Raiders hire draft analyst Mike Mayock as general manager

photo courtesy Associated Press

Raiders have finally filled their vacant general manager position.

The team hired NFL Network's draft analyst Mike Mayock as their new general manager on Monday. 

Mayock has no previous front office experience but his thorough knowledge of college players has kept teams interested for years. He will replace Reggie McKenzie who the team fired on December 10.

Raiders finished the season with a 4-12 record with the 23rd ranked defense and the 26th ranked offense. They traded their top pass rusher Khalil Mack prior to the start of the season and their top wide receiver Amari Cooper before the trade deadline and are in full rebuild mode while searching for a place to play in 2019. The addition of Mayock will help some uncertainty in the direction of the team going forward.

Week 17 Predictions

Miami Dolphins (7-8) vs. Buffalo Bills (5-10)

Dolphins come in off a loss last week to the Jaguars. Ryan Tannehill completed 15/22 for 146 yards one touchdown and one interception. The defense scored five sacks and will finish the season ranked No. 30 on both offense and defense. The team is moving on from Ryan Tannehill and searching for a new QB this offseason.

Bills come in off a loss last week to the Patriots. Josh Allen completed 20/41 for 217 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. Zay Jones made five receptions for 67 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored one sack and two interceptions and is ranked No. 2 in total defense. This team has some great potential to build on for next season.

Dolphins lead series 61-47-1 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Dolphins


Detroit Lions (5-10) vs. Green Bay Packers (6-8-1)

Lions come in off a loss last week to the Vikings. Matthew Stafford completed 18/32 for 116 yards. The defense scored two sacks and is ranked No. 12. Their No. 24 ranked offense cost them their season and will likely cost them their offensive coordinator and quarterback

Packers come in off a win last week over the Jets. Aaron Rodgers completed 37/55 for 442 yards two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. Davante Adams made 11 receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown. Jamaal Williams rushed for 95 yards on 15 carries an one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and is ranked No. 14 while the offense is ranked No. 9. This team will be searching for a new head coach this offseason.

Packers lead series 100-71-7 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Packers


Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10) vs. Houston Texans (10-5)

Jaguars come in off a win last week over the Dolphins. Blake Bortles will get the start on Sunday over Cody Kessler. Leonard Fournette rushed for one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and will finish the season ranked No. 5. This team will likely move on from Blake Bortles and make sweeping changes in their coaching staff.

Texans come in off a loss last week to the Eagles. Deshaun Watson completed 29/40 for 339 yards two rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns. DeAndre Hopkins made nine receptions for 104 yards
The defense scored one sack and one interception and is ranked No. 18. This team has the potential to make a good playoff run.

Texans lead series 20-13 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Texans


New York Jets (4-11) vs. New England Patriots (10-5)

Jets come in off a loss last week to the Packers. Sam Darnold completed 24/35 for 341 yards and three touchdowns. Robby Anderson made nine receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown. Christoper Henderson made six receptions for 82 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and will finish the season ranked No. 26. This team will need to make some coaching changes this offseason.

Patriots come in off a win last week over the Bills. Tom Brady completed 13/24 for 126 yards one touchdown an two interceptions. Julian Edelman made six receptions for 70 yards and one touchown.
Sony Michel rushed for 116 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and is ranked No. 21. The team will make their 10th straight playoffs and have a great potential to return to the Super Bowl.

Patriots lead series 64-54-1 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Patriots


Carolina Panthers (6-9) vs. New Orleans Saints (13-2)

Panthers come in off a loss last week to the Falcons. Taylor Heinicke completed 33/53 for 274 yards one touchdown and three interceptions with the lone touchdown going to Ian Thomas. Christian McCaffrey had 178 combined rushing and receiving yards. The defense managed one sack and is ranked No. 17. This season has been a major disappointment for the team and may have cost several coaches their jobs.

Saints come in off a win last week over the Steelers. Drew Brees completed 27/39 for 326 yards an one touchdown. Alvin Kamara had 105 combined rushing and receiving yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Michael Thomas made 11 receptions for 109 yards an one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and is ranked No. 13 but their No. 6 ranked offense is why they'll make a great playoff run.

The series us tied 24-24 but Saints will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Saints


Dallas Cowboys (9-6) vs. New York Giants (5-10)

Cowboys come in off a win last week over the Buccaneers. Dak Prescott completed 20/25 for 161 yards one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. Michael Gallup made three receptions for 53 yards and one touchdown. Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 85 yards on 18 carries. The defense scored three sacks and is ranked in the top 10. This team may not make a far playoff run, but is vastly improved over the early half of the season.

Giants come in off a loss last week to the Colts. Eli Manning completed 25/33 for 309 yards one passing touchdown, one rushing touchdown and one interception. Saquon Barkley had 77 combined rushing and receiving yards and one rushing touchdown. Sterling Shepard made six receptions for 113 yards. The defense scored one sack and one interception and is ranked No. 22. This team will need to draft or trade for a QB this offseason.

Cowboys lead series 65-46-2 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Cowboys


Atlanta Falcons (6-9) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-10)

Falcons come in off a win last week over the Panthers. Matt Ryan completed 15/26 for 239 yards and three touchdowns. Calvin Ridley made three receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown. Mohamed Sanu made five receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown. Brian Hill rushed for 115 yards on eight carries. The defense scored two sacks and three interceptions and is ranked No. 27. The top 10 offense may be the only saving Dan Quinn's job.

Buccaneers come in off a loss last week to the Cowboys. Jameis Winston completed 34/48 for 336 yards and one touchdown. Mike Evans made six receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown. Jacquizz Rodgers rushed for one touchdown. The defense managed one sack and is ranked No. 24. This team is likely to make massive changes this offseason.

Falcons lead series 26-24 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Falcons


Cleveland Browns (7-7-1) vs. Baltimore Ravens (9-6)

Browns come in off a win last week over the Bengals.Baker Mayfield completed 27/37 for 284 yards and three touchdowns. David Njoku made three receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown. Nick Chubb rushed for 112 yards on 19 carries. The defense scored three sacks and will finish the season ranked No. 29. The team has some major coaching decisions to make this offseason.

Ravens come in off a win last week over the Chargers. Lamar Jackson completed 12/22 for 204 yards and one touchdown. Mark Andrews made two receptions for 83 yards and one touchdown. Gus Edwards rushed for 92 yards on 14 carries. The defense scored four sacks and two interceptions and is the No. 1 defense in the league.

Ravens lead series 29-10 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Ravens


Oakland Raiders (4-11) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (11-4)

Raiders come in off a win last week over the Broncos. Derek Carr completed 19/26 for 167 yards. Jordy Nelson made seven receptions for 75 yards. Doug Martin rushed for 107 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown. The defense scored one sack and two interceptions and will finish the season ranked No. 25. This team will get better through the enormous amount of draft picks they accumulated this season but will also need to find a place to play next season.

