Last year at this time of the season, the Las Vegas Raiders were making their playoff push. Then in week 18 for all the marbles Raiders beat the Chargers in the last game of the regular season to insert the silver and black into the playoffs. The Raiders had controversies they had to deal with in the 2021 regular season from the loss of their head coach Jon Gruden. The Raider players made frequent news almost every week in the Police blotter. The Raiders Interim Head Coach Rich Bisaccia found ways to keep this team able to overcome the off the field issues. In the off-season Raiders went with a brand-new regime. The team even made a big trade getting one of the top receivers in Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers. Adams would reunite with Derek Carr, his former college teammate who he played together with in California at Fresno State where they hooked up with 38 touchdowns as Bulldogs. Unfortunately, the Raiders brought in the cancer from New England to ruin everything this franchise worked hard for in 2021. The Raiders were picked to return to the post-season by many experts, but Josh McDaniels’ system has derailed Vegas this season. Now fans are wondering where their starting quarterback of 91 straight games will be for the final two games of the season. Dude, where’s my Carr? He has been benched for Jarrett Stidham.
What has Josh McDaniels been without Tom Brady? Is Mac Jones his masterpiece? McDaniels’ system has worked well in New England with Tom Brady running the scheme under Head Coach Bill Belichick pulling the strings like the puppet master. McDaniels’ first head coaching job was in the AFC West with the Denver Broncos as he coached two seasons from 2009-10. In two seasons, Denver had seen enough where he went 12-20 in two seasons as Head Coach. In his first season as a Raiders head coach, McDaniels has a record of 6-9. In three seasons, McDaniels’ record as a head coach in the NFL is eleven games under the .500 mark with a miserable record of 18-29. History still repeating itself that coaches under the Bill Belichick coaching tree have been lopped off and died without New England soil. I know McDaniels knew Jay Cutler was a fraud behind center as that may be his only intelligent thing this man has done as a ringleader of a team in the NFL. Now suddenly you’re benching Derek Carr and perhaps convincing the front office to trade him because he is not working well in your system flawed by any other quarterback except the great Tom Brady. Jarrett Stidham has New England ties as the Raiders got him in a trade in the off-season from the Patriots.
I can see a franchise seeing what you have in back up players especially at the quarterback position. The Raiders are still mathematically alive. Chances are not good playing the 49ers this week & then the Chiefs to close out the season. What is Josh McDaniels’ message to his players as he’s waving the white flag? Why does Derek Carr have to step away from the Raiders the final two games? Carr threw his 14th interception last week which ties a career he set last year and leads the NFL in that category this season. Carr this season has a passing rating of 86.3 playing in the McDaniels’ system which has been his worst since his rookie season as a Raider in 2014. Carr holds all the Raider all-time records as a quarterback. Carr’s 91 straight games behind center is second to only Tom Brady for consecutive games played behind center. The Raiders have even given their franchise quarterback a three-year extension before the season started a deal worth 121.5 million. Carr’s 9-year career he has started 142 games has a QB record of 63-79 while throwing 217 touchdown passes to only 99 interceptions. Carr has completed 64.6 5 of his passes and has thrown for 35,222 passing yards. Playoffs and winning seasons are not there for Carr.
Last year, Wide Receiver Henry Ruggs III killed a person speeding while intoxicated. Head coach Chucky (Jon Gruden) was haunted by old emails from his Washington days. The Raiders did not have Devante Adams. Derek Carr went 10-7 with about the same number of touchdowns thrown and interceptions but had a higher passing rating in 2021 not playing under McDaniels’ system. With all that drama in the locker room, you look for your quarterback to lead you through that mess, which Carr did. I’m not sure any legendary quarterback could have won a Superbowl with all the head coaches this Raider team has gone through since 2014. I’d rather have Derek Carr than Matthew Stafford. If Stafford could win the Superbowl getting away from Detroit, I think Carr could find another garage in the NFL and win. Carr should demand to get traded to another team. Let the dominoes fall as players like Devante Adams will most likely want out as his friend will be dealt. Carr will get waxed somewhere else and have a system surrounding his talents. Hopefully a Charles in Charge, not a New England disciple. Raider fans will now watch McDaniels’ droids like Jarett Stidham complete many short passes but not have the heart or guts to throw the ball down field for a big gainer or try to win the game on something big. The losses will pile up as the Raider fans will see Chargers and Chiefs in the playoffs and the worst sting would see Denver get their team turned around as the Raider team tumbles like the tower in the game of Jenga. Next year, the Raiders will finally fire Josh McDaniels as the team will plummet into stink, stank, and finally stunk in the bottom of the barrel of the NFL. Then the team will be looking for the next Derek Carr with another new regime. Send your application in now if you’re interested in the Raider job.
Don’t look now, but the Jaguars are making a push for the playoffs. Not a stinking wild card but the division title as Jacksonville has won two in a row. Meanwhile the Jets are sliding as they lost three in row and 4 out of their last 5 games. The Jets offense has been averaging 13.5 points in those losses. Let’s face the facts that the team hates Zach Wilson who may be headed to Ryan Leaf’s town as a bust. I’m sure you have heard this before that another Jets number one quarterback pick bites the dust. The Jaguars number one pick at quarterback is starting to get it as Trevor Lawrence has 7 touchdown passes & only 1 interception in those last two games.
OUR PICK: JAGUARS
CHRISTMAS EVE GAMES
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Seahawks have struggled since playing the Buccaneers in Germany several weeks ago. Seattle has lost two games in a row and the defense is giving up more production than the local whorehouse. Kansas City is trying to get that number one spot in the AFC. Patrick Mahomes has won 15 straight games against NFC opponents. Those 15 straight inter-conference wins ties a record set by Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert which is the longest streak since the NFL merger in 1970.
Seattle have struggled to run the ball the last few weeks which makes Geno Smith and that offense one dimensional against a pretty good Chiefs defense. The Seahawks’ glimmering hopes of the playoffs this season goes officially dark.
OUR PICK: CHIEFS
NEW YORK GIANTS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The Giants and Vikings may be the two luckiest teams in the entire NFL this season. Last week, the Vikings made the biggest comeback in NFL history to beat the Colts. The Giants escaped Washington with a big victory, and it helps their wild card hopes. Both teams win the close call games. Vikings defense is hot garbage once again. The Giants offense can’t keep up with the Vikings offense if this game turns into a shoot-out. Vikings are looking to improve their seeding as they have the North clinched. A Giants win can help New York get in the post-season. I like the Vikings cleaning things up and playing a complete game as this game has that playoff feeling.
OUR PICK: VIKINGS
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
How do the Patriots come back from the sting of that last play of the game they lost to the Raiders last week?
The Bengals are one of the hottest teams in the league winning their last 5. The Patriots playoff hopes is nothing but a short wick on a windy day. Head Coach Bill Belichick’s best game plan of all-time would not help this Patriot team beat the Bengals. Bill Belichick would need to go back in time and drag Tom Brady back from their hey days to win this one.
OUR PICK: BENGALS
BUFFALO BILLS AT CHICAGO BEARS
The Bears have lost seven in a row and were eliminated from the playoff contention last week. The Bills have won five straight and are looking to clinch the AFC East with a win while holding on to the number one seed in their conference. Can Justin Fields run wild on a pretty good defensive unit the Bills have? The Bears defense can’t stop anyone. The Bears offensive line is sketchy. It will be cold in Chicago. Like a second home for the Bills.
OUR PICK: BILLS
ATLANTA FALCONS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS
If you like the running game in football, this is the game for you. Last week Desmond Ridder made his NFL debut in his first start during which he was ok. Lamar Jackson could be back in this one. Both teams have had a hard time scoring points in the last several weeks. The Falcons have lost three in a row and will face a good defensive unit the Ravens have. The Ravens are 3-0 versus the NFC South this season. I like this game being a low scoring affair, but Ravens prevail as they need this win to start cementing themselves into the post-season.
OUR PICK: RAVENS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS
Which team do you think can win two games in a row in this match up? Both the Saints and Browns coming into week 16 with wins. Both teams this season have a hard time stringing victories together. Deshaun Watson won his first game behind center in a Browns uniform. First victory for Watson since 2020 as he been a very busy man and hands on. Both teams’ shots to make post-season are dismal. The Saints have a better chance playing in the dreaded NFC South. Nick Chubb needs two rushing touchdowns to reach the 50th mark. Only Leroy Kelly and Jim Brown have done that in Browns history. It’s Christmas, so I’m going with the Red Rifleman Andy Dalton in this one.
Besides I hate Deshaun Watson. Scum of the earth. It’s good to be a Saint around the Holidays.
OUR PICK: SAINTS
HOUSTON TEXANS AT TENNESSEE TITANS
Both teams combined have lost 13 games in a row. The Titans have fallen on hard times. Ryan Tannehill is most likely out for the season with ankle issues as now the Titans will have to rely on running back Derrick Henry to carry the full load. This game seems simple. Titans break their losing streak and control the AFC South for another week with the Jaguars closing in. However, I have different thoughts. Since 2011, the Texans are 16-7 versus the Titans. Last week the Texans took the Chiefs to overtime. Then the Texans gave the Cowboys a run for their money in week 14. Two of the elite teams in the NFL. The Titans have been sluggish most of the season except during that winning streak after the slow start. I’m feeling an upset. I like the Texans to really make things interesting in the AFC South with a win.
