Week 14 NFL Picks

Week 14 NFL Spreads and Picks

Chiefs +10.5 at Jets

MCKEON- Jets- The Chiefs offense has struggled mightily all year. Against the strong defense of the Jets, I’ll be surprised if they score a touchdown.

Tyler- Jets- As bad as Palko is, It will be tough for the Jets to cover two scores against a good Chiefs defense. Luckily their defense will make sure they do. 

Giants +3.5 at Cowboys

MCKEON- Giants- Even in defeat the past few weeks, the Giants haven’t looked bad. They need this game more then the Cowboys do. 

Tyler- Cowboys- They will cover but still lose. Gonna be extremely tight game and you know that the ‘Boys will lose to make the NFC East more interesting.

Colts +16.5 at Ravens

MCKEON- Ravens- The Colts really do suck this bad. The only reason they covered last week was garbage time. If they cover this week, it will be because of the same reason. Dan Orlovsky’s teams are also 0-16 when he throws a pass. 

Tyler- Ravens- Slight chance of the backdoor cover like last week against the Pats but, for now, need to bet against Colts whenever you can. 

Texans +3.5 at Bengals

MCKEON- Texans- Their defense is fantastic, their quarterbacks can do no wrong, and Arian Nation Foster and Ben Tate just keep running. They’ll pull it out versus a young Bengals team.

Tyler- Bengals- Andy Dalton has looked very comfortable in his first NFL year. His deep threats might prove too much for the Texans. Don’t think Yates does enough to help them win. 

Raiders +11.5 at Packers

MCKEON- Packers- Aaron Rodgers is amazing. The Packers O will be too much. 

Tyler- Packers- Easy pick. Raiders are floundering, Packers are proving their mettle. 

Vikings +8.5 at Lions

MCKEON- Lions- The Vikings are turrible. If the Lions can avoid getting 39764 personal fouls, they’ll win easily. 

Tyler- Lions- No AP means no chance. A divisional game means that the Lions will show up with fire. No one on the Vikings can cover Calvin Johnson, who’s been awfully quiet and due for a breakout. 

Saints at Titans + 3.5

MCKEON- Saints- Drew Brees has a chance to break Dan Marino’s single season passing yards record, and the Titans don’t hve anyone who will get in the way of that.

Tyler- Titans- I feel like this could be a trap game for the Saints. They are cruising but Chris Johnson has come alive as he has gotten into football shape once again. 

Eagles +3.5 at Dolphins

MCKEON- Dolphins- The nightmare team has shown nothing that makes me think the dream will end anytime soon. 

Tyler- Eagles- Oh they’ll still lose, but they’ll give up the lead in the 4th quarter and lose by a field goal just so that they can cover. 

Patriots at Redskins +8.5

MCKEON- Patriots- The Redskins have fallen apart after a good start. Meanwhile the Patriots are going the other way, getting stronger week by week. However I still hate Tom Brady.

Tyler- Patriots- The Skins are disgusting. Sexy Rexy loves the deep balls but Shanahan can’t coach them to a win against an offense that has looked surgical the entire 2nd half. 

Falcons at Panthers +3.5

MCKEON- Falcons- They need this game to stay alive in the playoffs hunt. Cam Newton has this team heading in the right direction, but they’re not that good yet. 

Tyler- Panthers- Cam Newton is a grown-ass-man but his teammates haven’t quite gotten there yet. I still don’t completely buy the Falcons and I think the Panthers D will give Turner and Ryan fits. 

Buccaneers at Jaguars +1.5

MCKEON- Buccaneers- Jaguars have looked absolutely terrible all year. The Buccaneers haven’t looked much better, but someone has to win this game.

Tyler- Jaguars- New coach, good RB, and a remade defense will keep Jags competitive the rest of the year. Buccaneers have looked like a mess. 

49ers at Cardinals +4.5

MCKEON- 49ers- The 49ers have a dominating defense and Kevin Kolb has not looked that good as of yet. The 49ers shouldn’t have too much trouble with these guys.

