Is the XFL just a bad Friday the 13th movie, resurrecting Jason every few years? Is the third movie in any series good, bad, or ugly? Rocky III featured Mr. T as Clubber Lang which is one of my favorites from that series. Return of the Jedi has to be the weakest link in the first three Star Wars movies, but it was still enjoyable. Here we go again with another XFL reboot. The original XFL came on to the scene in 2001, and that mixed football and wrestling together which was complete disaster. What do you expect? The league was owned by Vince McMahon who owns the Wrestling Federation.

McMahon struck again with the second reboot in 2020 during which the wrestling aspect of the XFL was removed and it was just football in the Spring. XFL II was no Empire Strikes Back at the box office as the pandemic ended the season that only made it to the halfway point. XFL III, Vince McMahon sold the rights to the “Rock” Dwayne Johnson, former wrestler and now actor, as he is involved with others who purchased the league. In Spring 2023, XFL will be back for the third time with eight teams after the Superbowl, playing football. This time the XFL will have company. The USFL reboot came back last Spring and did what most of these leagues have not done in quite a while, finished a season with a champion. Maybe it will be Walgreens versus CVS. Maybe McDonald’s versus Burger King has enough love to go around. Too much football can turn into overkill as many stadiums could be bare bones. Plenty of elbow room for the few fans that are diehard.

THE NAMES

The XFL will start reboot three like they did in 2020 with 8 teams. The XFL have announced the nicknames of each city that will have a team playing in 2023. Most of the nicknames are same from the league in 2020. We have some different cities then we had in part two of the XFL. The state of Texas will have three teams going in the XFL in 2023.

In 2020 the Renegades played in Dallas. In 2023 the Renegades will play in Arlington.

Arlington Renegades

The Houston franchise returns with the same name called the Roughnecks.

Houston Roughnecks

The only team with new a nickname from the reboot in 2020 is the San Antonio franchise. San Antonio is a new city as well. They will be called the Brahmas. Whatever the hell a Brahma is?

San Antonio Brahmas

The city of St. Louis will have a returning team from 2020 and keep the same name, the BattleHawks. You can’t always say that about a football team staying in St. Louis.

St. Louis BattleHawks

The nation’s capital is another returning city from the 2020 XFL reboot two. DC will feature the same name, the Defenders. Will the DC crowd bring back the beer snake?

DC Defenders

Seattle is another returning city from the 2020 league. In 2020, the Seattle franchise was known as the Dragons. This go around Seattle added Sea to the name. Like the Seahawks in the NFL, Seattle will have the Sea Dragons.

Seattle Sea Dragons

In 2020, the XFL featured teams in LA and New York. XFL, like Jake the Snake Plissken, will escape the two major U.S Cities.

The XFL retired the Wild Cat name that LA had. The Guardians of New York have been adopted by new city Orlando.

Orlando Guardians

XFL has three Texas teams. Why would they need two Florida teams? Tampa Bay gets stripped away their XFL team just in time for the Buccaneers to go to shit. The city of Vegas has adopted Tampa Bay’s nickname, the Vipers.

Vegas Vipers

XFL EVEN HAS COACHES IN PLACE

All these Spring leagues over the last few years have made sure they hired some bigger names. Some of these guys have a ton of coaching experience. Some of these guys just played the game.

Arlington Renegades: Bob Stoops

Stoops did a ton of college coaching. Stoops is the only coach hold over from the 2020 league.

Houston Roughnecks: Wade Phillips

Coaching runs in the Phillips family blood. Wade Phillips had a ton of defensive coordinator jobs in the NFL. Phillips also was head coach in the NFL more than once.

San Antonio Brahmas: Hines Ward

Hines Ward was a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers who has a Superbowl ring. Ward is one of the best blocking receivers all-time and a guy who can catch the ball.

Vegas Vipers: Rod Woodson

Woodson is another X-Steeler who has won a Superbowl ring. Woodson is one of the best safeties in Steeler history. Woodson has done some coaching as this would be his first head coaching job.

Seattle Sea Dragons: Jim Haslett

Haslett had some head coaching jobs as well in the NFL.

Orlando Guardians: Terrell Buckley

Buckley is a long-time defensive back for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL who had 50 career interceptions during his NFL career.

DC Defenders: Reggie Barlow

Barlow also played in the NFL. Barlow coached at the College level. He was the other Alabama’s head coach. Alabama State.

St.Louis BattleHawks: Anthony Becht

Becht was a tight ends coach for the San Diego Fleet of the AAF.

Becht also played tight end in the NFL and scored 21 career touchdowns.

The XFL will kickoff this February. The XFL will have a player’s draft this month in November. The Wild Shamrock will update you on all the developments of the third spin of the XFL.

Suddenly the Chicago Bears went totally off script as they acquire wide receiver Chase Claypool from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bears have been in full tear down getting rid of anything not bolted to the floor and collecting draft picks. Has the ghost of Ryan Pace just entered Ryan Poles’ body? The old regime is suddenly haunting the new regime at Halas Hall. The Bears’ new brass and the old clowns have not done any favors for their young quarterback, Justin Fields. In the off season, the new Bears regime sent Justin Fields out to the Wolves with no improvements to a much in need of help on the offensive line. Fields is working with one of the worst receiving cores in the history of the Chicago Bears. No wonder Muslim Muhammad once said Chicago is where receivers go to die. Somehow Fields is still walking vertically, and the offense of the Bears has come to life in the past few weeks. With this trade, adding Claypool means the Bears front office and the coaching staff think Fields is the guy of the future. Bears fans have been down this dark road for decades. Claypool is not exactly the boobie prize for Fields and the Bears offense. Instantly he becomes the Bears’ number one guy who they do not have. How many teams in the entire NFL would have Claypool as the number one? Steelers season is in shambles like the Bears and Claypool is not even the number one guy there.

I like to think that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback X-Bears QB Mitch Trubisky wished Chase Claypool good luck with a smirk on his face seeing him head off to Chicago. Maybe a chuckle by Trubisky with a recommendation of a good pizza place in the Windy City. The Steelers, with of course a savvy front office, get a second round pick for Claypool. It is what they used to draft him in 2020. Steelers do well at drafting a football team. Steelers know how to draft wide receivers. Unfortunately, the Steelers drafted talented wide receivers that are head cases. The Steelers are quick to cut off the zombie bitten infested legs when things go sour with some of these head cases they have gathered over the years. We all remember what A.J. Brown did last year wearing a Buccaneer uniform. Steelers felt the law firm of Ju Ju Smith-Schuster was unraveling at the seams so they let him walk off and he may be a Chiefs’ problem in the future. Remember Plaxico Burress shot himself in the foot while he was a New York Giant. Steelers drafted great citizens as well as Hines Ward, one of the best blocking receivers in the game that caught many balls as well. This year Steelers are happy with rookie George Pickens and Diontae Johnson has been on the rise. Steelers have a rookie quarterback developing in Kenny Pickett. Perfect time & perfect season to cut ties with Chase Claypool.

