When Mike Ditka, Da Coach, was the Chicago Bears head coach in the 1980’s, it was all about the sweater. In baseball, Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker wears those feminine gloves in the dugout. In the 1990s, many will remember the Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Walt Corey chewing on a swizzle stick during his chess match with the opposing team’s offensive coordinator. Corey, a former star linebacker who went into coaching after his playing days, lasted 27 years on the sidelines. Corey spent 8 seasons in Buffalo and was part of those 4 AFC Championships of the Bills in the 1990’s. Corey has passed away at 84 years of age. He was a guy who gave his lifetime to the sport of football while touching many lives in the process.
During the late 1980’s and the 1990’s, I was a young football fan. I played football one year in grammar school, and another season in high school at that time while watching the NFL which I loved. I was a Buffalo Bills fan then and still am today. I remember those great Bills teams and telecasts mentioning the chewing swizzle stick defensive coordinator, Walt Corey. Back then you could not download the information you can in present times. Coach Cory had an interesting career. Corey was an un-drafted linebacker out of the University of Miami. Drafted by the Dallas Texans of the AFL.
The Texans would go on and move to Kansas City and become the Chiefs. Corey played some solid football as a player and was part of interesting football history. In 1963, Corey was an All-Star linebacker. Corey was part of two AFL championships between the years of 1962-66. Then the merger happened, and Corey played in the first Superbowl in history when the Chiefs and the Packers squared off.
In the 1990’s, I loved the sitcom, Coach. Head Coach Hayden Fox, played by Craig T. Nelson, with his longtime assistant Luther Van Dam, played by Jerry Van Dyke, coaching the Minnesota Screaming Eagles. Then eventually moving on together to take on a professional team, the Orlando Breakers. Walt Corey and longtime head coach in the NFL Marv Levy, had that kind of relationship. Marv Levy was head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs before he came to Buffalo. Back then in Kansas City, Corey coached the Chiefs defensive line, and defensive backs from 1978-82. Levy would hire his old friend in Buffalo as the defensive coordinator where Corey would coach 8 seasons in Western New York from 1987-1994. Bills had a ton of talent on those defenses, Corey the coach from Bruce Smith, Cornelius Bennett, and Daryl Talley are some of the big names. One of my favorite players on the defensive side of the ball for the Bills was linebacker Shane Conlan.
During Walt Corey’s time in Buffalo, it was his 1988 Buffalo defensive unit that was the best as they ranked number 4 that year in total defense. Shocking it was not one of the 4 straight Superbowl defenses the Bills had which were not his best units. Corey had 4 other defenses in his 8 seasons in Buffalo in the top 12 of the league. The Bills 1993 defensive unit finished in top 5 in points allowed in the good way not giving them up which is the bad way.
Walt Corey would move on from Buffalo and find himself coaching in the Big Easy under Chicago legend Mike Ditka, when he was hired as the Saints Head Coach.
Corey helped the Saints from 1997-1999. In 2001, Corey gave the Wrestling league called the XFL, a whirl as defensive coordinator. Corey would coach the defense for the Memphis Maniax. The XFL part one would last only one season.
Walt Corey would play in a Superbowl and then coach in 4 of them. Corey has played in and coached in some interesting places over his football life. You may feel his heart probably belong in Kansas City with runner-up being Buffalo. I’m sure he did plenty of great things in each journey he made, dedicating his life to the game of football. The Bills should have won one of those 4 Superbowls. The first one with the missed kick that sailed wide right in the last seconds was heart breaking. The Bills played solid on both sides of the ball versus the Giants. The other three Superbowls, the Bills were flat on both sides of the ball. You can’t point the finger at one side of the ball. These things just happen in sports. Walt Corey was part of winning four straight AFC Championships which many can’t say they did that done that. I feel he created a team effort which was a big part in those 8 years being that young fan watching the game and giving me so much joy to watch. Buffalo Bills football is my team I care the most about passion-wise. Every time I stir my bloody Mary with my swizzle stick these days, Walt Corey and some great defenses will flash in my mind where present times it’s all about scoring in the NFL. Only guys like Corey will still find a way to hand cuff an offense even with being handcuffed themselves with too many rules against the defense. In heaven, Walt Corey is probably preparing his defense while chewing on his swizzle stick facing an offense with Water Payton and Red Grange the Galloping Ghost. Wouldn’t that be sweetness to see that unfold. RIP Coach !!!!
The Chicago Bears have been notorious for overpaying for bigger names in the league by trade or through free agency only to get nothing significant in return. The latest Bears move has Chicago sending defensive end Robert Quinn to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 4th round pick. Plus, the Bears will pick up most of Quinn’s salary to cement the deal. In 2020, Bears broke open their piggy bank and splurged for the defensive end, Quinn, who became a free agent after one season in Dallas as he had 11.5 sacks for the Cowboys in 2019. Ryan Pace then was General Manager of the Bears & his thought process was having Quinn on one side with Khalil Mack on the other side. Opposing offenses would not know what hit them. Pace gave Quinn a 5-year deal worth 70 million for his services. The new regime is in place now after Ryan Pace’s grand scheme failed miserably. The new GM is cleaning up after that Pace disaster as Ryan Poles has gotten nothing of what Pace paid by dealing Quinn and Mack this year.
The Mighty Quinn has played in the NFL for now 12 seasons as he is 32 years old and has 102 sacks to his name. Robert Quinn started his career in St. Louis with the Rams as he moved with the team to LA to play two seasons on the West coast. Since leaving the Rams organization, Quinn has played for 4 teams in 4 seasons. Miami, Dallas, Chicago & now heading to Philadelphia. This season, under the new defensive scheme from new head coach Matt Eberflus the Mighty Quinn, has struggled seven games in the season. Quinn has only 1 sack, with 3 quarterback hits, and two tackles for losses which is not enough production for the money he gets. The first year with the Bears, during the pandemic, Quinn only had two sacks the entire season as he played in 15 games. Last season, Quinn went ape shit as he killed many of the quarterbacks throughout the league racking up 18 1/2 sacks which broke the Bears all-time single season record held by Hall of Famer Richard Dent. Quinn was 1/2 sack short of his career single season record back with the Rams in 2013 when he had 19 sacks.
It’s great seeing the new guy, Ryan Poles, cleaning out the bad stench that the old regime of Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy left at Halas Hall. When the Bears first signed Robert Quinn, I screamed out loud over why an overpaid defense end whose track record is not very solid. Every other year on the back of Quinn’s football card he does well. Not even consistent. Bears needed offensive line help back then of which they still do, to this present day. Some things never change. Bears instead overpaid for a guy that had one good season in Chicago. Bears could have traded Quinn last year while he was hot to trot as the team was not going anywhere. Perhaps we could get a taker to pay all the money on this guy’s contract and maybe two draft picks instead of a lone 4th rounder. Bears lost in the Khalil Mack deal as they gave up the cow to the Raiders for Mack. Chargers then gave up a few beans to the Bears to take Mack off our hands. I know it’s Ryan Poles’ first year as a General Manager so he’s getting his feet wet. I like how he’s collecting draft picks as the old regime gave them away like Halloween candy. If Poles avoids trading up one spot to grab the Mitch Trubisky’s of the world, then we have a solid plan in the works. Some will say why did the Bears trade a guy after the team just beat the Patriots. Stop it. Bears are not going to the playoffs just because they beat another inferior team like the Patriots. I think the Bears should now deal their best player, Roquan Smith. The linebacker had beef about his contract earlier this season. Smith even cried in front of a press conference when he was asked about Robert Quinn being traded. Deal Smith while you can get something more, then wait until next year pissing him off with a franchise tag. Quinn is a well-respected Irish name, but enough is enough with signing guys with this last name. Jonathan Quinn was a fraud at quarterback years ago when the starter went down, and he was forced into action. Robert Quinn now holds a Bears legend record in a very bad year in Bears history. The Mighty Quinn’s… we have seen enough.
The Cardinals have averaged 13 points per game the last two weeks. Saints lost another close battle, this time to the Bengals. Cardinals will get much needed help at the receiving position as the return of DeAndre Hopkins off the suspension list should help Kyler Murray get his favorite weapon back. Cardinals also acquired wide receiver Robbie Anderson from the Panthers. Saints are running the ball well, and they ran over 200 yards on the Bengals defense last week. I think Hopkins will be rusty. I think the Saints defense performs better than they have in recent weeks.
