Benster and D Pick Your Games----Can The Vikings Win The NFC North Edition

The Vikings need to win both their games against the Packers and the Lions in order to win the NFC North. But the Packers are not going to be letting them do that without a fight.

The line has been moving back and forth a lot. Right now the Packers are dogs, but they've been favorites earlier in the week. Vegas knows something is up.

And we have some playoff quarterfinals to discuss. I am feeling the HYYYYYPPPEEEEEEEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work. 

Penn State Nittany Lions (-10.5) vs. Boise State Broncos, in Phoenix Penn State was able to derail the Pony Express in less time than Bill Clements and the NCAA did in the 1980s. I also heard that Penn State came to Arizona in gold Trans-Am cars that they got from Eric Dickerson's dealership. I have been a believer in Boise State for years, and Ashton Jeanty was able to give the Broncos the shot at the national title that was denied to Kellen Moore and company over a decade ago. The thing is, Penn State is a team on a mission to prove that James Franklin can win big games. As much as I like Boise State and understand their history at the Fiesta Bowl in particular, Penn State should win fairly comfortably. Happy Valley Believes Again 45, Smurf Turf 14.

There's Penn State history at the Fiesta Bowl as well. They've won every time, so something's gotta give. Boise remains a nice story and their continuity is impressive, but Penn State is a different animal. I agree with you. Penn State 34, Boise State 17.

Texas Longhorns (-13.5) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils, in Atlanta I wasn't surprised that Texas would have success in the SEC. The SEC homers who said that the Longhorns didn't want the SEC smoke forgot that both A&M and Missouri had success in their first couple of years. When someone who points out the SEC myth has to defend the Longhorns, that is a problem. Arizona State has been a team that shockingly came out of the Big XII, and they have the offense to keep up with Sark. I feel that this game is going to be tighter than certain people want. Sun Devils 34, Horns Down 33. 

Arizona State is a long way from Frank Kush, but I've always thought that, if they got the right coaching staff, they could return quickly to the top echelon. Things are looking good in Tempe, but Texas is also on a mission. Texas 34, Arizona State 24.

A School In Columbus (-2.5) vs. Oregon Ducks, in Pasadena I was glad to see that the Buckeyes were able to beat the Vols and cause the ESPN SEC homers to look bad after hyping up the Vols. Oregon beat Ohio State back in October out in Eugene, but the Ducks needed to exploit a clock loophole and have Will Howard lose track of time to get Dan Lanning his signature win. I think that this is a fitting Rose Bowl to start this new era, as it is a traditional Rose Bowl. This will be the best game of the quarterfinals, and feel that Oregon is going to win despite Ohio State's offensive line looking a lot better and Ryan Day realizing that he has great pass catchers. Ducks 32, Buckeyes 31.

This game should have been a semifinal, but here we are. OSU is tremendously talented and I am almost rooting for them to win just because I'm frightened for what will happen to Ryan Day if he loses. The Ducks have met every challenge so far, but a rematch with a desperate team is not the formula for success. Ohio State 38, Oregon 35.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+1.5) vs. Georgia Bulldogs, in New Orleans On the one hand, Notre Dame has struggled in bowl games despite getting numerous chances thanks to being overhyped all of the time. On the other hand, the Bulldogs are without Carson Beck. If both of these teams could lose, that would be great. Longtime readers know that I hate the SEC, and I don't like the Domers because of how much of their propaganda is shoved in my face every single year. I think that this Irish team is different, and it would be hilarious to see Marcus Freeman win a big bowl game in Brian Kelly's backyard. Rudy Was Offsides 23, Bulldogs 14.

Georgia is really good, but they have flaws. And without their starting quarterback, I think they're in trouble. Notre Dame is a long ways past their inexplicable loss to NIU and they've been a really good team the rest of the way. I am putting my oft-stated animus for the Irish aside and picking them to win. Notre Dame 31, Georgia 24.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (+1.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings The Packers had a very good win against the Saints, and are getting ready for a game that is going to be different then the first meeting in September. Obviously, the Vikings need this one at home to keep pace with the Lions. While it is true that the Vikings dominated early at Lambeau, it's important to remember that Jordan Love was just coming back from injury. Noted football predictor Brad Carlson is right to be worried about the Packers, because they have been playing an impressive brand of football. But I admit that not having a lot of healthy secondary options to defend against the Vikings passing game is a scary thought. I also would be very surprised if the Vikings come out flat. I do think that KOC is probably Coach of the Year, and have no problem admitting that. The Packers would love nothing more than to play spoiler, and you already know that I am a delusional homer. Packers 56, Vikings 14.

