January 6th: In Like a Playoff Team, Out Like the Lions

If controversy is the way we gauge how much fun we had during NFL Wild Card Weekend, then the Lions, Cowboys game was clearly the highlight!

After having led for most of the game, the Lions squandered a 20-17 lead, giving up a bullet passed by Tony Romo to the back of the end zone with 2:30 left to go. With the Cowboys now up 24-20, Matthew Stafford attempted to run a last-chance offensive stand, Alas, a forced fumble ended it, sending the Lions home, and the Cowboys to Green Bay to take on the Packers in the divisional round.

Sounds simple enough. Except, there was a play with over 8 minutes left in the fourth quarter that has NFL fans in Detroit and beyond up in arms.

With the lead, the Lions were stringing a drive together. On 3rd and 1 in plus-territory, Stafford dropped back to pass, finding Brandon Pettigrew a good 20 yards downfield. Except, Pettigrew, tangled up in Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens, doesn’t catch the ball. The flag is thrown. Defensive pass interference is called. The first down is given. Again, fairly simple. Except that the officials later took the penalty back.

Out of nowhere, after the penalty had already been announced, the officiating crew decided that no pass interference had happened after all, and that it was 4th down.

Cue the panic. When Detroit eventually lost the game (c’mon, it was Detroit, we saw that coming), players and fans alike pointed at that play as the reason the Lions were headed home. ESPN commentators tore the play to shreds. Fans shamed the NFL for allowing such a thing to happen. Even Dean Blandino, the NFL Head of Officiating, came forward and acknowledged the blown call. Or, rather, the correct call that was taken back.

At the end of the day, though, the Lions lost. Fans want to believe that it was the fault of that one play. All of a sudden, everyone is looking back at the game for every possible penalty. Dez Bryant coming out onto the field without a helmet. Ndamukong Suh being held on a critical 4th down opportunity. Anything that could be found WAS found.

The only thing that couldn’t be found, though, was the Lions clutch factor. It is absolutely understandable, as a fan, to be furious that the officiating played a role in such a pivotal moment. But that was one minute of play. What is the excuse for the other 59 minutes? What’s the excuse for the fact that the Lions had over two minutes left on the clock at the end of the game with the chance to win, and didn’t? Where is the argument that the Lions could have had their foot more firmly on the gas and been winning by 14, rather than three, in the fourth quarter? Where is the second-ranked Lions defense, who gave the Cowboys the ball in a home-field advantage situation late in the game, allowing them to march down the field in 11 plays for the game-winning score?

The bottom line is this: the officiating team screwed up. The call should have favored the Lions. They should have had excellent field position, and held onto the ball a little longer, burning more time off the clock. The Cowboys should have had a harder time stealing the victory late in the game like that. But, when all was said and done, the Lions let one minute be the excuse for 59 other minutes of football.

A team that allows a play midway through the fourth quarter to be their excuse for relinquishing the lead and eventually losing the game lacks the winning pedigree necessary to make a championship run. THAT is why Detroit will be watching next week’s games from the couch.

January 3rd: NFL Playoff Preview

After 256 games, the NFL Playoffs are set to kick off this Saturday. Something things went exactly as planned. The Seahawks and Broncos both won their divisions and won first round byes. Some things went as expected, but in a very different way.  The Patriots won their division, but in much grander fasion than I predicted. Some things were downright unexpected. The ZP: Left Fielder predicted a Bears division win. Need we say more?

But, now that the chips have fallen where they will, it is time for the real hard work. The Left Fielder tackles the playoffs, from Wild Card Weekend to Super Bowl Sunday.

Wild Card:

Cardinals at Panthers

The Panthers are trending up at exactly the right time, while the Cardinals are limping at best. Arizona has been the season’s feel-good story, but that can only go so far, as a fourth string quarterback won’t be enough to cut it. I’m a big Cam Newton fan, and he will put this team on his back.

Ravens at Steelers

If Le’Veon Bell is out, it may change the result of the game. But a Ravens team that loses in Houston and is tied with the Browns at half-time isn’t one destined for a long playoff run, and I think the days of the Steel Curtain are beginning to look more familiar in Pittsburgh. A rivarly match-up in the playoffs is always a treat, though.

