Picks of the Week

Welcome to the total crapshoot that is Week 17 of the NFL.  We really don't know who will be playing, how much they will be playing, or how hard they will be playing.  Basically, all we know is that in most cases, what we saw all season has no relevance to today.  Horrible for gambling, and I don't even want to make picks today, but I will, for my faithful readers.  I will be making my picks, but likely just commenting on the games in which both teams have something to play for, as those are the teams that are most likely to play they way they have all season, without resting starters, trying to see what they have in rookies, and we could generally and rationally try to handicap.  So, here we go.

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Chicago Bears -3 at Minnesota Vikings
Most of Minnesota's ailing players will not playing having clinched a wild card, and virtually locked into the 6 seed.  Given their spate of injuries of late, they should be resting everybody.

New York Jets +1 at Buffalo Bills

New Orleans Saints -14 at Carolina Panthers
I hate doing this, but New Orleans really has something to play for.

Cleveland Browns -3 at Cincinnati Bengals
Nick Chubb clinches rushing title.

Green Bay Packers -12 1/2 at Detroit Lions
See Saints, New Orleans.

Kansas City Chiefs -10 v. Los Angeles Chargers
Well, I already picked two other double digit favorites. At least this one is at home.

Miami Dolphins +16 at New England Patriots
I have said it before, and I will say it again, this team is playing hard for Brian Flores.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers pick 'em v. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta relaxes after learning their coach will return next season.

Baltimore Ravens +1 v. Pittsburgh Steelers
We, as viewers, do not need Pittsburgh in the playorrs.

Dallas Cowboys -12 v. Washington Racists
The most Dallas Cowboys thing ever would be fore them to back into the playoffs, win a game or two and have Jerry Jones bring back Jason Garrett.  I feel like we should all want this.  (Cowboys fans excluded).

Tennessee Titans -7 at Houston Texans
Tennessee NEEDS this game whereas Houston doesn't.  No way the Texans use this game to knock the Titans out of the playoffs thus setting up the possibility of an inferior team making the playoffs and thus having less competition in the playoffs, right?

Indianapolis Colts -6 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Do we know if Marrone is staying or going?  Of course we do - he is GONE.

New York Giants +3 1/2 v. Philadelphia Eagles
Part of the plan to get the Cowboys to not fire Jason Garrett.

Denver Brocnos -3 1/2 v. Oakland Raiders
They lost to Jacksonville last week, and lost Josh Jacobs this week.

Arizona Cardinals +6 1/2 at Lost Angeles Rams
Why not?

San Francisco 49ers -3 at Seattle Seahawks
Toughest game on the board to pick.

Big Bet I
Chicago Bears -3 at Minnesota Vikings
Most of Minnesota's ailing players will not playing having clinched a wild card, and virtually locked into the 6 seed.  Given their spate of injuries of late, they should be resting everybody.

Bears beat Minnesota when Minnesota was healthy.

Big Bet II

Miami Dolphins +16 at New England Patriots
I have said it before, and I will say it again, this team is playing hard for Brian Flores.
And, hopefully New England's offense is still floundering.

Last Week's Record:  9-6-1
Last Week's Big Bet:  2-0
Year-to-Date Record:  116-122-3
Year-to-Date Big Bet:  12-6
Last Week's Winnings (Losses):  $660
Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses):  ($1,230)

Picks of the Week

Of course I get annihilated in week 15, after a phenomenal week 14.  This year has been ridiculous.  Oh well - gotta keep plugging along.

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3 v. Houston Texans
A short week, plus Houston is 28th in the NFL in passing defense, which doesn't bode well against the number 1 passing offense in the league.  And, Houston's offensive strength in running the ball - 7th in the NFL - but Tampa Bay's defense is 1st in rushing defense.

New England Patriots -6 v. Buffalo Bills
This line is begging for everyone to take the Bills, and in fact, they are, as the line has moved a full point since it opened at -7.  That is the only reason that I am taking the Patriots, because there offense is not good right now, and the Bills defense is great.  (3rd passing defense, 10th rushing defense, 2nd scoring defense and 3rd total defense).  Unfortunately, Buffalo's offense is practically horrid (22nd in total offense and scoring offense).

San Francisco 49ers -6 1/2 v. Los Angeles Rams
Like the above, this line is screaming for action on the Rams.  But, I will once again take the home team (third of three for Saturday's games), and run with it.  Plus, San Fran needs to seriously bounce back from that lost to Atlanta last week.

Atlanta Falcons -7 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ok, so maybe the Jaguars haven't given up as they beat the Raiders last week.  But that was the Raiders - and Derek Carr.  Atlanta has been playing well lately, having beat New Orleans and San Francisco in the past month.

Baltimore Ravens -9 1/2 at Cleveland Browns
It sure seems as if Cleveland is imploding, doesn't it?

Carolina Panthers +6 1/2 at Indianapolis Cotls
I just think that the Panthers will get a jolt from new starting quarterback Will Grier.  Can McCaffrey be any more dangerous than when the safeties have to actually protect against the deep ball, instead of cheating up to guard McCaffrey?

Miami Dolphins pick 'em v. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals seem to want the number 1 pick more than the Dolphins do.

New York Jets +3 v. Pittsburgh Steelers
I will take the points, any points, in this game, as we matchup the 30th and 31st ranked total offenses.  YAWN!

New Orleans Saints -2 1/2 at Tennessee Titans
The Saints are rolling, and although we never get the Titans enough credit, by rule I think they have to finish 8-8.

Washington Racists -1 v. New York Giants
Honestly, who cares?

Denver Broncos -7 v. Detroit Lions
A lot of teams would have lost to Kansas City in the snow last week.  Against mediocre and bad teams, Drew Lock has looked pretty good, and that should continue.

Los Angeles Chargers -7 v. Oakland Raiders
I know the transitive property does not apply to sports, but he Raiders just lost to the Jaguars at home, a team the Rams annihilated - in Jacksonville.

Dallas Cowboys -3 at Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas at its best looks better than Philadelphia at its best.  The question is ... will we get either of their bests?

Seattle Seahawks -9 1/2 v. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona has gotten better this year, and a good draft or two and they could be challenging for the playoffs.  But, that is in a good draft or two, not now.

Kansas City Chiefs -6 at Chicago Bears
DeShaun Watson v. Pat Mahomes would have been a great battle this week.

Green Bay Packers +5 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
No Dalvin Cook for one thing.  Green Bay has been continually underrated all season for another.  I'll take the points.

Big Bet I
Atlanta Falcons -7 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ok, so maybe the Jaguars haven't given up as they beat the Raiders last week.  But that was the Raiders - and Derek Carr.  Atlanta has been playing well lately, having beat New Orleans and San Francisco in the past month.

The Jaguars have given up.

Big Bet II

Green Bay Packers +5 1/2 at Minnesota Vikings
No Dalvin Cook for one thing.  Green Bay has been continually underrated all season for another.  I'll take the points.

Why not another big bet.  Let's save it for Monday night to make it even more interesting.

Last Week's Record:  5-10-1
Last Week's Big Bet:  0-2
Year-to-Date Record:  107-116-2
Year-to-Date Big Bet:  10-6
Last Week's Winnings (Losses):  ($930)
Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses):  ($1,890)

The Ole College Try

Small sample size, but some important points I wanted to make, so you get a column.

