Benster and D Pick Your Games----I Have A Point About The Bills Edition

 It turns out that the Bills laid an egg against the Bengals. Thank God that the neutral site conference championship game idea is dead in the water, at least for now. But the greedy profiteers in the NFL will bring it up again. 

Yeah, probably. And it would suck. 

That final play by the Cowboys last week was hilariously awful. Zeke as the center? Nobody being able to lateral the ball to? Why not take a quick out route to get 5 yards closer to try a Hail Mary? We tried to warn you, Cowboys fans. But we were told that McCarthy had changed and that Packers fans had an agenda. Hope the 1990s were worth it, because you ain't winning with Jerruh running the show.

I think I know what they were trying to do, but it wasn't gonna work. And it sure didn't.

I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYPPEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Should be a good weekend of football. Watch me work.

San Francisco 49ers (+2.5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles The Eagles steamrolled the Giants last week, and this will be an interesting clash between a very modern offense that the Eagles run against the very physical smashmouth style that the Niners run. Brock Purdy has had a pretty easy ride so far, and while he has been impressive, I would caution the Niners on anointing Purdy as the quarterback of the future based on one good run. While the NFL might stand for Not For Long, Trey Lance shouldn't be Wally Pipped, and Jimmy G could still do a job for a QB needy team in the offseason. The Eagles have no such concerns. Jalen Hurts is the guy, and while this game will be close, the Eagles will roll at home behind their defense shutting down the Niner ground game, and Hurts to play a balanced game. Eagles 31, Niners 24.

If there's a team built to win in the postseason, it's the 49ers. They have a tremendous defense and some incredible skill players. Purdy seems like a game manager, but a good one. Oddly enough, considering Philly is the #1 team, I really haven't seen that much of them this season. They are a really solid, all-around team. But I don't see anything particularly magical about them. Are they good enough? Maybe, but I just have a feeling about this one. 49ers 27, Eagles 24.

Cincinnati Bengals (+1.5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs At this point, Jim Nantz and Tony Romo should be paying income tax in Kansas City considering how often they go there in January. Mahomes says that he is good to go, but this is going to be a challenge. The Bengals had a point to prove last week, and showed why they might be the most complete team in football. Joe Burrow had a good game, but the Bengals defense was able to shut down the Bills, who showed that all of the media hype they got all year was undeserved, but more on then later. Now, all of the professional journalists are making the same points I made last week, without the steakhouse analogy. Don't worry, I did get some steak this week, and have a full stomach to work on. The Bengals have proven that they can win in Arrowhead, and the Chiefs are going to have to make some tough choices this offseason thanks to Mahomes having his big contract start to eat up the salary cap. I like the Bengals to win in comfortable fashion, as they try and finish their unfinished business. Bengals 26, Chiefs 3.

Hmmm. I was impressed with the Bengals. I wonder if Mahomes will be able to play up to his usual standard. I think the Bengals defense is better overall than Kansas City's defense. It really comes down to this -- does Mahomes have the physical wherewithal to play at the level required to win this game? I'm thinking, no. Bengals 31, Chiefs 23.

And now, it's time to talk about the Bills. I'll be honest, the Bills really have some tough choices to make, and they might have to move a big piece or two. That might make me a wanted man in Buffalo, but they made all of those moves and the furthest they have gotten is getting blown out by the Chiefs two years ago in the AFC title game. Despite all of the moves that the Bills front office has made, Josh Allen still hasn't taken the next step, and all the questions about him being the guy coming out of Wyoming are coming back. They aren't the plucky underdogs anymore, and need to break through. Even the 1990s Bills at least won 4 straight conference titles, and had the misfortune to run into very good teams in those Super Bowls. At this point, Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Sean McDermott, and Brandon Beane have their seats get hotter, and if they can't reach the AFC title game next year, then you have to consider blowing up that core. The good news for the Bills, is that there is one team who could have blown it up but didn't.

In 2019, the Tampa Bay Lightning made NHL history for all the wrong reasons. Despite winning 62 games during the regular season and tying the 1996 Detroit Red Wings for the most wins in NHL history, the Lightning were swept in the first round of the playoffs by a Columbus Blue Jackets team that had never won a playoff series in their existence. There were calls to blow up the core, and fire John Cooper from his role as head coach. The Lightning ignored those calls, and won the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021, and lost in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2022 to the Colorado Avalanche. 

You don't blow up the Bills just yet, but the clock is starting to tick on them. This year might have been their best chance. The alarm clock is ringing, Buffalo. I suggest you answer it. 

