The last time center Joe Thornton played a game in the NHL was for the Florida Panthers in the 2021-22 season. Many believed he hung up the skates for good and just walked off into the sunset. Many still wonder if Thornton would skate again. Reappear on some team’s roster looking for a veteran for the playoff push. The wondering has come to an end as Thornton through a video sent to the San Jose Sharks organization where he played 15 season, officially hangs skates after 24 seasons.

“Judging by how many people keep asking me, I guess I have to tell you, I’m officially retiring from the NHL. I thought you guys would figure it out sooner, but you kept asking so here I am retiring. I have so much love for the game of hockey and for the countless number of people that helped this kid’s dream become a reality. If you’re looking for me, you know where to find me. I’ll be at the rink.”

Joe’s video was posted at the Shark Tank, home of the San Jose Shark,s as he is shirtless in the video with his iconic beard wearing his retirement beach bum style hat. Soaking in the sun he looks to be living the high life.

Joe Thornton was originally drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1997, number 1 overall. Thornton would be traded to the San Jose Sharks during the 2005-06 season when he won the Art Ross trophy leading the league in goals. Thornton skated with the Sharks during the teams hey day when they were a staple every year in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Thornton was on that Sharks team that had the best record in the NHL in the 2008-09 season. Thornton was on those Sharks teams that went back to back years in the conference finals in 2010 and 2011. Thornton also helped the Sharks reached their first Stanley Cup in 2016 when they lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins. After 15 seasons in San Jose, he concluded his career skating for the Maple Leafs for one season and finished with the Florida Panthers. Thornton did help the Maple Leafs reach the Western conference finals in 2019.

Joe Thornton leaves his mark on the NHL. Thornton ranks 7th all-time in assists, 12th in points, and 6th in games played. Thornton laced up the skates for 1,714 regular season games as he had 430 goals while dishing out 1,109 assists for a grand total of 1,539 points. Thornton is a 4x All-star. He won the Hart Trophy in 2010. Thornton also helped his country, Canada, get the gold metal in the 2010 Olympics. For the Sharks, Thornton leaves his mark on the organization as he is number 2 all-time in games played, #2. in total points, #4. in goals scored, and number 1 in assists.

Joe Thornton is for sure a first ballot Hall of Fame center and he will be enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame when his time comes up. Thornton will go down as one of the greatest players of a sport never to win the championship. The San Jose Sharks will retire his number 19 he wore for over a decade in the teal uniform. The only Sharks player to have his jersey retired is Patrick Marleau, a teammate of Thornton for many of those years they played together in San Jose. Marleau’s number 12 was retired last season which was earlier this year. To play on the ice for 24 seasons, and most of those years at a high level, it is amazing how Joe kept his body in shape. Thornton always had the playoff beard which got bigger as time went on as the look was very similar to Ryan Fitzpatrick of the NFL. Maybe in some circuits they say Fitzmagic’s beard looks like the Joe Thornton one, of the NHL. Either way Thornton had one hell of a run on the ice. Since he said he still would be found at the rink, maybe the beard will be seen coaching in a suit sometime in the future. Dry cleaning those suits may be pricey if the beard starts to shed.

STRAIGHT PICK-EM PREDICTIONS

LAST WEEK’S RECORD (5-8) We should burn that copy of pure crap we tried to predict in week 7.

SEASON RECORD: (62-44)

WEEK 8 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-3) AT BUFFALO BILLS (4-3)

The Buccaneers offense has fizzled out. The Bills offense has been MIA in the first half of the last three games. The Buccaneers have lost two straight. The Bills do have a win in the last two but dropped a tough one last week to the archrival Patriots. It’s a short week playing on a Thursday. Bills at home I feel they will get off to a fast start while the Buccaneers won’t get their feet until the second quarter. Todd Bowles’ defense will blitz Josh Allen. Allen has seen this before and he will benefit with a big game. The Bills defense will find a way over a cooled off Bake Mayfield coming in. I just can’t see the Bills losing two straight and a winnable one at home.

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

HOUSTON TEXANS (3-3) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-6)

A pair of top drafted quarterbacks picked in round one square off in this match up. Panthers fans have to wonder why they did not pick CJ Stroud instead of going with Bryce Young. Why didn’t the Bears pick Patrick Mahomes in 2017 instead of Mitch Trubisky? Sometimes it’s luck of the draw. Both teams coming off their bye week. The Texans are playing well on both sides of the ball while the Panthers have struggled on both offense and defense. Stroud looks like a veteran & Young looks like a confused rookie.

OUR PICK: TEXANS

LA RAMS (3-4) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (4-2)

The Rams have been in every game but lack the killer instinct to put the team away at the end.

Instead of finishing the opponent, the Rams have turned into the fatality. The Cowboys will step on the neck of Matthew Stafford in this one as they are well rested from their bye week. The confidence the Cowboys had over the win versus the Chargers two weeks ago should carry over. It will be a close game, but Rams end up with another loss.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS(3-4) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-4)

The Packers lost to the hump of a team called the Broncos last week. The Vikings took out the 49ers. The Vikings cut the cheese in this one. While the Packers smelt it and will have to dealt it. The cheese is rotten right now in the state of Wisconsin.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (3-4) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-4)

Both the Saints and Colts play in the south division of their own conferences so this is not a must win game for either team. To get back on track, it’s a must win in that realm of thinking. Both teams have lost two straight. Both teams continue to shoot themselves in the foot. I like the Colts offense more as they are scoring more points. The Saints are moving the ball but now converting the touchdowns in the red zone. Gardner Minshew can out-duel a Derek Carr. Jonathan Taylor keeps improving after each game since he ended his hold out. The Colts scored 38 points off a better defense, the Browns, and should be able to put points on the score board versus the Saints.

OUR PICK: COLTS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-5) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (5-2)

When Tom Brady was on the Patriots, going to Miami was never an easy match up for New England. The Dolphins are 5-0 this season against losing teams this season. The Patriots played their best game of the season last week, but almost blew it at the end versus the Bills. The Dolphins lost to the Eagles and look for home cooking. This is not a good match up for the Patriots defense. Mac Jones is up and down – a quarterback you can’t trust week after week. The Dolphins do their thing with the track meet for an offense and Bill Belichick once again will not have the answers in Miami. Dolphins win this by two scores or more.

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

NEW YORK JETS (3-3) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (2-5)

The battle of New York hosted in New Jersey. Before the season started, you envisioned this Big Apple bowl having Daniel Jones versus Aaron Rodgers. Now it’s Zach Wilson for the Jets vs Tyrod Taylor for the Giants. It sounds like a rated G movie. Both New York teams have solid defenses. The Giants defense has played well the last two weeks and held the Commanders to seven points. The Giants only scored 14 points but won. The Jets are coming off the bye week after beating the Eagles. Wilson, my gut tells me, did nothing to improve his game on the bye week. Taylor is trying one last time to be a starter in this league once again. The Jets historically have not done well coming off a bye week which is why I’m leaning for an upset here.

OUR PICK: GIANTS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS(5-2) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (4-2)

The Jaguars have won 4 straight. The Steelers won on the road in LA and beat the Rams last week. The Steelers have laid two clunkers this season so far. The Jaguars won two games in London staying over the pond for two weeks. Then the Jaguars won a game last Thursday as the Saints tight end dropped an easy catch that could tie that one late and make the outcome different. The Jaguars are due for a slip up. I like the Steelers defense showing up at home. I like the Steelers getting it done through the air which is Jacksonville’s weakness on defense. Kenny Pickett to George Pickens are 4-0 when these two hook up for 75 yards or over.

Once the Pickett and Pickens combination reach 75 passing yards the Steelers will explode into the win column.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

ATLANTA FALCONS (4-3) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (2-4)

The Titans will be wearing the retro Houston Oilers uniforms at home this weekend. The Falcons are on top of the NFC South crap pile as they won last week beating Tampa Bay. The Titans were on a bye week. The Titans are starting rookie quarterback Will Lewis for the injured Ryan Tannehill. The Titans are looking for answers as this team is in disarray right now as their season has not gone right. The Falcons defense has improved from the last few miserable seasons. The Falcons running game is one of the best in the league as now the passing game is doing some nice things. Desmond Ridder should not have a problem getting some nice completions versus a bad Titan defense.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES(6-1) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (3-4)

I don’t think this rematch between the Commanders and the Eagles will be as close as the first game a few weeks ago. The Eagles rebounded from their only lost beating up on very talented Dolphins team last Sunday night. The Commanders only mustered up 7 points versus the Giants. The Commanders have issues protecting the quarterback. The Commanders can’t defend the pass very well. The Eagles do both these things well. The Commanders frustration has spilled over in the locker room and River Boat Ron Rivera has gone dark on his roll of the dice.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-2) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (4-2)

I feel the Browns should have more like a 2-4 record right now. Seattle got back on the winning track with a win over the Cardinals. The Browns pulled out a rabbit out of their hat in a win over the Colts in the game that had the most points scored in week 7. The Browns will have to rely once again on PJ Walker as the Deshaun Watson not worth all that guaranteed money has a shoulder issue and nobody to massage it. I like Seattle’s running attack ground and pound. Exactly what the Colts did to them last week, found a weakness in that Browns number 1 rated defense. Seattle defense can take away the Browns reserves in their running game. The long trip to Seattle for the Browns will not help with the stale offense. Walker will run of luck.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-2) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-6)

