The Shenoa Report
January 4, 2025
Regular Season Week 18
Happy New Year! This is the last week of the regular season. Crazy how time flies. There are a lot of scenarios for teams still trying to get into the playoffs. I’ll be sure to do my best to give you all the details. One thing is for sure, the Giants will not be in the postseason. I know, I know, this may be shocking to some of you. Glad to know I still have my sense of humor in the new year. I went 12-4 on my picks last week. How will I do this week?
Let’s jump into the recap.
Chiefs @ Steelers 29-10
I got this pick wrong. I really thought that the Steelers would beat the Chiefs. Oh well. I feel like, for the first time this season, the Chiefs actually dominated this game with a resounding win. The Steelers, on the other hand, did not look good and have lost the last three games by at least 14 points. It’ll be a tough road for Pittsburgh in the playoffs. With this win the Chiefs have locked up the number one seed in the AFC, a first round bye, and home field advantage in the playoffs.
Ravens @ Texans 31-2
Yo. The Texans got embarrassed and the Ravens didn’t hold back! Lamar Jackson pushed his career rushing total to 6,110 to move past Michael Vick, who had 6,109 in his 13-year career. Jackson threw for 168 yards with two passing touchdowns and ran for 87 yards and also had a rushing touchdown. The Texans, looking at the score, didn’t do anything except their defense stopped Jackson once in his own endzone to score a safety. The Ravens have already wrapped up their third straight playoff berth and need a victory over Cleveland in week 18 to win the division over Pittsburgh. The Texans visit the Titans next and just hope they can get a win.
Seahawks @ Bears 6-3
I’m not gonna lie, this game was boring and not really worth watching. My dad probably liked it because it was low scoring. He likes defense. But this wasn’t really so much a defensive game as much as it was sloppy and mistake ridden. The Seahawks really needed this win and now they’ll need help to further their chance of making it to the postseason. The Bears are just glad they only have to play one more game this season.
Chargers @ Patriots 40-7
With the win over the Patriots, the Chargers have made it to the postseason. And win they did. It was more like a romp. Justin Herbert had a three passing touchdown day and became the third player in NFL history with at least 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes in each of his first five seasons. He joins Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson. That’s pretty good company. Like the Bears, the Patriots are just glad the season is almost over.
Broncos @ Bengals 24-30 OT
Well, it took almost all of overtime but the Bengals got the win. Joe Burrow had a great day. He threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns, each of which went to Tee Higgins. This was the Bengals first win this season against a team with a winning record. They’ll need another win in week 18 against the Steelers and some help from other teams to make it to the postseason. The Broncos kept pace but couldn’t get the job done. If they had won they would have secured an AFC wild card. The Broncos will also have another opportunity in the final week of the regular season if they can beat the Chiefs. We’ll see!
Cardinals @ Rams 9-13
The Cardinals tried to play spoiler but the Rams outlasted them and are in the playoffs with this win. They didn’t do it on their own, but the chips fell in their favor. This was an uncharacteristic game in which Puka Nakua didn’t score a touchdown and Cooper Kupp didn’t even have a catch. Kyren Williams scored the only touchdown for the Rams but that was enough for the win and the trip to the playoffs.
NY Jets @ Bills 14-40
With the Chiefs win on Christmas day, the Bills never had a chance to be the number one seed in the AFC but with this win they secured the number two seed. The Jets never had a chance for a spot in the playoffs but Rodgers, who entered the game with 499 career TD passes, was looking to become just the fifth player to reach 500. That didn’t happen, he was shut out, but became the NFL’s most sacked quarterback instead. So, he still set a record right? Rodgers has now been sacked 568 times, moving ahead of Tom Brady (565) and into first place on the career list. Rodgers was benched in the fourth quarter for Tyrod Taylor. Taylor was able to throw two touchdown passes in garbage time. Josh Allen, on the other hand, threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score to become the NFL’s first player to score 40 touchdowns in five consecutive seasons. Allen was benched in the third quarter for Mitch Trubisky as the Bills were already up 33-0 and Allen just didn’t need to risk injury at that point. Allen’s 1-yard score was the 65th rushing TD of his career, matching the team record held by Thurman Thomas. I’m so proud of the Bills. Hooray for a good NY football team!
