Benster and D Pick Your Games -- So We Get Round 3 Edition

So the Packers get the chance to go back to Solider Field and get the rubber match. 

Bring it on.

 Meanwhile, the SEC is going to be out of the national title game again for the third straight year. You really do hate to see it. By the time this post goes up, will Miami get to play Oregon or Indiana? 

Here's a hint:

So, at least Dan Lanning can't go back there.

He may need to Google that Sadly, I was not able to regain my crown in fantasy football because despite having another good week, my opponent decided to drop 140 points. I know that nobody cares about my fantasy team, but this is the second year in a row I have lost the title game. 

No, that's okay, I care. I care deeply. Really, I do.

Sarcasm does not become you, Geritol Fan! I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYPPPPPPEEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work.

 Los Angeles Rams (-10.5) vs. Carolina Panthers I'll be honest when I say that the Panthers have been one of the biggest surprises of the year. They have had a lot of turmoil, but all of a sudden they were able to win the bad NFC South and get the reward of playing a Rams team that lost that epic Thursday nighter in Seattle. The Rams have rebounded nicely after paying the price for their all in title win, and probably don't appreciate going across the country on a short week. If you remember, the Panthers won their earlier matchup. I believe that the Panthers are going to play their usual tough game to get the Rams into the mosh pit. But while Carolina is going to be determined, I believe that the Rams will gut out a tough win. Rams 21, Panthers 19. 

Carolina is sneaky good, but I suspect the Rams might be the best team in the NFC and they will handle business tomorrow afternoon. Rams 34, Panthers 17.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (-1.5) vs. Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck So we all know what happened a couple of weeks ago at Soldier Field, and how both games between these two have been arguably been the game of the year. I was in favor of the Packers resting players because they have been too banged up in a similar fashion to 2016 where they had to chuck fringe NFL/UFL type guys to guard Julio Jones straight up. For Jordan Love and Caleb Williams, this is the game that they are going to be judged on. If you remember the 2010 NFC title game between these two teams, Jay Cutler's reputation never recovered from the unfair criticism he got that day. A Bears win won't fully erase that playoff loss, but this is a game that both Love and Williams can't lose. This Packer core that will play for the most part is the same as the one that made history two years ago against Dallas, and I like history repeating itself. Also, the Packers should have Jordan Love healthy for the entire game this time and the Bears can't keep relying on 4th quarter magic to bail them out of trouble again. Packers 21, Bears Still Suck 14.

The Bears themselves have been pretty quiet this week, but man, their fans have been insufferable. Perhaps the Packers have too many injuries, but I think they'll do well. The key guy is going to be Christian Watson. If he goes off, and I'm guessing he does, the Packers will move on. Packers 28, Bears 20.

Buffalo Bills (-1) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars While I personally think that Dave Canales should get Coach of the Year, Liam Cohen has also done a fantastic job. The Jaguars really have looked impressive, and in an AFC that is wide open given that the boogeyman of the AFC is at home they have a great chance. The problem is that Buffalo is experienced and is a team that is ready to take the next step. Josh Allen is at a point similar to Peyton Manning was in 2006. Allen has been brilliant and has revived the Bills, but hasn't been able to win the big one to this point in his career. With the Chiefs not being in the playoffs, this is a great chance for Allen to finally break through and win the ring that will silence all of the narratives forever. So while Jacksonville is a team that I like, Buffalo will use their experience to get this done. Nobody Circles The Wagons Like the Buffalo Bills 45, Jags 23. 

I think Jacksonville is, top to bottom, a better team. Buffalo has to go on the road and that will complicate matters further. While, I agree, nobody circles the wagons and all that, I'm thinking this one is where the Jags are overduuuuuuuuuuuuval. See, I can extend words, too! Jaguars 28, Bills 24.

San Francisco 49ers (+6) vs. Philadelphia Eagles Long time readers know that I am not a huge fan of Kyle Shanahan. I consider him a coach that while talented, is a coach who has not gotten it done for the Niners, despite having a loaded roster with Purdy on a cheap deal. This clearly has nothing to do with the Niners knocking out the Packers in the playoffs multiple times in the recent past, don't let that get in the way of this narrative. As for the Eagles, they somehow seem incapable of going a week without getting questioned despite being proven champions. This game is going to be a tough one, as the Niners lost their easy path to staying home all playoffs long after losing to the Seahawks last week. I like the Eagles to figure things out and finally let Jalen Hurts and their wideouts take them home. Eagles 35, Whiners 23. 

To be fair...

the 49ers have had some awful injuries, in some ways similar to what the Packers have gone through this season, and maybe worse. Philly is not the same team as last year, but they did not collapse down the stretch the way they did a few years back after winning a Super Bowl. I do believe they could return this year. To do that, they need to win this weekend And I believe they will. Eagles 27, Niners 19.

Los Angeles Chargers (+3.5) vs. New England Patriots The Patriots did the proper thing when Mike Vrabel was stupidly let go by the Titans and brought him back to New England to rekindle some of that old school vibes. These Patriots aren't as hated as the Cheatriots of old, and the only strike against Drake Maye in my book is helping Phil Longo get enough credibility to get a job with the Badgers. The Chargers are stuck in the cycle of good enough to make the playoffs but not do anything. With the AFC being wide open, New England should like their chances, but I like the Chargers to break through. Even though Jim Harbaugh can't win on a level playing field. Chargers 11, Patriots 8. 

Vrabel vs. Harbaugh is a fair fight. The Chargers are pretty good. The Patriots are better. Patriots 24, Chargers 16.

Houston Texans (-3) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Somehow, the Texans are not playing in the Saturday afternoon playoff game? Is nothing sacred in this world? The Steelers won their division last weekend on a crazy end of game sequence and I firmly believe that had the Ravens made that kick that Mike Tomlin would have been looking for work like John Harbaugh. It is nice to see Aaron back in the playoffs for the first time since he melted down in 2021 against the Niners. The Steelers haven't advanced in the playoffs since 2016 and that has been a big issue that the Yinzers have had with Tomlin. If Aaron can summon some of his old magic and the Steelers get enough splash plays from their highly paid defense, then I like the Steelers to win. Steelers 37, Texans 20. 

I hope this isn't the end for Aaron Rodgers, but I fear it will be. The Texans are a nasty group and while Rodgers is wily and will have DK Metcalf back, I think it's going to be too high a hill to climb. Texans 24, Steelers 13.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.

Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Packers Restored Order For Now Edition

I find it really incredible how quickly Bears fans went from thumping their chests about how they were going to beat the Packers to saying how they are going to win next weekend at Solider Field and how this was a good effort. You really hate to see it.

I was happy with the result, but as Robert Frost would say, the Packers have miles to go before they sleep. And they'd better not sleep on the Broncos.

 I can't really gloat about this because the Packers have a very tough game against Denver this weekend and are going to have to play the Bears in a game that could be for first place. 

You want to gloat though, don't you?

Of course, but you know my high standards for objectivity and decorum, Geritol Fan!

Fabled in song and story and known from coast to coast.

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

Minnesota Vikings (+5.5) vs. Dallas How Bout Them Cowboys? So in the interest of full disclosure, I was coming back from an overnight trip and saw very little of last week's Vikings game live. After watching the highlights, it was clear to me that the Vikings dispatched a struggling Commanders team in impressive fashion. The Cowboys are going to be fighting for their collective playoff lives as they are going to need a win badly. The key for the Vikings is going to be someone on their maligned defense needs to hold down George Pickens. I know that CeeDee Lamb is their top wideout, but Pickens torched the Packers in Week 4, and seems to be a favorite target of Dak these days. This is going to be a hard test for the Vikings and one that they will keep close until Dallas pulls away in the 4th quarter. Though what would help the Vikings is for Justin Jefferson to stand up and go off. Quite frankly, his production hasn't been worth the QB money he is getting even allowing for the QB issues. How Bout Them Cowboys 28, Vikings 17. 

You can play defense in this league and the Vikings have been known to do it at least intermittently this season. Can Dallas block the Vikings pass rush? If they can, it's going to be a long day for the Purple. The second question - can J.J. McCarthy put together two good games in a row? Up to this point, he has not proven that he can. He has an opportunity this week. I smell a shootout. Cowboys 38, Vikings 31.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (-2.5) vs. Denver Broncos The Packers were challenged by the Bears, but came through in the 4th quarter to get back leadership of the NFC North and put themselves in a good position to get the top seed in the NFC. However, the Denver Broncos are in a great spot with leadership of the AFC West and are also looking to get the top seed in the AFC. The Packers have only won in Denver once.

