Fun fact, I think that the Super Bowl pregame show has already started. There is way too much of the pregame show. At least have the last hour be just focused on football.
Especially since there's at least one 15-minute segment dedicated to Stan Kroenke's beauty tips.
Pretty Vacant
Old dude, that's just not right.
Ugly is as ugly does, grasshopper.
What do you expect from the guy who puts the arse in Arsenal? Anyway, it's the first time I can recall a Super Bowl in which the two teams playing both lost to the Packers in the regular season.
That's interesting, but is it relevant?
It's irritating. And it is what it is. Green Bay has nobody to blame but ourselves for this.
I hope they're not blaming us!
You know what I mean. Anyway, I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYPPPEEEE! and it is time to watch me work.
Los Angeles Rams (-4) vs. Cincinnati Bengals The Rams getting here isn't a big surprise, and they get to have a sort of Hollywood ending if they win, and maybe could win the heart of LA in the same way that the Fakers and Dodgers have. The Bengals on the other hand are a huge surprise. Honestly, it's been the most impressive playoff run since the 2008 Cardinals when you consider that the Bengals were the underdogs in all of their playoff games. I don't want to hear about the Chiefs and Titans choking, the Bengals won those games on their own merits. I don't hate either of these teams, and at least Tom Brady isn't in this game for once. What I think the key is going to be is how the Bengals respond to the crowd noise. Now, I know what you are thinking. You might be saying to yourself that the Rams get outnumbered by the visiting fans a lot. Yes, but this isn't going to be a normal NFL crowd in LA. There are going to be a lot of the corporate types who are just there for the swag, instead of the real fans who actually contribute to the atmosphere. The Bengals are used to playing in front of a more hardcore crowd in these playoffs. Someone is going to end a title drought, and that's at least something positive. Bungals No More 28, Rams 21.
I would like the Bengals to win, if only to remind people of this guy, an important figure in Bengals and NFL history:
You get both sides of the argument in this video that the NFL apparently won't let us post, but I saw Ken Anderson play and he was one of the best quarterbacks of his era. He should be there. As for tomorrow, it's possible that Joe Burrow is the best quarterback the Bengals have had since Ken Anderson, although Boomer Esiason and Carson Palmer were no slouches, either. The Bengals are built to win and should have a puncher's chance to do it, but I think, overall, the Rams are a better team. And I see Aaron Donald making a huge play late to win the game for the Rams. Rams 34, Bengals 29.
Thanks so much for reading this year, and for all the comments I got. Even those that called me out. Enjoy your football this weekend. Ben out.
It's an experiment. And we need to do more than just turn this feature into a tout sheet for the Benster. So here goes. About 1 minute, completely off the cuff, and with only a modicum of stammering:
No, I'm not salty at all about what happened on Saturday. Yes, I'm still here.
You posed for this, right?
Vintage. That was what you used back in the 1890s, right?
As far as you know.
I will have some words about the Packers, but I have an axe that is being sharpened. I hate to do it, but honesty is the best policy in this case.
Honesty is tough sometimes. But there's little need for diplomacy at this point. The season is over for the Packers and it wasn't good. So what else?
I am feeling the HYYYPPPEEEEEEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.
Cincinnati Bungles (+7.5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs Needless to say, the Bengals have been the story of the year in the NFL. Zac Taylor took a lot of heat for his performance; it looked like the Bengals might have made a horrible decision to hire him. But it turns out that Joe Burrow can breathe new life into teams named after Tigers in the NFL level as well. Obviously, the Chiefs are probably the favorites now for the Super Bowl, and Arrowhead is rapidly turning into the proving ground for the AFC that Foxboro was for so many years. As much as the Chiefs winning wouldn't be too bad, a Bengals victory would be a real feel good story. I mean, if the Bearcats could get into the playoff, why can't the Bengals reach the Super Bowl? Bengals 28, Chiefs 14.
Why indeed. Cincinnati has been playing very well in the second half of the season and this could be a tremendously entertaining game, as the Chiefs are sporadic in their defensive efforts. The Bengals aren't quite as dynamic as Buffalo, but I see a high-scoring affair coming at Arrowhead. Chiefs 38, Bengals 33.
San Francisco 49ers (+3.5) vs. Los Angeles Rams I'll be fair to the Niners. Even though the Packers had their chances to win, the Niners did enough to win. Soon, this will feel like the 2007 NFC title game. The Niners have gotten this far, and will have to go through a tough opponent to get to the Super Bowl. The biggest challenge that the Niners have is that they will have to beat a good team for the third time in a season. The Rams survived an epic collapse, and major kudos for knocking out Tom Brady and avoiding another Super Bowl where he graces us with his presence. Matthew Stafford is trying to write a Hollywood ending for the Rams, in what might be the most important game the Rams have played in Los Angeles. If the Rams win, then they could make LA take notice of them in a similar way to the Dodgers and the Fakers. I like the Rams in this one, as you wonder how many bullets the Niners used up in JerryWorld and in Lambeau. Rams 45, Niners 18.
For what it's worth, the Niners kinda own the Rams. They've won, what, six in a row? That seventh one will be tough to get, though. I am not convinced that Matthew Stafford is going to do what is needed to win, but he may not have to. Another home game in the Super Bowl, I think. Rams 27, 49ers 24.
And now, it's time for a Very Special Comment. First things first, the Packers defense is excused from what is to follow. They did more than what could have been expected of them, and set the Packers up for success with multiple clutch stops. Only giving up 6 points in situations that they could control is great. But enough nice words, it's time to level some critiques. I take no pleasure in doing this, but I wouldn't be a real fan of this team since 2002 if I wasn't critical. And this is in no particular order.
Special teams was a complete failure, and Maurice Drayton needs to be fired or leave of his own accord yesterday. Two blocked kicks were inexcusable, and how can you just let guys come up the middle on both of them? Once, I understand. But twice? And on the blocked punt, why didn't anyone cover up the punt? It was too easy for the Niners! All year long, special teams was an issue, but no matter the makeup of the unit it seemed to struggle. The front office needs to go find a great special teams coach, and give said coach all the resources he needs to succeed.
Aaron, what was that? You played probably the worst game of your career in a game that mattered. Maybe if you stopped spending time with your buddies Pat McAfee and Joe Rogan, you could have played better. If Davante was covered, throw it to someone else. You asked the front office for Randall Cobb, and Cobb was there and healthy. Allen Lazard was on the field. You had options. If you were patient and took what the defense presented you instead of going for the downs, then you would have won. You have been a big distraction all year. I want you back, but you need to learn some humility. I defended you offline, but this is how you repay me?
Matt LaFleur may be a great coach, but this was ultimately a game that got away from him. This is the first time under his tenure that he was horribly outcoached and failed to provide leadership. After the blocked punt, he should have gathered the team and made it clear that the Packers were still in the game. He also should have told Aaron to not try and win the game by himself, and to be patient. I don't want LaFleur to be fired by any means, and he is probably going to win Coach of the Year. But what he needs to do is to be a leader and proactive. So many times when things go bad, this team goes into the tank. He needed to make adjustments, and get the ball out of Aaron's hands. Hell, he should have gone for it a couple times in the second half. If the special teams is trash, minimize their time on the field! Crap like that is why I got Rocco Baldelli vibes. For those that aren't into baseball, Rocco is the manager of my beloved Minnesota Twins. Rocco seemingly is slow to adjust over the course of the game and not get the bullpen up when a pitcher is struggling. LaFleur needs to learn from this game, or the fanbase will want him gone in a few years.
You wanna know the worst thing? We might be going into the wilderness again. I wouldn't be surprised if Gutey blows this thing up. All of the past decade has been a waste of talent, just like the Saints and Steelers. We should have made at least two Super Bowls, and won at least one of them. Then, at the very least the pain would have been worth it. I'm not abandoning the team or my fandom. At least the Packers care about winning and have given me fun memories in the playoffs. We will be back if this is indeed the end, and new success will be had. Unlike the Twins, but that's another blog post for another day.
We were on assignment last week, so that explains why there were no picks last week.
Well, I was in St. Louis and apparently there's no football there.
It is arguably the best weekend of football all year. The two best teams in the NFL come out to defend their home fields.
I am assuming one of them is about 240 miles to the east?
You need to ask? I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYPPPEEEEEE! and it is time to watch me work.
