Here are my picks for week seventeen of the 2015 NFL season which is the final week of regular season action and there is some playoff berths and division titles on the line as well. Who will come out winners this Sunday? We shall see.
Sunday, January 3rd
Philadelphia Eagles (6-9) vs New York Giants (6-9)- 1:00, FOX: Philadelphia is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Washington Redskins, in which they were eliminated from playoff contention in. New York was also eliminated from the playoffs with Washington's win and they are coming off their worst performance of the season in Minneapolis against the Vikings in which they were missing Odell Beckham Jr due to suspension. The Eagles made news yesterday by firing head coach Chip Kelly and this could very well be Tom Coughlin's final game as Giants head coach and that's why I give Big Blue an edge here.
Prediction: New York 30, Philadelphia 23.
Washington Redskins (8-7) vs Dallas Cowboys (4-11)- 1:00, FOX: Washington is coming off a huge road win in Philadelphia against the Eagles in which they won the NFC East. Dallas is coming off a road loss in Buffalo against the Bills. The Cowboys are starting Kellen Moore yet again, but I'm riding with a hot Kirk Cousins for at least another week.
Prediction: Washington 20, Dallas 17.
Detroit Lions (6-9) vs Chicago Bears (6-9)- 1:00, FOX: Detroit is coming off a nice home win over the San Francisco 49ers. Chicago is coming off a nice road win in Tampa against their former coach Lovie Smith and the Bucs. The Bears haven't won at home this season except for once against the Raiders, so give me the Lions here.
Prediction: Detroit 27, Chicago 24.
New Orleans Saints (6-9) vs Atlanta Falcons (8-7)- 1:00, FOX: New Orleans is coming off a nice home win against the up and coming Jacksonville Jaguars. Atlanta is coming off a nice home win over the previously undefeated Carolina Panthers. Every time these two matchup, it's usually a shootout with the home team winning, which is what I believe happens here.
Prediction: Atlanta 34, New Orleans 30.
New York Jets (10-5) vs Buffalo Bills (7-8)- 1:00, CBS: New York is coming off a huge overtime home win over the New England Patriots and now are in control of their own destiny for that final AFC Wild Card spot. Buffalo is coming off a home win over the Tony Romo-less Dallas Cowboys. I don't know if it's just me but something tells me that Rex Ryan knocks his former team out of the playoffs because that is just so Jets-like. Upset special here!
Prediction: Buffalo 23, New York 20.
New England Patriots (12-3) vs Miami Dolphins (5-10)- 1:00, CBS: New England is coming off a tough overtime road loss in the Meadowlands against the Jets. Miami is coming off a home loss against the Indianapolis Colts. The Dolphins have absolutely quit on themselves as a team and I don't see an upset here against a Patriots team that is still playing for home field advantage in the AFC playoffs.
Prediction: New England 30, Miami 20.
Baltimore Ravens (5-10) vs Cincinnati Bengals (11-4)- 1:00, FOX: Baltimore is coming off a home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and knocked their rivals out of a playoff spot for now. Cincinnati is coming off a tough overtime road loss in Denver against the Broncos. The Ravens are totally due for a letdown here after knocking their rivals out and the Bengals are still playing for a bye in the AFC playoffs. Give me the Bengals here in a close one.
Prediction: Cincinnati 21, Baltimore 17.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) vs Cleveland Browns (3-12)- 1:00, CBS: Pittsburgh is coming off a very disappointing loss in Baltimore against the Ravens and now they don't control their own destiny since the Jets won last weekend as well. The Browns are coming off a tough loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs. I predicted that the Jets lose in Buffalo against the Bills and that opens the door for the Steelers to reclaim that final Wild Card spot in the AFC and I believe that will be the case.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 26, Cleveland 20.
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10) vs Houston Texans (8-7)- 1:00, CBS: Jacksonville is coming off a road loss in New Orleans against the Saints. Houston is coming off a big road win in Tennessee against the Titans. The Texans will have Brian Hoyer back for this game and they can clinch the AFC South with a win here and I believe they will get it done.
Prediction: Houston 24, Jacksonville 20.
Tennessee Titans (3-11) vs Indianapolis Colts (7-8)- 1:00, CBS: Tennessee is coming off a home loss against the should be playoff bound Houston Texans. Indianapolis is coming off a road win in Miami against the pitiful Dolphins to keep their very slim playoff hopes alive. If Matt Hasselbeck can't start it will either be one of the Josh Freeman or Ryan Lindley that will get the start. Marcus Mariota is out for the season so give me the Colts in which is probably Chuck Pagano's final game as Colts head coach.
Prediction: Indianapolis 20, Tennessee 16.
Oakland Raiders (7-8) vs Kansas City Chiefs (10-5)- 4:25, FOX: Oakland is coming off a nice Christmas Eve overtime home win over the San Diego Chargers in which could have been the teams final game in Oakland. Kansas City is coming off a big home win over the Cleveland Browns to clinch a playoff spot. The Chiefs have an outside chance to steal the AFC West with a win and a Denver Broncos loss, so give me the Chiefs to win here.
Prediction: Kansas City 27, Oakland 24.
San Diego Chargers (4-11) vs Denver Broncos (11-4)- 4:25, CBS: San Diego is coming off a Christmas Eve overtime road loss in Oakland against the Raiders. Denver is coming off perhaps their biggest win of the season in overtime at home on Monday Night against the Andy Dalton-less Cincinnati Bengals. The Broncos now can clinch the AFC West here with a win and I believe they'll get it done against a hapless Chargers team that has nothing to play for. Denver is my lock of the week.
Prediction: Denver 27, San Diego 13.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-9) vs Carolina Panthers (14-1)- 4:25, FOX: Tampa Bay is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Chicago Bears. Carolina is coming off their first loss of the season in Atlanta against the Falcons. The Panthers need one more win to secure home field advantage in the NFC playoffs and I believe they'll get it done here.
Prediction: Carolina 30, Tampa Bay 24.
St. Louis Rams (7-8) vs San Francisco 49ers (4-11)- 4:25, CBS: St. Louis is coming off a nice road win in Seattle against the Seahawks. San Francisco is coming off a road loss in Detroit against the Lions. The Rams always seem to play well inside the division and the Niners have actually been somewhat decent at home this season. Case Keenum has surprisingly played well after Nick Foles was benched, so give me the Rams to finish up the season at .500.
Prediction: St. Louis 23, San Francisco 16.
Seattle Seahawks (9-6) vs Arizona Cardinals (13-2)- 4:25, FOX: Seattle is coming off a very disappointing home loss against the St. Louis Rams. Arizona is coming off perhaps their best win of the season at home over the Green Bay Packers. This game is meaningful for both teams since the Seahawks can get to the five-seed in the NFC playoffs with a win and a Vikings loss and the Cardinals can get homefield advantage in the NFC playoffs with a win and a Panthers loss. I like the Cards here at home.
Prediction: Arizona 30, Seattle 26.
Minnesota Vikings (10-5) vs Green Bay Packers (10-5)- 8:30, NBC: Minnesota is coming off perhaps their best win of the season on Sunday Night at home against the Odell Beckham-less New York Giants. Green Bay is coming off perhaps their worst loss of the season in Glendale against the Cardinals. This was a very tough call, but my question is whether Teddy Bridgewater can win in Lambeau. I don't really know, so give me Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to get a huge bounce back home win to win the NFC North and send the Vikings to the five seed in the NFC.
Prediction: Green Bay 26, Minnesota 23.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Monday, December 28, 2015
2015-16 College Football Playoff Semi-Final Predictions
Here are my picks for the 2015-16 College Football Playoff semifinals.
Capital One Orange Bowl
(4) Oklahoma (11-1; 8-1) vs (1) Clemson (13-0; 8-0)- 4:00, ESPN: This is a very intriguing matchup to kick off the 2015-16 College Football playoffs. These two teams met up last season in the Russell Athletic Bowl and Clemson won that game handily. Two of the country's best quarterbacks will be in this game in Clemson's DeShaun Watson and Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield. Both teams have very good offenses and average defenses. The winner of this game would not surprise me at the least, but give me Mayfield and the Sooners in a close one.
Prediction: Oklahoma 37, Clemson 34.
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
(3) Michigan State (12-1; 7-1) vs (2) Alabama (12-1; 7-1)- 8:00, ESPN: This game is also a very fascinating matchup as well. Both teams won their respective conferences and ironically ended up with the same record and conference record. Michigan State's Connor Cooke is one of the better quarterbacks in the country and Alabama's Derrick Henry won the Heisman Trophy and broke the SEC record for rushing yards in a season. Both teams are outstanding defensively, so expect a low scoring game here. I like the Tide slightly more here, though.
Prediction: Alabama 20, Michigan 17.
Capital One Orange Bowl
(4) Oklahoma (11-1; 8-1) vs (1) Clemson (13-0; 8-0)- 4:00, ESPN: This is a very intriguing matchup to kick off the 2015-16 College Football playoffs. These two teams met up last season in the Russell Athletic Bowl and Clemson won that game handily. Two of the country's best quarterbacks will be in this game in Clemson's DeShaun Watson and Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield. Both teams have very good offenses and average defenses. The winner of this game would not surprise me at the least, but give me Mayfield and the Sooners in a close one.
Prediction: Oklahoma 37, Clemson 34.
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
(3) Michigan State (12-1; 7-1) vs (2) Alabama (12-1; 7-1)- 8:00, ESPN: This game is also a very fascinating matchup as well. Both teams won their respective conferences and ironically ended up with the same record and conference record. Michigan State's Connor Cooke is one of the better quarterbacks in the country and Alabama's Derrick Henry won the Heisman Trophy and broke the SEC record for rushing yards in a season. Both teams are outstanding defensively, so expect a low scoring game here. I like the Tide slightly more here, though.
Prediction: Alabama 20, Michigan 17.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
2015 NFL Week 16 Picks
Here are my picks for week sixteen of the 2015 NFL season.
Thursday, December 24th
San Diego Chargers (4-10) vs Oakland Raiders (6-8)- 8:25, NFLN: San Diego is coming off an emotional home win over the Miami Dolphins, in which could have been their final game in San Diego. Oakland is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Green Bay Packers. This could be the Raiders last game in Oakland as well and they are just better than the Chargers at this point. I expect Derek Carr to rebound from a shaky performance from last week as well.
Prediction: Oakland 27, San Diego 20.
Saturday, December 26th
Washington Redskins (7-7) vs Philadelphia Eagles (6-8)- 8:25, NFLN: Washington is coming off a huge home win over the Buffalo Bills. Philadelphia is coming off a dreadful Sunday Night home loss against the Arizona Cardinals. The Redskins can clinch the NFC East title with a win here and behind another great game by Kirk Cousins, they'll get the job done over an underachieving Eagles team.
Prediction: Washington 30, Philadelphia 24.
Sunday, December 27th
New England Patriots (12-2) vs New York Jets (9-5)- 1:00, CBS: New England is coming off a home win over the Tennessee Titans. New York is coming off a huge road Saturday night win in Arlington against the Cowboys to keep their playoff hopes alive, although they did not play that well. I wouldn't be surprised if the Jets got another big win here, but I like the Patriots to wrap up home field advantage here with a win.
Prediction: New England 24, NY Jets 20.
Dallas Cowboys (4-10) vs Buffalo Bills (6-8)- 1:00, FOX: Dallas is coming off a disappointing Saturday night home loss against the New York Jets. Buffalo is coming off a dreadful loss in
Landover against the Redskins in which the game wasn't as close as the score indicated. The Bills are clearly better at home than they are on the road and that will show here against Kellen Moore, who is starting for the benched Matt Cassel after coming in relief for Cassel and not doing that bad.
Prediction: Buffalo 23, Dallas 17.
Chicago Bears (5-9) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8)- 1:00, FOX: Chicago is coming off a brutal road loss in Minneapolis against the Vikings. Tampa Bay is coming off a disappointing Thursday night loss in St. Louis against the Rams. Both teams aren't playing well right now, but I like Jameis Winston and the Bucs to bounce back and for Lovie Smith to get revenge against his former team.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 27, Chicago 23.
San Francisco 49ers (4-10) vs Detroit Lions (5-9)- 1:00, FOX: San Francisco is coming off a home loss against the Andy Dalton-less Cincinnati Bengals. Detroit is coming off a nice Monday Night road win in New Orleans against the Saints. The Lions are just the better team here and they'll get the win against Blaine Gabbert, who cannot win on the road.
Prediction: Detroit 30, San Francisco 17.
Carolina Panthers (14-0) vs Atlanta Falcons (7-7)- 1:00, FOX: Carolina is coming off a dramatic road win in the Meadowlands against the Giants after blowing a 35-7 lead. Atlanta is coming off a road win in Jacksonville against the Jaguars in which they almost blew. The Panthers are just absolutely poised to go 16-0 and they'll get closer here with a win here against a mediocre Falcon team.
Prediction: Carolina 33, Atlanta 20.
Indianapolis Colts (6-8) vs Miami Dolphins (5-9)- 1:00, FOX: Indianapolis is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Houston Texans which in all likelihood will cost them the AFC South. Miami is coming off a road loss in San Diego against the Chargers. Matt Hasselbeck is likely starting again for the Colts, but the Dolphins have been putrid of late so give me the Colts.
Prediction: Indianapolis 26, Miami 20.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5) vs Baltimore Ravens (4-10)- 1:00, CBS: Pittsburgh is coming off a big come from behind home win over the Denver Broncos. Baltimore is coming off a dreadful home loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. No one in the AFC has been hotter than Ben Rothlisberger and the Steelers of late and that continues here over a banged up Ravens team.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 34, Baltimore 17.
Houston Texans (7-7) vs Tennessee Titans (3-11)- 1:00, CBS: Houston is coming off a big win in Indianapolis against the Colts, which happened to be the franchises first ever win in Indianapolis. Tennessee is coming off a road loss in Foxboro against the Patriots in which Marcus Mariota hurt his knee in and is now out for the season due to it. Zach Mettenberger is now starting for the Titans, but the Titans (without Mariota) are arguably the worst team in the league and the Texans can clinch the AFC South here with a win and I believe they'll get it done.
Prediction: Houston 20, Tennessee 16.
Cleveland Browns (3-11) vs Kansas City Chiefs (9-5)- 1:00, CBS: Cleveland is coming off a brutal loss in Seattle against the Seahawks. Kansas City is coming off a huge road win in Baltimore against the Joe Flacco-less Ravens. The Chiefs are red hot right now and they'll win their ninth straight game here against a pitiful Browns team. The Chiefs are my lock of the week.
Prediction: Kansas City 36, Cleveland 13.
