Broncos Get Battered in KC Lose 33-10, Get Eliminated from Playoff Contention

The Broncos headed to Arrowhead Stadium on Christmas night with a slim chance at making the playoffs, but there was still a chance. A win on Sunday night was a must with the Dolphins beating the Bills on Christmas Eve. The Broncos not only got beat by the Chiefs, but they got embarrassed and there was no kicking and screaming on their way out of playoff contention. They trailed 14-0 early and then 21-7, but they were never able to really close the gap on their way to a resounding 33-10 defeat. Now, the Broncos have to pick up the pieces on a season that started 4-0 and 6-2, and now they have to deal with a lot of questions as they head into the offseason and a year without a playoff berth since 2010. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game....

1) The Chiefs started hot and Denver's defense couldn't catch up. Alex Smith scored on zone-read QB run to give KC the 7-0 lead, and then Tyreek Hill broke a long run from the RB spot and the next thing you know it is 14-0. It just looked like the Broncos defense was a step slow and they were without T.J. Ward, Brandon Marshall and Derek Wolfe only played a quarter.

2) The Broncos got back into the game after Justin Simmons intercepted an Alex Smith pass and returned it down inside the 10. Justin Forsett punched it in and made it 14-7, but that was about the only highlight of the night.

3) The Chiefs came right back and returned the favor and Travis Kelce took a quick screen and broke it for 80 yards and a back-breaking TD to make it 21-7 in the first quarter. At that point, the Broncos were done. Kelce killed Darian Stewart in coverage all night long.

4) The Broncos did stabilize the game a little bit and got it to 21-10 at the half, and 24-10 early in the 4th quarter, but the Broncos offense couldn't do anything all night long. The run game was non-existent all night-as usual- and Trevor Siemian had his worst game of the season. Siemian struggled all night long, and there will be a lot of discussion about him and his future as the starter going forward.

5) The loss was punctuated with Dontari Poe lining up in the backfield and throwing a TD pass late in the game to make it 33-10. I know it looked like a dick move by Andy Reid, and it is something the Broncos can use as motivation next year, but the NFL is a big boy league and I'm not going to lose my mind about that play.

6) At 8-7, the Broncos are officially eliminated from the playoffs and will now play a meaningless game against the Raiders on Sunday in Denver. It will be the first meaningless game since 2010 and the first non-playoff season since 2010 as well. It is a bitter pill to swallow for a team that started 4-0, 6-2, and was 8-4 with a month to go in the season. There are a lot of things that are going to change in Denver, but that will be for another day to discuss.

Broncos-Chiefs Preview and Week 16 Picks!

The Broncos come into their Week 16 showdown in Arrowhead against the Chiefs on Christmas night with their backs squarely against the wall in order to make the playoffs. Not only do they need help with the likes of Miami and Baltimore losing the last two weeks, but the Broncos have to win out to have a realistic chance of making the playoffs. That won't be easy considering they face the Chiefs and Raiders the last two weeks. The first stop is at Kansas City this week. The Chiefs are 10-4 and are coming off a shocking loss to the Titans last week at home. Can they lost two games at home in a row? I'm not sure. Can the Broncos win a sixth straight time in Arrowhead? I'm not so sure either. Plus, the Broncos are banged up and could be without T.J. Ward, Derek Wolfe and Brandon Marshall. Those are a lot of key guys out on that defense. On offense, we are looking at the possibility of having A.J. Derby and Virgil Green missing the game. I just don't see how this offense is going to move the ball and put points on the board against that fired up crowd and that KC defense. The Broncos playoff hopes will take a major hit on Sunday night, and we might have to start looking towards 2017 a lot earlier than we thought.

KANSAS CITY (-4) over Denver
Final Score: Chiefs-26 Broncos-12

Onto the picks for Week 16......

Last Week's Record: 11-4-1
Overall Record: 126-83-13
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Washington (-3) over CHICAGO: Bad loss by the Skins at home to the Panthers last night, and now they have to run the table to possibly get in. I think they will take care of business in Chicago this Sunday.

Miami (+3) over BUFFALO: The Dolphins have one win over a team that is over .500 this year but somehow at 9-5, they are in position to get the final wild card in the AFC. I think they somehow pull out a win in Buffalo this week-even with Matt Moore at the helm for the injured Ryan Tannehill.

Atlanta (-3) over CAROLINA: Atlanta is rolling at 9-5 and in position to win the NFC South and the #3 seed in the NFC. I think this will be a close and entertaining game, and I wonder how much the Panthers have left here down the stretch at 6-8. Take Atlanta to win it late.

Minnesota (+7) over GREEN BAY: At 8-6, the Packers have won four straight and are making a run to the NFC North title. At 7-7, the Vikings' season has collapsed. I think the Packers win, but this will be a close one in Lambeau.

NY Jets (+16.5) over NEW ENGLAND: The Patriots will roll in this one at home, but I don't know if they get the cover. In any event, they will put it on the Jets and get to 13-2.

Tennessee (-4) over JACKSONVILLE: At 8-6, the Titans have a shot to win the AFC South. They head to Jacksonville, who is 2-12 and just fired their coach, Gus Bradley. I think the Jags will have their minds on the holidays and not the Titans, and I think the Titans will win easily to get to 9-6.

CLEVELAND (+6) over San Diego: The Browns are 0-14 and look like they are headed to 0-16. I just can't see them winning a game these last two weeks. The Chargers are coming in at 5-9, but I think they are too talented to screw this up and lose to the lowly Browns.

OAKLAND (-3) over Indy: Interesting game because the 7-7 Colts are not out of the AFC South race just yet, and I could see Andrew Luck giving the Raiders defense fits. I think the Raiders will close the deal in the 4th quarter like they always do, and they will get to 12-3 with the #1 seed in play.

LOS ANGELES (-3) over San Francisco: A matchup pitting the 1-13 49ers and the 4-10 Rams is about as bad as you can get on Christmas Eve.

SEATTLE (-8) over Arizona: At 9-4-1, the Seahawks are in position to get the #2 seed in the NFC. I think they will take full advantage of a Cardinals team that is limping towards the finish line in a disappointing year.

Tampa Bay (+3) over NEW ORLEANS: The Bucs are 8-6 and still in the thick of the NFC wild card picture. A win here could really boost their odds of making it. It won't be easy on the road in New Orleans, but I have a feeling the Bucs will pull this one out-especially considering they are underdogs. I a gut feeling that the Bucs are going to find their way into the playoffs somehow.

Cincy (+3) over HOUSTON: Bill O'Brien decided to bench the struggling Brock Osweiler last week as the Texans were in danger of losing to the Jaguars at home. In comes Tom Savage and the Texans pulled off the comeback and the 21-20 win. At 8-6, they can still win their division, but it will be interesting to see how Savage responds getting the start on Christmas Eve against the Bengals. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bengals play spoiler here.

Baltimore (+5) over PITTSBURGH: Great game for Christmas Day as the AFC North could possibly be decided between these two bitter rivals. I had the Steelers pegged to win the division from the beginning of the season, so I still think they will get it done, but I just think this spread is way too high. These games are always tough, and I see the Ravens giving the Steelers everything they can handle on Sunday. It feels like a three-point game regardless.

Detroit (+7) over DALLAS: What is the motivation for Dallas considering they have the NFC East and #1 seed in the NFC locked up? The Lions have more to play for at 9-5, and usually the teams that have more to play for to get into the playoffs play harder than the teams that are already in. Look for that to happen on Monday night with the Lions and the Cowboys.

Giants-Eagles TNF Pick

NY Giants (-2.5) over PHILLY

Patriots Put Broncos Away 16-3, Denver Falls to 8-6

The Broncos took on the Patriots in a rematch of the epic 2015 AFC Championship Game on Sunday in the same stadium that the Broncos pulled the upset over New England and sent them on their way to Super Bowl 50 and their third Lombardi Trophy. All the good vibes from that day and that game evaporated about four plays in when Jordan Norwood fumbled a punt and the Pats recovered and took a 3-0 lead. In a game that the Pats never trailed, the Broncos defense was valiant but their offense couldn't move the ball a lick on the Pats, and New England rolled to a 16-3 thumping of the Broncos. Denver falls to 8-6 and on the outside looking in of the playoffs with only two games left. They are also going to need a lot of help to get in. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game....


1) Jordan Norwood's fumbling the first punt return in the game really just set the tone. Norwood struggled with punts in the KC game a few weeks ago, and the Broncos made a roster move to promote Kalif Raymond as their punt returner, but Gary Kubiak decided to deactivate Raymond and elevate Norwood back to the return spot and it backfired. After the defense forced a three and out, Norwood gave the ball right back to the Pats and they converted a field goal and the Broncos were already down 3-0.

2) The other turning point in the first half was Trevor Siemian's pick deep in NE territory early in the second quarter with game tied at 3. The Broncos were moving the ball well and had put together a solid drive and were inside the Pats 20, so they were looking like they were getting at least 3 points, but Siemian threw a terrible pick to Logan Ryan and the Pats scored on the ensuing possession to take 10-3 lead. That pretty much doomed the Broncos right there.

3) Another bad play by Siemian happened late in 2nd quarter. Denver lost six yards on a dump off to Justin Forsett and it took then them out of FG range.

4) The Broncos defense played well early. Tom Brady started the game 0-6 passing. They got some pressure, and there was a big sack by Shane Ray early in the half. It was a bend but don't break mentality in the run game. They were also good on third down. It never looked like Brady was comfortable. Unfortunately, they go no help from the offense at all. It is a shame because the defense played well enough to win and the offense killed them.

5) I actually had no problem with Kubiak not calling timeouts to get ball back with 1:40 left in the 2nd quarter. The Broncos offense was going to be backed up deep in their own end, and the Pats had timeouts and the Broncos were getting the ball to start the half. If the Broncos don't move the ball, then the Pats were going to call their timeouts and get the ball back. They were down 10-3, and there was no reason to risk going down any further. That's how bad it is for our offense at this point.

6) There was a big drop by A.J. Derby early in 3rd quarter to kill a drive and that was about it for the Broncos until the end of the game. Broncos started the second half with these offensive possessions: FIVE straight 3 and outs. Their last two possessions ended in a Demaryius Thomas drop after a big hit to lose the ball on downs and another fumble by Norwood to effectively end the game. Just a terrible job all around by the offense. The Pats were more physical, beat them up, and dominated the game from that perspective. Bill Belichick proved that Trevor Siemian doesn't scare any defense, and the Broncos simply couldn't win at the point of attack against the Pats front seven. It was 16-3 because the defense kept it somewhat manageable and the Pats also realized they didn't have to do much on offense except not take too many chances and grind out the clock. That is all they had to do in this game and it worked.

