Last year at this time of the season, the Las Vegas Raiders were making their playoff push. Then in week 18 for all the marbles Raiders beat the Chargers in the last game of the regular season to insert the silver and black into the playoffs. The Raiders had controversies they had to deal with in the 2021 regular season from the loss of their head coach Jon Gruden. The Raider players made frequent news almost every week in the Police blotter. The Raiders Interim Head Coach Rich Bisaccia found ways to keep this team able to overcome the off the field issues. In the off-season Raiders went with a brand-new regime. The team even made a big trade getting one of the top receivers in Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers. Adams would reunite with Derek Carr, his former college teammate who he played together with in California at Fresno State where they hooked up with 38 touchdowns as Bulldogs. Unfortunately, the Raiders brought in the cancer from New England to ruin everything this franchise worked hard for in 2021. The Raiders were picked to return to the post-season by many experts, but Josh McDaniels’ system has derailed Vegas this season. Now fans are wondering where their starting quarterback of 91 straight games will be for the final two games of the season. Dude, where’s my Carr? He has been benched for Jarrett Stidham.

What has Josh McDaniels been without Tom Brady? Is Mac Jones his masterpiece? McDaniels’ system has worked well in New England with Tom Brady running the scheme under Head Coach Bill Belichick pulling the strings like the puppet master. McDaniels’ first head coaching job was in the AFC West with the Denver Broncos as he coached two seasons from 2009-10. In two seasons, Denver had seen enough where he went 12-20 in two seasons as Head Coach. In his first season as a Raiders head coach, McDaniels has a record of 6-9. In three seasons, McDaniels’ record as a head coach in the NFL is eleven games under the .500 mark with a miserable record of 18-29. History still repeating itself that coaches under the Bill Belichick coaching tree have been lopped off and died without New England soil. I know McDaniels knew Jay Cutler was a fraud behind center as that may be his only intelligent thing this man has done as a ringleader of a team in the NFL. Now suddenly you’re benching Derek Carr and perhaps convincing the front office to trade him because he is not working well in your system flawed by any other quarterback except the great Tom Brady. Jarrett Stidham has New England ties as the Raiders got him in a trade in the off-season from the Patriots.

I can see a franchise seeing what you have in back up players especially at the quarterback position. The Raiders are still mathematically alive. Chances are not good playing the 49ers this week & then the Chiefs to close out the season. What is Josh McDaniels’ message to his players as he’s waving the white flag? Why does Derek Carr have to step away from the Raiders the final two games? Carr threw his 14th interception last week which ties a career he set last year and leads the NFL in that category this season. Carr this season has a passing rating of 86.3 playing in the McDaniels’ system which has been his worst since his rookie season as a Raider in 2014. Carr holds all the Raider all-time records as a quarterback. Carr’s 91 straight games behind center is second to only Tom Brady for consecutive games played behind center. The Raiders have even given their franchise quarterback a three-year extension before the season started a deal worth 121.5 million. Carr’s 9-year career he has started 142 games has a QB record of 63-79 while throwing 217 touchdown passes to only 99 interceptions. Carr has completed 64.6 5 of his passes and has thrown for 35,222 passing yards. Playoffs and winning seasons are not there for Carr.

Last year, Wide Receiver Henry Ruggs III killed a person speeding while intoxicated. Head coach Chucky (Jon Gruden) was haunted by old emails from his Washington days. The Raiders did not have Devante Adams. Derek Carr went 10-7 with about the same number of touchdowns thrown and interceptions but had a higher passing rating in 2021 not playing under McDaniels’ system. With all that drama in the locker room, you look for your quarterback to lead you through that mess, which Carr did. I’m not sure any legendary quarterback could have won a Superbowl with all the head coaches this Raider team has gone through since 2014. I’d rather have Derek Carr than Matthew Stafford. If Stafford could win the Superbowl getting away from Detroit, I think Carr could find another garage in the NFL and win. Carr should demand to get traded to another team. Let the dominoes fall as players like Devante Adams will most likely want out as his friend will be dealt. Carr will get waxed somewhere else and have a system surrounding his talents. Hopefully a Charles in Charge, not a New England disciple. Raider fans will now watch McDaniels’ droids like Jarett Stidham complete many short passes but not have the heart or guts to throw the ball down field for a big gainer or try to win the game on something big. The losses will pile up as the Raider fans will see Chargers and Chiefs in the playoffs and the worst sting would see Denver get their team turned around as the Raider team tumbles like the tower in the game of Jenga. Next year, the Raiders will finally fire Josh McDaniels as the team will plummet into stink, stank, and finally stunk in the bottom of the barrel of the NFL. Then the team will be looking for the next Derek Carr with another new regime. Send your application in now if you’re interested in the Raider job.

WEEK 16 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

MERRY CHRISTMAS

NOW I HAVE A MACHINE GUN

LAST WEEK’S RECORD: (10-6)

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT NEW YORK JETS

Don’t look now, but the Jaguars are making a push for the playoffs. Not a stinking wild card but the division title as Jacksonville has won two in a row. Meanwhile the Jets are sliding as they lost three in row and 4 out of their last 5 games. The Jets offense has been averaging 13.5 points in those losses. Let’s face the facts that the team hates Zach Wilson who may be headed to Ryan Leaf’s town as a bust. I’m sure you have heard this before that another Jets number one quarterback pick bites the dust. The Jaguars number one pick at quarterback is starting to get it as Trevor Lawrence has 7 touchdown passes & only 1 interception in those last two games.

OUR PICK: JAGUARS

CHRISTMAS EVE GAMES

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The Seahawks have struggled since playing the Buccaneers in Germany several weeks ago. Seattle has lost two games in a row and the defense is giving up more production than the local whorehouse. Kansas City is trying to get that number one spot in the AFC. Patrick Mahomes has won 15 straight games against NFC opponents. Those 15 straight inter-conference wins ties a record set by Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert which is the longest streak since the NFL merger in 1970.

