NFL 2019 Week 15 Picks

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is going to be here before you know it. Picks last week left me at .500 with an 8-8 record. Not bad but not good either. With this post I'll talk about: the latest playoff picture, an NFL spotlight on the 1958 NFL Championship game, and my picks for the games. Let's get to work!

Playoff Picture: Week 15

Let's look at the NFC:

1st seed: San Francisco 49ers (11-2)
2nd seed: Green Bay Packers (10-3)
3rd seed: New Orleans Saints (10-3) (Clinched NFC South)
4th seed: Dallas Cowboys (6-7)
5th seed: Seattle Seahawks (10-3)
6th seed: Minnesota Vikings (9-4)

Wild card:

Minnesota @ New Orleans
Seattle @ Dallas

Still alive:
Los Angeles Rams (8-5), Chicago (7-6), Philadelphia (6-7)

Eliminated:
Tampa Bay (6-7), Carolina (5-8), Atlanta (4-9), Detroit (3-9-1), Arizona (3-9-1), Washington (3-10), NY Giants (2-11)

San Francisco can get a playoff berth with a win or tie, Rams loss or tie, or Vikings + Packers loss. Green Bay can clinch a playoff berth with a Packers win and Rams loss or Packers tie and Rams loss.

AFC:

1st seed: Baltimore Ravens (11-2) (Clinched playoff berth)
2nd seed: New England Patriots 10-3)
3rd seed: Kansas City Chiefs (9-4) (Clinched AFC West)
4th seed: Houston Texans (8-5)
5th seed: Buffalo Bills (9-4)
6th seed: Pittsburgh Steelers

Wild card:

Pittsburgh @ Kansas City
Buffalo @ Houston

Still alive:
Tennessee Titans (8-5), Cleveland Browns (6-7), Oakland Raiders (6-7), Indianapolis Colts (6-7), Denver Broncos (5-8)

Eliminated: Los Angeles Chargers (5-8), NY Jets (5-8), Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9), Miami Dolphins (3-10), Cincinnati Bengals (1-12)

The Ravens can clinch the AFC North with a win or tie or Steelers loss. Buffalo can clinch a playoff berth with a win. The Bills-Steelers game will have a lot of teams watching especially the Titans who are on the cusp of entering into the playoff picture.

NFL 100: A Spotlight

For the first 50 years of the 20th Century, baseball and boxing dominated the American sports conscious. The sport of football was secondary. At that time college football was more popular than professional football. However, one game in December 1958 would alter the course of the NFL forever.

The game was held in Yankee Stadium where a crowd of 64,185 spectators braved the cold to watch the New York Giants host the Baltimore Colts for the rights to the NFL championship. The game was televised on NBC where 45 million people across the country (the New York City area was blacked out) watched the game.

The Colts were entering their 6th season in existence after making their return to the NFL in 1953. A previous incarnation of the Baltimore Colts was existed from 1946 to 1950. The Colts finished 1958 with a 9-3 record. One of their three losses came against the same Giants team in Yankee Stadium on November 9th by the score of 24-21. The team was coached by Weeb Ewbank. Baltimore had such stars like Johnny Unitas, Raymond Berry, Alan Ameche, and Gino Marchetti.

The Giants were in their 2nd championship game in 3 seasons after dismantling the Chicago Bears in the 1956 game in a 47-7 thrashing. The Giants also finished 1958 with a 9-3 record with their only losses coming against the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Chicago Cardinals. The Giants would have to play a division playoff game against the Cleveland Browns as the Browns had the same record. The Giants would win 10-0. The team was coached by Jim Lee Howell. New York had such stars like Frank Gifford, Emlen Tunnell, and Sam Huff. The team was also coached by Offensive Coordinator Vince Lombardi and Defensive Coordinator Tom Landry.

The scoring got started in the first quarter as Pat Summerall (yeah that Pat Summerall) hit a 36-yard field goal to give the Giants a 3-0 lead. The Colts would get their offense going in the 2nd quarter with an Alan Ameche 2-yard rush for his first of two touchdowns in the game. Raymond Berry would catch a 15-yard pass from Johnny Unitas to give the Colts a 14-3 lead going into halftime.

The scoring in the 3rd quarter would be only highlighted by a Mel Triplett 1-yard rush for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-10. The Giants would regain the lead in the 4th quarter with a 15-yard Charlie Conerly pass to Frank Gifford for a touchdown to give the Giants a 17-14 lead, along with a Summeral point after of course.

With time running out and the Colts needing a score, Johnny Unitas would drive down the field to get into field goal range for Colts kicker Steve Myhra. Myhra would hit a 20-yard field goal to force the game into overtime. The drive was probably the first iteration of the phrase "2-minute drill." It would be the first NFL championship game to go into overtime (the 2nd would be Super Bowl LI).

The Giants would get first crack in the overtime but wouldn't do much with it. During that kickoff, it was returned by Don Maynard who also muffed it (Maynard would later play for Weeb Ewbank with the New York Jets to beat the Colts in Super Bowl III). The Colts would get a turn to score.

The Colts would drive 80 yards on 13 plays. When the Colts were on the Giants 8-yard line, a spectator (who was actually an NBC employee) caused a distraction because of NBC's live feed had gone down. Ultimately the feed would return to show the game on television. Alan Ameche's name was called on the final play as he would score a 1-yard rushing touchdown to give the Colts their first NFL championship.

For the Giants, they would return to the NFL championship game in 1959 (to lose to the Colts again), 1961, 1962 (both years to the Packers), and 1963 (to the Bears). The Giants wouldn't win another playoff game until 1981 when the Giants beat the Eagles in the Wild card playoffs. They wouldn't win another championship until the Giants beat the Broncos in Super Bowl XXI in 1986.

For Baltimore, they would win another championship in 1959. They would get back into the championship game in 1964 but would lose to the Browns. Baltimore would lose in the 1965 playoffs to the Packers. The Colts would win another NFL championship in 1968 but would fail to win the Super Bowl against the New York Jets. They finally became Super Bowl champions when they beat the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V. The Colts last playoff win in Baltimore would come against the Browns in the 1971 season. After the 1983 season, the Colts would move to Indianapolis.

The 1958 championship would change the NFL forever. There's certainly a number of reasons for this I feel. The television was in its infancy in the 1950's as more and more American's owned a set. The marriage of football and television would revolutionize both industries for decades to come. Another reason I feel is that more Americans were moving out of the big cities and into the West coast or Midwestern cities. There was no need to go to a game when you could watch the game yourself in your warm home. Finally, the reason was that the past four NFL championship games were blowouts (1954: Browns 56, Lions 10; 1955: Browns 38, Rams 14; 1956: Giants 47, Bears 7; 1957: Lions 59, Browns 14) and most people would rather see a competitive game.

Week 15 Picks

Week 15 in the NFL regular season will start in Baltimore, Maryland and finish in New Orleans, Louisiana. There will be 16 games on the slate as no teams are on a bye week. The week includes: A Thursday night game, eight early games, five late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. FOX will have the double-header and CBS will have the single, regional game. Let's get to the picks!

NY Jets (5-8) @ Baltimore (11-2) (FOX/NFL Network): TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens

Both teams won last week as the Jets beat the Dolphins and the Ravens beat the Bills. The week starts off with somewhat of a lopsided match-up record wise. I like the Ravens to get another week in this one as I don't know how the Jets could possibly slow down Lamar Jackson. I like the Ravens defense more than the Jets defense as well.

