Last week's picks: Season:
Bonus picks: Season:
Bye Teams:
1. Chicago (2-4): The Bears have made a little rebound after looking horrendous in their first couple of games. Playoff team, this is not. But they can make some noise in the wild-card race, considering there is really only one wild-card spot left as of now, unless Atlanta goes into a free-fall. QB Jay Cutler may still not be the long-term answer, especially with that far-too high salary the Bears gave him a couple of years ago. But let's see how they finish the year out and then go from there. Stranger things have happened. This is a proud franchise and they have a good coach in John Fox. Give him time.
2. Cincinnati (5-0): The Bengals are lucky to be undefeated. The weapons they have offense, the somewhat rugged defense. But the bottom line is...playoffs. Four years of QB Andy Dalton. Four playoff berths. Four losses in the first playoff game....2 of them at home. Long-time coach Marvin Lewis has been in charge for over a decade and has STILL not won a playoff game. Lately, coaches with more than 3 or 4 seasons with either no playoff wins or no playoff appearances at all have been fired. Lewis is the exception. Bottom line, I don't really care if this team goes 16-0 for the regular season. Such means NOTHING unless the team wins in the playoffs. Until the Bengals do that, nothing else really should matter to be honest.
3. Green Bay (5-0): The Packers is arguably the best team in the NFC, if not the entire NFL. Despite losing WR Jordy Nelson for the year in the preseason, the Packers have moved on and kept winning. Of course, having perennial MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers and friends helps. The Packers are also very experienced at dealing with (a lot of) injuries during the season. Other than losing Rodgers himself, this team seems deep enough and flexible enough to overcome almost anything and still win. With almost all of the powers of the NFC weakened and struggling, Green Bay's path to the Super Bowl is looking really wide, unless the injuries that have hurt other teams swing back toward Green Bay before the end of the season. Let's hope not.
4. Denver (5-0): The Broncos have been so lucky to survive and get six wins. Good defense and a LOT of luck, plus errors by their opponents have helped Denver overcome a shaky offense. Future HOF QB Peyton Manning is looking like a shell of himself, with him not throwing for large amounts of yards and many more interceptions that one expects from him...especially this early in the season. Denver needed this bye to try to get healthier and also get everyone on one page. However, the rest of the schedule is not easy, and Denver must keep winning to secure a top-2 playoff seed, especially with New England and Cincinnati still undefeated and possibly facing fewer threats to a undefeated regular season than Denver. Denver has the advantage of a large division lead and seemingly no one left to challenge them for the AFC West title. However, if Denver loses a couple of games in the next 2-4 weeks after returning from the bye, that lead could be gone and/or that playoff bye could disappear with it. But we will see soon enough.
Thursday Night Football (CBS/NFL Network): Seattle at San Francisco: This is a major game between two heated rivals. We expected the home team to be struggling right now. The surprise is that Seattle is also 2-4, with three road losses and a surprising home loss last week. True, three of those losses were to the last two still-undefeated NFC teams and one of the three remaining AFC undefeated teams. But in all of those losses, except Green Bay, Seattle was winning in the final quarter and choked the game away in regulation or in overtime. Seattle cannot afford another road loss to ANYONE...hell, the Seahawks really cannot afford another loss period. Though there is precedent for a 2-5 team to rally and make the playoffs, it is safe to say that the loser of this game is all-but done in the tight wild-card race, with one-loss Atlanta having a stranglehold on the 5 seed, barring a collapse by Carolina and there being a big mess of teams fighting for the other one. Must win game...period.
Who wins? The Niners are weakened, and still confused. The hosts of Super Bowl 50 would need a miracle to make it to 8 wins, much less a playoff berth. The Seahawks may need the same, but they only have themselves to blame. There is also a recent precedent that recent Super Bowl losers not named Denver or San Francisco have had serious issues (and/or outright did not) make the playoffs the next year, making Seattle's winning the NFC the last two years that more remarkable. To have a chance to get a chance for a run at a third straight Super Bowl, this team must become the Super Bowl team NOW. Starting now, every game has to be treated like a playoff game, if Seattle wants to be in the playoffs at all. But will they or can they? San Francisco has NOTHING to lose and a bit to gain by going for it all to win this game. Seattle is in trouble. And the Niners will (also) take advantage. Niners win.
