Benster and D Pick Your Games---Can We Stop Being Team Turmoil Edition

 Just when you think the Packers have gotten through a crisis, then they find new ways to make headlines. What are you doing Aaron? 

He's horse deworming. All the cool kids are doing it, doncha know?

Somewhere the 1993 Oilers are thinking that there is too much drama on the Packers. That is not something I thought I would type on Tuesday night.

Life moves fast, young fella. As do narratives.

I know. Despite it all, I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYPPPEEEE! and it is time to watch me work.

Illinois Fighting Illini (+14.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat The Gophers are still in control of their own destiny, and can make that new contract they gave PJ look good. Illinois confuses me. They lose to UTSA at home, but win in Happy Valley? This is going to be a physical game, as we all know that Bret Bielema likes to play bully ball, and the Gophers have been grounding and pounding all year. With rivalry games looming in the distance for the Gophers, they mustn't fall into a game that looks dangerously like a trap game. Or will they? Illinois 21, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 10.

If this game were down in Champaign, it would definitely be a trap game. But I don't see it happening here. Gophers roll. Minnesota 34, Illinois 13.

Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-13.5) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights There were a lot of questions about what happened to the Badgers in September. Well, they have figured some things out. Braelon Allen looks like he will be the next lead back in Madison, and the defense is still getting into the Iowa backfield. Rutgers is getting better. Greg Schiano knows how to win at Rutgers, and don't forget that they will get a full share of BTN revenue coming down the pipe. This won't be easy, but I think if the Badgers can follow the formula then it can be a win and then they can move on to the next test. Badgers 35, Buttgers 15.

I think the proper form of insult is Butger, but I digress. The Badgers haven't been to Piscataway for almost a decade; it appears Melvin Gordon was on that Badger squad. Badgers defense will hold the Scarlet Knights to minimal points. Wisconsin 24, Rutgers 3.

Minnesota Vikings (+6) vs. Baltimore Ravens The Vikings laid a gigantic egg last week on national television against the Cowboys. The clock management by Kirk Cousins and Mike Zimmer at the end of each half was just disgraceful, and the tackling on the third down conversion by Zeke in the fourth quarter was inexcusable. Baltimore is going to be a tough out, as Lamar Jackson is going to be ready to go and the Ravens are looking healthier this week. What the Vikings should do is to open up the offense and rely on Kirk Cousins a bit more. Where is Justin Jefferson? The guy has been a major bust for me as a fantasy owner. The Vikings were handed a route back into the division thanks to events in Green Bay, but they have two tough games lined up between that showdown. I like Baltimore to win at home to keep pace in the AFC North, and if the Vikings lose badly, then it's time to give Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman the Lane Kiffin treatment on the tarmac. Ravens 38, Vikings 14.

Given the weirdness of the Vikings this year, I'm almost tempted to pick them to win this one. But I'm going to resist that temptation. The defense has had too many injuries and Lamar Jackson is too dynamic. Ravens 31, Vikings 24.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (+7) vs. Kansas City Chiefs After the thrilling win in Arizona last week, everything was looking up for the Packers. The team was getting healthier, we would have the full offense back for a showdown against Patrick Mahomes, and the drama that has been evident for months but would be over. But instead, 12 had to lie about being vaccinated and double down on said lie, and now everything is in jeopardy. But not quite. Jordan Love will get plenty of help, and he will have a healthy Davante Adams back, and the defense is getting healthier. This Packers team is a very tough team, and is more than just Aaron Rodgers. I'm not touching what Aaron said in his interview with a 10 foot pole, as I don't want to turn this into a political and ethical discussion. The Packers will rally around Love, and if they can pull off a win on the road with a bunch of guys out, then they can win one game without Aaron. Call me a delusional homer all you want, but the Chiefs have looked very suspect this year on both sides of the ball. Packers 28, Chiefs 21.

Not delusional, but simply wrong. Chiefs are not a juggernaut, but I think they are the proverbial desperate team at home. And that will be the difference. Chiefs 31, Packers 23.

Whatever punishment the league hands out to Aaron and the Packers, we deserve it. Ben out.