Saints Very Confident Heading Into Playoffs

The New Orleans Saints feel they aren't the undedogs in the playoffs, despite being the #6 seed, in the NFC Playoff Bracket. They face the Philadelphia Eagles on the road, who own the 2nd best offense in the NFL; this weekend. The Saints haven't performed as well on the road compared to how well they've played at home this season. Here is how the Saints compare at home, and on the road, during the regular season:

Peyton Breaks Another Record

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has had a very special season in 2013. Two weeks ago, Manning broke Tom Brady's single season passing touchdown record. Manning broke another single season milestone, the most passing yards in one NFL season. Manning's 5 yard touchdown pass to wide reciever Demariuys Thomas, broke Drew Brees' single season passing yard total. Manning is now the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 50 or more TD passes and throw for 5,000 or more yards in one season. Manning alone threw for 266 yards, 4 touchdowns, and completed 25 of his 28 passes in the first half, against the Oakland Raiders.

Here is Manning's final 2013 NFL statisticts: 450 of 659 passes completed (68.3% of passes completed), 5,477 passing yards, 55 TD passes, 10 interceptions, 115.1 quarterback passer raiting.

Lions Fire Jim Schwartz

The Detriot Lions seemed in control of the NFC North Division with seven games remaining. However, the Detriot Lions stumbled and crumbled out of playoff contention; losing six of their last seven games. The Lions inability to protect the ball and too many unessasary penalites cost their season. Schwartz aggresiveness was energizing, but was inconsistently controlled. Schwartz had taken over a win-less Lions team and did a decent job adding pieces to the unsolved puzzle. His toughness helped boost players confidence levels. He has helped create a Lions offense that has not found it's flare since the Barry Sanders era. Nobody wanted to take a shot as the Lions Head Coach in 2009, but Jim Schwartz was corageous enough and he has created a new atmosphere in Detriot. Even though it looked ugly on paper (29-51 record as Lions head coach), Schwartz brought lots of energy to a youthful team. The Lions have missed numerous opportunities this season, which cost Jim Schwartz job.

Bucs Fire Greg Schiano

After 3 consecutive losing seasons, head coach Greg Schiano and general manager Mark Dominik have been fired. According to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, former Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith is the favorite to become the new Buccaneer head coach. Over the past 3 seasons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have produced a mere 15-33 record. The Bucs defense has been an absolute mess ever since Jon Gruden has left this team. They have allowed an average of 425.6 points per season and have not ranked better than 16th in yards allowed or points per game allowed. Schiano has a 11-21 record in 2 seasons as the Bucs head coach and has had trouble loosining tension these past 2 seasons as the Bucs head coach. Follwoing a 6-4 start last season, Schiano had a tough time keeping his players grouped together, as they stumbled to a 5-17 record, in their last 22 games. Controversey between Schiano and Quarterback Josh Freeman earlier in the season, gave rookie Mike Glennon the opportunity to start for the remainder of the 2013 season, and could possibly be the Bucs future at quarterback. GM Mark Dominik acquired All-Pro Cornerback Darrelle Revis and signed Pro Bowl Saftey Dashon Goldson to boost a secondary that set the single season record for most passing yards allowed per game. Despite the addition of two pro bowl defensive backs, the Bucs secondary played very medicoure. Some poor moves and over-looking players talent cost Dominik's job. Tampa Bay is looking to get back on track, following three rough seasons.

Redskins Fire Mike Shanahan

After a brutual and ugly season with the Redskins, Mike Shanahan has been let go by the Washington Redskins. The Redskins ended the season on a dissapointing 8 game losing streak, allowing at least 20 points during that span. His relationship with Quarterback Robert Griffin III wasn't as pleasant as others expected, and cap issues were the big reasons of the firing of Shanahan. The little depth on defense and special teams took big hits because of the salary cap issues. Robert Griffin III struggled early and often in 2013, following a quick return from off-season knee surgery. Even though the relationship between Shanahan and Griffin III might seem bitter, Robert has learned a lot from the advice of Mike, which has helped his play. Over the past 4 seasons, the Redskins have had three 10-loss seasons and have encountered tons of issues in the secondary. Shanahan's 24-40 record with the Skins was the worst record out of any NFC East Team, the past four seasons. Shanahan also had the same winning percentage as two of the previous Redskins coaches, Steve Spurrier and Jim Zorn. Owner Dan Snyder will be looking for his 8th coach, since he bought the team in 1999. The Redskins have only prodcued 3 10-win seasons and have a combined .433 winning percentage since 1999.

Vikings Fire Leslie Frazier

After a 2012 playoff apperance for the Vikings last season, Minnesota went downhill as they finished last in the NFc North, with a 5-10-1 record. The Vikings struggling defense and QB controversies led to a disasterous 2013 season in Minnesota. Frazier finished 21-32-1 in 3 seasons as the Vikings Head Coach. Despite having a porous season in 2013, Leslie Frazier will be missed in Minnesota, following a 3 year stint.

