Coming off their first win, the Dolphins go for two in a row vs. the Patriots *laughs to himself*
Well, the busy holiday season has caught up with the Milton Pigskin Prognosticator. This means you the readers are left with my questionable insights based on my limited knowledge of the NFL landscape…
It goes without saying that I really don’t follow football THAT closely. I know the standings and the major happenings around the league, but don’t expect any head-to-head comparisons from years past, key injury updates or offensive/defensive team rankings as you usually find in this space.
So, if you have a few minutes to waste, you’re more than welcome to review my thoughts on the final week of the NFL season. The MPP will be back next week in full force to give you his projected wild card winners as the playoffs get under way.
Week 16 (Home team in CAPS)
Pittsburgh (-7.5) over ST. LOUIS
Take the Steelers to come up big against the Rams, vying for a Central Division title.
Dallas (-10.5) over CAROLINA
This game scares me – all logic points to the Cowboys blowing out the Panthers, but the game is in Charlotte and the Cowboys had an off-game vs. the Eagles last week. However, home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs is at stake for ‘The Boyz’, so I’m expecting them to come up big.
CINCINNATI (+3) over Cleveland
The Browns’ recent history in clutch games points to them losing at divisional-rival Cincinnati in this huge game with playoff implications.
Green Bay (-8.5) over CHICAGO
‘da Bears have given up on the season and Green Bay needs this one to have a shot at home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. This one could get ugly.
Houston (+7) over INDIANAPOLIS
The Texans have been playing some good ball of late and I think they’ll give the Colts all they can handle.
DETROIT (-4.5) over Kansas City
Yuck.
NEW ENGLAND (-22) over Miami
Like last week, this one depends on the weather. Unless it’s a blizzard, or it’s minus double-digits, the Pats will run up the score and see if the Dolphins can muster anything against their reserves.
BUFFALO (+2.5) over N.Y. Giants
I like the fiesty Bills at home even against the Giants, looking to punch their playoff ticket.
JACKSONVILLE (-13) over Oakland
The Jags are rolling. Peter King deemed them as the team ‘most likely to knock off the Patriots in the playoffs’ earlier this week. Now, will they ever draw enough of a crowd in Jacksonville to take the tarps off the upper deck?
NEW ORLEANS (-3) over Philadelphia
The Eagles looked good in knocking off the Cowboys, but there’s a reason why they’re 6-8: inconsistency. The Saints will come up big at home looking to stay in the playoff mix in the NFC after a terrible start.
MINNESOTA (-6.5 ) over Washington
I’ve taken a lot of favourites here… Both of these teams are looking to make it to the postseason. Minnesota should prevail – I think it will be a close game until the 4th quarter when the Vikes will literally ‘run away’ with it.
ARIZONA (-10) over Atlanta
I’ve gotta go with the Cards to cover given Atlanta’s issues on and off the field this year… They just want to get the season over with…
Baltimore (+10) over SEATTLE
Having long since clinched a playoff berth, the Seahawks may begin to rest some of their regulars, allowing the Ravens to keep this one close, playing for pride after their embarrassing OT loss to the Dolphins last week.
TENNESSEE (-9) over NY Jets
Another big spread, but again, I’ve got to go with the Titans to cover, looking to come up big trying to clinch a playoff berth. And it’s in Nashville. Oh, and did I mention they play the Jets?
SAN FRANCISCO (+6.5) over Tampa Bay
I think the Niners keep this close playing for pride, and versus a Bucs team who just clinched the NFC South Division Title last week.
SAN DIEGO (-8.5) over Denver
Even though they have clinched the AFC West, the Chargers’ season has been mildly disappointing and I think they’ll be looking to tune up the offence getting ready for their playoff opponent.
Survivor:
Let’s go with the Jags over Oakland
Now Milton, what do you think?
