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The Rams are officially done. How does one go to the Super Bowl but not make the playoffs the following year? Makes zero sense since they really didn't lose anyone.
Matt, there was a time when teams that needed to win where motivated enough to do so. I guess those teams don't exist now in this NFL, outside, of course, the Pats. They start a year 2-2 and then win the next 12. XD
I was onto the Rams early. I thought they would make the playoffs, but quite often young teams have a breakout year and then flop the next one. Atlanta. Jacksonville. Philly. In the past few years LA Rams have stocked up through free agency and trades. It's common for a team full of stars to not have any chemistry. Dennis rightly pointed out that this is Cleveland's problem too. Add in Jared Goff's regression, and Gurley's injury problems, and a dip wasn't that surprising from my point of view. Missing the playoffs entirely however, was a shock.
Oh boy. LA Rams have even let RG3 lead Baltimore to some more points, thanks to a 39-yard pass beforehand. 45-6. Will we have a primetime 50-burger?
« Last edited by Matt77 on Nov 25th 2019 »
~ Sometimes people change, but sometimes you just open your eyes & realise who they truly are ~
Matt, there's a long history of Teams winning the Super Bowl or reaching the final and then having a dreadful season the following year. On the other hand the teams that get to the Championship game and lose it tend to be the teams that do well the following year. I can't believe how badly Atlanta regressed a couple of years ago when the season before Matt Ryan and Julio Jones where ripping up the NFL. No way Rams were going to beat an inform Baltimore with all the problems going on at the moment in that organisation. Rams are finished this year.
Lamar Jackson has to be the clear cut favourite for MVP this year, the guy has silenced all his critics on his way to becoming an elite quarterback. The only thing with Jackson though is he won't be around for long, he'll take a hit while scrambling and he'll never be the same, remember Robert Griffen III? Same thing will happen to Jackson.
Lol, just realised Robert Griffen III now plays for Baltimore. Looks like the Ravens keep the same playbook regardless who the quarterback is. This must be the second time in NFL history that two Heisman Trophy winners are on the same team. The last time I can remember this happening was when the Raiders had Marcus Allen and then added Bo Jackson, that has to rank as one of the best running back tandems of all-time. I can't think of any better?
That's a good point about the Championship game vs the Superbowl. Jacksonville are one example who flopped a year after the AFC Championship game, but they lead 20-10 late in the game, and they're pretty much the only example of it. Atlanta, Philly, and LA Rams made the SB out of the teams I listed. Teams I forgot about who made the SB include the 15-1 Carolina Panthers, and Denver in the same season as them. Although thinking about it, Arizona did flop as well after making the NFC Championship game.
It's no coincidence that year on year New England buck the trend, and make the final 4 every season.
I actually think Lamar Jackson will be fine. He changed his approach to rushing very quickly, and has been willing to slide on several occasions. Even today he went on a 29-yard run and when he saw contact coming, he got down and rolled instead. He was 1-yard short of the end zone and would've scored had he taken contact, but instinct kicked in for him, and the instinct was to avoid contact. I know RG3 got injured because he wasn't willing to slide, and didn't get it out of his game. Having him alongside Jackson will surely mean he can give some very useful advice.
In the passing game, Wilson is ahead by the slimmest or margins. But keep in mind that Jackson has been taken out of the game early 4 times this season. Then in the rushing game, Jackson is all over Wilson. I can't believe it, but I agree that Jackson should be the MVP at this stage!
~ Sometimes people change, but sometimes you just open your eyes & realise who they truly are ~
Jackson will be the MVP, unless he just crumbles down the stretch. Though, I think McCaffery and Thomas mean much more to their teams than both Wilson and Jackson do to their given teams. Panthers would probably be winless with the Bengals if they didn't have McCaffery, and the Saints definitely wouldn't be where they are at if Brees didn't have Thomas to throw to. Everyone is high on Jackson being the first QB to throw for 3K and rush for 1K since Vick I think, but McCaffery is probably going to be only like the third RB in history to have 1K Rushing & 1K Receiving in the same season. And Thomas, well, he already has over a hundred catches with five games still left to go... He could literally push 150 catches and 2K receiving... Dang QBs always win it. lol
Anyway, Dennis, if you're with me, I say we just go for it. The worst that can happen is Matt ends up winning by a few more games. We might as well try. No use not doing so. Does it really matter if one of us ends up in second over third? lol
^ It seems he is an underrated player. Baltimore will miss him dearly.
Warrior - I agree, McCaffery & Thomas have been very good this season. I just didn't mention them because there is zero chance they will win the award. Sadly it's not the Most Valuable Player award, but the Most Valuable Quarterback award. The MVQ.
