NFL 2023 Week 16 results and Week 17 picks

 The battle for the playoffs is tightening, and our Super Bowl preview was a dismal performance for one team.

Power Rankings [Last week's rank]

1.  BALTIMORE RAVENS (12-3) [2]

2.  San Francisco 49ers (11-4) [1]

3.  Miami Dolphins (11-4) [3]

4.  Buffalo Bills (9-6) [5]

5.  Dallas Cowboys (10-5) [4]

6.  Detroit Lions (11-4) [7]

7.  Kansas City Chiefs (9-5) [6]

8.  Philadelphia Eagles (11-4) [8]

9.  Cleveland Browns (10-5) [9]

10. New Orleans Saints (7-8) [10]

11. Los Angeles Rams (8-7) [16]

12. Atlanta Falcons (7-8) [NR]

13. Minnesota Vikings (7-8) [13]

14. Indianapolis Colts (8-7) [11]

15. Houston Texans (8-7) [12]

16. Green bay Packers (7-8) [NR]

Divisional Rankings [Last week's rank]

1.  AFC North [1]

2.  NFC North [2]

3.  AFC East [3]

4.  NFC West [5]

5.  NFC South [8] : Great week for both the Bucs and Falcons

6.  AFC West [6]

7.  NFC East [7]

8.  AFC South [3]

Thursday night

New York Jets at Cleveland Browns : Joe Flacco has breathed new life into the browns, and they lead the wildcard race.  The Jets defense is potent, but the offense is still struggling.  Watch the Browns defense take advantage of that.  BROWNS, 20-13

Saturday night

Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys : The Cowboys road woes continued last week, but they are a different team at home this season.  The Lions are playing well, but they cannot keep up with a fully functioning Cowboys offense.  COWBOYS, 34-24

Sunday early games

Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles : The Eagles clinch the NFC East with a win, and they will get that.  While the Eagles have played close games nost of the season, they will dominate the Cardinals here.  EAGLES, 24-13

Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Beats : The Bears are improving, but the Falcons are soaring right now.  Taylor Heineke had a good game, but he is not consistent.  What is promising is the Falcons defense, who drove Colts QB Gardner Minshew.  Justin Fields is getting better, but he can still be flustered, and that's what the Falcons defense will do.  FALCONS, 24-20

Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars : The Jags have fallen recently, but the Panthers are struggling.  The Jags defense will hold them off, allowing the Jags offense time to work out their kinks and find some magic again.  JAGS, 23-16

Las Vegas Raiders at Indianapolis Colts : The Raiders defense frustrated Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense, so Gardner Minshew won't be a problem.  RAIDERS, 24-20

Los Angeles Rams at New York Giants : Giants QB Tyrod Taylor looked good last week, but he is inconsistent.  That's why he fell from second string to third string in the first place.  The Rams will attack the thin Ginats O line and keep Taylor on the run. RAMS,. 20-13

Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens : The Ravens just ripped apart the 49ers.  They are clear favorites.  RAVENS, 30-23

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills : Knowing what the Dolphins have to face, the Bills will be motivated to win this divisional game.  BILLS, 27-17

New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Bucs : The Bus are on the rise!  Baker Mayfiled wants that $1 million incentive if the Bucs make the playoffs.  The Saints have been good, but the Bucs are drivent.  BUCS, 24-17

San Francisco 49ers at Washington Commanders : The 49ers want a big win to wipe out the embarrassment of Monday night.  They get their chance.  49ERS, 34-13

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans : The Titans can be dangerous, but it looks like CJ Stroud will be back, and makes the Texans too unpredictable for the Titans defense.  TEXANS, 20-17

Sunday late games

Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs : The Bengals have recently had the Chiefs' number, but a backup QB and an injured WR corps makes it more unlikely that they can prevail in this one.  The defense will keep it close, as the Chiefs are still misfiring with their slate of unfamiliar offensive players.  CHIEFS, 27-23

Los Angeles Charger at Denver Broncos : Russell Wilson has had flashes of his former brilliance, and may be all the Broncos need against a battered and struggling Chargers defense.  BRONCOS, 20-16

Pittsburgh Steelers at Seattle Seahawks : Pittsburgh played inspired ball last week, but they are a different team against non-conference opponents.  Worse, they travel to Seattle, a tough place for visiting teams.  SEAHAWKS, 24-16

Sunday night

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings : The Vikings are the team suffering from injuries at this point in the season.  That gives the Pack the advantage.  This game determines the second-place team in the NFC North, and sets up a likely playoff spot.  Despite the Vikings performance this season, I like what the Pack is doing right now.  PACK, 20-17

NCAA 2023/2024 Bowl games, part II

 At this point, I'm 50% on my bowl picks.  Conference USA is looking good, Sun Belt is looking bad, and it's too early for everyone else.

