Playoff Picture: Week 17
Let's start with the NFC:
1st seed: San Francisco 49ers (12-3) (clinched playoff berth)
2nd seed: Green Bay Packers (12-3) (clinched NFC North)
3rd seed: New Orleans Saints (12-3) (clinched NFC South)
4th seed: Philadelphia Eagles (8-7)
5th seed: Seattle Seahawks (11-4) (clinched playoff berth)
6th seed: Minnesota Vikings (10-5) (clinched playoff berth)
Wild card:
Minnesota @ New Orleans
Seattle @ Philadelphia
Still alive:
Dallas Cowboys (7-8)
Eliminated:
Everyone else not mentioned... too lazy.
For the Eagles to win the NFC East they need to win or tie or Cowboys loss or tie. Same thing for Cowboys. The 49ers can win the NFC West with a win or tie. Same for Seahawks.
AFC:
1st seed: Baltimore Ravens (13-2) (clinched home-field advantage and AFC North)
2nd seed: New England Patriots (12-3) (clinched AFC East)
3rd seed: Kansas City Chiefs (11-4) (clinched AFC West)
4th seed: Houston Texans (10-5) (clinched AFC South)
5th seed: Buffalo Bills (clinched playoff berth)
6th seed: Tennessee Titans
Wild card:
Tennessee @ Kansas City
Buffalo @ Houston
Still alive:
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7), Oakland Raiders (7-8)
Eliminated:
Everyone else not mentioned.
The Raiders are still alive but need a lot of help. Help such as: Raiders win + Steelers loss + Titans loss + Colts win. Steelers can get in with a win + Titans loss or tie.
NFL 100: A Spotlight
In 1963, George Halas and the Chicago Bears won their 8th NFL championship. It would be Halas's last championship as the head coach of the Bears. He would retire after the 1968 season and would remain with the team as an executive until his death in 1983. One of his best decisions before he died was hiring his former player, Mike Ditka, as the new head coach in 1982.
The Bears after 1963 were in a steady decline that lasted for 12 years. From 1964 to 1976 they would endure their worst stretch in franchise history, achieving only 4 winning seasons during that stretch. Their fortunes were starting to change when the team drafted Walter Payton. After two playoff appearances and two head coach firings, Walter Payton was in the climax of his career when Mike Ditka was hired.
One of the masterminds in the team's coaching was Buddy Ryan. Ryan had been the defensive coordinator for the Bears since the 1978 season. Within reason, he felt that he was destined to be the next head coach in line after Neill Armstrong's firing after the 1981 season. Perhaps the hiring of Ditka left Ryan with some bitter feelings as the two didn't get along during the three years they were coaches.
Mike Ditka's first year as head coach in 1982 didn't result in success as the team finished with 3-6 in the strike shortened season. Their luck was turning as Mike Singletary was molding the Bears defense into one of the best as the Bears finished with a 8-8 record in 1983.
The Bears reached the playoffs in 1984 with a 10-6 record. They won their first playoff game since the 1963 championship against the defending conference champion Washington Redskins. The victory costed them with a Jim McMahon, the Bears quarterback, with an injury. Without McMahon, the Bears were shutout against the San Francisco 49ers 23-0 in the NFC championship game.
The message for the 1985 Bears was clear. Nearly three seasons and a playoff appearance under Mike Ditka's belt, it felt that the Bears were destined for a championship run. The offense lead by Jim McMahon and Walter Payton was in the best shape. They were overshadowed by the defense lead by Buddy Ryan.
During the first part of the season, the defense would have to rely on the offense to win games as the Bears defense was still trying to find its footing. One of those wins was the "Viking Miracle" as an injured McMahon lead the Bears to a comeback win on the road against the Vikings. After that game the message was clear to the defense "you have to work to make it happen."
The season would feature low scores against the opponents. During a game against the 49ers, Mike Ditka employed William "The Fridgerator" Perry as a fullback. The Bears won easily 26-10 in Candlestick Park. One of the biggest games for the defense was the 44-0 thrashing against the Dallas Cowboys (whom the Bears had not won against since 1971). Mike Ditka was an assistant coach and player with Cowboys head coach Tom Landry. The loss would be the Cowboys worst loss in franchise history.
What made the Bears defense special was Buddy Ryan's conceived defense called the "46 defense" named after strong safety Doug Plank. The idea of the defense was to put eight men in the box, six men on the line of scrimmage. The result was to cause as much pressure and chaos to the offense as much as possible. NFL offenses at that time were more on a play-action style that needed time for the play to develop. You couldn't get enough time when there were six defenders heading toward your quarterback. It would be Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, Otis Wilson, Wilber Marshall, William Perry, and Gary Fencik that created such pressure. Offenses had no answer for it. If you blocked or double-teamed one player, it would leave holes for other players to get in.
The Bears would finish 15-1 with their lone loss coming against the Miami Dolphins. It would be Dan Marino that would show the world the 46 defense's Achilles heel. The weakness of the defense was over committing too many people to the line of scrimmage. If you had enough time and some empty spaces off to the sides of the field, you had a chance to beat your team deep. Nevertheless the Bears would trounce the competition in the playoffs.