Yes, I remember:

Beyond that, the Broncos are a team that is tough minded and knows how to win close games. Also, keep in mind that with the Chiefs looking like they are going to miss the playoffs, a lot of AFC teams are thinking that this is a great chance to break through. I don't think that the Packers are going to overlook this game and prepare for the rematch against the Bears, but this is going to be a battle that the Packers need to be prepared for. I also can't count on the Browns winning in Chicago on Sunday. But the good news is that even if Josh Jacobs can't go, the Packers have won in places they have struggled in recently. Why not continue the trend this weekend. Packers 31, Broncos 24. 

And now, a musical interlude from recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Warren Zevon:

Some good tips for visiting Packers fans right there.

You're always helpful, Old Dude. Now, could you pick the game?

I suppose. I don't know what to think about this game, other than to be annoyed with it. This is a very tough assignment for this time of the year and the way the schedule plays out, it seems incongruent. Having said that, the Packers are well situated now. Based on what I've seen this year, the Packers should win this game. Vegas making Denver a home dog is rare, but the wise guys know things. If Jordan Love has time, he will torch the Broncos defense. Packers 28, Broncos 24.

 Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.

Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Packers Have To Do This The Hard Way Edition

So if the Packers want to get back their NFC North crown, it turns out that they are going to have to take care of their own jobs given that the Bears are not going to go away. 

It's for the same reason you had to have a bear box at Scout Camp - if you give bears any encouragement, they come around and pester you. And they aren't pleasant about it.

Did you expect something like this?

I never know what to expect. But that does bear (no pun intended) a resemblance their season thus far.

But the good thing is that the Packers are getting healthier even with the Devonte Wyatt injury. 

Although that doesn't help.

No, it doesn't. By the way, I am not going to do a Very Special Comment about the Axe game. That wasn't close enough to warrant one anyway, and it's hard for me to complain about losing on the road to the Gophers. 

I do have to say that's the first time I've ever seen a fanbase storm the field after beating a 4-8 team. Maybe expectations could be a little higher in Dinkytown?

At least Badger men's hoops is still doing well and I am in a better mood because the US got a very good World Cup draw and Everton played very well to win at Bournemouth this week. 

Your mood is like a circus wheel. It changes all the time.

That sounds like another one of your ancient song lyrics.

It is. Apparently it went right over your head. 

It did. And it sure feels nice. Well, good on you, Wolfman Jack! Meanwhile, the Vikings are getting a ton of heat. As it turns out, Max Brosmer isn't going to turn into Brock Purdy and my calling for JJ McCarthy to be traded is looking a lot better. 

Well, a certain weekend radio host might still beg to differ.

In fact, I am going to say this right now. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's decision to run Sam Darnold out of town to waste salary cap space on questionable contracts to defensive players and draft JJ McCarthy too high is a worse decision than the Vikings trading for Herschel Walker. There, I said it. 

Well, at least I get to use the "uh, no" trope early in this one.

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

 Indiana Hoosiers (+4) vs. A School In Columbus, in Indy So this game is not an elimination game by any means as both teams are safely in the playoff. That being said, winning the Big Ten still matters as well as making sure that a bye and top seed is going to be yours. I personally think that Indiana should be ranked number 1 because their top win was on the road against Oregon when compared to the Buckeyes beating Texas at home. That being said, I get why Ohio State is still ranked at the top of the class because you shouldn't move a team down for winning. I also think that Mendoza and Sayin are going to decide the Heisman in the only way that really matters. I feel like this is Indiana's time because they feel ready to take the next step and being the first school since Sparty to break the brand name stranglehold on the Big Ten title would be fitting. This will be a good and competitive game, but it would be hard to root against Indiana given that this game is in Indy. Google Them, They Win 42, Buckeyes 35.

I don't know what to expect, frankly. I've seen both teams play. OSU has more upside but IU is a talented and ruthless group. Could go either way, but just to be a contrarian.... Buckeyes 42, Hoosiers 35.

Washington Commanders (-1.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings The Vikings are a flat out mess right now, and even though the Wilfs are very patient there have been a lot of calls to clean house. I asked Mrs. D aka Mom for her view as a Vikings fan. She indicated that she thinks the Wilfs are going to stay the course. The good news for the Vikings is that they are at home playing a Commanders team that hasn't impressed me. Even though Jayden Daniels is going to give it a go, this is a good chance for the Vikings. I feel like the Vikings are going to have a good performance at home to get some confidence back. Vikings 24, Commies 0. 

I really wonder if the Vikings are capable of scoring 24 points in a game. They are such a mess right now that I'm not sure they can. Washington is not good, though. Vikings 17, Commanders 14.

Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+6.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers I was really happy with how the Packers looked on Thanksgiving. Micah Parsons looked outstanding, and Jordan Love made a lot of great throws. I wasn't a huge fan of LaFleur going for it on the 4th down late, but Wicks fittingly capped out an outstanding day by getting the catch to get out of Detroit with a huge win. There has been a lot of chatter in Chicago about how the Bears are back and that Caleb Williams is going to take back the NFC North. Now, I will admit that the Bears have won a lot, and that this game is going to go a long way to determine the NFC North given that there is a rematch in 13 days. The thing is, the Packers are 3-0 in the NFC North and historically have been very good in December under LaFleur. This will be a close game because of the nature of the rivalry, but order will be restored at Lambeau. Packers 27, Bears Still Suck 20. 

I'm a little nervous about the run game for the Bears. The Eagles have turned into a hot mess lately, but the Bears having two 100-yard rushers against the Eagles was impressive, to say the least. The strength of the Packers defense is lateral pursuit and that should help, but they need some big bodies in the middle to come through - Brinson and Stackhouse have to be stout. On offense, I think Jordan Love will make throws and if Jayden Reed can go, that will really open things up. The Bears have lived a charmed life so far, but as Branch Rickey memorably put it, luck is the residue of design. And for the first time in a very long time, I think the Bears have a good design. But in the end, I think the better team is wearing green. Packers 27, Bears 19.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.

Benster and D Pick Your Games --The Vikings Are In A Tight Spot With Their Quarterbacks Edition

The Vikings came into Lambeau with a lot of intentions, but as it turned out the Packers have pushed more questions on the Vikings and if made the right decision with the JJ McCarthy gamble.

I  have it on good authority that Kwesi is getting a little queasy.

Meanwhile, the Packers don't have to play on Thanksgiving every single year.

The NFL seems to disagree. Maybe they could try the Jaguars, who have never appeared on Turkey Day.

What could be more traditional than teal-colored predator cats?

Blue and silver predator cats?

Yes. And the Lions are looking for revenge after what happened in September. I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work. 

Glorious Green Bay Packers (+3) vs. Detroit LOLions Okay, Geritol Fan, let's get this out of the way. Do you have Grumpy Lions guy ready?

As you wish.

You know him, you love him, you can't live without him

Good job - have an extra Carter's Little Liver Pill on me. The Packers are banged up, but thanks to the special teams actually doing something and the pass rush making the Vikings offensive line rethink their life decisions, last week was an emphatic statement. Also, the Packer defenders doing the Skol chant was the funniest celebration I've seen from the Packers since Jaire did the Griddy in the face of the Griddy Man. The Lions struggled against the Giants, and in September looked very helpless against a motivated Packers team. The problem is that because the Bears won't stop winning, the Packers have to win out to win the division. This won't be easy, but the key difference is that this time Micah Parsons is fresher and will not be on a snap count. I like the Packers in this one. Packers 27, Lions 13. 

The Lions are still (a) enormously talented and (b) boneheads. The Packers defense will have to win this game and the key is keeping the Lions running backs from going nuts. If Jared Goff has to think about Micah Parsons on a regular basis, you'll know it's gonna be a tough one for the Kitties. Packers 27, Lions 26.

Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-1.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat The Badgers being a road favorite in conference play seems strange to me. After what the Badgers did last week, it shows that the young guys want to win and turn this thing around. The Gophers have nobody to blame but themselves for what happened against the Purple Nerds, and I get the sense that they are going to be tight because winning the Axe is important. Fickell has earned back a little goodwill, but getting the Axe back would really give him some goodwill. If you remember, the Gophers winning the Axe in 2018 gave PJ some credit in the bank to kickstart their 2019 run. Just remember that and don't be surprised by this score. Badgers 37, Row Row Row Your Boat 15. 

