NFL ROUND THREE STRAIGHT UP PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

SUNDAY

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

#2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (15-4) AT #1. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (15-3)

HEAD TO HEAD REGULAR SEASON: Did not play each other this season.

PLAYOFF HISTORY: 49ers (1-0) all-time versus Eagles in post-season. Last post-season meeting 1996 NFC Wild Card round 49ers beat the Eagles 14-0.

HOW THEY GOT HERE:

49ers victims: Seahawks & Cowboys

Eagles victims: Giants

RECORDS ALL-TIME IN NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

49ers (7-10) and Eagles (3-4)

The AFC Championship is like the Clash of the Titans compared to the NFC. Jalen Hurts is a duel threat quarterback who is 13-1 behind center this year for the Eagles. Brock Purdy is door number three for the 49ers this season and is the last pick in the draft. Mr. Irrelevant has not lost a game in the NFL. The Eagles and 49ers have complete teams on both sides of the ball. Both have gotten here with two different styles at quarterback. Hurts can make things happen and come up with the spur of the moment big play. Purdy is more of a game manager and offense that can control the clock.

QUARTERBACK EDGE: EAGLES

WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION: The Eagles have two super star receivers in A.J Brown, former Titan, and Devonta Brown. The 49er’s Deebo Samuel is an all-purpose weapon in the receiving and running game of the 49ers. The 49ers two-headed monster at running back can keep the chains moving with Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell. Eagles counter with Miles Sanders who is no slouch at running back as well the legs of their quarterback, Hurts. The 49ers have George Kittle, one of the best tight ends in the league when healthy, which he is for this game. Eagles have the better receivers. I like the 49ers fleet of mass destruction weapons more than the Eagles.

EDGE: 49ERS

DEFENSE

When it comes to defense, both teams have two solid defenses. The Eagles can get to the quarterback as this unit has the most sacks in the league. The Eagles also are known for their big plays on defense forcing the opposing team into mistakes with interceptions and forcing fumbles. The 49ers defense, all around solid, can do a lot of different things. The 49ers were the number one defense in the league all year.

EDGE: 49ERS

JUST A MAN’S OPINION: When it comes to the 49ers, I always got sick of them winning Superbowls back in the 1980’s. Everyone hates the great teams. Colin Kaepernick should not be a guy put on a pedestal. I did like the Eagles with Nick Foles beating the Tom Brady-led Patriots team in 2018 in the Superbowl which was awesome. Eagles fans can be quite annoying but very passionate. Philadelphia has Rocky. I like the thoughts of Mr. Irrelevant doing the unthinkable, winning the Superbowl. When you name your son Brock, most likely he will be a quarterback. Like when you name your daughter Candy, she most likely will be a stripper.

THE PICK

I think the 49ers can exploit the lines of Philadelphia. Picture the Red Rover game when you were kids and someone saying, “Let the 49ers come over.” The 49ers can cash in on pressure from Philadelphia’s injured riddled line. I like the 49ers chances running on Philadelphia’s defensive line as well.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP

#3. CINCINNATI BENGALS (14-4) AT #1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (15-3)

HEAD TO HEAD REGULAR SEASON: Bengals defeated Chiefs 27-24 December 4th 2022

PLAYOFF HISTORY: Bengals (1-0) Chiefs all-time. Last meeting at last year’s AFC Championship game, Bengals won in OT 27-24

HOW THEY GOT HERE

Bengals victims: Ravens & Bills:

Chiefs victims: Jaguars

RECORDS ALL-TIME AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES:

Bengals (3-0) and Chiefs (4-3)

Joe Burrow has to be Patrick Mahomes’ worst nightmare.

First of all Joe Burrow is 3-0 versus Patrick Mahomes.Burrow beat Mahomes and the Chiefs last season in the AFC Championship and during the regular season of this year. The name Burrow Head was heard being talked about as the new name for the Chiefs stadium which locals call Arrowhead in Kansas City. The Bengals are a trash talking team, more on that later. Patrick Mahomes led the league in touchdown passes. Burrow was tied with Josh Allen for number two. Mahomes has a Superbowl win under his belt as Joe “Cool” Burrow is still looking for that first one. Burrow is a pure pocket passer, one of the best, while Mahomes is a dual threat quarterback that can make big plays off the fly. Burrow looks like he has not broken out in sweat behind center so far during the playoffs. While Mahomes is now gimpy with ankle issue he suffered versus the Jaguars game.

QUARTERBACK EDGE: BENGALS

WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION: The Bengals have a trio of big targets for Joe Burrow. Ja’marr Chase may be one of the best receivers in the game right now. Bengals also have big bodies in Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. The Chiefs have done fine without Tyreek Hill, who they traded to the Dolphins. The Chiefs have a committee of wide receivers, but nobody stands out compared to the Bengals weapons. The Chiefs have the best tight end in football in Travis Kelce, Mahomes’ number one weapon. How many people would like to slug Joe Mixon who punched a girl during his college days? Mixon acts like an NBA player talking trash all game long. Mixon has done well so far in post-season running the ball for the orange stripes. The Chiefs running back, Isiah Pacheco, is not being talked about enough. Pacheco is an all purpose back that can beat you in both the running game and receiving game. Could be a hobbled Mahomes’ best friend in this championship game. Pacheco has a high motor with over drive gears and could be the X-factor in this game.

EDGE: CHIEFS

DEFENSE

The Bengals defense overall is better than the Chiefs stats-wise the entire season. The Bengals can get to the quarterback which is one of their strengths. The Chiefs have a history of playing stout defense in big games such as a championship game. Can the Chiefs offensive line contain DE Trey Hendrickson, who had 2 sacks and a forced fumble versus the Ravens in round one of the playoffs? Hendrickson was quiet last week in Buffalo. Can the Bengals offensive line contain Chief stud Chris Jones?

EDGE: BENGALS

JUST A MAN’S OPINION: Both of these teams I have liked & then found myself hating like in a loathing way. The Patrick Mahomes Houdini escapes become tiresome. Joe Burrow’s clothes he wears are something out of the Big Bang Theory closet. The Bengals are a shit talking team. Who the hell is Eli Apple and what has he done in the NFL besides some cast off from one team to another? I hope the Chiefs make apple pie out this social trash talker who needs to be put in his place. Enough is enough with the Bengals being slighted. The Bengals act like just because they made it to the Superbowl last season, as they lost they should be handed the trophy. The Chiefs are becoming like the Patriots every year as it is their fifth straight AFC Championship.

THE PICK:

The Bengals look like the scariest team out of all four teams left in the post-season. It is very hard for any team to go on the road in the divisional round & then repeat that task in the championship round to take that road into the Superbowl. I think it will be hard for the Bengals to beat the Chiefs three times in about a year’s time. Patrick Mahomes is gimpy & Andy Reid will have a solid plan. Teams that talk trash usually fall hard at some point. I think the Chiefs will exploit that banged up offensive line the Bengals have, that the Bills could not do last week. Chiefs put Joe “Cool” Burrow on ice and take back their stadium name of Arrowhead as Burrow’s head crumbles like the rotten Apple gets blown up on numerous routes by the Chiefs receivers.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

In the Christmas classic, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, the character Yukon Cornelius was set in his ways of gold and silver. You can even reverse that and say silver and gold. Yukon is a prospector looking for the riches of silver and gold. The city of Pittsburgh, known as Steel-town, takes their gold serious. Some will say it looks like a yellow on all the Pittsburgh sports landscape uniforms. The natives of Pittsburgh call it Gold and they like their color scheme of Gold and Black colors that don’t run in the wash. The Pirates, Steelers, and the Penguins come to town & their color scheme is intimidating and represents the city of Pittsburgh of their hard working citizens with pride they have for those teams. The history of their teams that go back from the beginning wearing Gold and Black, and it means something. Even the soccer team, the Pittsburgh River hounds of USL, adopted the Gold and Black. Last year in the reboot of the USFL, the Pittsburgh Maulers’ uniforms were similar to the 1980’s in the original league. The color scheme of orange, white, and purple are not Pittsburgh colors. Maulers only existed one season during the original league and last year in the reboot. The Maulers are returning for their second year, and in year two they are going with the Steel-town style of Gold and Black.

Ray Horton was a defensive back in the NFL for ten seasons during the 1980’s and a few years into the 1990’s. Horton never played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Horton played with the arch rival Cincinnati Bengals for 6 seasons & then did 4 seasons in Dallas as a Cowboy. Horton had 19 interceptions in his career while scoring 4 touchdowns on defense. Horton’s ties to Pittsburgh came when he was a defensive back coach for the Steelers. The Steeler organization head coaches hold on to their job like they are the Pope. Horton has been coaching in Pittsburgh for the last three recent Superbowl appearances the Steelers have made and beyond. Last year’s Maulers coach, Kirby Jackson, lead a team that went 1-9 and they were awful. Jackson resigned and was not returning to Maulers, so Ray Horton will get his first head coaching gig. His first order of business was to change the Mauler color scheme and they did.

The Maulers and Steelers represent what Pittsburgh was all about… producing steel. The Maulers mascot goes by Marty the Mauler who resembles the Steelers mascot, Steeley McBeam. The Steelers helmet is one of the best looking in the NFL. I always liked the Maulers logo, even in the old color scheme. The new scheme is even better as it shows the steel worker swing a maul, which is like a sledge hammer. I think the team should have actor David Rasche, who played Sledge Hammer in the old 1980’s sitcom, do something for this team in the future on game day.

The original Pittsburgh Maulers did better than last year’s 2022 Mauler team. The old Maulers played more games and won 3 games. The 1980’s Maulers went 3-15 in their lone season they played. The 1980’s Maulers did play all their home games in Pittsburgh at Three Rivers Stadium. That 3-15 record the Maulers had was tied with the Washington Federals for the worst record in the league that year. Both Maulers’ seasons have been very bad even though both these USFL leagues will never be linked together. This year, Maulers will not play any home games in Pittsburgh as they played all their games last year in the one hub city of Birmingham where everyone played except the playoffs were held in Canton, Ohio. The Maulers this season will play their home games in Canton, Ohio. Each division has two hub cities that will share two teams as the league is playing year two again with 8 teams. The North division has Canton and Detroit as their hub cities. Detroit will have their team Michigan Panthers and the Philadelphia Stars. While Canton will share the Maulers and New Jersey Generals. The South division will have two hub cities, one in Memphis and the city of Birmingham will return. The Stallions who had all the home games last year until the playoffs, will share their stadium with the New Orleans Breakers. The Tampa Bay Bandits of last year are on a one-year hiatus to welcome back another former 1980’s team, the Memphis Showboats. The Showboats will share their city with the Houston Gamblers. Only the Showboats and the Maulers have changed their look from the original 1980’s league. The Maulers kept their logo and changed their colors completely. While the Memphis Showboats changed their color scheme and their logo completely from their original. In year two, the Maulers should feel like they are part of Steel-town going with the city’s color scheme.

The Chicago Blackhawks season has been a flaming car wreck on the side of the highway that you stare at driving by. When the Seattle Kraken came to town to play the Blackhawks a few weeks ago for the second year, the team lit the lamp on fire with 8 goals as fans still stay to watch the finish of that flaming car wreck. Only reason to come watch the Blackhawks is see Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews skate one last season wearing the Indian head sweater. The final two pieces of the dynasty you can soak in the memories as the Blackhawks hope to deal both Toews and Kane who helped Chicago capture three glorious Stanley Cups. If they waive their trade clauses. Many of the team’s veterans will be sold off like an old DVD set of the dynasty at a garage sale.The way the Blackhawks have been playing, they may be lined up to land the top player in the next NHL draft as every team would love to have the up and coming young super star, Connor Bedard. A guy like Bedard instantly put your team back on the map. Last Saturday night, did the Blackhawks find their future in front of the net? It was the debut of 23 year old Jaxson Stauber and it was quite the debut as he did not give up 8 goals to the archrival Blues.

The last time the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Blues in St. Louis you have to go back to 2018 in October. This Blackhawks organization is playing these days during dark times. I mean dark because the team will be on the bad side of any streaks against many of their opponents they may have owned during the dynasty. I know the fat lady has sang and it’s over. Sometimes you find a gem out of the ruff of slop this team has gather at all levels right now as an organization. Eight ticks into the game former Blackhawks Brandon Sadd’s now wearing the Blue and white sweater of St. Louis shot was stopped by Jaxson Stauber. Just like that Stauber had his first NHL save. Stauber is an undrafted free agent who got the call from Rockford the Blackhawks affiliate and was wearing his Ice Dog goalie mask with his new fitted Indian head sweater.

Wearing number 30 is Stauber’s dream come true with his father on hand. The family watched Jaxson stifle the Blues, the Blackhawks archrival they have encountered for so many seasons. Stauber, born in Minnesota, has goalie blood in his genes. Jaxson’s father, Robb Stauber, suited for the LA Kings and Buffalo Sabres back in the 1990’s.

Robb only played 62 games in the net, mostly a back up he had a record of 21-23-9 in which he recorded one shut out with a save percentage of .890. Like father like son, seeing his son follow in his footsteps to take on the family business has to be another dream come true for the old man. You know he influenced and coached his son all his life, is my guess. Jaxson was brilliant as he helped the Blackhawks prevail by stopping 4 penalty kills and had 29 saves total to help get a win in his debut. Jaxson did give up a power play goal to the Blues. The Blues would score three goals, but Stauber and the Blackhawks knuckled down at the end to preserve the victory. Sure you can chalk this one up as the first game when the opposing team really does not know your weaknesses. First game, Jaxson may have got lucky as well.

In his second start, Stauber did even better as the Blackhawks played in Calgary last night at the Saddledome. Stauber only gave up one goal as the Blackhawks won 5-1. They looked good doing it and broke a two game losing streak. Stauber saved 34 shots as he helped kill three Calgary penalty opportunities. Stauber had six saves when Flames had the six men to four advantage on the ice. Stauber looks like a veteran on the ice as he’s unflappable in pressure situations when the momentum can take a turn. The Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson likes Stauber’s cool calm demeanor on the ice. Stauber seems like he gobbles up most pucks, preventing the opposing team getting rebounds, to redirect the puck into the net for more scoring chances. Stauber is the third goalie in Blackhawks history to win both games in his first two appearances in front of the net. Back in 1926, Hugh Lehman did it first for the Blackhawks & then in 1971, Gilles Meloche was the second to start perfect after his first two appearances.

