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Week 16 was wild, paving the way for a highly enticing closing chapter of the 2015 regular season.There are myriad questions stemming from Sunday's results, and how everything will play out in Week 17. Here are the answers, Schein Nine style:1) Will Bill Belichick's curious decision cost New England the No. 1 seed?Truthfully, I still can't believe . I simply cannot believe that Bill Belichick instructed to tell the officials that the would kick off to start overtime, instead of making the only viable decision when you have arguably the best quarterback in NFL history: taking the football. I've written in this space many times that Belichick is the best coach in NFL history -- given his consistent domination in the salary cap era -- but this was an illogical gaffe, a rare Hoodie faux pas.The good news: It won't cost him and the home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.I believe . Either way, I feel terrible for poor Miami: New England is going to crunch the disappointing , a win that'll give the Pats the AFC's top seed for the second consecutive season.2) Will the Jets make the playoffs?Yes, they will. And for all of the conversation -- of which I've certainly been a part -- about how the would be ultra-dangerous if they made the playoffs, the same always has held true for the surging , winners of five straight. Gang Green boasts a great defensive line, a strong overall defense, a physical offensive line, a solid run game and an elite 1-2 punch at receiver that's fueled by putting it all together with big-time throws. has been one of the best receivers in the NFL this year, with another monster game (eight catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns) in . Fitzpatrick has enjoyed a stunning rebirth in 2015. He has an amazing rapport with Marshall, as well as a great connection with , whom he teamed up with for .The now control their own destiny in the race for a playoff berth. They need one more win . The team standing in their way? The , led by old friend Rex Ryan. (Of course!) Rex's just . The are too talented (credit general manager Mike Maccagnan) and too focused (credit head coach Todd Bowles) to blow this opportunity. I think Gang Green shakes the "Same Old " mantra and keeps the great play and mojo rolling, thus securing the last remaining AFC Deyvison De Los Santos Jersey wild-card spot.That means Pittsburgh will fall short of the postseason, and the have nobody to blame but themselves. The defense has been hit-or-mi s all year. It's unfathomable and unacceptable , the ' fourth starting quarterback this season. This was a total collapse. Baltimore is an injured me s, but under John Harbaugh, the still played with immense heart and determination. The lacked both.3) Will the Chiefs earn a home playoff game (by winning the AFC West)?I don't think so. But the sizzling-hot have rolled off nine straight wins in remarkable fashion. Their rebound from 1-5 to is such an amazing credit to Andy Reid's brilliant coaching and leadership, and the clutch play of guys like , and . Coordinator Bob Sutton has done a fantastic job with this defense, which continues to make plays even without the unit's best player () on the field. The defensive backfield is great; rookie cornerback has been nothing short of amazing, with on the season.I still think Denver wins the division, but to be having this conversation in the final week of the regular season -- in a campaign where K.C. lost five of its first six games and lost in Week 5 -- is special. And don't overlook Kansas City making a playoff run in this wide-open AFC.4) Who will win the NFC North?Yes, the looked downright dreadful, losing by 30 -- thirty -- . We keep waiting for the to find it, but Christmas is in the rear-view mirror and it hasn't happened yet. Meanwhile, Minnesota has been a solid, winning team all year, with the latest victory being.Now the two 10-5 teams are set for a de facto division title game in Week 17. With the contest taking place at Lambeau Field, I'm actually going to go against the eyeball test. Yes, I'm rolling with the and the best player on the field, .5) Who will win AFC South?Houston -- because nobody puts in a corner. Or something like that. I've officially seen it all., which was hardly a surprise. Houston's defense has been fantastic. And while , and the represent formidable competition , won't let the blow a win-and-in opportunity. And actually, it might not even get to that: , Houston wins the division regardle s of next Sunday's outcome.6) Will the Panthers fall to the No. 2 seed?No, that won't happen. Prior to , I continually had written that Carolina wouldn't go undefeated. It's just so difficult in the NFL. Another thing I've written many times: The , thanks to the best GM/coach combination in the NFL, have the most complete roster (1-53) in the NFL.All that said, I think the will respond to their first lo s positively, by and sewing up the NFC's top seed. Still, I think the are primed and ready to represent the NFC in 50, even if that means beating the in Carolina.7) Which team will end up with the No. 1 pick in the draft?The and head into Week 17 tied for the worst record in the league (3-12). However, , with an inferior opponent strength of schedule. Thus, if both teams lose, the "win" the top pick.Cleveland draws what should be. That won't be pretty for the . In theory, Tenne see could sneak out a win , given the state of affairs at quarterback for the . In reality, though, have you watched the ? They are dreadful, and even more so sans an injured .Long story short, Tenne see will snag the No. 1 pick.8) Is Johnny Manziel the future in Cleveland?Being fair, John Football has flashed promise. He earned a win with 270 yards pa sing and a 92.1 pa ser rating , and , he made a number of plays with his legs and eclipsed 100 yards rushing. Most importantly, he's stayed out of the headlines for the wrong reasons since regaining the starting job in December.But all signs point to Ray Farmer and Mike Pettine quite po sibly losing their respective jobs in Cleveland. It's crazy to think that a new general manager and head coach would opt to stay the course and make Johnny the guy.9) Will Tom Coughlin keep his job?He won't. And I think Coughlin has been sensational in his 12 seasons as the ' head coach. But it's time. won't save it. I hope both sides can work this out so that Coughlin can retire, as opposed to getting fired. It's just time for a fresh perspective in New York.Still, regardle s of all that, anyone who solely blames Coughlin for this Big Blue me s isn't paying attention. The ' i sue is that they aren't any good. They haven't been for years. That's on general manager Jerry Reese, as we've been saying for years. The need a cleansing.Follow Adam Schein on Twitter . Graig Nettles Jersey |
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