GOTW Season 4

[Imperfect611]

Week 11
Detroit Lions (6-3) @ Chicago Bears (7-2)

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We can't really ask for a better game to start off with this year for GOTW. The 2016 Super Bowl champions vs the 2017 NFC Champions. Both teams are looking to relive the glory of these seasons and the next step is this bloody rivalry game. As far as playoff implications go this game is huge. If the Lions win they tie up the top of the division, and with the Bears upcoming schedule, this is a must win game for Detroit if they want a home game in the playoffs. Chicago can nearly lock down the division with this win and keep pressure on Tampa Bay by tying the number one seed. The extra win in conference games should give Chicago the tie breaker.

This is the two owners second meeting. The first match-up ended with the Bears scraping by 21-20. Both offenses looked lethargic with neither gaining over 300 yards total so expect this to be another defensive game. The only major difference between the two teams was the play of the quarterbacks. Reggie Spriggs of the Lions was held to only 117 yards through the air while Max Jeter was able to move the ball when he needed to throwing for 210. Jeter is known for throwing to ball to many targets throughout a game so it is hard to make a game plan to shut him down. You can't just cover Alshon Jeffery anymore because everyone is a threat to beat you. However the Lions offense has shown great strides since the early weeks and maybe this game was a symptom of a quarterback uncomfortable in a new system. The Bear's pass defense is ranked 23rd and the Lions need to attack it if they plan on walking away with a win.

Only one player is listed as inactive for this game. Eric Ebron will miss this game and still be recovering from a severe injury for 6 more weeks. The Bears have depth, but in the last game Ebron caught the only TD pass for Chicago in a play where Jeter read a mismatch in coverage. Don't expect this one to alter the end of the game unless Bennett needs to come off the field for an extended time. Even then with the Bears style of offense they will probably just continue to throw it to the next guy down the line.

This game should be on paper a shootout, but it seems like these two have each other's number. Starting this week we will have players to watch. One offensive, one defensive, and one sleeper will be named from each team.

Detroit Lions
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Offensive​

The Lions have to move and protect the ball on offense this game. Although there has been a lot of talk about the quarterback match-up Knile Davis is really who needs to show up this game. The Lions need to control the tempo and play their game this week. You do that by running the ball. Detroit will not win this game by trying to beat the Bears at what they do best.
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Defensive

You can't take away every tool from Jeter, but you can force him to one side of the field. Darius Slay has all of the tools to shut down anyone on the Bears receiving core. He has the speed to shut down Kevin White and the experience in man to man to stop Jeffery. Keep the game up the middle of the field and you can start to predict your opponent.
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Sleeper

I think I need to go with Alex Carter for my sleeper pick. With how deep the Bears are on offence I expect him to see the field a lot today. He has better zone coverage skills than most safeties in the league and would be a starting CB for many teams. Wait for a deceptive play call where the Lions scare Jeter into throwing the ball early not expecting a man of his caliber to be waiting.
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Chicago Bears

Offensive

It would be wrong to not have the most mentioned player not be the key for this game. Max Jeter wins games. It is that simple. In the past two seasons with him under center the Bears are 25-3. The number is daunting to even think about. He is going to try and come out and spread the ball around like every other week and if he does, it's game over.
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Defensive

Jon Bostic makes tackles and that is what the Bears need. Last game they shut down the Lions offense and Bostic came away with a interception. He leads the front 7 in tackles this year and he just needs to keep moving sideline to sideline and making tackles. He isn't flashy, but he gets his job done.
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Sleeper

McPhee has yet to record a sack this year even though he is an extremely skilled pass rusher. He has been fading to the back in almost every game, but maybe this rivalry game is enough to wake him up. The Lions have a good offensive line so it won't be easy, but maybe they won't be expecting him. He is not someone to be ignored.


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PX1 Picks


Imperfect611

I think the Bears are going to come away with this one. I don't see the Lions figuring out the Bears defense in one game or shutting down Jeter. Although the Bears have been out of the spotlight they still went 16-0 last season and they only got better. I think this game ends 31-20 Bears.