The Ravens played their best game of the season beating up on a very talented Lions team. The Cardinals seem to have lost their fight and will serve as the door mat for the rest of the year. Could the Ravens look down at this Cardinal team and look ahead to the next match up? Perhaps something inside the head of the Ravens team would go off like an alarm if they found themselves losing to the Cards. The Ravens team is too talented and Lamar Jackson looks like the old Lamar with the eye of the tiger. The Ravens defense is a deadly unit with fire power to wipe out the Cardinals species in one swoop.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (6-1) AT DENVER BRONCOS (2-5)

The AFC West has turned into the old AFC East when the Patriots would have the automatic bye every year to the playoffs. The Broncos won last week versus probably another team that’s in the same toilet as them. The Chiefs will go through the motions with the Broncos. Maybe tease them a little. Play with them & then at the end step on their throat for two scores or more to win.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

CINCINNATI BENGALS (3-3) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (5-2)

The Bengals dug themselves out of the hole they dug for the season and are back to 500. The 49ers have suddenly fallen on hard times losing two straight. The Bengals are well rested coming off a bye week. The 49ers may have to start former Jets & Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold. Brock Purdy is still in concussion protocol. This match up is a Superbowl prediction. How do you figure a 49er team to lose three straight after opening the season at 5-0? Joe Burrow has not been Joe Burrow. However his calf has probably healed over the bye week. Do you trust Burrow and the Bengals to go on the road and win a huge game they absolutely need in a stacked division and conference? It would not surprise me if the Bengals get the win and worm their way back into the thick of things in the AFC. One team is cold while the Bengals are feeling warmed up.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

CHICAGO BEARS (2-5) AT LA CHARGERS (2-4)

The Bears looked solid in Tyson Bagent’s first ever start in the NFL.

The Chargers are desperate for any kind of win. Le’ts not forget the Chargers were a playoff team last season. The Bears won their first home game in over a year versus a Raiders team without their starting quarterback. The Chargers have an offense that can fight back versus any score the Bears scratch and claw their way to. Bagent is a nice story and he played well. Now the league has film on this young division II quarterback and an X-Bear will be the X-factor, Khaili Mack. Mack had six sacks this year versus his former team the Raiders. I think he will let his old team Chicago know how he is doing. I don’t like the Bears’ chances in this one until they prove they can string two games together before I go picking them.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (3-4) AT DETROIT LIONS (5-2)

The Raiders looked dreadful versus the Bears last week in Chicago. The Lions were shocked as everyone else was in the football world to be dissected by the Ravens in the worst loss of the season. The Raiders travel for their second consecutive road game. Remember the Raiders were once upon a time ago king on Monday night football. Not anymore. I like the Lions rebounding and getting back on track getting their frustrations out versus a Raiders team. A team that got lucky on a few wins but have not played a complete game so far this season.

OUR PICK: LIONS

Suddenly the Chicago Bears are going to the Superbowl as they found their solution finally behind center. Probably not, but they are excited. The fans at Soldier Field have not seen a win at home in over a year and the Bears finally got one versus the Las Vegas Raiders. The struggling QB 1 for the Bears, Justin Fields, was out with an injury as rookie Tyson Bagent made his first start of his career and he was pretty impressive. Bagent was not drafted as the Bears signed him as a free agent and he thrived in the pre-season, making the roster as the team cut veteran PJ Walker. Yes, the same guy who has helped Cleveland win two games in back to back weeks subbing in for the masseuse rapist Deshaun Watson. Bagent’s debut versus Minnesota the week prior had him coming in for the injured Fields and picked up his first ever rushing touchdown on a nicely executed drive. Bagent also threw a duck that was intercepted and seal the game for the Vikings. Bagent looked like he was a veteran running the Bears offense versus the Raiders defense. Are The Raiders that bad? Does Bagent have a chance to take over the starring job for the Bears on a permanent basis?

The first question you are going to ask is who the hell is Tyson Bagent and the second… Where did he come from? Valid questions. Bagent is 23 years old and is out of the state of West Virginia. Bagent went locally to school and stayed in West Virginia. He played his College football with Shepard University, a division II school. Bagent played all 4 years at Shepherd, home of the Rams. Bagent was Division II offensive player of the year in 2021. Bagent certainly deserved it, completing 391 passes out of 579 attempts for 5,000 yards with 53 touchdown passes. Where’s the defense in that league? Only three others in Division II has thrown those video game numbers before Bagent. Bagent has won some awards with his play as he collected the Harlon Hill trophy and received the Hardman award which probably does not have anything to do with the movie Deliverance, although you think it would be from some backwoods state, probably West Virginia. In 2018, he was first team All MEC Mountain East Conference. In high school, Bagent lit up the skies on Friday night lights throughout West Virginia as he had over 7,000 passing yards with 112 touchdown passes. You can say all his numbers have been small potatoes doing everything in small town surroundings, both high school and collegiate. Every quarterback has a different journey to the NFL, even if it’s stocking groceries while playing Arena Football like Kurt Warner. Most greats come from the bigger universities. Walter Payton, who I still think is the best running back of all-time, came from Jackson State. Shepard or Cow U whatever… this kid is an under dog & has that Rudy or Rocky story going.

This year in Chicago was all about the development of Justin Fields. The front office built around Fields and expected good things to happen as he was supposed to take that leap to be the pillar at quarterback for the next decade. The Bears have not had a great quarterback behind center since Sid Luckman of the 1940’s. Fields is a turn over machine, especially in the second half. We have seen a few games where Fields looks amazing. Fields still has those clunkers. Last year, Fields showed flashes with amazing 50, 60, and 70 yard runs. Then he still had bad moments. With more play makers and additions to the offensive line, Fields was going to light up the skies. He has moments like that. In crunch time when a game is on the line, Fields is a cup cake. I bet many fans want to see Fields stay away from the field for a few weeks just to see if Tyson Bagent is the answer for that decades and decades search for a quarterback. Which some have never seen one a decent one in their lifetime.

The Bears offense was running like a well-oiled machine last Sunday versus the Raiders. This is the same Raiders team that had won a few games in a row heading to Chicago as their defense was the key in those wins. Tyson Bagent completed 72.4% of his passes going 21-29 for 162 yards with one touchdown pass. Those are not off-the-wall numbers but there are no turnovers. The Bears had a solid running game as veteran D’Onta Foreman had a pair of touchdowns and caught Bagent’s first NFL touchdown pass. It was the way Bagent scrambled in the pocket throwing on the run. Bagent used his legs for yards as well. He handled check downs as the play would change and the Bears would make a big play. It was the way Bagent placed the ball in his wide receivers’ hands as they came out of their breaks hitting them in stride. The Bears won big 30-6 as you can’t even remember a lopsided win like that and when it took place. Bagent handled everything being a starter in the NFL in his debut. The defense played solid and it helped the team get the offense back on the field to build a bigger lead for the rookie who looked comfortable the entire game. It reminded me of the Kyle Orton days. Orton did not make mistakes as he played his game. Some called Orton a game manager. I thought if Orton would have been the starter instead of Rex Grossman back in the 2006 Superbowl, it would have been a game with Peyton Manning and the Colts. Perhaps a victory instead of all those slippery slope turnovers by sexy Rexy. The Bears have draft capital next season and could easily pick another top QB out of the draft. You know Fields will get more chances when he comes back from injury. I just don’t think the Bears are lucky to get a quality QB like the 49ers with Brock Purdy, a 7th round pick. Tom Brady was a late pick for the Patriots. I just don’t see the Bears getting that lucky with Bagent. This has that Jim Miller sort of feeling for the Bears. A guy like Miller and Bagent are guys anybody could get behind and root for because they give you it all on the field and you respect that. Maybe Bagent is that solid number two of the future, but right now he looked like a number 1 and played better than what Fields has done most of the year.

STRAIGHT PICK-EM

I had the good stuff last week with a record of (10-5).

SEASON RECORD: (57-36)

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (4-2) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (3-3)

The Jaguars have been red hot winning three in a row, two of those wins over the pond. The Saints you never know what you will get from them. One week the Saints look like world beaters & the next week they lay a big dud on the field. In a short week anything can happen. I like Saints at home especially. Trevor Lawrence is little beat up from the previous week and is game time decision.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

THE SUNDAY TILT

DETROIT LIONS (5-1) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (4-2)

This game looks like two junk yard dogs going at it. Both defenses are solid. The Lions have been rock solid this season on both sides of the ball. The Ravens we are still waiting on this offense to start clicking on all cylinders. This will be a well fought game. I like Ravens bringing the Lions back down to Earth in this one. Lamar Jackson will have a big day with his legs and arm and deliver a victory at home.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS(3-3) AT CHICAGO BEARS (1-5)

All the characters in this match up. Both teams will be without their starting quarterbacks. No Justin Fields for the Bears, thank the lord. No Jimmy Garoppolo. This match up has rookie starter Tyson Bagent versus well traveled veteran Brian Hoyer. It is Bagent’s first ever NFL start. Bagent had a nice drive last week filling in for the injured Fields. The Raiders have somehow found winning ways which is shocking in recent weeks. The X-factor in this entire mess of this match up is one character stands out: Mad Max Crosby who is feasting on quarterbacks this season as Bagent should be another slash on his hit list. Raiders are playing better than the Bears at this point.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-3)

It seems like the Colts have took a step back, getting back their running back Jonathan Taylor. Not sure if Deshaun Watson will be back for this game, but it does not matter. The Browns defense is a wrecking ball ready to huff puff and blow down the Colts’ home. Gardner Minshew looked and played the part of why he is back up quarterback last week. The Browns defense will not do him any favors. The Browns running game will provide the damage on the score board. The Colts will fall behind early and not be able to rally with the attacking Browns defenders.

