A Chicken Is Not Pillage

Week 13 Picks Actual

First, a note on last weeks picks.  I totally whiffed on picking Jacksonville at Arizona so that counts as a loss.  I would have picked the Jaguars anyway, so there is that.

I wrote last week that the Broncos starting Paxton Lynch over Osweiler or Simian smelled of desperation.  That fear sweat odor was palpable after the first half when it looked like the Broncos were going to get blanked again, for the second time in a season.  I understand the thinking of the Puppet Master Elway.  Lynch is potentially the QB of the Broncos future, but they have to see him in game action to know.  What was seen was  ... not pretty.  Of course there is potential, but like Jared Goff of last year, that potential is crushed by a poor offensive line and a weak performance from what should be a stellar defense leaving the Broncos in a hole most of the game.  Bronco Nation is calling for Vance Joseph's head (and possibly Elway's as well), but desperation moves are what bury franchises for many years.  Look at the Browns.  I have little respect for any franchise which fires a coach after 1 year, unless his name is Tomsula.  That guy was in way over his head.

Which leads me to a coach whose seat gets toastier by the minute.  I do not understand the benching of Eli Manning for ... get this ... Geno Smith.  This reeks of a coach, afraid to make eye contact with ownership or fans, meekly offering a potential Hall of Famer as a sacrifice to keep his paycheck after a miserably coached and injury derailed season.  Yes, Manning is getting older and the Giants need to look to the future.  That future is NOT geno Smith.  Unlike Lynch who needs to be evaluated in game conditions, we all know Geno, a man so worthy as a leader that his jaw was broken by a teammate.  The Giants' season is effectively over, along with the Browns and the 'Niners, save for spoiling and looking to next year.  The Browns still have a boatload of draft picks, the 'Niners have a growing core of young players.  The Giants have, what now?  Oh yeah, great receivers on IR to be back next year, a quarterback who beat the unbeatable, and a defense capable of achieving much more than they've shown this season.  So the record shows not a flaw with players but with coaching and luck.  True, Eli can't hurl the ball down field like he used to, except when he throws 50 yard bombs to OBJ (currently on IR.)  Manning doesn't scramble like he used to, almost like he doesn't get any protection and has to waffle for his life.  I know that Eli is getting older, and this may be his swan song year.  But benching him for the hollow promise of a well derided second stringer just seems ... personal and mean.  It isn't Eli Manning that needs to go, it's Ben McAdoo.

The rumors are flying that the Puppet Master will swoop in and bring Eli to the Rocky Mountains.  I don't think it will happen.  Elway values size and physical gifts that Peyton had and Eli does not completely share.  They are both cerebral quarterbacks with an astounding will to win, but Eli's fade will be quicker than his brother's without particular offensive help, like a good O line.  Ultimately, the price tag will be too high for the Broncos.  Ultimately, though it might be just me, I feel that Eli Manning should remain and retire as a New York Football Giant.

Several years ago, Richard Sherman very publicly and vocally called Michael Crabtree a "punk".  People got on Sherman for that, but he was right.  Crabtree is a little punk.  Note for Micheal Crabtree.  Hey punk, in a fight between fist and helmet, helmet always wins.  Next time I hope you connect with that haymaker, punk.

Thursday:

Washington (5-7) at Dallas (6-6) - Cowboys (14-38, Cowboys)

I called that on the fly, and looky there.

Sunday:

Minnesota (9-2) at Atlanta (7-4) - Vikings (14-9, Vikings)

I hope they leave the roof open.

Houston (4-7) at Tennessee (7-4) - Titans (13-24, Titans)

Titans are fighting for playoffs.  The Texans are bit too banged up.

Kansas City (6-5) at New York Jets (4-7) - Jets (31-38, Jets)

I don't know what's happened to KC but it ain't good.

Denver (3-8) at Miami (4-7) - Broncos (9-35, Dolphins)

Simian was red-hot after getting benched.

Indianapolis (3-8) at Jacksonville (7-4) - Jaguars (10-30, Jaguars)

I am so impressed with Jacoby Brissett.  But Jacksonville had an off week in the desert and that defense is still legit.

