FAVORITE TEAMS

BYE WEEK: CHIEFS, RAMS, DOLPHINS, EAGLES

Last weekend was something. I mean, we had three of the best matchups of the weekend that worked out, but there were about five other games with thriller finishes or opportunities, including the Texans/Bucs and Vikings/Falcons. That was by far the best games of the weekend. You can’t blame Baker Mayfield nor Taylor Heinicke for doing about as well as they did to keep the team alive. However, credits go to CJ Stroud, Dare Ogunbowale, the Texans staff for preparing him as the emergency kicker after kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn went down, and Josh Dobbs. Josh Dobbs! The journeyman who arrived at Minnesota after the trade and only had days to learn before being thrown into the game after former starter Jaren Hall went down. Can Dobbs be in the MVP conversation if we’re talking about Most “Valuable” Player? Because he looks like one to any NFL team he plays for. Anyway, we’re expecting about the same this weekend…with probably another new quarterback. For the love of the football gods, can we go a week with every healthy starting quarterback???

Another week with an ugly matchup? This one’s expected, but it could be a little more interesting if we imagine what this game would be like. Packers and Steelers are still the brand of the NFL involving plenty of names. Unfortunately, it may involve more of the past or what if they still had Aaron Rodgers or brought back Ben Roethlisberger? But you have names like Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, Jordan Love (still gotta give him some “love”), Kenny Pickett, Najee Harris, Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and of course Jaire Alexander, Rashan Gary, TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and Alex Highsmith. So, where are we left with the result of this matchup? It’s an offensive struggle, but there are plenty of playmaking opportunities (opportunities, not guarantees). Whoever makes enough of them will win the game. The Steelers get the nod because they’ll make enough, and their receivers are way more trustworthy in game clutch moments than Green Bay. Also, Green Bay’s bad against the run, which make matters worse.

MY PICK: STEELERS

There’s something odd about this matchup. One team won three of the last five games while the other lost three of the last five. Most think Denver’s the victim of those losses, but it’s actually Buffalo. Albeit Buffalo lost all three away from home while Denver won their last two at home. I feel that people may look towards Denver just a bit because Russell Wilson’s playing well and their defense finally found their footing in the last three games after struggling in their previous four-game stretch. Let’s not think that way because I mentioned Buffalo lost away from home while staying undefeated at home. They still have Josh Allen and his weapons. Outside of staying healthy, Buffalo’s defense is still a good group led by Von Miller. If they contain Russell Wilson and the run game, it’s smooth sailing from there. While Denver’s playing well, Buffalo gives them a rude awakening with Von playing against his old team. Points will likely be scored, but Denver won’t keep up against Buffalo.

MY PICK: BILLS

We finally get a Deshaun Watson vs. Lamar Jackson matchup! Or do we??? Is Watson good? No more injury issues? No off-the-field issues? No medical absences? No no-shows??? Ahh! He’ll be starting! Let’s go! We’ve waited for this matchup since 2020. Maybe that’s what led to Lamar’s injuries in the last two seasons since. With no Watson, why even have a Jackson!? Well now we do. Both teams matched up a few weeks ago, but the Browns were demolished without Watson. Lamar played well though, scoring four touchdowns (2 rush, 2 pass). In this quarterback battle, we should see plenty of points on the board. Could it be high scoring? Likely possible. Unfortunately, the Browns likely come up short because they’re down some receivers with only Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, and David Njoku to account for. The Ravens secondary likely cover their bases and keep things in front to test Watson a bit.

MY PICK: RAVENS

There’s something about playing Texas teams this season that either makes the team better or worse. The 49ers lost three straight since defeating the Cowboys while the Jaguars won five straight since losing to the Texans. Yeah, good for Houston, but not good for me or the people wearing red and gold. However, the bye week may have helped San Fran a lot. Trading for Chase Young may help the D-line that struggled for three weeks while Bosa wasn’t consistent since returning to the roster. If the Ohio State boys do well together like they did back in college, opposing offenses must beware. The Jaguars found the formula to consistency and success. Not only that, Trevor Lawrence and Calvin Ridley are humming together. Defense is athletic and a major problem in the trenches. Outside linebackers Josh Allen (8 sacks) and Travon Walker are the reason why they’re formidable. If they keep things running, watch out for Duval County in the postseason. However, Jacksonville came out of the bye week into what could be their toughest schedule down the stretch. Their first game out is against these Niners with a hopefully upgraded defensive line. If anyone has read my post, I’m on the Niners no matter what as a long-time fan. If Trent Williams is not ready to go by Sunday, we have a big problem…

MY PICK: 49ERS

This should be a very interesting matchup of the weekend. Jared Goff vs. Justin Herbert? Two west coast boys??? Why the heck not??? Hopefully coach MCDC Dan Campbell is saying “six” because this team’s won six games and ascending towards the playoff realm. They’re physical in the trenches and their backs will punish them. Jared Goff’s blessed with them, and the line makes him and the receivers as dangerous. Defense improved in all aspects of football, but Aidan Hutchinson’s the catalyst and has an unlimited motor that Ford may have designed after he was born. The Chargers could use some of that. Their defense played better in the past two weeks thanks to Joey Bosa, Eric Kendricks, Khalil Mack, and Derwin James. They must continue that consistency if they want to survive the division for a second straight playoff appearance. The offense can’t be blamed for the ugly Monday night game (despite Herbert costing me a fantasy football loss. Or was it Ekeler? For sure, it’s Keenan Allen, but Herbert kept throwing to him!). They played the Jets’ defense and it’s like stepping into a slaughterhouse. Now, they face a tad weaker but same motor Detroit Lions. Herbert should bounce back, but can someone outside of Allen step up as the second pass catcher? It could be Ekeler, but he needs a legitimate receiver number two if the offense has a shot against Hutchinson and this Motor City defense. Unfortunately, that’s their ultimate downfall without enough weapons at wideout.

MY PICK: LIONS

OTHER GAMES

PANTHERS AT BEARS (THE DJ MOORE BOWL) [THURSDAY NIGHT]

COLTS VS. PATRIOTS [GERMANY]

SAINTS AT VIKINGS

TEXANS AT BENGALS

TITANS AT BUCCANEERS

FALCONS AT CARDINALS

GIANTS AT COWBOYS

COMMANDERS AT SEAHAWKS

JETS AT RAIDERS [SUNDAY NIGHT]

TOP 5 WEEK 9 RESULTS: 1-2

WEEK 9 TOTAL – 26-17

OVERALL WEEK 9 RESULTS: 9-5

TOTAL RESULTS – 103-43