Chiefs come in off a loss last week to the Seahawks. Patrick Mahomes completed 23/40 for 273 yards and three touchdowns. Damien Williams had 140 combined rushing andd receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Tyreek Hill made four receptions for 74 yards. The defense scored three sacks but is still ranked No. 31 overall. It will be their No. 1 ranked offense that will have to carry this team in the playoffs if they hope to get pass teams like the Patriots.

Chiefs lead series 64-53-2 an will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Chiefs


Chicago Bears (11-4) vs. Minnesota Vikings (8-6-1)

Bears come in off a win last week over the 49ers. Mitch Trubisky completed 25/29 for 246 yards and one touchdown. Jordan Howard had 70 combined rushing and receiving yards and one rushing touchdown. Allen Robinson made six receptions for 85 yards. The defense scored one sack and one interception and is ranked No. 4. This team was the surprise of the season and will do well in the playoffs.

Vikings come in off a win last week over the Lions. Kirk Cousins completed 21/28 for 253 yards and three touchdowns. Kyle Rudolph made nine receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Dalvin Cook rushed for 73 yards on 16 carries. The defense scored three sacks and is ranked in the top three which will propel them into the playoffs.

Vikings lead series 60-53-2 and will get the win to carry them into the playoffs.

Prediction: Vikings


Cincinnati Bengals (6-9) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6-1)

Bengals come in off a loss last week to the Browns. Jeff Driskel completed 13/19 for 133 yards and two touchdowns with one going to C.J. Uzomah. The defense will finish the season in last place and the team will finish well out of the playoffs.

Steelers come in off a loss last week to the Saints. Ben Roethlisberger completed 33/50 for 380 yards and three touchdowns. Antonio Brown made 14 receptions for 185 yards and two touchdowns. JuJu Smith-Schuster made 11 receptions for 115 yards. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 9 while the offense is ranked No. 4. This team will need this game if they want to make the playoffs.

Steelers lead series 63-35 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Steelers


Philadelphia Eagles (8-7) vs. Washington Redskins (7-8)

Eagles come in off a win last week over the Texans. Nick Foles completed 35/49 for 471 yards four touchdowns and one interception. Nelson Agholor made five receptions for 116 yards and one touchdown
Zach Ertz made 12 receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored four sacks but is ranked No. 28. This team was decimated by injuries early and never recovered.

Redskins come in off a loss last week to the Titans. Josh Johnson completed 13/23 for 153 yards one touchdown and two interceptions  with the lone touchdown going to Michael Floyd. Adrian Peterson rushed for 119 yards on 26 carries. Jamison Crowder made five receptions for 78 yards. The defense made three sacks but has dropped to No. 15 in total defense. This team has a lot to address this offseason.

Redskins lead series 86-76-5 but Eagles will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Eagles


Los Angeles Chargers (11-4) vs. Denver Broncos (6-9)

Chargers come in off a loss last week to the Ravens. Philip Rivers completed 23/37 for 181 yards and two interceptions. Melvin Gordon rushed for one touchdown. The defense scored two sacks. The team is ranked in the top 10 in both offense and defense and will win the AFC west this week

Broncos come in off a loss last week to the Raiders. Case Keenum completed 23/37 for 202 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. Courtland Sutton made six receptions for 65 yards and one touchdown
The defense managed one sack. This team will need to make serious changes in their coaching staff this offseason if they hope to return to being competitive in their division.

Broncos lead series 66-51-1 but Chargers will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Chargers


San Francisco 49ers (4-11) vs. Los Angeles Rams (12-3)

49ers come in off a loss last week to the Bears. Nick Mullens completed 22/38 for 241 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. George Kittle made seven receptions for 74 yards. The defense scored three sacks and will finish the season ranked in the top 10. With the return of Jimmy Garoppolo next season this team will have the potential to be a playoff contender.

Rams come in off a win last week over the Cardinals. Jared Goff completed 19/24 for 216 yards and one touchdown. Robert Woods made six receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown. C.J. Anderson rushed for 167 yards one 20 carries and one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked No. 16 but it is their No. 2 ranked offense that will carry them far into the playoff.

49ers lead series 69-66-3 but Rams will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Rams


Arizona Cardinals (3-12) vs. Seattle Seahawks (9-6)

Cardinals come in off a loss last week to the Rams. Josh Rosen completed 12/23 for 87 yards. Larry Fitzerald made six receptions for 53 yards and one passing touchdown to David Johnson. The defense scored two sacks and finished the season ranked No. 19. The team will improve next season with Josh Rosen under the guidance of Byron Leftwich.

Seahawks come in off  a win last week over the Chiefs. Russell Wilson completed 18/29 for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Doug Baldwin made seven receptions for 126 yards and one touchdown. Chris Carson rushed for 116 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns. The defense managed one sack and is ranked No. 20 and will need an outstanding performance from their offense if they hope to get far in the playoffs.

The series is tied 19-19-1 but Seahawks will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Seahawks


Indianapolis Colts (9-6) vs. Tennessee Titans (9-6)

Colts come in off a win last week over the Giants. Andrew Luck completed 31/47 for 357 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines each rushed for one touchdown
T.Y. Hilton made seven receptions for 138 yards. The defense managed one interception and is ranked No. 11 which will make this week's matchup very compelling.

Titans come in off a win last week over the Redskins. Marcus Mariota was injured in Week 16 and his status for Week 17 are unknown. Derrick Henry rushed for 84 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown.
The defense scored two sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No. 7 which has been their saving grace this season.

Colts lead series 32-16 and will get the win and make the playoffs.

Prediction: Colts

Redskins cut ties with D.J. Swearinger

D.J Swearinger has worn out his welcome in the nation's capital.

The talented safety was cut by the team on Monday after criticizing defensive coordinator after Saturday's loss to the Titans.

Swearinger has been one of the bright spots on Washington's defense this season. He had amassed 53 total tackles, 42 of which were solo, one sack, three forced fumbles and four interceptions and was selected as an alternate to the Pro Bowl prior to his release. The decision to release him now is not a beneficial one to the team with one week remaining in their season.

Redskins are a mass of contradictions. While they are quick to cut ties with Swearinger for his outspoken nature, the team was also quick to claim Reuben Foster off waivers for domestic violence and did not release Montae Nicholson after video was released of him brutally assaulting a man in Ashburn, Virginia. Suspending Swearinger for conduct detrimental to the team would have made more sense, but to cut ties with one of the team's best defensive players who still has one year remaining on his contract is ill advised in a team desperate for wins each season. This team was ranked in the top five early in the season and have dropped to No. 16 in the last several weeks so the loss of Swearinger will have last repercussions into next season.

This is the third team to release Swearinger in his six seasons in the league. He was previously released by both Houston and Tampa Bay for his outspoken nature. Despite this fact he's an outstanding player on the field and will likely find a new home quickly.

New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon steps away from football to focus on his mental health

Photo Courtesy: Associated Press

New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon is taking a break from football to focus on his mental health.

Gordon released a statement on Twitter saying he needed to take time away from the field in order "ensure I remain able to perform at the highest level." ESPN's Dan Graziano first reported that Gordon was facing another potential suspension for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement under the league's drug policy. 

