We are bringing in the muscle to help lift week 12 NFL Power rankings into your living quarters. We have a feeling by the end they will pump you up!!!

#1.ARIZONA CARDINALS (9-2)

The Cardinals go on the bye week with the best record in the NFC. Cardinals have the best record in the entire NFL. Cardinals won without their superstar quarterback behind center. Kyler Murray was out and with the bye week can get additional rest and come back in week 13 for Arizona. It’s great to have a good journeyman quarterback like Colt McCoy who got the job done filling in for Murray.

Colt McCoy is 2-1 filling in for Murray and has 3 touchdown passes. McCoy won his 10th game of his career, as a starter, with a win versus the Seahawks.

#2.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (7-3)

When the objects in your mirror are closer than they appear.

Is Tom Brady feeling the eyes? Or does he see the face of his former coach hunting him down? Will it be a Buccaneers versus Patriots Superbowl with Belichick’s team climbing up the standings? Tom Brady probably thought it was over at the reunion they had in Boston earlier in the season when the Buccaneers won in a monsoon. Brady and Buccaneers quietly broke their two game losing streak last Monday night. Maybe Brady wakes up in cold sweats seeing his former coach watching him in the window. Creepy creepy.

#3.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (7-4)

Thought the Chiefs were done. The defense looked in shambles giving up more scores than a whorehouse in Texas. Patrick Mahomes did not look like the superhero quarterback he’s been, throwing interceptions and being chased down by opposing defenses. Then the Chiefs defense holds the top scoring team in the league to only field goals last Sunday. First time this season the Cowboys offense did not score a touchdown in a game. Cowboys offense led the league in scoring coming in as well. The Chiefs offense looks better. Now the Chiefs go into the bye week in first place in the AFC West. Go figure.

#4.GREEN BAY PACKERS (8-3)

The Packers offensive line is getting some kinks in the armor. Elgton Jenkins’s torn ACL has him out. Plus David Bakhtiari is still recovering from his ACL. Aaron Rodgers is going to play through a bad toe. Packers have a date with the Rams this Sunday as they face a defense that will be looking for blood after losing two straight games. Could the Packers find themselves going into a bye week in a complete tailspin? I don’t think many would care less. Bad things should happen to bad people at times.

Not the first person to call Rodgers the Spawn of Satan.

#5. LA RAMS (7-3)

I know the Rams have lost two games in a row. The Rams, my gut feeling says, will come off this bye week a different team and really start to roll. Watch for the defense to get back to their old selves as one of the best units in the league. Waiting on something from Von Miller. Rams will unleash the dog.

A bye week for the dog Chopper, who goes by Odell Beckham Jr. and he indeed likes balls. Watch Beckham have a big play this Sunday versus the Packers in a Rams win.

#6.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (6-5)

Colts are 6-2 in their last 8 games. Colts have the toughest schedule to start the season. Some thought they were done… complete toast. Things are looking good in Indianapolis. Carson Wentz is finding himself and playing like he did early on in his career in an Eagle uniform before he took on injuries.

In his first year in a Colts uniform in 11 games, Wentz has thrown 18 touchdown passes and only 3 interceptions. This off-season trade could be a huge deal when everything is over. Many thought Wentz would just be OK and nothing special. This is under Frank Reich who was on the Eagles staff. Plus Jonathan Taylor is just a beast at running back. This move of the Colts, under the radar at the time, may be the best move of the season.

#7.TENNESSEE TITANS (8-3)

Titans hit yet another bump in the road losing to a bad Houston team. Before we throw the Titans under the bus and yell, “Their season is over.” Let’s not forget they lost to the Jets, another bad team & then after, went on a rampage and won six straight. They were beating very good teams as well. Titans still have the best record in the AFC. Titans just cut Adrian Peterson, a running back they just picked up.

Did the Titans give Peterson a going away spanking on the way out the door? Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Peterson’s career may be done.

#8.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (7-4)

I never thought I’d have the Patriots back in my top ten this quickly. Thought the Patriots would be cockroaches during an apocalypse. Split-up & hidden all over the world. Shacked up in some underground cave waiting a few years to multiple to reestablish themselves in society.

The new reestablished Empire of the Patriots have taken over small potato planets like the Falcons, Browns, Panthers, Chargers, and Jets. Can they take out a big dog planet, like the Titans this Sunday? If they can, the Empire may be back to reclaim the galaxy.

#9.BALTIMORE RAVENS (7-3)

Who is Tyler Huntley?

Huntley, making his first ever start in the NFL, goes out and beats the Chicago Bears. Perhaps someone in the Bears can mark that as a reason to fire Matt Nagy, head coach of the Bears. In a game Lamar Jackson could not play in due to battling flu-like symptoms, he turned it over to his back-up. Ravens lost the lead late in that game to the Bears. Huntley responded by driving the Ravens downfield and sealed the deal. Victories like that can go a long way in confidence for this Raven team down the stretch. Plus, it keeps the Ravens in the driver’s seat in the AFC North division.

#10. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (5-5)

Vikings may be the best offense unit in the league. Kirk Cousins is the second best passer in the league according to Pro Football Focus. During the week, the Vikings had to deal with an off-the-field issue with their defensive end, Everson Griffen, who thought someone was trying to kill him at his house in Minnesota. Griffin went for his gun and called 911. No intruder was at the Griffin household and the situation ended peacefully. Griffin has had mental issues in the past. Not sure how much Griffin has played this season for the Vikings as he returned to the team this season after playing in Dallas and Detroit. Vikings defense… can they protect the leads? Vikings can score on anybody. It’s their defense that will either cost them or help them get back to post-season.

#11.BUFFALO BILLS (7-4)

Bills have rebounded on Thanksgiving from what was just a bad loss versus a re-surging Colts team who humiliated Buffalo at home last Sunday. The Bills defense played well on the road against a Saints team that is missing pieces and an inferior quarterback off the scrap heap. The win on thanksgiving came with a hefty price.

Bills lose their shut-down corner-back in TreDavious White. He will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury which is a big blow to that defense. Josh Allen played better versus the Saints defense, but he continues to throw interceptions at a high rate. Bills offense, especially Allen, will have to clean up his game with the Patriots lurking. There’ll be a showdown next weekend with the Evil Empire and the AFC East on the table.

#12.DALLAS COWBOYS (7-4)

Not buying that the Cowboys are contenders. Cowboys seem more like pretenders. Cowboys offense has had a few of their play makers on the Covid list and they have missed a few games. Cowboys have lost 3 out of the last 4 games. The only win was against a very bad Falcon team. The unexpected Broncos gave the Cowboys an old-fashioned arse kicking. The Chiefs defense, which is not an elite unit in the league, held the top scoring machine in the league to only field goals. First game the Cowboys played this season, they did not score a touchdown. Then on Thanksgiving they let a dead Raiders team kick them around, all game. Raiders let the Cowboys back in that one. Dak Prescott looks off with his throws. The defense of the Cowboys looks like the unit from last year, who could not stop anybody. The Cowboys are looking more like the Three Amigos.

#13.LA CHARGERS (6-4)

The start of the season I thought the Chargers were well balanced on both sides of the ball. We knew the Chargers offense with Justin Herbert at quarterback would be able to put points on the board in chunks. The defense has been the liability for the Chargers. There are only so many shoot-outs you can win. In the post-season is when the shoot out comes back to haunt you. Justin Herbert is making some history becoming the first player in the Superbowl ERA to throw for 350 and rush for 90 yards, which he did against the Steelers. Chargers in 62 years of football never had this type of quarterback like Herbert doing the things he can do.

Two Chargers legends, Dan Fouts and Phillip Rivers, could hardly use their legs to get yardage like Herbert can.

Can Herbert live the legend of the great Stan “the Man” Humphries?

#14.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (5-5)

The 49ers are a team that was about to be taken out to the back of the woodshed and shot, this season over a few weeks back. The 49ers have now won two games in a row and one of them was the beating up on the Rams. Will the combo of head coach Kyle Shanahan and QB 1 Jimmy Garoppolo be the last run for these guys in San Francisco?

Trey Lance, the future of the 49ers, is waiting & watching. The feeling I’m getting is it’s playoffs or bust as this team could be doing a 360 turn in the off-season. Put Kyle Shanahan’s name in the Bears search for a new coach.

#15.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (5-6)

The Eagles are flying high right now and have two games in row. Eagles have the number one rushing attack in the entire NFL with 153.4 yards per game as a team. Eagles finally landed their first home victory of the season. Eagles could be running down an easy road the next two weeks, and improve in the standings with meetings against the Giants and Jets. Two victories would get the Eagles over the 500 mark.

#16. CLEVELAND BROWNS (6-5)

Baker Mayfield has somehow played through a slew of injuries. Mayfield has guts every Sunday hobbling out on the field. The Browns, to me, look like a team on life support. The AFC East is one of the toughest divisions in football. Browns have a date with the Ravens this Sunday which means Baltimore could put an end to Cleveland’s bark for the season. Kareem Hunt is expected to return from the injured list. The Browns will have to rely on their two-headed monster running-back combo to win games. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, you could say, are the three-headed monster with the rookie, D’Ernest Johnson. Browns will need to run because Mayfield is one hit away from his season being over. Where is that scary Browns defense? MIA most of the season. That unit needs to get their bark back before Browns head back to missing the post-season for decades once again. The Dawg pound in Cleveland then will turn into the pound puppies.

#17.WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM (4-6)

The resurrection of the Team in Washington. The Football Team has been playing without a pulse most of the year. Now the defense has shown up and quarterback Taylor Heinicke is playing like this Washington Team’s position behind center is his.

This kid has shown leadership at the quarterback position that many in the league do not have. Heinicke has thrown 15 touchdown passes and thrown for over 2000 yards. On the ground, Heinicke has legged 276 yards with one score. The Team has won two in a row. One game beating up on the Buccaneers. This is the time last season when Washington marched their team right to the post-season.

#18.LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (6-5)

Just when you thought the Raiders fans put away their Halloween costume for the rest of the season.

Then on Thanksgiving. the Raiders make Jerry Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, look like a Jive turkey in an overtime victory. I’m all about beating the Cowboys every week. Raiders are unpredictable. Raiders look like they are packing it in, losing games, and showing you no energy in them. Then play a great game out of nowhere.

#19.CAROLINA PANTHERS (5-6)

Carolina unleashed dueling quarterbacks like a dueling piano bar. Things were looking good for his homecoming to his former team. Superman was back, Cam Newton was once again like he’d never seen the end zone. He was running in for the score like old time rock-n-roll for the Panthers. However there’s Cam Newton’s weakness.

Giving this piano the ball at the end of the game. Like a fig newton cookie goes soft as Cam Newton, trying to hit a simple pass, misses wide just off-target. Panthers lose. I like the idea of Newton running the red zone package. Why not give the rest of the field to PJ Walker?

#20.PITTSBURGH STEELERS (5-4-1) Steelers seem to be stuck in their ways. Stubborn ways. First ending with a tie to the Lions. At least it was not a loss, but still a tie with the worst team in the league. Steelers can’t put everything together. The defense is either banged up when the offense decides to put points on the board or vice versa. When the defense is playing well and healthy, Big Ben Roethlisberger can’t light up the score board.

Clowns to the left & jokers to the right. Maybe cutting off an ear or two and finally somebody in Steel-town will get the message.

#21.NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (5-6)

Sean Payton is finding out the hard way after playing all these games this season without Drew Brees. Payton looked brilliant with guys like Taysom Hill, Teddy Bridgewater, and even Jameis Winston winning games. Hill’s health is a concern right now, but he got a contract extension for what though? Swiss army knife abilities or a future quarterback in the league? Bridgewater has gone to Carolina and then was traded to Denver. Bronco fans look to be done with him as their starting quarterback. Jameis Winston won games this year until he got hurt and his season ended with the injury. Winston was on the short leash. Trevor Siemian is Payton’s latest project and 0-3 as a starter. Payton’s coaching reputation is on the line. Bill Belichick, right now, looks like he found his replacement for Tom Brady in Mac Jones. Can Payton find that next guy and develop him? Maybe Payton will be stuck in Drew Brees’ shadow the rest of his coaching career. Stay tuned.

#22.DENVER BRONCOS (5-5)

The Broncos have their wide receivers in place for years to come by extending Courtland Sutton. Broncos also have Tim Patrick on the other side of the field. Who’s the next quarterback that John Elway signs? Broncos needs or shoulds, should start with parting ways with the legend quarterback John Elway as the General Manager.

Legendary players in their sport are always not great at the GM position or being the coach of a team. Magic Johnson or Michael Jordan are evidence who after their playing days have not done well as owner or in the front office. The Broncos need help elsewhere, besides quarterback. Broncos could use a top running back. Some defensive help. I think Vic Fangio’s time is up as head coach.

#23.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-7)

Just waiting for Pete Carol, the head coach of the Seahawks, to push the women and children out of the way to abandon ship on the Seattle franchise.

The Legion of Doom defense has been gone for years. Russell Wilson has carried the weight on his shoulders for years and he wants out of Seattle. Pete Carol, a used car salesmen type of coach, is looking for another gig in my opinion. Perhaps another college gig. Remember Pete Carol left USC’s program before the shit hit the storm.

#24.MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-7)

Can the Dolphins swim upstream in the next three games and find their way back to the 500 mark? The Dolphins’ next three games feature this as the line up: Panthers, Giants, and Jets.