Tampa Bay (4-7) at Green Bay (5-6) - Packers (20-26, Packers)

Battle of the bays ... in the North country.

Detroit (6-5) at Baltimore (6-5) - Ravens (20-44, Ravens)

Defense

New England (9-2) at Buffalo (6-5) - Hatriots (23-3, Hatriots)

Belichick always finds defense late in the season.

San Francisco (1-10) at Chicago (3-8) - Bears (15-14, 'Niners)

The 'Niners are p[laying with heart but they go to the midwest

Cleveland (0-11) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-6) - Chargers (10-19, Chargers)

Rivers is gunning for late season MVP.

New York Giants (2-9) at Oakland (5-6) - Raiders (17-24, Raiders)

Hand the Silver and Black an easy win over Geno.

Carolina (8-3) at New Orleans (8-3)- Saints (21-31, Saints)

Home field if nothing else.

Los Angeles Rams (8-3) at Arizona (5-6) - Rams (32-16, Rams)

LA could be the Philly spoiler in the playoffs.

Sunday Night:

Philadelphia (10-1) at Seattle (7-4) - Eagles (10-24, Seahawks)

If Seattle had an offensive line ... You simply will not beat the Eagles when your quarterback is responsible for 85% of your scoring.

Monday Night:

Pittsburgh (9-2) at Cincinnati (5-6) - Steelers (23-20, Steelers)

3/2 odds Berfict gets ejected.

Last Week's Score:   12 - 4,  75%  Overall:   114 - 62, 70%

 

Week 13 Picks Abrupt

Busy ass day so I'm just picking tonight:

 

Washington at Dallas - Cowboys

Week 12 Picks

Happy Thanksgiving with 3 Thursday games.  I have no time to elucidate how much the Broncos suck or how awesome the Eagles, Saints, and Vikings look right now.  At least we're past the bye weeks.  On with the picks.

Thursday:

Minnesota (8-2) at Detroit (6-4) - Vikings (30-23, Vikings)

That defense ...

Los Angeles Chargers (4-6) at Dallas (4-5) - Cowboys (28-6, Chargers)

No real reason.  I just think so.

New York Giants (2-8) at Washington  (4-6) - Rednecks (10-20, Taterskins)

Washington is better than it's record indicates.  New York is not.

Sunday:

Tennessee (6-4) at Indianapolis (3-7) - Titans (20-16, Titans)

Defense.

Chicago (3-7) at Philadelphia (9-1) - Eagles (3-31, Eagles0

They are monsters.

Carolina (7-3) at New York Jets (4-6) Panthers (35-27, Panthers)

The most atypical team beats the most typical.

Miami (4-6) at New England (8-2) - Hatriots (17-35, Hatriots)

Whatever.

Tampa Bay (4-6) at Atlanta (6-4) - Falcons (20-34, Falcons)

The Bucs have not put it together.

Cleveland (0-10) at Cincinnati (4-6) - Bengals (16-30, Bengals)

Praying for an upset, and I am not a praying man.

Buffalo (5-5) at Kansas City (6-4) - Chiefs (16-10, Bills)

Arrowhead

Seattle (6-4) at San Francisco (1-9) - Seahawks (24-13, Seahawks)

They would be undefeated if they could protect Wilson.

New Orleans (8-2) at Los Angeles Rams (7-3) - Saints (20-26, Rams)

The Rams are starting to show their true colors.  So is New Orleans.

Denver (3-7) at Oakland (4-6) - Raiders (14-21, Raiders)

Starting Paxton Lynch smells like desperation.

Sunday Night:

Green Bay (5-5) at Pittsburgh (8-2) - Steelers (28-31, Steelers)

Prime time without Rodgers.

Monday Night:

Houston (4-6) at Baltimore (5-5) - Ravens (16-23, Ravens)

Defense.

Last Week's Picks:  8 - 6,  57%   Overall:  102 - 58,  64%

 

Week 11 Picks

Congrats to the 49ers for their first win.  And this for the Giants who lost to them.  No, benching Eli Manning will do nothing but mask the incompetence of the coaching staff.  Eli is likely a HOF caliber player.  Benching him will not help you win when two of your three top receivers are out for the season and you have failed at generating a running game.  You know what will get you wins, McAdoo?  Fundamentals, like tackling.  Consider that while the nation laughs at your flailing around to salvage a lost season.