Wednesday Dec 27

Military Bowl : Virginia Tech Hokies v Tulane Green Wave -- Tulane failed to win their conference championship game, but they are a tough competitor.  Virginia Tech just wasn't up to their usual standards this season.  TULANE by 27

Mayo/Queen City Bowl : North Carolina Tar Heels v West Virginia Mountaineers -- West Virginia held their own in the tough Big XII, but North Carolina was a powerhouse for most of the season.  They faded late, and their QB will not be playing, as he joined the transfer portal.  However, injuries allowed the backup chances to play, so I think the Tar Heels will prevail here, although it won't be easy.  NORTH CAROLINA by six

Holiday Bowl : #19 Louisville Cardinals v USC Trojans -- The ACC has been spotlighted this day, and the final day features the conference runner-up.  USC might be favored if Caleb Williams played, but he is sitting it out to prevent injury and improve his draft prospects.  That gives the Cardinals the edge.  LOUISVILLE by 13

Texas Bowl : Texas A&M Aggies v #Oklahoma State Cowboys -- Several Aggies are out for this game, making life pretty easy for the Cowboys.  OKLAHOMA STATE by lots

Thursday Dec 28

Fenway Bowl : #11 SMU Mustangs v Boston College Eagles -- SMU rolled in the American Athletic Championship Game.  This is an easy pick.  SMU by 23

Pinstripe Bowl : Rutgers Scarlet Knights v Miami Hurricanes -- Rutgers is a decent team, but Miami's defense loves to cause turnovers, and the Knights are vulnerable to that.  MIAMI by 16

Cheez-It/Camping World Bowl : NC State Wolf Pack v #21 Kansas State Wildcats -- NC State can be a tough competitor, but let's face it -- K State did some impressive things in a tough conference.  KANSAS STATE by 12

Alamo Bowl : #17 Arizona Wildcats v #10 Oklahoma Sooners -- The Wildcats ended the season strongly, but the Sooners are just a more complete team.  OKLAHOMA by 21

Friday Dec 29

Gator Bowl : Clemson Tigers v Kentucky Wildcats -- This young Clemson squad improved faster than anyone expected, and I think they will end this Cinderella season with a bowl win.  CLEMSON by ten

Sun Bowl : #20 Oregon State Beavers v #13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish -- Oregon State plays well against Pac-12 opponents, but not so well against others.  The Irish are just dangerous.  NOTRE DAME by 16

Liberty Bowl : #25 Memphis Tigers v Iowa State Cyclones -- It would be fun to have the Liberty Flames in the Liberty Bowl, but that is not to be.  These two make a great match-up, though.  The Cyclones have a tough defense that makes yardage a challenge for opponents.  Memphis has a good defense, too, but they like to establish a lead and let that defense hold it.  Both teams look for advantages in field position, so this will be an interesting chess match.  MEMPHIS by four

Cotton Bowl : #12 Missouri Tigers at #5 Ohio State Buckeyes -- When I originally picked this game, the Buckeyes were the obvious favorite.  Now with QB McCord in the transfer portal, their offense looks a little weaker.  Still, their defense will make ti too difficult for Missouri, but it'll be a closer game now.  OHIO STATE by 11

Sat Dec 30

Peach Bowl : #16 Ole Miss Rebels v #9 Penn State Nittany Lions -- The Rebs are good, but Penn State is just too crushing.  PENN STATE by 26

Music City Bowl : Auburn Tigers v Maryland Terrapins -- Auburn has a decent defense, but it is not as strong as in years past.  Maryland's offense will get past it.  MARYLAND by 16

