NFL Picks Week 6 and more!
Fantasy football owners! It is Week 3 of the Bye Weeks! The season starts to get serious from here! Dallas, Oakland and others are on bye! And all four teams have the same record...how weird and unlikely is that! Plan accordingly now! Reminder: Another London game is next Sunday morning! Be ready!
Last week: 7-7....decent. Season: 40-35...good, not great.
Bonus picks: Season:
Bye Teams:
1. Tampa Bay (2-3): Is it surprising Tampa is 2-3? Not totally. But this team has no expectations, nor does this division after last year's debacle. Tampa is trying to build a team around QB Jameis Winston and that will take time. This team might be good in 2-3 years, but don't get it twisted about 2015. If this team gets more than 5 wins, lucky. Every win (and loss) is a education for these guys that could pay dividends later.
2. St. Louis (2-3): After a great upset of the now-mortal Seahawks at home on Opening Day the Rams have been shaky. The offense is worse off, and maybe did get the bad end of the QB trade with the Eagles from a player standpoint, but that gap is small and getting smaller. There are still holes to fill and learning to be done. But....this team has some D...and they have a playmaker in Tavon Austin and now they have a RB in Todd Gurley if they can stay healthy for full seasons and not parts of one. Whether coach Jeff Fisher will be around to see the final product remains to be seen. Maybe 2016 is the year they come back? Let's hope the home field thing is settled by next year, for that uncertainty can not help..nor does accidental fires on the field before home games.
3. Dallas (2-3): This is the Dallas I was expecting. Shaky, hurt and rudderless. Was Dallas wrong in resigning WR Dez Bryant and letting RB DeMarco Murray leave (to the Eagles)? No. The problem was the Cowboys has no real good backups at QB, RB, or WR. Now, with Bryant and QB Tony Romo also out and young RB Joseph Randle (knee) gone for the year too, this team is in trouble. No matter who the QB is, I am not convinced the Cowboys can stay close long enough to get Romo (and/or Bryant) back. The defense is better, but without a balanced offense to run clock and keep these guys fresh (and hopefully healthy), wins will not come and they won't get that many more miracle wins due to brain freezes, like they did in Week 1. Maybe they should have traded for Robert Griffin III when they had the chance. Other than next year's cap, they would not be any worse off.
4. Oakland (2-3): This young team is getting better. No one, other than me, expected this team to be competitive in most of their games and be a few errors short of 4-1. With Denver shaky as they get ready for their bye next week and the Chargers and Chiefs in trouble, could the young Raiders shock a few more teams? Yes, they can. (Reported today) The loss of DE Justin Tuck (pectoral) for the year hurts, but he may not have been back in 2016 anyway. Now the young defenders that remain will have to learn faster and do more to help the offense win. 5-6 wins is still a realistic goal. Mark my words, though. This team can and will be at the top of the AFC 3 years from now, IF NOT SOONER. Watch them play and you will see why.
Thursday Night Football (CBS/NFL Network): Atlanta at New Orleans: This is a marquee game for TNF, though the records don't show it this time. The Saints are in must-win mode starting tonight. They are 1-4 and facing the undefeated Falcons. Lose this game and it is season over. The Falcons are 5-0, but it is a shaky 5-0. No real dominant performances so far. Had to rally in the first 3 games to win. Barely beat a undermanned and less talented Redskins team AT HOME last week. Time for the Falcons to show what they can do and convincingly beat a inferior opponent. But can they? in New Orleans of all places? This is a must watch game.
Who wins? Atlanta has the weapons to win and the Saints are not as powerful now as in recent years. But there is that...something about QB Drew Brees, the Saints playing in the Superdome in prime time in recent years that makes you pause. Atlanta is not a great 5-0 team, New Orleans is better than 1-4 (but not that much better). The Saints are desperate for a win, so I will take the Saints. But if they lose, the race for the top overall pick begins against Detroit.
New Orleans 28 Atlanta 24
Sunday's games:
Arizona at Pittsburgh: This will be a tight game and a great test for the Cardinals who are in position to be a power in the NFC playoffs this year. Two games clear and the rest of the division shaky, these Cardinals can get that top playoff seed they blew last year due to the loss of QB Carson Palmer to injury. He is playing well and staying healthy. The same cannot be said for the Steelers with their starter out..for now. He may be back in 2-3 weeks, with enough time to make noise. But they can still play with QB Michael Vick as he proved on MNF. Of course, he has weapons, and with WR Martavious Bryant back (knee/suspension), he has the deep threat to make this offense deadly again before Big Ben returns. Can the strong and opportunistic Arizona defense defuse Vick's (older but still) special talents and steal a rare road outdoor win?