San Francisco 28 Seattle 25 (OT)
Sunday's Games:
International Series Game 2 (Yahoo! Worldwide streaming): Buffalo at Jacksonville from London:
Ugh. Another not fun London game. You know the story about the Jaguars. Young team, rebuilding...you know the rest. The Bills have been...scattered. But between all of the injuries and the normal big mouth of coach Rex Ryan, what did you expect? QB Tyrod Taylor has been a pleasant surprise for the Bills....but he is hurt and not playing. Former starter EJ Manuel is the starter for at least this game. WRs Percy Harvin (hip...again) and Sammy Watkins are also out, though RB LeSean McCoy is supposed to play. The bottom line is that this will not be much more fun of a game than the Thursday game, but watching football with breakfast (on the East Coast) is kind of cool.
Who wins? To have any chance at the playoffs, the Bills must win here and most of the games the rest of the way. As usual, the Jags have nothing to lose and the experience can help. Somehow, I do think Buffalo pulls this one out. Though not many of us will care or notice. Sorry. Bills win.
Buffalo 28 Jacksonville 24
Cleveland at St. Louis: The Rams have fallen to earth after their big upset over Seattle in Week 1. Though now, that win doesn't look so great. This team is still a work in progress, though rookie RB Todd Gurley does look good in limited action so far. The Browns are...the Browns. QB Jake McCown does look like a serviceable QB, but the rest of the team is not so great. Worse yet, backup QB Johnny Manziel is in trouble...again, and may be suspended soon. Cleveland has shown flashes of great offense, but the Rams can play defense, but injuries is starting to take its toll. This will not be a must-see game....unless the Rams "accidentally" light their own field on fire with pyro again.
Who wins? I think the Rams can score a little bit, and so can Cleveland. The difference is that the Rams have a real tough all-around defense and Cleveland does not. I think the Rams steal this one, but not many will watch or care. Sorry guys. I will take St. Louis.
St. Louis 29 Cleveland 20
Houston at Miami: These two franchises have fallen hard. Miami was supposed to be a contender this year and have only been a big disappointment, having already fired their coach after the London loss. Though the Dolphins won last week after their bye, this team just doesn't impress anyone. Houston is in the same boat, but we almost expected that knowing the team has very little at QB and the defense has been not so hot. Both teams were hoping for the playoffs, but...such doesn't look good for either team. Sorry.
Who wins? This is another who-cares? game. Neither teams seems to have much offense to offer. We barely have heard the name (Houston DE) J.J. Watt this year. Not good. This will be a defensive struggle and I will take Houston in a case like this. Texans get by in a ugly game.
Houston 27 Miami 24 (OT)
Atlanta at Tennessee: The Falcons were flying high after a horrible season last year. But after barely escaping Washington, they get shot down last Thursday night in New Orleans who is doing worse. With Carolina still undefeated and still a few weeks away from their bye, Atlanta needs to get back to winning right now. The Titans are a work in progress, but with rookie starter QB Marcus Mariota out with injury suffered last week, former starter Zach Mettenberger must take over. This would seem to be a easy game for Atlanta, except it is a outdoor road game, which makes things harder...or will it?
Who wins? Atlanta has too may weapons for Tennessee to stop for 60 minutes. Atlanta QB Matt Ryan should take care of that. But anything less than a blowout win for the Falcons is a big problem. Still, a win is a win and Atlanta needs every win they can get. Falcons win.
Atlanta 30 Tennessee 20
New Orleans at Indianapolis: This will be a more fun game, but the struggles of both teams does lessen the appeal. The Colts have struggled both in games with starter Andrew Luck and with him out with injury. The same has occurred with the Saints and future HOF QB Drew Brees, but they have fewer wins. Expect a lot of passes to be thrown, though the running game won't be totally bad, especially with the Colts having veteran RB Frank Gore on their side. This could be a high scoring affair.
