The Shenoa Report
January 6, 2024
Regular Season Week 18
Happy New Year and happy last week of the regular season! We’ve got a lot of scenarios to get into the postseason. You'll have to read on to know if your team is going to make it! Spoiler, the NY Giants will not make it. Tear. There are a lot of other teams that aren’t going to make it either. Sorry. May your team win this weekend. I went 10-6 on my picks.
Before we get into week 18 let’s recap week 17.
Jets @ Browns 20-37
Joe Flacco, who was on his couch a month and a half ago has propelled the unlikely Cleveland Browns into a spot in the playoffs. The Browns are now the first team in NFL history to make the playoffs after starting four different quarterbacks in the same season. Another fun fact, Flacco, who has started the last 5 games this season has more passing touchdowns (13) than Deshawn Watson, the Titans, Steelers, or Jets.
Lions @ Cowboys 19-20
I can’t even with this game. The Lions technically won this game but I’m pretty sure the Cowboys were filling the refs pockets, before, during, and after the game. Either that or the refs should get eyeglasses and hearing aids because they clearly made so many bad calls, no calls, or mistakes. The biggest mess up came at the end of the game. With less than two minutes left in the game the Lions had just scored a touchdown and Dan Campbell decided the team would go for two to win the game. It was a play that they had practiced a bunch and Campbell had even notified the refs before the game started that they would likely call this play at some point in the game. It was a tricky kind of play that should’ve paid off. Jared Goff completed a pass to lineman Taylor Decker, but he was ruled to be an ineligible receiver. After replay it was clear that Decker had reported to the ref. Goff said Decker, the starting left tackle, reported to officials and Dan Skipper, a backup offensive tackle, did not. Skipper said he didn't report to an official. Two players can't report to be eligible receivers on the same play. The Lions went for the two point conversion again and Goff was intercepted but the Cowboys were called for offsides. The last time they went for it the pass was incomplete and the Cowboys snuck away with the game. The refs F-ed up so badly it cost the Lions the win AND playoff rankings, AND gave the stupid Cowboys the W. Unbelievable.
Dolphins @ Ravens 19-56
Yo. Now the Dolphins might feel like how they made the Broncos feel earlier this season. Miami got Whooped. On the other side of the field Lamar Jackson had a perfect passer rating and with the win the Ravens clinched a division title and the top seed in the AFC.
Patriots @ Bills 21-27
Why do the Bills always play so badly against the Patriots? I mean, yes, they won the game but they should have clobbered the Pats. In reality, I’m just glad the Bills got the win. At least one of my teams should make the playoffs. Fingers crossed.
Falcons @ Bears 17-37
The Bears dominated this game and played spoilers in the meantime. For the Falcons to have a chance at making the playoffs they needed to win out. It’s not looking good for Atlanta. The Bears also had a super slim chance of making the playoffs but that came to an end later that evening when the Packers beat the Vikings.
Raiders @ Colts 20-23
“I feel like I never pick either of these teams correctly. I’ll pick the Raiders to win this week.”
Is what I said last week. I give up. By winning this game the Colts are still technically alive with the hopes of a playoff berth. The Raiders, not so much.
Panthers @ Jaguars 0-26
The poor Panthers. Another shut out. Ouch. The Jags got the win without a passing touchdown. Just a lot of field goals and rushing touchdowns from kicker Brandon McManus and RB Travis Etienne, respectively.
Titans @ Texans 3-26
The Texans are rolling. More surprising, after having the second pick in the draft coming into this season, Houston has a chance at making the playoffs this season. The Texans who are 9-7, along with the Colts and Jaguars, all won Sunday to leave the three teams with identical records in the AFC South. This keeps the Texans in contention for both the division title and a playoff spot. The Titans on the other hand have been out of contention for a while now.
