NFL

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

What a game at new England. That was fun to watch. Mason Crosby has to be a worry for you macca. 8 games straight with a missed field goal. Poor bloke I feel for him. Through all the NFC wildcard confusion I need the redskins to win the division because the vikes have a better divisional record then the giants. So many 8-6 teams it gives me a headache figuring it out.

[DemonDave 1,099]

What a game at new England. That was fun to watch. Mason Crosby has to be a worry for you macca. 8 games straight with a missed field goal. Poor bloke I feel for him. Through all the NFC wildcard confusion I need the redskins to win the division because the vikes have a better divisional record then the giants. So many 8-6 teams it gives me a headache figuring it out.

Wasnt fun to watch being a Niners fan I can tell you after half time! Finger nails shredded.

I'm shocked at the Atlanta-NYG game scoreline. Great game by Kirk Cousins deputising for RG3 as well.

Russell Wilson continues to rack up impressive numbers. ROY contender?

[QueenC 74]

Wasnt fun to watch being a Niners fan I can tell you after half time! Finger nails shredded.

I'm shocked at the Atlanta-NYG game scoreline. Great game by Kirk Cousins deputising for RG3 as well.

Russell Wilson continues to rack up impressive numbers. ROY contender?

Yeah, but they got there in the end, amazing game, I honestly didn't expect my Niners to pull that off.......

I always thought highly of Cousins coming through Michigan State and was thrilled to see him do so well.

It must be very comforting for the Redskins to know that they have so much class even at back up, not all teams have that.

As for Wilson, he is doing great but I think, given the outstanding year rookie QBs have had he will fall short of Luck or Griffen for ROTY.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Wasnt fun to watch being a Niners fan I can tell you after half time! Finger nails shredded.

I'm shocked at the Atlanta-NYG game scoreline. Great game by Kirk Cousins deputising for RG3 as well.

Russell Wilson continues to rack up impressive numbers. ROY contender?

Yeah it would have been tough to watch that second half but not supporting either side made it a great game. Who knows what giants team will come out of the dressing room each week? They are slipping away but will probably throw up 50 points next week and all is forgotten. Wilson wouldn't be far off ROTY but even if RG3 or luck soil themselves the crowd loves it. A massive game next week for all the niner fans. I can't wait to see it.

[Macca 17,127]

What a game at new England. That was fun to watch. Mason Crosby has to be a worry for you macca. 8 games straight with a missed field goal. Poor bloke I feel for him. Through all the NFC wildcard confusion I need the redskins to win the division because the vikes have a better divisional record then the giants. So many 8-6 teams it gives me a headache figuring it out.

Heard Jimmy Johnson talking about 'kickers' and Crosby and he likened a field goal kicker missing consistently to a golfer's putting 'yips' . McCarthy is showing a lot of support for Mason (publicly) so we'll see .

Just on the Vikes ... have gone through that 'Playoff Machine' a few times (it can be found here) and even if you give Minnesota 2 more wins to finish the season, they can still somehow miss out if certain other results are factored in . Have no real idea how that works out, except maybe that the other teams in contention can improve their 'conference' record against Minnesota's 'conference' record . Quite confusing really, when you consider your blokes hold the 6 seed right now .

Or maybe the 'playoff machine' has no idea what it's talking about ! Damn machines

Edit : Russell Wilson would now have to come under consideration for ROTY . It might depend on whether RG3 gets back soon and also how Luck and the Colts finish off . Fairly sure the award is announced around the time of the Super Bowl (finalists are announced earlier and then the fans vote) so it may be decided by which of the 3 player's teams goes the furthest in the playoffs (assuming at least one of Indi , Seattle or the Redskins figures in the playoffs) .

Edited December 25, 2012 by Macca

[Macca 17,127]

MNF and Thursday night games are done for the season . We do get one Saturday night game this week only .

SUN, DEC 23

12.30 PM Atlanta (12-2) at Detroit (4-10) ESPN

MON, DEC 24

5.00 AM Cincinnati (8-6) at Pittsburgh (7-7) OneHD

5.00 AM Minnesota (8-6) at Houston (12-2) Fox3

8.05 AM Cleveland (5-9) at Denver (11-3) Fox3

8.25 AM NY Giants (8-6) at Baltimore (9-5) OneHD

12.20 PM San Francisco (10-3-1) at Seattle (9-5) OneHD & ESPN

For all other games you can go to this link

And here is another look at the playoff picture

[DemonDave 1,099]

So Minnesota's (to use an example) playoff picture looks like this:

Wins tie break over Dallas based on best win percentage in conference games. Division tie break was initially used to eliminate NY Giants (Dallas wins tie break over NY Giants based on best win percentage in division games). Division tie break was initially used to eliminate Chicago (Minnesota wins tie break over Chicago based on best win percentage in division games).

Huh? I'll get me coat......

[Gorgoroth 13,220]

Seattle- niners game looks like a must watch!

