Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley against the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 17, 2017. Photo Courtesy: Twitter @thescore
The playoff picture is starting to clear up with two games remaining in the regular season. The New England Patriots rallied past the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24, giving them the tiebreaker for the top spot in the AFC standings.
Meanwhile, in Jacksonville, the Jaguars clinched their first playoff spot since 2007.
But we start in the NFC West where the Rams had a dominant performance against the Seahawks led by running back Todd Gurley.
Todd Gurley (21 carries, 152 yards, 3 TDs/3 receptions, 28 yards, TD) – After last week’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay felt he didn’t get the ball enough into the hands of his best playmaker in Gurley. He did just that against the Seahawks to the tune of 180-total yards and four touchdowns on the day.
Jimmy Garoppolo (31-43, 381 yards, TD) – Garoppolo looked every bit the part of a franchise QB in leading the 49ers to a 25-23 upset victory over the Titans. Since inserting Garoppolo into the starting lineup, the 49ers have won three straight and the signal caller has breathed life back into Levi Stadium.
Kareem Hunt (24 carries, 155 yards, TD/7 receptions, 51 yards, TD) – Kansas City’s fabulous rookie running back returned to early season form by gaining over 200-total yards in the 30-13 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. According to ESPN, Hunt gained 97 yards after first contact and forced seven missed tackles.
Rob Gronkowski (9 receptions, 168 yards) – On the Patriots game-winning drive over the Steelers, Gronkowski had three grabs for 69 yards. His performance helped the Patriots to a pivotal 27-24 win that most likely will have the road to the Super Bowl, once again go through Gillette Stadium.
Blake Bortles (21-29, 326 yards, 3 TDs) – If I asked you who has been the best quarterback in December, Blake Bortles probably wouldn’t have been your first choice, but surprise, surprise! In the final month of the regular season, Bortles has thrown for 903 yards and seven touchdowns. The Jaguars have clinched their first playoff birth since 2007 and can wrap up the AFC South with a win and a Titans loss next week.
Last Week’s Game of the Week Pick Recap:
New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Actual Result: New England Patriots 27 – Pittsburgh Steelers 24
Predictions:
Jason Romano: Patriots 27 – Steelers 24 (49ers over Titans)
Justin Adams: Steelers 33 – Patriots 30 (Rams over Seahawks)
Jon Ackerman: Patriots 30 – Steelers 27 (Browns over Ravens)
Season Record: (Upset Picks Record in Parentheses)
Jason: 12-4 (3-8)
Justin: 8-8 (5-6)
Jon: 12-3 (2-8)
This Week’s Games of the Week Pick: Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints
