STRAIGHT PICK-EM

LAST WEEK’S RECORD:(9-5) In week 9, it seemed like we were chasing the chicken in all the games that could go either way. Obviously the 5 losses mean we did not catch Colonel Sanders’ next masterpiece.

OVERALL SEASON RECORD: (81-55)

WEEK TEN

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-7) AT CHICAGO BEARS (2-7)

The Panthers as a team are struggling this season for anything positive. Justin Fields is out for the Bears. Bryce Young has not impressed me behind center for the Panthers. The Bears will roll with their rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent from division II Shepard University. If Bagent could just manage this game, you will see a division II school beat the big dog QB Young from the University of Alabama. The Bears defense will be the key in this win. They have played better the last few weeks and not worried about the Panthers offense mustering up enough points to win this game.

OUR PICK: DA BEARS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

EUROPE GAME

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (4-5) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-7)

This game is being played in Germany. You have to love the mugs on her. German’s fine engineering is what you call it. The Colts have been scoring points as their defense played better than weeks before last Sunday’s win over a bad Panthers team. The Patriots are a broken team & they have nothing positive they do on weekly basis. Is it time to send Bill Belichick packing if you are the slime ball owner of the Patriots Robert Kraft? When you play on neutral ground, I think the best friend to have is a running game. The Colts two headed monster attack with Zack Moss and Jonathan Taylor should be enough to give Indianapolis a road win over the Patriots.

OUR PICK: COLTS

BACK TO THE STATES

CLEVELAND BROWNS (5-3) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (7-2)

Both the Browns and the Ravens have two things in common. They play solid defense as the Ravens are number one scoring defense in the league while Cleveland is number 3. The Browns have allowed less yards than the Ravens defensive unit. Both the Browns and Ravens do very well in their respective division battles with only one loss in the season. How do you sort this out? You have to go by the quarterback position. Lamar Jackson is playing out of his mind right now as the Ravens as a team look like the best in the entire league. Jackson is much better than the rapist Deshaun Watson this season. Ravens put their claws on the strangle hold of the division in this one with a win.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

HOUSTON TEXANS (4-4) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (5-3)

Can the Texans go into Cincinnati and get the upset? The Bengals are red hot right now as Joe Cool Burrow is completing over 70% of his passes. CJ Stroud last week completed over 70% of his passes and had 5 touch down passes for 470 passing yards versus a pretty good Buccaneer defense is not too shabby. Call me crazy. Call me insane… this is my upset pick of the week. First thing is the Bengals can look past the Texans at their next match up on Thursday night versus the Ravens. Tee Higgins is out in this one for the Bengals. I like Stroud being able to escape the Bengals pressure on defense. Besides, the Texans are not a team that is a walk in the park anymore. I’m going Houston with the upset of the week.

OUR PICK: TEXANS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (5-3) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (6-2)

This game looks like a must see. I’m thinking it may be a let down. Both the Jaguars and 49ers are coming off their bye week. Something has to give in this match up as the Jaguars have won 5 straight while the 49ers have lost three straight. I think the 49ers will benefit from the bye week more than the hotter team, the Jaguars. The 49ers used the week to heal up and get their new guys familiar with the scheme of things. The 49ers adding a dog to their defense from the Commanders in Chase Young will be unleashed in Jacksonville.

The 49ers snap their losing streak and at the same time break the Jaguars winning streak to bring their fans back in from the ledge.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (5-4) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (5-4)

The Vikings are either the luckiest team in the NFL for a stretch of weeks or unluckiest for stretches of the season. The team trades for Joshua Dobbs & then insert him into the game due to an injury. Like that, the Vikings are over 500. The Saints defense came to life in the second half versus the Bears last week, the unit many expected to see most of the year. Can Dobbs save the Vikings season? Can the Saints play the perfect game with Derek Carr putting up points on the scoreboard while the defense limits the opposing team on the scoreboard? Dobbs will now have a week to learn the Vikings play book, but can he run the plays? Last week you know Dobbs was doing the bare bones of the offense and just doing things that came natural. I like the Saints being able to game plan for Dobbs. Another Viking receiver will be out. K.J. Osburn suffered a concussion last week versus the Falcons and will not play which gives the Saints the advantage. Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson is still out. Saints defense can key in on Dobbs.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