Seattle have struggled to run the ball the last few weeks which makes Geno Smith and that offense one dimensional against a pretty good Chiefs defense. The Seahawks’ glimmering hopes of the playoffs this season goes officially dark.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

NEW YORK GIANTS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS

The Giants and Vikings may be the two luckiest teams in the entire NFL this season. Last week, the Vikings made the biggest comeback in NFL history to beat the Colts. The Giants escaped Washington with a big victory, and it helps their wild card hopes. Both teams win the close call games. Vikings defense is hot garbage once again. The Giants offense can’t keep up with the Vikings offense if this game turns into a shoot-out. Vikings are looking to improve their seeding as they have the North clinched. A Giants win can help New York get in the post-season. I like the Vikings cleaning things up and playing a complete game as this game has that playoff feeling.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

How do the Patriots come back from the sting of that last play of the game they lost to the Raiders last week?

The Bengals are one of the hottest teams in the league winning their last 5. The Patriots playoff hopes is nothing but a short wick on a windy day. Head Coach Bill Belichick’s best game plan of all-time would not help this Patriot team beat the Bengals. Bill Belichick would need to go back in time and drag Tom Brady back from their hey days to win this one.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

BUFFALO BILLS AT CHICAGO BEARS

The Bears have lost seven in a row and were eliminated from the playoff contention last week. The Bills have won five straight and are looking to clinch the AFC East with a win while holding on to the number one seed in their conference. Can Justin Fields run wild on a pretty good defensive unit the Bills have? The Bears defense can’t stop anyone. The Bears offensive line is sketchy. It will be cold in Chicago. Like a second home for the Bills.

OUR PICK: BILLS

ATLANTA FALCONS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

If you like the running game in football, this is the game for you. Last week Desmond Ridder made his NFL debut in his first start during which he was ok. Lamar Jackson could be back in this one. Both teams have had a hard time scoring points in the last several weeks. The Falcons have lost three in a row and will face a good defensive unit the Ravens have. The Ravens are 3-0 versus the NFC South this season. I like this game being a low scoring affair, but Ravens prevail as they need this win to start cementing themselves into the post-season.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

Which team do you think can win two games in a row in this match up? Both the Saints and Browns coming into week 16 with wins. Both teams this season have a hard time stringing victories together. Deshaun Watson won his first game behind center in a Browns uniform. First victory for Watson since 2020 as he been a very busy man and hands on. Both teams’ shots to make post-season are dismal. The Saints have a better chance playing in the dreaded NFC South. Nick Chubb needs two rushing touchdowns to reach the 50th mark. Only Leroy Kelly and Jim Brown have done that in Browns history. It’s Christmas, so I’m going with the Red Rifleman Andy Dalton in this one.

Besides I hate Deshaun Watson. Scum of the earth. It’s good to be a Saint around the Holidays.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

HOUSTON TEXANS AT TENNESSEE TITANS

Both teams combined have lost 13 games in a row. The Titans have fallen on hard times. Ryan Tannehill is most likely out for the season with ankle issues as now the Titans will have to rely on running back Derrick Henry to carry the full load. This game seems simple. Titans break their losing streak and control the AFC South for another week with the Jaguars closing in. However, I have different thoughts. Since 2011, the Texans are 16-7 versus the Titans. Last week the Texans took the Chiefs to overtime. Then the Texans gave the Cowboys a run for their money in week 14. Two of the elite teams in the NFL. The Titans have been sluggish most of the season except during that winning streak after the slow start. I’m feeling an upset. I like the Texans to really make things interesting in the AFC South with a win.

OUR PICK: TEXANS

DETROIT LIONS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Panthers still have a chance because they play in the NFC South. The Lions have won three games in a row, found their courage, and are making a playoff push playing their best football of the year. Lions are 3-3 on the road so in present day they can come into town and beat you. Sam Darnold has taken over duties behind center and the team responded with a few victories out of the gates. I can’t trust this Panther team as I thought they should have won last week versus Mitch Trubisky and the Steelers. I like the Lions to continue to roar. Jared Goff has gone six games without throwing an interception. I like the Lions running game to control this game and show the Panthers they are king of the jungle.

OUR PICK: LIONS

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The Commanders loss to the Giants might sting even more now facing a 49er team that has won 7 straight. The 49ers last week locked up the NFC West & will be looking for more. The Commanders are holding on to their playoff hopes like a booger flapping in the wind on a nose hair. Could we see Carson Wentz behind center for Washington for some kind of jolt to that offense? The 49ers defense is probably the best in the league against a Washington offense that probably ranks on the outskirts of the middle of the pack. Brock Purdy has been operating the 49ers offense like a nuclear power engineer taking what’s in front of him & not taking the risks. The Giants game may haunt the Commanders all off-season.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT DALLAS COWBOYS

Jalen Hurts is out for the Eagles and the mustache is in. This is a big blow to the Eagles, or is it? Gardner Minshew, former Jaguar, has made 22 starts in the NFL.

The Cowboys and the Eagles love to sack the quarterback, and both defenses can make things hard on the opposing signal caller. Without Hurts playing, the Cowboys should be able to keep Minshew in the pocket. The Cowboys are 7-1 at home while the Eagles are perfect on the road, 7-0. Eagles have 8 pro bowl players on this existing roster. I have a feeling the Eagles system can be very favorable to many quarterbacks as they have all kinds of play makers. The Cowboys will make this a close game. I like the Eagles soaring to a victory and winning the NFC East with a big win without missing a beat at the quarterback position.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The first thing I will say is a West Coast team, Vegas, traveling across the country to play in the cold of steel town. This is the anniversary of the immaculate reception.

The Raiders clashed with the Steelers in a playoff game in 1972 at Three Rivers stadium when running back Franco Harris caught the deflected pass and ran it in for a score for a Pittsburgh victory. Harris passed away this week at the age of 72. I think the Steelers play over their heads in this one in a tribute to Harris. The Steelers might not even have to play their best game as they are playing a bad Raider team that don’t play well away from Vegas. Factor in the cold as well.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

MERRY CHRISTMAS (SUNDAY GAMES)

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS

The Packers are still alive in the play-off hunt. The Dolphins have lost three games in a row and want to keep their spot they have right now at least as a wild card. Aaron Rodgers will make a statement in front of a national audience and have a big performance. I like the Dolphins at home here. I like this game as a shoot-out, but the fins find a way at the end to shred the cheese.

