NFL Free Agency Comes Out Hot.

The NFL free agency period started yesterday and of course, a lot happened in the first day. We will be doing these sort of recaps until it starts slowing down. Enjoy.  

Denver makes a statement - Broncos were embarrassed in the Super Bowl six weeks ago, and it is pretty clear they are pissed off about it. They add T.J. Ward to bolster their secondary and getting a big hitter to add some toughness. Even if Ward was the only signing of the day, Denver would be on the rise a bit, but then they add Aqib Talib shoring up the Broncos secondary issues. I am not sure about the contract they gave Talib. Remember Tampa Bay chased him out by releasing him mid-season, and New England revitalized his career so are we sure it will continue with Denver? I do not think it is a given we will see the same things from Talib as we did with New England, but right now, adding Talib and Ward plus possibly getting DeMarcus Ware up front looks like a dream team defense.

#SAINTSCLAUSE - One of the more cash-strapped teams in all of the National Football League going into the free agency period was New Orleans Saints. The assumption would be they stay silent during this period and make some little moves. NOPE. Saints blew the door open by signing Jairus Byrd to a six year 54 million dollar deal with a stunning 28 million dollars guaranteed.  I started saying New Orleans got a special clause to get the money to work, but in reality, Saints will move a ton of money plus possibly cutting a couple notable players. New Orleans' secondary has officially become scary with Kenny Vaccaro and Byrd plus two solid corners. I will be interested to see how Byrd handles the bright lights after playing for Buffalo for multiple years.

Packers miss out on Houston and Jones - Who knows what Green Bay's involvement was with these two players, but they expressed interest in both Lamarr Houston and Arthur Jones for defensive line help. Houston went to Chicago for 35 million over five years where he will replace Julius Peppers spot, and like I thought, he would probably prefer to stay in the 4-3. Jones is a young up and coming player that heads to Indianapolis for a little over six million dollars a year. Jones with Robert Mathis will be a scary combination. I would not fret about things Green Bay. They are panicking because many teams around them are making moves yet the season is not won on Day 1 of Free Agency (CLICHE, DRINK).

Southern Style Free Agency - One of the big narratives of Day 1 is how Tampa Bay, New Orleans and Atlanta spent a ton of money while Carolina saw some dudes leave, other retire and just twiddled their thumbs. Atlanta is moving to a 3-4 which reflected their signings adding Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson for their defensive line.  I don't really know about Jackson, but I definitely think Soliai could do some things in an attempt to rebuild Atlanta's defense. Tampa Bay added Michael Johnson to provide off the edge rush, added a defensive tackle Clinton McDonald and Alterraun Verner at cornerback meaning it is curtains for Darrelle Revis. It is evident Lovie Smith wants more of 'his guys' versus the old regime trying to take this team back to the playoffs.

Johnathan Martin moves to San Fran - I am not sure if Johnathan Martin will be a factor for San Francisco. I know why it is a big story, and the fact he gets to come back to the Bay Area where he played college football plus playing for his college coach. Out of college, people were critical of Martin's toughness and felt like he did not really have a mean streak in him. This is a big deal for him to move on, but for him being an NFL athlete, there is nothing really to discuss until we see how Martin does on the field.

Safety Day - Besides Ward and Byrd, four other safeties made changes to different teams. Donte Whitner heads to Cleveland to replace Ward, San Francisco gets Antoine Bethea from Indianapolis to replace Whitner. Philadelphia added Malcolm Jenkins which in comparison to the other guys looks like Taco Bell compared to eating at four or five star restaurant.

Um Oakland - I wish I could tell you what Oakland Raiders were doing on Day 1.  They lose out on Jared Veldheer to Arizona and they replace him with Rodger Saffold who did not really pan out tackle, more so a guard but it appears he is heading back to tackle with Oakland. They also added Austin Howard from New York and he might be a better signing than Saffold because he is a raw talent. There is a greater chance he could really become something for this team or fizzle out quickly making 2013 just an aberration.