Time has come today

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games----Vikings Super Bowl Parade Still On? Edition

 The Vikings played pretty well last week, and are now getting ready to visit the Niners this weekend with the Super Bowl parade very much on, according to the local media and the Vikings fans. Wait, the Giants won? But I was told that the Vikings were going all the way this year. That can't be right. Ed Donatell was going to be different here then he was in Green Bay, and wouldn't be the fall guy for a playoff loss. We Packers fans were told we had an agenda. But the Super Bowl champions gear was on sale at the Vikings Locker Room? You really hate to see it. In all honesty, the Vikings have nothing to be ashamed of, and if they make the right moves then they have a chance to be back.

Wait, you lay out the elaborate cheap shot, and then you pull the punch?

I'm trying to be a nice guy, old dude.

Since when?

Uh, the mid 90s? Also, why haven't the Packers followed the lead of the Vikings and canned Joe Barry as the yearly coordinator sacrifice?

Because our beloved Packers are dumb?

That may be the case. But never mind that -- I am feeling the HYYYPPPPEEEEEEEEEE! and ready to pick the best weekend of football all year, where the top seeds come out to protect their home field. Watch me work.

Jacksonville Jaguars (+9) vs. Kansas City Chiefs Just give Doug Pederson Coach of the Year right now. While it is fair to laugh at the Chargers for melting down, this Jags team showed a lot of character and heart last week down in Florida. Now they have to go to Arrowhead and deal with a Chiefs team that is experienced and rested after their bye week. What the Jags are going to need to do is to avoid the turnovers in the first half, as Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid won't melt down. I'd also look for the Jags to make a play on special teams or defense to set up a touchdown early to try and quiet Arrowhead. But sadly, it won't be enough. Chiefs 38, Jaguars 21.

Somewhere out there, Jack Harry is no longer wondering what's wrong with the Chiefs. 

Things change after a decade. The Chiefs remain the team to beat in the AFC. And crusty old sportscasters fade away. Chiefs 42, Jaguars 27.

New York Giants (+7.5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles Jalen Hurts is going to be pretty healthy after the week off, and the Philly fans are going to be revved up after a long day of tailgating and will be even more annoying and intimidating than usual. The question I have for Philadelphia is this -- can their defense keep Daniel Jones in the pocket and limit his ability to pick up first downs. What really killed the Vikings was giving up those third and mediums, and not being able to get off the field. If the Giants can pick up four 3rd and 4-8 yard conversions throughout the game, then the Giants will win. If not, then the Eagles win. I think the Eagles will win that prop bet, and thus the game. Eagles 21, Giants 20.

Danny Dimes showed the world something last weekend. But now things are different. The Giants won't be intimidated, but their fun stops here. Eagles 31, Giants 17.

Cincinnati Bengals (+5.5) vs. Buffalo Bills So we obviously know what happened last time these two teams met, and thankfully Mr. Hamlin is doing incredibly well,  given what happened to him. I'm not a believer in the Bills. Look, they do have talent and certainly can win the Super Bowl. Lest we forget, this version of the Bills haven't reached the Super Bowl, and if I were the Bengals, I'd feel a little disrespected that people are overlooking the defending AFC champions. The Bills didn't impress me last week, especially given how they struggled against a Dolphins team without Tua. I just feel like Josh Allen hasn't taken the two last steps a quarterback needs to take to be truly elite. He hasn't won a road playoff game in his career, and the Bills have needed to get pieces to elevate him, and he hasn't elevated anyone else. The Bills defense also doesn't get the credit that they deserve at times. It's like going to a steakhouse where they advertise the steaks as the best thing on the menu, but the sides and desserts are the best thing on the menu and need to elevate a decently good steak into a meal that justifies the price and expectations you have. The Bills skill position players, front office, and  Sean McDermott are the sides and desserts. Josh Allen is the steak. He's decently good, but needs those other things on the plate to justify the meal. Joe Burrow has elevated the Bengals in just 3 years, and will show it on Sunday. Now I need to go get some steak. Bengals 45, Brett Hull Scored A Clean Goal 12.

Sounds like you're describing this old favorite:

We had one of those in Appleton and half my high school buddies worked there, along with the cute girl who lived next door to us. She did not appear in this commercial. As for the Bills, I'm not sure I agree with your assessment, but I do understand it. Josh Allen has to prove it. Will he? I think so. Buffalo 34, Cincinnati 31.

