NFL Black Monday

NFL Black Monday is the first day after the Regular Season ends when coach and GM firings are made. Sportacular Sports will be updating the news throughout the day.

10:33 am
As of now, 4 coaches have been fired, in addition to 2 GM's being fired.
Head coaches
Andy Reid- Philadelphia Eagles
Norv Turner- San Diego Chargers
Romeo Crennel- Kansas City Chiefs
Pat Shurmur- Cleveland Browns

General Managers
Mike Tannenbaum- New York Jets
Tom Heckert- Cleveland Browns

Rumors
Rex Ryan of the New York Jets has not heard any news that he will be replaced and is rumored as safe.
Scott Pioli of the Kansas City Chiefs has not been let go as of now but is still on the hot seat.
The most surprising rumor comes from Chicago, where Lovie Smith is hearing talks of his replacement. Nothing is official yet but watch Lovie Smith's status.

11:00 am
2 additional coaches have now been fired
As rumored earlier, Adam Schefter confirms Lovie Smith has been fired. In addition the Bills have let go of Chan Gailey.

Lovie Smith-Chicago Bears
Chan Gailey-Buffalo Bills

11:52 am
Two reports have come out in the past hour regarding the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.
General Manager Jeff Ireland is said to be safe in Miami.
As for Scott Pioli his job is secure until the new head coach is selected. Similar to the Jacksonville situation, the Chiefs head coach will be part of the decision making in choosing if Pioli stays or goes.

12:08 pm
Another lowly reported story has been announced. GM of the Jaguars Gene Smith has been dismissed of his duties.

1:39 pm
Two recent reports have been announced relating to teams on the west coast.
After Norv Turner had been fired early this morning, the Bolts decided to relieve GM A.J. Smith of his duties.
In addition, the Arizona Cardinals have fired head coach Ken Whisenhut and general manager Rod Graves.

Here is a recap of today's firings

Head Coaches
Andy Reid- Philadelphia Eagles
Norv Turner- San Diego Chargers
Romeo Crennel- Kansas City Chiefs
Pat Shurmur- Cleveland Browns
Lovie Smith-Chicago Bears
Chan Gailey-Buffalo Bills
Ken Whisenhut-Arizona Cardinals

General Managers

Tom Heckert-Cleveland Browns
Mike Tannenbaum- New York Jets
Gene Smith-Jacksonville Jaguars
A.J. Smith-San Diego Chargers
Rod Graves-Arizona Cardinals

NFL Week 17 Headlines

Week 17 Recap

Redskins clinch their first division title in 13 years, face Russel Wilson and the Seahwaks at FedEx Field next Sunday.
-RGIII only completed 50% of his passes Sunday night but his rookie counterpart, Alfred Morris, carried the team. Alfred Morris had 33 carries for. 200 yards and 3 touchdowns. That's a spectacular performance combined with another choke by Tony Romo. Given a chance to prove all the analysts wrong, Romo got the ball down a field goal with 4 minutes remaining on his own 15 yards line. After a 15 yard completion to tight end Jason Witten moved the Cowboys to the 30 yard line, linebacker Rob Jackson bluffed an outside blitz and flew out to the flat. Romo didn't see Jackson and threw up the worst interception of his career. Morris closed the game with his third TD of the game and face the streaking 'Hawks on Sunday.

Adrian Peterson falls 9 yards short of Eric Dickerson's record but Vikings clinch final Wild Card berth.
-With 24 seconds remaining the Packers and Vikings were tied at 34 apiece sitting at the Green Bay 37 yard line. AP was 35 yards away from the record and would need to bust a Touchdown run to hold the record. The only team in America that would have considered running the ball with one timeout, handed the ball off to Peterson who bust through the left side of the line giving everyone a glimmer of hope. Sprinting, stopping, and the juking right, everyone in America was screaming Go! Go! Peterson was finally dragged down at the 11 yard line, 9 yards short of the record. More importantly, AP had put the Vikings in position for a 29 yard Blair Walsh chip shot. I believe Peterson should be the MVP after leading a 3-13 team last season to the playoffs off of a reconstructive knee surgery. Peterson and the Vikes travel to face the same Packers next weekend in a 3-6 playoff matchup.

Houston blows home-field advantage and a bye as Denver and New Emgland sneak into the 1 and 2 spots.
-Sitting at 11-1, Houston dropped 3 out of their last 4 to fall into the 3 seed in the AFC. Instead of a first round bye and extra week of rest, Houston faces a pesky Cincinnati team this weekend. As Denver and New England snuck into the top spots, the AFC is lining up for a Manning vs. Brady matchup in the mountains on January 20th.

49ers slide into the 2 seed, setting up a rookie QB matchup between Robert Griffin 3rd and Russel Wilson.
-The Niners room care of business and defeated the Cardinals. With help from Minnesota, the Niners were able to jump into a first round bye. This set up an intriguing matchup between the two hottest NFC teams. The hype behind Griffin and the underdog story with Wilson should lead to an excellent game next weekend.

