December, 2021

Detroit Lions (2-11-1) @ Atlanta Falcons (6-8)

Seans Game Breakdown:

The Detroit Lions had an incredible win last week when they silenced the Cardinals at home and it was thanks in large part to Jared Goff’s performance, 21/26 completion for 216 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Craig Renolds was able to carry the ball well in the absence of both DeAndre Swift and Jamall Williams carrying the ball 26 times for 116 yards. The Falcons struggled last week and Cordarlle Patterson was heavily involved (11 rushing attempts and 2 catches) but wasn’t able to muster many yards or big-time plays (only 23 total yards). Atlanta will need both Kyle Pitts and Patterson to win this game and get their offense back on track.

The Lion’s defense has been poor all season and has struggled to make stops. The Falcons have been a pleasant surprise with how they have been able to play all year despite not having Calvin Ridley for the majority of it. Kyle Pitts can create mismatches for any defense and is coming off of back-to-back 60+ yard games, I can see him having a big one in this. I expect Atlanta’s offense to be able to put up enough points against a weak Lions defense to get the win in front of their home crowd.

Seans Game Pick: Atlanta Falcons

Jacks Game Breakdown: 

The Atlanta Falcons host the Detroit Lions this week in Atlanta. With the Lions coming in as the NFC playoff window for a playoff opportunity closes tightly for the Falcons. They do have the advantage here of getting a win at Home in a critical time to stay alive for contention. Both of these teams have struggled on the defensive side of the ball and for a game on paper that suggests the offensive units would be in a high scoring affair, could be better explained by the lack of defense on both teams, Both teams rank bottom ten in all major defensive categories, points allowed, passing yards allowed and rushing yards allowed. This could be an opportunity for a higher scoring game than many anticipate both teams do not score 20 points per game on average. In what should be a very creative matchup offensively it is hard to not see this as a great game for Corrdarrelle Patterson to be unleashed. The Lions currently allow the fifth-most rushing yards per game.

Patterson has found a new purpose this season as the Falcons Xfactor player both at running back and wide receiver. I believe the Falcons win this game as they have stepped up in games where they were needed and have been shocked this season. In the last 6 games, Matt Ryan is 2-4 and has a ratio of 3TDs:5INTs. While he has not been booming as of late the Falcons have found a way to win must-win games to keep themselves in the race all season. I believe they do the same here and take advantage of a team that is now out of the playoffs. The Lions surprised last week without their top running back options and tight end TJ Hockenson out for the season. I do believe the surprises will not last long and the Falcons get this win at home. 

Jacks Game Pick: Atlanta Falcons

Los Angeles Rams (10-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (7-7)

Seans Gameday Breakdown:

Ugh, I was supposed to be here for this game but due to covid concerns, I did not travel to Minnesota. The Vikings will be without Dalvin Cook in this one as he has hit the Covid/Reserve list and they will be without their starting right guard Audie Cole who has been placed on IR. This opens up the interior part of the Vikings offensive line and could allow Aaron Donald to have a field day on Kirk Cousins. Cooper Kupp has been unreal this season (122 receptions, 1,625 yards, and 14 touchdowns) he has to be considered in the MVP race or at the very least offensive player of the year. It will be up to Patrick Peterson to shut him down and the Vikings front seven to get pressure on Matthew Stafford if they have any hope of slowing down the Rams high-powered offense.

Overall when you look at this game, the Rams are a much more balanced team than Minnesota is right now. They are playing well in all phases of the game and the key injuries to the Vikings hinder their ability on offense. Adam Thielen is back for this game and Justin Jefferson is having another great season in only his second year, but despite all of the offensive power the consistent subpar outing from the Mike Zimmer defense is what worries me. I have to lean with the Los Angeles Rams in this one because of that.

Seans Game Pick: Los Angeles Rams

Jacks Gameday Breakdown: 

After the Cardinals’ loss on Christmas night to the Colts, this now puts the 10-4 Rams in a great spot. They will go to Minnesota this week to take on a Vikings team who have won two straight in primetime. Without Dalvin Cook this Minnesota offense will lean on backup running back Alexander Mattison. He has stepped in a few times in relief of Cook this season He has 3 games in this season in which he has over 10 carries and in all of those games has 22+ carries, 90+ yards in his game three weeks ago against Detroit’s and the first two games were 110-yard performances. This helps the Vikings in what should be an uphill battle matchup. The Rams understand the magnitude of this game and come in with the 5th highest scoring offense at 27.6 points per game. 