OUR PICK: BROWNS

BUFFALO BILLS(4-2) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS(1-5)

The Patriots and the Empire are on the verge of a huge collapse. The Bills fought hard for a victory against a bad Giants team last week. Nothing is going right for Billy Boy Belichick’s squad this season. Josh Allen has done very well versus the Patriots. I like the Bills finding their old form in this one and playing a clean game without the drama at the end. The times where the Buffalo Mafia are biting their fingers nails like a chicken wing being demolished at the tailgate party.

OUR PICK: BILLS

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS(3-3) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (1-5)

The Commanders have rebounded from the very bad Bears loss they suffered a few weeks back. The Giants offensive line should wave the surrender flag right now as their foundation is crumbling with all kinds of cracks as the Commanders defense up front will be the bulldozer. The makeshift Giants O-line will not be able to protect back up quarterback, Tyrod Taylor. The Giants defense played a hell of a game last week. I don’t think that same unit can repeat that performance against a decent offense the Commanders have. I like the Commanders in an easy one in this contest.

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

ATLANTA FALCONS(3-3) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-2)

Everyone in the NFC South has a chance at the division except the Panthers. These games between the Falcons and Buccaneers are huge for either side. How do you pick between these two teams? This is like betting on an outcome of Dungeons and Dragons role playing game.

You think Baker Mayfield and company should be able to squeak out a win at home here. I’m rolling the dice going with the Falcons running game as the decider in this toss up.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS(3-2) LA RAMS (3-3)

It seems like the Steelers have not played a game in weeks as they come off the bye week rested. The Rams have an even record right now and have been in every game they have played this season. The Steelers have been playing more like Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde so far this season. You don’t know which one you will see each Sunday. Both teams are solid on defense. I have to give the Rams the edge with the better quarterback in Matthew Stafford rather than whoever the Steelers have behind center. The Rams win in a close affair.

OUR PICK: RAMS

ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-5) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-2)

The Cardinals offense has flown south for the winter. The Seahawks blew chunks in their match up last week in a game they could have easily won versus the Bengals on the road. Geno Smith looked more like his past self in a Jets uniform than the reborn one with the Seahawks. This should be an easy rebound for the Seahawks as the Cardinals could give them a challenge. The Seahawks defense has been impressive this season and against a Cardinal offense in hibernation, it’s easy to say Seattle offense will get back on track with all the weapons they have.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-3) AT DENVER BRONCOS (1-5)

The Broncos are a very bad team. The Packers are rested from being on a bye. I think the time off should help the Packers quarterback get himself back on track. A perfect game to get back on track with the Broncos give away defense where every pass or run is a deal. The Packers defense can handle the Broncos offense. The Packers could just run the ball all day long if they wanted in this one and still win.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

LA CHARGERS (2-3) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (5-1)

This is my upset of the week as the Chargers pull off a big road win in KC. This is the perfect storm waiting to happen. The Chiefs offense most of the season has been sputtering. The Chargers offense is not firing on all cylinders, but the engines are revving. I think Chargers running back Austin Ekelor could have a big game back from injury playing back to back games for the first time this season. The Chargers defense played better last week versus the Cowboys. I know the Chiefs defense has done well, but this seems like a game where the Chargers will turn the tables on their rival and season at the same time. May not happen but what the hell… Chargers find a way.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

MIAMI DOLPHINS (5-1) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (5-1)

This is the game of the week: a pair of 5-1 teams squaring off in prime time. The Dolphins have been rolling since their first loss to Buffalo. Philadelphia suffered their first loss of the year last week versus the Jets. I’ve noticed the Dolphins offense does come back down to earth playing a good defense. The Eagles have that defense that can pressure Tua Tagovailoa to force him into a few mistakes. I like the Eagles at home as their offense will be able to generate more points then last week versus a tough Jets defense. In the end of a well-fought battle, I like Philly getting back in the win column avoiding losing two straight.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (5-1) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-3)

Before the season, this Monday game had legs with Justin Jefferson of the Vikings and 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Both superstars are most likely out. The 49ers lost their first game of the year versus a fantastic Browns defense. The 49ers had some injuries in that loss. The Vikings played sloppy versus a very bad Bears team but won. The Vikings without Jefferson hurts more than the 49ers without McCaffrey. Kirk Cousins in prime time games is not a winning recipe. The Vikings defense will help the 49ers offense. I can’t see the 49ers losing two in a row and not to these guys in purple.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

The Chicago sports landscape has been playing musical chairs with the main 4 teams in the Windy City. The Blackhawks have been a bottom feeder on the bottom of the totem pole. The dynasty finally came to an end with the trade of Patrick Kane. The Captain, Jonathan Toews, went down with the ship and quietly hung up the skates for a moment as he has dealt with some issues with his health. The sexual scandal cover up that brought dark clouds to the organization with Brad Aldrich being a sexual predator and assaulted younger players like Kyle Beach. Many in the front office took the hit of the grenade when the pin came out of the closet. Then the savior, the son Rocky Wirtz, who took the team out of the dark ages and the team collected 3 Stanley Cups leaves Earth with his foot in his mouth as he passed away after dealing with the cover up. The bad hockey on the ice for the last several years. Then the silver lining… the Blackhawks got lucky as the lottery ball bounced in their direction and got the number one draft pick in the NHL. The Blackhawks picked the most coveted player on the board since Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.

That is a lot of gigawatts to resurrect the Indian Head sweater and bring hope to an organization that was going to head back to the dark ages. The savior is 18 year old Connor Bedard, and he is the real deal. Suddenly the White Sox organization along with the Bears are in complete chaos. The Cubs came close to being a wild card and stumbled in the last few weeks of the season. The Bulls are living in the average world of the NBA. The Blackhawks reemerge as the the top dog out of all the franchises in Chicago. The team has assembled some young talent on the ice who have a promising future for years to come.

GROWING PAINS

Connor Bedard is still a young pup so the team will have to be patient as he will have moments like his overtime try with goal tender veteran Marc Andre-Fleury, who swatted him away from the net like a fly. Bedard will be targeted by some who just want to welcome the kid into the NHL with hard hits. Some will use cheap tactics. Bedard will also show you why he will be compared to Sid the Kid Crosby and Connor McDavid so early in his career. This kid has the goods & it’s just when he can learn all his powers and control them on the ice on any given night. You will see mistakes. Are Head Coach Luke Richardson and his staff the right guys to coach all the young players the team has and at the same time win games on the ice?

Luke Richardson was part of that coaching staff for the Montreal Canadians back to the Stanley Cup finals in 2021. That Canadian team was filled with youth. Richardson will not have guys like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane veterans with whom you know what you get every single night. Guys that can police the locker room. Richardson’s history shows he can coach a younger core. The jury is still out if Richardson will be a bridge gap coach or the guy coaching Connor Bedard in the Stanley Cup playoffs?

BRIDGE GAP VETERANS

The Blackhawks have signed some veterans and made some trades to get some experience players surrounding the young talent.

The Blackhawks made a trade with the Bruins to bring back 18 year veteran Nick Foligno. Foligno is 35 years old and a scrappy guy that does the little things right. Most importantly with this trade, it gives the Blackhawks a leader in that locker room. Nick in every locker room of his career has left his imprint. He’s a guy that can take Bedard under his wing.

Corey Perry is 38 years old and has ties to Coach Richardson from their Montreal days. Perry was acquired by the Blackhawks in a trade with the Lightning. This will be his 4th team in 5 seasons. Three times in 4 years Perry has reached the Cup finals. Perry played 14 seasons with the Ducks helping them win a cup as he tallied over 400 goals.

The Blackhawks signed former Avalanche defenseman Jack Johnson. Johnson is 36 years old and has 18 seasons under his belt with over 200 goals.

These trades and signings will help the youth right now on this Blackhawks team develop and not be shell shocked on the ice.

GOAL TENDING

The Blackhawks are coming back with two goalies they used last year. Petr Mrazek, a 31 year old back stop with 12 NHL seasons under his belt, will be the starter.

Mrazek was hurt last year as his record was not very impressive going 10-22-3 with 3.66 goals against average. The Blackhawks are hoping a healthy Mrazek will be better Mrazek in front of the net. The Blackhawks also have a young Swedish goaltender who played in 15 games for the team last year. Arvid Soderblom is only 24 years and had a record of 2-10 last year as a starter. Jaxson Stauber will start out in Rockford, the young goaltender went 5-1 last season for the Blackhawks.