OUR PICK: SAINTS
THE SUNDAY SLATE
ATLANTA FALCONS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS
The Falcons are no longer the doormat of the league. Joe Burrow is finding that last season chemistry with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase that took the league by storm last year. This game features two Heisman trophy winners, Burrow for the Bengals and Marcus Mariota for the Falcons. Falcons will give the Bengals a scare in this one. Cincinnati seems to be finding different ways lately to win close games as it will carry over in week 7.
OUR PICK: BENGALS
CLEVELAND BROWNS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS
Both the Brownies and Ravens are 1-3 in a one score game this season. Both teams have found ways of losing games late in the 4th quarter. Both defenses have played terrible. The stat that jumps out at me is Lamar Jackson is 6-2 versus the Browns in his career. Ravens being at home means they should bounce back.
OUR PICK: RAVENS
DETROIT LIONS AT DALLAS COWBOYS
I’m off the Detroit Lion express as this team has been bitten on the rear more than once this season. The return of Dak Prescott behind center for the Cowboys should give this team some additional motivation, especially coming off the loss to the Eagles last Sunday night. Cooper Rush has played well in Prescott’s absence. This is a perfect time to insert Prescott back on the field playing a bad lion defense and being at home.
OUR PICK: COWBOYS
GREEN BAY PACKERS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
Can back-up quarterback Taylor Heinecke push the Packers season to the brink? Packers have lost their last three games in the Nation’s capital. Commanders barely won the High School Prep Bowl versus the Bears last Thursday. Aaron Rodgers is feeling the wrath of the Green Bay fan base. Rodgers does not care. However, Packers always find their way out of the bottom of barrel where their season is right now. Commanders don’t have the horses to stop Green Bay’s two-headed back field.
OUR PICK: PACKERS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT TENNESSEE TITANS
Titans have owned the Colts the last few meetings which includes the last a few weeks back. Have the Colts found their offense? Yes, Jonathan Taylor is set to return to action the running back who missed the last few weeks. Veteran quarterback Matt Ryan has finally found what the Colts were looking for behind center when they traded for him during the off season. Titans coming off a bye week had plenty of time to prepare for their division rivals. I think Colts break this losing streak with the Titans and exploit Tennessee’s weak passing defense that will help Indianapolis get on a roll.
OUR PICK: COLTS
NEW YORK GIANTS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
This is my F*** YOU game to myself as both the Jaguars and Giants screw me every single week. Both teams never do what their told. Are the Giants for real with a record of 5-1? Look like the Jaguars turn the corner as they started off the season playing well. Giants are rolling right now while the Jaguars have lost three games in row. The hotter team, the Giants, is who I’m going with.
OUR PICK: GIANTS
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS
Oh what I would pay to see Tom Brady lose to this Panther team. Panthers are having a garage sale as anything not bolted down much go. Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey sold off. I’m sure the Buccaneers are sick and tired hearing Brady jibber jabber. Buccaneers defense should easily put a halt to a bad Panther offense. Brady should get a positive day with his guys and rebound from Mitch Trubisky and the Steelers.
OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS
HOUSTON TEXANS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Both the Texans and Raiders coming off the bye week. Texans went into bye week with a win while the Raiders saw their lead evaporate from the Chiefs in the second half of that Monday night affair.
The Adams family is behind their beloved brother Devante even his bad decision, of pushing that camera man after that last Raider loss. Uncle Fester had a deep hearted conversation to his nephew. Expect Adams to have a big game. Lovie Smith will have his Texans playing hard as it will be a close game, but at the end Houston will lose on the road.
OUR PICK: RAIDERS
NEW YORK JETS AT DENVER BRONCOS
Remember quarterback Mark Rypien who won a Superbowl for the Washington Redskins in the 1990’s? His nephew will get the start for the Denver Broncos this weekend. Brett Rypien qA like Cooper Rush, coming into his first start of this season 1-0. Can Brett have that kind of run Cooper had with the Boys? Bronco fans have to be excited and pissed off at the same time not to mention Russell Wilson led that dormant offense, which has gone on all year. The wasted draft picks will haunt John Elway. I don’t like Brett’s odds even at home when the Jets fly into town. Jets are a young and hungry team playing solid on all phases of their game. Jets find ways to make big plays and turn them into victories. Jets went into Lambeau field and beat the Packers. They can do the same thing in Denver.
OUR PICK: JETS
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
This is a rematch of Superbowl LIV. Both Chiefs and 49ers lost last weekend. Will Christian McCaffrey see action in this showdown? Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have put up two 40 burgers in the last two road contests.
I find it hard to see the Chiefs lose two straight games than the 49ers losing two in a row. I think this game will be close not a shoot-out. I think Chiefs find a way in the closing seconds to steal a win on the road.
OUR PICK: CHIEFS
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT LA CHARGERS
If anyone told me the Chargers and Seahawks were going to be involved in an offensive shoot out without Russell Wilson behind center, I would give the person the eyeball. Geno Smith behind center for the Seahawks is putting up monster numbers, and I’m still in disbelief. This game should be a high scoring affair. Justin Herbert might be one of the Greek Gods when it comes to delivering the goods for these types of games and winning most of these outcomes when defense don’t show up. I think Herbert will make one more big play than Smith Seahawks to win a close high-scoring affair. Watch this game be all defense, although I still like the Chargers.
OUR PICK: CHARGERS
THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS
The return of Tua Tagovailoa behind center for the Dolphins. Does Tua even know what day it is today? Steelers also have a return of Mitch Trubisky to starting QB 1. It’s easy to say the Dolphins will be back to their old ways with TUA time in an exploding aerial attack in the skies of Miami.
Do you trust that Miami offensive line? One big hit & lights-out for Tua Time. Steelers have been up and down all season long. It’s hard to keep Steelers down as they showed up and played very well last week to get the victory versus the Buccaneers. I think Steelers defense shows up with a big game out for Trubisky to seal the deal on the road.
OUR PICK: STEELERS
MONDAY NIGHT GAME
CHICAGO BEARS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Why do the Bears keep getting prime time games? I feel like the nation thinks Chicago is just another episode of the Jerry Springer show during which anything can happen. Not at the quarterback position when it comes to the Bears. Then the Patriots who make you think that Bill Belichick will just go away. Enough is enough. Patriots are 3-3 hanging in there looking to get hot like they did at this time last year. Who is Bailey Zappe?
What grinds my gears is Belichick, and many teams, can insert a quarterback behind center like changing batteries in a smoke detector. Zappe last week throws for 300 yards and a few touchdown passes in a big win for the Patriot nation. Bears are still toying around with Justin Fields and that Junior Varsity offense that Chicago has. Bears suck in prime-time games. Patriots are playing solid football right now.
Why is Tom Brady still playing in the NFL? The Buccaneers team as a whole is aging with many holes on the roster. They would not have gotten many quarterbacks out of retirement to play in Tampa Bay. Then in the Dairyland Aaron Rodgers is just collecting the paycheck while going through the motions in Green Bay. Rodgers was more fired up years ago when the Packers drafted quarterback Jordan Love over the Packers trading away his main weapon to the Raiders in Devante Adams. Both Rogers and Brady many thought were the cream of the crop in the NFC. Teams in the dreaded NFC East have risen past their sorry-arse teams. Both Rodgers and Brady have their teams at the 500 mark, 3-3, after the first six weeks of the season. With 11 games left in the season, I’m sure either quarterback could steer the ship for their team and find the post-season. The way both quarterbacks are playing, they better hope their ship finds the Bermuda Triangle and disappears from the game without everyone noticing their whimpering.
