Thursday, December 24, 2015

HEADED OUT : THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (WEEK 16)

Thursday Night Football continues tonight in Week 16 of the NFL as the Oakland Raiders host the San Diego Chargers on NFL Network. These division rivals matched up earlier this season in Week 7 when the Raiders torched the San Diego defense with 37 points. With the possibility of the Raiders making the Playoffs obsolete now, it is likely that this game will be very intense as both teams look to leave the under-achieved 2015 season on a good note. I like the Raiders at home this night. Let's analyze to see just what this match-up will mean to both of these teams. Tune in tonight exclusively on NFL Network at 8:25 p.m. E.T to see how it will play out.


(Dec. 19, 2015 - Source: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images North America)

The Oakland Raiders have tackled a few quality teams this season. Oakland has defeated the Broncos, Jets and other household names in the league to help establish firm faith in the future of the franchise. QB Derek Carr is having quite a season and won't be looking to slow down tonight. Did I mention that this will be superstar DB Charles Woodson's last home game with the Black & Silver? Expect the Raiders home crowd to come out roaring with a intensity level to unbearable for a inadequate Chargers offense. Expect WR Amari Cooper and WR Michael Crabtree to each have 5 plus receptions and a TD. I like the Raiders


(Dec. 19, 2015 - Source: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images North America)

The San Diego Super Chargers have the same cast leading their regime that they've had for nearly a decade now. The 4-10 record speaks volume to a disappointing season, but the fact they have QB Phillip Rivers and TE Antonio Gates always makes watching their offense work celebratory. Last week the Chargers destroyed the Miami Dolphins 30-14, leading by double digits for majority of the game. Rivers tossed 3 touchdowns and went 26/36 on passes for 311 yards. San Diego led the time of possession statistic 21:07 to 38:53 against the Dolphins who looked just awful. Tonight they'll face a tougher opponent in Oakland who will likely bring it to the Chargers defense. The San Diego secondary will have their work cut out for them tonight against a Raiders receiving core that is simply marvelous. I don't like the Chargers chances on the road tonight.

Monday, December 21, 2015

STRANGE WORK : MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (WEEK 15)

I couldn't possibly be more excited for the upcoming 2015 NFL Playoffs. Unfortunately the two teams playing in tonight's Monday Night Football game will not be participating this post-season. They are though, teams playing for a little bit of pride, dignity and of course the want to safe the coaching staff of their respected organizations from termination. It's difficult to determine how this one will turn out. With all things being equal though, I have to say that the Saints will get it done on their home field tonight. Within this article I will tell you why New Orleans will add another victory to their season record. Tune in to this match-up tonight exclusively on ESPN at 8:25 p.m. to see how it all plays out.


(Dec. 5, 2015 - Source: Sean Gardner/Getty Images North America)

New Orleans defeated Tampa Bay 24-27 on the road in Week 14 and gave the undefeated Carolina Panthers a scare just the week prior (41-38). Considering their offensive ability with Hall of Fame bound QB Drew Brees leading, I'll make the bold prediction that the Saints may produce over 400 yards of total offense tonight at the Mercedes Silverdome. With the possibility of Sean Payton departing and Brees in the latter part of his NFL career, the Saints will be looking to put on a show for the home crowd. Unless the Detroit Lions offense can make this game a uphill battle for New Orleans they may face a double digit defeat tonight down in Louisiana. Look for WR Brandin Cooks to cause havoc in the Lions secondary tonight. The fade and deep post routes built in the Saints offensive schematic can be quite effective.


(Dec. 12, 2015 - Source: Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images North America)

The Lions would claim to have been robbed a victory considering their Monday Night appearance earlier in the season when a "illegal bat" disallowed the Lions to defeat the Seahawks in Week 4. They are not looking to carry the shame of that defeat into this week though. All eyes should be on QB Matthew Stafford who continues to strive and show himself worthy of the entitlement of "Elite" in this league, despite the adoration he receives. After a 3 game winning streak, the Lions had their hearts broken by a Green Bay Packers hail-mary in Week 13, and a baffling loss to a hardy St. Louis rams team in Week 14. Indeed the Lions offense has been horrid running the ball and thus, the reliance on Stafford may be a little bit distorted. Funny thing is, the Lions rank top in the league in Red Zone TD percentage in the entire NFL. Bizarre right? Well, we'll see if the stat can render them victorious tonight on the road against their NFC South opponent.