Charlie.

Divisional Round Recap: Seattle Beasts Through New Orleans

When New Orleans and Seattle met in early December for a big Monday Night Football matchup, many people thought it would be an exciting game going down to the end, but Seattle shut their entire team down like they were Jon Taffer dealing with a bar serving warm beer. They met again in the playoffs, and some people (Guilty) thought things might be different with how New Orleans looked the prior weekend in Philadelphia. Seattle showed why they were the number one seed in the NFC, a mean bruising running attack and a defense that does not quit ever.

New Orleans knows about Marshawn Lynch like we Packer fans know how Golden Tate never caught the football in the end zone. They still run back the tape of when Beast Mode was invented and how a 7-9 Seahawks team knocked off the 13-3 Saints. My assumption would be the Saints did not want a similar result this weekend, but Lynch did not have an iconic run in this game, he still was the difference for this Seattle team turning in one of the best performances of his season. Lynch went over 100 yards for the first time since November 10th against Atlanta. He basically provided everything for Seattle on Saturday afternoon. 

One of the things we see with running backs especially bruisers like Lynch, they tire out by the end of the year. FOX Sports John Lynch believes Marshawn needed an extra week giving him a much-needed rest, and boy, did it show. He looked like the best player on the field for the entire football game, and that is in no way a hyperbolic statement. Lynch will need to continue his power style because I do think there needs to be more of a concern about Russell Wilson. Once again, the Seahawks quarterback struggled to do anything really having only 100 yards with a 67.6 passer rating. Wilson needs to be better moving forward if Seattle wants to win their first Super Bowl in franchise history. While Seahawks' defense and Lynch are great, they will not be able to carry the load like this for the whole playoffs. 

Everyone trips over their own feet to tell you how good Seattle's defense. It is like every male that seen The Wolf of Wall Street imploring you to check out Margot Robbie. But like how attractive and talented Robbie is, Seattle's defense shined through in this one. They held one of the best offenses to zero points heading into the fourth quarter. Drew Brees, one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the last decade, had only 54 yards in the first half which was his lowest since 2006 against Carolina. Brees ended up with 300 yards which is impressive, but Seattle played mostly prevent style defense in the final quarter. This defense deserves every narrative they have already received, and what they will receive in the coming weeks.

Seattle averted a near disaster after not being able to recover an onside kick leading to New Orleans getting the ball back with 26 seconds left. Thankfully for Seattle, Marques Colston does not know the rules of football and the 10 second run-off ended the game. Seahawks are now one game away from heading back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2005 and to get there, they will play their rival San Francisco. Seattle's wide receiver Doug Baldwin Jr. put it best. 

Wouldn't want it any other way...
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) January 12, 2014

Amen. 

Charlie.  

Divisional Round Playoff Picks

Everyone knows the dream matchup for the following Sunday... It would be Seattle-San Francisco and Denver-New England. This would make any casual fan of the NFL go from six to midnight. I could not even begin to fathom the ratings for each of these games so then here lies the questions, 'Who is the team that royally screws this thing up?'  That is the question I have been wondering all week. I cannot just put my
finger on who it will be honestly.

Saturday
New Orleans at Seattle 3:30 pm FOX - Here is the first case where I think our dream matchup could get ruined and no one thinks this is possible. People will point to the unreal secondary of Seattle and for good reason, they are one of the best ever. New Orleans predicates an offense off passing, passing and a random Mark Ingram appearance like a wild Snorlax appearing out of nowhere. It seems like the Saints are pissed off people believe they cannot win on the road.  They already won in Philly, but no one thinks New Orleans can do it again. Head coach Sean Payton is certainly going down with a fight blowing out speakers to emulate the sound and having a Seahawks logo in their practice facility.  New Orleans needs to limit mistakes if they want to win this game. It bite them hard in the game against Seattle the first time around, and if they stay composed New Orleans can win this game.

