2025 NFL PREDICTIONS: WEEK SIX DONE THE WILD SHAMROCK WAY

October 12, 2025October 13, 2025 / thewildshamrock / Leave a comment

WEEK SIX STRAIGHT PICK-EM

Week 5 was a complete disaster for most people in the world trying to pick winners in an NFL game. With all the upsets & injuries you could compare it to the video game of Mutant League football where anything goes. I thought I was savvy on my Saints over the Giants pick. I really thought I pulled one out of a magic hat with the Jaguars over the Chiefs pick. The rest of them I felt like I was run over by a steam roller. I somehow finished week 5 with a even record.

LAST WEEK’S RECORD: (7-7)

On the 14 game slate, I had half of them correct. Is the entire NFL watered down where clearly there are no superior teams? Seeing the two undefeated teams, the Eagles and the Bills, lay an egg on Sunday to the Broncos and Patriots. Do you have to change the script pick with your gut? Go the opposite in what you believe? This is what the NFL wants where anything can happen. Where some weeks look like a highway wreck full of cars in a zombie apocalypse. We will continue to swing the bat and hope we make solid contact in week six.

SEASON RECORD: (52-26)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD: (5-2)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD: (4-1)

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (0-1)

WEEK SIX

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-1) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (1-4)

How can the Eagles lose two straight games and one of the teams be the Giants? The Giants are at home and it’s a Thursday night where anything can happen. It’s also a division game where these two teams know each other very well. This is true, but the Giants have a rookie quarterback in Jaxson Dart and he was quickly brought back down to earth after winning his first ever start in week 4. The Giants turned over the ball five times in 5 straight drives. The Saints landed their first victory of the season. The Giants also give Spencer Rattler his first NFL win of his career after losing ten straight starts in his first two seasons in the league. Look for X-Giants running back Saquon Barkley to play a big part in the Eagles righting the ship and getting back in the win column.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

THE SUNDAY FLIGHT TO ENGLAND

DENVER BRONCOS (3-2) AT NEW YORK JETS (0-5)

Who’s waking up at the butt crack of dawn to watch Jets football being played across the pond in London? The Broncos travel to Europe after getting a significant win over the undefeated Eagles in Philly. The Jets may be the worst team in the NFL. If only Justin Fields had some kind of offensive line in his entire career. The Jets 0-line has allowed the most pressures in the league to this point of the season. When it comes to the Broncos they have pressured the QB the most this season until this point.

Broncos line backer Nik Bonitto has seven sacks by himself so far this season which is what the Jets entire defense has right now in 5 weeks. The Jets defense has not been able to produce one turnover yet. This will be good for Broncos QB Bo knows Nix.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

THE REST OF THE SUNDAY TILT IN THE STATES

CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-4) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (3-1)

The last time the Browns won a game in Steel City it was back during the post-season of 2021. Back when Baker Mayfield was the Browns QB. Cleveland probably wishes they still had Mayfield. The Steelers are coming off a bye week. Which means Aaron Rodgers coming off a darkness retreat. The Browns traded away Joe Flacco so now the show belongs to Dillion Gabriel who started last week in the loss to the Vikings in Europe. Bailey Zappe, former Patriots QB, was activated from the practice squad as the number two QB. That leaves Deon Sanders Shedeur holding the clipboard as the number three guy on the Browns totem pole. The Browns have not won a regular season game in Pittsburgh since 2003. Rodgers will score some points off the Browns defense. The Steelers defense will throw a monkey wrench into the growth of Gabriel as they are second in the NFL in takeaways.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-3) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-1-1)

Joe Flacco started in AFC North with the Ravens. He may die in the AFC North with another team in the division. Flacco started the season with the Browns and he was traded to one of their rivals in the division, the Bengals. The Packers started out of the gates hot at home with a 2-0 record. The Browns beat the Packers on their first road game giving Flacco and the Browns their first win of the season. Then the Packers walked away from Dallas with a tie. Can Flacco light up the Bengals offense in the absence of Joe Burrow who may be out until December with an injury and are 0-3 without him? The Bengals second string QB has thrown 8 interceptions in three starts since Burrow went down. What happened to the Packers defense on the road? The Bengals are thinking Flacco could fling the rock all over the field with the talented receivers they have. Can Flacco beat Green Bay twice with two different teams in a matter of weeks? Green Bay is different at home obviously. Flacco should credit the Browns defense for the the first win and loss for the Packers. Flacco will get the start but will not be in sync right away with the Bengals offense. I like Green Bay doing a 360 and playing well at their home turf in this one and getting the better of Flacco in this one. Next year Flacco needs to be a Steeler to have all the uniforms in the AFC North.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

LA RAMS (3-2) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-4)

Lamar Jackson will miss his second game in a row for the Ravens due to a injury. The Rams should be licking their chops facing a junior varsity defense riddled with injuries. Former Dallas Cowboy Cooper Rush gets his second start in a Ravens uniform. His first start versus the Texans resulted in three interceptions. Matthew Stafford leads the league in passing yards and is closing in on Dan Marino on the all-time list as he needs 50 more yards.

The Ravens defense has already given up 177 points in 5 games which is the most in franchise history. I don’t see the Ravens defense stopping the Rams aerial attack. The Rams defense will zero in on Derrick Henry and take him out of play and that will be the key for a LA road victory.

OUR PICK: RAMS

ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-3) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (4-1)

Marvin Harrison Jr. faces his old man’s team, the Colts, in his father’s house in Indianapolis. The Colts are off to a great start as they are looking like one of the AFC power house teams right now. The Cardinals have lost three straight games by a walk off field goal in each of them. The Cardinals hit rock bottom last week shooting themselves in the foot multiple times and gift wrapping a victory for the Titans which even had a bow on top. The former Ohio State receiver has been quiet this year catching only 20 balls for 306 yards with 2 touchdowns. Kyler Murray is a streaky quarterback at best. He has not hit his stride yet this season for a big game. The Colts offense is well balanced. Jonathan Taylor is a beast. Daniel Jones is having a career year. The Colts defense should just do enough to tame the Cardinals offense here for the 5th victory of the year and another home win.

OUR PICK: COLTS

LA CHARGERS (3-2) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-4)

The Chargers are 3-0 versus teams in their own division. The Chargers are 0-2 versus everyone else. The Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is 3-14 versus teams with a winning record since 2022. This will be the 4th time Justin Herbert versus Tua Tagovailoa have met. Tua has the 2-1 edge over Herbert. I don’t like the Dolphins defense. The Chargers defense has been solid most of the year. The Chargers are using their 3rd or 4th running back already this season. Whoever it is, Moe, Larry, or Curly, or even Shemp, the Chargers should have a running game to go along with the aerial attack versus this Dolphins defense.

I think the Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh will have his team playing their best after losing two straight games.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-2) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (4-1)

This game is a toss up. I’m shocked that the Jaguars have been playing so well. Both quarterbacks for both teams – Sam Darnold for Seattle and Trevor Lawrence for the Jags – have lit up the skies. Lawrence was huge versus the Chiefs on Monday night knocking them off their high perch. Darnold lost in a shootout versus Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. To pick this match up, it comes down to defense. Seattle has played well all year until they face the Buccaneers last week. Jacksonville continues to get takeaways like they mass produce them in a factory somewhere. This game has shoot out written all over it. I like the home team in this one. It’s a long flight for Seattle as well.

OUR PICK: JAGUARS

DALLAS COWBOYS (2-2-1) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-3)

The Carolina Panthers are undefeated at home winning both games they played there. The Cowboys offense can score 30 points per game and at the same time give up 30 points per game. The Cowboys will face their former teammate running back Rico Dowdle who’s coming off a 200 yard performance against a bad Dolphins defense. He should be able to have back to back solid games running the rock as the Cowboys defense can’t stop anybody. This game is another toss up. I give the nod to the Panthers since they defend their home turf very well.

OUR PICK: PANTHERS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (3-2) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-4)

Spencer for hire Rattler finally won his first NFL start last week after going 0-10 as a staring QB for the Saints. The Patriots went into Buffalo and upset the Bills in a prime time Sunday affair. The Patriots offense is heating up with the Stephon Diggs making an impact with New England’s QB Drake Maye. The Saints have battled in most of the games they have played this season. The Patriots confidence is rising and their head coach Mike Vrabel is constructing the next dynasty here. Can the Patriots be overconfident in this one on the road after beating the Bills in Buffalo? Can Rattler stay hot? This is the NFL and anything can happen. Last week was a shit show of craziness. This will be a close game. I like the Saints in an upset to get it done and bring the Diggs show down a peg or two.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-4) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (1-4)

You wonder if Pete Carroll regrets coming back to the NFL as a head coach and taking this Raiders job? Geno Smith has been terrible this season as he tallied up 9 interceptions in 5 games. The Raiders have lost 4 straight.

The Titans finally won their first game of the season with their rookie quarterback Cam Ward & had an impressive comeback. Or did the Arizona Cardinals gift wrap that victory for Ward and the Titans? This game could go either way. I think Pete strikes a deal with the devil as he always has and the Raiders somehow pull out a victory on the road.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (4-1) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-1)

How many injuries are piled up for both teams here and they each have won 4 out 5 games to start the season? Baker Mayfield coming off winning a shoot out versus the Seahawks will not have Mike Evans or Chris Godwin. The Buccaneers are hurting at the running back position. The 49ers have thrived with back up quarterback Mac Jones who will get another start for injured Brock Purdy. Jones is 3-0 as the starter and has 6 touchdown passes to only 1 interception in 3 games. Jones engineered an impressive win versus the LA Rams in week 5. This will be another close game that could go either way. I like the 49ers defense and confident they can do enough to slow Mayfield and that Buccaneers offense down and make a few stops to give Jones the drive he needs to win this game on the road.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

DETROIT LIONS (4-1) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-3)

Can the Lions go back to Arrowhead stadium and knock off the Chiefs like they did back in the opener of the 2023 season? The Lions have won 4 straight games since losing the opener on the road in Green Bay. The Chiefs started out of the gates 0-2 but since won 2 out 3 games. The Chiefs recently lost to the Jaguars on Monday night after building a two score lead on Jacksonville. Patrick Mahomes has never beaten Jared Goff as these two quarterbacks have faced each other more than once. The Chiefs offense has been better the last 3 weeks. The Lions have been solid in the last 4 games on both sides of the ball. The Chiefs are not that team like they used to be where Arrowhead was a guaranteed victory for Mahomes and company. I like the Lions to do it again while they have their defense intact as they put Mahomes and Andy Reid in a bigger hole to open their season.

OUR PICK: LIONS

TWO MONDAY NIGHT GAMES

BUFFALO BILLS (4-1) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (2-2)

The Falcons are well rested for this home game versus the visiting Buffalo Bills. The Bills encountered their first loss of the season versus the Patriots. The Falcons had a win over the Commanders before the bye where their offense put up 34 points. The Falcons in 3 were shut out by the Panthers. The Bills lost a close game and the team was sloppy with turnovers and penalties. Look for the Bills to clean up their game and get back on track like a well-oiled machine on offense. The Bills will key in on the Falcons running game. I think Michael Penix will be confused at the looks of the Bills defense which will create a few takeaways and escape Atlanta with a much needed victory to get back on track.

OUR PICK: BILLS

CHICAGO BEARS (2-2) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (3-2)

Last year the Commanders won this match up with a Hail Mary pass to put the Bears away. Will Washington use the Our Father play to do in the Bears this year? The Bears have won two straight games. The Bears are coming off a bye week. The NFL will have the Commanders facing off versus the Bears for years to come as Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels were picked 1 and 2 in last year’s NFL draft. This will be the first ever Monday night game involving two quarterbacks going 1 and 2 in the same draft class. The Commander won in Daniels’ return last week versus the Chargers. The Bears won a wild one versus the Raiders in week 4. The Bears have gotten better, but the Commanders are the better team here. This should be another wild game as Washington defends their turf and gets the W.

OUR PICK COMMANDERS

2025 NFL WEEKLY PREDICTIONS: WEEK 5 DONE THE WILD SHAMROCK WAY

October 5, 2025 / thewildshamrock / Leave a comment

WEEK 5 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

LAST WEEK’S RECORD: (12-4)

SEASON RECORD: (45-19)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD: (4-2)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD: (4-0)

FRIDAY NIGHT RECORD: (0-1)

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-1) AT LA RAMS (3-1)

The 49ers will once again be without Brock Purdy. The Rams enjoyed some home cooking last weekend giving the Colts their first loss of the season. The 49ers also suffered their first loss of the season to the Jaguars. Can Mac Jones continue to be perfect as the fill in guy for Purdy? Jones is 2-0 this season already. Anything can happen in division games because they know each other very well. I like the Rams. The way Matthew Stafford has performed so far this season, he should be able to slice and dice the 49ers defense with their injuries piling up like a MASH unit. Can any team stop what Stafford has with wide receiver Puka Nacua? He may have 100 catches way before mid-season.

OUR PICK: RAMS

THE SUNDAY TILT

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-2) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-3) IN LONDON ENGLAND

It was a matter of time for the Cleveland Browns to bench the old guy Joe Flacco for the next generation, QB Dillion Gabriel. How’s Shedeur Sanders taking this, the other QB the Browns drafted this season? Probably not well. Flacco will be the number two while Sanders pouts as the number 3 QB. The Vikings lost a close one last week to the Steelers last week in Ireland. The Vikings are still across the pond this week. Now they are in London, England. The Browns defense will keep Gabriel’s debut close. He faces a blitzing Viking defense that will give the rookie a challenge. Carson Wentz will do enough to get by the Browns defense. The Vikings being over in Europe last week will give them the advantage on the time change whild the Browns may be on snooze most of this game.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

DALLAS COWBOYS (1-2-1) AT NEW YORK JETS(0-4)

Is the new Jets head coach a better cheerleader than anything Dallas has? Not quite, but I feel for him like I need to cheer him on so the Jets can get that first victory. I don’t like the Jets’ chances versus this Cowboys team that has been good on offense. They put up 40 points versus Green Bay and came away with only a tie. The Cowboys defense sucks. Justin Fields should have a big day for New York. However the Jets defense still have not been able to generate one stinking turnover after 4 weeks. The Cowboys will score points off the Jets defense and be able to just do enough to stop Fields to get a road victory or this will end in a tie. The Cowboy way.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

DENVER BRONCOS(2-2) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-0)

Can the Broncos give the Eagles their first loss of the season? This is a long road trip for the Broncos, but I can see their defense being able to contain Saquon Barkley most of the game. I said most of the game which Barkley will eventually wear out the Broncos defense. Bo Nix is starting to heat up. This will be a tough game for Bo dealing with the Eagles on the road in hostile territory. The Broncos are a good team but they are not ready yet to beat the top tier teams in the NFL. I like Eagles to stay undefeated in a close game but a victory.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

BALTIMORE RAVENS(1-3) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (1-3)

Do you remember the old Dallas Cowboys back up QB Cooper Rush? Now he is suiting up for the Ravens and is going to start for them this week because Lamar Jackson is injured. Rush is 9-5 as a starter all-time. The Texans won their first game of the season last Sunday. The Ravens will not be explosive on offense with Rush behind center, but they will still get points. The Texans have a bad offensive line, but the Ravens defense is horrific. The Texans defense is solid. I like CJ Stroud not being on his back in this game to have his best performance of the year. It will be a close game, but Texans prevail at the end because of all the injuries on that Ravens defense.

