NFL Week 19, 2025: Yes. It's Playoff Time.
It's a bitter-sweet time for the NFL. Great games coming but so the end of the season will be upon us.
NFL Quick Hitters:
Coaches - It doesn’t seem like there will be as many coaching changes as usual. Jets are doing a very large search, as they should, and teams are lining up to speak with the Lions coordinators. Smart. I’d go with Johnson but both will likely be chosen to lead other teams. All of that means the Lions need to win the Super Bowl this year. They will be facing a lot of changes next year. I’d like to see the Jaguars get this right. They have a talented roster but haven’t been able to put it all together.
Chiefs Path - Chiefs will likely play the winner of the Chargers and the Texans next week. They’ll be heavily favored against either of those teams. Then, they’ll play the winner of the Ravens/Bills. It’ll be a tough/tough game. But they will be home. And they’ll be rested. And then the Super Bowl. It’s not the easiest path because they’ll have to beat either Ravens or Bills. But the path is open and in their favor.
Draft Order - Titans. Browns. Giants. The first three draft picks. All three need QB’s. But there are only 2 QB’s worth picking - and not guaranteed successes - that high in the draft. It will be interesting to see how it all shakes out. If they had a solid QB the Browns may be the closets to becoming a playoff contender. But they also play in one of the toughest division and they need to keep Myles Garrett happy or lose him. Let the trading begin.
NFL Games: Week 18
Last week’s totals: 8- 8: Ok. It was an average week. It’s hard to tell who will play and who will sit in week 18. I knew the Chiefs would sit some players but I didn’t think they’d sit what seemed like their entire team. I’ll do a better job of research during week 18 next year. Season’s totals: 181 - 71
Survivor pick/Lock of the week: (current streak 0) Bills - Ravens. Ravens are rolling and may have the toughest and best offense in the league. Steelers are reeling. Historically the Steelers have played the Ravens better than anyone and have a winning record against them. But, this team doesn’t have the horses to stick with the Ravens. Ravens will have to beat themselves - lots of turnovers and maybe some special teams mistakes - to lose this game. Ravens win big. (Oh, and if you use these picks - or the fantasy lineup at the bottom - to gamble do so at your own risks. I’m a ‘gut feel’ type of picker. I don’t do a computer analysis.)
Wildcard Weekend
Saturday Games:
Chargers vs. Texans - Interesting game. I think the Texans have a more talented team right now, at least on offense. But the Chargers are believers. They have the better defense. THE Texans haven’t played at their best this year. Can they rise up and put together their best? Maybe. But Chargers play great in this one. Texans can start upgrading their offensive line. Chargers win.
Ravens vs. Steelers - There is usually one or two blowouts on wildcard weekend. This weekend it’s the Ravens game. Ravens run right over the Steelers and do whatever they want. Steelers don’t have teh talent to stick with the Ravens on either side of the ball. Ravens win.
Sunday Games:
Broncos vs. Bills - Broncos and Bo Nix’s season comes to an end. The Bills are at home and on a roll. They have more talent. The better QB. More experience. Bills win.
Packers vs. Eagles - Eagles rested players last week. They may have the best defense in the playoffs. Jalen’s been hurt but that has probably allowed him to rest up and heal a little. Just hand the ball to Saquon. That’s enough to win when combined with the defense. Eagles win.
Commanders vs. Buccaneers - This should be close. Bucs have talent on all levels. They have a cocky QB that is playing well. They’re resilient. Commanders are young and up and coming. They’ll play tough but are a year away. Bucs win.
Monday Night Game:
Vikings vs. Rams - Vikings had a short week and are coming off a tough game that they were out-coached in. Vikings had their shot but the lions ended up running away with it and dominating. It was an ego blow. Do the Vikes bounce back? It’ll be tough. This game is being played in a neutral site due to the fires. So that probably helps the Vikes. I’m a Rams and Matthew Stafford homer but I think the Vikes bounce back strong. Vikes win.
My FanDuel lineup: Wildcard Weekend: Saturday Games: Jackson, Dobbins, Henry, Bateman, Chark, McConkey, Dissly, Mixon, Texans. Sunday Games: Mayfield, Barkley, Irving, Zaccheaus, Evans, Coleman, Ertz, Hollins, Bills
Season score: +$60
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