Seattle on the other hand comes in fresh. Bye weeks have not been the best thing for teams in the last couple of years, but with how physical the Seahawks play, a week off could be useful. Even though Percy Harvin will be back this week, people are forgetting how bad Russell Wilson has been as the season closed out. Harvin might help him, but since the New Orleans game, Wilson has been less than stellar. Also remember Seattle's offensive line is one of the worst in the NFL in terms of pass-blocking and this Saints team can get to Wilson. I am taking the Saints. Maybe I am looking too much into this one, but Seattle seems ripe for the upset. NO 23-21

Indianapolis at New England (-7.5) 7:15 pm CBS - This is a game where I could see things either being a complete blowout by New England or getting really weird. The reason for the blowout is Indianapolis' defense is goddamn awful. They do not have much going for them besides Robert Mathis. It is like a band with a good lead singer and just a bunch of mediocre guitarists and drums. Even with the bad weather, Tom Brady and their three-headed rushing attack could have a big day.

 It could get weird because Indianapolis since Andrew Luck has been their quarterback only seems to win in the most bizarre fashion. It is never a clear cut victory; something crazy always has to happen. This would be a defining win for Luck's career if he is able to take down Brady in the playoffs.  He will need to be perfect. New England's defense might not be great, but their offense cannot get extra opportunities. When I look at this game, I think we are getting an Indianapolis team that will be 'just happy to be there' and not really believing they can win this game. Patriots in a big way. NE 38-20

Sunday
San Francisco (-3) at Carolina 12:00 pm FOX - You want to see some hitting?  This is your game. Colin Kaepernick struggled their last meeting with only throwing for 99 yards and a couple turnovers. He will have to deal with a jacked up Carolina crowd, but he at least gets Michael Crabtree this time around which should be fun against these Carolina. Kaepernick always seems to have a little extra for the playoffs, and I think he rectifies the poor start from earlier in this season. One thing that would worry me if I were San Fran would be Frank Gore. He could be wearing down, and while Carolina's stout rush defense is tough to get through, Niners still need some Gore yards.

As for the Panthers, they are a team with many people experiencing the playoffs for the first time. It is extremely vital Carolina comes out in the first quarter, and just plays Panthers football. If they come out tight, let San Francisco get the early advantage, it might be curtains for this team. Cam Newton will have the largest microscope on him, and he needs not to force anything. One thing that will help is the fired up fanbase of Carolina. These folks have not seen a playoff game in quite some time, and they will be ready to help out the team as much as they can.  I like San Francisco in this one. It seems like the Niners are the hottest team in the league, and I will ride them to another round. SF 16-14

San Diego at Denver (-10) 3:30 pm CBS - Ever think sometimes the criticism is so severe on the guy that he will say 'F--- it, let's give them something else to talk about.'? That's how I feel about Peyton Manning. I cannot remember a time where he received so much shit for not winning the postseason. I mean it is well-documented, but at the same time, this seems a bit excessive. I have a feeling this will be an iconic Manning performance. Even though San Diego seemed to improved defensively in the last couple weeks, I still think this is a below average secondary that Manning can exploit. The reason Denver loses this game will not be Manning rather the defense therefore I expect a close game, but seriously, Manning is going to put everyone on notice. DEN 34-30

Charlie.

Wild Card Recap: Saints Become Road Warriors

Narratives in sports are a funny thing. Most of the time they are overblown, but there are some that become a 'Death, Taxes' and team x losing to team y or losing in y condition.'  The latter became how people treated New Orleans Saints on the road especially in cold. People believed the Saints could not win a big game when they had to be away from the SuperDome. New Orleans could not really disagree as the facts were there with Saints going 8-8 since 2011 on the road. Well they shed some of the criticism beating Philadelphia on a chilly Saturday night in the city of Brotherly Love.

