Let's finish this thing.
Dec 30
Taxslayer Bowl: Louisville Cardinals v Mississippi State Bulldogs: The Bulldogs defense can be tough, but Louisville QB Lamar Jackson has seen a lot. Even if the Cardinals go into halftime behind (which is likely), they will make the corrections to come back and win this very close game. LOUISVILLE
Liberty Bowl: Iowa State Cyclones v #21 Memphis Tigers: The surprising Cyclones face a powerful Tigers squad. Iowa State, aside from scaring Iowa, didn't do too much out of conference, so I have to favor Memphis in this one. MEMPHIS
Fiesta Bowl: #9 Washington Huskies v #5 Penn State Nittany Lions: Penn State lost big in their bowl game last year, but that's because they were spending too much time complaining about missing out on the playoffs to focus on the game. I don't think they'll make the same mistake this year. Everyone is focusing on the respective running games of these teams, but don't ignore the talent of Lions QB Trace McSorley, as well as the always-dangerous squad of linebackers. Those are why I favor Penn State. PENN STATE
Orange Bowl: #8 Wisconsin Badgers v #18 Miami Hurricanes: Both teams are better on defense, so expect a low-scoring game. To Wisconsin's benefit, they have a skilled ground game. Also, the ACC Championship Game showed how Miami buckles under a stiff defense. The Badgers may not be quite the caliber of Clemson, but they are a stiff defense nonetheless. WISCONSIN
Jan 1
Outback Bowl: Michigan Wolverines v South Carolina Gamecocks: If Steve Spurrier were still coaching South Carolina, I'd give them a chance, as he could always create tricky plays for bowl games. This time around, I have to favor the Michigan defense. The Wolverines offense is rather toothless, but the defense will cause at least three Gamecock turnovers (South Carolina has not been great about holding onto the ball under pressure) to prevent South Carolina from getting ahead. MICHIGAN
Peach Bowl: #10 Auburn Tigers v #6 UCF Golden Knights: Very few national analysts are giving UCF a chance to win, but they basically ignored UCF until the last three weeks, keeping them out of Top 25 rankings until the bitter end. UCF is a strong team with an excellent blend of offense and defense. Auburn has a good defense, but the offense is inconsistent. Yes, Auburn beat two Number One teams, but they know their SEC opponents very well. Neither Alabama nor Georgia adjusted their game strategies from 2016. When Georgia changed their game plan in the SEC Championship Game, Auburn didn't stand a chance. UCF
Citrus Bowl: #15 Notre Dame Fighting Irish v LSU Tigers: LSU is vastly over-rated; earlier in the season, they were ranked higher than #20 when they had a NEGATIVE point differential against FBS teams. Notre Dame is a good team, and they have all of their players back from injury. The Tigers don't have the defense they've had in previous years, so the Irish will roll. NOTRE DAME
National Championship Semi-finals
Rose Bowl: #1 Oklahoma Sooners v #4 Georgia Bulldogs: Georgia focuses on running, Oklahoma has Baker Mayfield. This could be evenly matched until Georgia turns the ball over and Oklahoma gets a two-score lead. Once Georgia feels they need to pass, they've lost the game. OKLAHOMA
Sugar Bowl: #2 Clemson Tigers v #7 Alabama Crimson Tide: I'll admit, I didn't expect Clemson to get back to the playoffs without Deshaun Watson, even with the toughest defense in the land. And that defense is why I think Clemson will win this rematch. Auburn showed what a tough defense can do to Alabama's more conservative offense this year, and Auburn is not the same caliber of Clemson. CLEMSON
Thursday, December 28, 2017
NFL 2017 Week 17 picks
The season ends with only Sunday afternoon games. Go out and enjoy your New Years Eve!
Sunday early games
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings will clinch the number two seed with a win. They should get that fairly easily. VIKINGS
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers are hoping for a Patriots loss to gain home field advantage The Browns want to avoid a winless season. I don't think either team will get what they want. STEELERS
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles: Well, Jerry Jones has successfully given his best receiver a reason to play poorly, as he has threatened to cut his pay due to two consecutive years of subpar performance. We can understand his motivation, but Dez Bryant's reaction is completely consistent with his personalty, and Jones should have known how he would react. Combine all of that with the Eagles stiff defense, and the Cowboys will be lucky to stay close to the Eagles in the first half. EAGLES
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions: The Lions faltered last week, losing a bid for the playoffs. That won't stop them from playing hard against the Packers, a team who has frequently beaten them in recent years. The Lions want to take advantage of the Aaron Rodgers-less Pack; this is a vengeance game. LIONS
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts: The Texans have had a disappointing year, but they can end the season with a win. They hope to get some of their injured defenders back, but they can probably win without them, thanks to sketchy and inconsistent play by the Colts' replacement QB. TEXANS
New York Jets at New England Patriots: The Patriots gain home field advantage with a win. That would be enough to inspire a win; playing a hated rival only adds to the incentive. PATRIOTS
Washington Redskins at New York Giants: The Eli Apple situation will distract the Giants, while Kirk Cousins continues to battle for respect. He will seek to post impressive numbers while the Giants defense deals with controversy. If Cousins doesn't get careless (which he rarely does), this should be a nice offensive showing for the Redskins. REDSKINS
Sunday late games
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks still have a shot at the playoffs, but it is more important for them to conclude their season with a home victory. Normally practically unbeatable at home, they have shown weaknesses. The Cardinals may attempt to exploit those, but I think the Seahawks will get it together for this game. SEAHAWKS
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins: This could be a close game. Both teams are fairly compatible with similar offensive schemes. Both are fairly successful but not consistent. The Bills have an outside chance at the playoffs, which may give them a slight edge in intensity level. BILLS
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons: This is another game that could go either way. The Falcons need a win (or lots of help) to get the sixth playoff spot in the NFC. That could motivate them to play at 2016 levels, and knock off the Panthers. FALCONS
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens: It's simple for the Ravens - win an they're in. That's enough incentive. RAVENS
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans: This is a grudge match. The Titans really have little playoff hopes, but they'd love to knock off the Jags anyway. For the Jags' part, they've been a defensive behemoth this season. Tennessee has struggled against tough defenses, so I have to favor the Jags. JAGUARS
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos: The Broncos will start Paxton Lynch, hoping a new QB will change their fortunes, but the Chiefs have smoothed out their earlier problems, so they should roll. CHIEFS
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Bucs: I don't see the Bucs defense stopping the high-powered Saints. By the start of the game, the Saints will know if they have a chance at a first week bye, but I don't foresee them slacking off on this game. SAINTS
Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers: The Raiders love to play spoilers, but the Chargers have one of the most fearsome defenses in the AFC. Even if the Raiders force some mistakes by the Chargers offense, the defense will bail them out. CHARGERS
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams: The Rams will know if they can get a first round bye, but a lack of that chance should not cause them to sit stars. For the Rams, defeating the 49ers is always a pleasure. Jimmy Garrapollo has gotten the 49ers moving, winning four games in a row. The Rams want to end that streak. RAMS
Sunday early games
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings will clinch the number two seed with a win. They should get that fairly easily. VIKINGS
