Official NFL Week 16&17 Thread+Playoffs&Predictions

by **S2M** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 11:24 am

NFC
(6) Philadelphia Eagles @ (1) New York Giants

(4) Arizona Cardinals @ (2) Carolina Panthers

AFC
(6) Baltimore Ravens @ (1) Tennessee Titans

(4) San Diego Chargers @ (2) Pittsburgh Steelers

by **X factor** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:21 pm

NFC
(6) Philadelphia Eagles @ (1) New York Giants

(4) Arizona Cardinals @ (2) Carolina Panthers

AFC
(6) Baltimore Ravens @ (1) Tennessee Titans

(4) San Diego Chargers @ (2) Pittsburgh Steelers

by **YoungJRNY** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:46 pm

NFC
(6) Philadelphia Eagles @ (1) New York Giants

(4) Arizona Cardinals @ (2) Carolina Panthers

AFC
(6) Baltimore Ravens @ (1) Tennessee Titans

(4) San Diego Chargers @ (2) Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers and Eagles are my 2 picks for the week, advancing to the Conference Title.

by **Enigma869** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:50 pm

NFC
(6)Philadelphia Eagles@ (1) New York Giants - Even though Philadelphia is playing well, the Giants are too much for them to handle. Giants win.

(4) Arizona Cardinals @ (2) Carolina Panthers - I think Carolina wins this one fairly easily.

AFC
(6) Baltimore Ravens @ (1) Tennessee Titans - In my opinion, this is the oddest number 6 seed versus number one seed I've ever seen. Usually a 6 versus a 1 is a huge mismatch. In this case, I think it is a mismatch, but a minor one and not one that favors Tennessee. Two VERY good defenses against two not so great offenses. Tennessee has the better running game. Both teams have marginal QB's (jury still out on Flacco). I think the difference in this game will be Baltimore's superior defense. I haven't believed in Tennessee all season long and I'm not going to start believing in them now. Baltimore by 10.

(4) San Diego Chargers @ (2) Pittsburgh Steelers - This is the toughest game of the weekend for me to predict. I don't think San Diego is a great matchup for Pittsburgh, but the weather could be the big equalizer, because San Diego surfer dudes aren't cut out for Pittsburgh in January! My first prediction is that Mr. Big Pussy Tomlinson sits out another playoff game. San Diego's defense is finally playing well but Pittsburgh's defense is simply IMMENSE. If San Diego scores 20 points in this game, they win it, because Pittsburgh can't score. I think Pittsburgh's defense holds Rivers and Sproles in check and wins the game 17-10. I just can't see San Diego winning a game in 20 degree weather against a team that is simply better than they are.

by **NealIsGod** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 7:17 am

Enigma869 wrote:(6) Baltimore Ravens @ (1) Tennessee Titans - In my opinion, this is the oddest number 6 seed versus number one seed I've ever seen. Usually a 6 versus a 1 is a huge mismatch. In this case, I think it is a mismatch, but a minor one and not one that favors Tennessee. Two VERY good defenses against two not so great offenses. Tennessee has the better running game. Both teams have marginal QB's (jury still out on Flacco). I think the difference in this game will be Baltimore's superior defense. I haven't believed in Tennessee all season long and I'm not going to start believing in them now. Baltimore by 10.

I agree with your pick, John, but some of your facts are wrong (the bolded ones).

The Ravens are the #4 rushing team, the Titans are #7. The Titans (#27) have 9 more yards passing than the Ravens (#28 ).

The Ravens have the #2 ranked defense. The Titans have the #7 ranked defense.

And this one is hard to believe, but the 2000 Ravens defense only returned one INT for a TD (regular season). The 2008 Ravens returned 5 for TDs. The current Ravens defense dwarfs the incredible 2000 defense when it comes to forcing and scoring on turnovers. This will be their 17th game in a row with no week off, so that could be a factor. I still see them winning by at least 3.

by **YoungJRNY** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 8:29 am

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported this afternoon that Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early this morning.