With Ben Roethlisberger, Chase Claypool came into the league in 2020 like gangbusters out of the University of Notre Dame. Claypool, now 24 years old, had 62 catches with 873 yards. This during his rookie campaign with 9 touchdowns. Roethlisberger last year in the game did not have enough gas in the tank to throw the ball deep. In 2021, Claypool had 59 catches with 860 yards and only two receiving touchdowns. Big Ben retired. Steelers went with X-Bear Mitch Trubisky as they already mixed in rookie Kenny Pickett behind center as Claypool through 8 games has 32 receptions with 311 yards and only one touchdown grab. Claypool would be second on the Bears charts this season as Darnell Mooney has 25 grabs for 364 yards. Last season, Justin Fields’ rookie season only played in ten games. Last year, the Bears offense with 10 starts by Fields, Andy Dalton, and Nick Foles behind center the team finished 27th in the league in points. The Bears’ 2021 offense was 24th overall in yards gained. This year Fields has played in every game and the Bears are 23rd in points while falling to 27th in yards gained. Claypool should help the Bears overall offensive numbers improve.

This trade the Bears made landing Chase Claypool baffles me. I like the fact that Green Bay wanted Claypool and the Bears got him by paying more. Green Bay’s season is in the crapper so they don’t have a leg to stand on to throw their two cents in the ring. Then I think of when Ryan Pace got fleeced by the 49ers to give San Francisco a pick just to move up one spot to draft Mitch Trubisky. Steelers sell off their pool for the same amount they paid for it. While the Bears usually have to pay double for someone to take their pool from their backyard. My biggest fear is Claypool is a cancer to the locker room. This Bears team right now will overhaul most of this roster by next season. I think someone on Bears coaching staff thinks they can fix Claypool who thinks he is a number one receiver. Congratulations. Claypool is the number one receiver on the Bears roster. Darnell Mooney I love, but he’s a 2 or a 3. I think Claypool is a 2 or a 3. If Bears go out and draft or sign a number one free agent receiver next year adding him to the mix with Mooney and Claypool, you now have a nice core. Let’s not forget about addressing the offensive line that I keep harping about. Justin Fields and Claypool have 9 more games this season, so they could really get to know each other very well. If they can get on the same page, this move can be golden by the time the Bears add the pieces around them. I hate overpaying and using draft capital on ideas that are bad. This trade only cost the new regime one draft pick, but an important second rounder. I like gambling on some players which you have to do sometimes to get your team over the hump. This move may be too soon for the Bears to jump into the Claypool. They may belong right now in the kiddie pool.

The Chicago Bears new regime is tearing down most of what the old regime did at Halas Hall. The stench by that group is still lingering over Lake Michigan. Last week Bears dealt defensive end Robert Quinn to Philadelphia. This week the Bears send their best defensive player, Roquan Smith, to the Baltimore Ravens. Smith was by far the best pick drafted by Ryan Pace during his tenure as the General Manager of the Bears. Smith is a linebacker out of Georgia University who was once crowned SEC Defensive Player of the Year in his collegiate career. Bears drafted Smith number 8th overall in the 2018 NFL draft. Bears will receive a 2nd and a 5th round draft pick by the Ravens. Baltimore threw in veteran linebacker A.J Klein to sweeten the pot. Smith could have been a pillar of the Bears rebuild, but the linebacker threatened the team with a contract holdout at the start of the season. When Quinn was dealt, Smith cried in a press conference that his friend was traded. Maybe the writing was on the wall for Smith’s future with the Bears. Collecting a stockpile of draft picks to revamp the entire Bears roster is part of the plan for newly hired Ryan Poles who is still in his first year with Chicago.

The Baltimore Ravens get a linebacker that can help their defense now. Ravens seem to always have had a quality defense in the NFL. Since Ray Lewis retired, the Ravens’ defenses over the years have been up and down. Lamar Jackson and the offense are the heartbeat of the Ravens these days. Ravens are one of elite teams in the AFC. Ravens are perched on top of the AFC North looking to claim the division once they owned. Ravens have given up a few late 4th quarter leads this season that have cost them team games. Roquan Smith gives the Ravens a tackling machine on their defense, and a linebacker that has good coverage in the secondary. Smith this season with the Bears has 83 tackles and 2.5 sacks with two interceptions in 8 games. Smith is not a pass rushing linebacker. Smith’s game is chasing offensive players down like a dog from sideline to sideline or in between the hash marks. Smith leads the NFL in tackles this season. Smith gives the Ravens a play maker on their defense. Smith in 4 1/2 years in a Bears uniform has 607 tackles of which 47 of them are for a loss. Smith has racked up 16 1/2 sacks with 20 quarterback hits as he is not used to kill the quarterback. In coverage, Smith has defended 20 passes and has 7 interceptions.

I truly think the Chicago Bears wanted to keep Roquan Smith in the mix. Smith is only 25 years old and has one year remaining under his rookie contract, under which he expects to get paid like a pass rushing specialist. How long will this rebuild take to have the Bears once again relevant? Smith has no agent as he represents himself as most people would be insulted over what your bosses say about you to your face in a contract negotiation. Chicago offered him an extension. Honestly, it can hurt any contract without an agent dealing the negotiations. Bears are going nowhere this year and have a plan to collect as many draft picks as they can. Bears got the most out of this Smith trade with two picks. Plus, A.J Klein can be a serviceable veteran this season who could help Little Kitty band aid the opposing offenses who will start having field days versus the Bears defense. Last week, Dallas hung 49 points on the Bears D with Smith in the line up. Klein is 31 years old, and has played ten seasons in the NFL that features stops in Carolina, New Orleans and Buffalo before signing with Baltimore. I hate giving up your own that you have drafted. In the long run, Bears are better off by trading him now instead of franchise tagging him later and dealing with another future holdout.

The Ravens are all in this season, as Roquan Smith could just be a rent-a-player. Is Smith the final piece for the Ravens to get them through a tough conference of the AFC during post-season? If Ravens can extend Smith and keep him in Baltimore this deal will work out for both teams. I don’t like Smith as his own agent as the Ravens already have a guy like that in Lamar Jackson. Jackson too is playing in his last year of his rookie contract. Jackson would get paid well before Smith. Not sure the Ravens can pay both guys with a max contract. I think Smith is a good person, and a good football player, but crying because your teammate was traded is a different animal. If there is no crying in baseball, football, and hockey have to be above and beyond the Summer pastime. The younger generations crying is probably acceptable even on a good romantic comedy movie night with your own phone. Ray Lewis would lose his mind if a fellow linebacker was crying on his shoulders because they traded someone. Lewis, I still think he got away with murder. Let’s hope Smith can stop the bleeding on opposing teams trying to come back in the 4th quarter the rest of the way for the Ravens season. It would help justify this move in short and long term. Perhaps all the X-Bears will reunite in another city and get the band back together. Khalil Mack is in LA.