Game of the Week

Navy 31 - Army 7.  Actually, not a good game at all, but it was the only one on the menu!

Best Team Performance

Navy Midshipmen.  Despite giving up a touchdown to their most hated early in the first quarter, Navy thoroughly dominated Army to win 31-7.  Despite an allowing 78 yards to Army on its scoring drive, the Midshipmen held Army to a total of 148 yards, or just 70 more yards for the rest of the game.

Least Impressive Team Performance

Army Cadets.  The Cadets were bombarded by Navy and lost 31-7, and only gained a total of 148 yards.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Offense)

Malcolm Perry, QB - Navy Midshipmen.  Perry rushed for 304 yards (an Army-Navy game record) and scored 2 touchdowns all while literally quarterbacking the potent Navy rushing attack.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Defense)

Jacob Springer, LB - Navy Midshipmen.  Springer finished the game with 7 total tackles (4 solo), and even more importantly 1 sack.  The sack is important because Army only attempted to pass 8 times (6 pass attempts/2 sacks).

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Special Teams)

Bijan Nichols, K - Navy Midshipmen.  Nichols was successful in all 4 of his PATs, and was 1-2 in his field attempts (including the only successful field goal of the game).

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)

No goats this week, as the game played out exactly as people thought it would.

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)

No goats this week, as the game played out exactly as people thought it would.

Breakthrough Performance

Malcolm Perry, QB - Navy Midshipmen.  Who else?

Finally

Malcolm Perry, QB - Navy Midshipmen.  Again, who else?

Impact Injury

N/A

Team Rising

Navy Midshipmen.  The 23rd ranked Midshipmen will travel to Shreveport, Louisiana to play Kansas State in the Liberty Bowl.

Team Falling

Army Cadets.  Army finished the season 5-8.

Player(s) to Watch

Malcolm Perry, QB - Navy Midshipmen.  Who else?

My New Favorite Player

Malcolm Perry, QB - Navy Midshipmen.  Who else? Actually, it is because of this story, Perry was not even on the roster his first season, but when the Midshipmen were hit with some injuries his freshman year, Perry was asked to join the team for some depth.

Players of the Week

5.  Christian Anderson, RB - Army Cadets.  Anderson finished the game with 56 yards rushing and a touchdown, the Cadets' only score.

4.  Diego Fagot, LB - Navy Midshipmen.  Fagot finished the rivalry game with 8 tackles and 1 sack (again, on 8 dropbacks for Army).

3.  Jamale Carrothers, RB - Navy Midshipmen.  He rushed for 75 yards and 1 TD, while also catching a pass (for 1 yard) and another score.

2.  Jacob Springer, LB - Navy Midshipmen.  See above.

1.  Malcolm Perry, QB - Navy Midshipmen.  See above.

(No Longer) Predicted Playoffs/Championship Match Ups

LSU Tigers (1) v. Oklahoma Sooners (4)/ (2) Ohio State Buckeyes v. (3) Clemson Tigers

Remaining Unbeatens

Clemson, LSU, Ohio State

Remaining Winless Team

Akron - Only winless team on the year, as Akron has finished its season.

Rant(s) of the Week

For those of you spouting off about the investigations into the "white power OK hand signal" used in the stadium in the Army-Navy game, just know that your defense of the "circle game" is way off base.  First, in the circle game, the object is to make someone look at the circle as it is placed somewhere on your body below the waist.  If you could just do the OK sign anywhere, people would always look.  Second, more than one person would not be doing the circle game at the same exact time, and at the same exact time as the camera was being pointed at them (the object is one person trying to make others look at "the circle", not everyone doing "the circle".  Third, yes using the OK sign as a white supremacist symbol started as a troll on 4chan, but the trolling actually caught on with white supremacist groups, who now use it as their own.  So, 4chan trolled themselves, basically.  And, fourth, there is a well-documented history of white supremacy in the service academies.  Look it up, it isn't hard to find.  In fact, Army, the United States Military Academy, just dropped one of its long-standing mottoes - "God Forgives, Brothers Don't" - because it was created as a motto by white supremacist gangs.

Last Week's Trivia Answer

Last week's questions were:

1.  Ohio State's wide receiver K.J. Hill broke the school career reception record in the Big 10 Championship game.  Which Buckeye receiver's record did he break?

2.  LSU's Joe Burrow set the single season SEC record for most touchdown passes thrown.  Which SEC quarterback had the previous record?

The answers are:  David Boston, who had 191 career receptions; and Drew Lock, who threw for 44 touchdowns in 2017.

Match up(s) to Watch

Bowl games start this week, but I couldn't figure out if I wanted to write the matchups to watch for this week, or for the whole Bowl Season.  Lucky for you, I decided the whole Bowl Season.  Why?  Who knows - it's my column.

6,  USC Trojans v. Iowa Hawkeyes (San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl).  Both teams have played better than the recognition they received this year, plus the Holiday Bowl is usually zany. This game may kill that history.

5.  SMU Mustangs v. Florida Atlantic Owls (Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl).  This bowl game has changed its name from the Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl (Yes, Seriously), so it is picked just so I could type Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl.  It also features two relatively exciting teams whose type of play could lead to an exciting shootout - even without Lane Kiffin on the sidelines.  Plus, this might be the last time FAU is relevant with Willie Taggert taking over next year.

4.  Memphis Tigers v. Penn State Nittany Lions (Goodyear Cotton Bowl).  The battle of the Big Cats, as Memphis takes the Group of 5 spot in the New Year's Bowls. Memphis is great, and should have won their only loss - as a horrible call led to them losing - the subject of one of my earlier rants.  Too bad Mike Norvell is leaving for Florida State, as he was really building something in Memphis.

3.  Minnesota Golden Gophers v. Auburn Tigers (Outback Bowl).  I am interested in seeing a rugged Minnesota team play the speedier Auburn Tigers.

2.  Georgia Bulldogs v. Baylor Bears (AllState Sugar Bowl).  Baylor's only two losses came to the Oklahoma Sooners, one of those in overtime.  Georgia's two losses include a defeat at the hands of LSU.  Both LSU and Oklahoma play each other in the semifinals.  What does that have to do with this game?  Nothing.

1.  Clemson Tigers v Ohio State Buckeyes (PlayStation Fiesta Bowl).  The best game in the bowl season (except for the finals - unless Oklahoma defeats LSU).

Trivia Question of the Week

What is the all-time record for the Army-Navy game?

Picks of the Week

What a great week last week.  Perhaps after 13 weeks I finally learned something.  Of course, after bragging about it here, I am going to get demolished this week.

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

New York Jets +17 at Baltimore Ravens
That number just seemed big to me.  Moral of the story?  Home team on a short week.

Chicago Bears +4 1/2 at Green Bay Packers
These games always seem to be close, and should be more so now that Akiem Hicks is back for the Bears.

Carolina Panthers +6 v. Seattle Seahawks
i don't like this pick, but it is a west coast team travelling east and playing in the early matchup.  But, Russell Wilson has historically done phenomenal in these situations.  With a 6 point spread, Seattle can win, and Carolina still cover.