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

DENVER BRONCOS AT LA RAMS

On paper this might have been penciled in as a big game before the season started. The Broncos get Russell Wilson back behind center. This game is a clunker. Who cares? Both teams are disappointing, and all the players involved are busy making their off-season plans. I go with the home team in this one. Make sure you spike the egg nog if you have to watch this one.

OUR PICK: RAMS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

This game is how Tom Brady can be the luckiest jive turkey in the game. The Buccaneers should not be in the post-season. The team has been terrible. Buccaneers remain on top of one of the sorriest divisions of all-time. Now they play the Cardinals, another team that has been a disgrace to the football world & who are down to their third string quarterback. Does Trace McSorley scare anybody? Brady and company in a snooze fest win a game on the road and keep their lead in the NFC South. Double up on the spiked egg nog now watching this one.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

LA CHARGERS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

HAPPY BOXING DAY?

I really don’t think the Colts will be over that gigantic collapse versus the Vikings last week. The Colts will be without running back Jonathan Taylor. The Chargers are making a run for the post-season. I like the Chargers having all their weapons back in the fold for Justin Herbert. Watch that aerial attack thrive inside the Indianapolis dome as Chargers hopes for the post-season stay alive and well.

WEEK 15 STRAIGHT PICK-EM PREDICTIONS

LAST WEEK’S RECORD:(9-4)

SEASON RECORD: (123-85)

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Seattle is quickly coming back down to earth as their rushing attack has been contained the last 4 weeks. Seattle’s record is 1-3 over that span. Brock Purdy has a running game and has managed the games to this point like the Captain of the Enterprise. Seattle’s defense has been awful. Geno Smith’s teams will be preparing for the passing game. San Francisco defense is one of the top units in the league and that says it all. The 49ers pop the Seahawks’ playoffs hopes. If only Pete Carol could resurrect the Legion of Boom defense for this game.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

SATURDAY GAMES

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS

This game can scare a Viking fan because which Colts team will show up after their bye week? The Vikings were no match for the resurgences of that king of the jungle title status Detroit Lions are trying to bring back from the 1950’s. Vikings should be able to score on the Colts offense and force Matt Ryan to make costly mistakes behind center. Knowing the Vikings, the Colts will give them a battle in this one. Vikings either get their butts whipped or get lucky with some kind of comeback. Jeff Saturday, head coach of the Colts, is in over his head taking on these duties while learning on the fly. Vikings will get lucky and fight their way back being down by a score late to win one in grand fashion and very Minnesota-like.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

Deshaun Watson might not get booed this week making his home debut as the starting quarterback for the Browns. The Ravens will be without their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. I think Watson is still rusty, and that Browns offense will be turning its wheels like the Ravens offense. It will be a low-scoring affair. I like the Ravens defense better than the Browns to convince me to take Baltimore. It also seems the Ravens has grind-ed many of these low scoring games out for victories.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT BUFFALO BILLS

The Dolphin players were huddled around heaters in LA in 55-degree weather last Sunday in their loss to the Chargers. The Bills are locked in and now cleaning up their division rivals as they did versus Jets avenging a loss earlier in the season. Miami will give the Bills a battle on the road that is just typical. Eventually the snow in the forecast & the Bills Mafia rocking that stadium will take a toll on the Dolphin offense. Josh Allen is dialed in playing at his highest level of the year. The Bills defense has to be mentioned as well as that unit has played very well during this Buffalo winning streak. Bills will be making snow angels in the end of this one.

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

ATLANTA FALCONS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Believe it or not, both the Falcons and the Saints still have a chance to win the dreaded NFC South. Falcons turn to their rookie quarterback, Desmond Ridder, for a jolt in their offense.

Both teams coming losing their last two games. I feel like the Saints are due for that once-a-month victory where they come together and play well. Andy Dalton has played better in the Superdome than on the road. Saints’ defense force the rookie Falcon quarterbacks into some mistakes that bite the Falcons in this one.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS

Darnold versus Trubisky. Two starting quarterbacks coming into the league in which their future may be a permanent back up for somebody in this league. Trubisky getting the start due to the injury of Kenny Pickett last week. Sam Darnold came back from an injury two weeks ago and has been the Panthers’ best quarterback this season as he is 2-0 in two starts as Panthers are eyeballing a playoff spot. This will be a close game. I think Darnold is just playing better and zoned in over Trubisky who has been in and out of the starting job all year. Both guys will be future backups unless Darnold guides the Panthers to the playoffs which would make a great story line. Let’s go with that. Love to see Buccaneers home while the Panthers will have an extra game in the Wild Card weekend.

OUR PICK: PANTHERS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT CHICAGO BEARS

The feel of this game when you read the teams playing you think of an Eagle pecking the eyeballs out of the Bears carcass laying on the turf bludgeoned to death on the field. We know the Eagles are the best team in the NFC. We know the Eagles will score off that pathetic defense the Bears have. The Bears have played hard in every game this season. Curious to see how they do coming off their bye week. This could be a match up that may be played every year. Jalen Hurts versus Justin Fields could be very entertaining. Both quarterbacks can make big plays with their legs or arm. I like the Bears giving the Eagles a challenge in this one. Philadelphia prevails easily in the 4th quarter and wins by two scores.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT HOUSTON TEXANS

Texans somehow fought and clawed their way like trapped animals versus the Cowboys and played them tough.