WEEK 8 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

LAST WEEK’S RECORD (7-7)

SEASON RECORD (61-47)

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

This game I did put in some deep Jack Handy thoughts to before picking my winner. Ravens have blown a few late leads this season already. Tom Brady could lift this Buccaneers season that’s on the brink of the toilet flush, even with half the season left with a 4th quarter comeback. Then I finish sniffing the glue, put it away, and realize the Buccaneers offense is broken. The Panthers win came to mind from last week. Lamar Jackson will ride out Tampa Bay with a victory. Brady does not have the horses to match Jackson’s production.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

OVER THE POND

DENVER BRONCOS VERSUS JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (IN LONDON)

I remember when they were talking about moving the Jaguars over to London, England permanent. Florida would gladly say Cheerio!! Both Broncos and Jaguars are struggling, and whichever team loses this game, they might as well play for a top draft pick the rest of the way. Both teams’ defenses have been better than their offenses. Russell Wilson will be back in this one. London has similar weather to Seattle: foggy with rainy mild temperatures. What is the best place to find yourself going home again but not actually going home? Wilson away from all the chitter chatter in Denver and gossip in the states, could just focus on playing the game. Both teams have lost 4 straight. I’m betting on Wilson here.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS

The NFC South has turned into the dreaded NFC East. It’s a football pandemic. Atlanta is actually on top of this waste heap in the NFC South. Carolina has been selling off pieces and they are still making a run at the division.

The Panthers have an XFL stand out at the quarterback position. While the Falcons have a guy in Marcus Mariota who was playing sparingly the last few seasons running the wild cat offense here and there on a few series a game. Mariota is trying to recapture his football career and has done well so far. Panthers played their best game of the year last week versus Tom Brady. Falcons probably could have beat Brady and the Buccaneers, but the referee in that one changed the outcome of that game calling roughing the passer on a simple tackle. Falcons have played everyone tough this season. I can see them taking a close one versus the Panthers at home and getting a strangle hold on the division.

OUR PREDICTION: FALCONS

CHICAGO BEARS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

No way in hell the Bears will play like they did on Monday night versus the Patriots and go into Dallas and knock the Boys off their saddle sores. Dak Prescott knocked off the rust last week in his return. Justin Fields is running for your life Charlie Brown and cannot last all season long. Dallas defense is a top ten unit in the league. Bears offensive line is a concern. Bears have played in close games all season. Which they give the Cowboys a game. At the end, Dak Prescott feeds on teams with losing records like the Clown feeding on kids in the sewers.

OUR PREDICTION: COWBOYS

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT DETROIT LIONS

Lions are back to their old ways with ugly losses. Dolphins were able to protect their quarterback for at least one game. I can’t see the Lions being able to stop Miami’s aerial game that features Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. Dolphins defense is looking better. Both sides of the ball in Miami are making strides at this time of the year while the Lions really have nothing working right now.

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Kyle Murray got his old friend back in DeAndre Hopkins who made an impact last week in a Cardinals win. Minnesota had a bye last week and find themselves in the driver’s seat in the NFC Central. Will former Cardinal now Viking corner back Patrick Peterson find a way to haunt his former team? This match up could be a track meet as both teams have a slew of weapons to be used. Kirk Cousins has won 4 in a row for the Vikings behind center. Murray looking more and more like his old self. Cousins has never won 5 straight games behind center in his career is my nugget picking the winner.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

THE YUKON CORNELIUS BOWL

This is another match up that can potentially be a high scoring affair. Saints once upon a time ago had a powerhouse defense which is MIA this season. Even with Jameis Winston’s return, Saints elect to stick with Andy Dalton as their starting quarterback. Derek Carr is getting better each week as he seems to be on the same page with Josh Daniels’ offense. Can Raiders win on the road for the first time this season? Offense will happen in this game with both teams having a talented back field. Saints with Alvin Kamara and Raiders’ Josh Jacobs coming off a big game last week. Raiders defense can rush the quarterback. The silver and black make one play more on their defense that beats the Gold and black.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT NEW YORK JETS

This will be the game for Bill Belichick when he finds out the Patriots are the worst team in the AFC East. The Jets are a high-flying act of young players buying into the system and gelling right now. Jets can make big plays on offense, defense, or even special teams where they chime. Patriots looked bad versus the Bears on Monday night. Patriots quarterback situation is now a skit like who’s on first. Patriots’ 12 game winning streak versus the Jets comes to an end as the Evil Empire will have to head back to the drawing board as their season starts to fizzle away.

OUR PICK: JETS

TENNESSEE TITANS AT HOUSTON TEXANS

The Titans have been one of the hottest teams in the league. The Titans are not winning pretty but getting the job done. Meanwhile the Texans quarterback Davis Mills had one of his best games of his career versus the Raiders last Sunday despite the team losing the game. The Texans’ run defense has been open season on opposing running backs. Look for Titans’ Derrick Henry to have a monster game. Can the Texans sneak into Nashville like last season and come out with a victory? Titans are 15-3 in the last 18 division games. The Titans defense is not the best unit in the league, but they can make a big play that can help them win yet another important division game.

OUR PICK: TITANS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The battle of Pennsylvania.

The Eagle has landed. I can’t see the Steelers getting out of Philadelphia with a victory. Eagles offense can mass produce points compared to the Steelers offense. Young quarterback Kenny Pickett has seven interceptions in 4 games already. Eagles defense just got better with the addition of pass rusher Robert Quinn from the Bears in a trade. The Miami 1972 undefeated team will not be popping corks this week as the Eagles will stay unbeaten.

OUR PICK EAGLES

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

This could have been another Carson Wentz revenge game over his former team. Colts still in search of another quarterback as Matt Ryan has been put on Ice instead of being Matty Ice. The Colts now turn to Sam Ehlinger instead of going with Nick “The Dick” Foles. The Commanders have turned to their security blanket at quarterback Taylor Heinicke who helped the Commanders prevail over Green Bay last Sunday. Ehlinger has never thrown a pass in the NFL and will be the 8th different quarterback to start a game for the Colts since 2017. Surprised the Colts did not contact Andrew Luck for the job. Heinicke has experience and seems to get the team to follow him when he starts as he is 8-9 behind center as a starter. Watch the Commanders pass rush smother the young Colts quarterback. This will be the key for another Washington victory.