Vikes - Houston will be interesting to watch AP and see if they really try and get AP the record

[Macca 17,127]

Seattle- niners game looks like a must watch! Vikes - Houston will be interesting to watch AP and see if they really try and get AP the record

Atlanta are flexing their muscles here . 21-3 nearing half time .

Or maybe the Lions are just not a good team . They've gone backwards this year and they've got no excuses .

[Macca 17,127]

Atlanta are flexing their muscles here . 21-3 nearing half time .

Or maybe the Lions are just not a good team . They've gone backwards this year and they've got no excuses .

Now it's 21-16 (early in the 4th quarter)

C'mon Lions !

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Lions just need some sort of running game and one other receiver and a capable secondary. That's not too much to ask for. I think atlanta's record flatters them a bit but they are still a good team. They have been found out in the playoffs before so we will see. Tebow to the jags next year according to everyone.

[Macca 17,127]

Lions just need some sort of running game and one other receiver and a capable secondary. That's not too much to ask for. I think atlanta's record flatters them a bit but they are still a good team. They have been found out in the playoffs before so we will see. Tebow to the jags next year according to everyone.

Yep, I tend to agree re Atlanta and if they don't make a statement this season then there is something wrong . They finally shook off the Lions to win 31-18 (thus securing the no.1 seed) . They'll most likely face one of the Giants, Vikings, Dallas, Seattle, Chicago or the Redskins in week 2 of the playoffs . Any of those teams are capable of beating Atlanta . However, if they win their 1st playoff game that could get the 'monkey off the back' and they might get on a roll .

Hope we don't get months of Tebow stories - I'm a bit over it though I do wish him well Obviously the Jags are a good fit but he's got to be able to consistently hit a target . He might have improved in that area but how would we know? Not sure he's thrown too many balls this season .

Edited December 23, 2012 by Macca

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Yep, I tend to agree re Atlanta and if they don't make a statement this season then there is something wrong . They finally shook off the Lions to win 31-18 (thus securing the no.1 seed) . They'll most likely face one of the Giants, Vikings, Dallas, Seattle, Chicago or the Redskins in week 2 of the playoffs . Any of those teams are capable of beating Atlanta . However, if they win their 1st playoff game that could get the 'monkey off the back' and get on a roll .

Hope we don't get months of Tebow stories - I'm a bit over it though I do wish him well Obviously the Jags are a good fit but he's got to be able to consistently hit a target . He might have improved in that area but how would we know? Not sure he's thrown too many balls this season .

Vick to the jets,tebow to the jags and Sanchez to anyone who would be dumb enough to pick up his 8 million dollar contract next year. I just hope it's smith to the vikes. He would fit in perfectly. I just want to see tebow fail or succeed. Either one will show he at least had a chance.

[Gorgoroth 13,220]

I was about to turn the game off after half time, just wanted to see megatron get the record. Falcons have just got by, I don't rate them as a serious contender, they don't seem to dominate or put a team away

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

I was about to turn the game off after half time, just wanted to see megatron get the record. Falcons have just got by, I don't rate them as a serious contender, they don't seem to dominate or put a team away

I thought it was going to be a blowout in the second half. Credit to stafford he can put a drive together but they need to finish it off. Atlanta have lost playoff games at home before but as macca said if they can get the monkey off their back they may go far.

[Macca 17,127]

The best of 'C'mon Man' for 2012 . Quality not great but good for a bit of a laugh ...

Edited December 23, 2012 by Macca

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Holy crap the vikes win at Houston! The vikes defense smashed Houston. No TD's from the texans and that's a fair effort. AP needs 200+ yards next week so macca if you can put a good word in to your cheese heads that would be appreciated. Dallas lose which is good for me and the packers cruise along.

[Macca 17,127]

Holy crap the vikes win at Houston! The vikes defense smashed Houston. No TD's from the texans and that's a fair effort. AP needs 200+ yards next week so macca if you can put a good word in to your cheese heads that would be appreciated. Dallas lose which is good for me and the packers cruise along.

Yeah, Minnesota were very impressive today and I've no idea how my blokes are gonna stop AP next week The Packers need to keep winning as that no.2 seed won't be decided until after next week's games . The Texans will need to win next week to ensure the no.1 seed - they are at Indi (who have banked a wild-card spot and can't move from the 5 seed) It's most likely that Indi will be at Baltimore in the 1st week of the playoffs .

Dallas and the Giants losing today means that if the Vikes win next week then you're in the playoffs . You still have a small chance of making it if you lose but that's not likely - you really have to win the game. It will be 'game on', 'cfh' !

If Dallas win at Washington next week they will win the NFC East (and vice-versa) . Steelers losing rules them out - you sort of expect them to make it every year with Big Ben at the helm - they will be smarting but .... well done to the Bengals .

Some very big games next week ...

Here's the Playoff picture and the week 17 games . To do the game predictor here is the playoff machine .

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Ha the bears can still make it with Vikings and Seattle losing both games and some others as well.