GREEN BAY PACKERS (3-5) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (5-3)

The Packers and the Steelers need this win in week ten. The Packers need the win to creep back to the 500 mark and plot a way to get back in the NFC North race. The Steelers are involved in a tight race in the AFC North. Both teams won last week. The Packers beat a Rams team without Matthew Stafford behind center. The Steelers had to come back and top the Titans. Kenny Pickett versus Jordan Love is like a runner in baseball getting to the bag at the same time as the ball. In which goes to the runner being called safe. Which one is the runner? I like the Steelers chances better at home and their defense can do more and give Love a bad name as Pittsburgh shot to the heart of Green Bay fans.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

TENNESSEE TITANS (3-5) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-5)

It was all fun at the beginning of the season with Baker Mayfield playing well for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay was sniffing the playoffs and Mayfield was going to redefine himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL. The Buccaneers may have to do what the Titans have done with rookie Will Levis who is going to start his 3rd NFL game of his career and has done pretty decent so far. The Buccaneers defense has gone soft. The team has lost 4 straight. The Buccaneers should see what they have in Kyle Trask who I thought should have started the season as QB 1. Levis has to be licking his chops right now seeing another rookie CJ Stroud throw for 470 yards last week on the Buccaneers defense. This will be a close game as the Titans pull it out at the end as Levis starts to look more like the future of this Tennessee team for the long haul.

OUR PICK: TITANS

ATLANTA FALCONS (4-5) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-8)

The Falcons Cardinals showdown features former Commander quarterback Taylor Heinicke versus the return of Kyle Murray. Cardinals fans have to be dancing in the streets naked not seeing Clayton Tune, not play it again Sam. Heinicke took over the starting job from Desmond Ridder. Heinicke is a young Colt McCoy who can win games in the NFL but will also lose more games than he wins. Murray will be rusty, but his return has to be a lift for the entire team. The Cardinals have played most of their games tough losing a lot of close ones. I see Murray doing something special and I like the Cardinals at home for this one.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

NEW YORK GIANTS (2-7) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (5-3)

Danny Devito’s brother Tommy ia getting the start for the Giants and he is not a sub above behind center. Tommy is probably not related to actor Danny Devito. I know this after Tommy faces the Cowboys defense, Giants fans will want to throw him off the train. It can be a sequel, “Throw Tommy Off the Train.” Dallas feeds on teams under 500 like zombies chomping down on brains. The Cowboys use the Giants like that girl everyone knows as a nice rebound to get back on their feet after the loss in Philadelphia.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

DETROIT LIONS (6-2) AT LA CHARGERS (4-4)

The Lions come off a bye week as they look to win their second straight on the road versus a Charger team that has won two straight. We are still waiting for Justin Herbert to get hot as that Charger offense is not firing on all cylinders. For the Lions, they had a comfortable lead in the NFC North, but objects appear closer than usual in your rear view mirror as the Vikings are closing in on distance. I like the Lions defense well rested to keep this Charger offense contained. Jared Goff back in his old stomping grounds will want to play one of his better games in LA and escape with a victory. The Lions are 3-1 on the road, so they can win as they did knock out the Chiefs in the very first game of the season at Arrowhead stadium.

