NFL STRAIGHT PICK-EM WEEK 8

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

LAST WEEK’S RECORD (9-4)

OVERALL RECORD (76-31)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD (6-1)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD (4-3)

WEEK 8 WE ARE DOING THE MONSTER MASH FOR HALLOWEEN WEEK

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

The Packers will be without their number one receiver, Davante Adams, in A short week due to Covid. Another weapon of Aaron Rodgers, Allen Lazard, is ruled out. Lazard coming off a great game in week seven is probably the Packers number two guy in the passing game for the Packers. Cardinals find out how JJ Watt, once again wattage only lastS for a half dozen games a year, is out with injury. I think Cardinals defense can survive in ashort week without Watt, while the Packers offense may have troubles matching scores with Arizona’s high powered offense.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT NEW YORK JETS

The radio waves are burning up in Cincinnati as the Bengals trounced the Ravens last week.

The Bengals have not been the real deal since the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati was on prime time in the early 1980’s.

We know the New York Jets don’t have play makers like WKRP and the Bengals have. Rookie quarterback Zach Wilson is out. Who knows who the second string quarterback for the Jets is? Bengals will be a top survivor pick in week 8.

OUR PICK:BENGALS

TENNESSEE TITANS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Titans have risen from the dead after the Jets loss. Titans have knocked off two of the top tier teams in the AFC the last two weeks. The’ve taken out the Bills and Chiefs in back-to-back weeks. The Colts are like a bad Jason movie on Friday the 13th this season. Think Jason and the Colts are dead but suddenly they’re here!!!

Titans are just due for a loss after coming up with ways to win the last two weeks. The Colts started their season with one of the toughest schedules and have won 3 out of their last 4 games. Colts win by a ball hair in week 8 and reach the 500 mark for the first time this season.

OUR PICK:COLTS

LA RAMS AT HOUSTON TEXANS

Texans traded away their top running back away this week to the Saints, Mark Ingram. Must be nice as the Rams have played the Lions last week and now get to kick the Texans around this week. The Rams are like the Gooch, from the sitcom Different Strokes.

Taking the Texans lunch money on the playground.

OUR PICK: RAMS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

Are the Browns and Steelers the worst two teams in the the AFC North? Both teams fighting off injuries. Baker Mayfield expected to return. Big Ben Roethlisberger still holding up after six games so far this season. The Browns running game will be the key to a Browns victory at home. This might be the last chance for Myles Garrett to use Big Ben’s helmet as a weapon and crumble the father of time clock.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT DETROIT LIONS

It’s Halloween Sunday and my upset of the Sunday slate is the Lions winning their first game of the year.

Eagle fans will have to live through the Nightmare of week 8. They are not going to like it.

OUR PICK:LIONS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT CHICAGO BEARS

Head coach for the Bears, Matt Nagy, is sidelined with Covid. For that reason, the Bears have a chance. The 49ers are desperate for a victory and the Bears are the perfect meal.

Jimmy Garoppolo knocked off the rust last week from his return from injury. Garoppolo is from the Chicagoland area and will have plenty of family in the stands at Soldier Field. Look for Garoppolo to have a big game versus the Bears. Justin Fields will make it interesting for the Bears, but the offensive line will cave in and the rookie will make yet another mistake that costs them the game.

OUR PICK:49ERS

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS

Sam Darnold turned back into Sam Darnold of the Jets.

It’s up to the Falcons to put a bullet in Sam Darnold’s brain. Panthers are probably missing Teddy Bridgewater these days.

OUR PICK:FALCONS

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT BUFFALO BILLS

Bills are probably still fuming at the loss to the Titans in a game they had in the trick or treat bag.

The Bills will use the rock they got in that Titans game coming off a bye week and use it versus the Dolphins. Dolphins right now are in disarray as the team now wants to trade for the rapist, Deshaun Watson.

OUR PICK:BILLS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT LA CHARGERS

I’m not getting geeked up over the 54 points the Patriots scored over the hapless Jets last Sunday. The Chargers suddenly regressed in a bad game versus the Ravens two weeks ago. Patriot are improving, but they are not there yet.

The Chargers will unleash their aerial attack and it will be too hard to handle for the Patriot defense to even try to contain.

OUR PICK:CHARGERS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

This was a tough call kind of match up. I was leaning Jaguars, who won their first game last time they played on another continent. Seattle without Russell Wilson has played tough in losses to some elite teams of the NFL.

On Halloween, we will find out Geno Smith’s body has an imposter. Smith is due for a NFL victory behind center as a starting quarterback even if it’s not him in his own body. Do you think Pete Carroll is an Earthling?

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM AT DENVER BRONCOS

If the Broncos and the TEAM combined their forces, they would have one hell of defense. However they’d still be lacking a quarterback.

This is Addams family versus the Munsters and the winner takes the Nick at Night trophy. Cousin It, who is Teddy Bridgewater, goes family to family because no one quite wants him after a dozen games or so. He helps the Broncos pull out a much needed victory.

OUR PICK:BRONCOS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

This match up is no longer that Godzilla versus Kong.

Last year it was Tom Brady versus Drew Brees. Can you say it will be Jameis Winston’s revenge game? Can’t go there yet as Tampa Tom is still QB 1 for the Buccaneers. Winston is still on a short leash in New Orleans. Buccaneers will win this match-up convincingly .

OUR PICK BUCCANEERS

DALLAS COWBOYS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Sunday night should be a shootout between the Vikings and the Cowboys. In big games on prime time, Kirk Cousins seems to always fail in the spotlight. Cowboys look like an elite team in the NFC. The Cowboys have the edge with the better defense than the Vikings. The game will be decided at the end.

OUR PICK:COWBOYS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

NEW YORK GIANTS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Giants earned their second win last Sunday over a struggling Carolina team. Chiefs looked bad versus a good Tennessee team. Chiefs have lost to top teams in the AFC. Giants are not in that tier or category. Chiefs have dominated teams in the NFC East. Look for the Chiefs to rebound and get their record back to the 500 mark.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

Last Sunday, I thought I was watching a rerun of a Bears game from the Marc Trestman ERA. Instead of Tom Brady’s Patriots, it was Tampa Tom’s Buccaneers. Matt Nagy played the role of Marc Trestman. Nagy should win an Oscar in that performance as the Buccaneers crushed the Bears in Florida, 38-7. The Bears offense once again was a disgrace. The Bears defense never left the plane. The Bears grand scheme of a game plan was horrific. The Bears record is now 3-4 for the season. Some would say the Bears have 10 games left on the schedule. I say put the toe tag on the Bears and call it week 7 when the season is officially over. November 2nd is the trade deadline and Bears need to collect draft picks like kids collecting baseball cards. Once your team plays like a Trestman-run team, there’s no coming back from that.

