NFL Week 15

[Abe Sargent]

Are you ready for some football?


Basically this season for me as a Jaguars fan as been "Holy Crap Bortles! You don;t suck!" And then Holy Crap for the Allens and Telvin Smith as well. I would love to see Oakland and Jacksonville as forces in the AFC in teh future, and meet some day in teh AFC Championship game - so many stories. From Oakland's ex-OC as ours to Del Rio the former Jax HC as theirs and then the drafts where we took someone when people thought we should take a certain Mack, and then how those players have been. Lots of fun stories!



But that's for two or three years from now. For today, who are you rooting for this week? Any major teams you think are pulling a funky upset?

[NobodyHere]

The fact that the Jags could still win the AFC South is very very sad.

I have little faith in my Colts at this point.

[TroyF]

Just think about that division in a couple of years. Andrew Luck, Blake Bortles and Marcus Marriota battling it out for the division title? The division is going to be brutal. After a year or two of that, the Texans will get a high pick and we could potentially end up with a division having 4 franchise level QB's. Unbelievable.

[NobodyHere]

I just hope that Andrew Luck has enough internal organs to compete for a division title.

[Radii]

I'd really like to see an Eagles win over Arizona. The Panthers just had too many injury scares last week. Need to get that 1 seed locked up so they can rest some folks.

[Thomkal]

I'd really like to see an Eagles win over Arizona. The Panthers just had too many injury scares last week. Need to get that 1 seed locked up so they can rest some folks.


I would not :)

[JPhillips]

Just think about that division in a couple of years. Andrew Luck, Blake Bortles and Marcus Marriota battling it out for the division title? The division is going to be brutal. After a year or two of that, the Texans will get a high pick and we could potentially end up with a division having 4 franchise level QB's. Unbelievable.

That's been the AFC North for a while now.

Except for the Browns.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

But that's for two or three years from now. For today, who are you rooting for this week? Any major teams you think are pulling a funky upset?

The Chiefs remaining schedule has nothing but 'funky upset' possibilities. They're in the drivers seat for the top wildcard (and could still win the division), but they playoffs have already started for the Chiefs. With this schedule, they just have to keep winning.

[albionmoonlight]

Saints host the Lions Monday night in a game that will have a real impact on the fantasy playoffs, even as it means nothing to the NFL playoffs.

[Kodos]

NFL 1985 Playoff Schedule - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/schedules/1985/POST)

It's kinda fun looking through old playoff results on NFL.com, but couldn't they include the team logos that were in use at the time of the game?

[EagleFan]

What in the name of all things holy is wrong with my TV tonight? Those uniforms are awful.

[stevew]

Color Rush Thursday. It's a new Nike promotion that will be every Thurs game next year. I dig the rams gear

[cuervo72]

NFL 1985 Playoff Schedule - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/schedules/1985/POST)

It's kinda fun looking through old playoff results on NFL.com, but couldn't they include the team logos that were in use at the time of the game?

FOFL > NFL :p

[bhlloy]

Wonder what would happen if the Bucs special teamers went that apeshit every time Jameis threw the ball 10 yards over his receivers head?

[Dutch]

Love Jameis. He's the leader and he brings some fire to the team. It's a different type of leader, but I like his style.

[bhlloy]

Showing up your special teamers when your inaccuracy is a large reason you are losing isn't a good look, sorry. He's come across whiny and petulant tonight imo.

Although that was a horrific decision by Lovie to take the 3 points there. I would be pissed at that as well

[Dutch]

Showing up your special teamers when your inaccuracy is a large reason you are losing isn't a good look, sorry. He's come across whiny and petulant tonight imo.

Although that was a horrific decision by Lovie to take the 3 points there. I would be pissed at that as well

As a Bucs fan, I'm basing my thoughts on the entire body of work...not one moment in time...it's his style.

Check out the video in this article, gives a little bit more insight into Jameis as a competitor.

Bucs GM impressed by maturity of Jameis Winston, Ali Marpet - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000602805/article/bucs-gm-impressed-by-maturity-of-jameis-winston-ali-marpet?campaign=tw-nf-sf17134778-sf17134778)

During Training Camp, the OL coach pulled the first team to run gassers and Winston flipped the ball to Mike Glennon. The coaches asked where he thought he was going...he said, "We screwed up, so I'm running gassers with my line."

