tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64996532252063124822024-03-12T20:11:26.099-07:00henry cotto's mustachewanamakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913152384914053315noreply@blogger.comBlogger1107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-76586776557229769372022-02-10T22:13:00.001-08:002022-02-10T22:13:44.808-08:00Super Bowl LVI<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>LAST ROUND: 1-1</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><b>POSTSEASON: 9-3 </b><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAjBIXtrwUt2yI8S_w6Bhf938EAql5d2PZpq23xQd8p6XyjtW3Im_0hlZUigKDpTxjL-L30diTjblxGvsTgYkHjL1eYjVbYKOaxoysMMU_4zRfczoKxB9HbJBXzwAbUs2dkh9Vi8EwMyUefsFlSEnZXSYGW03sHkJIXvEqax5u2xNb-CyC1ZwgoelL=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAjBIXtrwUt2yI8S_w6Bhf938EAql5d2PZpq23xQd8p6XyjtW3Im_0hlZUigKDpTxjL-L30diTjblxGvsTgYkHjL1eYjVbYKOaxoysMMU_4zRfczoKxB9HbJBXzwAbUs2dkh9Vi8EwMyUefsFlSEnZXSYGW03sHkJIXvEqax5u2xNb-CyC1ZwgoelL=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>If you’re anything like me you’ve simulated hundreds of NFL seasons on video games like Tecmo Super Bowl and Madden. And if you’re not like me then you probably used your free time on more noble endeavors, like reading, or practicing a craft, or almost anything. But the point is, every so often one of those simulations would wind up with a couple randos like the Rams and Bengals in the Super Bowl. I’d let out a hearty guffaw at the shear absurdity of it, then turn to the person next to me, realize no one else was in the room, and proceed to simulate another season, one where chaos might not reign so wildly. But now here we are, one of those preposterous permutations has become reality. It does make <i>some</i> sense though. This season was devoid of a truly dominant team, so it stands to reason that we’d end up with the first ever Super Bowl match-up be between two seeds that are both below #3. They also have a combined 12 losses, the most in Super Bowl history. Yes they played more regular season games than past teams, but their combined .647 winning percentage is also the worst ever. What’s worse, the best they can do in this game is a combined .500! Rough. Though, when you consider that these teams are 1-5 overall in the Super Bowl that’s actually not too bad. My first instinct is to pick the Rams because of a potentially huge advantage from their defensive line. And also because for the entirety of the playoffs the Bengals have seemed like a polite, yet pretty hungry person waiting to see who’s going to take the last piece. In all three of their games they’ve given their opponents ample opportunity to take the win. But in the end they’ve said something to the effect of, “I mean if nobody else wants this, we’ll eat it. Last call ... Any takers ...? Alright ... Just gonna grab it if no one says anything ... Speak now or I’ll forever hold THIS piece ... Oh come on, that was pretty good. Anyway, we’re eating this now.” Can they ride that same M.O. to another victory and a world championship? Again, my first instinct would be no. But when you look at the <i>Rams’</i> playoff performances thus far, they could be playing right into Cincinnati’s hands. In their first 6 and half quarters of the postseason LA outscored their opponents 61-14. In the 5 and a half since they’ve been outscored 23-41. If that trend plays itself out over the course of this game, it could be exactly how the Bengals like it: just wait around long enough for the opponent to make a mistake/get bored/realize they’re not that great, and pounce. And by “pounce” I mean sneak away with a victory. So, take it from me, the guy who’s picked 2 of the last 7 Super Bowls correctly, when all is said and done, the Cincinnati Bengals will be world champions. Then I’ll chuckle, shake my head, and hit reset. </p><p><i>Bengals 23-20 </i></p><p> </p><p>Lastly, I'd be remiss if I didn't check in with the man who will be calling the game for NBC, and just happens to be a Bengals' hall of famer (or at least I'm guessing so, I haven't actually verified that). <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eLmgyI2eiI" target="_blank">Cris Collinsworth, take it away</a>:<i> </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2eLmgyI2eiI" width="320" youtube-src-id="2eLmgyI2eiI"></iframe></div><br /><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-24580875829985247642022-01-27T22:06:00.004-08:002022-01-27T22:06:59.776-08:00NFL Picks - Conference Championships<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><b>LAST WEEK: 2-2</b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><b>POSTSEASON: 8-2</b><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>AFC</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Cincinnati at Kansas City</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAKoLaXAfmquHwvGKNBfy44JfzFnG109_2CiBdFGk9h5R2u1wFEp-MeqQmaCfuTM4TsqWzp_MsKxhP4CCs9NT1fuOqIJ32L-NlLr5x6f0adH5I7LYsJjiEyBZFlsuMANwVCP4gat_tRGicJsV5XBkNNKEMaOm0JYfkC5Iv2YktM-3Ttq5VdjxKU_8b=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAKoLaXAfmquHwvGKNBfy44JfzFnG109_2CiBdFGk9h5R2u1wFEp-MeqQmaCfuTM4TsqWzp_MsKxhP4CCs9NT1fuOqIJ32L-NlLr5x6f0adH5I7LYsJjiEyBZFlsuMANwVCP4gat_tRGicJsV5XBkNNKEMaOm0JYfkC5Iv2YktM-3Ttq5VdjxKU_8b=s320" width="320" /></a></div>After making it through a harrowing divisional round all four of the remaining teams are like horror movie survivors returning for the sequel. Weathered vets who now sleep with one eye open. Though in this comparison the Chiefs are probably more like the slasher because they refuse to die. Even when they've definitely done for and there's only :13 left. They’re also picking AFC teams off one by one. This will be the eighth different conference foe KC has played in the postseason in the Mahomes era. Will they mow their way through every single one? Or can the Bengals be the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_girl" target="_blank">final girl</a>? Hmm, it would be rare for a red head to fill that role, so I tend to doubt it. Though, maybe it’s foolish to pick this important of a game based on a team’s color scheme and it’s relation to a strained analogy. Cincy <i>did</i> prove they could beat the Chiefs when these squads met in Week 17, but if anything, I think that makes it more likely that KC will win this time since the Bengals won’t be catching them off guard. You might be wondering, is there <i>any</i> team that could catch someone off guard in the AFC Championship game? I mean there’s a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, you’d think everybody would be fully prepared. Well sure, but what if the Utah Jazz showed up? Wouldn’t that catch everybody off guard? They’re not even a football team, so I’d have to imagine that would be a shock. And good luck catching the Jazz’s off guard. Donovan Mitchell is a tough match-up regardless of the sport. But again, that likely won’t be the case, and the Chiefs should be fully prepared for the Bengals. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Chiefs 31-21 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>NFC</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>San Francisco at Los Angeles Rams</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUEtvE2IS0b317sDDL3kNqC24Fx7FL4ak0CGOXgGgIFaUNubFRrUQQhzXja9EnI1vByNYWM-D-lzmJOJ34ogbK8lZrf1Q7rYAgLo7mG1ESB3csjcm7jnkE6Vcmjt9pEy8j3gBrMSKOs2Sztpd_x3HBEMJArb1qOzbw_9C8KRpWDWHhId4XmtGfmiI5=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUEtvE2IS0b317sDDL3kNqC24Fx7FL4ak0CGOXgGgIFaUNubFRrUQQhzXja9EnI1vByNYWM-D-lzmJOJ34ogbK8lZrf1Q7rYAgLo7mG1ESB3csjcm7jnkE6Vcmjt9pEy8j3gBrMSKOs2Sztpd_x3HBEMJArb1qOzbw_9C8KRpWDWHhId4XmtGfmiI5=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Rams have the rare distinction of hosting a conference championship game as a number 4 seed. The last time that happened was January of 2009 when the Cardinals beat the Eagles in Arizona. In fact, that’s the <i>only </i>such instance in the 32 seasons since the league expanded the playoffs to six teams per conference. So LA is certainly not the Super Bowl shoo-in that a home team might normally be at this juncture. To make matters more difficult they’ve lost to the 49ers six straight times. And that includes twice last season when San Francisco only won 6 games overall. It’s safe to say that the Niners seem to have the Rams number. But it’s also safe to say that the idea of Jimmy Garoppolo being a Super Bowl starting quarterback twice in a 3 year span is so hard to wrap my head around that the primal urge to pick against it is the most powerful guiding force I have in regards to this game. With that in mind ...<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Rams 23-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span>And finally, even though he won't be in the booth for either of these games, I have to imagine Cris Collinsworth will be able to provide insight into these title games. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=854Xlvn6JQA" target="_blank">Let's check-in with him now:</a></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/854Xlvn6JQA" width="320" youtube-src-id="854Xlvn6JQA"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span>Well, guess I was wrong about the insight. See ya in two weeks! </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span> </span><br /></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-22442739930652821562022-01-20T22:33:00.000-08:002022-01-20T22:33:03.342-08:00NFL Picks - Divisional Round<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><b>Last Week: 6-0</b><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Saturday</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Cincinnati at Tennessee</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDt7plgUwtWD3yGFg5m8Md1rmCgchr0AmxJz4f-OcdmiqUrkMeyNc7bkgCNVwpaYRZY6QqdP8KpaAUcedaCtU9QJJC8Xf7hcpX-zRMzOTqbvVLx1bXtEtYLWGRFhdh3n38gV03jLFAxrHdnTvR-g_kgb1ESSid17hEF8FJuOt2ABzk-QIO5e0lLLmN=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDt7plgUwtWD3yGFg5m8Md1rmCgchr0AmxJz4f-OcdmiqUrkMeyNc7bkgCNVwpaYRZY6QqdP8KpaAUcedaCtU9QJJC8Xf7hcpX-zRMzOTqbvVLx1bXtEtYLWGRFhdh3n38gV03jLFAxrHdnTvR-g_kgb1ESSid17hEF8FJuOt2ABzk-QIO5e0lLLmN=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Both of these teams should have a chip on their shoulder. The Titans because nobody seems to take them seriously as a Super Bowl contender even though they’re a 1 seed. And the Bengals because they're playing their second straight Saturday afternoon game. The league clearly considers them the worst ratings draw in the playoffs. So what’s the solution? Keep winning, right? Well sure, that’s one tack, but I suggest they take a page of out of scripted television’s book. You want ratings, have a wedding. That’s right, I’m <i>proposing</i> that two of the players get married during the game. Preferably Cincy's two biggest stars. So if Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase decide to take their connection to the next level it could be exactly the spectacle that would cause the NFL to finally take notice. I just hope no one shows up to interrupt the proceedings. Like a past lover, or a celebrity guest star, or Derrick Henry. Or that’s right, Derrick Henry is back. I think that gives the Titans edge, nuptials or not.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Titans 27-24 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>San Francisco at Green Bay</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqNhp8r4QfQFFikx5GgnlBcSkrzWKW-XSEToOU5KrHvPAmFv9T6mcC4-dTeC8RhUBRVROLPzqSmGQhWFIE1PKJpw3sXXug4jDZVaaJq-YFtnGtPucLMm_fhlcD6f6ImuOlhmR6ZBkR5ylyB7BfKK3m_L5sQPTMpo3k9dE3gGSbNHDkTQOohwahfrqC=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqNhp8r4QfQFFikx5GgnlBcSkrzWKW-XSEToOU5KrHvPAmFv9T6mcC4-dTeC8RhUBRVROLPzqSmGQhWFIE1PKJpw3sXXug4jDZVaaJq-YFtnGtPucLMm_fhlcD6f6ImuOlhmR6ZBkR5ylyB7BfKK3m_L5sQPTMpo3k9dE3gGSbNHDkTQOohwahfrqC=s320" width="320" /></a></div>I have to imagine that Aaron Rodgers is sick of losing in the NFC Championship game (he’s done it 4 times in the past 7 seasons). One way to get around that crushing disappointment would be to lose in the Divisional Round. Problem solved! And it shouldn’t be hard considering the QB he’s going against is 1-0 in the divisional round. That’s right, Jimmy G is unbeaten! However, he’s not unbeatable. In fact I’d say he’s the remaining quarterback I have the least confidence in. But to be fair, I’m only basing that on watching him play all season, and the past couple before that. Really it’s not fair to judge a quarterback until he has about 8 seasons as a starter under his belt. The jury’s still out on Blaine Gabbert if you ask me. Of course, Garoppolo doesn’t necessarily have to outplay Rodgers on Saturday night, he just has to avoid a catastrophic mistake. Is that asking too much? Yeah, probably.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Packers 31-23 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEsjjfgAHSqvw9bDMRzCI29kYGdq-78Pv8EDvuYLrNkXqrfX_ScjdV-3wAoMppdhA0JvXtYvC71CrReOmYw7Gfh9Ta43N4lV7sHAjuk0zE0O-EosAg9fBZflEwIBF3W6_SXunyJiKiNy1-ufH0hM36xEqrpul44BwBPci-YuPdnL7r4m3nmlkIMVmP=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEsjjfgAHSqvw9bDMRzCI29kYGdq-78Pv8EDvuYLrNkXqrfX_ScjdV-3wAoMppdhA0JvXtYvC71CrReOmYw7Gfh9Ta43N4lV7sHAjuk0zE0O-EosAg9fBZflEwIBF3W6_SXunyJiKiNy1-ufH0hM36xEqrpul44BwBPci-YuPdnL7r4m3nmlkIMVmP=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Both of these teams are coming off of blowout wins in the Wild Card round. Now they meet for the second time this season with the first contest resulting in a 34-24 Rams win back in Week 3. Will the outcome be the same this time around? Or even similar?!? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91dYlRtqowo" target="_blank">Let's check in with Cris Collinsworth to hear his thoughts on the matter.</a><br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/91dYlRtqowo" width="320" youtube-src-id="91dYlRtqowo"></iframe></div>Good and relevant point Cris. You gotta wonder, will Brady's own strange pee be his undoing? I think it just might.<br /><span> </span><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Rams 24-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Buffalo at Kansas City </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZBmAE6Zdx-VvDCLVEVc7a_lv4_3dXtpFZanSsKlN-VlsaWsaXaU4YTpsxmm81QtbGsBW2J0uaYfCBXPk1ZrG_lCWErYImJJzRuRwOXcTyHHOih0Mytk3H6UUwFVtwfQynVTphDdwKdpxw1R21vjhnJzRHHi4Z4eJqopUAE5207djSxyJIAl24rYig=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZBmAE6Zdx-VvDCLVEVc7a_lv4_3dXtpFZanSsKlN-VlsaWsaXaU4YTpsxmm81QtbGsBW2J0uaYfCBXPk1ZrG_lCWErYImJJzRuRwOXcTyHHOih0Mytk3H6UUwFVtwfQynVTphDdwKdpxw1R21vjhnJzRHHi4Z4eJqopUAE5207djSxyJIAl24rYig=s320" width="320" /></a></div>A lot of folks out there would tell you that this is the <i>real</i> AFC championship. There are three possible interpretations of that statement. 1: the person making it does not understand how the playoffs work, or has either ignored or forgotten about the other two remaining teams in the AFC playoffs. 2: the person making that statement thinks this is last season when these teams<i> did</i> meet in the AFC championship game. 3: the person making that statement believes that whoever emerges from this game will easily dispatch either the Bengals or Titans. The third interpretation is likely the correct one, but the first two can’t be completely discounted, especially if the person you’re talking to is dumb. But even the assumption that one of these teams is going to the Super Bowl isn’t necessarily a wise one. Consider that Kansas City is 0-3 against the remaining AFC playoff teams. Meanwhile, Buffalo lost to Tennessee earlier this season, and were so afraid to play Cincinnati that they left them off of their schedule entirely! None of that, however, should take away from the entertainment level of this contest. We’re talking non-stop fireworks! Which will make the stadium very hazy and result in game action that’s difficult to discern. Eventually, once the smoke clears, I’m guessing the home team will come out on top. But despite what you may have been told, they’ll still have to win one more to get back to the Super Bowl.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Chiefs 34-31 </i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i> </i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i> </i><br /></span></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-13373288339261339952022-01-13T20:38:00.000-08:002022-01-13T20:38:01.674-08:00NFL Picks - Wild Card <p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>LAST WEEK: 11-5</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>SEASON: 175-97-1</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Saturday</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Las Vegas at Cincinnati</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0UHCsnJ4gfw4CFCWp9PoixI3avhvAYBHjZ36Pz0UTW0IXNcNvt8Mn-kGNOaB4daxSwxtL8hdz_2bl6d2l3mFU7BR4I6s-1oi5jgkZMMTvvdvoURKaAZJQPAwt2aD1QCNSqZ9IbNRL8rdJdCra6jR3pwih60JtQ5DR_zPfK7yIQcUN7uI1ls8-8kIh=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0UHCsnJ4gfw4CFCWp9PoixI3avhvAYBHjZ36Pz0UTW0IXNcNvt8Mn-kGNOaB4daxSwxtL8hdz_2bl6d2l3mFU7BR4I6s-1oi5jgkZMMTvvdvoURKaAZJQPAwt2aD1QCNSqZ9IbNRL8rdJdCra6jR3pwih60JtQ5DR_zPfK7yIQcUN7uI1ls8-8kIh=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Saturday will be just the second playoff game the Raiders have played since losing Super Bowl XXXVII in January of 2003. That was so long ago they were still playing Super Bowls in January! In the one other postseason trip since, the <i>Oakland</i> Raiders took on the Houston Texans following the 2016 season. Due to a Derek Carr injury, the Raiders’ quarterback was Connor Cook. Meanwhile, the Texans' signal caller was Brock Osweiler, however they had no injury to blame that on, he was just their starting quarterback. Even before it begins I can virtually guarantee that this Saturday’s game will be more entertaining. And if it isn’t, then god help us all. It's hard to believbe, but the Bengals may have the Raiders beat in terms of recent playoff futility. While Cincy had a number of postseason appearances last decade they haven’t actually <i>won</i> a playoff game in 31 years. A time when none of the players in this game were even born! And the most interesting part of that stat is that it might even be true! I haven’t had a chance to research it yet. The bottom line is that this Saturday recent history will be made one way or the other. Unless, of course these teams get ravaged by COVID and have to call in Connor Cook and Brock Osweiler to make emergency starts. Then it will likely be same ol’ same ol’.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bengals 31-24 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New England at Buffalo</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEituELOpX2JZOSnlFZvmf-AOPUio6CzD0dDxb8aqQH6nG3cN-s0-yQZdEj3chYhFvMl5Cy9_eK90MBNwdQGNjb1eyiWuCCcHHFQhVUhhc2JVgj7YpoOm00wzqn2uoYKcTKk1t4qX9dDLCzURgM10uIapJekP73RSuJUkm81_FFbcQqZi6Rv5DeKF-zH=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEituELOpX2JZOSnlFZvmf-AOPUio6CzD0dDxb8aqQH6nG3cN-s0-yQZdEj3chYhFvMl5Cy9_eK90MBNwdQGNjb1eyiWuCCcHHFQhVUhhc2JVgj7YpoOm00wzqn2uoYKcTKk1t4qX9dDLCzURgM10uIapJekP73RSuJUkm81_FFbcQqZi6Rv5DeKF-zH=s320" width="320" /></a></div>There’s an old adage in the NFL that it’s hard to beat a team 3 times in one season. Luckily for the Patriots and Bills, they split the two regular season match-ups, so both squads are still fully eligible to win this one. Obviously the initial thought would be that the advantage belongs to Bill Belichick. With his resume that’s hard to argue against, even if he may have the inferior roster. But there’s one aspect I haven’t heard discussed much in the lead up to this game that I think needs to be taken into consideration. Now maybe this is silly, but is there any chance that Bill Belichick will get confused by a team of Bills? And sure this could be nonsensical, but will he think that he’s competing against a bunch of people with the same name as him? I acknowledge the possible absurdity of this scnenario, but will that cause an existential crisis for him? Or maybe even engender sympathy towards his opponent? I mean sure, Belichick has gone against Buffalo 40+ times as New England’s coach and had tons of success, but who knows, maybe prior to his first postseason match-up against the Bills will be the first time he dwells upon it. And if he does, the Patriots could be in trouble, especially because Sean McDermott’s name is Sean and not Pat.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bills 23-13 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Philadelphia at Tampa Bay</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhG6FUvF1gUAGnd3RFGPM34e9bizvi7xBWvu-sNEFJhJ9svKSrWj6VvjRwov5gv6-GEe-2EOGYjEV0W3FoqFwxob9DaeH9k3EKs5_Odu_l4oEGIBbJeTuECDpDr8kCH2ifDnolSW7GNMCvJSdKCoWlpCgOkAhzd-IiGWayssIHTHUeZNsKPWSo-xzhc=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhG6FUvF1gUAGnd3RFGPM34e9bizvi7xBWvu-sNEFJhJ9svKSrWj6VvjRwov5gv6-GEe-2EOGYjEV0W3FoqFwxob9DaeH9k3EKs5_Odu_l4oEGIBbJeTuECDpDr8kCH2ifDnolSW7GNMCvJSdKCoWlpCgOkAhzd-IiGWayssIHTHUeZNsKPWSo-xzhc=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is playing in his first playoff game, while Bucs quarterback Tom Brady is playing in his 302nd. That inexperience could be an issue. Another potential problem for Philly is that they’re 0-7 against this season’s playoff teams. So their quarterback has never been to the playoffs and they seemingly can’t beat any of the other teams in the playoffs. That means the Eagles can’t possibly win on Sunday, right? Wrong! Oh whoops, I meant to say “right.” They’re screwed. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Buccaneers 27-10 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>San Francisco at Dallas</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF8zFTTP4hcmaWsPe6xBoInw9Hv2dNSDipSV4msXlKu14MnGzjk0FCJYp_uNtv2HNCyrwQwZRqPmh_JmzOBB6IjBOhhgjHK7z1Of9VeSL0UUhYm3167ZoOcuvCHWyCTi0G2nJr1KxXfJZClJhu6CLPwdTfjAWcESLLnvMdR0JwhWPWA4g1w7FeuOHM=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF8zFTTP4hcmaWsPe6xBoInw9Hv2dNSDipSV4msXlKu14MnGzjk0FCJYp_uNtv2HNCyrwQwZRqPmh_JmzOBB6IjBOhhgjHK7z1Of9VeSL0UUhYm3167ZoOcuvCHWyCTi0G2nJr1KxXfJZClJhu6CLPwdTfjAWcESLLnvMdR0JwhWPWA4g1w7FeuOHM=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Taking into account the postseason history between these teams and the recent passing of a broadcasting legend who called many of their classic contests, I hereby submit that John Madden announce this game. Enough archival audio exists, especially from the Madden video games, that it would be possible to set up a soundboard and make this happen. Would it be seamless? Absolutely not. Would it be very confusing to casual and diehard fans alike? Almost assuredly yes. But would it be entertaining? Maybe! And that’s a trade off I’m willing to make. It would also open the door to a nearly unlimited catalogue of guest stars. Just imagine the following exchange:<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Joe Buck: “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome to the booth Mr. Humphrey Bogart.”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Humphrey Bogart: “Here’s lookin’ at you kid.”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Buck: “Bogie, what do you think of AT&T Stadium.”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Bogart: “It’s the stuff that dreams are made of.”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Buck: “Who do you think will come out on top in this one?”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Bogart: “Here’s lookin’ at you kid.”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Buck: “Before we let you go, can we get a Super Bowl pick?”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Bogart: “Buccaneers by 20. Back to back baby. I love that Super Bowl. So slick. Here’s lookin’ at you kid." <br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Pretty amazing technology considering Bogart died in 1957.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>49ers 26-23 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Pittsburgh at Kansas City </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjunQsRQc5oxkGj40PV3ZhWPHm6MI_BQhg3leqYgJB4ORipmQeWANVgiFrGXLYWjPBNrDTmtU_-41_CTt5qozlD4EQxKPvKhxwEo0eDmh1qMohWdglKAX-iAoaV1slYE9BEL-Sk4l0C-MO4PEVhBu-dpUunOSic7-QQUjjJhB6URy7-R1L9fjj06N-6=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjunQsRQc5oxkGj40PV3ZhWPHm6MI_BQhg3leqYgJB4ORipmQeWANVgiFrGXLYWjPBNrDTmtU_-41_CTt5qozlD4EQxKPvKhxwEo0eDmh1qMohWdglKAX-iAoaV1slYE9BEL-Sk4l0C-MO4PEVhBu-dpUunOSic7-QQUjjJhB6URy7-R1L9fjj06N-6=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span>It's a rematch of Week 16 when the Chiefs beat the Steelers 36-10. Will this time around be any closer, or even the slightest bit entertaining? That's not for me to say. But one man who may have a better handle on things is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMJoaW75qis" target="_blank">Cris Collinsworth. Let's hear what he has to say</a>:</p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GMJoaW75qis" width="320" youtube-src-id="GMJoaW75qis"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;">I think Cris got a text there at some point.</p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"> </p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><i>Chiefs 30-16 </i><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Monday</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Arizona at Los Angeles Rams</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQXvtiB67amFaKVylYLpF-53FW60q1Icp_fguANqqf4i5tQvqH1CbaBARJzkgzETOIFBHfTr-EvtWhdRlu4Bu4NW33aOpx6o2dtfixbJttfe33dGHbm4o64gKd55p3yrgjbwhE851entKn_SfMQfZYYhqo-jYT0Hq90eIXC2EGg_Ae7veh5On7O3kT=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQXvtiB67amFaKVylYLpF-53FW60q1Icp_fguANqqf4i5tQvqH1CbaBARJzkgzETOIFBHfTr-EvtWhdRlu4Bu4NW33aOpx6o2dtfixbJttfe33dGHbm4o64gKd55p3yrgjbwhE851entKn_SfMQfZYYhqo-jYT0Hq90eIXC2EGg_Ae7veh5On7O3kT=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Both teams are coming off losses to end their regular season. I’m not sure either of them has what it takes to get to the Super Bowl. Then again, I’m not sure <i>any</i> team in the league does. But somebody has to. Or do they? Is it possible that every team loses before the Super Bowl? No. Right? Right. Then again, stranger things have happened. I can’t think of any right now, but I’m sure they have. The Cardinals have been nearly unbeatable on the road this season, and now will likely have to win three straight away from home to get to the Super Bowl. Despite their road dominance, I'm not sold on the Cardinals without DeAndre Hopkins, which is the main reason I'll go with the Rams here. <span><span>Of course, it won't matter much when LA eventually loses like every other playoff team. Hey, it could happen!</span></span><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><span> </span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><span><i>Rams 20-16 </i><br /></span></span></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-54522140006845092322022-01-06T23:03:00.002-08:002022-01-06T23:03:42.412-08:00NFL Picks - Week 18<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><b>LAST WEEK: 13-3<br /></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><b>SEASON: 164-92-1</b> (Which is a total of 257, so I mis-added at some point)<br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Saturday</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Kansas City at Denver</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkNfGwdeY6m1raEFX2bm-XmzEVNmL5DQypX2j8O-bcucTasyMqX4MMME1yn3_D6qP21Y6t2U3w7Ff8BmRrC9kYu3wgirVv7uKKcev0F6_W4wkVlv_Z_7jmopOwqlmCjMrHDpTg64LHbRh83RE3SnJ37C9hZf-1g-G63uMQK3CrG2C2ULGtoWxUFwXd=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkNfGwdeY6m1raEFX2bm-XmzEVNmL5DQypX2j8O-bcucTasyMqX4MMME1yn3_D6qP21Y6t2U3w7Ff8BmRrC9kYu3wgirVv7uKKcev0F6_W4wkVlv_Z_7jmopOwqlmCjMrHDpTg64LHbRh83RE3SnJ37C9hZf-1g-G63uMQK3CrG2C2ULGtoWxUFwXd=s320" width="320" /></a></div>After 17 weeks all the teams in the league have normal, familiar records. Chiefs are 11-5? Ok, sure, I’ve heard of that one. Broncos 7-9? A classic! So I guess that’s that, season over? Nope! We’re tacking on one more. I should clarify though, the season <i>is</i> over for Denver. It was over the minute they had to employ Drew Lock's services. KC is still plenty relevant though, and they actually need this win to have any shot at a first round bye in the playoffs. Typical millennials, wanting to take time off from work. Unlike typical millennials though, I’m guessing they’ll do their part on Saturday, because again, the opposing quarterback is Drew Lock. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Chiefs 23-13 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Dallas at Philadelphia</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTORzBqhIO-gqbJ6HNKFX6pC10OF_bZ2LQlZXQB3_lqyppdPv9a-dF0NOaaNL1BG_bcaLiX6RFLFdZUfjc6W5ccYFGVVtgpNh2Ej_ejRWt-9BCfIhe8_AL0BBHSRPfyA0D_3-s4Nx5m4_ppDQO_moqvt2m8TA_sVvh34j9Ea2QbQsQRvNPlqTQ14Xo=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTORzBqhIO-gqbJ6HNKFX6pC10OF_bZ2LQlZXQB3_lqyppdPv9a-dF0NOaaNL1BG_bcaLiX6RFLFdZUfjc6W5ccYFGVVtgpNh2Ej_ejRWt-9BCfIhe8_AL0BBHSRPfyA0D_3-s4Nx5m4_ppDQO_moqvt2m8TA_sVvh34j9Ea2QbQsQRvNPlqTQ14Xo=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Last Sunday the Cowboys were defeated at home by the Cardinals, and depending on how things shake out, they could be facing that same match-up in the first round of the playoffs next week. A frightening prospect for Dallas to be sure. Then again, any game against a winning team should be worrisome for the Cowboys. They have only one win against a team currently in playoff position in the NFC. The good news? That win came against these Eagles! Still I have the feeling that Dallas is going to get to the postseason and be like, “Oh so all these teams are just good then? This blows. We’re outta here.” I don’t blame them, the playoffs are stressful. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Cowboys 24-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Morning</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Pittsburgh at Baltimore</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6DlsoybyFb-QiGWOcu1-xNOUbvCoIshQj6HERhrZz7Ow4QUZq2V_XVjI7loCN8Z3IOVVGdO6XLrhgPc4nj31VH0RzvL5j3I71Dt_wWgOUUl0ExCkongh0BU5KkwenZN41PGq-ep46cfd8iEWRGbFuhbaF87zXFkIlHM03D90qjoERatl-QaU30sj7=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6DlsoybyFb-QiGWOcu1-xNOUbvCoIshQj6HERhrZz7Ow4QUZq2V_XVjI7loCN8Z3IOVVGdO6XLrhgPc4nj31VH0RzvL5j3I71Dt_wWgOUUl0ExCkongh0BU5KkwenZN41PGq-ep46cfd8iEWRGbFuhbaF87zXFkIlHM03D90qjoERatl-QaU30sj7=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Ravens need a lot of help. And I’m not just talking about getting into the playoffs. These guys are seriously messed up. I heard they own every volume of <i>Faces of Death</i>. That’s the level of depravity we’re dealing with here. On the flip side, the Steelers need less outside assistance to reach the postseason, but both there’s and Baltimore’s hopes rely on the Jags beating the Colts. So in other words, this will be the last game either of these teams plays this season. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Ravens 18-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Cincinnati at Cleveland</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyODQMFqj8TvST8RAGm94gaFVlagI189xgipvRtV7xrnQ0VnnsSuTOq6M3_cYPJZ8HG1NC7vBilE0cmvqkj1LugjA9Ubuloi4s2Jwwtd9rd5FC8ghqw7dqcVfNXbyhTrM9QEQdDgfRYGN3ih-INcl_HYMnXE4SyND4xQED5GIukxPIozTZKANgUjmf=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyODQMFqj8TvST8RAGm94gaFVlagI189xgipvRtV7xrnQ0VnnsSuTOq6M3_cYPJZ8HG1NC7vBilE0cmvqkj1LugjA9Ubuloi4s2Jwwtd9rd5FC8ghqw7dqcVfNXbyhTrM9QEQdDgfRYGN3ih-INcl_HYMnXE4SyND4xQED5GIukxPIozTZKANgUjmf=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Bengals seem to rise to the occasion when they play good teams. But they’ve also lost to the Bears and Jets. Add those performances to a 3 point win over the Jags, and a 25 point loss to these Browns, and there’s cause for concern. The good news is, none of those sucks are going to be in the playoffs. If Cincy can keep showing up for big games, they should go far this January/February(?). And I mean that in the most literal sense. If they’re showing up, I’m guessing that means that they’re scheduled to play that day, which means they haven’t been eliminated. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bengals 27-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Green Bay at Detroit</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8KyLqFm4ROcx9bCaEFrjY5M5VO_QOwOfnZdaJ8RDoaV8uR6RcUkrQ0OLV5IaZ0O1LwXiitnZhXL_Saf53gGSMvVL67-WQ_zWX6EVaE6ULYEHD3GDOeymO3fAR3wt2JU7yD9SXPuVqwkcvA8sFfu5bm35autv81Ed6h87LPSX8WO9U-SACVqUPN0Id=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8KyLqFm4ROcx9bCaEFrjY5M5VO_QOwOfnZdaJ8RDoaV8uR6RcUkrQ0OLV5IaZ0O1LwXiitnZhXL_Saf53gGSMvVL67-WQ_zWX6EVaE6ULYEHD3GDOeymO3fAR3wt2JU7yD9SXPuVqwkcvA8sFfu5bm35autv81Ed6h87LPSX8WO9U-SACVqUPN0Id=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Packers are 13-3 for the third straight season, the first three of the Matt Lafleur's tenure as head coach. That’s very impressive. However, it hasn’t worked out for them yet. They’ve lost in the conference championship game each of the past two seasons, which shouldn’t be dismissed as a failure, but I have to believe that if that’s their fate for a third straight year Green Bay will start to be saddled with the reputation of not being able to win the big one. Fortunately for them though, that ending to the season would surely result in Aaron Rodgers departing and the team getting to start fresh with Jordan Love. Which, of course, would mean that they won’t be involved in any “big ones” for some time, causing that rap to fall by the wayside. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Lions 23-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Tennessee at Houston </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhk758S4N3KLPEJ-3oZX_9MlUDlMI5pIq1EVOFTGNnsaLNQyRwOQyjjbmYUz46AcoZXOImE2KQYF1w1OvzRRCpNxNTCrYYbhUrZ9lZfIjKnrqDDNt1_P6hEvSbAbB8VOHfFqxcXUIAj9Jfv4UOX4tP5lG-tZjQ4cDq-7uaIRW5WIpHNPbmvrhhfO5Fc=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhk758S4N3KLPEJ-3oZX_9MlUDlMI5pIq1EVOFTGNnsaLNQyRwOQyjjbmYUz46AcoZXOImE2KQYF1w1OvzRRCpNxNTCrYYbhUrZ9lZfIjKnrqDDNt1_P6hEvSbAbB8VOHfFqxcXUIAj9Jfv4UOX4tP5lG-tZjQ4cDq-7uaIRW5WIpHNPbmvrhhfO5Fc=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Surprisingly the Titans need only a win over the lowly Texans to capture the #1 seed in the AFC and a first round bye in the playoffs. That seems wrong. Gonna double check ... Hmm no. It’s somehow correct, despite the fact that Tennessee has the 6th best point differential in the conference it currently sits atop. Does that matter? Maybe to the analytic nerds, but not to tough asses like you, me, and Mike Vrabel. Also, there’s a chance the Titans will get Derrick Henry back for the playoffs, which means you can throw most numbers out the window. Including 2, 16, and likely even 39. I could go on, but I think you get the point. And if you don’t it would take too long to explain. Oh you have plenty of time? Uh ... err ... Well I don’t! Let’s move on!<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Titans 30-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Indianapolis at Jacksonville </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjft4fraG7m9i0aFYjsgDuduSzEA3gb9uMV9I8229bRjsaLOSS9FhR1KVcsyu3jTkcnaIypcs31NHdQXYdxRUwxAJHGhWDpRtkeJDz230rxsUjb6Qp33rhGdDamJOefCDyc-uFbJvY42xlauhZ05Tl-EzrFrYbytDVo8iLSeYnX7LoUjaf5daPNVSXs=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjft4fraG7m9i0aFYjsgDuduSzEA3gb9uMV9I8229bRjsaLOSS9FhR1KVcsyu3jTkcnaIypcs31NHdQXYdxRUwxAJHGhWDpRtkeJDz230rxsUjb6Qp33rhGdDamJOefCDyc-uFbJvY42xlauhZ05Tl-EzrFrYbytDVo8iLSeYnX7LoUjaf5daPNVSXs=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Jags can all but completely spoil the Colts’ playoff hopes by beating them. The Colts can all but spoil the Jags' #1 pick dreams by beating <i>them</i>. Seems mutually beneficial if Indy just wins, right? There should be some sort of meeting at half time if Jacksonville is winning, just to get everybody on the same page and make sure things play out correctly. I mean can you imagine if Indy misses the playoffs because they lost to the Jags?!? And what if Jacksonville ends up with the 2nd pick and has to take Kayvon Thibodeaux instead of Aidan Hutchinson?!? On second thought, maybe it wouldn’t matter if the Jags just won. But ya know, they’re the Jags, so ... probably not worth consideration. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Colts 31-13 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Chicago at Minnesota </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMd-tR8JUT2iNSrbZdzPUEsRt90gDVqrY6d5yVCrq9YheJCWR8MBATU-vUHEw_ciFyv1xPRuC9LylnhXrpTboiuyesqMVZNO4rFQl4hz_OTBj23SCMjIQbB21il2tZGR0q3RnpRcvO13b2236fZIC8RMXzi6RF0eyXA7wJKik9DooNBpV1tIz55gOO=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMd-tR8JUT2iNSrbZdzPUEsRt90gDVqrY6d5yVCrq9YheJCWR8MBATU-vUHEw_ciFyv1xPRuC9LylnhXrpTboiuyesqMVZNO4rFQl4hz_OTBj23SCMjIQbB21il2tZGR0q3RnpRcvO13b2236fZIC8RMXzi6RF0eyXA7wJKik9DooNBpV1tIz55gOO=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span>With the extra wild card there are even fewer Week 18 games that don’t involve a team still in contention. This is one of two such contests. But just try telling the Bears and Vikings that! Seriously, we should see if they know that nothing’s at stake. A lot of players say that they don’t read their press. Who knows, that could include standings. It’s possible that these guys are clueless as to the situation. They say ignorance is bliss, and I can see that argument, but there’s nothing blissful about showing up to the team facility on Monday and finding out there are no more games. </span><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Vikings 28-18 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Washington at New York Giants</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1eLuLzpbykRyMkdnbMe0ECog1r_xfeWo4JtPmxvP5MTeJ7F3jn973JqM1thcwnHLr3TzEH8NA69h1W6iSUgbaKOyrRy0b9HFbDgyucNL0D3UETdMiwCZX1wr4RdAIVC3ld1OO4WUwPW5q7mVTWASv4uJjtj5nCNm6dkvT8HI83aMxKkQcvqWa2QAq=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1eLuLzpbykRyMkdnbMe0ECog1r_xfeWo4JtPmxvP5MTeJ7F3jn973JqM1thcwnHLr3TzEH8NA69h1W6iSUgbaKOyrRy0b9HFbDgyucNL0D3UETdMiwCZX1wr4RdAIVC3ld1OO4WUwPW5q7mVTWASv4uJjtj5nCNm6dkvT8HI83aMxKkQcvqWa2QAq=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Remember what I just said about meaningless games? This is the other one. <span> </span>So I have similar questions about these players’ awareness. To help them out I’ve a hired a sky writer to scrawl the NFL standings above MetLife Stadium. And to be safe I also told the guy to spell out every possible playoff scenario. Now that I think about it, I could probably simplify the message and save some money. As it stands now I’m out $13,000. It’s a steep price, but certainly worth it if you ask me. Though it was slightly concerning that when I paid the skywriter he said, “Yippee! Me likey the up front payments, cuz then I don’t gotta do the actual job.” I told him how dope I thought that was, but made him promise that he’d actually do mine. He told me, “We’ll see ...” as he crumpled up my instructions and tossed them in the trash. So, long story short, if you hear a buzz in the skies above MetLife on Sunday, look up, because you’re about to get educated on the NFL’s playoff picture, courtesy of yours truly. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Washington 23-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Afternoon</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Seattle at Arizona</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhG5Maxtc_wYLcdu5DErIDG-17btiqHI3wn7rUFHmoQX7pXskkf4u5k8ReD7T6b8T9wbVqH7j70dZltlDdCZPEIYlwzTMOQcSpr4NqokdSp3qgCV8Cqv7r2o-WkRramBwDSxvfLqK4HtsbzZzA2S3oFeZ5XKGVULz59Din9SnyPoWCXk1kyzgjdT5Yj=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhG5Maxtc_wYLcdu5DErIDG-17btiqHI3wn7rUFHmoQX7pXskkf4u5k8ReD7T6b8T9wbVqH7j70dZltlDdCZPEIYlwzTMOQcSpr4NqokdSp3qgCV8Cqv7r2o-WkRramBwDSxvfLqK4HtsbzZzA2S3oFeZ5XKGVULz59Din9SnyPoWCXk1kyzgjdT5Yj=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Cardinals need a win and a loss by the Rams to start the playoffs at home. But should they want to? They’re 8-1 on the road, with the one loss coming against the Lions, a team that I’m almost certain they won’t have to deal with in the postseason. If the Cardinals can simply continue to be undefeated everywhere but Arizona and Detroit they’ll win the Super Bowl. Easier said than done? Maybe. But it’s worth a shot. And the best way to ensure they’ll be on the road in the playoffs is to lose this game. Just do it Cards, it’s in your best interest. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Seahawks 24-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New Orleans at Atlanta </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS9-6cz2Z3RUWGlLlTF1nspYNS3zKyCkrt42i9Ipqs9cG8kPv1qtt_TPYuJmyMPHvC2yH_nhuR2JvDs_u6RwQowSpadABYDNTX5rNl9pKyfZ815f0YhRF7zpkQulLXGWLQYlVh-pWftpaVL1iS4nzpq1N5EDdjgn2itU7T43FNFaJxYFEGeiiu1DMB=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS9-6cz2Z3RUWGlLlTF1nspYNS3zKyCkrt42i9Ipqs9cG8kPv1qtt_TPYuJmyMPHvC2yH_nhuR2JvDs_u6RwQowSpadABYDNTX5rNl9pKyfZ815f0YhRF7zpkQulLXGWLQYlVh-pWftpaVL1iS4nzpq1N5EDdjgn2itU7T43FNFaJxYFEGeiiu1DMB=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Saints have a real shot at the playoffs. They need a win and a Niners loss to the Rams. Neither outcome is unreasonable. In fact, on their own, they could both be considered likely. But when you need a combination of results things start to get tricky. Also, rooting for another team to lose is really mean-spirited. Is a playoff spot worth losing your compassion? That’s the existential quandary Saints players will be wrestling with during this game. If you’re watching at home keep an eye out for thousand yard stares from the entire New Orleans roster while the Falcons run for repeated 80 yard touchdowns. Or, of course, the Saints could win, and if they do we’ll all know that they’re a bunch of heartless bastards. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Saints 20-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New York Jets at Buffalo</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqOoS7oSJCRDmi4NNLR2Aczw5ZL6N9cLiFeCqN6n9SIHGymW38cG_55TG8S6VajtguZZ8_esxvUpIFAO4_L4h7fHwrdzDMdOXpfiNX7MvdUFxj9BvN_8WbruNE7najuEMLAU1zBgQt9p4PbQ5386jb2o9MsIEf3KXK8ZAyC9idIG4LpEnQmv-ftDVK=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqOoS7oSJCRDmi4NNLR2Aczw5ZL6N9cLiFeCqN6n9SIHGymW38cG_55TG8S6VajtguZZ8_esxvUpIFAO4_L4h7fHwrdzDMdOXpfiNX7MvdUFxj9BvN_8WbruNE7najuEMLAU1zBgQt9p4PbQ5386jb2o9MsIEf3KXK8ZAyC9idIG4LpEnQmv-ftDVK=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Jets franchise has reached a heretofore unrealized depth. They’ve fallen so far that losing to them can drive an opposing player to remove half of their uniform, walk out of the stadium, and possibly quit football forever. It’s the first time someone has hit rock bottom in MetLife Stadium since WrestleMania 29, when the Rock fought John Cena. If you ask me the Jets should take a certain amount of pride in that. Ok, probably not, but what else can they take pride in at this point? <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bills 33-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>San Francisco at Los Angeles Rams</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfFlaToSbTOrMmcIpB8iWGJGWMUdm1UW3FLrirg4l-GOBDt79aTLDYB5853cGab0A1LBmwXqgOQUEfTX1ukeUgZbaatieq7KFv2HsR5deRXlIzD07ho9cwYuKfsTMRaNCbdnq9FBXNIzKdxGeKvisW6no4low8FqsUxHIAGNxJBeTrxm6MCMthzMPU=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfFlaToSbTOrMmcIpB8iWGJGWMUdm1UW3FLrirg4l-GOBDt79aTLDYB5853cGab0A1LBmwXqgOQUEfTX1ukeUgZbaatieq7KFv2HsR5deRXlIzD07ho9cwYuKfsTMRaNCbdnq9FBXNIzKdxGeKvisW6no4low8FqsUxHIAGNxJBeTrxm6MCMthzMPU=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Niners and Rammers, er wait, that's not right. Rammer? I hardly nine her! But seriously folks ... It's possible that these teams will meet next week in the playoffs, then again it's possible that San Francisco won't be in the playoffs at all. A loss here would put the Niners' season in serious jeopardy. They'd need the Falcons to beat the Saints to stay alive. Having your season in Matt Ryan's hands is not ideal, so it would behoove San Fran to just go ahead and win. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>49ers 28-20</i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New England at Miami</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjelalFkwE7dBatV3vyk-P3BX-VKvtya2ojx0EDVOnFXowh1EAPPAcaEbg7XgLgj2snbZq0JjqdKPeAPuO2SYE-zxs7vzQNSnUWNg6-8WxXu0XxRqSueEu1Plg2TBewe5mWIguvMNc6EJLJ8L3rvBTM9vh-Q8iqydMqlUZU4ZR_hHIcuslXgn3AjXPA=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjelalFkwE7dBatV3vyk-P3BX-VKvtya2ojx0EDVOnFXowh1EAPPAcaEbg7XgLgj2snbZq0JjqdKPeAPuO2SYE-zxs7vzQNSnUWNg6-8WxXu0XxRqSueEu1Plg2TBewe5mWIguvMNc6EJLJ8L3rvBTM9vh-Q8iqydMqlUZU4ZR_hHIcuslXgn3AjXPA=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Sadly there is no path for the Dolphins to the playoffs now. What an effort though. From a 1-7 start to the brink of the postseason. Unfortunately they ran into a competent team last week in Tennessee, and that was just too much for them to overcome. Miami would have a decent shot in a hypothetical consolation tournament as they do very well against lousy teams. Unfortunately for the Dolphins that hypothetical tournament is just that, hypothetical, and even if it weren’t it would be rather pointless. Maybe that’s why it’s hypothetical. Miami can put a tiny feather in their cap by ending their season the way they started it, with a win over the Patriots. I’m not sure they’ll achieve that bookend though, because New England is another one of those pesky, competent teams. As a result, the Dolphins’ books will be falling all over the place for the whole offseason. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Patriots 31-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Carolina at Tampa Bay</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjCtQFIeUBIegzOD2T99xYoxa8hv2nT8yxBwRBUSkBvNUdZf1jmWanc4U43ez_KgH1LxFyIyvzTz8KQXfF1viS2Gjk8U099fvhCUKacFBLQHUqzF2AfXksAa-NUnAEKazNKEPdz8dFpuWcN1i3OE7a-VG8niwrl-hbC-Bm2Thm0fNO_-XMbpHyXtTS=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjCtQFIeUBIegzOD2T99xYoxa8hv2nT8yxBwRBUSkBvNUdZf1jmWanc4U43ez_KgH1LxFyIyvzTz8KQXfF1viS2Gjk8U099fvhCUKacFBLQHUqzF2AfXksAa-NUnAEKazNKEPdz8dFpuWcN1i3OE7a-VG8niwrl-hbC-Bm2Thm0fNO_-XMbpHyXtTS=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Bucs are coming off an interesting Sunday. They nearly lost to the Jets and came home with one less player than they left with. What are the odds that we see a headline 8 months from now about Antonio Brown suing the Bucs for a Super Bowl ring? Id say fairly low considering that would require Tampa to win the Super Bowl again, and Antonio Brown to find legal counsel willing to represent him. The Bucs don’t have much to play for here as they’re locked into either the 2 or 3 seed in the NFC. That should allow them to sit some of their star players, which will provide them rest, and reduce the risk of them walking off the field shirtless. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Buccaneers 23-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgky5Sf56ogIS9MGOhRwUJxldoPFCcbIvL48ePtoZuo6Q97Tyert9LG_E5nxaOkSfn7cXTIsjaaQEOedvdTy2cs-BDdya_y2WvggTgZ9fcCmtDW9RK7YdCwagnSOuQ36nixkJxtye0rUuaDJWgfcCVpV7grw7obqq0jIG8IHfJi-kur1ja4tUcBFGaD=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgky5Sf56ogIS9MGOhRwUJxldoPFCcbIvL48ePtoZuo6Q97Tyert9LG_E5nxaOkSfn7cXTIsjaaQEOedvdTy2cs-BDdya_y2WvggTgZ9fcCmtDW9RK7YdCwagnSOuQ36nixkJxtye0rUuaDJWgfcCVpV7grw7obqq0jIG8IHfJi-kur1ja4tUcBFGaD=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Win and in. It's as simple as that. Or maybe not. Perhaps there are other possibilities.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbtLrLJMWHE" target="_blank"> Let's turn to Cris Collinsworth to explore them al</a>l.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zbtLrLJMWHE" width="320" youtube-src-id="zbtLrLJMWHE"></iframe></div><span><i>Chargers 35-27 </i><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-18130536467317123582021-12-30T23:50:00.004-08:002021-12-30T23:53:27.745-08:00NFL Picks - Week 17<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>LAST WEEK: 11-5</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><b>SEASON: 151-89-1</b><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Morning</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Atlanta at Buffalo</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMKVvPNpwZJDoAVZgRA0wG_3Yv3D4Z1iwX2Us8BGs5Wx8pfPTx18DkhCQgeGrJKXRFU5tIX8Pkopn5Pw7RUngt_FAEvE4YLvmuMSO9EI8Z-S_ofNDdWJ-ZqFoGp8Uin03Ftta8yE4Qk6Q3iy46H31zXtVUL4VrHR5f_t9MAFjVUPcNekEUBFtfg7cE=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMKVvPNpwZJDoAVZgRA0wG_3Yv3D4Z1iwX2Us8BGs5Wx8pfPTx18DkhCQgeGrJKXRFU5tIX8Pkopn5Pw7RUngt_FAEvE4YLvmuMSO9EI8Z-S_ofNDdWJ-ZqFoGp8Uin03Ftta8yE4Qk6Q3iy46H31zXtVUL4VrHR5f_t9MAFjVUPcNekEUBFtfg7cE=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Bills are back on the inside track to win the AFC East. All they have to do <span><span>to clinch the title</span> is beat the Falcons and Jets. Seems easy enough, but so is walking, and I still stub my toe plenty. If Buffalo concentrates and keeps their head down they should have no problem winning their division for the second straight season. But if they lose focus for even a second they could be on the road to start the playoffs, and spend the rest of their time hobbling around their living room growling, “Fuuuuuuuuuhhhhgg” under their breaths.</span><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bills 34-24 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New York Giants at Chicago </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisoCtnFvcYBzypXKlhLb7VACBsaiqcgov6EAFiUtkDNl-U867HvGAVxIJ3V9X7L6v0pJGZm3FIVxzBw2Y8hq9vEYo9oKuWLBBZXuDRIn5FKqSY7rZF24sj7VIxGOFm7XkVhOSFozSxzEzfMnlp8rRo--u0qwx-FaklchYl7c6tqtbZG74rqrGegyvs=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisoCtnFvcYBzypXKlhLb7VACBsaiqcgov6EAFiUtkDNl-U867HvGAVxIJ3V9X7L6v0pJGZm3FIVxzBw2Y8hq9vEYo9oKuWLBBZXuDRIn5FKqSY7rZF24sj7VIxGOFm7XkVhOSFozSxzEzfMnlp8rRo--u0qwx-FaklchYl7c6tqtbZG74rqrGegyvs=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Giants have the Bears' first round pick in the upcoming draft, so losing this game would help <i>and</i> hurt New York’s positioning. What a catch 22! Speaking of, what are the odds that Giants players catch 22 or more balls in this game? You’d get fairly even odds either way, because in 9 games so far this season New York has completed between 21 and 24 passes. You might not hear a lot of buzz around that stat this week, but I for one will be tallying every Giants completion directly onto my wall. Do I have one of those chalkboard walls? Nope.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bears 23-13 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Kansas City at Cincinnati </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8m--p9NL67x5tp7jovW03V9vfPUyyG_axU-fYa0mnQMIsYx8z4PlCZkHA8re_vApxvy8ZFlIK_CDZdZ3L4fUJH6EDBAExVAmmY9MQkVELsqYFUTQU0ss2cUIpBmyALrwtSJGmiy6UNXYCDrRyo_XeXEkOk7ftLCeb--duvoFjOPSsdo4cByYQAsOO=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8m--p9NL67x5tp7jovW03V9vfPUyyG_axU-fYa0mnQMIsYx8z4PlCZkHA8re_vApxvy8ZFlIK_CDZdZ3L4fUJH6EDBAExVAmmY9MQkVELsqYFUTQU0ss2cUIpBmyALrwtSJGmiy6UNXYCDrRyo_XeXEkOk7ftLCeb--duvoFjOPSsdo4cByYQAsOO=s320" width="320" /></a></div>This is the type of game that the Bengals could actually win. Then of course they’d turn around and lose to the Jags next week. And they’re not even playing the Jags next week! That’s how ridiculous this team is. The Chiefs, on the other hand, are not ridiculous. They win every game they play. That’s completely sensible. Cincy should strive for that kind of consistency. But until they win all of their games, I’m just not sure I can trust them. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Chiefs 30-27 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Miami at Tennessee </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpJwuBhSFSFntyrzw3vHPJR8X0NFRsPyB3RW7VgC5cvw6FlwagX_rHdR-K9FLP5N1FcapaYZgkAsWFI0Fn_h38zyVdeFcZ9Fqzip5mgLT7qOU7RIZNjhLFkLiUr4_gXPSiIb0d4MAbDIGDT9s8gkZySJRAl6aKiuUHs1sFyKxhmMc7pfRUjGuxAJ7A=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpJwuBhSFSFntyrzw3vHPJR8X0NFRsPyB3RW7VgC5cvw6FlwagX_rHdR-K9FLP5N1FcapaYZgkAsWFI0Fn_h38zyVdeFcZ9Fqzip5mgLT7qOU7RIZNjhLFkLiUr4_gXPSiIb0d4MAbDIGDT9s8gkZySJRAl6aKiuUHs1sFyKxhmMc7pfRUjGuxAJ7A=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Dolphins have won 7 in a row, and will get into the playoffs if they win their last two to extend the streak to 9. Unfortunately for them, the two remaining teams on their schedule are the Titans and Patriots. But fortunately for them, impossible is nothing for these Miami Dolphins. One thing that<i> is</i> really hard for them though is beating decent teams. They’re 2-5 against opponents that are currently over .500. If they double that total they’ll be sittin’ pretty come the end of the regular season. And if they don’t, they’ll be ... standing ugly, I suppose. Oof, nothing worse than that. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Titans 19-13 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Las Vegas at Indianapolis </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8iAsjFG2RM0n1u16ML845pjC2EsN3vvNQydt15J4kmlDA9CadZmlO4FoGZEdh49AaXwIWXZ2J9JRof4gml7fpAdXVO54ACrMu-wIq-iMlJOiF7fumYgZbux429jauPXTRtq2x2mtY7-DQa2z_aHzUWXyLkMxJeC90FsyszAkz9a5x7Vk5lO3rCBo-=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8iAsjFG2RM0n1u16ML845pjC2EsN3vvNQydt15J4kmlDA9CadZmlO4FoGZEdh49AaXwIWXZ2J9JRof4gml7fpAdXVO54ACrMu-wIq-iMlJOiF7fumYgZbux429jauPXTRtq2x2mtY7-DQa2z_aHzUWXyLkMxJeC90FsyszAkz9a5x7Vk5lO3rCBo-=s320" width="320" /></a></div>With their starting quarterback Carson Wentz in extended COVID protocol due to his unvaccinated status, reports have surfaced that the Colts reached out to Philip Rivers about a potential, temporary comeback. As much as I’d love to see that happen it begs the question: what makes Indy believe that Philip Rivers is vaccinated? From all I know of the guy, he screams unvaxxed. Come to think of it, he just screams everything, at all times. But as I already mentioned, I want nothing more than for Indy to sign Phil Rivers. Do I want him to then immediately get COVID upon setting foot into the team facility? Not necessarily. But it wouldn’t be unfunny.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Raiders 23-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Jacksonville at New England </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFEdkylrLv3AmypfOGLkFBs0ZC1XL2J8aN6vmg0N0AEhX8sX1fJ_K9TM7lXmpBMGiWEQWSl_iFEl-YSkGFS3nlZPOu-Cxt_F44tW3WvBdBcIOr976r9eKVieYRC_iv-KsdROanu3r-MIgAJl2OAUegBNhxO4M3_2mOyUKg0Ak-Tz4PWC-dUVVsMTXW=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFEdkylrLv3AmypfOGLkFBs0ZC1XL2J8aN6vmg0N0AEhX8sX1fJ_K9TM7lXmpBMGiWEQWSl_iFEl-YSkGFS3nlZPOu-Cxt_F44tW3WvBdBcIOr976r9eKVieYRC_iv-KsdROanu3r-MIgAJl2OAUegBNhxO4M3_2mOyUKg0Ak-Tz4PWC-dUVVsMTXW=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Jags are looking to lock up the 1st pick in the draft for another year. Back to back baby! Will they get shirts made? Hang a banner? Some of you may think that that’s nothing to be proud of, but consider this: the draft started in 1936 and a team has selected 1st in consecutive seasons only 5 times. There have been more back to back Super Bowl champs. See? This is rarefied air! Or rarefied err I suppose. Man, that’s pretty solid. Hello New York Post? I think I’ve got a headline for you. It’s regarding the Jacksonville Jaguars and how they ... Hello? Did they hang up on me?!? Oh no, I forgot to actually dial the number. Didn’t even look it up in fact. Ah well, I’ll get to that later. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Patriots 35-14 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Tampa Bay at New York Jets </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFHYT2JxRa3xveiHvEWa5QqMO_RAkuNRPFl7fMElcLzJvPVWW8AWzybVsLIlzyV2OS4ZWaYgcciGinidvTkwXqHHW76q7FjDizRvK7IbPvzLNgaoTFhIhyHRZB8taoOzuI8-Clm9WbIHOoxXXvMVWqRNwEugz1TkkKrN2TC00_ix9o6lBjHRs3j8rC=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFHYT2JxRa3xveiHvEWa5QqMO_RAkuNRPFl7fMElcLzJvPVWW8AWzybVsLIlzyV2OS4ZWaYgcciGinidvTkwXqHHW76q7FjDizRvK7IbPvzLNgaoTFhIhyHRZB8taoOzuI8-Clm9WbIHOoxXXvMVWqRNwEugz1TkkKrN2TC00_ix9o6lBjHRs3j8rC=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Buccaneers have a .497 strength of victory, the best among current NFC playoff teams. Beating the Jets would only water that down. Should they consider losing then? I mean you don’t want to get a reputation as a bully. If you start beating up on poor saps like the Jets then you’re no better than the rest of those NFC meanies. Of course, if you lose to the Jets everybody will laugh at you. Can you really handle that? This is the type of conundrum that comes with success. That’s why I always tell kids to never be <i>too</i> successful. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Buccaneers 31-19 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Philadelphia at Washington </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtUYWKI6FMR3oogfkOb2Zep92nFH5JkoKcZJrcuZn9hXfmuOCSA_yQZFsHzy42iBdStTgPn06EO1Gd4F_JgF3ENKJPu0T7r15wv2XUUfIMDB0YStegWcS3bgQxYsUAedaOpAzUQRNmMB4bIo1OnqgQkX-9AVItuZAH0o6QS9a3VrtINGWBtJftG-8p=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtUYWKI6FMR3oogfkOb2Zep92nFH5JkoKcZJrcuZn9hXfmuOCSA_yQZFsHzy42iBdStTgPn06EO1Gd4F_JgF3ENKJPu0T7r15wv2XUUfIMDB0YStegWcS3bgQxYsUAedaOpAzUQRNmMB4bIo1OnqgQkX-9AVItuZAH0o6QS9a3VrtINGWBtJftG-8p=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Eagles are now firmly in playoff position. Well, as firm as you can get in the seventh spot in the NFC. Which is to say, not very firm. Right now they’re a soft yes for the postseason, but can you come back and ask them next week? They’re waiting to see how a couple things shake out, but they should have a better answer by then. Two weeks from now at the latest. Do you know who else is going yet? Not that it matters or anything, the Eagles are just curious. The Cowboys? Oh. Hmm. Well Philly’s a definite maybe then. They’ll let you know. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Eagles 23-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigz7xs_ivzjyWJAIa1GOmvwmkXBP0sRSR7ljYgV4-1chwhao8zVOO9a_Bc_beYlLjuEVdyrEq49SJvf5c8f_4QwtPxfQz9a0fYJaFx3h5DE3tx3L8TG76BSjS9-dXnsBME50PYA8gNZWp5V0Z4w5Ma1T9a6qFtNCPMJTfuZFmZPNXrc-QSc1Iy-IVG=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigz7xs_ivzjyWJAIa1GOmvwmkXBP0sRSR7ljYgV4-1chwhao8zVOO9a_Bc_beYlLjuEVdyrEq49SJvf5c8f_4QwtPxfQz9a0fYJaFx3h5DE3tx3L8TG76BSjS9-dXnsBME50PYA8gNZWp5V0Z4w5Ma1T9a6qFtNCPMJTfuZFmZPNXrc-QSc1Iy-IVG=s320" width="320" /></a></div>After another shellacking from the Bengals, the Ravens are living on the edge. And if Lamar Jackson can’t come back pronto they’ll be even edgier. Not like in a cool, hip way. More in like a falling to their death kind of way. But do the Rams have the guts to give them that last shove? Perhaps. Especially if LA doesn’t have the added stress of knowing that winning this game will result in the Ravens’ literal death. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Rams 27-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Afternoon</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Denver at Los Angeles Chargers</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBhz3vIrToWHIKdikR8a6BQAzLUaBNGysQcSOc3l78nLZxP7bQmxlQTs8FcuLit1GTNJYzWBavpfbt8kruhaL9hk3NpkHV5LCkBGGRoc0CyN7yQK1J1GAJxnnuc6sw5eCDiTGjk7wxFF4CiHyR8j3IOjrt1jc0Jpr9KARqJOr8ZiOogxK9DnxhYBEV=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBhz3vIrToWHIKdikR8a6BQAzLUaBNGysQcSOc3l78nLZxP7bQmxlQTs8FcuLit1GTNJYzWBavpfbt8kruhaL9hk3NpkHV5LCkBGGRoc0CyN7yQK1J1GAJxnnuc6sw5eCDiTGjk7wxFF4CiHyR8j3IOjrt1jc0Jpr9KARqJOr8ZiOogxK9DnxhYBEV=s320" width="320" /></a></div>I imagine some Chargers fans prior to Sunday’s game against Houston saying, “If we can’t beat the Texans we don’t deserve to make the playoffs.” Then desperately trying to take it back following the game. Of course, this story assumes someone is a Chargers fan. After their disastrous performance in Houston, LA now needs help to get into the postseason. That aforementioned Charger fan needs help too. They’re desperately trying to bargain the Chargers way into the playoffs with anyone who will listen. Offering really depraved stuff too. Again, I should reiterate that this is a hypothetical person, but be that as it may, I’m very worried about them. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Chargers 26-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Houston at San Francisco </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihB4MMbkeJhuEDYZQsSOCDJplC6Bbx4b6GiVGWCggmdpFKMQWzfoAEPBq-4lR05Dr6iBQAdusErI0HDmIHE4H1Mq-nqGS_LENgOOmEe4HQDNLcoGVqd_tbGJyXusKgnTXelb_69fRoW-2gcaX2Kd-yu7aC9PQU9QMxnOWPTJJd9DV1AjuV-KOgHdR1=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihB4MMbkeJhuEDYZQsSOCDJplC6Bbx4b6GiVGWCggmdpFKMQWzfoAEPBq-4lR05Dr6iBQAdusErI0HDmIHE4H1Mq-nqGS_LENgOOmEe4HQDNLcoGVqd_tbGJyXusKgnTXelb_69fRoW-2gcaX2Kd-yu7aC9PQU9QMxnOWPTJJd9DV1AjuV-KOgHdR1=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Niners are the best team in the league at looking unstoppable for one quarter then inept the next. Case in point their performance last week against the Titans when San Fran jumped out to a 10-0 lead and maintained the shutout until halftime, only to lose 20-17. They’re really good, until they’re not. And brother, that kind of inconsistency don’t fly in the playoffs. That’s why Vince Lombardi always called the playoffs: Where inconsistency goes to die. Did he really say that? No. But I didn’t really know how to end these comments. Just like the Niners, I’m having trouble finishing. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>49ers 38-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Arizona at Dallas</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgz2eDWm1ZzJGqH2a_G53zC_9lzkaQGtlUl-vdhh9pROWK_E09Wd8YnPurHSczTvmUNWWyyeFkhOiKmQBZGacxKcEONTE6OCyP8bf_EBsHrz3IVyFynmTfcPN3leJuIyMhYTr3bS8pqQAljaqCa2cTaORYflF0b2D1n8wNTprcQDrhfInQJf57KT4D=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgz2eDWm1ZzJGqH2a_G53zC_9lzkaQGtlUl-vdhh9pROWK_E09Wd8YnPurHSczTvmUNWWyyeFkhOiKmQBZGacxKcEONTE6OCyP8bf_EBsHrz3IVyFynmTfcPN3leJuIyMhYTr3bS8pqQAljaqCa2cTaORYflF0b2D1n8wNTprcQDrhfInQJf57KT4D=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Cardinals have clinched a playoff spot, and they should be thrilled that they have, because at this point I wouldn’t be shocked if they finish 10-7 after starting the season 7-0. Arizona has been banged up in the second half of the season, but maybe that’s what you get when your quarterback is the smallest person on the field. Look, I’m not a sizest, but Kyler Murray’s a little pipsqueak that can’t hold up for a full season. If he was taller he’d be better! And I don’t just mean at football. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Cowboys 24-17</i> <br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Carolina at New Orleans </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvhAGDxj7ny2-KPaPH4xTiSmJZyr36rwTxt7FglDdCVG-U85lVevLScqr7vhM0xr4mxZ9zdDKJP_6vAmzrHqU6TmFfQ_cxzhmYM3yrPMY3YqxiW2iRSM-IiIxs4-yR-RWPPzP4y3-w1CSnbZcnxI6VcLSW799wkHTTq5V9sYLzHvIABOGSIf4SUCiL=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvhAGDxj7ny2-KPaPH4xTiSmJZyr36rwTxt7FglDdCVG-U85lVevLScqr7vhM0xr4mxZ9zdDKJP_6vAmzrHqU6TmFfQ_cxzhmYM3yrPMY3YqxiW2iRSM-IiIxs4-yR-RWPPzP4y3-w1CSnbZcnxI6VcLSW799wkHTTq5V9sYLzHvIABOGSIf4SUCiL=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Shockingly Ian Book wasn’t a great option at quarterback for the Saints on Monday in their 20-3 loss. In fact, the Dolphins torched him so bad that you could even call it a Book burning. Ian’s second pass of the game was intercepted by Miami’s Nik Needham and returned for a touchdown onn a play where one might say that Needham read him like a book. If New Orleans is forced to start their third string QB again, Saints fans should run in the opposite direction of the SuperDome. Or to put it another way, they should book it.