In sports throughout history, teams come across players unexpectedly. The Blackhawks have some injuries at their goalie position and that’s why Jaxson Stauber is getting playing time. Some scout in the Blackhawks organization will take full credit for finding Stauber. Stauber played goalie two seasons at Providence College before turning pro. Stauber has been in Rockford before being called up, playing for the Ice Hogs & trying to improve his game for this moment playing with the big boys of the NHL. It’s only been two games and the kid looks legit right now, but as we all know it’s too early to tell. Blackhawk fans would love to solve the goalie situation this season and worry about the rest of the pieces fitting in on the ice during this year’s trade deadline and the draft. They are hoping to build the next dynasty and get back on the map of the NHL. Perhaps try to stay out of salary cap hell and make the next team ride out their dynasty longer than the Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane one. Then the next player, maybe Connor Bedard, could stay a Blackhawk his entire career as the team just builds around their superstar like the Penguins have been doing with Sid “the Kid” Crosby who’s no longer a kid of the NHL. It will be hard to see Kane and Toews suit up with another team. It would be cool to see them help another team get back to the promised land like Marian Hossa helped the kids. A star young goalie in the making would be pretty cool right now watching this roller coaster franchise stay out of the loop part and get back on the straight track. They are heading in the right direction back to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Buffalo Bills have gotten the old band back together for their next playoff run. The team is not just satisfied with Josh Allen’s aerial attack of weapons of mass destruction, that features Stefon Diggs one of the top receivers in the league, Gabe Davis, who is making a name for himself, could be consider a number one guy on many teams in the NFL. Then the Bills have some nice slot options in Isaiah McKenzie and Khalil Shakir. Allen is a quarterback that can distribute the ball all over the field and get it in the hands of all his play makers as the Bills have a high-powered offense that has many moving parts to use. The Buffalo Bills added two guys who helped Allen develop into the quarterback he is today. The Bills bring back John “Smoke” Brown a 32-year-old wide receiver that has blazing speed in which the fly pattern is his best friend. Allen’s big arm can get the ball to him throwing the deep ball hitting him in stride. Then Allen’s security blanket is back in the building, the “Bease” in Cole Beasley. Now you know the whisky is rye. Beasley is 33 years old and left Buffalo for reasons not just about money or contract, but political views in Covid protocols. Maybe a contract would have kept him in Buffalo. Sometimes friends in low places are what a guy needs when facing teams like the Bengals and the Chiefs in the post-season.

When you played football out front of your house when you were a kid, your father or your brother or maybe even a friend would tell you, “Go deep.” Then your little legs would spin & then suddenly break out in full sprint stepping on some old summer weeds as you look up. A ball floating in the air bigger than your head would fall in your arms. If you caught it, you’d scream, “Touchdown,” for one of the best plays in the game. John “Smoke” Brown’s only catch this regular season in his return to Buffalo came against New England in the last game of the season. It was a 42-yard bomb thrown by Josh Allen and it connected like old times. Like two guys in a rhythm and blues band playing their instruments for the first time since they played at the clubs decades ago. Like riding a bike, the sound was still there as the bomb between the Smoke and Allen was still there. Brown’s best years came in an Arizona Cardinal uniform. In 2019, Brown’s best year in a Bills uniform & his first season with Allen, he caught 72 balls for 1,060 yards with six touchdown passes. Then the following year, Smoke dealt with injuries and played less games but caught 33 balls for 458 yards with 3 touchdown passes. Brown left Buffalo the next season. The last few years he has went from practice squad to practice squad. Brown tried to stick to an active roster as he was signed by the Raiders, Jaguars, Broncos, and Buccaneers. Brown would play in 2 games with the Jaguars and 2 with the Broncos. He had only one target no catches. It’s amazing how Brown can come back without playing an actual game in over a year and reconnect with his old quarterback.

Many wonder why the Bills didn’t reach a deal with Cole Beasley and bring him back for this season when his contract expired. Beasley is loved in the Bills club house. Did the front office get scared off by his conspiracy theories thinking he could be a distraction to the team? Bills had some salary cap issues, there just was not enough cake to go around as Bease would require some frosting on his. It seems many teams were scared off by Beasley’s off the field beliefs because he was home most of the season until the Buccaneers gave him a call. Suddenly you think Beasley was like a cat landed on his feet playing with the best quarterback of all-time, Tom Brady. After two games & 4 catches for only 17 yards for the Buccaneers, Beasley would have had enough and retired from the game. You’d think the Bills would be out of Beasley’s rear-view mirror as he sold his house in Buffalo and continue his conspiracy posts on the social media. The Eagles got back together after they said, “Hell would have to freeze over before we play again.” Hell did freeze over and the Eagles would get back together and name their next album in the 1990’s, Hell Freezes Over. Cooler heads prevailed and Beasely is back in a Bills uniform. In two regular season games, Beasely only had two catches for 18 yards. Last week versus Miami, Beasley scored his first ever playoff touchdown as he took a slant pattern over the middle of the field and found himself in the end zone for a score. Last year, Beasley caught 82 passes & 693 yards with one touchdown. Beasley’s career in Buffalo he has 233 catches for 2.456 yards with 11 touchdowns during regular season play. Beasley can move the chains, convert third down plays, and keep the offense on the field.

Another guy I root for is wide receiver Tanner Gentry, who has a cult following in Chicago. Tanner is a former teammate of Josh Allen back in their college days playing for the University of Wyoming Cowboys. Tanner has been cut so many times in his career he probably does not even unpack his suitcase. Gentry may be even living on Allen’s couch. Gentry found action in 2017 for the Bears when he played 7 games catching 3 passes for 35 yards. Gentry was one of those guys that made those dazzling catches in pre-season, playing against other team’s second stringers. In 2022, Gentry played in 3 games for the Bills with no catches but had one target. Gentry recently was cut by the Bills, but will probably be brought back next season as you root for the 28-year-old latching on with his old friend. Guys like Gentry back at Wyoming University and John Brown along with Cole Beasley helped make Allen the player who he is today. Allen would like to repay these guys, his friends, back with a Superbowl ring. Don’t be surprised to see Brown or Beasley chip in during this playoff run to help Allen and Buffalo do the unthinkable. Buffalo has that small town feeling compared to many of the big cities in the NFL. The Bills seem like they have a tight and unique locker room almost like a small college feeling. It’s a feeling like a Garth Brooks song where Allen does have friends in low places where the whisky is rye and the snow chasers.

NFL ROUND TWO STRAIGHT UP PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

SATURDAY GAMES

AFC

#4.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (10-8) AT #1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (14-3)

HEAD TO HEAD REGULAR SEASON: KC (1-0) JAX

PLAYOFF HISTORY: FIRST MEETING

THE EAGLE BOWL

This playoff match up has two X-Philadelphia Eagles head coaches going against each other. Andy “the Walrus” Reid may be the best head coach in Philly history record-wise.Then there’s the Philly Special, Doug Pederson, who guided the Eagles to their only Superbowl trophy beating the hated Evil Empire Patriots. Usually when a quarterback throws 4 interceptions in one game, they are tagged with the loss. Last week, the Jaguars prevailed against a poor coached Charger team and overcame Trevor Lawrence’s mistakes and beat LA in a game that was Charles Dickerson’s tale of two halves.

