The Shenoa Report Conference Championship #theshenoareport

The Shenoa Report

January 24, 2021

Conference Championship

We’ve reached the Conference Championship! Woot! What else is happening? I’m glad you asked. 

In NFL non playoff news Colts QB Phillip Rivers announced his retirement on Wednesday. Steelers TE Vance McDonald has also announced his retirement as of Friday. In other Steelers news they have picked up QB Dwayne Haskins. Good luck. The Ravens released RB Mark Ingram and QB Robert Griffin III. The Eagles are hiring Nick Sirianni as their new head coach and the Lions are hiring Dan Campbell for their new head coach. 

In NFL feel good news Bills fans known as the Bills Mafia have donated over $450K to Lamar Jackson's favorite charity, Blessings in a Backpack, after he went out of the game with a concussion. 

In playoff news, Patrick Mahomes is out of concussion protocol and cleared to play Sunday. Buccaneers WR Antonio Brown will not make the trip to Green Bay because of a knee injury.

Super Bowl Fun Facts: Sarah Thomas will become the first female Super Bowl official. Capacity for the game will be roughly 30%, about 22,000 seats.  7,500 tickets will be given to vaccinated health care workers. 

Last week I went 3-1 on picks. Here’s the recap of the Divisional Round.

Rams @ Packers 18-32

The 8,456 fans in the stands for the first time this season, made all the difference in the home field advantage. They also made Aaron Rodgers a little emotional, and he gave his fans a real show. With 3 touchdowns on the day, 2 passing and 1 rushing, he made history once again. Rodgers’ 1-yard touchdown run was the first by a Packers quarterback in a playoff game at Lambeau Field since Bart Starr’s game winning rushing TD in the Ice Bowl against Dallas in December of 1967. The Packers were unstoppable against the league's number one defense, protecting Rodgers, not allowing any sacks. Aaron Donald’s rib injury was evident and the rest of the Rams defense was very disappointed in themselves for not playing better, ultimately ending their season. The Packers scored on each of their first five possessions and never trailed in this win. The Packers will host the Buccaneers in the Conference Championship. 

Ravens @ Bills 3-17

And Bills fans were worried and didn’t want to face the Ravens… The first half of the game was pretty boring. Each team had just a field goal going into halftime, and that’s saying something, the wind in Buffalo was crazy. Both kickers missed 2 field goals each because of the wind during the game. The 3rd quarter, however, was the whole game. Buffalo went ahead on their opening drive with a Josh Allen touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs. Then, the very next drive the Ravens were on the verge of scoring when Taron Johnson picked off Lamar Jackson in the endzone and returned the pick-six 101-yards to basically seal the win. After the score Baltimore got the ball back and two plays later Jackson was forced out of the game, entering concussion protocol. Tyler Huntley, practice squad quarterback, took Lamar’s place but couldn’t put up a score. The Bills are heading to Kansas City for the Conference Championship. 

Browns @ Chiefs  17-22

At the beginning of the game I decided that I would just root for the offenses. I like both teams and had Nick Chubb, Austin Hooper, and Patrick Mahomes on my fantasy team and obviously I’ve rooted for them all season. The Browns did not look like the Browns of last week until the second half of the game, and that’s when Patrick Mahomes left the game with a concussion. After Mahomes went out I found myself pulling for the Browns exclusively. It was a really close game, and I was proud of what the Browns accomplished, but their defense couldn’t get it done. It was the Chiefs defense and backup QB Chad Henne that carried KC to victory. Mahomes even tweeted, “#HenneThingIsPossible”. Henne wasn’t perfect, he threw an interception in the fourth quarter, but the Browns couldn’t capitalize on it. The Chiefs got the ball back and were able to run out the clock after a gutzy 4th and 1 conversion at KC’s 48. Commentator Tony Romo was the most animated I’d ever heard. I’m glad he’ll be calling the Super Bowl. The Chiefs will host the Bills next. 

Buccaneers @ Saints 30-20

I think I always knew that the Bucs would win this game, but I still have a hard time picking Tom Brady. The Saints have lost so many heart breaking postseason games the last few years. This might be Drew Brees’ last. It wasn’t a good game for Brees, who had 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. It seemed like the Saints we just “off” the entire game. They were never really able to get anything going while the Bucs could do no wrong. The Bucs offense turned three out of the four Saints turnovers into touchdowns.  The Saints defense failed to pressure Brady who had two touchdowns, no interceptions, and just one sack. It wasn’t a fun game to watch, in my opinion. Hopefully next week will be different. The Bucs will travel to Green Bay for the Conference Championship. 

 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

Sunday, January 24th

Buccaneers (11-5) @ Packers (13-3) (3:05pm FOX)

These two teams played each other week 6 of the regular season where the Bucs spanked the Packers 10-38. It was an ugly game and it was in Florida. This game will be different. Aaron Rodgers said, “I think the Week 6 game matters just about as much as when the Saints went to Tampa and beat them 38-3. It obviously didn’t affect them last week at all. We lost by 28 at their place, they lost by 35 at home. They just beat the Saints by 10. This is a funny game. Things change, teams change and evolve, and either get better or worse. Not much staying the same.”  