Just make sure the Laces are out if you’re a Dolphins fan celebrating your team. Don’t trust the fancy wrapping.

#25.NEW YORK GIANTS (3-7)

Will the firing of offensive coordinator Jason Garrett be the move that solves this Giants disaster? The offense looks great on paper, but on the field is a different story. The Giants defense is a top 15 unit in the league. Is Daniel Jones the quarterback of the future? Is Saquon Barkley damaged goods? Is Kenny Golladay a free agent bust? Only thing I can say is the Giants are the best football team that plays their home games in New Jersey. How long will that last as the USFL is returning in Spring? That means the New Jersey Generals are back.

#26. CHICAGO BEARS (4-7)

The rumors were swirling in Chicago like the winds coming off the lake about Matt Nagy’s job status. Even at Matt Nagy’s high school, the students were yelling, “Fire Nagy,” in chants that filled the arena. Maybe all these speculations were just rumors, but could a win versus a bad Lions team save this guy’s job? Nagy’s team broke another long losing streak of 4 or more games. This is not the first time this has happened to the man in charge of the Bears. Do the Bears and Lions go through the same guy when it comes to picking their head coaches?

Bears need to tomahawk their problems and chop off all the fat. That includes the coaching staff, front office, and that weird looking water boy.

#27.ATLANTA FALCONS (4-6)

Matt Ryan has not tossed a touchdown pass in 9 quarters.

Atlanta Falcons can’t hold on to Matt Ryan next year. It is time to trade him as the Falcons need to hit the reset button.

The signs are on the wall in Atlanta. Time to start over by getting that complete makeover.

#28.HOUSTON TEXANS (2-8) Tyrod Taylor is trying to establish himself as a full-time starter in the NFL. Houston fans will be nervous about their team’s draft status if Taylor continues to win games. In the off-season, Houston hopes to unload DeShaun Watson for a king’s ransom as they want 3 number ones. I don’t see them getting that kind of bounty for a guy having problems with the ladies. I would not want Tyrod Taylor to knock me out of the top 5 spots in the 2022 draft.

Better call that guy in LA and put another needle in the rib cage of Taylor to stop his shenanigans in racking up wins at this time of the season.

#29.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-8)

Trevor Lawrence versus Mitch Trubisky? In 2017, Mitch Trubisky was the first quarterback selected out of the draft. This year, Trevor Lawrence was the number one quarterback selected out of the draft. Lawrence or Trubisky… who’s better in their rookie season? Remember Trubisky came in after the first 4 games the Bears played that season as Lawrence started game one this season for the Jaguars.

TREVOR LAWRENCE

GAMES 10, RECORD 2-8 COMPLETION % 58.4 YARDS 2,141 TOUCH DOWN PASSES 8 INTERCEPTIONS 9

MITCH TRUBISKY

GAMES 12, RECORD 4-8, COMPLETION % 59.4 YARDS 2,193 TOUCH DOWN PASSES 7 INTERCEPTIONS 7

Like looking in the mirror.

#31.NEW YORK JETS (2-8)

Should the Jets draft another quarterback in this upcoming draft? When are the days the Jets stop marching out the Joe Flacco’s of the world to start multiple games during the regular season? Enough with the washed-up veterans.

The Jets number one guy they drafted, Zach Wilson, is out with an injury. The second string quarterback is another rookie, Mike White, who played well but has been sidelined. Their third string quarterback should be a young type of guy with some NFL experience. A guy that has shown some flashes but needs another chance. Even another rookie would work. Just find the guy. Get some offensive-line help. Instead of ending up with damaged goods like the Sam Darnold’s of the world. Maybe draft all quarterbacks each round and sign offensive linemen in the free agent market until you get it right.

#32. DETROIT LIONS (0-10-1) No wonder the Lions have not won a game this season. It starts at the top with the head coach. When your leader is “Football Stupid” like Dan Campbell is, calling back-to-back time outs in the last two minutes. It cost his team 5 yards in a penalty that made it easy for the Bears to put away the Lions in a game that it seemed neither team wanted. Especially having to call the second time out because your defense was not lined up to defend the play after the first was called. Before Matt Campbell, the Lions had Matt Patricia waddling the side line, where he stayed way too long. Front office can’t get the head coach hire right.

NFL WEEK TWELVE STRAIGHT PICK-EM

LAST WEEK’S RECORD (8-7)

Another week of the NFL have us coming out looking like Glass Joe from Punch Out.

SEASON STATS

OVERALL RECORD (103-62)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD (7-4)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD (7-4)

WEEK 12 (HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Week twelve we are fighting back & taking out one turkey at a time.

TURKEY DAY GAMES ON THURSDAY

CHICAGO BEARS AT DETROIT LIONS

When it comes to turkeys not being able to fly, you have to think of the Lions and Bears… OH MY!!! Both organizations run like those sitcom bosses of WKRP. Both head coaches are turkeys. Rumors have been swirling in Chicago that Matt Nagy was going to get his neck chopped off and fired after the Lions game.

I’m predicting cold feet by the Bears brass. Last time the Lions won a game was versus the Bears in 2020. Bears will have Andy Dalton starting at quarterback for them as their rookie Justin Fields is out. I see a close game that is very sloppy. Andy Dalton will prevail. Like last week filling in for the injured Justin Fields, he had the offense looking crisper than Fields did. This is a game when Head Coach Matt Nagy is on the brink, but survives like a cockroach during the apocalypse.

OUR PICK:BEARS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

Raiders have lost three games in row and are playing uninspired. Cowboys have come crashing back to earth as their offense was held without a touchdown for the first time this season versus the Chiefs defense last Sunday. Cowboys have some Covid concerns, so some play-makers will be sidelined. Can Derek Carr and his group match up scores with Dak Prescott? Both defenses will not show up, or so my Spidey senses are telling me. I like Cowboys with the home cooking going on in the prime-time slot before the Natives become restless and all hell breaks loose for lack of food.

OUR PICK:COWBOYS

BUFFALO BILLS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Bills defensive unit played their worst game this season, last Sunday. The Saints defense gave up scores like one of their brothel houses in New Orleans, to the Eagles on Sunday. Josh Allen is making too many mistakes the last few weeks turning over the football. I think it’s time to unplug the Trevor Siemian experiment in New Orleans. Saints will be without their star running-back, Alvin Kamara. Saints with the lack of threats on offense will be like taking the turkey drumstick away from the elderly aunt with the arthritis in her fingers. I like the Bills defense rebounding. I think Josh Allen’s play level raises in prime-time games.

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Jonathan Taylor has emerged as the new beast Running Back in the NFL. Especially with Derrick Henry done for the year with an injury. Taylor has the most yards rushing in the league and most touchdowns.

Tampa Tom and the Buccaneers will have their work cut out for them. The Buccaneers have been the best run-stopping team in the league the last few seasons. Are the Buccaneers healthy up the middle on their defensive front? Colts are 6-2 in their last 8 games while the Buccaneers have won one of their last three games. Can Carson Wentz’s arm beat the Buccaneers if Taylor is contained? Wentz is getting better. Tom Brady has his full arsenal of weapons. Can the Colts get the pressure to make it harder to get them the ball? Colts are the hotter team. I’m going to ride them til they fizzle out as the Buccaneers are beatable.

OUR PICK:COLTS

NEW YORK JETS AT HOUSTON TEXANS

THE JIVE TURKEY BOWL

Houston now you are winning. YOU have a problem and you’re screwing up your draft status. Jets brought Joe Flacco out of the closet to be their quarterback last week. The Texans suddenly revived their offense with Tyrod Taylor healthy and not in any kind of pressure cooker. He is pretending to be one of the elite quarterbacks in the league. The Texans needs the phone number of the guy who punctured Taylor’s rib cage with a needle in LA last season, opening the door for Justin Herbert.

Jets seem to be always doing things on the fly to get through the week. Texans defense has been able to generate some takeaways. With Tyrod Taylor playing well, Texans should win the Jive Turkey bowl convincingly.

OUR PICK: TEXANS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT NEW YORK GIANTS

The G-Men had all their play-makers suited up for the Monday Night affair versus the Buccaneers for the first time it seems this season. Philadelphia Eagles just beat up the Saints like the Junior Varsity team. The firing of Offensive Coordinator, Jason Garrett, for the Giants may be the answer for this offense to spark.

Dez Bryant was very happy about the Garrett firing. Firing a coordinator does not get you the best spark like firing the Head Coach. The offense with the sizzle is the Eagles. Jalen Hurts is making plays through the air and his feet. Miles Sanders is a solid Running Back. The Eagles Tight-End Dallas Goedert is emerging as one of the top in the league. I’m tired of the Eagles screwing me when I pick them or against them, it just never works out. Perhaps that will change.

OUR PICK:EAGLES

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS

Superman or super freak when it comes to wham bam, Cam Newton? Dolphins have won three straight.

Someone please let Cam Newton know you play four quarters in a football game. Last week the Panthers needed Cam Newton to complete some passes for the winning drive and it did not quite work out for Carolina.

Where’s your superman now? Newton went soft once again. Miami defense has been able to get turnovers the last three weeks. The Miami offense has not been gang busters on offense, but generating just enough. Like to see the Panthers continue to use dueling quarterbacks. Perhaps PJ Walker should be the guy in crunch time instead of first half Newton. Panthers defense and Christian McCaffrey running the ball for Carolina should beat the Dolphins even with mistakes by the quarterback.

OUR PICK:PANTHERS

TENNESSEE TITANS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The Evil Empire victories have come from the Falcons, Browns, Panthers, Chargers, Jets, and Texans. Titans have beaten teams like the Rams, Chiefs, Bills, Seahawks, and the Colts twice. Patriots have been on the march winning five in a row. The Titans had a hiccup last week after winning six in a row. Titans have lost to very bad teams and play their best against good squads. Remember the Titans coached by Mike Vrabel ended the Patriots dynasty with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady in the playoffs. Vrabel as a player played for Belichick.

The Titans head coach will be a few steps of head of his former head coach, Belichick.

OUR PICK:TITANS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS

Steelers… I’m not sure how they put up so many points last week on the Chargers in a loss. Bengals looked like they ironed things out in rebound last week versus the Raiders after losing to the Browns a few weeks back. Bengals handle the Steelers with ease in the first match-up when these two teams met. Steelers look like they have more injuries piling up for this contest with some big names missing from their defense. Bengals offense has too many weapons for the Steelers to stop. Bengals defense is a better unit than the Chargers roller coaster act they do every week.

OUR PICK:BENGALS

ATLANTA FALCONS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

This is another terrible game on the docket. Matt Ryan is the better quarterback than the Surf Nazi Trevor Lawrence, whose career looks like it must die.

Jacksonville defense gets the edge over Atlanta’s defense. Picked the best helmet in this one. Throw a dart at the board. Cats can eat birds.

Sometimes the Falcons can transform into a good team every so often. In which the Surf Nazi Lawrence will die in this contest because of his play behind center.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

LA CHARGERS AT DENVER BRONCOS

Both the Chargers and the Broncos I find hard to predict. Broncos were on a bye week. Last Sunday night, Chargers put up 40 points on the ailing defense of Pittsburgh. Broncos have only beaten one winning team this season. Jets and the Washington Football team are the only two wins at home for the Broncos. Chargers have feasted on teams in their own division as they beat the Raiders and Chiefs. When the Broncos are faced the first time, they would have everyone beaten at least one time if they can win on the road. This will be the game where the Chargers offense makes a statement. Justin Herbert will lead his team to one more score than the Broncos and improve to 7-4. Maybe you have to think that LA in the AFC has a shot for the post-season.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

LA RAMS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS

Rams coming off a bye week. Green Bay got beat by a Viking team that can score but not defend. In the end, Aaron Rodgers can not rally. Rodgers comes away with a hurt foot which he intends to play through. Rams have lost two in a row. Can they stop the bleeding on the road in a tough environment? Packers have some injuries on the defensive side of the football. Rams should be motivated for this one, and the defense comes up big. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has plenty of experience playing in Lambeau Field all those years in a Detroit uniform. After the game, Rodgers will cry injury. Just can’t see the Rams losing three in a row.

OUR PICK:RAMS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Both the Vikings and the 49ers were left dead on the highway as road kill. Both teams now have won two games in a row and feel like they are both playoff teams. Both teams have won a big game against a division rival. The 49ers a few weeks ago back beat the Rams while the Vikings dispatched the Packers. The Vikings offense is clicking on all cylinders as the running game is one of the best in the league with the aerial attack. The 49ers can let this become any kind of shoot-out. Vikings seem to be in a shoot-out every week and now are figuring out how to win these close affairs. I like the Vikings offense which can score quick. The 49ers have more ball control at a turtle’s pace. Rabbit beats the turtle in this one.

OUR PICK:VIKINGS

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

Browns and Ravens will be very familiar with each other besides being in the same division. They play each other twice in the next three weeks. Browns just got by a bad Detroit team. The Ravens just got by a bad Bears team. Baker Mayfield is a mess. Walking wounded as Mayfield has a few ailments going on. Ravens beat the Bears with their back-up quarterback as Lamar Jackson and others were down with flu-like symptoms. Lamar Jackson will be rested feeling better and a victory without him in the line-up is a huge morale boost for the Ravens in general. Browns right now as a team are riding the struggle bus. Watch the Ravens put their Dawg to sleep in this affair and get command of the division.

