Broncos Lose Late to Chargers, Fall to 5-10

 The Broncos lost to the Chargers 19-16 on a late field goal to fall to 5-10 on the season. The Broncos were down 13-0 at the half and rallied back to tie the game at 16 late in the fourth quarter, but they couldn't get one more stop as the Chargers drove down the field and kicked the game-winning field goal. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game.....

1) It is the same story every week with this team. The game started with a big kickoff return by the Chargers, which led to a field goal and Denver was trailing 3-0. After a very good first drive into Chargers territory, Drew Lock scrambled on third down and tried to force a ball into traffic and it was intercepted in the endzone. He should have threw it away and settled for the field goal. Lock seems to make this mistake every week.

2) Then, on the second drive the Broncos are putting together a good drive and Brandon McManus misses an easy field goal attempt. The Chargers come down and score a TD to make it 10-0. That is just another example of how this Broncos season has gone at times.

3) Jerry Jeudy had his worst game of his rookie season. He dropped five passes. One of them was a surefire TD and the other was a deep ball in the final seconds that would have given Denver a chance to tie the game at 19. Jeudy is very talented and will be a good player for years to come, but he has been plagued by drops this season and it is not what I expected from a guy who was considered the best WR prospect in the draft.

4) The Broncos lead the league in turnovers and its the number one reason why they are 5-10. They also have the second least takeaways in the league and their -20 turnover differential is the worst in the league. That is why they are 5-10. They make mistakes every single week. They throw interceptions, fumble, go offsides, and drop passes every single game. They don't play clean football at all.

5) This season has not turned out the way I thought it would. The Broncos played hard on defense-eventhough they are undermanned. Their offense played better in the second half but it was not enough. It is symbolic of their season. As far as Lock goes, the stats will say that he played terrible but it wasn't the case. He was inconsistent as he has been all year. He makes some awful throws, he misses some easy throws and then he makes some great throws and looks like a star. I'll have more to say about Lock once the season is over, but I think the word inconsistent best sums up his season and career so far. 

Broncos-Chargers and Week 16 Picks

At 5-9, the Broncos are playing meaningless football once again in December. They are headed for their fourth consecutive losing season and a fifth straight year out of the playoffs. They have also been decimated by injuries and bad luck all season long. This week, they get to head to LA to take on Justin Herbert, who is lighting up the league and on his way to the Rookie of the Year Award. Look for Herbert to cut up the Broncos depleted secondary. I think Denver is in for long day out in Sofi Stadium on Sunday.

CHARGERS (-3) over Denver

Final Score: Chargers-31 Broncos-17

Last Week's Record: (7-5-4)

Overall Record (110-102-11)

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS) 

Now, onto the picks for Week 16.....

Minnesota (+8) over NEW ORLEANS: Nice little Christmas Day game in New Orleans. The Saints are 10-4 and have lost two straight. The Vikings are 6-8 and basically out of the playoff race. I think Minnesota covers but the Saints will win the game.

Tampa Bay (-7) over DETROIT: The Lions are 5-9 and playing out the string. The Bucs are 9-5 and ready to cement their playoff berth. The Bucs will win and get their 10th win and secure their first playoff spot since 2007.

ARIZONA (-3) over San Francisco: The Cardinals are 8-6 and have the 7 seed in the NFC in their grasp. The Niners are 5-9 and having a year from hell. Look for the Cardinals to get their ninth win and move one step closer to the playoffs.

LAS VEGAS (+3) over Miami: A Saturday night special between the 7-7 Raiders and the 9-5 Dolphins. Miami is fighting for a wild card spot and the Raiders are all but done. I don't know why but I have a feeling the Raiders will play hard and win this game. I think it's close but I'm going with the Raiders and the upset. 

KANSAS CITY (-11) over Atlanta: The Chiefs are 13-1 and can lock up the #1 seed in the AFC with a win over the hapless Falcons. They won't mess around and they will get the job done and secure that first round bye in the AFC.

Cleveland (-9) over JETS: The Jets pulled the upset of the season with a win over the Rams last week. The Jets are 1-13 and right now took themselves out of the #1 overall pick and the prize of Trevor Lawrence. The Browns are 10-4 and only a game behind the Steelers in the AFC North. Look for the Browns to take care of the Jets on Sunday and put pressure on the Steelers. 

PITTSBURGH (-1) over Indianapolis: The Steelers looked terrible in their loss to the Bengals on Monday Night Football. Pittsburgh is now 11-3 and have lost three in a row. They don't look good on offense and their defense is banged up. The Colts are 10-4 but still have work to do to secure a playoff berth. I'm going to give the Steelers one more week to right the ship.

Carolina (+4) over WASHINGTON: Carolina is 4-10 but playing hard as an undermanned group right now. Washington is 6-8 and still leads the division by a game over Dallas and the Giants. I'm picking Carolina because I want things to get interesting in the Week 17 for the NFC East.

JACKSONVILLE (+7) over Chicago: Jacksonville now holds the #1 overall pick as a result of the Jets win on Sunday. Both teams are 1-13 but if they both lose out and finish 1-15, then the Jags have the tiebreaker and would get the pick. I can totally see Jacksonville being feisty here. I wouldn't trust Mitch Trubisky and this Bears team as a seven point favorite over anyone. Although the Bears are 7-7 and still alive for a playoff spot, I think this game is going to be close. 

Giants (+10) over BALTIMORE: The Ravens are 8-5 and need to keep winning to make the playoffs. I think they will beat the 5-9 Giants here but I think the G-Men will play hard and keep it close.

HOUSTON (-7) over Cincinnati: The Texans are 4-10 and playing out the string. The Bengals are 3-10-1 and playing out the string. Look for Houston to roll past Cincy.

Philadelphia (PICK) over DALLAS: At 5-9, the Cowboys are still alive in the NFC East. The Eagles are 4-9-1 but they are playing better since they inserted Jalen Hurts at QB. I have a feeling they will officially put the Cowboys out of their misery this week.

Rams (+3) over SEATTLE: The Rams were embarrassed by losing to the Jets at home last week, and now they head to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. This game is huge in the NFC West. Seattle is 10-4 and the Rams are 9-5. If Seattle wins, they win the division. I have a feeling that the Rams will rebound from last week's debacle and play well in this game. I think they might even win it outright.

GREEN BAY (-4) over Tennessee: Green Bay can clinch the #1 seed in the NFC with a win over the Titans on Sunday Night Football. Tennessee is 10-4 and still trying to wrap up the AFC South. Look for the Packers to play their best game and lock up the homefield advantage in the NFC.

Buffalo (-6) over NEW ENGLAND: The Bills clinched the AFC East last week and now they host the Patriots on Monday Night Football. The Pats are out of the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Look for the passing of the torch commence in this one as Buffalo puts the Pats away.

Bills Smoke Broncos 48-19, Denver Falls to 5-9

 The Bills came into Denver on Sunday and thrashed the Broncos in every which way 48-19. The loss sends Denver to a 5-9 record and a fourth straight losing season. The Broncos had no answer for Bills QB Josh Allen and the Broncos offense couldn't do much at all against the Bills defense. It was close at halftime, but the Bills broke it open in the 3rd quarter and the game was over by the 4th quarter. The Broncos are officially eliminated from playoff contention. It was a disappointing day all around for the Broncos and it just reaffirms how far off this franchise is from becoming a playoff caliber team. Here are my thoughts and observations.........

1) The Bills and Josh Allen did anything they wanted to the Broncos defense. Denver couldn't stop or contain Allen, who was more impressive in this game than the two games Denver played Pat Mahomes this year, and Stephon Diggs and Cole Beasley killed them in the passing game. The Broncos defense is undermanned and it showed on Saturday.

2) The Broncos offense did not do much in this game. Drew Lock was again inconsistent. He made some nice throws including a TD pass to Noah Fant right before halftime to cut the lead to 21-13. He also had two surefire interceptions dropped and his fumble was returned for a TD in the 3rd quarter. He wasn't terrible, but he wasn't good either. In a game like this, he was going to have to go shot for shot Allen and produce points, but he wasn't up to the task. The jury still remains out on Lock and he has two more games to help cement his status as the starter in Denver next season.

3) The key in this game was the fact that Buffalo went right down the field to start the second half and got a TD to make it 28-13 and then the next series Lock fumbled and Buffalo returned it for a TD to make it 35-13. That was the ballgame right there. Denver even gave up a late 51 yard TD run as the Bills were trying to run out the clock to make it 48-13. Melvin Gordon added a garbage time TD to give Denver its' last score of the day.

4) The Broncos really have been screwed by Covid this year. Brandon McManus couldn't play because he was on the Covid list due to being a close contact to someone who tested positive. He tested negative all week but couldn't play due to the timeframe and number of days he has to be away. If this game was on Sunday, he would have been cleared. Instead, it was on Saturday and he wasn't allowed to play. In his place Tyler Russolino, formerly of the XFL, was the kicker and he promptly missed a field goal on the first drive and two extra points. The Broncos really got screwed in every way this year with Covid.

5) The Bills were simply too much for the Broncos and they are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. This game reminded me of the blowout loss to the Chiefs earlier in the season. The Broncos are not there yet, but maybe they can look to the Bills and see how they were patient with Josh Allen and it paid off.

6) The Broncos still have two games left and they head to LA to take on Justin Herbert and the Chargers. It will be tough to stop Herbert-especially with the Broncos banged up secondary. It is still an important game for the Broncos and Drew Lock. He needs to put two good games together the next two weeks, and I would still like to see them win the last two games and finish 7-9. 

Broncos-Bills and Week 15 Picks

The Broncos have played well the last month, subtracting the Saints game without a QB, and they get another chance to derail a team's playoff aspirations on Saturday in Denver. The Broncos host the Bills in the first of a doubleheader Saturday edition on NFL Network. The Broncos are 5-8 and want to finish the season strong and get to 8-8. The Bills are 10-3 and battling for the AFC East title. The Broncos face another week of adversity as K Brandon McManus is out of this game because he was a close contact of a Covid positive and he won't be able to be cleared in time. The Broncos are going with K Tyler Russolino, formerly of the XFL. Denver is also down their top 3 cornerbacks, and that will make things difficult in defending Josh Allen, who is having a MVP type season for the Bills. I think Denver is going to have a really tough time defending the Bills passing game with Cole Beasley and Stephon Diggs. Although I see Denver being feisty and playing hard most of the game, I think the Bills and Allen will be too much.

Buffalo (-6) over DENVER

Final Score: Bills-31 Broncos-20

Now, onto the picks for Week 15.......

Last Week's Record: (8-8)

Overall Record (103-97-7)

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS) 

GREEN BAY (-8) over Carolina: The Packers have the inside path to the #1 seed in the NFC. At 10-3, they have a really good chance of beating out the Saints for that spot. Look for them to continue that push with a win over the 4-9 Panthers on Saturday night.