Who wins? Arizona has built a dangerous team and took advantage of a weakened start to their schedule. It starts getting harder now. This would be a signature win if they could pull this out, but I know that Pittsburgh is super tough at home, even with Vick at QB. Forget about the kicking game unless it is a chip shot at Heinz Field. Even on a short week, I have to take Pittsburgh here. Sorry.
Pittsburgh 27 Arizona 24 (OT)
Kansas City at Minnesota: The battered Chiefs go north to face the now-dangerous Vikings. This team has to be demoralized, with the way they lost to Denver, the poor record that has them last in the AFC West, and now their best player, RB Jamaal Charles (knee) is done for the year. If anyone can understand how that feels, it is the Vikings, having been there, done that with all-world RB Adrian Peterson. After a slow start, he is getting better and better and QB Teddy Bridgewater has game too. This is likely to be a blowout, barring horrible injuries hitting the Vikings (don't want to see that again).
Who wins? The Chiefs is a proud franchise and they will not lay down to anyone. But without their best runner/player on offense, the defense alone is not enough to carry this team, nor is their QB, Alex Smith. The Vikings should feast on this one. If they don't (like Atlanta against Washington last week), upset could happen and that won't be good for the guys in purple. Peterson won't let that happen. Vikings win.
Minnesota 27 Kansas City 17
Cincinnati at Buffalo: The undefeated Bengals go east to face Rex Ryan's Bills. The Bills can play, but with all their injuries to their QB Tyrod Taylor and their running backs AND wide receivers, how can the offense keep up with the Bengals who can score a ton at times? Ryan may be a defensive mastermind with a very good defense to slow down the Bengals and QB Andy Dalton, but Cincinnati is pretty good. This will be hard hitting, and the Bills need a win to stay in a muddied wild card race, never mind the AFC East behind undefeated New England, who already beat the Bills earlier. Good luck with that.
Who wins? Buffalo is tough at home, but that defense cannot totally shut down all of the Bengals' weapons. Worse yet, I don't think Buffalo's offense could keep up in a high-scoring game anyway, even if they had everyone healthy. Barring a horrendous game from Dalton, this should be a solid win for the Bengals, so I am going with that.
Cincinnati 30 Buffalo 20
Chicago at Detroit: Ugh. The Lions look a lot like the Chiefs, but at least KC has a win already. Chicago, after looking so bad early, has two wins in a row and this should be a easier test than the last two. The Lions are proud but they seem rudderless. The offense is okay but can't get it done even with some great players on board, and the defense...well, it isn't that great. Remember their issues with former Lion N. Suh, and losing him in free agency (to Miami) and replacing him with Haloti Ngata (from Baltimore) hasn't made much difference....much like his season in Miami so far. This game will be ugly, but who would have thought the Bears would be favored?
Who wins? Few care, but a Bears win does make them a unlikely contender in the NFC wild-card race. Remember, there are a lot of 2 win teams and only one wild-card spot left, held by undefeated Carolina for now. Detroit wants to win to get that talk about a second 0-16 season shut down before it starts...but I just don't see it happening this week. Sorry. I have to take the Bears.
Chicago 23 Detroit 21
Denver at Cleveland: The Broncos keep escaping. They are still undefeated. But their luck has to run out. This is their final game before the Broncos' bye. The Browns have some weapons and they are not completely useless. After barely escaping Oakland last week, Cleveland may be the team that can get it done. Just keep Manziel (who was in trouble again this week off the field) off the field. Cleveland QB Josh McCown maybe is the right (short term) choice for Cleveland after all. Too bad little bro got the nice commercial.
Who wins? Denver can't escape every week and Manning is looking worse and worse when he is not in a two minute drill. I am taking Cleveland because Denver is NOT going 16-0. Period. (Raiders are off this week, so do not go there!)
Cleveland 28 Denver 24
Houston at Jacksonville: This is mostly a elimination game here. With the Colts starting to roll a little, even with a possible loss against the Patriots later, the loser of this game may well be all but done in the AFC South race, and perhaps the AFC wild-card race too. The Texans are a disappointment so far, but not a total surprise when you are playing revolving quarterbacks and neither have done that much. The defense, even with DE J.J. Watt and friends, can only do so much. Jacksonville is starting to get better, but they have a long way to go. But a win over the Texans helps morale. More wins is good.
