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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
    • 2014 Running Back Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Fullback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Wide Receiver Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Tight End Free Agent Rankings
    • 2014 Offensive Tackle Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Guard Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Center Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Interior Defensive Lineman Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Edge Player Free Agent Breakdown
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    • 2014 Specialist Free Agent Breakdown
  • 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
    • 2014 NFL Draft Running Back Top 10 Ranking
    • 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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    • Week Seventeen in Review
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  • 2013 Team Record Predictions
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  • The 2013 All-Surprise Teams
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  • NFL Player Rankings (2013)
    • Top 10 NFL Quarterback Rankings
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Week 17 Picks

New York Jets (6-9) at Buffalo Bills (5-10)

Jets Breakdown:

            Well just when you feel like its all better, Mark Sanchez is starting for you again. I don’t have much to say about the Jets, but this could be an important game for some Jets players. A house cleaning is likely coming for this team, and players likely need to show their value in this game.

Bills Breakdown:

            I feel about the same way I do for the Bills as I felt about the Jets. This team could also benefit from playing a good game, but in the grand scheme of things, this operation needs to be blown up as well. One win probably will not matter much.

Matchup to Watch: Mario Williams vs. Austin Howard

             In this matchup we can watch a glaring error be exploited by a guy who made a huge error. I am sure Mario Williams is surely regretting coming to Buffalo after another dreadful year, but it’s the Bills what did he expect? He has had a decent year, but not dominant. Looks more and more like he chased the money and not wins.

My Pick:

            I hate pick this game, because neither team is worth putting any confidence in. in the end, I just cant imagine a post-benching Sanchez coming back with confidence to lead his team to a win. Bills win, I guess.

  


Baltimore Ravens (10-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)

Ravens Breakdown:

            The Ravens showed us their full potential when they throttled the Giants last week. The question is if they come back to Earth here against the interdivision rival Bengals. I question whether either team will care much about this game because they are probably locked in playoff seeding-wise, but I think they Ravens should fight hard and ride some momentum.

Bengals Breakdown:

            The Bengals are locked in to the sixth seed as well, but they too should fight hard in this game. Beating their other big rival will show that they are a force to be reckoned with. As in most situations, I think momentum is important. The Bengals should play their guys and play hard.

Matchup to Watch: Joe Flacco vs. Bengals Defensive line

            Watching Flacco it is easy to see he is at his weakest when there are a lot of bodies around him and he is being pressured.  Not many teams rush the passer like the Bengals, and Flacco could stumble after a strong game last week if the Bengals put heat on him.

My Pick:

            This is a tough game to call because, as I said, I am not sure how much these teams care about this game. In the end, I actually think the Bengals biggest strength is their front seven on defense and that could cause a lot of problems for the Ravens. I will pick the Bengals, but its well known I am not comfortable with these guys.

  


Cleveland Browns (5-10) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8)

Browns Breakdown:

            With the news that third-string quarterback Thaddeus Lewis will start on Sunday it hard to get behind the Browns at all in this matchup. Lewis has not seen any regular season action in the NFL so it hard to know much about him. He also will not benefit from the presence of Trent Richardson, who is also not expected to play.

Steelers Breakdown:

            The Steelers have to be kicking themselves as they are out of the postseason. They frankly did not deserve it this year, as they have not been a consistent squad. I think they come out angry in this matchup and look to end the year on a high note.

Matchup to Watch: Browns backups vs. Steelers defense

            The Browns are headed for another retooling in the offseason. A new set of decision makers need some valuable tape out of guys like Lewis and Montario Hardesty to make decisions on their future. If these two put up good performances they could stick with the new owner. On the Steelers side, their defense needs to given a shot of youth in the offseason. If any of these older guys want to stick they should play well here.

My Pick:

            I am picking the Steelers. Maybe if the Browns were healthier they could challenge a defeated Steelers squad, but alas injuries to Weeden and Richardson are probably too much to overcome.       

  


Houston Texans (12-3) at Indianapolis Colts (10-5)

Texans Breakdown:

            The Texans have home field and the number one seed in the AFC playoffs at stake here. They also need a get-well game after losing to inferior Minnesota last week. They have a lot to play for here and should be motivated to show they are still a super bowl contender.

Colts Breakdown:

            The Colts on the other hand, don’t have much to play for. They are locked into the fifth seed. However, so much of the Colts run has been on momentum and CHUCKSTRONG emotion they would be wise to ride it. Newly returned head coach Chuck Pagano has indicated they have no plans to roll over here.

