Week six power rankings have arrived right off the bar top. We have a new king of the mountain. We may be all cheesed out at the end of the weekend. We have a new New York team at the bottom of the pile. We may not have all the facts, but we have some Zing Zang for our Bloody Mary’s and that’s what really important. That and getting up close to the crack of noon every Sunday to watch football, although it seems like they have a game on every day. NFL wishes. Lets roll out week six…. Cheers!!!!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

#1.GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-0) UP ONE SPOT A bad Chiefs lost propels Green Bay Packers to the king of the hill of the Wild Shamrock power rankings in week six.

Packers were on their bye week. Aaron Rodgers went over to see his kid with his ex, Clay Matthews.

As you can see, the kid has grown uglier by the year. Packers do get back some injured players. Playmaker, Devante Adams, is a big time welcomed back edition to the Packers line up this Sunday. This Sunday, Aaron Rodgers will face Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. Brady versus Rodgers are even at one a piece throughout their career facing each other.

#2.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (5-0) UP ONE SPOT Another come back for Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson led a 13 play 94 yard drive and hit his monster sized receiver, D.K Metcalf, for the winning score.

D.K. Metcalf is emerging as one of the elite pass catchers in the league. Metcalf has 16 grabs for 403 yards and 3 touchdowns so far in 5 games. Seattle was down 13-0, at one point on Sunday night, to the Minnesota Vikings. Seattle defense made big plays when needed. An interception off Kirk Cousins in the second half. The biggest play of the game, Vikings went for it on 4th and one on Seattle’s six yard line to be stopped by Booby Wagner who wrapped up the Viking running back for a loss. Seattle makes it to their bye week undefeated.

#3.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (4-1) DOWN 2 SPOTS The Chiefs did not play their A game versus the Patriots, but still won versus the team without their starting quarterback. The Raiders last Sunday showed up on offense and put 40 points on the Chiefs defense. This gave Kansas City their first loss of the season. Last loss for Chiefs came in November of 2019. Raiders now can join the Chargers as teams in the AFC West to beat Patrick Mahomes once. Broncos have not yet beat Mahomes.

No worries Chiefs fans, reinforcements are on their way. Le’Veon Bell who was a bum for the Jets the last two seasons picked Chiefs out of three teams that included the Dolphins and Bills. Bell will go from the worst AFC team to the best since being cut by New York. Will Bell be a cancer in the locker room? Are there bowling alleys in Kansas City for him to stay out all night when injured and should be home resting? If Head Coach Wally the Walrus can find Bell’s Pittsburgh Steeler performance on the field from a few years back, Chiefs will be even more dangerous on offense.

#4.BALTIMORE RAVENS (4-1) SAME I guess every sport has those unwritten rules like baseball has. America’s past time has multiple examples, like not bunting late in the game when the opposing pitcher on the other team is throwing a no-hitter. Last Sunday, Ravens took care of business against the Bengals. In the last minute of the game, Ravens were shutting out the Bengals. With 37 seconds left, the Bengals head coach sent out the field goal team to avoid the shut out. The kick was made and the final score was 27-3 Ravens over Bengals. The Defensive Coordinator for the Ravens, Don “Wink” Martindale was a very unhappy camper yelling on to the field. Since the merger year in 1970, only five teams have done a last effort field goal to avoid having a goose egg on the field. Well, Don, in baseball you can bat flip. In football ,you can create an all team celebration after a touchdown. Then who the hell cares about a team kicking a field goal to avoid a shutout. What happened to end on positive note?

#5.PITTSBURGH STEELERS (4-0) SAME The Steelers get another victory over a struggling team. The Eagles made the Steelers earn the victory throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, at them. Steelers versus the Browns this Sunday. Baker Mayfield may be out in this contest due to an illness. Will Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett take a whack at Big Ben Roethlisberger?

Browns not making those bonehead mistakes as last year Garrett used Mason Rudolph’s helmet as a weapon on the quarterback’s noggin. Garrett is having an awesome year. The Steeler defense has been stellar. Big Ben has ten touchdown passes in 4 games with only 1 interception. Should be another intense game between these two rivals. This will be the Steelers’ biggest test of the season if Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham Jr play.

#6.TENNESSEE TITANS (4-0) UP 2 SPOTS Did the Covid-19 virus in the locker room leading to time off, give the Titans a chance to find themselves? Yes, going into Tuesday night this team was undefeated. Every game they won was close and hard fought to the very end.

This looked more like the Titan team of last year. Looks more like Derrick Henry’s highlight reel versus the Jaguars. On Tuesday, he flung Josh Norman, of the Bills, out of the way like a rag doll. The Titans offense has been good. The defense has been struggling. Everything came together on a rare Tuesday night game for the Titans, as they demolished a good Bills team as both units did well and looked like the team of 2019.

#7.CHICAGO BEARS (4-1) UP 2 SPOTS The Bears did get a signature win over a good Buccaneer team last Thursday. Bears defense has been consistent all year. This team is 4-1, but could have easily lost games to the Lions and Falcons. Does Nick Foles have a hex on Tom Brady? Foles is a very streaky quarterback. Like to see what the Bears can do versus a good Panther team on the rise. Thought the Bears should have went after Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in free agency in the off season. Now we are rolling with Nick. Will Nick have a good day with the dice at the table on the field, or a bad? Can Foles continue to stay healthy with that shaky O-Line? Matt Nagy’s play calling is not impressive. Will cutesy plays or abandoning the run, doom your team with more losses then actually the team on the field?

#8.BUFFALO BILLS (4-1) DOWN 2 SPOTS Buffalo Bills head coach said, “We beat ourselves in that lopsided affair in Tennessee on Tuesday”. Bills offense did not look crisp. Turnovers Bills have been not making are mistakes which did cost this team. Have to go back to Buffalo’s defense which has not been their old selves of 2019. The unit looks like a shell of their former selves. Bills were without a few big pieces on their defense, especially their all-pro corner back Tre’Davious White. Now the Chiefs come to town. The Bills lost out on the Le’Veon Bell sweepstakes as Buffalo were one of three destinations he wanted to land. I think this was a good thing. Jon Bon Jovi is still mad not being able to land the Buffalo Bills with his group as he put in a bid to own the team in 2014. Rumor is he and his group wanted to move the team to Toronto.

Who should be mad at who here? Rock-star wants to move the blood of the town to Canada. Good riddance not seeing your concerts in Buffalo as Jovi said he’ll never play in Western New York. Instead Bills Mafia will wait for the Eagles or the 100 better bands then yours. Bills dodged a few bullets back then, as Donald Trump was involved in trying to purchase the team in 2014 as well.

#9.CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-1)

The City of Cleveland better change their tourist brochure if the queen from the Drew Carey show is on the cover. Do you think Odell Beckham Jr. would tap that? I have 3 out of the 4 AFC North teams in the top ten of the power rankings. Who ever made the decision to hire Freddie Kitchens as the head coach last season should be abolished from the football world as that was the stupidest hire of all-time. All the talent. All the egos. Head coach Kevin Stefanski adds discipline and cut out all the Cleveland STUPID from last season. Look at them now. Another big thing that Cleveland is doing is not putting everything on the shoulders of Baker Mayfield. Running the ball means less mistakes from the quarterback.

#10.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-2) SAME Buccaneers are hanging on in the power rankings like a dingle berry hanging on for dear life. That dingle berry is Tom Brady. A big match up this Sunday with the undefeated Packers and the Tampa Tom. A loss to Packers, and this team is just average at 3-3. Last time I checked, the Patriots are 2-2. Belichick without Brady and vice versa, they have both just become Even Steven of .500 football. Good news for the Buccaneers, Chris Godwin may be back for the Packers game. Another big weapon and Brady may really need it, at this cross roads of his Buccaneers career.

#11.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-2) DOWN 4 SPOTS Have the Colts made a $25 million dollar mistake signing the aging Phillip Rivers to a one year deal?

Rivers looked dreadful versus the Browns. Rivers looked like an old quarterback that time has caught up to. You can see Drew Brees and Tom Brady have some moments where they are old, but they also show more moments that indicate they have been to the fountain of youth. The Colts have a strong running game with a good veteran line and a good defense. They have play-makers. Rivers has only 4 touchdown passes and has more interceptions at 5 in five games. Last year, the Charger’s line just blew. No excuses unless time has passed Rivers up. T.Y. Hilton only has 13 catches and 162 yards so far this season. He is by far the best Colts receiver. Hilton and Rivers obviously are not in the same playbook. Rivers might need to up his blue pills dose to get his fast ball firing on all cylinders.

#12.CAROLINA PANTHERS (3-2) UP 3 SPOTS Panthers are on the rise with 3 straight wins over the Chargers, Cardinals, and Falcons. The team’s biggest challenge is versus the Bears this Sunday. The Bears had Mike Davis last year in the running back depth chart, and could not do anything with him. That is the Bears for you.

Mike Davis, a former Panther, Bear, and now back with Carolina presently, has kept the running attack lethal with the absence of Christian McCaffrey. Davis has averaged 4.8 a carry. Can Davis put up big numbers against the team that kicked him to the side of the curb last year?

#13.LA RAMS (4-1) SAME Rams are the official 13th spot in the Wild Shamrock power rankings. The Rams beat up on the team with no name last Sunday. The Rams have not done anything to hurt their 13th status or anything special to move up the ladder. I need to see more.

Aaron Donald shows you why he is one of the best pass rushers in the game. Four sacks in one game versus the Washington team is very impressive.

#14.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-2) DOWN 3 SPOTS

Is this a ploy by the Mad Cheating Genius Bill, Belichick? Maybe he knew his guy on defense, Stephon Gilmour, had Covid and had him go talk to Patrick Mahomes after their loss. In hopes the young Quarterback would catch the fever going on throughout the league. The Evil Empire is up to their old tricks. I have to see how the Patriots play after dealing with the Virus for the last few weeks.

#15.NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-2) DOWN ONE SPOT Saints were idle last week. A bye week could be good and bad. Gives the team a chance to catch their breath after 4 games. The bad is they broke a losing streak versus the Lions and then they’re off. Can the Saints find their mojo in their return this Sunday?

