On the year, my numbers went down to 154-86 (.642), which keeps me ahead of the curve at Yahoo! but still somewhere in the middle at ESPN. With just one week left, we find a number of ties in the Power Rankings. I'm still debating whether to go by the numbers or not next week, but until I make that determination (most likely on a game-by-game basis), here's how the teams have treated me so far this season and some last words on what I'm thinking of them as we head into the finale:
1. (1) DETROIT LIONS- Last week: Lost to New Orleans, 42-7 (-1)
- Actual Record: 0-15
- My predicted record: 4-11
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 164
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 12
- Plus/Minus: +152
- Any last words?:
The city of Detroit must love the ways their professional sports franchises attract national attention. Just think, five years ago, the Tigers barely avoided becoming Major League Baseball's all-time worst team.
Can the Lions avoid becoming the first 0-16 team in NFL history?
2. (2) ST. LOUIS RAMS- Last week: Lost to San Francisco, 17-16 (+13)
- Actual Record: 2-13
- My predicted record: 0-15
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 149
- Points taken from me with wins: 22
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +127
- Any last words?:
See, now here's the group that will end up 0-16 when I post my "Had They Done What I Said Final Standings" next week.
3. (3) NEW YORK GIANTS- Last week: Beat Carolina, 34-28 (-2)
- Actual Record: 12-3
- My predicted record: 13-2
- Points scored for me with wins: 139
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 5
- Points taken from me with losses: 32
- Plus/Minus: +102
- Any last words?:
How seriously will they take the Vikings? Well, Tom Coughlin had a playoff berth sewn up last year when the Giants went into the regular season finale and gave all they had to try and knock off the Patriots. I trust you remember how that ended, but here's what the coach is saying about this year's finale:
"If you believe as we do that you have to be playing your best football at this time of year, we certainly do have some things to build on, in particular when you are not going to be playing for a couple of weeks. I am taking that all into consideration."
4. (4) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Last week: Beat Jacksonville, 31-21 (+15)
- Actual Record: 11-4
- My predicted record: 13-2
- Points scored for me with wins: 109
- Points scored for me with losses: 3
- Points taken from me with wins: 6
- Points taken from me with losses: 12
- Plus/Minus: +94
- Any last words?:
That's 46 points over the past three weeks, only two points shy of the possible maximum.
5. (7) ARIZONA CARDINALS- Last week: Lost to New England, 47-7 (+9)
- Actual Record: 8-7
- My predicted record: 6-9
- Points scored for me with wins: 49
- Points scored for me with losses: 49
- Points taken from me with wins: 18
- Points taken from me with losses: 3
- Plus/Minus: +77
- Any last words?:
Is any team really worried about running into these guys in the playoffs?
5. (10) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS- Last week: Beat St. Louis, 17-16 (+13)
- Actual Record: 6-9
- My predicted record: 4-11
- Points scored for me with wins: 33
- Points scored for me with losses: 80
- Points taken from me with wins: 26
- Points taken from me with losses: 10
- Plus/Minus: +77
- Any last words?:
I don't know if my confidence that they would come back from a 16-3 deficit was a credit more to the Niners being underrated or the Rams just being bad.
7. (6) BALTIMORE RAVENS- Last week: Beat Dallas, 33-24 (+6)
- Actual Record: 10-5
- My predicted record: 8-7
- Points scored for me with wins: 65
- Points scored for me with losses: 30
- Points taken from me with wins: 16
- Points taken from me with losses: 4
- Plus/Minus: +75
- Any last words?:
There would be no worse feeling than letting a playoff berth slip through their fingers by losing to the Jags in Baltimore.
Highly unlikely that Ray Lewis allows that to happen.
8. (8) MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Last week: Lost to Atlanta, 24-17 (+3)
- Actual Record: 9-6
- My predicted record: 7-8
- Points scored for me with wins: 48
- Points scored for me with losses: 36
- Points taken from me with wins: 16
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +68
- Any last words?:
When I mentioned the Vikes' history of "flopping spectacularly" last week, I had to pat myself on the back while watching them fumble away a chance to sew up the division on Sunday.