OUR PICK: TEXANS
DETROIT LIONS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS
The Panthers still have a chance because they play in the NFC South. The Lions have won three games in a row, found their courage, and are making a playoff push playing their best football of the year. Lions are 3-3 on the road so in present day they can come into town and beat you. Sam Darnold has taken over duties behind center and the team responded with a few victories out of the gates. I can’t trust this Panther team as I thought they should have won last week versus Mitch Trubisky and the Steelers. I like the Lions to continue to roar. Jared Goff has gone six games without throwing an interception. I like the Lions running game to control this game and show the Panthers they are king of the jungle.
OUR PICK: LIONS
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
The Commanders loss to the Giants might sting even more now facing a 49er team that has won 7 straight. The 49ers last week locked up the NFC West & will be looking for more. The Commanders are holding on to their playoff hopes like a booger flapping in the wind on a nose hair. Could we see Carson Wentz behind center for Washington for some kind of jolt to that offense? The 49ers defense is probably the best in the league against a Washington offense that probably ranks on the outskirts of the middle of the pack. Brock Purdy has been operating the 49ers offense like a nuclear power engineer taking what’s in front of him & not taking the risks. The Giants game may haunt the Commanders all off-season.
OUR PICK: 49ERS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT DALLAS COWBOYS
Jalen Hurts is out for the Eagles and the mustache is in. This is a big blow to the Eagles, or is it? Gardner Minshew, former Jaguar, has made 22 starts in the NFL.
The Cowboys and the Eagles love to sack the quarterback, and both defenses can make things hard on the opposing signal caller. Without Hurts playing, the Cowboys should be able to keep Minshew in the pocket. The Cowboys are 7-1 at home while the Eagles are perfect on the road, 7-0. Eagles have 8 pro bowl players on this existing roster. I have a feeling the Eagles system can be very favorable to many quarterbacks as they have all kinds of play makers. The Cowboys will make this a close game. I like the Eagles soaring to a victory and winning the NFC East with a big win without missing a beat at the quarterback position.
OUR PICK: EAGLES
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The first thing I will say is a West Coast team, Vegas, traveling across the country to play in the cold of steel town. This is the anniversary of the immaculate reception.
The Raiders clashed with the Steelers in a playoff game in 1972 at Three Rivers stadium when running back Franco Harris caught the deflected pass and ran it in for a score for a Pittsburgh victory. Harris passed away this week at the age of 72. I think the Steelers play over their heads in this one in a tribute to Harris. The Steelers might not even have to play their best game as they are playing a bad Raider team that don’t play well away from Vegas. Factor in the cold as well.
OUR PICK: STEELERS
MERRY CHRISTMAS (SUNDAY GAMES)
GREEN BAY PACKERS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Packers are still alive in the play-off hunt. The Dolphins have lost three games in a row and want to keep their spot they have right now at least as a wild card. Aaron Rodgers will make a statement in front of a national audience and have a big performance. I like the Dolphins at home here. I like this game as a shoot-out, but the fins find a way at the end to shred the cheese.
OUR PICK: DOLPHINS
DENVER BRONCOS AT LA RAMS
On paper this might have been penciled in as a big game before the season started. The Broncos get Russell Wilson back behind center. This game is a clunker. Who cares? Both teams are disappointing, and all the players involved are busy making their off-season plans. I go with the home team in this one. Make sure you spike the egg nog if you have to watch this one.
OUR PICK: RAMS
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS
This game is how Tom Brady can be the luckiest jive turkey in the game. The Buccaneers should not be in the post-season. The team has been terrible. Buccaneers remain on top of one of the sorriest divisions of all-time. Now they play the Cardinals, another team that has been a disgrace to the football world & who are down to their third string quarterback. Does Trace McSorley scare anybody? Brady and company in a snooze fest win a game on the road and keep their lead in the NFC South. Double up on the spiked egg nog now watching this one.
OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
LA CHARGERS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
HAPPY BOXING DAY?
I really don’t think the Colts will be over that gigantic collapse versus the Vikings last week. The Colts will be without running back Jonathan Taylor. The Chargers are making a run for the post-season. I like the Chargers having all their weapons back in the fold for Justin Herbert. Watch that aerial attack thrive inside the Indianapolis dome as Chargers hopes for the post-season stay alive and well.
Seattle is quickly coming back down to earth as their rushing attack has been contained the last 4 weeks. Seattle’s record is 1-3 over that span. Brock Purdy has a running game and has managed the games to this point like the Captain of the Enterprise. Seattle’s defense has been awful. Geno Smith’s teams will be preparing for the passing game. San Francisco defense is one of the top units in the league and that says it all. The 49ers pop the Seahawks’ playoffs hopes. If only Pete Carol could resurrect the Legion of Boom defense for this game.
OUR PICK: 49ERS
SATURDAY GAMES
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS
This game can scare a Viking fan because which Colts team will show up after their bye week? The Vikings were no match for the resurgences of that king of the jungle title status Detroit Lions are trying to bring back from the 1950’s. Vikings should be able to score on the Colts offense and force Matt Ryan to make costly mistakes behind center. Knowing the Vikings, the Colts will give them a battle in this one. Vikings either get their butts whipped or get lucky with some kind of comeback. Jeff Saturday, head coach of the Colts, is in over his head taking on these duties while learning on the fly. Vikings will get lucky and fight their way back being down by a score late to win one in grand fashion and very Minnesota-like.
OUR PICK: VIKINGS
BALTIMORE RAVENS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS
Deshaun Watson might not get booed this week making his home debut as the starting quarterback for the Browns. The Ravens will be without their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. I think Watson is still rusty, and that Browns offense will be turning its wheels like the Ravens offense. It will be a low-scoring affair. I like the Ravens defense better than the Browns to convince me to take Baltimore. It also seems the Ravens has grind-ed many of these low scoring games out for victories.
OUR PICK: RAVENS
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT BUFFALO BILLS
The Dolphin players were huddled around heaters in LA in 55-degree weather last Sunday in their loss to the Chargers. The Bills are locked in and now cleaning up their division rivals as they did versus Jets avenging a loss earlier in the season. Miami will give the Bills a battle on the road that is just typical. Eventually the snow in the forecast & the Bills Mafia rocking that stadium will take a toll on the Dolphin offense. Josh Allen is dialed in playing at his highest level of the year. The Bills defense has to be mentioned as well as that unit has played very well during this Buffalo winning streak. Bills will be making snow angels in the end of this one.
OUR PICK: BILLS
THE SUNDAY SLATE
ATLANTA FALCONS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Believe it or not, both the Falcons and the Saints still have a chance to win the dreaded NFC South. Falcons turn to their rookie quarterback, Desmond Ridder, for a jolt in their offense.
Both teams coming losing their last two games. I feel like the Saints are due for that once-a-month victory where they come together and play well. Andy Dalton has played better in the Superdome than on the road. Saints’ defense force the rookie Falcon quarterbacks into some mistakes that bite the Falcons in this one.
OUR PICK: SAINTS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS
Darnold versus Trubisky. Two starting quarterbacks coming into the league in which their future may be a permanent back up for somebody in this league. Trubisky getting the start due to the injury of Kenny Pickett last week. Sam Darnold came back from an injury two weeks ago and has been the Panthers’ best quarterback this season as he is 2-0 in two starts as Panthers are eyeballing a playoff spot. This will be a close game. I think Darnold is just playing better and zoned in over Trubisky who has been in and out of the starting job all year. Both guys will be future backups unless Darnold guides the Panthers to the playoffs which would make a great story line. Let’s go with that. Love to see Buccaneers home while the Panthers will have an extra game in the Wild Card weekend.
OUR PICK: PANTHERS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT CHICAGO BEARS
The feel of this game when you read the teams playing you think of an Eagle pecking the eyeballs out of the Bears carcass laying on the turf bludgeoned to death on the field. We know the Eagles are the best team in the NFC. We know the Eagles will score off that pathetic defense the Bears have. The Bears have played hard in every game this season. Curious to see how they do coming off their bye week. This could be a match up that may be played every year. Jalen Hurts versus Justin Fields could be very entertaining. Both quarterbacks can make big plays with their legs or arm. I like the Bears giving the Eagles a challenge in this one. Philadelphia prevails easily in the 4th quarter and wins by two scores.
OUR PICK: EAGLES
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT HOUSTON TEXANS
Texans somehow fought and clawed their way like trapped animals versus the Cowboys and played them tough.
The Texans will be put down rather easily by the Chiefs. No way they have that fight they had last week. Patrick Mahomes against teams with losing records on the road can dial up big numbers on the score board.
OUR PICK: CHIEFS
DALLAS COWBOYS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Could the Cowboys find themselves on another slippery slope versus another inferior team? The Jaguars beat up on the Titans last Sunday. Cowboys having multiple trap games waiting to play the Eagles again, can’t be in the cards. Trevor Lawrence is starting to progress as a starting quarterback in the NFL. Lawrence has not turned over the ball regularly like he did in rookie season. I like the Cowboys in this one. I can see Dak Prescott having a monster game just to right the ship in Dallas instead of hanging on the ledge against these teams.