Saturday, December 19, 2015

IT'S NOT WHAT IT SEEMS : JETS @ COWBOYS (WEEK 15)

After the Rams got their expected victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Thursday Night, Week 15 in the 2015 NFL Season will continue this weekend starting with a Saturday Night special between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Jets. Certainly the league must've figured that the Cowboys would be much more of a Playoff contender considering how many times they've been featured in primetime lights this season. Nevertheless, I particularly trust that the Jets will get it done on the road at AT&T stadium and I'm here to tell you why this will be a very interesting contest. Tune in tonight at 8:25 p.m. E.T  only on NFL Network for this showdown. Peace.

(Dec. 12, 2015 - Source: Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

The New York Jets gave the Titans something to think about in Week 14 by defeating Tennessee 30-8 to advance to 8-5 on the season. Certainly New York is anticipating the opportunity to get their revenge on the New England Patriots who currently lead the NFC East division by two games. Considering, the Jets still have a chance to catch New England if they are diligent down the stretch of the next two weeks. Tonight they'll rely on their receiving core (WR Brandon Marshall & WR Brian Decker) and rushing game (manned by HB Chris Ivory) to give the Cowboys defense a fatigue like they've not seen just yet this season. I don't like the Cowboys chances of scoring more than 13 points on arguably the AFC's best defense tonight. The only flaw that might allow New York to lose this game is if they turn the ball over in their own territory and grant a sluggish Cowboys offense plenteous red zone opportunities. With the chances of that happening doubtful, I like the Jets in this match-up.


(Nov. 7, 2015 - Source: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images North America)

I'll be honest enough to say that I am absolutely tired of talking about the Dallas Cowboys (most of us are). Despite a horrid season, Dallas does offer their signature logo and white and silver jersey's that are just undeniably distinctive. Thus, their 4-9 record has to make one wonder; why are they the most highly discussed NFL team in the league when they most likely won't even make the Playoffs this year. Beats me. Well I think tonight they'll have the opportunity to show the world why they are called "America's team" by matching up with a team that is favorited over them easily. Tonight the Cowboys need to get some sustaining drives and force a few Jets turnovers if they plan to get the upset on their home field. Hopefully Dallas QB Matt Casel can avoid Revis Island and a Jets pass rush that loves eating QB's for dinner. Good Luck Cowboys.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

AND THEN THIS : THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (WEEK 15)

It's nearly time for the NFL Playoffs and that means some will live to play of and some teams have players playing to avoid entering 2016 without employment. Therefore we welcome in another Thursday Night match-up between to non-playoff contenders. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will head to the Midwest to face the St. Louis Rams in the primetime lights. This game may come off as a bore but the NFL fanatics, we understand that these teams are excited to end off their disappointing 2015 season with a opportunity to put it all on the line in the primetime lights. Coverage of this match-up can be observed solely on NFL Network at 8:25 p.m. E.T.


(Dec. 12, 2015 - Source: Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images North America)

St. Louis held the Lions at bay in Week 14. Defeating the Lions by a score of 21-14, St. Louis produced a touchdown early in the 1st half thanks to a DB Truman Johnson interception that pretty much set the tone for the entire afternoon. The Rams were able to get a quality product out of HB Todd Gurley who had a 16 rush 140 yards 2 touchdown outing against a Lions defense that was showing signs of health. No doubt the Rams underachieved in 2015, but they have a promising future if they can find a quality Quarterback. I believe the Rams can defeat the Buccaneers tonight because their defense is just too ferocious. Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston will have a chance to show the world why he was the top pick in the NFL Draft tonight against one of the best defenses the NFL has to offer.


(Dec. 12, 2015 - Source: Cliff McBride/Getty Images North America)

The Buccaneers were fighting to make the playoffs until the Saints pretty much wrote them a letter of disapproval last weekend. Tampa Bay's 24-17 loss to the Saints featured a inability to get a third down stop with under a 1:30 to go in the game. I admire Tampa Bay's ability to get vertical passing and rushing gashes throughout the game but their lacking defense makes it hard for anyone to put faith in what they have to offer. Tonight they've been offered the opportunity to get a little momentum going for next year in what seems to be a promising future. Especially on the offensive side of the ball. Tune in tonight of NFL Network to see how it all plays out.