While their road failures have been an issue for New Orleans, kicking field goals have been a real problem for Saints this season. Garrett Hartley is currently looking for work after going 22/30 this season missing three field goals inside 30-39 and another four field goals inside 40-49 so it is not like Hartley missed field goals from deep distances rather he missed short yardage field goals. Credit to New Orleans for making sure it would be not be what came back to bite them in the ass in the playoffs. Shayne Graham was a rockstar on Saturday night drilling three field goals including the game-winner at the very end. Couple weeks ago, Graham did not have a job and now he is kicking field goals in the playoffs, what a world.

One of the more impressive things about New Orleans' win is they grinded out this victory. This was not a classic Saints game where they relied on big plays and a huge Drew Brees performance in the process.  Only twice did Brees have a lower quarterback rating yet New Orleans still found a way to find this football game. Further, Saints lost the turnover bout to with Philadelphia picking Brees off twice and still New Orleans came out ahead in this football game. Saints Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan gets a great deal of shit from people, but he deserves a ton of credit for the game plan he had against Philadelphia. He is the biggest reason why Saints were able to win with a negative turnover ratio and a poor Brees performance.

Philadelphia only had one play of 25 yards or more. Eagles make their living off of those plays as they had 62 this year leading the NFL. DeSean Jackson usually on the receiving end of the big play assault was held in check with 53 yards on three catches with 40 of them on one play. Even without Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis whom went out of the game earlier with a concussion, they were able to hold Jackson in check. New Orleans also held LeSean McCoy at by as the league leader in rushing only had 77 yards averaging 3.8 yards per carry. Ryan's yeoman effort on Saturday night makes me think this New Orleans team might be step up for a deep playoff run even though they will be battling the elements for all four weeks of the playoff season.

Hell of fight by Philadelphia this season. Nobody really knew what to expect with Chip Kelly and this team. When they started off season 3-5, many people started writing off this team and people began to criticize Kelly's style as a coach. Eagles responded by only losing one game the rest of the season and will definitely be a Super Bowl contender in a couple years with a couple more pieces. They have a plan in place, and might be one of the most exciting teams moving forward. Expect to see this team a great deal in primetime next season.

New Orleans heads back to Seattle for their second game, and place that has given them all sorts of trouble in the Pete Carroll era. All week they will see the Marshawn Lynch run, or the game in December when Seattle wiped the floor with them. But given how New Orleans gutted out a playoff road win, I would not doubt this team at all.

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 16: Check Scoreboard Sunday

Honestly, it is never a bad idea to be at Lambeau for a Packer game, but this week will be tough with all the different playoff scenarios possible plus myself in the fantasy championship in one of my five leagues (20 percent, live the dream!) I am really expecting to be the usual NFL earthquake where people are picking up the pieces by Tuesday.

Miami (8-6) at Buffalo (5-9) 12:00 pm CBS - This is one of the most important games on the late for young Charles. If Miami wins this football game, they knock Pittsburgh out of the playoffs. Many would worry about the Dolphins heading north to Buffalo yet Miami handled the snow just fine in two weeks ago therefore I am not as worried. Thad Lewis will be starting for Buffalo as E.J. Manuel is out with yet another knee injury. Buffalo's offense seems to only be cooking when they face bad defenses, and sadly for them, Miami is not one of them. Dolphins take control of this one in the second half and win this game. MIA 27-16

Minnesota (4-9-1) at Cincinnati (9-5) 12:00 pm FOX - How about the Vikings? They are on complete fire led by Matt Cassel and a true island of misfits with Adrian Peterson out with injury. They face their toughest task of their current unbeaten streak facing Cincinnati, a team who has not lost at home. Bengals are trying to recover from a beatdown by Pittsburgh last Sunday night. Cassel should be able to move the ball against a banged up Cincinnati secondary meaning he will be successful once again. But I feel like this is a career-defining game for Andy Dalton. They need this win for the division, possibly a one-seed, just have to win this one. I like Cincy in a close one CIN 31-27