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers are hoping for a Patriots loss to gain home field advantage The Browns want to avoid a winless season. I don't think either team will get what they want. STEELERS
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles: Well, Jerry Jones has successfully given his best receiver a reason to play poorly, as he has threatened to cut his pay due to two consecutive years of subpar performance. We can understand his motivation, but Dez Bryant's reaction is completely consistent with his personalty, and Jones should have known how he would react. Combine all of that with the Eagles stiff defense, and the Cowboys will be lucky to stay close to the Eagles in the first half. EAGLES
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions: The Lions faltered last week, losing a bid for the playoffs. That won't stop them from playing hard against the Packers, a team who has frequently beaten them in recent years. The Lions want to take advantage of the Aaron Rodgers-less Pack; this is a vengeance game. LIONS
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts: The Texans have had a disappointing year, but they can end the season with a win. They hope to get some of their injured defenders back, but they can probably win without them, thanks to sketchy and inconsistent play by the Colts' replacement QB. TEXANS
New York Jets at New England Patriots: The Patriots gain home field advantage with a win. That would be enough to inspire a win; playing a hated rival only adds to the incentive. PATRIOTS
Washington Redskins at New York Giants: The Eli Apple situation will distract the Giants, while Kirk Cousins continues to battle for respect. He will seek to post impressive numbers while the Giants defense deals with controversy. If Cousins doesn't get careless (which he rarely does), this should be a nice offensive showing for the Redskins. REDSKINS
Sunday late games
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks still have a shot at the playoffs, but it is more important for them to conclude their season with a home victory. Normally practically unbeatable at home, they have shown weaknesses. The Cardinals may attempt to exploit those, but I think the Seahawks will get it together for this game. SEAHAWKS
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins: This could be a close game. Both teams are fairly compatible with similar offensive schemes. Both are fairly successful but not consistent. The Bills have an outside chance at the playoffs, which may give them a slight edge in intensity level. BILLS
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons: This is another game that could go either way. The Falcons need a win (or lots of help) to get the sixth playoff spot in the NFC. That could motivate them to play at 2016 levels, and knock off the Panthers. FALCONS
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens: It's simple for the Ravens - win an they're in. That's enough incentive. RAVENS
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans: This is a grudge match. The Titans really have little playoff hopes, but they'd love to knock off the Jags anyway. For the Jags' part, they've been a defensive behemoth this season. Tennessee has struggled against tough defenses, so I have to favor the Jags. JAGUARS
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos: The Broncos will start Paxton Lynch, hoping a new QB will change their fortunes, but the Chiefs have smoothed out their earlier problems, so they should roll. CHIEFS
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Bucs: I don't see the Bucs defense stopping the high-powered Saints. By the start of the game, the Saints will know if they have a chance at a first week bye, but I don't foresee them slacking off on this game. SAINTS
Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers: The Raiders love to play spoilers, but the Chargers have one of the most fearsome defenses in the AFC. Even if the Raiders force some mistakes by the Chargers offense, the defense will bail them out. CHARGERS
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams: The Rams will know if they can get a first round bye, but a lack of that chance should not cause them to sit stars. For the Rams, defeating the 49ers is always a pleasure. Jimmy Garrapollo has gotten the 49ers moving, winning four games in a row. The Rams want to end that streak. RAMS
Saturday, December 23, 2017
NCAA Bowl picks II
As I type this, I have a 8-3 bowl record so far. Only two Power Five conference teams have played. Oregon looked weak, while the Texas Tech offense roared (helped by poor tackling by the vaulted Bulls defense). My ranked teams have all won, but they've played unranked teams. In this column, I'll get into matchups featuring two ranked teams. This time I will pick through to the tradition Dec 31st bowl games, this year to be played on Dec 30th.
Dec 26
Heart of Dallas Bowl: Utah Utes v West Virginia Mountaineers: Utah normally plays well in bowl games, but they've been a bit sporadic this season. West Virginia started slowly, but they played well towards the end of the season. WEST VIRGINIA
Quick Lane Bowl: Duke Blue Devils v Northern Illinois Huskies: The ACC finally get into the 2017 bowls, and they face a MAC team. That might make them too confident, always a danger against the sneaky Northern Illinois team. Through in a strong Huskies defense and Duke may have more than they can handle. NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Cactus Bowl: Kansas State Wildcats v UCLA Bruins: Despite a lackluster year, Josh Rosen is still considered a high draft pick. A couple of picks by the Wildcats defense should reduce that assessment. Once UCLA falls behind, Rosen gets careless, which should further reduce his draft stock. KANSAS STATE
Dec 27
Independence Bowl: Florida State Seminoles v Southern Miss Golden Eagles: This is a crucial game for Southern Miss in the Capital One Bowl Challenge. Conference USA is even at 4-4. The conference needs a win for a winning bowl record. Florida State finds themselves coachless. Given their already-existing lack of discipline, I think a plethora of costly penalties will give the ACC their second bowl loss. SOUTHERN MISS
Pinstripe Bowl: Boston College Eagles v Iowa Hawkeyes: Ironically, I will be in New York City on Dec 27th, although I will not be at the Pinstripe Bowl to see the Hawkeyes give the Big Ten their first bowl victory. Boston College is good, but Iowa has shown what that offense is capable of doing. Also, their defense can force turnovers, and the Eagles have not been great with controlling the ball this season. IOWA
Foster Farms Bowl: Arizona Wildcats v Purdue Boilermakers: Can Purdue give the Big Ten their second bowl win? While Purdue often seems to play above themselves in bowl games, I think they are overmatched in this one. Arizona has a good team, and Purdue pulled off a couple of upsets to be bowl-eligible. ARIZONA wins the first match-up between the Big Ten and Pac-12
Texas Bowl: Texas Longhorns v Missouri Tigers: Missouri and Texas both started the season weakly. Missouri showed strength in the closing weeks, while Texas remained inconsistent throughout. Worse, two key players for the Texas have already announced they will not attend the bowl game, wanting to stay healthy for the NFL combine. That lack of team spirit will cost them. MISSOURI
Dec 28
Military Bowl: Virginia Cavaliers at Navy Midshipmen: Let's face it, this is a home game for the Midshipmen, since this game is played at the Naval Academy. The Cavs defensive line is good, but the Navy line will continue to beat at them until they get tired. Then, holes will open for the Navy runners. NAVY
Camping World Bowl: #11 Oklahoma State Cowboys v #14 Virginia Tech Hokies: The first game between ranked opponents pits the ACC against the Big XII. While the Hokies are a good team, the Cowboys showed a lot of strength this season; too much, I think, for the Hokies to hold back for four quarters. This may require a fourth quarter comeback, but I like the COWBOYS
Alamo Bowl: #17 Stanford Cardinal v #16 TCU Horned Frogs: Stanford is a tenacious team, but the best thing for TCU is the location of this game. Firmly entrenched in Big XII country, Stanford will face a tough crowd at all times. While that is not normally an issue for the defense, the offense is used to simply silencing a hostile crowd, not facing an even noiser one. That may affect play-calling. TCU
