Week 12 is in the books and to say that this week was one of the most bizarre weeks of football would be an understatement. We saw one of the Thanksgiving games get postponed and another game devoid of a QB. Despite all the tomfoolery there emerged some winners and losers so let\’s jump into it.
Loser #1 The NFL
Normally I like to start off with a winner, but I can\’t start anywhere else but here. The NFL\’s handling of this week\’s major issues has left a lot to be desired. For one, two teams had COVID outbreaks, but the NFL handled them differently. The Ravens were allowed to move their game from Thursday to Tuesday. Unfortunately, the Denver Broncos weren\’t afforded the same luxury. Every single one of the Broncos QBs tested positive and thus were not eligible to play this week. The NFL\’s solution? The game goes on as scheduled. It was a massive slap in the face to the Denver franchise as they watched how the NFL accommodated the Ravens while telling them good luck. It does bring up the question if the playing field is indeed level. All in all, it was not a good look for those running the league.
Winner #1 Tennessee Titans
In the battle for the AFC South, the Titans dominated the Indianapolis Colts 45-26 to take over sole possession of first place. Titans were led by running back Derrick Henry who abused the Colts defense for 178 yard rushing and 3 TDs. Being able to win this game allows the Titans to avoid the season sweep and a massive disadvantage in potential tiebreakers. The win also puts the Titans in the driver\’s seat to win their first division title since 2008.
Loser #2 Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders began this week on the outside of the playoffs and had an opportunity to jump into one of the top 7 spots. Instead, they had a dismal performance against an Atlanta team whose season is already over. The Atlanta Falcons dominated the Raiders in all facets of the game-winning 43-6. Worst of all was that this game was supposed to be one of the easiest games on the schedule for the Raiders. This missed opportunity could potentially cost them a spot in the playoffs. The only good news is their next game is against a Jets team that is determined to go 0-16 this season.
Winner #2 Green Bay Packers
After losing a tough game last week the Packers needed to rebound quickly. To say that they bounced back would be putting it mildly. On Sunday night football, the Packers rolled over the Bears 41-25 to reassert themselves as Super Bowl contenders. Aaron Rodgers led the charge with 4 TDs as he spent the night carving up a vaunted Bears defense. On the other side of the ball, the Packers defense befuddled Bears QB Mitch Trubisky all night forcing several turnovers. Most importantly the win keeps the Packers\’ hopes of the number 1 seed and a first-round bye alive.
Loser #3 Los Angeles Rams
After scoring two impressive wins over Seattle and Tampa, the Rams fell on their face against the worst team in their division. Rams QB Jared Goff had a nightmare of a performance turning the ball over three times as the 49ers defense had his number all day. Worst of all the loss dropped them from the number 2 seed down to the 5th seed in the conference. In a jam-packed conference, the race for the playoffs is tight and the margin for error just got smaller.
Winner #3 Lions Fans
Detroit Lions fans received wonderful news over this past weekend. Head coach Matt Patricia was fired this weekend and he never looked like the right man for the job. One can only question the front office as to why he was hired in the first place. This is the same guy who coached a defense that was torched for over 500 yards in the Super Bowl by a Nick Foles-led offense. The signs were there for all to see that he wasn\’t the right fit. He consistently clashed with players and made baffling decisions during games. His predecessor was fired after going 10-6 in his final season. Matt Patricia won 13 games in 3 years. Brighter days should be in your future Lions fans.