Before Michael Jordan won his first NBA title, his Chicago Bulls teams were bullied by the Detroit Pistons aka the Bad boys. Three straight seasons from 1988-1990, the Pistons eliminated the Bulls from the Eastern Conference post-season. Two of those seasons the Bulls and Pistons played in the Eastern Conference finals. The Pistons were nicknamed the Bad Boys because they completely mugged the opposing teams when they had the ball. The NBA actually played defense back then. The Pistons won back to back titles in 1989 and 1990. Many fans and experts thought Jordan would not get over the hurdle of the Pistons getting in their way. In 1991 the Bulls finally got past the Pistons in grand fashion and Air Jordan’s legendary status would take off and soar to new heights. The Bulls slayed their bully by sweeping the Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals. The Bulls would go to the finals, beat the LA Lakers, and win their first NBA title in their history. It was the first out of six from Air Jordan led teams. Can Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills finally get over the Chiefs hurdle, slay his demons, and do it in the Air Jordan style of fashion?
The Kansas City Chiefs have eliminated the Buffalo Bills from the post-season the last three seasons. This started in 2020 when the Bills and Chiefs met in Kansas City in the AFC Championship. Chiefs gave the Bills a beat down 38-24 ass kicking. In 2021 these two teams met up in the AFC Divisional round in an epic thriller. Perhaps one of the best games of all-time. The Chiefs beat the Bills 42-36 in overtime. Then last year again in the Divisional round, the Chiefs escaped Buffalo with a 27-24 win. It was the kick that went wide right for Tyler Bass and the Bills. The Bills found a way to get out of the divisional round yesterday by holding off the Baltimore Ravens. The Chiefs beat the Texans at Arrowhead on Saturday afternoon. Here we go again; the 4th playoff meeting between these two teams in Kansas City with a trip to New Orleans on the line for all the marbles – the AFC Championship. Can Josh Allen beat the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes in the 4th try in his back yard?
When Michael Jordan tangled with the Detroit Pistons, his nemesis was Isiah Thomas. Do you remember what Air Jordan said about Thomas on that ESPN documentary called The Last Dance? It was not love that Air Jordan was expressing about the former guard for the Pistons. For Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes is obviously his nemesis especially in the post-season. Allen has Mahomes’ number in the regular season as he has beaten Patrick 4 times, which you may call that the booby prizes.. Which is the most wins by any opposing Quarterback has beating the turd named Mahomes. Allen gave the Chiefs and Mahomes their first loss of the season in regular season. That was a 30-21 win by the Bills in front of the home fans, the Bills Mafia. The Chiefs only suffered two losses this season. The second loss by the Chiefs came from the Broncos in the last game of regular season when KC rested ten of their starters.
The Bulls/Pistons and Bills/Chiefs have other similarities. The Pistons and Chiefs both have that X-Factor playing the meathead role. The Pistons have center Bill Laimbeer who tortured teams with cheap shots after cheap shots on defense and going to the boards. The flagrant elbow calls that Laimbeer got away with back then. The Chiefs have Travis Kelce as their meat for brains. Every time that douche speaks to defend Patrick Mahomes, he sounds like Rocky Balboa on steroids. “Yo, Taylor Swift get over here.”
Taylor Swift is another reason most of America will get behind the Bills against Kansas City because of the camera shots of her during the game. Who cares about Swift and what the hell she is wearing? If the Chiefs win next Sunday then here we go again with Swift invading the sacred Superbowl show like bad halftime shows. Josh Allen and the Bills could save America just by exorcising their demons and slay the Chiefs dynasty. Will the NFL script allow that to happen? The Chiefs are nauseating as they won most of their games this season with some kind of break from a fluke blocked kick or penalty. I guess you can say the Bills got one of those Chiefs breaks when Ravens tight end Mark Andrews dropped the tying two point conversion try. However there was plenty of time on the clock left for the Bills to have won last night if the conversion was a success.
This is the game of sports where the ball can bounce your way at times. I think the Kansas City Chiefs had to use up all their 9 lives on breaks in these playoff games. We want to see the Chiefs fall flat and get knocked out. We want to see Josh Allen take his legendary status to the next level. Allen has played like a beast. Alien-like all year. It may be his time. His turn. It would not feel right if he did it without knocking off his nemesis, the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes. Not saying the Bills would be instant winners in the Superbowl if they do beat Kansas City. Not sure how you would bet against them. I think it is time for Josh Allen to do his Michael Jordan impression finally taking down the bad boys. For Allen beating the Chiefs could change the NFL football landscape for years to come. The Patriots dynasty crumbled. Who would not want to see the Kansas City get the Nuggies kicked out them and finally see less of these nauseating State Farm commercials. Let’s root for Josh Alien Allen to have his finest moment of his career and end the tyranny of the Chiefs. Hope he does it Air Jordan-like where the Pistons refused to shake the Bulls’ hands after being eliminated.
The Wild Card weekend was a disappointment in picking the winners. We got the easy ones. The two games that could have gone either way, we lost on them. I think most people had Chargers picked over the Texans. This weekend we hope to redeem ourselves with a better day at the office.
NFL PLAYOFFS SECOND ROUND (DIVISIONAL) STRAIGHT PICK-EM
THE SATURDAY GAMES
AFC
#4.HOUSTON TEXANS (11-7) AT #1.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (15-2)
PLAYOFF HISTORY: CHIEFS (2-0) TEXANS
The Chiefs were the number one seed, had a bye last week, and are well rested. In the last game of regular season, Kansas City rested 10 starters including Patrick Mahomes. The Texans throttled the Chargers in the Wild Card round. Either the Texans found their mojo from last year or the Chargers are a very bad team.
The road to the Chiefs three peat starts in this match up. Patrick Mahomes has another switch in post-season as he is (15-3) all-time. Just sick!!! Meanwhile CJ Stroud in his first two seasons in the NFL has notched a playoff win in the Wild Card round.
The Chiefs and Texans met up in December in which Kansas City won that game (27-19) and did it rather easily. The Texans will need their defense to stand tall like they did against the Chargers putting pressure on Justin Herbert and forced 4 turnovers. The Texans pass rush did well but now face a different animal that is impossible to cage in. Patrick Mahomes can pull the ole Houdini act on any defense in the league and make plays happen on the fly. The Texans will need another big game out of that nut job running back they have, Joe Mixon, comparing these Texans to the past Bengals team that went to the Superbowl. This Texans team is nowhere close to that Bengals squad. CJ Stroud has two of their biggest weapons out with season ending injuries. Meanwhile the Chiefs aerial attack just got better with Hollywood Brown back from an injury and he has the rust knocked off him as he has played a few games to close out the regular season. They have the speedster Xavier Worthy. Let’s not forget the meathead at tight end position Travis Kelce. It’s not happening at least this round that the Texans can go on the road playing in the cold at Arrowhead Stadium and winning. That would be like the Washington Generals beating the Harlem Globe Trotters. It’s not happening. The Chiefs defense will play well. Mahomes will razzle dazzle the crowd like a point guard on the hardwood floors and dish out the ball to all his guys as the Texans will have no clue how to stop it. Mahomes stays a BEAST in the post-season.
OUR PICK: CHIEFS
NFC
#6.WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (13-5) AT #1.DETROIT LIONS (15-2)
PLAYOFF HISTORY: WASHINGTON (3-0) DETROIT
The Lions carved up the Vikings in the last game of regular season to get the number one seed. They had a week off earning themselves a bye. Jayden Daniels had himself an impressive playoff debut as the Commanders knocked off the Buccaneers with the walk off doink kick in the last few ticks left on the clock.
The Commanders had a stretch back in regular season where they lost to teams with winning records in close games. It seems like Jayden Daniels has figured out how to win close games against good teams. Daniels led a nice drive down the field to upend the Eagles late in the season. The Commanders beat a solid Buccaneers team with Baker Mayfield who was coming into post-season as one of the hottest quarterbacks in the tournament. The Lions will get their two headed monster at running back for this game. David Montgomery will be suiting up for this one. Montgomery has been out for several weeks with a knee injury. The Lions defense played well against the Vikings offense who can put up points on the scoreboard. They held them to 9 in that last regular season game. That is the biggest question for this Lions team. Can they defend in the playoffs with all those injuries? The Lions offense have tallied up 2,669 (YAC) Yards after the catch which averages out to 6.7 per reception which is one of the top in the NFL. The Commanders defense can tackle. They have allowed a league low of only 1,551 YAC after the catch. Who wins that battle should decide this game. I think the Commanders will give the Lions a scare in this one. Look for Detroit to run a well balanced attack with the run game and aerial attack to bleed the clock dry most of the game. Daniels will make some big plays in this one. I think the pressure will mount too high on the rookie quarterback and that will lead to some mistakes. You know Jared Goff will have a mistake free game is what my gut is telling me. The Lions at home will rule this jungle. After Saturday both number one seeds stay alive.
OUR PICK: LIONS
THE SUNDAY GAMES
NFC
#4.LA RAMS (11-7) AT #2.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (15-3)
PLAYOFF HISTORY: RAMS (2-1) EAGLES
The Eagles churned the Packers into Swiss cheese last week in the Wild Card round. The Rams adjusted going on the road to Arizona to play their home game there due to the wild fires in LA. The Rams took care of business at Cardinals stadium and put down the Vikings with ease.
Jalen Hurts evened up his playoff record at (3-3) with the win at home last weekend. Matthew Stafford now is a game over the .500 mark with his win in Arizona and is now has a 5-4 record in post-season play.
In week 12 the Eagles gashed the Rams defense for 314 rushing yards for the win. The Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley had 255 yards on the ground. The Rams are 3-2 on the road under Sean McVay in post-season. The Eagles defense had a solid week forcing the Packers into multiple mistakes and coming away with turnovers. I think the Rams will throw everything including the kitchen sink at the Eagles running game. They want Jalen Hurts to throw the ball to beat them. The Eagles defense will face their challenges with Matthew Stafford’s aerial attack. Stafford really did not have access to all his weapons in that win last week versus the Vikings. Stafford has played well in post-season wearing a Rams uniform. Can LA who are coming all the way from the warm west coast win a playoff game in cold conditions? At Philadelphia with a crazy fan base that will be loud and energetic. This will be a close game. I think Hurts will just do enough in this one to get his Eagles by the Rams. I like the Eagles defense who are coached by Vic Fangio. That is my decider in this contest. Eagles defend their home from the invaders.
OUR PICK: EAGLES
AFC
#3.BALTIMORE RAVENS(13-5) AT #2.BUFFALO BILLS(14-4)
PLAYOFF HISTORY: BILLS (1-0) RAVENS
The Ravens beat up their division rival the Steelers last week at home. The Bills gave the visiting Broncos a second half beat down in Buffalo last weekend.
Lamar Jackson looks like he now has the Steelers’ number which was not the story coming into the season. Jackson now has beaten the Steelers in back to back games going back to the regular season. He improves his post-season record to 3-4 all-time. Josh Allen has mastered the Wild Card round and is now 6-5 in the post-season.
