Is "Die Hard" a Christmas movie?
It's a question that many have debated since the film opened back in 1988. If I ever had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Reginald VelJohnson (a.k.a. Sgt. Al Powell and Carl Winslow) that's the one question I'd ask him.
The film takes place on Christmas Eve, and, if not for a Christmas party, John McClane would not have been at the building to stop Hans Gruber and his men. So, technically, the whole premise of "Die Hard" would fall apart without the Christmas component.
Verdict? "Die Hard" is a Christmas movie, and a fantastic one at that.
Quick side note: Did anyone else notice in the beginning of "Jurassic World" there was Christmas music playing at the airport when the kids were saying goodbye to Judy Greer? I was ready to add "Jurassic World" to my list of Christmas movies, but once they got to the park there wasn't a single decoration that signified Christmas. I mean, at least throw a Santa hat on a dinosaur or a park employee. I was ready to believe dinosaurs walked the earth, but the lack of Christmas decorations totally took me out of the movie.
I'm done being a Scrooge. Let's get to the ratings.
Moving On Up
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson is up three points this week to 77 OVR after his monster performance against the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. Johnson had 187 rushing yards, the most by a Cardinals rookie since Ottis Anderson had 193 rushing yards for the St. Louis Cardinals back in 1979. If the running game can sustain itself, the Cardinals may very well be Super Bowl bound.
Remember Jadeveon Clowney? Come on, think hard. That's right, he was the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. While Clowney's rookie season was about as memorable as the "Friends" spin-off "Joey", his sophomore campaign has shown promise. Clowney has 4.5 sacks this season and has started to become a disruptive defensive force. If he keeps progressing as a pass rusher, the Texans defense is going to be even scarier. He's up two points to 84 OVR.
Tyrann Mathieu is up two points to 90 OVR. It's a shame that he becomes a member of Club 90 after he's hurt. There's no way the Cardinals defense can replace his production on the field, but you have to believe that Bruce Arians will find a way to keep this defense playing hard.
Moving On Down
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski is down a point this week to 97 OVR. The guy has been automatic this year. This is probably one of the few times you'll ever see his name in the red.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill is down a point to 83 OVR. Tannehill hasn't played poorly this season, but when your team has dropped four of its last five games, you're likely going to take a hit in the ratings. It's funny to think of all the hype Dan Campbell got after his first two games. That was a nice early Christmas present for Dolphins fans.
Aaron Rodgers won last week in his first trip to Oakland, but he's down a point to 96 OVR. I guess he's being punished for throwing that unnecessary goal line interception at the end of the game. He now has six interceptions on the year after throwing only five all of last season. Boy, is he terrible (kidding, of course).
Great Caesar's Ghost
Blaine Gabbert is up a point to 78 OVR. The guy had three interceptions in last week's home loss to the Bengals. Umm, what?
Six bold predictions for Week 16
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6. The Detroit Lions had a nice win against the Saints on Monday night, but their season has been a major disappointment, especially since they went 11-5 last season. The offseason is sure to bring about some major organizational changes, and just about everyone on the roster is fair game, even Calvin Johnson. The wide receiver has been the focal point of the Lions offense since he was drafted back in 2007. He's been a mainstay for this team. It'd be a shame if he left Detroit, but the NFL is a business. If this is Johnson's last home game as a Lion, I think he'll put on a show and go for over 200 yards receiving.
5. In their Week 14 matchup, the Carolina Panthers shutout the Atlanta Falcons, 38-0. It's safe to say that Carolina is the favorite going into Sunday's rematch in Atlanta. Cam Newton will continue to add to his MVP resume by rushing for over 100 yards for the second straight week.
4.Titans rookie sensation Marcus Mariota may very well be out for the season after suffering an MCL sprain in last week's loss to the Patriots. If he's done, he ends his rookie year with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, which are respectable numbers for the young padawan. Unfortunately, the Titans have won only three games and are close to securing the number one pick in next year's draft. But 'tis the season for giving, so I'll go ahead and say Zach Mettenberger throws for three touchdowns in a Titans win.
3. The New England Patriots clinched a first-round bye for the sixth-straight season, the longest streak since the current playoff format began in 1990. They've won nine of their last 10 meetings against the New York Jets, but don't let that number fool you. Five of their last seven meetings have been decided by three points or less. Both teams have a lot on the line Sunday. New England can clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win, while the Jets are still fighting for a wild card spot. The Patriots have been decimated by injuries on a weekly basis, and the Jets always give New England a challenge. I see New York pulling off the upset at home.
2.Antonio Brown is the best wide receiver in football, hands down. Odell Beckham Jr. gets most of the attention due to his flashy play and volatile personality, but Brown is truly a one-man wrecking crew on offense. Brown has now gone over 1,500 receiving yards in back-to-back seasons, becoming the fifth player in NFL history to do so. This weekend he goes up against the lowly Baltimore Ravens. I like Brown to go for over 250 receiving yards and a couple of touchdowns.
1. Madden cover boy, Odell Beckham Jr., has been suspended one game after going all Anakin Skywalker against Josh Norman last week. It's a tough break for the Giants, who, believe it or not, are still in contention for a playoff spot (hooray, NFC East). New York heads to Minnesota for a Sunday night showdown, and they'll have their work cut out for them without Beckham. But these are the Giants, the most up and down team in the NFL. I'll say New York wins on the road and manages to stay alive for one more week.
Colin J. Liotta is a Digital Features Editor and Writer for NFL.com. You can follow him on Twitter @TheSportsHero.