Before we proceed, a musical interlude:

Now there's a zoot suit for ya.

Old dude, you're not getting better, you're getting stranger.

No lies detected. Can I be honest with you? If the Badgers win on Saturday, I will be surprised. I do not dispute they are playing better than they had earlier in the season, and no one is going to confuse the Gophers with the Oregon Ducks or the Ohio State Buckeyes, but they have talent on both sides of the ball and a competent (if supremely irritating) coach. Would like to see the Axe leave town, but I don't think it will. Gophers 24, Badgers 17.

Minnesota Vikings (+11.5) vs. Seattle Seachickens In a twist of fate, the Vikings are going to be seeing their old buddy Sam Darnold for the first time as an opponent. Now, you can't judge the decision that the Vikings made to move on from Darnold based on what happens on Sunday. But that won't stop people from making that comparison. I asked Mrs. D aka Mom about who should be the QB next year, and she indicated that there is a 50/50 chance it is a QB on the roster or the Vikings could get someone else. The Vikings need this one badly, as they are in danger of being cut adrift in both the NFC North and playoff races given how good the Seachickens, Niners, and Rams are. The bottom line is that the Vikings better win and outplay Darnold with either Brosmer or McCarthy because then the heat on KOC and the front office will get lava hot. Thankfully, something tells me that Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are going to put the team on their back and get it done. Vikings 29, Seachickens 16. 

I am not conviced the Seahawks are a great team, but right now the Vikings are a hot mess and asking a rookie quarterback to win in Seattle seems like a bit much. Maybe Max Brosmer is capable of being a junior grade Brock Purdy, but I think he could just as easily be Shaun Hill. And that's not the hill to die on. I bet Darnold coughs up a hairball or two, but in the end... Seahawks 20, Vikings 13.

Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy the football this weekend. Ben out.

Benster and D Pick Your Games---Is JJ McCarthy Already Fighting For His Job Edition

So old dude, the Packers almost got bit by the Giants, but thankfully got enough plays to escape New Jersey with the win. The problem is that there are too many injuries. 

Did they play the game at MetLife Stadium, or on the New Jersey Turnpike?

Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike

They've all come to look for America.

 

I'll say this, old dude - you're no Art Garfunkel.

Thanks, I guess.

As for the Vikings, they lost a game that they needed because the special teams and defense couldn't help JJ McCarthy change the narrative, and are going to come into Lambeau with a lot of desperation.

Yeah, that was not good on multiple levels.

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

Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (+3.5) vs. Northwestern Purple Nerds. The Gophers already have bowl eligibility squared away, and are going to be playing at Wrigley against a Wildcat team that has been feisty against some good teams in the conference. The Gophers should win this one based on talent, but the Purple Nerds always save their voodoo for someone. With them having to face the Illini next week, they would love to not have to play for a bowl bid in a rivalry game. This game could get very scrappy, but the Gophers are going to win a game that is going to be close and pretty low scoring. Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 24, Purple Nerds 23. 

It might actually be beneficial for the Gophers to play at Wrigley. Northwestern doesn't have a football stadium right now and they've done the vagabond bit this season. I agree with your pick, but I don't have a great feeling about this game. Gophers 27, Northwestern 24.

Illinois Cheating Illini (-8.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers Wisconsin at least fought Indiana for a half, but pulling off a second miracle was asking too much against the Hoosiers. Illinois probably isn't going to get in the playoffs because realistically there are only a couple of at larges that aren't seemingly set when you consider that the ACC and Group of 5 reps are going to be ranked lower than 10th. For the Badgers, the way to save this season would be either get the Axe back or beat Illinois. Either would be a fun result, and I'll take my chances on a night game at home. As a side note, the Big Ten needs to mandate that every conference team should have to play night games in November and play on Fridays at home. Badgers 35, Illini 20. 

The Badgers are playing a little better down the stretch, but I don't think they've exactly turned the corner, either. Illinois is not a great team, but they are solid and while it pains me to say it, Bret Bielema can coach 'em up. Illinois 31, Badgers 17.

Minnesota Vikings (+6.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers The Vikings are in a really tough spot right now, and the knives really have come out for JJ McCarthy. I've certainly been critical of McCarthy, but Vikings fans should be questioning if the front office has set KOC and McCarthy to fail. You might remember that Mrs. D aka Mom mentioned that success for McCarthy would be beating the Packers twice and winning a playoff game. Now is the chance to do that. What is going to help the Vikings is that the Packers are banged up and the Vikings finally have an intact offensive line. I'm wondering if the Packers team that looked so dominant against the Lions, Steelers, and Commanders shows up. Or will the team that has struggled against divisional opponents show up? We are going to learn a lot about the Vikings on Sunday. Packers 27, Vikings 20.

You mentioned the key to the game - is the Vikings offensive line up to snuff? If they can get the Packers blocked, I think they have a decent chance to win on Sunday. If the Packers defense gets McCarthy off schedule, it will be a very long day for the Purple. The Packers have an injury list the size of the Mankato phone book, but I suspect most of their guys will play. The Vikings can cause havoc on defense, but Jordan Love has been getting better and he'll have chances for some big plays. Packers 27, Vikings 17.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.

Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Once Again, The Packers Really Have Some Explaining To Do Edition

Old dude, I'll say this much. The Packers are very lucky that I can't do Very Special Comments every single weekend.

They did send this response:

So wait, the Packers hired Dana Carvey?

They've made worse hires.

True. I'd also mention and the Badgers put me in a really good mood. 

Your mood is like a circus wheel, it changes all the time.

Is that one of your song lyrics again?

Yes. Source material:

If you keep interrupting me, you'll be looking at this one:

Good point - this is starting to turn into an old school Guilty Pleasures video with Fearless Maria. Maybe I should ask her if she wants to do one of those again sometime....

That's a good idea, but set that up on your own time, okay. Meanwhile, as a clarification to last weekend's post, I screwed up when mentioning Mike Shanahan, when I was discussing what LaFleur is trying to emulate in Packers history. I meant to say Mike Holmgren, who of course did coach the Packers to a championship. Mike Shanahan of course denied the Packers a championship. That should make a lot more sense with what I was trying to do. I had no problem being called out for a pretty bad mistake. 

It's how we grow, grasshopper.

I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. I know that this is going up while the Gophers are playing, but by the time this goes up the fate of the Gophers out in Eugene should be clear. Watch me work. 

 Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (+29.5) vs. Indiana They Win, Google Them Last weekend was one of the most shocking Badger wins I have ever seen. How the Badgers won a game when their punter was the leading passer and played 4 quarterbacks makes no sense. You would do well to find a more shocking upset in college football this season. What really impressed me was that it looked like Badger football. The defense played tough, the offense was able to do enough, and beating a ranked Washington football team can hardly be called a fluke. The problem this week is that the Badgers have to go to Indiana. The Hoosiers have a great argument to be ranked first in my view because they beat Oregon on the road. I figure that Google Me Cignetti isn't going to fall into the same traps that Washington did. But you know what, the Badgers have nothing to lose at this point and are playing with confidence. I've been really critical of Luke Fickell, but he has already made me eat some of my words at least for one week. If he beats Indiana on the road, this will be the most shocking win in college football since the 2003 Big XII title game. For reference, that was when a very good Oklahoma team got manhandled by Kansas State. Call me delusional, but strange stuff happens in November in college football. Badgers 21, Google Them, They Win 14. 

If that prediction happens, if you Google them they'll have lost. But it won't. Indiana has been on a mission to destroy their previous tormentors. They hung 60+ on a ranked Illinois team. Despite the encouraging win last week, the Badgers aren't ranked. They're just rank. Historically, the Badgers have crushed the Hoosiers. That was then, and this is now. Indiana 83, Wisconsin 20.

