NFL 2021 Super Bowl LVI Recap + Preseason Picks & Awards Recap

 Hello readers! The 2021 NFL season finished with a superb ending to Super Bowl LVI as the Los Angeles Rams persevered and beat the Cincinnati Bengals. The win was the Rams first championship since the days of the Greatest Show On Turf as the St. Louis Rams and the first since 1951 as the Los Angeles Rams. 

The Super Bowl is sadly over and hopefully you got to enjoy it with some food, friends and/or family. At least one of those combinations possibly. Sadly there won't be football again until at least early August. In this post I'll be doing a recap of my preseason predictions that I had made back in September prior to Week 1 that includes standings, playoff and awards picks. I'll also be doing a recap of the big game and my grades on the commercials and the halftime show. Let's get to work!

Preseason Picks + Awards Recap

Prior to Week 1 I had made a preseason picks post about who will finish in each division, how will the playoffs shake out and who will covet the awards. Usually I get most of them wrong like most people but we shall see how well I do this year.

Division Standings

NFC East:

Dallas Cowboys (picked to finish 1st; actual standing 1st place): Correct
Washington Football Team (picked to finish 2nd; actual standing 3rd): Incorrect
New York Giants (picked to finish 3rd; actual standing 4th): Incorrect
Philadelphia Eagles (picked to finish 4th; actual standing 2nd): Incorrect

Well definitely screwed up on thinking the Eagles would finish in 4th place in the division. At least the Cowboys got it right.

NFC North:

Green Bay Packers (picked to finish 1st, actual standing 1st): Correct
Minnesota Vikings (picked to finish 2nd, actual standing 2nd): Correct
Chicago Bears (picked to finish 3rd, actual standing 3rd): Correct
Detroit Lions (picked to finish 4th, actual standing 4th): Correct

One of the few times I actually got an entire division correct. Thanks NFC North for making me look good. 

NFC South:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (picked to finish 1st, actual standing 1st): Correct
New Orleans Saints (picked to finish 2nd, actual standing 2nd): Correct
Carolina Panthers (picked to finish 3rd, actual standing 4th): Incorrect
Atlanta Falcons (picked to finish 4th, actual standing 3rd): Incorrect

Got the first two right and the next two wrong. Guess I didn't figure the Falcons defense and Panthers offense would be the complete opposite back in September.

NFC West:

San Francisco 49ers (picked to finish 1st, ended up finishing 3rd): Incorrect
Seattle Seahawks (picked to finish 2nd, finished in 4th): Incorrect
Los Angeles Rams (picked to finish 3rd, finished in 1st): Incorrect
Arizona Cardinals (picked to finish 4th, finished in 2nd): Incorrect

Okay look, the NFC West was a tough division to pick and going into this season it would be that case. Can't win them all. 

AFC East:

Buffalo Bills (picked to finish 1st, finished in 1st): Correct
New England Patriots (picked to finish 2nd, finished in 2nd): Correct
Miami Dolphins (picked to finish 3rd, finished in 3rd): correct
New York Jets (picked to finish 4th, finished in 4th): correct

Didn't quite get the Dolphins in the playoffs pick right but other than that the AFC East was another division I got right. 

AFC North:

Pittsburgh Steelers (picked to finish 1st, finished in 2nd): Incorrect
Baltimore Ravens (picked to finish 2nd, finished in 4th): Incorrect
Cleveland Browns (picked to finish 3rd, finished in 3rd): correct
Cincinnati Bengals (picked to finish 4th, finished in 1st): Incorrect

Oh boy, sorry Bengals fans, I seriously got that prediction way off. At least the Brownies made me look good. 

AFC South:

Tennessee Titans (picked to finish 1st, finished in 1st): Correct
Indianapolis Colts (picked to finish 2nd, finished in 2nd): Correct
Jacksonville Jaguars (picked to finish 3rd, finished in 4th): Incorrect
Houston Texans (picked to finish 4th, finished in 3rd): Incorrect

Well it was really and truly a Titans vs Colts division and it was proven true. Just wished the Jaguars and Texans could've just switched places to make me feel good. 

AFC West: 

Kansas City Chiefs (picked to finish 1st, finished in 1st): Correct
Los Angeles Chargers (picked to finish 2nd, finished in 3rd): Incorrect
Las Vegas Raiders (picked to finish 3rd, finished in 2nd): Incorrect
Denver Broncos (picked to finish 4th, finished in 4th): Correct

So that Chargers-Raiders game to finish the regular season could've been a case of me getting it right. At least the Chiefs and Broncos made it right. 

Overall score: 15 out of 32 correct. 

Playoff predictions:

NFC:

1st seed: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (incorrect, 2nd seed)
2nd seed: Green Bay Packers (incorrect, 1st seed)
3rd seed: San Francisco 49ers (incorrect, 6th seed)
4th seed: Dallas Cowboys (incorrect, 3rd seed)
5th seed: Seattle Seahawks (Incorrect, didn't make playoffs)
6th seed: Los Angeles Rams (incorrect, 4th seed)
7th seed: Minnesota Vikings (incorrect didn't make playoffs)

AFC: 

1st seed: Kansas City Chiefs (incorrect, 2nd seed)
2nd seed: Tennessee Titans (incorrect, 1st seed)
3rd seed: Buffalo Bills (correct, 3rd seed)
4th seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (incorrect, 7th seed)
5th seed: New England Patriots (incorrect, 6th seed)
6th seed: Cleveland Browns (incorrect, didn't make playoffs)
7th seed: Baltimore Ravens (incorrect, didn't make playoffs)

Super Bowl Pick:
Buccaneers over Bills (Both incorrect)

Awards: 

MVP: Patrick Mahomes (incorrect)
Offensive Player of the Year: Nick Chubb (incorrect)
Defensive Player of the Year: TJ Watt (correct)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Najee Harris (incorrect)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Micah Parsons (correct)
Comeback Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey (incorrect)
Coach of the Year: Kyle Shanahan (incorrect)

Overall, I feel most of my predictions were fairly spot on. Granted I made these back in early September prior to Week 1. 

Super Bowl LVI Recap

LA Rams 23, Cincinnati 20: TW: Rams; CV: Bengals
On the 56th edition of Super Bowl Sunday the Rams and Bengals put on a show for the masses. Matthew Stafford would get his first start in a Super Bowl game and would get things started with a 17-yard toss to Odell Beckham Jr to put up six points in the middle of the 1st quarter. Cincinnati would struggle to get down the field in the first quarter but would get close to give kicker Evan McPherson a field goal attempt from 29 yards that would give the Bengals a 7-3 deficit to close the 1st quarter. 

The Rams would answer back to the Bengals score with a scoring march of their own that would culminate with a 11-yard Stafford to Kupp touchdown. On the ensuing point after the placeholder Johnny Hekker would bobble the snap and attempted a pass to kicker Matt Gay that would be intercepted by Germaine Pratt but the play wouldn't matter as he would end up getting tackled. Sadly it wouldn't be a James Harrison play. Needing a score to get close to the Rams by halftime the Bengals would drive down the field with their running attack. Cincinnati would get some trickery as Joe Burrow would toss a ball to Joe Mixon who would toss it to Tee Higgins for a score. The score at halftime would be a 13-10 margin. 

With Cincinnati having the ball the Bengals got to work as Joe Burrow would find Tee Higgins for a 75-yard touchdown on the 1st play. The play would be controversial as Higgins would have some contact on Jalen Ramsey that would've been offensive pass interference. Nevertheless the Bengals would take a 17-13 lead. On the next Rams series, Matthew Stafford would toss a bad pass that would get intercepted Chidobe Awuzie. The next Bengals series would result in a field goal that would give the Bengals a 20-13 lead. Towards the latter half of the 3rd quarter Matt Gay would hit a 41-yard field goal that would cut the Bengals lead to 20-16. 

A big adjustment that the Rams would make was to have more aggressive playcalls on defense to rush the passer. Joe Burrow would be sacked only once during the 1st half. Burrow would be sacked six times during the 2nd half. One such play that the Rams would sack Burrow on would be a pileup that would have Burrow holding his leg and would hobble off the field. Fortunately for the Bengals faithful, he would return. 

The only scoring in the 4th quarter would come on the final two minutes of the game as Matthew Stafford would find Cooper Kupp in single coverage and beat Eli Apple for the game-winning touchdown. The Rams would come back and beat the Bengals 23-20. 

Matthew Stafford would have a rough game but would finish with 283 yards passing with three touchdowns and had two interceptions. Cam Akers would struggle to get the ball rolling as he rushed for 13 times on 21 yards. Cooper Kupp would catch eight balls for 92 yards and won the game's MVP. 

Joe Burrow would play well in his first start as he passed for 263 yards with a touchdown. Joe Mixon would throw his first pass in his career and would go for a 6-yard touchdown. Joe Mixon would have better luck in running the ball as he rushed for 72 yards on 15 carries. Tee Higgins would catch four balls for 100 yards. 

One play that stood out to me for the Rams was the failed point after attempt. Special teams blunders can keep you in games in the regular season but in the Super Bowl it matters. A lot of fingers would be pointed at that play if the Rams lost the Super Bowl.

For the Bengals one play that stuck out to me was the Tyler Boyd dropped pass. You can have zero drops in the regular season and the playoffs but in the game that matters you have to step up and play well. You have to be ready for your moment. 

Super Bowl Commercials Grade:

I have to give the commercials this year a high grade. I'd give it a A-. There were a lot of commercials that I particularly enjoyed. The Larry David commercial was quite enjoyable and funny. The Retired Zeus Commercial was also funny. My favorite one was the one that was done by the NFL with the Mini Video Game figures: 

The only real reason I wouldn't give it a better grade would be one of the crypto commercials with the floating QR code on the screen. I didn't understand it and I guess later on it was a thing for a giveaway or something. The commercials this year were better than last year or the year before.