Some things in this weird season are starting to take shape.  The Hatriots are coming together to make a championship run.  The Packers are proving that they aren't just a star quarterback.  The Eagles are proving their worth and Carolina is finally showing a glimpse of the team that went 15-1 last year.  The surprises from last week are these:  New Orleans looks dominant on both sides of the ball.  Vontaze Burfict FINALLY got ejected from a game.  Blake Bortles was not the weak link in the Jags win.  And the Rams look like contenders for the crown.

On with the picks.

Thursday:

Tennessee (6-3) at Pittsburgh (7-2) - Steelers (17-40, Steelers)

Despite Ben's 'Swan Song' season, the Steelers look workmanlike.

Sunday:

Detroit (5-4) at Chicago (3-6) - Lions (27-24, Lions)

The Bears couldn't handle the Packer backup.  They can't handle Stafford.

Jacksonville (6-3) at Cleveland (0-9) - Jaguars (19-7, Jaguars)

This game just seems unfair.

Baltimore (4-5) at Green Bay (5-4) - Packers (23-0, Ravens)

McCarthy coaches well.

Arizona (4-5) at Houston (3-6) - Texans (21-31, Texans)

Home field.

Tampa Bay (3-6) at Miami (4-5) - Dolphins? (30-20, Buccaneers)

Not certain of this one at all.

Los Angeles Rams (7-2) at Minnesota (7-2) - Rams (7-24, Vikings)

Game of the WEEK to be sure.

Kansas City (6-3) at New York Giants (1-8) - Chiefs (9-12, GMen)

McAdoo has no clue what he's doing.

Washington (4-5) at New Orleans (7-2) - Saints (31-34, Saints)

If I'm jumping on a QB bandwagon, it's gonna be for Brees.  You like that?

Buffalo (5-4) at Los Angeles Chargers (3-6) - Chargers (24-54, Chargers)

Tyrod Taylor is the 4th most sacked QB in the NFL and you want to bench him for a rookie against Joey Bosa?  Good luck with that.

Cincinnati (3-6) at Denver (3-6) - Broncos (20-17, Bengals)

Andy Dalton takes more sacks than anyone save Jacoby Brissett.  The Broncos are hungry for a win and at home.

New England (7-2) at Oakland (4-5) - Hatriots (33-8, Hatriots)

Whatever.

Sunday Night:

Philadelphia (8-1) at Dallas (5-4) - Eagles (37-9, Eagles)

The Cowboys will miss Ezekiel Elliot.

Monday Night:

Atlanta (5-4) at Seattle (6-3) - Seahawks (34-31, Falcons)

Sherman on IR won't stop the crowd noise.

Byes:  New York Jets, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Carolina

Last Week's Score:  11 - 3, 79%   Overall:   94 - 52,  64%

Week 10 Picks

The season is now officially half over with all teams having played at least 8 games.  The punditry, great and small continue to proceed as if certain (myself included among the smallest) but the only thing certain this year is total uncertainty.  The high-powered Pittsburgh offensive machine is little better than middling, behind weak QB play from a man who is a certain lock for the HOF.  We may never see Andrew Luck on the field again.  The Aaron Rodgers injury has sent Green Bay into a tailspin, but not as fast plummeting as the Houston Texans without Watson.  We may not see Ezekiel Elliot again  until Christmas Eve, or New Years Eve if he is allowed to play this Sunday.  New Orleans is winning on ... defense?  New England is squeaking to victories and is still considered a Super Bowl contender.  The final Blow to sanity is this:  Three of the top Quarterbacks in the league are Josh McCown, Jared Goff, and Kirk Cousins, who Washington didn't trust enough to offer a contract for the second year in a row.  This has been a wild ride here, and I frankly can't say that it's been a whole lot of fun.