OUR PICK: COWBOYS
DETROIT LIONS AT NEW YORK JETS
Interesting matchup between two teams that have not sniffed the playoffs in decades. The Jets have that ferocious defensive front. The Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the league. Mike White is out at starting quarterback in which Zach Wilson will get another chance. If you’re a Lions fan you have to feel great having Jared Goff now as Matthew Stafford has been horrible this year and you’re winning. If you’re the Lions, you don’t have a head case like Wilson to save your season. Lions have won two straight road games. I like Detroit escaping New York with a victory.
OUR PICK: LIONS
ARIZONA CARDINALS AT DENVER BRONCOS
WTF!!! Pardon my language. The Russians would send both these teams to the front lines of the battlefield with how they have played this year. No Kyler Murray for the Cardinals. No Russel Wilson for the Broncos. Both out with injuries. The fight card has now Colt McCoy versus Brett Rypien.
A classic Western. I’ve said I’m done picking the Broncos this season. I like the experience of Colt McCoy; a career backup can get you wins in games like this with teams not going anywhere.
OUR PICK: CARDINALS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Josh Daniels squares off against his mentor Bill Belichick. All of Belichick’s disciples can’t fly on their own as Daniels should be coming back to mentor soon after losing to the Rams last Thursday. The Raiders are a playoff team that last year lost to the Colts when they made that decision of bringing in Jeff Saturday, a guy with no coaching experience. Then last week Baker Mayfield, who did not even unpack his suitcase, beats the Raiders. Signature losses like that I remember. Meanwhile Billy Boy knows what size underwear Daniels wears. Probably has naked pictures of Daniels naked in bed with a horse.
New England is still alive in the playoff chase they will take care of business in Vegas against a dysfunctional bunch dressing the part in silver and black.
OUR PICK: PATRIOTS
TENNESSEE TITANS AT LA CHARGERS
The Titans have lost three games in row. Many experts were stroking the Titans’ manhood before this three-game losing streak saying this may be a team to cause other teams fits in the post-season. The Chargers are a whishy-washy team this year, so you never know what you will get. Chargers were able to get a signature win beating the Dolphins last Sunday night. If both teams looked in the mirror, they’d see each other. Both have the powder blue mix in their uniform. This game may be nothing but offense going up and down the field. I’ve been burned more times riding the Titans express than the Chargers bandwagon. I like the Chargers in this one, especially with Justin Herbert having all his weapons back in the fold.
OUR PICK: CHARGERS
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
When is Tom Brady going to look in the mirror and see he is no longer his old self? Maybe the X-Wife made him the right pill mix to keep Brady a vampire of the fountain of youth. Brady has not played like it. Can Brady match Joe Burrow with that horrible Buccaneer offense? Bengals defense can get to the quarterback. The Buccaneers offensive line is hot garbage. The Buccaneer defense is aging, so no way they can contain the Bengals offense. I predict the Panthers and Buccaneers will be tied with the same record of 6-8 after this week.
OUR PICK: BENGALS
THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME
NEW YORK GIANTS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
In the last match up between the Giants and Commanders, it ended in a tie. The Giants’ hot start now has this team coming back down to Earth as they lost three out of their last 4 games. The Commanders coming off their bye week well rested should be able to have a plan to stay in the playoff hunt with the dismantling of the G-Men. Giants are giving up lots of yards their last 4 weeks which Washington will capitalize on.
OUR PICK: COMMANDERS
THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME
LA RAMS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS
When Baker Mayfield has time to think and learn the playbook, it might not go well on the field. Mayfield came into the Raider game just reacting. Green Bay coming off a bye week. Aaron Rodgers’ team still is mathematically alive in the playoff hunt. Mayfield ‘s last game at Lambeau Field, he had 4 interceptions. Rams have played poorly before beating a Raider team that pretty much gift wrapped them a victory. Mayfield will have the same results as John Wolford and the others behind center since Matthew Stafford got hurt.
Who is Brock Purdy and why is he setting the NFL on fire? Purdy is a 22-year-old kid picked last in the 2022 draft by the San Francisco 49ers which earned him the nickname, Mr. Irrelevant. Some may consider that being compared to being picked in gym class last. Many Mr. Irrelevants over the years don’t even make the team’s football roster. Purdy being picked 262 in the 7th round made the 49ers roster and came in 3rd on depth chart at the quarter back position. With injuries, Purdy has slowly moved up the quarterback totem pole which started in week 2 where the 49ers lost Trey Lance to a season ending injury. What a bad idea that was having Lance as the starter. Everything else this year the 49ers touched had been golden. In the 49ers blow out loss, Purdy saw some game action. Purdy completed one pass to wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III for 20 yards & made history for the Mr. Irrelevant position. Since Jimmy Garoppolo went down with an injury, the Purdy Cat has pounced on his opportunity like felines hearing the tuna can being opened. Purdy has went head to head with the GOAT. The 49ers have clinched the NFC West and have not missed a beat.
I thought Iowa was if you built it they will come, meaning the game of baseball. Is the state of Iowa now a quarterback haven? How did Iowa State University miss that as they need a something way better than what they have behind center these days. Kurt Warner was discovered from his playing days with the Iowa Barnstormers, the Arena Football team. Brock Purdy has come into the NFL like a cyclone sweeping through the corn fields in the state of Iowa throwing scarecrows in all directions. Purdy hails from Iowa State University and pretty much rewrote all the records there behind center. Purdy set school records for touchdown passes with 81 and passing yards with 12,170. Purdy is also the university’s best behind center in wins throughout his collegiate career. Purdy earned himself second team academic All-American honors. Guys from smaller schools are destined for the USFL or XFL rather than playing with big boys in the NFL.
Brock Purdy moved up to the number two spot when Trey Lance went down. Then Jimmy Garoppolo went down early in the game when the 49ers were facing the up and coming Dolphins team. On came Purdy who has only been involved in some mop up duty so far in his rookie campaign. Purdy helped the 49ers beat the Dolphins. Then in his first start, Purdy faced 7-X Superbowl champion Tom Brady for who the 49ers were his team growing up. Brady trying to get his Buccaneers in the playoffs and facing the team he rooted for may give him extra juice. The 49ers blew out the Buccaneers 35-7. Brady’s record versus rookie quarterbacks in his career goes to 23-5. Then last night Purdy faced the Seattle Seahawks in his second career start. The 49ers would prevail and win the NFC West cementing themselves in the playoffs. Purdy becomes the first quarterback to win his first two starts since the kneeler Colin Kaepernick. In two starts Purdy is completing 70% of his passes. Only quarterback to complete that high of percentage since 1950. In two starts, Purdy has completed 33-47 passes for 402 yards for 4 touchdown passes and most importantly zero interceptions. Purdy’s QB rating in those starts are 124.6. Only Aaron Rodgers and Purdy now are two guys to have a QB Rating higher than 115 plus in their first two starts. Rodgers did that in 2008. Purdy has played in 6 games and has 6 touchdown passes to 2 interceptions for 678 yards.
This is not the first time the 49ers have done well after their starting quarterback went down. In 2011, Alex Smith went down with a concussion late in the season. The 49ers went to Colin Kaepernick and he helped get San Francisco to the Superbowl as the team had pretty much everything wrapped up. Let’s hope Brock Purdy’s career does not go in the crapper like Kaepernick after that Superbowl loss to the Baltimore Ravens. I live in Chicago and have never seen the Bears change out a quarterback like a light bulb which resulted in brighter victories. Bears bulbs were used mostly burned out. Sometimes it comes down to the system. Kyle Shanahan’s system means many quarterbacks can do well except their number one draft pick, Trey Lance. Right now Brock Purdy reminds me of a guy like Kyle Orton, a quarterback you can trust not to screw up things. The 49ers have a great defense. The 49ers have a great offensive line to protect Purdy. The 49ers can run the ball well. The 49ers have playmakers. All’s Mr. Irrelevant has to do is his best impersonation of Trent Dilfer. Dilfer guided the Ravens to a Superbowl win as they had that great defense that year with a great running game. It is a great story seeing the underdog come out of nowhere and do well. Some may have to ask, “Is this Heaven?” seeing Purdy Mr. Irrelevant make history. No it’s Iowa.
The eye test says it all in this match-up. Raiders have won three in a row. Rams offense has suffered injuries and are desperate behind center claiming Baker Mayfield off waivers. Mayfield is probably a better option than John Wolford. Josh Jacobs for the Raiders has become a beast at running the football. Rams defense is not that unit like they once were.
OUR PICK: RAIDERS
THE SUNDAY SLATE
NEW YORK JETS AT BUFFALO BILLS
For the Jets, Mike White is a way better option than Zach Wilson. It’s the Jets defensive front that scares me. Can the Jets sweep the season series versus the Bills? Bills have righted the ship since losing to the Jets. Josh Allen has shaken off his elbow injury he suffered in New Jersey against these Jets. The Bills defense played well last week versus the Patriots. Bills will be prepared for the Jets defense and their plan will work at home and settle a score against the up-and-coming young team the Jets are.