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9) vs New Orleans Saints (5-9)- 4:05, CBS: Jacksonville is coming off a disappointing home loss against the reeling Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans is coming off a disappointing Monday Night home loss against the Detroit Lions. Expect a high scoring game here and for Drew Brees to outplay Blake Bortles en route to a win for the Saints in which could very well be the final home game for Sean Payton as Saints head coach.
Prediction: New Orleans 35, Jacksonville 30.
St. Louis Rams (6-8) vs Seattle Seahawks (9-5)- 4:25, FOX: St. Louis is coming off an emotional Thursday Night home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which could be their final game in St. Louis. Seattle is coming off yet another dominating performance in their home win over the Cleveland Browns. The Rams beat the Seahawks in week one, but that won't happen this week as the Seahawks will win their sixth straight game.
Prediction: Seattle 34, St. Louis 20.
Green Bay Packers (10-4) vs Arizona Cardinals (12-2)- 4:25, FOX: Green Bay is coming off a huge road win in Oakland against the Raiders. Arizona is coming off an impressive Sunday Night road win in Philadelphia against the Eagles but came at a cost as Tyrann Mathieu tore his ACL and is out for the season. Expect one of the best well played games of the season from both teams and in the league in general, but the Cardinals (even without Mathieu) are slightly better than the Packers as the Cards will find a way.
Prediction: Arizona 31, Green Bay 27.
New York Giants (6-8) vs Minnesota Vikings (9-5)- 8:30, NBC: New York is coming off yet another heartbreaking home loss, but this time at the hands of the undefeated Carolina Panthers and it comes at another cost since Odell Beckham Jr got himself suspended for this weeks game for his on the field actions during the Carolina game. Minnesota is coming off a huge home win over the Chicago Bears. The Vikings can clinch a playoff berth with a win here and I believe they'll get it done here thanks to another big game from Teddy Bridgewater.
Prediction: Minnesota 30, New York 24.
Monday, December 27th
Cincinnati Bengals (11-3) vs Denver Broncos (10-4)- 8:30, ESPN: Cincinnati is coming off a nice road win in San Francisco against the 49ers in AJ McCarron's first career start, replacing the injured Andy Dalton. Denver is coming off a brutal road loss in Pittsburgh against the Steelers in which they dominated the first half. It's still uncertain whether it's Brock Osweiler or Peyton Manning is starting for the Broncos, but I don't think it matters. I don't trust McCarron in a hostile environment like Denver, so the Broncos will win a huge game, which could lead to them getting a first round bye.
Prediction: Denver 26, Cincinnati 20.
Thursday, December 24th
San Diego Chargers (4-10) vs Oakland Raiders (6-8)- 8:25, NFLN: San Diego is coming off an emotional home win over the Miami Dolphins, in which could have been their final game in San Diego. Oakland is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Green Bay Packers. This could be the Raiders last game in Oakland as well and they are just better than the Chargers at this point. I expect Derek Carr to rebound from a shaky performance from last week as well.
Prediction: Oakland 27, San Diego 20.
Saturday, December 26th
Washington Redskins (7-7) vs Philadelphia Eagles (6-8)- 8:25, NFLN: Washington is coming off a huge home win over the Buffalo Bills. Philadelphia is coming off a dreadful Sunday Night home loss against the Arizona Cardinals. The Redskins can clinch the NFC East title with a win here and behind another great game by Kirk Cousins, they'll get the job done over an underachieving Eagles team.
Prediction: Washington 30, Philadelphia 24.
Sunday, December 27th
New England Patriots (12-2) vs New York Jets (9-5)- 1:00, CBS: New England is coming off a home win over the Tennessee Titans. New York is coming off a huge road Saturday night win in Arlington against the Cowboys to keep their playoff hopes alive, although they did not play that well. I wouldn't be surprised if the Jets got another big win here, but I like the Patriots to wrap up home field advantage here with a win.
Prediction: New England 24, NY Jets 20.
Dallas Cowboys (4-10) vs Buffalo Bills (6-8)- 1:00, FOX: Dallas is coming off a disappointing Saturday night home loss against the New York Jets. Buffalo is coming off a dreadful loss in
Landover against the Redskins in which the game wasn't as close as the score indicated. The Bills are clearly better at home than they are on the road and that will show here against Kellen Moore, who is starting for the benched Matt Cassel after coming in relief for Cassel and not doing that bad.
Prediction: Buffalo 23, Dallas 17.
Chicago Bears (5-9) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8)- 1:00, FOX: Chicago is coming off a brutal road loss in Minneapolis against the Vikings. Tampa Bay is coming off a disappointing Thursday night loss in St. Louis against the Rams. Both teams aren't playing well right now, but I like Jameis Winston and the Bucs to bounce back and for Lovie Smith to get revenge against his former team.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 27, Chicago 23.
San Francisco 49ers (4-10) vs Detroit Lions (5-9)- 1:00, FOX: San Francisco is coming off a home loss against the Andy Dalton-less Cincinnati Bengals. Detroit is coming off a nice Monday Night road win in New Orleans against the Saints. The Lions are just the better team here and they'll get the win against Blaine Gabbert, who cannot win on the road.
Prediction: Detroit 30, San Francisco 17.
Carolina Panthers (14-0) vs Atlanta Falcons (7-7)- 1:00, FOX: Carolina is coming off a dramatic road win in the Meadowlands against the Giants after blowing a 35-7 lead. Atlanta is coming off a road win in Jacksonville against the Jaguars in which they almost blew. The Panthers are just absolutely poised to go 16-0 and they'll get closer here with a win here against a mediocre Falcon team.
Prediction: Carolina 33, Atlanta 20.
Indianapolis Colts (6-8) vs Miami Dolphins (5-9)- 1:00, FOX: Indianapolis is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Houston Texans which in all likelihood will cost them the AFC South. Miami is coming off a road loss in San Diego against the Chargers. Matt Hasselbeck is likely starting again for the Colts, but the Dolphins have been putrid of late so give me the Colts.
Prediction: Indianapolis 26, Miami 20.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5) vs Baltimore Ravens (4-10)- 1:00, CBS: Pittsburgh is coming off a big come from behind home win over the Denver Broncos. Baltimore is coming off a dreadful home loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. No one in the AFC has been hotter than Ben Rothlisberger and the Steelers of late and that continues here over a banged up Ravens team.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 34, Baltimore 17.
Houston Texans (7-7) vs Tennessee Titans (3-11)- 1:00, CBS: Houston is coming off a big win in Indianapolis against the Colts, which happened to be the franchises first ever win in Indianapolis. Tennessee is coming off a road loss in Foxboro against the Patriots in which Marcus Mariota hurt his knee in and is now out for the season due to it. Zach Mettenberger is now starting for the Titans, but the Titans (without Mariota) are arguably the worst team in the league and the Texans can clinch the AFC South here with a win and I believe they'll get it done.
Prediction: Houston 20, Tennessee 16.
Cleveland Browns (3-11) vs Kansas City Chiefs (9-5)- 1:00, CBS: Cleveland is coming off a brutal loss in Seattle against the Seahawks. Kansas City is coming off a huge road win in Baltimore against the Joe Flacco-less Ravens. The Chiefs are red hot right now and they'll win their ninth straight game here against a pitiful Browns team. The Chiefs are my lock of the week.
Prediction: Kansas City 36, Cleveland 13.
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9) vs New Orleans Saints (5-9)- 4:05, CBS: Jacksonville is coming off a disappointing home loss against the reeling Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans is coming off a disappointing Monday Night home loss against the Detroit Lions. Expect a high scoring game here and for Drew Brees to outplay Blake Bortles en route to a win for the Saints in which could very well be the final home game for Sean Payton as Saints head coach.
Prediction: New Orleans 35, Jacksonville 30.
St. Louis Rams (6-8) vs Seattle Seahawks (9-5)- 4:25, FOX: St. Louis is coming off an emotional Thursday Night home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which could be their final game in St. Louis. Seattle is coming off yet another dominating performance in their home win over the Cleveland Browns. The Rams beat the Seahawks in week one, but that won't happen this week as the Seahawks will win their sixth straight game.
Prediction: Seattle 34, St. Louis 20.
Green Bay Packers (10-4) vs Arizona Cardinals (12-2)- 4:25, FOX: Green Bay is coming off a huge road win in Oakland against the Raiders. Arizona is coming off an impressive Sunday Night road win in Philadelphia against the Eagles but came at a cost as Tyrann Mathieu tore his ACL and is out for the season. Expect one of the best well played games of the season from both teams and in the league in general, but the Cardinals (even without Mathieu) are slightly better than the Packers as the Cards will find a way.
Prediction: Arizona 31, Green Bay 27.
New York Giants (6-8) vs Minnesota Vikings (9-5)- 8:30, NBC: New York is coming off yet another heartbreaking home loss, but this time at the hands of the undefeated Carolina Panthers and it comes at another cost since Odell Beckham Jr got himself suspended for this weeks game for his on the field actions during the Carolina game. Minnesota is coming off a huge home win over the Chicago Bears. The Vikings can clinch a playoff berth with a win here and I believe they'll get it done here thanks to another big game from Teddy Bridgewater.
Prediction: Minnesota 30, New York 24.
Monday, December 27th
Cincinnati Bengals (11-3) vs Denver Broncos (10-4)- 8:30, ESPN: Cincinnati is coming off a nice road win in San Francisco against the 49ers in AJ McCarron's first career start, replacing the injured Andy Dalton. Denver is coming off a brutal road loss in Pittsburgh against the Steelers in which they dominated the first half. It's still uncertain whether it's Brock Osweiler or Peyton Manning is starting for the Broncos, but I don't think it matters. I don't trust McCarron in a hostile environment like Denver, so the Broncos will win a huge game, which could lead to them getting a first round bye.
Prediction: Denver 26, Cincinnati 20.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
2015 NFL Week 15 Picks
Here are my picks for week fifteen of the 2015 NFL season.
Thursday, December 17th
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) vs St. Louis Rams (5-8)- 8:25, NFLN: Tampa Bay is coming off a disappointing home loss against the New Orleans Saints. St. Louis is coming off a home win over the Detroit Lions. We got an interesting rookie battle between Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston and Rams running back Todd Gurley and Winston is the front runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year and he'll lead the Bucs to a bounce back win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 27, St. Louis 20.
Saturday, December 19th
New York Jets (8-5) vs Dallas Cowboys (4-9)- 8:25, NFLN: New York is coming off a nice home win over a putrid Tennessee Titans team. Dallas is coming off a road loss at Lambeau against the Packers and that game was close until late in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys defense has quietly been decent this season, but the Jets need this game to stay in the playoff hunt and I believe their defense will stop the Cowboys offense en route to a win at Jerry World.
Prediction: NY Jets 23, Dallas 20.
Sunday, December 20th
Carolina Panthers (13-0) vs New York Giants (6-7)- 1:00, FOX: Carolina is coming off a terrific home shutout win over the Atlanta Falcons. New York is coming off a big Monday Night road win in South Beach over the Dolphins to stay in the NFC East race. It's awfully tempting to pick the Giants here, but Cam Newton is the MVP front runner at the moment and it's hard to pick against him and the unbeaten Panthers at this point so expect the Panthers to remain unbeaten for another week although it won't be easy by any stretch.
Prediction: Carolina 30, NY Giants 27.
Chicago Bears (5-8) vs Minnesota Vikings (8-5)- 1:00, FOX: Chicago is coming off another disappointing home loss but this time it against the Washington Redskins. Minnesota is coming off a close Thursday Night road loss in Glendale against the Cardinals. The Vikings need this game to keep their slim NFC North hopes alive and expect Adrian Peterson to have a monster game to lead his team to a big win.
Prediction: Minnesota 27, Chicago 23.
Atlanta Falcons (6-7) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (5-8)- 1:00, FOX: Atlanta is coming off an awful road shutout loss against the undefeated Carolina Panthers. Jacksonville is coming off a very nice home win over the Indianapolis Colts. Blake Bortles has had a very productive sophomore season for the Jaguars and he'll lead his team to a second straight team over a Falcons team who's 5-0 start to the season was nothing but an aberration.
Prediction: Jacksonville 34, Atlanta 20.
Houston Texans (6-7) vs Indianapolis Colts (6-7)- 1:00, CBS: Houston is coming off a disappointing Sunday Night home loss against the New England Patriots in which Brian Hoyer ended up getting a concussion in and now is not playing in this divisional showdown. Indianapolis is coming off a disastrous road loss in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. Neither Andrew Luck or Matt Hasselbeck are playing for the Colts so Charlie Whitehurst will get the start this week. The Texans defense (despite giving up 27 to the Patriots) showed me something last week and expect JJ Watt to have a monster game to lead the Texans to a big road win.
Prediction: Houston 16, Indianapolis 13.
Buffalo Bills (6-7) vs Washington Redskins (6-7)- 1:00, FOX: Buffalo is coming off a disappointing road loss in Philadelphia against the Eagles. Washington is coming off a big road win in Chicago against the Bears to keep their NFC East hopes alive. After a big road win, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Skins have a bit of a letdown against a Bills team that needs this win plus a ton of help to keep their playoff hopes alive. Give me the Bills to bounce back here after a disappointing showing in Philly.
Prediction: Buffalo 26, Washington 24.
Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) vs Baltimore Ravens (4-9)- 1:00, CBS: This matchup certainly looked better in August than it does now considering what Baltimore has gone through this season. Kansas City is coming off a big home win over the banged up San Diego Chargers. Baltimore is coming off a dreadful home loss against the Seattle Seahawks. It doesn't matter who's starting at this point for the Ravens, the Chiefs are on a roll right now and they'll win their eighth straight going away.
Prediction: Kansas City 34, Baltimore 10.
Cleveland Browns (3-10) vs Seattle Seahawks (8-5)- 4:05, CBS: Cleveland is coming off a home win over the San Francisco 49ers in hijack Johnny Manziel played well in. Seattle is coming off a big road win in Baltimore against the banged up Ravens. No one wants to be facing Russell Wilson and the Seahawks right now and they'll win big here. The Seahawks are my lock of the week.
Prediction: Seattle 38, Cleveland 13.
Green Bay Packers (9-4) vs Oakland Raiders (6-7)- 4:05, FOX: Green Bay is coming off a big home win over the Tony Romo-less Dallas Cowboys. Oakland is coming off a big road win in Denver against the Broncos to keep their slim playoff hopes alive thanks to a big second half by Khalil Mack. This could very well be a trap game for the Packers, but I believe they'll sneak out this win as Derek Carr the Raiders will keep it close.
Prediction: Green Bay 33, Oakland 30.
Cincinnati Bengals (10-3) vs San Francisco 49ers (4-9)- 4:25, CBS: This game was supposed to be a Sunday Night game, but they flexed it for obvious reasons. Cincinnati is coming off a brutal home loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers in which Andy Dalton broke his thumb and is out for at least the rest of the regular season. San Francisco is coming off a disappointing road loss in Cleveland against the Browns. AJ McCarron is now starting for the Bengals and I'm not sure if he can go out and win a big road game. Give me the Niners, upset special.
