Sporadic Records Highlight Week 16

Week 16 of the NFL Season was an exiciting, disasterous, mind-boggling, and eventful week. From Bill Belichick hesistant call at the overtime coin toss, to blowouts in Nashville and Glendale, week 16 was an entertaining one. Career and season records were achieved during todays contests, despite the outcome of some teams performances. Here are the milestones that were accomplished during this weeks action:

• Indianapolis Colts Kicker Adam Vinatieri joined Morten Anderson and Gary Anderson as the only players in NFL Hisotry with 500 field goals
• Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Jarvis Landry became the first Dolphin to reach 100 catches in a single season. Landry also recorded his first 1,000 yard season
• San Fransisco 49ers Wide Receiver Anquan Boldin became the newest and thirteenth member of the 1,000 catches club. Coincidentally, Boldin hauled in his first career reception in the same stadium as his 1,000th career reception, Ford Field (Detroit)
• The St. Louis Rams snapped the Seattle Seahawks streak of 62 consecutive games without blowing a lead, which was the longest in NFL history
• The St. Louis Rams swept the season series against the Seattle Seahawks for the first time since 2004
• New York Jets Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall became the first player in NFL history with six 100-catch seasons (Broke tie with Andre Johnson and Wes Welker)
• Marshall also set the Jets single season catch mark with his 94th reception (Broke Al Toon record of 93 receptions)
• Dallas Cowboys Tight End Jason Witten caught a pass in his 118th consecutive game, an NFL record (Was tied with Cowboys Hall of Famer Michael Irvin)
• Buffalo Bills Quarterback Tyrod Taylor holds the single-season team record for most rushing yards by a quarterback (480). The mark was previously held by Doug Flutie, who had ran 476 yards in 1999.
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Week 16 Stat Tracker

Here are some interesting facts to note for gameday:

• The Kansas City Chiefs have held opponents to 13.5 (1st during that span) points points per game during their eight game winning streak
• Despite throwing for the second most passing yards this season, Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady has the most passing yards lost to penalties (476)
• The St. Louis Rams have allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL (18), but rank dead last in the NFL in passing yards (2,471 yards)
• Falcons Running Back Devonta Freeman has been yeld under 90 yards for six consecutive games after eclipsing that total in four of his first seven games
• Dallas Cowboys Tight End Jason Witten has yet to drop a pass in 90 targets this season
• The Cleveland Browns have allowed the third worst passer rating (102.1) this season after finishing first last season
• Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver Doug Baldwin has multi-touchdown games in four consecutive weeks
• Cincinnati Bengals Cornerback Adam Jones has allowed only one touchdown pass 
• Chiefs Pro Bowl Cornerback Marcus Peters leads the NFL interception return yards, but second in passing yards allowed (902)
• Washington Redskins Quarterback Kurt Cousins Leads the NFL in completion percentage (69.5)
• The New Orleans Saints are unfortunately on the verge of allowing the most touchdown passes in NFL History. They have allowed 39 through fifteen weeks and the record is 40 (Set by the 1963 Denver Broncos)
• The Chicago Bears haven't won a game in December in two years

Week 16 NFL Predictions

Panthers 30 - Falcons 17
Jets 21 - Patriots 20
Steelers 40 - Ravens 19
Chiefs 27 - Browns 10
Texans 27 - Titans 16
Colts 26 - Dolphins 24
Lions 31 - 49ers 20
Bills 33 - Cowboys 23
Buccanners 28 - Bears 20
Saints 42 - Jaguars 38
Seahawks 27 - Rams 6
Cardinals 31 - Packers 24
Vikings 34 - Giants 23
Broncos 20 - Bengals 16

Lockdown D Key To Spurs Success

This NBA season has seen plenty of suprises, greatful and ungreatful records broken, and lots of drama. From dazzling rookies to the Golden State Warriors high octane offense, the 2015-2016 NBA season has been an exciting one. The San Antonio Spurs have also made huge strides during their first 30 games of the season. Led by the coaching of Gregg Popovich and a formidable core of players, the Spurs have stifled teams with their defensive tactics. San Antonio has held opponents to the fewest points per game (88.8) and are second to the Chicago Bulls in field goal percentage allowed (42%). They have also done a phenominal job grabbing defensive boards and giving their offense more chances to score, as they are second to only the Bulls in defensive rebounds (36.7). The presence of small forward Kawhi Leonard (T-8th in Steals) and newly acquired David West have helped the Spurs stuff opponents in the paint and force opponents to take tough shots. West' leadership and desire to win has made him a great leader, in the Spurs locker room. Even though he comes off the bench, his expierence and knowledge of the game gives the Spurs the edge over younger teams. Leonard has been a defensive force on the perimeter and has done an exceptional job guarding some of the NBA best. Communication and chemistry are two key components that the Spurs have thrived on for years, which is why they have been such a successful dynasty.  They are currently on a nine game winning streak and are closing the Warriors gap.