Who wins? I think the Texans are just a mess on offense. Until they get a strong QB to solidify things, and fewer injuries, this is what you get. Hence, the Jaguars can go get another upset win. I am taking the home team here.
Jacksonville 24 Houston 21 (OT)
Miami at Tennessee: Miami is a big mess. They fired their coach and defensive coordinator after their loss to the Jets in London on their bye week. They have weapons and they have some defensive talent. But how long will it take to get it together? I am not sure it can happen this year. I am not sure what coach will want to come in deal with this. That will hurt the product on the field. Tennessee is building a squad. They, like Jacksonville, may have their QB for the next decade. The rest....not so much yet. This will not be a must-see game. No offense.
Who wins? Neither team looks great. But the Titans look better with QB Marcus Mariota, the game is in Nashville, and (I didn't think I would have to say this) the Titans look more stable than Miami right now. Bummer. I am taking the home team again. Miami couldn't beat the Jaguars on the road. The Titans are better than the Jaguars...barely. Easy choice.
Tennessee 30 Miami 24
Carolina at Seattle: This is a must-see game. The undefeated Panthers come west after their bye to face the reeling Seahawks. I know the guys in green has beaten the Panthers the last two years, one at home, one (2 years ago on Opening Day) in Carolina, but both games were close and very low scoring. The Panthers are better in some ways than last year, but are they as overrated as the (formerly undefeated) Falcons? The Seahawks are struggling across the board. Is the 12th man enough to get a needed home win this time?
Who wins? The Seahawks are a different team at home, and this year the record shows it. Unfortunately, a home loss may screw Seattle's playoff hopes, especially if they can't start winning on the road (3 road losses in a row). The Panthers are a shaky undefeated team, but they play Seattle really tough and they are due. I am taking the Panthers. Take the over on points, though. I have a feeling.
Carolina 24 Seattle 21 (OT)
San Diego at Green Bay: The Chargers go north after the heart-breaking loss to the Steelers on MNF. There is no shame in losing a game like that...by mere inches. And the rookie game official on the goal line made the right call. Replay confirmed it. Anyway, even without that, the Chargers will have a hard time upsetting the undefeated Packers at Lambeau Field. But the air display between the two QBs who I think both will be in the Hall of Fame one day, will be fun. Watch this game.
Who wins? West coast team going east and north on an short week to play a top team who rarely loses at home....and who is undefeated. Right. You do the math. I am taking the (all-but) sure thing and take Green Bay.
Green Bay 34 San Diego 24
Baltimore at San Francisco: This will not be must-see TV. The winner of this game gets to stay around in the playoff race for another week. The loser is all-but done. This is a rematch of Super Bowl 48 and it will be interesting, but a lot of players have changed. Too bad this can't be Harbaugh Bowl II. Oh well.
Who wins? There is little to be said about this game. I don't have much to add. I think the QBs will play well, but with all the injuries and (expected) errors in the game. This will be ugly. I am taking the home team, just to be nice. Sorry, Baltimore. Remember, you did get the big trophy last time..lol.
San Francisco 29 Baltimore 27
Washington at New York Jets: The Jets look good under first year coach Todd Bowles. They should be able to beat a less talented and injury-ravaged Redskins squad who does look more stable with QB Kirk Cousins. But these guys have hung in games all year, and took then-undefeated Atlanta to OT last week in Atlanta with a similar number of injuries. Could there be a upset?
Who wins? Seriously, the Jets can't blow this game, can they? Yes they can, if the Redskins play a similar game as they did last week, only without the late turnovers. Good luck with that. But I need a few upsets. This is a good possibility....but I have to take the Jets. Sorry.
New York Jets 27 Washington 24
Sunday Night Football (NBC): New England at Indianapolis: This is the game of the week. All the talk is about revenge and other stuff. You know the story. Here is the bottom line. Undefeated New England travels to face the Colts, who are not only shaky, has a hurting starting QB in Andrew Luck, but has also lost their last few games to these Patriots by large numbers, including last year's AFC title game. Not good.
Who wins? The Colts cannot worry about revenge. They need to win. Unfortunately, barring major injuries, I don't see how the Colts win the game, much less get "revenge". Truth be told, if the Colts want revenge...beat these Patriots in the playoffs....if they both get there. For tonight, the Pats have too much...unless Luck (returns and) has the game of his life. And WR T.Y Hilton does the same. And....you get the point. I would love to see the Patriots lose. I just don't see it happening this week.