The Texans will be put down rather easily by the Chiefs. No way they have that fight they had last week. Patrick Mahomes against teams with losing records on the road can dial up big numbers on the score board.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

DALLAS COWBOYS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Could the Cowboys find themselves on another slippery slope versus another inferior team? The Jaguars beat up on the Titans last Sunday. Cowboys having multiple trap games waiting to play the Eagles again, can’t be in the cards. Trevor Lawrence is starting to progress as a starting quarterback in the NFL. Lawrence has not turned over the ball regularly like he did in rookie season. I like the Cowboys in this one. I can see Dak Prescott having a monster game just to right the ship in Dallas instead of hanging on the ledge against these teams.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

DETROIT LIONS AT NEW YORK JETS

Interesting matchup between two teams that have not sniffed the playoffs in decades. The Jets have that ferocious defensive front. The Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the league. Mike White is out at starting quarterback in which Zach Wilson will get another chance. If you’re a Lions fan you have to feel great having Jared Goff now as Matthew Stafford has been horrible this year and you’re winning. If you’re the Lions, you don’t have a head case like Wilson to save your season. Lions have won two straight road games. I like Detroit escaping New York with a victory.

OUR PICK: LIONS

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT DENVER BRONCOS

WTF!!! Pardon my language. The Russians would send both these teams to the front lines of the battlefield with how they have played this year. No Kyler Murray for the Cardinals. No Russel Wilson for the Broncos. Both out with injuries. The fight card has now Colt McCoy versus Brett Rypien.

A classic Western. I’ve said I’m done picking the Broncos this season. I like the experience of Colt McCoy; a career backup can get you wins in games like this with teams not going anywhere.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Josh Daniels squares off against his mentor Bill Belichick. All of Belichick’s disciples can’t fly on their own as Daniels should be coming back to mentor soon after losing to the Rams last Thursday. The Raiders are a playoff team that last year lost to the Colts when they made that decision of bringing in Jeff Saturday, a guy with no coaching experience. Then last week Baker Mayfield, who did not even unpack his suitcase, beats the Raiders. Signature losses like that I remember. Meanwhile Billy Boy knows what size underwear Daniels wears. Probably has naked pictures of Daniels naked in bed with a horse.

New England is still alive in the playoff chase they will take care of business in Vegas against a dysfunctional bunch dressing the part in silver and black.

OUR PICK: PATRIOTS

TENNESSEE TITANS AT LA CHARGERS

The Titans have lost three games in row. Many experts were stroking the Titans’ manhood before this three-game losing streak saying this may be a team to cause other teams fits in the post-season. The Chargers are a whishy-washy team this year, so you never know what you will get. Chargers were able to get a signature win beating the Dolphins last Sunday night. If both teams looked in the mirror, they’d see each other. Both have the powder blue mix in their uniform. This game may be nothing but offense going up and down the field. I’ve been burned more times riding the Titans express than the Chargers bandwagon. I like the Chargers in this one, especially with Justin Herbert having all his weapons back in the fold.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

When is Tom Brady going to look in the mirror and see he is no longer his old self? Maybe the X-Wife made him the right pill mix to keep Brady a vampire of the fountain of youth. Brady has not played like it. Can Brady match Joe Burrow with that horrible Buccaneer offense? Bengals defense can get to the quarterback. The Buccaneers offensive line is hot garbage. The Buccaneer defense is aging, so no way they can contain the Bengals offense. I predict the Panthers and Buccaneers will be tied with the same record of 6-8 after this week.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

NEW YORK GIANTS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

In the last match up between the Giants and Commanders, it ended in a tie. The Giants’ hot start now has this team coming back down to Earth as they lost three out of their last 4 games. The Commanders coming off their bye week well rested should be able to have a plan to stay in the playoff hunt with the dismantling of the G-Men. Giants are giving up lots of yards their last 4 weeks which Washington will capitalize on.

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

LA RAMS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS

When Baker Mayfield has time to think and learn the playbook, it might not go well on the field. Mayfield came into the Raider game just reacting. Green Bay coming off a bye week. Aaron Rodgers’ team still is mathematically alive in the playoff hunt. Mayfield ‘s last game at Lambeau Field, he had 4 interceptions. Rams have played poorly before beating a Raider team that pretty much gift wrapped them a victory. Mayfield will have the same results as John Wolford and the others behind center since Matthew Stafford got hurt.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

Who is Brock Purdy and why is he setting the NFL on fire? Purdy is a 22-year-old kid picked last in the 2022 draft by the San Francisco 49ers which earned him the nickname, Mr. Irrelevant. Some may consider that being compared to being picked in gym class last. Many Mr. Irrelevants over the years don’t even make the team’s football roster. Purdy being picked 262 in the 7th round made the 49ers roster and came in 3rd on depth chart at the quarter back position. With injuries, Purdy has slowly moved up the quarterback totem pole which started in week 2 where the 49ers lost Trey Lance to a season ending injury. What a bad idea that was having Lance as the starter. Everything else this year the 49ers touched had been golden. In the 49ers blow out loss, Purdy saw some game action. Purdy completed one pass to wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III for 20 yards & made history for the Mr. Irrelevant position. Since Jimmy Garoppolo went down with an injury, the Purdy Cat has pounced on his opportunity like felines hearing the tuna can being opened. Purdy has went head to head with the GOAT. The 49ers have clinched the NFC West and have not missed a beat.

I thought Iowa was if you built it they will come, meaning the game of baseball. Is the state of Iowa now a quarterback haven? How did Iowa State University miss that as they need a something way better than what they have behind center these days. Kurt Warner was discovered from his playing days with the Iowa Barnstormers, the Arena Football team. Brock Purdy has come into the NFL like a cyclone sweeping through the corn fields in the state of Iowa throwing scarecrows in all directions. Purdy hails from Iowa State University and pretty much rewrote all the records there behind center. Purdy set school records for touchdown passes with 81 and passing yards with 12,170. Purdy is also the university’s best behind center in wins throughout his collegiate career. Purdy earned himself second team academic All-American honors. Guys from smaller schools are destined for the USFL or XFL rather than playing with big boys in the NFL.