Cincinnati Bungles (+3.5) vs. Tennessee Titans What a world we live in where the Bengals actually won a playoff game. Fun fact, this is the first time that the Reds or Bengals advanced in a postseason since the Reds won in the 1995 NLDS. The Titans are coming off their bye, and they will end up getting Derrick Henry back for the playoffs. As much as what the Bengals are doing is very impressive, it's hard to look past the Titans. If Henry can shake off the rust, then the Titans should win in a comfortable manner. Titans 38, Bengals 24.
I think the Titans can be had, but they are an exceptionally tough-minded team. They seem to win the games they are supposed to win. This is one of them. Joe Burrow wounds them but does not kill them. Titans 31, Bengals 26.
San Francisco 49ers (+5.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers This is a rematch of the Packers beating the Niners in the Bay Area during Week 3 thanks to Mason Crosby kicking a game winning field goal. The Niners have gotten better since their swoon in November, as they have discovered a winning formula in using Deebo Samuel and getting back to the physicality that led them to a Super Bowl berth two years ago. The Packers have had the bye work to their advantage as a lot of the injuries have healed, meaning that even without MVS being available, this is the healthiest this team has been in months. Even better, the weather forecast is going to be cold, which won't be much fun for Jimmy G and his injured shoulder. I think the two keys are going to be how the Packers contain Deebo Samuel, and how the Packers respond to a Trey Lance package that is similar to what the Niners threw at them in Week 3. I also want to thank the Niners for allowing America to laugh at the Cowboys melting down and causing the bandwagon Cowboys fans to jump off the bandwagon faster than those same fans did with the Golden State Warriors. This won't be easy, but the Packers should win a fairly tight game. Packers 27, Niners 17.
Does this game make me nervous? Sure, but I don't think the 49ers offensive line is nearly as dominant as it was in 2019. Meanwhile, the Packers are substantially stronger than they were in 2019. It's worth remembering that the Packers have won their last two matchups with this opponent and have been able to move the ball effectively. The 49ers will try to play bully ball, but it's not going to be that easy. I think the Packers score early and often and withstand the inevitable comeback. Packers 33, 49ers 24.
Los Angeles Rams (+3) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers This is a rematch of a game played earlier in the year in which the Rams comfortably beat the Bucs in LA. In an interest of full disclosure, I didn't watch the Bucs beat the Eagles due to being on assignment, but it looks like I didn't miss much. The Rams had a comfortable win over a Cardinals team that is clearly all sizzle and no steak. Kliff Kingsbury is that guy at your workplace that you wonder what does he actually do to warrant all the praise he gets from the bosses. The Rams can match up well against the Bucs. Look, as much as I think that the Bucs will win, I would love to see Tom Brady not get back to the Super Bowl. And no, it's not because of a certain playoff game last year. Rams 21, Bucs 20.
Tampa Tom is lacking a few weapons this time around. They don't have their pounding running back (Leonard Fournette) and their possession weapon (Chris Godwin). If Jalen Ramsey can handle Mike Evans, the Rams can win this game. While picking Matt Stafford over Tom Brady doesn't seem advisable, I believe the Rams will pull this off. Rams 28, Bucs 24.
Buffalo Bills (+1.5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs This is a rematch of last year's AFC title game, in which the Chiefs beat the Bills handily. But the Bills are a better team than they were last year. They took the Patriots to the woodshed last week, and it was more impressive than the Chiefs beating a Steelers team that snookered a playoff spot away from more deserving teams. Even the most delusional of the Yinzers would agree. While it is true that Patrick Mahomes has looked better in recent weeks, the Chiefs have gotten away with some narrow escapes at Arrowhead in the past few postseason games in Kansas City. That changes this weekend. Nobody Circles The Wagons Like The Buffalo Bills 42, It's The Rodgers Rate, Not the Patrick Price 0.
Uh, no. This should be a great game, but there's no way the Buffalo defense shuts out Patrick Mahomes in his building. Up and down the field, all day long. Last team with the ball likely wins. Chiefs 41, Bills 37.
Old dude, it's quite possible that the Mike Zimmer era could be ending against the Bears at US Bank Stadium on Sunday. But I thought that the Vikings were going to win last week? Even the KFAN approved Vikings hosts like Meatsauce, PA, and Bumper to Bumper told me so.
What did that damned Benster write about me this week?
Now you're just trolling, Benster. But that's okay. Trolling is fun. And yeah, Zim appears to be dead coach walking now.
You love to see it. You also loved to see the Packers clinch home field a week early.
It does make things more comfortable. But that's a double-edged sword. The last time the Packers came in feeling fat and sassy, the Saints handed them their asses.
True. But know this much -- I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYYPPPEEE! and am ready to talk about some games. It is time to watch me work.
Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+5.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings Remember when Bears fans claimed that the NFC North was run by the Bears? Pepperidge Farm remembers. Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace should stick in their jobs. I've said it before, they have done a great job running the Bears. As for the Vikings, I'll be talking more about Kirk later, but testing positive wasn't Kirk's fault. All credit to the Vikings fans for being just has hard on Kirk as they were on Aaron earlier in the year. I wouldn't be surprised if both teams go in different directions on Black Monday, but who would be the right people to lead a rebuild? This game is going to be a bit odd. Nobody has anything to play for, and I think it might be slightly more open than most people think. Vikings 26, Bears 23.
It puzzles me a bit, but the Bears seem to be playing better the last few weeks. Maybe the team wants to save Nagy. I agree -- I'm all for it. The Bears haven't had a real GM since Jim Finks and we won't belabor the quarterback jokes. As for the Purple, last week's performance was, well, pathetic. I can't prove the team quit on Zim, but it sure seemed that way. I should pick the Vikings here, but it feels like the Bears are more motivated. Therefore, Bears 24, Vikings 20.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (-3.5) vs. Detroit LOLions Meanwhile, the Packers have nothing to play for. It might have been a strange journey, but the Packers have the top seed clinched, and have the luxury of choosing to be careful. I personally would have sat Aaron to give him another week of rest for the toe, but that would have insulted Hub Arkush. When Mike Florio calls you out for hating on Aaron, that is something. I was also glad to see that some of the injuries are starting to heal, and that the Packers have fresh legs. This game has worried me for about a month. On an intellectual level, I see that the LOLions are terrible. But they have clearly fought hard for their coach, and played a lot of teams tough. In Week 2, they gave the Packers a lot of problems in the first half at Lambeau. I think the Packers will win, but it won't be easy, especially when the regulars get their bye week started. Packers 31, LOLions 17.
If you had told me at the beginning of the year that the Lions would look like the second most stable franchise in the division by the end of the year, I wouldn't have believed you. But here we are. The Lions are set up well for success for the first time in, well, 65 years. Extra draft picks and some nice pieces in place; if they don't blow it completely, the Lions could rule the division in a few years. But then again, they are the Lions. Packers 28, Lions 24.
Georgia Bulldogs (-2.5) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide, in Indy Oh great, another SEC vs. SEC title game that nobody asked for. The only redeeming factor to this Big Ten loyalist is that this game will be in Big Ten country, which is something that I have been advocating for years. If college football is to grow and prosper, it's time that the Big Ten get the chance to play games in locations favorable to us and our fans, who have been good soldiers in traveling to SEC, ACC, Big XII, and Pac 12 country for bowl games for years. Georgia laid an egg in Atlanta a month ago, and I'm sure that Kirby Smart has been very clear about reminding the Bulldog players of that fact. It is hard to beat a good team twice in one season in college football. As much as I want both teams to lose, that isn't possible. If Georgia wins, then at least someone new wins, which could be healthy. If Georgia loses, then at least Bulldogs fans can console themselves with the Braves? Hate Feeds the Dawg 35, Can't Nick Saban Retire Already 34.
I agree -- it's not good for the college game if the SEC keeps dominating, but it's up to the other schools to get better. Georgia looked like a complete juggernaut against Michigan, but they have a mental block where the Tide is concerned. Can they break through? I'd like it, but. . . . Alabama 38, Georgia 29.
It's time for A Very Special Comment, and it's not another rant about why the SEC is evil or why they will rue the day they invited the Longhorns into the league. The Vikings are at a crossroads, and it's clear that Kirk Cousins is at the center of it. Now, I'm not a Vikings fan, and I have no emotional attachment to Kirk. That being said, Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman haven't done a great job in giving Kirk the best chance to win. Zimmer clearly has struggled to keep offensive coordinators, even allowing for losing two to head coaching jobs. John DeFilippo wasn't the right fit, but he was hired in part to improve the offense, and they showed promise. He was right to hand the keys of the offense to Kirk, and to attempt to build an offense around what Kirk does best. Zimmer just wants to run the ball, and as we saw at Lambeau when that fails he is screwed. Also, how come Kirk doesn't have full control of the two minute drill? If Kirk is at the level of an Aaron, Brady, and Mahomes, then he should get more trust in him. Klint Kubiak is a nepotism hire, and the offense is a pale imitation of his dad's. Justin Jefferson might force his way out, as he seems frustrated with the offense at times.