OUR PICK: BILLS
CLEVELAND BROWNS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS
The Browns have had the Bengals’ number lately. Deshaun Watson will be showered with boos and faces a much tougher defense than he did last Sunday versus the Texans. The Bengals offense looks unstoppable with Ja’Marr Chase back on the field. The Browns defense looked good against the Texans, but any unit can look that good versus a bad Texans offense. Browns defense will crumble like Watson will with the Bengal pass rush coming straight at him.
OUR PICK: BENGALS
HOUSTON TEXANS AT DALLAS COWBOYS
LOL!!!!
OUR PICK: COWBOYS (LOCK OF THE WEEK)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT DETROIT LIONS
Do you remember the vilian in the show Banshee named Rabbit?
At the end, Rabbit’s luck runs out. The Lions will chew the Vikings’ lucky rabbit and spit it out. Lions have been playing solid football as they gave the Jaguars a beat down last week. The Vikings seem to pull the rabbit out of the hat every week as they survive the Jets trying to win the game at the end of regulation on multiple possessions. It was a close game the first time the Lions and Vikings met. Vikings will have to wait another week to clinch the bad NFC North.
OUR PICK: LIONS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants pulled out a tie last week versus the Commanders. Eagles are the cream of the crop in the NFC as everything is clicking for them. Giants have won close games this season and have not played like they did early on this season. Eagles can light up the score board rather quickly. I just can’t see Daniel Jones matching scores with Jalen Hurts. Saquan Barkley has a neck injury which may not be serious, but the Giants will be stiff in general and will not know what hit them after quarter number one. Giants can’t play from being down multiple scores because they are not built like that.
OUR PICK: EAGLES
BALTIMORE RAVENS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers have given the Ravens some trouble in the last few contests between this heated rivalry. The Ravens will be without their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Tyler Huntley is like Lamar Jackson Jr., so Ravens offense won’t miss a beat. Only problem is the Ravens offense has flat-lined the last few weeks. Meanwhile the Steelers defense has been keeping the team in games. Most importantly, the rookie for the Steelers. Kenny Pickett has played better and has not turned over the ball. The Ravens will be in for a rude awakening in Pittsburgh as their playoff hopes will start slipping away.
OUR PICK: STEELERS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT TENNESSEE TITANS
The Jaguars can’t win on the road. The Titans need to get back in the win column. The Jaguars are the perfect menu item in Nashville to shake off the Philadelphia beat down. I like Derrick Henry having one of his bigger games in this contest.
OUR PICK: TITANS
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT DENVER BRONCOS
I told myself I will not pick the Broncos ever again this year. Russell Wilson is playing like Ryan Leaf or like a guy who made a deal with the devil. Cough cough… Pete Carol. The Chiefs lose another one to the Bengals. Look for the Chiefs to have a big game while rebounding from that Bengal loss. Broncos’ defense has been solid all year. Chiefs will win by multiple scores, but it will not be a 40-point arse kicking.
OUR PICK: CHIEFS
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Brock Purdy versus Tom Brady sounds like a gladiator movie. Maybe a game of gin rummy challenge. I’m not giving this game to Brady and the Buccaneers because Purdy is a rookie quarterback. What has Brady done so well this year? Brady still has to face the 49ers defense. The 49ers have a great running attack. The 49ers in history have done very well with quarterback changes when the team is this good late in the season. I think Purdy will do well and most importantly, make that mistake to lose the game.
OUR PICK: 49ERS
CAROLINA PANTHERS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
This looks like a trap game for the Seahawks. The Panthers looked great last time we saw them with the return of Sam Darnold. Panthers are well rested to fly across the country to play in Seattle. The Seahawks were able to get back on track last week versus the Rams. I like this being a hard-fought game. Right now, I would go with Geno Smith putting together back-to-back good games which he has done all season, rather than Darnold in his second start of the year. Seattle keeps pushing for a playoff spot.
OUR PICK SEAHAWKS
THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT LA CHARGERS
Will the Dolphins find themselves losing two in a row in California? The Chargers are facing a must-win every game the rest of the way if they want to even sniff the playoffs. The Chargers defense is the biggest weakness on the field in this one. The Dolphins could kill the Chargers just by using their two backs and running it down their throats. I think Justin Herbert is the better quarterback in this match up versus Tua Tagovailoa. Tua struggled last week, and I feel the Dolphins are starting to play on a slippery slope. Herbert and the Chargers offense have a monster game. Tua may have an ankle injury from the 49er game. He may look like a trapped animal with Khalil Mack flashing his brights at him as Tua is run over by a truck on Sunday night.
Going with the upset.
OUR PICK: CHARGERS
THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS
Patriots playoff hopes grew dim with the Bills man handling them at home last Thursday. The Cardinals season has been stuck in the dim part of the light switch all year round. Does Kyler Murray show up and have a big game behind center this week for the Cardinals who have lost two in a row? Do you trust Head Coach Bill Belichick’s plot that helps the Patriots rebound and stay afloat for a late season playoff push? I think the Cardinals players are focused on the off-season. The Patriots still have something to prove. You know Belichick is like a cockroach because after the first time you step on him, he grows stronger.
The last two times the Bills have faced the Patriots, Buffalo has owned New England including the playoff game last year. This is a huge game for both teams. Bills trying to get the number one seed in the playoffs and most importantly, start taking care of the division foes. Meanwhile Patriots getting a win will keep them in the hunt for a wild card and keep up with all the stacked teams in the AFC East. Bills are 0-2 in the division this season. Patriots are 2-0 in the division & both are wins over the Jets who the Bills lost to.
Bills get healthier on their defense with Tremaine Edmunds back from an injury. Those last two games these two teams have played each other, Bills have not punted in either game. Patriots do not match up with the Bills receivers. Josh Allen is starting to feel better from the elbow issue he had in that Jets game several weeks ago. Patriots have the Jets’ numbers & Bills will have the Patriots number.
OUR PICK: BILLS
THE SUNDAY SLATE
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS
The Falcons are still in the thick of things in a very bad NFC South. The Steelers have been developing their rookie, Kenny Pickett, who helped lead his team over the Colts last week. The Steelers have one of the best run defenses in the league. Hot-Atlanta relies heavily on the running attack with their three-headed back field and Marcus Mariota’s legs. Can Kenny Pickett pick apart the Falcons’ weakness which is their secondary? Atlanta has played everyone tough this season and are 4-2 at home. This will be a close game. Too close to call and could go any way. Steelers may be playing without their top running back Najee Harris who they lost in the Colts game. Can Brandon Snell carry the entire load? I like the Falcons being at home and coming up with a big play from either special teams or offense or even the defense to decide this gate late and stay on the Buccaneers’ heels.
OUR PICK: FALCONS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS AT DETROIT LIONS
Anyone who predicts this game right deserves a metal. Both the Jaguars and Lions have been the laughingstock of the league for it seems forever. Both teams have played better and come in with the same exact record of 4-7. Jaguars stunned the Ravens with a walk off 2-point conversion call. Lions played Buffalo very tough on Thanksgiving but came into that game winning three in a row. Since 2019, the Jaguars are 1-21 on the road the way which they are 1-4 this season away from Florida. Lions are 0-10-1 in their past 11 non-conference games. Trevor Lawrence has been playing much better over his last three games with no interceptions and 6 touchdown passes. Jared Goff has played very well for the Lions in the last 4 games. I like the Lions offensive line creating nice holes for the Lions’ run game. Jamaal Williams leads the NFL with the most rushing touchdowns with 13. Most by any Lion running back since the 1990’s when Barry Sanders was carrying the rock.
Lions control the clock and prevail with a big win at home.
OUR PICK: LIONS
NEW YORK JETS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The Jets and the Vikings might be two of the luckiest teams with winning records. Vikings responded after getting ram-rodded by the Cowboys beating the Patriots on Thanksgiving night. The Jets benched Zach Wilson, and Mike White had the game of his life versus a very bad Bears defense. The Jets young defense has played very well this year, but the Vikings receiver will absolutely sauce rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner. Vikings defense should be able to bring Mike White back down to earth. The Vikings will be able to generate points of the Jets defense. I just don’t think the Jets can match the scoring with the Vikings. Look for Dalvin Cook to have a big game for the Vikings as he has been quiet in the last few weeks… too quiet.
OUR PICK:VIKINGS
WASHINGTON COMMADERS AT NEW YORK GIANTS
The Commanders are on the rise. While the Giants are slowly coming back down to earth with that hot start. Giants have lost two in a row while the Commanders have won 3 in a row. Both teams are just averaging 20 points per game coming in. Watch this one be a shoot-out. Giants are 0-2 in their division. The Commanders have been playing solid defense as they find a way to get to the quarterback. As a team they sit around the top ten in the league in sacks. Giants win close low scoring games which this one could be. The Commanders have only lost one game with Taylor Heinicke behind center. Daniel Jones & the Giants, when feeling pressure which this game is a pressure cooker, play poorly. I like how the Commanders play when Heinicke is the quarterback. They grind out games until the opposing team is buried in the turf on the final whistle.
