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51 Super Bowls in 51 Days – Super Bowl XXVI

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The Super Bowl is just 26 days away. Let’s look at the Super Bowl from 26 years ago to honor this not that significant occasion! 

Minneapolis hosted Super Bowl XXVI on January 26, 1992. The game pitted the National Football Conference champion Washington Redskins against the defending AFC champs, the Buffalo Bills.

Buffalo Bills 26 Years Ago

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The ’91 Bills struggled on defense compared to the 1990 team. Bruce Smith missed significant time due to injury. Jeff Wright and Phil Hansen’s injuries left the front end weakened.  They finished with the league’s 27th-ranked unit. 

However, their offense was incredible. Fourth-year running back Thurman Thomas was the NFL MVP.  And Jim Kelly led the Bills to ten performances scoring 30+ points.  The Bills faced little resistance in the AFC.  

Their win at the LA Coliseum over the Raiders was a high point late in the season. They were down 27-14, but scored twice in the last five minutes. Kicker Scott Norwood had a brutal game, though. He missed two field goals and PAT. The game went to OT.  Finally, Norwood hammered home the winner. 

In the playoffs, Buffalo easily eliminated Kansas City, and heavily favored to do the same to Denver. Yet, the Broncos controlled the game in the first half. Fortunately for the Bills, Broncos’ kicker David Treadwell missed three field goals and they went to the break scoreless. The Bills got a dramatic third- quarter TD on an interception return by Carlton Bailey. John Elway, playing through injury, had his screen pass deflected by Wright and grabbed by Bailey. Norwood added a long field goal for a 10-0 lead. 

Gary Kubiak replaced Elway and almost brought Denver back. But, a Steve Sewell fumble caused by Kirby Jackson sealed the game for Buffalo.

Washington Redskins 26 Years Ago

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The Redskins, likewise, breezed through the regular season. They finished the campaign #1 in points for and #2 in points against – not too shabby. Their only meaningful loss came as an 11-0 squad to the upstart Dallas Cowboys. 

The Skins had one young player on offense – the dynamite Ricky Ervins. Everybody else on that O was an established veteran. Journeyman QB Mark Rypien led the charge. He had weapons galore – Art Monk, Gary Clark, Ricky Sanders, Gerald Riggs and Earnest Byner.  

They were led on defense by first team All-pro CB Darrell Green. He was the speed and finesse on that club. The rest of the D was known for their ferocity. Wilber Marshall, Brad Edwards, Andre Collins – a virtual ‘who’s who’ of 1991 clock cleaners.  

They were partially challenged in a monsoon by the scrappy Falcons. Jerry Glanville’s Atlanta team came in highly confident. And left dispatched by the fundamentally-solid Redskins. In the NFC championship game, Washington destroyed Barry Sanders and the Lions 41-10. So, Washington was on to play in their franchise’s fifth Super Bowl. 

Redskins Power

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The Redskins’ defense came out strong, suffocating Buffalo’s running game. Thurman was not in the ball game because he could not find his helmet! Once Washington had the ball, they moved it with relative ease. They knocked on the door all first quarter, but came away with nothing. Buffalo continued to do nothing on offense, though.  

Like they did in Super Bowl XXII, the Skins put it together in the second quarter to the tune of 17 points in six minutes. The Bills had a shot at some points before the half. But, Andre Reed slammed his helmet in frustration when a flag was not thrown on Edwards for PI. The penalty knocked Buffalo out of field goal range and the halftime score was 17-0. 

Sixteen seconds into the second half, the nightmare continued. Kurt Gouveia intercepted Kelly and returned the pass to the two. Riggs pushed it in for a 24-0 lead. 

The Bills moved the ball well the rest of the night, but it was way too little, too late. The dagger was Rypien’s 30-yard third-and-ten TD pass to Clark. That gave the Skins a 31-10 lead. The final was 37-24. The score is nowhere near indicative of the physical pounding Washington unleashed on the Bills. People like James Lofton and Don Beebe were dealt a season’s worth of punishment in one game. 

