Benster and D Pick Your Games-------Big Ten Madness Edition

The Packers may be injured a ton, but got it done in the desert. Boy, I'd hate to be a Cardinals fan right now.

Like this guy on the right?

Not a surrender cobra, at least

Yes, just like that. Now, we move on to the rest of the weekend, where the Big Ten could have some clarity in both the East and the West sides of the conference.

Or some Claritin?

Do you have some secret endorsement deal, old dude? Because I always figured you were getting a few pennies from Geritol! 

I don't typically discuss my holdings in a public forum.

I suppose someone is reading the blog, since I'm here. And, by the way, I am feeling the HYYYYYPPPEEEEEE! and it is time to watch me work. 

Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (-7.5) vs. Northwestern Wildcats So last week's prediction for the Gophers aged quite poorly, and I deserve to get called out for that. The Gophers are still very much a player for the division as they still have to play against Iowa and Wisconsin. The Purple Nerds are due for their usual upset, but they typically save that for the Badgers. The Gophers should be able to win with the bully ball style of offense they have been going with lately. The Gophers should win comfortably, even though Ryan Field can trip up good teams. Row Row Your Boat Elitely 41, Purple Nerds 0.

I hate Ryan Field, but I don't think this Northwestern team has a lot of talent. That will likely change next season, but for this matchup. . . Gophers 27, Northwestern 20.

Iowa Hawkeyes (+3.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers The Badgers may have had a bad start to the year, but they are in a familiar spot, competing in the West after some early losses. Iowa looked bad against Purdue two weeks ago, and now have to face a rival to stay in the race. The Badgers looked better against Purdue last week, and that was encouraging. I have a lot of respect for Iowa as a program, but I think that if the Badgers can keep doing what we did last week, then we could win. Badgers 21, Hawkeyes 10.

What's the "we" stuff? Are you playing for the Badgers? They could probably use you. In any event, it's a typical low-scoring affair against the Hawkeyes. Badgers are in Camp Randall, and that will make the difference. Badgers 17, Hawkeyes 13.

Michigan Hail to the Victors (-4) vs. Michigan State Sparty the Spartans Is Michigan back? Well, they could be. This is probably the best team that Harbaugh has had in a few years, but the problem is that Michigan has struggled to beat the Spartans, in addition to their issues against A School In Columbus. Sparty might be the most surprising team in the Big Ten, as nobody saw Mel Tucker assembling a team that could compete out of the wreckage that was the late Mark Dantonio era. I like Michigan because they need this, but we will learn more about them in The Game. Michigan 31, Michigan State 17.

The Michigan fans are starting to come out of the woodwork, in their typically insufferable way. Sparty may be "little brother," but they've had the better of the series in the last decade, as the young fella rightly points out. It will be close. Wolverines 31, Spartans 29.

Dallas How Bout Them Cowboys (+3) vs. Minnesota Vikings Brace yourselves, the Cowboys media hype train led by Skip Brainless are already telling you about how this is their year. Sadly, they have been right, so far at least. Despite Mike McCarthy continuing his tradition of being carried by elite talent, they have been winning. But Dak Prescott is questionable and might not even play. As for the Vikings they need this one to stay within touching distance of the Packers as they begin a brutal part of their schedule. It may be Kirktober, but Kirk is going to have to play well. A word of advice, please throw to Justin Jefferson. I could use the points in fantasy. I think the Vikings can pull it off. If they do, I will watch Skip's show for the meltdown. But if they don't, please pray for Ron Johnson and Corey Cove as they man the KFAN phone lines. Vikings 28, Cowboys 13.

Without Prescott, the Cowboys are frauds. With him, they might still be frauds. Vikings win. Vikings 28, Cowboys 19.

Enjoy your football this week. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games---Emergency NFL Thursday Night Edition

 When will the NFL learn that playing football on Thursdays besides Thanksgiving is a bad idea? 

This guy doesn't exactly look like Roger Goodell, but he will explain this to you:

It certainly makes Roger Goodell go around.

Money makes a clinking sound, but you might hear another sound.

I do hear a faint whirring noise in the background.

That sound you hear in the background is an axe being sharpened. But we'll unleash that axe later. 

Grinding again, eh?

You know it, old dude! I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYPPEEEE!,and it is time to watch me work.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (+6.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals This game was going to be very difficult already, but thanks to not having Allen Lazard and Davante Adams available, this game has become even more challenging. Look, Arizona is a legit team. You don't go 7-0 in the NFL by being frauds. However, the Packers have a better chance than what you are thinking. First, the Packers have won without Adams in the past, and they have won games with having to rely on players deep on the depth chart. Second, there is a high possibility that a Cardinals home game will turn to Lambeau West. I wouldn't couldn't out the Packers, and while I know this will be very tough, look for them to get it done in the end. Packers 35, Cardinals 24.

