In the latest twist in the Kareem Hunt saga, the Chiefs released a statement via Twitter that they are releasing the young running back effective immediately. The team advised that during their initial investigation they spoke with Hunt who was not truthful in his statements to the team. Hunt will become available on waivers immediately, though a team is not likely to claim him anytime soon with a pending investigation and suspension looming.
Hunt later released an apology to ESPN apologizing for his actions and hoping to move on from the incident. His future in the league is a mystery, but he will have to serve his suspension and reform his image before any return to the league would be considered. Hunt will likely have to go through an anger management course and volunteer both time and money to a domestic violence organization to show he has learned his lesson and is truly remorseful for his actions. Only then would a team be willing to take the public relations hit that signing Hunt will likely bring. Otherwise his chances of returning will be grim.
Friday, November 30, 2018
Kareem Hunt to be placed on Commissioner's Exempt list
After the release of a video by TMZ on Friday of Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt shoving and kicking a woman in February, the NFL received massive condemnation from the public for their lack of any disciplinary action. The league quickly sought to rectify the situation on Friday.
According to the Associated Press, Hunt will be placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List for the foreseeable future. Hunt was dismissed from Chiefs practice on Friday.
Commissioner's Exempt List ensures that Hunt will not get to practice or play while the investigation is ongoing though he will still be paid. There is no timetable for a return this season if any or when Hunt would face any further discipline from the league.
According to the Associated Press, Hunt will be placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List for the foreseeable future. Hunt was dismissed from Chiefs practice on Friday.
Commissioner's Exempt List ensures that Hunt will not get to practice or play while the investigation is ongoing though he will still be paid. There is no timetable for a return this season if any or when Hunt would face any further discipline from the league.
TMZ releases video of Kareem Hunt assaulting a woman in February
As outrage and controversy continue to surround the Redskins for their decision to claim Reuben Foster after a domestic assault allegation, new video has surfaced of another NFL player assaulting a woman.
TMZ released a video on Friday of Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt shoving and kicking a woman back in February of this year. The troubling part isn't just the violent nature of the altercation, but the fact that neither the team nor the league suspended Hunt since the incident occurred.
Hunt has played in all 12 games so far this season and was not reprimanded for his actions. This flies in the face of the league's personal conduct policy. At minimum the incident warranted a thorough investigation to the extent that police were called to the hotel and their was video footage available to the league to view the full altercation. The league nor the team get the right to say they did not get a chance to view any evidence when their own policy states they will conduct a thorough investigation. The league had just as much of an opportunity to receive the video from the hotel and the police as did TMZ.
This incident is sadly and eerily similar to the Ray Rice incident in 2014. Only after TMZ released the video did the league indefinitely suspend Rice though questions arose as to why the news organization was able to obtain the video and the league was not.
Hunt was the league leader in rushing yards last season and is on pace to have another 1,000 yards rushing this season. What if anything the team or the league will do now that the video evidence has surfaced will remain to be seen, but the team and the league owe it to its fans to evenly apply their conduct policy across the board and a suspension seems both likely and imminent. If the league wants to restore trust to their fans that assaulting women will not be tolerated, swift action must be taken to rectify an already delayed process.
TMZ released a video on Friday of Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt shoving and kicking a woman back in February of this year. The troubling part isn't just the violent nature of the altercation, but the fact that neither the team nor the league suspended Hunt since the incident occurred.
Hunt has played in all 12 games so far this season and was not reprimanded for his actions. This flies in the face of the league's personal conduct policy. At minimum the incident warranted a thorough investigation to the extent that police were called to the hotel and their was video footage available to the league to view the full altercation. The league nor the team get the right to say they did not get a chance to view any evidence when their own policy states they will conduct a thorough investigation. The league had just as much of an opportunity to receive the video from the hotel and the police as did TMZ.
This incident is sadly and eerily similar to the Ray Rice incident in 2014. Only after TMZ released the video did the league indefinitely suspend Rice though questions arose as to why the news organization was able to obtain the video and the league was not.
Hunt was the league leader in rushing yards last season and is on pace to have another 1,000 yards rushing this season. What if anything the team or the league will do now that the video evidence has surfaced will remain to be seen, but the team and the league owe it to its fans to evenly apply their conduct policy across the board and a suspension seems both likely and imminent. If the league wants to restore trust to their fans that assaulting women will not be tolerated, swift action must be taken to rectify an already delayed process.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Will Hackett's firing and Bortles benching turn the tide for the Jaguars?
This week after another atrocious loss on Sunday, the Jaguars made the decision to fire offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. While the team's offense has remained in the top five in total defense, the offense has continued to struggle throughout the season ranking in the bottom third in both passing and total offense. Besides terminating Hackett, the team made the decision to bench Blake Bortles. has a career completion percentage of 59.3 and has nearly as many career interceptions (74) as touchdowns (103).
Jaguars signed Bortles to a three-year contract extension this offseason guarantee the young talent would be in Jacksonville through 2020. His benching now signifies that the team may have grown weary of his lack of consistency and high turnover ratio. Whether or not the team will stick with Bortles after this season remains to be seen but in the meantime Cody Kessler will get an opportunity to try to lead this team back to winning, a feat they haven't achieved since Week 4.
Jaguars signed Bortles to a three-year contract extension this offseason guarantee the young talent would be in Jacksonville through 2020. His benching now signifies that the team may have grown weary of his lack of consistency and high turnover ratio. Whether or not the team will stick with Bortles after this season remains to be seen but in the meantime Cody Kessler will get an opportunity to try to lead this team back to winning, a feat they haven't achieved since Week 4.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Week 13 Predictions
New Orleans Saints (10-1) vs. Dallas Cowboys (6-5)
Saints come in off a win last week over the Falcons. Drew Brees completed 15/22 for 171 yards four touchdowns and one interception with one each to Dan Arnold and TommyLee Lewis. Alvin Kamara rushed for 89 yards on 14 carries. The defense scored six sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 15 in total defense but their high flying offense is ranked No. 5.
Cowboys come in off a win last week over the Redskins. Dak Prescott completed 22/31 for 289 two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Ezekiel Elliott had 143 combined rushing and receiving yards and one rushing touchdown. Amari Cooper made eight receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored three sacks and three interceptions keeping them at No. 7 in total defense but their struggles on offense continue which leave them stuck at No.25 in total offense.
Cowboys lead the series 16-12 but the Saints will get the win at AT and T Stadium on Thursday.
Prediction: Saints
Baltimore Ravens (6-5) vs. Atlanta Falcons (4-7)
Ravens come in off a win last week over the Raiders. Lamar Jackson completed 14/25 for 178 passing yards 1 passing touchdown, 71 rushing yards one rushing touchdown and two interceptions with the lone passing touchdown going to Michael Crabtree. Gus Edwards rushed for 118 yards on 23 carries. The defense scored three sacks and is the top defense in the league. The offense is ranked No. 11 but is showing more promise under Lamar Jackson.
Falcons come in off a loss last week to the Saints. Matt Ryan completed 35/47 for 377 yards two touchdowns and one interception with one touchdown to Telvin Coleman. Calvin Ridley made eight receptions for 93 yards and one touchdown. Julio Jones made 11 receptions for 147 yards. The defense scored two sacks and one interception but is still ranked No. 28 in total defense which keeps them from being able to stop bleeding points to their opponents each week.
Ravens lead the series 3-2 and will get the win at Mercedes Benz Stadium on Sunday.
Prediction: Ravens
Denver Broncos (5-6) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (5-6)
Broncos come in off a win last week over the Steelers. Case Keenum completed 15/28 for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Phillip Lindsay rushed for 110 yards on 14 carries and one touchdown. Emmanuel Sanders made seven receptions for 86 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and two interceptions but is still only ranked No. 25 for their lack of a consistent secondary.
Bengals come in off a loss last week to the Browns. Andy Dalton was lost for the season with a thumb injury and A.J. Green is still questionable for this game. Jeff Driskel completed 17/29 for 155 yards 1 passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. Tyler Boyd made seven receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown. Joe Mixon rushed for 89 yards on 14 carries. The defense is ranked dead last and the offense isn't much better at No. 26 and will likely result in some massive changes this offseason.
Broncos lead the series 21-10 and will beat the Dalton-less Bengals on Sunday.
Prediction: Broncos
Los Angeles Rams (10-1) vs. Detroit Lions (4-7)
Rams come in off a bye last week. Jared Goff has completed 258/351 for 3,547 yards 26 touchdowns and six interceptions for a 113.5 percent passer rating. While their offense is ranked No. 2 in total offense it is their No. 20 defense that has kept their games closer than they should be each week.
Lions come in off a loss last week to the Bears. Matthew Stafford completed 28/38 for 236 yards zero touchdowns and two interceptions. LeGarrette Blount rushed for 88 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns. Kenny Golladay made five receptions for 90 yards. The defense scored four sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 13 but their No. 23 offense and their inconsistent run game has been a major factor all season.
Rams lead the series 43-41-1 and will get the win at Ford Field on Sunday.
Prediction: Rams
Arizona Cardinals (2-9) vs. Green Bay Packers (4-6-1)
Cardinals come in off a loss last week to the Chargers. Josh Rosen completed 12/19 for 105 yards one touchdown and one interception with the lone touchdown going to Larry Fitzgerald. David Johnson had 79 combined rushing and receiving yards. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked No. 19 but their lowly offense is ranked dead last.
Packers come in off a loss last week to the Vikings. Aaron Rodgers completed 17/28 for 198 yards and one touchdown. Aaron Jones rushed for 72 yards on 17 carries and one touchdown. Davante Adams made five receptions for 69 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and is ranked No. 12 while their No. 10 offense will keep this team within striking distance of the playoffs.
Packers lead the series 45-25-4 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: Packers
Cleveland Browns (4-6-1) vs. Houston Texans (7-3)
Browns come in off a win last week over the Bengals. Baker Mayfield completed 19/26 for 258 yards and four touchdowns. Nick Chubb had 128 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. David Njoku made five receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed one sack and one interception but is still ranked next to last. Their offense is ranked No. 18 but under new offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens the team has continued to improve each week.
Texans come in off a win last week over the Titans. Deshaun Watson completed 19/24 for 210 passing yards, 70 rushing yards, 2 passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown with both touchdowns going to Demaryius Thomas. Lamar Miller rushed for 162 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown. DeAndre Hopkins made five receptions for 74 yards. The defense scored six sacks and is ranked No. 8 and may have found a quality No. 2 wide receiver with the addition of Demaryius Thomas.
Texans lead the series 6-3 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: Texans
Indianapolis Colts (6-5) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8)
Colts come in off a win last week over the Dolphins. Andrew Luck completed 30/37 for 343 yard three touchdowns and two interceptions. with two touchdowns going to Eric Ebron. T.Y. Hilton made seven receptions for 125 yards. Marlon Mack rushed for 85 yards on 15 carries. The team lost Jack Doyle for the season. The defense managed one sack and is ranked No. 17 but their No. 8 offense is why the team has remained competitive in their division.
Jaguars come in off a loss last week to the Bills. The team fired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and benched quarterback Blake Bortles after the abysmal performance. The team also faces the one game suspension of Leonard Fournette this week. The defense is still ranked No. 5 but the offense is ranked No. 22 and hope Cody Kessler can help turn this team around over the last five weeks of the season.
Colts lead series 23-12 and will get the win at TIAA Bank Field on Sunday.
Prediction: Colts
Buffalo Bills (4-7) vs. Miami Dolphins (5-6)
Bills come in off a win last week over the Jaguars. Josh Allen completed 8/19 for 160 passing yards one passing touchdown, 99 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Robert Foster made two receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown. The defense made three sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No. 2 but their offense is extremely unreliable and stuck at No. 31.
Dolphins come in off a loss last week to the Colts. Ryan Tannehill completed 17/25 for 204 yards and two touchdowns with one to Leonte Carroo. Kenyan Drake had 96 combined yards one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown. The defense managed one sack and two interceptions but is still only ranked No. 29 and the offense isn't much better, ranked No. 28.
Dolphins lead the series 60-47-1 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: Dolphins
Chicago Bears (8-3) vs. New York Giants (3-8)
Bears come in off a win last week over the Lions. Mitchell Trubisky is still questionable so Chase Daniel may get his second start this week. Daniel completed 27/37 for 230 yards and two touchdowns with Tarik Cohen and Taquan Mizzel each receiving one. The defense scored two sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No.4. Their No. 21 offense has been their only hangup but this team can easily win their division.
Giants come in off a loss last week to the Eagles. Eli Manning completed 26/37 for 297 yards one touchdown and one interception. Saquon Barkley had 142 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown. Odell Beckham made five receptions for 85 yards. The defense managed three sacks but their No. 23 ranking and their No. 20 offense belies some of the tragic realities of this team.
Bears lead the series 33-23-2 and will get the win at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Prediction: Bears
Carolina Panthers (6-5) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)
Panthers come in off a loss last week to the Seahawks. Cam Newton completed 25/30 for 256 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Christian McCaffrey had 237 combine rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. D.J. Moore made eight receptions for 91 yards. The defense scored two sacks in the game and is ranked No. 14 in total defense.
Buccaneers come in off a win last week over the 49ers. Jameis Winston completed 29/38 for 312 yards and two touchdowns with Adam Humphries and Cameron Brate each receiving one. Peyton Barber rushed for one touchdown. Mike Evans made six receptions for 116 yards. The defense scored four sacks and two interceptions but still struggles each week leaving them stuck at No. 27 while their high flying offense has climbed to No. 1 in total offense.
Panthers lead the series 23-13 and will get the win at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.