[BillJasper]

Color Rush Thursday. It's a new Nike promotion that will be every Thurs game next year. I dig the rams gear

Just saw a picture from the game. Those were some eyesores for both teams. :eek:

[Dutch]

I saw "Mustard vs Ketchup"....

NFL looks like total sell-outs with these awful uniforms.

[Solecismic]

Remember five years ago when everything was chrome?

Now it's bold primary colors. I've seen enough of Android's color pentagons this year to last a lifetime.

[mckerney]

The NFL isn't going to be happy until Thursday night games are completely unwatchable.

[stevew]

The NFL isn't going to be happy until Thursday night games are completely unwatchable.

Well, every Thursday game next year will be some derivative of this. Get ready. Nike is excited to turn out some new uniform concepts specifically for these games.

[EagleFan]

Well, every Thursday game next year will be some derivative of this. Get ready. Nike is excited to turn out some new uniform concepts specifically for these games.

That frees up Thursday night for me.

[Butter]

As a Bucs fan, I'm basing my thoughts on the entire body of work...not one moment in time...it's his style.

Check out the video in this article, gives a little bit more insight into Jameis as a competitor.

Bucs GM impressed by maturity of Jameis Winston, Ali Marpet - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000602805/article/bucs-gm-impressed-by-maturity-of-jameis-winston-ali-marpet?campaign=tw-nf-sf17134778-sf17134778)

During Training Camp, the OL coach pulled the first team to run gassers and Winston flipped the ball to Mike Glennon. The coaches asked where he thought he was going...he said, "We screwed up, so I'm running gassers with my line."

Wow, so he really has turned over a new leaf.

No, wait, what's that?

Oh, yeah, he still raped that one girl. So he's still a dick.

[Kodos]

FOFL > NFL :p

Absolutely.

[Dutch]

Wow, so he really has turned over a new leaf.

No, wait, what's that?

Oh, yeah, he still raped that one girl. So he's still a dick.

You know what, I think he did rape that girl. Wanna go with me to go take him to jail? No? Then shut the fuck up and root for touchdowns.

[MIJB#19]

Still going strong with my Yahoo pick'em, having moved up to tied for 20th overall now...

But week 15 has another bunch of head case games. I'm still flip-flopping about the New York teams this weekend, I think the Giants can upset the Panthers, while the Jets seem capable of ruining their playoff hopes against Romoless Cowboys. Not to mention the Colts/Texans, Bills/Redskins and Jaguars/Falcons games, in all of them where both teams are fighting to stay alive, while all involved are capable of choking in Chicago Bears fashion. Decisions, decisions...

[Kodos]

You know what, I think he did rape that girl. Wanna go with me to go take him to jail? No? Then shut the fuck up and root for touchdowns.

I may be in the minority, but I simply cannot root for assholes. Even if they are on my team.

[Radii]

I may be in the minority, but I simply cannot root for assholes. Even if they are on my team.

If I decided to care about this, I would just stop following the sport.

EDIT: I hope I shouldn't need to specify this, but given the way many FOFC discussions go I'm gonna go ahead and do so in advance. I'm not condoning any of the horrible shit Winston did in college. The fact that he very likely got special treatment b/c of who he was is horrible. I would like to see harsher penalties for violent crimes committed by NFL players instead of what currently happens today. But the fact is that I enjoy watching the sport and choose to separate the two things apart. If I were unable to do so I don't see how it would be possible to enjoy the sport at all, and I would stop watching.

[Thomkal]

If anyone was going to beat the Panthers, it would be this week given that Stewart is out and Olsen may not be at 100% (listed as Probable). Very interested to see who wins the Josh Norman/Odell Beckham matchup.

[Kodos]

If I decided to care about this, I would just stop following the sport.

EDIT: I hope I shouldn't need to specify this, but given the way many FOFC discussions go I'm gonna go ahead and do so in advance. I'm not condoning any of the horrible shit Winston did in college. The fact that he very likely got special treatment b/c of who he was is horrible. I would like to see harsher penalties for violent crimes committed by NFL players instead of what currently happens today. But the fact is that I enjoy watching the sport and choose to separate the two things apart. If I were unable to do so I don't see how it would be possible to enjoy the sport at all, and I would stop watching.