Indianapolis (9-5) at Kansas City (11-3) 12:00 pm CBS - I feel like this game would have been more fun had it been played a month ago. Both teams have playoff spots now it is just a matter of jostling for position. Indy played well against Houston, but I think every team can say that this season. Kansas City's defense looked less than stellar against Oakland, but people will forget that because of Jamaal Charles' performance. He should have a nice encore against a weak Indianapolis defense. This should be a shootout, and most of the time I would take Andrew Luck in those scenarios yet I still cannot trust this team yet especially on the road. KC 34-30

Tampa Bay (4-10) at St. Louis (6-8) 12:00 pm FOX - Two teams that I think a lot of people and their fanbases expected more from the 2013 NFL season. St. Louis is a bizarre football team because I think if Zac Stacy started all year and Sam Bradford stayed healthy, they might be contending for a playoff position. We also talked about Mike Glennon's impact on this team a couple weeks ago and how Tampa would have been much better off.  Although this could be a rough one for Glennon as he faces a top notch defensive line. Rams will win again meaning Jeff Fisher is going to continue his dream of being the .500 coach. STL 20-14

Cleveland (4-10) at New York Jets (6-8) 12:00 pm CBS - This is the 'Last Resort' game of the week. If this was the only game you could watch in the NFL slate, how much money would it take to solely watch this and nothing else?  I would say a good 150 dollars for this one. It's going to be brutal. Geno Smith is bound to struggle against an above average Cleveland secondary and Jason Campbell will not be much better going up against the Jets front line. I will take the home team, but I have no real basis on why they should win this football game. NYJ 14-10

Dallas (7-7) at Washington (3-11) 12:00 pm FOX -  Last time these two played at FedEx Field, the game was for the NFC East. This time we have Kirk Cousins versus a much criticized Cowboys team. Cousins should be able to move the ball against a weak Dallas secondary, but I cannot really see anyone from Washington stopping Tony Romo and the Cowboys offense. The only way Dallas loses this football game is if they have quit entirely as a team on head coach Jason Garrett. While I feel like his job is at risk I do not think Dallas lays down. DAL 35-27

New Orleans (10-4) at Carolina (10-4) 12:00 pm FOX - People are close to hitting the panic button for thebSaints if they were to fall to Carolina. I cannot believe there is chance New Orleans could miss the playoffs if they were to lose their last two games. They head into hostile Carolina where they had some struggles in the past decade. Carolina bounced back last week after getting their asses handed to them by this very Saints team. Carolina knows the door is open for them to get a bye and a home playoff game for the first time since 2008 when they were 12-4. I do not think Cam Newton nor the Carolina defense shits the bed here. Panthers win with a big fourth quarter.  CAR 27-17  

Tennessee (5-9) at Jacksonville (4-10) 12:00 pm CBS - Before Jacksonville went on a run, Tennessee was their whipping boy. Knowing that I think Tennessee might have had their last gasp after they come back against Arizona only to lose in overtime. Jacksonville's defense is a little shaky, but I think they will be able to get a victory here. JAX 27-21  

Denver (11-3) at Houston (2-12) 12:00 pm CBS - There are not many games where I would call them 'Sleep off your hangover' like I do in college football, but this is one of them. Denver puts up some big points early on and Peyton Manning will be resting during the fourth quarter. DEN 45-14

New York Giants (5-9) at Detroit (7-7) 3:05 pm FOX - Hmmmm.... This one is interesting. Lions seem like they could be a team that mails it in, and just ends it for Jim Schwartz. But then again, New York has been complete shit for the last two games against San Diego and Seattle. I have to think Detroit responds to all the criticism and wins this football game. Additionally, they still have a chance at the NFC North if they win this game obviously they need some help though. New York's defense is so bad meaning Matthew Stafford could have an error-free game. Ah who am I kidding, I know he will throw at least one or two picks. Lions will still win this one, but it will be close. DET 20-17  