Jukemwr21

It was super close in the 1st game, and this one will be no different but i think the Lions offense has been figured out now and they will prevail 27-20 over chicago. They will need a big game from their old timer Megatron. Spriggs needs to be on point against an oppurtunistic Bears D.

Tigers20

This one will be won on 3rd down and in the trenches. The Lions look better as of late compared to the beginning of the year, but will fall short against the Bears 21-17. Bears defense will step up and get the big stops needed to secure the win.

Georgiafan

The bears are in the middle of a stretch that's just beyond brutal while the Lions are still knocking the rust off while learning a new team. The lions defense has been playing lights out but the question with them is the offense. Its hard to bet against the bears with there offense but I am going to lions when in a mild upset 24-21

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[Jukemwr21]

Week 14 Jags Vs. Browns

This has a whiff of a AFC Championship in the making. Both of these teams have worked so hard to get to that point. Had the Bucs not ruined the Browns hopes of an undefeated season they might be stopped here. On the other side is Aaron Rodgers and this hungry Jags defense enough to propel them past the 1st round, especially after and embarrassment in Buffalo. We are about to get a preview of the playoffs here.

EXPERT PICKS:

Jukemwr21 - This is going to be a great showdown, and the team that's defense breaks down first will lose this game. Look for the Browns to take advantage early. They'll win if they dont make mistakes late in the game. Jags have to convert on 3rd down, and rely on their D to bail them out. Jags win 21-20

Tigers20 - Browns have put themselves in a great position to wrap up this season. I expect them to be very comfortable on the big stage and to squeak out the win against a Jags team in a tight one!
Jags have been impressive on paper, but this game will show them who they really are. Browns win 17-14.

georgiafan - I know both of these teams and owners very well so I think its your classic coin flip game. The browns want to win running the ball and the Jags are use to that play style having to play me twice a year. The Jags have the best defense in the NFL in points. But if it comes down to passing then I trust Aaron Rogers more over Hundley I say Jags 21-17

Imperfect611 - Honestly I think that the Jags have had only a few games in which they have been challenged. I think they are a great team, but they need to get a game vs a top tier opponent to convince me. I think this has to be their coming out party otherwise I see them going out round 1 of the playoffs. Browns over Jags 24-14.

 

[Imperfect611]

Week 14
Buffalo Bills (11-1) @ Los Angeles Raiders (9-3)
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This week we have a match-up between the current number one seed and the reigning Super Bowl champions. The AFC Championship game last year was where these two last met. Turnovers completely decided the game with the Raiders having a +5 differential. It was completely one sided with the final score being Buffalo 17, Los Angeles 40. None of us think the game will look anything like their last match.

Things we can expect to be mirrored is the lethargic run game from last year. Not only are neither really known as running teams, but both defenses force their opponent to throw the ball. The Bills have been happy to just that all year. Their rookie quarterback Matt Benson has led the team to many victories this year, but he will be out this game. First question is can Tyrod Taylor not only run this offense successfully against a premier team and protect the ball. Many people thought that Taylor's last game as the true starter was the reason he was benched for a rookie. He needs to come out and prove that he deserves this starting spot or he can probably expect to move on from Buffalo or ride the bench for the rest of his career. Also, we must note that Percy Harvin will be missing this game removing a major target for Taylor to rely on.

The Raiders have an all star roster, but even at 9-3 they aren't performing up to potential. Their "potential" though was a one or two loss season. They were the expected number one seed, but it seems like they have a major thorn in their side this year. Nobody matches the Raiders' strength of schedule this season so we need to take that into account. No matter what though the Raiders seem to be the team you don't bet against in clutch situations. It is because a of Derrek Carr becoming one of the elite quarterbacks in the league. Their resilience comes from Denolious Hatcher catching any ball that comes near him. People fear them because of the great coaching and the powerful heart of the team.