Tyler- 49ers- The Cardinals suck. Kevin Kolb’s pocket awareness sucks. Fitz isn’t getting the ball nearly enough. The 49ers should help keep those trends alive. 

Bears +3.5 at Broncos

MCKEON- Broncos- 

That is all.

Tyler- Broncos- That too 

(Originally McKeon’s idea)

(Yes he made me put that)

(Don’t I run this fucking site?)

MCKEON- Do I care? Next question.


Bills +7.5 at Chargers
MCKEON- Chargers- Both teams are in a tailspin, but the Chargers have a history of late season runs, and the Bills tailspin has been more dramatic. 

Tyler- Chargers- Really just a tossup and I don’t think the final score will have that high of a differential. 

Rams +6.5 at Seahawks

MCKEON- Seahawks- Marshawn Lynch has been in beast mode, and the Rams look absolutely horrible. Marshawn will have some skittles and put the team on is back. 

Tyler- Seahawks- Shut up, Drew Brees. Marshawn got so much determination, do. 

McKeon Season Record- 100-92

Last Week- 9-7

Tyler Season Record- 0-0

What now: The Philadelphia Eagles, Part 2

This is continued from the first part look at what the Eagles should do this offseason. In this installment, we will focus on the defensive side of the ball and the coaching staff

One of the only bright parts of our season

The ever steady presence of Trent Cole over the blind side of the quarterback has been something for offenses to fear the past few years. The addition of his bookend Jason Babin has given offensive tackles fits this season as well as the solid rotational production from Juqua Parker and Daryl Tapp. It has been disappointing to see Brandon Graham deactivated after playing in a few games after coming off the PUP list. I still don't think he'd contribute much this year but I wanted him to see more field time to continue his "rookie" adjustment. If Philip Hunt can't show NFL caliber potential this training camp, he is as good as gone. Parker is probably on his way out as well. That leaves one or two rotation/roster spots which can be filled through the later rounds of the draft or free agency. Perhaps another ex-Titan sans Babin to reunite with Jim Washburn, the truly integral part to our success pass rushing this year. Only 3 sacks all year have come from a position other than DL. At the DT spot, we have a project in Cedric Thornton who probably deserves a shot to see game action towards the end of the year. Trevor Laws still hasn't quite panned out as expected and Mike Patterson could be let go due to age, health concerns stemming from his training camp scare, and, most of all, his decently sized contract. He could probably net the Eagles a mid-round pick but nothing definite. I'd love for Cullen Jenkins to stay. He is probably a top 3 pass rushing force from the interior position on the line in the NFL and has grown to be our vocal leader on defense. You never see the guy give up on a snap either. Someone with a similar motor, Derek Landri, is the key role player on the depth chart. One of their last roster cuts, he has proven that to be a mistake with his extremely above average play since being re-signed. Maybe not meant for a full time role, I'll take a guy like this on my team anytime and I'm sure the Eagles feel that way too (I know Tommy Lawlor of Igglesblitz does). The return of Antonio Dixon from injury should leave the Eagles content at the DT position minus a minor move come offseason.

Darren Sharper, Hold-ma-diiiiiick

Different from the DL, the Eagles' LB core sucks. Brian Rolle, a 7th round rookie draft choice, is the player with the most tenacity, tackling ability, and probably the only LB that will be here in 2 years in any role. Jamar Chaney has lost any feel he might have ever possessed for tackling and his boneheaded plays in coverage don't help his case either. Akeem Jordan has been around too long for having never made a real impact. He has had his nice moments occasionally, but for the most part, his smarts do not make up for his limited size and strength. Moise Fokou has proven too stupid for the NFL, maybe a good FB like Ernie Sims would have been. Casey Matthews was seen as our MLB savior and really might be better suited at the WLB position to back up next year. He was pushed to early following a lockout because of his name (no seriously, go look at all of Juan Castillo's quotes about him) and he never got comfortable enough to show his smarts and tenacity. Lately, he has been making a name on ST. While he could end up being a decent starting WLB, its not known whether a new DC would give him a chance to stick around after another year. ST could end up saving him from being cut.