This week is horrible. There's a ton of 50/50 games. And we've finished byes, meaning it's back to 16 games per week. I am not looking forward to Monday morning.
I went with 8 home teams and 8 road teams, including 1 upset pick.
~ Sometimes people change, but sometimes you just open your eyes & realise who they truly are ~
I'm betting that you went the same as me, except you tipped Pittsburgh (awful team) over Cleveland (under-performing team). Keep in mind Lonely God, that Pittsburgh are onto their 3rd string QB now.
If this is true, who do you think I tipped instead as the upset?
~ Sometimes people change, but sometimes you just open your eyes & realise who they truly are ~
I think you're right Warrior13, we have to go for it. Have to be brave and bold and try and chip away at that lead, I think I picked up one game this week to cut down it down but the problem is there are not many weeks left. Literally have to pick up 1-2 games a week from now on in and hope Matt stumbles and picks some mistakes which is unlikely at this stage of the season when we all know what every team has and what their strengths and weaknesses are.
I see that the weekly power rankings have: 1) San Francisco 2) Baltimore 3) New England 4) Seahawks 5) Saints 6) Vikings 7) Packers 8) Chiefs 9) Texans 10) Bills
Looking at that list I think the first five teams have a chance of winning it all, after the Saints there is a big gap with each of the successive teams having been exposed at some point during the season. After seeing what Belichick did against the Cowboys I can't bet against the Patriots representing the AFL. The secondary man Stephon Gilmore is the key for New Engalnd, he literally takes the opponents best reciever out of the game. Just ask Amari Cooper, I didn't think the guy was playing Sunday. Gilmore gets my vote for defensive player of the year.
Matt: Who are the underdogs this week? Can never tell with that site. XD
Dennis: Let's do it then. Better to try for first then compete for second place. Let's that fall how it falls. ;)
My List of Coaches To Be Fired: Redskins (Already Done) Dolphins (Only If Jim Harbaugh Leaves Michigan) Houston (If They Don't Win A Playoff Game OR Don't Make The Playoffs) Jacksonville (Perhaps Coughlin too) Steelers (If They Don't Make The Playoffs) Browns (If They Don't Finish Better Than 8-8) Cowboys (Almost A Guarantee Unless They Win The Super Bowl) Falcons (Bye-Bye) Panthers (The Shocker, But Owner Wants Wins Now)
At Least Another Year: Broncos (Coach Can Blame No QB) Jets (Coach Can Blame The Kissing Disease) Chargers (Will Be Canned If They Miss Playoffs Two Straight Years) Giants (Coach Can Blame Rookie QB & Banged Up Quan) Lions (Can Blame Injured Stafford) Bears (Can Blame Trubisky Until They Draft Another QB, And Then Blame Him For A While)
The team that has the lowest price is the favourite to win (ie Chicago is $1.42 & Detroit is $2.99, meaning CHI are favourites)
My List of Coaches To Be Fired: Jets (I know they've committed to him for another year, but Gase is a bum) Jacksonville (seriously under-performing defense) Dallas (talent is being wasted) NY Giants (too many awful seasons) Detroit (last season was disappointing, but excusable. This season, after starting 2-0-1, is a disgrace) Carolina (need to start fresh) Atlanta (regrettably, but starting 1-7 with that squad is unacceptable)
At Least Another Year: Pittsburgh (Mike Tomlin is overachieving this season) Cincy (0-16 will put pressure on him) Cleveland (one of the most talented squads in the league MUST make playoffs) LA Chargers (what you said) Denver (no more excuses, ffs) Philly (horrific decline from the SB season. Keeps his job in 2019/20 because of the SB win) Chicago (let's see what they can do with a competent veteran QB (they have no 1st round pick to draft a QB))
Safe for this season and the next: New England (no comment) Miami (Flores needs time & good players) Buffalo (things are looking good, even if they are an overrated team right now) Houston (consistency is an issue, but I like what I'm seeing in Houston) Indy (coach is overachieving this season) Tennessee (see Houston, once they draft a QB) Baltimore (stark improvement this season) Kansas City (defense is the issue, not coaching) Oakland (sadly Gruden is doing well) Washington (whoever the new coach is will need time) Green Bay (the new coach has turned things around) Minnesota (I would change and put them in the previous tier if they win 0 playoff games this season) New Orleans (everything is fine) Tampa Bay (Arians is exactly what Tampa Bay need) The entire NFC West (coaches are either experienced with success, or young and promising)
« Last edited by Matt77 on Nov 27th 2019 »
~ Sometimes people change, but sometimes you just open your eyes & realise who they truly are ~
Warrior13, don't look too much into those odds on the site. They can be misleading and influence you to take teams you wouldn't normally pick. That is why I do my picks Monday morning before those prices are displayed.