OUR PICK: TEXANS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS(1-3) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-1)

Colts suffered their first loss of the season versus a solid Rams team. The Raiders should have beat the Bears but suffered a loss giving up the lead to Chicago late in that contest. Geno Smith has not done well in Vegas so far. Three more picks last week. Daniel Jones is the comeback player of the year. He has flipped the script in his football career and he should be able to have another solid game versus this Raiders defense. I’m surprised head coach Pete Carol has not made another pact with the Devil to get some wins as Raiders head coach. I like the Colts in this one with Jonathan Taylor wearing out the silver and black at home to get back in the win column.

OUR PICK: COLTS

NEW YORK GIANTS (1-3) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-4)

Who do you love?

We know who the Giants head coach loves. Brian Daboll is not shy of his love for Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart who helped New York land their first victory of the season last Sunday. Can the Giants hit the road and win their second game of the year in the Big Easy? Not trying to ruin Daboll’s chubby, but this Sunday it will be Spencer Rattler getting his first NFL victory. Rattler is now 0-10 in his career as a starter. The Saints have been lingering in every game so far. I like Rattler to take a bite out of the visiting Big Apple and getting the Saints finally in the win column.

OUR PICK: SAINTS

MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-3) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-3)

The Panthers were blown out by the Patriots last week. The Dolphins finally crack the win column but it cost them their top receiver.

I hate when bad things happen to bad people like Tyreek Hill. His devastating knee injury has him out the rest of the season. I think Carolina will be able to score points off a bad Dolphins defense. You can’t trust what this Panther team will do. They can win. However Bryce Young can have have a big day and Carolina can still lose. Tua Tagovailoa still has weapons without the Cheetah. I like the Dolphins just getting by the Panthers by a ball hair in this one.

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-1) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-1)

This match up should be a good one. Usually you hear about Seattle making the long distance flight. This time it’s Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers suffered their first loss of the season losing a close affair with the Champion Eagles. The Seahawks have won three straight games after opening up the season with a loss at home. The Seahawks are a team that can be beat at home. Seattle defense has been solid and should be able to prevent a Buccaneers comeback late in this contest. It seems like all the wins by Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers have been in the last minute of regulation. I like how Sam Darnold has played for the Seahawks so far. He should be able to do his stuff versus a Buccaneers defense that just blitzes all the time.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

DETROIT LIONS (3-1) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-2)

The Lions will get the Ohio sweep this Sunday after beating the Browns last week. The Bengals defense should allow the Lions offense to function on all cylinders. Jake Browning, the fill in guy for Joe Burrow, has been awful. You have to blame the Bengals offensive line being a majority of the problem. Look for J’Marr Chase to have another heated exchange with the Bengals staff.

Chase will continue to disappoint fantasy football owners throughout the country. The Lions defense should be licking their chops on potential turnovers they will get from Browning who’s been in giving spirits so far this season.

OUR PICK: LIONS

TENNESSEE TITANS (0-4) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-2)

The Titans have to be the worst team in the NFL. Tennessee was shut out by the Texans last weekend. Meanwhile the Cardinals started out of the gates with a 2-0 record & have lost two straight games. Arizona is at home. Their defense should do well against a struggling rookie quarterback. Kyler Murray should be able to put up a solid performance versus the Titans defense. Look for Arizona to snap the two game losing streak while winning an easy one.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (2-2) AT LA CHARGERS (3-1)

The Commanders will have Jayden Daniels back behind center after he missed the last two games from an injury. The Chargers lost their first game of the year to a rookie QB making his first ever start in the NFL last Sunday. Can Daniels knock off the rust? Can Justin Herbert function well even with a banged up O-line for the Chargers? Daniels has not been himself from his rookie season. The Commanders are playing a tougher schedule this season because they made the playoffs last year & you will see some struggles. This will be a close game. It’s hard to beat a Jim Harbaugh coached team two weeks in a row. The Chargers are at home. They will prevent a losing streak and find the win column.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-2) AT BUFFALO BILLS (4-0)

The Patriots blew the doors off the Panthers last Sunday. The Bills made it tougher on themselves with the visiting Saints but prevailed in the 4th quarter. Is this Mike Vrabel team ready to knock off the big dog of the AFC East? The Patriots are a team on the rise, but a beat down of the Panthers does not give them the juice to come into Buffalo on a Sunday night and beat the Bills. Josh Allen has been very good in prime time games over his career. The Bills are an extremely tough animal to beat in Orchard Park. I can see the Patriots making this game. In the end the Bills will stay perfect for the season.

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-2) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (3-1)

It’s easy to say the Chiefs are back and are functioning on all cylinders after their beat down of the Ravens. The Ravens defense is horrific. It’s like playing the junior varsity team. The Jaguars defense already has racked up 13 turnovers in 4 games. I feel like the Chiefs are in for a rude awakening when they visit Florida. This is my upset special. I think Trevor Lawrence will do enough. I like the Jaguars running game. I suspect Patrick Mahomes to lay an egg. Look for the meathead Travis Kelce to continue his non-impressive performances this season. He’s lucky Taylor Swift is selling records by the millions. It will be a close game, but Jags come away with a shocker at home.

OUR PICK: JAGUARS

2025 NFL WEEKLY PREDICTIONS: WEEK 4 DONE THE WILD SHAMROCK WAY

September 28, 2025September 30, 2025 / thewildshamrock / Leave a comment

WEEK 3 RECORD AT STRAIGHT PICK-EM (10-6)

SEASON RECORD: (33-15)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD: (2-2)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD: (3-0)

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS RECORD (0-1)

NFL WEEK 4 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

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

Seattle comes in winning two games in a row as they beat up the Saints on the road last Sunday putting 44 points. The Cardinals suffered their first loss of the season from division rival San Francisco in a close one. The Seahawks only loss came from the 49ers in week 1. The Cardinals versus Seahawks are always close affairs. Both teams have solid defenses. I like Seattle’s offense better than the Cardinals right now. Sam Darnold has given the Seahawks some jolt the last two weeks. Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr.’s hook up has been silence of the lambs, not the thriller like it was last season. The Seahawks will not be able to drop 44 points on this Cards defense, but Darnold will generate just enough points to get by and secure a road victory versus a division rival which is huge to do early on.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

THE SUNDAY TILT

IRELAND SUNDAY MORNING

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-1) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-1)

Our first international game of the season happens as Ireland hosts a pretty good match up between the Vikings and Steelers. The Vikings put up the most points of the season with Carson Wentz behind center filling in for the injured rookie JJ McCarthy versus the Bengals last weekend. The Steelers improved to 2-1 with Aaron Rodgers as their quarterback as they beat the Patriots. The Vikings get one of their weapons back in the return of Jordan Addison who comes off the suspension list. Addison gives Wentz another play maker on the field like he does not have enough. The Steelers defense has struggled so far this season. You could say they played their best game last week. The Vikings will be able to generate points. I don’t see Rodgers and that Steelers offense matching up with the Vikings strong defensive unit. Anything can happen over the pond with the time change. I like the Vikings in this one. Even though Rodgers could have signed in Minnesota during the off-season. Vikings instead chose their young rookie QB McCarthy. It is kind of a revenge game for Rodgers. I think the Vikings defense will tame the disgruntled old man by the sea.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-2) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-2)

The New England Patriots are many pieces away from building their next Evil Empire Death Star. The Patriots’ Mike Vrabel era has started off good because they’ve been in every game. They may only have one win but they growing, learning and will eventually string together some victories. The Panthers want the same thing the Patriots do. This Panthers team looked and played better in the second half of last year. Bryce Young looked like a number one pick finally. The Panthers played their best game of the season last week blanking the Falcons in a beat down 30-0 at home. Bryce Young on the road has not been good at finding ways to win football games. Young in his first 15 starts on the road in his career is 1-14.

Young is in the same boat of these quarterbacks in their first 15 starts of their career on the road with the same records: Steve DeBerg, Dan Pastorini, and one of the greatest Jaguars of all-time Blake Bortles. This game will be close but the Panthers will fall short. Look for Drake Maye to have a big game in the passing department and light up the Panthers secondary to even things up for the Patriots at 2-2 for the season.

OUR PICK: PATRIOTS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (3-0) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-0)

Two former Oklahoma State Quarterbacks square off once again. Baker Mayfield is 2-1 versus Jalen Hurts in his career. Hurts in his career versus the Buccaneers is 1-4. In 2024 the Buccaneers destroyed the Eagles 32-9 in the NFC wild card game. The Eagles are 1-3 in Tampa Bay under the leadership of their head coach, Nick Sirianni. Mayfield seems to find a way in every win this season to win it at the end of regulation. The Eagles had a lucky block kick that sealed a come from behind victory versus the Rams last Sunday. I think Eagles will be affected by the Florida heat as Mayfield may not need to win this one in the last minute. It’s a close game & Tampa pulls off the victory at home.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-3) AT BUFFALO BILLS (3-0)

The Saints were bombarded by the Seahawks at home last weekend. The Bills battled it out with the division rival Dolphins and prevailed at the end with a 10 point victory at home on Thursday night. The Saints are desperate for a victory. The Saints starting quarterback Spencer Rattler now is 0-9 as a starting QB dating back to last year. The Bills have been very solid at home as they have a 13 game winning streak at Highmark stadium dating back to last season. Seattle dropped 44 points on the Saints last week. The Bills will get 30 or more points off the Saints defense in this one. The Bills defense should be able to force a few turnovers in this one and keep the Saints offense in check most of the game to stay undefeated for the season.

OUR PICK: BILLS

CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-2) AT DETROIT LIONS (2-1)

The epic Spaceballs 2 movie awakens in 2027. The Browns are looking for revenge for their Schwartz. The Browns defensive coach Jim Schwartz used to be the Lions head coach many many years ago in a galaxy far far away. Schwartz has did this done that versus the Lions after they fired him. It’s always fun to dig up the great memories. Schwartz has the Browns defense humming so far. They have held running backs to a dismal 2.3 yards per game. They have allowed the fewest yards per game so far which is 204.3 overall. How do you stop the Lions two headed monster at running back with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs? Plus the Lions aerial attack? The Lions were humiliated by the Packers in week 1 & since then they’ve won two straight. The Browns beat the Packers last week for their first victory of the season. The Lions knocked off the Ravens last week scoring 38 on Baltimore. The Browns took a beat down by the Ravens in week 2. Browns defense may be the best. The Lions offense may be the best. The Lions defense sacked Lamar Jackson 7 times last week. Sorry Browns, but your QB is Joe Flacco and that Cleveland offense has been on life support all year. Lions know how to put down a doggie.

OUR PICK: LIONS

LA CHARGERS (3-0) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (0-3)

The Giants have officially benched Russell Wilson and now hand the keys to the quarterback position to the rookie, Jaxson Dart. The Giants are 0-3, as the coaching staff looks for anything to save their jobs. Dart was a first round pick from this year’s draft 25th overall by the Giants. Meanwhile the Chargers mowed down each divisional opponent so far this season to start 3-0 out of the gates. Justin Herbert is playing well and the Chargers defense is getting the job done so far this season. The head coach of the Giants, Brian Daboll, compares Dart’s skill set to the great Josh Allen who he used to coach in Buffalo. The Giants are looking for a spark. Since 1967, QB’s making their first ever start versus the Chargers have a record of 3-17. However 2-2 since 2019. I like the move by the Giants as Wilson is a bum. He should retire. I don’t see Dart beating the Chargers whose defense are in the top ten in the league at allowing the lowest amount of passing yards. Chargers escape New York still perfect.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (2-1) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (1-2)

Is it time for the Falcons to beam up their Captain Kirk Cousins to the USS Falcon Enterprises? The humiliation of being a Falcon fan losing to the Panthers 30-0 not scoring any points off a bottom feeder of the league. Now the Commanders come marching into town with a veteran quarterback that suited up for the Falcons in 2022, Marcus Mariota. In 2022 Mariota went 5-8 as the starting QB for the Falcons and was replaced by an ineffective twerp named Desmond Ridder who is probably washing cars these days. Last week Mariota filled in for the injured Jayden Daniels and Washington walked all over the Raiders defense and some more scoring over 40 points. The Falcons starting quarterback Michael Penix is averaging under 6 yards each pass. All the Commanders have to do is stop the Falcons running game in this one. GAME OVER!! I think the Falcons will have a better showing overall and keep this a gamer. Mariota gets his revenge.

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

TENNESSEE TITANS (0-3) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (0-3)

Somebody has to win their first game unless this AFC south match up ends up in a dead end tie.

Do you think the Titans fan base miss their old head coach Mike Vrabel? Brian Callahan so far in two seasons as the HC for Tennessee has a dismal record of 3-17 which is the worst in the Superbowl era. Titans are dealing with a rookie QB and his growing pains along with a bad offensive line. Houston does have a problem with their O-line as the Texans have not scored 20 points in any game so far. How do you sort this pile of heap of a match up out? The Titans average 17 points per contest. The Texans defense allows 17 points per contest. The Texans defense has tallied up 9 sacks while the Titans have allowed 17. Stats do not even help the cause here. The Texans defense is the best unit on the field in this game. They will get the turnovers they need to help the Texans offense get into the 20 points range for the first time this season. I like Nick Chubb having his best game so far in a Texans uniform to help Houston notch their first victory of the season in a stressful game for both sides.

OUR PICK: TEXANS

GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-1) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (1-2)

America’s team and the big cheese were disappointments last week. Green Bay looked like Superbowl contenders as the Cowboys looked exactly like the Cowboys of present. Dallas can’t stop anybody. Green Bay defense can halt the Dallas offense. I like a rebound from the Packers here firing on all cylinders in this one. The Cowboys are weakened without their star receiver CeeDee Lamb who’s out for a few weeks with an injury he suffered from the Bears. In all, Jordan Love will have a big day forgetting what the Browns defense did to him to light up a bad Dallas defense.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-0) AT LA RAMS (2-1)

The surprising Colts ran all over the Titans last weekend. The Rams had a potential game winning field goal that would have walked off the Eagles but it was blocked and they suffered their first loss of the season. Jonathan Taylor right now leads the NFL in rushing yards. The Colts have protected Daniel Jones as he has only been sacked twice so far this season. The Rams can get to the quarterback as they are tied with the Broncos for most sacks in the league. The Rams, like the Colts, have a well-balanced offense that can run well & Matthew Stafford you know can get hot on any given Sunday and slice and dice the defense. Are the Colts for real? Only good team the Colts beat was the Broncos on a walk off field goal. It was a penalty after a missed field goal that set up the walk off kick for the Colts. The Rams on the road is a huge test. This game could be epic or a stinker. I think it will be a good game and a close affair. I like the Rams at the end to pull it off. I have been riding the Colts all season. I think the Rams defense will make one or two plays that will end the Colts’ nice start out of the gates of this NFL season.

