NFL STRAIGHT PICK-EM WEEK 5

Our usual foursome of losses turned into five-some in week 4

LAST WEEK’S RECORD (11-5)

SEASON STATS

OVERALL RECORD (43-21)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD (4-0)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD (2-2)

WE ARE GOING RIGHT UP THE MIDDLE WITH OUR WEEK FIVE PICKS

WEEK 5

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

LA RAMS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Seattle might be the worst team in the NFC West. The 12th man home-field advantage does not scare people off. Rams coming off their first loss of the year versus the Cardinals. I can’t see the Rams losing two key division games, two weeks in a row. Rams had the Seahawks’ number before Matthew Stafford came to town. Seattle’s defense can’t contain the Rams receiving core. Russell Wilson will keep it close.

OUR PICK: RAMS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

NEW YORK JETS AT ATLANTA FALCONS (IN LONDON)

NFL back in London for the first time since 2019 as two bottom feeders of the NFL square off. Rookie quarterback Zach Wilson led his Jets over the Titans last Sunday for his first victory in his career and the team’s first win in 2021. Falcons defense is horrible. You can say the Jets defense is a tad better. Falcons have played two good games in the last two weeks coming away with one win. I like the veteran leadership of Matt Ryan getting the job done on this field trip, scheduled early in the season for his team.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

BACK IN THE STATES SUNDAY SLATE

DETROIT LIONS AND MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Who needs this game more, the Lions or Vikings? Vikings do need to stay in the playoff picture and not bottom out after 5 weeks in the regular season. Lions, I thought should have beat the Bears last week. Lions have shown grit trying to come back in these games. It’s stupid mistakes they keep making, digging themselves a hole early in these games. Vikings have won 7 straight against the Lions. I like the Vikings offense to have a big day at home and keep Detroit in pursuit of the number one draft pick in 2022.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM

Week 5 battle of the Even Stevens. Do the Saints need to take the leash off Jameis Winston?

Jameis Winston’s dog breath would smell like crab legs. Can Ron Rivera get that Washington defense back to its 2020 form? Both these teams have been hard to figure out each week. The Saints blew a second half lead giving the Giants their first victory of the year. I think Sean Payton will come up with a creative game plan that will get this offense a jolt of confidence and get his team back on track.

OUR PICK: THE SAINTS COME MARCHING IN

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT CAROLINA PANTHERS

, Eagles did their best to keep up with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense last Sunday. You need a perfect game which it was not for Philadelphia. The Panthers lost their first game of the year to the Cowboys as Sam Darnold’s Jet-itis came back as he threw two interceptions. Darnold should be able to do what he’s been doing all year long versus the Eagles defense. The Panthers defense will also rebound and make things tough for Jalen Hurts. Panthers will win a close one at home.

OUR PICK: PANTHERS

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT LA CHARGERS

All year long I have picked against the Chargers. All year long I’ve picked the Browns. Both teams are 3-1 and both teams are well-balanced on both sides of the ball.

This week I’m jumping on the Chargers bandwagon. Justin Herbert and the Charger offense have been dealing it and the defense has been strong. Both units right now for the Chargers are playing better than what Cleveland has on the field at this time.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

CHICAGO BEARS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Both the Bears and Raiders are confusing. Bears won their second game of the year against the Lions. Justin Fields looked much better as the team designed a nice running game behind him. Did the Lions giftwrap that game for the Bears with all the mistakes they made on the field and coaching? Raiders meanwhile lost their first game of the year. Lets not forget Khalil Mack gets amped up playing his former team. Chucky, head coach Jon Gruden, has been in the news with one of his racist emails resurfacing.

Can’t we all just get along? The Bears will be without their starting running back, David Montgomery, which I think is big blow to Justin Fields and the Bears offense. Raiders will exploit a weekended Bears secondary to win a close one at home.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

TENNESSEE TITANS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Do you think the Titans will lay another clunker on the field this week? Titans losing to the Jets. Could they follow that up and lose to the Jaguars this week?

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Head Coach of the Jaguars has been a very busy man since last Thursday’s loss to the Bengals. Has Urban Meyer lost his team after not flying home with them, staying in Ohio, getting drunk, and having a lap dance. How do these things happen with everyone having a cell phone in their pockets? Titans rebound.

OUR PICK: TITANS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT HOUSTON TEXANS

Whose rookie quarterback is better? The Empire has that covered with the play of Mac Jones. Davis Mills has had some moments, but most of the time he’s in over his head so Houston will have some problems. Bill Belichick’s defense should get some turnovers in this contest and rather win easily.

OUR PICK: PATRIOTS

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The state of Florida and a home game for the Buccaneers are exactly what Tom Brady needs. Miami’s defense has struggled to stop other teams. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett has not done enough to convince me that he can out duel the Man named Brady. That man, Brady now has his homecoming in Boston out of the way and escaped that media circus with a win. He can now just play football.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS

Both the Bengals and Packers are 3-1. Could the Bengals get the upset? Could Joe Burrows turn this game into a shoot out? Aaron Rodgers can out-duel many quarterbacks in a shootout. Both teams have solid running games as Bengals leans on Joe Mixon while the Packers use Aaron Jones. Who has the better defense? Bengals probably with the stout pass rush which gives their unit the edge. Aaron Rodgers will get the ball out quicker, prevail at the end, and continue his revenge tour in a close one.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

DENVER BRONCOS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Teddy Bridgewater’s injury will hurt the Broncos’ chance of stealing a road victory in Pittsburgh. Steelers defense will keep this game close. The pressure is on Big Ben Roethlisberger to produce or hand the keys over to the back-up quarterback. The clock is ticking for Big Ben. Steelers find a way to break their three game losing skid. Look for Najee Harris to have a big day on the ground for the Steelers to seal the deal in front of the home crowd.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

NEW YORK GIANTS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

‘The Cowboys by far are the best team in last years dreaded NFC East. Giants came from behind and beat the Saints last week to get their first victory. Cowboys offense has run like a well oiled machine as they have put points on the board. Cowboys defense which was liability especially last year has been able to stop teams and force the turnovers. I just can’t see Daniel Jones going toe-to-toe exchanging scores with Dak Prescott. Cowboys are even starting to get production out of Ezekiel Elliot.

Looks like Elliot has had some feeding frenzies just not with the football.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

I’m excited to see Trey Lance make his first NFL start this week. Cardinals defense has been pretty good so far with the off-season additions the team has made. It’s the play of Kyler Murray that has the Cardinals undefeated and winning big in each game so far. That solid defense is contributing unlike last year. Trey Lance could become a thorn in the Cardinals’ sides for years to come.

However this Sunday, Trey Lance may look and play the parts of rookie quarterback.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

BUFFALO BILLS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

This is the game I’ve been waiting for all year. The AFC Championship game from last season as the Chiefs prevailed.

The Bills will see Red and become the Punisher on the road on Sunday night and slay their dragon. I love what the Bills are doing on defense. I know the Bills can score points on the Kansas City Chief’s defense. Right now the Chiefs are not playing their best football. Bills are clicking on all cylinders since taking that opening day loss at home to a weak Steelers team. This is a perfect game to make a huge statement around the league on a prime-time game and Buffalo will come up big.