OUR PICK:RAVENS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM

Have we not seen this last season when the Washington Football team marched their way through the end of regular season into the post season? What’s going on with Pete Carol?

Pete Carol did his Cam Newton imitation walking off a live press conference after the latest Seahawk loss. Meanwhile the Football team won the River Boat Ron bowl against his former team, the Panthers. The sky is falling in Seattle. Russell Wilson can’t carry the entire load by himself. Wilson wants out of Seattle, let’s face it. The Team has found their defense. The Team Taylor Heinicke is playing more like Russell Wilson than Russell Wilson. Washington DC wins the Washington bowl over Seattle, Washington.

OUR PICK: THE TEAM

When I first heard the news that the USFL would be returning in 2022, I had goosebumps. I had to make sure it was the original United States Football League I was reading about. I got nervous, and then I had a Joker smile as part of my childhood was coming back into my life. I know what you’re thinking. Here we go again with another Spring football league which will be destined to fail just like the multiple ones in recent years. The USFL was different than all those other leagues. USFL went against the NFL not wanting to join them in the park for a Sunday walk. The USFL went after the great players. The USFL did things to the game of football that are still being used today as the NFL copied the 1980’s league numerous amount of times. The USFL lasted longer than all these other rinky dink operations that could not even finish a regular season, in the case of the latest two. The lone mistake the USFL did was listen to former U.S President Donald Trump when trying to move the Spring league to the Fall. This meant going up against the giant NFL at the time. After the league folded up shop, we somehow trusted Donald Trump again.

The USFL originally started in 1983 and lasted to 1986. They have retained rights to most of their franchises they had in the 1980’s league. The first season, the USFL will bring back 8 of those franchises and split them up into two divisions. If you remember, the USFL at one point had 18 franchises. Twelve of them in the very first season back in 1983. Some of the cool ones I liked were not chosen, just like the home team, the Chicago Blitz. The two divisions will be called North & South which sounds like a civil war of some kind.

NORTH DIVISION: MICHIGAN PANTHERS, NEW JERSEY GENERALS, PHILADELPHIA STARS, PITTSBURGH MAULERS

SOUTH DIVISION: BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS, HOUSTON GAMBLERS NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS, TAMPA BAY BANDITS

The league will start in April of 2022. The USFL has partnered up with Fox sports to provide the coverage of their games. That is very important having one of the top networks doing the games to get this league some legs. In the first season, all the games will be played in one Central location which is smart for the wait until the Covid-19 virus is fully controlled. The location has not yet been determined. Each team will play ten games. All the games will be played every Saturday and Sunday. Four teams make the playoffs. Top division winners & then two wild cards, which will be the second best records in each division.

All the USFL has to do is complete one season with the post-season and a championship to be a better league then the last two that tried Spring football. The AAF, American Alliance Football league, was very close to finishing off their season until they ran out of money. Bad accounting and not enough backing. Come on people you should know what you are getting yourself involved here. Then came the return of XFL, this time without the wrestling mixed in the game of football. The new XFL was only half way through their season until Covid wiped the entire league out. Both the XFL and the AAF were all about the game on the field. The games were interesting to watch. Sloppy football in the beginning, but the product got better as the weeks went on. What will be interesting is that the XFL plans to return in 2023. The XFL was purchased by the ROCK, Dwayne Johnson, and some other backers. Right now the stage is set for the USFL to reclaim their fame of Spring football. I feel the product on the field will be well worth it when they figure everything out. It will be interesting to see who coaches each team and how everything on the field unfolds as there’s more news to come on the return of the USFL.

SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT THE USFL AND THE TEAMS RETURNING

MICHIGAN PANTHERS

The Michigan Panthers logo looks like the Carolina Panthers logo in the NFL. The Michigan Panthers were around first… I’m just saying.

Remember the former New Orleans Saints quarterback, Bobby Hebert? Hebert played in the USFL before he came to the NFL and led the Panthers all the way to the first USFL Championship, which Michigan won. Hebert would be the best Saints quarterback since Archie Manning and help guide that franchise to their first playoff appearance.

NEW JERSEY GENERALS

The Generals had a beast at running back.

Herschel Walker ran people over in the USFL as his legendary collegiate game exploded in the professional ranks. The Generals also had Doug Flutie at quarterback , withthe legendary Hail Mary pass he threw for Boston College. The Generals’ downfall was Donald Trump was your owner. I just threw up in my mouth.

PHILADELPHIA STARS

Remember Coach Jim Mora? Mora was all about the playoffs when it came to the USFL. Mora coached the Stars to two USFL championships. Mora would then coach the Saints in the NFL and his quarterback would actually be Bobby Hebert. The Stars in the 1980’s were Philadelphia & then Baltimore, but they never played their home games in the state of Maryland.

PITTSBURGH MAULERS

By far my favorite logo of the returning USFL teams. The swinging of the sledge hammer in Steel-town is awesome.

The Mauler teams of the past were not that good. Pittsburgh did land running back Michael Rozier, the 1983 Heisman trophy winner. Rozier would end up in the NFL with the Houston Oilers.

Loved that old oil rig on the Oilers helmet. Oilers logo is much better than the Houston Texans helmet in present days.

BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS

The Birmingham Stallions won two division titles in the 1980’s of the USFL. The Stallions have Joe Cribbs, a little shifty speedster running back that created havoc on opposing defenses in the USFL.

Cribbs went on and played well in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills

HOUSTON GAMBLERS

My favorite quarterback of all-time, Jim Kelly, started with the Houston Gamblers and before running the K-Gun offense in Buffalo, Kelly ran the run and shoot in Houston to perfection. Kelly and the Gamblers had one of the best aerial attacks in the history of the USFL. Houston made it to the playoffs but would end up getting knocked out every year. Kelly would become a Hall of Fame quarterback in a Buffalo Bills uniform leading the Bills to 4 Superbowls in a row.

NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS

The Breakers played all over in the USFL in the 1980’s. Breakers played in in Boston, New Orleans, and did a year in Portland Oregon.

TAMPA BAY BANDITS

Old Smokey the Bandit, actor Burt Reynolds, was part owner of the Tampa Bay franchise. Tampa Bay by far drew the most attendance in the league.

The Bandit games looked like a great time in the stands as they had pretty good teams on the field as well.

THE FORGOTTEN TEAMS

MEMPHIS SHOW BOATS

Reggie White had the Showboats creating problems for opposing offensive linemen across the league. With quarterbacks running for their dear lives.

WASHINGTON FEDERALS

Terrible teams in the 1980’s but cool helmet color scheme.

ORLANDO RENEGADES

Great logo. Native Americans could cause problems if you have anything Indian these days.

JACKSONVILLE BULLS

Can you imagine having two sucky football teams in the same town? Would Urban Meyer jump ship from the Jaguars to the Bulls?

San Antonio Gunslingers

San Antonio logo was a little too cartoonish, but I still like it. Funny story about the Gunslinger team is when the players got their checks, they would all make a mad dash to the bank because if you were towards the end of the line, your check may have bounced that week.

CHICAGO BLITZ

Marv Levy was from Chicago and coached the Blitz back in the 1980’s league. Levy was the head coach of the Blitz before he went to the NFL and coached the Bills.

DENVER GOLD

Nice color scheme the Gold had.

LA EXPRESS

Another Hall of Fame quarterback came from the USFL. Steve Young was the quarterback for the LA Express team.

THE OUTLAWS

One of the coolest logos in the USFL. Outlaws ran in Arizona and Oklahoma. Quarterback Doug Williams played on those Outlaw teams. Williams would go on to win a Superbowl in a Redskin uniform.

OAKLAND INVADERS

Coolest name in the league, The Invaders. I do like the logo. You can probably do something totally different and make it the best logo in sports.

ARIZONA WRANGLERS

The Outlaws merged with the Wranglers and Arizona went on to win their division, and the conference, in 1984.

NFL WEEK ELEVEN STRAIGHT PICK-EM

LAST WEEK’S RECORD (7-7)

Week seven was more Horrible than Hagar.

SEASON STATS

OVERALL RECORD (95-55)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD (7-3)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD (6-4)

WEEK TEN WE ARE WINNING ONE FOR THE CAT

THE THURSDAY NIGHT AFFAIR

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT ATLANTA FALCONS

The way things have been going in the NFL, with many upsets each week, we are throwing out a Hail Mary in the first pick of the week. Can the Falcons surprise the Patriots in a short week?

No sweat, just like landing an airplane. Matt Ryan shows off his somewhat Jedi Knight skills and slows the Patriots march to over take the NFL galaxy.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

No Alvin Kamara for the Saints. Head coach Sean Payton must have a Simon and a Theodore, at-least?

The Eagles have killed every week, whether I pick them or go against them. They end up sticking a rusty ice pick in my eye socket every time. Saints defense played very well versus a very good Titan offense last week. Eagles offense is the only identity Philadelphia has. I like what Sean Payton has gotten out of his quarterback, Trevor Siemian, who had almost 300 yards passing last week. Siemian was thrown into the quarterback boneyard at one point, and picked up, dusted off, and is starting to peak for the Saints. Back Running Back, Mark Ingram, will help out his quarterback getting the running game established. That is your Simon and that is your Theodore, checkmate Saints.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT NEW YORK JETS

Who’s behind center for the Jets? Miami stunned the Ravens last Thursday night and have won two games in a row. Jets are at home, but Miami is not a winning team. New York’s M0 beating is only winning teams. Two ailing quarterbacks in the dark greens has me picking a Dolphin team that has come together the last two weeks and are playing as team in both victories. Nothing too fancy, just hard nose football.

OUR PICK:DOLPHINS

WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM AT CAROLINA PANTHERS

Who woke up the Washington Redskins?

The Washington Football Team looked like the Redskins from the Joe Gibbs days, as they tar and feathered Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. The Panthers are using two quarterbacks to re-energize a team that was about to get a toe tag and shoved into a metal drawer. The Team versus the Panthers needs to be called the CHICO BOWL. These days, they call him Riverboat Ron who coached both teams. Panthers have the Fig Newton back from the bottom of the cookie jar being used in the red zone. The Team defense finally showed up in week ten as they have been MIA all year. A healthy Christian McCaffrey gives the Panthers legs. Pivotal game for both teams as the season is on the brink pretty much. Panthers’ young defense, forced Taylor Heinicke into a mistake as Carolina wins a close one at home.

OUR PICK:PANTHERS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT BUFFALO BILLS

Colts and Bills have a rematch of a first round Wild Card game. Colts have been looking for that signature win against a talented opponent and have yet to get one as they been hovering around the 500 mark. Bills finally get back to some home cooking. What’s Pinto Ron have this week on the barby?

Bills got donkey-kicked in the balls by a bad Jaguars team. The same Jaguar team that gave the Colts a battle last week. Bills came out on all cylinders last week just by dismantling the Jets. Look for the Bills to put the Denver boot on Jonathan Taylor’s wheels, stopping him in his tracks & forcing Carson Wentz to beat a unit that has played very well all year. Josh Allen will then eventually pick apart the Colts secondary, giving the home fans something to cheer about besides Pinto Ron’s delight of the week.

OUR PICK:BILLS

DETROIT LIONS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

Lions should have had their first win last week at Steel Country, controlling the clock most of overtime with multiple chances to put a way the Steelers. Browns were potty trained by the Evil Empire invasion of Cleveland. Browns do well against the bottom of the barrel teams in the NFL. Baker Mayfield, when backed in the corner, always comes out blazing the following week. Look for the Lions to be lethargic kitty cats this week and wake up ready to prowl on some Bear turkey on Thanksgiving. Browns in a rout.

OUR PICK:BROWNS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Jaguars are still playing well after they stunned the Bills & gave the Colts a run for their money. Thought the 49ers season was sinking in the bay, but suddenly came back to life with an upset of the Rams on Monday night. The 49ers will be looking for a fast start on the road getting the ball to their top Tight End, George Kittle. Especially, the Jaguars will be looking to contain the 49ers running game and dare Jimmy Garoppolo to beat them through the air. The key to the 49ers winning this game is the play of the Jaguars’ skate or die Quarterback, Trevor Lawrence.

Lawrence will try to skate around the pocket, die in the arms of the 49ers defense, and really get nothing going all Sunday long.

OUR PICK:49ERS

HOUSTON TEXANS AT TENNESSEE TITANS

Houston is God-awful this year!! The Titans defense has played very well the last several weeks and they were a very bad unit to start the season. I don’t see the Titans getting stunned in this one like the Jets did to them weeks ago. The Titan team is playing at high level and it’s a team playing without their best player, Derrick Henry. Look for the Titans to put up 45 or so points on a bad Texans defense. Houston is on track for a top draft pick in the upcoming 2022 draft. Plus, if the Texans can deal DeShaun Watson in the off-season and get another top pick, the future could be bright. This Sunday the Titans storm will rain down on this Texans team.