Week 16 Fantasy Rankings (Wide Receivers)

Week 16 Fantasy Advice (Running Backs)

Week 16 Fantasy Advice (Quarterbacks)

The Fantasy Football Championship is under way and congrats to those who have made it this far. The final game in fantasy football can be a bit tricky because the stars are not always the viable option. Hand-cuff backs such as Christine Michael, Denard Robinson, Tim Hightower, and Denard Robinson took advantage of their favorable matchups and helped some owners take care of business. We have also seen players such as Russell Wilson, Kurt Cousins, Doug Baldwin, and David Johnson turn on the jets the past couple of weeks and maintain consistent play. This week, it's all about the matchups and streaking players. Here are the quarterbacks you should start or sit for your championship matchup.

2016 Pro Bowl Roster

Charging Chiefs Spying Playoff Berth

After easily handling the Houston Texans 27-20, Kansas City hit a brick wall. The Chiefs lost 4 of their 5 consecutive games by ten points or less. They had given up more than 30 or more points in three of those contests and could not get the ground game going. Other than the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals, no team since the AFL-NFL merger have reached the playoffs following a 1-5 start. A winning season looked in doubt as closing out games was killing the Chiefs mojo. To make matters worse, the Chiefs lost running back Jamaal Charles to another season ending torn ACL. Charles attempted to cut back on a dive play, but heard a tweak as he tried to cut back inside. Andy Reid has expierenced injuries to important offensive positions (He started 3 QB during the 2002 campaign and reached the NFC Championship), and was in the process of another intruiguing game plan.

Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, formallly undrafted running back Chacanderick West did the unthinkable. In his second career start, West ran right over a stingy Pittsburgh defense for 110 yards and a touchdown. The defense re-grouped back to their old ways and held Ben Roethlisberger to a mere 192 passing yards and picked him off twice. The Reid plan executed, but could Kansas City follow through? The victory over Pittsburgh didn't seem like a fluke as Kansas City annhilated the Lions 45-10. Kansas City ran for a season high 206 yards and played mistake-free football in London. Following their bye week, Kansas City looked poised to make a second half run. At Peyton's Place, the Chiefs overwhelmed Quarterback Peyton Manning and forced five turnovers, en route to a 29-13 upset. Making a statement against a quarterback that had torced their defense for years, boosted the Chiefs defensive confidence. The Chiefs pulled in a string of five consecutive victories, en route to a current 9-5 record.

Despite being outgained by their opponents in three of their past seven games, no quarterback has thrown for over 300 yards and only one running back has rushed for more than 100 yards (Le'Von Bell). Kansas City' good ball control (21:4 turnover ratio, +5.25) , stingy run defense (89.25 yards allowed per game), and improved rushing attack (139.25 rushing yards per game) are three reasons why Kansas City pulled off an improbable eight game winning-streak. Quarterback Alex Smith mistake free football ended at 312 attempts, which was the second longest streak in NFL History. A back that reminds me a lot of Tatum Bell, Chacanderick West elusiveness and agility allowed him to perform well in Charles absence. Third-string running back Spencer Ware also played well in two fill-in starts for West(210 yards, 3 TD), which gives the Chiefs a balanced running attack. The Chiefs dynamic 3 man front of Jay Howard, Allen Bailey, and Dontari Poe allows agile pass rushers Justin Houston, Dee Ford, and Tamba Hali put heavy pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This allows a secondary that features both ball-hawk rookie corner Marcus Peters (7 INT, 2 TD) and pro bowl saftey Eric Berry, to force plenty of turnovers. The triple threat defense has rocked the opposition with 41 sacks (3rd in the NFL) and 20 interceptions (2nd in the NFL). This Chiefs team is dangerous and has to duke it out with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets for both AFC Wild Card spots.