This is the game of the weekend. You have two quarterbacks that have been the debate all year by the experts or at your bar stool over who should be the MVP. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are duel threats and they are number 1 & 2 in NFL playoff history with rushing yards for a quarterback. Jackson has 602 yards and has played less post-season games than Allen. Allen has ran for 609 rushing yards and has played more post-season games. These two teams met during regular season and the Ravens gave the Bills a beat down at home in that one. The Ravens unleashed Derrick Henry on the Bills banged up defense as he steamrolled for 199 rushing yards in that Ravens win. This go around the game is in Buffalo and the Bills will have their linebackers for this one. The first meeting the Bills were without three defensive pieces that start with Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard and Taron Johnson. The last time the Bills and Ravens met in post-season was in the divisional round in 2020 as the Bills advanced to the AFC championship game when they met the Chiefs in that epic playoff game that went to OT. Can the Bills stop the Ravens running game? That is the biggest key for Buffalo. Can the Ravens defense contain Allen in the pocket? That is a key for Baltimore. The Ravens defense is stout versus the run. Allen may have to beat them with the pass. However it will be in single digits in Buffalo on Sunday. The running game for both teams will be high priority. This game could go either way. As a football fan which team would you rather see knock out the Chiefs next week? Kansas City has gotten both these franchises and knocked them both out the post-season last year. If you could only combine both teams against Kansas City. That is not going to happen. Lamar Jackson really has not played in any games this cold. The coldest game for him was in the 20’s. The Bills are undefeated at home this season. I like Allen breaking through this divisional round as history does repeat itself in these NFL games. Allen to me has the better completion percentage and can beat you with his arm if he has to. This Bills offense is designed to beat you a few ways. Jackson will look like a freeze pop and make the mistakes that will cost the Ravens this game. The Bills defense my gut feeling says will play their best game of the year as they are healthy.
In the wild card round last weekend, the Bills Legend of the Game was former defensive lineman, Kyle Williams. The Legend of the Game’s job in Buffalo is to pump up the crowd before the game. Right before the kickoff between the visiting Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills, Williams’ speech was an oldie but a goody for the Bills Mafia.
Kyle Williams delivered as he screamed through the microphone as every Bills fan even not at Highmark Stadium around the nation had that ringing through their ears sending goose bumps in a feeding frenzy on their arms. Kyle used the Bills former legendary head coach Marv Levy’s line. “Where else would you rather be as the crowd screamed… BUFFALO!”
The Bills went on and won that game with the second half slaughter of the ponies from Denver. Now the Bills brass turns the Legend of the Game to former Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick as the Legend of the Game in the divisional round on Sunday night versus the Baltimore Ravens. The Bills Mafia are excited as Fitzpatrick has been a fan favorite and they are hoping to have the luck of the FITZMAGIC paying off dividends in this clash of titans match up between the visiting Ravens and Buffalo.
Ryan Fitzpatrick was originally drafted by the LA Rams back in 2005 in the 7th round of the NFL draft from Harvard University. He has played for nine different teams in the NFL. The list starts with the Rams, Bills, Jets, Dolphins, Bengals, Buccaneers, Titans, Texans, and the Redskins. Fitzpatrick played in 166 NFL games and had a record of 59-87-1 with 34,990 passing yards. He threw 223 touchdown passes and was always a gunslinger at heart. When you’re a gunslinger, you are going to throw interceptions and he had 169 of them. Fitzpatrick’s 17 year NFL career he played with the Bills the longest which was 4 seasons. During those 4 seasons he had a 20-33 record completing 59.8% of his passes for 11,654 passing yards with 80 touchdown passes and 64 interceptions in 55 games. The Bills went through a 17 year post-season drought and during that span Fitzpatrick was probably the team’s best QB. After Buffalo, Fitzpatrick and his beard became a mercenary, a QB for hire, and went team to team. He never guided a team to the post-season but came close. During 17 years in the NFL, his 223 touchdown passes were the most thrown ever by an Ivy league graduate. In 2018 wearing a Buccaneers uniform, he threw over 400 passing yards in 3 consecutive games which is a NFL record he has to himself. He has thrown 4 total games with 400 or more passing yards in his career which is tied with the great Dan Marino and Peyton Manning for the most all-time in NFL history. Being QB for hire has set some other NFL records. He is the first ever QB to start for 9 different teams. He is also the first QB to throw at least one touchdown pass for 8 different franchises. The Redskins were the only team he played for that he did not get that touchdown pass.
Ryan Fitzpatrick has a 17 year career in the NFL and is now an analyst for Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime video. Obviously still saving that Harvard education for a rainy day. In 17 years in the NFL with multiple teams, he probably had great memories at each place. His home was where he played the most games. The place he became a bonafide NFL quarterback wearing a Bills uniform. Wearing that number 14. As he built up a relationship with one of the best fan bases in sports, the Bills Mafia which never forgets. In January of 2022 when the Bills were at home for a playoff game against the hated Patriots, guess who was shirtless in the crowd with his sons rooting on the Bills.
Ryan Fitzpatrick was. The Bills won that game against their archrival that night. Fitzpatrick as an Amazon Prime analyst always shows the love of the Bills over the years. After one of the Thursday night games, Josh Allen met with the post-game show which included Fitzpatrick wearing one of his old number 14 jerseys. Then this past season Fitzpatrick went shirtless on the set after a Bills win during the post-game show.
That night Josh Allen was the guest once again and Fitzpatrick finished the show shirtless. So obviously Fitzmagic is a great pick for the Legend of Honors guest this weekend when the Bills will need that crowd pumped up and more versus a great Ravens team. The biggest question of the day: Will Fitzpatrick be firing up this crowd shirtless in single digit weather this Sunday night or will he be covered from his waist and up? If you’re a Bills fan, your pecking order of favorite QB all time might be Josh Allen Jim Kelly flipped either way at 1 and 2. I was not around for the 1960’s or the 70’s watching the Bills quarterback play back then. Number three could be Doug Flutie or Ryan Fitzpatrick. You could flip those two choices either way as well. We know Fitzpatrick pumping up the crowd will be legendary and “must see” television. If the Bills win, Fitzpatrick may be a staple at the Legend of the Game status for years to come. Let’s hope they do win. Nothing wrong with a little luck of the FITZMAGIC for the Buffalo Bills and the Mafia.
The NFL is must see television for what takes place on the field and off the field. We have come up with the ten people that we think were the biggest losers this season in the NFL and hurt their own team in the process. Guys that get paid millions of dollars to act like spoiled children. Some of them had temper tantrums and lost their cool. Some of these guys should call it a career and hang up the spikes for the the performance just on the field. I even threw one owner under the bus because he should sell the team not knowing anything about the game itself. Not putting the right people in charge. I could have added other owners as well. All these guys should be heckled for what they have done this season in some way or the other. I have a list of ten names starting with top of the barrel pond scum working all the way down to the depths of just putrefied organisms that don’t need light to survive.
#10. DE’VONDE CAMPBELL 49ERS
Once you quit on your own team, there is no turning back. No way to spin the situation to your own favor. It was a Thursday night game between the 49ers and Rams. De’Vonde Campbell made 12 starts this season at outside linebacker for the 49ers replacing the injured Dre Greenlaw. When Greenlaw came back, Campbell went to the bench. Greenwell re-injured himself in that first game he played. Campbell refused to go into the game, walked off the field, and headed back to the locker room. Dude, why did you even suit up for the game? The 49ers pretty much after the game released Campbell. He annoyed many of his teammates in the process pulling a move like that. Campbell has played in the NFL 9 seasons & probably has made enough money to retire. I don’t think he will field any offers from other teams any time soon.
#9. SHAHID KHAN
I would be nauseated to be a Jacksonville Jaguar fan. Believe me people have witnessed me being a Bears fan and we have one of the worst owners in the NFL. Anytime the Jaguars find their way to the post-season after piling up bad season after bad season, it crumbles right away. Is Trevor Lawrence a stud or dud quarterback? How many coaches has Shahid Khan been through since he purchased this team? The whispers you heard about him wanting to move the Jaguars to London, England are so irritating. Why do the Jaguars still play multiple games in England every season? Doug Pederson looked like a good hire. The Florida sun melted his brain away as he was fired on Black Monday. Who will the big name be this time? The uniforms are hideous. The team looked like it had promise for years to come and then goes to shambles that quickly. I’d rather have Kobra Khan owning the Jaguars which is the least talked about Florida team in the state, than Mr. Oil Wells Shahid or however he became a rich cat. Mr. needs to hire somebody that knows football. Someone that can find that next head coach they need. Stay out of London. Just stay out of the football operations period.
#8. ODELL BECKHAM JR.
Odell Beckham Jr. is a dog that should be put down. He should not be some final piece for some playoff team in some crazy idea to help them win the Superbowl. He was supposed to be that 3rd winger in the Miami aerial attack that was going to be the better version of the greatest show on turf the 1999 Rams. In 9 games, Beckham had 9 catches for 55 yards. The Dolphins eventually cut ties with him. It seems like the injury with the Rams in the Superbowl is still lingering. He did have a big game in that Superbowl before going down with an injury. No front office in the league should pay this dirt bag more than the minimum next year. He should just hang up the spikes and call it a career is what my eyes are telling me. Take him to the vet and put him down. He’s the kind of dog you take out back of the shed.
#7. KIRK COUSINS OR THE ATLANTA FALCONS
Can you blame Kirk Cousins taking a 4 year deal worth 180 million? No way I’m turning down that kind of cheddar. Cousins got this type of money coming off a serious Achilles tendon injury with Minnesota during the 2023 season. Cousins went 7-7 as a starter for the Falcons. He finished with 18 touchdown passes compared to 16 interceptions. He was rusty out of the gates. Captain Kirk got better as the season went on. The Falcons at one point looked like they would win the NFC South. Then the wheels came off the bus towards the end of the season for Cousins as he looked bad. More interceptions than touchdown passes down the stretch. Definitely not worth that amount of money he got paid. The Falcons were getting criticized for drafting Michael Penix number 8 in the NFL draft after giving the big money to Cousins. Penix looks like a solid pick. Now you’re stuck with Cousins eating away the salary cap next season if you don’t trade him. How many stupid Cleveland Browns franchises are out there that would want to trade for Cousins? Speaking of the Browns, they need a QB. You’re stuck with cap problems now in Atlanta. Cousins could be better next season after only one full season since the injury. He’s 36 years of age and he should have never got that kind of money in the first place. Now you have Penix. You do not need Cousins. But you may be stuck with the most expensive back up QB in the league.
#6. AZEEZ AL SHAAIR HOUSTON TEXANS
Azeez Al-Shaair was suspended for three games for a hit on Jacksonville’s Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he gave himself up on a slide. Al-Shaair ended up hitting Lawrence in the head and knocked him out of the game. Lawrence would be carted off with a concussion. Al-Shaair then was involved in the brawl between the Jaguars and the Texans that took place after the hit. Then he was kicked out of the game and heading into the locker room. Then things would get hostile again with more Jaguars players. He had his helmet off during some of this conflict and looked like a mad man possessed. The Texans line backer was fined twice for late hits out of bounds before he ended Lawrence’s season. When he played for the 49ers years before he had one play, he clutched Tom Brady’s throat a few years back. We may give him a hall pass on that play. Of course he apologized after the game in hopes the league would go easier on him after the Lawrence hit. He said he went to a dark place after the suspension. Tick tick tick. Just like a time bomb ready to explode as he most likely will not learn from flying off the handle like he done.
