Nine Teams Wishing the 2016 Season Happy Trails; Week 6 Picks
Five weeks in and nine teams can already say happy trails to their 2016 playoff chances. It's over.
No one, not even the Cleveland Browns, are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, just yet, but the writing is on the wall for several teams. Don't tell Jim Mora that though, he will completely disagree with the season being over already or when you ask him about a team's playoff chances. He won't respond well.
Anyway, here are the nine teams who I believe can kiss the 2016 season goodbye. And I'll explain why.
San Francisco 49ers: Neither Blaine Gabbert or Colin Kaepernick are the answer at quarterback, plus three division games and games against the Falcons and Patriots remain. That's five losses on top of the four they already have not including the rest of their schedule. Season over in my eyes and could be a one and done season for head coach Chip Kelly.
Chicago Bears: The Bears are done, the only thing to watch the rest of the season is whether Jay Cutler plays another snap at quarterback. If I'm the Bears, it's time to move on from Cutler and I'd keep Brian Hoyer as my QB the rest of the way.
Detroit Lions: The Vikings and Packers in the division are just too much to overcome if you're the Lions. There may not be two better teams in a single division than Minnesota and Green Bay in the NFC North.
New Orleans Saints: Terrible defense, plus two games against the Panthers, at the Falcons, plus the Broncos, Seahawks, Chiefs and Rams remain. At 1-3, it's not looking good.
Carolina Panthers: Yes, the defending NFC champions are done. This is the one team that could still turn things around in my opinion. They have the talent, but they'll have to win at least nine games maybe even 10 to get into the playoffs. Going 8-3 or 9-2 the rest of the way won't be easy.
New York Jets: WR Eric Decker is headed to injured reserve, Ryan Fitzpatrick throws the ball to the other team more than any other QB in the league, and two games with the Patriots still loom. According to WR Brandon Marshall though, this is a perfect position for the Jets to be in. I disagree, but I applaud his optimism and determination.
Miami Dolphins: I'll have more thoughts on the Dolphins in the picks section, but let's just say the play of QB Ryan Tannehill has not been good this season.
Cleveland Browns: The only thing to watch the rest of the season in Cleveland is whether or not the Browns can win a game. My prediction, they'll finish 0-16. Cleveland fans, at least the Cavaliers won the NBA Championship and the Indians are in the ALCS. Things could be worse.
San Diego Chargers: San Diego has lost four games by a combined 14 points, so a few more plays go their way and this season could be entirely different for them. With four losses already though and having to go up against the Broncos, Raiders and Chiefs in the division won't make the road any easier. Could be a poor final season in San Diego if the Chargers end up moving to Los Angeles with the Rams.
I could be wrong about any of these teams being done, expect the Browns, I'm 99.99% sure on that one, but it would be surprising if we see any of the above teams playing in January.
So, if you are a fan of the Chargers, Browns, Dolphins, Jets, Panthers, Saints, Lions, Bears or 49ers, I'm sorry. Basketball starts soon in some of those cities and hockey is already underway, so there's that.
On to my picks for Week 6.
Week 6 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
Denver over SAN DIEGO (Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET, CBS/NFLN/Twitter): Just a bump in the road for the Broncos last week in losing their first game of the season to the Falcons. QB Trevor Siemian is expected back after missing last week's game with a shoulder injury and his return will help the Broncos defeat the rival Chargers, who have lost their last three games by a combined eight points.
BUFFALO over San Francisco (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): QB Colin Kaepernick will get the start this week in Buffalo for the 49ers, but I don't think that make much of a difference. Very good win for the Bills out in Los Angeles last week against the Rams and I think they'll care that momentum into Sunday's game. Quietly, if the Bills win Sunday, they'll have won four in a row after starting the season 0-2.