Miami (3-10) @ NY Giants (2-11) (CBS): TW: Giants; CV: Dolphins

Both teams lost last week as the Dolphins lost to the Jets and the Giants lost to the Eagles. The game really isn't a sexy matchup on either paper or in fantasy. I tend to lean more towards the home team as the Dolphins record on the road is abysmal. No one really gets anything of value if they win as both teams look to be picking high in next year's draft. I'll take the G-men. 

Houston (8-5) @ Tennessee (8-5) (CBS): TW: Titans; CV: Titans

The Texans lost to the Broncos and the Titans beat the Raiders. AFC South is pretty much up for grabs in this one. The Texans just keep letting me down when I pick them. I kind of want Tennessee to win because of that. I like Derrick Henry in this match-up as he is easily one of the best running backs in the game today. Ryan Tannehill has been stellar for the Titans as well. This will bite me in the ass again but I can't trust Houston. 

New England (10-3) @ Cincinnati (1-12) (CBS): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots

Both teams lost last week as the Patriots lost to the Chiefs and the Bengals lost to the Browns. For the Patriots, they have to be angry to lose last week. They'll take out their anger on the hapless Bengals who are terrible this season. The Pats rarely lose back-to-back games so that doesn't bode well for the Bengals. Sorry Cincy.

Seattle (10-3) @ Carolina (5-8) (FOX): TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks

Both teams lost last week as the Seahawks lost to the Rams and the Panthers lost to the Falcons. The game features two potential MVP's in Russell Wilson for Seattle and Christian McCaffrey for Carolina. I feel the Panthers will lose based on their defense and while their passing game and running attack will do fine, I tend to think the Seahawks have a better overall running game with Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny. 

Tampa Bay (6-7) @ Detroit (3-9-1) (FOX): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers

The Buccaneers beat the Colts and the Lions lost to the Vikings last week. Jameis Winston will still throw interceptions but I feel he will throw just as many touchdowns in the game as the Lions defense is just not that solid on defending the pass, let alone the run. The game could be an offensive showcase for both teams but I don't trust David Blough to keep up with Winston in terms of touchdowns. 

Denver (5-8) @ Kansas City (9-4) (CBS): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs

Both teams got wins last week as the Broncos beat the Texans and the Chiefs beat the Patriots. If you're a Chiefs fan, you have to feel good about beating the class in your conference in the Patriots last week. Just let Patrick Mahomes do his thing and and play solid lockdown defense. Essentially what you did against New England.

Philadelphia (6-7) @ Washington (3-10) (FOX): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles

The Eagles got a win against the Giants and the Redskins lost to the Packers. If the Eagles want to possibly get a division crown, they can't expect the Cowboys to lose to the Rams. They need to go out and do their business on the road and win. Fortunately, they play a terrible Redskins team that would like to play spoiler. It could happen but I feel Wentz and company will get a win. 

Chicago (7-6) @ Green Bay (10-3) (FOX): TW: Packers; CV: Packers

Both teams got wins last week as the Bears beat the Cowboys and the Packers beat the Redskins. The two teams have changed a lot since their Week 1 meeting. Green Bay's offense went back to hibernation last week but it was effective enough to beat Washington. If they want to beat the Bears and the reinvigorated Mitchell Trubisky, they need to score more than 20 points in this one. I can't trust the Packers defense to get it done alone. 

Jacksonville (4-9) @ Oakland (6-7) (CBS): TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders

Both teams lost last week as the Jaguars lost to the Chargers and the Raiders lost to the Titans. It's the last game at the Oakland Coliseum. Oakland maybe out of the playoffs but they should at least give their fans in Oakland one final showcase of great. With all their history in the stadium they should at least give the old stadium one last win. Do it for Ken Stabler!

Cleveland (6-7) @ Arizona (3-9-1) (CBS): TW: Browns; CV: Browns

The Browns beat the Bengals and the Cardinals lost to the Steelers last week. Cleveland has had a rough season but are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, but a slim chance. Arizona could still play the spoiler in the game but with their defense and inconsistent running game, I feel the game will be not as close as I feel. I feel the running tandem of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt will eat some yards in this one.

Minnesota (9-4) @ LA Chargers (5-8) (CBS): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings

Both teams got wins as the Vikings beat the Lions and the Chargers beat the Jaguars. The two teams have similar offenses in terms of talent. Vikings have an edge with Cousins throwing for more touchdowns but lesser yards and Dalvin Cook has done well this year in the running game. Ultimately, I feel the Vikings defense will challenge Phillip Rivers to throw it as they have a great defense. I'll go with the safe bet with Minnesota.

Atlanta (4-9) @ San Francisco (11-2) (FOX): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers

Both teams got wins last week as the Falcons beat the Panthers and the 49ers beat the Saints. Atlanta could play the upset card in this one but in a stacked NFC, do the 49ers really want to lose to a lowly Falcons team. The game could be a shootout but I don't know how the Falcons could possibly score more than 20 in this one with the 49ers defense.

LA Rams (8-5) @ Dallas (6-7) (FOX): TW: Rams; CV: Rams

The Rams beat the Seahawks and the Cowboys lost to the Bears. Dallas has quite a bit of rest on their shoulders. The Eagles breathing down their neck and against a talented but weakened Rams team doesn't make their situation any easier. Los Angeles has a legit running game and if their offense can take time off the clock and keep the Dallas defense in check, I like their chances.

Buffalo (9-4) @ Pittsburgh (8-5) (NBC): TW: Steelers; CV: Bills

The Bills lost to the Ravens and the Steelers beat the Cardinals last week. Classic AFC match-up on NBC (at least for those who still remember NBC being the AFC package carrier). First time that Buffalo will be on Sunday Night Football since 2007. James Conner and Ju Ju Smith-Schuster could make a return after missing quite a few games due to injury. Momentum is certainly on Pittsburgh's side on this one as they're currently in the drivers seat in the playoffs. If the Steelers win they'd take that #5 spot from Buffalo. I'll take Pittsburgh due to their stifling defense.

Indianapolis (6-7) @ New Orleans (10-3) (ESPN): TW: Saints; CV: Saints

Both teams lost as the Colts lost to the Buccaneers and the Saints lost to the 49ers. The week finishes up with an okay match-up. Obviously I'll take the Saints since they really have better talent on both sides of the ball. In general, I feel it will be a blowout but that's if Marlon Mack is out of the lineup. Geux Saints!

Local TV Schedule (courtesy of 506sports.com; games subject to change):

CBS Single:

Minnesota @ LA Chargers

Greg Gumbel, Trent Green

FOX Early:

Chicago @ Green Bay

Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis

FOX Late:

LA Rams @ Dallas

Joe Buck Troy Aikman

For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL 2019: Week 15 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

Overall: 125-84-1

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

Overall: 128-79-1

See you guys after the Monday night game for the Week 15 Recap post!

-Tom

NFL 2019 Week 14 Recap

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has gone by. The week that was last week in picks was good for me as I finished Week 13 with a 10-6 record. We shall see if I can continue to keep that good week going. In this post, I'll talk about the 2010's Patriots in the NFL 100 Spotlight and the recap of the games. Let's get to work!

NFL 100: A Spotlight

The 2010's started off for the New England Patriots with a Wild Card loss to the Baltimore Ravens. It was Tom Brady's first full season after injuring his ACL in the 2008 season opener. There had been doubts that the Patriots could return to their championship form that they had found in the early 2000's.