Matchup to Watch: Arian Foster vs. Colts defense

            The Colts were epically bad at stopping the Chiefs running game last week. Conversely, the Texans star running back had to leave the game last week due to an irregular heartbeat. Foster said it was a minor situation and he is fine going forward. I hope to see him make a statement.

My Pick:

            I think the Texans win here. The y are probably the better team but I am sure they know they are not a perfect, and would like to have a home field advantage on their side in the playoffs.

  


Jacksonville Jaguars (2-13) at Tennessee Titans (5-10)

Jaguars Breakdown:

            The Jaguars played the Patriots tough for a half, but ended up folding to much superior team. If they bring that same first half effort to this game they could potentially slaughter the flailing Titans.

Titans Breakdown:

            Things are getting bad in Tennessee. The owner turned off the game last week, the team appears to have packed it in, and Jake Locker looks worse than ever. Will they even be mentally ready for this game?

Matchup to Watch: Effort

            Not really a matchup, but since I discussed it so much it is worth highlighting. Both teams have struggled and the question isn’t so much who wins, it is more “which staff gets the axe quicker”. The Titans showed no such ever for their head coach, while the Jaguars at least tried last week.

My Pick:

            I think the Jaguars come away with a win here. The Titans clearly do not care much anymore and I think some of the Jaguars coaching staff actually has a chance to stick around next year. Neither of these teams deserves it, but one has to win right? No ties please.

  


Philadelphia Eagles (4-11) at New York Giants (8-7)

Eagles Breakdown:

            Mike Vick returns! I guess former starters coming back to rear their ugly heads is the theme of this week. Vick should be plenty motivated to prove he is still a starting caliber quarterback, but I do not foresee a good game for him in this matchup. He will need to rest of his teammates to follow his leadership, not something they ever did real well. The time on the bench probably has not helped Vick correct his turnover issues

Giants Breakdown:

            The Giants are broken and battered, but will they be beaten by the Eagles? They certainly have stumbled against Philly in recent years as well. I am not even sure they even believe that they can make a run out of these circumstances.

Matchup to Watch: Jeremy Maclin vs. Corey Webster

            Maclin has been on a tear with Nick Foles in the lineup, and he thoroughly dominated in Washington last week. Corey Webster, on the other hand, was torched senselessly by the Ravens passing attack last week. It will be worth watching to see if Maclin can play this way with Vick back under center given he has a favorable matchup against Webster.

My Pick:

            I am off the Giants bandwagon, finally. But I am picking them to win, despite the history and a very motivated Michael Vick, they will not surprise the Giants here. One reason: this offense plays very differently with Vick under center than it did with Foles. If Vick shows a major lack of ability to read coverages, and the offense can’t adjust to his scrambling, the Eagles will lose big. I just do not believe Vick can play well anymore

  


Chicago Bears (9-6) at Detroit Lions (4-11)

Bears Breakdown:

            The Bears are on their last playoff legs. They need to win and get some helps from the Packers (GASP) to get in. I expect them to at least take care of business here, because if they don’t, Lovie Smith may need to worry about his job status.

Lions Breakdown:

            I said the Lions only care about Calvin Johnson and breaking Jerry Rice’s record so that they can hide their terrible season behind that achievement. Now that that is over with, will they still play hard to get CJ over the 2,000-yard mark?

Matchup to Watch: Charles Tillman vs. Calvin Johnson

            Tillman handled Johnson in the fist meeting between these teams. Can he replicate the results here? Tillman’s play dropped off with the entire defenses’ and he hasn’t been the media darling he was earlier in the year. I am sure he does not want to give Calvin Johnson his 2,000-yard season.

My Pick:

            The Bears take care of things in this game and then turn their attention to the Packers-Vikings matchup and root for their hated cheese head rivals, no matter how sick it makes them.

  


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-9) at Atlanta Falcons (13-2)

Buccaneers Breakdown:

            The Buccaneers are looking worse and worse each week. I honestly cannot imagine them playing well here, unless they are playing against Atlanta’s second team.

Falcons Breakdown:

            I have a feeling Atlanta will play their starters through the first quarter and maybe into the second. But I am sure we will see their studs start to trickle out later into the game. With the number one seed locked in, there just isn’t much at stake for Atlanta here.