#16.OAKLAND RAIDERS (3-2) UP ONE SPOT The biggest question I have is which Raider team will you get on any given Sunday? Raiders put 40 points on the Chiefs defense in a shoot out as Derek Carr out-dueled Patrick Mahomes. The Raiders beat Patrick Mahomes for the very first time. They give the Chiefs their first loss of the year. I know it’s the Chiefs offense, but the Raiders defense is not very good right now. Derek Carr and Raiders offense are streaky as a Nick Foles play of the Bears at quarterback. Can the Raiders put a string of victories together? Is Jon Gruden’s team one of those teams that you need to poke like a wild animal and then they will strike?

#17.MIAMI DOLPHINS (2-3) UP TO SPOTS Dolphins are quietly moving up the power rankings. Does it take a Harvard guy to use one of Ryan Pace’s top draft picks?

Remember ex-Bears 2nd round pick tight end Adam Shareen? The Beard, Ryan Fitzpatrick, found him open in the end zone last week. Maybe Fitzpatrick and Mitch Trubisky help Leonard Floyd and Kevin White become something in the NFL. Dolphins have been in every game this season. The Dolphins put 40 points on the 49ers last Sunday in a blow out while welcoming Jimmy back behind center For San Fran.

#18.ARIZONA CARDINALS (3-2) DOWN 2 SPOTS The Cardinals easily handled the Jets last Sunday. Arizona is down two spots losing Chandler Jones for the year with an injury in that game versus the Jets. Jones is the heart and soul of that Cardinal defense. Now the Cardinals will have to really out score their opponents if this team wants to make it to the playoffs as a wild card. I don’t see the Cards catching the Seahawks for the division.

#19.DALLAS COWBOYS (2-3) DOWN ON SPOT Cowboys won actually, but they are down one spot because the New York Giants sluggish offense scored 30 points off that terrible Cowboy defense. I know the Cowboys lost a huge piece in Dak Prescott getting injured.

Jerry Jones’ best move in the off season was bringing in the Red Rifleman Andy Dalton to back up Prescott. Too bad Jerry was sleeping on defensive transactions. Dalton will keep the Cowboy offense rolling on offense. Cowboys are in first in that just crappy division they call the NFC East. When playoffs come around, the Cowboys will be out in the first game because they can not stop anyone.

#20.MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-4) UP ONE SPOT Even though the Vikings let the Seahawks come back last week and pull off the last minute victory, this team has been playing much better then the way they started. Vikings had started off with a difficult schedule as well. The Vikings need to get better on defense. Better play calling by Mike Zimmer; not getting points going for it on 4th down in Seahawks territory late in the game Last Sunday night. The good is the Viking offense has awakened. Less interceptions thrown by Kirk Cousins would benefit this team. The emergence of Justin Jefferson has helped. This team could still make it to the playoffs. Starts with this Sunday versus a bad Falcon team. They will have to beat all the teams in their division as well. If Vikings feast on the Lions, we’ll find out if the Bears and Packers are pretenders to this point. We could see a 360 turn around.

#21.LA CHARGERS (1-4) DOWN ONE SPOT Chargers have to like how Justin Herbert is playing. Herbert’s stats stand up to some of the other great veteran quarterbacks around the league. Chargers played Buccaneers and Saints to the brink and came away with losses. Chargers head into the bye week and hope they get a few weapons back when they return to action.

If the Chargers do have any kind of cult following, the MVP of the year for LA is the guy that obviously did not play Operation when he was a kid. Sticking his tool into Tyrod Taylor’s rib to make his nose go red is why Herbert is on the field. That guy needs a Christmas bonus.

#22.DETROIT LIONS (1-3) SAME What did the Lions do on their bye week?

Hope Detroit followed the yellow brick road to look for courage from the Wizard.

We know where Matt Patricia went.

#23.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-3-1) UP ONE STOP

We are waiting!!! When will the Eagles start climbing those stairs and get back into contention. The Eagles played tough versus a well rested Steeler team. However they lost and they dug themselves a deeper hole.Will they be able to get out.

#24.CINCINNATI BENGALS (1-3-1) DOWN ONE SPOT The Bengals and Joe Burrows only were able to get a field goal on the board last week versus a tough Raven defense. This is to be expected from a rookie quarterback. Bengal fans should not worry, because Joe Burrows will have this team on the rise in the next few seasons. I’ve been impressed with his play so far.

#25.HOUSTON TEXANS (1-4) UP 3 SPOTS Texans and Interim Coach, Romeo Crennell, kept things simple and took care of business versus the Jaguars to finally get something in the victory column. The Texans will be playing the Titans who played Tuesday and will be playing on a short week. Maybe the win from last week will carry over. Deshaun Watson can catch on fire. The defense has to be better and being able to slow the Titans down is the key. You never know… getting rid of Bill O’Brien may be the key to the whole thing for the Texans.

#26.DENVER BRONCOS (1-3) SAME Broncos have been delayed by the Covid affecting other teams. During time off, Drew Lock will be inserted back into the starting position leaving Brett Rypien back to the bench. The guy that led the team to their only win. What a Melvin !!!!

Melvin Gordon played his best game as a Bronco, running the ball down the throat of the New York Jets. Then he goes out and gets a DUI in Denver. Plus, he will be out this week with a strep throat. Last year was hold out for the Chargers comeback was horrible. This season probably signing with Denver for revenge on the Chargers for not paying him. It may not be them, Mr. Gordon. Look in the mirror.

#27.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-3) DOWN 2 SPOTS The 49ers have dropped ten spots in the Wild Shamrock Power Rankings in the last two weeks. 49ers are a team with a list of injuries longer than the Santa Clause Naughty and Nice listings. Jimmy was back behind center. Jimmy Garoppolo was awful and pulled after throwing two picks, as the Dolphins just demolished the 49ers.

#28.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-4) DOWN ONE SPOT Former Titans linebacker, Kamalei Correa, wanted to be traded away from Tennessee because of playing time. Poor kid got his wish as the former Titan will join, the bottom of the barrel, Jaguars. The linebacker can work on his tan in his new home in Florida. Maybe some surfing or building some sand castles.

• 

• 

#29.WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM (1-4)

• 

• 

Alex Smith returned to game action after that devastating leg injury years ago, in 2018. Smith filled in for Kyle Allen who got the start from the ineffective Dwayne Haskins. Kyle Allen was not so good himself. Alex Smith did not fair well either, only throwing for 37 yards completing 9-17. The team with no name has nobody that can play well behind center. Good to see Alex Smith back in action. Hope he can get better and return to his former self.

#30.ATLANTA FALCONS (0-5) SAME

Head coach Dan Quinn lost his season tickets right on the sideline as he was fired to make him the second head coach fired this season in the NFL.

If you’re second in command to a team like the Falcons and become the interim coach, I feel like Darth Vader is your boss being promoted. Raheem Morris may do a fine job as a head coach, but he was the defensive coordinator and his unit is still awful. It’s a huge mess to clean up. You feel like when you get a job handed to you in this kind of situation, you’re on slippery ice. The Bosses can come around the corner at anytime and put you in a choke hold to terminate your dream job. Dan Quinn’s meltdowns will be remembered more than the good he has done coaching the Falcons. Will Dan Quinn go back to Seattle and help Pete Carol?

#31.NEW YORK GIANTS (0-5) UP ONE SPOT Giants defense has done a decent job all year. You could say the Giants defense held the Cowboy offense to under 40 points as a bright side. Coming into the season you would think the Giant offense was going to be better then the Giant defense. Finally the offense did get into the 30’s against maybe the worst defense in the league, which the Cowboys have. The New Jersey teams disguised in New York uniforms have gone 0-10 for the season. Giants move up one spot because they have the edge over the Jets the way they played so far. Being the best Jersey team may only get you the second pick in the draft. Maybe the Jets management is smarter than the Giants.

#32.NEW YORK JETS (0-5) DOWN ONE SPOT The New York Jets are officially the doormat of the league. Survivor leagues are using the Jets and picking the team opposite of them. On the radio, I’ve heard a question this week: Have you ever stopped or given up on your favorite team as a fan? Jets fans have to be thinking about it. Last time the Jets were exciting to watch was when Josh McCown took over for the injured Sam Darnold and won some games while losing some close shoot outs. Jets are in line for the top overall draft pick next season. If you’re a Jets fan, do you have faith they will pick the right player?

• 

• 

Cory Crawford’s Chicago Blackhawks career has officially come to an end. The Blackhawks net-minder ends a 17 year tenure with the team that drafted him way back in 2003. Crawford and the team could not agree on a one year deal, so both camps have parted ways and the New Jersey Devils swooped in and signed the 35 year old to two year deal worth 7.8 million. It was a tearful goodbye as the Blackhawks let Crawford walk out the door. This is after 488 regular season starts and add an additional 96 post season starts that help collect two Stanley Cups. Crawford is the only Blackhawks goalie in history to have won multiple cups. What is the plan, Stan Bowman? What will Crawford bring to the Devils?

For the Devils, the team adds a veteran goalie which is Cory Crawford with gasoline still in the tank to form a tandem with last season rookie 23 year old, Mackenzie Blackwood. The Devils were able to buy out veteran goalie Cory Schneider’s contract which will free up salary cap, and obviously gets New Jersey a replacement between the pipes. Cory Crawford could help mentor Mackenzie, who was 8-2 between the pipes in his last ten games before the league shut down from the Covid. Cory Crawford brings a .917 save percentage which he did between the pipes last season for the Black Hawks, who don’t have a good defense. The Devils defense is shaky. Besides the two cups, Crawford brings leadership to this Devil team along with grit and determination. Crawford had to fight through the Covid and then made the bubble for the playoffs, with like only a week to get back in game shape. Plus, not playing games for months due to shut down. Crawford was sharp in the play in round as the Black Hawks had no problems versus the Edmonton Oilers. Then Crawford put up some good battles versus a Vegas team that had all kinds of weapons and talent.

The beginning of last season the Black hawks probably had one of the best goalie tandems in the league. The Black Hawks signed Robin Lehner who was coming off a excellent season in net for the Islanders. The Black Hawks had to bring in someone else because Cory Crawford was missing multiple games from concussions in previous seasons. Crawford stayed healthy and Stan Bowman traded Lehner to the Vegas Golden Knights at the trade deadline. This was before Covid and the Blackhawks needed to jump over multiple teams at the time with not many games left on the schedule to even sniff the playoffs. The Covid virus actually helped the Blackhawks get to the bubble and be a part of the playoffs since the league expanded the post season due to not finishing the regular season.