The Bears upcoming schedule should tell you this team has no chance of making post-season and more embarrassment is on the way. This Sunday, Bears play a talented 49ers team who are desperate for a victory. Then the first week of November on Monday night, they play a great Steeler defense. Just a reminder, the Bears offense is the worst in the entire league. Then Bears get their bye week. They then play the Ravens, one of the top tier teams of the AFC. Then on Thanksgiving, which will be a short week, they might beat the Lions. After that is the second meeting with the Bears owner, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. After that, they play the undefeated Cardinals. Then two games against the Vikings, of which the Bears may be able to win one of those. Since the NFL now plays 17 games a season, Matt Nagy’s regular 8-8 seasons will be obsolete. No way the Bears win 9 games. Would a 9-8 record get the Bears into post-season? Doubt it. Bears would need some team plane crashes for the Bears to get in to the post-season tournament.

The first guy I’d get rid of, if I ran the Chicago Bears, is defensive end Robert Quinn. Robert Quinn played six games so far this season and has racked 5.5 sacks this season. Very Quinn-like, he missed last Sunday after catching Covid. Last year he missed a week that had something to deal with the pandemic. Protesting or something unique. Quinn was MIA on the Bears defense last season even though he played in 15 games. Right now, Quinn’s stock is high as he is worth something. Quinn already has more sacks this season than his two he had last year. I do not care what round the draft pick is for, from another team for Robert Quinn. Trading him, you hope the Bears are not on the hook for the rest of his salary. I would worry that if you do not get some team to take him off your hands, he’ll go back to his 2020 level of play. Then you’re stuck with his services for the remainder of that lengthy contract.

Would Allen Robinson be a good number two receiver for a team who’s going to post-season? Robinson is a number one receiver for the Bears, but for most other teams I think his value is number two. The argument you can throw out there is Robinson has had bad Bears quarterbacks throwing him the football all these years. This is true. I can name so many talented receivers in the league that are better than him. Does Robinson scare defenses? A number one receiver has big games almost every week being covered by the opponent’s best defender. Right now the Bears have Robinson on the franchise tag. Robinson is being paid like a top tier receiver. I don’t see the Bears giving Robinson a contract extension. Plus Robinson has no chemistry with rookie quarterback Justin Fields. Throughout pre-season Robinson was getting all his reps from Andy Dalton. No way the Bears franchise tags Robinson again for the second straight year. Let’s get something for him. I can see Robinson dressing up like a woman to get off this Bears sinking Titanic that hit a Trestman iceberg.

Head coach Matt Nagy is sidelined with Covid this week. Love to see Matt Nagy stay home this Sunday and see what Chris Tabor does running the team. Tabor is the special teams coach for the Bears, a guy who has high energy. A different voice could help the Bears not get down to that Trestman game level. I should say Matt Nagy level. Even if the Bears play better, no way they will make the playoffs with that offensive line they have assembled. The dream would be to clean house in Chicago. Get rid of Matt Nagy and General Manager Ryan Pace. The Bears should have done that after the playoff game versus New Orleans, last season. Do you trust GM Ryan Pace getting rid of a few players to get draft picks?

The Bears have some players they can build around on both sides of the ball. On offense, the team hopes Justin Fields is the answer at the quarterback position of years to come. If Fields can survive this season. Darnell Mooney in his second year as a receiver, looks like a keeper. A pair of running backs in David Montgomery and now rookie Khalil Herbert should be kept. On defense, Roquan Smith is the new Wilbur Marshall, a linebacker that crushes people. Khalil Mack is obvious, but he costs you a lot of money. I would keep Jaylon Johnson who is emerging as a shut down corner back. Anyone else can be traded in a Bears midnight madness sale. Make it an early Black Friday sellathon. Build up draft capital so we can fix the offensive line and add some weapons for Justin Fields. Shedding salary, the Bears can add free agents in the off-season. Thought we buried the Mark Trestman ERA for good years ago. Bears ownership is like a stupid dog who keeps digging it up like a lost bone.

NFL STRAIGHT PICK-EM WEEK SEVEN

LAST WEEK’S RECORD (10-4)

We took a step backwards with our picking in week six, getting 4 wrong in less games on the docket.

In week seven, we are looking to rebound and carve our own niche into another shorter week of interesting match-ups.

OVERALL RECORD (67-27)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD (6-0)

LET’S DIVE IN TO WEEK SEVEN

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD (3-3)

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

DENVER BRONCOS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

The Browns have multiple injuries. Baker Mayfield is out. The one year wonder, Case Keenum, will be behind center for the Browns. This is a perfect opportunity for Teddy Bridgewater to sneak into Cleveland and leave with a victory. Browns will have to rely on their defense as the offense is down to their third string running back. Cleveland’s defense is like Forest Gump’s box of chocolates. You don’t know what unit will show up.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM AT GREEN BAY PACKERS

Washington’s defense was one you could rely on last year. The Team’s defense this season still has not shown up. Aaron Rodgers’ revenge tour has won 5 straight since taking a loss to the Saints on opening day. Rodgers was amped up last Sunday with a win in Chicago. Rodgers claims he owns the Bears as congratulations to being a share holder to one of your enemies. Rodgers can say he beat you and owns you… talk about having your cake and ice cream. Packers offense is too much to handle for the team. Besides Aaron Rodgers’ arm, it’s a two headed monster in the Packers backfield that can cause problems for their opponents. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon can move defenses backwards. Should be a relatively easy day at home for Green Bay to get the job done.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT TENNESSEE TITANS

Chiefs needed a doormat they could walk all over last Sunday. Thankfully, Washington was there for them. The Titans won a big game on Monday night versus a good Bills team. Did the Titans make the big plays or did the Bills gift wrap that game for the Titans? Look for this game to be a shootout. Late in the game, Patrick Mahomes will have his Chiefs up by ten points Titans will abandon their running game with Derrick Henry, and Ryan Tannehill will make the game close, but Chiefs escape Nashville with a big road win. I just can’t see the Titans defense stopping two big time offenses in back-to-back weeks.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

ATLANTA FALCONS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS

How would you like to fly all the way to London, England and lose to Jacksonville? Giving the Jags their first win of the ,and the rookie Trevor Lawrence gets his first win in the NFL behind center. Then the Dolphins find themselves playing in week seven. Is this the curse of the Beard?

Former Dolphins quarterback, Ryan Fitzpatrick, was benched last season in Miami for TUA Time. Miami failed to make the playoffs after winning ten games. Fitzpatrick would sign a deal with Washington. Miami stinks. Fitzpatrick gets hurt before the season starts in Washington. Taylor Heinicke, a young quarterback, takes over the team that made the playoffs last year and totally suck this year. Conspiracy theory? It’s simple. The Falcons are well rested having a bye last week. Dolphins are just a shell of their former selves from last year.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

NEW YORK JETS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The Patriots’ Death Star rebuild is showing some flashes of life. The rookie quarterback, Mac Jones, last Sunday trading scores with Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott. The Evil Empire took a very good Cowboys team to overtime to decide that late afternoon match-up. Do you see the Death Star lighting starting to twinkle on? Bulbs in Bill Belichick’s grand plan starting to flash on. Look for Zach Wilson’s security blanket get taking out in this rematch between Jets and Patriots. You know Belichick will have another defensive plan worked up to confuse the Jets rookie behind center.