The goal tending looks like the same ole song and dance for the Blackhawks. They are rolling the dice on a healthy Mrazek and hope the other guys can develop into something.

THE FUTURE

Lukas Reichel: A German & only 21 years old, was a guy that was promoted to the big team last year from Rockford of the AHL. Reichel, a Left Winger, had 15 points for the Blackhawks last season – 7 goals and 8 assists. The Blackhawks are hoping Reichel takes the next step in a full season in the NHL

Kevin Korchinski: 9 year defensemen drafted in 2022 7th overall in the first round. The team is excited by this young kid who can flat out play defense with a wicked slap shot. They think he will be part of the core with Connor Bedard.

Wyatt Kaiser: 21 year old defenseman drafted in 2020 3rd round 19th pick, 81st overall.

MY SLEEPER SIGNING

I like the signing of Ryan Donato, a center who’s only 27 years old. Donato played for the Kraken last year, also suited up for the Sharks, and has parts of seven season in the NHL. The Kraken, an expansion team in its second year, made the playoffs last year and Donato was part of that. Could he be part of Connor Bedard and the rest of the youth taking the next step in the future? Donato may get that playing time he needs with the Blackhawks to help his game and hopefully be a future part of this.

PROJECTED LINE UPS

1st line: Taylor Hall-Connor Bedard-Taylor Raddysh

2nd line: Phillip Kurashev-Andreas Athanasiou-Lukas Reichel

3rd line: Ryan Donato-Jason Dickinson-Tyler Johnson

4th line: Nick Foligno-Cole Guttman-Corey Perry

Defenders: Kevin Korchunski-Seth Jones

Jarred Tinordi-Connor Murphy

Alex Vlastic- Wyatt Kaiser

Goalies

Petr Mrazek- Arvid Soderblom

The Blackhawks as you can see have some veteran presence from last year’s team. On defense is over-paid Seth Jones. Then Connor Murphy, a leader, is a nice keeper. I like how Taylor Raddysh has developed over three seasons as a Blackhawks

Raddysh was a 20 goal score last year and is a nice option for that Connor Bedard line to execute every night on the ice.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

This season will not be about wins and losses for the Blackhawks. You would love to see this team take that next step to the playoffs & then you know everything somehow jelled together. If the team loses, then you will be adding another potential high pick to the mix. So either or it’s a win/win. This season will be watching Connor Bedard develop into the next Patrick Kane. In hopes that perhaps this young talent goes beyond Kane and closer to Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid; guys that goalies fear. Kane was special, but this kid could be the guy that breaks all the original six teams’ records. The Blackhawks have a rich history and a ton of greats on that list. You hopes it pays out in Stanley Cups over the marathon of his career. This year it will be watching Bedard grow and whoever else will skate with him in the future. This is like the dawn of the Michael Jordan era. Something special will happen any given time you turn on Blackhawks television. I don’t think the Blackhawks will make the post-season. I will predict they do better than last season with more wins.

STRAIGHT UP PICK-EM

LAST WEEK’S RECORD: (7-7) Definitely meatheaded level. Way too many losses with that protein.

SEASON RECORD: (47-31)

BRING ON WEEK 6

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

DENVER BRONCOS (1-4) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (4-1)

The Jets quarterback Zach Wilson was able to score 31 points off this bad Denver defense last week. The Chiefs have another typical practice game day like they had with the Bears. It will look like batting practice before a baseball game as Chiefs, also being at home, should easily light up the score board and Amazon Prime on Thursday night. Sean Payton has to be rethinking what he signed up for.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

LONDON, ENGLAND

BALTIMORE RAVENS (3-2) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (2-3)

Another London match up means you hope you enjoy some tea and crumpets at the butt crack of dawn on Sunday morning. The Ravens laid a clunker to the Steelers last week. The Titans still remain unpredictable week after week as they lost to the Colts, a team they have dominated the last dozen times. The Ravens had scoring chances last week but did not execute them. This game is a coin flip as I have more faith in the Ravens over the Titans. I like the Ravens running defense stopping Derrick Henry as the ground assault over the pond is the key in these games with the time zone changes.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (2-3) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (3-2)

I should write the Commanders off with the loss to the Bears. The Falcons continue to surprise every week. I think the way the Falcons like to run the ball falls to the strength of that Commanders defense up front. The Commanders defense looked horrible versus the pass. Desmond Ridder’s short passes and running the football will benefit the Commanders. The Commanders offense with a kick in the rear by River Boat Ron Rivera should get this team to rebound quickly from flopping against a bad Chicago team.

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-4) AT CHICAGO BEARS(1-4)

No matter what the records, the Vikings and Bears games are always entertaining and come down to the wire. Both teams are at the bottom of the barrel of the NFC North. The Vikings are without their star receiver, Justin Jefferson. The Bears are thin at running back. Both defenses have been terrible. The Bears defense did better last week but… was some of that was seasonal giving by Washington? Which quarterback can win the close one with the ball in their hands at the very end? I can’t trust either team. Justin Fields is a turnover machine in the second half in tight games. The Vikings will be able to score points without Jefferson. Cousins should be able to pick apart the Bears defense. I have to use sabre metrics in this pick. Seriously, when was the last time the Bears won two straight games? It took them close to a year to end their losing streak.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (5-0) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (2-2)

Did the 49ers put all of their efforts and energy towards destroying their arch rival Dallas last Sunday night? I sense the pitchforks are getting sharper and the wick ends of those torches… well, you can smell the kerosene as the Dawg pound little on the needing to neuter their quarterback side of things with their guaranteed 300 million dollar man. Deshaun Watson missed the last game with an unexpected injury right before the loss. Watson may return; if not PJ Walker will face the 49ers number one defense. The Browns defense has played well, but the team needs to score points. The bitches are not giving the man massages. Brock Purdy is still undefeated as a regular season starter, & I think that streak will not die versus the Browns.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS(3-2) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (2-3)

The Saints marched in the right direction last week with a big win versus the Patriots on the road. The Saints snapped a two game losing streak and played their best game of the year. The Texans will be up and down this year and Houston’s arrow was pointing down last weekend. How will the Texans rookie receiver Tank Dell adapt after getting knocked out of the game with a concussion last Sunday? I think this will be a tough match up for CJ Stroud who has played well so far, but the Saints defense can limit some of the good stuff he’s been doing. I don’t like the Texans running game which is non-relevant so far. Take away Stroud’s security blanket, & it may be a long day for the Texans offense. The Saints are starting to come alive on offense with Alvin Kamara getting more touches taking pressure off Derek Carr’s arm.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

CAROLINA PANTHERS(0-5) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-1)

The Panthers as a team have been riding the struggle bus. Traveling to Miami is a tough place in general to get a road win. Bryce Young has struggled behind center as he’s trying to get accustomed to the NFL game which is faster than the college game. The Panther defense is trying to figure out how to stop the Miami trackmeet on offense. Frank Reich may be one and done in Carolina and wishing he did not take this job that looked promising from afar. This is an easy one when the Dolphins swim laps around the drowning Panthers.

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-2) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (3-2)

THE REVENGE OF THE MUSTACHE

Anthony Richardson is hurt and will not play for the Colts. That means X-Jaguar Gardner Minshew will be behind center and face his old team. The Jaguars just won back to back weeks in London. The Colts have been running the football with the best of the entire league. The Jaguars have played two solid games back to back and have been well-balanced on offense and the defense has made some big plays. Zack Moss, holding down the fort for Jonathan Taylor, does not want to give up the rock as he was sensational last Sunday versus the Titans. Taylor got the contract extension & will want to show why he thinks he deserved that money. I like Minshew as the X-factor in this one will have a big game and have the Colts on top of the AFC South by the time this game concludes.

OUR PICK: COLTS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-4) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (2-3)

The Master versus his apprentice in this match up. The Patriots and Raiders are two teams crashing at the same time. The Raiders found a way to beat Green Bay so they are still holding on for dear life waiting to be flushed. The Empire is falling and Bill Belichick’s rear is roasting in the hot seat. Could Belichick get canned by Robert Kraft? Belichick and his favorite disciple have worked together for years winning Superbowls due to Tom Brady and basking in the glory of that dynasty. Should be time to pull the plug on both these guys. Both Raiders and Patriots are mirror images of each other. I like the idea of McDaniels giving back to his master and the Empire by the time this one is in the books. We know that the Patriots’ bust-out game is coming & the Raiders will be the sacrificial lamb.