OUR PICK: LIONS

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS(4-5) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (5-3)

The Commanders were sellers at the trade deadline and show me something winning on the road versus a New England team. Meanwhile, Seattle was beaten like a red headed step child by the Ravens last weekend. Geno Smith looked like Geno Smith back in those Jets days. Seattle is 3-1 at home this season so they should be able to get that offense back on track. For the Commanders, two road games and one all the way to Seattle is tough task. I like the Seahawks defense being able to put the pressure on Commanders quarterback Sam Howell who has been sacked one of the most this season in the NFL. The offense reboots and Seahawks will still be on top of the NFC West by themselves or sharing the honors with the 49ers once again.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

NEW YORK JETS (4-4) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (4-5)

Another prime time game for the Jets as all the networks had a hard on for Aaron Rodgers before the season even started. The Raiders lost the dead weight of their former coach Josh McDaniels & now look like a whole new team. The Jets have been lingering around like a floater that will not go down on the first flush. Rodgers is not going to save this team coming out of some dark retreat smoking the pipe. The defense of the Jets has been over worked every week trying to keep this team in games. The Jets offense is horrific while the Raiders defense see red and will be charging like some Viking movie led by Mad Max Crosby. Josh Jacobs, a reborn football player after McDaniels coaching, will have another big game running the ball for another Raiders win.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

DENVER BRONCOS (3-5) AT BUFFALO BILLS (5-4)

This is a must win game for the Buffalo Bills. It’s never easy it seems lately for the Bills as the Broncos have won two straight with the last victory coming against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills find themselves falling on hard times with an offense that is sputtering and fans are waiting for the one play or the savior who will spark this team. The Broncos come off a bye week to face a tough road test with a team that is wounded mentally and possibly physically, and they don’t want to set the short wick. The Bills have the Eagles, Chiefs, and Cowboys coming up after a rematch with the Jets so they need games like this with the buzz saw of a schedule in late November, early December.

The Bills will come out loose in this game & playing at home will help get them back on track for at least this week. I can’t promise you anything beyond. The Broncos bye week comes when the team is hot, but will come out cold.

OUR PICK: BILLS

The Chicago Bears baffle me when it comes down to running a football team in the NFL. Instead of being sellers at the trade deadline, they became buyers and for whatever reason, a 2-6 record at the time. The Bears traded a second round pick in next year’s draft for 27 year old defensive end Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders. The first question after your jaw dropped is Sweat is going to be a free agent so why waste a second round pick on a half of season rental. The Bears were quick withe the defenses and gave Sweat a multi-year contract extension as the Bears have money to burn with their salary cap not yet in handcuffs. I know the Bears need pass rushing and Sweat can provide that. The team could have kept their second round pick and ate their cake by signing Sweat on the open market after the season.

Motez Sweat was drafted by the Commanders in the first round in 2019, number 26 overall. Sweat has played 5 seasons in the NFL and has racked up 35.5 sacks. Sweat this season has 6.5 sacks all with the Commanders as he debuted for the Bears last week versus the Saints. Sweat is a guy that could draw double teams which could leave other guys unprotected going after the quarterback. The Bears as a group coming in last week had only ten sacks as a team. With Sweat on one edge it should give the other edge rusher the Bears signed right before the season started, Yannick Ngakoue, a better chance to improve his game. The Bears threw 10.5 million at Ngakoue on a one year deal at him to pressure the quarterback pretty much by himself. Ngakoue is an 8 year veteran who has played multiple teams in the NFL & has two sacks this season. I can see why the Bears need a guy like Sweat to help other guys and to keep the opposing offenses concerned about a guy they know they have to key on, like Montez. Montez may not rack up the sacks with this Bears defense. Not yet at least he can hit the quarterback often during the game and disrupt his passes.

The Bears’ brain trust this go around has their fans scratching their heads. Guys like Montez Sweat should be added to the roster when the Bears are finally ready to make that final step and be that playoff team. The second round pick GM Ryan Poles gave the Commanders for Sweat is a top 40 pick in next year’s draft. The Bears will have the Carolina Panthers’ number one and they look and play the part of one of the worst teams in the league right now. Then you have the Bears record itself which will grant this team a high pick which gives you two most likely in the first ten picks of the draft. To have that early second rounder gets you three talented players to take off the board. Then adding a Sweat type of player is not a bad idea, but you could have drafted a defensive edge rusher with one of three picks and saved that money from the extension for a rainy day. The Bears still have no quarterback which is a glaring need since the 1940’s when Sid Luckman was behind center. Has Justin Fields developed into that number one guy? I have not seen it. This is the biggest question because will the Bears brain trust trot out Fields next year? Once again thinking and crossing your fingers saying, “this is the year.” The Bears could draft another quarterback in the first round. The Bears would not get that lucky and pick the CJ Stroud type that is already producing in big ways for the Houston Texans. The Bears would pick the other door prize, the guy that will become a lingering project. Like Charlie Brown with his Christmas tree. Whatever the Bears touch at the quarterback position, it instantly dies. Paying veterans like Sweat right now during a bad season makes no sense if the team wanted to get a quality veteran quarterback through trade or free agency. They need to keep money available if they want to go that direction. The Bears are who we thought they were as they run a football team completely backwards and have continued that trend for decades. Why we thought Ryan Poles would be different, it beats me.