The 2010 Patriots would see them have their best season since 2007 as they finished with a 14-2 record. They had the best scoring offense in the league with 518 points scored. In one of their biggest playoff losses, the Patriots lost to their rival New York Jets at home 28-21 in the divisional round.

The 2011 team finished with a 13-3 record while scoring 513 points in offense. The problem that would doom the team would be their 15th ranked scoring defense. The team would make a great playoff run as they beat the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens en route to their first Super Bowl appearance since XLII. Their opponent would be an all to familiar one. Ultimately, the Patriots would lose to the New York Giants in a tightly contested game with a 21-17 score.

In 2012, the team would win one less game than the year before with a 12-4 record. They would make the playoffs with a win against the Houston Texans in the divisional round. The Baltimore Ravens would get their revenge from the year before and beat the Patriots 28-13, where the Ravens would ultimately win Super Bowl XLVII.

It would be the same story for the 2013 team that finished with a 12-4 record. They would get a divisonal round win against the Indianapolis Colts before losing to Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game. Not winning championships were dulling the Patriots luster, they needed to win in 2014 or be considered to be a team that ran its course.

The 2014 Patriots questioned themselves on if they could get a championship. After a 41-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football, experts stated the team was "finished." After the loss they would finish the season with a 10-2 record after the loss. The team would answer back against the Ravens and get a win in the divisional round while blowing out the Colts 45-7 in the AFC championship game. There was certainly controversy with Deflategate but the Patriots were back in the big game. In the previous two appearances the team had put the team on Brady's back but in Super Bowl XLIX, a Butler would save the day and get the team that elusive 4th championship. It had been 10 years since their previous championship win.

The next year, the Patriots got a 12-4 record. The team would get a playoff win against the Kansas City Chiefs but would lose to the Denver Broncos on the road in a tight 20-18 game. As of the 2018 season, this was the last time the Patriots lost in a AFC championship game. It was also the final Brady-Manning game.

The 2016 Patriots season was more of a revenge tour than a marathon. Tom Brady was suspended for four games due to his involvement in Deflategate. Backup quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett played in the quarterback's stead leading the team to a 3-1 record in Brady's absence. Brady would go out and play lights out and lead his team to a 14-2 record. The playoffs were barnstormers as the Patriots won against the Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers enroute to Super Bowl LI. It would be tough sledding against the Atlanta Falcons as the Patriots were down 28-3 with 8:31 left in the 3rd quarter. The Patriots would score 31 unanswered points to beat Atlanta in the first overtime game in the Super Bowl. It was the franchise's 5th championship.

The 2017 Patriots continued where they started. They finished with a 13-3 record and would beat the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars en route to another Super Bowl appearance. The Patriots would lose to the Philadelphia Eagles in a 41-33 offensive battle. Many questions surfaced as Malcolm Butler didn't play in the game due to a coach's decision.

The 2018 Patriots struggled. The team finished with a 11-5 record, their worst record in quite a long time since they had gone 10-6 in the 2009 season. They would lose two of their remaining four games. The team would still make the playoffs nonetheless and would get wins against the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs to get to their 3rd consecutive Super Bowl. The game was in direct contrast to the year before as the Patriots would ultimately win the game 13-3 in a defensive effort for the ages. The win would get the team to their 6th championship in 18 years in the Brady-Belichek era.

The 2019 team is yet to be determined if they can get another Super Bowl win. It's hard to say whether or not they'll get that 4th championship this decade. Win or lose, the 2010's have been sealed for the Patriots as being the team of the decade.

Week 14 Recap

Dallas 24, Chicago 31: TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys

The 'Boys lost again. Dak Prescott had a good game with 334 yards with a touchdown pass. Ezekiel Elliot would run the ball for 81 yards with two touchdowns, so certainly a better game for the running back. It was another great start for Mitchell Trubisky as he threw the ball for 244 yards with three touchdowns but also threw an interception in the game. Trubisky would get 63 yards rushing with a touchdown as well but Devin Montgomery was the leading rusher with 86 yards. Fortunately the NFC East is terrible and the Cowboys are currently in the driver's seat in that division.

All-time series: Cowboys lead 15-12

Next week: Dallas: vs LA Rams; Chicago: @ Green Bay

TW: 0-1; CV: 0-1

Detroit 7, Minnesota 20: TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings

Minnesota's defense really shut down the Lions in this game. David Blough started for Detroit and would only throw for 205 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Bo Scarborough would get 63 yards rushing while not scoring a rushing touchdown. Kirk Cousins had another solid start as he threw for 242 yards with a touchdown. The Vikings running game had a touchdown from Dalvin Cook while running the ball for 62 yards. Danielle Hunter would get three of the five sacks from the vaunted Vikings defense.

All-time series: Vikings lead 76-39-2

Next week: Detroit: vs Tampa Bay; Minnesota: @ LA Chargers

TW: 1-1; CV: 1-1

Denver 38, Houston 24: TW: Texans; CV: Texans

Same old song and dance for the Texans. I pick them, they lose, I pick against them, they win. Drew Lock had one of his best starts of the season as he threw for 309 yards with three touchdowns but would throw an interception in the game. Philip Lindsay would run the ball for 51 yards with a touchdown run. Kareem Jackson would get an interception and get a fumble-six during the game as well. DeShaun Watson threw the ball for 292 yards with a touchdown with a couple of interceptions in the game. Watson would run the ball for 44 yards with two touchdowns. Carlos Hyde was the leading rusher in the game with 72 yards from the ground.

All-time series: Broncos lead 5-3

Next week: Denver: @ Kansas City; Houston: @ Tennessee

TW: 1-2; CV: 1-2

Indianapolis 35, Tampa Bay 38: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Colts

It's really another "What if Jameis Winston threw lesser interceptions?" game. Jacoby Brissett threw for 251 yards with two touchdowns. Marlon Mack would return after being out due to injury. Mack would run the ball for 38 yards with a touchdown. Jameis Winston threw the ball for 456 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. The Bucs running game didn't have a 100-yard day but Ronald Jones was the leading rusher for them with 36 yards. I mean I guess if the Bucs keep winning games you can throw interceptions left and right.

All-time series: Colts lead 8-6

Next week: Indianapolis: @ New Orleans; Tampa Bay: @ Detroit

TW: 2-2; CV: 1-3

San Francisco 48, New Orleans 46: TW: Saints; CV: 49ers

Both teams would score for a combined 10 passing touchdowns. Jimmy Garoppolo would throw the ball for 349 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. Emmanuel Sanders would get a passing touchdown on a 35-yard play in the game. Raheem Mostert ran the ball for 69 yards with a touchdown. Drew Brees threw the ball for 359 yards with five touchdowns in the game. Not a bad game for him if you own him on fantasy. Latavius Murray was the leading rusher for the Saints with 69 yards. Not a bad game for a potential NFC championship game preview.

All-time series: 49ers lead 49-26-2

Next week: San Francisco: vs Atlanta; New Orleans: vs Indianapolis

TW: 2-3; CV: 2-3

Washington 15, Green Bay 20: TW: Packers; CV: Packers

Aaron Jones had a season-high 134 yards in this game. Dwayne Haskins started for Washington and threw for 170 yards with a touchdown while throwing an interception. Adrian Peterson was back in good form with 76 yards from the ground with a touchdown. Aaron Rodgers threw for 195 yards with a touchdown. As stated before it was more of the great running game from Aaron Jones that got Green Bay the win as the Packers would score 14 points in the first quarter. It should raise some concern but a win is a win.