Philadelphia over WASHINGTON (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Rookie QB Carson Wentz threw his first career interception and got his first taste of defeat last week in Detroit, but the Eagles are still in great shape at 3-1. Tough test going into Washington on Sunday to play the division rival Redskins, but I like the Eagles in this one. The Redskins have won three straight and are playing better, but I'm still not convinced they're really that good of a football team.
TENNESSEE over Cleveland (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Could rookie Kevin Hogan become the fourth different starting quarterback for the Browns this season come Sunday? Josh McCown and Cody Kessler are battling injuries and Hogan was promoted from the practice squad this week and Charlie Whitehurst was released after appearing in one game. In case you're wondering, the Browns have had five different players play quarterback this season. The three guys I just mentioned, plus Robert Griffin III and WR Terrelle Pryor has completed four passes for 40-yards. Anyway, the Browns may not win a game this season no matter who is at quarterback and they'll lose to the Titans on Sunday. Quietly, Titans RB DeMarco Murray is having a great season. His 461 rushing yards are the second most in the league.
NY GIANTS over Baltimore (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): This will be the first of back-to-back games for the Ravens at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They'll play the Giants this Sunday and next week, they'll be in New Jersey again, this time taking on the Jets. Interesting scheduling decision by the NFL. Anyway, the Ravens have lost two straight while the Giants have lost three straight. I never believed the Ravens were as good as their 3-0 record showed to begin the season and it's never a good sign when you fire your offensive coordinator, Marc Trestman, before you've played six games. Giants rebound with a win as the Ravens will have another chance to win a game at MetLife Stadium next week.
Carolina over NEW ORLEANS (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): What happened to the Panthers? I know Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart missed Monday night's loss to the Buccaneers, but Carolina is 1-4 and in major trouble. The Panthers got to the Super Bowl last season by running the football and playing great defense. This year, they're sixth in the league in rushing and 12th in total yards allowed on defense, which aren't terrible numbers, but it's just not the same. Teams have figured out the Panthers rushing attack and could the loss of Josh Norman be affecting the defense that much? I'll go with the Panthers for one more week to see if they can turn things around -- Cam Newton will be back so that should help -- and this is a game they have to win against the division rival Saints.
Jacksonville over CHICAGO (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): The Bears have played much better since Brian Hoyer took over for Jay Cutler at quarterback and they could win this game on Sunday. Hoyer has thrown for 1,094-yards and 6 TD and 0 INT in four games and like I said earlier, I'd go with him the rest of the season if I'm the Bears. Jacksonville is coming off a bye after winning in London two weeks ago and I think they have the better team. Jags in a close one.
Los Angeles over DETROIT (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): If it weren't for three turnovers, including a pick-six, last week against the Bills, the Rams might have made it four wins in a row. I've been impressed by the Rams this season and I think they'll win on the road in Detroit, but the Lions will keep it close.
Pittsburgh over MIAMI (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Time might be running out for QB Ryan Tannehill in Miami. Tannehill has thrown 6 TD and 7 INT this season while completing just 64.1 percent of his passes. The Dolphins have looked awful on offense and it won't get easier on Sunday as they'll have to score points as the Steelers will be sure to put up a ton of yards and points on the Miami defense. I don't see the Dolphins being able to keep up as the Steelers win big.
NEW ENGLAND over Cincinnati (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Horrible performance by the Bengals last week in Dallas and now they have to go to Foxborough for Tom Brady's first home game. Yikes. If the Bengals are to have any chance of winning this game their defense has to show up. Cincinnati gave up 402-yards to Dallas last week with 180 of those yards coming on the ground. The Patriots won't run it like the Cowboys did last week, but the Bengals have a history of not being able to cover tight ends and the Patriots have the best duo in the NFL, Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett. They'll be a nightmare for the Bengals linebackers and secondary on Sunday and will be the difference as the Patriots get the win in Tom Brady's homecoming.