Well, it’s the postseason for one, and Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers have never faced off in the postseason. The game will be played in Green Bay, it will be cold, and Tampa Bay players probably won’t be as acclimated to the weather. The Packers remember losing to the Bucs earlier in the season, one of their three losses. I don’t think it’ll happen again. I’m rooting for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers and am picking them to go to the Super Bowl. Hopefully, Tom Brady, after this loss, will just go home, and retire. 

Bills (13-3)  @ Chiefs  (14-2) (6:40pm CBS) 

Here’s the deal. I grew up in NY. Most of my family and friends are Bills fans. I’ve rooted for the Bills this season, especially after realizing my Giants didn’t have a chance at the postseason, which was pretty much all season, but I digress. I even bought a Buffalo Bills t-shirt and have been wearing it for the Bills games this postseason. The Bills will need a miracle to win this game and the Super Bowl. I’m not sure if I Bill-ieve. I mean I want to, but… Buffalo. They’ve disappointed fans for sooooooo soooooo long. Even when they went to the Super Bowl, four consecutive times, they lost four consecutive times. It’s hard to be a Bills fan. Patrick Mahomes was cleared to play as of Friday. This is very good news for Kansas City fans, and not great news for Bills fans. Regardless of who wins this game I will be happy for them that they are going to the Super Bowl, I’ll also be sad for the team that doesn’t make it. I like both teams, so this is a hard pick. My heart says to pick the Bills, but my head says to pick the Chiefs. I’m going with my head on this pick, but I’ll be wearing my Bills t-shirt during the game. 

Thanks for the edit Eric!

The Shenoa Report Divisional Round '21 #theshenoareport

The Shenoa Report

January 16, 2021

Divisional Round

We’ve made it to the Divisional Round but first we’ve got some playoff news and some other news not related to the playoffs. In NFL non playoff news Doug Pederson, head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles was fired. I guess it wasn’t the right decision to throw the last game of the season and not let the Giants get into the playoffs. Sorry not sorry. Other coaches let go this week include:  Steelers OC Randy Fichtner, OL coach Shaun Sarrett and Defensive Backs coach Tom Bradley. From the Seahawks, OC Brian Schottenheimer. 

On the hiring side, the New York Jets welcomed former San Francisco DC Robert Saleh to the head coach position. Urban Meyer will be the new head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Atlanta Falcons have hired Titans OC Arthur Smith as their new head coach . 

 In NFL feel good news Bill Belichick will not accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom, stating: "Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honor represents and admiration for prior recipients," Belichick said in a statement. "Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award. Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation's values, freedom and democracy … I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team … One of the most rewarding things in my professional career took place in 2020 when, through the great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights moved to the forefront and became actions," he said. "Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the people, team and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award."

In playoff news, Baker Mayfield is the oldest starting quarterback left in the AFC playoffs, he’s not even 26. In the NFC Brady (43) and Brees (42) will have the combined age of 85 when they face off becoming the 2 oldest quarterbacks to play against each other in NFL history. 

Fun Facts: In the past 4 months the Browns have won 12 games. Cleveland won a total of 14 games in the previous 4 seasons combined. 

Jared Veldheer (OT) who started for the Colts last week has now signed with the Packers. He is the first player in NFL history to play in 2 postseason games for 2 different teams in the same season. The Packers were able to sign him because he was on the Colts practice squad. 

Last week I went 3-3 on picks. Here’s the recap of Super Wild Card Weekend.

Colts @ Bills 24-27

The Bills have finally won their first playoff game in 25 years. The last one they won was before Josh Allen was born. This might have been Phillip Rivers last game, after the loss he is contemplating retirement. It was a back and forth kind of game, one in which the Colts looked dangerous and the Bills didn’t look so great. In true Bills fashion they finally got it together before then squandering a 24-10 lead in the forth, letting the Colts back into the game. It wasn’t a pretty win but the Bills got the job done. The Bills will host the Baltimore Ravens for the divisional round next. Now do you Bill-ieve? 

Rams @ Seahawks 30-20

Well, I got this pick wrong. The Seahawks looked horrible. I thought with Jared Goff not starting and Cooper Kupp questionable there was no chance of a win, but I had counted out Cam Akers legs and Aaron Donald with the rest of the Rams defense. Seattle never played with the lead and was 2 of 14 on third downs, with a Russell Wilson interception returned for a pick six. John Wolford did start for the Rams at QB but was injured early in the game so Jared Goff stepped in, surgically repaired thumb and all. The Rams will travel to Green Bay for the divisional round and the Seahawks will just go home. 