The NFL later released a statement saying that Josh Gordon has been returned to the Reserve/Commissioner suspended list indefinitely for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement under the league's substance abuse policy.Gordon had remained in Stage 3 of the substance abuse policy during his return to the NFL.

Since entering the league in 2012 Gordon has only played one full season. He was out of football in 2015 and 2016. Browns traded Gordon this season to the Patriots for a 2019 fifth round pick. He played in 11 games for the Patriots this season making 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns and was a reliable deep threat while Rob Gronkowski was injured.

The talented young star has spoken out several times about his battles with mental health and anxiety and his use of drugs to try and treat the conditions. Gordon's decision to step away again shows a level of maturity and recognition that there remains an issue within that needs to be addressed to bring his best onto the field. 

Gordon's mental health issues also highlights the need for the NFL to provide as much support and services for players battling mental health issues as they do players battling physical ailments. Players should feel just as safe and supported when they need to take time away to work on their emotional and mental well being as they do when fighting through injuries. The league is quick to condemn players for their bad behavior on and off the field but not address the underlying issues that may have lead to drug use or violent altercations. If players only feel safe speaking out about their battles with depression and anxiety after their time in the league is over, what does that say about the culture inside the league? While the taboo nature of mental health is a larger societal issue, the NFL is asking young men to sacrifice their mind and bodies for entertainment and owes it to them to provide the best possible care both physically and mentally. 

Week 16 Predictions

Washington Redskins (7-7) vs. Tennessee Titans (8-6)

Redskins come in off a win last week against the Jaguars. Josh Johnson completed 16/25 for 151 yards and one touchdown to Jeremy Sprinkle. The defense scored four sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 18 while the offense is ranked no. 28 and will finish out of the playoffs.

Titans come in off a win last week over the Giants.Marcus Mariota completed 12/20 for 88 yards. Derrick Henry rushed for 170 yards on 33 carries and two touchdowns. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 7 while the offense and inconsistent passing game is ranked No. 27.

The series is tied 6-6 but Titans will get the win at home.

Prediction: Titans


Baltimore Ravens (8-6) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (11-3)

Ravens come in off a win last week over the  Buccaneers. Lamar Jackson completed 14/23 for 131 yards and one touchdown to Marlon Humphrey. Gus Edwards rushed for 104 yards on 19 carries and one touchdown. The defense scored one sack and one interception and is ranked No. 1 overall while the offense is ranked No. 11 and will help propel the team into the playoffs.

Chargers come in off a win last week over the Chiefs. Philip Rivers completed 26/38 for 313 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. Mike Wiliams had 95 rushing and receiving yards two rushing and one receiving touchdown. The defense managed just two sacks but with an offense and defense both ranked in the top 10, this team can still win the AFC West.

Ravens lead the series 6-5 but Chargers will get the win at home.

Prediction: Chargers


Atlanta Falcons (5-9) vs. Carolina Panthers (6-8)

Falcons come in off a win last week over the Cardinals. Matt Ryan completed 22/36 for 231 yards one rushing touchdown and two touchdowns. Tevin Coleman rushed for 145 yards on 11 carries and one touchdown. Julio Jones made six receptions for 82 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored seven sacks and two interceptions but has remained ranked at No. 24 while the offense has climbed into the top 10.

Panthers come in off a loss last week to the Saints. Cam Newton is out for the last two games of the season so Taylor Heinicke will get the start. Christian McCaffrey had 170 combined passing, rushing and receiving yards and one passing touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 16 but the fate of the team is likely to finish out of the playoffs with the loss of Newton.

Falcons lead the series 29-18 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Falcons


Cincinnati Bengals (6-8) vs. Cleveland Browns (6-7-1)

Bengals come in off a win last week over the Raiders.Jeff Driskel completed 14/33 for 130 yards one touchdown and one interception with the lone touchdown going to Tyler Boyd. Joe Mixon rushed for 129 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns. The defense scored five sacks but is ranked dead last and will guarantee the team will finish dead last in their division.

Browns come in off a win last week over the Broncos. Baker Mayfield completed 18/31 for 188 yards two touchdowns and one interception one each to Antonio Callaway and Breshad Perriman. Nick Chubb rushed for 100 yards on 20 carries. The defense scored two saccks and two interceptions yet is still ranked No. 29, while the offense has remained steady at No. 16.

Bengals lead the series 50-40 but Browns will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Browns


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-9) vs. Dallas Cowboys (8-6)

Buccaneers come in off a loss last week to the Ravens. Jameis Winston completed 13/25 for 157 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Peyton Barber rushed for 85 yards on 19 carries and one touchdown.
The defense managed two sacks but is ranked No. 28 and is the reason the team will finish dead last in the NFC South.

Cowboys come in off a loss last week to the Colts. Dak Prescott completed 24/39 for 206 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Ezekiel Elliot had 128 combined rushing and receiving yards. While the defense is ranked No. 5 while the offense is ranked No. 21 but still leading the weak NFC East division.

Cowboys lead the series 14-4 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Cowboys


Minnesota Vikings (7-6-1) vs. Detroit Lions (5-9)

Vikings come in off a win last week over the Dolphins. Kirk Cousins completed 14/21 for 215 yards two touchdowns and one interception with one touchdown each going to Stefon Diggs and Aldrick Robinson. Dalvin Cook rushed for 136 yards and 19 carries and two touchdowns. The defense scored nine sacks and is ranked No. 4 but their No. 15 ranked offense and it's lack of a consistent run game is why this team is in a battle to make the playoffs.

Lions come in off a loss last week to the Bills. Matthew Stafford completed 22/29 for 208 yards and one touchdown to Andy Jones. Kenny Golladay made seven receptions for 146 yards. The defense managed one sack and is ranked No. 13 while the offense is ranked No. 24 and will insure they finish last in their division.

Vikings lead the series 73-39-2 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Vikings


New York Giants (5-9) vs. Indianapolis Colts (8-6)

Giants come in off a loss last week to the Titans. Eli Manning completed 21/44 for 229 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Evan Engram made eight receptions for 75 yards. The defense managed one sack but is ranked No. 21 and keeping the team in the losing column.

Colts come in off a win last week over the Cowboys. Andrew Luck completed 16/27 for 192 yards
Marlon Mack rushed for 139 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns. T.Y. Hilton made five receptions for 85 yards. The defense scored three sacks and one interception. This team is ranked in the top 10 in both offense and defense and in a dog fight for the playoffs.

Colts lead the series 11-7 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Colts


Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10) vs. Miami Dolphins (7-7)

Jaguars come in off a loss last week to the Redskins. Cody Kessler completed 9/17 for 57 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. The defense scored three sacks and is ranked No. 6 but their No. 26 offense has been the reason for the mounting losses all season

Dolphins come in off loss last week to the Vikings. Ryan Tannehill completed 11/24 for 108 yards
Kalen Ballage rushed for 123 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown. The defense scored one sack and one interception but is ranked No. 30 while their offense is ranked No. 29 and keeping this team from taking over the AFC East.

