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  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
  • Fantasy Hipsters
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
    • Reception Perception: Why there will never be a cumulative or overall grade
    • Reception Perception: The changing variables for Torrey Smith point to a rebound
    • Reception Perception: 2016 media appearances
    • Reception Perception: Rashard Higgins - never tell me the odds
    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
    • Reception Perception: Golden Tate won't be able to replace Calvin Johnson
    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
  • Matt Harmon's in-season film review blog
  • Bio Page
  • Harmon's Fantasy Football Tiered Rankings
  • The Backyard Banter Quarterback Typology
  • Analyzing the Landing Spots for the First Round Wide Recievers
  • Reception Perception
    • Reception Perception: Cordarrelle Patterson and a Developing Story
    • Reception Perception: Jordy Nelson and Mastering the Little Things
  • Ramblings
    • Rebuilding a broken house: losing weight, changing my lifestyle and never looking back
    • Fighting through negativity bias and a wide receiver's drops
    • Saying Goodbye to Dixie
    • The #FreeAustinTice Campaign
    • My Reaction to Adrian Peterson and The Cycle of Abuse
    • Steve Smith: A Lesson in the Dangers of Emotional Football
    • The Arizona Cardinals Will Make the Playoffs
    • The Redskins Better Not Blow This Thing Up
    • The Commodification of NFL Players
    • Digging Deeper: Why Josh Freeman Failed with the Buccaneers
    • The Fall of Aaron Hernandez and the Patriot Way
    • Washington Redskins Injury Concerns
    • Carolina Panther's Draft Bungles
    • Stubbornness the Silent Coaching Killer
  • The Fantasy Gameplan Podcast
  • Draft Class Jersey Number Grades
  • The Eye in the Sky
    • The Eye in the Sky: The St. Louis Rams Should Commit to Sam Bradford for 2014
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why the Cardinals Struggle Against Tight Ends
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Mike Brown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Brandon Bostick
    • The Eye in the Sky: E.J. Manuel's Improvement All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why Defending the Colts Offense is too Easy All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Picking Apart the Jets Defense All-22 Breakdown
    • Eye in the Sky: Texans vs. Chiefs (Week Seven) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Redskins vs. Cowboys (Week Six) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Panthers vs. Cardinals (Week Five) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Colts vs. Seahawks (Week Five)
  • 2014 Free Agent Profiles
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  • BYOB Forums (Bring Your Own Banter)
  • 2014 NFL Free Agency Position Breakdowns
    • 2014 Quarterback Free Agent Breakdown
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    • 2014 Tight End Free Agent Rankings
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  • 2014 NFL Draft Content
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 75)
    • 2014 Tiered Colored Position Board
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 32)
    • 2014 NFL Draft Top 10 Quarterback Ranking
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    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Post Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Pre Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Top 10 Ranking
  • Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down
    • April 27th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 13th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 6th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • March 30th Sunday Morning Coming Down
  • 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seventeen 2013 Power Rankings
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    • 2013 Season Preview Edition/Week One
  • 2013 Weekly NFL Previews
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    • Week Sixteen NFL Preview
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  • Week in Review 2013
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  • The 2013 All-Surprise Teams
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My Week 16 NFL Picks

Atlanta Falcons (12-2) at Detroit Lions (4-10)

Falcons Breakdown:

            This game probably isn’t much of a push. The Falcons need to continue to show that they are a dominant team and easily putting away this struggling Lions team would be a nice way to do that. The Falcons have to stay motivated by the perceived “disrespect” being given to them.

Lions Breakdown:

            The Lions look like they have given up and that does not bode well for a team many perceived as undisciplined anyways. Of course with the Lions, they are talented and could put together a nice performance at any time. However, they have not shown anything recently and I would expect that to continue.

Matchup to Watch: Calvin Johnson vs. Falcons secondary

            Getting Calvin Johnson the single season receiving yardage record, this seems to be all Detroit cares about anymore. They do not have much else to play for so I see no reason for them to change that game plan. Falcon’s defense coordinator has had a tremendous year with these guys, especially defending the pass. Let’s see if he can continue that against Megatron.

My Pick:

            I expect the Falcons to win, but I would not be too surprised if it is closer than many believe. Maybe I am giving the Lions too much credit, or not enough for the Falcons.

  

New Orleans Saints (6-8) at Dallas Cowboys (8-6)


Saints Breakdown:

            The Saints played what was probably their most complete game in shutting out the Bucs last week. It would be a good progress sign if they could come out and put together another nice defensive performance. I would expect to see Drew Brees build on an impressive performance from last week.