Buccaneers @ Washington 31-23

This game was way more exciting than I ever thought it would be. I thought the game would be downright awful without Alex Smith starting at QB for the Football Team with Taylor Heinicke taking his place. Heinicke was a surprising breath of fresh air. He had an 8 yard rushing touchdown in which he dove for the pylon to get the score in the 3rd quarter. Unfortunately on the Football Team’s following possession Heinicke was injured and it kinda let the air out of the proverbial balloon. He was still able to play but he was definitely not as explosive as before. Washington’s defense wasn’t as good as it had been in previous games and let Leonard Fournette, Tom Brady, Cameron Brate, and even Antonio Brown score. I was disappointed with Chase Young after the big talk leading up to the game and then not being able to back up his words. He’s a rookie, I hope he’s learned something. The Bucs head to New Orleans for the divisional round. 

Ravens @ Titans 20-13

The Ravens were finally able to finish a playoff game with Lamar Jackson under center. Baltimore also held Tennessee to its fewest points all season. The Ravens defense was able to contain Derrick Henry while the Titans defense could not stop Lamar. It wasn’t the ending I would have liked to see, mostly because I’m sure Ray Lewis will have a lot to say about this game. The Titans started off really great and then it just fizzled away. Baltimore will travel to Buffalo next. 

Bears @ Saints 9-21

The Saints are still alive in the playoffs, something they haven’t been able to say the past two years. Alvin Kamara was back, after testing positive for COVID-19 a couple of weeks before this game, and rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown. Drew Brees was on point with 265 passing yards and two touchdowns. The Bears defense, which usually keeps Chicago in games, made dumb mistakes ultimately costing them the game. Bears wide receiver Anthony Miller was ejected for shoving Saints defensive back J.J. Cardner-Johnson after a failed third down play early in the second half. Da-Bears postseason has come to an end and the Saints will host the Bucs next. 

Browns @ Steelers 48-37

Yeah, I got this pick wrong too. Cleveland’s head coach Kevin Stefanski watched the game from his basement after he, Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio, and top cornerback Denzel Ward all tested positive for COVID-19. The Browns overcame and won despite practicing just once over the last two weeks and having lost 17 straight at Heinz Field. Not only did they win, the Browns were up 28-0 in the first quarter! The Steelers just didn’t take the Browns seriously and treated them like a harmless younger brother. JuJu Smith-Schuster even said mid week before the game the Browns were the same "nameless gray faces" he sees every season, adding "the Browns is the Browns." Inferring that this would be an easy win for the Steelers. The victory was the Browns first postseason triumph of any kind since New Years day, 1995, three months before Baker Mayfield was born, and their first playoff road win since December 28, 1969. Mayfield had 3 touchdowns, one each to Jarvis Landry, Nick Chubb, and Austin Hooper. Kareem Hunt had 2 rushing touchdowns. The Browns defense picked off Big Ben 4 times, one being a pick 6. After the game Myles Garrett said with a smirk, “We’re the Cleveland Browns, same old Cleveland Browns.” The Browns will travel to Kansas City next and the Steelers will travel to their couches to watch the rest of the post season. 

 DIVISIONAL ROUND

Saturday, January 16th

Rams (10-6) @ Packers (13-3) (4:35pm FOX)

Despite a rib injury that took Aaron Donald out of the game last week he is supposed to start this game. This is good news for the Rams, not the Packers. Nobody has a better defense than the L.A. Rams, but then again no NFL team scored more points during the regular season than the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers is having the best season of his career. He set a franchise single-season record for touchdown passes (48) and completion percentage (.707) while throwing just 5 total interceptions. This should be a good game. The Rams are pretty beat up, like I said Donald, Goff, Kupp, and Akers are playing with injuries. The Packers will be playing without All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in December. Green Bay will have fans in their stands for the first time this season (6,500 lucky fans). The home-field advantage should help. I’m picking the Packers to win this game. 

Ravens (11-5) @ Bills (13-3) (8:15pm NBC) 

The Bills signed former Giants RB Devanta Freeman to their practice squad after losing Zack Moss to a season ending injury. Josh Allen has matured a lot since the last time these two teams played each other. After the Bills won last week my uncle, who is a die hard fan, texted me saying, “I hope Pittsburgh wins tonight because I don’t think I want to face Baltimore right now. What do you think?” I replied, “I don’t think you’ll have to worry either way. I’m sure Pittsburgh will win tonight and if by some crazy reason they don’t, Baltimore isn’t that scary. You shut down Lamar, you shut down the entire team. Baltimore doesn’t have a backup plan to Lamar…” Well, I stand by the second half of that response. I think the Bills can and will win this game. They just have to shut down Lamar Jackson. I Bill-ieve and am picking Buffalo to win this game. 

Sunday, January 17th 

Browns (11-5) @ Chiefs  (14-2) (3:05pm CBS) 

After last week’s game I think that any team could win, and I will not be disappointed with who wins this game. The Chiefs have won three straight and four of their last five games against Cleveland. They have never met in the postseason. Kevin Stefanski will make his playoff head coaching debut after missing last week because of COVID-19. Kareem Hunt will face the Chiefs for the first time since they released him in 2018. The Chiefs are the defending Super Bowl Champions and for that reason I am picking them to win this game. 