Who wins? If the Saints had all of the offensive weapons they had in previous seasons now, this is a reasonable upset to call. But the Saints do not. That, and the Colts having something of a running game now lets me say the home team can get this one, who need this to keep ahead in the AFC South, though, really, who in this division is going to take this division away? Right. Colts win again.
Indianapolis 36 New Orleans 34
Pittsburgh at Kansas City: The Chiefs has seen their season become a nightmare with losses and injuries galore. Unfortunately, improvement doesn't seem to be on the horizon...or is it? The Steelers are weathering the loss of their starting QB and has found ways to win. Having their offensive weapons has helped, but the loss of starting C Maurice Pouncey has not helped. But the Steelers, like Green Bay, are masters at adapting to adversity, and now is no different. This could be a ugly game.
Who wins? The Chiefs will not give up on the season. Nor will Pittsburgh. Truth be told, the Steelers are just plain better, and only a horrendous team performance will give the Chiefs a chance to win, and I don't think they can take advantage anyway. Simple call. Steelers win again. But I do think the Royals will do well in the World Series...that is something.
Pittsburgh 34 Kansas City 24
Minnesota at Detroit: Detroit is happy to finally get a win and not have to think about 0-16 (again). Now they can move on. Can they win two in a row over the surprising Vikings? Vikings RB Adrian Peterson was sick this week, but he is playing. Can Detroit steal two in a row...and in division, no less, while undefeated Green Bay rests and Chicago takes their bye and stew over losing to the Lions?
Who wins? Minnesota has talent, but so does Detroit. The greater experience of the Lions will make the difference here. I am taking Detroit to get another upset. Lions win.
Detroit 33 Minnesota 28
Dallas at New York Giants: This is another must win game in the NFC East. The hurting Cowboys return from their bye to face the Giants for the second time. You know what happened the first time. A win here will win the season series which may mean everything at the end of the year. The Giants know this and feel the same. No Victor Cruz for the Giants no Romo nor Bryant for Dallas. Let the war begin.
Who wins? While new Dallas starter QB Matt Cassel is a veteran, he has not been that great since he left New England years ago. While he will be a improvement over Weedeen, he is still no Romo. And playing without Bryant will doom the Dallas offense. These Giants have grown since the debacles of weeks 1 and 2. They won't blow this game. Giants win.
New York Giants 30 Dallas 27 (OT)
New York Jets at New England: Game of the week. You know the players and these are not the old Jets. These Jets are confident and fearless...like their new coach. New England cannot take this game lightly, and they won't. This game is for first place in the AFC East. Let the war begin.
Who wins? Too close to call. It will come down to turnovers and who has the ball last. Brady and friends should be able to win at home, but this is no sure thing. I see this being a pick'em game. I am taking the Jets for the Patriots have trouble on their offensive line and these Jets are due. Jets win in the second biggest upset of the year (so far).
New York Jets 39 New England 37
Tampa Bay at Washington: This is another ho-hum game, but this game matters. The Redskins are still in the NFC East race, as strange as it sounds. If they win....what if? The other teams in this division are shaky or tore up. As of now, we have no idea who will win this division, hence, every game matters for these four teams. For Tampa, just trying to grow and learn and steal a few games. Could WR Mike Evans go nuts on the Redskins (again) in his second career game against them? I doubt it. Keep a eye on this game.
Who wins? Tampa has weapons to do the upset, but I have some faith that the Redskins will get it done with some of their injured players back in their final game before their bye next week. To stay in this race, Washington must win and they will. Washington wins.
Washington 29 Tampa Bay 21
Oakland at San Diego: This is a big game than most will see...only because there are so few late games this week. Hey, I didn't write the schedule. The Raiders return from their bye knowing that they can start to build some momentum if they win. Same for the Chargers who need a win after some tough losses, all while undefeated Denver rests. The winner is alone in second in the AFC West. The young Raiders can make a big step forward or the Chargers can take another big step back if they lose.
