NFC Daily News Blitz

January 16th, 2009



NFC

• Arizona Cardinals: Troy Aikman is calling the Cardinals, not the Eagles this years Giants.
• Atlanta Falcons: Les Snead is named director of player personnel.
• Carolina Panthers: Panthers fans are still feeling the hangover of the crushing end to their season.
• Chicago Bears: The 2009 Bears defense will get a little more Lovie, as Smith takes over play-calling duties.
• Dallas Cowboys: The dump T.O. campaign hits high levels; problem is, will Jerry Jones listen?
• Detroit Lions: "Blue-collar" kid Jim Schwartz has arrived and is ready to get to work on Lions.
• Green Bay Packers: Packer's LB Nick Barnett gets a little ink done to kick start convention.
• Minnesota Vikings: Could Minnesota Vikings be part of stadium plan to bring NFL back to LA County?
• New Orleans Saints: Saints have hired Gregg Williams as new defensive coordinator.
• New York Giants: WR Plaxico Burress is hoping to catch a Hail Mary in his gun case.
• Philadelphia Eagles: Blitz happy Jim Johnson, like to keep his opponents guessing.
• St. Louis Rams: Jim Haslett doesn't make the final cut in St. Louis.
• San Francisco 49ers: Round 2: Linehan gets second interview with 49ers.
• Seattle Seahawks: Jim Mora Jr. formallly announced as successor to Holmgren.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bringin' Barry back; Bucs re-hire Joe Barry to coach Linebackers.
• Washington Redskins: Ticket prices for stay the same for next seasons Redskins games.

AFC/NFC News Blitz

AFC

• Buffalo Bills (7-9-0): Three Bills have made the cut and are Hall of Fame finalists.
• Miami Dolphins (11-5-0): Dolphins great season came to an end at the hands of Ed Reed.
• New England Patriots (11-5-0): Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels' next Head Coaching interview is with the Rams.
• New York Jets (9-7-0): Jets fans are getting tired of team management.

NFC

• Dallas Cowboys (9-7-0): Game over for Pacman in Dallas
• New York Giants (12-4-0): Fired up Giants excited for rematch after a December loss.
• Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1): Eagles defense is preparing itself for a two-headed running back attack.
• Washington Redskins (8-8-0): Head Coach Jim Zorn is showing everyone that the truth hurts, but it will make you better.

AFC/NFC West News Blitz

AFC

• Denver Broncos (8-6-0): With Shanahan gone, could there be an opening for Elway?
• Kansas City Chiefs (2-12-0): Chiefs front office focusing on Pioli to become new GM.
• Oakland Raiders (3-11-0): Interim Head Coach Tom Cable is planning for the offseason in hopes that the job will be his.
• San Diego Chargers (6-8-0): Chargers hoping to turn up the heat on Manning in the playoffs.

NFC

• Arizona Cardinals (8-6-0): In hopes of avoiding a TV black-out, Cardinals get an extension to sell more tickets.
• St. Louis Rams (2-12-0): It's business as usual for IHC Jim Haslett.
• San Francisco 49ers (5-9-0): Run, Run and Run some more, Singletary unveils new offensive plan.
• Seattle Seahawks (3-11-0): Mike Holmgren still has "The Itch". Wants to return to coaching after year off.

AFC/NFC North News Blitz

AFC

• Baltimore Ravens (11-5-0): With a win, they are in. Ravens clinch final playoff spot.
• Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): There's hope for the future as Bengals finish season on 3-game winning streak.
• Cleveland Browns (4-12-0): Browns are cleaning house as Crennel follows Savage out the door.
• Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4-0): Steelers fans nervous as Big Ben is carted off due to head injury in meaningless game.

NFC

• Chicago Bears (9-7-0): They needed help to get in, but Bears couldn't even help themselves as season comes to a close in Houston.
• Detroit Lions (0-16-0): Motown became "Woetown" as Lions are completely winless.
• Green Bay Packers (6-10-0): Statistically Aaron Rodgers had a great season, unfortunately the record did not reflect that.
• Minnesota Vikings (10-6-0): Adrian Peterson rumbled his way to become the league's leading rusher, and also joined an Elite group of 2nd year running backs.

Alldayfootball.com NFL MVP award

The NFL regular season is coming to a close and as we all prepare for "The Tournament" I figured that Alldayfootball.com should discuss our choice for the league MVP. A few weeks ago the list of candidates was very different with names like Warner and Brees as popular choices, and if there was an award for mid-season MVP either of those two would have had my vote. As we all know the award is for a complete seasons worth of work and late season collapses in the Bayou and the Desert have eliminated those two players from the running.

After hours of evaluation and careful following there are two remaining candidates and one clear winner. Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson are both offensive superstars who are carrying their respective teams late into the season.