Dallas How Bout Them Cowboys (+4) vs. San Francisco 49ers If the Cowboys have sent Gisele's ex into retirement, that would be the first good thing they have done in a long time. The Niners didn't play great last week, but were able to have a dominant second half to win. To continue the steakhouse analogy, the Niners were able to take their three best cuts of steaks in their defense, Kyle Shanahan, and run game and have Christian McCaffery and Brock Purdy be the new wood fire grills and new seasoning mix that head chef John Lynch added as part of a remodel of the restaurant to add a new taste that can bring new customers in, while still offering the old standby options that long term regulars like. 

Wait, what?

That is probably the first time that anybody has made these comparisons, but I'm nothing if not unpredictable. 

No kidding.

The Cowboys do have one big concern on their West Coast road trip on a short week, and that is the kicking game. Brett Maher had a bad game. Because I love the steakhouse analogy now, he is the normally reliable automatic dishwasher in the kitchen that broke down, and the customers noticed it starting fairly early in the dinner rush. I think that the Niners will continue to use their winning formula, and the Cowboys will have another meltdown, and someone will be the scapegoat besides Jerruh Jones. Niners 56, Cowboys 21.

You shouldn't write these features when you're hungry, Seabiscuit. I think the 49ers are the best team on the NFC side, but I think we tend to let our animus regarding the Cowboys and their moronic fanbase color our judgements at times. The Cowboys are legit this year -- very good offense and a much improved defense. But on a short week against the 49ers, this is a tough assignment. San Francisco 31, Dallas 24.

I'm tempted to go get steak sometime soon, and never thought that I would compare NFL figures and teams to steakhouses. Hey, I've done stranger stuff in the past. Also, if you want to watch some good high school basketball this weekend, go to Prescott High School in Wisconsin on Saturday for the Border Battle. You'll thank me later. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games--The Pack Will Be Back Edition

 Yes, I am still here after last week. And the Packers have nobody to blame but themselves. Also, Quay Walker isn't the only person to blame. That's all that needs to be said. We will be back. 

Lotta work to do for the Packers. But we have other games to consider.

You picked right up on that, Geritol Fan! Meanwhile, the locals get their home playoff game, and I sense a lot of triumphalism amongst the local fans. That might not be the right thing. The one thing I can agree with Vikings fans on is that getting Correa back for the Twins is awesome, and sets the Twins up well to compete for the AL Central before they find some new and exciting ways to get swept out of the playoffs. But that is a topic for another day.

Soon enough. 

I am feeling the HYYYYYPPPPPPPEEEEEEE!, and ready to pick some games. Watch me work.

Seattle Seachickens (+9.5) vs. San Francisco 49ers The Niners are the team that I wouldn't be sleeping on because they are very good at winning January games. I always knew that Brock Purdy was going to be a pretty good bet for the Niners, since they have enough talent around him where he isn't going to have to win the game on his own. The Seahawks deserve a lot of credit for getting in, and the Russell Wilson trade has been a complete win for them. They don't have to move on from Geno Smith. Yes, that is a reasonable take and one I never thought that I would say back in the spring. Combine that with the picks they got from Denver, maybe the Seahawks aren't that far away. It reminds me of when the Twins traded Johan Santana to the Mets back in 2008. The Twins won 2 more AL Central titles, and the Mets didn't get the pitcher that would take them over the top in the NL. I think San Francisco will avoid the dubious honor of being the first 2 seed to lose to a 7 seed, but this game will be closer than you think. Seahawks 26, Niners 23.

Uh, wait. If the Niners lose, they don't avoid the dubious honor.

I'm having fun. Try to keep up.

Okay, but I'm a fan of logic, which has never been a strong point in this feature. Anyway, happy enough for the Seabags, but the Niners are better. 49ers 27, Seahawks 18.

Los Angeles Chargers (-2.5) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars I'm going to be level with you guys. Doug Pederson should be named NFL Coach of the Year. With all due respect to Mr. KOC here in town, the Vikings weren't devoid of talent. The Jags winning the AFC South is crazy, and they have a great chance of winning this game. The Chargers have talent, but Brandon Staley is living proof that just because using math makes sense, you have to actually watch the games. In fact, all of the NFL analytics people should have to go through the combine and have to coach just so that they understand what you can't calculate. Also, the Chargers should move back to San Diego. Nobody in LA cares about them, and the NFL should remember that they don't need LA to succeed. Jaguars 19, Go Back To San Diego 18.

You know what that's about, right?