You would think after all of that, the Blackhawks would have brought back Cory Crawford. Whenever the regular season begins, the Blackhawks went from two veteran talented goalies that both wanted to be in Chicago, to young guys like Colin Delia and Kevin Lankinen that lack experience. The Blackhawks did re-sign Malcolm Subban, who was a piece back from the Vegas trade, which involved Robin Lehner. Stan better have a plan. If he thinks just shedding high salary and picking up cheap veterans along the way is enough, this team will not be going anywhere. If he plans on building a younger team around super stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, then this team will need to get rid of all the aging core from those Stanley cup teams. In my opinion, Stan Bowman should have done that quite awhile ago, like how the Pittsburgh Penguins keep on doing it year after year building around Sid “the Kid” Crosby.

Meanwhile, Cory Crawford will not be forgotten for what he did wearing the Indian head. Crawford finished his Chicago career with 260-162-53 record. Crawford’s numbers in his career for the Blackhawks include a stifling .918 save percentage and a stingy 2.45 GAA. Crawford had 26 shut outs and 52 playoff wins. Crawford was a 2 time all-star and a 2 time winner of the William M. Jennings trophy. Crawford is third in the Blackhawk franchise in wins, only trailing greats Tony Esposito and Glen Hall. Some day the team will hang his number from the rafters at the United Center. For now, Crawford will be running with the Devils in Jersey, where he might end a brilliant career between the pipes.

Week five power rankings has some of the same teams holding their spots. Week five has plenty of teams on the move, up and down in the rankings. We have not held back on any of our strange opinions about each team and the entire NFL. We have girls and movies and players who have brought their game in the 2020 season. Have a beer and strap it down for another version of our power rankings.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

#1.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (4-0) SAME The Evil Empire invaded Kansas City without their Vader.

Cam Newton was out due to being infected with the virus. The Chiefs did not play their best game. Could have been because the game was moved and Kansas City were out of their routine. The Chiefs ended up dispatching the Evil Empire invasion being run by the storm troopers. The team remains perfect. All great teams stumble and still find ways to win the game.

#2.GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-0) SAME Packers head to their bye week, perfect. The offense of Green Bay is playing out of their minds, beating the Falcons with ease without their two top wide receivers, Devante Adams and Allen Lazard. Some said the Falcons could win that Monday night game due to Rodgers’ missing weapons. Aaron Rodgers could have the beer guy out there lined up and make him into a top notch receiver in the league.

The Packers had local citizens trying out for the Packers’ sudden vacancy at their Wide out position.

#3.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (4-0) SAME

Chris Carson running back for the Seahawks is on a mission to get PAID beyond this season. Carson, in his last year of his current contract, is off to a good start. Carson has 237 yards on the ground and averaging 4.5 yards, a carry. Carson has two rushing touchdowns. Running backs are easy to find every year in the draft. Right now it’s good Carson is playing well, like many players do when they are search of Spock and that bigger future deal. Seahawks hope Carson does not become a problem as many players do in this type of situation. Don’t ruin the run of the team, keep on running and someone will award him. Seahawks defense held their opponent to a season low of 23 points versus the Dolphins last Sunday. Could be a good sign for the defense or they are the Dolphins.

#4.BALTIMORE RAVENS (3-1) SAME Last week the Baltimore Ravens did not put up 40 points versus the team with no name. However Ravens rebounded from the loss versus their arch-rival, the Chiefs.

• 

• 

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens were able to get Mahomes, their Newman, out of their heads and had it on cruise control versus a bad Washington team.

#5.PITTSBURGH STEELERS (3-0) UP ONE SPOT

Big Ben Roethlisberger is still standing tall after week 4. Even after his sudden bye week, since the Titans have an outbreak inside their locker room. Big Ben was a little miffed about the situation. Perhaps Ben and the Steelers had no time to contact a travel agent to make some bye week plans. Maybe not playing the Titans will be a good thing as the Steeelers could continue their feast on inferior teams like the walking wounded Philadelphia Eagles, in the battle of Pennsylvania. Winning quarterback gets a date with the Amish girl, from the series Banshee.

• 

• 

#6.BUFFALO BILLS (4-0) UP ONE SPOT

Corner back Josh Norman brought some energy to the Buffalo defense forcing a fumble versus the Vegas Raiders last Sunday. The Bills defense only gave up 23 points which has been better then what they been giving up in the previous weeks. The Bills defense did a great job on the Raiders offense in the second half, shutting them down most of the half to help Buffalo stay perfect. Josh Allen had a scare in the first half, falling awkwardly and landing on his shoulder. Allen came back in the game, provided his regular elite performance and have the Buffalo Bills 4-0 for the first time in 12 years. Bills will be the first team ever to beat the Vegas Raiders at their new billion dollar home, Allegiant Stadium.

We have to show some Bills mafia even though Buffalo has not allowed any fans in their own building. In Vegas there were some sightings of Bills fans invading the Raiders home cooking. Bills will now have to wait a few extra days to take on the Titans who are trying to get the Covid virus out of their locker room on Tuesday, instead of Sunday in Nashville.

#7.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-1) UP 5 SPOTS Colts are showing me they have everything working for them. I love the strong defense. One of the best in the league. The front seven shut down the Bears running game last Sunday. The push they get on the opposing teams line while swallowing up the running back is something most teams do not get. The trenches are strong on offense as well. The offensive line gives the Colts’ backs nice lanes to run through. Plus the O-Line has played together quite awhile and have become very cohesive. They may be one of the best units in the league. Phillip Rivers is standing, not laying on the turf. Plus Rivers is making less errors behind center like he did for the Chargers.

#8.TENNESSEE TITANS (3-0) UP ONE SPOT The Titans had an unexpected bye week with the Covid virus invading their locker room last week. The team will play in week five at home versus Buffalo, however the game will be Tuesday night. Will the Titans be rusty with a long delay between games? Will the Virus have a mental lingering distraction on some of the players? The victims on the Titans from the Virus – Will they need time to get their feet wet to get their game back to where it was? All these questions will be answered on the next episode of……

#9. CHICAGO BEARS (4-1) The Nick Foles ERA did not look good versus the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday. The Bears quickly rebounded and won a big game on Thursday Night football against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. Bears first ever win against Tom Brady. Need a dragon slayed? Call Nick Foles who seems to have the Krytomite on Tom Brady as we remember he beat the Evil Empire Patriots in the Superbowl when he played for the Eagles. Bears defense has been doing their job very quietly; holding teams under 20 points has been their niche. Bears defense in 2018 was a different animal pressuring the quarterback and forcing tons of turnovers. Beating the Buccaneers gives the Bears a signature win not like the ones against the Lions, Giants and terrible Falcon defense.

#10.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-2) DOWN 5 SPOTS The Buccaneers won in a shoot out last Sunday versus the Chargers. Rookie quarterback was like the Mad Bomber, Daryle Lamonica, throwing bombs high in the sky and hitting receivers for big scores. Tom Brady was amazing throwing 5 TD strikes of his own. Then in a short week versus the Bears, Tom Brady seemed like he did not have the zip on his throws. Nick Foles once again gets the better of the man named Brady. What happened to defense of the Buccaneers that have played so well before these last two games? Looked like Tampa Tom was feeling his age. Looked like he did not know what down it was on a key drive at the end.

Plus Brady was yelling at his teammates maybe trying to find out what year it was .

#11.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-2) DOWN 3 SPOTS If the Patriots did not sign Cam Newton, this team would be further back in the power rankings. Last week the Evil Empire played without Cam Newton who tested positive for the Coronavirus.

The evil genius head coach, Billy Belichick, could not even come up with a plan to hide the team’s weakness, Brian Hoyer, as the replacement for Newton behind center. Now the Patriots will have to pray that Cam Newton has a speedy recovery and does not lean back to his soft days in Carolina.

#12.CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-1) UP 4 SPOTS Don’t look now, the Browns stock is climbing. Cleveland celebrities are coming out of the woodwork to see the Browns scoring 49 points versus a bad Cowboy defense.

• 

• 

Bernie Kosar’s porn star daughter has to love Brown. The big key to this resurgence of the Browns is the new Head Coach, Kevin Stefanski. No more bone headed mistakes like last year with that baffoon, Freddie Kitchens, running the show.

How will the Browns survive without Nick Chubb? Chubb, the Browns starting tailback, is out six weeks. Can Kareem Hunt handle the full load? We will see next Sunday.

#13.LA RAMS (3-1) SAME The Rams won last week versus a bad Giants team. Even though it was a victory it was not an impressive one only able to score 17 points in that contest. The win by the Rams keeps them on the heels of the Seahawks. Rams play another clunker this Sunday versus the no-namers in Washington. You can only play the teams on your schedule. Feasting on these bottom feeders will help this team stay above the 49ers and the Cardinals in the NFC West. I like to see the Rams offense stay on the road when the offense was scoring. It seems at points over the years during the season, Rams offense disappears in parts of the season for whatever reason it is. More consistency.

#14.NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-2) UP ONE SPOT The Saints were down to the Detroit Lions early last Sunday 14-0. I saw that score flash at the bottom of the screen.

Something must have sparked in Drew Brees’ head because it was not over.

The Saints came storming back and eventually blew Detroit out of the waters to snap a two game losing streak and even their record up at 2-2. It was a game New Orleans needed desperately to get themselves back on track. A loss to Detroit could end an old timer’s career like Drew Brees. Then that leaves the door open for Crab Legs Winston as your quarterback.

Jameis Winston in New Orleans may be stealing crawfish in his new town.

#15.CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-2) UP SIX SPOTS Suddenly the Panthers are 2-2 under rookie head coach Matt Rhule. Watching Teddy Bridgewater in action last season for the New Orleans Saints you knew he regained his old form. As Bridgewater went perfect at 5-0 filling in for Drew Brees.

Bridgewater is completing 73% of his passes in 4 games. Panthers are winning without their star running back Christian McCaffrey. The young defense is getting better every week. The defense slowed down two great offenses in Arizona and LA Chargers. Still a long ways to go, but Panthers could be making some early noise and ruffling a few feathers throughout the league.

#16.ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-2) DOWN 5 SPOTS When you lose to the Lions, it may take the 12 step program to get you back on track. The Cardinals obviously did not complete the program. After starting off 2-0, this team has dropped two games in a row. Arizona looked like a team on the rise. Now players in Arizona are saying it’s a must win game versus a very crappy New York Jets team. If you lose to the Jets, you should get kicked out of the league and heads should roll.