Relentless Bills

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The Bills were down, but not out. Their resiliency would be their trademark in the early 90’s. Their head coach, Marv Levy was a master motivator and his guys drank what he was serving. 

As for the Redskins, they have not been back to the Super Bowl since the 1991 season. But the Joe Gibbs era marked an unparalleled crest of Redskins’ history. From 1982-1991, Washington won four NFC titles and three Super Bowls with three different starting quarterbacks. Gibbs goes down in history as one of the greatest in NFL history.

 

Brandon Fazzolari is a Super Bowl expert…@spot_Bills 

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51 Super Bowls in 51 Days – Super Bowl XXII

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The Super Bowl is just 30 days away. Let’s look at the Super Bowl from 30 years ago to honor this not that significant occasion! 

San Diego hosted Super Bowl XXII on January 31, 1988. The game pitted the NFC champion Washington Redskins against the Denver Broncos of the American Football Conference. The 1987 season was one of the most bizarre and unpredictable campaigns in NFL history due to the players’ strike. One game was cancelled, and three other games were played by replacements.

Washington Redskins 30 Years Ago

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When the dust cleared, the Redskins had the jumpstart on the NFC. They finished 11-4 thanks to their replacements. Redskins’ scabs finished a shocking 3-0. That record included a win on Monday Night against the Cowboys where many of the Dallas veterans had already crossed the picket line.

The regular players for the Skins included veteran QB Doug Williams and a superb group of wide receivers on offense. On defense, their strength was in their defensive line. Charles Mann and Dexter Manley were outstanding. Darrell Green was an all-world cornerback.

In the playoffs for the second consecutive season, Washington went into Chicago and knocked off the favored Bears. Green’s punt-return in which he hurdled a Bear and sprained his ribs is a play for the ages. This was Walter Payton’s last game.

In the NFC championship game, Washington survived a valiant Vikings’ team. Minnesota had finished the regular season with an 8-7 record. However, they won at 12-3 New Orleans and 13-2 San Francisco. Their win over the 49ers was so decisive even Joe Montana was benched.

Washington’s defense was up to the challenge. They hammered Vikings’ quarterback Wade Wilson throughout the game. Williams had an awful game, but led Washington on a winning drive. With Washington ahead 17-10, the Vikings had one last shot on 4th down from the 4-yard line. Wilson’s throw went off the hands of Darrin Nelson and fell incomplete. The Redskins were off to their fourth Super Bowl.

Denver Broncos 30 Years Ago

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The Broncos were favored to repeat as AFC champions. They had much the same line up that propelled them to the Super Bowl in 1986. However, they added a terrific rookie receiver named Ricky. Ricky Nattiel joined Mark Jackson and Vance Johnson. They were known as “The Three Amigos.” Denver was vastly improved on offense finishing second in the NFL. QB John Elway won the NFL MVP likely because the other two candidates, Jerry Rice and Joe Montana, divided voters. Elway, though, owed no apologies as he performed masterfully in leading Denver back to the Super Bowl.

In the playoffs, Denver routed Houston in the divisional round. Thus, they would face Cleveland in an AFC championship game rematch. In 1986, the Broncos defeated the Browns because of “The Drive.” In 1987, Denver won again because of “The Fumble.”

Denver got off to a great start in the championship game, but Cleveland fought back. Indeed, the Browns were unstoppable in the second half. Trailing 38-31 with one minute to go, the Browns ran Earnest Byner. He appeared to have a gaping hole. But, unheralded Jeremiah Castille swiped the ball away at the one. Denver was on their way to their third Super Bowl.

2nd Quarter Onslaught

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The Broncos got off to a blazing start in the big game. Elway hit Nattiel for a 56-yard TD on their first offensive play. On their second drive, they kicked a field goal. It was 10-0 at the end of one. Then, it happened.

In one of the greatest performances in NFL history, the Redskins outscored Denver 35-0 in the second quarter. They scored 5 touchdowns on 18 plays! Williams hit Ricky Sanders for two long strikes as well as Gary Clark and Clint Didier for touchdowns. The other score came from the least likely of heroes.