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

Colts finally prevailed last Sunday and won their first game of the year. Ravens are 3-1 and at home will be tough for the Colts to walk away with an upset. Last time Ravens and Colts played, Baltimore won 24-10. Plus, Ravens are just playing better football right now.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

NFL STRAIGHT PIC-EM WEEK 4

LAST WEEK’S RECORD (12-4)

Two weeks in a row at a 12-4 record. We’ll take that. Not too shabby.

SEASON STATS

OVERALL RECORD (32-16)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD (3-0)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD (2-1)

OUR WEEK 4 PLUNGE INTO THE END ZONE PICKS:

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS

Who will be the Top Cat in this Thursday night affair? Bengals are figuring out how to win games as a team. The Jaguars are not there yet.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM AT ATLANTA FALCONS

I just feel one of these teams are better than the other. Washington’s stellar defense seems to have disappeared from last season. At least the team has somebody on that side of the ball who can tackle. Both these teams beat the Giants, so whoever wins this one wins the bottom of the barrel tournament.

You never know what you will find at the bottom of the barrel.

OUR PICK: THE WASHINGTON TEAM AKA (REDSKINS)

HOUSTON TEXANS AT BUFFALO BILLS

The Texans will have more problems in this contest especially with a rookie quarterback behind center. Bills are like the serial killer sharpening up their weapons on offense.

Bills offense finally had their coming out party last week. The Bills defense should be talked about more. Houston will have a long day at the office this Sunday. Bills fans should walk away from this game, if they can, very happily.

OUR PICK: BILLS

DETROIT LIONS AT CHICAGO BEARS

As a Bears fan, I’ve had enough of Matt Nagy’s war and peace playbook that is not tailored to his own quarterback’s strengths. Lions have been playing hard in every game for their new head coach. I could see the Bears defense taking over this game. Lions have more stability right now behind center with Jared Goff, than the Bears combo of rookie Justin Fields & veteran Andy Dalton. Let’s go with the upset so heads can roll in Chicago’s front office. Hopefully Matt Nagy will be one of the heads lopped off.

OUR PICK: LIONS

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

Panthers have played very well so far. Without the Panthers star running back, Christian McCaffrey, in the line up, Carolina will have a problem keeping up with the Cowboys scoring machine. Cowboys offense with Dak Prescott and a healthier offensive line is hard to beat and keep up with. Plus, Cowboys defense is not a bad stat like last year as they can make a few tackles. The Panthers’ young defense will make things interesting.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS

Is this Jacoby Brissett’s revenge game versus his old team, the Colts? What has gone wrong in Indianapolis? The Colts have started off with a very difficult schedule. Carson Wentz has dealt with some lower body injuries. Brissett is filling in for the injured Tua “Time” Tagovailoa. You can say Brissett and Tua are very similar in their quarterback play. The Dolphin defense to me is not as strong a unit as they had last season. I’m going Colts one more time and if they lose, I will be done picking them to win for the rest of the year.

OUR PICK: COLTS

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski will be going back to his old stomping grounds in Minnesota. Are the Browns defense legit after blowing up the Bears offensive line? Some would say the Bears’ Matt Nagy was why the Browns defense were so successful last Sunday. Vikings offense is legit. Vikings defense is not. Kirk Cousins in big games has not done well. The Browns’ two-headed monster at running back will be difficult to contain for those Barney purple people eaters.

OUR PICK: BROWNS

NEW YORK GIANTS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

If Matt Nagy does not get fired from the Chicago Bears first, Judge Dredd should be cancelled in New York.

Joe Judge’s Giants have not looked good this season after turning the corner late last season. Saints Head Coach Sean Payton has Jameis Winston on a short leash to avoid him making stupid mistakes, like his entire career with the Buccaneers. Overall, Saints look and feel like the better team in this match up.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

TENNESSEE TITANS AT NEW YORK JETS

Do you think Jets wide receiver Corey Davis regrets leaving Tennessee for New York?

Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson has been struggling. This should be an easy Titan victory.

OUR PICK: TITANS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Walrus left the stadium in an ambulance last Sunday. Now the Chiefs face Andy Reid’s old team, the Eagles, who are not soaring very high as they started off the season. Chiefs have lost two in a row.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT LA RAMS

NFC West may be the best division in football. The clash of two unbeaten rivals square off between the Rams and the Cardinals on Sunday. Cardinals struggled with the Jaguars most of the game last week. Rams played their best game to knock off the champion Buccaneers, last Sunday. A Ram let down this Sunday? Rams make a statement, stay perfect, and become a Superbowl contender. It’ll be the talk at the water cooler on Monday zoom wise at the offices.

OUR PICK: RAMS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

This is another great showdown in the NFC West this Sunday. Seahawks and 49ers have been exciting rivals for years when the Legion of Boom was knocking people’s heads off. Seattle lost their boom on defense. The 49ers lost in a close game on Sunday night versus the Packers. Meanwhile, Seahawks lost two in a row. Russell Wilson has his biggest game of the year which will result in a Seattle victory. Seattle’s desperate, a loss means the season is on the brink.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT DENVER BRONCOS

Can Denver stay perfect? Ravens played to the competition level of the Lions, and barely escaped Detroit with a victory last Sunday. Ravens will be the focus of this game and come in hungry like they were versus the Chiefs two weeks ago. Denver’s three wins are combined 0-9 for the season as Broncos have been feasting on the bottom of the barrel teams so far.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS

Steelers got lucky with their opening day victory in Buffalo. The Packers you knew were going to get back on track as Aaron Rodgers’ revenge tour has kicked into a higher gear. Big Ben Roethlisberger’s arm is due to completely fall off at some point soon. Packers at home are a visiting team’s nightmare.

These fans look about 5 beers & three brats in, for your typical Green Bay follower.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

We have been waiting for this match-up to occur and it will. Tom Brady versus the Coach, Bill Belichick. Since Brady left New England, people on their bar stools have been debating: Is it the player of the coach? Tom Brady comes home for the first time. This is a simple pick. Tampa Bay has won a Superbowl since leaving New England, for which you have to credit Tom Brady. Bill Belichick looks like the coach he was in his Cleveland days, as New England has been getting stepped on most weeks. Bill Belichick will walk away with egg on his face after this game concludes.

OUR PICK:BUCCANEERS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT LA CHARGERS

Can Chucky’s Raiders stay unbeaten? Chargers knocked off the Chiefs as the AFC West has become real interesting. Both Raiders and Chargers are on the rise. Raiders once were the King of Monday night.

Justin Herbert will have a big game. My hunch is Raiders make one play better than the Chargers, and win a close one in a thriller.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

We are now three full weeks into the 2021 NFL season and there are no signs of Deshaun Watson seeing the field for the Houston Texans. The Texans named Tyrod Taylor the starting quarterback and the team won their first game with him under center. Is beating the Jaguars these day a trophy animal you can put over the fireplace in your den? The Texans in week two had a lead on the Cleveland Browns in the second half, when unlucky Tyrod Taylor had to leave the game due to an injury. Texans go on to lose to the Browns in week two. Last Thursday, the Texans did not call on Deshaun Watson to go behind center for them. Instead, the Texans trotted out a rookie quarterback, Davis Mills, and Houston lost to Sam Darnold and the Carolina Panthers. Deshaun Watson is on the Texans roster. Watson has been inactive for all the Texans games so far this season. Watson is not even taking part in everyday football drills. Watson demanded a trade way before the young quarterback found himself in hot water with two dozen massage therapists for inappropriate behavior. Now the Houston and the organization are in limbo until things get settled off the field for Watson.