Holiday Bowl: Michigan State Spartans v Washington State Cougars: If the Spartans defense was as strong as it had been the previous two seasons, I'd pick them with no hesitation. However, that defense has not been as good this season, and the Cougars offense has been electric. Also, this game is on the West Coast, where the Big Ten typically plays poorly. However, if the Spartans defense finds their mojo, this game could go the other way. WASHINGTON STATE
Dec 29
Belk Bowl: Wake Forest Demon Deacons v Texas A&M Aggies: The Aggies probably expect to win, and that might be their undoing. The Aggies offense has not been consistent, and the Demon Deacons defense can press opponents. Furthermore, this is nearly a home game for Wake Forest, and the Aggies don't respond well to boos. WAKE FOREST
Sun Bowl: North Carolina State Wolfpack v Arizona State Sun Devils: The Sun Devils at the Sun Bowl? Appropriate. The Sun Devils winning the Sun Bowl? Unlikely. The Wolfpack played well, they just had some overwhelming opponents on their schedule. That 8-4 record would be more accurately a 10-2, and that points to a talent pool too deep for Arizona State to stay afloat. NC STATE
Music City Bowl: Kentucky Wildcats v #20 Northwestern Wildcats: Cat fight! Or, more accurately, Wildcat fight! Kentucky had some good games, but they underperformed. Northwestern comes into this game with a phenomenal seven game winning streak. I don't see Kentucky ending that. NORTHWESTERN
Arizona Bowl: Utah State Aggies v New Mexico State Aggies: An Aggies battle between two teams that rarely play a bowl game. With such little history, and little video for me to review, this game is a tough one to pick. Utah State has given their opponents a bit more trouble, so I'll pick them. UTAH STATE
Cotton Bowl: #12 USC Trojans v #3 Ohio State Buckeyes: Let's face it, this is the REAL Rose Bowl game! Pac-12 champ versus Big Ten champ, that's a Rose Bowl! If it were played in the actual Rose Bowl, I might give USC a chance. On neutral ground, though, it's Ohio State's game to lose, if they play like they did against Iowa. I don't think that'll happen. USC QB Sam Darnold is a bit of a gunslinger, which gives the Buckeye defense a chance to pick him off. Ohio State starts slow, so USC might lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Buckeyes should tie it by halftime, and the second half will belong to the Buckeyes. OHIO STATE
Dec 26
Heart of Dallas Bowl: Utah Utes v West Virginia Mountaineers: Utah normally plays well in bowl games, but they've been a bit sporadic this season. West Virginia started slowly, but they played well towards the end of the season. WEST VIRGINIA
Quick Lane Bowl: Duke Blue Devils v Northern Illinois Huskies: The ACC finally get into the 2017 bowls, and they face a MAC team. That might make them too confident, always a danger against the sneaky Northern Illinois team. Through in a strong Huskies defense and Duke may have more than they can handle. NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Cactus Bowl: Kansas State Wildcats v UCLA Bruins: Despite a lackluster year, Josh Rosen is still considered a high draft pick. A couple of picks by the Wildcats defense should reduce that assessment. Once UCLA falls behind, Rosen gets careless, which should further reduce his draft stock. KANSAS STATE
Dec 27
Independence Bowl: Florida State Seminoles v Southern Miss Golden Eagles: This is a crucial game for Southern Miss in the Capital One Bowl Challenge. Conference USA is even at 4-4. The conference needs a win for a winning bowl record. Florida State finds themselves coachless. Given their already-existing lack of discipline, I think a plethora of costly penalties will give the ACC their second bowl loss. SOUTHERN MISS
Pinstripe Bowl: Boston College Eagles v Iowa Hawkeyes: Ironically, I will be in New York City on Dec 27th, although I will not be at the Pinstripe Bowl to see the Hawkeyes give the Big Ten their first bowl victory. Boston College is good, but Iowa has shown what that offense is capable of doing. Also, their defense can force turnovers, and the Eagles have not been great with controlling the ball this season. IOWA
Foster Farms Bowl: Arizona Wildcats v Purdue Boilermakers: Can Purdue give the Big Ten their second bowl win? While Purdue often seems to play above themselves in bowl games, I think they are overmatched in this one. Arizona has a good team, and Purdue pulled off a couple of upsets to be bowl-eligible. ARIZONA wins the first match-up between the Big Ten and Pac-12
Texas Bowl: Texas Longhorns v Missouri Tigers: Missouri and Texas both started the season weakly. Missouri showed strength in the closing weeks, while Texas remained inconsistent throughout. Worse, two key players for the Texas have already announced they will not attend the bowl game, wanting to stay healthy for the NFL combine. That lack of team spirit will cost them. MISSOURI
Dec 28
Military Bowl: Virginia Cavaliers at Navy Midshipmen: Let's face it, this is a home game for the Midshipmen, since this game is played at the Naval Academy. The Cavs defensive line is good, but the Navy line will continue to beat at them until they get tired. Then, holes will open for the Navy runners. NAVY
Camping World Bowl: #11 Oklahoma State Cowboys v #14 Virginia Tech Hokies: The first game between ranked opponents pits the ACC against the Big XII. While the Hokies are a good team, the Cowboys showed a lot of strength this season; too much, I think, for the Hokies to hold back for four quarters. This may require a fourth quarter comeback, but I like the COWBOYS
Alamo Bowl: #17 Stanford Cardinal v #16 TCU Horned Frogs: Stanford is a tenacious team, but the best thing for TCU is the location of this game. Firmly entrenched in Big XII country, Stanford will face a tough crowd at all times. While that is not normally an issue for the defense, the offense is used to simply silencing a hostile crowd, not facing an even noiser one. That may affect play-calling. TCU
Holiday Bowl: Michigan State Spartans v Washington State Cougars: If the Spartans defense was as strong as it had been the previous two seasons, I'd pick them with no hesitation. However, that defense has not been as good this season, and the Cougars offense has been electric. Also, this game is on the West Coast, where the Big Ten typically plays poorly. However, if the Spartans defense finds their mojo, this game could go the other way. WASHINGTON STATE
Dec 29
Belk Bowl: Wake Forest Demon Deacons v Texas A&M Aggies: The Aggies probably expect to win, and that might be their undoing. The Aggies offense has not been consistent, and the Demon Deacons defense can press opponents. Furthermore, this is nearly a home game for Wake Forest, and the Aggies don't respond well to boos. WAKE FOREST
Sun Bowl: North Carolina State Wolfpack v Arizona State Sun Devils: The Sun Devils at the Sun Bowl? Appropriate. The Sun Devils winning the Sun Bowl? Unlikely. The Wolfpack played well, they just had some overwhelming opponents on their schedule. That 8-4 record would be more accurately a 10-2, and that points to a talent pool too deep for Arizona State to stay afloat. NC STATE
Music City Bowl: Kentucky Wildcats v #20 Northwestern Wildcats: Cat fight! Or, more accurately, Wildcat fight! Kentucky had some good games, but they underperformed. Northwestern comes into this game with a phenomenal seven game winning streak. I don't see Kentucky ending that. NORTHWESTERN
Arizona Bowl: Utah State Aggies v New Mexico State Aggies: An Aggies battle between two teams that rarely play a bowl game. With such little history, and little video for me to review, this game is a tough one to pick. Utah State has given their opponents a bit more trouble, so I'll pick them. UTAH STATE
Cotton Bowl: #12 USC Trojans v #3 Ohio State Buckeyes: Let's face it, this is the REAL Rose Bowl game! Pac-12 champ versus Big Ten champ, that's a Rose Bowl! If it were played in the actual Rose Bowl, I might give USC a chance. On neutral ground, though, it's Ohio State's game to lose, if they play like they did against Iowa. I don't think that'll happen. USC QB Sam Darnold is a bit of a gunslinger, which gives the Buckeye defense a chance to pick him off. Ohio State starts slow, so USC might lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Buckeyes should tie it by halftime, and the second half will belong to the Buckeyes. OHIO STATE
NFL 2017 Week 16 picks
I had a perfect streak of Sunday early games last week, but the last games threw it out of whack.
