MichiganCardinal

I was just saying this the other day, watching the Steelers/Ravens game. Remember when they called like six illegal formations in the Thursday Night opener? Now, nothing. That’s not even the refs fault. That’s their bosses.

Sam Darnold is going from a mega deal extension to a one-year prove-it in the course of two weeks.

They got the call right. It was a stupid decision by Stafford, but ultimately the right call. Clearly a passing motion, and there was an eligible receiver no more than a few yards away. KOC knows his team needs those kinds of fluky breaks to win games.

Stafford is channeling his inner Jared Goff so far.

The Eagles losing Dean was a huge blow IMO. It was right after that happened that Josh Jacobs was able to get that long run. He’s a focal point of their defense.

Minnesota and LA are tied for me, but I’d rather play either of them before Philly. No NFC Championship Game will ever be easy, you’re playing a team that’s won two consecutive playoff games. But we’ve beat both of those teams already this year. With Nakobe Dean out, I think the way to beat Philly is going to be on the ground. Both Minnesota and LA are mediocre on the ground though. Intuitively, I think LA is probably more likely to be Philadelphia, so I’ll pull for them. I also think it would be funny to watch Vikings Nation collapse.

My gut tells me it’ll be closer than I’d like. Washington is hot and playing with house money. The Lions have the benefit in that they’re not really cold, at least not in the same way the Chiefs are (who haven’t played a meaningful game in nearly a month). But the Commanders are the prototypical young and scrappy underdog team that has far exceeded expectations, now with nothing to lose. They think they can beat anybody. Thats a dangerous team to play when it’s a one-and-done. Position by position it’s hard to name one where Washington is better, but this isn’t a best-of-five series. You can’t afford to go down 21-0, or cough up multiple turnovers. Ultimately, talent beats spirit more often than not (and it’s not like Detroit doesn’t have plenty of spirit of their own). I think that’s the case here too, but it’s not as easy a matchup as an apples to apples roster comparison might suggest.

As long as Jerry Jones treats the team like his toy to play GM with on weekends, they’ll never be a real contender.

Cowboys job is officially open. My wildcard picks have been awful, but maybe these will be better. Realizing I didn’t name the Raiders, I think that’s where Ben goes, if he goes this cycle. But I’ll predict Pete Carroll to the Raiders. Ben will get his job eventually, but I think it’ll be a scenario where he can have his handpicked GM join him.

Lions -8.5 is the opening spread. Commanders haven't lost a game by more than 8 since week one.

I agree, though I wonder what a really high level coach could do with him. Dan Campbell probably loves him, he bleeds grit. But instead he's gone through Hue Jackson, Freddie Kitchens, Kevin Stefanski, Matt Rhule, Sean McVay (for four games), and now Todd Bowles. It's insane that he's still around the league, let alone being as strong a leader as he is.

vs. Setting: 01/18/2025 8:00pm EST on FOX Site: Ford Field in Detroit, MI Weather: Climate Controlled Opening Spread: Lions -8.5 All-Time Series Record: Commanders lead, 31-16 Last Meeting: 09/18/2022, Lions won 36-27 #6 Washington Commanders (13-5) Head Coach: Dan Quinn (7th Season: 55-47, 4-2 in Playoffs) Projected Starting QB: Jayden Daniels (1st Season: 12-5, 1-0 in Playoffs) Last Week: 23-20 W @ #3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-8) Your #1 Detroit Lions (15-2) Head Coach: Dan Campbell (4th Season: 39-28-1, 2-1 in Playoffs) Projected Starting QB: Jared Goff (9th Season: 81-52-1, 4-4 in Playoffs) Last Week: BYE (following 31-9 W v. Minnesota Vikings (14-3)) Elsewhere in the NFL Saturday: #4 Houston Texans @ #1 Kansas City Chiefs (4:30pm on ESPN/ABC) Sunday: [Winner of #5 Minnesota Vikings @ #4 Los Angeles Rams] @ #2 Philadelphia Eagles (3:00pm on NBC), #3 Baltimore Ravens @ #2 Buffalo Bills (6:30pm on CBS)

..... maybe those of you who were alive haven't.

Sure enough, Saturday Night at 8pm on FOX.

They should announce it when they are back from this break, but my guess is Saturday Night.

Baker is such a baller. He deserved better than Cleveland, and he deserves better than Todd Bowles.

Bring on the Commies!

I was thinking the same thing. Campbell would go for it again.

One first down and they're a kick away.

All of Washington's runs are just punching a brick wall right now.

Both of these teams play up or down to their opponent. A Wildcard or Divisional Round exit sounds about right for both, but Washington hasn't lost by more than 8 since week one. I'm guessing it would be closer than comfortable. I'm confident the Lions would win though. Tampa is similar, has lost only twice by more than 8 all season.

Didn't they go to the same high school as Clayton Kershaw?

Commanders are getting a million and a half chances.

Jayden Daniels had two looks in those four plays that would have been 6 and missed on them both. I'd love to play these guys.

On cue!! 1st and Goal from the 1.