Arizona (9-5) at Seattle (12-2) 3:05 pm FOX - I really have enjoyed Arizona's bounce back year. No matter what happens, it has been fun to watch this team play football. Although this might be the end of it for the Cardinals unless some teams ahead of them fall as well. I cannot see them going into Seattle and winning this football game even if Seattle has pretty much locked up homefield advantage . I would not take the Seahawks to cover, but I would not pick against them in this one. They still need this victory, and if they get it then Week 17 is a wash. SEA 21-16

Pittsburgh (6-8) at Green Bay (7-6-1) 3:25 pm CBS - Preview will be coming along a little later today. I wanted to wait on the Rodgers news before I published anything.

Oakland (4-10) at San Diego (7-7) 3:25 pm CBS - With how weird San Diego has been all year, this would be a game they would lose and everyone would wonder 'Huh?' But there are some things going against Chargers being quirky in this one... First, Oakland's defense regressed like a person in rehab on a five-day bender. Second, San Diego had some time off with playing on Thursday plus Phillip Rivers is a God in December. Chargers roll in this one. SD 30-14  

New England (10-4) at Baltimore (8-6) 3:25 pm CBS - This has been a great rivalry in the last couple of years. I have no idea if people are talking about this as a rivalry, but it is. Terrell Suggs hates Tom Brady. Like I think they were in the same room, one person would have to leave unless they want a ton of tension. Baltimore is doing some quirky shit again, and it seems like we are headed to Ravens sneaking into the playoffs being as lethal, but can they score?  Justin Tucker is great, but six field goals will probably not cut it. I think we are going to see a vintage Tom Brady performance, and he will carry this club in a major victory for the Pats. NE 24-23

Chicago (8-6) at Philadelphia (8-6) 7:30 pm NBC - Am I the only one who does not get the whole notion of Philadelphia resting their players if Dallas beats Washington? I mean I get they are playing with house money, but why would they want to lose two straight heading into Dallas which is a road game. Obviously, they could play a vanilla offense not showing the Cowboys much, but at the same time, they play to win the game. Chicago needs this one badly and could possibly clinch the NFC North if things break the right way. This will come down to whose defense makes a stop?  Both teams are destined to allow some points, but in the end, I am going with Philly. I think LeSean McCoy will be a huge problem for this Bears defense even if Lance Briggs comes back. PHI 45-42

Atlanta (4-10) at San Francisco (10-4) 7:30 pm ESPN - This is another sleep off your hangover game. Last game at Candlestick for San Francisco and Atlanta has nothing to play for but a higher draft position. San Francisco rolls in this one. SF 37-13

Charlie.

NFL Liquor Cabinet Week 15

For the entire NFL season, we will be breaking down the rest of the NFL not named Green Bay by looking at it like a liquor cabinet. Why did we choose this method? I like to booze and it makes things really easy to determine what's great, average and poor. 

ED Note: I realize there is no need to recap everything coming from the NFL this week because there were some meaningless games along with some meaningless finishes. This is why the Liquor Cabinet is a little shorter than it usually is during the week.  

TOP SHELF
Jamaal Charles makes an MVP Case - NFL always needs new things to talk about especially when it comes to Most Valuable Player. Peyton Manning will probably get it, but Jamaal Charles could win Offensive Player of the Year. Charles deserves it for the season he is currently having right now. The Texas product rushed for 1,181 yards with eleven touchdowns and has 655 receiving yards with seven touchdowns. Although many of the receiving numbers come from Oakland with Charles having 195 yards of receiving with four touchdowns. All on screens. CLASSIC Oakland. Charles definitely has the numbers to at least give Manning a run for his money.  If he has two massive games to finish out the year, it will only help his case.