Super Bowl Halftime Show Grade:

Like most people's opinion on the Halftime show, I thought it was great. Most recent acts were newer artists and the ones before that were by artists in their late 60's that certainly my parents would've enjoyed at a Super Bowl party. If you were born in 1980 through 1994 you can definitely dig the music that Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg put on. At least for me I was stoked to see Eminem and the rest were a treat to see and hear. To my generation it was our Halftime show with music that was part of our childhood. I liked the presentation of it too with the map of LA on the field and the set of the show itself. It was quite a great show. I'd give it a A. Prince's performance in Super Bowl XLI is still the best for me but this year's performance was just as good. 

Super Bowl Pick'Em Record:

Super Bowl XXXII: Packers vs Broncos (lost)
Super Bowl XXXIII: Broncos vs Falcons (won)
Super Bowl XXXIV: Rams vs Titans (won)
Super Bowl XXXV: Ravens vs Giants (lost)
Super Bowl XXXVI: Rams vs Patriots (lost)
Super Bowl XXXVII: Raiders vs Buccaneers (lost)
Super Bowl XXXVIII: Panthers vs Patriots (won)
Super Bowl XXXIX: Patriots vs Eagles (won)
Super Bowl XL: Steelers vs Seahawks (lost)
Super Bowl XLI: Colts vs Bears (won)
Super Bowl XLII: Giants vs Patriots (lost)
Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers vs Cardinals (lost)
Super Bowl XLIV: Saints vs Colts (won)
Super Bowl XLV: Steelers vs Packers (won)
Super Bowl XLVI: Giants vs Patriots (lost)
Super Bowl XLVII: Ravens vs 49ers (lost)
Super Bowl XLVIII: Seahawks vs Broncos (lost)
Super Bowl XLIX: Patriots vs Seahawks (lost)
Super Bowl 50: Panthers vs Broncos (lost)
Super Bowl LI: Patriots vs Falcons (won)
Super Bowl LII: Eagles vs Patriots (lost)
Super Bowl LIII: Rams vs Patriots (won)
Super Bowl LIV: 49ers vs Chiefs (lost)
Super Bowl LV: Buccaneers vs Chiefs (won)
Super Bowl LVI: Rams vs Bengals (won)

All-time record: 11-13

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 7-7
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 8-7
Week 12: 8-7
Week 13: 10-4
Week 14: 10-4
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 12-4
Week 17: 13-3
Week 18: 11-5

Total: 173-98-1

Super Wild Card Weekend: 6-0
Divisional Playoff: 0-4
Conference Championship: 1-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 10-5
Week 12: 9-6
Week 13: 7-7
Week 14: 9-5
Week 15: 10-6
Week 16: 11-5
Week 17: 10-6
Week 18: 8-8

Total: 167-104-1

Super Wild Card Weekend: 6-0
Divisional Playoff: 2-2
Conference Championship: 1-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

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

As far as NFL posts are concerned, I won't be posting anything NFL related until possibly after the draft or sometime late July. It has been fun as always writing these blogs and hopefully you readers enjoyed reading them as well. See you then!

-Tom

NFL 2021 Super Bowl LVI Pick

 Hello readers! The last game of the season will soon be upon us next Sunday as the Super Bowl will happen in Los Angeles. Super Bowl LVI will feature the AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals and the NFC Champion Los Angeles Rams. In this post I'll talk about, a season recap for both teams, historical series between the two teams where I pick a game between the two teams, the keys for both teams and my pick to who wins it all. Let's get to work!

Season Recap

Los Angeles Rams

On January 31st, 2021, the Los Angeles Rams made their trade to a possible Super Bowl berth. The trade would involve dealing with fifth-year starter Jared Goff to the Lions in return of veteran Matthew Stafford. It would be a fresh start for Stafford after spending the last 12 years in Detroit where the quarterback would go to the playoffs only twice and lose both times. 

The 2021 Rams were fairly picked by many a playoff contender in a NFC West that was filled with others that looked to be in Super Bowl contender spot. The Cardinals, 49ers and Seahawks all had a shot to get to a playoff spot. It would be the Rams that would get out of the mess as division champions. 

With their all-star team and their quarterback at hand, the Rams would win their first three of four games. The Arizona Cardinals would snap the hot start beating the Rams 37-20. Sean McVay's Rams would rebound from the defeat and would win their next four games by averaging 32 points a game. They would hit a 7-1 record through eight games. 

In what would've been a possible Super Bowl matchup the Titans would beat the Rams without Derrick Henry 28-16. Their toughest loss would be against the rival 49ers on the road in a 31-10 thrashing. With a bye week and a 7-3 record, the Rams were struggling and a turnaround was needed. The Rams would make trades that would bring in Odell Beckham Jr from the Browns and Von Miller from the Broncos. With two stars on offense and defense the Rams looked to get back on track. 

The hope of a rebound would be torpedoed after a back and forth affair against the Green Bay Packers by a 36-28 loss. With a 7-4 record staring at them and the Cardinals and 49ers looking at their struggles as an advantage. The Rams would unleash their offense on an inept Jaguars team that would give them momentum. The win would catapult them to win their next four games including a revenge win against the Cardinals. With a 12-4 record and a possible division championship at stake, a win over the rival 49ers would put them with a 13-4 record. They would ultimately lose to them in an 27-24 overtime loss. They would end up as division champions but they looked vulnerable. 

The Rams would open the playoffs against a familiar foe, the Arizona Cardinals. In a win or die situation the Rams would rout the Cardinals and beat them 34-11 and gave Matthew Stafford his first playoff win in his career. The next opponent would be a tough one. Against the defending champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Rams would put up a 27-3 margin before Tom Brady would lead his team back to a 27-27 tied game. Instead of going into overtime, Matthew Stafford would find his favorite target Cooper Kupp on consecutive throws and would lead them to field goal range that would end the Buccaneers hope of a comeback win. 

In the NFC championship, they would have to face their rivals yet again, the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers had won six straight games, dating back to the 2019 season. In a defensive contest the Rams would exact a measure of revenge over the 49ers by a 20-17 to get to their 5th Super Bowl appearance. 

Cincinnati Bengals

The story of a Super Bowl berth starts with a beginning. On December 22nd, 2019, the Cincinnati Bengals would lose to the Miami Dolphins and clinched the rights to the #1 pick in the 2020 NFL draft. They would use the pick on LSU product Joe Burrow. The 2020 Bengals would go as far as Joe Burrow would take them. A loss to the Washington Football Team would sting worse as Joe Burrow was lost for the season due to injury. The Bengals would finish the season at the cellar of the AFC North with a 4-11-1 record. 

Changes were needed for the 2021 Bengals as they revamped their defense with such free agent signings like Eli Apple from the Panthers or Larry Ogunjobi from the rival Browns. The Bengals also added to their roster via the draft . They used their #5 overall pick on wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase who played with Burrow at LSU. In an odd move, the Bengals drafted a kicker in the fifth round by the name of Evan McPherson. With an improved team on hand, the Bengals looked to get back to relevance. 

The expectations of the 2021 Bengals were modest. If they could keep Joe Burrow healthy and upright they had a shot to do some work. The Steelers, Browns and Ravens were expected to do well in the AFC North. All three teams were playoff teams the previous year so it was expected of them. 

At the start of the season the Bengals looked like more of an average team then a contender as they would beat the Vikings by a field goal in overtime 27-24 by an Evan McPherson. Kind of ironic that he would be key to wins later in the season. The Bengals would lose their first game in a 20-17 contest against the Chicago Bears. 

Everything would change for the Bengals as they shocked the football world and beat their bully the Pittsburgh Steelers by a 24-10 thrashing on the road. They would win again against the Jaguars before losing by an overtime field goal against the Packers. They would go on two win the next two games by scoring 34 points against the Lions and 41 against the Ravens. 

The Bengals would struggle to beat the Jets on the road and the Browns at home and would go into the bye with a 5-4 record. Cincinnati's offense would rebound and beat the Raiders 32-13 and sweep the Steelers 41-10 at home. The Bengals would once again go on a 2-game losing streak as the Chargers and 49ers would beat them and send them back to a 7-6 record. 

In a defensive contest in Denver, the Bengals would stave off a loss by beating the Broncos 15-10. Against the Ravens, the Bengals would add another season sweep as the Bengals beat the Ravens 41-21. They would also beat the defending AFC champion Chiefs in a shootout 34-31. With the starters resting, the Browns would hand the Bengals their 7th loss of the season with a 21-16 defeat. Despite finishing the season with a 10-7 record, the Bengals would survive the rough AFC North as division champions for the first time since 2015. 

The playoff prospects for the Bengals weren't rosy. Not winning a playoff game since 1990 didn't help the Bengals cause either. Nevertheless, the Bengals would hang on and beat the Raiders 26-19 to give them their first playoff win since Sam Wyche's Bengals beat the Oilers. Their journey had begun. 

Against the top-seeded Tennessee Titans, the Bengals would hang with the Titans and capitalized on Titans mistakes. The Titans however would get nine sacks on Joe Burrow. The tight contest would come down to an Evan McPherson field goal that would send the Bengals to their first AFC Championship since 1988. 

In a hostile environment of Arrowhead Stadium against the Chiefs, the Bengals would find themselves with the better sack total than their competition. With a 21-10 deficit at halftime, Joe Burrow would guide his Bengals on a 14-3 run to get the game to overtime. Cincinnati would make life inhospitable for Patrick Mahomes as he would be pressured more in the first half while playing more zone defense. The deciding score would come down to a Evan McPherson field goal that would send the Bengals to their 3rd Super Bowl appearance. 

Bengals-Rams Series History

In the history of the Bengals-Rams series, the Bengals hold a 8-6 record over the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams. The Rams would win the first contest in 1972 by a 15-12 margin. The Bengals would win the next five of the six games in the series. The Rams would win the next three games, including a 38-10 win as the Greatest Show On Turf in 1999. Cincinnati would win the next three of the four games. The most recent game in the series was a Rams 24-10 win in 2019. 

One of the more entertaining games in the series was a Bengals win in overtime by a 34-31 margin in 1990. The Bengals were two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance while the Rams were a year removed from an appearance in the NFC championship. 

