49ers vs Titans: San Francisco is on cloud 9. A solid win streak against playoff caliber teams, and their next opponent is an injury prone squad in the Titans. On paper the 49ers should run right through Tennessee and into the playoffs. But the thing is, Mike Vrabel has always had his team dialed in. Even trailing by 10 in the 2nd Half, the Titans will not give up easily. I won’t rip Kyle Shanahan’s late game decisions of not running the ball in the end but this was Ryan Tannehill’s moment. He and AJ Brown needed to prove to the media that they don’t need Derrick Henry to make a statement. Yes San Fran got robbed by REFBALL but let’s be real they were losing this game anyways. Yes this was a golden opportunity for the 49ers to get in the playoffs but their 2 games will either make or break their season. Anyways the Titans are all but a shoe in to make the playoffs. Good work boys.
Browns vs Packers: Cleveland is in desperation mode once again. After blowing a huge game against the Raiders last week they head to Green Bay and get the Christmas gift of playing in the frozen tundra. Baker Mayfield, how do I put this is becoming a liability. He has certainly fallen off after last year but how much of it is on him? Yes the Browns have no legit receiver besides Jarvis Landry but where is Chubb and Hunt? Why can’t they get anything going either. Do you now understand why I thought the Stefanski hire was a questionable move. It’s because he was a 1 year coordinator getting carried by Gary Kubiak, and the Browns had one of the easiest schedules in the league last year. Even with Aaron Rodgers breaking the Packers all time record for touchdown passes, this game is still up for grabs. It’s really all Cleveland has for them. “Mayfield over the middle INTERCEPTED! INTERCEPTED! And there is your Christmas DAGGER!” Vintage Browning. Looks like the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t the only ones in the sports world that give their fans hope only to punch them in the gut. Cleveland now is in do or die mode. If they lose in Pittsburgh Monday Night in Big Ben’s farewell, it will be another massive failure in a long line of mistakes. Green Bay is one win away from home field in the playoffs. And they play the Vikings next week and Kirk Cousins has COVID. Smooth sailing for the Packies.
Colts vs Cardinals: The Indianapolis Colts have turned a corner big time. Since that dreaded 1-4 start with heartbreaking defeats a plenty they have now gone into the driver’s seat of the AFC Wild Card race. The Colts dominated this game in all 3 phases. This has nothing to do with the Cardinals’ struggles. They just ran into a white hot unit that was on a roll. Looks like Jonathan Taylor is making a major case for the MVP and possibly a 2000 yard season. Overall this was a close that 1 team just had to lose. That’s what good football can give you. Plus the Colts took a page out of Brian Flores’ boom by running Sticky Sand at key times in this game. One of them led to a safety. That was the difference of the whole game by the way. If that doesn’t happen, Arizona doesn’t have to settle for 3 before trying an onsides kick at the end of the game. Plus Matt Prater getting burned by Father Time and Santa Claus all game. 3 missed kicks to be exact. The Colts now control their own fate even if Carson Wentz is questionable for next week because of COVID. Cardinals at least you made the playoffs.
Cardinals QUALIFIED (SUCCESS!): Just like last year they rode a hot offense and early season momentum to a fast start. But this time they were able to clinch a spot. My only concern is how will Kyler Murray do in the playoffs? Who knows but I’m interested to see for myself.
Ravens vs Bengals: Honestly I’m not in the mood for separating this game into its own doc. It was like watching the 2013 Season Opener against the Broncos again. (“That game would never have happened if it weren’t for that meddling Peter Angelos!” -Marylander) Total destruction of a Ravens secondary with no hope and basically playing guys off the streets. Joe Burrow had perhaps the most dominant passing game in league history, and he made it look easy. (He would have broken Norm Van Brocklin’s record had the Tee Higgins TD at the end of the game counted) I wouldn’t say this game said a lot about Cincinnati but more about how battered Baltimore truly is. Once Tyler Huntley tested positive for COVID on Christmas Day the wheels fell off and Josh Johnson failed to accomplish what Snoop did the week before. You know what is ridiculous? The Ravens had 33 players on their original 53 man roster on IR or the COVID list this past week. That is the NFL Record by the way. The fact they could still make the playoffs with wins in their final 2 games is insane. If it weren’t for Lamar, Harbaugh, and Tucker they would have a Top 3 pick in the draft. As for the Bengals they get the Chiefs next week. I kinda want them to win so the Battle of the New Frontier doesn’t happen in Week 18. One more thing, normally I wouldn’t preview a clip from a future Charm City Beasts episode before it’s released, but I’m going to do it here. Enjoy! (Next week on Charm City Beasts) “But there is some late breaking news coming out of B-More at this minute. (Streets by Doja Cat playing) Why do I hear Doja Cat playing in the background? Um, guys, what’s going on? I can’t tell why the editors are doing this right now. Someone explain. BOOM! (Lamar Jackson scheduled to return to practice before Sunday’s game vs Rams) There it is! Planet LJ is coming back baby! The Conquer of the AFC North has finally returned to triumphantly lead the Ravens back to the playoffs! (It’s fitting that she is one of Lamar’s favorite recording artists right now) Yes many people are pointing to him as the savior of the team, but Jackson is relying on the others to play a major role. Marylander: That’s a lie and you know it. LAMAR’S GOING TO SAVE THE TEAM AGAIN!” (I am going to the game against the Rams next week, if they lose it’s the 2nd time in 3 years that I will see the Ravens get eliminated in person. The other time? DERRICK BLEEPING HENRY!)
