NFL 2020 Super Bowl LV Recap

 Hello readers! The 32 teams that started this season back in September has reached to one champion as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are Super Bowl Champions for the first time since 2002. In this post I'll do a recap of the big game, my thoughts on the halftime show, and my favorite ad from the big game. Let's get to work!

Super Bowl LV Recap

Kansas City 9, Tampa Bay 31: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The winning team wasn't a surprise but the margin of victory was one. There was questions on how well Patrick Mahomes could move around and how well his toe was. He moved around a lot sure but he looked off on his throws. Mahomes finished the game with 270 yards passing with two interceptions. Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed for 64 yards on nine carries but most of those runs were during the early quarters. Patrick Mahomes rushed for 33 yards. It would be the first time since 2017 that the Chiefs would go a whole game without scoring a touchdown. 

The keys for the Buccaneers were to take advantage of turnovers, pressure Patrick Mahomes and play smart football. Tom Brady was spectacular in the game as he threw for 201 yards with three touchdowns. Leonard Fournette made his case for MVP as he rushed for 89 yards with a touchdown. The Super Bowl MVP went to Tom Brady instead.

Halftime Show Thoughts

So The Weeknd was this year's halftime act. I had listened to some of their songs prior to the show and I liked them. The first part of it where they were up in the stands was kind of off. Especially when the singer was in the sort of light-up funhouse. It sort of got better when the show took it to the field. Overall, I still think Prince's performance in Super Bowl XLI is the best. 

Favorite Super Bowl Ad

In my honest opinion, I thought the commercials this year weren't that great compared to last year. My favorite from this year was the Flat Matthew McConaughey commercial from Doritos. It kind of reminded me of the Jason Momoa commercial where he was taking off his six-pack and muscular arms after a long day.  

2020 Week by Week Record: 

TW's record:

Week 1: 8-8
Week 2: 15-1
Week 3: 9-6-1
Week 4: 11-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 7-7
Week 7: 12-2
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 10-4
Week 10: 10-4
Week 11: 7-7
Week 12: 11-5
Week 13: 10-5
Week 14: 7-9
Week 15: 12-4
Week 16: 8-8
Week 17: 14-2
Total: 167-88-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 8-7-1
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 8-6
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 11-3
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 11-3
Week 11: 8-6
Week 12: 9-7
Week 13: 11-4
Week 14: 11-5
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 9-7
Week 17: 11-5
Total: 163-92-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

In terms of NFL posts, I won't be posting those for probably until July unless something comes up. Thanks again for reading these posts, its been a fun season doing these. 

-Tom

NFL 2020 Conference Championship Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us. The NFL's version of the Final Four is set as four teams come into Sunday but only two will remain to play in the biggest game of them all. Only the Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, and the Kansas City Chiefs remain. In this post I'll talk about my picks for the Conference Championship games. Let's get to work!

Conference Championship Picks

Tampa Bay (11-5) @ Green Bay (13-3) (FOX): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The Buccaneers beat the Saints and the Packers beat the Rams last week. Shocker I know. Championship Sunday starts with the NFC game with the Buccaneers and the Packers set to do battle. The Packers come into this game hosting the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 2007. It'll be also the first time that Aaron Rodgers will play at home for the event. Both quarterbacks are pretty evenly well matched. What I question is how well the Packers defense can stop the multi-headed monster in the Buccaneers offense. Not just Tom Brady that they'll have to deal with but Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones, Antonio Brown and Mike Evans. Green Bay will also have to deal with the underrated Buccaneers defense that can play well when hot. Weather for the game could be interesting as it'll be typical cold temperatures and possible snow. Do I see it being a factor? Perhaps but Tom Brady has been in cold weather games as well. I hate to say it but I think not having a great defense and another clutch wide receiver will hurt the Packers in the long run. 

Buffalo (13-3) @ Kansas City (14-2) (CBS): TW: Chiefs; CV: Bills
The Bills beat the Ravens and the Chiefs beat the Browns last week. On the AFC side we got two of the future star quarterbacks in Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. The defending champs come into this game with some luck on their side. What was originally a concussion on quarterback Patrick Mahomes, would turn out to be a pinched nerve. In other words, Mahomes is active for the game with Chad Henne ready at the wings if the need arises. For Buffalo, they're in the AFC Championship Game for the first time since 1993. The Bills come into the game with a pretty good feeling. They don't have the pressure to get back to a Super Bowl, they can play loose and play their game. I think what will be key for both teams is how well the Chiefs defense can handle Josh Allen. Can Josh Allen find some running back help? Hard to pick against the defending champs but I caution in that they need to protect Patrick Mahomes. I'll go Chiefs. 

2020 Week by Week Record: 

TW's record:

Week 1: 8-8
Week 2: 15-1
Week 3: 9-6-1
Week 4: 11-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 7-7
Week 7: 12-2
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 10-4
Week 10: 10-4
Week 11: 7-7
Week 12: 11-5
Week 13: 10-5
Week 14: 7-9
Week 15: 12-4
Week 16: 8-8
Week 17: 14-2
Total: 167-88-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 8-7-1
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 8-6
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 11-3
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 11-3
Week 11: 8-6
Week 12: 9-7
Week 13: 11-4
Week 14: 11-5
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 9-7
Week 17: 11-5
Total: 163-92-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

NFL 2020 Divisional Recap

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come and gone. The best weekend in the NFL slate is over and the eight teams that started this weekend is now down to the Final Four, NFL style. Only the Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers remain after this weekend. We'll recap the four games in this post, let's get to work!

Divisional Recap

LA Rams 18, Green Bay 32: TW: Packers; CV: Rams
There were at least 9,000 fans in Lambeau Field but it certainly felt there was at least 90,000 in it. Jared Goff would start again as John Wolford was still out with a neck injury. Goff played well enough despite all the injuries that were inflicted on him. He threw for 174 yards with a touchdown pass. You could question his ability but you can't question his heart. Cam Akers was good in this game as he rushed for 90 yards on 18 carries. Aaron Rodgers proved to be dominant in this game as he threw for 296 yards with two touchdown passes. Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams were masterful in the ground attack as both rushed for 99 and 65 yards respectively. Jones rushed for a touchdown. For the Rams, it was an end to a remarkable season that you could certainly build upon. The core is still there for a run but health is a question for this team going into the offseason. Green Bay lives to fight another day. 

Next week:
LA Rams: idk go star in a Hollywood movie or something
Green Bay: vs Tampa Bay

Baltimore 3, Buffalo 17: TW: Ravens; CV: Bills
Well this turned into a bruiser than a shootout. Lamar Jackson threw for 162 yards in the game with an interception. He would leave the game with an injury that would send Tyler Huntley into the fray. He finished the game with 60 yards. Baltimore's running game was modest as JK Dobbins rushed for 42 yards, Gus Edwards rushed for 42 yards, and Lamar Jackson rushed for 34 yards. Josh Allen threw for 206 yards with a touchdown pass. Devin Singletary rushed for 25 yards in the game. The star of the show was cornerback Taron Johnson who intercepted a Lamar Jackson pass in the redzone that went for a 101-yard touchdown. It was a game-changing play. For the Ravens, it ends a hopeful season that Ravens had hoped meant them hoisting a Lombardi trophy. Lamar Jackson has the playoff win but now comes his biggest challenge, reaching a Super Bowl. Buffalo fights on and goes to Kansas City.

Next week:
Baltimore: put Lamar Jackson in a bubble
Buffalo: @ Kansas City

Cleveland 17, Kansas City 22: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
It looked bleak for the Browns but an injury to Mahomes and a near failed 4th down conversion almost made it a Cleveland-Buffalo AFC Championship game. Baker Mayfield threw for 204 yards with a touchdown pass but also threw an interception. Nick Chubb rushed for 69 yards and Kareem Hunt rushed for 32 yards with a touchdown run. Patrick Mahomes started for the Chiefs and threw for 255 yards with a touchdown pass. He would leave the game in the 3rd quarter due to a possible concussion or nerve injury. Chad Henne would come into his stead and throw for 66 yards with an interception in the game. He would also run for a near first down and then throw on an agressive 4th down and inches pass play that sealed the deal for the Chiefs. Cleveland shouldn't need to hang their heads on low after this season. This Browns team is not the "Same Old Browns" that I grew up. Next season will tell how well they can build off what they learn. That no-call on the helmet-to-helmet hit towards the end of the 1st half though. 

Next week:
Cleveland: live at FirstEnergy Stadium like Baker Mayfield
Kansas City: vs Buffalo

Tampa Bay 30, New Orleans 20: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Third time's the charm. Tom Brady threw for 199 yards with two touchdowns in the game. He also showcased his running ability as he rushed for a touchdown as well. Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones rushed for 63 and 62 yards respectively. Drew Brees started for the Saints and had 134 yards passing with a touchdown but also threw three interceptions in the game. He would leave the game to let backup Jameis Winston play in the game. Winston threw a pass for a 56-yard touchdown. Alvin Kamara was good in the game as he rushed for 85 yards in the game. A lot of questions surround the Saints after another season not reaching a Super Bowl. Will Drew Brees retire? Time will tell. Tom Brady and the Buccaneers move on to play in their first NFC Championship game since 2002. 