Uh, no. I can see a number of scenarios where the Packers win this game, but they will have to earn it. One thing - I hope the Packers take the opening kickoff, because getting ahead of the Vikings early is the key to success on Sunday. Make them chase. The Vikings offensive line has improved this season; they will need to keep the Packers out of Sam Darnold's face. If they do, they win. Vikings 27, Packers 24.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games---------The Packers Finally Won In Seattle Edition

 While this doesn't erase the 2014 meltdown, seeing the Packers win comfortably in Seattle was very cathartic for me. And the Packers need a win to make sure that they are in the playoffs. 

I'm guessing they can find one.

Meanwhile, the Vikings are in the playoffs thanks to the Packers, and are going into Seattle to face a team that is angry and desperate for a win. The Vikings need this one, especially since they close with the Packers and the Lions. 

Will the Vikings find one?

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

Minnesota Vikings (-3) vs. Seattle Seachickens The Seahawks were in trouble even before Geno Smith went down last week, and fell out of the NFC West lead. Both teams need this one badly. As I indicated before, the Vikings need to win out to have a chance at the top seed in the NFC, and the Seahawks need to win to keep pace in the NFC West race. How healthy Geno is going to be is an open question, and the Vikings haven't had a trademark Vikings Gonna Viking game. The thing is, the Vikings haven't won in Seattle since 2006. That's right, right around the time of the poison pill contract. As much as the Vikings propaganda department at KFAN would like to admit that they are going to catch the Lions, this game is going to be the reason why they won't. Seahawks 31, Vikings 10.

I watched the same game you did last week. Seattle never seriously threatened the Packers during the game. If you believe the Vikings are, at a minimum, the equal of the Packers, you would want to pick the Vikings to win the game. And I think they absolutely meet that threshold. And more. Vikings 31, Seahawks 10.

New Orleans Salary Cap Issues (+14) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers The Packers played very well for the most part out in Seattle. Props to all of the Packer fans who ended up taking over the stands and creating Lambeau West. The Saints are a scuffling team who are going to be banged up. That being said, this won't be easy. If you remember a year ago, Jordan Love had to orchestrate an unlikely comeback to help the Packers overcome a 17-0 deficit in the 4th quarter. I think that the Packers are going to win after pulling away in the 4th quarter. I hope I'm wrong, but something about this game is making me nervous. Packers 35, Saints 24.

What makes me nervous is the 14 point spread. You almost never see a spread that high. The Packers are playing very well right now but that spread is designed to draw money one way or the other. If the Packers can rattle Spencer Rattler, they'll win easily. But I do wonder. Packers 31, Saints 20.

Remember, if your family gathering turns into political arguments, watch some football. You will thank me later. Merry Christmas, and enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games-------Can The Packers End Seattle Nightmare Edition?

 The last four times the Packers have traveled out to Seattle, the best thing that happened was a very frustrating defeat. And in the case of the other two, I will never watch any highlights of those games. 

It's a frustrating place to play. But it's been a while since the Packers have been there and the team they will face is very different.

The Packers lost week because of their mistakes, and not because of the refs. Some of my fellow Packers fans need to admit that. They didn't play well enough on defense on the last drive, and I also thought that they started too slowly and gave the Lions enough momentum early on. 

I agree with that, too. Is this the dawning of a new, more sensible Benster? Read on to find out!

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

Glorious Green Bay Packers (-2.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks The Packers are going to be healthier coming off the mini bye, but there is danger in this trip out to the Pacific Northwest. The Packers haven't won in Seattle since 2008. For reference, that was Aaron's first season as the starter. The Seahawks are very much in the thick of the NFC West race, and already know that the Rams got a key divisional win this week. What I want to see from the Packers is a fast start, and for Jordan Love to continue to take care of the football. What gives me hope is that the Packers have won games this year in both LA and Nashville, which were cities in which they have historically struggled. Packers 33, Seahawks 21.

Seattle is a pretty good team, but not a great team and certainly not the Super Bowl contender that the Packers have faced in previous trips to the PNW. Geno Smith is a solid quarterback the Seahawks have offensive weapons, but I have a better feeling about this one, especially since Seattle's primo running back Kenneth Walker likely won't go. Packers will score enough to win. Packers 28, Seahawks 20.

Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+7) vs. Minnesota Vikings I was very disappointed to see the Vikings fans boo Kirk last week. Kirk didn't trash the Vikings, and both sides simply moved on. The Vikings have a good chance to get right back in the mix for the NFC North given that the Lions are in a coin flip game at Buffalo. The Bears played the Vikings tough in Chicago, but this is going to be in Minnesota. As much as you would think that this is the stage for a classic Vikings letdown game, even I am not delusional to say that it will happen. Vikings 43, Bears Still Suck 21.