More playoff spots were set last week. The Patriots and Vikings clinched their divisions, and Jacksonville returns to the playoffs. More positions are eligible this week, including Number One seeds, so don't miss the key games this weekend.
Saturday Dec 23
Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens: This one shouldn't even be close. RAVENS
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers: With three 10-4 teams sniffing at the heels of 11-3 Minnesota, they need a win to help ensure a first round bye. There are hints that Sam Bradford might be back, but I think that's being said because the Pack returned Aaron Rodgers last week. Another injury has sidelined him through the playoffs, so don't expect to see Bradford. Truthfully, I don't think the Vikings will need him. VIKINGS
Sunday early games
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints: This game could have major NFC South implications. A Falcons victory puts them ahead of the Saints, chasing the Panthers, who the Falcons face next week. If the Falcons win out, they win the division. On the other hand, if the Saints win, they retain the division lead, and they'll root for the Falcons to beat the Panthers. The Falcons' offense has struggled some this season, but they have sharpened recently. The question is, can that offense keep pace with the Saints? Both teams have comparable defenses, so that is the major question. I don't think they can. SAINTS
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots: The Patriots hold the tiebreaker for home field advantage over the Steelers, but they have to win as often as Pittsburgh. That means they want to win this one, and they have an excellent record against divisional opponents. PATRIOTS
Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears: Hey, my Bears get to win one, as the hapless Browns have already won the race for the top pick in the draft. BEARS
Denver Broncos at Washington Redskins: Neither team will be in the playoffs, but QB play becomes important. Denver exec John Elway was watching Wyoming QB Josh Allen as a potent draft pick, and Redskins administration are making noise that they may not offer a contract extension to Kirk Cousins. A good game here will help restore luster to Cousins, but has Denver given up on injured Paxton Lynch? That could be an interesting off-season storyline. For this game, Cousins needs a win, and his teammates will help give it to him. REDSKINS
Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals: Both Matt Stafford and Andy Dalton are talented QBs who have not played well this season. Detroit's offense has still moved, while the Bengals have stalled too often. LIONS
Los Angeles Chargers at New York Jets: Neither team were expected to do much this season, and yet both have surpassed expectations. The Chargers are chasing the Chiefs for the division title, so they know they need this game. They should get it. CHARGERS
Los Angeles Rams at Tennessee Titans: The Titans are chasing a playoff spot, but the question is whether they deserve it. They are 4-5 outside of their division, a record that should get worse after the Rams outplays them and smears them all over the field. RAMS
Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs seem to have resolved whatever troubles they were experiencing during their five-game losing streak. The Dolphins offense hasn't been steady, either. While Jay Cutler has been putting up respectable numbers, the offense has been falling short, especially in the last 30 yards. That is a weakness that the Chiefs will certainly exploit. CHIEFS
Tampa Bay Bucs at Carolina Panthers: The Bucs haven't won a divisional contest and the Panthers are chasing the Saints for the division title. This one's not in doubt. PANTHERS
Sunday late games
Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers: Jimmy Garrapollo has revitalized the 49ers, but will it be enough to get past the best defense in the league? The Jaguars might already have a division title by the start of the game, if the Titans lose to the Rams, but that won't stop the Jags from playing at their best. JAGUARS
New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals: It's been a pretty dunky year for the Giants, and traveling to Arizona won't help. The Cards have been underperforming as well, so a good game to close their home season will be crucial. CARDS
Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys: Let's get right down to it -- the loser of this game is completely removed from playoff contention. The winner might suffer the same fate, but that won't chill the urgency. Zeke Elliott will be back, which might perk up the Cowboys. Either team could win this one, but I'll give a slight edge to the home team. COWBOYS
Monday Night games
Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans: Since the Patriots are likely to beat Buffalo, the Steelers know that they need this game. A loss in that case would remove the Steelers from a bid for the top seed, so they will be driven to drive the Texans into the ground. Given the poor state of the injury-wracked Texans defense, they should be able to do that. STEELERS
Oakland Raiders at Philadelphia Eagles: A win gives the Eagles the top seed in the NFC. They should get that. EAGLES
More playoff spots were set last week. The Patriots and Vikings clinched their divisions, and Jacksonville returns to the playoffs. More positions are eligible this week, including Number One seeds, so don't miss the key games this weekend.