[DemonDave 1,099]

Skins win their sixth straight game, setting up a huge game against the Cowboys next week, cant wait for that one! When is the last time theyve strung that many together? Im tipping not for a long time..

Other interesting results...

Pats struggle but just beat lowly Jags after a failed hail mary by Jags.

Packers smash the Titans, probably sealing the #2 seed (Im currently watching the niners get smashed by the Seahawks)

Broncos win their TENTH straight game, kudos to John Elway he really pulled the right trigger in the offseason ditching Tebow

and bringing in Manning despite the question marks over his age and health.

Bengals also with a decent streak of form going lately, Dalton is turning into a good QB.

Defending Superbowl Champs Giants may be all done and dusted after yet another disappointing result at the Ravens

[Macca 17,127]

Ha the bears can still make it with Vikings and Seattle losing both games and some others as well.

Seattle are in some hot form . Leading 35 - 6 and looking for more points . The 49ers are at home vs Arizona next week so they should win the NFC West, regardless of today's result . Both the Packers and Vikes will be highly motivated to win next week - should be a cracker.

Skins win their sixth straight game, setting up a huge game against the Cowboys next week, cant wait for that one! When is the last time theyve strung that many together? Im tipping not for a long time..

Other interesting results...

Pats struggle but just beat lowly Jags after a failed hail mary by Jags.

Packers smash the Titans, probably sealing the #2 seed (Im currently watching the niners get smashed by the Seahawks)

Broncos win their TENTH straight game, kudos to John Elway he really pulled the right trigger in the offseason ditching Tebow

and bringing in Manning despite the question marks over his age and health.

Bengals also with a decent streak of form going lately, Dalton is turning into a good QB.

Defending Superbowl Champs Giants may be all done and dusted after yet another disappointing result at the Ravens

Think you've got Arizona covered next week - in fact, I reckon you'll win quite easily and sew up the division . As you know, the Packers have a tough one at Minnesota (who are in top form) so it's nowhere near done yet (re the seedings)

As for the Giants , I'm loathe to put a line through them yet . If Washington win (as many would expect) and Green Bay and Detroit win (the Lions are at home to Chicago and would have to be a chance to win) then New York would make it if they take care of the Eagles at home . If that all happened then the Giants would play San Francisco in the 1st week of the playoffs (assuming Seattle win today)

I've got to stop using that 'Playoff machine' don't I ?

Edit : Just heard that the Redskins / Cowboys game is the SNF match next week . A virtual playoff game - the victor wins the division and the loser misses out altogether (though Washington could still sneak in if they lose)

Edited December 24, 2012 by Macca

[Gorgoroth 13,220]

The Rams won...... Yay!!!!!

Vikes were mighty impressive especially with AP doing sod all, they said he may have tweaked a groin. I hope the record eludes him

Seattle shocked me of how well they beat the niners. I hope we can beat them in the last game.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

The Rams won...... Yay!!!!! Vikes were mighty impressive especially with AP doing sod all, they said he may have tweaked a groin. I hope the record eludes him Seattle shocked me of how well they beat the niners. I hope we can beat them in the last game.

The Seattle Niners rivalry is great to watch. Most of it comes from the coaches and their college coaching days but the Seattle players wanted to put 50 up on San Fran and then go for two point conversions. A playoff game between these two would be great to watch. Jenkins should be the defensive rookie of the year. So many pick 6's from him this year.

[Macca 17,127]

The Rams won...... Yay!!!!! Vikes were mighty impressive especially with AP doing sod all, they said he may have tweaked a groin. I hope the record eludes him Seattle shocked me of how well they beat the niners. I hope we can beat them in the last game.

St Louis have had a good season and if a couple of results had gone the other way you'd be in contention right now . You reverse those close losses to Detroit and Miami early in the season and it's a whole different story .

The Saints are a team that should be in the playoffs - all the off season stuff and not having their coach available destroyed their chances . Every year there are those 'If only' stories .

[Macca 17,127]

The Seattle Niners rivalry is great to watch. Most of it comes from the coaches and their college coaching days but the Seattle players wanted to put 50 up on San Fran and then go for two point conversions. A playoff game between these two would be great to watch. Jenkins should be the defensive rookie of the year. So many pick 6's from him this year.

Unless Arizona can cause a huge upset (the Niners are 16pt favourites) the Seahawks will remain in the 5 seed and will go to Dallas or Washington in week 1 . They are in hot form and who could confidently tip against them ? They could end up in Atlanta in week 2 unless the 6 seed wins in week 1 .

Been reading the Packers fan site and crikeys, the fans have sure got some hate for their divisional rivals . It's mainly reserved for the Bears but the Vikes sure do cop it - Ponder especially ! All good fun though cos it's no doubt reciprocated

Here is the 'B.S Report' with Bill Simmons and Cousin Sal . Quite an entertaining hour this week . Sal is a Dallas fan and never gives them a chance ...

I'll post the TV games later this evening or when Foxtel and OneHD decide to post up the games (might be tomorrow)

Edited December 27, 2012 by Macca