Next week:
Tampa Bay: @ Green Bay
New Orleans: idk eat gumbo or something.

2020 Week by Week Record: 

TW's record:

Week 1: 8-8
Week 2: 15-1
Week 3: 9-6-1
Week 4: 11-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 7-7
Week 7: 12-2
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 10-4
Week 10: 10-4
Week 11: 7-7
Week 12: 11-5
Week 13: 10-5
Week 14: 7-9
Week 15: 12-4
Week 16: 8-8
Week 17: 14-2
Total: 167-88-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 8-7-1
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 8-6
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 11-3
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 11-3
Week 11: 8-6
Week 12: 9-7
Week 13: 11-4
Week 14: 11-5
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 9-7
Week 17: 11-5
Total: 163-92-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

I'll see you guys for the Conference Championship picks post on Thursday/Friday.

-Tom

NFL 2020 Divisonal Picks

 Hello readers! Another weekend of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. The Wild Card round is over and the winners of that weekend will take on the big dogs. Such big dogs like the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. In this post, I'll talk about my picks for the Divisional round games. Let's get to work!

Divisional Round Picks

LA Rams (10-6) @ Green Bay (13-3) (FOX): TW: Packers; CV: Rams
The Rams beat the Seahawks and the Packers were on a bye last week. It feels like the classic powerful offense vs powerful defense game. The Rams should be feeling pretty good against their upset win against Seattle. Their defense carried them to it as well as Cam Akers. Both seem to be devastating for the Packers as Aaron Rodgers is as vulnerable to pass rush as any quarterback. Green Bay's run defense hasn't been stellar. Ultimately, if Green Bay wants to win and make it closer to a possible Super Bowl berth, they will need to keep Aaron Rodgers protected, make Jared Goff beat you by containing the Rams rush offense. If you're as good as you say you are, prove it. I'll take the Packers. 

Baltimore (11-5) @ Buffalo (13-3) (NBC): TW: Ravens; CV: Bills
The Ravens beat the Titans and the Bills beat the Colts last week. Both teams come into this matchup with somewhat of a chip on their shoulder. The Ravens got their first playoff win for Lamar Jackson and Buffalo got their first playoff win since 1995. I've been harping on and on about how Buffalo needs to get some help for Josh Allen as he is currently their leading rusher in the playoffs at this moment. Downside for Baltimore is that Lamar Jackson isn't quite the passer as Josh Allen. I think it'll be a battle but I feel upset win for the Ravens. 

Cleveland (11-5) @ Kansas City (14-2) (CBS): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
The Browns beat the Steelers and the Chiefs were on a bye last week. Who would've thought that the Browns would be here? Cleveland comes into this game with some luck on their side and the underdog card to their advantage. To take on the defending champs would be a tall task to have indeed. Cleveland's offense somewhat matches up well against the Chiefs defense. I just question on how emotional will Cleveland will be and if they can control the ball. They can possibly win if they do that. Sorry Cleveland, but I'm taking the defending champs. 

Tampa Bay (11-5) @ New Orleans (12-4) (FOX): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The Buccaneers beat the Football Team and the Saints beat the Bears last week. Brady-Brees III. What a finish to the weekend as this one should be an entertaining one. At least for a quarter or so. The last time these two met, Tampa got blown out at home. Tampa is going to need to play their best game of football this season and protect Tom Brady as much as possible. New Orleans poses a great defense that has also picked off Tom Brady multiple times in the two games this season. It's the rubber match and I think third time's the charm for the Bucs. 

2020 Week by Week Record: 

TW's record:

Week 1: 8-8
Week 2: 15-1
Week 3: 9-6-1
Week 4: 11-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 7-7
Week 7: 12-2
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 10-4
Week 10: 10-4
Week 11: 7-7
Week 12: 11-5
Week 13: 10-5
Week 14: 7-9
Week 15: 12-4
Week 16: 8-8
Week 17: 14-2
Total: 167-88-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 8-7-1
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 8-6
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 11-3
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 11-3
Week 11: 8-6
Week 12: 9-7
Week 13: 11-4
Week 14: 11-5
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 9-7
Week 17: 11-5
Total: 163-92-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

I'll see you guys on Monday for the Divisonal Round recap. Enjoy the games!

NFL 2020 Wild Card Recap

 Hello readers! The first round of the National Football League playoffs is over. Six games were featured this past weekend and there was much drama to be had. Such drama like the Browns and Bills ending long playoff win droughts, the Seahawks losing to a quarterback with a broken thumb, and the Washington Football Team staying with Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. All this and more in this recap post! Let's get to work!

Indianapolis 24, Buffalo 27: TW: Bills; CV: Bills
The Buffalo Bills won a playoff game for the first time since I was a 1st grader. Phillip Rivers threw for 309 yards with two touchdown passes. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 78 yards with a touchdown run. Josh Allen threw for 324 yards with two touchdown passes. Allen also rushed for 54 yards with a touchdown run. It was a pretty entertaining game. We shall see if the Bills can go far with Josh Allen with his arm and his legs. For the Colts, the season ends with a disappointing fashion. Will Phillip Rivers retire? I'd be hard pressed to say no. He's gonna need to find a good job to help pay for his children's living expenses. 

Next week:
Indianapolis: help find Phillip Rivers a new job
Buffalo: vs Baltimore

LA Rams 30, Seattle 20: TW: Seahawaks; CV: Rams
Imagine losing to a backup with a broken thumb. John Wolford started for the Rams and had 29 yards passing before leaving with a neck injury. Jared Goff would come into relief and throw for 155 yards with a touchdown pass. Cam Akers would take on the leading role for the Rams offense with 131 yards witha  touchdown run. Russell Wilson threw for 174 yards with two touchdown passes with an interception. The interception was a pick six that was picked off by Darious Williams. Chris Carson had a good game with running the ball as he had 77 yards rushing. Los Angeles's defense really kept the Seahawks high octane offense by making it one-dimensional. For the Rams, they move on to take on the #1 seed Green Bay. Could be an interesting game if Cam Akers can have a great day running the ball like he can against Seattle. For the Seahawks, the season ends in great disappointment. The fast start by Russell Wilson ends in bad fashion. 

Next week:
LA Rams: @ Green Bay
Seattle: toss around fish in the famous Seattle fish market

Tampa Bay 31, Washington 23: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Taylor Heinicke went toe to toe against the GOAT. Tom Brady threw for 381 yards with two touchdown passes. Leonard Fournette rushed for 93 yards with a rushing touchdown. Taylor Heinicke threw for 306 yards with a touchdown pass with an interception. He would also rush for 46 yards with a touchdown. Antonio Gibson rushed for 31 yards. JD McKissic rushed for five yards with a touchdown. For Washington, it ends a season that most people wasn't expecting them to be there. It could be a good start for Ron Rivera and for something to build on for next season. Tampa moves on to take on the Saints in New Orleans. Enticing matchup as its the rubber match between the two teams. 

Next week:
Tampa Bay: @ New Orleans
Washington: search for a decent nickname

Baltimore 20, Tennessee 13: TW: Ravens; CV: Titans
Lamar got his first playoff win. Lamar Jackson threw for 179 yards with an interception as well as rushed for 136 yards with a touchdown. JK Dobbins was good as well in a supporting role as he rushed for 43 yards with a touchdown run. Ryan Tannehill wasn't nearly as effective in this game as he threw for 165 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception. Derrick Henry was held for a low 40 yards in the game. Baltimore gets to move on and play in a possible snowy Saturday in Buffalo. Tennessee is set for the future but they need to get more offensive power in wide out. 

Next week:
Baltimore: @ Buffalo
Tennessee: Tend to King Henry's throne

Chicago 9, New Orleans 21: TW: Saints; CV: Saints
No one on the Bears wanted to get slimed until the last drive in the game. Mitchell Trubisky threw for 199 yards with a touchdown pass. David Montgomery rushed for 31 yards for the Bears. Drew Brees was good in this one as he threw for 265 yards with two touchdowns. Alvin Kamara rushed for 99 yards with a touchdown run. Taysom Hill rushed for 15 yards. A lot of questions face Chicago in the offseason. New Orleans gets to host the rubber match against the Buccaneers. Should be a fairly interesting one. 

Next week:
Chicago: idk what they'll do
New Orleans: vs Tampa Bay

Cleveland 48, Pittsburgh 37: TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
Holy fucking shit. Baker Mayfield threw for 263 yards with three touchdown passes. Nick Chubb rushed for 76 yards. Kareem Hunt rushed for 48 yards with two touchdown runs. Ben Roethlisberger was garbage in the first half but made up for it in the 2nd as well as in garbage time. He threw for 501 yards with four touchdown passes as well as four interceptions. Pittsburgh wouldn't get much from its running game as James Conner rushed for 37 yards with a touchdown. Cleveland had my doubts that they could make it past wild card round but they proved me wrong. As for Pittsburgh, it can be summed up by two records: 11-0 and 1-5. I'll let you figure out the rest. 