Lions at Cowboys

The Lions were a lot of fun to watch this year, and often won in resilient fashion. That being said, nobody can match the flash of the Cowboys this year, who have found a three-headed dragon on offense in the form of Romo, Murray, and Bryant. Even the Lions’ dominant defense won’t be able to slow ‘dem Boys.

Bengals at Colts

I’ve gone back and forth a lot on this one. I love both teams, as I now have educational roots in each place. I think Andrew Luck is the best quarterback in the NFL’s future. I think Andy Dalton is one of the least appreciated players in the game. That being said, I was all ready to give a slight edge to the Bengals, but without AJ Green, I don't think that's possible. Colts win by default.

Divisional Round:

Panthers at Seahawks

Does anybody remember the matchup for the Seahawks and Panthers in the middle of the year? Well, it was the beginning of a bad slide for Carolina and the last straw for a Seahawks team that was about to turn on the jets. This is going to be another turning point, except the Panthers will be going home embarressed, and the Seahawks will be tuning up for a long run. Will Marshawn Lynch lead this team back to the promised land? “Thanks for asking.”

Colts at Patriots

The Patriots were not kind to the Colts in Week 11. This won't be any different. The Patriots are showing just how dominant they are as a franchise, and the Colts look like they don't want to succeed. This won't be close, and it probably won't even be fun to watch.

Cowboys at Packers

The Packers appear unbeatable at home. The Cowboys are absolutely dominant on the road. Who wins out? I’m probably making a heart pick, rather than a head pick here, but Big D can ball, and I want to see the Packers go down at Lambeau. Aaron Rogers will have an unstopable day, but so will Romo, as the Cowboys win a high-scoring shootout.

Steelers at Broncos

Everyone has jumped off the Broncos bandwagon in the last few weeks. Yet, the team’s defense is playing better than ever before, and the running game is clicking in a way that should scare, well, everybody. Peyton will be Peyton, and will force Big Ben to play at a high level, which he has proven incabable of doing four quarters in a row this year, let alone four weeks.

AFC Championship Game:

Broncos at Patriots

We’ve been biding our time for this game. This is, really, what everyone wants, and will be the talk of Sportscenter all week. It will be unbearable.

The Patriots were embarressed on the road last year. The Broncos were embarressed at home this year. The slate should be clean for the Manning-Brady Bowl.

I think these teams are as evenly matched as theyve ever been before, and it will make for a thriller. Two Hall of Fame Quarterbacks. Two much-improved secondaries. Two running games with no name recognition but gritt.

That being said, we will return to what I’ve said every week for much of the year: Never, EVER bet against Peyton. I don’t care how many picks he threw against the Bengals in Week 16. Don’t. Bet. Against. Peyton.

NFC Championship Game:

Cowboys at Seahawks

This year’s most intriguing team against the defending Super Bowl champs. That’s what football is all about.

The Seahawks defense will slow Romo and Co. down a little, and the Cowboys defense will be able to manage against a Seahawks offense that is efficient at best. This will be a chess match, and is, for all intents and purposes, a hard one to call.

The cards will fall in favor of the Seahawks, though, based on playoff experience, toughness, and overall a will to win.

Super Bowl:

Broncos vs. Seahawks

A Super Bowl rematch is what many expected heading into this year, although it is impossible to anticipate how we got here. The Broncos have planned all offseason and all regular season for this matchup, and you can bet they will come out angry, looking for a revenge. Meanwhile, the Seahawks have proven that, despite some early season hiccups, they are not going to succomb to the post-championship hangover.

This will be a much better game to watch, and will come down to the wire. The Broncos proved in the regular season that they can play with this team.

I’m going with the Broncos for two reasons. Reason #1: If they got here, they will have had to beat the Patriots, who I think are their biggest test. Once they’ve done that, they will be raring to go. Reason #2: I don’t see this squad allowing themselves to watch Seattle hoist the trophy against the again. This will a revenge grudge-match, and Peyton will get his second ring.