Why did Tom Brady change his mind about retirement? Brady has nothing to prove in his career with all the Superbowl rings, even the one he earned with the Buccaneers. Brady has all the legit all-time stats playing quarterback at the age of 45. Eventually some robotic half human, half machine from the future made from Sky-Net will break Tom Brady’s record. Unless Brady freezes his head in some Bio-lab which will eventually put his head on another body. I’m sure Brady has looked into it. Bruce Arians, the head coach of the Buccaneers, even walked away into the sunset which could tell you he probably squeezed the team’s only Superbowl from this group. Brady alienated his family coming back to play the game as his model wife looks like she’s going divorce Tom’s big ego. Is it because Gisele Bundchen, Brady’s wife, makes more money than him and is well known all over the world? Has the Goat lost his game? Brady in six games has 8 touchdown passes to only one interception. Brady is completing 67% of his passes. Buccaneers offense can’t dial up big pass plays due to the offensive line so Brady is completing short passes so he does not get murdered back there. Broken tablets, yelling at his offensive line, and coming short on a few key two-point conversions sums up Tom’s season. Is the Goat all in? Going to your former bosses wedding, Robert Kraft, and missing the team walkthroughs tells me you’re not all in Mr. Goat.
Then there’s Aaron Rodgers who gives you that look like, “I don’t care what the hell anyone thinks about me.” Aaron’s ego could be bigger than Tom Brady’s. Rodgers reminds me of Jay Cutler collecting a hefty ransom and whatever happens on the field means “whatever” as he shrugs his shoulders. The Packers have a collection of younger receivers that are not on same page as Rodgers. I thought great quarterbacks make receivers better. You can say a good craftsman never blames his tools. Rodgers has blamed his tools for dropping his passes. Rodgers is 38 years old and so far this year has 9 touchdown passes compared to three interceptions. Rodgers is also completing around 67% of his passes. Rodgers has felt the heat like Brady as teams are putting pressure on these guys. It is so easy to blame the offensive line and I’m sure Rodgers has pointed in that general direction. Last season the Packers averaged 26.4 points per game and this year the team is averaging 17.4. Rodgers is averaging 233.8 yards pass per game this season, his lowest ever in his career. Rodgers says we have to simplify things, execute each play, and be held accountable… meaning everyone else besides himself.
This year in the NFL the league is upside down in craziness with most teams jumbled up in a pack of average. The NFL has some bad teams. The NFL has a few teams that are the cream of the crop that stand alone, and the Buccaneers or the Packers are not in that conversation. Buccaneers losing to Mitch Trubisky and the Steelers last week brought a giggle out of me. Packers losing to the Jets at home means all these Wisconsin hunters will be blooding up the woods taking their football frustrations out on Bambi. I can see either the Buccaneers or Packers making some kind of run at some point during the season and sneaking their team through the back door to the post-season. I can’t see either the Packers or Buccaneers beating a top tier team in this league in the post-season, which leaves them a long way from the Superbowl conversation. I hate both Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Most people do because of their arrogance, and they’ve probably beaten your favorite team over and over. Jealous somewhat. Both quarterbacks will be on the Canton first ballot. Their bitching, complaining, moaning, and groaning will tarnish their reputations if their douchiness has not already beaten them to the goal line. Many will remember both quarterbacks for lighting up the score board and guiding their teams to the promised land. Right now and right here in front, these two look like grumpy old women bitching because they ran low on BenGay cream. Out with a whimper.
This game features two JV teams going at it in the NFL. I’d rather go watch a local high school game instead of trying to stomach this contest and pay 12 bucks for a beer. Both the Commanders and Bears offensive lines feature doors of a whorehouse. You can come in, but you won’t know what you’ll catch. If either team can catch the football. All the locals and my circle are heavy on the Bears winning this one. I’m certainly not following that herd heading over the cliff.
OUR PREDICTION: COMMANDERS
THE SUNDAY SLATE
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS
Could this be a trap game for the 49ers with the Chiefs up in the on deck circle? No team can sleep on the Atlanta Falcons as they battled with every opponent each week. Jimmy Garoppolo is doing what Jimmy does best… win games.
The 49ers have won back-to-back games and are playing solid football without making mistakes. The Falcons will battle but once again come up short.
OUR PICK: 49ERS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS
I have picked against the Patriots every week which made me look foolish last week as I thought the Lions would roar to a victory. Browns have lost some close games, but every loss means Deshaun Watson’s chances of starting a playoff game when he gets back to action become that much harder. I think the Browns can run on the Patriots as Bill Belichick’s run defense has been surrendering 128 Yards per contest so far this season. Jacoby Brissett may want to add another loss to his former team. The Browns keep those doggies rolling while Watson has another displeased lady with the massage table filing a sexual complaint against him. Can Browns score more points than Deshaun Watson’s sexual pile of grievances?
OUR PREDICTION: BROWNS
NEW YORK JETS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS
Love when the Packers fall on hard times. How scary are the Jets flying into Green Bay with their sights on full throttle for the upset at Lambeau Field? Aaron Rodgers’ passing game has struggled all year. Thank the lord the Packers traded away their best receiver to the Raiders. Look at the Brewers trading their closer at the trade deadline while leading their division. We see how that worked. Brewers miss the playoffs and Josh Hader closed out the Dodgers yesterday. Something must be surfacing in the Wisconsin cheese.
I like the upset here with Jets forcing six turnovers in the last two games. Packers will give the Jets a heavy dose of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillion who will carry this team to victory and the entire Cheese-head state could come off the ledge of their barns.
OUR PICK: PACKERS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Both these teams suck. Both these teams screw me all year either picking them or going against them. Colts will be without their starting horse in the back field, Jonathan Taylor. Thank the lord I picked this cat on my fantasy team. The Jaguars went back to their old Jaguar ways last Sunday versus Lovie Smith… pathetic Texans. This will be another awful game to watch. I’m going with the home team in this one. Maybe Matt Ryan will show up for the first time this season and do something.
OUR PICK: COLTS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS
Dolphins are living the script in the Al Pacino movie, Any Given Sunday losing their top two quarterbacks with injuries.
Dolphins have better chances of the heat playing a factor versus the Vikings instead of hoping & praying Teddy Bridgewater can get out of concussion protocols and start this game and play well. Vikings offense should be able to handle the Dolphins defense. Vikings defense should be able to pressure whichever quarterback starts this game. Obviously, Dolphins have a weakness on that line as teams are teeing off on their quarterbacks.
OUR PREDICTION: VIKINGS
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Two Bumble legendary quarterbacks square off in the Big Easy. Joe Burrows versus Andy Dalton. What a fight card while you’re eating spaghetti chili.
Since Dalton left Cincinnati, the Red Rifle has beaten his former team dressed in a Cowboys uniform and a Bears uniform. Bengals desperately need a win, and the Saints dome is a hard place to achieve that goal. Maybe not when it’s your old stomping grounds. I can see the gold and black being replaced with purple and yellow LSU colors where Joe Burrow went.
OUR PICK: BENGALS
BALTIMORE RAVENS AT NEW YORK GIANTS
I know the Giants are 4-1 and coming off a big victory versus the Packers. Just not buying what the G-Men are selling. Giants are definitely a football team on the rise but top of the NFC. Ravens will be a pretty good measuring stick for Brian Daboll’s squad. Ravens could be undefeated with some bad losses. They gave up the lead late in a few contests. Ravens played the Bengals tough last week and grinded out a victory which should get Lamar Jackson and company feeling good going to New Jersey on the road to bring the Giants back down to earth.
OUR PICK: RAVENS
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Tom Brady should not need the roughing of the passer call which was not last week on the road in Pittsburgh to win this one.
Brady fine kicking the Falcons defender. How many defenders do you think over the years would like to meet Tom Brady in dark alley? Ryan Fitzpatrick would love that idea. For the Steelers they will have a rare losing season. It’s all about developing rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett who looks like something special so far.
OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS
CAROLINA PANTHERS AT LA RAMS
Panthers still have not gotten a 300 yard game of total offense. Panthers head coach fired. Baker Mayfield is in the dog house. Panthers trade rumors swirling. Who wouldn’t want a bus ticket out of there? Meanwhile the Superbowl champs are experiencing tough times. This Sunday, the Rams will be eating well having some Panther fillets on the barbie.
OUR PICK: RAMS
ARIZONA CARDINALS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
What is this craziness I’ve been hearing through the grape vine? Geno Smith of the Seahawks is a legit quarterback in the NFL? Same Geno who once suited up with the Jets. Smith leads the league in QB rating, how about those apples, as a veteran he finds his game later in his career. Another battle of the birds, and it seems like we had a lot of those in recent weeks. I do not like either squad’s defense in this one. This should be a shoot-out. I like Kyler Murray as the last man standing by the time the final whistle blows.