17.VEGAS RAIDERS (2-2) DOWN 3 SPOTS Last year it was the tale of two halves for the Raiders. The Raiders are very streaky opening up 2-0, but now they have dropped two games in a row. Now they meet their arch rival the Chiefs. Raiders defense has done the same thing as last season regressed after playing solid the first two weeks. Injuries have showed off the offense. If Raiders want to get to the playoffs they need to find a way to beat the Chiefs at least once during regular season. Just because you have a new shiny house in Vegas, this team still has the same trend they had last year in Oakland.

#18.DALLAS COWBOYS (1-3) Best offense in the league. Worst defense in the league. Cowboys play in the worst division in the league. They should win the NFC East with a losing record.

#19.MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-3) UP ONE SPOT Dolphins are 1-3 and have played tough in every game losing to Seattle last week. Everyone screaming for when they should play their rookie from Alabama, Tug Tagovailoa. That may not be Miami’s biggest problem though as the owner wants to put 57,000 fannies in the seats during a pandemic. Don’t have to rush Tug. Remember Patrick Mahomes played in one game for the Chiefs in his first season. The Beard, Ryan Fitzpatrick, is a good guy to learn from. How he saves money not buying razors.

#20.LA CHARGERS (1-3) UP 2 SPOTS

If the Chargers even think about putting in Tyrod Taylor, over the rookie Justin Herbert, they will be the new Freddie Kitchens of the league. Chargers should have won versus the Buccaneers last Sunday. They built a nice lead, but the defense suddenly could not stop Tom Brady. Justin Herbert was throwing dart air missiles hitting his guys on stride for big chunks of yards. Herbert threw three TD passes against a pretty good Buccaneer defense. That gives him 5 TD passes for the year.

#21.MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-3) UP SIX SPOTS Vikings finally get their first win against a Houston team that has gone sour. Justin Jefferson followed up his huge 175 yard game with another 100 yard receiving day which gives him two in a row. The Vikings offense is coming around. They’re just that bad a defense to get better and maybe this team could string a few victories together. This Sunday versus Seattle is not going to be easy. Seattle defense has been suspect so Kirk Cousins will have to win in shoot outs.

#22.DETROIT LIONS (1-3) DOWN 3 SPOTS Lions got a win versus the Cardinals. Then they piled up 14 points early versus a Saints team that looked dead in the water. Saints found a pulse. The Lions defense gave up the lead and a ton of points and the Lions look like the team that we thought they were. Very bad !!!!

#23.CINCINNATI BENGALS (1-2-1) Joe Burrows gets his first ever victory behind center as the Bengals beat the Jaguars last Sunday. The Bengals piled up 500 yards of offense in the victory. Running back, Joe Mixon, had a monster of a day scoring three touchdowns. Two rushing & one receiving for the veteran running back. Mixon rushed for 151 yards and 30 yards in the air. Burrows threw for 300 yards in his first win.

#24.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-2-1) UP TWO SPOTS Take it Easy Eagles fans. Your team is in first place in the NFC East which is the worst division in football. The Eagles were able to get by the 49ers junior varsity team and the tie with the Bengals has this team that has been written off every year multiple times, on top of their division. Can the Eagles get by a very good Steeler team? With the Cowboys playing the Giants this week, the Eagles might not hold on to their perch for long.

#25.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-2) DOWN 8 SPOTS

The never ending list of 49er players on the injured list. It’s a shame because the 49ers schedule being what it is, if this team was healthy they may be undefeated. Last week the 49ers junior varsity team could not beat an Eagle team that has a rash of injuries itself.

Can Jimmy Garroppolo return versus the Dolphins to save the 49ers season?

#26.DENVER BRONCOS (1-3) UP 2 SPOTS A win over the Jets should not move you up the ladder two rungs. We will have to wait until week six to see how the Broncos do after that Jets win because New England has an outbreak of covid-19 throughout the locker room. It’s a shame after Melvin Gordan had his best day in a Bronco uniform running the ball.

Will Brett Rypien remain the starter with the unexpected bye week? The good to this is the Broncos may get some of their injured players back in action in week six.

#27.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-3) DOWN 3 SPOTS Jaguars have another winnable game as the season schedule has been favorable for Dougie Marone and his Florida team. Houston coming off firing their coach. Does that give the Jacksonville brass any ideas of their own? Gardner Minshew has been the pulse of the kitty cats. The Jaguars will be without defensive end Josh Allen. Deshaun Watson for the Texans could be licking his chops since this Jaguar team has a hard time with Allen in the line up stopping anybody. Will anybody even watch Texans versus the Jaguars? A higher spot in the Wild Shamrock Power Rankings is always on the line.

#28.HOUSTON TEXANS (0-4) DOWN 5 SPOTS

• 

• 

The Houston Texans were the first team to fire their head coach in 2020. Bill O’Brien gets axed after starting 0-4 this regular season. Besides being the head coach of the Texans, he was the GM. People have questioned his motives trading away Houston star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a running back that has not done much in a Texan uniform so far. Another Bill Belichick disciple will take over as the interim coach. Romeo Crennell was the defensive coordinator in Houston for the last six seasons. Crennell never misses a meal but failed as a head coach after he left New England. Crennell went 28-55 as head coach for the Browns and Chiefs.

#29.WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM (1-3) SAME The Washington team has a new name. A new name at quarterback. Head coach Ron Rivera is going with his guy from Carolina Kyle Allen.

The no namers have benched Dwayne Haskins in favor of Allen who filled in for Cam Newton after he got injured early in 2019. Kyle Allen had his up’s and down’s behind center last year with some good and bad games and maybe one ugly one. Haskins joins Mitch Trubisky on the quarterback’s misfit island.

#30.ATLANTA FALCONS (0-4) SAME At least the Falcons did not blow a lead to the Packers on Monday Night Football. The Falcons never had a lead. Aaron Rodgers had replacement receivers for the injured starters who were out this game. Rodgers still threw 4 TD passes. Julio Jones was back in the line up for the Falcons, but left the game after re-aggravating the same hamstring he was bothered by before. The Falcons may have their own watch for the firing of their head coach if these trends continue.

#31.NEW YORK JETS (0-4) SAME

When finally the New York Jets lower the boom on their head coach, Adam Gase!!!!

#32.NEW YORK GIANTS (0-4) SAME The Giants 2019 and 2020 season were both bad, but summing things up it’s the tale of two cities. Last year the offense was good. This year horrible as Daniel Jones has a sophomore jinx going on in his second year in the league. In 2019 the defense was not good. This year they actually are keeping the Giants in games. Losing 17-9 versus the Rams last week. This week the Giants will need a miracle to stop the Cowboys high powered offense. Can the Giants offense get on track with a very horrible Cowboy defense? It does not look good if you’re a Giant fan. Even Little Giants head coach, Rick Moranis, was sucker punched walking in town minding his own business.

I take it Rick Moranis was not the key master when he was roughed up.

WEEK FIVE STRAIGHT PICK-EM

Just a warning our… picks may not be right.

WEEK FOUR: 10-5

OVERALL RECORD IN 2020:43-20

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD:3-1

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:4-2

THE SUNDAY SLATE RECORD:36–17

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT CHICAGO BEARS

OUR PICK:BUCCANEERS

Tom Brady owns the Chicago Bears and is undefeated in his lifetime versus the Midway monsters. This trend will continue.

THE SUNDAY SLATE

LA RAMS AT WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM

OUR PICK:THE NO NAMES FROM WASHINGTON

Kyle Allen replaces Dwayne Haskins for the Washington team at quarterback. This move by Riverboat Ron Rivera will spark a win from the LA team traveling East.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

OUR PICK:STEELERS

Eagles are still walking wounded. The Steelers are well rested.

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT NEW YORK JETS

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

This game will get the Cardinals back on track. Will it be the last game Adam Gase coaches?

VEGAS RAIDERS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

OUR PICK:CHIEFS

That odd duck your sister brings home. Chiefs in a rout.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT HOUSTON TEXANS

OUR PICK:TEXANS

When you fire a head coach, usually the interim coach makes things less complicated and the team rallies for the win. I like Houston winning this one after ridding the wart off their players’ bums. The one they call a Bill O’Brien.

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

OUR PICK:RAVENS

Like Joe Burrows for the Bengals. The Bengal defense is not there yet. Ravens win rather easily.

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS

OUR PICK:PANTHERS

Teddy Bridgewater has been good. Julio Jones is out. Panthers defense has gotten better. Falcons do not have a defense.

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

OUR PICK:DOLPHINS

Too many injuries on the 49ers still. Jimmy is back behind center. My gut tells me the Beard, Ryan Fitzpatrick, prevails in this old Superbowl match up.

NEW YORK GIANTS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

I can’t see the Giants keeping up with the Cowboys even though the Dallas defense is YIKES!!! Giants will not be able to stop the Cowboys or be able to score enough points.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

OUR PICK:COLTS

Colts defense will prevail. No Nick Chubb which means more of Baker Mayfield’s arm. That will not work versus a good defensive unit like the Colts.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

OUR PICK:SEAHAWKS

Vikings still have problems on defense. Russell Wilson is an early candidate for MVP of the league. Kirk Cousins implodes on prime time games.

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

LA CHARGERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

OUR PICK:SAINTS

This could be another shoot out for the rookie Justin Herbert. Drew Brees has been there, and done this, multiple times in his career. I think the Saints winning last week versus the Lions will get this Saints team motivated to get the job done at home in the dome.

THE TUESDAY NIGHT GAME

BUFFALO BILLS AT TENNESSEE TITANS

OUR PICK BILLS

Bills defense is getting better. Josh Allen has been on fire. Titans will be rusty with dealing with the Covid virus in their first game back in the season.

WEEK 4 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

We are running with scissors in week 4 because anything can happen, including Covid-19 striking some locker rooms.

WEEK 3 RECORD: 9-7

OVERALL RECORD FOR THE YEAR:33-15

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD:3-0

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:2-2

THE SUNDAY SLATE RECORD: 28-13

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

DENVER BRONCOS AT NEW YORK JETS

OUR PICK:JETS

Broncos have multiple key injuries and have to travel to the Far East in a short week. Broncos are going with a new quarterback, Brett Rypien, who does not have much experience. I feel Sam Darnold can have one of his big games in the spotlight on Thursday night. Darnold is certainly due for one those games.