Da Bears got boat raced last week by a team that looked dead in the water yesterday. I would be very surprised to see the Bears put up much resistance on Monday night. Williams is going to be a problem in the future, but the Vikings will figure out ways to get to him this time and I think Sam Darnold is going to be shouting "show me the money" after this one. Vikings 35, Bears 17.

And now, time for some thoughts on the Hoodie going to coach in college. I certainly didn't see that coming. What I am going to be curious to see is how he handles recruiting and NIL, given that we haven't seen the Hoodie in the college ranks. The Tar Heels aren't the top football dogs in the ACC, but I think that it will be interesting to see how the Hoodie coaches college kids and he could get them to 10 wins. 

It's an interesting experiment to be sure. Basketball is king in Chapel Hill, so while there will be some pressure it shouldn't be onerous. The college game is quickly morphing into a quasi professional Wild West floating crap game and since everyone who plays wants to be in the NFL, having one of the most successful coaches in NFL history will get the attention of recruits. The ACC just got more interesting.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games------Thursday Night Football Is Just A Cash Grab Edition

 Is tomorrow Thanksgiving? No, it's December 5th. Why are they making the Packers and LOLions not get a mini bye until after tomorrow? How much is Bezos paying you, Roger?

If you have to ask....

As for what happened to Wisconsin, I am not going to repeat what I wrote after the Iowa game. Fickell and the AD have a lot to consider, and the clock is ticking. The way things have been going haven't worked. Greg Gard changed how the men's hoops team looks, and early indications are very promising even after the hairball against Michigan. That's all I need to say on that front. 

Sometimes a pithy comment is better than a Very Special one.

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

Glorious Green Bay Packers (+3.5) vs. Detroit LOLions Last week was a very impressive performance by the Packers against a quality Dolphin team that wanted no part of the cold weather. Jordan had his best performance of the season, and the defense in particular looked good. The Lions did win the game, but got a huge assist from the Bears completely bungling the clock at the end. I was in disbelief as I watched the ending, and even some people I was with who aren't big football fans were wondering what the Bears are doing. Obviously, this game is going to be difficult for the Packers, especially given that they are down a couple of defensive backs and that the Lions won at Lambeau. But, the Lions are also banged up a bit. Remember the last time the Packers traveled to Ford Field? Nobody gave them a chance, and the Packers used their win to set up their playoff run. The good news is that the Packers are going to be fine in the playoff hunt with a loss given that they hold the tiebreakers, but if they want Jordan to get a home playoff start, you want to win this game. I think that the Packers are going to win, especially since they can move the ball on the Lions. Packers 34, LOLions Gonna LOLions 24.

I'd like to agree. I really would. The Packers have improved, especially on defense, since the last time these two teams played. And it's worth remembering that a bad pick-six from Jordan Love turned that game. Love has improved his passing since then and the Packers will give a good accounting - I'm certain of that. But the Lions are no longer a laughing matter. Lions 30, Packers 27.

Penn State Nittany Lions (+3.5) vs. Oregon Ducks, in Indy Thanks to the Curse of the Six Game Minimum coming into play with the Buckeyes losing in hilarious fashion, we have a game that I think is going to be a classic. The winner will get a first round bye, and the loser is likely to host a first round game. For James Franklin and Penn State, this is a chance to prove that they can win a big game and get their biggest win since the 2016 game against Ohio State. Oregon has proved that they belong in the Big Ten, as they have looked physical and have been very consistent in a year of college football where the other top teams have been consistently inconsistent. The biggest challenge Oregon faces is that their coach, Dan Lanning, sometimes tries stuff that can blow up in his face, and how those choices go will decide the game. Also, my personal experience with Oregon fans is that they are cool. Quack Quack 42, Sad Valley 39.

I think it will be a good game. I think Oregon is better, but not substantially better. Defense, rather than offense, decides this one, and I think Oregon's overall team speed will be the difference. Oregon 34, Penn State 28.

Hotlanta Dirty Birds (+6.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings This week is going to be a critical one for the Vikings. They are going to gain ground on someone in the NFC North, and their old buddy Kirko Chains is making his return to town. Obviously, the Vikings letting Kirk go has been a big storyline. And while it is going to be unfair to judge the decision on one game, there are going to be some takes about that decision after the game ends. Atlanta has struggled lately, and the Vikings have looked good despite needing a comeback against a pesky Cardinals squad. I've gone on record as a Kirk defender, which shouldn't have been my job in the first place. Remember, I am a fan of an NFC North rival. Kirk did a great job with the Vikings, and deserves to be cheered during pregame. As for the game, I think that the Vikings are going to win this game pretty comfortably. Vikings 37, Falcons 29.

Agree with everything you said. Vikings will win. Vikings 34, Falcons 24.

Man, you gotta love it when the Buckeyes and Bears both lose in hilarious fashion. Hope this week's games are as entertaining that way. Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.