NFL Predictions are Magic!

[Hippo]

OP updated.

If the season ended today, the first round of playoff picks would have Tacobob and RariDash, and SteelEagle and riverhippo faceoff in the wildcard round games. The winners of those would face off in the divisional round games against brianblackberry and Mojo, high-low seed.

[brianblackberry]

It is time for another deep playoff analysis by yours truly. It is easy for me to write here at the computer, thanks to my Applejack pinup I can fondly look upon. So on with the playoff picture!

NFC:

Seattle* 11-2 - Currently top seed and would have home field advantage as the NFC West champ if the playoffs started today. Because of their loss last week, the division is still up for grabs; evens with that fact, winning the next two out of three games will give them everything. Remaining opponents: Giants, Arizona, Rams.

New Orleans 10-3 - Would be NFC South champs and have a bye week. Have an effective two game lead thanks to their victory over the Panthers on Sunday. If they win two of the next three or simply beat the Panthers again, they are division champs, no matter what else happens. To have home field, they have to win one more game than Seattle, an unlikely prospect. Remaining opponents: St. Louis, Carolina, Tampa Bay

Philadelphia 8-5 - Would be NFC East champs. The Eagles are on a roll and have a one game lead in their division. Their schedule is moderately difficult with a showdown with Dallas in the end. What happens beforehand will determine if that showdown has any playoff meaning. Remaining opponents: Vikings, Bears, Cowboys.

Detroit 7-6 - Would be NFC North champs due to their sweep of the Bears. Detroit has many reputations and one of those is doing really poorly in December; last year they manage to overcome that (only to be dropped in the wild card round). They have a moderately difficult schedule remaining going on the road at Baltimore, and the Giants, and then Minnesota at home.

Carolina 9-4 - Currently 5th Seed Wild Card. Holds the tie breaker over San Francisco. They control their own destiny when it comes to getting in. As for the NFC South, they will need a little help. Unfortunately other than themselves, the Saints schedule is rather easy. Beating New Orleans at home is a must; the Panthers other two opponents: Jets and Falcons, are easily beatable.

San Francisco 9-4 - Currently 6th Seed Wild Card due to Carolina win over them. They are still competing for the NFC West crown, but being two games behind with three to go makes that unlikely. What is likely is getting in the playoffs as the healthy 49ers have a relatively easy schedule: Tampa Bay, Atlanta, and Arizona.

On the outside looking in:

Arizona 8-5 - They have a game up on the other hopefuls, but they need to keep on winning to have a chance (and a very slim chance at NFC West crown). If they can go 2-0 in the next two and then knock off San Fran in the end, they are in. They still may get in if San Fran or Carolina fall apart (doubtful though). Sadly Arizona's schedule looks tough: Titans, Seahawks, and 49ers.

Chicago 7-6 - Given the lead the other wild card potentials have, Chicago's best chance is via the NFC North crown. They are a game behind Detroit due to the sweep. The Bears can hope Detroit continue to stumble, they own schedule is moderately tough: Cleveland, Philly, and Green Bay.

Dallas 7-6 - The Cowboys are in trouble, they fallen a game behind Philly and really their only chance to get in is via the NFC East crown. One way is through their showdown with Philly in the end, but first they need to get back to winning, not an easy task with this remaining bunch: Green Bay, Washington, and Philly.

Green Bay 6-6-1 - Still in it but behind the others above. It is for the NFC North crown or bust and with the division all within one game between the three at the top, anything is possible. It won't be easy though with Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Chicago remaining and Aaron Rogers still not back.

Everyone else - Giants, Rams, Bucs, Vikings, Falcons, and Redskins are all officially eliminated.

AFC:

Denver* 11-2 - Would be AFC West champs with home field advantage. They have an effective two game lead in their division, so winning next week at home against San Diego earns them the crown. Denver is in the driver seat for it all and their soft schedule only adds to this: San Diego, Houston, and Oakland.

New England 10-3 - Would be AFC East champs and have a bye. They hold a two and half game lead on the division. If they beat Miami next week, they will officially have the title, even if they don't, all they need is one more win, period. Where they are in danger is in seeding as they have a fairly tough remaining schedule: Miami, Baltimore, and Buffalo.

