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?
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| 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.
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