The worst thing of all this week is that the millionaire owner of a crappy pizza chain is now blaming the NFL because people don't want to buy his shit product.  All because the NFL "leadership" won't enforce fascist level nationalism on it's product, athletes who play a game.  A game.  If this doesn't rank among the stupidest shit I've ever heard, I don't know what would.  If none all y'all have seen the 1975 film "Rollerball", I strongly suggest you watch it to see how low our society has sunk, when a Pizza mogul thinks us stupid enough to value his profits over the rights of American humans who play a game for our enjoyment.

Finally, to A.J. Green and others who thought fighting was a good idea last Sunday:  Heed the words of Scott Hanson from NFL Redzone.  When you start throwing punches consider that in the battle between fist and helmet, helmet wins 100% of the time.  I agree completely with Tom Coughlin.  Jalen Ramsey did not punch back and deserved no ejection.  Green (and others ... cough ... Miami) deserve far worse suspensions than Zeke Elliot, because they do far more to damage the game.

Now that I've bummed myself out completely, here are my picks:

Thursday:

Seattle (5-3) at Arizona (4-4) - Seahawks (22-16, Seahawks)

This is dicey because the 'Hawks still can't protect the best QB currently playing in Russell Wilson.  But I don't like the Cards in prime time.

Sunday:

Green Bay (4-4) at Chicago (3-5) - Bears (23-16, Packers)

Sorry Packer fans, but with Hundley under center you have to respect that Chicago defense in Soldier Field.

Cleveland (0-8) at Detroit (4-4) - Lions (24-38, Lions)

I do think the Browns will get a win this year.  It just won't be in Detroit.

Pittsburgh (6-2) at Indianapolis (3-6) - Steelers (20-17, Steelers)

Good matchup for the Steelers.

Los Angeles Chargers (3-5) at Jacksonville (5-3) - Jaguars (17-20, Jaguars)

Despite Bortles, who's actually playing well, the Jags are winning on the D side.

New Orleans (6-2) at Buffalo (5-3) - Saints (47-10, Saints)

I will not argue with momentum.

New York Jets (4-5) at Tampa Bay (2-6) - Jets (10-15, Buccaneers)

I will not argue with momentum.

Minnesota (6-2) at Washington (4-4) - Taterskins (38-30, Vikings)

Risky pick of the week, but I have to go with Cousins.

Cincinnati (3-5) at Tennessee (5-3) - Titans (20-24, Titans)

If you want to see good fundamental football, watch Tennessee.

Houston (3-5) at Los Angeles Rams (6-2) - Rams (7-33, Rams)

Houston is lost.

Dallas (5-3) at Atlanta (4-4) - Falcons (7-27, Falcons)

I'm gonna take a leap and suspect that Elliot is suspended.

New York Giants (1-7) at San Francisco (0-9) - 'Niners (21-31, 'Niners)

The futility bowl.  But San Fran gets off the schnied as Chris Burman would say.

Sunday Night:

New England (6-2) at Denver (3-5) - Hatriots (41-16, Hatriots)

The Broncos simply have no offense at all.

Monday Night:

Miami (4-4) at Carolina (6-3) - Panthers (21-45, Panthers)

It is possible that Cam won't play.  But to me, this is a 'who cares' kind of game.

Byes:  Baltimore, Kansas City, Oakland Philadelphia

Last Week's Score:   8 - 5,  62%   Overall:  83 - 49,  63%

 

Week 9 Picks

Just found out before writing this that Deshaun Watson's season is over with a torn ACL.  I have no words to express what a blow this is to the NFL.  This kid is gonna be great, and was on his way to a Rookie of the Year season.  Twice now he has lead his team to almost victory only to be beaten by the Texans' defense (without J.J. Watt) failure to stop two of the best Quarterbacks currently playing, Tom Brady and Russell Wilson.  To me, those losses are more telling about the quarterback Watson then the victories.  He never stopped.  He never surrendered against men who almost legendary.  This is what I mean when I write that this season feels grim.

More to say about trades and such, but frankly I haven't the heart from here in snowy Montana.  Except that I'm glad the London games are over.  On with the picks.