OUR PICK: RAMS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-1) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-0)

The 49ers are perfect for the season, but like last year the injuries are piling up.

The 49ers lost their defensive stud Nick Bosa who tore his ACL last week versus the Cardinals. The Jaguars are off to a good start this season. The Jaguars defense has played well so far. They have created turnovers in all three games. The 49ers went 2-0 with Mac Jones behind center, a guy who played for the Jaguars last year. The 49ers welcome back their starting QB Brock Purdy. The Jaguars offense so far this season has had too many drop balls. The Jaguars are protecting Trevor Lawrence which is a good thing. The Jaguars have lost seven straight games following a win. I think they overcome those odds. With a lack of pass rush by the 49ers, Lawrence has a nice solid day at the office. The 49ers have played in too many close games and have won all of them. These games have been low scoring. I think the Jaguars offense will score points off this 49ers banged up defense. Purdy will be rusty and not be able to match the Jaguars this weekend.

OUR PICK: JAGUARS

BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-2) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-2)

It’s shocking the Ravens and Chiefs only have one win at this point of the season. The Ravens defense has been horrific so far as they are dead last in the NFL. The Chiefs offense has not been crisp like we are used to seeing.

The Meathead Travis Kelce Swift has been very bad this season in his play. He has made two bone-headed mistakes in both losses this season. The Ravens offense has tallied up 111 points which is the most points by a losing team in the first three weeks of the season. I think Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense will look better than they had all season playing a bad Ravens defense. I don’t think Mahomes can match scores with the red hot Ravens offense. That Ravens D will make a play, probably something that involves Kelce that will seal the deal for Baltimore on the road.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-2) AT CHICAGO BEARS (1-2)

The Raiders suffered a beat down versus the Commanders last weekend losing big to Washington’s back up QB. The Raiders defense was the strength of the team until that point when they gave up over 40 points to Washington. The Bears offense looked amazing last weekend versus a bad Dallas Defense. The Bears defense rebounded after giving up 52 points to the Lions in week two by creating some turnover versus the Cowboys. Can Caleb Williams and that Ben Johnson offense repeat this week off this Raiders defense that was scorched? Williams finally was protected and was not sacked. I don’t like how Geno Smith has been playing so far in a Raiders uniform. He looked good in week 1 in the win over the Patriots in New England. I think the Bears defense can continue the trend and create a few turnovers off this Raiders offense. I hate jumping on the Bears bandwagon so quickly because they usually disappoint you. I think the Raiders are a team in the Bears wheelhouse. It’s a team where Ben Johnson’s offense being run by the Bears personnel will look good for another week at least.

OUR PICK: BEARS

GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-1) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (1-2)

This is when the Dallas Cowboys owner will have egg on his face in the return of Micah Parsons wearing a Packers uniform. The Packers suffered their first loss of the season to the Browns as their offense went dormant on their first road game of the year. The Cowboys suffered a loss to the Bears and lost one of their top play makers in that contest, Cee Dee Lamb. The Cowboys defense is a perfect recipe for the Packers offense to get back on track. Watch Parsons light up the Cowboys O-line and sack Dak Prescott at least once. He will make a big play in his return and a statement at the same time to Jones. I think Packers will win big on the road in this one.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

NEW YORK JETS (0-3) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-3)

Who’s going to win this toilet bowl match up? Justin Fields is expected back behind center for the Jets. Fields suffered a concussion in week 2 versus the Bills. The Jets play better with Fields over Tyrod Taylor. The Dolphins played their best game in Buffalo, but in the end lost by ten points. Both these teams have not been able to create one single turnover so far this season. The Jets need to establish the running game, which they can off this bad Dolphins defense. The Dolphins have feasted on bad teams the last few years. My gut feeling is Tua Tagovailoa will have his best game of the season. He seems like he is heating up and getting better each week. Watch him have a clean game. Dolphins would shock me more being 0-4 than the Jets being 0-4 with a new head coach trying to establish roots in his new gig. Dolphins win a close one.

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-1) AT DENVER BRONCOS (1-2)

Are you shocked more by Denver having a losing record at this point or the Bengals having a winning record this early? The Bengals fan base would give up the winning record at this point to have a losing record like they normally do at this point, but to have their star QB Joe Burrow behind center. Burrow is out which means Jake Browning will have to face the Broncos front seven who will be charging after the second string QB all game like the running of the bulls in Spain. Browning did not do well versus the Vikings defense last week as the Bengals were destroyed in all departments in their first loss of the year. Look for Bo Nix to heat up at the right moment for the Broncos versus a bad Bengals defense. I like the Broncos all night in this one.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

2025 NFL WEEKLY PREDICTIONS: WEEK 3 DONE THE WILD SHAMROCK WAY

September 21, 2025 / thewildshamrock / Leave a comment

WEEKS TWO’S RECORD AT STRAIGHT PICK-EM (12-4)

We improved by one game from week 1 to week 2. Our best pick week 2 was riding the Colts over the Broncos. We went with the fins at home versus the Patriots that bit us on the rear.

SEASON RECORD: (23-9)

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL RECORD: (1-1)

SUNDAY NIGHT RECORD: (1-1)

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL RECORD (2-0)

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS RECORD (0-1)

NFL WEEK 3 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-2) AT BUFFALO BILLS (2-0)

The Bills beat up the Jets last week, running the ball and playing better defense. The Dolphins finally had a pulse as they fought back in a game at home versus the visiting Patriots. Tua Tagovailoa’s last drive resulted in a interception to give the Patriots their first victory of the year. The Dolphins are desperate for a victory and heading to Buffalo on a short week does not sound like a good idea. Tua has never won a game in Buffalo. He is 1-8 all-time versus the Bills. The Bills are very hard to beat at home. I don’t like the Dolphins chances. The Bills defense has always contained Tua’s air and water show. Josh Allen will use bad Dolphin defense to keep the Bills perfect after three weeks.

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE SUNDAY TILT

ATLANTA FALCONS (1-1) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-2)

The Falcons shocked the Vikings last week as their defense tallied 6 sacks versus Minnesota. The Panthers once again are off to a bad start but played better in week 2 than week 1. Bryce Young had his best game of his career in the 2024 finale versus these Falcons. He threw three touchdown passes and tallied 252 passing yards. The Falcons did not pressure him which I expect to change in this early season meeting. Young played better in week 2 for the Panthers. Michael Penix Jr. has been more of a game manager than elite passer. He is completing 63.5% of his passes and making no mistakes. The Falcons rely on their strong running game that features Bijan Robinson. The Panthers are allowing an average of 141 rushing yards per week. I like the Falcons to get off the bus running. Falcons played well in both games so far. Their defense made a statement versus the Vikings which should carry over on the road.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-0) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-2)

The Packers first road game of the season will be heading to the DAWG POUND in Cleveland. Some experts are picking the Packers to march themselves all the way to the Superbowl, they have played so well in the first two games. The Packers running game has not done very well. Josh Jacobs is scoring rushing touchdowns but has averaged only 3.6 yards per carry. The strength of Cleveland is their rushing defense. They have only given up 92 rushing yards in the first two games. Jordan Love will have to beat the Browns with his arm. The Browns squeezed anything good they had out of Joe Flacco in the 2023 season. Flacco is 40 years of age and is playing like a 40 year old virgin.

Flacco already has racked up 3 interceptions in two games. Did I forget to mention the Packers have Micah Parsons who will have no problem chasing Joe down on the field as he is a statue back there? The Browns defense keeps this game close most of the way until the Packers blow open the doors of the Dawg pound late in the game.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

HOUSTON TEXANS (0-2) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS(1-1)

This is the game where two young QB’s have peaked early in their careers and right now are playing on a down slope. CJ Stroud has not got that running game that he’s been used to and has a bad offensive line. For Jacksonville they can run the ball very well and that gives Trevor Lawrence’s Jaguars a well balanced attack. The Jaguars should be 2-0 right now as they knocked Joe Burrow out of the game last Sunday. Then they picked off the Bengals second string QB, Jake Browning, three times and lost that game to Cincinnati. If Stroud finds time, he can exploit the Jaguars pass defense. He can also turn over the ball because the Jaguars are creating turnovers. The Texans have played in close games because of their defense. The offense has been held under 20 points in the first two games. Look for the Jaguars to run the ball down the Texans’ throat in this one. Lawrence will make a few good throws to put the Jaguars back in the win column. I think Stroud will continue to have issues with his O-Line.

OUR PICK: JAGUARS

CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-0) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-1)

The original match up in this one quarterbacks-wise was going to be Joe Burrow vs rookie JJ McCarthy. Changes have been made due to injuries as two back up QBs are behind center. For the Bengals, Jake Browning is the guy that engineered a comeback win over the Jaguars last week despite throwing three picks. Everyone remembers Carson Wentz who has been collecting uniforms around the league since he was traded away by the Eagles. Can Browning get the ball to those big receivers while under duress by the Vikings blitzing defense? For Wentz, what does he have left in the tank? A QB that has only played two games in the last two seasons? The Bengals could right now be 0-2. I think the Bengals defense has played better than what people expected. The Vikings offensive mastermind QB whisperer and head coach in 2023, got two wins out of Joshua Dobbs at quarterback. He will insert Wentz into the Vikings system like a light bulb and watch him light it up. Wentz has plenty of weapons. He has a solid running game. Browning will continue to make mistakes and that will give Vikings a home win.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-1) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-1)

The Steelers steel curtain defense has turned into a shower curtain. In the first week, Justin Fields carved up the Steelers defense. In the second week, Sam Darnold did the same thing. In New England, the Patriots are responding to their new head coach Mike Vrabel. Drake Maye is making progress not regressing in his second year in the NFL. The Patriots knocked off the Dolphins for their first win of the year on the road. The Steelers were blown up by the Seahawks. This game could go either way. It should be a close game and decided in the last few minutes of the contest. I have to believe Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Steelers, will figure out what needs to be done for his defense to get better. Aaron Rodgers has not been horrible. I know this is not one of Rodgers’ revenge games. I think father time will out-duel the young Maye at the end of regulation. Not by much as Steelers win another road game.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2-0) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (0-2)

We know the Colts are the first team of the Superbowl era not to punt the ball after the first two games of a season. The Titans offensive line has been a turnstyle for the defense opponents. Such a bad recipe – a bad offensive line and rookie quarterback. Sounds like a play out of the Chicago Bears book. Jonathan Taylor gashed the Titans defense for over 200 yards the last time these two teams met last year. the Titans defense played well week 1 and week 2 – gave up a ton of points to the Rams offense. Daniel Jones has played well for the Colts. They have the bionic leg in their kicker.

Spencer Shrader has been money from long distance including a game winner over the Broncos. I like the Colts to continue to roll like a well-oiled machine versus a bad team in their division.

OUR PICK: COLTS

NEW YORK JETS (0-2) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-0)

I did not know Tyrod Taylor is still in the NFL. This will be Taylor’s first start in the NFL since week 18 of the 2023 season. Justin Fields suffered a concussion last week versus the Bills, so now Taylor will get the nod. The Buccaneers have won two thrillers to start their season off undefeated. Baker Mayfield led two impressive drives each game at the end to help the Buccaneers prevail. Taylor is 28-28-1 as a starter in the NFL. He will make his first start with the Jets, a team he’s played for the last two seasons. In a Jets uniform he has only been called upon for mop up duty. Taylor is a dink and dunk kind of QB that can’t throw downfield consistently. This should be an easy challenge for the Buccaneers defense. The Buccaneers should be able to run the Jets defense out of the stadium as well. Baker will be Baker and keep the Buccaneers perfect for the season.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

LA RAMS (2-0) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-0)

The Rams meeting up with the Eagles in week 3 is a rematch of the NFC Divisional game of last year’s post-season. As you know, that went the Eagles way. The Rams did make that game interesting at the end. The biggest question: Can the Rams stop Eagles running back Saquon Barkley? In two games versus the Rams last year, Barkley gashed LA in those games for 460 yards on the ground. That is not counting receiving yards. The Rams will bring their new weapon to this gun fight. Davante Adams had a big game last week for the Rams versus the Titans. Adams, one of the best receivers in the NFL, for most of his career was a former Packer, Raider, and Jet. It gives Matthew Stafford two big targets in the Rams aerial game that are hard to defend. The Eagles offense early on has been rolling. This game and Monday night’s game will be the top two games of the week at least on paper right now. I like the Rams flipping the script here on the Eagles. Sean McVay is one of the best young minds in the game. He will have a better plot this go around to finally beat a team that has been a thorn in his side the last few meetings. This game will live up to the hype as the Rams get an impressive road win while containing Barkley in a close game. Won at the end as LA escapes Philadelphia and gets their revenge. Best served cold with a Philly Steak sandwich.

OUR PICK: RAMS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-1) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1-1)

The Commanders will be without their starting quarterback this Sunday as they lose Jayden Daniels to a knee sprain. Next man up for Washington is veteran QB Marcus Mariota who last started a game back in 2022 when he wore a Falcons uniform. In 13 starts he went 5-8 for the dirty birds that season. The Raiders offense was not very good on Monday night versus the Chargers. Geno Smith threw three picks. The Commanders did not play well in Green Bay. The Raiders defense has played solidly in their first two games. Mariota is capable of coming in and righting the ship. I think Smith can rebound and make some nice deep passes off the Commanders defense . Jordan Love exploited the Commanders secondary. This will be a close game. It would not surprise me to see Pete Carol turn this Raiders team around after a bad loss. I think that Raiders defense will be the difference in this one.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-2) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-1)

Spencer Rattler is still looking for his first win as a starting QB and first victory for New Orleans. Rattlers is now 0-8 as a starter. The Seahawks were road warriors on the road last week & blew the doors off the Steelers. Sam Darnold got his first victory in a Seattle uniform. The Saints have been in both games they have played so far. Going to Seattle is a hard place to win. The Seahawks defense has played well as one of the better units in the league. Rattler played his best game as a starter last week where he did throw three touchdown passes. Darnold is getting in rhythm with the Seahawks’ best receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba who will be seeking his third straight 100 plus yard receiving game to open the season up with. If he can do it, that would be a new franchise record for Seahawks. I don’t see Rattler being able to pull off a victory in Seattle. The Seahawks defense will force Rattler into a few mistakes that Darnold will capitalize on.