Cowboys Breakdown:

            The Cowboys are coming off their best win since probably the season opener. They know they are fighting for their playoff lives here so I expect them to come out strong here. Their defense had some very encouraging moments against the Steelers and they should look to build upon that.

Matchup to Watch: Tony Romo vs. The Saints defense

            Romo has played very well of late and if he goes out and has a good showing here, against a poor Saints defense, maybe the public would start to take notice. Dez Bryant did not seem to carry much ill effect of the finger injury and that is good because the Cowboys surely need him.

My Pick:

            I think the Cowboys know what is at stake here, and I actually expect them to respond well. It would certainly set up an important and exciting matchup in week 17 against Washington. I do not feel comfortable with it at all, but I think the Cowboys sneak out a victory here.

  

Oakland Raiders (4-10) at Carolina Panthers (5-9)

Raiders Breakdown:

            The Raiders are coming off of a win for the first time in a long time, but they only managed to score field goals. The will need to actually find the end zone this week. It is encouraging for them that they finally got Darren McFadden going last week. He topped 100 yards and looked comfortable for the first time all year. They need that to happen again.

Panthers Breakdown:

            The Panthers have been playing hot lately, and are in good position to get another win here. They rush the passer well and Oakland does not have much in the way of an offensive line. Cam Newton is also clicking right now, and should take advantage of a putrid Oakland secondary.

Matchup to Watch: The “Pryor Package” vs. the Panther’s defense

            Raider’s coach Dennis Allen hinted that we could see quarterback Terrelle Pryor take more snaps as the season comes to an end and I discussed in the Power Rankings why that is probably a good thing. It should be interesting to watch him against a defense in Carolina that has played well of late.

My Pick:

            I expect to see the Panthers continue their recent little hot steak against the hapless Raiders. It is just unfortunate that Carolina could not play this way sooner.   

  

Tennessee Titans (5-9) at Green Bay Packers (10-4)*

Titans Breakdown:

            The Titans barely got away from the Jets in that horrific Monday night game, so I do not expect them to prevail here. Interesting stat I heard on Chris Johnson: he finished the fewest yard for a running back that ran for a run over 90 yards in a game. Pretty telling that this team will require a big play like that to win again.

Packers Breakdown:

            The Packers are clicking, but they better not get caught sleeping here. They still need to secure playoff positioning. I expect they will use this game to throttle and inferior opponent and put the NFC on notice.

Matchup to Watch: Jake Locker vs. Packers defense

            This has not been the development year that the Titans have hoped for Locker. Much of that can be blamed on his extensive injuries; however, they would probably like to see him close out this season strong. This Packers defense is getting healthier, so it will be interesting watch Locker’s performance.

My Pick:

            I am expecting the Packers to win pretty big here. Book it.

  

Buffalo Bills (5-9) at Miami Dolphins (6-8)

Bills Breakdown:

            The Bills are coming off of an embarrassing loss to the Seahawks, and they are in the midst of yet another mediocre season. The best thing to say about the Bills right now is that they are being forced to give the ball to their most dynamic weapon in CJ Spiller due to injuries, pretty sad.

Dolphins Breakdown:

            The Dolphins are coming off of a big win against Jacksonville and beating a divisional opponent to close the season would be a nice statement. This is also an opportunity to have Ryan Tannehill to show continued improvement.

Matchup to Watch: Tannehill’s read option vs. Bills’ defense

            The rookie QB was effective in playing out of this scheme for the first time all season. The Bills were horrible in defending against it when they faced Seattle last week. There you have it.

My Pick:

            The Dolphins are a young team that is trending upward. The Bills are a disappointing team trending downward. I expect the Dolphins to come out on top.


  

Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)

Bengals Breakdown:

            Most know my feelings on the Bengals; decent team that beats up on bad teams but loses to the good ones. This is their big test. Even though the Steelers are not what they once were, the Bengals can make a statement by beating their rivals here.

Steelers Breakdown:

            Pittsburgh is getting bashed left and right currently. Because of this I expect them to come out swinging here. This is a chance for them to right their season and start a run to make it into the postseason. This team is limping, but I expect Ben and company to make this interesting.

Matchup to Watch: Bengals’ pass rush vs. Steelers o-line

            Injuries and ineffectiveness have wrecked the development of the Steelers new look offensive line. The Bengals pass rush, led by stellar DT Geno Atkins and the improving Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunalp, is amongst the best kept secrets in the league. These guys are young and relentless and they could be the difference in this game.

My Pick:

            I won’t believe in the Bengals until I see them beat one of their archrivals (no Cleveland doesn’t count). The Steelers come out and show the NFL they aren’t dead just yet.

