Carey

Same here. However, I'll totally be okay with Baltimore beating them since the Ravens do to the Pats what the Pats do to AFC South teams (although the Patriots have survived against Baltimore as of late). It would be a "Not Again!" situation if New England managed to play two homes games only, beat a team from the AFC South and look good doing so, and then escape in the AFC Title game at which point it would be 50/50 in the Super Bowl (vs New Orleans barring an upset). When SNF concludes, they'll reveal the match-ups and I think the dates and times they'll be played on their respective stations. Speaking of the Patriots, I'm curious to know if as a 2 seed they'll open on Sunday, 01/13 or they're usual Saturday spot (January 12). It would be infuriating for fans of other teams if the NFL put a 2 seed Patriots team on Saturday when the so-called norm has been that the top seed gets that Saturday game. People would say that the NFL rotates who gets an extra day's rest before they admit that the Pats always get the Saturday game. I will be curious, because if they do rotate then New England should have played on Sunday last year, and not Saturday because they were the 1 seed

Gotta be first time since 2006. Both teams were average that year based off of standings. Both teams also dealt with injuries to their QBs. Favre was still playing & still had his streak going. It was so epic that when Brett got hurt, Aaron came in for a fraction of a second, couldn't stay healthy, and ended up on season-ending IR while Favre's streak continued. But it has been a long time. Outside of 2006, it's been about 20 years. So it's been a rarity since 1991

Wouldn't it be something if the Browns won to help the Steelers, but the Steelers lost. The Browns are probably going to stomp over the Steelers and/or take over the AFC North over the next decade, but that won't happen next week. Guess you can call it Karma when you need the team you've looked down to over the past 28 years to "help to make the postseason" Listen, when I die, I'll do so holding onto my stance that you need to try to win big everytime. In other words, win against opponents you should beat and blow them out to where "bad calls" won't matter because your lead is too big to cost you the game. Examples are that the Steelers needed to beat Oakland and then either the Chargers or Denver (or both). They should have been blowing out New England and Denver, and even LA since the officiating was awful. Will they win all the time? No! But it makes the difference between seeding, a division title, or just getting to the postseason.

Losing Defilippo and Reich didn't help either. They've gotta shut him down until 2019 and give him time to get better. Not sure if he'll be better than 2017 but he has a chance to be better without such a loaded team that was the 2017 Eagles

I believe Davis gave him the opportunity to stay but Reggie declined, turning the effective termination date from the end of the year to right now. That's according to Raiders insider Vic Tafur and not some random person on Social Media saying so, but the timing was rather odd. Since the rumors started within the past couple of weeks I guess it was a plan to oust him win or lose, but as mentioned, it's Gruden's show and the ship was definitely not big enough for the two of them. Makes you wonder why they didn't fire him during the offseason

I don't have a problem with it. What's the point of playing a game that means nothing, including all the money coming in from it that players won't ever touch. The teams are big enough that I'm sure that they'll be alright going forward. Plus, some of the underclassmen can get a head-start and maybe play in a big game with several watching, in preparation for next year. IIRC, Nick Bosa left even earlier when OSU was still undefeated. While he got criticized for it, I don't think the man had anything to prove. Unlike college hoops, you have to be 3 years removed from H.S. before becoming eligible for the NFL. Man, I think I cannot wait to see if a player blows up a CFB Playoff game to prepare for the NFL Combine and the NFL Draft, but that's just me!

I have to admit the fact that I sort of could not care less if they stay at 4 or go to 8. The thing is you'd think they would make all Power 5 winners an automatic lock to get in, but based on the garbage displayed from the Pac-12 title game and Pittsburgh as the Coastal division champs, I don't think that will happen if and when they go to eight teams. An eight-team playoff probably won't allow a possible 4-loss conference champion into the field, and a team like Central Florida would still get left out despite winning all of their games. It'll be all about the best 8 teams, and that probably means a one-loss Notre Dame team gets there every time & as does Alabama i no matter what As for Central Florida, it'll be interesting to see how they perform against LSU. Unlike Auburn, LSU was done long ago as it related to the CFB Playoff, while 2017 Auburn needed to defeat 2017 Georgia to get in. Might be tough for UCF but I think they could win; not sure about the LSU upperclassmen that might skip to prepare for the NFL Draft