Prediction: San Francisco 20, Cincinnati 16.
Miami Dolphins (5-8) vs San Diego Chargers (3-10)- 4:25, CBS: Miami is coming off a disappointing Monday Night home loss against the New York Giants. San Diego is coming off a tough road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs in which they had a chance to tie the game and force overtime in. This was a tough call, but give me the Dolphins on the road since the Chargers are just too banged up at this point.
Prediction: Miami 24, San Diego 17.
Denver Broncos (10-3) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5)- 4:25, CBS: Denver is coming off a very disappointing home loss against the Oakland Raiders. Pittsburgh is coming off a huge road win in Cincinnati against the Bengals as they took advantage of Andy Dalton's injury. Brock Osweiler struggled in the second half against the Raiders, although his receivers kept dropping balls. Ben Rothlisberger always comes up big in these types of games and I expect him to lead his team to another huge win.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 33, Denver 26.
Arizona Cardinals (11-2) vs Philadelphia Eagles (6-7)- 8:30, NBC: Arizona is coming off a big Thursday Night home win over the Minnesota Vikings. Philadelphia is coming off a big home win over the Buffalo Bills. The Cardinals can clinch the NFC West with a win here and I believe they'll get it done against and up and down Eagles team.
Prediction: Arizona 34, Philadelphia 23.
Monday, December 21st
Detroit Lions (4-9) vs New Orleans Saints (5-8)- 8:30, ESPN: Detroit is coming off a disappointing road loss in St. Louis against the Rams. New Orleans is coming off a nice road win in Tampa against the Buccaneers. Expect an offensive show here on Monday Night football and the Saints will win their second straight game behind a great game from Drew Brees.
Prediction: New Orleans 40, Detroit 36.
Thursday, December 17th
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) vs St. Louis Rams (5-8)- 8:25, NFLN: Tampa Bay is coming off a disappointing home loss against the New Orleans Saints. St. Louis is coming off a home win over the Detroit Lions. We got an interesting rookie battle between Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston and Rams running back Todd Gurley and Winston is the front runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year and he'll lead the Bucs to a bounce back win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 27, St. Louis 20.
Saturday, December 19th
New York Jets (8-5) vs Dallas Cowboys (4-9)- 8:25, NFLN: New York is coming off a nice home win over a putrid Tennessee Titans team. Dallas is coming off a road loss at Lambeau against the Packers and that game was close until late in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys defense has quietly been decent this season, but the Jets need this game to stay in the playoff hunt and I believe their defense will stop the Cowboys offense en route to a win at Jerry World.
Prediction: NY Jets 23, Dallas 20.
Sunday, December 20th
Carolina Panthers (13-0) vs New York Giants (6-7)- 1:00, FOX: Carolina is coming off a terrific home shutout win over the Atlanta Falcons. New York is coming off a big Monday Night road win in South Beach over the Dolphins to stay in the NFC East race. It's awfully tempting to pick the Giants here, but Cam Newton is the MVP front runner at the moment and it's hard to pick against him and the unbeaten Panthers at this point so expect the Panthers to remain unbeaten for another week although it won't be easy by any stretch.
Prediction: Carolina 30, NY Giants 27.
Chicago Bears (5-8) vs Minnesota Vikings (8-5)- 1:00, FOX: Chicago is coming off another disappointing home loss but this time it against the Washington Redskins. Minnesota is coming off a close Thursday Night road loss in Glendale against the Cardinals. The Vikings need this game to keep their slim NFC North hopes alive and expect Adrian Peterson to have a monster game to lead his team to a big win.
Prediction: Minnesota 27, Chicago 23.
Atlanta Falcons (6-7) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (5-8)- 1:00, FOX: Atlanta is coming off an awful road shutout loss against the undefeated Carolina Panthers. Jacksonville is coming off a very nice home win over the Indianapolis Colts. Blake Bortles has had a very productive sophomore season for the Jaguars and he'll lead his team to a second straight team over a Falcons team who's 5-0 start to the season was nothing but an aberration.
Prediction: Jacksonville 34, Atlanta 20.
Houston Texans (6-7) vs Indianapolis Colts (6-7)- 1:00, CBS: Houston is coming off a disappointing Sunday Night home loss against the New England Patriots in which Brian Hoyer ended up getting a concussion in and now is not playing in this divisional showdown. Indianapolis is coming off a disastrous road loss in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. Neither Andrew Luck or Matt Hasselbeck are playing for the Colts so Charlie Whitehurst will get the start this week. The Texans defense (despite giving up 27 to the Patriots) showed me something last week and expect JJ Watt to have a monster game to lead the Texans to a big road win.
Prediction: Houston 16, Indianapolis 13.
Buffalo Bills (6-7) vs Washington Redskins (6-7)- 1:00, FOX: Buffalo is coming off a disappointing road loss in Philadelphia against the Eagles. Washington is coming off a big road win in Chicago against the Bears to keep their NFC East hopes alive. After a big road win, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Skins have a bit of a letdown against a Bills team that needs this win plus a ton of help to keep their playoff hopes alive. Give me the Bills to bounce back here after a disappointing showing in Philly.
Prediction: Buffalo 26, Washington 24.
Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) vs Baltimore Ravens (4-9)- 1:00, CBS: This matchup certainly looked better in August than it does now considering what Baltimore has gone through this season. Kansas City is coming off a big home win over the banged up San Diego Chargers. Baltimore is coming off a dreadful home loss against the Seattle Seahawks. It doesn't matter who's starting at this point for the Ravens, the Chiefs are on a roll right now and they'll win their eighth straight going away.
Prediction: Kansas City 34, Baltimore 10.
Cleveland Browns (3-10) vs Seattle Seahawks (8-5)- 4:05, CBS: Cleveland is coming off a home win over the San Francisco 49ers in hijack Johnny Manziel played well in. Seattle is coming off a big road win in Baltimore against the banged up Ravens. No one wants to be facing Russell Wilson and the Seahawks right now and they'll win big here. The Seahawks are my lock of the week.
Prediction: Seattle 38, Cleveland 13.
Green Bay Packers (9-4) vs Oakland Raiders (6-7)- 4:05, FOX: Green Bay is coming off a big home win over the Tony Romo-less Dallas Cowboys. Oakland is coming off a big road win in Denver against the Broncos to keep their slim playoff hopes alive thanks to a big second half by Khalil Mack. This could very well be a trap game for the Packers, but I believe they'll sneak out this win as Derek Carr the Raiders will keep it close.
Prediction: Green Bay 33, Oakland 30.
Cincinnati Bengals (10-3) vs San Francisco 49ers (4-9)- 4:25, CBS: This game was supposed to be a Sunday Night game, but they flexed it for obvious reasons. Cincinnati is coming off a brutal home loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers in which Andy Dalton broke his thumb and is out for at least the rest of the regular season. San Francisco is coming off a disappointing road loss in Cleveland against the Browns. AJ McCarron is now starting for the Bengals and I'm not sure if he can go out and win a big road game. Give me the Niners, upset special.
Prediction: San Francisco 20, Cincinnati 16.
Miami Dolphins (5-8) vs San Diego Chargers (3-10)- 4:25, CBS: Miami is coming off a disappointing Monday Night home loss against the New York Giants. San Diego is coming off a tough road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs in which they had a chance to tie the game and force overtime in. This was a tough call, but give me the Dolphins on the road since the Chargers are just too banged up at this point.
Prediction: Miami 24, San Diego 17.
Denver Broncos (10-3) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5)- 4:25, CBS: Denver is coming off a very disappointing home loss against the Oakland Raiders. Pittsburgh is coming off a huge road win in Cincinnati against the Bengals as they took advantage of Andy Dalton's injury. Brock Osweiler struggled in the second half against the Raiders, although his receivers kept dropping balls. Ben Rothlisberger always comes up big in these types of games and I expect him to lead his team to another huge win.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 33, Denver 26.
Arizona Cardinals (11-2) vs Philadelphia Eagles (6-7)- 8:30, NBC: Arizona is coming off a big Thursday Night home win over the Minnesota Vikings. Philadelphia is coming off a big home win over the Buffalo Bills. The Cardinals can clinch the NFC West with a win here and I believe they'll get it done against and up and down Eagles team.
Prediction: Arizona 34, Philadelphia 23.
Monday, December 21st
Detroit Lions (4-9) vs New Orleans Saints (5-8)- 8:30, ESPN: Detroit is coming off a disappointing road loss in St. Louis against the Rams. New Orleans is coming off a nice road win in Tampa against the Buccaneers. Expect an offensive show here on Monday Night football and the Saints will win their second straight game behind a great game from Drew Brees.
Prediction: New Orleans 40, Detroit 36.
Monday, December 14, 2015
2015-16 College Football Bowl Picks
Here are my picks for the 2015-16 College Football Bowl games (with the exception of the College Football Playoff, which are coming soon).
December 19th, 2015
Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Arizona (6-6; 3-6) vs New Mexico (7-5; 5-3)- 2:00, ESPN: The Wildcats had a disappointing .500 season meanwhile the Lobos had a nice year. Not to take anything away from the Lobo's success this season, but the Wildcats are just the better team here and they should win this one.
Pick: Arizona
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl: BYU (9-3) vs Utah (9-3; 6-3)- 3:30, ABC: The Cougars very quietly had a nice season meanwhile the Utes inserted themselves in the College Football Playoff conversation by starting 6-0, but ended up losing three of their final six games. This is Bronco Mendenhall's final game as BYU coach as he goes to become the boss at Virginia, but the Utes led by Travis Wilson will get the win to close out a great year for the program.
Pick: Utah
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Ohio (8-4; 5-3) vs Appalachian State (10-2; 7-1)- 5:30, ESPN: The Bobcats and Mountaineers both had solid years this season. The 'Neers defense has been decent all season and they should be able to slow down the Bobcats offense en route to a bowl win.
Pick: Appalachian State
Cure Bowl: San Jose State (5-7; 4-4) vs Georgia State (6-6; 5-3)- 7:00, CBSSN: The Spartans are a sub .500 team, but they wound up in a bowl game thanks there not being enough .500 teams. The Panthers have overachieved this season and wound up in a bowl game thanks to ending the regular season on a four game winning streak. I do believe that winning streak ends because I feel the Spartans are the more superior team here and that the Panthers benefited from playing in a weaker Sun Belt conference.
Pick: San Jose State
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State (9-3; 8-0) vs Louisiana Tech (8-4; 6-2)- 9:00, ESPN: This is actually a sneaky good bowl game. The Red Wolves ended the season hot by winning their final eight regular season games and the Bulldogs had a solid year as well, despite not winning their division. This was a tough call, but give me the Wolves to close out the season winning nine in a row.
Pick: Arkansas State
December 21st, 2015
Miami Beach Bowl: Western Kentucky (11-2; 9-0) vs South Florida (8-4; 6-2)- 2:30, ESPN: The Conference USA champion Hiltoppers come into this winning five straight games and the Bulls had a very solid season and come in winning four straight and seven of their last eight. Brandon Doughty has been great all season long and I simply cannot pick against him and his team at this point although it's tempting to do so considering how good the Bulls have been.
Pick: Western Kentucky
December 22nd, 2015
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Akron (7-5; 5-3) vs Utah State (6-6; 5-3)- 3:30, ESPN: The Zips had a very solid season and earned this bowl berth as the Aggies has somewhat of a disappointing season by only going .500 on the season. The Aggies are the more superior team here so they're my pick for this bowl.
Pick: Utah State
Marmot Boca Raton Bowl: Toledo (9-2; 6-2) vs Temple (10-3; 7-1)- 7:00, ESPN: This is a pretty good bowl game we got here. The Rockets had a solid season, despite not winning their division and not making it to the MAC Championship game. Meanwhile, the Owls did make the AAC Championship game but lost to the Houston Cougars. The Rockets are the pick here because I don't think the Owls have the offensive fire to keep up.
Pick: Toledo
December 23rd, 2015
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Boise State (8-4; 5-3) vs Northern Illinois (8-5; 6-2) 4:30, ESPN: The Broncos had somewhat of a disappointing season since they normally would win a double digit number of games over the last few years. The Huskies had a nice season as well, despite a disappointing showing in the MAC Championship game against the Bowling Green Falcons. Both of these teams are solid, but I'll go with the Broncos here.
Pick: Boise State
GoDaddy Bowl: Georgia Southern (8-4; 6-2) vs Bowling Green (10-3; 7-1)- 8:00, ESPN: The Eagles have been solid this season as well as the Falcons. The Falcons have been an offensive machine all season and that continues here as they'll earn a bowl win.
Pick: Bowling Green
December 24th, 2015
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl: Middle Tennessee (7-5; 6-2) vs Western Michigan (7-5; 6-2)- 12:00, ESPN: The Blue Raiders closed out the season by winning four straight games. The Broncos had a solid season as well, even though they lost two of their final three games. Both teams are solid on both ends, but I feel that the Broncos are the slightly better team here.
Pick: Western Michigan
Hawaii Bowl: San Diego State (10-3; 8-0) vs Cincinnati (7-5; 4-4)- 8:00, ESPN: The Aztecs have had a solid season and won the MWC Championship. Meanwhile the Bearcats have been a bit disappointing this season, despite a winning record. The Aztecs are the better team here and are solid on both ends.
Pick: San Diego State
December 26th, 2015
St. Petersburg Bowl: Connecticut (6-6; 4-4) vs Marshall (9-3; 6-2)- 11:00AM, ESPN: The Huskies had a solid season, despite having a .500 record and the Herd had a solid season as well despite not playing in the C-USA title game. I like the Herd here to win this one.
Pick: Marshall
Hyundai Sun Bowl: Miami (8-4; 5-3) vs Washington State (8-4; 6-2)- 2:00, CBS: Very quietly, The U played decent football after firing Al Golden. Wazzu had a very solid season and knocked off some ranked teams. I like the Cougars to close out the season with a win.
Pick: Washington State
Zaxby's Heat of Dallas Bowl: Washington (6-6; 4-5) vs Southern Miss (9-4; 7-1)- 2:20, ESPN: The Huskies are a solid team and the Golden Eagles made grata strides this season and were the runner ups in the C-USA. The Eagles can score but I don't know if they can stop the Huskies or not.
Pick: Washington
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Indiana (6-6; 2-6) vs Duke (7-5; 4-4)- 3:30, ABC: The Hoosiers started off well and fell apart during conference play. The same could be said for the Blue Devils as well. The Hoosiers are a very solid offensive team and I believe they'll get it done here.