OUR PICK:TITANS

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Will the Packers youngster, AJ Dillon, be the next Dalvin Cook bursting through the lines making them look like a cheap subway turnstile? Packers and Vikings are always entertaining games. Both the Packers and Vikings have lots of fire power on the offensive side of the ball. Packers Aaron Rodgers can out-duel Kirk Cousins in any kind of shoot-out. Packers defense has emerged as one of the top units in the league. The Vikings’ downfall is their defense and and they have let big leads slip through their tackling. Kirk Cousins does not win big games as the Vikings need this more than the Packers. I like Aaron Rodgers lighting the match that sparks a Viking funeral at the end in a close game.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT CHICAGO BEARS

Head coach Matt Nagy is not going to get lucky like he did last season. When Kyler Murray went out with an injury late in the season. The Cardinals playoff hopes were flushed down the toilet while the Bears snuck through the back door to get into post-season. The Ravens lost to the Dolphins a week ago. The Bears will miss that window of that possible surprise upset. Especially the last few weeks where upsets have been ruling the NFL landscape.

It’s time for the Bears brass to slowly walk Matt Nagy and his staff to the back of the shed. Bears defense is ailing. Even though Lamar Jackson is not feeling well this week and if he plays, I have faith the Bears will not contain him. Actually it does not matter who plays quarterback for the Ravens; watch Baltimore come to Chicago and give Matt Nagy’s Bears a beat down. You will see some nice highlights from Bears Quarterback Justin Fields, but not enough to sneak Matt Nagy through the back door for another season.

OUR PICK:RAVENS

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Chucky is dead. Raiders came away from their coach stepping aside for his meanie emails with passion and chewing on glass while spitting out nails kind of ‘tude. Bengals went on a bye week getting throttled by the Brownies. Raiders have lost two in a row. Which team recovers first? I like the Bengals getting back to the basics and coming off the bye week. They’ll be keeping it simple on the road with Joe Mixon running the ball that will open the flood gates to the passing game for the Bengals. The Raiders are in a free fall and I think the staff, with everything that has gone on this season, is in over their heads. Look for the Raiders to continue to free fall while the Bengals find the win column.

OUR PICK:BENGALS

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Colt McCoy always gets a start for some team every year around this time. McCoy may be my favorite all-time back up quarterback, just because his name sounds like that of a cowboy out of the West.

Colt McCoy going up against Shane or a villain of the west like Jesse James. In this case on Sunday, McCoy will meet up with Russell Wilson. Probably not at high noon, but more like three o’clock high.

I will go with the new Sheriff in this town, who’s not so new in Seattle, but knocked off the rust last week versus the Packers. Look for one of those great Russell Wilson games as he’s a one-man Army wrecking machine. He’ll win the shootout versus Colt McCoy and his Cardinal cowboys.

OUR PICK:SEAHAWKS

DALLAS COWBOYS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Are the Chiefs back? Cowboys rebounded from a loss to the Broncos in a big way. Remember when you were kids and played a great game of Cowboys and Indians? This Sunday, Cowboys and Indians will be so much better.

This game will be a shootout with Patrick Mahomes and Zak Prescott matching scores most of the way. I have to say Cowboys defense has the edge over Chiefs defense. Chiefs defense, like always at this time of year, is coming together. This will be an all-out Cowboys and Indian affair to the end where Patrick Mahomes being at home in prime time game will prevail when the dust settles.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT LA CHARGERS

When you tie the Lions like the way the Steelers ended last week, your team should be kicked out of the league. There are no if’s, and’s, or buts about it. About the Chargers, who knows what they will end up doing on any given Sunday. As a team they are so unpredictable. The Chargers offense has not been consistent like last year’s group which provided one of the top aerial attacks in the league. Steelers injuries are piling up.

Will Big Ben Roethlisberger play in this contest? Chargers have screwed me almost every week like the Eagles. Ending up in a tie versus the Lions is still in my brain from last Sunday.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

MONDAY NIGHT GAME

NEW YORK GIANTS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

This Monday night game may be a snooze fest between the Giants and Buccaneers. With Giants, you never know what you will get. Buccaneers played STUPIDLY versus the TEAM that was deep in hibernation most of the season. I can see Tampa Tom exercising some Demons he had in the past versus Giants teams that stole his Superbowl trophy. Can’t see the Buccaneers losing three straight games. Will Tampa Tom get some of his old weapons back like the Gronk machine and that nut case Joe Davola, aka Antonio Brown?

Home cooking and the feeling of Tom Brady rebounding in a really big way will make this a lopsided affair as Buccaneers take their frustrations out on the G-Men.

OUR PICK:BUCCANEERS

WEEK TEN POWER RANKINGS

Week nine in the NFL had very bad things happen. Our power rankings look like Swiss cheese from a week ago. Everything is in turmoil. We had to rearrange all the furniture to see if we can find some solid ground in our week ten rankings. Be aware of wet cement.

#1. ARIZONA CARDINALS (8-1)

Cardinals showed me something when rebounding from the tough loss against the Packers on that Thursday night affair. Cardinals have the best record in the entire league. Cardinals easily handled the 49ers as they scored 31 on their division rival while the Arizona defense held San Francisco in check. It feels like one of those magic years in Arizona for a team that has not won a Superbowl. Love to see the team bring back Larry Fitzgerald for this year’s second half run at a Superbowl trophy.

Give the Cardinals another weapon on offense. Fitzgerald would be perfect for third down passing plays.

#2. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (6-2) Up 1 spot.

Buccaneers had a bye week in week 9. With all the turmoil on top of the power rankings hill, Tampa Tom is slotted number two overall.

Buccaneers medical staff continued to work hard on tight end Rob Gronkowski. GRONK will be out week ten, but Buccaneers are hopeful they will get him back for the post-season.

#3.TENNESSEE TITANS (7-2) Up 4 spots

Many thought the Titan team, without their star running back Derrick Henry, would come back down to earth. Titans beat up on the Rams last Sunday night as their defense has resurfaced from the 2019 season as they find and create turnovers on opposing offenses. If this was college football, Titans would be racking up the signature wins this season. Chiefs, Bills, Colts twice, Seattle when Russell Wilson was behind center, and now the Rams. Some big questions for the Titans. Can the Titans keep this up throughout the second half of the season? Will their luck run out if it’s luck? Can they establish any kind of running game with what they have and the addition of Spanky Peterson?

#4.LA RAMS (7-2) Down 3 spots

Rams are fully in this season. All their chips are on the table.

Even though the Rams got throttled by the Titans last Sunday night. The Rams picked up Odell Beckham Jr., a talented receiver, but a cancer in the locker room. Rams let go of DeSean Jackson, another loud mouth with baggage he brought to the table. Then before the trade deadline, they acquired Von Miller who is a legendary linebacker in Denver. Let’s not forget the trade for quarterback Matthew Stafford in the off-season. Rams riding the Superbowl or bust train.

#5. GREEN BAY PACKERS (7-2) Down 3 spots

You know Aaron Rodgers was probably giddy watching the Packers top pick perform last Sunday.

Jordan Love filled in for Rodgers after he was sidelined with Covid last Sunday versus the Chiefs. Love looked like a rookie quarterback in his first ever NFL start. Look for Rodgers to use Love’s play to insult the Packers front office. Look for Rodgers who used the words witch hunt regarding his lie about being vaccinated, to elevate his play even more. Packers may ride Rodgers’ anger all the way to the Superbowl.

#6 DALLAS COWBOYS (6-2) SAME

Cowboys were up set by the Broncos last Sunday. Cowboys stayed the same in the power rankings because at least the Broncos have some big names on their team with NFL experience throughout their roster. Not like losing to Jacksonville. The Cowboys’ last loss was week one as they’ve won six straight without the hiccup versus the Broncos last week. I can see the Cowboys easily bouncing back with the team they got. The Cowboys are staying healthy and not have not fallen apart like they did last year.

#7.BUFFALO BILLS (5-3) Down 2 spots

Buffalo Bills should be kicked out of the league after losing to a team called Jacksonville. NO EXCUSE!!! Plus, the Bills not scoring a touchdown against the Jaguars is a crime with that offense held to two field goals. Josh Allen needs to step up and lead an aerial assault on the Jets like they killed his family. Bills have struggled coming out of the bye week. The offense is running on empty it seems. Bills could use some help from their ground game to help things along. Jim Kelly, on his worst day in his hey day, would win games he struggles in, especially versus bad teams. If Bills lose to the Jets, Buffalo should send Bill Belichick an early Christmas gift… the AFC East division.

#8.CLEVELAND BROWNS (5-4)

The Browns took their dawg, Beckham Jr., to the pound in another state. Beckham, even though he probably has rabies, has found a new owner. Whatever Baker Mayfield said in the locker room, the Browns throttled their arch rival the Bengals in the battle of Ohio. I think Mayfield plays better without Odell Beckham Jr. in their offense. Who says Mayfield is not a “Peoples” person?

Donovan Peoples-Jones has emerged into a nice target for Mayfield who has three touchdowns this season.

#9. CINCINNATI BENGALS (5-4) Down 1 spot

I’m going to give the Bengals the benefit of the doubt in their loss to the Browns last week. I’m convinced they will not turn into the Bumbles of old. Bengals will hit the bye week, rest up, and hit their second half of their season strongly. The Bengals have a lot of great things that went right for them in the first half of the season. They could easily have two more victories as well. The Bengals are well-rounded on both sides of the ball. This Bengal team should win double digit victories at the end of the season.

#10.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (5-4) Up 4 spots

Is the Empire back?

It did not take Billy Belichick long as he has his new Empire climbing the standings. Mac Jones is the new Darth Brady. The Patriot defense is coming together and Belichick’s game plan very impressive. Patriots have won three games in a row. Now they have cracked the top ten in the power rankings which is something I don’t like to see.

#11.BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-3) Down 2 spots

The Ravens seem to always be playing down to their competition level and they paid the price.

The Dolphins, Kathy Bates, Lamar Jackson, and the dirty birds from Baltimore on Thursday night.

Remember the Ravens almost lost to the Lions earlier this season. Now the Ravens will live the weekend in Misery thinking about how a bad Dolphin team beat them.

#12.LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (5-3) Down 2 spots

Raiders drop out of the top ten of the power rankings because they lost to a Giant team they should have beat. Raiders have played some clunkers. The Raiders have pushed back when their backs are against the wall. Raiders need to make a huge statement by beating the Chiefs this Sunday. A Chiefs loss could send them into a complete tailspin where Patrick Mahomes may not be able to get his team back in the post-season this season. It would be a loss heard all over the NFL nation.

Raiders need Derek Carr to be their Optimus Prime.

#13.NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (5-3) Down 2 spots

The Saints may need to call Drew Brees and bring him back out of retirement. Jameis Winston never thought in any day I’d say Saints fan or any people would have missed the crab man.

Saints have problems at the quarterback position. After taking down the Buccaneers, the Saints fell to a bad Falcon team. Now this Sunday Saints play the Titans. Can Sean Payton get anything out of quarterback Trevor Siemian? What’s going on with Taysom Hill? Glad the Saints did not get desperate and sign soft Figgy Cam Newton to the squad. No Michael Thomas. No Alvin Kamara. The Saints season is on the brink and it’s up to their defense to pull them through during bad times.

#14.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (5-4)

Did Patrick Mahomes make a deal with the devil?

Chiefs offense has drastically taken multiple steps backwards. Chiefs playing the Packers without Aaron Rodgers last Sunday only scored 13 points. Chiefs of the past would have scored in the high 20s or into the 30’s. Chiefs are treading water. They are in the thick of things in the AFC West, but the problem is every team in the division is in the thick of things. Chiefs may be doomed. If not already.

#15.LA CHARGERS (5-3) Up 1 spot

Chargers to me can be very unpredictable. Chargers are in the thick of things in the AFC West and have beaten the Chiefs early this season. The Chargers are 2-0 in division play so far. I would love to see Justin Herbert and how he would do in post-season. Those exciting Charger teams of the past come to mind when they looked like Phillip Rivers was going to make a giant step in post-season but comes away with a bad defeat. Chargers defense you’d like to see do better in the second half. The defense has shown they can play some great defense when they want to. The Chargers still have not played their all around best game of the season.

#16.PITTSBURGH STEELERS Down 1 spot

I know the Steelers have won three in a row. You could point out the Bears should have had the victory last Sunday versus the Steelers.

Steelers are at a hard place right now. If the Steelers had a Matt Ryan or another veteran quarterback that could throw the ball down field, the Steelers would be an elite team in the AFC. Steelers have a defense, a running game, and play makers to throw to. The Steelers are in a hard place because it is time to unleash the wrecking ball on Big Ben. Roethlisberger is the missing link. If the Lions upset the Steelers, you will hear fans say Big Ben is the problem.

#17.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (4-5) Up 1 spot

Colts need to get back to 500 and facing the Jaguars this Sunday should help them accomplish it. Colts then in the next two weeks play Buffalo and Tampa Bay. Losing both those games could end their return to the post-season and back to the drawing board. Colts are a well-balanced team. What are their needs? I love the head coach, Frank Reich. Is Carson Wentz the answer at quarterback? Will the Colts be looking for their third quarterback in the last three seasons in the off-season?

#18.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-5) Up 2 spots

WELCOME BACK RUSSELL WILSON!!!

Nobody thought Russell Wilson killed himself. In his absence, the Seahawks managed to do that. The Seahawks wide receivers are probably dancing in the streets naked as Wilson is going to play this Sunday versus the Packers. The Seahawks only go as far as Wilson can take this team. Wilson can win games in Seattle despite the team having a bad defense.

#19.MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-5) SAME Vikings have so much talent on that offense. Kirk Cousins is playing well this year. The Viking defense is not the door mat of the league but a decent unit. Lots of close losses. Three overtime games out of which they won one. The Vikings do not have the killer instinct.

