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Week 15 Recap: AFC North Powers ran into lighting and power surges in defeats

The week ended in the city by the bay, and AFC North powers Pittsburgh and Baltimore managed to take a beating on national television. It started Sunday night in San Diego, where the Chargers scored on their first five possessions of the game en route to a 34-14 win on Sunday night. The Ravens offense could not get out of their own way, and Flacco did not look good in the loss for a team that was battling for the #1 seed and home field throughout the playoffs. 

The following night after a few delays with the lights, which turned off twice to create delays for this game, the 49ers got back to their winning ways and completely dominated the Steelers in a 20-3 win. Ben Roethlisberger came out on one good ankle and struggled throughout, and you have to wonder why Coach Mike Tomlin let him play even when the game was out of reach. You could tell from the point he walked out on the field the ankle was a wreck, and this man has to be healthy for the Steelers to have a chance in the playoffs.

So on a weekend the AFC North looked to take control of the chase for home field advantage and a first round bye both teams crapped the bed. The Steelers and Ravens now sit at 10-4, and with the Patriots win now may have to travel to New England to win the AFC. I just hope both teams got some vacation time in, because that would have been the only thing enjoyable about their trips.

Lets look at the rest of the weeks top stories:

• The Packers finally fall, and we all knew it would be to Romeo Crennel. Green Bay could not handle the defense the Chiefs had in store, and the Packers winning streak has ended at 19 with a 19-14 loss at Kansas City. Green Bay had chances late but ran out of steam at the end. 
• Indy finally rises from the ashes of this season and get win number one. It was close until the third quarter, then a Reggie Wayne TD reception followed by a pick 6 helped clinched the Colts first victory in almost a year. Donald Brown had a career high in rushing, and put the final nail in the coffin of the Titans with an 80 yard touchdown run to make it a 27-13 game. You hate seeing teams have a goose egg for the full season, so I am glad the Colts finally got that victory.
• Tom Brady is not a fan of Tebowmania, or just made it seem that way Sunday. It started out great for the Broncos as they scored early for a change, but costly turnovers by Denver was all Brady needed in a 41-23 victory for New England.  It wasn’t the usual cast for the Patriots scoring, as Ochocinco got his first TD of the season and the “other” TE Aaron Hernandez had a big game in the win. The Patriots now sit atop the AFC with an 11-3 record, and have a great chance to secure home field advantage in the playoffs.

Whats your fantasy?

It has been a long season in the Tumblr Fantasy Football league, but my team Jimmy Johnson Eat World will be playing for the championship this week. It was a tough matchup in the semifinals, but my gut feeling to start the Chargers defense paid off and helped make up some points for Aaron Rodgers on what would be considered a bad point total week for him. AJ Green had another monster game for me, and it was needed in the 98-96 victory. I will be playing Password is Taco in the finals, who has a team that is stacked with players that have been putting up big numbers. We will see what happens, but I expect to end this season with the title and bragging rights.

Top 5

Last week was the first edition, and do I feel good about putting the Niners over the Steelers last week. Lets take a look at this weeks Top 5:

1. Green Bay Packers (13-1) - The Packers stay at the top, because even though they lost every team is bound to have a bad week eventually. That loss may be the blueprint to beat this team in the playoffs, and I know the 49ers have to feel good about that. Last Week: 1
2. New Orleans Saints (11-3) - Drew Brees put on a clinic, and the Saints cruised in their 42-20 victory over the Vikings. The Saints offense is clicking on all cylinders, but a huge challenge faces them as the Falcons look to avenge the overtime loss earlier in the season Monday Night at the Superdome. Last Week: 2
3. New England Patriots (11-3) - The Patriots may have played the best 60 minutes they have all season on Sunday, but this weekend could be a trap game as the Dolphins come to town. This weekend may have shown us the team to beat in the AFC is New England. Last Week: 3
4. San Francisco 49ers (11-3) - San Francisco looked dominating on Monday Night, and you have to be impressed that they were not afraid of the bright light and a team like the Steelers. I have been saying it all season, but I think this is the team that can win a cold weather game in Green Bay. Last Week: 5
5. Baltimore Ravens (10-4) - Even though Baltimore beat the 49ers earlier in the year they have moved behind them in the standings, thanks in part to an embarrassing performance on Sunday Night in San Diego. This team seems to have trouble heading west, but should bounce back. They still own the tiebreaker in the AFC North thanks to their sweep of the Steelers, and winning out could get them a first round bye. Last Week: 4

Best of the Rest: Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Detroit

Final Thought

It has been a depressing season overall, but I had a blast at every Chargers game I went to this year. I set a personal best by attending 7 of the 8 home games, and went to a Chargers bar for the Packers game which was the one I missed. Part of me thinks Sunday night was a reward for the Bolt faithful that have stuck it out through the year, but I think at this point too much needs to go in San Diego’s favor to make the playoffs. Crazier things have happened, especially for this team in recent years. I am looking forward to new management and coaching next year, but I will still hold out a glimmer of hope for a chance. Because as a fan of San Diego, I know that we believe in belief. 

Sunday Night Football in San Diego