Boomer Esiason and Jim Everett would combine for 862 passing yards and five touchdowns in one of the biggest offensive showdowns of the 1990 season. The halftime score would be a 21-7 lead in favor of the Bengals as the Rams would storm back and put up 14 points in the 3rd quarter. The game would come down to a Mike Lansford field goal that would put the Rams at a 31-31 tie going into overtime. It would end up being a waste as Bengals kicker Jim Breech would hit a 44-yard field goal that would give the Bengals their 4th win of the season. Here's a video of the offensive contest. 

At the end of the 1990 season, the Rams would finish the year with a 5-11 record and failed to make it back to the playoffs. The Bengals would be on the opposite side of the spectrum and finish the 1990 season with a 9-7 record and would beat the Oilers in the playoffs but would lose to the Raiders in what would be the Curse of Bo Jackson as the Bengals would lose eight straight playoff games until the 2021 season.

Super Bowl Notes & Tidbits

Super Bowl LVI will take place in Inglewood, California. It'll be the 13th Super Bowl played in the state of California, eight of them have been played in the Greater Los Angeles area. The last five Super Bowls in Los Angeles had been played at the Rose Bowl while the first two were in the LA Coliseum. 

Televising Super Bowl LVI will be NBC. It'll be the 19th Super Bowl that NBC has televised (they televised Super Bowl I (with CBS), III, V, VII, IX, XI, XIII, XV, XVII, XX, XXIII, XXVII, XXVIII, XXX, XXX, XLIII, XLVI, XLIX, and LII). Al Michaels will be doing the play-by-play for the Super Bowl for NBC. It'll be his 11th Super Bowl (he called Super Bowl XXII, XXV, XXIX, XXXIV, XXXVII, XL, XLIII, XLVI, XLIX, and LII). Doing color commentary for NBC will be Cris Collinsworth. It'll be his 5th Super Bowl call (he did Super Bowl XXXIX, XLVI, XLIX and LII). 

The halftime festivities will feature a halftime show done by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. It'll be Mary J. Blige's 2nd Super Bowl appearance (she appeared in Super Bowl XXXV. It will be the 1st appearance for the rest of them. 

For advertising, the cost of a 30-second commercial for the Super Bowl will be an estimated $7 million. Last year, the cost was $5.5 million. Some of the big companies that will have a commercial for the big game will be Budweiser, Coca-Cola, Hyundai and Pepsi. 

The referee for Super Bowl LVI will be Ronald Torbert. He will be refereeing his first Super Bowl. He was an alternate referee for Super Bowl LIII. The rest of his crew will be Umpire Bryan Neale, Down Judge Derick Bowers, Line judge Carl Johnson, Field Judge Rick Patterson, Side Judge Keith Washington, Back Judge Scott Helverson, the replay official will be Roddy Ames and Replay assisstant will be Sean McKee. 

Keys to the Game

Looking at both teams, they seem to be fairly even on paper with one having a better player in one position and another in an other. On offense the two teams have two great passing attacks with wide receivers that can go deep. Their rush offense I would somewhat give an advantage to the Bengals a bit as they have Joe Mixon that can go down the middle and go outside. On defense I might give the nod to the Rams as they really have a defensive line that can really rush the passer with three with Aaron Donald and Von Miller attacking the offensive line. Here are my keys to a win for either team. 

Los Angeles Rams

Protect the ball: The ability to keep the ball out of your opponent's hands will be key to this one. Matthew Stafford may be a veteran but he is vulnerable to throwing interceptions. In the game against the Buccaneers in the Divisional round, they lost four fumbles which might've been the reason why the Bucs almost came back and won. It'll be key to not give any opportunities to the Bengals. 

Mix it up on defense: the Bengals offensive line is a glaring weakness. They gave up nine sacks to the Titans. While they did improve on the offensive line against the Chiefs, they could possibly have a tough time controlling the line of scrimmage against the likes of Aaron Donald and Von Miller. While I wouldn't put a lot of blitzes on Burrow I feel some zone defense would be necessary to win. 

Embrace the pressure: The Rams will be playing in their home stadium, this time with a crowd as the Buccaneers had very little in terms of attendance because of COVID-protocols. The all-in approach for the Rams will also put pressure on them as the Rams are the favorite by 4.5 to win the game. If they don't win the game then their season will be a failure so embrace the pressure and play like the team they are capable of. 

Cincinnati Bengals

Be fearless: Let's be honest, the Bengals have some chance to win this game but not a very good chance. In truth, most people weren't expecting them to be even at this spot. They are the underdog, the unexpected visitor to the Rams home stadium, the world expects them to lose. Zac Taylor needs to take some chances if they're in a 4th and short situation, a trick play or two, or even an onside kick. Take some chances. 

Offensive line needs a big day: The Bengals offensive line has become a punching line in the NFL for the last month and quite frankly, its warranted. They gave up nine sacks in the game against the Titans. They played a better game against the Chiefs but with the likes of Aaron Donald and Von Miller lurking in the defense, they will need to play a stellar game in the run and pass protection game. Everything hinges on keeping Joe Burrow upright and healthy. 

Keep an eye on Cooper Kupp... and everyone else: Let's be fair, Cooper Kupp doesn't get a lot of attention he cares more often about winning than being in the spotlight. With that being said the Bengals pass defense will have to communicate and be on top of Cooper Kupp and everyone else. The Bengals pass defense was 27th in the NFL, giving up 264.6 yards/game. Fortunately the Rams running game doesn't have a very good unit so they will have to focus their attention on pass defense. 

My Super Bowl Pick

LA Rams (15-5) @ Cincinnati Bengals (13-7) (NBC; 6:30 pm):
The 2021 season has now come down to these two teams. You have the Rams that are in their own home stadium trying to win their first championship since they were the St. Louis Rams in 1999, or their first championship as the Los Angeles Rams since 1951. You have the Bengals trying to win their first championship in franchise history. The game itself could be a good one with two fun offenses that feature two quarterbacks that are trying to go for their first ring. You also have two defenses that can rush the passer and have playmakers. I personally don't have any hatred or love for either team as the Rams are a fun team to watch. While they really tried to buy their team to win a championship, they look like a really tough out for the Bengals. I have no hatred for the Bengals either as Joe Burrow was a local Fargo kid for a couple of years as his dad was a defensive coordinator for the North Dakota State University Bison for the 2002 and 2003 seasons. As much as I would root for the underdog in the situation I don't really see how the Rams can possibly lose this game with the talent on the sides of the line of scrimmage. Sorry Bengals fans but I'm going with the Rams. I also have a bet going with Cardinal Viking and he picked the Bengals so if they win I have to pay up. 

TW: Rams; CV: Bengals

Super Bowl Record

I had been doing picks for the Super Bowl roughly since Super Bowl XXXII when the Packers and the Broncos played (yeah I have a good memory fairly). Safe to say there was a long stretch when I had lost three straight Super Bowls and then five straight Super Bowls. 

Super Bowl XXXII: Packers vs Broncos (lost)
Super Bowl XXXIII: Broncos vs Falcons (won)
Super Bowl XXXIV: Rams vs Titans (won)
Super Bowl XXXV: Ravens vs Giants (lost)
Super Bowl XXXVI: Rams vs Patriots (lost)
Super Bowl XXXVII: Raiders vs Buccaneers (lost)
Super Bowl XXXVIII: Panthers vs Patriots (won)
Super Bowl XXXIX: Patriots vs Eagles (won)
Super Bowl XL: Steelers vs Seahawks (lost)
Super Bowl XLI: Colts vs Bears (won)
Super Bowl XLII: Giants vs Patriots (lost)
Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers vs Cardinals (lost)
Super Bowl XLIV: Saints vs Colts (won)
Super Bowl XLV: Steelers vs Packers (won)
Super Bowl XLVI: Giants vs Patriots (lost)
Super Bowl XLVII: Ravens vs 49ers (lost)
Super Bowl XLVIII: Seahawks vs Broncos (lost)
Super Bowl XLIX: Patriots vs Seahawks (lost)
Super Bowl 50: Panthers vs Broncos (lost)
Super Bowl LI: Patriots vs Falcons (won)
Super Bowl LII: Eagles vs Patriots (lost)
Super Bowl LIII: Rams vs Patriots (won)
Super Bowl LIV: 49ers vs Chiefs (lost)
Super Bowl LV: Buccaneers vs Chiefs (won)

All-time record: 10-13

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 7-7
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 8-7
Week 12: 8-7
Week 13: 10-4
Week 14: 10-4
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 12-4
Week 17: 13-3
Week 18: 11-5

Total: 173-98-1

Super Wild Card Weekend: 6-0
Divisional Playoff: 0-4
Conference Championship: 1-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 10-5
Week 12: 9-6
Week 13: 7-7
Week 14: 9-5
Week 15: 10-6
Week 16: 11-5
Week 17: 10-6
Week 18: 8-8

Total: 167-104-1

Super Wild Card Weekend: 6-0
Divisional Playoff: 2-2
Conference Championship: 1-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

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 do a Super Bowl Recap and I'll take a look back at my preseason picks the Monday after the Super Bowl or a few days after. Enjoy the big game! 

-Tom

NFL 2021 Conference Championship Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come and gone yet again. The NFL's Final Four would be reduced two two as the champions of the AFC are the Cincinnati Bengals and the champions of the NFC are the Los Angeles Rams. How did both teams get there? That question will be answered in this week's recap post. Let's get to work!

