Seattle has to be pumped that Denver is a trainwreck since they have their #1 draft choice this coming draft.
Well yesterday was a snoozer. I have no idea what the flex rules are in the NFL but am surprised they didn't move a game from Xmas Eve to Xmas. There were several good matchups Saturday! The first game was actually pretty good yesterday and it had quite a bit riding on it. Tua was horrible in the second half though. It would be something if they don't make the playoffs.
The Denver/L.A. game was painful to watch and I didn't bother with the last one. I did read the box score and Brady threw the ball 48 times. to score all of 19 points. In overtime. That had to have been tough to sit through.
This week should be good. I count eight of the 16 games that affect both teams playing.
Everything in Moderation. Including Moderation.
Seattle has to be pumped that Denver is a trainwreck since they have their #1 draft choice this coming draft.
I was on the other side of the coin in that game. The Lions have the Rams number one so I wanted them to lose.
I feel bad for Denver fans. They gave away the foreseeable future for Wilson and so far it has obviously been a wreck.
The Lions trade of Stafford I thought was brilliant for both teams. The Lions got good draft capital, dropped some salary and got in my opinion, a good QB. Goff gets a lot of undeserved criticism in my opinion (think Kirk Cousins) and it sets up an interesting "dilemma" for the Lions. Do you draft a QB next year? Goff is still young and the Lions have other needs. Their run defense Saturday was unreal bad.
And for Rams fans, you are going to have some down years. I think this year was an anomaly but hey, you won the Super. I would take it myself.
Everything in Moderation. Including Moderation.
Looks like nebish and Lee had a worse week than I had - these last 3 weeks have been tough for picks - but at least we are all ahead of @DanB
Looks like nebish and Lee had a worse week than I had - these last 3 weeks have been tough for picks - but at least we are all ahead of @DanB
I'll win for having lost. Even if I win the MNF game, it will be my worst week at 5 which will replace my previous worse week of 6. So if I finish this week with 5 (or 4 if I lose MNF), my 6 will get added and the 5 or 4 from this week won't. So that works pretty well for me!
I forget the number, but I heard this year has the most comeback wins by teams who were down double digits of any previous season and we still have 2 weeks + 1 game to go. I've had a lot of fun this year. The NFL rarely disappoints. The Broncos were the first team to quit this year that I saw. They led the league with 3-and-outs forced on D and they couldn't even get the Rams to punt through 2+ quarters of football. It's a profession, so you don't expect teams to quit, but sometimes you see it. Teams might be bad and have bad games, but then there is the lack of effort and or desire - that is quit. Hackett showed in week 1 he was in over his head and it never got better. Wilson is a disaster, but he has proved he can win before. There must be a recipe to 'fix' him. Hackett can go back to be a good position coach or coordinator, head coaching isn't for everyone.
As bad as the Tampa - Arizona game was, it was bad football, but Arizona played hard and Tampa continued to struggle as they have all year, but it was a dramatic game atleast - what would happen and how? Even ugly games can be compelling sometimes.
Right - it was a crummy game, but was pretty exciting the last 10 minutes and overtime.
This is kinda fun. It is a scenario generator basically. Put in any team you want and play out the possibilities of them making the playoffs. Mine is set to the Lions but you can put anyone in and see what needs to happen.
How the Detroit Lions Can Make the Playoffs: Through Week 16 - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Everything in Moderation. Including Moderation.
And yes the picks last week were brutal! I have to fend off Sang for two more weeks. At least whoever comes in third wins a bronze medal. 
Everything in Moderation. Including Moderation.
RIP, Pele
Have often seen the reference to Pele as “one of the greatest footballers ever” - could be a European reference, unsure - he’s the Gordie Howe or Babe Ruth of soccer - helped spark interest here when he signed to play w/NY - everyone wanted to see the great Pele play
One of the best things the NFL did was when they changed the schedule to have divisional games at the end of the season. Although that did make this week's Tennessee and Jacksonville games irrelevant, can't cure everything.
Good final stretch run on what has been a really fun season.
