Benster and D Pick Your Games------Is The NFC North Frauds Edition

Remember when the NFC North was called the deepest division in NFL history? Yeah, that take didn't age well. And thankfully, I got a working laptop again, so my brilliance will flow stronger than ever. 

If you do say so yourself. I dunno. Philly is a tough place to win. The Rams played well. I wouldn't minimize what the Packers and the locals did this season, but yeah, Detroit needs to represent. That's called foreshadowing

The NFC North can go and join the SEC in the overhyped in 2024 party. You can see Greg Sankey and SEC hype men Clay Travis and Paul Finebaum looking upset at the buffet. 

Is it the breakfast buffet at the Drury? Because that's usually pretty good.

No, and besides you know you're not supposed to eat all those biscuits. And trust me on this - where Sankey, Travis and Finebaum eat is more likely a place where everything is deep fried. But enough food references - I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYPPEEEEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work.

Houston Texans (+8.5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs I think that I speak for most of America when I am begging for someone to beat the Chiefs. The Patriots may have fallen into a rebuild, but the idea of the Patriots wasn't killed. I think that the Chiefs are like the 2011 Packers. The record is very impressive, but the Chiefs have needed either some Mahomes magic or some late game mistakes by their opponents to get that record. The Texans are a sneaky good outfit. They looked great against the Chargers, and I think that Stroud is ready to take the next step in his evolution as a star. Remember, the weather isn't going to be great in Kansas City tomorrow. I trust Joe Mixon to be the difference maker. Texans 36, Chiefs 29.

I would love that, but I don't see it happening. Cold weather will work to the advantage of the Chiefs. I think Stroud learned some things this year that will help him be a top echelon quarterback in the league in the future, but as a group the Texans are not there yet. Chiefs will win this one. Chiefs 27, Texans 17.

Washington Gridlocks (+9.5) vs. Detroit LOLions I think Dan Quinn should be getting more consideration for Coach of the Year. Don't get me wrong, KOC winning is something that I can agree with. The argument for Quinn is that a defensive minded coach was able to have Jayden Daniels become a star, build a great culture, and show that there is a chance that his career isn't defined by 28-3. The Lions are going to be a lot healthier, and are a year wiser with the playoffs. The thing is, Dan Campbell has to show that he is willing to manage the game better if things get tight. I'm not saying that he is a bad coach, as he has delivered the goods. What I do question is whether can he learn from the decisions he made against the Niners last January? If the Lions lose, then the NFC North might be the biggest bunch of paper tigers in NFL history. 3 double digit teams and an 0-3 playoff record would be terrible. Also, Detroit isn't a cursed sports city. The Red Wings and Pistons have been winners in my lifetime, and the Tigers have made a couple of World Series. Hail To the Commanders 45, LOLions Gonna LOLions 0.

Uh, no. Love you to death - you are my son after all - but that pick is ludicrous. The Lions are in Detroit and they have been the best team in the NFC consistently all season long. They are getting healthier, as you mentioned. The Commanders are a nice story, but they are not going to go into Detroit and win. Lions 31, Commanders 17.

Los Angeles Rams (+6) vs. Philadelphia Eagles So I talked to Mrs. D, aka Mom. She is a Vikings fan, and she said that she was surprised at how easily the Rams were able to get to Sam Darnold last week. I agree with her, and think that the Rams winning that comfortably was jarring. The Eagles made more plays than the Packers, who needed to play a perfect game last week to have a chance. Sadly, that a terrible performance by the players and coaching staff. I think that the Eagles are a team that is getting a bit slept on. They have Super Bowl experience from 2 years ago, and I feel like they match up well against any opponent on the NFC side. While the Rams are going to be up for this, the Eagles are just too well rounded. Eagles 31, Rams 17.

Hey, it's a sensible pick! I knew you had it in you! I could see the Rams giving the Eagles a game, but their defense is quick and small. That worked against a banged up Vikings offensive line, but it won't work against the earth movers in Philadelphia. And at some point, Saquon Barkley is going to break one. And that will break the Rams. Eagles 27, Rams 19.