Thursday:

Buffalo (5-2) at New York Jets (3-5) - Bills (21-34, Jets)

Sunday:

Indianapolis (2-6) at Houston (3-4) - Texans (20-14, Colts)

With Savage under center, this may be a crap shoot.

Cincinnati (3-4) at Jacksonville (4-3) - Bengals (7-23, Jaguars)

The Jacksonville Defense is over-rated and the Bengals are just dag-nasty.

Tampa Bay (2-5) at New Orleans (5-2) - Saints (10-30, Saints)

With 6000 completions, Brees just joined a very elite club, including only himself, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. Notice the lack of Tom Brady.

Los Angeles Rams (5-2) at New York Giants (1-6) - Rams (51-17, Rams)

One of the only 2 games I have to include both team names fully in the title this year because LA and New York are the only cities with two teams.  Fun with trivia.

Atlanta (4-3) at Carolina (5-3) - Falcons (17-20, Panthers)

I just don't trust that Cam can hold up.

Denver (3-4) at Philadelphia (7-1) - Eagles (23-51, Eagles)

The Broncos bench Simian, but it likely won't matter until they get an offensive line.  And in case you haven't heard, this is the first time Denver has had a losing record since 2012, week 5, when the Patriots sent them to 2-3.  Then the Broncos pulled off 11 straight wins with Peyton Manning.   They don't have Peyton Manning.

Baltimore (4-4) at Tennessee (4-3) - Titans (20-23, Titans)

Tennessee ain't Miami.

Arizona (3-4) at San Francisco (0-8) - Cardinals (20-10, Cardinals)

The niners won't have their new wonder QB.

Washington (3-4) at Seattle (5-2) - Seahawks (17-14, Taterskins)

Nothing to say.

Kansas City (6-2) at Dallas (4-3) - Cowboys (17-28, Cowboys)

I reserve the right to change this pick if Elliot's suspension is not put under injunction.  If he plays, Dallas wins.

Sunday Night:

Oakland (3-5) at Miami (4-3) - Raiders (27-24, Raiders)

The Dolphins are woeful.

Monday Night:

Detroit (3-4) at Green Bay (4-3) - Lions (30-17, Lions)

No Rodgers, no Hail Mary, no prime time win.

Byes:  New England, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles Changers, Chicago, Minnesota

Last Week's Score:   12-1, 92%   Overall:  75 - 44, 63%

Week 8 Picks - Full

Okay, the Thursday night 'game' wasn't.  It was a slaughter.  At least a third of that Miami defense should be facing serious fines or suspension.

No time for exposition so just the picks.

Thursday:

Miami at Baltimore previously picked - Ravens (0-40, Ravens)

Sunday:

Minnesota (5-2) at Cleveland (0-7) - Vikings  (33-16, Vikings)

Atlanta (3-3) at New York Jets (3-4) - Falcons (25-20, Falcons)

Carolina (4-3) at Tampa Bay (2-4) - Buccaneers (17-3, Panthers)

San Francisco (0-7) at Philadelphia (6-1) - Eagles (10-33, Eagles)

Chicago (3-4) at New Orleans (4-2) - Saints (12-20, Saints)

Los Angeles Chargers (3-4) at New England (5-2) - Hatriots (13-21, Hatriots)

Oakland (3-4) at Buffalo (4-2) - Bills (14-34, Bills)

Indianapolis (2-5) at Cincinnati (2-4) - Bengals (23-24, Bengals)

Houston (3-3) at Seattle (4-2) - Seahawks (38-41, Seahawks)

Dallas (3-3) at Washington (3-3) - Cowboys (33-19, Cowboys)

Sunday Night:

Pittsburgh (5-2) at Detroit (3-3) - Steelers (20-15, Steelers)

Monday Night:

Denver (3-3) at Kansas City (5-2) - Chiefs (19-29, Chiefs)

Byes:  Tennessee, Jacksonville, New York Giants, Green Bay, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona

Last Week's Score:  10 - 5,  67%   Overall:  63 - 43,  59%

Week 8 Picks - Abrupt

I really hate the Thursday night games for two primary reasons.