Rick Spielman has been around since the Triangle of Authority days. While it is true that Spielman has drafted plenty of great players, he hasn't done a good job in getting Kirk the help he needs. Spielman can't draft offensive linemen, and seems to draft a ton of defensive backs in recent years. That is despite defense not being the problem for the Vikings. He also should have told Zimmer in no uncertain terms that Kirk was brought here to get the Vikings over the hump because he thought that Case Keenum couldn't. As much as Vikings fans hate to admit it, the Packers show what can happen when you build around a quarterback when you want to get over the hump. They hired an offensive coach to work with Aaron, got him more weapons on offense, and have improved their relationship with the quarterback since the summer. Why can't the Vikes do the same?
I don't usually say much about your Very Special Comments, but in the case I'd simply observe that Spielman has picked a bajillion defensive backs because that's what his head coach wanted. And I would also add the Packers have spent more draft capital on defensive backs than any other position in recent years, mostly in vain. Having a great quarterback cures many ills and the Packers have had consecutive Hall of Famers. Having grown up with David Whitehurst and the petrified remains of John Hadl, I remain eternally grateful for the efforts of ol' number 4 and Mr. Rodgers.
That was a pretty solid win for the Badgers earlier this morning. Thanks for scheduling a game at 9:30 at night local time, ESPN.
What happens in Vegas should be broadcast very late at night, if at all. But a W is a W.
Oh well, at least it was only one game. The Packers game also got more interesting in the process of writing this post.
It did, now didn't it? You can't spell COVID without Cousins, apparently.
I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYPPEEEE, and it is time to watch me work.
Cincinnati Bearcats (+13.5) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide, in JerryWorld The committee did the proper thing and gave the Bearcats a well-earned slot in the playoff. I personally think they should be ranked as the top seed, as they have been the only team in FBS to not slip up in a game. When I saw them against Notre Dame and in the AAC title game against Houston, they really impressed me. Desmond Ridder is a really good quarterback, and they are well-coached. But they are getting no love from the folks in the desert. We all know how good Alabama is, and Nick Saban won't be overlooking Cincy. No matter what happens, this Cincinnati team has changed the narratives in college football surrounding underdogs in a way that no team since Urban Liar's 2004 Utah team with Alex Smith did. Bearcats 35, Tide 34.
I would love to see Cincinnati pull this off, but I don't think they will. Alabama really should join the NFL and be done with it. Tide 42, Bearcats 24.
Georgia Bulldogs (-7.5) vs. Michigan Wolverines, in Miami Oddly, Georgia and Michigan have only met twice. You'd think that they would have played in a bowl game or something, but they haven't crossed paths that much. Georgia is coming off a bad performance in the SEC title game. Now, I don't think Georgia belongs in the playoff. Quite simply, if you aren't the best team in your conference, then you can't be the best team in the country. Nothing against Georgia, but I have to be consistent. Michigan is a team that is peaking at the right time, as their two best performances have been against Iowa and A School In Columbus in their last two games. And don't forget that Georgia does have a tendency to choke in big games, which is damning for Kirby Smart. Michigan 50, Georgia 10.
This game should be quite interesting, actually. Michigan has really surprised me this year; there was no indication coming into this season that they could get so much better. It's worth remembering where the Wolverines were last season:
That 2020 Michigan team was, well, inept. This year, things changed completely. It's been an amazing transformation. Can they beat Georgia? Yes. Will they? Georgia 28, Michigan 23.
Minnesota Vikings (+7) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers I am pretty sure that this line will change, because Kirk did test positive for the virus this morning. This is bad news for the Vikings, as that means that the Packers are going to probably put a bunch of guys in the box to slow down Dalvin. It wasn't a pretty game on Christmas for the Pack, but a win is always appreciated. Unlike the last meeting, this time the Packers will be a lot more healthy. While I do think the Vikings will keep it close as they are fighting for their collective lives, the Packers should pull away late. Packers 31, Vikings 14.
Dalvin is going to see 8 in the box for sure. All day long. Sean Mannion is not going to beat the Packers on a historically cold day in Lambeau. Packers 24, Vikings 10.
Arizona Cardinals (+6) vs. Dallas How Bout Them Cowboahs? Because the Cowboys are the main competition for the Packers in the race for the 1 seed in the NFC, it makes sense to pick this game. Now, I am a huge Cowboys hater. I really dislike Jerry Jones, hate the media cheerleaders like Skip Bayless who always overhype the Cowboys every single year, and find that the Cowboys fanbase has a lot in common with the Lakers fanbase in terms of the number of bandwagon jumpers. At least the Cowboys don't have Lebron, so they don't get the Lebron bandwagon fans. That being said, the Cowboys looked really good against the Gridlocks last week. Arizona is a team that is just tough to figure. They look great for a bit, and then they look just horrible the next week. Maybe call it an overreaction on my part, but after the Packers beat them in Arizona against all odds, how are the Cardinals real contenders? But they have a chance to redeem themselves. Please shut Skip up for a week. That's all I ask. Cardinals 21, The Accident Waiting To Happen 0.
It appears the Cowboys are on the upswing and the Cardinals are collapsing. But the NFL is all about odd narratives, so. . . Cardinals 24, Cowboys 21.
Enjoy the New Year this weekend, and enjoy your football. Ben out.
Old dude, last week went very well for the Packers. Not only did they become Kings of the North for the 3rd straight year, but the Cardinals and Bucs lost. If they can win their next three in a row, then the road to LA on the NFC side runs through Lambeau.
It does. Merry Christmas, by the way, to our adoring public!
Indeed. Now, back to the games. Nothing is for certain, as the NFL has been as wide open as I have seen in my two plus decades of watching the league.
We are close to the NFL's dream of having 20 teams with 7-7 records.
That's about right. I am feeling the HYYYYYPPPEEEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.
Guaranteed Rate Bowl: West Virginia Moutaineers (+4.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat, in Phoenix West Virginia is a team that to be honest, I haven't seen a whole lot this year. After getting off to a slow start, they rallied with a good finish to the season to secure a bowl spot. The Gophers got rewarded for winning the Axe by being put in a worse bowl than the Badgers. The Gophers should win this game, as I don't think West Virginia is as good as they have been in years past. But for the record, I think West Virginia is going to be competitive in the Big XII once the Red River schools leave. Remember, West Virginia had a lot of success in the Big East after the ACC poached Miami, Virginia Tech, and BC from the Big East. Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 35, Country Roads Take Me Home 24.
Haven't seen West Virginia, either. If the Vegas guys think the Gophers are 4.5 better, they probably are. And maybe a little more. Gophers 31, Mountaineers 20.
Las Vegas Bowl: Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-6.5) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils, in Las Vegas Look, we all know that the Axe game was a complete disaster for the Badgers. It's clear that this Badgers team was overrated in the preseason, as much as it pains me to say it. But thankfully, I do think that the Badgers are going to be motivated. Braelon Allen should be healthier, and I feel like Graham Mertz has a point to prove. Arizona State kinda underperformed a bit, as some people thought they could win the Pac 12 South. But Herm Edwards has an important message for the doubters.
It's obligatory, but it needs to be repeated. Should be a fun night in Las Vegas, and hopefully the Badgers stay away from the Strip. Badgers 28, Firm For Herm 10.
Do you remember this?
I guarantee you the Badgers do. Woe betide the Sun Devils. Badgers 34, Sun Devils 13.
Los Angeles Rams (-3) vs. Minnesota Vikings The Rams have quietly begun to sneak back into the race for the 1 seed, as they are tied with the Cardinals in the NFC West and only a game behind the Packers. The Vikings have looked a little loose in the turns since they led the Steelers by a score of 29-0, but they got the win in both of their games, and the Vikings defense deserves some credit for how they defended Justin Fields. If the Vikings lose, then a lot of questions are going reappear regarding jobs amongst the coaching staff and executive ranks. Especially because next week the Vikings have to come to Lambeau, where things are looking better now then they did after the first meeting. Rams 42, Vikings 35.
Dalvin Cook is in the protocol. No Dalvin? No chance. Rams 31, Vikings 20.