You are nothing but faithful. Or perhaps a shameless homer. But those who read this feature know all that. I do think the Cardinals are very good, but I'm not convinced they are the best team in the NFC, either. I still think that's Tampa Bay. The Packers have been flirting with disaster here and there, but the common thread through this 6-game winning streak is that they have played well when they needed to get it done. I think they will be competitive, but I suspect the Cardinals are going to be a bit too strong this time. A rematch may be a different story. Cardinals 31, Packers 28.

And now for A Very Special Comment. 

Uh oh.

Benster comes with a Frantrum!

That's not me, but sometimes, I tell you... Meanwhile, back to my Very Special Comment. The Packers this year will have two road trips to the West Coast. I realize that Arizona is in the Southwest, but they count as a West Coast road trip for purposes of illustration. It would make sense to schedule them as a back to back. We've seen it on the schedule this year with the Niners, who stayed on the East Coast between their games against the Colts and Eagles. In the NHL, the Minnesota Wild just got done playing a two game stretch against the Seattle Kraken and Vancouver Canucks, and played them in consecutive games. In baseball, the Twins normally make just one West Coast trip to knock out playing the Angels, Mariners, and A's. The Packers have gotten no such luck. They had to play the Niners after playing on Monday Night Football, and are playing the Cardinals on Thursday Night Football this week. Last year, the Packers had to play a Thursday game at the Niners, and three years ago had to play the Seahawks on the road. Also, the Vikings had to play a Thursday game in LA against the Rams a couple of years ago. Why should the Packers have to be put at a huge competitive disadvantage, especially since the Cardinals played a home game against the Texans last Sunday? Fox and the NFL should be ashamed of scheduling this game. This game should have been played as the featured late game on Sunday, and if you insist on having both teams play on Thursday, then at least give them divisional games. For instance, the Packers could play the Vikings and the Rams could play the Cardinals. It's a joke. This is why nobody likes Thursday games outside of Thanksgiving and maybe the opener. 

We'll be back to discuss the other games this weekend. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games-----Big Ten West Is Wide Open Edition

Remember when everyone was saying it was going to be Iowa representing the West in Indy? Turns out that might not be the case. You really hate to see it. 

I wasn't saying that, but your mileage may vary.

We will be talking more about Iowa next week, but we got some stuff to talk about. 

You always do, young fella.

I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYPPPPPEEE!, and it's time to watch me work.

Maryland Terps (+4.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat The Gophers are one of the teams that, all of a sudden, have a clear path to the Big Ten title game. But they have looked like two different teams. There is the version of the Gophers that scared the crap out of Ohio State and routed Purdue and Colorado on the road. Then there is the version of the Gophers who lost to Bowling Green and almost let Nebraska pull off a great win last week. Maryland isn't a great team, but they have talent. Tua's brother is a pretty decent quarterback, and they had the crazy comeback win against the Gophers last year in College Park. With how close the Gophers came to disaster last week, there is a sense of fragility, and Maryland is getting better in football as they soon will get a full slice of Big Ten revenue. Terps 28, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 0.

The Gophers have been playing Maryland a lot in recent years, and it hasn't gone well. I think that changes. Maryland does have a lot of talent, but they don't seem to make it work. Gophers continue their erratic march to glory. Gophers 27, Maryland 19.

Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-3.5) vs. Purdue Spoilermakers Last week wasn't a pretty picture, but the Badgers won against Army. Purdue on the other hand pulled off one of the most shocking upsets of the season in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes looked terrible, and Purdue was able to blow the Big Ten West completely wide open. The big question for Purdue is can they play to that level for another week? As for the Badgers, they are in a very familiar position. Since the Big Ten added Nebraska in 2011 and added divisional play, the Badgers have been very good at navigating losses in conference play and making the conference title game. You can call me biased, but it's the truth. This won't be easy, but I think that the Badgers will get a huge road win. Badgers 21, Boilermakers 10.

The Badgers need to be better. I think they will be, but they will have a battle. Badgers 24, Purdue 21.

