Wild Card Recap: Dumpster Fire Dalton

Seeing what happened to Kansas City on Saturday made you think about Cincinnati instantaneously. The reason is being is Bengals have been exactly like the Chiefs in terms of they have not won a playoff game in over 20 years. For Cincinnati, it has been worse than Kansas City as Bengals have not won a playoff game since 1990. This seemed like more than given to break the streak. Cincinnati is undefeated at the so-called 'The Jungle' playing a San Diego team whom basically snaked their way into the playoffs like the guy from The Wolf on Wall Street. It seemed like a lock. But once again, Cincinnati failed to live up to the bright lights and it all falls on their quarterback.

Sometimes blaming the quarterback is an unjust thing to do. People do with Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys all the time, and there are ton more examples of quarterbacks getting the brunt of the blame when it is undeserving. But this is one of those cases where it all falls on the quarterback. Andy Dalton cost his team the football game, and once again, it a big football game with a big moment, he failed to step up to the big lights. This is a problem, and probably it means they have an issue at quarterback whether they want to admit it or not right now.

Cincinnati held a 10-7 advantage heading into halftime. They could have been up at least three more points if Giovanni Bernard did not fumble near the goal line. Dalton came out in the second half, and it honestly seemed like he tightened up crumbling under the pressure even when there was not much. After San Diego scored a touchdown to retake the lead giving Chargers a 14-10 lead early in the third quarter, Dalton tries to run the ball falling forward leading him to fumble the ball. San Diego recovered and added a field goal to give them a seven-point advantage. Dalton played adequtely leading up to this point, but it seemed like the fumble was the start of the spiral like when your friend suggests to do RumpleMintz shots after five hours of drinking.

It became the same story with Dalton as instead of coming up with a response to San Diego getting a score and tying up the game, he threw a putrid interception to Shareece Wright. Once again, this turnover happened in Chargers territory. People really think this guy is a franchise quarterback?  This is an average quarterback at this point. Sure he wins games, but Trent Dilfer won games with a good defense behind him. There are so many quarterbacks that have been bailed out by having a great defense, but Dalton cost his team a chance to win this football game without question even though his defense gave him a chance in another attempt to bail his ass out. San Diego only turned Dalton's mistakes to six points meaning Cincinnati at least a chance in this football game and Dalton pissed it away like a drunk Billy Madison.

Even with the ineptitude of Dalton, San Diego deserves credit for winning the football game. Chargers defense played well even with holding one of the worst pass defenses in he National Football League (This actually makes Dalton's day more criminal). They also ran the ball for almost 200 yards with a three-headed monster of Ronnie Brown, Danny Woodhead and Ryan Mathews against one of the best rush defenses in the NFL. With Mathews banged up, they were still able to find a way to control the clock and pull off the massive upset against Cincinnati. Also let's not forget Phillip Rivers being the first person since my grandpa in the 2000s to wear a bolo tie.

It is not time for Cincinnati to make a quarterback change, but they should draft a quarterback in the upcoming 2014 NFL draft. It is a loaded quarterback draft meaning they could get someone like Aaron Murray, Zach Mettenberger or Logan Thomas in the mid-rounds. In no way should Cincinnati be thinking about giving Dalton a 100 million dollar contract in 2015 when his contract is up. Dalton might be sixth in passing for the season, but he might just be a mid-level quarterback who knows how to throw a vertical route to A.J. Green.

Charlie.

Sportandfashion-news NFL Wild Card Picks: Blackouts, Weather and Scoring... Oh My!

It is time to make my NFL picks for the weekend. This was my first season where I tried to bet with Las Vegas. I do not have any experience and think I did slightly below average going 14 games under .500 with a couple pushes thrown in there. I realize how bad it would be actually sports gamble, but I feel like if my money is right, why not? At least try it out and see what happens. As for straight up, it was a successful season once again winning over 160 games. Let's hope the straight up trend continues for the playoffs.

SATURDAY 
Kansas City at Indianapolis 3:35 pm NBC - Is it weird I think this could be the best non-Packer game of the weekend?  I am introducing a new Sportandfashion-news theory for this game called the 'Arizona Theory.'  It is based off Arizona Cardinals 2009 team that got crushed by Green Bay Packers in the final game of the season only to beat the same team in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Kansas City suffered an embarrassing home defeat to Indianapolis 23-7 earlier this month, but remember, Chiefs had locked up the fifth seed and they knew there was a chance they could be seeing Indianapolis in this round of the playoffs. This means they could be showing all sorts of shit Indianapolis did not see the first time around.

Andy Reid has not been to the playoffs since 2010, and he did not win a playoff game since 2008. Same goes for Kansas City with their team not having a playoff win since 1994. But this game will come down to which star shines the brightest... Jamaal Charles or Andrew Luck. Indianapolis boasts one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL meaning Charles could have a huge game on the fast track at Lucas Oil. Last three games are not really indicative of what the Colts have done against ground. Tennessee's second game they rushed for 162 as a team, Cincinnati rushed for 155 yards and Arizona rushed for 120. Charles might be the difference maker.

