NFL: Week 14 Recap/Week 15 Key Matchups

I apologize for the one week hiatus, as I was coming back to the Mainland last week and had multiple days of festivities in the city of Brotherly Love. Still, the action in the NFL remained hot. Let’s jump in.

Week 14 Recap

• Lions Outscore Packers – This one felt like a playoff game. It was really a fun game to watch from start to finish. HC Dan Campbell proved he was willing to roll the dice multiple times, mainly because clearly his D couldn’t hold up against the Pack. Even with a 4th and 1 at the Green Bay 29 yard line with 43 seconds to go, Campbell still went for it instead of kicking the FG to not give Green Bay any time with the ball. They were able to convert despite a stumble by QB Jared Goff, and the Lions swept the season series for the first time in forever, 34-31.
• Darnold Lit It Up – The Falcons rolled into MIN needing a win after their Bye Week, and they looked good early with some TD drives. However, in the 2nd half, it became the Sam Darnold show, as he hit of TDs of 52, 11 and 6 yards for a total of 5 TDs en route the 42-21 beatdown of the birds. Atlanta is on the ropes in the NFC South now.
• Seahawks Know Kyler – SEA went down to AZ this time to repeat their ascent in the NFC West since their Bye Week. This time SEA forced 2 Kyler Murray INTs early to open up a 17-7 lead, and they really never looked back. RB Zach Charbonnet came through with a big 134 yard, 2 TD effort on the ground (plus 59 yards receiving) in the 30-18 win.
• Rams Outscore Bills – The Bills O has been white hot lately, and that certainly continued on Sunday. However, their D could not stop the Rams in Sofi Stadium. The Rams converted 11 of 15 third downs (1 for 1 on 4th Down), and even when the Bills had a chance late to maybe win it, HC Sean McDermott took a critical timeout to eliminate the chance of getting the ball back after the failed onside kick. WR Puka Nacua was great with 12 catches, 162 yards and 1 TD, plus a rushing TD. Even in defeat, QB Josh Allen boosted his MVP odds with 6 total TDs – 3 rushing, 3 passing in the 44-42 loss.
• Chiefs Continue Luck – Not sure what to say, but every week the Chiefs will likely win the game, but they will also likely nearly lose in some way. This week, the Chiefs led 13-0 at the half against the Chargers only to have the Chargers claw back to take the lead late in the 3rd Quarter and again in the 4th. Never fear, QB Patrick Mahomes calmly led the Chiefs into FG position, and K Matthew Wright doinked the ball off the left upright, but in for another nail biting KC win, 19-17.

Predictions: None in Week 14, but Week 13 – I had a good week – S/U 2-2, ATS 3-1, Totals – 1-1-2 – two pushes on total.

Fantasy Football Playoffs

Hopefully, you made it to the tournament. This is my first year in about a decade I’m not in the playoffs in my leagues. Close in one, but not good enough. It is pretty simple at this stage:

• Start Your Studs – You rode some horses to this point, so they will be your people this week, too.
• You Know Your Team – Don’t try to outguess yourself. Whoever you trust, play, and don’t let some expert sway you.
• On The Margins – If you want to pick up a Defense or Kicker or TE that has a favorable matchup, then do it. Those are difference makers this time of year. Just don’t get too cute.

Good luck.

Wegs Index After Week 14

Key Matchups in Week 15

• Colts at Broncos (-3.5, 44 Total) – Sunday, 12/15 at 3:25 PM Central on CBS – The Colts are in the hunt, but this game is really an elimination game for them. They have been week to week with up and down performances, while DEN has been extremely consistent. I only seeing this game going DEN’s way, but maybe after the break the Colts can find a Defense. I wouldn’t count on it. DEN wins, Covers -3.5, Total Over 44.
• Bills at Lions (-2, 54.5 Total) – Sunday, 12/15 at 3:25 PM Central on CBS – Really surprised this game was not flexed to MNF, as this is a potential SB matchup. The Bills got exposed in LA, which is known they are not great against the run. However, that O is churning. The Lions are leaking oil at this point of the year. I love their O, especially at home, but this one will be a track meet and much like TNF last week – whoever has the ball last will likely win. I’ll take the Bills to win, Cover +2, Total Over 54.5. I know it is a crazy total, but unless the Lions can run 40 minutes of clock like LA, the Bills are going to score 28 points. Should be fun.
• Steelers at Eagles (-5, 42.5 Total) – Sunday, 12/15 at 3:25 PM Central on FOX – Why are all the good games at 3 PM this week? I love this matchup, too. PHI has been on a complete roll, even if they almost stubbed their toe against CAR (who is playing so much better). PIT has been on a mission themselves, and besides the snow game, they have balled out. I think this line is too big. PIT’s D will slow down Barkley and they play mobile QBs all the time. The only thing that could happen is the PIT O may get exposed in this one, as I’m not sure they can score too many against this PHI front. So, I’ll say PHI wins the game, PIT Covers +5, Total Under 42.5. Grab your popcorn.
• Packers at Seahawks (+3, 46.5 Total) – Sunday, 12/15 at 7:20 PM Central on NBC – This is a potential Wild Card Weekend matchup, so take notes. SEA’s D has been much improved in recent week, so they should be able to slow the GB passing attack. I think the key to the game will be if GB can stop the newfound rushing attack by SEA. My guess would be they can enough to get this win. I do not like laying points on the road with Jordan Love, but I think the Pack are a cut above the Seahawks. GB wins, Cover -3, Over 46.5 Total.

We are in the thick of it now.

Wegs