7) The Broncos fall to 8-6 and now they need major help to get to the playoffs. First, they have to beat KC and Oakland, which will be a very difficult task-especially in Arrowhead on Christmas night. If that happens, then Miami has to lose both their games and they need Baltimore to lose one more game. If Miami splits their last two, then the Broncos need the Ravens to lose one and the Titans to lose one of their last two. Again, this is all provided the Broncos somehow beat the Chiefs on Sunday night. I just don't see how the Broncos can turn this around, and I don't see them getting the breaks that they need to pull this off. There is no way they are going to get this offense going the last two games against the 10-4 Chiefs and the 11-3 Raiders. It is a shame because this team started 4-0, 6-2, and 8-4, and now they are likely to miss the playoffs. It looks pretty bleak right now in Denver and the defending Super Bowl champs look like they will be watching the playoffs at home-something that was not expected about a month ago.

Broncos-Patriots Preview and Week 15 Picks!

I thought early in the year the Broncos had to be at least 9-4 heading into their final three games in order to have a very good shot at making the playoffs. At 8-5, the Broncos are in a battle for that last spot, and they are in basically must-win territory. This week in come the Patriots. Forget about last year's AFC Championship Game. This Denver defense is not the same as the one from last year, and their offense is not the same either. Here is why the Broncos are in trouble this week: First, they can't stop the run and the Pats can run the ball well. Secondly, they have trouble covering backs out of the backfield and the Pats will exploit that-especially with Brandon Marshall out of the game with a hamstring injury. Next, the Broncos will have trouble generating a pass rush because the Pats offensive line is playing very well. On offense, the Broncos can't run the ball on anyone, so I have a hard time thinking that they will be able to do it this week. The Pats defense is playing better each week, and they will get after Trevor Siemian. The Pats also smell blood in the water because a win will give them the AFC East once again, and they want to stick it to the Broncos after losing to them twice in Denver last year. Do you really think Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are going to lose to Denver three straight times?

New England (-3) over DENVER
Final Score: Patriots-30 Broncos-17

Last Week's Record: 9-6-1
Overall Record: 115-79-12
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

NY GIANTS (-3) over Detroit: The injury to Matt Stafford's hand could really hamper him in this huge game on Sunday. The 9-4 Lions and 9-4 Giants are in the thick of the NFC playoff picture, and this game will go along way in determining each team's fate come January. I like the Giants at home because I like how their defense is playing and with Stafford's injury in play, this could be a very tough game for the Lions.

BALTIMORE (-6) over Philly: Even at 7-6, the Ravens have a path to make the playoffs as a wild card. I think they will roll the Eagles at home on Sunday in rout.

CHICAGO (+7) over Green Bay: I fully expect the Packers to win the game, but this game seems like it might be close. The weather is going to be really cold in Chicago for this one, and for some reason I think the Bears keep it tight till the end.

MINNESOTA (-4) over Indy: Andrew Luck is banged up and the 6-7 Colts are almost out of it in the AFC South. I look for the Vikings to get to 8-6 with a pretty convincing win at home.

BUFFALO (-9) over Cleveland: The Bills are 6-7 but you can make a case that they can run the table the last three weeks. I think they will take their frustration out on the lowly Browns this week.

Tennessee (+6) over KANSAS CITY: Make no mistake: The Chiefs will win this game, but I could see this game being close. If the Titans can run the ball, then they can keep this game a lot closer than people think. The Chiefs will pull it out in the 4th quarter, but this game will go back and forth.

HOUSTON (-6) over Jacksonville: Houston can clinch the AFC South with wins in their next weeks and Tennessee losing once. I can't see the Jaguars going into Houston and winning this game. The Texans should win easily and be one step closer to the playoffs.

New Orleans (+3) over ARIZONA: The Cardinals are all but out of the NFC playoff race, and I think they will let down at home this week to the visiting Saints. I think the Saints will finish the season strong and look for them to pull the upset in Arizona on Sunday.

ATLANTA (-13) over San Francisco: Too easy for Atlanta here as the Falcons roll and get to 9-5.

Oakland (-3) over SAN DIEGO: The Chargers are basically done at 5-8 and it looks like they could be headed to LA after the season is over. I wouldn't expect much of a turnout on Sunday in San Diego as the Raiders will get back on track with a crucial win on the road.

Pittsburgh (-3) over CINCY: I think this game will be close, but I can't see the Steelers losing this game-even in Cincinnati. I wonder if the Bengals will be feisty the rest of the year, and I have a feeling that they will put all their chips on the table and play hard against their hated rivals.

Tampa Bay (+7) over DALLAS: I think the Cowboys will win the game, but you have to like the way the Bucs are playing during their five-game winning streak. I think that this game will be close throughout, but the Cowboys will pull the game out late in a thriller.

WASHINGTON (-6) over Carolina: The Redskins are 7-5-1 and right on the cusp of a wild card berth in the NFC. The Panthers are 5-8 and playing out the string on a very disappointing season. The Skins have more to play for and are at home, so I look for a very easy win in DC on Monday Night Football.

Week 15 TNF and Saturday Night Football Picks

Thursday Night Football:
SEATTLE (-14) over Los Angeles

Saturday Night Football:

Miami (-2) over NY JETS

Broncos Rally Late, But Fall To Titans 13-10

The Broncos left Nashville with a very disappointing defeat at the hands of the Tennessee Titans 13-10. The Broncos trailed 13-0 at halftime, and rallied in the 4th quarter to get within three, but a late A.J. Derby fumble at the Broncos 40 yard line with under a minute to go sealed their fate. It was a bitter loss that dropped the Broncos to 8-5, and they are now in a mad scramble to try to make the playoffs with a schedule that finishes with the Patriots, Chiefs and Raiders. Here are my observations and thoughts about the game....

1) The game started exactly the way we didn't want it start. We go three and out on a terrible whiff of a block by Devontae Booker that gets Trevor Siemian sacked, and the Titans methodically march down the field and punch it in with Demarco Murray to take a 7-0 lead. After a Justin Forsett fumble, the Titans drive down and get a field goal to make it 10-0. They were controlling the ball on the ground with Murray and Marcus Mariota and making a couple plays in the air. The next thing you know we are in trouble and down 10.

2) We just can't run the ball, and if the running game isn't working in this offense, then everything else is screwed. We can get a first down on any short yardage situations and it hurt us once again early in the game on Sunday. Devontae Booker just can't break a tackle.

3) A key sequence in the first half was when the Broncos punted the Titans down at their own three yard line, but the Titans drove the length of the field a got a field goal right before the half. I thought that drive was more about the stamina of the Broncos defense and how gassed they were than anything else. It was a big three points and ended up being a big drive right before the half.

4) During that drive, Titans WR Harry Douglas went low and took out Chris Harris near the end of a running play that was away from the ball. It was a dirty, cheap hit, and Harris was out for a few plays but came back in the game later. On the next play, Aqib Talib and went after Douglas and basically manhandled him on the sideline and even though he got a 15 yard penalty, it was a bit of retaliation that Douglas deserved. I actually applaud Talib for this revenge tactic.

5) After being down 13-0 at the half, the Broncos defense settled in and played very well the rest of the way. They shut down Mariota completely and didn't give Murray much running room as well. The Broncos got key stops during the entire second half and got off the field when they needed to.

6) The Broncos offense finally came alive in the second half as well. This loss wasn't on Trevor Siemian at all. He nearly brought the Broncos all the way back. The series that was a killer was the series after Denver perfectly executed a fake punt from Riley Dixon to Cody Latimer for a first down. The Broncos drove all the way inside the 10 but couldn't finish off the drive with a touchdown as Siemian's 4th down pass was incomplete in the end zone. The Broncos scored a touchdown on their next drive on a Siemian to Emmanuel Sanders TD pass and then got a field goal on the next drive to  pull within three. Siemian finished 35-51 for 334 yards and 1 TD. Sanders had 11 receptions for 100 yards and Demaryius Thomas had 10 receptions for 126 yards. The problem is that the Broncos really don't want Siemian throwing 51 times in a game. That's just not going to work on the road.

7) A.J. Derby has been a nice find at TE since we traded for him in October, and his fumble late in the game with under a minute to go was a killer, but he has been a nice surprise for us this year. I fell bad for him because I really like him as a player and he has been good for us.

8) At 13-7, Bennie Fowler dropped a sure TD pass on a back shoulder throw by Siemian. It would have made it 14-13, but Fowler, who usually is very reliable, dropped the pass and the Broncos had to settle for a field goal. That might have been the play of the game right there.

9) The Broncos have now backed themselves into a corner to make the playoffs. They have to deal with NE at home, at KC on Christmas night, and host Oakland. They need Dolphins to start losing some games as well because they are tied at 8-5, and they need the Ravens or the Steelers to start losing as well. The Broncos have by far the hardest schedule remaining of all the AFC playoff contenders, so it will be very hard to see Denver winning two of these last three games. You never know what could happen and the Broncos are home for two of those games, but this will be about as difficult of a task that you could think of for this team to make it. Let's keep the faith and hope they defy the odds with these last three games. Go Broncos!

Broncos-Titans Preview and Week 14 Picks!!!!

The Broncos head to Tennessee this weekend to take on the Titans. To understand the importance of this game, analytical websites have tabbed this game as the most important game of the week in the NFL-playoff wise. The Broncos are 8-4 and their last three games feature the Pats at home, at KC, and home against the Raiders. That is about as tough as it gets for the final three games of the year. The Titans are 6-6 and in a three-way tie for the lead in the AFC South. It is pretty safe to say that this is big game. If you have watched the Titans, you have to be impressed by the way they are playing this year. What scares you about this game is the fact that Demarco Murray is having a big season, and the Broncos biggest weakness on defense is the fact that they struggle to stop the run. You could envision Murray going off on this Denver front. Plus, LB Brandon Marshall is out, and that won't help. Marcus Mariota has played very well the last month or so, and his mobility and play-making could give the Broncos fits as well. Denver also is making a second road trip in two weeks and playing in their second straight early game on Sunday. They also played 81 snaps on defense last week at Jacksonville after playing a physical overtime game the week before against the Chiefs. This will be a very difficult game for Denver to win and Trevor Siemian's status is still up in the air. I just think that the Broncos are running into a tough situation, and it will be a gut check for them to pull this one out. I'm struggling to find confidence in this particular spot.