STRAIGHT PICK-EM

LAST WEEK’S RECORD (10-6)

Just one of those weeks that we could not get the games that could go either way, right.

SEASON RECORD:(72-50)

WEEK NINE

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

TENNESSEE TITANS (3-4) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (4-3)

Both the Steelers and the Titans have been unpredictable all season as they are a roller coaster at Fright Fest with screams of you don’t know what. I dig the Titans throwback uniforms – the old Oilers ones from back in the Houston days. The Steelers defense threw everything they had even the kitchen sinks at the Jacksonville offense last week and held them to only 20 points. The Titans came to life with a quarterback switch as Tennessee went with rookie quarterback out of Kentucky, Will Lewis. The Steelers offensive line has been dreadful & starting quarterback Kenny Pickett is playing with an rib injury. I like Lewis’ debut last week as we had a DeAndre Hopkins sighting. Lewis has lots to prove and will have nice night with a tired Steeler defense.

OUR PICK: TITANS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

MIAMI DOLPHINS (6-2) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (6-2) IN GERMANY

The Dolphins versus Chiefs in Germany? Crazy… two AFC heavyweights going at it. The Chiefs lost to the Broncos which Patrick Mahomes has said he had flu-like symptoms during that loss. The Dolphins also lost to the Eagles. Which team will lose two in a row and do it over in another country? Is this Tyreek Hill’s revenge game versus the Dolphins playing his former team? The Dolphins can’t beat really good teams. I can see Patrick Mahomes able to generate points on the Dolphins defense. The Dolphins can score points, but the Chiefs defense can stop the bleeding. I can’t bet against Patrick Mahomes to lose two straight.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (4-4) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (4-4)

Just when the Vikings started playing their best football and doing it without their best player on the field, Justin Jefferson. Vikings in a win over arch-rival Packers lose Kirk Cousins for the remainder of the season. The Falcons lost last week but remain at the top of the NFC South.

Can the traveling Dobbs in Josh who arrives in Minnesota through a trade with Arizona be the guy to continue to guide this Viking team to the promised land? The Viking ship sinks in Atlanta as Dobbs or the other back up will not be up to speed, the Vikings are hoping. The Falcons are 3-1 at home this season and should be able to score off the bad Viking defense.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (5-2) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-2)

The last time the Seahawks played a AFC North opponent, they had their chances to beat the Bengals in Cincinnati. The Seahawks’ drives stalled with bad decisions on Geno Smith. The Ravens are playing solidly on both sides of the ball. The Seahawks defense has been catching up with their offense. The Seattle offense has been digressing in the last few games, not as potent it was like last year. This match up looks enticing on paper. Like a fight to the end. Not going to happen. The Ravens defense will stress Geno out. I forgot this little nugget of information – Lamar Jackson for the Ravens is 17-1 versus the NFC conference. Last time I checked, Seattle moved out of the AFC West to the NFC years ago. Checkmate!!!

OUR PICK: RAVENS

ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-7) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-3)

The Cardinals traded their starting quarterback this entire season, Joshua Dobbs, to the Vikings last week. Dobbs was just holding the fort down for Kyler Murray. The Browns have PJ Walker going again for the injured Deshaun Watson. The Cardinals will be going with rookie quarterback Clayton Tune, a 5th round pick out of Houston University. The Browns defense will make sure Clayton’s Tune does not get into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. The Cardinals coaching staff is serving up steaks to the dog pound defense that have played like junk yard dogs most of the season and they will fine tune their prowl in this one.