Running back Timmy Smith rushed for a total of 1000 yards in his career – regular and postseason combined. But, 200 of those yards came in Super Bowl XXII! He scored twice in the Super Bowl and his record 204 yards rushing stands to this day.

Joe Gibbs called the all the right shots in this Super Bowl and has got to be considered one of the greatest Head Coaches in the history of the sport. Broncos’ head man Dan Reeves was no slouch in his time either. Both guys would get back to the Super Bowl. Gibbs won Super Bowl XXVI and Reeves lost Super Bowl XXIV with Denver and XXXIII with Atlanta.

So, tomorrow we’ll look at a much more competitive game between the Bengals and 49ers!

 

Brandon Fazzolari is a Super Bowl expert…@spot_Bills

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51 Super Bowls in 51 Days – Super Bowl XVIII

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The Super Bowl is just 34 days away. Let’s look at the Super Bowl from 34 years ago to honor this not that significant occasion!

Tampa Bay hosted Super Bowl XVIII on January 22, 1984. The game pitted the defending World Champion Washington Redskins against the Los Angeles Raiders of the AFC. There was little doubt throughout the season that these were the two best teams in football. For during the regular season, they staged a classic confrontation. The Skins won at home 37-35 thanks to a fantastic comeback.

Washington Redskins 34 Years Ago

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Washington had one of the best regular seasons in league history. On offense, they broke the single-season points record. They finished 14-2. Incredibly, their only losses on the season came on Monday Night Football to Dallas (31-30) and to Green Bay (48-47). They got into the Super Bowl by destroying the Rams, 51-7 and edging the 49ers.

The NFC championship game between Washington and San Francisco is sometimes referred to as “The Forgotten Classic.” The Skins got off to a 21-0 lead. But, Joe Montana and Mike Wilson led the Niners to a comeback. Redskins’ kicker Mark Mosely had a terrible day. However, with the game on the line, he converted a 25-yarder to clinch the victory. The Redskins were back in the Super Bowl, ready to defend their title.

Los Angeles Raiders 34 Years Ago

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The Raiders were playing in their second season in Los Angeles. When they were in Oakland, they won two Super Bowls including one in 1980. In 1981, Al Davis drafted Howie Long out of Villanova. In 1982, he selected Marcus Allen from USC. Could he have drafted any better? Long and Allen were huge contributors on the 1983 team. Additionally, veteran tight end Todd Christiansen led the NFL in receptions. The Raiders had veteran-talent all over the field. Lyle Alzado, Rod Martin, Bill Pickel, Ted Hendricks, Mike Haynes, Mike Davis, Lester Hayes, Matt Millen, Cliff Branch, Jim Plunkett, Kenny King, Greg Pruitt, Ray Guy, Chris Bahr etc. There is little wonder how Tom Flores’ team won 23 of their first 29 games in Los Angeles with that group.

They had one Achilles heel in 1983. They struggled against Curt Warner and the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle swept the series, scoring 72 points in the process. After crushing the Steelers in the divisional round, LA would have their opportunity to beat Seattle in the AFC championship game. And, they did just that. Marcus had over 200 yards from scrimmage including an excellent TD reception to put the game away. On defense, the Raiders recorded 5 interceptions. They were dominant. Hence, LA was back in the big dance.

Super Raiders

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The high expectations set forth for this contest never materialized. The Raiders were overwhelmingly better…at everything. In the first half, the Raiders scored touchdowns on special teams, offense and defense. Perhaps the pivotal play of the game occurred with seconds to go in the second quarter. The Skins went back to a play that worked in the teams’ first meeting; a screen pass to little Joe Washington. LA knew it was coming. Linebacker Jack Squirek stole the pass and waltzed in from the five for a 21-3 halftime lead.

With the score 28-9 late in the third, Allen scored a 74-yard TD. It was this game’s signature play. In fact, the NFL Network considered it the greatest run in NFL history! Surely, it was spectacular in that Allen started one way, reversed field, and dashed into the darkness. As Riggins’ run was in Super Bowl XVII, this was an iconic play from Super Bowls past.

