Week 18 Open Discussion

Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler
Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler
Photo: USA Today Sports Images

NFL Week 18 - The final week of the regular season will begin with teams jockeying for playoff position on Saturday, and close with a winner-makes-the-playoffs contest on Sunday night.

On Saturday, Kansas City (11-5) will play at Denver (7-9). The Chiefs can still win the AFC's top seed with a win and some help. Later that day, Dallas (11-5) will play at Philadelphia (9-7). The Cowboys have already clinched the NFC East while the Eagles have clinched a wild-card berth, but each team's exact seeding has yet to be determined. 

Notable Sunday afternoon games include Pittsburgh (7-7-1, pending the Monday Night Football game against Cleveland) at Baltimore (8-8), San Francisco (9-7) at the L.A. Rams (12-4), and New England (10-6) at Miami (8-8). The Sunday night game sees the L.A. Chargers (9-7) will visit Las Vegas (9-7) with the winner clinching a playoff berth. Use this thread to discuss them all.

Comments

191 comments, Last at 16 Jan 2022, 12:32pm

#1 by DIVISION // Jan 08, 2022 - 3:08pm

Eagles over Cowboys - Neither team has much to play for, but in a battle of apathy I think the Eagles win at home just because it's the Cowboys.

Pittsburgh over Baltimore - Neither of these teams are good, the difference is one has their starting QB, even if it is a retiring Big Ben.  

Cincinnati over Cleveland - Even without Burrow, the Bengals are still better than the Browns with Case Keenum.

San Fran over L.A. Rams - Not only does Shanahan always outscheme McVay, but the Niners need to win just to make the playoffs.  Also, Stafford has been a dumpster fire the last few weeks at QB.  

Las Vegas over L.A. Chargers - I like Vegas at home with a playoff spot on the line.  I gave them up for dead weeks ago and they still won't die.  Not a believer in Herbert based on his uneven year and the Chargers' lack of defense is going to hurt them.

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#2 by Cythammer // Jan 08, 2022 - 5:21pm

2/7 passing for 17 yards, plus two rushing TDs. A Tebow-esque stat line.

But scoring 14 points on just two drives?... That's not very Tebow-esque. A Tebow offense would be stuck under 10 until the inevitable game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter.

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#3 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 08, 2022 - 5:47pm

yall really deleted my first comment from the other day here?

Chefs getting the ball with 23 seconds? Will they be cowards and kneel?!

Answer: they arent! They fight for the #1 seed! Valiant effort but the deficit remains 4, just like it did at the start of the drive that many teams would've kneeled into half from. Crazy.

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#4 by JSD // Jan 08, 2022 - 7:07pm

Heartbreak in Denver. What a terrible way to blow 3/4’s of well played football  

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#5 by beargoggles // Jan 08, 2022 - 7:07pm

I was just going to post that I was thinking that this terrible field was helping the Broncos “ground and pound” approach. And then that happened. Wonder what the “win probability” shift was on that play.

 

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#6 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 08, 2022 - 7:25pm

Just run a play lol

And you false start anyway lolololol

Either way, forgot to mention that Melvin Ingram trade was wonderful. Process and results. Gonna be 179+ in this years draft. Fantastic. Would've loved to seen GB do it. 

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#7 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 08, 2022 - 7:40pm

Big W tonight despite the L. Helps your draft picks (in EVERY round, don't take it for granted, just ask Philly) but you cover against the back to back AFC champs and show there's a solid team there. The only problem is...the QB. We'll ignore the past mistakes and look forward though.

Big question is HC. Fire Fangio? Hmmm. Tough choice but am I crazy for thinking they should give him one more year? I think they should and, since it's unlikely Rodgers gets moved (haha) and Watson still being up in the air, you draft the best QB available with your first pick (this time...) and pray that it works despite the class being...not the greatest. Gotta take a shot! Trade up if you find one you really like. No one thought the 2017 class was great but 2/3 trade ups for QBs worked (disregarding the whole Watson situation). Another franchise CB can be found later! Don't leave your hopes in the hands of another team like you did this season...

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#24 by TimK // Jan 09, 2022 - 10:47am

It looks as though Fangio is gone. Just as I was typing something saying that I could keep him for one more year (due to ownership change coming as much as anything else) as long as the Offensive and Special Teams coordinators were changed.

A new quarterback, preferable in the draft is essential, and hopefully they can pick someone with the brain and technical basics rather than continuing to believe that an arm with lots of rough edges can be miraculously smoothed out by the Bronco QB development team. It hasn't been working for years, and if someone hasn't been able to learn the craft side of the position whilst in college why think they will be able to in the pros, unless there is good reason (later starters after transfers etc... but a long term college starter who is still inaccurate and flaky no matter how big the arm will likely stay inaccurate and flaky in the pro game, and won't get away with as much).

 

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#8 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 08, 2022 - 8:18pm

Making me sit through Minshew depression instead of watching the more exciting Hurts.

Good on the Cowboys continuing to fight for a better seed.