Conference Championship Recap

Cincinnati 27, Kansas City 24 (F/OT): TW: Chiefs; CV: Bengals
Chiefs losing after going on a 21-3 lead means more than the Bengals keeping Joe Burrow clean for most of the game. Joe Burrow would play alright as he completed 23 of 38 passes for 250 yards with two touchdown passes to Ja'Marr Chase and Samaje Perine. He would get an interception in the game. Joe Mixon would go well in the ground game as he rushed for 21 carries for 88 yards with a 23-yard run being the longest in the game. Last week, the Bengals offensive line would allow nine sacks on Joe Burrow, in this game the Bengals would allow one sack. I think that was the big thing for the Bengals in this game. Patrick Mahomes was under siege a lot in this game, especially in the 2nd half. Mahomes would hit 26 of 39 passes for 275 yards with three touchdown passes but also had two passes picked off. One of the interceptions would come on a tipped pass that would land in the arms of Bengals Strong Safety Vonn Bell. Jerrick McKinnon would get some good yardage as he get 65 yards rushing on 12 carries. Clyde Edwards-Helaire would get 36 yards rushing on six carries. Turnovers kill you in the playoffs and the two turnovers killed the Chiefs. For the Bengals, their two-year turnaround ends up with a berth in the Super Bowl for the first time since Super Bowl XXIII. For the Chiefs, their high expectations season ends just short of the Super Bowl.

TW: 0-1; CV: 1-0

Next week:
Cincinnati: Super Bowl vs LA Rams
Kansas City: probably eat some BBQ or something

San Francisco 17, LA Rams 20: TW: Rams; CV: 49ers
The game was really ugly but the Rams are staying home for the Super Bowl. Jimmy Garoppolo was off and most of the throws that he made but he did the best he could. He would complete 16 of 30 passes for 232 yards with two touchdowns with an interception. Deebo Samuel would be a beast once again in this game as he rushed for 26 yards and caught four balls for 72 yards including a 44-yard touchdown. The biggest factor for me was the playcalling of Kyle Shanahan who didn't go for it on a 4th down and 1 late in the 4th quarter. Another would be a sure-fire drop that would've been an interception by Jaquiski Tartt. Matthew Stafford would play decent ball as he completed 31 of 45 passes for 337 yards with two touchdowns and had an interception. Cam Akers would rush for 48 yards on 13 carries. Cooper Kupp would have a solid game as he caught 11 balls for 142 yards with two touchdowns. The biggest factor for the Rams was the play by Cooper Kupp as he was a mismatch all game long. Some questionable decisions by Rams head coach Sean McVay would challenge a play that didn't really need to be challenged. It was on a down by contact situation and the Rams were down to their last timeout and the Rams would ultimately lose that challenge. Suffice to say, the Rams will get to host the Super Bowl. It'll be the consecutive year that an NFL team will host the Super Bowl while playing in it. For the 49ers, their season ends with a lot of questions as we've might've seen Jimmy Garoppolo's last game as a 49er. 

TW: 1-1; CV: 1-1

Next week:
San Francisco: go ride on a trolley car and watch a Warriors game.
LA Rams: Super Bowl vs Cincinnati

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 7-7
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 8-7
Week 12: 8-7
Week 13: 10-4
Week 14: 10-4
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 12-4
Week 17: 13-3
Week 18: 11-5

Total: 173-98-1

Super Wild Card Weekend: 6-0
Divisional Playoff: 0-4
Conference Championship: 1-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 10-5
Week 12: 9-6
Week 13: 7-7
Week 14: 9-5
Week 15: 10-6
Week 16: 11-5
Week 17: 10-6
Week 18: 8-8

Total: 167-104-1

Super Wild Card Weekend: 6-0
Divisional Playoff: 2-2
Conference Championship: 1-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

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

2020: 167-88-1 

For the Super Bowl LVI Pick post I'm thinking of doing it sometime next week before the Super Bowl. See you all then!

-Tom

NFL 2021 Conference Championship Picks

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. The awe of the Divisional Weekend certainly was great for the sport and some wished that it would never end. As for me, the final game hyped me up so much that I didn't get a lot of sleep for Monday. The NFL's version of the Final Four is on as the Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are all that is left and only two will make it through next Sunday. In this post, I'll do my picks for who will be representing the AFC and NFC in Super Bowl LVI. Let's get to work!

Conference Championship Picks

Cincinnati (12-7) @ Kansas City (14-5) (CBS; 3:00 pm): TW: Chiefs; CV: Bengals
Last week the Bengals beat the Titans and the Chiefs beat the Bills. Championship Sunday starts with an enticing matchup between two high-powered offenses with defenses that aren't that stellar but can get some stops. The two teams played in a previous game in Week 17 where they duked it out, trading blow for blow with the Bengals winning 34-31 at home. In an atmosphere like Arrowhead Stadium (yes I know its GEHA Stadium but it'll still be Arrowhead) there's nothing like it in terms of a homefield advantage. Cincinnati is a fun team to watch and they have a lot of potential to be dominant in the future. They are also a young team that embodies the confidence of their quarterback. Both teams to be on par on paper but I think the Chiefs will take out a very close game and get to their 4th Super Bowl appearance. 

San Francisco (12-7) @ LA Rams (14-5) (FOX; 6:30 pm): TW: Rams; CV: 49ers
Last week the 49ers beat the Packers and the Rams beat the Buccaneers. The NFC championship features a rivalry that features two teams that know each other very well. San Francisco does everything very well except for the quarterback position. The Rams are in general the consensus pick and the sexy team that has put in all of their chips in with the hopes to host the Super Bowl. The 49ers have had the Rams number for six straight games. Probably the reason because of that is that some of those games had Jared Goff as the Rams quarterback. That and the Rams defense couldn't handle the trickery that the 49ers have in their arsenal. Deebo Samuel provides that trickery. At this point the Rams have to realize that they have a shot to host a Super Bowl and if they don't win this game and the Super Bowl then its a bust season. A lot is riding on the Rams but I think Matthew Stafford will lead the Rams to victory. 

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 7-7
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 8-7
Week 12: 8-7
Week 13: 10-4
Week 14: 10-4
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 12-4
Week 17: 13-3
Week 18: 11-5

Total: 173-98-1

Super Wild Card Weekend: 6-0
Divisional Playoff: 0-4

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 10-5
Week 12: 9-6
Week 13: 7-7
Week 14: 9-5
Week 15: 10-6
Week 16: 11-5
Week 17: 10-6
Week 18: 8-8

Total: 167-104-1

Super Wild Card Weekend: 6-0
Divisional Playoff: 2-2

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

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

2020: 167-88-1 

I'll see you all after the NFC Championship game for the Conference Championship Recap post! Enjoy the games!

-Tom

NFL 2021 Divisional Playoff Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come and gone. My favorite part of the NFL season was the Divisional round and boy did the four games did not disappoint me. There were such games like both #1 seeds losing by a field goal, the defending champs almost making a comeback win, and one of the greatest playoff games I've ever seen in Kansas City. All those games and more in this week's recap post. Let's get to work!

Divisional Playoff Recap

Cincinnati 19, Tennessee 16: TW: Titans; CV: Bengals
Looks like the Tennessee Titans will have to wait for another chance to win a playoff game. Joe Burrow completed 28 of 37 passes for 348 yards with an interception. It would be the nine sacks that he took that would be the biggest story for the Bengals as some of the sacks were on Burrow while a majority of them were on the offensive line. Fortunately Bengals fans, you don't have to hold your breath. Joe Mixon provided good yardage for the Bengals as he rushed for 54 yards with a touchdown run. Ryan Tannehill was not effective in this game as he completed 15 of 24 passes for 220 yards with a touchdown pass to AJ Brown in the 3rd quarter. The biggest story for the Titans in this one was Tannehill's three interceptions. The irony is that two of the three passes were from the first pass he threw and the last pass that he threw. Donta Foreman rushed for 66 yards on four carries with a 45-yard run being his longest. Derrick Henry would make his return since Week 8. Henry would do well in this game as he rushed for 62 yards on 20 carries with a touchdown that would be from a direct snap to Henry. For the Bengals, their magical season continues as they will get to play . For the Titans, their season ends it yet another disappointment. Hopefully the Titans can put Derrick Henry in bubblewrap next season. 

TW: 0-1; CV: 1-0

Next week:
Cincinnati: Conference Championship @ Kansas City
Tennessee: Go to a show at the Grand Ole Opry probably.

San Francisco 13, Green Bay 10: TW: Packers; CV: 49ers
In snowy, cold Green Bay the Packers offense would hunker down like the Packer faithful in Lambeau. Jimmy Garoppolo would be ineffective in this game as he completed 11 of 19 passes for 131 yards with an interception that would be grabbed by Adrian Amos. Elijah Mitchell would get some solid yardage as the runner got 53 yards on 17 carries. Deebo Samuel would get 39 rushing yards on 10 carries while catching three passes for 44 yards. While the offense didn't play well the 49ers defense played well, holding the Packers rushing attack to 67 yards and 263 total yards. They would also get a fumble recovery. They also sacked Aaron Rodgers five times. Aaron Rodgers would complete 20 of 29 passes for 225 yards with zero touchdowns or interceptions. Aaron Jones would rush for 41 yards on 12 carries. AJ Dillon would get 25 yards rushing with a touchdown that would come in the first quarter. Special teams mishaps would plague the Packers in this game as a blocked punt, a blocked field goal, and having 10 men on the field on the 49ers field game-winning field goal. For the 49ers, they move on from cold Green Bay to either warm Inglewood, California or Tampa, Florida. For the Packers, a multitude of questions and doubt go into their offseason as a lot of unrestricted free agents are set to happen. As for Aaron Rodgers, I don't know where he will end up but he for sure doesn't want to be part of a potential overhaul next season. 

TW: 0-2; CV: 2-0

Next week:
San Francisco: Conference Championship @ LA Rams
Green Bay: Go cow tipping 

LA Rams 30, Tampa Bay 27: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Looks like the 2003 and 2004 Patriots will remain as the last teams to repeat as champion. Matthew Stafford completed 28 of 38 passes for 366 yards with two touchdowns as well as had a rushing touchdown. Cam Akers rushed for 48 yards on 24 carries. Cooper Kupp was a beast for the Rams as he caught nine passes for 183 yards with a touchdown catch. The Rams had quite a few miscues in this one as the Rams lost four fumbles. Tom Brady completed 30 of 54 passes for 329 yards with a touchdown pass to Mike Evans but also threw an interception. Leonard Fournette was a beast in this game as he rushed for 51 yards with two touchdown runs. The Buccaneers were not without miscues of their own including two kickoffs that bounced out of bounds that would give the Rams good field position. For turnovers the Bucs had a fumble and the Brady interception. The Rams were up 27-3 with 7:07 left in the 3rd quarter. It looked like the Rams would blow it. Fortunately for them Cooper Kupp provided the Rams offense with 88 yards on the final drive. It would come down to a Matt Gay 30-yard field goal to give the Rams a win. It would be good and the Rams move on to host the NFC championship game for the first time since 1999. They will face off against their old time rivals, the San Francisco 49ers. For the Buccaneers, their season ends with an uncertainty with Tom Brady possibly coming back or retiring. 