New England wins again.
New England 40 Indianapolis 24
Monday Night Football (ESPN): New York Giants at Philadelphia: This will be a interesting game. The Giants are in first in the NFC East, which is where the Eagles were supposed to be. But everyone is one game out of first, and Dallas is on bye, while still several weeks away from getting QB Tony Romo and maybe WR Dez Bryant back. Will Giants WR Victor Cruz ever play this year? Not looking good at this point. This will be a ugly game and we will see if the Giants are really rolling or was it done with smoke and mirrors and the Eagles are back in this race. Either way...Dallas is worried, for they get these teams soon.
Who wins? The Eagles blasted the weakened Saints at home last week...who went home and took out the undefeated Falcons, who played like a 1 win team. The Giants will be tougher than that. I am not convinced of anything involving either team, but I am liking the Eagles a bit less right now. I am taking the Giants....and hope they don't blow another game.
New York Giants 29 Philadelphia 28
Bonus Picks: MLB Postseason:
American League Championship Series: Toronto at Kansas City (top seed): The Blue Jays did a nice job rebounding after letting Texas punk them out at home in Games 1 and 2 of the Division Series. Unfortunately, the defending AL champs are another matter. True, KC did have to also go a full 5 games to eliminate the surprising Astros...but they did. Now, Toronto has to go 7 games against these guys. Truth be told, even if Toronto had home-field advantage, I don't think it would matter. KC has experience, belief and rabid fans...and they have home field. If the Blue Jays get this to 6 games, let alone 7, I will be surprised. The 2-3-2 format (Blue Jays are home for games 3-5) is the only thing that may allow that. KC is not a surprise this year, but the results are the same....even if KC is not sweeping AL teams this time. KC wins.
Royals in 5 games.
National League Championship Series: Chicago Cubs (wild card winner) vs. New York Mets:
Well, the loveable losers are still on fire! The Cubs have eliminated the top NL seed and second playoff team from the NL Central to get to the League Championship series. Unfortunately for them, despite having a better record than their opponent, because the Cubs are the wildcard...no home-field advantage for them. That may not matter. However, it was cool to see the Cubs finally clinch a post-season series at home for the first time in (a very LONG) franchise history. Now, back to business. The Mets escape LA with a Game 5 win over the Dodgers and the possible NL Cy Young winner Zack Grienke. The Mets getting home field in this series means everything. True, the Cubs swept the 7 game season series. But that was then, this is now. This series will be a war and it will be cold. For the Cubs to win this series, they will need to sweep at home, I think. I am not sure they will be able to win in New York...until a potential Game 7. Two underdog teams going for the big prize. I am taking the bigger one here and finally end that long drought and get them to the World Series.
Chicago Cubs win in 7 games (2 extra-innings games).
NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup: Race Five: Contender Round Race Two: Kansas: This race becomes (likely) the season for most of the remaining Chase drivers. With Talledega being the elimination race next week, and the wild-card track that it is (being the fastest and arguably the most dangerous track in NASCAR), the Chase drivers know they (in most cases) must win this race to assure moving on to the next round. Joey Logano won last week's rain-delayed race at Charlotte and punched his ticket to the final 8 (in essence the semifinal round of 3 races). For the other 11 drivers, especially those in the bottom 4 ( Newman, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt, Jr and Kenseth), it is basically win or almost expect to be out after Talledega. I am not picking that race yet, but the drivers know that due to speeds and (expected) big wrecks, any driver in the race could win. At Martinsville, it is not that dissimilar, except the track (and the top speeds) are a LOT smaller. 39 points separate second in the standings (Harvick) and 12th (Kenseth). One wreck and/or equipment failure (even a small, cheap part) could end your day and the Chase for you (ask Jimmie Johnson about that). Watch this race closely while you watch football. Then tape and/or watch Talledega next week. It will be wilder than at least a third of the football games next week. Believe that.
Who wins? You have to bet on Harvick. He knows that even a top-5 finish will not clinch him a spot in the Eliminator Round, unless other Chase drivers, especially the bottom four, all wreck and/or finish worse than 35th. Unlikely but not impossible. Most of the Chase drivers will be in the top 20, but....at least one of the bottom 4 will bottom out and need a miracle win at Talladega. One of the others in the bottom will finish high and improve his chances of advancing.