TENNESSEE (-1) over Denver
Final Score: Titans-27 Broncos-17

Now, onto the picks for Week 14..........

Last Week's Record: 10-5
Overall Record: 106-73-11
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

San Diego (+2) over CAROLINA: The Panthers season is done at 4-8, and the Chargers are on full life support at 5-7. Look for SD to take down the Panthers and continue Carolina's nightmare season.

Houston (+6.5) over INDY: Both teams are 6-6 and this is a huge game in the AFC South. Everyone is now back on the Colts bandwagon but they buried a Jets team on Monday night that simply quit. Houston has lost three in a row, but I have a hunch they stop the bleeding here and get a huge road win.

CLEVELAND (+6) over Cincy: This might be the only chance the Browns have to win a game this season. RG III is actually back and starting, which might hurt their chances. I'll go with the Browns to win outright and get their first win of the year.

BUFFALO (+3) over Pittsburgh: Very interesting game in the AFC. Buffalo is 6-6 after blowing a big lead at Oakland last week. They are still in the hunt in the wildcard race, and their schedule is favorable. The Steelers are 7-5 and have won three in a row. This game could go either way, and I have a feeling the Bills will pull the upset at home.

MIAMI (+2) over Arizona: I am surprised that the Dolphins are underdogs at home to the Cardinals. Arizona is 5-6-1 and they have struggled all year long. The Dolphins are 7-5 coming off a blowout loss to the Ravens last week. I think this will be a close game, but I see the Fish winning and getting to 8-5.

DETROIT (-7) over Chicago: I like the Lions chances to win the NFC North. At 8-4, they are two games up on the Packers and Vikings. There is some mojo going with the Lions at this point, and Matt Stafford is a legitimate MVP candidate. I think this is an easy win for the Lions at home over the 3-9 Bears.

Minnesota (-3) over JACKSONVILLE: The Vikings are 6-6, and it looks like they are going to miss the playoffs after starting 5-0. I would suspect that they will be able to find a way to win in Jacksonville where Gus Bradley is obviously on his way out and the 2-10 Jags are playing out the string.

TAMPA BAY (-2) over New Orleans: You have to like what you see out of the Bucs lately. At 7-5, they are in the thick of NFC South race and a possible wild card as well. This won't be easy, but I could see Jameis Winston having a big day against the Saints defense, and Tampa Bay pulling it out late at home.

Washington (-1) over PHILLY: The Redskins have lost two straight and come in at 6-5-1. The Eagles have lost three in a row and are now 5-7. I would expect a back and forth game, but I still think the Redskins have the inside track to grab one of those two wild card spots in the NFC, so I think they will get back on track with a win in Philly.

NY Jets (+2) over SAN FRANCISCO: The Jets are 3-9 and the 49ers are 1-11. No one cares about this game.

GREEN BAY (+3) over Seattle: It looks like snow will be a factor in this game at Lambeau on Sunday in the late window. The Packers have won two in a row and now stand at 6-6. They could still get a wild card. Seattle looks like it is destined for the #2 seed. I think Seattle will move the ball effectively on the Packers, but I think Green Bay will win based on the homefield, the snow, and they are more desperate.

Atlanta (-6) over LOS ANGELES: The Rams are joke and at 4-8 they are headed for a very disappointing season. You can't make up some of the stuff that Jeff Fisher has done lately-including not being able to find his challenge flag last week during the game. This has an Atlanta rout written all over it, and the Falcons have a very favorable schedule down the stretch. Look for Atlanta to get to 8-5.

Dallas (-3) over NY GIANTS: Huge game on Sunday Night Football from the Meadowlands. The Cowboys are 11-1 and looking to wrap up the NFC East, while the G-Men are 8-4 after a bad loss at Pittsburgh last week. It's a tough one to call because I can see the Giants going all out and beating the Cowboys-especially since they are the only team to beat them this year, but there is something that tells me the Cowboys will play one of their best games of the year and knock off the Giants in Jersey.

Baltimore (+7) over NEW ENGLAND: Great game on Monday Night Football. The 7-5 Ravens come in off a beatdown of Miami last week, and the Patriots are 10-2 and looking for that 1 seed in the AFC. We all know that Baltimore doesn't fear the Pats, and they have no problem going into New England and getting a win. This will be a close game throughout, and I am not 100% sure that the Ravens are going to win, but it will be a nailbiter that will come down to the last few minutes.

Raiders-Chiefs TNF Pick!!!

Oakland (+4) over KANSAS CITY

Broncos Shut Down Jaguars 20-10, Improve to 8-4

The Broncos had one goal in mind when they headed to Jacksonville on Sunday: Get a win by any means necessary. Well, the Broncos did just that and their defense stepped up and suffocated the Jaguars 20-10 in Jacksonville on Sunday. The Broncos rebounded after their tough loss to KC the week before, and they had to get a win in Jacksonville with Paxton Lynch starting in place of the injured Trevor Siemian. It wasn't pretty at times-especially on offense- but the Broncos defense was able to impose their will, get a pick-six by Bradley Roby, and put the game away with Von Miller making his impact in a game-changing play. This won't go down as an instant classic for the Broncos, but it was effective enough and the Broncos won a game that they had to win and they should win. It was a good day for the Broncos and they have now positioned themselves to make a run for a playoff spot in the AFC. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game.....

1) Let's start with the defense. They completely dominated the game and the Jaguars offense. Blake Bortles was no threat at all to this Broncos defense. Denver was able to shut down any threat the Jaguars had. Chris Harris had a key interception in Denver territory in the second quarter, and Bradley Roby had a pick-six in the third quarter to make 17-3, and from that point the game was really in Denver's control. I know they gave up a shit drive to the Jags and Bortles scrambled in for a touchdown to cut it to 17-10. Denver's defense also got two big stops the last two drives of the game. Von Miller pushed the offensive tackle back into Blake Bortles, who fumbled the ball, and Shane Ray recovered to give the Broncos the ball with only 1:37 to go in the game. The turnover gave the Broncos the ball in Jax territory and a field goal a few plays later iced the game. The Broncos defense pitched an "A" game, and they are tough to beat when they do that.

2) The offense really struggled under Paxton Lynch. Lynch had trouble with accuracy all game long. He made some really bad throws to an open Demaryius Thomas on a deep route, and Emmanuel Sanders on a post route. Both plays could have been touchdowns, but Lynch's throws were so underthrown that they both fell incomplete. He also missed open receivers underneath and on short throws as well. It was not a good day for Lynch, and I am worried about his accuracy going forward. I'm not calling him a bust or anything like that, but he is not the answer at this point in this season. Clearly, if Trevor Siemian is healthy, he has to start the rest of the year. Lynch needs to continue his "redshirt" season this year.

3) The special teams was better this week. Riley Dixon did a nice job punting and keep the field position game in favor of the Broncos for a majority of the day.

4) The Broncos again struggled to run the ball, but Kapri Bibbs provided a spark on the Broncos lone touchdown drive in the second quarter. After Bibbs broke two good runs, the Broncos punched it in when Devontae Booker barreled in to make it 7-3 Denver on a play where he actually broke a tackle to get into the endzone.

5) The sneaky big sequence of the game was when the Broncos got the ball back right before the half and they benefitted from a late hit on the sideline for an extra 15 yards. The Broncos moved the ball enough to get a field goal and make it 10-3. That was a very interesting sequence.

6) The Broncos won a game in which their offense punted 11 times, went three and out eight times, and mustered only 206 yards on only 54 total plays. Their defense was also on the field for 81 plays. Talk about putting it on your defense.

7) The Broncos did what they had to do and went into Jacksonville and won the game. After going into overtime with KC on Sunday night, then flying across the country to take on the Jags in the early window. The Broncos got the win, but will now have to go on the road to Tennessee to take on the 6-6 Titans next week as we hit the final four games of the season. Lets Go Broncos!!1

Broncos-Jags Preview and Week 13 Picks!!!

The Broncos are coming off a brutal 30-27 overtime loss at home to the Chiefs last Sunday night. How much are they going to have in the tank when they head to Jacksonville to take on the 2-9 Jaguars on Sunday. It is a must win game for the 7-4 Broncos who are now on the outside of the AFC playoff picture. To make matters worse for Denver, QB Trevor Siemian, coming off the best game of his career, looks like he won't play with a foot injury. He has been in a boot all week long. If he can't go, then rookie Paxton Lynch will get the start. Lynch struggled in his lone start in Week 5 against the Falcons. This is a tough spot for Lynch, who has to go on the road in a very important game. I know the Jags don't exactly have the greatest homefield advantage, but this will be a challenge for the Broncos young QB. Denver struggles to run the ball, so a lot will come down on Lynch. It just seems like a very difficult situation for him in this spot. I just have a bad feeling about this game. A lot of people are going to pick the Broncos, and I like our defense going up against Blake Bortles, but I just don't have a good feeling. Something tells me that this will be a very frustrating afternoon.

JACKSONVILLE (+3.5) over Denver
Final Score: Jaguars-20 Broncos-16

Last Week's Record: 11-3-2
Overall Record: 96-68-11
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Kansas City (+4.5) over ATLANTA: You have to be impressed with the way the Chiefs went into Denver and won that game last week. Alex Smith going down the field on the Denver defense to tie the game was surprising to say the least. I think the Chiefs have the inside track at winning the AFC West. The Falcons at 7-4 will be a difficult test and this is one of the games of the day, but I like KC to get the win on the road. Their offense will do enough to put points on the board against that Atlanta defense.

GREEN BAY (-6) over Houston: The way the Packers won on Monday night was the way they will have to win the rest of the year in order to have a chance to win their division: Aaron Rodgers has to be lights out. At 5-6, they are not dead yet, and I am nervous about taking them and giving six points, but how can you trust the Texans at this point? Brock Osweiler is struggling, and this game might be a tall order for them. I'll take the Packer at home to get to 6-6.

CINCY (-1) over Philly: At 3-7-1, the Bengals are done this year, but I think they probably have one or two more wins left in them. At 5-6, the Eagles have lost two in a row, and you can see that Carson Wentz is struggling more and more. I think the Bengals are due for a win and this week they put the Eagles playoff hopes on life support.