Pick: Indiana
Camping World Independence Bowl: Tulsa (6-6; 3-5) vs Virginia Tech (6-6; 4-4)- 5:45, ESPN: a Both of these teams come in with .500 records as the Golden Hurricane overachieved a bit and the Hokies somewhat underachieved. It would be fitting if Frank Beamer closed out his coaching career with a bowl win and I believe he will.
Pick: Virginia Tech
Foster Farms Bowl: UCLA (8-4; 5-4) vs Nebraska (5-7; 3-5)- 9:15, ESPN: The Bruins could have played in the Pac-12 championship game if they had beaten the Trojans on rivalry weekend or if their defense was healthy the whole season. The Cornhuskers had a weird season in which they knocked off the playoff bound Spartans and lost to a horrible Boilmakers team. The Bruins defense is banged up, but it will be the Josh Rosen show as he'll lead his team to a bowl win to a erratic Huskers team.
Pick: UCLA
Monday, December 28th
Military Bowl: Pittsburgh (8-4; 6-2) vs Navy (10-2; 7-1)- 2:30, ESPN: The Panthers had a solid first season under Pat Narduzzi. The Midshipmen had a great season in their inaugural season in the AAC. Keenan Reynolds had a phenomenal season and I don't think a good Pitt defense can stop him and his running ability.
Pick: Navy
Quick Lane Bowl: Central Michigan (7-5; 6-2) vs Minnesota (5-7; 2-6)- 5:00, ESPN2: The Chippewas overachieved this season and ended up having a nice season in a deep MAC conference. The Golden Gophers underachieved and ended up sub .500 and wound up in a bowl game. This was a tough call, but I like the upset here with the Chippewas.
Pick: Central Michigan
Tuesday, December 29th
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: California (7-5; 4-5) vs Air Force (8-5; 6-2)- 2:00, ESPN: The Golden Bears wound up losing four of their final six games after a 5-0 start. The Falcons had nice season and ended up the runner up in the MWC. I like Jared Goff to have a great game to rise his draft stock and lead Cal to a win.
Pick: California
Russell Athletic Bowl: North Carolina (11-2; 8-0) vs Baylor (9-3; 6-3)- 5:30, ESPN: The Tar Heels had an amazing season and ended up the runner ups in the ACC. The Bears started off great and then they lost Seth Russell for the season due to injury. The Tar Heel improved defense will be the difference in this one since the Bears haven't been the same offensively of late.
Pick: North Carolina
NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Nevada (6-6; 4-4) vs Colorado State (7-5; 5-3)- 7:30, Campus Insiders: Here we got a rare intra conference bowl matchup but these two teams did not meet up in the regular season. The Wolf Pack went .500 this season and the Rams took a step back from last season. I like the Rams here to win this bowl game.
Pick: Colorado State
AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl: LSU (8-3; 5-3) vs Texas Tech (7-5; 4-5)- 9:00, ESPN: The Tigers were in the hunt for the College Football playoff, but then ended up losing three of their final four games. The Red Raiders had a solid season, despite having a horrible defense. Expect Leonard Fournette to take advantage of that bad Raider defense and lead his team to a bowl win.
Pick: LSU
Wednesday, December 30th
Birmingham Bowl: Auburn (6-6; 2-6) vs Memphis (9-3; 5-3)- 12:00, ESPN: Here we have the battle of the Tigers. Auburn was perhaps the biggest disappointment in the country this season as they were a popular pick to win the National Championship. Memphis was a nice surprise this season as they started unbeaten then wound up losing three of their final four games. Expect a big game from Paxton Lynch, who could very well be a first round pick in the upcoming NFL draft, to lead Memphis to a bowl win.
Pick: Memphis
Belk Bowl: NC State (7-5; 3-5) vs Mississippi State (8-4; 4-4)- 3:30, ESPN: I'm sure we will see a ton of points in this game. The Wolf Pack had a nice season as well as the Bulldogs, who took a step back this season. Like I said, a ton of points will be put up, but Dak Prescott will lead the Dogs to a bowl win.
Pick: Mississippi State
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Texas A&M (8-4; 4-4) vs Louisville (7-5; 5-3)- 7:00, ESPN: The Aggies got off to a hot start, then wounded up losing four of their last seven games. The Cardinals had a disappointing season this season despite ending up in this bowl. The Aggies are the better team here and they should win this one.
Pick: Texas A&M
Holiday Bowl: USC (8-5; 6-3) vs Wisconsin (9-3; 6-2)- 10:30, ESPN: The Trojans had a disappointing season by their standards even though they played in the Pac-12 championship game. The Badgers were somewhat of a disappointment this season as well since they didn't win their division. Expect a big game from Cody Kessler to lead the Trojans to a nice bowl win over a solid Badger team.
Pick: USC
Thursday, December 31st
Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl: Houston (12-1; 7-1) vs Florida State (10-2; 6-2)- 12:00, ESPN: The Cougars had an amazing season and they absolutely deserve a New Years Six bowl. The Seminoles had a nice season as well even though they didn't win the ACC. Expect Dalvin Cook to have a big game on the ground to the Noles to a bowl win.
Pick: Florida State
Friday, January 1st
Outback Bowl: Northwestern (10-2; 6-2) vs Tennessee (8-4; 5-3)- 12:00, ESPN2: The Wildcats had a great season by winning ten games thanks to their solid defense for the most part. The Volunteers were somewhat of a disappointment despite winning their final five games. This was a very tough call but, thanks to a big game from Josh Dobbs, I like the Vols here, although both teams have finished the season red hot.
Pick: Tennessee
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: Michigan (10-2; 6-2) vs Florida (10-3; 7-1)- 1:00, ABC: These two teams were among the big surprises this season. Jim Harbaugh and Jim McElwain deserve a ton a credit for getting ten wins out of their clubs in their first seasons with their respective schools considering how bad their teams were a year ago. Expect a low scoring game and the Wolverines to win it because they have more on offense than the Gators.
Pick: Michigan
BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl: Notre Dame (10-2) vs Ohio State (11-1; 7-1)- 1:00, ESPN: This is such a fun game featuring two great teams. The Irish have been ravaged by injuries all season and it's pretty remarkable that they got to a New Years Six bowl. The Buckeyes did not live up to hype despite losing once all season. I like Ezequiel Elliott to have a big day on the ground to lead the Buckeyes to a New Years Six bowl win.
Pick: Ohio State
Rose Bowl: Stanford (11-2; 8-1) vs Iowa (11-1; 8-0)- 5:00, ESPN: The Cardinal had a great season despite not making the playoff, but they did win the Pac-12. The Hawkeyes were the biggest surprise in the country this season by ending up the runner ups in the Big-10 and absolutely deserve to be in the Rose Bowl. Expect Christian McCaffrey, who should have won the Heisman, to have a big game to lead the Cardinal to a nice bowl win over a great Hawkeye team.
Pick: Stanford
AllState Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma State (10-2; 7-2) vs Ole Miss (9-3; 6-2)- 8:30, ESPN: The Cowboys had a great season by starting unbeaten, but ended up losing their final two games. The Rebels had a solid season as well and were in the playoff hunt until losing two of their final six games. You can make a case for either team here, but I like the Rebels here because I don't think the Cowboys can stop the Rebels on offense.
Pick: Ole Miss
Saturday, January 2nd
TaxSlayer Bowl: Penn State (7-5; 4-4) vs Georgia (9-3; 5-3)- 12:00, ESPN: The Lions have earned their second straight bowl berth after being banned from bowl eligibility for a couple years. The Bulldogs had a disappointing season by their terms which led to the firing of Mark Richt. The Lions are not very good offensively so give me the Dogs.
Pick: Georgia
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Kansas State (6-6; 3-6) vs Arkansas (7-5; 5-3)- 3:20, ESPN: The Wildcats disappointed this season and only finished .500. The Razorbacks finished the season hot by winning five of their final six games. Give me the Razorbacks, without a question over a team in the Cats who haven't been the same team in years past.
Pick: Arkansas
Valero Alamo Bowl: Oregon (9-3; 7-2) vs TCU (10-2; 7-2)- 6:45, ESPN: The Ducks had somewhat of a disappointing year despite finishing the season with six straight wins. The Horned Frogs were in the playoff conversation until dropping two of their final three games. Expect a ton of scoring in this one, but for Vernon Adams Jr to lead the Ducks to a bowl win.
Pick: Oregon
Motel 6 Cactus Bowl: West Virginia (7-5; 4-5) vs Arizona State (6-6; 4-5)- 10:15, ESPN: The Mounatineers have been up and down all season but finished the season strong by winning four of their last five games. The Aztecs took a step back this season but won two of their final three to earn a bowl berth. I like the Aztecs in this one because I'm not sure if the 'Neers defense can stop the Aztecs offense.
Pick: Arizona State
December 19th, 2015
Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Arizona (6-6; 3-6) vs New Mexico (7-5; 5-3)- 2:00, ESPN: The Wildcats had a disappointing .500 season meanwhile the Lobos had a nice year. Not to take anything away from the Lobo's success this season, but the Wildcats are just the better team here and they should win this one.
Pick: Arizona
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl: BYU (9-3) vs Utah (9-3; 6-3)- 3:30, ABC: The Cougars very quietly had a nice season meanwhile the Utes inserted themselves in the College Football Playoff conversation by starting 6-0, but ended up losing three of their final six games. This is Bronco Mendenhall's final game as BYU coach as he goes to become the boss at Virginia, but the Utes led by Travis Wilson will get the win to close out a great year for the program.
Pick: Utah
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Ohio (8-4; 5-3) vs Appalachian State (10-2; 7-1)- 5:30, ESPN: The Bobcats and Mountaineers both had solid years this season. The 'Neers defense has been decent all season and they should be able to slow down the Bobcats offense en route to a bowl win.
Pick: Appalachian State
Cure Bowl: San Jose State (5-7; 4-4) vs Georgia State (6-6; 5-3)- 7:00, CBSSN: The Spartans are a sub .500 team, but they wound up in a bowl game thanks there not being enough .500 teams. The Panthers have overachieved this season and wound up in a bowl game thanks to ending the regular season on a four game winning streak. I do believe that winning streak ends because I feel the Spartans are the more superior team here and that the Panthers benefited from playing in a weaker Sun Belt conference.
Pick: San Jose State
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State (9-3; 8-0) vs Louisiana Tech (8-4; 6-2)- 9:00, ESPN: This is actually a sneaky good bowl game. The Red Wolves ended the season hot by winning their final eight regular season games and the Bulldogs had a solid year as well, despite not winning their division. This was a tough call, but give me the Wolves to close out the season winning nine in a row.
Pick: Arkansas State
December 21st, 2015
Miami Beach Bowl: Western Kentucky (11-2; 9-0) vs South Florida (8-4; 6-2)- 2:30, ESPN: The Conference USA champion Hiltoppers come into this winning five straight games and the Bulls had a very solid season and come in winning four straight and seven of their last eight. Brandon Doughty has been great all season long and I simply cannot pick against him and his team at this point although it's tempting to do so considering how good the Bulls have been.
Pick: Western Kentucky
December 22nd, 2015
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Akron (7-5; 5-3) vs Utah State (6-6; 5-3)- 3:30, ESPN: The Zips had a very solid season and earned this bowl berth as the Aggies has somewhat of a disappointing season by only going .500 on the season. The Aggies are the more superior team here so they're my pick for this bowl.
Pick: Utah State
Marmot Boca Raton Bowl: Toledo (9-2; 6-2) vs Temple (10-3; 7-1)- 7:00, ESPN: This is a pretty good bowl game we got here. The Rockets had a solid season, despite not winning their division and not making it to the MAC Championship game. Meanwhile, the Owls did make the AAC Championship game but lost to the Houston Cougars. The Rockets are the pick here because I don't think the Owls have the offensive fire to keep up.
Pick: Toledo
December 23rd, 2015
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Boise State (8-4; 5-3) vs Northern Illinois (8-5; 6-2) 4:30, ESPN: The Broncos had somewhat of a disappointing season since they normally would win a double digit number of games over the last few years. The Huskies had a nice season as well, despite a disappointing showing in the MAC Championship game against the Bowling Green Falcons. Both of these teams are solid, but I'll go with the Broncos here.
Pick: Boise State
GoDaddy Bowl: Georgia Southern (8-4; 6-2) vs Bowling Green (10-3; 7-1)- 8:00, ESPN: The Eagles have been solid this season as well as the Falcons. The Falcons have been an offensive machine all season and that continues here as they'll earn a bowl win.
Pick: Bowling Green
December 24th, 2015
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl: Middle Tennessee (7-5; 6-2) vs Western Michigan (7-5; 6-2)- 12:00, ESPN: The Blue Raiders closed out the season by winning four straight games. The Broncos had a solid season as well, even though they lost two of their final three games. Both teams are solid on both ends, but I feel that the Broncos are the slightly better team here.
Pick: Western Michigan
Hawaii Bowl: San Diego State (10-3; 8-0) vs Cincinnati (7-5; 4-4)- 8:00, ESPN: The Aztecs have had a solid season and won the MWC Championship. Meanwhile the Bearcats have been a bit disappointing this season, despite a winning record. The Aztecs are the better team here and are solid on both ends.
Pick: San Diego State
December 26th, 2015
St. Petersburg Bowl: Connecticut (6-6; 4-4) vs Marshall (9-3; 6-2)- 11:00AM, ESPN: The Huskies had a solid season, despite having a .500 record and the Herd had a solid season as well despite not playing in the C-USA title game. I like the Herd here to win this one.
Pick: Marshall
Hyundai Sun Bowl: Miami (8-4; 5-3) vs Washington State (8-4; 6-2)- 2:00, CBS: Very quietly, The U played decent football after firing Al Golden. Wazzu had a very solid season and knocked off some ranked teams. I like the Cougars to close out the season with a win.
Pick: Washington State
Zaxby's Heat of Dallas Bowl: Washington (6-6; 4-5) vs Southern Miss (9-4; 7-1)- 2:20, ESPN: The Huskies are a solid team and the Golden Eagles made grata strides this season and were the runner ups in the C-USA. The Eagles can score but I don't know if they can stop the Huskies or not.
Pick: Washington
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Indiana (6-6; 2-6) vs Duke (7-5; 4-4)- 3:30, ABC: The Hoosiers started off well and fell apart during conference play. The same could be said for the Blue Devils as well. The Hoosiers are a very solid offensive team and I believe they'll get it done here.
Pick: Indiana
Camping World Independence Bowl: Tulsa (6-6; 3-5) vs Virginia Tech (6-6; 4-4)- 5:45, ESPN: a Both of these teams come in with .500 records as the Golden Hurricane overachieved a bit and the Hokies somewhat underachieved. It would be fitting if Frank Beamer closed out his coaching career with a bowl win and I believe he will.
