Carey

Well, if you're Cincinnati and Buffalo, a Brady and the Bucs win could be great news especially if their Super Bowl history is reborn this season. Dallas and San Francisco, who are both doing well & are still alive in the playoffs, would have to travel to Tampa to get to SoFi (assuming their lucky enough to beat Green Bay in case the Packers game precedes it). Anyway, Philly is super horrible, and while I've come to a point where I'm okay with Brady (plus I actually admire Tampa), a win would just be meh for me

Can't go low, and Derek Barnett has a history of those roughing the passer penalties, but that flag could've been picked up. More toward the hip area (as mentioned by Pereira and Aikman) and not the knee or whatever. Looked like someone on the Bucs O-line caused the collision and threw Barnett into Brady, and Derek tried to avoid it which may have ended up going from a clear hit to a graze. Now, if Hurts get whacked in a worse hit but it's not flagged in this same game, then that is a problem

Belichick Says It's Accurate He's Back In 2022 FWIW, Belichick exits on his own terms Settling with Tampa, Dallas, and Arizona for the win. Not easy choices at all for this NFC slate. Especially the Cowboys/Niners game on the 28th anniversary of that classic matchup of the final telecast during the CBS NFC Era. If those play out, I think we'll see Cowboys at Bucs then Bengals at Titans on Saturday ; Bills at Chiefs then Cards at Packers on Sunday

One more thing about last night's game (that I tried to get in before the post above mind): Tom Brady as the Pats QB was the only thing that was missing with the Bills blowout. However, I hardly think the score is 47-17 in Buffalo's favor with TB12. To be fair, Brady has had his share of games where he's looked awful, but most of them occurred in the regular season. In terms of the postseason, I think the only game Brady & the team looked close to as awful as the team & Mac Jones was against the Ravens in Tom's first season back from injury. Other than that, whenever Brady was put in his place, the Pats defense helped keep the team in the game (2015 AFC Title Game). Finally, whenever the opposing offense rolled, Brady nearly matched it (Super Bowl LII). Buffalo still wins, and likely comfortably even if Tom was still playing for New England. However, it's likely a score of 30-37 or something or 24-31. Mac is a rookie. Sure people like Flacco, Russell, Ben, Sanchez had better success (and against great teams). However, I hardly think people are saying so long to New England & would drop them to 4th in the AFC East. What helps is Miami said "no thanks" to improvement, so they'll go back to getting smoked again, maybe even by New York. Way too early to forecast what's next for the Patriots, I agree with that thought

Barely decisive. Don't take my word for it! Not sure I'd pick the Bills over the Chiefs either. However, they crushed them at Arrowhead this very season. They can do it again. Kansas City is dealing with some injures to key people. Other than that, they are a much better team than what Buffalo faced this year. As for Tennessee? Buffalo's ride would end there. The thing is that the Bills might not have to worry about the Titans at all. The Number One seed might end up getting the Ultra awesome version of the Cincinnati Bengals, but unless Pittsburgh pulls the upset, they'll have to travel West and win there before looking ahead to a game that's no guarantee

What a very lovely Football Game!

60 Minute Game. One Half Means Nothing

Bills are driving. Up 20-0. As long as Buffalo doesn't get into the EZ, get a successful 2-pointer, and New England exit the first half with points aka a FG...Buffalo has the Pats right where they want them. Otherwise, the opposite is the case

No they are not.

I'm glad Buffalo has two touchdowns as well. I'm trying to go 13-0 in the postseason (ain't happening)

I'll admit, I sorta would've laughed had the Bengals blown it. However, it doesn't change the fact that the officiating was a total dumpster fire. To be fair, I guess, these crews do not work together. Instead of getting the same crew, they split up certain crews for the playoffs. Not worth it. I still hold my opinion that Cincy will be good for years to come. However, whether that's in spite of Zac Taylor or because of him has yet to be determined. Ditto Mr. Brown. Had they blown this game, and Vegas won, the cause for concern would've been there. However, this Cincinnati team probably ends that drought before the team splits. Barring injury, they will have to deal with a ton of decent teams next year (including road games against Dallas, Belichick, Brady, and a complete Ravens team). If the Browns rebound, it'll be interesting. Anyway, the previous paragraph should've been held off for when & if they're booted next week. Hopefully they won't lose in the Title Game if they get there. I think that's unprecedented (like it is for New York) While Vegas got hosed, early on they missed a lot, and dropped several passes. They have to be on point due to the competition and the officials

I think Marvin Lewis is okay. He still had a Lombardi from his work with the 2000 Ravens. Now, if Zac Taylor can defeat 3 more teams...

Well, someone finally texted a Bengals playoff win!