Buccaneers (11-5) @ Saints (12-4) (6:40pm FOX)

Ugh. Look, Brady is in the postseason again. Tampa Bay has built a team around this guy for the sole purpose of a Super Bowl appearance. Hopefully the road to the big game ends here with a win for the Saints. I hope that Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara, and the Saints defense have a stellar game. I’m rooting for and picking the Saints to win this game. 

Thanks for the edit Eric!

The Shenoa Report Super Wild Card Weekend '21

The Shenoa Report

January 9, 2021

Super Wild Card Weekend

It’s hard to believe that we are only through the first week of 2021. It was a doozy. In all the political chaos I made sure to check in on my good friend who said, "Thanks for checking in! The bright note was the Washington Football Team winning.” Eh, not so much for me, my friend. In the words of Eli Manning, “This is why we don’t like the Eagles.” My friend is a big fan of Alex Smith, as am I, but it’s hard to be happy for the Football Team with the way they “won.” Anyway…

We are headed into Super Wild Card Weekend, not just Wild Card Weekend, it’s super because there are six games instead of four! See, 2021 is already better… Ugh. 

Last week I went 12-4 on picks. Here’s the recap of week 17.

Dolphins @ Bills 26-56

Without Ryan Fitzpatrick to fall back on the Dolphins really didn’t have a chance at winning this game, and the Bills did not let them down easy. Buffalo wanted to win to lock up home field advantage and their head coach said their starters would play until they were up by 50. That never happened but the Bills locked up home field advantage without so much as batting an eye. Bills Mafia, are you ready for the playoffs?!?!?!? You’ll host the Colts next with fans in the stands for Wild Card Weekend. 

Ravens @ Bengals  38-3

With this win the Ravens will be in the postseason, and it was a heck of a win. The Bengals who looked strong as of late, were stomped, being shut out in 3 of the 4 quarters. They managed only one field goal so they weren’t shut out. I’m sure Bengals fans are glad the season is over. The Ravens will travel to Tennessee to face the Titans in the Wild Card. 

Steelers @ Browns 22-24

There was so much stacked against the Browns that even facing the Steelers B team I didn’t expect Cleveland to win. But they did and now they are headed to the postseason for the first time since 2002. The NFL’s longest postseason drought is over. Now the Browns almost blew it as they were up 24-9 early in the fourth before letting the Steelers come to within a 2 point conversion, finally recovering an onside kick to run out the clock and get the win. Fun fact: Nick Chubb went for over 1,000 yards for the second straight season. His 47-yard touchdown run put him into quadruple digits even though he missed four games this season. I’m so glad he was my #1 RB this season in fantasy. The Browns will travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers again next week for Wild Card Weekend. 

Vikings @ Lions 37-35

This game was pretty evenly matched because both teams were pretty subpar this season. 

Falcons @ Buccaneers 27-44

Brady threw the ball a lot, had 4 touchdown passes, and will bring the Bucs to the postseason for the first time in years. The Bucs will travel to Washington for Wild Card Weekend

Jets @ Patriots 14-28

Cam Newton had 3 touchdown passes and caught another to put the Patriots over the Jets in this meaningless game. And that is the last time I have to write about the Patriots till next season!

Cowboys @ NY Giants 19-23

The Giants were ON POINT! I mean they made mistakes and it was a heart wrenching game, with that almost fumble that Wayne Gallman had at the end of the game. But I was proud of the G-Men after this win. The defense played well, holding Zeke Elliot to 42 yards, not letting him get to that 1,000 yard season and picked off Andy Dalton for a would be touchdown. Everything was going as planned. The Giants did their part to get into the postseason. It was all up to archrivals Eagles to do the rest and open the door… 

Packers  @ Bears 35-16

The Packers won the game and a first round bye in the playoffs. The Bears squeaked in the playoffs as well because of the Cardinals loss. Aaron Rodgers joined Peyton Manning as the only players to throw for at least 45 touchdowns in multiple seasons. Rodgers is at 48 on the season, with just 5 interceptions. And to think he sat on my fantasy bench most of the season. The Bears go to New Orleans next and the Packers rest for a week. 

Raiders @ Broncos 32-31

This game was playing out just like last year's season finale. The Raiders were down 2 after scoring a touchdown with just 24 seconds left in the game. Last season, the Raiders went for the 2 point conversion to try to win the game rather than kicking the extra point to  send it to overtime. They did not convert and lost the game. I found myself yelling at the tv “just kick the extra point and send it into overtime”! Jon Gruden, did not listen to my words. The whole thing seemed to happen in slow motion. On the last play of the game Derek Carr dropped back and drilled it right into the arms of Darren Waller, who held on, and the Raiders actually won their last game of the season. It was pretty amazing, and unbelievable. 

Jaguars @ Colts 14-28

With a Miami loss the Colts are also heading to the playoffs and it’s all thanks to rookie Jonathan Taylor. Taylor had 253 rushing yards and two touchdowns in this win over Jacksonville. The Colts head to Orchard Park to face the Bills in the Wild Card. 