The Chiefs found their way once again to snag the first round bye in the AFC post-season with the best record and the cancelled game between the Bills and the Bengals. Patrick Mahomes is 8-3 in the playoffs with two losses coming from Tom Brady, and the other from Joe Cool Burrow. I don’t see Surf Nazi Ninja Must Die, the Jaguars quarterback, tagging Mahomes with another loss to his playoff legacy.

The Chiefs coaching staff is not the Chargers so any mistakes from Lawrence and the Jaguars will be daggers in the Jacksonville coffin. I like the Chiefs able to get their yards and offense through the air where the Jacksonville defense is the weakest. I can’t see the Jaguars playing the perfect game on the road in a very tough place to win, Arrow Head Stadium. The Jaguars would need a perfect game times two to beat the Chiefs this weekend.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

NFC

#6. NEW YORK GIANTS (10-7-1) AT #1. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (14-3)

HEAD TO HEAD REGULAR SEASON: EAGLES (2-0) GIANTS

PLAYOFF HISTORY: ALL-TIME PLAYOFF SERIES TIED (2-2) LAST MEETING 2008 DIVISIONAL ROUND: EAGLES WON

This will be the third meeting between the Giants and Eagles this season, and the last one went Philadelphia’s way in a rout. Eagles had the first round bye while the Giants moved on from the Wild Card Weekend with a win in Minnesota. The Eagles outscored the Giants 70-38 in those two regular season meetings. It is very hard to beat a team three times in one season. The Eagles have the better team on both sides of the ball. The key thing in this match up that jumps out to me is the health of Jalen Hurts.

Hurts only played in one game in the last month of the season. Hurts did not look very good in the last week of regular season. However Hurts did get to rest last week, with the Eagles clinching the number one seed. Without a healthy Hurts, the Eagles did not look like a number one seed in the last month of the season. Meanwhile the Giants thrive on close games and have become accustomed to squeaking out grinders ending either in regulation or overtime. The last three times the Giants won their opening round playoff game, the big blue have found themselves in the Superbowl. My gut feeling tells me a number one seed will fall and this is the game.

The Giants were missing three key guys on their defense in the last meeting versus the Eagles. Look what corner back Adoree Jackson did last week versus the best receiver in the NFC Justin Jefferson. Shut him down. Brian Daboll, head coach of the Giants, has playoff experience from his time with the Bills. This Giants team is following his lead. I like the Giant upset in this one because Big Blue has beat me every time I go against them.

OUR PICK: GIANTS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

AFC

#3. CINCINNATI BENGALS (13-4) AT #2. BUFFALO BILLS (14-3)

HEAD TO HEAD REGULAR SEASON: REGULAR SEASON MATCH UP CANCELLED

PLAYOFF HISTORY: BENGALS (2-0) ALL-TIME VERSUS BILLS, LAST MEETING 1989 AFC CHAMPIONSHIP

I had a feeling, as did everyone who is a football fan, that this match up would come around again between the Bengals and Bills. It was supposed to be the game of the week when these two teams met up on a Monday night affair weeks ago. This game had lots on the line for both teams in the playoffs. Unfortunately the game was cancelled after Bills defender Damar Hamilin laid on the carpet after making a tackle, getting up & then falling down. CPR was performed on Hamlin as both teams were in shock and tears, standing on the field surrounding Damar. It was 7-3 Bengals with the lead, with time remaining in the first quarter as the league postponed the game because of what unfolded. Then the league cancelled the game. Now this game has circled back in the divisional round where once again the stakes are high. The Bills are playing for their fallen comrade Damar Hamilin with lots of emotions. The Bengals think they got screwed from the league as they are defending their AFC Championship run from last season when the Bengal stripes made it to the Superbowl. What a great match up at the quarterback position with Josh Allen versus Joe Burrow. This now will officially be the first meeting between the two of these super stars of the AFC.

In the 1989 AFC Championship, it was Jim Kelly versus Boomer Esiason, two elite quarterbacks of the AFC in a game that went down to the very end of regulation.

I can see this Bengals and Bills game going down to the very end in an AFC Classic heavyweight bout. Both teams are pretty much equal on both sides of the ball. The Bengals defense can pressure the quarterback. The Bills defense bend but don’t break style thrives on getting turnovers. The Bengals have weapons of mass destruction at their wide receiver position. The Bills have a slew of weapons that can beat you on any given Sunday. This game can go either way. I think both coaching staffs equal out in this one. As well as special teams. I think the Bills will exploit the Bengals’ shaky offensive line which is probably the weakest link in this match up. Bills being at home is my final thought as the Mafia can make things tough with a shaky O-Line.

OUR PICK: BILLS

NFC

#5. DALLAS COWBOYS (13-5) AT #2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (14-4)

HEAD TO HEAD REGULAR SEASON: DID NOT FACE EACH OTHER

PLAYOFF HISTORY: COWBOYS ARE (5-3) ALL-TIME VERSUS THE 49ERS IN THE PLAYOFFS. THE 49ERS HAVE WON THE LAST TWO MEETINGS WHICH INCLUDES LAST SEASON’S WILD CARD GAME.

The Cowboys/49ers playoff rivalry continues in back to back years for the first time since the 1990’s when these teams met up three years in a row playing for the NFC Championship game. We know both these franchises hate each other. I really don’t care for either of them. I hate the Cowboys more. The 49ers are one of those teams that annoyed me from being there all the time. Colin Kapernick did not help their cause either. The 49ers last week easily put down the Seahawks. The Cowboys terminated Tampa Tom and his Buccaneers with ease. Do the Cowboys get extra credit for perhaps ending Tom Brady’s career? We can’t say that until we hear that out of the fool’s mouth if he’s coming back or doing that fake retirement speech. The Cowboys finally won a playoff game on the road for the first time since the 1990’s. Can they do it again in San Francisco? Will the 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy lose his first game in the NFL?

The kid, since taking over behind center for the injured Jimmy Garoppolo, has not lost a game behind center. Can Dak Prescott beat a winning team especially in the playoffs as he has problems doing so during his career so far under center for the Cowboys? The Buccaneers won their division with a losing record. The 49ers are a well-rounded team strong on both sides of the ball. Cowboys get the edge at the quarterback position. But the 49ers have the better scheme for the quarterback position. The 49ers defense is better as an entire unit, but Cowboys can get to the quarterback better then San Francisco.