Naturally, the Raiders started their streak 31 years ago. Plus, in their last win, they defeated Houston, who (the city) is still without a Conference Finals appearance. The team they turned into is the Top Seed. A former division rival that doesn't have to worry about the Ravens knocking them off, but might have to worry about another former division rival if Kansas City & Buffalo both win. Johann, the Steelers are not winning. You have nothing to worry about haha!

Final Lines & O/U Totals: Raiders at Bengals: 5.5 [O/U: 48.5] Patriots at Bills: 4.5 [O/U: 43.5] Eagles at Buccaneers: 8.5 [O/U: 45.5] 49ers at Cowboys: 3.0 [O/U: 51] Steelers at Chiefs: 12.5 [O/U: 46] Cardinals at Rams: 3.5 [O/U: 49.5] Home teams are favored For what it's worth, the kickoff times for the Divisional Round Matchups, which were previously disclosed Around Game 256 during the 1990-2019 Postseason Format, likely will not get disclosed until sometime on Sunday. From what I understand, the NFL doesn’t want teams that had Monday night games playing on Saturday. However, this would only apply to the NFC. In the past, it’s been quite common that the Number One seed gets that Saturday game, which gives them an extra day of rest against their Championship foe should [the top seed] win their first game. I do not think there’s an issue that prevents Tennessee from being announced as the Saturday game. However, I don’t see the urgency to announce it until the Conclusion of the Cowboys/Niners game. FWIW, I don’t think both 1 seeds played in the Divisional round on the second day (Sunday). It’s usually none or just one. The way I see it, if Philadelphia or San Francisco win, then they could announce next weekend’s kickoff times on SNF. The Rams and Cardinals would both avoid going to Green Bay. If Dallas & Tampa both win, they could still announce the times, but IMO, the Packers would play the MNF winner on Sunday while the Titans host the surviving worst team left (which would be Pittsburgh if they win). I'm going with Cincinnati and Buffalo for the win on Saturday. To make things simple, I ought to pick the MNF game instead of the SNF game. That way, I can pick all 3 Sunday games at once. While I'm leaning Arizona, I don't know who I'd bet on. I don't think Pittsburgh can control a game for 60 Minutes against Kansas City at Arrowhead in the Patrick Mahomes Era. I think they can be competitive since they've had recent postseason experience. Tough it's night and day compared to the Chiefs. Not often I pick against Belichick, and it might be the only time I do. Or I can pick against Bill four times. Anyway, Buffalo in general is going to be brutal. It's the Patriots, but I still love seeing teams travel to Orchard Park and struggle thanks to the weather! As mentioned, I can't see Burrow and this team being like past Bengals teams. Cincinnati has the longest playoff drought, but with a win, they'll go from last to first. In other words, they'll have the shortest playoff drought (for a minute and change). It's there for them. If the Raiders pull off the upset, then here come everyone to say the Bengals can't win in the playoffs. Good things are coming Cincy's way, win or lose. Finally, the Raiders have the 4th longest playoff drought. Burrow's game to lose

Burrow probably was the MVP candidate you left out. Of course, there were early favorites like Dak, Josh Allen, Kyler, AD, etc. As for someone going 50/50 in terms of the MVP race, there were really two people that deserves that honor IMO: Brady & Peyton. Of course only two people have gone perfect there. I knew people like Manning (and later Cam) weren't getting it. If Brady has a slightly above average year & his team rolls, he's getting a vote (2013 & 2015). While Lamar totally deserved the honor in 2019, I don't know or think he was worth a unanimous selection. After all, basically his entire team was Pro Bowl bound & Harbaugh got the COY title. Naturally, Tom and Jackson both went one & done in the playoffs after their 14-2 records to get the home field advantage

Aaron Rodgers winning the league MVP might be the NFL's best shot at ending the 22 year drought of the NFL MVP winning the Super Bowl in the same season. Tom is likely the 2nd best shot, but I don't think Tampa is getting to the end this year (probably they will in '22 and even '24). Burrow would be 3rd but Cincy is sorta a quiet place where not much happens. The media and whomever isn't paying too much attention this season to where Joe will be crowned the league's best player. Maybe in the foreseeable future, but not now. It's good for business with the Nick stuff for the league, but I'm 100% watching CBS. A classic CBS NFL game returns. Something that was so far off from occurring over the past couple of decades. Though it could've happened earlier last decade! Jim Harbaugh made the Niners tremendous, but in those same playoff years for San Francisco, the Cowboys lost a win and in SNF game in consecutive years (each to the other three NFC East Teams)

