NFL Biggest Takeaways Week 16
Ravens Handle The 9ers
It's safe to say I don’t think anyone was expecting the Baltimore Ravens to beat the San Francisco 49ers in this fashion. To go into San Fran and beat the 9ers 33-19 is the biggest statement game of the season and undoubtedly makes the Ravens the best team in the league right now. The Ravens' defense made the best statistical offense this year look like a middle-of-the-pack offense. Brock Purdy was the front-runner for the MVP coming into this game, and had the worst game of his young career, throwing four INTs. There was a lot of noise this week leading to the game where the 9ers were favorites by pretty much everyone except Ravens fans, and rightfully so. Both teams have top-five defenses this season, but the 9ers have the best offense in the league. However, it was the Lamar Jackson-led offense that showed out this game and played a turnover-free game, which is all they needed to do was not turn the ball over when their opponent turned it over five times. This game was also a potential Superbowl preview, and if I was a betting man, I’d bet on these two teams to be in the Super Bowl this year. No other AFC team looks as complete as the Ravens have this year. While no NFC team looks like they can go into San Fran in the postseason and beat them. So, until it happens, these are my two favorites to come out of each conference. And you can bet the 9ers will adjust for that game and won't look as bad as they did last night, especially offensively.
Can You Trust Dallas Come Playoff Time?
The Dallas Cowboys have lost two straight after the Miami Dolphins made the game-winning field goal to beat them. It was a great game nonetheless, but that makes me wonder if they have what it takes to win a playoff game. The Cowboys are 3-5 on the road this season, and right now it's looking more and more like they will be the five seed because the Eagles will most likely win the division. So, the Cowboys would have to play three straight road games to get to the Super Bowl. Their first game would most likely be at Tampa Bay, which is the fourth seed right now. Tampa Bay has been playing some great football the last month and Baker Mayfield is playing like a pro bowler as well, so this wouldn’t be as easy of a game as most would expect. Then they’d most likely have to go play in San Fran, which they have not had any luck for a long time there. I don’t believe they can beat the 9ers at home, but crazier things have happened. If they somehow got past the 9ers, then they’d play the Eagles in Philly which I also don’t think would be easy no matter how much better I think Dallas is. Right now, the Cowboys have not given me any reason to believe that they can win any road playoff game because they’ve lost five of eight on the road. Can they win any of those games? Absolutely because they are still a top-five team in the league. I just don’t think they can go through a gauntlet like that where they have to win three straight-road games. Even if they beat the Lions this week. The win would be impressive, but the Cowboys will be favored so it isn’t a shocker beating the lions at home. Dallas better figure something out for road games because it’s looking like they're going to be on the road all postseason right now.
Who Should Be MVP Frontrunner Right Now?
This year is the first time in a while that there is no clear-cut frontrunner for MVP. For QBs at least since we all know QBs are heavily favored for this award. Coming into week 16, the frontrunner was Brock Purdy. After his four INT games, he falls down the rankings. I have seen a lot of analysts and reporters say the frontrunner is Lamar Jackson. The reasoning is that he's the most valuable player for his team regardless of numbers and he’s on the team with the best record. Jackson only has 24 total TDs. There are 10 QBs with more total yards and more total TDs. He is also playing alongside the best defense in the league statistically. I believe if we’re going off the most valuable player for this year, it's Josh Allen. I don’t understand how most oddsmakers don’t even have him top five. His team has dealt with so many injuries this season on the defensive side of the ball and he has his team at 9-6 and in prime position to go far in the playoffs. He also has the numbers, racking up over 4000 total yards so far and leading the league in total TDs with 40. That would be my pick if we’re going off QBs since we know a QB is going to win the award. If we’re talking about the most deserving player In general, then I think Christian McCaffery should win it. He has 21 total TDs and 1,932 yards from scrimmage. While yes, the QB is the most important position in the league, McCaffery is one of if not the biggest reason the 9ers are in first place in the NFC. He is the engine that keeps the 9ers going and opens up the field for Purdy. Do I think McCaffery will win it? Probably not, but that doesn't mean he isn’t the most deserving this year.