The Shenoa Report
December 10, 2020
Regular Season Week 14
You guys, Sunday is a big day for me. It’s my birthday. I move into another decade… Some call it a milestone birthday. In the middle of a pandemic, it's just another Sunday. No big huge party, we’ll have a zoom party so that I can see family I so long to hug. I remember when my mom turned this age, we threw her a huge surprise party, I drove her to see Titanic while the rest of the family set up. When we got back to our house, she called me a few choice words. She was surprised. It was a good time. Now I’m not saying I won’t have a good time on Sunday, I have the most amazing partner in the whole wide world, I’ll be with him and we’ll be happy, especially if the Giants beat the Cardinals! As with everyone else who hasn’t been able to celebrate the things in life they want to because of this pandemic, I feel for you. Stay thankful, and we’ll celebrate in the future.
Back to football. Here we are starting week 14, which should be a little more traditional than week 13. We’re back to Thursday night football, Sunday games, one Monday night game and no Tuesday or Wednesday games, at least not at this point.
I went 11-4 in my picks and lost in fantasy, getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. Here’s the recap of week 13.
Saints @ Falcons 21-16
This was a really close game that I thought the Falcons actually might win. They were knocking on the door at the end of the game but the Saints defense came up big and were able to hold off Matt Ryan and his offense. Maybe if Gurley had played more the Falcons would have won the game, and I’d still be in the fantasy football playoffs.
Lions @ Bears 34-30
Another reason that I’m no longer in the playoffs is the Bears defense. They allowed Matt Stafford to throw 3 touchdowns and couldn’t stop Adrian Peterson who had 2 rushing touchdowns. The Lions already look better without Matt Patricia, getting their first win in what feels like years.
Browns @ Titans 41-35
Baker Mayfield had 4 touchdown passes in this win over the Titans. Clearly the Titans expected the Browns to be run heavy which opened up the pass game like crazy. Baker didn’t play favorites as every touchdown pass was caught by a different receiver, and it was Nick Chubb that got the only rushing touchdown for the Browns. Cleveland was also able to contain Derrick Henry, who only had 60 rushing yards and a rare fumble.
Bengals @ Dolphins 7-19
Tua Tagovailoa was back for the Dolphins and led them to victory over the helpless Bengals. It was Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders that was the real hero of the game scoring 13 of the 19 points for the win.
Jaguars @ Vikings 24-27 OT
This game was pretty ugly, and the ugliness carried over to overtime. The Jags beat themselves with so many errors. They had 2 fumbles, 10 penalties for 83 yards, and then the chance of a game winning field goal that fell short and forced overtime. I wouldn’t say that the Vikings won the game, rather the Jags lost it.
Raiders @ Jets 31-28
It took over 24 years and a Raiders miracle, but they finally beat the Jets. Meanwhile, the Jets continue to figure out how to lose games. The Jets even fired Defensive Coach Gregg Williams after this loss. Like it’s his fault? Why after this game, when they’ve already lost 12? No one else is to blame? Come on man. The Jets had all but won the game when Derek Carr threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to Henry Ruggs with 5 seconds left in the game. Ouch. Once again, I’m glad I’m not a Jets fan.
Colts @ Texans 26-20
Phillip Rivers had two touchdown passes in the first half, but it was the Colts defense that kept the Texans from scoring at all in the second half, along with a safety in the fourth quarter, that sealed the win for Indy. Houston had a chance to take the lead with about 90 seconds left in the game, at the Colts 2 yard line, when Deshaun Watson fumbled the ball and Indy’s Anthony Walker pounced on it to secure the win.
Rams @ Cardinals 38-28
The Rams, led by Jared Goff, in one of his best games of the season, beat the Cardinals and reached the top of the NFC West. The Cardinals have lost four out of their last five games. Kyler Murry continued to struggle, fumbling the ball and throwing a pick 6 in the fourth quarter. Selfishly, I hope his struggles continue as the Cardinals play the Giants next.
