Broncos-Chiefs Preview and Week 17 Picks!

The worst Broncos team of my lifetime finishes the 2017 regular season at home against the Kansas City Chiefs. KC has already locked up the AFC West, and they will be resting Alex Smith and other starters. Pat Mahomes gets the start against Paxton Lynch. The outcome of this game means nothing. I would rather see Denver lose this game and finish 5-11, and get a better draft pick then finishing 6-10. The only thing that matters in this game is what happens after the game is over. Is Vance Joseph out as head coach after one year? What other staff changes are going to be made? Are there any moves that will be made to the front office? Which players are playing their last game as a Bronco on Sunday? Who will be the next Broncos starting quarterback? All those decisions will need to be answered in the coming days, weeks, and months. In the meantime, it will be nice to put the bow on this awful Broncos season and start fresh for 2018 right away.

Prediction: Kansas City (+4) over DENVER
Final Score: Chiefs-24 Broncos-17

Now, onto the picks for Week 17 with a little added bonus as I project the NFL Playoff Schedule. Week 17 features seven 1:00 games and nine 4:25 games, and it also doesn't have a final Sunday Night Football game due to the fact that it is New Year's Eve and there was no guarantee of a great game with playoff implications to fill that spot. Here we go.....

Last Week's Record: 6-8-2
Overall Record: 122-103-15
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

NEW ENGLAND (-14) over NY Jets: The Pats will take care of business and get to 13-3 and get the #1 seed in the AFC. The Jets will finish 5-11 and look to get a franchise QB in the offseason.

Green Bay (+7) over DETROIT: The Packers finish the season with a win and an 8-8 record, and the Lions finish 8-8 and probably fire Jim Caldwell in the process.

INDY (-4) over Houston: The Colts will win to finish 4-12 in Chuck Pagano's last game as head coach, and Houston finishes 4-12 and thinks about Deshaun Watson returning next year.

PITTSBURGH (-8) over Cleveland: The Steelers get to 13-3, but get the #2 seed in the AFC. Cleveland goes 0-16 and gets the #1 pick in the NFL Draft next April.

Washington (-3) over NY GIANTS: The Redskins finish 8-8 and think about what they will do with Kirk Cousins, and the Giants finish 2-14, secure the #2 pick in the draft and think about getting a new head coach and a new QB.

MINNESOTA (-11) over Chicago: The Vikings will roll and finish 13-3 and the #2 seed in the NFC, and the Bears will finish 5-11 and look to move on from John Fox and find a new HC.

Dallas (-3) over PHILLY: The Eagles have the #1 seed in the NFC locked up, so this game means nothing to them. The Cowboys will want to finish the season at 9-7 and on a high note.

Cincy (+9) over BALTIMORE: The Ravens will win the game and get into the playoffs. There is no doubt that will happen, but I think the Bengals will play hard in what will likely be Marvin Lewis' last game as head coach.

Miami (+3) over BUFFALO: I would love to see Buffalo get into the playoffs, but I don't think it will happen, and I don't think they will even win this Sunday in Miami. The Dolphins finish a disappointing season at 7-9.

Carolina (+4) over ATLANTA: The Falcons can clinch the #6 seed in the NFC with a win over the Panthers at home on Sunday. I think this is the game that is a little wild and crazy, and I think the Panthers defeat the Falcons and knock Atlanta out of a playoff spot. The Panthers will finish 12-4 and the #5 seed in the NFC.

TENNESSEE (-3) over Jacksonville: The Jags have the AFC South locked up, and they have nothing to play for, but they will play everyone and play hard. I don't buy it and I think the Titans will benefit from the Jags having everything all clinched. I think Tennessee wins, finishes 9-7 and gets the #6 seed in the AFC.

Oakland (+8) over LA CHARGERS: I think the Chargers win the game and finish 9-7, but they won't cover and I think Oakland plays with some heart and guts as they are 6-9 and out of the playoff race this year.

Arizona (+9) over SEATTLE: The Seahawks will win and finish the season 10-6, but this game will come down to the end. The Cardinals will play hard for Bruce Arians, who is probably coaching his final game as head coach for Arizona. Seattle wins and gets the #6 seed in the NFC due to Atlanta's loss.

San Francisco (-3) over LA RAMS: The 49ers will win their fifth in a row and finish 6-10 with Jimmy G at QB. The Rams are resting their main players and will finish 11-5 and secure the #4 seed in the NFC.