OUR PICK: CARDINALS
BUFFALO BILLS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
This is the clash of the titans match up that everyone wants to see. Chiefs and Bills – this one could be a preview of the AFC championship. Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, two of the best quarterbacks in the entire league, went at it last year in that epic post-season game that went to overtime.
Bills have been knocked out of the playoffs by the Chiefs, the last two seasons. Allen and the Bills went into Kansas City on a Sunday night about this time last year and throttled the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. This game should be another classic and it should be featured as the game of the week. Must-see television. I like the Bills on the road in this one. I think the Bills will not play that preventative-style defense that gave the Chiefs an easy drive to send that playoff game last year to overtime. Von Miller, the X-factor, will find a way to get Mahomes to the ground. Bills get their revenge, but the real revenge will come in the playoffs with Kansas City visiting Buffalo in the cold weather.
OUR PICK: BILLS
SUNDAY NIGHT GAME
DALLAS COWBOYS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
The city of Philadelphia is having some magic this weekend. First the Phillies, took down last year’s champs in the baseball post-season. Eagles trying to stay undefeated face their archrival Cowboys who come to town on a 4-game winning streak high. Something has to give on streaks. Cooper Rush as a starter for the Boys has not lost a game in his career. The Eagles have not lost a game this season. Cowboys sack artist, Micah Parsons, is dealing with a groin injury. Hard to chase a guy like Jalen Hurts who makes big plays with his legs. Dak Prescott’s return could play into the mind of Cooper Rush in a big NFC East showdown. The town of Philadelphia to me has that mojo with their sports teams right at this moment. It will not wear off on Sunday.
OUR PICK: EAGLES
THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME
DENVER BRONCOS AT LA CHARGERS
Russell Wilson and that Broncos offense have shown me nothing all season long to pick them to win a road game in LA. This isn’t a road game for the Chargers because they have no fans. Broncos defense has played well all season, but how long can they contain the Chargers running and aerial attack? Justin Herbert will put points up on the board while Russell Wilson can’t get the family roadster in gear.
We earned our first merit ribbon last week going 13-3 which was good enough to win the pool I’m in. Still scratching my head over how this occurred. Sometimes you run into some luck in life.
NFL WEEK 5 STRAIGHT PICK-EM
THURSDAY NIGHT GAME
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT DENVER BRONCOS
THE JACK ASS BOWL
Colts/Broncos: I’d rather watch PBS than try to stomach two veteran quarterbacks that look dreadful. Both Matt Ryan and Russell Wilson are new to their donkey team. Both QB’s looked like they aged ten years. Not even sure which team wants to win more. Going with the home team on this garbage. Thank God it’s on Amazon Prime.
OUR PICK: BRONCOS
THE SUNDAY SLATE
THE MORNING TEA
NEW YORK GIANTS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (LONDON)
Both teams have beaten the Bears which does not tell me anything in this one. Giants are off to a surprising start. Aaron Rodgers has his first ever game over the pond. I think a trip like this will help the Packers find themselves. Something about the foggy air. The tea and crumpets. The cool throwback taxi cabs cruising around the Big Ben clock. All of this somehow makes the Packers wide receivers able to catch a few balls more than they have all year.
OUR PICK: PACKERS
BACK TO THE U.S.A
CHICAGO BEARS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS
No David Montgomery in the back field for the Bears. Vikings went overseas and showed up to beat the Saints in London. Justin Fields still makes too many mistakes which Vikings should capitalize on. Vikings at home in a regular noon game versus an inferior division opponent, is right up Kirk Cousins’ alley.
OUR PICK:VIKINGS
ATLANTA FALCONS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
I was at first thinking another Falcon upset special. Falcons have been playing well especially on the offensive side of the ball. Falcons will be without their Swiss Army Knife, Cordarrelle Patterson, which kills my upset. Look for Tom Brady and the Buccaneers to rebound after getting thrashed last week in a prime-time game versus the Chiefs.
OUR PICK:BUCCANEERS
DETROIT LIONS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Lions are putting up some points. The Patriots have injuries at the quarterback position. It’s a reunion for the Lions and Matt Patricia, their former coach. I think the Lions will have an extra roar in this one and win a close one on the road. Patriots offense will not be able to generate enough points.
OUR PICK: LIONS
HOUSTON TEXANS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
This might be the first time I feel confident picking the Jaguars to win a game. Texans have a pretty good defense. The Jaguars have the better defense. On offense, Jaguars are scoring points and the Texans are not. Jaguars find another W.
OUR PICK: JAGUARS
LA CHARGERS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS
Chargers are due for a big day on offense. How long can the Browns stay in the game just with their elite running attack? Sooner or later Jacoby Brissett will have to try to win a game versus the opponent with his arm. Both the Chargers defense and Browns have been blah this year. This game features two of the best running backs in the AFC. Browns Nick Chubb while the Chargers have Austin Ekeler.
Justin Herbert will be the difference maker for a Charger road-win at the Dawg Pound.
OUR PICK: CHARGERS
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT NEW YORK JETS
Dolphins are different offense without Tua Tagovailoa behind center. The Jets have been challenging teams as they beat the Steelers last week with Joey Flacco behind center. Dolphins turn to another veteran of the league in Teddy Bridgewater. Jets/Dolphins always have been a touch match up to pick over the years. It’s a close game as Miami escapes New York with a victory.
OUR PICK: DOLPHINS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT BUFFALO BILLS
The Steelers introduced the league to their rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Pickett had some great moments versus the Jets last Sunday in a loss. Bills have been playing a tough schedule mostly on the road, but now finally get to host a game. A rookie quarterback going up against a savage beast of defense like the Bills have, could be trouble for a young man’s confidence. Steelers defense week one looked like a top ten unit but ever since, opponents have been having their way with them. What’s Pinto Ron serving up at the Tailgate party? I like the Bills in this one.
OUR PICK: BILLS
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Where did that offensive burst come from last week? The Seahawks put up 48 points versus the Lions. Andy Dalton and Saints played well over the pond but come away with a loss. Seahawks gave up 40 points. Dalton and the Saints should have no problem scoring points versus a bad Seahawks defense. Saints defense is a much better unit than the Lions.
OUR PICK: SAINTS
TENNESSEE TITANS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
The Titans have finally found their stride after starting off the season 0-2. Nothing has worked right for the Commanders after their week one win. Derrick Henry is starting to fire on all cylinders which will give that Washington defense problems. Nothing is jumping out at me to give Washington any hope. Titans win their third straight.
OUR PICK TITANS
DALLAS COWBOYS AT LA RAMS
Cowboys have problems beating winning teams. Rams are only 2-2 so far this season. Could Cooper Rush and the Cowboys offense go into LA and come away with a victory? The Rams have been still looking for last year’s mojo. Cowboys are trying to keep up with the Eagles in the dreaded revived NFC East. Rams seem to find a way to win after losing a prime-time game like they did on Monday night versus the 49ers. The Rams will give Cooper Rush his first ever loss in the NFL.
OUR PICK: COWBOYS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT ARIZONA CARDINALS
I feel it’s not a Red Bird weekend for professional teams. The Philadelphia teams are making Philly cheese steaks with Cardinal meat. The Phillies knocked out the St. Louis Cardinals on the diamond. Once upon a time ago, the Arizona Cardinals played in St. Louis so it would be even better if Philadelphia knocked out both St. Louis teams in one weekend swoop. The Arizona Cardinals are too erratic right now. Kyler Murray could play well in this one, but I think he’s taking on too much trying to carry the full load. The Eagles have a solid defense and Jalen Hurts is playing at a top level. Eagles are too much for the Cardinals to handle.
OUR PICK: EAGLES
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS
Maybe the Panthers will be interested in Trey Lance in the off-season, from the 49ers. The 49ers only tick right with Jimmy Garoppolo behind center as they beat up on the Rams on Monday night. Panthers’ Baker Mayfield may be playing like the worst quarterback in the league. I think head coach Matt Rhule has lost this Panther team and his bum is on fire right now. It would be a letdown if the 49ers don’t walk into Carolina and pull out a victory. Panther are that team that “huff & one puff” the entire house is coming down.