Packers Edge Bears for NFC North Crown

Aaron Rodgers game winning touchdown pass to a wide-open Randall Cobb, gave the Packers a trip to the playoffs, and an NFC North Division Title. Rodgers returned from a broken collarbone, that had sidelined him for many games, and led the Pack to their third consecutive Division Title. He overcame two early interceptions and threw the game winning touchdown to capture another NFC North Title. The Bears had blitzed Rodgers to try to force an arrant throw, but Rodgers somehow eluded heavy pressure from defensive end Julius Peppers, and found Cobb for the easy touchdown. An usual play was encountered in the 2nd quarter, when Julius Peppers sack and strip on Rodgers, turned into a wild touchdown. Packers Reciever Jarrett Boykin picked up the ball and ran in for a 15 yard touchdown. Play was stopped, but the ref never blew the whistle, allowing Boykin to scoop up the ball and run in for a touchdown. This was a very controversal play that could have gone either way. Jay Cutler's touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall, early in the 4th quarter, gave the Bears a 28-20 lead. However, after that touchdown, Chicago never scored again as Greeb Bay scored 13 unanswered points to beat the Bears 33-28. A huge dropped pass by reliable reciever Alshon Jeffery on 3rd down, gave the Packers an opportunity to score. The Bears defense also failed to stop Green Bay on crutial 3rd and 4th downs, which helped keep drives alive for the Packers. Huge blown coverage by the Bears secondary, on Cobb's touchdown was a killer for the Bears, and a winner for the Packers. Green Bay will host San Fransisco on Sunday.

Improved Defense has Keyed Warriors Success

Not many people may notice when they watch theGolden State Warriors, an improved and top 10 defense in the NBA. The Warriors have allowed the 10th fewest points per game this season (98.8), and they have defended the arc a lot better than last season. The addition of shooting guard Andre Igudola has been huge for their defense. Andrew Bogut's defense in the lane has been a big boost, as he is 8th in the NBA in blocked shots. Klay Thompson's height makes it a lot easier to defend smaller forwards and guards. A healthy David Lee and Andrew Bogut are a big boost for a team that has lacked this position, defensivley in years past.

Week 17 NFC Playoff Scenarios

Seattle Seahawks (vs. Rams)
Seahawks can clinch an NFC West Division Title and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with

1. Win or Tie OR
2. 49ers Loss or Tie

Carolina Panthers (at Falcons)

Panthers can clinch an NFC West Division Title and first-round bye with

1. Win or Tie OR
2. Saints Loss or Tie OR

     Can Clinch a first-round bye with

1. Win and 49ers and Seahawks Loss

Philadelphia Eagles (at Cowboys)

Eagles can clinch an NFC East Title with 

1. Win or Tie

Chicago Bears (vs. Packers)

Bears can clinch an NFC North Title with

1. Win or Tie

San Fransisco 49ers (at Cardinals)

49ers can clinch an NFC West Title and first-round bye with

1. Win and Seahawks Loss

    49ers can clinch an NFC West Title and and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with

1. Win and Seahawks and Panthers Loss

New Orleans Saints (vs. Buccaneers)

Saints can clinch an NFC South Title and a first-round bye with

1. Win and Panthers Loss

     Saints can clinch a playoff spot with 

1. Win OR
2. Tie and Cardinals Tie OR
3. Cardinals Loss

Arizona Cardinals (vs. 49ers)

Cardinals can clinch a playoff spot with

1. Win and Saints Loss or Tie OR
2. Tie and Saints Loss

Dallas Cowboys (vs. Eagles)

Cowboys can clinch an NFC East Title with

1. Win

Green Bay Packers (at Bears)

Packers can clinch an NFC North Title with 

1. Win

     

Week 17 AFC Playoff Scenarios

 Denver Broncos (at Oakland)
Denver clinches home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with

1. Win or Tie OR
2. Patriots Loss or Tie

New England Patriots (vs. Buffalo)

Patriots clinch first-round bye with a 

1. Win or Tie OR
2. Bengals Loss or Tie and Colts Loss or Tie

Indianapolis Colts (vs. Jaguars)

Colts clinch a first-round bye with 

1. Win, Patriots Loss, and Bengals Loss or Tie

Miami Dolphins (vs. Jets)

Dolphins clinch a playoff spot with

1. Win and Ravens Loss or Tie OR
2. Win and Chargers Loss OR
3. Tie and Ravens Loss and Chargers Loss or Tie
4. Tie and Ravens Tie, and Chargers Tie

Baltimore Ravens (at Bengals)

Ravens clinch a playoff spot with

1. Win and Chargers Loss or Tie OR
2. Win and and Dolphins Loss or Tie OR
3. Tie and Dolphins Loss and Chargers Loss or Tie OR
4. Tie and Dolphins Tie and Chargers Loss OR
5. Dolphins Loss, Steelers Loss, and Chargers Loss

Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Cleveland)