Cleveland Brownies (+7) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers The Packers survived a spirited Baltimore comeback, and thankfully Kenny Clark will be back. The Browns are a bit disorganized. They lost a tough one to the Raiders, while they also lost two days of prep due to their outbreak. While getting a lot of their weapons back is going to help the Browns, it's going to be interesting to see how they play. If you remember, Aaron was rusty against the Seachickens, and I expect Baker Mayfield might be a little off as well on Saturday. Everything is in front of the Packers, and I think they will have a nice win, even if it won't be smooth sailing. Packers 28, Browns 17.
Baker Mayfield is a little off even on his best days. I expect the Browns to attempt to ground and pound the Packers. Kenny Clark will put a stop to that. And then the floodgates open. Packers 35, Browns 20.
Old dude, just when you thought games weren't going to get moved, it turns out that games had to get moved.
COVID is the gift that keeps on giving.
Meanwhile, the Packers are trying to keep their grip on the top seed in the NFC, and clinch the North.
How do you keep your grip?
Grab, grab, grab!
Not sure how you keep your grip these days, old dude? Maybe it's Poli-dent? But enough of that. I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYPPPEEEEE! and it is time to watch me work.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (-6.5) vs. Baltimore Ravens This analysis is going to make the assumption that Lamar isn't going to be able to play because of the ankle sprain he suffered last week against the Browns, and even if he does will be in some discomfort. The Packers are going to need to play a lot better to win, as this is probably the toughest game they have left this year. The special teams need to be better, as it's become clear that Maurice Drayton hasn't matched up to the stellar jobs that Nathanael Hackett and Joe Berry have done with their respective units. I also think the slow start can't be repeated, as the Ravens are more than just Lamar. This isn't going to be an easy game, but I think the Packers can get it done and move on to the next goal. Packers 31, Ravens 20.
The Ravens will be a tough out, but they are decimated defensively, especially in the secondary. I think Davante Adams has a big, big day. Packers 35, Ravens 22.
Minnesota Vikings (-5.5) vs. Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck You remember when Bears fans had hope earlier in the year? Pepperidge Farm remembers. Despite emptying their entire bag of tricks in the first half, they lost again to the Packers. You really hate to see it. The Vikings rode their luck at the end of the game against the Steelers, and although they deserved to win based on the first half, they can't afford to ride their luck like that too many more times. We all know that the Vikings have struggled at Soldier Field over the years, and get ready for the Monday Night Football announcers to mention Kirk Cousins having only 1 victory on Monday Night Football. This is going to be a close game, but I think the Vikings are going to win. Even though I think I speak for most Packers fans in hoping they both find a way to lose. Vikings 21, Da Bearz Still Suck 9.
I was thinking about picking da Bearz, but they have so many COVID cases that they may need to bring in some reinforcements from Fenwick High School. The Vikings stay in the hunt. Vikings 24, da Bearz 13.
And now, it's time for a Very Special Comment. I've always found Urban Meyer to be a coach that leaves toxic messes around when he leaves a team since he left Utah in 2004. Meyer's Gator squads were loaded with talent, but had a lot of players with character issues. Notably, Aaron Hernandez, Brandon James, Cam Newton, Riley Cooper, Janoris Jenkins, Carlos Dunlap, and Chris Rainey all were arrested at various points. By the way, those players were also major contributors to the 2008 Florida team. Ohio State hired Meyer, and he left a huge mess for Ryan Day to clean up in terms of the Zach Smith incident. I wasn't surprised to see him flame out with the Jaguars and leave another trail of destruction. Meyer makes Bobby Petrino look like a great NFL coach. Bobby Petrino quit on the Falcons and couldn't tell them like a man he was leaving to take the Arkansas job. I will always respect Meyer for what he did with the 2004 Utah team, as that was an unthinkable accomplishment at the start of the BCS era. But since then, the trail of destruction Meyer has left should make any team think twice about hiring him. Shad Khan didn't do his due diligence, which is insane to think about for a hire that is this public. Urban Meyer might win at the college level, but he changed since he left Utah, and since the 2004 season has had 3 teams have to deal with turmoil, horrible scandals, and a toxic mess left as Meyer gets out of town and on to the next team dumb enough to hire him. If the Badgers or Packers hire this guy to coach them, then I'll be upset. I'd rather have P..J. Fleck coach the Badgers or Packers, and that's not something I say lightly.
I gotta tell you, it's a good thing that the locals around here realize that the Vikings rode their luck against the Steelers at the end of the game.
It's a movie they've seen before. All season long, in fact.
Gotta give the Steelers credit for not quitting. I've seen people blaming Chase Claypool for the celebration, which was boneheaded. But the Steelers have themselves to blame for digging themselves a hole that large.
Yep. Also a trend, from what I've been told.
Now it's time to discuss what is going on with the Packers, plus another game that Packers fans will be watching carefully. I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYPPEEE! and it is time to watch me work.
Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+12.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers The bye arrived at the right time, but the injuries still pile up for the Packers. Losing Cobb is a huge blow, as he has been the second option for Aaron on the money downs. I've got a bad feeling about this. Sure, the Bears are a complete dumpster fire this year, and it's clear that Nagy and Pace are on the hot seat. But what we forget was that back in October that the Bears played the Packers close at Soldier Field. The Packers should win this game, but it is going to be a lot more competitive than people realize. Packers 35, Da Bearz Still Suck 31.
Not sure I agree with that. Da Bearz are still hurting as well. They get Justin Fields back, but he still operates behind a horrible offensive line. The Packers will be rested and motivated. And as a reminder:
Packers 31, Bears 17.
Los Angeles Rams (+2.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals The Cardinals are obviously direct competition to the Packers in terms of the race for the top seed, so it makes sense to pick this game. The Rams don't impress me that much, since it seems that they are too busy chasing names instead of building a team. As for the Cardinals, they haven't collapsed since Rasul Douglas called game back in October. A win for the Rams would be really helpful to the Packers. This is probably asking too much, but I don't trust the Packers winning a second time in the desert. Rams 24, Cardinals 10.
Cardinals are hanging in there for sure. But the Rams gotta have this one. Rams 31, Cardinals 27.
And now for something that is not a Very Special Comment. You might have wondered why I was so interested in the Vikings game. Well, I ended up going to the game with Mom, aka Mrs. D. It was my early birthday gift to her, and we had a fantastic time. The game was one of the best NFL games this year, and had a bit of everything. US Bank Stadium was easy to get to from work, and getting inside the stadium was easy. What really surprised me was that there were thousands of Steelers fans, and that was very impressive by them. You hear a lot about how well Steelers fans travel, but until you see it in person it's hard to comprehend just how well they travel. I was also impressed by the Vikings fans. I give Vikings fans a lot of grief, but they and the Steelers fans were into the game, and the noise level was fantastic. This was a lot less of a corporate type crowd, and that made the game even more fun. The stadium is a lot louder than it is on television.
I didn't get the best seats in the stadium, but I was able to see the entire field. What I noticed was that the Vikings were a lot more physical in the trenches and really dictated the action for the first half. The crowd also did stay behind the Vikings at the end of the game, which was glad to see. I only heard a little grumbling about Kirk throwing those picks and Greg Joseph missing those two kicks early in the game. The only negative was that it did take some some time to get out of the parking garage after the game, but that was not the fault of the Vikings and a reality of 60,000 fans trying to leave at the same time.
Old dude, is this week Thanksgiving? So why are the Steelers playing up here against the Vikings on a Thursday instead of a more traditional time slot?
I'll allow the O'Jays to explain:
Dollar bills, y'all.
I know it is money, but this matchup is interesting.
A couple of teams that are in the hunt, but will those dogs hunt?
I will evaluate that, Geritol Fan! I am feeling the HYYYYYYYPPPEEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+3) vs. Minnesota Vikings This is going to be a game that I will be watching carefully, since a Vikings loss means that there could be a chance for a celebration to the east on Sunday Night Football. Obviously, the Vikings need this one after laying a huge egg against the LOLions. That was inexcusable by the Vikings, and you know things are bad when Vikings approved KFAN hosts like PA, Meatsauce, and Dan Barreiro are mad about the way the Vikings are going to perform. The Steelers got a win they needed against the Ravens when the Ravens went for the win instead of playing for overtime. It's not clear if the Vikes will have a full arsenal of weapons. I think the key is going to be how well the Vikings defend the deep balls that Big Ben is going to throw on occasion. It's beyond obvious that Big Ben is on a serious decline, and he just doesn't throw as deep as he did in the past. Since both teams are desperate, I have to go with the desperate team at home. And this game will be fun to watch for me. Vikings 27, Steelers 24.