Washington Name Redacted (+8.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers The Packers have largely quieted the critics after a horrible Week 1 game against New Orleans in Jacksonville. When you combine the 2 wins in the NFC North with wins against the Niners and Steelers, the Packers are sitting pretty. The defense has been impressive when you consider that Joe Barry has had to deal with a ton of injuries. Washington is a team with a good defense, and Riverboat Ron is a great head coach that will have his guys ready to play. I think that with this game at Lambeau, the Packers should win a fairly tight and competitive football game. Glad to see a fellow Midwest Conference alum in Joe Davis on the call for Fox on Sunday. Packers 28, Name Redacted 20.

That would be Joe Davis, the pride of Beloit College. A very good announcer. The Packers are trying to hold things together with a lot of guys coming in off the street. The Football Team has underperformed this far and it's difficult to see how they're going to be able to keep up with the Packers, particularly at Lambeau. Packers 28, Football Team 14.

Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+12) vs. Tampa Bay Mercenary Ring Chasers Since the Vikings have the week off, let's turn our attention to Da Bearz. It's clear that the Bears might have rushed Justin Fields out too early as their starter. Now, you might be accusing me of being biased as a huge Packers fan, and a Buckeye hater. I don't deny those charges, but the Bears have struggled with quarterback development for years, and no matter what they try it doesn't work. Is Justin Fields a better pro prospect than Craig Krenzel? Yes, and it's not even close despite Krenzel winning a national title at Ohio State. What's become clear is that Fields needs an offensive line to block for him. That is the big on field issue that the Bears have had for years. I don't think firing Matt Nagy fixes anything, as the real problem for the Bears is the McCaskey family. The Hunt, Rooney, and Mara families have been better stewards of their respective franchises, who are among the most prominent teams in the league. Moving to Arlington Heights won't change anything as long as the McCaskey family still runs the show, and Bears fans know it deep down. Bucs 42, Aaron Still Owns You 20.

I agree. But maybe things will be more aromatic in scenic Arlington Heights. Tampa Bay 34, Chicago 13.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games-----No Bad Kicking Here Edition

 Some say that they are still missing kicks at Paul Brown Stadium to this day. Thank God the Packers were able to pull through.

It could be worse:

Well played, Geritol Fan! The NFL has blocked your video! Don't worry, we've seen it all before. It's Bear Week and I don't know who on Da Bearz is going to suit up. 

They do have a lot of injuries, to be sure. And the usual moral torpor.

That they do. But enough of that -- I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYYPPEEEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.

Nebraska Cornhuskers (-4.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat Nebraska being favored is quite strange. I know that they played Michigan hard last week, but moral victories count for nothing in the Big Ten. Despite all of the chest thumping the Cornhuskers did when they hired Scott Frost, it turns out that the Frost Warning hasn't happened to this point. Tom Osborne is not walking through that door, and it's not the 1990s anymore. As for the Gophers, they confuse me. They looked great at Colorado, but that loss to Bowling Green was just awful. The good news for P.J. is that he should get a win this week. His real tests are coming up. Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 21, Delusional Huskers 7.

This game confuses me. Nebraska is either great or terrible, but rarely in between. The Gophers are a bit of a mess right now, but I think a home crowd may be enough to push them over the edge. Gophers 24, Huskers 20.

Army Black Knights (+14) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers Well, the Badgers didn't change much about how they are viewed against Illinois, but the game did allow us to laugh at Bret Bielema, which always has value. Army is going to be a challenge. You don't see the triple option much, and the Army players are tough thanks to what they learn at West Point. I think the Badgers win, but this might be a bet the under game if you like to gamble a bit. That being said, it would really be in the best interest of the program if Graham Mertz tried to do a reenactment of the Joel Stave redemption tour. Badgers 27, Army 10.

The Badgers have one advantage in this game -- they are very disciplined on defense, so they aren't likely to be fooled. And the Badgers also are big and strong. I guess that's two advantages. Badgers 34, Army 19.

Minnesota Vikings (-2.5) vs. Carolina Panthers The Vikings almost didn't heed my warnings, and narrowly avoided a complete disaster against the LOLions in the Twin Cities. Thankfully Kirk Cousins led the comeback and Greg Joseph redeemed himself on the game winning field goal. Carolina is a team that confuses me. I'm covered in fantasy football either way, but if Christian McCaffrey could play, that would really benefit me. The Panthers are a team that will play hard, and the Vikings have to be careful. If they lose this game in Charlotte, then Mike Zimmer's seat will get hotter again. Panthers 35, Vikings 21.

The Vikings are kinda wacky, too -- they look really good some weeks and inept in other weeks. They got the ineptitude out of their system last week, so this should be a better game. Vikings 23, Panthers 21.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (-6) vs. Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck The Packers got out of dodge with a win, but they are going to be dangerously thin in the defensive backfield. Da Bearz are a decent team, but Justin Fields is going to get beat up behind that offensive line. To make matters worse for Da Bearz, Hicks and Mack are injury questions among others. This game won't be easy based on the nature of the rivalry, but I think the Packers will come through. Packers 34, Da Bearz Still Suck 24.