Micah Parsons is a beast at killing the quarterback, one of the best in the entire NFL. Parsons had 13.5 sacks in regular season and the Cowboys will need him to disrupt and rattle Purdy to make this work on the road. I think this will be another close game, maybe even another epic classic Cowboys 49ers showdown. I like the 49ers pulling this one off at the end. I like the 49ers two-headed monster running attack with Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell over the Cowboys running game. That features spoon feed me Ezekial Elliot who is over rated and Tony Pollard. The 49ers will out gain the Cowboys on the ground attack which will be the difference in the game.”Micah Parsons is a beast at killing the quarterback, one of the best in the entire NFL. Parsons had 13.5 sacks in regular season and the Cowboys will need him to disrupt and rattle Purdy to make this work on the road. I think this will be another close game, maybe even another epic classic Cowboys 49ers showdown. I like the 49ers pulling this one off at the end. I like the 49ers two-headed monster running attack with Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell over the Cowboys running game. That features “Spoon Feed Me” Ezekial Elliot who is overrated and Tony Pollard. The 49ers will out gain the Cowboys on the ground attack which will be the difference in the game.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

When it comes to the society we live in, who are your heroes? You can rattle off the entire military services, fire fighters, police officers, teachers, nurses, doctors… they are the first that come to mind. It’s the real world so we don’t have superheroes wearing a cape and underoos. On the field playing a game many worship what athletes do, especially at younger age. Some could say the 1990’s baseball steroid era started it when those players that were gigantic built and chiseled like a brick house resembled some of your great Marvel or DC superheroes. We all know many athletes are just spoiled primadonnas treated like Richie Rich with a silver spoon in their mouths all their lives. When it comes time to be a hero, any average Joe six pack can have his or her day. When someone that looks the part of the Avengers saves a life, we may start believing in Superman and Santa Clause as they exist on this planet. On January 4th this year, a former running back jumped into the ocean and saved his kids. Most anybody that’s a father and mother would rise up to the challenge and do anything for their kids, especially if they are in harm’s way. The 36-year-old Peyton Hillis who retired from the NFL in 2015 is paying the price after saving his kids and was placed on ventilator in the ICU. Like the M&M saying that Santa exists on the candy commercial, and the Claus saying they do exist referring to the talking hard hell chocolate candy. Heroes do exist and they come in all shapes and sizes.

Peyton Hillis was 6’2″ tall, and a 250 lb tail back coming at you out of the back field like a Mack truck. Hillis, an Arkansas native born and raised, played his College ball as a Razorback at the University of Arkansas. Hillis then was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2008. Hillis played seven seasons in the NFL with 4 different organizations. Hillis played two years in Denver & then went to Cleveland. He played two seasons there, moved on to Kansas City for one season,and ended up finishing in New York playing two seasons as a Giant. Hillis’ best years came in Cleveland and 2010 was his best year of his career. Hillis ran wild all over the field running over defenders as he galloped for over 1,000 yards in which he racked up 1,177 yards to be exact and found the end zone with 11 rushing touchdowns. Perhaps in 2011, Hillis being on the cover of John Madden’s football video game jinxed the rest of the running back’s career as his average per rush went down and he played less games dealing with injuries. Running backs don’t have a long life in the NFL so 7 years is nothing to sneeze at. Hillis, over his NFL career, racked up 2,832 rushing yards on 696 carries while scoring 23 touchdowns.

On January 4th, off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, Peyton Hillis and his kids were probably enjoying a nice day on the beach. Then the nightmare of any parent appeared in front of Hillis’ eyes. One moment the kids are playing in the ocean splashing, swimming, & having a good ole time. Then the next moment a rip tide is taking your kids deeper into the ocean as the splashing turns into screams for help because they are drowning while being pulled away from the coast line. According to local county reports, there were 2 children and 2 adults in the water struggling when a bystander came in to help. No time to think, just react and Hillis went into the ocean and pulled his kids out of the water saving their lives but paying the cost at the same time. Superman would have flown away after saving the lives, but this is real life. Hillis was taken to the hospital where he suffered kidney and lung damage from his heroic act of just awesomeness. The kidneys and lungs are why Hillis was placed on a ventilator. Hillis remains hospitalized, but according to his girlfriend Angela Cole on Instagram, the ventilator has come off so that is good news. The former running back, a hero, should recover fully. Cole said they still have a ways to go though. Imagine Hillis diving into the waters like he ran over defenders on the field swishing and knifing through waves to rescue his kids to pay the price at the end. Well worth the price. Many kids will idolize athletes like they are real heroes. Peyton Hillis is a hero, not like the Lebron James’ of the World. In a situation like Hillis’ I think many people would be a hero when their own flesh and blood is on the line. I like to think Hillis would have helped a stranger in that situation, even if his kids were not drowning at the time. Only certain people can react and do the unthinkable. Many people in sticky situation can freeze like deer in head lights. The real heroes are listed in the first paragraph above because they do it every day.

NFL ROUND ONE STRAIGHT UP PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

SATURDAY GAMES

NFC

#7.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (9-8) AT #2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (13-4)

HEAD TO HEAD REGULAR SEASON RECORD: SF (2-0) SEA

PLAYOFF HISTORY: 2013 NFC CHAMPIONSHIP: SEATTLE WON

Seattle made the post-season play in the last game of regular season. The 49ers, using their third quarterback of the season, won the NFC West. The Seahawks were not supposed to make the post-season after trading away their franchise quarterback. It’s the 10th time in 13 seasons that Seattle’s Head Coach has gotten his team into the post-season. Nobody ever heard of Brock Purdy and like changing a light bulb, the 49ers are still running like a well-oiled machine. This game has rain in the forecast. Both teams have strong running games. The 49ers two-headed monster that features Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell, will carry the heavy load. The Seahawks counter with rookie running back Kenneth Walker III. I like how Geno Smith finally found his game behind center for the Seahawks as he has had his best year of his career. Smith will make a boo-boo as he does in many games. The 49ers defense is one of the best units in the game & should be able to take Walker out of the game. The rain may limit the passing game between the two teams. Which favors the Purdy cat’s game as the 49ers will control the clock’s long drives without making the costly mistakes. The Seattle defense is the weakest link in this match up & gives the 49ers the edge and something very hard to do: beat the same team three times in one season. The 49ers are clearly the better team on both sides of the football.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

AFC

#5. LA CHARGERS (10-7) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (9-8)

HEAD TO HEAD REGULAR SEASON RECORD: JAX (1-0) LAC

PLAYOFF HISTORY: FIRST EVER MEETING

The Jaguars blew out the Chargers in their only meeting of the year. This game features two of the youngest gunslingers in the AFC. Justin Herbert brought the Chargers to the post-season in his third season. In Trevor Lawrence’s second year with a new head coach, a long haired surfer, has gotten the Jaguars back to the post-season. The Jaguars needed to win last week versus the Titans to clinch the AFC South. The Chargers played a meaningless game in the last week versus Denver in a loss. Brandon Staley has been criticized all week playing his some key players in that game versus Denver which resulted in injuries. No wide receiver, as Mike Williams for the Chargers, was carted off the field. The Chargers, who just got defensive end Joey Bosa back, pulled a groin and is questionable in this Saturday night game.

The Jaguars have been one of the hottest teams in the second half of the season winning 6 out of their last 7 contests. Former Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson has turned around this sorry arse Jacksonville franchise against an average Chargers defense. I love the Jaguars defense led by the other Josh Allen of the AFC.

This game I’m deciding by old school coaching beating new school. Brandon Staley at times takes stupid risks like instead of taking the points on a field goal, he’ll go for the touchdown. It’s like he does not believe in the kicking aspect of the game, even punting. Doug Pederson’s track record is much better and the Jaguars are at home which is why the Chargers have to travel across the country to play this game.

