Week 16 Picks

The Broncos fell to the Chargers on TNF 34-27 in a game in which Denver led 21-13 at halftime and 24-13 in the third quarter. The Chargers rallied back behind a tremendous performance by Justin Herbert, a lot of costly penalties by the Broncos, and an offense that went ice-cold in the second half. Now, the Broncos are 9-6 and have to head to Cincinnati to take on the 6-8 Bengals in Week 17. That game will not be easy. The Bengals host Cleveland in Week 16, so there is a very solid chance that Cincy is 7-8 and hosting Denver in that game. Denver finishes with Kansas City at home, and the Bronco fans should be rooting for KC to keep winning and have everything locked up by the time that Week 18 occurs. There is a lot to play out before we get there, and last night's loss was a brutal one for the Broncos. They had a chance to clinch a playoff spot in a game that they were leading for three quarters. Just a tough one to take and now we have to wait 10 days before they head to Cincy in a huge game. 

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

Last Week's Record: 8-8

Overall Record: 120-93-8

Houston (+3.5) over KANSAS CITY

Pittsburgh (+6.5) over BALTIMORE

CINCINNATI (-7.5) over Cleveland

Giants (+8.5) over ATLANTA

BUFFALO (-14) over New England

Arizona (-4) over CAROLINA

Detroit (-6) over CHICAGO

INDIANAPOLIS (-3) over Tennessee

JETS (+3.5) over Rams

Philadelphia (-3.5) over WASHINGTON

Jacksonville (+1) over LAS VEGAS

San Francisco (+1) over MIAMI

Tampa Bay (-4) over DALLAS

GREEN BAY (-14) over New Orleans 

Broncos-Chargers Week 16 TNF Pick

 The Broncos head into LA to take on the Chargers on Thursday Night Football in a huge game to kick off Week 16. Denver is 9-5 after a big home win over the Colts last Sunday. All the Broncos need to do is win one of their final 3 games and they will clinch a playoff berth. Denver can clinch this week with a win over the Chargers. This game was flexed into Thursday night about a month ago. It is a short week and going on the road is usually tough for a Thursday night game, but Denver's fans should travel well for this game in LA-especially with a playoff berth at stake. The Chargers really handled the Broncos in their first matchup in Denver back in October. They jumped out to a 23-0 lead before Denver mounted a late rally in the 4th quarter. Both teams are a little banged up going into this game, so that will play a role. It should be a close game, but I have a hard time thinking the Chargers will lose three in a row.

Prediction: CHARGERS (-3) over Denver

Final Score: Chargers-24 Broncos-17

Broncos-Colts and Week 15 Picks

This Sunday is the biggest game for the Broncos since the 2015 Super Bowl season. It is that big-given all the circumstances. Denver is 8-5 and in control of the 7th seed in the AFC playoff race. They are above the 6-7 Colts, the 6-7 Dolphins, and the 5-8 Bengals. A win here on Sunday over the Colts will really put the Broncos in position to clinch a wild card spot. If they lose, that opens the door for the Colts and even Miami and possibly Cincy. This is about as must-win as you can get. It's going to be a tough one. I think Denver is the better team, but you just never know. The Colts have been in close games all season long. I just don't know if Denver is ready to win this game and put themselves in a huge advantage for the playoffs.  I feel like the Broncos are somehow going to lose and this playoff spot is going to come down to the final week of the season.

Prediction: Indianapolis (+4) over DENVER

Final Score: Colts-23 Broncos-20

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

Last Week's Record: 8-3-2

Overall Record: 112-85-8

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

CAROLINA (-2.5) over Dallas

CLEVELAND (+4) over Kansas City

HOUSTON (-3) over Miami

Jets (-3) over JACKSONVILLE

NEW ORLEANS (+7) over Washington

Baltimore (-15) over GIANTS

TENNESSEE (+5) over Cincinnati

ARIZONA (-5) over New England

Buffalo (+2.5) over DETROIT

CHARGERS (-3) over Tampa Bay

Pittsburgh (+5) over PHILADELPHIA

SEATTLE (+3) over Green Bay

MINNESOTA (-7) over Chicago

Atlanta (-4) over LAS VEGAS

Week 15 TNF Pick

 SAN FRANCISCO (-2.5) over Rams

Broncos on a Bye and Week 14 Picks

The Broncos hit their bye week with an 8-5 record and in possession of the last playoff spot in the AFC. It has been quite a turnaround from Week 2, when they lost at home to the Steelers and fell to 0-2. Bo Nix looked horrible through the first two weeks, and it looked like Denver was headed to a long, miserable season. But, things have changed since that point. The Broncos have gone 8-3 since, and they have put themselves into position to secure a playoff spot for the first time since the 2015 season. The biggest reason for the turnaround this year has been the solid play of the Broncos defense and the emergence of Bo Nix. Watching Nix develop and get better since the beginning of the season has been remarkable. It certainly looks like the Broncos have found their QB of the future. Now, they have to pay it off and make the playoffs. They are certainly a playoff worthy team. They have a two-game lead over Indianapolis for the last spot and a sizable lead over Miami and Cincy. If Denver goes 2-2 down the stretch, with one of those wins over Indy, then all they need is Miami to lose one game in their last five and the Broncos are in. The game after the bye is huge. They host the Colts, and that will be the biggest game for the Broncos since the 2015 season.

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

Last Week's Record: 8-8

Overall Record: 104-82-6

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

MIAMI (-6) over Jets

Atlanta (+5.5) over MINNESOTA

GIANTS (+5) over New Orleans

Carolina (+12.5) over PHILADELPHIA

PITTSBURGH (-6) over Cleveland

TAMPA. BAY (-6) over Las Vegas

TENNESSEE (-3) over Jacksonville 

ARIZONA (-2.5) over Seattle

RAMS (+4.5) over Buffalo

SAN FRANCISCO (-4) over Chicago

Chargers (+4) over KANSAS CITY

Cincinnati (-5.5) over DALLAS

Week 14 TNF Pick

 DETROIT (-3) over Green Bay

Broncos-Browns and Thanksgiving/Black Friday/Week 13 Picks

The Broncos are 7-5 and come home for a Monday Night Football matchup against the 3-8 Browns. The Browns have beaten both the Steelers and Ravens this season, so they are dangerous despite their record. Denver has no margin for error in the Wild Card race. They need to win these types of games at home. It will be tough, and I am preparing for a letdown by the Broncos. 

Prediction: Cleveland (+5.5) over DENVER

Final Score: Browns-23 Broncos-20

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

Last Week's Record: 5-8

Overall Record: 96-74-6

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Thanksgiving Day:

Chicago (+10.5) over DETROIT

DALLAS (-3) over Giants

Miami (+3) over GREEN BAY

Black Friday:

KANSAS CITY (-12) over Las Vegas

ATLANTA (-1.5) over Chargers

CINCINNAT (-2) over Pittsburgh

Houston (-5) over JACKSONVILLE

Arizona (+3.5) over MINNESOTA

NEW ENGLAND (+2.5) over Indianapolis

Seattle (-2) over JETS

WASHINGTON (-5) over Tennessee

Tampa Bay (-6) over CAROLINA

Rams (-3) over NEW ORLEANS

BALTIMORE (-3) over Philadelphia 

BUFFALO (-7) over San Francisco

Broncos-Raiders and Week 12 Picks

This game is going to be tough for Denver. After coming off a high from destroying the Falcons, the Broncos have to go on the road and play their division rival. Denver has not won a road game against the Raiders (Oakland and Las Vegas) since 2015. I just worry about a let down here.

Prediction: LAS VEGAS (+5.5) over Denver

Final Score: Raiders-23 Broncos-20

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

Last Week's Record: 6-8

Overall Record: 91-68-6

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Dallas (+10) over WASHINGTON

CHICAGO (+3.5) over Minnesota

Detroit (-8) over INDIANAPOLIS

New England (+7.5) over MIAMI

Kansas City (-9) over CAROLINA

HOUSTON (-7.5) over Tennessee

GIANTS (+4.5) over Tampa Bay

SEATTLE (-1) over Arizona

GREEN BAY (-1.5) over San Francisco

RAMS (+3) over Philadelphia

Baltimore (-2) over CHARGERS

Week 12 TNF Pick

 Pittsburgh (-4) over CLEVELAND

Broncos-Falcons and Week 11 Picks

This is a tough game for the Broncos. They were so close to beating the Chiefs last week in KC. Losing a game like that in which you have a chip-shot 35 yard field goal get blocked is heartbreaking. That might be the most depressing loss in the last eight years as a Broncos fan. At 5-5, Denver still holds onto the 7th seed in the AFC. They host the 6-4 Falcons, and this is tough because the emotions of last Sunday's loss to the Chiefs will still linger. They can't come out flat against the Falcons or Kirk Cousins will light them up. That is what I think will happen. 

Prediction: Atlanta (+2.5) over DENVER

Final Score: Falcons-24 Broncos-20

Now, onto the picks for Week 11....

Last Week's Record: 7-7

Overall Record: 85-60-6

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Green Bay (-6) over CHICAGO

DETROIT (-13) over Jacksonville

Las Vegas (+7.5) over MIAMI

Rams (-4) over NEW ENGLAND

Cleveland (+1) over NEW ORLEANS

Baltimore (-3) over PITTSBURGH

Minnesota (-6) over TENNESSEE

Seattle (+6.5) over SAN FRANCISCO

Kansas City (+2.5) over BUFFALO

Cincinnati (+1.5) over CHARGERS

Houston (-7.5) over DALLAS 

Week 11 TNF Pick

 PHILADELPHIA (-3) over Washington

Broncos-Chiefs and Week 10 Picks

The Broncos got smoked last week in Baltimore 41-10 to drop them to 5-4, but they still hold the final wild card spot in the AFC after nine weeks, which is something we would all have been happy about before the season started. Unfortunately, Denver heads to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Chiefs. The Broncos have not won in Kansas City since 2015. The Chiefs are 8-0 and cruising to another AFC West crown. The Broncos are big underdogs, but I give them a chance because they have played KC tough the last few years, and the Chiefs are coming off a win on MNF over the Bucs that went into overtime. I think the Broncos will play well and keep it close, but in the end, Pat Mahomes will do his part to get the win.