The Bronze Turkey Bowl: Knox College Prairie Fire, Baby! (NL) vs. Monmouth College Scots Longtime readers know exactly why this game shows up every single year. If you are new here, I am a proud graduate of Knox College, and Monmouth is the school a few miles away. Now, I will admit that Knox hasn't gotten the Bronze Turkey back since the current students were born at this point, but streaks are made to be broken. I made a salad one day at the Knox cafeteria, and Monmouth awarded me a degree in nutrition, with highest honors. If you expect me to pick against my alma mater, then you are sadly mistaken. Prairie Fire 500, Scots -100 

Ah, the Turkey Shoot. Monmouth may be lacking in academic rigor (actually not true, it's a perfectly good school), but they have really good football players and have already clinched the conference championship. The Scots have been crushing every team in their path all season. And that's quite likely to happen again. Monmouth 52, Knox 7.

Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+2.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings The Vikings ended up losing last week because they failed to finish their drives, and the Ravens are a good enough team to take advantage. I asked Mrs. D, aka Mom, who she thought was going to be the key player for the Vikings to win. She indicated that the key to her is going to be JJ McCarthy taking care of the ball and finishing those drives. The Bears are out for revenge after melting down against the Vikings back in September to start another round of Is Caleb The Guy. With the NFC North looking more scrambled thanks to recent events, the Vikings have to be thinking that keeping their head to head and divisional record tiebreakers intact is critical. This feels like a type of game that the Vikings can win. Vikings 31, Bears Still Suck 30.

They can, but will they? The Vikings are weird; they go into Detroit and look like world beaters, then get a toe tag in their own building against a middling Ravens team. So who shows up? Vikings 27, da Bearz 24.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (-7) vs. New York Football Giants While it is true that Brandon McManus missed the game tying kick, he isn't super high on the blame list. The Packers are a team that confuses me offensively. There are games where they look really good, and there are games where the defense does incredibly well and the offense vanishes. If you had told me that the Packers would play well against an explosive Eagles offense, I would have assumed that things would have gone swimmingly. If LaFleur was really serious about changing things, then he should give up calling plays and let someone else do it. As for Love, I wanted him to throw more instead of trying to prove that they could outtough the Eagles. The Giants are a team that just fired Brian Daboll and have to go to Jameis Winston after Jaxson Dart got injured; meanwhile it's apparent that Russell Wilson is washed. I'm surprised that Joe Flacco wasn't signed to face the Packers once again. The Packers are facing a game that they got to have if they want the noise to go away. Thankfully, the Packers know this and should win if they avoid playing with their food. Packers 45, Giants 17. 

The Giants aren't very good and they also have critical injuries on both sides of the ball. This is absolutely get-well week for the Packers. I think they figure it out. Prop bet - Jameis Winston throws a pick six to Xavier McKinney. Packers 31, Giants 14.

 Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.

Benster and D Pick Your Games -- How Can The Badgers Get Their Identity Back? Edition

Frankly, the Packers tying the Cowboys was a weird ending to a weirdnight. If Michael Irvin wants to question if the clock was properly set on that last throw by Love, he should have no issues admitting that Dak could have been called for intentional grounding late in the 4th quarter. But the Packers tied because of their own mistakes, which we need to acknowledge instead of blaming the officials. 

I see some things I don't like about that team. I am hoping they can fix a few things on the bye, but the lack of discipline is especially concerning.

 So what I wanted to talk about last week was how the Badgers can get back their identity, but thanks to the Mistake By The Lake by the Packers, the Badgers got a break. 

Your wrath may be delayed, but it always arrives.

Got that right, Geritol Fan! But that comes later. I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYPPPEEEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work. 

Michigan Hail To The Sign Stealers Valiant (+17.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers So the Badgers have won two games they should have won, lost a game that surprised nobody, and served up one of the worst performances against a Big Ten team at Camp Randall that I have ever seen against Maryland two weeks ago. The Badgers are facing an October gauntlet, and frankly things are going to be difficult. However, Michigan is a team that I wonder about. The Wolverines have struggled offensively the past two years and while I think Bryce Underwood is going to be a good quarterback in the Big Ten, he is still a freshman QB going on the road in Big Ten play. What killed the Badgers against Maryland was shooting themselves in the foot in the first quarter. So while I am under no illusions that the Badgers should be favorites, the Badgers are going to surprise someone this month. If I am a Michigan fan, this is the type of game that I would be worried about. Badgers 20, Wolverines 17. 

Maybe, but frankly the Badgers haven't showed us much. I would like to know what the preferred quarterback could do, but he's still on the shelf and once again the Badgers are going with an undersized gamer who should be holding a clipboard. I think the Badgers don't get embarrassed this week, but I don't see a victory. Michigan 27, Wisconsin 19.

 A School In Columbus (-23.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers Of The Boat The Gophers deserve credit for winning against a game Rutgers team last week. The Gophers had a 1st quarter that wasn't great by any means, but made enough plays in the second half. The problem for the Gophers is that Ohio State is an impressive team. I wasn't too sure about Julian Sayin, but he might be better for the Buckeyes than CJ Stroud. Now, you might be thinking that I have an agenda and am going to point out that Ohio State struggled through a game Washington team out in Seattle and got a break thanks to a terrible fake field goal that the Huskies called. But the Buckeyes did what they had to do on the road in conference play. PJ can't coach scared and turtle like he has done in the past against the Buckeyes. He has to give his players a chance and coach to win. Sadly for the Gophers, this is a talent gap game. Buckeyes 67, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 23. 

I agree there's a talent gap, but the Gophers aren't Ball State. They'll give a decent accounting of themselves. Ohio State 34, Gophers 20.

Minnesota Vikings (-3.5) vs. Cleveland Browns, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium The Vikes are going to be very shorthanded up front against the Browns. When you have to start a third string center who hasn't played center in a long time against a very aggressive defensive coordinator in Jim Schwartz, this could spell disaster. I would imagine that KOC is going to be smart enough to not do what the Packers did and let the Browns hang around. If Carson Wentz is smart, he is going to need to get the ball out. What I really want to see from the Vikings is something that I feel the Twin Cities media and Vikings fans don't want to admit. Justin Jefferson is a great player, but when he is getting quarterback money he needs to take over a game. The Vikings have failed to advance in the playoffs with him, and when the Vikings need their stars to step up he tends to go missing at times. Something tells me that Jordan Addison might be the key guy for the Vikings to rely on instead of Jefferson. If the Griddy Man wants to prove me wrong, now would be a good time. Vikings 16, Browns 10. 

I personally wouldn't rely on Addison until he proves he can stay off the police blotter, but that's me. Cleveland is a pretty good defensive team and at this point in his career Carson Wentz is just a guy, but the Browns have a rookie quarterback going and Brian Flores will confuse the hell out of Dillon Gabriel. Vikings 16, Browns 3.

And now it is time for something that isn't a Very Special Comment. 

Well, what is it?

I am going to try a reasoned analysis here.

This could be a first.

No, I'm capable of it. Sometimes a guy has to step away from the shtick. You might consider it some time, Old Dude. 

So let's be reasonable. The Badgers need to understand that trying to go too quickly away from their roots hasn't been working. While Fickell deserves a huge part of the blame, Chris McIntosh hired Fickell and made the decision to get rid of Paul Chryst. I realize that NIL is going to make it harder to be a program that develops players, but the Badgers need to take what they do have and build on what works. What are the keys to that? 

 Offensive Line Success: Wisconsin should be getting in state kids who are very good offensive linemen, and focus on being one of the best places for guys to develop and go to the NFL as best prepared to be successful. The offensive line tradition is the bedrock on which Barry Alvarez built the program. 

Running Backs Matter: Wisconsin has always had a rich tradition of running backs. Fickell should be selling players in both the transfer portal and recruits that Wisconsin knows how to develop running backs. Guys like Melvin Gordon, James White, and Jonathan Taylor used Wisconsin to become running backs who played key roles on good NFL teams. Fickell should be making sure that guys know that a running back at Wisconsin is going to get them prepared to play in the NFL and have success in the NFL. 

Don't Take Away Things This Fanbase Expects: Fickell's biggest mistake was moving too quickly to the Air Raid. While I agree that getting better QB play was a key priority, the reason that the fanbase was ticked is that the Badgers are losing their strengths and things fans want to see from Wisconsin. What made Wisconsin good was more than just being in the Big Ten West. The defense was tough, the offensive line was the heart of the team, and running backs knew that they were next in line to a tradition of success. 

What Fickell did by going away from those traditions was similar to what Rich Rodriguez did at Michigan. The Wolverines never played the spread offense, and it seemed like Rodriguez didn't get what Michigan fans expected. Notice how Michigan has gone with coaches that have had at least some connection to the school since. So, who should be the next head coach? 