9. (16) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Last week: Lost to Miami, 38-31 (+16)
- Actual Record: 2-13
- My predicted record: 3-12
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 99
- Points taken from me with wins: 17
- Points taken from me with losses: 15
- Plus/Minus: +67
- Any last words?:
How many "near wins" does this team have? I'm not sure anybody made me sweat big bets more this year.
10. (12) PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Last week: Lost to Tennessee, 31-14 (-4)
- Actual Record: 11-4
- My predicted record: 13-2
- Points scored for me with wins: 79
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 8
- Points taken from me with losses: 14
- Plus/Minus: +57
- Any last words?:
So, just how costly was the loss to Tennessee? That's still to be determined, but with the Colts being the No. 5 seed, you'd have to think the Steelers would actually prefer getting the AFC East winner (the No. 3 seed) in their first game instead of Indy.
10. (5) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Last week: Beat New York Jets, 13-3 (-14)
- Actual Record: 4-11
- My predicted record: 5-10
- Points scored for me with wins: 17
- Points scored for me with losses: 77
- Points taken from me with wins: 24
- Points taken from me with losses: 13
- Plus/Minus: +57
- Any last words?:
It's not unlikely that they end up getting another win for Holmgren to end the season, but it's still meaningless.
12. (14) CAROLINA PANTHERS- Last week: Lost to New York Giants, 34-28 (-2)
- Actual Record: 11-4
- My predicted record: 11-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 80
- Points scored for me with losses: 4
- Points taken from me with wins: 11
- Points taken from me with losses: 19
- Plus/Minus: +54
- Any last words?:
I thought they had the division sewn up already, so it's a bit of a surprise to see that there's still something on the line for them in their finale.
12. (10) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Last week: Lost to San Diego, 41-24 (-10)
- Actual Record: 9-6
- My predicted record: 10-5
- Points scored for me with wins: 61
- Points scored for me with losses: 23
- Points taken from me with wins: 9
- Points taken from me with losses: 21
- Plus/Minus: +54
- Any last words?:
A devastating loss to a very beatable team. Although they find themselves with an even bigger gimme in getting Oakland at home to end the year, the Bucs also have to hope Dallas flops in Philly.
Good luck with that.
14. (8) HOUSTON TEXANS- Last week: Lost to Oakland, 27-16 (-13)
- Actual Record: 7-8
- My predicted record: 7-8
- Points scored for me with wins: 33
- Points scored for me with losses: 48
- Points taken from me with wins: 14
- Points taken from me with losses: 15
- Plus/Minus: +52
- Any last words?:
Oh my. They had been treating me so well most of the season, and now they've turned into the totally forgettable football team I had always treated them as anyway.
14. (21) MIAMI DOLPHINS- Last week: Beat Kansas City, 38-31 (+16)
- Actual Record: 10-5
- My predicted record: 8-7
- Points scored for me with wins: 65
- Points scored for me with losses: 27
- Points taken from me with wins: 32
- Points taken from me with losses: 8
- Plus/Minus: +52
- Any last words?:
A real scare last week and the Jets' stunning loss to Seattle takes a bit away from the showdown this week. Still, I had no idea that Miami owned the tie-breaker for the division, so the "win and get in" scenario offers a bit more confidence to me saying (like I've been saying) that the Fins will get into the playoffs.
16. (13) CINCINNATI BENGALS- Last week: Beat Cleveland, 14-0 (-8)
- Actual Record: 3-11-1
- My predicted record: 3-12
- Points scored for me with wins: 1
- Points scored for me with losses: 106
- Points taken from me with wins/ties: 38
- Points taken from me with losses: 20
- Plus/Minus: +49
- Any last words?:
Ohio's better team ... I guess.
16. (20) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Last week: Beat Arizona, 47-7 (+9)
- Actual Record: 10-5
- My predicted record: 11-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 67
- Points scored for me with losses: 11
- Points taken from me with wins: 7
- Points taken from me with losses: 22
- Plus/Minus: +49
- Any last words?:
Could we really be in store for a year in which the Patriots are not in the playoffs?
These guys were my Super Bowl picks!