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Panthers 16-13</i> <br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Detroit at Seattle </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJTG-DQhwNe9vDLHxXef8-dbSOqYTNfNqFlOYWKawsBAVEY5oHgQHonfCGLA6kMbkK8IbkmS-IvDV7lQC4sMegtwXF4F0BX0mNDqVwoIp4Wt8BEFsPyOyuEUx5XxvqyWjqOs52IDqnhxV8lbkGpQQqy5iNTHwB-3H-ud0vjqcqOmUlqmhFXq0R121U=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJTG-DQhwNe9vDLHxXef8-dbSOqYTNfNqFlOYWKawsBAVEY5oHgQHonfCGLA6kMbkK8IbkmS-IvDV7lQC4sMegtwXF4F0BX0mNDqVwoIp4Wt8BEFsPyOyuEUx5XxvqyWjqOs52IDqnhxV8lbkGpQQqy5iNTHwB-3H-ud0vjqcqOmUlqmhFXq0R121U=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Seahawks don’t have a first round pick in the 2022 draft. They have no reason to lose, yet they continue to. It’s actually kind of endearing, because you know there are no ulterior motives behind it. These are losses you can trust! Thank you Seahawks for your sincerity and humility in these fraught times. You are truly role modes for the rest of the league. I mean, not in terms of performance, but you get it, right? Yeah, you get it, you guys are cool. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Seahawks 30-13 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Night </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Minnesota at Green Bay</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggr2YjsqI_VniXTTJ4dxnJkT5NR500okjF3Y1OWxv5hNzPU3Ld1R-6p-Fs-ZL3LUA70pbpyw3QcBJsD1I00KGlv5wxf-uAI6_3k3Sgw1SPsKYHrkM55fA6jgnKidKDKBiLecvVENVFoMJGMzD1SEVgG2BlPWSLywHssqo6JOtl67Vsyh6D_Q-w_iYn=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggr2YjsqI_VniXTTJ4dxnJkT5NR500okjF3Y1OWxv5hNzPU3Ld1R-6p-Fs-ZL3LUA70pbpyw3QcBJsD1I00KGlv5wxf-uAI6_3k3Sgw1SPsKYHrkM55fA6jgnKidKDKBiLecvVENVFoMJGMzD1SEVgG2BlPWSLywHssqo6JOtl67Vsyh6D_Q-w_iYn=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Packers look to avenge one of their few losses of the 2021 season when they host the Vikings on Sunday night football. In fact, I heard they made it their new year's resolution. If you ask me, winning the Super Bowl probably would have been a better one, but oh well. But hey, you didn't come here to listen to <i>me </i>talk about this one; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxi5auCJPSk" target="_blank">let's check in with Cris Collinsworth to see what he has to say:</a> <br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jxi5auCJPSk" width="320" youtube-src-id="Jxi5auCJPSk"></iframe></div><i>Packers 34-25 </i><br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Monday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Cleveland at Pittsburgh </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1F_Rt20gscJRe1TKsJP27h9owr-ZEsQ6DcoRwFRd4ysOlA7JlXDk7L9nZJtSaABtGDEhfDI4yRhcBaC7VUNk0fyM2JEuR3CovH67rrg2Yx7mvBmyDhLNhcqLlIOQumDMHvRJY_I-VDwaXHUD5WFBDgGxzyGRqd9slW4COOWDhnIV7yoTPRLBKMHGj=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1F_Rt20gscJRe1TKsJP27h9owr-ZEsQ6DcoRwFRd4ysOlA7JlXDk7L9nZJtSaABtGDEhfDI4yRhcBaC7VUNk0fyM2JEuR3CovH67rrg2Yx7mvBmyDhLNhcqLlIOQumDMHvRJY_I-VDwaXHUD5WFBDgGxzyGRqd9slW4COOWDhnIV7yoTPRLBKMHGj=s320" width="320" /></a></div>These teams met in the playoffs last season and both are still technically alive in the postseason race this time around. But does anybody outside of Cleveland or Pittsburgh care to see them there? They're both pretty snoozetastic at this juncture. If you ask me, these squadrons should do us all a favor by joining hands and walking out of the stadium and into one of the three rivers, never to be seen again ... until September.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Steelers 20-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-3618464696490391612021-12-24T00:01:00.001-08:002021-12-24T00:01:14.043-08:00NFL Picks - Week 16<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>LAST WEEK: 11-5</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><b>SEASON: 140-84-1 </b><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Christmas</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Cleveland at Green Bay</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT9-9yTzTcTZXX1rKSvh-k3IrksyeOQstkbja3E6rdLMmONTI3HmtftmD6R7QrNYFXg-qilfSyFTpPt3o5yawa8XT80twr8G8c3xvFmP4I3wU6xggb7AhqErKwI11EEXyqgCzMBUArxjpsx7KqEMlcF1T5su7TTKA47KJNTlzdTjuIdG26EIdlaUoy=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT9-9yTzTcTZXX1rKSvh-k3IrksyeOQstkbja3E6rdLMmONTI3HmtftmD6R7QrNYFXg-qilfSyFTpPt3o5yawa8XT80twr8G8c3xvFmP4I3wU6xggb7AhqErKwI11EEXyqgCzMBUArxjpsx7KqEMlcF1T5su7TTKA47KJNTlzdTjuIdG26EIdlaUoy=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Packers are now alone in 1st in the NFC. Who can stop them? Themselves! Or possibly the Bucs. Maybe the Cowboys, Cardinals, or Rams, or perhaps even the 49ers. The point is, it seems like a pretty even field in the NFC this season. Anything other than a trip to the Super Bowl has to be considered a failure for Green Bay after consecutive conference title game losses. It’s like getting something pretty good, but not exactly what you wanted for the past two Christmases. Sure you appreciate the effort, but if Santa doesn’t get it right this time you might have to move to Denver. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Packers 27-13 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Indianapolis at Arizona</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsdki8AnSDIazwWdq5GnrqXNS4KA5pJSMSdZVikWqr3_5V1537h_tXtwfi_lTeudaaYx39UsLJawIiEDPvijGjvaDUoqD2byCz_XqrX_0_wlbZdm8TjB0TuIFMr_O_rSTOGPZBDHFvq0__esfkRoemSxc0oNGm-xyQoVYj-z88Tp5VNJLdf6KQkb86=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsdki8AnSDIazwWdq5GnrqXNS4KA5pJSMSdZVikWqr3_5V1537h_tXtwfi_lTeudaaYx39UsLJawIiEDPvijGjvaDUoqD2byCz_XqrX_0_wlbZdm8TjB0TuIFMr_O_rSTOGPZBDHFvq0__esfkRoemSxc0oNGm-xyQoVYj-z88Tp5VNJLdf6KQkb86=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Do you think since it’s Christmas the Cardinals will put one of their running backs in at linebacker and have him rush the QB? What I’m saying is, will Conner be blitzin'? Probably not. More likely he’ll be a dasher or dancer or prancer. As long as Arizona is willing to comet to the run that is. And uh ... Cupid and vixen. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Cardinals 26-23 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Morning</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Detroit at Atlanta</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIx3TDg18eftcnp60AP0Dh9i0Ipuqm1r6STxmpt4-CEDtgOtslS2h6uJMlx0V_aaf1efRhtamxzxZBkSolog_-PAVMeoRjVMijyEKXtfQuzAJO-9nTGyXiko4FFXzUo0YqvbEbXgZj_u7WClScWLOECY3DPZfvYAkqzc0l2mTktE7Z7Df7uBI4ZVTO=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIx3TDg18eftcnp60AP0Dh9i0Ipuqm1r6STxmpt4-CEDtgOtslS2h6uJMlx0V_aaf1efRhtamxzxZBkSolog_-PAVMeoRjVMijyEKXtfQuzAJO-9nTGyXiko4FFXzUo0YqvbEbXgZj_u7WClScWLOECY3DPZfvYAkqzc0l2mTktE7Z7Df7uBI4ZVTO=s320" width="320" /></a></div>If last week was the Lions' Super Bowl, that means this week is their Pro Bowl. Assuming we’re on the old schedule, that is. So maybe half their players will skip the game. Perhaps I’m taking the analogy too far. But I doubt it. The Falcons are on the verge of being eliminated from playoff contention, and there would be no more ignominious way to officially end it than with a loss to Detroit. Well, I suppose a loss to Detroit followed by all of the Falcons’ children saying they saw what happened and that they want to go live with the Lions would be more ignominious. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span><br /></span></i></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Falcons 24-16</i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Baltimore at Cincinnati </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaDgibCdYMwMti8kQmFlBVR-WNIAyvZ01RL5MqlWrZQBu_V-BHyMJ_9SoIMeaBNm5tKdkev0sc3bBmxf0xO8zkpFDYX7enPvO0zyCGdAY42T3Zu2m7kybvCbLpelkRSN7t_FFvig5mlocQ1mLA3i6nIvDNeR5kdsgoOWyhF-sKlHO5hM4ivouHcuej=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaDgibCdYMwMti8kQmFlBVR-WNIAyvZ01RL5MqlWrZQBu_V-BHyMJ_9SoIMeaBNm5tKdkev0sc3bBmxf0xO8zkpFDYX7enPvO0zyCGdAY42T3Zu2m7kybvCbLpelkRSN7t_FFvig5mlocQ1mLA3i6nIvDNeR5kdsgoOWyhF-sKlHO5hM4ivouHcuej=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Last Sunday the Ravens once again lost on a failed 2 point attempt at the end of the game. That’s the second time in three weeks. And in between they lost a game by 2. A lot of people have questioned Harbaugh’s decisions to go for it, but I just question the Ravens ability to convert 2 pointers. Hey, if you’re good at getting two yards at a time, by all means, go for the win! But if that’s not your strong suit, then maybe know your limitations and don’t blindly trust analytics. You have to wonder if Harbaugh will go for it again if presented with the opportunity this week. Meatloaf would encourage him to do so, because two out of three ain’t bad! Hmm, except that would be two <i>misses</i>. I don’t think that’s what the Loaf was talking about. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bengals 28-21 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIAQSVGokXTh0IKRCpPuj74B747HrsUqHdEXj-HRvayoKAyy9-WA7ZRMhh2pNyYtdO8Y9zQ2YnIjeZRLltz-d-U6sF_fYb2FKGmatnF-XXs5OdLK7qqF3gGz55Kzks0jdC6X52IF9xoHJsTfd3fCphO7GgH6HzvluFnfoXDb9FAwQcgX2-zo0eZQ8s=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIAQSVGokXTh0IKRCpPuj74B747HrsUqHdEXj-HRvayoKAyy9-WA7ZRMhh2pNyYtdO8Y9zQ2YnIjeZRLltz-d-U6sF_fYb2FKGmatnF-XXs5OdLK7qqF3gGz55Kzks0jdC6X52IF9xoHJsTfd3fCphO7GgH6HzvluFnfoXDb9FAwQcgX2-zo0eZQ8s=s320" width="320" /></a></div>You gotta think the Vikings are gonna have the roof at U.S. Bank Stadium open for this one against these SoCal softies. Hmm, you know what? I just remembered the roof at U.S. Bank Stadium isn’t retractable. I guess there’s only one option then, blow the damn thing off! I don’t care how many millions of dollars it costs, or how integral the roof is to the structural integrity of the building. The best chance the Vikings have to win this game is to welcome in the elements. If you can think of a better, less expensive, less recklessly destructive option, then fine, I’m all ears. Ok that was misleading, I don’t want to hear a damn word out of your mouth. The roof’s coming down and that’s final!<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Rams 23-18 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Buffalo at New England </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEXpLyQpytQpsl7fm8tPzOSowqSH1tdxEqpfLtzjMdTG7nnhr9oVfWJwJDFMgLuExDm-dT2J1zUGKxKjyZMG6Gc5t1at8ZtxcQQ_OjPr3QmaOP86AaWmKx_uKLCnm-dnyJf525v8ISuTYAKVyCxHqnxvYV8cw6WCeSyH9Li9joQj-bszFcH_h11Iwc=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEXpLyQpytQpsl7fm8tPzOSowqSH1tdxEqpfLtzjMdTG7nnhr9oVfWJwJDFMgLuExDm-dT2J1zUGKxKjyZMG6Gc5t1at8ZtxcQQ_OjPr3QmaOP86AaWmKx_uKLCnm-dnyJf525v8ISuTYAKVyCxHqnxvYV8cw6WCeSyH9Li9joQj-bszFcH_h11Iwc=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Notoriously unvaccinated Bills receiver Cole Beasley will miss this game because he contracted COVID. But as he tells it, he’s not missing this game because of COVID, but because of the rules! And to be clear the rule he is referring to is the one that says if you have COVID you can’t play in a game. Hmm, this is strange, but it seems like Beasley’s logic might be flawed, or that his perspective is warped somehow. Weird. Also surprising. Meanwhile, on the field, if the Patriots win this game they’ll clinch the AFC East title. But that won’t be because the Bills aren’t better than New England, it will just be because of the rules that say teams with the best record in a division are declared the champions.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Patriots 24-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Jacksonville at New York Jets</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkzu7b6K7osX_LyzibKnhiCwkgM-wqWweUH_pu9rMSXSgeGPBPwg8dmlhvtUHPiXIkVCk00v3CVOUqWjexFQhIgzGrBK1b9n7AvbpaUI6gH1ko7JOejGelMd5dYD6PoyCDRcI0Ux_0CI3mi5cz4qYfWGHj2F5fkjEJrsDl2uGQCHKrTGlPekLKs0u6=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkzu7b6K7osX_LyzibKnhiCwkgM-wqWweUH_pu9rMSXSgeGPBPwg8dmlhvtUHPiXIkVCk00v3CVOUqWjexFQhIgzGrBK1b9n7AvbpaUI6gH1ko7JOejGelMd5dYD6PoyCDRcI0Ux_0CI3mi5cz4qYfWGHj2F5fkjEJrsDl2uGQCHKrTGlPekLKs0u6=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Did the league put the Jags in some new lower division? Last week they lost to the Texans, now they play the Jets. Is Jacksonville facing relegation if they lose again? And if so is there a CFL team waiting to jump into the NFL? At the very least we deserve a game between the Jags and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with the winner granted entry into the NFL in 2022.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Jets 25-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New York Giants at Philadelphia </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy8jRf8rbtpxxHqXao5BWKfBRxTqAaa51EWfXrSpbn5GWmm2qRhScapdrgsMdvTEQ1c2XBt5J3VeWn9i3c9vYNCdZlm5ZRgsvm3asJ0cSE4LxMS2XPMpQSWfoKjpLQshJ3Kx8RfOptsKv0oGCR3D7hdRdK1YvuzmRkEjxtKIKDd6hhbJYpi3PQ3q3p=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy8jRf8rbtpxxHqXao5BWKfBRxTqAaa51EWfXrSpbn5GWmm2qRhScapdrgsMdvTEQ1c2XBt5J3VeWn9i3c9vYNCdZlm5ZRgsvm3asJ0cSE4LxMS2XPMpQSWfoKjpLQshJ3Kx8RfOptsKv0oGCR3D7hdRdK1YvuzmRkEjxtKIKDd6hhbJYpi3PQ3q3p=s320" width="320" /></a></div>On Monday the Giants shut Daniel Jones down for the remainder of the season; just as NFL defenses have done for the majority of Jones’s career. As a result, New York will turn to Mike Glennon and/or Jake Fromm at quarterback the rest of the way. And in future news, the Giants have finished the season at 4-13. Also in future New York headlines: “Judge Faces Jury and Executioner; Giants coach tried for crimes against football ... and also murder.” Whoa! Stay tuned.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Eagles 23-12 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Tampa Bay at Carolina </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5BWfkd2OnEzFd86P38rBwdsCa5GcVC1IY0qcgmIzxJlYm5uqYcSBQHytYrJjIeORNgbl8A2kp4652iyI_RL8HygQ8NqDWF1tSAsQetSN_iS17VaV4VqOjwDk1RNFD92UtS8h1LWLMIXsO304_oii4dNy-r4sfkb3PlDeS1_8Ip6fXreDXvzRKk4QG=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5BWfkd2OnEzFd86P38rBwdsCa5GcVC1IY0qcgmIzxJlYm5uqYcSBQHytYrJjIeORNgbl8A2kp4652iyI_RL8HygQ8NqDWF1tSAsQetSN_iS17VaV4VqOjwDk1RNFD92UtS8h1LWLMIXsO304_oii4dNy-r4sfkb3PlDeS1_8Ip6fXreDXvzRKk4QG=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Buccaneers were shockingly shutout last Sunday night against the Saints. They’ll need at least one point this week if they want to avoid consecutive losses. Though judging by what I saw from Cam Newton last Sunday zero points may be enough to salvage a tie. His last pass of the game, which sailed softly into the hands of a Bills defender, was reminiscent of a grumpy child choking down the remaining vegetables on their plate before they’re dismissed from the table. Just let him sit on the bench honey, he’s done enough. No. He’s gonna play every last snap, and we’re not leaving until he does. Poor Cam. Just know that if you have to have two Christmases next year it’s not your fault. The interception probably didn’t help, but it’s not (completely) your fault. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Buccaneers 30-13 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Los Angeles Chargers at Houston</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrFNaswGTCAcJilbmbi2oBNo05GF3Cp-GzAKvshcKy7g8UkMh8MDfZ7deq9162L1hHccmdjkuZg4pgt3hy5vYGpSUDwYS10ldQ1jexRVSnSYjBd-Uq1mIE-di_FxCcy25_rDhfnzifPfriun40UPiKnu_S0IYb2ILFZKRJnPkxmcqBdFRVy40xOP0g=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrFNaswGTCAcJilbmbi2oBNo05GF3Cp-GzAKvshcKy7g8UkMh8MDfZ7deq9162L1hHccmdjkuZg4pgt3hy5vYGpSUDwYS10ldQ1jexRVSnSYjBd-Uq1mIE-di_FxCcy25_rDhfnzifPfriun40UPiKnu_S0IYb2ILFZKRJnPkxmcqBdFRVy40xOP0g=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Brandon Staley’s aggressive fourth down philosophy was put to the test last Thursday against the Chiefs, and it failed, with the Chargers repeatedly unable to convert multiple red zone possessions into points. But hey, shooters gotta shoot. You think if Steph Curry were out there he would’ve stopped going for it? No way! Though Curry does shoot field goals, so maybe he would be partial to kicking it. And with his long range proclivity he’d probably attempt a field goal as soon as the team crossed the 50. So maybe that was a bad analogy. The point is, Staley can’t change his mindset now, otherwise the field goal-loving Steph Currys' of the world win. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Chargers 38-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Afternoon</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Chicago at Seattle </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMt8xgHINlwvTRMznzoCOgE2BxeDajPVXN3o2ML2qFNZs5KJ3qerEwpEyK-iTaoFAzwCemYSqOUak0mhQKK0-45qMshoP47Lj94lXXMfMy69IbuyWn5EGuiKy2f5zD7lPZ1zQWsWtyAsIUptdWPnnMdp8ngAcHBEUIC4iPoKgJC7AtedTLNPsNgcRd=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMt8xgHINlwvTRMznzoCOgE2BxeDajPVXN3o2ML2qFNZs5KJ3qerEwpEyK-iTaoFAzwCemYSqOUak0mhQKK0-45qMshoP47Lj94lXXMfMy69IbuyWn5EGuiKy2f5zD7lPZ1zQWsWtyAsIUptdWPnnMdp8ngAcHBEUIC4iPoKgJC7AtedTLNPsNgcRd=s320" width="320" /></a></div>These teams have only played 3 times in the last 9 seasons. That’s the standard rate for intra-conference foes, but the fact that they haven’t lined up in terms of placement and played each other any extra is surprising. Especially considering they played every season from ‘09-‘12. Five matchups if you include the playoffs. It makes me wonder if something happened back in 2012. Did they have a falling out? Or maybe after trying to get it right so many seasons in a row they decided it was time for a break. But before they left each other they agreed that if neither of them were married in three years they’d meet back up at Christmas and give it another try. Maybe, just maybe, this will be the time it all works out.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Seahawks 23-9</i> <br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Pittsburgh at Kansas City</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg03FP7-B-ugmJrgAvsKcs16GxBGb5qYs_Op1eZR7J2TKc-V1n0uj6mO9m7zdsLhMxf0xD5x65AiwhRoEKpE3b2fGZynl_o1u4rlOG_FCil0P4btLvwy9rHBQXef3NLwfk80_v1a7jY1lCtKl1KjsprhIZOG-oW3h9BBgv_E8IZFZM1edVEJiaFNUKU=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg03FP7-B-ugmJrgAvsKcs16GxBGb5qYs_Op1eZR7J2TKc-V1n0uj6mO9m7zdsLhMxf0xD5x65AiwhRoEKpE3b2fGZynl_o1u4rlOG_FCil0P4btLvwy9rHBQXef3NLwfk80_v1a7jY1lCtKl1KjsprhIZOG-oW3h9BBgv_E8IZFZM1edVEJiaFNUKU=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Steelers won another game by the skin of their teeth in Week 15. So did the Chiefs, but KC is like Will Smith to Pittsburgh’s Tommy Lee Jones, they make this look good. To make matters worse for the Steelers, they won’t be men in black this week as they’ll be playing on the road. Pittsburgh is only 2-4 away from home, with their last road victory coming on Halloween. Sorry Steelers, it’s X-mas time baby, not All Hallows’ Eve, and you ain’t scaring nobody. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Chiefs 27-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Denver at Las Vegas</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhqyS3QfWZpkueqo-kErDP48YQxd6TdcAsv_u-YB8MFvjD-i08bc1VWRctc1T130odhTlOTTHB0pcRCtY62zxw0g5jVxoMevu6qd4kC1zzoF14rDyNeG0-T5Cxxw_X3shdaPnDy6W-OfpQuFXJk0NglAq27e6EgmV0_Qi2CqWXerdPTQogGXT-9qVm=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhqyS3QfWZpkueqo-kErDP48YQxd6TdcAsv_u-YB8MFvjD-i08bc1VWRctc1T130odhTlOTTHB0pcRCtY62zxw0g5jVxoMevu6qd4kC1zzoF14rDyNeG0-T5Cxxw_X3shdaPnDy6W-OfpQuFXJk0NglAq27e6EgmV0_Qi2CqWXerdPTQogGXT-9qVm=s320" width="320" /></a></div>If we’re talking about these teams' records it’s 7-7 7-7 in Las Vegas. What is this a slot machine? With four columns? I don’t think that’s the typical number, but there are so many different ones out there now that it’s hard to say. I saw one the other day that was based on Making a Murderer. So a 4 column slot machine certainly isn’t out of the question. One way or another, the loser of this game is out of luck. They’ll have to take their empty, over-sized coin cup and go home.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Raiders 20-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Washington at Dallas</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH_DWE4rkBMfAlBJoYZQAia958XQuSr__TIKMg7F9rqb-llhDEfY5w8Bsj68qw7RGujPyzx3YUayz-1JrpO5wrOQz2IAxo0nlNObgUIrn6qeWW1BlJmYEnl1yMlIO-PPrE1XGoA4qJ0uAtx0xDOBtLl-WmIrMTw4erxBPZbQGVKLZwEW1u5w3e7DJD=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhH_DWE4rkBMfAlBJoYZQAia958XQuSr__TIKMg7F9rqb-llhDEfY5w8Bsj68qw7RGujPyzx3YUayz-1JrpO5wrOQz2IAxo0nlNObgUIrn6qeWW1BlJmYEnl1yMlIO-PPrE1XGoA4qJ0uAtx0xDOBtLl-WmIrMTw4erxBPZbQGVKLZwEW1u5w3e7DJD=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Cowboys are on their way to an NFC East title, but ca the reigning champs spoil their Christmas weekend? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCsRYNWA1go" target="_blank">Cris Collinsworth lends us his expertise:</a> <br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sCsRYNWA1go" width="320" youtube-src-id="sCsRYNWA1go"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span>Typically topical CriColl.</p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><i>Cowboys 24-14</i><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Monday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Miami at New Orleans </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuFwlf8WOx3wdt1HlY5oWjj_sfo_xO1BBXxDuoLw7waIvtAenJwm13YkhLNNFJ5gziXcK2uMkJvhHXjK0dK04hV9ikYkvtqbFCd_lksvbFz6IbgbR4lSVaGhi7ujOsBIuTOqMZm4A6-p5q19sJzuR0YqqaZ7gC_Lo1mQb_lIK7F0bTGNFCbQViJzq4=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuFwlf8WOx3wdt1HlY5oWjj_sfo_xO1BBXxDuoLw7waIvtAenJwm13YkhLNNFJ5gziXcK2uMkJvhHXjK0dK04hV9ikYkvtqbFCd_lksvbFz6IbgbR4lSVaGhi7ujOsBIuTOqMZm4A6-p5q19sJzuR0YqqaZ7gC_Lo1mQb_lIK7F0bTGNFCbQViJzq4=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Dolphins are on fire! Maybe! They’ve won 6 in a row, but those wins have come against the Jets (twice), Texans, Panthers, Giants, and Ravens. Maybe they’re just the kings of the lousies. But hey, there’s gotta be a sexiest man in Duluth. Don’t hate him just because that’s where he’s from and he’s afraid to move to a bigger city for fear that he’ll no longer be the most attractive man in town. Now the Dolphins get a COVID-depleted Saints squad. Looks like the fish will be residing in Duluth for at least another week.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Dolphins 19-12</i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i> </i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i> </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-8500572924419374842021-12-23T13:50:00.003-08:002021-12-23T13:50:35.920-08:00NFL Picks - Week 16 Thursday<p>San Francisco at Tennessee </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzPJqb_TYn2tx6TEQS7MaTld9yDalyDmqL_T0LOmtNVNpa28nMuyG9fGo8xueZvm9ZLTa55Uxqh7-yHSK6kRcEoTNUqtzxWqTlQzBq0u3psghPnZh9uXLASw0La4ABbzVaoMD0A8R0oGd5K1UUGS3GyzwSxwy3JkoTAixFrAhefSKXN7NWnexe86K3=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzPJqb_TYn2tx6TEQS7MaTld9yDalyDmqL_T0LOmtNVNpa28nMuyG9fGo8xueZvm9ZLTa55Uxqh7-yHSK6kRcEoTNUqtzxWqTlQzBq0u3psghPnZh9uXLASw0La4ABbzVaoMD0A8R0oGd5K1UUGS3GyzwSxwy3JkoTAixFrAhefSKXN7NWnexe86K3=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>There’s a lot of buzz right now around the Niners being a dangerous playoff team. I can see that argument. But mostly because Jimmy Garoppolo is a dangerous quarterback for his own team. Things are going well with James for now, and they’ll continue to go well as long as San Fran is running downhill and momentum is on their side. But if that’s not the case can Garoppolo put a team on his back and lead them to victory? If we’re talking regular season I would say, “No.” If we’re talking playoffs I would say, “Who are you, and why do you keep asking me these questions? Where did you come from?!?” Once we settled that I would answer that I do not believe Jimmy Garoppolo can be the deciding factor in a postseason game. And for that reason the 49ers are the ultimate dangerous playoff team. A danger to themselves and others.</p><p><i>49ers 30-23 </i><br /></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-82846920447367853452021-12-16T20:54:00.001-08:002021-12-16T20:54:16.223-08:00NFL Picks - Week 15<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><b>LAST WEEK: 10-4<br /></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><b>SEASON: 129-79-1</b><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Saturday</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Las Vegas at Cleveland </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYnvBjjiadAAo-U4iYsyrGzwGULAIis-RoLmSuxMTGf5_-KnVNSe78FgTPmKLRGZ9Ny-egp-UCgGzq8gsoO6K7zqNo_w749CM0x97cKHDpbRUN8mQo0QudJixpaBpXyxX_H2us8-Z4uxfoutXvwzUY96o7_1EmYujfId_IXrARzIYuZUeO2oxoaU6F=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYnvBjjiadAAo-U4iYsyrGzwGULAIis-RoLmSuxMTGf5_-KnVNSe78FgTPmKLRGZ9Ny-egp-UCgGzq8gsoO6K7zqNo_w749CM0x97cKHDpbRUN8mQo0QudJixpaBpXyxX_H2us8-Z4uxfoutXvwzUY96o7_1EmYujfId_IXrARzIYuZUeO2oxoaU6F=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Raiders held an impromptu pregame rally on the midfield logo at Arrowhead Stadium last Sunday. The Chiefs didn’t take too kindly to it and proceeded to beat Vegas by almost 40 points. So sure, things didn’t work out for the Raiders on that occasion, but I say they should do the same thing this Saturday. Double down! They are from Vegas after all. The only problem is that the Browns don’t have a midfield logo for the Raiders to congregate on. Cleveland just has stripes around the 50 yard line. So I guess the Raiders will have to line up single file. As such, they’ll have to play telephone to relay their pregame speech. Unfortunately this will lead to some confusion when the original message of “Let’s kick their asses!” becomes “Sure I act like a big, strong football man, but deep down I’m a scared child. That’s why I piss myself before every game. Oh and also, uh let’s kick their asses.”<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Browns 20-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New England at Indianapolis </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlxuSO5ANJXr9Bl0ElMQUUkSQVsPZuX-maHBLmKyr5SDQvJUy_3VGdyK7HPv5vDBpid5sU68a8LCXtNowJTc5odwuWLnxK0e3UigGaJMJwKJNicDZ8SxBrI7OfBXzA-G0_3iNRKDyeCtzl0027w3cysXS-FmSQiPT67Tl2j-DZx-iJ7O7QYuKKc_91=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlxuSO5ANJXr9Bl0ElMQUUkSQVsPZuX-maHBLmKyr5SDQvJUy_3VGdyK7HPv5vDBpid5sU68a8LCXtNowJTc5odwuWLnxK0e3UigGaJMJwKJNicDZ8SxBrI7OfBXzA-G0_3iNRKDyeCtzl0027w3cysXS-FmSQiPT67Tl2j-DZx-iJ7O7QYuKKc_91=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Last time we saw Mac Jones he threw the ball only 3 times in the Patriots’ win over the Bills. In the days since, Bill Belichick has been lauded for his ingenuity. If I were Belichick I’d subvert expectations by starting this game with a double-throwback trick play, meaning they’d throw the ball three times on one play. The savvy crowd in Indianapolis, dressed in their tuxedos and finest gowns, would respond with a standing ovation and demand an encore. Of course Belichick wild deny them the satisfaction, despite being a diva. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Colts 23-20</i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Morning</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Carolina at Buffalo</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmMY4_LxXY5U0O3LLEzXt0jpXC0V_a6sogSqZebwH_yhQPUqo4i4zTjsiNjV9RRF_oaGVcGs6RFDcKQvP5n9_Za_pT-wqW53ljL67KBut__BsHrgwPT8lPVqCgnDDtE5K8ona_zadAUnnlzmGaZREfisOPq60A4-BSb5yVnf3g-rRDfxp6zboYluSR=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmMY4_LxXY5U0O3LLEzXt0jpXC0V_a6sogSqZebwH_yhQPUqo4i4zTjsiNjV9RRF_oaGVcGs6RFDcKQvP5n9_Za_pT-wqW53ljL67KBut__BsHrgwPT8lPVqCgnDDtE5K8ona_zadAUnnlzmGaZREfisOPq60A4-BSb5yVnf3g-rRDfxp6zboYluSR=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Will the Bills near comeback in Tampa last week inspire them to get back on track, or was that their last gasp? It would be a bad time to use up their breath considering they still have 4 games left. I mean I know these guys are amazing athletes, but surely their lung capacity isn’t so outstanding that they can play that long without needing a literal breather. Buffalo should be able to exhale and pick up a win this week when the Panthers come to town. But if Bills fans are still waiting for this team to round in to a Super Bowl contender perhaps they shouldn’t hold their breath. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bills 31-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Arizona at Detroit</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjga7igWhE34PbbzG0FEvToavrb229JcyfJ434JRa61NobVPhKBzJ3YMNtr6xNFrCs4OnDBOyEHYqTUl1QkIE431uHjBNJ_dYU2v4myhips2jLc6ZgrApDLpfsFsWmdG5S0l7F1wttmnJowSYyS1BRYWfRvEtFY8n-1PgutWewkmnOsDqeHjN1567r=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjga7igWhE34PbbzG0FEvToavrb229JcyfJ434JRa61NobVPhKBzJ3YMNtr6xNFrCs4OnDBOyEHYqTUl1QkIE431uHjBNJ_dYU2v4myhips2jLc6ZgrApDLpfsFsWmdG5S0l7F1wttmnJowSYyS1BRYWfRvEtFY8n-1PgutWewkmnOsDqeHjN1567r=s320" width="320" /></a></div>In Week 1 of 2019 these teams played to a <span></span>tie. At that moment in time they were even. Two years later things have changed. The Cardinals (along with two other teams) have the best record in the league, while the Lions have the worst. Not everything has changed though, Detroit has another tie on their resume this season. Of course, that resume has been placed in a folder labeled: “Too funny to shred.” A competitive game isn’t completely out of the question, as long as that question is “What won’t happen in Detroit this Sunday?”<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Cardinals 28-12 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New York Jets at Miami </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8HTuawlecuiEFALyju_y7o_3hL5Kdq-WmFygxAFvgpWR4V1nljyttCIX_vO5N9c08SuJhQBYMToaz8h5YLnV-0XOy2W3B1zu7jHZUCjqSZb5qjmRecH2ARoXOFspvuY8dzWbbUYQvrZG86Y-VB7xsOaEdo3UoV6padPXLPqT6F-GEfmaqQr-TJf1Y=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8HTuawlecuiEFALyju_y7o_3hL5Kdq-WmFygxAFvgpWR4V1nljyttCIX_vO5N9c08SuJhQBYMToaz8h5YLnV-0XOy2W3B1zu7jHZUCjqSZb5qjmRecH2ARoXOFspvuY8dzWbbUYQvrZG86Y-VB7xsOaEdo3UoV6padPXLPqT6F-GEfmaqQr-TJf1Y=s320" width="320" /></a></div>In a nearly miraculous turn of events, the Dolphins are now only one game out of the playoffs. However there are a host of teams in between them and the last wild card spot. Six to be exact. But if there’s one team that can break through the surface and leap over the crowd into the playoffs wouldn’t that be the Dolphins? Based on team name alone, you’d have to say yes. Though if that’s the criteria I guess the Jets would be even more apt to soar over their competitors. Unfortunately they’ve been sitting on the tarmac for months now without a pilot, and they’re running low on pretzel bags. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Dolphins 24-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Dallas at New York Giants</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMgMv-XEhOMg_mGP962A4WNxTmgK4nNG4mOUe0SP-6bgAux-y22rbzWQUKb4mR9UcjorBTAtS6Knxjy1c0KtLZgeTe0b_jYLt15OjQs7egKmBYKxE-uo3kfiBFGcxsbabCWovrXE0TBnmWvCzUufi505vNVl9W1iMsiAZ5rN50zgIpYwqdJ5RaNbLn=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMgMv-XEhOMg_mGP962A4WNxTmgK4nNG4mOUe0SP-6bgAux-y22rbzWQUKb4mR9UcjorBTAtS6Knxjy1c0KtLZgeTe0b_jYLt15OjQs7egKmBYKxE-uo3kfiBFGcxsbabCWovrXE0TBnmWvCzUufi505vNVl9W1iMsiAZ5rN50zgIpYwqdJ5RaNbLn=s320" width="320" /></a></div>A couple years ago Renee Zellwegger won the Best Actress Oscar for playing Judy Garland in the biopic <i>Judy</i>. The night that it happened I confidently stated, “No one will remember this in a year.” I feel the same way about Joe Judge’s tenure in New York. Even as it’s happening I find myself forgetting it. Now I suppose one could read this and ask, "Doesn't your recalling of Zellwegger's win just now prove your statement incorrect?" To which I would say, we're talking about Joe Judge now. Move on. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Cowboys 26-13</i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Washington at Philadelphia </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMSyLqK0bnnGA_XyAtkYZe_ta53ieH9MISFwufFI4CPm06ZuZfueb48GR8wUVyPZzur7uhZZspKok9imoWYuoQWuppuXnmkMgQRSKvV0siLiaY744G3N-oYA97THhx-vXd18o6Dgnkq1uk5e7cNE887GvcrKtZJAZvacrAEsMS5JsljMOwAVKEYSOA=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMSyLqK0bnnGA_XyAtkYZe_ta53ieH9MISFwufFI4CPm06ZuZfueb48GR8wUVyPZzur7uhZZspKok9imoWYuoQWuppuXnmkMgQRSKvV0siLiaY744G3N-oYA97THhx-vXd18o6Dgnkq1uk5e7cNE887GvcrKtZJAZvacrAEsMS5JsljMOwAVKEYSOA=s320" width="320" /></a></div>A few weeks ago the Monday Night Football broadcast relayed a quote from Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke in which he called himself a Brett Favre type. It seemed like a reach considering he’s started about 10 NFL games, but also because <i>he</i> was the one making the comparison. Walter Payton famously said, “If you’re good at something you’ll tell people about it. But if you’re great at something they’ll tell you.” But a lot of people don’t remember the rest of the quote, “... And if you’re a mediocre quarterback, you might as well compare yourself to a hall of famer. What’s the worst that could happen? You seem like a tool? Who cares? At least people have heard of you now. Gotta get that name recognition baby! Now, you gonna finish that corn dog, or what?” People also tend to forget that when that quote was given Payton was at a county fair talking to a child who was eating a corn dog. Heinicke will have an opportunity to prove his Favre bona fides by playing through an injury this Sunday, and if he does so, you can believe he’ll be the first to point it out. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Eagles 25-22 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Tennessee at Pittsburgh </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5d4-GxUFCGSBgNpFdiZC8QwAoWZENYuWfCf7wTQZqb-9jUwND9EnR9FcNFgFW4pNudXaY4EOb7mPtgwrYC1yajOzzLHRxlm9-1zC_mJ_Q4cWqVqxBE-0Jiab6LI_CHypB4M4aYA9i_f1Fxq9ktjjTGu8aY7sMkhCvIxIg-VAEtYAVP1JPnz3L76dh=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5d4-GxUFCGSBgNpFdiZC8QwAoWZENYuWfCf7wTQZqb-9jUwND9EnR9FcNFgFW4pNudXaY4EOb7mPtgwrYC1yajOzzLHRxlm9-1zC_mJ_Q4cWqVqxBE-0Jiab6LI_CHypB4M4aYA9i_f1Fxq9ktjjTGu8aY7sMkhCvIxIg-VAEtYAVP1JPnz3L76dh=s320" width="320" /></a></div>I wonder if the Steelers are jealous of the other teams that don’t have a tie. They all get interesting new records this season like 9-8 or 8-9. Meanwhile Pittsburgh is going to finish with something lame like 8-8-1. That’s basically a 2020 record! Sure they have the Lions to keep them company, but who wants to be in the same boat as the Lions (Outside of that guy from Life of Pi, of course. Oh wait, that was a tiger. Forget I said anything)? The way I see it the Steelers' best option is to tie again and avoid the embarrassment of being basic as hell. Don’t be surprised if this one goes to overtime and Roethlisberger starts taking knees in field goal range. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Steelers 24-21 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Houston at Jacksonville </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQtn-zFODPVBW4NmO6Z2Glr7CoYLISUSZ29W8P7g4abP83HMGo2sqaUltrb0iES0jH7CkvTZ7SU2jKPPgI_zHnM1suq39x4e_f6HATK_S4mejvZA1nfWhbYNrBdPoQcLlmvHxrx6OFYi-fjojKDUrW0wZY74wRKpE53xFgNKn-B1MjWI-7uBSPdBU6=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQtn-zFODPVBW4NmO6Z2Glr7CoYLISUSZ29W8P7g4abP83HMGo2sqaUltrb0iES0jH7CkvTZ7SU2jKPPgI_zHnM1suq39x4e_f6HATK_S4mejvZA1nfWhbYNrBdPoQcLlmvHxrx6OFYi-fjojKDUrW0wZY74wRKpE53xFgNKn-B1MjWI-7uBSPdBU6=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Jaguars fired Urban Meyer this week after multiple stories surfaced about his abusive behavior towards his players and staff. To me though, those stories sound like the complaints of a bunch of people who don’t know what it is to be a winner, like Urban Meyer. The only explanation for the Jaguars’ terrible record is that everybody in the organization <i>but</i> Meyer is to blame. And now we’ll all see, when Jacksonville gets even worse over the last four weeks. Just watch, somehow they’ll go 0-6. Of course, the Texans won’t just roll over and let the Jags stake their claim to being the league’s worst team uncontested. Expect a close, agonizing contest. One that will make you want to kick <i>all</i> the players involved.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Texans 24-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Afternoon</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Cincinnati at Denver </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEge-8R9CpaJN0HnOp1nJ-Kmb8-QcGvn_GlVJ_mBPf7JLUd1WloFEH3Oj6zlAIoJ6rKtMAqJDqYe9q0ZLfZZvhtrDT28W6IEynPgT_WiRpquEEsUmKY_6C8D_sjM46Ow3yzUWCml_AIoB6n61c-G80VfjKOv0mIur-52qrrtj1t4Qoul9PvpcPmaRAuD=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEge-8R9CpaJN0HnOp1nJ-Kmb8-QcGvn_GlVJ_mBPf7JLUd1WloFEH3Oj6zlAIoJ6rKtMAqJDqYe9q0ZLfZZvhtrDT28W6IEynPgT_WiRpquEEsUmKY_6C8D_sjM46Ow3yzUWCml_AIoB6n61c-G80VfjKOv0mIur-52qrrtj1t4Qoul9PvpcPmaRAuD=s320" width="320" /></a></div>It’s a clash between two of the countless 7-6 teams in the AFC. Ok, maybe not countless. There are five of them. That’s still pretty astonishing though, right? What might be even more awe-inspiring is that the Broncos are included in that group. I could imagine them as a 6-7 team, but 7-6? Whoa, that’s a bridge too far jocko. And don’t even try to convince me that they can get to 8-6. I’m picking the Bengals, because frankly I don’t want to live in a world where these Denver Broncos have a .571 winning percentage. Can you imagine?!?<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bengals 30-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Atlanta at San Francisco </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTOirC3V_f4Qd1dDhjEaDGr79aPQRIrlpRWB89aUAinuFHxwX-Qfda-ZEIYyu58pffkKdbwQVj6FYiRWEpUZRnTEUw6UTLbIwqsjEXtIKbP5mDCMc1j4ZYpXhiQI4P3yNPxaWFJgnk3WeU1gV7sr-lxpqjChFBO9nb-Jzq7FUhIzeeY2xc3JTnVqEo=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTOirC3V_f4Qd1dDhjEaDGr79aPQRIrlpRWB89aUAinuFHxwX-Qfda-ZEIYyu58pffkKdbwQVj6FYiRWEpUZRnTEUw6UTLbIwqsjEXtIKbP5mDCMc1j4ZYpXhiQI4P3yNPxaWFJgnk3WeU1gV7sr-lxpqjChFBO9nb-Jzq7FUhIzeeY2xc3JTnVqEo=s320" width="320" /></a></div>At 6-7 the Falcons are one of the many NFC teams featured in the “In the hunt” section of the playoff graphic displayed on every network’s broadcast. But this feels like someone who got called late on a Friday to see if they’d want to come along on the next day’s hunting trip. Um sure, they’ll come, but really they’re just there because there was an extra seat in the car. Sure they’ll hang out and drink some beer, but they’re not actually going to take a shot at anything. Unless, of course, they drink <i>too much</i> beer, then say, “Check this out!” while they clumsily spin a rifle around in a mock color guard routine before accidentally shooting their own kneecap. It’s 50/50 whether or not they’ll walk again, but everyone of the NFC teams, including the Falcons would tell you it was funny as hell. So yeah, in that way Atlanta is "in the hunt."<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>49ers 33-17</i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Seattle at Los Angeles Rams</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhm_x0cjBsK_aPoH_5luzpFlMLAhdpjKRJV9lav4Mioc8uVPXKagmyn3UgO56ti3QwJLKmy56SmrABtou7tgBogasSSAkDeEk-ypsV2UW_g0ZYjV4Q02xItmQtL7iFbVPTmcFpEnDAAuSa7NsScY5VJ8VkfjQO1gpAZhqKwiEwW59JnMx4KZshjBT48=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhm_x0cjBsK_aPoH_5luzpFlMLAhdpjKRJV9lav4Mioc8uVPXKagmyn3UgO56ti3QwJLKmy56SmrABtou7tgBogasSSAkDeEk-ypsV2UW_g0ZYjV4Q02xItmQtL7iFbVPTmcFpEnDAAuSa7NsScY5VJ8VkfjQO1gpAZhqKwiEwW59JnMx4KZshjBT48=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Seahawks’ defense has surrendered the most yards in the NFL this season. On the flip side, they’ve given up the fifth fewest points. Call these guys the rubber band men, because they bend but don’t break. Though, if you stretch a rubber band far enough it can definitely break. And then sometimes you find a real old and busted rubber band at the bottom of a junk drawer that’s super brittle and just crumbles in your hand. Then you stare at the remnants and think, “You call <i>that</i> a defense?” Seattle will need to maintain their elasticity this Sunday if they plan on making it out of LA with a win and their slim playoff hopes intact. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Seahawks 27-24 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Green Bay at Baltimore </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifibXJi8pLEfBegvXqTP9eQRj1mDJ5mthHNfWR8YCWRVpJQVwwe62aH55g1GGJZqDt98ZhN-UClPftuP6NzlxUUbiaMjghXYIt53XLtCGX5E2uGWz5sOzOP63IhXUb7jPCU9zxPyBDM8RUVdCGgaJKAlrpt4-QIEzASGFehJp6u0Fxb0MpoqLWfM0E=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifibXJi8pLEfBegvXqTP9eQRj1mDJ5mthHNfWR8YCWRVpJQVwwe62aH55g1GGJZqDt98ZhN-UClPftuP6NzlxUUbiaMjghXYIt53XLtCGX5E2uGWz5sOzOP63IhXUb7jPCU9zxPyBDM8RUVdCGgaJKAlrpt4-QIEzASGFehJp6u0Fxb0MpoqLWfM0E=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Most of the discussion leading into this game has been about Lamar Jackson’s ankle and Aaron Rodgers’ toe. Uh yeah, it’s safe to say this is gonna be a FOOTball game. And don’t get me started on Marquez Valdez-Scantling’s arch. Throw in Justin Tucker to boot ... Boot?!? It just keeps getting footier. So anyway yeah, this is probably the game of the day, which means you’ve likely seen plenty of analysis about it this week. But I know you come <i>here</i> for the feet stuff you sick twist. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Packers 31-26 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New Orleans at Tampa Bay</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj5cSUj-HJ0uBzMSVcSkA8f3KN-G11adIuytyeIIA6GmY5WQIanj0yNcYpaipWFtHgeSz6nwTjYrT-roiEu3q29mGIlEybZrJbd8d6fD3JjKAMZhFJr20mCNbWTuoST0KL9hBSexvDcHYAN-JG1VFv3FeLDneo2TyLAOwjaWSrdEP_45wMjCec0YvV=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj5cSUj-HJ0uBzMSVcSkA8f3KN-G11adIuytyeIIA6GmY5WQIanj0yNcYpaipWFtHgeSz6nwTjYrT-roiEu3q29mGIlEybZrJbd8d6fD3JjKAMZhFJr20mCNbWTuoST0KL9hBSexvDcHYAN-JG1VFv3FeLDneo2TyLAOwjaWSrdEP_45wMjCec0YvV=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Buccaneers can clinch the NFC South with a win here. But if they lose ... well they'll clinch it next week. But hey, there's still plenty of intrigue in this one. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSKCwltk6IA" target="_blank">And to illustrate that point, here's Cris Collinsworth</a>:<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vSKCwltk6IA" width="320" youtube-src-id="vSKCwltk6IA"></iframe></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>That doesn't sounds like a healthy working environment Cris. In fact, it's borderline illegal.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Buccaneers 27-17</i><br /></span></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Monday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Minnesota at Chicago </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7DdhRouPVUp8pOUAES7aJbPSH00XZgr17CI6yqtUlmpwacvgTToGgVrydqCILAEPJNimYrBcAaSvvto0eOFk9Ua1WxYmOYJ7UrMcQ2wjRMTwwD9VoDtOMWgbTK592qECLB1sXYphplgwHNRXRq4zvLwgHAnAOmTrg87wH6hWzAUfU6HqNGALKsKFz=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7DdhRouPVUp8pOUAES7aJbPSH00XZgr17CI6yqtUlmpwacvgTToGgVrydqCILAEPJNimYrBcAaSvvto0eOFk9Ua1WxYmOYJ7UrMcQ2wjRMTwwD9VoDtOMWgbTK592qECLB1sXYphplgwHNRXRq4zvLwgHAnAOmTrg87wH6hWzAUfU6HqNGALKsKFz=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Vikings nearly blew a 29-0 lead last Thursday against the Steelers. The fact that they were able to hang on probably saved Mike Zimmer’s job ... for now. If Minnesota had lost, Zimmer would have been fired on his ride home. And he lives right around the corner from the stadium, so that’s saying something. A flight home from Chicago would offer the Minnesota brass plenty of time to can Zimmer if they so choose. I should have mentioned earlier that it’s the Vikings’ policy to fire their coaches in transit. I think Zimmer will be safe again after this one, but if we hear that he’s been booked on a hot air balloon ride during the week we’ll know something’s up.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bears 23-21 </i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i> </i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i> </i><br /></span></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-71418405496001523402021-12-16T13:20:00.004-08:002021-12-16T13:20:20.146-08:00NFL Picks - Week 15 Thursday<p>Kansas City at Los Angeles Chargers </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjf9C5MiUgAOHQol_TjzNDVq4y1bee2qG14zGpBIjLCPEupkN2YGYs6FTc9Y1QjmcAvrE4AK27o0pgyud-G0J_PhOdy3XpQHdRg_IpRuGYYhJalX182x9fo9qV7gPRC1Jmpr9f_YKkSLBFizqYzz0FDajMB0MrMkZjSRboAHD_on1XE_52y1Wv-jfeY=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjf9C5MiUgAOHQol_TjzNDVq4y1bee2qG14zGpBIjLCPEupkN2YGYs6FTc9Y1QjmcAvrE4AK27o0pgyud-G0J_PhOdy3XpQHdRg_IpRuGYYhJalX182x9fo9qV7gPRC1Jmpr9f_YKkSLBFizqYzz0FDajMB0MrMkZjSRboAHD_on1XE_52y1Wv-jfeY=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>The football world has been abuzz
over the 60+ yard pass that Justin Herbert uncorked last Sunday while
avoiding oncoming Giants rushers. And I’m guessing Patrick Mahomes not
only saw the attention it garnered, but will do his best to one up
Herbert on Thursday night. Look for Mahomes to take the opening snap and
sprint backwards, eventually running out of bounds at his own 5 yard
line. An obvious gambit to set himself up for a 90 yard throw, which
he’ll attempt on the ensuing play. The pass will travel an inadequate,
yet impressive 72 yards in the air before falling incomplete. Mahomes will tear all the muscles in his arm in the process. As he’s
helped off the field he’ll stop by Herbert and say, “Your move, big man,” before vomiting from the pain.</p><p><i>Chiefs 26-23</i><br /></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-81795393593162829362021-12-09T22:41:00.000-08:002021-12-09T22:41:07.111-08:00NFL Picks - Week 14<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>LAST WEEK: 11-3<br /></span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>SEASON: 119-75-1<br /></span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Morning</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Baltimore at Cleveland</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGiqpkrXEHjGL8KA7xM2RctJkqQBOjRjHs5fQ5ji1Jy9EqDxZYnX0sifgiOadf9rE_0apbyNBWg04QxW5y8ArcEv9Ex65xdGOj7NEydoo65x7tO0MU3cRP8xTNyzK-6Xb6nH-xtotS9JMPBQQOj5gLqae3hSWQ4gks10I4tBtrzkcmUrrymWEk898-=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGiqpkrXEHjGL8KA7xM2RctJkqQBOjRjHs5fQ5ji1Jy9EqDxZYnX0sifgiOadf9rE_0apbyNBWg04QxW5y8ArcEv9Ex65xdGOj7NEydoo65x7tO0MU3cRP8xTNyzK-6Xb6nH-xtotS9JMPBQQOj5gLqae3hSWQ4gks10I4tBtrzkcmUrrymWEk898-=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p><span><span>Hey remember when these teams played a terrible game on
prime time 2 weeks ago? They’re back for more! But hiding amongst 6
other day games like a shamed pet. What they did on that Sunday night
was bad. Very bad. Bad boys! I’m flushing all their treats down the
toilet. Well great, now the toilet’s clogged. Ya know, if a product
shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet they should really make that known
on the label. Or maybe even provide a chart that illustrates how much of
it can be flushed. For instance, can 3 pounds be flushed at once? No?
Ok, well thanks for the heads up, now I know not to flush 3 pounds of dog
treats down the toilet. Now I <i>don't</i> have to call a plumber and try to
explain that I tried to flush multiple bags of dog treats in an effort to shame the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. </span></span></p><p><i><span><span>Ravens 23-18 </span></span></i><br /><span></span><span></span><span></span></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span><span></span><span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span><span></span><span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span><span></span><span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Jacksonville at Tennessee</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNW3HcHMhMA1kyf9w2YFvX5ucj_3VjwzVf559jKC_Lr06lWUo9PHls0yJVFRseGUO97MTfB3oEN_BnIFTWY_CmvqpMwAV_X0puYN-kP5sz5wtnVaMuN3chmVvtCLgYbpNSwf_d9uaIDEprnu9RTMLnxlwYy5PoadTH865nuqzEH6jfQjLi_sdwOTZU=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNW3HcHMhMA1kyf9w2YFvX5ucj_3VjwzVf559jKC_Lr06lWUo9PHls0yJVFRseGUO97MTfB3oEN_BnIFTWY_CmvqpMwAV_X0puYN-kP5sz5wtnVaMuN3chmVvtCLgYbpNSwf_d9uaIDEprnu9RTMLnxlwYy5PoadTH865nuqzEH6jfQjLi_sdwOTZU=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Titans are following up their bye week with a visit from the Jaguars. It’s always nice to have a light week of work when you come back from vacation. Hold my calls, cancel all my meetings, and get me a home game with the Jags. </p><p><i>Titans 27-17</i> <br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Las Vegas at Kansas City</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPI5gK1uT6dMjd7mcXu55SdjepeP-BlOJwvt-4ZttUU0C43_D5dmzcmYMvYpRK-uzVonZZGqINMmJ3W9HDwd_S_-1_UZCbuzUeSOnTB65DKBrPtrX1Hs-tatoweJbUcllRwZfVUNdtLTLSSid4lN3SRQoXnaMoAOfvtw76Y9HMMf930fQ4-yWNbce9=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPI5gK1uT6dMjd7mcXu55SdjepeP-BlOJwvt-4ZttUU0C43_D5dmzcmYMvYpRK-uzVonZZGqINMmJ3W9HDwd_S_-1_UZCbuzUeSOnTB65DKBrPtrX1Hs-tatoweJbUcllRwZfVUNdtLTLSSid4lN3SRQoXnaMoAOfvtw76Y9HMMf930fQ4-yWNbce9=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Chiefs offense is back ... to be being lackluster. I thought maybe they were breaking out of their almost season-long funk after that last Raiders game in Week 10, but that no longer appears to be the case. In the two games since they’ve averaged 20.5 points. And when you consider that they averaged just 16.5 in the two games prior to Week 10, that performance against Vegas is looking like an anomaly. But here’s the thing, KC has won all of those games I just referenced. They’re on a 5 game streak and are back on top of the AFC West, so who cares if they don’t put up huge point totals anymore? Well, fantasy owners, casual fans, touchdown investors. Yes, touchdown investors. The market has dried up on the Chiefs this season. I bought high and can’t unload anywhere now. If Mahomes doesn’t get it together soon I’m going to have to sell my house! </p><p><i>Chiefs 24-17 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New Orleans at New York Jets</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT7xWTLWb2ktiNT3hxnq-AspiXasE3xyOVBUnoJzrJXUtrrlMpvVb4vlS_25x04quG8D-_K0p2WoQdsPGfFQf5SECbPLZ1r9diWP-BUCwO3xxlmyplxtpfkE2QQh5-UbyZBLUJGtZ5-ofOGTWHWXGiDZaUp-n6UIDSauWLNi2krhpaVtVPu38iMuMZ=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT7xWTLWb2ktiNT3hxnq-AspiXasE3xyOVBUnoJzrJXUtrrlMpvVb4vlS_25x04quG8D-_K0p2WoQdsPGfFQf5SECbPLZ1r9diWP-BUCwO3xxlmyplxtpfkE2QQh5-UbyZBLUJGtZ5-ofOGTWHWXGiDZaUp-n6UIDSauWLNi2krhpaVtVPu38iMuMZ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>We all made fun of Taysom Hill’s big contract extension, or at least I did. And ya know what, I felt vindicated last Thursday when Hill threw 4 picks during the Saints' loss to the Cowboys. Sure, he ran for over 100 yards, but that kind of illustrates the problem: he’s not a professional quarterback. Now, New Orleans isn’t paying him starting quarterback money, but they’re still paying him way above normal X factor money. Though, his $10 million per season is probably right in line with what Simon Cowell made on <i>The X Factor</i>, but I think we both know that’s not what I was talking about. Oh, you <i>did</i> think that’s what I was talking about? I’m not sure how to respond to that. It seems like either you’re lying or just a ridiculous person. </p><p><i>Jets 20-17 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Dallas at Washington</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj91L6us4iUMEHrgPuCV93zqjXvIaf4iHzp_E4jbxB2491Jo9krMcng1NGB4EZ5ed-JeIP8qYFIDx6WqKtMB9XSiPEljeqNKtYnhhcSUkYKmhsmcOj0rcfBobVtchvDGgFDDjCXfWwGDX2i5w6fTFVbTd5nS-HKUaecVflASefUWbZV2hB-ur7ICqe=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj91L6us4iUMEHrgPuCV93zqjXvIaf4iHzp_E4jbxB2491Jo9krMcng1NGB4EZ5ed-JeIP8qYFIDx6WqKtMB9XSiPEljeqNKtYnhhcSUkYKmhsmcOj0rcfBobVtchvDGgFDDjCXfWwGDX2i5w6fTFVbTd5nS-HKUaecVflASefUWbZV2hB-ur7ICqe=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>Washington has won consecutive games by the same score: 17-15. That exact final score hadn’t happened in an NFL game for 5 years prior to two weeks ago. <span> </span>Now Washington has accounted for 2 of the 14 all-time occurrences within a week (Monday 11/29 and Sunday 12/5). Is there any chance for a turkey? Uh yeah pal, but you’re a bit late, we already ate it all on Thanksgiving! But if you’re seriously asking about the odds of a third straight 17-15 final, well don’t hold your breath. The Cowboys have only totaled 15 or fewer points once this season, so it doesn’t seem likely. Then again, this is the time of year to believe in the extraordinary. And if Washington wins this game 17-15 who’s to say anything is impossible? Of course, if that doesn't wind up being the final score it will just reinforce the idea that there is no Santa, or even a god. So there’s a lot hinging on the result of this one. </p><p><i>Cowboys 18-17 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Atlanta at Carolina</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimcHldd_1XZNv7UYzr6CNs4dEEYNluKEGVM4v_dFciYI7GUW9ZtYC1GSNlAS8JSF9jHiedp8u27SyUxMh0Ij4lomzVVFMPLIvHGo4OVeNAByAWiiJz_vkO3-gIAawaraB4nqyWv2EJA7HnkJWx8DIBUtYSdFFwSN4DU8fodbo23rUlaXnHPA47nvgP=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimcHldd_1XZNv7UYzr6CNs4dEEYNluKEGVM4v_dFciYI7GUW9ZtYC1GSNlAS8JSF9jHiedp8u27SyUxMh0Ij4lomzVVFMPLIvHGo4OVeNAByAWiiJz_vkO3-gIAawaraB4nqyWv2EJA7HnkJWx8DIBUtYSdFFwSN4DU8fodbo23rUlaXnHPA47nvgP=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>It’s America’s favorite rivalry! Falcons and Panthers! And this time there’s playoff relevancy! Both teams come in at 5-7 and needing a win to keep pace in the NFC’s pathetic playoff picture. This is not what the founding fathers had in mind when they created the 3rd wild card spot, but nonetheless here we are. The Falcons seem like the pick here, but it’s hard to trust them. It’s no easier to trust the Panthers though. Of course, I don’t trust anyone aynmore, not since what happened at that McDonald’s. I said NO onions on the McRibs! </p><p><i>Falcons 30-24 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Seattle at Houston</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUp3f6AybfabfFBxEe3Tc2K18FTUsQWqg2dZTiv3vqXhx-cBHoTYoiv_yBZpfJXhsvX9ytk43jnYEPGI9n6WbnfXnSzadKL0K7zKmTvvDMw4H3Xq6wEQ6kt1gvSVwFswU4tvs9NiTtbgpNiN3l50dE2mHINqOse3TOxv5j4iKiOw7qOiUOOzgFjWD8=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUp3f6AybfabfFBxEe3Tc2K18FTUsQWqg2dZTiv3vqXhx-cBHoTYoiv_yBZpfJXhsvX9ytk43jnYEPGI9n6WbnfXnSzadKL0K7zKmTvvDMw4H3Xq6wEQ6kt1gvSVwFswU4tvs9NiTtbgpNiN3l50dE2mHINqOse3TOxv5j4iKiOw7qOiUOOzgFjWD8=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>Houston beat Tennessee in Week 11, then promptly followed that up with a loss to the Jets and a shut out from the Colts. I guess that aforementioned Titans win, their second of the season, went to their heads. Either way, the Texans are now the only team in the league that’s been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. And that includes the Lions! Some would say Houston has nothing to lose. I’d argue they have nothing to win. They might as well lose out and get the best draft pick they possibly can. And with their benching of Tyrod Taylor in favor of Davis Mills it seems like that’s exactly what their aim is. Now what is Mills’ aim? Usually off.</p><p><i>Seahawks 27-16 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Afternoon</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Detroit at Denver </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCnrSvXqjhq6AT9E5yW8Y07JYd6zuxN_JpEDxj9ZPp1Cb2e9-aysCcdkUGvq-0D2QSH7RRvW7MMv8Z_Qi2hFwNSiYhsb6GsL4YLfEq4jYcdGyd6lLPdlScB-N0Y3lrgIN9z6vW28xeHUqkGoSLx27Cvq6zLWSqPMT4BwTNTZE53W9ZTtUR9t5q5ede=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCnrSvXqjhq6AT9E5yW8Y07JYd6zuxN_JpEDxj9ZPp1Cb2e9-aysCcdkUGvq-0D2QSH7RRvW7MMv8Z_Qi2hFwNSiYhsb6GsL4YLfEq4jYcdGyd6lLPdlScB-N0Y3lrgIN9z6vW28xeHUqkGoSLx27Cvq6zLWSqPMT4BwTNTZE53W9ZTtUR9t5q5ede=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>Under Vic Fangio, the Broncos are 1-20 when losing at halftime. So if you check the Denver score at halftime on any given Sunday and they’re behind you have no reason to watch the rest of that game. One could argue there would be no reason to watch the first half of a Broncos game either, but that’s not the point. Perhaps if there’s one team in the league that Denver<span> </span>could overcome a second half deficit against it’s the Lions. Correction, it <i>was</i> the Lions. That’s before Detroit got their first win last week. Now they’ve got a taste for blood and they’re hungry for more. The good news for them is that they only have to win one half, the rest will take care of itself. </p><p><i>Broncos 17-14 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New York Giants at Los Angeles Chargers</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvUf5tvvJQ7nrWnnQ2oPVGJpfI4iS5lMd7F8cVTmQeUSgRg29PgYyghpQtLX5nIdAbfic3ZZWbLpmaIjqL-4jtofbnPRBLCWoH1cFpRcHQxz_HJxA-BdyWnROD3ZB8v0Sg1Yxq-hqSlRk_vfu5rpC_FU4Ulb4ToVWVB2P9bg88CmZuaQLe30mw8bXe=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvUf5tvvJQ7nrWnnQ2oPVGJpfI4iS5lMd7F8cVTmQeUSgRg29PgYyghpQtLX5nIdAbfic3ZZWbLpmaIjqL-4jtofbnPRBLCWoH1cFpRcHQxz_HJxA-BdyWnROD3ZB8v0Sg1Yxq-hqSlRk_vfu5rpC_FU4Ulb4ToVWVB2P9bg88CmZuaQLe30mw8bXe=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>Over the last three weeks the Giants have scored 10, 13, and 9 points. Sounds like the first three holes of every golf round I’ve ever played. On the fourth hole I usually drive the cart into a sand trap and walk off into the woods. What if there are no woods, you ask? Simple, I walk into the irons. Look for the Chargers to win and the Giants to have another terrible hole. You can mark them down for an 8 though. </p><p><i>Chargers 28-8 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>San Francisco at Cincinnati </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJGVhPUOQO-okvgnXFibfOmIrro-4Ne0v90DParZOBhgcQfGeZ5BH0gXEDBClQmcOZisJef-RH6sCHOKTB7ciK5souHUTJpjQHPwKNkM9MZRi_4K8i97b6m3Vw1TuP_zMoZrRh6IVirEbe76vroZj-T12oiafOtiDSzfj_X0QFcVB763az5pb-KBxR=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJGVhPUOQO-okvgnXFibfOmIrro-4Ne0v90DParZOBhgcQfGeZ5BH0gXEDBClQmcOZisJef-RH6sCHOKTB7ciK5souHUTJpjQHPwKNkM9MZRi_4K8i97b6m3Vw1TuP_zMoZrRh6IVirEbe76vroZj-T12oiafOtiDSzfj_X0QFcVB763az5pb-KBxR=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>Both of these teams crashed hard last week and now find themselves clinging to the final playoff spot in their respective conferences. Their Week 13 losses should have shocked no one though, considering these Bengals fall off a cliff any time they get to 3 games over .500, and the 49ers can’t beat the Seahawks. Seattle has bested Frisco in 17 of their last 20 meetings. Now that these squads’ inevitable pitfalls are out of the way they’re free to win this week. However, one must stay in the pit, where they will live for at least another seven days, feeding off whatever scraps are cast aside from the fans in the stadium. Will the lack of nourishment result in weakness? Or will their desperate struggle to fend for themselves result in a sort of feral tenacity and make them the team that nobody wants to play in the postseason? Mostly for fear of rabies. </p><p><i>Bengals 33-28 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Buffalo at Tampa Bay</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZAFqJaL4bOSF3CCSIo_-Az9FPEBi_ymOE3YU3PUQ0-n1-hpVmg0_tA_s9ocfNqwFA3cRKELW9HfUfkW97UrdJrO_0KT0m5gdkUTNfhZ0-V1W6ytDLLy8FkL21RVx6pv4_FJs67RUeBh0PBJH_7qhRtdoIEuUdnAVJVkMcZNp0o1ZcDANkVZKBZ6tV=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZAFqJaL4bOSF3CCSIo_-Az9FPEBi_ymOE3YU3PUQ0-n1-hpVmg0_tA_s9ocfNqwFA3cRKELW9HfUfkW97UrdJrO_0KT0m5gdkUTNfhZ0-V1W6ytDLLy8FkL21RVx6pv4_FJs67RUeBh0PBJH_7qhRtdoIEuUdnAVJVkMcZNp0o1ZcDANkVZKBZ6tV=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>Earlier in the season a lot of people would’ve thought this was a Super Bowl preview. Now? They’re still saying that. I should’ve specified that the people in question are Bills fans. It should be noted last season the Bucs were 7-5 last season before winning 8 straight en route to a Super Bowl championship. Could the Bills pull off a similar feat? Sure. They just need to start playing better than anybody else. That was the key to Tampa’s run last season. And most Super Bowl champs, come to think of it. If Buffalo can tap into something similar they have a great shot. </p><p><i>Buccaneers 30-27 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Chicago at Green Bay</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkeiGrC9YKqk4ZvHxgrW6SRLAi5UhrtG0Oe2T6c0oC5p4CM34hkLfuY6ALj6Mo3NEVEuwBvYMaQwke6ZsgPjLp5HpQP79YZXEfSIBWeQVYB5J6BXryHo7Ze1ArujovGb5XHjFF3ta1wZYMaQVerE4ip9hiILwVAPjSy8rm-dpx7l9m159OSzV55mz7=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkeiGrC9YKqk4ZvHxgrW6SRLAi5UhrtG0Oe2T6c0oC5p4CM34hkLfuY6ALj6Mo3NEVEuwBvYMaQwke6ZsgPjLp5HpQP79YZXEfSIBWeQVYB5J6BXryHo7Ze1ArujovGb5XHjFF3ta1wZYMaQVerE4ip9hiILwVAPjSy8rm-dpx7l9m159OSzV55mz7=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>On paper this doesn't look like a competitive match-up. But games aren't played on paper, they're played on grass, exclusively now that the Raiders don't have a baseball infield in play. While that dynamite analysis should suffice, let's go the extra mile and hear <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcQVOaQln4w" target="_blank">NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth's thoughts on this one</a>: <br /> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YcQVOaQln4w" width="320" youtube-src-id="YcQVOaQln4w"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Packers 31-10 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Monday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Los Angeles Rams at Arizona </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_OBWjB0vweawPr0ClG46XrCZ3GJe8397j321m3GuRRDROlw-M9ogfHzi74YrRgh0GB2hm1a53mqWC-35Eh7-HVVF4QNdvNxJhagm7AbypGN9tnItvDGdRjcCRw8KAPEiF0_rp9hcjhy0v9dRXL0ZCaeLpbqm-MnCppIJ2fPGRkewuC5WlUC_uQwkl=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_OBWjB0vweawPr0ClG46XrCZ3GJe8397j321m3GuRRDROlw-M9ogfHzi74YrRgh0GB2hm1a53mqWC-35Eh7-HVVF4QNdvNxJhagm7AbypGN9tnItvDGdRjcCRw8KAPEiF0_rp9hcjhy0v9dRXL0ZCaeLpbqm-MnCppIJ2fPGRkewuC5WlUC_uQwkl=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Cardinals can all but clinch the NFC West with a win this Sunday, which should make the Rams the more desperate team. But if you ask me, the Rams have been desperate for some time now. They regularly unload draft picks to trade for big name talent. I don’t think they have a selection in the first three rounds until 2027. If desperation equaled wins the Rams would be undefeated, and I would’ve had more dates in high school! But seriously folks, just because LA needs the win more doesn’t mean they’ll get it. </p><p><i>Cardinals 28-20</i></p><p><i> </i><br /></p><p></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-8078809955647978612021-12-09T08:55:00.005-08:002021-12-09T08:55:32.642-08:00NFL Picks - Week 14 Thursday<p>Pittsburgh at Minnesota </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZlma1D4eetdbo_bGl4R7DqAo4MDBmc9hqFWyreO9kUwmmonZUWFbDcRef1X-ncye_xblvMLOCbgcUjSebr0kAFqu4kpsDcZtCGp6rfL6ohziqNDXkJdoty8qTVwcG_83JG6Eq3kbf1WNhfogyHSAuWJ7I2VV3GasudtDrIQwvK9kuOoBazzx8RqL8=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZlma1D4eetdbo_bGl4R7DqAo4MDBmc9hqFWyreO9kUwmmonZUWFbDcRef1X-ncye_xblvMLOCbgcUjSebr0kAFqu4kpsDcZtCGp6rfL6ohziqNDXkJdoty8qTVwcG_83JG6Eq3kbf1WNhfogyHSAuWJ7I2VV3GasudtDrIQwvK9kuOoBazzx8RqL8=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>Some would say playing only four days after
losing to a winless team is the best thing that could happen to the
Vikings. But those people are failing to take into account the multiple Minnesota
players that have quit football since their loss
to the Lions on Sunday. Some reports have it as high as half the roster.