Prediction: Denver (+8.5) over KANSAS CITY

Final Score: Chiefs-24 Broncos-19

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

Last Week's Record: 9-5-1

Overall Record: 78-53-6

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Giants (-5.5) over Carolina (In Germany)

CHICAGO (-6) over New England

INDIANAPOLIS (+4) over Buffalo

Minnesota (-6) over JACKSONVILLE

NEW ORLEANS (+3.5) over Atlanta

TAMPA BAY (+6) over San Francisco

Pittsburgh (+3) over WASHINGTON

CHARGERS (-7.5) over Tennessee 

Jets (+1.5) over ARIZONA

DALLAS (+7) over Philadelphia

Detroit (-3.5) over HOUSTON

Miami (+1) over RAMS

Week 10 TNF Pick

Cincinnati (+6.5) over BALTIMORE 

Broncos-Ravens and Week 9 Picks

The Broncos head to Baltimore with a surprising 5-3 record, but they are about to it a really tough stretch of games beginning with a trip to Baltimore then to Kansas City. I just don't think the Broncos match up well with the Ravens, and with Baltimore coming off a loss to Cleveland, I don't see them losing two in a row-especially at home to a young Broncos team.

Prediction: BALTIMORE (-9) over Denver

Final Score: Ravens-31 Broncos-14

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

Last Week's Record: 11-5

Overall Record: 69-48-5

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Dallas (+2.5) over ATLANTA

BUFFALO (-6.5) over Miami

CAROLINA (+6.5) over New Orleans

Las Vegas (+7.5) over CINCINNATI

Chargers (-2) over CLEVELAND

WASHINGTON (-3) over GIANTS

TENNESSEE (-3) over New England

ARIZONA (-1) over Chicago

Jacksonville (+7) over PHILADELPHIA

Detroit (-4) over GREEN BAY

SEATTLE (-1) over Rams

MINNESOTA (-7) over Indianapolis 

Tampa Bay (+9) over KANSAS CITY

Week 9 TNF Pick

 Houston (+1) over JETS

Broncos-Panthers and Week 8 Picks

This is a trap game for the Broncos. At 4-3, they are hosting the 1-6 Panthers, who have been the worst team in the league this year, and Denver has the Ravens and Chiefs the next two weeks. The Broncos should cruise to an easy victory. But, there are never really easy weeks in the NFL, and I don't like how the Broncos are such big favorites. Bryce Young is going back into the starting lineup after getting benched in Week 2, so who knows how he will play. The matchup on paper favors the Broncos, but I just can't trust the Broncos yet. I need to see it more consistently. This game makes me nervous.

Prediction: Carolina (+9) over DENVER

Final Score: Panthers-20 Broncos-17

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

Last Week's Record: 8-7

Overall Record: 58-43-5

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Arizona (+3) over MIAMI

CLEVELAND (+8) over Baltimore 

JACKSONVILLE (+4) over Green Bay

HOUSTON (-5.5) over Indianapolis

Atlanta (+2.5) over TAMPA BAY

CINCINNATI (-2.5) over Philadelphia

NEW ENGLAND (+7) over Jets

DETROIT (-11) over Tennessee

Buffalo (-3) over SEATTLE

CHARGERS (-7) over New Orleans

WASHINGTON (+1.5) over Chicago

Kansas City (-9) over LAS VEGAS

Dallas (+4.5) over SAN FRANCISCO

PITTSBURGH (-6) over Giants 

Week 8 TNF Pick

 LA RAMS (+3 ) over Minnesota

Week 7 Picks

Here are the picks for Week 7...

Last Week's Record: 7-6

Overall Record: 50-36-5

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

New England (+5.5) over Jacksonville (In London)

Seattle (+3) over ATLANTA

BUFFALO (-9) over Tennessee

CLEVELAND (+6.5) over Cincinnati

GREEN BAY (-2.5) over Houston

INDIANAPOLIS (-3.5) over Miami

Detroit (+2.5) over MINNESOTA

GIANTS (+3) over Philadelphia

RAMS (-6) over Las Vegas

WASHINGTON (-7) over Carolina

Kansas City (+1.5) over SAN FRANCISCO

PITTSBURGH (+1.5) over Jets

TAMPA BAY (+3.5) over Baltimore

ARIZONA (+2.5) over Chargers

Broncos-Saints Week 7 TNF Pick

 The Broncos fell to the Chargers at home last week 23-16 in a game in which they fell behind 20-0 at halftime and were down 23-0 in the fourth quarter. A late rally came up short, but the Broncos were never really in the game. It was a disappointing performance after a three game winning streak. Now, Denver heads to New Orleans to take on the Saints on Thursday Night Football. It is the return of Sean Payton to New Orleans, so much of the hype and hoopla surrounding this game will be centered on that storyline. I know the Saints are really banged up, but the Broncos have a key injury with Pat Surtain. He suffered a concussion against the Chargers, and he will not be able to play in this game. I just don't trust the Broncos on the road on a short week to get the job done in the Superdome on TNF. I also don't see the Saints losing five in a row after a 2-0 start.

Prediction: NEW ORLEANS (-2.5) over Denver

Final Score: Saints-24 Broncos -17

Broncos-Chargers and Week 6 Picks

The Broncos have won three in a row and now stand at 3-2 after a 34-18 whipping of the Raiders in Denver last weekend. The Broncos defense continues to be the story. They have been dominating on that side of the ball the last few weeks. Pat Surtain had two interceptions last week-including a 100 yard pick six that turned the game around for Denver. Now, the Chargers come to town at 2-2 coming off a bye week. They are rested and getting healthier. This game scares me because Justin Herbert is healthy after getting banged up the first few games and Jim Harbaugh will have his team prepared and ready to go. This looks like a letdown game for the Broncos.

Prediction: Chargers (-3) over DENVER

Final Score: Chargers-23 Broncos-16

Now, onto the picks for Week 6...

Last Week's Record: 5-8-1

Overall Record: 43-30-5

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Jacksonville (+2.5) over Chicago (London)

Washington (+6.5) over BALTIMORE

Houston (-7) over NEW ENGLAND

GREEN BAY (-4) over Arizona

NEW ORLEANS (+3.5) over Tampa Bay

Indianapolis (-1) over TENNESSEE

Pittsburgh (-3) over LAS VEGAS

Atlanta (-6) over CAROLINA

DALLAS (+3) over Detroit 

GIANTS (+3.5) over Cincinnati 

Buffalo (-2.5) over JETS

Week 6 TNF Pick

 SEATTLE (+3.5) over San Francisco

Broncos-Raiders and Week 5 Picks

The Broncos got a big win on the road last week in the Meadowlands as they knocked off the Jets 10-9. It was an ugly game that was affected heavily by the rainy conditions all game long. Nonetheless, Denver found a way to win the game and improve to 2-2 after an 0-2 start to the year. Now, the Broncos head back home to take on their nemesis, the Raiders, in a game that features the Broncos wearing their classic 1970s-1980s throwback uniforms. It will be beautiful to see those uniforms and helmets again. Denver has lost 8 straight games to the Raiders, and they haven't beaten them since December of 2019. The Broncos defense has been tremendous to start the season, and it has helped them get back to .500 as the offense comes along with Bo Nix leading the way. This is a tough game for the Broncos because the Raiders have really matched up well with them the last few years. The Broncos are due to finally beat the Raiders, but until I see it, I just can't pick them. 

Prediction: Las Vegas (+3) over DENVER

Final Score: Raiders-23 Broncos-16

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

Last Week's Record: 10-6

Overall Record: 38-22-4

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Minnesota (-2.5) over Jets (London)

CHICAGO (-4) over Carolina

CINCINNATI (+2.5) over Baltimore

Buffalo (-1) over HOUSTON

JACKSONVILLE (-3) over Indianapolis

NEW ENGLAND (-1) over Miami

Cleveland (+3) over WASHINGTON

Arizona (+7.5) over SAN FRANCISCO 

RAMS (+3.5) over Green Bay

Giants (+6) over SEATTLE

Dallas (+2.5) over PITTSBURGH

New Orleans (+5) over KANSAS CITY

Week 5 TNF Pick

Tampa Bay (+1.5) over ATLANTA 

Broncos-Jets and Week 4 Picks

The Broncos got into the win column with a convincing 26-7 victory over the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay last week. It was a rare wire-to-wire win for the Broncos, and it got them to 1-2. This week, they head to the Meadowlands to take on the 2-1 Jets, who are off a convincing win over the Patriots last week. I think Denver can hang with the Jets, but losing MLB Alex Singleton is going to hurt their defense. He was the Broncos leading tackler and their leader on defense. Plus, Aaron Rodgers looked really good the last two weeks and I think he is the difference in this one.

Prediction: Denver (+7.5) over NY JETS

Final Score: Jets-20 Broncos-13

Now, onto the picks for Week 4....

Last Week's Record: 11-5

Overall Record: 28-16-4

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

New Orleans (-1.5) over ATLANTA

Cincinnati (-4.5) over CAROLINA

Los Angeles (+3) over CHICAGO

GREEN BAY (-2.5) over Minnesota

Jacksonville (+7) over HOUSTON

INDIANAPOLIS (+2) over Pittsburgh

TAMPA BAY (+2.5) over Philadelphia

ARIZONA (-3) over Washington

New England (+10) over SAN FRANCISCO

LAS VEGAS (-1) over Cleveland

CHARGERS (+8) over Kansas City

BALTIMORE (-2.5) over Buffalo

MIAMI (+1.5) over Tennessee

DETROIT (-3.5) over Seattle 

Week 4 TNF Pick

 GIANTS (+6) over Dallas

Broncos-Buccaneers and Week 3 Picks

The Broncos are 0-2 again for the second straight year under Sean Payton, and the outlook for this season looks as grim as it has over the past eight seasons. Bo Nix has struggled in his first two starts, and there is concern that he just might not be good. Sean Payton looks like he doesn't know how to manage a game anymore, which is truly disheartening since he was so good as the head coach in New Orleans for all those years. The defense is holding up, but it is just a matter of time because our offense can't do anything. There just isn't enough talent on this roster and it feels like it is going to be a long, rough year in Denver. It doesn't matter what we do: New owners, new coach, and new QB. The Broncos are still a losing franchise at this point. They head to hot and humid Tampa Bay to take on the 2-0 Bucs with Baker Mayfield, and this feels like a really tough spot for Nix on the road as a rookie. I can't see Denver getting their act together in time for this one.