OUR PICK: PATRIOTS

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT NEW YORK GIANTS

This is a nice look for a Halloween costume. Panthers and Giants match-up is what medical staff need to get their teams’ bodies on the field. Lots of injuries on both teams’ rosters. Giants are a disaster right now as they have blown out the last two games. Carolina has lost three games in a row but played three close games as they lost to the Vikings in overtime. I like the Panthers defense in this match-up. I think that will help Sam Darnold not force any balls into mistakes, as Carolina finds a way to get back in the win column.

OUR PICK: PANTHERS

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

The Bengals could be easily 6-0 right now. Losses include in overtime to the Packers and just stupid turnovers in the game versus the Bears. Bengals and Ravens find themselves with first place on the line in the AFC North. Can the Bengals offensive line hold up against the Raven defense? Joe Burrows takes a lot of sacks. Bengals defense has guys also that can get to the quarterback. Former Saints defensive line, Trey Hendrickson, is having a great year.

Hendrickson has already racked up 5.5 sacks in his first year as a Bengal. Ravens defense has been solid all year. Can the Bengals stop Lamar Jackson from escaping the pocket? I’m going with the upset with this one. I have been burned on the Ravens a lot of times, especially picking against them. I like the Bengals making an early statement to the division in this contest. I think Ravens defense will have a hard time stopping Burrows’ aerial attack. If Wide Receiver Ja’Marr Chase does not beat you, some other guy will. Watch the Ravens rely on Lamar Jackson’s arm is where the Bengals will hold on dearly and escape Baltimore with a win.

OUR PICK:BENGALS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Chucky Gruden’s email problems mean the Raiders have a new voice and broke a two game losing streak last Sunday. The Eagles made a comeback versus the Buccaneers last Thursday but fell short. You feel the Raiders are playing loser than they were under Jon Gruden’s leadership. Last Sunday, Raiders had a well-balanced attack on offense with many playmakers involved. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles seem to always be playing from behind. I like Derek Carr in this match-up to have a big game in the passing department. I think the Raiders can exploit that Eagles defense. Look for DE, Mad Max Crosby, on the Raiders defense to give the Eagles some problems.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

DETROIT LIONS AT LA RAMS

The off-season trade between the Lions and Rams swapping quarterbacks. Matthew Stafford going to LA while Jared Goff heads to motor city.

The movie Trading Places sums up this match-up. This is just cruel and an unfair match-up for Jared Goff to be playing his former team. Matthew Stafford will have a huge game and torch his former team that is rebuilding and now starting to regress after playing some decent football. Lions have not won a game yet. I don’t see the Rams being their first victim. If you’re a Detroit fan watching this unfold on Sunday, it will just make you sick to your stomach.

OUR PICK: RAMS

HOUSTON TEXANS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

REUNION:

JJ Watt and DeAndre Hopkins will have a reunion with their former team. Houston fans are lucky they have the Astros in the World Series because the Texans are a hot mess. JJ Watt makes that Cardinal defense a much better unit than they were last season. DeAndre Hopkins and Kyler Murray instantly clicked in a trade between these two teams that is still a head scratcher today. Texans have a rookie quarterback that is playing like a rookie. Cardinals are a well-oiled machine on both sides of the ball and will stay undefeated against the Texans team lost in their own oil fields.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

CHICAGO BEARS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The Bears shocked Tampa Tom and the Buccaneers last year. Tom Brady looked old and confused in that contest, not knowing what down it was. The Bears defense has played well this season but might be without the rejuvenated DE, Robert Quinn. The Bears running game over the last several weeks have been opening some eyes the last few weeks. Look for the Buccaneers to put the Bears running game on ice. Buccaneers defense is tops in the league versus the run. I can’t see Justin fields right now beating the Buccaneers with his arm. If Buccaneers take away the Bears running game, this can turn very ugly. Look for Tom Brady to get revenge over the Bears for that loss last season. Brady wants to own a share of the Bears franchise just like his buddy in Green Bay.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The 49ers are just a better team with Jimmy Garoppolo on the field. Colts found a much needed win versus a bad Houston team. The 49ers are well rested after a bye week and at home. This game should be a close game with two good defenses and strong running games. I give the edge to Jimmy Garoppolo over Carson Wentz. Even Garoppolo might be rusty, but that bye week will pay off dividens as 49ers squeak out a close one on Sunday night.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Seahawks will be without Russell Wilson once again. Saints coming off a bye week. Seattle back up, the Great Geno Smith, took the Steelers to overtime last Sunday to come away with a loss. Saints have some key receivers out. I still think the Saints can score off a bad Seattle defense. I think the Saints defense will rattle Geno Smith, and he will make mistakes that cost Seattle the ball game even at home.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

Last Sunday, it was another typical loss for the Bears handed down by Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. It was Rodgers running in for the score that put the final nails in another Bear’s skin he will hang on his wall. It was emotional for Aaron Rodgers as he did his championship belt celebration or his State farm Insurance discount double check move. It was the words that spewed out of Rodgers that has everyone talking. “I Still Own You,” he screamed out as teammates came over to celebrate another Packer victory. This is now five in row since losing to New Orleans in Jacksonville during week one.

Rodgers bellowed it out three times at the top of his lungs. “I Still own you,” with the F-Bomb in there as well.

Rodgers would reveal later on in a press conference after the game that he blacked out after seeing some female fan double salute him with two birdies, one in each hand. Rodgers heard all kinds of sweet nothings from the Bears fans who rained down on the quarterback, who has mutilated their hearts for over a decade. Bears fans had to deal with Brett Farve before Rodgers, which comes out to three decades of humiliation from the Green Bay Packers in this division rivalry. Would be nice if someone from the Bears would punch Rogers in the nose and let him know this team and the fans of Chicago are not going to take this. But who?

A former Bears Center chimed in on the Mully & Haugh show on 670 AM radio over the Chicago air waves and did not like what Mr. Rodgers said and did in his neighborhood on Sunday. Kreutz said, “I’d like to punch him in the face,” referring to Aaron Rogers and his “I still own you” comment on Sunday.

Olin Kreutz was the same guy who punched his own teammate at an FBI shooting range in 2005. Kreutz does not ever hold anything back as he punched Fred Miller and broke his jaw during a BBQ at one of the the shooting ranges of the FBI. Kreutz, during his appearance on the Score radio, said Aaron Rodgers’ excuse was lame saying he blacked out and everything just came tumbling off his tongue in the spur of the moment. Kreutz’s blood was boiling in that interview as he knows Green Bay and Chicago are one of the oldest rivalries in the NFL and sports. Kreutz played in those games. Kreutz knows if Mr. Rodgers comes to his house and says what he says that this is not going to go well in future games for the quarterback. Only problem these days with the Bears is, who is going stand up for the little guy? The little guy seems to be the big city of Chicago as Green Bay is the Goliath.