Cincinnati Bengals +10 v. New England Patriots
Cincinnati has been playing better with Andy Dalton back at the helm, and New England's offense has been going backward.  Patriots will likely still win, but by a touchdown.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -5 1/2 at Detroit Lions
Jameis - for better or for worse - has been slinging it, and he is playing for his job (and contract), whether in Tampa or otherwise.

Denver Broncos +10 at Kansas City Chiefs
I cannot pull the trigger on giving up double digits in this intradivisional rivalry, especially since Denver's offense looks entirely different with Drew Lock.  They aren't great, and Lock still has a long way to go, but at least it looks like I am watching an NFL team.

Miami Dolphins +3 at New York Giants
Do I need to say one more time how hard this team has been playing under Flores?  And, as the year end approaches, lots of Dolphins are playing for their jobs.  Plus, Fitzpatrick gets to pick on a team that just cut one of their cornerbacks because of a twitter feud.  Kudos to Eli for the way he handled himself while benched, but he just doesn't have the firepower - even with Saquon Barkley.

Tennessee Titans -3 v. Houston Texans
I just feel that this Tennessee team is better than (1) the sum of its parts; and (2) we all think.  If this game was at Houston, I would probably pick the Texans.

Philadelphia Eagles -6 at Washington Racists
The Eagles now know they have a legitimate chance to take over the division lead, as the Cowboys host the Rams and the Eagles play the Giants in week 17.  This win could make next week's game against the Cowboys less important.

Cleveland Browns -3 at Arizona Cardinals
Cleveland's offense has looked more dangerous since Kareem Hunt arrived, without lessening the impact running of Nick Chubb.  This is just too much for Arizona.

Oakland Raiders -6 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have given up.

Minnesota Vikings -2 1/2 at Los Angeles Chargers
Minnesota celebrates the return of Adam Thielen by defeating the Chargers.  But, I would be incredibly happy if the Chargers win this game outright.

Los Angeles Rams -1 1/2 at Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has not defeated a team over .500 this season.  The only reason they are still in the playoff hunt is because their division is weak, and because they also haven't lost to a team under .500 all year.

San Francisco 49ers -10 1/2 v. Atlanta Falcons
I really hope that we get the 49ers offense from last week.

Buffalo Bills +1 1/2 Pittsburgh Steelers
James Conner is back for Pittsburgh, but only will split carries with Jaylen Samuels and Bennie Snell.  This leaves me in a fantasy football dilemma, but not in a picks dilemma.  I will take any points Pittsburgh gives me.

New Orleans Saints -9 1/2 v. Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis gave this season as good run for 10 or 11 weeks, but just ran out of steam.  If the Saints play anywhere near the level they played last week, they win this in a walk.

Big Bet I
Oakland Raiders -6 1/2 v. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have given up.

In case you haven't seen it yet this week, or in previous weeks, the Jaguars have given up.

Big Bet II

Cleveland Browns -3 at Arizona Cardinals
Cleveland's offense has looked more dangerous since Kareem Hunt arrived, without lessening the impact running of Nick Chubb.  This is just too much for Arizona.

I am only picking a second big bet because I couldn't decide which of the two to choose, so I am picking both.  I would do I if I was actually limited to one because Oakland is at home.

Last Week's Record:  10-5-1
Last Week's Big Bet:  2-0
Year-to-Date Record:  102-106-1
Year-to-Date Big Bet:  10-6
Last Week's Winnings (Losses):  $750
Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses):  ($960)

NFL All-Time Team

For the 100th anniversary of the NFL, the league, teams and all networks associated with the NFL are celebrating in a myriad of ways, including the selection of the 100 best NFL players of all time.  As symmetrical as the 100 players for 100 years is, the split among positions and the pure number of 100 fails to take into account how an actual team is constructed.  So, leave that to me.  I will be selecting the 106 best players of all time by constructing to actual teams (a first and a second team), just as an actual franchise would do.  So, not only will I be selecting a 53 man roster for each team, I will have to decide between taking a third QB, a 6th LB, a 7th DB, or a second return man, etc. I will explain my picks where I feel it is necessary, but I will not necessarily explain all of my picks. That being said, I will select the first team as to what I think is the best team, not necessarily just the best
players.  Nowhere is that going to be evident than in my Running Backs, as NFL career rushing leader Emmitt Smith is left of the first team, for reasons I will explain when I post my first team selections.  That means, today's post is the second team.

For the record, I understand that my selections may have a bit of recency bias.  I try to balance history against that bias, but I cannot unwatch all of the players that I have seen play.

As with similar posts - starters in all capital letters.

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks (3):  JOHN ELWAY, Dan Fouts, Tom Brady

John Elway would honestly start on most people's first teams, so his career does not need any explanation.  He is the best of those that did not make my first team, so he deserves the start here.  A two time Super Bowl winner, a 9 time Pro Bowler who threw for over 51,000 yards and with arm strength that could make all of the "wow" throws.  In addition, he could lead the team back if behind in the 4th quarter as he did 47 times.  Fouts is one of those quarterbacks who was well ahead of his time.  He would fit right in with today's passing schemes, except he did it in the traditional 2 wide receiver, 1 tight end, 2 running back era.  Brady should also need no explanation (except for why not on the first team).

Narrowly missing out:  Drew Brees, Brett Favre, Warren Moon, Aaron Rodgers, Johnny Unitas, Steve Young

Running Backs (5):  EMMITT SMITH, Gayle Sayers, O.J. Simpson, Earl Campbell, Marcus Allen

As the NFL's career leading rusher, the only surprise with Emmitt Smith starting is that he is not on the first team.  Gayle Sayers might have more actual talent, but his career was derailed by a knee injury, that likely would have been repaired in 6 to 9 months with current medicinal practices.  O.J. Simpson was tough and exciting, even holding the single-season rushing record for 11 years, despite playing 2 fewer games than the other members of the 2,000 yard rushing club.  Campbell was strong and tough, perfect for third or fourth and short, or goal-line situations.  Allen is on the team for his ability to catch balls out of the backfield and superb blocking abilities, in addition to running abilities (remember, I am trying to create a complete team).

Narrowly missing out:  Roger Craig, Eric Dickerson, Tony Dorsett, Adrian Peterson, John Riggins, Thurman Thomas

Wide Receivers (6):  MARVIN HARRISON, ART MONK, LYNN SWANN, Chris Carter, Don Hutson, Tim Brown

Honestly, this is a helluva receiving corps - much less for a second team. Monk was never as appreciated outside of Washington as he should have been, Lynn Swann was one of the most acrobatic receivers we have ever seen, and all Chris Carter did was "catch touchdowns".  Marvin Harrison is fifth in all-time receptions (third among wide receivers). Hutson is the first non-modern era player to make this list, but there is no doubt he could play in an era where more balls would have been thrown his way. As it was, he had 488 receptions from 1935-1945, an era in which most of the bombs thrown were in war. Tim Brown makes the team as a sixth receiver by virtue of his ability to return kicks as well, even though we have an actual starting kick returner.