OUR PICK: 49ERS
THE SUNDAY NIGHT AFFAIR
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS
Lamar Jackson versus Joe Burrow is an entertaining AFC North showdown. Bengals have bounced back winning two straight games. Ravens could be a 4-0 but have blown big leads and collapsed in the second half versus the Dolphins and Bills. Bengals handled the Ravens well last-season. Bengals are the hotter team while the Ravens still feeling the sting of that loss last week.
OUR PICK: BENGALS
THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Raiders finally won last weekend. Chiefs rebounded from their loss to the Colts by torpedoing the Buccaneers U.S Brady ship. Raider teams of the past have given the Chiefs some trouble. Arrowhead is a tough place to win, especially in a prime-time game. Patrick Mahomes is playing ten times better than Derek Carr. Andy Reid’s plan has to be better than anything Josh Daniels can come up with.
Not sure how Tua Tagoailvoa came back in the Buffalo game from being laid out like a rag doll. Bengals finally put up a W in the win column.
Bengals will be able to score on the Dolphins suspect defense. On a short week, TUA TIME will be seeing three receivers instead of the one he is throwing to.
OUR PICK: BENGALS
THE SUNDAY SLATE
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-1) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-2)
This game is being played over the pond in Europe. The time warp will slow both teams down. Andy Dalton is starting this game for the Saints. Which is a good thing. Is it too early in the morning for football viewers to consider this a prime time game? Just for Kirk Cousins’ sake. I like the Vikings offense just getting the edge over the Saints defense. The Red Rifleman could be rusty in the first action of the season.
OUR PICK: VIKINGS
CHICAGO BEARS(2-1) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (2-1)
Who in their right mind would have predicted both the Giants and Bears would have winning records going into week 4?
This is a battle between two teams with new head coaches. Bears have Matt Eberflus while the Giants have Brian Daboll. Eberflus is a defensive-minded coach while Daboll is offensive-minded. Both teams’ defenses has been pretty good to this point. I have to give the Giants the edge as Daniel Jones has been far better than Justin Fields at the quarterback position.
OUR PICK: GIANTS
BUFFALO BILLS(2-1) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-1)
Both the Ravens and the Bills have their only loss of the year handed down to them by the Dolphins. Bills have taken on some injuries to some key members of their defense. Does Sean McDermott have enough on his defense to stop Lamar Jackson who is putting up Bo Jackson Tecmo Bowl numbers in the league the first three weeks. Ravens defense can give up points. I like Josh Allen in this one out-dueling the legendary Jackson and Bills rebound from that Miami loss as road warriors on the road.
OUR PICK: BILLS
CLEVELAND BROWNS(2-1) AT ATLANTA FALCONS(1-2) This is my upset special of the week as the Falcons will prevail over the Browns. I like the Falcons offense this season. Marcus Mariota with his Swiss Army knife, Cordarrelle Patterson, are scoring points and coming off a win versus Seahawks which is a confidence boost. Seahawks are nothing special, but you have to start somewhere. I think the Browns will play down to the competition and get whacked with a loss at the end of regulation.
OUR PICK: FALCONS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-1) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (3-0) Former head coach coming into his ole stomping grounds and pulling off a victory? Doug Pederson’s Jaguars are playing some good football. Eagles are playing like they are the best team in the league and have the undefeated record to back them up. I think the Jaguars will put up a good fight in this one. Eagles at the end will knock the kittens down a peg or two and send them home without a saucer of milk.
OUR PICK:EAGLES
LA CHARGERS (1-2) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (0-2-1)
Chargers have been dealing with multiple injuries after the first three games in the book. Houston defense has been playing well, but Lovie Smith’s offense in his entire head coaching career once again is the question mark. Even with the Chargers not having their full roster, they should be able to hold off the Texans. It might not be a pretty victory but it will look more like a Denver victory.
OUR PICK:CHARGERS
NEW YORK JETS (1-2) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-2)
Joe Flacco will conclude the AFC North off the schedule as the Jets quarterback, as you’d think he is on his retirement tour playing his ole stomping grounds. This is a game where Mitch Trubisky will make a statement. When things looks bleak in Chicago as the fans thought they saw the last of Mitch, he pulled out a big game versus a inferior team. Steelers need a win desperately to keep up with the Jones in the AFC North.
OUR PICK: STEELERS
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-2) AT DETROIT LIONS (1-2)
I think the Seahwaks are at the bottom of the wastebasket in the NFL. We all know that’s where head coach Pete Carol has come from. Lions have played everyone tough so far in the first three games of the season. Lions may have some of their playmakers out in this one, but I think they’ll still prevail. Let’s face it Geno Smith is the starting QB 1 and there’s a Seahawks defense that can’t stop anyone. Lions remain king of the jungle in this one.
OUR PICK: LIONS
TENNESSEE TITANS (1-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1-1-1) You think this match up between the Titans and the Colts would be a battle for first place in the AFC South. You’re wrong as the Jaguars are the top team in the division early on. Both the Colts and Titans needed a victory and pulled one out last week versus AFC West teams. What victory is more impressive: beating the Chiefs or Raiders? I will say Chiefs. I pick the Colts this week.
OUR PICK: COLTS
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1-2) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (2-1) This is a huge game for the Commanders against the archrival. Commanders’ only command this season is the last spot in the dreaded NFC East division. If Cowboys win, they will be 3-1. Giants could take care of the Bears and move to 3-1. Eagles look like the best team in the AFC East, and could be 4-0 if they can take care of the uprising Jaguar team. That will leave the Commanders with a 1-3 record. Season over. Cooper Rush should be able to engineer some scoring drives points off a poor Commander defense.
OUR PICK:COWBOYS
ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-2) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-2) I hate picking match-ups when it’s two middle-of-the-road type teams that are stuck in the middle tier of the league.
Whoever wins will be thinking they are still in the thick of things with a 2-2 record. Both teams have been hard to figure it out this season. I fly with the birds on this one as Kyler Murray is due for another big game.
OUR PICK:CARDINALS
DENVER BRONCOS (2-1) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (0-3) I read that Raiders nation calls their stadium the Death Star these days in their new home in Vegas. In Oakland, they called their stadium the black hole.
Raiders have been beating themselves through the first three games. Broncos have really not done well on offense even with Russell Wilson behind center but are 2-1. I think Raiders will find a way at home where they play better football and win this game. Go figure Josh Daniels will get his first head coach victory on the Raiders sideline against his former team he did the same job years ago.
OUR PICK: RAIDERS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-2) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-1)
Patriots will have their back up quarterback Brian Hoyer starting this game. Packers escaping Tampa Bay with help from the Buccaneers jumbotron. Patriots have played well in parts of every game so far this season. Same with the Packers. Being at home it’s the 4th game of the year. I like the chances the Packers will play a complete game over the Patriots. Watch Aaron Rodgers be dialed in on this one.
OUR PICK PACKERS
SUNDAY NIGHT GAME
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-1) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-1)
Both the Chiefs and Buccaneers lost last week. Chiefs played a desperate team in desperate times needing a victory in the Colts. Buccaneers are suffering a rash of injuries on the offense side of the ball. Tom Brady has been shaky all season. I like Patrick Mahomes rebounding after a loss and being able to put up points against a good defense like the Buccaneers. Tom Brady just does not have the protection or the weapons to keep up with Patrick Mahomes.
OUR PICK:CHIEFS
MONDAY NIGHT
LA RAMS (2-1) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-2)
Rematch of the NFC Championship last year with the Rams moving on to the Superbowl. That was Jimmy Garoppolo’s first loss to the Rams in his career. Watch history repeat itself as the 49ers take care of their archrival in close one. Rams don’t scare me like they did last year. I like the 49ers at home as well.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-1) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-1)
This is a match up of two quarterbacks that would like to stay being starters in the NFL beyond this season. Jets made the Browns look silly in the last two minutes. Mitch Trubisky is feeling the pressure of rookie Kenny Pickett looking over his shoulders. Browns running game will be key to Cleveland winning this game. I like the Steeler defense slowing down the Browns running game just enough for Mitch Trubisky to put some points on the board. Browns defense is still trying to find themselves.
