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| John Kuhn: sometimes, a last name is enough to get you into a Pro Bowl. |
1. J.J. Watt - Last week was the first time this season that I watched Texans game film. If Watt doesn't win the Defensive Player of the Year award, there is no justice.
2. Rob Gronkowski - Even after missing the last few games, Gronk is still arguably the best receiving tight end , and definitely the best blocking tight end.
3. Von Miller - If not for Watt, Miller might get my DPOY vote.
4. Mike Iupati - Some of the biggest Pro Bowl injustices happen on the offensive line, but this 49er guard's devastating run-blocking has earned him this recognition.
5. Justin Smith - It's good to see everyone catch onto the man who we voted the No. 2 player in the NFL last year.
And here were the players who don't deserve to be anywhere near the Pro Bowl:
1. John Kuhn - He's an average blocker who is rewarded because Packers fans like to yell "KUUUUUUUUUUHN."
2. Michael Oher - He's been a disappointment since the Ravens moved him to the blind side this year, but wasn't he the guy who starred in a movie with Sandra Bullock?
3. Logan Mankins - There are better guards who have played more than eight games this season.
4. Bernard Pollard - I can only assume this is every Patriot-hater's way of rewarding him for hurting Rob Gronkowski in the playoffs last year.
5. Jeff Saturday - He belongs in the Hall of Fame one day, but this year he has the worst PFF run-blocking grade of any center in the league.
Last Week: 9-7
Regular Season: 114-106-4
Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions
The Lions have had some tough breaks this year, but losing by 28 to Ryan Lindley's Cardinals was inexcusable.
The Pick: Falcons (-3.5)
Oakland Raiders at Carolina Panthers
I hope this late push by the Panthers saves Ron Rivera's job. Barring a historically-awful season or player mutiny, every coach should be given at least three seasons to prove himself.
The Pick: Panthers (-7.5)
New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys
Ten of the Cowboys' 14 games have been decided by seven points or less. They've been cutting it too closely lately to not get burned at some point.
The Pick: Saints (+2.5)
Tennessee Titans at Green Bay Packers
The Packers are a different team with Clay Matthews. They're peaking at the right time.
The Pick: Packers (-12)
Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans
Those picking Adrian Peterson for MVP are forgetting that Percy Harvin was the best player on the Vikings for the first half of the season.
The Pick: Texans (-7.5)
New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars
Despite the loss, I came away from Sunday Night Football more impressed with the Patriots because of the way that they fought back in the second half.
The Pick: Patriots (-14)
Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs
I was this close to picking the Colts as my sleeper wild card team this year, but didn't trust their defense. It's been just good enough to give Andrew Luck a chance in almost every game.
The Pick: Colts (-7)
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
After learning that their team is staying in Buffalo for at least the next decade, a win Sunday would be just gravy for Bills fans.
The Pick: Bills (+5)
San Diego Chargers at New York Jets
After watching the Jets stubbornly refuse to turn to Tim Tebow on Monday night, I'm now convinced that signing him was a move completely driven by Woody Johnson. Because being on the back page of the New York Post for two weeks straight is just as good as winning Super Bowl XLVI.
The Pick: Chargers (+2.5)
Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles
Kudos to Kirk Cousins, my Best Offensive Sub of Week 15. A lot of success in the NFL comes from confidence and momentum, and few teams have more of that than the Redskins right now.
The Pick: Redskins (-6.5)
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
I thought the Bengals blew their chance to reverse this one-sided rivalry back in Week 7. But they have a second chance, and they've been a better team than the Steelers for a few weeks now.
The Pick: Bengals (+3)
St. Louis Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Greg Schiano's discipline was supposed to stop humiliating blowout losses like the one to the Saints last week. Another bad loss to an inferior team could ruin his entire rookie season.
The Pick: Buccaneers (-3)
Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos
With all due respect to Adrian Peterson, no player has done more for his team this season than Peyton Manning. With two weeks left, he's still my MVP.
The Pick: Broncos (-12)
Chicago Bears at Arizona Cardinals
For the second year straight, injuries are threatening to kill the Bears' playoff hopes. Then again, every team has injuries this time of year.
The Pick: Bears (-6)
New York Giants at Baltimore Ravens
Giants fans freaking out after the loss to the Falcons have forgetten that, at this time last year, New York had just been beaten, at home, by Rex Grossman's Redskins. This will be a close game, and the difference could be whether or not Prince Amukamara is healthy enough to play. New York can't afford to rely upon Jayron Hosley, my Worst Offensive Sub last week.
The Pick: Giants (-2.5)
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
In my Pro Football Focus preview of this game, I noted how much the 49ers offensive line dominated with their run blocking the last time these two teams met. Now that San Francisco also has a running threat at quarterback, I think he'll be able to hand the Seahawks their first home loss this season.
The Pick: 49ers (PK)
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