#5.TYREEK HILL MIAMI DOLPHINS
Tyreek Hill is another guy that quit on his team in the last week of regular season. The Dolphins needed to beat the Jets. They also needed the Broncos to lose to the Chiefs to qualify for post-season. The Chiefs rested many of their starters and the Broncos pretty much had an easy day at the office. Meanwhile the Dolphins were losing to the Jets. You have to think Hill was scoreboard watching in the 3rd quarter. That is when he walked off the field and called it a day and a season. The words from his teammate were caught on the microphone from wide receiver Jaylen Waddle with his hands up in confusion. “Hey Cheetah. You done?”
The clock was stopped as the Jets had challenged the previous play late in the third. Hill sat down on the bench the Dolphins would go on without their star receiver down only 18-6 with plenty of time remaining. After the game, Hill would say to reporters that he was dealing with an issue. Everyone assuming an injury. McGenius Mike McDaniel after the game said he was unaware of any injury. Even though he knew that post-season was not in the cards this season, he left his brothers to fight the rest of the battle. A division rival is enough to play for? Even ending the season on a high note with a win can benefit the team next year. Leaving your guys out there too while he sat on the bench is why this prima dona makes this list. He has always had that reputation of a guy that needs the ball or else he will bitch. He thinks he walks on water. No I in team Mr. Hill. Which is giving him too much respect.
#4. AARON RODGERS
Why would the New York Jets bring back Aaron Rodgers? Just because he beat the Dolphins in the last week of the season. Rodgers now joins that elite 500 touchdown club of quarterbacks to have thrown that many touchdown passes. He made history, but Rodgers has single-handedly destroyed the Jets team this season. The Jets were in need of a quarterback before they signed Rodgers. At the time they had a young stud defense. They had some intriguing play makers both at the running back position and in the wide receiver room. Signing Rodgers was going to solve all their problems. It did not happen. In year one Rodgers would only last a few plays in his Jets debut as he tore his Achilles tendon and was sidelined for the entire season. Rodgers played all the games this past regular season. He got the Jets head coach fired. He even got the Jets General Manager fired. After all the moves he made, Rodgers did not pan out. Rodgers played most of the season like shit. He blamed others rather than taking the blame himself on why the team was a disappointment. He was a cancer in that Jets locker room. It’s time for Rodgers to go back to the darkness retreat cave and hang up the spikes for good. I know he will resurface with another team because he will want more touchdown passes than his former teammate, Brett Farve. Which he is not far away in the pecking order. Some stupid team will take a risk on Rodgers once again. He may follow the same Farve path and go to Minnesota after his Jets career comes crashing down.
#3. TYRIQUE STEVENSON
The corner back for the Chicago Bears is more mush mouth than a defender in the NFL. Tyrique Stevenson has been in the NFL two seasons and the Bears should have cut him for taunting fans in Washington in the last play of the game with time still on the clock. It could happen to anyone. No, it does not. It happens to stupid people who want to be noticed and want to be important. Jayden Daniels and the Commanders set up for the Hail Mary play while Stevenson was taunting the Washington fan base on the field. He then was late to the party in the end zone as he let his guy be wide open in the end zone. Instead of covering the open man, he went for the ball. The ball was tipped right to an open receiver and Commanders win the game. Stevenson turns into a laughing stock and the butt of all jokes around the water cooler Monday morning. He has not learned his lesson after that game. Still taunting players on the other team and hooting and hollering. He has probably cost the Bears more games with his play than actually helping your team win games.
#2.DESHAUN WATSON
Karma is a bitch you scum bag. Deshaun Watson is a sociopath who will never admit he is wrong in being a sexual predator. His play on the field this season means he should look in the mirror because he is not worth 230 million dollars as the Browns made the worst trade in NFL history… period. On October 20th, Deshaun Watson’s season ended when he tore his Achilles tendon. It’s the second year in a row where his season ended early with an injury.The Dawg Pound, which is the home crowd for the Browns, booed him off the field because he is a dirt bag. Not because he was injured. Watson blamed others this season yelling at his offensive linemen because of his bad play. Just like having over 20 different women file sexual assault charges against you. In which you paid them to go away. If that is not guilty, then give me a million dollars and I’ll write sweet things about you. Karma bit him in the rear recently as he tore the same Achilles tendon practicing in Miami and will need another 7 months to recover and may miss most of the 2025 season. I will not celebrate someone being injured even if it’s a dirt bag like Watson. Watson should not be the second highest paid player in the NFL. He still has two years remaining on his deal. He would be better just to go away and perhaps join Aaron Rodgers in his darkness retreat cave. He will eventually resurface. Snakes usually do.
#1 GEORGE PICKENS
The Pittsburgh Steelers really know how to draft bipolar play makers. Everyone remembers crazy Antonio Brown who has played most of his NFL career without a full deck upstairs. Let’s not forget running back Le’Veon Bell, another doozy the Steelers drafted. The latest Steeler play maker that has a few missing screws in his head is wide receiver George Pickens. He’s only in his third year in the NFL and looked like he was going to be a solid receiver for the Steelers for years to come. The great Pickens blamed the snow as the big reason why Jameis Winston and the Browns beat the Steelers. Like it was not snowing when the Browns had the ball and scored in that game. In the final play of that game after the failed Hail Mary, Pickens got into a scuffle with Browns corner back Greg Newsome II. The two got tangled up on the final play. Then weeks later Pickens is targeted 6 times versus the Bengals and he dropped three of them and ended up with zero yards for the day. Pickens’ demeanor was pathetic on the sidelines in the last few weeks. He was upset with fans and was held back in one occasion. He was late for the Christmas game when the Steelers played the Chiefs that afternoon. The Steelers fans would love to ride this guy out of town. Look for Pickens to be in another uniform next season. It does not pay to be young and stupid.
Our record in the NFL regular season does not mean anything and is thrown out the window when it comes to the post-season. Now we dive into the first round of the playoffs and we dissect each match up the best we can. We have predictions for each match up. We hope the Kansas City Chiefs get ousted and do not make the Superbowl. That is my first goal. Which many of you have the same opinion. We do not want to see that meathead Travis Kelce rejoicing with multiple Taylor Swift showings in a Superbowl win. The Chiefs and Lions have that first round bye. Next week we hope we have a prediction to axe the Chiefs out of the tournament. My second goal is to try to make the right prediction on each match up in front of me. These match ups are intense because many of these games can go either way. These are my wild card picks. All games are straight Pick-Em and nothing to do with the spread. Hope we knock each match up out of the park.
NFL PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND STRAIGHT PICK-EM
SATURDAY GAMES
AFC
#5.LA CHARGERS (11-6) AT #4.HOUSTON TEXANS (10-7)
NO PLAYOFF HISTORY
It seems like the Houston Texans have locked down the first game of the post-season that is always scheduled on Saturday afternoon. Jim Harbaugh looks to become the second head coach in NFL history to win a playoff game in his first season with two different teams.
C.J Stroud is (1-1) in post-season with both games coming last season. Justin Herbert is (0-1) all time in post-season. He started that game where the Chargers blew a 27 point half time lead to the Jaguars.
The Texans were the experts’ sexy pick going into the regular season with the belief that they would go deep into the post-season. The Chargers lost many players in the off-season and it looked more like a rebuilding year for them. Jim Harbaugh has a lucky horseshoe up his rear because he can turn around a franchise quickly and he did. Many did not expect the Chargers to make it to post-season. Justin Herbert has thrown the least amount of interceptions. He goes against the defense that have the most interceptions this past season. Chargers have been rolling while the Texans have been stumbling most of the second half of regular season. CJ Stroud is struggling with two of his top receivers done for the season in Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs. The Chargers offense can eat up the clock with a well-balanced attack by Harbaugh. The Chargers pass rush will cause Stroud some problems. From the eye test, the Texans have not been good while the Chargers have played solid football for several weeks now. The Texans are just off to me. They are going through the motions and are not the same team that beat the Browns in the first round of post-season last year. I like Herbert taking care of the football and milking away the clock to a mistake-free game by LA.
OUR PICK: CHARGERS
AFC
#6.PITTSBURGH STEELERS (10-7) AT #3.BALTIMORE RAVENS (12-5)
PLAYOFF HISTORY: Steelers (3-1) Ravens
These two division rivals, the Steelers and Ravens, will meet for the 3rd time this season. They split the regular season series (1-1).
Russell Wilson is (9-7) all-time in the post-season. All of those games for Wilson came wearing a Seahawks uniform. Then Lamar Jackson who is (2-4) all time in post-season. Jackson went (1-1) in post-season last year.
Lamar Jackson slayed the Steelers dragon in the last meeting when these two teams faced off. The Ravens gave the Steelers a good solid beat down. The Steelers have struggled down the stretch as they are on a 4 game losing streak. For Jackson, the Steelers are the only team all-time in the division he has a losing record to, as he is only (3-5) all-time. The Steelers will be looking to insert their back up QB in certain situations and see if Justin Fields can provide an offensive spark. The Steelers offense need a jump start because the Wilson battery has run dry. The Steelers defense played well versus a top offense in the league last week holding Joe Burrow’s Bengals to 19. The Steelers only scored 17. The Ravens have put up a ton of points and their defense has gotten better. The Ravens defense is nowhere near what they were last season in post-season. One of the top units in the league. Mike Tomlin Steelers have lost their last 5 playoffs games as they’ve been one and done. I see it happening again. The Steelers will use Derrick Henry and Jackson’s legs to eventually wear out a Steelers defense that will show up and play well. The question is: Where’s the Beef in the Steelers offense? Fields is not the answer.
OUR PICK: RAVENS
SUNDAY GAMES
AFC
#7.DENVER BRONCOS (10-7) AT #2.BUFFALO BILLS (13-4)
PLAYOFF HISTORY: BILLS (1-0) BRONCOS
Last Sunday the Broncos needed to win to get in. They did it at home versus the Chiefs and blew them out (38-0). The Chiefs rested 10 of their starters. The Bills rested many of their starters in a loss to the Patriots in New England.
The rookie quarterback for the Broncos, Bo Nix, will make his first career playoff start. The Bills’ Josh Allen has started 10 playoff games where he is (5-5) all-time.
The Broncos have one of the best defenses in the NFL this season. The Bills have one of the best offenses in the league. Can Bo Nix thrive on the road in a very hard place to win in Buffalo? The Broncos will have to take advantage of the Bills’ 3rd down defense which is the worst in this post-season tournament. Last year Sean Payton came into Buffalo with Russell Wilson and beat the Bills in a regular season game. The Bills are a different animal than that team. You can not pin down one guy on this Bills offense. The Bills offense line is solid and Allen can make plays on the run which can cripple even the best of the best defenses in the league. Bills are (8-0) at home this season. They are (4-1) under Allen in the wild card round. The Bills will be healthier on defense, which they will need. I think the Broncos will play well. The Bills have done well against rookie QB’s. The Broncos have struggled winning games against teams with a winning record. The Bills Mafia behind you in this one will not help this Broncos team. Bills prevail in the second half and put the Broncos away late third quarter.
OUR PICK: BILLS
NFC
#7.GREEN BAY PACKERS (11-6) AT #2.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (14-3)
PLAYOFF HISTORY: Eagles (2-1) Packers
The Packers lost to the Eagles during the regular season. Jalen Hurts will be back for this game as he missed the last few games from a concussion. The Packers have a concern with Jordan Love’s elbow which he hurt playing the Bears in the final game of the season.