But that's not to say Luck could not have the same day with the Colts. Kansas City's secondary have become their biggest problem of their comeback season. While the Chiefs have not faced a ton of great quarterbacks this season, but when they have, results are not the greatest. Luck seemed to move the ball better in the last couple of games without forcing the ball as he only has one interception in the last four games

Indianapolis seems to beat giants this season. They always seem to play up to their opponent. Alex Smith on the road and winning seems to mix like oil and water. Indy in a close one. Indianapolis 34 Kansas City 29 

New Orleans at Philadelphia 7:10 pm NBC - These are two of my favorite teams to watch this season so this game should be a delight to watch. I really would be surprised if we see a blowout even though the odds might be against New Orleans. I really think this is a game where I would be nervous as an Eagles fan.

Many people have already pushed the narrative about Saints not being a good road team as well as how much dome teams suffer in cold weather playoff teams. It almost reminds me a bit of Atlanta in 2002 with Green Bay. A little different elements, but no one gave Atlanta a chance, no one. I feel like some of that is happening with New Orleans. Drew Brees will be able to move the ball against this defense, but they will need to run the ball to create some balance. Saints have a big problem not involving their run game more, and that needs to happen on Saturday night.

Philadelphia is the bandwagon team of the playoffs. They are a fun offense with likable players such as Nick Foles, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy. People go head over heels to tell you how great Chip Kelly has been this season. This might have to be a Shady game for Philadelphia because New Orleans ranks second in pass defense. They really have not allowed many gaudy numbers against the pass. They do not force many turnovers, but it seems like New Orleans does not give up the big play as much as other teams taking away one of Philadelphia's big parts of their offense.

This is a game that applies to the logic 'Until you can do it, I don't believe you can do it.' I cannot take New Orleans on the road in a big game until they prove they can win one of these games. I BELIEVE YOU NARRATIVES. Philadelphia 27 New Orleans 21

SUNDAY
San Diego at Cincinnati 12:05 pm CBS - There are two people I have came around to liking in 2013, Jason Dufner and Phillip Rivers.  There are more people out there whom I have come to like, but in sports, Duf and Rivers are guys I choose to like versus disliking. Rivers being a crybaby is somewhat annoying, but the guy is just so quirky, it works perfectly for me. He is an oddball unlike some of the other robotic-like quarterbacks I have to respect it.

Rivers will be up against it on Sunday with Cincinnati having one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. They also force turnovers which is a problem for Rivers at times. San Diego quarterback will need to be in control if they want to win the game, and see if their rushing attack can at least give them something because they will need to keep their defense off the field as much as possible.

Andy Dalton is sixth in the NFL at passing the football. That is incredible because I do not consider him that good in any sort of scenario.  But one thing the Red Rocket does well is take advantage of bad pass defenses this year except for San Diego. Dalton really struggled on the road this season facing the Chargers in a game I think many people forgot about. Just a mirage or something to keep an eye on? Like Rivers, Dalton needs to limit his turnovers as much as possible.

This is the third straight playoff appearence for Cincinnati, their fourth in five years. They still have not won a playoff game since 1990. I think that changes with a spirited performances at one of the toughest places to play this season. CIN 24-21

San Francisco at Green Bay 3:35 pm FOX - I made a pick as well as a full breakdown of this game earlier today. Check it out. 

Charlie.

Sportandfashion-news NFL Picks Week 17: To the End of the Road

My picks page comes to an end and it has been a hard one. I have to figure out a way to get these out

quicker and also do them ahead of time. One of my NYE resolutions is to get Sportandfashion-news up quicker and a more furious pace. Hope you enjoyed these this season, always fun writing them even though it takes forever.  

Carolina (11-4) (-7) at Atlanta (4-11) 12:00 pm FOX - What a difference a year makes for both teams. I doubt the Panthers will choke in this one against a Falcons team who put up more fight than I expected on Monday night. Cam Newton has another good performance, and Carolina's defense holds strong against Matt Ryan. CAR 30-13

Baltimore (8-7) at Cincinnati (10-5) (-6.5) 12:00 pm CBS - For whatever reason, Cincinnati likes to puke on their shoes around this time. We are heading toward the time-honored tradition of seeing the Bengals play at 3:30 on Wild Card Saturday. Baltimore made the playoffs in the last five years, and need to win on the road for only the third time of the year with a banged up Joe Flacco. I cannot see that happening. Baltimore looked horrible last week, and I think Flacco might be more hurt than the Ravens are leading on and Cincinnati gets a clutch win... Finally. CIN 28-24

Houston (2-13) at Tennessee (6-9) (-7) 12:00 pm CBS - There are a couple 'Last Resort' games this week and this is one of them. I think it would take me about 250 dollars to watch this game. People expected Mike Munchak to get the pink slip. Houston's coach is already gone and the Texans will likely tank this one to preserve that number one spot. TENN 28-9