18. (17) CLEVELAND BROWNS- Last week: Lost to Cincinnati, 14-0 (-8)
- Actual Record: 4-11
- My predicted record: 4-11
- Points scored for me with wins: 3
- Points scored for me with losses: 76
- Points taken from me with wins: 21
- Points taken from me with losses: 16
- Plus/Minus: +42
- Any last words?:
Too bad about letting cross-state rivals Cincy beat them in their home finale, seeing as they have to finish the year in Pittsburgh.
18. (15) OAKLAND RAIDERS- Last week: Beat Houston, 27-16 (-12)
- Actual Record: 4-11
- My predicted record: 1-14
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 96
- Points taken from me with wins: 50
- Points taken from me with losses: 4
- Plus/Minus: +42
- Any last words?:
Hey, Tom Cable's up to three wins in Oakland! Kinda' makes you wonder what crazy reason Al Davis will come up with when he fires him.
Of course, I'm kidding. Cable can't be let go because nobody else wants that job.
20. (18) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS- Last week: Beat Tampa Bay, 41-24 (-10)
- Actual Record: 7-8
- My predicted record: 7-8
- Points scored for me with wins: 34
- Points scored for me with losses: 26
- Points taken from me with wins: 12
- Points taken from me with losses: 14
- Plus/Minus: +34
- Any last words?:
Remember that call Ed Hochuli blew three months ago? Well, this Sunday is going to make all that a moot point.
21. (24) DALLAS COWBOYS- Last week: Lost to Baltimore, 33-24 (+6)
- Actual Record: 9-6
- My predicted record: 9-6
- Points scored for me with wins: 56
- Points scored for me with losses: 27
- Points taken from me with wins: 20
- Points taken from me with losses: 30
- Plus/Minus: +33
- Any last words?:
You'd really hate to see them get into the playoffs after being such a disappointment this year, but it sure looks like they'll find a way to sneak in.
21. (18) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Last week: Lost to Washington, 10-3 (-11)
- Actual Record: 8-6-1
- My predicted record: 7-8
- Points scored for me with wins: 49
- Points scored for me with losses: 28
- Points taken from me with wins: 18
- Points taken from me with losses/ties: 26
- Plus/Minus: +33
- Any last words?:
Yet another team I can't believe is still in the playoff race, although they need the most help of any team I can think of.
23. (23) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Last week: Beat Detroit, 42-7 (-1)
- Actual Record: 8-7
- My predicted record: 6-9
- Points scored for me with wins: 35
- Points scored for me with losses: 24
- Points taken from me with wins: 10
- Points taken from me with losses: 17
- Plus/Minus: +32
- Any last words?:
I'm guessing Marino's record for most passing yards in a season remains in his possession, although credit Brees with making a valiant effort.
24. (26) CHICAGO BEARS- Last week: Beat Green Bay, 20-17 (+7)
- Actual Record: 9-6
- My predicted record: 12-3
- Points scored for me with wins: 49
- Points scored for me with losses: 12
- Points taken from me with wins: 1
- Points taken from me with losses: 30
- Plus/Minus: +30
- Any last words?:
Regardless of how they finish the year, the season has to be considered a success. This was a team most of us had expected very little from this year and yet here they are, still looking at a shot at the division.
24. (22) TENNESSEE TITANS- Last week: Beat Pittsburgh, 31-14 (-4)
- Actual Record: 13-2
- My predicted record: 8-7
- Points scored for me with wins: 71
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 23
- Points taken from me with losses: 18
- Plus/Minus: +30
- Any last words?:
As I mentioned about Pittsburgh, they still have to be hoping that the stars align such that the Steelers end up getting the Colts before they do.
26. (28) GREEN BAY PACKERS- Last week: Lost to Chicago, 20-17 (+7)
- Actual Record: 5-10
- My predicted record: 8-7
- Points scored for me with wins: 15
- Points scored for me with losses: 35
- Points taken from me with wins: 13
- Points taken from me with losses: 16
- Plus/Minus: +21
- Any last words?:
One play away from the Super Bowl last year and now ...