Now comes the fun part. Grab some friends and the remote. It’s almost Game Day.

November 27th: NFL Week 13 Predictions

Last week, the ZP: Left Fielder went 13-1-1 (we didn’t make a pick in the Bills-Jets game. It must have gotten lost in the snow.) That was by far our best week of predictions, which means we are ready to gaze again into the crystal ball. This week features seven games with serious playoff implications for both teams. By next Tuesday, the playoff picture will become even more clear. Here we go:

Bears at Lions

All of a sudden, the Bears have won two in a row and the Lions have lost two. Is this a ray of hope for Chicago? Nope. The Lions will be looking for blood on their favorite holiday and Jay Cutler will have a false sense of security. This will get ugly early.

Eagles at Cowboys

This is one of the best match-ups of the year, and one everyone has been looking forward to. I’m expecting the Cowboys to be playing with some grit, and look to score home-field advantage. I see this as a home victory, while the Eagles will get revenge soon.

Seahawks at 49ers

Last week’s beatdown of the Cardinals could be all it takes to launch the Seahawks right back into it. I see them as a scary team, no matter what their record might say. The 49ers, meanwhile, have been nothing better than “fine” this year, and it will take better to beat the defending champs.

Chargers at Ravens

Oh, how far the Chargers have fallen. They barely squeaked by the Rams, and while the Ravens had a strong win against a home-dominant Saints team. The AFC North is the strongest team in the league, and I see the Ravens only getting stronger.

Browns at Bills

The Bills have taken advantage of a relatively easy schedule to jump out to a decent record. The Browns, meanwhile, are keeping pace against the incredibly talented AFC North. They keep things interesting by making it to 8-4.

Titans at Texans

The Texans look to be a quarterback away from a chance at the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Titans look a team away from winning anything. Zach Mettenberger should wear a GoPro so he can get a photo of J.J. Watt sacking him this time.

Redskins at Colts

Colt McCoy, the third string quarterback, actually gives the Redskins a better chance, but not when he’s facing off against Andrew Luck. The Colts should take the rest of their season to focus on how they’re going to string together a playoff run.

Giants at Jaguars

Hey, look! It’s a team the Giants can actually beat! While the rest of the world is now squarely on the Odell Beckham Jr. bandwagon, the Giants blew a lead against the Cowboys. The Jaguars are a great opportunity for them to bounce back.

Panthers at Vikings

I loved the Panthers last year, and it makes me sad to see how badly Cam Newton is struggling in Carolina. That being said, the Vikings are just good enough to get teams to actually try hard, but not good enough to be able to compete.

Saints at Steelers

The Saints are limping their way into being the best terrible team in the NFC South. The Steelers are as unpredictable as they come, but should be able to keep the Saints honest. Plus, against the Saints, Big Ben has the arm to win a potential shoot-out.

Raiders at Rams

Well, we can say the Raiders at least won one. At the same time, the Rams have been playing hungry, with big wins against the Seahawks, 49ers, and Broncos. I think the Rams might be a forced to be reckoned with in the future.

Bengals at Buccaneers

The Bengals, like the Steelers, are utterly unpredictable. That being said, the Buccaneers couldn’t get the win against a pretty awful Bears team, so the Bengals shouldn’t even have to break a sweat.

Cardinals at Falcons

The loss to Seattle should dent the Cardinals’ confidence just a little, but this Falcons team should offer an awesome opportunity to bounce back. The bigger concern is no longer if the Cardinals will make the playoffs. It is what they’ll do when they get there.

Patriots at Packers

This is the game that everyone wants to talk about. Both teams have appeared nearly unstoppable since Week 5, but one will have to take a loss here. I’m going home-team, although I don’t like picking against Tom Brady.

Broncos at Chiefs

Two weeks ago, this game was being billed as the game that would decide everything. Now, the Broncos look like a team biding their time for the playoffs and the Chiefs look like a team that lost to Oakland. I think it will be close, but not THAT close. Never Bet Against Peyton (from now on, NBAP)

Dolphins at Jets

Miami was one quarter away from pulling off an upset against the Broncos last week. Unfortunately, Peyton was Peyton, and that was that. The Jets are turning to Geno Smith (again), but it won’t do them any good. This team can’t wait for this miserable year to be over.