Chargers  @ Chiefs 38-21

The Chiefs rested their starters and it really showed. Justin Herbert threw for over 300 yards and had 4 touchdowns in this meaningless win over KC. The win wasn’t enough to save coach Anthony Lynn’s job. He was let go. 

Cardinals @ Rams 7-18 

John Wolford threw an interception in his NFL debut as the starting quarterback for the Rams. But the Rams defense stepped up big and won the game for L.A. It helped that Kyler Murray had an ankle injury that took him out for most of the game. Now the Rams find themselves playoff bound and will travel to Seattle for the Wild Card game. 

Seahawks @ 49ers 26-23

 The 49ers have had a rough go of it. They moved their team to Arizona December 2nd temporarily because of the pandemic and failed to win any of their “home” games. This game was much of the same. It was good, it was close, but it was another “home” loss. The Seahawks got the win and will host the Rams for their Wild Card game. 

Saints @ Panthers 33-7

The Saints won this game handily and they did it without Alvin Kamara. The Saints defense had 5 interceptions and Drew Brees threw for over 200 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Saints will host the Bears in the Wild Card game. 

Titans @ Texans 41-38

After the rant that J.J. Watt had last week, you could see the way that the Houston players played was different, better. I really thought that the Texans were going to pull off a major upset. Sure, the defense couldn’t contain Derrick Henry who rushed for 250 yards in the game and surpassed 2,000 yards for the season. But the Texans played hard, more so than they had all season. As Titans rookie Sam Sloman’s 37-yard field goal bounced off the upright and through for the win over Houston I felt sad for Texans fans, and J.J. Watt. With the win the Titans will host the Ravens for the Wild Card game. 

Washington @ Eagles 20-14

Twitter feed during this game: 

“Can someone make it make sense to me what’s going on…?” -Saquon Barkley

“This is why we don’t like the Eagles.” Eli Manning replied. 

“Why on gods [sic] green earth is Jalen Hurts not in the game” -Darius Slayton

“I think the eagles just hate us more than washington. That’s the only thing that could make sense right?” -Golden Tate

“For real though?” - Jabrill Peppers

“This is a joke right??” -Brian Westbrook

“They really throwing it #PutJalenIn” -Adrian Colbert

“You play the game to win point blank period JJ Watt said it best the other day outside of how it effects [sic] us this [is] just disrespectful to the game” -Darius Slayton

“To disrespect the game by going out there and not competing for 60 minutes and doing everything you can to help those players win. We will never do that as long as I’m the head coach of the Giants.” -Joe Judge on Eagles loss. 

Philadelphia decided to not go for a field goal late in the third then turned it over on downs. On their next possession, Doug Pederson benched QB Jalen Hurts (who scored the team's only touchdowns of the game) to put in Nate Sudfeld. Who? Yeah, that’s right. I had to look up that he’s been on the team for 4 seasons and had appeared in just 3 games. Sudfeld hadn’t thrown a pass since 2018 and threw a pick on his second pass, then he had a fumble. And just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, the Eagles jumped offsides on a fourth-down and inches in Washington’s clock-killing drive that ended the game. 

Congrats Washington, you did nothing to win this game, Philly, instead, did everything to lose it. Washington will host the Bucs in Wild Card weekend. Good luck Football Team, you’ll need it.  

WILD CARD WEEKEND

Saturday, January 9th

Colts (11-5) @ Bills (13-3) (1:05pm CBS) 

The Bills Stadium, with a limited number of fans (about 6,700) in attendance, will host their first playoff game in 24 years. Under state guidelines, each person entering the stadium must first test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of kickoff. I am so happy for all the Bills fans. They Bill-eved when no one else did. I will also be a Bills fan this Saturday. I am rooting for them and picking them to win, but I won’t be breaking any tables in the process. 

Rams (10-6) @ Seahawks (12-4) (4:40pm FOX)

For the second time in three weeks these two teams will play each other. It’ll be the third time this season, with the series split between them up to this point. The Rams still don’t know if Jared Goff will be able to play after having thumb surgery just two weeks ago. I’m picking the Seahawks to win, their defense has been playing lights out recently, and I think they are the better team. 

Buccaneers (11-5) @ Washington (7-9) (8:15pm NBC)

I’d love to see the Football Team win this game, really I would, I just wish that it was the Giants playing the Bucs, that’s all. I know the Giants can beat Tom Brady, the Football Team, I’m not so sure. I’m picking the Bucs to win this game, but I’ll be rooting for the NFC East Football Team. 

Sunday, January 10th

Ravens (11-5) @ Titans (11-5) (1:05pm ABC/ESPN)

The Titans put an end to the Ravens Super Bowl run last post season and are looking to do the same thing this time around. I’m all for it. I’m rooting for, and picking the Titans to win this game. 

Bears (8-7) @ Saints (12-4) (4:40pm CBS)

The Saints still don’t know if they will have Alvin Kamara for this game, as he tested positive last week and missed their season finale. I think the Saints will win this game, I really don’t think the Bears have a chance. I’m picking the Saints to win and I think they are just happy they aren’t playing the Vikings, who have ended their Super Bowl hopes two seasons in a row. 

