We have come to it at last. The playoffs. A time when men and women are consumed in a flurry of activity. Smack talking, commonplace within offices and amongst friends. Otherwise effective employees are trolling websites for some golden nugget, for some silver bullet that will convice them of their chances or send them to add the likes of Bess and Thigpen.
No, I'm not crazy. I know it's only week 15. But for Fantasy Football, the time is now. I play in two leagues. In the one with a few college buddies back east, I began at 6-2 but finished at 8-6. Good enough for fifth place; the top 8 go to the playoffs. In the other league mostly composed of the players on the softball team I coached this past year, I started at 3-5 but managed an 8-6 finish. Good enough for fourth place; the top 4 go to the playoffs.
We'll see how it turns out. Now, for the picks...
New England @ Oakland
The Pats have little room for error, and I'm sure Belichick has relayed the message in no uncertain terms. Though Cassel may be grieving and the linebacker corp in shambles, the Pats won't allow this game to slip against a still inferior team. TD chooses: New England Patriots
San Diego @ Kansas City
Can you believe the Bolts still have a chance to get into the playoffs at 5-8? In fact, that chance would mean winning the division. The Bolts would have to win their final three while the Broncos lose their final three. The Bolts have KC, TB, and Denver. The Broncs have Carolina, Buffalo, and SD. Yes, the chances are slim, but slim at least means existent. As for KC, they can only play spoiler. And they have the venue in Arrowhead to do the damage. But I don't think they'll pull it off. And I'm rooting for a meaningful final game that decides the AFC Champion. TD chooses: San Diego Chargers
Seattle @ St. Louis
As most of you know, I am a Seattle resident and therefore - unless they're playing the Jints - root for the home team. If I weren't a Seattle resident, I would have to be paid to care about this game. As it stands, neither has much more to gain from this game than pride and the higher draft pick. That said, I was impressed with how well the Seaducks played last week against New England. Meanwhile, St. Louis hasn't impressed anyone doing anything of note recently. TD chooses: Seattle Seahawks
Tennessee @ Houston
The Titans still have something for which to play, i.e. home field advantage throughout the playoffs. They have just about everything else they need. It shouldn't matter. I will harp on this point whenever a team that has already made the playoffs plays from here on out. They should play as if they're not in the playoffs. Yes, injuries happen. And, worst case scenario is that someone gets hurt badly enough for that person to be lost for the rest of the year. I understand that argument. Here's the counterargument. If people are playing at full speed, without hesitation, they are less likely to get hurt. There's still the chance, no doubt. But that's football. And if you'd like a real life example from last season, see the Jints-Pats game. TD chooses: Tennessee Titans
Buffalo @ New York Jets
This game qualifies as the 'what the hell are both of you teams doing' matchup of the weekend. Honestly. I picked San Fran last week against the Jets, but it was just so I could find a game that allowed me to move ahead of JB. (Little good that did.) But I got that one. I didn't expect it. What it proves is that the Jets don't know how to put the nail in the proverbial coffin. Now, they're in a three-way tie atop the East again. Buffalo's not much better. They start with their best record since their Super Bowl run in the mid-90s and then fall off the face of the earth to become dead last in a competitive division. Inexcusable on both counts. At this point, I think the Bills are at a disadvantage with their QB situation as well as with their recent lack of ability to score. TD chooses: New York Jets
Detroit @ Indianapolis
It seems oddly appropriate that the NFL will have its first 0-16 team a season after its first 16-0 team. TD chooses: Indianapolis Colts
Green Bay @ Jacksonville
A disappointing team v. a disappointing team. Bleh. The Pack all but eliminated from the playoffs. Jacksonville entirely eliminated. Remember, I said that I would not choose the Jags again this season. I stay true to this promise. TD chooses: Green Bay Packers
San Francisco @ Miami
Miami could win the AFC East. Does that boggle anyone else? Like AFC East Champions, win. They best not underestimate the 49ers. Singletary has 'em playing. But there's one major issue; teams with homes on the West Coast suck when they go East. For that reason and because I think Miami actually wants this, TD chooses: Miami Dolphins
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta
A week after a key showdown with Carolina, Tampa has to visit a much better than expected Atlanta to see if they can flog them again this year (they won they're first matchup 24-9). But don't underestimate these not-so-dirty birds. Especially at home. Not to mention the fact that there's some question as to who will be the QB for Tampa this weekend. TD chooses: Atlanta Falcons
Washington @ Cincinnati
Yes, Washington has fallen from grace. Another late season tank-job. But they're playing the Bagels. My advice to Carson Plamer. Just come back next year. Nothing to be gained by returning during this one. TD chooses: Washington Redskins
Minnesota @ Arizona
An interesting game. The Vikings must continue to fight for the NFC North Championship. The Cardinals must improve their playoff seeding. Gus ain't feeling hot, which means a dose of Tarvaris. Yick. For that reason, TD chooses: Arizona Cardinals
Denver @ Carolina
Another intriguing matchup. The Broncos must win another game to ensure their division championship. Meanwhile, the Panthers must still fend off defeat in order to take home their division championship. If it were in Denver, I might think twice about Carolina. As it stands, TD chooses: Carolina Panthers
New York Football Giants @ Dallas
You might think that this should the the 'Pick of the Week' game. But, I think there's one better. What I would like to see in this game is a Jint blowout of this dysfunctional Dallas team. I don't think that will be the outcome, however, because Romo usually puts up good numbers against the Jints. In addition, Brandon Jacobs is out again. He needs to get healthy. And why isn't this the game of the week? The G-men already won the division. TD chooses: New York Football Giants
Cleveland @ Philadelphia
Blech. Okay, so last week's Monday Night game. A good one, for a change. This one? Not so much. Cleveland struggles to remain a team in the NFL. Philly has a resurgence, but is it too late in the game for the Iggles? Not yet. If the G-men defeat the Cowschmucks and the Iggles pull out the likely win, then the Iggles are in second and vying for the Wild Card. Though I root for Cleveland, TD chooses: Philadelphia Eagles
Pick of the Week
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore
Defense v. Defense. Division rivals. Pittsburgh seeking another division championship. Baltimore attempting to catch them and secure a championship for themselves. Pittsburgh has the better record. But it's in Baltimore. I expect it to be a great game. Unless Pittsburgh severely rattles Flacco, which is possible. TD chooses: Pittsburgh Steelers
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