Next week:
Cleveland: @ Kansas City
Pittsburgh: pray to god that the Penguins show some gonads and play well

2020 Week by Week Record: 

TW's record:

Week 1: 8-8
Week 2: 15-1
Week 3: 9-6-1
Week 4: 11-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 7-7
Week 7: 12-2
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 10-4
Week 10: 10-4
Week 11: 7-7
Week 12: 11-5
Week 13: 10-5
Week 14: 7-9
Week 15: 12-4
Week 16: 8-8
Week 17: 14-2
Total: 167-88-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 8-7-1
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 8-6
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 11-3
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 11-3
Week 11: 8-6
Week 12: 9-7
Week 13: 11-4
Week 14: 11-5
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 9-7
Week 17: 11-5
Total: 163-92-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

I'll see you guys on Thursday/Friday for the Divisional Picks post! 

NFL 2020 Wild Card Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us! The regular season is over and 14 of the 32 teams remain in contention for the Lombardi Trophy to be hoisted come February 7th. It's the first round of the NFL playoffs, also called the Wild Card round. In this post, I'll make my picks for who moves onto the next round. Let's get to work!

Wild Card Picks

Wild Card weekend starts in Orchard Park, New York and finishes in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There will be six games shown this round with three games on Saturday and three games on Sunday. Game times will be in three timeslots: 1:05 PM, 4:40 PM, and 8:15 PM (US Eastern time). Each of the NFL's television partners will have at least a game to air. Television networks CBS, FOX, and NBC will have the Saturday games and ESPN, CBS and NBC will have the Sunday games. Let's get to the picks!

Indianapolis (11-5) @ Buffalo (13-3) (CBS): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
Both teams won last week as the Colts beat the Jaguars and the Bills beat the Dolphins. Both teams head into this matchup with heads high. They're evenly matched despite that Philip Rivers is not a mobile quarterback compared to Josh Allen. For Rivers' sake, he does have a legit talent in Jonathan Taylor behind him in most snaps. Indy will need to do is to not have any turnovers and no costly penalties. If you give Josh Allen any advantage he will do it via his legs and arm. Buffalo will need to get its running game going and prove to the world that they belong and that their AFC East crown means something. I think the Bills get it done and get their first playoff win since 1995. 

LA Rams (10-6) @ Seattle (12-4) (FOX): TW: Seahawks; CV: Rams
Both teams won last week as the Rams beat the Cardinals and the Seahawks beat the 49ers. For the 2nd time in two weeks, these two teams will duke it out. Los Angeles comes into this game with a question at who will start for them at quarterback. Two weeks ago, Jared Goff injured his thumb against these same Seahawks. Or will it be the fairly decent John Wolford? These questions make me hesitant in thinking the Rams have a large chance of winning. They'd have to have a great game against these Seahawks. Seattle will need to get better protection of Russell Wilson and keep him upright. Offensive line issues have been a problem and the last thing you'd want is your quarterback to get injured. 

Tampa Bay (11-5) @ Washington (7-9) (NBC): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Both teams got wins last week as the Buccaneers beat the Falcons and the Football Team beat the Eagles. If you wanted Tom Brady, Chase Young, you're gonna get him. Tampa Bay seems to have the advantage in this game due to better quarterback play and a solid running game to match. The Buccaneers defense isn't that bad as well. I'd like to pick the underdog in this one but Washington could barely beat an Eagles team that benched its young star quarterback in the 4th quarter. Sorry but I'm going with Brady and the Bucs. 

Baltimore (11-5) @ Tennessee (11-5) (ESPN/ABC): TW: Ravens; CV: Titans
Both teams won last week as the Ravens beat the Bengals and the Titans beat the Texans. Round #2 in the Music City. Both teams will make it obvious on where they stand on offense: pounding the rock! Derrick Henry maybe the best running back in the NFL but the Ravens have three legit running backs plus Lamar Jackson to contend with. Both teams defenses will need to step up big in this one if they want any shot to play next week. Better defenses seem to lean towards the Ravens in the game. I'd personally take the Ravens. 

Chicago (8-8) @ New Orleans (12-4) (CBS/Nickelodeon): TW: Saints; CV: Saints
The Bears lost to the Packers and the Saints beat the Panthers last week. Chicago comes into this game lucking their way into the playoffs. Their defense has been pretty good this season and their offense well has been inept in doing what it needs to do. Mitchell Trubisky will need to play out of his mind against one of the better defenses in the NFC in New Orleans. I like the Saints in the game based on what the Bears don't have. Seems pretty simple on who I like. I'll take the Saints.

Cleveland (11-5) @ Pittsburgh (12-4) (NBC): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
The Browns beat the Steelers and the Steelers lost to the Browns last week. It'll be the 3rd meeting between these two rivals. Both teams really feeling lucky to be in it for the long haul. Cleveland is ending its 18-year playoff drought while the Steelers finished 12-4 when they had a 11-0 start this season. Cleveland had trouble stopping the Steelers backups. Cleveland will need to play error-free football and keep their emotions in check as if you give the Steelers any leg up, they will be in your face all day. I like the Steelers but they need to get their running game going. 

2020 Week by Week Record: 

TW's record:

Week 1: 8-8
Week 2: 15-1
Week 3: 9-6-1
Week 4: 11-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 7-7
Week 7: 12-2
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 10-4
Week 10: 10-4
Week 11: 7-7
Week 12: 11-5
Week 13: 10-5
Week 14: 7-9
Week 15: 12-4
Week 16: 8-8
Week 17: 14-2
Total: 167-88-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 8-7-1
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 8-6
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 11-3
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 11-3
Week 11: 8-6
Week 12: 9-7
Week 13: 11-4
Week 14: 11-5
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 9-7
Week 17: 11-5
Total: 163-92-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

I'll see you guys on Monday for the Wild Card Recap post! Enjoy the games!

-Tom 

NFL 2020 Week 17 Recap

 Hello readers! The final week of the regular season has passed us and the National Football League's 2nd season begins next weekend! Week 17 featured some surprises and some not so surprises. Such surprises like: the Browns finally ending the playoff drought, Philly obviously tanking, and Giants fans pissed because of the tanking. In this post, I'll recap the week's games and the final regular season tally of me and Cardinal Viking's weekly pick 'ems. Let's get to work!

Week 17 Recap

Dallas 19, NY Giants 23: TW: Giants; CV: Giants
Very fortunate that both teams didn't make it to play next week. It wasn't a very exciting game. Andy Dalton threw for 243 yards with an interception. Dalton would outrush his teammate and running back Ezekiel Elliot with 48 yards rushing, Elliot had 42 yards. The Cowboys runner did score a rushing touchdown though. Daniel Jones would prove to be the better quarterback in the duel as he threw for 229 yards with two touchdown passes with an interception thrown in there. Wayne Gallman rushed for 65 yards. Sterling Shepard would rush for 24 yards with a rushing touchdown in the game. Close to the end of the game, Wayne Gallman bobbled the ball while running and almost translated into a turnover. Yeah this game was terrible. 

Next week:
Dallas: No one
NY Giants: heckle Eagles fans for not trying to win the game

TW: 1-0; CV: 1-0

Baltimore 38, Cincinnati 3: TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens
The Ravens could could've rested starters but ultimately proved to be the wise choice in the end. Lamar Jackson threw for 113 yards with three touchdown passes with an interception in the game. Baltimore's winning formula stuck to them in this game as the Ravens rushed for 404 yards in this one. Out of the 404 yards, 160 of them belonged to JK Dobbins who also rushed for two touchdowns in the game. Brandon Allen of the Bengals threw only six completions for a total of 48 yards with two interceptions in the game. Trayveon Williams rushed for 74 yards in the game. 

Next week:
Baltimore: @ Tennessee
Cincinnati: write a get well soon card for Joe Burrow

TW: 2-0; CV: 2-0

Atlanta 27, Tampa Bay 44: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Atlanta kept it close but they forgot they were also playing against Tom Brady. Matt Ryan could be on the move in the offseason, in the meantime he had business to do on the field. Ryan threw for 265 yards with two touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown as well. Brian Hill had a good day on the ground attack with 94 yards but didn't score a rushing touchdown of his own. Tom Brady was spectacular in this one as he threw for 399 yards with four touchdowns with an interception. Ronald Jones rushed for 78 yards with a touchdown. Antonio Brown had 138 receiving yards with two touchdowns. The potential loss of Mike Evans could be huge for Tampa but the way that the Buccaneers played on Sunday, they should be alright for a while. 

Next week:
Atlanta: Try to not blow a lead in croquet
Tampa Bay: @ Washington

TW: 3-0; CV: 3-0

Miami 26, Buffalo 56: TW: Bills; CV: Bills
Miami's playoff hopes hinged on a a lot and Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills closed the door on that hope in the 2nd quarter. Tua Tagovailoa threw for 361 yards with a touchdown but threw three interceptions in the game. Salvon Ahmed and Myles Gaskin both scored rushing touchdowns and garnered 29 and 20 yards respectively from the ground. Josh Allen threw for 224 yards with three touchdowns but also threw an interception. Matt Barkley would see some action as the game was well in Buffalo's hands. Barkley finished with 164 yards passing with a touchdown and an interception. Buffalo possibly found a good running back to go with in Antonio Williams, who rushed for 63 yards with two touchdowns. It was a good season Miami, I didn't honestly think you'd be here at this point. 