1)  Thursday is perhaps the WORST week night for a football game.  You're charging as fast as you can to reach the weekend.  You're tired as the week as dragged on, and the last thing you feel like doing is to stay up late watching a game.  Historically, that's been okay, but this season, the Thursday night games have been epic.  I've missed almost all of these contests.

2)  There feels like there is no time t pick my games for the week. 

So, I'm picking this night's game and waiting to post the rest.

Thursday:

Miami (4-2) at Baltimore (3-4) - Ravens

No one has a clue how Miami has won 4 games, or how the Ravens are as lackluster as they appear.  Thuis is a night game and I go with the chill Baltimore air.

Week 7 Picks - Update

Late to the game and no time to post so here is Thursday's pick.  I will update later with all the rest.

Okay, so the power came back on just as the rain/snow started.  This is not good, save that it gives me time to post the rest of my week's picks.  After all, the first went so well with the Raiders winning at the last second.

I wrote last week that the Broncos should just forfeit the rest of the season should they lose to the Giants.  I stand by that, since they lost to the fucking Giants.  Nothing is more humiliating to team and fans then losing to an 0-5 team.

This season is nothing short of grim.  I'm not amused by the spectacle.  Top players at every position are facing suspension, season ending injuries, or the end of career.

QB - Aaron Rodgers is done for the year.  Sam Bradford may be done for all time.

WR - OBJ is out on IR.  Brandon Marshall is out on IR.  Julian Edelmann is done for the year.

RB - David Johnson is gone.  Maybe for the season.  Ezekial Elliot is facing a 6 game suspension.

TE - Tyler Eifert is done for the year.  Gronkowski is game to game.

DL - Mercilus is out for the season.  J.J. Watt is out for the season, again.  Cliff Avril may be retiring.

LB - Luke Kuechly has suffered his third concussion in as many weeks.  This could be season or career ending.

The litany of high profile injuries goss on and this is not a nice scenario.  I'm not liking this season at all.

Still the picks:

Thursday:

Kansas City (5-1) at Oakland (2-4) - Chiefs (30-31, Raiders)

They will respond well to a loss.

Sunday:

Tampa Bay (2-3) at Buffalo (3-2) - Bills (27-30, Bills)

Baltimore (3-3) at Minnesota (4-2) - Vikings (16-24, Vikings)

New York Jets (3-3) at Miami (2-3) - Jets (28-31, Dolphins)

Miami has found a groove but New York is inspired.

Arizona (3-3) at Los Angels Rams (4-2) - Rams (0-33, Rams)

Defense.

Jacksonville (3-3) at Indianapolis (2-4) - Colts (27-0, Jaguars)

Probably a dumb pick.

New Orleans (3-2) at Green Bay (4-2) - Saints (26-17, Saints)

They have ... a defense?  And Green Bay doesn't have Aaron Rodgers.

Carolina (4-2) at Chicago (2-4) - Panthers (3-17, Bears?)

Tennessee (3-3) at Cleveland ( 0-6) -Titans (12-9, Titans)

Dallas (2-3) at San Francisco (0-6) - Cowboys (40-10, Cowboys)

Denver (3-2) at Los Angeles Chargers (2-4) - Broncos (0-21, Chargers)

Cincinnati (2-3) at Pittsburgh (4-2) - Steelers (14-29, Steelers)

Seattle ( 3-2) at New York Giants (1-5) - Seahawks (24-7, Seahawks)

Sunday Night:

Atlanta (3-2) at New England (4-2) - Hatriots (7-23, Hatriots)

I hate them lucky ass rule bending fucknuts so much.

Monday Night:

Washington (3-2) at Philadelphia (5-1) - Eagles (24-34, Eagles)

Last Weeks Score:  5-9, 36%,  Overall:  53 - 38,  58%

 

Week 6 Picks

A couple of somber notes.

