NFL Week 15: Time to Put-Up or Shut-Up
Is there anything better than football in December? The answer is No.
This Sunday will feature key match-ups that will, in my opinion, ultimately determine whether teams are ACTUALLY playoff teams, or if their record isn't a true representation of reality. And yes, unfortunately one of those teams is my beloved New York Giants.
I am what some people call “delusional” because I literally believe that with Eli Manning at the helm, the Giants can win any game. Personally, I like to think of myself more as “confident,” but hey, to each their own. And I KNOW that once the Giants make the playoffs, our chances of making it to the dance is extremely high. Max, can you just remind me of who exactly were dealing with here?
Ahhhhh, that’s right. The most clutch QB of ALL TIME by A LONG SHOT. Now, lets get back down to reality and look at these week 15 match-ups.
Detroit Lions (9–4) @ New York Giants (9–4):
Matthew Stafford has thrown the entire Lions team on his back, putting up MVP numbers and has carried them to first place in the NFC North, yet society thinks Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will close out the season on a 5–0 run and win the division. The Giants have won 7 of their last 8, including a win at home against the NFC favorite Dallas Cowboys (who’s only two losses have come to the Giants), but the media seems to think they are a fluke.
A tale of two highly-doubted teams, (who are both much better than people give them credit for) can Stafford overcome his injured hand and once again lead his team to a victory? Or will the resilient Giants defense once again prove its tenacity and shut down the high powered Lions passing offense.
Spread: Detroit +4.5, Game time: 1PM EST.
Prediction: Giants 23 Lions 16. Catch me on the jumbo tron with a Bud Light tall boy screaming my lungs out. #GOGMEN
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8–5) @ Dallas Cowboys (11–2)
The emergence of rookies Ezekiel Elliot and Dak Prescott has given Cowboys fans something to be excited about, running and throwing their way atop the NFC. However, after last weeks hiccup, the media is screaming, “IS IT ROMO TIME?” Meanwhile in Tampa Bay, the Bucs have won 5 straight, including notable wins vs. the Chiefs and the Seahawks. Mike Evans is emerging as one of the top WR’s in the NFL and Jameis is showing off his #1 overall pick talent.
I couldn't be more excited for this match-up.
Spread: Dallas -7.5, Game time: 8:30PM EST.
Prediction: Dallas 28 Buccaneers 24. Dak calms down, Zeke runs wild. Cowboys get back on track. Watch out for Tampa Bay in 2017.
Tennessee Titans (7–6) @ Kansas City Chiefs (10–3)
Andy Reid is one of my favorite coaches of all time. He’s also the second best coach in the league behind Belichick. Let’s just say I am glad that he is out of the NFC East, as he terrorized the Giants for years. His Alex Smith led offense has the Chiefs at 10 win already, making the “game manager” haters eat their words. As of now, they are the team to beat in the AFC (yes, even including the Patriots) after embarrassing the Oakland Raiders and MVP front-runner Derek Carr last Thursday night. The Chiefs don’t play sexy football, they just flat out beat you.
Demarco Murray has gone back in time and is running like its 2014 all over again. The main difference between then and now? He is catching balls out of the backfield and is a security blanket for emerging superstar Marcus Mariota. Mariota is yet to throw a redzone interception, and has found chemistry with WR Rishard Matthews, making them a dangerous offensive threat. The Titans are atop the brutal AFC South, and need a win for people to be able to take them seriously.
Spread: Chiefs-5.5, Game time: 1PM EST.
Prediction: Chiefs 33 Titans 14. Powerhouse team in the loudest stadium in the NFL. Give me the Chiefs.
New England Patriots (11–2) @ Denver Broncos (8–5)
YES! It’s Brady vs. Mann….I mean Siemiann? Lynch? Forget it.
Brady has had some back luck in Denver, especially vs. this defense….but then again it’s Tom Brady. They have been RED HOT since his return. They are playing for a first round bye in the playoffs. Is there anything more valuable than that?
Siemann has had his share of hiccups and injuries this season, but he hasn't been the problem as of late. Can the Broncos offense figure it out? Can their defense stop the greatest QB to ever live?
Spread: Patriots -3, Game time: 4:25PM EST.
Prediction: Patriots 23 Broncos 9. It’s Tom Brady in December. You try to beating him.