I totally understand. It'd be impossible to root for pretty much any team if I was too strict about this. I try to focus on the Peyton Mannings rather than the Bill Romanowskis.

[Butter]

My comment was mostly directed at the headline "Bucs impressed by maturity of Jameis Winston".

Give me a fuckin' break.

[BishopMVP]

Showing up your special teamers when your inaccuracy is a large reason you are losing isn't a good look, sorry. He's come across whiny and petulant tonight imo.Wow, so he really has turned over a new leaf.

No, wait, what's that?

Oh, yeah, he still raped that one girl. So he's still a dick.

That's pretty much been Jameis since Day 1 at FSU though too... immature/asshole off the field, fiery leader with a helmet on. He was a leader on a loaded FSU team as a Freshman, and appears to have the same respect from his teammates as a rookie on Tampa. Whether he raped the girl or not I don't know - it seems to be exactly the unfortunately all too common situation of a drunk freshman girl and a he said/she said over whether the sex was consensual - and we'll never know unless Jameis admits guilt or she admits making it up. I do think the other two incidents (crab legs, yelling Fuck Her Right In The Pussy) were pretty overblown and signs of immaturity more than bad moral fiber. But he's always had the respect of his teammates, so I'll trust their judgment on his sideline demeanor. (plus honestly it's really not that different than what a Tom Brady or Phillip Rivers does at times)

[Dutch]

I may be in the minority, but I simply cannot root for assholes. Even if they are on my team.

I'm glad you stick to your guns on that. I'd like to say I'm the same way but I was mad at Ray Lewis and I enjoyed his play...I was mad at Mike Vick, but I enjoyed his play...I see a player with specific skill-sets...a uniform...a number...for the most part that is. I am not thrilled with players like Hardy or Vick or Ray Lewis...but at the end of the day, they got to put uniforms on and either play for our teams or against our teams.

But, I could be in the minority. I liken football to football, not day-time soaps. I'm not in it for the off-field drama like ESPN is. Especially when it's my team and the QB in question is the only hope this team has for another 5 years...I don't have the time or luxury to take 10 or 15 years off waiting for Winston to retire because Winston is an "asshole". At the end of the day, I am a Bucs fan and that priority tops pretty much all else in the wonderful world of sports.

[miami_fan]

My comment was mostly directed at the headline "Bucs impressed by maturity of Jameis Winston".

Give me a fuckin' break.

To be fair, the bar for his maturity level was pretty damn low during the pre draft build up. It is early but the fact that he is not Johnny Manzel 2.0 (remember those comparisons) is worthy of that headline.

[Radii]

I totally understand. It'd be impossible to root for pretty much any team if I was too strict about this. I try to focus on the Peyton Mannings rather than the Bill Romanowskis.

Yeah, definitely. And I know you've posted about this many times over the years in many different situations, I admire your consistency on the matter (compared to most folks who let the team a player plays for impact their judgement of their personality far, far too much).

[MizzouRah]

I loved the Rams jerseys.. and the game wasn't too bad either. :)

[Abe Sargent]

I may be in the minority, but I simply cannot root for assholes. Even if they are on my team.

I had this issue when a popular player from my College was drafted by teh Jags. This guy was one of my residents, and he was a pure, total, dick. I had to remove him from my building, and you know it's a major issue when you kick out a football star, and the team let's you. And what do I do then? I decided to keep rooting for my team, but not him. Never, ever, ever, ,him.

[BillJasper]

Clinton Portis is broke...

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25418749/report-clinton-portis-owes-his-mother-et-reporter-500000-each

[Dutch]

I had this issue when a popular player from my College was drafted by teh Jags. This guy was one of my residents, and he was a pure, total, dick. I had to remove him from my building, and you know it's a major issue when you kick out a football star, and the team let's you. And what do I do then? I decided to keep rooting for my team, but not him. Never, ever, ever, ,him.

Well, shit, we're all on the same page then. If you can NOT root for Jameis Winston but you CAN root for the Bucs to score TD's (and ultimately, Winston by proxy) then who cares? It pretty much invalidates the entire faux-rage when you won't root for a dude but you will root for the dude if he has the football...