Cincinnati 9-4 - Would be AFC North champs. They are firmly in the driver's seat, but the Ravens are still nipping at their toes for that division crown. Depending on how things go, those two make play for said crown at the end of the year. The Bengals still have somewhat of an AFC North gauntlet to run through: Steelers, Vikings, and Ravens.

Indianapolis** 8-5 - AFC South champs. Already winners of their lousy division, the Colts are just competing to see if they play the 5th or 6th seed at this point. They just have to make sure they don't back into the playoffs. Their schedule has one big bump, the Chiefs, otherwise it is Houston and Jags remaining.

Kansas City 10-3 - Would be 5th seed wildcard. The Chiefs have a huge advantage in the wild card run, all they have to do is win one more game and they are in the playoffs. The division crown is more of a pipe dream given they are two behind the Broncos, who have one of the easiest remaining schedules. As for the Chiefs, it is Oakland, Indy, and San Diego remaining.

Baltimore 7-6 - Would be 6th seed wildcard. Hanging by a playoff thread, the Ravens are just staying ahead of the pack of hopefuls. They still have a shot at the division win, but need to have the Bengals drop their next two for said shot (provided they keep winning) in the final. Their own schedule is fairly tough: Detroit, New England, and Cincinnati.

On the outside looking in:

Miami 7-6 - Right on the edge. Only the smallest of chances to win the division, they are right in the mix for the 6th seed. They need to keep on winning and hope the Ravens stumble at least once. A tall order, but not as bad as it may seem. Baltimore has a tough schedule and Miami's looks winnable: New England, Buffalo, Jets.

San Diego and the Jets 6-7: Both are a game behind Baltimore and Miami, but a game out of the 6th seed isn't too bad at this point. San Diego's schedule is brutal though: Denver, Oakland, and Kansas City. The Jets' schedule is better, but only by a little: Carolina, Cleveland, and Miami.

The rest of the hopefuls: Tennessee and Pittsburgh are the top of this group (5-8), but they can only hope for a .500 record and depend on a lot of help. The 4-9 Raiders, Jaguars, Browns, and Bills are also still in but are such incredible long shots that they are gone if Miami or Baltimore win just one more.

Houston - The only AFC team officially eliminated at this point.

* In the playoffs

** Division winner

[RarityDash]

Chargers @ Broncos

Redskins @ Falcons

49ers @ Buccaneers

Seahawks @ Giants

Eagles @ Vikings

Patriots @ Dolphins

Bills @ Jaguars

Texans @ Colts

Bears @ Browns

Chiefs @ Raiders

Jets @ Panthers

Packers @ Cowboys

Cardinals @ Titans

Saints @ Rams

Bengals @ Steelers

Ravens @ Lions

[Hippo]

Chargers @ Broncos

Redskins @ Falcons

49ers @ Buccaneers

Seahawks @ Giants

Eagles @ Vikings

Patriots @ Dolphins

Bills @ Jaguars

Texans @ Colts

Bears @ Browns

Chiefs @ Raiders

Jets @ Panthers

Packers @ Cowboys

Cardinals @ Titans

Saints @ Rams

Bengals @ Steelers

Ravens @ Lions

Hey, guys, I started a College Bowl prediction page as well. Go here to participate

[tacobob]

Chargers @ Broncos

Redskins @ Falcons

49ers @ Buccaneers

Seahawks @ Giants

Eagles @ Vikings

Patriots @ Dolphins

Bills @ Jaguars

Texans @ Colts

Bears @ Browns

Chiefs @ Raiders

Jets @ Panthers

Packers @ Cowboys

Cardinals @ Titans

Saints @ Rams

Bengals @ Steelers

Ravens @ Lions

[SteelEagle]

Chargers @ Broncos

Redskins @ Falcons

49ers @ Buccaneers

Seahawks @ Giants

Eagles @ Vikings

Patriots @ Dolphins

Bills @ Jaguars

Texans @ Colts

Bears @ Browns

Chiefs @ Raiders

Jets @ Panthers

Packers @ Cowboys

Cardinals @ Titans

Saints @ Rams

Bengals @ Steelers

Ravens @ Lions

[brianblackberry]

Wow, I have the home teams 7-9 this week!

Chargers @ Broncos - Even with the Broncos suspect D, Manning and the offense will be too much at home.