Detroit (+6) over NEW ORLEANS: At 7-4, the Lions are leading the NFC North and have a very good chance to win the division. Every game they play is close, and I just don't think that the Saints should be six point favorites over the Lions-even at home. The Saints are playing better and at 5-6, they are in the hunt for a surprise wild card berth. Drew Brees is playing lights out, but this one could be trouble for them. I think this game is a toss up.

San Francisco (+1) over CHICAGO: The 1-10 Niners are going up against the 2-9 Bears. This isn't exactly the game of the week in the NFL. I'll take the Niners over the beat up Bears in Chicago. By the way, how is the John Fox era working out in Chicago?

NEW ENGLAND (-12) over Los Angeles: The Pats are 9-2, but they suffered a big loss with Rob Gronkowski going out for at least eight weeks with a back injury. Luckily, they get the pitiful 4-7 Rams coming across the country and into Foxboro for an early start. How about Jeff Fisher talking about how Danny Woodhead is so dangerous for the Pats? Too bad Woodhead is on IR and on the SAN DIEGO CHARGERS!!!! The Pats will roll and get to 10-2.

BALTIMORE (-3) over Miami: This is one of the best games of the day as the 6-5 Ravens are hosting the 7-4 Dolphins. The Fish have won six in a row and are in contention for a wild card spot. The Ravens are currently leading the AFC North. This game has huge ramifications in the AFC. It should be a good one, but I'll side with the Ravens defense to shut down Jay Ajayi and Ryan Tannehill at home.

OAKLAND (-3) over Buffalo: The Raiders are rolling at 9-2 and people are actually talking Super Bowl with them. I'm not sold on them yet, but they are definitely going to make the playoffs. They play host to the 6-5 Bills in the Black Hole on Sunday, and I could see the Bills giving them some trouble with the way the Bills offense can operate. Ultimately, I think the Raiders will do enough to pull this game out to get to 10-2.

SAN DIEGO (-2) over Tampa Bay: Another good late game on Sunday in San Diego. The Chargers are 5-6 and can you imagine if they didn't blow so many games early in the year? The Bucs come in red-hot at 6-5, and they are also thinking about a path to get into the playoffs or even win the NFC South. I think this game could go either way, but I think the Chargers will find a way to get to 6-6 with a big home win.

Washington (+3) over ARIZONA: The Cardinals are pretty much done at 4-6-1, and their season is dangling by a thread. The Redskins are 6-4-1 and coming off a tough loss at Dallas on Thanksgiving. I like how the Skins are playing, and I think they are one of the most complete teams in the NFC. Look for Kirk Cousins to go into Arizona and get the win.

NY GIANTS (+6) over PITTSBURGH: This is a classic matchup featuring the 6-5 Steelers and the 8-3 Giants in Pitt on Sunday in the late afternoon window. I think the Steelers will win this game, but I think it will be close throughout. Look for Big Ben and Antonio Brown to put a drive together late to pull the game out, but this game will be back and forth all day.

SEATTLE (-6) over Carolina: The Panthers lost a heartbreaker last week in Oakland. At 4-7, their season is effectively over, and how much fight do they have left in them? The Seahawks struggled mightily last week in the loss at Tampa Bay, but they are still in line to win the NFC West easily and a first round bye. Look for a bounce back win for the Seahawks at home on SNF.

Indy (-1) over NY JETS: How bad is this game for Monday Night Football? You could see a path that the Colts could potentially win the AFC South, and at 5-6 they are still alive, so this game is very important for the Colts? The question I have for the Jets is how hard are they going to play the rest of the year as they play out the string?

Week 13 TNF Pick

MINNESOTA (+3) over Dallas

Broncos Lose OT Thriller to Chiefs 30-27, Fall to 7-4

The Broncos and Chiefs battled on Sunday night in Denver in a crucial AFC West showdown in a game that was flexed into the primetime spot because of the enormity of the game featuring two 7-3 teams. The matchup didn't disappoint as the Chiefs outlasted the Broncos 30-27 in overtime on a game-winning 34 yard field goal as time expired in the extra session to give the Chiefs the win. It was about as brutal of a loss the Broncos had suffered in the past few years. They had battled back to take a 17-16 lead in the 4th quarter, and they extended their lead to 24-16 with about three minutes to go. At this point, you would expect the Broncos defense to put the game away like they have so many times, but Alex Smith had other ideas. The Chiefs drove 13 plays and 75 yards for a Smith to Tyreek Hill touchdown, and then Smith connected on the two-point conversion to tie the game at 24 with only seconds left. In overtime, the Broncos got the ball first and could only muster a field goal to take the lead at 27-24, but once again the Chiefs rallied against the Broncos defense and got a field goal to tie the game at 27 in the extra period. The Broncos next drive stalled at the KC 45, and they attempted a 62 yard field goal by Brandon McManus, but the kick was wide left and KC took over at the Denver 48. With the short field position, the Chiefs took advantage and moved the ball in position for Santos who hit the 34 yarder after it deflected in off the upright. Just like that the game was over, and the Broncos were on the losing end of a heartbreaker and they were left wondering how this game slipped away so dramatically at the end. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game....


1) When our defense takes the field and they are up 8 points with three minutes to go, and the Chiefs have to go 75 yards with Alex Smith, then you would expect the Broncos defense to make a play and end the game like they always do. Unfortunately, the defense didn't close the deal,and the Chiefs somehow pulled it off. It was shocking that it happened. To make matters worse, the Chiefs converted a 4th and 10 with 19 seconds left at the Denver 14, and they converted the next play for a touchdown. Just a shocking turn of events there. Plus, the Broncos also gave up two field goal drives in overtime. The defense needs to take some of the blame here because they could stopped the Chiefs when it mattered, and they didn't.

2) The special teams were an absolute disaster and it cost the Broncos the game. Here are the mistakes that the Broncos made during the game: A muffed punt by Jordan Norwood that he had to recover at the Broncos 5 yard line, which eventually set up the safety that gave the Chiefs the early2-0 lead. Tyreek Hill taking the ensuing free kick for a TD to make it 9-0. An illegal formation on the field goal which gave KC the first down and instead of a 12-10 lead the Chiefs scored a TD to make it 16-10. Norwood fumbling another punt, which cost the Broncos critical field position and some time off the clock. They also had three critical holding calls on punts which cost them valuable yardage. There was even a spotty coverage on the kick at 27-24 in OT that gave the Chiefs the ball past the 35 yard line on the drive they scored to tie it at 27. It was about as bad of a game you scan have on special teams and it cost the Broncos the game. Just bad football from that unit.

3) This was by far Trevor Siemian's best game of his career. He was sensational-especially in the second half. He finished 20-34 for 368 yards and 3 TDs and 0 INT. He made three big-time throws. One to Emmanuel Sanders down the sideline in the 4th quarter and then another one to Sanders down the middle for a 35 yard TD throw to make it 17-16.  He also made a great throw to Bennie Fowler for a 76 yard touchdown to make it 24-16 with three minutes to go in the game. His most impressive play came when he scrambled around, avoided a Justin Houston sack, rolled to his right and made a great TD throw to Jordan Taylor. Siemian played the game of his life, and was very impressive against the Chiefs pressure packages, but it was wasted in the loss.

4) Von Miller was great again with 3 sacks. He was all over the field and dominated in the run game and covering down the field. He now leads the NFL with 12.5 sacks.

5) This was a hard-hitting, playoff type game and atmosphere on Sunday Night Football. It was a classic game in every way. There were great hits, strategy and huge decisions, and big-time plays both on offense and defense. It sucks that the Broncos were on the losing end of the game, but it was an instant classic. It reminded me of the classic Joe Montana-John Elway duel on Monday Night Football back in 1994 when KC rallied to win it late. This game also reminded me of some of those heartbreaking losses the Broncos had like this in the Mike Shanahan era from 2002-2008.

6) Gary Kubiak's decision to go for the 62 yard field goal in OT is getting all the press after the game. I can't kill him on that decision. It is a no-win decision and tough one to make on the spot. Yes, if he punts the ball with 1:00 minute to go, then the Broncos probably end up with the tie. I understand that he going for the win there, and even though it is a very long shot that McManus will make that kick, I get why he tried it. He was basically screwed either way, and unless McManus makes that kick, Kubes will be criticized by everyone after the fact. The fact is that it never should have come down to that. The Broncos had plenty of chances on both sides to put the game away earlier.

7) It was a very tough loss to a very good opponent at home. There are no good losses in the NFL. This one is going to sting, but the Broncos have a lot of football left to play and there are five games left to make the playoffs. It starts next week at Jacksonville. Go down there and get the win over a team that is 2-9. No excuses. Get the win and get on that plane with an 8-4 record.

Broncos-Chiefs Preview and Week 12 Picks!

The Broncos return from their bye week at 7-3 and host the 7-3 Kansas City Chiefs in a huge AFC West showdown on Sunday Night Football on NBC. Every week from here on out will be very important, but this one will be extremely vital for the Broncos if they are going to make their playoff run down the stretch. This is the first of two games against the Chiefs, and the other one will come in Week 16 on Christmas night in Arrowhead Stadium. The Broncos need to win this game and the next two at Jacksonville and at Tennessee to get to 10-3 because their final three games are very tough (NE at home, at KC, and Oak at home). The Broncos are getting some key players back from injury for the game against the Chiefs. Aqib Talib will be returning from a back injury and Derek Wolfe will be back from an elbow injury. If the Broncos are healthy on defense, then they will have a very good chance to beat the Chiefs. On the flip side, the Broncos offense will struggle to move the ball on the Chiefs defense. KC is getting Justin Houston back up to speed on the edge, and I think it will be a difficult matchup for Denver in that area. This game will be close, and don't be fooled by the Chiefs loss at home on Sunday to the Bucs. Both teams are evenly matched, and it will come down to which team makes the least amount of mistakes and which team can move the ball enough on offense to win the game. I am worried that the Chiefs will be able to do a little bit more than the Broncos and that could be enough for KC to win this game.

Kansas City (+3.5) over DENVER
Final Score: Chiefs-20 Broncos-14

Now, onto the rest of the picks for Week 12......