All-time series: Packers lead 21-16-1

Next week: Washington: vs Philadelphia; Green Bay: vs Chicago

TW: 3-3; CV: 3-3

Cincinnati 19, Cleveland 27: TW: Browns; CV: Browns

It was a valiant effort for Cincy but it wasn't enough. Andy Dalton threw for 262 yards while throwing an interception. Joe Mixon would score the only touchdown for the Bengals while running the ball for 146 yards. Baker Mayfield would throw the ball for 192 yards with two interceptions. Baker Mayfield and Kareem Hunt would get rushing touchdowns while compiling 13 and 28 yards rushing. Nick Chubb would be the Browns leading rusher with 106 yards.

All-time series: Bengals lead 50-42

Next week: Cincinatti: vs New England; Cleveland: @ Arizona

TW: 4-3; CV: 4-3

Miami 21, NY Jets 22: TW: Jets; CV: Jets

A different Sam would help the Jets to victory. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw the ball for 245 yards while throwing an interception. Fitzpatrick would be the leading rusher for Miami with 65 yards. Sam Darnold threw for 270 yards with two touchdowns while throwing an interception in the game. Bilal Powell was the leading rusher in the game with 74 yards. Sam Ficken would hit a 44-yard field goal to give them the win. Only three more games and your season is over Dolphins fans.

All-time series: Jets lead 55-53-1

Next week: Miami: @ NY Giants; NY Jets: @ Baltimore (Thursday night)

TW: 5-3; CV: 5-3

Carolina 20, Atlanta 40: TW: Panthers; CV: Panthers

No real answers for Carolina. I don't know what to say. Kyle Allen threw for 293 yards with a touchdown but threw for two interceptions. Allen would run it in for a score while getting 24 yards. Christian McCaffrey ran the ball for 53 yards while getting 82 yards receiving. Matt Ryan threw the ball for 313 yards with two touchdowns. Ryan would become the 10th quarterback with 50,000 career passing yards. Devonta Freeman and Brian Hill would get rushing touchdowns compiling 84 and 62 yards respectively. Start out awful and then play well late in the season, typical Falcons.

All-time series: Falcons lead 32-18

Next week: Carolina: vs Seattle; Atlanta: @ San Francisco

TW: 5-4; CV: 5-4

Baltimore 24, Buffalo 17: TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens

They didn't get the division but they're in the dance. Lamar Jackson didn't put up quite the large stats in the last few weeks but he did put up 145 yards passing with three touchdowns while throwing a pick. Jackson also ran for 40 yards. Mark Ingram would get 50 yards from the ground. Josh Allen had similar yards passing with 146 yards but could only muster one passing touchdown. Devin Singletary racked up 89 yards from the ground.

All-time series: Ravens lead 6-3

Next week: Baltimore: vs NY Jets (Thursday night); Buffalo: @ Pittsburgh

TW: 6-4; CV: 6-4

LA Chargers 45, Jacksonville 10: TW: Jaguars; CV: Chargers

Well I guess Philip Rivers figured it out. Rivers would finish the game with 314 yards passing with three touchdowns while throwing an interception. Veteran Tyrod Taylor would get in the action with 26 yards passing with a touchdown of his own. Austin Ekeler was the leading rusher in the game with 101 yards but Melvin Gordon and Derek Watt would get touchdowns while getting 55 and 4 yards respectively. Gardner Minshew started for the Jaguars and didn't do a lot on offense with 162 yards passing with a touchdown. Leonard Fournette couldn't get much on the ground as he mustered 50 yards.

All-time series: Chargers lead 8-3

Next week: LA Chargers: vs Minnesota; Jacksonville: @ Oakland

TW: 6-5; CV: 7-4

Kansas City 23, New England 16: TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots

The game wasn't the best officiated game but nonetheless, the Patriots didn't make enough plays to win. Patrick Mahomes threw the ball for 283 yards with a touchdown with an interception. LeSean McCoy was the leading rusher in the game with 39 yards. Tom Brady threw the ball for 169 yards with a touchdown with an interception. The Patriots running game was quiet as James White could only put up 33 yards from six carries. New England still in the driver's seat for the #2 seed in the playoffs though.

All-time series: Chiefs lead 19-16-3

Next week: Kansas City: vs Denver; New England: @ Cincinnati

TW: 6-6; CV: 7-5

Pittsburgh 23, Arizona 17: TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers

The Cardinals certainly kept it interesting for the most part. Devlin Hodges threw the ball for 152 yards with a touchdown while throwing no interceptions. Kerrith Whyte and Benny Snell would get 41 yards together. Kyler Murray threw the ball for 194 yards with two touchdowns but would get troubled from the Steelers defense with three interceptions. The running game of Kenyan Drake would only get 37 yards on the ground.

All-time series: Steelers lead 35-23-3

Next week: Pittsburgh: vs Buffalo; Arizona: vs Cleveland

TW: 7-6; CV: 8-5

Tennessee 42, Oakland 21: TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders

The game might've been competitive in the first half but without Josh Jacobs, due to an injury, the Raiders couldn't quite get anything going to take a lead. Ryan Tannehill threw the ball for 391 yards with three touchdowns while throwing a pick in the game. Derrick Henry had a good day with 103 yards rushing while going into the endzone for two times. Derek Carr played better with his 263 yards with two passing touchdowns. Deandre Washington would get the start for Oakland with Jacobs out. Washington would put up 53 yards with a touchdown. The Raiders defense is just... blegh.

All-time series: Raiders lead 30-21

Next week: Tennessee: vs Houston; Oakland: vs Jacksonville (last game at the Coliseum)

TW: 7-7; CV: 8-6

Seattle 12, LA Rams 28: TW: Rams; CV: Seahawks

The Rams gave the 49ers a chance to stay in the division race. Russell Wilson threw the ball for 245 yards but wouldn't yards but wouldn't get a touchdown pass in the game. He would also throw an interception in the game while getting 28 yards on the ground. Chris Carson did fine with the ground game with 76 yards but wouldn't score a touchdown. Quandre Diggs would get the only touchdown for Seattle on a pick-six. Jared Goff would get 293 yards passing with two touchdowns while two interceptions. Todd Gurley had a good game with 79 yards rushing with a touchdown. Malcolm Brown would get a rushing touchdown as well with 21 yards.

All-time series: Seahawks lead 24-20

Next week: Seattle: @ Carolina; LA Rams: @ Dallas

TW: 8-7; CV: 8-7

NY Giants 17, Philadelphia 23 (F/OT): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles

The game was fairly interesting. In what might've been Eli Manning's last game, the quarterback finished the game with 203 yards passing with two touchdown passes. Saquon Barkley would muster 66 yards from the ground. Carson Wentz had a similar game but more passing yards with 325 yards and had two touchdowns. Boston Scott got 59 yards rushing with a rushing touchdown. The Eagles are still alive but they will still need a lot of help if they want to get that division crown.

All-time series: Eagles lead 86-85-2

Next week: NY Giants: vs Miami; Philadelphia: @ Washington

TW: 9-7; CV: 9-7

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

Overall: 125-84-1

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

Overall: 128-79-1

See you guys on Wednesday for the Week 15 Picks post!

-Tom

NFL 2019 Week 14 Picks

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming soon to a TV and/or football field near you! Last week was a good week with a record of 10-6 in picks. I hope to continue the good fortune in picks into week 14. In this post I'll talk about the latest playoff picture, an NFL spotlight on the 2000's Patriots, and my picks for the games. Let's get to work!