When it comes to rivalries, you need people at the top of your organization to buy-in to get the players on board. We play the Packers twice a year and we need to win these games and/or play mistake-free games. Make it tough on them where they regret playing you, win or lose. Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy has one win versus the Packers so far in his tenure versus the Packers.We all know Matt Nagy’s bum is getting very toasty right now where he is sitting. Black Monday after the regular season is over, Matt Nagy should be fired. How many bums do we have to parade down the sidelines at Soldier Field to get it right at the Bears Head Coach position? Bums like Marc Trestman. Has-beens like John Fox. Now the spineless jelly fish of Matt Nagy and his war and peace playbook of shenanigans. At least when Lovie Smith was hired by the Bears, he said in his intro press conference, “Our first objective is beating the Green Bay Packers.” Lovie Smith fulfilled that promise in the beginning of his tenure with the Bears. The wheels fell off the Lovie bus after that as the Packers had their way with his teams. Especially we all recall the NFC championship between the Bears and Packers in 2010. That was the same year that if the Bears would have not rested some starters to close out the Packers in the last game of regular season, Green Bay would have never made the playoffs. The Bears need somebody with a loud personality like Da Coach Mike Ditka, who in the 1980’s his Bears teams dominated those Green Bay Packers teams. Ditka’s Bears never faced Brett Farve or Aaron Rodgers though. I do believe Ditka would have fared much better than the jokers we have had over the last 3 decades.

Aaron Rodgers is now 22-5 versus the Bears which includes the Packers win last Sunday in Chicago, a 24-14 final. Rodgers definitely has the Bears’ number over his entire career. However, is Rodgers a slave owner who claims he owns the Bears? Now a days Rodgers may be walking a very thin line saying that he owns somebody. Those are just words Rodgers said, and sticks and stones will break your bones, but names shouldn’t and won’t hurt. The NFL should not investigate whether Rodgers is a white slave owner. As we know, Jon Gruden’s emails that resurfaced & sent him packing. We know Rodgers is a D-Bag as everyone should be able to put those pieces of evidence together. The words, “I own you” should be echoing in the ears of the top brass at Halas Hall and the Bears team. These words will not go away. Even the Bears next opponent Tampa Tom Brady chimed in about Aaron Rodgers comments. Tom Brady congratulated Rodgers being a share holder of the Chicago Bears. The Bears need to do something about these comments. Rodgers disrespected your fans in your own house.

Placing a bounty on Aaron Rodgers’ head is so New Orleans Saints, like it’s been done before. I don’t want to see Robert Quinn mimic Aaron Rodgers’ discount double check celebration after a sack. Especially in the first quarter when the game is not over. The Bears should not need bulletin board material, which now they have when they meet the Packers in Green Bay later on this season. This is a rivalry and the Bears, good, bad, or ugly, should be giving their all versus the Packers. Giving the Packer a loss and disrupting their season is what needs to happen. Make the Packers a lower seed in the playoffs by beating them in Green Bay. Beating them in front of their home fans is always a good thing. If you’re going to lose, make it hard on Green Bay. Stick them in the ribs and let them know you are there with your tackling. The best way to get to Aaron Rodgers is make it uncomfortable all day long in the pocket. Make him earn it if you’re going to lose. Bears need to make their own revenge tour and not let Mr. Rodgers enjoy his own. Rodgers may not be playing for the Packers next season. Bears could get the last laugh in Green Bay. Then my thoughts go back to our leadership. Head coach Matt Nagy needs a pink slip. I don’t know who the Bears should hire if they have the balls to get rid of their weasel coach they have now. Bears need a dragon slayer, one who can make this thing back into a rivalry. Not a lopsided affair as the fans continue to get salt rubbed into their wounds.

,I’m very excited about the new NHL expansion team the Seattle Kraken. I’ve never been to Seattle, Washington, but I hear the landscape is Ireland-like. I have traveled to the old sod island. The old school would call Ireland the old country. All the green colors thanks to all the rain, make Seattle and Ireland just breathtaking. I would love the coffee and the craft breweries that have invaded the state of Washington. The sports landscape in Seattle I have always liked. Ken Griffy Jr. and all those great plays in the outfield climbing the walls in the old King dome stadium. The Mariners’ new baseball stadium looks gorgeous. People have told me Safeco field is a must see. The Seahawks legend, Steve Largent, catching anything that was thrown to him. One of the best receivers in NFL history. Remember Brian Bosworth mania?

Brian Bosworth was a bust in the NFL but it was a fun ride when Bo Jackson ran over him to get to the end zone in the Raiders/Seahawks game. I hated the old Seahawk Legion of Boom defense and head coach Pete Carol, who is very good at his job but also pond scum. Russell Wilson, a franchise quarterback like some teams have never seen with their own teams in the NFL. Wilson is fun to watch every Sunday, a must see. Do you remember the old Seattle Supersonics? Before they left town and moved to Oklahoma. Supersonics won the NBA championship in 1979. Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp had the Supersonics super for years as they faced Michael Jordan and the Bulls in one of Air-ness six championships. You know how that ended. How many baby-mothers did Shawn Kemp have that were from the Seattle zip code? In 2020, Seattle had the Dragons, another football team in the XFL.

The pandemic wiped out the Dragons and the entire XFL league. Seattle fans love their soccer. The Seattle Sounders are a big deal in the Pacific North West. Now Seattle welcomes their new team (and a) new sport in Seattle’s landscape the Kraken.

These days, expansion teams in any sports do not have to take lumps for years to be relevant. Look at the Las Vegas Golden Knights making it to the Stanley Cup finals in their very first season. The Golden Knights have made it to the playoffs every year of their existence so far. Golden Knights have proven they are one of the best teams in the NHL. With the expansion draft and a good plan, you can build a winner instantly.The Kraken may have taken a page out of the Golden Knights expansion plan because Seattle has a strong goalie tandem in-between the pipes.

The Kraken went out and signed a proven veteran goaltender in Philipp Grubauer. Grubauer had a hell of the year in net for the Avalanche last year. Grubauer started 39 games for Colorado & had a 30-9 record with .196 save % and 1.95 GAA. Plus seven shutouts. Grubauer probably left Colorado for the big pay day landing a six year deal worth 35.4 million. The Avalanche are a team right now with Stanley Cup aspirations.

Then the Kraken backed up their top goalkeeper with a veteran, former Florida Panther, Chris Driedger. Driedger is only 27 years old and has a 21-9 record in his career, filling in part time.

DEFENSE (Make the opponents piss all over themselves when you crash them against the boards.)

I like how the Kraken found a nice goalie tandem and added some great defenders around the net. Many teams in the NHL have weak defenders and they rely on their goalies way too much. Former Calgary Flame, Mark Giordano, has 954 games under his belt with 143 tallies and 368 assists, good for 511 points.

Giordano has that Russian look, like he’s going to kill you. Giordano will wear the Captain sweater with the big C on his chest for Seattle’s first ever season.

Kraken also added former Blue, Vince Dunn, who has 270 games on the ice with 32 goals, & 72 assists for 104 points in his career. Jamie Oleksiak former Star and Penguin has 24 career goals with 48 assists good for 72 points. Then the former Oiler and Devil, is Adam Larsson who has played in 608 NHL games. Larsson has 25 goals and 113 assists for 138 points in his career. These are solid defenders to have on the roster. Defense wins a lot of games.

