LAST WEEK’S RECORD:(8-5)

FRIDAY RECORD:(1-1)

THURSDAY RECORD:(10-6)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:(11-5)

SEASON RECORD:(134-74)

NFL WEEK 15 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

LA RAMS(7-6) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS(6-7)

Last week the Rams put up 44 points on the Buffalo Bills defense. While the 49ers demolished the Chicago Bears and they put up 38 points on the ole score board. This is a division battle between the 49ers and Rams and watch all the offense in this one be thrown out the window and this game turns into a defensive stalemate. The 49ers have a ton of injuries, but they have a deep roster and have guys on both sides of the football that can beat you. The Rams have not strung together many victories this season. Win one, lose one, has been the Rams pattern. The 49ers have not done well in the NFC West. I think this changes on a short week the 49ers put brakes on this Matthew Stafford aerial outburst and Brock Purdy engineers a few key drives and win this low scoring affair as the 49ers are not dead yet on their return to the post-season.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

DALLAS COWBOYS(5-8) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS(3-10)

The Cowboys blew a chance to have won their third straight game with a punt play gone wrong versus the Bengals on Monday night. This game is the first time the Carolina Panthers have been favored to win since 2022 in a game versus the Steelers. That is a streak of 34 consecutive games as you Cowboys fans must be feeling pretty good, because you have sank lower than Carolina. These are the two worst rushing defenses in the league, so I expect each team to have a good day running the football. The Panthers have lost 3 straight games, but Bryce Young has been playing like a number one drafted quarterback. He has had this Panthers team on the brink of winning the last 3 games. The Panthers suffered two of those three loses in overtime. I like the Cowboys defense who are healthier at this point of the season and did well keeping the Bengals under 30 points last week which could have been 20 if not for that punt play. Cooper Rush is emerging as one of the better options as a back up QB in the league. He has weapons. He will use them to squeak by the Panthers on the road. Bryce Young will figure out how to avoid the biggest slide in the game of chutes and ladders at some point.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS(12-1) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS(3-10)

I feel like the Crab Man Jameis Winston has that hunter mentality to hunt the biggest bucks when he plays quarterback. Winston has beaten the Steelers and the Ravens since taking over as starting QB for the injured sex offender, Deshaun Watson. His bucks had been Russell Wilson and Lamar Jackson. Could he add a Patrick Mahomes on the cabin wall? The Chiefs have won three straight since taking that loss to the Bills. The Chiefs have won most of their games by one score or even less than 3 points. The last three wins posted by the Chiefs, two of them were low scoring affairs against teams in the division like the Raiders and Chargers. The Chiefs survived a scare from the Panthers in overtime as well. The Chiefs seem to get the call in most of these games and prevail with the lucky breaks. The Browns are thinking vacation plans as the Chiefs will get another break to prevail and Winston is also very good at serving up the football which he did to the Broncos the last time the Browns played an AFC West team.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS(8-5) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS(5-8)

The picture above looks like Derek Carr’s little brother. That is Jack Haener, rookie QB from Fresno State University, and he will be the Saints starting QB in week 15. Carr is out from the concussion and hurt his wrist from the fall he took trying to leap for the first down last week versus the Giants. It will be a homecoming for Marshon Lattimore suiting up for his first game as a Commander. He was traded by the Saints to Washington at the trade deadline, got injured, and now looks to have the last laugh versus his former team. Haener has thrown one touchdown pass along with 177 passing yards this season coming off the bench. He will be making his first start in the NFL. The Saints elected to go with Jack over Spencer Rattler who is 0-3 in starts when Carr was out earlier in the season. The Saints have not done well with games Carr has missed. The Commanders have gotten back in the win column after a bad stretch of their season took place against good teams. Darren Rizzi is 3-1 as the Saints interim coach. I like Jayden Daniels to have a monster game against a banged up Saints team in general.

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

NEW YORK JETS(3-10) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS(3-10)

What’s new to bitch about if you are the Jets quarterback named Aaron Rodgers? The Jets have lost 4 straight games and have been eliminated from the playoffs. The Jaguars offense erupted with ten points last week which was enough to down the Titans. Mac Jones now is 1-4 as a starter for Jacksonville and still has not thrown a touchdown pass as he has 8 interceptions. Who really wants to watch this game if you are either fan base? I guess I would want to continue to see the Jets lose with Rodgers as the QB. I think the Jets win this game. Rodgers will have a big game versus this bad Jaguars defense. Who really cares? I think it’s time to pull the plug on Rodgers’ career in general. The Jets should be seeing what they have behind the booby prize in Rodgers. Wow, you beat Mac Jones. Maybe Rodgers will say he owns the Jags after this rare win in the dark green and white uniforms.

OUR PICK: JETS

BALTIMORE RAVENS(8-5) AT NEW YORK GIANTS(2-11)

Brian Daboll looked like a great hire by the Giants a few seasons ago. Daboll found magic in season one playing a weak schedule and got great production out his quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley. Now the Giants have to rely on Drew Lock or Tommy DeVito to take advantage of the Ravens 32nd ranked pass defense. The Ravens had a bye week and come in fresh. The Giants should have won against the Saints last week. The football gods are against Daboll and this Giants team. The Ravens will rack up points with Lamar Jackson and the big man behind him, Derrick Henry, on whatever the Giants have left on this defense that has fallen to injuries mounting up. No way Lock and Devito will match what ever points the Ravens offense generate. Daboll’s rear end just got hotter. As he will be back to calling the offense in another city another team.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS(3-10) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS(6-7)

Only three weeks ago, the Arizona Cardinals were on top of the NFC West and looking like they were heading to the post-season. Since then they have lost three straight games, two of them were to the archrival Seahawks. Now the Cardinals find themselves one game under 500. It’s a perfect time to welcome the Patriots to the desert. The Patriots have lost three straight games as well. New England is just all about developing their rookie QB in Drake Maye. The Cardinals should be licking their chops as Patriots will serve as life preserver and get Arizona back in the win column and back to the 500 mark. The Cardinals dormant offense should be able to convert in the red zone where they have struggled over the past three weeks getting field goals instead of touchdowns. Look for Kyler Murray to have a big game.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS(6-7) AT DENVER BRONCOS(8-5)

The Colts have been hovering around the 500 mark most of this season. The Broncos will be a tall task for this Colts team to achieve this goal on Sunday.The Broncos are rested up coming off a bye week and have played very well. The Colts should be jealous seeing Bo Nix develop in his rookie year as he looks like the cream of the crop of QB’s selected in the first round in April. The Colts quarterback has raw talent Indianapolis is trying to develop as he was taken in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft. Antony Richardson has had moments but is dead last in the NFL with the lowest completions percentage. He is only completing 47.4% of his passes. That will not work against this Denver defense. Bo Nix and the Broncos offense should have a field day versus a bad Colts defensive unit. This one is an easy pick as Denver is at home. Maybe they should call this one the Peyton Manning bowl as the legendary QB won a Superbowl with both franchises.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

MIAMI DOLPHINS(6-7) AT HOUSTON TEXANS(8-5)

Can the Dolphins beat a winning team and even their record at 7-7 at the same time? The Texans was that sexy pick in the off-season that Houston would be rolling to the Superbowl with CJ Stroud bettering himself in his second year after a great rookie season. The Texans are rested and can feast off the Dolphins defense which has not been able to stop anybody. Tua Tagovailoa is seeing the field well like a batter in baseball seeing the ball come down the plate like meatballs. Tua has had a nice streak of completing 70% of his passes in the last several games. The Dolphins avoided disaster last week escaping the bad Jets team in overtime. The Texans have a defense that fares better than what the Dolphins have. The Dolphins are fish out of water when they play winning teams and Stroud could redeem his lackluster season by playing over his head in this one and pump confidence into this Houston team. The Dolphins’ playoff hopes are crushed as Houston becomes their problem.

OUR PICK: TEXANS

CINCINNATI BENGALS(5-8) AT TENNESSEE TITANS(3-10)

You have to go back to the 1980’s Houston Oilers days when this franchise had three straight seasons of 10 or more losses. Remember the Oilers moved from Houston to Tennessee and they became the Titans. The Titans lost an ugly one to Mac Jones and the Jaguars to get the hat trick of 10 or more losses in three seasons. The Oilers did the same thing from 1983-86 where they suffered double figure losses in a row like that. The Titans and Bengals never listen to me when I pick them to win. The Titans may need a new future quarterback as Will Levis looked promising last year. This year he has played like hot garbage. Joe Burrow and that Bengals offense will score points that Levis will not be able to match.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS(7-6) AT LA CHARGERS(8-5)

Can Baker Mayfield prevail against the Chargers stout defense? That is the million dollar question. The Chargers have not lost back to back games since week 3 & 4. Last week the Chargers lost another close one to the Chiefs in Kansas City. Meanwhile the Buccaneers have been plowing through teams on their three game win streak and have taken over first place in the NFC South. The Chargers still have not beaten a top notch team as they have been benefiting from a easy schedule. The Chargers will have their hands full with the Buccaneers’ well-balanced attack as they have averaged 150 yards or more on the ground. That is what I mean about plowing through their opponents. Then you have Baker Mayfield who is just slinging the football all over the field. Justin Herbert and that Chargers offense are not meant for shoot outs like the old days. This will be a close game, but at the end Tampa Bay prevails because Jim Harbaugh’s team has not beaten a good team this season.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS(10-3) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES(11-2)