OAKLAND over Kansas City (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS): Another come from behind win for the Raiders last week and they just continue to take risks by going for it on fourth down and it's paying off. The Chiefs are coming off a bye week and this should be a good game, but the Raiders are hot right now and I think they'll improve to 5-1.
SEATTLE over Atlanta (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX): Long road trip for the Falcons. Atlanta played in Denver last week, played well in fact to knock off the defending Super Bowl champs, and they stayed out West for their game in Seattle on Sunday. The Falcons practiced at Husky Stadium, home of the Washington Huskies, this week as they prepare to take on the Seahawks who are coming off a bye. The Falcons have looked like one of the best teams in football, but winning in Seattle is not easy. The Seahawks defense is just as good as the Broncos and I'm not sure the Falcons can beat a superior defense two weeks in a row. Seahawks win via a late field goal.
GREEN BAY over Dallas (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX): It's super impressive what the rookies have been able to do in Dallas this season. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott looked like 10-year veterans last week against the Bengals as the Cowboys dominated every facet of the game. I've said it before and I will continue to say it, I'd stick with Prescott at quarterback when Tony Romo comes back. Got to go with the hot QB in my opinion. As much as I like what the Cowboys are doing, I like the Packers to beat them on Sunday. This is the third of four straight home games for the Packers and them and Aaron Rodgers are just so tough to beat at Lambeau Field. Packers in a close one.
HOUSTON over Indianapolis (Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC): QB Brock Osweiler signed a four-year, $72 million contract this past offseason and the Texans might be having buyer's remorse. In his first five games in Houston, Osweiler has thrown for 1,133-yards, 6 TD, 7 INT, has a 58.0 completion percentage and has a QB rating of 70.6. Ouch. It's only been five games, but with Bill O'Brien, one of the better offensive minds in the NFL, as your head coach, you'd think Osweiler would be playing a lot better. Good news is the AFC South may be the worse division in football, so Houston and the other three teams in the division are all still in the contention for the division title after five weeks. As for this matchup Sunday night, I'll do with the Texans at home. Both Houston and Indianapolis need a win in this one.
ARIZONA over NY Jets (Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): Cardinals need a win in the worst way and I think they'll get it on Monday night. As I stated earlier about the Jets, they'll miss WR Eric Decker as teams will now put much of their focus to stopping Brandon Marshall. Too many turnovers by QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and with Carson Palmer back for the Cardinals after missing last week's game with a concussion, the Jets could be in for a long day out in the desert.
Byes: Minnesota, Tampa Bay
Last Week: 8-6
Overall: 43-34 (.558)
No one, not even the Cleveland Browns, are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, just yet, but the writing is on the wall for several teams. Don't tell Jim Mora that though, he will completely disagree with the season being over already or when you ask him about a team's playoff chances. He won't respond well.
Anyway, here are the nine teams who I believe can kiss the 2016 season goodbye. And I'll explain why.
San Francisco 49ers: Neither Blaine Gabbert or Colin Kaepernick are the answer at quarterback, plus three division games and games against the Falcons and Patriots remain. That's five losses on top of the four they already have not including the rest of their schedule. Season over in my eyes and could be a one and done season for head coach Chip Kelly.
Chicago Bears: The Bears are done, the only thing to watch the rest of the season is whether Jay Cutler plays another snap at quarterback. If I'm the Bears, it's time to move on from Cutler and I'd keep Brian Hoyer as my QB the rest of the way.
Detroit Lions: The Vikings and Packers in the division are just too much to overcome if you're the Lions. There may not be two better teams in a single division than Minnesota and Green Bay in the NFC North.
New Orleans Saints: Terrible defense, plus two games against the Panthers, at the Falcons, plus the Broncos, Seahawks, Chiefs and Rams remain. At 1-3, it's not looking good.
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| Have the Panthers fumbled away the season? (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) |
New York Jets: WR Eric Decker is headed to injured reserve, Ryan Fitzpatrick throws the ball to the other team more than any other QB in the league, and two games with the Patriots still loom. According to WR Brandon Marshall though, this is a perfect position for the Jets to be in. I disagree, but I applaud his optimism and determination.