As much as I'm saddened to see Mike McCarthy get fired, I'm not. I'm neutral; Dungy said it was wrong to do it to that man mid-season, but when you lose to a team at home that's going nowhere it's probably in the teams best interest to move on. He wasn't returning anyway, and now Mike can get a head start while Green Bay can start a month early looking for their new coach. Personally, I see it as Les Miles getting canned. Both teams were great but couldn't overcome what it took to persevere (despite doing so previously) LSU couldn't beat Alabama, and Green Bay failed to succeed in the postseason with the second best QB behind Brady. Didn't help that Tom, Bill, and New England wound up defeating both teams that denied the Packers of a Super Bowl berth and then finally defeated the Packers with Aaron starting. I wish McCarthy the best, and hopefully Aaron and the Packers can find some success in the couple of years left before it's all over

Probably the same reason he gets to Canton: the logo on the sides of the helmet. In reality, I agree with Jx223 that they've run out of people, but it's a matter of time before we'll be seeing ones from soon to be retired people. Though that didn't stop them from doing one for Fitz (Larry not Ryan) Rams now control their own destiny. As much as I like the teams like the Saints, Rams, and Chiefs, I would have hated to see a 15-1 team have to travel, especially since it's due to the only team that knocked them off in that place, where LA would have to go. If it was any other team (save for Seattle and possible New England) I wouldn't have cared. If the Rams can find a way to win on December 9th, then they should be okay. Detroit on the road isn't easy either since the Lions are coming off of a 9-day break (I think). But the Rams being off 12-days from Mexico is okay enough At the end of the day, I think the Saints losing was something they can afford and that they'll still stay home before a possible trip to Atlanta in February. Their only tough game I believe is against Carolina at Bank of America, but it'll be close between them and the Rams for home-field Kansas City at home isn't a big deal, especially if Baltimore & the Chargers (and possibly Houston) keep rolling into January

I think the seeding for a bye is the least of the Steelers problems. The local folks wrote off the other teams in the division, including Baltimore. However, they are now saying that the Ravens are around to pass them, totally disregarding that they said that the Ravens were done. Pittsburgh needs to beat Los Angeles next week unless they plan on winning any one of their following games in Oakland, vs New England, and at the Superdome. Sure they can take care of Cincy, but the last thing the Steelers can afford is to have to play a Week 17 game with meaning. Especially against the Bengals. Hats off to the Colts; speaking of Baltimore, Indy and the Ravens both winning out probably gives the edge to the Ravens thanks to common opponents. So much football to be played. I think Coach Reich is really a difference maker in the NFL. The Colts were awful last year, the Eagles won it all. This year the Colts are good, the Eagles aren't (though it looks like their demise won't come until Week 17). Barring whatever, Luck won't win the MVP this year over Brees, but I think he has locked up the comeback player of the year (if it isn't Watt)

AP poll is pretty much a meaningless poll post CFP Top 25 poll, but it's still interesting given how they're still close to what the actual weekly rankings are. I'm very interested to see what they are this Tuesday. BTW, Notre Dame is the first team in, and while I doubt the committee will do the following, I'd love for them to put Notre Dame in 5th meaning Ohio State and Oklahoma jumped them just to create 5 days of drama before the pundits realize that the real rankings are next Sunday Speaking of OSU & Oklahoma, they're saying that the 4th spot will be the only difficult task assuming both teams & Clemson win on Saturday. Way to disrespect the 2-year undefeated Central Florida team (might be the only person on Planet Earth that's saying their more than 100% done despite everything they've done). I don't PITT can win outright against Clemson, but that would make it an early evening if the Panthers can pull off the upset again. And when they don't I think a Georgia victory would boot both the Big 12 & Big 10 Still a little bummed about that LSU vs A&M game. I didn't have a rooting interest, but I wasn't a fan of the refs sorta ending it in the 7th OT because they "didn't want to be there" to where it could get to the 8th or 9th OT, which would have been very special IMO

I was a little surprised at the number of people that picked Michigan, including Herbie, to win. Personally I equated it to Steelers/Patriots. This was the year to beat Ohio State (maybe next year if they can beat the revenge teams on the road), but I personally didn't see it. I couldn't pick Michigan; for me it was I'll believe it when I see it. What I did NOT see happening was Ohio State laying a 60-burger on Michigan, even at the Horseshoe. While it looked like the Buckeyes had 12 weeks to prepare for the Wolverines, I'm not sure if an 11-0 Michigan team can defeat Ohio State even if the game is played in the Big House!