The Raiders won the ball game, 38-9. They would not represent Los Angeles in the Super Bowl ever again. The Redskins would be back in four short years. 1987 was another strike-shortened season that ended in another World Championship for the Redskins.

Tomorrow, we’ll talk about the great offense of the 1984 Dolphins and the great 18-1 team from San Francisco.

 

Brandon Fazzolari is a Super Bowl expert…@spot_Bills

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51 Super Bowls in 51 Days – Super Bowl XVII

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The Super Bowl is just 35 days away. Let’s look at the Super Bowl from 35 years ago to honor this not that significant occasion!

Pasadena’s Rose Bowl hosted Super Bowl XVII on January 30, 1983. The game pitted the NFC champion Washington Redskins against the Miami Dolphins of the American Football Conference. This was a rematch of Super Bowl VII; the only other time the Skins had been to the big game up till that point and when Miami completed their undefeated season. A strike had marred the 1982 season. The NFL cancelled seven games in all. Also, this Super Bowl was the first to be played one week after the championship games.

Washington Redskins 35 Years Ago

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Joe Gibbs’ Redskins showed vast improvement from the 1981 season. They were one of the most fun teams in NFL history. They had the “Diesel, ” Johns Riggins. Their offensive line was nicknamed “the hogs” and their small-ish wide receivers were dubbed “the smurfs.” Their defense was solid as well. They ran a bend but don’t break scheme focused on punishing pass catchers and rushing the passer.

In 1982, Washington finished a league-best 8-1 record. Their only loss was at home to the hated Cowboys. In 1982, the NFL decided to have a 16-team playoff tournament. Washington was the top seed in the NFC and faced off against Detroit. They pummeled the Lions causing 8 turnovers. Alvin Garrett scored three times on receptions from Joe Theismann.

One week later, they had a much more difficult game against the Vikings. But, once they led 21-7, they just handed the ball to Riggins. Riggins carried the ball 37 times for 185 yards. Neither team scored in the second half, but Washington’s “hogs” were the MVP of this game.

In the NFC championship game, the Redskins knocked Dallas QB Danny White out of the game. Then, they knocked the Cowboys out of the playoffs. The key play of this game occurred late in the fourth quarter. With the Skins leading 24-17, Dallas had their opportunity. But, back up QB Gary Hogeboom attempted to set up a screen. Dexter Manley ran at him like a bull and deflected the pass into the air for Darryl Grant to pick off and rumble home. RFK Stadium literally shook. Washington was off to the Super Bowl.

Miami Dolphins 35 Years Ago

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The Dolphins were not as consistent as the Skins during the regular season, but played three solid playoff games. 35 years go, Coach Shula’s Dolphins were the #1 defense in the NFL. And they were thankful for that because they had the 19th-ranked offense, one of the worst offenses to ever participate in a Super Bowl. Their quarterbacking situation revolved around two guys, the late David Woodley and Don Strock. They were sometimes referred to as “Woodstrock” due to Strock finishing so many games that Woodley started. Their defense, though, was awesome.

There were so many players on Miami’s defense with last names starting with the letter “B,” they were referred to as the “Killer Bees.” Add to all that talent #77 stud linebacker A.J. Duhe and longtime defensive mastermind, Bill Arnsparger, and Miami was a formidable foe. In the first round, Miami outclassed New England, 28-13. The Dolphins got revenge on San Diego by dominating them 34-13 in the second round.

In the AFC Championship game, the Dolphins and Jets played in the mud of the Orange Bowl. Duhe intercepted Richard Todd including a pick sick to put the game on ice. Miami won 14-0.

Big Play Dolphins

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The Dolphins did not wait long to score in the Super Bowl. In a game where they totaled 176 yards, they got 76 of those on their 5th play from scrimmage. Woodley found Jimmy Cefalo for their lone big offensive play of the game and a 7-0 lead. The teams exchanged time-consuming field goals drives. Therefore, Miami led 10-3 when the game got very interesting just before the half.