Our cornerbacks were labeled as the best in the NFL before a pass was thrown. Unfortunately for the Eagles, their idea ended up blowing up in their face. To net Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2nd round pick for a pocket-shaky Kevin Kolb was a steal. Not a fit in the slot, DRC has looked mismatched in earlier games this season. Right before his high ankle sprain, however, he showed his potential in the Cardinals game. He looked explosive returning kicks and was covering much better. I'd love to see what he can do here on the outside after Asante is traded for a 3rd round pick. There are a glutton of teams that need good, ballhawking cornerback play but his salary is high and he is a prima donna. Regardless, I will miss his antics and playmaking but the Eagles are more than likely to show him the door. Nnamdi had humongous expectations placed on him when he came through FA, and rightfully so. Asked to play a hybrid, Charles Woodson role, he struggled early on in the year. Before his knee injury and concussion, he had become a true weapon against elite tight ends and extremely good in coverage on the outside. I hope he gets put in Asante's spot next year and gets asked to play his version of coverage; tight and man-to-man. Curtis Marsh could potentially be the starter in two years if all plays out well. A true athletic specimen, he has the height and speed combination to impact an offense's deep pass gameplan. Better suited for press coverage, he has time to mature and grow into the position. Joselio Hanson's days in the slot might be done after this year where he has struggled. Brandon Hughes, an undersized prospect, looks to be able to man the slot as he has seen some playing time this year and the Eagles seem to be high on him.

At Safety, Nate Allen should look a lot better next year after he fully recovers from his patellar tendon tear and a full offseason to recover from his concussion. He has been out of place on the field ever since he took a knock to the melon. Kurt Coleman should be the 3rd safety and quality special teams player for a few years at least. Not sure his smarts are quite at the NFL level to make up for his lack of size. Could be a good leader in the future due to his past at OSU. Jaiquawn Jarrett has not looked out of place during his limited time on the field this year. I think he should be given the reins at SS for the rest of the year to evaluate if he can be our starter for the next few years alongside Nate Allen as the Eagles were planning. Colt Anderson might start next year on the PUP list and Tom Nelson, signed this week, are both strictly ST players at the moment. Could end up being starting safetys at some point but not very likely. 

As for the coaches, Andy Reid needs one more real offseason with Vick and everyone else before we can cut ties. He put together a team of elite playmakers who need to gel as a team. Hopefully he can add the right pieces at LB and CB to vault this defense to the next level. Marty Mornhinweig might see interest as a HC candidate and might be shown the door regardless. Juan Castillo should be demoted from DC to LB coach or Assistant to DC. Just not ready for the NFL. He can't adjust his scheme mid-game. That's why the Eagles are putting up historically terrible numbers when it comes to holding leads. Howard Mudd, and most of the other offensive coaches should be safe but the defense should be rehauled. Don't bring in Steve Spagnuolo. Bring in someone who is up and coming like a young Andy Reid. Someone who knows other young staff that will give Andy Reid a coaching tree like no other. At OC, bring in someone who will dedicate to running the ball with Shady, and using that and short intermediate routes, to set up the home run play. The offense has become stagnant, waiting for the big play and part of that is the reliance on DeSean. We could see a completely different Eagles team next year, and dammit, that's fine by me. 

What now: The Philadelphia Eagles

This is the first of a two part series examining the future of the rooting interest of yours truly

The scene at Lincoln Financial Field following the Patriots loss was depressing. Having attended my first game at the Linc, I left feeling like I had been punched in the stomach following a beating that the Patriots are making routine this season. Even now, still not mathematically eliminated thanks to the overall poor play in the NFC East, it is obvious that we are looking at a very interesting offseason. As the, “Fire Andy!” cheers came down from around the stadium, I can say I was the only person in my section challenging others around me to give me good reasons for a Reid firing. Of course there were no real replies, but this has become a much discussed option for the Eagles this offseason.