Narrowly missing out:  Fred Biletnikoff, Terrell Owens, Andre Reed, John Stallworth, Julio Jones

Tight Ends (3):  ROB GRONKOWSKI, Jason Witten, Ozzie Newsome

Rob Gronkowski is unlike anyone we have ever seen at the tight end position.  He has the literal size of an offensive lineman (even if not the actual weight), but the speed and athleticism of a wide receiver.  The only reason that he is on the second team is because he retired early.  Had he played a few more years, he would be a first teamer for certain.  Jason Witten is fourth all-time in receptions, and only isn't a first teamer because of the quality of the players at this position.  Ozzie Newsome is on here because he could block as well, if not better, than he could catch passes, which he did at a high rate in an era which focused less on passing than today.  He caught passes in 150 consecutive games.

Narrowly missing out:  Dave Caspar, Mike Ditka, Travis Kelce, John Mackey, Shannon Sharpe

Offensive Linemen (8):  ART SHELL(T), GENE UPSHAW (G), MIKE WEBSTER (C), RUSS GRIMM (G), JACKIE SLATER (T), Orlando Pace (T), Mike Munchak (G), Larry Little (C)

Placing Shell and Upshaw on the same offensive line again just seems right.  Mike Webster was the key ingredient to the 70's and 80's Pittsburgh Steelers offensive success running and throwing the ball.  Russ Grimm - one of the famous "Hogs", was a tough run blocker and could carve holes by himself.  Plus, without Joe Jacoby on this team, the Hogs have to - and I mean HAVE TO - be represented.  Slater led the way for Eric Dickerson, who still holds the single season rushing record of 2,105 yards, which he set in 1984.  Pace was the left tackle for the record-breaking Rams offenses of Kurt Warner.  Munchak and Little also are deserving.

Narrowly missing out:  Chuck Bednarik, Joe DeLamielleure, Forrest Gregg, Kevin Mawae, Will Shields, Gary Zimmerman - A special note to Joe Thomas, who was thoroughly dominating, but played on a horrendous Browns team that caused him to retire early.  Also a special mention to Matt Birk, who captained not one, but two separate team's offenses that won Super Bowls.

DEFENSE

Defensive Tackles (4):  MERLIN OLSEN, RANDY WHITE, Alan Page, Jerome Brown

Merlin Olsen, despite his personality off the field and as an actor, was as tough a player as their ever way.  A great anchor for a defensive line.  Randy White had 52 sacks despite being primarily an interior defender.  Alan Page was also very tough, but smart.  He became a lawyer, and then a Judge after his playing career was over.  Every team needs a player they can call "The Judge".  Jerome Brown easily would have been first team had he not died prematurely. Plus, he singlehandedly stopped a KKK parade/rally in the panhandle of Florida.

Narrowly missing out:  Buck Buchanan, Dan Hampton, Too Tall Jones - who I have to say is only edged out because those that vote have yet to put him in the Hall of Fame.  Aaron Donald will certainly make the first team once his career is completed.

Defensive Ends (4):   CHARLES HALEY, KEVIN GREENE, Jack Youngblood, Chris Doleman

Charles Haley was a cornerstone lineman for 5 Super Bowl teams.  Greene had 160 sacks in 15 years.  Youngblood played a Super Bowl with a broken leg, part of his 215 consecutive games played. As a Chicago Bears fan, Chris Doleman scared me every time he put his hand in the dirt against the Bears.

Narrowly missing out:  Willie Davis, Richard Dent, Carl Eller, LeRoy Selmon, Michael Strahan

Outside Linebackers (4):  TED HENDRICKS, DERRICK THOMAS, Andre Tippett, Rickey Jackson

Hendricks, not only was an outstanding outside linebacker in terms of rushing the passer and setting the edge against the run, he was great in coverage (26 interceptions) and will be great on special teams (25 blocked field goals or PATs).  Derrick Thomas was an amazing pass rusher, and would likely be on the first team if only he hadn't died in 2000. Andre Tippett was one of the 2 greatest Patriots ever when he retired.  Ricky Jackson, honestly, is a homer pick as he is from Pahokee, Florida, in my county.  But, he was also an amazing player and a part of one of the greatest linebacking corps of all time - along with Sam Mills, Vaughan Johnson and Pat Swilling.

Narrowly missing out:  Willie Lanier

Inside Linebackers (4):  BRIAN URLACHER, BILL GEORGE, Ray Nitshcke, Harry Carson

I just love the idea of pairing the two Chicago Bear greats together (in 3-4 packages).  Nitschke is a brute, and Harry Carson never truly got the credit he deserves because all of it went to Lawrence Taylor,

Narrowly missing out:  Chuck Bednarik

Cornerbacks (5):  MEL BLOUNT, AENEAS WILLIAMS, Dick LeBeau, Herb Adderly, Willie Brown

Blount is my toughest inclusion on this team, because he deserves to be on the first team, but the other corner I was debating between also could return kicks, so he made the first team.  Williams was amazing, even though he toiled in relative obscurity for the Cardinals.  He still made 8 Pro Bowls.  LeBeau would be a literal coach on the field and is 10th all time in interceptions.  I have to give some love to my main rivals - the Packers, so Adderly and his 48 interceptions, in an era that did not stress passing the football.  Willie Brown payed in essence, in 9 Pro Bowls (5 before they were called Pro Bowls).

Narrowly missing out:  Champ Bailey, Mike Haynes, Roger Wehrlii

Safeties (4):  STEVE ATWATER, JOHN LYNCH, Kenny Easley, Ken Houston

Atwater is one of the absolute hardest hitters that I have ever seen.  Lynch could hit, and cover.  Easley was often overshadowed by the offense of the Seahawk teams on which he played, but was tremendous (and admittedly this may be part recency bias, as I remember watching Easley).  Houston had 49 interceptions, 9 of which he returned for touchdowns.

Narrowly missing out:  Brian Dawkins, Willie Wood

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker (1):  ADAM VINATIERI

Vinatieri is one of the most clutch kickers of all time, having won Super Bowls for two franchises, including game-winning kicks.

Narrowly missing out:  Gary Anderson, George Blanda, Jan Stenerud, Justin Tucker

Punter (1):  REGGIE ROBY

When I was young, watching Roby punt with his watch on his arm so he could time the hand on the punt, and watching the ball literally travel over the height of the stadium was astounding.

Narrowly missing out:  Jeff Feagles - He punted for 22 seasons and never had a punt blocked.  Plus, he went to the University of Miami.

Returner (1):  BRIAN MITCHELL

Mitchell is one of the best kick returners of all time, and deserves his spot on this roster as a returner.

LAST PERSON ON THE ROSTER

Wide Receiver/Returner (1)  Tim Brown

Although I only need 5 receivers on the roster, Tim Brown can also return kicks with the best of them, so he can give Mitchell a rest when need be, and still be an offensive threat.

Narrowly missing out: Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Willie Lanier, Lee Roy Selmon, Thurman Thomas, Willie Wood - Can you imagine having Too Tall Jones and Ted Hendricks on the field together to attempt to block field goals?

Professional Football Wrap-Up

Here are my thoughts from Week 13 of the NFL season.