Brock Purdy moved up to the number two spot when Trey Lance went down. Then Jimmy Garoppolo went down early in the game when the 49ers were facing the up and coming Dolphins team. On came Purdy who has only been involved in some mop up duty so far in his rookie campaign. Purdy helped the 49ers beat the Dolphins. Then in his first start, Purdy faced 7-X Superbowl champion Tom Brady for who the 49ers were his team growing up. Brady trying to get his Buccaneers in the playoffs and facing the team he rooted for may give him extra juice. The 49ers blew out the Buccaneers 35-7. Brady’s record versus rookie quarterbacks in his career goes to 23-5. Then last night Purdy faced the Seattle Seahawks in his second career start. The 49ers would prevail and win the NFC West cementing themselves in the playoffs. Purdy becomes the first quarterback to win his first two starts since the kneeler Colin Kaepernick. In two starts Purdy is completing 70% of his passes. Only quarterback to complete that high of percentage since 1950. In two starts, Purdy has completed 33-47 passes for 402 yards for 4 touchdown passes and most importantly zero interceptions. Purdy’s QB rating in those starts are 124.6. Only Aaron Rodgers and Purdy now are two guys to have a QB Rating higher than 115 plus in their first two starts. Rodgers did that in 2008. Purdy has played in 6 games and has 6 touchdown passes to 2 interceptions for 678 yards.

This is not the first time the 49ers have done well after their starting quarterback went down. In 2011, Alex Smith went down with a concussion late in the season. The 49ers went to Colin Kaepernick and he helped get San Francisco to the Superbowl as the team had pretty much everything wrapped up. Let’s hope Brock Purdy’s career does not go in the crapper like Kaepernick after that Superbowl loss to the Baltimore Ravens. I live in Chicago and have never seen the Bears change out a quarterback like a light bulb which resulted in brighter victories. Bears bulbs were used mostly burned out. Sometimes it comes down to the system. Kyle Shanahan’s system means many quarterbacks can do well except their number one draft pick, Trey Lance. Right now Brock Purdy reminds me of a guy like Kyle Orton, a quarterback you can trust not to screw up things. The 49ers have a great defense. The 49ers have a great offensive line to protect Purdy. The 49ers can run the ball well. The 49ers have playmakers. All’s Mr. Irrelevant has to do is his best impersonation of Trent Dilfer. Dilfer guided the Ravens to a Superbowl win as they had that great defense that year with a great running game. It is a great story seeing the underdog come out of nowhere and do well. Some may have to ask, “Is this Heaven?” seeing Purdy Mr. Irrelevant make history. No it’s Iowa.

NFL STRAIGHT PICK-EM WEEK 14

LAST WEEK’S RECORD:(12-3)

SEASON RECORD: (114-81)

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT LA RAMS

The eye test says it all in this match-up. Raiders have won three in a row. Rams offense has suffered injuries and are desperate behind center claiming Baker Mayfield off waivers. Mayfield is probably a better option than John Wolford. Josh Jacobs for the Raiders has become a beast at running the football. Rams defense is not that unit like they once were.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

NEW YORK JETS AT BUFFALO BILLS

For the Jets, Mike White is a way better option than Zach Wilson. It’s the Jets defensive front that scares me. Can the Jets sweep the season series versus the Bills? Bills have righted the ship since losing to the Jets. Josh Allen has shaken off his elbow injury he suffered in New Jersey against these Jets. The Bills defense played well last week versus the Patriots. Bills will be prepared for the Jets defense and their plan will work at home and settle a score against the up-and-coming young team the Jets are.

OUR PICK: BILLS

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Browns have had the Bengals’ number lately. Deshaun Watson will be showered with boos and faces a much tougher defense than he did last Sunday versus the Texans. The Bengals offense looks unstoppable with Ja’Marr Chase back on the field. The Browns defense looked good against the Texans, but any unit can look that good versus a bad Texans offense. Browns defense will crumble like Watson will with the Bengal pass rush coming straight at him.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

HOUSTON TEXANS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

LOL!!!!

OUR PICK: COWBOYS (LOCK OF THE WEEK)

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT DETROIT LIONS

Do you remember the vilian in the show Banshee named Rabbit?

At the end, Rabbit’s luck runs out. The Lions will chew the Vikings’ lucky rabbit and spit it out. Lions have been playing solid football as they gave the Jaguars a beat down last week. The Vikings seem to pull the rabbit out of the hat every week as they survive the Jets trying to win the game at the end of regulation on multiple possessions. It was a close game the first time the Lions and Vikings met. Vikings will have to wait another week to clinch the bad NFC North.

OUR PICK: LIONS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants pulled out a tie last week versus the Commanders. Eagles are the cream of the crop in the NFC as everything is clicking for them. Giants have won close games this season and have not played like they did early on this season. Eagles can light up the score board rather quickly. I just can’t see Daniel Jones matching scores with Jalen Hurts. Saquan Barkley has a neck injury which may not be serious, but the Giants will be stiff in general and will not know what hit them after quarter number one. Giants can’t play from being down multiple scores because they are not built like that.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The Steelers have given the Ravens some trouble in the last few contests between this heated rivalry. The Ravens will be without their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Tyler Huntley is like Lamar Jackson Jr., so Ravens offense won’t miss a beat. Only problem is the Ravens offense has flat-lined the last few weeks. Meanwhile the Steelers defense has been keeping the team in games. Most importantly, the rookie for the Steelers. Kenny Pickett has played better and has not turned over the ball. The Ravens will be in for a rude awakening in Pittsburgh as their playoff hopes will start slipping away.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT TENNESSEE TITANS

The Jaguars can’t win on the road. The Titans need to get back in the win column. The Jaguars are the perfect menu item in Nashville to shake off the Philadelphia beat down. I like Derrick Henry having one of his bigger games in this contest.

OUR PICK: TITANS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT DENVER BRONCOS

I told myself I will not pick the Broncos ever again this year. Russell Wilson is playing like Ryan Leaf or like a guy who made a deal with the devil. Cough cough… Pete Carol. The Chiefs lose another one to the Bengals. Look for the Chiefs to have a big game while rebounding from that Bengal loss. Broncos’ defense has been solid all year. Chiefs will win by multiple scores, but it will not be a 40-point arse kicking.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Brock Purdy versus Tom Brady sounds like a gladiator movie. Maybe a game of gin rummy challenge. I’m not giving this game to Brady and the Buccaneers because Purdy is a rookie quarterback. What has Brady done so well this year? Brady still has to face the 49ers defense. The 49ers have a great running attack. The 49ers in history have done very well with quarterback changes when the team is this good late in the season. I think Purdy will do well and most importantly, make that mistake to lose the game.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

This looks like a trap game for the Seahawks. The Panthers looked great last time we saw them with the return of Sam Darnold. Panthers are well rested to fly across the country to play in Seattle. The Seahawks were able to get back on track last week versus the Rams. I like this being a hard-fought game. Right now, I would go with Geno Smith putting together back-to-back good games which he has done all season, rather than Darnold in his second start of the year. Seattle keeps pushing for a playoff spot.