Caracas, I agree that I don't think they giving the MVP to Rodgers instead of Brady. However, in A-Rod's defense, he did more with less AND Tom had more interceptions. The thing that probably hurts Rodgers is that he just won it last year to go with being up against TB12. I think Tom would be the first person since 1996 to win league MVP in both conferences. Peyton, who is the last person to win it back-to-back (and he did it twice), did it in the AFC with two different teams. This is probably the best chance to give it to Tom, as it'll add to his awesome resume to crown him in his old age. However, I have some optimism that he'll reach a quarter century of playing (at a decent level) since he hasn't hit 2015 Manning performance right now. Burrow is coming fast and who knows how things will stack up with Joe Circa 2039. Maybe Aaron earned it, but it wouldn't be wrong if Tom won. It would deny him of the repeat his predecessor clinched in the 90s. FWIW, it might also piss off the Western PA community, because people (mainly PFF) think Aaron Donald will again upend T.J. Watt for the DPOY despite just winning it last year. This after being ready to crown Pittsburgh's rival Myles Garrett for half the effort. So if (and when) Brady win, that's great. I did think it was A-Rod's title to lose, but I've recently changed my mind. Not saying Rodgers won't win, but it's no longer a slam dunk. It's not his fault Tom is almost 44.5 years old but the guy is still exceeding expectations in Tampa. As for A-Rod's behavior? Meh. A great HOF player being anything other than an angel isn't unprecedented

How much can one blame Favre's treatment or mentoring of A-Rod for how the latter acts? For me, I get he criticism, but I couldn't care less. There are worse (or just more negative) human beings than Aaron. It's just a weird situation overall with Rodgers. Not as weird as Mara thinking Joe Judge was the guy in New York. Took way too long to boot the guy. Though I figured they'd wait until the new GM was in place to have the new GM decide his fate. Probably fair to boot Judge in advance (though I guess there was an outcry based on what occurred in Miami)

I'm possibly among one of the last people to defend Harbaugh and Baltimore, but booting him is on a short list of the dumbest moves in the NFL. He was on life support about a half decade ago, but took a gamble that paid off, which he had time to do especially following his monster start to his Ravens career. John plays to win, and they were in it despite needing a ton of help. The Steelers this season & similar to 2015 had help come through. They feel one game short of massive help in 2013, which still would've paled in comparison to what happened to Pittsburgh in 1989. Unless you're dead, go for it. I could see the other approach of not wanting to lose more people, but what are you going to do. As mentioned, Baltimore might need to emulate the Rams route toward the off-season. Having a perfect pre-season record over a half decade is not a big deal, period

Fair point. If he blurts out the city, as opposed to saying "tear down this city" that's not good. The awareness was there. I still wouldn't bet on him getting fined, but it's still morning on the East Coast. I may reconsider following the aftermath and the commentary. However, the media might opt to focus on Alabama's injuries and the NFL Postseason

I'd say investigate those Georgia fans, but they don't deserve prison. Instead, throw them into Lincoln Financial Field. If they act obnoxiously in that venue, and depart alive, they're free for life!

I'm not a supporter of UGA with or without those comments. Kirby Smart can't say that, I agree. However, I don't think what he said is on the level of me being pissed at the program or Kirby himself. Obviously you’ll get people supporting him and defending him saying it’s in the moment, though several of those would also get a movement going to kick a player out of the league if said player made those very same comments. As mentioned, that cannot be said there since it would be looked at in a negative light for several reasons. No way am I supporting it. However, with the assumption of going over the top for celebrating the schools first title in over 4 decades, I understand it. Smart or someone else would likely clear that up to say that’s what was meant there. Plus, most people aren’t thinking clearly there; they were in neutral Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, not Atlanta. Maybe save “tearing up the city” for when you return to Georgia, or let the fans there destroying everything. People have to be better with their words. OTOH, if they won a game at Tuscaloosa, then the criticism would be even less since you won on the road against a foe. Coach should’ve had better class, but for me, I still took it as going over the top for a post championship celebration (which is also unnecessary). Still doesn’t take away from what UGA did this season. Missed out on a perfect season, finally got that title since they might not get one again with the SEC West becoming stronger than ever, Bama still being there, and both Ohio State & Clemson likely returning to prominence. OTOH, Georgia’s fear of losing or blowing it is gone now. Georgia is the first team in the CFB Playoff Era to win the National Championship despite losing its conference title game. Every other school either won theirs or were not in their conference championship game

First time Alabama loses with the Heisman winner (though that's TPTB's fault; Kenny Pickett was the real winner)! A ton of injuries doomed the Tide. Probably what I expected Georgia to do last month, but better late than never. As for injuries? That's football

You really don't want me to sleep for the next three months, don't you? :-) Count that in the category of "As much as I would hate to see it, I'm kinda rooting for it!" HAHA! FWIW, I think the heat is more toward the Texans higher ups and not so much O'Brien, at least as the HC. The GM version sorta wrecked things so there could be issues there. Nonetheless, Houston is a dump of an organization that had a chance to be great but say no thanks