Pick: Virginia Tech
Foster Farms Bowl: UCLA (8-4; 5-4) vs Nebraska (5-7; 3-5)- 9:15, ESPN: The Bruins could have played in the Pac-12 championship game if they had beaten the Trojans on rivalry weekend or if their defense was healthy the whole season. The Cornhuskers had a weird season in which they knocked off the playoff bound Spartans and lost to a horrible Boilmakers team. The Bruins defense is banged up, but it will be the Josh Rosen show as he'll lead his team to a bowl win to a erratic Huskers team.
Pick: UCLA
Monday, December 28th
Military Bowl: Pittsburgh (8-4; 6-2) vs Navy (10-2; 7-1)- 2:30, ESPN: The Panthers had a solid first season under Pat Narduzzi. The Midshipmen had a great season in their inaugural season in the AAC. Keenan Reynolds had a phenomenal season and I don't think a good Pitt defense can stop him and his running ability.
Pick: Navy
Quick Lane Bowl: Central Michigan (7-5; 6-2) vs Minnesota (5-7; 2-6)- 5:00, ESPN2: The Chippewas overachieved this season and ended up having a nice season in a deep MAC conference. The Golden Gophers underachieved and ended up sub .500 and wound up in a bowl game. This was a tough call, but I like the upset here with the Chippewas.
Pick: Central Michigan
Tuesday, December 29th
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: California (7-5; 4-5) vs Air Force (8-5; 6-2)- 2:00, ESPN: The Golden Bears wound up losing four of their final six games after a 5-0 start. The Falcons had nice season and ended up the runner up in the MWC. I like Jared Goff to have a great game to rise his draft stock and lead Cal to a win.
Pick: California
Russell Athletic Bowl: North Carolina (11-2; 8-0) vs Baylor (9-3; 6-3)- 5:30, ESPN: The Tar Heels had an amazing season and ended up the runner ups in the ACC. The Bears started off great and then they lost Seth Russell for the season due to injury. The Tar Heel improved defense will be the difference in this one since the Bears haven't been the same offensively of late.
Pick: North Carolina
NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Nevada (6-6; 4-4) vs Colorado State (7-5; 5-3)- 7:30, Campus Insiders: Here we got a rare intra conference bowl matchup but these two teams did not meet up in the regular season. The Wolf Pack went .500 this season and the Rams took a step back from last season. I like the Rams here to win this bowl game.
Pick: Colorado State
AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl: LSU (8-3; 5-3) vs Texas Tech (7-5; 4-5)- 9:00, ESPN: The Tigers were in the hunt for the College Football playoff, but then ended up losing three of their final four games. The Red Raiders had a solid season, despite having a horrible defense. Expect Leonard Fournette to take advantage of that bad Raider defense and lead his team to a bowl win.
Pick: LSU
Wednesday, December 30th
Birmingham Bowl: Auburn (6-6; 2-6) vs Memphis (9-3; 5-3)- 12:00, ESPN: Here we have the battle of the Tigers. Auburn was perhaps the biggest disappointment in the country this season as they were a popular pick to win the National Championship. Memphis was a nice surprise this season as they started unbeaten then wound up losing three of their final four games. Expect a big game from Paxton Lynch, who could very well be a first round pick in the upcoming NFL draft, to lead Memphis to a bowl win.
Pick: Memphis
Belk Bowl: NC State (7-5; 3-5) vs Mississippi State (8-4; 4-4)- 3:30, ESPN: I'm sure we will see a ton of points in this game. The Wolf Pack had a nice season as well as the Bulldogs, who took a step back this season. Like I said, a ton of points will be put up, but Dak Prescott will lead the Dogs to a bowl win.
Pick: Mississippi State
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Texas A&M (8-4; 4-4) vs Louisville (7-5; 5-3)- 7:00, ESPN: The Aggies got off to a hot start, then wounded up losing four of their last seven games. The Cardinals had a disappointing season this season despite ending up in this bowl. The Aggies are the better team here and they should win this one.
Pick: Texas A&M
Holiday Bowl: USC (8-5; 6-3) vs Wisconsin (9-3; 6-2)- 10:30, ESPN: The Trojans had a disappointing season by their standards even though they played in the Pac-12 championship game. The Badgers were somewhat of a disappointment this season as well since they didn't win their division. Expect a big game from Cody Kessler to lead the Trojans to a nice bowl win over a solid Badger team.
Pick: USC
Thursday, December 31st
Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl: Houston (12-1; 7-1) vs Florida State (10-2; 6-2)- 12:00, ESPN: The Cougars had an amazing season and they absolutely deserve a New Years Six bowl. The Seminoles had a nice season as well even though they didn't win the ACC. Expect Dalvin Cook to have a big game on the ground to the Noles to a bowl win.
Pick: Florida State
Friday, January 1st
Outback Bowl: Northwestern (10-2; 6-2) vs Tennessee (8-4; 5-3)- 12:00, ESPN2: The Wildcats had a great season by winning ten games thanks to their solid defense for the most part. The Volunteers were somewhat of a disappointment despite winning their final five games. This was a very tough call but, thanks to a big game from Josh Dobbs, I like the Vols here, although both teams have finished the season red hot.
Pick: Tennessee
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: Michigan (10-2; 6-2) vs Florida (10-3; 7-1)- 1:00, ABC: These two teams were among the big surprises this season. Jim Harbaugh and Jim McElwain deserve a ton a credit for getting ten wins out of their clubs in their first seasons with their respective schools considering how bad their teams were a year ago. Expect a low scoring game and the Wolverines to win it because they have more on offense than the Gators.
Pick: Michigan
BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl: Notre Dame (10-2) vs Ohio State (11-1; 7-1)- 1:00, ESPN: This is such a fun game featuring two great teams. The Irish have been ravaged by injuries all season and it's pretty remarkable that they got to a New Years Six bowl. The Buckeyes did not live up to hype despite losing once all season. I like Ezequiel Elliott to have a big day on the ground to lead the Buckeyes to a New Years Six bowl win.
Pick: Ohio State
Rose Bowl: Stanford (11-2; 8-1) vs Iowa (11-1; 8-0)- 5:00, ESPN: The Cardinal had a great season despite not making the playoff, but they did win the Pac-12. The Hawkeyes were the biggest surprise in the country this season by ending up the runner ups in the Big-10 and absolutely deserve to be in the Rose Bowl. Expect Christian McCaffrey, who should have won the Heisman, to have a big game to lead the Cardinal to a nice bowl win over a great Hawkeye team.
Pick: Stanford
AllState Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma State (10-2; 7-2) vs Ole Miss (9-3; 6-2)- 8:30, ESPN: The Cowboys had a great season by starting unbeaten, but ended up losing their final two games. The Rebels had a solid season as well and were in the playoff hunt until losing two of their final six games. You can make a case for either team here, but I like the Rebels here because I don't think the Cowboys can stop the Rebels on offense.
Pick: Ole Miss
Saturday, January 2nd
TaxSlayer Bowl: Penn State (7-5; 4-4) vs Georgia (9-3; 5-3)- 12:00, ESPN: The Lions have earned their second straight bowl berth after being banned from bowl eligibility for a couple years. The Bulldogs had a disappointing season by their terms which led to the firing of Mark Richt. The Lions are not very good offensively so give me the Dogs.
Pick: Georgia
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Kansas State (6-6; 3-6) vs Arkansas (7-5; 5-3)- 3:20, ESPN: The Wildcats disappointed this season and only finished .500. The Razorbacks finished the season hot by winning five of their final six games. Give me the Razorbacks, without a question over a team in the Cats who haven't been the same team in years past.
Pick: Arkansas
Valero Alamo Bowl: Oregon (9-3; 7-2) vs TCU (10-2; 7-2)- 6:45, ESPN: The Ducks had somewhat of a disappointing year despite finishing the season with six straight wins. The Horned Frogs were in the playoff conversation until dropping two of their final three games. Expect a ton of scoring in this one, but for Vernon Adams Jr to lead the Ducks to a bowl win.
Pick: Oregon
Motel 6 Cactus Bowl: West Virginia (7-5; 4-5) vs Arizona State (6-6; 4-5)- 10:15, ESPN: The Mounatineers have been up and down all season but finished the season strong by winning four of their last five games. The Aztecs took a step back this season but won two of their final three to earn a bowl berth. I like the Aztecs in this one because I'm not sure if the 'Neers defense can stop the Aztecs offense.
Pick: Arizona State
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
2015 NFL Week 14 Picks
Here are my picks for week fourteen of the NFL season.
Thursday, December 10th
Minnesota Vikings (8-4) vs Arizona Cardinals (14-2)- 8:25, NFLN: This should be a fun one on Thursday Night Football. Minnesota is coming off a disastrous home loss against the Seattle Seahawks. Arizona is coming off a road win in St. Louis against the Rams. You can argue that the Cardinals are the most complete team in the league and that will show here against a Vikings team that can't seem to get the job done in big games.
Prediction: Arizona 30, Minnesota 23.
Sunday, December 13th
Tennessee Titans (3-9) vs New York Jets (7-5)- 1:00, CBS: Tennessee is coming off a nice home win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. New York is coming off a great come from behind overtime win against the other New York team, the Giants in which the Jets were the road team. The Jets need this win against a subpar Titans team if they want to secure one of the AFC Wild Card spots and I believe they'll get it.
Prediction: NY Jets 30, Tennessee 20.
San Francisco 49ers (4-8) vs Cleveland Browns (2-10)- 1:00, FOX: By all means, this on paper is the worst matchup of the season, let alone in week fourteen. San Francisco is coming off a nice overtime road win in Chicago against the Bears. Cleveland is coming off a disastrous home loss against the Cincinnati Bengals. Johnny Manziel is starting for the Browns and on the flip side, Blaine Gabbert is surprisingly playing well for the 49ers. I don't feel good about this pick at all, but give me the 9ers for their second straight considering the Browns may just be tanking at this point.
Prediction: San Francisco 23, Cleveland 20.
Washington Redskins (5-7) vs Chicago Bears (5-7)- 1:00, FOX: Washington is coming off a dreadful Monday Night loss against the Tony Romo-less Dallas Cowboys. Chicago is coming off a disappointing overtime home loss against the San Francisco 49ers. Considering how mediocre the NFC East is, it's a bigger game for the Bears than it is for the Redskins, so give me Jay Cutler and the Bears to bounce back here for a win.
Prediction: Chicago 26, Washington 23.
Buffalo Bills (6-6) vs Philadelphia Eagles (5-7)- 1:00, CBS: Buffalo is coming off a huge home win over the Houston Texans. Philadelphia is coming off a big time road win in Foxboro over the New England Patriots. This has Eagles letdown written all over it. Give me Tyrod Taylor and the Bills here to get the win thanks to a big game from former Eagle LeSean McCoy.
Prediction: Buffalo 31, Philadelphia 23.
Detroit Lions (4-8) vs St. Louis Rams (4-8)- 1:00, FOX: Detroit is coming off a heartbreaking home loss against the Green Bay Packers. St. Louis is coming off a dreadful home loss against the Arizona Cardinals. It seems like the Rams have quit on Jeff Fisher, so give me Matthew Stafford and the Lions to bounce back and get the road win.
Prediction: Detroit 27, St. Louis 17.
New Orleans Saints (4-8) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6)- 1:00, FOX: New Orleans is coming off a tough home loss against the undefeated Carolina Panthers. Tampa Bay is coming off a big home win over the Atlanta Falcons. Jameis Winston looks like the front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year and he'll carry his team to a win to put the Bucs over .500 for the first time this season.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 34, New Orleans 27.
Atlanta Falcons (6-6) vs Carolina Panthers (12-0)- 1:00, FOX: Atlanta is coming off a disappointing road loss in Tampa against the Buccaneers. Carolina is coming off a nice road win in New Orleans against the Saints in which their defense looked vulnerable in. Matt Ryan has been struggling badly of late for the Falcons, so expect the Panthers defense to take advantage of that and remain unbeaten for another week.
Prediction: Carolina 30, Atlanta 24.
Seattle Seahawks (7-5) vs Baltimore Ravens (4-8)- 1:00, FOX: This game was supposed to be a Sunday night game, but since the Ravens has been a disappointment this season and that Joe Flacco is out for the season, they flexed it to a day game. Seattle is coming off a huge road win in Minnesota against the Vikings. Baltimore is coming off a road loss in Miami against the Dolphins. Considering it's Matt Schaub starting for the Ravens, this his has blowout written all over it and the Seahawks are my lock of the week.
Prediction: Seattle 34, Baltimore 10.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) vs Cincinnati Bengals (10-2)- 1:00, CBS: Pittsburgh is coming off a big time Sunday night home win over the Indianapolis Colts. Cincinnati is coming off a nice road win in Cleveland against the Browns. The Bengals can clinch the AFC North with a win here and I believe they'll get it done here against a red hot Ben Rothlisberger and the Steelers.
Prediction: Cincinnati 24, Pittsburgh 20.
Indianapolis Colts (6-6) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8)- 1:00, CBS: Indianapolis is coming off a disastrous Sunday night road loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers in which Matt Hasselbeck hurt his rib and neck. Jacksonville is coming off a disappointing road loss in Nashville against the Titans. The Colts expect Hasselbeck to play, but I do not think he'll be 100%. Give me Blake Bortles and the Jaguars to pull out the win.
Prediction: Jacksonville 20, Indianapolis 17.
San Diego Chargers (3-9) vs Kansas City Chiefs (7-5)- 1:00, CBS: San Diego is coming off a dreadful home loss against the Denver Broncos. Kansas City is coming off a nice road win in Oakland against the Raiders. Give me the Chiefs to win their seventh straight game over a banged up Chargers team.
Prediction: Kansas City 30, San Diego 16.
Oakland Raiders (5-7) vs Denver Broncos (10-2)- 4:05, CBS: Oakland is coming off a disappointing home loss against the red hot Kansas City Chiefs. Denver is coming off a nice road win in San Diego against the Chargers. Brock Osweiler is doing a nice job at quarterback and he and the Broncos will get the job done at home over a Raider team that hasn't played well lately.
Prediction: Denver 30, Oakland 20.
Dallas Cowboys (4-8) vs Green Bay Packers (8-4)- 4:25, FOX: Dallas is coming off a Monday night road win in Landover over the Redskins. Green Bay is coming off a Thursday night road win in Detroit over the Lions in which it took a roughing the passer call against the Lions and a Hail Mary to get the win. I don't see Matt Cassell keeping up with Aaron Rodgers in this one, especially in Lambeau.
Prediction: Green Bay 34, Dallas 17.