Jordan Love is (1-1) as a starter in post-season. Jalen Hurts had the Eagles in the Superbowl a few seasons ago and has a (2-3) playoff record as a starter.
Can Jordan Love have a short memory mentally and not relive the injury he suffered when the Packers played this same Eagles team in Brazil? Saquon Barkley scored three touchdowns in that game versus the Packers. Barkley has three straight games versus the Packers where he has tallied at least 100 or more scrimmage yards in those contests. The Packers are still one of the youngest teams in the NFL. So, can they pull out an upset in this one? Josh Jacobs has been unstoppable in recent weeks and did not play the full game versus the Bears. He did not leave the game with an injury. I have some concern over Love’s elbow injury. I think the Eagles defense can contain Jacobs from not having a huge game. The Packers have not done well record-wise against teams with winning records this season. They have given these teams battles but have fallen short. This is a game where you think the Packers can pull off the upset. I feel Jalen Hurts will respond with a nice game and use Barkley to do most of the heavy lifting. Love makes mistakes and he will throw 1 or 2 interceptions that the Eagles will cash in on. Then eventually Philadelphia will prevail at home which is a tough place to win.
OUR PICK: EAGLES
NFC
#6.WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (12-5) AT #3.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (10-7)
PLAYOFF HISTORY: Buccaneers (2-1) Redskins
Jayden Daniels should be a lock for rookie of the year for the Commanders. The Buccaneers beat the Commanders and ruined the debut of Daniels’ first start in the NFL in the first week of the season.
This will be the first ever playoff start for the rookie Jayden Daniels who guided the Commanders to post-season in his very first season in the NFL. For Baker Mayfield, this will be his 5th start in the post-season. He is (2-2) all-time in post-season. Mayfield beat the Eagles last season & then lost to the Lions in the divisional game.
This game has the signs to be an old fashioned shoot out between the Commanders and the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers offense ranks number (4) in the NFL scoring 29.5 (PPG) points per game. The Commanders ranked number 5 in points per game in the NFL with 28.5 PPG. Who has the better defense? The Buccaneers defense since the bye in week 11 have allowed only 17 PPG. The Buccaneers defense are (6-1) down the stretch of the season. They have allowed only 3.3 in the second half of that stretch. Meanwhile the Commanders defense is better versus the pass than the run. The Commanders rank number 30 against the run this season in the NFL. This should be good for Buck Irving who is probably licking his chops because when he reached the 80 mark in yards on the ground, the Buccaneers are (6-0) in that 7 game stretch to end the season. The Commanders have had some magical comebacks in the last few weeks. Besides the Hail Mary play by Daniels versus the Bears, he had a nice drive to put the Eagles on ice a few weeks back. It may be who has the ball last is the team that wins this score fest. The Buccaneers still have many holdovers from that Tom Brady led team a few years back. The Commanders lack the post-season experience as the Buccaneers have did this and done that. I like Mayfield to stay red hot. I think Daniels makes a great impression in his first ever start in the NFL. The Commanders fall short. Perhaps like a field goal short.
OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS
MONDAY NIGHT
NFC
#5.MINNESOTA VIKINGS (14-3) AT #4.LA RAMS (10-7)
PLAYOFF HISTORY: RAMS 5-2 VIKINGS
This game will be played at Arizona, home of the Cardinals, who are on the couch watching the post-season. They moved the game due to the LA wildfires that are creating havoc on the west coast.
Matthew Stafford has won a Superbowl and is (4-4) all-time in post-season play. Then you have Sam Darnold who has never started a playoff game in his NFL career. Darnold has played in one playoff game as a 49er in a mop up role.
The Vikings were brought back down to Earth last week on Sunday night versus the Lions. It snapped an impressive winning streak of 9 games and at the same time, the loss dropped them to the number 5 seed. If they would have won, they would have a first round bye with the number 1 seed. The Rams have had a roller coaster season for them up and down, they are very streaky and could be very dangerous in the post-season. The Vikings this season won 14 games which is the most ever by a wild card team in NFL history. The Vikings lost to the Rams in regular season. The Vikings defense could not contain the Rams receiver Puka Nacua who had a big game. Brian Flores, the defensive coach, has elevated this Viking defense to another level which should throw everything at the Rams including the kitchen sink. Both the Rams and the Vikings defenses have to blitz these quarterbacks to throw their game off. The Lions did that to Sam Darnold last week and he missed some easy throws. This match up has some stud receivers as we need to mention Cooper Kupp, the other Rams weapon of mass destruction. Then the Vikings may have the best receiver in the NFC in Justin Jefferson. Both teams have a solid running game behind them. This could be a shoot out, but it would not surprise me if the score ends up like 20-17 either. In close games, the Vikings know how to seal the deal. The Rams baffle me because they can score 40-something points versus the Bills and then be held to 13 against the Cardinals. Both teams have young bright minds as head coaches. Sean McVay seems to be on a different level than most leaders in the game. You have to chalk up experience to Stafford. Did the deal that Darnold signed with the devil expire last week in Detroit? If the Vikings are going to win this, they need Darnold to have a good game. The Rams are too unpredictable down the stretch with that offensive output each contest was lower than a limbo stick. The Rams have a weakness at the corner back position. I think the Vikings can exploit that. The best record of a wild card team before this was the Tennessee Titans at 13-3 and they went to the Superbowl in 1999. Unfortunately they played the St. Louis Rams in that one and lost. I like the Vikings defense to turn things around. This game is on a neutral field in Arizona which should benefit the Vikings. Viking are my road warrior of the weekend.
The final NFL week of regular season we may as well flip a coin for some of these week 18 match ups.
LAST WEEK’S RECORD: (12-4)
WEDNESDAY ACTION: (1-1)
THURSDAY SEASON RECORD: (11-8)
FRIDAY’S RECORD: (1-1)
SATURDAY WHAT A DAY RECORD: (5-0)
MONDAY NIGHT RECORD: (15-5)
SEASON RECORD: (172-84)
NFL WEEK 18 STRAIGHT PICK-EM
THE SATURDAY GAMES
CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-13) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (11-5)
Only Myles Garrett for the Browns will show up in this first match up of week 18. Garrett and Trey Hendrickson are tied for the league in sacks with 14. I can see Garrett being amped up for that title, the sack master. The Ravens wrap up the AFC North with a win here. The Browns have checked out as a team several weeks ago. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry will run the Ravens their 4th AFC North title in the last 7 seasons.
OUR PICK: RAVENS
CINCINNATI BENGALS (8-8) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (10-6)
The second game on the docket for Saturday has two teams that have something to play for. The Bengals have won 4 straight and need this win over the Steelers. They hope the Dolphins lose and the Broncos to get into the playoffs. If the Ravens win, the Steelers will know they can’t win the division as they have a playoff berth clinched coming in. The Steelers want to win and perhaps face a banged up Texans team over a rematch against a very talented Ravens team. The first time Bengals and Steelers met, Pittsburgh won 44-38. The Steelers were 10-3 sitting pretty until they lost 3 straight games. Joe Burrow and the Bengals could be a dangerous team if they find their way into the post-season. The Bengals offense has been clicking and their bad defense has found ways to create turnovers. This is a divisional game & these teams dislike each other. I like Mike Tomlin and that Steeler defense to find a way and make a statement while stopping the bleeding and win this one. Bengals will make several changes in the off-season hoping not to dig themselves an early grave in the beginning of the season.
OUR PICK: STEELERS
THE SUNDAY SLATE
NEW YORK GIANTS (3-13) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (13-3)
This game could have had some interest as the former Giant running back now Eagle was going for Eric Dickerson’s single season record for rushing yards. Saquon Barkley just needed 101 yards to break the former Rams record. Barkley sees the grand scheme of things as Philadelphia wants to make a playoff run to the Superbowl representing the NFC. This game really means nothing to either team. I’m not buying what the Giants did last week versus the Colts. The Eagles will rest several players, but Philadelphia will still prevail over this New York team that is no good.
OUR PICK: EAGLES
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (5-11) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (9-7)
Could the New Orleans Saints win one for their city here? After the tragic event that took place on Bourbon Street in the wee hours of the morning on New Year’s Day could this Saints team rally and find a way to beat the Buccaneers? The Buccaneers need this win to clinch the NFC South and they have been playing some solid football over the last several weeks. The Saints team in the past came out clicking on all cylinders after Hurricane Katrina. That was a different Saints team. This Saints team in present day is decimated by injuries. Baker Mayfield has looked unstoppable for weeks as their offense exploded last weekend with a beat down of the Panthers. Saints play well in this one to start with emotions at a high level. The Buccaneers prevail in the second half as they are the better team and the division is on the line.
OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS
HOUSTON TEXANS (9-7) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (3-13)
The Texans already have the number 4 seed in the AFC locked up, winning the South division. The Titans have lost 5 straight as they will go with dueling QB’s in this one. Will Levis will get another look along with Mason Rudolf. The Texans have lost two straight, this team has struggled, and everyone will play even though this game means nothing. The Texans looking to go into post-season with a high note with a win. The last time these two teams met was only a few weeks ago as the Titans upset the Texans. For the Titans, if they lose this one and Patriots win, they have the number one pick. Maybe use that pick for a Quarterback. I like the Texans cleaning up their act here and taking this final game because of the challenge by their head coach.
OUR PICK: TEXANS
CAROLINA PANTHERS (4-12) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (8-8)
The Falcons are not in control of their own destination as they once were. The Falcons need to win against these Panthers. They need the Buccaneers to lose to the Saints to win the NFC South. This game they should win as Panthers QB Bryce Young is 0-12 in his young career on the road. Michael Penix has so far played pretty good in his first two career starts in the NFL. He should be licking his chops because the Panthers defense gave up over 500 yards of offense last week to the Buccaneers including 5 touchdowns through the air. The Panthers will have several defenders out in this one. The Falcons will certainly use the running game to set up the pass and come away with a winning record this season but will be home for the playoffs. The signing of Kirk Cousins meant the team was clicking there for awhile until the wheels fell off the veteran QB. Penix has provided a spark. Too little too late for the Falcons as the Buccaneers have been one of the hotter teams right now in the NFC.
OUR PICK: FALCONS
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (11-5) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (7-9)
The Cowboys stunned the Commanders in their first meeting of the season. At the time the Cowboys were looking awful, the Commanders had a winning streak. The Cowboys were blown out of the water by the Eagles last week. The Cowboys may start Trey Lance in this contest. The Commanders are in the post-season and have won 4 straight games. The Commanders could get a better seed as a wild card with a win and a Packers loss by the Bears. I don’t see the Cowboys sneaking up on the Commanders this go-around. Look for Jayden Daniels to finish the regular season strong and earn those Rookie of the Year honors.
OUR PICK: COMMANDERS
CHICAGO BEARS (4-12) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (11-5)
The oldest rivalry in the NFL, the Packers and Bears, seems to have been one sided for decades in Green Bay’s favor. The Head Coach of the Packers, Matt LaFleur, has never lost to the Bears and is 11-0 all-time versus Chicago since he arrived. The Bears Interim Head Coach, Thomas Brown, finally got something from his defense last week holding the Seahawks to 6 points. The Bears offense only scored three. The Bears have not won a game in a very long time. They have lost ten straight. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is trying to avoid being sacked the most in NFL history as a rookie quarterback that was set by David Carr who was brought down to the turf 76 times his first season. Williams has 67. The Packers want to stay ahead of the Commanders in seeding as they have a playoff berth clinched but don’t want to fall to the bottom of the totem pole in the NFC brackets. Packers are at home and I like their defense, and Jordan Love will do well. The Bears are one of the bottom feeders in the NFL and the Packers have done well dispatching those kinds of teams.
OUR PICK: PACKERS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (4-12) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (7-9)
How did the Colts lose to the Giants last week? Joe Flacco and that Colts team blew that game and were ousted out of the playoff picture. The Jaguars have given some teams some battles, but they did nothing special in a Raiders loss last week. I think Joe Flacco is better than Mac Jones. Jonathan Taylor has been running through and around opposing teams’ defenses with big games the last few weeks. The Jaguars should just take a knee and go with a better draft pick. The Colts blew a playoff chance last season in their last game of the season. They check that box already. Watch them have a big day against the worst pass defense in the league to close out their season.
OUR PICK: COLTS
BUFFALO BILLS (13-3) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (3-13)
It seems like yesterday when the Patriots with Tom Brady were not playing for anything in the last game of the season versus the Bills. The script has been flipped indeed. The Bills have the number seed locked down in the AFC. Josh Allen will start the game to keep a consecutive streak of 104 games intact. Look for the Bills to go with Mitch Trubisky very quickly. The Patriots should just kneel down in this one to get the number one pick overall in next season’s draft. I think the Patriots have found their QB in Drake Maye so the Pats could cash in on the number one pick by trading teams in need of a QB. They’d get extra draft capital out of it. The Bills will rest guys. I think the Bills young players will blossom in this game due to the performance the Patriots had versus the Chargers last Saturday. Look for Ray Davis to have a big game running the ball. Trubisky has won some games in the NFL, so he will try to defeat the Patriots in relief of Allen and have success doing it. Give me the Bills to get that 14th win and feel good going into the playoffs with certain guys rested for the post-season
OUR PICK: BILLS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (6-10) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (7-9)
Rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. needs only 14 yards receiving to beat his father’s 1st season of 836. Junior coming into the last game of the season has 822 yards and may want to have a big day and perhaps find that 1,000 yard club in receiving. The 49ers will be without their starting QB Brock Purdy who was injured on Monday night. The 49ers will go with Josh Dobbs, a former Cardinal. The Cardinals played well against a good Rams team last week with nothing to play for holding them to only 13 points. The Cardinals know what to expect from Dobbs. Kyler Murray will end the season with a bang to keep this organization thinking he’s a number one guy behind center for years to come.
OUR PICK: CARDINALS
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (15-1) AT DENVER BRONCOS (9-7)
The Chiefs have nothing to play for here locking up the number one seed and first round bye. Or do they? If the Chiefs lose, that ends the Bengals season for sure if they win Saturday night. The Broncos need a win & they would be in the post-season. No Patrick Mahomes in this one. The Chiefs will rest starters and veteran Carson Wentz will get the nod as the starting QB in this one. The thing is: Is it more important for the Chiefs to knock out a division rival over another team? The thoughts of Joe Burrow are probably playing in many AFC heads this final week of the season. For the Broncos they should have won at Kansas City. It was a blocked field goal with only seconds remaining that could have been a walk off for Denver. The Chiefs have been lucky with many wins this season. That game was with Mahomes at QB. This Denver defense is talented. Bo Nix is a rookie but has played well. The Chiefs will have other guys resting in this one, not just Mahomes. I like Denver’s chances.
OUR PICK: BRONCOS
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (9-7) AT LA RAMS (10-6)
The Rams have the division wrapped up and really don’t need anything in this game. LA is starting Jimmy G. Some may have thought Jimmy Garoppolo hung up the spikes from a bad season in Vegas. The former 49er found a job as Matthew Stafford’s back-up, a guy who has a record of 43-20 as a starter in the NFL. The Seahawks crumbled like a house of cards at the end of this season. Seattle was lucky to escape Chicago only putting up 6 points and winning. Geno Smith has something to play for 6 million smackers in contract incentives. I think Seattle should be done with the Smith experiment and find a better QB for the future. The Rams will rest guys. Look for Seattle to finish strong for their rookie Head Coach, Mike Macdonald, who will look good in year one with a 10-7 record rather than 9-8.
OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS
LA CHARGERS (10-6) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (4-12)
The Raiders tight end, Brock Bowers, needs 9 receptions in his last game of the season to break Zach Ertz’s record of 116 catches by a tight end in NFL history. Ertz set that tight end record in 2018. The Raiders have won two straight games with Aiden O’Connell behind center. For the Chargers if the Steelers lose their game on Saturday night, the Chargers could get the higher seed in the AFC playoffs than Pittsburgh with a win. Even if the Chargers are playing for nothing, I see a Jim Harbaugh-coached team finding a way with whoever he has out there on the field to notch a victory.
OUR PICK: CHARGERS
MIAMI DOLPHINS (8-8) AT NEW YORK JETS (4-12)
Could this be Aaron Rodgers’ last season in a Jets uniform? It may be Rodgers’ last season in the NFL. If I was a team, I would not want Rodgers and I don’t care if I was desperate at the QB position. He is a team cancer, period. He may go out a winner in this match-up with the Dolphins. Miami will be playing without their starting QB Tua Tagovailoa. That means Tyler Huntley, the former Ravens QB, will get the nod behind center. The Dolphins need a win and some help to get a wild card spot in the post-season. The Dolphins had played horribly without Tua as the starter. I hate Rodgers. He goes out in the blazing glory as the Jets kick the Dolphins to the curb in this one.
OUR PICK: JETS
THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (14-2) AT DETROIT LIONS (14-2)
The Vikings versus the Lions for all the marbles in the final game of regular season. It looked like the Lions were the runaway train for the NFC North and number one seed in the conference. The winner of this game will be the NFC North Champs. They will be the number one seed in the NFC. They will get the first round bye. The Vikings have won 9 straight games. This will be the second time the Lions and Vikings played each other as Detroit won the first meeting in a close game. I expect another close affair in this winner take all. Both teams are in the post-season, but a loss sends one of these teams to the number 5 seed in the NFC. The number 5 seed would have a road game in the first round while the winner will rest up in the first round. Sometimes being the hunter is easier than holding down the fort. The Lions will have the home field. Both teams can score. The Vikings have the better defense which may be the factor in this one. The Lions have a lot of injuries. The Vikings seem like have mastered winning the close games. The Lions have blown many teams out of the water. Sam Darnold has played well in the last several weeks as we know Jared Goff has been amazing the entire season. This is must-see game. I like the Vikings having the last laugh in this one. I like their defense able to get the better pass rush and create mistakes that will benefit Minnesota here.
In last April’s NFL draft, we saw six quarterbacks get selected in the first round. We now have seen 5 of them get action in their first year in the NFL. How has each QB done thrown to the wolves in the NFL, their rookie season? Some of these guys have started for their team day 1. One of these guys is just coming off his second start after sitting most of the season watching. Has it been a Happy New Year for the six franchises that chose the guy they hope would be their franchise QB for several years to come? Will any of these teams have new year resolutions to find another guy? Is it too early to judge these guys with only one season under their belt? We will rank them from worst to first which does not mean anything for the long haul. We will judge them by their performance on the field for this season. Some of these teams did not help their guy with protection as the offensive line was loose as a goose. We will take that into consideration. Here’s our list as we go worst to first in the 2024 first round rookie QB’s.
#6. JJ MCCARTHY: VIKINGS
JJ McCarthy never got on the field in the regular season due to an injury in pre-season. McCarthy’s pre-season injury ended his entire rookie season. If you were going to grade him, it’s an incomplete. McCarthy was selected number 10 in the NFL draft by the Vikings from the University of Michigan. He was coming off a season where he won the National Championship for the Wolverines. With veteran Sam Darnold playing out of his mind for the Vikings this season, will Minnesota end up trading McCarthy next year? This could be a blunder by the Vikings or a blessing in disguise. If McCarthy is a future bust, getting something for him now as he is still an unknown in the NFL could be plentiful. If Sam Darnold goes back to his old Darnold ways after you traded away McCarthy, then you’re back to square one. Do you trust Darnold coming off his best season in the NFL which may be his only good season he has ever had in the league? The jury is still out on this pick. The jury is definitely still out on Darnold.
#5. MICHAEL PENIX: FALCONS
Michael Peniz was drafted by the Falcons number 8 in last April’s draft from the University of Washington. Many wondered why the Falcons drafted a quarterback after shelling out the big bucks to veteran Kirk Cousins. Penix has had the opportunity to stand on the sidelines this season and watch a veteran like Captain Kirk. Guys like Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers benefited from holding the clipboard their first season in the league. Penix has finally been able to start the last two games as the Falcons have been hoping for a spark. Cousins has not done well in the last several weeks for the Falcons, so it was time to unleash the rookie. In two NFL games, Penix is completing 59.7% of his passes which is the lowest out of any other QB from the first round in last year’s draft. Penix is 1-1 as a starter and has tallied 463 passing yards with one touchdown pass and two interceptions. Was he called in to try to be the savior of this Falcons season? Lot of pressure. I think the entire NFL world has to see more on what he can do. The Falcons will trot him out there for the final game of the season. We know one thing, if I’m this franchise we are done with Cousins. The Falcons will look for a back up for Penix going into next season as they hope he will be QB 1.
#4.DRAKE MAYE: PATRIOTS
Drake Maye was drafted by the Patriots 3rd overall in the NFL draft from the University of North Carolina. Maye has started 11 games and is so far 2-9 as a starter in the NFL. He has completed 66.8% of his passes which is second highest among this rookie class. He has shown he can stand in the pocket and deliver a pass in tight windows. In 11 games he has thrown 15 touchdown passes compared to 10 interceptions. He has tallied 2,276 passing yards. I like his leadership. As a rookie he does make that one stupid throw a game, as he has thrown the 2nd most interceptions out of all these rookies, but he has played a few games less than Bo Nix who has the most. Out of all the QB’s he does not have the big name play maker to throw to like the other guys have one or even more of those weapons. Maye has also added two rushing touchdowns. He is a QB with a big frame so the Patriots could use him to score at the goal line using the tush push. We also would like to question the present coaching staff for the Patriots. Jerod Mayo is not the guy as they need some Miracle Whip to get Maye to the next level in his NFL career.
#3. CALEB WILLIAMS: BEARS
Caleb Williams was the number one pick in the 2024 NFL draft by the Bears. They got Williams out of USC and many thought he was the sure thing. Chicago is where quarterbacks and wide receivers go to die in their careers. Williams has started all 16 games so far as he is 4-12 under center as a starter. Williams has completed 61.9% of his passes which is hard to believe as he is closing in on David Carr’s old rookie record of being sacked the most in their first season in NFL history. The knock on Williams is he holds on to the football too long. You could also make the argument the Bears have one of the worst offensive lines in the league. He’s a quarterback that can run, but he always wants to throw first even when being chased as he has 19 touchdown passes to only 6 interceptions. He has tallied 3,393 passing yards. During his rookie season, the Bears fired the offensive coordinator. Then the front office fired their head coach. Then they promoted the new offensive coordinator to interim head coach in Thomas Brown. No way the Bears will keep Brown as they will move on and Williams will have to learn a new offense next season. Williams has shown glimpses of being a hell of a QB. He has also left you moments where you are scratching your head.