Could be entertaining for sure, as long as you're not interested in style points. No Thielen, no Cook? That's a problem for the locals. Is Mike Tomlin a better coach than Zim? Yeah, I think so. Will the fans be happy or hostile? Steelers 31, Vikings 26.
We will return with our regularly scheduled programming on Friday to talk about what might happen on Sunday Night Football among other things. Ben out.
We need to talk about what happened in the Axe game last week, and I have words. But I need to sharpen some things first. Longtime readers of this feature know what is coming up at the end of the post.
So do longtime contributors. Uh-oh. Are you going to be upsetting Brad again?
Uh, maybe? Even though the Packers are on bye, there still are two games that most of the fanbase are going to care about.
Wait, we have a fanbase? Cool!
I am feeling the HYYYYYYYPPEEEE! and it is time to watch me work.
Michigan Hail To the Victors (-10.5) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes, in Indy The last time the Wolverines beat A School in Columbus, I was in high school and getting ready to go to Camp Randall for the first time. Hard to believe it was 10 years ago. Michigan looked mighty impressive in doing so, and it was a display of power football that Bo would have been mighty proud of. Iowa may have gotten into this game via the backdoor, but they have nothing to lose. They were the most consistent team in the Big Ten West this year when you look at it objectively. All of the pressure is on Jim Harbaugh to follow up on last week. Michigan should win, but Iowa will hang around for 2-3 quarters. Michigan 31, Iowa 17.
Actually, that sounds about right. Iowa will not be embarrassed, but based on what I've observed this year, I don't think there's much chance Michigan will lose. Michigan 29, Iowa 16.
Georgia Bulldogs (-6.5) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide, in Atlanta In the interest of full disclosure, I haven't seen a single Georgia game all year. But they are the best team in the country. Being the undisputed number 1 in the polls for so long is historically great, and something that lots of the greatest teams in the sport haven't accomplished. But what Georgia hasn't been able to do is beat Alabama under Kirby Smart, and the Bulldogs have struggled in Atlanta. So I would expect what is going to be a very pro Bulldog crowd to be very nervous. A Georgia win would make everything fairly clear-cut in terms of the top 4, and I would imagine that there are a lot of Domers and Cowboys rooting for the Bulldogs. Georgia 35, Alabama 10.
I've seen parts of Georgia games, but I know their calling card is defense. Alabama is a high-scoring team, but they lack the defensive muscle they've had in previous seasons. I also think it's time they don't participate in the playoff, so I want to see Georgia finish them off. I believe they will. Georgia 38, Alabama 23.
Houston Cougars (+10.5) vs. Cincinnati Bearcats This game isn't just the biggest game in the history of both Nipper.t Stadium and the Cincinnati Bearcats. This game is going to impact how teams from outside the Power 5 are going to be viewed going forward. I've been a big believer in Cincinnati since I saw the tail end of their game in South Bend. They are a legit football team, and have earned their ticket to the Big 12. But Houston won't be a pushover. I can clearly see that their fanbase is thinking that everyone expects Cincinnati to roll over them, and they want to spoil the party. Dana Holgerson got pushed out unfairly by West Virginia, which is ironic considering that Houston is also getting into the Big 12. I want Cincinnati to win. It would be best for the sport because if a team is good enough, give them a fair shot. If all of these power programs think they are better than Cincinnati, then why don't they play them and prove it on the field? Cincy 56, Houston 24.
If Cincinnati wins, they deserve a shot in the playoffs. Let's see how they compete. Bearcats 31, Cougars 14.
Minnesota Vikings (-7) vs. Detroit LOLions The Vikings couldn't get it done in the Bay Area, and are now looking at a spell without Dalvin Cook lining up in the backfield. The good news for the Vikings is that they have a pretty soft schedule down the stretch, with their only tough game being the rematch against the Packers in Lambeau. The LOLions are a team that will hang in there, and people forget that the Vikings needed a walk off field goal to win in October up here. I'll say what I said in October. If the Vikings aren't careful, they are walking straight into a trapdoor. LOLions Gonna LOLions 24, Vikings 10.
Uh, no. Vikings 28, Lions 16.
Arizona Cardinals (-7.5) vs. Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck This is going to be one of those games that I really hate. Because the Packers are fighting with the Cardinals for the top seed in the NFC, I'm going to have to root for the Bears. I'm going to be doing this while wearing a hazmat suit with a strong need to take a shower after the game. It's just wrong, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Arizona is a great team, but I wonder if they are mentally strong enough to avoid another collapse. Thankfully the NFC West is a complete dumpster fire behind them, with at best a deeply flawed Rams team the only real competition for Arizona. Da Bearz need to address the offensive line before Justin Fields gets seriously hurt. A win would go a long way to save the jobs of Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace. As a Packers fan, I feel those two have done a fantastic job with the Bears, and need to be given extensions. Moving to Arlington Heights changes nothing, and even delusional Bears fans know it deep down. Da Bearz Still Suck 28, Cardinals 19.
Obligatory:
Crown their asses! I miss Denny. We're a long time past all that, but da Bearz still are who we thought they were. Cardinals 33, da Bearz 24.
And now, time for a Very Special Comment. I'm not upset that the Badgers didn't play well enough to win. I'm not upset that the Gophers played Jump Around after the game. As trolling goes, I've seen worse this year. In fact, if one thing didn't happen at the end of the game, I wouldn't even have considered doing this. What really bothered me was P.J. celebrating the replay reversal with a minute left like he had won the Big Ten title. Dude, it was a two score game at that point, and you were going to win anyway. It's like he wants the cameras on his face after every single play. The guy draws attention to himself, and acts like he is the savior of Gophers football. He isn't, and I will explain why.
Jerry Kill ripped Fleck a new one a couple of years ago in an interview when asked about what he thought about Fleck's work with the Gophers. Jerry Kill did a lot for the Gophers. He and Tracy Claeys lifted the program out of the dumpster fire that Tim Brewster created. The Gophers under Kill and Claeys won 8-9 games, won bowl games, and took the Gophers to a New Years Day Bowl game. Kill also pushed for construction of Athlete's Village, which Fleck gets to sell to recruits. The Gophers have more money coming in under the Big Ten media rights deal, which means that Fleck has more resources to work with. Kill and Claeys also recruited the "Empire Class" of recruits in 2016, who played a major role as upperclassmen in the 2019 team that was so successful. Fleck came in and said that the Gophers were in "Year Zero", and mentioned a need to change the culture. The Gophers finished that year 9-4, with a record of 5-4 in conference play. They also won the Holiday Bowl against a good Washington State team. That's really disrespectful to Jerry Kill, a man who hired Fleck when he was a young coach and helped Fleck get the Western Michigan job. Kill didn't cover himself in glory by taking shots at Fleck's personal life, but still. The Gophers also had a similar level of success under Glen Mason.
On Wednesday, I took a trip to the Mall of America to hang out. There is a Goldy's Locker Room, which is an official store selling Gophers gear. There was only one shirt that had the Row The Boat Mantra. That's interesting, because the official social media has been pushing the Row The Boat brand hard. On the Gopher YouTube channel, there are videos explaining what Fleck's sayings are, and on the Gopher football Twitter account, there is an image celebrating 7 years of Row The Boat Culture from 2019. That's right, an official Twitter account of a football team celebrating accomplishments that were done at another school. I've never seen a team push the brand of a coach who isn't an elite coach by any stretch and celebrate achievements as much as the Gophers have under Fleck. Have you ever heard Fleck mention any of the past greats of Gopher football or praise the proud tradition the Gophers have? I haven't, and I'm from here.
Finally, coaches other than Kill have made clear their displeasure with P.J.'s constant references to his culture. Kirk and Brian Ferentz have been vocal about how they feel Fleck uses his tactics. That's damning, because the two of them are pretty calm and collected. When Kirk uses all of his timeouts last year, that's a sign that he doesn't like Fleck. It's been rumored that Jeff Brohm of Purdue doesn't like Fleck, and Scott Frost mentioned his dislike of "sloganeering" at the conference media days last summer. Look, you are going to run into a coach or two who doesn't like you. I've named 5 coaches who don't like Fleck, and this is in a conference where the coaches generally don't call each other out in public.