Colts dominate the Texans in Chuck Pagano's first game back from leukemia; face Pagano's old team in Baltimore Sunday.
- Written above this game was the game in which Houston choked away their bye but more importantly Chuck Pagano coached his first game since beating his battle with leukemia. The unbelievable underdog story travels to Baltimore to play the hurting Ravens. Everyone in America will be rooting for Luck, Pagano, Arians, and the Colts come Sunday in truly the best sports story this year.

Wild Card Matchups- All times ET
Bengals vs. Texans 4:30 on NBC
Vikings vs. Packers 8pm on NBC
Colts vs. Ravens 1pm on CBS
Seahawks vs. Redskins 4:30 on FOX

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins

Headline:
The Dallas Cowboys travel to the nation's capital to face rookie sensation RGIII and company in an NFC East winner take all matchup.

Dallas Cowboys:
The most known statistic for this matchup is Tony Romo's lack of success in big time games. The muffed extra point in the playoffs and the two blowout losses in the same winner take all games makes the assessment very fair. As a cause of his troubles, many people are calling this game the "moment of truth" of Tony Romo's career. No one is really giving Dallas a chance but Dez Bryant and Miles Austin should be able to exploit the weaker Washington secondary. DeMarcus Ware will be suiting up sporting a shoulder brace and will be a major part of containing Robert Griffin. The key for Dallas is not stopping RGIII but rather containing him to give themselves a chance.

Washington Redskins:
The Washington Redskins have a chance to return to the postseason for the first time in 7 years. Very much so thanks to rookie Quaterback RGIII. One thing I noticed was that his hype has also picked up the others on the team and improved the play of his teammates. The positive attitude Griffin brings to Washington is a major key for their success. If the Redskins can play reasonably on defense they should have an excellent chance of winning this football game.

Prediction:
I really want to pick the upset in this game but until Romo proves himself I have to go with the home team. I'm rooting for Romo but RGIII will play the best game of his career and an Alfred Morris touchdown will seal the deal and send the 'Skins to the playoffs.

Final Score:
Washington-31 Dallas-21
Line:
Washington -3.0
Over/Under:
49.5

Alamo Bowl Preview- #23 Texas Longhorns vs. #13 Oregon State Beavers

Headline: The 23rd ranked Longhorns stay in state to face the 13th ranked Beavers in the Alamo Bowl.

6:35 ET on ESPN


Oregon State Beavers:
The Oregon State Beavers are very pleased to be sitting at 9-3 and in a bowl game for the first time since 2009. Tied for the biggest win improvement from last season, the Beavers won 6 more games than they did last season. After a 4-0 start, the Beavers starting QB, Sean Mannion, required knee surgery which helped Junior Cody Vaz assume the same position. Despite Mannion's return, Coach Riley named Vaz the starter before their departure for San Antonio. The Longhorns will have to contain Oregon State's all-time receptions leader Markus Wheaton who broke former role model's record, James Rodgers, with 12 receptions in a 77-3 blowout against Nicholls State.

Texas Longhorns:
Most teams in the FBS would be satisfied with an 8-4 record and an invitation to the Alamo Bowl yet Texas is disappointed and Mack Brown is on the warm seat. Coach Brown's seat is only warm because of the Bowl Berth but if the Longhorns do not return to a BCS Bowl next season things will get interesting in Austin. A storied program like Texas expects to be on the big stage and if Brown and company cannot get the job done, wholesale changes will be made. Now for the Quarterback conversation. After Case McCoy (and Jordan Hicks) went partying after curfew the other night, Ash has found some job security at QB. Although Ash was named the starter, he was going to be on a short string similar to the Thanksgiving game against TCU. Ash will start but Texas' success will rely on their running game. Led by Malcolm Brown, Jonathan Gray, and Joe Bergeron the Longhorn rushing attack is one of the deadliest in the Nation and will have to carry the 'Horns to victory.

Prediction:
In a mild upset, the Longhorns will protect the football and run over the Beavers. Cody Vaz will play well but a late interception will allow the Longhorns to run out the clock to victory.

Final Score:
Texas-27 Oregon State-21

Line:
Oregon Stats -3.5

Over/Under:
58.0

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat

Sportacular Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder (21-5) vs. Miami Heat (18-6)

The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Miami to face the Heat in a rematch of last years NBA Finals. After winning an MVP and NBA title last season LeBron has returned this season on the same mission. Win an NBA title. Oklahoma City has showed no sign of slowing down even after the James Harden trade. Kevin Durant has been a superstar and Russel Westbrook's shot selection has been good enough. Owning the top record in the league, Oklahoma City faces a tough test on Christmas Day.

Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder come into this matchup winning 4 out of their last 5. Their recent
10+ game winning streak just ended but their are no signs of slowing down. Russel Westbrook is having his best career season averaging 9 assists and 2 steals a game. The Thunder look to end their 9 game road losing streak on Christmas Day.

Miami Heat
LeBron James said this week, "It's not my job to lead the league in scoring." He included he believes he could indeed but prefers being a team player. In mentioning that, James has scored 20+ points in all 24 games this season. In addition, LeBron hasn't committed a foul in 6 games. Whether or not that is favoritism from some referees, James has been on a tear this season. As I said earlier, LeBron is looking to be back in the NBA Finals again this season.

Prediction;
The two top players in the league will be going at it back and forth. The one element that separates the two is LeBron's defensive presence. That factor combined with home court advantage will lead to a Heat victory.

Final Score:
Heat-106 Thunder-100

New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers- Christmas Day Special

New York Knicks (20-7) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (13-14)

The New York Knicks travel to the Staples Center on Christmas Day on ESPN at 3 pm as part of a Christmas Day buffet of NBA games. The Knicks are having a superb season so far as Carmelo Anthony is 2nd in the league in scoring to counterpart Kobe Bryant. The Lakers have underperformed thus far but the return of Steve Nash should get them back on track.

New York Knicks
The Knicks are one of the deepest teams in the NBA with talent still to return. They have options like J.R. Smith, Marcus Camby, and Steve Novak coming off the bench including an injured Rasheed Wallace. To add onto that, New York has top defensive Point Guard Iman Shumpert and all-star Amar'e Stoudamire set to return within the next month or so. The Knicks definitely appear that they can compete and today will be an excellent test to survey where they are. Look for Carmelo to have a great game.

Los Angeles Lakers
L.A. Got off to a slow start but have shown improvement of late. The return of Steve Nash two nights ago resulted in a win over a surprisingly good Golden State team. Dwight Howard has been quietly amazing this season averaging 18 ppg, 12 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. Kobe Bryant currently leads the league in scoring with 29.7 ppg and is still playing at a high level even at age 34. The Lakers need a significant win to please the fans and I anticipate they will.

Prediction:
The Knicks will play the Lakers tough and the back and forth between Melo and Kobe will be great but I predict Kobe hits the last shot and pushes L.A. to a win.

Final Score:
Lakers-102 Knicks-99

Sportacular Sports

Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets-Sportacular Sports

Boston Celtics (13-13) vs. Brooklyn Nets (14-12)

On Christmas Day, the Boston Celtics travel to the Big Apple to face the new look Nets. Offseason addition Joe Johnson has meshed nicely with superstar Deron Williams. The older Celtics are still getting quality play from the Truth, Paul Pierce and the top pure Point Guard in the league, Rajon Rondo.

Brooklyn Nets
Moving to Brooklyn this season, the Nets got off to a hot start feeding off of the excitement. Their early season success included a win over their cross town rival, the New York Knicks. After that win, things began to decline including losses in 3 out of the past 4 games.

Boston Celtics
Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce have been excellent of recent but the supporting cast has been lacking. Losing 4 of their past 5, the Celtics are also looking to rebound on Christmas Day. The Celtics are currently 8th in the East but the question is not are they going to make the playoffs yet it is are they able to contend? To that, I say no. Rondo is a superb player but KG's and Paul Pierce's time is up and unless they make a major deal at the trade deadline, the Heat will remain as Eastern Conference Champions.

Prediction
Boston usually gets up for big time games like this but the Nets are a team that plays purely off of hype and excitement. On Christmas Day, the Barclays center will be rocking and that is why I predict a Nets win.

Final Score:
Brooklyn-92 Boston-88

NFL Sunday Recap-Sportacular Sports

NFL Sunday Recap

Ravens clinch 2nd straight divisional title
-Baltimore rolled to a 33-14 victory securing a home playoff game. The Giants need a win against the Eagles and losses from Minnesota and Chicago to return to the postseason.

Cincinnati wins on a last second FG clinching a playoff birth
-The Bengals traveled to Pittsburgh where a late Interception and an ensuing FG pushed Cincy into the 6 spot and knocking Pittsburgh out of the playoffs.

Dallas falls to the Saints in OT while the Redskins tame the Eagles
-RgIII and company held the Eagles at the goal line as time expired to take lead of the division. The Cowboys recovered from a 14 point deficit in the 4th only to falter in overtime. Thanks to a Giants loss, the matchup next weekend still remains the NFC East Championship Game.

Calvin breaks the record on Saturday, AP still has a ways to go.
-Calvin Johnson shredded the Falcons for 225 yards on Saturday Night and remains only 108 yards away from the 2,000 mark. Adrian Peterson rushed for a mere 86 yards and would need 208 yards to break Eric Dickerson's record next week against the Packers.