If they’re both 8-8 going into it & have gotten help from other teams….a berth could still be up for grabs -
they both emphatically showed their visitors where they live today - hopefully there’s another week to play for in their finale next week - being .500 doesn’t mean you aren’t going good, & they are -
however, also saw that NYG won, that damages GB’s/Det’s chances - among the usual myriad fun year-end playoff scenarios
Pats still in it - nice spoiler win over ‘skins in Washing-tin today for Browns
Well, I always say it's all about when you peak. I also said at the beginning of the season the Packers would need to get knocked around a bit to build some grit, rather than cake-walk to 13 wins. So that's definitely happened, they definitely got knocked around more this season than I'd have preferred. But they are back in the driver's seat, and a thorough spanking of the Vikings was all kinds of satisfying. Playoff berth is suddenly theirs to lose in another season finale against the Lions, who are also fighting for a playoff spot, which is better than you can write up.
I was against 17-games and expanded playoffs, but it's made December a little more interesting for all of these .500 teams.
The Commies introduced their new mascot in December for some reason? Another reason we all get to point and laugh at the dumpster fire of a franchise.
“Makem a cute little porker kids can cuddle with”
that’s what they wanted, & got
yep he’s havin a big belly laugh - that’s my take of Tuddyman too as a football mascot
just looked at the video - they gavem the snout & ears look to honor The Hogs, the great Redskins front four
Edward Bennett Williams is rolling in his grave
Well yesterday was a snoozer. I have no idea what the flex rules are in the NFL but am surprised they didn't move a game from Xmas Eve to Xmas.
They can't flex games from one day to another. Just think of fans' travel plans or even network and stadium employee schedules, on a holiday no less. It would be a nightmare. I actually think it was smart to stack them on Xmas Eve.
I was at the Dolphins-Packers game on Christmas. The last game I went to was 2011 Xmas Day Bears-Packers in Lambeau. It was cold that night, but I never imagined a game in Miami would be cold. My brother was supposed to join us for the game and the holiday week, but his flight was one of the many that were canceled, so that was a bummer - obviously can't complain considering the nasty the storm was bringing every where else in the country.
Anyways it was a fun game and Hard Rock is a pretty nice place to watch a game. 4 or 5 weeks ago I didn't know what kind of Packers team we were going to see, so it was nice to see Packers' D light up Tua, even if I guess he had his bell rung. That's going to be an issue for Miami, obviously it's really concerning for his long-term health.
Browns will conclude their season, & Pitts’, with their second straight solid “spoiler” showing - leaving them tied at 8-9 as quiet fans file outta the stadium
same Pats - the worse the weathah the bettah - don’t know all the hypothetical/potential postseason playoff possibilities - Buff is tremendous, mayb they’ll be resting people
Pack & Det might just be playing to extend their seasons in their Jan 8 season (Rodgers?) finale at Lambeau
”win, lose, what’s the difference”
that’s what Manny says at the end of the film Runaway Train
applies well here - 2 rivals, last game of year for 1, another week for the other….no difference, Just A Treat for sports junkies/neutral fans
-
Lambeau rhymes w/Rambo
Packiz are to Lambeau what Rambo is to the jungle
however - lions reside in the jungle too
point being, if Lions have that Rambo mentality of victory against impossible odds, & can turn Lambeau into their own private jungle, they’ll pulverize Pack the way Rambo say, decimated that sheriff’s posse in the wilds of western Canada (1st film)
howeverr….there are no jungles where there are frozen tundras
if it’s bitterly cold, the field has frozen, there are cold-weather advisories as bundled up yellow-&-gold-clad fans file into Lambeau, w/cheese, flasks & nip bottles safely tucked away & stoked for Ice Bowl II as video screens show Bart Starr following Jerry Kramer’s block of Jethro Pugh into the end zone for the winning score in the Ice Bowl
….then these factiz favah Pack & they win w/their crowd cheering the way moviegoers cheered the fictional exploits of the greatest soldier/warrior to ever don fatigues on the silver screen - John Rambo - a one-man military wrecking crew unto himself - as great as Oscar Mannheim (Manny)
in reality, GB is A Lot more used to bad weather than Det, who play indoors
what was it Rambo mumbled - “I’ve always believed the mind is the best weapon” (2nd film)
it’s a quote Curly Lambeau himself would be pleased to have ascribed to him
no rooting interest, just a fun scenario, there are a few of them this wknd, all at 1 pm🤙
*later edit, some newspapers had all the Sunday games listed for 1 pm - espn has some at 4-4:30
Really hoping that Bills player is OK
Yes I am well aware of that. Just saying it was a boring day.
