NFL 2015 Week 20 Predictions: Conference Round

Week 20 Predictions: Conference Round

Pats -3.5 over Broncos

-I feel very strongly about this assertion. Not even two months ago, New England was in Denver. They played really well without Edelman and then without Gronk. Denver had its defense healthier than it is now. New England still almost won, losing in overtime with some….unbalanced calls impeding their chance at that victory. Now, Denver has an ailing Chris Harris, has leaked yards on defense in general, and has downgraded at QB since that game. Osweiler moved the ball, even when he made mistakes. Peyton failed to avoid mistakes in the first half of this year, and in the second half he has not had those but really hasn’t moved the ball. The Pats are healthier than they were in that first game, have Edelman and Gronk rolling the offense again, and overall this year were a better team. One of my fun facts for this game is Brady has 3 TDs in Denver this year. Peyton has 1. That’s my final point, Brady versus Manning. 11-5 overall. Continued peak versus dropoff. 22 playoff wins to 12. Only 8 losses to 13. I’ll stick with Bill and Brady.

Cards +3.5 over Panther, ARI SU

-I have loved Arizona all year, and am not backing off now. Carolina is probably a more physical team, and has the special athlete in the game. But Arizona has more depth, better skill position weapons, and a coach in Arians that is at least equal if not better than Rivera. I am betting Palmer was getting the rust out last week, and now that he has a playoff win he can be comfortable in his execution. Injuries to Olsen and Jared Allen don’t help Carolina’s case. This might finally be the game where Carolina’s lack of weapons finally catches up with them.

Record last week:

Straight Up: 4-0

By Spread: 3-1

Record this year:

Straight Up: 140-87

By Spread: 120-105

Lifetime record:
Straight Up: 935-511
By Spread: 765-667