Last Week's Record: 10-4
Thanksgiving Record: 3-0

Overall Record: 88-65-9
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

HOUSTON (+2) over San Diego: The Texans suffered a tough loss in Mexico City to the Raiders on Monday night, and now they head back home to take on the 4-6 Chargers. A lot of people think that the Chargers could win this game, and they are actually favored, but I think the Texans will be too much for them. Expect a close game, but look for the Texans to come out on top.

Tennessee (-4) over CHICAGO: The Bears are a mess at 2-8, and the injuries have really started to pile up. Jay Cutler is out and Matt Barkley gets the start. The Titans are 5-6 and lost a tough one at Indy last week, but they are still in the race in the AFC South, and they will take of business and get the win over the Bears on the road.

BUFFALO (-7) over Jacksonville: The Jags are also 2-8, and they are playing for jobs and Head Coach Gus Bradley is likely coming to the end of his tenure in Jacksonville. The Bills are 5-5 and in the mix in the AFC Wild Card picture. They will be too much for the Jags in Buffalo on Sunday, and they will get to 6-5.

BALTIMORE (-4) over Cincy: The Bengals have fallen apart and now are 3-6-1. Their season is coming undone, and the Ravens at 5-5 are fighting for the AFC North crown. The Ravens won't screw this up and they will put the Bengals out of their misery.

Arizona (+4) over ATLANTA: The Falcons will win this game to get to 7-4, but this game seems like it will be closer than people expect. This could be the best game of the early ones on Sunday.

MIAMI (-7) over San Francisco: Give the Dolphins credit. They did nothing on offense in LA on Sunday and were down 10-0 in the 4th quarter. They scored two touchdowns late and won the game 14-10. It was a huge win and now they are 6-4 with a four-game winning streak. They get a break here with the 1-9 49ers coming into South Florida. The Dolphins have things rolling at this point and that will continue with a win this Sunday over lowly San Fran.

NEW ORLEANS (-7) over Los Angeles: The Jared Goff era had a rough start last week in the loss to the Dolphins. At 4-6, the Rams are still competing for a playoff spot, but we all know that they are going to make it in this year. The Saints are 4-6 and coming off that brutal loss to Denver at home two weeks ago. I know the Rams defense is good, but they won't be able to hold off the Saints. New Orleans gets to 5-6 and keeps their slim playoff hopes alive.

NY Giants (-7) over CLEVELAND: The Giants might be the most flawed 7-3 team in recent history, but they are winning and that is all that matters. They won't falter this week in Cleveland when they take on the 0-11 Browns. Could the G-Men blow this game? In the past, I could see it happening, but the Giants are winning close games and they are winning the games they need to win this year and this week will be no different.

TAMPA BAY (+6) over Seattle: This is a sneaky good game in the late window on Sunday. The Bucs are 5-5 after a big win in KC last week, and the Seahawks are rolling at 7-2-1 and have established themselves as the favorites in the NFC. Seattle will win the game, but I could see this game being close in the 4th quarter.

Carolina (+4) over OAKLAND: The Panthers are 4-6 and their playoff hopes are on life support. The Raiders won a huge game over the Texans on MNF, and at 8-2 they are having their best season since 2002. This could be a game that the Raiders could lose, and I think the fatigue will be a factor from playing in high altitude in Mexico City last week. The Panthers will be a tough out and the Raiders will win, but it could be a lot closer than expected.

New England (-8) over NY JETS: At 3-7, the Jets are having a disastrous season and instead of going with Bryce Petty at QB, they are going back to Ryan Fitzpatrick. That move has sent the Jets fan base into a frenzy. To make matters worse, the 8-2 Pats come into MetLife Stadium on Sunday. The Pats will love nothing more than to pound the Jets and put them away, and I think that is what will happen this week.

Green Bay (+4) over PHILLY: I know I have been waiting for the Packers to break out of their slump, and each week the Packers haven't been able to do it. At 4-6, they need a win or their season could be over with a loss on Monday Night Football at Philly. The Eagles come in at 5-5, but they still have a chance to get into the playoffs. I would think that the Eagles will win this game at home, but I have to think at some point the Packers will play better and win a game they shouldn't. Could the Packers really fall to 4-7? It very well could happen but I'll take them one more time to break out.

NFL Thanksgiving Day Picks

Last Week's Record: 10-4

Overall Record: 85-65-9
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

The NFL has cooked up a really solid triple-header for Thanksgiving day and night. All three games feature teams that are at or above .500, and each game has a significant impact in the playoff race. It starts in Detroit in what is being called the biggest Thanksgiving game in Lions history! The late afternoon game features a classic NFC East showdown between the 6-3-1 Redskins and the 9-1 Cowboys. The nightcap is a huge game in the AFC wildcard race with both the Steelers and Colts battling with 5-5 records. Here are my picks for this year's Thanksgiving feast of NFL action....

DETROIT (-2) over Minnesota: Crucial game for both teams as they come into the game at 6-4. It should go a long way in determining who might win the NFC North, and this should be an interesting game since they played a wild overtime game in Minnesota less than a month ago. I like the Lions at home in a close game.

Washington (+7) over DALLAS: The 9-1 Cowboys continue to roll, and they look like they are headed for at least a top 2 seed in the NFC and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Before they get there, they have to deal with the NFC East and the surging Redskins. Washington comes in a 6-3-1 after dispatching the Packers at home on SNF, but now they have a short week and a tough assignment heading to Dallas. I give them a puncher's chance here to pull the upset.

Pittsburgh (-7) over INDY: The allure was taken off this game with the fact that Andrew Luck will not play due to a concussion. The Steelers catch a break there, and I'm sure they won't make it easy, but it will be hard to trust QB Scott Tolzien as Luck's replacement. The Steelers will roll and get to 6-5. 

Week 11 Quick Picks

Last Week's Record:6-7-1
Overall Record: 75-61-9
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Tennessee (+3) over INDY
DETROIT (-6) over Jacksonville
Tampa Bay (+7) over KANSAS CITY
NY GIANTS (-7) over Chicago
MINNESOTA (-2) over Arizona
Buffalo (+3) over CINCY
Baltimore (+7) over DALLAS
Pittsburgh (-8) over CLEVELAND
Miami (-1) over LOS ANGELES
New England (-11) over SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE (-6) over Philly
Green Bay (+3) over WASHINGTON
Oakland (-6) over Houston (In Mexico City) 

Week 11 TNF Pick!

New Orleans (+4) over CAROLINA 

Broncos Return Blocked PAT, Stun Saints 25-23 in Thrilling Fashion

The Broncos needed a big win on Sunday over the Saints in New Orleans to get to 7-3 headed into their bye week. They took a 10-0 lead early, lost the lead at 17-10, regained the lead at 20-17 and then watched as Drew Brees threw what looked like the a potentially game winning TD with under two minutes to go, and then in the most improbable ending Justin Simmons leaped over the line, blocked the PAT, and Will Parks picked it up and returned it all the way for the two-point play to give Denver the 25-23 victory in an absolute stunner. The Broncos got the win they needed and now they will head to the bye week with a chance to get healthy and give this team much needed rest heading into the final six weeks of the season. Here are my thoughts and observations on the wild game in the Bayou....

1) The game started exactly the way you need a game to start on the road. The Broncos forced a punt early, then they came down the field easily and Trevor Siemian hit Jordan Taylor on a really nice touchdown pass on a go route to give Denver a 7-0 lead. Then, they got a interception by Darian Stewart on Brees, and they were able to add to the lead with a Brandon McManus field goal to make it 10-0. Stewart also added another interception off of Brees on a great play by Bradley Roby to deflect it. That is about as good of a start that you can get on the road.

2) The turning point in the first half was when Siemian got picked off right before the half with the Broncos driving. It was a bad read by Siemian, and the Saints made them pay by getting a field goal to make it 10-3 right at the end of the half. That was a huge play at that point.

3) After the a Denver punt to start the second half, which featured the Broncos not able to gain a yard for a first down from midfield, the Saints easily marched 90 yards to get an easy TD from Brees to Willie Snead from three yards out to tie it at 10. After another bad interception by Siemian, the Saints came right down the field and Brees hit Snead again for another easy touchdown to make it 17-10. At that point, as a Broncos fan, you felt that this game was going to be over and the Broncos were going to blow this game after dominating most of the first half.

4) Everytime you think that Siemian has lost it or will possibly gets benched, he comes back and make plays that are really good. You just can't figure it out. On the next drive, he stands in and makes some big throws to drive the Broncos into field goal range, but Brandon McManus missed a 42 yarder early in the 4th quarter to keep the score at 17-10.

5) The next big turning point in the game happened when Roby punched the ball out of Michael Thomas' hands and Stewart caught the fumble in mid-air, and returned it to the New Orleans to the Saints 27. Seven plays later, Siemian hit Demaryius Thomas on a 2 yard TD pass on a fade to tie it up at 17. That was the first play that saved the Broncos on this day.

6) After the Broncos defense forced a three and out with the help of a third down sack by Shaq Barrett, the Broncos got the ball back at the 47 after a really good punt return by Jordan Norwood, and they benefitted from a 15 yard late hit by Kenny Vaccaro and the Broncos were moving once again. The Broncos had to settle for a 28 yard field goal to give them the 20-17 lead. The next series was critical as well because on 2nd down, Michael Thomas got crushed by Jared Crick and fumbled and it was recovered by T.J. Ward at the Saints 20. With a chance to put the game away for good, the Broncos couldn't do it. They ran the ball twice for little yardage, and the Saints used both their timeouts. The Broncos threw on 3rd down, which I didn't disagree with, but the play was a bad one, and Siemian air-mailed it over Emmanuel Sanders head and it was incomplete. The Broncos settled for a field goal and a 23-17 lead, but Brees was getting the ball back with 2:50 left and down six. You knew that Brees was going to be tough to stop on that last drive.

7) Brees made two great throws on that drive. The first one was a sweet pass down the sideline to Brandin Cooks for a gain of 29 to the Broncos 46. Brees then hit Cooks again on a beautiful 32 yard TD pass on a post route in between two Broncos defenders to tie the game at 23. It was a perfect pass against pretty good coverage. At that point, all the Saints needed was the extra point to take the 24-23 lead with only 1:22 to go in the game. I don't think that Siemian would have been able to bring the Broncos down the field for the game-winning score, and I was thinking about how brutal of a loss this was going to be heading into the bye week.