OUR PICK: PATRIOTS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-1) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-3)

The Seahawks have won three in a row since losing the opener to the LA Rams. The Bengals are not going away as Joe Cool Burrow was not fazed by the team’s bad start as they have plenty of time to recover to get back to the post-season. Both starting quarterbacks in this one have been a little banged up. Burrow looked sharp last week playing his best game of the season versus the Cardinals defense. Geno Smith missed a few plays getting hit below the knee versus the Giants but did manage to finish the game. The Seahawks will surrender a boatload of passing yards on their defense. The Bengals may have trouble stopping Seattle’s two headed monster young running backs. This should be a close and exciting game, and I give the edge to home team Bengals and their history of starting off bad and suddenly getting to 500, which they will by defeating the visitors from Seattle.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

DETROIT LIONS (4-1) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-1)

The Lions have won three in a row. The Buccaneers beat the Saints before heading on their bye week. Baker Mayfield has been a game manager for the Buccaneers as the offense has moved the ball and not turned over. The Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the game which the Buccaneers do better at defending the pass over the run. The Buccaneers defense has been solid but the Lions’ group of play-makers could cause this defense some problems. Especially if Detroit can establish the run. Jared Goff is having a nice season like Mayfield, a game manager, but more as he can cash in on more throws down the field. The Lions defense is stout and has clout over opposing offenses this season. This should be a close game in the first half; then Lions wear out the Buccaneers defense and pull away in the second half.

OUR PICK: LIONS

ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-4) AT LA RAMS (2-3)

If you are fans of either the Rams or the Cardinals, at least you can say you’ve been in every game you played so far. Is the winner out of this contest the real winner as either team will not make the playoff?. The loser in fact will get the better draft pick. I like the Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford over Joshua Dobbs. Stafford with Cooper Cupp and other young wide receivers means this offense is pretty talented. The Rams also have an edge on defense. Both teams have a numerous amount of young talent, but the Rams have some nicer veteran bookends that can steer the ship, even their record at 3-3, and give them playoff hopes which will be dashed later in the season.

OUR PICK: RAMS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (5-0) AT NEW YORK JETS (2-3)

The Jets broke a three game losing streak with a win versus the Broncos. Zach Wilson is improving behind center as many thought the reinforcements would have arrived including some kind of veteran QB. The Eagles still are one of two remaining undefeated teams in the league. I can’t imagine the Jets upsetting the Eagles giving them their first lost. The Eagles defense will force turnovers & Wilson will serve up the football. It was the Broncos’ pile of dung defense he did better against. The Eagles will also find points on offense against a very solid defense the Jets offer.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

NEW YORK GIANTS (1-4) AT BUFFALO BILLS (3-2)

This is not how Brian Daboll coming back to Buffalo was going to look like. Former Bills offensive coordinator took the Giants head coaching job last year and they made the playoffs. Now bringing the Giants into Buffalo on a prime time game, his team a complete mess. The Giants have questions everywhere on the roster with injuries piling up like some MASH unit. Meanwhile Bills were derailed over the pond last week by the Jaguars. Stupid penalties, injuries, and just getting the offense off the ground was too late in the second half. It was done. I like the Bills being able to tread water without Matt Milano as they have Von Miller back which will help. The offense should start fast, continue the entire game, and get back on track.

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

DALLAS COWBOYS (3-2) AT LA CHARGERS (2-2)

This sounds like the Clash of the Titans on Monday night with two great offenses like the Chargers and Cowboys. Both teams have studs on the defensive side, but points should be scored. The Cowboys were humiliated by their arch rival 49ers on prime time last week. Then the Chargers were on their bye week as no news is good news. I like the Cowboys’ chances on their defense to make the bigger plays than the Chargers. Every team the Chargers have faced, have put up 20 or more points on them. The Cowboys defense has held teams under 20 points three times including a shutout. The Chargers head coach is a pure bonehead and is prone to make the stupid call like he is always good for each game. Cowboys have rebounded big after each loss this season as they destroyed the Patriots after losing to the Cardinals.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

When it comes to manufacturing middle linebackers, the Chicago Bears have that market cornered in the NFL. When it comes to quarterbacks, the Bears have no clue. The name Monsters of the Midway refers to some of those great defenses throughout the decades for the Bears always had a middle linebacker that defied the odds, and played like a caged animal, and wrecked havoc on the opposing team’s offense. The Bears lost one of their legends at the age of 80, a Chicago native as well, Dick Butkus. Butkus passed away in his sleep in his home in Malibu, California. He leaves behind a legendary life as he was a Hall of Fame football player in the NFL and at the Collegiate level. After football, he went to Hollywood, racked up some credits, and you can say guy that lived football, bled football, and lived life to the highest levels.

The story of Dick Butkus started when he was born in 1942, the youngest of nine children in a Chicago neighborhood known as Fernwood. His birth name was Richard Marvin Butkus and he was born into a Lithuanian-American blue collar family. His father was an electrician at the Pullman Standard Railroad Car Company. Before even picking up a football, Butkus was a part of a big family with hard working parents striving to put food in their bellies while giving them all the best education they could afford. That had his brain wired like a competitor especially being the youngest with older brothers. In 5th grade, Butkus dreamed about playing professional football. Butkus showcased his football skills at the Chicago Vocational School where he went on to college to play locally at the University of Illinois. Butkus played three seasons with the Fighting Illini as he played some center on offense and linebacker on defense. Butkus was a big part of that team that went 8-1-1, made it to the Rose Bowl in 1964, and won on New Year’s Day over the University of Washington. The pro football world of scouts and experts took notice of Butkus’ talents on the field. Dan Jenkins back then of the Sports Illustrated, wrote about the middle linebacker…..

“If every college football team had a linebacker like Dick Butkus of Illinois, all the full back’s soon would be three feet tall and sing soprano.”

In 1965, the Chicago Bears drafted Dick Butkus in the first round 3rd overall. Butkus was also drafted by the Denver Broncos of the AFL (American Football League,) & obviously this was before the merger. The Broncos selected Butkus in the second round of the AFL. Butkus chose to play for his home town team and be coached by Papa Bear himself, Hall of Famer George Halas. Butkus’ rookie season he had 5 interceptions while recovering 7 fumbles as he immediately made an impact. Butkus played nine seasons in the NFL all with the Bears from 1965-1973. Back then the league never had the stat called sacks bringing the quarterback down behind the line of scrimmage. Many wonder how many sacks Butkus could have had as he was a menace to the opposing teams’ quarterbacks. Butkus’ play earned him nicknames that defined his football savvy on the field like ‘The Animal,’ The Enforcer,’ ‘The Maestro of Mayhem’ or ‘The Robot of Destruction.’ Butkus did things on the field that no player in today’s game can do without being penalized or even suspended from the league. Tackling moves such as clothes lining the running back and the rumors about what players did under the pile during the 1960’s, would make your mother lock you up in the closet and never step off the football field until you collected social security. Butkus played by the rules that were allowed on the field at that time as he was well respected and earned 8 Pro Bowls in 9 seasons. The Bears never made the playoffs when Butkus suited up as the team won 49 games and lost 79 during his playing career. I bet every opposing team dreaded playing games against those Butkus-led Bears defenses.

Dick Butkus hung up the cleats for good in 1974 at the age of 31. The last few seasons of Butkus’ pro career, he dealt with a bad right knee which he did have surgery on. Back then, the operations on the knee did not get you back on the field as quick as the surgery does these days. Butkus ended up suing the Bears in 1974 saying the team did not provide medical and hospital care for his knee problem that he played on in excruciating pain. The suit was for 1.6 million and was settled out of court. Butkus would take his talents from the football field to Hollywood. Butkus played himself in Brian’s Song. Butkus would also play parts in other football movies such as Any Given Sunday, The Longest Yard, and Necessary Roughness. He played small parts in shows like Blue Thunder and MacGyver. Butkus also had a role on the sitcoms: My Two Dads and Hang Time. Many will remember Butkus in those classic Miller Lite Commercials with the argument that portrays the beer as either tasting great or less filling. On one of the commercials, Butkus would arm wrestle Yankees legendary manager, Billy Martin.

In Dick Butkus’ first year of eligibility, he immediately was a first ballot Hall of Famer inducted in Canton in 1979. In 1983, the College Football Hall of Fame inducted Butkus. The Bears ended up retiring his number, 51. Great middle linebackers followed Dick Butkus as the Bears in the 1980’s had Mike Singletary, part of that only Superbowl winning team Chicago has won. Then in the 2,000’s Brian Urlacher did his best Butkus imitations chasing players down like they were running away from the law. I never saw Butkus play as he was before my time. I still knew who he was and what he has done for the Bears, being a guy from Chicago. Seeing him on television and playing parts in movies. Wearing a mustache like other legends from Chicago like Dennis Franz, Dennis Farina, and even though Da Coach Mike Ditka was not born in Chicago, he has become a local yokel. The best thing I heard about Butkus was how he ampped his game up. If he saw someone laughing on the other team before the game, he used that in his mind set even though the laugh had nothing to do with him, it was on. How many times did Michael Jordan use the smallest things about what somebody said in his game as motivation to take it out on the opponent on the court or field? Dick Butkus will be missed, lived 80 great years, and left a legendary life behind him which will be told in stories from generation to generation.

STRAIGHT PICK-EM

OUR EXPERT “Sid Vicious”

Last week’s record: (13-3)

Season record: (40-24)

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

CHICAGO BEARS (0-4) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (2-2)

The Bears needed a quick trip out of town as they were humiliated last week versus the Broncos at home. The coaches of the Bears got out of town before the mob of people with torches and pitch forks got them and hung them in the town square. Both the Commanders and Bears blew leads last week and lost the game. The Bears were much worse as they shot themselves in the foot over and over. I don’t like Justin Fields versus this talented up front defense the Commanders can come at you with. Fields makes too many mistakes with pressure at him and in crunch time. It is Thursday, and in a short week anything can happen. Bears have not won a game in almost an entire calendar year and I just don’t see the Commanders being the victim here. The Commanders can score off the Bears defense which why would anybody have faith in it.