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT LA RAMS

The 49ers prevailed in the first meeting of the year a few weeks back on Monday night. The Rams coming off their bye week and head coach Sean McVay is only 3-2 in those games. The 49ers were blown out by the Chiefs last week in Christian McCaffrey’s debut with the team. Rams are not the same team as they were last year winning the Superbowl. Matthew Stafford has thrown too many interceptions of which some have been pick sixes. The Rams run defense has not scared anybody as McCaffrey could have a big day at the office this Sunday. Plus Jimmy G has done very well as a starter versus the Rams winning the last three regular season games over LA.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

NEW YORK GIANTS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Both the Giants and Seahawks are having magical seasons. Giants chasing the the undefeated Eagles with 6-1 starts. The Seahawks are perched on top of the NFC West. I don’t think anyone could have predicted both teams doing this well. Both these teams have screwed me all year trying to pick their outcome each week. Geno Smith and the Seahawks offense has been averaging 34 points per week the last 4 contests. Saquon Barkley, healthy once again, leads the NFL in scrimmage yards. Seattle is a tough place to play on the road. Even though Geno Smith started his career in a Jets uniform, I like the idea he will make some headlines in the New York papers come Monday with a victory.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT BUFFALO BILLS

The Packers are struggling as they have lost three in a row. Bills are well rested coming off their bye week after winning a big game versus their archrival, the Chiefs. Aaron Rodgers griping about way the team has played and things may not be going well in the Packers locker room. Packers offense from the start of the season has not done well. Rodgers is off to his worst start of his career stats-wise. Now Packers are going to one of the toughest places in the NFL to avoid a 4-game losing streak. Bills have one of the best offenses and defenses in the entire league. Green Bay really only has their running game working. Bills put the nail in the Packer coffin for the 2022 season as Rodgers may slither away at the end of it.

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

It looks like the grand plan in Cleveland of Deshaun Watson coming in after week 11 to help the Browns reach the post-season is not going to happen. Joe Burrow is starting to feel his game take off like last year as he launched the ball all over the field last Sunday. Browns have been involved in some trade rumors. Not bringing in players to help getting rid of guys for draft picks. Bengals will be without their top weapon in JaMarr Chase, out with a hip injury. Bengals still have plenty of weapons for Burrow to play with. Bengals are rolling while the Dawg pound in Cleveland is snarling.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

When Mike Ditka, Da Coach, was the Chicago Bears head coach in the 1980’s, it was all about the sweater. In baseball, Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker wears those feminine gloves in the dugout. In the 1990s, many will remember the Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Walt Corey chewing on a swizzle stick during his chess match with the opposing team’s offensive coordinator. Corey, a former star linebacker who went into coaching after his playing days, lasted 27 years on the sidelines. Corey spent 8 seasons in Buffalo and was part of those 4 AFC Championships of the Bills in the 1990’s. Corey has passed away at 84 years of age. He was a guy who gave his lifetime to the sport of football while touching many lives in the process.

During the late 1980’s and the 1990’s, I was a young football fan. I played football one year in grammar school, and another season in high school at that time while watching the NFL which I loved. I was a Buffalo Bills fan then and still am today. I remember those great Bills teams and telecasts mentioning the chewing swizzle stick defensive coordinator, Walt Corey. Back then you could not download the information you can in present times. Coach Cory had an interesting career. Corey was an un-drafted linebacker out of the University of Miami. Drafted by the Dallas Texans of the AFL.

The Texans would go on and move to Kansas City and become the Chiefs. Corey played some solid football as a player and was part of interesting football history. In 1963, Corey was an All-Star linebacker. Corey was part of two AFL championships between the years of 1962-66. Then the merger happened, and Corey played in the first Superbowl in history when the Chiefs and the Packers squared off.

In the 1990’s, I loved the sitcom, Coach. Head Coach Hayden Fox, played by Craig T. Nelson, with his longtime assistant Luther Van Dam, played by Jerry Van Dyke, coaching the Minnesota Screaming Eagles. Then eventually moving on together to take on a professional team, the Orlando Breakers. Walt Corey and longtime head coach in the NFL Marv Levy, had that kind of relationship. Marv Levy was head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs before he came to Buffalo. Back then in Kansas City, Corey coached the Chiefs defensive line, and defensive backs from 1978-82. Levy would hire his old friend in Buffalo as the defensive coordinator where Corey would coach 8 seasons in Western New York from 1987-1994. Bills had a ton of talent on those defenses, Corey the coach from Bruce Smith, Cornelius Bennett, and Daryl Talley are some of the big names. One of my favorite players on the defensive side of the ball for the Bills was linebacker Shane Conlan.

During Walt Corey’s time in Buffalo, it was his 1988 Buffalo defensive unit that was the best as they ranked number 4 that year in total defense. Shocking it was not one of the 4 straight Superbowl defenses the Bills had which were not his best units. Corey had 4 other defenses in his 8 seasons in Buffalo in the top 12 of the league. The Bills 1993 defensive unit finished in top 5 in points allowed in the good way not giving them up which is the bad way.

Walt Corey would move on from Buffalo and find himself coaching in the Big Easy under Chicago legend Mike Ditka, when he was hired as the Saints Head Coach.

Corey helped the Saints from 1997-1999. In 2001, Corey gave the Wrestling league called the XFL, a whirl as defensive coordinator. Corey would coach the defense for the Memphis Maniax. The XFL part one would last only one season.

Walt Corey would play in a Superbowl and then coach in 4 of them. Corey has played in and coached in some interesting places over his football life. You may feel his heart probably belong in Kansas City with runner-up being Buffalo. I’m sure he did plenty of great things in each journey he made, dedicating his life to the game of football. The Bills should have won one of those 4 Superbowls. The first one with the missed kick that sailed wide right in the last seconds was heart breaking. The Bills played solid on both sides of the ball versus the Giants. The other three Superbowls, the Bills were flat on both sides of the ball. You can’t point the finger at one side of the ball. These things just happen in sports. Walt Corey was part of winning four straight AFC Championships which many can’t say they did that done that. I feel he created a team effort which was a big part in those 8 years being that young fan watching the game and giving me so much joy to watch. Buffalo Bills football is my team I care the most about passion-wise. Every time I stir my bloody Mary with my swizzle stick these days, Walt Corey and some great defenses will flash in my mind where present times it’s all about scoring in the NFL. Only guys like Corey will still find a way to hand cuff an offense even with being handcuffed themselves with too many rules against the defense. In heaven, Walt Corey is probably preparing his defense while chewing on his swizzle stick facing an offense with Water Payton and Red Grange the Galloping Ghost. Wouldn’t that be sweetness to see that unfold. RIP Coach !!!!

The Chicago Bears have been notorious for overpaying for bigger names in the league by trade or through free agency only to get nothing significant in return. The latest Bears move has Chicago sending defensive end Robert Quinn to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 4th round pick. Plus, the Bears will pick up most of Quinn’s salary to cement the deal. In 2020, Bears broke open their piggy bank and splurged for the defensive end, Quinn, who became a free agent after one season in Dallas as he had 11.5 sacks for the Cowboys in 2019. Ryan Pace then was General Manager of the Bears & his thought process was having Quinn on one side with Khalil Mack on the other side. Opposing offenses would not know what hit them. Pace gave Quinn a 5-year deal worth 70 million for his services. The new regime is in place now after Ryan Pace’s grand scheme failed miserably. The new GM is cleaning up after that Pace disaster as Ryan Poles has gotten nothing of what Pace paid by dealing Quinn and Mack this year.