OUR PICK SEAHAWKS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT LA CHARGERS

Will the Dolphins find themselves losing two in a row in California? The Chargers are facing a must-win every game the rest of the way if they want to even sniff the playoffs. The Chargers defense is the biggest weakness on the field in this one. The Dolphins could kill the Chargers just by using their two backs and running it down their throats. I think Justin Herbert is the better quarterback in this match up versus Tua Tagovailoa. Tua struggled last week, and I feel the Dolphins are starting to play on a slippery slope. Herbert and the Chargers offense have a monster game. Tua may have an ankle injury from the 49er game. He may look like a trapped animal with Khalil Mack flashing his brights at him as Tua is run over by a truck on Sunday night.

Going with the upset.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

Patriots playoff hopes grew dim with the Bills man handling them at home last Thursday. The Cardinals season has been stuck in the dim part of the light switch all year round. Does Kyler Murray show up and have a big game behind center this week for the Cardinals who have lost two in a row? Do you trust Head Coach Bill Belichick’s plot that helps the Patriots rebound and stay afloat for a late season playoff push? I think the Cardinals players are focused on the off-season. The Patriots still have something to prove. You know Belichick is like a cockroach because after the first time you step on him, he grows stronger.

OUR PICK: PATRIOTS

STRAIGHT PICK-EM WEEK 13

LAST WEEK’S RECORD: 10-6

SEASON RECORD: 102-78

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

BUFFALO BILLS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The last two times the Bills have faced the Patriots, Buffalo has owned New England including the playoff game last year. This is a huge game for both teams. Bills trying to get the number one seed in the playoffs and most importantly, start taking care of the division foes. Meanwhile Patriots getting a win will keep them in the hunt for a wild card and keep up with all the stacked teams in the AFC East. Bills are 0-2 in the division this season. Patriots are 2-0 in the division & both are wins over the Jets who the Bills lost to.

Bills get healthier on their defense with Tremaine Edmunds back from an injury. Those last two games these two teams have played each other, Bills have not punted in either game. Patriots do not match up with the Bills receivers. Josh Allen is starting to feel better from the elbow issue he had in that Jets game several weeks ago. Patriots have the Jets’ numbers & Bills will have the Patriots number.

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS

The Falcons are still in the thick of things in a very bad NFC South. The Steelers have been developing their rookie, Kenny Pickett, who helped lead his team over the Colts last week. The Steelers have one of the best run defenses in the league. Hot-Atlanta relies heavily on the running attack with their three-headed back field and Marcus Mariota’s legs. Can Kenny Pickett pick apart the Falcons’ weakness which is their secondary? Atlanta has played everyone tough this season and are 4-2 at home. This will be a close game. Too close to call and could go any way. Steelers may be playing without their top running back Najee Harris who they lost in the Colts game. Can Brandon Snell carry the entire load? I like the Falcons being at home and coming up with a big play from either special teams or offense or even the defense to decide this gate late and stay on the Buccaneers’ heels.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT DETROIT LIONS

Anyone who predicts this game right deserves a metal. Both the Jaguars and Lions have been the laughingstock of the league for it seems forever. Both teams have played better and come in with the same exact record of 4-7. Jaguars stunned the Ravens with a walk off 2-point conversion call. Lions played Buffalo very tough on Thanksgiving but came into that game winning three in a row. Since 2019, the Jaguars are 1-21 on the road the way which they are 1-4 this season away from Florida. Lions are 0-10-1 in their past 11 non-conference games. Trevor Lawrence has been playing much better over his last three games with no interceptions and 6 touchdown passes. Jared Goff has played very well for the Lions in the last 4 games. I like the Lions offensive line creating nice holes for the Lions’ run game. Jamaal Williams leads the NFL with the most rushing touchdowns with 13. Most by any Lion running back since the 1990’s when Barry Sanders was carrying the rock.

Lions control the clock and prevail with a big win at home.

OUR PICK: LIONS

NEW YORK JETS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS

The Jets and the Vikings might be two of the luckiest teams with winning records. Vikings responded after getting ram-rodded by the Cowboys beating the Patriots on Thanksgiving night. The Jets benched Zach Wilson, and Mike White had the game of his life versus a very bad Bears defense. The Jets young defense has played very well this year, but the Vikings receiver will absolutely sauce rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner. Vikings defense should be able to bring Mike White back down to earth. The Vikings will be able to generate points of the Jets defense. I just don’t think the Jets can match the scoring with the Vikings. Look for Dalvin Cook to have a big game for the Vikings as he has been quiet in the last few weeks… too quiet.

OUR PICK:VIKINGS

WASHINGTON COMMADERS AT NEW YORK GIANTS

The Commanders are on the rise. While the Giants are slowly coming back down to earth with that hot start. Giants have lost two in a row while the Commanders have won 3 in a row. Both teams are just averaging 20 points per game coming in. Watch this one be a shoot-out. Giants are 0-2 in their division. The Commanders have been playing solid defense as they find a way to get to the quarterback. As a team they sit around the top ten in the league in sacks. Giants win close low scoring games which this one could be. The Commanders have only lost one game with Taylor Heinicke behind center. Daniel Jones & the Giants, when feeling pressure which this game is a pressure cooker, play poorly. I like how the Commanders play when Heinicke is the quarterback. They grind out games until the opposing team is buried in the turf on the final whistle.