The battle of Pennsylvania this go around features some heavy weights in the NFL world with these Steelers and Eagles. The Eagles have won 9 straight games. The Steelers have resurrected the Seattle version of Russell Wilson, and Pittsburgh can score points unlike some of their teams in the last few seasons. The concern I have is the Steelers defense has given up a ton of points in the last several weeks. You have to give the Eagles the credit they deserve with the better defense in this one. The Eagles offense is a well-balanced attack especially adding Saquon Barkley to the mix who is in the conversation for MVP this season. How do you beat this Eagles team? I like Jalen Hurts having the better day than Wilson. I think Barkley can do his damage catching or running the football on a Steelers defense that has played like the shower curtain than their normal steel curtain units of the past. The Eagles are at home. The Steelers have lost ten straight road games against the Eagles which dates back to 1965. Wilson will make a mistake or two that seals this one in a close battle for the Eagles.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

BUFFALO BILLS(10-3) AT DETROIT LIONS(12-1)

Could this heavyweight match-up be a preview of the Superbowl in February? The Lions have won 11 straight and they need this game as do the Bills. The Lions have the Vikings in their rearview mirror in the division. The Lions also have the Eagles on their tail for the number one seed. The Bills defense did not show up last week versus the Rams. When Josh Allen and that Bills offense scorch the Rams defense with 42 points or any team, Buffalo should easily win those games. The Bills were right on the Chiefs’ tail for the number one seed, but with the loss they have to be concerned with the Steelers for the number two seed in the AFC. The Bills have already clinched their division but need to rebound or else they could be finding themselves sliding down the stripper pole, but not in a good way. The Lions are tough at home. The Lions can run the football down the Bills throat with their two-headed monster at the running back position Detroit has. I know the Bills can score points off this Detroit defense. The Lions are favored in this one. I like redemption in this game. I like the Bills defense that were roasted last week by the Rams. They will make a statement in this one. Like the BIlls winning streak came to an end, the Lions will come to an end on Sunday.

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

GREEN BAY PACKERS(9-4) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS(8-5)

The Seattle Seahawks have been on fire for the last month as they have won 4 straight games which two of those came from the division rival Cardinals. The Packers lost yet another tough game to the first place Lions in a NFC North battle that took place last Thursday night. Will Jordan Love hurt his team with a turnover as Seattle has done well getting interceptions and running them back for scores. The Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been hard to handle the last few weeks as he has piled up 7 rushing touchdowns the last three weeks. Seattle is only 3-4 at home this season. It’s not like the 12th man anymore where it was hard for visiting teams to escape Seattle with a victory. This will be an interesting match up as both teams play some good sound defense and have an offense that can score points. I like Green Bay winning this one as they have rebounded rather quickly from losses all year. Jordan Love will out duel Geno Smith and Packers will remain in the hunt in the NFC North.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

TWO MONDAY NIGHT GAMES

CHICAGO BEARS(4-9) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS(11-2)

I would be a fool to pick the Bears in this one. The Bears and Vikings last met in Chicago and it ended in overtime as Minnesota won. The Bears fired their head coach and now they can’t play defense as they were smoked by the 49ers who lead the league in injuries. Sam Darnold bombarded the Falcons with an aerial attack where you wonder if the Vikings sold his soul to the devil playing this well, a former Jets washout. The Bears have had problems scoring points in the first half the last few games. The Bears offense had 4 stinking yards in the first half last week. The Vikings will build a nice lead in the first half. The Bears offense will wake up in the second half, try to come back, and fall short. The Bears have lost their last seven games. They are 0-6 on the road. I have to go with the purple people eaters in this one or else you’d think we lost our cotton-picking minds over here drinking the tainted Kool-Aid.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

ATLANTA FALCONS(6-7) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS(2-11)

Here we go with another revenge game, this time former Falcon QB Desmond Ridder getting the start for the Raiders. The Falcons have shit the bed their last 4 games with all losses. The Raiders have shit the season away as their QB issues are a glaring problem with injuries and performance. The Raiders have lost nine straight games. Captain Kirk Cousins’ days looked numbered as he has thrown 15 interceptions which a shit ton of them came in the last 4 losses. The Falcons were once perched on top of the NFC South looking pretty, but now have seen the Buccaneers take control as they won three straight games. The Falcons should win this one or they should be kicked out of the league. The Falcons remaining schedule plays out very easy and this is a game they need to break this losing streak. Atlanta could easily string a couple wins together and take back the division. I don’t have faith in Ridder to rub salt in the wounds of his former team. If he did win this game, the Falcons goose would be cooked. The pressure will be on Captain Kirk. The Raiders are a team he needs to get better himself and get that confidence back.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

LAST WEEK’S RECORD:(12-4)

THURSDAY’S SEASON RECORD:(9-6)

FRIDAY’S SEASON RECORD:(1-1)

MONDAY NIGHT GAMES RECORD:(11-4)

SEASON RECORD:(126-69)

NFL WEEK 14 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

GREEN BAY PACKERS(8-4) AT DETROIT LIONS(11-1)

NFL Week 14 starts the week Thursday off with the clash of the Titans in the NFC North. The Packers and Lions met weeks ago and Detroit squeaked by. Now the Packers are visiting Motor City which should be another game that is decided at the wire. The Lions have been the hottest team in the NFL winning ten straight games. The Lions started the year 1-1 and now have won 10 games in a row. The Packers and Lions have an offense that could match each other in score all night long. Each offense run a balanced attack with running the football and making big pass plays. You can say the Lions and Packers defense are about eye to eye. I have to go with Jared Goff over Jordan Love because Goff takes care of the football better than Love. I like the Lions at home in a close affair. If Lions win and they play the Packers in the playoffs, I may go Green Bay in that contest because it’s very hard to beat a team three times in one season.

OUR PICK: LIONS

NEW YORK JETS(3-9) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS(5-7)

It is time to pull the plug on Aaron Rodgers in New York. The Jets blew a 14 point lead last Sunday to the Seahawks and now have accomplished yet another losing season. The Dolphins were ice cubes in Green Bay on Thanksgiving night. When the Dolphins play a winning team, they are fish out of the water. Rodgers has single handily ruined this Jets team that showed a young promising defense the last few seasons. Now you can’t even hang your hat on that. Rodgers now has had 34 consecutive starts where he has thrown fewer than 300 yards in passing. I think the X-Green Bay QB should hang up the spikes for good. Who is going to want him next season? The Dolphins playoff hopes are still alive even though their chances are slim. The fins will be motivated and being at home feasting on a bad team is their jam. Let’s face the facts the Jets are the walking dead on the field. Someone check the time before the series of beeps.

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

ATLANTA FALCONS(6-6) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS(10-2)

Captain Kirk Cousins returns to his ole stomping grounds in Minnesota. The Vikings are getting along fine without Cousins as they have won 5 straight. The Falcons really need this game in a bad way as they have lost three straight games. The 185 million the Falcons shelled out for Cousins has not paid off lately as he has six interceptions zero touchdown passes in the last six games. You have to go back to Brian Hoyer being the last QB to have that kind of slide when he played for the Browns back in 2014. The Falcons have swept the Buccaneers in both games this season. Tampa Bay has found life winning their last two games and pulled even with a 6-6 record. The pressure is on the shoulders of Cousins who could be motivated using this Sunday as a revenge game. The Vikings defense is sick this season, with that pressure the mind set of Cousins is going to feel like a pressure cooker. I think the Vikings have been really lucky this season winning all these close games like they have. The Falcons are backed in the corner and I have a feeling this team will play like their life depends on the outcome of this match up. Cousins will right the Falcons ship and have one of his better games this season to keep Atlanta perched at the top of the NFC South standings.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

CAROLINA PANTHERS(3-9) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES(10-2)

If you are a Panthers fan you have to be feeling better about Bryce Young who looked like he was going to be the next Ryan Leaf. A bust. The Eagles may be the best team in the NFC. You can also say the Lions are the best. The Eagles should not downplay the Panthers in this one as they have forced to overtimes with the Chiefs and Buccaneers in back to back weeks. The Panthers will give the Eagles a battle in this one. I think the Eagles will be prepared and it will not be a game that will go down to the wire. With a loss by the Panthers, Young’s record will be 5-20 in his first 25 games as a starter in the NFL. He will join three other guys that had the same record after their first 25 starts. That list starts with Blaine Gabbert, Justin Fields, and Trevor Lawrence. Not a terrible list as he will not be associated with Ryan Leaf. I like Philly winning their 9th in a row and staying red hot at home.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS(4-8) AT NEW YORK GIANTS(2-10)

The Giants have moved on from Daniel Jones. The G-Men Italian Stallion Tommy DeVito played more like Italian ice. Now they will continue to see what veteran Drew Lock can do behind center. The Saints started off 2-0 under their interim head coach Darren Rizzi and he suffered his first lost last week versus the Rams. Lock has played for the Broncos, Seahawks and now the Giants and has a 9-15 record as a starter in the NFL. Lock has thrown 28 touchdowns with 24 interceptions in his rear view mirror as defenders are closer than you think. This will be a close game. The Saints injuries they have, keep the Giants in this one. I really like the way the Saints have handled themselves under Rizzi. I like Derek Carr out-playing Lock in this one. The Saints running game is the deciding factor as New Orleans gets the road win and improves the interim record to 3-1.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

CLEVELAND BROWNS(3-9) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS(9-3)

The Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is no George Bailey, a fan of a white powder coming down on the football field. The Browns a few weeks back won in the snow in Cleveland and Pickens blamed the loss on the conditions as it was only snowing when the Steelers had the ball. The Steelers are always great at drafting talented receivers that are head cases. Pickens finds his wings in part two in Pittsburgh. Russell Wilson is playing well. You can’t bet that Jameis Winston has a flawless game like he had in the first match up after throwing two pick sixes to the Broncos on Monday night. The Browns have not completed the season series sweep on the Steelers since 1988. The Steelers will roll in this one.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS(2-10) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS(6-6)

The Raiders threw everything including the kitchen sink at their arch rival last Friday versus the Chiefs and suffered a close loss. The Buccaneers are in the rear view mirror of the Falcons as they have won two straight to even their record up at 500 which is the same as Atlanta. The Raiders have lost eight games in a row. The Raiders will keep this a close game most of the day with their defense and the quarterback play of Aidan O’Connell. Baker Mayfield is playing like a man possessed right now as he is red hot. He’s throwing dimes. Lasers. Whatever he chucks is hitting his guys right in the chest. Mayfield has 25 touchdown passes compared to only 11 interceptions so far this season. The Buccaneers are healthy and should be able to hold off the visiting pirates from trying to invade their ship.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS(2-10) AT TENNESSEE TITANS(3-9)

The Jaguars will be without their starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence for the rest of this season due to the hit he took last week versus the Texans. The Titans quickly fell back down to earth as they were manhandled by the Commanders last week after beating the Texans the week before. Now the Jaguars are Mac Jones’ team. Can Jones prove he is a starter in this league by playing well in Jacksonville’s remaining games they have left? The Titans starting QB has something to prove as well. Can Will Levis be a starter in this league for years to come? The Jaguars have dropped 9 straight road games dating back to the 2023 season. Levis has been playing better than what he was doing in the beginning of the season. The Titans should be able to generate enough points off a bad Jaguars defense. I the Titans D putting Jones in place in this one.

OUR PICK: TITANS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS(7-5) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS(6-6)

Here we go again, the rematch of these two division rivals from a game that was played in Seattle two weeks ago. It was a Seahawks win in that game that knocked the Cardinals out of first place in the battle of the birds. The Seahawks have now won three straight including coming back to beat the Jets last week. The Cardinals since taking that loss to the Seahawks dominated most of the game on the road last week versus the Vikings. Then saw their lead slip away to come away with a loss on the road. Now we are heading to the desert. I’m going to ride the hotter team in this rematch, the Seahawks. In the first match up, I thought Seattle would take that one and Arizona would win this weekend at home. The Seattle defense is playing solid. I like the Seattle offense better than what Kyler Murray has been doing the last few weeks.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

BUFFALO BILLS(10-2) AT LA RAMS(6-6)

The Bills locked up the AFC East with their win in the snow globe last Sunday versus the 49ers. The Rams pattern seems to win one lose one. The Rams have lost back to back home games. The Bills are looking for more than the division as they want the highest seed in the AFC. They have to chase the Chiefs for that. The Bills will exploit the Rams weakness on defense stopping the run for which they rank in the bottom of the league. The Bills can defend the pass on defense which should contain the Cooper Cupps of the world. The Rams can run the ball as well and the Bills defense gives up chunks of yardage in the running game. It comes down to Matthew Stafford finding ways to convert touchdowns in the red zone. Josh Allen and that Bills offense can beat you many different ways. I can see the Bills defense bending, not breaking. Then as the game goes with the Bills winning their defense will pounce on Stafford as he is good for a mistake or two in most games. Bills escape LA with a road victory.

OUR PICK: BILLS

CHICAGO BEARS(4-8) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS(5-7)

The Bears new head coach is Thomas Brown who has been promoted up the ranks twice in only a few weeks of time. The 49ers season is on the brink right now as they were white washed by the Bills in Buffalo last week as the injuries keep mounting for them. The Bears have lost six in a row. What can Thomas Brown do to flip the script? The 49ers healthy they are a team that can make it to the Superbowl once again. Something is off about this 49ers team besides the injuries. The Bears offense has improved since Brown took over as offensive coordinator. This game seems the blind leading the blind with inexperience on the sideline and injuries that have handicapped your team. The Bears defense has played hard this entire year and are healthy. Caleb Williams seem to respond better with Thomas Brown. The 49ers are not doing anything better than the Bears besides racking up the medical bills.

OUR PICK: DA BEARS

SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

LA CHARGERS(8-4) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS(11-1)

The first match up between the Chiefs and Chargers was a defensive game where Kansas City eventually won. The Chargers have been benefiting from an easy schedule. The Chiefs since the loss to Buffalo have won two straight games but barely. The Chiefs have escaped with wins against bad teams like the Panthers and Raiders. This game will be another tight game for both teams. The Chargers hung with the Ravens most of the game like the Chiefs in the first match up. Jim Harbaugh teams in the past have been very hard to sweep in one season. This is road game for the Chargers which will be out of their element in the cold weather. Patrick Mahomes finds ways to win especially being at home at Arrowhead Stadium. He will be motivated to keep his team as the front runner for home field advantage and the first round bye in the playoffs. The Chiefs will get a break at the end and put the rubber stamp on this one for the victory.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

CINCINNATI BENGALS(4-8) AT DALLAS COWBOYS(5-7)

The Bengals can score points with the best of them. The Cowboys have suddenly won two games in a row. Do the Bengals still have an ideal chance to get to the playoffs? Not with that defense. The Cowboys have been bad on that side of the ball not being able to hold teams to a reasonable amount of points. The Cowboys are getting healthier on defense. The offense under Cooper Rush has been getting better since he took over for the injured Dak Prescott. The Bengals still have Joe Burrow. The Bengals defense will not slow down the Cowboy offense even with QB 2 under center. Burrow will keep this a game. In the end the Cowboys will win this one in a low scoring shootout like 28-27 type of game. I’m done thinking the Bengals will resurrect their season. Beside Burrow just purchased a Bat Mobile as he has his off-season of fighting crime all planned out.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

LAST WEEK’S RECORD:(10-4)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD:(6-5)

FRIDAY NIGHT RECORD:(0-1)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:(9-4)

SEASON RECORD:(105-61)

NFL WEEK 12 STRAIGHT UP PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY GAME

PITTSBURGH STEELERS(8-2) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS(2-8)

The Steelers coming off two impressive victories against the Commanders and then last week taking down Lamar Jackson and company the Ravens. The Browns were destroyed by the Saints. It’s a short week as both the Browns and Steelers are division rivals who know each other well so this should be a close game. Russell Wilson even in the win last week looked flat. That’s better than what the Browns have at QB with Jameis Winston in which the Steelers defense may feast on multiple turnovers. Browns defense keeps this game a game. In the end the Steelers prevail late.

OUR PICK:STEELERS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

MINNESOTA VIKINGS(8-2) AT CHICAGO BEARS(4-6)

Did the Bears get robbed last week versus the Packers on the no call penalty on the block field goal? The Bears would have won from a walk off field goal. The Vikings have won three straight and are heading to Chicago for their 3rd straight road game. The Bears offense looked better versus the Packers on the week they fired their Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. The Vikings defense has carried this team for several weeks now after the hot start. Sam Darnold the Vikings QB has definitely come back down to earth after getting out the gates looking strong. This game will be close. It seems when either the Vikings and Bears are good, bad, or ugly it does not matter when, it’s always a close game. I don’t trust the Bears because they lost 4 straight games and the offense has been dormant most of that time. The Vikings defense will do the heavy lifting and come after the rookie QB Caleb Williams and cause a few turnovers that will decide this one.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS(9-1) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS(3-7)

Last week the Chiefs were knocked off their perch by the Buffalo Bills as they suffered their first loss of the season. The Carolina Panthers coming off a bye week and the last time we saw them they had a successful business trip to Germany and knocked off the Giants. The Panthers have actually won two in a row. The Chiefs are a different animal. This match up is varsity against the freshman team. The Chiefs are mad after their perfect season ended. This will be the story of the bully taking the younger kid’s lunch money… that simple.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

TENNESSEE TITANS(2-8) AT HOUSTON TEXANS(7-4)

The Texans got back on track with a beat down of the Cowboys on Monday night. Do you remember the Titans last time they won? It must have been three weeks ago because they have lost two straight games. CJ Stroud looked better with the return of his old number one receiver in Nico Collins.

The Texans lost their other top notch receiver Stephon Diggs to a season ending injury. The Titans QB Will Levis as a starter this season is 1-6 and has only 8 touchdown passes. Levis has also thrown 8 interceptions and he makes too many bone-headed decisions. This game should be an easy one for the Texans to pad the division lead on the AFC South. They are the only horse in that stable that has gotten out of the gates.

OUR PICK: TEXANS

DETROIT LIONS(9-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS(5-6)

Another 50 point game for the Lions as they buried the Jaguars. The Colts surprised me with a win over the Jets. Maybe the Aaron Rodgers Jets team is just that bad as we all think they will take off sooner as later has arrived and they have been grounded all year. Anthony Richardson had one of his best games last week as a starter. The Lions are the king of the jungle of the NFC and can beat up many of the AFC teams. The Lions offense will baffle the Colts defense which is not a solid unit. The Lions will rule the ground game with their two headed monster back field. They will rack up points with the play action pass. The Lions defense will eventually slow down the Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. I see Richardson regressing from his last start a week ago. Lions will win their 9th straight.