Playoff Picture: Week 14

We will start with the NFC:

1st seed: New Orleans Saints (10-2) (clinched NFC South)
2nd seed: Seattle Seahawks (10-2)
3rd seed: Green Bay Packers (9-3)
4th seed: Dallas Cowboys (6-6)
5th seed: San Francisco 49ers (10-2)
6th seed: Minnesota Vikings (8-4)

In the hunt:

LA Rams (7-5), Chicago (6-6), Tampa Bay (5-7), Philadelphia (5-7), Carolina (5-7), Washington (3-9)

Eliminated:

Detroit (3-8-1), Arizona (3-8-1), Atlanta (3-9), NY Giants (2-10)

Seattle can clinch a playoff berth with a win or tie. San Francisco can clinch a playoff berth with a win or Rams loss. The NFC east is so terrible this year that the Redskins at 3-9 can clinch a playoff spot (granted its a long shot assuming the Redskins win out and Dallas loses out). Overall still a lot of football to be played in the NFC.

To the AFC:

1st seed: Baltimore Ravens (10-2)
2nd seed: New England Patriots (10-2)
3rd seed: Houston Texans (8-4)
4th seed: Kansas City Chiefs (8-4)
5th seed: Buffalo Bills (9-3)
6th seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5)

In the hunt:

Tennessee Titans (7-5), Oakland Raiders (6-6), Indianapolis Colts (6-6), Cleveland Browns (5-7), Jacksonville (4-8), Denver Broncos (4-8), LA Chargers (4-8), NY Jets (4-8)

Eliminated:

Miami Dolphins (3-9), Cincinnati Bengals (1-11)

Baltimore can clinch the AFC North with a win and a Steelers loss. New England can clinch a playoff berth with a win. Kansas City can clinch the AFC West with a win and Raiders loss. Will be interesting how the 6th seed will play out for the rest of the season.

NFL 100: A Spotlight

Through the first 40 years of their existence, the New England Patriots were the least elite team in the NFL. I mean, when you thought of the NFL's greatest teams before 2000 you thought Steelers, Dolphins, Cowboys, or Packers. All that would change when two men joined the team and the NFL would never be the same again.

Bill Belichek had been a defensive genius under the tutelage of Bill Parcells during the 1980's New York Giants teams and eventually earned a head coaching gig with the Cleveland Browns. When the Browns left in 1995-1996, he didn't join the team to their new gigs at Baltimore. For the next 4 years he would retain his position of defensive coordinator with Bill Parcells during Parcell's stints with the New England Patriots and New York Jets. After the 1999 season, Parcells resigned and Belicheck took on the reigns. It wouldn't last. Belichek would resign as soon as he agreed to be the Jets head coach and bolted to the pastures of New England.

Tom Brady was somewhat of a talented player in college. In four seasons at Michigan he posted 4,773 yards with 30 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He would lead the Wolverines in back-to-back bowl wins in the 1999 Citrus Bowl and the 2000 Orange Bowl. Most scouts didn't look highly at the quarterback to do much in the NFL. His combine stats were even more evident. In the 2000 NFL draft, the Patriots took him with the 199th overall pick in the sixth round. The arrival of Brady and Belichek wouldn't have an immediate impact.

The 2000 season, the first season under Belichek, would see the Patriots finish with a 5-11 record. Partially the reason for the failed season was that many players were out of shape by training camp and Belichek expected players to be in shape for the upcoming season. As of 2019, it would be Patriots last losing season in the Brady-Belichek era.

The 2001 season was a unique one. Their quarterbacks coach died, their starting quarterback got injured in the 2nd week of the season, and the 9/11 attacks. The injury to Drew Bledsoe would lead to a quarterback change. Eventually, the Patriots became the surprise story in 2001 with Brady at the helm finishing with a 11-5 record. They would beat the Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers en route to their 3rd super bowl in franchise history. They would shock and upset the favored St. Louis Rams to win their 1st championship.

The following season was a letdown as the team finished with a 9-7 record, good enough for 2nd place in the division but the New York Jets held the tiebreaker and would win the division. The season would also be the last to have less than 10 wins in a regular season in the Brady-Belichek era.

The 2003 Patriots returned with a focus to do better than the previous season. An opening day loss to the Buffalo Bills with the score of 31-0 would be the biggest loss in the era. Not also to mention that Drew Bledsoe and Lawyer Milloy were on that Bills team (they had been part of the 2001 Patriots championship). With a 2-2 record staring in front of them, the Patriots would enjoy their longest winning streak in the era, and in NFL history. They wouldn't lose another game after going 2-2 until Week 8 of the 2004 season. The team accumulated a 14-2 record with playoff wins against the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts and beat the Carolina Panthers to win their 2nd championship.

In 2004, the Patriots continued what they started in 2003 and finished with a 14-2 record. They garnered playoff wins against the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers. They won their 3rd championship in four years beating the Philadelphia Eagles. They would be the 2nd team behind the Dallas Cowboys to win three championships in four years. Three out of four ain't bad. Continuing their championship success after it would be the hard part.

The next two seasons would see continued regular season success but would fail to win a championship. In 2005, they finished with a 10-6 record starting out 4-4 and finishing strong with a 6-2 finish. They beat the Jacksonville Jaguars in the wild card round but would lose to the Denver Broncos in the divisional playoff and ended their 10-game playoff win streak. The 2006 Patriots would have a better record at 12-4 and would get playoff wins against the New York Jets and San Diego Chargers. The Patriots would fail to get back to the Super Bowl when they lost a heartbreaker to the Indianpolis Colts in the AFC championship.

The 2007 Patriots would be one for the ages. The team would finish the regular season with a 16-0 record with a high powered offense with a defense to match. They would win playoff games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers to get them to 18 wins, with one game away to getting that elusive "perfect season" that had been set by the 1972 Miami Dolphins. The Patriots fell short of the accomplishment as Eli Manning hit Plaxico Burress with the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLII.

The following season would be without Tom Brady as he would be injured with an ACL tear against the Kansas City Chiefs on Opening Day. The loss of Brady and the rise of Matt Cassel would give the Patriots a 11-5 record but failed to make the postseason. It would be the last time the Patriots missed the playoffs in the era.

The last year of the decade would see the rise of Tom Brady. Brady would win the NFL Comeback Player of The Year award. The Patriots would finish the 2009 season with a 10-6 record in the regular season. In the Wild Card round of the playoffs, Tom Brady would play his worst game as the Patriots lost to the Baltimore Ravens 33-14, finishing the decade that had brought championships earlier in the decade.

It certainly is hard to compare which team of the decade is better: the 2000's Patriots or the 2010's Patriots. What both really have in common is that both utilized on the same strategy, win in various ways. This really holds true as Bill Belichek and the coaching staff are hard to predict in what they'll do. They might go with a running emphasis, or a pass-heavy concept. You literally can't tell what they'll do, thus they're hard to prepare for.

Week 14 Picks

Week 14 in the National Football League will start in Chicago, Illinois and finish in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. No teams are on a bye this week. There will be a Thursday night game, nine early games, four late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. CBS will have the double-header this week while FOX will have the single, regional game. Here are the picks:

Dallas (6-6) @ Chicago (6-6) (FOX/NFL Network): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys

The Cowboys lost to the Bills and the Bears beat the Lions last week. Dallas needs to get this win as they're way more talented on paper to let this opportunity blow them by. Philadelphia has a weaker schedule than Dallas. I'll take Dallas based on their better offense.