Instead finishing their opponent making it a fatality, the Vikings become BFF’s

#20.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-5) Down 3 spots

I feel like the 49ers are going to bottom out in the second half. Is Kyle Shanahan’s job on the line? The 49ers have some talented players on this roster. Jimmy Garoppolo you think is back and then he plays OK.

The 49ers took a gamble in the first round on Trey Lance. So far Lance needs more seasoning before he gets back on the field. The 49ers play in one of the toughest divisions, so during this second half this team may plummet in the standings.

#21.DENVER BRONCOS (5-4) Up 2 spots

Look out because the Broncos have won three games in a row. Last week beating the snot out of a very good Cowboy team and beating a team with a winning record. Broncos traded away Von Miller to the Rams. Sometimes a trade like that can light a fire under your team. The Broncos are in the thick of things in the AFC West. Chiefs don’t look like the Chiefs anymore. Broncos should be able to pick up a win at home versus the Eagles this week. Can the Broncos beat the teams in their own division? All the Broncos’ wins have come outside the division. Broncos have only played one division game so far. Beat the teams in your division and perhaps the Broncos find themselves in the post-season.

#22.NEW YORK GIANTS (3-6) Up 2 spots

You think Head Coach Judge is Dredded?

Then they make another Judge Dredd movie. Giants match up well versus the Raiders last week and came away with their 3rd victory. Giants have injuries like most teams. Giants you think are toast and then they start winning a few games to get you excited once again. Remember, last year Giants went on a small tear for the NFC East division but fell flat on their faces. Do you give head coach Joe Judge another year because of injuries?

#23.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (3-6) Down 2 spots

Interesting stat for the Philadelphia Eagles. Only team with a 3-6 record or much worse than that has outscored their opponents by a lousy 9 points. Will the Eagles have to find yet another quarterback in the off-season? Eagles come off the bus running the ball which can be a double edge sword type of conversation on the bar stools having a Philly Cheesesteak. Running the ball keeps your quarterback standing alive for another week. The Eagles may think they needs to run the ball to win games and limit Hurts’ passing attempts. Hurts has 11 TD passes and only 3 interceptions. Hurts and the Eagles offense do not throw down the field for big plays of 20 or more yards. It’s all dink and dunk most of the time. The Eagles roster has multiple holes they need to fill.

#24.CHICAGO BEARS (3-6) Up 2 spots

Bears are on the rise because of the play of their rookie quarterback, Justin Fields. Bears should have won last Monday versus the Steelers. Many bad calls by the referees? Bad coaching by the Chicago Bears?

Bears linebacker, Cassius Marsh’s taunting call haunts the Bears. Marsh, who was a former Steeler, playing against his former team sacked Big Ben Roethlisberger late in that game. Should have been a Bears victory. However Marsh is called for taunting of his former team. It was not Marsh’s sack celebration. It was Marsh heading to the sideline of the Steelers to pretty much say, “Look at me.” The refs made a numerous amount of bad calls in the game that went against the Bears. However, there was bad coaching from Matt Nagy. How many taunting calls have the Bears racked up this season? How many ejections have the Bears racked up the last two seasons for their players punching the opponents? The Bears are coached like the Browns when Freddie Kitchens was on the sideline. This team plays stupid.

#25.CAROLINA PANTHERS (4-5) Down 3 spots

McDonalds always brings back the McRib sandwich.

The Carolina Panthers desperately need a quarterback so they brought back the Fig Newton for a limit time only.

#26.ATLANTA FALCONS (4-4) Up 2 spots

Matt Ryan should be playing for another franchise. This Falcons team is not going anywhere. Last Sunday, Matt Ryan spread the ball around and led the Falcons in an upset over the Saints. Who is Matt Ryan throwing to? Ryan plays almost every game. I’m thinking if I was a Rams fan, I’d rather have Matt Ryan over Matthew Stafford. I know the Rams just wanted to rid themselves of the Goff Ball that was holding the team back. If Matt Ryan had a balanced offense with a running game, good line, and a key defense, he would get a team deep in the playoffs.

#27.MIAMI DOLPHINS (3-7) Up 3 spots

Don’t look now because the Dolphins have suddenly won two straight games. Last Sunday, the Fins took out the Texans in the toilet bowl. Then on Thursday night, they upset the Ravens in front of the entire nation.

THE FIX IS IN!!!

#28.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-6) Up 1 spot

Jaguars had a huge upset taking down the Bills and winning their first game on American soil since week 1 of the 2020 season.

My biggest take away from the game last Sunday was for the first time in NFL history, a guy with the same name sacked a guy with the same name. Josh Allen of the Jaguars sacked Josh Allen of the Bills. Jaguars are still terrible. Urban Meyer has not gotten the best out of their skate or die quarterback, Trevor Spicoli Lawrence.

#29.WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM (2-6) Down 4 spots

The Football Team had a bye week last Sunday and now have a rematch versus the Buccaneers who knocked Washington out of the playoffs last season. I dropped Washington 4 spots because they are playing Tampa Tom and company who also were on a bye week. Last season, Washington had the same record at 2-6 and ended up winning the dreaded NFC East. Tampa Tom off the bye week and his Buccaneers won 8 straight including the Superbowl. Washington has fallen and is not getting up any time soon.

#30. NEW YORK JETS (2-6) DOWN 3 SPOTS

Who’s on first is the question for the Jets. You have to love the Jets quarterback situation which is like a soap opera… a Days of Our Lives episode. Episodes feature young up-and-coming characters. Then they bring characters back who you thought were killed off years ago. Oh the Hungry and the Restless.

Another XFL quarterback resurfaces in the NFL, who is Josh Johnson. The 35-year-old Johnson has been with 13 franchises and has only gotten to actually play for 4 teams. Before the XFL, Johnson last suited up for the Redskins in 2018. Definitely Johnson’s name should be the suitcase as Jets may not be his last stop. In two games, Josh Johnson did pretty well throwing 3 touchdown passes with only 1 interception going 29-45 attempts for 334 yards.

Mike White will be inserted back behind center for the Jets in week ten.

#31. HOUSTON TEXANS (1-8) SAME

Texans welcomed back Tyrod Taylor behind center just in time to face the Dolphins in the toilet bowl.

Taylor had 43 pass attempts in his return completing 24 of them for 240 yards. Taylor won the only game for the Texans when he was behind center. His comeback after several weeks dealing with a hamstring injury was a horrible performance that resulted in three interceptions and a QB rating of 42.8. Texans lost 8 straight. Texans might as well play and ride out rookie QB, Davis Mills, to get him more experience for next year . Maybe Mills becomes the future with the experience. Texans need a top draft pick in 2022. Then the Texans better hope they can get something for DeShaun Watson.

#32. DETROIT LIONS (0-8) SAME

Over the bye week, the Detroit Lions had a shrink in their locker room to change the team’s losing ways.

NFL WEEK TEN STRAIGHT PICK-EM

WEEK 9 PICKING WAS JUST A ROAD WRECK

LAST WEEK RECORD: 5-9

SEASON STATS

OVERALL RECORD (88-48)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD (7-2)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD (6-3)

WEEK TEN WE HAD OUR MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH TO OVERCOME THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF BAD PICKING

WEEK TEN NFL GO!!!!!!!!!

THE THURSDAY NIGHT AFFAIR

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS

No way in the world would the NFL have another big time upset three weeks in a row. Dolphins would need their defense to return to their 2020 form and create turnovers. Dolphins would need Dan Marino to be the quarterback. Maybe a healthy Ryan Fitzpatrick, but odds would still favor the Ravens. Ravens rebounded from a bad loss versus the Bengals and just escaped losing two in a row versus the Vikings, which took a comeback and overtime. Ravens at whatever level they play should be able to handle the fins.

OUR PICK:RAVENS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM

This is a rematch of last year’s post-season game between the Buccaneers and the Team in a first-round wild card match-up. You know who won. Both teams coming off byes. Last year when the Buccaneers came off their bye, they won their 8th straight including the Superbowl. The Team will have some healthy bodies coming back from the injured list. Not sure these bodies will help reunite the return the of that 2020 defense of Washington.

Tom Brady was sniper-like on the bye week, just studying everything about Washington DC that he could. Soaking in all their weaknesses and places they like to eat.

OUR PICK:BUCCANEERS

BUFFALO BILLS AT NEW YORK JETS

Would one of Jim Kelly’s teams from the Bills Heyday in the 1990’s, lose to a bad Jaguars team? Jets showed they can beat good teams as they have Bengals and the Titans stamped on the side of their helmets.

Bills defense will be too much for their rookie quarterback, Mike White, to handle. I like Josh Allen taking full responsibility of his play last week after the loss to the Jaguars. Look for redemption for the Bills as they have their best all-around game of the year.

OUR PICK BILLS

ATLANTA FALCONS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

Could the Falcons Dirty Bird the Cowboys like they did to the Saints a week ago? Cowboys were stunned last week by a Bronco team that traded away their biggest legend on their defense. Matt Ryan did well spreading the ball around. Cowboys have done too well up to this point to roll up into a ball and play dead. Falcons I can see upsetting a Saints team they see twice a year, but I don’t see the Cowboys overlook another inferior team and turn things around.

Someone pass the hot sauce because the Cowboys are having some Falcon wings after the game Sunday with some female companionship… which is the Cowboy way.

OUR PICK:COWBOYS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT TENNESSEE TITANS

Which town is more fun to get your drink on, Nashville or New Orleans? Beads versus boots. Saints have a problem at the quarterback position. The Titans have knocked off the Bills, Chiefs, Colts twice and last Sunday took it to a very good Rams team. No Alvin Kamara for Saints. Titans defense has risen from the grave the team of 2019, when they knocked off the Patriots in the playoffs. Saints defense will keep it close. Whatever running game the Titans can muster up in the absence of Derrick Henry will be the key to the game. Titans will work a few backs to get some run production with their play action pass.

OUR PICK:TITANS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

I see the Jaguars coming out playing a pretty good game from the start, feeling good about their victory over the Bills last week. Colts have been in this situation last Thursday facing a Jets team coming off an upset victory. It was the Jaguars defense that forced the Bills into turnovers. The Jaguar offense was nothing special in that victory last week. Colts don’t make easy mistakes because they are a very disciplined team. Look for Jonathan Taylor to keep the chains moving running the ball and the Jaguars offense on the sideline. Now we can all come back down to earth.

OUR PICK: COLTS

DETROIT LIONS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Lions have been reading deep thoughts by Jack Handy over their bye week.

Lions have been trying to find themselves and the way to a victory on Sunday. Pittsburgh defense is hanging on for dear life to avoid bolts falling off their steel reinforcement beams of the only unit that has worked properly this season. Big Ben Roethilisberger is ready to crumble each day he gets on the field. I like the Steelers running back, Najee Harris, who has to do it all for the Steelers offense to score points. Lions defense will have problems stopping the double threat Harris out of the Steelers backfield. Steelers are tough to beat in Pittsburgh.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The Patriots have been red hot winning their last three games. Browns came back to life with a trouncing of the Bengals, a division rival. Patriots defense has been impressive as their unit is starting to click together. Running Back Nick Chubb is out for the Browns who had a monster game last Sunday. Mac Jones is building confidence each week as a rookie quarterback. Browns have a nice back up running back in D’Ernest Johnson who will be making his second career start. I like Baker Mayfield’s speech last Sunday about the team releasing Odell Beckham Jr. I think this speech and the recent brotherhood coming together as a team will carry over as Browns find a way to win in New England.

OUR PICK:BROWNS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT LA CHARGERS

Chargers have lost two out of their last three games. Vikings have lost two games in a row. Two close games, one in overtime. This game has a ton of offensive fire power from both teams that could make this game someone’s fantasy dreams. Chargers defense has the edge over the Vikings defensive unit. Chargers will put all their efforts in grounding the Vikings star Running Back, Dalvin Cook. It will be up to Kirk Cousins to win the game and the Chargers will force a key turn over that will help seal the deal and stay on top of a very crowded AFC West.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT DENVER BRONCOS

Two teams I’ve had problems picking their faith every week. You think the Eagles are done as they curl up in a ball one week and then fly high the next. Broncos trade away their best defensive player. Von Miller was the heart and soul of the team, the Broncos beat up on the Cowboys last Sunday. Broncos are in this right now in a crowded AFC West as the Chiefs are not the Chiefs of old. I like the Broncos at home and using that big upset they got and cashing it in another win. Broncos have no problems beating teams from the NFC East as they beat the Giants, The Team, & Cowboys. Watch them go for the division sweep this Sunday.

OUR PICK:BRONCOS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS

Looks like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson will be back for their teams this Sunday. Rodgers was out with the Covid virus after lying about getting the vaccine in August. Wilson has been out several weeks with an injury to his hand. Wilson may be rusty. Rodgers was only out a week so should get back on the horse and….

I see Aaron Rodgers using the words he said about his lie as a witch hunt. This entire saga about the vaccination talks will fuel Rodgers’ fire. Green Bay defense has been playing solid which will limit big plays from Wilson and his big receivers. Seattle’s defense is a weakness. Green Bay at home is the key for the Big Cheese and the Packers.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

The Raiders have played the Chiefs very tough the last few seasons and winning a few of the games. Kansas City offense is a shell of their former selves. Raiders have succeeded with a heavy burden on their shoulder all season. The Chiefs defense played much better than they did all year versus the Packers. The Jordan Love-Packers at the time. Chiefs and Raiders’ old time rivalry makes it very fun to watch them.