Baltimore Ravens (-1) vs. Buffalo Bills This game is going to be a lot of fun. Both Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are on a mission, and these teams are very exciting squads. Sean McDermott has been through the ringer the past couple of years thanks to suffering some brutal playoff losses, and he seems to have made some adjustments to his coaching style that have paid dividends. Josh Allen is a great player to have in your corner when you need magic, and I feel like with the Bills having home field advantage, they are going to finally win a big postseason game with the magic going in their favor for once. No more 13 Seconds, a game Bengals team, and a brutal miss by a kicker this time. Nobody Circles the Wagons 35, Ravens 34.

I don't have anything against the Ravens per se, but I'm tired of them. Buffalo has been on the verge of breaking through for a while now and it's time they do so. The only thing that makes me nervous is that the Bills defense is kinda ordinary and the Ravens can score. But it's at home and the Bills fans will be crazed. And Lamar Jackson, for all his brilliance, has a propensity to cough up hairballs, too. Bills 31, Ravens 27.

A School In Columbus (-8.5) vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish, in Atlanta I love that there is no SEC team in this game once again despite the fact this game is in the heart of SEC country. You really hate to see it. I am going to say this very bluntly about Ohio State. The fans who melted down after the Michigan game and insulted this team and coaching staff are not true Buckeye fans. I don't want to hear any fan who insulted the players, Ryan Day, or the coaching staff celebrate anything about this team. Ryan Day is a coach that 99% of college football programs would kill to have, and this Buckeye team has had to deal with a loud minority of fans that have decided to hold them to a standard that not even Woody Hayes could match. For those Ohio State fans that have supported this team all year long and have not engaged in that behavior, you are the true fans and deserve this. Those that haven't shouldn't be watching on Monday. 

Notre Dame has been very impressive. After a loss to NIU that looks worse every day, they have rallied. And remember, Marcus Freeman is in his third year as the coach of the Irish. The last 4 coaches at Notre Dame who have won a national championship did so in their 3rd year. I am no fan of the Irish, but I think that it would be deserving for a fanbase who supported their coach and team when the going got tough. Domers 26, Buckeyes 12.

Could Notre Dame win? Sure, I can see a scenario where it happens. Will they? I am skeptical. Ohio State has been crushing everything in its path since that Michigan loss and the win in Dallas was particularly impressive, because that was a very hostile venue. The Buckeyes have unbelievable skill players, as always - I would expect both of their top running backs and at least three of their wide receivers to be playing on Sundays in the future. They have a dominant offensive line and a nasty defense. Notre Dame can't match that. I think Freeman is an excellent coach and is building something that will wake up the echoes soon, but Monday is not the day. Ohio State 31, Notre Dame 24.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out. 

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 -- Dreams/Nightmares Edition

Old dude, the Vikings are 60 minutes away from the land of dreams, hoping to erase the memory of the Philly fans tormenting them and placing the Iggles into the dustbin of history. Dreams can come true, but dreams can also tatter into nightmares. Should the Vikings lose and the Eagles win, their dreams will be shattered, and the hot takes will be burning.

Souhan already has a sack of Kingsford in his shed for the occasion.

I imagine that these takes will make a certain former sportswriter shudder.

I'm not certain I know which sportswriter, but why choose?

I'm feeling the HYYYYYYYYYPPPPPEEEE!, and am ready to talk both pro and college. Watch me work.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+12.5) vs. Clemson Tigers, at Jerry World. Notre Dame feels that they are the underdog. A lot of people will disagree, because the Irish have a sense of entitlement that is hilarious to me. To be fair, they beat everyone they had to this year and belong in the playoffs based on that fact. Clemson has been around forever and are less annoying, but they always seem to win and it would be great to have a little bit of diversity in national title contenders. No team has a divine right to anything in sports. I think the Irish are better equipped to win this game because they don't have to answer questions about drug samples every 10 seconds. Irish 31, Tigers 23.