Game of the Week

San Francisco 49ers 48 - New Orleans Saints 46.  I finally have seen a game that compares to the 1982 divisional playoff game in which the Miami Dolphins defeated the San Diego Chargers 41-38. That game featured two separate 400 yard passers (Dan Fouts 406 and Don Strock 403), and the offenses were virtually unstoppable.  This game had both quarterbacks (Drew Brees and Jimmy Garappolo) throw for 349 and both team's leading rushers (Raheem Mostert and Latavius Murray rush for 69 yards.  Both teams also had a receiver go well over 100 yards; for San Francisco it was Emmanuel Sanders with 157 and 1 touchdown and for New Orleans it was Michael Thomas with 134 and 1 TD - on 11 receptions.  Of course the game ended on a last minute drive with Drew Brees throwing a game-winning TD pass to Tre'Quan Smith with :53 left on the clock (but the 2 point conversion failed.}  Except it didn't.  San Francisco took the ensuing possession down the field, aided by a 39 yard George Kittle reception in which he plowed through the Saints defense and was only tackled by his facemask - resulting in 15 more yards.  The ever-reliable Robbie Gould kicks the winning 30 yard field goal as time expired.

Best Team Performance

Tennessee Titans.  Not only playing themselves into a potential wildcard spot, the Titans are now challenging for the AFC South title, a division in which they play the Houston Texans twice in the next (last) 3 games.  Tennessee handily defeated fellow (former) playoff contender Oakland 42-21, led by the dual threat of Ryan Tannehill's 391 yards passing and Derrick Henry's 103 yards rushing.  

Least Impressive Team Performance

Jacksonville Jaguars.  I have rarely seen a team just blatantly give up as bad as this team.  They lost 45-10 at home to the Los Angeles Chargers and made Philip Rivers look like he only had 3 kids.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Offense)

Jameis Winston, QB - Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Winston was 33-45 for 456 yards and 4 TDs (but 3 Interceptions) as the Buccaneers defeated the Indianapolis Colts 38-35.  In most cases this would have been the game of the week.  Also in most weeks Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers would have won this award, except he played the Jaguars.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Defense)

Ryan Tannehill, QB, Tennessee Titans.  Huh?  How does this make sense?  Well, he had one of the most important defensive plays of the season.  Yes, Joey Bosa's tackle in the backfield on Alvin Kamara was singularly impressive, but Ryan Tannehill's square tackle and drive to the ground hit on Maurice Hurst after throwing an interception that Hurst returned 55 yards, with a convoy, is the type of play that fires up a defense around a quarterback that previously had questions marks.  This Titans team is now - if they weren't before - solidly behind Tannehill both as a QB and as a football player.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Special Teams)

Jason Sanders, K - Miami Dolphins.  Sanders was 7-8 on field goals (Yes, 8 attempts), including a 53 yarder, as the Dolphins fell to the Jets 22-21.  Honorable Mention to Deonte Harris of the New Orleans Saints who had 194 return yards on 5 kickoff returns and 2 punt returns, constantly switching the field with his dynamic runs.

Most Impressive Team Performance (Premier League)

Everton.  With a new manager at the helm, Everton looked very impressive, and played extremely hard, and well, putting pressure on Chelsea at every turn as Everton won 3-2 to escape the bottom of the table and move up to 14.  Relegation is no longer an issue as long as Everton continues to play with this type of fire and passion.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Premier League)

Diogo Jota, F - Wolverhampton.  Jota's first-half brace, including the equalizer in the 44th minute, allowed Wolverhampton to steal a point on the road and remain near the top of the table in 6th place, losing out of 5th place by only 3 goals to Manchester United, who also had a big weekend defeating Manchester City at the Etihad.

Goat of the Week

The entire Jacksonville Jaguars.  They have quit.

Goat of the Week (Premier League)

Kepa Arrizabalaga, GK - Chelsea.  Let in a soft goal which started the scoring for Everton, and then a horrible pass out of the goal to Kurt Zouma was intercepted which led to an easy goal, Everton's third.  Second really bad goal scored by a Chelsea opponent late in the game because of a bad pass out of the back by Kepa.

Hit of the Week

Ryan Tannehill on Maurice Hurst.  It was almost as if he had been playing linebacker his entire life.

Breakthrough Performance

Tyler Higbee, TE - Los Angeles Rams.  We have seen flashes from Higbee this season, but as the backup we have not seen how valuable he can be.  Earning the start this week against Seattle, Higbee caught 7 balls for 116 yards, and definitely opens up the field for the Rams' other weapons as Los Angeles won 28-12.

Finally

Ryan Tannehill, QB - Tennessee Titans.  This is the type of performance the Miami Dolphins wanted out of Tannehill in the past few years.  Tannehill was 21-27 for 391 yards and 3 TDs, to go 6-1 as a starter for Tennessee.

Impact Injury

Roquon Smith, LB - Chicago Bears.  There were a lot of injuries this week, but none worse that Smith's, who tore his pectoral muscle while trying to make a tackle on Ezekial Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys.  Smith, the Bears' leading tackler, will be missed as Chicago ends the season with Green Bay, Kansas City and Minnesota.

Team Rising

Tennessee Titans.  Now at 8-5, the Titans have pulled into a tie atop the AFC South with the Houston Texans, two games ahead of the Indianapolis Colts (with three to play).  As stated earlier, Tennessee and Houston play twice in the last three games, including in Nashville this weekend.

Team Falling

Carolina Panthers.  In a free-fall.

Best Teams

(All teams will be ranked by record, even if teams with more losses may be better than a team with fewer losses, since Bill Parcells always said that you are what your record says.  The inverse is true for the Worst Teams rankings.) (Yes, I know that you could have a worse record and be better, see e.g., Baltimore Ravens, but we are working off record.)

1. Baltimore Ravens

2. San Francisco 49ers

3. New Orleans Saints 

4. Green Bay Packers
5. Seattle Seahawks

Worst Teams

32. Cincinnati Bengals

31. New York Giants

30. Washington Racists

29. Miami Dolphins

27b. Detroit Lions
27a.  Arizona Cardinals 

Note - The Lions and Cardinals have identical 3-9-1 records, and actually tied each other when they played, so they might as well be tied on this list.

Middle Teams

15. Philadelphia Eagles
16. Indianapolis Colts
17. Cleveland Browns
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Note - all of these "middle teams" have sub-par records of 6-7, along with Dallas and Oakland, which I rank lower right now.

Last Week's Trivia Question/Answer

Last Entry's Trivia Question was:

Earlier this year, Frank Gore passed Curtis Martin for fourth place in the all-time career rushing yards.  He is now closer to third place than he is to fifth place Martin.  Who is in third place, and how many yards behind third place is Gore?

Answer:  Barry Sanders - at the time I wrote the question.  Gore has since passed Sanders and leads Sanders by 37 yards.  He is 1,420 yards behind Walter Payton.

Preview - Game(s) of the Week

6. Denver Broncos v. Kansas City Chiefs.  By record, this isn't a special game to watch, except for the fact that Denver has been better, and more exciting, in the two games that Drew Lock has started.  So, that makes this game a potential offensive explosion.  

5. Buffalo Bills v. Pittsburgh Steelers.  This game may be traditionally boring, but it is incredibly important for the playoff race, as right now, these two teams hold the two AFC wildcard spots.  This game is incredibly important.

4. Minnesota Vikings v. Los Angeles Chargers.  Minnesota is only 1 game behind the Green Bay Packers for the division lead, but 2 ahead of the Chicago Bears with 3 to play.  Green Bay and Chicago play this week, and Minnesota and Green Bay play next week, with the Bears and Vikings closing out the season.  This game is incredibly important for Minnesota.  The Chargers looked great last week, albeit against the Jaguars.  Can they keep it up?