Lol they really only had Jason Kelce play one snap. Remember him crying about "tanking" last year? Yeah...you thought I wouldn't bring that up! YOU WERE WRONG

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#10 by mathesond // Jan 08, 2022 - 8:27pm

Gosh, considering it's quite possibly his last game as an Eagle and he has a consecutive games streak of note going on, I can't say that I'm surprised they started & then pulled him. And maybe, just maybe, the chance to move from the #7 seed to #6 isn't as appealing as one might think...

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#11 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 08, 2022 - 8:34pm

In reply to by mathesond

>"quite possibly his last game as an Eagle"

>"chance to move from the #7 seed to #6"

He's gonna play another game but is it gonna be a record or something?

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#12 by mathesond // Jan 08, 2022 - 8:52pm

In reply to by ImNewAroundThe…

He sets a personal best with every start.

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#21 by LionInAZ // Jan 09, 2022 - 12:10am

Contract incentatives are more important to these guys than what you think. Else Zach Ertz would be already OOF.

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#25 by horn // Jan 09, 2022 - 10:52am

In reply to by ImNewAroundThe…

Possibly his last game starting as an Eagle *in Philadelphia* is what he meant to say. Kelce means a ton to the city and this fanbase [and team obviously]. No player is more beloved in this city, not even Embiid. 

He has been talking about retirement the last two seasons. Even as his play still amazes.

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#26 by mathesond // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:28am

Exactly. I see it as something akin to a player signing a 1-day contract before officially retiring (not that Kelce has announced his retirement, but I would be a little surprised if he's an Eagle next season).

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#9 by IlluminatusUIUC // Jan 08, 2022 - 8:22pm

If that was the end of the Fangio Era, it couldnt have been more appropriate:  kicking a surrender fg to cut the lead to 4 vs. Mahomes, then getting gashed so badly on D that they never saw the ball again.

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#22 by LionInAZ // Jan 09, 2022 - 12:17am

Defense was keeping them in the game. Gambling on them to get them another possesion was not a bad choice. Mahomes vs Drew Lock is just not a competitive choice.

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#13 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 08, 2022 - 8:53pm

Good pick. Got the Eagles record. Congrats. And of course he might want 1k lol. Look forward to watching him the playoffs with Hurts.

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#17 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 08, 2022 - 9:50pm

Could've just let time expire on the sack but they call a timeout. Rewarded with a shanked punt and eventually a TD! Lead by 13 instead of 6 now! Coward Eagles kneel. But apparently it doesn't matter if they win, they can still get the 6th seed? But doesn't the win matter if the 49ers lose (and Saints too)?

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#18 by ChrisS // Jan 08, 2022 - 10:32pm

The announcers (Greise&Riddick especially) for the late game are so bad, they hurt my brain with their inanities. Where is the ManningCast?

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#23 by LionInAZ // Jan 09, 2022 - 12:19am

Conning you into surrendering your bank account to Caesars Sportsbook.

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#19 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 08, 2022 - 10:48pm

Up 17. <13m left. Got the records. 

He is.

Wait, Tyree Jackson is TE? Lol was always amazing Josh Allen (among others) went 7th overall but he went undrafted.

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#20 by Stendhal1 // Jan 08, 2022 - 11:18pm

Way to go!

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#27 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 1:08pm

In the Packers Lions game. And I usually can tolerate it.

And we still waste timeouts. All for an incomplete pass. Ugh.

Oh look an injury already. 

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#29 by AHBM // Jan 09, 2022 - 1:21pm

Steelers look like they're losing RB1 and WR1 to injury in the first quarter.  Najee Harris looked like he hyperextended his knee and Diontae Johnson took a helmet hit to the ribs.  Then a false start on 4th and 1 inside the 5 turns a TD opportunity into a FG.  This is an inauspicious start when the Jaguars are looking like they could help the Steelers into the playoffs.

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#30 by AHBM // Jan 09, 2022 - 1:31pm

Crisis averted; Johnson is on the field on the next drive and Harris is getting ice on his elbow and expected to return.

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#31 by Ben // Jan 09, 2022 - 1:33pm

Jax marches down the field against the Colts in their first drive, including picking up several 3rd and longs. On the Colts possession, Taylor gets stuffed on 4th and 2 around the Jags 40. 
 

A month ago the Colts looked like they could make some noise in the playoffs. Last week and the start of this week, they look like an easy walkover in the first round. Both Wentz and the pass defense have regressed. No matter what the “old school” folks say, if you can’t pass the ball and stop the pass, you can’t win in the playoffs. 

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#34 by Ben // Jan 09, 2022 - 1:41pm

Trevor Lawerence went 11-11 for 104 yards and a TD in the first quarter. Almost hoping the Colts lose this one at this point so there’s no “but we made the playoffs!” arguments about the state of the team in the off season. 

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#35 by Ben // Jan 09, 2022 - 1:49pm

Taylor has 8 carries for 18 yards midway through the 2nd. Jags are going to make Wentz beat them 

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#32 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 1:39pm

But of course he's not going out lololol 1600 in sights.