New Orleans (-6) over TAMPA BAY: The Saints will win handily and finish 12-4, win the NFC South and get the #3 seed in the NFC. The Bucs finish a disappointing 4-12 and Dirk Koetter is likely getting fired after the season is over.


NFL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE PREDICTIONS:

Wild Card Weekend
Saturday 1/6
4:30 PM (ESPN/ABC)
(6) Tennessee at (3) Jacksonville
8:00 PM (NBC)
(5) Carolina at (4) Los Angeles Rams

Sunday 1/7
1:00 PM (CBS)
(5) Baltimore at (4) Kansas City
4:30 PM (FOX)
(6) Seattle at (3) New Orleans

Divisional Weekend
Saturday 1/13
4:30 PM (FOX)
at (2) Minnesota
8:00 PM (NBC)
at (1) New England

Sunday 1/14
1:00 PM (CBS)
at (2) Pittsburgh
4:30 PM (FOX)
at (1) Philadelphia

Broncos Lose to Redskins, Fall to 5-10

The Broncos were defeated by the Redskins on Christmas Eve in Washington on Sunday 27-11, and the lose gave the Broncos their 10th loss on the season. At 5-10, the Broncos are assured a 10 loss season for the first time since 2010, and only the fourth time in my lifetime. This game was a microcosm of basically every loss the Broncos had this year. They played well in the first quarter, then were non-competitive virtually from there. There is nothing else to say at this point. Here are my "Five Points" on the game.....

1) The Broncos actually started well. Their defense shut down Kirk Cousins and the offense got C.J. Anderson going and they took a 3-0 lead early in the game. I don't know if anyone noticed but the Broncos tried that trick play on a punt return where Jordan Taylor moved to his right and acted like the punt was coming to him and Bennie Fowler was running down the left to actually catch it. The Rams pulled this off years ago, but of course Fowler didn't judge the ball right and it bounce and he had to catch it off a bounce and no one on Washington was fooled.

2) Kirk Cousins got hot and showed the Broncos defense and front office what a quality QB can do. He shredded the Broncos from the second quarter on. He threw for 299 yards and 3 TDs. He certainly gave the Broncos an up close look at his talent as we head into free agency this offseason.

3) Brock Osweiler fumbled and Washington converted it into a touchdown from Cousins to Jamison Crowder to make it 10-3. From there, the Broncos were done and looking to mail it in. Another bonehead play by Isaiah McKenzie screwed the Broncos out of getting points before the half. McKenzie caught a pass by the sideline and instead of going right out of bounds, he turned inside and tried to get more yards. The Broncos had no timeouts left and were in field goal range if he goes out of bounds, but of course he didn't and the clock ran out. McKenzie has been so bad this season, it is justifiable that he could get released in the offseason. Just another awful display of football by the Broncos once again-just like every game this year.

4) I still don't know if Vance Joseph is going to get fired or not after the season, but he continues to underwhelm as a head coach. The Broncos looked checked out and they looked like they were mailing it in in the second half. There was another blown coverage that led to the Redskins third TD-something that has happened a lot this year. This game was another example of them looking lost and unprepared.

5) The Broncos finish up the regular season at home against the Chiefs. KC is resting a lot of starters and the Broncos are going with Paxton Lynch. The Broncos will finally put the finishing touches on the worst season in Broncos history, and they will enter an offseason full of change and revision.

Broncos-Redskins Preview and Week 16 Picks!

The Broncos have won two in a row and at 5-9 are playing out the string here in Week 16. They head to DC to take on the 6-8 Redskins. The only storylines worth mentioning in this game is if Brock Osweiler, who played great in relief of the injured Trevor Siemian against the Colts last week, starts or if the Broncos go with Paxton Lynch, who is recovering from an ankle injury. The other storyline involves Redskins QB Kirk Cousins. With the possibility of Washington moving on from him in the offseason, Cousins could be the hottest QB free agent since Peyton Manning in 2012. It has been widely reported that the Broncos would be interested in going after Cousins. In fact, some sources claim that Cousins is their number one priority in the offseason. There is plenty of time in the offseason to see if Cousins will be available, how much he will cost, and if the Broncos have the money to get him, but for Sunday the focus will be on Cousins, and the opportunity for the Broncos to get a first-hand look at a guy who might be their QB at this time next season.