  

New England Patriots (10-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12)

Patriots Breakdown:

            The Patriots have to be heated after getting shown up by the Niners on Sunday night football. Get ready for a good old-fashioned New England butt kicking.

Jaguars Breakdown:

            The Jags stink, and they do not have much to play for. I expect them to get killed here.

Matchup to Watch: Stevan Ridley’s touches

            Ok that is not really a “match up”, but we saw Stevan Ridley phased out last year when he developed a fumbling problem, and we saw that happen again last week. This year the Patriots are counting on Ridley and he needs to correct this issue, or else.

My Pick:

            Patriots in a blowout and this should be over by half time, if not sooner.

  

Indianapolis Colts (9-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-12)

Colts Breakdown:

            I have questioned how good the Colts really are, but they can show me something by blowing out the Chiefs this week. Good teams go on the road and win convincingly over the slums of the league like Kansas City. Lets find out if the Colts are worthy.

Chiefs Breakdown:

            The Chiefs seem to be right back to normal ever since their emotional victory over Carolina two weeks ago. They do not have much to play for, and amid reports that Pioli and Romeo Crennel have already been told they will not return next year I can’t see this team putting forth much effort in this contest.

Matchup to Watch: Colt’s running backs vs. the Chief’s defensive front

            IF the Chiefs have done anything right this year, its been their front seven. Dontari Poe has anchored well at times, while the linebackers have been playmakers. For the Colts you would like to see this running game take a step forward, because they will need it in the playoffs.

My Pick:

            Only a fool would pick the Chiefs. Andrew Luck should come out and show everyone that he is capable of having a turnover free outing.

  

Washington Redskins (8-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-10)

Redskins Breakdown:

            Everything seems to be clicking for the Skins right now. This team has the looks of a squad that believes in itself and could run the table and get into the playoffs. They are getting hot at the right time and I am sure if RG3 plays this week he be motivated and really want to make everyone forget about Kirk Cousins.

Eagles Breakdown:

            The Eagles get LeSean McCoy back this week, but I am not sure that will make much difference. This team is still not very good and I do not see them being able to slow the Skins down. There only hope is that Nick Foles plays like he did in their win against Tampa Bay.

Matchup to Watch: Ryan Kerrigan vs. the Eagles’ offensive tackles

            Kerrigan has slumped a little in his second year, most likely because he does not have Brian Orakpo to take attention off of him. He has picked up his play of late, and helped Rob Jackson emerge as well. It would be great to see him dominate this weak Philly front line in the weeks prior to the playoffs.

My Pick:

            It will not be the domination we saw last month, but I still expect Washington to topple the Eagles.

  

St. Louis Rams (6-7-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8)


Rams Breakdown:

            The Rams didn’t put out a great game against the Vikings, especially defensively. However, this could be an opportunity to get well here, as I will detail later how one of their greatest strengths is Tampa Bay’s weakness.

Buccaneers Breakdown:

            The Bucs have taken a big nosedive from being a fringe playoff team, to losers of four straight. Josh Freeman especially has regressed from earlier in the year. I do not expect him to trend upward here either.

Matchup to Watch: Rams’ defensive line vs. Bucs o-line

         The Rams have a stout, young, and relentless defensive line. They can really get after the passer especially well. The Buccaneers offensive line on the other hand is riddled with injuries and the pass protection has suffered as a result. This is a huge mismatch in favor of the Rams.

My Pick:

            This game is tough to call as both teams feel middle of the road to me. However, Tampa has such bad mojo these days that I cannot pick them in this game. I expect the Rams to come away with a win.

  

Minnesota Vikings (8-6) at Houston Texans (12-2)

Vikings Breakdown:

            Its AP or bust for these guys. Good thing he is playing at an otherworldly level or they may be in trouble. Naturally I don’t expect much out of Christian Ponder so Peterson will need to bust a few big runs if these guys hope to win.

Texans Breakdown:

            The Texans can get closer to the top seed in the AFC with a win here so expect their A-game. JJ Watt needs 3.5 sacks to break the sack record and it is quite possible that he could get it in this game.

Matchup to Watch: Adrian Peterson vs. JJ Watt

            Both of these guys are having all time great seasons and are approaching record numbers. They could actually cancel each other out here in this game a little. The Texans are fifth against the run so it they could be the ones to finally put the clamps on Peterson, and the Vikings run so much that Watt may not have enough pass rush chances. These guys are phenomenal though so they could both conceivably still dominate.

My Pick:

            I am picking the Texans, but if AP gets going and has another dominating game, the Vikings could surprise.

  

San Diego Chargers (5-9) at New York Jets (6-8)

Chargers Breakdown:

            Not much to see here. San Diego has clearly packed it in after watching their lack of effort against Carolina last week.