And Rodgers gets hit...in the 2nd. A meaningless game should not make me this worried. 

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#33 by jheidelberg // Jan 09, 2022 - 1:40pm

If the Colts lose and one of these crap bags makes the playoffs its a travesty.  Three unforced QB turnovers in 1st quarter.

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#53 by IlluminatusUIUC // Jan 09, 2022 - 3:27pm

The Chargers/Raiders tie is still in play 

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#36 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 1:53pm

We're...we're not doing so hot against the hapless Lions despite playing most starters. 

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#37 by Lost Ti-Cats Fan // Jan 09, 2022 - 1:57pm

This year's Lions appear to be hap-lite, rather than hapless.  Sustaining mediocrity for a full four quarters, however, is usually beyond them.

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#42 by Joey-Harringto… // Jan 09, 2022 - 2:22pm

Only if the Jags hold on to this lead.  Otherwise, Lions pick 2nd overall no matter what.

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#45 by Joey-Harringto… // Jan 09, 2022 - 2:43pm

Goddammit, Packers pulling their starters, Lions about to score again, and Jaguars winning by 10.

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#38 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 2:05pm

Starting WR MVS now questionable in the locker room.

Teeerrrrrriiiific.

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#39 by JSD // Jan 09, 2022 - 2:06pm

Sure looked like Lazard’s knee was down short of the end zone. 

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#41 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 2:20pm

Looks like that XP was on Crosby. 

Let Love throw it deep. Booo

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#43 by Ben // Jan 09, 2022 - 2:29pm

Jags leading 13-3 at half time. Should be much worse, they have kicked 22 and and 20 yard field goals (the second was with 0:02 left in the half at least)

Jags have 239 yards of offense to 75 for the Colts. Lawerence is 19 of 25 for 208 and a TD. Wentz is 4 of 7 for 59. Taylor has 8 rushes for 17 yards. Jax has outsnapped the Colts 37 to 19. 
 

Jags are winning big in the trenches. Lawerence has all day to throw, Wentz is getting pressured and there are no holes for Taylor. Eric Fisher is getting abused at LT. 

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#44 by Ben // Jan 09, 2022 - 2:42pm

Colts get the ball to start the 2nd half. Get one first down and then Wentz is strip sacked. Jags starting inside the Colts 30. 

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#48 by Ben // Jan 09, 2022 - 3:10pm

Colts hold Jags to a FG. After trading punts Wentz is picked off. He is now 5 of 12 for 70 yards with a pick and fumble and 3 sacks. 

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#50 by Ben // Jan 09, 2022 - 3:18pm

Jags score a TD to go up 23-3 with 3 minutes left in the 3rd. 
 

While I never liked the Wentz move, this is embarrassing. I’ve generally been a fan of Reich as head coach and I don’t think he’s going to get fired. However, back to back stinkers when winning either puts you in the playoffs has got to make his seat a little warm next year. I think he made a really poor choice sticking his neck out for Wentz. 

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#47 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 2:46pm

And send Henry Black in. It's the 3rd quarter for crying out loud. 

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#49 by Anon Ymous // Jan 09, 2022 - 3:14pm

Buffalo breathing a big sigh of relief with Indy about to get knocked out.  

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#51 by jheidelberg // Jan 09, 2022 - 3:19pm

Murray had over 100 carries coming in and had a long of 16 for the season.  He gets 3 carries longer than that in 3rd quarter.  Steelers win and they are in I must assume no Colts win and no tie tonight.  Ravens lead 10-6 after 3 and drivivg.

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#52 by jheidelberg // Jan 09, 2022 - 3:22pm

Now Ben will try to drive 80 yards by throwing the shot put

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#54 by Ben // Jan 09, 2022 - 3:28pm

Jonathan Taylor gets stuffed on fourth and goal from the one yard line and that should be all she wrote for the Colts season. 

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#56 by Ben // Jan 09, 2022 - 3:41pm

 Colts force a 3 and out and a punt. Their following drive goes incomplete-sack-incomplete-incomplete. 
 

It will be an interesting off season for the Colts. 

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#58 by Lost Ti-Cats Fan // Jan 09, 2022 - 4:12pm

Also likely all she wrote for OPOY of the year.  Mr. Kupp, please come collect your award.

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#83 by justanothersteve // Jan 09, 2022 - 6:04pm

Not completely. Wentz has played enough to give the Eagles the Colts first round pick. That's a great return for someone who looks to be a career backup at this point. 

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#55 by IlluminatusUIUC // Jan 09, 2022 - 3:38pm

If Jax wins this, and they are cruising that way, then by traditional sports-superstition rules their fans should come wearing clown suits to every game from now on. 

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#57 by AHBM // Jan 09, 2022 - 4:10pm

With seven seconds to go in regulation, one timeout, and the season and retirement on the line, Roethlisberger kneels out the clock at the PIT 30 to go to overtime instead of throwing a hail mary.  Ravens win the toss, and that may not mean much because of how this game is going, but come on, you don't want to do one last irrational act?

