If there is such a thing as a moral victory, this game qualifies as such.
Our Offense was explosive, trading scores with Seattle to the last few seconds. While att the same time, they were putting the entire league on notice about the potential firepower this Washington team is capable of — Sam Howell was exceptional, throwing for 312 yards, 3 TDs and no picks. Our Running Backs couldn’t get much going on the Ground, but they had a more substantial impact in the Passing game. Brian Robinson had 119 yards with 1 TD. And Antonio Gibson finished up with 42 yards and 1 TD. Even the QB protection was better — not great, but much better.
Our Defense was another story. They could not stop Seattle from gaining chunks of yards and putting up points. The Absence of Montez Sweat and Chase Young may have contributed to this lackluster performance, but they were trending in this direction for weeks before those trades happened.
Next, Washington hosts the NY Giants. On paper, this should be an easy win for Washington. But history has shown that for some unexplained, supernatural reason we always choke against the Giants. Nevertheless, at 4-6, this team is at a crossroads where they must desperately win games, especially against NFC teams. If Washington loses this game and misses the playoffs, I expect massive coaching and even GM changes. My pick: The Washington Commanders.
WASHINGTON 26 — SEAHAWKS 29
And for the rest of the league…..
COWBOYS 49 — NY GIANTS 17
The Cowboys got an early Christmas present. Dallas had their way with this wounded and demoralized NY Giants team. At 6-3, Dallas is feeling way overconfident about their potential Super Bowl run, which I find hilarious. Next, Dallas visits Carolina. My pick: The Dallas Cowboys (But I hope Carolina pulls off the upset).
The NY Giants are done for this season. Their best bet should be to aim for the number one overall pick in next year’s Draft and cut bait with Daniel Jones. Next, the NY Giants visit Washington. My pick: The Washington Commanders (Obviously).
49ERS 34 — JAGUARS 3
Fresh off acquiring Chase Young, the 49ers reminded the NFL that they are still the best team in the NFL. San Francisco is by far the most dangerous team in the entire league. Nick Bosa seemed looser and wreaking havoc with Chase Young on the opposite side. Brock Purdy was on top form, throwing for 296 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. Next, San Francisco hosts Tampa Bay. My pick: San Francisco 49ers.
The Jaguars were outmatched by San Francisco’s Offensive firepower and relentless Defense. Travis Etienne was neutralized to 35 yards. But there is no reason to panic; at 6-3, Jacksonville is still on pace to win the AFC South. Next, Jacksonville hosts Tennessee. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
RAIDERS 16 — NY JETS 12
The Raiders are an inspired team under interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce. They are playing hard for Pierce while everyone is auditioning for next season. At 5-5, the Raiders have a shot to make noise in the AFC. Next, Las Vegas visits Miami. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
The NY Jets again got away from relying on their Ground game. They have two elite Running Backs in Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook, yet they continue to underutilize them. Even if Aaron Rodgers gets cleared to return, it might be too late to turn things around. At 4-5, the Jets visit Buffalo. My pick: The Buffalo Bills.
BRONCOS 24 — BILLS 22
The Broncos are slowly turning their season around, and even Russell Wilson has looked more reliable. At 4-5, Denver is overachieving. Next, Denver hosts Minnesota. My pick: The Minnesota Vikings.
It’s a tough loss for Buffalo — they are officially in panic mode. As a result, they fired OC Ken Dorsey and hope for a fresh start on the Offense under Joe Barry, especially for a struggling Josh Allen. Next, Buffalo hosts the NY Jets. My pick: The Buffalo Bills.
TEXANS 30 — BENGALS 27
Another impressive win by Houston — CJ Stroud threw for 356 yards, 1 TD, and 1 Pick. Stroud is running away with the Rookie of the Year award. At 5-4, Houston is looking like a dangerous contender. Next, Houston hosts Arizona. My pick: The Houston Texans.
Houston outgunned the Bengals. Joe Burrow threw for 347 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 Picks. At 5-4, Cincinnati is in an extremely tough race for the AFC North. Next, Cincinnati visits Baltimore. My pick: The Cincinnati Bengals.
STEELERS 23 — PACKERS 19
The Steelers continue to win ugly and boring games, but they are winning nonetheless, and that is all that matters. Kenny Pickett had a vanilla game but no turnovers. Second-year RB Jaylen Warren had a solid game, rushing for 101 yards and 1 TD. At 6-3, Pittsburgh is hot on Baltimore’s trails for first place in the AFC North. Next, Pittsburgh visits Cleveland. My pick: The Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Packers are still figuring things out about their identity as a team. This is their first season without Aaron Rodgers, and some growing pains with Jordan Love were expected. At 3-5, Green Bay should focus on remaining competitive for the rest of the season. Next, Green Bay visits the Chargers. My pick: The LA Chargers.
