28
Dec
2007
NFL Previews… For Games That Count
New England Patriots @ New York Giants:
We all know why this is an important game to watch. It has all the historical significance and yada yada yada. I heard somewhere that the Giants were looking to play their starters instead of resting them. I’m sure the sheer thought of Eli Manning suiting up for the game has sent shivers down Tom Brady’s spine and has caused Belichick to lose hours of sleep. The fact of the matter is this; it doesn’t matter if the Giants play their starters or not. The Patriots are going to win, and they are going to win big. Tom Brady is going to throw for three, maybe four touchdowns and surpass Peyton Manning for the single season record. Randy Moss will be on the receiving end of two, maybe even three of those touchdown passes as he surpasses Jerry Rice for the single season record (though it should be pointed out that Rice did it in a strike shortened 12 games). I wouldn’t change my plans to watch this game on a Saturday night, but would try and catch the final minute or so and see the celebration, if there even is one, by the Patriots players upon reaching 16-0. Why would I watch this? To give me more fuel to add to the fire of hate that I have for them.
Prediction: Pats 38 Giants 13
Appeal: 3 out of 5
New Orleans Saints @ Chicago Bears:
This is the end of the line for the Saints. They have to win in Chicago, where it looks to be another miserable winter Sunday. If they lose, their season is over. If they win, they have to pray for a miracle in that the Vikings and Redskins both lose. I don’t feel bad for the Saints. They could have been in the driver’s seat had they handled their business against an already eliminated team (Eagles) last week. Now they pray for a miracle.
Prediction: Saints 14 Bears 20
Appeal: 2 out of 5
San Francisco 49ers at Cleveland Browns:
The Browns are in the same boat as the Saints. They had their chance to go take care of business and be in the driver’s seat. Instead, they lose and now have to win, which they probably will, but also hope that the Titans lose to the Colts. That is unlikely because Manning and the rest of the starters won’t play more than a series or two. Cleveland had a hell of a run and it was a great season for that franchise and city. It’s too bad that they will end up 10-6 and miss out on the playoffs.
Prediction: Niners 9 Browns 27
Appeal: 2 out of 5
Minnesota Vikings @ Denver Broncos:
I feel like I keep repeating myself but a lesson should be learned here. Handle your business when you are supposed to and you won’t have to win and get help to make the playoffs. The Vikings let the Redskins come in and bully them in their own building. Had they won, they were locked into the playoffs. But they didn’t. And now they have to go to mile high in the last week of December, win a game, and hope that the Redskins can beat Dallas’ bench. Not looking good. The Vikings should regain their running game against the Broncos but will likely miss the playoffs. They have no one to blame but themselves.
Prediction: Vikings 17 Broncos 7
Appeal: 3 out of 5
Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins:
The Redskins should send thank you cards to everyone who works for the Chicago Bears organization. By beating Green Bay last week, the Bears gave Dallas homefield throughout the playoffs. This is important because…? Because now the Cowboys have absolutely nothing to play for, and the Redskins have everything to play for. It’s a win-and-you’re-in situation for the Redskins and they should be thankful as any that the Cowboys won’t have their best guys on that field, otherwise things could get scary. Romo will likely not play at all, and Terrell Owens has already been counted out. I wouldn’t get TOO cocky if I’m the Redskins because you still have to go out there and execute, and it is Dallas afterall. But things can’t be much better right now for Washington.
Prediction: Cowboys 10 Redskins 24
Appeal: 2 out of 5
Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts:
The Titans are fortunate, just like the Redskins, that their division rival will be resting their starters. Just like the Skins, it’s a win-and-you’re-in situation for the Titans and all signs point to that happening. Manning will play a series or two at best and the Titans shouldn’t have much difficulty winning this one as they head into the playoffs.
Prediction: Titans 28 Colts 13
Appeal: 2 out of 5