New England Patriots (10-2) vs Houston Texans (6-6)- 8:30, NBC: New England is coming off a dreadful home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Houston is coming off a disappointing road loss in Orchard Park against the Bills. The Patriots might be banged up, but I have a feeling they bounce back here on Sunday Night Football and pick up a road win against a frisky Texans team.
Prediction: New England 31, Houston 23.
Monday, December 14th
New York Giants (5-7) vs Miami Dolphins (5-7)- 8:30, ESPN: New York is coming off yet another heartbreaking loss, but this time it came in overtime against the Jets in which Josh Brown missed a field goal in overtime to end the game. Miami is coming off a home win over the Joe Flacco-less Baltimore Ravens. The Giants need this game badly to let heir NFC East hopes alive after losing three straight and I think they'll win a close one in South Beach on Monday Night Football over a subpar Dolphins team.
Prediction: NY Giants 24, Miami 20.
Thursday, December 10th
Minnesota Vikings (8-4) vs Arizona Cardinals (14-2)- 8:25, NFLN: This should be a fun one on Thursday Night Football. Minnesota is coming off a disastrous home loss against the Seattle Seahawks. Arizona is coming off a road win in St. Louis against the Rams. You can argue that the Cardinals are the most complete team in the league and that will show here against a Vikings team that can't seem to get the job done in big games.
Prediction: Arizona 30, Minnesota 23.
Sunday, December 13th
Tennessee Titans (3-9) vs New York Jets (7-5)- 1:00, CBS: Tennessee is coming off a nice home win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. New York is coming off a great come from behind overtime win against the other New York team, the Giants in which the Jets were the road team. The Jets need this win against a subpar Titans team if they want to secure one of the AFC Wild Card spots and I believe they'll get it.
Prediction: NY Jets 30, Tennessee 20.
San Francisco 49ers (4-8) vs Cleveland Browns (2-10)- 1:00, FOX: By all means, this on paper is the worst matchup of the season, let alone in week fourteen. San Francisco is coming off a nice overtime road win in Chicago against the Bears. Cleveland is coming off a disastrous home loss against the Cincinnati Bengals. Johnny Manziel is starting for the Browns and on the flip side, Blaine Gabbert is surprisingly playing well for the 49ers. I don't feel good about this pick at all, but give me the 9ers for their second straight considering the Browns may just be tanking at this point.
Prediction: San Francisco 23, Cleveland 20.
Washington Redskins (5-7) vs Chicago Bears (5-7)- 1:00, FOX: Washington is coming off a dreadful Monday Night loss against the Tony Romo-less Dallas Cowboys. Chicago is coming off a disappointing overtime home loss against the San Francisco 49ers. Considering how mediocre the NFC East is, it's a bigger game for the Bears than it is for the Redskins, so give me Jay Cutler and the Bears to bounce back here for a win.
Prediction: Chicago 26, Washington 23.
Buffalo Bills (6-6) vs Philadelphia Eagles (5-7)- 1:00, CBS: Buffalo is coming off a huge home win over the Houston Texans. Philadelphia is coming off a big time road win in Foxboro over the New England Patriots. This has Eagles letdown written all over it. Give me Tyrod Taylor and the Bills here to get the win thanks to a big game from former Eagle LeSean McCoy.
Prediction: Buffalo 31, Philadelphia 23.
Detroit Lions (4-8) vs St. Louis Rams (4-8)- 1:00, FOX: Detroit is coming off a heartbreaking home loss against the Green Bay Packers. St. Louis is coming off a dreadful home loss against the Arizona Cardinals. It seems like the Rams have quit on Jeff Fisher, so give me Matthew Stafford and the Lions to bounce back and get the road win.
Prediction: Detroit 27, St. Louis 17.
New Orleans Saints (4-8) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6)- 1:00, FOX: New Orleans is coming off a tough home loss against the undefeated Carolina Panthers. Tampa Bay is coming off a big home win over the Atlanta Falcons. Jameis Winston looks like the front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year and he'll carry his team to a win to put the Bucs over .500 for the first time this season.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 34, New Orleans 27.
Atlanta Falcons (6-6) vs Carolina Panthers (12-0)- 1:00, FOX: Atlanta is coming off a disappointing road loss in Tampa against the Buccaneers. Carolina is coming off a nice road win in New Orleans against the Saints in which their defense looked vulnerable in. Matt Ryan has been struggling badly of late for the Falcons, so expect the Panthers defense to take advantage of that and remain unbeaten for another week.
Prediction: Carolina 30, Atlanta 24.
Seattle Seahawks (7-5) vs Baltimore Ravens (4-8)- 1:00, FOX: This game was supposed to be a Sunday night game, but since the Ravens has been a disappointment this season and that Joe Flacco is out for the season, they flexed it to a day game. Seattle is coming off a huge road win in Minnesota against the Vikings. Baltimore is coming off a road loss in Miami against the Dolphins. Considering it's Matt Schaub starting for the Ravens, this his has blowout written all over it and the Seahawks are my lock of the week.
Prediction: Seattle 34, Baltimore 10.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) vs Cincinnati Bengals (10-2)- 1:00, CBS: Pittsburgh is coming off a big time Sunday night home win over the Indianapolis Colts. Cincinnati is coming off a nice road win in Cleveland against the Browns. The Bengals can clinch the AFC North with a win here and I believe they'll get it done here against a red hot Ben Rothlisberger and the Steelers.
Prediction: Cincinnati 24, Pittsburgh 20.
Indianapolis Colts (6-6) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8)- 1:00, CBS: Indianapolis is coming off a disastrous Sunday night road loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers in which Matt Hasselbeck hurt his rib and neck. Jacksonville is coming off a disappointing road loss in Nashville against the Titans. The Colts expect Hasselbeck to play, but I do not think he'll be 100%. Give me Blake Bortles and the Jaguars to pull out the win.
Prediction: Jacksonville 20, Indianapolis 17.
San Diego Chargers (3-9) vs Kansas City Chiefs (7-5)- 1:00, CBS: San Diego is coming off a dreadful home loss against the Denver Broncos. Kansas City is coming off a nice road win in Oakland against the Raiders. Give me the Chiefs to win their seventh straight game over a banged up Chargers team.
Prediction: Kansas City 30, San Diego 16.
Oakland Raiders (5-7) vs Denver Broncos (10-2)- 4:05, CBS: Oakland is coming off a disappointing home loss against the red hot Kansas City Chiefs. Denver is coming off a nice road win in San Diego against the Chargers. Brock Osweiler is doing a nice job at quarterback and he and the Broncos will get the job done at home over a Raider team that hasn't played well lately.
Prediction: Denver 30, Oakland 20.
Dallas Cowboys (4-8) vs Green Bay Packers (8-4)- 4:25, FOX: Dallas is coming off a Monday night road win in Landover over the Redskins. Green Bay is coming off a Thursday night road win in Detroit over the Lions in which it took a roughing the passer call against the Lions and a Hail Mary to get the win. I don't see Matt Cassell keeping up with Aaron Rodgers in this one, especially in Lambeau.
Prediction: Green Bay 34, Dallas 17.
New England Patriots (10-2) vs Houston Texans (6-6)- 8:30, NBC: New England is coming off a dreadful home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Houston is coming off a disappointing road loss in Orchard Park against the Bills. The Patriots might be banged up, but I have a feeling they bounce back here on Sunday Night Football and pick up a road win against a frisky Texans team.
Prediction: New England 31, Houston 23.
Monday, December 14th
New York Giants (5-7) vs Miami Dolphins (5-7)- 8:30, ESPN: New York is coming off yet another heartbreaking loss, but this time it came in overtime against the Jets in which Josh Brown missed a field goal in overtime to end the game. Miami is coming off a home win over the Joe Flacco-less Baltimore Ravens. The Giants need this game badly to let heir NFC East hopes alive after losing three straight and I think they'll win a close one in South Beach on Monday Night Football over a subpar Dolphins team.
Prediction: NY Giants 24, Miami 20.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
2015-16 College Football Bowl Schedule
Here is the 2015-16 College Football bowl schedule with announcers.
Bowl Schedule
12/19- Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Arizona vs New Mexico; 2:00, ESPN: Eamon McAnaney, Rocky Boiman, Laura Rutledge
12/19- Royal Purple Las Vegas: BYU vs Utah; 3:30, ABC: Brent Musburger, Jesse Palmer,Maria Taylor
12/19- Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Ohio vs Appalachian State; 5:30, ESPN: Dave Neal, Anthony Becht, Paul Carcaterra
12/19- Cure Bowl: San Jose State vs Georgia State; 7:00, CBSSN: Carter Blackburn, Aaron Taylor, Jenny Dell
12/19- R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State vs Louisiana Tech; 9:00, ESPN: Adam Amin, Kelly Stouffer, Dr. Jerry Punch
12/21- Miami Beach Bowl: Western Kentucky vs South Florida; 2:30, ESPN: Dave Lamont, Desmond Howard, Quint Kessenich
12/22- Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Akron vs Utah State; 3:30, ESPN: Mark Neely, Mike Bellotti, Kevin Weidl
12/22- Marmot Boca Raton Bowl: Toledo vs Temple; 7:00, ESPN: Allen Bestwick, Dan Hawkins, Tiffany Greene
12/23- San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Boise State vs Northern Illinois; 4:30, ESPN: Beth Mowins, David Diaz-Infante, Shelley Smith
12/23- GoDaddy Bowl: Georgia Southern vs Bowling Green; 8:00, ESPN: Tom Hart, Andre Ware, Laura Rutledge
12/24- Popeyes Bahamas Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs Western Michigan; 12:00, ESPN: Steve Levy, Mack Brown, Mark May, Kaylee Hartung
12/24- Hawaii Bowl: San Diego State vs Cincinnati; 8:00, ESPN: Adam Amin, Greg McElroy, Holly Rowe
12/26- St. Petersburg Bowl: Connecticut vs Marshall; 11:00AM, ESPN: Tom Hart, Anthony Becht, Tiffany Greene
12/26- Hyundai Sun Bowl: Miami vs Washington State; 2:00, CBS: Carter Blackburn, Gary Danielson, Allie LaForce
12/26- Zaxby's Heart Of Dallas Bowl: Washington vs Southern Miss; 2:20, ESPN: Mike Corey, Ahmad Brooks, Kayce Smith
12/26- New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Indiana vs Duke; 3:30, ABC: Rece Davis, Danny Kanell, Joey Galloway, Paul Carcaterra
12/26- Camping World Independence Bowl: Tulsa vs Virginia Tech; 5:45, ESPN: Dave Lamont, Ray Bentley, Jane Slater
12/26- Foster Farms Bowl: UCLA vs Nebraska; 9:15, ESPN: Jason Benetti, Rod Gilmore, Shelley Smith
12/28- Military Bowl: Pittsburgh vs Navy; 2:30, ESPN: Eamon McAnaney, Rocky Boiman, Quint Kessenich
12/28- Quick Lane Bowl: Central Michigan vs Minnesota; 5:00, ESPN2: Dave Neal, Matt
Stinchcomb, Kayce Smith
12/29- Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: California vs Air Force; 2:00, ESPN: Dave Flemming, Mike Bellotti, Allison Williams
12/29- Russell Athletic Bowl: North Carolina vs Baylor; 5:30, ESPN: Mike Patrick, Ed Cunningham, Dr. Jerry Punch
12/29- NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Nevada vs Colorado State; 7:30, ASN: Ron Thulin & Doug Chapman
12/29- AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl: LSU vs Texas Tech; 9:00, ESPN: Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer, David Pollack, Maria Taylor
12/30- Birmingham Bowl: Auburn vs Memphis; 12:00, ESPN: Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Paul Carcaterra
12/30- Belk Bowl: NC State vs Mississippi State; 3:30, ESPN: Clay Matvick, John Congemi, Dawn Davenport
12/30- Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl; Texas A&M vs Louisville; 7:00, ESPN: Tom Hart, Andre Ware, Laura Rutledge
12/30- Holiday Bowl: USC vs Wisconsin; 10:30, ESPN: Adam Amin, Kelly Stouffer, Olivia Harlan
12/31- Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl: Houston vs Florida State; 12:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Brian Griese, Tom Luginbill
12/31- Capital One Orange Bowl (College Football Playoff): Oklahoma vs Clemson; 4:00, ESPN: Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe
12/31- Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (College Football Playoff): Michigan State vs Alabama; 8:00, ESPN: Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Heather Cox
1/1- Outback Bowl: Northwestern vs Tennessee; 12:00, ESPN2: Mark Jones, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich
1/1- Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: Michigan vs Florida; 1:00, ABC: Mike Patrick, Ed Cunningham, Dr. Jerry Punch
1/1- BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl: Notre Dame vs Ohio State; 1:00, ESPN: Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman, Todd McShay
1/1- Rose Bowl: Stanford vs Iowa; 5:00, ESPN: Brent Musburger, Jesse Palmer, Maria Taylor
1/1- AllState Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma State vs Ole Miss; 8:30, ESPN: Bob Wischusen, Brock Huard, Shannon Spake
1/2- TaxSlayer Bowl: Penn State vs Georgia; 12:00, ESPN: Allen Bestwick, Dan Hawkins, Tiffany Greene
1/2- AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Kansas State vs Arkansas; 3:20, ESPN: Anish Shroff, Ahmad Brooks, Dawn Davenport
1/2- Valero Alamo Bowl: Oregon vs TCU; 6:45, ESPN: Dave Flemming, Mack Brown, Allison Williams
1/2- Motel 6 Cactus Bowl: West Virginia vs Arizona State; 10:15, ESPN: Dave Neal, Matt Stinchcomb, Kayce Smith
Bowl Schedule
12/19- Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Arizona vs New Mexico; 2:00, ESPN: Eamon McAnaney, Rocky Boiman, Laura Rutledge
12/19- Royal Purple Las Vegas: BYU vs Utah; 3:30, ABC: Brent Musburger, Jesse Palmer,Maria Taylor
12/19- Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Ohio vs Appalachian State; 5:30, ESPN: Dave Neal, Anthony Becht, Paul Carcaterra
12/19- Cure Bowl: San Jose State vs Georgia State; 7:00, CBSSN: Carter Blackburn, Aaron Taylor, Jenny Dell
12/19- R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Arkansas State vs Louisiana Tech; 9:00, ESPN: Adam Amin, Kelly Stouffer, Dr. Jerry Punch
12/21- Miami Beach Bowl: Western Kentucky vs South Florida; 2:30, ESPN: Dave Lamont, Desmond Howard, Quint Kessenich