Redskins @ Falcons - The Redskins are such a mess & mired in their controversies. The Falcons are bad, but at least they'll play hard for their coach. Rarity's cupcake game of the week.

49ers @ Buccaneers - The Bucs may be able to stop the 49ers run game, but they have too many weapons to throw to now.

Seahawks @ Giants - Given how the Giants folded against the Chargers, what chance do they have here?

Eagles @ Vikings - The Vikings may be getting hot, but the Eagles are much hotter.

Patriots @ Dolphins - I don't think the Pats are dead in the water without Gronk, but I think Miami will be too big of a hurdle this week.

Bills @ Jaguars - The Jags are playing like an NFL team again; the soft schedule does help.

Texans @ Colts - Colts are limping into the playoffs, but the Texans are doing so poorly that this feels like a free cupcake to Indy.

Bears @ Browns - Browns have a better D than the Cowboys, but they can't run the ball. Bears have a top tier offense right now.

Chiefs @ Raiders - While Oakland sits and tries to figure out their starting QB, the Chiefs will steamroll them.

Jets @ Panthers - Whoa to be the Jets who get an angry Panthers team at home.

Packers @ Cowboys - May choose different with Rogers, but good chance he won't be there.

Cardinals @ Titans - Titans will have even a harder time scoring here than they did at Denver.

Saints @ Rams - Rams just don't have the talent to keep pace with Brees and his offense.

Bengals @ Steelers - Bengals can run the ball, pass the ball, and score with their D. Steelers can.. pass the ball.

Ravens @ Lions - My upset of the week, even if the Lions do well on Monday night traditionally.

[Hippo]

Brian, curious to know what you think of Cutler starting instead of McCown. I know it doesn't change you decision to pick them against the Browns, but I wonder if you think that move is good or not.

[TheUndercoverBrony]

Redskins @ Falcons

49ers @ Buccaneers

Seahawks @ Giants

Eagles @ Vikings

Patriots @ Dolphins

Bills @ Jaguars

Texans @ Colts

Bears @ Browns

Chiefs @ Raiders

Jets @ Panthers

Packers @ Cowboys

Cardinals @ Titans

Saints @ Rams

Bengals @ Steelers

Ravens @ Lions

[brianblackberry]

Brian, curious to know what you think of Cutler starting instead of McCown. I know it doesn't change you decision to pick them against the Browns, but I wonder if you think that move is good or not.

I am fine with the decision. The Bears need to look not only to trying to win out this season, but what direction they will be going for the foreseeable future. We need to know for sure if Jay is our guy, our franchise quarterback we can continue to build the offense around. I like McCown, I would like to see him back next year, as the backup, but he is not the long term solution we need.

[SteelEagle]

It is good to know that your backup is quality. Playcalling without fear of injury becomes less conservative and can create big plays.

[brianblackberry]

It is time for another detailed analysis of the NFL playoff picture everyone can ignore, but I do anyway. Now it is week sixteen, the picture is finally coming into focus, yet still so much is up for grabs; this is why I love the NFL so! Only three slots are open in the AFC but for the NFC there are a whopping five slots still open for the upcoming post-season. So without further ado, the current situation:

NFC:

1. Seahawks (12-2) - They're the only team in the NFC with a playoff berth already clinched. If the season ended now they would have hone field throughout the playoffs as the NFC West champs. All that is needed for that to be a reality is for Seattle to win one of their last two. Remaining opponents are the Cards and the Rams

2. Saints (10-4) - Current two seed with bye week with NFC South. So much is on the line for them this week in their matchup with the Panthers. If they win, the NFC South is theirs, otherwise they'll most likely have to fight for a wild card spot. Remaining opponents: Panthers and Bucs.

3. Eagles (8-6) - Currently would have the third seed as NFC East champs due to better conference record than the Bears. Because of the records of the other contenders, the only way in for an NFC East team is via the division crown, something still very much up in the air, and may be decided at the end with their showdown with Dallas in week 17; however if they win this week and Dallas loses, they'll win the East. Remaining opponents: Bears and Cowboys.

4. Bears (8-6) - Currently would be number four with the NFC North crown. Thanks to Detroit being themselves in December, suddenly the Bears are alone at the top. Like the NFC East, the only real way any team in the North will get in is through winning to division. A Chicago win with a Detroit and a Green Bay loss this week will win them the North, otherwise it may be up to the showdown with Green Bay in the end. remaining opponents: Eagles and Packers.

