# NFL 2024-25: Week 16 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** football-nfl\ **Created:** [December 17, 2024, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755 "2024-12-17T15:54:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/81 "2024-12-21T04:18:12Z")
I guess the solution for deflategate was more oversight. This conversation reminds me of that article about how the Giants prepared the footballs for Eli Manning. I assume everyone does something similar. Certainly nobody uses brand new balls voluntarily. [https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/24/sports/football/eli-mannings-footballs-are-months-in-making.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/24/sports/football/eli-mannings-footballs-are-months-in-making.html) > [@](#): > > ■ The new ball is rubbed vigorously for 45 minutes with a dark brush, which removes the wax and darkens the leather. > > ■ Next, a wet towel is used to scour the ball until the ball’s outer surface is soaked through. > > “You’re not done until the ball is waterlogged and water will no longer bead on it,” Ed Skiba said. > > ■ While the ball is wet, it is brushed again. > > ■ Then the ball is taken over to an electric spin wheel, where it undergoes another high-speed scrubbing. > > At this point, the ball is put aside overnight. Then the process is repeated twice over the next couple of days. > > About five days after it was removed from its box, the ball might go into the rotation of footballs used in a Giants practice. The goal is to get the new balls banged around, thrown and dropped in the grass and dirt. The players rough up the ball and sweat on it, which helps the aging. > > In practice, various balls are in varying stages of being broken in — curing like a pigskin — and all the while, the Skibas are feeling the footballs, waiting to see if one might qualify for Manning’s special bag of footballs. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/82 "2024-12-21T17:45:55Z")
According to this ESPN article, although the Falcons are publicly stating that they have not yet determined if they are going to cut Kirk Cousins at some point after the end of this season, management at other NFL teams are widely expecting that the Falcons will, in fact, do so at some point prior to March 17th, when he is due a $10 million roster bonus. It’s also generally thought that there is no love lost between Cousins and the Falcons’ front office, dating back to the draft, and the team selecting Michael Penix Jr. in the first round. Due to this, it’s believed that Cousins would be unwilling to work with the team on a contract restructuring or a trade. > **[Falcons expected to cut Cousins before $10M due](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43081294/sources-falcons-expected-cut-kirk-cousins-10m-bonus-due)** > > Kirk Cousins' divorce from the Falcons is expected to be finalized before his $10 million roster bonus is due March 17. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/83 "2024-12-21T19:13:21Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > It’s also generally thought that there is no love lost between Cousins and the Falcons’ front office, dating back to the draft, and the team selecting Michael Penix Jr. in the first round. Due to this, it’s believed that Cousins would be unwilling to work with the team on a contract restructuring or a trade. Sort of like when Rodgers got mad that the Packers drafted Jordan Love. I’m sure Green Bay has no regrets at this point. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/84 "2024-12-21T19:13:37Z")
I don’t care how shitty he’s been the last few weeks, I would welcome him with open arms on the Giants. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/85 "2024-12-21T20:18:01Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Sort of like when Rodgers got mad that the Packers drafted Jordan Love. And, for that matter, when Brett Favre got mad that the Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers. 😉 > [@Atamasama](#): > > I’m sure Green Bay has no regrets at this point. I’m pretty sure of it, too. Rodgers had been beginning to wear out his welcome in Green Bay, and that all accelerated after they drafted Love. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/86 "2024-12-21T21:17:34Z")
Chiefs with yet another 1-score victory, winning 27-19 over the Texans. Last 3 drives for KC: Got the ball leading 17-16. They drove 80 yards in 10 plays for a touchdown; drive took 5:44. Got the ball after a Houston FG, leading 24-19. They drove 60 yards in 14 plays for a field goal; drive took 6:33. Got the ball after forcing a Houston punt, leading 27-19. They drove 46 yards in 7 plays; drive took 3:41, and they ran out the clock for the win. KC now needs 1 win in their last 2 games to clinch the #1 seed in the AFC. Or a Buffalo loss, but the Bills play the Pats twice and the Jets once. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/87 "2024-12-21T21:49:43Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > And, for that matter, when Brett Favre got mad that the Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers. 😉 Oh yes, excellent point! ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/88 "2024-12-21T23:52:46Z")
Can someone please tell Tom Brady to stop saying “red area”? ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/89 "2024-12-22T15:21:32Z")
Meh. Belichick does it too whenever he shows up on the Manning MNF show. After decades of using the same terminology, it’s going to be hard to get anybody to switch. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/90 "2024-12-22T16:03:05Z")
It’s been speculated that he’ll wind up in [Indianapolis](https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/colts-top-landing-spot-pro-bowl-falcons-kirk-cousins). ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/91 "2024-12-22T17:57:37Z")
That would be hilarious. Indy is now where old QBs go to die. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/92 "2024-12-22T18:30:06Z")
Jim Irsay, nepo-baby, drug user, meddler in day-to-day operations of the Colts. Just your standard NFL owner profile. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/93 "2024-12-22T20:04:29Z")
I just happened to notice my AT&T U-verse program guide is showing “Eagles at Redskins”. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/94 "2024-12-22T20:05:08Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > I just happened to notice my AT&T U-verse program guide is showing “Eagles at Redskins” Must be a rerun from 2019 or something. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/95 "2024-12-22T20:18:19Z")
I hope you will tolerate another clueless question. Why do some games start at 4pm and others at 4:25? ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/96 "2024-12-22T20:21:11Z")
Bears down 13-0 after 1st quarter, and now down 17 after 3rd quarter. I expect Caleb to have a good statistical day. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/97 "2024-12-22T21:16:05Z")
> [@Mighty\_Mouse](#): > > Why do some games start at 4pm and others at 4:25? 4pm ET starts are usually games which are being played on the West Coast (Pacific time zone), which are starting at 1pm local time. They are typically only carried regionally by the networks. 4:25 ET starts are the “doubleheader” game (a.k.a. the “Game of the Week”), which is shown more-or-less nationally. While they _can_ be games that are being played on the West Coast, they could be played anywhere – today’s doubleheader game is in Buffalo. Fox and CBS take turns on which of the two of them get a doubleheader game, and in most markets, the network shows the doubleheader game after showing an early (1pm ET) game. Once upon a time, those games started at 4pm ET, but as games regularly run longer than 3 hours now, they moved the start time to its current 4:25, to ensure that, in most cases, the early games are done by the time the doubleheader game starts. ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/98 "2024-12-22T21:21:01Z")
Thank you, and yes I meant 4pm ET 🤦‍♂️ ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/99 "2024-12-22T21:37:51Z")
Wild finish to the Eagles-Commanders game, followed Cardinals going down to the Panthers in OT. I THINK this makes it very likely Washington goes through, though the Falcons will have the Commanders next week in what could be the huge game in deciding the final wild card slot. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755/100 "2024-12-22T21:58:10Z")
Sorry if this was asked upthread, but is this year’s NFC North the best division in NFL history? I can’t recall any other season where you had a 13-2, 12-2, and 10-4 team in the same division at the same time. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755.md?page=6)