Prediction: TAMPA BAY (-6) over Denver

Final Score: Buccaneers-27 Broncos-10

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

Last Week's Record: 10-6

Overall Record: 17-11-4

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Giants (+6.5) over CLEVELAND

INDIANPOLIS (-1.5) over Chicago

Houston (-2.5) over MINNESOTA

Philadelphia (+2.5) over NEW ORLEANS

PITTSBURGH (-1.5) over Chargers

Green Bay (+2) over TENNESSEE

LAS VEGAS (-5) over Carolina

SEATTLE (-4.5) over Miami

Detroit (-3) over ARIZONA

Baltimore (-1) over DALLAS

RAMS (+7) over San Francisco

Kansas City (-3.5) over ATLANTA

BUFFALO (-5) over Jacksonville

CINCINNATI (-7) over Washington

Jets-Patriots Week 3 TNF Pick

 New England (+6) over NY JETS

Broncos-Steelers and Week 2 Picks

The Broncos suffered a tough loss at Seattle in Week 1 26-20. Bo Nix looked like a rookie QB who was starting his first game on the road. Seattle did a nice job of pressuring Nix and forced him into two costly interceptions. Denver held a 13-9 lead at the half (including two safeties in the first half), but their defense got worn down in the second half and the Seahawks basically pulled away. Now, Denver heads home for its home opener against the Steelers. Pittsburgh's defense is better than Seattle's and I think this will be a very difficult spot for Nix and the Broncos offense once again.

Prediction: Pittsburgh (-3) over DENVER

Final Score: Steelers-20 Broncos-6

Now, onto the picks for Week 2....

Last Week's Record: 7-5-4

Overall Record: 7-5-4

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

New Orleans (+6.5) over DALLAS

Tampa Bay (+7) over DETROIT

Indianapolis (-3) over GREEN BAY

Jets (-3.5) over TENNESSEE

San Francisco (-6) over MINNESOTA

Seattle (-3.5) over NEW ENGLAND

WASHINGTON (-1.5) over Giants

Chargers (-6) over CAROLINA

JACKSONVILLE (-3.5) over Cleveland

Las Vegas (+9.5) over BALTIMORE

Rams (+1.5) over ARIZONA

Cincinnati (+6) over KANSAS CITY

HOUSTON (-6) over Chicago

PHILADELPHIA (-6) over Atlanta 

Week 2 TNF Pick

 Buffalo (+2.5) over MIAMI

Broncos-Seahawks and Week 1 Picks

The Broncos head to Seattle to take on the Seahawks to open up the 2024 season. It is not exactly the easiest opener for the Broncos and rookie QB Bo Nix, but last year we all thought opening up at home to the Raiders was an easy way to start and they lost, so who knows. I think this game is difficult for Denver because new Seattle head coach Mike McDonald will probably dial up some schemes that might confuse Nix and the Broncos offense. I don't know if I see a blowout here, but I would be surprised if Denver pulled the upset.

Prediction: Denver (+6) over SEATTLE

Final Score: Seahawks-23 Broncos-19

Now, here are the picks for the rest of Week 1.....

Pittsburgh (+3) over ATLANTA

BUFFALO (-6) over Arizona

CHICAGO (-4) over Tennessee

CINCINNATI (-8) over New England

Houston (-2) over INDIANAPOLIS

Jacksonville (+3) over MIAMI

NEW ORLEANS (-4) over Carolina

NY GIANTS (+1) over Minnesota

CHARGERS (-3) over Las Vegas

Dallas (+3) over CLEVELAND

Washington (+3.5) over TAMPA BAY

Rams (+3.5) over DETROIT

Jets (+3.5) over SAN FRANCISCO 

Thursday Night Season Opener and Friday Night Season Opener Picks

 Thursday Night Opening Game:

KANSAS CITY (-3) over Baltimore

Friday Night Opening Game (In Brazil)

Philadelphia (-2.5) over Green Bay

2024 NFL Predictions

 AFC

AFC East

1) NY Jets (12-5) 

2) Buffalo Bills (11-6)*Wild Card

3) Miami Dolphins (8-9)

4) New England Patriots (4-13)

AFC North

1) Cincinnati Bengals (13-4)

2) Baltimore Ravens (12-5)*Wild Card

3) Cleveland Browns (8-9)

4) Pittsburgh Steelers (7-10) 

AFC South

1) Houston Texans (10-7)

2) Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)*Wild Card 

3) Indianapolis Colts (6-11)

4) Tennessee Titans (5-12) 

AFC West

1) Kansas City Chiefs (13-4)

2) Los Angeles Chargers (9-8)

3) Denver Broncos (7-10)

4) Las Vegas Raiders (5-12)

NFC

NFC East

1) Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)

2) Dallas Cowboys (9-8)

3) Washington Commanders (6-11) 

4) New York Giants (5-12)

NFC North

1) Detroit Lions (12-5)

2) Chicago Bears (9-8)*Wild Card

3) Green Bay Packers (9-8)*Wild Card

4) Minnesota Vikings (7-10)

NFC South

1) Atlanta Falcons (9-8)

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)

3) New Orleans Saints (7-10) 

4) Carolina Panthers (5-12)

NFC West

1) Los Angeles Rams (11-6)

2) San Francisco 49ers(10-7)*Wild Card 

3) Arizona Cardinals (8-9)

4) Seattle Seahawks (7-10) 

AFC Playoff Seeds

1) Kansas City Chiefs

2) Cincinnati Bengals

3) NY Jets

4) Houston Texans

5) Baltimore Ravens

6) Buffalo Bills

7) Jacksonville Jaguars 

NFC Playoff Seeds

1) Detroit Lions

2) Philadelphia Eagles

3) LA Rams

4) Atlanta Falcons

5) SF 49ers

6) Chicago Bears

7) Green Bay Packers

2023 Playoff Predictions

Wild Card Weekend:

AFC

2) Cincinnati over 7) Jacksonville 

6) Buffalo over 3) NY Jets

5) Baltimore over 4) Houston

NFC

2) Philadelphia over 7) Green Bay

3) LA Rams over 6) Chicago

5) SF over 4) Atlanta 

Divisional Round:

AFC 

1) Kansas City over 6) Buffalo

2) Cincinnati over 5) Baltimore 

NFC

1) Detroit over 5) SF

2) Philadelphia over 3) LA Rams

Championship Sunday:

1) Kansas City over 2) Cincinnati 

1) Detroit over 2) Philadelphia

Super Bowl

Kansas City over San Francisco 

Broncos 2024 Season Preview

With training camp behind us, the Broncos have finalized their roster and are looking forward to the beginning of the 2024 season and their Week 1 season opener on the road at Seattle. It is a lot different when they opened the season at Seattle two years ago with Russell Wilson and Nathaniel Hackett. Just like last year, I'm doing a preview of the Broncos season as the 2024 season is about to get going. Here's this year's 2024 Denver Broncos Preview......

Where we left off?  The last time we saw the Broncos they were on the losing end to the Las Vegas Raiders once again and finished the 2023 season at 8-9. They missed the playoffs for the 8th straight year and it was their 7th straight losing season.

What changed? The biggest change in Denver was the release of QB Russell Wilson. The Broncos released Wilson in March and took on a record dead cap hit to do it. The Wilson Era was a failure in Denver, and Sean Payton wanted to move on in another direction. The other big change was the release of Justin Simmons. Simmons was still playing at a high level and was the face of the Broncos defense and the leader of this team. Seeing him go was sad, but the Broncos did it in a move to save cap space and go younger. The Broncos also traded Jerry Jeudy to Cleveland to give him a fresh start.

New Faces in Denver: The newest face in Denver is QB Bo Nix. Nix was selected 12th overall by the Broncos and he was named the starting QB for the Broncos after Week 2 of the preseason. There is a lot of buzz and excitement in Denver about Nix and he looked good in preseason. Perhaps the Broncos have finally solved their QB problem since Peyton Manning retired.

The Nix/Payton Marriage: The fact that Sean Payton handpicked Bo Nix to be his starting QB and jettisoned Russell Wilson says a lot. Payton got his guy and now it is up to him to make Nix a top, young QB in this league. If Nix plays well, then Payton and the Broncos will turn this franchise around. If Nix falters, then it is on Payton. He has put all his chips into Nix, and it will be exciting to see where this goes. 

Rookies to Watch: Obviously, Nix is the rookie to watch. He is the first Broncos rookie QB to start Week 1 since John Elway in 1983. No pressure there! But, keep an eye out for WR Devaugh Vele. He had a tremendous training camp, and he could be a guy that really helps this receiving corps. OLB Jonah Elliss looked really good in camp and preseason, and he should get rotational time as an edge defender.

Impact Players: On offense, you have to have a big year from Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims. If TE Greg Dulcich can stay healthy, then he could be a real weapon in the passing game. Also, Javonte Williams got in better shape and is another year removed from ACL surgery, so he could have a big year. On defense, you have to look to the combo of Baron Browning and Nik Bonitto to help the pass rush. The Broncos beefed up their defensive line and Jon Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach should add much needed help on the defensive front. Of course, you have CB Pat Surtain in the secondary locking up the other team's best WR.

Schedule Outlook: The Broncos have a tough schedule to start-especially for a young team starting a rookie QB. They head to Seattle in Week 1, which is a very difficult place for Bo Nix to start. Then, they host the Steelers with Russell Wilson coming back to town. Week 3 sends them to hot and humid Tampa Bay to take on the Bucs, and then they go to the Meadowlands to take on the Jets. If they are somehow 2-2 after four games, then that is a huge factor for them. The next four games are manageable: They host the Raiders and Chargers, then go to New Orleans for a TNF game, then host the Panthers at home. If they can go 2-2 after the first four, then they have a chance to be 5-3 after eight games. 

Final Thoughts: This team is not going to the Super Bowl. That is not going to happen this year. It is year 2 of the Sean Payton regime and it is clearly his team now. He has the QB he wanted, the coaches around him, and the players he wants. It is a young team, so we can't expect huge things at this point. A lot of people are picking the Broncos to be one of the worst teams in the NFL, and the same was said about the Texans last year and look what happened. The Broncos over/under is 5.5 and I think they will hit the over. The ceiling for this team is 9-8. I think they will fall in the 7 win range, but the development of Bo Nix is the key to the season. I have zero expectations for this team this year. I don't think they will make the playoffs, but I think they will be better than what people around the NFL are saying about them. 

Your 2024 Denver Broncos

 Here is the 53 man roster for the Broncos as they commence on the 2024 season.......