They would get back-to-back playoff shutouts against the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams with scores of 21-0 and 24-0 respectively. Their performance in Super Bowl XX was one for the ages. They easily handled the AFC Champion New England Patriots 46-10 (perhaps ironic that they scored 46). The victory would come at a cost.
Prior to the game Buddy Ryan would accept a head coaching position with the Philadelphia Eagles. His players would pay their respects and play a defensive game for the ages. Buddy Ryan wouldn't find the same success as getting to a Super Bowl as Eagles head coach, neither did Mike Ditka after Buddy Ryan left.
The 1985 Bears were truly a one-year wonder team. Prior to the year they couldn't find an offense to get them over the hump. After 1985 they struggled to find an identity on defense when Buddy Ryan left. The Bears would lose to the Washington Redskins 27-13 in the 1986 playoffs. While they might've had one great year with one of the greatest defenses in NFL history, their place in NFL history has to be mentioned in high respect, even from a Packer fan.
Week 17 Picks
All 32 teams will play on Sunday. There will be eight early games, seven late games, and a Sunday night game. Both FOX and CBS will have double-headers while NBC will have the Sunday night game. Here are the picks:
Green Bay (12-3) @ Detroit (3-11-1) (FOX): TW: Packers; CV: Lions
The Packers beat the Vikings and the Lions lost to the Broncos last week. At one point the Lions were 2-1-1 going into a game against the Packers. After that game, the Lions went 1-10 the rest of the way. With the possibility of playing for the #1 seed in the playoffs, I feel the Packers will be focused on trying to get a win and take care of business on their end. I can't trust David Blough to suddenly become Matthew Stafford reborn and absolutely torch the Packers defense that surrendered only 10 points last week to the Vikings. I'll place my hope on the Pack.
Cleveland (6-9) @ Cincinatti (1-14) (FOX): TW: Browns; CV: Browns
Both teams lost last week as the Browns lost to the Ravens and the Bengals lost to the Dolphins. Disappointing would be an understatement for the Cleveland Browns season. They can salvage it with a win which would put them at 7-9. It certainly could be Freddie Kitchen's last game as head coach. In general I feel the Browns have more talent on both sides of the ball and the Bengals defense is not that great to begin with. I'll take the Brownies.
Chicago (7-8) @ Minnesota (10-5) (FOX): TW: Vikings; CV: Bears
Both teams lost last week as the Bears lost to the Chiefs and the Vikings lost to the Packers. Minnesota's placement in the playoffs won't likely change win or lose. If Dalvin Cook doesn't play in this game it could be very difficult for the Vikes to get anything from the ground game, as evident from their performance against Green Bay. I'll take the Vikings based off of their quarterback play and defensive performance. This can't possibly be like their previous meeting in Week 4.
LA Chargers (5-10) @ Kansas City (11-4) (CBS): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
The Chargers lost to the Raiders and the Chiefs beat the Bears last week. Kansas City has a unique opportunity to get a first round bye with the possiblilty with a Patriots loss (assuming the Chiefs win). Philip Rivers has been a turnover machine this season and will likely continue into the last game of the season. I'm going with the Chiefs based on that if Patrick Mahomes does get rest in the game, Matt Moore could get some playing time and he has done well in Mahomes' stead when he was injured. Its also a safe bet.
Miami (4-11) @ New England (12-3) (CBS): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
Both teams had wins last week as the Dolphins beat the Bengals and the Patriots beat the Bills. It could be over by halftime to be honest. Tom Brady would have to have a terrible game for the Dolphins to have a shot to win. I don't really see it happening as they have a capable running game to match.
NY Jets (6-9) @ Buffalo (10-5) (CBS): TW: Bills; CV: Jets
The Jets beat the Steelers and the Bills lost to the Patriots last week. It's a meaningless game for the Bills as they could lose and it won't affect their playoff positioning. Could Sam Darnold cause a bit of a shakeup in the Bills momentum going into the playoffs? It's possible but the Bills defense is pretty good and in the match-up with the Jets, I tend to lean towards Buffalo. Just a hunch.
New Orleans (12-3) @ Carolina (5-10) (FOX): TW: Saints; CV: Saints
The Saints beat the Titans and the Panthers lost to the Colts last week. As for resting the Saints starters, the answer is no. With an opportunity to get homefield-advantage in the playoffs is a must to get a win and hope for the best. Carolina could make it an interesting game but their quarterback situation is somewhat of a mess and their defense is suspect. I'll take Naw'lins.
Atlanta (6-9) @ Tampa Bay (7-8) (FOX): TW: Falcons; CV: Buccaneers
The Falcons beat the Jaguars and the Buccaneers lost to the Texans. Tampa missed an opportunity to get at least a guaranteed .500 season last week against the Texans. Atlanta is 5-2 since going 1-7 to start the season. The news of Dan Quinn returning could either mean good news or bad news for Falcons fans. Jameis Winston will throw touchdowns but its almost a guarantee that he will throw more, let alone equal, number of interceptions. I'll go on a whim and take Atlanta.