Matchup to Watch: Josh Freeman vs. Atlanta’s secondary

            I think it is pertinent to watch how Freeman performs against the starters as opposed to how he plays against the second teamers who will get time. I can see Freeman tearing up the Falcons scrubs and it being fool’s gold for the coaching staff and lead them to not bring in competition for next year. That would be a massive mistake in my opinion.

My Pick:

            I am actually going to pick the Falcons here. Despite the fact that they may not try the whole game I think Atlanta wants to do everything possible to win in the postseason. Smashing an inferior division rival to close out the regular season would be a good start. It would be a mistake by coach Mike Smith to coast through this last game and he cannot afford many mistakes given the pressure to go on a playoff run.

  


Carolina Panthers (6-9) at New Orleans Saints (7-8)

Panthers Breakdown:

            Despite their season being long over, I think Carolina really wants to win this game. Carolina still carries a lot of bad blood with the Saints because they ran up the records/score this time last year and they surely want to pay the Saints back for that. For a team in Carolina that has lacked an edge and a killer instinct for years now, it is actually a good sign that in this lost season they have at least shown that they want to show they can beat, and won’t tolerate disrespect from, the NFC South bullies (Falcons and Saints).

Eagles Breakdown:

            The Saints are fresh of the news that they will have Sean Payton back as their head coach for sure next season, and beyond. I am sure they would like to end this chaotic season with a bang by stomping a division rival. It would be good for the Saints to close on a high note and ride some momentum into an offseason that will be filled with questions.

Matchup to Watch: Cam Newton vs. Drew Brees

            I really do expect a shoot out here and the quarterback to be at the forefront of the scoring party. Cam Newton has really grown up in this second half of the season, in his play and his off the field maturity, and he would take another great step by outplaying Brees here. As for Mr. Brees he wants to close the door on this obnoxious season, and he will be extra motivated to show the world he is still a top-3 to 4 level quarterback.

My Pick:

            Of all the meaningless games in week 17 this is probably the most exciting and hardest to pick. In the end I am going to give the edge to New Orleans, but I expect it to be high scoring and close.

  

Miami Dolphins (7-8) at New England Patriots (11-4)

Dolphins Breakdown:

            The Dolphins have really played quite well, especially considering most ranked them as one of the two or three worst teams in football prior to the season. Beating the Patriots and getting to .500 would be a great way for this squad to end the year.  

Patriots Breakdown:

            The Patriots have seeding at stake here and Bill Belichick is a master of positioning his team well in the playoffs. No doubt he wants to win this game, but if it benefits him to lose and play a team he perceives as a more favorable matchup in the wild card round, maybe we see him call off the dogs late.

Matchup to Watch: Ryan Tannehill vs. Devin McCourty

         Tannehill has looked like he will easily the best quarterback for the phins since the great Marino. Devin McCourty since moving to safety has been just phenomenal. I would bet we see him develop into a Charles Woodson type player in his new role. I want to see how Tannehill handles this type of player and if McCourty can bait him into a few mistakes.

My Pick:

            This is a tough one to pick because it is hard to project how the Patriots approach this one. But I am going to go ahead and say the Pats will prevail in this one. Not going to put my money on it though.

  


Green Bay Packers (11-4)* at Minnesota Vikings (9-6)

Packers Breakdown:

            The Packers were stellar last week and they are riding with a ton of momentum here. Expect them to come out and fight hard for that first round bye. Also, no way they want to roll over and give Peterson the rushing yardage record. They are going to load up against the run.

Vikings Breakdown:

            They will certainly look to establish the run and get AP the record, also because feeding him is the best chance they have to win, but they are going to be forced by the Packers into having Christian Ponder win them this game. Lets see if he is up to the task.

Matchup to Watch: Vikings pass rushers vs. Packers offensive line

            It’s too easy to go with anything Peterson related. Instead I want to see how Jared Allen and company matches up against this offensive front. The line has been by far the biggest weak spot for the Pack and while Allen is certainly on the decline, other players like Brian Robison and Everson Griffin have emerged around him.

My Pick:

            I am going with the upset and saying the Vikings get a win. I do strongly believe in the Pakcers as a super bowl contender, but I have a strong feeling Peterson gets the record in this game and carries his team to a win. It just feels right.

  


Kansas City Chiefs (2-13) at Denver Broncos (12-3)

Chiefs Breakdown:

            Kansas City can get the number one pick by losing here. They better not win and screw that up.