Prediction: WASHINGTON (-4) over Denver
Final Score: Redskins-20 Broncos-13

Now onto the picks for a Christmas Eve Week 16 of the NFL..........

Last Week's Record: 9-3-4
Overall Record: 116-95-13
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

BALTIMORE (-12) over Indy: The Ravens are 8-6 and have an easy path to 10 wins and a playoff berth with Indy on Saturday and Cincy in Week 17. They shouldn't have a problem with the 3-11 Colts, whose secondary is an absolute mess.

GREEN BAY (+9) over Minnesota: I know that Aaron Rodgers was put back on IR after last week's loss to Carolina knocked the 7-7 Packers out of the playoff chase, but I still think they will play with pride this week at home in Lambeau on Saturday night. I think the Vikings will win to get to 12-3, but I think the Packers keep it close.

Detroit (-4) over CINCY: The Lions still have a viable path to the playoffs if they can win these last two games. The Bengals are done and it looks like Marvin Lewis is going to leave after the season. I think the Lions win, get to 9-6, and make it interesting for Week 17.

NY JETS (+7) over LA Chargers: This game is dicey to me because I could see the Jets pull the upset at home. The Chargers have to go across the country for an early start on Christmas Eve a week after they lost a huge game at KC. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Jets win this game.

TENNESSEE (+7) over LA Rams: The Titans need a win badly to prevent a collapse and a missed playoff berth. They host the Rams on Sunday in a huge game for both teams. The Titans are 8-6 and have to win this game. The Rams are 10-4 and look to be cruising to the NFC West title. I'll take the desperate team in this one.

CHICAGO (-6) over Cleveland: I can see the Browns going 0-16, and I don't see how they are winning in Chicago on Christmas Eve.

CAROLINA (-10) over Tampa Bay: I think Carolina will win the game and continue their run towards the division title. At 10-4, they could still win the South and get a home game in Round 1. I like them in this matchup.

NEW ORLEANS (-5) over Atlanta: The Saints are fighting for the South title at 10-4. They need this game to secure that spot. The Falcons are currently the 6 seed in the NFC with a 9-5 record. I think the Saints will be too much at home.

Miami (+9) over KANSAS CITY: It is pretty simple for the 8-6 Chiefs: They win this game at home over the Dolphins and they win the AFC West. I don't see them blowing this opportunity. I think they win the game, but I think the Dolphins will keep it closer and get the backdoor cover.

Buffalo (+12) over NEW ENGLAND: The 8-6 Bills have a chance to get into the playoffs for the first time since 1999, but they have a tall order heading to NE to take on the Pats. The Pats are 11-3 and are still fighting for homefield in the AFC after their win over Pittsburgh last week. I think this game will be closer than the spread indicates. The Bills will do everything they can to win this game. I think the Pats will win, but the Bills will give them a scare.

Jacksonville (-4) over SAN FRANCISCO: The Jags are in the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Now, they are looking to win the division. The 49ers have won three in a row and at 4-10 they have something to build on with Jimmy G at the helm. I think this will be a back and forth game that will come down to the end, but I think the Jags defense will be too much for Jimmy G, and they will get the win in SF.

ARIZONA (-3) over NY Giants: Two teams playing out the string. I think the Cards will play hard for Bruce Arians, who may step down as head coach after the season.

DALLAS (-4) over Seattle: This is basically a loser leaves town match in the NFC. I can't believe my Super Bowl pick from the NFC, the Seahawks, are going to miss the playoffs. The Cowboys still have a chance, but it will take a lot of help. I'll take the Cowboys here to keep their hopes alive and send the Seahawks packing for the offseason.

Pittsburgh (-8) over HOUSTON: At 4-10, the Texans are playing out the string and there is some rumor that Bill O'Brien might force his way out of Houston. I don't see the Steelers having a letdown here on Christmas day, and I think they will get to 12-3 heading into Week 17.

Oakland (+9) over PHILLY: The Eagles will win this game and get to 13-2 but I think it will be closer than the line. The Raiders are 6-8 and a major disappointment this year. They could be dangerous with nothing to lose here on Christmas Night. I think the Eagles win, but this will be closer than expected.

Broncos-Colts Reaction and NFL Week 15 Picks!