OUR PICK: LIONS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS(3-8) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS(4-6)

The Dolphins are swimming the high waters as suddenly they have won two straight games. The Dolphins have always feasted on bottom of the ocean level teams like the Patriots. I like the way Drake Maye has performed so far in his rookie season.

He is 2-4 as a starter completing 66.7% of his passes. He has thrown 9 touchdown passes but six interceptions you like to see him do better at protecting the football. Could Drake be the next Boston legend like May Day Malone?

Maye Day Drake may have a tough landing in Miami which is a tough place to play for visitors. Tua Tagovailoa for the Dolphins is playing his best since returning from his concussion injury that sidelined him for several weeks this season. Dolphins pick up their 3rd win in a row slowly crawling back into the playoff picture.

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS(4-6) AT NEW YORK GIANTS(2-8)

In New York it is the end of the Daniel Jones era at the quarterback position. Looks like it was a mutual thing as Jones will go through waivers and another team may pick him up. Now the keys to the car have been handed over to Tommy DeVito, a 26 year old out of the University of Illinois. He has seen some action as he is 3-3 as a starter filling in for Jones which was all last season. He had 8 touch down passes and only 3 interceptions. The Giants need some kind of new direction & new life as they have lost 5 straight games. Meanwhile the Buccaneers coming off their bye week have lost 4 straight. A much needed bye for the Buccaneers because they got healthier. The Giants will look better this week with DeVito behind center. Baker Mayfield is having a great year and my gut is telling me he will have a big game and Tampa Bay will get back in the win column.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

DALLAS COWBOYS(3-7) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS(7-4)

The Cowboys are a gigantic mess as they lost 5 straight games. They are using back up quarterbacks with Dak Prescott out for the year. Will the Commanders see Cooper Rush or Trey Lance? They may even see both. The Commanders have lost two straight tough games versus the Eagles and Steelers as they are looking up at Philadelphia in the standings. These two teams are division rivals. Archrivals from the days of the Redskins. The Cowboys really have no chance in this one. Jayden Daniels will slice and dice this Cowboys defense with his arm and legs. This will be a easy one for the Commanders as they get back in the win column.

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

DENVER BRONCOS(6-5) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS(2-8)

The Bo Nix/Sean Payton marriage is looking like the real deal. Flashing back to the New Orleans days of Payton and Drew Brees.

The frightening thing is Payton has had Nix as a pup and has been programming him from day one. The Raiders have lost 6 straight games. Only thing you can say about the Raiders and Broncos is this is a division game so it could be a close game. I like the Broncos defense smothering a bad Raiders offense which is the X-factor of this match up. Nix will generate some points on the score board in a Broncos win.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS(5-5) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS(7-3)

Every time I think the 49ers will take the right step forward, they seem to takes 4 steps backwards as they lost to the Seahawks last week after manhandling them in the first match up earlier in the season. The Packers get away with a penalty on a last second blocked kick and escape Chicago with a win. The injuries have riddled this 49ers team all year as they will be without their starting QB Brock Purdy in this one.

Brandon Allen will be the 49ers starter as he has been around for 5 seasons and is 2-7 as a starter in the NFL in his career so far. The 49ers will be without their star defensive lineman Nick Bosa. I like the Packers in this one even though Jordan Love has struggled in the last few weeks. The Packers being at home have found the 49ers at the right time.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

ARIZONA CARDINALS(6-4) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS(5-5)

This looks to me like the game of the week between the Cardinals and Seahawks. The Cards coming off their bye week have won 4 straight games and are perched at the top of the NFC West standings. The Seahawks season looked to be in a tailspin until they accepted the challenge and beat the division rival 49ers in a street fight style game. The Cardinals defense has played solid the last 4 weeks. The Seahawks defense has been up and down but played solid versus the 49ers. Kyler Murray has outplayed Geno Smith this season. This game can go either way. I like the Cardinals making the playoffs at the end of this season. The Seahawks will make a bold statement being at home that they are in the playoff conversation. These two teams will meet again in Arizona in 2 weeks. I like Seattle taking this one at home which is a hard place to win for visitors.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES(8-2) AT LA RAMS(5-5)

The Eagles have been one of the hottest teams in the league & winners of their last six games. The Rams season has been a battle of ups and downs as they handled business on the east coast last week in New England versus the Patriots. The Rams and Eagles have multiple young pieces on their defenses. These are two very talented defenses and units on the rise. That Rams defensive line is explosive going after the quarterback. Jalen Hurts will have his work cut out for him. You have to love both these teams’ starting running backs. Saquon Barkley for the Eagles is having an outstanding season in his first year as an Eagle. Kyren Williams is no slouch for the Rams and a guy that can get his yards in chunks. Matthew Stafford and that passing attack will take off on Sunday night which will give the Eagles defense problems and will end their six game winning streak. It will be a close affair. In the end Rams take this one at home.

OUR PICK: RAMS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

BALTIMORE RAVENS(7-4) AT LA CHARGERS(7-3)

Jim versus John in another epic battle between the Harbaugh brothers. John has been a stationary fixture in Baltimore for over a decade. While Jim has bounced around the NFL and helped his alma mater, University of Michigan, win the National title last year. Jim has turned this Chargers team into a force in the AFC. The Ravens were in cruise control until Lamar Jackson could not slay his demon in the Ravens. This match up has Jackson versus Justin Herbert, two stud QB’s in the AFC. The Ravens lack a defense while the Chargers have defended the field this season well. The Ravens offense can score on anyone. The Chargers have won 4 straight. The Chargers have been playing a basic easy schedule. It’s hard to imagine the Ravens losing two straight. The Ravens have played the cream of the crop all year and have done well. I like John over Jimbo in this match up right now. In the future maybe it will be a different story.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

LAST WEEK’S RECORD:(9-5)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD:(6-4)

FRIDAY NIGHT RECORD:(0-1)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:(8-4)

SEASON RECORD:(95-57)

NFL WEEK 11 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGH GAME

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS(7-3) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES(7-2)

Week 11 has multiple games like Commanders vs Eagles, a first place battle on Thursday night. The Eagles looking like the old Eagles two seasons ago when they made it to the Superbowl. The Commanders played a solid game versus the Steelers last week in which Pittsburgh may have gotten a few breaks their way in that one. The Eagles have won 5 straight and are playing well on both sides of the ball. The Commander offense will be one of the most challenging teams the Eagles has played this season. The Commanders defense is not the top unit in the league but they have played well. Anything could happen on a short week playing on Thursday night. I like Jayden Daniels pulling out an upset over the Philly special and getting back in the win column as Washington takes full control over the NFC East and take the split from the two Pennsylvania teams.

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

GREEN BAY PACKERS(6-3) AT CHICAGO BEARS(4-5)

I’m not going to lie to you about the Bears as I scream inside my head, put in the back up QB Tyson Bagent over the struggling rookie Caleb Williams. The Packers had a bye week last week with a chance to recharge their batteries to play a Bears team that is in a massive tailspin right now. The Bears have lost three straight games and the offensive line riddled with injuries has given up 15 sacks in the last two weeks. Jordan Love is already out of the gates against the Bears. He is 2-0 as he was handed down the torch from Aaron Rodgers & before that Brett Farve, the recipe for how to cook the Bears goose. The Bears this week fired their offensive coordinator Shane Waldron who will be the scapegoat for the time being until we watch them fail miserably this week. Even if the Bears make a change at QB, they might do better on the score board but this game is the Packers bread and butter team for an automatic W.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS(2-8) AT DETROIT LIONS(8-1)

Is it cannibalism when a Lion cat gnaws down a Jaguar puddy cat? The reason the Patriots traded away their former QB Mac Jones is because he’s terrible. The Lions are the best team right now in the NFC and they won on Sunday despite their QB Jared Goff throwing 5 interceptions. The Jaguars are 0-5 on the road this season and played better defense last week versus the Vikings. This is a team walking dead right now & just going through the motions. The Lions will clean up their mistakes, play a cleaner game, and should not even put up a sweat in this game as they eyeball the number one seed in the NFC.

OUR PICK: LIONS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS(2-7) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS(3-6)

The Raiders come off their bye week and have to fly to Florida as they visit Miami. The Dolphins played a solid game versus the Rams on Monday night. The Dolphins defense did not allow the Rams to score a touchdown. The Raiders may have made a bad decision keeping their interim head coach Antonio Pierce. You have to bet that the reason why Raiders management kept him is because they had that win over the Chiefs on Christmas Day. McGenius, the Dolphins head coach Mike McDanie,l has issues as he has not sprouted very far from the Pierce weeds in the coaching landscape. Tua Tagovailoa finally got his first win back from the concussion injury that side-lined him multiple weeks. The Dolphins usually feasted on teams below 500 and they will do so at home versus a Raiders team that can’t match the number on the score board with this Miami aerial attack. The Raiders will be unprepared with bad coaching decisions that will doom them as Miami will start to trend upwards and get closer to the 500 mark.

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

LA RAMS(4-5) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS(3-7)

The Rams had a melt down on Monday night as LA looked like the team they were without their top two receivers in the beginning of the season. The Patriots stunned the Bears in Chicago as New England racked up multiple sacks taking advantage of an injured offensive line in Chicago. The Patriots tend to play better at home. What do you think about the play so far from the Patriots QB, Drake Maye? He has shown some nice flashes of why he was picked in the first round. Before Monday night versus the Dolphins, the Rams were predicted to land a playoff spot. Matthew Stafford has to play better if they want to land a wild card spot or challenge the others in a tight race for the NFC west. The Patriots will give the visitors a game, but LA finds just enough offense to win the game and get back to the 500 mark.