Series is tied 4-4 but Dolphins will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Dolphins


Buffalo Bills (5-9) vs. New England Patriots (9-5)

Bills come in off a win last week over the Lions. Josh Allen completed 13/26 for 204 yards one rushing touchdown and one passing touchdown. Robert Foster made four receptions for 108 yards and one touchdown. While the defense has been dominant and ranked No.2 the offense is ranked No. 31 and hurting in the run game.

Patriots come in off a loss last week to the Steelers. Tom Brady completed 25/36 for 279 yards one touchdown and one interception. Chris Hogan made two receptions for 68 yards and one touchdown.
The defense scored two sacks and two interceptions but is ranked No. 23 while the offense is ranked No. 5.

Patriots lead the series 73-43-1 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Patriots


Green Bay Packers (5-8-1) vs. New York Jets (4-10)

Packers come in off a loss last week to the Bears. Aaron Rodgers completed 25/42 for 274 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Jamaal Williams rushed for 55 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown.
Davanate Adams made eight receptions for 119 yards. While the offense is ranked in the top 10 the defense is ranked No. 15 and likely to finish out of the playoffs.

Jets come in off a loss last week to the Texans. Sam Darnold completed 24/38 for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Elijah McGuire rushed for one touchdown. Robby Anderson made seven receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored six sacks and is ranked No. 22 but it's their 30th ranked offense that held them back all season.

Jets lead the series 8-4 but the Packers will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Packers


Houston Texans (10-4) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (7-7)

Texans come in off a win last week over the Jets. Deshaun Watson completed 22/28 for 294 yards and two touchdowns. DeAndre Hopkins made 10 receptions for 170 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored three sacks. The offense and defense are both ranked No. 14 and need these last two games to cement their division win.

Eagles come in off a win last week over the Rams. Nick Foles completed 24/31 for 270 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Wendell Smallwood rushed for two touchdowns. Josh Adams rushed for one touchdown. Alshon Jeffery madeeight receptions for 160 yards. The defense scored two sacks and one interception but is ranked No. 27 after being plagued by injuries all season.

Eagles lead the series 4-0 but Texans will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Texans


Los Angeles Rams (11-3) vs. Arizona Cardinals (3-11)

Rams come in off a loss last week to the Eagles. Jared Goff completed 35/53 for 339 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Todd Gurley had 124 combined rushing and receiving yards and two rushing touchdowns. Robert Woods made seven receptions for 74 yards. The defense scored one interception and is ranked No. 20 while their offense is ranked No. 2 and keeping them far ahead in the NFC West division.

Cardinals come in off a loss last week to the Falcons. Josh Rosen completed 13/22 for 132 yards zero touchdowns an two interceptions. David Johnson had 101 combined rushing and receiving yards and one rushing touchdown. Larry Fitzgerald made seven receptions for 82 yards. The defense scored two sacks and is ranked No. 17 but their last ranked offense and inconsistent run game is what hurt them all season.

Rams lead the series 40-38-2 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Rams


Chicago Bears (10-4) vs. San Francisco 49ers (4-10)

Bears come in off a win last week over the Packers.Mitch Trubisky completed 20/28 for 235 yards and two touchdowns. Jordan Howard rushed for 60 yards on 19 carries and one touchdown. Tarik Cohen had 55 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The defense scored five sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 3 while the offense is ranked No. 22 but still leading their division.

49ers come in off a win last week over the Seahawks. Nick Mullens completed 20/29 for 275 yards and one touchdown to Garrett Celek. The defense scored three sacks and is ranked No. 12 while the offense is ranked No. 13.

49eres lead the series 34-31-1 but Bears will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Bears


Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5-1) vs. New Orleans Saints (12-2)

Steelers come in off a win last week over the Patriots. Ben Roethlisberger completed 22/34 for 235 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions with one each going to Antonio Brown and Vance McDonald.
The defense scored one sack and one interception. The offense and defense are both ranked in the top 10 and can win the AFC North.

Saints come in off a win last week over the Panthers. Drew Brees completed 23/35 for 203 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Alvin Kamara had 103 combined rushing and receiving yards and one rushing touchdown. Mark Ingram rushed for 63 yards on 12 carries. The defense scored four sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 11 while the offense is ranked in the top 10 and locking up the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Saints lead the series 8-7 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Saints


Kansas City Chiefs (11-3) vs. Seattle Seahawks (8-6)

Chiefs come in off a loss last week to the Chargers. Patrick Mahomes completed 24/34 for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Damien Williams had 123 combined rushing and receiving yards and two rushing touchdowns. Travis Kelce made seven receptions for 61 yards. The defense scored five sacks and two interceptions. Despite having the No. 1 ranked offense the defense is ranked No. 31 and risk keeping this team from winning the AFC West division.

Seahawks come in off a loss last week to the 49ers. Russell Wilson completed 23/31 for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Chris Carson completed 119 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. Doug Baldwin made four receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored three sacks and is ranked No. 19 along with the offense.

Chiefs lead the series 33-18 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Chiefs


Denver Broncos (6-8) vs. Oakland Raiders (3-11)

Broncos come in off a loss last week to the Browns. case Keenum completed 31/48 for 257 yards one rushing touchdown and two interceptions. Tim Patrick made five receptions for 65 yards. The defense scored two sacks and one interception but is ranked No. 25 and lacks a reliable secondary.

Raiders come in off a loss last week to the Bengals. Derek Carr completed 21/38 for 263 yards and one touchdown to Lee Smith. Jordy Nelson made six receptions for 88 yards. The defense managed one sack and one interception but is ranked No. 26 while the offense is ranked No. 23 so isn't consistent on either side of the ball.

Raiders lead the series 63-53-2 but Broncos will get the win on Monday.

Prediction: Broncos

Week 15 Predictions

Los Angeles Chargers (10-3) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (11-2)

Chargers come in off a win last week over the Bengals.Philip Rivers completed 19/29 for 220 yardsd and one touchdown. While Austin Ekeler is out, Melvin Gordon is still questionable for the matchup. Keenan Allen made five receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and is ranked No.8 while the offense is ranked No. 6. This team is making a big push for the playoffs and for the division title.

Chiefs come in off a win last week over the Ravens. Patrick Mahomes completed 35/53 for 377 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Spencer Ware rushed for 75 yards on 15 carries. Damien Williams received one touchdown and rushed for one touchdown. Travis Kelce made seven receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown. Tyreek Hill made eight receptions for 139 yards. The defense managed two sacks but is still ranked No. 30 which may ultimately keep them from winning the division.

Chiefs lead series 61-55-1 and will get the win at home.

Prediction: Chiefs


Houston Texans (9-4) vs. New York Jets (4-9)

Texans come in off a loss last week to the Colts. Deshaun Watson completed 27/38 for 267 yards and one touchdown to DeAndre Hopkins. Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue each rushed for one touchdown. Ryan Griffin made five receptions for 80 yards. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 13 on both sides of the ball.