#2. BO NIX: BRONCOS
Bo Nix was the last quarterback selected in the first round. He went number 12 and was selected by the Broncos from the University of Oregon. You could say Nix has benefited from a QB whisperer in Sean Payton, the head coach for Denver. Nix started off slow but has really played well most of the season and surprised many experts regarding what this kid can do in the NFL. He is 9-7 as a starter and the Broncos need one more win to get to the post-season. He has completed 65.1% of his passes in year one. He has 3,454 passing yards with 25 touchdown passes as he is tied with Jayden Daniels for the most by one of these rookie sensations so far. He has 12 interceptions which is the most, but he started more games than Drake Maye. Nix has also used his legs as he has 4 rushing touchdowns. Nix has command of that Broncos offense. I have seen him throw some dimes to his receivers. The Bronco fans should be really happy because it has been a long time since Denver had a solid QB. You bet all the fans are singing the Rocky Mountain High with this rookie in place. You could make an argument he has been the top QB of this draft class as well.
#1.JAYDEN DANIELS: COMMANDERS
Jayden Daniels was selected 2nd overall in the 2024 NFL draft from LSU. The few experts that said before the draft that Daniels was the best QB in the draft should be whistling Dixie, because he played like it this season. Daniels has turned around a dysfunctional franchise that Washington was, very quickly. Daniels has been the starter for the Commanders since day 1 and is 11-5 behind center. He has the highest completion percentage of 69.4% which is outstanding. He is a double threat – a guy that can beat you running the ball or in the air with the pass. He has tallied up 3.530 passing yards which is the best out of this class. He has 25 touchdown passes which is tied with Bo Nix out of this class. He has three less interceptions than Bo with only 9. With the legs, he has 6 rushing touchdowns. He has been big in the clutch. He has engineered multiple game winning drives in his first season in the NFL. He has thrown some very nice balls through tiny windows to get the completion to his play makers. You may see Daniels win a playoff game as Washington is in the post-season as a wild card. He seems like a QB in the playoffs and in big moments he does not panic. This is why he is my number one choice right now from the 2024 1st round QB picks. The Hail Mary drive versus the Bears. Then the dart he threw in the last minute of regulation to beat the Eagles.
The Chicago Bears’ last home game on Thursday Night Football was a dreaded 6-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks as chants of, “SELL THE TEAM,” erupted on Amazon Prime after the game. The Bears fired their Head Coach Matt Eberflus after the Thanksgiving game for his issues with clock management and holding on to time outs like they roll over to the next game. The Bears have gotten worse after they promoted Thomas Brown to Interim Head Coach. The team drafted Caleb Williams number one and he is closing in on an unpleasant rookie quarterback record. David Carr’s first season in Houston he set the record of being pummeled to the ground with the most sacks in one season by rookie QB. Williams has had some nice moments behind center and has the talent to be a great QB in the NFL. Whatever the Bears touch at the QB position turns into a flaming heap of compost for them. It seems like every team that drafted a QB in the first round like the Bears did with Williams, are doing better at developing them and getting better results. Is it time for Chicago to sign a deal with the devil, Pete Carroll?
Pete Carroll, the man with the full head of hair and who at the age of 73 never ages, wants to be the next Bears head coach. The Bears front office are willing to sit down and talk to Seattle’s winiest head coach of all-time. Last year Carroll stepped down from the Seattle job to become a advisor after 14 years. In 14 seasons, Carroll led the Seahawks to their first ever Superbowl title in 2014. The Seahawks should have had two Superbowl wins under Carroll. In 2015, if only Seattle would have ran the ball with the beast of running they had in Mashawn Lynch, instead of throwing down at the goal line like they did in the last minute of the game. The Patriots picked it off and sealed the deal for another Tom Brady championship. Under Carroll, Seattle went to the playoffs ten times in 14 seasons. Carroll finished with a 137-89-1 record with the Seahawks which is .606 winning % and you know the devil likes his sixes. Carroll was the head coach of two other teams, the Jets and Patriots jobs he had before the USC job. His NFL head coaching record all-time is 170-120-1. Carroll did well before going back to the NFL on the college gridiron with USC. Carroll won two National Championships and seven straight Pac-10 Titles with USC. Carroll was devil-like escaping into the NFL after all the sanctions came down on the USC football program by the NCAA.
The Bears since firing Lovie Smith have hired all duds. Smith helped the Bears get back to the Superbowl in 2006, the first time since they won their only one back in 1985. Smith was a decent coach, but his X’s and O’s of the game on the chess board versus other savvy coaches were not good. The Bears front office’s first blunder after Smith, was the hiring of Marc Trestman who had been an assistant coach in the NFL but Chicago pried him away at the time from the CFL. I Imagine the front office thought they were stealthy at the time with no one seeing that move. Trestman was a complete disaster after two seasons and 13-19 record. Then the Bears actually hired a guy that had NFL experience as a head coach in John Fox. After three seasons at 14-34, he was fired. Then the Bears hired Matt Nagy who actually had a winning record by the time he walked out the door at 34-31 after 4 seasons. Nagy’s War and Peace playbook on offense did not work with the strengths of his QB. Then Matt Eberflus in 3 seasons went 14-32. He had the defense playing well, but that offense was a disaster. He should have never been a head coach in the NFL because his X’s and O’s were on a checkerboard compared to all the chess boards from every other coach in the NFL.
If you are a Chicago sports fan, this idea of hiring Pete Carroll may not be a good idea to you. You’ve seen the White Sox dig up the old Tony LaRussa and put him back in the dug out. That backfired in year two. The difference is that LaRussa was out of the game of baseball as a manager for years. Carroll only stepped away and missed one season as his batteries are recharged. Bill Belichick was just hired by the University of North Carolina and he is 72 year old but looks way older than Carroll. I know many Notre Dame fans that hated Pete Carroll for the slime he was when their football team faced USC. He is a slime. If the Bears hire Carroll, this would be like the front office signing away their souls to the devil. This hire would give the Bears two things. A legit head coach and a guy that knows how a quarterback works. The Bears front office buys the Mitch Trubisky, Justin Fields, and now the Caleb Williams who were all first round draft picks. They know how to open up the package and set them up on the field. But developing them is what the major problem is. Carroll can pilot Williams and simply keep him from being a first round bust. The Bears could wait and go after the Lions Offensive Coordinator, Ben Johnson. Johnson only will interview for a team he would like to coach for. He has done wonders for the Lions and their QB Jared Goff. What about the Sunday game plan? I’m sure he will still call the offense, but head coaches have multiple things going on in a game they have to make quick and precise decisions on. Johnson will demand more money than others being a head coach for the first time. There are pros and cons about either hire. Pete Carroll can fix all your problems right now and get you back to the post-season quickly. All the moves that were made the last two seasons by General Manager Ryan Poles were designed to win this season and beyond. Poles struck out of the offensive line and his head coaches are stooges in guys he can handle. Lackeys. He will have to suck it up and take the orders from a guy like Carroll including if he wants cream or sugar in his damn coffee. I feel like bringing in Carroll is like when the Bulls traded for Dennis Rodman and the White Sox signed AJ Pierzynski. Guys you hated in other uniforms & then loved when they wore your town’s colors. The Bears need a Pete Carroll and will need to pay him as he needs the challenge and it will benefit Caleb at the end.
We triple dog dare you to read our NFL WEEK 17 predictions.
LAST WEEK’S RECORD:(11-5)
THURSDAY’S RECORD:(10-8)
FRIDAY’S RECORD:(1-1)
SATURDAYS RECORD:(2-0)
MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:(14-5)
SEASON RECORD:(160-80)
NFL WEEK 17 STRAIGHT PICK-EM
THE CHRISTMAS GAMES
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS(14-1) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS(10-5)
The first Christmas game on the docket for week 17 we will find out if the Steelers are contenders or pretenders. The Chiefs are looking yet for another year of clinching the number one seed in the AFC with a win here. The Steelers last weekend lost to the Ravens and now have the same record in the division with the AFC North on the line. Patrick Mahomes is 22-5 all-time versus head coaches that have won a Superbowl. Mike Tomlin has did that/done that. This game I’m looking for a Miracle of 34th Street win by the Steelers who are at home and need to show me something. The Raiders took down the Chiefs last Christmas, so I’m hoping Kansas City continues that history. I’m not all Ye Faithful on this pick. I’m going for it.
OUR PICK: STEELERS
BALTIMORE RAVENS(10-5) AT HOUSTON TEXANS(9-6)
Lamar Jackson slayed his demons of getting in one better on the Steelers last Sunday. The Texans lost to the Chiefs and CJ Stroud paid a dear price losing another one of his top notch wide receivers for the year in Tank Dell. The Ravens knocked Stroud and the Texans out of the playoffs last year. The Texans will also play one of their old foes they are familiar with twice a year trying to stop running back Derrick Henry. For years, Henry walked all over the Texans as a Titan where he averaged 102.2 yards per game against Houston. The Texans are 2-12 all-time against the Ravens. I like the Ravens in this one which should come easy for them as the Texans have not played well in a very long time.
OUR PICK: RAVENS
THURSDAY NIGHT GAME
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS(8-7) AT CHICAGO BEARS(4-11)
The Seahawks’ only chance to make it to the post-season is winning out their remaining two games. They need major help as the Rams have to lose their last two games of the season. Meanwhile the Bears finally generated some first half points in last week’s loss to the Lions. The Bears have been shut out in the first half in multiple games as the losing streak has hit 9. With that 9 game losing streak, Caleb Williams is making history as he is tied for second in being a QB selected number one since 1950 to have lost this many game in a row. Troy Aikman is number 1 with 11 losses in a row. I can see the Bears making this a tough game for Seattle traveling this far to Chicago. The Bears have been a disaster and have gotten worse since they fired Matt Eberflus. Thomas Brown is not Head Coach material being the interim as he is in way over his head. Too much at stake in this one for Seattle who played well last week and were just beat by the Vikings at home. This Seattle team actually plays better on the road. Make it number 10 for Caleb.
OUR PICK:SEAHAWKS
THE SATURDAY DOCKET
LA CHARGERS(9-6) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS(3-12)
The Chargers showed the NFL world they can beat a team over the .500 mark as they won a close one versus their division rival, Denver Broncos. The Patriots gave the Bills a battle last Sunday. Were the Bills just of sync in that one? The Patriots have now lost 5 straight. The Chargers will be flying across the country to try to clinch a playoff berth in Jim Harbaugh’s first season in LA. I like the way the Patriots quarterback, Drake Maye, has played so far this season. The Patriots have been in many games but one or two plays backfire and changes the entire game’s outcome for them. Justin Herbert is not asked to do it by himself any more for the Chargers so their running game in the clod will help LA control the clock. The Patriots weakness last week was the running game more than the pass attack. The Chargers defense should confuse Maye just enough. I like the Chargers getting it done on defense.