TW: 0-3; CV: 2-1

Next week:
LA Rams: Conference Championship vs San Francicsco
Tampa Bay: Become Lightning fans, they might go for a three-peat. 

Buffalo 36, Kansas City 42 (F/OT): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
Holy shit this game was fucking awesome! It was a duel that lived up to the hype as Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes would provide the masses entertainment that even Julius Casear would find appealing. Josh Allen was legendary in this game as he completed 27 of 37 passes for 329 yards with four touchdown passes. He would also run well in the game as he added 68 rushing yards on 11 carries. Devin Singletary would rush for 26 yards with a touchdown run. The Bills would trade punches for the first three quarters and then would go on a 15 point rampage in the 4th quarter. A lot of questionable playcalling would come. One such playcall would be a 4th and 1 on the Bills 35-yard line. Another would be a squib kick that the Chiefs would recover with 13 seconds left in the game. Patrick Mahomes completed 33 of 44 passes for 378 yards with three touchdowns. Like Allen, Patrick Mahomes would also run and had 69 yards rushing with a touchdown. Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed for 60 yards on seven carries. Mecole Hardman would get a touchdown on a 25-yard run with another run for six yards. Kansas City was without their own issues. The Chiefs literally allowed the Bills offense to come back and hang around with them. For the Bills, their season ends with the hope of trying again for next year and their window still open for them to do so. I feel if they can get a running back and give Josh Allen break they have a legit shot to be right back in the postseason again. For the Chiefs, they're back to hosting their 4th straight AFC championship dating back to 2018. They will have a rematch against the Cincinnati Bengals. 

TW: 0-4; CV: 2-2

Next week:
Buffalo: Go eat some wings with buffalo sauce on them since the Buffalo Sabres aren't that great.
Kansas City: Conference Championship vs Cincinnati

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 7-7
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 8-7
Week 12: 8-7
Week 13: 10-4
Week 14: 10-4
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 12-4
Week 17: 13-3
Week 18: 11-5

Total: 173-98-1

Super Wild Card Weekend: 6-0
Divisional Playoff: 0-4

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 10-5
Week 12: 9-6
Week 13: 7-7
Week 14: 9-5
Week 15: 10-6
Week 16: 11-5
Week 17: 10-6
Week 18: 8-8

Total: 167-104-1

Super Wild Card Weekend: 6-0
Divisional Playoff: 2-2

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

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

2020: 167-88-1 

See you all on Wednesday for the Conference Championship picks post! 

-Tom

NFL 2021 Divisional Playoff Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is here yet again. My favorite part of the NFL season is here: the divisional round. It is where the best teams matchup against the underdog/best teams in the conference. The winners of this round go on to be part of the NFL's version of the Final Four. In this post I'll do a preview of the four games and my picks for the games. Let's get to work!

Divisional Playoff Preview

The Divisional playoff will start in Nashville, Tennessee and finish up in Kansas City, Missouri. There will be eight teams playin the four games. Two games will be on Saturday. Those games will be on CBS and FOX. Then there will be two games on Sunday. Those two games will be on NBC and CBS. Let's get to the picks!

Divisional Playoff Picks

Note: TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate. All game times are in US Eastern.

Cincinnati (11-7) @ Tennessee (12-5) (CBS; 4:30 pm): TW: Titans; CV: Bengals
The Bengals beat the Raiders and the Titans had the bye last week. The weekend starts with a fairly interesting matchup as the young upstart Bengals take on the top dog Titans. I feel this game will feature two great running backs who were fighting for a rushing title. Joe Mixon and Derrick Henry could light up defenses in this game. The Bengals got the playoff win monkey off their back but they could have some trouble in this one as their defense has been suspect at times during this season. Doesn't help that their head coach let his foot off the gas last week. Tennessee needed the bye probably more than any team as they set the record for the number of players used this season. If Derrick Henry plays I'd say they have a great shot to win. I feel the Bengals are good but I think their road ends at this game. 

San Francisco (11-7) @ Green Bay (13-4) (FOX; 8:15 pm): TW: Packers; CV: 49ers
The 49ers beat the Cowboys and the Packers had the bye last week. Another shot for Aaron Rodgers to beat his former favorite team the 49ers. San Francisco will need to have a better game from Jimmy Garoppolo as he nearly gave the game away to the Dallas Cowboys. Green Bay will need to be aware of the trickery that the 49ers have on offense. Deebo Samuel will need to be put on watch through every offensive series by the 49ers. If the Packers have a takeaway in this game the 49ers will have a hard time to beat their rivals. You have to also remember that the Packers beat the 49ers 30-28 earlier in the year. The weather could play a factor as there's a chance of snow and a wind chill of zero. I think it'll be a good game but I feel the Packers will pull off the win. 

LA Rams (13-5) @ Tampa Bay (14-4) (NBC; 3:00 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The Rams beat the Cardinals and the Buccaneers beat the Eagles last week. Probably the game of the weekend. The last time these two met was a Week 3 matchup where the Rams won 34-24. The worse case scenario in that game was that it was a close one that would come down to a few plays. Fast forward to this one and the Buccaneers are the more banged up team. The loss of Tristan Wirfs, the right tackle, could be a factor as he is currently questionable. The fact is that a lot of players are questionable for the Bucs in this game to list off a few with Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones, Breshad Perriman, and Giovani Bernard all questionable. For the Rams I don't really trust Matthew Stafford a lot although he had the ghosts of past Detroit playoff losses whisked away after beating the Cardinals. What I trust is their defense as they can rush the passer with a lot of power. I feel the Buccaneers will pull off a miracle in this game if they can play good on defense. I can't count out on Tom Brady. 

Buffalo (12-6) @ Kansas City (13-5) (CBS; 6:30 pm): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
The Bills beat the Patriots and the Chiefs beat the Steelers last week. The last game of the weekend wraps up with a slugfest of a football game. The last time these two teams played was a blowout by the Bills. Kansas City was still a team on the search of its identity. Their defense got back together and and held down their opponents. Patrick Mahomes has also played a bit more of a closer to a game manager style play instead of trying to play hero every play. Buffalo has a very physical offense that features a quarterback that isn't afraid to run and get hit. Their defense is also physical as well as they will beat you up and punish you. I had the Bills as my Super Bowl pick to represent the AFC in the preseason, I won't back down on them now. 

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 7-7
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 8-7
Week 12: 8-7
Week 13: 10-4
Week 14: 10-4
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 12-4
Week 17: 13-3
Week 18: 11-5

Total: 173-98-1

Super Wild Card Weekend: 6-0

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 10-5
Week 12: 9-6
Week 13: 7-7
Week 14: 9-5
Week 15: 10-6
Week 16: 11-5
Week 17: 10-6
Week 18: 8-8

Total: 167-104-1

Super Wild Card Weekend: 6-0

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

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

2020: 167-88-1 

Expect to see the Divisional playoff recap sometime after the final game on Sunday night. Enjoy the games. 

-Tom

NFL 2021 Super Wild Card Weekend Recap

 Hello everyone! Another week of National Football League action has come and gone yet again. The wild card round usually gives us disappointments but there were a few notable games that would come down to the wire. Such games like the Bengals earning their first playoff victory since January 1991, or . In this post I'll do a recap of the weekend's games in this post. Let's get to work!

Super Wild Card Weekend Recap

Las Vegas 19, Cincinnati 26: TW: Bengals; CV: Bengals
Two teams that have long playoff droughts, the one with the longer one would win this one. Derek Carr would be used a lot in this one as he completed 29 of 54 passes for 310 yards with a touchdown pass to Zay Jones. He also threw an interception that would end up being the game decider. Josh Jacobs rushed for 83 yards on 13 carries with a 35-yard run being his longest in this game. One questionable call on the Raiders was a heinous roughing the passer penalty that would help give the Raiders a boost in offense that would help them drive down the field in the last drive for them. Joe Burrow was remarkable in this game as the passer threw 24 of 34 passes for 244 yards with two touchdown passes to Tyler Boyd and to CJ Uzomah. Both touchdowns would come in the first half. Joe Mixon rushed for 48 yards on 17 carries with a 10-yard run being his longest. Controversy ensued in this game as well for the Bengals. The 2nd quarter touchdown would have a blown whistle that was blown just as Joe Burrow threw the pass. By rule, that play would've been blown dead, it wouldn't have been a touchdown. Just a rough game for officiating altogether in this game. For the Raiders, their miracle season ends with the question of keeping head coach Rich Bisaccia or go with someone different. For the Bengals, they move on with the likelihood of going to Tennessee in the Divisional round. 

TW: 1-0; CV: 1-0

Next week:
Las Vegas: play blackjack or something
Cincinnati: Divisional @ Tennessee

New England 17, Buffalo 47: TW: Bills; CV: Bills
The result wasn't a surprise, the margin of victory was. Mac Jones was off by a bit in the first half, throwing two interceptions but would finish with two touchdown passes to Kendrick Bourne. He finished the game with 24 of 38 passes completed. Damien Harris would run for 30 yards on nine carries with a longest run of 14 yards. Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 27 yards on eight carries. How bad was this game for New England? The 27-3 halftime score was the worst in franchise history. The 47 points allowed was the worst playoff performance in franchise history. Josh Allen would exceed expectations in this game as he completed 21 of 25 passes for 308 yards for five touchdowns and had 66 yards rushing on six carries with a 26-yard run being his longest. Devin Singletary rushed for 81 yards on 16 carries with two touchdown runs. In the 102-year history of the NFL, no team had scored a touchdown in all of their drives, with no field goals or turned the ball over, on Saturday night, the Buffalo Bills did just that. The win is somewhat of a bittersweet one for the Bills mafia after being the Patriots doormat for over 20 years and to finally get that monkey off their backs. For the Patriots, their season ends but the experience gives them something to build on for the 2022 season. For the Bills, their win likely assures them a trip to Kansas City barring an upset. 