Next week:
Miami: look forward to 2021
Buffalo: vs Indianapolis

TW: 4-0; CV: 4-0

Minnesota 37, Detroit 35: TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
Not quite the season that the Vikes had hoped but a win going into the offseason can help a bit in terms of morale. Kirk Cousins was on fire in the Motor City, with 405 yards passing with three touchdowns. Alexander Mattison proved to be a worthy runner in the Vikings rush attack with his 95 yards rushing with a touchdown. Justin Jefferson added 133 receiving yards to finish his season with 1,379 yards receiving, breaking Anquan Boldin's rookie receiving yards record set in 2003. Matthew Stafford threw for 293 yards with three touchdown passes with an interception. Adrian Peterson rushed for 63 yards and scored a rushing touchdown against his former team. Future unknown in Detroit, a lot of questions and few answers. 

Next week:
Detroit: Look forward to the Detroit Red Wings to give you pleasure
Minnesota: sip on hot cocoa 

TW: 5-0; CV: 5-0

Pittsburgh 22, Cleveland 24: TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
Cleveland has come a long way from the 0-16 finish in 2017. Mason Rudolph would get the start for Ben Roethlisberger who was resting for this game. Rudolph threw for 315 yards with two touchdown passes and had an interception in the game. James Conner had some glimpses of being the tailback that the Steelers want him to be. He finished with 37 yards rushing. Baker Mayfield threw for 196 yards with a touchdown. Nick Chubb rushed for 108 yards with a touchdown. Jarvis Landry rushed for three yards with a touchdown as well. Cleveland is back in the playoffs for the first time since I was a 8th grader. Congrats.

Next week:
Pittsburgh: vs Cleveland
Cleveland: @ Pittsburgh

TW: 5-1; CV: 5-1

NY Jets 14, New England 28: TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
Good news: Adam Gase is gone. Bad news: Your team is in ruins. Sam Darnold threw for 266 yards with a touchdown with two interceptions thrown in the game. Josh Adams provided some help to the meandering Jets offense with 47 yards rushing with a touchdown run. Cam Newton's future is still up in the air in New England but he did prove his worth with a great performance in the season finale. Newton threw for 242 yards with three touchdown passes and rushed for 79 yards. Jakobi Myers threw a perfect, 19-yard pass to Cam Newton for a touchdown. Sony Michel rushed for 76 yards for the Patriots. New England heads into a relative unknown and questionable offseason. Does the front office give more years to Cam Newton? Not sure. 

Next week:
NY Jets: look for the next Adam Gase
New England: eat some clam chowder.

TW: 6-1; CV: 6-1

Tennessee 41, Houston 38: TW: Titans; CV: Titans
Derrick Henry rushed for 2,000 yards this season, how crazy is that? Ryan Tannehill threw for 216 yards with a touchdown pass. He also rushed for a modest 38 yards with two touchdown runs. Derrick Henry was the star of the game as he rushed for 250 yards with two touchdown runs. DeShaun Watson threw for 365 yards with three touchdowns with an interception. David Johnson rushed for 84 yards with a touchdown. This game looked out of reach by halftime but a lot of Colts fans were keeping a close eye on this one. Titans kicker Sam Sloman put to bed any hope of the Colts getting division title. 

Next week: 
Tennessee: vs Baltimore
Houston: Getting DeShaun Watson a wide receiver

TW: 7-1; CV: 7-1

Seattle 26, San Francisco 23: TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks
It was a somber end to a somber season for the defending NFC champion 49ers. Russell Wilson threw for 181 yards with two touchdown passes as well as 29 yards rushing. Chris Carson rushed for 44 yards and Alex Collins rushed for 29 yards with a touchdown. CJ Beathard started for the 49ers and had 273 yards passing with a touchdown pass in the game. Jeff Wilson rushed for 76 yards with a touchdown run. Seattle might have the #3 seed but they're a scary team when Wilson and Carson are hot. 

Next week: 
Seattle: vs LA Rams
San Francisco: try to get back home to Santa Clara, maybe. 

TW: 8-1; CV: 8-1

Green Bay 35, Chicago 16: TW: Packers; CV: Bears
Only lasted a quarter until Aaron Rodgers and company wrought destruction to a Chicago Bears team. Aaron Rodgers threw for 240 yards with four touchdown passes. Aaron Jones was good in the game as he put up 42 yards with a touchdown. Mitchell Trubisky threw for 252 yards with an interception. David Montgomery rushed for 69 yards with a touchdown. Despite the blowout, the Bears are going into the playoffs. Yay, I guess.

Next week:
Green Bay: Bye week
Chicago: @ New Orleans

TW: 9-1; CV: 8-2

Arizona 7, LA Rams 18: TW: Rams; CV: Cardinals
So Kyler Murray did start, my bad. Murray threw for 87 yards before leaving the game with a leg injury. His backup Chris Streveler came in and threw for 105 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Kenyan Drake wouldn't get much on the ground game as he rushed for 36 yards. John Wolford made his NFL debut and threw for 231 yards with an interception. He also rushed for 56 yards. Cam Akers rushed for 34 yards. No playoffs for Arizona, darn shame. 

Next week: 
Arizona: get a defense for Kyler Murray
LA Rams: @ Seattle

TW: 10-1; CV: 8-3

Jacksonville 14, Indianapolis 28: TW: Colts; CV: Colts
No division title for Indy but they could be scary in playoff time. Mike Glennon threw for 261 yards with two touchdown passes. Dare Ogunbowale rushed for 50 yards. Phillip Rivers threw for 164 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Jonathan Taylor ran over the Jaguars defense as he rushed for 253 yards with two touchdown runs. 

Next week: 
Jacksonville: celebrate at winning the #1 draft pick
Indianapolis: @ Buffalo

TW: 11-1; CV: 9-3

LA Chargers 38, Kansas City 21: TW: Chargers; CV: Chiefs
Justin Herbert threw for 302 yards with three touchdown passes. Justin Jackson rushed for 72 yards and Kalen Ballage rushed for 36 yards with a touchdown. Chad Henne threw for 218 yards with two touchdowns. Darwin Thompson rushed for 45 yards with a touchdown. Not a good loss but it was a meaningless game if Patrick Mahomes and company started. 

Next week:
LA Chargers: get a defense for Justin Herbert
Kansas City: Bye week

TW: 12-1; CV: 9-4

New Orleans 33, Carolina 7: TW: Saints; CV: Saints
No first round bye but you get to play against Chicago. Should be a fairly easy game next week. Drew Brees threw for 201 yards with three touchdown passes. Ty Montgomery rushed for 105 yards and Taysom Hill rushed for 41 yards with a touchdown. Teddy Bridgewater threw for 176 yards with two interceptions before getting benched for PJ Walker. Walker threw for 95 yards but threw three interceptions. Rodney Smith rushed for 40 yards with the only touchdown for the Panthers in this game. 

Next week: 
New Orleans: vs Chicago
Carolina: Get Christian McCaffrey a bubble 

TW: 13-1; CV: 10-4

Las Vegas 32, Denver 31: TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders
Both teams won't be playing next week but this game was fairly a good watch. Derek Carr threw for 371 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Josh Jacobs rushed for 89 yards with two touchdowns and Devontae Booker rushed for 16 yards. Drew Lock threw for 339 yards with two touchdown passes. Melvin Gordon rushed for 93 yards with a touchdown run. A lot of questions for both teams in this offseason. Is Derek Carr and Drew Lock the pieces for their teams to build around? I would say yes to Carr, and no to Lock. Just my two cents.

Next week:
Las Vegas: gamble for a defense
Denver: stop pressing the QB button on Draft day

TW: 14-1; CV: 11-4

Washington 20, Philadelphia 14: TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles
Say what you want about the tanking, the Philadelphia Eagles hate the New York Giants so much that they won't do anything to benefit them. Alex Smith started for Washington and threw for 162 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Antonio Gibson threw for 75 yards in the game. Jalen Hurts would start the game for the Eagles with 72 yards with an interception. He also rushed for 34 yards and the only two touchdown runs for the Eagles. Nate Sudfeld would come into the game for the Eagles with 32 yards and had an interception. Boston Scott rushed for 65 yards in the game. Was it tanking? In a sense, yes. If the Giants were that good, they wouldn't need to have a rival help them in getting into the playoffs. 

Next week:
Washington: vs Tampa Bay
Philadelphia: chow down on some cheesesteaks

TW: 14-2; CV: 11-5

2020 Week by Week Record: 

TW's record:

Week 1: 8-8
Week 2: 15-1
Week 3: 9-6-1
Week 4: 11-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 7-7
Week 7: 12-2
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 10-4
Week 10: 10-4
Week 11: 7-7
Week 12: 11-5
Week 13: 10-5
Week 14: 7-9
Week 15: 12-4
Week 16: 8-8
Week 17: 14-2
Total: 167-88-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 8-7-1
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 8-6
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 11-3
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 11-3
Week 11: 8-6
Week 12: 9-7
Week 13: 11-4
Week 14: 11-5
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 9-7
Week 17: 11-5
Total: 163-92-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

I'll see you guys on Thursday for the Wild Card Picks post! 

-Tom

NFL 2020 Week 17 Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming up real fast! The last week of the regular season is here and there's still a few teams who are trying to lock in playoff spots and go on into next week for playoff football. I'll keeping an eye on the Dolphins-Bills, Steelers-Browns, and the Football Team-Eagles games this week. For this post, I'll post the latest playoff picture and my picks for the week's games. Let's get to work!