The Mighty Quinn has played in the NFL for now 12 seasons as he is 32 years old and has 102 sacks to his name. Robert Quinn started his career in St. Louis with the Rams as he moved with the team to LA to play two seasons on the West coast. Since leaving the Rams organization, Quinn has played for 4 teams in 4 seasons. Miami, Dallas, Chicago & now heading to Philadelphia. This season, under the new defensive scheme from new head coach Matt Eberflus the Mighty Quinn, has struggled seven games in the season. Quinn has only 1 sack, with 3 quarterback hits, and two tackles for losses which is not enough production for the money he gets. The first year with the Bears, during the pandemic, Quinn only had two sacks the entire season as he played in 15 games. Last season, Quinn went ape shit as he killed many of the quarterbacks throughout the league racking up 18 1/2 sacks which broke the Bears all-time single season record held by Hall of Famer Richard Dent. Quinn was 1/2 sack short of his career single season record back with the Rams in 2013 when he had 19 sacks.

It’s great seeing the new guy, Ryan Poles, cleaning out the bad stench that the old regime of Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy left at Halas Hall. When the Bears first signed Robert Quinn, I screamed out loud over why an overpaid defense end whose track record is not very solid. Every other year on the back of Quinn’s football card he does well. Not even consistent. Bears needed offensive line help back then of which they still do, to this present day. Some things never change. Bears instead overpaid for a guy that had one good season in Chicago. Bears could have traded Quinn last year while he was hot to trot as the team was not going anywhere. Perhaps we could get a taker to pay all the money on this guy’s contract and maybe two draft picks instead of a lone 4th rounder. Bears lost in the Khalil Mack deal as they gave up the cow to the Raiders for Mack. Chargers then gave up a few beans to the Bears to take Mack off our hands. I know it’s Ryan Poles’ first year as a General Manager so he’s getting his feet wet. I like how he’s collecting draft picks as the old regime gave them away like Halloween candy. If Poles avoids trading up one spot to grab the Mitch Trubisky’s of the world, then we have a solid plan in the works. Some will say why did the Bears trade a guy after the team just beat the Patriots. Stop it. Bears are not going to the playoffs just because they beat another inferior team like the Patriots. I think the Bears should now deal their best player, Roquan Smith. The linebacker had beef about his contract earlier this season. Smith even cried in front of a press conference when he was asked about Robert Quinn being traded. Deal Smith while you can get something more, then wait until next year pissing him off with a franchise tag. Quinn is a well-respected Irish name, but enough is enough with signing guys with this last name. Jonathan Quinn was a fraud at quarterback years ago when the starter went down, and he was forced into action. Robert Quinn now holds a Bears legend record in a very bad year in Bears history. The Mighty Quinn’s… we have seen enough.

WEEK 7 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

LAST WEEK ‘S RECORD: DISASTEROUS

SEASON RECORD IN STRAIGHT PICK-EM 54-40

WEEK SEVEN LOOKING TO REBOUND

WEEK 7 PREDICTIONS

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

The Cardinals have averaged 13 points per game the last two weeks. Saints lost another close battle, this time to the Bengals. Cardinals will get much needed help at the receiving position as the return of DeAndre Hopkins off the suspension list should help Kyler Murray get his favorite weapon back. Cardinals also acquired wide receiver Robbie Anderson from the Panthers. Saints are running the ball well, and they ran over 200 yards on the Bengals defense last week. I think Hopkins will be rusty. I think the Saints defense performs better than they have in recent weeks.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

ATLANTA FALCONS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Falcons are no longer the doormat of the league. Joe Burrow is finding that last season chemistry with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase that took the league by storm last year. This game features two Heisman trophy winners, Burrow for the Bengals and Marcus Mariota for the Falcons. Falcons will give the Bengals a scare in this one. Cincinnati seems to be finding different ways lately to win close games as it will carry over in week 7.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

Both the Brownies and Ravens are 1-3 in a one score game this season. Both teams have found ways of losing games late in the 4th quarter. Both defenses have played terrible. The stat that jumps out at me is Lamar Jackson is 6-2 versus the Browns in his career. Ravens being at home means they should bounce back.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

DETROIT LIONS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

I’m off the Detroit Lion express as this team has been bitten on the rear more than once this season. The return of Dak Prescott behind center for the Cowboys should give this team some additional motivation, especially coming off the loss to the Eagles last Sunday night. Cooper Rush has played well in Prescott’s absence. This is a perfect time to insert Prescott back on the field playing a bad lion defense and being at home.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Can back-up quarterback Taylor Heinecke push the Packers season to the brink? Packers have lost their last three games in the Nation’s capital. Commanders barely won the High School Prep Bowl versus the Bears last Thursday. Aaron Rodgers is feeling the wrath of the Green Bay fan base. Rodgers does not care. However, Packers always find their way out of the bottom of barrel where their season is right now. Commanders don’t have the horses to stop Green Bay’s two-headed back field.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT TENNESSEE TITANS

Titans have owned the Colts the last few meetings which includes the last a few weeks back. Have the Colts found their offense? Yes, Jonathan Taylor is set to return to action the running back who missed the last few weeks. Veteran quarterback Matt Ryan has finally found what the Colts were looking for behind center when they traded for him during the off season. Titans coming off a bye week had plenty of time to prepare for their division rivals. I think Colts break this losing streak with the Titans and exploit Tennessee’s weak passing defense that will help Indianapolis get on a roll.

OUR PICK: COLTS

NEW YORK GIANTS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

This is my F*** YOU game to myself as both the Jaguars and Giants screw me every single week. Both teams never do what their told. Are the Giants for real with a record of 5-1? Look like the Jaguars turn the corner as they started off the season playing well. Giants are rolling right now while the Jaguars have lost three games in row. The hotter team, the Giants, is who I’m going with.

OUR PICK: GIANTS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS

Oh what I would pay to see Tom Brady lose to this Panther team. Panthers are having a garage sale as anything not bolted down much go. Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey sold off. I’m sure the Buccaneers are sick and tired hearing Brady jibber jabber. Buccaneers defense should easily put a halt to a bad Panther offense. Brady should get a positive day with his guys and rebound from Mitch Trubisky and the Steelers.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

HOUSTON TEXANS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Both the Texans and Raiders coming off the bye week. Texans went into bye week with a win while the Raiders saw their lead evaporate from the Chiefs in the second half of that Monday night affair.

The Adams family is behind their beloved brother Devante even his bad decision, of pushing that camera man after that last Raider loss. Uncle Fester had a deep hearted conversation to his nephew. Expect Adams to have a big game. Lovie Smith will have his Texans playing hard as it will be a close game, but at the end Houston will lose on the road.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

NEW YORK JETS AT DENVER BRONCOS

Remember quarterback Mark Rypien who won a Superbowl for the Washington Redskins in the 1990’s? His nephew will get the start for the Denver Broncos this weekend. Brett Rypien qA like Cooper Rush, coming into his first start of this season 1-0. Can Brett have that kind of run Cooper had with the Boys? Bronco fans have to be excited and pissed off at the same time not to mention Russell Wilson led that dormant offense, which has gone on all year. The wasted draft picks will haunt John Elway. I don’t like Brett’s odds even at home when the Jets fly into town. Jets are a young and hungry team playing solid on all phases of their game. Jets find ways to make big plays and turn them into victories. Jets went into Lambeau field and beat the Packers. They can do the same thing in Denver.