Deshaun Watson has been a very horny toad off the field. The former Clemson quarterback has 22 civil lawsuits filed with ten criminal complaints attached. Two dozen women massage therapists and who knows there could be more, have accused the Houston quarterback of wanting more than just a massage. Deshaun Watson has been very frisky with the gals, very hands on. Some of the sessions Watson tried to force them to give him oral sex. Before all of these women came out of the woodwork, Deshaun Watson told the Texans front office he wanted out of Houston. Watson thought he would have a say in who the Texans hire as the new General Manager. The Texans hired Nick Caserio and that’s when this off-season saga began. The new GM hired David Culley as the team’s new head coach. Both Culley and Caserio tried to convince Watson of playing for the Texans. Watson was not buying what they were selling.

Deshaun Watson has been in the NFL for 4 seasons, all with the Texans. Texans drafted him in 2017 in the first round. In 54 games behind center, Deshaun Watson has a 28-25 record. Watson’s career numbers are very good as he completes 68.2 % of his passes. Watson has thrown for 104 touchdowns with only 36 interceptions, which is remarkable. In 4 seasons, Watson has tallied up 14,539 yards. Watson has 8 comebacks and ten winning drives to credit. Watson has led the Texans to three post-season games in which he is 1-2 in those contests. In post-season, Watson has thrown for 870 yards with 4 touchdown passes and one interception. Watson is only 26 years old and could be one of the best all-time quarterbacks if he plays for more than ten seasons.

Deshaun Watson wanted to be involved in the hiring of a new coach and was a big believer in social justice, especially all the stuff that went down in 2020 besides the pandemic. Watson wanted a black General Manager. Probably a black coach as well. Plus the Texans dealt away his best receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, to the Arizona Cardinals which would make any quarterback miffed as they lose their favorite weapon. After the hiring of Nick Caserio, that’s when Watson demanded to be traded. Texans now are probably kicking themselves for asking too much for Deshaun Watson as other teams were very interested in his services. Like anybody that has a secret hidden deep inside them, how would the Texans know their quarterback tried to force female massage therapists down south of the border on himself? Some will say how convenient that all these gals claim that they were sexually abused after Watson talked about social justice. Oh yes, it happens every day, where a mob gets together to tell the same story. They give the awful details while they paint the picture of this situation just to get their 15 minutes of fame and some money. If this was fake news, Deshaun Watson would be playing football this season. The longer this thing goes, the worse it’s going to get for Mr. Watson. Lawyers are preparing a case to hang Watson and put him away for a very long time. Lawyers don’t want to screw this up and make this into another OJ Simpson case where they let the scum walk. The NFL is waiting in the wings to see what happens. Waiting for the verdict so the league will be a final judgement with a final executioner. The Texans are paying Watson not to play because if they void his contract and say he’s not guilty or gets off, then Houston is on the hook for the entire contract. Plus, trading him and getting something for him if Watson gets out of this situation. I really never understand athletes and celebrities in general that make so much money, and yet get into jams like this. DUI’s when they could have a car service drive them anywhere they want to go. Can Watson not afford the top call gals in the game to come over and give him what he needs for that week? I bet Watson got away with what he did to many of the massage therapists the first few times, and becoming a elite quarterback thought he was untouchable in his mind. So typical, people who chime off their soap box on one hot topic are doing something behind closed doors that is not right. Wasted talent down the drain. However, Watson will probably get off on it from some technicality. Getting off without having to force it, but will still put a dent in his wallet. My prediction is Watson will never play another snap in the NFL.

NFL STRAIGHT PICK-EM WEEK THREE

LAST WEEK RECORD: (12-4)

Just the way we drew it up.

SEASON STATS

OVERALL RECORD (20-12)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD (2-0)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD (1-1)

WEEK THREE WE SALUTE THE OLD SCHOOL BARE FOOT KICKERS

WEEK THREE

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT HOUSTON TEXANS

I’m shocked that Sam Darnold is 2-0 under center for the Panthers. Jets fans have to be pissed off seeing Darnold having success this quickly for another team. Houston has another problem at quarterback. Texans starting a rookie Davis Mills for the injured Tyrod Taylor. Deshaun Watson is still having women problems. Carolina’s defense has been very good so far this season and will be the key to another victory in week three.

OUR PICK: PANTHERS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT DETROIT LIONS

Ravens coming off a huge win over the Chiefs. The Lions played one good half again as the Packers came back and won. Lions will hang with the Ravens in this one for awhile, but in the end, Baltimore will win by two scores. Ravens have too much talent to lose to a doormat Lions team.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

ATLANTA FALCONS AT NEW YORK GIANTS

For the Falcons, how is that tight end they picked in the very first round, working out for the dirty birds? Obviously, he can’t play defense. Falcon defense is that girl in the neighborhood when you’re younger who gave every boy there an easy double, and possibly heading for third base standing up. Giants had played two tough games so far coming away with nothing. I like Saquon Barkley getting back on-track and having his best game since coming back from his injury last season.

OUR PICK: THE G-MEN

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT TENNESSEE TITANS

Colts schedule has been very difficult starting off with the Seahawks and the Rams now facing division foe the Titans who won their first game last week. Can the Colts contain Derrick Henry who steamrolled Seattle’s defense last week? Colts defense, still a pretty good unit, will give up chunks of yards to the Titans and bend but not break. The Titans defense is the weakest link in this contest. A perfect opportunity for Carson Wentz to exploit and win his first game in a Colt uniform.

OUR PICK: COLTS

LA CHARGERS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

If you have any players from either offense on your fantasy team, put them in this week because this will be a shootout between the Chiefs and Chargers. The Chiefs defense seems to arrive in the second half of the season. I toyed with the idea of Chargers coming into Kansas City and escaping with a victory. Chiefs losing two in a row is hard to believe. Chargers losing two in a row has been done and is the norm.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The Steelers need to do a complete overhaul on Big Ben Roethlisberger’s body like in the movie Robo Cop. A robotic arm installed so Big Ben can throw the ball down the field. Mistakes cost the Bengals last week versus the Bears. Steelers will be without T.J Watt in this week three match up. When Steelers went sour last year, was when the defense took on too many injuries. Look for the Bengals offense to clean up the mistakes, play a clean game, and get a key division win.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

CHICAGO BEARS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

Justin Fields will get his first start in the NFL. The Browns survived last week versus the Texans because Tyrod Taylor left the game with an injury. Browns get their dog, Odell Beckham Jr., back from the pound. Can the Bears defense stop the Browns ground attack? This is a game during which the Browns defense has to make a statement, especially against a rookie quarterback. Bears receivers will make too many drop balls to kill off drives is my feeling. Justin Fields will lose his first game on Ohio soil.

OUR PICK: BROWNS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

I’m not there yet jumping on the Patriot bus because they beat the Jets. Saints looked bipolar in week 2 compared to their big win in week 1. Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is still a work in progress. Meanwhile Sean Payton is still rewiring Jameis Winston.