Buffalo Bills

Offensive

Can Tyrod Taylor be a starting quarterback again. He has been doing well and keep the Bills at the top of the AFC, but it is hard to shake off a game like last year. If he can protect the ball he can put his team in a position to win. He has yet to lose, but the offense has been noticeably less potent since he came in. How many points will he need to score to win this game. The Bills haven't broken the the 30 point mark in a few weeks and they may need to this week.​

Defensive

This game is supposed to be determined by the passing game so a strong pass rush could easily flip it on its head. Jerry Hughes has recorded 9 sacks this year and leads the Bills in this category. If he can record 2 sacks I think the game swings to Buffalo.​

Sleeper

No player this time just the special teams. The Bills have speed and the open field is a good place to use it. On top of that in close games field position wins the game if turnovers don't. Don't walk away when the kickers take the field who knows what will happen.
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Los Angeles Raiders

Offensive​

The TE play from Denolious Hatcher has been immaculate all year getting them out of every tough situation and causing mismatch errors for every team they face. I do not know how you shut him down maybe an athletic safety, but there aren't many options. If you can keep up with him he out muscles you and if you are stronger he out runs you. Say you even had a player that athletic on defense well then he can run near perfect routes. Good luck to whoever lines up across from him.​

Defensive​

D.J. Hayden had 2 picks last game and many tackles. He played all over the field leading his team to the Super Bowl. Taylor makes mistakes and maybe he can capitalize on them. At the least he should be able to take away a target with a weakened receiving core.​

Sleeper​

Amari Cooper shouldn't be a sleeper pick technically, but I think he makes a huge play if the Raiders win this one. The Bills need to keep an eye out for him or he will sneak up on them. Don't get caught sleeping on a "sleeper."​

PX1 Picks

Georgiafan

I think this game means more to the Bills as they are trying to get a 1st round bye while the Raiders can lose and still win the division if they win out. If I remember correctly the Bills lose in large part in AFC champ game bc of turnovers. The early QB battle seems to have gone away with Benson startingto play better. So I like the Bills by a FG here in a high scoring game.

Tigers20

Raiders have met their match in this one.

Bills have lit up this year and seem to be very comfortable at the moment. This is a dangerous squad offensively and will put up points in this game as they have most others this season.

Raiders fall short, Bills will get payback 35-17.

Jukemwr21

Bills all the way. We haven't seen the Raiders of last year in awhile despite the onslaught of talent that's come on this year and Carr maturing. Clay's on fire right now, and definitely the best team in the AFC. Bills 42-17.

 

[Jukemwr21]

Week 15

This rivalry is almost as old as the game itself. These two teams have been fighting for decades to be the king in the north. This will be no different this time around. Max Jeter is putting up phenomenal numbers with his trio of stud WR's Alshon Jefferey, Kevin White, and Martavis Bryant; but will have to go against a D- line that is heralded as the best in the game. The Packers D is very hungry and opportunistic, as well as trying to spearhead the big cheese into the playoffs.
On the other side of the ball Jonathan Bostic anchors down that Monsters of Midway defense, if they can get to Joey Leonard and rattle the young gunslinger's confidence then this game will be one sided. Look for the Pack to try to mix it up run and pass, especially with the rising of Derron Briggs who just took over the starting role for Eddie Lacy who has now been benched for the 2nd time in his career.

PX1 Picks

BigTexas18
While the packers have put up 30+ in their last 2 games, they are 1-3 in the division and have already lost to the Bears once. History between the two doesn't favor the packers either. Bears are on a 3 game win streak and I see them still riding that momentum.

Bears 31-17

georgiafan

Yea bears are the more battle tested teams and they also come in with no pressure as they can win the Divison even if they lose. If packers are gonna win they have to win turnover battle by 2.

I like bears by 2 TD

Jukemwr21
While the Bears are hot, I'm not going to drown out the noise I've seen in this rivalry over our last couple of seasons. Pack is more hungry as the Bears have nothing to lose. If the Pack loses it likely gives the lions a playoff spot. He can't afford that so...

I'm taking the Pack by 6... 31-25.​

 

[Imperfect611]

Week 16
Green Bay Packers (8-6) @ Detroit Lions (9-5)
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So I will admit this is a fun division to talk about. It has three very strong and very good owners who have built some very competitive teams. The NFC North is decided and the Bears are going to take that title to the playoffs, but the wild card is up for grabs with this one game. Realistically the Packers are the only team in the hunt for the last NFC wild card spot. Since they are already 1-0 in this head to head this year, a win this week would give them the tie breaker over the Lions. With Green Bay playing a weak New England team next week it should be enough to guarantee a wild card berth into the playoffs. If the Packers lose this week the playoffs are out of the question. They will be 2 games back on the Lions and the Falcons would hold the tiebreaker on conference record.

