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

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

LAST WEEK’S RECORD:(8-5)

FRIDAY RECORD:(1-1)

THURSDAY RECORD:(10-6)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:(11-5)

SEASON RECORD:(134-74)

NFL WEEK 15 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: 49ERS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

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

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

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

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

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

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

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

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

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

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

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

OUR PICK: JETS

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

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

OUR PICK: RAVENS

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

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

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

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

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

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

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

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

OUR PICK: TEXANS

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

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

OUR PICK: BENGALS

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

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

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

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

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

OUR PICK: EAGLES

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

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

OUR PICK: BILLS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: PACKERS

TWO MONDAY NIGHT GAMES

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

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

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

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

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

OUR PICK: FALCONS

LAST WEEK’S RECORD:(12-4)

THURSDAY’S SEASON RECORD:(9-6)

FRIDAY’S SEASON RECORD:(1-1)

MONDAY NIGHT GAMES RECORD:(11-4)

SEASON RECORD:(126-69)

NFL WEEK 14 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: LIONS

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

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

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

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

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

OUR PICK: FALCONS

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

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

OUR PICK: EAGLES

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

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

OUR PICK: SAINTS

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

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

OUR PICK: STEELERS

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

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

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

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

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

OUR PICK: TITANS

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

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

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

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

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

OUR PICK: BILLS

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

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

OUR PICK: DA BEARS

SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: COWBOYS

LAST WEEK’S RECORD:(10-4)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD:(6-5)

FRIDAY NIGHT RECORD:(0-1)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:(9-4)

SEASON RECORD:(105-61)

NFL WEEK 12 STRAIGHT UP PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY GAME

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

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

OUR PICK:STEELERS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

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

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

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

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

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

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

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

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

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

OUR PICK: TEXANS

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

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

OUR PICK: LIONS

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

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

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

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

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

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

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

OUR PICK: BUCCANEERS

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

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

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

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

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

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

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

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

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

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

OUR PICK: PACKERS

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

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

OUR PICK: SEAHAWKS

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: RAMS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: RAVENS

LAST WEEK’S RECORD:(9-5)

THURSDAY NIGHT RECORD:(6-4)

FRIDAY NIGHT RECORD:(0-1)

MONDAY NIGHT RECORD:(8-4)

SEASON RECORD:(95-57)

NFL WEEK 11 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGH GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

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

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

OUR PICK: PACKERS

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

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

OUR PICK: LIONS

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

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

OUR PICK: DOLPHINS

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

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

OUR PICK: RAMS

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

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

OUR PICK: SAINTS

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

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

OUR PICK: STEELERS

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

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

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

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

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

OUR PICK: (GRRR) JETS

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

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

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

OUR PICK: BRONCOS

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

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

OUR PICK: 49ERS

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

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

OUR PICK: GO BILLS!!!

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

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

OUR PICK: BENGALS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: TEXANS

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

THURSDAY NIGHT GAMES RECORD: (5-4)

FRIDAY GAMES RECORD:(0-1)

MONDAY NIGHT GAMES RECORD:(8-3)

SEASON RECORD:(86-52)

NFL WEEK 10 STRAIGHT PICK-EM

THE THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: RAVENS

THE SUNDAY SLATE

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

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

OUR PICK: GIANTS

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

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

OUR PICK: BEARS

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

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

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

OUR PICK: BILLS

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

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

OUR PICK: VIKINGS

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

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

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

OUR PICK: CHIEFS

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

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

OUR PICK: FALCONS

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

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

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

OUR PICK: 49ERS

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

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

OUR PICK: COMMANDERS

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

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

OUR PICK: CHARGERS

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

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

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

OUR PICK: CARDINALS

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

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

OUR PICK: EAGLES

THE SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

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

OUR PICK: LIONS

THE MONDAY NIGHT GAME

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

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

OUR PICK: RAMS