Tampa Bay (-4) over ATLANTA: At 8-5, the Bucs are looking to secure that #5 seed in the playoffs. I don't think they will mess around with 4-9 Atlanta. I look for the Bucs to win convincingly. 

San Francisco (-2) over DALLAS: This game had promise to be a big-time affair when the season started, but now we are looking at 5-8 San Fran and 4-9 Dallas. This game is so bad that the NFL flexed out of it as the Sunday Night Football game on NBC. That never happens with Dallas.

TENNESSEE (-9) over Detroit: The 9-4 Titans have to keep winning to keep the lead in the AFC South and stave off Indy. Look for them to care of the 5-8 Lions-especially since it is doubtful that Matt Stafford will play.

Houston (+7) over INDIANAPOLIS: The Colts are 9-4 and still looking to win the South. This game against Houston is tricky. The Texans were going for a game-winning TD late but Deshaun Watson fumbled the snap and the Colts recovered to win the game 26-20. I could see this game being close, but look for the Colts to win it.

New England (+3) over MIAMI: At 6-7, the Patriots are not going to win the AFC East for the first time since 2008. The Dolphins are still pushing for the division and the wild card at 8-5. I can see the Patriots somehow keeping this game close and maybe even winning it late. It is just my gut. 

MINNESOTA (-3) over Chicago: Both teams are 6-7 and one game behind the Cardinals for the last playoff spot in the NFC. This is basically a "Loser Leaves Town" match in the NFC North. Whoever wins this game is still alive and the loser is probably done with any chance of making the playoffs barring a miracle. I think the Vikings will keep themselves afloat for one more week. 

Seattle (-5) over WASHINGTON: The Washington Football Team leads the NFC East at 6-7 and they have easier path down the stretch than the Giants, so they are the favorites to win the division. It won't be easy for them because Seattle comes to town at 9-4 and tied for the lead in the NFC West. I think Seattle steps up and wins the game going away. 

BALTIMORE (-12) over Jacksonville: The Ravens are 8-5 and in position to grab a playoff spot from the Dolphins in the AFC. They need to keep winning and I can't see them having a letdown here at home against the 1-12 Jaguars. 

RAMS (-16) over Jets: The Rams 9-4 and tied for the lead in the NFC West. The Jets are 0-13 and looking at the #1 pick in the draft. The Rams will do their job on Sunday at home. 

ARIZONA (-5) over Philadelphia: That win at the Meadowlands was huge for the Cardinals last week. At 7-6, they are the leaders to get that 7th seed in the NFC. If they beat the Eagles this week and the Niners next week, they should get in. I don't think they will have too much trouble with Philly and Jalen Hurts. 

NEW ORLEANS (+4) over Kansas City: Potential game of the year on Sunday afternoon in New Orleans. It is certainly the game of the week. The 12-1 Chiefs head into the Superdome to take on the 10-3 Saints. Two of the best teams in the league collide in what could be a Super Bowl preview. It looks like Drew Brees will start at QB in this game and that makes it so much better. Look for a back and forth game, but I like the Saints defense to make one crucial stop on Pat Mahomes and that Chiefs offense to secure the victory. 

Cleveland (-4) over GIANTS: The Giants lost a big game last week at home to Arizona and find themselves at 5-8 and one game behind Washington in the NFC East. Their best corner, James Bradbury, and offensive coordinator, Jason Garrett, tested positive for Covid this week, so it hasn't been the best week for the G-Men. It could be the revenge of Freddie Kitchens as the former Browns head coach will call plays for Garrett and the Giants this week. I was thinking of taking the Giants all week, but I'm going to back off and take the Browns. They are 9-4 and although they lost a heartbreaker last Monday night to the Ravens, I think they will bounce back and get the win on SNF this week. 

Pittsburgh (-11) over CINCINNATI: The Steelers will end their two-game losing streak and take care of business on Monday Night Football over the 2-10-1 Bengals. 

Week 15 TNF Pick

 Chargers (+3) over LAS VEGAS

Broncos Outlast Panthers 32-27 Behind Big Performance by Lock

 The Broncos went into Carolina on Sunday in a matchup that featured two 4-8 teams. Denver still has a lot to play for and they want to finish the year strong. I would love to see them win the last four and go 8-8. They got one win out of the way with a 32-27 victory over the Panthers to improve to 5-8 on the season. This was one of Drew Lock's best performances of his career as he threw four TDs to help Denver hold off the Panthers. It was fun game and good day for the Broncos all around. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game...

1) The story of the game for the Broncos was Drew Lock. He went 21-27 for 280 yards and 4 TDs. He made two big time TD throws to KJ Hamler to help the Broncos extend the lead. It was one of his best days as a Bronco and it was the kind of performance he needed and quite frankly the entire fanbase needed to see. Let's hope he continues to play like that down the stretch.

2) The Broncos just can't seem to catch a break this year. LT Garrett Bolles was downgraded to OUT right before the game due to a stomach illness. Noah Fant also left the game early due to a stomach illness. Both players cleared COVID tests, so it could have been food poisoning or a stomach bug. The offensive line played well even without Bolles.

3) I thought this was also Pat Shurmur's best game from a play-calling standpoint. I loved the play-action on 1st and goal for the Broncos TD right before the half, and I love the play action boot pass to Tim Patrick to extend the Broncos lead to 25-10.

4) The Broncos had their first punt return TD since 2015 when Diontae Spencer went 80 yards to open the scoring in the first quarter. On the flip side, Brandon McManus had an off day when he missed two extra points.

5) The defense lost another CB when Duke Dawson went down with a knee injury. That leaves DaVante Bausby and Michael Ojemudia as our two starting CBs, with Will Parks playing nickel corner. With that said, our secondary played pretty well and our pass rush caused problems with Teddy Bridgewater all game long. Give Bausby credit because he made the game-saving tackle on a 4th and 8 to win the game.

6) Overall, it was a fun win for the Broncos. They got a special teams return touchdown, Lock threw four TDs, they scored over 30 points and their banged up defense made enough plays to win the game. Hopefully, they can continue their winning ways and pull the upset over the 10-3 Bills at home in a special Saturday afternoon special. 

Broncos-Panthers and Week 14 Picks

 Last Week's Record: (8-6-1)

Overall Record (95-89-7)

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

At 4-8, the Broncos are now just playing out the string for the fourth straight December. It sucks and that is the most depressing thing in the NFL-when your team is playing meaningless games down the stretch. But, there is something to watch these last four games. It would be nice to see the Broncos get to 8-8 and avoid a fourth straight losing season. It is also important to see how Drew Lock plays these last four games as he heads into next year. Also, the Broncos season could have gone in so many other ways more positive but it feels like they are snakebit this year, so it would be nice to see them finish strong. This will be a tough one this week in Carolina because they are without CB AJ Bouye, who is suspended for 6 games due to PED use, so they are without their top 3 corners. It looks like RB Christian McCaffrey will not play, but I just don't know what Denver has left in the tank to play well and win though. Everytime I have confidence in them this season, they end up losing or screwing me over. 

CAROLINA (-4) over Denver

Final Score: Panthers-26 Broncos-20

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

Arizona (-2) over GIANTS: The 6-6 Cardinals have lost three in a row and are barely hanging on to the 6th seed in the NFC. The G-Men have won four in a row and at 5-7 lead the NFC East. This is a huge game in the NFC on Sunday. A lot of people are picking the Giants, and I hope they win, but I got a feeling this is a tight game and Kyler Murray pulls off some magic and leads the Cards to a late win.

Dallas (-2) over CINCINNATI: The Cowboys season ended when Dak Prescott got hurt. At 3-9, they are having a nightmare year and can start looking to 2021. The Bengals are without Joe Burrow for the rest of the year and they are just not interesting without him. Look for Dallas to win Andy Dalton's return to Cincy.

Minnesota (+7) over TAMPA BAY: This is a huge game in the NFC Wild Card picture. At 7-5, the Bucs can solidify the #5 seed if they win out. The Vikings are very much alive for the #7 seed at 6-6. I see a back and forth game, and I think the Bucs win, but I have a feeling the Vikings keep it close.

JACKSONVILLE (+8) over Tennessee: The Titans will win the game to get to 9-4, but I think the Jags have been scrappy the last two weeks and this one might be closer than people expect.

Kansas City (-7) over MIAMI: Another big game in the AFC. The Chiefs are 11-1 and they are fighting for the #1 seed in the AFC and that all important first round bye. The Dolphins are fighting for the Wild Card at 8-4. This game has huge ramifications for the playoffs with any result. I think KC leaves no doubt and goes into Miami and buries the Dolphins.

DETROIT (+8) over Green Bay:  Green Bay is 9-3 and closing in on another NFC North crown, but the question remains if they can grab the #1 seed in the NFC from the Saints. They need to win this game and they will, but look for the 5-7 Lions to cover the spread.

CHICAGO (PICK) over Houston: At 5-7, the Bears are barely hanging on to any playoff hopes. They have lost six in a row after starting 5-1. A win here keeps them in the playoff race-especially if Arizona and Minnesota lose. I think they avoid their 7th straight loss here and take care of the 4-8 Texans.

SEATTLE (-13) over Jets: Seattle will bury the Jets at home this week after getting beat at home to the Giants last week. The Seahawks won't mess around in this game. Seattle needs to win this game to get to 9-4 to keep pace with the Rams in the NFC West. They will take out their frustration on the 0-12 Jets, who are headed for the #1 pick in the draft. 

LAS VEGAS (+3) over Indianapolis: Another huge game in the AFC. I think the Raiders will get to 8-5 with a big win over the 8-4 Colts. Whatever happens will have huge effects in the Wild Card race. For some reason, I haven't bought into the Colts all year, and I am still skeptical. There is a scenario in which both these teams don't make the playoffs.

New Orleans (-7) over PHILADELPHIA: Philly benched Carson Wentz and goes with Jalen Hurts at QB. I don't think it will matter at New Orleans wins at home. The Saints are 10-2 and need this game to keep the lead as the #1 seed in the NFC, and I can't see their defense getting fooled by Hurts. 

CHARGERS (+3) over Atlanta: This is a meaningless game between the 3-9 Chargers and the 4-8 Falcons. I look for Justin Herbert to bounce back after last week's poor performance. 

Washington (+3) over SAN FRANCISCO: I think that Washington goes to 6-7 and takes control of the NFC East with a win over the banged up 49ers. For whatever reason, I feel like only the year 2020 can produce the Washington Football Team winning the NFC East.

Pittsburgh (+3) over BUFFALO: Great game on Sunday Night Football on NBC. The Steelers lost their first game of the year to Washington to fall to 11-1. I think they will will rebound from their first loss and take care of business on the road over the 9-3 Bills. If they Bills lose, they can still win their division so a loss here won't kill their season. The Steelers need the game more and I think they will do enough to get the win.