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

DENVER BRONCOS (1-1) AT LA CHARGERS (2-0)

Can the Chargers win their third division game to start the season? In Brazil week one, they down the Chiefs. In week two, their defense snuffed out the Raiders on Monday night. Could it be the Broncos turn? The Broncos will be going on the road for their second straight week. They lost to the Colts in Indianapolis. A game they could have won getting a penalty on a missed kick by the Colts at the end of the game. The penalty made the re-kick easier and the Colts kicker nailed it for the win. The Chargers did sweep the Broncos last season winning both games. The Broncos defense coming into the season was supposed to be lights out. Daniel Jones threw for over 300 yards on them last week. The Chargers will be without one of their star edge rushers, Khalil Mack, who will miss time with an elbow injury. Bo Nix has not done well against zone coverage, he has three interceptions. Is he regressing his second season? The Chargers defense has played well. Justin Herbert has completed 72.1% of his passes, no interceptions, and 5 touchdown passes. Should be a well fought battle between these two teams. I give the Chargers the edge here in this one.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

DALLAS COWBOYS (1-1) AT CHICAGO BEARS (0-2)

The return of Bears X head coach Matt Eberflus to Chicago. Eberflus is now the D-coordinator of the Cowboys and he knows Caleb Williams’ weaknesses. The Bears new head coach is supposed to be the QB whisperer and offensive genius. Ben Johnson’s offense has not played the part of what Bears fans were expecting. The Cowboys defense was torched by Russell Wilson last week. Yes, he’s still in the league with the Giants. The Bears defense were sliced and diced by Johnson’s old team, the Lions, as they gave up 52 points. The Cowboys offense has been better than the Bears with all the weapons Dak Prescott has & will be a challenge to the Bear defense. Can Caleb Williams have a big day versus a suspect defense that the Cowboys come in with? Should be a shootout. Watch this one become a defensive struggle. You know Johnson is gathering all the inside information on Eberflus’ defensive schemes. Eberflus was a bad head coach in general. The Bears defense played better with Eberflus than Dennis Allen, now the Bears D-coordinator. I don’t trust the Bears. I can see Prescott winning a shoot out over second year QB Williams. I don’t like the Bears offensive line. They still are dealing with the same problems they had last year. Only difference they are paying Johnson a lot more money than Eberflus as head coach.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-0) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-0)

The Cardinals are 2-0 despite being out-gained in both games this season. The 49ers will go with Mac Jones former Patriot again at quarterback for the injured Brock Purdy. Kyler Murray lifetime is 4-4 as a starter against the 49ers. The big problem always with the 49ers is they can not contain Murray and keep him in the pocket. Kyle Shanahan works his magic again as one of the best quarterback whisperer in the NFL.

Jones in his first start ever for the 49ers completed 66.7% of his passes and threw for 3 touchdown passes. The Cardinals offense have not been very good. It’s their defense that has carried this team on their shoulders. I like this game being close. In the end Jones pulls out another victory for the 49ers filling in for Purdy.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (0-2) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (0-2)

Dating back from last season from the Superbowl, Patrick Mahomes for the first time in the pros has lost three straight games. You have to go back to Mahomes’ college days playing for Texas Tech when he lost three straight games. The Giants found some offense last week as Russell Wilson had a monster day on the Cowboys offense. The Chiefs defense is a different animal. The Giants still lost the game and their defense gave up 40 points. The Chiefs start the season 0-2 losing to two playoff teams from last year, the Chargers and Eagles. I can’t see the Chiefs losing to the Giants. This is a game where the Chiefs put everything together and it will once again look like a well-oiled machine. Look for Mahomes to have a big night as he is licking his chops playing the Giants defense. Even Kelce Swift will rebound from having two bad games making two bone headed mistakes. The Meathead will thrive in the Big Apple.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

DETROIT LIONS (1-1) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-1)

Both the Ravens and Lions feasted on division meat to notch their first wins of the year. The Ravens ate dog meat of the Cleveland Browns putting up 41 points on them. The Lions ate well eating the Bears and rattling off 52 points. This should be an epic Monday Night battle between these two teams. Last time these two teams met in Baltimore, the Ravens destroyed the Lions 38-3 in 2023. I think this game has shoot out all over it. Both defenses will be scored upon. One defense will make the one stand that will be needed to win this game. I can see the ending coming, whoever has the ball last wins. I don’t see either team putting up 40-50 points. I can see the game being in the high 30’s. The stat line I have to go by is Lamar Jackson’s sick record versus the NFC Conference. He is 24-2 all-time versus the NFC. Plus, I have to go with home team on this one. I like Ravens even though I’d rather see the Lions win this one. Hope I’m wrong on this pick.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

2025 NFL WEEKLY PREDICTIONS: WEEK 2 DONE THE WILD SHAMROCK WAY

September 13, 2025 / thewildshamrock / Leave a comment

WEEKEND AT BERNIE’S

WEEK 1 RECORD: 11-5

In week one we come away with a winning record. We drank the Kool-aid picking the Bears. The Panthers pick bites us on the rear. Suddenly Joe Cool can win a game in week 1. We did pick Colts to beat the Dolphins as perhaps the best pick of the week. We wish we jumped on the Chargers bandwagon beating the Chiefs. In week two, there’s plenty of solid match-ups. We may look better or implode, but our goal is the same – win the weekly football pool. Let’s roll out week two’s clunkers.

NFL WEEK 2 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1-0) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (1-0)

Can we be impressed with the Green Bay Packers in week 1 on what they did to the Lions? The Commanders beat the Giants, a team they should beat, and almost every NFL team in the league should. The Lions either self-destructed and made Jordan Love look like a young Aaron Rodgers, or a Brett Farve.

The new big cheese in dairyland, Micah Parsons, has elevated Green Bay’s young defense as they are playing on another level. The visiting Commanders have Jayden Daniels who is a new kind of beast in the NFL, a guy that can do it all behind center. As a rookie he had ice in his veins when the game was on the line. In week 1 the Commanders mostly unloaded their running game against the G-Men. The Packers held the Lions rushing attack to 50 yards. I would like to think the Lions just self-imploded and made the Packers look that good in week 1. I think the home team has the advantage this week. The Packers have settled in at home playing their second straight game there. It’s a short week which is bad for any visiting team. The last time Washington beat Green Bay in Wisconsin, you have to go back to 1988. It was not even at Lambeau Field as the Packers played a few games back then in Milwaukee. Love is hot right now and Daniels is still finding his groove. The big cheese is very familiar with Washington playing most of his career with the Cowboys. Parsons can chase down Daniels.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

THE SUNDAY TILT

CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-1) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (0-1)

The Browns and Ravens are both coming off tough losses in week 1. The Browns defense held the Bengals to 141 total yards of offense in week 1. The Ravens thought they had their game in the bag but saw a 15 point lead vanish in the last 4 minutes on Sunday night to the Bills. Since 2008, the Ravens have lost 17 games when they were leading by double digit points in the second half. Which has been the most in the NFL. Can Joe Flacco beat his former team in Baltimore? He has only faced his old team once with the Jets in 2022 and lost that one. The Bengals defense coming in were not supposed to be anything good and held the Browns to 16 points. I can’t see the Browns putting up 40 points on this Ravens defense who will be looking to perform better than they did in week 1. First thoughts of this game, you think walk in the park for Baltimore. Since 2022 the Browns and Ravens have split the series 3-3 in six match ups. The Browns went 3-14 last year of which 1 win came from the Ravens. I think Baltimore pulls out a victory at home in a close one.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-0) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (1-0)

The Jaguars traded up to get two-way player Travis Hunter in last April’s draft. The former Heisman trophy winner plays wide receiver and corner back. The Jags won their first game of the season last week as Hunter played 44 plays on offense & caught 6 balls for 33 yards. He played only six plays on defense and registered a solo tackle. The Bengals did not dig themselves an early season hole as they won their first game of the year which is not Cincinnati-like. Joe Burrow was held to 113 passing yards. Burrow is not a duel threat quarterback so the Bengals offense were hurtful to fantasy owners throughout the world. Trevor Lawrence was back behind center & was held to under 200 yards passing but did not make any mistakes versus the Panthers. Jaguars are under new management with Liam Coen as a new head coach who wants to clean up his surfboard dude quarterback. The Bengals shockingly played solidly versus the Browns. I can see them hanging tough versus this Jaguars team. I can see Burrow coming out on the Bengals home opener firing on all cylinders. Hunter may razzle us with one or two plays, but not enough to take down the Bengals on the road.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

NEW YORK GIANTS (0-1) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (0-1)

The Cowboys offense was firing on all cylinders in the first half of the NFL opener versus the Eagles. In the second half, the defenses took over for both the Cowboys and Eagles in that opener as either team could stop each other in the first half. The Giants offense needs a major face lift. New York is thinking they can resurrect the career of their new starting quarterback Russell Wilson, but they are mistaken. Giants were held under ten points versus the Commanders and Wilson completed 45.9%. Wilson did OK last year in Pittsburgh, but he is far and away from the guy in Seattle. Dak Prescott has a trio of weapons he can throw the football to as that Cowboy offense could be legit if George Pickens can get his head out of his rear. The Cowboys defense is a work in progress but only gave up 3 points in the second half versus the Eagles after they had their way with them in the first. The Cowboys are the better team and should notch their first victory in front of the home crowd this weekend.

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

CHICAGO BEARS (0-1) AT DETROIT LIONS (0-1)

Last week most people were drinking the Chicago Bears Kool-aid picking them over the Vikings. Bears ended up getting beaten by a rookie QB making his debut. In typical Chicago fashion, the Vikings QB JJ McCarthy is a local kid who grew up a Bears fan. What happened to the Lions last week? Either Green Bay is superior to everyone in the league or they self imploded. The Lions offense looked like they missed Ben Johnson, their former 0-Coodinator who now is the head coach of the Bears. Johnson was supposed to upgrade Caleb Williams and the Bears offensive line coming to Chicago. I’ve seen no signs. I have to go with Lions, a playoff team the last two years rebounding quickly in week two over a Bears team that has a history of blowing up as soon as the first quarter starts in game one of the regular season. The Bears I give credit to, as they won the pre-season. They beat the Chiefs and the Bills. They were going to the post-season. The Vikings comeback pulls the rug from under the Bears fans.

OUR PICK: LIONS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (0-1) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-1)

I really don’t think Dolphins fans are trying to save their head coach’s job. The Dolphins looked like fins out of the water in week 1 versus the Colts. In New England the Patriots began the Mike Vrabel-era part two of the Death Star and that ended up in a loss to the visiting Raiders. The Patriots lost a close game unlike the Dolphins. That does not really mean anything as teams all the time play a horrific bad week and rebound in week 2.

The Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniels better pray and hope his squad does that in their home opener because his tush is getting red hot right now. Many think he will be the first one fired this season. I think Patriots will bring it all. Miami is a tough place to play for visiting teams with the heat. Look for Tua Tagovailoa to redeem himself after a very rough game in week one as Dolphins Save Ferris at least for one more game.

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-0) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-1)

Something you will never see again – a Big Mac for 0.99 cents. That’s probably what it cost the 49ers in the off-season to sign the former Patriots & Jags quarterback this off season. Brock Purdy is out with an injury and now it’s Mac tonight with Mac Jones getting the start. The Saints played better than I thought versus the Cardinals last week. Spencer Rattler is now 0-7 as the starting QB for the Saints. The 49ers injury list grew with George Kittle who is also out in this one. Injuries killed the 49ers last week. I think the 49ers still have plenty of talent to overcame the Saints for their second straight home game. Watch Mac Jones flourish in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Jones has had his ups and downs in the NFL. Mostly downs. My Spidey senses tell me he will have a good day and is still not sold on Rattler yet. Even though he may have the coolest last name over any other QB in the league.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

BUFFALO BILLS (1-0) AT NEW YORK JETS (0-1)

Last year the Bills swept the Jets. In Met Life Stadium where the Jets play their home games, Josh Allen is not your typical Josh Allen. The Bills won there last year 23-20. Then at home Bills beat up on the Jets 40-14. The Jets now have a new field manager in Justin Fields and new head coach in Aaron Glenn, former Lions D-Coordinator. The Jets were involved in an offensive shoot out with the Steelers as Pittsburgh prevailed at the end. The Bills stampeded back versus the Ravens down by 15 with 4 minutes remaining to win that game. I think both defenses will be much better in week two. Fields played well last week in his Jets debut. Once again in close games he fails to deliver in crunch time. I bet the farm Allen would deliver a W in a close game over Fields. I think the Bills defense who had egg on their face from being burned by Derrick Henry, responds in this one to help their quarterback at Met Life prevail.

OUR PICK: BILLS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (0-1) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-0)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking turns with their revenge tours. In week 1 Aaron Rodgers got his revenge against the NY Jets. Now it’s wide receiver DK Metcalf’s turn as he faces his old team, the Seahawks. It was Seattle who traded Metcalf to Pittsburgh during the off-season. The Seahawks also traded away their starting QB from last year, Geno Smith. Then signed Sam Darnold who had a career year in Minnesota last year. Darnold was nothing special in week 1 in his debut as he tallied up 150 passing yards with no touchdown passes & no interceptions in a loss to the 49ers at home. He did have a costly fumble in the game. The offense was dormant as the Seattle defense kept them in the game. The Steelers offense was humming as their defense was more of a shower curtain than a Steel one. How will all this unfold? This is a long flight for Seattle. I question the Seahawks offensive line at this time. Rodgers is out to prove his critics wrong. Metalf will help his QB cause and his own. The Steelers defense also have a rebound in their home debut.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

LA RAMS (1-0) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (0-1)

Cam Ward was thrown into the wolves den making his NFL debut versus the Broncos defense. Mr. Number 1 overall completed 12-28 passes for 112 passing yards for the Titans. He was sacked 6 times and lost a fumble. It was the Titans defense that kept the game close. For the Rams they were in a close one with the Texans. Everyone was waiting for the Rams to unleash their exotic aerial attack with their new toy wide receiver Davante Adams who signed with LA in the off-season. Pairing Adams up with Puka Nacua with the Rams running game this offense should be able to put a ton of points up on most of the competition. I think the Rams will score enough points off the Titans to win this game. I think the Rams defense will disrupt Ward’s growth as a quarterback making him have another bad day at the office. The Titans offense had too many penalties as a whole and dropped too many balls. It’s a work in progress for rookies. They will take their lumps in losses most of the time before they take those solid steps forward.