Offense

QBs: Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, Zach Wilson

RBs: Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Blake Watson

FB: Nate Adkins

WR: Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin

TE: Adam Trautman, Greg Dulcich, Lucas Krull

OL: Garrett Bolles, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchey, Matt Peart, Alex Forsyth, Alex Palczewski, Frank Crum

Defense

DL: Zach Allen, Jonathan Franklin-Myers, D.J. Jones, Jordan Jackson, Malcolm Roach, Eyioma Uwazurike

OLB: Jonathon Cooper, Baron Browning, Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss

ILB: Alex Singleton, Cody Barton, Justin Strnad, Levelle Bailey

CB: Pat Surtain, Ja'Quan McMillian, Riley Moss, Levi Wallace, Kris Abrams-Draine, Tremon Smith

S: P.J. Locke, Brandon Jones, Devon Key, JL Skinner, Keidron Smith

Special Teams

K: Will Lutz

P: Riley Dixon

LS: Mitchell Fraboni

-The biggest cuts were Tim Patrick, Samaje Perine, and Jonas Griffith. All three were let go due to the Broncos going with youth at those spots. It is sad to see Patrick go. I would have liked them to keep him after he worked his way back from two season-ending injuries, but I guess the play of rookie Devaughn Vele made TP expendable.

-I was surprised they kept 5 safeties, but special teams does play a factor in decisions like that.

-Three undrafted rookies made the cut: Lavelle Bailey, Frank Crum, and Blake Watson

-FB Michael Burton and WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey will likely be re-signed to the practice squad and elevated to the roster early in the season.

-CB Demarri Mathis is on short term IR, so he can't come back until after Week 4

Bo Nix Named Broncos Starting QB and other Training Camp Thoughts

Bo Nix was named the Broncos starting QB for Week 1. Nix has been impressive in his first two preseason games, so this was not a surprise. I felt like it wouldn't be long before Nix became the starter in Denver, and here we are. Nix is the first rookie Broncos QB to start Week 1 since John Elway in 1983. Personally, I know what Jarrett Stidham is at this point in the NFL. He is a spot-starter, backup QB. We need to find out what Nix is-especially since he was selected in the first round of the draft. Nix brings an added element of excitement for the Broncos as they head into the season opener at Seattle. 

Training Camp Thoughts...

-This summer was crazy, so I never did a true training camp preview, but the vibes in Denver's camp are way more positive than last year. Sean Payton seems to be more relaxed and happy with this group, and the feeling from people covering the Broncos in camp is that this team has a good vibe around it. 

-You can tell how much Payton loves Bo Nix. He is so much more complimentary of him than he was with Russell Wilson last year in training camp. He really believes in Nix and believes he can do well as a rookie QB starting Week 1. 

-The Broncos had a solid training camp and a good preseason. Going 3-0 in preseason really means nothing, but the positivity around this team seemed very obvious in camp and in the preseason games. Where that goes, we'll see.

-Young and hungry are the two words that everyone around the Broncos keeps using when describing this team. I think that's a good phrase for this group, but it doesn't mean that they are going to win 10 games and make the playoffs.

2024 Denver Broncos Schedule

 Here is the Broncos 2024 schedule with analysis on the bottom......

Week 1-Sunday 9/8/2024: @ Seattle-4:05pm EST (CBS)

Week 2-Sunday 9/15/2024: Pittsburgh-4:25pm EST (CBS)

Week 3-Sunday 9/22/2024: @ Tampa Bay-1:00pm EST (FOX)

Week 4-Sunday 9/29/2024: @NY Jets-1:00pm EST (CBS)

Week 5-Sunday 10/6/2024: Las Vegas-4:05pm EST (FOX)

Week 6-Sunday 10/13/2024: LA Chargers-4:05pm EST (CBS)

Week 7-Thursday 10/17/2024: @New Orleans-8:15pm EST (Amazon Prime)

Week 8-Sunday 10/27/2024: Carolina-4:25pm EST (CBS)

Week 9-Sunday 11/3/2024: @Baltimore-1:00pm EST (CBS)

Week 10-Sunday 11/10/2024: @Kansas City-1:00pm EST (CBS)

Week 11-Sunday 11/17/2024: Atlanta-4:05pm EST (FOX)

Week 12-Sunday 11/24/2024: @Las Vegas-4:05pm EST (CBS)

Week 13-Monday 12/2/2024: Cleveland-8:15pm EST (ESPN)

Week 14- BYE WEEK

Week 15-Sunday 12/15/2024: Indianapolis-4:25pm EST (CBS)

Week 16-Sunday 12/22/2024: @LA Chargers-4:05pm EST (FOX)

Week 17-Saturday 12/28 or Sunday 12/29: @Cincinnati- TBD

Week 18-Saturday 1/4/2025 or Sunday 1/5/2025: Kansas City-TBD

-The Broncos first four games are very challenging to me. They have to go to Seattle in Week 1 to face a solid team with a new head coach in one of the toughest places to play in the NFL, and the Broncos will probably do it with rookie QB Bo Nix making his first NFL start. Then, they come home to take on a tough Steelers team in the Russell Wilson revenge game. Weeks 3 and 4 are tough because they feature back-to-back road games on the East coast (Tampa Bay and the Jets) and both are early window start times. You have to hope to somehow be 2-2 after that start.

-The next four weeks are favorable from Weeks 5-8. Three home games (Raiders, Chargers, and Panthers) mixed in with a TNF game at New Orleans in the Sean Payton Bowl. You have to think Denver can come out of that stretch 3-1.  

-Weeks 9 and 10 are brutal as Denver heads to Baltimore and Kansas City in back-to-back weeks. That's about a rough of a back-to-back as you can get in the AFC.

-Weeks 11-15 are again favorable. Denver has three home games, one road game and a bye in those weeks. It features their second primetime game of the year with a Monday Night Football game hosting the Browns. 

-The Broncos bye week is as late of a bye for them that I can remember. Week 14 for a bye week in December is late.

-The Broncos last three games are tough. They head to the Chargers in Week 16 and then have a rough back to back with at the Bengals in Week 17 and hosting the Chiefs in Week 18. Maybe the Chiefs would have clinched the division by then and they will be resting starters and the Broncos can take advantage of that.

-The Broncos have three sets of back-to-back road games, so that will be a challenge throughout the year. Two of those sets have early starts on Sunday afternoon.

-Denver hasn't gotten off to good starts the last few years to start the year, so the key is coming out of those first four games at 2-2 and then going from there. 

-You never know what is going to happen when you look at a schedule. Last year, everyone had Denver beating the Raiders and Washington to start the year at home to be 2-0. They lost both at home to start 0-2, but beat Kansas City and Buffalo in back-to-back weeks in November. 

Broncos 2024 Draft Class

 Here is the Denver Broncos 2024 NFL Draft class with my thoughts on each selection....

Round 1 Pick #12: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon: The Broncos had to come away with one of the six QBs that were projected to go in the 1st round of the draft. In my opinion, it really didn't matter which one they got, they just needed to get one. They didn't have the draft capital to trade up for the top 3 QB picks (Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, or Drake Maye), so they stayed at #12 and grabbed Nix, who they had graded as the third QB on their board (behind Williams and Daniels). Sean Payton really zeroed in on Nix as the guy as the draft process played out, and if Payton is sold on Nix, then that is good for me. I was happy that the Broncos were decisive and used conviction in picking Nix at 12. A lot of experts had him going late Round 1 and even in Round 2, but none of that matters at this point. I think Nix can be a really good fit for Sean Payton and his offense, and I think that Payton will maximize Nix's strengths and ability. I'm looking forward to watching Nix play this year and develop, and it works out, then the Broncos have finally found their QB.

Round 3 Pick #76: Jonah Elliss, Edge, Utah: The Broncos didn't have a 2nd round pick, so they had to wait until the 3rd round to pick again, and they went with a pass rusher in Elliss. He is the son of former NFL defensive lineman Luther Elliss. He was very productive at Utah as a pass rusher, but didn't participate in the Combine or Pro Day because of an injury. He is fully healed, and the Broncos believe they got a steal with him in the 3rd round. He will join the pass rushing rotation of Baron Browning, Jonathan Cooper, and Nik Bonitto. 

Round 4 Pick #102: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon: The Broncos traded up to near the top of Round 4 to grab Franklin. Most mock drafts had him going late in the 1st round or in the 2nd round, so to see him drop to the 4th round was surprising. Franklin was a teammate of Bo Nix at Oregon, so that should really help both of them adjust the Broncos and the NFL in general. Franklin could make an immediate impact in the WR room, and could be a factor in his rookie year. It will be fun to see how Payton utilizes him in the offense. 

Round 5 Pick #145: Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri: I didn't know much about Abrams-Draine, but the more I studied him over the weekend, the more I like this pick. You can never have enough CBs on your roster in today's NFL, so grabbing him here is a good value pick. He will compete with Levi Wallace and Damari Mathis for the second CB spot to complement Pat Surtain on the other side. 

Round 5 Pick #147: Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame: The Broncos added to their RB room with the selection of Estime. He had a very good career at Notre Dame, and he is a big physical presence. I think he will make the roster and add to the RB group alongside Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, and Jaleel McLaughlin. He could be a factor his rookie year in the run game.

Round 7 Pick #235: Devaughn Vele, WR, Utah: The Broncos added Vele in the 7th round to a pretty crowded WR group. It is hard to see a scenario where Vele makes the 53 man roster with the depth at that group, so he is probably fighting for a practice squad spot.

Round 7 Pick #256: Nick Gargiulo, Guard, South Carolina: Gargiulo figures to add depth to the interior of the offensive line, but realistically he is looking to grab a practice squad spot as well. 

Defensive Lineman John Franklin-Myers acquired in a trade with the New York Jets for a 2026 6th round pick: This was a surprise and came on Day Three of the NFL Draft on Saturday. This was a really good move for Denver and it only netted a 6th round pick in 2026 to acquire Franklin-Myers. He can play all down the defensive line, and this was very positive move for the Broncos defense. 

2024 Mock Draft

 Round 1

1) Chicago Bears select Caleb Williams, QB, USC

2) Washington Commanders select Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

3) New England Patriots select Drake Maye, QB, UNC 

4) Arizona Cardinals select Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

5) TRADE: Los Angeles Chargers trade with the Minnesota Vikings. LA gets Minnesota's 1st round picks this year (#11 and #23) and a 2025 1st round pick. 