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#59 by Lost Ti-Cats Fan // Jan 09, 2022 - 4:17pm

I thought it was weird, too, until I realized Roethlisberger might no longer be able to throw it into field goal range without a 3 second wind up.

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#60 by Cythammer // Jan 09, 2022 - 4:18pm

It would be insane if this Ravens-Steelers game ended in a tie since that would eliminate both teams. It's a strange strategical situation. Basically, both teams want to preserve as much time as possible. Yet the Ravens burned 3.5 minutes on their first drive and the Steelers are burning plenty of clock too. That tie is becoming more likely.

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#84 by Lost Ti-Cats Fan // Jan 09, 2022 - 6:04pm

Poor weather conditions (cold steady rains), two teams with stronger Ds than Os, one led by their backup QB, the other led by a QB whose arm is no longer built for a 17-game season.  The pace during OT was full speed ahead for these teams (creaking and cracking all the way).

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#87 by Cythammer // Jan 09, 2022 - 6:08pm

You always have a choice when to snap the ball, though. Neither team seemed to see a problem in using a lot of the play clock.

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#61 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 4:18pm

And yall can have Love btw

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#69 by DisplacedPackerFan // Jan 09, 2022 - 4:50pm

He really doesn't handle pressure well at all. KC showed that all game, and DET highlighted it. He's looking more and more like his ceiling is Cousins (who has the same issue). Dealing with pressure is something that most young QB's do need game reps to learn to deal with so I'm still not ruling out that he will have a solid career. Rodgers had some issues his first season as a starter too.

Still not sure how low Love's floor is. He did not impress in game action. He didn't look like a disaster in game action. 2 years simmering on the bench for a trade-up first round pick the expectations get raised though. But it's also small samples. Rodgers was 35 of 51 with 1 TD and 1 INT during his bench warmer seasons.  Love is now 36 of 62 with 2 TD and 3 INT. Of course Love has an actual start, with all the practice reps to go with it, and Rodgers was purely coming off the bench and usually throwing to the starting receivers (Love had the back-ups for the 1 Q he played against NO, and the 2 Q here against DET). It's not apples to apples. So Rodgers did better by the eye test in his limited snaps before they gave him the starting job. But Love also doesn't need to be Rodgers level good to have a decent career.

Yes, I will rag on Rodgers about off the field stuff (especially the stuff that could hurt the team), on the field I'm more than happy if the Packers trade Love and resign Rodgers and Adams. I have very little doubt that Adams is leaving if Rodgers leaves. I've fully come to grips with rooting for the laundry and that a lot of NFL players that are fun to watch are problematic people (the players union and the league could and should do more to help with some of that). So I can still root for him, he's really quite good at this game.

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#73 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 5:12pm

Granted I blame the team for not letting him get the whole game to evaluate but...

Even the drop by Davis for the supposed TD everyone was harping on wasn't really the best placement (high). Not the worst throw but could've been better. Comparing those stats is hard when it's 11+ years apart. Really just different times. Might actually make Rodgers look better with all the help QBs get nowadays. Love just didn't have the resume of Tua, Burrow, Hurts or Herbert to warrant such a long leash. Get a second and a couple 7ths so you can play it off as "hey we used 2 picks on him but got 3 back and quantity is what you want in the draft."

Rodgers is an idiot off the field but on it...whatever. I'm with ya. If we're honest there are probably tons of Rodgers in the league. They just don't get his platform. Root for him to win us a SB but all the scrutiny off it, like the whole Hub voting thing this past week I couldn't care less about. I don't agree with such thinking but he can do whatever he wants for the meaningless award. 

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#63 by Cythammer // Jan 09, 2022 - 4:21pm

Still very unlikely, but imagine if a TIE in a game BOTH teams had to win let the Colts into the playoffs...

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#64 by Cythammer // Jan 09, 2022 - 4:27pm

There's an argument that Pitt should punt here... Not a great argument, but since the Ravens have to win, they would presumably go for it fourth down even if it was at their own 5. So you could get incredible field position if you stop the Ravens. It's a strange set of circumstances.

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#71 by Stendhal1 // Jan 09, 2022 - 5:03pm

The announcers missed the fact that the Ravens would not just run the clock out in discussing scenarios.

The game was a dress rehearsal for what could happen tonight, to a different outcome.  If the Raiders and Chargers are in the same scenario tonight, neither will be incented to risk losing in order to avoid a tie.

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#65 by DisplacedPackerFan // Jan 09, 2022 - 4:31pm

In the race for the worst DVOA for the season, which ATL lead for most of the year.