Lions vs Falcons: The Falcons are holding on for dear life. They know that one loss will take them out of the playoffs completely. Playing the Lions at home should lead to a beatdown. Well Atlanta can’t make it easy on themselves. Not only have they struggled early on in this game, most of Mercedes Benz Stadium was empty. (Where’s Deion and MC Hammer?) Detroit may have had the lead in the 2nd Quarter, but this is Matty Ice, he will torch bad defenses in the 2nd Half of games. Even if the Lions are only down by 4, the Falcons should hold on right? Wait a minute Atlanta fumbled the ball and Detroit now has a chance to ruin their tank. That’s it the Lions are winning. Although like last year this game between these 2 teams comes down to 1 play. “PICKED OFF BY THE FALCONS!” Wow! Atlanta are the ones forcing the late game implosions. And they still have a shot at the playoffs, is this the apocalypse? Lions at least your glorious tank has been saved. Embrace it!
Buccaneers vs Panthers: Is it me or ever since Cam Newton came back the Panthers have been totally cooked. Other than one game against the Cardinals it has been downhill for them. Yes it brought their fans back but not their playoff hopes. The bad news for them was that they ran into a Buccaneers team that needed to prove that they could still win without their major weapons. Getting Antonio Brown back was huge for Tampa Bay. And it showed. It allowed TB12 to be himself all day and the running game did the rest. As a result Tom Brady gets his version of a participation trophy. Clinching the NFC South.
Buccaneers QUALIFIED (SUCCESS!): Yes most of the gang is back for a chance to defend their title but they have bigger fish to fry. Fournette and Godwin are not coming back and Mike Evans is banged up too. But if there is anyone who can overcome this it’s Brady. You proved me wrong last year. Now do it again.
Chargers vs Texans: Chargers can you explain what the heck that was supposed to be? Weren’t you hyped up as a dark horse contender. At the end of the day the Bolts gave us the San Diego Special. Not blowing late game leads, but getting destroyed by a team deep in the tank brigade. I know there was COVID on both sides but here is the thing. You can’t treat a game like this as if it won’t be played. Because if you do you will get killed. Even against a coach and team with no hope the Chargers still got blown out. The Texans may have destroyed their tank but who cares, Culley is doing his old team a massive favor. All the Marylanders would agree with this. LA don’t think we’re down with you yet. They end the season with Denver and Vegas. Good luck, YOU’RE GONNA NEED IT! (If they lose both games, it’s the most Charger way to end a season)
Rams vs Vikings: The Vikings! A team that has found unique and hilarious ways to lose games. This week is no different. They literally dominated Matt Stafford all day long, AND STILL LOST THE GAME! Why? Lack of running game, Justin Jefferson being limited, Kirk Cousins having no protection, and Mike Zimmer getting out coached by Pokemon McVay. Not to mention the Rams were excellent all day on special teams. This has been an issue for Minnesota throughout their history. Falling short in big games against teams that are better than them on paper. This is why the Vikings deserve the honor of this week’s winner of FOOTBALL FOLLIES! Even worse for Vikings fans is that Kirk Cousins has COVID and they face the Packers on Sunday Night. IN LAMBEAU! Good luck staying alive with all of those circumstances. As for the Rams they at least claim a playoff berth with this victory.
Rams QUALIFIED (SUCCESS!): I would say this team has an outstanding shot at a home Super Bowl, but there are many questions that need to be answered. Stafford and OBJ have yet to win a playoff game, and the offensive play calling has gotten conservative and lacks an elite Running Back. At least the defense is rock solid as usual.