This is a perfect time for the Raiders to make a huge statement in the AFC West by bringing the Chiefs down. Perhaps making Patrick Mahomes walk the plank for good this season and end their domination of the division. Derek Carr has to have his best game on Sunday night with everyone watching.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

LA RAMS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The 49ers need to make some changes. Rams got beaten like a red headed step child by the Titans last Sunday night. This is a division game between the Rams and 49ers, so it should start off close. Odell Beckham will play a role of decoy in his first game as a Ram. Jimmy Garoppolo will struggle in this game. The Rams defense is out for blood after what the Titans did to them last week. Look for the Rams offense to put up 30 or more points on the 49ers defense that has done nothing all year.

OUR PICK: RAMS

I was watching the return of Dexter, Dexter: New Blood, last week. The show continues ten years later as Dexter moved his life cross-country with a new identity. A new life. New Blood pool.

If Dexter New Blood’s pool was the NFL… what players would he invite to his table? I don’t condone violence or some kind of hit-list versus anyone. In make-believe, I have chosen three NFL players that are nothing but Dung Holes to whom Dexter can serve justice. I use dung, because the definition is the excrement of animals, basically manure. All three Dung Holes I picked are at the bottom of the NFL society, and just in life.

NUMBER ONE

THE PROBLEM CHILD

Odell Beckham Jr.

Remember the old sitcom, Father Knows Best? Odell Beckham Sr. probably does not know best for his son. Senior Beckham has been a very busy man. Senior has created an 11-minute video about his son’s season in 2021. It’s about all the missed opportunities for the Cleveland Browns. The tale of the tape that Senior put on Instagram shows Baker Mayfield, the Browns quarterback, not able to get the ball to his son, Odell Beckham Jr. We have been down this Beckham road before when Junior wore out his welcome in a Giants uniform. The trade deadline passed by and Beckham was still a Brown. Daddy dearest found a clever way of getting his son out of the Dawg pound even though he should probably neuter his own boy.

Odell Beckham Jr. did not say a word to the press or the Cleveland brass about his pops being wrong and taking this too far. Like father like son, they both got what they wanted and the great Junior Beckham got his release. Beckham Jr. cleared waivers and now is a free agent to sign wherever he wants to. If anyone wants to deal with his kind of baggage, Beckham Jr. brings it to a locker room. Beckham Jr. played in six games this season, all of them after he came back from a season-ending injury in 2020. Junior caught only 17 balls for 232 yards with no touchdowns.

The Rams putting all their chips in this season are willing to bring in the Odell Beckham Jr. cancer to their locker room. Meanwhile, a motivating speech by Baker Mayfield about his former teammate fueled the Browns in a win over the Bengals last Sunday.

THE HILLBILLY

The above picture will show you life after football for Aaron Rodgers.

AARON RODGERS

My hypothesis I would predicted was Aaron Rodgers lands a sexual transmitted disease before the Covid. Aaron Rodgers tested positive for the Covid virus. When Aaron Rodgers was asked by a reporter in August if he had received his vaccination shot for Covid, his response was, “I’ve been immunized.”

The reporter could have asked Rodgers a follow up question regarding what his meaning of immunized was. Who’s going to lie about getting a Covid shot? Aaron Rodgers would. Rodgers admitted he was not vaxxed, but was in denial about lying about it even though he did mislead the public and the NFL. Green Bay Packers probably knew about Mr. Drama not having been vaccinated. Why is this a big deal? Not everyone that plays in the NFL has been vaccinated for the Covid virus. Rodgers was able to be mask-less on the sidelines during pre-season. Plus the different protocols if you get vaccinated and catch the virus, your return is easier than if you are not vaccinated. Rodgers missed the game versus the Chiefs. Rodgers would have to have a negative test Saturday before Packers play the Seahawks to return to the field. Packers were rolling as a team winning 7 straight. This could be a bump in the road for the Packers, but Rodgers could have teammates pissed off at him for going around with his own rules. Maybe some teammates or coaches in the Green Bay organization are prone to catch diseases because of their health history. What about other teams? What about fans or things Rodgers does on his own time in other commitments?

Aaron Rodgers’ excuse is he claims an ingredient in the vaccine shots, his body would be allergic to. Instead, Rodgers was getting Monoclonal antibodies pumped into his body by doctors in hopes his body would fight off the Covid virus in a preventative way. Rodgers also used a drug called Ivermectin which is used to de-worm animals. These methods did not work as Rodgers used team facilities, all along mask-free. Then a mask-less Halloween party where Rodgers catches the Covid. For un-vaccinated players, these are on the no-list.

Aaron Rodgers calls the reaction about his news for misleading everyone, a witch hunt. Aaron Rodgers does not want to be criticized for anything. The Buffalo Bills Receiver, Cole Beasley, and other names in the NFL stand against the vaccine shot. Beasley and others will admit it and give their opinion back about what they believe in. Even though they may receive backlash. Rodgers is a worm creeping through the soil and balancing his life as somebody misunderstood. Trying to be the face of that lovable spokesman, like Peyton Manning. Rodgers thinks he is the messiah on the field. Then the drama of not coming back to the Packers this off-season. The Rodgers revenge tour. Growing his hair long and beard thick to give that bad boy presence. What Hall of Fame Quarterback has done all that? Does Tom Brady do all this Rodgers hoopla? Brady loves himself more than anybody. Rodgers has one Superbowl and how many does Brady have?

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

HENRY RUGGS III

The movie Multiplicity with Michael Keaton comes to mind as he clones himself in the comedy movie. The 4th clone is a copy of a copied clone who does not play with a full deck. Henry Ruggs the 3rd might be the same, probably worse, when it comes to brain cells that are fully operational. Henry Ruggs III was drafted out of Alabama and in his second season with the Raiders is only 22-years-old. Ruggs the 3rd had a bright future in the NFL. It took one night for Ruggs to pretty much ruin his entire life. Henry Ruggs III went out drinking & was over-served. Ruggs had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit in Nevada and decided to drive home in his sports car at a high speed, killing someone in the process.

Henry Ruggs III was two sheets in the wind, but had his Stingray Corvette up to 156 MPH several miles away from the strip. Then what else is mind boggling is Henry Ruggs III had his girlfriend in the car with him. The girlfriend with whom he has a 3-year-old daughter, who thank the Lord was not in the car with them. Ruggs collided with a Toyota Rav-4, which killed a 23-year-old woman and her dog as the crash turned her car into a fireball. Plus, the icing on the cake for this idiot was he had a loaded gun in his car. Raiders released Ruggs as soon as they gathered all the facts. Ruggs’ football career is over. Ruggs now will have to live with what he has done. To be a millionaire and not hire a driver to take you to the night club is just a head scratcher. People drink and drive all the time, and everyone has done it. Being over-served and trying to be macho is not a good combination. Why was he driving so fast with his baby’s mother in the car? Now someone’s kid. Someone’s family member. Someone’s friend has to grieve with the sudden death of a loved one. I know Henry Ruggs III did not go out to kill someone. I know he’s only 22-years-old. People that young have done lots of stupid things. From being over-served, going a high speed with your girlfriend in the car, with a loaded gun all the stupid things you may have done in your 20’s, all combined in the same night.

I feel bad for the Henry Ruggs kid in this entire situation. Kenzli Re’Nai’s father, Henry, was not thinking of her going 156 MPH. When she finds this story in the future, she will realize Kenzli Re’Nai could have been parentless. How will Henry Ruggs III get through this tough time he dealt to himself? Will Henry Ruggs III be an angry man not playing football. Ruggs will have to live with having taken another life. Ruggs will hopefully try to make amends for what he did. Raising that daughter should have been his life before the crash. That daughter better be his number one priority. It will be a long tough road and uneasiness for the rest of his life.

The NFL Power Rankings are back by popular demand. We have every team ranked and we have done it the Wild Shamrock Way, not holding back on anything. Our rankings may not be right as week 8 was crazy in the NFL. We drank a lot of beer, did not look through piles of data, and we may not have it right. If we were cold stone sober, we still may not have it right.

We are rolling out week 9 power rankings hope you enjoy.

#1.LA RAMS (7-1) What is DeSean Jackson looking for in life? The wide receiver wants out of LA. Rams released him because he wanted out. Rams are a team looking to get back to the Superbowl. Maybe Jackson is just not getting enough targets as most of these cry babies who play his position bitch about. Jackson seems he can only run one passing route. The go route. The bomb. Guess what the Rams did? They made a trade and landed a future Football Hall of Famer, Von Miller from the Broncos. Miller has 110.5 career sacks. Miller is older and has lost a step or two, but is teaming up with Aaron Donald so watch out opposing quarterbacks. Meanwhile Jackson will be home on the couch during the post-season, scratching himself while wondering what could have been.

#2.GREEN BAY PACKERS (7-1) Aaron Rodgers is a hill rod. This guy will be one of those characters from the movie, The Hills Have Eyes, when he’s done playing football.

First, the family feud with his own parents. Then you walk away from race car driver Danica Patrick. MORON!! Rodgers uses immunization as his word to disguise him not being vaccinated against Covid. Now Rodgers has Covid. Rodgers broke some protocols in the NFL as everyone thought he was vaccinated. I don’t care if you want the shot or not, or what you believe. Hiding it from your teammates is the problem. Can Green Bay win without Rodgers? Love to see Jordan Love take over and do well. Then the Packers can kick this cry baby hill-rod to the curb. Meanwhile Rodgers can get immunized behind the shed in the woods with a rusty needle filled with moonshine & injected by the State Farm guy.

#3.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (6-2) I think New Orleans is Tampa Tom’s kryptonite. In sports, even when your team is a thousand times better then another team. It always seems one team can beat you on any given Sunday. Buccaneers and Tom Brady won the most important match-up versus the Saints last year in the playoffs. Saints have beaten the Buccaneers three regular season games in a row since last season. Buccaneers, if you remember in that playoff match-up versus the Saints, had to come back in that contest to win. Buccaneers head for a bye week in week 9. Tom Brady can restock his Flintstones Vitamins. GRONK may return in week 10?

#4.ARIZONA CARDINALS (7-1) Last week, if AJ Green had turned around at the very end of the game, would he have caught the pass for an Arizona win over the Packers? Instead Kyle Murray was picked up by the Green Bay defender and Cardinals suffered their first loss of the year. This could be a good thing for the Cardinals. The team could get hungry, mentally stronger, and get back on the winning track. How does the Cardinals defense play without JJ Watt?

Unfortunately, in this case it is like changing a light bulb. JJ Watt was over paid for his services and really did not do much. One sack and a few swats of passes. NEXT MAN UP!!!

#5.BUFFALO BILLS (5-2) Bills could easily be 7-0. Opening day, a few plays and blocked punt cost them versus Pittsburgh. Bills had the Titans game. A few plays in that one cost them the game. Especially with Josh Allen losing his footing as the offense went for a 4th down and inches at the very end of regulation in the red zone. Right now, Bills can feast on some bottom dwellers throughout the league and get ready for the tough match-ups starting in late November. The Hit list includes two games versus New England.

It would be good the to see the Bills send a message throughout the galaxy and stop the Patriots from building a new operational Death Star.

Let’s not forget the Bills’ old friend Dildo Tom Brady, who is now suiting up with the Buccaneers. A win versus Tampa Tom would be a revenge dish served cold dildo-style. Brady is public enemy number one in Buffalo.

#6.DALLAS COWBOYS (6-1) Can Dak Prescott stay healthy for the entire season? Cowboys beat the Vikings with Cooper Rush behind center last week. Cowboys are a different team without Dak Prescott. It’s like Seattle without Russell Wilson. Except the Cowboys defense has shown a significant improvement from last year’s shit show. Cowboys can rack up some victories because next time they play a team with a winning record is in week 12 which is the Raiders.

#7.TENNESSEE TITANS (6-2) Titans have been rolling after losing to a bad Jets team. Titans have knocked off the two teams in the AFC Championship last season, the Bills and Chiefs. The Titans finished off the sweep versus the division rival Colts last Sunday in overtime, but their tank sprung a leak.

Derrick Henry is out the rest of the year for the Titans. Titans may be dropping in the power rankings in the next few weeks.

#8.CINCINNATI BENGALS (5-3) How are the Bengals a top ten team losing to the Bears and the Jets? Bengals after a few plays could be right now 8-0. What convinces me that the Bengals are a good team is what they did to the Ravens in Baltimore two weeks back, putting up a 40 point berger. The Bengals have the recipe to be a top ten team. Bengals can get to the opposing team’s quarterback. The Bengals have a good running game. They have a number one quarterback. Plus a slew of play-makers who can catch the ball.

#9.BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-2) Ravens coming off the bye week under John Harbaugh is almost a guarantee win for Baltimore. Ravens were playing well on both sides of the ball before losing to the Bengals. Ravens should be healed having a bye week at a perfect time. Lamar Jackson already slayed one demon so far this season, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. I expect the Ravens will beat up the teams in their division the rest of the way and use that road to the playoffs.

#10.LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (5-2) Death to Chucky may be the best thing that has happened to Oakland.