Saturday Dec 23
Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens: This one shouldn't even be close. RAVENS
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers: With three 10-4 teams sniffing at the heels of 11-3 Minnesota, they need a win to help ensure a first round bye. There are hints that Sam Bradford might be back, but I think that's being said because the Pack returned Aaron Rodgers last week. Another injury has sidelined him through the playoffs, so don't expect to see Bradford. Truthfully, I don't think the Vikings will need him. VIKINGS
Sunday early games
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints: This game could have major NFC South implications. A Falcons victory puts them ahead of the Saints, chasing the Panthers, who the Falcons face next week. If the Falcons win out, they win the division. On the other hand, if the Saints win, they retain the division lead, and they'll root for the Falcons to beat the Panthers. The Falcons' offense has struggled some this season, but they have sharpened recently. The question is, can that offense keep pace with the Saints? Both teams have comparable defenses, so that is the major question. I don't think they can. SAINTS
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots: The Patriots hold the tiebreaker for home field advantage over the Steelers, but they have to win as often as Pittsburgh. That means they want to win this one, and they have an excellent record against divisional opponents. PATRIOTS
Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears: Hey, my Bears get to win one, as the hapless Browns have already won the race for the top pick in the draft. BEARS
Denver Broncos at Washington Redskins: Neither team will be in the playoffs, but QB play becomes important. Denver exec John Elway was watching Wyoming QB Josh Allen as a potent draft pick, and Redskins administration are making noise that they may not offer a contract extension to Kirk Cousins. A good game here will help restore luster to Cousins, but has Denver given up on injured Paxton Lynch? That could be an interesting off-season storyline. For this game, Cousins needs a win, and his teammates will help give it to him. REDSKINS
Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals: Both Matt Stafford and Andy Dalton are talented QBs who have not played well this season. Detroit's offense has still moved, while the Bengals have stalled too often. LIONS
Los Angeles Chargers at New York Jets: Neither team were expected to do much this season, and yet both have surpassed expectations. The Chargers are chasing the Chiefs for the division title, so they know they need this game. They should get it. CHARGERS
Los Angeles Rams at Tennessee Titans: The Titans are chasing a playoff spot, but the question is whether they deserve it. They are 4-5 outside of their division, a record that should get worse after the Rams outplays them and smears them all over the field. RAMS
Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs seem to have resolved whatever troubles they were experiencing during their five-game losing streak. The Dolphins offense hasn't been steady, either. While Jay Cutler has been putting up respectable numbers, the offense has been falling short, especially in the last 30 yards. That is a weakness that the Chiefs will certainly exploit. CHIEFS
Tampa Bay Bucs at Carolina Panthers: The Bucs haven't won a divisional contest and the Panthers are chasing the Saints for the division title. This one's not in doubt. PANTHERS
Sunday late games
Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers: Jimmy Garrapollo has revitalized the 49ers, but will it be enough to get past the best defense in the league? The Jaguars might already have a division title by the start of the game, if the Titans lose to the Rams, but that won't stop the Jags from playing at their best. JAGUARS
New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals: It's been a pretty dunky year for the Giants, and traveling to Arizona won't help. The Cards have been underperforming as well, so a good game to close their home season will be crucial. CARDS
Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys: Let's get right down to it -- the loser of this game is completely removed from playoff contention. The winner might suffer the same fate, but that won't chill the urgency. Zeke Elliott will be back, which might perk up the Cowboys. Either team could win this one, but I'll give a slight edge to the home team. COWBOYS
Monday Night games
Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans: Since the Patriots are likely to beat Buffalo, the Steelers know that they need this game. A loss in that case would remove the Steelers from a bid for the top seed, so they will be driven to drive the Texans into the ground. Given the poor state of the injury-wracked Texans defense, they should be able to do that. STEELERS
Oakland Raiders at Philadelphia Eagles: A win gives the Eagles the top seed in the NFC. They should get that. EAGLES
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
NFL 2017 Week 15 picks
Two division titles were crowned this week, and the Patriots failed to capture a third. The state of Pennsylvania can be proud of both the Steelers and Eagles, the best teams in their respective conferences and the only division winners right now. The Patriots and Vikings could both clinch their division titles this week, too. They each need a win or a loss by their second-place team (Buffalo in New England's case, and Detroit in Minnesota's). I'm predicting one of those titles to be awarded; the other might be more difficult. Which one do I crown? Keep reading.
Thurs Dec 14
Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts: The Colts might actually be able to win this one, as the Broncos have been the masters of inconsistency. However, benching Trevor Siemian earlier seems to have given him new life, and that drive should propel them past the hapless Colts. BRONCOS
Sat Dec 16
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions: The Lions remain in the playoff hunt with a win over the Bears. Despite a huge one-sided victory last week by Mitch Trubisky and crew, Detroit will get that win. LIONS
Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs finally won a game, but I'm not sure they've really worked out their troubles. Also, the Chargers are on a phenomenal winning streak, and they seem to just get better every week. Given the struggles experienced by the other teams in this division, the Chargers just might be a dark horse pick to win the AFC West. CHARGERS
Sunday early games
Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins: Either team could win this game, but Kirk Cousins is battling for respect (again!). That could motivate him to propel his team to victory. REDSKINS
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns: Cleveland advances to 0-14. RAVENS
Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings win the NFC North with a win. That win should happen, and their staunch defense will guarantee it. VIKINGS
Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers: A loss likely knocks the Pack out of playoff contention, and puts the Panthers in good stead to clinch a playoff spot. This is an important game for them, and I think Cam Newton will step up to cause this win. PANTHERS
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars: In the strangest turn of events, last season's losers lead the AFC South. Stranger still is the fact that Jacksonville looked so weak in the preseason. Now, Blake Bortles looks brilliant and the Jags have the inside track to a division title. A win here will put the Jags in good position. JAGUARS
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills: The Bills are chasing a playoff spot with Baltimore. Knowing the Ravens face the winless Browns, the Bills know they need a win. Miami just upset New England, and they may be ripe for a letdown after that. That's an opening the Bills can exploit. BILLS
New York Jets at New Orleans Saints: The Jets defense cannot stop the high-powered Saints offense, and the improved Saints defense will prevent the Jets offense from keeping pace. SAINTS
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants: The Eagles have won the NFC East, but they won't slow down. They are jockeying for home field advantage, so they need to keep racking up wins. This one shouldn't be too difficult. EAGLES
Sunday late games
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks: Here's an upset pick. The Rams may be the favorite in the NFC West, and will likely win the division, but they'll encounter a hiccup this week in Seattle. The Seahawks are extra strong at home, and they are unbeaten against divisional opponents this season. The will, I believe, continue with this game. SEAHAWKS
New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers: The Patriots get a second chance to clinch the AFC East. Amazingly, I think they'll miss it again. The Steelers want home field advantage through the playoffs, and beating the Patriots this week will give them a two-game edge and the tiebreaker over them, thus clinching the desired home field advantage. Don't expect the Patriots to make it easy for them, but I think the Pats will experience a rare two-game losing streak. STEELERS
Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers: Jimmy Garrafalo has revitalized the 49ers, as they have won two games in a row. Can he push them past the Titans? Certainly the Jaguars hope they can, but I'm not so sure. This might be close, though. TITANS
Sunday night
Dallas Cowboys at Oakland Raiders: The Cowboys are persevering without Zeke Elliot, and this game will be a great example of what they need during this period. The Raiders fight hard, but peter out in the fourth quarter. They aren't aren't aggressive enough on defense to slow receivers like Dez Bryant. COWBOYS
Monday Night Football
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Bucs: The Falcons are also chasing a playoff berth, and Matt Ryan and company seem to have found their mojo again. That makes them tough opponents. FALCONS