Titans @ Jaguars 13-20
For just the fourth time in 30 years the Jags have swept their division rivals the Tennessee Titans. It’s all thanks to rookie WR Brian Thomas Jr. He also became the fifth player in Jaguars history with double-digit TD receptions in a single season. Even though both teams never had a chance at the playoffs at least the Jags have a bright light of hope in Thomas for years to come.
Panthers @ Buccaneers 14-48
The Bucs needed a win and help from Atlanta to make it into the postseason and they got both. The Falcons lost in week 17 and Baker Mayfield threw for 359 yards and five touchdowns without an interception for the Bucs as they put the smack down on their division rival. Mayfield has now swept his former team four times since they released him two years ago.
Raiders @ Saints 25-10
Like the Giants, the Raiders didn’t seem to care about draft order with this win over the Saints. Rookie tight end, Brock Bowers, broke two records in this game, one of which Mike Ditka set decades ago and the other set by Puka Nacua set last season. Bowers now has 1,144 receiving yards and 108 receptions in his rookie season. Ditka's 1961 rookie tight end receiving record was 1,067 yards. Puka Nacua had 105 catches his first season and it was the best by a rookie at any position. Bowers also surpassed Darren Waller's franchise mark of 107 receptions in a season, which had stood since 2020. I think regardless of where the Raiders end up picking in the draft, they definitely already have some great talent on the team. The Saints are just so injury ridden they are probably thankful the season is almost over.
Cowboys @ Eagles 7-41
The Cowboys are a joke. With Jalen Hurts out with a concussion for the Eagles, QB Kenny Pickett got the start. Saquon Barkley rushed for 167 yards to make it over 2,000 yards on the season. Pickett ran and threw for scores before departing with injured ribs. Then the backup to the backup, Tanner McKee, finished the game for the Eagles. McKee had two passing touchdowns against the Cowboys. The Cowboys are a joke. And because the Cowboys couldn’t beat the Eagles, now Philadelphia has secured the number one seed in the NFC, first round bye in the playoffs, and home field advantage. Way to go Dallas jerks.
Colts @ NY Giants 33-45
Yeah. Ummmm. Yeah. So. Well. We HAD the first pick in the draft. Had is past tense. By winning this game we eliminated the Colts from playoff contention and lost the first pick in the draft. Personally, I think that there is always too much hype with the first pick of the draft. Sure, sometimes the guy is an allstar hall of famer, and sometimes it’s JaMarcus Russell. Anyway, back to the game. The Giants actually looked GOOD! I mean, they just kept scoring against a team that was trying to get into the postseason. We were just trying to break a 10 game losing streak as well as getting the first home win of the season. We did it. We won a home game. We looked good. Rookie WR Malik Nabers and RB Tyrone Tracy Jr had stellar games. Nabers and Tracy become the third pair of rookies to have more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage in the same season. The previous duo was running back Reggie Bush and receiver Marques Colston of the Saints in 2006. I’m not mad at the win. I’m proud. Also, you better believe I called my dad after the game to talk about it. 3rd call of the season for a win.
Dolphins @ Browns 20-3
The Dolphins still have hope to make the playoffs and it started with this win over the Browns. Miami was without Tua and it didn’t matter. The team showed up and showed out in Cleveland. It helped that it was 60 degrees at the end of December and they were playing a team with a losing record, but they got the win.
Packers @ Vikings 25-27
Man. I really wanted the Packers to win this game to help the Lions get the number two seed in the NFC. Oh well. This was a game of two halves. The Vikings dominated the first half and the Packers clawed back in the second and even shut out the Vikings in the fourth quarter. But it wasn’t enough to win the game. Both teams are still in the postseason, it is all about positioning now and the Packers droppppppppped.