Miami Dolphins: I'll have more thoughts on the Dolphins in the picks section, but let's just say the play of QB Ryan Tannehill has not been good this season.
Cleveland Browns: The only thing to watch the rest of the season in Cleveland is whether or not the Browns can win a game. My prediction, they'll finish 0-16. Cleveland fans, at least the Cavaliers won the NBA Championship and the Indians are in the ALCS. Things could be worse.
San Diego Chargers: San Diego has lost four games by a combined 14 points, so a few more plays go their way and this season could be entirely different for them. With four losses already though and having to go up against the Broncos, Raiders and Chiefs in the division won't make the road any easier. Could be a poor final season in San Diego if the Chargers end up moving to Los Angeles with the Rams.
I could be wrong about any of these teams being done, expect the Browns, I'm 99.99% sure on that one, but it would be surprising if we see any of the above teams playing in January.
So, if you are a fan of the Chargers, Browns, Dolphins, Jets, Panthers, Saints, Lions, Bears or 49ers, I'm sorry. Basketball starts soon in some of those cities and hockey is already underway, so there's that.
On to my picks for Week 6.
Week 6 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
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| Best Color Rush matchup of the season. Absolutely love the Chargers and Broncos uniforms. (Photo via @NFLFootballOps) |
BUFFALO over San Francisco (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): QB Colin Kaepernick will get the start this week in Buffalo for the 49ers, but I don't think that make much of a difference. Very good win for the Bills out in Los Angeles last week against the Rams and I think they'll care that momentum into Sunday's game. Quietly, if the Bills win Sunday, they'll have won four in a row after starting the season 0-2.
Philadelphia over WASHINGTON (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Rookie QB Carson Wentz threw his first career interception and got his first taste of defeat last week in Detroit, but the Eagles are still in great shape at 3-1. Tough test going into Washington on Sunday to play the division rival Redskins, but I like the Eagles in this one. The Redskins have won three straight and are playing better, but I'm still not convinced they're really that good of a football team.
TENNESSEE over Cleveland (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Could rookie Kevin Hogan become the fourth different starting quarterback for the Browns this season come Sunday? Josh McCown and Cody Kessler are battling injuries and Hogan was promoted from the practice squad this week and Charlie Whitehurst was released after appearing in one game. In case you're wondering, the Browns have had five different players play quarterback this season. The three guys I just mentioned, plus Robert Griffin III and WR Terrelle Pryor has completed four passes for 40-yards. Anyway, the Browns may not win a game this season no matter who is at quarterback and they'll lose to the Titans on Sunday. Quietly, Titans RB DeMarco Murray is having a great season. His 461 rushing yards are the second most in the league.
NY GIANTS over Baltimore (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): This will be the first of back-to-back games for the Ravens at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They'll play the Giants this Sunday and next week, they'll be in New Jersey again, this time taking on the Jets. Interesting scheduling decision by the NFL. Anyway, the Ravens have lost two straight while the Giants have lost three straight. I never believed the Ravens were as good as their 3-0 record showed to begin the season and it's never a good sign when you fire your offensive coordinator, Marc Trestman, before you've played six games. Giants rebound with a win as the Ravens will have another chance to win a game at MetLife Stadium next week.
Carolina over NEW ORLEANS (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): What happened to the Panthers? I know Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart missed Monday night's loss to the Buccaneers, but Carolina is 1-4 and in major trouble. The Panthers got to the Super Bowl last season by running the football and playing great defense. This year, they're sixth in the league in rushing and 12th in total yards allowed on defense, which aren't terrible numbers, but it's just not the same. Teams have figured out the Panthers rushing attack and could the loss of Josh Norman be affecting the defense that much? I'll go with the Panthers for one more week to see if they can turn things around -- Cam Newton will be back so that should help -- and this is a game they have to win against the division rival Saints.