Jets Breakdown:

            Greg McElroy gets his chance to show he can play. I expect a conservative game plan from the Jets here, but I also do not expect McElroy to turn the ball over left and right like another Jets QB was.

Matchup to Watch: Greg McElroy vs. Chargers defense

            I know I am hammering on him here, but it should be emphasized what a huge opportunity this is for McElroy. If he plays well here he can prove that he is a strong number two QB going forward. Doing so pretty much sets him for life.

My Pick:

            I am actually going to pick the Jets here. The Chargers do not have much to play for and neither do the Jets, but I expect McElroy to come out hungry in this matchup.

  
Cleveland Browns (5-9) at Denver Broncos (11-3)

Browns Breakdown:

            The Browns loss against the Redskins was very disconcerting. Up to that point they had been playing well, so perhaps they can recapture some momentum. Trent Richardson could have a nice game, but I cant imagine Cleveland being too competitive in this.

Broncos Breakdown:

            Everything is going right for Denver and they certainly look like a super bowl favorite. The emergence of Knowshon Moreno had made Peyton Manning almost seem like an after thought, but I am sure Manning is licking his chops after watching a rookie backup tear up this Browns team.

Matchup to Watch: Knowshon Moreno vs. Browns defense

            Moreno has come on very strong and it has completely shocked me because he has been terrible prior to this. Given he gets a ton of carries and everyone wants to stop Peyton Manning first and foremost. I am excited to watch him against this stop unit.

My Pick:

            Peyton Manning good, Browns bad. Broncos win easily.

  

New York Giants (8-6) at Baltimore Ravens (9-5)

Giants Breakdown:

            Everyone knows the narrative on the Giants and this should be time of the year when they actually start to play well. They better, because if they lose this week they can probably kiss the post-season good bye. This would be a good week to get rookie David Wilson going, as the Ravens have been less than stellar against the run all year.

Ravens Breakdown:

            The Ravens have been playing like hot garbage for three weeks now and their changing coordinators did not help the offense. They need to run the ball with Ray Rice and they may actually be a good team again by doing so. Flacco needs the pressure taken off of him, like…yesterday.

Matchup to Watch: Joe Flacco vs. the Giants pass rush

            Call it a competition of two underperformers. The Giants pass rush was supposed to be a thing of legends, but it has really fallen off a cliff. Flacco seems to be at his best when he has a clean pocket to scan the fields and make good decisions. It would also help his receivers, who cannot separate from man coverage to save their lives. Lets see which underperformer corrects their ails this week.

My Pick:

            I have learned not to go against the Giants late in the season, but they are really pushing it this year. I am picking them here, but I wouldn’t hitch my wagon to either of these teams.

  

Chicago Bears (8-6) at Arizona Cardinals (5-9)

Bears Breakdown:

            This could be the get-well game the Bears need. They have to win here because their playoff hopes are fading fast. We know their offensive line will let them down, but this could be the game that their defense gets back to standards.

Cardinals Breakdown:

            I am calling that win last week a fluke. There is no reason to believe they can expect Beanie Wells to score three times again, and without that they probably don’t win. Do any of you expect Ryan Lindely to play well? Didn’t think so.

Matchup to Watch: Both d-lines against both o-lines

            These may be the two worst offensive lines in the league, and both defenses are littered with studs. We could see about ten sacks between these two teams this week.

My Pick:

            I expect the Bears to get right in this game. I also think the Cardinals are pitiful. Should be fun to watch!

  

San Francisco 49ers (10-3-1) at Seattle Seahawks (9-5)*

49ers Breakdown:

            Colin Kaepernick is awesome. When was the last time we have seen a 49ers quarterback throwing for four touchdowns? With this kid the sky is the limit for this team, but he will face stiff test against this defense (depending 0n suspensions).

Seahawks Breakdown:

            Russell Wilson is also awesome. He hasn’t had a bad game since midseason and he is also improving every week. Marshawn Lynch is also averaging a RIDICULOUS 11.5 yards per carry these last two weeks. This team can now win on the back of its offense along with a stud defense.

Matchup to Watch: Colin Kaepernick vs. Seahawks secondary

            This is mostly due to the fact that we do not know what the secondary for Seattle will look like. They are already without Brandon Browner and if Richard Sherman loses his suspension appeal he could miss this game as well. If he is out Kaepernick could make some serious noise and it could change the complexion of this game. Missing two studs would be hard for this secondary.

My Pick:

            I love both of these teams, and how they are playing and neither would shock me if they went to the super bowl. I am picking Seattle because they are at home and are riding high, but if Sherman is out I wont be shocked if the Niners win.

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