The Broncos went into Indy last night and defeated the Colts 25-13 to improve to 5-9 on the year. What are the Broncos doing winning two in a row? They are screwing up the Tanking theory. Anyway, the highlight of the game was after Trevor Siemian injured his shoulder in the first quarter, Brock Osweiler came in and down 10-0 he rallied the Broncos, and he was on fire leading them to three touchowns drives. First, he scrambled for a touchdown to cut the lead to 10-7 Indy. Then, he hit Cody Latimer on a corner route to take a 14-13 lead in the 3rd quarter. He then hit TE Jeff Heuerman for a long TD down the seam to make it 22-13 after Denver went for the two-point conversion and got it. It was a great night for Osweiler, and he should have been playing in front of Siemian a long time ago. Siemian was awful again early after he threw an interception on Denver's first drive, which led to Indy scoring first to take a 7-0 lead. C.J. Anderson deserves mention as he rushed for 158 yards on 30 carries as the Broncos controlled the line of scrimmage. It was a rare good night for the Broncos this season and a fun game to watch in the second half. We'll see if the win another game the rest of the year but at least for one night they rallied and played well and got the win.

Here are my quick picks for Week 15....

Last Week's Record: 12-4
Overall Record: 107-92-9
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

DETROIT (-5) over Chicago:

KANSAS CITY (+1) over LA Chargers:

NY GIANTS (+8) over Philly:

CAROLINA (-3) over Green Bay:

MINNESOTA (-9) over Cincy:

BUFFALO (-3) over Miami:

Houston (+11) over JACKSONVILLE:

NY Jets (+16) over NEW ORLEANS:

Arizona (+5) over WASHINGTON:

Baltimore (-7) over CLEVELAND:

LA RAMS (+3) over SEATTLE:

New England (-3) over PITTSBURGH:

Tennessee (+2) over SAN FRANCISCO:

Dallas (-3) over OAKLAND:

Atlanta (-6) over TAMPA BAY:

Broncos-Colts TNF Pick

The Broncos screwed up their draft positioning by beating the Jets last week to improve to 4-9. They still hold the 5th overall pick and this is a big game as far as positioning is concerned. I'm not convinced that Denver has turned the corner-even after last week's shutout. It is still probably better if they lose tonight in the long run. I am excited about their color rush orange uniforms and the old "D" back on the helmet. I think the Colts are due and it is a short week for Denver and they are on the road, so look for a Colts win in this spot. Don't worry Broncos fans: Embrace the Tank!

Prediction: INDY (+2) over Denver
Final Score: Colts- 23 Broncos-16

Broncos Shut Out Jets, Break Eight Game Losing Skid

The Broncos finally snapped their eight game losing streak as they shutout the Jets in Denver 23-0. It was the first Broncos win since October 1st, and they improved their record to 4-9. It was a total team win and the Broncos dominated from start to finish. Coincidentally, the last time the Broncos shut out an opponent was 2005 at home against the Jets. As much as I was embracing the tank and looking for the Broncos to lose out, it was nice to see them win and in such a convincing fashion. Here are my "Five Points" from Sunday's win.....

1) The Broncos were dominant from the start. After a field goal, Denver got a sack and forced fumble by Brandon Marshall and Trevor Siemian hit Demaryius Thomas for a touchdown pass to make it 10-0. It was the kind of start the Broncos haven't had since September.

2) The offense played a clean game. No interceptions, no fumbles, no costly errors. The only error was when Brandon McManus missed a 29 yard field goal in the first half. Other than that the Broncos were flawless. Look what happens when you get that kind of clean play. We haven't had that basically all season.

3) The defense has been getting a lot of shit lately, but if you watched this team every week, you know this is not on the defense. They kicked ass on Sunday. They had a forced fumble and recovery, an interception (Good to see you again, Darian Stewart), three sacks, and held the Jets to 100 total yards. The Broncos defense played inspired and with an edge that we haven't seen enough of this year.

4) I think this game was a combination of the Jets being mediocre at best and the Broncos being due for a win after losing eight straight games. At some point the streak had to be snapped and it took a beautiful day against a below average team for that to happen.

5) Obviously, the Broncos and their players and coaches were happy with the win, but to say that this win saved Vance Joseph's job is just ridiculous. The Broncos were mired in the worst slump since they were in the AFL in the 1960s. This team was getting embarrassed every week, so winning this game over the Jets doesn't change anything in my opinion about VJ's future.