Falcons @ Commanders 24-30 OT
With this win the Commanders have the six spot in the NFC playoffs. The Falcons need a lot of help to get in. It’s not likely. The Falcons controlled the first half of the game and then the Commanders went crazy in the second half. Atlanta clawed back in the fourth to tie the game, sending it to overtime. Washington got a second wind in overtime and Jayden Daniels connected with Zach Ertz in the endzone to send them to the postseason.
Lions @ 49ers 40-34
The Lions knew that they couldn’t get the number one seed in the NFC thanks to the Cowboys inability to beat the Eagles with a third string quarterback. Detroit could have sat their starters in this somewhat meaningless game, but that’s not the Dan Campbell way. The Lions play to win every game. They play hard and they make no excuses. You see, last season the 49ers ended the Lions postseason run and the Lions didn’t forget. Campbell said he considered resting some starters but decided it would be unfair to the backups who hadn't prepared and the starters who still would have had to play. It all worked out, with the Lions getting the win and coming out healthy. The 49ers were eliminated last week and now the Lions will play the Vikings in week 18 to decide the second seed in the NFC.
WEEK 18
Saturday, January 4th
Browns (3-13) @ Ravens (11-5) (4:30pm ABC/ESPN/ESPN+)
The Ravens would win the division with a victory but, if they lose, which is not likely, Pittsburgh could snatch the division title, as well as a first-round home playoff game by beating Cincinnati on Saturday night. Cleveland actually beat both Baltimore and Pittsburgh this season with Jameis Winston playing quarterback. He's since been benched. Bailey Zappe will get the start for the Browns and becomes the team's 40th starting QB since 1999. All that said, I’m picking the Ravens to win this game.
Bengals (8-8) @ Steelers (10-6) (8pm ABC/ESPN/ESPN+)
The Steelers looked really really good in November. December, not so much. They have lost their previous 3 games. It’s been ugly. Cincinnati’s 30-24 overtime win over Denver was significant, considering that seven of its eight losses this season have come by one score. The Bengals have been surging as of late. The Steelers have already made the playoffs and are looking to clinch the AFC North title. To do that they need to win and a Ravens loss. I don’t think that the Steelers will get the title. The Bengals just want to get into the playoffs. They need a win + Denver loss vs. Kansas City + Miami loss/tie at N.Y. Jets. Also not likely. I’m picking the Bengals to win this game. They have more to play for, in my opinion.
Sunday, January 5th
Texans (9-7) @ Titans (3-13) (1pm CBS)
The Texans haven’t played since Christmas day, where they were embarrassed by only scoring 2 points. They’ve already made the playoffs but they might want to get a win in the final week to have a positive start to the postseason and shake off the embarrassment of their last game. The Titans were eliminated from playoff contention on December 8th. Now they are looking at the draft order. I’m picking the Texans to win this game.
Panthers (4-12) @ Falcons (8-8) (1pm CBS)
The Falcons, though they haven’t been eliminated yet, are on the outside looking in. In order to make the playoffs they need to win + Tampa Bay to lose vs. New Orleans. I’m picking the Falcons to win but I don’t think they are going to make the playoffs.
Saints (5-11) @ Buccaneers (9-7) (1pm FOX)
If the Bucs can beat NFC South rival Saints they would get their fourth straight division title and ensure they begin the postseason with a home game. The Saints couldn’t even beat the Raiders last week so I don’t think they’ll do anything this week. I’m picking the Bucs to win this game and get the NFC South title.
Bills (13-3) @ Patriots (3-13) (1pm CBS)
The Buffalo Bills are locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC, so they are expected to rest many of their starters. Head coach Sean McDermott said that Josh Allen will start the game to keep his streak of consecutive starts alive. Allen has a 114-game starting streak, which includes the playoffs. He has not missed a start since sitting out four games with an injured throwing elbow in his rookie season in 2018. Mitchell Trubisky will take over quarterbacking shortly after kickoff. New England enters its final game currently in position to get the No. 1 pick in April’s NFL draft. A win this week could threaten that status. But coach Jerod Mayo said purposely losing the game to secure that pick isn’t a consideration for him or his players. “We’re 100% focused on beating the Buffalo Bills, and that’s what we have to do,” he said. Yeah, ok Mayo. That said, I’m still picking the Bills to beat the Patriots.