Rams @ NY Giants 26-25
As a Giants fan, this was a heartbreaking game. We had a few chances to win but it didn’t come together. With 3:27 left in the game Giants punt returner Gunner Olszewski scored on a 94-yard punt return to get New York within a point. After an encroachment penalty on the extra point attempt, coach Brian Daboll decided to go for a 2-point conversion. Tyrod Taylor missed a wide-open Saquon Barkley on a rollout to the right. Ouch. But not all was lost. The Giants defense was able to get a stop and we got the ball back. With less than a minute left in the game we drove down the field again but our kicker, Mason Crosby, missed a 54 yard field goal that would’ve given the Giants the win.
Saints @ Buccaneers 23-13
The Saints are now 8-8 after this win. And I suppose that makes sense because Derek Carr seems to have had a good game then a bad game, rinse and repeat. Carr had a good game this time around with two passing touchdowns. The Saints defense also stepped up and shut out the Bucs for the first 3 quarters. Baker Mayfield had two passing touchdowns but they came late in the 4th after garbage time had already started.
Cardinals @ Eagles 35-31
“I think it would be hilarious if the Cards could pull off the upset,” is what I said last week.
I don’t think that Eagles fans thought it was hilarious but I sure did. I’m not even upset I got the pick wrong. It was an amazing game to watch. Kyler Murry had 3 touchdown passes, Jalen Hurts only had two. Also, my dear James Conner had two rushing touchdowns, the last one was the game winner.
49ers @ Commanders 27-10
The 49ers bounced back and won this game. I could say well duh, it should’ve been an easy win but from the game recap directly above we’ve learned that anything is possible.
Steelers @ Seahawks 30-23
With this win the Steelers keep their playoff hopes alive. The Seahawks are still technically alive but they’ll need to win in week 18 and get a lot of help as well. I’m just upset that I got this pick wrong.
Bengals @ Chiefs 17-25
Harrison Butker hit 6 field goals in this sloppy win over the Bengals to get the Chiefs to the AFC West title. You read that right. Butker was the MVP of this game, not Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce. This win also knocked the Bengals out of a chance at the post season.
Chargers @ Broncos 9-16
I’m so mad the Chargers couldn’t pull off this win. One, because I said I refused to pick the Chargers to win for the rest of the season. Two, I did anyway because the Broncos did Russell Wilson dirty. I hope the Broncos never have another successful season. I’m team Wilson.
Packers @ Vikings 33-10
Jordan Love threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score to put the Packers in control of a spot in the playoffs with this win. The Vikings haven’t officially been eliminated yet, they have a 3% chance of making it after this loss.
WEEK 18
Saturday, January 6th
Steelers (9-7) @ Ravens (13-3) (4:30pm ABC/ESPN/ESPN+)
The Ravens clinched the number one seed and first round bye in the playoffs last week so they have nothing to play for this week and will most likely rest the majority of their starters. For instance Lamar Jackson will not start. Tyler Huntley is set to start in Jackson's place. The Ravens have also ruled out receiver Odell Beckham Jr., cornerback Marlon Humphrey, guard Kevin Zeitler, linebacker Malik Harrison, and defensive back Daryl Worley. Receiver Zay Flowers is doubtful and safety Kyle Hamilton is questionable with a knee injury. The Steelers can clinch a postseason berth with a win AND a loss by either Buffalo or Jacksonville. There is a scenario in which Pittsburgh could get in with a loss, but that requires help from multiple teams. With all that said, I’m going to make it easy for everyone and say the Ravens will beat the Steelers and end most of these scenarios. I’m picking the Ravens for the win. (This will also help the Bills should they lose in Miami on Sunday)
Texans (9-7) @ Colts (9-7) (8:15pm ABC/ESPN/ESPN+)
The Colts can clinch the AFC South division title with a win + Jags loss or tie OR a tie + Jags loss. The Colts can clinch a playoff berth with a win OR a tie + a Steelers loss or tie. The Texans can clinch the AFC South division title with a win + Jags loss or tie. The Texans can clinch a playoff berth with a win + Jags loss + Steelers loss or tie. Jacksonville is ahead of Indianapolis and Houston in the AFC south based on head-to-head record (Jaguars' 3-1 to the Colts' 1-2 and the Texans' 1-2). Indianapolis is ahead of Houston in the AFC South based on head to head (1-0). Basically both teams need this win in order to advance. I’m picking the Colts to win this game.