OUR PICK: COMMANDERS
GREEN BAY PACKERS AT CHICAGO BEARS
This game between the Packers and the Bears might be the World Series for both teams that have very bad records. It’s like the Packers have been brought down to the Bears level. This game was slated to have both teams using back-up quarterbacks. Justin Fields missed last Sunday’s game due to a shoulder. Bears’ landlord Aaron Rodgers went out last Sunday game with a rib injury. Trevor Siemian, the Bears starter from last week, is out definitely with an injury. Bears only have Nathan Peterman.
Years ago, Peterman made a start for the Buffalo Bills and threw 5 interceptions against the Chargers. Oh the humiliation that would be having him replay that performance versus the Packers. Suddenly Justin Fields is back. Instead of Jordan Love taking over for the Packers’ mess to finish the season, Aaron Rodgers wants one more crack at the Bears. Packers have won way too many in a row. Anything can go in this one. I think the Bears make a stand in which this will be the last time they see Rodgers in a Packers uniform, and they bury him. Rodgers has played poorly. Fields on the field means Bears can score points. Bears win the game, conclude the season, and get a high pick in the draft which is a win-win season in Chicago.
OUR PICK: DA BEARS
TENNESSEE TITANS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Titans lost a close one against the Bengals last Sunday. The Eagles fought off the Packers to stay tops in the NFC. Will this be A.J Brown’s revenge game? Former Titan could not get paid left town and got the money in Philly. Football players don’t hold grudges. The Eagles defense should be able to contain Titans running back Derrick Henry at some point of the game. Eagles will do that by building a big lead where the Titans will have to pass the ball. Titans’ defenses are very good at stopping the run, but duo-threat quarterbacks can make things difficult for Tennessee. I like Jalen Hurts escaping the pocket in crucial third downs to keep the Titans defense on the field longer. Beating the Eagles at home is a very difficult task.
OUR PICK: EAGLES
DENVER BRONCOS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS
I’m done picking the Broncos. Owen Wilson is inside Russell Wilson’s body.
Broncos will not be crashing no weddings in Baltimore. The Ravens were embarrassed last week being humiliated versus the Jaguars. Ravens come out hungry and take care of business against Owen Wilson’s bad Bronco offense.
OUR PICK: RAVENS
CLEVELAND BROWNS AT HOUSTON TEXANS
Only in the NFL they find a way to make the suspended Dashaun Watson return against his old team in his first game action of the season. Watson returns from his 11 game suspension. His ole stomping grounds. All of Watson’s accusers will be on hand in Houston at the game.
Finally Houston fans get to boo like all those teams that boo their baseball team. Maybe the Astros can bring the trash cans to the game. If only Lovie Smith had some great game plan. A quarterback. The Browns will struggle. The Texans will come out to play. Nick Chubb should have a big game. This is the NFL and I feel the good guys will win one for the Zipper.
Watson will be rusty. I don’t know how. Texans prevail as Watson will make the mistake that costs the Browns the game in his return.
OUR PICK: TEXANS
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT LA RAMS
Seattle gets off the two-game skid with a win versus a bad Rams team. Rams offense has nothing but a few sparks left in their zippo lighter as who knows who they will have behind center in this one. The Rams defense is struggling with injuries. I think Seahawks have too many weapons to keep them off the score board. Rams will need a shutout to actually win this one. Geno Smith and Seattle’s offense rebounded from Germany by putting up a ton of points against the Raiders. The Seattle defense gave up more points not being able to stop the Vegas offense. The Seahawks defense should rebound this week. Tyler Lockett is one receiving touchdown short of tying a Seahawks record. If Lockett catches a touchdown pass, he will have one of those in his 5th straight game. I like the chances of him getting that.
OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS
MIAMI DOLPHINS AT SAN FRNCISCO 49ERS
Great offense meets great defense. Dolphins’ offense is a high-powered offense with both a running attack and passing attack against one of the best defenses in the league. The 49ers who pitched a shut out against the Saints last Sunday. Dolphins have scored at least 30 something points in the last 4 games which tied their longest streak in franchise history. The 49ers have not allowed points in six straight quarters. The 49ers are the best defense allowing the fewest points in the second halves this season of games. Will Jeff Wilson Jr. come back to town and haunt his former team in a Dolphin uniform? I like San Francisco offense able to score points off the Dolphins defense. Jimmy Garoppolo… all’s he does is win games. The 49ers play better when the competition is to their level. I like the 49ers prevailing at home and pop the bubble of this Dolphins attack and bring the pressure to Tua Tagovailoa to force him to make mistakes.
OUR PICK: 49ERS
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS
Rematch of last year’s AFC Championship game in which we know the Bengals prevailed. Last few road games the Chiefs have put up 40-point games. Bengals have won three in a row all without their number one receiver and Cincinnati has been playing without their star running back. Will JaMarr Chase and Joe Mixon return for this monster show down. Bengals still chasing the Ravens in the division. Meanwhile the Chiefs have just been destroying teams as they have won 5 straight, many of them against bad teams. Joe Cool Burrow is…
2-0 versus the Chiefs in his career. I like the Bengals in this one because they have been fighting each week and played in bigger games than the Chiefs have been in. I think Bengals give the Chiefs a fat lip sandwich when it’s all set and done.
OUR PICK: BENGALS
LA CHARGERS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Raiders suddenly have won two games in a row which includes that stunner last week in Seattle. Chargers are another team that had a walk off 2-point conversion to put an end to the Cardinals. Chargers versus Raiders are always entertaining games as these two played at the very end of last season in the last game of regular season that decided who was going in as the last wild card in the AFC. Can anybody stop Josh Jacobs who emerged as one of the best running backs in the game right now? Raiders play much better in Vegas. Chargers have been up and down all season. Justin Herert in 5 games versus the Raiders has 13 touchdown passes to one interception. The stat that sticks out to me the most is the Chargers are giving up an average of 5.44 rushing yards per carry this season. Run, Forrest, run. I mean Josh Jacobs.
OUR PICK:RAIDERS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS AT DALLAS COWBOYS
The Jeff Saturday excitement streak is over after that first win versus the Raiders as the Colts are back to their losing ways. Cowboys have been gobbling up quarterbacks with 45 sacks this season. The Colts have given up 43 sacks as Matt Ryan’s days are numbered as the starter in Indianapolis. Dak Prescott has done very well against teams with losing records. Cowboys are chasing the Eagles in the division while the Colts know they can settle in for a good pick in the draft.
OUR PICK: COWBOYS
NEW ORELANS SAINTS AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Saints are too unpredictable to pick them to win this game. It would not surprise me if they did win this game. Saints have played Tom Brady very tough since he arrived in Tampa Bay. The Saints defense have found different ways to create turnovers on Brady as he has 11 turnovers compared to 9 touchdown passes. Saints with a win could still be alive for the division. Buccaneers won the last match up this year in New Orleans. Andy Dalton is his own turnover machine. Saints got blanked last week. Tampa Tom has not been cutting the rug on the dance floor. With a playoff chance, Tom Brady thrives. Buccaneers defense could just do enough for Brady to get one more score than the Saints to win the game.
The first thing you think of when you hear about the city of Memphis is music. The King of Rock-n-Roll, Elvis Presley, made his roots in Memphis. How many musicians were formed on Beale street in Memphis’ downtown? The Memphis music scene had everything from gospel, jazz, & blues to soul and rock-n-roll. Blues legends like B.B King and McKinley Morganfield (Muddy Waters) had roots. Beale Street in Memphis is a music lover’s dream to walk through and go into multiple establishments to listen to talent on the rise and old legends coming back. The town has Sun Records which produced many legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and much more. The locals rave about the BBQ that comes out of Memphis. They are right because the great food is like their music… legendary. Memphis has great history and is also associated with bad history with the assassination of Martin Luther King. The town also loves football, the University of Memphis has a huge following. Why has professional football never taken roots in Memphis? The town has seen many start up leagues that did not last but which locals supported. They missed out on an NFL team in the 1990’s. Are the Tennessee Titans more of a Nashville thing? Professional football returns to Memphis as the USFL have resurrected the Showboats of their original league in the 1980’s.
The Memphis Showboats played two seasons in the original USFL. The Memphis fans packed Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium to watch one of the most feared defensive players of all-time get started as Reggie White, like B.B King & like Elvis, started his professional football career as he killed the quarterback.
White had 11 sacks in his rookie year in the USFL. White was selected to the USFL all rookie team in his first season in a Showboat helmet. White played two seasons in the USFL & then the league folded up shop. White would go on to the NFL and be the king of sacks with 198 when he retired. White’s all-time sack record would be broken by Bruce Smith of the Buffalo Bills. The Showboats played in 1984 and 1985, the very last season of the original USFL. Both seasons the Showboats were led by Head Coach Pepper Rodgers as the team went 7-11 in their first season ever. The Showboats turned things around in season two going 11-7 and made the playoffs. The Showboats won their first ever post-season game by crushing the Denver Gold & then went on to lose to the Oakland Invaders in the next round. The Showboats played 500 balls in two seasons going 18-18 in regular season & then 1-1 in the post-season which comes out to 19-19 over those two season the Showboats played in the USFL.
What if Memphis did get a NFL franchise? In 1993, Memphis entered the NFL expansion sweepstakes trying to land an expansion franchise. They even had a name called the Memphis Hound Dogs… very Elvis like.