Minnesota Vikings select J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

6) New York Giants select Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

7) Tennessee Titans select Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

8) Atlanta Falcons select Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

9) Chicago Bears select Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

10) New York Jets select Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

11) Los Angeles Chargers select Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

12) TRADE: Denver Broncos trade with Los Angeles Rams. Denver gets the Rams 1st round pick (#19 overall) and their 2nd round pick (#52 overall). 

Los Angeles Rams select Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

13) Las Vegas Raiders select Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

14) New Orleans Saints select Jared Verse, Edge, FSU

15) Indianapolis Colts select Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

16) Seattle Seahawks select Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

17) Jacksonville Jaguars select Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

18) Cincinnati Bengals select JC Latham, OT, Alabama

19) Denver Broncos select Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

20) Pittsburgh Steelers select Byron Murphy, DT, Texas

21) Miami Dolphins select Graham Barton, OL, Duke 

22) Philadelphia Eagles select Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

23) Los Angeles Chargers select Brian Thomas, WR, LSU

24) Dallas Cowboys select Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

25) Green Bay Packers select Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

27) Arizona Cardinals select Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon

28) Buffalo Bills select Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

29) TRADE  Detroit Lions trade with the Denver Broncos. Detroit gets Denver's 2nd round pick (#52 overall) and a 4th round pick (121 overall) 

Broncos select Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

30) Baltimore Ravens select Tyler Guyton, OL, Oklahoma

31) San Francisco 49ers select Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

32) Kansas City Chiefs select Jordan Morgan, OL, Arizona 

2024 NFL Draft Cheat Sheet-Defensive Players

 Part two features the Defensive Players.....

EDGE:

1) Dallas Turner-Alabama

2) Laiatu Latu-UCLA

3) Jared Verse-Florida State

4) Chop Robinson-Penn State

5) Bralen Trice-Washington

6) Darius Robinson-Missouri

7) Chris Braswell-Alabama

8) Jonah Elliss-Utah

9) Gabriel Murphy-UCLA

10) Adisa Isaac-Penn State

DL:

1) Byron Murphy-Texas

2) Johnny Newton-Illinois

3) Braden Fiske-FSU

4) Michael Hall- Ohio State

5) Kris Jenkins-Michigan

6) Leonard Taylor III-Miami

7) T'Vondre Sweat-Texas

8) Austin Booker- Kansas

9) Marshawn Kneeland-Western Michigan

10) McKinnley Jackson-Texas A&M

11)Mekhi Wingo-LSU

12) Marcus Harris-Auburn

13) Brandon Dorlus-Oregon

14) Justin Eboigbe-Alabama

15) Maason Smith-LSU

LB:

1) Edgerrin Cooper-Texas A&M

2) Jeremiah Trotter Jr-Clemson

3) Payton Wilson-NC State

4) Javon Solomon-Troy

5) Ty'Ron Hopper-Missouri

6) Tyrice Knight-UTEP

7) Jaylan Ford-Texas

8) Marist Liufau-Notre Dame

9) Junior Colson-Michigan

10) Cedric Gray-North Carolina

CB:

1) Terrion Arnold-Alabama

2) Quinyon Mitchell-Toledo

3) Nate Wiggins-Clemson

4) Kool-Aid McKinstry-Alabama

5) Ennis Rakestraw Jr-Missouri

6) Kris Abrams-Draine-Missouri

7) Cooper DeJean-Iowa

8) Kamari Lassiter-Georgia

9) Khyree Jackson-Oregon

10) T.J. Tampa-Iowa State

11) Nehemiah Pritchett-Auburn

12) D.J. James-Auburn

13) Andru Phillips-Kentucky

14) Mike Sainristil-Michigan

15) Josh Newton-TCU

S:

1) Tyler Nubin-Minnesota

2) Javon Bullard-Georgia

3) Calen Bullock-USC

4) Kamren Kinchens-Miami

5) Jaden Hicks-Washington State

6) Tykee Smith-Georgia

7) Jaylin Simpson-Auburn

8) Cole Bishop-Utah

9) Daijahn Anthony-Ole Miss

10) Evan Williams-Oregon

2024 NFL Draft Cheat Sheet-Offensive Players

Here is the draft rankings/cheat sheet for the 2024 NFL Draft. First up is the offensive positions.... 

QB:

1) Caleb Williams-USC

2) Drake Maye- North Carolina

3) Jayden Daniels- LSU

4) J.J. McCarthy- Michigan

5) Bo Nix-Oregon

6) Michael Penix-Washington

7) Spencer Rattler- South Carolina

8) Michael Pratt-Tulane

9) Jordan Travis-FSU

10) Joe Milton- Tennessee

RB:

1) Jonathon Brooks-Texas

2) Troy Benson- FSU

3) Braelon Allen-Wisconsin

4) Jaylen Wright-Tennessee

5) Bucky Irving-Oregon

6) Blake Corum-Michigan

7) Ray Davis-Kentucky

8) Michael Wiley-Arizona

9) Jabari Small-Tennessee

10) Audric Estime-Notre Dame

11) Will Shipley-Clemson

12) Emani Bailey-TCU

13) MarShawn Lloyd-USC

14) Dillon Johnson-Washington

15) Isaiah Davis-South Dakota State

WR:

1) Marvin Harrison Jr-Ohio State

2) Malike Nabers-LSU

3) Rome Odunze-Washington

4) Brian Thomas Jr-LSU

5) Ladd McConkey-Georgia

6) Adonai Mitchell-Texas

7) Xavier Worthy-Texas

8) Keon Coleman-FSU

9) Javon Baker-UCF

10) Troy Franklin-Oregon

11) Ja'Lynn Polk-Washington

12) Jalen McMillan-Washington

13) Malachi Corley-Western Kentucky

14) Ainias Smith-Texas A&M

15) Xavier Legette-South Carolina

16) Jermaine Burton-Alabama

17) Malik Washinton-Virginia

18) Jacob Cowing-Arizona

19) Roman Wilson-Michigan

20) Tez Walker-North Carolina

TE:

1) Brock Bowers-Georgia

2) Ja'Tavion Sanders-Texas

3) Ben Sinnott-Kansas State

4) Cade Stover-Ohio State

5) Theo Johnson-Penn State

6) Jaheim Bell-Florida State

7) Dallin Holker-Colorado State

8) AJ Barner-Michigan

9) Jared Wiley-TCU

10) Tanner McLachlan-Arizona

C:

1) Jackson Powers-Johnson-Oregon

2) Zach Frazier-West Virginia

3) Sedrick Van Pran-Georgia

4) Beauz Limmer-Arkansas

5) Hunter Nourzad-Penn State

G:

1) Troy Fautanu-Washington

2) Christian Hayes-UCONN

3) Cooper Beebee-Kansas State

4) Christian Mahogany- BC

5) Dominick Puni-Kansas 

6) Zak Zinter-Michigan

7) Brandon Coleman-TCU

8) Javon Cohen-Miami

9) K.T. Leveston-Kansas State

10) Layden Robinson-Texas A&M

OT:

1) Olumuyiwa Fashanu-Penn State

2) Joe Alt-Notre Dame

3) Taliese Fuaga-Oregon State

4) JC Latham-Alabama

5) Amarius Mims-Georgia

6) Tyler Guyton-Oklahoma

7) Jordan Morgan-Arizona

8) Graham Barton-Duke

9) Kingsley Suamataia-BYU

10) Delmar Glaze-Maryland

11) Christian Jones-Texas

12) Matt Goncalves-Pitt

13) Patrick Paul-Houston

14) Blake Fisher-Notre Dame

15) Walter Rouse-Oklahoma 

Broncos Free Agency Moves

Players Signed by the Broncos

-Re-signed WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey

-Re-signed FB Michael Burton

-Re-signed TE Adam Trautman

-Re-signed K Will Lutz

-Re-signed S P.J. Locke

-Re-signed LB Jonas Griffith

-Re-signed OL Quinn Bailey

-Signed LB Cody Barton

-Signed Safety Brandon Jones

-Signed DL Malcolm Roach

Players Signed to Other Teams

-Center Lloyd Cushenberry (Titans)

-LB Josey Jewell (Panthers)

-DL Jonathan Harris (Dolphins)

-TE Chris Manhertz (Giants)

-QB Russell Wilson (Steelers)

Traded

-WR Jerry Jeudy to Cleveland for 2024 5th and 6th Round Picks 

Justin Simmons Released

 This one hurts. The Broncos released Safety Justin Simmons in a move that was surprising to me. The All-Pro was the face of the Broncos and the unquestioned leader of the team the past few seasons. The move saves over $14 million in cap money, and it allows Simmons to pick a new team and perhaps go to a contender. Simmons was an all-time great Bronco since he was drafted in 2016. The only thing missing for Simmons' time in Denver was a playoff berth. The Broncos never made the playoffs in his eight years in Denver, and that will be a regret when you look back at his career. It is definitely sad to see him go, and Simmons was just as good off the field as he was on the field. He was very big in the community in Denver. On a personal note, when I went to Denver to see the Broncos play in 2019, my kids met Simmons before the game as we watched the players arrive. He stopped to take pictures with my kids, signed autographs, and even asked how Christmas was. He's a great Bronco and will be a member of the Ring of Fame at some point. 

Russell Wilson Released

 The Broncos informed Russell Wilson that he is being released. This ends the 2-year Russell Wilson era in Denver. This will go down not only as the worst trade in Broncos history but also one of the worst trades in NFL history. As a result of cutting Wilson, Denver will take on an $85 million cap hit (spread out over two years) which will be the largest dead cap charge in NFL history. I really can't believe that the Broncos are parting ways with Wilson after just two, albiet disappointing, seasons in Denver. Not even the hire of Sean Payton can save this situation. The Broncos thought it was better to move on now instead of paying Wilson a high salary over the next two years to try to maximize his value at the QB spot in Denver. Unfortunately, it just didn't work out in Denver, but I understand why the Broncos made this move two years ago. I also understand that Wilson wasn't coming to Denver without signing a contract extension, so unfortunately this not working out has major ramifications. The Broncos gave up so many high, premium draft picks to Seattle for Wilson, so that is the other factor that just kills the deal for Denver. I'll never forget how excited I was two years ago when Denver traded for Russ. I also remember how excited I was driving home from work listening to NFL Radio the day of the Monday Night Football opener against Seattle. It was going to be a playoff, division title, type of season with Russ leading the way. The Broncos were back in my opinion. Of course, we know what happened: Denver lost to Seattle that night and the Broncos 2022 season was a disaster for Russ and new HC Nathaniel Hackett. From there, it never worked out. It's a shame, and it will have major implications on the franchise for the next few years, but hopefully now Denver will finally solidify their QB position going forward.