PUT THE BISCUIT IN THE NET

To win hockey games your team has to be able to put the biscuit in the net. Who is going to be the guy in Seattle to do that? Will it be a group of guys? The more the merrier.

May the Schwartz be with the Seattle Kraken this season. Jaden Schwartz might be the force behind the Kraken offensive attack. Schwartz is another X-Blues. Schwartz has 154 goals in his career. He brings the Kraken another veteran who has slipped 19 goals in the net in 5 different seasons. The Kraken have 8 forwards that reached the double digits in goals scored in this most recent shortened season.

THE PROJECTED LINES

#1. JADEN SCHWARTZ, JARED MCCANN, JORDAN EBERLE

#2.MARCUS JOHANSSON, ALEX WENNBERG, CALLE JARNKROK

#3. RYAN DONATO, MORGAN GEEKIE, JOONAS DONSKOI

#4.BRANDON TANEV, RILEY SHEAHAN, NATHAN BASTIAN

Dave Hackstol will make history being the first ever Head Coach of the Seattle franchise. Can Hackstol make his coaching tenure legendary? Not just making history being the first to be hired at this job. Hackstol was an assistant coach with the Maple Leafs the last two seasons. Hackstol does have head coaching experience. Hackstol was the Head Coach of the Philadelphia Flyers for 3 1/2 years making the playoffs twice. Both playoff appearances ended in first round exits. Hackstol was Head Coach at the University of North Dakota for over ten seasons. University of Dakota is where Hackstol went to school. Hackstol went and played in the IHLfor the Indianapolis Ice and (I love the name) Minnesota Moose.

Dave Hackstol has an aggressive style of coaching. When I think of aggressive styles of play, the New York Islander teams of the last two seasons come to mind. A scrappy team that will hit you for the puck.

The Kraken look good on paper. The original plan might not be the recipe for success. This roster could easily be a hit, or turn into a burning wreck. Some players will rise up and some that we thought might do well could suddenly not have their game. Kraken fans are hoping they can quickly become a success like the Las Vegas Golden Knights. This could take years. Hopefully not as long as the Mariners playoff drought. You may need a few extra craft beers watching this all unfold on television, or in person. Extra beers for whatever the Kraken turn out to be… good, bad, or just plain ugly.

NFL STRAIGHT PICK-EM WEEK SIX

LAST WEEK’S RECORD (14-2)

Our best week of the season at 14-2 in week 5. Our secret was we turned the boot slightly.

SEASON STATS

OVERALL RECORD (57-23)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD (5-0)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD (3-2)

WEEK SIX WE HAVE OUR GAME FACE ON.

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Eagles are missing pieces on their roster and some injuries as they are not flying right. Tom Brady and the Buccaneers will find and exploit weaknesses the Eagles have on defense. Look for Jalen Hurts to make some point of the game interesting as the Eagles do score in chunks. Eagles can and will beat the bottom of the pond scum teams in the league, but will not be able to take out a top tier team. The Eagles may win a quarter of the game. That’s all they can muster up versus a well-balanced team like the Buccaneers.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Battle of Florida in London, England. Do you think these two teams from Florida playing across the pond will lack the beach babes in the stands?

Not sure these girls will provide Urban Meyer, the coach of the Jaguars, a lap dance. This is a game Urban Meyer and his young quarterback can win. Both teams blown out last week. Miami has some injuries. The Dolphins defense can not stop the run, one of worst at that in the league. Jaguars running back James Robinson should have a big day. Look for Trevor Lawrence to use his feet for big chunks of yards. I think the rookie quarterback gets his very first NFL victory and does it in on another continent.

OUR PICK JAGUARS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT THE WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM

Once upon a time ago, this match up would be a battle of two teams using the Native American Indian as their logo. Since then, the Redskins logo has been removed from society. The Chiefs have not used the Indian cartoon in years, even decades, as they have an arrow head on their helmets. The Washington Football team lost their nickname last year. This year the TEAM lost their defense and can’t find it, like losing your wallet. Chiefs coming off a huge loss last week to the Bills at home. Who’s scalping who? Patrick Mahomes and company should put a 40 pointer on the scoreboard with a rebound win.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

LA RAMS AT NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants are a MASH unit. Giants racked up numerous amount of injuries last week versus the Cowboys to their playmakers. Giants will have a problem with the type of defense the Rams bring to the table. Matthew Stafford each week, behind center, is getting better and better. It’s a good week for the Rams to get a good work out in, and tune up their own game. This thanks to the Giants being able to participate in their own beating.

OUR PICK: RAMS

HOUSTON TEXANS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Colts have played Seattle, LA Rams, Tennessee, & Baltimore so far this year… all losses. The lone win came versus the Dolphins. Welcome Houston with open arms. Colts, a playoff team from last year, have played a very tough schedule. Colts should be able to play their game of ball control offense and be able to stop the Texans offense who is guided by a struggling rookie quarterback, Davis Mills, who has already 5 interceptions thrown.

OUR PICK: COLTS

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT DETROIT LIONS

Sometimes you forget the Bengals are a pretty good team this season. The Bengals had the Packers on the brink last week in a game that went to overtime. Lions only growl when they dig themselves into a hole in each contest early, with mostly stupid mistakes. No way the Lions will be able to contain a high powered offense by the Bengals, which will make people start opening their eyes, as Joe Burrows has a running game and a slew of play-making receivers. Plus, Bengals can get to their opponents’ quarterback. Could this be a recipe for the post-season or is it too early to talk about that?

OUR PICK: BENGALS

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT CHICAGO BEARS

Here we go again. The Bears have won two games in row. Justin Fields’ play means the talk now suggests he is the real deal at quarterback. The Bears defense is a resurgence of that 2018 unit. Head coach Matt Nagy is still an idiot. Slow your roll, Bears have beat the Lions and a Raiders team in disarray.

When it comes to good teams and the one guy, the slayer of Bears, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, the hype of the Bears comes back to earth in a tumbling boom. The Matt Nagy offense seems only to work well against the bottom tier of the league. Green Bay has the Bears number. They call Packers and Bears a rivalry, but it’s more like a hunt to slaughter and reduce the populations.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

LA CHARGERS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

This may be the game of the week between the Chargers and the Ravens, both 4-1 teams. Both teams have in common that they beat the Chiefs. Both teams are talented on both sides of the ball, so it should be a battle to the very end. Chargers can score points off great defensive units as they did versus the Browns last week and put 47 points on the board. Chargers could exploit the Ravens defense with short precision passes. It could be the key to escape Baltimore with a big victory and make a statement to the rest of the league.

OUR PICK:CHARGERS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS

Vikings are due for a big game on offense. The Viking defense has played much better than the start of the season. Meanwhile, the hopes of getting Christian McCaffrey back in the fold is not happening. The Carolina running back heading to the injured list. Carolina season started off with a bang and now is slipping down the toilet.