So you're firing Fickell?

Yes. And I have a list. 

Thought I'd throw in a little culture there.

Ah, more cultural references from the 19th Century! Don't you understand I'm working here?

Okay, I'll let you get back to it, but surely Gilbert and Sullivan are better than random Paul Finebaum sightings, right?

I'll give you that. Now shush. This list is in no particular order, and assumes that Jim Leonhard ain't coming home. Another assumption in this list is that McIntosh is either fired or resolves to make sure that the next coach understands what it takes to be successful in Madison. 

Dave Aranda: Bit of a longshot, but he was a very successful defensive coordinator for the Badgers and would get the benefit of the doubt from most fans. 

Alex Golesh: Would be the hot name based on his success at USF. Has Big Ten ties and would know how to use NIL to get us back to where we should be. 

Todd Monken: A fellow Knox alum, Monken had a lot of success at Georgia and is one of the most respected offensive minds in football. Given that John Harbaugh isn't likely to leave the Ravens, could entice elite QB prospects by leveraging his time working with Lamar Jackson 

Will Stein: He is the offensive coordinator at Oregon. He has had a lot of success with different quarterbacks at Oregon, and seems to have a lot of freedom running the offense because Lanning comes from a defensive background. Also seems like a good recruiter. 

Glenn Schumann: He is currently the defensive coordinator at Georgia. Schumann has been Kirby Smart's longtime right hand man, and has spent time with both Smart and Saban. Would be someone who is young and can come in and build the program back up knowing what it takes to compete at the top of the college football world. 

Enjoy your football this week, and also good luck to the Brewers. While I am not a Brewers fan, the Old Dude would love to see his Brewers win the World Series. Ben out.

Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Badgers Have No Pressure Edition

Hi there, folks! We're going early because D and I are on assignment this weekend. 

Yes, very hush hush.

Should we give them a hint?

Sure. Try this:

Tell your mama, tell your pa, I'm gonna send you back to Arkansas

So how are you gonna send me back to someplace I've never been?

After we get there, you'll know.

Okay, old dude. Whatever ya say. What'd you say? Last week went very well for both the Badgers and the Packers. And we got to laugh at the Bears yet again thanks to the Vikings. You really hate to see it. 

I'm surprisingly okay with it, actually.

 Wisconsin ain't in as bad a position as you might think on Saturday, just saying. I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYYYPPPEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work. 

Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (+20.5) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide The Badgers struggled a bit against the MTSU Blue Raiders, but got their crap together in the second half. Now, I am not going to lie to you and say that going down to Tuscaloosa is going to be easy. We all know that Alabama is very good, and that they destroyed the Badgers up in Madison a year ago. But I sense that there are issues. Remember, Wisconsin is a heavy underdog with nothing to lose. The spoiled Tide fans and boosters are already angry at Kalen Deboer after what happened against the Noles a couple weeks ago, and should the Badgers hang in there and keep it close, the Alabama fans are going to be nervous and direct a lot of anger towards them. I also get the sense that this Wisconsin team is a lot better then what people are thinking. To steal a quote from Florida State, Nick Saban can't save you now. Don't be surprised if Wisconsin pulls off an upset. I am getting the same feeling that I had when Wisconsin played Villanova in the 2017 NCAA tournament. Badgers 31, Tide Rolled 14. 

Cool story, bro. I think that was the lingo at some point in this century. The Badgers look better than they did at the end of last season, but that doesn't mean they're ready for Alabama. Tide 34, Bucky 17.

  Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (-2.5) vs. Cal Golden Bears The Gophers frankly did what was expected against Northwestern State. PJ didn't run up the score or anything, but he probably was glad to see his backups get a lot of playing time. What is concerning is that Darius Taylor went down, and that is going to be a huge storyline for the Gophers given that the Gophers love to be a physical team. Cal is stuck in the ACC because conference realignment has gone too far, but that is a discussion for another time. I think that Cal is going to be tough, but the Gophers should win a tight one as the Gophers have more support for their football team and Aaron Rodgers isn't there to save you. Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 23, Golden Bears 22. 

I don't have a good feel for Cal, because they haven't been a factor in football in a real sense in over a half century. They do have some talent, but on balance the Gophers have more. And absent any other obvious differences, talent will win out. Gophers 27, Cal 20.

 Washington Commanders (+3) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers It was really great to see the Packers win in such impressive fashion. The new look defense looked amazing, Jordan Love looked in command and let the game come to him, and order seems to be getting closer to be restored with the NFC North. However, the Commanders are going to be a tough test. Jayden Daniels is a very good quarterback, and this Commanders team has been very impressive. Also, Thursday Night Football games that are not Week 1 or on Thanksgiving are a terrible idea, but the NFL can't quit the Amazon bag. This should be fairly high scoring, but Micah Parsons is going to make a key play late. Having him in Green and Gold might be like what getting Reggie White was to the older generation of Packers fans. Packers 45, Commanders 34. 

It was an impressive performance, but I wonder if Detroit hasn't taken a step back. Washington is a good team and they have weapons. Daniels is elusive, much more so than statue-like Jared Goff. I do think the Packers will be able to move the ball on whatever the hell they're calling Washington these days. So your high-scoring thought may have merit. Packers 31, Washington 27.

Hotlanta Falcons (+3) vs. Minnesota Vikings So Mrs. D aka Mom was really happy with how things went on Monday. I thought that the Vikings do deserve more credit for making some adjustments and taking advantage the LOL Bears moments. Also, the NFL needs to change the ruling on the last play. DJ Moore didn't fumble. One interesting thing is that this matchup is a QB rematch of the Michigan-Washington matchup in Penix and McCarthy. The Vikings are going to be fired up and are going to continue building up what they are working on. Maybe they want to prove me wrong for wanting to trade McCarthy for draft picks? Vikings 21, Falcons 10. 

Vikings got it together. McCarthy could have folded but he didn't. I don't know what to think about Atlanta, either. Game is here, so I think that makes the difference. Vikings 24, Falcons 19.

 I'll try and enjoy Arkansas this weekend. Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.

Benster and D Pick Your Games----The Super Bowl That Nobody Asked For Edition

So, old dude, remember when a Lions-Bills Super Bowl was likely? That would have been fun. Instead, we are stuck with a boring matchup that nobody outside of Kansas City and the Bay Area asked for. You really do hate to see it. We will discuss Dan Campbell later. 

Kinda tired of both these teams. Not gonna lie. But we do have to finish this out.

And we will! Nevertheless, I am still feeling the HYYYYYYPPPEEEEEEEE! for Sunday, and am ready to pick this game. Watch me work. 

Taylor Swift Private Jet Tracker Kansas City Chiefs (+2) vs. San Francisco 49ers Oh, this game at least should be good. The Chiefs are back despite dealing with a ton of drops, dodging bullets, and an AFC that couldn't dethrone them despite other teams looking good. The Niners have a lot more pressure on them. You see, everyone talks about Kyle Shanahan as this genius, and how the Niners have a ton of talent. Both those things are not hot takes at all, but the thing is they have been denied in cruel ways. Remember, Shanahan was the second biggest culprit behind 28-3, and blew a lead to the Chiefs 4 years ago on the biggest stage, and needs this badly. The Niners also haven't won a Super Bowl since 1994, even though they have been close a number of times. The Niners remind me of the Giants before 2007, where they were often good but unable to close the deal. The Chiefs losing this Super Bowl won't harm Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. Their legacy is secure, and even the greats have lost Super Bowls. I like the Niners to break through and finally get their ring. At the very least, they would be someone who haven't won in a while, and I respect that. Niners 29, Chiefs 19.

Deebo missed the boat that day he left the shack. But that was all he missed, and he is coming back.

Huh?

A musical interlude:

Oh my goodness, it's 70s poisoning!

I gotta be me, grasshopper.

Well, could you at least pick the game?

Sure, why not? And remember I could have picked this:

Looks like you just did. You're stalling.

I guess I am. Okay, here goes. I think the 49ers are more talented, but they've been scuffling through the playoffs. The Packers should have beaten them and the Lions certainly could have, if not for some questionable decisionmaking from their head coach, which I believe you'll be discussing anon. The Chiefs aren't necessarily the most buttoned-up outfit, either, but they seem to have their act together at this point. And I have learned not to bet against Andy Reid or Patrick Mahomes, even if they have to put faith in Kadarius Toney or Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Somehow it works. Chiefs 28, 49ers 23.