Broncos-Jets and Week 14 Picks

The Broncos host the Jets this week in another meaningless, dismal game here in Week 14. At 3-9, the Broncos season is done, and they are on their way to being one of the worst Broncos team ever, and certainly the worst Broncos team in my lifetime. They were bad in 2010, but at least they were more competitive than this group. I never thought I would say this, but I am embracing the tank for the rest of the season. Just lose them all now. Who cares? Lose all the games, get a top 4 pick, get a new QB, and get Vance Joseph out of here as fast as possible and start fresh with a new head coach next year. All the fun and excitement is gone from this season and Sundays have become pretty sad. Just lose out, Broncos!

Prediction: NY Jets (-1) over DENVER:
Final Score: Jets-24 Broncos-16

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

Last Week's Record: 5-11
Overall Record: 95-88-9
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Detroit (-1) over TAMPA BAY: At 6-6, the Lions are fighting for a playoff spot and badly need a win. The Bucs are 4-8, playing out the string, and probably getting a new head coach next year.

Chicago (+7) over CINCY: The Bengals are 5-7 and coming off an emotional, physical game to the Steelers on Monday Night Football last week. They are banged up and I question how much they have for this game. I'll take the Bears to cover.

Indy (+5) over BUFFALO: As bad as Indy as been this year, they have been more competitive than expected. The Bills are 6-6 and Tyrod Taylor might not play this week due to a knee injury. I can't put much faith into Nathan Peterman at this point.

JACKSONVILLE (-2) over Seattle: This is a long trip for the Seahawks, and I think they will struggle against that Jacksonville defense. The Jags are going to the playoffs it is just a matter if they win the South or get in as the #5 seed. I think they take a huge step towards the playoffs this week.

KANSAS CITY (-3) over Oakland: The Chiefs are falling apart and are now 6-6 after starting 5-0. The Raiders are 6-6 but feasted on Paxton Lynch and Geno Smith the last two games. I think KC is due and I don't trust the Raiders in this spot.

CAROLINA (+3) over Minnesota: At 10-2, the Vikings are flying in the NFC, but this is their third straight road game. They are due for a bad week, and I like the Panthers at home in this game. I have liked them all week.

Green Bay (-3) over CLEVELAND: The Packers are 6-6 and they might get Aaron Rodgers back in the next week or two. If they can win this game and get to 7-6, then they have a chance to make a run at the playoffs if Rodgers comes back. I think they will do enough to get the win in lifeless and winless Cleveland.

San Francisco (+3) over HOUSTON: It is a shame that the Texans lost Deshaun Watson to that knee injury because they would be in the mix of the playoffs if he was still playing. I think they are mentally checked out and I like what I saw out of Jimmy G last week that I think he is the answer to the 49ers QB problem.

ARIZONA (+3) over Tennessee: The Titans are a shaky team, but they are probably going to make the playoffs this year. I do worry about them going on the road and they are playing a Cardinals team that plays hard every week.

LA CHARGERS (-5) over Washington: I think the Chargers get to 7-6 to set up a showdown with the AFC West on the line next week at KC. 

Philadelphia (+3) over LA RAMS:  I think the Eagles rebound after their loss to the Seahawks last week, and I look for a solid, complete game by Philly. This should be a fun game in LA, and I think it will be back and forth, but I like the Eagles to win it and get to 11-2.

Dallas (-4) over NY GIANTS: The Giants fired Ben McAdoo on Monday, and at 2-10 they are going back to Eli Manning this week at home. How bad is it that this game got switched from 4:25 to 1:00? I think the Giants will play more inspired, but I think Dallas does enough to win the game and get to 7-6.

PITTSBURGH (-4) over Baltimore: The Ravens are currently the #6 seed in the AFC with a 7-5 record. The Steelers are 10-2 and fighting for the #1 seed in the AFC. After a scary moment on MNF with Steelers LB Ryan Shazier being carted off with a spinal injury, the Steelers somehow rallied from a 17-0 deficit and beat the Bengals 23-20. This is a great rivalry, but I just think the Steelers defense will be too much for that terrible Ravens offense.

New England (-10) over MIAMI: The Dolphins suck and I don't see any way they win this game. I think the Pats are just rolling through everyone and eyeing that #1 seed in the AFC once again.

TNF Week14 Pick!