OUR PICK: CHARGERS
DENVER BRONCOS(9-6) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS(7-8)
Somehow the Bengals are still alive in week 17 looking to unlock the back door to get into post-season. The Broncos had a bump in the road that happened last Thursday facing their arch-rival, the Chargers, as they lost a close one. The Bengals have won three straight and need one win to get back to the .500 mark and getting a win vs the Broncos means they certainly will linger around another week. Broncos need one win & they would be in the post-season. The Bengals need to win both their games and rely on help. The Broncos are 1-6 versus winning teams this season. The Bengals are not a winning team, but Joe Burrow can cause you problems. The Broncos have a solid defense. But Burrow and that Bengals offense can score on any defense in the league. Bo Nix would become legendary in his rookie season if he can slay Burrow and the Bengals and stamp this team into the post-season. The Bengals defense sucks. Over the 3 games, this unit has to play better. Not lights out, but they will have enough to help this Bengals team live for another week.
OUR PICK: BENGALS
ARIZONA CARDINALS(7-8) AT LA RAMS(9-6)
It seems like week 2 of the NFL season was a long time ago in a galaxy far far away with these two teams. Back in week two the Cardinals plucked the eyes out of the Rams with a 41-10 beat down. It was looking like a season where the Cardinals were going to print off some playoff tickets. Arizona has fallen on hard times. Last Sunday the Carolina Panthers put the final nail in their coffin. The Cards head to LA with nothing to play for, only to spoil the Rams’ further holiday celebrations. The Rams have won 4 straight. They need one win to clinch the NFC West. The Cards have had a hard time converting touchdowns in the red zone. The Cards defense played well for a stretch of the season, but now have let teams do what they want to them. Sean McVay will have his team seeing red and the Rams will get their revenge from week two with a win at home, get the last laugh, and head to the post-season. I like the Rams offense because it’s rolling. Their young defense gives teams a challenge.
OUR PICK: RAMS
THE SUNDAY SLATE
CAROLINA PANTHERS(4-11) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS(8-7)
Can the Carolina Panthers bring the Buccaneers home to the couch for the post-season? The Buccaneers had control of their own destiny until the hiccup last week versus the Cowboys snapped a winning streak. Now the Buccaneers need to beat the Panthers and hope the Falcons lose to the Commanders to get back their control of their own destiny. It was only a few weeks ago when the Buccaneers survived a game versus the Panthers that went to over-time. The Panthers have been better as Bryce Young has found his game in the NFL. I don’t think Young and this Panthers team have winning down yet just because they got by the Cardinals last week that went to over-time. Look for Baker Mayfield to be the gunslinger in this one using all the rounds from all the chambers of his gun to have that big game and lift this Buccaneers team off the ground from that Cowboys loss. It’s not like the Falcons are playing the Jaguars or Raiders.
OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS
DALLAS COWBOYS(7-8) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES(12-3)
The Cowboys surprised me with a win over the Buccaneers. Cooper Rush is looking like one of the better back up QB’s in the NFL. The Eagles would love to have him for this game. The Eagles lost their starter Jalen Hurts during the loss they took from the Commanders with a concussion. Will Hurts be able to go? The Eagles had the game in hand with their back up Kenny Pickett who threw the ball right into the chest of DeVonta Smith who dropped a sure thing. A first down. A play that could seale it for the Eagles. Commanders marched down, scored the winning touchdown, and took the game. The Eagles back up QB has a rib issue and it’s not the McRib sandwich returning for Mickey D’s. If Pickett or Hurts can’t go, it will be Tanner McKee or recently signed QB Ian Brook. Problems in Philly indeed. My gut tells me Pickett will get the nod and with running back Saquon Barkley, this offense will get the points they need to win this game and a better performance out of that defense. The Eagles will survive.
OUR PICK:EAGLES
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS(7-8) AT NEW YORK GIANTS(2-13)
The Indianapolis Colts playoff hopes still remain alive after a big win over the Titans last week. The Giants have lost now ten straight but have their sights on having the number one draft pick in next year’s draft. The Colts ran Jonathan Taylor who went off on the Titans defense for over 200 yards and three scores. Look for Taylor to have a big game. Drew Lock will get the start for the G-men which the Colts defense has to be licking their chops because this unit has forced a few turnovers in the last two weeks. Lock has thrown 4 interceptions to one touchdown pass in his last three starts. Lock has also fumbled the ball 4 times. Anthony Richardson who has played better will just need to feed the ball to Taylor to get the Colts back to the .500 mark and hope they get the help they need to live another week.
OUR PICK: COLTS
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS(3-12) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS(5-10)
The Saints were blown up by the Packers on Monday night. The Raiders snapped a very long losing streak with a win over the Jaguars. The loss to the Packers was the worst game the Saints had under their new interim coach, Darren Rizzi. It’s too bad Derek Carr will not play for the Saints as he would face his old team for the first time since leaving Vegas. Spencer Rattler was not good versus the Packers as the second stringer for the Saints has been up and down filling in for Carr. Aiden O’Connell gives me confidence for the Raiders that Rattler will not give me for the Saints. O’Connell did not make any mistakes last week as he had over 200 yards passing. The Saints are torn up by injuries. Give me O’Connell and that Raiders defense getting by this banged up Saints team. Raiders find their second win in a row and are winning at the wrong time of the season for draft positioning or even saving their head coach’s job.
OUR PICK: RAIDERS
NEW YORK JETS(4-11) AT BUFFALO BILLS(12-3)
I don’t even know why the Jets still are marching Aaron Rodgers out there. They will most likely move on from Rodgers next season. The Bills have slim chances to get the number one seed in the AFC, but the number two seed they need to clinch. With a win over the Jets, the Bills can clinch the number two seed and then rest their guys in the final week of the season. The Bills came out poorly last week versus the Patriots as Josh Allen banged up his hand late in that game. The Jets suffered another loss under Rodgers’ regime in New York. The Bills players hates this Jets team. They are at home. The defense played better last week getting some turnovers versus the Patriots, which this unit should be able to turn up the heat on Rodgers and force him into a few mistakes. I like the Bills getting out of the gates fast in this one and taking care of business right away,using the running game to wear out the Jets defense.
OUR PICK: BILLS
TENNESSEE TITANS(3-12) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS(3-12)
Who really cares about this game? The Titans had a comeback last week but fell short versus the Colts. The Jaguars lost to the Raiders . I like the veteran back up QB Mason Rudolf around the holidays.
This Titans team has been falling down drunk the entire year. I like Rudolf to guide this Titans sleigh over a bad Jaguars defense. Right in Mason’s wheelhouse of teams he can beat. Plus Mac Jones is hot garbage behind center for the Jaguars.
OUR PICK: TITANS
MIAMI DOLPHINS(7-8) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS(3-12)
Have the Browns cashed in already their 2024 season and shifted to thinking about their off-season plans? How cold will it be for the Miami Dolphins in Cleveland? Miami will know by the time they play on Sunday: Will their post-season hopes be crushed or will they still have one of their nine lives remaining? The Browns have a defense and home field here. The Dolphins have feasted on the bottom of the barrel teams in the NFL. For the Browns, Dorian Thompson-Robinson does nothing for me at QB 1. Too many names is my knock on him besides not being a starter in the NFL. I did not think the Dolphins would get by the 49ers. I like Dolphins no matter what even if it’s saving the McGenius aka Mike McDaniels’ job.
Do they clone the same Head Coaches in the Miami sports landscape? The Heat coach Erik with a K Spoelstra looks like McGenius’ brother.
OUR PICK: DOLPHINS
GREEN BAY PACKERS(11-4) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS(13-2)
This is for sure the game of the week to watch. All these teams in the NFC North, except the Bears, are must watch television. The last time these two teams met, the Vikings won 31-29 at the end of September. This game will come down to the end of regulation on whoever has the ball last wins. The Vikings still have a chance at the NFC North title as they’ve been right on the Lions’ back. The Packers were the first team this season to get a shut out which they did versus the Saints. The Packers have clinched a playoff spot but do not want to fall down to another spot in the seedings in the NFC. This game is a coin toss. The Packers have done very well with the medium opponents and below medium. Can they take out a bigwig? The Vikings seem to win every game by a few points. Is Sam Darnold for real? He saved this Vikings team this season. I like the Packers knocking off the Vikes with good defense. I like the Packers controlling the clock with the running game that features Josh Jacobs. I think Darnold stumbles in this one and Packers prevail in this one.
OUR PICK: PACKERS
THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME
ATLANTA FALCONS(8-7) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS(10-5)
Can the Falcons ride the Michael Penix train all the way to post-season? Penix’s debut versus a bad Giants team was solid. Jayden Daniels had a very impressive drive as the Commanders knocked off the Eagles in the last minute of the game. Both teams need a win this match up. For Atlanta they need a win and Buccaneers loss to get in as the NFC South champion. For the Commanders they are still alive with a shot at the division. If they win they are in the playoffs. If they lose and the Buccaneers lose their game, they are in the playoffs. This game has a lot of pressure on Penix, only in his second game of his NFL career. The Commanders are much better than the Giants. I like Daniels to deliver in this one and get this Commanders team in the playoffs with a win in a pretty good game. Daniels was chucking it all over the field versus a solid Eagles defense. I like his chances to do the same thing versus this Falcons defense.
OUR PICK: COMMANDERS
THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME
DETROIT LIONS(13-2) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS(6-9)
Does this game set any records for the most injured players in one game?
Santa would be looking at an injured list over a naughty or nice list. The Lions have something to play for. The 49ers are that typical team that suffers that hangover after losing in the Superbowl. The Lions offense is still firing on most of its cylinders, even though they are missing a part of their two headed monster at running back. The Lions win and they clinch the NFC North, and become the number one seed in the NFC. The 49ers may give the Lions a game for the first half, and then Detroit will bust this one out in the second half. The bye week will benefit the Lions next week with nothing to play for and first game bye the following week. Then they may get some these guys back in action.
The Broncos come in as the hotter team in this match up. The Chargers have lost two straight games and gave 40 points to the Buccaneers. Both the Broncos and Chargers have benefited from easy schedules this year. Both teams come in with 1-5 records against winning teams. They have feasted on the bottom of the barrel of the NFL. I like the way Bo Nix has been playing this year. These are two former Oregon University QB’s going at it as Justin Herbert will be looking to go ducky over Nix. I like the Broncos defense in this one. I think Jim Harbaugh will have his troops fired up. I like Sean Payton on the chess board to get by this Chargers defense as the Broncos win a close one.
OUR PICK: BRONCOS
SATURDAY NFL FOOTBALL
HOUSTON TEXANS(9-5) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS(13-1)
Are we all buying Patrick Mahomes is hobbled by a high sprain ankle? The Texans clinched a very weak AFC South division last week. Mahomes did come out of that game in Cleveland in the 4th quarter after he rolled his ankle. We have been down this road before with Mahomes who you think may be slowed down by some ailment and then he makes some crazy pass play that wins the game. The Texans are struggling even though they are winning games at the same time. The Chiefs want home field advantage and a first round bye in the playoffs. The Texans can get a higher seed with winning the games left and hope other division leaders lose out. The Chiefs have been so lucky this season. One play. One penalty falls their way. They are at home. The defense will suddenly start playing lights out as it is this time of the season. Mahomes won’t have a big day at the office. He will be very effective in another close call.