An uncharacteristic slow start in Indy because of two off season knee surgeries kept Peyton off this list for most of the season, but he has fully recovered and rebounded to Pro-bowl form. A master of deciphering opposing defenses, Manning will figure you out and slice you apart with surgeon-like precision. A struggling Addai/Rhodes backfield has provided very little support in the running game so Peyton Manning has put the Indianapolis on his shoulders and carried them back from a rocky 3-4 start to an 8 win streak and an 11-4 record along with a guaranteed 7th consecutive playoff appearance.

Peterson on the other hand doesn't have the supportive cast of Offensive playmakers like Manning does as evidence by his squad still struggling to lock up a playoff berth. His teams struggles should not take away from the dominating impact that Peterson brings every Sunday. Leading the NFL in Rushing yards when teams are constantly stacking the box with no fear of the Vikings lackluster pass attack is no small feat. Peterson's upright punishing style and blazing speed make him a threat to go the distance on any carry. A match-up nightmare in just his second season, his impact will not be truly felt until the rest of the offense can bring some balance.

When the season comes to a close and the awards are handed out, Peyton Manning will be clearing a spot for another piece of hardware. A 3rd NFL MVP trophy whose team would be at the bottom of the division without him. An irreplaceable conductor who orchestrates an offense beautifully from the line of scrimmage.

Week 17 Power Rankings

• 1.Tennessee Titans (13-2): Looked sharp against a tough opponent, Rookie Jason Jones helped Titans forget the loss of Haynesworth.
  


• 2.New York Giants (12-3): Got back Jacobs, and the Running game in a game they needed to win.
  


• 3. Indianapolis Colts (11-4): Peyton Manning is making another MVP run, but will it also be a Superbowl MVP



• 4. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4): Losing to the Titans.... outplayed or strategy? I guess we will find out.



• 5. Carolina Panthers (11-4): Lost a tough battle for #1, Jake Delhomme is lucky Giant DB's can't catch.


• 6. Baltimore Ravens (10-5): Absolutely ran over the Dallas cowboys, but still not guaranteed a playoff spot.



• 7. Atlanta Falcons (10-5): Have clinched a playoff spot, and now are hoping for a deep run at it.
  


• 8. Miami Dolphins (10-5): A little too close for comfort in KC, but Phins keep on swimming to potential playoff berth.
  


• 9. Dallas Cowboys (9-6): Still in the lead for the 6th seed in the NFC despite being trampled by Ravens at Home.
  


• 10. New England Patriots (10-5): Absolutely destroyed the Cardinals in the snow, but need help to get into the playoffs.



• 11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6): Admit it or not Monte Kiffin leaving has been a distraction, Bucs need a win but do not control their own fate anymore.



• 12. Minnesota Vikings (9-6): Lost a crucial game against Atlanta as Bears are getting closer in division race.



• 13. New York Jets (9-6): Brett lost his Holmgren reunion game and possibly a playoff spot.



• 14. Denver Broncos (8-7): Had a chance to secure the division, now have to go win it away from Mile High against a team looking for revenge.



• 15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1): Lost a game the the helpless Redskins seriously hurt their shot at the playoffs.



• 16. Chicago Bears (9-6) : The Bears were completely outplayed at home, but still managed to squeak out an over-time win.
  
  
• 17. Arizona Cardinals (8-7): Were embarrassed in New England, they may have won their division but they won't win a playoff game.


• 18. Washington Redskins (8-7): The Redskins played a complete game against a division rival and regained some pride after a late season slide.
  


• 19. New Orleans Saints (8-7): If only they could play the Lions every week.



• 20.San Diego Chargers (7-8): Big road win and Bronco loss sets up ideal situation for late blooming Chargers; Win and you're In!


• 21. San Francisco 49ers (6-9): Late come from behind win, 49ers are playing for Interim Coach Singletary's Job next season



• 22. Houston Texans (7-8): Ugly loss to Oakland ends Houston Hot Streak



• 23. Green Bay Packers (5-10): Played a solid game but let it slip away, Aaron Rodgers now 0-8 in 4th quarter comebacks.
  


• 24. Buffalo Bills (7-8): Trent Edwards is showing his toughness and the Bills are a much better team with him under center.



• 25. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10): Failed to sweep Colts in a game they could have won, but late game fade sealed fate.
  
  
• 26. Oakland Raiders (4-11): Exploded out of the gates with a nice win, can they take advantage of struggling Bucs to finish season strong?
  
  
• 27. Cleveland Browns (4-11): Weight Room brawls and Locker room snitches, the bad get worse.
  
• 28. Seattle Seahawks (5-11): Won the Head Coaches final home game against a former student, a story book ending for a classy coach.



• 29. Cincinnati Bengals (3-11-1): Great shut-out win in the late season Battle of Ohio



• 30. Kansas City Chiefs (2-13): Kept it close as long as they could but were no match for the Miami Wildcats.



• 31. St Louis Rams (2-13): Gave away a huge half time lead when they realised a win would hurt their draft position.