Detroit (3-8-1) @ Minnesota (8-4) (FOX): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings

Both teams lost last week as the Lions lost to the Bears and the Vikings lost to the Seahawks. The game will be more than likely a 10+ point margin as I feel the Vikings defense will challenge Jeff Driskel/Matthew Stafford to throw the ball. The previous meeting in Detroit was a pretty resounding win for Minnesota so I'll take the Vikings on defense alone as well as offense.

Denver (4-8) @ Houston (8-4) (CBS): TW: Texans; CV: Texans

Both teams got wins last week as the Broncos beat the Chargers and the Texans beat the Patriots. Houston has a well-rounded offense with both pass and run. Denver has their work cut out for them as I don't know how they could possibly stop them. As much as I can't trust either team, the name of the game is who I think will win and I feel Houston will do it based on offensive performance. 

Indianapolis (6-6) @ Tampa Bay (5-7) (CBS): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Colts

The Colts lost to the Titans and the Buccaneers beat the Jaguars last week. The game will depend on how well the Colts can get their running game going as they can't be one-dimensional against a well-balanced Bucs team at home. Maybe Jameis Winston will throw a few touchdowns and no interceptions. 

San Francisco (10-2) @ New Orleans (10-2) (FOX): TW: Saints; CV: 49ers

The 49ers lost to the Ravens and the Saints beat the Falcons last week. The early slate of games have a really good match-up in this one. Both teams have great offenses and defenses. The key to the game is how the Saints can get the crowd noise up loud to affect the communications of the 49ers offense. The 49ers need to do do the opposite and take the crowd out of it. 

Washington (3-9) @ Green Bay (9-3) (FOX): TW: Packers; CV: Packers

Both teams won last week as the Redskins beat the Panthers and the Packers beat the Giants. The game is somewhat intriguing as its a good test of how well the Packers defense will react to a rookie quarterback for the 2nd straight week. If the Packers defense can cause mayhem and provide balance on offense, they should get a solid win.

Cincinnati (1-11) @ Cleveland (5-7) (CBS): TW: Browns; CV: Browns

The Bengals got a win against the Jets and the Browns lost to the Steelers. Despite having a down season, Cleveland still has a chance to get into the playoffs and if they want to do it, they have a good shot to get a win as the Bengals aren't that great on either side of the ball. I'll take Cleveland based on the things that got them to five wins: balanced attack and solid defense.

Miami (3-9) @ NY Jets (4-8) (CBS): TW: Jets; CV: Jets

The Dolphins got a win against the Eagles and the Jets lost to the Bengals. Only real reason why I'm taking the Jets is that the Dolphins are essentially trying to tank, yet they somehow keep on winning. If the Dolphins win I'll be happy for them, same for the Jets. I tend to like the Jets defense in favor against the Dolphins offense. 

Carolina (5-7) @ Atlanta (3-9) (FOX): TW: Panthers; CV: Panthers

Both teams lost last week as the Panthers lost to the Redskins and the Falcons lost to the Saints. The previous meeting didn't go in the Panthers favor. I feel this game will be in favor for Carolina as they have a great player in Christian McCaffrey and they need to get him involved in the game The defense of Carolina needs to stop Atlanta as well.

Baltimore (10-2) @ Buffalo (9-3) (CBS): TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens

Both teams got wins last week as the Ravens beat the 49ers and the Bills beat the Cowboys. Buffalo has had a nice season and they will have another test to prove how good they are. The match-up I feel is more in favor for Baltimore as Lamar Jackson's ability to run and pass the ball are legit. Ultimately I feel the game will be close but I feel the Ravens will get a win. 

LA Chargers (4-8) @ Jacksonville (4-8) (FOX): TW: Jaguars; CV: Chargers

Both teams lost last week as the Chargers lost to the Broncos and the Jaguars lost to the Buccaneers. This game could be an interesting one if you enjoy offenses as both have good running backs. Last week proves that the Chargers will find ways to lose. The Jaguars just might lose this game but I can't keep giving the Chargers the pick every week if they do that to me. It breaks my poor heart.

Kansas City (8-4) @ New England (10-2) (CBS): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots

The Chiefs beat the Raiders and the Patriots lost to the Texans last week. The marquee game features last year's AFC Championship Game. New England needs to get off to a fast start in this one as they were down early last week. The game will also be a huge test to stop Patrick Mahomes for the Patriots defense. Ultimately I'll take New England based on their record at home. It's pretty good.

Pittsburgh (7-5) @ Arizona (3-8-1) (CBS): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers

The Steelers beat the Browns and the Cardinals lost to the Rams last week. The game seems to be in favor for Pittsburgh as both sides of the ball are really good, especially on defense. I'll take the Steelers. Devlin Hodges will have limited weapons but I feel he can get the job done. 

Tennessee (7-5) @ Oakland (6-6) (CBS): TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders

The Titans got a win against the Colts and the Raiders lost to the Chiefs. Oakland ran into a buzzsaw against the Chiefs. They have a chance to have a rebound game against the hot Titans at home. Derek Carr needs to play better in making smart throws. Josh Jacobs will have a solid day. Oakland needs to slow down Derrick Henry as well. Tough task for Oakland but I'll take them. 

Seattle (10-2) @ LA Rams (7-5) (NBC): TW: Rams; CV: Seahawks

Both teams got wins last week as the Seahawks beat the Vikings and the Rams beat the Cardinals. The game will depend on how well on offense the Rams can get on to. Rams defense will have their hands full in this one as they will have to deal with the balanced attack of Russell Wilson and Chris Carson. 

NY Giants (2-10) @ Philadelphia (5-7) (ESPN): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles

Both teams lost last week as the Giants lost to the Packers and the Eagles lost to the Dolphins. The week finishes up with an intriguing match-up. Can the Giants upset the Eagles and kill their playoff chances? Can the Eagles stay focused and stay in the hunt? I tend to go with the latter as the Eagles offense has been solid. The real question is how well the defense can play against the Giants offense. I'll play it safe and take the home team in this game. 

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

Overall: 116-77-1

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

Overall: 119-72-1

See you guys after the Monday night game for the Week 14 recap. Enjoy the games!

-Tom

NFL 2019 Week 13 Recap

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has passed us by. The week that was Week 12 brought me with a 10-4 record in picks. We shall have to see how well I did this week. In this post I'll talk about the 1990's Cowboys as well as a recap of the games. Let's get to work!

NFL 100: A Spotlight

From the late 1960's to the early 1980's the Dallas Cowboys would enjoy immeasurable playoff success, culimating with two Super Bowl wins under head coach Tom Landry. By the late 1980's however, the Boys were in decline as many of the stars were aging and new leadership was needed in Big D. Including new blood in head coach.

On February 28th, 1989, the Dallas Cowboys were bought by business tycoon Jerry Jones. Jones first action of business was to fire long-time head coach Tom Landry and fire general manager Tex Schramm as Jones would assume GM duties. Landry's replacement was Jones' teammate at Arkansas and University of Miami (Florida) head coach Jimmy Johnson.

The 1989 season would finish as the worst in franchise history as the Cowboys finished with a 1-15 record. That was the bad news. The good news was that during the season the Cowboys traded their only pro-bowl player in Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings in one of the most lopsided trades in sports.

The trade would send Walker to the Vikings in exchange of five veteran players as well as a whopping eight draft choices that would lead to the Cowboys drafting Emmitt Smith. Walker would last in Minnesota until the end of the 1991 season.