8) On the extra point, the Broncos special teams came up with one of the plays of the year. Justin Simmons jumped over the center, it was legal by the way, and blocked the kick, and Will Parks picked it up and raced the distance down the sideline for the two point score and a 25-23 lead. It was an amazing play by Simmons, and a great return by Parks, eventhough it looked like he might have stepped out of bounds. It was reviewed but the view was inconclusive and the score stood. It was the first time that kind of play decided the outcome of a NFL game, and it was one of the most exciting finishes I've seen as a Broncos fan. If Denver makes the playoffs, this is the play that will be talked about as the one that saved the season.

9) After recovering the onside kick, the Broncos knelt down and the game was over. Denver escaped with a 25-23 win and got to 7-3 when it looked like they were going to blow this game in brutal fashion. Now, they can get a much needed bye next week and can rest up and get guys like Aqib Talib and Derek Wolfe healthy for the stretch run.

10) If you are looking to give out game balls, then give them to Darian Stewart, the Broncos run defense, Demaryius Thomas, Will Parks, Justin Simmons, and Siemian. Thomas had his best game of the year, and made big catches all day. Siemian hung in there, took a pounding, got sacked six times, and still made some big throws to rally his team. That was a gutsy performance for him, and you have to give him credit for battling back after throwing those two killer interceptions. The Broncos really dominated most of the game, but the Saints and Brees kept hanging around, and it looked like the Broncos were going to lose this one in brutal fashion, but they found a way to pull it out thanks to rookies Simmons and Parks.

11) At 7-3, the Broncos will return from the bye and host the Chiefs on November 27th in a game that was flexed into the Sunday night game on NBC. The Chiefs also won in Carolina on Sunday and they are 7-2, so this will be a very important game coming up. It was a memorable win for the Broncos and we can enjoy the bye week and get ready for the last six weeks of what will basically be playoff games every week. Go Broncos!

Broncos-Saints Preview and Week 10 Picks

The Broncos at 6-3 head to New Orleans to take on the 4-4 Saints on Sunday in what will be a pivotal game for Denver. After a butt-whipping at the hands of the Raiders last Sunday night, the Broncos are looking to get back on track with a win as they head into their bye week next week. Why is this a very troubling game to me? First, the Broncos are pretty banged up right now. Aqib Talib is still out with a back injury, Derek Wolfe might be out for a month with an elbow injury, Kayvon Webster is nursing a sore hamstring, Andy Janovich is banged up with a hand injury, and C.J. Anderson is still out indefinitely. The Broncos can't stop the run on defense right now, and they can't run the ball at all on offense. They have a shaky QB in Trevor Siemian, and the offense constantly starts slow and puts the defense in a bad spot to start the game. The Saints offense is explosive and Drew Brees will be a test for the beat up Broncos defense. I don't like that the Saints signed Shiloh Keo and TE John Phillips this week after they were released by the Broncos a few weeks ago. This happens all the time in the league, but this really scares me this week. Also, the Broncos played a road game Sunday night in Oakland, and now have to go back on the road for a game that starts at 12:00pm local time in New Orleans. This has all the makings of a very long day for the Broncos, and I think they will have a very hard time slowing down Drew Brees and the Saints offense. I'm not confident going into this one.

NEW ORLEANS (-2) over Denver
Final Score: Saints-30 Broncos-19

Last Week's Record: 7-5-1
Overall Record: 69-54-8
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Houston (-1) over JACKSONVILLE: Houston at 5-3 is still in the driver's seat of the putrid AFC South. They head to Jacksonville this week to take on the 2-6 Jaguars. I would expect the Texans to take care of business here and get the win, but I would be a on high alert for the upset. It wouldn't shock me to see the Jags pull this one out.

Kansas City (+3) over CAROLINA: To me, this is the toughest game to pick of the early games. I think that this will be a close game, and I think the Panthers got a little bit of momentum going after winning two in a row to get to 3-5. The Chiefs have been solid going 6-2 at this point. This will be a test for KC, and it looks like Alex Smith will return from a concussion. I think this game could go either way, but I will take the better team overall and that is the Chiefs.

Los Angeles (+3) over NY JETS: The 3-6 Jets are a mess right now. There were reports about Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson missing meetings. They have the Ryan Fitzpatrick situation at QB not getting them anywhere. Fitzpatrick is questionable for this week's game, and if he can't go, then Bryce Petty gets the start. In any event, the Rams at 3-5, desperately need a win. They can go into the Meadowlands and steal this game if the defense can step it up, and I think they will.

PHILLY (-1) over Atlanta: This is a very interesting game in the NFC. The Falcons are 6-3, and come in with 10 days rest after thumping Tampa Bay last week. The Eagles dropped a tough one to the Giants last Sunday to fall to 4-4. It's tempting to take the Falcons here because they have been good on the road, but the Eagles are the more desperate team, so I will go with Philly at home.

Minnesota (+3) over WASHINGTON: I know that the Vikings look like they are in disarray after losing three in a row, but I think they will stop the bleeding this week. They travel to the DC to take on the 4-3-1 Redskins. This will be a very close game, and somehow the Vikings will grind out a victory. Look for a 19-16 type of game.

Green Bay (-2) over TENNESSEE: How many people thought the Packers would be 4-4 at the midway point of the season? Certainly not me. Now, they head to Tennessee to take on the 4-5 Titans. This is a very important game for  both teams. I will stick with the Packers here because I just can't see them falling to 4-5, but it is definitely not a lock. Aaron Rodgers has to breakout and have a big game here, and I think he will.

TAMPA BAY (Pick) over Chicago: This is the weakest game on the board for Sunday, and I think that the 4-5 Bucs will get the rare home win at home over the 2-6 Bears. That's about all I have on this one.

SAN DIEGO (-3) over Miami: Another very interesting game in the late window on Sunday afternoon. The 4-5 Chargers are not out of it in the AFC playoff picture. The suddenly hot Dolphins come in at 4-4 after winning three in a row. You have to take the Chargers at home with Phillip Rivers to pull out a win over a very feisty Dolphin team.

ARIZONA (-10) over San Francisco: The Cardinals are at home and need a win to get to 4-4-1. The 1-7 Niners come into town looking like a team that wants their HC to get fired. I'll take the Cards to roll to an easy win.

PITTSBURGH (-3) over Dallas: The marquee game of the day gets the marquee spot: 4:25 on Sunday afternoon. This will be a very good game to watch. The 7-1 Cowboys come rolling in with Dak Prescott and that offense. The Steelers are reeling after losing three straight and they looked really ugly in last week's loss to the Ravens. The Steelers will rebound and end the Cowboys seven game winning streak, and the they will get to 5-4. Take the Steelers at home in a very good game

Seattle (+7) over NEW ENGLAND: Another marquee game is on Sunday night as the Seahawks head to Foxboro in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX. We know what happened the last time these two teams met. I can see the Seahawks struggling since this game is on the road, but I think they will keep it close. The Patriots are due for a game that comes down to the wire, and this could be it.

NY GIANTS (-1) over Cincy: Normally, I would say that the Giants will be in trouble in this game at home, but this year the G-Men are winning the close games. I think they will get to 6-3 here with a solid home win on Monday Night Football over the 3-4-1 Bengals. You always have to worry about the Eli Manning stinkbomb at home, but I don't think it happens this week.

Browns-Ravens TNF Pick

Cleveland (+10) over BALTIMORE

Raiders Run Past Broncos 30-20, Denver falls to Third in AFC West

The Broncos headed to Oakland for a huge AFC West game against the Raiders on Sunday night. The matchup featured two 6-2 teams in a battle for first place. The Raiders dominated from the get-go and cruised to a convincing 30-20 win over the Broncos in a statement game for both teams. Denver never lead the game and trailed 13-0 early and played from behind the whole game. The Raiders ran the ball down the Broncos throats, and now the Broncos are facing many questions as they fell to 6-3 and out of first place in the division. It was a not a good night on both sides of the ball, and this Broncos team is at a crossroads right now as we head into the latter part of the year. Here are my thoughts and observations about the game.

1)  This offense is broken right now, and it has been like that for over a month. They can't run the ball at all. Denver had 33 total rushing yards. They couldn't get much movement on the Raiders defensive line, and there was just no room to run for Devontae Booker and Kapri Bibbs. Also, there are too many three and outs to start the game. How many times are the Broncos going to start a game with multiple three and outs? This game they started the first three possessions like that and next thing you know, they are down 13-0. Trevor Siemian is just not that good. Let's be honest on this one. I know it was a cute story early in the year, but the Bengals game in Week 3 was an aberration. His ceiling is average at best. I know he wasn't helped by some drops early in the game, but forget about his numbers, not once did he put fear into the hearts of the Raiders and their secondary. He can't continually throw short on 3rd and long/medium. It just can't happen anymore. There is also no rhythm and rhyme to this offense. The play calling early in the game had my head scratching at times. This offense is just bad at this point.

2) Speaking of bad, the run defense is right there as well. The Broncos front got gashed by bigger and stronger Raiders offensive line. They just couldn't match up physically. The Raiders knew that and dominated to the tune of over 200 yards rushing. There was nothing the Broncos could do at that point. I don't want to hear about effort and mistakes. It is what is it is at this point: The Broncos struggle at stopping the run. It isn't going to change overnight. It will be a problem every week unless they face a weak offensive line or have a big lead and the other team has to throw.

3) Bradley Roby had a rough night. He ot burned a lot and was overmatched, which resulted in a bunch of pass interference and defensive holding calls. It was a tough game for him.

4) The Broncos got behind 13-0 early in the game, and I never felt that they were going to get back into the game. Even after Siemian's TD throw to Jordan Norwood to make it 13-7, it just felt like they were in trouble. It felt like the game was being played on a tilted field in favor of the Raiders. Oakland had the advantage in field position for most of the game, and they dominated in time of possession. It was about as convincing of a win as you are going to get.

5) Derek Wolfe injured his elbow and left the game and the early word is that he could be a out for a month. The Broncos really missed Aqib Talib. You could see the difference without him and Roby is simply better suited as a nickel corner at this point. We need to get healthy on defense and we need to get healthy fast.

6) Broncos were due for a loss in Oakland. They had won five straight there, and it looked like it was going to be the Raiders night. Now, Denver has lost two straight on the road in the AFC West. They are 1-2 in the division as well. All is not lost in the AFC West, but the Broncos still have a visit to KC on Christmas Night, and I have a lot of doubts about their ability to win a big game on the road at this point.