Post Super Bowl Broncos Outlook

 With the Super Bowl now in the rear view mirror, it is time to take a break from the Broncos. Watching the Chiefs and Pat Mahomes win another Super Bowl is just brutal for Broncos fans. There really is no hope right now for Denver to get back to a Super Bowl any time soon. I've never felt so far away from the Super Bowl as a Broncos fan as I am feel right now. The only thing Denver can shoot for is the 7th seed and last Wild Card spot in the AFC. The AFC West will be owned by Mahomes and the Chiefs for the next decade as well. For now, it is time to take a break from the Broncos and the NFL. There won't be anything substantial until the Scouting Combine at the end of February/beginning of March and then Free Agency a few weeks into March. Otherwise, there is no need to break down what the Broncos are going to do this offseason. The biggest thing is that they need to find a QB. We know that they are going to release Russell Wilson in March, but we have a long way to go in the offseason to see how they will fix the QB. Until then, I'm going to take a break from the NFL. I've got the Rangers in first place in their division with a legitimate shot at the Stanley Cup this year, and the Knicks are a contender in the East in the NBA. That will keep me going through the next two months. 

Super Bowl LVIII Recap and Reaction

 The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII 25-22 in overtime to win their fourth Lombardi Trophy and their third Super Bowl in the last four years. The Chiefs have cemented their status as their eras new NFL dynasty. Andy Reid is now in the conversation of all-time great NFL head coaches, and Patrick Mahomes was sensational once again late in the game to cement his status as one of the greatest QBs in NFL history-after only six seasons as a starter. The game came down to great finish and that is all you can ask for in a Super Bowl. I was rooting hard for the 49ers, but the Chiefs and Mahomes broke their hearts for the second time in five years on the biggest stage. Here are my thoughts and reactions to the game....

1) The 49ers defense dominated the Chiefs for the first three quarters. They forced a fumble, punts, pressured Mahomes and picked him off early in the third quarter. It was 10-3 at halftime and 10-6 midway through the third quarter and it felt like it should have been 20-3 or 24-3. That's how dominate they were playing.

2) It felt like the Chiefs were melting down the first three quarters. Mahomes was being pressured, receivers weren't getting open and there was constant bickering on the sidelines with members of the Chiefs. At one point, there was a shot of Travis Kelce bumping Andy Reid on the sideline. It felt like they were self destructing.

3) The biggest turning point in the game was when the Niners were up 10-6 in the third quarter and the ball hit a Niners player and then the returner Ray-Ray McCloud dove to recover it but missed it and the Chiefs recovered the fumble deep in Niners territory. The next play, Mahomes threw a TD pass and all of a sudden it was 13-10. Right there, you knew the Niners were in trouble. 

4) The next turning point was when the Niners answered right back with a Brock Purdy to Jawan Jennings TD pass to regain the lead early in the fourth quarter, but KC blocked the extra point to make the score 16-13 SF instead of 17-13. That one point played a pivotal role down the stretch. 

5) The game was kind of average for most of the three quarters but it ended in a flurry. The last five possessions of the game not including San Franc taking a knee were: Touchdown, touchdown, field goal, field goal, field goal. The game went from 10-6 with 2:42 to go in the third quarter to 19-19 heading to overtime. 

6) In overtime, the Niners took the ball first under the new postseason rules and had to settle for a field goal after driving down to the KC 9 yard line. Purdy got rushed on a blitz and forced an early throw and the field goal made it 22-19. You just knew that Mahomes and the Chiefs were going to come down and win the game on the next drive. Everyone in America knew it was coming.

7) Of course, Mahomes goes right down the field 75 yards in 13 plays and hits Mecole Hardman for a three yard TD pass to win the Super Bowl. Give Mahomes credit because in a game that he struggled for the most of it, he came up big on the biggest drive of the season. He didn't have an incompletion on the final drive and ran for two big first downs-including a 4th and 1. Classic Mahomes on that drive and it is what makes him great.

8) There has been a lot of discussion about Kyle Shanahan taking the ball first in overtime with the new rules. I didn't have that much of a problem with it at the time. I thought he was resting his defense, but it retrospect, I think in the future the team that wins the toss should defer and get the ball second. I'm not going to kill Shanahan on this one.

9) For the Niners, it is another missed opportunity for them to win a championship. When they look back at this game, they are going to be sick that they couldn't put the game away after having a lead for most of the 60 minutes. Kyle Shanahan is a really good coach, and GM John Lynch has built a stud team but they just can't get that Lombardi Trophy-mainly because of Pat Mahomes.

10) This Chiefs team was the most vulnerable of all the Mahomes era teams and they still won the Super Bowl. Their offense struggled all season, their receivers were inconsistent. Mahomes had his worst season in six years statistically. They only scored over 30 points three times. Their defense was really good all year, but it just wasn't a vintage Chiefs team that finished 11-6. They went 4-4 at home this year. They went 4-2 in the division and lost to Denver and the Raiders. They were scraping to clinch to the division in Week 17 at home against Jake Browning and the Bengals. They were underdogs on the road in the Divisional Round against Buffalo and in the AFC Championship Game against the Ravens and won both games. They were underdogs in the Super Bowl and beat the Niners. This was the year to get the Chiefs and it still didn't matter.

10) The Chiefs are the toast of the NFL that is all there is to it. They were such a non-descript franchise for like 50 years. All they would hang their hat on was the fact that they were an original AFL franchise and played in the first Super Bowl. They also won the last Super Bowl before the merger and played at Arrowhead Stadium-which was a great homefield advantage. That was it. They were always competitive but lost a lot of playoff games-especially at home. They went from 1993 to 2015 without winning a playoff game. With the exception of 1993 and 1994 when Joe Montana finished his career there, they never had a big name QB. That all changed when they drafted Mahomes. They have made the AFC Championship Game six times in a row, been to four Super Bowls in the past six years, and won three-including back-to-back titles. Mahomes really just transformed this franchise, and now you have him and Travis Kelce and the whole Taylor Swift relationship and the Chiefs are the kings of the NFL world. I hate to see it, but it is the truth. 

11) Patrick Mahomes is right now the second greatest QB of all time and he only trails Tom Brady in that category and at 28, he has a chance to surpass Brady's 7 Super Bowl wins. Mahomes has one of the best starts ever to a career in any sport. He is approaching the Jordan level of sports figures. Of all the things that stands out about Mahomes, the part that gets me is that in his three Super Bowl wins, he was trailing by 10 points each time, and each time he brought his team back to win. In all three of those games, it looked like his team was done, and each time he played great down the stretch to win the game. It is unbelievable what he is doing right now. 

Super Bowl LVIII Preview

Super Bowl LVIII pits the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. It is a rematch from Super Bowl LIV which the Chiefs won 31-20. This is the first Super Bowl to be played in Las Vegas, and there is a lot of star-power and intrigue surrounding the game. There are plenty of All-Pros on both of these rosters. Both the Chiefs and the Niners have been two of the best teams in the NFL for the last five years, so it is no surprise that both of them are here in the Super Bowl. As I always like to do, I'll first take a look at the storylines that surround the game, then give a preview and make a pick.

Super Bowl LVIII Storylines:

I) The Chiefs Dynasty: Patrick Mahomes has two Super Bowl titles already, and the Chiefs are looking to add their third Super Bowl in the last five years. This is the Chiefs fourth Super Bowl appearance in the last five years. They can get three Lombardi Trophies in four years. They also can become the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls since the Patriots in 2003 and 2004. The Patriots had a remarkable run as the NFL's modern dynasty, and the Chiefs are right there on their heels now.

II) The Mahomes Legacy: Patrick Mahomes in only 28 and he is on the verge of winning his third Super Bowl title. If he retired after this game, he would be a first ballot Hall of Famer. He is on pace with Tom Brady in terms of wins and Super Bowls. He legitimately can chase Tom Brady for seven Super Bowls. He is on the cusp of winning another Super Bowl, and putting himself in the top five of greatest QBs ever at the age of 28 with a lot of football left in his career.

III) Kyle Shanahan's Quest: Kyle Shanahan has been a top 5 NFL head coach for the last five years, and he has done an amazing job in making the 49ers a powerhouse. The one achievement that alludes him is a Super Bowl title. He has been close, but losing as the offensive coordinator with the Falcons in Super Bowl LI to the Patriots, and losing Super Bowl LIV to the Chiefs as HC of the Niners are two big blemishes on his record, and he has taken major criticism for each loss. He needs to win a Super Bowl to cement himself as one of the best NFL coaches in this decade and era. He has another chance in Super Bowl LVIII.

IV) Mr. Irrelevant: The 49ers picked QB Brock Purdy with the last pick in the entire 2022 NFL Draft which earned him the nickname of "Mr. Irrelevant." After stepping in last season as a rookie after the Niners lost both QBs ahead of him, he has played great and never looked back. He was a MVP candidate this season, and now he finds himself in the Super Bowl going up against Patrick Mahomes. What a contrast: The face of the NFL in Mahomes against Mr. Irrelevant in Purdy. What a moment it would be if Purdy leads the Niners to a Super Bowl title.

V) Super Bowl Rematch: The Niners and Chiefs played a really good game only five years ago in Super Bowl LIV. Although the Chiefs won 31-20, the Niners outplayed them for three and a half quarters. They were up by 10 with about 7 minutes to go in the game, and they should have won that Super Bowl. They were the better team that year and they failed to get it done. Now, they get a chance five years later for revenge. It is kind of cool that these two teams are meeting up once again in a rematch. It reminds me of the Giants and Patriots. Those two teams met twice in five years in Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI. 

VI) The Taylor Swift Era: Look, you can't talk about this Super Bowl without bringing up Taylor Swift. Ever since Swift started dating Chiefs TE Travis Kelce in September, the attention on the Chiefs and the entire NFL has expanded to a whole new level. You can't make up the irony of one of the biggest pop stars in the country dating a famous NFL player, whose teams happens to make it to the Super Bowl. Whether you like it or not, Swift's appearance at the Super Bowl will be a big story-as it should be. 