Prediction: Panthers
Kansas City Chiefs (9-2) vs. Oakland Raiders (2-9)
Chiefs come in off a bye last week. Patrick Mahomes has completed 264/391 for 3,628 yards 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a 117.9 percent passer rating. The team's No. 30 ranked defense forces their No. 3 ranked offense to run up the score each week since they aren't able to stop their opponents from scoring.
Raiders come in off a loss last week to the Ravens. Derek Carr completed 16/34 for 194 yards and one touchdown to Jared Cook. Doug Martin rushed for one touchdown. The defense managed one sack and two interceptions and is ranked No. 26 while their offense is ranked No. 24. This team is terrible on both sides of the ball and can only hope for a high draft pick this offseason.
Chiefs lead the series 63-53-2 and will get the win at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on Sunday.
Prediction: Chiefs
New York Jets (3-8) vs. Tennessee Titans (5-5)
Jets come in off a loss last week to the Patriots. Sam Darnold is still questionable and so is Josh McCown who performed well last week completing 26/45 for 276 yards one touchdown and one interception. Jermaine Kearse made six receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown. The defense is ranked No. 21 in total defense while the offense is ranked No. 29 in total offense.
Titans come in off a loss last week to the Texans. Marcus Mariota completed 22/23 for 303 yards and two touchdowns. Corey Davis had 135 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Jonnu Smith made two receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked No. 10 but it's their struggling offense that is holding them back from more wins this season.
Titans lead the series 24-19-1 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: Titans
Minnesota Vikings (6-4-1) vs. New England Patriots (8-3)
Vikings come in off a win last week over the Packers. Kirk Cousins completed 29/38 for 342 yards and three touchdowns. Dalvin Cook had 76 combined rushing and receiving yards with one receiving touchdown. Adam Thielen made eight receptions for 125 yards and one touchdown. Stefon Diggs made eight receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked No. 3 in total defense which will help them make a playoff push.
Patriots come in off a win last week over the Jets.Tom Brady completed 20/31 for 283 yards and two touchdowns. Sony Michel rushed for 133 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown. Julian Edelman made four receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and one interception but is ranked No. 22 in total defense. It is their top 10 ranked offense that will easily let them win their division. .
Patriots lead the series 8-4 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: Patriots
San Francisco 49ers (2-9) vs. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)
49ers come in off a loss last week to the Buccaneers. Nick Mullens completed 18/32 for 221 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. Dante Pettis made four receptions for 77 and one touchdown. Matt Breida rushed for 106 yards on 14 carries. The defense managed just one sack and is ranked No. 11 in total defense with their offense ranked No. 17 in total offense.
Seahawks come in off a win last week over the Panthers.Russell Wilson completed 22/31 for 339 yards and two touchdowns. Chris Carson rushed for 55 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. Tyler Lockett made five receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown. David Moore made four receptions for 103 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed just one interception. The team is ranked No. 16 in both total offense and total defense.
Seahawks lead the series 24-15 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: Seahawks
Los Angeles Chargers (8-3) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3-1)
Chargers come in off a win last week over the Cardinals. Philip Rivers completed 28/29 for 259 yards and three touchdown with two of them going to Mike Williams. Melvin Gordon rushed for 61 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns. Keenan Allen made seven receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is No. 9 in total defense. The offense is ranked No. 6 in total offense and only their kicking game has been an issue all season.
Steelers come in off a loss last week to the Broncos. Ben Roethlisberger completed 41/56 for 462 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. JuJu Smith-Schuster made 13 receptions for 189 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and is ranked No. 6 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 4 in total offense making them one of the better teams in the league.
Steelers lead the series 23-9 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: Steelers
Washington Redskins (6-5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (5-6)
Redskins come in off a loss last week to the Cowboys. Colt McCoy completed 24/38 for 268 yards two touchdowns and three interceptions with one touchdown going to Trey Quinn. Vernon Davis made two receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown. Kapri Bibbs rushed for one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked No. 18 in total defense. The offense is ranked No. 27 and will need to find new ways to win under Colt McCoy each week.
Eagles come in off a win last week over the Giants. Carson Wentz completed 20/28 for 236 yards and one touchdown. Josh Adams rushed for 84 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. Zach Ertz made seven receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 24 in total defense. The offense is ranked No. 19 in total offense. This team has been plagued by injuries all season.
Redskins lead the series 86-75-5 and will get the win at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday.
Prediction: Redskins
Survivor Pool Pick of the Week: Dolphins
Saints come in off a win last week over the Falcons. Drew Brees completed 15/22 for 171 yards four touchdowns and one interception with one each to Dan Arnold and TommyLee Lewis. Alvin Kamara rushed for 89 yards on 14 carries. The defense scored six sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 15 in total defense but their high flying offense is ranked No. 5.
Prediction: Saints
Baltimore Ravens (6-5) vs. Atlanta Falcons (4-7)
Ravens come in off a win last week over the Raiders. Lamar Jackson completed 14/25 for 178 passing yards 1 passing touchdown, 71 rushing yards one rushing touchdown and two interceptions with the lone passing touchdown going to Michael Crabtree. Gus Edwards rushed for 118 yards on 23 carries. The defense scored three sacks and is the top defense in the league. The offense is ranked No. 11 but is showing more promise under Lamar Jackson.
Falcons come in off a loss last week to the Saints. Matt Ryan completed 35/47 for 377 yards two touchdowns and one interception with one touchdown to Telvin Coleman. Calvin Ridley made eight receptions for 93 yards and one touchdown. Julio Jones made 11 receptions for 147 yards. The defense scored two sacks and one interception but is still ranked No. 28 in total defense which keeps them from being able to stop bleeding points to their opponents each week.
Prediction: Ravens
Denver Broncos (5-6) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (5-6)
Broncos come in off a win last week over the Steelers. Case Keenum completed 15/28 for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Phillip Lindsay rushed for 110 yards on 14 carries and one touchdown. Emmanuel Sanders made seven receptions for 86 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and two interceptions but is still only ranked No. 25 for their lack of a consistent secondary.
Broncos lead the series 21-10 and will beat the Dalton-less Bengals on Sunday.
Prediction: Broncos
Los Angeles Rams (10-1) vs. Detroit Lions (4-7)
Rams come in off a bye last week. Jared Goff has completed 258/351 for 3,547 yards 26 touchdowns and six interceptions for a 113.5 percent passer rating. While their offense is ranked No. 2 in total offense it is their No. 20 defense that has kept their games closer than they should be each week.
Lions come in off a loss last week to the Bears. Matthew Stafford completed 28/38 for 236 yards zero touchdowns and two interceptions. LeGarrette Blount rushed for 88 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns. Kenny Golladay made five receptions for 90 yards. The defense scored four sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 13 but their No. 23 offense and their inconsistent run game has been a major factor all season.
Rams lead the series 43-41-1 and will get the win at Ford Field on Sunday.
Prediction: Rams
Arizona Cardinals (2-9) vs. Green Bay Packers (4-6-1)
Cardinals come in off a loss last week to the Chargers. Josh Rosen completed 12/19 for 105 yards one touchdown and one interception with the lone touchdown going to Larry Fitzgerald. David Johnson had 79 combined rushing and receiving yards. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked No. 19 but their lowly offense is ranked dead last.
Prediction: Packers
Cleveland Browns (4-6-1) vs. Houston Texans (7-3)
Browns come in off a win last week over the Bengals. Baker Mayfield completed 19/26 for 258 yards and four touchdowns. Nick Chubb had 128 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. David Njoku made five receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed one sack and one interception but is still ranked next to last. Their offense is ranked No. 18 but under new offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens the team has continued to improve each week.
Texans lead the series 6-3 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: Texans
Indianapolis Colts (6-5) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8)
Colts come in off a win last week over the Dolphins. Andrew Luck completed 30/37 for 343 yard three touchdowns and two interceptions. with two touchdowns going to Eric Ebron. T.Y. Hilton made seven receptions for 125 yards. Marlon Mack rushed for 85 yards on 15 carries. The team lost Jack Doyle for the season. The defense managed one sack and is ranked No. 17 but their No. 8 offense is why the team has remained competitive in their division.
Jaguars come in off a loss last week to the Bills. The team fired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and benched quarterback Blake Bortles after the abysmal performance. The team also faces the one game suspension of Leonard Fournette this week. The defense is still ranked No. 5 but the offense is ranked No. 22 and hope Cody Kessler can help turn this team around over the last five weeks of the season.
Prediction: Colts
Buffalo Bills (4-7) vs. Miami Dolphins (5-6)
Bills come in off a win last week over the Jaguars. Josh Allen completed 8/19 for 160 passing yards one passing touchdown, 99 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Robert Foster made two receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown. The defense made three sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No. 2 but their offense is extremely unreliable and stuck at No. 31.
Prediction: Dolphins
Chicago Bears (8-3) vs. New York Giants (3-8)
Bears come in off a win last week over the Lions. Mitchell Trubisky is still questionable so Chase Daniel may get his second start this week. Daniel completed 27/37 for 230 yards and two touchdowns with Tarik Cohen and Taquan Mizzel each receiving one. The defense scored two sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No.4. Their No. 21 offense has been their only hangup but this team can easily win their division.
Giants come in off a loss last week to the Eagles. Eli Manning completed 26/37 for 297 yards one touchdown and one interception. Saquon Barkley had 142 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown. Odell Beckham made five receptions for 85 yards. The defense managed three sacks but their No. 23 ranking and their No. 20 offense belies some of the tragic realities of this team.
Bears lead the series 33-23-2 and will get the win at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Prediction: Bears
Carolina Panthers (6-5) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)
Panthers come in off a loss last week to the Seahawks. Cam Newton completed 25/30 for 256 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Christian McCaffrey had 237 combine rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. D.J. Moore made eight receptions for 91 yards. The defense scored two sacks in the game and is ranked No. 14 in total defense.
Buccaneers come in off a win last week over the 49ers. Jameis Winston completed 29/38 for 312 yards and two touchdowns with Adam Humphries and Cameron Brate each receiving one. Peyton Barber rushed for one touchdown. Mike Evans made six receptions for 116 yards. The defense scored four sacks and two interceptions but still struggles each week leaving them stuck at No. 27 while their high flying offense has climbed to No. 1 in total offense.
Prediction: Panthers
Kansas City Chiefs (9-2) vs. Oakland Raiders (2-9)
Chiefs come in off a bye last week. Patrick Mahomes has completed 264/391 for 3,628 yards 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a 117.9 percent passer rating. The team's No. 30 ranked defense forces their No. 3 ranked offense to run up the score each week since they aren't able to stop their opponents from scoring.
Raiders come in off a loss last week to the Ravens. Derek Carr completed 16/34 for 194 yards and one touchdown to Jared Cook. Doug Martin rushed for one touchdown. The defense managed one sack and two interceptions and is ranked No. 26 while their offense is ranked No. 24. This team is terrible on both sides of the ball and can only hope for a high draft pick this offseason.
Prediction: Chiefs
New York Jets (3-8) vs. Tennessee Titans (5-5)
Jets come in off a loss last week to the Patriots. Sam Darnold is still questionable and so is Josh McCown who performed well last week completing 26/45 for 276 yards one touchdown and one interception. Jermaine Kearse made six receptions for 66 yards and one touchdown. The defense is ranked No. 21 in total defense while the offense is ranked No. 29 in total offense.
Titans come in off a loss last week to the Texans. Marcus Mariota completed 22/23 for 303 yards and two touchdowns. Corey Davis had 135 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Jonnu Smith made two receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked No. 10 but it's their struggling offense that is holding them back from more wins this season.
Titans lead the series 24-19-1 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: Titans
Minnesota Vikings (6-4-1) vs. New England Patriots (8-3)
Vikings come in off a win last week over the Packers. Kirk Cousins completed 29/38 for 342 yards and three touchdowns. Dalvin Cook had 76 combined rushing and receiving yards with one receiving touchdown. Adam Thielen made eight receptions for 125 yards and one touchdown. Stefon Diggs made eight receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked No. 3 in total defense which will help them make a playoff push.
Prediction: Patriots
San Francisco 49ers (2-9) vs. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)
49ers come in off a loss last week to the Buccaneers. Nick Mullens completed 18/32 for 221 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. Dante Pettis made four receptions for 77 and one touchdown. Matt Breida rushed for 106 yards on 14 carries. The defense managed just one sack and is ranked No. 11 in total defense with their offense ranked No. 17 in total offense.
Seahawks come in off a win last week over the Panthers.Russell Wilson completed 22/31 for 339 yards and two touchdowns. Chris Carson rushed for 55 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. Tyler Lockett made five receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown. David Moore made four receptions for 103 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed just one interception. The team is ranked No. 16 in both total offense and total defense.
Seahawks lead the series 24-15 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: Seahawks
Los Angeles Chargers (8-3) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3-1)
Chargers come in off a win last week over the Cardinals. Philip Rivers completed 28/29 for 259 yards and three touchdown with two of them going to Mike Williams. Melvin Gordon rushed for 61 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns. Keenan Allen made seven receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is No. 9 in total defense. The offense is ranked No. 6 in total offense and only their kicking game has been an issue all season.
Steelers come in off a loss last week to the Broncos. Ben Roethlisberger completed 41/56 for 462 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. JuJu Smith-Schuster made 13 receptions for 189 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and is ranked No. 6 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 4 in total offense making them one of the better teams in the league.