..Uh-oh

by **Don** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 8:52 am

YoungJRNY wrote:The San Diego Union-Tribune reported this afternoon that Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early this morning.

..Uh-oh

http://weblog.signonsandiego.com/news/b ... index.html

by **mikemarrs** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 10:51 am

the baltimore-tennessee game is going to be a very hard fought physical battle and billick and fisher used to hate each other but brian is gone now but there is a lil rivalry and bad blood between these two teams going back years ago and they always play really tight games against each other.

by **Enigma869** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 1:48 pm

NealIsGod wrote:The Ravens are the #4 rushing team, the Titans are #7.

I could care less what "team rushing stats" are NIG. Chris Johnson is a bad m'f'er and is FAR better than ANYONE in the Ravens backfield. The guy had over 1200 yards rushing and averaged almost 5 yards per carry and that was splittling time with LenDale White. Chris Johnson ranked 8th in the NFL is rushing in 2008. LenDale White ranked 28th in the NFL in rushing in 2008. LeRon McLain ranked 20th in rushing and Willis McGahee ranked an embarrassing 32nd! White and Johnson scored 25 touchdowns between them in the 2008 season. McLain and McGahee scored 18 touchdowns between them. As I stated, Tennessee has the better rushing game, regardless of what NFL.com says for "team rushing stats"!

NealIsGod wrote: The Titans (#27) have 9 more yards passing than the Ravens (#28 ).

Not sure I get the point you're making here. Didn't I say that both teams have "very marginal QB's"? If this stat doesn't prove what I said, I'm not sure what does. Neither of these teams will be winning the Super Bowl because of their QB!

NealIsGod wrote: The Ravens have the #2 ranked defense. The Titans have the #7 ranked defense.

Again, not sure where our disagreement is here. If you read what I wrote...I said the Ravens would win because of their "superior defense". Clearly that means I understand which team has the better defense. I LOVE this Ravens defense, A LOT and think they're going to be a very tough team for anyone to beat! I haven't really liked the Titans all season and believe they've been a fluke team. I wouldn't be shocked to see them go 8-8 next season and miss the playoffs.

by **Rockindeano** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 2:13 pm

Enigma869 wrote:
Not sure I get the point you're making here. Didn't I say that both teams have "very marginal QB's"? If this stat doesn't prove what I said, I'm not sure what does. Neither of these teams will be winning the Super Bowl because of their QB!

Dumb argument.

Look up Trent Dilfer. With defenses this good, they only need a QB who won't hurt them. Both Flacco and Collins fit that bill. Hell, I say Flacco is an up and coming slinging thrower. Like him a lot. Did you see that fucker air out that 75 yd pass in the air? Fucker can flat out throw it. Kyle Boller must be looking into Euro League right about now.

by **Enigma869** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 2:18 pm

Rockindeano wrote:Dumb argument.

Look up Trent Dilfer. With defenses this good, they only need a QB who won't hurt them. Both Flacco and Collins fit that bill. Hell, I say Flacco is an up and coming slinging thrower. Like him a lot. Did you see that fucker air out that 75 yd pass in the air? Fucker can flat out throw it. Kyle Boller must be looking into Euro League right about now.

What the hell is your point? I don't need to look up Trent Dilfer. I know how bad he sucked and that the Ravens won that season because of their defense. Where did I say anything differently? Collins SUCKS! Flacco is a rookie who I said "The jury is still out on", and it is. He may prove to be a very good NFL QB, but he certainly hasn't proven it to me yet. Considering that I said that neither of these teams would win because of their QB and that they win or lose because of their defense, I'm not sure where my "dumb argument" was!

by **Rockindeano** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 2:31 pm

Go fuck yourself John!