OUR PICK: RAMS

CLEVELAND BROWNS(2-7) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS(3-7)

The revenge of the Crab Man as Jameis Winston plays his former team, the Saints. The Saints turned some heads after winning a big division game versus the first place Falcons. For Winston what are you going to get from him this week? His first start for the Browns he looked like a top QB in the league. Last week the Browns had a bye week. In Winston’s last start he threw multiple interceptions and the Browns lost. The Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi took over last week and his team looked prepared. The Saints played a solid game from all three phases. The Browns have the better defense. Derek Carr has the edge over Winston at the field general position. Winston really never played that much during his Saints tenure. I can see the revenge type of game against his first team, the Buccaneers. I think Rizzi’s voice changed this team as that humiliation losing to the Panthers a few weeks back has helped get this Saints swagger back.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

BALTIMORE RAVENS(7-3) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS(7-2)

Remember when the Steelers and Ravens featured some of the top defenses in the league? It seemed like last year both squads had an elite defense. The Steelers right now have the better D than the Ravens who have a hard time stopping anyone this season. Lamar Jackson is Superman most of the time. The Steel curtain contains Kryptonite as Jackson has not done well versus Pittsburgh. Jackson versus the Steelers is 1-3 in his career. Jackson has turned over the ball 10 times against the Steelers in those games. He has more interceptions than touchdowns. The Steelers are now 3-0 with the rebirth of the Seattle version of Russell Wilson. The Steelers offense is popping some big numbers as well. Let’s not forget the Ravens steam roller running back Derrick Henry who is new to this party like Wilson is. This is another big match up of week 11 and I have to lean towards the Steelers being at home and having the hex over Jackson. Every elite QB ever always has that one team that they have a hard time beating. I think the Steelers defense can stop the Ravens offense more than Baltimore’s defense stopping Pittsburgh’s offense.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS(7-2) AT TENNESSEE TITANS(2-7)

Sometimes you can’t get rid all that New York Jets quarterback gangrene inside their bodies. Once a Jet always a Jet QB, is an infection. Look at Sam Darnold. He was in full control of this infection playing well as the Vikings starting QB. Now the infection is back and Darnold looks like the same QB from his Big Apple days. The Titans may have some infection at their QB position as Will Levis looks like a bust. Vikings won last week without scoring a touchdown holding another AFC South team, the Jaguars, to a touchdown. The Vikings used 4 field goals to win a road game in Jacksonville. I like the Vikings defense in this run as they also should lean on their running game and hope Darnold gets some ointment for his Jets infection that is still lingering. The Titans I’ve been done with for weeks picking them unless it’s against a team they can handle. They will not be able to handle the Vikings.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS(4-6) AT NEW YORK JETS(3-7)

Last Sunday’s Mike Williams an X Jet got traded to the Steelers and scores a touchdown in his first game. Williams was one of Aaron Rodgers’ excuses he made for why the team was losing. Using Williams as a scapegoat. The Jets looked like total shit in a bad way last week in a loss to the Cardinals. The Colts are in their own slump as well and have lost three straight games. The Colts will make another switch behind center as Anthony Richardson will start over Joe Flacco. Something has to give in this game. I like Jonathan Taylor versus this Jets defense. Aaron Rodgers should be able to get their offense going with a Colts defense that is hot and cold, but mostly freezy freaky. With Richardson at QB, the Colts passing game is dwindled down to deep passes and really nothing over the middle. This will be an ugly game as the Jets are a stupid team but New York’s defense makes a stand with the season on the brink.

OUR PICK: (GRRR) JETS

ATLANTA FALCONS(6-4) AT DENVER BRONCOS(5-5)

The Falcons and the Broncos coming off tough losses last Sunday. The Broncos just needed a field goal to end the Chiefs perfect season only to get the kick blocked which should have been a walk off win for Denver. Then the Falcons losing to the Saints who came off a bad loss to the Panthers who’ve been the door mat for the entire league. The Falcons are 3-1 on the road this season, but Denver is a tough place to win a game in general. The Saints held Kurt Cousins and the Falcons offense to under 20 points. The Broncos defense is better and legit. I like the rookie QB Bo Nix being the General Lee out on the field and airing it out in this one.

Nix has improved each game he has played so far. The Falcons offense stumbles as the Broncos end their two game losing streak.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS(4-5) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS(5-4)

Both these division rivals are heading in opposite directions. The 49ers have quietly won two straight. While Seattle has lost two straight games. Seattle is coming off their bye week and hope they get their star receiver DK Metcalf back in the mix. The 49ers welcomed back their running back last week as Christian McCaffrey played his first game of the 2024 season. The 49ers needed a field goal to get by the Buccaneers. A few weeks ago these two teams met and the 49ers won big 36-24. The Seattle’s defense has crumbled over the last few weeks. The 49ers kicker missed three field goals versus the Buccaneers so that score could have been different if he made them. Look for the 49ers to have a big offensive day as they light up the score board while sweeping the series over their rival.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS(9-0) AT BUFFALO BILLS(8-2)

Here we go again with another epic game between the Chiefs and Bills slated for this week’s game of the week. Patrick Mahomes versus Josh Allen has been the tales of two seasons. Allen has dominated the regular season match ups as he is 3-1 versus Mahomes and the Chiefs. We know Mahomes has master Allen and the Bills in the post season and has a record of 3-0. Last time these two teams met was the Divisional round when the Chiefs knocked off the Bills in a game where Tyler Bass missed a chance for Buffalo to regain the lead with a wide right field goal in the last two minutes of that game. The Chiefs are 9-0 and their defense has played well all season. The Bills defense is getting healthier and played well last week versus a not so good Colts team. Allen is having the better season as Mahomes has struggled lately. Can Allen and that Buffalo offense score points with the injuries piling up on that side of the ball? Watch this game be a defensive battle all the way through. If I was writing the script here, I would give the Chiefs the win and then have the Bills beat these guys in post-season. However you never know if these teams will hook up again after this game. Overall I think the Chiefs ;luck finally runs out and the Bills find a way on offense despite the injuries to find points as the Buffalo defense stands tall on Mahomey and the meat head, Travis Kelce. The Chiefs lose their first game of the year.

OUR PICK: GO BILLS!!!

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

CINCINNATI BENGALS(4-6) AT LA CHARGERS(6-3)

The Bengals are running out of time as they continue to try to get out of the hole they dug themselves. The Chargers have won three straight games.

Joe Burrow versus Justin Herbert has only happened once with these two QB’s as the Chargers won the game. This game will be a shoot out. The Bengals defense has been terrible all season. The Chargers defense has been the opposite as they are trending as one of the better units in the league. Burrow and the Bengals can score on any defense in the NFL. Ja’Marr Chase had a monster game last Thursday night versus the Ravens. Tee Higgins should be good to go versus the Chargers so the Bengals will have their top two play makers on the field. This is not the old Chargers teams where Herbert slings the ball all over the field in a shoot out. The Chargers offense is a balanced attack of ball control & run the clock out mentality. The Chargers will have a hard time catching up if Bengals start out of the gates scoring early. It seems like when the Bengals season is on the brink they win a game and they need this one being 2 games under 500.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

HOUSTON TEXANS(6-4) AT DALLAS COWBOYS(3-6)

It’s the battle of Texas on Monday night and both teams are absolutely dying for a victory. The Cowboys have lost 4 straight games and would need to find a way to string some victories together. Another lost Jerry Jones team could start making vacation plans. The Texans have lost two straight games and CJ Stroud seems to be having a sophomore year slump in the league. The Texans locker room seems to be grumbling as this was a team picked to go deep into post-season. The Cowboys have to rely on their back up QB Cooper Rush who got his first start of the season last week. He threw for just over 200 yards and completed about 56% of his passes and had a touchdown pass along with an interception. Stroud should be able to slice and dice the Cowboys bad defense in this one to right the ship for at least this week. Rush and the Cowboys will keep this close, but Texans win the battle of Texas.

OUR PICK: TEXANS

LAST WEEK’S RECORD WEEK 9 (9-6) KER-PLUNK!!!

THURSDAY NIGHT GAMES RECORD: (5-4)

FRIDAY GAMES RECORD:(0-1)

MONDAY NIGHT GAMES RECORD:(8-3)

SEASON RECORD:(86-52)

NFL WEEK 10 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

CINCINNATI BENGALS(4-5) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS(6-3)

Week ten starts off with a bang with Bengals visiting Ravens. Expect a shoot out on prime time Thursday night football. Both teams lack a defense so expect big fantasy numbers from both offenses This game features two of the best quarterbacks in the league. Joe Burrow versus Lamar Jackson. The Bengals and Ravens are obviously division rivals and in the first meeting weeks ago, the game went to overtime and both teams lit up the score board. The Ravens won that one on the road 41-38. Can the Bengals get to the 500 mark? Can the Ravens keep up with the Steelers who are at the top of the division? Jackson has done well against the Bengals his entire career with a 9-2 mark going into this game. Burrow will keep this game close. The Bengals defense stinks as the Ravens defense is nothing special either, but they could at least make one more stop than Cincinnati. Derrick Henry is just in beast mode right now. The Bengals season is riding down a dark road at high speed with no brakes or head lights.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

NEW YORK GIANTS(2-7) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS(2-7)

The Giants and Panthers will be meeting up in another NFL overseas game, this time in Germany. Germany is on my bucket list with big breasted women giving you big beers. GOOD TIMES!!! This game should have been scheduled during Oktoberfest so the fans could quickly forget what happens on the field. The Panthers had a surprise win last week against the Saints who been decimated by injuries. I think the last time the Giants won a game was when Donald Trump ran against Joe Biden 4 years ago. The Giants are the better team here. Daniel Jones should have better numbers than Bryce Young . The G-Men can play some defense as well. This one may not be worth getting up for, but it is football so a few Bloody Mary’s could make this one interesting.

