I should've known once ESPN got a more prominent role in the playoffs, they would get a playoff game on MNF. It will also be on ABC so the NFL will continue to be the only sports league in the world where there's a game every week on TV and every playoff game is on regular TV as well. But I fear with the rise of streaming platforms, that may change in the future. Amazon brought the rights to TNF for the next 10 years so what's to stop say, Apple TV from buying SNF? Or CBS placing their late games exclusively on Paramount Plus? I get that many people are subscribed to a streaming service or have a app on their phone but I don't want the NFL to be like other leagues where most of their games are not on TV, especially home market games.
THE GAMES
Las Vegas Raiders 17
Cincinnati Bungles 20
The end of the Raiders-Chargers game was quite interesting. Due to the Jaguars knocking the Colts out of playoff contention, the Steelers needed one of these teams to win so they can get in as well. People joked that the game would end in a tie allowing both teams to get in the playoffs and sending Yinzers everywhere into a rage. As the game neared the end of overtime, it looked like Vegas was content with running out the clock. But analytics aficionado Brandon Staley called a timeout allowing the Raiders to get a first down then kick the game winning field goal. Now of course, that could've been the Raiders plan to win with a last second field goal all along but it's fun to pile on stat humper coach Staley for costing the Bolts a chance of a tie and getting in the playoffs. With that drama over with, how do they stack up against Cincy? They lost their Week 11 matchup bad but with how similar these teams are, this should be more competitive.
New England Patriots 17
Buffalo Bills 16
They won at each other's home this season so the Pats look to continue that trend Saturday. The insights are not on their side and that 15th ranked offense is not gonna cut it against the Bills #1 defense. But if anyone can scheme his way towards victory it is Bill Belichick.
Philadelphia Eagles 38
Tompa Bay Buccaneers 9
I honestly didn't notice the Eagles was still in playoff contention, especially after the Cowboys gave them the business Saturday. Will this game be the upset of the week? Both of them have top 15 defenses, so it will come down to who can get their #1 offensive skillset going. The run heavy Eagles or the pass happy Bucs? Tom isn't getting his win back from the Super Bowl LII.
San Francisco 49ers 22
Dallas Cowboys 17
Despite leading the Niners to the playoffs, Jimmy Garoppolo is uncertain about his future with the team. It's understandable since they gave up so much in order to draft Trey Lance and it's unlikely that they will sit Trey for a few years so he can learn from Jimmy G. If this is his last run with them, he should make the most out of it and beat Micah Parsons and the Cowboys.
Pittsburgh Steelers 27
Kansas City Chiefs 34
Since the Steelers "don't have a chance" at winning, here's Gracie Hunt's Instagram.
Arizona Cardinals 26
Los Angeles Rams 41
What better time to come out of retirement than to join a Super Bowl contender? At 37 years old, safety Eric Weddle joins the Rams due to them losing Jordan Fuller to a season-ending ankle injury and Taylor Rapp to a concussion. Are their younger safeties out there who could've helped out? Sure. But this would be a nice story if they win the Super Bowl thanks to his leadership.
LAST WEEK 11-5
OVERALL 149-122-1
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