Quarterback Sam Darnold has played like dirty toilet water the last two weeks as he has 6 interceptions for the season. Kirk Cousins is due for a big game.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

To me, this game is an upset in the works. The Cardinals offense came back down to earth and only put up 17 points, but they still won the game. The Browns scored 42 points and lost the game versus the Chargers. I could see the Browns rebounding in a big way while the Cardinals suffer their first loss of the season.

It’s time for the clowns to rise up. Where have you been all season Jadeveon Clowney? Starting to think Clowney is all hype. Look for Myles Garrett and the Clowney to disrupt Kyle Murray’s Mojo. Nick Chubb is out. Kareem Hunt’s carry load will increase and pay off big time in A HUGE WIN as CLEVELAND ROCKS!!!

OUR PICK: THE BROWNIES

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT DENVER BRONCOS

Jon Gruden is quite a poet and he didn’t know it would come back to haunt him. What goes in the clouds will stay in the clouds. Gruden is out as head coach of the Raiders as he steps down. Chucky Gruden’s comments will put an end to his services in the NFL. Cool to see Jon Gruden resurface in the XFL. Broncos and Raiders both have been playing badly in recent weeks. Usually the interim coach, a different voice, can provide a quick victory right after the firing or this case stepping down. I like the Broncos being at home and their defense getting them back in the win column.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

DALLAS COWBOYS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

If only the Patriots had a Tom Brady behind center to be able to keep up with the Dallas Cowboys offense. Not sure what the Patriots would need to upset the Cowboys.

Maybe Head Coach Belichick is looking through the peep hole to find Dallas’ playbook.

The old Statue of Liberty play in the Patriots playbook, deflating the tires of the opponent’s planes, trains, or automobiles.

Belichick can take a page out of the Astros play book. If Belichick acts now, he can have free delivery of a Houston trash can by Amazon right before game time.

OUR PICK:COWBOYS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Without Russell Wilson behind center and Ben Roethlisberger’s arm about to fall off, this game should be a wash. I do like the Steelers being at home. The Steelers defense is better than the Seahawks bend and broken defense. Steelers running game and few passes out mean Big Ben should be enough to get Pittsburgh back to the 500 mark.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

THE MONDAY NIGHT AFFAIR

BUFFALO BILLS AT TENNESSEE TITANS

Bills scratch the Chiefs off their revenge list last Sunday night. Bills could get even with the Titans from last season. It was the game when Derrick Henry’s man handled the Bills running them over like a steam roller. Bills defense is better than that from the last meeting. Tennessee’s defense was able to get turnovers last time these two teams met. I think the Bills will have a cleaner game. I can’t see the Titans able to keep up with the Bills, score to score. These are the same Titans that lost to the Jets two weeks ago. Bills have won 4 in a row and are just giving teams a beat-down.

I think that Buffalo fan needs another beer. Get me one while you’re in the cooler.

OUR PICK:BILLS

NFL STRAIGHT PICK-EM WEEK 5

Our usual foursome of losses turned into five-some in week 4

LAST WEEK’S RECORD (11-5)

SEASON STATS

OVERALL RECORD (43-21)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD (4-0)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD (2-2)

WE ARE GOING RIGHT UP THE MIDDLE WITH OUR WEEK FIVE PICKS

WEEK 5

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

LA RAMS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Seattle might be the worst team in the NFC West. The 12th man home-field advantage does not scare people off. Rams coming off their first loss of the year versus the Cardinals. I can’t see the Rams losing two key division games, two weeks in a row. Rams had the Seahawks’ number before Matthew Stafford came to town. Seattle’s defense can’t contain the Rams receiving core. Russell Wilson will keep it close.

OUR PICK: RAMS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

NEW YORK JETS AT ATLANTA FALCONS (IN LONDON)

NFL back in London for the first time since 2019 as two bottom feeders of the NFL square off. Rookie quarterback Zach Wilson led his Jets over the Titans last Sunday for his first victory in his career and the team’s first win in 2021. Falcons defense is horrible. You can say the Jets defense is a tad better. Falcons have played two good games in the last two weeks coming away with one win. I like the veteran leadership of Matt Ryan getting the job done on this field trip, scheduled early in the season for his team.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

BACK IN THE STATES SUNDAY SLATE

DETROIT LIONS AND MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Who needs this game more, the Lions or Vikings? Vikings do need to stay in the playoff picture and not bottom out after 5 weeks in the regular season. Lions, I thought should have beat the Bears last week. Lions have shown grit trying to come back in these games. It’s stupid mistakes they keep making, digging themselves a hole early in these games. Vikings have won 7 straight against the Lions. I like the Vikings offense to have a big day at home and keep Detroit in pursuit of the number one draft pick in 2022.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM

Week 5 battle of the Even Stevens. Do the Saints need to take the leash off Jameis Winston?

Jameis Winston’s dog breath would smell like crab legs. Can Ron Rivera get that Washington defense back to its 2020 form? Both these teams have been hard to figure out each week. The Saints blew a second half lead giving the Giants their first victory of the year. I think Sean Payton will come up with a creative game plan that will get this offense a jolt of confidence and get his team back on track.

OUR PICK: THE SAINTS COME MARCHING IN

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT CAROLINA PANTHERS

, Eagles did their best to keep up with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense last Sunday. You need a perfect game which it was not for Philadelphia. The Panthers lost their first game of the year to the Cowboys as Sam Darnold’s Jet-itis came back as he threw two interceptions. Darnold should be able to do what he’s been doing all year long versus the Eagles defense. The Panthers defense will also rebound and make things tough for Jalen Hurts. Panthers will win a close one at home.

OUR PICK: PANTHERS

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT LA CHARGERS

All year long I have picked against the Chargers. All year long I’ve picked the Browns. Both teams are 3-1 and both teams are well-balanced on both sides of the ball.

This week I’m jumping on the Chargers bandwagon. Justin Herbert and the Charger offense have been dealing it and the defense has been strong. Both units right now for the Chargers are playing better than what Cleveland has on the field at this time.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

CHICAGO BEARS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Both the Bears and Raiders are confusing. Bears won their second game of the year against the Lions. Justin Fields looked much better as the team designed a nice running game behind him. Did the Lions giftwrap that game for the Bears with all the mistakes they made on the field and coaching? Raiders meanwhile lost their first game of the year. Lets not forget Khalil Mack gets amped up playing his former team. Chucky, head coach Jon Gruden, has been in the news with one of his racist emails resurfacing.

Can’t we all just get along? The Bears will be without their starting running back, David Montgomery, which I think is big blow to Justin Fields and the Bears offense. Raiders will exploit a weekended Bears secondary to win a close one at home.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

TENNESSEE TITANS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Do you think the Titans will lay another clunker on the field this week? Titans losing to the Jets. Could they follow that up and lose to the Jaguars this week?

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Head Coach of the Jaguars has been a very busy man since last Thursday’s loss to the Bengals. Has Urban Meyer lost his team after not flying home with them, staying in Ohio, getting drunk, and having a lap dance. How do these things happen with everyone having a cell phone in their pockets? Titans rebound.