Thurs Dec 14
Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts: The Colts might actually be able to win this one, as the Broncos have been the masters of inconsistency. However, benching Trevor Siemian earlier seems to have given him new life, and that drive should propel them past the hapless Colts. BRONCOS
Sat Dec 16
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions: The Lions remain in the playoff hunt with a win over the Bears. Despite a huge one-sided victory last week by Mitch Trubisky and crew, Detroit will get that win. LIONS
Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs finally won a game, but I'm not sure they've really worked out their troubles. Also, the Chargers are on a phenomenal winning streak, and they seem to just get better every week. Given the struggles experienced by the other teams in this division, the Chargers just might be a dark horse pick to win the AFC West. CHARGERS
Sunday early games
Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins: Either team could win this game, but Kirk Cousins is battling for respect (again!). That could motivate him to propel his team to victory. REDSKINS
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns: Cleveland advances to 0-14. RAVENS
Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings win the NFC North with a win. That win should happen, and their staunch defense will guarantee it. VIKINGS
Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers: A loss likely knocks the Pack out of playoff contention, and puts the Panthers in good stead to clinch a playoff spot. This is an important game for them, and I think Cam Newton will step up to cause this win. PANTHERS
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars: In the strangest turn of events, last season's losers lead the AFC South. Stranger still is the fact that Jacksonville looked so weak in the preseason. Now, Blake Bortles looks brilliant and the Jags have the inside track to a division title. A win here will put the Jags in good position. JAGUARS
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills: The Bills are chasing a playoff spot with Baltimore. Knowing the Ravens face the winless Browns, the Bills know they need a win. Miami just upset New England, and they may be ripe for a letdown after that. That's an opening the Bills can exploit. BILLS
New York Jets at New Orleans Saints: The Jets defense cannot stop the high-powered Saints offense, and the improved Saints defense will prevent the Jets offense from keeping pace. SAINTS
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants: The Eagles have won the NFC East, but they won't slow down. They are jockeying for home field advantage, so they need to keep racking up wins. This one shouldn't be too difficult. EAGLES
Sunday late games
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks: Here's an upset pick. The Rams may be the favorite in the NFC West, and will likely win the division, but they'll encounter a hiccup this week in Seattle. The Seahawks are extra strong at home, and they are unbeaten against divisional opponents this season. The will, I believe, continue with this game. SEAHAWKS
New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers: The Patriots get a second chance to clinch the AFC East. Amazingly, I think they'll miss it again. The Steelers want home field advantage through the playoffs, and beating the Patriots this week will give them a two-game edge and the tiebreaker over them, thus clinching the desired home field advantage. Don't expect the Patriots to make it easy for them, but I think the Pats will experience a rare two-game losing streak. STEELERS
Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers: Jimmy Garrafalo has revitalized the 49ers, as they have won two games in a row. Can he push them past the Titans? Certainly the Jaguars hope they can, but I'm not so sure. This might be close, though. TITANS
Sunday night
Dallas Cowboys at Oakland Raiders: The Cowboys are persevering without Zeke Elliot, and this game will be a great example of what they need during this period. The Raiders fight hard, but peter out in the fourth quarter. They aren't aren't aggressive enough on defense to slow receivers like Dez Bryant. COWBOYS
Monday Night Football
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Bucs: The Falcons are also chasing a playoff berth, and Matt Ryan and company seem to have found their mojo again. That makes them tough opponents. FALCONS
Monday, December 11, 2017
NCAA Bowl picks, part I
Well, it's that time of year again. Upstate New York has experienced their first snow, and we are days away from the first FBS bowl game. It's time for me to break open my crystal ball (I might need a new one for Christmas) and see how well I can predict how different conferences, and their representative teams, will perform in the bowls.
We have 39 bowls, counting the two championship semi-finals, so I will break my picks into three different columns. This one, the first, will cover bowls leading to Christmas Day. We see mostly Group of Five teams among these bowls, but the Pac-12 gets started as well.
Sat Dec 16
New Orleans Bowl: #22 Troy Trojans v North Texas Mean Green: The first bowl game features a ranked team as the Sun Belt Champion goes up against the Conference USA runner-up. The Sun Belt typically performs well in bowls, so I like the Trojans chances. TROY
Cure Bowl: Georgia State Panthers v Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: The second game of the day also matches the Sun Belt and Conference USA. Georgia State did well against Sun Belt opponents, but struggled mightily against non-conference opponents. Western Kentucky has some bowl experience; not all of it good, but experience always helps. WESTERN KENTUCKY
Las Vegas Bowl: Oregon Ducks v #25 Boise State Broncos: Oregon is the only Power Five school to play in the first day of the college bowl season. Boise State is the second conference champion to play in the first day of the college bowl season. Oregon can be dangerous, but they had a bit of an "off" year. Boise State started slowly but poured it on as the season rolled on. Expect the Broncos, the first team from a non-power conference to beat a power conference team in a New Years Day bowl, to excel in this game. BOISE STATE
New Mexico Bowl: Marshall Thundering Herd v Colorado State Rams: The Mountain West gets their second representative of the day in bowl games, facing the third Conference USA team. Marshall spent some time in the Top 25, and showed a stiff defense. Colorado State has a good offense, but their defense needs work. Defense will likely rule in this game, giving Marshall the edge. MARSHALL
Camellia Bowl: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders v Arkansas State Red Wolves: Another Sun Belt v Conference USA matchup, the third of the day. This will be tiebreaker, and I like the Sun Belt in this one, too. ARKANSAS STATE
Tues Dec 19
Boca Raton Bowl: Akron Zips v #24 Florida Atlantic Owls: The MAC enters the bowl season, as that conference's runner-up faces the Conference USA Champion. Akron did some amazing things against MAC opponents, but I have to like the Owls in this game. FLORIDA ATLANTIC
Wed Dec 20
Frisco Bowl: SMU Mustangs v Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: The American Athletic Conference enters the bowls, stepping up to face the fifth Conference USA team out of seven bowls. The Bulldogs don't have a stellar bowl record, going 5-3-1. SMU is no better, with a 7-7-1 record, but they have won four of their last five. I think this will be their fifth. SMU
Thurs Dec 21
Gasparilla Bowl: Temple Owls v Florida International Golden Panthers: In the inaugural game of this St Petersburg-based bowl, the Golden Panthers practically play a home game. They might have been able to beat Temple on neutral ground, but with rabid Florida fans surrounding them, they should win fairly easily. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
Fri Dec 22
Bahamas Bowl: UAB Blazers v Ohio Bobcats: The MAC has their second representative in the bowls, this time up against a team that struggles away from their home field. Traveling to Nassau won't help. OHIO
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Wyoming Cowboys v Central Michigan Chippewas: This is the first game I am picking the team with the worse record. Wyoming showed strength in several of their games, while the Chippewas just scraped by too often to have faith in them. WYOMING
Sat Dec 23
Birmingham Bowl: Texas Tech Red Raiders v #13 South Florida Bulls: The Big XII get their first team in the bowls, but the defensively-challenged Raiders face the stiff defense of the Bulls. Defense wins this one, too. SOUTH FLORIDA
Armed Forces Bowl: Army Black Knights v #23 San Diego State Aztecs: Army was an impressive team this year, and won the Commander in Chief trophy. They would love to win the bowl game devoted to the military, but San Diego State was a powerhouse this season. SAN DIEGO STATE
Dollar General Bowl: Appalachian State Mountaineers v #19 Toledo Rockets: The Mountaineers bowled over Sun Belt opponents but were less than stellar against non-conference opponents. Toledo had some struggles against the best MAC teams, but the MAC Champions have one of the best offenses in the country. TOLEDO
Sun Dec 24
Hawaii Bowl: Fresno State Bulldogs v Houston Cougars: The Mountain West runner-ups travel to Hawaii for their fourth bowl game. The Bulldogs have lost all three of their previous trips, so it would seem ridiculous to pick them. However, I think the previous experience in the far time zone will help the Bulldogs. The Cougars have played consistently this year, and that may get magnified in the unusual time, and local distractions, that come with this bowl. FRESNO STATE
We have 39 bowls, counting the two championship semi-finals, so I will break my picks into three different columns. This one, the first, will cover bowls leading to Christmas Day. We see mostly Group of Five teams among these bowls, but the Pac-12 gets started as well.