27. (25) WASHINGTON REDSKINS- Last week: Beat Philadelphia, 10-3 (-11)
- Actual Record: 8-7
- My predicted record: 8-7
- Points scored for me with wins: 37
- Points scored for me with losses: 41
- Points taken from me with wins: 31
- Points taken from me with losses: 34
- Plus/Minus: +13
- Any last words?:
I think they're even lower on B. Doggy's Power Rankings, but they've been a frustrating portrait of inconsistency by whomever's numbers you opt to use.
28. (30) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Last week: Lost to Indianapolis, 31-24 (+15)
- Actual Record: 5-10
- My predicted record: 5-10
- Points scored for me with wins: 3
- Points scored for me with losses: 41
- Points taken from me with wins: 17
- Points taken from me with losses: 21
- Plus/Minus: +6
- Any last words?:
That's the biggest helmet they've had all year, so they accomplished something (I guess).
29. (27) NEW YORK JETS- Last week: Lost to Seattle, 13-3 (-14)
- Actual Record: 9-6
- My predicted record: 10-5
- Points scored for me with wins: 61
- Points scored for me with losses: 5
- Points taken from me with wins: 17
- Points taken from me with losses: 46
- Plus/Minus: +3
- Any last words?:
I'm sleeping a little bit easier knowing they'll need a lot of help to make the playoffs.
30. (29) BUFFALO BILLS- Last week: Beat Denver, 30-23 (-5)
- Actual Record: 7-8
- My predicted record: 7-8
- Points scored for me with wins: 28
- Points scored for me with losses: 16
- Points taken from me with wins: 21
- Points taken from me with losses: 29
- Plus/Minus: -6
- Any last words?:
Dick Jauron could perhaps salvage his job with a victory over the Patriots on Sunday, but he's on pretty thin ice.
31. (30) ATLANTA FALCONS- Last week: Beat Minnesota, 24-17 (+3)
- Actual Record: 10-5
- My predicted record: 7-8
- Points scored for me with wins: 27
- Points scored for me with losses: 19
- Points taken from me with wins: 37
- Points taken from me with losses: 16
- Plus/Minus: -7
- Any last words?:
Not only playoff-bound, but there's even hope for a first-round bye.
32. (32) DENVER BRONCOS- Last week: Lost to Buffalo, 30-23 (-5)
- Actual Record: 8-7
- My predicted record: 12-3
- Points scored for me with wins: 35
- Points scored for me with losses: 9
- Points taken from me with wins: 19
- Points taken from me with losses: 43
- Plus/Minus: -18
- Any last words?:
Way to go, Denver! Only the Broncos could have a three game lead with three games remaining and somehow let it all come down to the finale.
They deserve to lose it in San Diego.
And now, the tentative playoff team predictions (which are almost certain to change because I haven't actually made my picks for Week 17 yet):
AFC
#1 (2) Tennessee Titans
#2 (1) Pittsburgh Steelers
#3 (6) Miami Dolphins
#4 (—) San Diego Chargers
#5 (5) Indianapolis Colts
#6 (—) Baltimore Ravens
NFC
#1 (1) New York Giants
#2 (2) Carolina Panthers
#3 (4) Chicago Bears
#4 (3) Arizona Cardinals
#5 (6) Atlanta Falcons
#6 (—) Dallas Cowboys
#1 (2) Tennessee Titans
#2 (1) Pittsburgh Steelers
#3 (6) Miami Dolphins
#4 (—) San Diego Chargers
#5 (5) Indianapolis Colts
#6 (—) Baltimore Ravens
NFC
#1 (1) New York Giants
#2 (2) Carolina Panthers
#3 (4) Chicago Bears
#4 (3) Arizona Cardinals
#5 (6) Atlanta Falcons
#6 (—) Dallas Cowboys
16-point games: 8-0
15-point games: 6-3
14-point games: 12-3
13-point games: 12-4
12-point games: 12-4
11-point games: 12-4
10-point games: 12-4
9-point games: 10-6
8-point games: 9-7
7-point games: 11-5
6-point games: 9-7
5-point games: 6-10
4-point games: 9-7
3-point games: 9-7
2-point games: 9-7
1-point games: 8-8
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