OUR PICK: STEELERS
THE SUNDAY SLATE
BUFFALO BILLS (2-0) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (2-0)
So far this season in Miami it’s been the rise of TUA time in South Beach. Dolphins aerial game is the new Maverick movie. The Bills look like the best team in the NFL. Josh Allen has done well versus the Dolphins. Dolphins lack a defense. Tua Tagovailoa will have Bills defenders in his face all day long. I think Bills prevail on the road and bring Miami back down to earth.
OUR PICK: BILLS
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-1-1)
Colts can’t even beat the bad teams in their own division now face one of the top teams in the AFC in the Chiefs. Chiefs been doing their thing and are well rested from playing Thursday game weeks ago. Matt Ryan looks awful. Colts have a slew of injuries on their defense.
OUR PICK: CHIEFS
BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-1) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-1)
Ravens were embarrassed by the Dolphins comeback last Sunday. Patriots rose from the dead and beat the Steelers. Ravens will score points on the Patriots defense. I can’t see the Patriots slow-mo offense keeping up with Lamar Jackson and company.
OUR PICK:RAVENS
CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-2) AT NEW YORK JETS (1-1)
If Bengals lose to the Jets, this season is over. The hangover for the losing team in the Superbowl will linger all season long.
I do not trust Joe Flacco pulling out another big game as he did last weekend versus the Browns. Flacco’s best game since he won the Superbowl that seems a lifetime ago. I think Bengals work out the kinks at least for this week.
OUR PICK: BENGALS
DETROIT LIONS(1-1) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-1)
My upset of the week.
The Lions have found courage this season and they show it once again in an upset on the road in Minnesota. Vikings laid an egg on Monday night and will still be shell-shocked when the Lions come to town.
OUR PICK: LIONS
HOUSTON TEXANS (0-1-1) AT CHICAGO BEARS (1-1)
The revenge of Lovie Smith!!! Former Bears coach looks like Black Santa will be the Grinch that stole the Bears’ Christmas.
Texans defense is for real. Lovie’s team has played two close games so far. While the Bears looked bad last Sunday night versus the Packers.
OUR PICK: TEXANS
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (0-2) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (0-2)
Shocking both teams are 0-2. Whoever wins this game could save their season. Raiders have played better than the Titans. I think the Titans at home will get this team jump-started. Look for a big day from Titans running back, Derrick Henry. Raiders head coach, Josh Daniels, will wish he was back in New England starting off 0-3.
OUR PICK: TITANS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-1) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-2)
Panthers have been in both games so far this season but the team has not jelled yet. Saints defense will disrupt things for the Panthers offense. Saints should go with Andy Dalton over the Crab Man, Jameis Winston. Saints will run the ball more is what I would do and put Winston on short leash to avoid costly turnovers like last weekend versus the Buccaneers. Saints should be able to generate points versus the Panthers defense.
OUR PICK: SAINTS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-0) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1-1)
The revenge of Carson Wentz versus his former team. Revenge games have not worked out this season. Just ask Russell Wilson. The Eagles are a solid team on both sides of the ball. The Commanders defense never showed up this year. The Commanders offense is up and down so far this season. Eagles show me in both games they play all four quarters.
OUR PICK: EAGLES
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-1) AT LA CHARGERS (1-1)
The Jaguars are in first place in the AFC South for whatever that is worth. Will Justin Herbert suit up in this one? Both teams have solid defenses. If Justin Herbert plays, the Chargers will win this one by bigger score. If Herbert can’t go, I still like the Chargers strong running game and Chase Daniels could steer the ship for at least one contest. I feel Trevor Lawrence will buckle under the Chargers defensive pressure of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa.
OUR PICK: CHARGERS
ATLANTA FALCONS (0-2) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-1)
This is the battle of the birds that can’t fly. Even though the Seahawks have one win with Geno Smith behind center, I like Marcus Mariota better. The Falcons in two losses have been able to put up points against two pretty good defenses the Rams and Saints. Seahawks won their opener. I think the Broncos gift wrap that win for Seattle. I go with the dirtier bird in this one.
OUR PICK: FALCONS
GREEN BAY PACKERS (1-1) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-0)
This will probably be the last time Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers square off. Both Brady and Rodgers have issues with their wide receivers so far this season. The Packers are dropping balls. The Buccaneers can’t keep their guys healthy at the wide receiver position. Rodgers has only beaten Brady once in his career. Last time these two teams faced off, the Buccaneers embarrassed Green Bay. The Buccaneers dominating defense is the key of this game.
OUR PICK:BUCCANEERS
LA RAMS (1-1) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-1)
Both the Rams and Cardinals don’t look like themselves from last year. Both defenses have struggled stopping their opponents. Kyler Murray exploded in the second half last Sunday as the Cardinals came back to win on the road. Matthew Stafford does not look like the same guy he was last season. I think the Rams are just going through the motions and need a wake up call. Murray will serve up this wake up call with a cold dish of realality.
OUR PICK: CARDINALS
THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS(1-1) AT DENVER BRONCOS ( 1-1)
It feels like Russell Wilson has not left the AFC as he squares off against Jimmy Garoppolo like old times. Trey Lance’s injury last week saved the 49ers season as Jimmy G got his job back. The 49ers as a whole play much better with Jimmy as the starting quarterback. Denver is still trying to find themselves. The 49ers defense is not the place you want to be searching. I like the 49ers in a close one.
OUR PICK: 49ERS
MONDAY NIGHT
DALLAS COWBOYS (1-1) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (2-0)
I think the Cowboys play better with Cooper Rush behind center. I think the Giants will come back down to earth as they are off to great start under their new head coach Brian Daboll. Something has to give as Rush is 2-0 as a starter and the G-Men record this season is 2-0. I really don’t care for either of these two teams. I think Dallas has the better team.
Finally our first edition of the NFL power rankings where we dissect every team like an 8th grade scientist experiment. This will be our original frame work to start our season of power rankings as we expect it will change drastically week to week because this is the NFL. It’s very hard to predict anything. Hope we do not offend your team. One of my favorite teams is dead last. Hope you enjoy the first NFL power rankings by the Wild Shamrock this season as we roll out all 32 teams in our usual good, bad and ugly analysis. Hope your team is good rather than ugly.
#1.BUFFALO BILLS (2-0) The Bills are playing lights out so far on both sides of the ball. Week one they took it to the Superbowl champs. Last week they made Derrick Henry look like a lower tier running back as he was running like he had the stone of shame shackled to ankles like Homer Simpson.
Josh Allen dishing out the ball like a point guard in basketball as he included many of his weapons. Bills look like the scariest team so far. I like the home field advantage they had last week as the crowd was electric.
Jim Kelly getting the crowd juiced up with his pep talk to the crowd before the kick-off. If Bills get that first round bye it will be tough for any AFC team to go into Buffalo in the cold and win.
#2.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-0) Chiefs have not slowed down on offense after trading away their top play maker, Tyreek Hill. Chiefs ran up the score on the Cardinals in week one. Patrick Mahomes then faced Justin Herbert as the Chiefs won the first battle against a division rival. Chiefs using the same format to win games have a top ten offense with a defense that just makes enough plays to preserve the victory in close games. Chiefs don’t look like they are going away any time soon.
#3.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-0) Eagles are playing solid football on both sides of the ball. So far it’s been all Jalen Hurts emerging as a superstar quarterback in this league.
Hurts is a duel threat quarterback that can run and pass very well. Hurts is completing 69% of his passes in two games so far. Hurts has used his legs when needed. Hurts is backed up by a great running game. Hurts also has plenty of weapons to throw to. The Eagles defense is very good at creating turnovers.
#4.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-0) Not impressed with Tom Brady so far this year. It’s the Buccaneer defense that has Tampa Bay undefeated at this time. Buccaneer defense looks like one of the best units in the game right now just giving up 13 points in two games. Brady will have to do something eventually if this team wants to go deep into post-season. Buccaneers offense is not healthy. Brady’s receiving core is in shambles with injuries after which they went out and signed Cole Beasley. The state of Florida probably is a good spot for Beasley to play so he can play football instead of whining about Covid shots. Can the Buccaneers protect their quarterback? Brady’s line these days is just being held up by a few nails.