Regarding flexing I read an interesting article that I can't find unfortunately. The writer said the NFL screwed up this weekend regarding the Seahawks/Lions/Packers scenario.
He said both games should have been played at the same time so the Lions and Packers wouldn't know if Seattle had won or lost before they play at night. I guess it makes sense.
Seattle wins? They probably will. Detroit is out.
Seattle loses? Winner of Detroit/GB is in.
If GB wins it doesn't matter at all because they get in.
Again I doubt Seattle will lose but if they are out the Lions have nothing to play for other than being the spoiler to GB which I am sure they would enjoy.
The gist of the writer's point was that TV would rather see Rodgers on prime time for something on the line so they moved the timing of the game. I think it was supposed to be at noon.
Everything in Moderation. Including Moderation.
@lee Ok. "No idea" but "well aware". Got it 😉
The NFL didn't screw up the flex. The league and the networks are well aware the Lions could be playing for pride if Seattle wins earlier in the day. Every year a team gets knocked out before they take the field for their last game. But the NFL knows the Packers unlikely playoff hopes have been a story down the stretch. Plus, Rodgers and the Packers draw ratings, especially if the Packers lose and it turns out to be Rodgers last game as a Packer. Easy choice.
The guy was just making his point. I wish I could find that article! Of course Rodgers is a big deal for TV. Everybody knows that. It sets up an interesting scenario. I think my Lions will be out out it when they take the field. Seattle won't lose.
But given the Lions coach they will be more than ready to try to win, playoffs or not!
Everything in Moderation. Including Moderation.
Stranger things have happened on the final Sunday, and anything can happen in divisional games.
Seahawks narrowly defeated the John Wolford-lead Ramjams with :36s left in the game 27-23. You never know.
Yeah of course anything can happen. If we could all predict the outcome of every game there wouldn't be sportsbooks! 😀
Hoping for the best in Buffalo of course and I got an update on my phone that the young man had made great progress in the last 24 hours so that is great news.
Assuming he is going to be okay I think attention can be turned to the playoff possibilities in the AFC. I've seen all the different scenarios the NFL is considering since this game is extremely important for the seeding. I don't envy the NFL to have to make whatever decision they make. I would probably defer to Buffalo and see what they feel is appropriate.
Everything in Moderation. Including Moderation.
Yes, LA has to win to make it a one & done in the finale tonite in GB
Strange espn headline tho - status of Rams coach is in limbo for next season - wott’s that gotta do w/today’s game
looks updated to …”his immediate future in limbo” - hmmmm, another Chuck Fairbanks situation????
you know TV execs want Rams to win, that would Boost ratings for GB-Det
Pats too - win, in - lose, no - Bills fans are great but hoping they exit-despondent today - also realizing first-off, the postseason-rematch possibility - unsure of weather
good to hear of Davar Hamlin’s continued improvement🏈 - & b/c this is an ABB site, more of the same out to Warren Haynes - he too is on the upswing - well wishes bro🎸
I don't know that I agree with that really. If Rams lose, the night game comes down to Packers/Lions. Since they lost, it came down to Packers/Seahawks. Still a lot of drama. Good for the Lions. Campbell had them ready to play even though they had nothing to play for. Oh, and Rams losing helped the Lions a little next year because they have Rams' draft pick.