OUR PICK: JAGUARS

THE SUNDAY GAMES

AFC

#7.MIAMI DOLPHINS(9-8) AT #2.BUFFALO BILLS (13-3)

HEAD TO HEAD REGULAR SEASON: MIA (1-1) BUF

PLAYOFF HISTORY: Bills are 3-1 versus Dolphins in post-season which includes beating Miami in the 1992 AFC Championship.

The Dolphins squeaked by the Jets last week with Skylar Thompson behind center to get Miami into the back door of post-season. The Bills prevented the Patriots from getting into post-season. The Dolphins will be without their number one quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, who makes this Dolphins offense click. The Dolphins are down to their third string quarterback, Thompson.

Bills will shut down Skynet with their defense, forcing the 7th round draft pick into mistakes.

The Dolphins offense is just a shell casing without TUA TIME. Skylar Thompson will be terminated by the end of this game in a very cold Buffalo stadium. The Dolphins defense has played well, but Josh Allen and the Bills offense will score points.

The X-factor Bills are playing with high emotions for their fallen teammate, Damar Hamilin. The Bills will get that extra juice being at home in front of the Bills mafia.

OUR PICK: BILLS

NFC

#6.NEW YORK GIANTS (9-7-1) AT #3.MINNESOTA VIKINGS (13-4)

HEAD TO HEAD REGULAR SEASON: No meetings

PLAYOFF HISTORY: Giants are 2-1 versus the Vikings in post-season history. Last meeting, at the 2001 NFC championship game Giants won 41-0 Vikings.

This is a battle between two rookie head coaches. Brian Daboll turned around the Giants while Kevin O’Connell turned around the Vikings. These two teams are kings of winning games by one score games. Vikings won 11 of them. While the Giants have gone 8-4-1 in one score games. Vikings with Captain Kirk Cousins can generate points as Minnesota can score quickly and can come back on many teams like the Indianapolis Colts. The Giants like to grind it out in very close games and win it at the end of regulation. When the Vikings lose, they lose bad. Many, including myself, thought both these teams would fizzle away but here we are talking about them in the post-season. This is a very even match up between these two teams. The Giants defense probably has the edge over the Vikings. The Vikings offense is better than anything the Giants have. I like the home field advantage for the Vikings in this one as Captain Kirk takes care of business in a big game but not in prime time under the lights.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

NFC

#6.BALTIMORE RAVENS(10-7) AT #3.CINCINNATI BENGALS(12-4)

HEAD TO HEAD REGULAR SEASON: BAL (1-1) CIN

PLAYOFF HISTORY: First ever meeting.

Yes, we just saw this game in the last week of regular season as the Bengals won and clinched the AFC North. Historically, the Ravens and Bengals has been one of the best rivals in the league. The Ravens once again will be without their starting quarterback, Lamar Jackson.

Can Roquan Smith, a former Bear who got a contract extension with the Ravens, and that Baltimore defense, win this game? The Ravens defense is the key if Ravens want the upset. The Ravens back up quarterback, Tyler Huntley, is banged up. The Bengals have a scary offense. The Bengals feel slighted by the league in their playoff adjustments when the game versus Buffalo got cancelled due to Damar Hamilin going down.

The Bengals believe they should have been the number one seed in the NFL with a win over the Chiefs and were beating the Bills at the time the game was stopped with Damar laying on the turf. Without the Ravens able to generate enough offense and the motivation behind this Bengal team, I have to go Cincinnati.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

NFC

#5.DALLAS COWBOYS(12-5) AT #4.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS(8-9)

HEAD TO HEAD REGULAR SEASON: TB (1-0) DAL

PLAYOFF HISTORY: Cowboys are (2-0) all-time versus the Buccaneers in post-season. Last meeting goes back to 1983 when Cowboys beat the Buccaneers 30-17 in NFC wild card game.

The Buccaneers backed into the playoffs and Tom Brady was very lucky he is not at home today watching the post-season on his couch. The Cowboys have not won a road playoff game since the early 1990’s. The Buccaneers have the home game in this one because they won the NFC South, the worst division in football, and make it to the post-season with a losing record. The post-season is a clean slate: a new season and we all know Tampa Tom thrives in the post-season.

The Cowboys on paper look like the superior team. The Cowboys have a defense that can kill the opposing team’s quarterback. The Cowboys have weapons on offense. The Buccaneers have an aging defense and play makers on offense, you might call them has-beens. The key for Dallas is what are we going to see out of Dak Prescott?

The Cowboys have struggled the last few weeks where Dak has thrown a pick in almost every game. The Cowboys coming off a bad loss to the Commanders where Washington’s defense made the Cowboys look like a bad team that’s home for the post-season. The Cowboys had to eek out a game against Houston in overtime, not too long ago. I hate both of these teams. I’m going with history in this one. It’s hard to knock out Tom Brady’s teams in round one of the playoffs. Dallas has problems on the road and Dak is not playing well right now. I see the Buccaneers stealing one at home. Then adding more bad history to the Cowboys’ post-season woes.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

When you look up the words, football & stupid, a linebacker from Green Bay may have his picture right under it. Green Bay Packers’ linebacker Quay Walker is the only person to get ejected from a game multiple times in one season in the NFL since 2000. At Sunday Night Football, the last game of the season between the Lions and Packers, Walker was ejected from the game shoving one of Detroit’s medical staffers. Lions physician T. Sean Lynch was checking on running back D’Andre Swift who was hurt on the play & then was shoved from behind by Walker.

Walker is not too swift as he did this right in front of an official who then flagged him for unsportsmanlike conduct. Then you know Walker is not playing with a full deck because he did this less than a week after Buffalo Bills trainer Denny Kellington helped save Damar Hamlin. He gave him CPR on the field after he went into cardiac arrest. Let’s not forget he put the Green Bay Packers in a tough spot with the penalty giving the Lions first and goal at the Packers 5 yard line. The Lions would score to take the lead and eventually win the game as the Packers needed this game to make the post season with a win. Walker may have not seen this happen as he was throwing a hissy fit in the tunnel on the way to the locker room after being ejected.This is not the first time Walker has shoved someone else not in a uniform during a game.

Quay Walker was drafted in the first round in the 2022 draft out of Georgia University. It was one of the draft picks the Packers got from the Raiders when they traded away Devante Adams to Vegas in the off-season. The 22 year old line backer had a great rookie season making 121 tackles, 1.5 sack, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 7 pass deflections. Walker has played all 17 games and led the team in tackles this season. Walker also tied A.J Hawk’s rookie season record for most tackles with 121. Obviously Walker is a talented player, playing for a big university and being selected in the first round, while showing results on the field. Do Walker’s intangibles equal his football stupid on any given Sunday?

In week 8, the Packers were on the road in Buffalo. Quay Walker made a tackle of Bills running back James Cook’s seven yard run pushing him out of bounds. Before leaving the the Bills sideline, Walker pushed Zach Davidson, a tight end from the practice squad, a player not even dressed or was not involved with the play. The referee threw the flag and the New York offices told them to eject Walker from the game before the next play. The Bills were set up in prime time field position & eventually scored to go up 21-7 at the end of the first half. Walker would apologize after both situations making excuses at the same time to protect his character. It’s like those fake Sammy Sosa apologies over his Chicago Cubs career when he would make mistake after mistake, but still feel like he did not do anything wrong mentally.