Fantasy football owners! It is Week 3 of the Bye Weeks! The season starts to get serious from here! Dallas, Oakland and others are on bye! And all four teams have the same record...how weird and unlikely is that! Plan accordingly now! Reminder: Another London game is next Sunday morning! Be ready!
Last week: 7-7....decent. Season: 40-35...good, not great.
Bonus picks: Season:
Bye Teams:
1. Tampa Bay (2-3): Is it surprising Tampa is 2-3? Not totally. But this team has no expectations, nor does this division after last year's debacle. Tampa is trying to build a team around QB Jameis Winston and that will take time. This team might be good in 2-3 years, but don't get it twisted about 2015. If this team gets more than 5 wins, lucky. Every win (and loss) is a education for these guys that could pay dividends later.
2. St. Louis (2-3): After a great upset of the now-mortal Seahawks at home on Opening Day the Rams have been shaky. The offense is worse off, and maybe did get the bad end of the QB trade with the Eagles from a player standpoint, but that gap is small and getting smaller. There are still holes to fill and learning to be done. But....this team has some D...and they have a playmaker in Tavon Austin and now they have a RB in Todd Gurley if they can stay healthy for full seasons and not parts of one. Whether coach Jeff Fisher will be around to see the final product remains to be seen. Maybe 2016 is the year they come back? Let's hope the home field thing is settled by next year, for that uncertainty can not help..nor does accidental fires on the field before home games.
3. Dallas (2-3): This is the Dallas I was expecting. Shaky, hurt and rudderless. Was Dallas wrong in resigning WR Dez Bryant and letting RB DeMarco Murray leave (to the Eagles)? No. The problem was the Cowboys has no real good backups at QB, RB, or WR. Now, with Bryant and QB Tony Romo also out and young RB Joseph Randle (knee) gone for the year too, this team is in trouble. No matter who the QB is, I am not convinced the Cowboys can stay close long enough to get Romo (and/or Bryant) back. The defense is better, but without a balanced offense to run clock and keep these guys fresh (and hopefully healthy), wins will not come and they won't get that many more miracle wins due to brain freezes, like they did in Week 1. Maybe they should have traded for Robert Griffin III when they had the chance. Other than next year's cap, they would not be any worse off.
4. Oakland (2-3): This young team is getting better. No one, other than me, expected this team to be competitive in most of their games and be a few errors short of 4-1. With Denver shaky as they get ready for their bye next week and the Chargers and Chiefs in trouble, could the young Raiders shock a few more teams? Yes, they can. (Reported today) The loss of DE Justin Tuck (pectoral) for the year hurts, but he may not have been back in 2016 anyway. Now the young defenders that remain will have to learn faster and do more to help the offense win. 5-6 wins is still a realistic goal. Mark my words, though. This team can and will be at the top of the AFC 3 years from now, IF NOT SOONER. Watch them play and you will see why.
Thursday Night Football (CBS/NFL Network): Atlanta at New Orleans: This is a marquee game for TNF, though the records don't show it this time. The Saints are in must-win mode starting tonight. They are 1-4 and facing the undefeated Falcons. Lose this game and it is season over. The Falcons are 5-0, but it is a shaky 5-0. No real dominant performances so far. Had to rally in the first 3 games to win. Barely beat a undermanned and less talented Redskins team AT HOME last week. Time for the Falcons to show what they can do and convincingly beat a inferior opponent. But can they? in New Orleans of all places? This is a must watch game.
Who wins? Atlanta has the weapons to win and the Saints are not as powerful now as in recent years. But there is that...something about QB Drew Brees, the Saints playing in the Superdome in prime time in recent years that makes you pause. Atlanta is not a great 5-0 team, New Orleans is better than 1-4 (but not that much better). The Saints are desperate for a win, so I will take the Saints. But if they lose, the race for the top overall pick begins against Detroit.
New Orleans 28 Atlanta 24
Sunday's games:
Arizona at Pittsburgh: This will be a tight game and a great test for the Cardinals who are in position to be a power in the NFC playoffs this year. Two games clear and the rest of the division shaky, these Cardinals can get that top playoff seed they blew last year due to the loss of QB Carson Palmer to injury. He is playing well and staying healthy. The same cannot be said for the Steelers with their starter out..for now. He may be back in 2-3 weeks, with enough time to make noise. But they can still play with QB Michael Vick as he proved on MNF. Of course, he has weapons, and with WR Martavious Bryant back (knee/suspension), he has the deep threat to make this offense deadly again before Big Ben returns. Can the strong and opportunistic Arizona defense defuse Vick's (older but still) special talents and steal a rare road outdoor win?