Playoff Picture: Week 17

Let's start with the NFC...

Seedings:

1st seed: Green Bay Packers (12-3) (clinched NFC North)
2nd seed: New Orleans Saints (11-4) (clinched NFC South)
3rd seed: Seattle Seahawks (11-4) (clinched NFC West)
4th seed: Washington Football Team (6-9)
5th seed: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-5) (clinched playoff berth)
6th seed: Los Angeles Rams (9-6) 
7th seed: Chicago Bears (8-7)

Wild card matchups:
Chicago @ New Orleans
LA Rams @ Seattle Seahawks
Tampa Bay @ Washington

Scenarios:

Green Bay:
Clinch 1st round bye: Packers win or tie OR Seahawks loss

New Orleans:
Clinch 1st round bye: Saints win + Packers loss + Seahawks win

Washington: 
Clinch NFC East: Football Team win OR Football team tie + Cowboys loss or tie

Let's go to the AFC...

Seedings:

1st seed: Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) (clinched AFC West + First round bye
2nd seed: Buffalo Bills (12-3) (clinched AFC East)
3rd seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (12-3) (clinched AFC North)
4th seed: Tennessee Titans (10-5)
5th seed: Miami Dolphins (10-5) 
6th seed: Baltimore Ravens (10-5)
7th seed: Cleveland Browns (10-5)

Wild card matchups:
Cleveland @ Buffalo
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh
Miami @ Tennessee

Scenarios:

Tennessee:
Clinch AFC South: Titans win OR Colts loss OR Titans tie + Colts tie

Miami:
Clinch playoff berth: Dolphins win OR Ravens loss OR Browns loss OR Colts loss

Cleveland:
Clinch playoff berth: Browns win OR Colts loss OR Titans loss + Dolphins win or tie + Ravens win or tie 

Overall, if the Browns win this week, they're in. Last week's loss to the Jets doesn't make it easier for them. 

Week 17 Picks

Week 17 of the NFL's regular season will have all 32 teams playing on Sunday. The week features a 16-game slate. It includes: seven early games, eight late games, and a Sunday night game. Both FOX and CBS will have double-headers this week. All games will be division games. Let's get to the picks!

Dallas (6-9) @ NY Giants (5-10) (FOX): TW: Giants; CV: Giants
The Cowboys beat the Eagles and the Giants lost to the Ravens last week. It's a certain possibility that the Cowboys could be the representative in the NFC East if Washington loses. The big "if" is can the Cowboys win on the road. The last time these two teams played, it went wire to wire and the Cowboys winning by the skin of their teeth. As much as I want to pick the Cowboys in this game, I have to stick to my guns and pick the opposition. 

Baltimore (10-5) @ Cincinnati (4-10-1) (CBS): TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens
Both teams won last week as the Ravens beat the Giants and the Bengals beat the Texans. The matchup might not be really sexy to watch but Brandon Allen has done well in Joe Burrow's absence. What could be an issue is how well can Cincinnati handle the multi-threats of the Baltimore running attack. They have at least four running backs that can get hot at any time during a contest. I'll take the Ravens. 

Atlanta (4-11) @ Tampa Bay (10-5) (FOX): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The Falcons lost to the Chiefs and the Buccaneers beat the Lions last week. Atlanta still likes to blow leads. To be honest, the Buccaneers don't have a lot to truly play for since they do have the 5th seed and won't likely fall out too far from the standings if they do lose to their rival Falcons. If they do win they will likely face the NFC East winner, whether it'll be Washington or Dallas. Back to the game at hand, I feel the Bucs will win because of Tom Brady and overall better offense and defense. Can't blow a lead Atlanta if you don't have a lead. Facts.

Miami (10-5) @ Buffalo (12-3) (CBS): TW: Bills; CV: Bills 
Both teams won last week as the Dolphins beat the Raiders and the Bills beat the Patriots. Miami likely needs to win this one to get into the playoffs but the Bills won't give them that chance. Cole Beasley is iffy to play in this game but I haven't seen any word that the Bills will rest starters. Safe to say, I think the Bills will win because they do have a better offense and Josh Allen can throw and run. Their Week 2 matchup was a squeaker by the Bills but I like the Bills in the game. 

Minnesota (6-9) @ Detroit (5-10) (FOX): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings 
The Vikings lost to the Saints and the Lions lost to the Buccaneers last week. Dalvin Cook won't be playing this week due to the tragic loss of his father. In spite of the news, Alexander Mattison will likely get the start at running back for the Vikes. Its been a disappointing season for Minnesota and certainly a win against the rival Lions would give them some warmth for the harsh Minnesota winter. 

Pittsburgh (12-3) @ Cleveland (10-5) (CBS): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
The Steelers beat the Colts and the Browns lost to the Jets last week. It's the Mason Rudolph and Myles Garrett reunion! Jokes aside, the Browns could win this game based on the Steelers resting their starters, in particular, Ben Roethlisberger. It's very well possible that the Browns prove that they can make the postseason for the first time since 2002 but I can't hold out that much hope on them. Not when they shat the bed and lost to the freaking Jets.

NY Jets (2-13) @ New England (6-9) (CBS): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
The Jets beat the Browns and the Patriots lost to the Bills last week. More or less, the two bottom feeders in the AFC East will play on Sunday. New England is a less of a mess than their rival the New York Jets. I think the Patriots win by running the ball well. 

Tennessee (10-5) @ Houston (4-11) (CBS): TW: Titans; CV: Titans
The Titans lost to the Packers and the Texans lost to the Bengals last week. Its a possible upset if the Texans can play the underdog card to their advantage. They don't have anything to lose while the Titans have everything to lose. Certainly the Colts, Dolphins, and Ravens would like to see nothing more than to have the Titans watch the playoffs from home. I don't see how it'll happen because of one man, Derrick Henry. 

Seattle (11-4) @ San Francisco (6-9) (FOX): TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks
Both teams won last week as the Seahawks beat the Rams and the 49ers beat the Cardinals. It's another potential spoiler game if the 49ers play their best game of the season. With the way that 2020 has gone for them, it would be a high point. Seattle won the NFC West and won't likely move higher in the playoff seeding than the 2nd seed. Momentum will be key in this one as the Seahawks offense wants to keep the foot on the gas. I'll take Seattle.

Green Bay (12-3) @ Chicago (8-7) (FOX): TW: Packers; CV: Bears
Both teams won last week as the Packers beat the Titans and the Bears beat the Jaguars. Both teams have been playing well as of late, with the Packers winning five straight while the Bears winning three straight games. Green Bay would like nothing more than to have the NFC playoffs go through Lambeau Field and a win would help that out. Chicago also needs to win this as well if they want to play next week. It will depend on who wants it more, personally I think the Packers will win.

Arizona (8-7) @ LA Rams (9-6) (CBS): TW: Rams; CV: Cardinals
Both teams lost last week as the Cardinals lost to the 49ers and the Rams lost to the Seahawks. Arizona won't have Kyler Murray starting for them and the Rams won't have Jared Goff playing for them as well. The key for the Cardinals to win is sustaining drives and avoiding those 3rd down and long situations that puts pressure on an offense. In spite of not having Jared Goff in at quarterback, LA has relied on its running game to help them win ballgames. Their defense also helps too. 

Jacksonville (1-14) @ Indianapolis (10-5) (CBS): TW: Colts; CV: Colts
Both teams lost as the Jaguars lost to the Bears and the Colts lost to the Steelers. A lot of things are at stake for the Colts to win. Even if Indy does win, it won't necessarily guarantee them a spot in the playoffs. They'll need a lot of help but a win helps. Jacksonville clinched the #1 draft pick in next April's draft and they would like to play spoiler. I don't see how the Jags can but anything is possible. 

LA Chargers (6-9) @ Kansas City (14-1) (FOX): TW: Chargers; CV: Chiefs
The Chargers beat the Broncos and the Chiefs beat the Falcons last week. Chad Henne will make his first start for the first time since 2012. Kansas City will be resting starters including Patrick Mahomes. The move makes sense since KC has the #1 seed and the AFC playoffs will go through Arrowhead Stadium. Justin Herbert has been a fun watch and I like the Chargers in the matchup despite not having Mahomes in the game. LA's offense has been stellar and their defense has been taxing to the eyes of a casual fan. I'll take the Chargers.

New Orleans (11-4) @ Carolina (5-10) (FOX): TW: Saints; CV: Saints
The Saints beat the Vikings and the Panthers beat the Football Team last week. Another potential spoiler game. The long shot for the Saints to get homefield advantage and the 1st round bye will hinge on them winning as well as a Packers loss and Seahawks win. I don't like their chances but I do like them taking the dub against their rival Panthers this week. Carolina has missed Christian McCaffrey for most of the season and for a team in rebuild, they could be a good team down the road. In the meantime, I'll take the better offense and somewhat better defense in the Saints. 