Jets come in off a win last week over the Bills. Sam Darnold completed 16/24 for 170 yards one touchdown and one interception. Elijah McGuire rushed for 60 yards on 17 carries and one touchdown. Robby Anderson made four receptions for 76 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and two interceptions and is ranked No. 23 while their offense is ranked No. 30.

Jets lead series 5-2 but Texans will get the win.

Prediction: Texans


Cleveland Browns (5-7-1) vs. Denver Broncos (6-7)

Browns come in off a win last week over the Panthers. Baker Mayfield completed 18/22 for 238 yards and one touchdown. Nick Chubb rushed for 66 yards on 13 carries and one touchdown. Jarvis Landry had 111 combined rushing and receiving yards with one rushing and one receiving touchdown. Breshard Perriman made two receptions for 81 yards. The defense scored one sack and one interception but is ranked next to last in total defense while their offense has risen to No. 15.

Broncos come in off a loss last week to the 49ers. Case Keenum completed 24/42 for 186 yards and one touchdown to DaeSean Hamilton. Phillip Lindsay rushed for one touchdown. Tim Patrick made seven receptions for 85 yards. The defense scored three sacks and one interception but is ranked No. 24 while the offense is ranked No. 16.

Broncos lead series 23-5 and will get the win at home.

Prediction: Broncos


Arizona Cardinals (3-10) vs. Atlanta Falcons (4-9)

Cardinals come in off a loss last week to the Lions. Josh Rosen completed 26/41 for 240 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Trent Sherfield made five receptions for 77 yards. The defense managed one sack and is ranked No. 15 while the offense is ranked dead last and keeping the team from winning more games.

Falcons come in off a loss last week to the Packers. Matt Ryan completed 28/42 for 262 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Julio Jones made eight receptions for 106 yards and two touchdowns
The defense scored four sacks but is ranked No. 26 which has been detrimental to them all season.

Cardinals lead series 16-14 but Falcons will get the win.

Prediction: Falcons


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-8) vs. Baltimore Ravens (7-6)

Buccaneers come in off a loss last week to the Saints. Jameis Winston completed 18/38 for 213 yards two touchdowns and one interception with both touchdowns going to Cameron Brate. Mike Evans made four receptions for 86 yards. The defense scored one sack and one interception and is ranked No. 27 which has held their No. 2 ranked offense back.

Ravens come in off a loss last week to the Chiefs. Lamar Jackson completed 13/24 for 147 yards and two touchdowns one each to John Brown and Maxx Williams. Kenneth Dixon rushed for 59 yards on eight carries and one touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 2 in total defense while the offense is ranked No. 12 and improving each week under Lamar Jackson who will remain the starter for the rest of the season.

Ravens lead series 3-2 and will get the win at home.

Prediction: Ravens


Detroit Lions (5-8) vs. Buffalo Bills (4-9)

Lions come in off a win last week over the Cardinals. Matthew Stafford completed 15/23 for 101 yards. Zach Zenner rushed for one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 12 while the offense is ranked No. 24 with the lack of a consistent run game being their biggest issue.

Bills come in off a loss last week to the Jets. Josh Allen completed 18/36 for 207 passing yards, 101 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown and two interceptions. Robert Foster  made seven receptions for 104 yards
The defense managed one interception and is ranked No. 1 in total defense while ranking next to last in total offense.

Bills lead series 5-4-1 but Lions will get the win.

Prediction: Lions


Green Bay Packers (5-7-1) vs. Chicago Bears (9-4)

Packers come in off a win last week over the Falcons. Aaron Rodgers completed 21/32 for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Aaron Jones rushed for 78 yards on 17 carries and one touchdown. Davante Adams made seven receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed one sack and one interception and is ranked No. 16 while the offense is ranked No. 11. Joe Philbin may be able to help this team make it into the playoffs.

Bears come in off a win last week over the Rams. Mitch Trubisky completed 16/30 for 110 yards one touchdown and three interceptions. Jordan Howard rushed for 101 yarsd on 19 carries. The defense scored three sacks and four interceptions and is ranked No. 3 while the offense is ranked No. 22.

Packers lead series 97-94-6 but Bears will get the win.

Prediction: Bears


Oakland Raiders (3-10) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (5-8)

Raiders come in off a win last week over the Steelers. Derek Carr completed 25/34 for 322 yards and two touchdowns. Doug Martin rushed for one touchdown. Jared Cook made seven receptions for 116 yards.
The defense scored one sack and one interception and is ranked No. 28 while the offense is ranked No. 21.

Bengals come in off a loss last week to the Chargers. Jeff Driskel completed 18/27 for 170 yards and one touchdown. Joe Mixon rushed for 111 yards on 26 carries and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks but is ranked dead lost in total defense while the offense is ranked No. 26 and have no hope for improvement.

Raiders lead series 20-10 but Bengals will get the win at home.

Prediction: Bengals


Dallas Cowboys (8-5) vs. Indianapolis Colts (7-6)

Cowboys come in off a win last week over the Eagles. Dak Prescott completed 42/54 for 455 yards three touchdowns and two interceptions. Amari Cooper made 10 receptions for 217 yards and three touchdowns. Ezekiel Elliott had 192 combined rushing and receiving yards. The defense scored two sacks and is ranked No. 4 while the offense is ranked No. 20.

Colts come in off a win last week over the Texans. Andrew Luck completed 27/41 for 399 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Marlon Mack rushed for one touchdown. Eric Ebron made four receptions for 65 yards and one touchdown. T.Y. Hilton made nine receptions for 199 yards. The defense scored five sacks and is ranked No. 11 while the offense is ranked No. 8.

Cowboys lead series 10-6 and will get the win.

Prediction: Cowboys


Washington Redskins (6-7) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9)

Redskins come in off a loss last week to the Giants. Josh Johnson completed 11/16 for 195 yards one passing touchdown, one rushing touchdown and one interception. Jamison Crowder made two receptions for 87 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and has fallen to No. 20, the offense is ranked No. 27. With Johnson now taking over as the quarterback the team will not make the playoffs.

Jaguars come in off a loss last week to the Titans. Cody Kessler completed 25/43 for 240 yards and one touchdown. Dede Westbrook seven receptions for 88 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed one sack and one interception and is ranked no. 6 in total defense while the offense is ranked no. 25 but has made some improvements under Cody Kessler.

Redskins lead series 5-1 but Jaguars will get the win at home.

Prediction: Jaguars


Miami Dolphins (7-6) vs. Minnesota Vikings (6-6-1)

Dolphins come in off a win last week over the Patriots. Ryan Tannehill completed 14/19 for 265 yards and three touchdowns. Branden Bolden rushed for 60 yards on two carries and two touchdowns. Kenny Stills made eight receptions for 135 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks but is ranked No. 29 in both offense and defense.

Vikings come in off a loss last week to the Seahawks. Kirk Cousins completed 20/33 for one touchdown. Dalvin Cook had 83 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Stefon Diggs made four receptions for 76 yards. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 5 while the offense is ranked No. 17. The team fired their offensive coordinator in hopes of making improvements quickly to make a run for the playoffs.

Dolphins lead series 8-4 and will get the win.

Prediction: Dolphins


Tennessee Titans (7-6) vs. New York Giants (5-8)

Titans come in off a win last week over the Jaguars. Marcus Mariota completed 18/24 for 162 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Derrick Henry rushed for 238 yards on 17 carries and four touchdowns
The defense scored three sacks and is ranked No. 9 in total defense while the offense is ranked No. 28. This team lacks any consistency from week to week but needs to rely more on their effective running game especially after losing Jonnu Smith for the remainder of the season.

Giants come in off a win last week over the Redskins. Eli Manning completed 14/22 for 197 yards and three touchdowns with one to Sterling Shepard. Saquon Barkley had 197 rushing and receiving yards and one rushing touchdown. The defense scored five sacks and three interceptions and is ranked No. 21  while the offense is ranked No. 18.

Giants lead series 6-5

Prediction: Titans


Seattle Seahawks (8-5) vs. San Francisco 49ers (3-10)

Seawhawks come in off a win last week over the Vikings. Russell Wilson completed 10/20 for 72 yards passing, 61 yards rushing zero touchdowns and one interception. Chris Carson rushed for 90 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and is ranked No. 18 while the offense is ranked No. 22.

49ers come in off a win last week over the Broncos. Nick Mullens completed 20/33 for 332 yards two touchdowns and one interception. George Kittle made seven receptions for 210 yards and one touchdown.
Jeffrey Wilson rushed for 90 yards on 23 carries. The defense managed two sacks but is ranked No. 10 while the offense is ranked No. 14.

Seahawks lead series 25-15 and will get the win.

Prediction: Seahawks


New England Patriots (9-4) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5-1)

Patriots come in off a loss last week to the Dolphins. Tom Brady completed 27/43 for 358 yards and three touchdowns. Rob Gronkowski made eight receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown. Julian Edelman made nine receptions for 86 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored five sacks and is ranked No. 22 while the offense is ranked No. 5.

Steelers come in off a loss last week to the Raiders. Ben Roethlisberger completed 25/29 for 282 yards and two touchdowns. JuJu Smith-Schuster made eight receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored three sacks and is ranked No. 7 while the offense is ranked No. 4.

Patriots lead series 16-15 and will get the win.

Prediction: Patriots


Philadelphia Eagles (6-7) vs. Los Angeles Rams (11-2)

Eagles come in off a loss last week to the Cowboys. Nick Foles is likely to get the start on Sunday
The defense scored three sacks and two interceptions but is ranked No. 25 while the offense is ranked No. 19.

Rams come in off a loss last week to the Bears. Jared Goff completed 20/44 for 180 yards and four interceptions. The defense scored three sacks and is ranked No. 19 while the offense is ranked No. 3.

Eagles lead series 21-19-1 but Rams will bounce back from last week's poor performance and get the win.

Prediction: Rams


New Orleans Saints (11-2) vs. Carolina Panthers (6-7)

Saints come in off a win last week over the Buccaneers. Drew Brees completed 24/31 for 201 yards one passing touchdown, one rushing touchdown and one interception. Mark Ingram rushed for 52 yards on 13 carries and one touchdown. Michael Thomas made 11 receptions for 98 yards. The defense scored four sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 14 while the offense is ranked No. 7.

Panthers come in off a loss last week to the Browns. Cam Newton completed 26/42 for 265 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Christian McCaffrey had 101 combined rushing and receiving yards and two rushing touchdowns. Curtis Samuel made four receptions for 80 yards. The defense managed one sack and is ranked No. 17 in total defense while the offense is ranked No. 9.

Panthers lead series 24-23 but Saints will get the win.

Prediction: Saints

Reuben Foster, Kareem Hunt and the NFL's shameful history on domestic violence

photo courtesy: Associated Press

Redskins are receiving a new round of scrutiny on their decision to claim linebacker Reuben Foster. Thursday in an appearance on Good Morning America, Foster’s ex girlfriend now admits that she lied when she recanted her allegations of domestic violence against Foster. Elissa Ennis says there are at least three separate incidents of violence against her by Foster the last of which ended up costing him his career with the 49ers. Ennis says the Redskins decision to claim Foster was like another slap in the face.


Redskins have been on the defensive since making the decision to claim Foster. Senior Vice President of Player Personnel Doug Williams has spoken publicly about Foster, and has also come under fire for comments made about the accusations against him.

Washington seems to court controversy at every turn.  The team lost both their starting and backup quarterback within weeks of each other. After two disastrous performances by Mark Sanchez, the team is relying on Josh Johnson to keep them in playoff contention rather than look at a quarterback like Colin Kaepernick. They gave up the right to claim they didn’t want a “media circus” surrounding a player when they claimed Reuben Foster.

This team has shown where their priorities lie in signing a player like Reuben Foster, but not even trying out a free agent quarterback like Colin Kaepernick. If Washington believes so much in redemption as they claim with Foster, who has been in multiple violations of both the law and the league, and who is currently on the Commissioner’s Exempt list so is unable to practice or play, what is the argument against Kaepernick who has never been in violation of either? Is a player with a history of violence more acceptable to this league than a player who protest social injustice and systemic racism? Is this league willing to turn a blind eye to violence against women?

The NFL has been under heavy scrutiny this week with new allegations about the mishandling of the Kareem Hunt investigation coming to light. The Chiefs reportedly knew of other violent incidents involving the young talent which they informed the league about and were told were being investigated though nothing happened until the video of the incident in February came to light. While Hunt has been reported to have began counseling, Foster was seen as recently as Tuesday at the workout facility at Redskins Park with Derrius Guice. Hunt is at least seeking a path of redemption, while Foster is starting his second chance without losing a paycheck. While the Chiefs and 49ers have shown that they will not tolerate violence against women, the league has been sloppy in its investigation of the Hunt allegations and the Redskins have shown a complete lack of self awareness in the appearance of signing a player recently accused of domestic violence.

The league needs to do as thorough a job of investigating and punishing players for assaults against women as they do players accused of using marijuana or performance enhancing drugs. Josh Gordon was out of football for two seasons for failing a marijuana test. Randy Gregory missed the entire 2017 season for a failed marijuana test. Justin Blackmon was suspended indefintely for his drug use in 2014 and was never reinstated or returned to the NFL. Gordon and Gregory have both admitted to using marijuana to cope with mental health issues, but the league takes a hard line stance against drug use despite 33 states allowing its use for medicinal purposes. 

Meanwhile, Jameis Winston served just a three game suspension for sexually assaulting an Uber driver despite the league's own policy stating a sexual assault warranted a minimum six game suspension. Josh Brown was originally suspended for one game in 2016 after allegations of domestic violence before later being cut by the Giants and suspended six additional games. Terrell Suggs has never once faced a suspension nor even an investigation for repeated accusations of domestic violence by his now ex-wife despite her twice receiving restraining orders against Suggs. 