ATLANTA (-2) over New Orleans

Broncos Get Embarrassed By the Dolphins, Lose Eighth Game in a Row

The Broncos miserable season continued with another awful performance Sunday in Miami as the Dolphins pounded the Broncos 35-9 to send Denver to their eighth straight loss and a 3-9 record. The Dolphins came into the game at 4-7 with a five-game losing streak, and they pounded the Broncos. The Broncos hit a new low once again this season, but the issues are larger than just this game. This game was just another example of how far this team has fallen, and it shows how poorly coached and constructed this team is. The Broncos have become a punchline and a laughingstock every week. There really isn't anything left to say at this point but I'll try to provide some analysis. Here are my "Five Points" on yet another loss........

1) Another week and more bad play all around by the Broncos. A Trevor Siemian interception early I the game ended a promising drive. A safety when the ball was snapped over the head of Siemian and out of the endzone. A pick-six on Siemian that extended the Dolphins lead to 16-3. A blocked punt later in the game. After Isaiah McKenzie fumbled a punt return and pounced on it for a safety, it was the second safety in the game against Denver. How many times has a team had two safeties in a game? Constant penalties in all three phases of the game. It is so bad every week that it is just laughable at this point. I've never seen a Broncos team make so many mistakes very week. It is just bad football.

2) When Isaiah McKenzie fumbled the punt into the endzone for the safety it was so bad, but it was symbolic of how bad this team has been this year. McKenzie was inactive for a few games after muffing or fumbling five punts this year, but this week he was active and returning punts and of course he fumbled the punt into the endzone and had to fall on it for the safety. Why the hell is he even out there? Why would Vance Joseph even put him out there again? Once again, bad football all around.

3) Vance Joseph looks like he is in over his head. I was not in favor of letting him go after only one season, but I think after this debacle is over in a few weeks, he needs to be shown the door. It is his team, and he is the head coach, and he needs to be held accountable for the worst Broncos season since the 1960s. Gary Kubiak went 9-7 with this team last year, and it is basically the same players. Maybe things will work out for VJ somewhere else, but it just didn't work out in Denver. Time to move on next year. Do you think Pat Bowlen would stand for this?

4) The defense is mentally checked out. They aren't as good as they were last year, but they get no help from the offense. After Chris Harris picked off Jay Cutler in the second quarter, the offense did nothing. Justin Simmons had a nice pick-six in the third quarter to make it 19-9, but it didn't matter after that, and Kenyon Drake gashed this unit for a long TD run to make it 26-9 and put the game officially out of reach. The Broncos QBs and offense has been so bad that it hasn't given the defense a chance at all. It's reached the breaking point.

5) One of the storylines to come out of this game was the fact that Adam Gase went for a surprise onside kick up 33-9 in the 4th quarter. I'm really not angry about Gase going for the onside kick because it is the NFL and it is a big-boy league, so if you don't want to get embarrassed, then step up and do something about it. Of course, the Dolphins recovered the kick. The only issue I have is why Gase is so pissed off at John Elway for the coaching situation in January of 2015. Apparently, Gase feels that Elway badmouthed him to Trent Baalke of the 49ers when Gase was interviewing for the HC job there. With John Fox let go, Gase did interview with the Broncos and Elway, but Elway obviously chose Gary Kubiak, and the Broncos won the Super Bowl the next year. It seems a little much from my perspective, and I just don't think it makes a lot of sense. I haven't been impressed with Gase in Miami and his offense hasn't done anything either since he went there. I think it is a bad look for him. I guess everyone is just jumping on the Anti-Elway bandwagon these days.

Broncos-Dolphins and Week 13 Picks!

How bad is this week's Broncos-Dolphins game? The 3-8 Broncos have lost seven in a row and the 4-7 Dolphins have lost five in a row. Something has to give here, right? To make matters worse, the Broncos have to turn back to Trevor Siemian at QB again because Paxton Lynch hurt his ankle in the third quarter of last week's game against the Raiders and he is out 2-4 weeks with a high ankle sprain. So, now I am stuck with a crappy Broncos team playing out the string, and I have to sit through another game with Siemian. This Broncos season can't end fast enough. You know that Siemian will do just enough to win the next three games (Miami, Jets, and Indy) that it will probably knock Denver out of the top five in next year's draft. The Broncos currently sit fourth behind the Browns, Giants, and 49ers. We need to keep losing and we need those other teams to win a few games here. Anyway, for the first time in my life, I'm not going to be mad if Denver loses on Sunday. If Lynch were starting, I would want him to play well and the Broncos to win. I'm not doing that with Siemian at the helm. We all know he is not the guy (Backup QB option at best), and we need a franchise QB. We could possibly get that in this year's draft if we pick high enough, so let's lose out and see take our chances.