First, Theismann threw a fade to tiny Alvin Garrett to tie the score. Next, Fulton Walker returned the ensuing kickoff. It was first KO return in Super Bowl history as the late-great Walker needed one block and was free. Finally, the Skins drove down the botched an attempt to get a field goal off before the end of the half as they failed to get out-of-bounds with the clock running.

Diesel Dash

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In the second half, Washington got that kick to make the score, 17-13. By now, Miami’s offense was putrid. They went 4 for 17 in their passing game ON THE DAY! Their defense battled to stay ahead and very nearly, pick sixed their way to victory. A diving Theismann saved the day on a batted ball.

In the fourth quarter, one of the iconic Super Bowl moments occurred. On a fourth and one from the 43, Riggins to his left, plowed over DB Don McNeal, and raced down the far sidelines for a go-ahead TD. Washington added one more score late by Charlie Brown and the Redskins had their first World Championship!

Washington got back to the Super Bowl three more times, winning two of those under Coach Gibbs. Miami got back two years later. They no longer had a good defense. But, they had a terrific young quarterback out of Pitt named Dan Marino. They lost Super Bowl XIX to the Niners. Unfortunately, they have yet to return.

 

Brandon Fazzolari is a Super Bowl expert…@spot_Bills

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51 Super Bowls in 51 Days – Super Bowl VII

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The Super Bowl is just 45 days away. Let’s look at the Super Bowl from 45 years ago to honor this not that significant occasion! 

The Los Angeles Coliseum hosted Super Bowl VII on January 14, 1973. The game pitted the NFC champion Washington Redskins against the Miami Dolphins of the American Football Conference.  

Washington Redskins 45 Years Ago

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Washington’s 1972 season was their best in 27 years. Fiery George Allen coached this roster that was littered with veterans and cast offs. They had a terrific running back, a great wide receiver, and 38 others of the blue-collar variety. In fact, Allen’s bunch was dubbed, “The Over-the-Hill” gang. Nobody embodied that reputation better than QB Billy Kilmer. Kilmer did not possess the body of an athlete. Rather, he played with the grit and heart that allowed him to play over 18 NFL seasons. He was only in the lineup due to an injury to all-time Redskins’ great Sonny Jurgensen. He took full advantage of his opportunity playing at an elite level in 1972. 

The Redskins greatly relied on NFL MVP, Larry Brown. Brown made the All-Pro team in each of his first four seasons. But, ’72 was the best campaign of his career. He had 1700 yards from scrimmage and 8 rushing touchdowns. Future Hall of Famer Charley Taylor was possibly the best wide receiver in the NFC scoring 7 touchdowns of his own. 

The Skins finished the season with the number three defense in the NFL. The “D” came up huge in a midseason win against their hated rival and defending champion Cowboys. That victory proved vital down the stretch as Washington won the division and Dallas got the wild card. 

In their two NFC playoff games at RFK Stadium, the Skins allowed a total of 6 points to Green Bay and Dallas. The game against the Packers was particularly brutal as both Kilmer and Packers’ starting quarterback Scott Hunter got pulverized all day. The Redskins prevailed 16-3. One week later in front of their raucous home crowd, they defeated the Cowboys 26-3, clinching their first NFC championship.

Miami Dolphins 45 Years Ago

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Their opponent in Super Bowl VII was the 16-0 AFC Champion Miami Dolphins. There are not enough superlatives to describe how good the Dolphins were in the early 1970s. In many ways there are overlooked when one discusses the greatest teams of all-time. People bring up the 1978 Steelers, 1989 49ers, 1992 Cowboys, etc. But, the Dolphins of 1972-73 were as good as all those teams and maybe better.

Don Shula was a great leader and game-time coach. Consider this: His 1967-68 Colts and 1972-73 Dolphins combined for a 58-5-2 record. How many starting QBs did he use over those four seasons? Four. That is coaching.