CLEVELAND (PICK) over Baltimore: This is an interesting and important game on Monday Night Football. The Browns are 9-3 and on the cusp of their first playoff win since 2002. The Ravens are 7-5 after burying the Cowboys on Tuesday night. I still don't think the Ravens have righted the ship and I'm not so sure they will run the table and make the playoffs. Believe it or not I like the Browns at home. 

Week 14 TNF Picks

 RAMS (-4) over New England

Broncos Lose Tight One to the Chiefs 22-16, Fall to 4-8

 There are no moral victories in the NFL, but the Broncos did show up on Sunday Night Football and played the Chiefs very tough in Arrowhead in 22-16 loss. The loss sends Denver to 4-8 and all but eliminates any playoff hopes. It also ensures Denver will not have a winning season for the fourth consecutive season. The Broncos led at halftime 10-9 and they lead late in the 3rd quarter 16-12, but they just couldn't pull out the game. Their defense played really well, and the offense had its moments. It is tough loss for Denver, but maybe they are closing the gap a little on the Chiefs. At least, we know that their defense matches up with the Chiefs about as good as anyone else in the AFC West. Here are my thoughts and observations about the game....

1) Vic Fangio's defensive gameplan was really, really good once again against the Chiefs and  Pat Mahomes. They weren't going to get beat deep, they gave KC the yards in the middle and then they stopped in the red zone. It was the second time this year that Fangio's defense played Mahomes and KC tough. That is a positive to take into next year.

2) The offense played well for a long stretch. They ran the ball well and Melvin Gordon had over 100 yards and popped a big run. The play action game worked well like it did in the Miami game. Drew Lock made some nice plays. He had some big completions and made a big-time throw to Tim Patrick on a fade route that gave Denver a 16-12 lead late in the 3rd quarter. The Broncos did a nice job of revolving the gameplan around the running game and play action. That is what they need to do with him the last four games.

3) Lock needs to get better at protecting the football and stop making ill-advised throws. It is his biggest problem right now. The first drive was a perfect example. He makes a big throw to Noah Fant for a first down, and they are in field goal range and on 2nd and 9, he scrambles and throws up a pass to Troy Fumagali that gets picked down the sideline. Just a bad throw and bad decision. He has to fix that going forward. 

4) A lot of people are going to criticize Fangio's decision to punt on 4th and 3 from near midfield with six minutes to go and down 19-16. KJ Hamler dropped a pass over the middle on 3rd down that would have given them a first down and in field goal range. It is debatable if Fangio went for it there. If he does, and the Broncos don't get it, then KC has a short field and a TD there ices it. Mahomes took 5 minutes off the clock and got a field goal to extend the lead to 22-16 with a minute to play. It is one of those "damned if you do and damned if you don't" situations. I'm not going to kill Vic for that.

5) There are no moral victories in the NFL but to hold the best team in the league to 22 points on the road and be in this game late is a sign of progress. The Broncos are without Von Miller, Bryce Callahan, Jurell Casey, and Mike Purcell on their defensive unit. Their defense played gutty and really well. Tip your cap to Shelby Harris, who played a really good game coming back from Covid. You add more pieces to this defense, and hope that Drew Lock can evolve as a QB and the Broncos can close this gap even more on KC next year.

5) To me, the last four games are important to this franchise. Lock needs to improve and evolve as a QB and show he can be the guy next year. Plus, it would be great to win the last four and finish 8-8 and avoid another losing season. There is still a lot of watch these last four games. 

Broncos-Chiefs and Week 13 Picks

After last week's debacle in which the NFL made the Broncos play the Saints with no QBs available due to Covid contact tracing, Denver gets to head to Arrowhead to take on the Chiefs. At 4-7, this season is pretty much lost, and I don't envision any possible way that the Broncos pull the upset over KC. Plus, the Chiefs have motivation in this game because if they win, then they clinch a playoff spot. That is all that need to take care of business and bury the Broncos and send them to 4-8.

KANSAS CITY (-14) over Denver

Final Score: Chiefs-55 Broncos-10

Now, onto the picks for Week 13.....

Last Week's Record: (8-8)

Overall Record (87-83-7)

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

CHICAGO (-3) over Detroit: The Bears are 5-6 after a 5-1 start and they are starting Mitch Trubisky again at QB with Nick Foles still out. They are only 1 game behind in the Wild Card race so they are not out of it yet. The Lions just fired Matt Patricia and at 4-7 are going nowhere. I gotta think the Bears find a way to win this one. 

Cincinnati (+12) over MIAMI: Miami is 7-4 and in line for a playoff spot but they haven't looked good at all the past two games. Tua might not even play again this week. I think the Dolphins will win the game, but for some reason, I can see the Bengals keeping it close.

Indianapolis (-3) over HOUSTON: The Texans are 4-7 and they host the 7-4 Colts. Indy desperately needs this game to stay in the race in the AFC South and for the Wild Card. I think Indy takes care of business and doesn't mess around in this game.

MINNESOTA (-9) over Jacksonville: The Vikings are 5-6 and only one game behind Arizona in the NFC Wild Card race. I don't see Jacksonville, who is starting Mike Glennon once again, giving the Vikings much of a game as Minnesota gets to 6-6.

Las Vegas (-7) over JETS: The Raiders are 6-5 after getting killed on the road last week at Atlanta. They are currently on the outside looking in as far as the playoffs go. They head back East again this week but the Jets are so bad that I can't see the Raiders messing up and blowing this game. If they do, then they definitely don't deserve to go to the playoffs.

ATLANTA (+3) over New Orleans: The Saints are 2-0 with Taysom Hill at QB but they got a break in Denver last week. This is an interesting game. The Falcons are 4-7 and playing better and these two teams played each other two weeks ago. The Saints won that game, but I think the Falcons get revenge because I just don't buy into Hill at QB for the Saints.

TENNESSEE (-6) over Cleveland: Huge game in the AFC playoff picture. 8-3 Tennessee hosts 8-3 Cleveland. The Browns schedule is tricky down the stretch here and this is one of their tougher games remaining. I think the Titans will play well and put together a convincing win over the Browns at home. 

Giants (+8) over SEATTLE: At 4-7, the Giants are in first place in the NFC East. Daniel Jones might not play this week, so it is up to Colt McCoy to keep their dreams alive. I think the Giants will keep this game close but ultimately fall to the Seahawks. I know it is a long trip for the G-Men but there is no crowd in Seattle so the 12th Man means nothing this year. Look for Seattle to win but the Giants will make them earn it.

Rams (-3) over ARIZONA: I was shocked the Rams lost at home to the 49ers last week. At 7-4, the Rams need to win this game. Arizona was also upset last week with a brutal loss to the Pats on a field goal in the last seconds of the game. At 6-5, they are only a game ahead in the Wild Card race. This game is huge, and I think the Rams will figure out a way to win the game and get to 8-4.

GREEN BAY (-7) over Philadelphia: The Eagles are really bad this year. After losing at home to the Seahawks last week, they are now 3-7-1. Fortunately, they are still alive in the NFC East. Carson Wentz has played awful this year, and they are talking about how Doug Pederson might be gone after this year. I don't think the Packers will mess around and they will hand the Eagles their fourth straight loss.

New England (PICK) over CHARGERS: Anthony Lynn going up against Bill Belichick. I'll take the Patriots to win on the road in LA.

Washington (+10) over PITTSBURGH: This game was moved to Monday afternoon after all the postponements for the Ravens and Steelers last week. Pittsburgh is 11-0, but they have looked sloppy lately, and the Chiefs are right on their tails for the #1 seed in the AFC. Washington has a chance to win the NFC East at 4-7, so this is actually an important game for them. I'll take Washington to somehow cover.

Buffalo (-2) over SAN FRANCISCO: This game is on Monday night and at 5-6 the Niners are actually only a game out of the Wild Card race behind Arizona. Ironically, the 49ers are playing this home game in Arizona because of restrictions in Santa Clara based on Covid. In any event, they are hosting the 8-3 Bills, who come in leading the AFC East. I like Buffalo in this spot and I think they get to 9-3 with a big win here.

BALTIMORE (NL) over Dallas: After a nightmare week in which Baltimore lost a bunch of key starters, including Lamar Jackson, to Covid, they finally played the Steelers game after it was postponed 6 days. After losing that game, they find themselves at 6-5 and in desperate need of a win in a crowded AFC playoff field. I think they get to 7-5 with a win as most of their team comes off the Covid list, and the Cowboys will fall to 3-9 as their disaster of a year continues. 

Broncos Get Screwed By NFL, Lose to Saints 31-3

 I really can't even spend too much time writing about the Broncos game on Sunday to the Saints because it is so ridiculous, but I'll put something down here. The Broncos got screwed big time by the NFL in this spot. 3rd string QB Jeff Driskel tested positive for Covid on Thursday morning. He is asymptomatic and the league cleared the other Broncos QBs to practice Friday and Saturday. The league then told Denver on Saturday right before practice that all three other Broncos QB (Drew Lock, Brett Rypien, and Blake Bortles) were ineligible to play because they were considered high-risk close contacts. The league reviewed film, given to them by the Broncos, which showed the QBs meeting, socially distanced and wearing masks, on Tuesday as a group watching film together. The Broncos QBs only pulled their masks down to eat and communicate-AND THEY WERE SOCIALLY DISTANT THE WHOLE TIME!!!!!The NFL wouldn't budge and deemed the Broncos QBs inactive to play on Sunday against the Saints. The Broncos were forced to call up practice squad WR Kendall Hinton, who last played QB at Wake Forest in 2015, to play QB and also use Royce Freeman and Philip Lindsay as Wildcat QBs as well. Naturally, the Broncos lost 31-3 and this game was an embarrassment. The league should be ashamed for putting this product on the field and even allowing it to happen. You can't put this all on the Broncos QBs. The league screwed this up. This was a joke. It is sad and disappointing and it effectively ended the Broncos season because at 4-7 they are not going on a run at the end here, and they will get smoked by the Chiefs on Sunday night to fall to 4-8. What a shame and what a joke. The validity of this NFL season is shot in my eyes.

Broncos-Saints and Week 12 Picks

Everytime I feel like the Broncos are gaining momentum and turning this season, something happens that makes me doubt that turnaround. This week is no different. Denver beats Miami last week to get to 4-6 and they host New Orleans on Sunday, but this week they have had two players test positive for Covid (Jeff Driskel and Diontae Spencer) and two staff members. They had to cancel practice on Friday. Driskel being out doesn't affect them, but Spencer is their main returner. Jerry Jeudy is questionable to play because of an ankle injury that popped up this week.  Shelby Harris is still out this week due to Covid and he might be back next week. It seems like this would be a spot that Denver would surprise people, but I don't think they will have enough to get it done.