3. Arsenal v. Manchester City.  Manchester City is in a bit of a rut and Arsenal look much improved as of late.  This game is vital for Manchester City to try to gain ground in the table on Liverpool, and important for Arsenal if they think they can make Europa League next year.

2. Chicago Bears v. Green Bay Packers.  The greatest rivalry in football is important as Green Bay shoots for a bye and possibly home field advantage while the Bears are barely hanging on for a possible playoff spot.

1. Houston Texans v. Tennessee Titans. The resurgent Titans have tied the Texans for the division lead.  This is the first of two times these teams will play in the final three games of the season, and would obviously give the winner a leg up for the division crown.

Trivia

Phillip Rivers has 63 career losses of 3 points or less in his career.  He is tied with this other current starting NFL quarterback.  Who is it?

Sports Bar Review of the Week

My usual crew was somewhat busy, so instead of a sports bar, I headed out to a cigar bar of mine that has televisions - Sunset Cigar Lounge in Jupiter, Florida.  Not sportscentric at all, but on Sundays they did show 3 games, with the sound on the New Orleans - San Francisco game, which turned out to be the best one.  Not super crowded, mostly regulars, but all really nice - albeit interesting people.  The bar/cigar tenders Dawana and Tiffani are always fabulous, and given that it wasn't busy - super attentive (which they usually are anyway). I had never been there on a Sunday before so I do not know if this is usual, but they had several pizzas and pastas, which was free for whomever wanted it - that was a nice perk, although I did not partake because I had already eaten.  Also because I wanted a lowkey day, I only drank Bud Light, but the whiskey selection is great for as small a bar as it is, and it has Clase Azul tequila, one of the bellweathers of the tequila world as far as I am concerned.  I had a couple of light, easy Padron cigars with my day, and it was great.

Now, the bar did have to call the cops on an unruly customer, as she was getting incredibly out of control yelling and cursing at other customers, that were all regulars, and the cops escorted her out at about 2:00 p.m. (she came from somewhere else already drunk), but other than that, it was a good place to watch the games.  Being a smaller location, everybody was talking and arguing the games with everyone else, which was fun.

The only real knock is that they don't have all the games - which isn't really a knock on the place as much as my choice of venue -but it does get downgraded as a sports bar

Sunset Cigar Lounge
251 South U.S. Highway 1
Jupiter, FL 33477
561/203-2096

Final Rating: Philip Rivers - a little old and flawed, but still very consistently good with occasional greatness.

The Ole College Try

The Conference Championships sorted out the entire college football playoff for us, with no real arguments as to the contenders.

Game of the Week

Oklahoma Sooners - Baylor Bears 23 (Big 12 Championship Game).  The Baylor Bears proved that this season was not a fluke as they played favorite Oklahoma to a virtual draw, once again.  The Sooners scored a touchdown in overtime that Baylor, playing with a third string quarterback whose name was not even on the depth chart provided to the media - Jacob Zeno, could not reciprocate.  Jalen Hurts once again is a conference champion, although this time of the Big 12 and not the SEC, but wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was the showstopper.  I am certain he will make my All-American team later this month.

Best Team Performance

Clemson Tigers.  Not only did the overwhelming favorites in the ACC Championship game beat Virginia, they destroyed them 62-17.  Trevor Lawrence passed for 302 yards, Travis Etienne rushed for 114 yards and Tee Higgins had 182 yards receiving as the Tigers annihilated the Cavaliers, sending them to their doomed Orange Bowl game against Florida.

Least Impressive Team Performance

Hawaii Rainbows.  I don't want to pile on too much on the Virginia Cavaliers here, so Hawaii gets the nod as they lost to Boise State in a non-competitive Mountain West Championship 31-10.

A special mention goes to the Utah Utes, who underwhelmed in their 37-15 defeat at the hands of Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship.  Had Utah won, it would have been a really interesting discussion as to whether Utah or Oklahoma would receive the final playoff berth.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Offense)

CeeDee Lamb, WR - Oklahoma Sooners.  Lamb finished the Big 12 Championship game with 8 catches for 173 yards, but honestly, with only 1 71 yard catch in the first quarter he takes this award.  Check it out here.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Defense)

LSU Tigers.  This is a collective award this week, because after being somewhat maligned for giving up a large amount of points, the LSU defense has buckled down and tightened up, allowing Georgia to only score 10 in the SEC Championship game.  LSU will be heavy favorites in the national semi-final.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Special Teams)

I was really hoping that someone would make or miss a kick that would cause chaos for the playoffs, but that didn't happen.

Goat of the Week (Player Edition)

Utah Utes.  They could have made the playoff scenarios way more interesting, but they did not.

Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)

Kyle Wittingham, Utah Utes.  Same as above, we simply just wanted to see chaos, and Utah failed to deliver.

Breakthrough Performance

C.J. Verdell, RB - Oregon Ducks.  On a team led by supposed to have been the overall number 1 draft pick last year quarterback Justin Herbert, Verdell dominated the Pac-12 Championship game by gaining 208 yards and scoring 3 TDS on 18 carries.

Finally

Trevor Lawrence, QB - Clemson Tigers.  It seems incredulous to say that a national championship winning quarterback is "finally" playing well, but truth be told, he started slowly, and even when he played well as of late, Clemson has not been challenged.  In the ACC championship game, Lawrence looked like Lawrence, going 16-22 for 302 yards and 4 TDs.

Impact Injury

Tua Tagavailoa, QB - Alabama.  The biggest "what if" of the season.

Team Rising

Baylor Bears.  Yes, they lost in the Big 12 Championship game, but by following up their narrow loss to Oklahoma just weeks ago, with taking them to overtime in the Big 12 Championship game, Baylor proved that they are a legitimate team and were a legitimate playoff contender this year.

Team Falling

Utah Utes.  I should not have to type it out again.

Player(s) to Watch

Justin Fields, QB - Ohio State Buckeyes.  Of the two quarterbacks who have not played in the playoffs previously (Lawrence and Hurts having won championships), Justin Fields is the only first year starter.  And, with apologies to Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Travis Etienne, Fileds has the best running back on his team, which means Ohio State will have an opportunity to go far, perhaps even win, the championship if Fields plays well.

My New Favorite Player

Jacob Zeno, QB - Baylor Bears.  Zeno, an apparent fourth, fifth or sixth string quarterback who was not even listed on the team depth chart sent to the media prior to the Big 12 playoff game, entered the game after an injury to the starting quarterback and poor performance by the backup.  Although Zeno did not set the world on fire, he helped keep Baylor in the game with his 2-6 for 159 yards and 1 TD.  Good by you Mr. Zeno.

Players of the Week

6.  Levi Lewis, QB - Louisiana Rajun Cajuns - Lewis was 24-46 for 364 yards and 4 TDs as Louisiana fell to Appalachian State 45-38 in the Sun Belt Championship game.

5.  Tee Higgins, WR - Clemson Tigers.  Higgins caught 8 passes for 162 yards and 3 TDs as Clemson coasted to the ACC Championship.

