It took an embarrassing Thanksgiving, Primetime TV loss for Washington to finally get rid of Jack Del Rio and DBs coach Brent Vieselmeyer. The firing of Jack Del Rio was long overdue; his Defenses underperformed year after year — and failed to live up to the hype surrounding an extremely talented roster. They could not maximize the talents of Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Daron Payne, and Jonathan Allen. They failed to develop or show progress with Emmanuel Forbes, Benjamin St-Juste, and Percy Butler.
On top of all that, Jack del Rio’sRio’s divisive Tweets about the January 6th MAGA insurrection were a problem, yet still, he managed to survive it all. The relationship between teams and their community is essential. And Del Rio’s comments were unpopular within this progressive-minded DMV community. So I’m happy as fuck with his removal.
Now Ron Rivera will take over the Defensive play calling — Let’s not forget how exceptional Rivera was as DC for Chicago and the Chargers. Additionally, Rivera has brought in Jim Salgado to assist with the Defense, most likely to take over as DB’s coach. Will this move save Rivera’s job? — Maybe his willingness to shake things up and change the front office structure might buy Rivera another year.
Next, Washington hosts Miami. The Dolphins can put up insane numbers on Offense, and their Defense is one of the best in the NFL. Admittedly, our secondary will probably struggle to cover Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. So it is crucial for our Defensive front to pressure Tua and contain him within the pocket, making him uncomfortable enough not to connect with his top playmakers. If Tua has time and space, he can torch any secondary in the NFL. I’m curious to see how this Washington team will respond after these firings, particularly how the Defense will respond under Rivera as the main play-caller. My pick: The Washington Commanders.
WASHINGTON 10 — COWBOYS 45
And for the rest of the league…..
EAGLES 37 — BILLS 34
This was a highly entertaining game that went into overtime. Jalen Hurts led Philly to another 4th quarter comeback. Devonta Smith finished up with 106 yards and 1 TD. At 10-1, Philadelphia is getting close to securing the NFC East title. Next, Philadelphia hosts San Francisco. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
Another heartbreaking loss for the Bills. Buffalo blew a 17-7 lead at halftime. Josh Allen finished with 420 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 pick. However, Josh Allen remains Buffalo’s top Rusher, which is problematic. The Bills need to get more productivity from their Running Backs. At 6-6, Buffalo’s playoff chances are slipping away. Next, Buffalo is on a Bye.
NY GIANTS 10 — PATRIOTS 7
This game was almost unwatchable. The crappy QB play defined this game for both teams — Tommy DeVito did enough. But New York’s Defense kept the Giants within the margin of victory. LB Kayvon Thibodeaux has been their most consistent Defensive playmaker. Next, the NY Giants are on a Bye.
Mac Jones was a disaster, throwing two picks and struggling to get anything going. So Jones was benched, and Bailey Zappe took over in the second half. But Zappe wasn’t much of an improvement over Jones. Nevertheless, RB Rhamondre Stevenson had a praiseworthy game, rushing for 98 yards and 1 TD. At 2-9, New England has set the stage for significant housecleaning at the end of the season. Next, new England hosts the LA Chargers. My pick: The LA Chargers.
CHIEFS 31 — RAIDERS 17
The Chiefs were trailing 14-0, but Patrick Mahomes put together some terrific scoring drives to overwhelm the Raiders. Rookie WR Rashee Rice had an excellent game, finishing with 107 yards and 1 touchdown. At 8-3, Kansas City has the AFC West under control. Next, Kansas City visits Green Bay. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
The Raiders blew a 14-0 lead and seemed overmatched by Kansas City in all areas of the game. Aidan O’Connell continues to impress, throwing for 248 yards, 1 TD, and no picks. At 5-7, the Raiders have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs. Next, The Raiders are on a Bye.
49ERS 31 — SEAHAWKS 13
Total domination from San Francisco. Christian McCaffrey led the way on Offense, finishing with 139 yards and 2 TDs. At 8-3, San Francisco is making a solid case as the best all-around team in the NFL. Next, San Francisco visits Philadelphia. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
Geno Smith was under duress for the entire game. The Seahawks had no answer for slowing down San Francisco’s relentless Defense. At 6-5, Seattle has a tough stretch of games coming up. Plus, Geno Smith is banged up and at risk of missing the playoffs. Next, Seattle visits Dallas. My pick: The Seattle Seahawks.
COLTS 27 — BUCCANEERS 10
The Colts have won 3-games in a row. Gardner Minshew finished with 257 yards, 1 TD, and 1 pick. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 91 yards and 2 TDs — Unfortunately, Taylor had to undergo thumb surgery and will be unavailable for a few weeks. At 6-5, Indianapolis has a legitimate chance to land a playoff spot. Next, Indianapolis visits Tennessee. My pick: The Indianapolis Colts.