In 1993, the Titans were not in Nashville. They were still the Houston Oilers. The Hound Dogs sound better than the Jacksonville Jaguars or Carolina Panthers who were awarded those franchises. In the 1970’s, Memphis had a team in the WFL World Football league where they called themselves Southmen.
Southmen were originally from Toronto as they were called the Northmen. The Canadian government at the time threatened any American football team playing in the CFL. North became South, the WFL would not last very long, and closed up shop for good in 1975 after a total of two seasons.
After the Showboats in the 1980s in the USFL, Memphis were awarded a team in CFL, the Canadian Football league. The Memphis Mad Dogs would only last one season in 1995 in the CFL.
The Liberty Bowl Memorial stadium has had been home to plenty of professional football games. Then in the first ever XFL Memphis had the Maniax in the original 2001 league. That was football mixed with wrestling and a complete disaster of a league which lasted one season.
Most recently in 2018, Memphis had another team in another start up Spring league. In the AAF, the (Alliance of American Football) Memphis team’s name were the Express.
The Express was coached by a former linebacker from the Chicago Bears. Mike Singletary, the hall of fame linebacker who was part of that 1985 Bears who won the Superbowl with that awesome defense, one of the best of all-time. The Express went 2-6 in the lone season of the AAF. The AAF would shut down operations because they ran out of money so no playoffs & no champion was declared. The return of the Showboats maybe could be a permanent fixture in Memphis at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in 2023.
Last year, the USFL had eight teams in their official reboot. The league played all their regular season games in Birmingham, Alabama and the playoffs in Canton, Ohio at the Football Hall of Fame. This year the USFL plans to expand their locations and have more than one hub city to play their regular season games. The city of Memphis will be one of those hub cities. The Showboats will share their home games with the Houston Gamblers while Birmingham will still have their own team. The Stallions and the New Orleans Breakers will play their games there. That is the South conference. The North Conference features the New Jersey Generals, Pittsburgh Maulers, Philadelphia Stars, and Michigan Panthers. The North Conference have not decided where they will have their two hub cities at for their home games. The league will still have 8 teams as the Tampa Bay Bandits who played last year will be on hiatus in 2023 and will return sometime in the future. The Bandits coaching staff and returning players will now be Memphis Showboat property. Which sucks for Memphis inheriting a boob like Todd Haley as your head coach.
The Showboats will have a new look rather than their original one from the 1980’s. The Memphis franchise will be the only team in the USFL that has changed their logo. The rest of the teams have adopted that 1980’s uniform look. I like the old school Showboats logo over the new. The new logo is not horrible. I would love to be playing slots on that boat Porky had in those movies Porky’s.
I have been to Memphis a few times. In the Spring, the weather is perfect. Anything Elvis is worth going to see as his house has tours which was awesome. Plenty of great food. Moonshine in Bloody Mary’s. What a concept like the guy putting the wheels on the cooler. I fell in love with the brewery Ghost River who makes some tasty beers that I fill the trunk up with on the way out of town. It’s that good. History shows the town of Memphis has a football following. This town would be happy to see football in their town every Spring and support their team. Most importantly, everyone is so nice in Tennessee. The locals make you feel at home. This is a good move by the USFL activating the Showboats.
Lions have lost 5 Thanksgiving Day games in a row. Bills finally snapped their two-game losing streak last week at the same bat place, same bat time in Motown. Lions have won three straight and two road games. Bills offense is one of the top in the league as Lions defense is at the bottom of the league. Jared Goff has played error-free football while Josh Allen has constantly made mistakes in the red-zone. Bills defense comes in banged up. I see this game coming down to final ticks. In the end, Bills pulls one out.
OUR PICK: BILLS
NEW YORK GIANTS AT DALLAS COWBOYS
It was just a matter of time when we see this Giants team struggle as the Lions throttled the G-Men last Sunday. Cowboys quickly rebounded and played kick the can all over the yard versus the Vikings. Cowboys have lost three in row on Turkey Day. Cowboys have world domination over the Giants in their last 11 games with a 10-1 record against big blue. Dak Prescott is 9-0 versus the Giants in those 11 contests. Giants like 4 quarters controlling the clock in low scoring affairs while the Cowboys like to start fast & end fast. My gut tells me the Giants’ great start will not last. I expect the tales of two halves as this team is heading for a slippery slope. Cowboys defense will give Daniel Jones a tough day behind center and be able to slow down Saquan Barkley just enough to make them one-dimensional on offense. Cowboys then pull ahead.
OUR PICK: COWBOYS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Patriots’ Bill Belichick’s defense which is no shock, has been putting the kibosh on their opponent’s game plans. Can the Vikings rebound from the beat down by the Cowboys? Can the Patriots’ offense match scores with the Vikings’ high-powered offense? Can Belichick’s defense take out the Vikings’ best offensive player, Justin Jefferson? Viking teams in the past remind me of that Russian fighter in Rocky 4 who looks so dominating. The team looks invincible, but then one punch, the sign of blood, and the entire operation crumbles. Patriots have won 5 straight match-ups versus the Vikings where most of that was from the Tom Brady days. Matthew Judon leads the league in sacks and he make the hit on Kirk Cousins to crumble the feet of the Viking on their own turf.
Patriots continue to keep up with the stacked AFC East.
OUR PICK: PATRIOTS
THE SUNDAY SLATE
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT CLEVELAND BROWNS
What would make this game even filthier is if Deshaun Watson was getting a rub down by Tom Brady’s X Gisele Bundchen.
Watson has to wait another week to get on the field. Last time we saw the Buccaneers, they beat a very good Seattle team in Germany. This will be Jacoby Brissett’s last start most likely for the season with Watson coming out of the doghouse. Does Brissett, former back up for Brady, save his best for last? Browns have only running back Nick Chubb working well for this team. Buccaneers can counter with a healthy X-Bear, Aikiem Hicks. The Browns defense has checked out several weeks ago. Brissett is unable to sling the football all over the field without costing his team with a turnover. Buccaneers have slowly turned things around and are rested.
OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT TENNESSEE TITANS
This looks like the game of the week with two heavy weights squaring off in the AFC. The Bengals and Titans rematch of last season’s playoff game had Cincinnati beating Tennessee in the Divisional round in Nashville. Titans have won 7-8 of their last games. The Bengals have won 4-5 games. The Bengals are expecting their stud receiver J’aMarr Chase back. The Titans passing game has come alive with rookie wide receiver Treylon Burks getting his first 100 yard receiving game under his belt versus the Packers. Both teams feature the league’s best in running back Joe Mixon versus Derrick Henry. Titans defense is one of the top units versus the run. Bengals defense has the knack of getting to the quarterback. I think whether the Titans can get to Joe Burrow with that Bengal shaky offensive line is the key to this match up. Titans find a way to win a close one and continue to chase down the number one seed overall in the AFC.
OUR PICK: TITANS
HOUSTON TEXANS AT MIAMI DOLPHINS
This contest is not even fair. Dolphins are well rested from their bye week. The Texans benching their starting quarterback Davis Mills. How do the Texans slow down this Dolphins attack? Lovie Smith is in over his head taking on this job to be head coach of the Texans. Smith does not have the horses in his stable to run his style of defense. Dolphins will tee off on the Texans’ backup quarterback. What a shock over Lovie Smith’s career. He has no answer for his own starting quarterback. Dolphins manhandle this Texans team.
OUR PICK: DOLPHINS
CHICAGO BEARS AT NEW YORK JETS
This game has too many questions at the most important position on the field. For the Bears, is Justin Fields going to play as he suffered a shoulder injury late in the game versus the Falcons? If back up Trevor Siemian has to go for the Bears with that offensive line versus the Jets, top ten defense crime experts will be sorting out a homicide on the field. The Jets have benched their starting quarterback Zack Wilson for not being a man to take responsibility of his own bad play. Instead of the great Joe Flacco, the Jets are rolling out Mike White behind center. White has played well for these Jets in the past and should be able to generate offense against a bad Bears defense. If Justin Fields does play, he has not shown me he can step on the throat of the opposing team’s neck and FINISH THEM!!!
The Bears have had leads late against a few of these bad teams in the NFL, and Fields has not been clutch at the end.
OUR PICK: JETS
ATLANTA FALCONS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
This should be a fun game to watch. Both the Commanders and the Falcons need this game to keep up in the NFC playoff chase. Taylor Heinicke is 4-1 behind center after taking over the job for the injured Carson Wentz. The Commanders even gave Heinicke the starting nod the rest of the way. The Falcons can run the ball with a three headed monster in the back field and the legs of their quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Commanders defense has done a respectable job versus the run holding opponents to 68.8 yards per game the last 5 games. I think Heinicke can operate some nice scoring drives versus a suspect Falcons defense who have hard time defending the pass. River Boat Ron Rivera looking for his 100th win as a head coach.
This game will be well fought all the way to the end. I like Washington winning it at the very end.
OUR PICK: COMMANDERS
DENVER BRONCOS AT CAROLINA PANTHERS
The summary of this matchup is the struggle of play behind center. Russell Wilson has not played like a Superstar, he once was in Seattle. John Elway moves at the quarterback position continuing to turn to stone. Then the Panthers are going to give the third stooge a shot behind center.