Steelers lead the series 23-9 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: Steelers
Washington Redskins (6-5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (5-6)
Redskins come in off a loss last week to the Cowboys. Colt McCoy completed 24/38 for 268 yards two touchdowns and three interceptions with one touchdown going to Trey Quinn. Vernon Davis made two receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown. Kapri Bibbs rushed for one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked No. 18 in total defense. The offense is ranked No. 27 and will need to find new ways to win under Colt McCoy each week.
Eagles come in off a win last week over the Giants. Carson Wentz completed 20/28 for 236 yards and one touchdown. Josh Adams rushed for 84 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. Zach Ertz made seven receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 24 in total defense. The offense is ranked No. 19 in total offense. This team has been plagued by injuries all season.
Prediction: Redskins
Survivor Pool Pick of the Week: Dolphins
Redskins show the ugly side of football by signing Reuben Foster
This past weekend the 49ers made the decision to part ways with troubled young star Reuben Foster. The decision was seen as an effort by the team to save their image after Foster once again let the team down with his off field actions. As I stated in my previous blog, Foster's propensity towards violence should steer teams clear of him. However, just as predicted, a team took a chance and claimed the troubled player off waivers. The Redskins quickly took to Twitter to defend their decision with a hasty message claiming the team would let the legal process play out and any potential suspension from the league before he would get a chance to play for the team. Despite this claim many people were angered by the team's decision to give Foster a second chance.
Redskins are a team that recently lost their starting quarterback for the season and bypassed signing a Super Bowl contending quarterback in Colin Kaepernick to sign Mark Sanchez who has a career completion percentage of 56.7. Kaepernick's only "crime" was kneeling to protest systemic racism and social injustice. Foster has had repeated run ins with the law and a previous suspension from the league for his personal conduct. This is not a story of redemption for a player who has learned his lesson from a troubled past, this is a player who has been given more than one opportunity to correct his actions and has not done so. Giving him another pass does not help to teach him anything nor convey to him the seriousness of his actions. A team that once praised Goodell for his suspension of Ray Rice for his domestic violence altercation now seems hypocritical for their decision to claim Foster. This is a team who has been praised for starting the breast cancer awareness campaign in the league and now they show that women do not trump a player with questionable morals but great talent. Is this the message this team or the league wants to convey to their female fans and viewers?
Foster isn't the first player to be given another opportunity in the league. In 1996 Lawrence Phillips was drafted No. 6 by the St. Louis Rams after a violent history in college at Nebraska. Despite his propensity towards violence, the team was willing to take a chance on him. He was released after one season for his off field antics. The Dolphins were the next team to claim him but released him after just two games for assaulting a woman. After several more stops in professional football and more violent altercations, Phillips was out of football by 2003 (though his violent tendencies would continue long after his playing days were finished). In 2014, Greg Hardy was arrested for assaulting an ex-girlfriend. The Panthers did not release Hardy, but he never played another down for the team and was not re-signed in the offseason. Hardy would be handed down a 10 game suspension for his off field issues which was later reduced to just four games and made way for the Cowboys to sign him to a one-year deal in 2015. During this time Hardy sat down for an interview with ESPN's Adam Schecter and denied the domestic violence allegations despite evidence to the contrary. It was Hardy's lack of production and frequent issues with head coach Jason Garrett that lead to the team deciding not to re-sign him the following offseason not his violent history nor his denial of it.
As of now there is no telling that Foster is headed in the same direction as Phillips or Hardy, but given the fact this is a repeat offender, shouldn't a team take more than one day to vet a player and do their due diligence to make sure a player has the ability to control their anger and violent tendencies? Doesn't the team owe it to its fans to bring in players who exemplify the best qualities on and off the field? Don't female supporters deserve to know that the league does not support abusers over women? This league that was once prominent for its "No More" campaign against domestic violence is slipping into a dangerous territory of alienating half it's fan base if it continues to not take a hard stance against abusers. The Redskins are just one more example of this sad fact.
Redskins are a team that recently lost their starting quarterback for the season and bypassed signing a Super Bowl contending quarterback in Colin Kaepernick to sign Mark Sanchez who has a career completion percentage of 56.7. Kaepernick's only "crime" was kneeling to protest systemic racism and social injustice. Foster has had repeated run ins with the law and a previous suspension from the league for his personal conduct. This is not a story of redemption for a player who has learned his lesson from a troubled past, this is a player who has been given more than one opportunity to correct his actions and has not done so. Giving him another pass does not help to teach him anything nor convey to him the seriousness of his actions. A team that once praised Goodell for his suspension of Ray Rice for his domestic violence altercation now seems hypocritical for their decision to claim Foster. This is a team who has been praised for starting the breast cancer awareness campaign in the league and now they show that women do not trump a player with questionable morals but great talent. Is this the message this team or the league wants to convey to their female fans and viewers?
Foster isn't the first player to be given another opportunity in the league. In 1996 Lawrence Phillips was drafted No. 6 by the St. Louis Rams after a violent history in college at Nebraska. Despite his propensity towards violence, the team was willing to take a chance on him. He was released after one season for his off field antics. The Dolphins were the next team to claim him but released him after just two games for assaulting a woman. After several more stops in professional football and more violent altercations, Phillips was out of football by 2003 (though his violent tendencies would continue long after his playing days were finished). In 2014, Greg Hardy was arrested for assaulting an ex-girlfriend. The Panthers did not release Hardy, but he never played another down for the team and was not re-signed in the offseason. Hardy would be handed down a 10 game suspension for his off field issues which was later reduced to just four games and made way for the Cowboys to sign him to a one-year deal in 2015. During this time Hardy sat down for an interview with ESPN's Adam Schecter and denied the domestic violence allegations despite evidence to the contrary. It was Hardy's lack of production and frequent issues with head coach Jason Garrett that lead to the team deciding not to re-sign him the following offseason not his violent history nor his denial of it.
As of now there is no telling that Foster is headed in the same direction as Phillips or Hardy, but given the fact this is a repeat offender, shouldn't a team take more than one day to vet a player and do their due diligence to make sure a player has the ability to control their anger and violent tendencies? Doesn't the team owe it to its fans to bring in players who exemplify the best qualities on and off the field? Don't female supporters deserve to know that the league does not support abusers over women? This league that was once prominent for its "No More" campaign against domestic violence is slipping into a dangerous territory of alienating half it's fan base if it continues to not take a hard stance against abusers. The Redskins are just one more example of this sad fact.
Monday, November 26, 2018
Reuben Foster should be a cautionary tale to the NFL
Coming out of Alabama in 2017, Reuben Foster was a highly touted and sought after recruit. He was fast, ferocious and hard hitting. He was an All-American, All-SEC, Butkus Award winning inside linebacker who had the skills and speed to be the next Luke Kuechly or Bobby Wagner. When the 49ers drafted him along with defensive end Solomon Thomas, it was thought that the team had finally found the answers to their defensive woes. While Thomas has yet to live up to the high expectations for him, Foster has found himself on a downward spiral that may have finally ended his NFL career after just one season.
Foster's story is a a tragic and frustrating one; a young talent with so much potential unable to control his anger and violent nature off the field. From the beginning there were questions about his hotheadedness. Foster was sent home from the 2017 combine after getting into an altercation with a hospital worker and failed a drug test. Despite this he was still selected with the No. 31 overall pick.
In January 2018 Foster was arrested in Alabama for marijuana possession. Charges were later dismissed after he completed a diversion program. Foster was arrested a month later for domestic violence and weapon possession charges. The domestic violence charges were dismissed after the victim recanted her story and the weapons charge was reduced. Despite this the league suspended Foster for two games at the start of the 2018 season for violating the league's conduct policy.
This past weekend Foster was again arrested for domestic violence. This comes just one month after a domestic disturbance call against Foster and his girlfriend in Santa Clara. Finally tired of the ongoing legal troubles with Foster, the 49ers released the young linebacker.
Foster's troubling start at the 2017 Combine should have been enough of a deterrent to keep teams from taking a chance on him. Sadly teams are willing to take a chance on players with checkered histories if they show a modicum of talent. Foster will bear the brunt of his ultimate demise, but the 49ers have some level of culpability in not more carefully vetting Foster when early red flags were raised about his character. The league is quicker to condemn players for drug use than domestic violence or assaults against women. When players can be suspended an entire season for failed drug tests but a mere three games for an assault on a woman it shows a deep level of hypocrisy. Is the NFL more concerned about the product on the field than the moral character of the players that represent it?
The sad part is this may not be the end of Foster's career. There is still a chance that another team will be willing to take a chance on him. This would not be the first time a team has given a player with domestic violence issues a second chance in the league. While ultimately Greg Hardy's comeback story failed, the fact he was even given a second chance does not speak well of the priorities of the league. If this league wants to continue to grow its female viewership they need to do a better job of keeping players and personnel with a history of violence against women out of the league.
Foster's story is a a tragic and frustrating one; a young talent with so much potential unable to control his anger and violent nature off the field. From the beginning there were questions about his hotheadedness. Foster was sent home from the 2017 combine after getting into an altercation with a hospital worker and failed a drug test. Despite this he was still selected with the No. 31 overall pick.
In January 2018 Foster was arrested in Alabama for marijuana possession. Charges were later dismissed after he completed a diversion program. Foster was arrested a month later for domestic violence and weapon possession charges. The domestic violence charges were dismissed after the victim recanted her story and the weapons charge was reduced. Despite this the league suspended Foster for two games at the start of the 2018 season for violating the league's conduct policy.
This past weekend Foster was again arrested for domestic violence. This comes just one month after a domestic disturbance call against Foster and his girlfriend in Santa Clara. Finally tired of the ongoing legal troubles with Foster, the 49ers released the young linebacker.
Foster's troubling start at the 2017 Combine should have been enough of a deterrent to keep teams from taking a chance on him. Sadly teams are willing to take a chance on players with checkered histories if they show a modicum of talent. Foster will bear the brunt of his ultimate demise, but the 49ers have some level of culpability in not more carefully vetting Foster when early red flags were raised about his character. The league is quicker to condemn players for drug use than domestic violence or assaults against women. When players can be suspended an entire season for failed drug tests but a mere three games for an assault on a woman it shows a deep level of hypocrisy. Is the NFL more concerned about the product on the field than the moral character of the players that represent it?
The sad part is this may not be the end of Foster's career. There is still a chance that another team will be willing to take a chance on him. This would not be the first time a team has given a player with domestic violence issues a second chance in the league. While ultimately Greg Hardy's comeback story failed, the fact he was even given a second chance does not speak well of the priorities of the league. If this league wants to continue to grow its female viewership they need to do a better job of keeping players and personnel with a history of violence against women out of the league.
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Week 12 Predictions
Chicago Bears (7-3) vs. Detroit Lions (4-6)
Bears come in off a win last week over the Vikings. Mitchell Trubisky will be out so Chase Daniel will get the start. The defense scored two sacks and two interceptions last week andis ranked No. 3 in total defense while the offense is stuck at No. 16. Trubisky being out may be a lot for this team to overcome.
Lions come in off a win last week over the Panthers. Kerryon Johnson will be out. Matthew Stafford completed 23/37 for 220 yards and one touchdown. Kenny Golladay made eight receptions for 113 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and is No. 19 in total defense. The No. 24 ranked offense and their running back issue is their biggest issue.
Bears lead series 98-74-5 but without Trubisky, this will be a much harder matchup for them to win.
Prediction: Lions
Washington Redskins (6-4) vs. Dallas Cowboys (5-5)
Redskins come in off a loss last week to the Texans. Worst still the team lost Alex Smith for the season with a broken leg. The team signed Mark Sanchez this week to backup Colt McCoy. McCoy went 6/12 for 54 yards and one touchdown last week. Adrian Peterson rushed for two touchdowns. The defense scored three sacks and two interceptions and has fallen to No. 15 in total defense. Which coupled with the loss of their starting quarterback is going to make the remainder of the season a difficult one to win.
Cowboys come in off a win last week over the Falcons. Dak Prescott completed 22/32 for 208 yards and had one rushing touchdown. Ezekiel Elliott had 201 combined rushing and receiving yards and one rushing touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and is the team's bright spot over their lackluster offense.
Cowboys lead series 70-45-2 and will get the win at home.
Prediction: Cowboys
Atlanta Falcons (4-6) vs. New Orleans Saints (9-1)
Falcons come in off a loss last week to the Cowboys. Matt Ryan completed 24/34 for 291 yards one touchdown and one interception. Julio Jones made six receptions for 118 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks but is still ranked No. 28 in total defense which has prevented them from being able to close out games.
Saints come in off a win last week over the Eagles. Drew Brees completed 22/30 for 363 yards and four touchdowns.Mark Ingram rushed for 103 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns. Alvin Kamara had 108 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Tre'Quan Smith made 10 receptions for 157 yards and one touchdown. Michael Thomas made four receptions for 92 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and three interceptions and is ranked No. 16 in total defense. It is their No. 4 ranked offense that has been unstoppable this season.
Falcons lead series 52-47 but the Saints will get the win at home.
Prediction: Saints
Oakland Raiders (2-8) vs. Baltimore Ravens (5-5)
Raiders come in off a win last week over the Cardinals but the team lost Brandon LaFell for the season. Derek Carr completed 19/31 for 192 yards and two touchdowns with one going to Jared Cook. The defense scored one sack and two interceptions. This team ranks No. 25 in total defense and No. 22 in total offense and is a complete disaster on both sides of the ball.
Ravens come in off a win last week over the Bengals. Joe Flacco is still questionable so Lamar Jackson is likely to get the start. Jackson completed 13/19 for 150 yards passing, 117 yards rushing 0 touchdowns and one interception. Gus Edwards rushed for 115 yards on 17 carries and one touchdown. The defense managed just one sack but is still ranked No.1 in total defense.