New Orleans (-6) over DENVER

Final Score: Saints-27 Broncos-20

Last Week's Record: (6-7)

Overall Record (79-75-7)

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Now, onto the quick picks for Week 12......

NEW ENGLAND (+2) over Arizona:

MINNESOTA (-4) over Carolina:

Cleveland (-6) over JACKSONVILLE:

Chargers (+6) over BUFFALO:

JETS (+7) over Miami:

Giants (-4) over CINCINNATI:

Tennessee (+4) over INDIANAPOLIS:

ATLANTA (+3) over Las Vegas:

RAMS (-6) over San Francisco:

TAMPA BAY (+4) over Kansas City:

Chicago (+8) over GREEN BAY:

Seattle (-5) over PHILADELPHIA: 

PITTSBURGH (-4) over Baltimore

Thanksgiving Day Picks!

 Week 12 Thanksgiving Picks:

Houston (+3) over DETROIT

DALLAS (-2) over Washington

PITTSBURGH (-4) over Baltimore

Broncos Upset Dolphins 20-13, Improve to 4-6

 The Broncos snapped a two-game losing streak with a 20-13 win over the Dolphins in Denver on Sunday. The win improved the Broncos record to 4-6. It was a game in which Denver's defense dominated throughout and they even forced Tua Tagovailoa to the bench early in the 4th quarter. Here are my thoughts and observations on the win.....

1) Justin Simmons made the game-saving interception on Ryan Fitzpatrick as the Dolphins were driving with only a few minutes left in the game. Simmons has had a big year, and he deserves a long-term deal in Denver next year.

2) The Broncos defense was dominant in this game. They suffocated Tua all game and registered 6 sacks. Miami actually got better when they put Fitzpatrick in the game because they had not shot with Tua in there. He looked overwhelmed. Credit Vic Fangio and his defense for coming up with a stifling gameplan.

3) The game was only close at the end because Melvin Gordon fumbled at the Miami 1 yard line going into the endzone for a touchdown that would have made it 27-13. Instead, the fumble kept the score at 20-13 and gave the Dolphins a chance. This Broncos team just doesn't make things easy.

4) Drew Lock started 0-6 on the day and threw an interception on the third play of the game. After that, he settled in and played very well. The Broncos were able to run the ball effectively with Gordon and Philip Lindsay (FINALLY) and it kept the pressure off of Lock. He was able to hit some big passes off of play action, especially on first down, and made some really nice throws as the game went on. This is what they have to do for Lock. Run the ball, play-action off of it, and keep Lock in manageable situations. 

5) This was a good win for Denver considering that they were underdogs to the 6-3 Dolphins and no one picked them to win the game. Denver improves to 4-6 and they host the Saints next week with Taysom Hill at QB, who is subbing for the injured Drew Brees. Let's hope they can get another win and get to 5-6.

Broncos-Dolphins and Week 11 Picks

I don't see how the Broncos and their offense are all of sudden going to turn it around against a team that is playing really good defense right now. The Dolphins defense really confused and harassed Justin Herbert last week and I see them doing the same to the Broncos and their offense. Drew Lock is questionable with a rib injury, so we might even see Brett Rypien play in this game. Either way, I don't think it will matter as Miami is playing well, and I think Denver is trending in the wrong direction unfortunately.

Miami (-3) over DENVER

Prediction: Dolphins-29 Broncos-10

Now, onto the picks for Week 10....

Last Week's Record: 5-7-2

Overall Record (73-68-7)

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

NEW ORLEANS (-4) over Atlanta: Drew Brees is out for at least a few weeks so in steps Jameis Winston. I know a lot of people are not taking the Saints this week, but I think Sean Payton will find a way to maximize the strength of Winston and Taysom Hill and find a way to win this game.

Cincinnati (+1) over WASHINGTON: I like the Bengals here on the road to defeat Washington and get their third win of the year.

Detroit (+3) over CAROLINA: Teddy Bridgewater is questionable to play and Christian McCaffrey is out again with a shoulder injury, so I'll take the Lions to get to 5-5.

Philadelphia (+3) over CLEVELAND: A lot of people are picking the Browns, but I think the Eagles will pull the upset on the road to get their record to 4-5-1.

Pittsburgh (-10) over JACKSONVILLE: The Steelers won't mess around and they take care of business in the Jacksonville. 

Tennessee (+7) over BALTIMORE: The Ravens will win the game, but it will be close throughout. This is a huge game in the AFC playoff picture. 

Green Bay (+2) over INDIANAPOLIS: The marquee late game on Sunday afternoon is the 7-2 Packers heading to Indy to take on the 6-3 Colts. I think Aaron Rodgers goes into Lucas Oil Stadium and lights up the Colts.

CHARGERS (-8) over Jets: Justin Herbert and the Chargers will get their 3rd win of the year with an easy, blowout victory over the Jets on Sunday.

Dallas (+7) over MINNESOTA: The Vikings have won three in a row and are 4-5 and creeping into the NFC playoff race. They host the 2-7 Cowboys, who get Andy Dalton back at QB. I think the Vikings get to 5-5,  but it will be a lot closer than people think.

Kansas City (-7) over LAS VEGAS: There is no way the Chiefs are getting swept by the Raiders this season. Plus, a majority of the Raiders defense has been out all week due to Covid protocols. KC rolls big.

Rams (+4) over TAMPA BAY: Great Monday Night Football game a few days before Thanksgiving. I love the Rams in this game-even on the road. I think this a great game that goes back and forth, but I'm taking the Rams and the points. 

Week 11 TNF Pick

 SEATTLE (-3) over Arizona

Broncos Get Thrashed by Raiders 37-12, Fall to 3-6

I said going into this game that this was a must-win for the Broncos and also a very important game for their organization. Well, after that 37-12 debacle to the Raiders, Denver has now officially broke me. I'm really disappointed in the Broncos and their franchise at this point. With the loss, the Broncos are now at 3-6 and looking at a fourth straight losing season, and another set of meaningless games come December. This year was supposed to be at least different and exciting as opposed to the last three seasons, but it is more of the same. It has become very disappointing and uninspiring to watch this team and this franchise every week, and there doesn't seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel in this current situation. Here are my thoughts and observations on the loss.....

 1) Drew Lock was awful-plain and simple. It is getting ugly for Lock out there. He threw four interceptions, and looked like he hit rock bottom. Outside of some garbage time stats and the 4th quarter of the Chargers game, Lock hasn't been very good at all. I'm rooting for him and I like him, but he is just falling apart right now and he might not look like the guy this franchise desperately needs. We have to start thinking about QB options once again in 2021.

2) The defense could only do so much but the turnovers and bad offensive play just didn't help them out. This wasn't all on the defense. The defense did quit the last quarter. Shelby Harris being out of the lineup due to Covid didn't help in this game either.

3)The one key sequence in this game was with Denver trailing 10-6 late in the 2nd quarter, Lock scored on QB run, but it was called back because of Noah Fant holding. On the next play, Lock threw a brutal interception and that ended the half and any chance Denver had of winning this game.

4) The Broncos allowed over 30 points in four straight games. This is the first time since the 1960s that has happened to this franchise. It is just another example of futility that this team has endured the last four years.

5) Denver is 3-6 for the fourth straight season. This is the worst stretch of Broncos football in my lifetime. It is so bad that I am telling my sons that they can go around and pick another team to root for in the NFL. I want them to enjoy the NFL and fun and excitement of those football Sundays. I don't see how the Broncos are going to be a successful, winning franchise for a long, long time. 

6) Denver hosts the 6-3 Dolphins next week in Denver. They are underdogs once again and it looks like they are headed to 3-7. This team has no direction in their QB for the future, the team going nowhere, there are questions in the coaching staff and front office. They are also in a division with the face of the NFL in Pat Mahomes and the juggernaut Chiefs, and a budding star in Justin Herbert for the Chargers. The path to become successful is very difficult right now. This is as broken as I have been as a Broncos fan.

Broncos-Raiders and Week 10 Picks

This is a very important game for the Broncos and their organization. If they lose, then they will be 3-6 and almost have to run the table or go 6-1 down the stretch to make the playoffs. A win here and they are 4-5 and host Miami next week in a winnable game and at 5-5 they would have a shot to make a run. Also, we all know that they are a young team with a lot of injuries, but enough with the excuses. It is the NFL. There are no more excuses. Figure out a way to make it work and get a win. We need the young guys to step up and play big. We are done waiting for that to happen next week, next month, or next year. Take the next step as a team and organization, and take it now. As much as I think Denver can pull the upset, everytime I get excited about the Broncos, they let me down-just like last week. The Raiders run game will be too much for the depleted Broncos defensive line including Shelby Harris, who is out after testing positive for Covid-19. The Raiders will go to 6-3.

LAS VEGAS (-5) over Denver

Final Score: Raiders-28 Broncos-16

Now, onto the picks for Week 10....

Last Week's Record: 6-8

Overall Record (68-61-5)

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

DETROIT (-3) over Washington: The Lions rebound and get to 4-5 with a home win over the 2-6 Redskins.

CLEVELAND (-3) over Houston: The Browns coming off a bye week get to 6-3 with a big home win.

GREEN BAY (-12) over Jacksonville: The Packers go to 7-2 with an easy home win over the Jags.

Philadelphia (-3) over NY GIANTS: This game will go back and forth, but I think the Eagles will do enough to win the game late.

Tampa Bay (-6) over CAROLINA: The Bucs are coming off a blowout loss at home to the Saints last week, and I expect them to bounce back and take care of business on the road in Carolina.

LA Chargers (+3) over MIAMI: The Chargers have blown so many games this year and they keep finding a way to lose, but I think they win the game outright over the Dolphins in Miami.

ARIZONA (PICK) over Buffalo: Fun game in Arizona between Kyler Murray and Josh Allen. I think the Cards defense will make enough plays to stop the Bills and win the game.

LA RAMS (-1) over Seattle: Huge game in the NFC West. The 5-3 Rams take on the 6-2 Seahawks. I think the Rams will get the win over Seattle and create a tie atop the NFC West.

San Francisco (+10) over NEW ORLEANS: The Saints will win the game, but I think the Niners will find a way to cover. 

Cincinnati (+7) over PITTSBURGH: I think the Steelers will win the game but I would not be shocked if they lost and got upset by Joe Burrow and the Bengals. I think this game is close throughout.

NEW ENGLAND (+7) over Baltimore: I think the Ravens will win the game, but I think the Pats will somehow keep it close.

CHICAGO (+2) over Minnesota: The 5-4 Bears will rebound and knock off the 3-5 Vikings on Monday Night Football. The Bears need this game and they will get it.

Titans-Colts TNF Pick

 TENNESSEE (-2) over Indy

Falcons Hold Off Broncos 34-27, Broncos now 3-5

The Broncos fell to the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday and as a result Denver is now 3-5 at the halfway point of the season. The Broncos were down early in the game and were trailing at halftime 20-3. It was 34-13 midway through the 4th quarter, and once again the Broncos rallied to make it close but couldn't tie it late. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game.....