Sat Dec 16
New Orleans Bowl: #22 Troy Trojans v North Texas Mean Green: The first bowl game features a ranked team as the Sun Belt Champion goes up against the Conference USA runner-up. The Sun Belt typically performs well in bowls, so I like the Trojans chances. TROY
Cure Bowl: Georgia State Panthers v Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: The second game of the day also matches the Sun Belt and Conference USA. Georgia State did well against Sun Belt opponents, but struggled mightily against non-conference opponents. Western Kentucky has some bowl experience; not all of it good, but experience always helps. WESTERN KENTUCKY
Las Vegas Bowl: Oregon Ducks v #25 Boise State Broncos: Oregon is the only Power Five school to play in the first day of the college bowl season. Boise State is the second conference champion to play in the first day of the college bowl season. Oregon can be dangerous, but they had a bit of an "off" year. Boise State started slowly but poured it on as the season rolled on. Expect the Broncos, the first team from a non-power conference to beat a power conference team in a New Years Day bowl, to excel in this game. BOISE STATE
New Mexico Bowl: Marshall Thundering Herd v Colorado State Rams: The Mountain West gets their second representative of the day in bowl games, facing the third Conference USA team. Marshall spent some time in the Top 25, and showed a stiff defense. Colorado State has a good offense, but their defense needs work. Defense will likely rule in this game, giving Marshall the edge. MARSHALL
Camellia Bowl: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders v Arkansas State Red Wolves: Another Sun Belt v Conference USA matchup, the third of the day. This will be tiebreaker, and I like the Sun Belt in this one, too. ARKANSAS STATE
Tues Dec 19
Boca Raton Bowl: Akron Zips v #24 Florida Atlantic Owls: The MAC enters the bowl season, as that conference's runner-up faces the Conference USA Champion. Akron did some amazing things against MAC opponents, but I have to like the Owls in this game. FLORIDA ATLANTIC
Wed Dec 20
Frisco Bowl: SMU Mustangs v Louisiana Tech Bulldogs: The American Athletic Conference enters the bowls, stepping up to face the fifth Conference USA team out of seven bowls. The Bulldogs don't have a stellar bowl record, going 5-3-1. SMU is no better, with a 7-7-1 record, but they have won four of their last five. I think this will be their fifth. SMU
Thurs Dec 21
Gasparilla Bowl: Temple Owls v Florida International Golden Panthers: In the inaugural game of this St Petersburg-based bowl, the Golden Panthers practically play a home game. They might have been able to beat Temple on neutral ground, but with rabid Florida fans surrounding them, they should win fairly easily. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
Fri Dec 22
Bahamas Bowl: UAB Blazers v Ohio Bobcats: The MAC has their second representative in the bowls, this time up against a team that struggles away from their home field. Traveling to Nassau won't help. OHIO
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Wyoming Cowboys v Central Michigan Chippewas: This is the first game I am picking the team with the worse record. Wyoming showed strength in several of their games, while the Chippewas just scraped by too often to have faith in them. WYOMING
Sat Dec 23
Birmingham Bowl: Texas Tech Red Raiders v #13 South Florida Bulls: The Big XII get their first team in the bowls, but the defensively-challenged Raiders face the stiff defense of the Bulls. Defense wins this one, too. SOUTH FLORIDA
Armed Forces Bowl: Army Black Knights v #23 San Diego State Aztecs: Army was an impressive team this year, and won the Commander in Chief trophy. They would love to win the bowl game devoted to the military, but San Diego State was a powerhouse this season. SAN DIEGO STATE
Dollar General Bowl: Appalachian State Mountaineers v #19 Toledo Rockets: The Mountaineers bowled over Sun Belt opponents but were less than stellar against non-conference opponents. Toledo had some struggles against the best MAC teams, but the MAC Champions have one of the best offenses in the country. TOLEDO
Sun Dec 24
Hawaii Bowl: Fresno State Bulldogs v Houston Cougars: The Mountain West runner-ups travel to Hawaii for their fourth bowl game. The Bulldogs have lost all three of their previous trips, so it would seem ridiculous to pick them. However, I think the previous experience in the far time zone will help the Bulldogs. The Cougars have played consistently this year, and that may get magnified in the unusual time, and local distractions, that come with this bowl. FRESNO STATE
Thursday, December 7, 2017
NFL 2017 Week 14 picks
I had a good week last week, so let's see if I can keep that going.
Thursday Dec 7
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons: The Saints are rolling this year. The Falcons are looking to return to the Super Bowl, but they are not having an easy time of it. Their offense is still potent, but they aren't consistent. The defense has holes. The Patriots exposed that, and the Falcons haven't really overcome from that. SAINTS
Sunday early games
Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals: The Bears could not beat the pathetic 49ers. Nuff said. BENGALS
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants: Last week, the Giants proved that Eli Manning is not the cause of their woes. That may validate the Giants fan, but doesn't really please them. They'd be pleased with a win. They'll have another disappointing weekend. COWBOYS
Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Bucs: The Lions have not had the best season, but they are still chasing a potential wildcard spot. The Bucs have struggled with Jameis Winston injured, but they nearly beat Green Bay last week in his return. They might find more of a challenge in the Lions, though. LIONS
Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns: Brett Hundley had a good game last week, his best since replacing Aaron Rodgers. Given the Browns' troubles, Hundley won't need a good performance to seal a victory. PACKERS
Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills: Speaking of a team struggling without their starting quarterback, the Colts are suffering this season. The Bills may have lost four of their last five games, but this game should be a pretty easy win. BILLS
Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers: The Panthers want a strong win after a tough loss to the Saints last week, but they may not get that. The Vikings have won eight in a row on a strong offense and stingy defense. The Panthers struggle against a strong defense, so this should be a challenge. VIKINGS
Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have fallen far after a 5-0 start, and they don't seem to be getting out of it. Jason Peters demonstrated his frustration last week, and now he sits this game. I don't think the Chiefs would have won even if Peters played. RAIDERS
San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans: Jimmy Garrafalo won his first game as the starting QB for the 49ers, but that was against the Bears. Against the Texans defense, I think he'll have a harder time. TEXANS
Sunday late games
New York Jets at Denver Broncos: The Broncos are having a quarterback problem, as none of them seem to be able to generate a win. The Jets have succeeded, despite preseason concerns. The Jets will continue to prove their worth this week. JETS
Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Rams: Either team could win this game. Both teams are very similar, although the Eagles offense relies more heavily on a running game than the Rams do. Although it seems unusual that a team as successful as the Eagles could lose two in a row, I have to favor the home team. RAMS
Seattle Seahawks at Jacksonville Jaguars: While the Seahawks are known for their defense, the best defense in the league this season lives in Jacksonville. The Seahawks have done better on the road this season than usual, but they struggle against tough defenses, and they face the toughest one this week. JAGUARS
Tennessee Titans at Arizona Cardinals: It is odd for a 8-4 team to have a losing point differential. The Titans lose big and win close games. They should win this game, but it could be another close one. TITANS