When I was a wee yo'un, probably about 8, I read the book Bart Starr.  It opened a new world up for me.  Before that I was a football fan in the sense that I loved the Broncos, liked the game and understood it only in so much as you had 4 tries to move the ball down the field before someone hit you.  Reading that book opened a whole new world for me, an understanding of the game and the people who play it.  Football was suddenly personal.  I collected football cards, which I may still have, though they aren't worth anything because I would deface them with updated stats and note players changing teams.  I read about 'the legends', coaches and players.  Lombardi, Turner, Van Brocklin, Jim Brown, Stram, Paul Brown, Stenerud (though I didn't know he played for Montana State College until much much later), Hornung, Kramer, Unitas, and of course, Y.A. Tittle.

Tittle died on Sunday, October 8th, 2017.  He will always be a legend to me, not just for his stats and accomplishments, but because of what he endured.  Three championship losses, and the idea that he was responsible.  Tittle was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1971, along with Jim Brown and Norm Van Brocklin.   He was the first NFL Quarterback to be inducted into the HOF without winning a championship, a source of great pain to him until he was joined by Fran Tarkenton in 1986, 15 years later.  Tittle held 6 records at the time of his retirement, but will always hold the record of "Legend", to a young man learning about the sport of football.

On September 27th,  Coach Red Miller died.  Until then, I never knew his name was Robert.  Coach Miller created and fostered the Orange Crush defense of the 77 Broncos.  He lead them to the Super Bowl, their first, after Tom Jackson's incredible interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  It is unbelievable, and inconceivable, that none of Miller's Orange Crush are in the HOF.  Gradishar, Alzedo, Tom Jackson, Louis Wright.  For a kid who grew up a Broncos fan, Miller's loss is felt deeply.

 

Back to the modern.  My picks sucked last week, as did much of the play in the NFL.  Patriots fans are weeping that their team is 3-2, knowing full well that they aren't 2-3 because Nick Folk couldn't hit the broadside of a barn.  Steelers fans should be panicking at 3-2 because Big Ben threw 5 interceptions and frankly doesn't seem to care.  Jets fans are rowdy and virile, because they're at 3-2 having been predicted to go no better than 2-14 on the season.  Well, let's pick.

Thursday Night:

Philadelphia (4-1) at  Carolina (4-1) - Eagles (28-23, Eagles)

All the experts are picking the Panthers.  They've looked good the last two weeks, but I think these Eagles have some surprises in store.

Sunday:

Chicago (1-4) at Baltimore (3-2) - Ravens (27-24, Bears)

They are surprising and they are at home.

Cleveland (0-5) at Houston (2-3) - Texans (17-33, Texans)

Green Bay (4-1) at Minnesota (3-2) - Packers (10-23, Vikings)

Rodgers is feeling his oats.

Detroit (3-2) at New Orleans (2-2) - Lions (38-52, Saints)

Bounce-back game, even against the best pure passer of the last decade.

Miami (2-2) at Atlanta (3-1) - Falcons (20-17, Dolphins)

Seriously?

New England (3-2) at New York Jets (3-2) - Hatriots (24-17, Hatriots, and Dog I hate those fuckers.  The jets had that touchdown.)

Good Dog, I hate them.

San Francisco (0-5) at Washington (2-2) - Taterskins (24-26, Taterskins)

Welcome to 0-6, Bay area.

Tampa Bay (2-2) at Arizona (2-3) - Buccaneers (33-38, Cardinals)

Arizona just looks weak.

Los Angeles Rams (3-2) at Jacksonville (3-2) - Jaguars (27-17, Rams)

Flying across country is not optimal.

Pittsburgh (3-2) at Kansas City (5-0) - Chiefs (19-13, Steelers)

This might be the Chiefs' year.  And Pittsburgh sucks.

Los Angeles Chargers (1-4) at Oakland (2-3) - Raiders (17-16, Chargers)

It depends on whether Carr plays and whether Amari Cooper can get his head out of his ass.

Sunday Night:

New York Giants (0-5) at Denver (3-1) - Broncos (23-10, G-Men)

Eli has nobody to throw to, and Denver has the best run defense in the league.

Monday Night:

Indianapolis (2-3) at Tennessee (2-3) - Titans (22-36, Titans)

Brisett is good.  Dick LeBeau is better.

Byes:  Buffalo, Cincinnati, Seattle, Dallas

Last Week's Score:   5 - 9,  36%   Overall:  48 - 29,  72%