• 32. Detroit Lions (0-15): Local reporters are so tired of writing about losses they have decided to attack the coaches daughter.

AFC/NFC North Blitz

AFC



• Baltimore Ravens (10-5-0): Raven backfield provided speedy wrecking ball for Texas stadium.

• Cincinnati Bengals (3-11-1): Leon Hall shines in re-match between fellow Wolverine alum.

• Cleveland Browns (4-11-0): Locker room altercation gets confirmation.

• Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4-0): Steelers prepare for meaningless game against Browns after watching their Team and Terrible Towels get stomped by #1 Titans.


NFC



• Chicago Bears (8-6-0): Bears are given new hope as most NFC playoff teams lose.

• Detroit Lions (0-15-0): With each passing week the Lions set a new standard for incompetance in the NFL.

• Green Bay Packers (5-9-0): The team and players are not the only ones to suffer when the Packers lose.

• Minnesota Vikings (9-6-0): Tavaris Jr's improving health has inspired better play for his Father

AFC/NFC West Blitz

AFC

• Denver Broncos (8-6-0): Win and their in; Broncos prepare for Bills.
• Kansas City Chiefs (2-12-0): Dolphins and Chiefs; similar paths different results.
• Oakland Raiders (3-11-0): Raiders Defense is closing in on Franchise record... but not in a good way.
• San Diego Chargers (6-8-0): Scifres so close again, gets 3rd consecutive Pro Bowl alternate spot.

NFC

• Arizona Cardinals (8-6-0): An impressive 5 Cardinals have been selected to Pro Bowl
• St. Louis Rams (2-12-0): Rookie wall hit WR Avery hard, but he is over it and ready to be productive again.
• San Francisco 49ers (5-9-0): 49ers handed out Team awards this week, Bruce and Smith among winners
• Seattle Seahawks (3-11-0): Favre/Holmgren prepare to share another farewell game this Sunday

AFC Pro Bowl Rosters

Here are the AFC Pro Bowl rosters Starters names are in RED

Offense

• QB: Peyton Manning, Colts; Brett Favre, Jets; Jay Cutler, Broncos.
• RB: Thomas Jones, Jets; Chris Johnson, Titans; Ronnie Brown, Dolphins.
• FB: Le’Ron McClain, Ravens.
• WR: Andre Johnson, Texans and Brandon Marshall, Broncos; Reggie Wayne, Colts; Wes Welker, Patriots.
• TE: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs; Antonio Gates, Chargers.
• T: Joe Thomas, Browns and Jason Peters, Bills; Michael Roos, Titans.
• G: Alan Faneca, Jets and Kris Dielman, Chargers; Brian Waters, Chiefs.
• C: Kevin Mawae, Titans; Nick Mangold, Jets.
  

Defense

• DE: Mario Williams, Texans and Dwight Freeney, Colts; Robert Mathis, Colts.
• DT: Albert Haynesworth, Titans and Kris Jenkins, Jets; Shaun Rogers, Browns.
• OLB: James Harrison, Steelers and Joey Porter, Dolphins; Terrell Suggs, Ravens
• MLB: Ray Lewis, Ravens; James Farrior, Steelers.
• CB: Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders and Courtland Finnegan, Titans; Darrelle Revis, Jets.
• S: Ed Reed, Ravens and Troy Polamalu, Steelers; Chris Hope, Titans.
  

Special Teams

• K: Stephan Gostkowski, Patriots.
• P: Shane Lechler, Raiders.
• KR: Leon Washington, Jets.
• ST: Brendon Ayanbadejo, Ravens.

NFC Pro Bowl Rosters

Here are the NFC Pro Bowl rosters. I hope you all put in your vote. Starters will be in Blue

Offense

• QB: Kurt Warner, Cardinals; Drew Brees, Saints; Eli Manning, Giants.
• RB: Adrian Peterson, Vikings; Michael Turner, Falcons; Clinton Portis, Redskins.
  FB: Mike Sellers, Redskins.
• WR: Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, Cardinals; Steve Smith, Panthers; Roddy White, Falcons
• TE: Jason Witten, Cowboys; Chris Cooley, Redskins.
• T: Jordan Gross, Panthers and Walter Jones, Seahawks; Chris Samuels, Redskins.
• G: Chris Snee, Giants and Steve Hutchinson, Vikings; Leonard Davis, Cowboys.
• C: Andre Gurode, Cowboys; Shaun O’Hara, Giants.

Defense

• DE: Justin Tuck, Giants and Julius Peppers, Panthers; Jared Allen, Vikings.
• DT: Kevin Williams, Vikings and Jay Ratliff, Cowboys; Pat Williams, Vikings.
• OLB: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys and Lance Briggs, Bears; Derrick Brooks, Buccaneers.
• ILB: Patrick Willis, 49ers; Jon Beason, Panthers.
• CB: Charles Woodson, Packers and Antoine Winfield, Vikings; Asante Samuel, Eagles.
• S: Nick Collins, Packers and Adrian Wilson, Cardinals; Brian Dawkins, Eagles.