Las Vegas (7-8) @ Denver (5-10) (CBS): TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders
The Raiders lost to the Dolphins and the Broncos lost to the Chargers last week. After a 6-3 start, the Raiders sit with a 7-8 record and will miss the playoffs again. Las Vegas has the possibility to salvage the season with a win to bring them to a 8-8 record. I like the Raiders offense with Derek Carr, Josh Jacobs and Darren Waller playing well into their expectations. The defense has been the key contributor to their losses. They face a stiff test against a Broncos team that has seen Drew Lock play better along with a resurgent Melvin Gordon and an exciting wide out by the name of Jerry Jeudy. I think its a tough game to pick but I'll take the Raiders. 

Washington (6-9) @ Philadelphia (4-10-1) (NBC): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles
The Football Team lost to the Panthers and the Eagles lost to the Cowboys last week. It's been a trying season for both teams. Washington would like nothing more than to get a win and go on to play next week in the Wild Card round. What stands in their way is an Eagles squad that has seen much breath of new life with Jalen Hurts. Taylor Heinicke will start for the Football Team. It will be Washington's fourth starter since Kyle Allen and Alex Smith got injured and former first round quarterback Dwayne Haskins got released shortly after last week. A 7-9 division winner is possible but I like the Eagles in the matchup. 

Local TV Schedule (courtesy of 506sports.com): 

CBS Early:
Pittsburgh @ Cleveland
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

CBS Late:
Arizona @ LA Rams
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

FOX Early:
Minnesota @ Detroit
Joe Davis, Robert Smith

FOX Late:
Green Bay @ Chicago
Kevin Burkhardt, Daryl Johnston

For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL Maps: Week 17. Check local listings prior to gametime. 

2020 Week by Week Record: 

TW's record:

Week 1: 8-8
Week 2: 15-1
Week 3: 9-6-1
Week 4: 11-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 7-7
Week 7: 12-2
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 10-4
Week 10: 10-4
Week 11: 7-7
Week 12: 11-5
Week 13: 10-5
Week 14: 7-9
Week 15: 12-4
Week 16: 8-8
Total: 153-86-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 8-7-1
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 8-6
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 11-3
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 11-3
Week 11: 8-6
Week 12: 9-7
Week 13: 11-4
Week 14: 11-5
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 9-7
Total: 152-87-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

I'll see you guys on Monday/Tuesday for the Week 17 Recap post! Enjoy the games!

-Tom

NFL 2020 Week 16 Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come and gone. The week that was featured some surprises. Such surprises as the Browns losing in New York, Pittsburgh overcoming a 24-7 deficit and Ryan Fitzpatrick with the most unlikely throw you'll ever see this season. In this post, I'll recap the week's action. Let's get to work!

Week 16 Recap

Minnesota 33, New Orleans 52: TW: Saints; CV: Vikings
Alvin Kamara scoring touchdowns brought much joy to the Saints faithful on Christmas Day. Kirk Cousins threw for 291 yards with three touchdown passes. Dalvin Cook would play a quieter role in this game as he rushed for 73 yards with a touchdown. Drew Brees threw for 311 yards but didn't throw a touchdown pass. Instead he threw two interceptions. Alvin Kamara would be the star in the game as he rushed for 155 yards with six touchdown runs. Taysom Hill would also score a touchdown while racking up 18 yards rushing. So much for my Vikings winning the NFC North prediction. 

Next week:
Minnesota: @ Detroit
New Orleans: @ Carolina

TW: 1-0; CV: 0-1

Tampa Bay 47, Detroit 7: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Like Buccaneers in history, the football team left no stone unturned in the Motor City. Tom Brady threw for 348 yards with four touchdown passes. Blaine Gabbert would see some action in the game as he threw for 143 yards of his own and had two touchdown passes. Keshawn Vaughn was the leading rusher for the Bucs with 62 yards. Leonard Fournette scored a touchdown while rushing for 34 yards. Detroit would see three quarterbacks throw for them as Matthew Stafford started for them. Chase Daniel would be up next but didn't account for much as he threw for 86 yards. David Blough threw for 49 yards with a touchdown in the game. Granted Detroit didn't have interim coach Darrell Bevell at the helm, it was a stomper for the Bucs. 

Next week:
Tampa Bay: vs Atlanta
Detroit: vs Minnesota

TW: 2-0; CV: 1-1

San Francisco 20, Arizona 12: TW: Cardinals; CV: Cardinals
Who would've thought CJ Beathard and the 49ers defense would beat the Cards? Beathard threw for 182 yards with three touchdown passes. Jeff Wilson rushed for 183 yards in the game for the 49ers. Kyler Murray would account for 50 pass attempts in this game as he completed 31 of them. He threw for 247 yards with an interception. Murray also rushed for 75 yards. Kenyan Drake rushed for 45 yards with a touchdown. Not making the playoffs are the least of Arizona's worries right now if Murray can't play next week. 

Next week:
San Francisco: vs Seattle
Arizona: @ LA Rams

TW: 2-1; CV: 1-2

Miami 26, Las Vegas 25: TW: Dolphins; CV: Dolphins
How the heck did Ryan Fitzpatrick figure where Mack Hollins be at at that time? Tua Tagovailoa would start for Miami and threw for 94 yards with a touchdown. He would get benched in the 4th quarter due to the number of sacks he was taking. Ryan Fitzpatrick would come in relief as he threw for 182 yards with a touchdown pass with 182 yards passing. Derek Carr would return to the fray for the Raiders. He threw for 336 yards with a touchdown. Carr also rushed for a touchdown. Josh Jacobs ran the ball well as he rushed for 69 yards. With their season on the line, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a pass while being dragged down by his facemask and ended in the hands of Mack Hollins. The play would help set up a Jason Sanders field goal that gave Miami the win and ended any hopes of the Raiders playing January football. 

Next week:
Miami: @ Buffalo
Las Vegas: @ Denver

TW: 3-1; CV: 2-2

Cleveland 16, NY Jets 23: TW: Browns; CV: Browns
Browns did Browns things last Sunday. Baker Mayfield reverted back to his old ways as he went 28 for 53 for 285 yards passing. Granted he didn't throw an interception. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, the bread and butter to the Cleveland attack, were held to 39 yards combined with a touchdown each. Sam Darnold had one of his better games this season as he threw for 175 yards with two touchdowns. Jamison Crowder got in the action as he threw a touchdown pass for 43 yards. Frank Gore rushed for 48 yards in the game. Seriously Cleveland, why didn't you run the ball more? 

Next week:
Cleveland: vs Pittsburgh
NY Jets: @ New England

TW: 3-2; CV: 2-3

Indianapolis 24, Pittsburgh 28: TW: Colts; CV: Colts
A division title for the Steel City wouldn't come easy. Philip Rivers threw for 270 yards with a touchdown and had an interception in the game. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 74 yards with two touchdowns in the game. Nyheim Hines rushed for 44 yards. Ben Roethlisberger offered up some glimpses of his old self as he threw for 342 yards with three touchdown passes. Pittsburgh's running game wasn't much of a factor as James Conner rushed for 20 yards with a touchdown. Safe to say, the Steelers got lucky that they got bailed out by Big Ben. They need to get back to running the ball more if they want to go far. 

Next week:
Indianapolis: vs Jacksonville
Pittsburgh: @ Cleveland

TW: 3-3; CV: 2-4

NY Giants 13, Baltimore 27: TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens
Daniel Jones coming back to the Giants was the only good news that New York would find in this one. Jones threw for 252 yards in the game and had a passing touchdown. New York's running game wouldn't see much as Wayne Gallman rushed for 27 yards. Lamar Jackson threw for 183 yards with two touchdown passes as well as running the ball for 80 yards. Gus Edwards rushed for 85 yards. JK Dobbins rushed for 77 yards with a touchdown run. It's possible that we could see the Ravens playing January football. 

Next week:
NY Giants: vs Dallas
Baltimore: @ Cincinnati

TW: 4-3; CV: 3-4

Cincinnati 37, Houston 31: TW: Texans; CV: Texans
Houston is a mess and them giving up 37 to a Bengals team without Joe Burrow and Joe Mixon is an embarrassment. Brandon Allen threw for 371 yards with two touchdown passes. Samaje Perine provided some great runs for the Bungles as he ran for 95 yards with two touchdown runs. His longest run was from 46 yards. Giovanni Bernard provided some spark as well as he rushed for 65 yards in the game. DeShaun Watson threw for 324 yards with three touchdown passes. Interestingly enough, David Johnson had one of his best games of the season in this one, with 128 yards rushing with a touchdown run. By the way, the more Houston loses, the better the Dolphins chances of getting a great draft pick since they own Houston's first two draft picks in next year's draft. Fuck Bill O'Brien.

Next week:
Cincinnati: vs Baltimore
Houston: vs Tennessee

TW: 4-4; CV: 3-5

Chicago 41, Jacksonville 17: TW: Bears; CV: Bears
Jacksonville's own fans cheered when the Bears scored. Mitchell Trubisky threw for 265 yards with two touchdown passes with an interception. David Montgomery rushed for 95 yards with a touchdown run. Mike Glennon threw for 211 yards with two touchdown passes but also had two interceptions in the game. Dare Ogunbowale (yeah I had to look up the pronunciation as well) rushed for 71 yards for the Jaguars. With the Jets win, the Jacksonville Jaguars locked themselves up with the #1 pick in next year's draft. 