And now, it's time to dunk on Dan Campbell and the LOLions. You thought I was going to glance over that? Oh, you know I wouldn't. I've said that my problem with Dan Campbell isn't in his culture or as a motivator. He did produce the goods this year, and have no problem admitting that. But the constant aggressive playcalling was going to catch up with him. The bottom line is that the Lions had the Niners dead to rights, and thanks to Campbell giving up 6 points by trusting his offense, he ended up costing his team. Part of being a head coach is showing growth. He has been making the same mistakes for a long time, and refuses to change. The worst part is that this might have been the best chance for the LOLions. Da Bearz have a bunch of cap space and picks, the Packers have a bright future and are getting out from under Aaron's contract, and the Vikings will have better injury luck. You might have caused the Same Old Lions to come back. I hope you are happy Dan. If I were the Lions front office or ownership, I would have ordered him to dial back the aggression and hired a situational management coach to protect Campbell from himself. He needs to learn to be smarter as a game manager. 

I can't argue with you.

Arguing with me never works any way. But hey, thanks so much for reading us this year, and enjoy your football this weekend. For the last time this year, Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games-------Packers Haters In Shambles Edition

Remember when everyone said that the Packers were going to be going into the wilderness and that Jordan Love was going to be a massive bust? Pepperidge Farm remembers. 

Certain parts of the Upper Midwest are hotbeds of wishful thinking, especially where football is concerned. 

In other news, I wasn't fired by anyone nor am I announcing my retirement in what will be the craziest offseason of coaching changes that I have ever seen. 

Yeah, it's quite the coaching carousel this year. And the fun is just beginning.

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

Cleveland Browns (-2) vs. Houston Texans Big credit to the Texans for being here. I always liked CJ Stroud at Ohio State, and he was able to help turn around a frankly awful Texans team into division champions. The Browns have been up and down all year, but somehow Joe Flacco was able to come out of the wilderness and take the Browns to January football. Don't forget that Flacco is a Super Bowl winning quarterback, which is something that few other teams have. The Browns have a defense that will play well, and are a sleeper team to watch. Don't be surprised if they make a deep run. Browns 21, Texans 10.

I sure enjoyed watching Stroud this year in the few chances I had to see him. The Texans are in their customary playoff spot - first game of Wild Card Weekend. They are at home. But the Browns are better. That's a sentence I haven't had to type in a long time. Browns 24, Texans 20.

Miami Dolphins (+4.5) vs. Taylor Swift Eras Tour Kansas City Chiefs This game shouldn't be on Peacock. It's not the NFL's fault that Comcast failed at creating a streaming service that nobody asked for, and whoever came up with this idea should be ashamed of themselves. Also, the weather in Kansas City is going to be awfully cold, and I wouldn't attend that game if you paid me. The Chiefs have issues with catching balls, and this is the type of weather that is going to cause drops. So while the Dolphins are going to be wishing that they could go back to South Beach, this is a game that they are going to win. The worst thing is that Mahomie has a contract that is going to be a big hinderance to keeping talent, and the Chiefs front office has to nail every pick in the draft going forward. Dolphins 60, Chiefs 34.

Somewhere a songstress is distressed:

Dammit, Benster!

Keep it up and she might write a song about you, pal. As for the game, I'm not buying what you're selling. Both of these teams are inconsistent, but the Chiefs have a track record of winning in Kansas City at this time of year. I suspect that continues, even though I have my misgivings. Chiefs 27, Dolphins 24.

Pittsburgh Yinzers (+9.5) vs. Buffalo 13 Seconds The Steelers being here amazes me, and can only be described as Mike Tomlin having some sort of luck modifier. The Steelers offense is a mess, no TJ Watt, and they win games thanks to their stars bailing them out after giving the Yinzers heart attacks every other week. But they got in, and that's all you can ask. This game is going to be in awful weather as well, and should be a good old fashioned rock fight. As for the Bills, it's clear that Sean McDermott needs to just let the Bills play. They have all the weapons, but for some reason there is something off about the Bills this year. Josh Allen needs this one, or there are going to be some uncomfortable questions asked about if the Bills core is the right one, or if their steakhouse menu needs to be changed. Never forget the steakhouse metaphor. Bills 7, Steelers 6.

It's more of a wings joint, but that's okay. Bills should win easily. It won't be easy. Bills 24, Steelers 20.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (+7) vs. Dallas How Bout Them Cowboys The Packers being here is the best coaching and management job that this organization has done in my time being a fan of the team. Jordan Love answered every single question asked of him and more, this team is young and only going to get better, and no matter what happens on Sunday this season has been a success by all reasonable metrics. The Cowboys have all of the pressure on them. If they don't make the NFC title game and end that drought, Jerry will make changes. I've sensed a little bit of nerves from Cowboys fans and their media enablers, but regardless this will require the Packers to play their best game of the year. But you know that I am a delusional homer and back the Packers no matter the odds. Packers 33, Cowboys 23.

About two months ago, we were ready to fire everyone. Things have changed pretty substantially and you do have to give credit to the Packers for sticking with their plan. The reward is probably going to be a short visit to the playoffs, but I like the Packers to make the Cowboys nervous. Cowboys 31, Packers 27.

Los Angeles Rams (+3) vs. Detroit LOLions The funny thing about this game is that Matthew Stafford will be playing quarterback at the first playoff game at Ford Field. Little did anyone guess that he will be making his return to Detroit as the visiting quarterback. The Lions are good, and deserved to win the division as they were the most consistent team in the NFC North. However, the next step is that they need to win a playoff game, and that has been a challenge. My issue with Dan Campbell is that while I get why he does things the way he does, his coaching style costs the Lions at times. People want to complain about the Cowboys ending a couple weeks ago, but Campbell left points on the board by being aggressive, and that is going to come back to haunt him against a team in the Rams that have a Super Bowl pedigree and are looking to spoil the Lions getting their moment. Oh well, you at least have Michigan? Rams 21, LOLions Gonna LOLions 0.

It's easy to forget the Rams won the Super Bowl fairly recently. They have done a nice job of retooling and this will be a tough one for the Lions. But I do think they have it in them to win. Lions 35, Rams 28.

Philadelphia Eagles (-3) vs. Tampa Bay Bucs Honestly, the Eagles are looking like the Phillies last fall. If you remember, the Phillies were talking a lot of stuff about how they were going to overcome losing the World Series, and ended up losing to a D-Backs team that was young and hungry after a collapse that looks obvious in hindsight but was ignored by the baseball community. The Eagles collapse is real, and honestly I think that this team can't fight their way out of trouble. The Bucs are hungry, and are a team that I feel is getting overlooked. They have a quarterback in Baker Mayfield who is looking to prove the doubters wrong, a defense that will play well on any stage, and are looking to prove that they didn't win their ring by just getting Gisele's ex and his merry band of football mercenaries who all somehow fit under the salary cap. Bucs 40, Die Eagles Die 0.

The Eagles are talented but dysfunctional. The Bucs are limited but organized. I tend to agree with your assessment, if not your score. Bucs 24, Eagles 19.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games----We Didn't Steal Signs Edition

 So I didn't know that Jim Harbaugh decided it was a good idea to hire the 2017 Astros baseball ops people to steal signs.

He's a big fan of Brenton Wood:

That might be your most obscure effort yet, Old Dude!

I contain multitudes, Seabiscuit.

A few bran flakes should clear that up. Meanwhile, the Badgers have some explaining to do. I hate to bust the axe out this early, but they gave me no choice. 

They aren't playing the Gophers this week, are they?

You seem slower on the uptake than usual. Didn't think that was even possible. But I move on, as I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYYPPPEEEEEEE! and ready to pick some games. Watch me work.

Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (+3.5) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes So Iowa already beat one of their rivals in a game we will talk more about, and now they get ready to face the Gophers. As much as I get called a hater for pointing out how Row The Boat has manipulated history to brandish his culture more, the fact remains that he has never beaten Iowa. Quite frankly, this game is going to live up to all of the stereotypes that surround Big Ten football. There is going to be a lot of running, plenty of punting, and not a lot of cutting edge offense. This game is going to be ugly, and the Iowans should win this one comfortably. No matter what, I will get to laugh at one of these teams. Iowa 14, Row Row Row Your Boat 11, Viewers Fall Asleep.