For sure Lee, I think there was plenty of drama to last night's game, maybe even moreso since the Lions were playing for pride. And as I wrote earlier, anything can happen in division games. I'm not surprised the Lions won. I am a little surprised at how flat the Packers came out. I'm not sure why LaFleur is in love with getting cute on high-risk 4th downs. He keeps gambling on them and keeps losing. That's when I knew the Packers would lose. The defense didn't get the turnovers and the Lions were getting enough pressure on Rodgers to make mistakes or bail on the play. Two really bonehead personal fouls probably gave the Lions 10 points. I'm not sure how that happens this late in the season in a game of such magnitude.
But, it was all gravy. Nice to see the Packers playing for something late in the season (which is only thanks to expanded playoffs and 17th game), but they would have gotten run over in SF.
I read something about the guy that got that one stupid personal foul. He shoved someone from the Lions staff? At times I see plays where I just shake my head and ask "why?".
Hey, the Lions story has been fun but they (and the Packers) dug their own holes to start the season.
And you are right: whoever went to SF was going to get killed.
Lovie Smith going for two at the end of the game to cost them the number one pick? No wonder he got fired last night.
Can't wait to see the lines on the games this weekend.
Everything in Moderation. Including Moderation.
The Lions were eliminated by the time the game startrd
so you’re saying the game wouldn’t have drawn in more viewers if LA had won & Det was still in contention playing for the playoffs???
The Lions were eliminated by the time the game startrd
so you’re saying the game wouldn’t have drawn in more viewers if LA had won & Det was still in contention playing for the playoffs???
But the Seahawks weren't eliminated, so you probably got more views on the west coast tuning in. There was still plenty hanging in the balance. I doubt it made a dent in the ratings, either way.
Great season and final week of the year. I have very thoroughly enjoyed the NFL this year, great product. Plenty of teams with nothing on the line still playing hard down the stretch even if just for a half, like Arizona vs SF yesterday 1H. It's a profession and how seriously they take it means good things for the viewers. Like the Rams yesterday too. They could've mailed one in in the final week on the road vs a team that needed it. But they didn't. Washington, the Jets, lots of teams tried to leave this year with a win and strong effort. All of that makes when you do see a team waive the white flag all that more surprising and rare. How about Houston - Indy? Admit, I didn't fit it into our viewing rotation, but looks like it was one hell of a game and Houston wins so they pick #2 in the draft instead of #1. The talk of tanking, maybe it happens in other sports, but again, these professionals are out there to do a job and their passion for the game and their individual reputation, what they put on tape for other teams/employers to evaluate ... organizations might want to tank for a draft pick, the players and coaches on the team, they want to win because they might not even be on the team next year for some kind of highly valued draft pick. I'm glad Houston won and I'm sure it was a great locker room and plane ride home. Just like it was for Detroit. Bravo, great season.
On to the playoffs!
Well congrats to the Lions for beating my Packers last night. They did just enough to win and did not have any turnovers. They should continue to improve and have the Rams #1 pick which is #6 for the 2023 draft and their own #18 pick. The question is do they run with Goff or draft a QB in the first round to develop?
As a fan it would have been nice for the Packers to make the playoffs but they are a flawed team and doubt they would have gotten past San Fran next week.
JMO but I think it is time to move on from Rodgers and hopefully trade him this off season for draft capital if he decides to continue playing while he has some value to start a soft rebuild. Take a page from what the Lions did with Stafford as I think there are more than a few teams that would be willing to trade for him.
Well congrats to the Lions for beating my Packers last night. They did just enough to win and did not have any turnovers. They should continue to improve and have the Rams #1 pick which is #6 for the 2023 draft and their own #18 pick. The question is do they run with Goff or draft a QB in the first round to develop?
As a Lions fan, I hope they stick with Goff. He think he is 28 or something around there so he has a lot of miles in the tank. He had a great season. Hang onto him for the long term and address other needs. Sometimes IMO teams jump too early on a college QB when they might have a better option. The NFL has a history of great college QBs being busts.
And which QB would be available at six?
Everything in Moderation. Including Moderation.