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

TEA WITH THE QUEEN

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS(2-2) AT BUFFALO BILLS (3-1) IN LONDON

The Bills tamed the Dolphins offense at home last Sunday with a big victory to put them in first place of the AFC East with Miami. The Jaguars won over the pond last week versus the Falcons & now stay in England and wait for the Bills as Jacksonville will play back to back games in London. This will count as a Bills home game. Which the Buffalo Mafia will not like. The Jaguars have the advantage being there for two weeks because they should be adapted to the time change. This game should be close most of the way. Right now the Bills are clicking on all cylinders, both defense and offense, since losing to the Jets. The Jaguars offense has not been dynamic like last year’s squad. The defense seems to have taken a step or two backwards as well. I think the Bills are the hotter team and can play anywhere right now and win.

OUR PICK: BILLS

CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-4) AT DETROIT LIONS (3-1)

The Lions are coming off a miniature bye week after their blow out versus the Packers last Thursday night. The water is boiling on the stove top with Bryce Young as the rookie struggles are there. The Panthers have only scored 2 touchdowns in 12 quarters this year with Young behind center. Pressure is building on Young’s shoulders seeing CJ Stroud having early success with the Texans as a rookie quarterback picked after Bryce. Young did not have much success against a bad Viking defense. The Lions are well rested. The Lions defense is roaring. This is a no brainer.

OUR PICK: LIONS

TENNESSEE TITANS (2-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2-2)

Once again the Titans shank me from behind with the Bengals pick last week in the Library with a lead pipe. The Colts with Anthony Richardson back behind center had a tale of two halves. The Colts offense was clicking on all cylinders after the Rams were up by three scores. These division games can go either way but the AFC South has some patterns to follow. Last time the Titans lost at Lucas Oil Stadium was back in 2018. The Titans have won 5 straight over the Colts head-to-head. The Titans worry me because they are a roller coaster this season. I can see Derrick Henry playing well with that Titan defense making a play to impact the game in their direction.

OUR PICK: TITANS

NEW YORK GIANTS (1-3) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (3-1)

Right now the Giants are a mess. The Dolphins bubble was popped and brought back down to earth after scoring 70 points. Both teams have questions in the trenches on offense. The Giants O-line is the worst. Daniel Jones once again does not look like the savior at the quarterback position for the Giants. The Dolphins offense at home will get their beast of an offense back on track. The Giants have only played well in a few quarters this season and every year playoff teams regress. The Giants picture is on the google search for regressing.

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

HOUSTON TEXANS (2-2) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (2-2)

The Texans and Falcons headed in opposite directions. The Falcons have lost two in a row while the Texans have won two straight. CJ Stroud right now is the best rookie quarterback in the league as he hung in there against a pretty good Steeler defense and was not shaken but stirred. Desmond Ridder needs the running game behind him to be successful with his arm. The Texans have the aerial game which is rocking, so don’t come knocking as the Falcons running game is better than the Texans. This game will be won by defense. Both teams ranked in the middle of the pack with their defense. I think the Texans could find some rushing yards to well balance their attack over the Falcons delivering in the air.

OUR PICK: TEXANS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS(2-2) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-3)

Remember the days of Drew Brees lighting up the score board as the Saints came in marching to the goal line? The Patriots had Tom Brady and buried teams with 40 bombs every week. Now both the Saints and Patriots have drab offenses and have to rely heavily on the defense to live another day. Derek Carr looks hurt while trying to deliver for the Saints. Then Mac Jones for the Patriots, dealing with head coach Bill Belichick, could be mentally exhausted in his own mind with all the voices in his head.

I can see Belichick with a master plan in place after being embarrassed on the road by the Cowboys. The Saints come in hobbling and will leave like a dog that just pissed on the rug with their tail between their legs wondering how they lost a close one and had only a few opportunities to capitalize.

OUR PICK: PATRIOTS

BALTIMORE RAVENS(3-1) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-2)

The Ravens are looking for the sweep of the division opponents in the first go around. The Steelers suffer another humiliating loss this time to an inferior team, the Houston Texans. The Steelers lose their starting quarterback Kenny Pickett in that loss and will have to rely on Mitch Trubisky or Mason Rudolph to get it done versus an arch-rival. Lamar Jackson has been a one man army in Baltimore on offense. If Ravens win this one, they will be getting themselves in a nice position to really grasp control of the division. Another road game. Jackson doing most of the heavy lifting. The Steelers intend to rebound from bad losses this year and their back up QB’s have been battle tested. This is a division rivalry in Steel-town. No way they let Baltimore fly off in week 5 with the AFC North.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

CINCINNATI BENGALS (1-3) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-3)

Joe Burrow is like Glass Joe in Mike Tyson’s Punch Out and is on the ropes as the Bengals loss may put them to rest for good the rest of the season.

The Cardinals are not a doormat as their record shows as every team they have battled to the very bitter end. If Arizona plays a flawless game, they could deliver a punch that’s heard around the world to Joe Cool and his trash talkers in stripes. Love to see it happen. Burrow or the girlfriend beater, Joe Mixson, will spark this Bengal offense against an average Cardinal defense and pull off a victory much needed on the road. They still linger around like a dingle berry hanging on by a thread as the flush is in motion.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-0) AT LA RAMS (2-2)

The Rams have been in every game and battling teams. Last week versus the Colts, the Rams almost let one get away as they let Indianapolis back in the game. The Eagles were the opposite and had to claw their way back in the game to beat the Commanders with a field goal. Matthew Stafford was banged up in the game versus the Colts. The Eagles have the better team overall with the roster with depth. They should be able to win one on the road with the Rams team going young, and a QB that has been hit hard due to the kinks in the offensive line which the Eagles will exploit.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

NEW YORK JETS (1-3) AT DENVER BRONCOS (1-3)

THE HACKETT BOWL

This Hackett bowl does have wings because the Jets are playing and former Bronco head coach faces his old team. The new Bronco head coach, Sean Payton, will slice and dice Nathaniel Hackett and coaching staff for the team he signed up for. Payton made comments about the former offensive coordinator of the Packers. The Broncos bad defense made a play to help their team come back versus the Bears last week for their first victory. The Jets back up former number draft pick and starter, Zach Wilson, played well last Sunday in a loss. Worst defense versus one of the best defenses. Then you have a Superbowl quarterback versus a QB bust. Then you have a Superbowl winning coach versus a schmuck. I like Payton backing up his words and being at home to win his first in front of the Mile High Club.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-1) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-3)

What the locals have been talking in Minnesota about their defense. Guess who’s coming for dinner? Patrick Mahomes and guests that are looking to get their offense back on track with the Vikings’ loose morals defense that gives every Dick and Harry a free ride. The Vikings won their first game. The Chiefs were taken to the brink by the Jets. Some scores will be exchanged in this. Late in this game, the Chiefs defense will stop the Viking ship, put a muzzle on the Viking horn at the stadium, and feel satisfied leaving town. While Minnesota will experience the Sunday scaries and walk the walk of shame.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

DALLAS COWBOYS (3-1) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (4-0)

Another Dallas game is shoved down our throats. Anywhere you live, the Cowboys will haunt you on your television set. The Cowboys and 49ers classic showdown is reborn. The 49ers knocked out the Cowboys in the playoffs last season. This game features two heavy weight power houses of the NFC. Both teams have deep rosters and play well on both sides of the ball. This game can go either way. The X-factor is how well Chrsitian McCaffrey is playing; looking to score a touchdown in his last 14 games he’s playing like he’s been injected with super hero in-toxin and on a different level then everyone else. I like the 49ers defense better than the Cowboys and those are my two factors affecting how San Francisco stays undefeated and gets by one of the best in the NFC.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-2) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-3)

At one point in the past, the Packers and Raiders would have been worth it to watch. This match up has clunker written all over it. The Lions trounced the Packers while the Raiders were nothing but potato sacks being piled on by the Chargers defense. This game both teams need in the standings. Players in this match up are desperate. Jordan Love for the Packers wants to plant roots behind center for Green Bay. Then Jimmy Garoppolo… all’s he does is win. Not in Vegas. Jimmy G has not fared well as he returns after missing last week with a concussion. Jimmy G… all’s he does is lose because he hitched his wagon to the stooge, Josh McDaniels. Jimmy will have some rust. The Packers are rested up. The Raiders defense is a team that Love can pick apart with his passes.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

We have a new king of the mountain in the NFL week 4 of the power rankings. We also have a dead horse needing to head for the glue factory at the bottom of the totem pole. We definitely had some new direction for many teams heading up and down. Travis Kelce has a new woman in his life. The Jets are still in search of Spock at quarterback. Let’s sort out all the drama as we bring you a very interesting week 4 edition of the power rankings.