OUR PICK: GIANTS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS(2-7) AT CHICAGO BEARS(4-4)

In Chicago the sky is falling on the Chicago Bears season as they lost two straight on the road. Meanwhile the Patriots fans are watching their rookie QB develop as the season goes on. They should be happy with what they have seen so far in Drake Maye. The Bears have the top rookie QB in the draft as they selected Caleb Williams and they thought they had the best option. The Bears fans saw Jayden Daniels, the number two pick overall in the draft, beat Williams and Chicago on a Hail Mary pass 2 weeks ago. Could Drake rub salt in the wounds of Bears fans being picked third overall and leave Chicago with a victory? The Bears have shown me they are not the team we thought they were. This Bears roster has holes like their offensive line and I really think they need a new head coach. Matt Eberflus is terrible. The Bears will beat the Patriots as they are better at home and the better team. Once the Bears start to play the teams inside their own division, the sky will literally be falling in the Windy City.

OUR PICK: BEARS

BUFFALO BILLS(7-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS(4-5)

The Bills have won 4 straight as they beat Miami for the second time this season with a Tyler Bass boot of a field goal that was 61 yards in Buffalo. The Joe Flacco move last week did not pan out for the Colts as now they lost two straight games. The Colts will start Flacco in this one Sunday noon-er as Buffalo should see a heavy dose of Jonathan Taylor trying to run it down the Bills throats. The Colts defense has not been good even with some injuries to the Bills wide receiving core, Josh Allen and company will score points with a well-balanced attack. The Bills defense signed a pair of run stuffers this week.

Jordan Phillips along with Quinton Jefferson are X-Bills who are now back in Buffalo. They were cut by their teams which should help the defense clog up the middle of the field. I think the Bills defense will bounce back and get a few turnovers in this road victory.

OUR PICK: BILLS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS(6-2) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS(2-7)

The Vikings stopped the bleeding last week as they ended a two game skid with a win versus the Colts. The Jaguars made a comeback last week versus the Eagles and made that game look close as the Jags have lost two straight. Trevor Lawrence may not play in this one as he’s dealing with a left shoulder injury. The Viking defense should be able to feast on the X-Patriot Mac Jones, the Jags back up. The Jaguars defense is one the worst units in the league versus the pass. The Vikings Justin Jefferson should have a big day in Florida as Minnesota keeps pace with the Packers and Lions.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

DENVER BRONCOS(5-4) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS(8-0)

I can’t wait to pop the champagne when the Chiefs finally lose a game. I don’t think the Broncos on the road will be the team to do that. Baker Mayfield gave the Chiefs a scare, but once again the two sided coin gave the ball to Kansas City in over time as you know what happened next. The Broncos defense has been solid until the Ravens last week put their unit through a buzz saw.

The Ravens scored 41 points on the Broncos last week. Bo Nix has improved at quarterback, but this game on the road in Arrowhead will not be his coming out party. The Broncos will play better but don’t have enough horses to beat the Chiefs on the road. Patrick Mahomes record versus teams in the AFC West is ridiculous!!!

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

ATLANTA FALCONS(6-3) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS(2-7)

Can the interim head coach of the Saints, Darren Rizzi, give New Orleans a spark after the front office canned Dennis Allen? The Falcons have won two straight and are perfect on the road this season at 3-0. I can see the Saints playing better than last week, especially Derek Carr who knocked off the rust coming back from an injury. The Falcons offense with Kirk Cousins will be hard for Carr to match scores with. The Saints are riddled with injuries and that defense looked horrific. The Saints traded away one of their healthy defenders, Marshon Lattimore, to the Commanders. Cousins should have no problem carving up the Saints like a turkey dinner.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS(4-4) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS(4-5)

Just what the doctor ordered if you are a 49ers fan. The return of Christian McCaffrey will make his first appearance of the 2024 season.

When healthy, McCaffrey is one of the best running backs in the NFL. The Buccaneers are still balling as Baker Mayfield is still without his two top playmakers on offense. The 49ers are well rested coming off their bye week while the Buccaneers played on Monday night and have a short rest period to gear up. The Buccaneers defense has been terrible, so look for the 49ers to exploit that lighting up the score board. Mayfield will keep them in the game but San Francisco prevails and gets back on track with the additional energy that McCaffrey will provide.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS(6-2) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS(7-2)

The Commanders and Steelers have won three straight games. Something will have to give in this contest. This will be Russell Wilson’s first start on the road in a Steelers uniform as he is 2-0 as the starter since making his debut 2 weeks ago. The Commanders are playing well and look like the cream of the crop in the NFC right now. The Commanders added a defensive piece in Marshon Lattimore from the Saints to improve Washington’s back end of that defense. The Steelers added former Jets and Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams who has not done much this season except irritate Aaron Rodgers. I like Jayden Daniels out playing Wilson in this one. I believe Wilson is in for his first clunker of the season. This game will be close, but Washington stands taller at the end.

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

TENNESSEE TITANS(2-6) AT LA CHARGERS(5-3)

Are the Chargers for real this season as they have won two straight? The Titans struggled last week versus the Patriots but won the game in overtime. It was like a person about to puke but somehow kept the food down for a type of win for Tennessee. The Chargers are benefiting with an easy schedule but Jim Harbaugh has done a nice job turning this team around. I like Justin Herbert in this one. He has been playing solidly all year over whatever the Titans have behind center in Mason Rudolf or if Will Levis is back in the mix. The Chargers defense should stifle the Titans offense.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

NEW YORK JETS(3-6) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS(5-4)

Am I going to jump on the Jets band wagon as they finally won a game? The Cardinals are another team I can’t figure out as they have won three straight. Betting against the Jets this season I have a winning record. Is the Cayenne Pepper spice in the water reincarnated Mr. Darkness Retreat? Aaron Rodgers will throw 5 touchdown passes and lead the Jets all the way to the promised land.

I don’t care what Rodgers drinks. The Cardinals have won three straight games and are on top of the NFC West coming into this week. Kyler Murray has been very good. The running of James Connor in the Cardinals back field is not being talked about. The Jets weakness is against the run. The Cardinals defense has stepped up, especially last week versus the Bears. The Jets to me are still a stupid football team that makes too many mistakes. I back the Cardinals to pop this Rodgers bubble being on cloud 9 and bring the Jets back to the airport.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES(6-2) AT DALLAS COWBOYS(3-5)

I’m done thinking the Cowboys are due to have that break out game. The Eagles come into Dallas as one of the hottest teams in the league winning their last 4 games. The Cowboys will give the keys to back up QB Cooper Rush as Dak Prescott is hurt. Can Rush give this Cowboys team a spark? Rush is 5-1 in his career as a starter filling in for Dak. I think Rush will raise some eye brows in this one and give Dallas a chance to win this game at home and break a three game losing streak. In the end the terrible defense Dallas has, the Eagles Jalen Hurts will definitely exploit and leave Jerry Jones place with a win.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

DETROIT LIONS(7-1) AT HOUSTON TEXANS(6-3)

The Lions look like they are going all the way to the Superbowl as they have won six straight games and have only one loss. The Texans started out of the gates strong and are everyone’s sleeper pick in the AFC. The Lions offense – how do you stop it or even contain it? The Texans 2nd year quarterback CJ Stroud has lost two of his best wide receivers in Stefon Diggs who’s out for the year and Nico Collins, who is close to returning, was out several weeks. The Texans were beaten by Aaron Rodgers and the Jets on Thursday night of week 9.

The Lions defense has played well after losing their heart and soul of their defense in Aidan Hutchinson who is out for the year, several weeks ago. The Lions added Za’Darius Smith to their defensive line from the Browns this week which will help this unit even get better. Jared Goff has played better than Stroud. I like the Lions defense able to contain the Texans running back Joe Mixon which is right now the key to stopping Houston right now with their receivers out. I think the Lions will be able to generate points with their well-balanced attack on a suspect Houston defense.

OUR PICK: LIONS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

MIAMI DOLPHINS(2-6) AT LA RAMS(4-4)

The Dolphins are a desperate football team who need a win badly or their season is over. The Rams season has turned around as all the pieces are in place as they have won three straight and have their record back to the 500 mark. The Dolphins have lost three straight and were beat by a field goal in Buffalo last week. The Dolphins got a boost with Tua Tagovailoa back in the mix as he returns from his injury he suffered in week two. However the Dolphins have lost both games since Tua’s return. Both games were very close. It’s the Dolphins defense that is the problem. I like the Rams chances with Matthew Stafford having all his weapons just picking that Dolphin secondary apart with a strong running game behind him. The Rams defense has stepped up and played well including a big performance on the road in Seattle last week in a win over the Seahawks. Got to go Rams as the Dolphins need to show me something before I pick them to win.