The Cooper Show

For the first time in 11 years, the Oakland Raiders finally have a 1,000 yard receiver. The last Raider to reach the milestone was Randy Moss. After failing to draft the likes of Roddy White, Calvin Johnson, Jeremy Maclin, Dez Bryant, and Demariuys Thomas, the Raiders finally selected a talented wide receiver. Amari Cooper has played wide receiver since the third grade, and has stayed true to his position. Coming into the 2015 NFL Draft, Cooper impressed anaylst's with his precise route running, but his drops were a big concern. Reggie McKenzie decision of drafting Cooper has boded well for Oakland so far, and has helped elevate Quarterback Derek Carr game. Cooper is also just the fourth player in NFL history to have a 1,000 yard receiving season, at age 21 or younger. He and Michael Crabtree have given Oakland a legitimate 1-2 punch at the receiver position. Oakland fans haven't seen such a duo since the Jerry Rice and Tim Brown days. Cooper gives the Raiders a bright future on offense.

Cards Lose Mathieu To Torn ACL

Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu is officially done for the year after tearing his ACL on an interception return. Mathieu picked off Sam Bradford late in the fourth quarter and initially felt fine after getting up. However, after further examination, Coach Bruce Arians announced that Mathieu will miss the remainder of the season. Arians and Mathieu have formed a special bond on and off the field and Arians showed that with his emotions, during yesturdays post game conference. Mathieu has set both career highs in interceptions (5) and tackles (89). Mathieu is a very important piece to the Cardinals eighth ranked defense and his versatility allows Arizona to line him up in various formations. He is a dangerous edge rusher in nickel and dime packages and an outstanding coverage corner. Mathieu has also played on 98% of Arizona defensive snaps and should be a top five candidate for defensive player of the year. Arizona will need to make major adjustments for Honey Badger absence.

A Falcon Meltdown

Before deafeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17, the Atlanta Falcons were on a bigger downfall than Niagra Falls. General Manager Thomas Dimitroff addressed Atlanta team needs by signing veteran players that fit Dan Quinn scheme and upgraded the offensive line. Even with the recent acquisitions of Brooks Reed, Andy Levitre, Justin Durant, and rookie Vic Beasley, the Falcons still needed a year to re-group in order to be playoff contenders. Following the pre-season, Atlanta raced to a 5-0 start and were deemed to avenge a mediocure 2014 season. Despite not playing a team with a record better than .500, Atlanta went into high gear and took advantage of every opportunity. While, Atlanta offense averaged 32.4 points per game, the surprise emergence of both second year running back Devonta Freeman and a stingy run defense helped Atlanta soar atop the NFC South. After an overtime win over Washington, bad luck struck the Falcons. Atlanta lost seven of its eight games and is hanging on for the final wild card spot. Turnovers, a battered run defense, and tougher compeition were three aspects that Atlanta failed to overcome. The Falcons run defense dropped from first to fifteenth, while the offense has averaged three turnovers per game. Five of the eight games were decided by four points or less, and three of those were divisional games. As a result, failing to close out games and inconsistency has haunted Atlanta early season success.

Just like the 2003 Minnesota Vikings and 2009 Denver Broncos, early season hype is something that the 2015 Atlanta Falcons overlooked. Both Minnesota and Denver started 6-0, but missed the playoffs due to turnover issues and a faltering defense. While the Vikings featured an explosive offensive attack and forced a lot of turnovers, the Broncos were a ground and pound team. Like the Falcons, both teams limited their turnovers and featured a stout run defense. Each team also featured an explosive wide receiver: Julio Jones (Falcons), Brandon Marshall (Broncos), and Randy Moss (Vikings). However, as the season progressed, there was no outside threat to complement their dynamic offensive player. Team's were able to adjust their defensive game plan and force more turnovers. In addition, each team's run defense and passing game signficantly regressed. Consistency and lack of head coaching expierence were similar struggles that all three teams faced, during the second half of the season. In hindsight, the Falcons had an easier schedule than both the Vikings and Broncos and did not face as many dynamic offenses. In the end, all three teams share one similar quality: the inability to finish games after starting off hot.

Pittsburgh Steelers v.s. Denver Broncos Preview

The game of the week features the second ranked Pittsburgh Steelers offense against the first ranked Denver Broncos defense. The high flying Steelers have scored thirty points in five consecutive games, but face a stingy Denver defense that has yet to allow an opponent to score thirty points in a game. Pittsburgh needs to win in order to stay alive in the playoff race. Here are the keys to today's matchup.