[JPhillips]

I saw this irrelevant, but interesting bit of information,

The last time an Alabama QB started and won and NFL game was November 15, 1987.

[stevew]

There's an NFL game on tonight?

[NobodyHere]

There's an NFL game on tonight?

that depends on what the definition of "NFL" and "game" is.

[molson]

The drunks here at the downtown boise bars are super into this cowboys game now that Kellen Moore is in at QB.

[bhlloy]

This is a very Jets way to blow the playoffs

[Abe Sargent]

Is that a very Jets way to mak the p;layoffs then? :)

[bob]

The Lions need to run the table to avoid an 11th season since 2001 with six wins or fewer.

It is fun being a Lions fan

[MIJB#19]

The Lions need to run the table to avoid an 11th season since 2001 with six wins or fewer.

It is fun being a Lions fanThere's nothing special about that, the Cleveland Browns already clinched that same feat two weeks ago, while the Oakland Raiders are back to back to back losses away from the same accomplishment. The Buffalo Bills are the worst here though, being the only team in that timespan without a trip to the playoffs.

[frnk55]

I just read the Staffords record against teams with a winning record is 3-32.
Ouch.

[sabotai]

Norman gets away with something that was a borderline personal foul on Beckham on the Giants first drive. Beckham returns the favor on the Giants 2nd offensive drive (and took his helmet off) and still no flag. This could get ugly.

After the commercial, they showed the referee looking like he was reading the riot act to both head coaches.

[SirFozzie]

That was just a bizarre television play on the Pats second touchdown, they pan from Mariota in his throwing motion to the deep WR, who all of a sudden slows down.. and when they switch cameras and a Patriot is on the ball in the endzone (Jones had knocked it out of Mariota's hand and the Pats fell on it in the end zone for a touchdown)

[Radii]

Norman gets away with something that was a borderline personal foul on Beckham on the Giants first drive. Beckham returns the favor on the Giants 2nd offensive drive (and took his helmet off) and still no flag. This could get ugly.

Hah I was going to ask about that, I had to listen to the first quarter and didn't see any of it, the local radio guys were talking like Beckham was just punching people every play. Knowing Norman, that is a bit hard to believe :P

[sabotai]

And now Beckham has (finally) been flagged. And yes, since the first drive which was instigated by Norman, Beckham has been initiating all of the after play nonsense. Carolina has really gotten into his head and he's acting very undisciplined right now.

[SirFozzie]

This is the bizarre Pats touchdown.

NFL on Twitter: "Chandler Jones:

Strips Mariota of the ball ✔
Completely fakes out the cameraman ✔
Pats defense scores a TD ✔
https://t.co/Mb5IE69KSw" (https://twitter.com/NFL/status/678649863781810180)

21-3 Pats.

[cuervo72]

Yikes, Redskins are looking better and better. I know it's just the Bills, but they very well could go 9-7 and take the division.

[sabotai]

Giants with a bad case of the dropsies. 2 drops from Beckham (one a sure TD), and DRC just dropped an INT that looked like it could go for 7.

[Radii]

That looks like a fumble to me, we'll see after the challenge. This is a rather strange half of football heh.

[Radii]

Solid 2 minute drive for Carolina to end the half up 21-7. Carolina gets the ball to start the second half as well. The two big drops really hurt the Giants, both were near certain TD's. Hopefully Carolina has settled in now and will put this away.

[Thomkal]

Lots of teams looking like they have officially given up on the season. And just when we thought we had seen the last of Brandon Weeden, Yates hurt his knee. It looked serious, but he walked off to the locker room on his own power. Weeden nearly worked his way to the end zone before settling for a FG before the half.

[Dutch]

The Panthers DB's owned Beckham with the mind-games...if Beckham doesn't turn it around in the 2nd half...and I'm a DC...I'm sacrificing a DB to the shutdown cause every game if this is how he handles "gray area" adversity.

[sabotai]

The flood gates are opening...

[Pumpy Tudors]

A few minutes ago, Dick Stockton was aghast that the game clock shown onscreen was running slower than normal. The problem is that he was completely unaware that he was watching a slow motion replay, so everything was slower than normal.