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT CHICAGO BEARS

This game between the Packers and the Bears might be the World Series for both teams that have very bad records. It’s like the Packers have been brought down to the Bears level. This game was slated to have both teams using back-up quarterbacks. Justin Fields missed last Sunday’s game due to a shoulder. Bears’ landlord Aaron Rodgers went out last Sunday game with a rib injury. Trevor Siemian, the Bears starter from last week, is out definitely with an injury. Bears only have Nathan Peterman.

Years ago, Peterman made a start for the Buffalo Bills and threw 5 interceptions against the Chargers. Oh the humiliation that would be having him replay that performance versus the Packers. Suddenly Justin Fields is back. Instead of Jordan Love taking over for the Packers’ mess to finish the season, Aaron Rodgers wants one more crack at the Bears. Packers have won way too many in a row. Anything can go in this one. I think the Bears make a stand in which this will be the last time they see Rodgers in a Packers uniform, and they bury him. Rodgers has played poorly. Fields on the field means Bears can score points. Bears win the game, conclude the season, and get a high pick in the draft which is a win-win season in Chicago.

OUR PICK: DA BEARS

TENNESSEE TITANS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Titans lost a close one against the Bengals last Sunday. The Eagles fought off the Packers to stay tops in the NFC. Will this be A.J Brown’s revenge game? Former Titan could not get paid left town and got the money in Philly. Football players don’t hold grudges. The Eagles defense should be able to contain Titans running back Derrick Henry at some point of the game. Eagles will do that by building a big lead where the Titans will have to pass the ball. Titans’ defenses are very good at stopping the run, but duo-threat quarterbacks can make things difficult for Tennessee. I like Jalen Hurts escaping the pocket in crucial third downs to keep the Titans defense on the field longer. Beating the Eagles at home is a very difficult task.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

DENVER BRONCOS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

I’m done picking the Broncos. Owen Wilson is inside Russell Wilson’s body.

Broncos will not be crashing no weddings in Baltimore. The Ravens were embarrassed last week being humiliated versus the Jaguars. Ravens come out hungry and take care of business against Owen Wilson’s bad Bronco offense.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT HOUSTON TEXANS

Only in the NFL they find a way to make the suspended Dashaun Watson return against his old team in his first game action of the season. Watson returns from his 11 game suspension. His ole stomping grounds. All of Watson’s accusers will be on hand in Houston at the game.

Finally Houston fans get to boo like all those teams that boo their baseball team. Maybe the Astros can bring the trash cans to the game. If only Lovie Smith had some great game plan. A quarterback. The Browns will struggle. The Texans will come out to play. Nick Chubb should have a big game. This is the NFL and I feel the good guys will win one for the Zipper.

Watson will be rusty. I don’t know how. Texans prevail as Watson will make the mistake that costs the Browns the game in his return.

OUR PICK: TEXANS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT LA RAMS

Seattle gets off the two-game skid with a win versus a bad Rams team. Rams offense has nothing but a few sparks left in their zippo lighter as who knows who they will have behind center in this one. The Rams defense is struggling with injuries. I think Seahawks have too many weapons to keep them off the score board. Rams will need a shutout to actually win this one. Geno Smith and Seattle’s offense rebounded from Germany by putting up a ton of points against the Raiders. The Seattle defense gave up more points not being able to stop the Vegas offense. The Seahawks defense should rebound this week. Tyler Lockett is one receiving touchdown short of tying a Seahawks record. If Lockett catches a touchdown pass, he will have one of those in his 5th straight game. I like the chances of him getting that.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT SAN FRNCISCO 49ERS

Great offense meets great defense. Dolphins’ offense is a high-powered offense with both a running attack and passing attack against one of the best defenses in the league. The 49ers who pitched a shut out against the Saints last Sunday. Dolphins have scored at least 30 something points in the last 4 games which tied their longest streak in franchise history. The 49ers have not allowed points in six straight quarters. The 49ers are the best defense allowing the fewest points in the second halves this season of games. Will Jeff Wilson Jr. come back to town and haunt his former team in a Dolphin uniform? I like San Francisco offense able to score points off the Dolphins defense. Jimmy Garoppolo… all’s he does is win games. The 49ers play better when the competition is to their level. I like the 49ers prevailing at home and pop the bubble of this Dolphins attack and bring the pressure to Tua Tagovailoa to force him to make mistakes.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS

Rematch of last year’s AFC Championship game in which we know the Bengals prevailed. Last few road games the Chiefs have put up 40-point games. Bengals have won three in a row all without their number one receiver and Cincinnati has been playing without their star running back. Will JaMarr Chase and Joe Mixon return for this monster show down. Bengals still chasing the Ravens in the division. Meanwhile the Chiefs have just been destroying teams as they have won 5 straight, many of them against bad teams. Joe Cool Burrow is…

2-0 versus the Chiefs in his career. I like the Bengals in this one because they have been fighting each week and played in bigger games than the Chiefs have been in. I think Bengals give the Chiefs a fat lip sandwich when it’s all set and done.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

LA CHARGERS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Raiders suddenly have won two games in a row which includes that stunner last week in Seattle. Chargers are another team that had a walk off 2-point conversion to put an end to the Cardinals. Chargers versus Raiders are always entertaining games as these two played at the very end of last season in the last game of regular season that decided who was going in as the last wild card in the AFC. Can anybody stop Josh Jacobs who emerged as one of the best running backs in the game right now? Raiders play much better in Vegas. Chargers have been up and down all season. Justin Herert in 5 games versus the Raiders has 13 touchdown passes to one interception. The stat that sticks out to me the most is the Chargers are giving up an average of 5.44 rushing yards per carry this season. Run, Forrest, run. I mean Josh Jacobs.