7) The Raiders were the better team on this night. They deserve to be in first place in the AFC West. It was their moment and hopefully the Broncos can return the favor in Week 17 in Denver. The Broncos now fall to 6-3, and they are behind the Raiders at 7-2 and and behind the Chiefs at 6-2. This is a must win game at New Orleans on Sunday. The Saints are playing better and are now 4-4. If Denver loses this game and stands at 6-4 heading to the bye, there will be a lot of panicking from the fanbase. They have to find a way to come out on top on Sunday.

Broncos-Raiders Preview and Week 9 Picks!

The Broncos and Raiders meet on Sunday Night Football in the biggest game in this rivalry since Week 16 of the 2002 season. Both teams come in at 6-2, and the winner will have sole possession of the AFC West. It feels great to see this matchup really mean something at this point in the season. There are a lot of storylines surrounding this game. The Raiders have won five games on the road this year, and every game they have won have been close and wildly entertaining. Derek Carr and their offense are playing great, but now they get a test with the Broncos and their defense coming to town. The Raiders are only 1-2 at home, and you wonder if they are just a better team on the road. Plus, is Carr ready to go up against this Broncos defense? The Broncos have played very well when they have faced Carr in the past. Maybe the Broncos are too much for this Raiders team? The Broncos are banged up on defense and Aqib Talib looks like a game-time decision. I can see the Raiders being able to move the ball just enough to get a lead and get points on the board, and that doesn't bode well for Trevor Siemian and the struggling Broncos offense. In any event, this game will be fun to watch, and I have the feeling will get the better of the Broncos in this game, and the Broncos will get their revenge down the road when they host the Raiders in Week 17.

OAKLAND (-1) over Denver
Final Score: Raiders-24 Broncos-16

Last Week's Record: 7-6
Overall Record: 63-49-7
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

JACKSONVILLE (+7.5) over Kansas City: At 5-2, the Chiefs are on a roll and very much in the thick of the AFC West race. Alex Smith is out this week with a concussion, and Nick Foles will get the start. Normally, I would take the Chiefs here on the road, but I'm going to go with the Jags as big underdogs at home. I think this is a must win for the Jags, and they have to find a way to win this game. I think if they lose, they might be it for Gus Bradley, so I could see them playing well enough to pull the upset.

MINNESOTA (-6) over Detroit: The Vikings were dominant in their 5-0 start, but they have lost their last two games including a terrible loss at Chicago on Monday night. Then, offensive coordinator Norv Turner abruptly resigned. They seem like a team in turmoil, but I think they rebound here as the 4-4 Lions come into town. I think this game could be close, but I think the Vikings are going to come back and play well-especially with this game at home.

Philadelphia (+3) over NY GIANTS: This is a huge game in the NFC East. Philly comes in at 4-3 after a brutal loss to Dallas, and the Giants come in at 4-3. I think this will be a very close game, but I will side with the Eagles because I think their defense will be able to disrupt the Giants offense and that will be the difference.

Dallas (-7) over CLEVELAND: Sorry Cleveland fans, but the Browns aren't going to help ease the pain of the Indians World Series loss to the Cubs this week, and the red-hot Cowboys come to town to take out the Browns on Sunday. The Cowboys are here to stay this year, and they are a legitimate contender in the NFC. I don't think they lose their focus in this one.

MIAMI (-3) over NY Jets: The Jets have breathed life into their season after winning two in a row, and now are 3-5 as they head to their rivals in Miami. The Dolphins are 3-4 after a two game winning streak, and they have RB Jay Ajayi, who posted back-to-back 200 yard games. I think the Dolphins will be able to take care of business at home in this game. It is hard to trust the Dolphins a lot of times when they are the favorite, but I like them in this spot.

BALTIMORE: (+2) over Pittsburgh: The Ravens started 3-0, and now have lost four straight games and enter this game at 3-4. Joe Flacco doesn't look the same as he is recovering from an ACL injury, and the Ravens just look pretty bad the last month. The Steelers come in at 4-3 and it looks like Big Ben might actually play in this game. Even if Ben plays, I think the Ravens will win because they are the more desperate team, and the Steelers will be fine this year even if they lose this game.

SAN FRANCISCO (+5) over New Orleans: I know the 49ers are really terrible, and the Saints have found themselves at 3-4. The Saints are back into the mix somewhat as a wild card threat, but this game could be tricky. Can we really just that Saints defense on the road. I think this could be a upset I the making.

Carolina (-3) over LOS ANGELES: The Rams have only played two home games in Los Angeles since the season started. I think the Rams are going to be a hot mess the rest of the season, and at some point they will have to start Jared Goff at QB. I think their season will start to unravel, and I see the Panthers going into LA and coming away with a victory to get to 3-5.

GREEN BAY (-7) over Indy: The Packers lost a tough game on the road in Atlanta last week, and at 4-3 the doubts are starting to creep in. I don't buy it and this is a perfect game for them. The Colts just stink, and you have to worry about Andrew Luck making a late-game comeback, but I think the Packers will take care of business and get the win at home on Sunday.

SAN DIEGO (-4) over Tennessee: This is actually a very interesting game in the late window on Sunday afternoon. The Titans are playing pretty well, and they are in the mix for the AFC South crown. The Chargers lost a tough one at Denver on Sunday, but at 3-5 they still have a chance to make some sort of run in the wild card race in the AFC. Look for them to get the win at home, but I think this will be a very good game and should be interesting to watch.

SEATTLE (-7) over Buffalo: We all know about the Seahawks trouble on the offensive line. They have struggled mightily in that area, and they are coming off a tie at Arizona and bad loss at New Orleans. I think they will be okay at home in front of that crowd on Monday night. This looks like a very tough game for the Bills to win. As much as I love the Bills fans for their actions during tailgating (Throwing each other throw tables in a WWE style and doing shots off hot girls), they hit their apex as a fanbase when a fan threw a dildo on the field during a play in last week's game against the Patriots. Unfortunately, they are 4-4 and this seems like an impossible spot for them to win. This seems like a 22-10 type of win for the Seahawks.

Falcons-Bucs Week 9 TNF Pick

Atlanta (-4) over ATLANTA

Broncos Pull Out Ugly Win over Chargers 27-19, Get to 6-2

The Broncos avenged their loss to the Chargers a few weeks ago and won a very strange and ugly game on Sunday in Denver. The Broncos defense came up once again with a huge goal line stand, and they stopped the Chargers on four straight tries from the 2 yard line up 27-19 to preserve the lead. The Chargers got the ball back again, but the Broncos defense stuffed them and forced a turnover on downs. After they ran out the clock, the Broncos exhaled and improved to 6-2 in a game that featured Aqib Talib and Brandon Marshall on the sidelines with injuries. It wasn't pretty but it was effective and the Broncos got the win at home-which is the most important thing. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game.....

1) This was a very strange, weird game. Both teams blew a lot of opportunities. The Broncos fumbled the ball twice inside the redzone, and Trevor Siemian threw a pick-six. The Chargers missed a field goal near the end of the half, Phillip Rivers threw three interceptions and one was returned for a touchdown by Bradley Roby, and they had a blocked extra point. It was a mess of a game at times, and although it came down to the Broncos stopping the Chargers twice late in the game, once from inside the 2, it was just a very weird game overall.

2) The Broncos defense was all over Rivers the entire game. This is what we have been used to when the Broncos and Chargers play in recent years. The Broncos got four sacks, three interceptions, a pick-six, and they pressured Rivers over 60% of his dropbacks. Bradley Roby's interception return changed the game and gave Denver a 10-7 in the 2nd quarter. Derek Wolfe continues to play well every week, and give the secondary some credit. With Talib out, T.J. Ward got a huge pick in the 3rd quarter, and Darian Stewart also got one on back-to-back possessions. Then, with the game on the lien once again, they made the two big stops on the Chargers final drive. Their run defense continues to be a problem though. Melvin Gordon rushed for 111 yards-the first RB over 100 since Week 2 of last year- and the Broncos defense gave up some big runs to Gordon late in the game. That is the one weakness at this point. It was nice to see Demarcus Ware out there and he makes such a difference in the pass rush when he is there. I also thought that CB Lorenzo Doss and LB Corey Nelson played well in place of Brandon Marshall and Aqib Talib. The Broncos defense is the story once again in the victory.

3) The offense struggled at times and there is just too much inconsistency with this group. On the first drive of the game, Trevor Siemian drives them down the field and they settle for a field goal. They did nothing after that, and the only drive that they moved the ball, Siemian got sacked and fumbled inside the Chargers 20. After that, they got the benefit of the Stewart interception and return, and Devontae Booker banged it in from 2 yards out to make it 17-7. Then, they had trouble until late in the 3rd quarter when they moved the ball once again and a Juwan Thompson 1 yard TD run made it 24-13. For some reason on a 3rd and long backed up in their own territory, Siemian threw a pick-six, although Jordan Norwood didn't help him out, and the Chargers were back it at 24-19 after the failed two-point conversion. Unfortunately, they couldn't put the game away late in the 4th after Siemian hit Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders on two deep throws, but the drive stalled inside the SD 10 and they settled for a field goal to make 27-19 instead of 31-19. At 31-19, the game is over, but the eight point lead gave the Chargers one last chance to try to tie the game. They couldn't run the ball at all in the game, and Booker finished with barely over 50 yards rushing. His fumble inside the five was also a killer with Denver up 17-7 in the 3rd quarter. This offense is too inconsistent, Siemian is a not a big-time QB and is limited in what he can do, and they simply can't run the ball. It will be a struggle to watch this offense week in and week out.

4) The game ball should go to Riley Dixon for his huge punt out of the endzone late in the game. He boomed a punt 68 yards and the Chargers had to start at their own 33 yard line with 2:08 to go. The defense only gave up one first down and then shut the door and harassed Rivers and put the game away four plays later after three incompletions. Dixon's kick was part of the difference in the win.

5) The Broncos are 6-2, and now they head to Oakland for a huge showdown with the 6-2 Raiders. This will be the biggest game between these two teams since Week 16 of the 2002 season. It will be a very fun setting in the Black Hole with first place in the AFC West on the line.

Chargers-Broncos Preview and Week 8 Picks!