So what's my point? My point is that Fleck has been selling his culture, when the culture at Minnesota in my lifetime wasn't broken, and that you can win at Minnesota in football. And I know that the Row The Boat schtick isn't meant for me. I also don't blame the players at Minnesota or the fans for eating it up. They want success, and I'd do the same if I were in their shoes. But I'm not buying what Fleck is selling. When Fleck leaves, the Gophers will have to build their own brand again. Seriously, most outsiders think of Row The Boat when they hear about Gopher football.
We are on assignment this weekend, and won't have a ton of time to have this be up to our normal standards.
We have no time, dude.
It is time to watch me work.
Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-7) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat Should be a physical game, but even with this game up here, Badgers should win because of their defense having a point to prove. Badgers 28, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 14.
Sounds good. Badgers 27, Gophers 10.
A School In Columbus (-8.5) vs. Michigan Hail To The Victors This game should be close, but unfortunately won't go the way my heart wants it to go. Buckeyes 16, Wolverines 13.
Screw both these teams. Ohio State 31, Michigan 19.
Los Angeles Rams (-1) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers Need to block Aaron Donald somehow, but Lambeau should be the equalizer despite Stafford having cold weather experience. The bye week is coming at the right time. Packers 42, Rams 17.
It will be much closer than that. Packers 24, Rams 21.
Minnesota Vikings (+3) vs. San Francisco 49ers Vikings need to block well against the Niner pass rush, and hopefully what happened on Wednesday gets resolved as best as it can. Niners 21, Vikings 0.
Vikings don't need distractions. They are a distraction most weeks. Niners 24, Vikings 13.
I laughed out loud when I saw that Cheat Carroll blamed the officiating for his team losing to the Packers. He doesn't appreciate the irony in that statement. Sure, the refs are to blame for your offense getting shut out. I've got some great oceanside property in Oklahoma to sell you as well.
He's a beauty. And in the rearview mirror
We move on. The Packers are up here to face off against the Vikings, and the Badgers are looking to take the next step towards getting to Indy.
It's not a long drive, but it's a very long way.
I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYPPPEEEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.
Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (-7) vs. Indiana Wants Me, Lord I Can't Go Back There P.J. Fleck has some explaining to do after what happened in Iowa City. Iowa tried to hand the Gophers the game, but the Gophers couldn't take it, and all of a sudden the natives are a bit restless around here. I was told two years ago that the Gophers had turned the corner after that Penn State game, but now it seems like some people are getting off of the rowboat. Indiana has just been a complete dumpster fire all year, and they are probably the worst team in the Big Ten this year. It's really surprising considering they are the defending Big Ten East champions. That's not a typo, by the way. Indiana won that division fair and square before Kevin Warren changed the rules at the last minute to benefit the Buckeyes. Decisions like that is why I want the league to bring in a better commissioner. The Gophers won't be looking ahead to the Axe game by any means, and they should avoid a trap game. Or will they? Indiana Wants Me, Lord I Can't Go Back There 27, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 9.
Well, if you're gonna quote it, ya gotta play it:
Lord, we can't go back there. But Indiana is back to playing bad football. Gophers are streaky, but they should have enough muscle to win this game. Gophers 27, Indiana 19.
Nebraska Cornhuskers (+9.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers Last week was easier than expected against the Purple Nerds, which I can appreciate, especially not seeing them again for a while. Bucky looks like they are peaking at the right time of the year, and it's clear that whatever issues existed in the early part of the year have largely been figured out. But this won't be an easy game on Senior Day. Nebraska has been very competitive in a lot of their games. I know that the Big Tuna said that you are what your record says you are, but Nebraska is better than their record indicates. But thankfully the Badgers can ride a dominant defense and a more confident Graham Mertz to a victory. I also want to apologize to Mertz. I was very critical about him and advocated for a change, but he's made me eat my words. Badgers 31, Tom Osborne Ain't Walking Through That Door 14.
It definitely helps to play Rutgers and Northwestern instead of Notre Dame and Michigan. Having said that, the Cornhuskers are talented. But they tend to be dumb in key moments and Adrian Martinez is the football equivalent of former Cub great Shawon Dunston, an eternal rookie doomed to making the same mistakes over and over and over again. And he'll do it again on Saturday. Badgers 28, Nebraska 13.
Michigan State Sparty The Spartans (+18.5) vs. A School In Columbus Ohio State is another team that has improved since earlier in the year, and C.J. Stroud has largely quieted a lot of the critics. This won't be an easy game in the Horseshoe. Mel Tucker was a surprising hire to replace Mark Dantonio, but he has made them a contender again. The temptation for the Buckeyes is to look ahead to The Game next week, but they won't overlook the Spartans. I think Ohio State will win, but it won't be smooth sailing. #NotMy2020BigTenChampions 38, Sparty 34.
Sparty has been a nice story this season, but I'm not convinced they are a good team. Ohio State, on the other hand, is. Ohio State 38, Michigan State 21.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (-1.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings The Packers really had a statement win last week. I know that Russ was clearly rusty and you can argue that he came back too soon. But shutting down Metcalf and Lockett to that degree was very impressive. What Joe Barry has done with the injury challenges he's had to work with has made people like me who were confused about his hiring have to eat major crow. The Vikings are also coming off an impressive win after what happened to the team last week. I'll be honest with you, this game is going to played on November 21. I would dearly love to have the Packers win as a birthday present on Sunday. Don't screw this up, Packers. This is going to be a close game, but one that I feel like the Packers can win. That's including that the Vikings are a textbook case of the desperate team at home. By the way, I'm still not going to discuss any of Aaron Rodgers and his comments regarding the vaccine and his decision to immunize himself. Packers 24, Vikings 19.
Can the Packers make Kirk Cousins panic? That's the key. The defense will do what it can to slow down Dalvin Cook, who has done some very nice Chuck Foreman imitations over the last few seasons, but if you work too hard to stop Cook, that sets up the Viking receivers. It all depends on the offensive line. I think the Packers win, but it's going to be a nailbiter. Packers 26, Vikings 24.
Remember when everyone was saying that the Packers were in turmoil last week? Turns out that the Vikings might have some problems of their own.
Do you hear the Vikings coming?
It's bizarre. I never thought that I would be typing out that Dalvin Cook is in possible legal trouble, and that Dakota Dozier is in the hospital after his positive COVID test.
Embrace the suck, Grasshopper.
Nah, I'd rather not. Instead, I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYPPPEEEEE!, and it's time to watch me work.
Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (+4.5) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes This is a game that both teams need to win to keep pace in the race to Indy. I've been very critical of Row The Boat Fleck over the years as I feel that he pushes his own brand over the Gopher brand, combined with how he doesn't acknowledge that the Gophers were successful on the field under the Kill/Claeys regime. That statement can be debated, and I will admit that Fleck does get results. What can't be debated is that Fleck has won a combined 1 game against Wisconsin and Iowa. He's also never beaten Iowa, and that needs to change if Fleck wants to avoid falling victim to the John Cooper experience. John Cooper won a lot of games at Ohio State, but had a very poor record against Michigan. A lot of Buckeye fans still hate Cooper for that reason only. Last week the Gophers lost a game in disturbing fashion to Illinois. Iowa struggled to put Northwestern away in Evanston last Saturday, but were able to get it done in the end. With this game being at Iowa City and ending under "Kinnick At Night" conditions, look for Iowa to win as they are the "desperate team at home" that we like to bring up around here. Hawkeyes 24, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 16.
The Gophers have not won in Kinnick for a long time now. . . checking notes. . . 1999. That's a long time ago. Only a handful of the players on the field were even alive in 1999. So should they care about that? Not really. What they should care about is the Iowa defense. Iowa 19, Minnesota 13.
Northwestern Purple Nerds (+24.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers Speaking of the Purple Nerds, this game worries me. Look, I know that the Badgers are playing really great football right now, and that Northwestern isn't very good. But all Badger fans know that Northwestern gives Wisconsin fits every single year no matter the circumstances. I don't know why, but Pat Fitzgerald always seems to have teams that match up well against Wisconsin. Wisconsin looked great against Rutgers, but are a bit banged up coming out of that game. This game is going to be ugly Big Ten football, but the Badgers should get it done after a couple of scares. Badgers 31, Purple Nerds 17.
Northwestern is getting better on defense, which makes this a closer game than it might be otherwise. But the Badgers will win. Wisconsin 28, Northwestern 10.