Jon Gruden resigning means Raiders are a different animal. Raiders are playing better as a group. The Raiders are using all their play-makers. Even with the loss of Henry Ruggs, who was intoxicated and driving his corvette at high speed over 150 MPH, resulting in him killing someone. Raiders released Ruggs after learning what happened. Watch… the Raiders will still prevail without a wide receiver who was doing pretty good.

#11.NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (5-2) I thought the Saints defense lost too many guys on their defense that was impressive last season. Defensive End Trey Hendrickson signed with the Bengals and leads the league in sacks. Saints defense made Tom Brady’s age show last week in a big victory over the Buccaneers. Can the Saints win games without Jameis Winston, who is out for the rest of the season?

Was that a Trevor Siemian sighting behind center for the Saints last Sunday? The former Bronco, still in the league, did decently. Can Taysom Hill be the guy for the Saints? Don’t even mention Cam Newton signing… we have not gone to the bottom of the tar pits looking for help.

#12.CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-4) Releasing the dog of all dogs might be what the Browns need.

Odell Beckham Jr.’s father has a video out there on the clouds about how his son is not getting the ball. Odell has not said anything, so he must think what his pop did is the facts. Get rid of the cry baby receiver, the cancer of the locker room, and watch the Browns start playing better. Without Odell in the line up, I always thought Baker Mayfield did better instead of forcing the ball to the dog. Guess who’s back this Sunday for the Browns! Nick Chubb.

#13.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (4-4) With Deshaun Watson having problems with the law. Patrick Mahomes is having by far the worst year he has ever had in his career. Does that make Mitch Trubisky, a back up quarterback in Buffalo. the man of the 2017 draft? Probably not. Chiefs can’t protect Mahomes on offense and can’t stop anyone on defense. Seasons ago, Chiefs found ways to improve their defense late in the season. I think many are thinking Patrick Mahomes will turn things around as well.

#14.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-4) Patriots are getting better and better each week. Patriots beat a good and difficult Chargers team last Sunday. It’s funny how Mac Jones fell to Bill Belichick and the Patriots. Mac Jones, by far, is the best rookie quarterback out of the 2021 draft. People got mad that the Patriots cut the cookie, Cam Newton. It was Mac Jones explaining the playbook to Newton in pre-season. I can see the Patriots sneaking through the back door into the post-season or just missing getting in. Belichick is showing us his best coaching since Tom Brady left New England.

#15.PITTSBURGH STEELERS (4-3) If Steelers beat a bad Bears team on Monday, and go 5-3. If Browns beat the Bengals, both the Browns and Bengals will be 5-4. If Ravens lose to the Vikings, they will be 5-3. Things will get very interesting in the AFC North. Big Ben Roethlisberger’s arm is hanging on by a thread. The Steelers have won three in a row somehow.

#16.LA CHARGERS (4-3) The Chargers are still in the thick of things in the AFC West. Chargers started off great. LA has lost two in a row and in one of those games, they were blown away. Chargers are a team that can get to the opposing team’s quarterback as they lead the league in pressures. Justin Herbert is not regressing as he has 16 touchdown passes and only 6 interceptions. Last year, Herbert had 31 touchdown passes. Herbert is still on pace for his brief career numbers. Perhaps better numbers than last season. The Chargers could win that AFC West division as they have beaten the Chiefs already this season.

#17.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-4) Beating the Bears is not a season changer. However, for the 49ers you can make that an argument. The 49ers drafted Trey Lance. Lance has not done well in Jimmy Garoppolo’s absence. When Jimmy plays the 49ers, they do very well. In his second game back since being sidelined, Jimmy Garoppolo helped the 49ers break their losing streak versus the Bears. That’s what leaders do. Jimmy is injury prone, but his leadership and winning percentage mean his teammates would follow him into black hole if he wanted them to. The first game back for Jimmy was in a monsoon versus the Colts.

#18.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (4-5) Colts overtime loss last Sunday to the Titans did not frustrate them. On Thursday night, the Colts bombarded the Jets at Thursday night football. Colts will hover around the 500 mark until this team can string together a few victories in a row. Colts, a team who from last year have a well-balanced team on both offense and defense. Colts have a soft schedule coming up. Remember Colts had a brutal schedule their first three games of the season. Many close games lost this season.

#19.MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-4) Vikings have a great offense. An excellent Running game. Great receivers. Kirk Cousins is playing well, but the record says different. Vikings defense has never been fixed the last two seasons. Vikings defense is better than last season, but not by much. Vikings can’t stop opposing teams regularly. Cousins’ numbers are great, but he can’t win the big game.

#20.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-5) Last time Geno Smith won a game behind center was back in 2016. That was before last Sunday when the Seahawks destroyed the Jaguars.

In 2016, Smith was behind center for the Jets, where he came from before playing in Seattle. It’s simple. Seahawks need Russell Wilson if they want to have a winning record in this league. Smith is like Haley’s comet. He wins a game every 17 seasons. Seahawks have a laundry list of needs. Maybe these are reasons why Wilson would like to get out of Seattle. I’m surprised Pete Carol has not dressed up as woman and jumped ship, pushing the kids out of the way to get in one of those life boats to abandon ship.

#21.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (3-5) Eagles baffle me. They ran the ball down the Lions’ throat last week. Three running backs for the Eagles had 12 rushes, at least. A few weeks back, Eagles ran the ball once before halftime. Eagles seem to only play one good half in each game. They dig themselves a hole early in the game and show fight to come back to fall short. Can’t play the Lions every week.

#22. CAROLINA PANTHERS (4-4) When I heard the news the Panthers wanted to throw in Christian McCaffrey in a trade to the Texans for DeShaun Watson, I thought they had lost their freaking marbles. Who will be back on the field first? Watson or McCaffrey? McCaffrey from an injury, instead of what they should do with Watson, take him away in cuffs. The Panthers also should end the Sam Darnold experiment. Darnold has thrown 8 picks in only 8 games for the Panthers. The Panthers made the questionable move and got rid of Teddy Bridgewater in the off-season. That move has blown up in your face by taking the Jets’ garbage.

#23.DENVER BRONCOS(4-4)

Broncos to me, actually did a smart thing by dealing their star linebacker Von Miller. Broncos receive two draft picks to perhaps end their search for a quarterback. That may not happen as John Elway better clone his younger self and suit him up instead of marching veterans and guys they keep missing in the draft behind center. Miller has lost a few steps. Two draft picks is a steal for Denver. Broncos I did not see winning the AFC West division. Denver can’t beat teams with winning records.

#24.NEW YORK GIANTS (2-6) Giants have lost nine games in a row in prime-time night games. Why are the Giants even on in prime-time? You’d think the Giants would be viewed when Captain Kangaroo reruns are on in the 4 AM hour or those commercials where the kitchen knifes can cut through a tin can.

Giants have not played a game where everything works like a well-oiled machine. The defense has regressed from last year, but lately they have been playing better. Too many injuries as well. Especially their play makers Saquon Barkley and free agent signee Kenn Golladay.

#25.WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM (2-6) Washington scalped their name Redskins & turned into just the TEAM with no nickname. The team looked to be on the rise last year. The defense was solid. Even the offense with a young quarterback was up and coming. This season the Team has regressed. The team is under heavy investigation by the league. Congress wants to get involved.

Definitely skeletons in Washington’s closet, ask Chucky Gruden about them. Maybe last year’s team is stuffed behind that door. Riverboat Ron Rivera, the head coach, must be going bat crazy. Thought that move by Washington bringing in Rivera would be the move to steer Washington back to the hey days, when Joe Gibbs was running things.

#26.CHICAGO BEARS (3-5) It takes Head Coach Matt Nagy to have Covid virus and at home for his young rookie quarterback Justin Fields to have his best game of the year. The Bears offense is the worst in the league. Finally the Bears offense were able to pass for over 200 yards, which did not happen in its first 8 games of the season. When it seems the offense of the Bears takes a baby step, the defense goes sour.

Bears need to hire a guy to get rid of the front office. Clean up the coaching staff. Make heads roll at Halas Hall.

#27.NEW YORK JETS (2-6) Only the Jets would find a better quarterback than the ones they drafted in the first rounds. Who is Mike White?

Mike White played college football at Western Kentucky. Mike White was inserted behind center after the Jets new franchise quarterback, Zach Wilson, went down with an injury. White threw for 405 yards with 3 touchdown passes leading his Jets past the Bengals. On Thursday, White was doing well versus the Colts and then left the game with an injury. Now that’s Jets football when it comes to the quarterback position. The Jets’ other win was versus the Titans. So either teams play down to New York’s competition level or the Jets know how to just snake bite good teams. Jets fans hope neither Mike White or their number 1 guy this season, Zach Wilson, will bring out the ghosts of Sam Darnold.

#28.ATLANTA FALCONS (3-4) The Falcons are not using the Braves’ plan of how to win your sports championship. The Falcons traded away Julio Jones in the off-season. Remember the Falcons offense was the only thing they had going for this team. Now Calvin Ridley is stepping away from the game for mental wellness.

The Falcons figured they can get rid of Julio Jones because they had Calvin Ridley, who’s been a star in the league. When will Calvin be back? No one knows, not even himself as his season numbers have been his lowest in his career. The Falcons defense has still not shown up to pre-season camp.

#29. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-6) Urban Meyer’s coaching record in the NFL means he is undefeated as a head coach in Europe. In the states, nothing but goose eggs. Last week, the Seattle fans gave Urban Meyer a shower of boos.

Urban Meyer was not even offered a lap dance.

Many thought Urban Meyer was going to turn things around in Jacksonville. Whatever the Jacksonville ownership touches turns into a disaster. What positive thing can you say about the Jaguars? They beat a bad Dolphins team.

#30.MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-7) Why were the Dolphins wasting their time trying to land DeShaun Watson? Dolphins would have gotten rid of important draft capital to see their new starting quarterback not even get on the field. Dolphins defense have gone from one of the best last season, to one of the worst this season. The Dolphins defense was once a turn-over machine and now they can’t stop any opposing team. You could say Tua Tagovailoa has not developed yet. However you can poke the Dolphin and say the offense have ran the ball the fewest attempts in the league.

#31.HOUSTON TEXANS (1-7) Tyrod Taylor was 1-0 as a starter and in week two, the Texans had the lead before he was knocked out of the game. Texans holding on to Deshaun Watson as the trade deadline passed and want a king’s ransom for their disgruntled employee. Maybe the Texans brass instead want to watch him get arrested at some point for being a bad boy with the girls in the sand box. Speaking of bad boys. Texan’s head coach David Culley and his defensive coordinator remind me of the movie, Wild Hogs.

Old guys over their head in an age crisis trying to latch on to one more ride instead of playing with the grandchildren.

#32.DETROIT LIONS (0-8) Lions’ season reminds me of the movie in the 1990’s, Mom and Dad Saved the World.

Only thing Lions do not have is the gorgeous Kathy Ireland on their squad. In the movie, the local group of people said, “What we lack in intelligence, we make up with great intentions.”

This quote sums up the Lions season except throw in lack of talent in the quote as well. Lions’ last perfect season was in 2008.

NFL STRAIGHT PICK-EM WEEK 9

Last week was the Halloween Massacre when it came to weekly picks. We were carjacked in the Mystery van that had our original picks, by these sociopaths. When we picked on the fly, it was our worst week of the year.

LAST WEEK’S RECORD (7-8)

SEASON STATS

OVERALL RECORD (83-39)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD (6-2)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD (5-3)

WEEK 9 WE ARE BRINGING OUT THE BIG GUNS

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

NEW YORK JETS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Who the hell is Mike White? White replaced Zach Wilson behind center and Jets upset the Bengals in a stunner last Sunday. Colts are playing much better than their record as they lost a tough one to the Titans last Sunday. The Colts at home will not take the Jets for granted and be prepared for the guy out of Western Kentucky that no one has ever heard of. Most likely White and where all Jets quarterbacks go down Sam Darnold Avenue and fizzle out. Jets can only beat teams with winning records. Colts are safe with their 3-5 record.

OUR PICK: COLTS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

ATLANTA FALCONS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Jameis Winston is out for the remainder of the year. The Falcons offense has been out most of the year already. The Falcons number one weapon, Calvin Ridley, is out of this contest. I think Taysom Hill can do a good job replacing Winston as he got some valuable experience last season filling in for Drew Brees. Saints will rely on their running game against a bad Atlanta defense. The X-Factor is the Saints defense.

Saints defense is one of the top units in the league and will do most of the heavy lifting if New Orleans wants to see the post-season this season.

OUR PICK:SAINTS

DENVER BRONCOS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

The Broncos traded away the heart and soul of their defense in Von Miller. Cowboys won last Sunday with Cooper Rush behind center. Quarterback controversy? Dak Prescott will be playing versus the Broncos. Broncos finally won last Sunday versus the team, but they still have not beaten a winning team. Cowboys defense should do enough to contain an average Bronco offense run by Teddy Bridgewater. Look for the Bronco defense to cave in without their leader Miller on that unit.

OUR PICK:COWBOYS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS

PJ Walker will get the nod as the starting quarterback for the Panthers. The former Roughneck from the Houston team in the XFL.