Playoff Outlook based on ESPN Playoff Machine:

AFC:

Seed 1 - Patriots

Seed 2 - Broncos

Seed 3 - Steelers

Seed 4 - Colts

Seed 5 - Ravens

Seed 6 - Bengals

NFC:

Seed 1 - Packers

Seed 2 - Cowboys

Seed 3 - Seahawks

Seed 4 - Saints

Seed 5 - Cardinals

Seed 6 - Lions

November 20th: NFL Week 12

The ZP: Left Fielder has taken the last two weeks off from NFL predictions, which has left football unable to decide what to do. The Broncos lost to a (maybe-not-so) lowly Rams team, the Jets beat an all-over-the-place Steelers team, and the Chiefs win without a single wide-receiver based touchdown.

That being said, we’re ready to get back to the crystal ball and take a stab at the outcome of Week 12 in the NFL!

Chiefs at Raiders

I don’t see the Chiefs as a real powerhouse in the AFC, but they keep winning, and nobody is really sure why. At least this week, we’ll know exactly why.

Browns at Falcons

Would anyone have guessed that, at 4-6, the Falcons would be leading their division? Would anyone guess that the Browns would be near the top of theirs? With Josh Gordon coming back, the Browns might just be trustworthy.

Buccaneers at Bears

The first home win for the Bears last week was a huge sigh of relief. While there will be good feelings for Lovie Smith’s return to Soldier Field, the Bears are desperate to string some positivity together with another win.

Bengals at Texans

One week, the Bengals get blown out at home against the Browns. The next, they storm into the Superdome and steal one from the Saints. I’m going Bengals here, but only if they can contain J.J. Watt.

Jaguars at Colts

These Colts got embarrassed for the second time in three weeks. The Jaguars are a perfect opportunity to bounce back in a big way. I still think the Colts could be a power in the AFC, but only if they find help for Luck.

Packers at Vikings

The Packers are getting huge production out of their quarterback. Aaron Rodgers is looking like the full-package. I hate to say it, but the Packers look like one of the most complete teams in the league, especially against the weak Vikings.

Lions at Patriots

I so desperately want to pick the Lions, both because I like Detroit and because I think the Patriots are due to crash back to earth (or at least back to Kansas City). Alas, I don’t think New England will be the location for that fall.

Titans at Eagles

The Eagles come off a bad loss to the Packers. The Titans gave the Steelers a run for their money. The world will return to normal this week, with the Eagles flying high and the Titans losing in new and creative ways.

Dolphins at Broncos

What in the world happened to the Broncos? Peyton was downright bad, although the defense held the Rams to just field goals. Manning will not allow a losing streak, so the Dolphins should be very, very scared.

Rams at Chargers

Apparently, St. Louis is where good teams go to lose. The Chargers were everyone’s favorites to make a run this year. This week, though, I’m thinking we will see the teams we were expecting at the beginning of the year, with the Chargers taking down the Rams.

Cardinals at Seahawks

Everyone is fairly squarely on the Cardinals bandwagon, but, with a backup quarterback and the 12th man, I’m not nearly dumb enough to bet against the Seahawks. Plus, this is a team that will thrive as the “underdog,” if you can be an underdog as the defending champs.

Redskins at 49ers

Nobody is really sure what the hell is happening in Washington, although, at times, the same could be said for San Francisco. The 49ers will take merciless advantage of a team that they can embarrass.

Cowboys at Giants

This would be an awesome prime-time game, except that the Giants have no realistic chance at making it interesting. The Cowboys are coming off a bye, which should settle some of the subtle issues that were arising at the end of their streak of success.

Ravens at Saints

All of a sudden, the Saints can’t win at home, either. The Ravens are good, if not with a few holes. I think this might be the closest game out there, but it has the potential to dramatically change the playoff picture.

