The end is near
Who’s in? Who’s out? as NFL regular season comes to a close
The 2017 NFL season is coming to an end this Sunday after having its share of ups and downs. Before, 2018 hits, the Freak has compiled the five biggest moments/ events of the 2017 season.
Counting down
5. The Colin Kaepernick effect continued to play out during the national anthem for most of the season. It reached a point where even President Trump stuck his nose into the debate about taking a knee during the Star Spangled Banner. From a football talent standpoint, Kaepernick should be playing on a NFL team, especially when you see some of the quarterback talent in the league.
4. The Pittsburgh Steelers nontouchdown catch by Jesse James on third last play of the game against the New England Patriots might be the one play that prevents the Steelers from going to the Super Bowl. Can the Steelers win in New England in the playoffs? They had the opportunity to host this critical game in January, but James didn’t complete the game- winning catch.
3. The play of second- year quarterbacks, Carson Wentz and Jared Goff, are one of the big reasons both the Eagles and Rams have transformed into Super Bowl contenders in only their second year in the NFL. No one saw these teams improving this fast.
2. Injuries continue to mount every week to big name NFL stars. Not only are these players talented, but many are the faces of the franchise and leaders on their respective teams. The likes of JJ Watt, Odell Beckum Jr., Eric Berry, Antonio Brown, Julian Edelman, Aaron Rodgers, Carson Wentz, Joe Thomas, Deshaun Watson, Ryan Shazier, Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, David Johnson, Donta Hightower, Janoris Jenkins, Allen Robinson, Jimmy Smith, Carson Palmer, Mike Iupati, Jordan Hicks, and Greg Zuerlein 1. Giants Eli Manning was benched to see what Geno Smith can do? New York fans still haven’t forgiven the fired Ben McAdoo for embarrassing the franchise. Eli was not the only reason they were 2- 11 at the time, to bench him to play Smith instead of rookie Davis Webb was not the right decision.
Stat of the Week: The Eagles win over the Raiders was the thirteenth for Philly, tying the franchise record set in 2004. Philly had fourteen wins combined in 2015 and 2016.
Sure Thing
Great strategy the last two seasons for winning a NFL elimination pool, take any team playing Cleveland. Steelers host the Browns, you know who to take.
Patriots need to beat Jets at home to secure home field throughout the playoffs, is there any doubt who will win here? Take New England
Saints can clinch first place in NFC South with a road win in Tampa. The Bucs won’t roll over a die against a division rival, but New Orleans will secure the div- ision with a close victory. Minnesota with a win at home over Chicago can secure the all important bye in the playoffs. Vikings know the importance of home field in the playoffs and destroy the Bears.
Don’t Mortgage the House
Hard to believe after losing their last three games, the Titans still control their own playoff destiny with a home win over Jacksonville. The Jags cannot improve their seeding in the post season and may rest some key starters while Tennessee has everything on the line in this game. Titans win another ugly one and make it to the post season.
The 1992 Chargers are the only team in NFL history to make the playoffs after starting 0- 4 and they will know if can do it again by kickoff time of their home game ( need Titans to lose, Bills to lose, Ravens to win) with the Raiders. One thing you know, Phillip Rivers will have his team ready whether the game means anything or not. Bolts end the season with a win.
If Atlanta has any chance of going back to the Super Bowl, they need to win at home over the Panthers. Carolina has made the NFC tournament, but can still win the division with a Saints loss.
The Freak finds teams who need a win to get in, play desperate football, and tend to beat teams who have already secured a playoff birth. Falcons beat the Panthers.
Upset Special
This will most likely be number 10’ s last home game in a Giants uniform against the Redskins. Although Eli has a bunch of backups protecting him and trying to catch the ball, he will find a way to make enough plays for the Giants to upset the Redskins. Thanks for your great leadership, class, and two Super Bowls Eli, we will miss you!
Last Week: 5 for 7 Season: 82 for 110