Ravens lead series 8-3 and will get the win at home.
Prediction: Ravens
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7) vs. Buffalo Bills (3-7)
Jaguars come in off a loss last week to the Steelers. Blake Bortles completed 10/18 for 104 yards. Leonard Fournette had 141 combined rushing and receiving yards and one rushing touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and three interceptions. Jaguars are No. 4 in total defense but are No. 21 in total offense with quarterback play being their major hang up.
The series is tied 8-8 but the Jaguars will get the win in Buffalo.
Prediction: Jaguars
Seattle Seahawks (5-5) vs. Carolina Panthers (6-4)
Seahawks come in off a win last week over the Packers. Russell Wilson completed 21/31 for 225 yards and two touchdowns with one each going to Doug Baldwin and Ed Dickson. Chris Carson rushe for 83 yards on 17 carries and one tuchdown. The defense scored five sacks and is No. 11 in total defense. Only run game issues keeps this team from being better overall.
Panthers come in off a loss last week to the Lions. Cam Newton completed 25/37 for 357 yards three touchdowns and one interception with one to Curtis Samuel. D.J. Moore made seven receptions for 157 yards and one touchdown. Christian McCaffrey had 10 combined rushing and receiving yards. The defense managed just one sack but is still ranked No. 13 in total defense. The No. 15 ranked offense is why the team is mired in mediocrity.
Seahawks lead series 8-4 but Panthers will get the win at home.
Prediction: Panthers
Cleveland Browns (3-6-1) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (5-5)
Browns come in off a bye last week. Baker Mayfield has completed 176/285 for 1,984 yards 13 Tds and seven interceptions for a 87.5 percent passer rating. The team is ranked No. 30 in total defense and No. 18 in total offense.
Bengals come in off a loss last week to the Ravens. Andy Dalton completed 19/36 for 211 yards and two touchdowns with one going to John Ross. Joe Mixon rushed for one touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and one interception but is still ranked No. 31 in total defense and offense is ranked No. 26 in total offense.
Bengals lead series 50-39 and will get the win at home.
Prediction: Bengals
New England Patriots (7-3) vs. New York Jets (3-7)
Patriots come in off a bye last week. Tom Brady has completed 242/371 for 2,748 yards 17 TDs and seven interceptions for a 94.7 percent passer rating. The team is ranked No. 23 in total defense and No. 10 in total offense.
Jets come in off a bye last week. Sam Darnold has completed 159/289 for 1,934 yards 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptioins for a 68.3 percent passer rating. The team is ranked No. 18 in total defense and No. 29 in total offense.
New York Giants (3-7) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)
The Giants come in off a win last week over the Buccaneers. Eli Manning completed 17/18 for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Saquon Barkley had 152 combined rushing and receiving yards two rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown. Odell Beckham made four receptions for 74 yards and one touchdown.
The Eagles come in off a loss last week to the Saints. Carson Wentz completed 19/33 for 156 yards 0 touchdowns and three interceptions. Josh Adams rushed for one touchdown. The team is ranked No. 22 in total defense and No. 19 in total offense.
Giants lead series 85-84-2 but the Eagles will prevail at home.
Prediction: Eagles
San Francisco 49ers (2-8) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-7)
The 49ers come in off a bye last week. Nick Mullens has completed 43/61 for 512 yarsd four touchdowns and two interceptions for a 104 percent passer rating. The team is ranked No. 10 in total defense and No. 17 in total offense.
Buccaneers come in off a loss last week to the Giants. Jameis Winston completed 12/16 for 199 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Peyton Barber rushed for 106 yard on 18 carries and one touchdown. Mike Evans made six receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed three sacks but is ranked No. 27 in total defense and lack the ability to keep teams from outscoring them.
Arizona Cardinals (2-8) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)
Cardinals come in off a loss last week to the Raiders. Josh Rosen completed 9/20 for 136 yards three touchdowns and two interceptions with two touchdowns going to Larry Fitzgerald. Christian Kirk made three receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown. David Johnson rushed for 137 yards on 25 carries. The defense scored four sacks in the game and are ranked No. 17 in total defense but it is their last ranked offense that is keepiong them out of the win column most weeks.
The Chargers come in off a loss last week to the Broncos. Phillip Rivers completed 28/43 for 401 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. Keenan Allen made nine receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown. Antonio Gates made five receptions for 80 yards and one touchdown. Melvin Gordon had 156 combined rushing and receiving yards. The team is ranked No. 14 in total defense and No. 7 in total offense. Their biggest issue still remains in the kicking game.
Chargers lead series 9-4 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: Chargers
Miami Dolphins (5-5) vs. Indianapolis Colts (5-5)
Dolphins come in off a bye last week. Ryan Tannehill has completed 85/129 for 972 yards eight touchdowns and five interceptions for a 92.9 percent passer rating. The team is ranked No. 26 in total defense and No. 28 in total offense.
The Colts come in off a win last week over the Titans. Andrew Luck completed 23/29 for 297 yards and three touchdowns. T.Y. Hilton made nine receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Marlon Mack rushed for 61 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. The defense scored five sacks and two interceptions but they are still ranked No. 20 in total defense.
Dolphins lead series 47-26 but Colts will get the win at home.
Prediction: Colts
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2-1) vs. Denver Broncos (4-6)
Steelers come in off a win last week over the Jaguars. Ben Roethlisberger completed 27/47 for 314 yards two passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown and three interceptions. Antonio Brown made five receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown. JuJu Smith-Schuster made eight receptions for 104 yards. The defense scored six sacks and is No. 6 in total defense while the offense is ranked No. 5 in total offense making them one of the most balanced teams in the league.
Broncos come in off a win last week over the Chargers. Case Keenum completed 19/32 for 205 yards. Phillip Lindsay rushed for 79 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns. Royce Freeman rushed for one touchdown. Courtland Sutton made three receptions for 78 yards. The defense scored three sacks and two interceptions but are ranked No. 21 in total defense with the lack of consistency in their secondary costing them many games this season.
Broncos lead series 19-11-1 but Steelers will get the win on Sunday.
Prediction: Steelers
Green Bay Packers (4-5-1) vs. Minnesota Vikings (5-4-1)
Packers come in off a loss last week to the Seahawks. Aaron Rodgers completed 21/30 for 332 yards and two touchdowns. Aaron Jones had 103 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Davante Adams made 10 receptions for 166 yards. The defense scored three sacks and ins No. 12 in total defense. This is a much better team than their record indicates.
Tennessee Titans (5-5) vs. Houston Texans (7-3)
Titans come in off a loss last week to the Colts. Marcus Mariota left last week's game early with an injury, but is expected to play on Monday. The team is ranked No. 9 in total defense and No. 30 in total offense with the run game being a major issue all season.
Bears come in off a win last week over the Vikings. Mitchell Trubisky will be out so Chase Daniel will get the start. The defense scored two sacks and two interceptions last week andis ranked No. 3 in total defense while the offense is stuck at No. 16. Trubisky being out may be a lot for this team to overcome.
Lions come in off a win last week over the Panthers. Kerryon Johnson will be out. Matthew Stafford completed 23/37 for 220 yards and one touchdown. Kenny Golladay made eight receptions for 113 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and is No. 19 in total defense. The No. 24 ranked offense and their running back issue is their biggest issue.
Bears lead series 98-74-5 but without Trubisky, this will be a much harder matchup for them to win.
Prediction: Lions
Redskins come in off a loss last week to the Texans. Worst still the team lost Alex Smith for the season with a broken leg. The team signed Mark Sanchez this week to backup Colt McCoy. McCoy went 6/12 for 54 yards and one touchdown last week. Adrian Peterson rushed for two touchdowns. The defense scored three sacks and two interceptions and has fallen to No. 15 in total defense. Which coupled with the loss of their starting quarterback is going to make the remainder of the season a difficult one to win.
Cowboys come in off a win last week over the Falcons. Dak Prescott completed 22/32 for 208 yards and had one rushing touchdown. Ezekiel Elliott had 201 combined rushing and receiving yards and one rushing touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and is the team's bright spot over their lackluster offense.
Cowboys lead series 70-45-2 and will get the win at home.
Prediction: Cowboys
Falcons come in off a loss last week to the Cowboys. Matt Ryan completed 24/34 for 291 yards one touchdown and one interception. Julio Jones made six receptions for 118 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks but is still ranked No. 28 in total defense which has prevented them from being able to close out games.
Falcons lead series 52-47 but the Saints will get the win at home.
Prediction: Saints
Raiders come in off a win last week over the Cardinals but the team lost Brandon LaFell for the season. Derek Carr completed 19/31 for 192 yards and two touchdowns with one going to Jared Cook. The defense scored one sack and two interceptions. This team ranks No. 25 in total defense and No. 22 in total offense and is a complete disaster on both sides of the ball.
Ravens lead series 8-3 and will get the win at home.
Prediction: Ravens
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7) vs. Buffalo Bills (3-7)
Jaguars come in off a loss last week to the Steelers. Blake Bortles completed 10/18 for 104 yards. Leonard Fournette had 141 combined rushing and receiving yards and one rushing touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and three interceptions. Jaguars are No. 4 in total defense but are No. 21 in total offense with quarterback play being their major hang up.
Bills come in off a bye last week. Josh Allen has completed 75/139 for 832 yards two touchdowns, five interceptions for a 61.8 percent passer rating. The team is ranked No. 2 in total defense and No. 31 in total offense.
The series is tied 8-8 but the Jaguars will get the win in Buffalo.
Prediction: Jaguars
Seattle Seahawks (5-5) vs. Carolina Panthers (6-4)
Seahawks come in off a win last week over the Packers. Russell Wilson completed 21/31 for 225 yards and two touchdowns with one each going to Doug Baldwin and Ed Dickson. Chris Carson rushe for 83 yards on 17 carries and one tuchdown. The defense scored five sacks and is No. 11 in total defense. Only run game issues keeps this team from being better overall.
Seahawks lead series 8-4 but Panthers will get the win at home.
Prediction: Panthers
Browns come in off a bye last week. Baker Mayfield has completed 176/285 for 1,984 yards 13 Tds and seven interceptions for a 87.5 percent passer rating. The team is ranked No. 30 in total defense and No. 18 in total offense.
Bengals lead series 50-39 and will get the win at home.
Prediction: Bengals
New England Patriots (7-3) vs. New York Jets (3-7)
Patriots come in off a bye last week. Tom Brady has completed 242/371 for 2,748 yards 17 TDs and seven interceptions for a 94.7 percent passer rating. The team is ranked No. 23 in total defense and No. 10 in total offense.
Jets come in off a bye last week. Sam Darnold has completed 159/289 for 1,934 yards 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptioins for a 68.3 percent passer rating. The team is ranked No. 18 in total defense and No. 29 in total offense.
Patriots lead series 63-54-1 and will get the win on Sunday.
Prediction: Patriots
New York Giants (3-7) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)
The Giants come in off a win last week over the Buccaneers. Eli Manning completed 17/18 for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Saquon Barkley had 152 combined rushing and receiving yards two rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown. Odell Beckham made four receptions for 74 yards and one touchdown.
Giants lead series 85-84-2 but the Eagles will prevail at home.
Prediction: Eagles
San Francisco 49ers (2-8) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-7)
The 49ers come in off a bye last week. Nick Mullens has completed 43/61 for 512 yarsd four touchdowns and two interceptions for a 104 percent passer rating. The team is ranked No. 10 in total defense and No. 17 in total offense.
49ers lead series 17-6 but Buccaneers will get the win at home.
Prediction: Buccaneers
Cardinals come in off a loss last week to the Raiders. Josh Rosen completed 9/20 for 136 yards three touchdowns and two interceptions with two touchdowns going to Larry Fitzgerald. Christian Kirk made three receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown. David Johnson rushed for 137 yards on 25 carries. The defense scored four sacks in the game and are ranked No. 17 in total defense but it is their last ranked offense that is keepiong them out of the win column most weeks.
The Chargers come in off a loss last week to the Broncos. Phillip Rivers completed 28/43 for 401 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. Keenan Allen made nine receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown. Antonio Gates made five receptions for 80 yards and one touchdown. Melvin Gordon had 156 combined rushing and receiving yards. The team is ranked No. 14 in total defense and No. 7 in total offense. Their biggest issue still remains in the kicking game.
Chargers lead series 9-4 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: Chargers
Miami Dolphins (5-5) vs. Indianapolis Colts (5-5)
Dolphins come in off a bye last week. Ryan Tannehill has completed 85/129 for 972 yards eight touchdowns and five interceptions for a 92.9 percent passer rating. The team is ranked No. 26 in total defense and No. 28 in total offense.
Dolphins lead series 47-26 but Colts will get the win at home.
Prediction: Colts
Steelers come in off a win last week over the Jaguars. Ben Roethlisberger completed 27/47 for 314 yards two passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown and three interceptions. Antonio Brown made five receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown. JuJu Smith-Schuster made eight receptions for 104 yards. The defense scored six sacks and is No. 6 in total defense while the offense is ranked No. 5 in total offense making them one of the most balanced teams in the league.
Broncos lead series 19-11-1 but Steelers will get the win on Sunday.
Prediction: Steelers
Packers come in off a loss last week to the Seahawks. Aaron Rodgers completed 21/30 for 332 yards and two touchdowns. Aaron Jones had 103 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Davante Adams made 10 receptions for 166 yards. The defense scored three sacks and ins No. 12 in total defense. This is a much better team than their record indicates.
