It was a great week in the NFL just because I didn’t have to eat paper. Last week, I said that if the Seahawks lost to the Jets, I would print my story and eat what was super comforting and I was spared from eating inedible products.
This week, we have a mix of games that, frankly, don’t matter, and others that could completely determine the playoff race in the NFL. It is this duality that really sums up the week. The AFC is currently the largest battlefield in the league, with nine teams that have records on the track. Any of them could make the playoffs, so let’s take the games that matter.
New England vs Miami is a game that would have tipped us favorites over a few months. Now it’s the Dolphins trying to push into the postseason, not the Patriots. Miami has been really great lately, while the Pats were … bad. There are not enough weapons on the Offensive, Cam Newton was inconsistent and everything is a mess. That said, there’s still potential for this team to come out at any time — making it a scary game for the Dolphins, and a game they can’t lose. The majority of our group with the Dolphins, but it could be difficult.
Tennessee should be able to beat Detroit. I use “should” because the Titans came dangerously close to games against inferior opponents and even lost to Cincinnati. This is a critical week for Tennessee who must secure that win to keep alive their hopes for the AFC South. Their biggest threat, the Colts, should have an easy week against the hapless Texans, making this game more critical for the titans to stay in lockstep.
Finally, we have the Ravens who should easily beat the jaguars-but it’s important to note that Baltimore is in must-win mode. At this point, every game is crucial to your chances of finding your way back to the playoffs, even with a weaker team than a year ago. While even the strongest fans doubt the chances of Lamar Jackson and CO. to make noise again in 2020, this is the biggest battle to get into the playoffs. Dropping a simple one like this would definitely end up for you
Quick hit games to watch:
Seattle vs. Washington: can the WFT steal the Middle East?
Las Vegas vs. Los Angeles Chargers: the Raiders are looking for a way, and have those to win.
Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta it will be a long and long winter in Buccaneers town if Tom Brady can’t bring his team to the playoffs in a season where there was so much hope.