Special Teams

• K: John Carney, Giants.
• P: Jeff Feagles, Giants.
• KR: Clifton Smith, Buccaneers.
• ST: Sean Morey, Cardinals.

Week 16 Picks

Hey Everyone, my picks are up a day early because I will be travelling tomorrow for the Holidays. Enjoy!

Indianapolis Colts (10-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9)

Thursday, 8:15 ET Weather
Injuries:

• Colts: OUT: RB Mike Hart (IR), OT Tony Ugoh, G Ryan Lilja, DT Anthony McFarland (IR), OLB Tyjuan Hagler, CB Marlin Jackson (IR), KR T.J. Rushing (IR).
• Jaguars: OUT: RB Fred Taylor (IR), FB Greg Jones (IR), WR Matt Jones (SUSP), G Vince Manuwai (IR), G Maurice Williams (IR), G Chris Naeole (IR), CB Rashean Mathis (IR), P Adam Podlesh (IR).

WINNER: COLTS

Baltimore Ravens (9-5) at Dallas Cowboys (9-5)

Saturday, 8:15 ET Weather

Injuries:

• Ravens: OUT: QB Kyle Boller (IR), WR Demetrius Williams (IR), TE Quinn Sypniewski (IR), OT Marshal Yanda (IR), OT Adam Terry, DT Kelly Gregg (IR), DT Dwan Edwards (IR), ILB Tavares Gooden (IR), ILB Prescott Burgess (IR), CB Chris McAlister (IR), S Dawan Landry (IR).
• Cowboys: OUT: RB Felix Jones (IR), WR Sam Hurd (IR), G Kyle Kosier (IR), CB Pacman Jones, S Roy Williams (IR), P Mat McBriar (IR).

WINNER: RAVENS

Miami Dolphins (9-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-12)

Sunday, 1:00 ET Weather

Injuries:

• Dolphins: OUT: WR Greg Camarillo (IR), G Donald Thomas (IR), CB Michael Lehan (IR).
• Chiefs: OUT: QB Brodie Croyle (IR), QB Damon Huard (IR), RB Kolby Smith (IR), DE Turk McBride (IR).

WINNER: DOLPHINS

New Orleans Saints (7-7) at Detroit Lions (0-14)

Sunday, 1:00 ET Weather (Dome)

Injuries:

• Saints: OUT: RB Aaron Stecker (IR), TE Jeremy Shockey, TE Mark Campbell (IR), DE Charles Grant (IR), DT DeMario Pressley (IR), ILB Mark Simoneau (IR), CB Mike McKenzie (IR), CB Tracy Porter (IR), CB Aaron Glenn (IR), S Kevin Kaesviharn (IR), K Martin Gramatica (IR), KR Courtney Roby (IR).
• Lions: OUT: QB Jon Kitna (IR), WR Mike Furrey (IR), DE Jared DeVries (IR), DT Cory Redding (IR), CB Stanley Wilson (IR), S Gerald Alexander (IR).

WINNER: LIONS

Cincinnati Bengals (2-11-1) at Cleveland Browns (4-10)

Sunday, 1:00 ET Weather

Injuries:

• Bengals: OUT: QB Carson Palmer, RB Kenny Irons (IR), G Andrew Whitworth (IR), OLB Keith Rivers (IR), CB Jonathan Joseph (IR), S Dexter Jackson (IR), S Marvin White (IR).
• Browns: OUT: QB Brady Quinn (IR), QB Derek Anderson (IR), WR Joe Jurevicius (IR), OT Ryan Tucker (IR), G Lennie Friedman, DE Robaire Smith (IR), OLB Antwan Peek (IR).

WINNER: BENGALS

San Diego Chargers (6-8) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5)

Sunday, 1:00 ET Weather

Injuries:

• Chargers: OUT: WR Eric Parker (IR).
• Buccaneers: OUT: RB Earnest Graham (IR), FB Byron Storer (IR), CB Torrie Cox (IR), CB Sammy Davis (IR).

WINNER: BUCCANEERS

San Francisco 49ers (5-9) at St. Louis Rams (2-12)

Sunday, 1:00 ET Weather (Dome)

Injuries:

• 49ers: OUT: QB Alex Smith (IR), FB Zak Keasey (IR), WR Arnaz Battle (IR), OLB Jay Moore (IR), CB Shawntae Spencer (IR).
• Rams: OUT: FB Brian Leonard (IR), WR Drew Bennett (IR), TE Randy McMichael (IR), OT Orlando Pace, OT Brandon Gorin (IR), G Mark Setterstrom (IR), CB Tye Hill (IR), CB Justin King (IR), CB Ricky Manning Jr., KR Dante Hall (IR).