Hopefully the Vikings can field at least 22 willing participants and
this game won’t have to be forfeited. Though, their chances of winning
aren’t too high anyway considering they’re taking on the red-hot
Steelers, winners of <i>one</i> in a row. Judging by the seasons these teams
have had so far, there will be a stupid/inept play by a quarterback to
squander someone’s chances. So I guess it’s the rare case of whoever has
the ball last loses.</p><p><i>Vikings 24-20 </i><br /></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-16709423636425409232021-12-02T23:15:00.002-08:002021-12-02T23:15:19.399-08:00NFL Picks - Week 13<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>LAST WEEK: 9-6<br /></span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>SEASON: 108-72-1</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span><br /></span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Morning</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Tampa Bay at Atlanta </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuiSWrRf1aaS462R48UXaMlzJeh5taUcICFcpi1ehgGs-JxWJX39gr4Vzw7bJvyBsBIXOuRuJw4DKUI93Lq0D6R_aF15G2y4WdEkNWC1-fvA3SSktp4Hir6YujJiw772QUERf6c7vzcg/s640/IMG_9615.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuiSWrRf1aaS462R48UXaMlzJeh5taUcICFcpi1ehgGs-JxWJX39gr4Vzw7bJvyBsBIXOuRuJw4DKUI93Lq0D6R_aF15G2y4WdEkNWC1-fvA3SSktp4Hir6YujJiw772QUERf6c7vzcg/s320/IMG_9615.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I don’t think I’d be surprised no matter how the Bucs’ season turns out at this point. Win the Super Bowl again? Sure. Lose four games and miss the playoffs entirely? Unlikely, but I guess I could believe it. A touchdown on every drive from now on? You’re kind of pushing it now, but ok, sure. Safeties, nothing but safeties? What does that even mean? Whatever it is, no, that’s not going to happen. Yes, I know I said nothing would surprise me, but that’s before I knew you were gonna pull this shit. Just for that, NO safeties for anybody. Sorry, you brought this on yourself.</p><p><i>Buccaneers 31-24 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Arizona at Chicago</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lD7qfoTg6zm05akUv0eIGuDNXHo0OXEjIUDQPymuLW-o93f0TnoVZYPpZu6_4j_eIO7P7K4sa9vbDZr1J2jNBDuE-Ox-e75qcIEHX01N3czzCBZhRm6uuMkJlpJ39oDmZgrzZHtn594/s640/IMG_9616.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lD7qfoTg6zm05akUv0eIGuDNXHo0OXEjIUDQPymuLW-o93f0TnoVZYPpZu6_4j_eIO7P7K4sa9vbDZr1J2jNBDuE-Ox-e75qcIEHX01N3czzCBZhRm6uuMkJlpJ39oDmZgrzZHtn594/s320/IMG_9616.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Bears are coming off a 2 point win over the Lions. The transitive property means you can safely assume they’ll lose their next game as long as it’s against someone other than the Lions. And that’s exactly who they’re playing on Sunday, not the Lions. Tough break for the Bears. As it turns <i>none</i> of Chicago’s remaining games are against the Lions. As a result it’s quite possible they won’t win again until next season. </p><p><i>Cardinals 27-16 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Los Angeles Chargers at Cincinnati </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnebf36sv0aJdlHe5neehZdrTIQVh-8R6aQE3zcSp942o4tbS2m3dPz52ovxsXZh8d21MWSErtGDD7d76ADBKOT-OMShS_bymPZwEd2NtSjPM33sgO1GfnShxrCDslQMz4d0cDS7siHc/s640/IMG_9617.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnebf36sv0aJdlHe5neehZdrTIQVh-8R6aQE3zcSp942o4tbS2m3dPz52ovxsXZh8d21MWSErtGDD7d76ADBKOT-OMShS_bymPZwEd2NtSjPM33sgO1GfnShxrCDslQMz4d0cDS7siHc/s320/IMG_9617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>For the last couple weeks the Bengals have performed at a level that should inspire confidence in us all. So you know what that means ... they’re definitely losing this game. We’ve been through this before with Cincy. After they crushed the Ravens to get to 5-2 they promptly followed that up with a loss to the Jets. Though perhaps the fact that the Bengals are playing a (maybe) quality opponent now means they won’t sleepwalk through this game. And if that’s the case then the good news for Cincinnati is that the remaining teams on their schedule are currently all .500 or better. I imagine the Bengals looking at that, getting a wry smile on their face, and saying, “Wouldn’t have it any other way ...” then losing every single game.</p><p><i>Chargers 30-27</i> <br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Minnesota at Detroit </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCbkvJg9Q1Dyzb2hQ1X12PU9ikiNvr3TjAXwAVsLaJzw9gjKGV7GvHEERRdDfRoDtIDQgAURSOJ9vCoYZPxzocW3Rj4D91C3-_MOCE_MbKTEsNx-_q9QgZOXP3jOW9jx6CPVZ3YVctrw/s640/IMG_9618.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCbkvJg9Q1Dyzb2hQ1X12PU9ikiNvr3TjAXwAVsLaJzw9gjKGV7GvHEERRdDfRoDtIDQgAURSOJ9vCoYZPxzocW3Rj4D91C3-_MOCE_MbKTEsNx-_q9QgZOXP3jOW9jx6CPVZ3YVctrw/s320/IMG_9618.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>On Thanksgiving, Lions coach Dan Campbell illegally called consecutive time outs with 1:54 left in the game. This cost his team 5 yards, giving the Bears a much better chance to convert a crucial 3rd down, which they did. On the ensuing 1st down, Chicago called a timeout as the play clock wound down to get their strategy in order. Makes sense. What <i>doesn't</i> make sense is that Dan Campbell was trying to call <i>his</i> third timeout at the exact same time, after almost the whole play clock had run out! First off, that’s stupid because he wasted :35, and it’s also nonsensical, because why would he even care to stop the Bears from taking a snap at that moment? Was he afraid they had his coverage beat? Good! The best chance Detroit had at winning was letting Chicago score a touchdown and getting the ball back as quickly as possible. It was a stunning avalanche of ineptitude from Campbell and company. I will no longer feel bad for them if they go winless on the season. I now believe they deserve it. Alright, maybe that’s a bit harsh, I’m gonna pause for a minute and think that over. See, now that’s an appropriate use of a time out.</p><p><i>Vikings 26-20 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New York Giants at Miami </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-FNJWtIewMNAMJD1w4a8YvgUDvabPDCg20zw1o6BC_yfDOJHanoippkWt81CDlKTPSdae2ut5hyphenhyphenbwwfviP_RQc_1iAWH2vIR4R6N821Wwld4DIgPaDvG13-Xgv-OHh8FtYJdMyMmJXE/s640/IMG_9619.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-FNJWtIewMNAMJD1w4a8YvgUDvabPDCg20zw1o6BC_yfDOJHanoippkWt81CDlKTPSdae2ut5hyphenhyphenbwwfviP_RQc_1iAWH2vIR4R6N821Wwld4DIgPaDvG13-Xgv-OHh8FtYJdMyMmJXE/s320/IMG_9619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Both of these teams are getting some, "Hey ya know they’re not <i>that</i> bad" buzz. And I agree. These squads are both getting to that level we’re they’re just good enough to not make the playoffs while also playing themselves out of a top 10 pick in the draft. It’s that real sweet spot of mediocrity where your fans resent you doubly. Come to think of it though, the Dolphins don’t have their own pick in the first round (they do have the Niners’), so continuing to win won’t hurt them. Also, the Giants have the Bears’ first round pick in addition to their own. So really, both teams should feel free to win out. Then again, that was probably their mindset at the beginning of the season, and that’s turned out less than ideal. </p><p><i>Dolphins 23-16</i> <br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Philadelphia at New York Jets </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEXGex2NVVe0xZhNnKs5xpHRueUaXehNyjzhvdOf3OnKh6oiQ5mQNlLwYRN-pnbLjxXABoAItzEEyCHEc3Xj-iILhMBRyXo5w8yRQOuRUenJg8iNaq27fqqXut6ez6MrIYolNYYwBeT4/s640/IMG_9620.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEXGex2NVVe0xZhNnKs5xpHRueUaXehNyjzhvdOf3OnKh6oiQ5mQNlLwYRN-pnbLjxXABoAItzEEyCHEc3Xj-iILhMBRyXo5w8yRQOuRUenJg8iNaq27fqqXut6ez6MrIYolNYYwBeT4/s320/IMG_9620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>A week after an abysmal game in a MetLife Stadium loss to the Giants, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles must return to the Meadowlands. This has to feel like a recurring nightmare for Hurts. A nightmare where he shit the bed. It’s a real deja poo scenario. But with Philly just on the outside of the playoff picture, Hurts has no choice but to climb out of his bed, peel off his messy pants, rinse his buns, wash his sheets, take an Imodium, wash his sheets again, then get back out there and show MetLife who’s boss. Or at least try. We all know he can’t be the true boss of MetLife, that’s Snoopy. </p><p><i>Jets 20-17 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Indianapolis at Houston</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixW4ji-c7rhz1Cm5VtOOAILwZWEtJ7JwcNzwKekwl3bVjo6jeWBXMWEf0SfBWarTCm4PsAG9HjBsv2QYD3-9f77nwXPefMyR8Xsm7oxbr_2jGoWOQOERFD8EHK03udES065OH59_w1h-o/s640/IMG_9621.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixW4ji-c7rhz1Cm5VtOOAILwZWEtJ7JwcNzwKekwl3bVjo6jeWBXMWEf0SfBWarTCm4PsAG9HjBsv2QYD3-9f77nwXPefMyR8Xsm7oxbr_2jGoWOQOERFD8EHK03udES065OH59_w1h-o/s320/IMG_9621.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>After playing Buffalo and Tampa in consecutive weeks, the Colts get a respite in the form of a trip to Houston. Sometimes NFL scheduling actually works. Of course, sometimes it doesn’t, which is the case for the Browns right now. They played a lousy game at Baltimore last Sunday night, they have a bye this week, followed by a home game against ... Baltimore. That’s like having a terrible day, going to sleep, then waking up to realize it wasn’t a dream and that you have to deal with your problems all over again. But do you <i>actually</i> deal with them? No. You just keep trying to sweep things under the rug, ignoring the fact that the real problem is looking right back at you in the mirror. At this point some of you might be wondering what this has to do with this Colts/Texans game. Sounds like your typical deflection strategy to me. When will you learn?</p><p><i>Colts 27-23 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Afternoon</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Washington at Las Vegas </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0IA5KKRx_qx55xqrFWaTighboYwCAAsw8S_ds1nyLNGa-kDQwzn3yJDPWqMX1JyolqMUqcaa8UIEPRWwuUPOEQxmL1WCVppYZwCHVMZSlsUZU490MbeOI10ATL91IAAL3360cdvJX8I/s640/IMG_9630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0IA5KKRx_qx55xqrFWaTighboYwCAAsw8S_ds1nyLNGa-kDQwzn3yJDPWqMX1JyolqMUqcaa8UIEPRWwuUPOEQxmL1WCVppYZwCHVMZSlsUZU490MbeOI10ATL91IAAL3360cdvJX8I/s320/IMG_9630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Raiders are in a pattern of zigging when we all expect a zag. Winning games we don’t think they will and then completely no showing in what should be easy victories. They’re trolling all of us collectively ... and me specifically. Go back and look at the comments on all of my past posts, it’s nothing but the Raiders telling me to eat poison or cook my own head. Nevertheless, I continue to write, undaunted by the vicious professional football team that relentlessly attempts to drag me down to their level. Nice try Vegas, but when you go low, I go high. And while I’m up here I’m going to drop bags of piss on you. And sorry, I’m not gonna tell whose piss it is. But it might be mine, and I might have been eating a <i>lot</i> of asparagus lately. </p><p><i>Raiders 27-17 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Jacksonville at Los Angeles Rams </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnpcHrkvVeLig_5XBxA8iqODT8JtD5rNubJ0rE7AiFCuvjyQ3JhdfHOpDa3jGku8KHXHfWWHX1-9eCw-GvljnsUsu2Y4OxbYcdkFKz7QuYs595YVFIfelEY5Jzy4D-Z1KP-GRqHSgJ04/s640/IMG_9623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnpcHrkvVeLig_5XBxA8iqODT8JtD5rNubJ0rE7AiFCuvjyQ3JhdfHOpDa3jGku8KHXHfWWHX1-9eCw-GvljnsUsu2Y4OxbYcdkFKz7QuYs595YVFIfelEY5Jzy4D-Z1KP-GRqHSgJ04/s320/IMG_9623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The last time the Rams had a home match-up against an opponent this inferior they almost lost to the Lions. Since then they only have 1 win and are currently on a 3 game losing streak. Maybe that narrow escape against Detroit shook them to their core. I mean, if I barely beat the Lions I’d have a crisis of confidence too. And I’m just one man, the Rams are 53. A blowout win over the Jags could kick start a late season turnaround for LA. Then again, another poor performance could send them plummeting into an even deeper existential pit from which there may be no return. Or I guess they could win by like 13, which would equate to some sort of purgatory, and probably an eventual first round playoff loss. </p><p><i>Rams 34-21 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Baltimore at Pittsburgh</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbyCMMq9_PNMKMkrdMBOBt0CHphKt3HZpru7Z-X-eqEKpn0zQNZh3rpX8CBZKsI5nAJ587k4-RZNFbf358zEFAYI9BbQty7f60KHTFnpLkHnhG6bE8VM8Jf84P7ta6QuKQ-vbLE8bbys/s640/IMG_9624.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbyCMMq9_PNMKMkrdMBOBt0CHphKt3HZpru7Z-X-eqEKpn0zQNZh3rpX8CBZKsI5nAJ587k4-RZNFbf358zEFAYI9BbQty7f60KHTFnpLkHnhG6bE8VM8Jf84P7ta6QuKQ-vbLE8bbys/s320/IMG_9624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Anyone watching the end of last Sunday’s Steelers/Bengals tilt had to be wondering why Ben Roethlisberger was still in the game with his team down by over 30 points. Heart? Hmm, maybe. Punishment? Could be. But I think it’s more likely that at this point in his career Roethlisberger has no idea what the score is at any given moment in a game. He just picks up his helmet and walks on to the field without a thought in his head. Then he continues to play without any thoughts in his head. Though now that I’m thinking about it, it’s debatable if that’s any different from the rest of his life. </p><p><i>Steelers 23-21 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>San Francisco at Seattle</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgXECUg0PnFlXI4opTMeabB92Hq810cmWTtvams4Gq3CWke8WADj4CoI26w-r-hwYuI8I-ChPwV_Wy8BSdodqntkXgSq9L5cWFztLUCsFD_YfB4Ot850Uyhq6pjNSx6AvjQRa6lbdES8/s640/IMG_9625.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgXECUg0PnFlXI4opTMeabB92Hq810cmWTtvams4Gq3CWke8WADj4CoI26w-r-hwYuI8I-ChPwV_Wy8BSdodqntkXgSq9L5cWFztLUCsFD_YfB4Ot850Uyhq6pjNSx6AvjQRa6lbdES8/s320/IMG_9625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Nine Decembers ago, this match-up was flexed into Sunday Night Football, officially christening the Niners/Hawks rivalry as one of the hottest in the NFL. Now, in Week 13 of 2021 it’s been flexed <i>out</i> of Sunday Night Football, officially signaling that a national audience is no longer interested in watching these teams play each other at this point. There are a lot of contributing factors, but I think we can all agree that the Niners are to blame. Their lack of consistency and inability to keep star players healthy makes them a risky bet for prime time games. Pretty sad the shape that this franchise is in. I just hope they find some semblance of success soon so that this rivalry can become relevant once again. </p><p><i>Seahawks 23-17 </i><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Denver at Kansas City</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jd3XCnB8F33vH7Ddly-RSFM1tAir0NzaiVag2BoeY7woU5wh8Yd2zWMuvAVpa1gF2bCor_cm82H1vGiKV_QRjvf6cGl5a8elcjCYhKCwKcDgCXwc_n17pxAPxYSSzFeX4W-DvZ4uE94/s640/IMG_9626.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jd3XCnB8F33vH7Ddly-RSFM1tAir0NzaiVag2BoeY7woU5wh8Yd2zWMuvAVpa1gF2bCor_cm82H1vGiKV_QRjvf6cGl5a8elcjCYhKCwKcDgCXwc_n17pxAPxYSSzFeX4W-DvZ4uE94/s320/IMG_9626.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Chiefs' offense is back! Or maybe. They exploded for 41 points against the Raiders in Week 10, but then managed only 19 against Dallas and took last week off. Meanwhile the Broncos seem to be a different team from week to week. So who knows what to expect? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54qr2sIQs0" target="_blank">Perhaps only one man, Cris Collinsworth</a>: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n54qr2sIQs0" width="320" youtube-src-id="n54qr2sIQs0"></iframe></div><i>Chiefs 24-16</i><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Monday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New England at Buffalo</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIESnWlDUXnu73eEAUNgt0rBn9KKY9j0JcElDc8eOYO9stdqGbIBhtpm_DRphPW4XSHVDkbMmXs98XI-NmFkBzxh6uixBtX_kK4L6JhErSShhuYTxMO2FlEpI4wsOEgtnfZn98tsiI0lw/s640/IMG_9627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIESnWlDUXnu73eEAUNgt0rBn9KKY9j0JcElDc8eOYO9stdqGbIBhtpm_DRphPW4XSHVDkbMmXs98XI-NmFkBzxh6uixBtX_kK4L6JhErSShhuYTxMO2FlEpI4wsOEgtnfZn98tsiI0lw/s320/IMG_9627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>This has to be frustrating for Buffalo. After going 13-3 last season and winning the AFC East following the departure of Tom Brady, the Bills must have thought this was <i>their</i> division now. “You had your time New England, now it’s our turn! Um excuse me, what do you think you’re doing? Hey, why are you winning so many games? Shoot, we just lost another one because we were too busy worrying about this. What’s our record now? They’re ahead of us?!? How did this happen?!? We got one year to be happy?!? That’s it?!?” That was an official statement from the Bills organization. It was printed on their letterhead and everything. </p><p><i>Patriots 23-19</i></p><p><i> </i></p><p><i> </i><br /></p><p></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-88997909850514250932021-12-02T11:53:00.004-08:002021-12-02T11:53:41.263-08:00NFL Picks - Week 13 Thursday<p>Dallas at New Orleans </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjUUdyzEqKUAcCOzGenGOp-DPjS3af64JJ8hrs5kC3zMcvvQCh7iCf4_DtCRUXxFUntPIu6rfQxjQAsNhbDldGxIHcCMxaRQUWlXeQpnTm7s9Dh6aAQG9yRVebT3sduGBDTG2PsIwLG8/s640/IMG_9614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjUUdyzEqKUAcCOzGenGOp-DPjS3af64JJ8hrs5kC3zMcvvQCh7iCf4_DtCRUXxFUntPIu6rfQxjQAsNhbDldGxIHcCMxaRQUWlXeQpnTm7s9Dh6aAQG9yRVebT3sduGBDTG2PsIwLG8/s320/IMG_9614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Cowboys committed 14 penalties in their Thanksgiving loss to the Raiders. Perhaps the short week of preparation is to blame for that lack of discipline. This Thursday they’ll be full rested, so that infraction total should be reduced. Or perhaps they’ll have even more energy with which to commit penalties. Maybe these guys come out playing with their hair on fire. However, that will also be a penalty, because you’re not allowed to have an open flame on the field. Meanwhile, Saints fans will be treated to their second straight Thursday home game. Last week they watched their team lose by 25 points, so it probably couldn’t get any worse this time around. Though there’s always the chance that they’ll get blown out by 30 by a bunch of flaming headed penalty freaks.</p><p><i>Cowboys 26-17 </i><br /></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-32544423750990592122021-11-25T22:32:00.002-08:002021-11-25T22:33:25.684-08:00NFL Picks - Week 12<p></p><p><b>LAST WEEK: 9-6</b></p><p><b>SEASON: 98-66-1 </b><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Morning</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Pittsburgh at Cincinnati </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmFJd8g4_lFgWW9yDL7MZjIMkSsC657H_3jpXuDPMhLwT_oI0qV8-wLCusj-W36eM3ROn2EjtbRV6u-4jXa_YfEy2XszOU0e_D1UpM3_MUlxLuBcAMr2_kphmmglxNnNhR2yBE15RNu4/s640/IMG_9565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmFJd8g4_lFgWW9yDL7MZjIMkSsC657H_3jpXuDPMhLwT_oI0qV8-wLCusj-W36eM3ROn2EjtbRV6u-4jXa_YfEy2XszOU0e_D1UpM3_MUlxLuBcAMr2_kphmmglxNnNhR2yBE15RNu4/s320/IMG_9565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Every team in the AFC North has a winning record, and I think we should all just take a minute to appreciate that. Will we be able to say that at the end of the season? I doubt it, I don’t even think it’s mathematically possible. No, I haven’t done the math, so it’s probably irresponsible of me to make such a claim. But did <i>you</i> do the math? Didn’t think so. Now who’s being irresponsible? <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bengals 24-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Tampa Bay at Indianapolis </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeY9PqMXYMPhnzjoNjcSDTcOD74X_2U573DS6WPWScKSVmf3jCUaW8E7934ay95HJtdwGTL-nJonsiiFA24Wykww969AUnqCOpscUOxolaDy3M4WBsocaEsS-qSfx5ByJBFMt5axar1c/s640/IMG_9566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeY9PqMXYMPhnzjoNjcSDTcOD74X_2U573DS6WPWScKSVmf3jCUaW8E7934ay95HJtdwGTL-nJonsiiFA24Wykww969AUnqCOpscUOxolaDy3M4WBsocaEsS-qSfx5ByJBFMt5axar1c/s320/IMG_9566.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>For years now it’s been common knowledge that the Colts hang banners in Lucas Oil Stadium for the AFC title games that they’ve lost. I believe they say “AFC Championship Game Participant” or something of that ilk. These banners are laughing stocks to every NFL fan, but imagine how hilarious the must be to Tom Brady. This man has won 7 actual Super Bowls. He has no need to count the conference title games he’s taken part in. But if he wanted to he could point out that he’s been in 14, which is ridiculous, and would easily surpass Indy’s total; but again, he’s not here to do that. He’s in Indy merely to win a game. And to visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the city’s number 1 rated tourist attraction according to a quick, yet selective google search that Brady (and I) recently did. There are dinosaurs outside! Tom’s going to love it. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Buccaneers 30-27 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Carolina at Miami </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaf2WXyVWXX0wU9cx3k3oJaP8neyk3bApvEQf7OT6OBmJWtST27ScWCW7RcZk6wDJ4SfrsEChIr7kxnFOEMYbduWr83GJVdhymwBkwoHM-ipRgWbAAcNeQO7-QpBUMfo76o17s9HrR_o/s640/IMG_9567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaf2WXyVWXX0wU9cx3k3oJaP8neyk3bApvEQf7OT6OBmJWtST27ScWCW7RcZk6wDJ4SfrsEChIr7kxnFOEMYbduWr83GJVdhymwBkwoHM-ipRgWbAAcNeQO7-QpBUMfo76o17s9HrR_o/s320/IMG_9567.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Cam Newton is truly back. And that means a handful of improbable plays, and at least the same amount of incomprehensible ones. Could he win you a game? Maybe. Could he lose you one? Absolutely. Could you pick him up in fantasy because your starter is on a bye and watch him score a measly 7 points, resulting in you angrily fumbling your phone into an airport toilet? I’m counting on it!<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Panthers 23-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Tennessee at New England</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGCukwyliMhsQ11GQ-8OEncfdLohUt8WkjzMaQ10jLx316XMqt4cPfesemEQNDyco8irK7Iw_7Y50On2GXOBs6bPMnpxXrk_-jb60cajCuMQ6P4INvn2QlwHBCL4i7upIkAS-Jx745a0/s640/IMG_9568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGCukwyliMhsQ11GQ-8OEncfdLohUt8WkjzMaQ10jLx316XMqt4cPfesemEQNDyco8irK7Iw_7Y50On2GXOBs6bPMnpxXrk_-jb60cajCuMQ6P4INvn2QlwHBCL4i7upIkAS-Jx745a0/s320/IMG_9568.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Patriots have won 5 in a row, the Titans have lost 5 straight. Actually, it was only one loss for Tennessee, but it was against the Texans, so it felt like 5. The good news for the Titans is that they’re still technically the #1 seed in the AFC. But after their loss to Houston do any of us take them seriously? They’re like a drunk grandpa at the Thanksgiving table. Sure, you have seniority, but we also just saw you pour cranberry sauce into your undies, so we’re keeping a watchful eye on ya. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Patriots 26-19 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Philadelphia at New York Giants</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkwUIgYj9KsC1ta0FPFRFbt3JB1PHyEnvVzklak_GY68HvP1McuJR-cBgD3YIA9DRlLndzXqcjPtp1cRQ3iZl6_6p0-n9fu2wze8ByO_Sl9gWqQGkXvexYTwnGdSOJJ82-A8mb7hj1WM/s640/IMG_9569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkwUIgYj9KsC1ta0FPFRFbt3JB1PHyEnvVzklak_GY68HvP1McuJR-cBgD3YIA9DRlLndzXqcjPtp1cRQ3iZl6_6p0-n9fu2wze8ByO_Sl9gWqQGkXvexYTwnGdSOJJ82-A8mb7hj1WM/s320/IMG_9569.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Daniel Jones threw one of the most <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VULN23Q44aI" target="_blank">mind-boggling interceptions</a> of the season on Monday. It made me wonder if he just gets bored playing quarterback. Like the fourth quarter rolls around and after a bunch of monotonous plays he thinks, “Eh, let’s see what happens if I do this ...” It would also explain why Jones can regularly be seen checking his phone after handoffs. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Eagles 27-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Atlanta at Jacksonville </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxzuuvwNXXpja-9IFmPmjomyz9Nq-C9BudIzHgtzqOtlNz14IseiNymPvTjtPBXLttM7ZIv03_c6V4xcfco69jxPiHTEw0VWhlCRKS9ZbRKvxPBFC7sz_wxCYZ8MMUy0sPTta3O5iSPI/s640/IMG_9570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxzuuvwNXXpja-9IFmPmjomyz9Nq-C9BudIzHgtzqOtlNz14IseiNymPvTjtPBXLttM7ZIv03_c6V4xcfco69jxPiHTEw0VWhlCRKS9ZbRKvxPBFC7sz_wxCYZ8MMUy0sPTta3O5iSPI/s320/IMG_9570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Two quarterbacks, four first names, one field. Like uhh, 25 balls I think. I don’t know actually. The point is, this may be the only chance we ever get to see Matt Trevor Ryan Lawrence, and we all need to savor it while we can. Also, I just looked it up and the average NFL game uses 36 balls. Seems like a lot, but with the frequency that Matt Ryan turns the ball over it makes sense to carry at least that many. You see, once a ball is turned over it can never be reused. It is owned by the defense now, and they have no reason to bring it back to the field, so new balls are needed. Of course, as we all know, some teams consider it customary after a win to send back a turnover ball to the opposing quarterback with a note that says, “Mwah mwah, thank you for the victory, we all kissed this ball as a sign of our gratitude. Some of us used our tongues.” But like I said, that only happens occasionally, so it’s anybody’s guess if the Jags do so. Or if they win at all for that matter.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Falcons 24-22 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New York Jets at Houston </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNn9a3HUtUrCZiUsd3mSySISdVUjCF_YewMCs9_CYzfD6TXRYAODYOfdn8x1FM5MmjkGNy8s7XSx-9PIIC0eJA4yTBhyM-S867Hprs5R7jOS725MS8wHesxGBye9wTX5669phLy8HnSc/s640/IMG_9571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNn9a3HUtUrCZiUsd3mSySISdVUjCF_YewMCs9_CYzfD6TXRYAODYOfdn8x1FM5MmjkGNy8s7XSx-9PIIC0eJA4yTBhyM-S867Hprs5R7jOS725MS8wHesxGBye9wTX5669phLy8HnSc/s320/IMG_9571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It’s a clash for the first pick in the draft. Loser wins! Whoops, I forgot about the Lions. So I guess it’s a battle for the second pick in the draft. Though, from what I’m hearing the 2022 crop of prospects isn’t the best, so does it really matter who has the higher choice? I say no, which means both of these teams should try to win. But that’s where things could get tricky. Sure, the Texans won last week, but they snuck up on the Titans. A lousy team can’t surprise a cruddy one. And vice versa. It’s what’s known as the Browns Conundrum.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Texans 20-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Afternoon</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Los Angeles Chargers at Denver </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETXOPC1B11vTyyuGae5XqpLjR84tqjGHNaHXVwactEZqcT9-A2nplhYK6CwA7DzS_EkgBFxnj6mdWjhTflJCA3fqYONzvhT85nttfI7CjW1s8ay_kBX_5XUhd2eT_s5Sz9Yr2DVmRl38/s640/IMG_9572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETXOPC1B11vTyyuGae5XqpLjR84tqjGHNaHXVwactEZqcT9-A2nplhYK6CwA7DzS_EkgBFxnj6mdWjhTflJCA3fqYONzvhT85nttfI7CjW1s8ay_kBX_5XUhd2eT_s5Sz9Yr2DVmRl38/s320/IMG_9572.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Chargers and Broncos? Sounds like this contest should be held on the freeway, not the football field! Of course, that joke would require the teller to never have come across a Chargers/Broncos game, even though they play each other twice a season. So yeah, whoever made that joke is a real doofus. Sure it was hilarious, but it strains credulity. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Chargers 23-21</i> <br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YcmFnNzFI3Kxma86s2CYxK5gO1XFUAgal6CKqXiFiUapxU1j274CsMcbC3hyphenhyphen1FqJverUkCCzpkxMKYrXtxIuu3zQPaxS4cdqatrDmqc1QvcmKDG8ky4dBtvViRgFcFJXZ9byf8nLBLA/s640/IMG_9573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YcmFnNzFI3Kxma86s2CYxK5gO1XFUAgal6CKqXiFiUapxU1j274CsMcbC3hyphenhyphen1FqJverUkCCzpkxMKYrXtxIuu3zQPaxS4cdqatrDmqc1QvcmKDG8ky4dBtvViRgFcFJXZ9byf8nLBLA/s320/IMG_9573.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It’s another playoff rematch, and look, I don’t want to have to be the one to bring this up again, but it could very well be a playoff prematch. I'm just saying, it’s a word that a lot of people are using now, so I would be remiss if I didn’t use it. The Rams come in to this game looking to take a step in the right direction after consecutive losses. Meanwhile, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers apparently took a step in the <i>wrong</i> direction, because he’s been diagnosed with a broken toe. He may not be 100% this Sunday, but with the holistic methods at his disposal, he should be better than ever by the time these teams square off in the potential playoff rematch that follows this prematch. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Packers 30-23 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Minnesota at San Francisco </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFvvBkoXQkvs9NE1MtMO0z6Dy0gEns9UuMHnHRRXm87RHPuoGpPjZfOxgxlHkFdrYcClELz1XyssC3HCyBou297v-vnSPDZKR5xilfWaVvdFyN3Sp5HKvejQDBMQuHgwNjfyNX-1jHXk/s640/IMG_9574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFvvBkoXQkvs9NE1MtMO0z6Dy0gEns9UuMHnHRRXm87RHPuoGpPjZfOxgxlHkFdrYcClELz1XyssC3HCyBou297v-vnSPDZKR5xilfWaVvdFyN3Sp5HKvejQDBMQuHgwNjfyNX-1jHXk/s320/IMG_9574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Both teams .500 and 5-5. You know what that means, first team to 5 wins. But here’s the catch: touchdowns are only worth 1 point. Field goals? Those are still 3 points. Let the strategizing begin! I mean, obviously they should just get in field goal range and kick, but let’s see how these guys play it ...<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>49ers 33-30 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Cleveland at Baltimore <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMstBWVfkyLykS46e8LZi7at1M0esyMBesCCyKvZhBQKCLlpP4SE92ZYZHJvwcmyua-CwJHc8kjdMHFPeLofB7IIK8hoGMyQaEs446C4jQgrT4zJo9yUVpIFuBEisQsEnl_qjy_4oXNk/s640/IMG_9575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMstBWVfkyLykS46e8LZi7at1M0esyMBesCCyKvZhBQKCLlpP4SE92ZYZHJvwcmyua-CwJHc8kjdMHFPeLofB7IIK8hoGMyQaEs446C4jQgrT4zJo9yUVpIFuBEisQsEnl_qjy_4oXNk/s320/IMG_9575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The second AFC North clash of the day is just as pivotal as the first, if not more pivotaler. Let's see who the man calling the game, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ujxmOrYvzo" target="_blank">Cris Collinsworth thinks will come out on top</a>:<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6ujxmOrYvzo" width="320" youtube-src-id="6ujxmOrYvzo"></iframe></div><br /><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Take care of yourself CriColl.</p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Ravens 28-14</i><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Monday Night </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Seattle at Washington </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqEtIUsC3ppemyOdKEaxcdaF5zzu8YmSuMx4auTrjkozl5x3NhyphenhyphenJzfnV9P-O3qd4oliJvkRMFR3dl4U2jrOrsMzp2sehoLCQalGP48LUgzBPb7u9WUo8PDCG4vWremkxqAMuIlXkokpM/s640/IMG_9578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqEtIUsC3ppemyOdKEaxcdaF5zzu8YmSuMx4auTrjkozl5x3NhyphenhyphenJzfnV9P-O3qd4oliJvkRMFR3dl4U2jrOrsMzp2sehoLCQalGP48LUgzBPb7u9WUo8PDCG4vWremkxqAMuIlXkokpM/s320/IMG_9578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I can’t imagine that this is what ESPN had in mind when they scheduled this game. These teams have gone from division winners a season ago to 3-7 and 4-6, respectively. But as The Rolling Stones said, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you might find, that Taylor Heinicke is actually pretty decent, depending on the week.” Those were the original lyrics. They decided to pare it down a bit for the official studio version. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Seahawks 23-17</i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i> </i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i> </i><br /></span></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-78247013280971256542021-11-25T00:24:00.001-08:002021-11-25T00:24:03.224-08:00NFL Picks - Thanksgiving<p>Chicago at Detroit </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H_lAyOnylf7llW5IIPTerWZk4IQF46-fKqsGxu6WM2GelTJ_jvqntSqBzPPx8tePbgCV9vDYhl-JmfVUP1wU2eS0IAwVtrAHTsLjLJb70pDV0sVLJdh-ejGayfyP078GgSrPjOnOlBc/s640/IMG_9561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1H_lAyOnylf7llW5IIPTerWZk4IQF46-fKqsGxu6WM2GelTJ_jvqntSqBzPPx8tePbgCV9vDYhl-JmfVUP1wU2eS0IAwVtrAHTsLjLJb70pDV0sVLJdh-ejGayfyP078GgSrPjOnOlBc/s320/IMG_9561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>These teams enter this game with a combined record of 3-16-1. There are no fantasy players to keep tabs on. We won’t even have the mildly interesting Justin Fields playing. So what reason is there to watch? Because if you don’t pretend to be interested you might have to help with the cooking. And come on, wouldn’t you rather watch the Bears and Lions than prepare a meal for your family? Sure they say they love you, but do they love you as much as football does? Impossible.</p><p><i>Bears 16-15</i><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /><br />Las Vegas at Dallas </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84xYsg6Fe6cAFm34aBJh8byXso8h___rTLJWe5PdP8F-_3D9K9e9CVC1EskB8TKX6imYJEBtuNx47M3nJ64CMODkifRde9HqKG3yjT-FaocI_jmFfISVI9tShzf9OmJHuRJ6D1qiZt5I/s640/IMG_9563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84xYsg6Fe6cAFm34aBJh8byXso8h___rTLJWe5PdP8F-_3D9K9e9CVC1EskB8TKX6imYJEBtuNx47M3nJ64CMODkifRde9HqKG3yjT-FaocI_jmFfISVI9tShzf9OmJHuRJ6D1qiZt5I/s320/IMG_9563.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Cowboys' season has been fairly impressive so far, but if it weren’t for the AFC West, Dallas may be the top team in the league. Here are the numbers, Cowboys against the AFC West: 1-2, 15 points per game; Cowboys against all other teams: 6-1, 35 points per game. So does the fact that the Raiders hail from the AFC West automatically doom Dallas to a <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3d/Thankskilling.jpg" target="_blank">Thankskilling</a>? I doubt it. Their offense may not chow down on a Vegas buffet, but the Cowboys should amass enough plays to cobble cobble a win together.</p><p></p><p><i>Cowboys 30-23</i><br /></p><p></p><p><br /><br />Buffalo at New Orleans </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTkdTZ5OKzL1SMj0S8VxUlGfV-RD_cqs9qc4satM-lipn-TL-Q6FgQLRUwN0mvVjndzj5aE0BlavY7fp0521YW2Nmwm0Rp5Kd9medfaZ1TLFh10eNF_aGnoP7fm4icPixWgAEQSIG5GM/s640/IMG_9564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTkdTZ5OKzL1SMj0S8VxUlGfV-RD_cqs9qc4satM-lipn-TL-Q6FgQLRUwN0mvVjndzj5aE0BlavY7fp0521YW2Nmwm0Rp5Kd9medfaZ1TLFh10eNF_aGnoP7fm4icPixWgAEQSIG5GM/s320/IMG_9564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Taysom Hill could be described as invaluable to the Saints. Except they just put a value on him with his new contract extension, and that value is: way too high. I get that he’s versatile, but do you really need a Swiss Army knife on an NFL field? I say no. They’re too bulky and football pants don’t even have pockets. Sure, sometimes it’s 4th & 1 and you want to bust out a screwdriver or a pair of tiny scissors, but I’d settle for a running back and $40 million in my pocket. And yes, I <i>have</i> pockets.</p><p><i>Bills 27-19 </i></p><p><i> </i></p><p><i> </i><br /></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-27547955231355952292021-11-18T22:36:00.001-08:002021-11-18T22:36:54.084-08:00NFL Picks - Week 11<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>LAST WEEK: 5-8-1 (I did better against the spread, I swear)<br /></span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><b>SEASON: 89-60-1 </b><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Morning</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Indianapolis at Buffalo</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxUXdiNnhdCzDI-98P7uXoPON3TzQR3q6lTcPzEaDYJS7hzFT3F9w28y9F4NXPuD6O7gXslh1GV6PIImImlUM2Wbe12-d83OjPYlwUpv3_Rtsa0xf5feNBamb9SRCzPqmqT-4c3RRrGw/s640/IMG_9534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxUXdiNnhdCzDI-98P7uXoPON3TzQR3q6lTcPzEaDYJS7hzFT3F9w28y9F4NXPuD6O7gXslh1GV6PIImImlUM2Wbe12-d83OjPYlwUpv3_Rtsa0xf5feNBamb9SRCzPqmqT-4c3RRrGw/s320/IMG_9534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It’s a playoff rematch from last season, and a playoff PREmatch for this season?!? Probably not, I wouldn’t bet on the Colts getting to the postseason at this point, but<span> </span>I really just wanted to introduce the term "prematch" into the lexicon. Don’t worry, I won’t overuse it just yet, in fact, I probably won’t mention it again this week. But just ruminate on it and get back to me. I think this thing may have legs. Hey speaking of legs, most of the players in this game have muscular ones. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bills 31-24 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Baltimore at Chicago</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fPmBhstWvrEOIDmeLUmMveRn2VNa0IzXBp2AAnIW4Xmd91nY-5F2fPHBeEqVpivbgLtJLSuXZT51a512dCx0-USk3u0hB96FMS5Yn3O2lPZp-C2Fei2T_t447ns4EbAiBdE_6-b8FlU/s640/IMG_9535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fPmBhstWvrEOIDmeLUmMveRn2VNa0IzXBp2AAnIW4Xmd91nY-5F2fPHBeEqVpivbgLtJLSuXZT51a512dCx0-USk3u0hB96FMS5Yn3O2lPZp-C2Fei2T_t447ns4EbAiBdE_6-b8FlU/s320/IMG_9535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Ravens were dominated for the second time in their last three games last Thursday, which is never a good sign. But to make matters worse, this last one was against the Dolphins. I don’t need M. Night Shyamalan to tell me that signs don’t get much worse than that. But are these troubling losses by Baltimore or just blips on the radar? Perhaps blips. But it should be clear now that the Ravens can’t merely just throw water on their problems, despite what M. Night Shyamalan might tell us.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Ravens 27-18 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Detroit at Cleveland</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7V-vxU9HbSWH9Ghbf0ljoO0prfnqrx_wFT9NDDVoxENx_FuVxgU4oHEfeYm22XrVvlKF7BXtOaNpIxMDGkMmZDmaILS0ResWvWhH2_dREBZSQqJjs-XgYygEv_RIM8pm2iE2zgOK3T4/s640/IMG_9536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7V-vxU9HbSWH9Ghbf0ljoO0prfnqrx_wFT9NDDVoxENx_FuVxgU4oHEfeYm22XrVvlKF7BXtOaNpIxMDGkMmZDmaILS0ResWvWhH2_dREBZSQqJjs-XgYygEv_RIM8pm2iE2zgOK3T4/s320/IMG_9536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Last week I acknowledged that picking the Lions to lose would be the only way for them to actually beat the Steelers. Sadly I overlooked the ever present third potential outcome: the tie. In retrospect it makes sense for Detroit, they gotta walk before they can run. But my advice to them would be to start running, like literally moving faster. It will help with both offense and defense. Heck, special teams too. This Lions squad starts to pick their pace up to a jog or even a full sprint and who knows what might happen. I’ll still pick them to lose this one, because again, picking them to win will doom them for certain. And if it leads to another tie, well then that’s just fun for everyone. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Browns 23-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Houston at Tennessee</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGAumg5gf844cDYkvGa1uj2qwVhzHTnPYZH8fRusmsrLY6QyundSWUKU8krAsvYNVI4MG4Pezkn39ej1LXNdYAb2MwWd7vmLPFoQSPtYQJKHBynIhyIS4jFo_VxR5SjLCXdKr8d3n6EI/s640/IMG_9537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGAumg5gf844cDYkvGa1uj2qwVhzHTnPYZH8fRusmsrLY6QyundSWUKU8krAsvYNVI4MG4Pezkn39ej1LXNdYAb2MwWd7vmLPFoQSPtYQJKHBynIhyIS4jFo_VxR5SjLCXdKr8d3n6EI/s320/IMG_9537.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Titans have 6 wins against teams that are .500 or better. They now get a respite from their grueling schedule with a visit from the Texans. But will Tennessee know what to do in a match-up like this against such an inferior opponent? Could we see a possible let down? One more question: who is playing quarterback for the Texans, still Davis Mills? Alright, please consider those first two questions null and void. Look for the Titans to pick up another win, but continue to not be taken too seriously as long as they don’t have Derrick Henry. Meanwhile look for the Texans to pick up another loss and also not be taken too seriously as long as they don’t have Derrick Henry. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Titans 27-13 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Green Bay at Minnesota </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCV0QnVbrno4irkrADY8_YlK9GYWmbhpfIfgtaVHRszCylAU6mrxjWd0nNg4juejonmbZHJan57sgY-dSNjVpz7wRZv0b017uI9VnGpyRCfCcQ8HjVRZQ295EWHrVtLgk5mN4PM91Byc/s640/IMG_9538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCV0QnVbrno4irkrADY8_YlK9GYWmbhpfIfgtaVHRszCylAU6mrxjWd0nNg4juejonmbZHJan57sgY-dSNjVpz7wRZv0b017uI9VnGpyRCfCcQ8HjVRZQ295EWHrVtLgk5mN4PM91Byc/s320/IMG_9538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>There’s a real muddled mass of mediocrity hovering around the final two playoff spots in the NFC. A couple of wild cards are there for the taking, some team just needs to reach out and grab that brass ring. Could it be the Vikings? Perhaps. They’re coming off an impressive win against the Chargers, and seem talented enough for the task. However, their inconsistency will likely be their downfall, and prevent them from grabbing that aforementioned ring. They shouldn’t be too discouraged though, because Super Bowl rings are typically made of gold, so even if they got their hands on the brass ring, what good would it really be? And only one? So does it have to rotate among every member of the team in the offseason, like the Stanley Cup? Man it’d be cool to drink beer out of that brass ring. That’s what I’d do on my day. Anyway, if the Vikings do wind up getting a wild card spot they could very well find themselves up against the Packers in the first round. Of course that would make this game a playoff prematch. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Packers 30-27 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Miami at New York Jets</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlrlHU1IHyBEbqhq0XZM7QIMABiJG9Gisb6BOOWhRP-209a3d72Jq0OmiDjVvDqhYDYIvl0qxvclUn8_K0Ymod-RAgOJBB4GlDByCTrGdtdaPyGlTSSNG7YeQ2gAEJlutIRTNuBFXSA4/s640/IMG_9539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlrlHU1IHyBEbqhq0XZM7QIMABiJG9Gisb6BOOWhRP-209a3d72Jq0OmiDjVvDqhYDYIvl0qxvclUn8_K0Ymod-RAgOJBB4GlDByCTrGdtdaPyGlTSSNG7YeQ2gAEJlutIRTNuBFXSA4/s320/IMG_9539.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here’s how I see this one playing out: a vigilante member of the MetLife Stadium staff, feeling so ashamed of the Jets, and wanting to protect the nation from having to view their game with the Dolphins, will unleash hundreds of snakes onto the playing field Saturday night in an effort to get the game canceled. The league will decide to press on however, and wouldn’t you know it, the presence/threat of the snakes will make the game much more entertaining than it would have been normally. The league will be heralded for their bravery and perseverance. The staffer will be fired. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Dolphins 24-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New Orleans at Philadelphia </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqt0__E9z4qRQZw1Jws6LJ2xB_df06s21cQHE_nolzzRc4uEz_ZLHFUXwEK8oC6HVVEltcGEz5CEjFMEJX_p2YWoq8YM1gdtFm5dYxlT2nOXWb_4cJFn7U7RlngpqCQcFLBS18gWvAGE/s640/IMG_9540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqt0__E9z4qRQZw1Jws6LJ2xB_df06s21cQHE_nolzzRc4uEz_ZLHFUXwEK8oC6HVVEltcGEz5CEjFMEJX_p2YWoq8YM1gdtFm5dYxlT2nOXWb_4cJFn7U7RlngpqCQcFLBS18gWvAGE/s320/IMG_9540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is a pivotal game for the Eagles, as a win would potentially get them into playoff position, while a loss would send them back down into the morass of NFC hopefuls. Though, what good is playoff position in Week 11? Do you remember who the playoff teams were as of Week 11 last season? I doubt it. And that’s because it doesn’t matter too much. But just to further prove my point, I’ll point out that at this time last year the Detroit Tigers were in possession of the NFC’s 7th seed. No, not the Detroit Lions, the TIGERS. An MLB team! See, that’s how much things can change before the end of the season. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Eagles 20-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Washington at Carolina </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihB6GOdG72hvJRkOVtzKi1eSu5RBZ3mZWBlNRHuOAuzjHXulHF3_XBiFDxNVt-HGlIH5-3kqHF6ZlhTSixn6I4hbDYzpxHOHBZHP6lhZQmplOy8BcVnolktkiTNWCRQXJmtUofeGjyrCg/s640/IMG_9550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihB6GOdG72hvJRkOVtzKi1eSu5RBZ3mZWBlNRHuOAuzjHXulHF3_XBiFDxNVt-HGlIH5-3kqHF6ZlhTSixn6I4hbDYzpxHOHBZHP6lhZQmplOy8BcVnolktkiTNWCRQXJmtUofeGjyrCg/s320/IMG_9550.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Cam Newton playing quarterback for the Panthers, Ron Rivera on the sidelines, what year is this?!? Seriously, what year is this? I just woke up in an alley covered in goo, I need you to tell me what year it is! Where is Vlargoff? Has he procured the Claxometer?!? Tell me what you know damn it!<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Panthers 27-23</i> <br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>San Francisco at Jacksonville</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUWWd7xlltoAK5CuxnWqvdsXJwvQe12ZYUVGslgfvE2LoZanSOslkMRZUb9NjK2toWiG-h3lhx8zpJh72D0Se-XfB3jdbU16P9oMuwGTRPsZwXERUUzrq40W2t749vD1brwFrASPJUfc/s640/IMG_9542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUWWd7xlltoAK5CuxnWqvdsXJwvQe12ZYUVGslgfvE2LoZanSOslkMRZUb9NjK2toWiG-h3lhx8zpJh72D0Se-XfB3jdbU16P9oMuwGTRPsZwXERUUzrq40W2t749vD1brwFrASPJUfc/s320/IMG_9542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Niners finally won a home game on Monday and now get rewarded with a trip to Jacksonville. The only occasion in which a group of people are excited to go to Jacksonville is a pro football team going to play the Jags. Have I used that same joke before in this space? I honestly don’t know. When you do this for long enough and a team has such a sustained run of lousiness it’s hard to not tread over a lot of the same territory. Hey, don’t get mad at me, the Jaguars constantly tread upon the same territory too. Their own side of the 50! <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>49ers 33-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Afternoon</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Cincinnati at Las Vegas</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOgtRThcOohho6ZiVEJwdzG4iBZNXaAON6DaU9XE1QEsQug2WA56evTRwWTedq7bUYS5EBTg3utheq0r8rl7-Nh_BH0IgOSpRpMsb3kka_k7IIT1QloXdSin44-fk_FDHdjg5Nr6MWHk/s640/IMG_9543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOgtRThcOohho6ZiVEJwdzG4iBZNXaAON6DaU9XE1QEsQug2WA56evTRwWTedq7bUYS5EBTg3utheq0r8rl7-Nh_BH0IgOSpRpMsb3kka_k7IIT1QloXdSin44-fk_FDHdjg5Nr6MWHk/s320/IMG_9543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>These two teams were 1 and 2 in the AFC a few weeks ago. And what now? They’re fighting for their playoff lives just like so many other suckers. It’s just another example of why early season success can’t always be trusted, especially if those having the success are the Bengals and/or Raiders. Will either team regain their earlier form and actually end up in the postseason? History would tell us no. But you know that old saying about history, “I’ll learn from it when I’m dead!” That’s why I say that both of these woebegone teams will absolutely make the playoffs, starting with wins this Sunday! Yes, wins for both of them! No, I don’t know how it’s possible, but these groups of dreamers are just the type to figure out a way.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bengals 30-24 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Dallas at Kansas City</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdg2qIlWMXr9_Ce6wuu8uoNhsdPh6NaICFfXKF2Ldc3diNosyVojFma4bLnEawOz4kx-bB6yvHkHR-uETaob4K4FSs7EbAg7Lp7XWM812zcoI5AUPnc9mISTL7PZHcfh4Prk6KdGCsxis/s640/IMG_9544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdg2qIlWMXr9_Ce6wuu8uoNhsdPh6NaICFfXKF2Ldc3diNosyVojFma4bLnEawOz4kx-bB6yvHkHR-uETaob4K4FSs7EbAg7Lp7XWM812zcoI5AUPnc9mISTL7PZHcfh4Prk6KdGCsxis/s320/IMG_9544.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Much in the same way that we’re used to seeing the Chiefs’ offense flip a switch and erase a double digit deficit in minutes, Kansas City has, in the span of three weeks, gone from worst to first in the AFC West. I think we all assumed they wouldn’t be in last forever, but the realization that they were already back in first after their Sunday night shellacking of the Raiders was a bit stunning. Oh and by the way, I know what you’re thinking and uh no, that Vegas demolition ain’t making way for a gaudy new hotel on The Strip, babe! The Cowboys are coming off their own blowout victory, and the collective momentum of both teams have a lot of people wondering aloud if this could be a Super Bowl prematch. I’m telling ya, I heard about a dozen people out in public saying that to no one in particular. Some of them were shouting. They grabbed me by my collar and shook me until I agreed. Personally I’m not fully sold that these are Super Bowl caliber teams, but at the time it felt like I had no choice but to agree. Please be careful out there everybody.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Cowboys 38-36 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Arizona at Seattle</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwo35oQwv2kQPSIHaa7C4yTKEFqQQOk9-sRPj_1YrT3ks16YW6uh2vnWaACvwW7YNtMycJsdlxDNKs4j4K-WEJ8JmqxnYCmsiMCsSrN5vLDCxW-IDRj31WBH8fBic516alFja3_0vvpA/s640/IMG_9545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwo35oQwv2kQPSIHaa7C4yTKEFqQQOk9-sRPj_1YrT3ks16YW6uh2vnWaACvwW7YNtMycJsdlxDNKs4j4K-WEJ8JmqxnYCmsiMCsSrN5vLDCxW-IDRj31WBH8fBic516alFja3_0vvpA/s320/IMG_9545.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Last week Pete Carroll couldn’t locate his challenge flag, so he threw the first thing he could find in his pocket, which happened to be a hand warmer. The weird thing was that the referee accepted that as an indicator of a challenge. If they’re going to let that fly, Carroll should start seeing how far he can push it. Make it a running gag every week. He tosses his keys, hand sanitizer, a rubber chicken. And then finally, when the refs are sick of it he does the ol’ magician’s never ending handkerchief trick until the red fabric stretches all the way across the field. Everybody would laugh so hard (including the other team) that Carroll would be rewarded the overturned call without any need for review. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Seahawks 26-23 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Pittsburgh at Los Angeles Chargers</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YIj4ZwTJ9EYLE0KlGw8QijUhhmzjXH6UTL3sYRwM_x_a0J_KaHUpwk9h9VLN7EvrvG9D3ke8BpyQmfOPU43l3Kvm-Iv2o6z7SVWtmlaXIrggCJS3jZ8AJHwKGX3jsAFR4uNhBivVAqc/s640/IMG_9546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YIj4ZwTJ9EYLE0KlGw8QijUhhmzjXH6UTL3sYRwM_x_a0J_KaHUpwk9h9VLN7EvrvG9D3ke8BpyQmfOPU43l3Kvm-Iv2o6z7SVWtmlaXIrggCJS3jZ8AJHwKGX3jsAFR4uNhBivVAqc/s320/IMG_9546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Both teams are coming off of disappointing outings against NFC North teams in Week 10. Who will get back on the right track? Either? Neither? Steeler? Charger? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-6AIqdCo4Y" target="_blank">Let's see what Cris Collinsworth thinks about it: </a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B-6AIqdCo4Y" width="320" youtube-src-id="B-6AIqdCo4Y"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> <i>Chargers 24-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Monday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New York Giants at Tampa Bay</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwVxPBpCXP2D8QHtzba5TOS5p3FPpDmLS4bi0Eb3NFQSrezwbaPKaiq2kkaPMsvD6XIZb6_6c7PQHtV_9swOiSDtTdZIWr3dVfpE6pzAibcKl_vAfQDeysETDjosQ80i64Wh4UXHtmEA/s640/IMG_9547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwVxPBpCXP2D8QHtzba5TOS5p3FPpDmLS4bi0Eb3NFQSrezwbaPKaiq2kkaPMsvD6XIZb6_6c7PQHtV_9swOiSDtTdZIWr3dVfpE6pzAibcKl_vAfQDeysETDjosQ80i64Wh4UXHtmEA/s320/IMG_9547.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Buccaneers have now lost consecutive games to New Orleans and Washington, meaning Tom Brady has defeats to Trevor Siemian and Tyler Heinickie on his permanent record. Is Brady’s legacy forever tarnished? Is that enough to undo the 7 Super Bowl wins? Time will tell. The important thing is to not overreact. Now, if Brady loses to Daniel Jones on Monday he should absolutely give back all of his rings and send a request to the commissioner that his name be expunged from the NFL history books. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Buccaneers 27-16</i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i> </i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i> </i><br /></span></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-48806745849399236452021-11-18T13:40:00.004-08:002021-11-18T13:40:17.293-08:00NFL Picks - Week 11 Thursday<p>New England at Atlanta </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyorr0bPFiFy6HyzsRz4ndseCYC4_5rm8eJbBWO6uLOeIVdihA5ibVOQ1at49fr3hXB0ofb81RD3qbbcb4lGVeQhCnfzec0rhgfHbM6Xn_2JXpzMQn58ZXkYym-D4lMPSX6oMOqR50rM/s640/IMG_9533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyorr0bPFiFy6HyzsRz4ndseCYC4_5rm8eJbBWO6uLOeIVdihA5ibVOQ1at49fr3hXB0ofb81RD3qbbcb4lGVeQhCnfzec0rhgfHbM6Xn_2JXpzMQn58ZXkYym-D4lMPSX6oMOqR50rM/s320/IMG_9533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Ever since their team’s crushing defeat 5 years ago in Super Bowl LI, Atlanta fans have been waiting for a home game against the Patriots. Unfortunately for them it comes just a few days removed from the Falcons worse loss of the season, and with the Patriots firing on all cylinders. What’s more, Tom Brady isn’t even in New England anymore, so who is there really to direct their hate towards? Dont'a Hightower I guess. But getting inside the head of a linebacker is a peculiar task, and may be a tall order for the crowd at Mercedes Benz Stadium. But there will also be plenty of tall <i>lemonade</i> orders at the in-house Chick-Fil-A, which will be operating for its only home game this season. Come to think of it, the lines at the stand may be so long that the actual number of Falcons fans in their seats won’t be enough to effectively rattle the Patriots anyway. It’s a true shame. 5 years of anticipation undone by chicken and a lousy team.</p><p><i>Patriots 27-20 </i><br /></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-58246209283285956132021-11-11T23:32:00.002-08:002021-11-11T23:32:40.752-08:00NFL Picks - Week 10<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>LAST WEEK: 9-5<br /></span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>SEASON: 84-52<br /></span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Morning</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Atlanta at Dallas</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiXV3orvAAl3ob-JtBD4UZbDdzZDeEe6n3FmBlQkymOkzOo3Hf1Mxb3k7_zxxUWzGbInYYW28HsoHsMT2V3VHyMYEVEd7VLi9P993Ci1oz2acnL8gRo9rA_kjwx6t9p-WiD5PdTjy0n4/s640/IMG_9437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiXV3orvAAl3ob-JtBD4UZbDdzZDeEe6n3FmBlQkymOkzOo3Hf1Mxb3k7_zxxUWzGbInYYW28HsoHsMT2V3VHyMYEVEd7VLi9P993Ci1oz2acnL8gRo9rA_kjwx6t9p-WiD5PdTjy0n4/s320/IMG_9437.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Cowboys looked flat as all get out last week in their home loss to the Broncos. Like if they were a soda, the Cowboys team as a whole equaling one soda, all 53 men plus coaching staff and trainers, basically anyone who’s on their sideline, if all of them combined to be one carbonated, sugary beverage, if that were the case, I’d say to the waiter, did I mention that I’m at a restaurant in this scenario? If I didn’t, then consider it mentioned now, I’m at a restaurant. I would say to the waiter, when he brings me the soda made of the Cowboys team, and I’ve had a sip, “Take it back! This is too flat.” That’s how flat we’re talking here! Anyway, they’ll probably come out with more energy this week. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Cowboys 31-24 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New Orleans at Tennessee</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXcJM6wQCxqQ-Q-1N39sS8nTCWW0GIfqmOLGo_Fz8Xv9abOZ5NjcQE5pzKpuIx3eJuLq-Tx_wmvGe05hn-RDpx-Mr0LbJK8GI3mn3vblW1TkPSGIqP1Bo_FRFZobJ9NgMiqhiaf6leyY/s640/IMG_9438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXcJM6wQCxqQ-Q-1N39sS8nTCWW0GIfqmOLGo_Fz8Xv9abOZ5NjcQE5pzKpuIx3eJuLq-Tx_wmvGe05hn-RDpx-Mr0LbJK8GI3mn3vblW1TkPSGIqP1Bo_FRFZobJ9NgMiqhiaf6leyY/s320/IMG_9438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It’s the “Adrian Peterson played for those guys? Bowl.” Or at least it will be in the future. Families will gather ‘round the ol’ boob tube once every four years to watch the Saints take on the Titans and at some point the resident trivia wiz will say, “Ya know a lot of people don’t know remember this, but Adrian Peterson played for both of these teams.” And the rest of the family will go “Oh yeah.” Then little Scottie will say “Tell me more about Adrian Peterson papa.” To which the resident trivia wiz will respond, “He was also known for beating his child. A boy about your age.” This AP Bowl will be extra special since he’ll actually be playing in it. Like when Lombardi won the Super Bowl and now the trophy is named after him. Equal levels of prestige.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Titans 24-17</i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Jacksonville at Indianapolis</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVu0PLVlqZXP0soYxFyD6bixD9DO-fYd_everyqBMI2iWvfUGyyVvAqlHfM1N6x0sr_GaVxGdB98PRZoB8F9_CJTsF2BBfoGfPfqPXBZrBbw0K2nI5oQIa7KU1_I3Z1mcjl_IoOckHm0/s640/IMG_9439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVu0PLVlqZXP0soYxFyD6bixD9DO-fYd_everyqBMI2iWvfUGyyVvAqlHfM1N6x0sr_GaVxGdB98PRZoB8F9_CJTsF2BBfoGfPfqPXBZrBbw0K2nI5oQIa7KU1_I3Z1mcjl_IoOckHm0/s320/IMG_9439.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Jags are relatively on fire. 1 win in a row! Not to mention 2 victories in their last 3 games. And what’s more, their offense has scored 16 points combined over the last two weeks. These guys can’t be stopped. It has to feel weird as an offense when you win a game scoring 9 points as Jacksonville did last week. It’s probably akin to a drunk person who got a ride home from a DD. Hey thanks man, I’ll drive next time, I swear. Then the defense rolls their eyes and shoves Trevor Lawrence out of the car. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Colts 30-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Cleveland at New England</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wmzi4A6uy34-2gI3Wyn71azkNLu1krighwtwJi0riXdvKn1Vg_vOhZ7ZFAuv3smnPVKK47tvZ2uj9gjaK3NFObXKMF74JXjRd51JmcZeTPAqpzEq8tWuSJEoQY3_83f8vtKkUvOf-IQ/s640/IMG_9440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wmzi4A6uy34-2gI3Wyn71azkNLu1krighwtwJi0riXdvKn1Vg_vOhZ7ZFAuv3smnPVKK47tvZ2uj9gjaK3NFObXKMF74JXjRd51JmcZeTPAqpzEq8tWuSJEoQY3_83f8vtKkUvOf-IQ/s320/IMG_9440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>What do these teams have in common with each other and seven other AFC teams? They have 5 wins. That’s right nine teams in the conference have exactly 5 wins right now. That’s over half the teams in the AFC! So what gives? My theory is that all the teams met up before the season and agreed to split the conference title. It was an illegal and stupid idea, but hey that’s the AFC for ya. Illegal and stupid.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Patriots 20-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Buffalo at New York Jets</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYK3AOtcAZVUDIyDBj7-5DIQ2wNJJXGWFDiSYKmsncMaJ4Xl_WDwbDzO6bCNIUnSHPrMpCR-1W8y8Xo_BtvtMYnYdyqe7Ka1SU6fqRHAIbNgKugJboM3IquSGcX6yC-uINiTP_MsP9V8/s640/IMG_9441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYK3AOtcAZVUDIyDBj7-5DIQ2wNJJXGWFDiSYKmsncMaJ4Xl_WDwbDzO6bCNIUnSHPrMpCR-1W8y8Xo_BtvtMYnYdyqe7Ka1SU6fqRHAIbNgKugJboM3IquSGcX6yC-uINiTP_MsP9V8/s320/IMG_9441.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Remember earlier when I mentioned the Jaguars winning with 9 points? That’s because they were playing the Bills, who scored 6. Makes you wonder what happened to Buffalo. And I’m still wondering, because I saw about 5 minutes of the game. I mostly kept track of it via the ticker, which I just assumed was broken, because how could the Bills not have scored a touchdown against the Jags? It’s a mystery that we’ll likely never know the answer to; I heard the league burned the tapes. Buffalo has a chance to get themselves straight this Sunday against a lowly opponent. But are the Jets lowlier than the Jags? And if the Bills lose again will they be lowliest of them all? I don’t want to go <i>that</i> far, but if they choke again they’ll certainly be lowly gaggers.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bills 38-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Detroit at Pittsburgh </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6Omqt5UOIDHvOJrKtCRxjSdTzU-Ebj_-WAbswWc480vvQyRES_4Iw5ngbrSVn9oxUGTTtqvJqUr7gMACob6PBvoEwSjcW4ZVjyKx2K-OBZsp68300OdbW6DhqA0usLh24U0Dk8AbRSk/s640/IMG_9442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6Omqt5UOIDHvOJrKtCRxjSdTzU-Ebj_-WAbswWc480vvQyRES_4Iw5ngbrSVn9oxUGTTtqvJqUr7gMACob6PBvoEwSjcW4ZVjyKx2K-OBZsp68300OdbW6DhqA0usLh24U0Dk8AbRSk/s320/IMG_9442.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>On two occasions over the past few weeks I’ve picked the Lions to finally get their first win. They’ve proven me wrong in comical fashion in both such instances. By contrast, I’ve been very down on Pittsburgh ever since watching them play a full game, and they keep winning. And so I see only one, inevitable outcome here: I pick the Steelers and Detroit wins. Since I know that’s what will happen you might be wondering why I wouldn’t just pick the Lions. Don’t you see? They can’t win if I do that! I must play my humble part in this grand cosmic ballet. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Steelers 26-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Tampa Bay at Washington </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaRHHHjCQYTMnEVTr6pbBF38YvHHA6K8lJXL_ZtebiZRYqV3R2LfPKkb688UmLKmLp0mGcmuPAGStiNK_rYX70l5cMQhNVEAH6y0vQIVe-L8S13mh4MU8va82hfzx49RNCBRdJ2gywyY/s640/IMG_9452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAaRHHHjCQYTMnEVTr6pbBF38YvHHA6K8lJXL_ZtebiZRYqV3R2LfPKkb688UmLKmLp0mGcmuPAGStiNK_rYX70l5cMQhNVEAH6y0vQIVe-L8S13mh4MU8va82hfzx49RNCBRdJ2gywyY/s320/IMG_9452.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It’s a playoff rematch, and oh how the mighty have fallen. The Washington Football Team sits at a paltry 2-6, a shell of their 2020 NFC East champion selves. What has become of these once proud gladiators? Oh, um ... I just looked it up and they actually started 2-6 last year too. So hey, right on pace! Sorry about all that bombast earlier, but hey you know what they say, “Leave the bombast in the past, and let’s play some Dreamcast!” Yes, somebody’s said that before. It was in a Dreamcast commercial in which one of the friends was very verbose and boastful. Verboastful, if you will. Yes, I expected that you wouldn’t. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Buccaneers 34-22 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Afternoon</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Carolina at Arizona </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvP1CnseWdEfwHeC-gOqhYUbluDQB9nxW9ddLVincrdwaaEdpjcEAi2YMY37hw_K-UClIKtfeR7Rh47ydMUcTHrhWEV8Bdmcd8GqZNaXEAU9HxiZ01UpzEebJWnFY-qiAbyy5M1sbtiwI/s640/IMG_9444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvP1CnseWdEfwHeC-gOqhYUbluDQB9nxW9ddLVincrdwaaEdpjcEAi2YMY37hw_K-UClIKtfeR7Rh47ydMUcTHrhWEV8Bdmcd8GqZNaXEAU9HxiZ01UpzEebJWnFY-qiAbyy5M1sbtiwI/s320/IMG_9444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This week Sam Darnold was diagnosed with a fracture in his shoulder. I’m guessing he asked the team doctor to do him a solid and say that he’s been playing with the fracture for weeks now. And then maybe add in that Darnold is the toughest man he’s ever met. The type of man you’d want your daughter to marry some day, if you had a daughter. The doctor in question doesn’t. And actually, now that he’s thinking about it he wouldn’t even want to assume that his hypothetical daughter would be interested in a heterosexual relationship, or the concept of marriage for that matter. Shame on you Sam Darnold for presuming so.