We’ve already seen Moe (Baker Mayfield), then Larry (P.J Walker), and now the Panthers are bringing in another Shemp in Sam Darnold who once again is healthy. Darnold had 9 touchdown passes in 11 starts last season. In Darnold’s absence, the team has generated 9 touchdown passes in 11 games. Broncos have had the same problems with running back as the cut Melvin Gordon while Chase Edmonds heads for IR. Broncos are now going with Latavious Murray X Saint & Raider to carry the full load. This game will be a defensive struggle. I give the Broncos defense the nod over the Panthers defense which will be the game decider.
OUR PICK: BRONCOS
BALTIMORE RAVENS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Ravens offense struggled in a win over the Panthers last Sunday. The Jaguars are in their usual line for a top draft pick in 2023. The Ravens defense has been smothering out the opponent’s running game which will make Trevor Lawrence one dimensional. If Lawrence has to win this game only with his arm, it will favor the Ravens. Lamar Jackson gets his security blanket back at the tight end position, Mark Andrews, which will help get this offense some more juice.
OUR PICK: RAVENS
LA CHARGERS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS
Someone sound the air raid sirens because this game will have an aerial attack as bombs will be flying. What schedule makers thought this game may have been like this? Arizona’s Quarterback Kyler Murray has missed the last two games but may be slated to return versus this Chargers team. Meanwhile Justin Herbert has had six straight games without a 300-yard passing game. Herbert had all his weapons on hand last week. Mike Williams may be missing this game as his return did not last long. Both teams in ways have been disappointing. Chargers on paper had a great defense coming into the season, but an injury bug put the halt to that dream. Cardinals defense is MIA as well. James Connor last year was stud in the Cardinals back field as he’s taken a few steps backwards with his play. Chargers have more on the line, as they are still in the hunt for the playoffs. Cardinals may really need a new plan which may be moving on from Murray.
OUR PICK: CHARGERS
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Do you remember when the Seahawks were in the AFC West? Some memorable games between these two teams.
Raiders did sweep the Broncos last week but have been a general disappointment all season. Seattle fell off the rails in Germany as they were tossing their salad and scrambled eggs versus the Buccaneers in Germany. Raiders have committed the fewest turnovers but can’t force a turnover as they are lowest in that category. Seahawks are 3-1 at home. Look for Seahawks running back Ken Walker III, who leads all rookies with seven touchdowns. That is the most rushing touchdowns by a Seattle rookie running back since the other Curt Warner had 13 in his first season with the Seahawks.
I like Seattle rebounding at home versus a team that has played poorly on the road in the Raiders.
OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS
LA RAMS AT KANSAS CHIEFS
The Rams may be the worst team ever following a Superbowl victory. Chiefs are still playing like the cream of the crop of the AFC. Rams starting quarterback has had another setback with another concussion. Matthew Stafford just returned from a previous concussion last week. Stafford will lose his marbles by the end of the season. Rams cut ties with their starting running back. Patrick Mahomes is all warm, primed, and limber looking for another MVP season. I just can’t see the Rams stopping the Chiefs or even generating enough offense to keep up with Mahomes and company.
OUR PICK: CHIEFS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Every week my biggest question is what Saints team will you get? The 49ers are playing like they will be at some point the best team in the NFC. Andy Dalton has never played a game in San Francisco as he’s facing a defense that has not allowed any second half points in the last three games. Saints average 12.8 points in the second half which is one of the tops in the league as they scored 17 off the sorry arse Rams last week. Christian McCaffrey is no stranger to the Saints defense as he has had their number playing them twice a year in a Panther’s uniform as he ran for 100 in a game earlier this season. Jimmy Garoppolo has been playing like an all-star not turning over the ball, while Andy Dalton is always prone to make a mistake or two each game.
OUR PICK: 49ERS
THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME
GREEN BAY PACKERS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Poor Aaron Rodgers is letting the world knows his struggles has come from a thumb injury he injured early in the season. The Eagles rebounded from the loss to the Commanders with an ugly win over the Colts. Packers have played better lately, but I just can’t see them going to Philadelphia like they did to Dallas and winning another tough road game. I think Philadelphia will play a clean crisp game on Sunday night. I still think the Packers are mostly going through the emotions. I think the Packers locker room is scarred and changes, big ones, are on the horizon next year. Eagles will put in one of the final nails in the Rodgers coffin.
OUR PICK: EAGLES
THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME
PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Colts versus Steelers is usually a big-time game; two talented teams squaring off in the AFC the last few decades. The script has changed as Steelers are developing a rookie quarterback and will miss the playoffs. Colts have gone through their own turmoil with the changing of the head coach. Steelers gave the Bengals, last Sunday, a run for their money. While the Colts blew a game versus the Eagles as they had the lead late in that contest. Colts have played like they have been reborn with a pulse since the change. They are 1-1 and Jonathan Taylor has found his game. Steelers have T.J Watt who is maybe the best defensive player on the planet right now. Colts defense has played better recently. I hate making the Colts owner look intelligent. I think Colts find a way and win a close tight battle on Monday night.
Marian Hossa may be one of the best free agents signed in the entire Chicago sports landscape history. Hossa would be the final piece of the Blackhawks recent dynasty that captured three Stanley Cups. Last Sunday, the Blackhawks organization retired Hossa’s number, 81, and raised it into the rafters at the United Center. Hossa becomes only the 8th player in Blackhawks history to have his number retired. Technically it’s only the 7th number retired by the team. Two players wore the number 3, Pierre Pilote, and Keith Magnuson. The other greats who wore the Indian-head sweater who have their numbers retired, feature goalies (#1) Glen Hall, (#35) Tony Esposito. The other greats on this list feature include (#9) Bobby Hull, (#18) Denis Savard, and (#21) Stan Mikita. You would think the Blackhawks would have had more numbers retired for being around for 100 years. Hossa made an instant impact for probably the best decade of Blackhawks’ hockey in their franchise history ever. You have to believe more players to come from that main core who skated in all three cup finals, will have their numbers hung up in the rafters as well.
Marian Hossa arrived in Chicago for the 2009-10 season after his lone season in Detroit. Hossa brought plenty of playoff experience to a younger team that made some noise in the playoffs a year before his arrival. Adding a veteran all-star that can control the puck and score goals with up and coming stars like Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews was genius-like. The Blackhawks brass over the years do not check all the boxes in that category. Hossa would score 24 goals and dish out 27 assists in his first year wearing the Indian head sweater. Hossa did not need to be the man. The young guys watched and learned how Hossa prepared himself for the grind of hockey season and still was able to be counter-productive in the playoffs. Hossa was one of the guys Kane watched and admired growing up in Buffalo as a young fan of the game. The Blackhawks added a player that was well-rounded on both sides of the ice: offensive and defensive. Hossa would be able to poke the puck away from the opposition and skate down the ice controlling the puck with defenders practically draped on him and still be able to get the biscuit in the basket.
Marion Hossa, a native out of Czechoslovakia, was elected into the Hockey Hall of Fame last November. In 19 seasons, Hossa played 8 with the Blackhawks as he was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in 1997, 12th overall. Hossa would wear the Atlanta Thrashers jersey when hockey was in hot-lanta. Hossa then skated with the Penguins and the Red Wings. Hossa is the only player to play in three straight Stanley Cups wearing a different uniform each of those seasons. Before arriving in Chicago, Hossa was on the losing end of a Penguins’ Stanley Cup final as he also had the same outcome in Detroit. Hossa has played in 5 Stanley Cup finals where he has a 3-2 edge on the winning side. Hossa was 5 time All-star in his NHL career. Hossa played in 1,309 regular season games in his career as tallied up 525 goals while dishing out 609 assists which adds up to 1,134 career points. That’s not counting the 205 playoff games the right winger skated in. Hossa had 52 career playoff goals with 97 assists in the post-season. Hossa tallied 30 goals in a season in 8 of those 19 seasons he played in. Hossa reached the 40 goals mark in 3 NHL seasons. In a Blackhawks uniform he played in 534 games as he scored 186 goals which is good for number 27th all-time in team history. Hossa had 229 assists as he racked up 415 points. It was not the numbers Hossa put up that has his jersey up high in the rafters. It was the intangibles that he brought to the ice every night. The preparation, the little things that helped this team win three cups. Hossa’s presence gave teams another superstar to worry about on the ice. Hossa was a team guy which other players admired and it caught on in the locker room. The Blackhawks played like a well-oiled machine during that dynasty.