I like the Saints in a full rebound in this one. I think Sean Payton will win more games quicker without Drew Brees than Bill Belichick without Tom Brady.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars are learning on the job. Cardinals are off to a great start. Cardinals have shown their high powered offense with a better defense than last season. Jaguars have done some nice things on offense but have shown they can’t stop anybody on the defensive side of the ball. Kyler Murray will have another big game. Lawrence will continue to make progress in his third NFL start.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM AT BUFFALO BILLS

Taylor Heinicke won in his first start of the season for the Team last Thursday. Bills rebounded last week after losing to the Steeler team in week one. Both teams have solid defenses. Josh Allen has yet to play his best game and is due to have a breakout game in week three. I find it very hard for the Bills to lose in two straight home games. Especially with the Bills mafia watching in the stands.

OUR PICK: BILLS

NEW YORK JETS AT DENVER BRONCOS

Zach Wilson is counting down the days until his Darnold exit out of New York. Broncos move in & getting Teddy Bridgewater has paid off big time for Denver. Broncos defense has also been solid. Just the way Head Coach Vic Fangio pictured it taking the job a few years ago. Jets have no chance in this one. The game will be over after the first whistle.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Raiders looking like a force in the AFC after two weeks. Should Kansas City be concerned? Miami hands over the keys to the quarterback position, to veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett after Tua Time went out with a rib injury last week versus Buffalo. The Dolphin defense does not look like the same unit they had last season. Raiders offense has been clicking on all cylinders and will be too much for the Dolphins defense to handle.

Is this the team Chucky aka Jon Gruden has been dreaming of since coming back to the Raiders?

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Talking about losing games at the wire in week two for both the Vikings and the Seahawks. Both teams are having problems stopping teams on defense. Look for another shootout and the game being decided at the end of regulation.

We flipped a coin on this match up.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT LA RAMS

Looks like we have a heavyweight fight coming our way in week three. Is it too soon to say this is a preview of the NFC Championship game between the Buccaneers and Rams? This game will have two solid defenses and two solid offenses. In big games, in big moments, you have to give the edge to Tom Brady over Matthew Stafford.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Aaron Rodgers’ performance last week brought all the Cheese-heads off the cheese grater. San Francisco is healthy so far and they look like their former selves when they played Green Bay in the NFC Championship a few seasons ago. Can Rodgers win in the state of California where he has had problems in the past? The way Aaron Jones ran the ball last week has me thinking it’s hard to bet against the Packers.

OUR PICK:PACKERS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT DALLAS COWBOYS

Both these dreaded NFC East teams from last year are playing very well this season. Both teams have identical records 1-1. I like the Cowboys being at home. Having Dak Presott healthy and playing better and better each week gives the Boys the upper hand. Philadelphia will have a hard time with that Cowboy receiver core. On any given Sunday, any one of them can have a big game.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

NFL STRAIGHT PICK-EM WEEK TWO

LAST WEEK’S RECORD: (8-8)

We are hopeful we learned from being sent to the penalty box after week one’s horrible picking.

SEASON STATS

OVERALL RECORD:(8-8)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD: (1-0)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD: (0-1)

WEEK TWO WE ARE A GO!!!!

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

NEW YORK GIANTS AT WASHINGTON “THE TEAM WITH NO NAME”

Giants are still trying to find themselves. Running back Saquon Barkley trying to knock off the rust from last year’s injury. Washington has a new quarterback Taylor Heinicke as Ryan Fitzpatrick is out. Watch Heinickle take the starting quarterback job for good. Last season Heinicke impressed me with the plays he made behind center giving the Buccaneers a scare in the first round of the playoffs. Heinicke makes use of the Washington’s weapons and the defense rebounds in Washington victory.

OUR PICK: “THE TEAM”

THE SUNDAY SLATE

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT NEW YORK JETS

What do Jets’ quarterbacks and speed bumps have in common? They both get run down. Rookie Zack Wilon sacked six times and hit a total of ten times. You know Evil Bill Belichick will exploit the Jets offensive line and have his way in week two. Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones will gain confidence and make some nice throws to get his team’s record even at 1-1.

OUR PICK: THE NEUTERED EVIL EMPIRE

DENVER BRONCOS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The Broncos defense is much better than what the Jaguars faced in week one versus the Texans. Trevor Lawrence was good, bad, and ugly in his debut. I think the Jaguars will clean up their mistakes from week one. Jacksonville is still a very young team and they will give the Broncos a solid game. Teddy Bridgewater with that balanced offense not making mistakes, and the Broncos able to play solid defense they will be 2-0 out of the gates of the 2021 season.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

BUFFALO BILLS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS

Should Buffalo Bills fans worry about their opening day loss to the Steelers where they were up 10-0 at one point? Miami squeaked out a close one with the Patriots last weekend. Josh Allen will rebound and is due for a bigger game from him. The Bills defense played well last week, so look for that to continue. I felt the Steelers had some lucky catches on key plays last week. Dolphins will keep this one close until late in the game when Buffalo finally put the fish on ice for good on South Beach.

Is Pinto Ron grill equipped for a huge fish fry?

OUR PICK: BILLS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Here’s where things get interesting with two teams winning last week facing off in week two. Both the 49ers and Eagles played bad teams. My first thought was picking the 49ers because they are fully healthy and ready to take that leap back to the post-season. Lions made that a game last week versus the 49ers. Meanwhile Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni has come up with a solid game plan for his young quarterback, Jalen Hurts. Which includes a running game with two running backs and easy quick passes to avoid the pass rush. Quick tempo to speed up the game. Eagles defense will make a few plays to keep Philadelphia undefeated.

OUR PICK: THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

LA RAMS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The Colts seem like they always get off to a slow start in the standings. Colts with a very tough schedule to start; first the Seahawks and now the Rams. LA Rams man handled the Chicago Bears with ease last weekend. Both teams have new quarterbacks behind center this season. Matthew Stafford will adjust to his new surroundings quicker than Carson Wentz. This game will be a battle through all 4 quarters. I think Rams squeak one out on the road.

OUR PICK: RAMS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

These two teams have old time history with each other. Epic playoff battles in the AFC that are still talked about today. Steelers defense came to play last week as they contained Josh Allen and their high octane offense. Raiders had a thriller with the Ravens on Monday night at home forcing overtime and eventually winning their home opener. Steelers are always tough at home. It looks like Big Ben Roethlisberger’s arm is about to fall off completely however he will be able to do enough to that Raiders suspect defense. Last season, the Steeler defense was awesome early on as they were healthy then. Look for that unit to slow down the Raider offense from exploding late in the game and containing Vegas weapons of mass destruction.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT CHICAGO BEARS

Week one both these teams are the tale of two cities. Bengals winning in overtime over the Vikings, gives their fan base excitement. Meanwhile, the Bears fans are angry over the play of their team and that rookie quarterback Justin Fields is not on the field for the entire game. Which happens in these situations… the following week both teams do a 360. The Bears will play like World beaters while the Bengals will turn into the Bumbles once again. This game will belong to Andy Dalton. I will call this chapter, “The Rifleman Will Shoot Your Eye Out.”