Browns (11-5) @ Steelers (12-4) (8:15pm NBC) 

This will be a very different game than last week’s. The Steelers starters are all rested and ready to go. The Browns will be without head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has tested positive for COVID-19. The Browns haven’t made the postseason in almost two decades, and it was just 3 years ago that they went 0-16. It was a heck of a run this season but I think it ends for Cleveland in the Wild Card weekend. I’m picking the Steelers to win this game but I’ll be rooting for the Browns. 

Thanks for the edit Eric!

The Shenoa Report Week 17 '21 #theshenoareport

The Shenoa Report

January 3, 2021

Regular Season Week 17

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Welcome 2021, and good riddance 2020.  All the games for week 17 will be played today. After the latest round of testing, the NFL is on track to play all 16 games today, per source. And that means that, after today, the NFL will have completed its full 256-game regular season without a single cancellation.

With that said, there are a LOT of players out today, some COVID-19 related, some injury related, and some resting for playoffs. Players out Sunday include Tyreek Hill, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Sammy Watkins, Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry, Joey Bosa, Dalvin Cook, Kenny Golladay, Damien Harris, Frank Gore, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Cole Beasley, DJ Chark, James Robinson, Julio Jones, Christian McCaffrey, Mike Davis, Jared Goff, Darrell Henderson, Cooper Kupp, Christian Kirk, Tyler Kroft, Carlos Hyde, Joe Haden, Eric Ebron, Cam Heyward, Maurkice Pouncey, T.J. Watt, Chris Boswell, Denzel Ward, Harrison Bryant, Alvin Kamara, Latavius Murray, David Bakhtiari, K.J Hamler, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Richard Sherman, Thomas Davis, Derek Barnett, Fletcher Cox, Dallas Goedert, DeSean Jackson, and Miles Sanders. 

This makes week 17 pretty tricky to pick. Last week I went 10-6 on picks. Before we get to the final Sunday of the regular season, here’s the recap of week 16.

Vikings @ Saints 33-52

I had picked the Saints to win this game and I was correct. The Vikings have been eliminated from the playoffs. Alvin Kamara had SIX rushing touchdowns to tie the NFL record in this impressive win with the Saints. 

Buccaneers @ Lions  47-7

I talked about my friend, who’s a Lions fan, last week. He had asked Siri what the score of the Lions game was. She gave him a snarky answer. So he asked again this week. Siri said the Lions were subjugated again. Look at Siri throwing some serious shade at the Lions. They are terrible. As for the Bucs, blah blah blah, Tom Brady, blah blah blah. 

49ers @ Cardinals 20-12

The 49ers, who had no hopes of a post season this year, and a third string quarterback (CJ Beathard) to boot, showed the Cardinals that they finally felt at home in Arizona. The 49ers have been playing their home games in Arizona for the past month and they haven't won there yet, until this “away” game.  San Francisco dominated Arizona. Because of the loss, the Cardinals no longer control their own destiny in the playoff race. 

Dolphins @ Raiders 26-25

Tua Tagovailoa struggled again and Ryan “Fitzmagic” had to swoop in again, in the 4th quarter, and save the day, again. When will Miami realize it’s not Tua Time? Also, Fitzpatrick should get bonuses every time he has to bail out Tua. He’d be making bank. Fitzpatrick led 3 scoring drives in the 4th quarter to give the Dolphins the win.  The Dolphins have knocked the Raiders out of playoff hopes and they themselves move one step closer to the playoffs. 

Falcons @ Chiefs 14-17

This game was way closer than it should’ve been. The Falcons had a chance to tie it and send the game into overtime, when the highly accurate kicker Younghoe Koo missed a 39-yard field goal. The Chiefs have now clinched the No. 1 seed with this win. They are also 14-1, a record Kansas City has never held before. It wasn’t a pretty game, and should be a wake-up call to the team that tougher games are ahead. 

Browns @ Jets 16-23

All the Browns had to do was beat the Jets and they would be sailing into the playoffs. Then COVID-19 hit, and the Browns had 7 players out including Javis Landry and three other wide receivers. They never had the lead the entire game. Baker had no one to throw the ball to, the run game was non existent, and Mayfield fumbled the ball THREE times. The last time he fumbled, late in the fourth on a fourth-and-1, Kareem Hunt recovered, but by rule, Mayfield was the only one who could advance the ball, and he was short of the first down. With 1:18 left in the ball game, Cleveland knew they were not going to get the win. 

Colts @ Steelers 24-28

This game was very disappointing. The Colts were up 21-0 right before the half and then let the Steelers come back and win the game. I really don’t have that much more to say about it. 

NY Giants @ Ravens 13-27

This game was garbage. The best part of this game- it being over. Ugh. I can’t believe the Giants haven’t been eliminated from the playoffs yet.