You just said that neither team would win the Super Bowl because of their QB. Baltimore has as good as shot or better than anyone in the fucking league. I agree Tennessee is one and done, but Collins does not suck. he is playing on the AFC number one seeded team that won 12 games this year, and the guy overcame alcoholism. THAT is more impressive victory than any football game.

by **mikemarrs** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 2:37 pm

The Titans won 13 games this season largely because of their ability to harass the passer with their front four. While they did well without their two best linemen in a win over Pittsburgh, their chances against the Ravens on Saturday would increase greatly with the return of tackle Albert Haynesworth (knee) and end Kyle Vanden Bosch (lower abdomen) who composed the starting right side of the line.
"We said we expect them to practice this week and I haven't moved off of that course," coach Jeff Fisher said. "I fully expect both of them to be on the practice field, they are doing well."
The Titans had what Fisher called a "brief session" indoors Monday and will have full practices Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Tennessee had to shave its roster after a week-long exemption for Kevin Vickerson.
The defensive tackle was reinstated by the NFL last week after a four-week suspension for a violation of the league's policy against steroids and related substances.
His replacement, Amon Gordon, was let go. League rules dictate that the Titans will not be able to bring back Gordon during the playoffs.
Though Fisher indicated it would be a stretch to read into it, I think the Titans would have made a move in another area and gone heavy on the interior defensive line if they were uncertain about Haynesworth.
Meanwhile, Fisher said center Kevin Mawae, who suffered a left elbow injury in the Week 16 win over Pittsburgh, is day-to-day but that backup Leroy Harris
"is equipped to play and play well if Kevin can't play."

Kevin Mawae told the media this week he didn't think he'd be playing so backup Leroy Harris will most likely be playing.

by **Enigma869** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 2:46 pm

Rockindeano wrote:You just said that neither team would win the Super Bowl because of their QB.

Right, and they won't. In case you haven't noticed Dean, these two teams rank 27th and 28th in the league in passing (there are only 32 freakin' teams). That tells me that neither of these QB are very good.

Rockindeano wrote:Baltimore has as good as shot or better than anyone in the fucking league.

Dude...you really need to work on your literacy skills. Where did I say Baltimore didn't have as good of a shot as anyone in the league? I'm quite sure that I said that Baltimore was going to be a VERY tough team for anyone to beat, because of their SUPERB defense!

Rockindeano wrote: Collins does not suck.

Yes he does!

Rockindeano wrote: he is playing on the AFC number one seeded team that won 12 games this year

So what. Lonnie Paxton was on the 16-0 Patriots team last season but I'm quite sure he wasn't the reason they had the record they had!

Rockindeano wrote:and the guy overcame alcoholism. THAT is more impressive victory than any football game.

I never said that I didn't respect Collins as a human being, because I do. That really wasn't the point. The fact that he overcame alcoholism (which I applaud him for) doesn't make him any more of an accomplished NFL QB. I don't care if the guy cured cancer. He still doesn't rank in the top 20 in ANY NFL passing category. That tells me that he's not a very good NFL QB! I wasn't judging the guy's character. I was judging his abilities on an NFL field.

by **X factor** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 2:50 pm

mikemarrs wrote:The Titans won 13 games this season largely because of their ability to harass the passer with their front four. While they did well without their two best linemen in a win over Pittsburgh, their chances against the Ravens on Saturday would increase greatly with the return of tackle Albert Haynesworth (knee) and end Kyle Vanden Bosch (lower abdomen) who composed the starting right side of the line.
"We said we expect them to practice this week and I haven't moved off of that course," coach Jeff Fisher said. "I fully expect both of them to be on the practice field, they are doing well."
The Titans had what Fisher called a "brief session" indoors Monday and will have full practices Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Tennessee had to shave its roster after a week-long exemption for Kevin Vickerson.
The defensive tackle was reinstated by the NFL last week after a four-week suspension for a violation of the league's policy against steroids and related substances.
His replacement, Amon Gordon, was let go. League rules dictate that the Titans will not be able to bring back Gordon during the playoffs.
Though Fisher indicated it would be a stretch to read into it, I think the Titans would have made a move in another area and gone heavy on the interior defensive line if they were uncertain about Haynesworth.
Meanwhile, Fisher said center Kevin Mawae, who suffered a left elbow injury in the Week 16 win over Pittsburgh, is day-to-day but that backup Leroy Harris
"is equipped to play and play well if Kevin can't play."