• Steelers Wide Receiver Antonio Brown has only exceeded 100 yards  once when facing a top twenty cornerback 
• Denver has never allowed a receiver to break 100 yards (Played Calvin Johnson, T.Y. Hilton)
• Denver has yet to allow a quarterback to surpass 300 yards in a game this season (Have faced Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Matthew Stafford this season)
• Ben Roethlisberger has thrown for over 300 yards in four of his last five games
• Steelers have 11:13 Turnover Ratio over past five games
• Broncos lead NFL in sacks with 44 but have less sacks at tome than on the road (Steelers have allowed less than half of their season sack total on the road)
• Steelers are 5th in NFL with 38 sacks, but have less than half of their season sack total when playing at home (Denver has allowed less sacks when playing on the road)
• Broncos are missing both of their starting safties this game

The Key Matchups:

• Steelers Wide Receivers v.s. Broncos Cornerbacks
• Antonio Brown v.s. Chris Harris JR
• Martavius Bryant v.s. Aquib Talib
• Markus Wheaton v.s. Bradley Roby
• All 3 Broncos Cornerbacks are Ranked in the Top 30 of Pro Football Focus Cornerback Rankings
• Steelers Offensive Guards Ramon Foster and David Decastro v.s. Broncos Defensive Lineman Malik Jackson, Derek Wolfe, and Sylvester Williams
• Steelers Nose Tackle Steve McClendon v.s. Broncos Left Guard Evan Mathis
• Steelers Left Tackle Alejandro Villanueva v.s. Broncos Outside Linebacker Von Miller

My Prediction:

Broncos 37 - Steelers 27

Why?:

• Demariuys Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are going to overwhelm the Steelers porous pass defense early in the game, which will help Denver open up a run game against a great Pittsburgh run defense
• Ben Roethlisberger is going to struggle at home and will throw 2 costly interceptions
• Markus Wheaton will eclipse over 100 yards receiving
• Kicking game will be deciding factor in this game
• Brock Osweiler has first career 300 yard game
• Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall will shut down Heath Miller and any Pittsburgh weapon in the middle of the field (Both are top 10 linebackers according to Pro Football Focus)

Week 15 NFL Predictions

Predicted Scores:

Panthers 30 - Giants 27

Falcons 31 - Jaguars 28

Colts 23 - Texans 21

Patriots 38 - Titans 14

Vikings 20 - Bears 16

Chiefs 27 - Ravens 17

Redskins 25 - Bills 17

Seahawks 34 - Browns 13

Broncos 37 - Steelers 29

Dolphins 24 - Chargers 17

49ers 22 - Bengals 20

Cardinals 41 - Eagles 20

Saints 34 - Lions 31

Projected Passing Leaders (300 + Yards)

Drew Brees 439 yards 3 TD 0 INT

Carson Palmer 427 yards 4 TD 0 INT

Matthew Stafford 365 yards 2 TD 2 INT

Tom Brady 341 yards 4 TD 0 INT

Ben Roethlisberger 313 yards 2 TD 2 INT

Brock Osweiler 311 yards 2 TD 0 INT

Aaron Rodgers 303 yards 2 TD 0 INT

Blake Bortles 300 yards 2 TD 1 INT

Projected Rushing Leaders (100 + Rushing Yards)

Adrian Peterson 26 Att 144 yards 1 TD

Lamar Miller 24 Att 127 yards 0 TD

Jeremy Hill 24 Att 112 yards 1 TD

Cam Newton 10 Att 106 yards 0 TD

Matt Forte 24 Att 103 yards 0 TD

Devonta Freeman 25 Att 100 yards 2 TD

Projected Receiving Leaders (100 + Receiving Yards)

Calvin Johnson 9 Rec 177 yards 1 TD

Julio Jones 9 Rec 169 yards 0 TD

Doug Baldwin 7 Rec 147 yards 1 TD

Larry Fitzgerald 8 Rec 141 yards 2 TD

Jordan Reed 11 Rec 137 yards 1 TD

Michael Crabtree 7 Rec 124 yards 0 TD

Demariuys Thomas 7 Rec 118 yards 1 TD

Willie Snead 6 Rec 112 yards 1 TD

A.J. Green 7 Rec 109 yards 1 TD

Alshon Jeffery 7 Rec 107 yards 1 TD

Allen Hurns 6 Rec 104 yards 0 TD

Markus Wheaton 6 Rec 103 yards 1 TD

Brandon LaFell 5 Rec 101 yards 1 TD

Michael Floyd 6 Rec 100 yards 1 TD

T.Y. Hilton 5 Rec 100 yards 0 TD

Fitch Fantasy Advice (Week 15 Edition)