WEEK 4

#1.MIAMI DOLPHINS (3-0) Up 4 spots from last week

When you score 70 points in one game, you have to be king of the mountain of the NFL Power Rankings.

The Broncos defense looked looser than a whore house last Sunday versus a explosive Miami offense. Bad tackling, & bad coaching as heads should roll in that Denver locker room. Not only the starting group of the Dolphins offense scored at will. It was the bench guys who joined the parade. The Dolphins could have broken a record set by the Washington Redskins back in 1966 with the most points in one game, but took a knee instead to kill the clock in the last few minutes of the game.

#2.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-0) Same spot from last week

Christian McCaffrey scored a touchdown which makes that his 12th game in a row he’s done that. The 49ers looked crisp on offense as Brock Purdy had two touchdown passes. The 49ers routed the Giants as both sides of the ball played their best game of the year. The 49ers defense gave up only 150 yards of total offense. They held Daniel Jones to 137 yards in the air. Jones also served up an interception as they were in his face all night long.

#3.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (3-0) Same spot from last week

Former Detroit Lion fitting right in with the Eagles well oiled offensive machine. D’Andre Swift on Monday night versus a pretty good Buccaneer defense galloped for 130 yards on the ground. The Eagles stay unbeaten. The defense looked better in week three than in week 2 as they held the Buccaneers to only 11 points. Rookie defensive end Jalen Carter continues his presence & early on forced a fumble which was a nice play seeing a big guy moving at the speed of light taking it to the running back.

#4.BUFFALO BILLS (2-1) Up 3 spots from last week

How were the Bills defense going to do without one of their tackling machines Tremaine Edmunds who signed a huge contract with the Bears? Then in the off-season Leslie Frazier, the defensive coordinator, took a year off and left the play calling duties to head coach Sean McDermott. Terrell Bernard replaced Edmunds at linebacker. Now this Bills defense is humming baby!!! Last week the invasion at the capital, the Bills had 9 sacks on the Commanders quarterback Sam Howell in an epic defensive masterpiece. The Bills also had 4 interceptions one of which was picked off by Bernard as the Bills held Washington to only 3 points.

#5.DALLAS COWBOYS (2-1) Drop 4 spots from last week

HOW ABOUT THOSE COWBOYS!!!

The Cowboys looked like the best team on the planet in the first two weeks of the season. Beating New York teams that play in New Jersey might be giving them too much credit. How do you lay a clunker to the Cardinals? The team you demolish 40-0, even beat the Cardinals. I say this is bad coaching. The Cowboys overlooked the Cardinals & it’s that simple.

#6.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-1) Same spot from last week

Murdering the Bears does not pay off like it used to. The Chiefs did get their offense back on track scoring 41 points off the Bears defense that had high hopes this season. It was singer Taylor Swift who was the center of attention in last Sunday’s game.

Swift was seen at the game as her new guy is Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Kelce’s X girl friend has been making some noise this week in the local tabloids. Stay tuned for next week’s Chiefs gossip.

#7.DETROIT LIONS (2-1) Up 1 spot from last week

The Lions defense showed they were the king of the jungle giving the Atlanta Falcons their first loss of the year. The Lions grounded the lethal rushing attack of the Falcons as they put the ball in Desmond Ridder’s hand who they sacked 7 times. Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson had his first two sacks of the season as Lions held the Falcons to 6 points. Rookie wide receiver Sam Laporta had a touchdown catch as the Lions rebounded from their first loss they suffered in week two versus the Seahawks.

#8.BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-1) Drop 4 spots from last week

The Ravens are following a familiar path with injuries piling up. The Ravens lost their starting running back J.K Dobbins after week one for the year. The Ravens lost Odell Beckham Jr. to an injury. The Ravens running game is just Lamar Jackson who had both touchdowns for Baltimore on the ground in a loss to the Colts in overtime. The Ravens defense gave up mostly field goals to the Colts which is kind of a wasted effort. The Colts defense stopped the running game for the Ravens except for Jackson’s runs. Jackson aerial attack was not good enough to keep his team undefeated for the season.

#9.CINCINNATI BENGALS (1-2) Same spot from last week

It was the Bengals defense that gets the credit for helping Cincinnati find the win column. The Bengals had 5 sacks versus the Rams and brought Matthew Stafford down to the ground. The Rams O-line was doing a solid job this season until they met Trey Hendrickson who had two sacks. The Bengals picked off Stafford as well. Joe Cool Burrow was not that cool as he chucked the ball 49 times completing 26 for over 200 yards but no touchdown passes. Any sign of pressure from the Rams, Burrow would throw the ball at his people’s feet to avoid taking a hit.

#10.CLEVELAND BROWNS (2-1) Up 4 spots from last week

The Browns crack my top ten list and it’s because of their defense. The Browns put on a clinic over the Titans offense. The Titans could only muster up a field goal against this unit that features the king alpha, Myles Garrett. I would not want to see Garrett in a dark alley at night coming after me as he had 3.5 sacks on Ryan Tannehill. The Browns put the Denver boot on Derrick Henry. The Titans had 26 rushing yards all game. The aerial attack was better, but not by much with 104 yards in the air. The Rapist, Deshaun Watson, had a big game. The running game was non-relevant for the Browns who will be looking for someone to fill the shoes of Nick Chubb who is out for the rest of the year.

#11.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-1) Up 8 spots from last week

Who is Jake Bobo? Maybe the original Jake from State Farm? What happened to the original Jake from State Farm? He was replaced by a black guy named Jake from State Farm. Mr. Bobo is just another weapon for Geno Smith as Jake, an undrafted free agent, had a touchdown in last Sunday’s Seattle victory. The Seahawks have won two straight and have scored 37 points in each of the two victories. The two barrel shot gun rushing attack that Seattle has makes this offense well-balanced. Last year’s rookie Kenneth Walker III had 97 yards on the ground. This year’s rookie back, Zach Charbonnet, averaged 5.1 yards per carry when he handled the rock.

#12.GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-1) Up 5 spots from last week

Not sure I like having the Packers move up 5 spots in one week as a good thing. The Packers last week look dead in the water most of that game versus the Saints. The cheese came to life suddenly after they knocked Derek Carr out of the game in the third quarter.

The Packers did their best Falcons imitation in week two and came back and scored 18 points to win the game. The Falcons did that to the Packers a week prior. Jordan Love was doing his best Brett Farve or Aaron Rodgers act and making the come back look that easy on solid defense New Orleans has.

#13.WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (2-1) Drop 3 spots from last week

The Commanders looked like the Commodores last week versus the Bills. I would say the Commodores would probably perform better than this Washington group. The defense for the Commanders gave up 37 points. Sam Howell had his worst game of his career and sacked 9 times with 4 interceptions. He’s lucky if he can remember his name. It does not get easier for the Commanders as they face the Eagles next in Philadelphia. Good luck with that.

#14.NEW YORK JETS (1-2) Drop 3 more spots from last week

Imagine the Jets have contacted Tom Brady, Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Andrew Luck, Matt Ryan, and any other veteran quarterback they can think of to help the Jets out their mess. With Aaron Rodgers out for the year, the Jets are now relying on their top draft pick Zach Wilson who has been quite a nightmare in the Big Apple.

Things have gotten so bad that Colin Kaepernick sent a letter to the Jets organization wanting to play. Kaepernick or Wilson as your only choices would make any fan cry. The Jets have to find something quick before their season evaporates. Last week the Jets had 171 yards total offense which averages out to 2.8 yards per play. It’s that bad.

#15.NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-1) Drop 3 spots from last week

When Derek Carr went out in the second half last week with an injury versus the Packers, the Saints were like a deer in headlights. The Saints had a 17-0 lead in the third quarter and watched it vanish into thin air. Jameis Winston you would think of as a nice back up option for any team. Winston did not make any mistakes like he’s prone to do with bad interception after bad interception. Winston did not do anything special either as he was just ok. Very bland. Carr will miss next week’s division rival match-up versus Tampa Bay. The good news is they get Alvin Kamara back from his suspension. The bad news is Winston is your starting quarterback.

#16.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-2) Drop 3 spots from last week

The Houston Texans own some Florida property in Jacksonville as they have the Jaguars’ number there. The Texans put 37 points on the scoreboard. To rub more salt in the wounds of the kittens in Florida, it was a rookie quarterback who waltzed into town and has his cake with some ice cream and gives his team their first victory of the year. It does not matter who the quarterback of the Texans is, now they have won six straight in Jacksonville. The Jaguars offense scored 17 points off the Texans and only 9 in week two off the Chiefs. Problems on both sides of the ball. Could the Jaguars be one of those teams that regress after clawing and scratching just to make post-season last year?

#17.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-1) Drop 2 spots from last week

The Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David has a motor inside him as he was all over the field on Monday night. David had 13 tackles, a sack, and forced a fumble. The Buccaneers are not in the Eagles tier right now as one of the best in the NFC. Beating the Bears these days don’t have the clout like it did back in the 1980’s. Baker Mayfield suffers his first loss as a Buccaneer, and his number came back down to earth, but not like he had versus the Bears defense in week two. Turnovers and the Buccaneers running game did not get off the bus were the reasons for the loss.