THE SUNDAY SLATE

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT TEAM WASHINGTON

OUR PICK RAVENS

Ravens coming off a loss to the Chiefs, will make mincemeat out of the once red skinned Native American team. Lamar Jackson does not have losing streaks. Ravens at the end of this, everything the young man Dwayne Haskins has learned, may need to be retaught.

LA CHARGERS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

Chargers are going through growing pains with their quarterback. Tom Brady has the offense in mid-season form at this point. Buccaneers defense may be one of the best in the league. Will the Chargers have more fans this year rooting them on than any other year in LA?

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

This contest could be a shoot out with Seattle defense not stopping the opponents. Russell Wilson would have to be held hostage for the Dolphins to actually win this game.

MINNESOTA VIKING AT HOUSTON TEXANS

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

This is a very tough match up because no one would have said both these teams would be winnless in week 4. The Vikings’ week was interrupted by the Covid scare after playing the Titans last week. Houston can not stop the run which will favor the Vikings. Texans are one dimensional on offense as they can’t run the ball. Which coach would do better in this kind of situation to overcome – Bill O’Brien of Mike Zimmer? Give me Mike Zimmer as the Vikings are scrappy and pull one out on the road.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT DETROIT LIONS

OUR PICK: SAINTS

Been burned all year by the Saints. Lions played their best game of the season with a win over the Cardinals. I’m not buying the Lions winning two in a row and the Saints losing three games in a row. Saints get it done which might not be exactly pretty.

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

I like what the Browns have been doing so far. Browns have been running the ball well and not making bone headed mistakes. Cowboys are very unpredictable. They got lucky in their only win versus the Falcons. Cowboys offense has been good and may be too tough for Cleveland to overcome. The Cowboys are always the best 500 team in the league. The Boys will be like Even Steven at the end of this one and improve their record to 2-2 which is like a five game lead in the NFC East. The worst division in football, for the record.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS

OUR PICK:JAGUARS

I was thinking of Joe Burrows’ first win in this contest versus the Jaguars. Jaguars have played teams tough this year. Gardner Minshew, the only reason to watch the Jags play, has made big plays. Burrows distressed and being knocked down, but gets right back up and slings the rock. Jaguars will turn small plays in big gainers in this one. The Bengals are one of the worst tackling defenses in the entire NFL. I think Jags have the edge with their offensive line and will be able to keep Minshew standing longer than the Bengals can keep Burrows standing.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT CHICAGO BEARS

OUR PICK:COLTS

Trubisky is out and Foles is in. Let the Nick Foles ERA begin in CHI-TOWN. The Bears have not played anybody that I can get a good read on, to be the measuring stick with their play. The teams the Bears have played are combined 1-8. Colts you could say the same thing and they have a loss to the Jaguars in week one. Colts defense is one of the tops in the league. Plus Phillip Rivers is not knocked to the ground on every other play, like last year in a Charger uniform. My X-factor Bears are having problems stopping the run. Colts Jonathan Taylor has been pretty good running between the tackles.

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT DETROIT LIONS

OUR PICK:CARDINALS

Cardinals had their first hiccup of the season losing to the Lions. Meanwhile Panthers beat the Chargers who had a rookie quarterback behind center. Cardinals rebound and get back on track versus a young Panther defense that will have a hard time stopping Arizona’s receivers.

NEW YORK GIANTS AT LA RAMS

OUR PICK:RAMS

If your team is named New York, and you play in Jersey, and have to travel to California… do you make a sound if you lose? Giants are in shambles. Rams are off to a great start. The Rams offense is rolling and their defense should have no problems with whatever the Giants draw up in the dirt.

BUFFALO BILLS AT VEGAS RAIDERS

OUR PICK:BILLS

The Raiders are another team all over the map trying to figure out what they are going to do. Bills defense has been missing in action. Please if anyone can find it, please call the Buffalo hotline. The play of Josh Allen and the Bills offense is the biggest reason I’m going Buffalo in this match up. I think the Bills defense will actually show up and have a much better performance than the first 3 weeks of the season.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

OUR PICK:CHIEFS

Will they actually play this game? The NFL wants to reschedule this game for either Monday or Tuesday. Cam Newton has the virus and will be out. Even if Newton was healthy, I would have picked the Chiefs all day and night.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

OUR PICK:49ERS

Will the Eagles and 49ers have enough players healthy to suit up for this Sunday Night Contest?

Both teams fighting the injury bug. Both teams’ quarterbacks have been laying on the ground rather than standing. I like the 49ers Junior Varsity team to win this one at the end of regulation.

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

ATLANTA FALCONS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS

OUR PICK:PACKERS

I think the Packers should spot the Falcons 20 points.Then we can watch and see if Falcons give up the lead for the third week in a row. That Falcon turn-style defense makes the present defense look invincible.

The NFL power rankings are back for the first time this season. We will rank every team from the best to the worst. We will poke fun at the teams that deserve it. We will say good things about what is good about your team. We throw in some beautiful cheerleaders. We mention some classic movies as we go through the entire league of the NFL. Hope you enjoy!!!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

#1.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-0) Patrick Mahomes seems to set some kind of record every week behind center for the Chiefs. Mahomes now is the youngest player ever to reach 10,000 passing yards. Let’s not forget about the defense of the Chiefs. The unsung heroes to shut down Lamar Jackson and that Raven offense on Monday Night football. This defensive unit of the Chiefs have been one of the best units in the league since late in the regular season of 2019. My wish is to suit up the Nigerian Nightmare and have him run the ball in on the goal line. One night only. Christian Okoye can be like Minnie Minoso, grabbing an at-bat each decade for the White Sox.

#2.GREEN BAY PACKERS (3-0) Aaron Rodgers’ first three games of the season has been playing like sizzling hot nacho cheese. Is it the breakup with Danica Patrick?

Maybe Rodgers could not handle that the race car driver he once loved, still desires the Chicago Bears over his cheese heads. Maybe Rodgers’ parents don’t accept inter-division relationships. Rodgers has to be with his own kind. Some believe drafting Jordan Love in the first round of the draft lit a fire under Rodgers. For whatever reason, it’s working in Green Bay as this team is the cream of the crop in the NFC.

#3.SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-0) Head coach Pete Carol was fined for his hot breath while not wearing a mask on the side line. Seattle’s defense has been getting turnovers, but giving up yards and points in each contest as if they have forgotten how to tackle. If it was Flag Football, they would have better stats for their defensive unit. Russell Wilson has carried the Seattle organization once again. Wilson finds a way to win each game. Wilson already has 14 TD passes in three games. Last time the Seahawks started off 3-0, they won the Superbowl. Guess who was quarterback that year?

#4.BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-1) In regular season, Lamar Jackson can beat anyone except the Chiefs. Sure the Ravens with Jackson under center stumbled once versus the Browns years ago. Ravens will get back to work this Sunday and thrash their opponent by putting another 40 berger on the score board.

The no-namers from Washington, who are actually a football team, are the Ravens’ next pecking victim.

#5.TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-1) Tom Brady has the Buccaneers offense looking sharp and the team has rebounded from week one versus the Saints.

Rob Gronkowski is starting to get involved in the Tampa Bay offense. Let’s not forget about the Buccaneer defense, which may be one of the best in the league. Brady will continue to unleash his weapons of mass destruction every week. If this defense continues to play at an elite level, the Buccaneers will be going places.

#6.PITTSBURGH STEELERS (3-0) Big Ben is getting better each week. The Steeler defense is playing well. The Steelers schedule has been perfect for Ben Roethlisberger to get his feet wet and knock off the rust from being injured last season. It’s like college, with the big schools starting off playing the Kent states of the world before they meet up with a big dog in their own conference. The Steelers will now have an early bye week with the Titans’ Covid locker room. I’d like to see the how the Steelers do versus a top notch AFC team to see where they really stand.

#7.BUFFALO BILLS (3-0)

Where is the beef, meaning what the hell happened to the Bills defense? Hopefully they find themselves and join the Bills offense with the emerging of a league superstar in Josh Allen. If Bills defense can play like last season and Josh Allen continues to play like he is, this team could create all kinds of problems for any team. Head coach McDermott is the type of guy that can fix his defense on the fly.

#8.NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-1) They say objects in your mirrors are closer than you think.

I really thought the Empire would have fallen by now. Bill Belichick has his Death Star still firing on all cylinders. Cam Newton makes a perfect bad guy. Just can’t wait until Cam Newton’s softness will be compared to Jabba the Hutt’s rolls of soft fat.

#9.TENNESSEE TITANS (3-0) Titans offense has been scoring. The Titans defense is having problems stopping teams. Titans keep winning, and winning close games each week. X-Patriot kicker Steven Gostkowski has been helping the Titans stay perfect.

Lets see how the Titans rebound from Covid-19 invading their locker room when they resume play after quarantining.

#10.CHICAGO BEARS (3-0) The Chicago Bears pulled off the heist of the year, so far. Down in the second half versus the Falcons, the perfect crime occurred when a Mitch Trubisky interception inserted Nick Foles and the Bears stay undefeated. Matt Nagy has a quarterback that now understands his War and Peace playbook. Nagy can justify the quarterback change to management. Trubisky will most likely now be a bust. The Foles ERA begins. Can Nick stay healthy. I will have to see how the Bears do versus a good team. The competition they have played so far has a combined 1-8 record.

#11.ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-1) They were printing super bowl tickets in Arizona the way they were playing. Even though the Cardinals hit a speed bump versus the Lions, I still think this team is a threat to anybody. They should be able to rebound versus Carolina. Arizona can score points. I think the Cardinals may have the best defense in the NFC West since the 49ers have been dealing with lots of injuries and losing Nick Bosa.

#12.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2-1) Losing to the Jaguars is very bad. Colts have won two games in a row since. The Colts defensive unit is one of the tops in the league. Phillip Rivers is better than last year. Rivers this season is not spent laid out on the turf like last year with the terrible Charger line.

Love the rookie running back for the Colts. Jonathan Taylor has two touchdowns in three games, and has emerged as the team’s number one back with the injury of Marlon Mack. Great replacement.

#13.LA RAMS (2-1) Rams made a huge comeback versus the Bills last week and took the lead late. You could say the Rams should be 3-0. However Bills prevailed at the end. Rams offense has been doing really well. The running game seems better so far this season than when they had Todd “the girly-man” running the rock last season.