Round two of the fantasy playoffs is underway as owners make last minute tickers to their lineup. From favorable and nightmare matchups to running back committee dilemmas, round two of the fantasy playoffs is a tricky one. Here are the players you should start or sit in all standard formats.

Start                                                 Tough Calls:                                     Sit:
QB                                                   
Blake Bortles v.s. Falcons    Matt Hasselback v.s Texans   Eli Manning  v.s  Panthers
Drew Brees v.s. Lions          Ben Roethlisberger v.s. Broncos Sam Bradford v.s. Cardinals
Tom Brady v.s. Titans          Ryan Tannehill v.s. Chargers   Marcus Mariota v.s Patriots
Aaron Rodgers v.s. Raiders   Kurt Cosuins v,s. Bills            Teddy Bridgewater v.s Bears
Brock Osweiler v.s. Steelers  Matt Ryan v.s. Jaguars           Philip Rivers v.s Dolphins
Carson Palmer v.s. Eagles      A.J. McCarron v.s. 49ers       Blanie Gabbert v.s. Bengals
Alex Smith v.s. Ravens          Derek Carr v.s. Packers
Russell Wilson v.s. Browns
Tyrod Taylor v.s. Redskins
Cam Newton v.s. Panthers
Matthew Stafford v.s. Saints

RB:                                                  
Adrian Peterson v.s. Bears     Fozzy Whittaker v.s. Giants    DeAngalo Williams v.s. DEN
Jeremy Hill v.s. 49ers           Matt Forte v.s. Vikings         Isaiah Crowell v.s. Seahawks
Denard Robinson v.s. Falcons Jeremy Langford v.s. Vikings  DeMarco Murray v.s. ARZ
Frank Gore v.s Texans            Devonta Freeman v.s. Jaguars  Ronnie Hillman v.s. PITT
Eddie Lacy v.s. Raiders          Latavius Murray v.s. Packers   Shaun Draughn v.s. CIN
David Johnson v.s. Eagles      Matt Jones v.s. Bills              C.J. Anderson v.s. PITT
Lamar Miller v.s. Chargers   Chacanderick West v.s. Ravens    
LeSean McCoy v.s. Redskins Brandon Bolden v.s. Titans
Tim Hightower v.s. Lions       Bryce Brown v.s. Browns


WR: 
Alshon Jeffery v.s. Vikings      DeSean Jackson v.s. Bills  Dorial Green-Beckham v.s. NE
Allen Hurns v.s. Falcons          Ted Ginn J.R, v.s. Giants    Anquan Boldin v.s. CIN
Julio Jones v.s. Jaguars             DeAndre Hopkins v,s, Colts     Kamar Aiken v.s. KC
Sammy Watkins v.s. Redskins  Jarvis Landry v.s. Chargers   Jordan Matthews v.s. ARZ
Demariuys Thomas v.s. Steelers John Brown v.s. Eagles        Malcolm Floyd v.s MIA
Calvin Johnson v.s. Saints          Randall Cobb v.s. Raiders      Travis Benjamin v.s. SEA
Doug Baldwin v.s. Browns        Odell Beckham JR v.s Panthers   Stefon Diggs v.s. CHI
A.J. Green v.s. 49ers                  Donte Moncrief v.s. Texans
Larry Fitzgerald v.s. Eagles       Amari Cooper v.s. Packers
Michael Floyd v.s. Eagles         Antonio Brown v.s. Broncos
Jeremy Maclin v.s. Ravens       Martavius Bryant v.s. Broncos
Michael Crabtree v.s. Packers  Brandin Cooks v.s. Lions
Emmanuel Sanders v.s. Steelers   Allen Robinson v.s. Falcons
T.Y. Hilton v.s. Texans                Golden Tate v,s. Saints
Willie Snead v.s. Lions
Danny Amendola v.s. Titans
Sammy Watkins v.s. Redskins