Vikings come in off a loss last week to the Bears. Kirk Cousins completed 30/46 for 262 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. Stefon Diggs made 13 receptions for 126 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored one sack and two interceptions and are No. 5 in total defense. The offense has struggled to turn turnovers into points.
Packers lead series 60-53-3 and will get the win on Sunday.
Prediction: Packers
Tennessee Titans (5-5) vs. Houston Texans (7-3)
Titans come in off a loss last week to the Colts. Marcus Mariota left last week's game early with an injury, but is expected to play on Monday. The team is ranked No. 9 in total defense and No. 30 in total offense with the run game being a major issue all season.
Texans come in off a win last week over the Redskins. Deshaun Watson completed 16/24 for 208 yards one touchdown and two interceptions with the lone touchdown going to DeAndre Hopkins. Lamar Miller rushed for 86 yards on 20 carries. The defense scored five sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No. 7 in total defense. It is their No.13 ranked offense that has held them back with the injury to Will Fuller having a bigger impact than many anticipated.
Titans lead series 18-15 but the Texans will get the win at home.
Prediction: Texans
Survivor Pool Pick of the Week: Bears
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Week 11 Predictions
Green Bay Packers (4-4-1) vs. Seattle Seahawks (4-5)
Packers come in off a win last week over the Dolphins. Aaron Rodgers completed 19/28 for 199 yards and two touchdowns both to Davante Adams. Aaron Jones had 172 combined rushing and receiving yards and two rushing touchdowns. The defense scored six sacks and one interception and are ranked No. 10 in total defense while the offense is ranked No. 8 in total offense making them one of the most complete teams in the league.
Seahawks come in off a loss last week to the Rams. Russell Wilson completed 17/26 for 176 yards three touchdowns and also rushed for 92 yards on nine carries. Tyler Lockett made one touchdown reception. Rashad Penny rushed for 108 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and are ranked No. 11 in total defense. The struggles are on offense where they are only ranked No. 23 in total offense with rushing being the biggest hangup.
Packers lead series 13-8 and will get the win behind the arm of Aaron Rodgers.
Prediction: Packers
Dallas Cowboys (4-5) vs. Atlanta Falcons (4-5)
Cowboys come in of a win last week over the Eagles. Dak Prescott completed 26/36 for 270 yards one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. Ezekiel Elliott had 187 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is No. 6 in total defense. Their No. 29 ranked offense is what is keeping them from being a better team in their divison.
Falcons come in off a loss last week to the Browns. Matt Ryan completed 38/52 for 330 yards and two touchdowns with one going to Austin Hooper. Julio Jones made seven receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed just one interception and is ranked No. 27 in total defense behind a slew of injuries early. They will need to recover fast if they hope to make up ground in their division.
Cowboys lead series 16-11 but Falcons can outscore them down the stretch.
Prediction: Falcons
Cincinnati Bengals (5-4) vs. Baltimore Ravens (4-5)
Bengals come in off a loss last week to the Saints. Andy Dalton completed 12/20 for 153 yards one touchdown and two interceptions with the lone touchdown going to John Ross. Jeff Driskel rushed for one touchdown. This team is ranked No. 30 in total defense and No. 26 in total offense and with A.J. Green likely out until December, things don't look to improve any time soon.
Ravens come in off a bye last week. Joe Flacco has completed 232/379 for 2,465 yards 12 touchdowns and six interceptions for a 84.2 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 1 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 17 in total offense with no true number one receiver emerging.
Bengals lead series 23-22 but with A.J. Green out expect the Ravens to get the win at home.
Prediction: Ravens
Carolina Panthers (6-3) vs. Detroit Lions (3-6)
Panthers come in off a loss last week to the Steelers. Cam Newton completed 23/29 for 193 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Christian McCaffrey had 138 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and two receiving touchdowns. The defense managed one sack and is No. 13 in total defense but it's there No. 20 total offense that has been more of an issue for them in the first part of the season.
Lions come in off a loss last week to the Bears. Matthew Stafford completed 25/42 for 274 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. Kerryon Johnson had 89 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Kenny Golladay made six receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored one sack and is ranked No. 16 in total defense but the lack of consistency in the run game is what has hurt them most.
Panthers lead series 6-2 and will steal a win at Ford Field.
Prediction: Panthers
Tennessee Titans (5-4) vs. Indianapolis Colts (4-5)
Titans come in off an upset win last week over the Patriots. Marcus Mariota completed 16/24 for 228 yards and two touchdowns with one going to Jonnu Smith.Corey Davis made seven receptions for 125 yards and one touchdown. Derrick Henry rushed for two touchdowns. The defense scored three sacks and is No. 5 in total defense. It's the lack of scoring that has plagued the team the most this season.
Colts come in off a win last week over the Jaguars. Andrew Luck completed 21/29 for 285 yards three touchdowns and one interceptions. Eric Ebron made three receptions for 69 yards and one rushing and one receiving touchdown. The defense is ranked No. 20 in total defense which has been killer in close games.
Colts lead series 31-16 and will get the win at home.
Prediction: Colts
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-6) vs. New York Giants (1-7)
Buccaneers come in off a loss last week to the Redskins. Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 29/41 for 406 yards zero touchdowns and two interceptions. The defense scored three sacks but is ranked No. 25 in total defense giving up massive yards and points each week.
Giants come in off a win last week over the 49ers. Eli Manning completed 19/31 for 188 yards and three touchdowns with one going to Sterling Shepard. Odell Beckham made four receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns. Saquon Barkley had 100 combined rushing and receiving yards. The defense scored two interceptions and is ranked No. 19 in total defense but it's the struggling offense that is holding this team back.
Giants lead series 14-7 but Buccaneers will get the bounce back win at MetLife.
Prediction: Buccaneers
Houston Texans (6-3) vs. Washington Redskins (6-3)
Texans come in off a bye last week. Deshaun Watson has completed 185/285 for 2,389 yards 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions for a 100.8 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 9 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 16 in total offense.
Redskins come in off a win last week over the Buccaneers. Alex Smith completed 19/27 for 178 yards and one touchdown to Josh Doctson. The defense scored two sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No. 15 in total defense. The offense just hasn't found a way to consistently score and is ranked No. 27 in total offense.
The series is tied 2-2 but Redskins will get the win at home.
Prediction: Redskins
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2-1) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6)
Steelers come in off a win last week over the Panthers. Ben Roethlisberger completed 22/25 for 328 yards and five touchdowns. James Conner rushe for 65 yards on 13 carries and one touchdown. Antonio Brown made six receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored five sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 8 in total defense. This is firing on all cylinders and will be the team to win the AFC North.
Jaguars come in off a loss last week to the Colts.Blake Bortles completed 26/38 for 320 yards and tow touchdowns. Leonard Fournette had 109 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Donte Moncrief made three receptions for 98 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed one interception but is still ranked No. 2 in total defense. Sloppy play on offense and interceptions having been late game killers.
Jaguars lead series 14-11 but the Steelers will get the win in Jacksonville.
Prediction: Steelers
Oakland Raiders (1-8) vs. Arizona Cardinals (2-7)
Raiders come in off a loss last week to the Chargers. Derek Carr completed 24/37 for 243 yards. The defense managed one sack and one interception and is ranked No. 24 in total defense. The offense is struggling as well ranking No. 21 in total offense. This team is in a rebuilding year and with many key pieces already gone it will be hard for the team to get many wins this season.
Cardinals come in off a loss last week to the Chiefs. Josh Rosen completed 22/39 for 208 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. David Johnson had 183 combined rushing and receiving yards with one 1 rushing and one receiving touchdown.The defense scored five sacks and is ranked No. 17 in total defense but it's there last place offense that has left them unable to finish games on the winning side. The switch to Byron Leftwich as offensive coordinator should help improve them down the stretch.
Raiders lead series 5-4 but Cardinals will get the win at home.
Prediction: Cardinals
Denver Broncos (3-6) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (7-2)
Broncos come in off a bye last week.Case Keenum has completed 210/330 for 2,400 yards 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a 83.9 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 18 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 13 in total offense. It is the interceptions and the poor secondary that has this team struggling.
Chargers come in off a win last week over the Raiders. Philip Rivers completed 18/26 for 223 yards tow touchdowns and one interception with one touchdown going to Keenan Allen. Melvin Gordon had 165 combined rushing and receiving yards with one receiving touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked No. 12 in total defense and is hoping for the return of Joey Bosa this week.
Broncos lead series 65-51-1 but Chargers will get the easy win at home.
Prediction: Chargers
Philadelphia Eagles (4-5) vs. New Orleans Saints (8-1)
Eagles come in off a loss last week to the Cowboys. Carson Wentz completed 32/44 for 360 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Zach Ertz made 14 receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked No. 14 in total defense. They are ranked No. 15 in total offense making them a balanced but very mediocre team.
Saints come in off a win last week over the Bengals.Drew Brees completed 22/25 for 265 yards three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Alvin Kamara had 102 combined rushing and receiving yards with two rushing touchdowns. Mark Ingram had 162 combined rushing and receiving yards with one receiving touchdown. Michael Thomas made eight receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored five sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No. 20 in total defense but with the offense ranked No. 6 in total offense they can easily run up the score each week and will be a serious playoff contender.
Eagles lead series 17-13 but Saints will get the win at home.
Prediction: Saints
Minnesota Vikings (5-3-1) vs. Chicago Bears (6-3)
Vikings come in off a bye last week. Kirk Cousins has completed 259/363 for 2,685 yards 17 touchdowns and five interceptions for a 102.2 passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 4 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 14 in total offense.
Bears come in off a win last week over the Lions. Mitch Trubisky completed 23/30 for 355 yards three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Allen Robinson made six receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Anthony Miller made five receptions for 122 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored five sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No. 3 in total defense. It is their No. 18 ranked offense that has been a hinderance in their losses this season.
Vikings lead series 60-52-2 and will get the win at Soldier Field.
Prediction: Vikings
Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) vs. Los Angeles Rams (9-1)
Chiefs come in off a win last week over the Cardinals. Patrick Mahomes completed 21/28 for 249 yards and two touchdowns.Tyreek Hill made seven receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Kareem Hunt had 96 combined rushing and receiving yards. The defense scored five sacks and two interceptions but is ranked No. 31 in total defense. This team can run up the score, but cannot stop teams from scoring so depends solely on the ability to outscore their opponents which will be hard with better teams like the Rams.
Rams come in off a win last week over the Seahawks. Jared Goff completd 28/39 for 318 yards and two touchdowns. Todd Gurley had 160 combined rushing and receiving yards and one rushing touchdown. Brandin Cooks had 109 combined rushing and receiving yards and rushing touchdown. Robert Woods had 106 combined rushing and receiving yards. The defense scored four sacks but is ranked No. 23 in total defense. This is the No. 1 ranked team in total offense but another team that needs to run up the score in order to win.
Chiefs lead series 7-4 but with their next to last ranked defense they will not be able to stop the Rams from outscoring them in LA.
Prediction: Rams
Survivor Pool pick of the Week: Panthers
Packers come in off a win last week over the Dolphins. Aaron Rodgers completed 19/28 for 199 yards and two touchdowns both to Davante Adams. Aaron Jones had 172 combined rushing and receiving yards and two rushing touchdowns. The defense scored six sacks and one interception and are ranked No. 10 in total defense while the offense is ranked No. 8 in total offense making them one of the most complete teams in the league.
Seahawks come in off a loss last week to the Rams. Russell Wilson completed 17/26 for 176 yards three touchdowns and also rushed for 92 yards on nine carries. Tyler Lockett made one touchdown reception. Rashad Penny rushed for 108 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and are ranked No. 11 in total defense. The struggles are on offense where they are only ranked No. 23 in total offense with rushing being the biggest hangup.
Packers lead series 13-8 and will get the win behind the arm of Aaron Rodgers.
Prediction: Packers
Dallas Cowboys (4-5) vs. Atlanta Falcons (4-5)
Cowboys come in of a win last week over the Eagles. Dak Prescott completed 26/36 for 270 yards one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. Ezekiel Elliott had 187 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is No. 6 in total defense. Their No. 29 ranked offense is what is keeping them from being a better team in their divison.
Falcons come in off a loss last week to the Browns. Matt Ryan completed 38/52 for 330 yards and two touchdowns with one going to Austin Hooper. Julio Jones made seven receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed just one interception and is ranked No. 27 in total defense behind a slew of injuries early. They will need to recover fast if they hope to make up ground in their division.
Cowboys lead series 16-11 but Falcons can outscore them down the stretch.
Prediction: Falcons
Cincinnati Bengals (5-4) vs. Baltimore Ravens (4-5)
Bengals come in off a loss last week to the Saints. Andy Dalton completed 12/20 for 153 yards one touchdown and two interceptions with the lone touchdown going to John Ross. Jeff Driskel rushed for one touchdown. This team is ranked No. 30 in total defense and No. 26 in total offense and with A.J. Green likely out until December, things don't look to improve any time soon.
Ravens come in off a bye last week. Joe Flacco has completed 232/379 for 2,465 yards 12 touchdowns and six interceptions for a 84.2 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 1 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 17 in total offense with no true number one receiver emerging.
Bengals lead series 23-22 but with A.J. Green out expect the Ravens to get the win at home.
Prediction: Ravens
Carolina Panthers (6-3) vs. Detroit Lions (3-6)
Panthers come in off a loss last week to the Steelers. Cam Newton completed 23/29 for 193 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Christian McCaffrey had 138 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and two receiving touchdowns. The defense managed one sack and is No. 13 in total defense but it's there No. 20 total offense that has been more of an issue for them in the first part of the season.