#18.ATLANTA FALCONS Drop 3 spots from last week

The Falcons suffered their first loss of the season versus the Lions. The Lions defense did one thing and stopped the Falcons running game. Rookie back Bijan Robinson had 10 carries for only 33 yards on the ground and he was the leader of that Falcons rushing attack. Lions forced Desmond Ridder to beat them with his arm. Ridder completed just over 50% of his passes and was sacked 7 times. This could be a trend for the Falcons as they are one-dimensional on offense. Ridder’s a dink and dunk type of passer.

#19.LA RAMS (1-2) Drop 1 spot from last week

The Rams remind me of the first ever Rocky movie where he is underdog fighter and just wants to go the distance with the champ and he does. The Rams have gone the distance each week and still only have one win to show for their efforts. The Rams gave the Bengals a battle but Cincinnati won the game. The Rams offensive line has done pretty solid until this game with the Bengals. Matthew Stafford was sacked six times and threw two interceptions which was the key to this loss.

#20.LA CHARGERS (1-2) Up 1 spot from last week

The Chargers get their first win of the year as they also tried to gift wrap the win to the Vikings. The stubborn Vikings did not accept the gift. What stood out in this thriller was Chargers veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen who caught 18 passes for over 200 yards. No touchdowns in this one but had a whale of a day. Allen passes up Lance Alworth who was number two all-time in Chargers history in receiving yards. Allen now has tallied up 9,689 yards all in a Chargers uniform. He only trails tight end Antonio Gates who tallied 11.841 yards in his career who was a former teammate of Allen.

#21.PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-1) Up 2 spots from last week

After losing their home opener in the first game of the season, to the 49ers, the Steelers have quietly won two games in a row. So far this season in Pittsburgh, the headlines are all about Pittsburgh defense as the offense has not caught up to speed yet. Last Sunday night, Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett had his best game of the season. It was a clean game from the young quarterback as he completed 17-28 for 235 yards with two touchdown passes. Pickett did not throw an interception as he had 3 of those in the first two games of the season. Pickett is now 9-6 as the starter in Pittsburgh as each game gets him more experience as he has shown flashes of brilliance behind center and we know he is still learning the NFL game.

#22.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-2) Up two spots from last week

The Patriots get their first victory of the season versus the Jets. The Evil Empire these days don’t own the teams like they use. However Bill Belichick has his powers working over Jets quarterback Zach Wilson. Belichick’s defense is now 5-0 versus the Jets quarterback with the hot mother. The Patriots survived a Hail Mary at the end as the Dark side prevail for the first time this season. Matthew Judon had two sacks on Wilson to lead Belichick’s storm troopers to victory.

#23.MINNESOTA VIKINGS (0-3) Drop 1 spot from last week

It’s very simple that what the Vikings need is a closer. Someone to come in for Kirk Cousins like in baseball late in the 4th quarter and close the door to end the game. The Vikings defense is horrific. The offense is the blood line of this team. The Chargers even tried to give the Vikings the game at the end. In the end, the Vikings did not accept what the Chargers were giving them. Same result & another loss at the very end of the game.

#24.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2-1) Up 4 spots from last week

The Colts had a big victory over a tough Ravens team. What is the recipe for Raven stew? The Colts used a strong running game led by Zack Moss who they got in trade last season with the Bills.

Moss on another nice day had 122 yards on the ground. Makes you ask the question of who needs to hold out Jonathan Taylor. Then the back up quarterback Gardner Minshew is one of the best 2nd stringers in the league. I’m surprised Minshew does not have a starting gig somewhere. The former Jaguar quarterback is now 9-16 as a starter, but this year played a role in both Colts victories. In two games, Minshew has 398 passing yards & two touchdowns with no interceptions. Will the Colts win games when rookie Anthony Richardson returns? Finally the Colts defense created enough pressure on Lamar Jackson to get him out of his rhythm.

#25.TENNESSEE TITANS (1-2) Drop 5 spots from last week

Is it time to put Derrick Henry out to pasture as the steam roller lost his steam? Henry at another bad day at the office, rushed for 20 yards on 11 carries versus the Browns defense last week. That averages out to 1.8 yards per carry. The aerial attack is nothing to write home about either. Why are the Titans holding out on hope for Ryan Tannehill. He was just awful taking 5 sacks and racking up 104 passing yards. The Titans have two high picks in young quarterbacks backing up Tannehill. I suggest they see what they’ve got in those guys. DeAndre Hopkins takes the money instead of actually playing deep into post-season because those teams did not have the cash available for the wide receiver who has done nothing because of an offense that mustered up a single field goal last Sunday.

#26.NEW YORK GIANTS (1-2) Drop 1 spot from last week

The difficult schedule will haunt the Giants like an ax murderer on a killing spree. The Giants responded very poorly as they played one solid half of football in three games so far. Last season, Brian Daboll seemed to have fixed Daniel Jones, but he is regressing this year. The Giants were up against one of the best defenses in the game, the 49ers. The G-Men without their starting running back Saquan Barkley were dreadful averaging 2.6 yards per carry. Matt Brieda was the leading rusher for the team & had 17 yards on the ground but did score a touchdown. The aerial attack was not very promising averaging 4.3 yards per pass attempt. Daboll probably though this gig was easy after last season.

#27. ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-2) Up 5 spots from last week

The Cardinals have flown the coop of the NFL dog house in the Power Rankings. The Cardinals moved up 5 spots as they knocked off a big fish, the Dallas Cowboys, which is priceless. Joshua Dobbs, who had a few starts with the Titans before being dealt to the Cardinals by the Bowns before the season, wins his first ever game as a starter. Dobbs played well against a great Cowboys defense completing 17-21 for 189 yards and 1 touchdown pass. The Cardinals should have beaten the Giants but blew a big lead against them in week two. The defense did well for the Cardinals led by rookie corner back Ke’Trel Clark who defended two passes and had blanket coverage against the trio of talented receivers the Cowboys have in their arsenal.

Clark is a Cardinal for life as he comes from the University of Louisville who go by the same name. Clark had ten tackles as well and the Cards defense held on for their first victory of the year.

#28.LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-2) Drop 2 spots from last week

I read an article the other day about former Raider punter Marquette King giving his former boss Mark Davis noogies in front of some female cougars on the prowl. King said eventually he was kidding with the owner, but it led to him being released from the team. Maybe what Reader’s Digest said is true… men with bowl head cuts just don’t have that quirky sense of humor. The bright side for the Raiders, Davante Adams one of the best receivers in the game, is doing his part with a big night versus the Steelers – 172 yards with two touchdowns. Jimmy Garoppolo’s new slogan: Jimmy G always loses in a Raiders uniform. Three more interceptions for Jimmy G. If you’re counting at home, that is six picks in three games for Jimmy G. The Raiders defense helps opposing teams’ struggling quarterbacks so that unit will not help Jimmy wipe out his mistakes.

#29.HOUSTON TEXANS (1-2) Up 2 spots from last week

The Texans fans have two things they know about their squad every year like clock work. They lose many games each season and they manage to beat the Jaguars on the road each of the last six seasons. With the Texan’s first win, the team looks like they have chosen the best quarterback in the draft. CJ Stroud has outperformed all of the rookie QB’s so far as this day he passed for 280 yards two touchdown passes and no interceptions. Bears fans are mumbling to themselves, “We picked the wrong Ohio State quarterback,” as Justin Fields never had those kinds of solid passing stats. Another week, Tank Dell, a rookie receiver, had a big day with 145 receiving yards with a touchdown. Progress is being made in Houston as the defense held their own as well.

#30.CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-3) Drop 1 spot from last week

The Panthers did get more offensive production from veteran Andy Dalton at quarterback last week over the injured Bryce Young weeks prior. The Panthers have not put together a complete game this season. The defense gave up a ton of points. The running game was a no-show. Dalton had to pass the ball 58 times. Dalton had 2 touchdown passes and 361 yards versus a poor defense with depleted secondary. The Panthers generated 27 points, a season high, but gave up 37.

#31.CHICAGO BEARS (0-3) Drop 1 spot from last week

If only the Chicago Bears could find the reset button. The Chiefs unloaded on the Bears with 41 points in a lopsided defeat and an embarrassing loss that brings back the demons of the Mark Trestman ERA. The defense is awful. The play makers on offense continue to chime in about how this coaching staff is in over their heads. Justin Fields looks like a bust. The positive spin is we have a pretty good kicker, What’s his name?

FIRE EVERYONE!!!

Start over.

#32.DENVER BRONCOS (0-3) Drop 5 spots from last week

When your defense allows 70 points in one game, we officially welcome the Denver Broncos to the bottom of the barrel in the Power Rankings. The Dolphins varsity team opened up the can of worms on offense as the junior team continued the ride in the second half. The Broncos defense looks like they are playing on skates and have no clue how to skate. They are a horrible tackling team. Sean Payton left the Saints for the booth to come back to the NFL and forget the other half of football on defending. Before the season, Payton was quick to criticize the last regime about how they coached. The last regime did not give up 70 points in one football game.

Smoke another one of those Rocky Mountain wacky tobaccy sticks buddy !!!