Kevin Mawae told the media this week he didn't think he'd be playing so backup Leroy Harris will most likely be playing.

Mawae potentially not playing spooks me a little bit. Without him, I think it could be a long day for the offense. Hopefully. he'll be able to pull it together for the game.

And John, I totally respect your football knowledge, but Collins does not suck. He has done a tremendous job "managing the game" (yes, I know this phrase is worn out) this year. And hasn't the man only thrown 7 picks the whole season? And been sacked fewer than 10 times? Yeah sure the O line gets most of the credit for this, but you also have to give props to a 36 year old man who can stay on his feet like that. I agree that he isn't a top flight QB, but without him this year, their record would not be as sterling as it is.

by **Enigma869** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 2:59 pm

X factor wrote:And John, I totally respect your football knowledge, but Collins does not suck. He has done a tremendous job "managing the game" (yes, I know this phrase is worn out) this year. And hasn't the man only thrown 7 picks the whole season? And been sacked fewer than 10 times? Yeah sure the O line gets most of the credit for this, but you also have to give props to a 36 year old man who can stay on his feet like that. I agree that he isn't a top flight QB, but without him this year, their record would not be as sterling as it is.

Sorry dude...I don't like Collins. As I said, he doesn't rank in the top 20 in ANY NFL passing category and doesn't even rank in the top 25 in most of the passing categories. He's a VERY marginal NFL QB. I respect your loyalty to your team, but I just don't think the Titans are a good enough team to get to the Super Bowl. I've been watching football long enough to never say the Titans have no shot, because it's the NFL and any team can win any game. That said, I would be STUNNED if Tennessee defeated what I think is a much better Baltimore team.

by **Rockindeano** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 2:59 pm

Enigma869 wrote:Right, and they won't. In case you haven't noticed Dean, these two teams rank 27th and 28th in the league in passing (there are only 32 freakin' teams). That tells me that neither of these QB are very good.

Both Flacco and Collins have better TD/INT stats than Roethlisbeger. Doesn't mean anything. It's all about matchups now and W/L, right?

Dude...you really need to work on your literacy skills. Where did I say Baltimore didn't have as good of a shot as anyone in the league? I'm quite sure that I said that Baltimore was going to be a VERY tough team for anyone to beat, because of their SUPERB defense!

My literacy skills, while fitted with bias, are just fine. I NEVER said you said BAL didn't have a good shot at wining the whole thing. That is my opinion. Maybe you need to chill and work on your literacy skills.

:twisted:

by **Enigma869** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 3:15 pm

Rockindeano wrote:Both Flacco and Collins have better TD/INT stats than Roethlisbeger. Doesn't mean anything. It's all about matchups now and W/L, right?

Fine argument if I were on here singing the praises of Roethlisberger (which I wasn't). I'm already on record as saying that Pittsburgh's offense is DREADFUL! I do agree with you that it's all about matchups and Tennessee has a very bad one this weekend.

by **Rockindeano** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 3:18 pm

Enigma869 wrote:
Rockindeano wrote:Both Flacco and Collins have better TD/INT stats than Roethlisbeger. Doesn't mean anything. It's all about matchups now and W/L, right?

Fine argument if I were on here singing the praises of Roethlisberger (which I wasn't). I'm already on record as saying that Pittsburgh's offense is DREADFUL! I do agree with you that it's all about matchups and Tennessee has a very bad one this weekend.

BTW fuckface, My "Fuck you" to you was in jest and fun..cocksucker.