Orange Bowl : #4 Georgia Bulldgos v #3 Florida State Seminoles -- Florida State is threatening to leave the ACC because they blame a perceived weak reputation of the conference (and don't let Clemson hear you claim that!) as to why they were left out of the College Football Playoffs.  News flash -- they were left out because they are missing too many starters.  Their defense allowed them to win the ACC Championship Game, but that defense can't slow Georgia.  GEORGIA by lots

Arizona Bowl : Toledo Rockets v Wyoming Cowboys -- Toledo may have lost the MAC Championship, but they are the best team in the conference, and this game will prove that.  TOLEDO by 13

Monday Jan 1

Outback/Hall of Fame Bowl : Wisconsin Badgers v #14 LSU Tigers -- No contest here.  LSU by 26

Fiesta Bowl : #18 Liberty Flames v #7 Oregon Ducks -- The Flames would like to conclude the season unbeaten, but the Ducks offense is just too strong.  OREGON by 24

Citrus Bowl : Iowa Hawkeyes v #22 Tennessee Volunteers -- Tennessee has the better offense, but the Iowa defense is incredibly tough.  I don't think the Vols have experienced anything like it.  IOWA by six

Rose Bowl : #8 Alabama Crimson Tide v #1 Michigan Wolverines : While I would love a Big Ten team to reach the National Championship, Michigan has a traditionally atrocious bowl record; it goes back to the days of Bo.  They will take an early lead, but the Tide will come back and Michigan starts making mistakes.  ALABAMA by three

Sugar Bowl : #6 Texas Longhorns v #2 Washington Huskies -- The Huskies will overpower the Longhorns.  WASHINGTON by 18

Championship picks:  If Alabama wins the Rose Bowl, the Sugar Bowl winner will triumph.  If Michigan wins the Rose Bowl, they can beat Texas, but will fall to Washington.  So, basically, I am favoring Washington (regardless of opponent), Michigan over Texas, and Texas over Alabama.

NFL 2023 Week 15 results and Week 16 picks

 The battle for playoff position has really played havoc with some teams.

Power Rankings [Last week's ranks]

1.  SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (11-3) [1]

2.  Baltimore Ravens (11-3) [3]

3.  Miami Dolphins (10-4) [4]

4.  Dallas Cowboys (10-4) [2]

5.  Buffalo Bills (8-6) [5]

6.  Kansas City Chiefs (9-5) [6]

7.  Detroit Lions (10-4) [8]

8.  Philadelphia Eagles (10-4) [7]

9.  Cleveland Browns (9-5) [9]

10. New Orleans Saints (7-7) [13]

11. Indianapolis Colts (8-6) [14]

12. Houston Texans (8-6) [12]

13. Minnesota Vikings (7-7) [11]

14. Tampa Bay Bucs (7-7) [18]

15. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6) [10]

16. Los Angeles Rams (7-7) [16]

Divisional Rankings [Last week's rank]

1.  AFC North [1]

2.  NFC North [2]

3 (tie). AFC South [3]

3 (tie). AFC East [4]

5.  NFC West [5]

6.  AFC West [5]

7.  NFC East [7]

8.  NFC South [8]

Thursday night

New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams : The Saints have been sailing since Derek Carr returned.  When they Chris Olave back they will be even more potent.  The Rams may have better talent on paper, but they haven't been consistent in producing that on the field.  I favor the Saints here, although the Rams certainly could win.  SAINTS, 17-14

Saturday games

 Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers : I thought the Bengals would be in trouble when Joe Burrow went down, but they have found life.  On the other hand, the Steelers can't seem to put any power under center, as none of their QBs have consistently performed.  BENGALS, 17-10

Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers : Buffalo seems to have found their footing again.  When it is clicking, that offense is tough to stop.  The Chargers defense may not be up to the task based upon what we have seen the past couple of weeks from Buffalo.  BILLS, 27-14

Sunday early games

I'm picking lots of visiting teams, which always makes me nervous.

Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans : It doesn't look like CJ Stroud will be playing.  If he was, I'd say this game was a toss-up.  Without him, the Browns defense will crush Houston.  BROWNS, 20-10

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings : Detroit is playing very well.  Winning this game will clinch the division for them, and keep them in contention for the top seed in the NFC.  LIONS, 27-17

Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers : Carolina may have won last week, but they are still the worst team in the league.  PACK, 24-13

Indianapolis Colts at Atlanta Falcons : The Colts aren't pretty or dominant, but they get the job done.  The Falcons have been making too many mistakes.  COLTS, 24-17

Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans : Either of these team can win this game.  The Seahawks have a bit of momentum coming into this game, and that might make the difference for them.  SEAHAWKS, 23-20

Washington Commanders at New York Jets : The Jets defense will squash the Commanders.  JETS, 13-10

Sunday late games

Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears : They won't need a last-minute Hail Mary to win this game, as the Cardinals offense has evaporated in the desert.  BEARS, 23-13

Dallas Cowboys at Miami Dolphins : The Boys have struggled on the road this season, so I don't have to pick another visiting team this time.  This will be an offensive showdown, as these are two of the hottest offenses in the league.  DOLPHINS, 34-27

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tampa Bay Bucs : The Jags find themselves in a losing streak, while the Bucs seem to have found some ground.  Obviously I am looking to pick home teams, but I think the Jags will get themselves together for this game.  The turning point will be a turnover, as the Bucs play a bit too dangerously.  JAGUARS, 23-17

Sunday night

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos : Denver is gaining strength while the Patriots continue to flounder.  BRONCOS, 14-10

Christmas Day

Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs : The Chiefs offense is still finding balance with their new players, but that should be good enough against the bumbling Raiders.  CHIEFS, 27-16

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles : If Miami beats Dallas, the Eagles will already know that they clinch the division with a win.  With the Giants struggling, that wasn't really much of a question anyway, despite the three-game losing streak they have coming into this game.  EAGLES, 24-13

Baltimore Ravens at San Francisco 49ers : This might be a preview of the Super Bowl.  Both teams have strong defenses and good offenses.  The Ravens defense stops teams, but the 49ers also cause chaos and turnovers.  The 49ers running game may also give them a slight edge.  49ERS, 34-30

 

NFL 2023 Week 14 results and Week 15 picks

 We had some interesting results as teams view for playoff spots.  

Power Rankings [Last week's rank]

1.  SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (10-3) [1]

2.  Dallas Cowboys (10-3) [3]

3.  Baltimore Ravens (10-3) [2]

4.  Miami Dolphins (9-4) [4]

5.  Buffalo Bills (7-6) [8]

6.  Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) [6]

7.  Philadelphia Eagles (10-3) [5]

8.  Detroit Lions (9-4) [7]

9.  Cleveland Browns (8-5) [12]

10. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5) [9]

11. Minnesota Vikings (7-6) [13]

12. Houston Texans (7-6) [10]

13. New Orleans Saints (6-7) [17]

14. Indianapolis Colts (7-6) [11]

15. Green Bay Packers (6-7) [14]

16. Los Angeles Rams (6-7) [15]

Divisional Rankings [Last week's rank]

1.  AFC North [1]

2.  NFC North [3]

3.  AFC South [2]

4.  AFC East [6]

5 (tie). AFC West [4]

5 (tie). NFC West [5]

7.  NFC East [7]

8.  NFC South [8]

Thursday night

Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders : The Raiders should score some points this week, but given the stiff Chargers defense, it won't be many.  CHARGERS, 10-6

Saturday games

Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals : Both teams are doing well despite the loss of their first string QB.  Defense has held each team together, but the Vikings offense can crew if given a chance to catch fire.  I don't know if the Bengals will give then that chance, but at least the chance of a spark is greater with Minnesota.  VIKINGS, 13-10

Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts : The Colsts are a bit inconsistent, but the Steelers offense is non-existent.  COLTS, 20-10

Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions : Denver can be dangerous, but the Lions are a hot team this year.  They stumbled a bit last week, and that will only further motivate them.  LIONS, 24-13

Sunday early games

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers : No question, the Panthers are the worst team in the league.  FALCONS, 24-10

Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns : The Bears are improving, but I don't think Justin Fields and the Bears offense are ready to face the sturdy Browns defense.  BROWNS, 20-13

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans : CJ Stroud and the Texans are strong enough to beat the Titans, but they sometimes falter, and few teams are better at exploiting other teams' mistakes than the Titans.  This game could go either way.  TEXANS, 20-17

Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots : The Patriots are a shadow of their former self.  The Chiefs offense still makes some costly mistakes, but against this opponent that won't hurt them much.  CHIEFS, 27-13

New York Giants at New Orleans Saints : Tommy Devito is starting to grow into the QB role (do I smell a QB controversy brewing?), but it won't quite be enough to overcome the Saints.  SAINTS, 21-16

New York Jets at Miami Dolphins : These games are often close, but I don't see that happening this year.  DOLPHINS, 27-16

Tampa Bay Bucs at Green Bay Packers : Jordan Love had a very poor day last week, and I don't think he'll let himself have two in a row.  If he doesn't throw an interception, the Pack should win.  If they give the Bucs a chance with a turnover or two, though, this game could go the other way.  PACK, 27-23

Sunday late games

Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo Bills : This will likely be an offensive showcase, and that gives the Cowboys the advantage.  COWBOYS, 34-24

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals : No contest.  49ERS, 37-16

Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Rams : The Rams offense is a bit inconsistent, but their defense keeps them alive.  RAMS, 20-17

Sunday night

Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars : The Jags winning streak is over, and the overseas magic seems to have evaporated.  The loss of Trevor Lawrence has put them behind the ball, too.  RAVENS, 31-23

Monday Night Football

Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks : The Eagles should get back on the winning track.  The Seahawks can be tough at home, but the Eagles just have too many weapons for them to keep up.  EAGLES, 24-20

NCAA 2023 Bowl games, part 1

 We have 41 games to discuss.  I'll pick 20 games in this column and finish up next week.  We have some interesting match-ups this season, but I object to Minnesota, with a record of 5-7, making a bowl game.  The requirement for reaching a bowl game is six wins.  When you start messing with that rule, you pen the door to lots of complaints and persistent whining from teams who feel they deserve the exception.  They should have picked another team.

As a special treat this year, I will be including the original name for some long-standing bowl games.  Enjoy the nostalgia!

Sat Dec 16

Myrtle Beach Bowl : Georgia Southern Ealges v Ohio Bobcats -- The Bobcats competed for a division title for much of the season.  They didn't make it, but that doesn't reduce the strength of their team.  While the Sun Belt often does well in bowls, they have too many teams playing this season.  OHIO by eight

New Orleans Bowl : Jacksonville State Gamecocks v Louisiana Ragin Cajuns -- This is practically a home game for the Cajuns, but I'm not sure that will help.  Louisiana has struggled much of the season,  The Gamecocks played well, but they did have a weaker slate of opponents.  Still, I'm going for beginner's luck to the bowl game newcomer, who often did well in FCS playoff games.  JACKSONVILLE STATE by ten

Cure Bowl : #24 Miami Ohio Redhawks v Appalachian State Mountaineers -- We have our first ranked team, as the MAC Champion is relegated to such an early bowl game.  That lack of respect will motivate them.  They'll need that motivation, as the Mountaineers have a great bowl record.  MIAMI OHIO by nine

New Mexico Bowl : New Mexico State Aggies v Fresno State Bulldogs -- The Aggies have practically a home game, but they face a team who is a fierce road opponent.  This game is really a toss-up.  Fresno State might underestimate the Aggies, who are normally a basement team yet had a great year this season.  If so, the Aggies win, but it will still be close.  NEW MEXICO STATE by three

Los Angeles Bowl : UCLA Bruins v Boise State Broncos -- This is a home game for the Bruins, but they were very disappointing this season, and I don't think they have ironed out their difficulties.  BOISE STATE by 12

Independence Bowl : Cal Golden Bears v Texas Tech Red Raiders -- The Pac-12 was touted as the best conference, but Cal wasn't in that classification.  They pulled off a couple of surprises against Pac-12 teams that they knew well, but the Raiders, well-prepped by the stiff Big XII competition, will overwhelm them.  TEXAS TECH by 15

Monday Dec 18

Bahamas Bowl : Western Kentucky Hilltoppers v Old Dominion Monarchs -- The Bahamas Bowl is in North Carolina, not the Bahamas, as the stadium in the Bahamas is under repairs.  I think the two teams would have enjoyed playing in the Bahamas.  As it is, playing stateside may give the Monarchs the advantage, as they won't be distracted by the island festivities.  OLD DOMINION by nine