Today’s NFL operates under 3 principles. Controlling the line on offense, controlling the line on defense, and, most importantly, having a great to elite quarterback. Generally, the last point can outweigh the other two but for a Super Bowl team, you need to be above average in each facet. Looking at the Eagles’ roster, you see a top 10 quarterback and top 5 athlete in Michael Vick, the best LT in the NFL with Jason Peters, an extremely solid run and pass blocking scheme thanks to the acquisition of Howard Mudd, and a defensive line that is racking up sacks at a higher percentage by position than ever thanks to Jim Washburn’s wide-9 scheme. That alone speaks to the job Reid has done building this roster. This isn’t the article to go in depth arguing why the Eagles should keep Andy Reid, but to examine what moves need to be made to get back to being a SB contender in 2012. 

The first evaluation needs to be made at the QB position. With a true summer as the number one and a full offseason of OTA’s and training camp, Michael Vick should enjoy a season similar to his 2010 breakout. The Eagles’ success in contingent on Vick avoiding the turnovers, especially in the red zone. Under McNabb, the offense was efficient and turned the ball over at an extremely low rate. Protecting the ball becomes pertinent inside the 20 because it is essentially taking points off the board. His TD%/INT% went from 3:1 last year to 1:1 this season. Regaining elite play from Vick would reignite the offense to hopefully build insurmountable leads instead of blowing them in the 4th quarter. Also, with Vince Young being gone before the door hits his ass, it is time to decide if Kafka can truly be your number two quarterback behind an oft-injured Vick. If its decided he can be a suitable replacement for 2-4 games a year, draft a developmental guy with your glutton of picks. If not, find a veteran not named Donovan to man the position with Kafka remaining a project. 

At the RB and WR positions, there is some truly elite talent at the top with interesting projects towards the bottom. LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin should be locked up to long term deals immediately following the season. As for Ronnie Brown, let him go somewhere for an opportunity. DeSean needs to be taken care of. Either give him a long term contract or trade him for a first or second round pick in this draft. They can’t handle another in between contracts year from DeSean; he just hasn’t been the same player this year. These last few games should be to see whether, Dion Lewis and Riley Cooper will be ready to contribute on a role player basis next year. Signing a veteran might be a possibility at RB but I feel that the Eagles will draft a WR and let Steve Smith go; what a horrible offseason signing. If they trade DeSean, try to take Blackmon, if available. If not, evaluate the difference between starting Riley Cooper, drafting another  WR, or signing a veteran in FA. Finally, just cut ties with Chad Hall, Andy. The cute games work when you have a special athlete like Welker is. Whatever explosion Chad had in college is gone, so find a different project in the later rounds this year. 

First off, DAMN! Doesn't Jason Peters resemble Ricky Rozay? Anyways, at TE, I believe we are set for a few years with Clay Harbor maybe taking over Brent Celek’s starting role at some point. OL will be interesting to follow. Presumably, Mudd stays at least another year, but his time with us is short. We should also have an in house replacement on Mudd’s replaced hip so that we can keep a scheme that seems to fit Shady McCoy (Tommy Lawlor over at IgglesBlitz.com informed me that the coach currently learning from Mudd is Eugene Chung. Good to hear). LT is anchored by Peters or a few years and hopefully Herremans can do the same at RT. They will probably look to re-sign Mathis once FA hits, due to a rule where you can't extend 1 year signees (thanks Eric), as long as they stay in the same OL blocking scheme. Kelce has settled into his C position nicely and looks to be a Jeff Saturday type blocker for many years if he progresses as planned. The ever talked about Danny Watkins has looked slightly below average to slightly above average at different points this year. Not the play we expected out of the first rounder but there are high hopes that he will turn out to be a Pro Bowl caliber guard in the next 2 years. 

In the next article, I will touch on defensive changes and coaching moves that should be made.