Benster and D Pick Your Games---Hail Mary Edition

Quite frankly, no game this weekend can match the events in the Motor City last night. I am feeling a ton of HYYYYYYYYYPPPEEE!

It was pretty cool. And I suspect the Packers may have saved the season, but I will need to see more evidence.

The Packers stared in the face of death and survived, thanks to Richard Rodgers catching the Hail Mary. But that is in the rear view mirror. Now, it is time to go back to other games that matter.

Other games matter?

Yes. Surprisingly enough, they do. Watch me work!

Michigan State Sparty the Spartan (-3.5) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes, in Indianapolis. This game is the biggest game in the Big Ten since the 2006 Michigan vs. Ohio State game. Iowa and Michigan State are playing for a right to be in the top four. Iowa has been a major surprise and is having an historic season. Michigan State is the toughest game that Iowa has faced since the first week of conference play, which was a long time ago. Both teams are well-coached and very physical, which is very typical of Big Ten teams. As much as I think Iowa is the better story and an example of how teams are better than you think, Michigan State has a very experienced quarterback and a very decorated senior class with big game experience. Michigan State 24, Iowa 21.

This one is tough to call, because I'm really not sure how good Iowa really is. They are undefeated, yes, but a few of their games should have gone the other way. I have seen progress in their play over the season, especially on offense. That gives them a chance in this one, but I suspect Sparty is better. Michigan State 31, Iowa 20.

Seattle Seachickens (pick) vs. Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are still leading the NFC North and are having a fine season, but this is a game that will tell if the Vikings are contenders in the division. Seattle has righted the ship after a terrible start and Russell Wilson is the type of player that might be the new breed of quarterback in the NFL. There is no doubt that the Vikings have improved, but they still have to win out to win the division. I would go with the Desperate For A Playoff Birth At Home theory, but the Vikings had a chance like this a few weeks ago, and could not get a big win. Seachickens 31, Vikings 17.


Russell Wilson is a challenge. No Marshawn Lynch and no Jimmy Graham complicates things, however. The best part of the Vikings defense is their pass rush, which can be ferocious. Seattle's offensive line has been shaky all season. That's going to be where this game is decided. Vikings 24, Seahawks 21.

San Francisco 49ers (+7.5) vs. Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz. The Bears played well on Thanksgiving Night and are still quietly hanging around in the playoff picture. Jay Cutler finally has figured out that he can be successful without going full gunslinger. The Bears should win this game because the 49ers are a trainwreck. Yeah, but remember that I often fool you with my reasoning and will pick something different. 49ers 23, Bears Still Suck -1985.

Reasoning doesn't appear to be involved in this pick, but oh well. The 49ers are awful and the Bears think they have a chance. While I remain skeptical of Chicago's overall chances this season, 8-8 is possible. The glory of mediocrity! Bears 31, 49ers 13.

Before we go, a belated Happy Birthday to the Old Dude. Also, if you missed the ending to the game on Thursday, you probably are regretting it. Ben out!