Minnesota Vikings (+3.5) vs. Los Angeles Chargers This game is going to be U.S. Bank Stadium West, as the Chargers have no fan base. Seriously, just go back to San Diego. Maybe that could take some of the sting off the collapse the Padres had. The Vikings have had a very bad week. Dalvin Cook might be in legal trouble, but as of this writing hasn't been charged with anything or had the league finish their review. Combine that news with the Vikings having issues related to the virus, I would guess game preparation has been disjointed to say the least. I also want to question why the Vikings are playing a road game in LA after playing on the road in Baltimore last week. That is a bad piece of scheduling, as they could have combined the game against the Chargers with either the Niners or Cardinals games. The Chargers are leading a crowded AFC West, and are going to need to win to keep pace. Go Back To San Diego 45, Vikings 24.
Every Minnesotan in the LA area could be in the stadium on Sunday, but the Chargers are getting used to that. Will Dalvin Cook play? Signs point to yes. Will the Vikings defense show up? Not so sure. Tough one for the locals. Chargers 33, Vikings 24.
Seattle Seachickens (+3.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers First of all, this analysis assumes that Aaron is going to rejoin the team tomorrow. Jordan Love did give the Packers a chance against Kansas City, but couldn't get it done. Love isn't blameless, as Maurice Drayton's special teams were a complete disaster and cost the Packers at least 9 points. I also believe that Matt LaFleur shouldn't have gone away from the run as much. The good news is that if Aaron can't rejoin the team tomorrow, Love will have had a full week of preparation and will get to play an equal opponent at home. The Seahawks are still in dire straits despite getting Russ back, although his return is much to my delight in fantasy football. I've had terrible injury luck, as I drafted Russ, McCaffery, and Chris Carson. I'll be curious to see how much rust Russ has, and to see how he is going to be throwing the ball with that hand of his. I'm still not going to discuss what I think about Aaron doubling down on his comments to Pat McAfee, as I don't want this post to turn into a debate about the vaccine. But what I will say is that Aaron has lost a lot of trust and credibility that he has to make up to a lot of people. Packers 42, Seachickens 24.
Just so you know, no one cares about your fantasy league team, young fella. But anyway, the last time the Seahawks won at Lambeau was. . . checking notes. . . 1999. It's gonna be cold and maybe snowy at Lambeau. Russ will not be happy. Packers 28, Seahawks 17.
Just when you think the Packers have gotten through a crisis, then they find new ways to make headlines. What are you doing Aaron?
He's horse deworming. All the cool kids are doing it, doncha know?
Somewhere the 1993 Oilers are thinking that there is too much drama on the Packers. That is not something I thought I would type on Tuesday night.
Life moves fast, young fella. As do narratives.
I know. Despite it all, I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYPPPEEEE! and it is time to watch me work.
Illinois Fighting Illini (+14.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat The Gophers are still in control of their own destiny, and can make that new contract they gave PJ look good. Illinois confuses me. They lose to UTSA at home, but win in Happy Valley? This is going to be a physical game, as we all know that Bret Bielema likes to play bully ball, and the Gophers have been grounding and pounding all year. With rivalry games looming in the distance for the Gophers, they mustn't fall into a game that looks dangerously like a trap game. Or will they? Illinois 21, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 10.
If this game were down in Champaign, it would definitely be a trap game. But I don't see it happening here. Gophers roll. Minnesota 34, Illinois 13.
Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-13.5) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights There were a lot of questions about what happened to the Badgers in September. Well, they have figured some things out. Braelon Allen looks like he will be the next lead back in Madison, and the defense is still getting into the Iowa backfield. Rutgers is getting better. Greg Schiano knows how to win at Rutgers, and don't forget that they will get a full share of BTN revenue coming down the pipe. This won't be easy, but I think if the Badgers can follow the formula then it can be a win and then they can move on to the next test. Badgers 35, Buttgers 15.
I think the proper form of insult is Butger, but I digress. The Badgers haven't been to Piscataway for almost a decade; it appears Melvin Gordon was on that Badger squad. Badgers defense will hold the Scarlet Knights to minimal points. Wisconsin 24, Rutgers 3.
Minnesota Vikings (+6) vs. Baltimore Ravens The Vikings laid a gigantic egg last week on national television against the Cowboys. The clock management by Kirk Cousins and Mike Zimmer at the end of each half was just disgraceful, and the tackling on the third down conversion by Zeke in the fourth quarter was inexcusable. Baltimore is going to be a tough out, as Lamar Jackson is going to be ready to go and the Ravens are looking healthier this week. What the Vikings should do is to open up the offense and rely on Kirk Cousins a bit more. Where is Justin Jefferson? The guy has been a major bust for me as a fantasy owner. The Vikings were handed a route back into the division thanks to events in Green Bay, but they have two tough games lined up between that showdown. I like Baltimore to win at home to keep pace in the AFC North, and if the Vikings lose badly, then it's time to give Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman the Lane Kiffin treatment on the tarmac. Ravens 38, Vikings 14.
Given the weirdness of the Vikings this year, I'm almost tempted to pick them to win this one. But I'm going to resist that temptation. The defense has had too many injuries and Lamar Jackson is too dynamic. Ravens 31, Vikings 24.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (+7) vs. Kansas City Chiefs After the thrilling win in Arizona last week, everything was looking up for the Packers. The team was getting healthier, we would have the full offense back for a showdown against Patrick Mahomes, and the drama that has been evident for months but would be over. But instead, 12 had to lie about being vaccinated and double down on said lie, and now everything is in jeopardy. But not quite. Jordan Love will get plenty of help, and he will have a healthy Davante Adams back, and the defense is getting healthier. This Packers team is a very tough team, and is more than just Aaron Rodgers. I'm not touching what Aaron said in his interview with a 10 foot pole, as I don't want to turn this into a political and ethical discussion. The Packers will rally around Love, and if they can pull off a win on the road with a bunch of guys out, then they can win one game without Aaron. Call me a delusional homer all you want, but the Chiefs have looked very suspect this year on both sides of the ball. Packers 28, Chiefs 21.
Not delusional, but simply wrong. Chiefs are not a juggernaut, but I think they are the proverbial desperate team at home. And that will be the difference. Chiefs 31, Packers 23.
Whatever punishment the league hands out to Aaron and the Packers, we deserve it. Ben out.
The Packers may be injured a ton, but got it done in the desert. Boy, I'd hate to be a Cardinals fan right now.
Like this guy on the right?
Not a surrender cobra, at least
Yes, just like that. Now, we move on to the rest of the weekend, where the Big Ten could have some clarity in both the East and the West sides of the conference.
Or some Claritin?
Do you have some secret endorsement deal, old dude? Because I always figured you were getting a few pennies from Geritol!
I don't typically discuss my holdings in a public forum.
I suppose someone is reading the blog, since I'm here. And, by the way, I am feeling the HYYYYYPPPEEEEEE! and it is time to watch me work.
Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat (-7.5) vs. Northwestern Wildcats So last week's prediction for the Gophers aged quite poorly, and I deserve to get called out for that. The Gophers are still very much a player for the division as they still have to play against Iowa and Wisconsin. The Purple Nerds are due for their usual upset, but they typically save that for the Badgers. The Gophers should be able to win with the bully ball style of offense they have been going with lately. The Gophers should win comfortably, even though Ryan Field can trip up good teams. Row Row Your Boat Elitely 41, Purple Nerds 0.
I hate Ryan Field, but I don't think this Northwestern team has a lot of talent. That will likely change next season, but for this matchup. . . Gophers 27, Northwestern 20.
Iowa Hawkeyes (+3.5) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers The Badgers may have had a bad start to the year, but they are in a familiar spot, competing in the West after some early losses. Iowa looked bad against Purdue two weeks ago, and now have to face a rival to stay in the race. The Badgers looked better against Purdue last week, and that was encouraging. I have a lot of respect for Iowa as a program, but I think that if the Badgers can keep doing what we did last week, then we could win. Badgers 21, Hawkeyes 10.
What's the "we" stuff? Are you playing for the Badgers? They could probably use you. In any event, it's a typical low-scoring affair against the Hawkeyes. Badgers are in Camp Randall, and that will make the difference. Badgers 17, Hawkeyes 13.
Michigan Hail to the Victors (-4) vs. Michigan State Sparty the Spartans Is Michigan back? Well, they could be. This is probably the best team that Harbaugh has had in a few years, but the problem is that Michigan has struggled to beat the Spartans, in addition to their issues against A School In Columbus. Sparty might be the most surprising team in the Big Ten, as nobody saw Mel Tucker assembling a team that could compete out of the wreckage that was the late Mark Dantonio era. I like Michigan because they need this, but we will learn more about them in The Game. Michigan 31, Michigan State 17.