[sabotai]

Beckham with a second PF flag. They're not going to win, so I'd like to see Coughlin send a message and pull him from the game.

[sabotai]

Third flag on Beckham. Norman gets a flag too.

[sabotai]

Norman gets a second PF flag.

Am I watching pro wrestling?

[Radii]

Beckham with a second PF flag. They're not going to win, so I'd like to see Coughlin send a message and pull him from the game.

Carolina should pull Norman before he gets ejected as well.

[EagleFan]

Beckham needs to be tossed from this game.

[TroyF]

This is disgraceful. Why Beckham has remained in this game is a black eye to every ref on that field and Tom Coughlin. The head coach and team should be fined and Beckham should be suspended for the rest of the year.

Unbelievable.

[EagleFan]

Have to say, respect to Newton (have never been a big Newton guy) as he is talking to a defensive back that is getting into it with a receiver from the other team. While on the other side I don't see that receiver's quarterback talking to him.

[sabotai]

Every now and then, I've seen signs with Beckham that made me worry that he was going to start acting like Dez Bryant (can't control emotions and ends up being detrimental to the team at times). Being emotional is fine, not being able to control your emotions is not.

*sigh*

[Thomkal]

Everybody knows that I am a big fan of Josh Norman. His immaturity has been his biggest weakness, and nearly lost his spot on the team early in his career because of it. Sadly we are seeing both his and Beckham's immaturity rear their ugly head in this game. Both should either be tossed or removed from the game by their head coach. Shameful display.

[sabotai]

At least one bright spot from the last few weeks. It's nice to finally see one of the Giants RBs make an argument for them being the #1 back. Jennings has looked pretty good recently.

[Radii]

Oh boy.

[Radii]

That's the first time I've seen Carolina botch the handoff on the read option all year. What is this game, seriously.

[sabotai]

This fucking team...either be bad or be good. Stop doing this to me!

[miami_fan]

Of course. I guess Coughlin had a reason not to take OBJ out of the game.

[sabotai]

1:46 left on the clock...this fucking team...

[Radii]

14-0!? Christ, that was just strange from start to finish. Good game, Giants.

[Abe Sargent]

This fucking team...either be bad or be good. Stop doing this to me!

Welcome to the rest of teh NFL.

[JonInMiddleGA]

A few minutes ago, Dick Stockton was aghast that the game clock shown onscreen was running slower than normal. The problem is that he was completely unaware that he was watching a slow motion replay, so everything was slower than normal.

He's 73 now.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And so (I gather) the DB who had a couple personal fouls himself (and a lovely photo of what appears to be him throwing a punch) is bitching about the WR and wants him disciplined?

It's going to be rather enjoyable to see the Panthers lose. I hope it's in week one of the playoffs.

Then again, the league is filled with so many lovable players that I really don't know if there's any team I really think is worth pulling for.

[bhlloy]

This entire Miami offense and offensive coaching staff needs to be set on fire. I don't think I've ever seen such a vanilla pile of crap

[stevew]

This entire Miami offense and offensive coaching staff needs to be set on fire. I don't think I've ever seen such a vanilla pile of crap

eh...I thought they fired the coach that was the problem and he injected fire into their bellys. Oh, wait, they're still 5-8.

[TroyF]

And so (I gather) the DB who had a couple personal fouls himself (and a lovely photo of what appears to be him throwing a punch) is bitching about the WR and wants him disciplined?

It's going to be rather enjoyable to see the Panthers lose. I hope it's in week one of the playoffs.

Then again, the league is filled with so many lovable players that I really don't know if there's any team I really think is worth pulling for.


Norman did a few things, but the majority was initiated by Beckham. The cheap head shot by Beckham should result in massive discipline.

[stevew]

Norman has some good press conference style.

Only two player ejections this season, which is laughable. There could easily be 2-3 a week if they actually cared about player safety.

[sabotai]

I'm kinda hoping the Eagles win tonight just to put the Giants out of their misery. Technically NY won't be eliminated because a win next week + a tie between Was/PHI keep them in it, but that has like a 0.01% chance of happening.