OUR PICK: RAMS

ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-0) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-1)

I don’t know what I was thinking picking the Panthers in week 1 over the Jaguars. I also thought the Cardinals would have scored more points off a bad Saints team in week one. Bryce Young is now back to back to his old ways as a QB after doing well in the second half of the season. The Cardinals will be on their second consecutive road game to start the season. Kyler Murray was sacked 5 times in the opener. He had two touchdown passes & no interceptions. Before I pick Young and the Panthers again like some kind of fool, I have to see improvement with my own eyes. I like the Cardinals defense in this one. They should do enough to keep the Panthers from breaking out on the scoreboard. Look for James Conner to have a big game versus the Panthers defense. I like Murray to have a bigger day than he had in week 1 as well. Look for better protection in week 2 for their QB by the Cardinals.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

DENVER BRONCOS (1-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1-0)

The Colts have had talent on the offensive side of the ball the last few seasons. They just needed a QB. Two seasons ago Gardner Minshew almost had the Colts in the post-season. Last week Daniel Jones was throwing dimes out there on the field as Colts scored 33 points and beat up on the Dolphins. For Denver the Broncos won a ugly game against the Titans who would not go away. Bo Nix was not the Bo Nix from last season. Jones went 22-29 for 272 passing yards and three touchdown passes. Now he faces Denver which is a different animal on defense than the Dolphins. I’m going to roll with the Colts being at home. Their defense has improved. The Broncos should be back in the post-season this season. They are a solid team. They look like they are still knocking the rust off. I think Jones can do enough to win this game. His mind set is light years ahead from his playing days in the Big Apple. The Colts offense also has a solid running game with Jonathan Taylor which will help Jones avoid the dumb mistakes like he did when he wore a Giants uniform.

OUR PICK: COLTS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-0) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (0-1)

Can you imagine the Kansas City Chiefs starting out the season 0-2? The Chiefs took a loss in Brazil by Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers as Justin Herbert did his own version of the Patrick Mahomes Houdini act using his legs to make big plays happen. The Eagles raised their Superbowl banner at home in the NFL opener by beating the Cowboys.

REVENGE WEEK

The Eagles as you remember gave the Chiefs a beat down in the Superbowl. A few years before that Patrick Mahomes guided the Chiefs to a comeback victory over the Eagles in that Superbowl win. Here we go again with part three of the Eagles/Chiefs but this time meeting up in regular season. I want to pick Eagles in this one. Watching the Eagles last week they are missing too many guys from that Superbowl defense that stomped out the Swifties. The Chiefs at home. I can’t see them going 0-2 to start the season either. I have to go Chiefs. I hope this pick will be wrong.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

ATLANTA FALCONS (0-1) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-0)

The Vikings made a 4th quarter comeback versus the Bears to win their first game of the year on the road. It was JJ McCarthy’s NFL debut and it did not look pretty until late in the game. The Falcons had some kicking issues in a loss versus their archrival Buccaneers. Michael Penix Jr. from the Falcons played well as he was picked in the same draft and round as McCarthy and made his debut late in the season for Atlanta. Both Atlanta and Minnesota seem like every game they play is too close for comfort if you are a fan of any of these teams. Last year the Vikings stomped down on the Falcons in an old-fashioned beat down. The two QB’s at the time was Sam Darnold versus Kirk Cousins. I think McCarthy has confidence after his 4th quarter versus the Bears. I think he will now be like Darnold and enjoy all the weapons he has. The Falcons have a great running game, but the Vikings are very good at stopping the run. If Falcons win it will be all about how Penix plays. That Viking defense will come after Penix with all those fancy blitz packages that were orchestrated by Brian Flores. You do not know who is coming and where they are coming. Vikings in another close one.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

THE MONDAY NIGHT DOUBLE HEADER

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1-0) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (0-1)

If the NFL had only two divisions and they were both from the south in each conference, this game may be the Superbowl. The Buccaneers fought tooth and nail versus their arch-rival the Falcons and won the game. It was a Baker Mayfield drive to seal the deal and a missed kick. Houston battled the Rams and came out on the losing side of that one. Houston failed to score a touchdown off the Rams defense. The Texans have the home field advantage. How will the Texans offensive line do against a blitzing style Buccaneers pass rush. The Texans offensive line is not very good. CJ Stroud continues to struggle after his amazing rookie season where he looked like he was getting a ticket to Canton. Give me Baker Mayfield and that offense which was moving the ball last week, not like the lame duck of the Texans O.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

LA CHARGERS (1-0) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-0)

With the Chiefs and Broncos losing in week 1, it makes the Raiders and Chargers tied for first in the AFC West. How about those apples? Geno Smith is the new QB for the Raiders. With Pete Carol, his old coach, Smith passed for 362 yards in his first ever game as a Raider. He had 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Justin Herbert beat the Chiefs in Brazil in their first game of the season. Herbert is 3-7 all-time versus the Chiefs. Herbert is 6-3 all-time versus the black and silver. Herbert vs Smith only happened once when Geno played for the Seahawks. Smith won that game. Both starters have a similar record as a starter. Smith is 41-43 as a starter all-time in the NFL. Smith is older than Herbert. Herbert’s record is 42-38 as a starter. This game will be a shoot out. I like the Chargers winning a close one here. The way Herbert played against the Chiefs was something that sticks in the back of my mind. How he scrambled around in the pocket making some nice throws on the run and using his feet for yards. I think Chargers ruin the Raiders opener.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

2025 NFL WEEKLY PREDICTIONS: WEEK 1 DONE THE WILD SHAMROCK WAY

September 7, 2025 / thewildshamrock / Leave a comment

It’s a new year for the NFL which means it is a new year of trying these damn predictions weekly. We once again will give it a go. We will not pick by the helmets. We will try to pick each match up with plenty of football intel and by the gut feeling. Week one of the NFL is always a freak show and anything can go. I have some upsets. I have some off-the-wall picks. I’m hoping week one to come out with a winning record at least. Dive in & see what I have.

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

DALLAS COWBOYS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Eagles are the defending champs after their beat down of the Kansas City Chiefs back in the month of February. Can the Cowboys spoil the celebration of the Superbowl festivities in Eagles town? What is the impact from the trade recently for the Cowboys as they sent Micah Parsons to Green Bay? The Eagles have 10-11 of their starters on their offense returning from last year’s championship run. I think the Cowboys defense will be solid with X-Bears head coach Matt Eberflus running the defense. He’s a better defensive coach than a head coach. The Cowboys got a run stuffer, Kenny Clark, from the Packers for Parsons. They added a head case receiver, George Pickens, from the Steelers. A healthy Dak Prescott with Pickens could make their offense hum. The Cowboys will be better than last year’s team. No way they are stopping running back Saquon Barkley of the Eagles in week 1. The Boys will give the Eagles a battle, but they will not break their mojo from last season right here right now.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

FRIDAY NIGHT GAME

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AT LA CHARGERS (IN BRAZIL)

Will Patrick Mahomes and the black Jake from State Farm be recruiting any Brazilian beach gals for one of their commercials? This game will be played in Brazil at a neutral site. Hopefully away from the bombs Donald Trump is dropping on cartels. Jim Harbaugh, like Pete Carol, escaped their college program after winning a National Championship just in time before all the shit hits the fan.

The Chiefs will look to get back on track from their embarrassing loss in that Superbowl. They improved their offensive line over the off-season. Which should give Patrick Mahomes more time and he still is master of the Houdini act finding a way out of the collapsing pocket. Harbaugh’s Chargers were 0-2 versus the Chiefs last year. The Chargers lost their best tackle, Rashawn Slater, to a season ending knee injury. That will weaken the Chargers running game. The Chargers did not beat great teams last year on a weaker schedule. I don’t see things changing in week 1.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

THE SUNDAY TILT

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS AT ATLANTA FALCONS

Baker Mayfield will be airing it out on a suspect Falcons defense, especially at the back end. The Falcons inserted Michael Penix behind center for three games as he replaced Kirk Cousins who went flat last season. Peniz completed 58% of his passes. He went 1-2 in three starts. He had 3 touchdown passes and 3 interceptions. He was okay!!

The Buccaneers defense is better this year. I do not see Penix able to match Mayfield score to score. I think Penix will need more starts to really get his footing down.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS

Is the Cleveland Browns the perfect team for the Bengals to get out of the gates with a win? Both teams did not start off the season very well. The Browns will have Joe Flacco behind center. Joe Burrow and the Bengals did sweep the Browns last year in regular season. Flacco was a Colt then. I think the Browns will be able to generate points against a bad Bengal defense.

Myles Garrett has sacked Joe Cool the most out of any QB in the NFL. Garrett has gotten Joe 9 times. I like Cleveland’s defense being able to contain the Bengals offense in this one. I don’t think the Browns will win many games this season, but I think they will win this one. History tells you the Bengals can’t get off to a good start and this has been going on for years.

OUR UPSET PICK: BROWNS

MIAMI DOLPHINS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The Dolphins have not been kind to teams with losing records. The Colts did have a losing record last year. So did the Dolphins. Both teams had a 8-9 record. This may not be an air-it-out style game going in the Dolphins’ favor where they win big. The Colts have a ton of talented players on this roster. The Dolphins have one of the best aerial games in the league. Good defense cancels the air show. What do we expect out of Daniel Jones being named the starting QB for the Colts? I think Jones will be good enough as he has a chip on his shoulder from the G-Men cutting ties with him last year. Jones ended up signing with the Vikings, and he watched Sam Darnold resurrect his career. Not sure Jones will have the same year as Darnold. I think he can exploit the Dolphins’ weak ass secondary and pull out a home opener win over the fins.

OUR PICK: COLTS

CAROLINA PANTHERS AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

This match up is the story of two young QB’s heading in different directions. Trevor Lawrence of the Jaguars came into the league blazing and now has gone dormant. Then Bryce Young looked like a bust for the Panthers after they drafted him number one overall. Then in the second half of last year, he was looking like a number one pick in complete control and dialing it up. Panthers played everyone tough when Young figured things out even losing to the Chiefs in overtime. The Jaguars have a new order with another new staff in place. Have they improved that bad Jaguar defense from last year? Is Lawrence ready after taking that huge hit versus the Texans that knocked him out of the game and season with a concussion. The Panthers added a top notch rookie receiver in the draft in Tetairoa McMillan to give Young another weapon. Even with new management I’m not sold on the Jags right now. I think Panthers will ride their late season success into this season.

OUR PICK: PANTHERS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

This match up has two teams that will improve this season with their new coach hires. Mike Vabrel will be the guy that resurrects the Death Star in New England. While Pete Caroll, the devil himself, will have this Raiders organization back in the post-season quicker than you think. This is a long trip for the Raiders, but being week one teams will be energized. Look for a defensive game between these two teams. Drake Maye is a young QB on the rise. Look for Geno Smith being back with Carroll & having the bigger game in this match up. It will be close. In the end the Raiders will get their first win under the devilish leadership. It will be close. The Patriots will be racking up some victories this season, but they are just short in this one.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

ARIZONA CARDINALS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Can Kellen Moore work the magic in New Orleans like he did in Philadelphia as the Eagles Offensive Coordinator? The Arizona Cardinals were making a run at winning the NFC West & then were derailed in the second half and finished with a 8-9 record. Moore will have to go with Spencer Rattler as his opening day starter. Rattler went 0-6 as the Saints QB last year. He threw only 4 touchdown passes to 5 interceptions. The Cardinals have improved their defense from a year ago. Kyler Murray looked better last season as their offense was well balanced with a pretty good running game. This Saints team has a roster filled with holes. An aging defense. Probably the worst QB room in the league which are all youngsters with no true veterans. I think the Saints will be one of the worst teams out of the gates. I think Arizona finds their first win rather easily.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT NEW YORK JETS

This is a revenge game for Aaron Rodgers going back to the Big Apple where he caused havoc with the Jets franchise. You could say that the new Jets quarterback has a chip on his shoulder after playing one season for the Steelers. Fields was 4-2 as the Steelers starter from week 1 & then was benched for Russell Wilson who came back from an injury. In the off-season, Fields was low balled by the Steelers offer so he took the better deal the Jets offered. Rodgers was a cancer for a Jets team that thought they only needed a QB to get back to post-season and beyond. The Jets sunk like the dinosaurs in the tar pits. Rodgers finds a new team in the off-season with the Steelers. I think Rodgers would thrive on any revenge game to rub salt on his former team’s wounds and stick it to them. I’m sure Fields would like to beat his former team. In big games, Fields is not very good in them. Rodgers has been there & done that. Fields will make a few too many mistakes where the Steelers defense will take advantage giving Rodgers a victory to keep his ego floating high.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

NEW YORK GIANTS AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Russell Wilson as the Giants starting quarterback will not be able to turn New York into a playoff team. The Commanders had an awesome year last season and Jayden Daniels was the real deal for them in his rookie year. Washington improved the offensive line for their franchise QB during the off-season. The Giants are pretty good at pressuring the quarterback. Daniels will make the moves on the fly to adjust. Wilson improved last year in a Steelers uniform from the two seasons in Denver. His presence & his play as an aging QB don’t give me any confidence to pick the Giants in this one. Giants fans are waiting on Jaxson Dart, their next franchise QB. Washington does enough in this one to notch their first victory.

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

TENNESSEE TITANS AT DENVER BRONCOS

Throwing the number one overall pick to the wolves in game 1. That’s what the Titans are doing starting their top pick, Cameron Ward, at QB versus the best defense in the NFL, the Denver Broncos. The Titans are hoping Ward will play like Jayden Daniels last year. The Broncos made the post-season last year. They had a pretty good solid rookie QB in Bo Nix who got better and better as the season went along. Nix and his head coach, Sean Payton, seem to have that relationship like the coach had back in his New Orleans days with Drew Brees. Nix and that Broncos offense will get better and should thrive out of the gates versus an average Titans defense. It is hard winning any football games in Denver. This is an easy one going Broncos.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The 49ers have won 7 out of the last 8 games they played versus their arch rival, Seattle. Seattle did win the last game back in November. The 49ers were banged up last year with a MASH list longer than Santa Claus’ naughty list. The 49ers still have a ton of talent of that roster and going into week one are healthy. The Seahawks have a new quarterback.

Sam Darnold had a career year last year in a Vikings uniform. He was awarded with a big contract by the Seahawks. Darnold struggled his last few games as a Viking and in that post-season game. Which Darnold are you going to get in Seattle? First round bust or another solid year behind center? Seattle will keep this game close no matter what with their solid defense that should carry over from last year. The 49ers have proven they can win in Seattle. I think Darnold will not play flawlessly in his first game in a Seattle uniform, and that will give the 49ers their first road victory.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

DETROIT LIONS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS

It seems like any game between any NFC North teams will be a close affair. How will the Lions do with their new offensive & defensive coordinators? Both coordinators now have head coaching jobs. The Packers are the youngest team in the NFL and added one of the best pass rushers in the game in a trade with Dallas which landed Micah Parsons. The Lions defense will be roaring to go as they are finally healthy unlike last year when they lost a few key guys like Aidan Hutchinson. Both teams have solid defenses. This game should be a shoot out. I’m going with the Lions because Jared Goff takes care of the football. Jordan Love for the Packers will make at least one mistake or more to cost the Packers an opening week victory.

OUR PICK: LIONS

HOUSTON TEXANS AT LA RAMS

How is Matthew Stafford back? That is the first question I have in this match up between the Rams and Texans. He was limited in preseason. Then second question is: Can CJ Stroud recover from his sophomore season slump? The Rams added Davante Adams to their receiving core. The Rams already have Puka Nacua. The Rams offense will be one of the best aerial attacks in the NFL. The Rams can also run the ball well. The Texans offensive line is another big question. Let’s face it. It’s their weakness. Look for the Rams D to exploit that and be in the face of Stroud all day long. The Texans won the weak AFC South. They did not win many games versus opponents with winning records. I like Rams at home.