Bengals @ Texans 37-31

I got this pick wrong. I thought the Texans would win. Instead the Bengals got their first road win since 2018. J.J. Watt had a lot to say about this loss, and his team, moving forward.  Watt went on a rant about how poorly the Texans have played this season, saying he feels bad for the fans and the people "who care so deeply" about this team, seemingly in response to a lack of professionalism in the Texans' locker room. "We're professional athletes getting paid a whole lot of money," Watt said. "If you can't come in and put work in in the building, go out to the practice field and work hard, do your lifts and do what you're supposed to do, you should not be here. This is a job. We are getting paid a whole lot of money… It's the greatest job in the world. You get to go out and play a game. And if you can't care enough, even in Week 17, even when you're trash, when you're 4-11… If you can't care enough to go out there and give everything you've got and try your hardest, that's bulls---.”

"There are people every week that still tweet you, that still come up to you and say, 'Hey, we're still rooting for you; we're still behind you.' They have no reason whatsoever to. We stink. But they care and they still want to win and they still want you to be great. That's why. Those people aren't getting paid. We're getting paid handsomely.” He had a lot more to say, but you get the idea. I see you J.J. Watt, and I respect you. Would you like to speak to the Giants organization? 

Bears @ Jaguars 41-17

The Bears won and now might just make the playoffs. It’s not likely, they would need to beat the Packers in week 17, “so you’re saying there’s a chance.” Jacksonville, on the other hand, has secured the first pick of the 2021 draft with this loss coupled with a Jets win. 

Broncos @ Chargers 16-19

The Chargers have now won three in a row. Justin Herbert set the record for most rookie touchdown passes in a season and Anthony Lynn may be able to keep his job as head coach of the Chargers. The Broncos kept this game close, but the Chargers were actually able to finish on top. 

Panthers @ Washington 20-13

Ron Rivera faced his old team and his new team couldn’t give him the win. Dwayne Haskins sucked in a real big way, being benched in the fourth quarter with Taylor Heinicke taking over. By the time Heinicke stepped in it was too late for Washington. He was successful in throwing the only touchdown pass to J.D. McKissic late in the fourth, but the Panthers had already won the game. Washington could have clinched the playoffs with a win, but alas it’s the NFC East so, of course they didn’t.  

Eagles @ Cowboys 17-37

The only team not alive in the NFC East is the Eagles, because the Cowboys gave them a thrashing, ending their playoff hopes. It’s pretty much one time a year that I root for the Cowboys, and this was that game. Now if the Giants can beat the Cowboys in week 17 and the Eagles can beat the Football Team, the Giants make the playoffs. Stranger things have happened…  

Rams @ Seahawks 9-20

The Seahawks clinched the NFC West with their win over the Rams. It’s the first division title for Seattle since 2016. The Seahawks defense, which has been less than terrific all season held the Rams to just 3 field goals. The Seahawks are becoming a force to be reckoned with just in time for the postseason. 

Titans @ Packers 14-40

Green Bay was cold and snowy, just the way the Packers like it. The fairweathered Titans did not fare well at all in the weather. Tennessee really didn’t have a chance. The Packers defense picked off Ryan Tannehill twice and they held Derrick Henry to 98 yards on 23 carries, ending his streak of nine consecutive road games in which he'd run for at least 100 yards. Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams had a field day, or should I say snow day, with 3 touchdowns passes. It was a good day to be a Packers fan.  

Bills @ Patriots 38-9

I have realized something in 2020. It’s really Tom Brady I don’t like. I don’t give a hoot if the Pats win or lose anymore.  I was happy to see the Bills win this game though. The Bills became the first team to sweep the Pats since 2000, Belichick’s first year with the team.  This game wasn’t even a contest, more like a spanking, and I think Patriots fans just wished the season was over. One more week Pats fans, one more week. 

WEEK 17

Sunday, January 3rd

Dolphins (10-5) @ Bills (12-3) (1pm CBS) 

The Dolphins need a win to get in the playoffs, the Bills have already clinched but want the No. 2 seed. The Dolphins will not be able to call on Ryan Fitzpatrick when Tua struggles as Fitz has tested positive and will not be at the game at all. I think the pressure is going to be too much for Tua and the Bills win this game. My pick is the Bills for the win. Also, Bills Mafia, get ready, the Bills are allowed to have some fans for the playoff home games! 

Ravens (10-5) @ Bengals  (4-10-1) (1pm CBS)

If the Ravens win they are in the playoffs. The Bengals have been playing good ball as of late, even though they have no hopes of the playoffs, and are going to try to spoil the Ravens hopes of a postseason. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Bengals beat the Ravens, but I am going to pick Baltimore for the win. 

Steelers (12-3) @ Browns (10-5) (1pm CBS) 

The Steelers are resting all of their starters. Mason Rudolph is set to start at quarterback. The Browns have made Myles Garrett their captain for this game. Last year, when these two teams played each other fights ensued, Garrett ripped off Rudolph's helmet and hit him with it. It is fitting that this is the last game of the regular season. The Browns can clinch a spot in the playoffs with a win, but are still dealing with COVID-19 positives. Cleveland will have Jarvis Landry back but will still be without 5 players and 3 coaches. It’ll take a miracle for the Browns to win this game, I mean they couldn’t beat the Jets last week. I’m picking the Steelers for the win, but I hope the Browns do. 