NY Giants @ Seahawks 17-12
I can’t believe the Giants actually won this game. I mean, they were double digit underdogs! They handed the Seahawks their first home loss of the season and they did it without Danny Jones! Colt McCoy wasn’t perfect, he had an interception in the first half, but otherwise played smart ball. The Giants defense stepped up once again and shut down Seattle’s offensive weapons. Russell Wilson was sacked 5 times; the last of which set up a 4th and 18 desperation throw by Wilson that the Giants easily knocked down to win the game. The G-MEN are at the top of the NFC East for at least another week!
Eagles @ Packers 16-30
Following a “Giant” win, was a lovely Eagles loss. The Packers dominated this game, it wasn’t even close. The Eagles were so bad that Carson Wentz was benched and Jalen Hurts was put in at quarterback. Hurts didn’t do much better, though he did throw a touchdown pass as well as an interception in the fourth quarter. So, I guess he did better than Wentz. Aaron Rodgers had 3 touchdowns, his third was his 400th career touchdown pass. Davante Adams caught the pass and made sure Rodgers ended up with the ball. Rodgers always gives his receiver the ball after their first touchdown so the 400th touchdown pass ball will be the first centennial one he gets to keep. Number 100 was thrown into the stands, with 200 and 300 given to receivers.
Patriots @ Chargers 45-0
I take back everything nice I said about the Chargers. To be shut out by the 2020 Patriots must be super embarrassing. Cam Newton had 3 touchdowns, one passing and two rushing, and the Patriots special teams also scored 2 touchdowns, one returned from a blocked field goal and the other a punt return.
Broncos @ Chiefs 16-22
A couple of years ago the Chiefs were the comeback kids. They would be down the first half and make a remarkable comeback. It happened so much that Chiefs fans were never really worried about losing. But to be down to the 4 win Broncos? That was uncomfortable to watch. Of course, if the Tyreek Hill touchdown in the first quarter had actually been called a touchdown or even challenged for that matter, the game wouldn’t have felt so close. That touchdown would have been helpful in fantasy as Patrick Mahomes is my starting quarterback and I’m used to getting 4 touchdowns out of him not just one… Oh well. The Chiefs won.
Washington @ Steelers 23-17
The Steelers are no longer undefeated thanks to the Football Team. With a scoreless first quarter the Steelers jumped out to what they thought would be a 14 point lead going into the half, until Dustin Hopkins kicked a 49-yard field goal with 1 second on the clock in the second quarter. Washington came alive after half time and ran all over the Steelers. With a rushing touchdown by Peyton Barber and an Alex Smith passing touchdown to Logan Thomas the Football Team tied the game. Two fourth quarter field goals by Hopkins would seal the win and dethrone the undefeated.
Bills @ 49ers 34-24
After 21 years the Bills finally win again on Monday night. Josh Allen had 4 touchdowns, tying a career high. The Bills defense picked off Nick Mullens twice. The 49ers are not liking their new home away from home, playing their “home” game in Arizona, with a constant reminder painted in the endzone. Same color, wrong team. This is 2020.
Cowboys @ Ravens 17-34
The whole pregame was about Dez Bryant, his growth, his maturity, and playing against his old team. Tuesday morning, the day of the game, Bryant’s COVID-19 test came back inconclusive. He took another test around 7pm and that too came back inconclusive. He then took another (rapid PCR) test around 7:30pm which came back positive. He was then ruled out of the game with an illness. He took to twitter saying he wasn’t going to play again this season and that it didn’t make sense that he would test positive because he has the same routine day in and day out.
For the first time, I felt bad for Dez. It would’ve been so much fun to watch him play against and beat his former team. Instead the Ravens did it without him. I always knew that the Ravens would win this game. I was a little frustrated that Marquise Brown had such a good game, as he sat on my bench, but it wouldn’t have mattered, I would’ve lost in fantasy anyway.