Sunday, January 7th
Buccaneers (8-8) @ Panthers (2-14) (1pm FOX)
The Panthers will be playing for nothing but pride and spoilers. The Bucs will be playing to get into the postseason. The Bucs can clinch the NFC South division title with a win OR a tie + a Saints loss or tie. The Bucs can clinch a playoff berth with a win OR a tie + a Seahawks loss + Packers loss or tie. I’m picking the Bucs to win this game.
Browns (11-5) @ Bengals (8-8) (1pm CBS)
Cleveland has already clinched the playoffs and will be resting most of their starters including Joe Flacco and Myles Garrett. WR Amari Cooper, LG Joel Bitonio, CB Denzel Ward, and TE David Njoku — all Pro Bowlers — are also expected to sit rest. QB Jeff Driskel will get the start for the Browns. Fun fact: Driskel made five starts for the Bengals in 2018. The Bengals have already been eliminated from the post season so they’ll just be playing for pride. They are pretty beat up but I am picking the Bengals to win this game to give their fans on last hoorah for the season.
Vikings (7-9) @ Lions (11-5) (1pm FOX)
The Lions clinched the playoffs with a win against the Vikings two weeks ago. If the Lions beat the Vikings AND Dallas loses at Washington AND Philadelphia gets beat by the New York Giants on the road THEN the Lions would bump up to the No. 2 spot, giving them a better chance of hosting two playoff games this month. I mean I’m rooting for the Lions and hoping all these scenarios come true but the Vikings are also fighting to get into the playoffs. The Vikings can clinch a playoff berth with a win + Packers loss + Seahawks loss + Bucs loss OR a win + Packers loss + Seahawks loss + Saints loss. So you’re saying there’s a chance? With all that said I’m picking the Lions to win this game!
Jets (6-10) @ Patriots (4-12) (1pm FOX)
Both teams have already been eliminated from the possibility of the playoff and will be playing for divisional pride. I’m picking the Pats to win this game, it would help the NY Giants draft pick potentially. I think both fan bases are just glad the season will be over after this game.
Falcons (7-9) @ Saints (8-8) (1pm CBS)
The Saints can clinch the NFC South division title with a win + a Bucs loss or tie OR a tie + a Bucs loss. The Saints can clinch a playoff berth with a win + Seahawks loss or tie + Packers loss or tie OR a Saints tie + Seahawks loss + Packers loss. The Falcons can clinch the NFC South division title with a win + Bucs loss. With all that said, I’m picking the Saints to win this game.
Jaguars (9-7) @ Titans (5-11) (1pm CBS)
The Titans have already been eliminated from playoff contention so they’ll just be playing for spoilers and pride in this divisional matchup. The Jags, however, have a lot to play for. The Jaguars can clinch the AFC South division title with a win. It’s as simple as that. They can also clinch the division tidal with a tie + a tie in the Colts - Texans game. If the Jags don’t win outright they can also clinch a playoff berth with a tie + Steelers loss or tie OR a Steelers loss + Broncos loss or tie + a tie in the Colts - Texans game. With all that said, I’m picking the Jags to win this game but I’ll be rooting for Derrick Henry to get one more rushing touchdown. One more rushing TD would give Henry 12 for the fifth time in his career, joining LaDainian Tomlinson, Emmitt Smith, Adrian Peterson, Alexander Brown, and Jim Brown as the only players in NFL history with five such seasons.
Seahawks (8-8) @ Cardinals (4-12) (4:25pm FOX)
The Cardinals have also already been eliminated from playoff contention so they’ll just be playing for spoilers and pride in this divisional matchup. The Seahawks can get into the postseason but they’ll need some help. They can clinch a playoff berth with a win + Packers loss or tie OR a tie + Packers loss + Bucs loss or tie OR a tie +Packers loss + Saints loss or tie. I honestly don’t see the Seahawks making it into the playoffs this season even if they win this game. I’m picking the Seahawks to win this game but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cardinals upset an angry bird for the second week in a row (Also, an Arizona win would help the NY Giants draft pick).
