Bengals celebrate game winning, playoff clinching field goal against the Steelers.

What We Learned In Week 16 In The NFL:

• Colts go from first team on the clock to a playoff team
• Peyton Manning has Broncos in prime playoff position
• Giants might not be able to pull off late and post season magic again this season
• Jets and Tebow can’t stay out of the effing headlines
• Steelers blow opportunities after turnovers and chance at playoffs

Not a great start to the holiday season huh?  Definitely not the first time Steeler Nation has had to watch a bad season and playoff hopes go up in smokes but sure doesn’t make it any easier.  The Steelers put on their best defensive performance of the season yesterday and quite possibly the crappiest offensive performance in years at the same time.  With one week left in the NFL season the AFC and NFC playoff picture is all but set and the Steelers have played themselves right off the list.  It’s going to be an excruciatingly long offseason for sure but let’s not think about that now, let’s take some cheap shots first. (more…)

Think you can pick winners better than the NPC staff?

Tis the season to be weary of the Steelers playoff chances.  The men in Black & Gold face their most important game of the season this Sunday as the Bungles arrive in the Burgh to try and steal the playoff spot from the Steelers.  Now the Bungles are still the Bungles, but the Steelers have had some shall we say, disappointing performances so far this year.  With everything on the line can the Steelers pull it together and give us something to rejoice for Christmas?  Can the Ravens continue their downward slide right out of the top of the AFC North?  I know all I want for Christmas is to overtake Craig in the overall standings but it’s looking bleaker and bleaker each week.  Dom was the big winner of the staff last week with a near perfect week of picks.  While you’re out buying those last minute gifts or stocking up your fridge for your holiday party don’t forget there is a game tonight as the Falcons look to secure the #1 overall seed in the NFC.  Unfortunately it looks like we’ll be treated to another Phil Simms game on Sunday afternoon.  As always the NPC staff encourages you to pick along with us or share some holiday greetings in the comments section.  Here are the overall standings and this week’s slate of games:

Kimmy = 139-84

Craig = 150-73

Dom = 141-82

Kari = 135-88

Andrew = 137-86

Lori = 154-67