The Rams offense will give the Vikings defense trouble as we have seen all season that Matthew Stafford can get it done for Los Angeles. Justin  Jefferson will go up against Rams all-world corner Jalen Ramsey. In what should be the premier matchup of the game. The Rams rushing defense will be a higher rated defense than Alexander Mattison has faced this season and without Cook, the question comes into play for me the Vikings defense being able to hold LA offense in place for them but the Rams can have games where the combination of Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford against a favorable defense as the Vikings allow the 4th most passing yards to opposing offenses. 

Jacks Game Pick: Los Angeles Rams

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12) @ New York Jets (3-11)

Seans Gameday Breakdown:

The battle of the #1 and #2 overall picks in this year’s draft. Both rookie quarterbacks have struggled all year both throwing more than 10 interceptions each; 14 for Trevor Lawrence and 11 for Zach Wilson. At this late, in the season one of these teams is just hoping for a win in the books to give their young franchise quarterback some confidence and a building block to work on for next year. The Jets will be without Robert Saleh as he tested positive for Covid-19 and has entered the NFL health and safety protocols. Meanwhile, Jacksonville will be without edge rusher Josh Allen and wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr due to positive Covid tests.

All in all, this is a game with little impact for fantasy or playoffs for either team, but the Jets have been able to put up points as well as make defensive stops, turnovers, and even touchdowns. I think the New York Jets get to walk away with a win in this one and will have their fanbase all over social media getting hype that they have Wilson over Lawrence. All Jacksonville can hope for is that they are able to play well in this game and MAYBE walk away with a win.

Seans Game Pick: New York Jets

Jacks Game Breakdown: 

Both teams with Rookie quarterbacks were definitely hoping for some sparks from their new franchise players. However, the first two selections of the 2021 NFL Draft, Trevor Lawrence, and Zach Wilson have not played to their draft stock. Both quarterbacks currently still have single-digit touchdown totals on the season with only two weeks to play, and it shows in their record. This game will be a statement for both teams who now will have alternate coaching options since Jacksonville has fired Urban Meyer and Robert Saleh is currently on Covid protocol. I am expecting a better game from Jacksonville, even though they have been abysmal on both sides of the ball and will be without their top pass rusher Josh Allen, even though this sounds great for Jets quarterback Zach Wilson, it is not. 

Jacksonville has stepped up in the past few weeks even though the win column suggests that they have an opportunity to take this easy matchup on. The Jets will have no Michael Carter again and have only looked like a well-tuned offense when he is involved. Marvin Jones has a great matchup this week against the Jets I believe without Laviska Shenault out this opens a good door for Trevor to target his veteran passing option and run James Robinson enough for them to scheme the win.

Jack’s Game Pick, Jacksonville Jaguars.

New York Giants (4-10) @ Philadelphia Eagles (7-7)

Seans Gameday Breakdown:

Another quarterback change coming for the New York Giants who have now opted for Jake Fromm over Mike “Long Neck” Glennon. This doesn’t come as a shock, Glennon has struggled to make any big plays happen for big blue and is like a statue on the field. Fromm offers a little more mobility than Glennon at least allowing the Giants to do more with their playbook. Meanwhile, the Eagles are rocking it with Jalen Hurts who scored three total touchdowns with two on the ground. Philly ran all over Washington putting up 238 total yards on the ground. Dallas Goedert was a beast in the air catching the ball seven times for 135 yards showing why that contract extension midway through the season was worth it. 

The Giants have struggled to do much offensively and injuries to their whole team throughout the year have hindered them. I cant see them walking away with a win in this one. The Giants did get the win (13-7) the last time these two teams faced off against one another and Hurts struggled, throwing three interceptions. I think Hurts is able to flip the script and the Eagles use their strong running game to their advantage and take home a W.

Seans Game Pick: Philadelphia Eagles

Jacks Game Breakdown: 

As a Giants fan, I have to say I am excited for Jake Fromm. The last two weeks of Giants football has been poorly executed and has provided nothing short of the fact that Joe Judge is not a game day coach who makes adjustments to his plan when his team is struggling. The Giants have lost three straight since Quarterback Daniel Jones we out with a neck injury and is now out for the season Fromm has a chance to start all three of the final games. Fromm was a stud at Georgia and went 6-12 in attempts and 82 yards while only playing the second half of the fourth quarter. Mike Glennon, who struggled, went 13-24 on attempts, 99 total yards, and 3INTS. The Eagles should make for a disruptive matchup for the Giants this week on both sides of the ball. These teams met this season and the Giants got the narrow victory but it will be a tough battle for them this week. 

The Giants will have to start to contain Eagle quarterback Jalen Hurts as he is a true dual threat. Currently has 700+ yards and 10 TDs on the ground. The Eagles passing game vs the Giants passing defense will be interesting as we saw them make Hurts struggle the last time these teams met, however Philadelphia knows they need to win this game if they want any shot at competing in the playoffs. I am not sure if the Giants currently can defeat the team with new QB Jake Fromm, but until we see from in a full game best to go with the Eagles on this one.