I dozed off reading your prediction. Never a good sign. Iowa 20, Minnesota 9.

Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-2.5) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Last week was a disaster for the Badgers on so many levels, and it's at the level of 2015 Northwestern and 2015 Iowa in terms of anger. Locke should be better with a full week of prep, and quite frankly a less stout defense. Illinois has been terrible all year, but then again the Big Ten West might be the worst division throughout the FBS as every single team is various levels of inept. This would be nice to win as the Badgers owe Illinois one for the disaster last year that ended up bringing the current coaching staff to Madison. Look for an angry group of Badgers to come out and get it done. Badgers 31, Illini 12.

Don't like this game. Bielema is a good coach. Illinois isn't talented, but the Badgers appear to be overhyped and with a freshman quarterback, it's a tall order. Against my better judgment, I say: Badgers 21, Illinois 20.

Penn State Nittany Lions (+4.5) vs. A School In Columbus So, the Buckeyes have been playing well. They had the narrow escape from South Bend, and survived against Maryland a couple of weeks ago. A game against Penn State at home should be easy, right? Not so fast, my friend. Penn State has been playing really well, and this is the best team they have had in years. Ohio State has looked shaky, and they are still under the Curse of the Six Game Minimum, which the Buckeyes know what to take down in their stadium to undo. I like Penn State to come into the Horseshoe to send the arrogant fanbase to blow up the phone lines of talk shows all across Ohio for the crime of losing a football game. Penn State 28, #NotMy2020BigTenChampions 26.

You realize no one cares about any of that, right? As for the game, I think Penn State is good enough to beat the Buckeyes in the Horshshoe this time. Will they? Ohio State 28, Penn State 27.

San Francisco 49ers (-6.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings Well, the Vikings survived disaster last week, but the problem is that they are facing a much tougher test. The Niners may be banged up, but they are more talented than the Vikings are. I'll say this, Niners. You better win in this window, or you are going to have a lot of questions to answer about how you've done things lately. Niners 56, Vikings 0.

No McCaffrey. No Deebo, perhaps. A banged up Brock Purdy. I think the Niners win, but it won't be easy. Niners 24, Vikings 17.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (-1) vs. Denver Broncos So the good news for the Packers is that despite the disaster in the desert a couple of weeks ago, the team looks to be healthier after the bye, and are playing a Broncos team that although they have the pieces, have clearly been a disaster. The Broncos can't stop anyone, and the Packers hopefully used the bye week to stop being dumb and cover pass catchers with defensive linemen. This should be a nice bounce back. Packers 49, Broncos 5.

Denver is a hot mess. Packers really haven't proved anything. We'll see. I think the only thing that saves the Packers is the ineptitude of the opposition. Packers 24, Broncos 16.

And now, it's time for a Very Special Comment. Wisconsin, what in the world was that? I was enjoying a nice weekend out of town, and spent 3 hours watching this team have an ugly meltdown. Fickell, I love you, but the decision to not take the field goal in the first quarter was bad. I realize that you can't blame the coaches when players get hurt, but did you even try to adjust? It was vanilla playcalling, being conservative, and the game was decided when the Hawkeyes took the lead in the first half. Did Longo even try to do something unique? No, it was passing the ball all the time, even though Locke looked raw. I mean, good lord. You knew points were at a premium in that game, and sleepwalked through that game. You need to figure your shit out, or we might not even make a bowl game this year. What are you going to do about it? I expect far better, and you let me me down. 

We'll let the expletive go this time, because it's deserved. I think the brain trust in Madison needs to channel Brenton Wood and give us some kind of sign that things are getting better.

Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games---Emergency NFL Thursday Night Edition

 When will the NFL learn that playing football on Thursdays besides Thanksgiving is a bad idea? 

This guy doesn't exactly look like Roger Goodell, but he will explain this to you:

It certainly makes Roger Goodell go around.

Money makes a clinking sound, but you might hear another sound.

I do hear a faint whirring noise in the background.

That sound you hear in the background is an axe being sharpened. But we'll unleash that axe later. 

Grinding again, eh?

You know it, old dude! I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYPPEEEE!,and it is time to watch me work.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (+6.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals This game was going to be very difficult already, but thanks to not having Allen Lazard and Davante Adams available, this game has become even more challenging. Look, Arizona is a legit team. You don't go 7-0 in the NFL by being frauds. However, the Packers have a better chance than what you are thinking. First, the Packers have won without Adams in the past, and they have won games with having to rely on players deep on the depth chart. Second, there is a high possibility that a Cardinals home game will turn to Lambeau West. I wouldn't couldn't out the Packers, and while I know this will be very tough, look for them to get it done in the end. Packers 35, Cardinals 24.

You are nothing but faithful. Or perhaps a shameless homer. But those who read this feature know all that. I do think the Cardinals are very good, but I'm not convinced they are the best team in the NFC, either. I still think that's Tampa Bay. The Packers have been flirting with disaster here and there, but the common thread through this 6-game winning streak is that they have played well when they needed to get it done. I think they will be competitive, but I suspect the Cardinals are going to be a bit too strong this time. A rematch may be a different story. Cardinals 31, Packers 28.

And now for A Very Special Comment. 

Uh oh.

Benster comes with a Frantrum!

That's not me, but sometimes, I tell you... Meanwhile, back to my Very Special Comment. The Packers this year will have two road trips to the West Coast. I realize that Arizona is in the Southwest, but they count as a West Coast road trip for purposes of illustration. It would make sense to schedule them as a back to back. We've seen it on the schedule this year with the Niners, who stayed on the East Coast between their games against the Colts and Eagles. In the NHL, the Minnesota Wild just got done playing a two game stretch against the Seattle Kraken and Vancouver Canucks, and played them in consecutive games. In baseball, the Twins normally make just one West Coast trip to knock out playing the Angels, Mariners, and A's. The Packers have gotten no such luck. They had to play the Niners after playing on Monday Night Football, and are playing the Cardinals on Thursday Night Football this week. Last year, the Packers had to play a Thursday game at the Niners, and three years ago had to play the Seahawks on the road. Also, the Vikings had to play a Thursday game in LA against the Rams a couple of years ago. Why should the Packers have to be put at a huge competitive disadvantage, especially since the Cardinals played a home game against the Texans last Sunday? Fox and the NFL should be ashamed of scheduling this game. This game should have been played as the featured late game on Sunday, and if you insist on having both teams play on Thursday, then at least give them divisional games. For instance, the Packers could play the Vikings and the Rams could play the Cardinals. It's a joke. This is why nobody likes Thursday games outside of Thanksgiving and maybe the opener. 

We'll be back to discuss the other games this weekend. Ben out. 

Benster and D Pick Your Games----Cosmic Revenge Edition

 Old dude, it looks like Kevin Warren messed with the football gods. Can you feel it?

It's cosmic!

The Big Ten is turning into a dumpster fire as we speak. How much do you wanna bet that Harbaugh sandbags the Buckeyes?

I hope he doesn't, but frankly, I wouldn't put it past him.

Yeah, I don't want to do a Very Special Comment. I think everyone knows my feelings on the Big Ten leadership. When I agree with Clay Travis, Paul Finebaum, and praise the SEC, you know that is screwed up.

Not my favorite group of commenters, to be sure. But for all the annoying triumphalism about, the Big Ten does not appear to be a great league this year. And while as a fan of the Badgers I enjoy seeing Michigan and Penn State down, it's not good for the league as a whole. So yeah, not good. But we still have the NFL, even if the Broncos are playing a practice squad WR as their quarterback.

I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYPPPPEEE! and can't wait to discuss some NFL. Watch me work.

Carolina Panthers (+3) vs. Minnesota Vikings Full disclosure, I was watching the Packers game and didn't get to see the Vikings. Boy, all the angry KFAN callers were coming back out of hiding, and somehow didn't bash Kirk Cousins. The Vikings are in a desperate situation and are going to need to win out to get a playoff berth. What will help them is that the NFC West teams will beat up on each other, and the Packers and Bears tangle twice. The Panthers are a team that has a bad record, but they play really hard. Matt Rhule is my vote for Coach of the Year, as he has done wonders. The interesting subplot is going to be the return of Teddy Bridgewater. It's just one game, but this will be a chance to see if Kirk Cousins was the right decision for the Vikings. Can the Vikings win? Yes, but this game could go the other way. Vikings 24, Panthers 17.