Broncos Breakdown:

            I don’t think many realize how great this Broncos team is. Yes they have played some cupcakes teams, but they when was the last time they even had a close game? If the Broncos win here they will finish the year on an eleven game winning streak. Wow.

Matchup to Watch: Jamal Charles vs. Broncos run defense

            While it has been very good of late, the only chink in the armor of this great Broncos team has been their run defense. Jamal Charles has been a phenomenal player in some really, really tough circumstances this year.

My Pick:

            I won’t insult any of my reader’s intelligence. The Broncos will win.

  


Oakland Raiders (4-11) at San Diego Chargers (6-9)

Raiders Breakdown:

            The Raiders are actually making the right move by playing Pryor here. What do they have to lose, another game? They need some game film on the guy at the very least.

Chargers Breakdown:

            Lets get this over with guys. Everybody wants Norv Turner out of town. I can’t to see him back as an offensive coordinator though. He is going to realy help some team next year.

Matchup to Watch: Phillip Rivers vs. Raiders secondary

            The Raiders pass “defense” has been atrocious all year. It would be great to see Rivers light them up to show his next coach they will still have a good quarterback to work with.

My Pick:

            Chargers win another meaningless late season game, but I won’t be totally floored if Pryor actually plays well.

  


Arizona Cardinals (5-10) at San Francisco 49ers (10-4-1)

Cardinals Breakdown:

            Brian Hoyer gets the start at the revolving door that is the Cardinals quarterback position. He was really overhyped by the media when he was the Patriots backup, but he has some skills. He needs to actually throw the ball to Larry Fitzgerald; something his predecessors could not figure out was a good idea.

49ers Breakdown:

            Fresh off a total embarrassment at the hands of the Seahawks, I don’t doubt the Niners want to throttle the weak Cardinals. Harbaugh surely will have a grat plan to get us all fired up about Colin Kaepernick again, or at least he better.

Matchup to Watch: Beanie Wells vs. Niners defense

            This is mostly a joke. Wells recently aid he was auditioning for the 31 other teams. I am sorry but does anyone care? Wells was a talented player at Ohio State, but injuries have plagued him and he has never been dominant at this level. Still, if he plays well here he could actually fool a team into bringing him in next year with a decent sized contract.

My Pick:

            I haven’t been behind the Cardinals since they lost to the Rams all those weeks ago. 49ers win here.

  


St. Louis Rams (7-7-1) at Seattle Seahawks (10-5)*

Rams Breakdown:

            The Rams played a stellar game last week against the Bucs and I am sure they want to play spoiler to their rivals here. Russell Wilson had a poor game in St. Louis last time out.

Seahawks Breakdown:

            There isn’t a hotter team in the league right now than these guys. They are beating teams thoroughly and I won’t be foolish enough to pick against them, especially at home. Russell Wilson needs to have a great game against an underrated defense.

Matchup to Watch: Wilson vs. Rams defensive line

            What has made Wilson so special recently is his ability to buy time in the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield looking for passes. Wilson made some great players on the niners defense look downright silly last week. Lets watch my offensive rookie of the year against some more great players on the Rams line.

My Pick:

            Seahawks continue their run. St. Louis might play them tough, but at home the Seahawks will win.

  


Dallas Cowboys (8-7) at Washington Redskins (9-6)

Cowboys Breakdown:

            The Cowboys actually will win the NFC East if they win this game. They have been awful at times this year so that is shocking in of its self. Tony Romo has played fantastic football of late, especially throwing to young stud Dez Bryant, and he can cast a lot of doubts on the “choker” label by winning this game.

Redskins Breakdown:

            A seemingly season of destiny could close out in fantastic fashion with a win by Washington here. America will be watching with great interest how RG3’s health holds up in this contest. He hasn’t failed this team yet and it would be shocking if he wilts here.

Matchup to Watch: Alfred Morris vs. Cowboys run defense

            This defensive unit has begun collapsing for the second year in a row under the guidance of the incredibly overrated Rob Ryan. I am a firm believer he should be fired after this season, for a number of reasons. Their greatest weakness is defending the power running game up the middle. That happens to be the Redskins’ greatest strength.

My Pick:

            This is the game of the week and I am sure it will live up to its hype. I expect a compelling game filled with drama and intrigue. In a very close game, I am picking Washington to come away with the win. 

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