Week 17 in Review

I will have a different type of week in review this week. Since many fantasy owners’ seasons are over and those who were still playing relied on many backups, I will provide a recap of who won, who lost, who’s going home, and who will play January football.

The best game of the weekend, and possibly the year, was played on Saturday Night in the Meadowlands. The Patriots defeated the Giants in a thrilling, roller-coaster game. The Giants held their own against the league’s best and even held a 28-16 second half lead. However, Tom Brady and company were just too much for the Giants defense to handle. Randy Moss and Tom Brady each set their personal TD records while the Patriots improved to 16-0. They finished the regular season at the place where Spygate all began.

In other meaningless games for playoff-bound teams, the Falcons edged the Seahawks, the Texans rolled over the Jaguars, and the Ravens beat the Steelers.

Meanwhile, the Redskins romped the Cowboys and earned a playoff berth. The Titans also squeaked by Sorgi’s Colts despite losing Vince Young for the game in the 2^nd half. Tennessee earned the right to play San Diego next weekend.

Disappointing ends:

Kansas City Chiefs (4-12): The Chiefs lost nine straight games to end the year and a 4-3 lead that once led the AFC West seems like a long time ago. Losing Larry Johnson was a huge blow to their offense, but not winning a game down the stretch is just sad.

Minnesota Vikings (8-8): It was in their hands at home. The Vikings can only look back to their Week 16 loss at home in primetime to the Redskins. They were one of the hottest teams in football, but their QB play led to their demise.

Detroit Lions (7-9): Jon Kitna’s 10-win guarantee looked smart mid-way through the year as Detroit was 6-2. However, the Lions won just one game after that to finish the year 1-7 in their last eight games.

Tough break:

Cleveland’s playoff hopes died Sunday night in Indianapolis. They finished 10-6, but were a win in Cincinnati short of playoff football…or a loss by the Titans to the Colts.

Wildcard Weekend preview:

Redskins @ Seahawks – Redskins playing with #21 on their minds while Seattle with be playing with the 12^th man on their sides.

Jaguars @ Steelers – A rematch of a Week 15 thriller takes place in the same location this wildcard weekend. Can the Steelers avoid being swept at home by the Jags? They’ll have to do it without Willie Parker this time.

Giants @ Bucs – What is it about Jeff Garcia? The Giants have lost to him in a 49er and Eagles uniform. Can he do it in a Bucs uniform? This intriguing game will showcase the well-rested vs. the fatigued…or is it the rusty team vs. the sharp team?

Titans @ Chargers – Another rematch of two teams that recently squared off takes place in San Diego. The Chargers won the first matchup in Tennessee in a late comeback effort in overtime. San Diego has won six straight games while the Titans await word on the status of their QB Vince Young.

Enjoy the first round of the playoffs!