Why are there such disparagingly different lengths of suspensions and treatment of investigations into those who violate the league's personal conduct policy versus those who violate the league's substance abuse policy? Should violence against women be treated any less harshly than drug use? If marijuana can warrant a one-year suspension, domestic violence should not warrant any less of a punishment. It is tragic when only video evidence can push the league into enforcing their own policies. Players like Hunt and Foster should face more than the Commissioner's Exempt list for their acts of violence. The NFL is continuing to allow themselves to look soft on violence against women despite a promise to change. Domestic violence is a bigger societal issue but as public figures the players must be held to a higher standard and should be punished by the league in such a way that conveys a clear message that violence against women will never be tolerated.

No one is surprised by the Raiders decision to fire Reggie McKenzie

Despite an impressive win on Sunday, the Raiders fired general manager Reggie McKenzie on Monday.

McKenzie had been with the team since 2012 and was under contract through 2021. He won Executive of the Year as recently as 2016 so is a well respected general manager in the NFL. When the Raiders chose to sign Jon Gruden to a 10 year, $100 million head coaching contract, McKenzie's time with the team was numbered. Though both downplayed the significance of their differences, it was clear to outside observers that the two had a contentious relationship that would ultimately result in McKenzie's firing. Gruden and McKenzie didn't see eye to eye on many decisions so this latest development was a longtime coming, though many speculated the decision wouldn't be made until the end of the season. Instead making the decision at this point allows the team to get a jump on other teams in finding their new general manger.

Raiders college scouting director Shaun Herock will handle the general manager responsibilities for now. Though speculation has the team looking at Jets head of player personnel Brian Heimerdinger, it is just as likely that Gruden could become head coach and general manger along the lines of Bill Belichick. This team has given up some of their best players in Khalil Mack, Amari Cooper and Bruce Irvin and are in a rebuilding phase. The team netted just their third win of the season on Sunday and have an uncertain future for the 2019 season. Bringing in a new general manager now may not be in the team's long-term best interest at least until Gruden has a draft or two fully under his direction and the team is settled in their new Las Vegas home in 2020.

Week 14 Predictions

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8) vs. Tennessee Titans (6-6)

Jaguars come in off a win last week over the Colts. Cody Kessler completed 18/24 for 150 yards. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 3 in total defense. The team hopes new offensive coordinator Scott Milanovich and quarterback Cody Kessler can turn the tide for the team down the stretch of the season.

Titans come in off a win last week over the Jets. Marcus Mariota completed 20/35 for 282 yards two touchdowns and one interception with one each going to Tajae Sharpe and Corey Davis. Derrick Henry rushed for one touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is surprisingly ranked in the top 10 but it's their struggling offense that is still holding them back.

Titans lead the series 28-20 and will get the win on Thursday.

Prediction: Titans


New York Jets (3-9) vs. Buffalo Bills (4-8)

Jets come in off a loss last week to the Titans. Sam Darnold will finally turn to the starting lineup after being out several weeks with an injury. Isaiah Crowell rushed for 98 yards on 21 carries. The defense scored three sacks and one interception but is still ranked No. 23 which is still better than their offense which is ranked No. 29 but hopes the return of Darnold will be the spark they need.

Bills come in off a loss last week to the Dolphins. Josh Allen completed 18/33 for 231 passing yards, 135 rushing yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. Zay Jones made four receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and is ranked No. 2 in total defense, only their lack of consistent production on offense each week keeps them from a better record.

Bills lead the series 62-54 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Bills


Carolina Panthers (6-6) vs. Cleveland Browns (4-7-1)

Panthers come in off a loss last week to the Buccaneers. Cam Newtwon completed 28/41 for 300 yards two touchdowns and four interceptions, Christian McCaffrey had 161 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Curtis Samuel made six receptions for 88 yards. The defense scored four sacks and is ranked in the top 15 while the offense is still ranked No. 21.

Browns come in off a loss last week to the Texans. Baker Mayfield completed 29/43 for 397 yards one touchdown and three interceptions. Rashard Higgins made four receptions for 62 yards and one touchdown.
Jarvis Landry made six receptions for 103 yards. Nick Chubb rushed for one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks but is still ranked second to last in the league.

Panthers lead the series 4-1 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Panthers


Atlanta Falcons (4-8) vs. Green Bay Packers (4-7-1)

Falcons come in off a loss last week to the Ravens. Matt Ryan completed 16/26 for 131 yards and one touchdown to Austin Hooper. The defense managed two sacks but is only ranked No. 26 due to so many injuries and is what keeps this team from winning despite having the No. 4 ranked offense.

Packer come in off a loss to the Cardinals. The team fired head coach Mike McCarthy following the loss in hopes to re-energize the team. Aaron Rodgers completed 31/50 for 233 yards and one touchdown. Davante Adams made eight receptions for 93 yards and one touchdown. Aaron Jones rushed for one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and is ranked in the top 15 while the offense is ranked in the top 10.

Packers lead the series 17-16 but Falcons will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Falcons


Indianapolis Colts (6-6) vs. Houston Texans (9-3)

Colts come in off a loss last week to the Jaguars. Andrew Luck completed 33/52 for 248 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Eric Ebron made 10 receptions for 81 yards. The defense managed three sacks and is ranked No. 11 while their offense is ranked in the top 10.

Texans come in off a win last week over the Browns. Deshaun Watson completed 22/31 for 224 yard and one touchdown to Jordan Thomas. Lamar Miller rushed for 103 yards on 19 carries. DeAndre Hopkins made seven receptions for 91 yards. The defense managed three interceptions and is ranked No. 10 but their offense lacks a solid week to week run game.

Colts lead series 25-8 but Texans will get the win at home.

Prediction: Texans


Baltimore Ravens (7-5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (10-2)

Ravens come in off a win last week over the Falcons. Lamar Jackson completed 12/21 for 125 passing yards 75 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Gus Edwards rushed for 82 yards on 21 carries. The defense managed three sacks but is ranked No. 1 and now with Jackson at the helm the team is in the top 15 in offense as well.

Chiefs come in off a win last week over the Raiders. Patrick Mahomes completed 23/38 for 295 yards and four touchdowns. Spencer Ware rushed for one touchdown. Travis Kelce made 12 receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns. The defense managed three sacks but is ranked next to last in total defense despite havin the third ranked offense in the league.

The series is tied 4-4 but the Chiefs will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Chiefs


New England Patriots (9-3) vs. Miami Dolphins (6-6)

Patriots come in off a win last week over the Vikings. Tom Brady completed 24/32 for 311 yards one touchdown and one interception with the lone touchdown going to Josh Gordon. Sony Michel rushed for 63 yards on 17 carries. The defense scored two sacks and two interceptions but is still ranked No. 22 while their offense is ranked No. 11.

Dolphins come in off a win last week over the Bills. Ryan Tannehill completed 16/24 for 137 yards three touchdowns and one interception. with one touchdown each going to DeVante Parker, Brice Butler and Kenyan Drake. The defense scored two sacks and two interceptions but is ranked No. 29 in total defense. The offense isn't much better at No. 27 in total offense.