WEEK 13
Thursday, December 10th
Patriots (6-6) @ Rams (8-4) (8:20pm FOX/NFL)
The last time these two played each other was the Super Bowl just about two years ago. The Rams failed to score a touchdown in that game, not that the Patriots did much better. The final score was 13-3 and probably one of the ugliest Super Bowls in history. Hopefully this time around the game will be much higher scoring and the Rams will get the win. I’m picking the Rams to win this game.
Sunday, December 13th - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!
Texans (4-8) @ Bears (5-7) (1pm CBS)
I’m tired of picking the Bears and being wrong. I’m picking the Texans to win this game.
Cowboys (3-9) @ Bengals (2-9-1) (1pm FOX)
The Cowboys might get their 4th win of the season but I wouldn’t be surprised if they blew it. Andy Dalton will be the starting quarterback on the Bengals field once again, only this time he’s playing for the other team. I’d love to see the Bengals win this game, and I’ll be rooting for them, but I think that Dallas gets the win.
Chiefs (11-1) @ Dolphins (8-4) (1pm CBS)
Hopefully the Chiefs won’t have to be the comeback kids this weekend against the Dolphins. The Dolphins have a good defense and a young quarterback. Anything can happen. I’m picking the Chiefs to win this game. The Dolphins are good this year but the Chiefs are better.
Cardinals (6-6) @ NY Giants (5-7) (1pm FOX)
The Giants could give me a really good birthday present and beat the Cardinals. They have won 4 in a row now and won 5 of their last 7 games. Kyler Murry has struggled for the Cardinals these past few games. I hope his struggle continues and the Giants can get the win. Against better judgement, I’m picking the Giants to win this game.
Vikings (6-6) @ Buccaneers (7-5) (1pm FOX)
I think that the Bucs will win this game. Therefore that’s my pick.
Broncos (4-8) @ Panthers (4-8) (1pm CBS)
Christian McCaffrey will be back in the lineup for the Panthers, Therefore I’m picking Carolina for the win.
Titans (8-4) @ Jaguars (1-11) (1pm CBS)
The Titans were shocked last week when they lost to the Browns. I think they will bounce back and beat the Jags, who are probably hoping that the Jets win a game or two so they can get the first pick in the draft. I’m picking the Titans for the win.
Colts (8-4) @ Raiders (7-5) (4:05pm CBS)
Yeah, with the way the Raiders are playing I'm picking the Colts to win this game. I mean, they almost lost to the Jets…
Jets (0-12) @ Seahawks (8-4) (4:05pm CBS)
Speaking of the Jets, I predict they will lose this game to the Seahawks. At least Seattle will beat one NY team in December.
Packers (9-3) @ Lions (5-7) (4:25pm FOX)
I’m picking the Packers to win this game, though it could be a trap game, the Lions are sneaky without Patricia.
Saints (10-2) @ Eagles (3-8-1) (4:25pm FOX)
Jalen Hurts will be the starting quarterback for the Eagles. This doesn’t change my pick. I’m picking the Saints for the win.
Falcons (4-8) @ Chargers (3-9) (4:25pm FOX)
If this game was two weeks ago, I would have, without hesitation, picked the Chargers to win. But after the way they “played” the Pats I think I’m going to have to pick the Falcons for the win.
Washington (5-7) @ 49ers (5-7) (4:25pm FOX)
I’m picking the 49ers to win this game. Mostly out of desperation for the Giants to stay atop of the NFC East.
Steelers (11-1) @ Bills (9-3) (8:20pm NBC)
This could be a good game. I don’t think that the Steelers will win two in a row, but I do think that the Bills can beat the Steelers. I am picking the Steelers for the win, hoping I’m wrong.
Monday, December 7th
Ravens (7-5) @ Browns (9-3) (8:15pm ESPN)
This should be another good game. I’m picking the Browns to win. Though I could be wrong. We’ll see.
GO G-MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the edit Eric!
No comments:
Post a Comment