12/22- Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Akron vs Utah State; 3:30, ESPN: Mark Neely, Mike Bellotti, Kevin Weidl
12/22- Marmot Boca Raton Bowl: Toledo vs Temple; 7:00, ESPN: Allen Bestwick, Dan Hawkins, Tiffany Greene
12/23- San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Boise State vs Northern Illinois; 4:30, ESPN: Beth Mowins, David Diaz-Infante, Shelley Smith
12/23- GoDaddy Bowl: Georgia Southern vs Bowling Green; 8:00, ESPN: Tom Hart, Andre Ware, Laura Rutledge
12/24- Popeyes Bahamas Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs Western Michigan; 12:00, ESPN: Steve Levy, Mack Brown, Mark May, Kaylee Hartung
12/24- Hawaii Bowl: San Diego State vs Cincinnati; 8:00, ESPN: Adam Amin, Greg McElroy, Holly Rowe
12/26- St. Petersburg Bowl: Connecticut vs Marshall; 11:00AM, ESPN: Tom Hart, Anthony Becht, Tiffany Greene
12/26- Hyundai Sun Bowl: Miami vs Washington State; 2:00, CBS: Carter Blackburn, Gary Danielson, Allie LaForce
12/26- Zaxby's Heart Of Dallas Bowl: Washington vs Southern Miss; 2:20, ESPN: Mike Corey, Ahmad Brooks, Kayce Smith
12/26- New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Indiana vs Duke; 3:30, ABC: Rece Davis, Danny Kanell, Joey Galloway, Paul Carcaterra
12/26- Camping World Independence Bowl: Tulsa vs Virginia Tech; 5:45, ESPN: Dave Lamont, Ray Bentley, Jane Slater
12/26- Foster Farms Bowl: UCLA vs Nebraska; 9:15, ESPN: Jason Benetti, Rod Gilmore, Shelley Smith
12/28- Military Bowl: Pittsburgh vs Navy; 2:30, ESPN: Eamon McAnaney, Rocky Boiman, Quint Kessenich
12/28- Quick Lane Bowl: Central Michigan vs Minnesota; 5:00, ESPN2: Dave Neal, Matt
Stinchcomb, Kayce Smith
12/29- Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: California vs Air Force; 2:00, ESPN: Dave Flemming, Mike Bellotti, Allison Williams
12/29- Russell Athletic Bowl: North Carolina vs Baylor; 5:30, ESPN: Mike Patrick, Ed Cunningham, Dr. Jerry Punch
12/29- NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Nevada vs Colorado State; 7:30, ASN: Ron Thulin & Doug Chapman
12/29- AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl: LSU vs Texas Tech; 9:00, ESPN: Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer, David Pollack, Maria Taylor
12/30- Birmingham Bowl: Auburn vs Memphis; 12:00, ESPN: Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Paul Carcaterra
12/30- Belk Bowl: NC State vs Mississippi State; 3:30, ESPN: Clay Matvick, John Congemi, Dawn Davenport
12/30- Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl; Texas A&M vs Louisville; 7:00, ESPN: Tom Hart, Andre Ware, Laura Rutledge
12/30- Holiday Bowl: USC vs Wisconsin; 10:30, ESPN: Adam Amin, Kelly Stouffer, Olivia Harlan
12/31- Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl: Houston vs Florida State; 12:00, ESPN: Dave Pasch, Brian Griese, Tom Luginbill
12/31- Capital One Orange Bowl (College Football Playoff): Oklahoma vs Clemson; 4:00, ESPN: Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe
12/31- Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (College Football Playoff): Michigan State vs Alabama; 8:00, ESPN: Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Heather Cox
1/1- Outback Bowl: Northwestern vs Tennessee; 12:00, ESPN2: Mark Jones, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich
1/1- Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: Michigan vs Florida; 1:00, ABC: Mike Patrick, Ed Cunningham, Dr. Jerry Punch
1/1- BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl: Notre Dame vs Ohio State; 1:00, ESPN: Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman, Todd McShay
1/1- Rose Bowl: Stanford vs Iowa; 5:00, ESPN: Brent Musburger, Jesse Palmer, Maria Taylor
1/1- AllState Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma State vs Ole Miss; 8:30, ESPN: Bob Wischusen, Brock Huard, Shannon Spake
1/2- TaxSlayer Bowl: Penn State vs Georgia; 12:00, ESPN: Allen Bestwick, Dan Hawkins, Tiffany Greene
1/2- AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Kansas State vs Arkansas; 3:20, ESPN: Anish Shroff, Ahmad Brooks, Dawn Davenport
1/2- Valero Alamo Bowl: Oregon vs TCU; 6:45, ESPN: Dave Flemming, Mack Brown, Allison Williams
1/2- Motel 6 Cactus Bowl: West Virginia vs Arizona State; 10:15, ESPN: Dave Neal, Matt Stinchcomb, Kayce Smith
Monday, December 7, 2015
Candidates to replace Ruffin McNeill as East Carolina head coach
A few days ago, East Carolina surprisingly fired head football coach Ruffin McNeill. Here are some candidates to replace McNeill as East Carolina head football coach.
1. Lincoln Riley, Offensive Coordinator, Oklahoma
2. P.J. Fleck, Head Coach, Western Michigan
3. Rod Carey, Head Coach, Northern Illinois
4. Jeff Brohm, Head Coach, Western Kentucky
1. Lincoln Riley, Offensive Coordinator, Oklahoma
2. P.J. Fleck, Head Coach, Western Michigan
3. Rod Carey, Head Coach, Northern Illinois
4. Jeff Brohm, Head Coach, Western Kentucky
Candidates to replace Bronco Mendenhall as BYU head coach
The other day, it was announced that Bronco Mendenhall had taken the Virginia head coaching job, replacing Mike London. Here are some candidates to replace Mendenhall as BYU head football coach.
1. Jay Hill, Head Coach, Weber State
2. Lance Anderson, Defensive Coordinator, Stanford
3. Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach, Utah
4. Robert Anae, Offensive Coordinator, BYU
5. Kalani Sitake, Defensive Coordinator, Oregon State
6. Ken Niumatalolo, Head Coach, Navy
1. Jay Hill, Head Coach, Weber State
2. Lance Anderson, Defensive Coordinator, Stanford
3. Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach, Utah
4. Robert Anae, Offensive Coordinator, BYU
5. Kalani Sitake, Defensive Coordinator, Oregon State
6. Ken Niumatalolo, Head Coach, Navy
Sunday, December 6, 2015
2015 College Football Final Bowl Projections
Here are my final bowl projections of the 2015 College Football season. The sixth and final College Football playoff standings will be released this afternoon.
College Football Playoff Projections
Capital One Orange Bowl- December 31st, 4:00 or 8:00, ESPN: (1) Clemson vs (4) Oklahoma
Goodyear Cotton Bowl- December 31st, 4:00 or 8:00, ESPN: (2) Alabama vs (3) Michigan State
New Years Six Projections
Peach Bowl- December 31st, 12:00, ESPN: Houston vs Ohio State
Fiesta Bowl- January 1st, 1:00, ESPN: Notre Dame vs Florida State
Rose Bowl- January 1st, 5:00, ESPN: Iowa vs Stanford
Sugar Bowl- January 1st, 8:30, ESPN: Ole Miss vs Oklahoma State
Rest of the Bowl Schedule
Gidlan New Mexico Bowl- December 19th, 2:00, ESPN: Louisiana Tech vs Utah State
College Football Playoff Projections
Capital One Orange Bowl- December 31st, 4:00 or 8:00, ESPN: (1) Clemson vs (4) Oklahoma
Goodyear Cotton Bowl- December 31st, 4:00 or 8:00, ESPN: (2) Alabama vs (3) Michigan State
New Years Six Projections
Peach Bowl- December 31st, 12:00, ESPN: Houston vs Ohio State
Fiesta Bowl- January 1st, 1:00, ESPN: Notre Dame vs Florida State
Rose Bowl- January 1st, 5:00, ESPN: Iowa vs Stanford
Sugar Bowl- January 1st, 8:30, ESPN: Ole Miss vs Oklahoma State
Rest of the Bowl Schedule
Gidlan New Mexico Bowl- December 19th, 2:00, ESPN: Louisiana Tech vs Utah State
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl- December 19th, 3:30, ABC: BYU vs UCLA
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl- December 19th, 5:30, ESPN: Toledo vs Georgia Southern
AutoNation Cure Bowl- December 19th, 7:00, CBSSN: Tulsa vs Georgia State
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl- December 19th, 9:00, ESPN: Akron vs Arkansas State
Miami Beach Bowl- December 21st, 2:30, ESPN: Navy vs Western Kentucky
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl- December 22nd, 3:30, ESPN: Northern Illinois vs New Mexico
Boca Raton Bowl- December 22nd, 7:00, ESPN: Memphis vs Central Michigan
San Diego County CU Poinsettia Bowl- December 23rd, 4:30, ESPN: Air Force vs Washington
GoDaddy Bowl- December 23rd, 8:00, ESPN: Bowling Green vs Appalachian State
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl- December 24th, 12:00, ESPN: Middle Tennessee vs Western Michigan
Hawaii Bowl- December 24th, 8:00, ESPN: South Florida vs Boise State
St. Petersburg Bowl- December 26th, 11:00AM, ESPN: Connecticut vs Marshall
Hyundai Sun Bowl- December 26th, 2:00, CBS: Duke vs Washington State
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl- December 26th, 2:20, ESPN: Ohio vs Southern Miss
New Era Pinstripe Bowl- December 26th, 3:30, ABC: Louisville vs Nebraska
Camping World Independence Bowl- December 26th, 5:45, ESPN: Arizona vs San Jose State
Foster Farms Bowl- December 26th, 9:15, ESPN: Utah vs Indiana
Military Bowl- December 28th, 2:30, ESPN2: Virginia Tech vs Temple
Quick Lane Bowl- December 28th, 5:00, ESPN: Nevada vs NC State
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl- December 29th, 2:00, ESPN: San Diego State vs Minnesota
Russell Athletic Bowl- December 29th, 5:30, ESPN: North Carolina vs Baylor
NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl- December 29th, 7:30, CBSSN: Arizona State vs Colorado State
AdvoCare 1000 Texas Bowl- December 29th, 9:00, ESPN: Mississippi State vs West Virginia
Birmingham Bowl- December 30th, 12:00, ESPN: Cincinnati vs Auburn
Belk Bowl- December 30th, 3:30, ESPN: Texas A&M vs Miami
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl- December 30th, 7:00, ESPN: Arkansas vs Penn State
National University Holiday Bowl- December 30th, 10:30, ESPN: USC vs Wisconsin
Outback Bowl- January 1st, 12:00, ESPN2: Michigan vs Georgia
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl- January 1st, 1:00, ABC: Ole Miss vs Northwestern
TaxSlayer Bowl- January 2nd, 12:00, ESPN: Tennessee vs Pittsburgh
AutoZone Liberty Bowl- January 2nd, 3:20, ESPN: Florida vs Texas Tech
Valero Alamo Bowl- January 2nd, 6:45, ESPN: TCU vs Oregon
Cactus Bowl- January 2nd, 10:45, ESPN: Kansas State vs California
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
2015 NFL Week 13 Picks
Here are my picks for week thirteen of the 2015 NFL season.
Thursday, December 3rd
Green Bay Packers (7-4) vs Detroit Lions (4-7)- 8:25, CBS/NFLN: Green Bay is coming off a very disappointing Thanksgiving night home loss against the Chicago Bears. Detroit is coming off an impressing Thanksgiving home win over the Philadelphia Eagles. This should be a fun division game although the Lions won at Lambeau a few weeks ago, I like Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to bounce back here and get the road win.
Prediction: Green Bay 34, Detroit 27.
Sunday, December 6th
New York Jets (6-5) vs New York Giants (5-6)- 1:00, CBS: The Jets are coming off a much needed home win over the Miami Dolphins. The Giants are coming off a disappointing loss in Landover against the Redskins in which they made it interesting late and had a chance to pull off a comeback win. The Giants have a banged up offensive line, but so do the Jets. The Jets secondary has very quietly not been very good of late and Odell Beckham Jr, who continues to make amazing catches, may be the best receiver in football and he and Eli Manning should take advantage of that and lead the Giants to a much needed win here.
Prediction: NY Giants 27, NY Jets 23.
Arizona Cardinals (9-2) vs St. Louis Rams (4-7)- 1:00, FOX: Arizona is coming off a road win in Santa Clara against the Niners. St. Louis is coming off a brutal road loss in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The Cardinals are well on there way to a division title and perhaps a first round bye and they should be able to beat the Rams, who have been playing very poor lately, although they did beat the Cards in Glendale earlier in the season.
Prediction: Arizona 30, St. Louis 20.
Atlanta Falcons (6-5) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)- 1:00, FOX: Atlanta is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Minnesota Vikings. Tampa Bay is coming off a disappointing loss in Indianapolis against the Colts. The Falcons have absolutely fallen apart and Matt Ryan is not playing well either, so expect the Bucs to bounce back this week at home to win.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 27, Atlanta 20.
Seattle Seahawks (6-5) vs Minnesota Vikings (8-3)- 1:00, FOX: Seattle is coming off a much needed home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Minnesota is coming off a big road win in Atlanta against the Falcons. The Seahawks' "Legion Of Boom" hasn't been very good this season and on the offensive end they lost Jimmy Graham for the season with a torn patellar tendon. Adrian Peterson has quietly inserted himself in the MVP conversation and he'll carry his team to another big win.
Prediction: Minnesota 30, Seattle 27.
Houston Texans (6-5) vs Buffalo Bills (5-6)- 1:00, CBS: Houston is coming off their fourth straight win, which came at the expense of the New Orleans Saints at home. Buffalo is coming off a tough road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs, which their offense looked decent. The Bills are home and they'll end the Texans's four game winning streak thanks to Tyrod Taylor and Company.
Prediction: Buffalo 26, Houston 20.
Baltimore Ravens (4-7) vs Miami Dolphins (4-7)- 1:00, CBS: Before the season, everyone had this penciled in as a game with playoff implications. Not so fast. Both teams are underachieving in different ways. Baltimore is coming off a crazy Monday night road win in Cleveland against the Browns, thanks to this kick six! Miami is coming off a dreadful loss in the Meadowlands against the Jets. Something tells me Matt Schaub costs the Ravens here (which he nearly did on Monday night) as the Dolphins get a home win.
Prediction: Miami 24, Baltimore 20.
Cincinnati Bengals (9-2) vs Cleveland Browns (2-9)- 1:00, CBS: Cincinnati is coming off a much needed bounce back win at home against the St. Louis Rams. Cleveland is coming off a Monday night home loss against the Ravens in which Josh McCown hurt his collarbone. The Bengals and Andy Dalton are always terrific in day games and that continues here as they get closer to a division title. Because of that, the Bengals are my lock of the week.
Prediction: Cincinnati 34, Cleveland 17.
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7) vs Tennessee Titans (2-9)- 1:00, CBS: Jacksonville is coming off a disappointing home loss against the San Diego Chargers. Tennessee is coming off a home loss against the Oakland Raiders. Blake Bortles has improved this season and he has some nice weapons around him as the Jags will get the road win in Nashville.