#5.MIAMI DOLPHINS (2-0) Suddenly the Dolphins have found their Dan Marino combination with Mark Clayton and Marcus Duper.
All of sudden Tua Tugovailoa looks like a legit quarterback in the NFL. Last year Tua’s main weapon was Jaylen Waddle who had a big year for the Dolphins. The Dolphins made a trade with the Chiefs that brought them another superstar receiver in Tyreek Hill. Hill was one of Patrick Mahomes’ weapons of mass destruction over last several years. It’s a head scratcher why the Chiefs traded away a weapon like that and to a team in the same conference. In two games already for the Dolphins Hill has 19 receptions for 284 yards with two touchdowns. Dolphins look like they have one best aerial attacks in the league as the Ravens found out the hard way last week as Miami stormed back down by a few scores and won the game.
#6.BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-1) The Ravens were supposed to have that talented offense with a lights out defense. In week one, Ravens played that part. In week two Lamar Jackson put up video game numbers on the Dolphins as he lit up the scoreboard. The Ravens defense suddenly went soft like Cam Newton and Dolphins made a comeback and pulled out the victory in a stunner. Was it a fluke or are the Dolphins offense for real?
#7.LA RAMS (1-1) Not impressed by the Rams this season. Rams were blown out in week one by the Bills. Then the Rams had a doormat in the Falcons and jumped out to a big lead in week two. Then the Rams let the Falcons back into the game which turned out to be a close game. Superbowl hangover? Could this be a long and rough year for the Rams?
#8. LA CHARGERS (1-1) Do the Chargers still have the doctor on their staff that punctured Tyrod Taylor’s lung while giving him a pain injection shot for his rib injury?
I picture this guy being the doctor from Any Given Sunday. Taylor actually has filed a law suit against the Doc. That was the shot that saved the Chargers season and introduced the world to one of the best quarterbacks in the game right now, Justin Herbert. My only concern is Herbert has a rib injury, so I hope the Chargers can keep that quack away from him.
#9.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-1) The Trey Lance injury saved the 49ers season.
The 49ers were not going anywhere with Trey Lance in the drivers seat. It always should have been Jimmy Garoppolo’s job and for Lance to earn the starting job by playing better than Jimmy G. Let’s face the facts that the 49ers are a legit playoff team with Jimmy G driving the car. 49er fans are dancing in the streets with Jimmy G back behind center.
#10.GREEN BAY PACKERS (1-1) I’m really not sure Green Bay is a top ten team. I may be putting the Cheeseheads this high because of their history. In week one, Green Bay looked horrible as the blame went to Aaron Rodgers’ receivers. Last week the Packers beat up on the Bears. Rogers did not look that impressive against the team he owns. It was the running game that thrived for the Packers in week two. I’m hoping the Packers will fizzle on our power rankings as the season goes on.
#11.CLEVELAND BROWNS (2-1) Throwing a bottle of water at the owner of the Browns Jimmy Haslam gets a fan banned for life from Cleveland stadium. If you’re a sexual predator that plays quarterback you are awarded with a 230 million dollar guarantee contract. Sorry Jimbo, not buying what you’re selling, as you sir are lower than pond scum and more people should chuck bottles at you.
#12. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-1) Time to put the Crab-Man in boiling water.
The Saints have one of the best defenses in the league. Saints have some play makers on the offensive side of the ball. Jameis Winston is back to his old ways throwing the game away with costly interceptions like he did in his Buccaneer days. Saints need to make a switch at quarterback immediately and give the job to their back up Andy Dalton, the Red Rifle. Dalton will make less mistakes and be serviceable with that great defense.
#13. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-1) Kirk Cousins can’t win the big games on primetime as the Vikings were crushed at the Monday night game. The Viking offense disappeared after they played well in week one versus Green Bay. Somebody better inform Cousins the Superbowl is a prime time game. Vikings may not get to that game because the playoff road is filled with games on primetime. Maybe all Viking games should be played only on the air in the Minnesota market. Take away the fans as well. My kind of job with no bosses & no customers to deal with.
#14. ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-1) Arizona has only played one good half so far this season. Do you count the extra quarter where the Cardinals picked up a fumble in overtime to get that victory against the Raiders? For the Cardinals to get to that extra quarter for the Raiders, Kyler Murray exploded as he took the team on his shoulders and engineered a masterpiece comeback. Cardinals were wiped off the map in week one versus the Chiefs. If the Cardinals want to get back to the playoffs this team needs the defense to play better and have a solid running game behind Murray. Murray can’t do it all alone. That would be a slap in the face.
After the game Murray was accidentally slapped in the face by a Cardinal fan who was trying to go for the high five or tap the quarterback’s shoulder pads to congratulate him. That incident almost took on friendly fire.
#15.DENVER BRONCOS (1-1) It’s only a matter of time when the Broncos offense starts to take off. Everyone is waiting for Russell Wilson to be Russell Wilson and light up the scoreboard. The Broncos offense has moved the ball. It’s been in the red zone that the team has struggled. If I was a Bronco fan, I would hate losing to a quarterback named Geno Smith. That game the Broncos could have won in the opener versus Seattle. Broncos defense has been pretty good so far. When the offense catches up, Broncos should start winning games with a higher score.
#16.NEW YORK GIANTS (2-0) The New York Giants look like they made the best hire at their head coaching position this off-season. Former Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has the G back G-Men.
New Yorkers are proud to wear the Giants blues again as the city has jumped on board with their new head coach. It may be too early to really judge this Giant team as it could be beginners luck as well. Quarterback Daniel Jones is playing better under Daboll who we all know helped Josh Allen become a better quarterback. I like that Daboll is not giving a lot of playing time to veteran wide receiver Kenny Golliday. Golliday has not looked good in a Giants uniform. If other guys can play better than Golliday, he should wait for another opportunity.
#17. DALLAS COWBOYS (1-1) Every year once again the networks have to shove Dallas Cowboy games down my throat. Cowboys could be good, bad or just ugly and for some odd reason we have to see the Cowboys more than our own local team. Cowboys looked better with Cooper Rush behind center than Dak Prescott who was injured in week one. If Cooper Rush can have a winning record versus teams with a winning record then Prescott could easily be finding a new team. Prescott’s record is horrible versus winning programs.
#18. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-1) How many times have we thought the Patriots were dead? Patriots looked dead out of the water in week one. Everyone including me with sigh of relief knows we don’t have to talk about Bill Belichick and his hooded sweatshirt he slept in. Then like a bad Jason movie that comes back to life, the Patriots win a game versus a Steeler team you thought you had high hopes for. We are just waiting for that day for the Patriots to go away. Become a bottom feeder of the NFL world is where they should be exiled for the next ten years.
#19.DETROIT LIONS (1-1) I think this is the first time ever that I have the Detroit Lions this high in any of my NFL power rankings. Lions are playing solid and this is a team that will stack up some victories by the time the season ends. Bears fans now feel gloom and doom that their team will finish last as the Lions were always willing to take the basement spot in the standings. Jared Goff has found himself in Detroit with 6 touchdown passes in two games so far. They say that 70% of fantasy leagues do not have Goff on their roster.
#20. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-2) Everyone loves the back up quarterback when the first stringer is not doing well. The Steelers had visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads signing former Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
Trubisky has not been terrible. Trubisky might end up on a short leash since the Steelers drafted a home town guy Kenny Pickett out of the University of Pittsburgh. Steelers have other issues as well from defensive injuries to few guys. History in Pittsburgh always favors the guy the team drafted who will be the permanent guy over the veteran they just signed. Same thing happened when Big Ben Roethlisberger took the field. That case it was injury to Tommy Maddox. I bet Trubisky’s days are number as the starter in Pittsburgh.
#21.CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-2) Looks like the Bengals have gone back to their Bumble life style.
Usually the loser of the Superbowl falls on hard times the following regular season as the Bengals can prove that theory right. In the off-season, the Bengals tried to fix that offensive line to protect Joe Burrow. The new faces have not done a good job as Joe Cool in his first two games has laid on his back most of the games. The entire Bengal team looks to be in a deep freeze.