We get the Good Vikings some weeks. Last week we didn't. It will come down to the Vikings defense. Carolina is tricky and they have some weapons. Teddy would love to win here. But I think the Vikings are a marginally better team. Vikings 21, Panthers 20.

Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+9) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers The Packers had a disaster of a game last week. The morons of our fanbase who blamed MVS for the fumble are as dumb as the Vikings fans who blame Kirk for everything. What really cost the Packers was the offense bogging down, and the coaching staff seemingly playing not to lose instead of winning. But that was last week. It's Bear week, and people are betting on the Bears to cover. The Bears made a change at QB, and are going back to Trubisky. Who would have thought that after every Bears fan told me that Nick Foles was the savior? Maybe BDN loses his powers outside of Philly? What the Packers need to do is to keep playing aggressive, and make Trubisky beat you. Oh, and the Bears blew a 20-0 lead less than a half after knocking Aaron out of the game on a cart. Oh, and Da Bearz don't run this division anymore. Packers 24, Da Bearz Still Suck 9.

The Bears haven't run the division for about 15 years now. They barely run their mouths any more. Akiem Hicks and Khalil Mack are always frightening, but no one on the offense scares me much. I will be curious to see how Trubisky plays, but I think the Packers are the better team right now. Packers 28, Bears 14.

Enjoy your weekend. Ben out. 

Veep Debate -- Fly Me to the Moon

 Very quick analysis from your mostly moribund blogger:

• Pence was exactly as I expected him to be -- solid, Midwestern, generally authoritative. He stayed on point, never lost his cool, and he did two things to set up the next week or two of the campaign. First, he made sure everyone realized that Kamala Harris and Joe Biden will not answer the question on packing the Supreme Court. This is an important question, not some Matsu and Quemoy thing. Second, he turned the question of accepting the results of the 2020 election into an opportunity to remind everyone how the Democrats still haven't accepted the results of 2016. Nicely done.
• Harris wasn't terrible, but she's a demagogue and she has a difficult time keeping her cool. The mannerisms and smirking you got on the split screen did her no favors. She was also evasive on several points and tripled down on the dishonesty of Biden's performance the week before, especially the lie about Charlottesville. She lost the debate, but she didn't lose the election.

SNL won't have to work very hard for their punchline this week: 

Pretty fly for a white guy

I give Pence credit; I would have swatted the fly away for sure, but he kept his composure. I suppose his days in the employ of Dr. Benton Quest helped him to learn how to deal with insects.

When the well runs dry

I'm walkin', yes indeed

Sometime back in the 1950s, Fats Domino asked the question:

What 'ya gonna do when the well runs dry?
You're gonna sit right down and cry
What 'ya gonna do when I say bye-bye?
All you're gonna do is dry your eye

The Articles of Impeachment that Adam Schiff and his pals dropped off at the Senate are the Belway equivalent of a flaming bag of poop left on someone's porch. There isn't a case to be made in any event -- the bottom line is the president gets to conduct foreign policy as he sees fit and if the denizens of the Deep State doesn't agree, they can resign their positions and get a paying gig on CNN. Whatever you think of Donald Trump, as president he had the right to structure his negotiations with Ukraine as he saw fit and he certainly had the right to fire a recalcitrant ambassador who was conducting a rogue foreign policy on her own initiative.

The process will continue, of course -- Lawfare is busy manufacturing new outrages and demands. Meanwhile, Trump signs trade agreements with China. I do hope Mitch McConnell kills the whole enterprise with great haste, although he probably won't.

There will come a time when we actually have a president who needs to be removed from office. Impeachment is a necessary tool. By deploying this tool in such a ridiculous fashion, the half-assed carpenters of the House have rendered the tools useless. They think they've forever tarnished the Bad Orange Man, but they couldn't be more wrong.

Benster and D Pick Your Games---Enough With The Thursday Games Edition

Old dude, can the NFL stop with the Thursday games outside of Thanksgiving? It's getting absurd.

Have you ever seen the movie Cabaret, old chum?

I'd never seen Roger Goodell wearing a top hat before!

If you're fortunate, you never will again.

I know, but it's not like the NFL was doing poorly before.

Not the point. It's all about the money. Player safety? Player schmafety! Adam Thielen can't play? Too bad. Get the money.

These midweek games make you even more cynical than usual, Geritol Fan. Time to discuss the Vikings. Watch me work!

Washington Gridlocks (+16.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings. Unlike other events involving Washington, this one will be done in full view of the public. The Gridlocks are a terrible football team, and the federal government is probably better run these days. This game is interesting because of the quarterback duel. Case Keenum returns to Minnesota for the first time since the Minneapolis Miracle, and he is generally viewed favorably around these parts. Kirk Cousins on the other hand has a more complicated relationship with the locals, and will face the Gridlocks for the first time since leaving them in free agency. This game provides a natural comparison between the two, and there should be a lot of takes depending on the outcome. No Thielen is going to hurt the Vikings, but they were fine against Detroit after he went out. In addition, the short week always is a difficult ask for any team. The Vikings should win, but I would expect Washington to cover. Vikings 28. Gridlocks 17.

Yeah, the story lines are all over this matchup. Not much else, though. Cousins seems to have found his groove and he's played quite well since he was removed from the Solder Field turf with a spatula a few weeks back. I think it will go well one more week. Vikings 31, Redskins 14.

We will be back Friday to pick the rest of the games. Ben out!

Musical interlude

More than 70 years ago and it still stands up.

All hell's breaking lose, but it's not even that interesting

Trump is nuts. Trump's a genius. Joe Biden's doing fine. Joe Biden's sinking. China is winning. China is caving. We're already in a recession. What recession -- it's a boom!

I feel fine.

Payin' the cost to be the boss

That's really boss:

"Like I just introduced the Green New Deal two weeks ago, and it's creating all of this conversation. Why?" Ocasio-Cortez said. "Because no one else has even tried. Because no one else has even tried."

"So people are like, 'Oh it's unrealistic. Oh it's vague. Oh it doesn't address this little minute thing,'" Ocasio-Cortez continued. "And I'm like, 'You try. You do it. Cuz you're not. Cuz you're not. So, until you do it, I'm the boss.' How bout that?"

So who is our favorite Congresscritter most like?

Or maybe this?

Or is it this?

Or, ultimately, is it this?

If you said it's most like Mussolini, take the cannoli. You doubt that? Consider her response to John Cornyn:

No, Hallmark cards have more thought behind them than your response

Peter Tork, RIP

I remember watching old episodes of the Monkees television show in reruns, usually on Saturday mornings, but I was a bit too young to see them when they originally aired in the 1960s. Even if you've never seen an actual episode, the music was ubiquitous and you can easily hear a Monkees song any day on an oldies station.

Peter Tork was generally the bassist for the group and would occasionally show up on keyboards. Tork died yesterday, at the age of 77. Tork and guitarist Mike Nesmith were both talented musicians on the L.A. scene; Tork hung out a lot with Stephen Stills and it wouldn't be difficult to construct an alternate history in which Stills passed his screen test and had been a Monkee instead, with Tork becoming a member of Buffalo Springfield.

The Monkees were, as a band, pretty good. They had some of the era's best songwriters at their disposal and often had the services of the Wrecking Crew, the great L.A. session musicians, to help fill out their sound. It's easy to bag on the Monkees for being the creation of television producers, but their music is really a triumph of craft. Consider one of their better songs, "Pleasant Valley Sunday," written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin:

After a while, the Monkees tired of being mostly actors and eventually started doing more of the actual performing. And they did some nice work later in this later period as well:

 

Was it brilliant? Not particularly, but it was always tuneful and fun. That's an element of 60s music that's often forgotten; even the schlock was often well-done. A contemporary of the Monkees who had a lot of hits in the era was Johnny Rivers. He did a lot of covers, including this cover of a Willie Dixon blues standard, which includes some fun musicianship and a weird milieu of beautiful California girls carrying odd cargo:

At least in my own mind, I tend to add another group of 60s hitmakers to this collection. That would be Tommy James and the Shondells, who came out of Michigan and hit the charts repeatedly, always pressing the fun button:

This music lives on, and will continue to live on, because craftsmanship has its virtues.