1) The Broncos efense got smoked all day long. No AJ Bouye and Bryce Callahan, both out with injuries,  killed this secondary. Not having Shelby Harris didn't help either. CB Davontae Adams is not very good, and he got beat time and time again.

2) Why did this team cut DeVaunte Bausby? We could have used him on Sunday. There was no reason to get rid of him in the first place. 

3) The offense had another slow start. The defense couldn't stop the  Falcons, and  the offense couldn't put together points and drives.  The Broncos were down 20-3 at the half. They couldn't run the ball and Drew Lock was constantly being pressured.

4) Lock played better down the stretch when the game was out of reach at 34-13. His interception at 27-13 early in the 4th quarter was a killer. He needs to play a full, dominant game soon. He can't rack up stats in garbage time.

5) The Broncos missed out on an opportunity to get to 4-4. Now at 3-5, it will be an uphill climb to back into contention. Upcoming four games are tough. It starts this Sunday in Vegas against the 5-3 Raiders. This is another big test and huge game for this organization in my opinion.

Broncos-Falcons and Week 9 Picks

The Broncos pulled off a dramatic, season-saving comeback win over the Chargers last Sunday in Denver to improve their record to 3-4. The 31-30 win is the kind of game that can be a turning point for a team in their season. The Broncos are certainly hoping that is the case. A very winnable game against the 2-6 Falcons could get the Broncos to 4-4 and a .500 record for the first time since December of 2018. This Falcons game is tricky because although Atlanta is 2-6, they have blown late leads and lost three brutal games to Detroit, Chicago, and Dallas. They could easily be 5-3 or 4-4. Their offense still has some firepower and they look like they are playing hard for interim head coach Raheem Morris. Denver is still dealing with their own injury issues, and they could be without DL Shelby Harris, who is in Covid protocol for exposure to someone with a positive case. This game just gets me nervous from a Denver standpoint and I think they fall short this week.

ATLANTA (-4) over Denver

Final Score: Falcons-27 Broncos-20

Now, onto the picks for Week 9....

Last Week's Record: 8-5-1

Overall Record (60-53-5)

Seattle (-2) over BUFFALO: 6-2 Buffalo hosts 6-1 Seattle. This should be one of the better games in of the day. Although Seattle is making the long trip East and playing in the early window, I like the Seahawks to roll through the Bills.

MINNESOTA (-4) over Detroit: The Vikings surprised the Packers last week with a win in Lambeau, and now they are 2-5. The Lions come in at 3-4 so this is an important game for them to get to 4-4. I think the Vikings will find a way and be too much for the Lions.

Carolina (+10) over KANSAS CITY: The 3-5 Panthers take on the 7-1 Chiefs. KC will win the game, but with Christian McCaffrey coming back from injury, I think that the Panthers can keep this close and cover the spread.

New York Giants (+3) over WASHINGTON: The Giants are the best 1-7 team in football. Their only win was over Washington a month ago, and I think they get their second win here as well.

Houston (-6) over JACKSONVILLE: Two 1-6 teams going at it in the bottom of the AFC South. I'll take Houston and DeShaun Watson.

Chicago (+6) over TENNESSEE: This is an important game for two teams with winning records battling it out. The Titans are 5-2 after losing two in a row. The Bears are 5-3 after losing two in a row. I think Tennessee wins the game, but the Bears will cover. 

Baltimore (-2) over INDIANAPOLIS: Two 5-2 teams meet up in another critical AFC matchup. This game could go a long way to determining playoff seeding and wild card berths down the road. Look for the Ravens to get a huge win on the road here.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (-1) over Las Vegas: At 2-5, the Chargers have blown so many leads it is unbelievable. I think the Chargers will get the win at home on Sunday over the 4-3 Raiders

ARIZONA (-4) over Miami: The Dolphins are a surprise 4-3 team right now and they are in the mix in the AFC playoff picture. The Cardinals are 5-2 and having a very solid season. This could be a fun one with Tua going up against Kyler Murray. I'll take the Cards at home.

Pittsburgh (-12) over DALLAS: At 2-6, the Cowboys season has unraveled. The Steelers come in at 7-0, and the last undefeated team in the NFL. I can't see the Steelers stubbing their toe here with their defense against the beat-up Cowboys.

TAMPA BAY (-5) over New Orleans: Great Sunday Night Football game on NBC. Tom Brady and the 6-2 Bucs get their second shot at the 5-2 Saints after losing to them in Week 1. Now, New Orleans comes to Tampa for the rematch. I really like how Tampa is playing, and the story has been their defense as well as Tom Brady. Now, they get Antonio Brown in the mix. It should be interesting on Sunday night, and I like the Bucs in this matchup.

New England (-7) over NEW YORK JETS: The Pats are 2-5 after losing late last week at Buffalo. You have to think they will find a way to turn it around over the 0-8 Jets in the Meadowlands on Monday Night Football. 

Week 9 TNF Pick

 Green Bay (-5) over SAN FRANCISCO 

Down 24-3, Broncos Rally to Defeat Chargers on Last Play of the Game

There hasn't been a lot of excitement in Denver since Peyton Manning retired and the Broncos won Super Bowl 50. Denver rallied from a 24-3 second half deficit and scored 21 points in the 4th quartet to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 31-30 in a thrilling comeback at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday. The win improved the Broncos record to 3-4, and the type of win that you can hopefully look back on as a turning point for this franchise. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game....

1) I thought the defense did a nice job on Justin Herbert for most of the first half and then they gave up some big plays late in the half. Justin Simmons had a nice pick on Herbert on the Chargers third play of the game, and they stopped them on a 4th down play deep in Denver territory. Yes, Herbert got hot at one point, but he was aided by a defensive holding call late in the first half that nullified a sack. The Chargers were also able to gash the Broncos defense in the run game a few times, and that helped Herbert and that offense build a 24-3 lead. Herbert is good, especially for a rookie QB, but let's not put him in the Hall of Fame just yet.

2) The Broncos offense was downright awful in the first half. Drew Lock was having a very rough day, and the play-calling made me scratch my head a few times. They couldn't run the ball and they just looked really bad on offense for a long stretch. I was actually thinking that Lock was going to get pulled in the 3rd quarter. I really thought they might go to Brett Rypien at one point.

4) Turning point #1 of the comeback came when Herbert got intercepted by Bryce Callahan in end zone in the third quarter with the Chargers up 24-10. After Philip Lindsay gave Denver some life by breaking a long TD run to cut the lead to 24-10, the Broncos got the ball back and Lock promptly threw an awful pick into double coverage. Herbert then threw one of his own in the endzone on a third down play. If there is no interception there, then the Chargers will attempt a short field goal and probably be up 27-10. Give Callahan credit for making that great play.

5) Turning point #2 of the comeback was the quick score from Lock to DaeSean Hamilton on a 40 yard pass play to cut it to 27-24 midway through 4th quarter. After LAC extended their lead to 27-17, the Broncos answered right away with a big Lindsay run, a late hit penalty on LAC, and the TD strike from Lock to Hamilton. They were back to within 3 points without wasting any time.

6) Turning point #3 of the comeback was the personal foul on Hunter Henry for an illegal crackback block on Chargers final drive. The Chargers had to settle for a field goal and 30-24 lead. It left the door open for Lock at then end.

7) What a great drive by Lock to win it at the end. They went 81 yards in 14 plays with 2:30 seconds left and one timeout. The drive was aided by two pass interference calls, one was for a first down near midfield and the other set up the Broncos at the LAC 1 yard line with one second to go. The two underrated plays were when Lock scrambled and found Hamilton for a first down and Melvin Gordon diving  for the first down on a key third down late in the game and deep in LAC territory. After the pass interference on Albert O in the end zone . The Broncos had one play from the 1 yard line with one second left. It was a great pass from Lock to KJ Hamler to win it. Lock rolled right and bid time as he rolled out and found Hamler, who caught the pass and fell on his backside to secure it in the endzone. Brandon McManus nailed the extra point and the Broncos fulfilled the comeback 31-30.

8) What a game and what a comeback. It has been a long time since the Broncos had a win like that. I'm happy for the team and happy for Lock. I thought this could be the end of Lock in Denver at one point in this game, and he played great in the 4th quarter to secure the comeback. He finished 26-41 for 248 yards with 3 TDs and 1 Int. This was definitely his signature game of his young Broncos career, and maybe the turning point for him as the guy in Denver. John Elway led Denver from a 21-0 deficit to beat the Colts in his rookie year in 1983. Peyton Manning led the Broncos to a win over the Chargers in 2012 after being down 24-0. Now, Lock leads Denver back to a win over the Chargers after being down 24-3. Let's hope this is the start of something special for Lock and the Broncos.

9) At 3-4, the Broncos have a chance to make something of the season once again. They have to get a win next week at Atlanta against the 2-6 Falcons. They need to get to 4-4 and then see if they can make a run at this thing. 

 

Broncos-Chargers and Week 8 Picks

The Broncos have a huge game on Sunday in Denver if they want to make something out of this 2020 season. At 2-4, and with a very difficult part of their schedule behind them, they host the 2-4 Chargers. The Chargers come in with Justin Herbert lighting up the league, and it will be a very bitter pill to swallow if Herbert shines again in a victory over the Broncos. If Denver has to deal with Herbert and Mahomes as stars, then they will have no chance for a long time to compete. Plus, Drew Lock did not play well last week against the Chiefs, so the pressure is on him to take the next step and become the franchise level QB that the Broncos so desperately need. The Chargers have Melvin Ingram back and with Joey Bosa, they can present some major problems for the Broncos offense. Denver once again is dealing with more injuries as Mike Purcell is out for the season, and Tim Patrick and Philip Lindsay might not play due to a hamstring and a concussion respectively. I just think Herbert is playing so well right now, and I feel like the Chargers will ride that momentum into Denver and knock off the Broncos-especially with a crowd of 6,700 fans and no real home field advantage.

Los Angeles Chargers (-3) over DENVER

Final Score: Chargers-27 Broncos-20

Now, onto the picks for Week 8....

Last Week's Record: 7-7

Overall Record (52-48-4)

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Las Vegas (+3) over CLEVELAND: The Browns are 5-2 after a dramatic win last week over the Bengals. They are right in the mix for a Wild Card berth in the AFC. The Raiders are 3-3 and need a win to keep pace. I like the Raiders in this spot to get a big road win and get to 4-3.

DETROIT (+3) over Indianapolis: The Lions have battled back to get to 3-3. The Colts are 4-2 and coming off a bye. I actually think the Lions are pretty decent and I like them in this spot at home as an underdog.