TW: 2-0; CV: 2-0

Next week:
New England: eat clam chowdah or something
Buffalo: Divisional @ Kansas City

Philadelphia 15, Tampa Bay 31: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The game was more about the Eagles giving it to the Buccaneers. Jalen Hurts completed 23 of 43 passes for 258 yards with a touchdown pass to Kenneth Gainwell in the 4th quarter. He would also throw two horrible interceptions in this game. He would also rush for 39 yards on eight carries. Boston Scott would also get the longest rush in the game on a 34-yard run for a touchdown. Tom Brady was once again great as the 44-year old completed 29 of 37 passes for 271 yards with two touchdown passes. Tampa's running game would also score in this one as Keshawn Vaughn rushed for 53 yards with a touchdown and Giovanni Bernard rushed for 44 yards with a touchdown. The victory would come with a cost as right tackle Tristan Wirfs would leave the game with an ankle injury. For the Eagles their offseason will have questions as they have a decision to make at quarterback and need some help via the draft. Should be noted that the Eagles have draft picks to use. For the Buccaneers, they will get to hose the winner of the Cards-Rams game. 

TW: 3-0; CV: 3-0

Next week:
Philadelphia: eat a Philly cheese steak
Tampa Bay: Divisional vs LA Rams

San Francisco 23, Dallas 17: TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
Holy shit no one wanted to win this game. Jimmy Garoppolo completed 15 of 25 passes for 172 yards with a duck of an interception in the 4th quarter. San Francisco's running game would carry their quarterback however. Elijah Mitchell rushed for 96 yards on 27 carries with a touchdown. Deebo "The Man" Samuel rushed for 72 yards on 10 carries with a touchdown. Dak Prescott completed 23 of 43 passes with 254 yards with a touchdown to Amari Cooper in the 2nd quarter. Prescott would also score a rushing touchdown in the 4th quarter with 27 yards rushing including the 17-yard run that would result in the touchdown. Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 31 yards on 12 carries. For the 49ers, they get to live for another day but they get to go to the Frozen Tundra that is Lambeau Field. They will need to play a better game from Jimmy Garoppolo as he literally nearly gave the Cowboys the win. For the Cowboys, it's the same old story. Mike McCarthy needs to go and Kellen Moore is probably going to get promoted to head coach maybe. Their players were undisciplined as penalties cost them in this game and gameplanning. With just two playoff wins since Super Bowl XXX they need to get their heads out of their asses. Jerry Jones needs to hire a General Manager and leave his ass alone and let the football operations happen. That's all you have to do. As for the referee interference, he had to respot the ball, the Cowboys literally tried to spot it. I'm glad they lost on bullshit referee calls. They earned it. 

TW: 4-0; CV: 4-0

San Francisco: Divisional @ Green Bay
Dallas: playoff losses are bigger in Texas, they'll probably go play golf. 

Pittsburgh 21, Kansas City 42: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
It was a somber end to the career of Ben Roethlsiberger. The former Miami University product would hit 29 of 44 passes for 215 yards with two touchdowns to James Washington and Diontae Johnson. The touchdowns would come on in garbage time. Big Ben wouldn't look stellar in this one as he threw more passes that looked like ducks than anything. Najee Harris wouldn't be the big factor in the game as the rookie had 29 rushing yards on 12 carries but had an unfortunate fumble in the game. The other touchdown would come on a TJ Watt fumble recovery for a touchdown that would happen from a Cam Heyward forced fumble. The touchdown would give the Steelers a 7-0 lead. Patrick Mahomes would struggle for the first quarter in the game but would do Mahomes things. The passer completed 30 of 39 passes for 404 yards with five touchdowns and an interception that was grabbed by Cam Heyward. Travis Kelce would play quarterback in this game as he tossed a pass to Byron Pringle in the 4th quarter. One of the Mahomes touchdown passes would go to Nick Allegretti, the offensive guard. Kansas City's running game would have a better showing as Jerick McKinnon had 61 yards rushing on 12 carries. For the Steelers, its the end of Ben Roethlisberger's career and likely the end of general manager Kevin Colbert who will retire after this spring's draft. They need a lot of help on offense specifically on offensive line. For the Chiefs, they get to play host to the Bills in the divisional round. 

TW: 5-0; CV: 5-0

Next week:
Pittsburgh: eat some pierogis or watch a penguins game
Kansas City: Divisional vs Buffalo 

Arizona 11, LA Rams 34: TW: Rams; CV: Rams
Well Kyler Murray's playoff debut was not a pretty sight. Kyler Murray would look very meek in this game as the passer completed 19 of 34 passes for 137 yards with two interceptions. Arizona's running game would provide not a lot of help as Chase Edmonds rushed for 28 yards. James Conner got 19 rushing yards with a touchdown run being the Cardinals only offensive touchdown that would come in the 3rd quarter. Matthew Stafford would play manager in this game as the passer completed 13 of 17 passes for 202 yards with two touchdown passes to Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. Stafford would also rush for 22 yards with a touchdown. Sony Michel rushed for 58 yards on 13 carries. Cam Akers rushed for 55 yards on 17 carries. For the Cardinals, another promising season that got off to a 7-0 start ends in a slow and painful end to the season. For the Rams, they get to take a trip to Tampa Bay to take on the defending champs. 

TW: 6-0; CV: 6-0

Next week:
Arizona: Support the Arizona Coyotes, they could use all the support they can get.
LA Rams: Divisional @ Tampa Bay

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 7-7
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 8-7
Week 12: 8-7
Week 13: 10-4
Week 14: 10-4
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 12-4
Week 17: 13-3
Week 18: 11-5

Total: 173-98-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 10-5
Week 12: 9-6
Week 13: 7-7
Week 14: 9-5
Week 15: 10-6
Week 16: 11-5
Week 17: 10-6
Week 18: 8-8

Total: 167-104-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

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

2020: 167-88-1 

See you all on Wednesday or Thursday for the Divisional Round Picks post!

-Tom

NFL 2021 Super Wild Card Weekend Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. The regular season is over and the pretenders are now at home while the contenders are now playing in the 2nd season, playoff season. The 14 teams that remain now will play for a chance to go on to a win the exclusive Super Bowl Championship. The sad thing is only 13 of them won't hoist the trophy in the end. In this post I'll do a preview of the weekend and Monday's games and my picks for the games. Let's get to work!

Super Wild Card Weekend Preview

The Super Wild Card Weekend will start in Cincinnati, Ohio and finish up in Inglewood, California. There will be 12 teams playing in the six games. The week features two games on Saturday, three games on Sunday and one game on Monday. The Saturday games will be on NBC and CBS. The Sunday games will be on FOX, CBS, and NBC. For the Monday night game, it'll be on ABC/ESPN/ESPN2. Let's get to the picks!

Super Wild Card Weekend Picks

Note: TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate. All game times are in US Eastern.

Las Vegas (10-7) @ Cincinnati (10-7) (NBC; 4:30 pm): TW: Bengals; CV: Bengals
The Raiders beat the Chargers and the Bengals lost to the Browns last week. It all starts in Cincinnati where the worn out Raiders take on the better rested Bengals. It'll be a shorter week for both teams but the Bengals did rest Joe Burrow and had Joe Mixon on COVID protocol. They'll be ready to go. Las Vegas had to literally go to the final seconds of overtime to beat the Chargers to just get to the playoffs. The Bengals haven't won a playoff game since 1990 when Sam Wyche's Bengals beat Jerry Glanville's Houston Oilers. Maybe the weight of the drought could affect them but I don't think so. I really am risking a lot by going with the Bengals but I'll take them.

New England (10-7) @ Buffalo (11-6) (CBS; 8:15 pm): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
The Patriots lost to the Dolphins and the Bills beat the Jets last week. The primetime game on Saturday features two AFC East heavyweights in the Bills and Patriots. Both teams have beat each other on the road. The Patriots were tabbed to be the representative for the AFC in the Super Bowl. I just have to say is "not so fast" as my preseason pick to represent the AFC was the Buffalo Bills. The playoff experience could be a bit much for Mac Jones to handle. Buffalo is the more experienced team to handle the pressure. I'll go with the Bills. 

Philadelphia (9-8) @ Tampa Bay (13-4) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The Eagles lost to the Cowboys and the Buccaneers beat the Panthers last week. It's a rematch of a Thursday night game that happened on October 15th. The Eagles gave the Bucs some fits but the defending champs would beat the Eagles 28-22. Sunday's game will have a different feel to it as the Eagles are a different team that has a solid offense going for them. Tampa had some fits in the previous matchup as Tom Brady had an interception. Tampa also doesn't have some key players in Antonio Brown is gone and their running game is a bit limited. The game could have the feeling of an upset but I wouldn't count out Tom Brady like ever. 

San Francisco (10-7) @ Dallas (12-5) (CBS/Nickelodeon; 4:30 pm): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
The 49ers beat the Rams and the Cowboys beat the Eagles last week. The old 49ers-Cowboys rivalry renews as the two franchises meet for the 8th time since 1970 in the playoffs. The Cowboys somewhat hold the edge at a 7-2 advantage over their rivals. So far I have been picking the home teams and if there was a potential upset it would be this one. San Francisco has quite a plethora of weapons to them. Dallas does as well but their head coach is not known to be a quality one at that. I'll go bold and take the 49ers to beat the Cowboys. 