Jaguars (4-12) @ Colts (7-9) (1pm FOX)
Both teams have been eliminated from the playoffs so I am picking the Colts to win, but I picked them to win last week and they lost. Therefore, I won’t be surprised if I get this pick incorrect.
Commanders (11-5) @ Cowboys (7-11) (1pm FOX)
The Commanders have already made it into the playoffs and the Cowboys have already been eliminated. Washington doesn’t plan on resting starters so I’m picking the Commanders to win this game.
NY Giants (3-13) @ Eagles (13-3) (1pm CBS)
The Eagles already said they are resting their starters and are planning to tank the game to further hurt the Giants draft pick. This includes Saquon Barkley, who had the chance to break Eric Dickerson's rushing record of 2,105 yards set in 1984. He’s a 100 yards short of tying the record. I believe it. The Eagles are so threatened by the Giants success that they consistently try to sabotage the organization. I think it’s dumb to sit Barkely when he has the chance to make history. I hope he doesn’t get another chance. I can be vindictive too. It’s funny really, we haven’t been relevant in over a decade. The Eagles can lay off the Giants and focus on another team in the NFC East. I’m still picking the Eagles to win this game. And if by some miracle the Giants win, cool. We beat a division rival and didn’t let Saquon get an NFL record. Go G-men!
Bears (4-12) @ Packers (11-5) (1pm FOX)
The Packers are in the playoffs and the Bears have already been eliminated. The Packers have won this division matchup 11 straight times. I am picking the Packers to win this game and make it 12.
Seahawks (9-7) @ Rams (10-6) (4:25pm FOX)
The Rams are sitting all of their starters and the Seahawks have been eliminated already. It’s probably not going to be an exciting game. I’m picking the Seahawks to win and set some personal milestones. I drafted WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba in fantasy this season and would love to see him set some records. He has been a breakout player this season for Seattle, and is on the verge of several milestones. Smith-Njigba, who has averaged six receptions and 70 receiving yards per game this season, needs five catches to break teammate Tyler Lockett’s single-season franchise mark and needs 183 yards to pass DK Metcalf for the single-season franchise receiving yards record. Go JSN!
Dolphins (8-8) @ NY Jets (4-12) 4:25pm FOX)
So you’re telling me there’s a chance. The Dolphins could get into the playoffs but they need some help. They need to win and they need the Broncos to lose to the Chiefs. I am picking them to win this game but it’s unlikely that they’ll make the playoffs.
Chiefs (15-1) @ Broncos (9-7) (4:25pm CBS)
The Chiefs will be resting all of their starters as they’ve already locked up the number one seed in the AFC. The Broncos need to win and they are in the postseason. I’m picking the Broncos to win this game.
Chargers (10-6) @ Raiders (4-12) (4:25pm FOX)
The Chargers have already made the playoffs and the Raiders have been eliminated for months. Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce doesn’t tank games and isn’t planning to start now. I’m picking the Raiders to win this game.
49ers (6-9) @ Cardinals (7-9) (4:25pm FOX)
Neither team has made the playoffs and will just be playing for pride. The 49ers are super banged up and will sit a lot of their players. That said, I’m reluctantly picking the Cardinals to win this game.
Vikings (14-2) @ Lions (13-2) (8:20pm NBC/Peacock)
This is the game of the week. The game of the regular season, even. There is a lot at stake for both teams. This is the game that decides the number two seed in the NFC. The winner gets that seed and the loser drops to the number five seed. I will be rooting for and picking the Lions to win this game. Go Lions!
BYES: NONE
GO G-MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the edit Eric!
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