I think you hit the issue in the last sentence, Seabiscuit. Clemson is going to be missing some key players on defense, especially the mountainous Dexter Lawrence. This is a better Notre Dame team than we've seen in a while, but I'm not convinced they are good enough to beat Clemson. Clemson 28, Notre Dame 21.

Chokelahoma Boomer Sooners (+14) vs. The Crimson Tide Of Alabama. As a Packers fan, I will be watching this game with great interest. I really don't care about either team, but Lincoln Riley and Nick Saban are rumored candidates for the next head coach of the Packers. In the interest of full disclosure, I would prefer Alabama to lose so that Saban can come to Green Bay and start The Process. The Tide have a quarterback controversy again, and were lucky to escape Atlanta with their lives. I know that A School in Columbus is mad that they got screwed out of the playoffs. However, if you lose badly at Purdue, you have zero right to complain. I like Oklahoma in this one, even though Oklahoma historically has their fans down in the really important games. Oklahoma 45, Nick Saban to Green Bay? 21.

I've heard those rumors as well. This is the better of the two playoff games. Alabama is like a monster at the end of a slasher movie -- you swear they're dead, but somehow they survive. I don't think there's a controversy per se, but I wonder if Jalen Hurts doesn't see a grad transfer season in his future. Oklahoma can score. Alabama can stop you from scoring. Something's gotta give. Alabama 31, Oklahoma 28.

Detroit LOLions (+9) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers. If you call yourself a Packers fan and quit watching in the fourth quarter last week, please hand your fan identification card into your local Packer Fan Club branch. The Packers fought against long odds, and are a lot better than their record says they are. To all the loyal Packers fans who did not quit on the team last week, you are the real fans and should be commended for your loyalty. This team has shown true grit and determination, something that could lead to the start of something better. I think the Packers should win because they are all playing for their jobs. Packers 31, LOLions 0.

So I hear Matt Patricia might be in trouble in Detroit. Seems to show up late for his own meetings. The Lions have deteriorated this season and it's becoming evident that firing Jim Caldwell after last season was a mistake. The Packers had a nice rally last week against a dismal Jets team. Does it mean better days are ahead? I'm skeptical about that. But the Packers will beat the Lions this week. Packers 34, Lions 24.

Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+5) vs. Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings fan I talked to claims to not be nervous. That's the right take, but I can see why Vikings fans are nervous. They need to win here or have the Eagles lose against the Gridlocks to make the playoffs. Gino would like to remind you that Bears NFC North champions gear is available at a store near you in the Chicago area, though I want to remind you that the Bears did not sweep the Packers despite holding a 20-0 lead in the fourth quarter of the first meeting. Da Bearz are playing for a playoff bye this week, and they won't lie down at all. Should the Vikings lose this game, there is going to be a lot of sniping in the media around here if they miss the playoffs. I want to watch the world burn, and I am a simple man. Da Bearz Still Suck 24, Vikings 10.

I take Henry Kissinger's stance about this game -- it's a shame they both can't lose. Desperate team at home wins, but the Bears take their revenge in Chicago next week. Vikings 23, Bears 17.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.

Benster and D Pick Your Games---New Year's Day Edition

It's time to pick some better bowl games than the Belk Bowl or the Quick Lane Bowl. For some reason, New Year's Eve has the better bowl matchups this year.

I was looking forward to the Belk Bowl.

I have to say, for a rapidly aging suburban guy who swigs Geritol like it's Gatorade, looking forward to the Belk Bowl is an admission of failure.

Well, I do need to pay ESPN its respects.

Whatever ESPN wants, ESPN gets.

Of that, there is no doubt. Besides that, why waste your skills on a game like that?

