Post by Rams GM (Frank) on Dec 3, 2016 14:08:22 GMT -5
Baltimore Ravens (-37.0) vs Jacksonville Jaguars: The Ravens come in as the heavy favorite averaging 194ppg on the season versus the Jaguars 159ppg. While this will be a very tough game for the Jaguars to pull off, there is some hope because of some of the inherent holes the Ravens have carried all year long, particularly at TE and DE positions. The major concern here however, is that the Jaguars already weak WR unit is suffering injuries themselves, which will offset some of the Ravens holes. The bottom line, even if the Jaguars were at full strength it would still be an up hill battle. Look for the Ravens to win, and cover the spread.
Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers (-15.7): The AFC North Champion Pittsburgh Steelers take on division rival Cleveland in this Wild Card match-up. The Steelers come in averaging 191ppg on the year versus the Browns 179ppg. Both teams are starting to feel the pinch of late season injuries, but even more disappointing was the late season suspension of Ashlon Jeffery for the Steelers who will be missed if he were to advance deeper into the playoffs. The Browns already weak offensive unit suffered what might have been the biggest blow possible when they lost Giovanni Bernard for the year on a late season injury, but also complicating the mix is the possible game time decision of Tahir Whitehead who may miss this Wild Card match-up do to injury. Keep an eye on the injury report as we get closer to Sunday, the Browns will need every point they can from their defensive unit in order to pull this one out. In the end, I believe the Steelers have too much depth and balance as I believe they will win and cover the spread.
Arizona Cardinals (-79.7) vs Detroit Lions: This is the David and Goliath match-up of the week. The Cardinals have been absolutely dominating all year as their defense has become a points crushing machine. The Lions have been up and down, and while their squad rightfully deserved the NFC North Title, the points have not been the easiest to come by. The Cards come in averaging a league high 247 pg versus the Lions 169ppg. Those average point totals put both these squads in different fantasy spheres, as on paper the Cards will be a heavy favorite. However, injuries are starting to play a factor for the Cards, particularly with AJ Green going down and GM Gremlin will get hit with some very rare week 13 byes as Terrell Pryor and Jamie Collins will both be out this week. However, the Cardinals depth is absolutely immense, and even with some key players gone, this team looks like they are on a mission for a league title. I believe the Lions will cover the spread, but not enough to advance any further into the playoffs. Cards win this one to advance to the divisional playoff round.
Chicago Bears vs Atlanta Falcons (-1.6): The Bears come in averaging 173ppg versus the Falcons 179ppg, making this contest a dead even affair. The Bears biggest dilemma of course is the lack of a QB and a TE, and that will be their achillies heel the entire off-season, as they ride the tide of a great defensive unit into the Wild Card match-up. The falcons appear to be built in the opposite manner, a fairly strong offensive unit, but some real big holes on the defensive side of the ball. I believe this game will come down to the play of Kirk Cousins, as the Falcons will need a monster game from their signal caller. Im calling the upset here, as the Bears defensive unit who got off to a good start on Thursday night will continue their trend come Sunday and pull off the minor upset as the Bears will advance to the Divisional playoff round.
Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers (-15.7): The AFC North Champion Pittsburgh Steelers take on division rival Cleveland in this Wild Card match-up. The Steelers come in averaging 191ppg on the year versus the Browns 179ppg. Both teams are starting to feel the pinch of late season injuries, but even more disappointing was the late season suspension of Ashlon Jeffery for the Steelers who will be missed if he were to advance deeper into the playoffs. The Browns already weak offensive unit suffered what might have been the biggest blow possible when they lost Giovanni Bernard for the year on a late season injury, but also complicating the mix is the possible game time decision of Tahir Whitehead who may miss this Wild Card match-up do to injury. Keep an eye on the injury report as we get closer to Sunday, the Browns will need every point they can from their defensive unit in order to pull this one out. In the end, I believe the Steelers have too much depth and balance as I believe they will win and cover the spread.
Arizona Cardinals (-79.7) vs Detroit Lions: This is the David and Goliath match-up of the week. The Cardinals have been absolutely dominating all year as their defense has become a points crushing machine. The Lions have been up and down, and while their squad rightfully deserved the NFC North Title, the points have not been the easiest to come by. The Cards come in averaging a league high 247 pg versus the Lions 169ppg. Those average point totals put both these squads in different fantasy spheres, as on paper the Cards will be a heavy favorite. However, injuries are starting to play a factor for the Cards, particularly with AJ Green going down and GM Gremlin will get hit with some very rare week 13 byes as Terrell Pryor and Jamie Collins will both be out this week. However, the Cardinals depth is absolutely immense, and even with some key players gone, this team looks like they are on a mission for a league title. I believe the Lions will cover the spread, but not enough to advance any further into the playoffs. Cards win this one to advance to the divisional playoff round.
Chicago Bears vs Atlanta Falcons (-1.6): The Bears come in averaging 173ppg versus the Falcons 179ppg, making this contest a dead even affair. The Bears biggest dilemma of course is the lack of a QB and a TE, and that will be their achillies heel the entire off-season, as they ride the tide of a great defensive unit into the Wild Card match-up. The falcons appear to be built in the opposite manner, a fairly strong offensive unit, but some real big holes on the defensive side of the ball. I believe this game will come down to the play of Kirk Cousins, as the Falcons will need a monster game from their signal caller. Im calling the upset here, as the Bears defensive unit who got off to a good start on Thursday night will continue their trend come Sunday and pull off the minor upset as the Bears will advance to the Divisional playoff round.