It's all about the money! And the Jaguars aren't about the money. El Lay is about the money, even if they don't give a damn about the Bolts. As for the game? Could be the best game of the weekend. Chargers 24, Jags 23.

Miami Tuna Net Victims (+13.5) vs. Buffalo Bills The Bills ended up winning last week in an emotional game, and Damar Hamlin is living proof that miracles can happen as he continues to make progress on his long road to recovery. The Dolphins are going to be outgunned in Buffalo, as no Tua means that they will need to play a perfect game and for the Bills to self destruct. I don't think the Bills are the best team in the AFC, and don't think they will win a Super Bowl with their current core, as the AFC is going to  be a lot stronger for the next couple of years. But they will win comfortably. Bills 45, Sorry Charlie 0.

No Tua, no chance. Bills 31, Dolphins 14.

New York Giants (+3) vs. Minnesota Vikings So this is the first home playoff game for the Vikings since the Minneapolis Miracle. The Vikings beat the Giants, but needed to survive a late comeback and for Greg Joseph to hit a field goal at the gun on Christmas Eve. The good news is that Kirk will have a stronger offensive line, which has been half of the secret sauce for the Vikings this year. The other half has been KJ Osborn. Call me crazy, but it seems like the guy has taken the biggest leap of any Viking under the current regime, and in particular has been very good at making a big catch or two to start a Vikings drive. When I was at the Colts game, he was the unsung hero that started the comeback. But this Giants team shouldn't be underestimated. I think the Giants will make it interesting, but the Vikings will pull the last bit of pixie dust they have to win the game in some crazy way after giving every single Vikings fans a scare. Vikings 31, Giants 28, in 3OT. 

Three overtimes? What in the name of Ed Podolak are you talking about? Vikings will win but will increase Tums consumption in town exponentially in the process. Vikings 34, Giants 30.

Baltimore Ravens (+8.5) vs. Cincinnati Bungles No Lamar is going to hurt the Ravens, but they do a good job at staying competitive without him. The Bengals are probably the best team in the AFC, and looked primed to take the next step. But beating a divisional rival is going to be tough, and this game will be your classic AFC North rockfight. If the Ravens can keep it close, then the Bengals fans might get nervous, as they are used to their team choking. Bengals 21, Ravens 10.

I am still trying to figure out how the Ravens made the playoffs. I know how Cincinnati did it. And that makes all the difference. Bengals 31, Ravens 17.

Dallas How Bout Them Cowboys (-2.5) vs. Tampa Bay Bucs I'll be perfectly honest, both these teams annoy me and I want them to both lose. The Cowboys are my second least favorite team in the NFL, and I find their fanbase and media mouthpieces to be quite annoying like all right thinking Americans. As for the Bucs, I really dislike Gisele's ex and his band of merry men that all happen to be under the salary cap. The Bucs only are here because they play in the godawful NFC South, which deserves to have their playoff berth taken away from them. Was it really worth it, Gisele's ex? At least the Cowboys are here on merit. All I ask for is one of these teams to lose in a hilarious way, and for the winner of this game to get eliminated next week for the greater good. Bucs -400, Cowboys -401. 

You know what would be hilarious? If Mike McCarthy lets the Bucs hang around long enough for Brady to beat him at the end. Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight! 

Bucs 30, Cowboys 28.

Enjoy your football this week. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games-----LOL Vikings and LOL KFAN Edition

 Remember when the Vikings fans were so confident and thinking that they would see the Vikings run over the Packers again? Life comes at you fast, and you really hate to see it.

Actually, I didn't hate to see it at all.

One other piece of good news is that Mr. Hamlin is awake and responsive after that horrible scene on Monday. Glad to see it, and please donate to the University of Cincinnati hospital. 

Seems like a good suggestion. They do good work.

I am feeling the HYYYYYPPPEEEEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work.

TCU Horned Frogs (+12.5) vs. Georgia Bulldogs, in LA Well, that didn't go well for the Big Ten. While Ohio State deserves a lot of credit for hanging in there, it is an objective fact that the Buckeyes did hold a double digit lead in the second half, and that game was a missed chance for them. I love TCU, and to me Sonny Dykes has done the best coaching job in football this year across both the college and professional ranks. You could make the argument that the Vikings or Eagles could be playoff contenders given their talent, but if you had told me at the start of the year that Sonny Dykes would take TCU to the title game, you would have been called a liar. No matter what happens on Monday night, TCU deserves a ton of credit, and the Big XII should be in great shape even after the Red River schools join the dark side. Don't think that I am disrespecting Georgia for one second, though. They are the defending champions, and Stetson Bennett is someone who no matter what happens in the NFL will have a secure college football legacy. Kirby Smart is going to have his team prepared, and could very well win this game comfortably. But what TCU shows us is that while recruiting does matter, coaching and getting the right talent mix matters as well. But that is another post for another day. I like TCU to complete their miracle, and having them win would be refreshing for the sport and a good way to build towards the 12 team playoff. TCU 30, Georgia 24.