Lions come in off a loss last week to the Bears. Matthew Stafford completed 25/42 for 274 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. Kerryon Johnson had 89 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Kenny Golladay made six receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored one sack and is ranked No. 16 in total defense but the lack of consistency in the run game is what has hurt them most.
Panthers lead series 6-2 and will steal a win at Ford Field.
Tennessee Titans (5-4) vs. Indianapolis Colts (4-5)
Titans come in off an upset win last week over the Patriots. Marcus Mariota completed 16/24 for 228 yards and two touchdowns with one going to Jonnu Smith.Corey Davis made seven receptions for 125 yards and one touchdown. Derrick Henry rushed for two touchdowns. The defense scored three sacks and is No. 5 in total defense. It's the lack of scoring that has plagued the team the most this season.
Colts come in off a win last week over the Jaguars. Andrew Luck completed 21/29 for 285 yards three touchdowns and one interceptions. Eric Ebron made three receptions for 69 yards and one rushing and one receiving touchdown. The defense is ranked No. 20 in total defense which has been killer in close games.
Colts lead series 31-16 and will get the win at home.
Prediction: Colts
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-6) vs. New York Giants (1-7)
Buccaneers come in off a loss last week to the Redskins. Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 29/41 for 406 yards zero touchdowns and two interceptions. The defense scored three sacks but is ranked No. 25 in total defense giving up massive yards and points each week.
Giants come in off a win last week over the 49ers. Eli Manning completed 19/31 for 188 yards and three touchdowns with one going to Sterling Shepard. Odell Beckham made four receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns. Saquon Barkley had 100 combined rushing and receiving yards. The defense scored two interceptions and is ranked No. 19 in total defense but it's the struggling offense that is holding this team back.
Giants lead series 14-7 but Buccaneers will get the bounce back win at MetLife.
Prediction: Buccaneers
Houston Texans (6-3) vs. Washington Redskins (6-3)
Texans come in off a bye last week. Deshaun Watson has completed 185/285 for 2,389 yards 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions for a 100.8 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 9 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 16 in total offense.
Redskins come in off a win last week over the Buccaneers. Alex Smith completed 19/27 for 178 yards and one touchdown to Josh Doctson. The defense scored two sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No. 15 in total defense. The offense just hasn't found a way to consistently score and is ranked No. 27 in total offense.
The series is tied 2-2 but Redskins will get the win at home.
Prediction: Redskins
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2-1) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6)
Steelers come in off a win last week over the Panthers. Ben Roethlisberger completed 22/25 for 328 yards and five touchdowns. James Conner rushe for 65 yards on 13 carries and one touchdown. Antonio Brown made six receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored five sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 8 in total defense. This is firing on all cylinders and will be the team to win the AFC North.
Jaguars come in off a loss last week to the Colts.Blake Bortles completed 26/38 for 320 yards and tow touchdowns. Leonard Fournette had 109 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Donte Moncrief made three receptions for 98 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed one interception but is still ranked No. 2 in total defense. Sloppy play on offense and interceptions having been late game killers.
Jaguars lead series 14-11 but the Steelers will get the win in Jacksonville.
Prediction: Steelers
Oakland Raiders (1-8) vs. Arizona Cardinals (2-7)
Raiders come in off a loss last week to the Chargers. Derek Carr completed 24/37 for 243 yards. The defense managed one sack and one interception and is ranked No. 24 in total defense. The offense is struggling as well ranking No. 21 in total offense. This team is in a rebuilding year and with many key pieces already gone it will be hard for the team to get many wins this season.
Cardinals come in off a loss last week to the Chiefs. Josh Rosen completed 22/39 for 208 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. David Johnson had 183 combined rushing and receiving yards with one 1 rushing and one receiving touchdown.The defense scored five sacks and is ranked No. 17 in total defense but it's there last place offense that has left them unable to finish games on the winning side. The switch to Byron Leftwich as offensive coordinator should help improve them down the stretch.
Raiders lead series 5-4 but Cardinals will get the win at home.
Prediction: Cardinals
Denver Broncos (3-6) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (7-2)
Broncos come in off a bye last week.Case Keenum has completed 210/330 for 2,400 yards 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a 83.9 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 18 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 13 in total offense. It is the interceptions and the poor secondary that has this team struggling.
Chargers come in off a win last week over the Raiders. Philip Rivers completed 18/26 for 223 yards tow touchdowns and one interception with one touchdown going to Keenan Allen. Melvin Gordon had 165 combined rushing and receiving yards with one receiving touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked No. 12 in total defense and is hoping for the return of Joey Bosa this week.
Broncos lead series 65-51-1 but Chargers will get the easy win at home.
Prediction: Chargers
Philadelphia Eagles (4-5) vs. New Orleans Saints (8-1)
Eagles come in off a loss last week to the Cowboys. Carson Wentz completed 32/44 for 360 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Zach Ertz made 14 receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked No. 14 in total defense. They are ranked No. 15 in total offense making them a balanced but very mediocre team.
Saints come in off a win last week over the Bengals.Drew Brees completed 22/25 for 265 yards three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Alvin Kamara had 102 combined rushing and receiving yards with two rushing touchdowns. Mark Ingram had 162 combined rushing and receiving yards with one receiving touchdown. Michael Thomas made eight receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored five sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No. 20 in total defense but with the offense ranked No. 6 in total offense they can easily run up the score each week and will be a serious playoff contender.
Eagles lead series 17-13 but Saints will get the win at home.
Prediction: Saints
Minnesota Vikings (5-3-1) vs. Chicago Bears (6-3)
Vikings come in off a bye last week. Kirk Cousins has completed 259/363 for 2,685 yards 17 touchdowns and five interceptions for a 102.2 passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 4 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 14 in total offense.
Bears come in off a win last week over the Lions. Mitch Trubisky completed 23/30 for 355 yards three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Allen Robinson made six receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Anthony Miller made five receptions for 122 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored five sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No. 3 in total defense. It is their No. 18 ranked offense that has been a hinderance in their losses this season.
Vikings lead series 60-52-2 and will get the win at Soldier Field.
Prediction: Vikings
Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) vs. Los Angeles Rams (9-1)
Chiefs come in off a win last week over the Cardinals. Patrick Mahomes completed 21/28 for 249 yards and two touchdowns.Tyreek Hill made seven receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Kareem Hunt had 96 combined rushing and receiving yards. The defense scored five sacks and two interceptions but is ranked No. 31 in total defense. This team can run up the score, but cannot stop teams from scoring so depends solely on the ability to outscore their opponents which will be hard with better teams like the Rams.
Rams come in off a win last week over the Seahawks. Jared Goff completd 28/39 for 318 yards and two touchdowns. Todd Gurley had 160 combined rushing and receiving yards and one rushing touchdown. Brandin Cooks had 109 combined rushing and receiving yards and rushing touchdown. Robert Woods had 106 combined rushing and receiving yards. The defense scored four sacks but is ranked No. 23 in total defense. This is the No. 1 ranked team in total offense but another team that needs to run up the score in order to win.
Chiefs lead series 7-4 but with their next to last ranked defense they will not be able to stop the Rams from outscoring them in LA.
Prediction: Rams
Survivor Pool pick of the Week: Panthers
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Week 10 Predictions
Carolina Panthers (6-2) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2-1)
Panthers come in off a win last week over the Buccaneers. Cam Newton completed 19/25 for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Christian Mccaffrey had 157 combined rushing and receiving yards and two rushing touchdowns. Greg Olsen made six receptions for 76 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and two interceptions and is ranked in the top 10 in total defense.
Steelers come in off a win last week over the Ravens. Ben Roethlisberger completed 28/47 for 270 yards one rushing touchdown and two passing touchdowns. James Conner had 163 yards combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The defense managed two sacks in the game Steelers are ranked in the top 10 in both total offense and defense.
Prediction: Panthers
Detroit Lions (3-5) vs. Chicago Bears(5-3)
Lions come in off a loss last week to the Vikings. Matthew Stafford completed 25/36 for 199 yards. The defense scored one sack and one interception in the game. The offense is ranked 23rd in total offense and has founded a consistent run game from week to week.
Prediction: Bears
New Orleans Saints (7-1) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (5-3)
Saints come in off a win last week over the Rams. Drew Brees completed 25/36 for 346 yards and four touchdowns. Alvin Karma had 116 combined rushing and receiving yards two rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown. Michael Thomas made 12 receptions for 211 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed one interception in the game and is ranked No. 20 in total defense.
Bengals come in off a bye last week. Andy Dalton has completed 185/292 for 2,102 yards 17 touchdowns eight interceptions and a 92.9 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 30 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 26 in total offense.
Prediction: Saints
Atlanta Falcons (4-4) vs. Cleveland Browns (2-6-1)
Falcons come in off a win last week over the Redskins. Matt Ryan completed 26/38 for four touchdowns and one interception. Ito Smith rushed for 60 yards on 10 carries and one touchdown. Julio Jones made seven receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown.The defense scored three sacks and one interception in the game. While Atlanta has a top 10 offense, their defense is still ranked 26th in total defense but just added Bruce Irvin this week to shore up their D-line.
Prediction: Falcons
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-5) vs. Indianapolis Colts (3-5)
Jaguars come in off a bye last week. Blake Bortles has completed 175/290 for 2,021 yards 10 touchdowns eight interceptions and a 81.4 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 1 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 24 in total offense.
Colts come in off a bye last week. Andrew Luck has completed 225/342 for 2, 187 yards 23 touchdowns eight interceptions and a 96.2 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 18 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 16 in total offense.
Prediction: Colts
Arizona Cardinals (2-6) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (8-1)
Cardinals come in off a bye last week. Josh Rosen has completed 94/169 for 1,072 yards five touchdowns, six interceptions and a 69.9 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 17 in total defense and the offense is ranked last in total offense.
Chiefs come in off a win last week over the Browns. Patrick Mahomes completed 23/32 for 375 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Kareem Hunt had a combined 141 rushing and receiving yards, two rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown. Travis Kelce made seven receptions for 99 yards and two touchdowns.The defense scored two sacks and one interception in the game but are still ranked dead last in total defense.
Prediction: Chiefs
Buffalo Bills (2-7) vs. New York Jets (3-6)
Bills come in off a loss last week to the Bears. The team is cautiously optimistic that Josh Allen will be able to start on Sunday after another disastrous outing by Nathan Peterman last week. The defense managed one sack and one interception. The offense is the Achilles heel of the team ranked No. 31 in total offense with inconsistent play at QB.
Jets come in off a loss last week to the Dolphins. Sam Darnold was injured and likely out for the game so Josh McCown will likely get the start on Sunday. The defense scored four sacks in the game. The defense is ranked No. 22 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 25 in total defense but hopefully McCown can jump star the team this week.
Prediction: Jets
Washington Redskins (5-3) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)
Redskins come in off a loss last week to the Falcons. Alex Smith completed 30/46 for 306 yards one touchdown and one interception. Kapri Bibbs rushed for one touchdown. Maurice Harris made 10 receptions for 124 yards.The defense manged two sacks in the game. The defense is ranked in the top 10 in total defense but the offense is ranked No. 27 in total offense with scoring inside the red zone being a major struggle.
Prediction: Redskins
New England Patriots (7-2) vs. Tennessee Titans(4-4)
Patriots comein off a win last week over the Packers. Tom Brady completed 22/35 for 294 yards and one touchdown. James White rushed for two touchdowns while Cordarrelle Patterson rushed for one. Josh Gordon made five receptions for 130 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed one sack in the game and is ranked a paltry No. 28 in total defense.
Titans come in off a win last week over the Cowboys. Marcus Mariota completed 21/29 for 240 yards, one rushing touchdown and two passing touchdowns. Dion Lewis had 122 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The defense scored five sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 5 in total defense but the offense is struggling ranking No. 30 in total offense.
Prediction: Patriots
Los Angeles Chargers (6-2) vs. Oakland Raiders (1-7)
Chargers come in off a win last week over the Seahawks. Philip Rivers completed 13/26 for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Melvin Gordon rushed for 113 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. Keenan Allen made six receptions for 124 yards. The defense scored four sacks and one interception. Chargers are No. 14 in total defense and No. 13 in total offense and may have finally resolved their kicking issue with the signing of Michael Badgley.
Raiders come in off a loss last week to the 49ers. Derek Carr completed 16/21 for 171 yards. The run game was held under 50 yards and the defense was ineffective. The defense is ranked 24th in total defense and the offense is ranked 21st in total offense.
Prediction: Chargers
Miami Dolphins (5-4) vs. Green Bay Packers (3-4-1)
Dolphins come in off a win last week over the Jets. Brock Osweiler completed 15/24 for 139 yards. The defense scored four sacks and four interceptions but is ranked No. 29 in total defense. The offense is ranked No. 20 in total offense so the team isn't efficient on either side of the ball.
Packers come in off a loss last week to the Patriots. Aaron Rodgers completed 24/43 for 259 yards and two touchdowns with Jimmy Graham and Davante Adams each receiving one. Marquez valdez-Scantling made three receptions for 101 yards. The defense scored two sacks in the game and is ranked No. 10 in total defense.
Prediction: Packers
Seattle Seahawks (4-4) vs. Los Angeles Rams (8-1)
Seahawks come in off a loss last week to the Chargers. Russell Wilson completed 26/39 for 235 yards two touchdowns and one interception with Nick Vannett and Jaron Brown each receiving a touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and is ranked No. 4 in total defense.