Washington (3-12) @ Dallas (7-8) (FOX): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys
The Redskins lost to the Giants and the Cowboys lost to the Eagles last week. Dallas has underachieved this season and the worst thing they could do is lose at home in the season finale when they had potential to get a win and a possible playoff spot. I'll take Dallas because they will play angry and just crush the Redskins.
Indianapolis (7-8) @ Jacksonville (5-10) (CBS): TW: Colts; CV: Colts
The Colts beat the Panthers and the Jaguars lost to the Falcons last week. Indianapolis has had a good season without Andrew Luck at quarterback. Jacksonville has potential to build around Gardner Minshew. I want to take Jacksonville in the game but I feel the Colts will win based on their better talent on offense. Best of luck, Doug Marrone.
Arizona (5-9-1) @ LA Rams (8-7) (FOX): TW: Rams; CV: Cardinals
The Cardinals beat the Seahawks and the Rams lost to the 49ers last week. It'll be the last game at the Los Angeles Coliseum as the Rams will move into a new stadium next season. The Rams have had a disappointing season after making it to the Super Bowl last year. They can get some pride back with a win against the hapless Cardinals. I'm leaning towards the Rams as they have better talent on both sides of the ball. Hard to say if Larry Fitzgerald will come back for another season.
Oakland (7-8) @ Denver (6-9) (CBS): TW: Broncos; CV: Raiders
The Raiders beat the Chargers and the Broncos beat the Lions last week. The last game where the Raiders franchise will use the "Oakland" moniker (unless the football gods give them the luck of lucks). Josh Jacobs is listed as doubtful in playing in the game. As much as I want to believe that DeAndre Washington is a capable running back, I like the Broncos with their better run game and decent defense.
Philadelphia (8-7) @ NY Giants (4-11) (FOX): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles
Both teams won last week as the Eagles beat the Cowboys and the Giants beat the Redskins. While the Cowboys are playing for their playoff lives, the Eagles will try to hold off the Giants. All the Eagles have to do is win and they will be in. New York could make it an interesting game as the spoiler but the leadership and confidence of Carson Wentz is hard to beat. I'll take the Iggles.
Tennessee (8-7) @ Houston (10-5) (CBS): TW: Titans; CV: Texans
The Titans lost to the Saints and the Texans beat the Buccaneers last week. Ryan Tannehill and company have an opportunity to get into the playoffs during a season where it seemed that Marcus Mariota was leading them down to a possible losing season. If they lose they can still get in with a Steelers loss. I'll take the Titans on a whim with Derrick Henry playing well.
Pittsburgh (8-7) @ Baltimore (13-2) (CBS): TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens
The Steelers lost to the Jets and the Ravens beat the Browns last week. It's possible for Pittsburgh to get a win but they need some help, such as a Titans loss, in order to get into the playoffs. Baltimore will likely be resting their players such as Lamar Jackson so it will mean Robert Griffin III will get a start. I like RGIII in the match-up against either Devlin Hodges or Mason Rudolph. It seems stacked against the Steelers which doesn't bode well for them, I'll take B-More.
San Francisco (12-3) @ Seattle (11-4) (NBC): TW: 49ers; CV: Seahawks
The 49ers beat the Rams and the Seahawks lost to the Cardinals. Seattle missed an opportunity to be in a better position with that loss to the Cardinals last week. They played poor against them which doesn't bode well for them against a 49ers team that looks to capture the #1 seed in the NFC. I'm taking the 49ers as they want it more than Seattle in my opinion. It'll be a shootout but I feel the 49ers defense will hold off the Seahawks onslaught.
Local TV Schedule (courtesy of 506sports.com)
CBS Early:
LA Chargers @ Kansas City
Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon
CBS Late:
Tennessee @ Houston
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo
FOX Early:
Chicago @ Minnesota
Dick Stockton, Mark Schlereth
FOX Late:
Philadelphia @ NY Giants
Thom Brennamen, Chris Spielman
For more information on which game is being played in your area, check out: NFL 2019 Week 17 Maps
The Records (By Week & Year):
Cardinal Viking:
2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019:
Week 1: 11-4-1
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 9-6
Week 6: 7-7
Week 7: 10-4
Week 8: 11-4
Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 2-11
Week 11: 12-2
Week 12: 9-5
Week 13: 8-8
Week 14: 9-7
Week 15: 10-6
Week 16: 11-5
Overall: 144-95-1
My record:
2012: 164-90-2
2013: 162-92-1
2014: 172-83-1
2017: 164-92
2018: 156-98-2
2019:
Week 1: 12-3-1
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 11-5
Week 4: 8-7
Week 5: 5-10
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 7-7
Week 8: 14-1
Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 5-8
Week 11: 10-4
Week 12: 10-4
Week 13: 10-6
Week 14: 9-7
Week 15: 10-6
Week 16: 12-4
Overall: 150-89-1
See you guys on Monday for the Week 17 recap post!
-Tom
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