WINNER: 49ERS

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) at Tennessee Titans (12-2)

Sunday, 1:00 ET Weather

Injuries:

• Steelers: OUT: QB Charlie Batch, RB Rashard Mendenhall (IR), G Kendall Simmons (IR), P Daniel Sepulveda (IR), LS Greg Warren (IR).
• Titans: OUT: DT Albert Haynesworth, CB Reynaldo Hill, CB Eric King. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch.

WINNER: STEELERS

Arizona Cardinals (8-6) at New England Patriots (9-5)

Sunday, 1:00 ET Weather

Injuries:

• Cardinals: OUT: C Scott Peters (IR).
• Patriots: OUT: QB Tom Brady (IR), RB Laurence Maroney (IR), OT Ryan O'Callaghan (IR), OT Oliver Ross, OT Anthony Clement (IR), G Stephen Neal, DE Ty Warren, DE/OLB Adalius Thomas (IR), ILB Tedy Bruschi (IR), CB Terrence Wheatley (IR), S Rodney Harrison (IR), S Tank Williams (IR).

WINNER: PATRIOTS

Houston Texans (7-7) at Oakland Raiders (3-11)

Sunday, 4:05 ET Weather

Injuries:

• Texans: OUT: RB Ahman Green (IR), RB Chris Brown (IR), RB Chris Taylor (IR), G Fred Weary (IR), OLB Zach Diles (IR), CB Jimmy Williams (IR), S C.C. Brown, KR Andre Davis.
• Raiders: OUT: FB Justin Griffith (IR), WR Drew Carter (IR), G Paul McQuistan (IR), C Jake Grove, S Tyvon Branch (IR).

WINNER: TEXANS

New York Jets (9-5) at Seattle Seahawks (3-11)

Sunday, 4:05 ET Weather

Injuries:

• Jets: OUT: RB Jesse Chatman (IR), ILB Brad Kassell (IR).
• Seahawks: OUT: QB Matt Hasselbeck, WR Deion Branch*, WR Nate Burleson (IR), WR Ben Obomanu (IR), WR Logan Payne (IR), OT Walter Jones (IR), G Rob Sims (IR), G Mike Wahle (IR), C Chris Spencer (IR), DE Patrick Kerney (IR).

WINNER: SEAHAWKS

Buffalo Bills (6-8) at Denver Broncos (8-6)

Sunday, 4:05 ET Weather

Injuries:

• Bills: OUT: DE Aaron Schobel, OLB Angelo Crowell (IR), ILB John DiGiorgio (IR), CB Ashton Youboty (IR).
• Broncos: OUT: QB Patrick Ramsey (IR), RB Peyton Hillis (IR), RB Michael Pittman (IR), RB Andre Hall (IR), TE Nate Jackson (IR), OT Erik Pears, C Tom Nalen (IR), OLB Boss Bailey (IR).

WINNER: BRONCOS

Atlanta Falcons (9-5) at Minnesota Vikings (9-5)

Sunday, 4:15 ET Weather (Dome)

Injuries:

• Falcons: OUT: CB Von Hutchins (IR).
• Vikings: OUT: DE Kenechi Udeze (IR), DT Pat Williams, DT Kendrick Allen (IR), ILB E.J. Henderson, CB Charles Gordon (IR), S Madieu Williams, S Michael Boulware (IR).

WINNER: VIKINGS

Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1) at Washington Redskins (7-7)

Sunday, 4:15 ET Weather

Injuries:

• Eagles: OUT: G Shawn Andrews, G Max Jean-Gilles (IR), CB Jack Ikegwuonu (IR).
• Redskins: OUT: OT Chris Samuels (IR), DE Phillip Daniels (IR), S Reed Doughty (IR).

WINNER: EAGLES

Carolina Panthers (11-3) at New York Giants (11-3)

Sunday, 8:15 ET Weather

Injuries:

• Panthers: OUT: LB Dan Connor (IR).
• Giants: OUT: QB Anthony Wright (IR), WR Plaxico Burress, WR David Tyree (IR), DE Osi Umenyiora (IR), ILB Jonathan Goff (IR), S Sammy Knight (IR).

WINNER:GIANTS

Green Bay Packers (5-9) at Chicago Bears (8-6)

Monday, 8:30 ET Weather

Injuries:

• Packers: OUT: OT Mark Tauscher (IR), DT Justin Harrell, ILB Nick Barnett (IR)
• Bears: OUT: OT Fred Miller (IR), DT Dusty Dvoracek (IR), CB Nathan Vasher (IR), CB Zackary Bowman (IR), S Brandon McGowan (IR).

WINNER: BEARS

AFC/NFC South News Blitz

AFC

• Houston Texans (7-7-0): Texans make is four-straight with win over division foe.
• Indianapolis Colts (10-4-0): Hot streak Colts need 1 more win to secure 7th straight playoff appearance.
• Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9-0): Northcutt and deep passing game found hiding on the bench.
• Tennessee Titans (12-2-0): Titans are hopeful that Haynesworth will be available for playoffs.
  

