Andy worked really hard to climb out of a deep early hole to eventually claim the lead in Alternative Picks 2021. Then, in a week, he gave it right back.

Tony’s dominant performance in the first week sans byes for a while reclaimed the top spot by the slimmest of margins heading into the season’s last three weeks.

Week 15 Tony 11-5
Season Tony 112-111-1

The lights were on late in Andy’s office this week as he … desperately tried to make sure all the necessary Christmas presents were purchased. What, did you think I was going to say he was poring over stats? Crunching numbers? Isn’t it clear at this point that both of these guys have been throwing darts all season.

Here are the picks.

1) Andy – Eagles over Giants – Can’t say I blame Tony for going 2 and 3 in this one. Lots of lopsided games, though at least a couple tricky ones. I don’t like putting NFC East games this high. They go haywire at times. But the Eagles have found their identity, while the Giants might be working with their third-string QB. On paper this one should be over early.

2) Tony – Buccaneers over Panthers – Think Tom Brady will be motivated to get back on track after being shutout for the first time in 15+ years? I don’t think I would want to be the Panthers this weekend.

3) Tony – Chargers over Texans – The Texans are (once again) playing for jobs next year. Many of them likely hoping that it’s with other teams. The Chargers can’t afford a misstep if they want to make the playoffs.

4) Andy – Cowboys over Football Team – Same as the first pick, I don’t love it, but this is what the numbers suggest.

5) Tony – Packers over Browns – Cleveland is suffering from Covid and injuries on their defensive line. Tough to see them beating one of the top teams in the NFC right now.

6) Andy – Chiefs over Steelers – This, again, has me a bit uncomfortable. But not as much. I think Kansas City is on the brink of finding itself. And I think that likely makes them the best team in the league heading into the playoffs. Pittsburgh, when on, can stick with teams. But they’re not on that much and they are clearly inferior to Kansas City when the Chiefs are on their game.

7) Tony – Seahawks over Bears – No, the Seahawks haven’t suddenly gotten good. But at this point, I think Bears players will do whatever they need to do to make sure Matt Nagy gets the axe at the end of the season. Much to the chagrin of the rest of the NFC North.

8) Andy – Rams over Vikings – Minnesota might play better at home, but I can’t see the Vikings defense being the one to find the answer to Matt Stafford’s connection with Cooper Kupp and crew.

9) Tony – Falcons over Lions – The Lions are on fire (for them) of late, winning 2 of their last 3. I just don’t see them being able to go on the road to get their first victory away from Ford Field since Week 13 of last year.

10) Andy – Colts over Cardinals – I disagree on your last pick. Detroit wins that game. And Indianapolis takes this one. The Colts have found their identity. Arizona peaked too early.

11) Tony – Raiders over Broncos – I’m going to go ahead and give this one based solely on the quarterback matchup.

12) Andy – Saints over Dolphins – Tua is improving and the Dolphins have played pretty well the second half of the season, but New Orleans’ defense has really picked up its game as of late. With Alvin Kamara back, they’d almost be a threat in the NFC if not for the pesky Hill/Siemian problem.

13) Tony – Patriots over Bills – The Bills are struggling to run the ball, while the Patriots managed to beat the Bills a few weeks ago passing the ball three times in the game. Logically I expect Mac Jones to pass for 400 yards and 4 scores this time around, because Bill Belichick.

14) Andy – Ravens over Bengals – Despite dozens of injuries and a few really tight losses, the Ravens are still in the playoff mix. I think they take some frustration out on a Cincinnati team that can’t seem to decide whether it’s good or not.

15) Tony – Jets over Jaguars – You’d like to think the Jaguars would play with a little bit of heart after losing one coach his job…but they did just go out and choke their first game under Darrell Bevell away to the lowly Texans. Even the Jets should have some success against them.

16) Andy – 49ers over Titans – San Francisco has found a groove in recent weeks. Tennessee may get some of its weapons back, but it’s a short-handed group.

No matter who wins the alternative picks portion of this contest, Tony will always have straight-up picks to hang his hat on. Andy sucks.

Andy Tony
Week 15 8-8 11-5
Season 128-94-1 138-84-1

And yet another week is underway.

Andy Tony
Eagles Eagles
Buccaneers Buccaneers
Chargers Chargers
Cowboys Cowboys
Packers Packers
Chiefs Chiefs
Seahawks Seahawks
Rams Rams
Lions Falcons
Colts Colts
Raiders Raiders
Saints Dolphins
Patriots Patriots
Ravens Ravens
Jaguars Jets
49ers Titans