Buffalo Bills (8-6) @ New England Patriots (9-5)

Seans Game Breakdown: 

Hell yes. The rematch we all have been waiting for this one. When these two teams played one another last, the New England Patriots only threw the ball three times total, an absolute insane stat. They currently hold a one-game lead in the AFC East over the Bills so this is a crucial game that could be the one that decides the East. Both defenses are the one and two for the least amount of points allowed per game so don’t expect a high-scoring game. This is going to come down to the defense and which one puts together a better scheme. 

New England lost to the Colts last week while the Bills got a huge win over the Panthers. After this game, both teams finish off the season with slightly easy games. Buffalo faces the Falcons and Jets (both at home) while the Patriots face the Jaguars and Dolphins (Dolphins in Miami). This division could end in a tie with a Buffalo wins today and still could be without a tie. But all of that being said. I am going with the New England Patriots. New England was asleep through the first three-quarters last week and Bill won’t let that happen again. They will be ready for this division game and the one thing that we have seen from the Patriots all season and against Josh Allen in his young career is their ability to scheme. They are going to do that again in this one today. It wouldn’t surprise me if Buffalo came away with the win but I think New England bounces back from last week’s performance, especially if their offense plays the way they did in the fourth quarter last week.

Seans Game Pick: New England Patriots

Jacks Game Breakdown:

Patriots are currently one game ahead of the Bills in the AFC EAST Divison and with the AFC Conference being a saturated hotbed for playoff contention. The blizzard-filled game in week 13 was a slugfest, however, it is to be believed that this will be a high-scoring affair. I do believe it will be a low-scoring game due to these two teams being the best defenses when it comes to allowing points to be scored against them. The Patriots currently allow the least amount of points in the league at 16.2PPGA. The Patriots are at home and nothing says to make a statement more than Bill Belichick in December vs a division opponent. The Patriots will have Damien Harris in this one which helps their offense a lot when he is the main back. I am expecting the Patriots’ offense to be in full form as they can seal the division with a win here vs Buffalo.

The Bills allow the 2nd least with the team averaging only 17.4PPG against them. Josh Allen and Mac Jones are having great years, Josh Allen is on pace for more than 4200 yards on the season and currently has 31 touchdowns through the air and 4 on the ground. The Bills will be without WR Cole Beasley, DE AJ Epenesa, OL Dion Dawkins, and OL Jon Feliciano. This week and they will have to rely on Josh Allen as their running offense has not been great in Buffalo. This could be a tight game but with the Patriots fully healthy and a full game tape on Josh Allen, it is in favor of Bill Belichick and CO. to scheme a way for them to win this division.

Jacks Game Pick: New England Patriots

Baltimore Ravens (8-6) @ Cincinnati Bengals (8-6)

Seans Game Breakdown:

Baltimore enters this game with no Lamar Jackson thanks to an ankle injury and no Tyler Huntley (Covid list) and is forced to start their third-string quarterback Josh Johnson. Baltimore is on a tough three-game skid and now they have to face the Cinncinati Bengals who destroyed them 41-17 the last time these two teams played. Baltimore’s passing defense is the 31st ranked unit in the NFL and they have been struggling. The Bengals have the weapons to throw all over anyone, Jamar Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd can make a big play at any moment, and their defense has been solid to compliment them. This is a crucial game as both teams sit atop the AFC North at 8-6 and this game along with the next two will really decide this division. If the Bengals can walk away sweeping the Ravens in 2021 it sets them up for the playoffs and an AFC North division title.

I just can’t lean towards the Ravens they have some key missing pieces mainly being Lamar Jackson who is the lifeblood of this team. Huntley was playing so well in his absence but now the Ravens can’t even use him. This is a great opportunity for Cincinnati to get a win in a game that they can win. I have to go with the Bengals on this one. They are fully healthy and Burrow has been looking solid the last few weeks.

Seans Game Pick: Cincinnati Bengals

Jacks Game Breakdown: 

The AFC North Division is close to being decided. With three games left all teams in the division are in contention for a playoff spot. Nothing we love more than a division battle in December. The last time these two teams met earlier this season it was a true coming-out party for Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase as they led the Bengals to a 41-17 win in Baltimore in week 7. Joe Burrow was 23-38, 416yds, 3-1 TD:INT. Jamar Chase had 10 targets and had 8 catches for 201 yards and a TD. While the Bengals have been on the uprise all season they may be able to take advantage of their divisional opponent once again. 

Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley will both be out in this one. Leaving Veteran Josh Johnson the man behind center in this one, Jackson dealing with an ankle injury, and Huntley now on the Covid list the Ravens offense is in the hands of a QB who has played for most of the teams in the NFL, even starting a game for the Jets earlier this year due to their QB injuries. Now the Bengals and their 8th overall ranked offense will have to create as many opportunities as they can with the Baltimore offense less limited than games with Lamar involved. For it is the Bengals side, they are hot right now, they have beaten this Ravens team with Jackson and they will beat them without him.

Jacks Game Pick: Cincinnati Bengals 

Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) @ Houston Texans (3-11)

Jacks Game Breakdown: 

The Texans host the Chargers in what is an impactful game to the Chargers and for the rest of their season they are blessed with a favorable matchup. While it seems the Texans offense has shown flashes this season that is mainly in part to Brandin Cooks having a great year. The Texans are an underwhelming offense at only 14.8 PPG. Only Jacksonville ranks lower. The Chargers will be without Austin Ekeler in this one but it won’t be a huge blow to this Chargers offense as the running game will feature Justin Jackson, a back familiar with the offense and has played snaps this year as well. 

The Texans Defense allows more rushing yards than anyone, currently allowing a pace of 145 yards per game just on the ground. They also have the 4th worst team when it comes to points allowed. The Chargers currently will have Mike Williams out with COVID Protocol. Keenan Allen and Jalen Guyton should be in for the day as big starts and could each have 100+ yards vs this Texans team. Hard to take Davis Mills over Justin herbert the way he’s been playing so the Chargers it is. 

Jacks Game Pick: Los Angeles Chargers

Seans Game Breakdown:

The Texans are just not good a good football team currently in the NFL and they have 23 players on the Covid list. Their defense has been allowing tons of yards and points and their offense has struggled to move the ball. Even though the Chargers are going to be without both Mike Williams and Austin Eckler Keenan Allen, Jared Cook and Jalen Guyton can still move the ball down field and Justin Jackson can run the ball well.

I just don’t see the Chargers dropping this game. I constantly talk about how at this point in the season teams have to win the games that they are supposed to and this is one o those games where they have to go out and win. I think that Chargers get the win over a very beatable Texans team.

Seans Game Pick: Los Angles Chargers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-4) @ Carolina Panthers (5-9)

Seans Game Breakdown: 

Wow, Tampa Bay getting shut out at home was just not expected in that Saints game, not even a field goal for them which was just insane. It was an injury-plagued game for them last week, Christ Godwin is out the rest of the year and playoffs with an ACL tear, Mike Evans is out in this game with a hamstring injury and Leonard Fourtnette hit the three week IR with a hamstring injury. The good news for Tampa Bay, Antonio Brown is coming back from his fake vaccine card suspension. It’s going to be up to him and Scotty Miller to carry this passing offense against a strong Panthers defense. Carolina is entering this game starting with Cam Newton but is also going to add Sam Darnold into packages, which means I don’t know what kind of offense we are going to be getting. They have been struggling the last four weeks and haven’t won during that span, Tampa Bay has struggled defensively against the pass but their run defense and pass rush is still one of the best.

This is the first meeting of these two teams in 2021 and personally, I would not want to be the Panthers in this one. Brady coming off of a game where he threw the Microsoft tablet on the ground and was shut out, he is coming into this one with a vengeance to play much better and get his team a huge win. If the Bucs can win and New Orleans loses they win the NFC South today. Brady has his eyes on the prize and that’s a SuperBowl, I need to give it to Tampa Bay today.

Seans Game Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jacks Game Breakdown: 

After what was Tom Brady’s first shutout since the iPhone was invented against the Saints last week the team defeated in a 9-0 slugfest to snap what was a 4 game win streak for Tampa Bay. Now another NFC South opponent comes into the frame for the Buccaneers this week as they head up to Carolina to take on the Panthers. The  Panthers have lost 4 straight and were dismantled by the Bills last week. The Panthers have many questions at the quarterback position and since Christian McCaffrey went out with a second injury that ended his season the Panthers have not looked the same. After starting 5-5 there was optimism but this Carolina team is not the same as they were a few weeks ago. 

Tampa Bay, unfortunately, lost Chris Godwin for the season and now has Mike Evans dealing with an injury. The Tampa Bay offense will provide enough as they have Tom Brady still with Gronkowski, Antonio Brown, and OJ Howard. This offense can provide what they need to in the run game with Ronald Jones. I believe the Tampa defense has all of the ways to make Cam Newton struggle. Their pass rush will make sure to shut down Panther’s game plan and I do believe that Tampa wants to lock up their playoff spot from the win here in a favorable matchup.  

Jacks Game Picks: Tampa Bay Buccaneers