Pittsburgh (9-7-1) @ Kansas City (12-5) (NBC; 8:15 pm): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
The Steelers beat the Ravens and the Chiefs beat the Broncos last week. Pittsburgh got through the regular season with a little luck on their side. What they face next is the lions den. Kansas City is looking to make it back to the Super Bowl and still have a solid team to do it. Their defense is better than last year's team. The Steelers will need to really play error-free football to have a shot to win this game. That meaning not to turn the ball over and to sustain drives. That and only then will they have a shot to win. I don't see it happening sadly but a upset would be interesting.

Arizona (11-6) @ LA Rams (12-5) (ABC/ESPN; 8:15 pm): TW: Rams; CV: Rams
The Cardinals lost to the Seahawks and the Rams lost to the 49ers last week. The first round of the playoffs finishes up with a NFC West clash between the Cardinals and Rams. Matthew Stafford hasn't had a lot of luck in the playoffs as he is 0-3 in his career. Granted he was with the Lions at those three losses. The Rams will need him to play great as this is their "Super Bowl or bust" season as a lot of talent has been invested into both sides of the ball. Arizona has no DeAndre Hopkins as the wide out is out for the rest of the season while going through surgery. The one upside is that the Cardinals will be getting JJ Watt back. If he can be a factor in the game and not be limited the Cards could be interesting team to keep an eye on to see if they can slay their bigger brother. I don't see it happening but it is any given football game. 

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 7-7
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 8-7
Week 12: 8-7
Week 13: 10-4
Week 14: 10-4
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 12-4
Week 17: 13-3
Week 18: 11-5

Total: 173-98-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 10-5
Week 12: 9-6
Week 13: 7-7
Week 14: 9-5
Week 15: 10-6
Week 16: 11-5
Week 17: 10-6
Week 18: 8-8

Total: 167-104-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

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

2020: 167-88-1 

See you all after the Monday night game for the Super Wild Card Weekend Recap post! Enjoy the games!

-Tom

NFL 2021 Week 18 Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come and gone. The final week of the regular season brought us some drama and chaos. I'll be doing a recap of the week's games and take a look at the playoff field. Let's get to work!

Week 18 Recap

Kansas City 28, Denver 24: TW: Chiefs; CV: Broncos
The Chiefs win would come down to a Nick Bolton fumble recovery for a touchdown. Patrick Mahomes completed 27 of 44 passes for 270 yards with two touchdowns. Mahomes would also be the leading rusher for the Chiefs with 54 yards rushing on nine carries. Drew Lock wasn't a factor in the passing game but completed 12 of 24 passes for 162 yards and had 35 rushing yards with two touchdowns. Melvin Gordon III rushed for a solid 110 yards rushing with a touchdown. With the chance to take the lead the Broncos tried to run the ball but was fumbled and picked up by linebacker Nick Bolton and ran it back for 86 yards. The loss would also mean a sad fate for Broncos head coach Vic Fangio as he would be fired hours after the game was done. For the Chiefs, they will be playing this weekend for the playoffs as the Titans locked up the #1 seed in the AFC. 

TW: 1-0; CV: 0-1

Next week:
Kansas City: Wild Card Playoff vs Pittsburgh
Denver: going skiing probably

Dallas 51, Philadelphia 26: TW: Eagles; CV: Cowboys
So I felt that the power of Minshewmania was going to be nough to beat the Cowboys but that was sadly not the case. Dak Prescott completed 21 of 27 passes for 295 yards for five touchdowns. Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 87 yards with 18 carries. Jaquan Hardy rushed for 26 yards with a touchdown. Ito Smith had a touchdown run on a 4-yard run. The blowout would happen as the Cowboys scored 20 points in the 2nd quarter and 21 in the 4th quarter. Gardner Minshew would get the start over Jalen Hurts as he would rest and be inactive for the game. Minshew completed 19 of 33 passes for 186 yards with two touchdowns but also had an interception. Kenneth Gainwell rushed for 78 yards with a touchdown on 12 carries. For both teams, the playoffs beckon as they are playing in the wild card round. 

TW: 1-1; CV: 1-1

Next week:
Dallas: Wild Card Playoff vs San Francisco
Philadelphia: Wild Card Playoff @ Tampa Bay

Cincinnati 16, Cleveland 21: TW: Browns; CV: Bengals
It wasn't a redemption win but a salvageable win for the Browns. Brandon Allen completed 15 of 29 passes for 136 yards with a touchdown. Trayveon Williams rushed for 38 yards on nine carries. Both Joe Burrow and Joe Mixon didn't play as Burrow rested and Mixon was out on COVID protocol. Case Keenum was effective in the game as he completed 17 of 24 passes for 176 yards with two touchdowns but also had an interception in the game. Dernest Johnson had a good day with the running of the football as he had 25 carries for 123 yards with a touchdown. For the Bengals, they will be playing next weekend in playoff ball. For the Browns, the offseason begins as they have a big decision to make in Baker Mayfield. 

TW: 2-1; CV: 1-2

Next week:
Cincinnati: Wild Card Playoff vs Las Vegas
Cleveland: throw shit on the field probably

Chicago 17, Minnesota 31: TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
It was a salvageable win for Mike Zimmer but his fate remains to be told for Black Monday. Andy Dalton would throw the ball a lot as he completed 33 of 48 passes for 325 yards with a touchdown pass but also had two interceptions. David Montgomery rushed for 72 yards on 20 carries. Chicago's offense was effective in the 1st half but would taper off in the 2nd half as the Vikings defense held the Bears ground game to 90 yards. Kirk Cousins would make his return from COVID protocol and completed 14 of 22 passes for 250 yards with three touchdowns. Dalvin Cook rushed for 79 yards on 14 carries. The Vikings defense would get a pick-six that would be grabbed by Patrick Peterson for 66 yards. The two teams will not make the playoffs.

TW: 3-1; CV: 2-2

Next week:
Chicago: going to Bulls games probably
Minnesota: trying to get Kirk Cousins a vaccine maybe idk.

Green Bay 30, Detroit 37: TW: Packers; CV: Packers
Detroit loses out on the #1 pick, but perhaps the win was needed. Aaron Rodgers would do good things as he completed 14 of 18 passes for 138 yards with two touchdowns. He would sit the 2nd half as his backup Jordan Love would see some playtime. Love would complete 10 of 17 passes for 134 yards with a touchdown but also had two passes intercepted that would help the Lions turn it around in the 2nd half. AJ Dillon rushed for 63 yards with 14 carries. Patrick Taylor would get 53 yards with a touchdown on 11 carries. Jared Goff would make his return after missing a few games with an injury. He completed 21 of 30 passes for 238 yards with two touchdowns. Tom Kennedy would play quarterback on one play as he hit Kalif Raymond for a 75-yard touchdown. Jamaal Williams would rush for 43 yards on 13 carries. Dandre Swift rushed for 30 yards with a touchdown on seven carries. For the Packers they get to have the wild card weekend off to play in the divisional round. For Detroit they will spend another offseason playing golf or something.

TW: 3-2; CV: 2-3

Next week:
Green Bay: 1st round bye then Divisional Round
Detroit: play golf or watch Michigan basketball or something. 

Tennessee 28, Houston 25: TW: Titans; CV: Titans
It looked that the Titans would blow them out but Houston hung around. Ryan Tannehill completed 23 of 32 passes for 287 yards with four touchdowns. Donta Foreman rushed for 69 yards on 21 carries. Imagine that with Derrick Henry coming back for the Divisional round they will keep Foreman in the backup role. Davis Mills completed 23 of 33 passes for 301 yards with three touchdown passes. David Johnson rushed for 28 yards on five carries. The score at halftime would be a 21-0 margin then the Texans would score 10 points in the 3rd quarter and 15 points in the 4th quarter. For Tennessee, they will have the 1st round bye for the first time since 2008. For Houston, the first full year of the post-Bill O'Brien era wasn't great but it could've been worse. 

TW: 4-2; CV: 3-3

Next week:
Tennessee: 1st round bye for Wild card playoffs
Houston: probably do stuff idk.

Washington 22, NY Giants 7: TW: Football Team; CV: Football Team
What a stinker this one was. Taylor Heinicke would make his return and wouldn't have a lot of say in this game. He completed 9 of 18 passes for 120 yards. Antonio Gibson rushed for 146 yards with a touchdown so he had a bigger say in the game. Jake Fromm State Farm would get the start for the Giants. The passer was less than stellar as he completed 15 of 31 passes for 103 yards with a touchdown pass to Darius Slayton with two interceptions. Fromm also had 53 yards rushing on five carries. Saquon Barkley rushed for 30 yards on 11 carries. The Giants playcalling would be questionable in this one as they used quarterback sneaks more than once in this one. Including a sneak on a 3rd and 9 play on their own 4 yard line. For Washington, they get to spend the offseason. For the Giants, their nightmare of a season ends with a lot of question marks going into their offseason. 

TW: 5-2; CV: 4-3

Next week:
Washington: go visit Washington DC or something
NY Giants: go see a broadway show or something

Indianapolis 11, Jacksonville 26: TW: Colts; CV: Colts
Probably the biggest shitting of the bed of the season for the Colts to lose to the worst team in football. Carson Wentz wasn't spectacular in the game as he completed 17 of 29 passes for 185 yards with a touchdown pass to Michael Pittman with an interception. The Colts would also lose a fumble in the game. Jonathan Taylor would have a decent game as he rushed for 77 yards on 15 carries. Trevor Lawrence would have a good game as he completed 23 of his 32 passes for 223 yards with two touchdowns. Ryquell Armstead rushed for 52 yards on nine carries. Jacksonville would utilize their kicker Matthew Wright a lot but he would hit 4 of 4 field goals. For the Colts, their season ends as the Steelers win over the Ravens would kill their chances of making the playoffs. For the Jaguars, its another season of holding the #1 pick in this spring's draft. 

TW: 5-3; CV: 4-4

Next week:
Indianapolis: become Indiana Pacers fans or something
Jacksonville: Go golf, its Florida, or they could go gator wrestle. 