32. JAX coming in at -36.2% after dropping 6% to NE last week they go out and get a 2 score win over the #9 Colts. They have a better yards per play and get an INT to help. So that's a good showing and they should probably move 3-5% up. So around a -32% DVOA to finish the season.
31. DET coming in at -31.9%. As expected they beat the #8 Packers back-ups (and outplayed the starters in the first half but GB has generally been pretty meh in first halfs this year). With a 6.8 to 5.7 yard per play advantage and 2 INT. So that should likely be a 3-5% DVOA shift as well getting them back to the -20's to finish the year.
30. ATL coming in at -30.7%. They are up against #14 NO. You never quite know what you will get from NO and as IND showed us even though NO has a chance to make the playoffs still that doesn't mean anything. But there is still a good chance for ATL to look bad against this D, and if the #24 NO offense does anything that looks remotely like an NFL offense even against the #29 defense it should result in some bad DVOA for ATL. So with JAX and DET doing their best to not get the first pick in the draft ATL doesn't even need a really bad game, just a fairly typical loss and they should shift down 1-2% and get the record for most wins by the last place DVOA team (previous record was 5 by several teams).

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#106 by DisplacedPackerFan // Jan 09, 2022 - 8:10pm

I think JAX may have played well enough and ATL bad enough for the 7-10 Falcons to finish dead last in DVOA. It looked much better before Hill got injured and slowed NO down, but I think it was still enough to get the 5.5% DVOA swing we need. I think we'll have a new winningest worst team by DVOA, so hooray obscure honors (or dishonors).

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#109 by Lost Ti-Cats Fan // Jan 09, 2022 - 8:16pm

After H1, maybe, but from the box scores it looks like JAX payed worse and ATL better in H2.  Averaged over 17 games, not sure you'll see a large enough impact from this week's games to close that gap.  Guess we'll find out Tuesday.

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#67 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 4:43pm

Mike is SEETHING seeing Tua 7/7 for 54 and a tuddy vs the ALMIGHTY BILLY B

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#68 by young curmudgeon // Jan 09, 2022 - 4:48pm

The Steelers bring new meaning to the old cliche, "the team nobody wants to see in the playoffs!"  (And I say this as a lifelong Pittsburgh fan.  Sorely tempted to rub my hands together and cackle evilly.) 

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#70 by Ben // Jan 09, 2022 - 4:55pm

I don’t know, I suspect the top AFC seeds would love to see them. 
 

I’m still hoping for a kneel-fest tonight. 

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#80 by young curmudgeon // Jan 09, 2022 - 5:29pm

I was referring to 'football fans' rather than other teams when I said "nobody wants to see..."  That's why it's "new meaning."

 

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#81 by Ben // Jan 09, 2022 - 5:32pm

Yeah, I know. It’s just the total inverse of that phrase. Where nobody but the opponents want it. 

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#101 by beargoggles // Jan 09, 2022 - 7:53pm

Would have also applied to the Saints. Except probably against the Bucs. Phew.

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#72 by beargoggles // Jan 09, 2022 - 5:11pm

BWAHAHAHAHA

 

Yes, to be clear, not sarcastic. Very funny.

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#78 by AHBM // Jan 09, 2022 - 5:22pm

I'm just happy that Roethlisberger got to end his final regular season looking clutch.  I'm sure we'll get blown out in the first round of the playoffs but for now I'm savoring this.

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#85 by Lost Ti-Cats Fan // Jan 09, 2022 - 6:06pm

Well, I thought this comment was funny.  +1

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#74 by beargoggles // Jan 09, 2022 - 5:13pm

Early narrative was Rams wanting to show that “they’re the more physical team.” Never mind that every running play was a gift to the Niners. Of course on defense they have a point and now it’s already getting out of hand.

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#75 by beargoggles // Jan 09, 2022 - 5:17pm

I’m guessing Trent Williams is a big loss. 

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#76 by Ben // Jan 09, 2022 - 5:17pm

A couple fun facts from the Jags win. After throwing for 208 in the first half, Lawerence only throws for 15 in the second half. He didn’t have a pass attempt in the fourth quarter. 

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#77 by beargoggles // Jan 09, 2022 - 5:19pm

And bleep. I’m not sure if the thumb was more of a factor on that throw, or the brain.

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#79 by Cythammer // Jan 09, 2022 - 5:22pm

Colts are already out. It's looking bad for the 49ers. The Chargers could be eliminated too. We could be seeing some teams ranked pretty high in DVOA staying home in favor of mediocre or worse teams in the Steelers, Saints, and Raiders. DVOA can be disagreed with but I think it's got those three teams pegged about right.

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#184 by bradshaw2ben // Jan 10, 2022 - 1:50pm

The Chargers and Steelers have vastly different public perception but they have nearly the same record of impressive wins and ugly losses. Plus, Steelers had the lead late in LA, despite playing without 3 of its 4 best defenders and with a QB who’s supposedly washed up and couldn’t practice all week with COVID. In this season of weird outcomes, PIT winning a road game at KC seems completely possible.

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#185 by bradshaw2ben // Jan 10, 2022 - 1:50pm

The Chargers and Steelers have vastly different public perception but they have nearly the same record of impressive wins and ugly losses. Plus, Steelers had the lead late in LA, despite playing without 3 of its 4 best defenders and with a QB who’s supposedly washed up and couldn’t practice all week with COVID. In this season of weird outcomes, PIT winning a road game at KC seems completely possible.