Pittsburgh (+3) over BALTIMORE: I'm actually surprised that the Ravens are favored by 3 in this game. This is the game of the day in Week 8. Two division rivals battling for first place. I'm taking the Steelers and the points on the road because I don't think the homefield is going to matter without fans here, and I think the Steelers are pound-for-pound the better team.

New England (+4) over BUFFALO: The 5-2 Bills lead the AFC East and the struggling 2-4 Patriots come to Buffalo. I am going to ride Bill Belichick in this one. I know the Pats and Cam Newton have not looked good at all the last two weeks, but I'm think they will figure out a way to at least keep this game close to the very end.

New York Jets (+20) over KANSAS CITY: The Chiefs win and sleep walk through this game. They will get a big lead early and just ride it out the rest of the way and avoid getting anyone hurt.

Minnesota (+7) over GREEN BAY: The Packers buried the Vikings in Minnesota in Week 1 and I feel like the Vikings haven't recovered. At 1-5, their season has been a disaster. The Packers are 5-1 and flying in the NFC North. I think the Packers win, but I think the Vikings keep this game close. 

MIAMI (+5) over Los Angeles Rams: Tua time in Miami begins as Tua Tagovailoa gets his first career start. The Dolphins are 3-3 and right in the thick of things in the AFC East. The Rams come in at 5-2 after spanking the Bears on MNF. I have a feeling the Dolphins will play well enough to keep this game close. This is another long trip back East for the Rams this year already.

CINCINNATI (+6) over Tennessee: You have to like what you see out of Joe Burrow if you are a Bengals fan. He looks like the real deal. Although they only have 1 win, they have been competitive each week. I like their chances here to keep it close against the Titans in a game that is a classic "Letdown" game for Tennessee. 

CHICAGO (+3) over New Orleans: I think the Bears can rebound from their loss to the Rams last week and pull the upset at home over the Saints. I like the Bears defense here at home, and I would expect Nick Foles to rebound and play better this week.

SEATTLE (-3) over San Francisco: Big game in the NFC West as these two division rivals square off. I think Seattle has to be kicking themselves after blowing that lead in the loss to Arizona on Sunday night, and look for them to rebound here against the Niners. SF is playing better at 4-3 but they are still dealing with so many injuries. This will be a tough one for them. 

PHILADELPHIA (-5) over Dallas: The Cowboys season is a disaster so far and at 2-5 they are still somehow in the NFC East race. Andy Dalton probably won't play after suffering a severe concussion last week, so Dallas will have to turn to third string QB Ben DiNucci. I know the Eagles are not very good at 2-4-1, but they are getting some healthy pieces back and I would expect them to take care of this dismal Cowboys team on Sunday Night Football.

Tampa Bay (-9) over NEW YORK GIANTS: The Giants are 1-6, but they have played hard and been in most of their games. The Bucs come in red-hot at 5-2 and Tom Brady is playing at a MVP level and they have the look of a team that could be a serious threat in the NFC. Look for that Tampa Bay train to keep on rolling. 

Panthers-Falcons Week 8 TNF Pick

 CAROLIN (-2) over Atlanta

Broncos Embarrass Themselves at Home in Loss to Chiefs

The Broncos hosted the Chiefs in snowy Denver on Sunday afternoon and their two-game winning streak came to a halt with a 43-16 loss to the defending Super Bowl champs. The Broncos fell to 2-4, and this game featured a lot of blunders and critical errors by the Broncos. They are still a long ways away from competing with the Chiefs in the AFC West. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game.....

-It was a rough day for Drew Lock. He has to play better. His pick six was a bad throw and it turned the momentum and gave the Chiefs a 17-6 lead in the 2nd quarter. He missed some easy throws and his accuracy has come into question. His second interception was a little behind KJ Hamler, and it tipped of Hamler's hands and right to Tyrann Mathieu. I'm not giving up on him yet, but he needs to start playing better, making better decisions, and somehow get more accurate.

-Melvin Gordon is killing us. He fumbled in the second quarter, and that was his second fumble this year, and then he completely botched a flea flicker throwback to Lock in the 3rd quarter that led to another turnover. That was one of the worst plays I have ever seen in my life. Philip Lindsay was having a big day until he got knocked out of the game with a concussion. Lindsay has to be the featured back. Gordon can't be the main guy. This offense needs to run through Lindsay.

-It was going to take a huge, flawless effort to knock off the Chiefs. You can't give the Chiefs an interception return for a TD, a kick return for a TD, and 3 turnovers overall. It's just embarrassing and the Broncos make too many mistakes to compete with KC.

-The Broncos defense actually did well against Pat Mahomes and the KC offense. After giving up a TD on the first drive, the Broncos defense settled in, and did a nice job. They actually held KC to 0-8 on 3rd down conversions and under 300 total yards. This game was not their fault at all. It wasn't a perfect game for them, but it was the kind of effort that can give them hope when the two teams meet again in December.

-The Broncos special teams have had a bad year and Sunday was no different. The Broncos cut the lead to 17-9 in the second quarter and it looked like they had a chance to keep this game close and then they gave up a kick return touchdown and air just came out of the balloon and they were down 24-9. 

-Denver is simply not ready to challenge KC. All the moves in the offseason to try and match the firepower of the Chiefs didn't materialize on Sunday. Jerry Jeudy only had 2 catches, Hamler didn't do much, and Melvin Gordon was a disaster. Drew Lock played his worst game of his Broncos career, and the team showed just how far they are from beating the Chiefs. 

-At 2-4, the Broncos need to start putting together a few more winning streaks to get back into this AFC Wild Card race. This week they host the Chargers and sensational rookie QB, Justin Herbert. Herbert has looked amazing since his first start in Week 2, and if he comes into Denver and plays great and knocks off the Broncos, then that will be a very tough pill to swallow for Broncos fans. The Broncos not only need to win this game, but Drew Lock needs to have a big time game.

Broncos-Chiefs and Week 7 Picks

The Broncos are 2-3 after a big win in Foxboro last week over the Patriots, and now they head home to take on their rival, the 5-1 Kansas City Chiefs. The Broncos haven't beaten the Chiefs since Week 2 of the 2015 season. Pat Mahomes has never lost to the Broncos in his career, and Denver hasn't really been competitive in these matchups with KC. Can Denver bridge the gap and pull off the upset at home? A few factors that suggest they could are the fact that they are getting healthier and healthier each day. AJ Bouye, Noah Fant, KJ Hamler, and DreMont Jones are among the players who have a good chance to return this week. Also, the Chiefs are going from playing in Buffalo on Monday afternoon to Denver on Sunday, so maybe the short week hurts them a bit. In a normal season, the home crowd in Denver would be a huge factor, but with only 6,700 fans in attendance this week, that will not play a role this year. There is a chance of snow in the forecast, so maybe that will affect the Chiefs, but Pat Mahomes has thrived no matter what type of weather it is. I need to see it from the Broncos against the Chiefs to believe that they can actually compete with them, and I just don't think they are there yet.

Kansas City (-9) over DENVER

Final Score: Chiefs-34 Broncos-17

Now, onto the picks for Week 7.....

Last Week's Record: 8-5-1

Overall Record (45-41-4)

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Buffalo (-9) over NY JETS: The Jets are so bad at 0-5. They are clearly the worst team in the league. They might be worse than the 1-15 Jets from 1996. Buffalo has lost two in a row and sit at 4-2. Look for a rebound week for the Bills and Josh Allen.

Detroit (+3) over ATLANTA: Atlanta won their first game last week with interim HC Raheem Morris to improve their record to 1-5. The Lions are 2-3 after a blowout win over Jacksonville. I like the Lions in the Lions in this spot to get to 3-3.

Cleveland (-4) over CINCINNATI: The Browns got buried by the Steelers last week to fall to 4-2. Can they be considered playoff contenders? We know they can beat the weaker teams, but I think the Bengals will give them a close game and might even win the game outright, but Cleveland does find a way to cover.

Pittsburgh (-1) over TENNESSEE: The last two undefeated teams in the AFC battle here in Week 7. Great game in the early window on Sunday afternoon. I'm looking forward to it. I think the Steelers go to 6-0 with a statement win over the Titans. 

Carolina (+8) over NEW ORLEANS: The Saints will win this game, but I think the Panthers will keep it close. I think this game actually comes down to the last minute, and I'll take the Panthers plus the points.

Dallas (-3) over WASHINGTON: The Cowboys are 2-4 and somehow in first place in the NFC East. Andy Dalton looked pretty bad last week in the loss to the Cardinals. It shows how much this team will miss Dak Prescott. The Cowboys offensive line is banged up and their defense is the worst in the league in points allowed, so things are not looking so good right now. Lucky for them, they head to DC to take on 1-5 Washington. I would think they would get to 3-4 after this week.

Green Bay (-3) over HOUSTON: Houston was valiant in their loss to Tennessee in overtime last week, but at 1-5 it is going to be an uphill climb the rest of the year. The Packers are 4-1 after a blowout loss to Tampa Bay last week, but I think they will be fine. I would be very surprised if they lost this week in Houston.

Tampa Bay (-2) over LAS VEGAS: The Raiders are having issues with their offensive line due to Covid protocols, but even if they are full strength, I still like Tom Brady and this 4-2 Bucs team on the road in Vegas to get the win.

NEW ENGLAND (-3) over San Francisco: Huge game for both of these teams. The Niners are 3-3 after their home win over the Rams. The Patriots lost at home to the Broncos to fall to 2-3 and under .500 in the month of October for the first time since 2002. I think the Patriots bounce back this week and get to 3-3 with a home win.

LA CHARGERS (-8) over Jacksonville: Justin Herbert has been very impressive in his first four starts of his career, but the Chargers have lost all four of those games and are at 1-4. The Jaguars are 1-5 and clearly in play for the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes. I have no doubt that the Chargers will roll in this one and get to 2-4 with a blowout win at home.

Seattle (-3) over ARIZONA: This game got flexed into Sunday Night Football and I like the matchup. The undefeated Seahawks go into Arizona to take the 4-2 Cardinals. Good game in the loaded NFC West. Russell Wilson vs. Kyler Murray. I like Arizona here, but I can't go against Wilson.

Chicago (+6) over LA RAMS: It's a rematch of the 1985 NFC Championship Game! The 4-2 Rams host the 5-1 Bears in a very good Monday Night Football game. I gotta think the Rams will get to 5-2 and bounce back after that loss to SF. The Bears are a surprising 5-1, so I don't think a loss here will kill their season. Their defense will keep them in it long enough. Rams will win but the Bears cover.

Week 7 TNF Pick

 PHILADELPHIA (-4) over NY Giants

Broncos Hold On to Upset Patriots 18-12, Improve to 2-3

The Broncos went into Foxboro and defeated the Patriots 18-12 and improved to 2-3 on the season. The Broncos lead the game wire-to-wire and they dominated it for most of the day but it came down to the end, but the Broncos defense made another big play to save the day. The win might have been the biggest win of the Vic Fangio era so far and more importantly it gave Denver their second straight win and at 2-3 it does breathe some life into their season. Here are my thoughts and observations about the game...