#22. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-1) Has new head coach Doug Pederson for the Jaguars been able to develop number one draft pick from last season Trevor Lawrence?
Lawrence played like a cast member of the movie Surf Ninja Must Die last season. It was that bad for Trevor Lawrence. In two games so far this season Lawrence has completed 68% of his passes with three touchdown passes with only one interception for over 500 passing yards. Jaguars are 1-1. Jaguars have played two solid games so far. Maybe this team is on the rise. Actually after two weeks the Jaguars are in first place in their division. Only team in the AFC South to have a victory.
#23.LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (0-2) Josh Daniels, the new Raider head coach, has killed anything good in that Vegas locker room they had going on last season. Last season this Raider team went through losing Jon Gruden to his wordy emails about people’s lips. Then the weekly Police Blotter these Raider players were involved in almost every week. The Raiders still made the playoffs. Josh Daniels ruined the Denver Broncos in his first head coaching stint. Only thing I can say good about Daniels is he knew Jay Cutler was a bum when he arrived in Denver. Assistant coaches trying to fly the coop in New England away from Bill Belichick can not fly on their own.
#24. TENNESSEE TITANS (0-2) The Titans looked like they’ve been hit by a Mack truck and playing like road kill. Ryan Tannehill probably feels like Joe Flacco when the Ravens drafted Lamar Jackson. The Titans were the first team to send in their rookie quarterback out on the field when the Bills were destroying the Titans. Malik Willis saw some action.
Only way to see less of Willis is for Tannehill to step up his performance and rally this Titan team and string together a few victories. Derrick Henry looks like he’s running with a Denver Boot strapped to his leg. The Titan receiver core does not have the weapons like they did the last few seasons. Ryan Tannehill’s days are numbered as even the defensive side of the ball is having problems trying to stop anyone. Tannehill will be looking elsewhere next season for a new job.
#25.CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-2) Still waiting on that first Baker Mayfield victory in a Panther uniform. Panthers have been in both games, but at the end have not found away to pull ahead of their opponent. Is Head Coach Matt Rhule’s seat starting to rise up in temperature? The positive for the Panthers is Christian McCaffrey is still on the field after two games.
#26. NEW YORK JETS (1-1) Was that Joe Flacco’s best game since he won the Superbowl several years ago and signed that huge extension afterwards?
I don’t think Flacco has many of these games left in him. I will applaud the veteran quarterback for beating the Browns especially if they miss the playoffs by one game. Jets scored two touchdowns in less than two minutes to shock Cleveland. PRICELESS!!!!
#27. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1-1) I think the Commanders played better when they called themselves the Washington Football team. I hate the Commanders new logo.
Some other choices I would have preferred.
What happen to that Washington defense? Carson Wentz has done pretty good so far.
#28. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-1) Pete Carol reminds me of Randall Flag from Stephen King’s series The Stand. Flag is the supernatural spawn of the devil that can make his own appearance look younger. Pete Carol has to be 200 years old but looks like the same age as when he started coaching.
Now it makes sense how Geno Smith was able to beat the Denver Broncos. Pete Carol mortgaging his soul for a game to beat one of his traders like Russell Wilson. Carol may be running out of time with deals below the surface.
#29.HOUSTON TEXANS (0-1-1) The Lovie Way !!!
“Rex Grossman is still our quarterback”. How many times have I heard that? Lovie’s script might have insert here, the name of the inferior quarterback he is using. This go around the Black Santa Clause is using Davis Mills. This is Lovie’s Smith football recipe a great defense with a junior varsity offense.
#30. ATLANTA FALCONS (0-2) The Falcons look better than their former quarterback Matt Ryan. Falcons are like last year’s Detroit team finding times during the game to get red hot while scoring in bunches. Falcons have not played a complete game yet. The dirty birds still have 15 more games to make that happen.
#31. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-1-1) Colts being shut out by the Jacksonville Jaguars says it all. Why do the Jaguars have this Colts team’s number? Colts could easily be 0-2 right now as they had to fight their way back in their opener just to force a tie with the Texans. These are division games against teams they should beat up on. Matt Ryan looks awful!! Colts change quarterbacks like rolls of toilet paper. Who are they going to get next year?
#32.CHICAGO BEARS (1-1) Lets face the facts the Bears beat the 49ers at home due to the weather issues. You can even say the 49ers beat themselves in crucial situations in that opener. The Bears front office did no favors for Justin Fields. Fields has no solid protection on the offensive line. Who is Fields throwing to? Bears picked up whatever wide receiver that was on the curb from other teams on garbage night right before the season started.
Could Kurt Warner’s football legend even get bigger? Kurt Warner’s life story went to Hollywood as they made a movie called American Underdog about his life and journey to NFL that went down some bumpy roadways. Warner was bagging groceries while trying to fulfill his lifetime dream of playing quarterback in the NFL. Warner had to play Arena Football during which he finally got another invite to another NFL camp. Warner would get his chance in the NFL as he helped the Rams win their first ever Superbowl. Later in his career, he guided the Arizona Cardinals to their first ever Superbowl appearance. Warner racked up multiple 300 yard passing days in his career which got his ticket punched to Canton, Ohio and enshrined into the football hall-of-fame. Could Kurt Warner pass his quarterback genes on to his son like Archie Manning did and create a family business at the quarterback position.
Most expansion teams in professional sports don’t really do well for the first several years in their respective leagues. Once in a while, you get an exception like the Las Vegas Golden Knights. In their first year in the NHL, they went all the way to the Stanley Cup. In 1967, the New Orleans Saints were introduced to the NFL world. The Saints were not very good in the 1960’s or the entire decade of the 1970’s. During the 1970’s, Archie Manning was the Saints quarterback. Manning did not put up Manning numbers like we’ve seen with his sons, Peyton and Eli. Archie played in the NFL for 15 years, 11 seasons with the Saints. Archie would play two seasons at the time the Houston Oilers and then finished his playing career in a Minnesota Viking uniform. Archie Manning played in 151 games in the NFL to have a terrible record of 35-101-3 which he was on some very bad teams. Archie threw more interceptions than touchdown passes. Archie had 125 touchdown passes and 173 career interceptions. You have to respect that Archie played 15 seasons in the NFL. Off the field, Archie created his football legacy. The Manning family is football royalty when it comes to the quarterback position. Both of Archie sons won a pair of Superbowls each. Peyton, the oldest out of the two, won one with the Colts and walked off into the sunset winning his second in a Broncos uniform. Eli Manning won his two in a Giants uniform. It is said that if Cooper Manning, Archie’s oldest son, did not get hurt he would have been the best. I’m sure we will see sons of the Manning brothers rise through the ranks of quarterbacking 101.
That brings us to Kurt Warner’s son, E.J. Warner. E.J. is now the starting quarterback for Temple University. E.J.’s quarterback journey so far has not been handed to him on a silver platter. E.J.’s only Collegiate offers to play football were from lower tier schools. E.J. is a freshman this season and was 3rd on depth chart. Last week E.J Warner made his college debut coming off the bench in Temple’s win over LaFayette. E.J. was impressive going 14-19 for 173 yards with two touchdown passes. Yesterday in his first start of his Collegiate career, E.J went 19-32 for 215 yards with 1 touchdown pass and an interception. Temple would lose to Rutgers University 16-14. Not bad numbers for his first start. Can this be the start of something bigger? Can E.J. Warner follow his father’s footsteps and take his talents to the NFL? Can the Warner name eventually be a football dynasty like the Manning name? What if E.J. makes the NFL, has a son, and he becomes a quarterback? Another quarterback family business in the making as the stork will be delivering royalty. Kurt Warner’s story has that Hollywood ending. Archie Manning’s sons have that amazing Hollywood story after winning four Superbowls. The Warners will have to win three more Superbowls if we want to have them in the same conversation as the Mannings. Who knows? The Mannings probably are creating quarterbacks as we speak like the Terminator factories. We will wait and see what happens. Perhaps E.J. Warner will be like father like son. This could be the start of the makings of another quarterback family legacy which could be fun to watch. E.J. Warner has bigger foot prints to follow the legacy his father Kurt created. While the Manning brothers easily climbed higher than their father Archie’s NFL legacy.
The Wild shamrock 