OUR PICK: BROWNS

LA RAMS (3-5) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-5)

Both the Packers and the Rams are a mess right now. The Rams have played tough in almost every game, but the wheels fell off the LA bus especially last week versus the Cowboys. The Packers are finding out what it is like to have no quarterback.

It’s like trying to put cheese on top of liver and onions hoping to improve the taste. The Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is banged up. The Packers are at home and will find a win with their running game in a sloppy affair resulting in low scoring.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-4) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (3-4)

The Buccaneers and Texans are desperate for a victory with both teams losing last week. The Texans lost to the winless Panthers, which has to sting. The Buccaneers have now lost three in a row after starting off the season 3-1. I like the Buccaneers defense versus a rookie quarterback, C.J Stroud, who will feel the pressure about to lose two in a row and thinking about the Panthers’ loss. The Buccaneers have extra rest, and playing last Thursday should give Bake Mayfield and that offense time to find themselves and be able to put more points on the board and get back to the 500 mark.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (3-5) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-6)

This is another bad game on the week 9 schedule. The Commanders have waved the white flag after losing to the Eagles. The Commanders traded away two key pass rushers. The Patriots did what they could against the Dolphins in Miami. The Patriots should be able to generate pass rush versus a very weak Commanders offensive line who are tops in the league with sacks allowed. The Patriots should be able to score off the Commanders defense who have weakened their strong suit on defense by trading away their pass rushers. Patriots are also at home which should serve their purpose – a victory in front of the storm troopers.

OUR PICK: EVIL EMPIRE

CHICAGO BEARS (2-6) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (4-4)

Remember Da Coach getting the job with the Saints? Mike Ditka trading all that draft capital for running back Ricky Williams as things did not go well for Da Coach in the Big Easy. The Bears will have rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent starting for the third straight game. Justin Fields still hurt. The Saints got back to the 500 mark last week with a win. Derek Carr and the Saints offense are starting to click. The Saints defense will be a tough test for the Division II quarterback. Saints at home get over 500 with a win.

OUR PICK SAINTS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-5) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-6)

The Panthers finally get their first victory of the year. The Colts lose another high scoring affair versus the Saints this time. The Colts defense has been awful, especially the last two games. The Panthers offense and Bryce Young have not been a part of any showdowns at high noon like that. Panthers will score more points than usual. I don’t think the Panthers defense can stop that two headed monster running game that the Colts have. Gardner Minshew will air out the rock as well as anything goes for the Colts on offense. Panthers can not keep up with the Colts pace on offense. This week the Colts are on top of the arena football game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

OUR PICK: COLTS

NEW YORK GIANTS (2-6) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (3-5)

This is another disaster on the week 9 menu of the NFL. Who’s playing quarterback for each team? The Giants may have their starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, who was out with a neck injury, back behind center. The Raiders fired their head Josh McDaniels this week. The new head coach for the Raiders benched Jimmy Garoppolo in favor of their back up QB, Aidan O’Connell. Antonio Pierce will dumb things down for the Raiders players stepping in for McDaniels. The Giants traded away one of their main pieces on their defense line sending Leonard Williams to Seattle. This game could go either way. The Giants still have a shaky offensive line against which the Raiders defense can give a rusty Jones a long day at the office. With new coaches in these situations, the team usually wins the first game for the interim.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

DALLAS COWBOYS (5-2) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (7-1)

Cowboys versus Eagles is always a measuring stick for both teams when they face each other. Two NFC power houses that share the same division. The Cowboys have played well the last two weeks. The Eagles are winning games, but we have not seen their best which is frightening. I like the Eagles at home. The Cowboys seem due for another clunker that comes every few games. The Cowboys are like the Dolphins, in the AFC they beat all the bad teams along with the middle of the road teams but can’t take out that big buck in the forest as they miss or miss really bad.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