So you and I agree, BOTH visiting teams go on the road, and win? Maybe they will stay at a Holiday Express?

Call your bookie, put me down for a 250 dollar parlay.

by **NealIsGod** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 10:51 pm

X factor wrote:He has done a tremendous job "managing the game" (yes, I know this phrase is worn out) this year. And hasn't the man only thrown 7 picks the whole season?

So did Pennington until he played the Ravens last Saturday. Now he has 11.

The Ravens are gonna shock the world this year. 50 years ago Baltimore beat NY to win the NFL title. Could it happen again? In the same city the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2000?

by **X factor** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 1:04 am

NealIsGod wrote:
X factor wrote:He has done a tremendous job "managing the game" (yes, I know this phrase is worn out) this year. And hasn't the man only thrown 7 picks the whole season?

So did Pennington until he played the Ravens last Saturday. Now he has 11.

The Ravens are gonna shock the world this year. 50 years ago Baltimore beat NY to win the NFL title.

Could it happen again? In the same city the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2000?

Nope!

by **Rockindeano** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 2:49 am

X factor wrote:
NealIsGod wrote:
X factor wrote:He has done a tremendous job "managing the game" (yes, I know this phrase is worn out) this year. And hasn't the man only thrown 7 picks the whole season?

So did Pennington until he played the Ravens last Saturday. Now he has 11.

The Ravens are gonna shock the world this year. 50 years ago Baltimore beat NY to win the NFL title.

Could it happen again? In the same city the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2000?

Nope!

Um dude, Baltimore will beat Tennessee on it's own field this weekend, bank on that happening.

by **Enigma869** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 2:59 am

Rockindeano wrote:Um dude, Baltimore will beat Tennessee on it's own field this weekend, bank on that happening.

I'm actually surprised that Tennessee is actually the favorite this week. I thought we may have made history and had the first ever 6 seed as a favorite over a 1 seed on their own field. The Titans are only favored by 3 (which is the lowest of the spreads this weekend). Three points is always automatich for the home field. Still a bet I love as I just can't see the Ravens being beat.

by **X factor** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 3:05 am

Rockindeano wrote:
X factor wrote:
NealIsGod wrote:
X factor wrote:He has done a tremendous job "managing the game" (yes, I know this phrase is worn out) this year. And hasn't the man only thrown 7 picks the whole season?

So did Pennington until he played the Ravens last Saturday. Now he has 11.

The Ravens are gonna shock the world this year. 50 years ago Baltimore beat NY to win the NFL title.

Could it happen again? In the same city the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2000?

Nope!

Um dude, Baltimore will beat Tennessee on it's own field this weekend, bank on that happening.

I think this is gonna be a game about turnovers, pure and simple, and I'm confident that our defense will force Flaco to turn the ball over more than the Ravens D gets to Collins. "You may say I'm a dreamer...but I'm not the only one..."
And while we're at it, have you EVER seen a 13-3 AFC champion get LESS respect in the media??? I haven't!

So do I get to gloat and do the happy dance when my team proves you guys...nay, the WORLD...wrong??? :lol:

by **NealIsGod** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 3:12 am

X factor wrote:So do I get to gloat and do the happy dance when my team proves you guys...nay, the WORLD...wrong???

Of course! Winners always get to gloat.

It's gonna be a great game. Can't wait.

by **X factor** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 3:31 am

NealIsGod wrote:
X factor wrote:So do I get to gloat and do the happy dance when my team proves you guys...nay, the WORLD...wrong???

Of course! Winners always get to gloat.

It's gonna be a great game. Can't wait.

Agreed, NIG !!! Game on!

by **Enigma869** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 3:32 am

X factor wrote: have you EVER seen a 13-3 AFC champion get LESS respect in the media??? I haven't!