Super Bowl LVIII

Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers

Final 2023 Regular Season Record: 143-110-18

Last Week's Playoff Record: 2-2

Overall Playoff Record: 7-4

A Case for the Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes proved that even in a "down" year for the Chiefs, he is still good enough to get them to a Super Bowl. They finished 11-6, lost games to teams like the Broncos and Raiders, and yet still went on the road and beat Buffalo and Baltimore to get back to the Super Bowl. Mahomes is at an all-time level already, and I'm not betting against in this game. I also like the matchup with KC's defense going up against Brock Purdy. Steve Spagnuolo will have a great plan and I could see the Chiefs defense making the big stop at the right time. I think you have to give the coaching edge to Andy Reid in this case over Kyle Shanahan. If you have the advantage in coaching with Reid over Shanahan and with the QB with Mahomes over Purdy, you have to take the Chiefs to win this game.

A Case for the 49ers: They have been close in recent years. They lost the Super Bowl to the Chiefs in 2019, they have been to the NFC Championship four out of the last five years and now they are back in the Super Bowl. They have been close and are due to breakthrough and win the Lombardi Trophy. The Niners have so much talent and star-power that they can take the game over like we have seen many times before. Whether it is Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk on offense. On defense, they have Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, Dre Greenlaw, Javon Hargrave, and Arik Armstead. This team is just loaded with All-Pros that a guy like Chase Young, who they traded for at midseason, is a forgotten piece. The Niners can win this game on talent alone. I do feel like Kyle Shanahan will have a chip on his shoulder knowing that he has another shot to get a Super Bowl, and he should put together a masterful gameplan. Perhaps the Niners are just the better team overall.

Prediction: Kansas City (+2) over San Francisco: I'm not betting against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. In a solid, competitive game that should come down to the wire, I'll take Mahomes and the Chiefs to win their third Super Bowl in four years. 

Final Score: Chiefs-27 Niners-20

Championship Sunday Picks

 The final four is set and Championship Sunday is upon us. We have both #1 seeds in the AFC (Baltimore) and NFC (San Francisco) still alive and both #3 seeds (Kansas City and Detroit).  Both games feature really good matchups. As I always like to do, I like to rank the best possible Super Bowl matchups based on the four teams left. These are not my preferred matchups, but the matchups that probably feature the best storylines and juice:

1) San Francisco vs. Kansas City-Rematch of the Super Bowl LIV from a few years ago. The whole Taylor Swift storyline with the Chiefs. KC going to a repeat Super Bowl victory. Two dominant teams from the past five years facing off. A lot of star-power on both sides.

2) San Francisco vs. Baltimore- Rematch of Super Bowl XLVII. Rematch of the Christmas night game from a month ago. Matchup of both #1 seeds and probably the two best teams in the league this year.

3) Detroit vs. Kansas City-The Lions making their first appearance in a Super Bowl ever. Rematch of opening night game to kickoff the season. Taylor Swift against Eminem in terms of celebrity fans.

4) Detroit vs. Baltimore-The Lions making their first ever Super Bowl appearance. Rematch of a game from the regular season. Two of the top teams all year long from each conference. A matchup of two teams that no one had picked would be facing off in the Super Bowl-something different.

Now, onto the picks for Championship Sunday.....

Final Regular Season Overall Record: 143-110-18

Last Week's Playoff Record: 3-1

Overall Playoff Record: 6-4

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS) 

AFC Championship Game

(3) Kansas City at (1) Baltimore

A Case for the Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes is the best QB on the planet, and the Chiefs have a chance as long as he is around. Everyone made a big deal about him playing in his first road playoff game in his career, and went into Buffalo and pulled out the win over the Bills. As good as the Ravens defense has played this year, Mahomes can exploit them.The Chiefs defense has played well all year, and you can see a scenario in which they have a solid gameplan and frustrate the Ravens offense. Everyone talked about how this wasn't a vintage Chiefs team this year and they were the most vulnerable in this ear of Mahomes. It seems like everything is coming together for them in the playoffs. They are dangerous, battle-tested, and will make things very difficult on the Ravens. 

A Case for the Ravens: The Ravens have been the best team in league from start to finish. They lost four games all year. Three were close, late losses to Pitt, Cleveland, and Indy. The fourth loss was to the Steelers in Week 18 when Baltimore sat their starters. They also have a dynamic offense and Lamar Jackson is playing at a MVP level again. They are at home and this is the first time the Ravens have hosted an AFC Championship Game. The crowd and energy should be off the charts. Pound-for-pound they are the better team.

Prediction: Kansas City (+3.5) over BALTIMORE: I think the Ravens should win this game. I think the Ravens will win this game, but I'm not betting against Patrick Mahomes. I see the Chiefs somehow going into Baltimore and pulling off the upset and heading to their fourth Super Bowl in the last five years.

Final Score: Chiefs-26 Ravens-23

NFC Championship Game

(3) Detroit at (1) San Francisco

A Case for the Lions: They are the feel good story of the NFC this year. But, they are no slouch. They won 12 games this year and two playoff wins. Jared Goff is playing the best football of his career. Their offense is explosive and has so many weapons. They definitely will be able to move the ball and put up points on this 49ers defense. The Lions are one of the few remaining franchises that have never made the Super Bowl. They are in their first NFC Championship since 1991 and are 60 minutes away. Maybe they are due. Maybe they will reward their long-suffering fans with a trip to the Super Bowl.

A Case for the 49ers: We know how talented the Niners are, and for most of the game last week against the Packers it looked like the Niners were going to choke away a playoff game and get upset at home. They were able to turn it around late and won the game. Perhaps the Niners got it out of their system. Now, they can exhale a little and dial in on the Lions in the NFC Title game. I would expect a crisp and solid performance from the Niners. It would be surprising if the Niners laid an egg in this one.

Prediction: SAN FRANCISCO (-7) over Detroit: The 49ers get over the hump after losing the last two NFC Championship Games and beat the Lions to advance to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2019 and the 8th Super Bowl appearance overall. 

Final Score: 49ers-31 Lions-23

Divisional Round Preview and Picks

The top seeds now get into the action as the NFL hits the Divisional Round Playoffs. Two games on Saturday and two games on Sunday. The #1 seed in the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers come off their bye and host the #7 seeded Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. Before that game, the #1 seed in the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens, host the #4 seeded Houston Texans. On Sunday, the Lions host the Buccaneers in the first matchup, and the Bills host the Chiefs in the nightcap on Sunday night. Out of the eight teams left in the Divisional Round, only three of these teams were in this round last year (SF, Buffalo, and KC), so that means there are five new teams this year in the Divisional Round. Three of them weren't even in the playoffs last year (Lions, Packers, and Texans), so things can change quickly in the NFL year-to-year. 

Final Regular Season Overall Record: 143-110-18

Last Week's Playoff Record: 3-3

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS) 

AFC Divisional Playoff

(4) Houston at (1) Baltimore

 A Case for the Texans: The Texans can play fast and loose like they did last week. No one expected them to get to the Divisional Round this year, and now that they are here, they can play up the "Cinderella"
 role against the big favorite on the road. C.J. Stroud was amazing last week in his playoff debut. If he stays hot, then he can carry this team to an upset on his back. Maybe Houston learned from their Week 1 drubbing in Baltimore, and they can use that as they prepare for this matchup. The Colts and Browns already went into Baltimore and upset them and won this year. I like their chances with Stroud-even on the road- to at least keep this game close.

A Case for the Ravens: The last time the Ravens were the #1 seed was in 2019, and Lamar Jackson was the league MVP that year. They got shocked by the Titans in the Divisional Round that year. This year, they are the #1 seed again, and Lamar is in line to be the MVP again. Can they get upset again at home in the Divisional Round coming off a bye? That seems hard to fathom. Lamar is playing at such a high level right now, and the team is peaking at the right time. They buried the 49ers and Dolphins in Weeks 16 and 17 to secure the 1 seed. The bye should help them rest and get healthy. Everything points to them getting on a run and getting to a Super Bowl.

Prediction: Houston (+9) over BALTIMORE: The Ravens are going to win the game, but I like Houston to keep it closer than the spread. Look for a close game throughout and I could see the Ravens fans having some nervous moments, but look for Baltimore to close it out and advance to the AFC Championship for the first time since the 2012 season.

Final Score: Ravens-30 Texans-22

NFC Divisional Playoff

(7) Green Bay at (1) San Francisco

A Case for the Packers: They are also playing great right now and are riding high after their upset win in Dallas in the Wild Card round. They can play fast, loose, and relaxed as all the pressure will be on the 49ers. Jordan Love is playing great right now, and he was tremendous in the win over Dallas. If he stays hot, they can give the 49ers a scare. Plus, Matt LaFluer was a part of Kyle Shanahan's coaching tree, so he knows a lot about Shanny's scheme and tendencies. After winning in Dallas last week, I don't think the Packers will be intimidated heading to San Fran, and they will have a lot of confidence that they can pull off another upset. 

.A Case for the 49ers: They have so much talent on both sides of the ball. I like this matchup from an offensive standpoint for the Niners. I think they will have too many weapons and plays for the Packers defense to handle. Shanahan has had extra time to come up with something on offense, and I could just see the Niners overwhelming the Packers from the start. Then, they get a lead and the Niners defense takes over and makes Jordan Love's life miserable. Sometimes we can get fooled by a team when they look so good in the Wild Card round, then it comes crashing down the next playoff game. I think this game could be a good example of that. 

Prediction: Green Bay (+9.5) over SAN FRANCISCO: The 49ers will win the game and win it comfortably, but I could see back door potential for the Packers here. This game won't be as close as the score and the Niners will advance to their third straight NFC Championship Game.

Final Score: 49ers-31 Packers-23

NFC Divisional Playoff

(4) Tampa Bay at (3) Detroit

A Case for the Bucs: Really no pressure on the Bucs in this spot. They've accomplished a lot already this season. They finished 9-8, won the NFC South, and won a home playoff game by pasting the Eagles 32-9. Baker Mayfield has had a resurgence in his career this year in Tampa, and the vibes are good. Anything else that happens from here is gravy for them. They lost earlier in the year to Detroit, so maybe they can learn something from that game. They are playing with house money and all the pressure falls onto the Lions, so the Bucs could be dangerous in this spot.

A Case for the Lions: They are the better team between these two teams. They are at home and you saw how loud Ford Field was last week in the wild card win over the Rams. They got the monkey off their back with the playoff win ending a 32 year drought, so now they can go out and play. The game last week against the Rams was going to be challenging on the field and mentally for them and they got past it. The Lions offense is really good at home and they get off to quick starts-which could throttle the Bucs. I would expect a big-time effort by the Lions in this spot.