As for Beckham, he should get at least a game and a fine, but he'll probably just get a slap on the wrist (and Norman probably won't get anything even though his actions were worthy of a fine as well).

[Radii]

It's going to be rather enjoyable to see the Panthers lose. I hope it's in week one of the playoffs.


What do you do in the (seemingly) increasingly likely scenario that the first game of the playoffs for Carolina is Seattle @ Carolina? Root against Sherman or Norman!?

[Galaril]

Broncos officially done. Huge respect to the Steelers. Well run organization for decades . Elway has a lot explaining to do here in town as frankly Kubiak has been getting out coached week after week it seems. Loads of talent of talent on this team and still not any different results than prior regimes.

[Thomkal]

Let's go beloved Cardinals!

[EagleFan]

Let's go Eagles! Shock the world! Keep the Seahawks alive for the division, let's make that week 17 game mean something!!!

[Thomkal]

Let's go Eagles! Shock the world! Keep the Seahawks alive for the division, let's make that week 17 game mean something!!!

For tonight only...I must hate you :D

[stevew]

It'd be great if someone could break down the path to the #1 pick.

1. Titans, 3-10, .471 strength of schedule
2. Browns, 3-10, .512
3. Chargers, 3-10, .521
4. Ravens, 4-9, .482
5. Cowboys, 4-9, .547*
6. 49ers, 4-9, .547*
7. Lions, 4-9, .571
8. Dolphins, 5-8, .467
9. Jaguars, 5-8, .471
10. Saints 5-8, .538
11. Bears 5-8, .541
12. Buccaneers 6-8, .454
13. Rams, 6-8, .530

That was leading into this weekend. Sounds like the Titans just need to lose out cause the Browns can't catch them. Chargers victory proves to be costly as they will fall behind the Ravens.

[NobodyHere]

I remember the beginning of the season. The Colts were supposed to super bowl contenders. They were supposed to have this mighty offense. TY and Philip Dorsett were supposed to run circles around opposing defenses. Frank Gore was supposed to spark the run game.

Yet now the Colts are 27th in the league and will have to get lucky to even win the AFC South. Not to mention our young star QB gets a lacerated internal organ.

[cuervo72]

Let's go beloved Cardinals!

Let's go with-them-more-out-of-comfort-and-habit-than-passion Eagles!

[stevew]

The Titans really need to hold onto the #1 pick because they will have such an extreme amount of leverage as to how the draft proceeds. At #2 the Browns will likely be in search of a QB, but several teams in the top 10 will also need a QB. Since Tennessee doesn't need a QB, they can stand pat and draft the BPA at #1 or they can move down a few picks and collect something like 2 extra #1s and some other stuff cause of the Browns being at #2. Since Tennessee still needs help everywhere, they basically have to trade out and will be handsomely rewarded for it. They're getting the full RG3 treatment and perhaps a bit more.

[Thomkal]

first of many I hope :)

[JonInMiddleGA]

What do you do in the (seemingly) increasingly likely scenario that the first game of the playoffs for Carolina is Seattle @ Carolina? Root against Sherman or Norman!?

I would give my stock joke answer for that kind of question -- root for an earthquake -- but somebody would probably get butt hurt about it.

[TroyF]

Broncos officially done. Huge respect to the Steelers. Well run organization for decades . Elway has a lot explaining to do here in town as frankly Kubiak has been getting out coached week after week it seems. Loads of talent of talent on this team and still not any different results than prior regimes.


As someone who has been writing the Broncos off for most of the year. . . they still aren't done. Next two are vs. the Bengals and Chargers at home. Win them both and Denver gets a bye. If Manning comes back healthy (think the GB game), then who the hell knows.

I have not been impressed with Brock at all the last couple of weeks. Get a little pressure on him and he folds badly. It's too early to write him off for the long term, but I think it goes without saying that without a healthy Manning, Denver has zero chance to win this year.

I'm not really crushed by this loss. I still think that might be the Super Bowl rep from the AFC. The Steelers are going to be a tough out.

[TroyF]

What do you do in the (seemingly) increasingly likely scenario that the first game of the playoffs for Carolina is Seattle @ Carolina? Root against Sherman or Norman!?