OUR PICK: DA BEARS

HOUSTON TEXANS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

Cleveland looks like an elite team from their play last Sunday in that loss to the Chiefs. Tyrod Taylor resurfaces in Houston while Deshaun Watson is looking for a new massage therapist that won’t tell all. Browns have a better defense with a two headed monster running game. It might be the best tandem in the entire league. Houston defense is suspect. Tyrod Taylor has problems throwing down-field if Texans get behind early. Taylor can dink and dunk all day. Browns will score points and Houston will have a major problem keeping up.

OUR PICK: BROWNS

SAINTS AT PANTHERS

Many Saints coaches are out with Covid.

Perhaps the staff went out and celebrated their Packers victory with some drinks and new beads, somewhere not in The Big Easy. Did Sean Payton fix Jameis Winston? Can Sam Darnold find a permanent home in Carolina? Both teams won their first game last Sunday. Saints are the better team in this match-up. New Orleans has more weapons it seems on offense, plus not missing a beat on defense after losing guys to free agency. Winston being controlled by Payton and not making mistakes, he has a big arm. Just hope he stays away from the crab legs.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

Give the Viking head coach Mike Zimmer a shovel because he’s digging a hole which he may not get out of once again. Vikings lost to the Bengals in Overtime and have a difficult match up with the Cardinals in week two. Cardinals fixed their defense this off-season, adding some nice pieces to that unit. Look for the Cardinals to put the Denver boot on Dalvin Cook. Kirk Cousins will make mistakes when the pressure mounts. Meanwhile, Kyler Murray will run up the score.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

ATLANTA FALCONS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Atlanta looked like the worst team in the entire NFL last Sunday. Tom Brady is already in mid-season form and looking now to play until he’s 50. Hearing that just makes you ill. Falcons defense still has problems stopping teams. A lingering problem in Atlanta for several years now. Looks like the Julio Jones departure has taken the heart and soul out of that Falcon offense. This is going to be a bloody path as Tampa Bay pirate ship will run out of cannon ammo from all the scoring.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

TENNESSEE TITANS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

This match-up has shoot-out written all over it. Seattle looked awesome last weekend versus the Colts. Titans struggled versus the Cardinals. I like Seattle at home, but then I don’t. Seattle seems to be playing better on the road than at home the last few seasons. I like a Titan rebound in week two as the ground game will be huge for Tennessee and keep drives going and longer while Russell Wilson watches from the sidelines. Derrick Henry was contained last week. So look for a big game against from him versus the average defense Seattle has.

OUR PICK: TITANS

DALLAS COWBOYS AT LA CHARGERS

Chargers offense were able to beat a very good Washington defense. Cowboys defense is better than last season’s garbage they trotted out there. Dak Prescott did not miss a beat being back from last season’s injury and almost pulled out victory against the world champs on Thursday Night Football. My gut tells me Justin Herbert will have a monster game versus the Cowboy defense. I think this game will be a shootout. It will be the first game at which Chargers have fans at the new stadium they share with the Rams. Do Charger fans even exist anymore? I feel the Cowboy fans will invade that stadium and it will feel like a home game for Dallas instead. In the end, the Cowboys will be last team standing victorious in this one.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

Chiefs won a well-fought game last week versus the Browns. Ravens watched the Raiders storm back and beat them in overtime in Vegas. Ravens last season started out of the gates slowly. Patrick Mahomes versus Lamar Jackson has always gone the Chiefs way. Ravens struggled against winning teams last season. Chiefs improved their protection in the off-season of their man Mahomes. Upgrading their line. Mahomes with more time will find the holes in the Ravens defense. Chiefs defense will just do enough to throw off Lamar Jackson’s timing and contain some of the big runs.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

MONDAY NIGHT GAME

DETROIT LIONS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS

Packers played like cheese whiz last Sunday. Lions almost made one of the impressive comebacks that fell short at the end of regulation. Aaron Rodgers historically does not do well in the state of Florida. When everybody thinks Rodgers is ready for the retirement home and the Packers are going to be bad, then suddenly the script is flipped the following week.

I would love to see the Packers become the doormat of the entire NFL. It just doesn’t work that way because the Packers suddenly have the Lions and Bears even the Vikings that come to the dinner table gift wrapped. Lions will be the resurgence meal tha tthe Packers will gladly devour to give this Green Bay drama back to Superbowl talk on Rodgers’ revenge tour.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

The Chicago Bears have never fired a head coach during regular season play. After watching the first game of the 2021 season, the Bears should give Matt Nagy, Head Coach of the Bears, the ax. In my opinion, Matt Nagy should have been kicked to the curb last season with his entire coaching staff and thrown in the front office. The Bears should have cleaned house & gave the garbage truck driver a tip to take away the trash that they have running this team right now. The Bears defense on Sunday night was lifeless versus the Rams. Bears linebacker Alec Ogletree even said, “We didn’t play with enough energy.”

fThen Bears wide receiver Marquise Goodwin questioned Matt Nagy’s game plan. Matt Nagy’s game plan should be questioned with his team only making two passes the entire game longer than ten yards versus the Rams. The handling of Justin Fields has you scratching your head after game one. Bears and the fans of Chicago got a broken hollowed out branch half eaten by termites of the Andy Reid coaching tree. It’s time to lop that sucker off. It’s been the defense side of the ball that has helped Matt Nagy actually have a winning record in the NFL. The Bears defense Nagy inherited from the John Fox era made the jump to the top defensive team in the league in his very first season on the Bears sidelines. Credit defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, now Denver’s head coach. After Fangio left to take the job as head coach in Denver, the Bears defense has slowly digressed. Chuck Pagano the last two years could not get the pressure on the quarterback like that 2018 unit did the last year Fangio was in Chicago. Pagano retired from the game after last season. Matt Nagy’s list of replacements on the defensive side turns up nothing so Bears promote Coach Sean Desai. The players love Coach Desai. This was the move when Head Coach Lovie Smith replaced the defensive coordinator at the time, Ron Rivera, who was up and coming with his Buddy Bob Babich in 2007. Now the Bears have an aging defense and a defensive coordinator way over his head in his first year on the job. This unit can’t tackle. With no great defense in place, Matt Nagy is about to take the plunge on the big slide in the game of chutes and ladders.

The War and Peace playbook of Matt Nagy should be tossed in the garbage can. In the Rocky movies, the neighbors of Rocky Balboa would stand around a burning can with flames shooting out singing and drinking. Burn baby burn this play book could supply heat to the homeless all winter in downtown Chicago. This play book of Matt Nagy’s might work if he has all the pieces in place. We have heard similar words like that at Halas hall from another former coach with a mustache. Andy Dalton and Nick Foles last year complained Matt Nagy does not get the plays into the quarterbacks fast enough. The wording is too long perhaps. Matt Nagy says the playbook can take up to 4 years to learn. How many quarterbacks has Matt Nagy already had in 4 seasons in Chicago? Mitch Trubisky regressed in his second year when Matt Nagy turned to page two of this book.