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Cardinals 28-18 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Minnesota at Los Angeles Chargers</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-3jasg3Oj7RIGlQGctzbZlKSa9kXr6as3dKWyzfqAb7TX6wnr0upYm5iL0pQ-2rGTTZ-eh-iAlh-FHsben3T3iD-6b6xNK9vP8YW-9iz5hyphenhyphenkQW2G7jXODwaduThZRb9MCE_9_wphcRE/s640/IMG_9445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-3jasg3Oj7RIGlQGctzbZlKSa9kXr6as3dKWyzfqAb7TX6wnr0upYm5iL0pQ-2rGTTZ-eh-iAlh-FHsben3T3iD-6b6xNK9vP8YW-9iz5hyphenhyphenkQW2G7jXODwaduThZRb9MCE_9_wphcRE/s320/IMG_9445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This season the Vikings have taken the Chargers mantle as “team that plays nothing but close games and usually does something stupid to lose them in the end.” It’s a title I’m guessing the Chargers don’t mind relinquishing, though part of me wonders if running up against these volatile Vikings will spark that wild spirit within them and result in the kookiest game of the year. I guess you could compare it to an addict relapsing, but I’d rather not. Man you are twisted! <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Chargers 38-35</i> <br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Philadelphia at Denver</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuBMljlMquqUcllv1HBsrF8Ob7sjsLZlpeqGAZjpgvy1s_dLaAQFTuxk43twWGA_KoQIM9OG_00BgjFsfo9ar9fZEWAqoeTujdRPuN-dttSPI5TKfV6XaqEmUrJLrUD4b7x0R7aObJ1k/s640/IMG_9446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuBMljlMquqUcllv1HBsrF8Ob7sjsLZlpeqGAZjpgvy1s_dLaAQFTuxk43twWGA_KoQIM9OG_00BgjFsfo9ar9fZEWAqoeTujdRPuN-dttSPI5TKfV6XaqEmUrJLrUD4b7x0R7aObJ1k/s320/IMG_9446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is the Eagles’ last chance to beat an AFC West team in 2021. They’re 0-3 so far, and I happen to know that Philly’s top goal this season was to get at least one win against that division. If they don’t manage to get it this week the whole campaign will have been an abject failure. And also if they don’t start winning more games in general the season will be an actual failure. As opposed to a failure by the phony criteria I just made up. Oh so what? I lied. This ain’t as easy as it looks pal, sometimes you just have to make stuff up. This was the only example of that in the 10+ years I’ve been writing this post though, so cut me some slack. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Broncos 23-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Seattle at Green Bay</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-2_sRngTskAr9n7msiTjGg4Q15hmZd4JwHVkuH6IY_svUodni5xBYpo_EiKz2OqrPGMSXt4xhD0MoWcm9N0IEa0OSQ12e3_90wLji7FRChO6jhXQIcy2k-kNEnxVu5SqJmoRUajJ-Mc/s640/IMG_9447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-2_sRngTskAr9n7msiTjGg4Q15hmZd4JwHVkuH6IY_svUodni5xBYpo_EiKz2OqrPGMSXt4xhD0MoWcm9N0IEa0OSQ12e3_90wLji7FRChO6jhXQIcy2k-kNEnxVu5SqJmoRUajJ-Mc/s320/IMG_9447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Before he signed with the Rams on Thursday, these two teams were rumored to be in the running to acquire Odell Beckham Jr. It seemed like he was pretty torn on where to go, so I thought a nice compromise/solution would have been for him to sign with both teams for the week and play all-time offense. Whichever team won would get him for the rest of the season. Unfortunately when OBJ would pass out in the fourth quarter due to exhaustion both teams would be so disgusted that they’d no longer be interested in his services The training staff would just toss him an IV bag and a needle and tell him to get lost. And get this, when they do the toss the needle punctures the IV bag, so Beckham’s faced with a real ticking clock. Poor guy. Anyway, I wish him luck in LA, I’m sure he’ll he be very satisfied with all the touches he’s bound to get. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Seahawks 50-6 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Kansas City at Las Vegas</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwXM5L6fSUYWtqnwnx2nFU4t_4OfACyOPmXo-KbZ3rIOhmc1DyFRVUb0pb1NwbEVQY6lmVYFMo0nzOq9x4CLEnxS5HUcHhcZu5vXeetK0DilLIrwE7LJHRcHzB-euBZAUvx8CnB1Ie5o/s640/IMG_9448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwXM5L6fSUYWtqnwnx2nFU4t_4OfACyOPmXo-KbZ3rIOhmc1DyFRVUb0pb1NwbEVQY6lmVYFMo0nzOq9x4CLEnxS5HUcHhcZu5vXeetK0DilLIrwE7LJHRcHzB-euBZAUvx8CnB1Ie5o/s320/IMG_9448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Who comes out on top in this pivotal AFC West match-up? I'm not sure, but certainly <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZYQBphyUYk&t=1s" target="_blank">Cris Collinsworth can provide some insight for us</a>:<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PZYQBphyUYk" width="320" youtube-src-id="PZYQBphyUYk"></iframe></div>Wow, added intrigue.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Raiders 27-23</i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Monday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWy5zoNfdIY_RcZ1TyGIUAsmw8AJ6lwU0OoATiRxBvoq8JXYWNIsG1j7wocBxNNiBSehz_GN0FGm9yhV3Nx7y897rP8KfVKrE_T3kcw5jE84nEA5D6ZgLeo91j8wsDLaauEeyp3gnuzms/s640/IMG_9449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWy5zoNfdIY_RcZ1TyGIUAsmw8AJ6lwU0OoATiRxBvoq8JXYWNIsG1j7wocBxNNiBSehz_GN0FGm9yhV3Nx7y897rP8KfVKrE_T3kcw5jE84nEA5D6ZgLeo91j8wsDLaauEeyp3gnuzms/s320/IMG_9449.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Rams were one of four teams to lose while scoring 16 points last week. The Niners themselves scored 17 in a loss. What does it mean?!? Probably nothing, but I might as well pick accordingly. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span>Rams 17-16</span></i></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span> </span></i></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span> </span></i></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-2201299147037383712021-11-11T15:20:00.006-08:002021-11-11T15:20:40.095-08:00NFL Picks - Week 10 Thursday<p>Baltimore at Miami </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsqWKKqm_QUfvrpeQPMQcWOg1Yk0O1au-d6PYJqHAIuHMmsZkIFpQbsnarKWAj6Dn8T3dMdOxr3uFduDKHskwSbb8O_0seXbetTso3vly7q-40hY_nsS2L4IqkAGc6bR0k8OuP8N-Rfw/s640/IMG_9436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsqWKKqm_QUfvrpeQPMQcWOg1Yk0O1au-d6PYJqHAIuHMmsZkIFpQbsnarKWAj6Dn8T3dMdOxr3uFduDKHskwSbb8O_0seXbetTso3vly7q-40hY_nsS2L4IqkAGc6bR0k8OuP8N-Rfw/s320/IMG_9436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Dolphins have won twice this season. Their secret? Give up fewer than 17 points. That’s all it takes! They’re two for two so far when they manage that. So let’s see, how many more games against the Texans do they have ...? Unfortunately none. But they do have two against the Jets! That might have worked out for them if they were facing the OLD Jets. The new Jets put up 30 a game minimum. Doesn’t matter who the QB is. As such Miami may be out of luck going forward. Not to say that they’ve had any luck prior to this, I mean they’re 2-7. Actually we can just call them 2-8 at this point, right?</p><p><i>Ravens 31-17 </i><br /></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-66285665278650458092021-11-04T22:26:00.005-07:002021-11-04T22:26:33.196-07:00NFL Picks - Week 9<p><b>LAST WEEK: 7-8</b></p><p><b>SEASON: 75-47</b></p><p><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Morning</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Cincinnati at Cleveland </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1dGZfjY599rp8a29h4d1IWdPgLz12aPh7cUIZEj6EfgKxV-G9o4icyte6xgiD3RTVnO1-r8v7B88yDvGYIlAggSeq_Z0kz24jvo3utOqTkLTbBpyR1Gn0hTmhNli0Wb8BUr2svAQLwA/s640/IMG_9373.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1dGZfjY599rp8a29h4d1IWdPgLz12aPh7cUIZEj6EfgKxV-G9o4icyte6xgiD3RTVnO1-r8v7B88yDvGYIlAggSeq_Z0kz24jvo3utOqTkLTbBpyR1Gn0hTmhNli0Wb8BUr2svAQLwA/s320/IMG_9373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Last week, I wondered aloud (or rather, in type) if the Bengals’ Week 8 game against the Jets was going to be a trap. It had all the makings of it, except for the fact that they were going against somebody making their first start, and that that guy wrote <i>Nacho Libre</i>. But who knew that Mike White would deliver one of the greatest debut performances in NFL history? Well, we should have. Of course the second that the Bengals got some national respect they would immediately prove themselves unworthy of it. It’s really a lesson to trust my instincts, and never trust the Bengals. That being said ...<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bengals 26-19</i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Denver at Dallas</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtjR72oCASnXBH3Zyoxm53myLx2Fp16oUm1f1zY8rEZF4RiletrZ_XmX7CxjLd65rsX6IELagTgPeRhdRRxj2cGsf-VX0TNHh0FGkiWMqsK_XROrwUVAhza73YL5Kme5jaRiyfect3zs/s640/IMG_9374.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtjR72oCASnXBH3Zyoxm53myLx2Fp16oUm1f1zY8rEZF4RiletrZ_XmX7CxjLd65rsX6IELagTgPeRhdRRxj2cGsf-VX0TNHh0FGkiWMqsK_XROrwUVAhza73YL5Kme5jaRiyfect3zs/s320/IMG_9374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Broncos are a prognosticator’s dream. They beat the real bad teams and lose to anybody decent or better. They’re perfectly predictable. The bad news for Denver is that their opponent this week falls into that non-lousy category, which means a definite loss for the Broncos. The good news is that they traded away their best player, so now they’ll have a built-in excuse every time they lose. The bad news is that they’ll probably have to use that excuse with great regularity going forward. The good news is that ... uh oh, I’ve become stuck in a loop, much like the Broncos franchise. I could take a page out of Denver’s book and hire a cast-off quarterback to try to get me out of it, or we could just move on. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Cowboys 31-21 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Houston at Miami </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkp7IUFhmhcahqm92Kkk3BuULK2hGo0CNcNwujXU6dknI9-O7Yk22Q36CjDu1UXZfu7dKebgnbIMJ_c9AXh6C6GQogDwNrU1l1Y8XKdwWjryluBY9luxmxdLX5DnW4xx3j2xtb5Wn_5U/s640/IMG_9375.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkp7IUFhmhcahqm92Kkk3BuULK2hGo0CNcNwujXU6dknI9-O7Yk22Q36CjDu1UXZfu7dKebgnbIMJ_c9AXh6C6GQogDwNrU1l1Y8XKdwWjryluBY9luxmxdLX5DnW4xx3j2xtb5Wn_5U/s320/IMG_9375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Texans, ostensibly a football team, didn’t score a touchdown, debatably the main method of scoring in football, for a combined 200 minutes of game time until reeling off 3 TDs in the fourth quarter last Sunday. You might read that and think Houston is both hapless and hopeless. But consider this: the 2000 Baltimore Ravens didn’t score a touchdown for 5 consecutive games and went on to win the Super Bowl. Houston’s offense, and their 3+ game streak seem downright explosive by comparison. So why can’t the Texans turn things around and win the Super Bowl a la the 2000 Ravens? Oh right, their defense is also shitty, and their record is 1-7. Hey, speaking of 1-7 teams, the Dolphins are right there with Houston. And if I had to guess, Hard Rock Stadium will be 1/7th full. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Dolphins 27-24 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Atlanta at New Orleans</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuuVGDoLBI_HxpqdP7oG29cqd-w_xRqlRCI94FTSaO8hM_mLUwyRsGrOXp49IPC76dHE-OY6SDN6ij939vN5iGOwIe3EC1XkYhHowX1ntKw0rxTMPcZKmpfntc7aa75EKDGGdvzga2Y4/s640/IMG_9376.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuuVGDoLBI_HxpqdP7oG29cqd-w_xRqlRCI94FTSaO8hM_mLUwyRsGrOXp49IPC76dHE-OY6SDN6ij939vN5iGOwIe3EC1XkYhHowX1ntKw0rxTMPcZKmpfntc7aa75EKDGGdvzga2Y4/s320/IMG_9376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Saints have scrapped together a 5-2 record so far. Now they must get even scrappier without Jameis Winston, who’s out for the season with a torn ACL. Good news, because no one’s scrappier than the next man up, Taysom Hill! This man is scrap personified. Break him down and sell him to a metal yard. Feed him to the dog when you’re done eating him. That’s the level of scrap we’re dealing with here people! Though I will say, that I wouldn’t have expected it to take Hill 4 weeks to scrap his way out of concussion protocol. Yes, I know concussions are serious biz and players should be applauded for putting their safety first. That being said, it’s clear that Hill just doesn’t want it bad enough. He’ll need to rediscover his scrap in order New Orleans to be successful going forward. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Saints 20-17</i> <br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Las Vegas at New York Giants</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSowVHbZzP6Zw0ErotaXdiGjYP90NUxwCqqATqB2e2LIX5z1xCPaXOfODhKwbjz8NEjl-2DXYMtwjQDczXLz0elwJrszSJIvi0MjFoyJoPq4fbh0BO5GXOyVksIIiABPXI_-BykNuGKE/s640/IMG_9377.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSowVHbZzP6Zw0ErotaXdiGjYP90NUxwCqqATqB2e2LIX5z1xCPaXOfODhKwbjz8NEjl-2DXYMtwjQDczXLz0elwJrszSJIvi0MjFoyJoPq4fbh0BO5GXOyVksIIiABPXI_-BykNuGKE/s320/IMG_9377.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Will the Raiders show up for this game? And no, I don’t mean, Will they “show up” for the game, I’m saying will they literally make it to the stadium. My worry is that the bus driver in Vegas will hear that they’re going to NY and instead of taking to them to the airport he’ll drop them off at New York, New York, the hotel and casino on The Strip. I wouldn’t blame him for being confused. As far as I’m concerned that’s <i>the</i> New York, the superior New York, in fact. They got pizza, hot dogs, bagels, all in one food court! Can the east coast New York say that?!? Don’t answer that! Your split second of silence says it all. You clearly feel the same. As such I ask you to join me in imploring the NFL to move this game from New York to New York, New York. It’s time for the real New York to get the recognition it deserves. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Giants 24-23 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New England at Carolina</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpDRzoFMWFCiQz8hNyJb92tgCXLi-7zRqiodt-MeBMl1UqDNB1SKnmLrNoxcUTHF4Jmucv0BQq7wiFf5ZGMRQ_RvPaFmezwWCh6G9O5AgHulvkRRW6qCxiEZrVMojIAu5moZIkpceBoc/s640/IMG_9378.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpDRzoFMWFCiQz8hNyJb92tgCXLi-7zRqiodt-MeBMl1UqDNB1SKnmLrNoxcUTHF4Jmucv0BQq7wiFf5ZGMRQ_RvPaFmezwWCh6G9O5AgHulvkRRW6qCxiEZrVMojIAu5moZIkpceBoc/s320/IMG_9378.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Two teams alike in record (4-4) at a crossroads. One will never win another game this season, the other will be Super Bowl champ. This is the turning point. Ok, maybe that’s a bit drastic, but if you go into this game with that mindset it will be a whole lot more entertaining. It’s a fun trick that works for any game. And the worse the match-up, the more dire the fake circumstances need to be. For instance, during the Texans/Dolphins game I’ll imagine that Gen. Francis Hummel (Ed Harris in The Rock) is in the Gulf of Mexico on a ship armed with poison VX gas rockets that he will launch at the losing city. Or I guess you could just bet on the games. That works too.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Patriots 23-19</i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Buffalo at Jacksonville </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNA54Afs4vMCm1lRHQDxkjVF1zOZIuPCO0gjvCdCHLtl4a-XcwtqbCHVdxiUdkTxKZkC5ImlcLb9EII7nzjSppHYXMoE-MMomTjFqr_E5tn5lkO0KbUe0r_e1WHf8p7TjY_Qn_9BY_J8/s640/IMG_9379.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNA54Afs4vMCm1lRHQDxkjVF1zOZIuPCO0gjvCdCHLtl4a-XcwtqbCHVdxiUdkTxKZkC5ImlcLb9EII7nzjSppHYXMoE-MMomTjFqr_E5tn5lkO0KbUe0r_e1WHf8p7TjY_Qn_9BY_J8/s320/IMG_9379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Last Sunday the Jaguars were down 24-0 with 1:49 left in the game when they finally scored a touchdown. At this point they had an almost 0% chance of winning the game, but at least following up that TD with a successful 2 point conversion would have made the score 24-8 and gotten them within two scores. Unfortunately, Jacksonville didn’t convert a two point conversion, because they didn’t attempt one. They trotted out the kicking team and tacked on a rather pointless extra point to make the game 24-7 and maintain their three possession deficit. A confusing move from Urban Meyer, but I guess he was just packing it in for the day. Except he wasn't, because the Jags then attempted an onside kick immediately after that! So they <i>did</i> think they still had a chance? But they definitely didn’t, due in large part to the decision their coach made mere minutes before. Why would he eschew the two yet not elide the onside? So did they recover that kick? No, it was snatched by Travis Homer of the Seahawks and returned for a touchdown to make the score 31-7. It couldn’t have been a more appropriate result for Urban Meyer and his baffling “strategy.” And now the well-deserved punishment will continue with this inevitable beat down from Buffalo. Watch for Urban to call a punt on first down or something. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bills 42-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Minnesota at Baltimore </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GEHPaiaBEXGiBkYtc8EdROJPMlrCPGCEUjnZ3G8gBTI-NwFvcXRWJ6Y6qs9a-X6g8EGbVTP9pdIln6WQfA1e-QsSw433KFyICITHK7Z50RSns7yN-hf56axJ_1fVWa4CdhcdwwZv2i8/s640/IMG_9380.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GEHPaiaBEXGiBkYtc8EdROJPMlrCPGCEUjnZ3G8gBTI-NwFvcXRWJ6Y6qs9a-X6g8EGbVTP9pdIln6WQfA1e-QsSw433KFyICITHK7Z50RSns7yN-hf56axJ_1fVWa4CdhcdwwZv2i8/s320/IMG_9380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This one’s for all your purple fiends out there. You freaks sucking on grape popsicles and drinking, well, grape soda I guess. Look, I don’t know what you purple kooks do in the privacy of your own home, just keep it away from my hypothetical kids, alright? They’re too young to learn about purple. Even for those viewers out there without an affinity for a certain shade, this one should be entertaining. Mainly because the Vikings only play close games. Their contests this season have had more twists and turns than a great novel, or an Oscar winning movie. If pressed to compare them to a specific novel/movie, I guess I’d say ... <i>The Color Purple</i>. Look, I’ll admit I’ve never read that book nor have I seen the movie, and from what I know about the story it wouldn’t really make any sense to compare it to a football game. But you guys get why I said it right? <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Ravens 34-31 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Afternoon</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Los Angeles Chargers at Philadelphia </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NO5VZNqrb3R8Q1vgi6CHTRvs1qlS8ubM-7txs5v4FDpr-n_wDFactexPX4T06qxvE5eddFythF112KYI_tYNl9xDVg2vjMRj2byX9-2RqTArix0QfKPJEOPvafp3-bWd8bwKbyXmR9U/s640/IMG_9381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NO5VZNqrb3R8Q1vgi6CHTRvs1qlS8ubM-7txs5v4FDpr-n_wDFactexPX4T06qxvE5eddFythF112KYI_tYNl9xDVg2vjMRj2byX9-2RqTArix0QfKPJEOPvafp3-bWd8bwKbyXmR9U/s320/IMG_9381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This week the Chargers announced plans to build a new training facility in the LA area (El Segundo to be exact). Perhaps this is the Chargers’ way of making Los Angeles feel more like home, since every game played in their own stadium feels like they’re on the road. But I say why bother? LA was never going to work out; they should just cut their losses move on. And hey, since they’ve basically been a team without a home for years now, why not embrace it? Become a touring group. They could travel around the country playing their “home” games in cities that don’t have an NFL team. Football depraved burgs like Portland, Austin, or Detroit. America’s team, coming to a town near you! Catch them while you can, because next week they’ll be gone ... Or they might stay, if you want them bad enough, or even show a mild interest. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Chargers 30-27 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Green Bay at Kansas City</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ1g0BhirqlU94v1KWh2JfVM8oGt4RKnl57b-VmZXrRk2mZTs6zjW6SYbvTshZ3UJEESw1-exmemF4Umo1Xz0_B51fcQud0Z7hv9JImgIc9_IZVlZlGEbUG6ugvIfjp7oDd4Pu-LuUvQ/s640/IMG_9382.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZ1g0BhirqlU94v1KWh2JfVM8oGt4RKnl57b-VmZXrRk2mZTs6zjW6SYbvTshZ3UJEESw1-exmemF4Umo1Xz0_B51fcQud0Z7hv9JImgIc9_IZVlZlGEbUG6ugvIfjp7oDd4Pu-LuUvQ/s320/IMG_9382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Chiefs are a dream team. And by that I mean it looks like they’re playing in a dream. You know those dreams where you can’t run right and you barely move? That’s what the Kansas City offense resembles right now. If Patrick Mahomes’ teeth start falling out mid game you’ll know that they’re definitely in a dream. Either that or Mahomes is gravely ill. Unfortunately for him the one man who may have been able to cure him won’t even be at the game this Sunday. Yes, Aaron Rodgers will have to miss this highly anticipated clash because he somehow got COVID even though his antibodies were heightened through homeopathic methods. It’s disappointing that the NFL wouldn’t grant him vaccinated status simply because he wasn’t vaccinated. They should have given him special treatment because of his special treatment. But that’s neither here nor there now, the fact is that he shockingly became infected with COVID and we’re all worse off for it. Not just because the entertainment level of this game has gone down, but because we’ll now have to hear Rodgers, always the smartest guy in the room, expound upon why the vaccinated people are the <i>real</i> idiots. Not him. The guy who asked to be considered vaccinated even though he refused to be vaccinated. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Chiefs 23-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Arizona at San Francisco </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ehFqxocAN5r6oRbg6lwM3tU47-yXodZtT3r-YwkrK5cg6iu9kBiNaljXRnojbB1t-qHVtVKBZsclq4dpH6XV3i1rso3WH9rLjdPuUlQM24iaOUjwqo_8gRdmsrSxuJYpk60Ukub6M84/s640/IMG_9383.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ehFqxocAN5r6oRbg6lwM3tU47-yXodZtT3r-YwkrK5cg6iu9kBiNaljXRnojbB1t-qHVtVKBZsclq4dpH6XV3i1rso3WH9rLjdPuUlQM24iaOUjwqo_8gRdmsrSxuJYpk60Ukub6M84/s320/IMG_9383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The 49ers haven’t won in Levi’s Stadium since October 18th, 2020. They just can’t win at home. Reminds me of my first marriage! It’s hard to say what exactly is keeping the Niners from being victorious on their own field, but it’s safe to say their Levi’s don’t fit. Sounds like me after Thanksgiving Dinner! Speaking of Thanksgiving, it’s possible that San Fran won’t get off this home schneid until after that day upon which we eat all that turkey (I refuse to say Turkey Day). They host the Cardinals and Rams in back to back weeks before the Vikings come to town the Sunday after pre-leftovers Thursday. And depending on which Minnesota team shows up that week, it’s no guarantee the Niners get a win then either. Who knows, they could be waiting until the Texans game in January to taste victory in Santa Clara. Until then they’ll just have to seek satisfaction elsewhere. Hey, when did we start talking about my first wife again?!? <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Cardinals 27-23 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Tennessee at Los Angeles Rams</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBy-RsMMj2BDvUU_9GL-PuNWwlYpNb9Q10RT-ai0Jn9T0Q_u4uZuzJ31ipumaOVX2C2zt1EhzwlPIJLLzCTi_k8wOYSbWLkTHqgtPKBNMeFoFpTbI4gnCfCLkPEMvV7Q7qApW0LbYD60/s640/IMG_9384.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBy-RsMMj2BDvUU_9GL-PuNWwlYpNb9Q10RT-ai0Jn9T0Q_u4uZuzJ31ipumaOVX2C2zt1EhzwlPIJLLzCTi_k8wOYSbWLkTHqgtPKBNMeFoFpTbI4gnCfCLkPEMvV7Q7qApW0LbYD60/s320/IMG_9384.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>How will the Titans respond to Derrick Henry's absence? I'm not sure. But luckily I don't have to have a take on the Sunday night game, that's CriColl's job. And so let's turn it over to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGgaqKVNdxk" target="_blank">Cris Collinsworth for some dynamite insight</a>:<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xGgaqKVNdxk" width="320" youtube-src-id="xGgaqKVNdxk"></iframe></div><p>I sincerely hope that last sound bite is needed this Sunday. </p><p><i>Rams 31-20</i><br /></p><p></p><br /><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Monday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Chicago at Pittsburgh </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj3HT0_cf5bOKHL793WiV7pxAPX0yNDQUnFjq9fGsh7TrQMALd7wUmRiUaHiyCxxQOTC3n2bgdkPseob1NaiAzkBMOIcZSK8YUgT4jydOCSGbcjgnoV3Eeb85JxuOUZ14Qpw04eGzH1I/s640/IMG_9385.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYj3HT0_cf5bOKHL793WiV7pxAPX0yNDQUnFjq9fGsh7TrQMALd7wUmRiUaHiyCxxQOTC3n2bgdkPseob1NaiAzkBMOIcZSK8YUgT4jydOCSGbcjgnoV3Eeb85JxuOUZ14Qpw04eGzH1I/s320/IMG_9385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The over/under for this game has been set at .5 point, and I’m not sure which way to bet it. Sure, it’s feasible that one of these teams will manage to successfully kick a field goal at some point during the game, but I wouldn’t bet my life on it. Unfortunately that’s the situation I find myself in. Based on my dismal picks the last couple weeks I’m in a great deal of debt, and now if any points are scored in this game I will be killed. But of course, they’ll have to find me to kill me! I’m going on the lam to Canada! Winnipeg to be exact. Hmm, probably shouldn’t have typed that, and definitely shouldn’t publish it. Oh well, too late now. Come and get me you cowards! (Don’t worry guys, I’m not actually going to Winnipeg, I’m going to a suburb of Winnipeg. They’ll never find me!)<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Steelers 10-6 </i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i> </i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i> </i><br /></span></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-52961402723129606982021-11-04T11:14:00.005-07:002021-11-04T11:14:37.179-07:00NFL Picks - Week 9 Thursday<p>New York Jets at Indianapolis </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTidr_JBbWz_7eEf-oXHLI98ugmo8SATyHaHE4eIbQ_fzyPqDSAtUSBP5AJrMzn8ttsvgz8PXubeXTqMKll9x5T4H3VcpqmZvhlmVqiB_y-YaLnHEhPHOtX1kevsQtFm1rG_Sye_JUpQg/s640/IMG_9372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTidr_JBbWz_7eEf-oXHLI98ugmo8SATyHaHE4eIbQ_fzyPqDSAtUSBP5AJrMzn8ttsvgz8PXubeXTqMKll9x5T4H3VcpqmZvhlmVqiB_y-YaLnHEhPHOtX1kevsQtFm1rG_Sye_JUpQg/s320/IMG_9372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>If you’ve watched the past two Colts
games you’re well aware that Indy’s main offensive weapon is now
throwing the ball deep and hoping for pass interference. And it’s
working pretty well. I can remember four or five times over the last
couple weeks that they’ve used it to get inside the 10 yard line. I
suppose I can’t blame them for taking advantage of the rules, but it’s a
bit too reminiscent of someone purposefully jumping in front of a
moving car so they can sue the driver. To that point, don’t be shocked if you see
Carson Wentz walking with a limp and wearing some new jewelry.</p><p><i>Colts 27-20 </i><br /></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-66265387261825736452021-10-28T22:56:00.000-07:002021-10-28T22:56:03.677-07:00NFL Picks - Week 8<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>LAST WEEK: 7-6<br /></span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><b>SEASON: 68-39</b><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Morning</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Carolina at Atlanta </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjLau0-bt34L2W7bIWIlfW6cmqKA3zJHPgsGeb6TwW6nMBDzyJxCF28CIRDUyOT4QcLyVaP7X214yko98hlH93vmiYFjVaLY_CzCjlTWC7TwK9UqwOwCcIb07SHvfxUlck_AaUdS_Fz4/s640/IMG_9340.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjLau0-bt34L2W7bIWIlfW6cmqKA3zJHPgsGeb6TwW6nMBDzyJxCF28CIRDUyOT4QcLyVaP7X214yko98hlH93vmiYFjVaLY_CzCjlTWC7TwK9UqwOwCcIb07SHvfxUlck_AaUdS_Fz4/s320/IMG_9340.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A few weeks ago I said I could envision the Panthers finishing the season at 10-7. I don’t think they’ve won since. But you know, I can still see them winding up at 10-7 if I put my glasses on ... my ROSE COLORED glasses! That’s right, I said it, come at me Panthers fans! I’m sorry, you must have me mistaken with someone that gives an eff. I have slightly more confidence in the Falcons, but that’s not saying much. With a win though, Atlanta would be 4-3, and at worst tied for the final wild card spot in the NFC. And who knows, maybe they’ll sneak into the postseason and make some noise once they’re there. Yeah, and at that point the pigskin won’t be able the only airborne swine, because the Falcons doing anything of note come January will happen when pigs stop rolling around in their own filth long enough to sprout wings and do their best Peter Pan impression, ok?!? That’s right babe, we’re talking when pigs fly here (This is my new writing style, based on an emoji mashup of sunglasses smiley face and smirking face).<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Falcons 23-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Miami at Buffalo</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKBM7Q8NGTyFk11wMzT1EiB0qzr2OR-RdH9bizh5-CH5Jl5D6Cu7j-JMYOuz2YK6j7KbVZLLVqtL3Yv9VnVUXOkFdwQKeD8GDT0ukwzmP6xx50060Stm30IcDKEWfdFXMa4y_UAVPkio/s640/IMG_9341.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKBM7Q8NGTyFk11wMzT1EiB0qzr2OR-RdH9bizh5-CH5Jl5D6Cu7j-JMYOuz2YK6j7KbVZLLVqtL3Yv9VnVUXOkFdwQKeD8GDT0ukwzmP6xx50060Stm30IcDKEWfdFXMa4y_UAVPkio/s320/IMG_9341.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Did you know that every team in the AFC has two losses? Well ok, not the Dolphins, they have 5. But hey, you can’t count to 5 without counting to 2! But if we’re talking teams with <i>exactly</i> 2 losses then it’s a group of six: Bengals, Raiders, Titans, Bills, Ravens, Chargers. But that’s still a surprisingly high number. The question now is, which team is going to step up and separate themselves from the pack. Come on, who wants it most?!? Put your hand down Dolphins, I was only talking to the two loss teams. Yes, I know this is your space, and I should be discussing all the games you’ve lost. I’m sorry! I’ll get to that next week, I promise. I mean, it’s not like you’re gonna stop losing this week, right? Riiiiight ...? Come on ... Ahh, there’s that smile! <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bills 34-14 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>San Francisco at Chicago</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmdI9CkoNOloZeeUZAKGn7tuw2sP-uIEQbgBqv_6jZ3aGeG-PLikHM_DNJ7pwOHl5lQlaWTehKcgtNuY1mJhYriu2b9XxGZfdQh8wS-WbeBzsJ39670vPUuygGT8sRrSxLJT8S8XoVmY/s640/IMG_9342.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmdI9CkoNOloZeeUZAKGn7tuw2sP-uIEQbgBqv_6jZ3aGeG-PLikHM_DNJ7pwOHl5lQlaWTehKcgtNuY1mJhYriu2b9XxGZfdQh8wS-WbeBzsJ39670vPUuygGT8sRrSxLJT8S8XoVmY/s320/IMG_9342.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jimmy Garoppolo continues to make a confused, perturbed face every time he throws an interception or fumbles, or just does something antithetical to winning. It's a look that conveys a sort of “What’s going on here?!? How the hell did that happen?” attitude. It’s as if he doesn’t realize that he’s not very good. The rest of us have a full understanding of Garoppolo’s limitations as a quarterback, yet he remains bewildered by his lack of domination. I won’t blame him if he gets that look on his face a few times this game after watching Justin Fields throw the ball. The Bears rookie is good for a few head-scratchers per quarter. The important thing for Fields to remember is that <i>he</i> shouldn’t be the one scratching his head afterward. Don’t be like Jimmy G, understand your flaws and move forward. But don’t move forward right into that d lineman, ah no, throw it away! No like out of bounds! Argh. How the hell did that happen?<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>49ers 19-16 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Pittsburgh at Cleveland</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXB7uO1IqSqUVjWPbOs270V52ajn1kkd_yThxE1sf-E5EOxMsbSAeZCNUgOV7ARHplXLuppxQv9fPkwjMD-d-chhhYwHB6pggq5Wl1Ep1A01J9lhdm1SkQ8pHDsVE8dWCHdxuVfgzUoY/s640/IMG_9343.