Shula’s masterpiece was his 1972 season especially since starting QB Bob Griese missed nine games due to injury. No problem. Ancient Earl Morrall was undefeated coming off the bench.

Miami topped Cleveland in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Dolphins did not play a great game overall, but Shula went to his bag of tricks and punter Larry Seiple rushed for 37 yards on a fake. Miami prevailed, 20-14. (By the way, this game was played one day after the Steelers defeated the Raiders on the “Immaculate Reception.”)

In the AFC Championship game, Griese came off the bench to rally Miami to a 21-17 victory. The unheralded Jim Kiick scored twice. The Dolphins were off to Super Bowl VII. Their date with history was to take place in Los Angeles against the Redskins and miraculously, they were a 1-point underdog.

Perfection vs. Emotion

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From the outset, it was Miami’s defense that dictated the action. League MVP Larry Brown got abused. And, Washington could get nothing established through the air.

Contrariwise, Miami was able to move the ball behind their powerful offensive line. They used well-conceived sweeps where giant tackles matched up against the Skins’ small defensive backs and linebackers like Pat Fischer and Jack Pardee. And it was no match. The misdirection and power sweeps led to the neutralization of All-Pro Chris Hanburger. Thus, Miami rushed for 184 yards on the day.

The Dolphins’ first score came as a result of two perfect throws by the gallant Griese. One throw went to Warfield for 18 and the touchdown was scored by Howard Twilley from the twenty-eight.

The Dolphins intercepted Kilmer twice in the first half. Buoniconti robbed him late in the second half setting Kiick’s touchdown. The score was 14-0 at the half.

In the second half, Washington moved the ball on virtually every possession. However, each drive stalled in the red zone. They missed a field goal and late in the game, Miami cornerback Jake Scott recorded his second interception of the game. This one he ran out from his own end zone.

Scott’s interception put Miami in line to put this thing on ice. With just over two minutes to play, the ‘Fins lined up for a field goal. The Skins blocked it. Garo Yepremien, the tiny Cyprian kicker retrieved the ball and attempted to throw a pass. That turned into an utter comedy/horror show. The pigskin bounced into the air to be grabbed by a Redskin. Mike Bass took the trophy home and the lead was 14-7.

NFL History

Miami held on to win by that score and special team gaffe aside, completed the perfect season. Every season serves as a reminder that the ’72 Dolphins were the only team to complete a season with an undefeated record. The vaunted 2007 Patriots came the closest; just 40 seconds from football immortality, but it was not to be in Super Bowl XLII. The 1984 49ers came three points away from perfection. The 1985 Bears came one visit to Miami away from perfection. But, only one team did it. And, they deserve the special accolades they receive for such an incredible accomplishment. It has now stood for 45 seasons!

In 1973, Miami came back to defend their title. They whipped Minnesota 24-7.

The Redskins also had an excellent 1973 season. But, they did not win the Super Bowl until the ‘80s. Who did they beat? Don Shula and the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII.

Tomorrow, we will talk more about the forgotten 1973 Dolphins in our series – 51 Super Bowls in 51 days!

 

Brandon Fazzolari is a Super Bowl expert…@spot_bills

NFL Week 8: Key Match-ups, “Must Wins” and Score Predictions

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Week 8 has arrived, and that means we are just about half way through the NFL’s regular season. It should be quite an eventful weekend, despite six teams being on bye. Week 8 features nine games between teams with at least three wins each and three divisional match-ups. I’ve highlighted some of the match-ups to keep an eye on. I’ve also called out which teams face a “must-win” scenario and score predictions.

Week 8 Key Match-ups

Denver Broncos (3-3) @ Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)

Football fans have had this game circled on their schedule since the 2018 schedule was released. This match up features the top two teams in the stacked AFC West division. Both teams come off of back-to-back losses after strong starts to the season. For the Broncos it’s far uglier. They have choked in two winnable games vs the NYG and @ LAC. The offense looks terrible during this mini skid, notching just 10 total points in the past two contests. Denver’s defensive unit has not been its usual dominant self over the past two games, allowing 44 points during the span. It is not yet panic time for the Broncos, but they need to improve soon if they want to make the playoffs. The Chiefs have also dropped two straight, but they were both tough games. The first was a one-possession loss vs the 5-2 Steelers. The second, a tough loss in Oakland on the last play of the game versus a team that was desperate for a win (and played like it). The Chiefs do not have much to worry about at the moment, but a win could really help separate them from the rest of the division.