VIKINGS 27 — SAINTS 19
The Joshua Dobbs experience continues to impress. Dobbs finished with 312 total yards, 2 TDs, and no Picks. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has done an outstanding job keeping this Minnesota team focused and competitive, especially after losing Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson. At 6-4, the Vikings are on track to land a playoff spot. Next, Minnesota visits Denver. My pick: The Minnesota Vikings.
The Saints were on a 2-game winning streak. But they were outmatched in every area of the ball here. Derek Carr was ineffective until an injury forced him out in the 3rd quarter. Backup QB Jameis Winston came in, throwing 2 TDs but also had 2 Picks. At 5-5, New Orleans is barely hanging on to the top spot in the NFC South. Next, New Orleans is on a Bye.
CARDINALS 25 — FALCONS 23
Kyler Murray returned and reminded the world how dynamic he truly is. Murray was elusive and effective, throwing for 249 yards, 1 TD, and 1 pick. The Cardinals snapped their 6-game losing streak, but their remaining schedule is pretty tough. Next, Arizona visits Houston. My pick: The Houston Texans.
The Falcons seem to have hit a wall. Taylor Heinicke was supposed to kickstart their Offense, but he hasn’t had much effect on them. Heinicke managed 55 yards and 1 TD before leaving the game in the 4th quarter to an injury. Desmond Ridder came in, but not much change Offensively. Rookie RB sensation Bijan Robinson continues to be Atlanta’s top weapon, rushing for 95 yards and 1 TD. Next, Atlanta hosts New Orleans. My pick: The New Orleans Saints.
BUCCANEERS 20 — TITANS 6
The Bucs ended their 4-game losing streak in a dominating fashion. Neutralizing Derrick Henry while limiting rookie QB Will Levis from connecting with his playmakers. Baker Mayfield threw for 278 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 pick. At 4-5, Tampa Bay is one game behind New Orleans. Next, Tampa Bay visits San Francisco. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
The Titans have now lost 2 straight games, and things are not looking promising for Mike Vrabel’s squad. Their Running game has been extremely disappointing this season; it seems like Derrick Henry is wasting away his talents and not being adequately utilized. Also, losing Ryan Tannehill was a tough blow, especially since Malik Wills and Will Levis are not experienced enough to lead them to the playoffs. At 3-5, Tennessee has a slim chance to get back into contention. Next, Tennessee visits Jacksonville. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
LIONS 41 — LA CHARGERS 38
The Lions blew a 17-3 lead early in the 2nd quarter. But Detroit showed they can outscore anybody in the NFL. Jared Goff continues his MVP-worthy season, Passing for 333 yards and 2 TDs. Amon-Ra St.Brown had another strong performance with 156 yards and 1 TD. Next, Detroit hosts Chicago. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
The Chargers have an explosive Offense, but their Defense has let them down week after week, which is why Brandon Staley’s is probably in the hottest seat in the NFL right now. At 4-5, the Chargers are in a tight race for an AFC playoff spot. Next, the Chargers visit Green Bay. My pick: The LA Chargers.
BROWNS 33 — RAVENS 31
By halftime, the Browns were down 17-3, but shockingly, they mounted a remarkable comeback to edge out Baltimore. It was a bittersweet victory because we now know that Deshaun Watson suffered a broken bone in his throwing shoulder. As a result, Watson will be out for the rest of the season. At 6-3, Cleveland’s playoff chances without Watson are limited. Next, Cleveland hosts Pittsburgh. My pick: The Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Ravens allowed the Browns to get back into this game, primarily by not adjusting to Deshaun Watson’s elusiveness and Cleveland’s Running game. But Baltimore’s lack of Ground game was also another reason Cleveland took over the game in the second half. Lamar Jackson shouldn’t be their top rusher. Next, Baltimore hosts Cincinnati. My pick: The Cincinnati Bengals.
COLTS 10 — PATRIOTS 6
After losing Anthony Richardson for the rest of the year, the Colts have managed to keep their season alive. However, it is not a sustainable long-term option for Indy to rely on turnover-prone Gardner Minshew. At 5-5, to make the playoffs, Indianapolis has to get past Jacksonville and Houston; a tough road ahead. Next, Indianapolis has Bye Week.
The Patriots are imploding right in front of our eyes. And it brings joy to my heart to see Belicheater exposed as the fraud of a head coach I always thought he was. At 2-8, I only see one potential victory in their remaining schedule. Next, New England is on a Bye.
BEARS 16 — PANTHERS 13
The Bears are refusing to go quietly into the night. The trade for Montez Sweat is already paying dividends. At 3-7, Chicago hopes to build momentum towards next season. Next, Chicago visits Detroit. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
The Panthers must determine how to build a solid team around Bryce Young. Their current roster is inadequate for a talented rookie QB like Young to succeed. Next, Carolina hosts Dallas. My pick: The Dallas Cowboys.
Rod Rioja 