4.  Joe Burrow, QB - LSU Tigers.  Burrow was 28-38 for 349 yards and 4 TDs as LSU defeated Georgia 37-10 in the SEC Championship game.

3.  C.J. Verdell, RB - Oregon Ducks.  See attached.

2.  J.K Dobbins, RB - Ohio State Buckeyes.  Dobbins rushed for 172 yards and scored 1 TD in Ohio State's Big 10 Championship win over Wisconsin Badgers.

1.  CeeDee Lamb, WR - Oklahoma Sooners.  See above.

Predicted Playoffs/Championship Match Ups

LSU Tigers (1) v. Oklahoma Sooners (4)/ (2) Ohio State Buckeyes v. (3) Clemson Tigers

Remaining Unbeatens

Clemson, LSU, Ohio State

Remaining Winless Team

Akron - Only winless team on the year, as Akron has finished its season.

Rant(s) of the Week

Damn you Utah Utes!!!

Last Week's Trivia Answer

Last week's question was:

Since the Iron Bowl was important this week, the question is how many consecutive times has Auburn won the Iron Bowl when the game was played at Jordan-Hare Stadium and both teams entered the game ranked in the AP Poll?

The answer is 7.

Match up(s) to Watch

1. Army v. Navy - Not only is this a phenomenal game to watch year-in-and-year-out, it is also the only game next week.

Trivia Question of the Week

Two questions this week:

1.  Ohio State's wide receiver K.J. Hill broke the school career reception record in the Big 10 Championship game.  Which Buckeye receiver's record did he break?

2.  LSU's Joe Burrow set the single season SEC record for most touchdown passes thrown.  Which SEC quarterback had the previous record?

Picks of the Week

Some really interesting and exciting games on the menu this weekend.  Enjoy!

For those that are new to this site, I will select every game against the spread.  I will be selecting one big bet at $250 per, whereas everything else will be $100.  Winners count as winners, whereas losses will be calculated including a 10% vig to make the math that much simpler.  On to the picks.

Chicago Bears +3 v. Dallas Cowboys
This was the easiest pick I have seen in a long time.  To quote my college friend John Anderson, "Don't get that line AT ALL,"  (emphasis supplied).

Atlanta Falcons -3 v. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers on in a free fall, and Matt Ryan gets Julio Jones back.

Buffalo Bills +6 1/2 v. Baltimore Ravens
This is the true test for the Bills defense.  The are third in total defense, passing defense and scoring defense, but the are a mediocre 14th in rush defense, which is where Baltimore will win.  I just think the Bills keep it close.  I really don't like this pick, either way, though.

Cleveland Browns -7 v. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are on a winning streak since turning back to Andy Dalton.  (Yes, I know it is only one game, but this year that is a streak for the Bengals).  Cleveland had been on an offensive roll before succumbing to a deplete Pittsburgh team last week.  But, Cincinnati's defense is nowhere near the level of Pittsburgh's.

Green Bay Packers -13 v. Washington Racists
This has been the year for double digit favorites to cover - at least a lot more than I can ever recall.  So, I am going to take it.

Denver Broncos +9 at Houston Texans
I have to give Denver credit for playing fairly well the last 3 weeks, despite losing 2 of those games.  Plus, Drew Lock might be angry that his single-season SEC touchdown passing record was broken last night by Joe Burrow.  Houston wins by a touchdown.

Minnesota Vikings -13 v. Detroit Lions
Nothing would excite me more than to see Minnesota lose this game, but, Detroit is not good.  Even a brilliant first half last week from David Blough could not save the Lions.  I probably should take the points, but again, lots of double digit favorites have covered this year.

San Francisco 49ers +2 at New Orleans Saints
San Francisco gets Matt Breida back, and New Orleans will be missing most of its linebacking corps, including Kiki Alonso.

Miami Dolphins +5 1/2 at New York Jets
Give me a tough-playing hard-charging Dolphins team with points against an up-and-down Jets team anytime.  The Jest rush defense is 1st in the NFL, but that won't slow down Ryan Fitzpatrick when their passing defense is 19th.

Indianapolis Colts +2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
First off, I was taking way too many home teams.  Secondly, Indianapolis is 4th in rushing offense and 9th in rushing defense, which is a great way to keep control of the ball. Jameis Winston has been having a very "Jameis Winston" season with a lot of yards (3659 - well on his way to 4,000 for this year and currently second in the NFL), but a horrible TD/INT ration (22/20).

Los Angeles Chargers -3 at Jacksonville Jaguars
If this game was at 1, I would think differently, but playing the late game will do wonders for the Chargers.  Even with Gardner Minshew II, the Jaguars coaching staff and administration have lost the players.

Pittsburgh Steelers +2 1/2 at Arizona Cardinals
The Steelers offense responds to Devlin Hodges, and their defense can put a lot of pressure on the opposing quarterback.  Last week's game showed Pittsburgh can play tough even when short-handed.

New England Patriots -3 v. Kansas City Chiefs
Yes, I know this is not a typical New England Patriots team, and we all love Pat Mahomes.  But, this Chiefs team is not as good as last year's Chiefs team either, and we all saw what Belichick did to them in the playoffs.

Tennessee Titans -3 at Oakland Raiders
I seriously don't know what to do here.  This is really just a pure guess.

Seattle Seahawks pick 'em at Los Angeles Rams
Russel Wilson is playing out of his mind.  And although the Rams are 2-2 in their last 4 games, the wins were a 17-7 lackluster victory against Chicago and last week against 3-8-1 Arizona.

New York Giants +9 at Philadelphia Eagles
I just think 9 is a bit high with the experienced Eli Manning expected to come in for the Giants.  If Evan Engram does return as expected, that is a talented outlet receiver for Manning, especially to convert critical 3rd downs, so I will take the 9 points.

Big Bet I
Chicago Bears +3 v. Dallas Cowboys
This was the easiest pick I have seen in a long time.  To quote my college friend John Anderson, "Don't get that line AT ALL,"  (emphasis supplied).

Basically because of John Anderson's quote.  Since this was a Thursday game, I did tell my friend Cori that I guaranteed a big Chicago win, but I will also make a second bet to (hopefully not) even things out.

Big Bet II

Atlanta Falcons -3 v. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers on in a free fall, and Matt Ryan gets Julio Jones back.

I really wanted to take the Los Angeles Chargers in this one, but couldn't pull the trigger on the road and playing in the Eastern Time Zone.


Last Week's Record:  9-7
Last Week's Big Bet:  1-1
Year-to-Date Record:  92-101
Year-to-Date Big Bet:  8-6
Last Week's Winnings (Losses):  $115
Year-to-Date Winnings (Losses):  ($1,710)

Professional Football Wrap-Up

Here are my thoughts from Week 13 of the NFL season.

Game of the Week

Baltimore Ravens 20 - San Francisco 49ers 17.  This game established supremacy (for now at least) for the Baltimore Ravens at the top of the NFL heap.  By defeating San Francisco, Baltimore showed that it is currently the best team in the NFL.  This game had Lamar Jackson in all his Lamar Jacksonest, the San Francisco defensive line at its defensive liniest, and ended when the NFL's all time most accurate kicker Justin Tucker kicked a 49 yard field goal as time expired.  Despite sloppy weather conditions, this was the best game of the weekend, and I could take this as a Super Bowl matchup.  (Seattle defeating Minnesota 37-30 was not far behind.