BUFFALO BILLS (5-3) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-3)

Here we go again: Bengals versus the Bills. A rematch from last post season that made Buffalo look bad. The last time the Bills and Bengals met in Cincinnati was the game that never finished with Damar Hamlin needing CPR after making a tackle early in that contest. The Bills have been struggling since losing in London. The Bengals have been red hot and a healthier Joe Burrow is finding his mid-season form. Both teams won last week. Bengals looked good winning a tough one on the road versus a great 49er team. The Bills played well, but it was not easy for them putting away a bad Buccaneer team. This game has Bengals written all over it as the Bills found their kryptonite dealing with these guys. It’s a bad match up on both sides of the ball for the Bills. I’m a die hard Bills fan and I’m praying for the miracle on Sunday with the resurrection of the Bills squad we saw earlier in the season. I want revenge from that playoff loss. I want Hamlin to beat his demons on that field. Bills get the upset.

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

LA CHARGERS (3-4) AT NEW YORK JETS (4-3)

The first two questions in this match up between the Jets and Chargers: Can the Jets stop the Chargers offense? Can the Chargers score points they are comfortable scoring versus the Jets defense? The other side has things I like about the Chargers defense over the Jets offense. The Jets have been hanging around as they escape the battle of New York facing another Big Apple team with an offense like them. The Chargers were a playoff team last year. Are they due to win two straight games? The Jets will slow down the Chargers offense and keep them in check most of the game. In the end, the Chargers defense comes up with the key turnovers on Zach Wilson to decide this one. Big road win for the Chargers as they even up their record at 4-4.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

Since it is Halloween I came up with a list of players that have or are still in the NFL that would scare the hell out of me in a dark alley. Some of these players are ghosts from the grave yard coming back on Halloween night like a Freddie or Jason for another sequel. Some of these guys were before my time, but I have read about them and it was a different game back then. More violent. Nobody had concussions back then. All these guys for sure were bat shit crazy during their time playing on the gridiron with an edge of being fearless. I have ten guys. I ranked them counting down from ten with number 1 being the scariest. All of them would do a solid job scaring the life out of you and me, especially if trapped in a dead end alley. These guys are why we have horror movies.

#10. CHARLES MARTIN DE/NT

Charles Martin during the 1980’s played six seasons in the NFL as he tallied up 11 total sacks playing defensive line mostly for the Packers. Martin was nicknamed “Too Mean.” When he played for the Green Bay Packers, he had a towel that he made his personal hit list on with players’ numbers on them. One hit off that list was Jim McMahon when the Packers played their rival Bears. Martin body-slammed the punky QB to the turf like it was a WWF wrestling ring. After that McMahon was never the same quarterback. Martin did not care about the team as this happened after the play was over as he had his own agenda and accomplished it. Now imagine a big guy like Martin that elevated his game using marker over crayons, having a hit list, and him finding you in a dark alley.

#9.JACK YOUNGBLOOD DE

Jack Youngblood may go on multiple lists as he played 14 seasons with the LA Rams in the 70’s and 80’s and was one of the toughest SOB’S of all-time. Youngblood tallied up 151.5 sacks in his career and opposing offenses feared him – especially the quarterbacks around the league. During the 1979 NFC Championship and when the Rams went on to play in Superbowl XIV, Youngblood played with a broken leg. In all those Halloween movies or Friday the 13th movies, the football mask of Youngblood is the hockey mask of those horror movies. You think you killed the serial killer, but he keeps coming after you. That is Youngblood chasing you down an alley maimed with a broken leg, but he eventually will get you. His last name has blood in it… so what do expect?

#8.MYLES GARRETT DE

Myles Garrett is still active in the NFL playing 7 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Garrett has racked up 83 sacks so far in his promising career. There was the time Garrett snapped on the field ripping the helmet off Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolf. Then Garrett using the same helmet as a weapon to whack the Steelers quarterback. Luckily he was being held back by other players on both sides, or Rudolf could have been brain dead. This may be Garrett’s only incident like that, but he still gives anyone he faces the jeebie weebies because you don’t know when his short wick will ignite. In a dark alley, Garrett would use anything for a weapon and beat your head with it like Rodney King with nightsticks from the LAPD.