Next week:
Chicago: vs Green Bay
Jacksonville: @ Indianapolis

TW: 5-4; CV: 4-5

Atlanta 14, Kansas City 17: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
Somehow the Falcons defense held the powerful Chiefs offense to 17 points. Matt Ryan threw for an even 300 with two touchdown passes. Ito Smith rushed for 46 yards in the game. Atlanta seemed to move the ball well but they just didn't score more points sadly. Patrick Mahomes was fairly quiet in this one but did manage to throw 278 yards with two touchdowns with an interception in the game. Sammy Watkins attempted to throw a pass to Mahomes but it would get intercepted. Damien Williams rushed for 46 yards as well in this game. 

Next week:
Atlanta: @ Tampa Bay
Kansas City: vs LA Chargers

TW: 6-4; CV: 5-5

Denver 16, LA Chargers 19: TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers
Justin Herbert just keeps on winning. Drew Lock threw for 264 yards with two interceptions in the game. Drew Lock would score the only offensive touchdown for the Broncos as he rushed for 15 yards in the game. Justin Herbert threw for 253 yards with a touchdown pass. Austin Ekeler rushed for 45 yards. 

Next week:
Denver: vs Las Vegas
LA Chargers: @ Kansas City

TW: 7-4; CV: 6-5

Carolina 20, Washington 13: TW: Football Team; CV: Panthers
Just keeps getting worse for former quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Teddy Bridgewater threw for 197 yards with a touchdown pass with an interception thrown. Mike Davis scored a touchdown with 28 yards rushing. Curtis Samuel rushed for 52 yards in the game. Dwayne Haskins would start for the Football Team in this one. He would complete 50% of his passes as he threw for 154 yards with two interceptions. He also had a fumble in the game too. Taylor Heinicke would replace Haskins. He threw for 137 yards with a touchdown pass. Antonio Gibson rushed for 61 yards in the game. You lose a captaincy a week ago and you get cut today, honestly all I can say is: Was the trip to the nightclub without a mask worth it? 

Next week:
Carolina: vs New Orleans
Washington: @ Philadelphia

TW: 7-5; CV: 7-5

LA Rams 9, Seattle 20: TW: Rams; CV: Seahawks
Red zone scoring was not kind to the Los Angeles Rams. Jared Goff threw for 234 yards with an interception. Goff also injured his throwing hand and will likely miss next week's game against the Cardinals. Darrell Henderson rushed for 62 yards. Russell Wilson threw for 225 yards with a touchdown pass. Wilson also rushed for nine yards and scored a rushing touchdown. Chris Carson rushed for 69 yards. Seattle regains the NFC West for the first time since 2016.

Next week:
LA Rams: vs Arizona
Seattle: @ San Francisco

TW: 7-6; CV: 8-5

Philadelphia 17, Dallas 37: TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles
Well... Dallas is still alive somehow. Jalen Hurts threw for 342 yards with a touchdown and had two interceptions in the game. Hurts also rushed for 69 yards who would be the Eagles leading rusher in the game. Miles Sanders rushed for 57 yards with a touchdown run. Andy Dalton has made the most of his opportunity with the Cowboys and threw for 377 yards with three touchdowns with an interception in the game. Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 105 yards in the game. Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup both had 121 receiving yards each while Gallup had two receiving touchdowns. Please don't let Dallas in, please Washington!

Next week:
Philadelphia: vs Washington
Dallas: @ NY Giants

TW: 7-7; CV: 8-6

Tennessee 14, Green Bay 40: TW: Titans; CV: Titans
Should've picked Green Bay. It was football weather in Green Bay as white shit dotted the landscape in the Frozen Tundra. Ryan Tannehill threw for 121 yards with a touchdown and had two interceptions in the game. The x-factor in the game that I thought would be key to a win was Derrick Henry. Henry finished with 98 yards rushing. Ryan Tannehill did rush for 55 yards with a touchdown, his longest run was from 45 yards. Aaron Rodgers threw for 231 yards with four touchdowns but also threw an interception in the game. It would be Green Bay's running game that would dominate in this game. AJ Dillon rushed for 124 yards with two touchdowns. Aaron Jones rushed for 94 yards in the game. It seems assured that the Packers would be guaranteed homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. 

Next week:
Tennessee: @ Houston
Green Bay: @ Chicago

TW: 7-8; CV: 8-7

Buffalo 38, New England 9: TW: Bills; CV: Bills
Many firsts for both sides. One for Buffalo is that they sweep the Pats for the first time since 1999. Josh Allen threw for 320 yards with four touchdowns. Zach Moss rushed for 57 yards with a touchdown in the game. New England's Achilles heel this season has been quarterback. Jarrett Stidham and Cam Newton would split time in this game. Stidham threw for 44 yards and Newton threw for 34 yards, neither of them threw for a touchdown pass. Newton did rush for the only offensive touchdown for the Patriots while getting 24 yards. Sony Michel rushed for 69 yards. First losing season for New England since 2000 and worst home loss in Bill Belichek's career. Rest in peace dynasty.

Next week:
Buffalo: vs Miami
New England: vs NY Jets

TW: 8-8; CV: 9-7

2020 Week by Week Record: 

TW's record:

Week 1: 8-8
Week 2: 15-1
Week 3: 9-6-1
Week 4: 11-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 7-7
Week 7: 12-2
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 10-4
Week 10: 10-4
Week 11: 7-7
Week 12: 11-5
Week 13: 10-5
Week 14: 7-9
Week 15: 12-4
Week 16: 8-8
Total: 153-86-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 8-7-1
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 8-6
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 11-3
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 11-3
Week 11: 8-6
Week 12: 9-7
Week 13: 11-4
Week 14: 11-5
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 9-7
Total: 152-87-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

I'll see you guys on Thursday for the Week 17 picks post! 

-Tom

NFL 2020 Week 15 Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come and gone. The week that was brought some big surprises. Such surprises as: an early Christmas present for the Jets, a Patriots finishing with no playoffs, and Atlanta blowing yet another lead. Well, okay the last one wasn't real surprising. In this post, I'll recap the week's action. Let's get to work!

Week 15 Recap

LA Chargers 30, Las Vegas 27 (F/OT): TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers
Raiders head coach wore an Oakland Raiders hat before realizing his team now resides in Las Vegas. Probably was a sign that perhaps the Raiders might not win this one. Justin Herbert threw for 314 yards with two touchdowns. He also rushed for 14 yards with a touchdown run. The touchdown run ended up being the game-winning score that gave the Chargers the win. Austin Ekeler rushed for 60 yards. Derek Carr started for the Raiders and threw for 53 yards before leaving the game with a groin injury. Former Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota came into his place and threw for 226 yards and threw a touchdown but also threw an interception. Mariota rushed for 88 yards with a rushing touchdown. Josh Jacobs rushed for 76 yards with a touchdown run of his own. Let the Marcus Mariota is the next Jim Plunkett comparisons begin!

Next week:
LA Chargers: vs Denver
Las Vegas: vs Miami

TW: 1-0; CV: 1-0

Buffalo 48, Denver 19: TW: Bills; CV: Bills
It's been a long time coming but the Buffalo Bills have conquered the AFC East for the first time since 1995. Josh Allen threw for 359 yards with two passing touchdowns. Allen also rushed for 33 yards with two rushing touchdowns. Zack Moss rushed for 81 yards and Devin Singletary rushed for 68 yards with a touchdown. Drew Lock finished with lesser stats as he threw for 132 yards but also threw a touchdown pass. Melvin Gordon rushed for 61 yards with two touchdowns. I was in 1st grade when the Buffalo Bills won a division title. It's been that long. 

Next week:
Buffalo: @ New England
Denver: @ LA Chargers

TW: 2-0; CV: 2-0

Carolina 16, Green Bay 24: TW: Packers; CV: Packers
First three drives for Green Bay: three touchdowns. Next five drives: five punts. Teddy Bridgewater threw for 258 yards and didn't throw a touchdown pass. Mike Davis ran for 59 yards. Bridgewater rushed for 26 yards with a touchdown. Rodney Smith rushed for 23 yards. Aaron Rodgers threw for 143 yards with a touchdown pass. Aaron Jones had another stellar day on the ground with 145 yards with a touchdown. His longest was for 46 yards. Aaron Rodgers provided 26 rushing yards with a touchdown. Definitely will need to put the foot on the gas for more than a half in a game to make it far in January football. 

Next week:
Carolina: @ Washington
Green Bay: vs Tennessee

TW: 3-0: CV: 3-0

New England 12, Miami 22: TW: Dolphins; CV: Dolphins
For the first time since 2008 the Patriots will not play January football. Only the 2nd time since 2000 that the Patriots won't play in January as well. Cam Newton threw for 209 yards in the game but didn't throw an interception. Sony Michel rushed for 74 yards. Cam Newton rushed for 38 yards in the game as well. Patriots kicker Nick Folk kicked 4 of 4 field goals in the game. Tua Tagovailoa threw for 145 yards with an interception in the game. Salvon Ahmed rushed for 122 yards with a touchdown run. Matt Breida rushed for 86 yards. Tua Tagovailoa rushed for nine yards with two touchdown runs. Well New England, you get to watch the playoffs with the rest of America. 