I hesitate to pick against TCU, because they are very good indeed. But Georgia has become the Death Star and they have better personnel and a really good coach. That's the way you win national titles. Georgia 45, TCU 38.

Minnesota Vikings (-6) vs. Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck When you get blown out like the Vikings did at Lambeau, it turns out the warnings that people like me have had about the team have some legs. The Vikings offensive line in particular is a huge concern, and Kirk had probably his worst game in a Vikings uniform. I don't think that the Vikings will rest starters as they have a chance to get the 2 seed and the potential second home game in the Divisional Round. Da Bearz still haven't taken a step forward, despite what people are telling you. The Vikings will win this one comfortably, and will await how things play out in the NFC. Vikings 27, da Bearz 10.

It's the return of Nathan Peterman! He might be, in all his ineptitude, the platonic ideal of a Bears quarterback. Vikings lick their wounds and win easily. Vikings 24, Bears 3.

Detroit LOLions (+4.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers Last week was the best Packers performance since 2020 against the Titans, and the crowd in particular was great. I told you back in November that hope was alive, and it turns out that my belief has been rewarded to this point. But finishing the job won't be easy. The Lions are a good team, and even if the Seahawks win against the Rams and eliminate the Lions, Dan Campbell will not have his guys roll over and give us anything. The Packers owe Detroit one after the disaster in Detroit back in October, but it's important to remember that the Packers stunk up the joint that day. This won't be easy, but the Packers will finish the job and if they get in the tournament, anything can happen. Packers 42, LOLions Gonna LOLions 23.

This game does make me nervous. Lions are pretty good. I think the difference is this -- Jared Goff is lousy in cold weather. He'll make enough mistakes to screw things up and the Packers will survive and advance. Packers 27, Lions 20.

And now, time for me to laugh at the Vikings, Vikings fans, and KFAN. I can't believe the conspiracy theories that I have seen from the locals. Blaming the turf when Vikings players had the arrogance to not wear the proper cleats? Ignoring the fact that the field was impacting both teams? Give me a break. The Vikings play at Lambeau every year, and you knew that the turf wasn't going to be perfect. I get that the locals here hate the Packers more than they love their own team, but take the loss and move on. I took the loss in September and didn't blame anyone but the team.

Is it the shoes, Benster? Is it the shoes?

Cleats don't fail me now

Justin Jefferson is a talented receiver, no questions about it. However, he completely let Jaire get in his head. I don't condone Jaire doing the Griddy, but it wasn't taunting and it is fair to use someone's celebration against him. People have been doing Aaron's belt for years, and I don't mind it. Now that everyone knows that press coverage and bumping Jefferson will get him frustrated, everyone is going to do that to him. 

And he will have to respond. I think he's capable of it, but he needs a little help sometimes.

I've been called out before for calling every single person on KFAN Vikings approved homers, but there is an element of truth. Since KFAN has the Vikings broadcasts, there is a limit to the objectivity that you will hear on that station. Sure, Dan Barriero will call out the Vikings, as well as Common Man, the Head Cheese, and occasionally others, but by and large they treat the Vikings as the greatest franchise and hype them up every single year as a team that can do no wrong. KFAN has ignored warning signs throughout the year, and now when the inevitable Minnesota sports meltdown is looking likely, they keep drinking the Kool-Aid. Look, I realize that being in the Twin Cities means that this is inevitable, but KFAN does this a ton. In 2019, they thought that the Gophers would roll over the Badgers, and acted surprised when the Badgers won the Axe. They are critical of the Wild, whom they also have broadcasts of, but the Vikings are the sacred cow who can do no wrong. At least I admit that I am a complete homer, and I'm not a professional member of the media. And by the way, if KFAN wants to have me on to dispute these thoughts, I'll go on any show at any time of day. Just give me a heads up. After all, Brad has the best radio show in town and he will call out everyone when needed. 

I suppose they could call you if Gerby calls in sick. Pick up the phone. Give Benster a call.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.