Jacksonville over CHICAGO (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): The Bears have played much better since Brian Hoyer took over for Jay Cutler at quarterback and they could win this game on Sunday. Hoyer has thrown for 1,094-yards and 6 TD and 0 INT in four games and like I said earlier, I'd go with him the rest of the season if I'm the Bears. Jacksonville is coming off a bye after winning in London two weeks ago and I think they have the better team. Jags in a close one.
Los Angeles over DETROIT (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): If it weren't for three turnovers, including a pick-six, last week against the Bills, the Rams might have made it four wins in a row. I've been impressed by the Rams this season and I think they'll win on the road in Detroit, but the Lions will keep it close.
Pittsburgh over MIAMI (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Time might be running out for QB Ryan Tannehill in Miami. Tannehill has thrown 6 TD and 7 INT this season while completing just 64.1 percent of his passes. The Dolphins have looked awful on offense and it won't get easier on Sunday as they'll have to score points as the Steelers will be sure to put up a ton of yards and points on the Miami defense. I don't see the Dolphins being able to keep up as the Steelers win big.
NEW ENGLAND over Cincinnati (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Horrible performance by the Bengals last week in Dallas and now they have to go to Foxborough for Tom Brady's first home game. Yikes. If the Bengals are to have any chance of winning this game their defense has to show up. Cincinnati gave up 402-yards to Dallas last week with 180 of those yards coming on the ground. The Patriots won't run it like the Cowboys did last week, but the Bengals have a history of not being able to cover tight ends and the Patriots have the best duo in the NFL, Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett. They'll be a nightmare for the Bengals linebackers and secondary on Sunday and will be the difference as the Patriots get the win in Tom Brady's homecoming.
OAKLAND over Kansas City (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS): Another come from behind win for the Raiders last week and they just continue to take risks by going for it on fourth down and it's paying off. The Chiefs are coming off a bye week and this should be a good game, but the Raiders are hot right now and I think they'll improve to 5-1.
SEATTLE over Atlanta (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX): Long road trip for the Falcons. Atlanta played in Denver last week, played well in fact to knock off the defending Super Bowl champs, and they stayed out West for their game in Seattle on Sunday. The Falcons practiced at Husky Stadium, home of the Washington Huskies, this week as they prepare to take on the Seahawks who are coming off a bye. The Falcons have looked like one of the best teams in football, but winning in Seattle is not easy. The Seahawks defense is just as good as the Broncos and I'm not sure the Falcons can beat a superior defense two weeks in a row. Seahawks win via a late field goal.
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| The Bengals had no answer for RB Ezekiel Elliot last week. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) |
HOUSTON over Indianapolis (Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC): QB Brock Osweiler signed a four-year, $72 million contract this past offseason and the Texans might be having buyer's remorse. In his first five games in Houston, Osweiler has thrown for 1,133-yards, 6 TD, 7 INT, has a 58.0 completion percentage and has a QB rating of 70.6. Ouch. It's only been five games, but with Bill O'Brien, one of the better offensive minds in the NFL, as your head coach, you'd think Osweiler would be playing a lot better. Good news is the AFC South may be the worse division in football, so Houston and the other three teams in the division are all still in the contention for the division title after five weeks. As for this matchup Sunday night, I'll do with the Texans at home. Both Houston and Indianapolis need a win in this one.
ARIZONA over NY Jets (Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): Cardinals need a win in the worst way and I think they'll get it on Monday night. As I stated earlier about the Jets, they'll miss WR Eric Decker as teams will now put much of their focus to stopping Brandon Marshall. Too many turnovers by QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and with Carson Palmer back for the Cardinals after missing last week's game with a concussion, the Jets could be in for a long day out in the desert.
Byes: Minnesota, Tampa Bay
Last Week: 8-6
Overall: 43-34 (.558)
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