OUR PICK: RAMS

LAST WEEK’S RECORD FOR WEEK 6: (11-3)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD:(4-2)

FRIDAY NIGHT GAMES(0-1)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:(5-2)

NFL WEEK 7 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

DENVER BRONCOS(3-3) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS(2-4)

The Saints and the Broncos have screwed me all year with their shenanigans. The Saints injury list reads out like a Santa Clause list. Including without their starting QB Derek Carr. The Saints have lost 4 straight games. The Broncos are going through growing pains with their rookie QB, Bo Nix. I like the Broncos defense who are one of the top units in the league. The Saints defense has gone to complete shambles giving up 51 points to Tampa Bay last week.

My X-factor is the return of Sean Payton to New Orleans. Plus factor in that Broncos have won 3 out their last 4 games.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS(1-5) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS(1-5)

This is a pair of 1-5 teams battling on a neutral site. The Jaguars played in London last week and have stayed there while New England flew over the pond. The Patriots unleashed their rookie quarterback, Drake Maye, who played well in his first start for the Patriots. These are two bad teams, but I expect Maye to play well in his second start. I like Trevor Lawrence better in this match up as he has been getting better each week. The victories are not there yet for the Jaguars. Maye and the Patriots will score points off a leaky Jacksonville defense. I suspect this game to be an offensive shoot out with the Jaguars saying Cheerio to the Patriots at the end.

OUR PICK: JAGS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS(3-3) AT ATLANTA FALCONS(4-2)

The Seahawks and the Falcons are heading in opposite directions. Seattle has lost three straight games. The Falcons have won 3 straight games. Another long flight across the country for Seattle. The Falcons offense is rolling like a well-oiled machine and the Seahawks defense is easier than a whorehouse in a bad neighborhood. Captain Kirk Cousins is playing well. I like the Falcons at home and they have the better defense to make this decision rather easy.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

TENNESSEE TITANS(1-4) AT BUFFALO BILLS(4-2)

The good news for the Titans is Mason Rudolf, former Steelers QB, gets the start. The Bills are finally at home after three straight road games where they won only one game. Rudolf filled in for Will Levis once this season and the outcome turned into the Titans’ only victory. I expect a better offensive performance for the Titans. I expect a better offensive performance from the Bills who will be on high after escaping New York with a victory on Monday night.

Even though the Jets technically play in Jersey. The Bills defense is getting healthier with guys returning. Then Buffalo made a trade landing the Browns’ top receiver, Amari Cooper, could be a nice jump start to that Bills offense we saw in the first three weeks of the season. Cooper will draw attention and Josh Allen will find someone open for the winning score.

OUR PICK: BILLS

CINCINNATI BENGALS(2-4) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS(1-5)

The battle of Ohio with two bad teams. The Bengals are trying to dig themselves out of an early season gigantic hole they dug themselves. The Browns’ season has been horrific. The Yankees just wiped out the Guardians in the baseball world. You know every Cleveland sports fan has awaken seeing this in a drunk stupor.

The thoughts of it seemed like a good idea at the time. Now these Cleveland fans are left with Deshaun Watson. Back to the drunk stupor because life was better. The Bengals have a solid offense. Watson is bad, Joe Burrow is better. The Browns are already waving the white flag dealing Amari Cooper to Buffalo. I like the Bengals in this state rivalry.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

HOUSTON TEXANS(5-1) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS(4-2)

Jordan Love versus CJ Stroud may be a great game here. The Texans, that sexy pick from experts, being a AFC heavy weight is panning off. Meanwhile the Packers in that loaded NFC North division is something you can’t sneeze at. On paper this looks like a shoot out. Both teams have a pretty good defensive unit. This will be a close game. Going with the home team on this pick as Love will just do a tad more than Stroud for a victory dance at Lambeau field. As Packers keep pace with the Lions, Vikings, and Bears… Oh my!!!

OUR PICK: PACKERS

MIAMI DOLPHINS(2-3) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS(3-3)

If the Dolphins can hover around the 500 mark as they await the return of Tua Tagovailoa to save their season, you never know. The Colts are the better team with Joe Flacco behind center. It’s that simple. The Dolphins have former Ravens QB Tyler Huntley starting behind center. I like Flacco better. The Colts have won without their number one running back, Jonathan Taylor. Both teams will score points because their defenses are terrible. Flacco gets the last laugh.

OUR PICK: COLTS

DETROIT LIONS(4-1) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS(5-0)

I believe any NFC North match up this season may be must see television. The Lions visiting Viking-land will be epic. The Lions have won three straight. The Vikings have not lost yet. Jarred Goff and Sam Darnold have had solid seasons so far. The Lions in that blow out win over the Cowboys lost their best defensive player in Aidan Hutchinson.

The Vikings are well rested and at home sounds like a recipe for winning. I like the Lions head coach, Dan Campbell, pushing all the right buttons with his team by losing Hutchinson and overcoming the Vikings. Sometimes when you’re playing well and too well like the Vikings, a bye week can hurt you more than help. I like Lions overcoming this hurdle, taking over first, and giving the Vikings their first lost of the year.

OUR PICK: LIONS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES(3-2) AT NEW YORK GIANTS(2-4)

The Giants and Eagles have played bad football, but combined they are 5-6 so they are finding ways to win games. Eagles barely won against a bad visiting Browns team at home. The Giants offense was a no-show versus the Bengals on Sunday night. Looks like the G-Men will get one of their play makers back in wide receiver Malik Nabors. This is one game I would not want to watch on the docket. Is Jalen Hurts due for a big game for the Eagles? Do you trust a pretty good Giants defense? I don’t trust Daniel Jones for the Giants behind center.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS(2-4) AT LA RAMS(1-4)

This game is a clunker. The Raiders traded away Davante Adams, first of all. What kind of message are you sending to this Raiders team? The Rams have played in some close games but have only one win to show for it. The Rams were a playoff team last year. The Raiders defense was solid last year. My pick will be based off the QB. The Raiders are probably riding with Aidan O’Connell over Gardner Minshew, which is not a huge upgrade. The Rams are at home and still have Matthew Stafford who should be able to get it done.

OUR PICK: RAMS

CAROLINA PANTHERS(1-5) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS(4-2)

The Commanders got a true measuring stick of this Jayden Daniels-led team versus the Ravens last week. Even with a loss the Commanders hung with one of the top AFC teams for 4 quarters. Meanwhile the Panthers. Bad defense. Andy Dalton and that Panthers offense will score some points. Not enough to compete with the Commanders. I like Washington getting the easy rebound and reestablishing themselves with a W.

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS(5-0) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS(3-3)

The rematch of the Superbowl!!! The Chiefs have not lost a pep in their step as they are 5-0 out of the gates this season. The 49ers are a different story. They have piled up a ton of injuries. They have ridden the struggle bus to a 500 record. The Chiefs are coming off a bye week. Andy Reid’s teams historically have dominated coming off the bye week. The Chiefs defense is plying well. The 49ers defense is not playing well. Everything seems to favor the Chiefs. This should be an easy go with Kansas City. This is the NFL, nothing right now is set in stone. We know the script will have the Chiefs winning it all at the end. The script needs dramatic scenes. The 49ers win a big game for that dramatic flare and gives the Chiefs their first loss of the year. They can’t win them all.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

NEW YORK JETS(2-4) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS(4-2)

The Steelers are making a move at their quarterback position benching Justin Fields for a healthy Russell Wilson. Confused? I certainly am. Then the Jets are getting the band back together as they are forming the Packers east coast team. The Jets land one of Aaron Rodgers’ old weapons from Green Bay by getting Davante Adams from the Raiders. Rodgers had his best game in a Jets uniform in a loss on Monday night to the Bills. How will Wilson do in his debut in the black and gold? Will the Steelers get Wilson from the Seahawks days or the Broncos days? Will the Steelers fans will be up in arms? Both teams have good defenses. The Steelers are better coached than the Jets team who shoot themselves in the foot regularly. Is the Jets owner relying too heavy on Rodgers with the firing of their head coach before the Bills game and now getting Adams? This Jets team seems like a house of cards ready to be blown down by the Steelers defense. I just don’t trust Rodgers. I don’t trust Wilson either. Mike Tomlin has gotten a 4-2 record with Fields as the starter. Watch Wilson play better than that Denver Wilson, but not his old Seattle self as the Steelers pull off a close one.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

TWO MONDAY NIGHT GAMES

BALTIMORE RAVENS(4-2) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS(4-2)

This will be an interesting game between the Ravens and Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield lit up the Saints as the Buccaneers put 51 points on the scoreboard. The Ravens dealt with the rookie sensation Jayden Daniels and the Commanders for a victory. The Ravens have won 4 straight after losing the first two games out of the gates. Who has the better defense? The Buccaneers did give up a ton of points to back up quarterback last week. The Ravens are not that stout unit they were last season. You have to give the Ravens defense the nod. This should be a great game. At the end I stand by Lamar Jackson who has a career record of 22-1 against NFC teams. I go Ravens.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

LA CHARGERS(3-2) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS(2-4)

Every time you look at the scoreboard, it seems the Chargers get a win somehow. The Chargers are very quietly a 3-2 team. The Cardinals’ 2 wins have come against teams in their own division. I like Justin Herbert having a successful game over the Cardinals’ bad defense. Kyler Murray is too up and down for my taste. I like Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers defense that can keep Murray in check. This is not a very exciting game, but I like another quiet Chargers victory to end week 7.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