The Josh Fields situation bothers me. The General Manager Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy could hide behind landing Fields in the draft and use that to stay working in Chicago longer. Using the excuse we are still developing our guy. I feel bad for Andy Dalton. Dalton should be a starter somewhere else in the NFL with a good offensive line and a strong running game. Dalton could be successful. Not in Chicago. The Bears line is weak. The running back David Montgomery for the Bears can run with the rock but Nagy’s play calling limits the young tail back’s talent. Dalton a statue back in the pocket with no running game in the game plan and a bad offensive line that is homicide. The question should Justin Fields play or sit has been an argument for weeks around Chicagoland. Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes waited before they got their chance and they are two of the best in the league along with Tom Brady. That’s 3 of the top tier in the league. What about Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson who played right away? It can go either way. In week one around the league many rookies were starting and making plays for their new team. Except the Bears, they put Justin Fields in for a handful of plays throughout the game. If the Bears brass got it right, they would have waited & signed Andy Dalton last season as he was cut loose by the Bengals. Instead typical Bears trading for Nick Foles means more draft capital wasted and more money down the drain. Now with Justin Fields, I see Matt Nagy stunting the growth of huge talent. Imagine two top picks in the last five years at the quarterback position wasted because Bears can’t develop them.

d,Marquise Goodwin a new Bears player signed in the off-season, saying the game plan last Sunday with all the short passes played into the defender Jalan Ramsey on the Rams instead of stretching the field. A weakness for the corner back. Goodwin is right. Is Matt Nagy going to get into the receiver’s face and scream at him for talking to the media on sensible topics that should be addressed behind closed doors? Another reason Matt Nagy should be shown the door is he does not hold any of his players accountable. All the stupid penalties his guys get, especially Akiem Hicks last season. It was just dumb mistake after dumb mistake last season. Not going to name names, but Dumb and Dumber are two of Nagy’s receivers. They were ejected last season in both Saints games with the same corner back involved. Matt Nagy is too busy with the offensive play book. He has lost any thought about the rest of the game that is going on. A Head Coach’s job is to make the tough decisions and hold everyone accountable for their errors. Instead Matt Nagy is scheming how to abandon the run and pass more. Nagy was supposed to be the quarterback guru when he was hired and Mitch Trubisky looked sharp in pre-season with the Bills as their game plan involved working to his strengths. Nagy quickly abandoned Trubisky’s strengths. Trubisky’s best games for the Bears were when Matt Nagy dumbed down the playbook and used what worked best for Mitch. His legs rolling out passing. Bears were lucky last season getting into the post-season. I don’t see the Bears getting back to post-season any time soon with too many weaknesses on that roster. This Bears team should be scrapped. Completely gutted top to bottom. The Bears need to find a new GM and head coach that can keep some of the young guys and find a way to build around Justin Fields. First throw the Matt Nagy branch into the shredder sooner than later and give the reins to Justin Fields and let him steer the ship the rest of the way. All’s Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy have brought to Chicago is the reincarnation of the famous Bulls Gar/Pax tandem. Nobody wants to remember Gar Forman, John Paxson, and what they did to the Chicago Bulls.

STRAIGHT PICK-EM

WEEK ONE NFL PREDICTIONS

LET’S ROCK WEEK ONE OF SOME VERY BAD PREDICTIONS !!!!!

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

DALLAS COWBOYS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Any time Tom Brady gets an award, the great Tampa Tom will stroke his Buccaneer in front of the entire NFL nation. Dak Prescott returning after an injury last season will get his feet wet but not enough to give last year’s champions a loss.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT HOUSTON TEXANS

I’m not Lovie Smith-ing the Texans right now. The sexual predator DeShaun Watson will have plenty of lonely nights, not being behind center. Maybe he can be the master of his domain. Week one, I’m going rookie Trevor Lawrence. Besides, it seems the Jaguars’ only game they can win is opening week.

OUR PICK: JAG BAGS

LA CHARGERS AT WASHINGTON TEAM WITH NO NAME

I like Washington’s defense in this one especially with LA traveling from the west coast. Will Justin Herbert be a victim of the Sophomore jinx? Who ever Washington is rolling out at quarterback in this game, is already better than week one of last season. I have a feeling it will be the Beard. The Chargers will be in a hairy situation in week one.

OUR PICK: WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Colts are a slow starting team especially last year in week one with a new quarterback when they were upset by the Jaguars. I like the same plot this time. Seahawks are a better team winning on the road. Last few years, Russell Wilson has been very good as a Road Warrior.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

NEW YORK JETS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Sam Darnold revenge game!!!

OUR PICK: PANTHERS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS

Both teams last season played poorly on the defensive side of the ball. Can Joe Burrow rebound from his injury last season? Vikings have the better coaching staff in this one. I feel like the Viking defense will show up this season. Vikings will still lose the big prime-time games. Bengals are never on prime-time. They are lucky if they make the Spanish stations.

OUR PICK: SCREAMING VIKINGS

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT TENNESSEE TITANS

This match up to me has offensive shoot out written all over it. I think it will be close game. JJ Watt will find it hard once again to stop the train at the end of the game with Titans running back Derrick Henry running through a Cardinal defense. There will be some new faces but the same results.

OUR PICK: TITANS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT DETROIT LIONS

If only the Lions could assemble the old Detroit Piston team, the bad boys for week one on their defense.

San Francisco is healthy and should dominate a Lion team that may be one of the worst teams in the league this season.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT BUFFALO BILLS

Last year the Steelers were beating the bad teams and got off to a hot start. When Pittsburgh played the tougher teams, they could not win. Buffalo will do the same thing they did to Big Ben and that Shower Curtain defense. They’ll win convincingly in front of the Bills Mafia in a packed house. Bills will provide the one wrestling table crunching move to prevent the Steelers winning week one on the road.

OUR PICK: BILLS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT ATLANTA FALCONS

Who’s knows who will win the battle of the birds. In the end, the black birds will prevail in hot Atlanta in a messy affair.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Browns had a hard time beating winning teams most of last season. I think the Chiefs upgrade on their offensive line will be the difference in this one.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

DENVER BRONCOS AT NEW YORK GIANTS

This one will be a defensive battle. I like Teddy Bridgewater not making the mistakes that will cost his team. Bridgewater and a strong running game by the Broncos will be the difference.

OUR PICK:BRONCOS

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (IN JACKSONVILLE)

Aaron Rodgers’ farewell tour will start in Florida where he has done very poorly in his career. I think this will be a close one. Saints mistake late in this game will give the Packers the road win. Cough Cough… Jameis Winston !!!

OUR PICK: PACKERS

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Not getting on board the Patriots train. Rookie quarterback versus a pretty good Dolphin defense in my book will give Bill Belichick problems his first game of 2021.

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

CHICAGO BEARS AT THE LA RAMS

Andy Dalton better have some life insurance because the Rams defense will use the Bears offensive line like a turnstile. Picture a mob going through the doors of Filene’s basement on the biggest sale of the year.

OUR PICK:RAMS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

This actually looks like a decent looking game for Monday Night. It should be close. At the end, Lamar Jackson legs out the winning score.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

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The Chicago Bears announced before the final preseason game versus the Tennessee Titans, that Andy Dalton will be their starting quarterback when the team takes the field in week one versus the Rams. Many fans are disgruntled as they had hopes of seeing Justin Fields behind center when the Bears faced the Rams in LA. The Bears coaching staff were in love with the red headed rifleman, Andy Dalton, before the 2020 season. Bears could not finagle a trade with the Bengals who drafted Joe Burrow out of LSU. Bengals ended up releasing Dalton who went on to sign a deal with the Cowboys to back up Dak Prescott. Bears could not pounce on Dalton because they have pulled the trigger on Nick Foles in a trade with the Jaguars. Bears coaching staff thought Nick Foles would be the answer. This is the grand scheme to move on from Mitch Trubisky. Foles did not look like his days in a Eagle uniform. Bears let Mitch Trubisky walk. Bears coaching staff finally got their second guy this off-season as they inked Andy Dalton to a one year deal. Then the football draft took place and suddenly the Bears found themselves with a chance to land Justin Fields, the former Buckeye. That moment, as if time paused, Andy Dalton became enemy number one to Chicago Bears fans. Are the Bears doing the right thing starting Dalton over Fields?