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#82 by Anon Ymous // Jan 09, 2022 - 5:38pm

Pats come out flatter than a pancake today.  You'd think they game planned specifically to fall behind.  Do any playoff hopefuls/entrants in the AFC want to win this week?

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#89 by Alex@ // Jan 09, 2022 - 6:17pm

No fair, Ravens and Steelers both played to win. They were just really bad at it.

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#86 by BJR // Jan 09, 2022 - 6:08pm

Taysom Hill was just beginning to look like a proper NFL QB the past couple weeks. But now he's injured, because it turns out you can't sustainably play QB whilst running straight into the teeth of NFL defenses several times a game. Still not altogether sure where that whole experiment is going. But get ready for some Trevor Siemian playoff ball!

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#88 by Cythammer // Jan 09, 2022 - 6:13pm

The 49ers run the ball ten straight times before capping the drive off with a Deebo Samuel passing TD.

On the other side of the ball, LA has run the ball as many times as they have passed, despite their 17 rushing attempts netting just 18 yards.

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#90 by Anon Ymous // Jan 09, 2022 - 6:37pm

Alright, Patriots, if you want me to think you have no chance in the playoffs, you win.  I'm convinced.

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#91 by Cythammer // Jan 09, 2022 - 7:08pm

What a drive by SF.

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#103 by beargoggles // Jan 09, 2022 - 8:01pm

He had some help from other WRs playing well also, but he is so dangerous. Even in backfield when everybody knows he’s getting the ball.

Best play was the swing pass that the Rams covered well and contacted him I think in the backfield and he still got out of there for a big gain.

My favorite Niner in quite some time. I hope they don’t abuse his body too badly and pick their spots with the running. Obviously this is the time to be doing it.

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#92 by vrao81 // Jan 09, 2022 - 7:21pm

Seahawks open up an 11 point lead,if it holds, cardinals will lose 4 out of last 5 and stumble into the playoffs. 

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#94 by Cythammer // Jan 09, 2022 - 7:27pm

If SF had been a little less efficient on this drive we could have seen a chance of them burning up all ten minutes of the clock. A tie is as good as a win for them.

Points: 0

#95 by thok // Jan 09, 2022 - 7:32pm

99.9% of the time I get annoyed with teams not having enough urgency in overtime. This game with the Niners is basically the only exception I have ever seen (and it helps that they got the ball first.)

Points: 0

#96 by Cythammer // Jan 09, 2022 - 7:36pm

A tie is as good as a win for SF. With Arizona losing, a tie is as good as a loss for LA. Strange situation.

Points: 0

#97 by vrao81 // Jan 09, 2022 - 7:38pm

Stafford throws his third pick and thr game ends! He's thrown 8 picks in the last 3 games.

Points: 0

#98 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 7:39pm

StaFRAUD

Shanahan owns McVay 

Points: 0

#100 by Cythammer // Jan 09, 2022 - 7:47pm

Bucs get the easy draw in the first round, playing the Eagles. Cowboys are the unfortunates, getting the 49ers.

Points: 0

#102 by Lost Ti-Cats Fan // Jan 09, 2022 - 7:59pm

Garoppolo versus the Cowboys' secondary seems like a disaster waiting to happen.  Not sure that's such a bad draw for DAL.

I suspect ARI will be happy to draw LAR in round one.  Fumbling and bumbling their way into the playoffs they may be, but capable of beating division rival Rams I suspect they are. 

Points: 0

#105 by beargoggles // Jan 09, 2022 - 8:04pm

Certainly will be game script dependent, and I hope the game is later in the weekend or Dallas has big advantage. SF will definitely want to run and play more from ahead, I agree with that. Dallas’ run defense doesn’t seem awesome.

GB probably hoping to face winner of ARI/LAR.

Points: 0

#107 by Lost Ti-Cats Fan // Jan 09, 2022 - 8:12pm

"GB probably hoping to face winner of ARI/LAR."

Over SF, yes, I would imagine so.  They'd likely be happy to face PHI, though, if the Eagles somehow upset the Bucs (I have a hard time picturing how that could happen, though).

Points: 0

#113 by DisplacedPackerFan // Jan 09, 2022 - 9:15pm

Exactly. What I would really like is for PHI to pull the crazy upset over TB, and have LAR beat ARI. Then have LAR beat DAL or SF so that we get LAR in the NFCCG.

I'm a little more worried about the Cardinals than the Rams but I'd take either over the Cowboys, Bucs, or 49ers just because of the match-ups. I think my order of worry goes Tampa (#2 DVOA), San Fran (#7), Dallas (#1), Arizona (#10), LA (#5), Philly (#13). I think. I have to dig into the match-ups more. But I would be fine not getting "revenge" on Brady and the Bucs, absolutely fine with that.