The Cowboys would rebound from 1989 to finish 1990 with a 7-9 record. In 1991, they finished with a 11-5 record, their first winning season since 1985 and into the playoffs. They would win against the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round before losing to the Detroit Lions in a 38-6 rout in the Divisional playoffs (the Lions first playoff win since 1957). The Cowboys were getting better and the world could only dream how far they could go.

The 1992 Cowboys would have the 2nd best record in the NFC with a 13-3 record. They easily handled the Philadelphia Eagles 34-10 in the divisional round. They would beat the San Francisco 49ers in Candlestick Park with a 30-20 win enroute to their first Super Bowl appearance since Super Bowl XIII. They easily handled the Buffalo Bills in a 52-17 blowout to win their 3rd championship in franchise history.

The 1993 Cowboys would see the same success as the year before except for some controversy. Emmitt Smith wanted a new contract and Jerry Jones wouldn't budge. As a result Smith would holdout. After an 0-2 start, Jones would give in and give Smith a new contract. The Cowboys would finish the season with a 12-2 finish. They would beat the Green Bay Packers 27-17 in the divisional playoffs and win their 2nd consecutive game against the 49ers 38-21. Dallas would win back-to-back Super Bowls as the Cowboys beat the Bills 30-13. It would seem that the Cowboys would stay on top for quite a long time, but it would not be the case. Jimmy Johnson would resign from Cowboys head coach a month after Super Bowl XXVIII.

The Cowboys appointed Barry Switzer, the former Oklahoma head coach, to be on the sidelines for Dallas. Switzer would be a complete opposite from Johnson in terms of control and discipline. He would delegate more control to his coaches and wouldn't lay down the law in the locker room. The Cowboys in 1994 would finish with a 12-4 record and a playoff win against the Packers but wouldn't finish the three-peat as the 49ers would get their revenge over the Cowboys.

In 1995, the season would be full of drama as Barry Switzer's relationship with Cowboys quarterback, Troy Aikman, would be under the microscope. Nevertheless, the Cowboys finished with a 12-4 record and would beat the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers enroute to their 3rd Super Bowl in four years. They would beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17.

From 1996 to 1999 they would win only one playoff game and finished with a 10-6, 6-10, 10-6, and 8-8 record in those years respectively. Barry Switzer would be let go after the 1997 season. Dallas wouldn't win another playoff game until the 2009 season.

The 1990's Cowboys were one of the biggest "what-if" scenarios in NFL history. What would've happened if Jimmy Johnson stayed on as head coach after the 1993 season? It would be hard to say but one thing is for certain, the Cowboys haven't had the same kind of success since then. Let alone win a Super Bowl since 1995. Granted it helps if you have a lot of draft picks and the personnel to utilize those draft picks and orchestrate the talent. Their place in NFL history is assured.

Week 13 Recap

Chicago 24, Detroit 20: TW: Bears; CV: Bears

The redemption of Mitchell Trubisky! The Mitch finished the game with 338 yards with three touchdowns while throwing an interception. He easily had one of his best games, perhaps he finally is getting some confidence. Devin Montgomery did fine in the ground game with 75 yards rushing. David Blough got his first NFL start in this one, finishing the game with 280 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Bo Scarbourough was the leading rusher in the game with 83 yards. They may be out of the playoffs but that can be a good thing to help build Trubisky up a bit.

All-time series: Bears lead 101-74-3

Next week: Chicago: vs Dallas (Thursday); Detroit: @ Minnesota

TW: 1-0; CV: 1-0

Buffalo 26, Dallas 15: TW: Cowboys; CV: Bills

Typical Cowboys fashion. They play down to their competition. Josh Allen finished the game with 231 yards with a touchdown. John Brown would also throw a touchdown on a 28-yard pass play. Allen would also score a rushing touchdown while running it for 43 yards. Devin Singletary would run the ball for 63 yards. Dak Prescott threw the ball for 355 yards with two touchdowns while throwing an interception. Ezekiel Elliot racked up yards but didn't score a touchdown as he ran for 71 yards. Buffalo should earn some respect after this win for sure.

All-time series: Cowboys lead 8-5

Next week: Buffalo: vs Baltimore; Dallas: @ Chicago (Thursday)

TW: 1-1; CV: 2-0

New Orleans 26, Atlanta 18: TW: Saints; CV: Saints

The Saints get their 3rd straight division title. Drew Brees wasn't slinging the ball like he used to but he threw the ball for 184 yards with a touchdown. Alvin Kamara ran the ball for 61 yards but didn't score a touchdown. Taysom Hill would score a rushing touchdown with 33 yards on the ground. Matt Ryan threw the ball for 312 yards with two touchdowns while throwing two picks. Devonta Freeman ran the ball for 51 yards. Hopefully your Thanksgiving was fun with lots of food and good company.

All-time series: Falcons lead 53-49

Next week: New Orleans: vs San Francisco; Atlanta: vs Carolina

TW: 2-1; CV: 3-0

San Francisco 17, Baltimore 20: TW: Ravens; CV: 49ers

While the game wasn't shown in my area, but rest assured, this game was a really stellar one. Jimmy Garoppolo threw the ball for 165 yards with a touchdown. Raheem Mostert had a really good game on the ground with 146 yards with a touchdown. His longest run was for 40 yards. Lamar Jackson scored the touchdowns this game for the Ravens with both his arm and legs. Jackson threw the ball for 101 yards with a touchdown while running the ball for 105 yards with a touchdown. Justin Tucker would hit a 49-yard field goal to win it for the Ravens. If this was a potential Super Bowl preview, this would be a worthy candidate.

All-time series: Ravens lead 5-2

Next week: San Francisco: @ New Orleans; Baltimore: @ Buffalo

TW: 3-1; CV: 3-1

Tampa Bay 28, Jacksonville 11: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Jaguars

HOLY SHIT! JAMEIS WINSTON DIDN'T THROW AN INTERCEPTION! Jameis Winston finished the game with 268 yards but didn't throw a touchdown in the game either. Peyton Barber would provide the offensive touchdowns for the Bucs with two while running the ball for 44 yards. Devin White would score a touchdown on a Nick Foles fumble. Nick Foles was pretty bad in the game as he threw for 93 yards with an interception. He would get benched in favor of Gardner Minshew. Minshew threw the ball for 147 yards with a touchdown but also threw an interception in the game for Jacksonville. Much too late for Jacksonville.

All-time series: Jaguars lead 4-3

Next week: Tampa Bay: vs Indianapolis; Jacksonville: vs LA Chargers

TW: 4-1; 3-2

Tennessee 31, Indianapolis 17: TW: Titans; CV: Colts

The Titans continue to have success with Ryan Tannehill as quarterback. Tannehill didn't have a 300-yard game but did well enough to put up 184 yards passing with two touchdowns. Derrick Henry had a good day on the ground as he racked up 149 yards with a touchdown against the Colts defense. Tye Smith would score a touchdown on an Adam Vinatieri blocked field goal. Jacoby Brissett threw the ball for 319 yards with a touchdown but threw two interceptions in the game. Nyheim Hines ran the ball for 22 yards with a touchdown while Jordan Wilkins ran the ball for 47 yards. If the Titans get in the playoffs, this team can get dangerous with their balance on offense.