OUR PICK: TITANS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT HOUSTON TEXANS

Whose rookie quarterback is better? The Empire has that covered with the play of Mac Jones. Davis Mills has had some moments, but most of the time he’s in over his head so Houston will have some problems. Bill Belichick’s defense should get some turnovers in this contest and rather win easily.

OUR PICK: PATRIOTS

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The state of Florida and a home game for the Buccaneers are exactly what Tom Brady needs. Miami’s defense has struggled to stop other teams. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett has not done enough to convince me that he can out duel the Man named Brady. That man, Brady now has his homecoming in Boston out of the way and escaped that media circus with a win. He can now just play football.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS

Both the Bengals and Packers are 3-1. Could the Bengals get the upset? Could Joe Burrows turn this game into a shoot out? Aaron Rodgers can out-duel many quarterbacks in a shootout. Both teams have solid running games as Bengals leans on Joe Mixon while the Packers use Aaron Jones. Who has the better defense? Bengals probably with the stout pass rush which gives their unit the edge. Aaron Rodgers will get the ball out quicker, prevail at the end, and continue his revenge tour in a close one.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

DENVER BRONCOS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Teddy Bridgewater’s injury will hurt the Broncos’ chance of stealing a road victory in Pittsburgh. Steelers defense will keep this game close. The pressure is on Big Ben Roethlisberger to produce or hand the keys over to the back-up quarterback. The clock is ticking for Big Ben. Steelers find a way to break their three game losing skid. Look for Najee Harris to have a big day on the ground for the Steelers to seal the deal in front of the home crowd.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

NEW YORK GIANTS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

‘The Cowboys by far are the best team in last years dreaded NFC East. Giants came from behind and beat the Saints last week to get their first victory. Cowboys offense has run like a well oiled machine as they have put points on the board. Cowboys defense which was liability especially last year has been able to stop teams and force the turnovers. I just can’t see Daniel Jones going toe-to-toe exchanging scores with Dak Prescott. Cowboys are even starting to get production out of Ezekiel Elliot.

Looks like Elliot has had some feeding frenzies just not with the football.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

I’m excited to see Trey Lance make his first NFL start this week. Cardinals defense has been pretty good so far with the off-season additions the team has made. It’s the play of Kyler Murray that has the Cardinals undefeated and winning big in each game so far. That solid defense is contributing unlike last year. Trey Lance could become a thorn in the Cardinals’ sides for years to come.

However this Sunday, Trey Lance may look and play the parts of rookie quarterback.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

BUFFALO BILLS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

This is the game I’ve been waiting for all year. The AFC Championship game from last season as the Chiefs prevailed.

The Bills will see Red and become the Punisher on the road on Sunday night and slay their dragon. I love what the Bills are doing on defense. I know the Bills can score points on the Kansas City Chief’s defense. Right now the Chiefs are not playing their best football. Bills are clicking on all cylinders since taking that opening day loss at home to a weak Steelers team. This is a perfect game to make a huge statement around the league on a prime-time game and Buffalo will come up big.

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

Colts finally prevailed last Sunday and won their first game of the year. Ravens are 3-1 and at home will be tough for the Colts to walk away with an upset. Last time Ravens and Colts played, Baltimore won 24-10. Plus, Ravens are just playing better football right now.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

NFL STRAIGHT PIC-EM WEEK 4

LAST WEEK’S RECORD (12-4)

Two weeks in a row at a 12-4 record. We’ll take that. Not too shabby.

SEASON STATS

OVERALL RECORD (32-16)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD (3-0)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD (2-1)

OUR WEEK 4 PLUNGE INTO THE END ZONE PICKS:

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS

Who will be the Top Cat in this Thursday night affair? Bengals are figuring out how to win games as a team. The Jaguars are not there yet.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM AT ATLANTA FALCONS

I just feel one of these teams are better than the other. Washington’s stellar defense seems to have disappeared from last season. At least the team has somebody on that side of the ball who can tackle. Both these teams beat the Giants, so whoever wins this one wins the bottom of the barrel tournament.

You never know what you will find at the bottom of the barrel.

OUR PICK: THE WASHINGTON TEAM AKA (REDSKINS)

HOUSTON TEXANS AT BUFFALO BILLS

The Texans will have more problems in this contest especially with a rookie quarterback behind center. Bills are like the serial killer sharpening up their weapons on offense.

Bills offense finally had their coming out party last week. The Bills defense should be talked about more. Houston will have a long day at the office this Sunday. Bills fans should walk away from this game, if they can, very happily.

OUR PICK: BILLS

DETROIT LIONS AT CHICAGO BEARS

As a Bears fan, I’ve had enough of Matt Nagy’s war and peace playbook that is not tailored to his own quarterback’s strengths. Lions have been playing hard in every game for their new head coach. I could see the Bears defense taking over this game. Lions have more stability right now behind center with Jared Goff, than the Bears combo of rookie Justin Fields & veteran Andy Dalton. Let’s go with the upset so heads can roll in Chicago’s front office. Hopefully Matt Nagy will be one of the heads lopped off.

OUR PICK: LIONS

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

Panthers have played very well so far. Without the Panthers star running back, Christian McCaffrey, in the line up, Carolina will have a problem keeping up with the Cowboys scoring machine. Cowboys offense with Dak Prescott and a healthier offensive line is hard to beat and keep up with. Plus, Cowboys defense is not a bad stat like last year as they can make a few tackles. The Panthers’ young defense will make things interesting.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS

Is this Jacoby Brissett’s revenge game versus his old team, the Colts? What has gone wrong in Indianapolis? The Colts have started off with a very difficult schedule. Carson Wentz has dealt with some lower body injuries. Brissett is filling in for the injured Tua “Time” Tagovailoa. You can say Brissett and Tua are very similar in their quarterback play. The Dolphin defense to me is not as strong a unit as they had last season. I’m going Colts one more time and if they lose, I will be done picking them to win for the rest of the year.

OUR PICK: COLTS

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski will be going back to his old stomping grounds in Minnesota. Are the Browns defense legit after blowing up the Bears offensive line? Some would say the Bears’ Matt Nagy was why the Browns defense were so successful last Sunday. Vikings offense is legit. Vikings defense is not. Kirk Cousins in big games has not done well. The Browns’ two-headed monster at running back will be difficult to contain for those Barney purple people eaters.

OUR PICK: BROWNS

NEW YORK GIANTS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

If Matt Nagy does not get fired from the Chicago Bears first, Judge Dredd should be cancelled in New York.

Joe Judge’s Giants have not looked good this season after turning the corner late last season. Saints Head Coach Sean Payton has Jameis Winston on a short leash to avoid him making stupid mistakes, like his entire career with the Buccaneers. Overall, Saints look and feel like the better team in this match up.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

TENNESSEE TITANS AT NEW YORK JETS

Do you think Jets wide receiver Corey Davis regrets leaving Tennessee for New York?

Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson has been struggling. This should be an easy Titan victory.

