 13 against Atlanta, 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.
Divisional Game Results - Week 14
AFC #6 Pittsburgh Steelers (playing vs Cleveland Browns) at
AFC #1 Houston Texans (BWA*: +15) (playing at Cincinnati Bengals)
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 85, Pittsburgh steelers 82
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Antonio Brown (21), Ben Roethlisberger (17), Defense (14)
Houston's Key Performers: T.J. Yates (19), Bye-Week Advantage (15), Kevin Walter (13), Owen Daniels (10)
AFC #4 San Diego Chargers (playing vs Buffalo Bills) at
AFC #2 Baltimore Ravens (BWA*: +18) (playing vs Indianapolis Colts)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 100, Baltimore Ravens 93
San Diego's Key Performers: Philip Rivers (19), Antonio Gates (18), Defense (17)
Baltimore's Key Performers: Ray Rice (18), Bye-Week Advantage (18), Joe Flacco (15), Torrey Smith (11)
NFC #6 New York Giants (playing at Dallas cowboys) at
NFC #1 Green Bay Packers (BWA*: +25) (playing vs oakland Raiders)
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 127, New York Giants 95
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (22), Brandon Jacobs (22), Hakeem Nicks (16)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Bye-Week Advantage (25), Ryan Grant (21), Defense (18), Aaron Rodgers (17)
NFC #4 San Francisco 49ers (playing at Arizona Cardinals) at
NFC #2 New Orleans Saints (BWA*: +25) (playing at Tennessee Titans)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 101, San Francisco 49ers 58
San Francisco's Key Performers: David Akers (13), Frank Gore (13), Defense (8)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Bye-Week Advantage (25), Marques Colston (22), Drew Brees (21), John Kasay (10)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings. Will the Colts move up after they avoid 0-16 infamy? Will the Packers fall down after losing a chance a perfection?
CREATIVE MISFORTUNE'S FANTASY BOWL II ~
(playing at Detroit Lions)
vs
(playing vs Atlanta Falcons)
Misfortune Bowl II Preview:
The San Diego Chargers stumbled into the fantasy playoffs as the lowest seeded of the AFC division champions and were barely above .500 with a 6-5 regular season record. The Chargers have since turned on the fantasy scoring and crushed the Cincinnati Bengals in their Wild Card game by 74 points, winning 105-31. Next up they faced the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional round and Baltimore's solid 18-point bye-week advantage. Once again the Chargers hit the century mark and overcame the Ravens' sputtering offense and their bye-week advantage to claim a 100-93 victory. San Diego, rolling with with sudden emergence of their offense, came into the championship game against the Houston Texans confident they could advance to their second straight Fantasy Bowl. When the dust settled, the contest ended up not being a contest at all as the 4th-seeded Chargers knocked off the top-seeded Texans by the impressive score of 96-38. San Diego heads into Fantasy Bowl II averaging 100 points in the playoffs, but they will have to play lights out this weekend if they hope to win the title. San Diego's championship aspirations, both in the Fantasy Bowl and in real-life, hinge on how well they perform next week against the Detroit Lions.
While the Chargers didn't exactly fly into the fantasy playoffs, the New Orleans Saints head into the championship game with a solid 11-2 overall record and victories over two NFC division champions - the San Francisco 49ers and the nigh unstoppable Green Bay Packers.
The Saints gained an impressive 25-point bye-week advantage for their Divisional round matchup against the 49ers, but they needed exactly 0 of those points as they won the contest easily by the score of 101-58. New Orleans won another surprising laugher in the NFC Championship game as the Kansas City Chiefs crushed the real-life undefeated hopes of the Green Bay Packers. Not only did the Chiefs put an unsightly blemish on the Packers' magical season, they ended Green Bay's fantasy hopes as well by only allowing the Packers to rack up 49 fantasy points. The Saints met no resistance from the Minnesota Vikings and scored a dominating 109 points to guarantee their first appearance in the Fantasy Bowl.
A tough, real-life divisional battle against the Atlanta Falcons on Boxing Day is all that stands between New Orleans and their first Fantasy Bowl title.
Check back next Wednesday to find out who will be crowned the Creative Misfortune's 2011 Fantasy Football champion!
Championship Game awards:
High score of Championship weekend goes to the New Orleans Saints, who scored 109 fantasy points.
Low score falls to the Houston Texans at 38 fantasy points.
Closest Game of the Week: Neither of the championship games were much of a contest as both the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers failed to score more than 50 points, while both the Chargers and the Saints both exceeded 95 points.
Fantasy Star of the Week: Drew Brees, 34 points. Drew Brees only needs 305 yards to pass Dan Marino's all-time single season passing yardage record. He could easily get that this week against the Atlanta Falcons and, in doing so, propel the Saints to their first ever "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." championship.