NFC

• Atlanta Falcons (9-5-0): Despite win, Falcons still not guaranteed playoff spot.
• Carolina Panthers (11-3-0): Panthers "space eater" Kemoeatu on crutches, in protective boot
• New Orleans Saints (7-7-0): Brees dominates fan voting for Probowl, like he dominated defenses this season.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5-0): Even with two back to back divisional Losses, the Bucs still control playoff destiny.

Week 15 Power Rankings

• 
  1.Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3): Steelers looking at shot for 1st seed in playoffs as they prepare for wounded Titans.
• 2.Carolina Panthers (11-3): Running all over anybody and Homefield advantage throughout the playoffs in sight.
• 3. Tennessee Titans (12-2): Key Defensive line losses and the Steelers coming to town, the Hottest team in the NFL cooling down quickly.
• 4. Indianapolis Colts (10-4): Looking to avenge an earlier loss and lock up 5th seed in the playoffs next week.
• 5. New York Giants (11-3): G-men need to get Brandon Jacobs healthy in a hurry if they want the road to the Super Bowl to go through New York.
• 6. Baltimore Ravens (9-5): Still hurting from controversial loss, Ravens better get ready for tough Saturday night matchup in Dallas.
• 7. Dallas Cowboys (9-5): Winning when it counts, but how long will they be able to ignore the T.O. distractions?
• 8. Atlanta Falcons (9-5): Strong running game and good defense important in huge overtime win.
• 9. Miami Dolphins (9-5): After quick start Offense fell asleep in important win.
• 10. New England Patriots (9-5): Cassell showed some real grit and went from tough week to easy win.
• 11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5): Losing two-straight within the division is not how you make the playoffs.
• 12. Minnesota Vikings (9-5): Dominant win in Arizona might make the 1999 NFC championship loss (DAMN) a little easier to forget.
• 13. New York Jets (9-5): Late defensive TD keeps NYJ in the Hunt.
• 14. Denver Broncos (8-6): Denver needs to find consistency in the Running game and keep their backs off IR.
• 15. Philadelphia Eagles (7-5-1): Impressive win at home, but multiple Red Zone turnovers will not win you many games.
• 16. Arizona Cardinals (8-6): Cards were completely dismantled at Home, look like a lock to be a first round playoff loser.
• 17. Houston Texans (7-7): Hot streak Texans 2 wins away from winning season.
• 18. Chicago Bears (8-6) : Nice tough December win but its an uphill battle chasing the Vikings.
• 19. New Orleans Saints (7-7): From Super Bowl prediction to the bottom of their division. When will they fix that defense?
• 20.Washington Redskins (7-7): Words cannot describe how quickly this team has fallen apart.
• 21. San Francisco 49ers (5-9): They were given plenty of opprotunities but couldn't finish against Miami.
• 22. San Diego Chargers (6-8): Miracle Two-minute drill produced 2 scores and a win.
• 23. Green Bay Packers (5-9): Are the Packers playing for a better draft position?
• 24. Buffalo Bills (6-8): Had the win in hand until the ball was taken out of J.P. "Lossman's".
• 25. Cleveland Browns (4-10): 16 quarters without a TD is not a suggested strategy for players on a team looking to clean house.
• 26. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9): Maybe Dennis Northcutt read my blog last week, did not look like a quitter.
• 27. Oakland Raiders (3-11): Interim Head Coach Cable should worry less about Kiffin and more about how bad his team is.
• 28. Seattle Seahawks (3-11): Playing for Pride, playing for jobs.. it doesn't matter, they are finally playing.
• 29. Cincinnati Bengals (2-11-1): Nice team win against Washington, but still a bad team.
• 30. Kansas City Chiefs (2-12): Tamba Hali was a beast but kicker was not.
• 31. St Louis Rams (2-12): Rams could close in tough divisional matchup, looking like a lock for the #2 overall pick.
• 32. Detroit Lions (0-14): Another week, another loss despite Calvin Johnson's brilliance.

AFC/NFC North News Blitz

AFC
• Baltimore ravens (9-5-0): Raven's lose game vs Steelers by the Nose of a ball or an Officiating error.

• Cincinnati Bengals (2-11-0): Bengals finally put together a team effort and get 2nd win.

• Cleveland Browns (4-9-0): Can the Browns possibly make it 3-0 on Monday night?

• Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3-0): Controvesial Holmes TD seals up AFC North title


NFC
• Chicago Bears (8-6-0): Still scratchin' and survivin': The Bears need a lot of help to make the playoffs.

• Detroit Lions (0-14-0): Lions are adding injury to insult, and former Mr. Irrelevant proves to be in another Detroit loss.

• Green Bay Packers (5-9-0): The Packers held on for as long as they could but the season is finally over in Green Bay.