Who wins? Arizona has built a dangerous team and took advantage of a weakened start to their schedule. It starts getting harder now. This would be a signature win if they could pull this out, but I know that Pittsburgh is super tough at home, even with Vick at QB. Forget about the kicking game unless it is a chip shot at Heinz Field. Even on a short week, I have to take Pittsburgh here. Sorry.
Pittsburgh 27 Arizona 24 (OT)
Kansas City at Minnesota: The battered Chiefs go north to face the now-dangerous Vikings. This team has to be demoralized, with the way they lost to Denver, the poor record that has them last in the AFC West, and now their best player, RB Jamaal Charles (knee) is done for the year. If anyone can understand how that feels, it is the Vikings, having been there, done that with all-world RB Adrian Peterson. After a slow start, he is getting better and better and QB Teddy Bridgewater has game too. This is likely to be a blowout, barring horrible injuries hitting the Vikings (don't want to see that again).
Who wins? The Chiefs is a proud franchise and they will not lay down to anyone. But without their best runner/player on offense, the defense alone is not enough to carry this team, nor is their QB, Alex Smith. The Vikings should feast on this one. If they don't (like Atlanta against Washington last week), upset could happen and that won't be good for the guys in purple. Peterson won't let that happen. Vikings win.
Minnesota 27 Kansas City 17
Cincinnati at Buffalo: The undefeated Bengals go east to face Rex Ryan's Bills. The Bills can play, but with all their injuries to their QB Tyrod Taylor and their running backs AND wide receivers, how can the offense keep up with the Bengals who can score a ton at times? Ryan may be a defensive mastermind with a very good defense to slow down the Bengals and QB Andy Dalton, but Cincinnati is pretty good. This will be hard hitting, and the Bills need a win to stay in a muddied wild card race, never mind the AFC East behind undefeated New England, who already beat the Bills earlier. Good luck with that.
Who wins? Buffalo is tough at home, but that defense cannot totally shut down all of the Bengals' weapons. Worse yet, I don't think Buffalo's offense could keep up in a high-scoring game anyway, even if they had everyone healthy. Barring a horrendous game from Dalton, this should be a solid win for the Bengals, so I am going with that.
Cincinnati 30 Buffalo 20
Chicago at Detroit: Ugh. The Lions look a lot like the Chiefs, but at least KC has a win already. Chicago, after looking so bad early, has two wins in a row and this should be a easier test than the last two. The Lions are proud but they seem rudderless. The offense is okay but can't get it done even with some great players on board, and the defense...well, it isn't that great. Remember their issues with former Lion N. Suh, and losing him in free agency (to Miami) and replacing him with Haloti Ngata (from Baltimore) hasn't made much difference....much like his season in Miami so far. This game will be ugly, but who would have thought the Bears would be favored?
Who wins? Few care, but a Bears win does make them a unlikely contender in the NFC wild-card race. Remember, there are a lot of 2 win teams and only one wild-card spot left, held by undefeated Carolina for now. Detroit wants to win to get that talk about a second 0-16 season shut down before it starts...but I just don't see it happening this week. Sorry. I have to take the Bears.
Chicago 23 Detroit 21
Denver at Cleveland: The Broncos keep escaping. They are still undefeated. But their luck has to run out. This is their final game before the Broncos' bye. The Browns have some weapons and they are not completely useless. After barely escaping Oakland last week, Cleveland may be the team that can get it done. Just keep Manziel (who was in trouble again this week off the field) off the field. Cleveland QB Josh McCown maybe is the right (short term) choice for Cleveland after all. Too bad little bro got the nice commercial.
Who wins? Denver can't escape every week and Manning is looking worse and worse when he is not in a two minute drill. I am taking Cleveland because Denver is NOT going 16-0. Period. (Raiders are off this week, so do not go there!)
Cleveland 28 Denver 24
Houston at Jacksonville: This is mostly a elimination game here. With the Colts starting to roll a little, even with a possible loss against the Patriots later, the loser of this game may well be all but done in the AFC South race, and perhaps the AFC wild-card race too. The Texans are a disappointment so far, but not a total surprise when you are playing revolving quarterbacks and neither have done that much. The defense, even with DE J.J. Watt and friends, can only do so much. Jacksonville is starting to get better, but they have a long way to go. But a win over the Texans helps morale. More wins is good.