The Packers are built to exploit the weaknesses of the Bears. I'm not sure the Bears can exploit the Packers. Packers 28, Bears 17.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games----Big Ten Takes Center Stage Edition

 While everyone is talking about the SEC and parroting the talking points of SEC approved homers like Clay Travis and Paul Finebaum, the Big Ten is not dead yet. 

Like this?

Never mind that, you'll be stone dead in a moment.

I'm pretty sure that was Finebaum with the shovel. Look, I gotta rep the Big Ten. After all, we were the first conference, and we showed the SEC how to make money. 

Oh, I think they knew.

Well, they are still a low-rent district in comparison. So now that we've established that, I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYPPEEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.

Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-11) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini This football game is going to happen, and I'm honestly not sure how it will go. Both teams quite frankly have been highly questionable all year. Illinois has looked bad, and the Badgers have struggled. Before you give me the schedule argument, it doesn't matter. While the Badgers have lost to 3 teams ranked in the current AP poll, the Badgers haven't played well enough. Regardless of who plays at quarterback, the offense needs to improve and show some creativity. The defense hasn't been the problem, as they have gotten little help from the offense all year and the special teams has been garbage. The Badgers should win, but I'm not that confident. Badgers 21, Illini 7.

I'm not, either. Ol' Bret Bielema would dearly love to beat the Badgers, but I don't see it happening just yet. Badgers 20, Illinois 14.

Penn State Nittany Lions (+2) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes This is the Big Ten game of the year, and both these teams are shattering the notion that the Big Ten's fate rests with Ohio State alone. It's clear that last year was a one off for the Nittany Lions; they are a playoff contender. But it must be mentioned that Iowa has the best win by a conference team, as they rolled over a hyped Iowa State team in a true road game. Kinnick Stadium is the one venue that causes Big Ten rivals to freeze in fear, and the Iowans will have some extra time to get ready. Thanks Fox for finally having a big game that isn't starting at 11 -- 3 p.m. is a great time for some football. While this isn't the true "Kinnick at Night" experience, I think that Iowa will pull the upset. But this isn't an elimination game for both teams. Don't be surprised if this is only the first meeting between these two teams, despite Michigan having something to say about that. Iowa 31, Sad Valley 27.

Penn State is very good. I think Iowa is better. The Hawkeyes have a chance to do big things this season. Iowa 28, Penn State 19.

Detroit LOLions (+10) vs. Minnesota Vikings The Vikings have nobody to blame but themselves for being 1-3. The Vikings had their chances to beat the Browns, Bengals, and Cardinals, but they lost those games because of their own failings and the success of their opponents. The LOLions aren't good, but it's clear that Dan Campbell has a team that will play hard and is heading in the right direction. The late Bobby Bowden had a great quote about building a team. You lose big, lose close, win close, and win big. The LOLions are at the lose close stage, and they will figure out how to win close soon. The Vikings are in real danger of walking straight into a trapdoor this week. LOLions 35, Vikings 21.

Uh, no. Vikings 28, Lions 17.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (-3) vs. Cincinnati Bungles  The Packers got a good win against the Steelers last week, and are sitting pretty. Going 2-1 against the Saints, Niners, and Yinzers is what I would have taken on the day the schedule came out. But the Bengals are a tough out. We've had some struggles against the Bengals over the years, and they always play us tough. With the success of both the Bengals and Bearcats, it's clear that Cincinnati is having a good year in sports. But you could say the same about Wisconsin. With the Bucks winning the NBA title, the Brewers up 1-0 in the NLDS against Atlanta, Steve Stricker winning the Ryder Cup in Wisconsin, and the success of the Packers, it's clear that Wisconsin should be renamed Winsconsin. Sorry, but Champa Bay is cringy. This game should be a shootout, but the Packers should make enough plays to win. Packers 42, Bengals 38.

The Packers are going to miss Jaire Alexander. A lot. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry is going have to earn it on Sunday. The Pack could catch a break since Joe Mixon is a game-time decision, which would likely render the Bengals one-dimensional. But either way it won't be easy. Packers 31, Bengals 24.

Enjoy your football this week, Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games---Is Graham Mertz On the Hotseat Edition?

 Old dude, the Packers are going to be the death of me some day. Can we please have a comfortable win for once?