• Minnesota Vikings (9-5-0): Viking finally playing to their potential and crush the Cardinals.

AFC/NFC West News Blitz

AFC

• Denver Broncos (8-5-0): Cory Boyd becomes the 7th starting RB for Denver this season.
• Kansas City Chiefs (2-11-0): Why is Tyler Thigpen trying to put doubt in people's minds about a position that is his for the taking?
• Oakland Raiders (3-10-0): The Moss vs Asomugha match-up might make this game worth watching.
• San Diego Chargers (5-8-0): In a clear sign that things are not going well for the Chargers their Dec. 21 game has been "Flexed" from the Primetime slot for a more competitive Match-up.
  

NFC

• Arizona Cardinals (8-5-0): Arizona is experiencing culture shock as Cardinals lock up NFC West.
• St. Louis Rams (2-11-0): Struggling rams may cost Haslett his job.
• San Francisco 49ers (5-8-0): 49ers might be going "Wild" this weekend.
• Seattle Seahawks (2-10-0): Bad getting worse two more Seahawks to have surgery.

Eric's Week 15 Picks

Winners will be BOLD

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New Orleans Saints (7-6) at Chicago Bears (7-6) Thursday Night 8:15pm Weather

Injuries:

• Saints: OUT: RB Aaron Stecker (IR), TE Jeremy Shockey, TE Mark Campbell (IR), DE Charles Grant (IR), DT DeMario Pressley (IR), ILB Mark Simoneau (IR), CB Mike McKenzie (IR), CB Tracy Porter (IR), CB Aaron Glenn (IR), S Kevin Kaesviharn (IR), K Martin Gramatica (IR), KR Courtney Roby (IR).
• Bears: OUT: OT Fred Miller (IR), DT Dusty Dvoracek (IR), CB Nathan Vasher (IR), CB Zackary Bowman (IR), S Brandon McGowan (IR).

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Buffalo Bills (6-7) at New York Jets (8-5) Sunday 1pm Weather

Injuries:

• Bills: OUT: DE Aaron Schobel, OLB Angelo Crowell (IR), ILB John DiGiorgio (IR), CB Ashton Youboty (IR). QUESTIONABLE: DE Aaron Schobel, CB Jabari Greer.
• Jets: OUT: RB Jesse Chatman (IR), ILB Brad Kassell (IR).

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San Francisco 49ers (5-8) at Miami Dolphins (8-5) Sunday 1pm Weather

Injuries:

• 49ers: OUT: QB Alex Smith (IR), FB Zak Keasey (IR), OLB Jay Moore (IR), CB Shawntae Spencer (IR).
• Dolphins: OUT: WR Greg Camarillo (IR), G Donald Thomas (IR), CB Michael Lehan (IR).
  

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San Diego Chargers (5-8) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-11) Sunday 1pm Weather

Injuries:

• Chargers: OUT: WR Eric Parker (IR).
• Chiefs: OUT: QB Brodie Croyle (IR), QB Damon Huard (IR), RB Kolby Smith (IR), DE Turk McBride (IR).
  

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Green Bay Packers (5-8) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9) Sunday 1pm Weather

Injuries:

• Packers: OUT: OT Mark Tauscher (IR), DT Justin Harrell, ILB Nick Barnett (IR).
• Jaguars: OUT: WR Matt Jones (SUSP), WR Jerry PorterG Vince Manuwai (IR), G Maurice Williams (IR), G Chris Naeole (IR), CB Rashean Mathis (IR), P Adam Podlesh (IR).
  

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Detroit Lions (0-13) at Indianapolis Colts (9-4) Sunday 1pm Weather (Dome)

Injuries:

• Lions: OUT: QB Jon Kitna (IR), WR Mike Furrey (IR), DE Jared DeVries (IR), CB Stanley Wilson (IR), S Gerald Alexander (IR).
• Colts: OUT: RB Mike Hart (IR), OT Tony Ugoh, G Ryan Lilja, DT Anthony McFarland (IR), OLB Tyjuan Hagler, CB Marlin Jackson (IR), KR T.J. Rushing (IR). QUESTIONABLE: C Jeff Saturday.
  

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Washington Redskins (7-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-11-1) Sunday 1pm Weather

Injuries:

• Redskins: OUT: OT Chris Samuels (IR), DE Phillip Daniels (IR), S Reed Doughty (IR).
• Bengals: OUT: QB Carson Palmer, RB Kenny Irons (IR), G Andrew Whitworth (IR), OLB Keith Rivers (IR), CB Jonathan Joseph (IR), S Dexter Jackson (IR), S Marvin White (IR). DOUBTFUL: OT Levi Jones, DE Antwan Odom.
  