Tues Dec 19

Frisco Bowl : UTSA Roadrunners v Marshall Thundering Herd -- Marshall has a good bowl record, but their play was a bit inconsistent this year.  They ended strongly, so they are hoping that momentum will help them, but the Roadrunners are a strong team.  UTSA by 13

Thurs Dec 21

Boca Raton Bowl : South Florida Bulls v Syracuse Orange -- Strangely, Florida teams have not done will in this bowl.  Furthermore, Syracuse battled teams strongly early in the season, before injuries hurt them against tough ACC opponents.  The players have time to heal, so a healthy Syracuse team will demolish South Florida.  SYRACUSE by lots

Friday Dec 22

Gasparilla/St Petersburg Bowl : Georgia TEch Yellow Jackets v UCF Golden Knights -- Georgia Tech does not play well in Florida, and they also struggle against tough defenses, like that played by UCF.  UCF by eleven 

Sat Dec 23

Birmingham Bowl : #23 Troy Trojans v Duke Blue Devils -- Duke could not live up to early season success, and once they started their slide they couldn't reverse it.  Troy kept their hype quiet, and let their play on the field speak for them.  This is a really good team.  TROY by 23

Camellia Bowl : Arkansas State Red Wolves v Northern Illinois Huskies -- Northern Illinois started the season slowly, but they finished well.  That should carry them into this bowl game.  NORTHERN ILLINOIS by eight

Armed Forces Bowl : #19 James Madison Dukes v Air Force Falcons -- No contest.  JAMES MADISON by lots

Idaho Potato/Humanitarian Bowl : Georgia State Panthers v Utah State Aggies -- The Aggies are used to playing in this environment.  The stadium is at a higher altitude, and that affects passing.  UTAH STATE by ten

Mobile Bowl : South Alabama Jaguars v Eastern Michigan Eagles -- This IS a home game for Jaguars.  SOUTH ALABAMA by nine

Las Vegas Bowl : Utah Utes v Northwestern Wildcats -- Northwestern finished the season strongly in order to make bowl eligibility, but Utah played much better against tough competition.  UTAH by 18

Hawaii Bowl : Coastal Carolina Chanticleers v San Jose State Spartans -- For most teams, the attraction of this game is Hawaii, and they spend more time at the beach than practicing.  San Jose is used to beaches, so they might actually take this game seriously.  SAN JOSE STATE by 12

Tues Dec 26

Quick Lane Bowl : Bowling Green Falcons v Minnesota Golden Gophers -- I didn't think Minnesota should be playing in a bowl game, but this matchup is actually very favorable for them.  While I don't like the idea of 5-7 team playing, I think they will win.  MINNESOTA by six

First Responder Bowl : Texas State Bobcats v Rice Owls -- Texas State had some great results, but Rice faced much tougher competition.  They are better prepared for this game.  RICE by eleven

Cactus/Copper Bowl : Kansas Jayhawks v UNLV Running Rebels -- Wow, this is really the first game that is a toos-up.  Both teams are strong teams.  Perhaps the biggest incentive was UNLV's massive loss in the Mountain West Championship.  They want to reverse that, sot hey will fight harder.  UNLV by four

NFL 2023 Week 13 results and Week 14 picks

 We have a new team atop the power ratings!  Well, not TOTALLY new -- they were on top earlier in the season, but then fell out.  Welcome back, San Francisco!

Power Rankings [Last week's rank]

1.  SAN FRANCISCO 39ERS (9-3) [4]

2.  Baltimore Ravens (9-3) [1]

3.  Dallas Cowboys (9-3) [3]

4.  Miami Dolphins (9-3) [5]

5.  Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) [2]

6.  Kansas City Chiefs (8-4) [6] : Why did they stay at #5 after a loss?  Because there was a big gap between #6 and #7 last week.  It's not so big this week.