Justin Tucker earns new fans in Chicago and Detroit - Monday Night Football got their big game, but this game was pretty damn ugly. Baltimore's kicker Justin Tucker has been the best Special Teams player in the AFC this season, and probably guaranteed himself a trip to Hawaii. He became the first NFL kicker to make a field goal in the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's with the 61 yard field goal being the game-winner. Tucker single-handily beat Detroit by himself with six field goals. Baltimore did not have a touchdown. Ravens are winning in the weirdest ways possible.

How legit is Miami? - Given all the bullshit they have been through this season, Miami is still very alive in the playoffs. They need a Baltimore loss and they need to keep winning. Miami needs to beat Buffalo on the road and New York Jets at home. They could easily make it to 10-6.  They might not be a playoff team this year if Baltimore wins out, but they can be a true contender to the AFC East crown for the coming years. Miami feels like they are one or two more pieces from being a real good team in the AFC that can win playoff games. On Sunday, that was the first good Miami crowd in the last five years, maybe overreacting, but it feels like they have been struggling forever yet the fanbase finally saw hope last week.

MIDDLE SHELF
The forgotten great game - Due to Green Bay Packers comeback, everyone forgot about Arizona-Tennessee during the same time slot. Arizona took a 34-17 lead in the fourth quarter only to see it dissolve in the final three minutes of the game leading Tennessee to tie up the game and force overtime. Once again, Ryan Fitzpatrick's Turnover Spectactular struck again in overtime leading to a Jay Feely field goal. Arizona is still very alive in the playoff hunt and even more so with New Orleans losing meaning they could be in the Wild Card position if Arizona does the unthinkable and beats Seattle in the Pacific Northwest.

Jay Cutler's big second half leads Bears - Cutty returned to the field against Cleveland. Some people worried about the Browns defense against Cutler, and they were right at the beginning with two interceptions, one being in the end zone and the other a pick-six. Chicago quarterback played a hell of a second half leading the charge for this Chicago team in a must-needed victory. This also saved head coach Marc Trestman questions as to why Josh McCown was not out there which is ideal for him and this team moving forward in the next couple of weeks.

AFC is hot garbage - I said it last week and I will say it again, AFC is not a good conference. All of the top three teams lost in the playoff seeding and why two of the top three in the NFC lost as well, I promise you it is different. The reason being is Denver fell to San Diego on Thursday meaning both teams knew the door was open and they decided to shut it because why not, right?  I guess what upsets in whatever sport it may be football, basketball, golf, baseball, etc. I want to see a team or an individual win whatever they are doing instead of backing their way into a championship or first round bye. Hopefully, one or two teams seize the AFC by the balls.

BOTTOM SHELF
Who should be concerned more: Philly's defense or road Saints? - I am going to hedge this answer right here. If New Orleans loses to Carolina next week, my answer is the Saints especially if they have to go to Green Bay or Chicago in round one. New Orleans' road struggles is pretty well-documented, but it could get real nasty if they fall to Carolina on Sunday meaning they will play a game in likely sub-zero temperatures. Philadelphia's defense reared its ugly head on Sunday. They have been good for the last six weeks, and looked like the old version of themselves. I feel like I will have a better answer to this question after next week.

Mike Shanahan is trying to get fired on-site - I would love to try to explain Shanny going for two at the end of the game attempting to win the football game. It is not like this is some David versus Goliath matchup here rather two really poor football teams. Shanahan wants to be fired. He is not going to step down, I can guarantee that. Further, he will continue to do dumb shit in the coming weeks to see what puts Dan Snyder going off the ledge. I, for one, will be entertained to see what he continues to do try and pull off.

New York Giants are back baby! - Remember when people were talking about New York making a comeback for the playoffs? They were 4-6 at the time and now they are 5-9 meaning they have lost three of their last four. They put up a pathetic effort against Seattle including Eli Manning had five interceptions meaning he is only five away from 30. Let's dream the dream.

Charlie.