Who wins? I think the Texans are just a mess on offense. Until they get a strong QB to solidify things, and fewer injuries, this is what you get. Hence, the Jaguars can go get another upset win. I am taking the home team here.
Jacksonville 24 Houston 21 (OT)
Miami at Tennessee: Miami is a big mess. They fired their coach and defensive coordinator after their loss to the Jets in London on their bye week. They have weapons and they have some defensive talent. But how long will it take to get it together? I am not sure it can happen this year. I am not sure what coach will want to come in deal with this. That will hurt the product on the field. Tennessee is building a squad. They, like Jacksonville, may have their QB for the next decade. The rest....not so much yet. This will not be a must-see game. No offense.
Who wins? Neither team looks great. But the Titans look better with QB Marcus Mariota, the game is in Nashville, and (I didn't think I would have to say this) the Titans look more stable than Miami right now. Bummer. I am taking the home team again. Miami couldn't beat the Jaguars on the road. The Titans are better than the Jaguars...barely. Easy choice.
Tennessee 30 Miami 24
Carolina at Seattle: This is a must-see game. The undefeated Panthers come west after their bye to face the reeling Seahawks. I know the guys in green has beaten the Panthers the last two years, one at home, one (2 years ago on Opening Day) in Carolina, but both games were close and very low scoring. The Panthers are better in some ways than last year, but are they as overrated as the (formerly undefeated) Falcons? The Seahawks are struggling across the board. Is the 12th man enough to get a needed home win this time?
Who wins? The Seahawks are a different team at home, and this year the record shows it. Unfortunately, a home loss may screw Seattle's playoff hopes, especially if they can't start winning on the road (3 road losses in a row). The Panthers are a shaky undefeated team, but they play Seattle really tough and they are due. I am taking the Panthers. Take the over on points, though. I have a feeling.
Carolina 24 Seattle 21 (OT)
San Diego at Green Bay: The Chargers go north after the heart-breaking loss to the Steelers on MNF. There is no shame in losing a game like that...by mere inches. And the rookie game official on the goal line made the right call. Replay confirmed it. Anyway, even without that, the Chargers will have a hard time upsetting the undefeated Packers at Lambeau Field. But the air display between the two QBs who I think both will be in the Hall of Fame one day, will be fun. Watch this game.
Who wins? West coast team going east and north on an short week to play a top team who rarely loses at home....and who is undefeated. Right. You do the math. I am taking the (all-but) sure thing and take Green Bay.
Green Bay 34 San Diego 24
Baltimore at San Francisco: This will not be must-see TV. The winner of this game gets to stay around in the playoff race for another week. The loser is all-but done. This is a rematch of Super Bowl 48 and it will be interesting, but a lot of players have changed. Too bad this can't be Harbaugh Bowl II. Oh well.
Who wins? There is little to be said about this game. I don't have much to add. I think the QBs will play well, but with all the injuries and (expected) errors in the game. This will be ugly. I am taking the home team, just to be nice. Sorry, Baltimore. Remember, you did get the big trophy last time..lol.
San Francisco 29 Baltimore 27
Washington at New York Jets: The Jets look good under first year coach Todd Bowles. They should be able to beat a less talented and injury-ravaged Redskins squad who does look more stable with QB Kirk Cousins. But these guys have hung in games all year, and took then-undefeated Atlanta to OT last week in Atlanta with a similar number of injuries. Could there be a upset?
Who wins? Seriously, the Jets can't blow this game, can they? Yes they can, if the Redskins play a similar game as they did last week, only without the late turnovers. Good luck with that. But I need a few upsets. This is a good possibility....but I have to take the Jets. Sorry.
New York Jets 27 Washington 24
Sunday Night Football (NBC): New England at Indianapolis: This is the game of the week. All the talk is about revenge and other stuff. You know the story. Here is the bottom line. Undefeated New England travels to face the Colts, who are not only shaky, has a hurting starting QB in Andrew Luck, but has also lost their last few games to these Patriots by large numbers, including last year's AFC title game. Not good.
Who wins? The Colts cannot worry about revenge. They need to win. Unfortunately, barring major injuries, I don't see how the Colts win the game, much less get "revenge". Truth be told, if the Colts want revenge...beat these Patriots in the playoffs....if they both get there. For tonight, the Pats have too much...unless Luck (returns and) has the game of his life. And WR T.Y Hilton does the same. And....you get the point. I would love to see the Patriots lose. I just don't see it happening this week.