Who wins? The Chargers are tough at home, but these Raiders have been surprising folk all year. This team is due for a division win and this is the time to get one. Raiders get that win and move to 3-3.
Oakland 31 San Diego 28 (OT)
Sunday Night Football (NBC): Philadelphia at Carolina: The Panthers are still undefeated and are moving along. The Eagles have been a disappointment but they are still dangerous. Bottom line, the Eagles must win to stay close in the NFC East race, figuring they have little chance at a wild-card berth as of now. Carolina is continuing to shock everyone, as is the NFC South after last year's debacle. But Carolina needs to keep winning to stay in the race for a high playoff seed, assuming the two-time defending division champs win the division again. The Eagles....are just inconsistent.
Who wins? The inconsistent nature of the Eagles, plus their injuries has left them less than the so-called power team they claim to be. Remember their finish last year. Carolina knows how to close games. The Eagles...not so much. I think the Panthers find a way to win at home and survive....again. Panthers win.
Carolina 29 Philadelphia 24
Monday Night Football (ESPN): Baltimore at Arizona: The Ravens are desperate for a win. Arizona is still in first in the NFC West, but they need to win for the Seahawks are starting to rally. Can the Cardinals keep it going or will the decline start here?
Who wins? I think the Cardinals will be able to get it done tonight. The Ravens will not give up but let's be real. The Ravens would need to win out and get help to make the playoffs. I seriously doubt that will happen. Cardinals win again.
Arizona 30 Baltimore 20
Bonus Picks:
1. MLB: World Series (Fox) Best of 7: (American League has home field per All-Star game result):
New York Mets (NL Champion) vs Kansas City (AL Champion):
2. NASCAR: (NBCSN):Chase for the Sprint Cup Race Six: Contender Round Race 3: Talledega: This race is the ultimate wild-card race, in or outside of the Chase. This time, the stakes are much higher. One race, 7 spots, 11 drivers. Only Joey Logano (with two wins) is through to the Eliminator Round (Semifinals). For the drivers in 2nd-4th (Hamlin, Kurt Busch and Edwards), a top 5 finish will all but get through, unless one of them wins. For everwyone else behind them, a win would be VERY preferable. For the bottom four, especially fan favorite Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Matt Kenseth, a win is the only way to advance. Period. Basically, you will see desperation by these 11 drivers that you will not see before Phoenix in three weeks (the elimination race for the Final Race), much less the Championship Finale at Miami-Homestead. The problem is...this is Talledega. Bottom line, there is as much chance that all 12 Chase drivers finish in the top 12...or the bottom 12. Forget about finishing the race at all. This is the track where the probability of "the big wreck(s)" is the highest on the circuit. This will be the most exciting race of the Chase...other than Phoenix or Homestead.
Who Advances?
1. Logano (already clinched)
2-8. Hamlin, Edwards, Kurt Busch, Gordon, Harvick, Keselowski and Kyle Busch (by 3 points or less).
Who is Out (unless he wins the race):
Kenseth: Keselowski pulled off a miracle win here last year to advance to the next round. Harvick won both Phoenix and Homestead to both advance, and then win the Championship. As good as the former champ Kenseth is, he is no Harvick nor Keselowski and he is too far back in points to get in that way. Sorry.
Earnhardt, Jr. See the above. Junior can win the race, but knowing his past history here in past Chases and the unpredictable nature of this race, I only think he can win this race from the pole AND he drives the perfect race...which won't happen here. Luck is needed here.
Newman: He hasn't won a Sprint Cup race in over two years. He came within one race of winning the championship last year WITHOUT A WIN. Unless most of the other Chase drivers wreck early, Newman must win to advance. Don't see that happening.
Truex, Jr.: He got by in the last round, but he is 8th this time with only a six point lead over Kyle Busch in 9th and 8 over Newman in 10th. I don't see him being able to out-drive them both to keep this spot. Remember what I said about Kyle Busch in the last round. Right now, with one race and everything on the line, I am taking Busch every time. No offense.