#7.JACK LAMBERT LB

Jack Lambert’s teeth looks like something you carved in your pumpkin to scare the neighbors’ cat away. Lambert was a big part of the Original Steel Curtain for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1970’s. Lambert was nicknamed Dracula in spikes and Jack Splat as he destroyed opposing players playing linebacker. It did not matter the size of the players as the bigger they were, the harder they would fall with Lambert knocking you into tomorrow-land. Lambert had 28 interceptions during his time in the NFL. Imagine him chasing you down in a dark alley with a grin like the Joker or rotten teeth like Penny Wise, the clown. You’d be dragged into the sewers and never be heard from again.

#6. RICHIE INCOGNITO OL

Richie Incognito played with multiple teams in the NFL for 13 seasons. Incognito was a 4x pro-bowler playing in the trenches protecting the quarterback. Incognito had a evil streak in him as he was the Gooch of the Miami Dolphins when he played in Florida. Incognito was the guy demanding your lunch money as he bullied his former teammate, Jonathan Martin. Incognito would be suspended for his actions of hazing Martin. A guy who pretty much could not take the everyday abuse, left the team, and not long after retired from the game. When Incognito’s own father died, he walked into the funeral parlor and wanted to cut his own father’s head off. Imagine Incognito catching up with you in an alley to remove your head from your body to use it like the Governor on Walking Dead for his own personal fish tank ornament.

#5. RAY LEWIS LB

Ray Lewis played 17 seasons in the NFL, all for the Baltimore Ravens. Lewis was a mad man playing the line backer position with anger as he racked 1.568 solo tackles in the NFL along with 41.5 sacks. Lewis was part of two Superbowl winning teams in Baltimore. The linebacker will be remembered mostly for the double murder he did after a Superbowl party he went to in Atlanta in 2000. Lewis did some jail time as he was never convicted of the double murder where two people were stabbed in a bar/restaurant which he witnessed. Or did he? The charges were dropped. Lewis was only charged with obstruction of justice. You can say Lewis was covering for one of his guys. Maybe someone took the fall for him. Maybe in the alley someone else would take the fall for this mad man named Ray Ray taking you out.

#4.DICK BUTKUS LB

Dick Butkus played his entire career with the Bears for nine seasons during the 60’s and early 70’s. Out of those 9 seasons, Butkus made the pro-bowl in 8 of them. The last two seasons of Butkus’ career, he still strived on the field with two bad knees. The playing career of Butkus is like the legendary tales of a Vampire. The legend, the myths, the stories… what’s true & what’s false in folk tales still being told about this man’s legacy. The things Butkus did no way in hell you could get away with in today’s NFL. Butkus would clothesline opposing players as they crashed to the ground being roped with his forearm under the helmet. In the piles, Butkus may have bitten and scratched opposing players drawing blood while getting some rabbit punches in. Butkus would launch his body like a missile, not like present days of players doing that as he would make the tackle and drive them into the ground. Opposing offenses had to plan how to work around Butkus as they knew they couldn’t contain him. In a dark alley, even knowing where Butkus is, at some point he was going to get you.

#3. VONTAZE BURFICT LB

Vontaze Burfict was a middle linebacker most of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals. Burfict was a head hunter and he did not care. Burfict has been suspended by the NFL 4 times and has been fined by the league 9 different times in 7 total seasons. Burfict has paid about 5 million dollars out of his pocket roughly for his head hunting ways on the field. He obviously did not care as he liked to launch his body and knock opposing wide receivers out of the game. His hits have cost his team games. Even a playoff game against the arch rival Steelers when he knocked out Antonio Brown with a vicious hit to his helmet. That may explain why Brown is crazy. Burfict would not care about ending you in a dark alley as his wallet may not be as full as it once was. Seeing you on the ground would be the extra gravy he needs to get his fix.