Conference Championship Game Results - Week 15
AFC #4 San Diego Chargers (playing vs Baltimore Ravens) at
AFC #1 Houston Texans (playing vs Carolina Panthers)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 96, Houston Texans 38
San Diego's Key Performers: Ryan Mathews (22), Malcom Floyd (15), Philip Rivers (14)
Houston's Key Performers: Arian Foster (19), Neil Rackers (6), T.J. Yates (5)
NFC #2 New Orleans Saints (playing at Minnesota Vikings) at
NFC #1 Green Bay Packers (playing at Kansas City Chiefs)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans 109, Green Bay 49
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (34), Lance Moore (21), Pierre Thomas (14)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (22), Ryan Grant (9), Jermichael Finley (8)
Creative Misfortune Fantasy Playoff Seeds and Prior Week Results
AFC Seeds
Division Champions ~
1. Houston Texans (9-2, 845 pts)
2. Baltimore Ravens (8-3, 821 pts)
3. New England Patriots (7-4, 968 pts)
4. San Diego Chargers (6-5, 803 pts)
Wild Cards ~
5. Cincinnati Bengals (8-3, 765 pts)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3, 760 pts)
NFC Seeds
Division Champions ~
1. Green Bay Packers (9-2, 997 pts)
2. New Orleans Saints (9-2, 975 pts)
3. Dallas Cowboys (8-3, 905 pts)
4. San Francisco 49ers (6-5, 740 points)
Wild Cards ~
5. Detroit Lions (7-4, 914 pts)
6. New York Giants (7-4, 851 pts)
Wild Card Game Results - Week 13
AFC #6 Pittsburgh Steelers (playing vs Cincinnati Bengals) at
AFC #3 New England Patriots (playing vs Indianapolis Colts)
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 92, New England Patriots 60
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Defense (19), Rashard Mendenhall (18), Ben Roethlisberger (15)
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (19), Wes Welker (11), Stephen Gostkowski (7)
AFC #5 Cincinnati Bengals (playing at Pittsburgh Steelers) at
AFC #4 San Diego Chargers (playing at Jacksonville Jaguars)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 105, Cincinnati Bengals 31
Cincinnati's Key Performers: A.J. Green (15), Andy Dalton (9), Cedric Benson (5)
San Diego's Key Performers: Philip Rivers (23), Ryan Mathews (17), Malcolm Floyd (16)
NFC #6 New York Giants (playing vs Green Bay Packers) at
NFC #3 Dallas Cowboys (playing at Arizona Cardinals)
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 78, Dallas Cowboys 60
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (21), Hakeem Nicks (20), Lawrence Tynes (11)
Dallas' Key Performers: Tony Romo (15), Dez Bryant (14), Laurent Robinson (7)
NFC #5 Detroit Lions (playing at New Orleans Saints) at
NFC #4 San Francisco 49ers (playing vs St. Louis Rams)
Fantasy Score: San Francisco 49ers 98, Detroit Lions 67
Detroit's Key Performers: Mathew Stafford (18), Kevin Smith (13), Maurice Morris (12)
San Francisco's Key Performers: Alex Smith (19), Defense (18), Michael Crabtree (15)
Top Seeds Playing for Bye-Week Advantage*
AFC #1 - Houston Texans (playing vs Atlanta Falcons)
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 61
Houston's Key Performers: Arian Foster (21), T.J. Yates (10), Andre Johnson (9)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 61/4 = 15.25 = +15 points
AFC #2 - Baltimore Ravens (playing at Cleveland Browns)
Fantasy Score: Baltimore Ravens 73
Baltimore's Key Performers: Ray Rice (27), Defense (15), Ricky Williams (13)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 73/4 = 18.25 = +18 points
NFC #1 - Green Bay Packers (playing at New York Giants)
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 101
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (31), Donald Driver (15), Greg Jennings (15)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 101/4 = 25.25 = +25 points
NFC #2 - New Orleans Saints (playing vs Detroit Lions)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans 101
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (25), Robert Meachem (17), Darren Sproles (12)
Divisional Matchup Bye-Week Advantage: 101/4 = 25.25 = +25 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 the Houston Texans score 80 fantasy points in Week 13 against Atlanta, 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.
Divisional Game Results - Week 14
AFC #6 Pittsburgh Steelers (playing vs Cleveland Browns) at
AFC #1 Houston Texans (BWA*: +15) (playing at Cincinnati Bengals)
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 85, Pittsburgh steelers 82
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Antonio Brown (21), Ben Roethlisberger (17), Defense (14)
Houston's Key Performers: T.J. Yates (19), Bye-Week Advantage (15), Kevin Walter (13), Owen Daniels (10)
AFC #4 San Diego Chargers (playing vs Buffalo Bills) at
AFC #2 Baltimore Ravens (BWA*: +18) (playing vs Indianapolis Colts)
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 100, Baltimore Ravens 93
San Diego's Key Performers: Philip Rivers (19), Antonio Gates (18), Defense (17)
Baltimore's Key Performers: Ray Rice (18), Bye-Week Advantage (18), Joe Flacco (15), Torrey Smith (11)
NFC #6 New York Giants (playing at Dallas cowboys) at
NFC #1 Green Bay Packers (BWA*: +25) (playing vs oakland Raiders)
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 127, New York Giants 95
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (22), Brandon Jacobs (22), Hakeem Nicks (16)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Bye-Week Advantage (25), Ryan Grant (21), Defense (18), Aaron Rodgers (17)
NFC #4 San Francisco 49ers (playing at Arizona Cardinals) at
NFC #2 New Orleans Saints (BWA*: +25) (playing at Tennessee Titans)
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 101, San Francisco 49ers 58
San Francisco's Key Performers: David Akers (13), Frank Gore (13), Defense (8)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Bye-Week Advantage (25), Marques Colston (22), Drew Brees (21), John Kasay (10)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings. Will the Colts move up after they avoid 0-16 infamy? Will the Packers fall down after losing a chance a perfection?
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