It’s about time Panthers replaced Sam Darnold. Walker filled in for the Panthers last year and did well. Meanwhile the Patriots, aka the Evil Empire, are slowly quietly climbing the standings as they knocked off the Chargers last week. Look for a good defensive battle between the two teams. The evil genius, Bill Belichick, will pull the strings just right to confuse Walker Carolina Ranger. Patriots QB Mac Jones does not make the big mistakes and will make some plays for the win. Look for the Patriots to have a winning record at the end of week 9. The Rise of the Empire coming soon to a theatre near you.

OUR PICK:PATRIOTS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

Ravens were torched the last time they were on the field versus the Bengals. Vikings lost another one on prime time to the Cowboys and their back up quarterback in a close one. Ravens teams coached by John Harbaugh have done an excellent job coming off the bye week. Ravens should be rested. Ravens probably have some guys returning from the injured list coming back. Vikings defense will have a hard time stopping Lamar Jackson and company who were playing well before the Bengal game.

Look for the Raven to fly above the Viking carcass left on the field when this is over.

OUR PICK:RAVENS

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Bengals are going to trick and treat the Browns this Sunday like they received nachos and cheese in their Halloween candy buckets. Like the old cranky man that threw some popcorn in your bag when you were kids. The trick will be on the Browns with nacho cheese in their face. I like the Bengals coming back strong from their loss to the Jets. The Browns concern me with injuries piling up.

OUR PICK:BENGALS

BUFFALO BILLS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The Bills need these easy games right now when the schedule will get harder in late November. Jaguars looked very bad versus Seattle last Sunday losing to Geno Smith. Buffalo should easily run up and down the field on the Jaguars poor defense. The Bills defense should put Trevor Lawrence in many sticky situations where turnovers will occur that will haunt Jacksonville all day long.

Look for the Bills Mafia to invade Jacksonville like the invasion of the Capital building early this year. Except avoid the rioting. Bills Mafia may drink all the beer that Jacksonville has in the stadium.

OUR PICK: BILLS

HOUSTON TEXANS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS

Last time either the Dolphins or the Texans even won a game was week 1 of the season. This game between the Texans and Dolphins is like the dirtiest toilet bowl game in the history of these bathroom bowls. You would think some of the top college football teams in the nation could beat either of these two squads. The team that loses would be in line for the second pick in the draft. Lions have locked up the number one draft pick in the first week coin toss to start the season. I’m going Miami in this one. Teams have a hard time adjusting to humid conditions in Miami, even though Houston is from Texas. But that may be a dry heat.

OUR PICK:DOLPHINS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT NEW YORK GIANTS

This match-up at first looked like a walk in the park for the Raiders. Giants match-up very well with the Raider team. Giants hung in all the way to the end versus the Chiefs. Chiefs are not playing well, but they still can light up the scoreboard on any given Sunday. Will the Raiders be affected by their teammate Henry Ruggs’ off the field accident that killed a person? Will the Giants have Saquon Barkley back in the fold? Raiders, since Jon Gruden resigned after his emails surfaced to the media, have played better. I can see the Raiders also overcoming what Henry Ruggs did. Raiders have used all of their weapons on offense and have played much better and scored more points then Gruden calling the plays. Look for the Raiders to win a close one on the road.

OUR PICK:RAIDERS

LA CHARGERS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Both these teams screwed me last Sunday. Eagles flew high in routing a bad Lion team. Maybe the Eagles knew most of the nation were picking the Lions for a first win over their squad. Meanwhile Chargers got a dose of the new Empire on the rise versus New England.

Look for the Eagles to unload quick passes on the Charger pass rush. Eagles power running game will be the factor versus that Chargers attacking defense. I like the Eagles for a change, striking first and holding on for dear life at the end for a victory at home.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

It was going to be the State Farm bowl between Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers.

Aaron Rodgers is out with Covid. With the news of Rodgers not playing, the Chiefs became the favorite in the latest betting line over a touchdown. I like the upset in this one. Patrick Mahomes has played poorly in his last several games. The Chiefs offense is running like they have the Denver boot on their wheels of a whole. The Packers running game will keep Mahomes sidelined most of the game. Look for Packers running backs, two headed monster AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones, to get chunks of yardage off that Chief’s defense. Back up quarterback Jordan Love won’t have to do too much. I bet Love will show the league a few things and make some nice passes because they drafted him to replaced the cry baby Rodgers.

OUR PICK:PACKERS

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Can Arizona recover from their first loss of the season handed to them by the Packers? Jimmy Garoppolo is back behind center and what do the 49ers do? Win in Chicago last Sunday. I think the 49ers will ground out the Cardinals running game. Can the Cardinals defense go on without JJ Watt who is out for the season? This will be a close game. Cardinals took the first game versus the 49ers this season by a score of 17-10. Cardinals protection offensive line caved in versus the Packers last Thursday. I think the 49ers have a better front and can disrupt Kyler Murray.

And Jimmy knows how to win. The 49ers are just a better team with Jimmy healthy behind center.

OUR PICK:49ERS

TENNESSEE TITANS AT LA RAMS

Rams have been shopping getting a last minute purchase before the deadline, bringing Von Miller over from Denver. Titans going back into time hoping and praying that Spanky Adrian Peterson can find the fountain of youth before he puts on a Titan jersey. Rams defense will key in on the passing game from the Titans. With the injury to the Titans super star running Derrick Henry, the play action pass will not thrive like it did when he is in the line-up. Ryan Tannehill needs the play action pass. If Tannehill passes the ball most of the game, it goes in the Rams favor. Rams offense should score off a Titans defense that has gotten better recently but rely on turnovers. Rams offense is disciplined not make stupid mistakes.

OUR PICK: RAMS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

CHICAGO BEARS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Both teams have struggled with their offense this season. Bears running game is the lone bright spot for the Bears offense. Too bad the Steelers defense, their bread and butter, can put a halt to the Bears running game. Steelers have won two games in a row. The Bears defense has done their own vanishing act in the last few weeks. My key to the game is the Steelers have a way better coaching staff than the sizzling seat of Matt Nagy and his disciples.

OUR PICK:STEELERS

Back in 2010, the Chicago Blackhawks advertising campaign had one goal. To win the Stanley Cup. The Blackhawks had a young nucleus surrounded by some veteran presence. The team went deep into the NHL playoffs the season before. Because they had young superstars that were going to take the league by storm. The Blackhawks as an organization were trying to get out of that label from once upon time ago, that of one of the worst franchises in sports. Back then, Blackhawks and the LA Clippers were neck and neck of very bad run organizations. The United Center was mostly crickets. Not the full house rocking to the National Anthem on Madison Street. The franchise was owned by Uncle Scrooge, Bill Wirtz. Wirtz’s famous words were that Stanley Cups cost too much money. The sons took over the franchise after the passing of Bill Wirtz. Rocky Wirtz became the chairman and revamped the entire organization. The bad years on the ice led to some top picks. Rocky Wirtz brought in the right people and suddenly the Blackhawks, an original six team, rose up from the dead. The old school thinking was still there. The Catholic school way of sweeping things under the rug. Sending the pregnant teenage sister to your uncles and aunts who have a farm, to avoid shame brought down on the family. The old country way of mum’s the word. Nobody ever talked about what bad thing happened. The Blackhawks had a wolf in the hen house. Instead of scalping the wolf and putting it down, they sent it away with a good resume and a recommendation letter, basically hush money to go away. The Blackhawks covered it up and did not listen to the victim. See no evil hear no evil. Eleven years later, the story comes back to haunt the team with one goal. From under the rug or back of the closet or from the farm, the Blackhawks let a sexual predator loose. John Doe, who turns out to be Kyle Beach, comes out of the woodwork to tell his story.

In 2010, the Blackhawks won their first Stanley cup since the 1960-61 season. Kyle Beach was drafted in 2008 at 11th overall that year in the NHL draft. Kyle Beach in the 2009-10 season was a prospect learning the NHL game and improving his craft. Beach would play in some pre-season games. The Blackhawks would call up some of their prospects from the minor league affiliates for scrimmages versus the big clubs. That is when Kyle Beach met the sexual predator, Brad Aldrich, who worked as video coach for the Blackhawks. The mind set of Aldrich was probably to lure Beach to his lair and show him video on how to improve his game. Beach would love to improve his game, so he trusted the video coach and went over to his apartment. While showing random hockey highlights in Aldrich’s place, suddenly the video turned into porn. This led into Aldrich pulling it out and masturbating in front of the 20-year-old Kyle beach. Add drinks and who knows what Aldrich could have done to the kid’s drink. Bill Cosby’s way of getting his game on. Aldrich used a girl he knew to start a threesome.She would leave in the middle of the three-way, and then Aldrich probably finished the sexual act off. If Kyle Beach did no cooperate, Aldrich threatened to ruin his hockey career. Even once, Aldrich used a Cubs souvenir bat to slam down on the table to demand his attention. All to put fear into the kid’s dream. Which is Kyle Beaches hockey career playing in the NHL.

Why couldn’t a 200 pound hockey player fight off a guy who was smaller than him? Especially since Brad Aldrich is only a video coach. Don’t hockey players fight for a living? Could this have been Kyle Beach’s way of experimenting with gay sex as a young kid? Then traumatized after because he actually went through it? Beach would report Brad Aldrich’s actions to the Blackhawks. The report made it all the way up the ladder to the President of Hockey Operations for the Blackhawks, John McDonough. Even Head Coach Q, Joel Quenneville, knew about what was going on. Nothing ever happened. Beach was told, “The front office is looking into your allegations.” Meanwhile business as usual for Brad Aldrich who would end up with his name on the Stanley cup. Kyle Beach looking from afar noticed nothing changed for Aldrich as he had his day with the Lord Stanley in his home state of Michigan. Beach would be called homophobic names behind his back. Names and coughs of unflattering words as the news was all over the Blackhawks locker room. By the Summertime Brad Aldrich was out of the Blackhawks organization with Hawks brass providing him with letters of recommendation. Aldrich would have pictures of himself celebrating with the cup. Aldrich’s name went on the cup. Aldrich would easily land another gig. Aldrich would then head to Notre Dame and accept a job at a prestigious university. From the Fighting Irish, Aldrich would move on to the University of Miami Ohio and there he assaulted two more victims. Then Aldrich went back to his home state of Michigan to take a job at a local high school. Houghton High School where finally Aldrich was caught and put behind bars. However, a 16-year-old high school student who played hockey, was the last victim of this sexual predator to be assaulted. That kid spoke up and the school did something about it. Houghton High School took the information and handed this sick human being over to the proper authorities, like the Blackhawks should have done in 2010.

Kyle Beach is 31 years old and for 11 years had to live with the agony of what Brad Aldrich did to him. Beach is playing hockey in Germany. As a number one pick, if he would have fought back and taken a different road at the time, perhaps he would have made it to the NHL. The feeling that everyone did not care for him and did not believe him. How they chose to cater to a video coach instead of a number one prospect. Does Kyle Beach feel guilty about other victims that Aldrich took advantage of after he left Chicago? In an interview with TSN, he said he wished he could have done more so a 16 year old from Michigan did not have to go through the horrific events like he had to. Kyle Beach told the players association his story. The players association in the NHL job is to protect the players at all costs. Nothing happened. The feeling of being shunned by the team he was drafted by and the entire NHL league. Turning to alcohol and drugs. Lashing out. Felling your hockey career slip away. The Blackhawks could have turned the matters over to the Police and let them sort out the mess. No, the Blackhawks instead decided to cover it up. Because a scandal would interrupt the one thing important to them at the time. The one and only thing that mattered to all these old school mentality guys was the Stanley Cup. Yes, like a sacrificial lamb. Sacrificing a human being for Lord Stanley.

The Catholic way of doing things for the Blackhawks comes back to bite them in the ass. This sexual scandal compares to what happen at Penn State years ago. What Joe Sandusky did was just sick. Then the aftershocks of the disaster that just destroy people’s lives. They probably deserved it for covering it up. Eventually that scandal led to the death of legendary Head Coach Papa Joe Paterno. Heads are rolling already as Blackhawks General Manager Stan Bowman stepped down. Joel Quenneville stepped down from his head coaching job with the Florida Panthers. John McDonough was let go awhile back and fired by the Blackhawks. This scandal was probably some of the reasoning. Blackhawks were fined two millions dollars by the league which is chump change. By letting Brad Aldrich walk out the door unscathed, Blackhawks will have to deal with multiple lawsuits. More names will probably come out of the woodwork as this thing is far from being over. Blackhawks’ Rocky Wirtz wants the Hockey Hall of Fame to scratch out Brad Aldrich’s name on the Stanley Cup. Remove the name like it never existed. In the coming weeks, it will be a witch hunt for more people to be responsible. It will be like hunting Nazi leaders who did the unthinkable. How will some of the players look after everything comes out? Does Jonathan Toews, the Captain of the Blackhawks, and Patrick Kane be looked at funny as the entire locker room knew what was going on. Will this scandal tarnish their Hall of Fame careers? I would like to say If I found myself in a pickle like that, I would have got the hell out of dodge. As a 20-year-old, I wasn’t the brightest bulb in the box. It’s a shame you have people like Brad Aldrich in the world. So evil & so smart in the same way, to get away with the shit he pulled for so long. Parasites that latch on to innocent people and take advantage; leaving nothing but a shell of their former selves. Anyone that goes through this kind of pain hopes Kyle Beach has some closure. Hope the Blackhawks have opened up their father’s vault and pay dearly. Money will not solve everything. Aldrich took this kid’s NHL dreams away from him and the Blackhawks let it happen.