LAST WEEK’S RECORD WEEK 5:(9-5)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD: (3-2)

FRIDAY NIGHT RECORD:(0-1)

SEASON RECORD:(45-33)

NFL WEEK 6 – STRAIGHT PICK’EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS(2-3) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS(3-2)

Both the Seahawks and the 49ers have played poorly the last few weeks. The 49ers lost to the Cardinals last Sunday. The Seahawks lost a home game to the visiting Giants. Both teams have taken on injuries in the first 5 weeks of the season. It’s a short week for both teams. The Seahawks defense worries me the most in this match up as injuries have taken a toll on this unit. I like Brock Purdy having a big game doing his thing with a 49ers well-balanced attack with the run and pass and tackling while taking this game rather easily.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

THE LONDON GAME

LONDON JAGUARS(1-4) AT CHICAGO BEARS(3-2)

The guards at the tower of London look like a marching band at a high school football game. I say London Jaguars because every year Jacksonville plays a game or more in England. The Bears will be the home team which is not really a home field advantage in this one. It seems Bears fans travel well so they might be in town. Caleb Williams had his best game last Sunday as a rookie quarterback in this league. Williams feasted on a bad Panthers team. The Jaguars had themselves a nice week notching their first win they needed to stay afloat. I like the experience of Trevor Lawrence as he has been here, done this game, and he right now is finding his groove. The Bears defense keeps this game close. I can see the Bears looking lethargic in the first half with the flight and getting used to the surroundings. The Jaguars will overcome any jet lag and take care of business in their home away from home.

OUR PICK: JAGUARS

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS(4-1) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS(3-2)

Lamar Jackson versus Jayden Daniels sounds like the Clash of the Titans movie. The Commanders have won 4 straight games. The Ravens have won 3 straight. The Ravens defense is not the same unit from last year as the Commanders will score points. The Ravens obviously will get their share of points as Jackson and Derrick Henry have created a dominating run game. Can Daniels be stopped? Can Daniels be contained? I think the Commanders will hit a speed bump in this one on the road. The Ravens will prevail late with a go ahead score and slow down the rookie just enough to put this game on ice.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

ARIZONA CARDINALS(2-3) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS(3-2)

Jordan Love earned his first victory back from his injury that took him out in the first game in Brazil on opening weekend versus the Eagles. The Cardinals found a way to upend the 49ers last Sunday in an upset. Love and the Packers offense should be able to feast on the Cardinals weak defensive line. The Cardinals have only beat the teams in their own division as their other win was against the Rams. Kyle Murray has had a decent season so far but I like the Packers being able to make stops on defense. I don’t see the Cardinals offense being able to score another 40 points on this Packers defense in Green Bay. I have the Packers prevailing in this one at home.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS(2-3) AT TENNESSEE TITANS(1-3)

If either team wants to win this game, they should turn to their back up quarterbacks.

Joe Flacco has done very well over the second year quarterback Anthony Richardson who may be able to play this week coming back from an injury. The Titans had a bye week last week and are well-rested.

It was the play of Mason Rudolf that came into the game for Will Levis in week 4 to secure the Titans’ first victory of the season. If this game is Levis vs Richardson, you have to lean Titans. Even if Flacco gets the start the Titans have the better defense as the Colts can’t stop anyone. The Colts will not have Jonathan Taylor for this one. I like the Titans rested up and putting their divisional rival away in this match-up.

OUR PICK: TITANS

HOUSTON TEXANS(4-1) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS(1-4)

The New England Patriots will hand the keys to their rookie quarterback Drake Maye after only winning one game in the first 5 weeks of the season. The Texans, everyone’s darlings to be the new power house in the AFC, should have no problem with this Patriots team. I’m sure Maye will have growing pains in his first ever start in the NFL. Everyone in New England wants this kid right away slinging the football like the great Tom Brady. With Caleb Williams finding his game after a few bad performances, the Patriots will have to have patience with a rookie. We know the Patriot fans will want Maye to come out like Jayden Daniels blazing. It “Maye” take some time. I like Houston winning this game on the road by double digits.

OUR PICK: TEXANS

TAMPA BAY(3-2) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS(2-3)

Last time we saw the Buccaneers, they lost a game on Thursday night in an epic shoot out that went to overtime versus Kirk Cousins and the Falcons. The Saints opened up the season winning their first two games and putting over 40 points on the score board in each of them. The Saints have come back down to earth in a fatal crash as they lost three straight. Derek Carr is out.

Now the Saints will launch their secret weapon. Spencer Rattler is a rookie quarterback. Rattler was drafted out of South Carolina University and he is fearless. I like the Buccaneers chances better in this one with Bake Mayfield playing well. The Saints O-line is banged up. The Buccaneers are rested up.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS(3-2) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS(2-3)

The Steelers have lost two straight games after winning their first three. The Raiders are having QB issues. Will the Raiders bench Gardner Minshew and go with Aidan O’Connell? He was the starter for the silver and black last season. Looks like Russell Wilson will be back from his injury but the Steelers will stick with Justin Fields. The Raiders are without their star wide receiver Davante Adams who wants to be traded. I think O’Connell will give the Raiders a spark but not enough to light up the Steelers talented defense. I like Fields being able to match up against this Raiders defense that is still banged up.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

CLEVELAND BROWNS(1-4) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES(2-2)

These Browns are a natural disaster right now. How many more weeks will the Browns continue to trot out Deshaun Watson before pulling the plug on the 230 million dollar QB?

The Eagles needed a bye week and they are well rested after being off in week 5. The Eagles have been festering with their bad loss to the Buccaneers two weeks ago. I like Jalen Hurts out-dueling anything Watson has. I think the locker room will be an issue for Cleveland which may already be dividing. My gut feeling is the Eagles have their best game of the season in front of the home crowd against a team that is in total disarray right now.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

ATLANTA FALCONS(3-2) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS(1-4)

The Atlanta Falcons have to be licking their chops right now heading to Carolina to feast on Panthers meat. Kirk Cousins and that offense rolled over a pretty good Tampa Bay defense. The Panthers were shell-shocked playing the Bears on the road. Andy Dalton will keep this game close during the first half. The Falcons have a well balanced attack and the way Cousins has already adapted to his new team means look for Atlanta to light up the score board against a bad Panthers team. They can’t stop it but know it’s coming.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

DETROIT LIONS(3-1) AT DALLAS COWBOYS(3-2)

Both the Lions and Cowboys have won two straight games. The Lions are well rested coming off their bye week. The Cowboys last two wins have come against the Raiders and the Giants which does not give a confidence boost that they can take down the visiting Lions. The Cowboys may be without their star defender Micah Parsons who missed last week with an injury. I like the Lions offensive line man handling the Cowboys defensive front giving Detroit big holes to run through. Dak Prescott should keep this game close most of the game, but Lions will prevail late in the 4th to escape Dallas with another road victory.

OUR PICK: LIONS

LA CHARGERS(2-2) AT DENVER BRONCOS(3-2)

The Broncos are surging as they have won three straight games as you ask yourselves how. The Chargers have lost two straight and they are coming off their bye week. It seems like both teams play better defense right now than putting points on the board. The Broncos defense has been playing lights out. Bo Nix versus Justin Herbert could be the beginning of these two quarterbacks playing against each other for years to come. Herbert has been bothered by a ankle issue. Nix, the rookie quarterback, has been quietly improving each week as the Broncos have been tip toeing around the NFL. This while quietly stringing together victories. Jim Harbaugh coached teams are always a thorn in the side for opposing teams. Sean Payton had the Broncos playing well last year when his team looked like the worst team ever in football history. I like the Broncos in this one to continue quietly to gallop to another victory.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

CINCINNATI BENGALS(1-4) AT NEW YORK GIANTS(2-3)

The Giants had an upset last week over Seattle on the road. The Bengals had it. They missed a field goal versus the Ravens and ended up losing their 4th game of the season. This may be the biggest hole the Bengals early on into a season dug themselves. Joe Burrow is one of the hottest quarterbacks in the NFL right now as him and his receivers Lamar Chase and Tee Higgins are on the field together and on the same page. Daniel Jones has struggled this season. Jones and the Giants offense should be able to generate points off a bad Bengals defense. In the end Burrow should beat Jones. That Bengals offense will be a huge challenge against that Giants defense, which will break.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

BUFFALO BILLS(3-2) AT NEW YORK JETS(2-3)

This game has all the drama going on by both teams. The Jets fired their head coach this week, Robert Saleh. You may say Aaron Rodgers may have something to do with it. The Jets defensive coordinator will take over the head coach duties. Last Sunday it was the Bills head coach Sean McDermott who cost his team a W versus the Texans with bad clock management. The Bills have lost two games in a row. Josh Allen got banged up last week pretty good versus the Texans. Speaking of Rodgers, he has struggled in the last two weeks throwing lots of interceptions. The Jets also demoted their offensive coordinator. Nathan Hackett may be on coffee duty. This will be the Bills’ third straight road game. The Jets made the long trip back from England where they lost last week. Injuries for the Bills is a factor. Their offense averaged over 30 points per game in the first three games & now have averaged just 15 points per game in those two losses. Last year when the Jets opened up at home in Rodgers’ first game wearing the dark green, he was injured early on and was out for the season on a sack by Leonard Floyd. I like Allen having a big game here. I like the Bills defense finding a way to irk Rodgers as he makes a few critical mistakes to give the Bills a victory they need.

OUR PICK: BILLS