#2. AARON HERNANDEZ TE

Aaron Hernandez was a part of the Patriots dynasty and made it to one of the losing Superbowls of the Evil Empire. Hernandez only played three seasons and at the tight end position he had star written all over him along with all the disturbing tattoos he was covered in. Hernandez in three seasons caught 175 passes for 1,956 yards and 18 touchdowns. Hernandez outside football acts like a gang banger as he shot one of his friends for finding out something about him. Hernandez was always around trouble as it followed him. In 2007 in the state of Florida, he knocked out a bouncer at a bar hitting the man right on the ear drum. Hernandez was acquitted for a double murder they proved he did not do while in jail. Hernandez eventually took his own life in jail. Hernandez would have no problem putting a bullet in someone’s head in a dark alley.

#1.JACK TATUM (THE ASSASSIN) DB

Jack Tatum, nicknamed The Assassin, is my number one villain I would not want to meet in an alley in the dark in the light. Tatum played in the 1970’s with the Raiders for nine seasons as he ended his career in Houston in 1980. Tatum had 37 interceptions in his entire career. It was not the interceptions that earned Tatum the nickname. It was Tatum’s wicked hits where he earned that name. During the 1970’s, you could mug someone and not get penalized as Tatum would deliver an assassin-style blow to any opposing player going over the middle to catch a ball. In a pre-season game in 1978, Tatum seemed to be in mid-season form and laid out Patriots wide receiver, Darryl Stingley. It ended his career as he was paralyzed for the rest of his life. Tatum never showed any compassion for the hit on Stingley and never apologized for it. In an alley, Tatum a guy with a nick name assassin with no conscious, would easily take out his target.

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

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

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

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

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

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

STRAIGHT PICK-EM PREDICTIONS

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

SEASON RECORD: (62-44)

WEEK 8 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

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

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

OUR PICK: TEXANS

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

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

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

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

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

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

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

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

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

OUR PICK: COLTS

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

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

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

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

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

OUR PICK: GIANTS

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

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

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

OUR PICK: STEELERS

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

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

OUR PICK: FALCONS

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

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

OUR PICK: EAGLES

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

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

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

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

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

OUR PICK: RAVENS

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

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

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

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

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

OUR PICK: BENGALS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

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

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: LIONS

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

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

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

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

STRAIGHT PICK-EM

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

SEASON RECORD: (57-36)

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: SAINTS

THE SUNDAY TILT

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

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

OUR PICK: RAVENS

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

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

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

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

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

OUR PICK: BROWNS

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

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

OUR PICK: BILLS

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

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

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

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

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

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

OUR PICK: FALCONS

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

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

OUR PICK: RAMS

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

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

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

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

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

OUR PICK: PACKERS

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

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

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

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

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

OUR PICK: EAGLES

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: 49ERS

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

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

GROWING PAINS

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

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

BRIDGE GAP VETERANS

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

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

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

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

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

GOAL TENDING

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

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

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

THE FUTURE

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

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

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

MY SLEEPER SIGNING

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

PROJECTED LINE UPS

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

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

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

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

Defenders: Kevin Korchunski-Seth Jones

Jarred Tinordi-Connor Murphy

Alex Vlastic- Wyatt Kaiser

Goalies

Petr Mrazek- Arvid Soderblom

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

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

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

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

STRAIGHT UP PICK-EM

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

SEASON RECORD: (47-31)

BRING ON WEEK 6

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

LONDON, ENGLAND

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

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

OUR PICK: RAVENS

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

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

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

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

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

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

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

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

OUR PICK: 49ERS

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

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

OUR PICK: SAINTS

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

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

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

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

THE REVENGE OF THE MUSTACHE

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

OUR PICK: COLTS

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

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

OUR PICK: PATRIOTS

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

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

OUR PICK: BENGALS

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

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

OUR PICK: LIONS

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

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

OUR PICK: RAMS

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

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

OUR PICK: EAGLES

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: COWBOYS