According to my predictions on ESPN’s Playoff Machine, the playoffs will be as follows:

AFC:

Seed 1 - Patriots

Seed 2 - Broncos

Seed 3 - Colts

Seed 4 - Steelers

Seed 5 - Ravens

Seed 6 - Chiefs

NFC:

Seed 1 - Cardinals

Seed 2 - Packers

Seed 3 - Eagles

Seed 4 - Panthers

Seed 5 - Lions

Seed 6 - Cowboys

October 9th: NFL Week 6

Week 5 saw the ZP:Left Fielder correctly predict 12 of 15 games. That’s pretty good, but this week, we’re looking for perfection. Harder still is to predict not only what happens, but how. That, though, is the ultimate challenge of the NFL.

So Week 6, here we come!

Colts at Texans

The Texans have turned things around, and the Colts have rebounded from their early losing streak. The Colts come to Houston and win a tight one, although the Texans once again come off with an impressive game, despite a loss.

Patriots at Bills

Both teams are coming off wins, but in very different ways. The Patriots hope to continue to prove that they aren’t losing steam, while the Bills look like they’re just treading water...again. The Patriots win, but not nearly as dominantly as they did a week ago.

Panthers at Bengals

The showdown of the cats comes with two teams that look like they’re trying to figure out who they are. The Panthers are on the upswing, while the Bengals got their first loss in ugly fashion against the Patriots. This week, they rebound, and win big against an overmatched Panthers team.

Steelers at Browns

This the earliest division rematch, and the two teams are very different than they were last time. I have no faith in the Steelers, and the Browns came back in fine fashion against the Titans. I’m giving the Browns the edge.

Packers at Dolphins

Another team with which I have trust issues: the Dolphins. I liked them to challenge in the division, and they refuse to play like THEY want that to be true. The Packers are getting better every week, and are a force to be reckoned with.

Lions at Vikings

I don’t think the Lions need Megatron to win in Minnesota. The only team that can beat the Lions is...well, the Lions. This game will be as competitive as Detroit allows it to be.

Broncos at Jets

This isn’t going to be fun, Geno. It won’t even be close. Peyton will pick this team apart. Decker will play hard against his old team, but will miss the good ole' days.

Ravens at Buccaneers

The Ravens have holes, but the Buccaneers will help them get on the same page. This will be a more competitive game than the Ravens might like, but it will come out the right way in the end.

Jaguars at Titans

After an embarrassing loss, the Titans would love to rebound. Blake Bortles, though, smells blood in the water. This could be his big chance to get himself his first win in the NFL. I’m hoping we get to see it.

Chargers at Raiders

The Chargers are the second best team in their division, but they may be the second best in the NFL too. This will be easy pickings, even for a Raiders team that is looking to turn over a new leaf. The running back situation will come to bit the Chargers, but not this week.

Redskins at Cardinals

Nobody looks good against the Broncos, and the Cardinals had to deal with an embarrassing first loss. This will be a good chance to come back and get a win at home against a Redskins team that apparently doesn’t need victories to have fun.

Bears at Falcons

Both teams are coming off games they let slip away, and both are wishing they could have another crack at it. The Bears, though, are looking like they would like to take that big contract back from Cutler, who is a bigger liability than he is a legitimate threat. The Falcons won’t win this game so much as the Bears will lose it.

Cowboys at Seahawks

BOLD PREDICTION OF THE WEEK. For some reason, I’m feeling like Big D has a chance this week, even in Seattle. The Legion of Boom looked a little lackluster this past week, and Dallas is putting together a good team. If the Cowboys can stop the offense, I think they’ll produce offensively.

Giants at Eagles

The Giants started badly and got hot lately. The Eagles started unstoppable, and have sputtered. Eli looks like he’s about to come up big, and the Eagles are about to be his next prey. This should be one of the best games to watch this week, and should give some clarity as to how the NFC East will come out in the end.

49ers at Rams

The Rams try hard, but not hard enough. This is a bummer of a Monday night game. I guess everyone will just have to watch baseball. At least that’s a San Francisco team worth watching.