Saturday, December 26, 2020

2020 NFL Predictions Week 16 (Part III)

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NFL Predictions - 

Panthers at Washington -

The Panthers got down big vs the Packers by halftime on last Saturday night. Then they adjusted and basically shut out one of the league's top scoring offenses. I really think the things they were doing on defense really was the difference. Aaron Rodgers didn't know what to think of their defense and some of the things they did. On offense side of the ball, I was not very impressed by the Panthers. They really weren't able to move the ball well. Even though, Teddy did a really good job of making good decisions and avoiding the pressure. And that is the problem with the Panthers, I don't think Teddy can take over a game or be a game changer. He won't put them in a bad position, but he likely won't lead them back in a comeback, either.

Washington is still in the driver seat, but things are a lot tighter than it was before. If they can get a win here in week 16, then they can relax a bit more. Washington has a really good defense and some nice young skill position players on offense. Those are the two things that really jump out at me when I watch this Washington team. I don't think they are special or anything, but they could have a really bright future over the next 2 or 3 years. I don't think they are the most talented team in the NFC East, but I think injuries and horrible quarterback play has allowed them to take control of this division. And yes, I do believe that Washington will be the team that makes the playoffs from the NFC East! 

Prediction - As I mentioned above, I think the Washington will win the NFC East and I also believe that they win vs the Panthers. I think the Panthers are a solid all-around team, but I don't think they do anything well enough to win. And that will once again be the case in week 16. Washington sneak a win out at home! 

Broncos at Chargers -

Both of these teams will miss the playoffs and both of these teams have some really interesting pieces for 2021 and beyond. I think the Broncos have a nice group of offensive weapons, but as you know I am not sold on Drew Lock. I wouldn't be surprised if the Broncos went out and got themselves a proven starter in FA this spring. That would certainly put them into contention in the AFC. Maybe if someone like Matthew Stafford becomes available? I would love that a lot, if someone such Stafford become an option. It doesn't have to him, but just someone for Lock to sit and learn from. I do think their defense need to some more pieces before they are legit. 

Chargers are real fun on the offense side of the ball. I would love if the Chargers would had made the playoffs this season. Because these AFC teams would shaking having to deal with Justin Herbert! This kid is the real deal and we saw it in his first game. He was simply awesome and has every tool to be a great quarterback in this league. Some guys, you just instantly know they are that good and Herbert there were no doubt! Defensively, this unit pure awful and probably the biggest reason this team isn't in the playoffs conversation! If the Chargers had even an average defense, then I think they would be at 8 or 9 wins right now. 

Prediction - I love the Chargers in this one, but I think their defense will keep the Broncos alive for awhile, though. I expect Justin Herbert to play great, but I don't see them winning by more than 10 points and that might be too many to ask for, too.  

Eagles at Cowboys -

This game will pretty much eliminate one team from contention in the NFC East. The loser will likely be watching at home. The winner could take the division in week 17. Even with a Washington loss, neither team could overtake the Washington Football THIS week. But next week, all bets are off. A Dallas win this week and next, plus a Washington loss this week and next would mean a playoff berth for the Cowboys. A Eagles win this week and next and two Washington losses would mean a Eagles' playoffs birth. So yeah Washington is in the driver seat here, but this game could have a huge impact if Washington fumble the bag this week vs Carolina! 

I don't think either of these teams are that good and I think both of these teams will be beat to a bloody pulp in the playoffs. Frankly, I don't think the Eagles or Cowboys will win the division. So yeah this game is probably gonna end up being meaningless. But you never know can happen in this league and that why we play the game. I think the Eagles biggest problem has been horrible QB pay and injuries. Story of their season and will likely cost them the division. As for the Cowboys, it has been horrible defense and injury to their star QB Dak Prescott. Not sure how many games they would win with Dak, but I am sure it would be more than they have now. Then again, they were on a pretty ugly projection because of that defense when he was healthy. So who knows? 

Prediction - I don't really know which way to go in this one. I don't really love either team, honestly. I am leaning towards the Eagles in this one, though. Hurts isn't nothing special, but I think he is gives the Eagles a better shot to win than Andy Dalton does the Cowboys. I also think Mike McCarthy doesn't still know how to call a good game. 

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