New England wins again.
New England 40 Indianapolis 24
Monday Night Football (ESPN): New York Giants at Philadelphia: This will be a interesting game. The Giants are in first in the NFC East, which is where the Eagles were supposed to be. But everyone is one game out of first, and Dallas is on bye, while still several weeks away from getting QB Tony Romo and maybe WR Dez Bryant back. Will Giants WR Victor Cruz ever play this year? Not looking good at this point. This will be a ugly game and we will see if the Giants are really rolling or was it done with smoke and mirrors and the Eagles are back in this race. Either way...Dallas is worried, for they get these teams soon.
Who wins? The Eagles blasted the weakened Saints at home last week...who went home and took out the undefeated Falcons, who played like a 1 win team. The Giants will be tougher than that. I am not convinced of anything involving either team, but I am liking the Eagles a bit less right now. I am taking the Giants....and hope they don't blow another game.
New York Giants 29 Philadelphia 28
Bonus Picks: MLB Postseason:
American League Championship Series: Toronto at Kansas City (top seed): The Blue Jays did a nice job rebounding after letting Texas punk them out at home in Games 1 and 2 of the Division Series. Unfortunately, the defending AL champs are another matter. True, KC did have to also go a full 5 games to eliminate the surprising Astros...but they did. Now, Toronto has to go 7 games against these guys. Truth be told, even if Toronto had home-field advantage, I don't think it would matter. KC has experience, belief and rabid fans...and they have home field. If the Blue Jays get this to 6 games, let alone 7, I will be surprised. The 2-3-2 format (Blue Jays are home for games 3-5) is the only thing that may allow that. KC is not a surprise this year, but the results are the same....even if KC is not sweeping AL teams this time. KC wins.
Royals in 5 games.
National League Championship Series: Chicago Cubs (wild card winner) vs. New York Mets:
Well, the loveable losers are still on fire! The Cubs have eliminated the top NL seed and second playoff team from the NL Central to get to the League Championship series. Unfortunately for them, despite having a better record than their opponent, because the Cubs are the wildcard...no home-field advantage for them. That may not matter. However, it was cool to see the Cubs finally clinch a post-season series at home for the first time in (a very LONG) franchise history. Now, back to business. The Mets escape LA with a Game 5 win over the Dodgers and the possible NL Cy Young winner Zack Grienke. The Mets getting home field in this series means everything. True, the Cubs swept the 7 game season series. But that was then, this is now. This series will be a war and it will be cold. For the Cubs to win this series, they will need to sweep at home, I think. I am not sure they will be able to win in New York...until a potential Game 7. Two underdog teams going for the big prize. I am taking the bigger one here and finally end that long drought and get them to the World Series.
Chicago Cubs win in 7 games (2 extra-innings games).
NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup: Race Five: Contender Round Race Two: Kansas: This race becomes (likely) the season for most of the remaining Chase drivers. With Talledega being the elimination race next week, and the wild-card track that it is (being the fastest and arguably the most dangerous track in NASCAR), the Chase drivers know they (in most cases) must win this race to assure moving on to the next round. Joey Logano won last week's rain-delayed race at Charlotte and punched his ticket to the final 8 (in essence the semifinal round of 3 races). For the other 11 drivers, especially those in the bottom 4 ( Newman, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt, Jr and Kenseth), it is basically win or almost expect to be out after Talledega. I am not picking that race yet, but the drivers know that due to speeds and (expected) big wrecks, any driver in the race could win. At Martinsville, it is not that dissimilar, except the track (and the top speeds) are a LOT smaller. 39 points separate second in the standings (Harvick) and 12th (Kenseth). One wreck and/or equipment failure (even a small, cheap part) could end your day and the Chase for you (ask Jimmie Johnson about that). Watch this race closely while you watch football. Then tape and/or watch Talledega next week. It will be wilder than at least a third of the football games next week. Believe that.
Who wins? You have to bet on Harvick. He knows that even a top-5 finish will not clinch him a spot in the Eliminator Round, unless other Chase drivers, especially the bottom four, all wreck and/or finish worse than 35th. Unlikely but not impossible. Most of the Chase drivers will be in the top 20, but....at least one of the bottom 4 will bottom out and need a miracle win at Talladega. One of the others in the bottom will finish high and improve his chances of advancing.
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