Does pre-season tell you the tale of the tape for both these quarterbacks? The eye test would tell you Justin Fields looked better overall in the pre-season games than Andy Dalton. Then you bring in the debate of which Quarterback played with the varsity class and which one played with the Frosh/Sophomore squad? Let’s not forget starters the Bears rested, that did not play in any of the pre-season games. Plus, let’s not forget the teams the Bears faced in pre-season who did play all their guys. In a bar stool debate, you can throw stats in any of these games out the window. What I saw in pre-season was Andy Dalton got lucky on a big gainer for a touchdown where the receiver stripped the ball from the defender in mid air. He ran for the long score while the corner back fell to the ground. I noticed Justin Fields hangs on to the ball way too long. I remember the play when the Buffalo Bill defender made chop suey out of Fields as his helmet came off in the collision. I did notice Fields has the escape ability when the pocket is closing up like the walls closing in on Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and the Princess, in the movie Star Wars. The next question I have which we do not know the answer to is… how did both quarterbacks do in practice? I would never buy anything the Bears brass is selling. The tells the General Manager Ryan Pace has in the press conferences let me know he would be the first to lose his shirt in a poker game.

What is the best way to start a young quarterback who you think is the face of your franchise for years to come? Should Justin Fields hold on to a clip board and learn the NFL on the sidelines from the veteran bridge quarterback that Andy Dalton has become? Bears tried this with Mitch Trubisky. Mike Glennon was that veteran in an experiment gone badly compared to the laboratory that produced the Covid virus. Trubisky would play decently in his first year behind center where he had no receivers. Everyone likes the road Patrick Mahomes took with the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes learned from Alex Smith who had a great year. Chiefs made the playoffs. Mahomes played in a meaningless game at the end of the season that year. Could Andy Dalton keep Fields on the bench and play well? Dalton signed with the Bears to be QB number 1. Dalton was probably told he was. Any veteran player, especially with the mentality of a quarterback, are going to play with a chip on his shoulder. Dalton will be looking for a contract beyond this season. Obviously with another team. Could Dalton drive the car how Ryan Fitzpatrick did in Miami last season & then hand the keys over like the Beard did to young quarterback Tua Tagovailoa? Miami would have made the playoffs if they went with Fitzmagic the entire season. Miami came close in the tough AFC with Tua Time mania on South Beach. Many people would say throw the young quarterback into the pit of snakes and let him get his bites and lumps in. How Peyton Manning and other greats have done it since the league formed. Getting the experience of on the job training. Some people compare the Bears quarterback saga to Russel Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson’s first year he beat out the one-game-wonder, Matt Flynn, who got a big contract from Seattle that off-season. Seahawks’ two Superbowls and multiple playoff appearances later have Russell Wilson looking like a future Hall-of-Famer.

When it comes down to the way the Chicago Bears do things, it’s an automatic wrong way. I get the thought process behind putting Andy Dalton in versus that stud defense the Rams have. Many believe the Rams defense is the best in the league coming into the 2021 season. Plus, the Bears have a 39-year-old left tackle to protect Dalton’s blindside. Jason Peters has not played in any pre-season game. Peters has had a great career, but how much does he have left in the gas tank? Bears do everything on the fly. Nothing seems like an intelligent plan when it comes to the Bears. Like drafting Justin Fields, like someone left a bag of cash on your front steps. You take it, but then the Bears don’t know how to use it. I would have fired this current coaching staff last season. Bears got lucky and found their way into the playoffs from a broken Cardinal team and the expanded post-season last year. This probably did save Head Coach Matt Nagy’s job. I can see Matt Nagy not playing Justin Fields right away to stay employed. Use the excuse that it takes time to develop a young quarterback. Then GM Ryan Pace got another chance at selecting a quarterback. By drafting Justin Fields, does that take him off the hook for picking Mitch Trubisky over DeShaun Watson or Patrick Mahomes? The front office should have been eliminated as well last season. Pace’s draft history is horrible. The Bears GM still has never addressed the offensive line. You have a head coach who’s supposed to be the QB whisperer with a War and Peace style playbook and has failed to run a top-tier offense. Blame that on a bad line, bad play calls and not developing your quarterbacks. It has been the defense that Nagy inherited that has his coaching record with more wins than losses. Andy Dalton will get a raw deal and move on from Chicago next season. Dalton might be the best choice versus the Rams or will end up as the sacrificial lamb in week one. Fields could also find himself damaged goods if he played versus a defense like that in week one. In the long run I think it will take another head coach to get the best out of Justin Fields. Lets just hope Fields is not permanent damaged goods when the new staff comes in.

Mitch Trubisky was going to be the answer at the quarterback position, the position the Chicago Bears have had problems with since the 1940’s. The days of Sid Luckman. The Bears General Manager, Ryan Pace, put all his eggs in one basket & bet the house on Mitch Trubisky as the solution to this long term problem in Chicago. Ryan Pace was so sure about himself that he bypassed a sure thing in DeShaun Watson. Did Ryan Pace even do enough research on Patrick Mahomes, who might be the best quarterback in the league today? In 2017, Pace moved up one spot in the draft to grab Mitch Trubisky while giving up draft capital to the 49ers. Trubisky’s Bears career would end last season. Trubisky was always a stand up guy and you can say in his career, he’s been OK. Definitely not like Watson or Mahomes. Trubisky would sign with the Buffalo Bills this off-season and made his way back to his old kind of stomping grounds for a pre-season affair on Saturday afternoon in Chicago. Trubisky gets his revenge against his former team as Buffalo demolishes the Bears on the lakefront. The crowd mostly cheered for their former quarterbacks. Some boos were heard. Some will say it’s only a pre-season game. Is it really just a pre-season game if you are Mitch Trubisky?

When head coach Matt Nagy simplified his playbook in the very first year with Mitch Trubisky, the Bears did well, made the playoffs, and lost to the Eagles. Only to blame the kicker for that loss. Last season when Mitch Trubisky was inserted back into the starting role, Mitch Trubisky did well and helped the Bears get back to the playoffs. You ask if the NFL expanding the playoffs is the reason why or did Arizona have too many injuries which helped the Bears get in and have a date with New Orleans? A team who pretty much manhandled the Midway Monsters that day. When head coach Matt Nagy tailored the playbook around Trubisky’s strengths, he was pretty good. Last season, Trubisky was 6-3 as the starter for the Bears. Overall in Trubisky’s entire career with the Bears, he has a winning record of 29-21. Trubisky has 64 touchdown passes to 37 Interceptions in his career. Again, Trubisky was the first quarterback picked in that draft in 2017, & will always have DeShaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes lurking in the shadows as they are elite and Mitch is just an average arm.