Rams come in off a loss last week to the Saints. Jared Goff completed 28/40 for 391 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Todd Gurley rushed for 68 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. Brandin Cooks made six receptions for 114 yards and one touchdown. While the offense is ranked No. 1 in total offense the defense is ranked No. 21 in total defense.
Dallas Cowboys (3-5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (4-4)
Cowboys come in off a loss last week to the Titans. Dak Prescott completed 21/31 for 243 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Amari Cooper made five receptions for 58 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks in the game but their No. 29 ranked offense is what is holding them back from leading their division.
Eagles come in off a bye last week. Carson Wentz has completed 159/225 for 1,788 yards 13 touchdowns two interceptions and a 109.6 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 11 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 18 in total offense.
Prediction:Eagles
New York Giants (1-7) vs. San Francisco 49ers (2-7)
Giants come in off a bye last week. Eli Manning has completed 215/315 for 2,377 yards eight touchdowns six interceptions and a 90.9 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 16 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 22 in total offense.
49ers come in off a win last week over the Raiders. Nick Muellens completed 16/22 for 262 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately the team lost Raheem Mostert for the season. George Kittle made four receptions for 108 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored seven sacks in the game. The team may have found new life behind Nick Muellens which should give them hope for the remainder of the season.
Prediction: 49ers
Survivor Pool Pick of the Week: Falcons
Panthers come in off a win last week over the Buccaneers. Cam Newton completed 19/25 for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Christian Mccaffrey had 157 combined rushing and receiving yards and two rushing touchdowns. Greg Olsen made six receptions for 76 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and two interceptions and is ranked in the top 10 in total defense.
Detroit Lions (3-5) vs. Chicago Bears(5-3)
Lions come in off a loss last week to the Vikings. Matthew Stafford completed 25/36 for 199 yards. The defense scored one sack and one interception in the game. The offense is ranked 23rd in total offense and has founded a consistent run game from week to week.
Bears come in off a win last week over the Bills. Mitchell Trubisky completed 12/20 for 135 yards one touchdown and one interception with the lone touchdown toss going to Trey Burton. Jordan Howard rushed for two touchdowns. The defense scored four sacks and three interceptions and is ranked No. 3 in total defense.
New Orleans Saints (7-1) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (5-3)
Saints come in off a win last week over the Rams. Drew Brees completed 25/36 for 346 yards and four touchdowns. Alvin Karma had 116 combined rushing and receiving yards two rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown. Michael Thomas made 12 receptions for 211 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed one interception in the game and is ranked No. 20 in total defense.
Bengals come in off a bye last week. Andy Dalton has completed 185/292 for 2,102 yards 17 touchdowns eight interceptions and a 92.9 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 30 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 26 in total offense.
Atlanta Falcons (4-4) vs. Cleveland Browns (2-6-1)
Falcons come in off a win last week over the Redskins. Matt Ryan completed 26/38 for four touchdowns and one interception. Ito Smith rushed for 60 yards on 10 carries and one touchdown. Julio Jones made seven receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown.The defense scored three sacks and one interception in the game. While Atlanta has a top 10 offense, their defense is still ranked 26th in total defense but just added Bruce Irvin this week to shore up their D-line.
Browns come in off a loss last week to the Chiefs. Baker Mayfield completed 29/42 for 297 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Nick Chubb rushed for 85 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. Duke Johnson made nine receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored two sacks and one interception but is still ranked No. 31 in total defense.
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-5) vs. Indianapolis Colts (3-5)
Jaguars come in off a bye last week. Blake Bortles has completed 175/290 for 2,021 yards 10 touchdowns eight interceptions and a 81.4 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 1 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 24 in total offense.
Arizona Cardinals (2-6) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (8-1)
Cardinals come in off a bye last week. Josh Rosen has completed 94/169 for 1,072 yards five touchdowns, six interceptions and a 69.9 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 17 in total defense and the offense is ranked last in total offense.
Buffalo Bills (2-7) vs. New York Jets (3-6)
Bills come in off a loss last week to the Bears. The team is cautiously optimistic that Josh Allen will be able to start on Sunday after another disastrous outing by Nathan Peterman last week. The defense managed one sack and one interception. The offense is the Achilles heel of the team ranked No. 31 in total offense with inconsistent play at QB.
Washington Redskins (5-3) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)
Redskins come in off a loss last week to the Falcons. Alex Smith completed 30/46 for 306 yards one touchdown and one interception. Kapri Bibbs rushed for one touchdown. Maurice Harris made 10 receptions for 124 yards.The defense manged two sacks in the game. The defense is ranked in the top 10 in total defense but the offense is ranked No. 27 in total offense with scoring inside the red zone being a major struggle.
Buccaneers come in off a loss last week to the Panthers. Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 24/40 for 243 yards four touchdowns and two interceptions. Adam Humphries made eight receptions for 82 yards and two touchdowns. The defense managed two sacks in the game but is still ranked No. 27 in total defense.
New England Patriots (7-2) vs. Tennessee Titans(4-4)
Patriots comein off a win last week over the Packers. Tom Brady completed 22/35 for 294 yards and one touchdown. James White rushed for two touchdowns while Cordarrelle Patterson rushed for one. Josh Gordon made five receptions for 130 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed one sack in the game and is ranked a paltry No. 28 in total defense.
Titans come in off a win last week over the Cowboys. Marcus Mariota completed 21/29 for 240 yards, one rushing touchdown and two passing touchdowns. Dion Lewis had 122 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The defense scored five sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 5 in total defense but the offense is struggling ranking No. 30 in total offense.
Los Angeles Chargers (6-2) vs. Oakland Raiders (1-7)
Chargers come in off a win last week over the Seahawks. Philip Rivers completed 13/26 for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Melvin Gordon rushed for 113 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. Keenan Allen made six receptions for 124 yards. The defense scored four sacks and one interception. Chargers are No. 14 in total defense and No. 13 in total offense and may have finally resolved their kicking issue with the signing of Michael Badgley.
Prediction: Chargers
Miami Dolphins (5-4) vs. Green Bay Packers (3-4-1)
Dolphins come in off a win last week over the Jets. Brock Osweiler completed 15/24 for 139 yards. The defense scored four sacks and four interceptions but is ranked No. 29 in total defense. The offense is ranked No. 20 in total offense so the team isn't efficient on either side of the ball.
Packers come in off a loss last week to the Patriots. Aaron Rodgers completed 24/43 for 259 yards and two touchdowns with Jimmy Graham and Davante Adams each receiving one. Marquez valdez-Scantling made three receptions for 101 yards. The defense scored two sacks in the game and is ranked No. 10 in total defense.
Seattle Seahawks (4-4) vs. Los Angeles Rams (8-1)
Seahawks come in off a loss last week to the Chargers. Russell Wilson completed 26/39 for 235 yards two touchdowns and one interception with Nick Vannett and Jaron Brown each receiving a touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and is ranked No. 4 in total defense.
Rams come in off a loss last week to the Saints. Jared Goff completed 28/40 for 391 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Todd Gurley rushed for 68 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. Brandin Cooks made six receptions for 114 yards and one touchdown. While the offense is ranked No. 1 in total offense the defense is ranked No. 21 in total defense.
Prediction: Rams
Dallas Cowboys (3-5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (4-4)
Cowboys come in off a loss last week to the Titans. Dak Prescott completed 21/31 for 243 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Amari Cooper made five receptions for 58 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks in the game but their No. 29 ranked offense is what is holding them back from leading their division.
Eagles come in off a bye last week. Carson Wentz has completed 159/225 for 1,788 yards 13 touchdowns two interceptions and a 109.6 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 11 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 18 in total offense.
New York Giants (1-7) vs. San Francisco 49ers (2-7)
Giants come in off a bye last week. Eli Manning has completed 215/315 for 2,377 yards eight touchdowns six interceptions and a 90.9 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 16 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 22 in total offense.
Survivor Pool Pick of the Week: Falcons
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Politics and the NFL
One of the biggest arguments I keep finding myself in on the internet, is the notion that politics intertwined with sports is somehow a new phenomenon. Sports and politics have been deeply interwoven since the beginning of sports. This is true of track and field, horse racing, baseball, basketball, boxing, tennis and yes even professional football. The idea that politics has no place in sports is a noble one, but patently false and ridiculous.
Let's look at the NFL. The argument is that until Colin Kaepernick came along and started kneeling to protest social injustices, the world of football was completely void of any sociopolitical stances. This statement would be laughable if so many people didn't actually believe this notion. The history of the NFL is rife with politics throughout it's nearly 100 year history.
In 1946 the Cleveland Rams wanted to move to Los Angeles. At the time the NFL had an unspoken ban on African American players and the team wanted to lease the publicly funded Los Angeles Coliseum. So an African American journalist named Halley Harding wrote to the Coliseum Commission and implored them not to let the Rams lease the space until the team integrated. The move worked and the team integrated on March 21, 1946 with the signing of UCLA standout Kenny Washington.
This move however would not be the end of politics forcing integration in the NFL. In 1962 the Washington Redskins were the lone hold out team in the NFL to integrate. Where pressure from fans, sportswriters and much of the public at large had failed to get Marshall to change his stance, the federal government stepped in and forced his hand. Interior Secretary Stewart Udall advised Marshall that D.C. stadium was on federal land and that if the team did not sign at least one black player, the team would lose use of it. Marshall relented and went on to sign five African American players.
In 1965 the American Football League (which became the AFC during their merger with the NFL in 1970) looked to hold their all star game in New Orleans. The problem? New Orleans was still a very segregated city. After several racially charged incidents, the 20 African American players were fed up and decided they were going to boycott the game. Instead the AFL moved the game to the more racially tolerant Houston. This move nearly derailed the city from being awarded an NFL franchise.
In 1967 several current and former NFL players held a meeting with heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali. While some of the players were at odds with Ali's stance on the Vietnam War they chose to stand by him in his decision to protest. They chose to use their influence to stand up to the federal government in the face of religious persecution in a volatile time in the country.
African American players weren't the only ones involved in the sociopolitical climate and finding themselves embedded in politics at the time. In 1968, 49ers legend Y.A. Tittle went on the campaign trail to endorse Ronald Reagan for president. Tittle had been a supporter of Reagan's since his run for governor two years prior and believed wholeheartedly in the messages and ideals of Reagan.
Players nowadays still continue to focus their efforts on social inequalities, systemic racism and prison reform. Meanwhile the owners haven't shied away from politics as several current NFL owners and NFL Ventures donated more than $7 million to the Donald Trump campaign and Tom Brady even endorsed Trump for president.
As much as we may like to believe sports is an escape from our everyday life and therefore shouldn't address the issues that impact everyday people, this isn't a realistic request nor vision for professional sports. Politics will always be a part of the NFL and the NFL will always play a part in politics.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Week 9 Predictions
Oakland Raiders (1-6) San Francisco 49ers (1-7)
Raiders come in off a loss last week to the Colts. Derek Carr completd 21/48 for 244 yards and three touchdowns. Jared Cook made four receptions for 74 yards. Doug Martin rushed for 72 yards on 13 carries. The defense lacked real production and is ranked No. 19 in total defense.
49ers come in off a loss last week to the Cardinals. C.J. Beathard will be out so Nick Mullens will get the start at QB this week. The defense had three sacks and one interception in the game and is ranked No. 21 in total defense.
Raiders lead the series 7-6 and will get the win in this dumpster fire matchup.
Prediction: Raiders
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2-1) vs. Baltimore Ravens (4-4)
Steelers come in off a win last week over the Browns. Ben Roethlisberger completed 24/36 for 257 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Antonio Brown made six receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns. James Conner rushed for 146 yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns. The defense made two sacks and one interception and is ranked No.10 in total defense.
Ravens come in off a loss last week to the Panthers. Joe Flacco completed 22/39 for 192 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. Lamar Jackson also threw one touchdown. Buck Allen and Hayden Hurt each made a touchdown reception and Alex Collins rushed for one touchdown. The defenes is ranked No. 5 in total defense.
Steelers lead series 27-22 and will get the win on Sunday in Baltimore.
Prediction: Steelers
Chicago Bears (4-3) vs. Buffalo Bills (2-6)
Bears come in off a win last week over the Jets. Mitch Trubisky completed 16/29 for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Jordan Howard rushed for 81 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. Tarik Cohen had 110 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The defense made one sack and is ranked No. 4 in total defense.
Bills come in off a loss last week to the Patriots. Derek Anderson is in concussion protocol so Nathan Peterman is likely to get the start on Sunday. Peterman has thrown one touchdown and four interceptions so far this season. LeSean McCoy made six receptions for 82 yards. The defense made two sacks and is ranked No. 14 in total defense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4) vs. Carolina Panthers (5-2)
Buccaneers come in off a loss last week to the Bengals. Winston was benched in the game so Ryan Fitzpatrick came in relief and completed 11/15 for 194 yards and two touchdowns. He will start on Sunday. Petyon Barber rushed for 85 yards on 19 carries and one touchdown. Mike Evans made six receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown. Defense scored two sacks in the game but is only ranked No. 20 in total defense.
Panthers come in off a win last week over the Ravens. Cam Newtwon completed 21/29 for 219 yards two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Christian McCaffrey had one rushing and one receiving touchdown. DJ Moore made five receptions for 90 yards. The defense made two sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No. 7 in total defense.
Kansas City Chiefs (7-1) vs. Cleveland Browns (2-5-1)
Chiefs come in off a win last week over the Broncos. Patrick Mahomes completed 24/34 for 303 yards four touchdowns and one interception. Sammy Watkins made eight receptions for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Kareem Hunt had 86 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The defense scored five sacks and one interception but is ranked No. 31 in total defense.
