We start out this week with the Raiders at the Rams in what looked like a good game in the preseason. Both teams went deep into the playoffs last year. Who knew they'd both go deep into the sewers this year? The three-win Rams will be using someone at QB. Maybe Baker Mayfield? Everyone else seems dinged a bit. The Raiders, well, they've got their own issues. I guess I'd pick the Raiders to win. Somehow.
The Jets and the Bills play a game in December that actually means something. This is normal for the Bills, but a novel experience for the Jets. Typically in December, the Jets are making their vacation plans for the offseason. To find themselves playing a game in December that matters is quite a unique experience for them. Mike White seems to be their QB going forward, which is a bold move. The Bills are better, so I'll take the Bills, but it could be a pretty good game.
Cleveland goes to Cincy to take on the Bengals. The good news is that the Browns got Deshaun Watson back playing. The bad news is he played like he did in 2020 in Houston when the Texans were 4-12. The Bengals have shaken off the early season doldrums and are playing pretty well now. The Bengals should get the win.
Houston goes to Dallas to hold onto their first overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Barring a miracle, there's no way Houston wins this game. Dallas wins big.
Minnesota goes to Detroit. If the Vikings win or tie they lock up the NFC North. I expect the Lions to make it a game, but I think the Vikings will get the win.
The Eagles get on the buses and head to North Jersey to take on the Giants. The Giants fans/players are still a mite bit testy about the Eagles beating them up all of the time and then stealing Devonte Smith from them in 2020. I have a suspicion they'll be even testier after this game. I'll take the Eagles for the win. The Giants started out hot but in their last five games they're 1-3-1. They've lost to the Seahawks, Lions, and Cowboys. They eked out a win over Houston, who's trying to lose, and tied Washington, where neither team seemed all that interested in winning. I'll take the Eagles.
Baltimore limps into Pittsburgh. This game is always a bit intense and with Lamar Jackson out, and the Steelers kids playing better, it's pretty much a coin-toss game to me. I guess I'll take the Ravens.
Jacksonville heads to Tennessee. The Titans still have a three-game lead despite losing two straight. Their offense is built on running the ball and they've been pretty ineffective at doing that in recent weeks. They fired their GM which adds uncertainty to the mix for all involved. The players and coaches there are there because of the old GM. Once a team owner gets in the firing mood, no one is safe. With the GM gone, so is whatever job security they all felt. I'm going with the Jags for the win this week.
KC heads to Denver to show the Broncos how far they have to climb to be competitive again. (It's a big climb.) The Broncos are averaging 13.9 points per game. Yeah. That's great if you're a baseball team but not good in football. The Chiefs are averaging 29.2 points per game. I'll take the Chiefs in a romp.
Carolina and whoever they can find to play QB head to Seattle. Seattle should win pretty easily. Carolina's a mess.
Tampa heads to San Francisco in what should be a pretty good game. You can't expect much from the Niners' offense without Jimmy G or Trey Lance, but their defense should keep them in the game. Brady will probably find a way to pull out the win though. I'll take the Bucs.
The Dolphins take on the Chargers on Sunday night. Both teams need the win to stay in the hunt. Only one will get it. I'll give a slight edge to the Dolphins.
And we end the week with the Patriots at the Cards. I'll take the Patriots in this one. The Cards are a mess.
Fly!!! Eagles!!! Fly!!!
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