Jaguars vs Jets: This game is no ordinary Tank Bowl. This may be the battle for the #1 pick and Aidan Hutchinson. THIS IS A SUPER TANK BOWL! (Roundball Rock playing) The 2 winners of last year’s Tank Bowl head to head in a game in which one team has to win. The Top 2 picks in the 2021 Draft are both looking to save themselves from the organizations that they play for. So far Zach Wilson has flashed his potential for one of the few times this season. (Look at him run right by the Jags D) On the other side Trevor Lawrence played a decent game. This game would come down to special teams. The Jets dominated in that component. But even then, Jacksonville still has a chance to mess up their tank. They prevented the ButtFumble from putting the game away with a goal line stop. Now Lawrence has the chance to make Jets fans angry that they shouldn’t have beaten the Rams or Browns last year. (Had they lost both games they would have the #1 pick and 0-16) What will the result be? 4th and Goal, here they come, Lawrence to the endzone, and it’s incomplete!” The most Jets way to mess up their tank, now the Jaguars have a clear path towards Hutchinson. The Jets will probably Ahmad Gardiner instead. (The top CB prospect in the draft) As a result some things about this league never change. THE NEW YORK JETS EVERYONE!
Giants vs Eagles: The Eagles are licking their chops. A playoff spot is all but theirs for the taking and their next opponent is a team that has been sentenced to the elimination room already. But like last week, it took Jalen Hurts time to figure things out. The Giants D was punishing him throughout the 1st Half. All I’m going to say is how is this even a game? BOOM! And then the narratives of the Giants being knee jerks at the end of games just had to kick in. The Eagles not only woke up but they beat the tar out of New York. 31 points in the 2nd Half is the reward. Philadelphia for the 1st time all season controls their own destiny. I will say it’s pretty easy to beat up a backup QB with no optimism. The Eagles beat up 2 of them. With Washington and Dallas to end the season, they could end up getting the 7th seed. COUNT ON THIS NARRATIVE NFC EAST!
Bills vs Patriots: A few weeks ago the Patriots stuck a dagger into the heart of BillsMafia by beating them on a windy Monday Night. Today Buffalo gets to return the favor. I’m incredibly surprised that the Bills had that much success throwing the ball against New England’s defense. JC Jackson is one of the top corners in the league. And he didn’t play like it. Stefon Diggs and the Bills receivers had freedom all day. On the other side the Patriots running game dominated the Bills D like the last game. But here is the difference. Josh Allen wasn’t making mistakes, Buffalo beat Belichick at his own game. The bold decisions by Sean McDermott to go for it on 4th Down for much of the game succeeded. For the 1st time in a while, the Bills made a statement against an AFC power. Now they have the lead in the division, and with the Falcons and Jets to end the year they should win the division. The Patriots haven’t clinched a berth yet. Their fate will most likely come down to that Miami game in Week 18. And none of Boston wants that city beating them again. I don’t blame them.
Bears vs Seahawks: Snow in Seattle. It’s something that hasn’t happened at a Seahawks game since 2008. The Bears and Seahawks may both be eliminated but the loser of this game suffers a massive punishment. Their lost 1st Round pick gains higher value. This means that both teams have to win. The Bears at least get St Nick the Great Foles. In this game he played very well. In conditions that rival 2013 against the Lions when he was with the Eagles. Seattle has been bailed out by talent over the years, and this year they don’t have that. Plus even when they tried to put the game away Russell Wilson got smacked behind his O-Line and Jason Myers had one of his worst games as a pro. There’s no way Chicago can win this, I get that Nick Foles is good at late game drives but not in these conditions. Sidevoice: They got a TD and the 2 to win. Narrator: I don’t believe you. Sidevoice: The Bears won. Narrator: Oh I see now. Seattle you potentially have a Top 5 pick in the hands of the New York Jets. It’s one of the few good things that organization has going for them. Bears at least you won the game, because if you didn’t you would end up like the Seahawks. Just saying.
Broncos vs Raiders: The Raiders have optimism reigning similar to their white hot start at the beginning of the season. A last minute win in Cleveland, and now they face a Broncos team without Teddy Bridgewater. Even without their starting QB, Denver is still going to put up a fight. They may not have an offense, but their defense is outstanding. Why? They scored more points than the offense. Drew Lock could do nothing against the Vegas pass rush and it showed all day long. Many people are saying that Vic Fangio should be fired after the season. I don’t think so. Have the Broncos ever developed an Offensive Line since Elway took control of Footballs Opps. That’s not Fangio’s problem, this team just doesn’t have the personnel to build a good O-Line. It cost them today. RaiderNation can all convince us that they can make the playoffs. To be fair they have a shot. If they can beat the Colts and Chargers barring anything from the Ravens they should get in. That Week 1 game will most likely be the difference won’t it.