One of my favorite football movies that involve the Rams is Heaven Can Wait. A must see if you like gridiron films.

• 

• 

#14.VEGAS RAIDERS (2-1) When it comes to the Raiders, I have a hard time figuring out what kind of team they are. They opened up the Vegas stadium and took it to the Saints. They go to New England and get a beat down. The Raiders had a good first half of last season and in the second half they fizzled. It’s an intriguing team.

Josh Jacobs continues to impress me. Had him last year in fantasy and he’s a stud.

#15.NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-2) Have the Saints lost their march? Only win has been the opener in which Tom Brady had a bad day at the office. Green Bay and Raiders beat the Saints in shootouts. The Saints defense these days has been bending and snapping as teams have no problem scoring off them. Drew Brees is not as sharp. The injury to Michael Thomas is a huge blow for the team. Drew Brees is the main target. Maybe Detroit will be a perfect team this week to get things back on track.

#16.CLEVELAND BROWNS (2-1) I like the Browns’ two headed monster at running back so far this season.

• 

• 

Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are running the ball well. The running game takes pressure off Baker Mayfield. Less picks. The biggest thing is the new coaching staff has stopped the Browns’ bone headed mistakes that killed the team a year ago.

#17.SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-1)

Can the defense survive the year without Nick Bosa who is done for 2020 ?

#18.DALLAS COWBOYS (1-2) Cowboys offense is rolling. The defense can not stop anyone. The lone victory came with a huge comeback just to squeak by the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta seems to be the official turnstyle of the league so that will not help the Cowboy cause. Cowboys are lucky that Philadelphia is worse than them. The easy NFC East has the Cowboys to take their time and treat these first 4 games like its preseason. Beat up on your horrible division opponents and win the East, then one and done in the playoffs sounds like the Dallas recipe for success. America’s team because of the cheerleaders.

MADE IN AMERICA!!!!!

#19.DETROIT LIONS (1-2) Maybe having Kenny Golladay back in the fold was the key to this Lions team. A very impressive win versus the Cardinals last Sunday. Does that make up for the clunkers this laid in the first two weeks? I still do not like head coach Matt Patricia. That Lions defense still has problems holding on to leads. Until they solve that problem, the Lions will have less roar and more purrrr.

#20.MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-2) THE BEARD

The Beard, Ryan Fitzpatrick, beat the Pornstache, Gardner Minshew, last week in epic Florida battle between two bad teams. I hope the Dolphins keep playing Fitzpatrick the rest of the season. Every week, Fitzpatrick is moving up in the record books. Love some of the stuff he was the first ever to do in the NFL. Fitzmagic is the first ever player to throw a TD pass for 8 different teams. With the Buccaneers, the Beard threw for 400 yards in three straight games which is something no other quarterback has done. Fitzpatrick is a Harvard grad and probably could be doing something like coming up with a cure for the Covid virus. Instead Ryan has the most starts of any Ivy league quarterback that has played in the NFL.

#21.CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-2) Panthers defense is young and may be growing. Last week’s win against a Charger team with a rookie quarterback does not convince me that the Panthers as a team are on the rise. Teddy Bridgewater could use Christian McCaffrey back in the line up. I do like how Bridgewater has played so far for his new team.

#22.LA CHARGERS (1-2) I thought the medical personal for the Chargers sticking to Tyrod Taylor’s rib cage on accident would be the best thing for the team. Growing pains with Justin Herbert was the problem last week versus Carolina. Herbert looked better when Taylor went out of the game in week two. If Taylor comes back I am not convinced the Chargers will move up in the standings.

#23.HOUSTON TEXANS (0-3)

The people in Houston are gathering with their torches and pitch forks and headed to the buffoonish Bill O’Brien’s house. The off-season trade of DeAndre Hopkins has killed this whole team. Adding the brutal schedule to start things off does not help. If Houston continues to go down in flames ,people will want Bill O’Brien’s head on a pike.

#24.JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-2) I have faith head coach Doug Marone will have his Jaguars in the 30’s of these power rankings at some point this season. Only thing exciting about watching the Jaguars is the Mustache. Gardner Minshew has made some big offensive plays behind center. Minshew’s play has kept the Jaguars in each game and the team upset the Colts in week one. I can see an upset once in awhile but how long can Minshew have this team on his shoulders is the biggest question?

#25.CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-2-1) In Cincinnati, it’s all about eating Skyline Chili and watching rookie Joe Burrow behind center.

Bengals defense is terrible. Joe Burrows is the real deal already with 5 TD tosses in 3 games. Bengals may want to lose all their games and see Joe still do well and get another high draft pick for the team.

#26.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (0-2-1) The Eagles offensive line is in shambles from injuries. Carson Wentz has already thrown six picks in only three games. Eagles managed a tie with the Bengals who have a rookie quarterback and a bad tackling defense. Eagles are in the worst division in football so they can not be counted out just yet.

#27.MINNESOTA VIKINGS (0-3) What the hell Happened in Minnesota?

So that is how you make a screaming Viking. Poor Kirk Cousins. Make sure you bruise the cucumber.

• 

• 

I do like the emergence of Justin Jefferson last Sunday. He had a big day on the field.

#28.DENVER BRONCOS (1-3) I know what Denver is going through with the quarterback position. The telecast has that never-ending list of players behind center since Peyton Manning took the Broncos to the Superbowl. Injuries and more injuries are the common theme that have most fans in a Rocky Mountain permanent high.

Mark Rypien’s nephew Brett looked good versus the Jets on Thursday night. Every quarterback looks great versus the Jets. What ever happened to Jim Kelly’s nephew?

#29.WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM (1-2) The Deadskins need a freaking name for Chrissakes!!! Give this team some identity. Come up with an animal or warrior… do something. This is the brain trust we have in Washington stumped on what to call themselves. No wonder they are 1-2 and having growing pains at quarterback.

#30.ATLANTA FALCONS (0-3)

The Falcons are living Groundhog’s Day every Sunday. The same day over and over just with a different opposing team. Two weeks in a row the Falcons have given up big leads in the 4th quarter. The Falcons cannot seal the deal late as they let Nick Foles, who came off the Bears bench, beat them last Sunday. Then the week before Dallas they seemed to be down by 100 points and they came back and won. This has the Falcons Superbowl nightmare re-hatching itself over and over.

#31.NEW YORK JETS (0-4) Could Snake Plissken Escape New jersey of bad football?

You know your career is over when you are the back up quarterback for the Jets, and your name is Joe Flacco.

What about Sam Darnold, a young quarterback with talent, running for his life out there like Charlie Brown. No play makers. No protection. Then you hired a failure as a head coach, Adam Gase, which you saw twice a year with the Dolphins. What were you seeing? Now rumor is the Jets want to circle the wagons and hire Rex Ryan. Ryan probably had the most success with the Jets over the last 25 years.

#32.NEW YORK GIANTS (0-3) Maybe the Giants hired the wrong Judge to head coach their team.

Everyone knows Judge Judy has a better scheme on the offensive attack than Joe Judge.

Did the Chicago Bears pull the plug on Mitch Trubisky for good, on Sunday? The Bears found themselves down in the second half to the Atlanta Falcons, who have one of the worst defenses in the league. The last straw for head coach Matt Nagy of the Bears was a interception by Mitch Trubisky that sent Nick Foles into the game. Nick Foles, who is known to come in and spark a team, especially with the horrible Atlanta defense that could not hold a bigger lead versus the Cowboys a week before. Nick Foles led the come back as he looked like he played for the Bears for ten years as the entire offense responded. Is it time to just admit that we drafted the wrong quarterback in 2017? Has Mitch Trubisky played his last game for the Chicago Bears?

The writing has been on the wall that Mitch Trubisky had to get better, or he’d be taken out. In the off season the Bears traded for Nick Foles who ended up being a back-up to Gardner Minshew, after he got hurt in the opener for Jacksonville. Why Nick Foles? Foles is a guy that can grasp Matt Nagy’s War and Peace playbook from his days playing in Philadelphia. Mitch Trubisky is still in training wheels with Matt Nagy’s playbook. Let’s not forget the ties that Matt Nagy’s assistants have to Nick Foles. Bill Lazor, the Bears offensive coordinator, coached Nick Foles in Philadelphia. Lazor was the quarterback coach for the Eagles at the time. With the Covid-19 virus lurking, the NFL cancelled the preseason. The air quote quarterback competition took place behind closed doors in a Bears training facility and the job went to Mitch Trubisky as probably his last chance. This last chance was probably in the hopes that Mitch could play well and show the world why GM Ryan Pace traded up one spot to get Mitch Trubisky in the 2017 NFL draft. Plus, being picked number two overall will get you chances to prove yourself.

Mitch Trubisky was most definitely kept on a very short leash for 2020. The opener versus Detroit Mitch Trubisky led a Nick Foles-type of comeback and beat the Lions. It was a 4th quarter comeback to win the first game of the year. Some mistakes in game one, especially a mistimed jump by tight end Jimmy Graham, could have made it a very closer game earlier. Then in week two the Bears beat the New York Giants. Mitch Trubisky had a solid first half and in the second half the Bears held on to the lead, but did not score any second half points. We could bring up the frequent drops of Anthony Miller especially in the end zone that have left points off the board. Last Sunday, versus the Falcons, it was the perfect time to throw in Nick Foles. Foles is like that relief pitcher in baseball that can balance everything out. A game changer. Perfect time to insert Foles in for two reasons. One, because the Falcons have blown big leads. Plus, a perfect way to justify Foles replacing Trubisky.

If you are the Bears you have to ride the Nick Foles train the rest of the season. Nick Foles led the Eagles over the Patriots in a Superbowl, and that is what the Bears are dreaming he can do for them. Bears still need Mitch Trubisky this season. Trubisky still needs the Bears this season. Bears declined Mitch Trubisky a 5th year option before the season so he will be a free agent next year. Mitch Trubisky will be another first round bust for GM Ryan Pace. Plus Trubisky might be a first round bust if he does not turn his career around. Trubisky will always be linked to Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson – two young stars in the league behind center. Trubisky was chosen before them. Nick Foles is not a very durable starter. Expecting Nick Foles to play 13 more regular season games is a long shot. Bears will need Trubisky if an injury occurs. Trubisky could use his next shot to prove himself as we know he will get more chances to do that. Trubisky could also soak in all the knowledge that Nick Foles has and watch how the veteran prepares for each game. It would be like the Bears using Trubisky as an insurance card and Trubisky using the Bears for another job with another team next season.