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Seattle Seahawks (2-11) at St. Louis Rams (2-11) Sunday 1pm Weather (Dome)

Injuries:

• Seahawks: OUT: WR Deion Branch, WR Nate Burleson (IR), WR Ben Obomanu (IR), WR Logan Payne (IR), G Rob Sims (IR), G Mike Wahle (IR), C Chris Spencer (IR), DE Patrick Kerney (IR).
• Rams: OUT: FB Brian Leonard (IR), WR Drew Bennett (IR), TE Randy McMichael (IR), OT Orlando Pace, OT Brandon Gorin (IR), G Mark Setterstrom (IR), CB Justin King (IR), CB Ricky Manning Jr., KR Dante Hall (IR).

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Tennessee Titans (12-1) at Houston Texans (6-7) Sunday 1pm Weather (Dome)

Injuries:

• Titans: OUT: CB Reynaldo Hill, CB Eric King.
• Texans: OUT: RB Ahman Green (IR), RB Chris Brown (IR), RB Chris Taylor (IR), G Fred Weary (IR), OLB Zach Diles (IR), CB Jimmy Williams (IR), S C.C. Brown, KR Andre Davis.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-4) at Atlanta Falcons (8-5) Sunday 1pm Weather (Dome)

Injuries:

• Buccaneers: OUT: RB Earnest Graham (IR), FB Byron Storer (IR), CB Torrie Cox (IR), CB Sammy Davis (IR). QUESTIONABLE: DT Jovan Haye, DT Chris Hovan.
• Falcons: OUT: CB Von Hutchins (IR).

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Minnesota Vikings (8-5) at Arizona Cardinals (8-5) Sunday 4:05pm Weather (Dome)

Injuries:

• Vikings: OUT: DE Kenechi Udeze (IR), DT Kendrick Allen (IR), ILB E.J. Henderson, CB Charles Gordon (IR), S Madieu Williams, S Michael Boulware (IR). QUESTIONABLE: QB Gus Frerotte, DTs Williams Wall (SUSP).
• Cardinals: OUT: C Scott Peters (IR).

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Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) at Baltimore Ravens (9-4) Sunday 4:15pm Weather

Injuries:

• Steelers: OUT: QB Charlie Batch, RB Rashard Mendenhall (IR), G Kendall Simmons (IR), P Daniel Sepulveda (IR), LS Greg Warren (IR).
• Ravens: OUT: QB Kyle Boller (IR), WR Demetrius Williams (IR), TE Quinn Sypniewski (IR), OT Marshal Yanda (IR), OT Adam Terry, DT Kelly Gregg (IR), DT Dwan Edwards (IR), ILB Tavares Gooden (IR), ILB Prescott Burgess (IR), CB Chris McAlister (IR), S Dawan Landry (IR).

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Denver Broncos (8-5) at Carolina Panthers (10-3) Sunday 4:15pm Weather

Injuries:

• Broncos: OUT: QB Patrick Ramsey (IR), RB Peyton Hillis (IR), RB Michael Pittman (IR), RB Andre Hall (IR), TE Nate Jackson (IR), OT Erik Pears, C Tom Nalen (IR), OLB Boss Bailey (IR).
• Panthers: OUT: LB Dan Connor (IR).

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New England Patriots (8-5) at Oakland Raiders (3-10) Sunday 4:15pm Weather

Injuries:

• Patriots: OUT: QB Tom Brady (IR), RB Laurence Maroney (IR), OT Ryan O'Callaghan (IR), OT Oliver Ross, OT Anthony Clement (IR), G Stephen Neal, DE Ty Warren, DE/OLB Adalius Thomas (IR), ILB Tedy Bruschi (IR), CB Terrence Wheatley (IR), S Rodney Harrison (IR), S Tank Williams (IR).
• Raiders: OUT: FB Justin Griffith (IR), WR Drew Carter (IR), G Paul McQuistan (IR), C Jake Grove, S Tyvon Branch (IR).

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New York Giants (11-2) at Dallas Cowboys (8-5) Sunday 8:15pm Weather (Dome)

Injuries:

• Giants: OUT: QB Anthony Wright (IR), WR Plaxico Burress, WR David Tyree (IR), DE Osi Umenyiora (IR), ILB Jonathan Goff (IR), S Sammy Knight (IR).
• Cowboys: OUT: RB Felix Jones (IR), WR Sam Hurd (IR), G Kyle Kosier (IR), S Roy Williams (IR), P Mat McBriar (IR).

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Cleveland Browns (4-9) at Philadelphia Eagles (7-5-1) Monday 8:30pm Weather

Injuries:

• Browns: OUT: QB Brady Quinn (IR), QB Derek Anderson (IR), WR Joe Jurevicius (IR), OT Ryan Tucker (IR), G Lennie Friedman, DE Robaire Smith (IR), OLB Antwan Peek (IR). DOUBTFUL: TE Kellen Winslow Jr.
• Eagles: OUT: G Shawn Andrews, G Max Jean-Gilles (IR), CB Jack Ikegwuonu (IR).

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