I put the DVOA ranks in there just to see how close the worry follows the rankings. Then I realized how loaded the NFC playoffs are based on DVOA.  DAL and TB are going to stay some form of 1,2. LA and SF are likely to swap. ARI, GB, and PHI might all slip a spot or 2 though. But going into the final week having 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 13 is a bit tough. I don't think it's the late 80's through mid 90's where the NFCCG was more of the Super Bowl than the Super Bowl was, but dang.

 

Edit:
Hmm had to look at the AFC after doing the NFC. TEN (19), KC (6), BUF (3), CIN (17), NE (4) then 2 of LAC (11), LV (21), PIT (23). IND at 9, if they stay top 10 is the top 10 team out. Then the AFC does a lot of barrel scraping. Some tightly clustered rankings for a lot of them so the ordinal ranks of PIT, TEN, and CIN could all easily change by 4 or 5 spots. But yeah. DVOA definitely likes the NFC a lot more this year.  

Points: 0

#112 by Romodini // Jan 09, 2022 - 8:58pm

Definitely agree, if 49ers have the lead and can run, it's Dallas's worst nightmare because run defense is their weakness and the chances of getting a turnover drop dramatically. If Jimmy G has to throw it's a different story.

 

Points: 0

#104 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 8:04pm

Colts miss the playoffs and give up pick 16 overall. Alongside 84 last year.

Brutal man.

Anyway, where's horn to slander Hurts and the playoff bound Eagles to prop up?

Dougie P died for philly. Erect another statue idc idc

Points: 0

#108 by theTDC // Jan 09, 2022 - 8:15pm

I know the 9ers are a great team who are underrated per record. Having said that, it is painful to watch them run 10 times in a row for about 100 yards. And make yet another short/intermediate throw over the middle. 

It’s not even the losing, it’s the sheer pain induced by 10 minute long drives that end in touchdowns.

Points: 0

#110 by The Powers That Be // Jan 09, 2022 - 8:23pm

Why would these teams not go for a tie?

Points: 0

#115 by beargoggles // Jan 09, 2022 - 9:49pm

Well play for tie at end, sure rather than do something risky. But somebody pointed out otherwise it’s like Prisoner’s dilemma. Who’s to say a team getting the ball with a minute left doesn’t actually try to win?

Points: 0

#118 by OmahaChiefs13 // Jan 09, 2022 - 10:12pm

If the Raiders and Chargers tie, both get in and the Steelers are out.

3-way seeding ties != 2-way seeding ties

So...not really all that silly a question.

Heh....sick edit.

Points: 0

#114 by GwillyGecko // Jan 09, 2022 - 9:48pm

How the fuck do the raiders get a PI on a ball that's 20 yards away from the receiver

Points: 0

#117 by LionInAZ // Jan 09, 2022 - 10:08pm

That DPI call at the end of the 1st half with the ball fsr out of reach was pure ref incompetence. If the Raiders win because of that undeserved TD that official, and possibly the entire crew, should be fired.

Points: 0

#186 by ChrisS // Jan 10, 2022 - 1:52pm

I don't remember the last time I saw PI negated due to `uncatchable` but this seemed like a good time to invoke it. The refs have either forgotten that exception or more likely been instructed by the league to ignore it

Points: 0

#119 by OmahaChiefs13 // Jan 09, 2022 - 10:13pm

Is Collinsworth pregnant with Herbert's baby yet?

'Cause, he's been working on it all night.

Points: 0

#120 by Cythammer // Jan 09, 2022 - 10:22pm

Waow was that an aggressive call. I wonder what the analytics would say.

Points: 0

#123 by OmahaChiefs13 // Jan 09, 2022 - 10:56pm

In reply to by ImNewAroundThe…

That's what I get for not actually looking it up first.

Points: 0

#124 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:09pm

The discourse if the Chargers lose is gonna be tiiiiiiiiiiiring. 

From their own 18: YOU IDIOTS PUNT IT AWAY

From the Raiders 18: YOU IDIOTS TAKE THE POINTS

Points: 0

#170 by mehllageman56 // Jan 10, 2022 - 12:30am

Well, they lost, but the only argument that can be made (besides get better players), is that they should have gone for the touchdown instead of kicking the field goal and hoping to tie.  Or they should have paid Bisaccia a lot better this week.

Points: 0

#125 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:13pm

That original spotting of the ball...just wow

Points: 0

#126 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:19pm

Big conversion for a TD on 4th and 21! We got a good one!

Raiders really wasting timeouts.

But greeeeaaaaat another down 9 going for 2 discourse we'll have to talk about...ugh. Thankfully they got it. Suck it casuals.

Points: 0

#127 by vrao81 // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:31pm

This game is a nail biter. Another 4th down conversion, Chargers are 4/5, and just 3/13 on third down.

Points: 0

#129 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:34pm

I hope there's not enough evidence to overturn that because that's hilarious if it's a fumble. 

Points: 0

#130 by Cythammer // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:39pm

This is one long game. We still might get OT as well.