Jacksonville (4-11) at Indianapolis (10-5) (-11) 12:00 pm CBS - Colts can still become a three seed if they win and Cincinnati loses on Sunday meaning they would avoid Kansas City, a team I do not think they want to see even though they beat them two weeks ago (I will explain this if the two meet next Friday). Jacksonville had a 'Good job, good effort' season, and while I think the future is bright, they will struggle against a better looking Indianapolis team. IND 27-14

New York Jets (7-8) at Miami (8-7) (-6) 12:00 pm CBS - In the last 11 years, Miami only has one playoff appearance. For a storied franchise, this is a fairly significant game as they have struggled throughout this decade. I do not think it is a big day for Ryan Tannehill because he has years to write his story, but I do think some media types might give him some shit if Miami were lose against New York. I do not see it happening. Jets might want to fight for Rex, but Geno Smith is not a good road quarterback whatsoever. He only has five touchdowns on the road and has been sacked 27 times with 13 interceptions. Miami will win their way to a playoff spot. MIA 23-14.

Detroit (7-8) at Minnesota (4-10-1) (-3) 12:00 pm FOX - Both coaches might be out of a job and I will probably watch a little bit of this game to just get to see Jim Schwartz's sourpuss face one more time this season. I find it hard to believe Detroit will lose out to end the year. I realize Minnesota is playing better, but I have to think the Lions will try to fight for Schwartz even if he is cleaning out his office come Monday. Nonetheless I expect a ton of high scoring in this one. DET 34-30

Washington (3-12) at New York Giants (6-9) (-3.5) 12:00 pm FOX - This is a 'Last Resort' game for me. I want none of this one. The only reason to watch is to see if Eli Manning can get to 30 interceptions which would take four picks from Washington's defense. I wonder whether Washington wants to win so St. Louis does not get the second pick overall, but I have no idea if they really give a shit. Giants win this football game because Washington is so goddamn bad. NYG 35-17

Cleveland (4-11) at Pittsburgh (7-8) (-7) 12:00 pm CBS - I am happy for my friend and sometimes Sportandfashion-news writer Nolan winning 40 bucks as he bet the Browns would lose out the season a couple weeks ago. Ben Roethlisberger has personal ownership over Cleveland plus they need this win badly. Bet the house on Pittsburgh. PITT 30-6

Green Bay (7-7-1) (-2.5) at Chicago (8-7) 3:25 pm FOX - See my preview for this game and my nervous level is already at a three. It's only Friday.  

Denver (12-3) (-12) at Oakland (4-11) 3:25 pm CBS - Sleep your hangover off if this is your game from CBS. This will be a boat race. DEN 38-20

Buffalo (6-9) at New England (11-4) (-9) 3:25 pm CBS - Even with all their injuries, I think New England is the favorite in the AFC to begin the playoffs. I will probably not be convinced otherwise unless they find a way to lose to Buffalo. I do not think it happens though. They should be able to handle Buffalo. NE 28-21

Tampa Bay (4-11) at New Orleans (10-5) (-13) 3:25 pm FOX - I find it hard to believe New Orleans has a chance to either miss the playoffs or get a bye is incredible. They do not lose at home except against Tampa Bay. The Bucs have a couple wins in the Superdome in the last week of the season which is weird but also meaningless for Sunday's game. Drew Brees does not seem like a quarterback whom would let his team lose, but for some reason, I think it will be closer than expected. NO 24-21

San Francisco (11-4) (-1) at Arizona (10-5) 3:25 pm FOX - As I said on Tuesday, I feel terrible for Arizona that they might miss the playoffs with an 11-5 record while Green Bay or Chicago sneaks in with either nine or eight wins. I do honestly think these are two of the best teams right now especially Arizona's defense. I will be interested to see how the emerging Colin Kaepernick handles them on Sunday. Am I making too much of Matt Ryan throwing 350 yards against San Francisco's pass defense?  Do I think Carson Palmer could do the same thing?  Yes I do. But like what happened on Monday, San Francisco's defense makes a big play when needed. SF 28-24

Kansas City (11-4) at San Diego (8-7) (-9.5) 3:25 pm CBS - Kansas City has nothing to play for whatsoever while San Diego has everything to play for. Easy betting here. SD 31-14

St. Louis (7-8) at Seattle (12-3) (-11) - Alright I will get this out of the way, I think Seattle wins this football game rather easily, but I want to point out last three games for Russell Wilson which have not been good at all. In those three games, his passing yards are as followed 199, 208 and 108. The quarterback rating in those games... 81.9, 86.3 and 40.7. Further going from about completing 10 yards per pass to four against Arizona is not great either. Once again, Seattle wins going away but I'm a bit worried about Russell Wilson. SEA 30-10

Philadelphia (9-6) (-7) at Dallas (8-7) 7:30 pm NBC - Would it be the most Tony Romo thing for Dallas to win this football game and be in the playoffs preserving Jason Garrett's job with Kyle Orton at quarterback?  The answer is yes, and the ridiculousness that would come with it, I could not handle it. But Philadelphia is a great team and one of the hottest in football. Their defense does enough to keep this from being a shootout and their offense has a major day against a weak Dallas defense. PHI 41-28

Straight Up: 144-79-1

ATS: 100-115-4

Charlie.