The Chargers come into Denver to take on the Broncos two weeks after beating them in San Diego on Thursday Night Football 21-13. The Broncos are coming off an impressive win at home on Monday Night Football over the Texans 27-9. At 5-2, the Broncos really need to win this game because they have to go on the road to Oakland next Sunday night. If they are 6-2 at the halfway point, then I feel good about the rest of the season. If they lost to San Diego on Sunday, then they will be 5-3 and the tough road game at Oakland looming the next week. I say this all the time when these two teams play, but I'll say it again: Philip Rivers scares me. He always has and he always will as long as he is a Charger. He played well in the first half last time these two teams met. The Broncos also come in banged up with some key injuries. Brandon Marshall might not play with a hamstring injury, and the big news was that C.J. Anderson is undergoing knee surgery on a torn Meniscus, and he will most likely be out for the season. That is a big blow to the Broncos offense, and it will be interesting to see how Devontae Booker can rise the level of his game with CJ out. This game scares me because the Chargers won on the road last week in Atlanta, and they are really playing well all year long. This will be a very tough game and it will come down to a few plays late in the 4th quarter. I just don't have the confidence that the Broncos can win this one. Maybe the Chargers have their number this year.

San Diego (+4.5) over DENVER
Final Score: Chargers-26 Broncos-19

Last Week's Record: 8-6-1
Overall Record: 56-43-7
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Cincinnati (-3) over Washington (London): London gets their third and final game of the 2016 season with the 3-4 Bengals taking on the 4-3 Redskins. Let's hope for the sake of American football that this game is at least entertaining for the UK fans. Tough game to call and I see it going either way, but the Bengals will win a close hard fought game to get to 4-4.

Detroit (+3) over HOUSTON: I thoroughly enjoyed the demolition of Brock Osweiler by the Broncos on Monday night. The Texans are exactly what we thought: They can beat up on the weak teams, but will have trouble with the good teams-especially on the road. Now, they host the surprising 4-3 Lions. To say the pressure is on the Texans is an understatement. I'll take the Lions here because I could see Matt Stafford pulling one out late to pull the upset in Houston.

NEW ORLEANS  (+4) over Seattle: The Saints are 2-4 and head back home to take on the Seahawks. This could be a trap game for the 4-1-1 Seahawks. Think about it: They went to Arizona on Sunday night, and they have to go across the country to New Orleans to take on the Saints in the early window on Sunday. This is my upset pick of the week as Drew Brees puts on a show and the Saints pull out a stunner.

New England (-6) over BUFFALO: The Bills got run over in Miami last week to fall to 4-3. The Patriots have been on cruise control since Tom Brady came back and they smacked around the Steelers without Big Ben last week in Pittsburgh. The Pats lone loss this year came at the hands of the Bills in Week 4, but that game featured Jacoby Brissett at QB and not Tom Brady. I would expect the Pats to do their thing and take out the Bills in Buffalo.

CLEVELAND (+4) over NY Jets: The Browns have to win one of these games after their 0-7 start. The Jets are at 2-5 and if they can win here, they will have put together back-to-back to possibly salvage their season. I expect the Jets to win the game, but the Browns have been competitive most of the season. Josh McCown gets the start for the injured Cody Kessler and maybe he can provide a spark for the Browns at home.

Oakland (PICK) over TAMPA BAY: This is a very interesting matchup. The Bucs are 3-3 and they are looking to get over .500 and make their move in the NFC. The Raiders come in atop the AFC West at 5-2. The Raiders have been Road Warriors this year as they have won on the road and in early starts four times already this year. I think they will do it once again this week on the road in Tampa.

INDY (+3.5) over Kansas City: It is amazing to watch the Colts each week. They have barely any talent around Andrew Luck besides T.Y. Hilton at WR, and their defense features guys that should be in the Arena League. They are always trailing and somehow Luck either brings them back to win or brings them back and they fall short. I think weird things could happen at home, and every team in the NFL has a stinker in them. I think this is the week that KC has a stinker in them, and this is one of those games that people look at the score and are confused by what has transpired. The Colts and the upset at home.

CAROLINA (-3) over Arizona: Look how the mighty have fallen. In a rematch of the NFC Championship Game, the 1-5 Panthers host the 3-3-1 Cardinals, who are fresh off a 6-6 tie to the Seahawks. I think this is the game that the Panthers find their grove and get back on track and get a much-needed win to basically save their season for the time being.

ATLANTA (-3) over Green Bay: The Falcons have lost two games in a row and now stand at 4-1. The Packers come in at 4-2, but there are still questions that remain for Aaron Rodgers and that offense. I think the fact that this game in one road will make it very difficult for the Packers. Look for the Falcons to jump on them early and look for the Packers to be unable to catch up.

DALLAS (-4) over Philly: The Cowboys are 5-1 and they host the 4-2 Eagles on Sunday Night Football. Finally, we have a good primetime game on SNF. I would expect this game to be a really close game. I'm curious how Dak Prescott will fare against the Eagles defense, and I wonder how Carson Wentz will handle the spotlight of a big division game in Dallas. I think it goes back and forth, but I like the Cowboys to win the game going away in front of the home crowd.

Minnesota (-4) over CHICAGO: How many times this season do we have to be subjected to the Bears in primetime? That may be another reason why NFL ratings are down this year in primetime. I would expect Minnesota to go into Chicago and pound the 1-5 Bears and the returning Jay Cutler. The Vikings suffered their first loss last week in Philly, but I would expect them to rebound this week on a special MNF on Halloween night.

Tenn-Jax Week 8 TNF Pick!

TENNESSEE (-3) over Jacksonville: The Titans lost a tough one at home to the Colts last week to fall to 3-4, but I look for them to bounce back this week against the 2-4 Jags on a short week. One team (Tennessee) looks like it might stay afloat in this division, and another team looks like it might be a sinking ship.

Broncos Pound the Texans and Brock Osweiler 27-9 on Monday Night Football,

The Broncos got revenge on their old buddy Brock Osweiler on Monday Night Football as they pounded the Texans 27-9 in dominating fashion. The Broncos, 5-2, trailed 6-0 early, but they stormed back, took control of the game in the second half to take a 14-6 lead at the half, and then they put the game away late in the 3rd quarter to win the game going away. Osweiler struggled mightily as expected, and the Broncos defense played it best game in three weeks. It was a big game for the Broncos and the return of Osweiler certainly had their attention, and you could tell that the defense was very pumped up for the game. Overall, it was a good win, and now the Broncos have to prepare for two huge AFC West games the next two weeks. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game...

1) The Broncos defense didn't really start slow even though they trailed 6-0 at the end of the first quarter. They were put in bad field position because the Broncos offense couldn't get out of their own way. The Texans only hit a couple of run plays and they came away with two field goals. I felt really good about this game at that point since we were only down 6.

2) The Broncos offense sputtered early on, and they are getting killed with holding penalties-especially by Russell Okung. Once the 2nd quarter started, the Broncos offense got going. The run game was effective last night. C.J. Anderson ran for 107 yards on 16 carries and he added a 7 yard touchdown run to make it 7-6. Anderson ran well and he ran with an attitude. I'm glad he got over the 100 yard mark of the first time this year. Devontae Booker spelled Anderson, and he ran really hard again for the second straight week. Booker finished with 83 yards on 17 carries, and he added a 1 yard touchdown to make it 21-9 late in the 3rd quarter. Both guys ran hard and punished the Texans defenders. It was the perfect balance for the Broncos, and this is how the offense is effective. If Anderson and Booker can run well like they did on Monday night, then the Broncos will be tough to beat because they will be able to score points.

3) Trevor Siemian wasn't flashy but he showed poise, and made some really nice throws to give the Broncos and their offense a lead and maintain it. Siemian finished 14-25 for 157 yards and 1 TD and 0 INT. He played solid and threw a really sweet 4 yard TD pass to Demaryius Thomas to make it 14-6 in the 2nd quarter. He also hit Emmanuel Sanders on a really nice deep ball down the sideline to set up the touchdown to make it 21-9 in the third quarter. He certainly outplayed Osweiler in this game.

4) Now, let's get to Osweiler. It is apparent that Brock is still getting used to Bill O'Brien and the new offense. Not once did I feel that Osweiler was going to beat us with his arm in this game. Other QBs put the fear of death in you, Osweiler does not have in him right now. The Broncos defense didn't seemed fooled at all, and they really were dialed in on Brock and the passing game. Osweiler finished  22-41 for 131 yards. He got most of those yards late in the game, and he had a crucial fumble at 21-9 in the 4th quarter when the ball slipped out of his hands. He had a rough night, and you knew the Broncos defense was going to give him a tough time, and they backed it up.

5) The turning point of the game was when Darian Stewart and T.J. Ward crushed Alfred Blue and caused a huge fumble in Denver territory with about 4 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter with the Broncos up 14-9. It was a great hit, and Stewart has been really solid the last two years, and he made a great play to cause the fumble. The Broncos went right down the field and scored a touchdown to make it 21-9.

6) This was a big win for the Broncos to get back on track after losing two straight games. At 5-2, the Broncos needed this game for some confidence and momentum, and now they host the Chargers next Sunday in a very important game in the AFC West. Great win for the Broncos and now let's hope they keep it going. Go Broncos!

Broncos-Texans Preview

Brock Osweiler returns to Denver for the first time after spurning the Broncos in the offseason and signing with the Texans in March. To say that the Broncos and their fans had this game circled on the schedule is an understatement. I would expect the Broncos and their defense to be fired up for this game, and they should play better than the way they played the last few weeks. Here are some random thoughts that I have about this game:

-The Broncos have had 11 days off since they lost at San Diego, so they are rested and ready to get back on the winning track at home on Monday Night Football.

-They are honoring Simon Fletcher, Jason Elam, and John Lynch as inductees into the Broncos Ring of Fame. They better be fired up for this one.

-The Broncos are going with the blue jerseys for the game, and that is always a welcomed sight.

-I think the Texans are a team that will beat up on the weaker teams and struggle with the better teams-especially on the road. That should play well into the Broncos favor.

-A lot of people are knocking Osweiler for the start he has had this season in Houston. What did you expect out of a guy who only started 7 games in his career and signed a deal for $18.5 million a year? It is not surprising that he struggling with those kind of expectations. His biggest problem is that he holds the ball too long, and that should be a difference maker for the Broncos defense.

-I think Osweiler will play well enough for his team, and I am not sure what I am going to get out of Trevor Siemian and the Broncos offense in this game, and for that reason I am not sold on the Broncos cruising to a victory in this game.

Houston (+7.5) over DENVER
Final Score: Texans-22 Broncos-20