5. Panthers (10-4) - Currently 5th seed because of their victory over the 49ers. If they win this week they are in the playoffs, but not as the division champs, however they will have the inside track with a game lead over the Saints. If they win out and they are the NFC South champs, lose this week and they still can get in but as a wild card, if they win their last game (can still get in even with two loses but not guaranteed). Remaining opponents: Saints and Falcons.

6. San Francisco (10-4) - Currently the 6th seed. If they win one of their next two, or if Arizona loses this week, they are in the playoffs. They still have a shot as NFC West champs but that scenario requires two wins and two Seattle loses. Remaining Opponents: Falcons, and Cardinals.

The hopefuls:

7. Cardinals (9-5) - Right on the heels of the 49ers and Panthers, the Cardinals can only get in as a wild card. They had the lead in the cast of current hopefuls, but they also have the toughest gauntlet to run these last two weeks. Worse still they could actually win those two games and still miss the playoffs due to tie breakers; imagine being 11-5 and not getting in, just ask the Patriots. Remaining opponents: Seahawks, and 49ers.

8. Packers (7-6-1) - Still in contention for the NFC North crown. They don't control their destiny yet, but depending on what happens this week, they may have their destiny in their hands come the showdown with Chicago. For that scenario to happen though needs a Packers win and a Bears and Lions loss this week; they still have a shot otherwise but more chips have to fall in their favor the rest of the way. Remaining opponents: Steelers, Bears.

9. Lions (7-7) - The Lions are falling apart at the seems. Four of their last five are loses, and now they have gone from top of the NFC North to third place in a span of a day. They're only way in is through winning the division, a tall order. They need to win one more game than the Bears and the Packers in these last two weeks. Remaining opponents: Giants and Vikings.

10. Dallas (7-7) - From a game up on the Eagles to a game behind, this is where Dallas finds itself. Like several other teams, they can only get in through winning to division. If they win this week, everything would be up for grabs with the final showdown with the Eagles. Even if they lose this week, if the Eagles lose, they still have that same shot. An Eagles win and Dallas loss though would seal the Cowboy's fate. Remaining opponents: Redskins, Eagles.

Eliminated: Rams, Giants, Vikings, Bucs, Falcons, and Redskins

AFC:

1. Broncos (11-3) - They would be AFC West champs with home field advantage. In reality, this is far from certain. Although in no matter what, they still need to fight for the division crown. Even a win this week would not guarantee it (requires a Chiefs loss in addition), although winning out would no matter what else happened. They can win it all if they win and the Chiefs and Patriots lose this week, or if they simply win the next two, luckily they have a soft schedule. Remaining opponents: Texans and Raiders.

2. Patriots (10-4) - They hold on to the second seed with a tenuous grasp, and thanks to the feisty Dolphins, still don't have the AFC East. Win one more and they are AFC East Champions, even if they don't they can still back their way into the crown if the Dolphins have a loss. Still a hopeful for home-field, they have the Bengals breathing down their neck for the bye. Remaining opponents: Ravens, Bills.

3. Bengals (9-5) - Currently AFC North leader and third seed. They had the second seed in their hands and they dropped it. Now Cincinnati holds a small one game lead over the Ravens for the division. Even if they win this week, if the Ravens win, everything will be on the line in the final showdown between the two teams. So close to having the playoffs in their hands yet so close still to not getting in. Remaining opponents: Vikings, Ravens.

4. Colts (9-5) - Currently the fourth seed and official AFC South Champs. For Indy it is all about seeding, interesting enough they still have an outside shot at home field advantage, but it would require pretty much everyone else ahead of them to fall apart and two victories of their own. Not so easy with the Chiefs as their next opponent (followed by the Jags, but no one cares about them).

5. Chiefs (11-3) - Currently the fifth seed and still contenders for the AFC West. No matter what they are in the playoffs, now it is just a question of where. They need one more win than their Broncos rivals for the division, not an easy order with their remaining opponents of the Colts and Chargers.