Steelers vs Chiefs: Oh boy. What did I just witness. The Kansas City Chiefs are a well balanced machine. I never thought I would say this phrase during the season. If you haven’t noticed, the Chiefs have discovered the art of an elite defense. Steelers do you now understand why you shouldn’t have traded Melvin Ingram. Because he has been the main reason as to why Kansas City has returned to its Marty Ball days on defense. Big Ben could do nothing. The play calling by Pittsburgh was also a concern. The Chiefs out coached them all day long. Patrick Mahomes like most of the time over the last few weeks, could just enjoy himself as the rest of the team dominated. I don’t know what to think of the Chiefs. How much of their success is because of luck or maybe they are just that good. I said it in 2019 and it burned me. What will the result be this time?
Hogs vs Cowboys: DALLAS! A city that has been starving for a legitimate Super Bowl Contender since the mid 1990s may be getting one this year. The Cowboys are a wrecking machine. This game against Washington is exactly why. Utter domination and slaughtering of those Hogs at JerryWorld was like the perfect dream for their fans. Dak Prescott was back in 2016 form, and the defense was just as devastating. I know everyone has praised Micah Parsons for his play this year, but can we give some love to Trevon Diggs. Like Parsons he has helped change the culture of the Dallas defense from their greatest weakness to the return of the DOOMSDAY units. (“Dallas Cowboy Defense, UNCONSCIOUS!” -Ken Norton Jr) They just ended the Cinderella Story of Taylor Heinicke in convincing fashion. Speaking of the Hogs I have bad news. You are joining the rival Giants in the elimination room. That organization deserves it this year. (I won’t rip them too hard because it would be illegal comments for this blog, no one wants that)
Hogs ELIMINATED (YOU GET NOTHING YOU LOSE GOOD DAY SIR!): Losing FitzCeption in Week 1 was only the beginning of this wasted season. Not to mention many key players including Chase Young were also gone for the year. It’s too early to tell if these boys will be back in the basement of the NFC East. As long as Ron Rivera is the coach they will have a shot at making the playoffs. Dallas meanwhile doesn’t have to worry about it. They have clinched the NFC East.
Cowboys QUALIFIED (SUCCESS!): Well done Cowboys! You guys were finally able to flash that Super Bowl caliber roster after years of promise. This squad is going to be very dangerous if they play up to their potential. The last thing the NFL wants is Jerry Jones being at the Super Bowl at SoFi. Anyways I’ll let you enjoy your moment. Even as an outsider you deserve it. HOW BOUT DEM COWBOYS!?
Dolphins vs Saints: Sticky Sand. It was the play that made Jerry Glanville and the Gritz Blitz Falcons of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Today Brian Flores and the Miami Dolphins have used it to crush EVERYONE! Ever since they started running that play against the Ravens in Week 10, their defense has allowed the fewest points, and have had the most sacks. Many are saying that their schedule has been very easy but I’m not surprised. That team has been locked in since Flores started calling the plays on defense. It’s like he’s playing Madden. Ian Book, I get that you’re supposed to be the QB of the future in New Orleans but you’re going to get crunched. The Saints may have had 9 players on the COVID list but they were losing this game regardless. Miami was just the better team. As for the Dolphins I have no idea if they can make it to the playoffs. Tennessee and New England are hard foes and it’s going to take a complete 60 minute effort to win both games. If they make the playoffs over let’s say the Patriots and Ravens I have one conclusion. My family is cursed against Miami. That’s all I’m going to say.
The next 2 weeks have plenty in the air. Playoff spots are up for grabs all across the board.
AFC
Kansas City (Clinched)
Tennessee (97%)
Cincinnati (80%)
Buffalo (98%)
Indianapolis (97%)
New England (94%)
Miami (31%)
Baltimore (32%)
LA Chargers (31%)
Las Vegas (18%)
Pittsburgh (10%)
Cleveland (10%)
Denver (2%)
NFC
Green Bay (Clinched)
Dallas (Clinched)
LA Rams (Clinched)
Tampa Bay (Clinched)
Arizona (Clinched)
San Francisco (75%)
Philadelphia (66%)
Minnesota (16%)
Atlanta (6%)
New Orleans (35%)
HERE ARE THE RULES EVERYONE! DON’T GET ELIMINATED!
RIP
John Madden 1936-2021
Bragging Rights Sports 