Guys, don’t get too excited but play-off football is on the horizon. Week fourteen is now in the books, with the NFL once again proving why it’s the best sporting competition across the Atlantic.
The post-season picture is being painted. With each passing week, we’re learning who the genuine contenders are. In both the AFC and NFC, things are hotting up nicely.
Thirteen of the sixteen games that took place had play-off implications, so let’s take a look at all the winners and losers.
New Orleans Saints 17-20 Atlanta Falcons
Thursday Night Football was an absolute corker. New Orleans had the chance to win it late on, only for Drew Brees to throw an INT in the end zone. Despite Falcons QB Matt Ryan’s struggles, Atlanta escaped with a huge victory to keep their slim play-off hopes alive.
Indianapolis Colts 7-13 Buffalo Bills
One thing I love about the NFL is that they’ll play in the snow. It makes for some iconic moments, and although it was picturesque out in Buffalo, the game itself was a drab affair. RB LeShaun McCoy secured the Bills’ victory with a 21-yard run in overtime.
Chicago Bears 33-7 Cincinnati Bengals
With each passing week, rookie QB Mitch Trubisky is improving. Perhaps the Bears have found their franchise guy (finally). Both teams have no chance at making it into the post-season, so they’ll already be building for next season.
Green Bay Packers 27-21 Cleveland Browns
Well well well, Green Bay moved to 7-6 on the year with a victory over the winless Cleveland Browns. With Aaron Rodgers back next week, what a miracle it’d be if ‘The Pack’ could force their way into the play-off fold. Nobody would want to face off against #12, that’s for sure.
Oakland Raiders 15-26 Kansas City Chiefs
This was a huge AFC West matchup. The winner would take control of the division, with the loser moving under .500 on the year. Kansas City snapped a horrendous losing streak in this one, and they looked great. Based on their early season form, they deserve a play-off spot.
Dallas Cowboys 30-10 New York Giants
Dallas’ post-season hopes are still alive, somehow. Dak Prescott threw for three TDs against a New York team who have all-but given up on this season. It was nice to see the second-year QB throw for 300+ yards without throwing a pick, too.
Detroit Lions 24-21 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Detroit, like many others, will probably have to win out to stand a chance at play-off football. They picked up a huge victory on the road out in Florida this weekend, thanks to Matt Stafford throwing for close to 400 yards. They’ll be hoping for a wildcard spot at best, with Minnesota running away with the NFC North.
Minnesota Vikings 24-31 Carolina Panthers
Speaking of the Vikings, they did drop this game to Carolina, but they’re sitting pretty at the top of their division. Both Case Keenum and Cam Newton struggled in this one, with the running game becoming the all-important factor. Jonathan Stewart rushed for three TDs to keep the Panthers’ hopes alive.
San Francisco 49ers 26-16 Houston Texans
Jimmy G made it back-to-back victories for the Niners! Honestly, with a solid free agency period and a couple of decent picks, San Francisco could be next year’s sleepers. As for Houston, their season was over the moment DeShaun Watson went down with injury. Expect them to bounce back in 2018, though.
New York Jets 0-23 Denver Broncos
The Jets have been so inconsistent this year. Sometimes, they look capable of beating anyone, others, they just don’t turn up. The loss means they’re now 5-8, firmly planted at the bottom of the AFC East. Denver are now 4-9, with major problems of their own to deal with in the off-season.
Tennessee Titans 7-12 Arizona Cardinals
The dullest fixture of an exciting week. Somehow, the Cardinals moved to 6-7 on the season, and they’ll be looking to win two of their next three to end the year with a .500 record. I love Titans QB Marcus Mariota, but he’s struggling right now, and it may be tough for Tennessee to make the play-offs.
Washington Redskins 13-30 Los Angeles Chargers
The in-form Chargers made it four wins in a row to move to 7-6 on the year. Phillip Rivers is balling at present, as is wide receiver Keenan Allen. The season is done for Washington, but they must sign Kirk Cousins to a long-term contract; he’s an excellent QB.
Philadelphia Eagles 43-35 Los Angeles Rams
Philly picked up the W to move to 11-2, but QB Carson Wentz tore an ACL in the process… In my opinion, they were a shoe-in to make the Super Bowl, but their chances took a huge knock. Nick Foles is an excellent back-up, but I think he’ll struggle against elite defences. As for LA, they still sit atop of the NFC West, one game ahead of Seattle.
Seattle Seahawks 24-30 Jacksonville Jaguars
The battle of two stern defences. Jacksonville looks in excellent shape to make the play-offs for the first time in as long as I can remember, and they deserve it. That defence is playing lights out right now, and they’ll cause havoc for any opposing QB. As for Seattle, they cannot afford to lose again.
Baltimore Ravens 38-39 Pittsburgh Steelers
Undoubtedly the game of the week. Big Ben threw for over 500 yards, with over 200 of them in Antonio Brown’s direction. They’re now on an eight game winning streak, and looking good to hold the best record in the AFC. One slight concern for them is how many yards they’re giving up defensively, but when you have the weapons they do on offence, you’ve always got a shot.
New England Patriots 20-27 Miami Dolphins
It was a night to forget for Tom Brady. He threw two picks against Miami, with the home team controlling this game throughout. The loss will not cost The Pats their division, but it could mean a lack of home-field advantage in the AFC Championship game if they are to make it that far. The take on Pittsburgh next week in a huge match-up.
So, things are heating up nicely. If I had to pick my Super Bowl contenders at this point, I’d opt for the Pittsburgh Steelers taking on the Minnesota Vikings. A lot can change from now until the regular season ends, but it’s heating up nicely!