Browns come in off a loss last week to the Steelers. Baker Mayfield completed 22/36 for 180 yards two touchowns and one interception with Antonio Callaway and Seth DeVale each receiving one. Nick Chubb rushed for 65 yards on 18 carries. The defense managed one sack and one interception in the game but is ranked No. 30 in total defense. After the loss last week the team fired head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley and promoted defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to head coach. He will make his head coaching debut this week against a high scoring high powered offense.
New York Jets (3-5) vs. Miami Dolphins (4-4)
Jets come in off a loss last week to the Bears. Sam Darnold completed 14/29 for 153 yards and one touchdown to Chris Henderson. The defense scored two sacks but is ranked No. 27 in total defense.
Dolphins come in off a loss last week to the Texans. Brock Osweiler completed 21/37 for 241 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Danny Amendola made five receptions for 43 yards and one passing touchdown. Kenyan Drake rushed for 58 yards on 12 carries and one rushing and one receiving touchdown. DeVante Parker made six receptions for 134 yards. The defenseis ranked No. 29 in total defense.
Detroit Lions (3-4) vs. Minnesota Vikings (4-3-1)
Lions come in off a loss last week to the Seahawks. Matthew Stafford completed 27/40 for 310 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Marvin Jones made seven receptions for 117 yardsa and two touchdowns. The defense made two sacks and is ranked No. 12 in total defense.
Vikings come in off a loss last week to the Saints. Kirk Cousins completed 31/41 for 359 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Stefon Diggs mad 10 receptions for 119 yards and one touchdown. Adam Thielen made seven receptioins for 103 yards and one touchdown. Latavius Murray had a combined 95 yards rushing and receiving and one rushing touchdown. The defense managed one interception and is ranked No. 17 in total defense.
Atlanta Falcons (3-4) vs. Washington Redskins (5-2)
Falcons come in off a bye last week. Matt Ryan has completed 187/263 for 2,335 yards for a passer rating of 114.2 percent so far this season. The defense is ranked No. 23 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 16 in total offense.
Redskins come in off a win last week over the Giants. Alex Smith completed 20/32 for 178 yards and one touchdown. Adrian Peterson rushed for 149 yards on 26 carries one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown. The defense scored seven sacks and two interceptions in the game and is ranked No.2 in total defense.
Houston Texans (5-3) Denver Broncos (3-5)
Texans come in off a win last week over the Dolphins. Deshaun Watson completed 16/20 for 239 yards and five touchdowns. DeAndre Hopkins made six receptions for 82 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 16 in total defense. The team unfortunately lost Will Fuller for the season but traded for Demaryius Thomas to replace him for the remainder of the season.
Broncos come in off a loss last week to the Chiefs. case Keenum completed 23/34 for 262 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Phillip Lindsay rushed for 95 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown. Courtland Sutton made three receptions for 78 yards. The defense managed two sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 26 in total defense.
Prediction: Texans
Los Angeles Chargers (5-2) vs. Seattle Seahawks (4-3)
Chargers come in off a bye last week. Philip Rivers has completed 152/220 for 2,008 yards for a 117.8 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 11 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 15 in total offense.
Seahawks come in off a win last week over the Lions. Russell Wilson completed 14/17 for 248 yards and three touchdowns. David Moore made four receptions for 97 yards and one touchdown. Chris Carson rushed for 105 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 3 in total defense.
Los Angeles Rams (8-0) vs. New Orleans Saints (6-1)
Rams come in off a win last week over the Packers. Jared Goff completed 19/35 for 295 yards and three touchdowns with two going to Josh Reynolds. Todd Gurley had 195 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The defense made three sacks and is ranked No. 15 in total defense and added Dante Fowler this week.
Saints come in off a win last week over the Vikings. Drew Brees completed 18/23 for 120 yards one touchdown and one interception. Alvin Kamara had 76 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Micahel Thomas made five receptions for 81 yards. The defense scored four sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 13 in total defense.
Green Bay Packers (3-3-1) vs. New England Patriots (6-2)
Packers come in off a loss last week to the Rams. Aaron Rodgers completed 18/30 for 286 yards and one touchdown. Aaron Jones rushed for 86 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown. Davante Adams made five receptions for 133 yards. The defense scored five sacks and is ranked No. 7 in total defense.
Patriots come in off a win last week over the Bills. Tom Brady completed 29/45 for 324 yards. Julian Edelman made nine receptions for 104 yards. James White rushed for one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 28 in total defense.
Tennessee Titans (3-4) vs. Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
Titans come in off a bye last week. Marcus Mariota has completed 99/150 for 1,030 yars for a 78.5 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 6 in total defense but the offense is ranked No. 31 in total offense.
Cowboys come in off a bye last week. Dak Prescott completed 128/206 for 1,417 yards for a passer rating of 87.4 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 9 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 26 in total offense. Amari Cooper will make his debut for the team on Monday.
Cowboys lead series 8-6 and will get the win at home on Monday.
Prediction: Cowboys
Raiders come in off a loss last week to the Colts. Derek Carr completd 21/48 for 244 yards and three touchdowns. Jared Cook made four receptions for 74 yards. Doug Martin rushed for 72 yards on 13 carries. The defense lacked real production and is ranked No. 19 in total defense.
49ers come in off a loss last week to the Cardinals. C.J. Beathard will be out so Nick Mullens will get the start at QB this week. The defense had three sacks and one interception in the game and is ranked No. 21 in total defense.
Raiders lead the series 7-6 and will get the win in this dumpster fire matchup.
Prediction: Raiders
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2-1) vs. Baltimore Ravens (4-4)
Steelers come in off a win last week over the Browns. Ben Roethlisberger completed 24/36 for 257 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Antonio Brown made six receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns. James Conner rushed for 146 yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns. The defense made two sacks and one interception and is ranked No.10 in total defense.
Ravens come in off a loss last week to the Panthers. Joe Flacco completed 22/39 for 192 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. Lamar Jackson also threw one touchdown. Buck Allen and Hayden Hurt each made a touchdown reception and Alex Collins rushed for one touchdown. The defenes is ranked No. 5 in total defense.
Steelers lead series 27-22 and will get the win on Sunday in Baltimore.
Prediction: Steelers
Chicago Bears (4-3) vs. Buffalo Bills (2-6)
Bears come in off a win last week over the Jets. Mitch Trubisky completed 16/29 for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Jordan Howard rushed for 81 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. Tarik Cohen had 110 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The defense made one sack and is ranked No. 4 in total defense.
Bills come in off a loss last week to the Patriots. Derek Anderson is in concussion protocol so Nathan Peterman is likely to get the start on Sunday. Peterman has thrown one touchdown and four interceptions so far this season. LeSean McCoy made six receptions for 82 yards. The defense made two sacks and is ranked No. 14 in total defense.
Bears lead series 7-5 and with Peterman getting the start for the Bills I have to pick the Bears.
Prediction: BearsTampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4) vs. Carolina Panthers (5-2)
Buccaneers come in off a loss last week to the Bengals. Winston was benched in the game so Ryan Fitzpatrick came in relief and completed 11/15 for 194 yards and two touchdowns. He will start on Sunday. Petyon Barber rushed for 85 yards on 19 carries and one touchdown. Mike Evans made six receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown. Defense scored two sacks in the game but is only ranked No. 20 in total defense.
Panthers come in off a win last week over the Ravens. Cam Newtwon completed 21/29 for 219 yards two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Christian McCaffrey had one rushing and one receiving touchdown. DJ Moore made five receptions for 90 yards. The defense made two sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No. 7 in total defense.
Panthers lead series 22-13 and will get the easy win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: PanthersKansas City Chiefs (7-1) vs. Cleveland Browns (2-5-1)
Chiefs come in off a win last week over the Broncos. Patrick Mahomes completed 24/34 for 303 yards four touchdowns and one interception. Sammy Watkins made eight receptions for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Kareem Hunt had 86 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The defense scored five sacks and one interception but is ranked No. 31 in total defense.
Browns come in off a loss last week to the Steelers. Baker Mayfield completed 22/36 for 180 yards two touchowns and one interception with Antonio Callaway and Seth DeVale each receiving one. Nick Chubb rushed for 65 yards on 18 carries. The defense managed one sack and one interception in the game but is ranked No. 30 in total defense. After the loss last week the team fired head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley and promoted defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to head coach. He will make his head coaching debut this week against a high scoring high powered offense.
Chiefs lead series 12-11-2 and despite having a terrible defense will outscore the Browns to get the win.Prediction: Chiefs
New York Jets (3-5) vs. Miami Dolphins (4-4)
Jets come in off a loss last week to the Bears. Sam Darnold completed 14/29 for 153 yards and one touchdown to Chris Henderson. The defense scored two sacks but is ranked No. 27 in total defense.
Dolphins come in off a loss last week to the Texans. Brock Osweiler completed 21/37 for 241 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Danny Amendola made five receptions for 43 yards and one passing touchdown. Kenyan Drake rushed for 58 yards on 12 carries and one rushing and one receiving touchdown. DeVante Parker made six receptions for 134 yards. The defenseis ranked No. 29 in total defense.
Jets lead series 54-51-1 but Dolphins will squeeze out a win at home.
Prediction: Dolphins Detroit Lions (3-4) vs. Minnesota Vikings (4-3-1)
Lions come in off a loss last week to the Seahawks. Matthew Stafford completed 27/40 for 310 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Marvin Jones made seven receptions for 117 yardsa and two touchdowns. The defense made two sacks and is ranked No. 12 in total defense.
Vikings come in off a loss last week to the Saints. Kirk Cousins completed 31/41 for 359 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Stefon Diggs mad 10 receptions for 119 yards and one touchdown. Adam Thielen made seven receptioins for 103 yards and one touchdown. Latavius Murray had a combined 95 yards rushing and receiving and one rushing touchdown. The defense managed one interception and is ranked No. 17 in total defense.
Vikings lead series 72-39-2 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: VikingsAtlanta Falcons (3-4) vs. Washington Redskins (5-2)
Falcons come in off a bye last week. Matt Ryan has completed 187/263 for 2,335 yards for a passer rating of 114.2 percent so far this season. The defense is ranked No. 23 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 16 in total offense.
Redskins come in off a win last week over the Giants. Alex Smith completed 20/32 for 178 yards and one touchdown. Adrian Peterson rushed for 149 yards on 26 carries one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown. The defense scored seven sacks and two interceptions in the game and is ranked No.2 in total defense.
Redskins lead series 15-9-1 and will get the win at home.
Prediction: RedskinsHouston Texans (5-3) Denver Broncos (3-5)
Texans come in off a win last week over the Dolphins. Deshaun Watson completed 16/20 for 239 yards and five touchdowns. DeAndre Hopkins made six receptions for 82 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 16 in total defense. The team unfortunately lost Will Fuller for the season but traded for Demaryius Thomas to replace him for the remainder of the season.
Broncos come in off a loss last week to the Chiefs. case Keenum completed 23/34 for 262 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Phillip Lindsay rushed for 95 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown. Courtland Sutton made three receptions for 78 yards. The defense managed two sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 26 in total defense.
Broncos lead series 4-2 but the Texans will get the win on Sunday.Prediction: Texans
Los Angeles Chargers (5-2) vs. Seattle Seahawks (4-3)
Chargers come in off a bye last week. Philip Rivers has completed 152/220 for 2,008 yards for a 117.8 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 11 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 15 in total offense.
Seahawks come in off a win last week over the Lions. Russell Wilson completed 14/17 for 248 yards and three touchdowns. David Moore made four receptions for 97 yards and one touchdown. Chris Carson rushed for 105 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 3 in total defense.
Seahawks lead series 26-24 and will get the win at home on Sunday.
Prediction: SeahawksLos Angeles Rams (8-0) vs. New Orleans Saints (6-1)
Rams come in off a win last week over the Packers. Jared Goff completed 19/35 for 295 yards and three touchdowns with two going to Josh Reynolds. Todd Gurley had 195 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The defense made three sacks and is ranked No. 15 in total defense and added Dante Fowler this week.
Saints come in off a win last week over the Vikings. Drew Brees completed 18/23 for 120 yards one touchdown and one interception. Alvin Kamara had 76 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Micahel Thomas made five receptions for 81 yards. The defense scored four sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 13 in total defense.
Rams lead series 41-33 but the Saints are hard to beat at home and will hand the Rams their first loss of the season.
Prediction: RamsGreen Bay Packers (3-3-1) vs. New England Patriots (6-2)
Packers come in off a loss last week to the Rams. Aaron Rodgers completed 18/30 for 286 yards and one touchdown. Aaron Jones rushed for 86 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown. Davante Adams made five receptions for 133 yards. The defense scored five sacks and is ranked No. 7 in total defense.
Patriots come in off a win last week over the Bills. Tom Brady completed 29/45 for 324 yards. Julian Edelman made nine receptions for 104 yards. James White rushed for one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 28 in total defense.
Packers lead series 6-5 but the Patriots will get the win at home.
Prediction: Patriots Tennessee Titans (3-4) vs. Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
Titans come in off a bye last week. Marcus Mariota has completed 99/150 for 1,030 yars for a 78.5 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 6 in total defense but the offense is ranked No. 31 in total offense.
Cowboys come in off a bye last week. Dak Prescott completed 128/206 for 1,417 yards for a passer rating of 87.4 percent passer rating. The defense is ranked No. 9 in total defense and the offense is ranked No. 26 in total offense. Amari Cooper will make his debut for the team on Monday.
Cowboys lead series 8-6 and will get the win at home on Monday.
Prediction: Cowboys
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