OUR PICK: RAMS

SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT BUFFALO BILLS

The rematch of last year’s divisional round game between the Bills and Ravens. Which the Bills won in a close game. The Bills and Ravens did play in regular season last year, which Baltimore won. It was in Baltimore and the Ravens blew out the Bills in that regular season match up.

Two of the best quarterbacks in the league will duel it out. Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, besides on the field battles they had, these two guys were in the running for the MVP award. Which Allen won. Both teams have solid rosters. Both teams improved their defense during the off-season. Can the Bills stop the Ravens running game? Can the Ravens defense contain Allen? I think this will be another close game. Both teams are eager to win this one because it could be a tie breaker for post-season seeding. I like the Bills able to make Jackson make mistakes, especially turning over the football. That and the Bills at home find a way to win a tight game in week 1 with the Mafia loving every moment. Going with the home team indeed.

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT CHICAGO BEARS

We will finally see the debut of JJ McCarthy for the Vikings. McCarthy was drafted in the first round by the Vikings last year but was injured in preseason and missed the entire season. The Bears found their dream coach hiring the hottest offensive coordinator in the league, Ben Johnson, former Lions OC. It is the second year for Caleb Williams who was the number 1 overall pick last season. He did not play like it. What can we expect from both quarterbacks? Johnson turned Jared Goff into a top QB in Detroit. I expect Williams to play better than he did last year. Can the Vikings get the same results they did inserting Sam Darnold behind center last year? This will be a close game no matter who wins it. I like the Bears in this one because Johnson knows the Vikings defense very well playing them twice a year last year with the Lions. I think with the Viking receiver core banged up, it favors the Bears and prevents McCarthy from having a bigger game if he can have a big game in his first test in the NFL on the road.

OUR PICK: DA BEARS

NFL LEAGUE PREDICTIONS 2025

September 4, 2025 / thewildshamrock / Leave a comment

Here we go again! Another NFL season is upon us. Almost every franchise is feeling pretty good about their team with a 0-0 record. We could be optimistic or you know that your team or even my team will be horrific. I know we will see some new blood in the post-season which happens every season. It seems like the best teams that have separated themselves from the pack are the usual suspects in the NFL post-season.

I still have the Chiefs winning the AFC West. Can anybody in the AFC knock out the Chiefs? That is the biggest question. We saw them get a beat down by the Eagles last year which was epic. Not sure I really want to see the Eagles fly back to the Superbowl this season. I’d like to see new blood. I’d like to see the fighting Swifties of Kansas City get their medicine quickly and be dispatched early into the post-season. We have new coaches for some teams. I see some improvement there. Not drastic. My early guess is the Saints will be the worst team this year in the NFL. Could it be their year to do badly and next draft the Saints could be taking another Manning named Archie? My predictions are not going to be perfect. They may be a house of cards. I have predicted every team’s record and which teams will make the post-season. I posted a single comment for each team during the regular season as well. Then I have a Superbowl prediction at the end of it all.

AFC CONFERENCE

The AFC will be a grindhouse this season with many solid teams. I know it is the tougher conference.

AFC EAST

#1.BUFFALO BILLS (13-4) Bills defense will play on a higher level all season including playoffs.

#2. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (8-9) Mike Vrabel starts the resurrection of the Evil Empire in football.

#3.MIAMI DOLPHINS (7-10) Mike McDaniel is fired before the season ends.

#4. NEW YORK JETS (5-12) Justin Fields goes back to the Bad News Bears ways.

AFC NORTH

#1. BALTIMORE RAVENS (12-5) Lamar Jackson will get closer than last season to the Superbowl.

#2.CINCINNATI BENGALS (10-7) Bengals defense becomes a dumpster fire during the post-season.

#3. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (8-9) Aaron Rodgers clinches Mike Tomlin’s first ever losing season.

#4.CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-13) Which QB are the Browns going to draft in 2026?

AFC SOUTH

#1. HOUSTON TEXANS (9-8) That offensive line could be “danger danger Will Robinson” to their young QB.

#2.INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-9) Anthony Richardson along with Daniel Jones are busts at the QB position.

#3. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (7-10) Are Jacksonville fans still sold on Trevor Lawrence?

#4. TENNESSEE TITANS (3-14) Rookie QB hiccups will occur!!

AFC WEST

#1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (11-6) Travis Kelce takes Taylor Swift’s last name. Travis Swift takes the field.

#2. DENVER BRONCOS (10-7) Bo Knows Nix!!!

#3. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (9-8) Pete Carol’s masterpiece is brewing.

#4. LA CHARGERS (7-10) Year 2 Jim Harbaugh and his Chargers will be doomed by the tougher schedule.

AFC PLAYOFF SEEDS: #1. BUFFALO, #2. BALTIMORE, #3. KANSAS CITY, #4. HOUSTON TEXANS

AFC WILD CARDS: #5. CINCINNATI, #6. DENVER, #7. LAS VEGAS

NFC CONFERENCE

NFC EAST

#1.PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (11-6) The Eagles will still win their division in hard fought contests every week. They will get knocked out early in post-season.

#2.WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (10-7) No surprises from the Commanders this season. Hail Marys will be defended well.

#3.DALLAS COWBOYS (9-8) The Cowboys defense will improve despite trading their best rusher.

#4. NEW YORK GIANTS (4-13) Throw a dart at the QB board and miss. Russell Wilson walks away from the game.

NFC NORTH

#1.DETROIT LIONS (12-5) How will Dan Campbell’s two new coordinators fair? Business as usual.

#2.GREEN BAY PACKERS (11-6) The youngest team in the league is getting better each season.

#3.CHICAGO BEARS (8-9) Is Ben Johnson the QB whisperer??

#4. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (7-10) No inserting a rookie QB like a light bulb and winning double digit games this season.

NFC SOUTH

#1. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (9-8) Baker Mayfield is the only QB in the NFC South.

#2. ATLANTA FALCONS (7-10) Growing pains for Michael Pennix.

#3. CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-11) Bryce Young will continue to get better. Not by wins though.

#4. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-15) Worst QB room in the league with a rookie head coach. No Way Jose!!

NFC WEST

#1. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (12-5) Don’t sleep on the 49ers. The talent is still there.

#2. LA RAMS (11-6) The Rams aerial attack may be compared to the Kurt Warner attack back in St. Louis when they were the greatest show on turf.

#3. ARIZONA CARDINALS (9-8) Kyler Murray really is not the answer for this franchise.

#4. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (7-10) Sam Darnold regresses for Seattle’s offense.

NFC PLAYOFF SEEDS: #1. SAN FRANCISCO, #2. DETROIT, #3. PHILADELPHIA, #4. TAMPA BAY

NFC WILD CARDS: #5. LA RAMS, #6. GREEN BAY, #7.WASHINGTON

THE SUPERBOWL

This Superbowl will finally have new blood. No Chiefs/Eagles rematch on this blog.

The Buffalo Bills finally break out of the AFC grindhouse and make it to the big game. Then in the NFC where anything can happen, Baker Mayfield gets hot at the right time and gets the Buccaneers back into the Superbowl.

The Buccaneers will lose their first ever Superbowl while the Bills finally win their first ever to slay the 1990’s dragons when they lost 4 big games in a row. I like Josh Allen doing what he does putting up the big offensive numbers like the Bills offense will still do. I said the Bills defense will finally play a big part in getting this team over the playoff hump as it carries over in the big game.

SEASON 2: UNITED FOOTBALL LEAGUE POWER RANKINGS WEEK 3

April 12, 2025 / thewildshamrock / Leave a comment

We have a new team perched high above our weekly power rankings edition of the UFL. This will be the third week we have a new team sitting on top of the power rankings mountain. In week three we have all kinds of movement in our power rankings. Houston finds a way to dig themselves out of the bottom of the heap without winning a game. Who’s worse than Houston? Stallions are back in the saddle again.

Has Luis Perez’s book hit the best sellers list yet? Does this league even have a solid quarterback? Let’s see if we can answer these questions when we roll out the 3rd week of the 2025 UFL power rankings. Go!

#8. SAN ANTONIO BRAHMAS (0-2)

XFL CONFERENCE: Dropped 2 spots from last week

The Brahmas are the only team that has not won a game after two weeks into the season. This is not the same Wade Phillips team that made post-season last year and went on the road to St. Louis to upset the Battle Hawks to get to the first UFL title game. The Brahmas are playing like Lamas as they are the only team in the XFL conference without a win. All three of their division rivals have not lost a game yet. The Brahmas have settled for 9 points per game in two contests. They have given up the most points so far on defense after two weeks. Both weeks, the Brahmas defense let their opponents have the high score of the week. The Brahmas defense was the staple of this Wade Phillips team. Last year they did better with Chase Garbers as their quarterback, a guy who quit on this team in the title game, than Kellen Mond. Mond has been sacked six times in two games and has thrown one interception. He has completed 30 passes out of 58 throws for 288 passing yards. The Brahmas have two solid backs, but teams are zeroing on their strength, taking their running game away, and forcing Mond to beat them with his arm or legs. Former Pittsburgh Steeler running back Antony Macfarland does lead the UFL with the most all-purpose yards after two weeks. He is the only sign of a heartbeat with this Brahmas cattle on offense.

You know what they do to cattle that can’t play anymore. Right between the eyes.

#8. HOUSTON ROUGHNECKS (0-2)

USFL CONFERENCE: Moved up 1 spot from last week.

In week one, Houston was blown out by the Battle Hawks. In week 2 the Roughnecks held the top scoring team from week 1, the Arlington Renegades, to 11 points. When the Roughnecks offense only mustered up 9 points, you’re going to lose most football games. It was an ugly game in week 2 with Houston and Arlington but a very close game. Anthony Brown was tackled short of a two point conversion trying to stretch the ball over the goal line.

His knee touched the ground before he stretched the ball over the goal line as the score remained 11-9. The Renegades stop the Roughnecks’ attempt of the 4th and 12 on side play and iced the game. The Roughnecks scored 3 points more in week 2 than they did in week one as they have tallied up 15 points in two games so far. Bright side, Brown threw his first UFL touchdown of his career. The Roughnecks defense is solid. They have guys like Leon O’neal Jr., Markel Roby, and Xavier Benson that can make plays on the defensive side of the ball. They have one of the best front seven on defense in the entire league. Only if they can score more than single digits in a game, they may put a W in the standings.

#6. MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS (0-2)

USFL CONFERENCE: Moved up 1 spot from last week

The Memphis Showboats definitely were up for some motor-boating in week two as they gave the Defenders a battle to the end which ended up in their second loss of the season. The return of Ken Whisenhunt had to give this team a lift mentally as he missed week one due to personal reasons. The Showboats had the lead over the Defenders 12-9 with 11:47 left in the game. The Showboats took the lead with an EJ Perry run, a 16 yard score from the Memphis quarterback. He threw for 205 passing yards but had one interception in the game. The Showboats matched their total from week one with another 12 point game. The Showboats were driving at the end of the game after the Defenders took the lead on them in the 4th. The drive stopped, but they went for the field goal try in hopes of converting the onside play after the kick. The kick was blocked and Memphis came away with another loss but a game they showed some nice things on both offense and defense.

On defense the Showboats have Steele Chambers, former Ohio State Buckeye, who leads the UFL in tackles after two weeks with 20. He actually led each week so far with ten tackles in both week 1 and 2.

#5. DC DEFENDERS (2-0)

XFL CONFERENCE: Same spot from last week

The head coach of the DC Defenders, Reggie Barlow, bolted the UFL for a college head coaching job at Tennessee State University. No worries the new guy promoted to being the new head coach of the Defenders is Shannon Harris who has DC at 2-0 to start the season. Now the Defenders lost their defensive coordinator this week to Tennessee State University. Mr. Bounty Gate, Gregg Williams, follows Barlow out of town to become his new defensive coordinator for Tennessee State.

We are all confused as Barlow has his hand up Williams’ rear end is my educated guess. Williams leaves the DC defensive coordinator job to his son Blake, who has coached college football and has coached in the NFL. Meanwhile the Defenders must have a lucky horseshoe as a team up their rear. They managed to barely beat the Showboats to collect their 2nd victory of the year. Devonnsha Maxwell blocked a key field goal towards the end of the game to keep the Showboats from attempting a comeback. Jordan Ta’amu was intercepted during the game by the Showboats defender who did not get both feet in bounds. The Defenders were able to cash in on that break with a field goal. Then Isiah Hennie muffed a punt for the Showboats at the end of the first half. The Defenders drove down the field as the drive stalled. They still cash in with a field goal. Three plays that are worth 9 points total and could have easily changed the tide of the outcome. The Defenders offense is averaging under 20 points per game so far this season. Their average 17.5 points exactly per contest. They looked good in week one getting by the Stallions. It has been the Defenders defense that has carried this team and they hosted both games. I’m not buying what this Defenders team is selling right now. The losses will start to pile up.

#4. MICHIGAN PANTHERS (1-1)

USFL CONFERENCE: Dropped one spot from last week

When it comes to the Michigan Panthers playing the Birmingham Stallions, it reminds me of the Buffalo Bills trying to hurdle their problem with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Panthers were knocked out of post-season play by the Panthers last year. The Panthers start off the season with victory. The Stallions get knocked off in week 1 on the road by the Defenders. The Panthers hosting the Stallions. Another road game for Birmingham. It looks good for Michigan. The Panthers even knocked out the Stallions’ former MVP quarterback right in the beginning of the game. He left the game with a shoulder injury and did not return. The Panthers played the Stallions tough, but Skip Holtz inserts the back up Matt Corral and gets the same results. The Panthers even picked off Corral twice in this game with one of them coming from DJ Miller. Bryce Perkins is the better option for the Panthers than Danny Etling. Who head coach Mike Nolan is wasting time putting him in a few times every game. Perkins is not the best QB in the league as he completed 12-23 passes for only 132 passing yards. He did hit Marcus Simms for a touchdown. He threw one interception and only completed 50% of his throws as he has to get better if they want to hurdle the Stallions. The Panthers even hit on a 3 point conversion. It was a game where both teams settled for field goals.

The Nacua brothers who are both on the Panthers are making an impact this season for Michigan. Kai Nacua plays on the Panthers defense as a safety and he had 8 tackles vs the Stallions. Then Samson Nacua plays on the Panthers offense & he had a catch for 23 yards. Both Nacua brothers are related to LA Rams stud wide receiver Puka. The Nacua brothers with that special Panthers defense, and they need Perkins to play better if they want to slay their demons in Stallions. They will have another regular season game with the Stallions. With the Showboats and Roughnecks in the same division, the Panthers will meet the Stallions once again in the post-season.