Dolphins lead the series 54-52 but the Patriots will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Patriots


New Orleans Saints (10-2) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)

Saints come in off a loss last week to the Cowboys. Drew Brees completed 18/28 for 127 yards one touchdown and one interception with the lone touchdown going to Keith Kirkwood. The defense scored a whopping seven sacks and is ranked No. 16 even with their top 10 offense.

Buccaneers come in off a win last week over the Panthers. Jameis Winston completed 20/30 for 249 yards and two touchdowns. Peyton Barber rushed for one touchdown. Chris Godwin made five receptions for 101 yards and one touchdown. Adam Humphries made seven receptions for 61 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and four interceptions and despite having a No.1 ranked offense is still only ranked No. 27.

Saints lead the series 32-21 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Saints


New York Giants (4-8) vs. Washington Redskins (6-6)

Giants come in off a win last week over the Bears. Eli Manning completed 19/35 for 170 yards one touchdown and one interception. Odell Beckham made one passing and one receiving touchdown. Saquon Barkley had 146 combined rushing and receiving yards. The defense scored five sacks and two interceptions but is ranked in the lower third of the division while the offense has climbed into the top 15.

Redskins come in off a loss last week to the Eagles. The team lost Colt McCoy for the season with a broken right fibula so was replaced by Mark Sanchez who completed 13/21 for 100 yards zero touchdowns and one interception. Adrian Peterson rushed for 98 yards on nine carries and one touchdown. The defense managed one interception and is ranked No. 19 but the loss of McCoy will end up being the demise of this season for the team.

Giants lead the series 100-69-4 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Giants


Cincinnati Bengals (5-7) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (9-3)

Bengals come in off a loss last week to the Broncos. Jeff Driskel completed 25/37 for 236 yards one touchdown and one interception with the lone touchdown going to Cody Core. Joe Mixon rushed for /82 yards on 12 carries. Tyler Boyd made six receptions for 97 yards. The defense managed two sacks but is ranked dead last in total defense and has been the undoing of this team all season. The loss of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green for the season insures the team will finish out of playoff contention.

Chargers come in off a win last week over the Steelers. Philip Rivers completed 26/36 for 299 yards and two touchdowns. Justin Jackson rushed for 63 yards on eight carries and one touchdown. Keenan Allen made 14 receptions for 148 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored one sack and one interception. The team is ranked in the top 10 in both offense and defense and is well equipped to make a run for the playoffs.

Chargers lead the series 20-15 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Chargers


Denver Broncos (6-6) vs. San Francisco 49ers (2-10)

Broncos come in off a win last week over the Bengals. Unfortunately the team lost both Chris Harris on defense and Emmanuel Sanders on offense for the remainder of the season. Case Keenum completed 12/21 for 151 yards and one touchdown. Phillip Lindsay rushed for 157 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns.
Courtland Sutton made four receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and one interception but is ranked No. 25 in total defense and the loss of Harris will only create more of an issue in the weak secondary.

49ers come in off a loss last week to the Seahawks. Nick Mullens completed 30/48 for 414 yards two touchdown and one interception. Dante Pettis made five receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns. The defense managed three sacks and is ranked in the top 15 while the offense is ranked in the lower third.

The series is tied 7-7 but Broncos will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Broncos


Detroit Lions (4-8) vs. Arizona Cardinals (3-9)

Lions come in off a loss last week to the Rams. Matthew Stafford completed 20/33 for 245 yards one touchdown and one interception with the lone touchdown going to Taylor Decker. LeGarrette Blount rushed for 61 yards on 16 carries. Levine Toilolo made four receptions for 90 yards. The defense scored two sacks and one interception. The team is ranked in the top 15 in both offense and defense.

Cardinals come in off a win last week over the Packers. Josh Rosen completed 11/26 for 149 yards. Chase Edmonds rushed for two touchdowns. The defense managed one sack and is ranked No. 17 but their offense is ranked dead last and still hasn't been able to consistently put points on the board.

Lions lead the series 32-28-5 and will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Lions


Philadelphia Eagles (6-6) vs. Dallas Cowboys (7-5)

Eagles come in off a win last week over the Redskins. Carson Wentz completed 27/39 for 306 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Josh Adams rushed for 85 yards on 20 carries. Golden Tate made seven receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and one interception but is ranked No. 21 in total defense. The offense is still ranked in the top 15.

Cowboys come in off a win last week over the Saints. Dak Prescott completed 24/28 for 249 yards and one touchdown. Ezekiel Elliott had 135 combined rushing and receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. The defense scored two sacks and one interception and is ranked in the top 5 while the offense is ranked in the bottom four.

Cowboys lead the series 67-52 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Cowboys


Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4-1) Oakland Raiders (2-10)

Steelers come in off a loss last week to the Chargers. Ben Roethlisberger completed 29/45 for 281 yards two touchdowns and one interception. James Conner rushed for 60 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns. Antonio Browns made 10 receptions for 154 yards and one touchdown. The defense managed two sacks and is ranked in the top 10 while the offense is ranked in the top five.

Raiders come in off a loss last week to the Chiefs. Derek Carr completed 29/38 for 285 yards and three touchdowns. Doug Martin rushed for one touchdown. Jared Cook made seven receptions 100 yards and one touchdown. While the offense is ranked in the top 20, the defense is ranked No. 28 in total defense and is likely to remain that way the rest of the season.

Raiders lead the series 15-13 but Steelers will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Steelers


Los Angeles Rams (11-1) vs. Chicago Bears (8-4)

Rams come in off a win last week over the Lions. Jared Goff completed 17/33 for 207 yards one touchdown and one interception. Todd Gurley rushe for 132 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns. Robert Woods made five receptions for 67 yards and one touchdown. The defense scored four sacks and one interception and ranked No. 18 but it is their top five offense that makes them the best in the league.

Bears come in off a loss to the Giants. Mitchell Trubisky will return from injury this week to start. Tarik Cohen rushed for 156 yards on 12 carries and completed one passing touchdown. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and is ranked in the top five while the offense is ranked No. 20.

Bears lead the series 53-36-3 but Rams will get the win on Sunday.

Prediction: Rams


Minnesota Vikings (6-5-1) vs. Seattle Seahawks (7-5)

Vikings come in off a loss last week to the Patriots. Kirk Cousins completed 32/44 for 201 yards one touchdown and two interceptions with the lone touchdown going to Adam Thielen. Dalvin Cook rushed  for 84 yards on nine carries. The defense managed one interception. This team is ranked in the top 10 on both sides of the ball.

Seahawks come in off a win last week over the 49ers. Russell Wilson completed 11/17 for 185 yards and four touchdowns. Rashaad Penny rushed for 65 yards on seven carries and one touchdown. Jaron Brown made three receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns. The defense scored three sacks and one interception and is ranked in the top 20 but the offense is still ranked in the bottom six behind their inconsistent run game.

Seahawks lead the series 10-5 and will get the win at home on Sunday.

Prediction: Seahawks


Survivor Pool Pick of the Week: Texans