Saturday Games
The two games that were played on Saturday were shown exclusively on NFL Network. The first game on Saturday saw the Texans taking on the New York Jets in MetLife Stadium.
The first quarter had each team just putting a field goal on the board making it a 3-3 game.
In the second the Texans scored a touchdown and two field goals adding 13 points to their score. The Jets added a touchdown of their own but failed to make the extra point leaving the half at 16-9.
The second half saw some adjustments to the Jets offense and defense. The Jets held the Texans to 0 points in the third and the offense scored another touchdown, but once again failed to convert the extra point. Going into the final quarter the score was 16-15 Texans on top. The Texans added to the lead with a field goal early in the quarter. The Jets answered with a touchdown giving them the lead for the first time in the game. With the score 19-22 and the Jets on top the Texans retook the lead with a touchdown throw to DeAndre Hopkins, retaking the lead 26-22. The Texans defense stopped the Jets on the next possession and the Texans sealed the deal but putting up another field goal. This put the final score in favor of the Texans 29-22.
The second of the two Saturday games had the Cleveland Browns taking on the Denver Broncos in Mile High. The first quarter had the Browns scoring first with a touchdown on their first possession.
It took the Broncos a bit to get going, but then on their third chance of the game they answered with a TD of their own. The first quarter ended with a 7-7 dead heat. As a matter of fact the second quarter the teams mirrored each other again scoring a field goal apiece. The half ended with each team scoring a TD and a field goal and the quarterbacks each throwing one interception to end it 10-10.
In the third quarter Denver was able to hold the Browns scoreless while putting up a field goal giving them the lead going into the fourth quarter. In the fourth the Browns scored a touchdown retaking the lead from the Broncos 17-13. The Broncos elected with just about five minutes left in regulation to go for a field goal bringing the score to 17-16. They chose to let their defense do its job and get the ball back to give them a chance at the win.
The Browns had a long run by running back Chubb to get them within field goal range, but on a 4th and 1 play turned the ball over on downs giving the ball back to Keenum and the Broncos offense. With under two minutes left on the clock the Broncos made it to the 5- yard line before they were stopped on a 4th and long by and all out rush from Cleveland. Cleveland got the ball back and secured their 6th win of the season 17-16.
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday
According to ESPN Sunday starts off with 9 early games and most with playoff implications.
The first game is the Cardinals flying south to face the Falcons in Atlanta. Next we have the Detroit Lions at the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo NY. We also get to see the oldest rivalry in the NFL, the Green Bay Packers face the Chicago Bears in Soldier Field.
The Raiders after their big win over the Steelers make their way east to take on the Bengals in Cincinnati. The Cowboys head to Indianapolis to face the streaking Colts in Lucas Oil Stadium. The Dolphins take on the Vikings at home in Minnesota where this is a must win for both teams.
Titans face off against the G-men in East Rutherford NJ. The Washington Redskins go south to Jacksonville FL to face the Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. The last of the early games will be when the Buccaneers set sail to face the Ravens at home in M&T Bank Stadium.
We have two late game and the Sunday night game to finish off the day. The first of the late games will be the Seattle Seahawks at the San Francisco 49ers in Levi Stadium. The last of the late game is a must win for both teams. The New England Patriots take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field.
The Sunday and Monday night games could be spoilers. We have the Philadelphia Eagles at the Los Angles Rams in the Los Angles Memorial Stadium in Los Angles, CA. The Monday night contest has the New Orleans Saints taking on the Carolina Panthers in the Bank of America Stadium.
Bold Predictions
My first match-up and prediction will be the Seahawks and the 49ers. I believe the 9ers will play spoilers in this game and beat the Hawks 17-27.
Next the Patriots have owned the Steelers for the past 9 years or so, but Big Ben and his “Merry Men” will beat the Pat’s by a score of 21-31.
Nick Foles will step into the QB position for the injured Wentz and just like last year turn this team into a winning machine. It will change the defense and they will hold the Rams to just 10 points while scoring 21 of their own.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will beat the Ravens knocking them out of the post season. The Ravens defense will stumble allowing the Bucs to win 28-21.
The last of the predictions will be a shut-out call. I believe the Dallas Cowboys will blank the Colts winning 17-0.
Fantasy
With all the playoffs well underway there is not much to say, but good luck. It is time to, “Run what you brung”, “Dance with the one that brought you”, or any other saying that may fits. Happy Holiday’s and Merry Christmas may Santa bring you a playoff win early!