1) The Broncos dominated this game for the first thee and a half quarters. They had an 18-3 lead and nearly blew it, but totally outplayed the Patriots in every facet of the game. They deserved to win. They were the better team. They outplayed and outcoached the Patriots and Bill Belichick. 

2)  The defense was excellent. They forced three turnovers, harassed Cam Newton, sacked him four times, and  took away everything else the Patriots tried to do. The only thing that worked for the Pats offense was when Newton had to scramble and Julian Edelman was throwing passes out of trick plays.

3)  This was not Bill Belichick's finest game. He declined a penalty in the 3rd quarter and it made it 4th and 4 but Denver was in NE territory and although it was a long FG attempt, Brandon McManus made it to extend the Denver lead. Belichick should have taken the penalty and backed up the Broncos for a long, long 3rd down. He also didn't challenge the spot when the Broncos stopped James White short of a first down on a key play in the 4th quarter. Belichick elected to punt when it was obvious that a challenge there would have resulted in a first down. 

4) Drew Lock played better than his stats. He had three killer drops on him that would have resulted in touchdowns and another drop by DaeSean Hamilton that would have put the Broncos inside the NE five yard line up 18-3 in the 4th quarter. He made some big-time throws-especially to Tim Patrick deep, and I thought he played well up until the very end. Look,  the last two INTs were awful and allowed the Pats to get back into the game, but still like what I see out of Drew. His offensive coordinator needs to do a better job of managing the game at the end and not even think about throwing at that point.

4) Philip Lindsay goes over 100 yards in first game back from injury. He is the sparkplug for this team. He is one of the best playmakers on the team and he was a main reason this offense was able to move the ball and keep the drives alive.

5) The Broncos have found a way to lose these types of games in the Fangio era. They pulled it out today against the Patriots no less. They were the better team all day and held on.

6) Brandon McManus has been sensational so far this season. He kicked 6 field goals today, and has been very consistent in a year where it is hard to find a solid kicker. 

7) The Broncos scored on first 6 drives of the game- all field goals. You don't like the lack of TDss in the redzone but they still were able to move the ball, get points and extend the lead. The DaeSean Hamilton drop was the turning point of 4th quarter. That really would have put the game away.

8) A win is a win, and the Broncos and their fans should be happy. This was the biggest win under Fangio.  It sends the Pats to 2-3 for the first time in the month of October since 2002. At 2-3, Broncos have some life with KC coming to Denver next week. They have at least added another week to make something out of this season. 

Broncos-Patriots and Week 6 Picks

With the postponement of this game to a week later in Week 6, the Patriots get the benefit of getting Cam Newton and most likely Stephon Gilmore back. Both of those two players tested positive for Covid-19 last week, which postponed this game. That will certainly not help the Broncos. Denver will hope to get QB Drew Lock back for this game from the shoulder injury he suffered in Week 2. Even if Lock plays, the Broncos will probably be without TE Noah Fant and WR KJ Hamler. Fant suffered an ankle injury in the Week 4 win over the Jets. The Broncos have too many injuries to deal with and even with the 17 days off between their game against the Jets and the game here against the Pats, I don't think they will be healthy enough to compete with the Pats on both sides of the ball. I have a hard time seeing that happen and I just don't have faith in the Broncos at this point.

NEW ENGLAND (-9) over Denver

Final Score: Patriots-31 Broncos-16

Now, onto the picks for Week 6.........

Last Week's Record: 7-7 

Overall Record (37-36-3)

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

 Houston (+6) over TENNESSEE: The Titans are 4-0 after beating the Bills on Tuesday night, but I think they will feel some of the affects in this one with the short week and coming back to play on Sunday. The Titans will defeat the 1-4 Texans to stay undefeated, but look for a closer game than people expect.

Cincinnati (+8) over INDIANAPOLIS: I don't trust the Colts or Philip Rivers-even though they sit at 3-2. I think the Colts will win but I like Cincy to cover the spread.

MINNESOTA (-3) over Atlanta: The Vikings were so close to defeating the Seahawks in Seattle last Sunday night. They get their second win here by beating the 0-5 Falcons, who just fired head coach Dan Quinn this past week.

NY GIANTS (-3) over Washington: The Giants are 0-5 but had chances to win their last two games against the Rams and Cowboys. They fell short in those games, but they will not fall short this week with a win over the 1-4 Washington Football Team.

PHILADELPHIA (+8) over Baltimore: Carson Wentz has not be good this year and the Eagles are a disappointment at 1-3-1 so far. The 4-1 Ravens come to town this week, and many people expect a blowout win by Baltimore. I don't know if the Eagles will win the game, but they will keep it close.

PITTSBURGH (-3) over Cleveland: The Browns are 4-1 for the first time since Bill Belichick was their head coach in 1994. They head to Pittsburgh to take on their division rival, the Steelers. Pittsburgh is 4-0 for the first time since 1979. I think the Steelers defense gets after Baker Mayfield all game long, and the take care of the Browns. A lot of people are taking Cleveland this week, but I'm going the other way.

Chicago (+3) over CAROLINA: I'm not ready to buy into the 3-2 Panthers as playoff contenders. I do admire the job that Matt Rhule has done with this team, but I think the Bears are a smart play here as an underdog. The Bears are 4-1 and I think they get to a surprising 5-1.

Detroit (-3) over JACKSONVILLE: The Lions are the better team and they will go into Jacksonville and take care of business and get their second win of the season and sending the Jags to 1-5.

MIAMI (-8) over NY Jets: The Jets are the worst team in the league right now. Everything about them is a joke. They are 0-5, and I think they get buried this week in Miami by the 2-3 Dolphins.

Green Bay (-1) over TAMPA BAY: Great matchup in the late afternoon window on FOX on Sunday. Tom Brady goes up against Aaron Rodgers. You have to love the way that Rodgers has been playing this year, and I think that continues this week in a big win over Brady and the Bucs.

LA Rams (-3) over SAN FRANCISCO: The 49ers are reeling at 2-3. They have injuries in key spots, Jimmy Garapolo looked awful last week, and they have lost their first 3 games at home this year. The Rams come in at 4-1 and atop the NFC West. I like what I have seen from the Rams so far this year. They are playing better right now and they will keep the 49ers home woes going.

Kansas City (-3) over BUFFALO: This featured AFC matchup got moved from Thursday Night Football to Monday night at 5:00pm EST due to the fact that the Bills had to play on Tuesday against the Titans. I know it is in Buffalo, but without the crowd being there to help them, I don't see the Bills standing a chance against Pat Mahomes and the Chiefs. 

Arizona (-2) over DALLAS: This game now becomes the second half of the Monday night doubleheader. Losing Dak Prescott will hurt Dallas, but they have a lot of injuries on both sides of their lines and it will start to take a toll. Andy Dalton takes over for Prescott and he will probably be okay as their starter, but I think Kyler Murray and the Cardinals will come into Big D and get the win. 

Broncos-Patriots Postponed Until Week 6 Due to Covid-19

The Broncos Week 5 game at New England was postponed to Week 6 because the Patriots had a player test positive for Covid-19 on Sunday morning. The game was originally supposed to play on Sunday October 11th, but last Thursday (October 8th), the game was moved to Monday October 12th at 5:00pm EST. That was the plan going into the weekend but on Sunday morning it changed. The Broncos and Patriots were given the week off and Week 5 counted as their bye week. The Broncos-Pats game is now scheduled for Week 6 on Sunday October 18th at 1:00pm EST. The Broncos were originally scheduled to host the Dolphins in Week 6, but that game was moved to Week 11 on November 22nd. Their Week 8 bye turned into a home game against the Chargers. It is certainly confusing and not ideal at all, but this is what was expected, and the NFL is going to do what is has to in order to continue on with this season and get the games in. 

Broncos-Patriots Preview and Week 5 Picks

I usually write my weekend Broncos preview and picks on Thursday night while watching the TNF game. It is a tradition to start off my football weekend each week. 2020 has taught us to pivot and take things as they come. Traditions get broken and schedules get thrown out. The NFL is having to deal with that as we enter Week 5 with Covid-19 causing another disturbance in our lives and sports calendar. As of Thursday night, the Broncos-Patriots game is moved from Sunday at 4:25pm EST to Monday at 5:05pm EST to give the Patriots more time to prepare amid positive tests to CB Stephon Gilmore and QB Cam Newton. This is another schedule change and there will be more this year as the NFL tries to just plow forward and get through these games. How does this affect the Broncos? Well, it gives them one more day to get Drew Lock healthy to play. Perhaps he returns from his shoulder injury. It also puts them in a bind because next week they host the Dolphins in Denver, so this is a shorter week for them. It also gives the Pats an extra day to get Cam Newton back from Covid. If Cam plays, then the Broncos are in big trouble. I don't really know how the Broncos will react and play in this game, but they have been so disappointing the last few years, that I am not getting my hopes up.

NEW ENGLAND (-10) over Denver

Final Score: Patriots-27 Broncos-10

Now, onto the picks for Week 5....

 Last Week's Record: 6-8-1

Overall Record (30-30-3)

ATLANTA (-4) over Carolina: The Falcons are 0-4 and they have to win at some point....right? The Panthers are 2-2 and playing better, but I think the Falcons are due to get their first win.

KANSAS CITY (-11) over Las Vegas: The Chiefs are rolling and off to a 4-0 start once again. They won't stumble at home with the Raiders coming to town.

LA Rams (-8) over WASHINGTON: The Redskins are going away from Dwayne Haskins and turning to Kyle Allen at QB. I think the Rams will roll and get to 4-1.

Jacksonville (+5) over HOUSTON: The Texans fired Bill O'Brien this week after starting the year at 0-4. I think they will find a way to get their first win over the 1-3 Jaguars, but I am worried about them covering the spread this week. Romeo Crennel takes over as interim head coach, and that could be a disaster for Houston.

Arizona (-5) over NY JETS: The Jets are 0-4 and are the worst team in the league right now. Sam Darnold will likely miss this game and that means that Joe Flacco will get the start. Gotta like the Cardinals to get to 3-2 after this one.

Philly (+7) over PITTSBURGH: One of the few interesting games on the slate on Sunday. I think the 1-2-1 Eagles, who are in first place in the NFC East, will keep it close with the Steelers. I know the Steelers defense will be able to get after the Eagles, but I just have a feeling that Philly will keep it a one score game.

Cincy (+13) over BALTIMORE: The Ravens will win the game but this will be a little bit closer than people expect. Look for Joe Burrow to get the backdoor cover here.

Miami (+9) over SAN FRANCISCO: I think Miami keeps it close in the empty stadium in San Francisco.

NY Giants (+10) over DALLAS: The 0-4 Giants travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in the late window on Sunday afternoon. I'll take the G-Men to keep it close but the Cowboys will win.