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXB7uO1IqSqUVjWPbOs270V52ajn1kkd_yThxE1sf-E5EOxMsbSAeZCNUgOV7ARHplXLuppxQv9fPkwjMD-d-chhhYwHB6pggq5Wl1Ep1A01J9lhdm1SkQ8pHDsVE8dWCHdxuVfgzUoY/s320/IMG_9343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Myles Garrett’s will likely force Ben Roethlisberger into retirement by the end of this game. Not due to a serious injury or anything, I just think Garrett will sack and harass Roethlisberger enough that at some point in the second half the Steelers offense will take the field and Ben will shrug and say, “Nah.” And that will be that. Roethlisberger’s career will officially end, 6 or 7 weeks after it unofficially did. One day the Steelers organization will erect a statue of Big Ben to commemorate his 2021 season. It will be a unique piece, because it’ll double as a live reenactment of his final games. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Browns 23-13 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Philadelphia at Detroit</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukgoPpXUxgXR38F9pqIuztf_Rl0s3MiEmJUEyfJZw1PgWQokrkJfCddkvXFYG9pdyBaHpSj_4kdGiVG0c0RIsgdXOrga_ZWmCVqLpenf1LTnAqacw9rg6LoqjkFhEVIEnhfdepbbl0CY/s640/IMG_9344.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukgoPpXUxgXR38F9pqIuztf_Rl0s3MiEmJUEyfJZw1PgWQokrkJfCddkvXFYG9pdyBaHpSj_4kdGiVG0c0RIsgdXOrga_ZWmCVqLpenf1LTnAqacw9rg6LoqjkFhEVIEnhfdepbbl0CY/s320/IMG_9344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Lions threw everything they had at the Rams last week and lost. Now do they have anything left for the Eagles, a team they could maybe actually beat? It’s like so many movies or TV shows where the protagonist tries so hard to get the popular guy or girl to notice them that they don’t realize their real match was right in front of their noses all along. Maybe it’s too late for the Lions now though. Or maybe ... maybe if they hurry they can catch the Eagles' bus before it leaves for the airport. If Detroit can’t get to them in time Philly will get on the plane for that study abroad program and the Lions won’t see them for a whole summer! Go Lions! Here, take my car, I know yours got totaled when you crashed it in the big drag race in an attempt to impress your crush. It doesn’t matter now, none of it does! All that matters is that you stop the Eagles and tell them how you feel!<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Lions 23-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Tennessee at Indianapolis <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J4IfDP1QHgyR6zrzqG38by7lxWaWkyP-fi0wwzOS6n8rK8gCp5Owzighm0DoQuja-pqv6ZsPLXKytoHx_iFd5NlW1B7pjpwql0rcMXrAhkbLiHuJ7uPDnCf_NMvh3Efpg4LtO06kCEg/s640/IMG_9345.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J4IfDP1QHgyR6zrzqG38by7lxWaWkyP-fi0wwzOS6n8rK8gCp5Owzighm0DoQuja-pqv6ZsPLXKytoHx_iFd5NlW1B7pjpwql0rcMXrAhkbLiHuJ7uPDnCf_NMvh3Efpg4LtO06kCEg/s320/IMG_9345.JPG" width="320" /></a><span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>The Titans have two impressive victories over the Chiefs and Bills, with one of their losses coming against the Cardinals. At this point, a loss to Arizona is nothing to hang your head about, though they did get blown out. Either way though, Tennessee is putting together a pretty solid resume. Oh wait, I was meaning to ask, who was their other loss to? The Jets?!? That’s it, shut it down. Season’s over Titans, you can all go home. Sure, maybe it’s unfair to judge a team by one bad performance, but some besmirchings are hard to ignore. Vince Lombardi said it best, “One loss doesn’t define a team. Unless we’re talking about a loss to the Jets. Pew ew! Them guys are stinky like a diaper. A used diaper, of course. Ya know, one that’s filled with baby shit?” At this point all the Titans can do is keep winning and hope that everyone forgets about their ignominious defeat. Easier said than done though, some smells just don’t go away.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><i>Titans 30-24</i><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Cincinnati at New York Jets</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkivL_xTmK90JyQHE_MX-vdbbUxxXn-qL9Tf45y3D5Vu155eogQ9eQNFm9gKo4fL1G9m4aW49eVXGPVZpy-AuKvuHvr4FkxOEDGQ4w1gV77o8I0fhIPtzk7udf463oA-irnABGca8s50/s640/IMG_9346.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkivL_xTmK90JyQHE_MX-vdbbUxxXn-qL9Tf45y3D5Vu155eogQ9eQNFm9gKo4fL1G9m4aW49eVXGPVZpy-AuKvuHvr4FkxOEDGQ4w1gV77o8I0fhIPtzk7udf463oA-irnABGca8s50/s320/IMG_9346.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This looks like a classic trap game scenario for the Bengals. They just had a huge win over the Ravens, and they have a game against intrastate and division rivals Cleveland next week. Plopped right down in the middle like a mangy stray dog that wondered into your house and jumped into bed with you are the Jets. Yes, it certainly <i>looks</i> like a trap game. But it’s not, because it’s Halloween baby! That’s the Bengals' holiday! Their original owner Paul Brown liked All Hallow’s Eve so much that he patterned the team’s colors after the holiday. A lot of people think that Cincinnati’s colors are orange and black to match a bengal tiger, but nope it’s all about Halloween. Another reason that Cincy couldn't possibly blow this one is because the Jets are starting Mike White at quarterback. That’s right, the man that brought you <i>School of Rock</i> and <i>White Lotus</i> and 6th place finisher on The Amazing Race is going to be under center for New York. Go get em pal!<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Bengals 31-14 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Los Angeles Rams at Houston</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M3UzgYm2pORwFmrsiN33I7Hxs3H4g7eyxv47pnmAnaHIHGWPcoG8yK2P5ExgfOs_JzmrK5bWfmh32bWRLi9O6YJYofJeD3iB6EegieU2kSQCa255uSPKaz6adibIpZemvwEwZ4cAiqk/s640/IMG_9347.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1M3UzgYm2pORwFmrsiN33I7Hxs3H4g7eyxv47pnmAnaHIHGWPcoG8yK2P5ExgfOs_JzmrK5bWfmh32bWRLi9O6YJYofJeD3iB6EegieU2kSQCa255uSPKaz6adibIpZemvwEwZ4cAiqk/s320/IMG_9347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Rams almost dumped the couch last Sunday against Detroit (Look, I’m tired of “shit the bed” alright? I’m going with “dumped the couch” from now on). Perhaps LA’s poor performance was because they were looking ahead to this one ... against the Texans. Or <i>maybe</i> they were so bored by the fact that they had to play the Giants, Lions, and Texans in a row that they just phoned one in. You know, like when you’re on a long, boring road trip, so you just activate your car’s auto-drive. Then you remember your car doesn’t have auto-drive, so you grab the wheel right before you plow into a herd of cattle and steer yourself to safety. Cattle? Steer? Uh yeah, sounds like these guys are ready for Houston. “But those two words were just in your analogy, they have nothing to do with the Rams.” SOUNDS LIKE THESE GUYS ARE READY FOR HOUSTON.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Rams 38-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Afternoon</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New England at Los Angeles Chargers</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxhquWuZsyzI8STbtjy8l3ltkhw7RoG1eufejMPgbfucD4obOfyLXhvjOSbuaJ6IYurzwDSuX3Nqo2CQcP63dZKDOfjYv1SYsnCz8xLa_jK9FfritoOxBH1pqPz_nlSM9dC_Ev3tqlnY/s640/IMG_9349.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxhquWuZsyzI8STbtjy8l3ltkhw7RoG1eufejMPgbfucD4obOfyLXhvjOSbuaJ6IYurzwDSuX3Nqo2CQcP63dZKDOfjYv1SYsnCz8xLa_jK9FfritoOxBH1pqPz_nlSM9dC_Ev3tqlnY/s320/IMG_9349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Chargers have had almost two full weeks now to stew over their blowout loss to the Ravens. And in that time the Ravens got blown out. Man, that must feel like a double blow out. That’ll cost you extra at Dry Bar. But when you see your hair, it’s very worth every penny. And the confidence you gain from it is priceless. So I guess I’m saying that the Chargers should all go get their hair done before the game to regain their swagger. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Chargers 27-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Jacksonville at Seattle</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tJKRBR-RLnWYLDObEAlKHlfuys5_3KM1-4ipXKRsTtRbR-WDnsA3DNN-5NSToh5luJTv7-D4WiINGWg8Uzjc7jKjgnbIF-FBJE-ai53PdIV9mIrUuYXTdA3EJwAFah-j0lszlkosFvs/s640/IMG_9350.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tJKRBR-RLnWYLDObEAlKHlfuys5_3KM1-4ipXKRsTtRbR-WDnsA3DNN-5NSToh5luJTv7-D4WiINGWg8Uzjc7jKjgnbIF-FBJE-ai53PdIV9mIrUuYXTdA3EJwAFah-j0lszlkosFvs/s320/IMG_9350.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Jags got their first win of the season a couple weeks ago in London. That’s enough, right? No need to keep trying to win now. They’ve ensured they won’t suffer the embarrassment of a winless season, now they can just build to the draft. Why stand in the way of other teams that are in win now mode like the 2-5 Seahawks? The honorable thing to do would be to take their losses with a smile and wish their fellow gents good luck. And that’s just what Jacksonville will do, because there’s no one more honorable than their coach, Urban Meyer! ... These assholes are going to keep trying to win aren’t they?<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Seahawks 23-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Washington at Denver</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rtPhiU8cPA8v9iPLkaLpV-HtifO84PtzGylsNm_1B-zI1pOXIW_pgHwbrDRJmwYPb5SG6cKTWOwXlFg6L7nmerB4KyD75oDu4AP2JFjJwOCIYYhix4QmzIV0Njuv-uufNoumNUCSqd4/s640/IMG_9356.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rtPhiU8cPA8v9iPLkaLpV-HtifO84PtzGylsNm_1B-zI1pOXIW_pgHwbrDRJmwYPb5SG6cKTWOwXlFg6L7nmerB4KyD75oDu4AP2JFjJwOCIYYhix4QmzIV0Njuv-uufNoumNUCSqd4/s320/IMG_9356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Earlier this week the Broncos traded a 2024 6th round pick for a LB named Kenny Young and a 7th round pick. Where does that put that player’s value? He <i>and</i> a 7th round pick are worth a 6th rounder. Is he the equivalent of like a 9th round pick? The draft doesn’t even go that high anymore. Also, is there an inflation rate on draft picks? Is a 2024 6th worth the same as a 2022 6th? I guess the 2022 would be <i>more</i> valuable because you get the return sooner. That makes Kenny young even <i>less</i> valuable. He’s like a late 10th round pick. And again, I should point out that we’re making up fake rounds in the draft to try to equate to this actual player’s worth. I’ll bet he goes for like 20 tackles this week just to shove it down out throats. If so, maybe Denver could sell high and flip him for a 2029 5th.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Broncos 22-19</i> <br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Tampa Bay at New Orleans </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrU4wEVuo7-TFRT1bd5SsRX8xO5vLKsfhS2_k6M4XisrwxKZ2yvyV7AzcJixfDiACcITMSHB25vePFC2mAhdp-BGi_4NlW2Yd5zincPOG4K1zsgLv29N04uAQCdZvOzSaLlJg5MnANkg/s640/IMG_9352.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrU4wEVuo7-TFRT1bd5SsRX8xO5vLKsfhS2_k6M4XisrwxKZ2yvyV7AzcJixfDiACcITMSHB25vePFC2mAhdp-BGi_4NlW2Yd5zincPOG4K1zsgLv29N04uAQCdZvOzSaLlJg5MnANkg/s320/IMG_9352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After watching my first full Saints game of the season, I can confirm what I already suspected: Sean Payton is deadly afraid of his own quarterback. So much so that he’s made Jameis Winston into a game manager. That’s an unforgivable crime against the football public if you ask me. We’re here for the picks, the tuddies, the inexplicable fumbles. Instead we’re getting screen passes and check downs. And sure, it all seems to be working well enough for now, New Orleans is 4-2. But what happens when they lose a couple games in a row? Maybe Jameis gets that itch again and starts flinging the ball to anyone who wants it. Yeah Sean Payton will try to bench him, but guess what, Jameis is bigger than him, so he’ll just beat up his coach and put himself back in. We’re operating on playground rules now baby! Man I can’t wait. Now we just need the Saints to pick up a couple L’s. This Sunday should be a step in the right direction. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Buccaneers 27-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Dallas at Minnesota </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmkJ9YBv9WvSHlg0Mr-LaOsueqI1sw2Tbt4vZIJqmBcHV39xcii6Op8pCjZEaVVCsgK0Kvc2IJid8BI4VEKjnZgacDSq-LLj6QlYdGN0bDDR6V-QJLeYhG-Hi1nkbXK3Iy7qTXREEXEU/s640/IMG_9353.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmkJ9YBv9WvSHlg0Mr-LaOsueqI1sw2Tbt4vZIJqmBcHV39xcii6Op8pCjZEaVVCsgK0Kvc2IJid8BI4VEKjnZgacDSq-LLj6QlYdGN0bDDR6V-QJLeYhG-Hi1nkbXK3Iy7qTXREEXEU/s320/IMG_9353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Cowboys come off of their bye week to take on the Vikings in this intriguing NFC match-up. Let's hear from<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuXYWSsN88E" target="_blank"> Cris Collinsworth to find out just how intrigued we should be</a>: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RuXYWSsN88E" width="320" youtube-src-id="RuXYWSsN88E"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>I agree Cris, it doesn't feel fair to make a pick on this game without knowing Prescott's status, so I won't do it! Or rather, I'll pick for both possibilities.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Dak: <i>Cowboys 30-23</i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>No Dak: <i>Vikings 31-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Monday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New York Giants at Kansas City</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cd1Ee9Jn8lXRHyAQDpoR12v0Yvq-uCTVrwufCov2A8-HT8oQIyXmoPtSKyqI86K-IXLwChn8R8Wb1QTTUC_JskyfuY6OmATjsV6rdFRVr4hc4HBaWx0RcR_XZWZy0t2S_75ZHyluslg/s640/IMG_9354.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cd1Ee9Jn8lXRHyAQDpoR12v0Yvq-uCTVrwufCov2A8-HT8oQIyXmoPtSKyqI86K-IXLwChn8R8Wb1QTTUC_JskyfuY6OmATjsV6rdFRVr4hc4HBaWx0RcR_XZWZy0t2S_75ZHyluslg/s320/IMG_9354.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It’s a match-up of last place teams on Monday Night Football! Though, to be fair, the Chiefs are tied for 3rd in the AFC West. And over in the NFC East, the Giants are tied for ... 2nd?!? Turns out everybody other than the Cowboys is 2-5. Kansas City should be very motivated to get moving in the right direction with a win. But if sole possession of 2nd place in the NFC East is up for grabs expect New York to come out with their hair on fire. Then they'll freak out and dunk their heads in the Gatorade jug to put out the flames. For the rest of the game they'll feel off because their heads will be gross and sticky. That's just the type of opening you can't give the Chiefs, even in their current state.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Chiefs 33-16</i><br /></span></p><br />Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-1645953359217909242021-10-28T11:33:00.003-07:002021-10-28T11:33:15.832-07:00NFL Picks - Week 8 Thursday<p>Green Bay at Arizona </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktYMrvGjTRYFPNuaAVRAZrALKRtckFAxI-0POKikOGW3qY_eiYcaeKQckuwsuFh8uZOM2UatE0L9hnh8zLFsm7ZSOgia6H-GTdgmszaucrz9dgTD4-3mzeSVb3BLV0K2cuevDfp3Ng-o/s640/IMG_9339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktYMrvGjTRYFPNuaAVRAZrALKRtckFAxI-0POKikOGW3qY_eiYcaeKQckuwsuFh8uZOM2UatE0L9hnh8zLFsm7ZSOgia6H-GTdgmszaucrz9dgTD4-3mzeSVb3BLV0K2cuevDfp3Ng-o/s320/IMG_9339.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>We’ve seen these teams have a couple of playoff
classics in Glendale in the past, and who knows we may see another in a few months.
But we’re not there yet, so what’s the recent regular season history
between these squads look like? Well, they’ve played 8 times this
century, and the average margin of victory in those games is 18.5
points. Great, this game’s gonna suck! The league should act now and
flex a competitive game like Philly/Detroit into this spot. Just make
sure you don’t put this one on the radio while driving, I wouldn’t want
you to fall asleep and plow into a restaurant or something. But if you
did and got taken to court I’m sure you could explain to the judge that
you were listening to a Packers/Cardinals regular season game. “Say no
more,” the judge would proclaim as they rule in your favor, and actually
make the restaurant owner pay YOU.</p><p><i>Cardinals 30-23 </i><br /></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6499653225206312482.post-32178250656493174302021-10-21T21:01:00.001-07:002021-10-21T21:01:03.923-07:00NFL Picks - Week 7<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>LAST WEEK: 8-6</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>SEASON: 61-33<br /></span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Morning</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Washington at Green Bay</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx368LkK67s_F-sd6HFoNjyGf4RQgJtT4Y-k4RZ96svGC5Fl9lGbLhyphenhyphenBwam5B5uFch2I12DQCh4nTtLhL9uOp1ZaJPPS8vWvLyV9nxoTpD6I_o-LHPzt_j6kqBoYTp7bbJVE4Gmy5Qn-U/s640/IMG_9300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx368LkK67s_F-sd6HFoNjyGf4RQgJtT4Y-k4RZ96svGC5Fl9lGbLhyphenhyphenBwam5B5uFch2I12DQCh4nTtLhL9uOp1ZaJPPS8vWvLyV9nxoTpD6I_o-LHPzt_j6kqBoYTp7bbJVE4Gmy5Qn-U/s320/IMG_9300.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Aaron Rodgers caused a bit of a stir last week when, after rushing for a crucial fourth quarter touchdown, he shouted at the Chicago crowd, “I own you, I’ve owned you my whole life!” I wasn’t too offended by the taunting, but it definitely struck a chord with me, because I’ve said the same<span> </span>exact thing while tearfully shoving clothes into a donation bin. It’s such an emotional process for me that I usually go back to check on them on collection day, so I can see them one last time. And then, without fail, the employees will pluck out my old friends, give them a few sniffs, and start shaking their head as if to say, “No. There are too many farts in these. Smells like years and years of some of the worst farts I’ve ever come across. And that includes the t-shirts.” It’s a lot to infer from a head shake, but I’m fairly certain that’s the message being conveyed. At that point I go yank the garments out of the heartless non-profit workers’ hands. When I get home I put everything back in the closet and whisper, “I own you. I’ve owned you my whole life.”<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Packers 35-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Kansas City at Tennessee </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFFeaKIz49O9L1uVG4XEPiHFn7y4JnECK7ZN0Yj_7i6ZzneRYOqruSfAr_q5ADD4__ImQudiW8u_f-hfCwPjIhBd8WxCL2KSQtY4MpZAQAMPIPPTyp_GbfQot20VOOGdZN3CSPzRLoGI/s640/IMG_9285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFFeaKIz49O9L1uVG4XEPiHFn7y4JnECK7ZN0Yj_7i6ZzneRYOqruSfAr_q5ADD4__ImQudiW8u_f-hfCwPjIhBd8WxCL2KSQtY4MpZAQAMPIPPTyp_GbfQot20VOOGdZN3CSPzRLoGI/s320/IMG_9285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>How long has Janoris Jenkins been nicknamed “Jackrabbit?” I’d never heard him called that before Monday. Then the MNF crew proceeded to say “Jackrabbit Jenkins” approximately 46 times. Maybe it’s negligence on my part, but I feel like I watch a good amount of football, and this caught me completely off guard. How many more secret nicknames are lurking out there, waiting to be unleashed upon the world? Are there any more in this game? Maybe a Tightrope Tannehill, or Madman Mahomes, or <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/02/28/chris-jones-nfl-combine-40-yard-dash" target="_blank">Jostlin’ Cock</a> Jones. Who’s to say? That’s the most intriguing part of this, we have no idea what’s coming next. But it’s probably Jostlin’ Cock Jones, don’t you think?<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Chiefs 38-33 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Atlanta at Miami</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvywGexd0amYBdZ-hESTol9cKJ8SLnm5FtSVoFDXLMJ7Lj1Og6VT5WvNx3bb2z-_KI5YbYRqVnQAW0qW5InXA4fSLxDVqHFXM9G4ifAR6HzhksjtqtFlIxFxk9gAYFpMuRbECQOjUvM34/s640/IMG_9286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvywGexd0amYBdZ-hESTol9cKJ8SLnm5FtSVoFDXLMJ7Lj1Og6VT5WvNx3bb2z-_KI5YbYRqVnQAW0qW5InXA4fSLxDVqHFXM9G4ifAR6HzhksjtqtFlIxFxk9gAYFpMuRbECQOjUvM34/s320/IMG_9286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>How often does Matt Ryan think about how far away he is from leading a Super Bowl 28-3? It has to be every game. Just consider the amount of effort he’ll put into trying to beat the Dolphins here in Week 7, then imagine that thought creeping into his head, “Even if we win this game, we’ll be 3-3. We probably won’t win the division over Tampa. We’re a long shot to make the playoffs at all. Even if we do we’ll have to win three games on the road to get to the Super Bowl. And then if we do that we’d have to play the game of our lives to get up 28-3 in the second half. And if all of that comes together, we still might lose. Oh great, while I just thought about all that I stood paralyzed with ennui and got sacked. This sucks. Football’s no fun.” See what I mean? Sad stuff.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Dolphins 24-21 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New York Jets at New England </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRT4tdNv_kw7iO6kJY5Ko8bx1IReR42MPbTQbXksSaVOELMcsVgfE1DWFKAu_7i4TfnkHeVKHefwZxzqVcI-0pg8yeRI9tAu0pp_QbZqArmcSmdYNxnD-qvif3CMrhOJLUJFdkRgX5l0/s640/IMG_9287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRT4tdNv_kw7iO6kJY5Ko8bx1IReR42MPbTQbXksSaVOELMcsVgfE1DWFKAu_7i4TfnkHeVKHefwZxzqVcI-0pg8yeRI9tAu0pp_QbZqArmcSmdYNxnD-qvif3CMrhOJLUJFdkRgX5l0/s320/IMG_9287.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Oh right, the Jets. Did anybody else think they might just not come back after their bye week? Like the NFL called them up and said, “Don’t worry, that’s enough.” The Jets reply, “Are you sure? We've got a few things up our sleeves for these upcoming games. We could maybe even win a couple. We’ll try really hard, we promise!” To which the NFL would just say, “Ssshhhh. Sshhh shhh ssshh,” while holding the Jets’ head and petting their hair. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Patriots 23-13 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Carolina at New York Giants</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ73xb1p-TM5OuU7et3ePzyAQdXd-R__jGkzYS9LwwZwVYm4G-a9tjVZpxtlvNtgVqZBjxiXi_jfc0yFdkL4TCm_PPqlHSffr9H46HsRhx3AiwSSWiOsN0a9XGTnuogA8OOXwtO1qt2Zg/s640/IMG_9288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ73xb1p-TM5OuU7et3ePzyAQdXd-R__jGkzYS9LwwZwVYm4G-a9tjVZpxtlvNtgVqZBjxiXi_jfc0yFdkL4TCm_PPqlHSffr9H46HsRhx3AiwSSWiOsN0a9XGTnuogA8OOXwtO1qt2Zg/s320/IMG_9288.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Last week against the Rams Daniel Jones had one of those, “So you wanna be an NFL quarterback?” games. You know, when the TV producers will air a highlight package of the QB getting hit and throwing interceptions and the color analyst will say, “So you wanna be an NFL quarterback?” But I don’t know why they keep asking me that. No! I don’t want to be one. At least not for like the last 20+ years. And with each passing season I am less and less interested considering that I’m past my would-be prime at this point. I hope both Jones and Sam Darnold play well this Sunday, mainly because I don’t want to get hassled by whoever the announcers are. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Giants 27-24 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Cincinnati at Baltimore </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JJybHvdoJc_Rhpd5j3b16HtPLORwNMcMa2vq-qmWV941pqBn2UBmKYZrbpxgyPfXgpFPu5jtdmd8vUjP2lROxzfBkElIPKoM-qF1M-3tJhakwAGfSm8L8CO7sUk0lYZYDZFa7otckQA/s640/IMG_9289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JJybHvdoJc_Rhpd5j3b16HtPLORwNMcMa2vq-qmWV941pqBn2UBmKYZrbpxgyPfXgpFPu5jtdmd8vUjP2lROxzfBkElIPKoM-qF1M-3tJhakwAGfSm8L8CO7sUk0lYZYDZFa7otckQA/s320/IMG_9289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I have to say, this is probably the marquee match-up on Sunday's schedule. It's been a while since the Bengals have been in the gsme of the day. See? So long that I couldn’t even type it correctly. My extremities wouldn’t let me. I’m leaving the typo! It's a matter of principle. This one's for you Cincinnati! Hmm, just heard back from the Bengals organization, and they said they didn't care about my gesture, weren't even sure how it was complimentary to them, and told me to never contact anyone in their building again. What a bunch of asdholes. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Ravens 31-26</i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Afternoon</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Philadelphia at Las Vegas</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VgIeEgPqqlNTRWW4-3CliiIv4_uAIfFTKfnlrU07QiYmze4VMQwjPv_3G6GUwq5NDXukibEFQt8Bo3AKFK_xbp7yHB7t3rQPpx3FzgZFz55DzxLggf9aSjvYzuTEMCLqrEfAarJzclI/s640/IMG_9290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VgIeEgPqqlNTRWW4-3CliiIv4_uAIfFTKfnlrU07QiYmze4VMQwjPv_3G6GUwq5NDXukibEFQt8Bo3AKFK_xbp7yHB7t3rQPpx3FzgZFz55DzxLggf9aSjvYzuTEMCLqrEfAarJzclI/s320/IMG_9290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After a hectic lead up to Sunday, I assumed the Raiders would be a little out of sorts last week. Boy was I wrong. And it serves me right, I should’ve expected more from a Rich Bisaccia coached team. Bisaccia always has his guys ready to play. I heard from at least 20 Vegas players who said they’d run through a wall for him. 10 more said they’d break down a door. The other 20 didn’t get back to me. They were probably passed out from practicing so hard or attempting to plow through some other man made object not listed above. Now, would I suspect that this match-up against a struggling Philly team is the perfect spot for a letdown? No! These are Bisaccia boys! (Also the Raiders are playing the Giants next week, so it’s not like they’ll be looking ahead)<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Raiders 30-23 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Detroit at Los Angeles Rams</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58VjbzK4WTu3m7af1DKHG5advZJiMjHR8qi4xo6Oi3baOI9a91CShXTx8OOAExApGloT6EFpxqH2l6ZSgkZ2yTKDg8mAsrxYXkoXiBbDb_I7RNhZzivKWn-rCJdf-EFTuNSg6I8FTVwI/s640/IMG_9291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58VjbzK4WTu3m7af1DKHG5advZJiMjHR8qi4xo6Oi3baOI9a91CShXTx8OOAExApGloT6EFpxqH2l6ZSgkZ2yTKDg8mAsrxYXkoXiBbDb_I7RNhZzivKWn-rCJdf-EFTuNSg6I8FTVwI/s320/IMG_9291.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Jared Goff is rolling back into LA with an 0-6 Lions squad. Here’s how I see the conversation going:<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Goff: “Miss me?” </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Rams: “Oh. Uhh ... hmm. Yeah, hey good to see you. You look well.”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Goff: “Really? I’m pretty bruised up. Been getting hit a lot.”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Rams: “Oh, we didn’t even notice.”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Goff: “There’s like 3 on my face alone. Hard to <i>not</i> see, actually.”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Rams: “...”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Goff: “You guys need a back-up?”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Rams “...”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Goff: “Pfft, just kidding.”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Rams: “...”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Goff: “Man, I cant wait to kick your ass.”</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Rams 35-14 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Houston at Arizona</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraMAPotG_DayVhEXf5bATilyKEYq4VoHDPuusJ0uKPnNV_Q7QSnWWJsAZqCHJp5n4Dy715tsfVPU32LJv1bfXeSxTLcRNHsh0frei1nzYGnJWeQp_474A1S4nQ-9-Dlhyphenhyphenq_d4c1A0GCE/s640/IMG_9292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraMAPotG_DayVhEXf5bATilyKEYq4VoHDPuusJ0uKPnNV_Q7QSnWWJsAZqCHJp5n4Dy715tsfVPU32LJv1bfXeSxTLcRNHsh0frei1nzYGnJWeQp_474A1S4nQ-9-Dlhyphenhyphenq_d4c1A0GCE/s320/IMG_9292.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Isn’t this just the same as the last game? An NFC West team about to destroy some poor bastards. We already have a watered down schedule thanks to the six teams on bye, and now we have to deal with this junk? Speaking of junk, on Sunday Deandre Hopkins tweeted a highlight of his with the caption “Hopsational.” Don’t get me wrong, it was an impressive play, my problem is solely with the caption. Was this supposed to be a play on words? What am I missing here? Are we just going to allow any and everybody to slap the start of their name on “sensational” and accept it? I, for one, vote no. Unless it’s something totally Eriktastic. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Cardinals 41-20 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Chicago at Tampa Bay</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSzJv3X2tZvvPnKA_tnobLELj5VhPWLlb0V4KdtaAAMq02byH9KDmy6-MK0xH8062Jre_pZkgQnr84_ZuW2tUyrDFAn-RJdvC7YeWfSz4W3OEZs0yuYS5v7v1qWjaWhnAEZhp57OKr0U/s640/IMG_9293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSzJv3X2tZvvPnKA_tnobLELj5VhPWLlb0V4KdtaAAMq02byH9KDmy6-MK0xH8062Jre_pZkgQnr84_ZuW2tUyrDFAn-RJdvC7YeWfSz4W3OEZs0yuYS5v7v1qWjaWhnAEZhp57OKr0U/s320/IMG_9293.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Perhaps the nadir of Tom Brady’s career came last season when he didn’t know what down it was at the end of the Bucs’ loss to the Bears. He looked like a fool, and his team was a pathetic 3-2. His grand experiment had failed. And we laughed. Oh how we laughed at Tom Brady. After that he went on to win the Super Bowl, effectively holding a mirror up to us and saying, “Laugh at yourself you fools!” And he’s right, we’re pathetic. I don’t know about you, but I’ve won zero Super Bowls. Who am I to dare tell Brady what down it is? Let alone laugh at him. Please forgive me Thomas. (Don’t worry guys, I’m trying a new tactic where I’m overly flattering in hopes that it will end up with Brady’s abject failure. It’s not logical, but I’ve tried the other way for so long with undesirable results.)<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span> </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Buccaneers 27-17 </i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Sunday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>Indianapolis at San Francisco </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVvXhb42JUurbflrdYaDFjXzrK0avEe3ANmBeZtVT-xYzpNpnz-gI0hnSHZg3vd8Uyk0APk1NLoOvfxVQDW7zN4kvbMVKo-CeykknSjOzz1WOwFCB1z7TQNtlPZEshg3BMqQKkIotgL8/s640/IMG_9294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVvXhb42JUurbflrdYaDFjXzrK0avEe3ANmBeZtVT-xYzpNpnz-gI0hnSHZg3vd8Uyk0APk1NLoOvfxVQDW7zN4kvbMVKo-CeykknSjOzz1WOwFCB1z7TQNtlPZEshg3BMqQKkIotgL8/s320/IMG_9294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It hasn't been an ideal start for either of these teams, but there's still plenty of time for them to turn it around. One will take a step in the right direction on Sunday night. Who will it be? Don't ask me, let's hear from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnqEyt4uZbM" target="_blank">Cris Collinsworth himself</a>.<p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lnqEyt4uZbM" width="320" youtube-src-id="lnqEyt4uZbM"></iframe></div>Confirmed, Aaron Neville, still alive.<br /><span></span><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>49ers 26-23</i><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span></span><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span>Monday Night</span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span> </span></b></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span>New Orleans at Seattle</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMuiORTLpsy3CXzkqtyJfUQi6JgU1wJeSEbAZsNXk0Nju3wei6NqrIE6E1vWwPLeMpg__CnlFDqROQBBwW96h5zNt_ucjRglB513h9LX2yQ-JNyA03m6HQ0fqnVVmKrqiCI42SJxqrls/s640/IMG_9295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMuiORTLpsy3CXzkqtyJfUQi6JgU1wJeSEbAZsNXk0Nju3wei6NqrIE6E1vWwPLeMpg__CnlFDqROQBBwW96h5zNt_ucjRglB513h9LX2yQ-JNyA03m6HQ0fqnVVmKrqiCI42SJxqrls/s320/IMG_9295.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bad news regarding the Geno Smith experience: he’s had game-ruining turnovers in consecutive games (Though I should point out that the first one was due to Tyler Lockett flopping on his route to buy a call that didn’t come, and the second was caused by T.J. Watt who should have been ejected for punching Alex Collins earlier in the evening). Good news: the Seahawks were right there in both contests. I mean hey, you can’t have a truly devastating turnover when you’re losing by 20 in the fourth quarter, right? It’s better to have competed and blown it than to never have competed at all. Still, it couldn’t hurt to actually win one. <p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i>Seahawks 23-15</i></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><i> </i><br /></span></p>Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02765559163514316879noreply@blogger.com0