I think Washington gets a pass for losing today. That was the definition of bad luck on every aspect. Atlanta does not. I guess when a team blows a 25-point lead with 17 minutes and 12 seconds remaining in the most important football game in the sport I shouldn't be stunned that the same team left 24 points on the board

Yes we will, mojoween. Yes we will. As far as them calling the game, that's rather random. I do remember them filling in a year or two ago, but that was during the NFLN/TNF/NBC short-lived era to give Al a break. Must be Al Michaels annual "bye week" but if the game was Saints vs Panthers, it would have been Al & Cris IMO. Then Mike fills for Al on Sunday while Liam would cover for Tirico at the studio Was he ever good? I know he got a lot of attention his first year but I didn’t see what all the fuss was about. Personally he was annoying then and he’s annoying now. Witten seems like a pleasant enough guy but not cut out for one of the highest profile gigs in the NFL. Also there’s no rule that your new hire has to be a Cowboy, networks. I guess I gave Romo a little too much credit there! I think he is great, personal opinion. He's no Madden, Trumpy, or Merlin, but based on the circumstances, he surprisingly exceeded expectations. Will be ever be the best? I don't know, but he brings energy to the broadcast that was lacking when Simms was the lead analyst. I'm also a Red Zone guy, but when it tends to be a big game, I usually prefer to have the main game on and swap to Red Zone after that. Was totally wrong with going with Detroit over Chicago. Didn't think they'd win even though that defense was great. Short week without the starter and that should have been great for the Lions. Didn't think Stafford would throw a Red Zone pick in that spot or allow a 3rd & 9 conversion, either

Jared is in his third year. He had to deal with Jeff Fisher for most of his first year (where he was rather invisible). Since then, really in 2017 he's been pretty good. I actually didn't even know he qualified this year, or I just forgot Speaking of the HOF, pretty happy for Hines and Faneca advancing to this stage. IMO, Ward won't make the final cuts before 2/2/19 but Alan might. Not many threats or competition this year. Even less in 2020, but 2021 is a different story I tuned into Kevin Harlan & Kurt Warner's call of the game. That due is pure gold. I don't hate Jason at all. Great guy. However, IMO, ESPN is basically a follower and not a leader. Romo is in a class on his own. People think that Witten, a former Cowboy, would be able to emulate Tony's success. Romo is really good, and not a knock on Witten's call, but it probably wasn't the best call to put him in such a prime roll unless he was top notch. IMO, McFarland with Tess is good enough, but I don't know if ESPN will make the change with the ratings as of late

I probably would have taken the under, but considering the awful officiating, and the fact that the Chiefs are the most penalized team, maybe I would have considered the over. The thing is both defenses played great. Many won't see that; Aaron Donald was a beast. If the defenses of both teams hadn't done okay, it might have been 120 combined points or so. OTOH, maybe not since several scores were defensive scores Anyway, man that was such a fun game! Thought I'd never say it, but it was a blast from the past in terms of enjoying some awesome football on a Monday Night!

Anything can happen between now and February 3rd, but IMO, the Bears facing the Saints probably means both teams in the 20s, with Chicago closer to 19 points and New Orleans closer to 30 points. Although if New Orleans trips up twice & Chicago wins out, that might b good news for the Bears. Not sure of the tie-breaker, but I can't see the Saints losing more than once or the Bears winning 6 out of their last 6 games. Saints might be unstoppable in the Superdome again, but you really can't let that distract you from the fact that the Eagles are awful this year. Maybe Philadelphia should blame Josh McDaniels for their struggles. OTOH, they shouldn't since they still have Doug Peterson Looks like Dallas might backdoor into the NFC East title. I guess it's good news for them since they won't have to worry about the Packers this time around!