OUR PICK: JETS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

This is a rematch of Superbowl LIV. Both Chiefs and 49ers lost last weekend. Will Christian McCaffrey see action in this showdown? Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have put up two 40 burgers in the last two road contests.

I find it hard to see the Chiefs lose two straight games than the 49ers losing two in a row. I think this game will be close not a shoot-out. I think Chiefs find a way in the closing seconds to steal a win on the road.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT LA CHARGERS

If anyone told me the Chargers and Seahawks were going to be involved in an offensive shoot out without Russell Wilson behind center, I would give the person the eyeball. Geno Smith behind center for the Seahawks is putting up monster numbers, and I’m still in disbelief. This game should be a high scoring affair. Justin Herbert might be one of the Greek Gods when it comes to delivering the goods for these types of games and winning most of these outcomes when defense don’t show up. I think Herbert will make one more big play than Smith Seahawks to win a close high-scoring affair. Watch this game be all defense, although I still like the Chargers.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS

The return of Tua Tagovailoa behind center for the Dolphins. Does Tua even know what day it is today? Steelers also have a return of Mitch Trubisky to starting QB 1. It’s easy to say the Dolphins will be back to their old ways with TUA time in an exploding aerial attack in the skies of Miami.

Do you trust that Miami offensive line? One big hit & lights-out for Tua Time. Steelers have been up and down all season long. It’s hard to keep Steelers down as they showed up and played very well last week to get the victory versus the Buccaneers. I think Steelers defense shows up with a big game out for Trubisky to seal the deal on the road.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

MONDAY NIGHT GAME

CHICAGO BEARS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Why do the Bears keep getting prime time games? I feel like the nation thinks Chicago is just another episode of the Jerry Springer show during which anything can happen. Not at the quarterback position when it comes to the Bears. Then the Patriots who make you think that Bill Belichick will just go away. Enough is enough. Patriots are 3-3 hanging in there looking to get hot like they did at this time last year. Who is Bailey Zappe?

What grinds my gears is Belichick, and many teams, can insert a quarterback behind center like changing batteries in a smoke detector. Zappe last week throws for 300 yards and a few touchdown passes in a big win for the Patriot nation. Bears are still toying around with Justin Fields and that Junior Varsity offense that Chicago has. Bears suck in prime-time games. Patriots are playing solid football right now.

OUR PICK: PATRIOTS

Why is Tom Brady still playing in the NFL? The Buccaneers team as a whole is aging with many holes on the roster. They would not have gotten many quarterbacks out of retirement to play in Tampa Bay. Then in the Dairyland Aaron Rodgers is just collecting the paycheck while going through the motions in Green Bay. Rodgers was more fired up years ago when the Packers drafted quarterback Jordan Love over the Packers trading away his main weapon to the Raiders in Devante Adams. Both Rogers and Brady many thought were the cream of the crop in the NFC. Teams in the dreaded NFC East have risen past their sorry-arse teams. Both Rodgers and Brady have their teams at the 500 mark, 3-3, after the first six weeks of the season. With 11 games left in the season, I’m sure either quarterback could steer the ship for their team and find the post-season. The way both quarterbacks are playing, they better hope their ship finds the Bermuda Triangle and disappears from the game without everyone noticing their whimpering.

Why did Tom Brady change his mind about retirement? Brady has nothing to prove in his career with all the Superbowl rings, even the one he earned with the Buccaneers. Brady has all the legit all-time stats playing quarterback at the age of 45. Eventually some robotic half human, half machine from the future made from Sky-Net will break Tom Brady’s record. Unless Brady freezes his head in some Bio-lab which will eventually put his head on another body. I’m sure Brady has looked into it. Bruce Arians, the head coach of the Buccaneers, even walked away into the sunset which could tell you he probably squeezed the team’s only Superbowl from this group. Brady alienated his family coming back to play the game as his model wife looks like she’s going divorce Tom’s big ego. Is it because Gisele Bundchen, Brady’s wife, makes more money than him and is well known all over the world? Has the Goat lost his game? Brady in six games has 8 touchdown passes to only one interception. Brady is completing 67% of his passes. Buccaneers offense can’t dial up big pass plays due to the offensive line so Brady is completing short passes so he does not get murdered back there. Broken tablets, yelling at his offensive line, and coming short on a few key two-point conversions sums up Tom’s season. Is the Goat all in? Going to your former bosses wedding, Robert Kraft, and missing the team walkthroughs tells me you’re not all in Mr. Goat.

Then there’s Aaron Rodgers who gives you that look like, “I don’t care what the hell anyone thinks about me.” Aaron’s ego could be bigger than Tom Brady’s. Rodgers reminds me of Jay Cutler collecting a hefty ransom and whatever happens on the field means “whatever” as he shrugs his shoulders. The Packers have a collection of younger receivers that are not on same page as Rodgers. I thought great quarterbacks make receivers better. You can say a good craftsman never blames his tools. Rodgers has blamed his tools for dropping his passes. Rodgers is 38 years old and so far this year has 9 touchdown passes compared to three interceptions. Rodgers is also completing around 67% of his passes. Rodgers has felt the heat like Brady as teams are putting pressure on these guys. It is so easy to blame the offensive line and I’m sure Rodgers has pointed in that general direction. Last season the Packers averaged 26.4 points per game and this year the team is averaging 17.4. Rodgers is averaging 233.8 yards pass per game this season, his lowest ever in his career. Rodgers says we have to simplify things, execute each play, and be held accountable… meaning everyone else besides himself.

This year in the NFL the league is upside down in craziness with most teams jumbled up in a pack of average. The NFL has some bad teams. The NFL has a few teams that are the cream of the crop that stand alone, and the Buccaneers or the Packers are not in that conversation. Buccaneers losing to Mitch Trubisky and the Steelers last week brought a giggle out of me. Packers losing to the Jets at home means all these Wisconsin hunters will be blooding up the woods taking their football frustrations out on Bambi. I can see either the Buccaneers or Packers making some kind of run at some point during the season and sneaking their team through the back door to the post-season. I can’t see either the Packers or Buccaneers beating a top tier team in this league in the post-season, which leaves them a long way from the Superbowl conversation. I hate both Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Most people do because of their arrogance, and they’ve probably beaten your favorite team over and over. Jealous somewhat. Both quarterbacks will be on the Canton first ballot. Their bitching, complaining, moaning, and groaning will tarnish their reputations if their douchiness has not already beaten them to the goal line. Many will remember both quarterbacks for lighting up the score board and guiding their teams to the promised land. Right now and right here in front, these two look like grumpy old women bitching because they ran low on BenGay cream. Out with a whimper.