Mitch Trubisky signed with the Buffalo Bills to be Josh Allen’s back up. Trubisky plays a similar style behind center as Josh Allen. What’s the best way to improve your own game is work with one of the best offensive minds in the game, Brian Daboll, and watch Josh Allen continue to make strides. Mitch Trubisky looked very comfortable in the Bills offense as he torched his former team on Sunday. Trubisky was 15-21 for 157 yards with 1 touchdown pass & no interceptions. Trubisky had a passing rating of 108.6 on Saturday. Let’s not forget about the 11 yard runs with his feet and the two point conversion he tossed to Jacob Hollister. At halftime, it was 28-0 Bills. The final was 41-15 Bills in a laugher.

Here’s what jumps out at me about the Bills and Bears game. Mitch Trubisky was protected very well and had time to throw the ball. Bills used a running game to go along with Trubisky in the game plan. Andy Dalton’s numbers look better than they actually were. Take away the 73 yard touchdown Dalton threw to Rodney Adams, which was kind of lucky how he had to pretty much catch the ball through the defender, as the Bills corner-back fell to the ground, he was off to the races. Dalton finished 11-17 for 146 yards with the touchdown pass and a interception. Dalton had an 86.9 QB Rating. Then Justin Fields, who looked pretty good in the first pre-season game, did not look good on Saturday. Same old Bears expecting good quarterback play with a sloppy offensive line. One play Fields was mugged back there as he lost his helmet.

Fields’ day ended with a sigh of relief from fans that he got up. Behind center, Fields went 9-19 for 80 yards, no touch down passes or interceptions, with a QB rating of 59.1 yikes.

Who knows if Mitch Trubisky will ever face the Bears in a regular season game. I know it’s only a preseason game, but the eye test shows me Mitch Trubisky looked better than he ever did in a Bears uniform. Meanwhile the Bears are trying to figure out their offensive line as both Andy Dalton and Justin Fields were pressured all day. Nick Foles probably thanked God more than once that he did not get into that game. Many want to put the blame game on the GM of the Bears’ Ryan Pace. Don’t get me wrong… he is the problem as well in not getting the offensive line help that this team needed years ago. How many different quarterbacks does Matt Nagy need to get one to take control of this offense he has laid out. If Justin Fields turns out to be a lemon, after Matt Nagy all this time was the problem. Remember Matt Nagy did not draft Mitch Trubisky; he was not there at the time. Many think Nagy all along hoped Trubisky would fail so they could have one of his own guys in there. Nick Foles was going to be that guy. Now Andy Dalton will be that guy even though he will have a very short leash because the team traded more draft capital to get Justin Fields. Fields could be the savior in the long run. Will it be Matt Nagy who develops Justin Field, or some other coach? My gut tells me this will be the same ole Bad News Bears. I don’t think Mitch Trubisky will ever lead a team to the Superbowl. I can see Mitch Trubisky getting better. This game also shows you the Bills coaching staff and brain trust in the front office, are on a higher level than the Bears. Head Coach Sean McDermott challenges a play where the Bears receiver caught the ball using the ground to control it. That play was overturned. Then Matt Nagy challenges a play thinking the Bills receiver was out of bounds. This when you can clearly see he dragged his feet on the field before going out of bounds. Nagy was wrong. Play stands. Right now Trubisky has the last laugh.

Last season, the Chicago Blackhawks were in the thick of things most of the year, tailed off, and missed another post-season. The Blackhawks goalie situation looked grim especially after the first couple weeks. The NHL realigned all the divisions so teams could play in their own stadium. The Blackhawks had to play the bad Detroit Red Wings multiple times. The team still had to play the Lightning multiple times who have won back-to-back championships. The Blackhawks were without their captain the entire season, Jonathan Toews. Cory Crawford retired. A young goalie named Kevin Lankinen took the net and showed the league he can play inside the pipes. What if the Blackhawks Corey Crawford played last season and stayed healthy? Would the team have made it to the playoffs? Lankinen was pretty good, but if Crawford had been at his best and healthy, Blackhawks would have gotten to the post-season. This off-season there is finally a move by Stan Bowman the General Manager that I can applaud. Blackhawks land veteran goalie Marc-Andre Fleury from the Vegas Golden Knights in a trade.

At first this move of landing the veteran Marc-Andre Fleury, looked very Blackhawk-like. The 36 year old Fleury, a three time Stanley Cup winner, liked living in Vegas and his family thought about just hanging up the skates for good. Then a few weeks later, the former Penguins goalie decided he wants to play in Chicago. The deal was simple; the Blackhawks gave the Golden Knights minor league forward Mikael Hakkaraainen, a center born in Finland and Chicago, who has a veteran net presence next season. If you recall, the Golden Knights had one of the best goalie tandems in the league last year with Robin Lehner, a former Blackhawk himself. It was the Blackhawks that traded Lehner in 2020 in a three team trade that involved the Golden Knights and the Maple Leafs. Blackhawks got the Golden Knights back-up goalie Malcolm Subban in that trade. We’ve seen enough out of him as he was horrible. The Golden Knights needed to clear some salary cap and one of the goalies had to go. Fleury makes sense having only one year left on his deal.

Marc-Andre Fleury is the reigning Vezina trophy winner which means he was the top goalie last season in the entire NHL. In 36 regular season games last year for the Golden Knights Fleury went 26-10 in the net. Fleury had a save percentage of 928 for the year only allowing 1.98 goals a game. Plus, Fleury had six shut-outs. Fleury won all three of his cups in a Pittsburgh uniform. Fleury has also helped the Golden Knights make it to their first cup and he helped the team get deep into the playoffs this past season. Fleury ranks third in all-time wins in regular season with 492. Fleury is a for sure Hall of Famer when he hangs up the skates for good.

I like this move a lot by the Blackhawks. I know its a seven million dollar hit on the cap. It’s only a one year hit as Marc-Andre Fleury will become a free agent if the move does not work out. I think this move can benefit your young goalie Kevin Lankinen who should get some games in as the back up. Lankinen can learn from a future Hall-of-Famer. The Blackhawks would have a solid 1-2 punch in the net which they lacked last season. Plus they would have a guy who has been there and done that in the playoffs with Fleury helping the team get back to the post-season. In the NHL it takes a hot goalie and an all-star like Patrick Kane to lead your team past the first round and beyond. I like Jonathan Toews returning. The Blackhawks did well without him as they hung in there most of the season. With a healthy Toews, the Blackhawks will be better. The Blackhawks added Center Tyler Johnson from the Lightning who adds post-season experience which will improve this team. I don’t agree with the money they will be paying or what they gave up to land the defenseman Seth Jones from Columbus. Seth Jones will be a upgrade over an aging Duncan Keith who was dealt to the Oilers. The biggest reason this may work out for the Blackhawks is because Fleury has an axe to grind with the Golden Knights for trading him. Plus, Vegas found his replacement in 2020 with Robin Lehner. In 2021, Fleury showed Vegas he was still the guy. Fleury still has that passion, and he may want another contract after this year. Might not be with the Blackhawks, but we may go down that road when the time comes. Right now Stan Bowman can breathe a sigh of relief that he’s not being dragged out of the United Center by fans with pitchforks and torches.