6. Ravens (8-6) - Sixth seed and holding on to it by a thread, but boy do they ever fight to keep their grip on that last spot. Better still, the AFC North crown is still within their grasp. Depending on what happens next week, they could be battling Cincinnati in the end for it all. First they must face off against the Patriots.

The hopefuls:

7. Dolphins (8-6) - Oh them feisty Dolphins, still on the edge of getting into the playoffs, if it just wasn't for those equally feisty Ravens. Although they would not be in if the season ended now, they still have a shot at being AFC East champions, although that needs two Patriots loses as well as two Dolphin wins. Outside of that scenario, they need the Ravens to drop at least one, making this week's Raven-Patriots matchup a gut-wrencher for Miami. Remaining opponents: Bills, Jets.

8. Chargers (7-7) - It is the wild card or bust for the Chargers, and they need a lot of help in that regard. First though they have to beat their remaining two opponents, one being the powerful Chiefs (first though, the Raiders), and hope the Ravens and the Dolphins flop at least once. One loss though ends them.

9. Steelers (6-8) - Still alive somehow, the Steelers hold on by the smallest of threads. How can they get in? Win out and have the Dolphins and Ravens go 0-2 and the Jets 2-0, quite the tall order, but it is a flicker of hope. Oppenents remaining: Packers and Browns.

Eliminated: Jets, Titans, Bills, Raiders, Jaguars, Browns, and Texans

[Hippo]

OP updated. Two weeks left in the NFL regular season.

Here's week 16:

Dolphins @ Bills

Saints @ Panthers

Vikings @ Bengals

Broncos @ Texans

Titans @ Jaguars

Colts @ Chiefs

Cowboys @ Redskins

Browns @ Jets

Buccaneers @ Rams

Cardinals @ Seahawks

Giants @ Lions

Patriots @ Ravens

Raiders @ Chargers

Steelers @ Packers

Bears @ Eagles

Falcons @ 49ers

Picks are due SUNDAY at 12:00pm. NO THURSDAY GAME. Take your time, but don't forget!!

ALSO, come make your picks for the college bowls. Those picks are due on Saturday before 2:00pm. http://www.canterlot...nd-predictions/

[tacobob]

Dolphins @ Bills

Saints @ Panthers

Vikings @ Bengals

Broncos @ Texans

Titans @ Jaguars

Colts @ Chiefs

Cowboys @ Redskins

Browns @ Jets

Buccaneers @ Rams

Cardinals @ Seahawks

Giants @ Lions

Patriots @ Ravens (Can't they both lose?!)

Raiders @ Chargers

Steelers @ Packers

Bears @ Eagles

Falcons @ 49ers

[RarityDash]

Almost gotta wonder why I bother at this point...

Dolphins @ Bills

Saints @ Panthers

Vikings @ Bengals

Broncos @ Texans

Titans @ Jaguars

Colts @ Chiefs

Cowboys @ Redskins

Browns @ Jets

Buccaneers @ Rams

Cardinals @ Seahawks

Giants @ Lions

Patriots @ Ravens

Raiders @ Chargers

Steelers @ Packers

Bears @ Eagles

Falcons @ 49ers

[Mojo]

Week 16:

Dolphins @ Bills

Saints @ Panthers

Vikings @ Bengals

Broncos @ Texans

Titans @ Jaguars

Colts @ Chiefs

Cowboys @ Redskins

Browns @ Jets

Buccaneers @ Rams

Cardinals @ Seahawks

Giants @ Lions

Patriots @ Ravens

Raiders @ Chargers

Steelers @ Packers

Bears @ Eagles

Falcons @ 49ers

[Hippo]

Almost gotta wonder why I bother at this point...

If you get a +1 against Undercover this next week, you clinch the 6th seed.

[brianblackberry]

Dolphins @ Bills - This game will be closer than people think, but Miami is playing good football, and that "post-emotional high" stuff is just as often BS.

Saints @ Panthers - Carolina will carry this on the back of their defense and the home crowd.

Vikings @ Bengals - Losing in Pittsburgh was a wakeup call to a team with too much on the line playing at home.

Broncos @ Texans - This even going to be a game? Texans are so bad right now Derpy would be a welcome improvement to the team.

Titans @ Jaguars - The Titans are more talented and the Jags have more injuries. Throwaway game for two teams going nowhere. Rarity's cupcake game of the week.