When Mitch Trubisky was drafted in 2017, the Bears wanted him to sit the entire first season and just learn. Patrick Mahomes did that for Kansas City and played in one game, the very last one of regular season. The difference is the Bears had terrible Mike Glennon while the Chiefs had Alex Smith. I think if Mitch Trubisky went to any other team he would be better than he is now. Trubisky has shown some flashes of his athleticism behind center. On Sunday, when Nick Foles was in behind center, you can see how the veteran demands the huddle as he lined up guys in exact spots. Trubisky does not have that command. Trubisky has problems throwing 20 yards or beyond, down field. Accuracy is an issue for Trubisky and that was one of his strong points coming out of college for him. I think Trubisky is one of those guys that will develop later in his career. I think he will figure it out. Some coach will find it inside of him and drag it out. I don’t see Trubisky as a star quarterback in the league. I can see him winning a team some games while filling in for an injured starter. Maybe even getting a team to the playoffs with a nice surrounding cast. Trubisky is a good person and is no Jay Cutler. Hope Mitch Trubisky has success down the road. I just don’t see it happening in a Bears uniform. I don’t think the Bears did any favors for him this season. Playing with a chip on your shoulder is a good thing. The Bears piled it on his shoulders as that type of weight is one only a Joe Montana could overcome.

WEEK THREE STRAIGHT PICK EM

WEEK TWO RECORD:15-1

ALMOST PERFECTION

Went perfect last week until the Monday night game. We had Saints, and the Raiders ended up winning that contest.

OVERALL RECORD:24-8

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD:2-0

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:2-1

THE SUNDAY RECORD:20-7

Week three we found some difficult match ups that can go either way on us. Overall, I feel good about what we did pick in week three. We’ll pour ourself a big freaking beer and see how it all works out.

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

OUR PICK:DOLPHINS

This match up is two crappy teams giving good teams fits so far in this earlier 2020 season. It’s the battle of the beard versus the porn mustache. Ryan Fitzpatrick’s beard for the Dolphins and Gardner Minshew’s porn mustache. In the boxing ring you always bet on the black guy to beat the white guy.

• 

• 

Beard always trumps mustache.

THE SUNDAY SLATE

CHICAGO BEARS AT ATLANTA FALCONS

OUR PICK: FALCONS

The biggest question I have in this match up is whether Mitch Trubisky can go the distance with Matt Ryan all four quarters. The Falcons defense is not very good. The Bears defense likes to think of themselves still as a top unit of the league. This game may not be a shootout. Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense have weapons of mass destruction and can run with anyone as they scored 79 points in two games. Trubisky in two games has played well in parts of both games. The Bears offense versus the Giants defense only scored 17 points, all in the first half. I see the Falcons scoring in the high 20’s while the Bears fall short in the lower 20’s. Trubisky will show you flashes, but will also go into a funk which will haunt this team with its first loss. Nick Foles chatter will bellow all week on sports radio.

NEW YORK JETS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

OUR PICK:COLTS

The Jets may be the worst team in the NFL. Jets coach, Adam Gase… didn’t we already know he could not coach when he was on the sidelines in Miami? Colts right now have one of the best defenses in the league which they will need with Phillip Rivers who is prone to make mistakes behind center. Rivers should not have any problems picking and pecking out the Jets defense like a vulture in this week three match up that will go to the Colts.

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

OUR PICK:EAGLES

I would love to see Joe Burrows get his first NFL win in Philadelphia this weekend. No other team in the league except for the Eagles puts themselves on the electric chair and about to be roasted then the Governor calls. The Eagles suddenly win the game to yet again bail themselves out. I think Carson Wentz will rebound after a tough first two games. The Bengals are the worst tackling team in the league. Eagles Miles Sanders will have a big game.

HOUSTON TEXANS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

OUR PICK TEXANS

I can not see the Houston Texans starting 0-3 for the year. The Steelers are playing great football so far with victims like the Giants and Broncos. The Texans have been playing top dogs in the league like Ravens and Chiefs. DeShaun Watson will come up with a big play at the end of this game to notch the Texans’ first win of the year in a very close game.

LA RAMS AT BUFFALO BILLS

OUR PICK:BILLS

This may be one of the best games on the docket week three in the NFL. The Rams have looked way better than I thought they would to start this season. The hangover from the Superbowl is over. Buffalo now has a talented offense and Josh Allen keeps improving. Bills defense gets a few key players back from injuries. LA traveling to the east coast two times in two weeks may not help this team in the long run of the game. Even without fans, I like Buffalo at home to handle the Rams and keep their record perfect.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

OUR PICK:RAIDERS

I will call this game Jon Gruden’s revenge game versus the Patriots even though it is years later. Nobody ever gets over things in the NFL.

Raiders revenge on the winter madness fumble rule that benefited the Evil Empire Patriots and made them the dark side of the league in one swoop. This gives the Raiders a chance to bring the Patriots down to a whole new world, a losing record and unable to get over 500 as a team.

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT LA CHARGERS

OUR PICK:CHARGERS

I knew Tyrod Taylor would not hold that starting position behind center for long. Taylor out with an injury. Taylor will also be out of a starting job because Chargers rookie Justin Herbert looks pretty good. Even though he will make his first start, I still like the Chargers versus the Panthers defense. Herbert did play last week and did well and had a week to get ready for a bad Panther team without Christian McCaffrey. Plus the Chargers have play makers on offense. They just needed someone to get the ball to them. Taylor and Rivers in his final year as a Charger could not deliver to those guys. I like Herbert and Chargers defense in this one.

WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

OUR PICK:BROWNS

Browns and the Washington team have the most vanilla team name and helmets in the league. The Browns two headed monster at running back attack with Hunt and Chubb will take the pressure off Baker Mayfield to deliver on some key passes. The Browns, to me, will be a better team this year because they are not making bone headed mistakes like last season. I like how the new coaching staff is using Mayfield’s legs and rolling him out on plays to throw on the run. Dwayne Haskins is still making too many mistakes behind center right now and this will cost the Washington Football Team. I like Washington’s front seven on defense. Once head coach Ron Rivera gets the offense going, this team will be very hard to beat.

TENNESSEE TITANS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS

OUR PICK:TITANS

Too many things going wrong in Minnesota. The Vikings defense can’t stop anyone. The Vikings offense are making too many mistakes. How in the world can the Vikings slow down the Titan offense that can beat you a few different ways? Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has no interceptions and has six TD passes while Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has only two TD passes and 4 picks which says it all.

NEW YORK GIANTS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

OUR PICK:49ERS

The 49ers have many of their starters injured for this Sunday’s game. The 49ers will start Nick Mullens at quarterback. Giants will be without their top running back Saquon Barkley who is out for the year. Mullens started 8 games in 2018 and did pretty well in those contests. The Giants offense has been in deep slumber so far in two games. I think Nick Mullens will lead a few more scoring drives over a suspect Giants defense than the New York offense scoring on the 49er defense.

DALLAS COWBOYS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

OUR PICK:SEAHAWKS

Dallas to me got lucky last week coming back from being down a lot versus the Falcons. It took the Cowboys the second half of the second game to have some kind of pulse on the offense. Cowboys would have the complete game to derail a hot Seahawk team on the road. I do not like how the Cowboys play away from Dallas, which is another thing – crowd or no crowd. I see Seahawks having a game plan to contain Dak and company and get the win when everything is over.

DETROIT LIONS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

OUR PICK:CARDINALS

Detroit has no defense to stop the Cardinals high octane attack. Lions are probably still without their top play maker in Kenny Golladay. Why did the Lions keep Matt Patricia? If you do survivor, the Cardinals would be a great pick for week three.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT DENVER BRONCOS

OUR PICK:BUCCANEERS

I think the Buccaneers are getting better each week. Tom Brady finally notched his first win wearing the pewter Pirate helmet. Now you will see something unfamiliar in Tampa Bay football the last few years, a winning streak. The Broncos will be playing without their starting quarterback, Drew Lock. I don’t see Jeff Driskel pulling a rabbit out his helmet and getting the upset for the Broncos.

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

OUR PICK: SAINTS

Has Aaron Rodgers dumped his hot race car driver Danica Patrick for the state farm guy?

Is Drew Brees too old for the game as people said in his performance on Monday Night last week? Packers have had two great dominating games so far this season while the Saints beat up on a bad Tom Brady performance in week one. I hate Green Bay. I am going with my heart on this pick and going Saints and seeing Drew Brees ride off into the sunset with Danica Patrick flipping off Aaron Rodgers on the way out.

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

OUR PICK RAVENS

This game is the Clash of the Titans in an early match up between two AFC power houses. I like The Ravens drawing first blood. This game will be like the first two Rocky movies as Apollo Creed will be Lamar Jackson and beat up Rocky who is Patrick Mahomes by a few punches. Ravens will eventually meet the Chiefs in the playoffs and I give that round two bout to Patrick Mahomes.

If the Chicago Bulls were playing darts in a saloon and the game was cricket, they just hit a big time bullseye. The throw by Arturas Karnisavas, the Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Bulls, lands Chicago a big name for their vacant head coach job. Former Oklahoma City Head Coach Billy Donovan has a great track record in the NBA after coaching the Thunder to five straight playoff appearances. When the Covid shutdown happened across the NBA landscape, the Bulls decided to go into another direction and cleaned the house of horrors that was the Gar/Pax show. Gar Forman was fired. John Paxson moved to a different job in the organization. In came Arturas Karnisavas, a guy rising up in the ranks in the NBA front offices. Then Karnisavas’ first hire at the GM position was Marc Eversley. Eversley is a hard working guy who is well liked throughout the NBA world. Both new hires have been rebuilding the whole new Bulls front office from scratch, bringing the organization to the next century. Then they finally fired the final stooge which was Curly Jim Boylen who coaches more like Shemp.