NFL WEEK SIX

STRAIGHT PICK-EM SEASON RECORD (46-34)

OUR TROPHY CASE FOR SEASON

Week 4 winner

LAST WEEK RECORD (10-6)

PREDICTIONS WEEK SIX

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT CHICAGO BEARS

This game features two JV teams going at it in the NFL. I’d rather go watch a local high school game instead of trying to stomach this contest and pay 12 bucks for a beer. Both the Commanders and Bears offensive lines feature doors of a whorehouse. You can come in, but you won’t know what you’ll catch. If either team can catch the football. All the locals and my circle are heavy on the Bears winning this one. I’m certainly not following that herd heading over the cliff.

OUR PREDICTION: COMMANDERS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS

Could this be a trap game for the 49ers with the Chiefs up in the on deck circle? No team can sleep on the Atlanta Falcons as they battled with every opponent each week. Jimmy Garoppolo is doing what Jimmy does best… win games.

The 49ers have won back-to-back games and are playing solid football without making mistakes. The Falcons will battle but once again come up short.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

I have picked against the Patriots every week which made me look foolish last week as I thought the Lions would roar to a victory. Browns have lost some close games, but every loss means Deshaun Watson’s chances of starting a playoff game when he gets back to action become that much harder. I think the Browns can run on the Patriots as Bill Belichick’s run defense has been surrendering 128 Yards per contest so far this season. Jacoby Brissett may want to add another loss to his former team. The Browns keep those doggies rolling while Watson has another displeased lady with the massage table filing a sexual complaint against him. Can Browns score more points than Deshaun Watson’s sexual pile of grievances?

OUR PREDICTION: BROWNS

NEW YORK JETS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS

Love when the Packers fall on hard times. How scary are the Jets flying into Green Bay with their sights on full throttle for the upset at Lambeau Field? Aaron Rodgers’ passing game has struggled all year. Thank the lord the Packers traded away their best receiver to the Raiders. Look at the Brewers trading their closer at the trade deadline while leading their division. We see how that worked. Brewers miss the playoffs and Josh Hader closed out the Dodgers yesterday. Something must be surfacing in the Wisconsin cheese.

I like the upset here with Jets forcing six turnovers in the last two games. Packers will give the Jets a heavy dose of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillion who will carry this team to victory and the entire Cheese-head state could come off the ledge of their barns.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Both these teams suck. Both these teams screw me all year either picking them or going against them. Colts will be without their starting horse in the back field, Jonathan Taylor. Thank the lord I picked this cat on my fantasy team. The Jaguars went back to their old Jaguar ways last Sunday versus Lovie Smith… pathetic Texans. This will be another awful game to watch. I’m going with the home team in this one. Maybe Matt Ryan will show up for the first time this season and do something.

OUR PICK: COLTS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS

Dolphins are living the script in the Al Pacino movie, Any Given Sunday losing their top two quarterbacks with injuries.

Dolphins have better chances of the heat playing a factor versus the Vikings instead of hoping & praying Teddy Bridgewater can get out of concussion protocols and start this game and play well. Vikings offense should be able to handle the Dolphins defense. Vikings defense should be able to pressure whichever quarterback starts this game. Obviously, Dolphins have a weakness on that line as teams are teeing off on their quarterbacks.

OUR PREDICTION: VIKINGS

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Two Bumble legendary quarterbacks square off in the Big Easy. Joe Burrows versus Andy Dalton. What a fight card while you’re eating spaghetti chili.

Since Dalton left Cincinnati, the Red Rifle has beaten his former team dressed in a Cowboys uniform and a Bears uniform. Bengals desperately need a win, and the Saints dome is a hard place to achieve that goal. Maybe not when it’s your old stomping grounds. I can see the gold and black being replaced with purple and yellow LSU colors where Joe Burrow went.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT NEW YORK GIANTS

I know the Giants are 4-1 and coming off a big victory versus the Packers. Just not buying what the G-Men are selling. Giants are definitely a football team on the rise but top of the NFC. Ravens will be a pretty good measuring stick for Brian Daboll’s squad. Ravens could be undefeated with some bad losses. They gave up the lead late in a few contests. Ravens played the Bengals tough last week and grinded out a victory which should get Lamar Jackson and company feeling good going to New Jersey on the road to bring the Giants back down to earth.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Tom Brady should not need the roughing of the passer call which was not last week on the road in Pittsburgh to win this one.

Brady fine kicking the Falcons defender. How many defenders do you think over the years would like to meet Tom Brady in dark alley? Ryan Fitzpatrick would love that idea. For the Steelers they will have a rare losing season. It’s all about developing rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett who looks like something special so far.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT LA RAMS

Panthers still have not gotten a 300 yard game of total offense. Panthers head coach fired. Baker Mayfield is in the dog house. Panthers trade rumors swirling. Who wouldn’t want a bus ticket out of there? Meanwhile the Superbowl champs are experiencing tough times. This Sunday, the Rams will be eating well having some Panther fillets on the barbie.

OUR PICK: RAMS

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

What is this craziness I’ve been hearing through the grape vine? Geno Smith of the Seahawks is a legit quarterback in the NFL? Same Geno who once suited up with the Jets. Smith leads the league in QB rating, how about those apples, as a veteran he finds his game later in his career. Another battle of the birds, and it seems like we had a lot of those in recent weeks. I do not like either squad’s defense in this one. This should be a shoot-out. I like Kyler Murray as the last man standing by the time the final whistle blows.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

BUFFALO BILLS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

This is the clash of the titans match up that everyone wants to see. Chiefs and Bills – this one could be a preview of the AFC championship. Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, two of the best quarterbacks in the entire league, went at it last year in that epic post-season game that went to overtime.

Bills have been knocked out of the playoffs by the Chiefs, the last two seasons. Allen and the Bills went into Kansas City on a Sunday night about this time last year and throttled the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. This game should be another classic and it should be featured as the game of the week. Must-see television. I like the Bills on the road in this one. I think the Bills will not play that preventative-style defense that gave the Chiefs an easy drive to send that playoff game last year to overtime. Von Miller, the X-factor, will find a way to get Mahomes to the ground. Bills get their revenge, but the real revenge will come in the playoffs with Kansas City visiting Buffalo in the cold weather.

OUR PICK: BILLS

SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

DALLAS COWBOYS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The city of Philadelphia is having some magic this weekend. First the Phillies, took down last year’s champs in the baseball post-season. Eagles trying to stay undefeated face their archrival Cowboys who come to town on a 4-game winning streak high. Something has to give on streaks. Cooper Rush as a starter for the Boys has not lost a game in his career. The Eagles have not lost a game this season. Cowboys sack artist, Micah Parsons, is dealing with a groin injury. Hard to chase a guy like Jalen Hurts who makes big plays with his legs. Dak Prescott’s return could play into the mind of Cooper Rush in a big NFC East showdown. The town of Philadelphia to me has that mojo with their sports teams right at this moment. It will not wear off on Sunday.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

DENVER BRONCOS AT LA CHARGERS

Russell Wilson and that Broncos offense have shown me nothing all season long to pick them to win a road game in LA. This isn’t a road game for the Chargers because they have no fans. Broncos defense has played well all season, but how long can they contain the Chargers running and aerial attack? Justin Herbert will put points up on the board while Russell Wilson can’t get the family roadster in gear.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

We earned our first merit ribbon last week going 13-3 which was good enough to win the pool I’m in. Still scratching my head over how this occurred. Sometimes you run into some luck in life.