If you’re a Green Bay Packer fan, this is the norm watching this team. How many times, as a Packer fan or just a football fan, does Aaron Rodger blow smoke up his own arse hole at us? Like everyone in the world is a moron except Rodgers. Maybe if Rodgers did not say, “We can’t lose a game like that against that team, though.”

Aaron Rodgers said that in the first meeting of the year versus the Lions in Detroit that resulted in a loss. The Lions were playing this Sunday night game knowing that Seattle had won the game late that afternoon and knew they were knocked out. Lions could of caved in, but they played hard for the reason to see the Packers on the couch during the playoffs. If Rodgers can say and do what he wants, why can’t Quay Walker do what he wants to do? This all comes back to the head guy who is supposed to be in charge, Matt LaFleur. LaFleur was seen yelling at Walker after he shoved the Lions trainer on the field. When has Lafleur gave his 60 million dollar a year quarterback a lashing for all his mistakes he has made with his foot jammed in that big mouth of his? The Packers are like those stupid Bengal teams of the past where the inmates ran the asylum. Green Bay needs to blow it all up and start from scratch because they are the definition of football stupid.

NFL WEEK 18 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

LAST WEEK’S RECORD: (10-5)

SEASON RECORD:(158-97)

THE SATURDAY GAMES

The storybook ending for the Kansas City Chiefs, like always it seems, will be a win in the final week & they will clinch the number one seed in the AFC. Patrick Mahomes is 8-1 versus the Raiders. Jarrett Stidham did pretty well in his first start last week replacing Derek Carr versus the 49ers. The Chiefs will get that storybook ending and get the number one seed. Raiders have nothing to play for and Kansas City has dominated this rivalry since Mahomes arrived on the scene.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

TENNESSEE TITANS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The battle for the AFC South title means the winner will be in the playoffs. This matchup is the tale of two halves as the Titans were 7-3 at one point while the Jaguars were 3-7. The Titans come in losing six in a row while the Jaguars have won 4 in a row. The Titans are down to former Steeler quarterback Josh Dobbs who would be making his second NFL start both with the Titans. Titans running back Derrick Henry will keep the Titans close in this game. I like the Jaguars defense to be the X-factor in this one and helps Jacksonville get back to the playoffs.

OUR PICK: JAGUARS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT BUFFALO BILLS

This should be an emotional game for the Buffalo Bills while dealing with one of their fallen comrades on Monday Night football which shocked the world. The team and the entire nation got great news about Damar Hamlin’s health as he’s breathing on his own and talking. Hamlin facetimed his teammates this week which should give this Bills team a lift. Meanwhile the Patriots need to win this game to make it to the playoffs. The Bills need the Chiefs to lose and with a win, would get the number one seed. Bills still need to play and win this game to keep their number two spot, with the Bengals in their rear-view mirror. Last time the Bills won 13 games you’d have to go back to the 1990’s when Jim Kelly led teams & did it three times. The Bills have won 3 of the last 4 contests versus the Patriots which includes a playoff game. Does Bill Belichick have a plan for this kind of emotional lift his team will face? I like the Bills rallying for their teammate and being at home, they should be able to beat up on the Patriots.

OUR PICK: BILLS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT CHICAGO BEARS

This game really means nothing for either team. The Vikings, win or lose, will be in the same playoff spot. The Bears would like to lose and the Texans win to get the number one draft pick in April. The Bears chances are good with Nathan Peterman getting the start with Justin Fields’ shut down for the final game of the season. Peterman is awful with 3 touchdown passes compared to 13 interceptions in 4 NFL career starts. I like the Vikings 2nd string team mixed with a few starters to beat any of the Bears number one’s.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

HOUSTON TEXANS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The battle for draft pick status. Last time these two teams met, it ended up in a draw. The Texans would get the number 1 draft pick with a loss or a Bears win. The Colts’ reasons for hiring Jeff Saturday most experts would say were to get a better draft pick to find a new franchise quarterback. For the Colts, they have teams like the Broncos, Cardinals, and Rams hovering around them in the draft order. Who will end up winning this clunker? The Texans have been playing better and Lovie Smith could be on the hot seat, would likely defy logic, and get the meaningless win here.

OUR PICK: TEXANS

NEW YORK JETS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS

Both the Jets and Dolphins looked like two teams that were going to make it into the playoffs and make noise in the post-season. Both teams have lost 5 games in a row. The Dolphins have a shot at the final playoff spot but need to win the game. The Jets are eliminated and have not scored an offensive touchdown in the last three games. The Dolphins playoff hopes rest on a third string quarterback, Skylar Thompson.

I like the Jets prevailing in this one as they will have Mike White behind center and be motivated to derail the Dolphins playoff hopes and bring them to the couch with them watching the post-season on TV. The Jets defense will make Skylar’s day uncomfortable, all day long.

OUR PICK: JETS

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Finally, the Saints get hot as they have won three games in a row. “Johnny come lately” as we can say “Andy come lately,” as in Dalton. The Panthers had the Buccaneers on the ropes last Sunday and did not finish the job as they let the worm, Tom Brady, back into the playoffs. This is another game that means nothing. The Saints do not have a first rounder in the draft, and they are the hotter team coming in. In his first year as head coach, Dennis Allen would like to end it 8-9 instead of taken on double digit losses while ending the season winning 4 in a row.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS

This is another game that means nothing to both teams. The Buccaneers clinched the dreaded NFC South last week and cannot improve their playoff status. The Falcons will march out their rookie quarterback, Desmond Ridder, in search of his first NFL victory behind center. Tom Brady is going to start this week 10-0 all-time versus the Falcons. The Falcons would rather lose this one, than win it and find the better draft spot. Brady sees this game as a fine tune up before post-season.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Deshaun Watson had his best game in a Browns uniform last week. The Steelers have yet another chance to sneak into the back door of post-season play. Mike Tomlin’s team is 8-8 and do not take on losing seasons. The Browns sent home Jadeveon Clowney for what he said about the coaching staff. Watson will be in a hostile environment in Pittsburgh, a division rival. The fans will be ready to shower him with obscenities. I like the Steelers defense as a unit that has played very well down the stretch. I like how rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett has conducted business on the field by taking what he sees & then forcing the issue.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Bengals are pissed off at how the playoffs unfolded with the game being cancelled last Monday Night due to Damar Hamlin’s injury. The Bengals feel like they got the short end of the stick from the league. The Bengals have been playing like a well-oiled machine and can put up points on the Ravens defense. The Ravens will be without Lamar Jackson & that makes this pick easy. Bengals all day. First being slighted by the league. The Ravens back up Tyler Huntley cannot match scores with Joe Burrow.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

DALLAS COWBOYS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Do the Commanders have anything left in the tank to upset their division rival? The Cowboys are fighting for the division title and have a shot at the number one seed in the NFC. The Commanders weeks ago looked like they were going to make the post-season but fell on hard times losing three games in a row. The Commanders were officially eliminated. I don’t think the Commanders have anything left. They will be like a deer in headlights and turn into roadkill at the end of this one.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

NEW YORK GIANTS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Giants last week in a big win clinched a playoff spot. The Eagles have not been soaring like they have been, losing two in a row. The Eagles have lots to play for in the final week of regular season. The number one seed for which they have to first win the NFC East. The Giants really can’t improve their playoff status but can play spoilers and bring the Eagles down to their level. The X-factor is the return of Jalen Hurts behind center for the Eagles. Many thought the Eagles offense was designed so you can change the quarterback like a light bulb. Hurts is the oil in the Eagles machine. Eagles prevail and grab the number one seed while winning the NFC East.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

LA RAMS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The Rams might have suffered the worst Superbowl hangover of all-time after winning the entire thing last year. The Seahawks need to win and get some help to get back to the post-season. Pete Carol has never gone two seasons in a row not making it to the playoffs. Will Baker Mayfield have a big game to improve his stock for next off-season? Former Seahawk, Bobby Wagner, needs ten tackles to set a new Rams all-time season record in tackles in a single season.

