What do Kevin Kolb, Brandon Weeden, Charlie Batch, Nick Foles, and Ryan Lindley have in common? They are all signs that the apocalypse is coming. I kid, I kid. They have all sent me defeats in the 2012 NFL season. Just goes to show you that this game we call American Football is one wild and wacky creation. I have yet to start my Christmas shopping, so to avoid buying everyone very personal gift cards, I will do my best to be short yet sweet with my week 16 selections.
Teams Already Used – Houston, New England, Chicago, Green Bay, San Francisco, Atlanta, Minnesota, San Diego, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Tampa Bay, Detroit
Denver, My Week 16 Pick – I have saved Denver for the last few weeks of the year due to their very easy schedule. If you have done the same, kudos. This team is on a roll and well on their way to a playoff bye week. What is forgotten in the Peyton Manning era in Denver is the defensive performance by this Broncos squad; fourth in total defense, fifth in points against, and second in rush defense. The Broncos will rush out to an early lead, wrap up the victory in the second half, and enjoy some postgame eggnog in celebration.
Washington – Sure it is easy to pick Green Bay and New England as well in week 16, but most people won’t have them available as selections. The Redskins come into this game on a five game winning streak, while the Eagles come in reeling after losing nine of the last 10. The Redskins control their own playoff fate and with a few more wins, will be playoff bound. RG3 is back practicing and healthy for this game as well.
Carolina – Another non-playoff team making its way onto my selection screen. Even though the Panthers are 5-9 this season, they have played the year with a lot of fight and motivation. The offense is clicking and the defense isn’t falling apart too much. Coming in is a Raiders team who has a 1-5 road record and their last three wins have come against Kansas City twice and Jacksonville. Pretty shabby. Don’t be afraid to jump on against this porous and dull Raiders team.
Miami, Potential Suicide – I know the Seahawks shellacked the Bills last week, but what team enjoys playing a home game on a neutral field? A lot of Seattle fans last week in Toronto for the big game, eh. The Bills fans aren’t scared of many things in this world but one fear is losing the Bills to Toronto. After the beat down on Sunday, and a new agreement to keep the Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium for seven more years, the fans can sleep soundly at night in their buffalo hide quilts. These are two division foes that know each other well. CJ Spiller will be given his biggest workload of the year this Sunday and that can only be a good thing. Losing in a suicide pool is one thing, but don’t let the Bills spoil the party so late in the season.
Happy Holidays
