NFC South Review: Week 15

By Robert Knarr

The NFL season is drawing to a close, but there’s still a couple of interesting matchups ahead.  The Falcons have supposedly not been mathematically eliminated.  They need to win out and for Minnesota to lose their last 2 games to even have a chance.  Also, the Panthers will certainly try to lock down home field advantage this week with a win against the Falcons.

Carolina Panthers at New York Giants: 38-35

This was the game of the week and certainly the game everyone has been talking about since Sunday.

Unfortunately, people are mostly talking about the antics of Josh Norman and Odell Beckham Jr.  Norman is likely responsible for starting the feud, and behaved a bit inappropriately throughout the game.  However, it also seems clear that his intent was to rile up Beckham and take him out of his game.  Mission accomplished.  Beckham has stated that the best way to defend him is to make him mad, which really describes his maturity level.  While, Norman may have instigated the conflict, Beckham took things way too far.  He should’ve been ejected for the helmet to helmet hit, and more than deserves his suspension.  Beckham should feel embarrassed, but probably doesn’t.  In all likelihood his talent will allow him to be an amazing and incredibly obnoxious receiver for many years.

Let’s move on to the fact that this was an incredible game.  The Panthers dominated through the first 3 and ½ quarters.  Cam did something no QB has ever done before, throw for 5 TD’s and 300 yards, while rushing for 100 yards.  However, the Panthers fell apart late in the game.  They gave a couple of TD’s to make the game 35-21.  No big deal right? They were still up 14 in the 4th.  They had the ball and could’ve ostensibly ended it.  They lined up for a field goal, but it was blocked.  Then, they gave up another TD.  Still, though they had a chance to practically end the game, as Peanut intercepted Eli in the end zone.  However, a couple plays later Cam fumbled on the read-option, perhaps because Artis-Payne isn’t quite comfortable in the offense yet.

The Giants tied the game as Beckham burned Norman with less than 2 minutes to go.  Then, Cam confidently shook his head, saying, “I got this”.  He made a couple of solid passes to Olsen and Ginn, then made a huge run for 10+ yards to set up the field goal.  Gano knocked it through to crush the Giants after they came all the way back from 35-7.  The Panthers won, but should be concerned that they have had so many 4th quarter meltdowns.  Their defense is too good to let that happen.  I’m not sure if it’s a problem of focus or what, but if they want to win the Super Bowl they need to figure it out.

Fantasy Implications – The Panthers should keep playing most of their starters this week, since they’re still playing for home field advantage.  Not much has changed here with these players, except Cameron Artis-Payne who may be a solid option.  He got most of the carries and word is that Stewart may sit this week.  Ginn has been solid this year, and might be a good play as well.  Other than that, continue to start Cam and Olsen and be happy.

Atlanta Falcons at Jacksonville Jaguars: 23-17

The Falcons finally got over the hump, winning a tough game against the Jaguars, who are better than many give them credit for.  The team showed resiliency, since they have little chance of making the playoffs.

The biggest play of the game came at the end of the 1st half.  It was 1st and goal for the Jags on the 1, but Bortles through an interception after staring down Mercedes Lewis.  He also came back in the play to tackle safety Ishmael at their own 16, but that play ended their scoring chance and set up the Falcons for a field goal to end the half.  The Jags came back to tie it, and it looked like the Falcons were going to blow another late lead.  However, they hung tough, and Ryan connected with Julio on a couple of big plays as they scored 2 field goals, and stopped Bortles to end the game.

However, they still don’t look like a playoff team and have some work to do.  They need to determine what their offensive issues are, and hope for better play from Matt Ryan.  The defense has been much improved, so perhaps they can make a few adjustments and be in the division race next year.

Fantasy Implications – Julio has had an outstanding year.  He broke the franchise record for receptions, and may lead the league in receiving.  However, I wouldn’t feel good starting him against the Panthers.  But, surely they can’t get shut out again.  Freeman hasn’t looked good lately, but still has value since he catches the ball so often.  Look for Coleman to start getting more carries.  Ryan hasn’t been worthy to start for weeks and certainly isn’t against Carolina.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at St. Louis Rams: 23-31

The Bucs made a nice late playoff push, but just aren’t quite ready.  They were eliminated by a bad Rams offense that exploded against them.  Fans should be excited about the future.  Winston had a bit of a rough game, but showed tremendous improvement throughout the season.  Mike Evans avoided a sophomore slump, and Doug Martin has been resurgent.   If they can fix the defense, have a good draft, and their youngsters can develop, then they can compete next year.

The Bucs couldn’t stop the Rams offense, and were beaten down by the defense until the 4th quarter.  Actually, they did a pretty good job of keeping Gurley limited, who had 48 yards on 21 carries, but passed the 1000-yard mark for the season.  But, he did score a touchdown, and he and Austin made some big plays.  Winston played well in the 4th quarter.  He scored a couple of big TD’s, but it was too little too late.

Fantasy Implications – Winston, Evans, and Martin all continued to play well.  They should still be in your lineups next week if you’re still playing.  Austin Seferian-Jenkins caught a touchdown.  However, his potential breakout season has been wrecked by his early season injury.  Perhaps, look for him next year.

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints: 35-27

The Lions and Saints played a meaningless game Monday night.  Both teams have been eliminated from the playoffs, and it’s been an especially rough season for the Saints.  They got off to a terrible start giving up 28 points in the first half.  Their defense has struggled all year long and Monday was no different.  However, Brees and the Saints battled back making it a close game.  The Lions were too far ahead and scored another touchdown to put the game out of reach.  To make matters worse, Drew Brees tore his plantar fascia, and is coming off an underwhelming season by his standards.

The Saints actually cobbled together a formidable offense this year.  That was one of the big question marks heading into the season with the departure of Jimmy Graham.  However, the team wasn’t able to the same with the defense.  Now Sean Payton’s future, and much of the rest of the team’s future is in question.  I’m not sure what they should do, because they have a lot of holes and an aging quarterback.  Either way it’ll be interesting to watch.

Fantasy Implications – Brees has said he wants to play through his injury, however I don’t think it’s a good idea.  That’s bad news for fantasy owners, and I wouldn’t recommend starting him.  Therefore, I’d also be hesitant about starting anyone else on the team, except Hightower who has been ok since taking over for Ingram. The team is playing Jacksonville though, and their defense has been poor all season.  Cooks may be worth a flex play, but I’d leave the rest of the team except Hightower.