A couple of points here...First and foremost, the Titans are NOT "AFC Champion". They are simply the number one seed in the AFC. There is a HUGE difference between the two! They only become "AFC Champion" if they can win two games, and so far they haven't won any playoff games.

As far as a team getting "less respect"....Considering the Titans are actually favored to win the game by 3 points, I would say you're a bit off on your assessment. The 2001 AFC CHAMPION Patriots were 16 point underdogs in the freakin' Super Bowl against the Rams (Largest Super Bowl point spread, ever)! I would say that is FAR more disrespect than being a 3 point favorite!

by **YoungJRNY** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 9:29 am

I think Tennessee wins this. Flacco is getting praised FAR MORE OFTEN than what he actually deserves to be. Can you say, over rated? Every game I've seen Flacco play, he does nothing but rely off of a dominant running game, and a defense that scores 80% of their points. What was his numbers against Miami? 9-23 for a little over 100 or something along those lines? He completes 9 balls and he is god like? Give me a break, and the reference to this team being compared to the 2000 team needs to stop. It's not even close. Baltimore is going to get beat by a relentless Tennessee defense that will make Flacco look like boy that he is.

The way Baltimore handles things with Flacco, is in a way the same Cowher dealt with Roethlisberger. The only difference is, is that Ben went 13-0 as a starter, and he dealt with something far more gut wrenching for a rookie and that was win games when he had to, and put the game on his back.

It'll be low scoring, but I think Tennessee wins in every category with dominance.

Tits 16
Ratbirds 9

by **X factor** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 9:29 am

Enigma869 wrote:
X factor wrote: have you EVER seen a 13-3 AFC champion get LESS respect in the media??? I haven't!

A couple of points here...First and foremost, the Titans are NOT "AFC Champion". They are simply the number one seed in the AFC. There is a HUGE difference between the two! They only become "AFC Champion" if they can win two games, and so far they haven't won any playoff games.

As far as a team getting "less respect"....Considering the Titans are actually favored to win the game by 3 points, I would say you're a bit off on your assessment. The 2001 AFC CHAMPION Patriots were 16 point underdogs in the freakin' Super Bowl against the Rams (Largest Super Bowl point spread, ever)! I would say that is FAR more disrespect than being a 3 point favorite!

I stand corrected on both points, John. Misspoke on the first, the second, you got me on the PATS.

But you yourself said that the three points is almost a given for the home team. I still say they're getting dissed by the media...but hey...I'm sick of gabbin about it! BRING ON THE GAME!!

by **YoungJRNY** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 9:36 am

X factor wrote:
Enigma869 wrote:
X factor wrote: have you EVER seen a 13-3 AFC champion get LESS respect in the media??? I haven't!

A couple of points here...First and foremost, the Titans are NOT "AFC Champion". They are simply the number one seed in the AFC. There is a HUGE difference between the two! They only become "AFC Champion" if they can win two games, and so far they haven't won any playoff games.

As far as a team getting "less respect"....Considering the Titans are actually favored to win the game by 3 points, I would say you're a bit off on your assessment. The 2001 AFC CHAMPION Patriots were 16 point underdogs in the freakin' Super Bowl against the Rams (Largest Super Bowl point spread, ever)! I would say that is FAR more disrespect than being a 3 point favorite!

I stand corrected on both points, John. Misspoke on the first, the second, you got me on the PATS.

But you yourself said that the three points is almost a given for the home team. I still say they're getting dissed by the media...but hey...I'm sick of gabbin about it! BRING ON THE GAME!!

I wouldn't say dissed. The media simply needs something to talk about, and by the way things are right now, neither the Steelers, or Titans have played a playoff game, so the media logic is to give praise to the teams that won in impressive fashion over the weekend. Media coverage here in Pittsburgh is the worry of the upset and every show I've seen have the Chargers knocking us off. It's all good. Things will change by Monday, and people will be talking about Pittsburgh VS Tennessee in the title rematch, with different stakes :lol:

MR

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