#3. BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS (1-1)

USFL CONFERENCE: Moved up one spot from last week

The Stallions quickly rebounded from their opening week loss to the DC Defenders. Can Stallions head coach Skip Holtz strike gold again at the quarterback position? Matt Corral filled in for the injured Alex McGough who left the game with a shoulder injury. Not sure how long McGough will be out as he seems kind of rusty not playing QB last year as the Packers tried to turn him into a wide receiver. Corral looked great, a strike to Deon Cain to seal the deal for the Stallions’ first victory. Corral had two interceptions and at times looks clueless on the field. The Stallions’ first championship it was J’Mar Smith who got it done behind center. The second was Alex McGough. Last year Adrian Martinez was awesome. In two games, the Stallions have made multiple mistakes with turnovers and penalties. The Stallions defense is one of the top units in the league with multiple guys you have to talk about. Last week we talked about Tae Crowder, so this week we will talk about the heart and soul of that Stallions defense.

Kyahva Tezino is a former Pittsburgh Mauler, which was my favorite spring team of all-time. Tezino had 9 tackles versus the Panthers which 5 were solo jobs. The Stallions will need this defense to carry this team maybe for the first half of the season, so Skip could figure out the QB situation. The Stallions also have Case Cookus who played for the Showboats last year. He had some solid seasons at quarterback for the Philadelphia Stars back in the USFL as well.

#2.ARLINGTON RENEGADES (2-0)

XFL CONFERENCE: Dropped 1 spot from last week

I have the Arlington Renegades dropping one spot after the Houston Roughnecks took them to the distance in week two. In week 1 the Renegades scored the most points with 33. In week 2 the Renegades win the game and only score 11 to do that. The Roughnecks were close to tying this game late. If the Roughnecks would have pulled this off, it would have been Buster Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson.

Luis Perez’s book sales may drop if the Renegades offense suddenly goes dormant for multiple weeks. Perez after two weeks leads the UFL in passing yards with 375. The running game that came alive in week one for the Renegades was contained by the Roughnecks defense and ground to a halt. Bob Stoops has that Renegades defense playing solid ball. They go after the quarterback and create turnovers. Perez will have plenty of big games. Having that defense playing lights out only giving 18 points after two games, will help this Renegades team make it to post-season.

I like the Renegades bringing back their bandit style cowboy logo and putting it back on their helmets. It beats just the letter R.

#1. ST.LOUIS BATTLEHAWKS (2-0)

XFL CONFERENCE: Moved up one spot to the number 1 position in the power rankings

Yes, the team with the biggest fan base, the St. Louis Battle Hawks, are now perched on top of the UFL power rankings. The Battle Hawks got their revenge on the Brahmas who found a way to win in St.Louis in the post-season.

The Battlehawks during regular season last year at home with the most fans in the league went undefeated in regular season. Last week they destroyed the Brahmas in front of a very nice turn out in their home opener. The Battlehawks have scored the most points in the first two weeks of play with 57. The Battlehawks defense has only allowed 15 points so far. No opponent has scored in double digits on this Battlehawks defense.

The Battlehawks defense racked up 4 sacks and linebacker Pita Taumoepenu had one of them. Pita is like a bread truck coming at the opposing QB’s this season as he has 3 sacks already on the books. On offense Manny Wilkins is looking like one of the top QB’s in the entire UFL. With the help of Jacob Saylors, the job becomes a tad easier as his running back had three rushing touchdowns last Sunday night. The Battlehawks are Beyond the Thunderdome as the Battledome since the XFL days are now 11-2 at home in Arch Town. Right now the Battlehawks are playing by far the best in the league as they stand by themselves. The worst team is San Antonio. Then the rest of the league is clumped together.

NFL WEEK 17: WEEKLY PREDICTIONS DONE THE WILD SHAMROCK WAY

December 26, 2024 / thewildshamrock / Leave a comment

We triple dog dare you to read our NFL WEEK 17 predictions.

LAST WEEK’S RECORD:(11-5)

THURSDAY’S RECORD:(10-8)

FRIDAY’S RECORD:(1-1)

SATURDAYS RECORD:(2-0)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:(14-5)

SEASON RECORD:(160-80)

NFL WEEK 17 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE CHRISTMAS GAMES

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS(14-1) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS(10-5)

The first Christmas game on the docket for week 17 we will find out if the Steelers are contenders or pretenders. The Chiefs are looking yet for another year of clinching the number one seed in the AFC with a win here. The Steelers last weekend lost to the Ravens and now have the same record in the division with the AFC North on the line. Patrick Mahomes is 22-5 all-time versus head coaches that have won a Superbowl. Mike Tomlin has did that/done that. This game I’m looking for a Miracle of 34th Street win by the Steelers who are at home and need to show me something. The Raiders took down the Chiefs last Christmas, so I’m hoping Kansas City continues that history. I’m not all Ye Faithful on this pick. I’m going for it.

OUR PICK: STEELERS

BALTIMORE RAVENS(10-5) AT HOUSTON TEXANS(9-6)

Lamar Jackson slayed his demons of getting in one better on the Steelers last Sunday. The Texans lost to the Chiefs and CJ Stroud paid a dear price losing another one of his top notch wide receivers for the year in Tank Dell. The Ravens knocked Stroud and the Texans out of the playoffs last year. The Texans will also play one of their old foes they are familiar with twice a year trying to stop running back Derrick Henry. For years, Henry walked all over the Texans as a Titan where he averaged 102.2 yards per game against Houston. The Texans are 2-12 all-time against the Ravens. I like the Ravens in this one which should come easy for them as the Texans have not played well in a very long time.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS(8-7) AT CHICAGO BEARS(4-11)

The Seahawks’ only chance to make it to the post-season is winning out their remaining two games. They need major help as the Rams have to lose their last two games of the season. Meanwhile the Bears finally generated some first half points in last week’s loss to the Lions. The Bears have been shut out in the first half in multiple games as the losing streak has hit 9. With that 9 game losing streak, Caleb Williams is making history as he is tied for second in being a QB selected number one since 1950 to have lost this many game in a row. Troy Aikman is number 1 with 11 losses in a row. I can see the Bears making this a tough game for Seattle traveling this far to Chicago. The Bears have been a disaster and have gotten worse since they fired Matt Eberflus. Thomas Brown is not Head Coach material being the interim as he is in way over his head. Too much at stake in this one for Seattle who played well last week and were just beat by the Vikings at home. This Seattle team actually plays better on the road. Make it number 10 for Caleb.

OUR PICK:SEAHAWKS

THE SATURDAY DOCKET

LA CHARGERS(9-6) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS(3-12)

The Chargers showed the NFL world they can beat a team over the .500 mark as they won a close one versus their division rival, Denver Broncos. The Patriots gave the Bills a battle last Sunday. Were the Bills just of sync in that one? The Patriots have now lost 5 straight. The Chargers will be flying across the country to try to clinch a playoff berth in Jim Harbaugh’s first season in LA. I like the way the Patriots quarterback, Drake Maye, has played so far this season. The Patriots have been in many games but one or two plays backfire and changes the entire game’s outcome for them. Justin Herbert is not asked to do it by himself any more for the Chargers so their running game in the clod will help LA control the clock. The Patriots weakness last week was the running game more than the pass attack. The Chargers defense should confuse Maye just enough. I like the Chargers getting it done on defense.

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

DENVER BRONCOS(9-6) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS(7-8)

Somehow the Bengals are still alive in week 17 looking to unlock the back door to get into post-season. The Broncos had a bump in the road that happened last Thursday facing their arch-rival, the Chargers, as they lost a close one. The Bengals have won three straight and need one win to get back to the .500 mark and getting a win vs the Broncos means they certainly will linger around another week. Broncos need one win & they would be in the post-season. The Bengals need to win both their games and rely on help. The Broncos are 1-6 versus winning teams this season. The Bengals are not a winning team, but Joe Burrow can cause you problems. The Broncos have a solid defense. But Burrow and that Bengals offense can score on any defense in the league. Bo Nix would become legendary in his rookie season if he can slay Burrow and the Bengals and stamp this team into the post-season. The Bengals defense sucks. Over the 3 games, this unit has to play better. Not lights out, but they will have enough to help this Bengals team live for another week.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

ARIZONA CARDINALS(7-8) AT LA RAMS(9-6)

It seems like week 2 of the NFL season was a long time ago in a galaxy far far away with these two teams. Back in week two the Cardinals plucked the eyes out of the Rams with a 41-10 beat down. It was looking like a season where the Cardinals were going to print off some playoff tickets. Arizona has fallen on hard times. Last Sunday the Carolina Panthers put the final nail in their coffin. The Cards head to LA with nothing to play for, only to spoil the Rams’ further holiday celebrations. The Rams have won 4 straight. They need one win to clinch the NFC West. The Cards have had a hard time converting touchdowns in the red zone. The Cards defense played well for a stretch of the season, but now have let teams do what they want to them. Sean McVay will have his team seeing red and the Rams will get their revenge from week two with a win at home, get the last laugh, and head to the post-season. I like the Rams offense because it’s rolling. Their young defense gives teams a challenge.

OUR PICK: RAMS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

CAROLINA PANTHERS(4-11) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS(8-7)

Can the Carolina Panthers bring the Buccaneers home to the couch for the post-season? The Buccaneers had control of their own destiny until the hiccup last week versus the Cowboys snapped a winning streak. Now the Buccaneers need to beat the Panthers and hope the Falcons lose to the Commanders to get back their control of their own destiny. It was only a few weeks ago when the Buccaneers survived a game versus the Panthers that went to over-time. The Panthers have been better as Bryce Young has found his game in the NFL. I don’t think Young and this Panthers team have winning down yet just because they got by the Cardinals last week that went to over-time. Look for Baker Mayfield to be the gunslinger in this one using all the rounds from all the chambers of his gun to have that big game and lift this Buccaneers team off the ground from that Cowboys loss. It’s not like the Falcons are playing the Jaguars or Raiders.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

DALLAS COWBOYS(7-8) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES(12-3)

The Cowboys surprised me with a win over the Buccaneers. Cooper Rush is looking like one of the better back up QB’s in the NFL. The Eagles would love to have him for this game. The Eagles lost their starter Jalen Hurts during the loss they took from the Commanders with a concussion. Will Hurts be able to go? The Eagles had the game in hand with their back up Kenny Pickett who threw the ball right into the chest of DeVonta Smith who dropped a sure thing. A first down. A play that could seale it for the Eagles. Commanders marched down, scored the winning touchdown, and took the game. The Eagles back up QB has a rib issue and it’s not the McRib sandwich returning for Mickey D’s. If Pickett or Hurts can’t go, it will be Tanner McKee or recently signed QB Ian Brook. Problems in Philly indeed. My gut tells me Pickett will get the nod and with running back Saquon Barkley, this offense will get the points they need to win this game and a better performance out of that defense. The Eagles will survive.

OUR PICK:EAGLES

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS(7-8) AT NEW YORK GIANTS(2-13)

The Indianapolis Colts playoff hopes still remain alive after a big win over the Titans last week. The Giants have lost now ten straight but have their sights on having the number one draft pick in next year’s draft. The Colts ran Jonathan Taylor who went off on the Titans defense for over 200 yards and three scores. Look for Taylor to have a big game. Drew Lock will get the start for the G-men which the Colts defense has to be licking their chops because this unit has forced a few turnovers in the last two weeks. Lock has thrown 4 interceptions to one touchdown pass in his last three starts. Lock has also fumbled the ball 4 times. Anthony Richardson who has played better will just need to feed the ball to Taylor to get the Colts back to the .500 mark and hope they get the help they need to live another week.

OUR PICK: COLTS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS(3-12) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS(5-10)

The Saints were blown up by the Packers on Monday night. The Raiders snapped a very long losing streak with a win over the Jaguars. The loss to the Packers was the worst game the Saints had under their new interim coach, Darren Rizzi. It’s too bad Derek Carr will not play for the Saints as he would face his old team for the first time since leaving Vegas. Spencer Rattler was not good versus the Packers as the second stringer for the Saints has been up and down filling in for Carr. Aiden O’Connell gives me confidence for the Raiders that Rattler will not give me for the Saints. O’Connell did not make any mistakes last week as he had over 200 yards passing. The Saints are torn up by injuries. Give me O’Connell and that Raiders defense getting by this banged up Saints team. Raiders find their second win in a row and are winning at the wrong time of the season for draft positioning or even saving their head coach’s job.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

NEW YORK JETS(4-11) AT BUFFALO BILLS(12-3)

I don’t even know why the Jets still are marching Aaron Rodgers out there. They will most likely move on from Rodgers next season. The Bills have slim chances to get the number one seed in the AFC, but the number two seed they need to clinch. With a win over the Jets, the Bills can clinch the number two seed and then rest their guys in the final week of the season. The Bills came out poorly last week versus the Patriots as Josh Allen banged up his hand late in that game. The Jets suffered another loss under Rodgers’ regime in New York. The Bills players hates this Jets team. They are at home. The defense played better last week getting some turnovers versus the Patriots, which this unit should be able to turn up the heat on Rodgers and force him into a few mistakes. I like the Bills getting out of the gates fast in this one and taking care of business right away,using the running game to wear out the Jets defense.

OUR PICK: BILLS

TENNESSEE TITANS(3-12) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS(3-12)

Who really cares about this game? The Titans had a comeback last week but fell short versus the Colts. The Jaguars lost to the Raiders . I like the veteran back up QB Mason Rudolf around the holidays.

This Titans team has been falling down drunk the entire year. I like Rudolf to guide this Titans sleigh over a bad Jaguars defense. Right in Mason’s wheelhouse of teams he can beat. Plus Mac Jones is hot garbage behind center for the Jaguars.

OUR PICK: TITANS

MIAMI DOLPHINS(7-8) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS(3-12)

Have the Browns cashed in already their 2024 season and shifted to thinking about their off-season plans? How cold will it be for the Miami Dolphins in Cleveland? Miami will know by the time they play on Sunday: Will their post-season hopes be crushed or will they still have one of their nine lives remaining? The Browns have a defense and home field here. The Dolphins have feasted on the bottom of the barrel teams in the NFL. For the Browns, Dorian Thompson-Robinson does nothing for me at QB 1. Too many names is my knock on him besides not being a starter in the NFL. I did not think the Dolphins would get by the 49ers. I like Dolphins no matter what even if it’s saving the McGenius aka Mike McDaniels’ job.

Do they clone the same Head Coaches in the Miami sports landscape? The Heat coach Erik with a K Spoelstra looks like McGenius’ brother.