3. WWE: (WWE Network): Hell in a Cell PPV: Sunday night 7pm
During Kickoff Show: Six Man Tag Team Match: King Barrett, Mr. Money in the Bank Sheamus and Rusev vs. Dolph Ziggler, Cesaro and Neville: Few really care about this match, but it will be fun to kill time. Ziggler's team wins this match due to outside interference, likely Summer Rae and/or a returning Lana. I may watch this match...maybe not.
Demon Kane vs. Seth Rollins for Rollins' WWE World Heavyweight Championship: If Kane loses, Corporate Kane loses his job. Unfortunately, this is not a no-DQ match. Rollins knows this and will get himself disqualified to keep the belt and get Corporate Kane fired. The problem is, such will allow Demon Kane to stay in the title hunt, if The Authority allows it. It is about time for Rollins to lose that belt, but it won't be to Kane. That is not best for business. Rollins retains...again.
Nikki Bella vs Charlotte for Charlotte's Divas Championship: Bella may want to prove her loss to Charlotte at Night of Champions is a fluke, but she won't. Bella is a hotter Diva, based on looks (despite her artificial enhancements). Charlotte is attractive, but is more athletic and is tougher and has the genes of arguably the greatest (and one of the most decorated) champions ever. Lastly, she has a finisher that Bella cannot reverse without help. Charlotte retains.
The Dudley Boyz vs. The New Day for The New Day's WWE World Tag Team Championships: Cheating to keep the gold is a time-honored tradition. The New Day is good, but the Dudleys have experience on their side, knowing this is likely their last shot at the titles. Their legacy is intact, either way. They find a way to pull this off. Dudleys win and become the new champs for a 10th time.
Ryback vs. Kevin Owens for Owens' Intercontinental Championship: Ryback is tough, but so is Owens. I don't think Ryback can out-intimidate Owens, and he cannot take more than one Pop-up Powerbomb. Plus, Owens won't mind a disqualification to keep his gold, even if he feels the pain afterwards. That is what will happen. Owens retains.
US Title Open Challenge: Unknown challenger vs. John Cena for Cena's United States Championship: Cena is rumored to be about to take time off to go do a TV show or something like that. He can't do that and stay champ. He also won't be allowed to go for a record-tying 16th World title next year if he still holds the US title. Whomever the opponent is, upset happens. Cena loses and gets his "vacation". Too bad Nikki won't be doing so with him, barring a unplanned Paige beatdown or worse in her title match. Unknown challenger upsets The Champ.
Roman Reigns vs Bray Wyatt (Hell in a Cell Match): This will be a war. If Reigns loses, forget about getting back in the World title hunt. These two will tear each other apart. I have faith that Reigns finds a way to win the match. But the Wyatt Family will hurt Reigns badly after the match.
Roman Reigns wins.
Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker (Hell in a Cell Match): This is will be a grisly match. You know the players. It will be bloody and a war. I want Undertaker to win this thing and he might. But I am also thinking that this will be the last official match for Undertaker for Lesnar will injure Undertaker so much that Undertaker will not be physically able to wrestle anyone at Wrestlemania 32 in Dallas. Remember, Undertaker is 50 years old and this the most dangerous match in WWE that doesn't involve more than two wrestlers (Elimination Chamber involves 6 wrestlers in a similar structure).
So my prediction is that: Undertaker will win...somehow. Win or lose, he will not walk out of this match on his own. This will be his last official match. But Lesnar will take a major beating too. Undertaker will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame next April and officially retire before Wrestlemania 32. Undertaker deserves to be the second active wrestler to be inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame (Ric Flair is the first and so far, only one to do that). But this match will prevent that and that will anger me almost as much as the fact that Lesnar (was allowed to) end The Undertaker's undefeated streak at Wrestlemania.
The Undertaker wins by submission (Lesnar unable to continue due to being knocked out).
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