Denver (-1) over MIAMI
Final Score: Broncos-20 Dolphins-17

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


Last Week's Record: 10-5-1
Overall Record: 90-77-9
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

BALTIMORE (-3) over Detroit: Two 6-5 teams battling it out in a cross-conference matchup with playoff considerations on the line. That is how I would sell this game if I was in the NFL business. I think the Ravens are making the playoffs as the #6 seed and I think they win this week at home, but I am nervous about this one.

CHICAGO (-3) over San Francisco: The Bears are due for a home win and I think they will thwart the 49ers in Soldier Field as they spoil Jimmy G's debut for San Fran.

ATLANTA (-3) over Minnesota: The Vikings are 9-2 and one of the biggest stories of the year led by MVP candidate Case Keenum. They head to Atlanta to take on the suddenly surging, 7-4 Falcons. I think Atlanta gets the victory in this one and improves to 8-4.

New England (-8) over BUFFALO: Sneaky good game in Buffalo on Sunday. The 6-5 Bills host the 9-2 Patriots. The Bills went back to Tyrod Taylor last week and they upset the Chiefs in Arrowhead. This week, I don't see the same result. The Pats will do what they do and take care of business.

Houston (+6) over TENNESSEE: I hope the Titans make the playoffs and at 7-4, they have a very solid chance in the putrid AFC, but they just don't impress you each week. They should win at home against the Texans, and I think they will, but I see Houston keeping it close until the end.

Indy (+10) over JACKSONVILLE: Jax will probably win the division and make the playoffs, and I think they win this game too, but I think the spread is too high and I'm taking the Colts.


Tampa Bay (+2) over GREEN BAY: The "Bay of Pigs" renews this week with Brett Hundley taking on Jameis Winston. I think with Winston back the Bucs will do enough to win this game on the road. Hopefully, the Packers can keep things afloat to give Aaron Rodgers a reason to comeback in Week 16.

Kansas City (-3) over NY JETS: The Chiefs are collapsing as we speak and at 6-5 they only lead the AFC West by one game. Now, they head to the Meadowlands to take on the 4-7 Jets. Give the Jets some credit because they play hard each and every week, but I think the Chiefs right the ship for this week with a huge, road win.

Carolina (+4) over NEW ORLEANS: Huge game in the NFC South this week in New Orleans. The Panthers and Saints are 8-3 and this game will go a long way to see who might win the division and possibly a wild card berth. On paper, it looks like a game that the Saints should win, but I have a feeling that the Panthers will pull the upset on the road. Call it my "Gut Call of the Week."

LA CHARGERS (-12) over Cleveland: The Chargers are 5-6 after an 0-4 start and combined with the Chiefs downfall, LA has a legitimate chance to win the AFC West. There is no way they will stumble this week at home against the 0-11 Browns.

ARIZONA (+7) over LA Rams: The Cardinals are 5-6 and playing hard for Bruce Arians. Give Blaine Gabbert some credit. He looks pretty good in his time as the Cardinals starter. I think they will be feisty enough to give the Rams trouble in Arizona this week. I think the Rams will pull it out, but this seems like a 27-24 type of game.

OAKLAND (-7) over NY Giants: The Giants benched Eli Manning this week in favor of Geno Smith, which is a debacle of a situation. Now, Geno gets to head to the Black Hole to take on the 5-6 Raiders. The Raiders aren't very good but after feasting on Paxton Lynch last week, they now get Smith this week. I'll take the Raiders at home to get to 6-6.

SEATTLE (+4) over Philly: Great game on Sunday Night Football as the 10-1 Eagles head to Seattle to take on the 7-4 Seahawks. Carson Wentz goes on the road to take on a playoff caliber team in their own building in primetime. This is what you are looking for as far as storylines go this late in the year in the NFL.

CINCY (+6) over Pittsburgh: At 5-6, the Bengals are only one game out of the AFC Wild Card picture. They are right in the thick of things and they need this win on Monday Night Football against their hated rivals. The Steelers are 9-2 and battling the Patriots for the #1 seed in the AFC. Very good game on MNF this week. I'll take the Bengals and the points.