7.  Detroit Lions (9-3) [8]

8.  Buffalo Bills (6-6) [7]

9.  Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) [9]

10. Houston Texans (7-5) [11]

11. Indianapolis Colts (7-5) [12

12. Cleveland Browns (7-5) [10]

13. Minnesota Vikings (6-6) [13]

14. Green Bay Packers (6-6) [14]

15. Los Angeles Rams (6-6) [NR]

16. Los Angeles Chargers (5-7) [16]

Divisional Rankings [Last week's rank]

1.  AFC North [1]

2.  AFC South [2]

3.  NFC North [3]

4.  AFC West [5]

5.  NFC West [8]

6.  AFC East [6]

7.  NFC East [4]

8.  AFC South [6]

Thursday night

 New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers : Neither team has a consistently successful offense, so the team with better field position may have the advantage here.  That sounds like a turnover caused by the Steel Curtain.  STEELERS, 13-9

Sunday early games

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints : The Saints offense has fallen backwards, but it should still be good enough to get past the struggling Panthers.  SAINTS, 17-10

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears : Pretty easy win for the Lions.  LIONS, 27-16

Houston Texans at New York Jets : This will be a fierce defensive game, but watch for more CJ Stroud magic in the fourth quarter.  TEXANS, 17-10

Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals : The Bengals aren't floundering quite so badly without Joe Burrow, but the Colts still have better tools for QB Gardner Minshew.  COLTS, 23-20

Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns : The Browns have a stiff defense, but I think the Jaguars will be able to overcome that.  The question is whether Trevor Lawrence will be back.  If not, the Browns may win.  JAGUARS, 27-13

Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens : Do you suppose dropping from the top power position will motivate the Ravens?  RAVENS, 30-16

Tampa Bay Bucs at Atlanta Falcons : Both teams have been streaky this season, so it depends upon who gets hot for this game.  I think the Bucs are due.  BUCS, 17-13

Sunday late games

Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs : The Chiefs have the Bills number, and I think that will continue.  CHIEFS, 27-20

Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers : The Broncos offense has stumbled sometimes, and no team will take advantage of that more than the Chargers.  CHARGERS, 16-13

Minnesota Vikings at Las Vegas Raiders : Despite losing Kirk Cousins, the Vikings continue to shine.  VIKINGS, 24-16

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers : This seems like deja vu -- didn't we just have this matchup?  I don't think the result will be much different.  49ERS, 31-17

Sunday night

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys : This could be an interesting game.  The Cowboys offense is really rocking, but the Eagles have been finding ways to win all season long.  Don't count them out.  COWBOYS, 27-23

Monday Night Football

What's this?  Two games on Monday night simulaneously?  Yup.  Weird, so pick your favorite.

Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins : If you like offense, pick this game.  DOLPHINS, 34-23

Green Bay Packers at New York Giants : Like a ground game?  Try this one.  PACK, 17-13

NCAA 2023 Top 25 - end of regular season

 The Conference Championships wreaked some havoc on the rankings.

Top 25 [Last week's position]

1.  MICHIGAN WOLVERINES (13-0) [1]

2.  Washington Huskies (13-0) [3]

3.  Florida State Seminoles (13-0) [6] - Despite losing their starting QB, the Seminoles still deliver

4.  Georgia Bulldogs (12-1) [2]

5.  Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1) [5]

6.  Texas Longhorns (12-1) [7]

7.  Oregon Ducks (11-2) [4]

8.  Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) [10]

9.  Penn State Nittany Lions (10-2) [8]

10. Oklahoma Sooners (10-2) [9]

11. SMU Mustangs (11-2) [12]

12. Missouri Tigers (10-2) [11]

13. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-3) [13]

14. LSU Tigers (9-3) [14]

15. Liberty Flames (13-0) [18]

16. Ole Miss Rebels (10-2) [16]

17. Arizona Wildcats (9-3) [17]

18. James Madison Dukes (11-1) [19]

19. Louisville Cardinals (10-3) [15]

20. Oregon State Beavers (8-4) [20]

21. Kansas State Wildcats (8-4) [21]

22. Tennessee Volunteers (8-4) [24]

23. Troy Trojans (11-2) [NR]

24. Miami Ohio Redhawks (11-2) [NR]

25. Memphis Tigers (9-3) [26]

Dropped off: Toledo Rockets [#22]. Tulane Green Wave [#23], Iowa Hawkeyes [#25]