What a disgraceful performance. Losing in FedEx field to the 2-8 Giants (now 3-8) is beyond embarrassing, disgusting, and pathetic, to say the least. In my 30 years as a suffering Washington fan, I’ve reached a point where I’m now all in on firing the entire coaching staff. I have never been a proponent of firing coaches during the season, and I still feel that way. But short of Washington going on a late-season winning streak (which I doubt), the entire coaching staff needs to go on day 1 of the offseason.
Ron Rivera’s stubbornness in bringing over former Carolina staffers never sat well with me. This new ownership group should no longer tolerate Rivera’s unwillingness to get rid of Jack Del Rio. So yes, everybody has got to go. Washington got swept by the Giants, swept by the Eagles, and a brutal loss to the winless Bears; all of those losses have defined this season.
I’ve seen enough from Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio to know things will not improve. They have squandered away a super-talented roster and underutilized first-rounders like Montez Sweat and Chase Young; I blame this coaching staff directly for Sweat and Young’s lack of productivity. It infuriates me to see them thriving with their new teams. Also, finding a competent GM should be a top priority. The current GM structure doesn’t strike much confidence, and we need a more capable and analytical approach to the upcoming NFL Draft. We’ve missed and overreached on multiple picks.
Sam Howell’s turnovers are perplexing. He does some impressive things, but then he does some head-scratching things. Also, Eric Bienemy is not running this young, talented Offense to their full potential. Especially under-utilizing Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson, and Christian Rodriguez in the Ground and Screen game. Our Defense was supposed to be our strength — On paper, they were supposed to be a top-10 Defense. But they have performed poorly, undisciplined, and worsened as the season progressed.
Finding forward-thinking coaches should be our top priority during the upcoming offseason — young Head coaches in the same mold as Mike McDaniel, Sean McVay, Kevin O’Connell, etc. We have Miami, San Francisco, and the Rams on the horizon— former Washington coaches coach all those teams. And I don’t see Washington beating them.
Next, Washington visits Dallas. If there is one team Washington should get up for, it is against Dallas on Thanksgiving day and prime-time TV. Dallas has no Running game, so Dak will rely on the Passing game to beat us — containing and pressuring Dak will be crucial. Protecting Sam Howell will be essential; Dallas brings tons of pressure, so adding extra blockers will be critical. My pick: The Washington Commanders.
WASHINGTON 19 — NY GIANTS 31
And for the rest of the league…..
COWBOYS 33 — PANTHERS 10
It was a close game until Dallas exploded all over Carolina in the 4th quarter and put the hapless Panthers away. Dak Prescott had some middle-of-the-road stats, throwing for 189 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. The rest of the Offense was subdued and uninspired, yet they still managed to win. Next, Dallas hosts Washington. My pick: The Washington Commanders.
The Panthers are on track to finish this season at 1-17. Unfortunately, they don’t have a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. This should set the stage for Carolina to load up with some solid Free Agents. or figure out how to get some high picks back. Their main priority should be to surround Bryce Young with talent. Next, Carolina visits Tennessee. My pick: The Tennessee Titans.
EAGLES 21 — CHIEFS 17
The Eagles lucked out in winning their Super Bowl rematch against Kansas City. The Chiefs gifted them a bunch of dropped balls and blown leads. Jalen Hurts doesn’t have the same mobility as in previous years, diminishing their chances to make another Super Bowl run. Next, Philadelphia hosts Buffalo. My pick: The Buffalo Bills.
The Chiefs blew this game with costly mistakes. Kansas City should be concerned with their lack of Offensive firepower. Patrick Mahomes is by far the best QB in the NFL, but he needs better playmakers. At 7-3, to have a shot to repeat as Super Bowl champs, Kansas City needs to figure out a way to secure the top spot in the AFC playoff seeding. Next, Kansas City visits Las Vegas. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
49ERS 27 — BUCCANEERS 14
The 49ers are officially back as the team to beat in the NFC. Brock Purdy had an exceptional game, throwing for 333 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. Brandon Aiyuk contributed with 156 yards and 1 TD. It was an all-around dominating performance. At 7-3, San Francisco remains on top of the NFC West. Next, San Francisco visits Seattle. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
The Buccaneers put in a valiant effort but never really had a chance to keep up with San Francisco. Tampa Bay’s lack of productive Ground game is a problem — adding a dynamic RB should be their top priority in the offseason. Next, Tampa Bay visits Indianapolis. My pick: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
JAGUARS 34 — TITANS 14
The Jaguars got their Offense back on track. Trevor Lawrence threw for 262 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. Clavin Ridley came back to life with 103 yards and 2 TDs. AT 7-3, Jacksonville is one game ahead of Division rival Houston. Next, Jacksonville visits Houston. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Titans are slipping into mediocrity this season. And rumors regarding Mike Vrabel’s job security are starting to float around. At 3-7, Tennessee should begin evaluating its current roster and how to approach the offseason best. Next, Tennessee hosts Carolina. My pick: The Tennessee Titans.