Points: 0

#131 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:40pm

Making NE/LV/CIN/LAC/BUF play on Saturday when they play today but have KC and PHI on Sunday when they played yesterday is just not right.

LV plays the last game of week 18 and the league is gonna make them play the first of the next week? Wow. 

Points: 0

#172 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 10, 2022 - 12:52am

Yeah I don't understand the Raiders playing first. They and the Bengals deserve the MNF slot. KC-PIT should be 1st slot Sat. PHI-TB should be 2nd slot Sat. Then DAL-SF in the 1st slot Sun. NE-BUF in the 2nd. LAR-AZ on SNF.

Am I missing something or is the NFL crazy giving PHI and KC 8 days and LV just 6? I know it won't ever be exactly even but it easily could all be 6 or 7, without any 8, day rest teams, right?

Shoot hire me NFL.

Points: 0

#179 by jheidelberg // Jan 10, 2022 - 2:59am

First it was absurd to have Raiders-Chargers on MNF.  The Chargers would play the KC with a win or tie, thus if they had the ball at the end they would have had no motivation to take any risks and would have tied.  

Now regarding your playoff scenarios, KC-Pitt will get the best ratings, therefore they get SNF.  The worst ratings are SAT at 4:30, thus Raiders-CIN.

Fairness has nothing to do with anything.  Its all about money.

Points: 0

#180 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 10, 2022 - 8:27am

Week 18 playoff implication schedule was fine. 

Yeah, I dont think any cares about Pittsburgh and the ratings difference wouldnt really matter. If football is on, people are gonna watch. Do they really think people are gonna skip CIN-LV solely because it's on MNF and not LAR-AZ for the 3rd time? Would YOU have skipped it? I wouldn't. Would ANYONE here have? 

Points: 0

#187 by fynsta // Jan 11, 2022 - 4:18pm

What a useless rhetorical question... Of course the readers of this site are not representative in any way of the general football watching crowd.

Points: 0

#188 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 11, 2022 - 7:22pm

Thanks for the nice helpful reply.

Yes I know it's not going to be fair but do yall REALLY believe the ordering would affect ratings in any significant way? Like seriously, the NFL dominates regardless. And that doesn't explain them having most it ready BEFORE SNF. Doubt ANYone's going "oh wow, LV @ CIN is early, welp, better miss that one because I dont care. Wouldn't watch on SNF either. Cant miss the dreadful Steelers @ KC though. But I would (????) clear my schedule if it was early."

And we LITERALLY just got LAC @ LV on SNF but they can't put LV on MNF because...people are clamoring for AZ @ LAR? Like the CHARGERS are more popular than the Bengals?

Points: 0

#189 by jheidelberg // Jan 12, 2022 - 1:52pm

In reply to by ImNewAroundThe…

Sat 4:30 will get lowest ratings regardless of what game you have.  People have more commitments at that time.  SNF will get highest.  The NFL knows how to get ratings and make money, hence the schedule.  The last time CIN made the playoffs they were also SAT at 4:30.  The team has no national following, and is in a small market.

Someday the Giants will make the playoffs again.
I wish you good health, that you shall live long enough to see that day.

I can assure you that the Giants will not play Saturday at 4:30.

Although us avid football fans are not excited to see Big Ben throw a football like a shot put and likely get crushed by the Chiefs, this game holds the most national interest especially for the casual to moderate fan that the NFL needs to draw.

DAL-SF is in 2nd best time slot.  No surprise, still Americas team for ratings.

$$$$$$. Think like an NFL owner and executive.

The regular season game of the week is 4:25 because it is a better ratings slot than 1:00.

Points: 0

#190 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 16, 2022 - 10:11am

Just because Cincy doesn't have a big market that people are suddenly going to tune out on their game, whenever it is. Seems like a few measly dollars because people watch football because of football, not specifically for teams. NFL shouldnt have to worry about a legit few extra bucks.

Points: 0

#191 by jheidelberg // Jan 16, 2022 - 12:32pm

You are a GB fan, let me know when GB or Dallas with a national following ever get Sat at 4:30.

7-9 Seattle got it and so did 7-8-1 CAR.  4:30ET SAT is worst rated game period.  I agree NFL should not do this for a few bucks, but thats what they do.

Points: 0

#132 by Cythammer // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:42pm

These fourth down conversions are crazy. But they might not even matter with how little time is left.

Points: 0

#133 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:45pm

Or at least should be for our entertainment.

Points: 0

#134 by Cythammer // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:46pm

Problem here for the Chargers is their last gasp play comes on third down, rather than four... We've all seen what they do on third down.

Points: 0

#135 by ImNewAroundThe… // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:47pm

This is amazing!!!!!!!

Points: 0

#136 by vrao81 // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:48pm

Chargers score with no time left! Xtra point good, now OT!

Points: 0

#137 by mehllageman56 // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:48pm

Really, both teams should play for the tie now.

Points: 0

#138 by Ben // Jan 09, 2022 - 11:49pm

Kneel out the OT!

Points: 0

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