Colts @ Chiefs - The Colts still have too many issues to win against the powerful Chief's defense at home.

Cowboys @ Redskins - The Cowboys are just bad in December, but the Redskins are simply bad, or in this case, worse.

Browns @ Jets - Ugly teams will result in an ugly win for the Browns in one of three games with minimal playoff implications (to the Steelers).

Buccaneers @ Rams - Rams have the ability to pass rush well and run the ball well; Bucs are doing better but their defense is still lousy. Throwaway game.

Cardinals @ Seahawks - Cards are good and they believe they are a playoff caliber team; it won't be enough to stop the Seahawks at home.

Giants @ Lions - Boy the Lions are undisciplined and mistake prone, but the Giants offense is at rock bottom in a team going nowhere.

Patriots @ Ravens - Pats will play them tough, but the surging Ravens will win at home & on the hunt for that crown.

Raiders @ Chargers - Chargers are playing like a playoff caliber team finally.

Steelers @ Packers - Without Rogers, the Packers have just enough firepower to overcome the Steelers, if Rogers returns, that high alone will get them the win.

Bears @ Eagles - I believe!

Falcons @ 49ers - Yeah right, the Falcons are showing some life, but having to travel to San Fran? It's bird for dinner.

[Hippo]

Dolphins @ Bills

Saints @ Panthers

Vikings @ Bengals

Broncos @ Texans

Titans @ Jaguars

Colts @ Chiefs

Cowboys @ Redskins

Browns @ Jets

Buccaneers @ Rams

Cardinals @ Seahawks

Giants @ Lions

Patriots @ Ravens

Raiders @ Chargers

Steelers @ Packers

Bears @ Eagles

Falcons @ 49ers

[SteelEagle]

Dolphins @ Bills

Saints @ Panthers

Vikings @ Bengals

Broncos @ Texans

Titans @ Jaguars

Colts @ Chiefs

Cowboys @ Redskins

Browns @ Jets

Buccaneers @ Rams

Cardinals @ Seahawks

Giants @ Lions

Patriots @ Ravens

Raiders @ Chargers

Steelers @ Packers

Bears @ Eagles

Falcons @ 49ers

[SteelEagle]

DEAR JESUS NO. NO. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

[Hippo]

Steel has won week 16.

ONE MORE WEEK LEFT. (and then the playoffs)

Picks are due Sunday at noon ET. All games are on Sunday.

*indicates playoff implication

Week 17:

Panthers @ Falcons

Packers @ Bears*

Texans @ Titans

Browns @ Steelers*

Redskins @ Giants

Ravens @ Bengals*

Eagles @ Cowboys*

Jaguars @ Colts

Jets @ Dolphins*

Lions @ Vikings

Bills @ Patriots

Buccaneers @ Saints

Broncos @ Raiders

49ers @ Cardinals*

Chiefs @ Chargers*

Rams @ Seahawks*

[SteelEagle]

Steel has won week 16 lost everything.

Corrected.

[tacobob]

G(R*($%R$%I(IO$(%RKkOEko@@@!!! My Dolphins can beat the Patriots, but the awful Bills? #O$#)($)% Can't even SCORE AGAINST THEM?!

Panthers @ Falcons

Packers @ Bears*

Texans @ Titans

Browns @ Steelers*

Redskins @ Giants

Ravens @ Bengals*

Eagles @ Cowboys*

Jaguars @ Colts

Jets @ Dolphins*

Lions @ Vikings

Bills @ Patriots

Buccaneers @ Saints

Broncos @ Raiders

49ers @ Cardinals*

Chiefs @ Chargers*

Rams @ Seahawks*

[RarityDash]

Corrected.

pfft. You lost one game at home. You have nothing to complain about compared to some of us...

Anyway... after yet another disaster for me picking last week, let's give this one last go...

Panthers @ Falcons

Packers @ Bears*

Texans @ Titans

Browns @ Steelers*

Redskins @ Giants

Ravens @ Bengals*

Eagles @ Cowboys*

Jaguars @ Colts

Jets @ Dolphins*

Lions @ Vikings

Bills @ Patriots

Buccaneers @ Saints

Broncos @ Raiders

49ers @ Cardinals*

Chiefs @ Chargers*

Rams @ Seahawks*