Jacksonville usually does this to him. Wish they could have saved some of those points from last week. Turns out they didn't need them

Same here. Probably two of the best teams within their respective conferences. Yeah I know the Saints own the tie-breaker, but LA lost on the road without Talib in the Superdome, while New Orleans lost at home to FitzMagic in the Superdome. Anyway, probably would have a true preview for a possible Super Bowl match-up. Sucks for Kansas City since they have to keep winning out to prevent the annual AFC Title Game in Foxborough hosted by a team with 8 days rest after cruising over the AFC South following 13 days rest Hopefully Mexico City will learn from this situation & I think they will since a lot of money was lost here

It's official: Le'Veon Bell is out for the 2018 Season. Several of his haters are partying and jumping for joy, while several of his backers are saying the Steelers are screwed if Connor gets hurt. Meh. I'm neither happy nor unhappy that the man didn't sign his franchise tag. I'm happy that it's over. The unhappy part came in the summer (and before that in the NFL draft) where the situation could've been addressed and handled much better

Looks like Jason Garrett ain't going anywhere. At least not until the off-season The moment of silence was a taped segment that happened earlier, mojoween. Jim Nantz said "Earlier during pregame, there was a moment of silence to recognize the victims of Thousand Oaks & the wildfires" and then they cut back to McVay and Suh live

Under the new rules the league allows games to move to the other network. It's the fifth year they're doing that. Not sure why it was necessary, I guess the NFL schedules the games prior to placing them on their respective networks. If that's the case, there was no place to put Rams-Seahawks. They couldn't air it at 1:00 and they already had Dallas/Philadelphia. As a result, with CBS having the double-header this week and a rather awful set of games, they ended up getting Seattle at LA which should have been on FOX if not NBC Raiders-Chargers on Fox was probably to make up for the lost game. Oakland is not good so I guess I was happy I didn't get to see that game. Actually, Belichick owns former Patriots. Save for Josh McDaniels, his teams usually crush their opponents run by his former assistants. Crennel, O'Brien, and Mangini are great examples. Eric did defeat him once. Dean Peas actually has had the most success against New England, even though he's 2-5 vs the Pats, his teams have played hard in most of those games. Great win for Cleveland. Figured they'd dominate under Gregg Williams and that defense. Just a week late I guess

Maybe he'll retire at halftime, assuming New York doesn't actually boot him at the half. Yeah, but in fairness, so does Ben. Agreed. Yes, Cam doesn't get Brady treatment, but some of the hits were actually legal. Earlier in the year, TJ Watt's hit might have drawn a flag, but it was in the perfect spot on November 8. Right below his right shoulder. We'll see whether Newton gets unlucky down the stretch or if the refs will call that against Watt vs. New England and/or New Orleans I'm with you, Bastet. Patriots & Titans may have been overhyped, but probably a game that Tennessee wins ATS, but not outright because Belichick is the man. This is the perfect time to get stuff done before 4:25 and Seahawks/Rams. Have to catch up after yesterday's marathon of pretty good College Games. Probably will focus somewhat on Cowboys & Eagles since it is a big deal, and then watch a movie during Giants/Niners. Unless the NFL puts on a 1990 rerun of the 49ers and the GMEN!

How crazy is it that prior to present time, I was saying "I'll believe it when I see it" in relation to Bell's return and now I'm saying "I'll believe it when I (don't) see it" in relation to Bell not making it to Pittsburgh's South Side facility or wherever to sign his tender. Yeah, I agree, Le'Veon messed up here. He did make a business decision; he'll be a year older, but no damage is a good thing. Just as long as he get hurt similar to how Suggs did six years ago (even though his returned in time to get his Super Bowl title) Speaking of which, that sucks for Bryant. He might never get payback unless Dallas wins the NFC East assuming New Orleans wins the NFC South. Anyway per reports, I'm glad that Payton is leaving the door open for Dez to return, and he might actually get a ring before contributing! As for Suggs, it looks like it's the end of an era in Baltimore. With the changes coming regardless of a playoff berth, I can't imagine Terrell returning in 2019. Fortunately, I think I can see him giving a significant speech somewhere in 2024

Same here, but that was more at the expense of the team and less at Aaron. Last week when I was so pissed about the botched play that cost Rodgers a chance at knocking off then-undefeated L.A. because of how you'd have to be very clueless to do that. I blamed that on the staff because you should be prepared, and even before that, they blew a timeout that they would need. While I felt bad for Aaron, there was still no guarantee that they'd win (as proven this week). No excuse to be that unprepared and undisciplined when with New England to follow. So there was my rooting interest in favor of the Pats. I respect them due to how hard they work. Not that other teams don't work hard (and it isn't everyone) but the Patriots double & triple efforts to do everything right Still, it was a great game until the 4th quarter, and even post-fumble, Aaron had a chance