Bears (7-9) @ Packers (8-8) (4:25pm CBS)
Like so many other teams the Bears have also already been eliminated from playoff contention so they’ll just be playing for spoilers and pride in this divisional matchup. Green Bay can get into the playoffs with a win. If they don’t win this game there are a ton of other scenarios to get them into the postseason. They can also clinch a playoff berth with a tie + Seahawks loss or tie + Saints loss or tie OR a tie + Seahawks loss + Bucs loss OR a tie + Seahawks tie + Bucs loss or tie OR a Vikings loss or tie + Seahawks loss + Bucs loss OR a Vikings loss or tie + Seahawks loss + Saints loss. I’m picking the Packers to win this game.
Chiefs (10-6) @ Chargers (5-11) (4:25pm CBS)
I am actually curious to watch this game. The Chargers have nothing to play for as they’ve already been eliminated. The Chiefs will be resting the majority of their starters including Patrick Mahomes. I’d like to see if Kansas City’s B team is better than their starters. The bar hasn’t been set high. I’m picking the Chiefs to win this game. Why? I don’t really know.
Broncos (8-8) @ Raiders (7-9) (4:25pm FOX)
Both teams have been eliminated from the postseason. I’ll be rooting for and picking the Raiders to win this game because F the Broncos organization.
Eagles (11-5) @ NY Giants (5-11) (4:25pm FOX)
As a Giants fan I’m just glad this is the last game of the season. To say it’s been rough is an understatement. I’m not happy that we have to play the Eagles to end out the season but at the same time it’s pretty damn poetic. The Giants faced the Eagles just two weeks ago on Christmas day. The crazy thing is we were totally in that game. The Eagles have already clinched a spot in the playoffs but if they win this game and get some help they could move up in the seeding. Philadelphia can clinch the NFC East division title with a win + Cowboys loss or tie OR a tie + Cowboys loss. The Cowboys are playing the Commanders so it’s pretty unlikely that Dallas would lose but crazier things have happened. Ok. So if the Giants lose this game they’ll most likely get the 5th pick in the draft, and, with help, could also possibly move up to the 4th pick, to get the NC Tarheels QB Drake Maye. If the Giants win this game they’ll most likely move down to the 8th pick in the draft. Personally, I don’t care what draft pick we are. I’ve spoken about this at length. No need to go into it again. Also, if the Giants lose this game that’ll help the Cowboys out. I don’t like that either. I want the Giants to win. I will obviously be rooting for them to do so. I want them to play for all the pride and spoil the dirty birds chances of moving up in the seeding! With that said, I’m a realist and will be picking the Eagles to win this game.
Rams (9-7) @ 49ers (12-4) (4:25pm FOX)
This will be a pretty meaningless game for both teams. The 49ers have already clinched the playoffs and the Rams have already been eliminated. Carson Wentz will be starting for the Rams and Blaine Gabbert will be starting for the 49ers. I’m picking the 49ers to win this game.
Cowboys (11-5) @ Commanders (4-12) (4:25pm FOX)
I root for the Commanders about 4 times every season. Every time they play the Eagles and every time they play the Cowboys. This will be the 4th and final time this season I’ll be rooting for the Commanders. I know they won’t win and I know that if they did that would help the Giants at getting a better draft pick. I’m picking the Cowboys to win this game.
Bills (10-6) @ Dolphins (11-5) (8:20pm NBC)
This is the game that I’m most nervous about and most excited about. The Dolphins have already clinched a playoff spot but can clinch the AFC East division title with a win or tie. I hope this doesn’t happen. The Bills can also clinch the AFC East division title with a win. The Bills can clinch a playoff berth with a win or tie OR a Steelers loss or tie
OR a Jags loss or tie OR a Colts Texans tie. I’m just going to go ahead and pick the Bills to win this game so that I can continue to root for a NY team in the postseason! GO BILLS!!
GO G-MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the edit Eric!
No comments:
Post a Comment