Prediction: Jacksonville 24, Tennessee 17.
San Francisco 49ers (3-8) vs Chicago Bears (5-6)- 1:00, FOX: San Francisco is coming off a home loss against the Arizona Cardinals. Chicago is coming off a big time road win at Lambeau on Thanksgiving night against the Green Bay Packers. The Bears are the better team here and Matt Forte is back from injury and Jay Cutler will get his team back to the .500 mark.
Prediction: Chicago 27, San Francisco 17.
Denver Broncos (9-2) vs San Diego Chargers (3-8)- 4:05, CBS: Denver is coming off a big time Sunday night overtime home win over the previously undefeated New England Patriots. San Diego is coming off a nice road win in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. There is letdown potential here with the Broncos, but I don't think so. They'll get closer to a division title here with a win.
Prediction: Denver 33, San Diego 20.
Kansas City Chiefs (6-5) vs Oakland Raiders (5-6)- 4:05, CBS: Kansas City is coming off a big home win over the Buffalo Bills to get back over .500 for the first time since starting 1-0. Oakland is coming off a road win in Nashville against the Titans. This has the makings of a classic trap game for the Chiefs, give me Derek Carr and the Raiders at home.
Prediction: Oakland 30, Kansas City 26.
Carolina Panthers (11-0) vs New Orleans Saints (4-7)- 4:25, FOX: Carolina is coming off a Thanksgiving road win in Arlington against the Cowboys. New Orleans is coming off a dreadful loss in Houston against the Texans. The Panthers offense has been on fire and they should take advantage of a putrid Saints defense and remain unbeaten.
Prediction: Carolina 36, New Orleans 23.
Philadelphia Eagles (4-7) vs New England Patriots (10-1)- 4:25, FOX: Philadelphia is coming off a dreadful loss on Thanksgiving in Detroit against the Lions. New England is coming off a tough overtime loss on Sunday night in Denver against the Broncos. Rob Gronkowski is week to week with a bruised right knee, but Tom Brady will find a way to win this game with limited weapons against this porous Eagles defense.
Prediction: New England 37, Philadelphia 20.
Indianapolis Colts (6-5) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)- 8:30, NBC: Indianapolis is coming off a big home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pittsburgh is coming off a disappointing road loss in Seattle against the Seahawks. Matt Hasselbeck has done a nice job filling in for the injured Andrew Luck, but I don't think the Colts defense can stop the Steelers offense and assuming Ben Rothlisberger plays, sans reports of him having a concussion, he should lead his team to a win.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 34, Indianapolis 24.
Monday, December 7th
Dallas Cowboys (3-8) vs Washington Redskins (5-6)- 8:30, ESPN: Dallas is coming off a terrible Thanksgiving home loss against the unbeaten Carolina Panthers, in which Tony Romo was lost for the season with a collarbone injury. Washington is coming off a big home win over the New York Giants to move within a tie for first place in the NFC East. The Redskins are a good home team and they'll win their sixth straight home game here over the Romo-less Cowboys.
Prediction: Washington 23, Dallas 17.
Thursday, December 3rd
Green Bay Packers (7-4) vs Detroit Lions (4-7)- 8:25, CBS/NFLN: Green Bay is coming off a very disappointing Thanksgiving night home loss against the Chicago Bears. Detroit is coming off an impressing Thanksgiving home win over the Philadelphia Eagles. This should be a fun division game although the Lions won at Lambeau a few weeks ago, I like Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to bounce back here and get the road win.
Prediction: Green Bay 34, Detroit 27.
Sunday, December 6th
New York Jets (6-5) vs New York Giants (5-6)- 1:00, CBS: The Jets are coming off a much needed home win over the Miami Dolphins. The Giants are coming off a disappointing loss in Landover against the Redskins in which they made it interesting late and had a chance to pull off a comeback win. The Giants have a banged up offensive line, but so do the Jets. The Jets secondary has very quietly not been very good of late and Odell Beckham Jr, who continues to make amazing catches, may be the best receiver in football and he and Eli Manning should take advantage of that and lead the Giants to a much needed win here.
Prediction: NY Giants 27, NY Jets 23.
Arizona Cardinals (9-2) vs St. Louis Rams (4-7)- 1:00, FOX: Arizona is coming off a road win in Santa Clara against the Niners. St. Louis is coming off a brutal road loss in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The Cardinals are well on there way to a division title and perhaps a first round bye and they should be able to beat the Rams, who have been playing very poor lately, although they did beat the Cards in Glendale earlier in the season.
Prediction: Arizona 30, St. Louis 20.
Atlanta Falcons (6-5) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)- 1:00, FOX: Atlanta is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Minnesota Vikings. Tampa Bay is coming off a disappointing loss in Indianapolis against the Colts. The Falcons have absolutely fallen apart and Matt Ryan is not playing well either, so expect the Bucs to bounce back this week at home to win.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 27, Atlanta 20.
Seattle Seahawks (6-5) vs Minnesota Vikings (8-3)- 1:00, FOX: Seattle is coming off a much needed home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Minnesota is coming off a big road win in Atlanta against the Falcons. The Seahawks' "Legion Of Boom" hasn't been very good this season and on the offensive end they lost Jimmy Graham for the season with a torn patellar tendon. Adrian Peterson has quietly inserted himself in the MVP conversation and he'll carry his team to another big win.
Prediction: Minnesota 30, Seattle 27.
Houston Texans (6-5) vs Buffalo Bills (5-6)- 1:00, CBS: Houston is coming off their fourth straight win, which came at the expense of the New Orleans Saints at home. Buffalo is coming off a tough road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs, which their offense looked decent. The Bills are home and they'll end the Texans's four game winning streak thanks to Tyrod Taylor and Company.
Prediction: Buffalo 26, Houston 20.
Baltimore Ravens (4-7) vs Miami Dolphins (4-7)- 1:00, CBS: Before the season, everyone had this penciled in as a game with playoff implications. Not so fast. Both teams are underachieving in different ways. Baltimore is coming off a crazy Monday night road win in Cleveland against the Browns, thanks to this kick six! Miami is coming off a dreadful loss in the Meadowlands against the Jets. Something tells me Matt Schaub costs the Ravens here (which he nearly did on Monday night) as the Dolphins get a home win.
Prediction: Miami 24, Baltimore 20.
Cincinnati Bengals (9-2) vs Cleveland Browns (2-9)- 1:00, CBS: Cincinnati is coming off a much needed bounce back win at home against the St. Louis Rams. Cleveland is coming off a Monday night home loss against the Ravens in which Josh McCown hurt his collarbone. The Bengals and Andy Dalton are always terrific in day games and that continues here as they get closer to a division title. Because of that, the Bengals are my lock of the week.
Prediction: Cincinnati 34, Cleveland 17.
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7) vs Tennessee Titans (2-9)- 1:00, CBS: Jacksonville is coming off a disappointing home loss against the San Diego Chargers. Tennessee is coming off a home loss against the Oakland Raiders. Blake Bortles has improved this season and he has some nice weapons around him as the Jags will get the road win in Nashville.
Prediction: Jacksonville 24, Tennessee 17.
San Francisco 49ers (3-8) vs Chicago Bears (5-6)- 1:00, FOX: San Francisco is coming off a home loss against the Arizona Cardinals. Chicago is coming off a big time road win at Lambeau on Thanksgiving night against the Green Bay Packers. The Bears are the better team here and Matt Forte is back from injury and Jay Cutler will get his team back to the .500 mark.
Prediction: Chicago 27, San Francisco 17.
Denver Broncos (9-2) vs San Diego Chargers (3-8)- 4:05, CBS: Denver is coming off a big time Sunday night overtime home win over the previously undefeated New England Patriots. San Diego is coming off a nice road win in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. There is letdown potential here with the Broncos, but I don't think so. They'll get closer to a division title here with a win.
Prediction: Denver 33, San Diego 20.
Kansas City Chiefs (6-5) vs Oakland Raiders (5-6)- 4:05, CBS: Kansas City is coming off a big home win over the Buffalo Bills to get back over .500 for the first time since starting 1-0. Oakland is coming off a road win in Nashville against the Titans. This has the makings of a classic trap game for the Chiefs, give me Derek Carr and the Raiders at home.
Prediction: Oakland 30, Kansas City 26.
Carolina Panthers (11-0) vs New Orleans Saints (4-7)- 4:25, FOX: Carolina is coming off a Thanksgiving road win in Arlington against the Cowboys. New Orleans is coming off a dreadful loss in Houston against the Texans. The Panthers offense has been on fire and they should take advantage of a putrid Saints defense and remain unbeaten.
Prediction: Carolina 36, New Orleans 23.
Philadelphia Eagles (4-7) vs New England Patriots (10-1)- 4:25, FOX: Philadelphia is coming off a dreadful loss on Thanksgiving in Detroit against the Lions. New England is coming off a tough overtime loss on Sunday night in Denver against the Broncos. Rob Gronkowski is week to week with a bruised right knee, but Tom Brady will find a way to win this game with limited weapons against this porous Eagles defense.
Prediction: New England 37, Philadelphia 20.
Indianapolis Colts (6-5) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)- 8:30, NBC: Indianapolis is coming off a big home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pittsburgh is coming off a disappointing road loss in Seattle against the Seahawks. Matt Hasselbeck has done a nice job filling in for the injured Andrew Luck, but I don't think the Colts defense can stop the Steelers offense and assuming Ben Rothlisberger plays, sans reports of him having a concussion, he should lead his team to a win.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 34, Indianapolis 24.
Monday, December 7th
Dallas Cowboys (3-8) vs Washington Redskins (5-6)- 8:30, ESPN: Dallas is coming off a terrible Thanksgiving home loss against the unbeaten Carolina Panthers, in which Tony Romo was lost for the season with a collarbone injury. Washington is coming off a big home win over the New York Giants to move within a tie for first place in the NFC East. The Redskins are a good home team and they'll win their sixth straight home game here over the Romo-less Cowboys.
Prediction: Washington 23, Dallas 17.
2015 College Football Week 14 Bowl Projections
Here are my bowl projections for week fourteen of the College Football season. The fifth College Football playoff standings will be released later tonight.
College Football Playoff Projections
Capital One Orange Bowl- December 31st, 4:00 or 8:00, ESPN: (1) Clemson vs (4) Michigan State
Goodyear Cotton Bowl- December 31st, 4:00 or 8:00, ESPN: (2) Alabama vs (3) Oklahoma
New Years Six Projections
Peach Bowl- December 31st, 12:00, ESPN: North Carolina vs Ohio State
Fiesta Bowl- January 1st, 1:00, ESPN: Notre Dame vs Houston
Rose Bowl- January 1st, 5:00, ESPN: Iowa vs Stanford
Sugar Bowl- January 1st, 8:30, ESPN: Florida vs Oklahoma State
Rest of the Bowl Schedule
College Football Playoff Projections
Capital One Orange Bowl- December 31st, 4:00 or 8:00, ESPN: (1) Clemson vs (4) Michigan State
Goodyear Cotton Bowl- December 31st, 4:00 or 8:00, ESPN: (2) Alabama vs (3) Oklahoma
New Years Six Projections
Peach Bowl- December 31st, 12:00, ESPN: North Carolina vs Ohio State
Fiesta Bowl- January 1st, 1:00, ESPN: Notre Dame vs Houston
Rose Bowl- January 1st, 5:00, ESPN: Iowa vs Stanford
Sugar Bowl- January 1st, 8:30, ESPN: Florida vs Oklahoma State
Rest of the Bowl Schedule
Gidlan New Mexico Bowl- December 19th, 2:00, ESPN: Middle Tennessee vs New Mexico
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl- December 19th, 3:30, ABC: San Diego State vs UCLA
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl- December 19th, 5:30, ESPN: Toledo vs Georgia Southern
AutoNation Cure Bowl- December 19th, 7:00, CBSSN: Tulsa vs Central Michigan
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl- December 19th, 9:00, ESPN: Rice vs Arkansas State
Miami Beach Bowl- December 21st, 2:30, ESPN: Temple vs Western Kentucky
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl- December 22nd, 3:30, ESPN: Bowling Green vs Colorado State
Boca Raton Bowl- December 22nd, 7:00, ESPN: Memphis vs Western Michigan
San Diego County CU Poinsettia Bowl- December 23rd, 4:30, ESPN: Boise State vs Washington
GoDaddy Bowl- December 23rd, 8:00, ESPN: Northern Illinois vs Appalachian State
Popeyes Bahamas Bowl- December 24th, 12:00, ESPN: Southern Miss vs Ohio
Hawaii Bowl- December 24th, 8:00, ESPN: South Florida vs BYU
St. Petersburg Bowl- December 26th, 11:00AM, ESPN: Connecticut vs Louisiana Tech
Hyundai Sun Bowl- December 26th, 2:00, CBS: North Carolina State vs Washington State
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl- December 26th, 2:20, ESPN: Akron vs Marshall
New Era Pinstripe Bowl- December 26th, 3:30, ABC: Louisville vs Minnesota
Camping World Independence Bowl- December 26th, 5:45, ESPN: Arizona State vs Utah State
Foster Farms Bowl- December 26th, 9:15, ESPN: Utah vs Indiana
Military Bowl- December 28th, 2:30, ESPN2: Virginia Tech vs Navy
Quick Lane Bowl- December 28th, 5:00, ESPN: Illinois vs Duke
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl- December 29th, 2:00, ESPN: Air Force vs Nebraska
Russell Athletic Bowl- December 29th, 5:30, ESPN: Florida State vs TCU
NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl- December 29th, 7:30, CBSSN: Arizona vs Nevada
AdvoCare 1000 Texas Bowl- December 29th, 9:00, ESPN: Arkansas vs West Virginia
Birmingham Bowl- December 30th, 12:00, ESPN: Cincinnati vs Auburn
Belk Bowl- December 30th, 3:30, ESPN: Tennessee vs Pittsburgh
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl- December 30th, 7:00, ESPN: Mississippi State vs Penn State
National University Holiday Bowl- December 30th, 10:30, ESPN: USC vs Wisconsin
Outback Bowl- January 1st, 12:00, ESPN2: Michigan vs Texas A&M
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl- January 1st, 1:00, ABC: Ole Miss vs Northwestern
TaxSlayer Bowl- January 2nd, 12:00, ESPN: Georgia vs Miami (FL)
AutoZone Liberty Bowl- January 2nd, 3:20, ESPN: LSU vs Texas Tech
Valero Alamo Bowl- January 2nd, 6:45, ESPN: Baylor vs Oregon
Cactus Bowl- January 2nd, 10:45, ESPN: Kansas State vs California
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)