OUR PICK: TITANS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Walrus left the stadium in an ambulance last Sunday. Now the Chiefs face Andy Reid’s old team, the Eagles, who are not soaring very high as they started off the season. Chiefs have lost two in a row.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT LA RAMS

NFC West may be the best division in football. The clash of two unbeaten rivals square off between the Rams and the Cardinals on Sunday. Cardinals struggled with the Jaguars most of the game last week. Rams played their best game to knock off the champion Buccaneers, last Sunday. A Ram let down this Sunday? Rams make a statement, stay perfect, and become a Superbowl contender. It’ll be the talk at the water cooler on Monday zoom wise at the offices.

OUR PICK: RAMS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

This is another great showdown in the NFC West this Sunday. Seahawks and 49ers have been exciting rivals for years when the Legion of Boom was knocking people’s heads off. Seattle lost their boom on defense. The 49ers lost in a close game on Sunday night versus the Packers. Meanwhile, Seahawks lost two in a row. Russell Wilson has his biggest game of the year which will result in a Seattle victory. Seattle’s desperate, a loss means the season is on the brink.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT DENVER BRONCOS

Can Denver stay perfect? Ravens played to the competition level of the Lions, and barely escaped Detroit with a victory last Sunday. Ravens will be the focus of this game and come in hungry like they were versus the Chiefs two weeks ago. Denver’s three wins are combined 0-9 for the season as Broncos have been feasting on the bottom of the barrel teams so far.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS

Steelers got lucky with their opening day victory in Buffalo. The Packers you knew were going to get back on track as Aaron Rodgers’ revenge tour has kicked into a higher gear. Big Ben Roethlisberger’s arm is due to completely fall off at some point soon. Packers at home are a visiting team’s nightmare.

These fans look about 5 beers & three brats in, for your typical Green Bay follower.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

We have been waiting for this match-up to occur and it will. Tom Brady versus the Coach, Bill Belichick. Since Brady left New England, people on their bar stools have been debating: Is it the player of the coach? Tom Brady comes home for the first time. This is a simple pick. Tampa Bay has won a Superbowl since leaving New England, for which you have to credit Tom Brady. Bill Belichick looks like the coach he was in his Cleveland days, as New England has been getting stepped on most weeks. Bill Belichick will walk away with egg on his face after this game concludes.

OUR PICK:BUCCANEERS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT LA CHARGERS

Can Chucky’s Raiders stay unbeaten? Chargers knocked off the Chiefs as the AFC West has become real interesting. Both Raiders and Chargers are on the rise. Raiders once were the King of Monday night.

Justin Herbert will have a big game. My hunch is Raiders make one play better than the Chargers, and win a close one in a thriller.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

We are now three full weeks into the 2021 NFL season and there are no signs of Deshaun Watson seeing the field for the Houston Texans. The Texans named Tyrod Taylor the starting quarterback and the team won their first game with him under center. Is beating the Jaguars these day a trophy animal you can put over the fireplace in your den? The Texans in week two had a lead on the Cleveland Browns in the second half, when unlucky Tyrod Taylor had to leave the game due to an injury. Texans go on to lose to the Browns in week two. Last Thursday, the Texans did not call on Deshaun Watson to go behind center for them. Instead, the Texans trotted out a rookie quarterback, Davis Mills, and Houston lost to Sam Darnold and the Carolina Panthers. Deshaun Watson is on the Texans roster. Watson has been inactive for all the Texans games so far this season. Watson is not even taking part in everyday football drills. Watson demanded a trade way before the young quarterback found himself in hot water with two dozen massage therapists for inappropriate behavior. Now the Houston and the organization are in limbo until things get settled off the field for Watson.

Deshaun Watson has been a very horny toad off the field. The former Clemson quarterback has 22 civil lawsuits filed with ten criminal complaints attached. Two dozen women massage therapists and who knows there could be more, have accused the Houston quarterback of wanting more than just a massage. Deshaun Watson has been very frisky with the gals, very hands on. Some of the sessions Watson tried to force them to give him oral sex. Before all of these women came out of the woodwork, Deshaun Watson told the Texans front office he wanted out of Houston. Watson thought he would have a say in who the Texans hire as the new General Manager. The Texans hired Nick Caserio and that’s when this off-season saga began. The new GM hired David Culley as the team’s new head coach. Both Culley and Caserio tried to convince Watson of playing for the Texans. Watson was not buying what they were selling.

Deshaun Watson has been in the NFL for 4 seasons, all with the Texans. Texans drafted him in 2017 in the first round. In 54 games behind center, Deshaun Watson has a 28-25 record. Watson’s career numbers are very good as he completes 68.2 % of his passes. Watson has thrown for 104 touchdowns with only 36 interceptions, which is remarkable. In 4 seasons, Watson has tallied up 14,539 yards. Watson has 8 comebacks and ten winning drives to credit. Watson has led the Texans to three post-season games in which he is 1-2 in those contests. In post-season, Watson has thrown for 870 yards with 4 touchdown passes and one interception. Watson is only 26 years old and could be one of the best all-time quarterbacks if he plays for more than ten seasons.

Deshaun Watson wanted to be involved in the hiring of a new coach and was a big believer in social justice, especially all the stuff that went down in 2020 besides the pandemic. Watson wanted a black General Manager. Probably a black coach as well. Plus the Texans dealt away his best receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, to the Arizona Cardinals which would make any quarterback miffed as they lose their favorite weapon. After the hiring of Nick Caserio, that’s when Watson demanded to be traded. Texans now are probably kicking themselves for asking too much for Deshaun Watson as other teams were very interested in his services. Like anybody that has a secret hidden deep inside them, how would the Texans know their quarterback tried to force female massage therapists down south of the border on himself? Some will say how convenient that all these gals claim that they were sexually abused after Watson talked about social justice. Oh yes, it happens every day, where a mob gets together to tell the same story. They give the awful details while they paint the picture of this situation just to get their 15 minutes of fame and some money. If this was fake news, Deshaun Watson would be playing football this season. The longer this thing goes, the worse it’s going to get for Mr. Watson. Lawyers are preparing a case to hang Watson and put him away for a very long time. Lawyers don’t want to screw this up and make this into another OJ Simpson case where they let the scum walk. The NFL is waiting in the wings to see what happens. Waiting for the verdict so the league will be a final judgement with a final executioner. The Texans are paying Watson not to play because if they void his contract and say he’s not guilty or gets off, then Houston is on the hook for the entire contract. Plus, trading him and getting something for him if Watson gets out of this situation. I really never understand athletes and celebrities in general that make so much money, and yet get into jams like this. DUI’s when they could have a car service drive them anywhere they want to go. Can Watson not afford the top call gals in the game to come over and give him what he needs for that week? I bet Watson got away with what he did to many of the massage therapists the first few times, and becoming a elite quarterback thought he was untouchable in his mind. So typical, people who chime off their soap box on one hot topic are doing something behind closed doors that is not right. Wasted talent down the drain. However, Watson will probably get off on it from some technicality. Getting off without having to force it, but will still put a dent in his wallet. My prediction is Watson will never play another snap in the NFL.