Once again, I must remind you:

Even the thumbnail is gruesome! But I still don't think it's wrong to ask for a little less drama.

I appreciate drama, as opposed to Dramamine.

Okay, Geritol Fan. You might also notice there is a certain game in New England that people are talking about. You might have heard that Tom Brady has some history with the Patriots. 

Yeah, I think that's right.

I am really feeling the HYYYYYYYYPPPEEEEE! and it is time to watch me work.

Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (+2.5) vs. Purdue Spoilermakers  I realize that I have no leg to stand on after what happened in Chicago, but the Gophers really crapped the bed against Bowling Green. Bowling Green isn't even a solid MACtion team, and P.J. Fleck has some questions to answer about his playcalling and quarterback choices from last week. Purdue is an interesting case, as they are a middling Big Ten West team, but quite frankly the Big Ten West looks really down after Iowa so far this year. The Gophers can play better, and I think they can win. But West Layfette is a tough place to play in this conference. Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 28, Spoilermakers 17.

This has heartburn written all over it. Purdue 24, Minnesota 22.

Michigan Wolverines (+2) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers I know that the Badgers have played a very difficult schedule so far, and that things can be a lot worse. But that final quarter against the Irish was very disturbing. Graham Mertz for whatever reason has really struggled this year, and Paul Chryst has a lot to answer for in his play selections. I'm about out of patience with Mertz, and think a change needs to be made for the good of the team. As for Michigan, they seem to be doing better this year, though it must be noted that Washington is really down compared to what you would expect from the Huskies. The key to this game is going to be to get more creative, and see if Mertz actually shows up against a good opponent. Badgers 17, Wolverines 10.

Now or never, frankly. Mertz is playing more like Ethel Mertz right now. If the Badgers want to salvage something this year, it starts now. Badgers 24, Michigan 20.

Cleveland Browns (-1.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings  It's funny how things change after a week. Last week everyone was thinking that Zimmer would be fired and the Vikings were going to get blown up in the offseason. Now, the Vikings have some hope. I know that the Seahawks didn't play well, and it's fair to point that out. But give the Vikings some credit. They played very well defensively, and Kirk Cousins demonstrated that he can be the guy when leaned upon. But the Browns are going to be a tough out. They looked great against the Bears, and allowed us to laugh at Matt Nagy and his failure to prepare Justin Fields properly. You love to see it. Cleveland has a great offense, and I think that Kevin Stefanski wants to beat his old boss. I think the Vikings will play inspired once again, but this Browns team is better than the Seahawks, and is a sneaky pick to win the AFC. Browns 35, Vikings 21.

Don't clown with the Browns, pal. Just don't. Browns 24, Vikings 16.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+6.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers  There will probably be some Yinzers coming to Lambeau, and they haven't been happy about how the Steelers have been playing so far. Big Ben looks like he might be cooked, and the offense looks really bad. How exactly did this team go 11-0 to start last year? To answer that question, I need to hand it over to a Yinzer. Fair warning, there is some NSFW language.

The Packers almost gave me a heart attack out in Santa Clara, but were able to beat both the Niners and some questionable officiating. Seriously, no fine for a dirty hit in midair on Davante? The Packers are going to need another great performance from the offensive line, which looked amazing considering the youth and inexperience facing a great defense. The Steelers are great defensively, and I'm expecting T.J. Watt to play this week. Oddly, this is the first time Aaron and Big Ben are playing since Super Bowl XLV. This won't be easy, because the Steelers are never an easy out. But I like our chances to keep our foot on the gas. Packers 31, Days of Our Steelers 25.

I think the Packers have figured things out. They will handle Pittsburgh easily. Packers 28, Steelers 17.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-7) vs. New England Patriots  This might be the most hyped regular season game in the history of the NFL, and the most anticipated game to take place in New England since Game 3 of the 1999 ALCS between the Yankees and the Red Sox. For context, that game featured a pitching matchup of Roger Clemens, the former Red Sox ace against Pedro Martinez, the then ace of the Red Sox. I am excited for this matchup, for one simple reason. I've always wondered how the Hoodie would try and stop Brady, and we get to see what would happen. The Patriots are clearly rebuilding, and I feel bad for Mac Jones. He didn't ask to be put in this position, and we all know that New Englanders can be very demanding, especially as he has to face someone that New England adored for 20 years. Regardless of what happens, there will be hot takes for those hot take shows. The Bucs are too good, and Brady is too determined. Bucs 42, Patriots 10.

Belichick will have something for Brady. And it might work. But I'm not convinced the Patriots can outscore anyone. Bucs 27, Patriots 14.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.