Steelers clinch a playoff spot with 

1. Win and Dolphins, Chargers, and Ravens Loss

Blazing Offense Pacing Portland Atop Western Conference

The Portland Trail Blazers have surprised and amazed many NBA fans, anyalists, teams this season. They are tied for the best record in the NBA (23-5), and feature the NBA's best offense. The Blazers offense donesn't have a big secret to their early offensive success. They have established a very balanced offense, particualry from the from their starting unit. Usually opposing defenses sit and wait for the point guard to feed it into the post, however, that game plan changes when going up against the Trial Blazers offense. It all starts with creating open looks for Power Forward LaMarcus Aldridge. Wesley Matthews, Nicholas Batum, Robin Lopez, and Aldridge first read the defense to find mismatches. Then once Lillard gets the ball up at the point, lots of misdirection and screens will occur, which will eventually create seperation for Aldridge. Selfishness has never been an issue for the Blazers this season, as their balanced ball movement has created lots of scoring opportunities. Nicholas Batum's ability to read defenses, Wesley Matthews improved passing, Robin Lopez's unselfishness, and the patience of Aldridge and Lillard trust is key to the chemistry of the Trail Blazers offense. Aldridge's involvement with the offense has improved his game and Lillard's three-point shooting, off of screens, has elavated his game. The movement of this offense has tired out defenses, which is one reason why the Blazers lead the league in points per game (108.5).

2013 NFL Tackle For Loss Leaders (Through Week 16)

Week 16 NFL Results

Week 16 NFL Predictions

Abraham, Dansby Anchor Ferocious Cardinals Defense

Led by veteran off-season acquisitions John Abraham and Karlos Dansby, the Cardinals pose an intimidating defense that the oganization has not seen in years. Although All-Pro Cornerback Patrick Peterson, and stars Daryl Washington and Darnell Dockett have made significant contributions for this defense, it has been the play of John Abraham and Karlos Dansby that have really boosted the 5th ranked defense in the NFL. Both players started to go off in October, after the Cardinals defense had struggled a little, and needed to get a boost with a divsional that included the 49ers and Seahawks. Alhough Arizona didn't fair as well in October, both Dasnby and Abraham stepped up their game as they combined for 6 of the teams 16 sacks. In November, Abraham's performance increased as he recorded 4 sacks in November, and has played spectacular at the inside/outside linebacker position. His speed, quickness, and knowledge of the game is a big advantage for the veteran. The Cardinals defense has played great the last 2 months of the season, as they have held opponents to an average of 262.4 yards per game, and 16.6 points per game. Dansby and Abraham have energized and jolted a top-notch defense, that has kept them in the NFC playoff hunt.

Royals Sign Omar Infante

The performance of the Kansas City Royals 2nd Basemen last season was very prouos last season. Out of the 6 different players that the Royals used at 2nd basemen last season, only one (Miguel Tejada) batted over .250 (batted .288). The Royals middle infield has been horrendous when it comes to batting, as they hit a combined .243 AVG, and a mere 4 homers. This off-season though, K.C. had finally solved their batting issue, at 2nd base; by signing former Detriot Tiger Omar Infante. The Royals and Infante agreed on a 4 year, $30M contract as they finally found a good hitting 2nd basemen, since Alberto Callaspo left the team. Last season, Infante had a .318 batting average, hit 10 homers, drove in 51 runs, and hit for a career best, .795 OPS. Infante is a signifanct upgrade over the fiasco of 2nd basemen Kansas City had last season. The Royals also got a huge home winner for Infante, as he has hit for a .342 AVG, 13 hits, and 6 RBI, in 38 at-bats; over the past 3 seasons in Kauffman Stadium. Infante could bat 2nd behind newly acquired Norichika Aoki, pushing shortstop Alcides Escobar at the bottom of the order. I'm not saying this will happen, i am just projecting and thinking this could happen. The addition of Infante is a huge upgrade for the Royals.

The Profile on Oliver Vernon

The Miami Dolphins have boasted one of the best pass-rushing defenses in 2013. Through 14 weeks of the NFL season, the Fins have registered 41 sacks, which ranks 3rd in the National Football League. You would think Cameron Wake would be recording a lot of sacks this season, considering that Miami has been great at rushing the passer. Not this year, as 2nd year defensive end Oliver Vernon has set the tone for the Dolphins D-Line this season. Drafted in the 3rd round, from the University of Miami, Vernon never saw much playing time last season, due to the fact that he was playing behind Pro Bowlers Randy Starks and Cameron Wake. Vernon recorded 3 sacks and 23 tackles as a key reserve for the Dolphins last season. With Cameron Wake drawing constant double teams, and a struggling Randy Starks, Vernon finally got his chance. In his first 4 NFL starts, Vernon recorded a sack in each game and showed his ability to stop the run and rush the passer consistently. After being sack less for two straight weeks, Vernon collected his first career multi-sack game against the Panthers. Then he registered 3 sacks and 8 tackles, in a 23-3 victory over the Jets. I'm really impressed what Vernon has accomplished and done this season. His great work ethic has translated on the field, which has lead to a successful and tremendous season for Oliver Vernon. Even though I have only seen Vernon play one game this season, I've heard he's been a force on a great Miami Defensive Line. Vernon's future in Miami is going to be good one.

My Week 15 NFL Projections