Vikings (6-9) @ Lions (5-10) (1pm FOX)

Both teams have been eliminated already, so I’m picking the Vikings for the win. 

Falcons (4-11) @ Buccaneers (10-5) (1pm FOX)

The Bucs have already clinched and the Falcons are already out. The Falcons led most of the game the last time these two met, but in true Falcons fashion they blew the lead and the game. I am picking the Bucs to win this game. 

Jets (2-13) @ Patriots (6-9) (1pm CBS)

Both teams have been eliminated already. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Jets beat the Pats. It would be pretty amazing actually. Frank Gore will be out for the Jets this game. This could be the end of his career. He’s played 16 seasons, 240 games (most by any RB in NFL history). He’s had nine 1,000-yard seasons, 3rd most rushing yards in NFL history (16,000). Not too bad for a guy who tore his ACL TWICE in college. I’m going to pick the Pats for the win, it’s just too weird to pick the Jets over the Pats. 

Cowboys (6-9) @ NY Giants (5-10) (1pm FOX)

Both teams need a win and a Washington loss to get into the playoffs. So you’re telling me there’s a chance. I’m living on a hope and a prayer. The Cowboys will probably win this game, but I hope that’s not the case. The Giants could have the 3rd pick in the 2021 draft or the 32nd… Today is Eli Manning’s 40th birthday, so the Giants should win and give Eli a great birthday gift, it would be more than what they did for my 40th… I’m picking the Giants to win, for what will most likely be the last time this season. GO G-MEN! 

Packers (12-3) @ Bears (8-7)  (4:25pm FOX)

Both teams are playing for something. The Packers want home field advantage in the playoffs and the Bears just want to get into the playoffs. The Bears need to win to get in. This game is one of the oldest rivalries in the NFL. It should be a good game, I’m picking the Packers to win. 

Raiders (7-8) @ Broncos (5-10) (4:25pm CBS)

Both teams are out of the playoffs and playing for pride. The Raiders have lost their last nine season finales, four of them to the Broncos. Maybe they will end this streak today. I’m picking the Raiders for the win.  

Jaguars (1-14) @ Colts (10-5) (4:25pm CBS)

Indianapolis clinches AFC South division title with: IND win + TEN loss or tie OR IND tie + TEN loss. Indianapolis clinches playoff berth with: IND win + BAL loss or tie OR IND win + CLE loss or tie OR IND win + MIA loss or tie OR IND tie + BAL loss OR IND tie + CLE loss OR IND tie + MIA loss. Ok, did you get all that? I’m picking the Colts to win this game, will they make it to the postseason? Who knows. 

Chargers (6-9) @ Chiefs (14-1) (4:25pm CBS)

The Chiefs are resting pretty much everyone and the Chargers have been eliminated. I still think that the Chiefs win this game, but maybe I’ll be wrong. 

Cardinals (8-7) @ Rams (9-6) (4:25pm CBS)   

Both teams need a win to get into the playoffs. Jared Goff will not start this game for the Rams, due to his thumb surgery, with John Wolford starting in his place. Cooper Kupp is on the COVID-19 reserve list and will also not play. I’d like the Rams to win this game but I’m picking Arizona for the win. 

Seahawks (11-4) @ 49ers (6-9) (4:25pm FOX)

 The Seahawks will earn the top seed with a win and losses by Green Bay and New Orleans. They can move up to the No. 2 seed with a win and a loss by the Packers or the Saints, which would guarantee them a home game if they advance to the divisional round. This is very unlikely to happen, but fun to speculate. I’m picking the Seahawks to win this game. 

Saints (11-4) @ Panthers (5-10) (4:25pm FOX)

Christian McCaffrey will not play in the season finale for the Panthers abysmal season. Alvin Kamara tested positive and will be out for the Saints.  The Saints can still earn the NFC's top seed — and the conference's only playoff bye — with a win Sunday against the Carolina Panthers combined with a Green Bay loss and a Seattle win. Like I said before, this isn’t likely, (I don’t think that the Packers are going to lose today) but fun to speculate. I’m picking the Saints to win this game. 

Titans (10-5) @ Texans (4-11) (4:25pm CBS)

The Titans can secure their first AFC South title since 2008 with a victory over the Texans. I think that’s what will happen. I am picking the Titans for the win. 

Washington (6-9) @ Eagles (4-10-1) (8:20pm NBC)

A lot has happened since Washington’s last game. The Football team waived Dwayne Haskins, he wasn’t picked up off of waivers, and Haskins agent also said buh-bye. Alex Smith will start for Washington. 

Of course this is the last game of the day. It’s supposed to be cold, wet, and miserable. The perfect ending for the NFC East. I’m still hoping that the Giants will have beaten the Cowboys. If this is the scenario I’m picking the Eagles to win. If the Cowboys beat the Giants then I want Washington to win. Ultimately I’m picking the Eagles to win this game. 

GO G-MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the edit Eric!