Best Team Performance

Kansas City Chiefs.  Kansas City, in a game that would determine first place in the AFC West, just thoroughly annihilated the Oakland Raiders 40-9, and in the process undid all confidence that Raiders may have had that they could or should  make the playoffs.  Kansas City asserted itself near the top of the AFC.

Least Impressive Team Performance

New York Jets.  Coming off 3 consecutive wins, and an impressive win at home over the Raiders, the Jets laid an absolute egg against the formerly winless Cincinnati Bengals 22-6.  Sam Darnold only threw for 239 yards (and 0 TDs), and leading ruser Le'Veon Bell carried the ball for a whopping 32 yards.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Offense)

Jared Goff, QB - Los Angeles Rams.  Goff had an incredible game as the Rams destroyed the Arizona Cardinals 34=7.  He was 32-43 for 424 yards and 2 TD as the Rams scored 34 straight points through three quarters.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Defense)

Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints.  Jordan had 6 tackles, 4 of the sacks to pace the New Orleans defense as the Saints beat their division rival Atlanta Falcons 26-18, and regain some respect after falling to the Saints 3 weeks ago.  Honorable mention to Ed Oliver, who had 2 sacks as the Bills beat the Dallas Cowboys.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Special Teams)

Justin Tucker, K - Baltimore Ravens.  The most accurate kicker in NFL history, who has made 1,235,947 consecutive field goals under 40, uncorked a 49-yard game winner as time expired, propelling the Ravens to a 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

Most Impressive Team Performance (Premier League)

Tottenham Hotspurs.  Behind new boss Jose Mourinho, Tottenham defeated Bournemouth 3-2 to propel themselves into 6th in table.  Tottenham got an brace from Dele Alli as he scored his two a half hour apart, and third, and decisive goal from Moussa Sissoko was assisted by the most underrated player in world football - Heung-Min Son.

Most Impressive Individual Performance (Premier League)

Virgil Van Dijk, D - Liverpool.  The central defender scored a brace in a six minute span, both on headers off set-pieces, including one corner, as Liverpool maintained its lead in the Premier League table with a 2-1 defeat of Brighton and Hove Albion.  Both goals were crucial as BHA scored a 79th minute goal after a 76th minute straight read to Liverpool goalkeeper Allison.

Goat of the Week

Nick Foles, QB - Jacksonville Jaguars.  Nick Foles was 7-14 for 93 yards and 1 TD in the first half of Jacksonville's 28-11 loss at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before being pulled for Gardner Minshew II - for the remainder of the season.

Goat of the Week (Premier League)

Allison, GK - Liverpool.  How many yellow a red cards can one goalkeeper receive in a year.

Hit of the Week

Did not really see too many great hits this week, so no response this time.

Breakthrough Performance

Zach Pascal, WR - Indianapolis Colts.  Indianapolis, desperately looking for offense from somewhere during their 31-17 loss to the Tennessee Titans, found Pascal for 7 catches for 109 yards in what could be the start of something really important for the Colts.

Finally

James Washington, WR - Pittsburgh Steelers.  Washington, only receiving maximum playing time due to the injury of JuJu Smith-Schuster, utilized his speed to catch 4 balls for 111 yards and 1 TD in Pittsburgh's 20-13 victory over Cleveland.

Impact Injury

Dalvin Cook, RB - Minnesota Vikings.  Cook was removed from this week's 37-30 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks with an apparent shoulder injury. Should Cook not be able to play in any of the last 4 games, the NFC playoff race becomes much more muddled, especially since Minnesota is fighting for the NFC North division title and/or a wildcard. 

Team Rising

Chicago Bears.  By defeating the Detroit Lions 24-20 on Thanksgiving Day, the Bears have gotten themselves back to a 6-6 record. This is important because 3 wins could get them back into the playoffs this year, especially if Dalvin Cook misses multiple games for the Vikings.  The Bears schedule though is Dallas, Green Bay, Kansas City and Minnesota.

Team Falling

Dallas Cowboys/Philadelphia Eagles.  Both NFC East rivals lost this week; Dallas 26-15 to the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia 37-31 to the Miami Dolphins.  The downfall of the Cowboys (6-6) and Eagles (5-7) has kept the Washington Racists (3-9) and the New York Giants (2-10) technically alive for a division title.

Best Teams

(All teams will be ranked by record, even if teams with more losses may be better than a team with fewer losses, since Bill Parcells always said that you are what your record says.  The inverse is true for the Worst Teams rankings.) (Yes, I know that you could have a worse record and be better, see e.g., Baltimore Ravens, but we are working off record.)

1. Baltimore Ravens

2. San Francisco 49ers

3. New Orleans Saints 

4. Seattle Seahawks
5. New England Patriots

Worst Teams

32. Cincinnati Bengals

31. New York Giants

30. Washington Racists

29. Atlanta Falcons

28. Miami Dolphins

Middle Teams

15. Oakland Raiders
16. Chicago Bears
17. Dallas Cowboys

18. Cleveland Browns

Last Week's Trivia Question/Answer

Last Entry's Trivia Question was:

As the lone remaining winless team, the Cincinnati Bengals have the inside track to selecting first in the 2020 NFL Draft. Name the three players in Bengals history that were selected with the number 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.  (Hint:  There were 3).

Answer:  Dan Wilkinson (Ohio State - 1994), Ki-Jana Carter (Penn State - 1995), Carson Palmer (USC - 2003)

Preview - Game(s) of the Week

6. Tennessee Titans v. Oakland Raiders.  This game has big playoff implications for both teams, although to paraphrase the entire Dan LeBatard show - Tennessee is destined to finish 8-8.  

5. Dallas Cowboys v. Chicago Bears.  The Thursday night matchup is incredibly important for both 6-6 teams involved, although Dallas has the opportunity to win its divisions whereas the Bears only chance is to win 3 (or 4) of their tough last 4 games to have an opportunity to win a wildcard birth.

4. Kansas City Chiefs v. New England Patriots.  By record this game should be amazing, except everybody sees that New England's offense has serious problems.  The question is, can the New England defense contain the potent Kansas City offense?

3. Manchester City v. Manchester United.  This is traditionally a highly charged rivalry matchup, lessened only by the fact that Manchester United is 10th in the table.

2. Seattle Seahawks v. Los Angeles Rams.  See above for Goff's numbers last week, but let's see what numbers he can put up against a Seattle Seahawks' team that is playing its best football of the season.  

1. San Francisco 49ers v. New Orleans Saints. Two 10-2 teams, ranked 2 and 3 in my NFL rankings, with the winner making a huge stride toward home-field advantage in the NFC (with the Seahawks in contention as well).  This game should be fantastic to watch.

Trivia

Ridiculous trivia, but being Thanksgiving I didn't really pay attention to anything that could be a good trivia question.

Earlier this year, Frank Gore passed Curtis Martin for fourth place in the all-time career rushing yards.  He is now closer to third place than he is to fifth place Martin.  Who is in third place, and how many yards behind third place is Gore?

Sports Bar Review of the Week

I was driving home from the UF-FSU game on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, so needles to say, I did not get to watch any games from a sports bar.