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

GREEN BAY PACKERS(11-4) AT MINNESOTA VIKINGS(13-2)

This is for sure the game of the week to watch. All these teams in the NFC North, except the Bears, are must watch television. The last time these two teams met, the Vikings won 31-29 at the end of September. This game will come down to the end of regulation on whoever has the ball last wins. The Vikings still have a chance at the NFC North title as they’ve been right on the Lions’ back. The Packers were the first team this season to get a shut out which they did versus the Saints. The Packers have clinched a playoff spot but do not want to fall down to another spot in the seedings in the NFC. This game is a coin toss. The Packers have done very well with the medium opponents and below medium. Can they take out a bigwig? The Vikings seem to win every game by a few points. Is Sam Darnold for real? He saved this Vikings team this season. I like the Packers knocking off the Vikes with good defense. I like the Packers controlling the clock with the running game that features Josh Jacobs. I think Darnold stumbles in this one and Packers prevail in this one.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

ATLANTA FALCONS(8-7) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS(10-5)

Can the Falcons ride the Michael Penix train all the way to post-season? Penix’s debut versus a bad Giants team was solid. Jayden Daniels had a very impressive drive as the Commanders knocked off the Eagles in the last minute of the game. Both teams need a win this match up. For Atlanta they need a win and Buccaneers loss to get in as the NFC South champion. For the Commanders they are still alive with a shot at the division. If they win they are in the playoffs. If they lose and the Buccaneers lose their game, they are in the playoffs. This game has a lot of pressure on Penix, only in his second game of his NFL career. The Commanders are much better than the Giants. I like Daniels to deliver in this one and get this Commanders team in the playoffs with a win in a pretty good game. Daniels was chucking it all over the field versus a solid Eagles defense. I like his chances to do the same thing versus this Falcons defense.

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

DETROIT LIONS(13-2) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS(6-9)

Does this game set any records for the most injured players in one game?

Santa would be looking at an injured list over a naughty or nice list. The Lions have something to play for. The 49ers are that typical team that suffers that hangover after losing in the Superbowl. The Lions offense is still firing on most of its cylinders, even though they are missing a part of their two headed monster at running back. The Lions win and they clinch the NFC North, and become the number one seed in the NFC. The 49ers may give the Lions a game for the first half, and then Detroit will bust this one out in the second half. The bye week will benefit the Lions next week with nothing to play for and first game bye the following week. Then they may get some these guys back in action.

OUR PICK: LIONS

NFL WEEK 16: WEEKLY PREDICTIONS DONE THE WILD SHAMROCK WAY

December 21, 2024 / thewildshamrock / Leave a comment

LAST WEEK’S RECORD:(15-1)

FRIDAY’S RECORD:(1-1)

THURSDAY’S RECORD:(10-7)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:(13-5)

SEASON RECORD:(149-75)

NFL WEEK 16 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

DENVER BRONCOS(9-5) AT LA CHARGERS(8-6)

The Broncos come in as the hotter team in this match up. The Chargers have lost two straight games and gave 40 points to the Buccaneers. Both the Broncos and Chargers have benefited from easy schedules this year. Both teams come in with 1-5 records against winning teams. They have feasted on the bottom of the barrel of the NFL. I like the way Bo Nix has been playing this year. These are two former Oregon University QB’s going at it as Justin Herbert will be looking to go ducky over Nix. I like the Broncos defense in this one. I think Jim Harbaugh will have his troops fired up. I like Sean Payton on the chess board to get by this Chargers defense as the Broncos win a close one.

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

SATURDAY NFL FOOTBALL

HOUSTON TEXANS(9-5) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS(13-1)

Are we all buying Patrick Mahomes is hobbled by a high sprain ankle? The Texans clinched a very weak AFC South division last week. Mahomes did come out of that game in Cleveland in the 4th quarter after he rolled his ankle. We have been down this road before with Mahomes who you think may be slowed down by some ailment and then he makes some crazy pass play that wins the game. The Texans are struggling even though they are winning games at the same time. The Chiefs want home field advantage and a first round bye in the playoffs. The Texans can get a higher seed with winning the games left and hope other division leaders lose out. The Chiefs have been so lucky this season. One play. One penalty falls their way. They are at home. The defense will suddenly start playing lights out as it is this time of the season. Mahomes won’t have a big day at the office. He will be very effective in another close call.

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS(10-4) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS(9-5)

This is a heavyweight fight that is slated for a Saturday affair. The winner of this game may in fact take the AFC North. The Steelers won the first match up only weeks ago. For Lamar Jackson this is the team that gives him fits. He has lost the last 4-5 games when he has faced these Steelers. It’s like Mike Tomlin is Lex Luther hanging the kryptonite around the neck of Jackson. Can Russell Wilson do it again against these Ravens? The Steelers should have their cry baby, their number one wide receiver, back after two weeks MIA. The Steelers did not impress me last week when they played the Eagles. The Ravens rolled the G-Men. This will be another close game fought all the way to the end. I like Jackson flipping the script in this one to split the series for the season with a nail biter win.

OUR PICK: RAVENS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

NEW YORK GIANTS(2-12) AT ATLANTA FALCONS(7-7)

Some experts scoffed at the Falcons for selecting Michael Penix Jr. from Washington University 8th in the NFL draft after signing Captain Kirk Cousins to a huge deal right before the April draft. The Giants have lost nine straight games. The Falcons finally broke a long losing streak themselves as they saw their control of the division evaporate into thin air with the Buccaneers win streak. The Falcons just got by the hapless Raiders on Monday night. It is time to bench the veteran QB who has thrown more interceptions than touchdown passes in the last several weeks. Who’s on first for the Giants? That means ‘who’s the QB?’ The Giants will go back to Drew Lock after Tommy DeVito was knocked out of the game versus the Ravens last week. The Falcons have an easy schedule remaining and they need a spark right now which Penix Jr. could do. All the quarterbacks selected in the first round last season have done well for the most part. Penix Jr. will have a strong running game behind him. He is mobile unlike Cousins. He is also playing the Giants defense which is a nice learning curve.

OUR PICK: FALCONS

ARIZONA CARDINALS(7-7) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS(3-11)

The Cardinals have to be rejoicing playing the likes of the Patriots and Panthers in back to back weeks. Arizona was perched on top of the division until they had a reality sandwich which the birds could not fly well in the red zone against better teams in a 4 week span. Another Panthers loss this season would clinch the fifth time in six seasons they have won 5 games or fewer. Soft Cam Newton may like that on his podcast. Before 2019 the Panthers only suffered three seasons with 5 or fewer wins. The Panthers arrived in the NFL in 1995. The Panthers have played well lately and should give the Cardinals a stronger game than the Patriots did last week in a Arizona blow out. The Cardinals are still alive but barely for the playoff hunt. I can see Kyler Murray sewing this one up in the win column on the road.

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

DETROIT LIONS(12-2) AT CHICAGO BEARS(4-10)

The Lions suffered their first loss since early September last week versus the Bills. The Bears looked better under the new interim head coach Thomas Brown in their second game versus the Vikings. That is not saying anything good either about this bad Bears team, a thing I had to point out. The Lions will be without half of their two-headed monster at the running back position as David Montgomery suffered a torn MCL in the knee. The Lions have a ton of injuries. The Eagles are now tied with the Lions for the best conference record. The Vikings have the same record as the Lions in the division, but Detroit holds the tie breaker with a win against them earlier in the season. That next match up is slated for January 5th. The Bears are that first rebound girlfriend after a long relationship. The Lions need to wham bam and thank you ma’am, get back in the win column, and live to fight another week.

OUR PICK: LIONS

TENNESSEE TITANS(3-11) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS(6-8)

I guess we know why Will Levis fell to the second round in the NFL draft. The Colts gave the Broncos a game most of the way last Sunday but suffered a loss that officially eliminated them from the playoff hunt. The Titans are pulling the plus on Levis and will seek a new QB in next year’s draft for Tennessee. Now they will give the car keys over to veteran QB Mason Rudolf which gives the Titans a better chance to win. The Titans have screwed me all year. The Colts and Titans know each other well as this game could go either way. I like Anthony Richardson who has played better lately making a few plays along with riding the legs of Jonathan Taylor in a home victory.

OUR PICK: COLTS

LA RAMS(8-6) AT NEW YORK JETS(4-10)

Could this be the last match up we see of Aaron Rodgers versus Matthew Stafford? Both QB’s called their home in the NFC North for many years square off being QB’s for other teams towards the end of their careers. Rodgers owned many of the opponents or maybe all of them going head to head back when he was the Packers QB. Lifetime Rodgers is 13-4 versus Stafford. Rogers is two touchdown passes away to hit the 500 mark which only 4 others have done in NFL history. Do you get sucked in because Rodgers has done better and pulled out a victory against a bad Jaguars team? The Rams can make NFL history if they make the playoffs this season. They will be the only team in NFL history being 3 games under the .500 mark at some point of the season and making it to the post-season tournament. The Rams have won three straight. The Rams are the better team here. The Rams will get their points off the Jets’ one time stout defense from either the run or pass or both. The Rams defense should be able to contain Rodgers long enough for the Rams to build a nice enough lead to close this one out as they are seeking the NFC West division title.

OUR PICK: RAMS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES(12-2) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS(9-5)

The Eagles may be the top team in the NFC as they are a runaway train right now as winners of ten straight. The Commanders have won two straight games and just held off the Saints comeback in the last few ticks of the clock of regulation. The Commanders have struggled with winning teams before the two game win streak. I think the Eagles defense will shut down Jayden Daniels’ number one threat, Scary Terry McLaurin.

The young defensive backs the Eagles have are very impressive. The pressure will be too much for rookie QB Daniels finding another outlet. The Eagles are a machine with their beast Saquon Barkley who can get you with either the run or passing game and makes Jalen Hurts so much better and this Eagles team very very dangerous. The Commanders are a team on the rise. They are not ready to tangle with the big dogs.

OUR PICK: EAGLES

CLEVELAND BROWNS(3-11) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS(6-8)

The Bengals playoff hopes are hanging by a loose thread. The Browns will turn to Dorian Thompson-Robinson as their starting QB. Thompson-Robinson filled in last week for another multiple interception game by the crab man, Jameis Winston. Last season Thompson-Robinson went 1-2 as the Browns starter right before they inserted Joe Flacco who leads Cleveland to the post-season. The Bengals defense is not very good so the Browns could generate some points even with a guy who’s only completing 44% of his passes this season. The Bengals Joe Cool Burrow will have to avoid Myles Garrett who has sacked him the most in his NFL career with nine of them. The Bengals will have a field day on offense and the Browns don’t have enough ammo to keep up with the Joe’s.

OUR PICK: BENGALS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS(12-2) AT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS(8-6)

Seattle has been one of the streakiest teams in the NFL this season. The Vikings have been red hot winning seven games in a row. The Seahawks did not look good against the visiting Packers last Sunday night. Can the Vikings get a road victory in Seattle? It is possible as Seattle is 3-5 at home this season. Last time Seahawks lost six games at home you have to go back to 2008 when they finished 2-6. Before the Packers lost, the Seahawks were in cruise mode as they swept the Cardinals and won a road game against the Jets. The Vikings Sam Darnold has been streaky but he right now is slinging the football well all over the field. The Seahawks QB Geno Smith is hobbled by an injury, so will he be able to go is the big question. I have to go Vikings because they are the hotter team and they have finally caught the Lions and need this one to stay in striking distance with a rematch lingering on January 5th.

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS(3-11) AT BUFFALO BILLS(11-3)

Do you remember Jim Plunkett as he won a Superbowl with the silver and black Raiders? Plunkett started his career in New England. The Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye has a chance to tie a rookie record if he can throw a touchdown pass versus the Bills to make it 7 games in a row, he had one of those. The Bills came off a monster victory on the road versus the Lions where they scored 48 points. The Bills have beaten the two best teams in the league this season, the Chiefs and now the Lions. This will be back to back games where Josh Allen and that Bills offense put up 40 or more points. Can the Patriots produce to take advantage of a Bills defense that has given up back to back games of 40 or more points? The Bills need this game to stay in striking distance of the Chiefs for the number one seed in the AFC. I like the Bills offense to keep rolling as it will be a cold one in Buffalo. I can see the Bills defense cleaning up their act and holding the Patriots to a reasonable amount of points. I like the Bills in this one at home in the cold climate in which they should be able to put away a pretty bad team in the Patriots.

OUR PICK: BILLS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS(3-11) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS(2-12)

The Jaguars and Raiders have sunk this low in the toilet bowl game of the year. The winner gets nothing. The loser may get the top pick of the year. If the Raiders lose their next three games they will tie their worst losing streak of 13 games that happened back in 1962. The Jaguars scored some points last week, but the Jets flew away with the victory at the end. Mac Jones is 1-3 as the Jaguars starter and has 4 touchdown passes compared to 7 interceptions in the 4 starts. Jones is 19-27 in his career going back to his Patriots days as a starter in the NFL. The Raiders will get back Aiden O’Connell who was the emergency QB last week in Desmond Ridder’s flop on Monday night versus the Falcons. O’Connell is 0-4 as the Raiders starter and he is 5-9 in his NFL career as the man behind center. I think the Raiders will get the upset in this one and their defense will pull it out. I think O’Connell could have a nice afternoon as well against this Jaguars defense. This one tossing a coin may be better figuring out the winner than sorting out the dumpster fire in any data you read about each team.

OUR PICK: RAIDERS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS(6-8) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS(6-8)

Usually I would say the Dolphins do very well against teams under .500. The Dolphins lost last week which knocked them out of the playoff hunt and I think will pretty much knock the wind out of them for the season. The 49ers have a slim shot at the playoffs. Their defense has been playing better and close to the unit that got them to the Superbowl as they held the Rams to 12 points last week after LA put up 44 on the Bills. I will say the 49ers were the only loss I had last week and ruined my perfect week in all the picks for week 15. The last time Brock Purdy played the Dolphins, he had a big game. The 49ers will unleash their running game on a poor Dolphins rushing defense that will set the tone in this one.

OUR PICK: 49ERS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS(8-6) AT DALLAS COWBOYS(6-8)

The networks always have to stick us with a Dallas game. Almost every week we have to digest the horrific Cowboys they stuff down our throats. The Buccaneers have won 4 straight. Can you bet against Baker Mayfield right now the way he is playing? He lit up the Chargers defense putting 40 points on the score board. The Cowboys have been better lately as they come off a win last week over the Panthers. The Cowboys really don’t play well at home. Mayfield will have a big game as they know the Falcons have it easy down the stretch. The Buccaneers need every win they can get and they will notch this one.

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS(5-9) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS(10-4)

The Saints are without Derek Carr. The Packers went to Seattle and crushed the Seahawks pretty much, on a primetime game. Spencer Rattler did well in a relief appearance for the Saints last week versus the Commanders. The Saints tried to step on the Commanders throat in the last seconds going for the win with a two point conversion. They were denied. Since Darren Rizzi has taken over, the Saints have played tough. Two stats jumped at me in this match up. The Packers average 6.6 yards after the catch which is good for third overall in the NFL. Meanwhile the Saints defense allows 6.2 yards after the catch which is the 3rd highest in the league. The Packers are at home. Saints play in the dome. This one should be easy pickings.

OUR PICK: PACKERS

The Wild shamrock

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