All-time series: Colts lead 34-17

Next week: Tennessee: @ Oakland; Indianapolis: @ Tampa Bay

TW: 5-1; CV: 3-3

Washington 29, Carolina 21: TW: Panthers; CV: Panthers

When the Redskins defense held Christian McCaffrey to 102 total yards. Dwayne Haskins was more of a field manager in this game as he threw 147 yards with zero touchdowns while not playing smart in throwing no interceptions. Derrius Guice ran the ball for 129 yards with two touchdowns while Adrian Peterson ran for 99 yards with a touchdown. Kyle Allen threw the ball for 278 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. McCaffrey ran the ball for 44 yards while Kyle Allen ran the ball for 22 yards with a touchdown. What's wrong with Carolina?

All-time series: Redskins lead 9-6

Next week: Washington: @ Green Bay; Carolina: @ Atlanta

TW: 5-2; CV: 3-4

Philadelphia 31, Miami 37: TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles

This was certainly a surprise. Carson Wentz threw the ball for 310 yards with threw touchdowns and an interception. Miles Sanders ran the ball for 83 yards but wouldn't score a rushing touchdown. Ryan Fitzpatrick had one of his best games of the season in this game as he threw for 365 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Matt Haack, the Dolphins punter, would throw a touchdown to Jason Sanders, the Dolphins kicker, in the game as well. Patrick Laird would run the ball for 4 yards but would score a touchdown but Albert Wilson ran the ball for 31 yards. Philly needs a defense.

All-time series: Dolphins lead 9-6

Next week: Philadelphia: vs NY Giants; Miami: @ NY Jets

TW: 5-3; CV: 3-5

NY Jets 6, Cincinnati 22: TW: Jets; CV: Jets

That long shot that I said in the Picks post on Wednesday turned out to be a pretty good shot. Sam Darnold threw the ball for 239 yards but didn't throw a touchdown in the game but didn't get picked off either. Le'Veon Bell could only put up 34 yards on 10 carries. Andy Dalton threw the ball for 243 yards with a touchdown in his return from an injury. Joe Mixon ran the ball for 44 yards with a touchdown. The 2008 Lions and 2017 Browns can sleep easy tonight knowing the Cincinnati Bengals won't go 0-16.

All-time series: Jets lead 17-10

Next week: NY Jets: vs Miami; Cincinnati: @ Cleveland

TW: 5-4; CV: 3-6

Green Bay 31, NY Giants 13: TW: Packers; CV: Packers

The Packers offense responded with a great game. Aaron Rodgers threw the ball for 243 yards with four touchdowns in the game, certainly better than last week for sure. Jamaal Williams ran the ball for 41 yards with zero touchdowns. Daniel Jones threw the ball for a touchdown and threw three interceptions in the game. Saquon Barkley ran the ball for 83 yards while not scoring a rushing touchdown. Always enjoyed snow games even if it was slushy snow.

All-time series: Packers lead 34-26-2

Next week: Green Bay: vs Washington; NY Giants: @ Philadelphia

TW: 6-4; CV: 4-6

Cleveland 13, Pittsburgh 20: TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers

Rest in peace my Browns to the playoffs prediction in the preseason. Baker Mayfield threw the ball for 196 yards with a touchdown while throwing an interception (note that it was late in the game). Nick Chubb ran the ball for 58 yards while scoring no touchdowns in the game. Devlin "Duck" Hodges threw the ball for 212 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Benny Snell had another good game with 63 yards with a touchdown. Freddie Kitchens with the "Pittsburgh Started It" t-shirt definitely makes you quite a role model for your players indeed.

All-time series: Steelers lead 76-59-1

Next week: Cleveland: vs Cincinnati; Pittsburgh: @ Arizona

TW: 7-4; CV: 5-6

LA Rams 34, Arizona 7: TW: Rams; CV: Rams

To rebound from a 45-6 loss to the Ravens last week, this Rams team made quite a bit of strides. Jared Goff threw the ball for 424 yards with two touchdowns. Todd Gurley ran the ball for 95 yards with a touchdown as well. Kyler Murray could only put up 163 yards with an interception and would score the only touchdown for the Cardinals with a rushing touchdown. Kenyan Drake ran the ball for 37 yards. The season might be lost but at least get some spark for next season if you're the Rams.

All-time series: Rams lead 42-38-2

Next week: LA Rams: vs Seattle; Arizona: vs Pittsburgh

TW: 8-4; CV: 6-6

LA Chargers 20, Denver 23: TW: Chargers; CV: Broncos

The game was a bit entertaining than the other two late games but heartbreaking for Chargers fans... if they still have any. Phillip Rivers threw the ball for 265 yards with two touchdowns while throwing an interception. Melvin Gordon almost ran for the century mark at 99 yards with zero touchdowns scored. Drew Lock got the start for Denver and finished the game with 134 yards with two touchdowns as well as one interception. Phillip Lindsay ran the ball for 58 yards for the Broncos. At least you'll be moving into a new stadium next year Chargers.

All-time series: Broncos lead 68-52-1

Next week: LA Chargers: @ Jacksonville; Denver: @ Houston

TW: 8-5; CV: 7-6

Oakland 9, Kansas City 40: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs

The game was over by the time Oakland put up 3 points to get themselves on the board at around 5:45 pm (central time), then CBS switched it to Chargers-Broncos. Derek Carr threw for 222 yards with a touchdown while throwing two costly interceptions. Josh Jacobs did have a nice game on the ground with 104 yards on 17 carries. Patrick Mahomes did fine, stats wise with 175 yards with a touchdown pass. The Chiefs running game did all the scoring as Darwin Thompson was the leading rusher with 44 yards and a touchdown. Patrick Mahomes and LeSean McCoy would also score a rushing touchdown with 25 and 10 yards respectively on the ground. Not quite the game that people were hoping for in this ancient rivalry.

All-time series: Chiefs lead 67-53-2

Next week: Oakland: vs Tennessee; Kansas City: @ New England

TW: 9-5; CV: 8-6

New England 22, Houston 28: TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots

By the time the Patriots got back into striking distance, the game was already too late. Tom Brady started off slow but finished the game with 326 yards passing with three touchdowns and an interception. James White would have a decent day on the ground attack with 79 yards rushing. DeShaun Watson threw the ball for 234 yards with three touchdowns while throwing no interceptions in the game. Duke Johnson was the leading rusher for Houston with 36 yards. Could there be no repeat for the Pats? Who knows.

All-time series: Patriots lead 10-2

Next week: New England: vs Kansas City; Houston: vs Denver

TW: 9-6; CV: 8-7

Minnesota 30, Seattle 37: TW: Seahawks; CV: Vikings

The Kirk Cousins interception cost me a win in fantasy football! Cousins did fine in the game nonetheless with 276 yards passing with two touchdowns. Dalvin Cook ran the ball for a low number of 29 yards with a touchdown though. Anthony Harris would get a pick-six on a play close to the line of scrimmage as he had to go 15 yards to go grab it and run it in for a score. Russell Wilson had similar numbers as he threw for 240 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The tandem of Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny overmatched the Vikings defense as both runners racked up 102 and 74 yards respectively with a touchdown each. Vikings fans can argue about the PI no call but when your "great defense" gives up that much rushing yards, you might have to look yourselves in the mirror and admit that you lost. Good game though.

All-time series: Seahawks lead 11-5

Next week: Minnesota: vs Detroit; Seattle: @ LA Rams

TW: 10-6; CV: 8-8

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

Overall: 116-77-1

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

Overall: 119-72-1

See you guys/gals on Wednesday for the Week 14 Picks post! 

-Tom