Indy (-1) over CLEVELAND: Sneaky good game in the late window on CBS. The 3-1 Browns host the 3-1 Colts. I think this could be a fun game. I really like what I see out of the Indy defense and I think they get to 4-1 with a win on the road.

Minnesota (+7) over SEATTLE: The Vikings saved their season with a win over Houston and are now 1-3 as they head to Seattle to take on the 4-0 Seahawks. Russell Wilson is the MVP of the league after four weeks, and he is having one of those dream seasons. I think Seattle and Wilson will probably win the game, but I can see the Vikes keeping it close-especially since there are no fans in attendance. 

LA Chargers (+8) over NEW ORLEANS: You have to like what you have seen out of Justin Herbert early on in his career for the Chargers. Now, he takes the 1-3 but feisty Chargers to the Superdome to take on the 2-2 Saints. I think the Saints win but look for the Chargers to keep it close.

Buffalo (NO LINE) over TENNESSEE: This game was moved from Sunday to Tuesday night at 7:00pm EST due to an outbreak of positive tests on the Titans. Hopefully, they will be able to get this game in, and if they do, then I will have to take the Bills. I have no idea how this game plays out though.

Buccaneers-Bears Week 5 TNF Pick

 CHICAGO (+4) over Tampa Bay

Broncos Outlast Jets, Get First Win of 2020

 The Broncos got their first win of the 2020 season with a 37-28 win over the Jets in the Meadowlands on Thursday night. The battle of 0-3 teams was ridiculed going into it, and at least the game provided some sort of an entertaining game. The Broncos won the game, got to 1-3 and gave the Broncos fans something to get excited about early in this 2020 season. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game....

1) The opening touchdown run by Sam Darnold was just ridiculous and I thought it was going to be a long night for Denver. Al Johnson missed a sack, Justin Simmons got juked, and Kareem Jackson just didn't try as Darnold galloped in for a touchdown and an early 7-0 lead for the Jets. I really thought that was going to be a indicator that the Broncos were going to lose this game.

2) I thought Brett Rypien played pretty well with 2 TD passes, but his 3 interceptions were killer. He has to clean that up. It was better seeing him get a chance over Jeff Driskel and he deserves to start another week if Drew Lock is out. Rypien showed some guts and guile and some ability on some deep throws. He had TD passes to Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick. I was pleased with Rypien's play for the most part. Maybe he can keep this team afloat until Lock comes back.

3) I thought Vic Fangio did a nice job with the defense. They attacked Darnold all night long and brought a lot of blitzes. Al Johnson was great and Bradley Chubb was dominant with 2.5 sacks, including a sack to end the Jets chances of coming back to win the game late. Devaunte Bausby also played well and deserves to get more snaps than rookie Essang Bassey. The Jets offense doesn't have a lot of talent, but I was impressed how Denver attacked them all night long.

4) After Denver took a 30-28 lead, I was totally expecting them to blow the lead and the Jets to come back and win the game 31-30, but the defense got the stop with the sack on Darnold by Chubb, and Melvin Gordon put it away with a TD run for the 37-28 win. It is only the 4th time the Broncos scored 37 or more points in a game since Peyton Manning retired. They could have put this game away earlier if it wasn't for Rypien's interceptions-including a pick six in the 4th quarter. 

5) Denver avoids the 0-4 start for the second straight year and now at 1-3 they head to New England to take on the Patriots, who may be without Cam Newton, who tested positive with Covid-19 right before Week 4. It will be nice to see Drew Lock return, but he is 50-50 at this point so it might be Brett Rypien once again. 

Week 4 Quick Picks

 Last Week's Record: 7-9

Overall Record (24-22-2)

Cleveland (+4) over DALLAS

DETROIT (+3) over New Orleans

HOUSTON (-3) over Minnesota

LA Chargers (+7) over TAMPA BAY

Baltimore (-12) over WASHINGTON

Arizona (-3) over CAROLINA

CINCY (-1) over Jacksonville

MIAMI (+5) over Seattle

LA RAMS (-12) over NY Giants

LAS VEGAS (-3) over Buffalo

CHICAGO (+4) over Indy

Philly (+9) over SAN FRANCISCO

GREEN BAY (-7) over Atlanta

KANSAS CITY (-10) over New England

Broncos-Jets TNF Pick

 The Broncos are a disgrace right now and a laughingstock of the league. Yes, they are getting crushed with major injuries to their once promising roster, but they just look like a team that is going to be really, really bad this year. There looks like there is no hope of a turnaround. They head to New Jersey on a very short week to take on the 0-3 Jets, who look as equally as bad as Denver. The Broncos are turning to Brett Rypien to start at QB this week after Jeff Driskel's dismal performance last week. I think the Broncos are going to lose this game because of the short week and long travel. I just think they are done and don't have it in them to win this game.

Prediction: NY JETS (PICK) over Denver

Final Score: Jets-24 Broncos-13

Broncos Get Crushed by Buccaneers, Fall to 0-3

 The Broncos fell to 0-3 with an uninspiring beatdown at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High. The outcome never was in doubt as the Bucs cruised to a 28-10 win. Although the Broncos are banged up and injured everywhere, no one on this team showed any fight or guts. They just took their ass-kicking at the hands of Tom Brady and the Bucs and moved on. This season has started so dreadful that there doesn't seem to be any hope the Broncos will turn this thing around. Another lost season in Denver in the post Super Bowl 50 era. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game....

1) After the Broncos were forced to punt on their first drive of the game, the Bucs blocked the punt and scored on a Brady to Chris Godwin TD pass to go up 7-0. That was the game right there. The Bucs built a 23-3 lead and never looked back.

2) Jeff Driskel was awful in his first start replacing the injured Drew Lock. He was pressured all day, held onto the ball too long, and just looked overmatched out there. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur didn't help him out too much either with his play selection..

3) The Broncos defense just didn't have enough to stop Tom Brady and his weapons. Brady looked like vintage Brady and played well. The Broncos defense really doesn't benefit at all with no fans in the stands. It really hurts them without crowd noise. 

4) This game was brutal to watch and now the Broncos are 0-3 and head to the 0-3 Jets on Thursday night. This season is spiraling out of control and Denver lost two more starters for the year with injuries-Jurrell Casey and Elijah Wilkinson. It is going to get ugly and I think they will have a hard time beating the Jets on Thursday. This looks like a 4 win campaign this year.

Broncos-Bucs and Week 3 Picks!

The Broncos are 0-2 for the second straight year, and this season feels like a lost one already. If they had started 0-2 and lost the two tough games like they did to Tennessee and Pittsburgh, but they didn't have all these injuries to their roster, then I would be optimistic that they would be able to turn this season around. But, with the injuries to Von Miller(Ankle and done for the season), Courtland Sutton (ACL and done for the season), A.J. Bouye (Shoulder and on IR until October), Philip Lindsay (Turf toe and week to week), Dremont Jones (Knee and at least a month away), and now QB Drew Lock (Shoulder and 3-6 weeks), this season feels like it is going down the tubes really fast. This week is intriguing because I really don't think the Bucs are better than a 9 win team, but they will probably be too much for Denver and their depleted team. Look for Tom Brady to look like the vintage version of himself, and the Bucs will roll against the Jeff Driskell-led Broncos in Denver.

Tampa Bay (-6) over DENVER

Final Score: Buccaneers-30 Broncos-10

Now, onto the picks for Week 3 in the NFL.....

Last Week's Record: 9-7

Overall Record (17-13-2)

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Houston (+4) over PITTSBURGH: The Texans are 0-2 and need a win badly. The Steelers are 2-0 and look like the real deal in the AFC. I think Houston gets their first win this week in an upset on the road.

MINNESOTA (+3) over Tennessee: The Vikings are also a surprising 0-2 and they have looked really bad the first two games. I like the Vikings to get their first win here as well.

ATLANTA (-3) over Chicago: Another 0-2 team takes on a 2-0 team. The Bears are 2-0 but no one is buying into them just yet. The Falcons are 0-2 and had a devastating loss last week to the Cowboys. I like Atlanta at home to get to 1-2.

Las Vegas (+6) over NEW ENGLAND: Hate to admit it but you have to give credit to the Raiders. They are 2-0 and got a big win over the Saints on Monday night in Week 2. Derek Carr looks good and Jon Gruden looks like he has himself a good team this year. I don't know if they will win this game, but I like them to keep to close. The Pats and Cam Newton will be contenders in the AFC this year, so this will be a fun game to watch.

NY GIANTS (+4) over San Francisco: The Giants are 0-2 and hosting the banged up 49ers, who are playing in MetLife Stadium for the second straight week after beating the Jets last week. I don't know if the Giants will win this game but I have a hunch that it will come down to the end.

PHILLY (-5) over Cincy: The Eagles got booed off their field last week in a game with no fans. That is how bad the Eagles 0-2 start has been for them this year. They will get their first win and get some of the pressure off of Carson Wentz and Doug Pederson and send Joe Burrow and the Bengals to 0-3.

Washington (+7) over CLEVELAND: I think the Redskins will keep it close to cover the spread. I'm still not sold on Cleveland and that offense yet.

LA Rams (+2) over BUFFALO: You have to like what you see out of the Rams in their 2-0 start. They go back to the East after beating the Eagles in Philly last week. That could be a factor in this game. The Bills are 2-0 and have looked good but they beat the Jets and Miami, so we will find out more about them this week.

NY Jets (+11) over INDY: The Jets have looked so bad in their 0-2 start. The Colts are 1-1, but look like a team that could be hanging around the playoff picture. The Colts will win the game, but I'm not sure they will cover.

Carolina (+7) over LA CHARGERS: The Chargers will start Justin Herbert for the second straight week as Tyrod Taylor still recovers from a punctured lung suffered at the hands of a team doctor who tried to give him a pain injection for a rib injury. Herbert looked good last week, and I think the Chargers will win, but I'll take the Panthers to cover.

Detroit (+6) over ARIZONA: The Cards are 2-0 and Kyler Murray has been fun to watch. I think they will win the game, but I'll take the Lions to cover.

SEATTLE (-5) over Dallas: Fun game in the late window on FOX. Russell Wilson has been amazing to start the season, and I don't see him slowing down at home against the Cowboys. 

NEW ORLEANS (-3) over Green Bay: Fun Sunday Night Football game on NBC. The Saints are 1-1 after losing to the Raiders on MNF last week. The Packers are 2-0 and Aaron Rodgers looks like his MVP self once again. I think the Saints will win and get back on track.

Kansas City (+3) over BALTIMORE: A spotlight game in the AFC in primetime on Monday Night Football. This could be the game of the year in the NFL. This should be fun. Pat Mahomes vs Lamar Jackson. Two young stars going at it. Both teams come in at 2-0 and the Chiefs will leave 3-0