Carolina about 75 times in a row. Order of teams I'll cheer for in each conference:

AFC:

1) Broncos
2) Steelers
3) Bengals
4) Chiefs/Jets
5) Texans
6) Patriots

NFC:

1) Arizona
2) Minnesota
3) Carolina
4) NFC East Champ
5) Green Bay
6) Seattle

It would be a dream scenario for me if my Super Bowl Sunday doesn't involve Sherman or Brady. Last year was the most depressing Super Bowl in recent memory for me.

[Dutch]

Steelers vs Panthers would be a fun Super Bowl.

[Thomkal]

shades of last season when the Cards couldn't keep a QB healthy-this season its RB's. :( what a shame-he had just broken 100 yards rushing for the game too. Hope its not too serious an injury.

[Thomkal]

Steelers vs Panthers would be a fun Super Bowl.

Myrtle Beach would love that-ton of Steelers fans here.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Love how the Chiefs continue to quietly climb up the league. With Denver continuing to implode, a division title looks more and more likely. Amazing how this division has gone down so far.

[wustin]

Love how the Chiefs continue to quietly climb up the league. With Denver continuing to implode, a division title looks more and more likely. Amazing how this division has gone down so far.

Their defense has been clicking the last month or two and there probably isn't another QB in the league besides Brady who plays it as safe as Alex Smith.

[EagleFan]

Well this game has gone to hell pretty quickly.

[Thomkal]

well I think its safe to go to bed now :) very impressive tonight-seemed to be able to do whatever they wanted offensively then made some big plays on defense too. Survived two injury scares to their starters as well.

[bhlloy]

Well this game has gone to hell pretty quickly.

Pretty damning for Kelly that his one big name acquisition has hardly played and his other two keep giving the ball to the other team

[Galaril]

Love how the Chiefs continue to quietly climb up the league. With Denver continuing to implode, a division title looks more and more likely. Amazing how this division has gone down so far.

Yeah and you guys look pretty young and built for the longterm perhaps. I wish I could say the same for the Broncos. I think regardless of what happens next week or the rest of the season there will be some major roster changes with us and not talking about Manning leave though that I think is going to occur for sure.

[bhlloy]

I love the cardinals linebacker pointing at Matthews running unopposed down the field, like if he could just make them aware they could still catch him :D

[JPhillips]

It wouldn't surprise me to see KC win the division, but I still think they're the team to play in the playoffs. On their streak they've beaten 3 four win teams, 2 six win teams, the Steelers without Ben, and the Broncos. The South winner may end up being weaker, but I'd take my chances with the Chiefs. I'd certainly rather play the Chiefs than the Wild Card Steelers.

[Solecismic]

It wouldn't surprise me to see KC win the division, but I still think they're the team to play in the playoffs. On their streak they've beaten 3 four win teams, 2 six win teams, the Steelers without Ben, and the Broncos. The South winner may end up being weaker, but I'd take my chances with the Chiefs. I'd certainly rather play the Chiefs than the Wild Card Steelers.

And then there are the Jets, who have yet to beat a team with a winning record.

[Abe Sargent]

Do you all remember when the Chiefs and Broncos played on national TV and LB Derrick Thomas of the Chiefs was owned by TE Sharpe of the Broncos so badly that he gave three 15 yard unsportmanslike penalties on the same drive. I feel like CB Norman just Sharped Beckham Jr.

[JPhillips]

And then there are the Jets, who have yet to beat a team with a winning record.

Yeah, I just think they're unlikely to be ahead of second in the West and second in the North, but if they are the six seed, I'd be fine with Cincy being the three.

My fear is Cincy as the three and Pitt as the six. No way Cincy would win that, even with Dalton back.

[MIJB#19]

Still going strong with my Yahoo pick'em, having moved up to tied for 20th overall now...

But week 15 has another bunch of head case games. I'm still flip-flopping about the New York teams this weekend, I think the Giants can upset the Panthers, while the Jets seem capable of ruining their playoff hopes against Romoless Cowboys. Not to mention the Colts/Texans, Bills/Redskins and Jaguars/Falcons games, in all of them where both teams are fighting to stay alive, while all involved are capable of choking in Chicago Bears fashion. Decisions, decisions...I took the gamble with the Giants (and another with the 49ers), but with both not coming through, and consequently now 7 picks behind, I suspect my chances at the overall title are gone. Oh well, it's better to have played and lost than to not have played at all, right?