Now you're making feel just a little bit guilty, so I would like to apologize for not picking a crappy bowl game. I'm trying to preserve the HYYYYYYPPPPE! for games that deserve them, and let's face it -- at the end of the day we're all about the preservation of pure intentions and rarefied HYYYYYPPPE! So watch me work!

The Holiday Bowl -- USC Trojans (-3) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers, in San Diego. First of all, now I must criticize the supreme masters of all things sport, ESPN, a second time. Why is this game scheduled to start so late? I get that you want to play in prime time, but the Central Time Zone has more people and let's face it, most of the people in California are too busy paying off snail darter taxes and crossing off items from Gov. Brown's wish list to have time to watch football. Anyway, the Trojans have survived a season of chaos to get to this game, despite the fact that they have the talent to be playing in the Rose Bowl. Wisconsin has looked shaky, but they will let ol' Joel Stave have one more round tonight. U$C is always overrated, and I expect the Trojans to learn what the U found out a few years back -- nasty Big Ten schools can beat up on pretty boys. Badgers 34, Probation Nation 9.

USC is talented -- no doubt about it. They have superior athletes all over the field, but they have been pretty chaotic this year. It didn't help that their former coach Steve Sarkisian was channeling this guy:

Can Bucky win? Sure. Why not? Wisconsin 24, USC 20.

Orange Bowl -- Oklahoma Boomer Sooners (-4) vs. Clemson Tigers, in Miami Gardens. Both these teams are surprising because they were not expected to win their respective conferences. Clemson finally broke through and they are considered to be the best team in the nation. Oklahoma is here despite the fact that they lost to freaking Texas. Bob Stoops can't coach in big games anymore, so I expect him to get canned after this debacle. Clemson 59, Chokelahoma 0.

You have to like a guy named Dabo. And the Clemson Tigers have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. Oklahoma can score in bunches, but they haven't seen too many good defenses up to this point. They will this time. Clemson 31, Oklahoma 24.

Cotton Bowl -- Michigan State Spartans (+10) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide. The major subplot to this game is that Nick Saban faces his former employer. Alabama is very good, but they have not had experience in close games lately. Sparty has beaten evil Ohio State and Iowa at the time of asking, so Sparty will use senior leadership to show that the Big Ten is the new power in college football. Sparty 23, Tide Rolled 8.

It's tough to pick against Sparty, but I'm going to. The problem is that Connor Cook, the decorated Spartan quarterback, has been playing through some pretty serious injuries. Alabama is a relentless bunch and they will find ways to exploit any weakness. They also have the Heisman Trophy winner on their side. Close game, but.... Alabama 27, Michigan State 24.

Rose Bowl -- Iowa Hawkeyes (+6) vs. Stanford Cardinal, in Pasadena. The Rose Bowl goes back to a traditional Big Ten/PAC 12 format. This year, there is far less HYYYYYYYPPPPEE! because I am not in Southern California to personally witness the event, but this should be a great football game. Both teams are fundamentally sound and are well-coached. Can Iowa bounce back after Michigan State ripped out millions of Black and Gold hearts out in Indy? Stanford 34, Iowa 31.

It comes down to this -- can the Hawkeyes stop Christian McCaffrey, one of the best running backs in the country? If they can, they win. If not, well. . . Stanford 28, Iowa 24.

Fiesta Bowl -- Notre Dame Fighting Irish (+6.5) vs. The Ohio State University Buckeyes. Two of the most hated teams in the country are going to play each other. I don't know who I want to root for, because Notre Dame is a bit haughty at times, and long time readers will know I am not welcome in the Buckeye media tent. Ohio State is better, but Urban Meyer needs to get a hold of some of his players. Ohio State 7, Notre Dame 5. (Just skip this game and watch the Rose Bowl instead.)

7-5? Who is pitching in this one? The Buckeyes have been inconsistent all season, but they are a better team overall. That will show up in the desert. Ohio State 31, Notre Dame 20.

Okay -- that will be it for now. We'll be back for the big NFL showdowns later in the week. Ben out!