A couple of tricky games tonight. Will Dallas come roaring back after being embarrassed last week by a banged up Patriots team or will the Bills defense stop the Cowboy offense the same way New England did? Chicago vs Detroit is just a horrid game full stop. Taking Chicago to beat Detroit, the Lions are putting out their rookie quarterback. I expect the Saints to win against the Falcons in possibly a high scoring game but I'm taking the Falcons. They've already beaten the Saints easily this season away from home, having no problem putting up points against them. Brees in my opinion isn't that much better than Bridgewater. I need those upsets...
When I do my tipping I cover the betting odds with my hand, make my selection, and then look at the odds.
Dallas (0-4) and Buffalo (1-1) are both awful against teams with winning records. I can't really be harsh on Buffalo though, because their record is 1-1 against winning teams. That's right, they have played just TWO teams with a winning record. They have also played two teams with 5-6 records, and their record is 0-2 in those games. Against teams which are 4-7 or worse, Buffalo are 7-0.
Some of the teams Buffalo have played have been: Awful - NY Jets, NY Giants, & Washington Tanking - Miami, & Miami Approaching 0-16 - Cincy Starting their 3rd-string QB - Denver
« Last edited by Matt77 on Nov 28th 2019 »
~ Sometimes people change, but sometimes you just open your eyes & realise who they truly are ~
Matt, you can't pick against Dallas at home against Buffalo. Picking upsets is one thing, miracles is something else. If it was in frozen New Era Field I'd contemplate taking the Bills as Dallas played awful in snowy New England. It took Dak Prescott a whole half of football before he realised that he would be able to throw the ball better wearing a glove like Tom Brady. Both of these two teams in moy opinion is overated, both are basically bullies who only shine against inferior teams.
I wasn't. I am tipping Dallas, with huge confidence. Buffalo are the most overrated team I have ever seen in my time following the NFL. They have a pretty good defense, but the offense is very average. Don't consider their 37 points against Miami. That was an awful defensive performance from Miami. I still think Josh Allen will be a bust in this league.
Remember, Cincy (0-11) were leading 17-14 @ Buffalo late in the game in Week 3. That says everything.
~ Sometimes people change, but sometimes you just open your eyes & realise who they truly are ~
Damn! I chose the wrong upset. How did the Bills stroll into Dallas and put 26 points on them and what the hell happened to the Atlanta offense that was playing so well? I bet Jerry Jones is an upset man this morning, who would have thought 'the boys' would go down to the Bills. It was only a couple of weeks ago everyone was saying Prescott should get his money and the Cowboys were Super Bowl contenders.
From looking at how the game went, Atlanta could've won if they executed better. In the 3rd quarter Matt Ryan threw interceptions on consecutive drives while in field goal range. The next drive he lost a fumble deep in Atlanta territory which put Atlanta in a 9-23 hole. The kicker also missed a FG and an XP.
Dallas are shocking. That was a disgrace (hooray!). They lead 7-0, at home, and missed 2 crucial FG attempts. Mind you Buffalo missed so many as well. Dallas are now 0-5 against teams with winning records. With Philly's cakewalk schedule coming up, it is now their division to lose. Now Dallas MUST beat Philly later in the season, and hope for another slip up.
Dak played well enough yet again. He has actually had a very good season. It is coaching that's the problem. Jason Garrett is too conservative in his play calling; he's not getting the best out of a talented squad.
Credit has to go to Buffalo though. Early on they were reeling, and it looked like it could be a blowout loss. But Josh Allen and the defense stepped up when they needed to. With 9 wins, they have virtually qualified for the playoffs.
If it gets to Week 17 and the upset picks haven't paid off, I can always set it as a joker round. That would mean that each correct tip would be worth double. If I did so, I would have the condition that if one of you somehow overtook me, we would have to continue into the playoffs to decide a winner. Both of you let me know whether you'd be interested in that idea for Week 17.
~ Sometimes people change, but sometimes you just open your eyes & realise who they truly are ~
Up to you Matt, as far as I'm concerned you have won this year's competition fair and square according to the rules we set out at the beginning of the season. I can't see myself or Warrior13 catching you now, there's only a few weeks left and we are forced into picking upsets that are unlikely to happen or difficult to predict like last nights Dallas vs. Buffalo game. I honestly thought it would be Atlanta who would spring the upset considering they have already beaten the Sains away convincinly this season. I'm now wondering what other teams Buffalo could upset now on in, although not a top tier team they seem to do well against the middle tier teams. I bet Dallas fans are frustrated, that Cowboy team under a Belichick is a Super Bowl contender.
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