Sportacular Sports- Who will win the NFC East?

Who will win the NFC East?

The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins control their destiny to becoming division champions while the New York Giants remain as the dark horse in the race. The Cowboys and Redskins both win the division by win ing today and then next weekend against each other. The Giants win with two wins and a loss by both the Skins and Boys.

Washington has the easiest road to the division playing the eagles and home against Dallas next week. How will RGIII play on an injured knee is a concern but I think the Redskins will be the surprise of the year clinch next week at home.

Tony Romo better win the division or it will be an extremely long offseason. The critics are out but Romo has put them to sleep on their recent winning streak. Will it continue against the Saints today, I think so but come next weekend I think the Redskins will be victorious.

The New York Giants definitely have a chance to win the division but I don't believe they will not do I believe they will make the playoffs. This seems like an off season for everyone including Eli Manning and their will be a new Super Bowl Champion this season.

Conclusion
The Redskins win the division and neither the Cowboys nor the Giants will make the playoffs.

New York Giants vs Baltimore Ravens

New York Giants vs Baltimore Ravens

Who needs this win more?

New York Giants argument

The defending Super Bowl champions still control their own destiny throughout the playoff race. Winning today against the Ravens and next weekend against the Eagles the Giants will return to the postseason, most likely as an underdog 6 seed. With a loss, the Giants would still have a slim chance with some help. This inconsistent Giants team was a game better last season at 7-7 through 14 games. I believe the Giants are a team built for the playoffs and if they get in can catch fire again like last season. The reason the Giants need this victory is to put them a game away from returning to the playoffs where the Ravens have already clinched a 5th straight berth.

Baltimore Ravens argument

The Baltimore Ravens have already clinched a playoff birth for the 5th straight season. People would ask, why wouldn't the Giants need this win more. My answer would be for two reasons. A home playoff game and a critical rest for their injured players. With a win today, Baltimore clinches the AFC North for the 2nd consecutive season and would own the 4th seed in the AFC. The Ravens have struggled mightily on the road this season and would need a home playoff game to get back on track. If the Ravens want to advance in the playoffs, it is essential they win their division. In addition, the Ravens could utilize Week 17 at Cincinnati as a week of rest for older players like Ed Reed or injured players like Haloti Ngata or Bernard Pollard. The Ravens have been bruised with injuries this season and a week of rest could return all key players besides Corner Lardarius Webb and Middle Lline backer Jameel McLain.

Conclusion

I believe the Giants need this win more today because with a loss they would lose control of their destiny. The Ravens would still have an opportunity to clinch next weekend even though it would be a tough game. Even though the Giants need this game, I don't believe this is their year and the Ravens will stop the bleeding and end their 3 game losing streak.

Prediction
Ravens-27 Giants-21

Ravens fall to Steelers 23-20

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) 23 vs. Baltimore Ravens (9-3) 20

Charlie Batch and the Pittsburgh Steelers are right back in the playoff race and possibly the AFC North discussion after stunning the Baltimore Ravens Sunday afternoon. Ben Roethlisberger has been out the past few weeks with a life-threatening rib injury and replacements Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch had yet to win a game. The Steelers had their back to the wall and faced a must-win if they had any aspirations of winning the division. The Baltimore Ravens had won 15 in a row at M & T Bank Stadium and 12 consecutive against AFC North opponents. Everything pointed to the Ravens winning this game and ultimately clinching the division. It was a poor performance from the Ravens offense that costs Baltimore a 5th straight playoff birth, for now. 

The Baltimore Ravens have pulled out many victories in tight games this season but many of those they deserved to win. Tonight though, Baltimore and more specifically Joe Flacco, gave the game away. Flacco for the second time in the past few years got stripped on a sack, this time by James Harrison and lost all momentum in the game. This occurred after Ed Reed's 61st career interception. The Ravens could've gone on a FG drive and put the game at a point insurmountable for Charlie Batch. Instead, Flacco fumbled away the game and an impressive Batch drive won the game minutes later. Shaun Suisham's 42 yard field goal capped a 6+ minute game winning drive. 

Going forward, Baltimore is still in the driver's seat as they need only to win 1 out of the next 3 against Washington, New York (N), and the Broncos as well as beating Cincinnati on the last day of the regular season. The Steelers now own the last wild card spot with the tiebreaker over the Bengals. Indianapolis controls the top spot at 8-4 but still has to play two games against the 11-1 Houston Texans. Much time remains and both of these teams look like they should return to the post season. The most important part of the result is the impact it has on the Raven's playoff home field advantage. They now have an extremely tough schedule down the stretch and could end up in a 3rd or 4th seed. The Ravens have struggled mightily on the road and now could risk the chance to only play 1 or maybe no games on the road. This Ravens team doesn't look fit to make a deep playoff run but with the return of Big Ben the Steelers defense can carry them far.