OUR PICK: CHIEFS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS(10-4) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS(9-5)
This is a heavyweight fight that is slated for a Saturday affair. The winner of this game may in fact take the AFC North. The Steelers won the first match up only weeks ago. For Lamar Jackson this is the team that gives him fits. He has lost the last 4-5 games when he has faced these Steelers. It’s like Mike Tomlin is Lex Luther hanging the kryptonite around the neck of Jackson. Can Russell Wilson do it again against these Ravens? The Steelers should have their cry baby, their number one wide receiver, back after two weeks MIA. The Steelers did not impress me last week when they played the Eagles. The Ravens rolled the G-Men. This will be another close game fought all the way to the end. I like Jackson flipping the script in this one to split the series for the season with a nail biter win.
OUR PICK: RAVENS
THE SUNDAY SLATE
NEW YORK GIANTS(2-12) AT ATLANTA FALCONS(7-7)
Some experts scoffed at the Falcons for selecting Michael Penix Jr. from Washington University 8th in the NFL draft after signing Captain Kirk Cousins to a huge deal right before the April draft. The Giants have lost nine straight games. The Falcons finally broke a long losing streak themselves as they saw their control of the division evaporate into thin air with the Buccaneers win streak. The Falcons just got by the hapless Raiders on Monday night. It is time to bench the veteran QB who has thrown more interceptions than touchdown passes in the last several weeks. Who’s on first for the Giants? That means ‘who’s the QB?’ The Giants will go back to Drew Lock after Tommy DeVito was knocked out of the game versus the Ravens last week. The Falcons have an easy schedule remaining and they need a spark right now which Penix Jr. could do. All the quarterbacks selected in the first round last season have done well for the most part. Penix Jr. will have a strong running game behind him. He is mobile unlike Cousins. He is also playing the Giants defense which is a nice learning curve.
OUR PICK: FALCONS
ARIZONA CARDINALS(7-7) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS(3-11)
The Cardinals have to be rejoicing playing the likes of the Patriots and Panthers in back to back weeks. Arizona was perched on top of the division until they had a reality sandwich which the birds could not fly well in the red zone against better teams in a 4 week span. Another Panthers loss this season would clinch the fifth time in six seasons they have won 5 games or fewer. Soft Cam Newton may like that on his podcast. Before 2019 the Panthers only suffered three seasons with 5 or fewer wins. The Panthers arrived in the NFL in 1995. The Panthers have played well lately and should give the Cardinals a stronger game than the Patriots did last week in a Arizona blow out. The Cardinals are still alive but barely for the playoff hunt. I can see Kyler Murray sewing this one up in the win column on the road.
OUR PICK: CARDINALS
DETROIT LIONS(12-2) AT CHICAGO BEARS(4-10)
The Lions suffered their first loss since early September last week versus the Bills. The Bears looked better under the new interim head coach Thomas Brown in their second game versus the Vikings. That is not saying anything good either about this bad Bears team, a thing I had to point out. The Lions will be without half of their two-headed monster at the running back position as David Montgomery suffered a torn MCL in the knee. The Lions have a ton of injuries. The Eagles are now tied with the Lions for the best conference record. The Vikings have the same record as the Lions in the division, but Detroit holds the tie breaker with a win against them earlier in the season. That next match up is slated for January 5th. The Bears are that first rebound girlfriend after a long relationship. The Lions need to wham bam and thank you ma’am, get back in the win column, and live to fight another week.
OUR PICK: LIONS
TENNESSEE TITANS(3-11) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS(6-8)
I guess we know why Will Levis fell to the second round in the NFL draft. The Colts gave the Broncos a game most of the way last Sunday but suffered a loss that officially eliminated them from the playoff hunt. The Titans are pulling the plus on Levis and will seek a new QB in next year’s draft for Tennessee. Now they will give the car keys over to veteran QB Mason Rudolf which gives the Titans a better chance to win. The Titans have screwed me all year. The Colts and Titans know each other well as this game could go either way. I like Anthony Richardson who has played better lately making a few plays along with riding the legs of Jonathan Taylor in a home victory.
OUR PICK: COLTS
LA RAMS(8-6) AT NEW YORK JETS(4-10)
Could this be the last match up we see of Aaron Rodgers versus Matthew Stafford? Both QB’s called their home in the NFC North for many years square off being QB’s for other teams towards the end of their careers. Rodgers owned many of the opponents or maybe all of them going head to head back when he was the Packers QB. Lifetime Rodgers is 13-4 versus Stafford. Rogers is two touchdown passes away to hit the 500 mark which only 4 others have done in NFL history. Do you get sucked in because Rodgers has done better and pulled out a victory against a bad Jaguars team? The Rams can make NFL history if they make the playoffs this season. They will be the only team in NFL history being 3 games under the .500 mark at some point of the season and making it to the post-season tournament. The Rams have won three straight. The Rams are the better team here. The Rams will get their points off the Jets’ one time stout defense from either the run or pass or both. The Rams defense should be able to contain Rodgers long enough for the Rams to build a nice enough lead to close this one out as they are seeking the NFC West division title.
OUR PICK: RAMS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES(12-2) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS(9-5)
The Eagles may be the top team in the NFC as they are a runaway train right now as winners of ten straight. The Commanders have won two straight games and just held off the Saints comeback in the last few ticks of the clock of regulation. The Commanders have struggled with winning teams before the two game win streak. I think the Eagles defense will shut down Jayden Daniels’ number one threat, Scary Terry McLaurin.
The young defensive backs the Eagles have are very impressive. The pressure will be too much for rookie QB Daniels finding another outlet. The Eagles are a machine with their beast Saquon Barkley who can get you with either the run or passing game and makes Jalen Hurts so much better and this Eagles team very very dangerous. The Commanders are a team on the rise. They are not ready to tangle with the big dogs.
OUR PICK: EAGLES
CLEVELAND BROWNS(3-11) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS(6-8)
The Bengals playoff hopes are hanging by a loose thread. The Browns will turn to Dorian Thompson-Robinson as their starting QB. Thompson-Robinson filled in last week for another multiple interception game by the crab man, Jameis Winston. Last season Thompson-Robinson went 1-2 as the Browns starter right before they inserted Joe Flacco who leads Cleveland to the post-season. The Bengals defense is not very good so the Browns could generate some points even with a guy who’s only completing 44% of his passes this season. The Bengals Joe Cool Burrow will have to avoid Myles Garrett who has sacked him the most in his NFL career with nine of them. The Bengals will have a field day on offense and the Browns don’t have enough ammo to keep up with the Joe’s.
OUR PICK: BENGALS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS(12-2) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS(8-6)
Seattle has been one of the streakiest teams in the NFL this season. The Vikings have been red hot winning seven games in a row. The Seahawks did not look good against the visiting Packers last Sunday night. Can the Vikings get a road victory in Seattle? It is possible as Seattle is 3-5 at home this season. Last time Seahawks lost six games at home you have to go back to 2008 when they finished 2-6. Before the Packers lost, the Seahawks were in cruise mode as they swept the Cardinals and won a road game against the Jets. The Vikings Sam Darnold has been streaky but he right now is slinging the football well all over the field. The Seahawks QB Geno Smith is hobbled by an injury, so will he be able to go is the big question. I have to go Vikings because they are the hotter team and they have finally caught the Lions and need this one to stay in striking distance with a rematch lingering on January 5th.
OUR PICK: VIKINGS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS(3-11) AT BUFFALO BILLS(11-3)
Do you remember Jim Plunkett as he won a Superbowl with the silver and black Raiders? Plunkett started his career in New England. The Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye has a chance to tie a rookie record if he can throw a touchdown pass versus the Bills to make it 7 games in a row, he had one of those. The Bills came off a monster victory on the road versus the Lions where they scored 48 points. The Bills have beaten the two best teams in the league this season, the Chiefs and now the Lions. This will be back to back games where Josh Allen and that Bills offense put up 40 or more points. Can the Patriots produce to take advantage of a Bills defense that has given up back to back games of 40 or more points? The Bills need this game to stay in striking distance of the Chiefs for the number one seed in the AFC. I like the Bills offense to keep rolling as it will be a cold one in Buffalo. I can see the Bills defense cleaning up their act and holding the Patriots to a reasonable amount of points. I like the Bills in this one at home in the cold climate in which they should be able to put away a pretty bad team in the Patriots.
OUR PICK: BILLS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS(3-11) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS(2-12)
The Jaguars and Raiders have sunk this low in the toilet bowl game of the year. The winner gets nothing. The loser may get the top pick of the year. If the Raiders lose their next three games they will tie their worst losing streak of 13 games that happened back in 1962. The Jaguars scored some points last week, but the Jets flew away with the victory at the end. Mac Jones is 1-3 as the Jaguars starter and has 4 touchdown passes compared to 7 interceptions in the 4 starts. Jones is 19-27 in his career going back to his Patriots days as a starter in the NFL. The Raiders will get back Aiden O’Connell who was the emergency QB last week in Desmond Ridder’s flop on Monday night versus the Falcons. O’Connell is 0-4 as the Raiders starter and he is 5-9 in his NFL career as the man behind center. I think the Raiders will get the upset in this one and their defense will pull it out. I think O’Connell could have a nice afternoon as well against this Jaguars defense. This one tossing a coin may be better figuring out the winner than sorting out the dumpster fire in any data you read about each team.
OUR PICK: RAIDERS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS(6-8) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS(6-8)
Usually I would say the Dolphins do very well against teams under .500. The Dolphins lost last week which knocked them out of the playoff hunt and I think will pretty much knock the wind out of them for the season. The 49ers have a slim shot at the playoffs. Their defense has been playing better and close to the unit that got them to the Superbowl as they held the Rams to 12 points last week after LA put up 44 on the Bills. I will say the 49ers were the only loss I had last week and ruined my perfect week in all the picks for week 15. The last time Brock Purdy played the Dolphins, he had a big game. The 49ers will unleash their running game on a poor Dolphins rushing defense that will set the tone in this one.
OUR PICK: 49ERS
THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS(8-6) AT DALLAS COWBOYS(6-8)
The networks always have to stick us with a Dallas game. Almost every week we have to digest the horrific Cowboys they stuff down our throats. The Buccaneers have won 4 straight. Can you bet against Baker Mayfield right now the way he is playing? He lit up the Chargers defense putting 40 points on the score board. The Cowboys have been better lately as they come off a win last week over the Panthers. The Cowboys really don’t play well at home. Mayfield will have a big game as they know the Falcons have it easy down the stretch. The Buccaneers need every win they can get and they will notch this one.
OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS
THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS(5-9) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS(10-4)
The Saints are without Derek Carr. The Packers went to Seattle and crushed the Seahawks pretty much, on a primetime game. Spencer Rattler did well in a relief appearance for the Saints last week versus the Commanders. The Saints tried to step on the Commanders throat in the last seconds going for the win with a two point conversion. They were denied. Since Darren Rizzi has taken over, the Saints have played tough. Two stats jumped at me in this match up. The Packers average 6.6 yards after the catch which is good for third overall in the NFL. Meanwhile the Saints defense allows 6.2 yards after the catch which is the 3rd highest in the league. The Packers are at home. Saints play in the dome. This one should be easy pickings.
The Wild shamrock 