This game is huge for the Lions too because this would lock them into a wild card spot and simply have to play Atlanta next week for seeding purposes. They lost the last head to head vs Green Bay, but they are a different team from week 2. They started off the season 2-3, but have played 7-2 ball since. That kind of run is something we can't ignore. Whatever happens our NFC playoff teams will be decided tonight.

Close games are decided by turnovers and this may be an issue for the Lions stand in quarterback C.J. Duncan. He has thrown at least one interception in every game he has played since Spriggs' injury. For a mainly passing offense you need to worry about how well this man can protect the ball. That's not to say he has been playing badly, in fact he tore apart the Eagles and played well against New England, but the Lions coaching staff may want to spend some extra time focusing on game management with their man this week.

Let's talk about that d-line. They can produce sacks and they need to produce sacks. The Lions' passing attack is not one you can sit back on and cover all day. Great receivers will get open so you need to force the quarterback to move quickly. If they can force Duncan to make one or two big mistakes this game is ripe for the taking for the Packers. An issue could be Knile Davis. Although he hasn't been picking big yardage games he can attack this defense. They have very specific weak points in the run game considering they have linemen who are more natural linebackers and a middle linebacker who doesn't have the speed to move sideline to sideline. The Lions have shown that Davis is not the focal point of their offense, but a big play or even a few 5 to 10 yard runs could really change the outlook of this game.

Green Bay Packers

Offensive

Although we spent a lot of time talking about the Lions' quarterback situation, the Packers aren't exactly made in the shade this year. Joey Leonard was a good draft pick by the Packers after the controversial move to let Rodgers hit free agency, but he plays like a rookie. He has his shining moments where you see what he can be and then he makes a bad decision. He is coming off a 3 interception game last week and the Packers don't win if they don't have the ball. He has the potential to control and win this game and also the ability to thrown it away.​

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Defensive

Remember that slow middle linebacker we mentioned. Well that was Sam Barrington. He leads the Packers in tackles this season, but Knile Davis is fast. If he makes one bad read on a run play or gets at all out of position he stands no chance of catching up. Barrington will need to be on his toes at all times this week.
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Sleeper

The Lions have a good pass defense, but they don't have the size or strength on much of their lineup to deal with Dorial Green-Beckham. He is not the most consistent WR, but he should be a match-up nightmare for Detroit when he is on the field. The Lions are a well built team, but you need to slow a guy like this down and they are weak in the press. If he finds a good 1 on 1 he could come up with a few catches this week.
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Detroit Lions

Offensive

Guess what! It's not the quarterback, it is the whole offensive line. Duncan can be successful if he has time, but the Packers are great at making sure that quarterbacks don't get that. If they can absorb the pressure from the Green Bay front 7 the offense should run like a well oiled machine.​

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Defensive

When all your team needs to do is play consistant and play well, you look to you playmakers to make a difference. Brandon Boykin has caused the most turnovers for Detroit this year and all he needs to do is cause one more to help his team into the playoffs. It could be anyone on the Lions d to be honest this week, but we are choosing the guy most statistically likely to make the big play.
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Sleeper

Tyrunn Walker may be in a position to create some pressure up the middle on the pass rush this week. The Packers protect their quarterback very well, but up the middle their guard play can become questionable on pass protection. Keep and eye up the middle to see if the Lions get creative with pressure.
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PX1 Picks

Imperfect611

I think after everything I have looked at I need to go with the Packers. If Spriggs was playing I would give it to the Lions, but you need a quarterback to win and too many things need to go right for that to happen. I think the pass rush will be too much and I think they don't match-up well on defense.​

Jukemwr21

This game was huge in the turnover column the first time around. This time it's personal for both teams and for the playoffs. Home field advantage might come in to play here, but I still think the Pack take this one 21-14.
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Georgiafan

I feel like I always pick against him but I'm gonna do it again and go with the lions. The backup qb for the lions being nice in is obviously huge. Leonard has had some games where he has struggled with interceptions and he must protect the ball for them to win. I think lions by 7
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