Next week:
New England: vs Buffalo
Miami: @ Las Vegas

TW: 4-0; CV: 4-0

Seattle 20, Washington 15: TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks
Seattle got a playoff spot. Russell Wilson threw for 121 yards with a touchdown and had an interception in the game. Seattle's running game was pretty effective as Chris Carson had 63 yards, Carlos Hyde rushed for 55 and Russell Wilson rushed for 52 yards. Hyde scored a rushing touchdown. Dwayne Haskins would get the start in place of injured starter Alex Smith. Haskins threw for 295 yards with a touchdown but also threw two interceptions in the game. JD McKissic rushed for 51 yards. Peyton Barber rushed for five yards and scored a rushing touchdown. It was pretty much Seattle's game but Washington did score 12 unanswered points in the 4th quarter. A win is a win though.

Next week:
Seattle: vs LA Rams
Washington: vs Carolina

TW: 5-0; CV: 5-0

San Francisco 33, Dallas 41: TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
Here comes the "DALLAS GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS AND GETTING LOMBARDI #6 CROWD" damn you San Francisco! Nick Mullens started for the 49ers and threw for 219 yards with two touchdowns and had two interceptions in the game. One of them was late in the game when the 49ers had a chance to get closer in terms of score. CJ Beathard threw for 100 yards with a touchdown pass of his own. Raheem Mostert was a factor in the game as he ran for 68 yards and Jeff Wilson rushed for 60 yards with a touchdown run. Andy Dalton threw for 209 yards with two touchdown passes. Tony Pollard started in place of Ezekiel Elliot and provided 69 yards rushing with two touchdowns. His longest run was from 40 yards. 

Next week:
San Francisco: @ Arizona
Dallas: vs Philadelphia

TW: 5-1; CV: 5-1

Tampa Bay 31, Atlanta 27: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
You thought that Atlanta might be done blowing huge leads, hell no you'd be wrong! Tom Brady did Tom Brady things and threw for 390 yards with two touchdown passes. Leonard Fournette would get the leading rusher honors in this game with his 49 yards with two touchdown runs. Matt Ryan threw for 356 yards with three touchdown passes. Pretty good day for him. Ito Smith wouldn't get much from the ground as he was held to 24 yards rushing on six carries. Atlanta should just not have a lead at all, that way they can blow a lead. Seriously, you give your fans headaches!

Next week:
Tampa Bay: @ Detroit
Atlanta: @ Kansas City

TW: 6-1; CV: 6-1

Jacksonville 14, Baltimore 40: TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens
Oh poor Gardner Minshew. Not even Minshewmania could save him. Gardner Minshew threw for 226 yards with two touchdown passes. James Robinson rushed for 35 yards. Lamar Jackson threw for 243 yards with three touchdowns and had an interception in the game. JK Dobbins rushed for 64 yards with a touchdown run. Lamar Jackson rushed for 35 yards with a touchdown run. Quick recap, not much else to say. How are you doing?

Next week:
Jacksonville: vs Chicago
Baltimore: vs NY Giants

TW: 7-1; CV: 7-1

Houston 20, Indianapolis 27: TW: Colts; CV: Colts
Fumbles all over in this one! DeShaun Watson threw for 373 yards with two touchdowns. David Johnson could only get 27 yards rushing in this one. Houston had three fumbles in this one, two of them were lost. One of them was a fumble in the endzone that ended any hopes of a score for the Texans. Phillip Rivers threw for 228 yards with two touchdowns. Johnathan Taylor rushed for 83 yards with a touchdown run. It seemed more closer to me than the stats show. Either that or the Colts aren't great at blowing out opponents. 

Next week:
Houston: vs Cincinnati 
Indianapolis: @ Pittsburgh

TW: 8-1; CV: 8-1

Chicago 33, Minnesota 27: TW: Vikings; CV: Bears
Both sides of the ball sucked for the Vikings. Mitchell Trubisky threw for 202 yards with a touchdown pass and also threw an interception. David Montgomery somehow outrushed Dalvin Cook in this game as the Bears runner rushed for 146 yards with two touchdowns. Kirk Cousins threw for 271 yards with two touchdown passes and threw an interception in the game. Dalvin Cook had a good game in this one as he rushed for 132 yards with a touchdown run. Minnesota had a chance to tie the game with a hail mary. Ultimately, it didn't go as well as it had hoped and Chicago intercepted. 

Next week:
Chicago: @ Jacksonville
Minnesota: @ New Orleans

TW: 8-2; CV: 9-1

Detroit 25, Tennessee 46: TW: Titans; CV: Titans
Derrick Henry stiff armed a guy and threw him to the ground so hard you could feel it. Kind of proved what this game was all about. Matthew Stafford threw for 252 yards with a touchdown pass. Chase Daniel would see some action in this one as he threw for 55 yards and had an interception. Dandre Swift rushed for 67 yards with a touchdown run. Ryan Tannehill had a great day in this one. Tannehill threw for 273 yards with three touchdowns and had 21 yards rushing with two touchdown runs. Derrick Henry rushed for 147 yards with a touchdown run. 

Next week:
Detroit: vs Tampa Bay
Tennessee: @ Green Bay

TW: 9-2; CV: 10-1

NY Jets 23, LA Rams 20: TW: Rams; CV: Rams
Good news: Jets won a game. Bad news: Jacksonville holds the #1 draft pick now. Sam Darnold threw for 207 yards with a touchdown pass. Frank Gore rushed for 59 yards in this one and had a touchdown run. Jets kicker Sam Ficken hit 3/3 in field goals in this game. Jared Goff threw for 209 yards with two touchdown passes with an interception in the game. Cam Akers had a quieter game in this one with 63 yards. Interesting stat: the Jets were 18-point underdogs to the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, the Jets were 17-point underdogs in this game. Crazy!

Next week:
NY Jets: vs Cleveland
LA Rams: @ Seattle

TW: 9-3; CV: 10-2

Philadelphia 26, Arizona 33: TW: Cardinals; CV: Cardinals
This one was a fun little slugfest. Jalen Hurts threw for 338 yards with three touchdown passes and didn't throw an interception. Miles Sanders rushed for 64 yards and Jalen Hurts rushed for 63 yards with a rushing touchdown. Kyler Murray threw for 406 yards with three touchdowns with an interception. His 406 yards yards was his career high. Chase Edmonds rushed for 47 yards. Kyler Murray rushed for 29 yards with a touchdown. 

Next week:
Philadelphia: @ Dallas
Arizona: vs San Francisco

TW: 10-3; CV: 11-2

Kansas City 32, New Orleans 29: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
The game played up to expectations. Patrick Mahomes threw for 254 yards with three touchdown passes. Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed for 79 yards in the game. Le'Veon Bell rushed for 62 yards with a touchdown. Drew Brees made his return to the fray. Brees threw for 234 yards with three touchdown passes but also threw an interception. Taysom Hill went back to a secondary role in the running game with three yards rushing with a touchdown. Alvin Kamara rushed for 54 yards in the game. It seems the wheels are falling off a bit for New Orleans. 

Next week:
Kansas City: vs Atlanta
New Orleans: vs Minnesota

TW: 11-3; CV: 12-2

Cleveland 20, NY Giants 6: TW: Browns; CV: Browns
Cleveland has double-digit wins for the first time since 2007. Baker Mayfield threw for 297 yards with two touchdowns. Nick Chubb rushed for 50 yards in the game. Colt McCoy would start in place of injured starter Daniel Jones in the game. McCoy threw for 221 yards in the game and didn't throw a touchdown in the game. Alfred Morris rushed for 39 yards and Wayne Gallman rushed for 29 yards in the game. Not much for the running game it seems. Giants kicker Graham Gano would hit two field goals to give the Giants the offense it would get in this one. I would say one more win and the Browns could be playing January football. 

Next week:
Cleveland: @ NY Jets
NY Giants: @ Baltimore

TW: 12-3; CV: 13-2

Pittsburgh 17, Cincinnati 27: TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
Honestly, how do you lose to a quarterback that puts up only 89 yards passing? Oh right you're offense is terrible and has that much talent. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 170 yards with a touchdown but also threw an interception. It was also a bonehead interception as well. Benny Snell rushed for 84 yards with a touchdown run. Ryan Finley got the start for the Bengals in the game. Finley threw for 89 yards with a touchdown pass. Cincinnati's running game was pretty good in the game. Giovanni Bernard rushed for 83 yards with a touchdown run. Ryan Finley used his legs in this game as well as he rushed for 47 yards with a touchdown run of his own. Trending downward for Pittsburgh. Surely I thought they'd figure their shit out in this one. Apparently not. 

Next week:
Pittsburgh: vs Indianapolis
Cincinnati: @ Houston

TW: 12-4; CV: 13-3

2020 Week by Week Record: 

TW's record:

Week 1: 8-8
Week 2: 15-1
Week 3: 9-6-1
Week 4: 11-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 7-7
Week 7: 12-2
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 10-4
Week 10: 10-4
Week 11: 7-7
Week 12: 11-5
Week 13: 10-5
Week 14: 7-9
Week 15: 12-4
Total: 145-78-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 8-7-1
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 8-6
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 11-3
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 11-3
Week 11: 8-6
Week 12: 9-7
Week 13: 11-4
Week 14: 11-5
Week 15: 13-3
Total: 143-80-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

I'll see you guys on Wednesday for the Week 16 picks post! 
-Tom