Marion Hossa may have had a few more years in him, but it was a progressive skin discoloration that made him hang up the skates for good after the 2016-17 season. It seemed like after that the Blackhawks have been sliding down the big slide in that game of Chutes and Ladders and finding themselves going about things their old ways. The old ways where they were as low as the LA Clippers in sports franchises out of the 4 main sports that were poorly ran by their owner ships. Right now the Blackhawks need stories like this as they were involved with the cover up of a sexual predator that walked free in the organization as they turned a blind eye on things and the team is still trying to dig themselves out of that gigantic hole. I remember other free agents that helped their team get over the humps in the Chicago sports landscape. Even though the Bulls could have won without him, I think Dennis Rodman helped the Bulls win that second three-peat with his rebounding and defense doing the little things. Blackhawks probably could have won a cup without Hossa. Maybe not though. The Cubs’ Jon Lester was a big free agent getting other players to town and his pitching help beat the goat curse in 2016 winning it all. Then in 2005, White Sox signed A.J Pierzynski, another guy that did the dirty work like Rodman and Hossa. White Sox would go on to win the World Series in his first season in a White Sox uniform. The number 81 fans are more accustomed to seeing a football jersey being retired. Players in all sports are picking higher numbers because they don’t really have any history yet. Hossa will be the only player ever to wear number 81 in the Blackhawks franchise, as he was the first and last. We will have to get used to it because I’m sure number 88 will be retired as soon as Patrick Kane hangs up his skates. Hossa is 43 years old and he has his own book out that could be an interesting read. Hossa might have a job with the Blackhawks at some point as talks are rumored to be kicking the tires around on the idea. Blackhawks would eventually lose the game to the visiting Penguins on Sunday. However, the video montage of Marion Hossa and all the former players in town to see 81 get his number raised into rafters was exciting and brought back many great memories. Well deserved. At least one night the United Center was not haunted by dark clouds hovering over the stadium that follow this franchise on a daily basis.
This game is a total mind fuck. Pardon my French!!! Titans started off slowly but have been steam rolling the competition using their iron horse Derek Henry. Packers defense has problems stopping the run. The Titans defense have done well versus the run which stops the Packers best weapon Aaron “not Rodgers” in Jones. However, Aaron Rodgers was impressive in that comeback last Sunday versus the Cowboys. Packers are at home. I’m going to hate myself in the morning going with the cheese heads as they start to turn things around.
OUR PICK: PACKERS
THE SUNDAY SLATE
CHICAGO BEARS AT ATLANTA FALCONS
Are you kidding me with these match ups? I feel like the old lady from those old Wendy’s commercials saying….
Instead of beef, where is the defense? Falcons have done a better job than the Bears stopping the run. Which team has been able to stop Justin Fields as he is making a run at the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in one season? Fields has been able to get big chunk play touchdowns as well. Both teams don’t have the killer instinct to finish games. Does former Bear running back, now Falcons Swiss Army knife, Cordarelle Patterson have a beef with his old team? Bears offense has been averaging 30 points per game in the last several weeks while the Falcons offense has slown down in recent weeks. Can Fields chuck the ball down field to exploit the Falcons’ weakness, their passing defense. Bears beat themselves last week. I like them turning things around this week winning a close one for a change.
OUR PICK: BEARS
CLEVELAND BROWNS AT BUFFALO BILLS (IN DETROIT)
For the Buffalo Bills, you have to use the saying awaken the sleeping Giant. Bills have lost two in a row. Last week they shot themselves in the foot more than once to finish the purple pansies from Minnesota. Then to be removed from your bed at home due to the snowstorm to go to Detroit and stay there for two games because you play the Lions on Thanksgiving Day.
Browns are built for Deshaun Watson. Jacoby Brissett will not win you any high scoring affairs. Browns defense has been terrible most of the year. Bills get back in the win column.
OUR PICK: BILLS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
The Raiders are the only team that would give your team a win when everything was in such a disarray for the Colts. Jeff Saturday looked to play the part as he been here done that as a head coach winning in his first game. The Eagles’ perfect season came to an end by the Commanders. Jonathan Taylor looks like his old self running the ball. This game could be a grinder. I like the Eagles soaring at the end in a close one as they clean up their mistakes from that game versus Washington.
OUR PICK: EAGLES
NEW YORK JETS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
In the last meeting between the Jets and Patriots, I chose New York. Patriots won. Both teams have played solid football most of the year. Bill Belichick’s defense has the hex over Zach Wilson. Wilson has played much better since the last meeting. Wilson is 0-3 versus the Patriots with two touchdown passes and count them… 7 interceptions. This is like an Aaron Rodgers owning the Bears kind of deal going. Belichick and Tom Brady did this to the Bills for over a decade. Wilson will not find the cheese in the rat trap Belichick’s going to set up.
OUR PICK: EVIL EMPIRE (PATRIOTS)
LA RAMS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Rams and the Saints may be on top of the list of disappointing teams in the 2022 season. Both teams desperately need a win. Can the league just award both teams with a tie? The Saints are allowing 131 yards per game on the ground. Rams will need to run the ball because they will be without Cooper Kupp, their best playmaker on offense. Matthew Stafford returns from a concussion. Saints have lost 4 out of their last 5 games with a win coming off the Raiders which means nothing now. No Sean McVay and teams have lost 4 games in a row. Saints are 0-6 in November going back to last season. Saints make too many mistakes to go down the same rabbit hole.
OUR PICK: RAMS
DETROIT LIONS AT NEW YORK GIANTS
Giants have piled up victories playing most of the league’s bottom feeders. Lions head coach Dan Campbell earned his first ever road victory versus the Bears. Lions may have the beer guy playing receiver as that position took a hit last week in Chicago. I think the Lions will play a close game with the G-Men. That is right up New York’s alley playing a tight game all the way through and coming out at the end with the victory. Can’t see Lions winning back-to-back road games as it took so long for Campbell to get that first one.
OUR PICK: GIANTS
CAROLINA PANTHERS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS
I don’t see the Panthers being able to win this game in Baltimore. Panthers are a team that can surprise you at times. Panthers won last week versus the Falcons, a team closer to their level. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is 14-1 versus NFC opponents. Head Coach John Harbaugh has an 11-3 record coming off the bye week. The Ravens’ last game they played was against Tom Brady’s Buccaneers which resulted in a win. Ravens have won three in row and should have no problem making it 4 beating up on the Panthers for 4 quarters.
OUR PICK: RAVENS
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS AT HOUSTON TEXANS
The Commanders’ brain trust came to the conclusion that Taylor Heinicke is QB 1. Heinicke led the Commanders to a victory over the undefeated Eagles. In Houston, Davis Mills showed some flashes in his second year as QB 1, but he has gone back to his old ways riding the struggle bus. Lovie Smith’s defense is getting gashed by the opponents’ running game. Commanders defense is playing well. I like Washington getting over the 500 mark with a 6-5 record after this road victory.
OUR PICK: COMMANDERS
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT DENVER BRONCOS
Remember in the beginning of the season where everyone was trying to figure out what one team of the AFC West will not make the playoffs? The Chiefs could be the only lucky duck out of the West. Maybe the Chargers. Broncos and Raiders have been a flaming heap of garbage. Raiders won the first meeting between these two teams. Who scores more points, is my question? Raiders have DeVante Adams and Josh Jacobs on offense that can put something on the board. Russell Wilson’s Broncos offense looks pathetic. I think Josh Daniels as head coach has one team in this league he can beat more than once. It’s his former team he ran, the Broncos.
OUR PICK: RAIDERS
DALLAS COWBOYS AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Can Dak Prescott beat a team like the Vikings that has a winning record and is tops in the NFC? For the Vikings, the pressure is on Kirk Cousins. Can Cousins win the big game in the big-time spotlight as all Cowboy games seem like the game of the week. Cowboys crumbled in the second half versus a bad Packer team last Sunday. Aaron Rodgers has done that to many teams. The Vikings made yet another comeback last Sunday on the road in Buffalo. The Bills could have ended the Vikings in regulation and in OT, but it did not happen. I see the same trend going down in the NFC. The Eagles got their bubble popped by the Commanders. I think the Cowboys need a win more than the Vikings. They’ll play a complete game on the road, pop the Vikings’ bubble, and bring them back down to earth. Should be a close one.
OUR PICK: COWBOYS
CINCINNATI BENGALS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Bengals need a victory to keep up with the Ravens for the division. Steelers have T.J Watt back from an injury that is helping this team get a victory over the Saints. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been sacked the second most in the NFL this season. Steelers’ Kenny Pickett is still developing in his first season in the NFL. The Steelers can’t match the Bengals in points. Bengals have too many weapons for the Steelers defense to contain in a full game without help from their offense.
OUR PICK: BENGALS
THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT LA CHARGERS
Patrick Mahomes is 7-2 versus the Chargers in his career. Mahomes has completed 63% of his passes versus the Chargers defense in his career with 18 touchdowns to only 5 interceptions. Chargers are ailing. Another week without Joey Bosa. The Chargers defense looked great on paper coming into the 2022 season. Justin Herbert could be without his top receiving threats. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen are game time decisions. First match up earlier this season was a close game as Chiefs won. I like the Chiefs in this one. Chiefs on the road have been blowing teams out of the water.
OUR PICK: CHIEFS
THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (IN MEXICO)
Cardinals are too unpredictable this season. The 49ers have done very well on primetime games this season. I can see the 49ers getting the bigger following in Mexico over the Cardinals, which could feel like a home game for San Francisco. The 49ers defense has played like one of the best units in the league. While the Cardinals defense teams has been giving up points. Kyler Murray is ailing for the Cardinals and could be a game time decision. Jimmy Garoppolo has been playing his best football this year.
The Wild shamrock 