Washington Redskins at Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers are chasing a playoff spot, and they have the strength to do it. The Redskins inconsistencies have people questioning the skills of their key players, but it's not a lack of skill, but miscommunication and poor decisions that have hurt the Redskins. After a slow start, the Chargers have been operating with great precision, something lacking in the play of the Redskins. CHARGERS
Sunday night
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers can practically win their division with a win here; they'd be only one win away. Statistically, these two teams are very close, but the Ravens have been a different team on the road this season. STEELERS
Monday Night Football
The Patriots will clinch their division title with a win. They'll get it. PATRIOTS
Thursday Dec 7
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons: The Saints are rolling this year. The Falcons are looking to return to the Super Bowl, but they are not having an easy time of it. Their offense is still potent, but they aren't consistent. The defense has holes. The Patriots exposed that, and the Falcons haven't really overcome from that. SAINTS
Sunday early games
Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals: The Bears could not beat the pathetic 49ers. Nuff said. BENGALS
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants: Last week, the Giants proved that Eli Manning is not the cause of their woes. That may validate the Giants fan, but doesn't really please them. They'd be pleased with a win. They'll have another disappointing weekend. COWBOYS
Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Bucs: The Lions have not had the best season, but they are still chasing a potential wildcard spot. The Bucs have struggled with Jameis Winston injured, but they nearly beat Green Bay last week in his return. They might find more of a challenge in the Lions, though. LIONS
Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns: Brett Hundley had a good game last week, his best since replacing Aaron Rodgers. Given the Browns' troubles, Hundley won't need a good performance to seal a victory. PACKERS
Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills: Speaking of a team struggling without their starting quarterback, the Colts are suffering this season. The Bills may have lost four of their last five games, but this game should be a pretty easy win. BILLS
Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers: The Panthers want a strong win after a tough loss to the Saints last week, but they may not get that. The Vikings have won eight in a row on a strong offense and stingy defense. The Panthers struggle against a strong defense, so this should be a challenge. VIKINGS
Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have fallen far after a 5-0 start, and they don't seem to be getting out of it. Jason Peters demonstrated his frustration last week, and now he sits this game. I don't think the Chiefs would have won even if Peters played. RAIDERS
San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans: Jimmy Garrafalo won his first game as the starting QB for the 49ers, but that was against the Bears. Against the Texans defense, I think he'll have a harder time. TEXANS
Sunday late games
New York Jets at Denver Broncos: The Broncos are having a quarterback problem, as none of them seem to be able to generate a win. The Jets have succeeded, despite preseason concerns. The Jets will continue to prove their worth this week. JETS
Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Rams: Either team could win this game. Both teams are very similar, although the Eagles offense relies more heavily on a running game than the Rams do. Although it seems unusual that a team as successful as the Eagles could lose two in a row, I have to favor the home team. RAMS
Seattle Seahawks at Jacksonville Jaguars: While the Seahawks are known for their defense, the best defense in the league this season lives in Jacksonville. The Seahawks have done better on the road this season than usual, but they struggle against tough defenses, and they face the toughest one this week. JAGUARS
Tennessee Titans at Arizona Cardinals: It is odd for a 8-4 team to have a losing point differential. The Titans lose big and win close games. They should win this game, but it could be another close one. TITANS
Washington Redskins at Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers are chasing a playoff spot, and they have the strength to do it. The Redskins inconsistencies have people questioning the skills of their key players, but it's not a lack of skill, but miscommunication and poor decisions that have hurt the Redskins. After a slow start, the Chargers have been operating with great precision, something lacking in the play of the Redskins. CHARGERS
Sunday night
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers can practically win their division with a win here; they'd be only one win away. Statistically, these two teams are very close, but the Ravens have been a different team on the road this season. STEELERS
Monday Night Football
The Patriots will clinch their division title with a win. They'll get it. PATRIOTS
Sunday, December 3, 2017
NCAA Pre-Bowls Top 25
While Army still remains to play their last game, I don't think they will win by enough to creep into the Top 25, so this would be the final one before the bowl games begin.
Top 25 [Last week's position]
1. Oklahoma Sooners (12-1) [2]
2. Clemson Tigers (12-1) [3]
3. Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2) [7]
4. Georgia Bulldogs (12-1) [9]
5. Penn State Nittany Lions (10-2) [5]
6. UCF Golden Knights (12-0) [6]
7. Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1) [8]
8. Wisconsin Badgers (12-1) [1]
9. Washington Huskies (10-2) [10]
10. Auburn Tigers (10-3) [4]
11. Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-3) [13]
12. USC Trojans (11-2) [16]
13. South Florida Bulls (9-3) [14]
14. Virginia Tech Hokies (9-3) [17]
15. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-3) [18]
16. TCU Horned Frogs (10-3) [11]
17. Stanford Cardinal (9-4) [15]
18. Miami Hurricanes (10-2) [12]
19. Toledo Rockets (11-2) [21]
20. Northwestern Wildcats (9-3) [20]
21. Memphis Tigers (10-2) [19]
22. Troy Trojans (10-2) [23]
23. San Diego State Aztecs (10-2) [22]
24. Florida Atlantic Owls (10-3) [26]
25. Boise State Broncos (10-3) [NR]
On the Edge: LSU Tigers (9-3), Louisville Cardinals (8-4), Washington State Cougars (9-3), Michigan State Spartans (9-3), Michigan Wolverines (8-4), Mississippi State Bulldogs (8-4), Ohio Bobcats (8-4), Arkansas State Red Wolves (7-4), Northern Illinois Huskies (8-4), Appalachian State Mountaineers (8-4), Army Black Knights (8-3)
Top 25 [Last week's position]
1. Oklahoma Sooners (12-1) [2]
2. Clemson Tigers (12-1) [3]
3. Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2) [7]
4. Georgia Bulldogs (12-1) [9]
5. Penn State Nittany Lions (10-2) [5]
6. UCF Golden Knights (12-0) [6]
7. Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1) [8]
8. Wisconsin Badgers (12-1) [1]
9. Washington Huskies (10-2) [10]
10. Auburn Tigers (10-3) [4]
11. Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-3) [13]
12. USC Trojans (11-2) [16]
13. South Florida Bulls (9-3) [14]
14. Virginia Tech Hokies (9-3) [17]
15. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-3) [18]
16. TCU Horned Frogs (10-3) [11]
17. Stanford Cardinal (9-4) [15]
18. Miami Hurricanes (10-2) [12]
19. Toledo Rockets (11-2) [21]
20. Northwestern Wildcats (9-3) [20]
21. Memphis Tigers (10-2) [19]
22. Troy Trojans (10-2) [23]
23. San Diego State Aztecs (10-2) [22]
24. Florida Atlantic Owls (10-3) [26]
25. Boise State Broncos (10-3) [NR]
On the Edge: LSU Tigers (9-3), Louisville Cardinals (8-4), Washington State Cougars (9-3), Michigan State Spartans (9-3), Michigan Wolverines (8-4), Mississippi State Bulldogs (8-4), Ohio Bobcats (8-4), Arkansas State Red Wolves (7-4), Northern Illinois Huskies (8-4), Appalachian State Mountaineers (8-4), Army Black Knights (8-3)
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