NFL WEEK 5 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT DENVER BRONCOS

THE JACK ASS BOWL

Colts/Broncos: I’d rather watch PBS than try to stomach two veteran quarterbacks that look dreadful. Both Matt Ryan and Russell Wilson are new to their donkey team. Both QB’s looked like they aged ten years. Not even sure which team wants to win more. Going with the home team on this garbage. Thank God it’s on Amazon Prime.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

THE MORNING TEA

NEW YORK GIANTS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (LONDON)

Both teams have beaten the Bears which does not tell me anything in this one. Giants are off to a surprising start. Aaron Rodgers has his first ever game over the pond. I think a trip like this will help the Packers find themselves. Something about the foggy air. The tea and crumpets. The cool throwback taxi cabs cruising around the Big Ben clock. All of this somehow makes the Packers wide receivers able to catch a few balls more than they have all year.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

BACK TO THE U.S.A

CHICAGO BEARS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS

No David Montgomery in the back field for the Bears. Vikings went overseas and showed up to beat the Saints in London. Justin Fields still makes too many mistakes which Vikings should capitalize on. Vikings at home in a regular noon game versus an inferior division opponent, is right up Kirk Cousins’ alley.

OUR PICK:VIKINGS

ATLANTA FALCONS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

I was at first thinking another Falcon upset special. Falcons have been playing well especially on the offensive side of the ball. Falcons will be without their Swiss Army Knife, Cordarrelle Patterson, which kills my upset. Look for Tom Brady and the Buccaneers to rebound after getting thrashed last week in a prime-time game versus the Chiefs.

OUR PICK:BUCCANEERS

DETROIT LIONS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Lions are putting up some points. The Patriots have injuries at the quarterback position. It’s a reunion for the Lions and Matt Patricia, their former coach. I think the Lions will have an extra roar in this one and win a close one on the road. Patriots offense will not be able to generate enough points.

OUR PICK: LIONS

HOUSTON TEXANS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

This might be the first time I feel confident picking the Jaguars to win a game. Texans have a pretty good defense. The Jaguars have the better defense. On offense, Jaguars are scoring points and the Texans are not. Jaguars find another W.

OUR PICK: JAGUARS

LA CHARGERS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

Chargers are due for a big day on offense. How long can the Browns stay in the game just with their elite running attack? Sooner or later Jacoby Brissett will have to try to win a game versus the opponent with his arm. Both the Chargers defense and Browns have been blah this year. This game features two of the best running backs in the AFC. Browns Nick Chubb while the Chargers have Austin Ekeler.

Justin Herbert will be the difference maker for a Charger road-win at the Dawg Pound.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT NEW YORK JETS

Dolphins are different offense without Tua Tagovailoa behind center. The Jets have been challenging teams as they beat the Steelers last week with Joey Flacco behind center. Dolphins turn to another veteran of the league in Teddy Bridgewater. Jets/Dolphins always have been a touch match up to pick over the years. It’s a close game as Miami escapes New York with a victory.

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT BUFFALO BILLS

The Steelers introduced the league to their rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Pickett had some great moments versus the Jets last Sunday in a loss. Bills have been playing a tough schedule mostly on the road, but now finally get to host a game. A rookie quarterback going up against a savage beast of defense like the Bills have, could be trouble for a young man’s confidence. Steelers defense week one looked like a top ten unit but ever since, opponents have been having their way with them. What’s Pinto Ron serving up at the Tailgate party? I like the Bills in this one.

OUR PICK: BILLS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Where did that offensive burst come from last week? The Seahawks put up 48 points versus the Lions. Andy Dalton and Saints played well over the pond but come away with a loss. Seahawks gave up 40 points. Dalton and the Saints should have no problem scoring points versus a bad Seahawks defense. Saints defense is a much better unit than the Lions.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

TENNESSEE TITANS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

The Titans have finally found their stride after starting off the season 0-2. Nothing has worked right for the Commanders after their week one win. Derrick Henry is starting to fire on all cylinders which will give that Washington defense problems. Nothing is jumping out at me to give Washington any hope. Titans win their third straight.

OUR PICK TITANS

DALLAS COWBOYS AT LA RAMS

Cowboys have problems beating winning teams. Rams are only 2-2 so far this season. Could Cooper Rush and the Cowboys offense go into LA and come away with a victory? The Rams have been still looking for last year’s mojo. Cowboys are trying to keep up with the Eagles in the dreaded revived NFC East. Rams seem to find a way to win after losing a prime-time game like they did on Monday night versus the 49ers. The Rams will give Cooper Rush his first ever loss in the NFL.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

I feel it’s not a Red Bird weekend for professional teams. The Philadelphia teams are making Philly cheese steaks with Cardinal meat. The Phillies knocked out the St. Louis Cardinals on the diamond. Once upon a time ago, the Arizona Cardinals played in St. Louis so it would be even better if Philadelphia knocked out both St. Louis teams in one weekend swoop. The Arizona Cardinals are too erratic right now. Kyler Murray could play well in this one, but I think he’s taking on too much trying to carry the full load. The Eagles have a solid defense and Jalen Hurts is playing at a top level. Eagles are too much for the Cardinals to handle.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS

Maybe the Panthers will be interested in Trey Lance in the off-season, from the 49ers. The 49ers only tick right with Jimmy Garoppolo behind center as they beat up on the Rams on Monday night. Panthers’ Baker Mayfield may be playing like the worst quarterback in the league. I think head coach Matt Rhule has lost this Panther team and his bum is on fire right now. It would be a letdown if the 49ers don’t walk into Carolina and pull out a victory. Panther are that team that “huff & one puff” the entire house is coming down.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT AFFAIR

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

Lamar Jackson versus Joe Burrow is an entertaining AFC North showdown. Bengals have bounced back winning two straight games. Ravens could be a 4-0 but have blown big leads and collapsed in the second half versus the Dolphins and Bills. Bengals handled the Ravens well last-season. Bengals are the hotter team while the Ravens still feeling the sting of that loss last week.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Raiders finally won last weekend. Chiefs rebounded from their loss to the Colts by torpedoing the Buccaneers U.S Brady ship. Raider teams of the past have given the Chiefs some trouble. Arrowhead is a tough place to win, especially in a prime-time game. Patrick Mahomes is playing ten times better than Derek Carr. Andy Reid’s plan has to be better than anything Josh Daniels can come up with.

OUR PICK Chiefs