The Michigan fans are starting to come out of the woodwork, in their typically insufferable way. Sparty may be "little brother," but they've had the better of the series in the last decade, as the young fella rightly points out. It will be close. Wolverines 31, Spartans 29.
Dallas How Bout Them Cowboys (+3) vs. Minnesota Vikings Brace yourselves, the Cowboys media hype train led by Skip Brainless are already telling you about how this is their year. Sadly, they have been right, so far at least. Despite Mike McCarthy continuing his tradition of being carried by elite talent, they have been winning. But Dak Prescott is questionable and might not even play. As for the Vikings they need this one to stay within touching distance of the Packers as they begin a brutal part of their schedule. It may be Kirktober, but Kirk is going to have to play well. A word of advice, please throw to Justin Jefferson. I could use the points in fantasy. I think the Vikings can pull it off. If they do, I will watch Skip's show for the meltdown. But if they don't, please pray for Ron Johnson and Corey Cove as they man the KFAN phone lines. Vikings 28, Cowboys 13.
Without Prescott, the Cowboys are frauds. With him, they might still be frauds. Vikings win. Vikings 28, Cowboys 19.
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.
Remember when everyone was saying it was going to be Iowa representing the West in Indy? Turns out that might not be the case. You really hate to see it.
I wasn't saying that, but your mileage may vary.
We will be talking more about Iowa next week, but we got some stuff to talk about.
You always do, young fella.
I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYPPPPPEEE!, and it's time to watch me work.
Maryland Terps (+4.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat The Gophers are one of the teams that, all of a sudden, have a clear path to the Big Ten title game. But they have looked like two different teams. There is the version of the Gophers that scared the crap out of Ohio State and routed Purdue and Colorado on the road. Then there is the version of the Gophers who lost to Bowling Green and almost let Nebraska pull off a great win last week. Maryland isn't a great team, but they have talent. Tua's brother is a pretty decent quarterback, and they had the crazy comeback win against the Gophers last year in College Park. With how close the Gophers came to disaster last week, there is a sense of fragility, and Maryland is getting better in football as they soon will get a full slice of Big Ten revenue. Terps 28, Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 0.
The Gophers have been playing Maryland a lot in recent years, and it hasn't gone well. I think that changes. Maryland does have a lot of talent, but they don't seem to make it work. Gophers continue their erratic march to glory. Gophers 27, Maryland 19.
Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-3.5) vs. Purdue Spoilermakers Last week wasn't a pretty picture, but the Badgers won against Army. Purdue on the other hand pulled off one of the most shocking upsets of the season in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes looked terrible, and Purdue was able to blow the Big Ten West completely wide open. The big question for Purdue is can they play to that level for another week? As for the Badgers, they are in a very familiar position. Since the Big Ten added Nebraska in 2011 and added divisional play, the Badgers have been very good at navigating losses in conference play and making the conference title game. You can call me biased, but it's the truth. This won't be easy, but I think that the Badgers will get a huge road win. Badgers 21, Boilermakers 10.
The Badgers need to be better. I think they will be, but they will have a battle. Badgers 24, Purdue 21.
Washington Name Redacted (+8.5) vs. Glorious Green Bay Packers The Packers have largely quieted the critics after a horrible Week 1 game against New Orleans in Jacksonville. When you combine the 2 wins in the NFC North with wins against the Niners and Steelers, the Packers are sitting pretty. The defense has been impressive when you consider that Joe Barry has had to deal with a ton of injuries. Washington is a team with a good defense, and Riverboat Ron is a great head coach that will have his guys ready to play. I think that with this game at Lambeau, the Packers should win a fairly tight and competitive football game. Glad to see a fellow Midwest Conference alum in Joe Davis on the call for Fox on Sunday. Packers 28, Name Redacted 20.
That would be Joe Davis, the pride of Beloit College. A very good announcer. The Packers are trying to hold things together with a lot of guys coming in off the street. The Football Team has underperformed this far and it's difficult to see how they're going to be able to keep up with the Packers, particularly at Lambeau. Packers 28, Football Team 14.
Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck (+12) vs. Tampa Bay Mercenary Ring Chasers Since the Vikings have the week off, let's turn our attention to Da Bearz. It's clear that the Bears might have rushed Justin Fields out too early as their starter. Now, you might be accusing me of being biased as a huge Packers fan, and a Buckeye hater. I don't deny those charges, but the Bears have struggled with quarterback development for years, and no matter what they try it doesn't work. Is Justin Fields a better pro prospect than Craig Krenzel? Yes, and it's not even close despite Krenzel winning a national title at Ohio State. What's become clear is that Fields needs an offensive line to block for him. That is the big on field issue that the Bears have had for years. I don't think firing Matt Nagy fixes anything, as the real problem for the Bears is the McCaskey family. The Hunt, Rooney, and Mara families have been better stewards of their respective franchises, who are among the most prominent teams in the league. Moving to Arlington Heights won't change anything as long as the McCaskey family still runs the show, and Bears fans know it deep down. Bucs 42, Aaron Still Owns You 20.
I agree. But maybe things will be more aromatic in scenic Arlington Heights. Tampa Bay 34, Chicago 13.
Some say that they are still missing kicks at Paul Brown Stadium to this day. Thank God the Packers were able to pull through.
It could be worse:
Well played, Geritol Fan! The NFL has blocked your video! Don't worry, we've seen it all before. It's Bear Week and I don't know who on Da Bearz is going to suit up.
They do have a lot of injuries, to be sure. And the usual moral torpor.
That they do. But enough of that -- I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYYYYPPEEEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.
Nebraska Cornhuskers (-4.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Elite Rowers of the Boat Nebraska being favored is quite strange. I know that they played Michigan hard last week, but moral victories count for nothing in the Big Ten. Despite all of the chest thumping the Cornhuskers did when they hired Scott Frost, it turns out that the Frost Warning hasn't happened to this point. Tom Osborne is not walking through that door, and it's not the 1990s anymore. As for the Gophers, they confuse me. They looked great at Colorado, but that loss to Bowling Green was just awful. The good news for P.J. is that he should get a win this week. His real tests are coming up. Row Row Row Your Boat Elitely 21, Delusional Huskers 7.
This game confuses me. Nebraska is either great or terrible, but rarely in between. The Gophers are a bit of a mess right now, but I think a home crowd may be enough to push them over the edge. Gophers 24, Huskers 20.
Army Black Knights (+14) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers Well, the Badgers didn't change much about how they are viewed against Illinois, but the game did allow us to laugh at Bret Bielema, which always has value. Army is going to be a challenge. You don't see the triple option much, and the Army players are tough thanks to what they learn at West Point. I think the Badgers win, but this might be a bet the under game if you like to gamble a bit. That being said, it would really be in the best interest of the program if Graham Mertz tried to do a reenactment of the Joel Stave redemption tour. Badgers 27, Army 10.
The Badgers have one advantage in this game -- they are very disciplined on defense, so they aren't likely to be fooled. And the Badgers also are big and strong. I guess that's two advantages. Badgers 34, Army 19.
Minnesota Vikings (-2.5) vs. Carolina Panthers The Vikings almost didn't heed my warnings, and narrowly avoided a complete disaster against the LOLions in the Twin Cities. Thankfully Kirk Cousins led the comeback and Greg Joseph redeemed himself on the game winning field goal. Carolina is a team that confuses me. I'm covered in fantasy football either way, but if Christian McCaffrey could play, that would really benefit me. The Panthers are a team that will play hard, and the Vikings have to be careful. If they lose this game in Charlotte, then Mike Zimmer's seat will get hotter again. Panthers 35, Vikings 21.
The Vikings are kinda wacky, too -- they look really good some weeks and inept in other weeks. They got the ineptitude out of their system last week, so this should be a better game. Vikings 23, Panthers 21.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (-6) vs. Bear Down Chicago Da Bearz Still Suck The Packers got out of dodge with a win, but they are going to be dangerously thin in the defensive backfield. Da Bearz are a decent team, but Justin Fields is going to get beat up behind that offensive line. To make matters worse for Da Bearz, Hicks and Mack are injury questions among others. This game won't be easy based on the nature of the rivalry, but I think the Packers will come through. Packers 34, Da Bearz Still Suck 24.
The Packers are built to exploit the weaknesses of the Bears. I'm not sure the Bears can exploit the Packers. Packers 28, Bears 17.