Prediction: DETROIT (-6) over Tampa Bay: The Lions win their second straight playoff game, and advance to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1991.

Final Score: Lions-30 Buccaneers-17

AFC Divisional Playoff

(3) Kansas City at (2) Buffalo

A Case for the Chiefs: They have Patrick Mahomes. As long as Mahomes is back there, you have to like the Chiefs chances. They also have their running game going, and that will be a factor in a cold environment in Buffalo on Sunday night. The Chiefs defense has been really good all year long, and I could see them forcing the Bills into stupid mistakes. The Bills are pretty banged up too, and that will favor the Chiefs. Until the Chiefs are knocked out, you really have to think they might go on another Super Bowl run.

A Case for the Bills: The Bills were left for dead at 6-6, but they rattled off five wins in a row to finish 11-6 and win the AFC East. They backed that up by burying the Steelers at home in the Wild Card round. Now, the Chiefs come to town, and the Bills can get PLAYOFF revenge on KC after losing to them in the 2020 AFC Championship Game and the 2021 AFC Divisional Playoff. Those games were both in KC, and now the Chiefs come to Orchard Park to face the Bills. That is a big factor. This will be Patrick Mahomes' first road playoff game. The Bills are due to slay the dragon, knock off the Chiefs and head to the AFC Title game.

Prediction: Kansas City (+2.5) over BUFFALO: This is the best game of the weekend without a doubt. I love that this game is Sunday night and the last game of the weekend. As much as I want to see Buffalo win, and I think they are due to knock off the Chiefs, I can see KC and Pat Mahomes finding a way and pulling off the upset.

Final Score: Chiefs-24 Bills-20

2023 Wild Card Weekend Picks

 The playoffs are here and Wild Card Weekend kicks things off with some really fun and interesting storylines. In the NFC, you have a classic Dallas-Green Bay matchup with Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy facing his old team, Philly hanging on to their season by a thread trying to get back to a Super Bowl, and Matt Stafford and the Rams going to Detroit to take on his old team with Jared Goff trying to lead the Lions to their first playoff win since 1991. The AFC features the Bills hosting the Steelers as Buffalo and Josh Allen try to make their run for their franchise's first Super Bowl title, Tyreek Hill going back to Arrowhead for the first time as the Dolphins travel to KC to take on the Chiefs, and Joe Flacco and the Browns traveling to Houston to take on the Texans and C.J. Stroud. There is definitely the possibility for a lot of fun and entertaining games this weekend....

Last Week's Record: 13-3

Final Regular Season Overall Record: 143-110-18

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS) 

AFC Wild Card Game

(5) Cleveland at (4) Houston

A Case for the Browns: The Browns have been such a story this season, and now they have added the improbable redemption run of Joe Flacco this past month. The Browns are 11-6, and Flacco was the fourth starting QB this year after Deshaun Watson went down halfway through the year. Flacco has fit perfectly with this offense and somehow he is playing his best football since like 2014. We know how Flacco can get hot in the playoffs, so he can actually carry this Browns team on his back. The Browns defense was one of the best in the NFL all year long, and the strength of their team. They have the advantage over a rookie QB like C.J. Stroud. There seems to just be something magical about this Browns team and it feels like they could get on a run. Plus, they pounded the Texans in Houston a few weeks ago.

A Case for the Texans: Houston is playing with house money in this game. NO ONE expected them to win 10 games and make the playoffs with a rookie head coach in DeMeco Ryans and a rookie QB in C.J. Stroud. Most people had them below 6 wins easily this year, yet here they are. Everyone is going to be picking the Browns, so they can play the underdog role all week long. Plus, C.J. Stroud has been the best rookie QB since Andrew Luck, and he could have a big day and put this game on his shoulders and lead the Texans to the upset.

Prediction: Cleveland (-2) over HOUSTON: I'm surprised the line is this low for the Browns. I just think their defense will make life difficult for C.J. Stroud and their offense will do just enough to get the victory and move on to the Divisional Round.

Final Score: Browns-24 Texans-17

AFC Wild Card Game

(6) Miami at (3) Kansas City

A Case for the Dolphins: Miami has consistently had one of the top offenses in the NFL all year long. You have the Tyreek Hill revenge game factor as he heads to Arrowhead for the first time since being traded from the Chiefs. These teams met in Germany in November and the Dolphins can use that loss as motivation to figure out a way to knock off the Chiefs. Vic Fangio (Miami's DC) knows how to attack the Chiefs offense and usually has a good defensive gameplan for Pat Mahomes. Miami also was a front-runner for a top seed in the AFC all year long, but injuries and key losses at the end of the year spoiled those hopes. Now, they are the underdog to the Chiefs and no one believes that they can get on a run. They will use that as motivation. 

A Case for the Chiefs: Kansas City gets a banged-up Dolphins defense that is missing pass-rushers, linebackers and secondary players across the board. It is perfectly set up for Patrick Mahomes to take advantage of this beat-up defense. The Chiefs defense also did a really nice job on the Dolphins offense when they played in the regular season. The weather is calling for a windchill of -13 on Saturday night in KC, so that definitely favors the Chiefs. Too many factors are lining up in the Chiefs favor for this one.

Prediction: KANSAS CITY (-4) over Miami: The Dolphins once promising season comes to an end in a bitter, cold way on Saturday night in Arrowhead. Pat Mahomes and the Chiefs advance to the Divisional Round for the sixth straight year.

Final Score: Chiefs-27 Dolphins-20

AFC Wild Card Game

(7) Pittsburgh at (2) Buffalo

A Case for the Steelers: The Steelers have Mike Tomlin as their head coach. Somehow and someway, Tomlin got this team to 10 wins and a playoff berth. He's the better coach in the game on Sunday, so you know he will have his team prepared and ready to go. The Steelers are definitely the team that no one believes in the most this weekend, so they can play fast and loose. The Bills have all the pressure on them and doesn't make it easy on themselves. so maybe the Steelers can take advantage of that. Buffalo was a big favorite last year over Miami in the same spot, and they almost lost. Did I mention that Mike Tomlin is the Steelers coach?

A Case for the Bills: At 6-6, they looked like they might miss playoffs, but then they ripped off five straight wins and won the AFC East. Now, they are the 2 seed and host the Steelers and Mason Rudolph. I can't see the Steelers moving the ball consistently against the Bills defense in this spot. T.J. Watt got hurt in Week 18, so he is out, and that should allow Josh Allen to have a big day. Maybe the Bills are just hitting their stride at the right time. I can see them going on a big playoff run starting with this game on Sunday.

Prediction: BUFFALO (-10) over Pittsburgh: The Bills are heavy favorites and they should be. This would be a monumental disaster if they lost this game. Weather will be a factor as they are calling for a very windy and blustery day in Buffalo. I think it might close for a little while, but the Bills will win and advance to the Divisional Round for the fourth year in a row.

Final Score: Bills-26 Steelers-10

NFC Wild Card Game 

(7) Green Bay at (2) Dallas

A Case for the Packers: The Packers are ahead of schedule this year. Not many people picked them to make the playoffs. They are one of the youngest teams since the merger to make the playoffs. They are playing with house money coming into this game as big underdogs. Jordan Love has played really well the second half of the season. All the pressure is on the Cowboys. No one expects the Packers to win this game. If things go their way and get a lead, then it could snowball in their favor.

A Case for the Cowboys: The Cowboys are deserving of the #2 seed in the NFC this year and they are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. They are very dominating at home, and their offense and Dak Prescott should have a big game against the Packers and their defense. I like the matchup of Dan Quinn's defense against against a QB making his first career playoff start. It feels like this could be a statement game for Dallas as they make their run to the Super Bowl.

Prediction: DALLAS (-7) over Green Bay: This is a fun game in the 4:25pm EST window on Sunday. Mike McCarthy gets revenge on his old team, and Dallas advances to the Divisional Round for the second straight year.

Final Score: Cowboys-38 Packers-24

NFC Wild Card Game

(6) Los Angeles Rams at (3) Detroit

A Case for the Rams: They have the better coach in Sean McVay. You know McVay will have his team dialed in for this one. Matt Stafford has to be extra motivated going back to Detroit for a playoff game. Put it this way: I trust the combo of McVay and Stafford over Dan Campbell and Jared Goff. I think the Rams can score with the Lions and keep the pressure on them since they are favored to win their first playoff game since 1991. The Rams won a Super Bowl two years ago, but no one had them in the playoffs after last year's disastrous season, but here they are right back in the mix. I think they will be very dangersous in this spot. 

A Case for the Lions: They have one of the best offenses in football. They can score with anyone and they very good at home. Jared Goff plays the game of his life and gets revenge on McVay for trading him. The Lions fans have waited a long time for a home playoff game and they have waited a LONG time for a playoff win. It could be their time to get that done. I would expect the Lions fans to be loud and on their feet all night long and make that a very tough environment for the Rams.

Prediction: DETROIT (-3) over LA Rams: As much as I feel like the Lions are due to win a playoff game, I keep thinking that the Rams will win this game. I just have a gut feeling they will pull it out late and sending the Lions home with another epic, disappointing loss.

Final Score: Rams-33 Lions-31

NFC Wild Card Game

(5) Philadelphia at (4) Tampa Bay

A Case for the Eagles: They are the defending NFC Champions, and they still have a lot of talent and they still have Jalen Hurts. I think when the game is on the line, Hurts will find a way to make a play to win the game. After starting 10-1, they finished 11-6 and they are banged up, but maybe they were just trying to get to the playoffs and then turn it on. That's not inconceivable to think. Plus, they just seem like they are the better team than Tampa Bay-even if this game is in Tampa. It would be hard to fathom the Eagles getting bounced in the Wild Card round.

A Case for the Bucs: The Bucs finished 9-8 and won the putrid NFC South, but they played really well down the stretch. They are a home underdog-which is always dangerous. The Bucs are playing with house money and have nothing to lose. All the pressure is on the Eagles. Baker Mayfield can get hot as we have seen at times this year, and the Eagles defense has been so bad the last month that you can see a scenario in which Mayfield carves them up late and pulls off the upset.

Prediction: Philadelphia (-3) over TAMPA BAY: Philly crawled to the finish line and a lot of people don't have faith in them even winning this game, but I think they find a way to pull it off and advance to the Divisional Round.

Final Score: Eagles-28 Buccaneers-24