• 

• 

Billy Donovan gives the Bulls their first significant hire at head coach since moving Phil Jackson in on Doug Collins’ team before the dynasty took off. Donovan is the first Bulls coach they’ve hired coming in with experience since the one year wonder Scott Skiles. I did like the Tom Thibodeau hire because the Bulls played hard and he was not going to be a puppet like Fred Hoilberg coming in with just college experience. Hoilberg was in over his head instantly. The ink on the contract was not even dry. Plus, I don’t remember Freddie winning any NCAA tournament wins on the bench at Iowa State. Let’s not forget John Paxson punching Vinnie Del Negro, another hire who came with no experience. Closer you go to Michael Jordan retiring after the shot we thought was his last in the NBA, it gets very dissatisfying. Donovan is a big name guy in the NBA and has the respect throughout the league. Now perhaps a free agent may want to come to Chicago in their prime. Not throwing up a Hail Mary on a Dwayne Wade who was running on fumes.

Billy Donovan will get a 4 year agreement with the Chicago Bulls in a deal worth about 24 million. Donovan is 55 years old and has a nice head coaching resume which includes a 243-157 record in the NBA. That’s a .608 winning percentage if you’re keeping track at home. Let’s not forget his two National championships in college basketball for the University of Florida. I asked a former Gator alum about the Bulls hiring Donovan. His reply was simple and that he wished the coach had gone back home to the University of Florida. These are the roots that that Donovan has planted in his career and is still missed from a job well done.

Charles Barkley said about the Hiring of Donovan:

“Only 2 jobs worse than the Bulls head coaching job. The Captain of the Titanic and my fitness coach.”

Charles Barkley also went on to say Coach Billy Donovan should had waited for a better opportunity with another team. Main reason is Barkley thinks the players the Bulls have right now on their roster are nothing to write home to mom about.

The experts say Billy Donovan is leaving the Thunder because the organization was going to be headed into a rebuild. Donovan was offered a deal to stay in Oklahoma City, but he refused it. Instead, Donovan would rather be in Chicago. Arturas Karnisavas and Marc Eversley must have a grand plan in place to land Donovan. A plan Billy Donovan must be pleased about to come to Chicago, a place that has fallen off the basketball map. Chicago Bulls basketball has had some ups, but way more downs since the dynasty ended. It took practically the zombie apocalypse for the Bulls to finally gets things right. This is a solid choice, the hiring of Billy Donovan. Bulls seem like a Neegan or the Governor in The Walking Dead. Succeeding and thriving when the world is a mess. Hopefully Donovan and the rest of the NBA can bring back defense into this sport. It may bring me back to actually watch some games instead of flipping the channel off some of these crappy bubble games. Now we need Arturas, Billy, and Marc to hit some triples on the board and land some talented players with multiple skill sets.

WEEK TWO STRAIGHT PICK-EM

WEEK ONE STATS

OVERALL RECORD: 9-7

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD:1-0

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD: 2-0

THE SUNDAY SLATE: 6-7

Our first week picking, we are hopeful we knocked off some of the rust going 9-7. Week one is always hard to figure out. Every week is hard, but perhaps we will razzle you and maybe show you some of our dazzle in our week two straight pick-em choices.

Sometimes we have an eye for things.

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS

OUR PICK: BROWNS

In week one, Browns were easily handled by the Ravens. Which is understandable with the Ravens in a different league than the Browns. Joe Burrows’ debut for the Bengals resulted in a close contest with the visiting Chargers. I figure the Browns could run versus a bad tackling defense that would give Nick Chubb a big day with the pig skin. The rest is up to Baker Mayfield to dish out the ball to all his other play makers.

If not, the Browns will need to kick Baker out of the weekly book club. Browns have the Bengals’ number over the years. Joe Burrows will show this division rival will get better.

THE SUNDAY SLATE

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT TENNESSEE TITANS

OUR PICK:TITANS

I’m not sure how Jacksonville stunned the Colts last week. Titans went on the road in a tight one versus the Broncos and won. The Jaguars have not won in Nashville their last six contests. I see Derrick Henry making mince meat out of jaguar meat. Just running through them stiff arming them for a big day. Eventually the Jaguars turn into scaredy cats, scaredy cats. Something you would say when you a little kid hopefully chasing away the local bully.

DETROIT LIONS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS

OUR PICK:PACKERS

Maybe the Packers should draft or bring in a quarterback replacement for Aaron Rodgers every week and season. Rodgers erupted over the Vikings last week. The Lions still can not hold a lead as the Bears Mitch Trubisky in a big come back stuns the Lions in the same ole story in Detroit. I like Rodgers repeating his week one performance against a very questionable Lions secondary.

LA RAMS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

OUR PICK:RAMS

Rams won their opener in their new stadium, beating a Cowboy team that many had high expectations for. The Eagles lost to the no name Washington team which I did not see coming. The Eagles offensive line is in shambles. The Eagles do get their star running back from last season. Miles Sanders is back in the fold after sitting out with an injury. This is a battle between two quarterbacks selected 1 & 2 in the draft. Carson Wentz versus Jared Goff. Rams have had a lot of success on the road so the west coast to the east coast trip will not fly here. I think the Rams defense stifles the Eagles’ walking wounded offense is my key to the game.

NEW YORK GIANTS AT CHICAGO BEARS

OUR PICK: BEARS

Last week I was screaming in my head to take out Mitch Trubisky and put in back up Nick Foles. Trubisky showed grit and even in spite of a bad jumping graham Cracker who mistimed a big opportunity early on the Bears overcame. The Giants running game went completely dark last week versus the Steel curtain. I think Giants running Saquon Barkley will play a better game. I think the Bears defense will eventually stop his production late in the game. Trubisky takes advantage of the Giants terrible secondary and Bears are 2-0 and Mitch is still the starter.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT NEW YORK JETS

OUR PICK:49ERS

Are the 49ers taking the road most teams go after losing in the Superbowl? Foggy mind set. Arizona is much better and they ended up winning the close game this go around. Jets did not do much at all last week versus the Bills. Jets will rev up their engines late in the season like they always do. 49ers rebound in a game they need and make a statement versus the Jets.

DENVER BRONCOS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

OUR PICK:STEELERS

Big Ben was healthy after being out almost a year, last week. Ben Roethlisberger threw three touchdowns and interceptions versus the G-Men on the road. Broncos, could a time late in the Monday night came been the right call for them to upset the Titans in close one? Broncos without Von Miller and Courtland Sutton, showed their capabilities to play with a top team like Tennessee. Pittsburgh at home is a different animal with Big Ben behind center. Steelers defense should be talked about more as they contain one of the best running backs in the league last Sunday versus the Giants in Saquon Barkley. Steel Curtain is the deciding factor.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

OUR PICK:COLTS

• 

• 

Is it time to drag Phillip Rivers behind the shed like Old Yeller? Losing to the Jaguars in the season opener is a very hard pill to swallow. Throwing a few picks is the norm for Rivers. Then the Viking defense which was a main staple for years giving up 43 points to the Packers. Both teams desperately need a victory. Whoever loses this Sunday may not be able climb out of the hole they dug themselves.

Is this Phillip Rivers or Kirk Cousins trapped in the well? We threw a dart on this pick.

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

OUR PICK:BUCCANEERS

Carolina lost in a shootout with the Vegas Raiders last Sunday. Tom Brady did not fare well in his season debut with the Buccaneers. If you are counting at home, that is 1 for Billy Boy Belichick and Nill for Tom Brady. Brady and the Buccaneers will rebound in week two. Brady will exploit the Panthers young defense and get the Buccaneers even at 1-1 for the season. Panthers will continue to improve each week even with a loss in each of the first two weeks of the season.

BUFFALO BILLS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS

OUR PICK:BILLS

Bills handled the Jets with ease last week. The Dolphins tried to mug Patriots quarterback Cam Newton for the gold chain around his neck. I think Bills defense will be able to force good ole Ryan Fitzpatrick into some costly turnovers. The Bills controlled offense sustain long drives last week that ate up the clock on the Jets. Bills have done well in Miami and I do not see that changing this Sunday.

ATLANTA FALCONS AT DALLAS COWBOYS

OUR PICK:COWBOYS

The Falcons 2020 season is a very difficult schedule to start. The Seahawks mauled the Falcons last week despite Matt Ryan throwing for 450 yards. The Cowboys were the first visiting team for the LA new stadium and only showed up for the first half. Home cooking is what the Cowboys need. The Falcons defense to me seems like last year like a turn-style for every opponent. Falcons got off to a bad start last season. They have not shown me anything different this season.

THE WASHINGTON TEAM (RED SKINS) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS

OUR PICK:CARDINALS

I think Larry Fitzgerald sticks around in Arizona during the bad years because he feels like things will improve. Larry has been a part of some great Arizona teams. Things have improved as the Cardinals took out the 49ers last week. The Washington team took out the Eagles who had holes in their offensive line. The no name Washington team will be better than last year with Ron Rivera as the head coach. The addition of DeAndre Hopkins to this Cardinal Offense gives Kyle Murray lots to work with. The Washington team will have problems with the Cardinals flexing their wings in this match up.

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT HOUSTON TEXANS

OUR PICK:RAVENS

I feel the Texans could say Houston we have a problem right when they agreed to make that deal that sent DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals. Like the roadrunner cartoon, the Texans are free falling. First the Texans had to start this season versus the Chiefs. Now in week two, the Texans face the Ravens. I have a feeling the head coach of the Texans who is the GM as well and you know his name, will be fired by the time this season ends.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT LA CHARGERS

OUR PICK:CHIEFS

You know the Chargers are the only team in the AFC West to beat the Chiefs once in that division with Patrick Mahomes as the starting quarterback for Kansas City. The Charger loss is only one blemish, as Mahomes is undefeated against the Raiders and Broncos. Do you see the Tyrod Taylor Chargers could take down the Chiefs? It’s like the Washington Generals thinking they have a shot at beating the Harlem Globetrotters.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

OUR PICK:SEAHAWKS

This will be the first kink in the Evil Empire’s fall, as New England’s aerial attack is shut down by the Seattle secondary. Seattle will also expose the softness of a Cam Newton. Billy Boy may not ride the tandem bike with buddy newton after week two. I feel a disturbance in the force, but this time it has the Evil Patriots reeling backwards and even their record at 1-1 after two weeks. The dent will be heard all around the NFL world.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT VEGAS RAIDERS

OUR PICK:SAINTS

NFL WELCOME TO VEGAS

• 

• 

The Raiders will finally have their first home game in their new home, Las Vegas. They say what is done or said in Vegas stays in Vegas. The Saints victory over the Raiders will have the same merit.