I like the Seahawks getting it done in this one. Geno Smith will have a big game to improve his stock for next season as a starting quarterback somewhere. The Rams will be dotting their I’s and crossing their T’s on their upcoming vacation plans.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

LA CHARGERS AT DENVER BRONCOS

By the time this game comes rolling around in the late afternoon, everything could be wrapped up regarding playoff seeding. The Chargers could rest some guys. The Broncos played the Chiefs tough last week but lost. After being blown up by the Rams, they show some heart. The Chargers running back, Austin Ekeler, could make history and join a small group of running backs to have had 20 touchdowns in two consecutive seasons in a row. I like the Chargers in this one even if they rest players. Not picking Denver even if the Chargers have a bus crash.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Coming into the final week of the regular season, the 49ers have a chance at the number one seed in the NFC but need help like the Cowboys and Eagles losing their games. Even if everything is set for the 49ers before their game and they decide to rest players versus the Cardinals and have nothing at stake, I like San Francisco. The Cardinals have the beer guy starting behind center in this one. The Cardinals checked out in week 4 of regular season.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

DETROIT LIONS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS

The final game of regular season which of course includes playoffs aspirations for both teams. You thought the Green Bay Packers were dead in the water. You thought it was going to be a post-season without Aaron Rodgers. Here we go and if Packers win, Rodgers and Green Bay make the post-season. The Lions have been impressive this season. They need to knock off the Packers and have the Seahawks lose to get in. If Seahawks do win their game, I think the Lions will still want to knock out the Packers just for kicks. The way the NFL goes, Tom Brady got back in the post-season last week with his Buccaneers winning. This means Rodgers will get the Packers back in the post-season, knocking out the Lions and Seahawks in the process.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

The Chicago Bears are shutting down Justin Fields for the last game of the season due to a hip injury he suffered last week versus the Detroit Lions. Fields will miss out on breaking Lamar Jackson’s single season rushing record of 1,206 yards rushed by a quarterback. This season Fields was electric running the football & making shifty moves to dupe the defender and then putting on the afterburners taking it to the house. Fields’ legs ran for 1,143 yards missing Jackson’s record by 94 yards which he could have gotten against Minnesota’s defense in the final regular season game of the year. Fields scored 8 rushing touchdowns with his legs as he was a one-man army out there on the field this year for the Bears. What about Fields’ passing game? With the Bears’ awful offensive line, he had to run like Forest Gump to stay alive out there. Fields is definitely a talented quarterback, but is he the answer in Chicago for years to come?

It is known and a fact around the league that the Bears have not had a star quarterback since the 1940’s when Sid Luckman was behind center. This is why everyone drooled when the Bears traded for Jay Cutler. Cutler had the rocket arm. Cutler reset the Bears passing records which is not saying much. It did not take long to know Cutler was a bum. Still to these days, Cutler has a cult following. I wonder if Bears fans have their beer goggles on when it comes to Justin Fields. Fields has played two seasons in Chicago after the Bears drafted him out of Ohio State and has made progress. I like his deep ball as Fields throws some dimes hitting his receivers on the fly pattern which gives you goosebumps. What about the crossing routes? The short passes? Rex Grossman had a nice deep ball. Thank the Lord the Bears had a defense during Good Rex and Bad Rex who are reminding you of Two Face, the villain from Batman. What about Fields’ ability to stay in the pocket knowing he is going to get whacked and fires a pass at the last second to hit his guy in stride? When Justin Fields had to pass at the end of many close affairs the Bears were involved in this season, he did not do well. Crumbled like a house of cards. Many fans and the Bears organization will give Fields a hall pass because he has a weak receiver core and a dreadful offensive line.

The best dual-threat quarterbacks in the league are Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, and Josh Allen. Once upon a time ago, Lamar Jackson scared you with his legs and his arm. Jackson in 2019 tossed 36 touchdown passes. In 2020, Jackson threw 26 touchdown passes. The last two seasons, Jackson’s interceptions are up as he has thrown only 33 touchdown passes combined as he has also missed several weeks with injuries. Jackson is a beast, and you would want Justin Fields to be like Lamar. In Fields’ rookie season, his record as a starter was 2-8 as he completed 58.9 % of his passes for 7 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. That was a different Bears regime. In Fields’ second season, the quarterback record is about the same, 3-12, but he shown a slight improvement on completion as the percentage is up to 60.4%. This season he has 17 touchdown passes compared to 11 interceptions. In two seasons, Fields has a 5-20 record behind center and his completion percentage is 59.7 as he has 24 touchdown passes and 21 interceptions. Lamar Jackson has a career 63.7% completion rate where Fields is not there. Michael Vick was a play maker with his legs. When you took away Vick’s running game, he could not beat you alone with his arm as he completed 56.2% of his passes. Fields is much better than Vick but not by much. Again, Fields is doing his thing with crappy receivers and a bad offensive line. Let’s not forget two different coaching staffs.

I still have not seen enough of Justin Fields to determine if this is my guy for the next ten seasons. Great dual-threat quarterbacks can beat you with their legs and arm. In crunch time, these quarterbacks have to beat you with their arm. I did not see Fields do well in all those close games that were either tied or down by one score. The best quarterbacks in the league like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen in crunch time, come up big for their teams. Look at Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, pocket passers, but when the team needs that game-winning drive, they responded how many times in their careers. I noticed Lamar Jackson this season in the 4th quarter had big leads that were blown. Jackson became one-dimensional and with his arm could not get the Ravens the victory in the last drives of the games. Right now, I see Fields more of Jackson, Michael Vick, you could even say Robert Griffin III rather than Allen or Mahomes. Only two years in the league, Fields has missed games due to injuries. Run first quarterbacks take too many hits which Fields has done over both seasons he has played in the NFL. Top quarterbacks in this league play every game except in games they sit out to rest with nothing to play for. Top quarterbacks pass first run when needed. I hope with a good offensive line and some good receivers, Justin Fields becomes that franchise quarterback for the Bears. If I was Chicago where quarterbacks have been nothing but your kryptonite, I would draft a quarterback not in the first round but the second or third because we have all traveled this road before. Cutler Avenue and a very bumpy Rex Boulevard have immediately needed road construction, which is a fact always, the Chicago way, on every major highway.