Dallas Cowboys (3-3) @ Washington Redskins (3-3)

Another enticing match up here between two divisional foes. Both teams sit at 3-3 and are tied for second in the division behind the high-flying Eagles. Dallas is coming off a huge 40-10 win in which they looked like a force to be reckoned with. Then again, it was against the win-less 49ers. Washington has played quite well this year despite just a 3-3 record. They have had an extremely tough schedule as their losses have come on the road against the Chiefs and twice against the 6-1 Eagles. They have won some quality games this year vs OAK and @ LAR. Expect a high-scoring affair as Dallas is currently ranked 7th in the league in points per game while the Redskins are 11th.  Buckle up.

Image result for cowboys vs redskins

Houston Texans (3-3) @ Seattle Seahawks (4-2)

Interesting match up here. Houston rolls into Seattle off their bye week. The Texans will attempt to keep their third-ranked high-powered offense going against Seattle’s number one ranked defense. The Texans look a little bit like the Seahawks did a few years back. They feature an elite defense and an offense lead by a young, mobile quarterback. The difference is that Houston is on the rise while the Seahawks have been flying high for years now. This would be a statement win for Houston, though it will be tough without their superstar defensive end JJ Watt, out for the season.

Teams in “Must Win” mode

It may be a little early to start claiming games to fall under the  “must win” category. However, it certainly feels as though a few teams can not afford a loss this week if they want to be in the playoff race or at least meet their pre-season expectations.

Baltimore Ravens (vs Miami)

The Ravens currently sit at 3-4. Luckily they are second in the division but at 5-2 Pittsburgh is beginning to pull away. Their 3-4 record is a result of poor performance by QB Joe Flacco and a defense not playing to its potential. The Ravens limp into a week 8 match up at home vs the Dolphins. Backup QB Matt Moore will be starting for Miami, replacing Jay Cutler. If Baltimore can not win at home versus a mediocre team that is starting their back up QB then they do not deserve to be in the playoff hunt.

Image result for joe flacco loss

Cincinnati Bengals (vs Indianapolis)

Luckily for Cinci, their “must-win” game is against a terrible Colts team. Cinci is just 2-4, but I believe they are better than their record shows. They have talent on both sides of the ball but have not executed well this year. Dalton needs to play better and they need to establish a run game. This game should be a “gimme” and the Bengals need it as they continue to fall out of the playoff race rapidly. With Pittsburgh at 5-2, it is unlikely that they will have a shot at the division title, but a wildcard spot is not out of the question yet.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs Carolina)

After just barely missing the playoffs and looking good for most of last season, the Bucs are just 2-4. It has certainly been a disappointing start to the season. Tampa really needs a win this week to stay competitive. It will be a tough game, but at home vs an inconsistent team that just lost to the Bears, it is a winnable game. The fact that it is a divisional game adds even more magnitude to this match up. The NFC South division is no joke as it feature the previous two NFC champions and a 4-2 Saints team. If the Bucs want to climb out of the NFC South basement, they will need a win this week against the Panthers.

Score Predictions

Miami – 16                Oakland – 24             LA Chargers – 23            Atlanta – 23                  Carolina – 20             Dallas – 27                     Denver – 13

Baltimore – 20           Buffalo – 23               New England – 34          NY Jets – 20                 Tampa Bay – 27        Washington – 31           Kansas City – 27

Minnesota – 26         Indianapolis – 13       Chicago – 17                  San Francisco – 14        Houston – 20            Pittsburgh – 24

Cleveland – 10          Cincinati – 24            New Orleans – 31           Philadelphia – 38           Seattle – 26                Detroit – 30