OUR PICK:RAIDERS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

The Jeff Saturday excitement streak is over after that first win versus the Raiders as the Colts are back to their losing ways. Cowboys have been gobbling up quarterbacks with 45 sacks this season. The Colts have given up 43 sacks as Matt Ryan’s days are numbered as the starter in Indianapolis. Dak Prescott has done very well against teams with losing records. Cowboys are chasing the Eagles in the division while the Colts know they can settle in for a good pick in the draft.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

NEW ORELANS SAINTS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The Saints are too unpredictable to pick them to win this game. It would not surprise me if they did win this game. Saints have played Tom Brady very tough since he arrived in Tampa Bay. The Saints defense have found different ways to create turnovers on Brady as he has 11 turnovers compared to 9 touchdown passes. Saints with a win could still be alive for the division. Buccaneers won the last match up this year in New Orleans. Andy Dalton is his own turnover machine. Saints got blanked last week. Tampa Tom has not been cutting the rug on the dance floor. With a playoff chance, Tom Brady thrives. Buccaneers defense could just do enough for Brady to get one more score than the Saints to win the game.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

The first thing you think of when you hear about the city of Memphis is music. The King of Rock-n-Roll, Elvis Presley, made his roots in Memphis. How many musicians were formed on Beale street in Memphis’ downtown? The Memphis music scene had everything from gospel, jazz, & blues to soul and rock-n-roll. Blues legends like B.B King and McKinley Morganfield (Muddy Waters) had roots. Beale Street in Memphis is a music lover’s dream to walk through and go into multiple establishments to listen to talent on the rise and old legends coming back. The town has Sun Records which produced many legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and much more. The locals rave about the BBQ that comes out of Memphis. They are right because the great food is like their music… legendary. Memphis has great history and is also associated with bad history with the assassination of Martin Luther King. The town also loves football, the University of Memphis has a huge following. Why has professional football never taken roots in Memphis? The town has seen many start up leagues that did not last but which locals supported. They missed out on an NFL team in the 1990’s. Are the Tennessee Titans more of a Nashville thing? Professional football returns to Memphis as the USFL have resurrected the Showboats of their original league in the 1980’s.

The Memphis Showboats played two seasons in the original USFL. The Memphis fans packed Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium to watch one of the most feared defensive players of all-time get started as Reggie White, like B.B King & like Elvis, started his professional football career as he killed the quarterback.

White had 11 sacks in his rookie year in the USFL. White was selected to the USFL all rookie team in his first season in a Showboat helmet. White played two seasons in the USFL & then the league folded up shop. White would go on to the NFL and be the king of sacks with 198 when he retired. White’s all-time sack record would be broken by Bruce Smith of the Buffalo Bills. The Showboats played in 1984 and 1985, the very last season of the original USFL. Both seasons the Showboats were led by Head Coach Pepper Rodgers as the team went 7-11 in their first season ever. The Showboats turned things around in season two going 11-7 and made the playoffs. The Showboats won their first ever post-season game by crushing the Denver Gold & then went on to lose to the Oakland Invaders in the next round. The Showboats played 500 balls in two seasons going 18-18 in regular season & then 1-1 in the post-season which comes out to 19-19 over those two season the Showboats played in the USFL.

What if Memphis did get a NFL franchise? In 1993, Memphis entered the NFL expansion sweepstakes trying to land an expansion franchise. They even had a name called the Memphis Hound Dogs… very Elvis like.

In 1993, the Titans were not in Nashville. They were still the Houston Oilers. The Hound Dogs sound better than the Jacksonville Jaguars or Carolina Panthers who were awarded those franchises. In the 1970’s, Memphis had a team in the WFL World Football league where they called themselves Southmen.

Southmen were originally from Toronto as they were called the Northmen. The Canadian government at the time threatened any American football team playing in the CFL. North became South, the WFL would not last very long, and closed up shop for good in 1975 after a total of two seasons.

After the Showboats in the 1980s in the USFL, Memphis were awarded a team in CFL, the Canadian Football league. The Memphis Mad Dogs would only last one season in 1995 in the CFL.

The Liberty Bowl Memorial stadium has had been home to plenty of professional football games. Then in the first ever XFL Memphis had the Maniax in the original 2001 league. That was football mixed with wrestling and a complete disaster of a league which lasted one season.

Most recently in 2018, Memphis had another team in another start up Spring league. In the AAF, the (Alliance of American Football) Memphis team’s name were the Express.

The Express was coached by a former linebacker from the Chicago Bears. Mike Singletary, the hall of fame linebacker who was part of that 1985 Bears who won the Superbowl with that awesome defense, one of the best of all-time. The Express went 2-6 in the lone season of the AAF. The AAF would shut down operations because they ran out of money so no playoffs & no champion was declared. The return of the Showboats maybe could be a permanent fixture in Memphis at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in 2023.

Last year, the USFL had eight teams in their official reboot. The league played all their regular season games in Birmingham, Alabama and the playoffs in Canton, Ohio at the Football Hall of Fame. This year the USFL plans to expand their locations and have more than one hub city to play their regular season games. The city of Memphis will be one of those hub cities. The Showboats will share their home games with the Houston Gamblers while Birmingham will still have their own team. The Stallions and the New Orleans Breakers will play their games there. That is the South conference. The North Conference features the New Jersey Generals, Pittsburgh Maulers, Philadelphia Stars, and Michigan Panthers. The North Conference have not decided where they will have their two hub cities at for their home games. The league will still have 8 teams as the Tampa Bay Bandits who played last year will be on hiatus in 2023 and will return sometime in the future. The Bandits coaching staff and returning players will now be Memphis Showboat property. Which sucks for Memphis inheriting a boob like Todd Haley as your head coach.

The Showboats will have a new look rather than their original one from the 1980’s. The Memphis franchise will be the only team in the USFL that has changed their logo. The rest of the teams have adopted that 1980’s uniform look. I like the old school Showboats logo over the new. The new logo is not horrible. I would love to be playing slots on that boat Porky had in those movies Porky’s.

I have been to Memphis a few times. In the Spring, the weather is perfect. Anything Elvis is worth going to see as his house has tours which was awesome. Plenty of great food. Moonshine in Bloody Mary’s. What a concept like the guy putting the wheels on the cooler. I fell in love with the brewery Ghost River who makes some tasty beers that I fill the trunk up with on the way out of town. It’s that good. History shows the town of Memphis has a football following. This town would be happy to see football in their town every Spring and support their team. Most importantly, everyone is so nice in Tennessee. The locals make you feel at home. This is a good move by the USFL activating the Showboats.