Meaningless Games? Are they?

Odd week with many games being win or go home and some seemingly "Meaningless" as the pundits say, however if you dig deeper and remember these are professional Athletes whose livelihood depends on their performance you may have a different take.  I do, and think there is value there. 

Pitt @ Balt:  Pitt does need the win so its not meaningless in the true sense while Baltimore has clinched and is resting everyone.  The difference here is Harbaugh has a ridiculous record in Meaningless games, (soemthing like 27-2 last 29 Pre Season Games).  This is a heated rivalry and i dont think the Ravens will let their rival come into their house and secure a playoff Berth and potentially play them again.   The Ravens have depth and will be wanting to prep for their SB run and SEND their rival home for the holidays..... so I see an all out effort here and I am taking the Ravens to cover.  

Jets @ NE: Another rivalry, Bellicheck stood the Jets up as the heir apparent to Parcells and left the Jets to come to New England, lots of history here, Belicheck, many feel will be gone after this game, the Jets are a Mess, cant wait to go on Vacation so I see the Patriots covering this game at Home and sending Bill B. off into retirement or perhaps one last hurrah elsewhere.  Patriots here.

Seattle @ Arizona: Arizona is out of it but their effort all season has been amazing consideing all the adversity and injuies, James Conner is back and looks like the stud he is and Murray has added that spark as the franchise QB working back into shape.  Seattle, they overachieved, yes, Geno Smith is Serviceable but has not repeated his last season stats mostly due to being banged up. I see the Cardinals defending home turf and going out with a Win and Cover to build on next season. Yes, Seattle must win to secure a playoff spot but then they need quite a bit of help, I dont see it happeneing.  Take Arizona. 

Denver @ Las Vegas: Since firing their HC, the Raiders have been a different team and they want the interim coach to be named, they love his style and approach and we see the results, a solid performance and win could solidify him being named. 100% effort by the Silver and Black.....On the other side of the Ball we have a divided team with Wilson being benched and potentially his last game as a Bronco.  I like the Raiders to win it for the Gipper! 

Also playing the Ravens OVER 34.5

                         Texans/Colts UNDER 47.5

                          GL with whatever you play!    

The tricky thing about the Pitt/Balt game is that I am quite sure they would much rather play Pittsburgh in the playoffs than most other teams like Buffalo for example. BUT this is a huge rivalry and these two hate each other so very doubtful Baltimore will just tank the game. You can only rest so many players as well so some starters will be in there for the Ravens for most of the game.

I know the weather will be very bad in Baltimore and most are on the UNDER but I still am taking the OVER, lack of defense, loose play, plus TOs will get this game OVER IMO....

@KeyMaster

 Bol today KM

@thehuntman

 Great point, do you think the Ravens are thinking that far ahead?   Not sure, I think they just see their hated Rival coming into their House to try to Beat them and get in the playoffs.....   Nothing more satisfying then sending your rival home for the season.  Much like the Bears motivation to beat the Packers tomorrow, but thats ANOTHER thread.....LOL

I lean toward the over as well but think the defense is what helps it go over with turnovers and short fields. This game is very similar to the 2019 game when the Baltimore backups knocked the Duck Hodges led Steelers out. The Baltimore D was the difference and today I see both Defenses making plays for turnovers and maybe even scoring, but Baltimore D will be playing looser since they are already in.

@KeyMaster

 I need to make a pick in my pool which I just happen to be leading going into this weekend so feeling the pressure lol. Line is Steelers -3.5. No clue at this point who to take and the weather predicted makes it even tougher. I will be on the over with you for sure. 20-17 would work either way and that isn't asking much.

Good Luck! 

@KeyMaster

 Agree with  most except 1 extra bit of info for Arizona

They blew their load vs eagles last week

They may be tanking to maintain draft position...a win bumps them outta top 5

@thehuntman

 Tough position to be in, GL with the Pool!   

  Lets get that OVER! 

@dubz4dummyz

 Good info, the Coach would have the instructions to "tank" I dont see the players tanking, something to consider......

KeyMaster: BOL

 Agree. If the players are thinking about the draft, it's an incentive to play hard and keep your job

@KeyMaster

GL