Pittsburgh 16, Baltimore 13 (F/OT): TW: Steelers; CV: Ravens
It wasn't a pretty game but the Steelers are still alive for the playoffs. Ben Roethlisberger would complete 30 of 44 passes for 244 yards with a touchdown pass to Chase Claypool but also had an interception in the game. Chase Claypool would also be the leading rusher in the game as he had 33 yards rushing on three carries. Najee Harris had 28 yards rushing on 11 carries. TJ Watt would also tie the single-season sack record that was set by Michael Strahan in 2001 with 22 1/2 sacks. Chris Boswell would hit the game-winner from 36 yards. Tyler Huntley would start for the Ravens again and it wasn't a pretty game for him. Huntley completed 16 of 31 passes for 141 yards with two interceptions. Baltimore would also lose a fumble in the game. Latavius Murray rushed for 150 yards with a touchdown run on 16 carries. For the Steelers, their playoff fate hangs in the balance as the result of the Chargers-Raiders can't result in a tie. For the Ravens, their hopeful and once 8-3 record ends in disappointment. 

TW: 6-3; CV: 4-5

Next week:
Pittsburgh: Wild Card playoffs @ Kansas City
Baltimore: Go jet skiing around the Chesapeake Bay. 

Carolina 17, Tampa Bay 41: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Tampa locked up the 2nd seed. Sam Darnold would prove to be kind of a factor in the game as he completed 29 of 42 passes for 219 yards with two touchdowns but had an interception. Chuba Hubbard rushed for 48 yards on nine carries. Tom Brady would be very efficient in the game as the passer completed 29 of 37 passes for 326 yards with three touchdowns. Scott Miller would see action in the running game for the Bucs as he rushed for 43 yards with a touchdown. The touchdown would come on a 33-yard run. Keshawn Vaughn rushed for 29 yards with a touchdown. For the Panthers, their season of collapse ends as the Panthers finish with a 2-12 record after starting 3-0. Ouchies. For the Buccaneers, they locked up the 2nd seed in the playoffs. 

TW: 7-3; CV: 5-5

Next week:
Carolina: probably watch Carolina Hurricanes hockey maybe idk
Tampa Bay: Wild Card playoffs vs Philadelphia

New England 24, Miami 33: TW: Patriots; CV: Dolphins
Definitely wasn't a performance from a Patriots team that we've come to expect. Mac Jones completed 20 of 30 passes for 261 yards with a touchdown but also threw an interception. Brandon Bolden rushed for 46 yards on seven carries with a touchdown. Damien Harris rushed for 37 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown. Tua Tagovailoa completed 15 of 22 passes for 109 yards with a touchdown pass. Duke Johnson rushed for 117 yards with a touchdown run, definitely crushed the Patriots rush defense. Interesting stat: Miami's sweep of New England is the first time since 2000. Proves to you how much of a domination the Patriots had been.

TW: 7-4; CV: 6-5

Next week:
New England: Wild Card playoffs @ Buffalo
Miami: play shuffleboard and listen to Pitbull probably.

New Orleans 30, Atlanta 20: TW: Saints; CV: Falcons
The Saints won't make the playoffs but they got a win to possibly have good momentum going into 2022. Taysom Hill would hit 7 of 9 passes for 107 yards with a touchdown. Trevor Siemian would also see action in the game as he completed 9 of 15 passes for 71 yards with two touchdown passes. Alvin Kamara was reverting back to his old self as he rushed for 146 yards on 30 carries with a 27-yard run being his longest in the game. Matt Ryan competed 20 of 33 passes for 216 yards with a touchdown but also had an interception in the game. Mike Davis rushed for 30 yards on six carries. Quinton Ollison would get a touchdown on a 19-yard run. For the Saints, their hopeful playoff run ends in the first Post-Brees season but they do have some pieces that can build on for the future. For Atlanta, I'm not sure what's in their future. Matt Ryan isn't a youngin' and their rushing offense could use a piece or two. 

TW: 8-4; CV: 6-6

Next week:
New Orleans: eat gumbo probably
Atlanta: eat at a waffle house, those are in Atlanta right? 

NY Jets 10, Buffalo 27: TW: Bills; CV: Bills
The Bills are AFC East champs again. Zach Wilson didn't throw very well as he completed 7 of 20 passes for 87 yards with a touchdown. He also rushed for 24 yards with two rushes. Michael Carter rushed for 19 yards on nine carries. Josh Allen would hit 24 of 45 passes for 239 yards with two touchdowns. Devin Singletary would be a factor in the game as he rushed for 88 yards on 19 carries with a touchdown, his 40-yard run was his longest in this game. Josh Allen rushed for 63 yards on five carries with a 32-yard run being his longest. For the Jets, their season wasn't pretty but I didn't think they'd have four wins this season. Their offseason should really be about getting Zach Wilson some help on the offensive line and a wide receiver to throw to. For the Bills, they're in the playoffs. 

TW: 9-4; CV: 7-6

Next week:
NY Jets: Drive down the Jersey Turnpike a lot
Buffalo: Wild Card playoffs vs New England

Seattle 38, Arizona 30: TW: Cardinals; CV: Cardinals
Well the Cards kind of let themselves down a bit in this one. Russell Wilson completed 15 of 26 passes for 238 yards with three touchdowns but also had an interception. Rashad Penny was the difference maker in this one as he had 190 yards rushing on 23 carries with a touchdown run. Russell Wilson also scored a touchdown on a 4-yard run to the left. Kyler Murray completed 28 of 39 passes for 240 yards with a touchdown. James Conner rushed for 52 yards on 15 carries with a touchdown. The Cardinals defense would get a fumble-six as Cardale Jones would strip-sack Russell Wilson that would be recovered by Zach Allen. For the Seahawks, a lot of questions are there to be had. Will Russell Wilson leave Seattle? Will Pete Carroll leave as well? For the Cardinals, they're in the playoffs but they seem to be limping into them. 

TW: 9-5; CV: 7-7

Next week:
Seattle: Throw fish in the fish markets
Arizona: Wild Card playoffs @ LA Rams

San Francisco 27, LA Rams 24 (F/OT): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
The 49ers play spoiler but the Rams still clinch the NFC West. Jimmy Garoppolo completed 23 of 32 passes for 316 yards with a touchdown but also had two passes intercepted. Deebo Samuel played quarterback for one play and hit a 24-yard pass to Jauan Jennings. The play would be a gadget play where Samuel ran to the right and threw a perfect pass. He also rushed for 45 yards on eight carries with a touchdown. Elijah Mitchell rushed for 85 yards on 21 carries. Matthew Stafford completed 21 of 32 passes for 238 yards with three touchdowns with two interceptions. Sony Michel rushed for 43 yards on 21 carries. For the 49ers, they're in the playoffs but they're going to face off against the powerful Dallas Cowboys. For the Rams, they are also in the playoffs and they get to host the Cardinals. 

TW: 10-5; CV: 8-7

Next week:
San Francisco: Wild Card playoffs @ Dallas
LA Rams: Wild Card playoffs vs Arizona

LA Chargers 32, Las Vegas 35: TW: Raiders; CV: Chargers
The Pittsburgh Steelers can thank Brandon Staley for them going to the post season. Justin Herbert would complete 34 of 64 passes for 383 yards with three touchdowns but had a pass intercepted. Austin Ekeler rushed for 64 yards with a touchdown on 16 carries. On the 4th quarter game-tying drive Justin Herbert passed the ball 19 times and was 2 for 2 on 4th down. It had to be a miracle for them to just get a chance to tie the game as they were down 29-14 late in the 4th quarter. The decision that would lead to the Raiders hitting the field goal would be the choice of Brandon Staley using one of his timeouts to stop the clock. The Raiders were more than content to let the time run out and give the impossibility of impossibilities to happen to where both teams would wind up in a tie and go to the playoffs. Derek Carr completed 20 of 36 passes for 186 yards with two touchdowns. Josh Jacobs rushed for 132 yards with a touchdown on 26 carries. Daniel Carlson would be called upon to help win the game. He would hit the kick from 52 yards. It would literally come down to a kick to determine the Steelers fate. For the Chargers, their collapse of a season was complete and they get to spend their offseason for the long haul. For the Raiders they move on to the playoffs and go to Cincinnati. 

TW: 11-5; CV: 8-8

Next week:
LA Chargers: Get to watch the Rams play in the playoffs
Las Vegas: Wild Card Playoffs @ Cinncinnati

The Playoff Field

NFC

1st seed: Green Bay Packers
2nd seed: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3rd seed: Dallas Cowboys
4th seed: Los Angeles Rams
5th seed: Arizona Cardinals
6th seed: San Francisco 49ers
7th seed: Philadelphia Eagles

Super Wild Card Matchups and kick off times (US Eastern time)

Philadelphia @ Tampa Bay (Sunday; 1:00 pm; FOX)
San Francisco @ Dallas (Sunday; 4:30 pm; CBS/Amazon Prime/Nickelodeon)
Arizona @ LA Rams (Monday; 8:15 pm; ABC/ESPN/ESPN 2)

AFC

1st seed: Tennessee Titans
2nd seed: Kansas City Chiefs
3rd seed: Buffalo Bills
4th seed: Cincinnati Bengals
5th seed: Las Vegas Raiders
6th seed: New England Patriots
7th seed: Pittsburgh Steelers

Super Wild Card Matchups and kick off times (US Eastern Time)

Pittsburgh @ Kansas City (Sunday; 8:15 pm; NBC)
New England @ Buffalo (Saturday; 8:15 pm; CBS)
Las Vegas @ Cincinnati (Saturday; 4:30 pm; NBC)

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 7-7
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 8-7
Week 12: 8-7
Week 13: 10-4
Week 14: 10-4
Week 15: 13-3
Week 16: 12-4
Week 17: 13-3
Week 18: 11-5

Total: 173-98-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 10-5
Week 12: 9-6
Week 13: 7-7
Week 14: 9-5
Week 15: 10-6
Week 16: 11-5
Week 17: 10-6
Week 18: 8-8

Total: 167-104-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

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

2020: 167-88-1 

I'll see you all sometime on Wednesday or Thursday for the Super Wild Card Weekend picks post! See you then!

-Tom