[MIJB#19]

Wait, are the Jaguars still alive, despite their 5-9 record?
I think they can still win the division at 7-9 on conference record tie-breaker. Obviously requiring some help from the Titans in beating both the Texans and Colts.

[Vince, Pt. II]

They are mathematically still alive, yes.

[Scoobz0202]

How do the tie breakers work for playoff seeds? Is head to head the first thing to look at?

Curious about it going into the Bengals-Broncos game next week with first round bye on the line. Bronco's definitely have a tougher final game so a tie may not happen even if they beat the Bengals, but curious how it breaks down if the Broncos win their next two games with the Bengals going 1-1.

[Butter]

Yes, if the Broncos beat the Bengals, and they end up tied, Broncos would get it based on the head to head win.

[miked]

Doug Baldwin has me just about in my fantasy football finals. Has there ever been such a run? I say almost because my opponent has Golden Tate and Hightower going tonight with an outside shot if they both put up big games. Baldwin has 11 TDs in his last 6 games.

If I make the finals, the team I play has Antonio Brown, AJ Green, and Sammy Watkins at WR, not to mention DeAngelo Williams and Jeremy Hill at RB.

[Logan]

ODB gets a game suspension.

[Atocep]

I think this might be the final nail for Coughlin. Keeping him out there while acting like that shows how much pressure he's under to win right now. There's no way in hell the old Coughlin allows that to happen.

[Thomkal]

Cardinals playoff chances just took a big blow: :(

Tyrann Mathieu will miss the season with a torn ACL - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000606483/article/tyrann-mathieu-will-miss-the-season-with-a-torn-acl).

Huge loss-he's the "manager" of the defense-not sure how they could replace him. Of course he shouldn't have been in the game at that point in a blowout win...

T.J. Yates is also done for the year with a torn ligament. Which depending on the health of Hoyer...means Brandon Weeden is leading the team to the playoffs. Ugh.

[JAG]

ODB gets a game suspension.

He deserves it, but I'm surprised he received it.

[MIJB#19]

Yes, if the Broncos beat the Bengals, and they end up tied, Broncos would get it based on the head to head win.... and if the Patriots somehow get involved, the Broncos have beaten both the Bengals and Patriots for the head-to-head sweep. The Patriots then take second place ahead of the Bengals based on the common results (against Denver, Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Houston).

If the Bengals and Broncos somehow tie that game, and manage to end up tied at 11-5-1, the Bengals will have the edge on conference record. So a tie would be a victory in disguise for the Bengals as it would secure a bye in the playoffs.

[MizzouRah]

ODB gets a game suspension.

Well this really SUCKS! I should be wrapping up a trip to the Final in my money league and this really hurts my chances next week. :(

[Abe Sargent]

Suspended Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon arrested for 4th time (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14415037/suspended-jacksonville-jaguars-receiver-justin-blackmon-arrested-4th)

[Abe Sargent]

Yay Lions!

[Abe Sargent]

Man Saints you are disorganized so badly you make the Lions look good!

[cuervo72]

Is Mort a little tipsy?

[JPhillips]

Suspended Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon arrested for 4th time (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14415037/suspended-jacksonville-jaguars-receiver-justin-blackmon-arrested-4th)

It's a shame he can't get his alcoholism under control.

[EagleFan]

It's a shame he can't get his alcoholism under control.

Maybe he has it at just the level he wants it to be, in which case it is under control... :eek:

[JonInMiddleGA]

Please tell me that is NOT a video on espn.com with Ray Lewis saying something about how Beckham "went too far".

Ray. Fn. Lewis ?!?!?!

[NobodyHere]

For all the crap Jim Caldwell gets, he actually has the best winning percentage* of any Lions coach since Joe Schmidt (1967-1972)

*Among coaches with at least 10 games.

[MIJB#19]

Tie-breakers can be confusing at times:
Seattle beats Minnesota on head-to-head win
Minnesota beats Atlanta on head-to-head win
Seattle beats Atlanta on common games
... but Atlanta can still beat Minnesota+Seattle on strength of victory