DOLPHINS 20 — RAIDERS 13
The Dolphins almost gave this game away with multiple turnovers. But Jalen Ramsey saved the day with a game-sealing pick. At 7-3, Miami has to start putting together some back-to-back wins to improve their AFC playoff seeding. Next, Miami visits the NY Jets. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
The Raiders got away from their Ground Game, which made all the difference. Josh Jacobs needs more than 14 carries per game — Aidan O’Connell’s turnovers should be a cause for concern. Next, the Raiders host Kansas City. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
BILLS 32 — NY JETS 6
The Bills needed this win urgently to keep their playoff hopes alive. Josh Allen was effective, throwing for 275 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 pick. At 6-5, Buffalo has a tough stretch of games coming up. Next, Buffalo visits Philadelphia. My pick: The Buffalo Bills.
The Zach Wilson experiment seems to have come to an end in NY. Backup QB Tim Boyle has been promoted to QB 1 — veteran QB Trevor Siemian is now QB2, and Wilson is currently listed as QB3. This move signals the end of Wilson in NY. Next, the NY Jets host Miami. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
BRONCOS 21 — VIKINGS 20
The Broncos have completely turned their season around. Sean Payton has them right on track to compete for a wildcard spot. However, at 5-5, Denver’s chances are incredibly tight. Next, Denver hosts Cleveland. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
The Vikings 5-game winning streak came to a soul-crushing end. But there is no reason to panic. At 6-5, Minnesota has some favorable matchups coming up, and their playoff chances should continue to improve. Next, Minnesota hosts Chicago. My pick: The Minnesota Vikings.
TEXANS 21 — CARDINALS 16
The Texans had a rough time putting away the scrappy Cardinals. Rookie QB sensation CJ Stroud had 3 picks, but his top playmakers, Devin Singletary, Tank Dell, Nico Collins, and Robert Woods, bailed him out to edge out Arizona. At 6-4, Houston is in a tight race for a playoff spot. Next, Houston hosts Jacksonville. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Cardinals looked like a more dynamic team under Kyler Murray. Unfortunately, it is now too late to salvage their season. At 2-9, Arizona should play spoiler. Next, Arizona hosts the LA Rams. My pick: The LA Rams.
RAVENS 34 — BENGALS 20
The Ravens were gifted this game when Joe Burrow went out in the 2nd quarter with an injury. Baltimore has now swept Cincinnati this season. At 8-3, Baltimore remains on top of the AFC North, one game ahead of Cleveland. Next, Baltimore visits the LA Chargers. My pick: The Baltimore Ravens.
The Bengals seemed to be making a playoff push, but then Joe Burrow suffered a wrist injury in the 2nd quarter of this game. And their playoff chances went out the window. At 5-5, and without Burrow, it will be challenging for Cincinnati to land a wildcard spot. Next, Cincinnati hosts Pittsburgh. My pick: The Cincinnati Bengals.
BROWNS 13 — STEELERS 10
No Deshaun Watson, no problem. Rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson struggled for most of the game, but he was effective enough in the 4th quarter to set up the game-winning Field Goal by Dustin Hopkins. At 7-3, Cleveland has a tough remaining schedule, so we will see if this team can make a playoff push without Deshaun Watson. Next, Cleveland visits Denver. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
The Steelers finally pulled the trigger and fired OC Matt Canada, who has been scapegoated for their struggling Offense. The remainder of the season will be a make-or-break season for Kenny Pickett’s future in Pittsburgh. Next, Pittsburgh visits Cincinnati. My Pick: The Cincinnati Bengals.
PACKERS 23 — LA CHARGERS 20
Impressive win by Green Bay; Jordan Love had a rebound game from their week 10 loss, throwing for 322 yards, 2 TDs, and no turnovers. Green Bay’s roster is not built to contend this season, so it is about assessing their current personnel, including Jordan Love’s future with the Packers. Next, Green Bay visits Detroit. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
The LA Chargers are falling apart right before our eyes. Their Defense does not compliment their explosive Offense. If the Chargers miss the playoffs, Head Coach Brandon Staley will be out of a job immediately. Next, the LA Chargers host Baltimore. My pick: The Baltimore Ravens.
LIONS 31 — BEARS 26
The Lions had a rough time keeping Chicago at bay. Jared Goff had 3 picks, and things were not looking great for Detroit, but in the 4th quarter, Goff was clutch, connecting with David Montgomery for the go-ahead TD. At 8-2, Detroit seats comfortably on top of the NFC North. Next, Detroit hosts Green Bay. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
The Bears continue to rely on Justin Fields Ground attacking game; Fields is their primary Runner, which is not ideal for a supposedly franchise QB. Chicago needs to add playmakers to complement their super-talented young QB. At 3-6, Chicago is respectfully finishing up the last leg of their schedule. Next, Chicago visits Minnesota. My pick: The Minnesota Vikings.
LA RAMS 17 — SEAHAWKS 16
A remarkable come-from-behind win for the Rams. They were trailing 13-0 late in the 2nd quarter, but LA’s Defense managed to keep things close and even knocked Geno Smith out of the game. The Rams Offense did just enough to edge out Seattle. Nevertheless, I’m still waiting for this explosive Offense to get going, especially the combination of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, which should provide fireworks at some point this season if Kupp can stay healthy long enough to make it happen. Next, LA visits Arizona. My pick: The LA Rams
Geno Smith’s injury pretty much ended Seattle’s chances of winning this game. And Drew Lock was not up to the task, so the Seahawks will go as far as Smith’s health takes them. At 6-4, Seattle remains on pace to land a playoff spot. Next, Seattle hosts San Francisco. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
Rod Rioja 