The Bucs have now lost 2-games in a row. Baker Mayfield finished with 213 yards,2 TDs, and 1 pick. Rachaad White found his Running Game, rushing for 100 yards. At 4-7, Tampa Bay has a favorable upcoming schedule. Next, Tampa Bay hosts Carolina. My pick: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
JAGUARS 24 — TEXANS 21
Massive Divisional win for Jacksonville. Trevor Lawrence was effective, throwing for 364 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 pick. At 8-3, Jacksonville is comfortably on track to win the AFC South. Next, Jacksonville hosts Cincinnati. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Texans had their 3-game winning streak come to an end. CJ Stroud continues to impress, finishing with 351 yards, 3 TDs and no picks. At 6-5, Houston seems to be playoff-bound. Next, Houston hosts Denver. My pick: The Houston Texans.
TITANS 17 — PANTHERS 10
The Titans seem to be all in on Will Levins as their future at the QB position, which will force Tennessee to decide Ryan Tannehill’s future soon. At 4-7, the Titans have almost zero chance to make the playoffs. Next, Tennessee hosts Indianapolis. My pick: The Indianapolis Colts.
The Panthers Fired Frank Reich 11 games into the season. They also fired RBs coach Deuce Staley and QBs coach Josh McCown. Special Teams coach Chris Tabor will take over as interim Head Coach. It is becoming apparent that David Tepper is the latest version of Dan Snyder, and Carolina is at risk of becoming the worst-ran franchise in the NFL. Next, Carolina visits Tampa Bay. My pick: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
DOLPHINS 34 — NY JETS 13
Tua gave away the ball twice, and they still managed to blow out the Jets. It was an exceptional game for their top receiving playmakers; Jaylen Waddle finished with 114 yards, and Tyreek Hill had 102 yards and 1 TD. The Dolphins are starting to get on a roll and, at the same time, are getting close to locking up the AFC East Division title. Next, Miami visits Washington. My pick: The Washington Commanders.
The NY Jets season is slipping away. The benching of Zach Wilson over Tim Boyle did not make much difference — as the Offensive struggles continue to plague the Jets. Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook are still not getting enough carries, which is perplexing. Next, the NY Jets host Atlanta. My pick: The Atlanta Falcons.
BEARS 12 — VIKINGS 10
The Bears could not score any TDs in the entire game, but they only needed 4 Field Goals to edge out their Division rival. Currently, Chicago holds the number 1 overall pick and the 4th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. So, a decision regarding Justin Fields and Head Coach Matt Ebberflus is looming. Next, Chicago is on a Bye.
It was a soul-crushing loss for Minnesota. They had nothing on Offense to show for it. Josh Dobbs had a forgettable night, throwing for 185 yards, 1 TD, and 4 picks. At 6-6, Minnesota’s road to land a playoff spot is unfavorable. Next, Minnesota is on a Bye.
BRONCOS 29 — BROWNS 12
The Broncos are on a 5-game winning streak and making a late-season playoff push. Their Defense leads the way to victory, while their Offense limits costly mistakes. However, their path to land a playoff spot is convoluted. Next, Denver visits Houston. My pick: The Houston Texans.
Without Deshaun Watson for the remainder of the year, Cleveland is desperately trying to salvage their season. At 7-4, Cleveland has brought in Joe Flacco to take over QB duties and hopes Flacco can guide them to the playoffs. Next, Cleveland visits the LA Rams. My pick: The LA Rams.
LA RAMS 37 — CARDINALS 14
The Rams feasted on Arizona. Kyren Williams had a monster of a game, finishing with 204 yards and 2 TDs. At 5-6, the Rams are chasing Seattle for the 2nd spot in the NFC West. Next, the LA Rams host Cleveland. My pick: The LA Rams.
The Cardinals are playing out their remaining schedule while evaluating their current roster. Their main focus should be to rebuild around Kyler Murray — Arizona has 2 picks in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. So they are in a solid position to reload on talent next season. Next, Arizona visits Pittsburgh. My pick: Pittsburgh Steelers.
RAVENS 20 — LA CHARGERS 10
Baltimore’s Defense created 4 turnovers, keeping their Offense within striking distance to put this game away. Zay Flowers had a breakout game with 2 TDs. Next, Baltimore is on a Bye week.
Justin Herbert was under constant duress and unable to establish any scoring drives. At 4-7, the Chargers are about to press the reset button and fire Brandon Staley. Next, the LA Chargers visit New England. My pick: The LA Chargers.
STEELERS 16 — BENGALS 10
The Steelers continue to win ugly, tightly contested games. Nevertheless, they are racking up crucial Divisional wins. And at 7-4, they are on track to land a playoff spot. Next, Pittsburgh hosts Arizona. My pick: The Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Bengals are done for this year. Joe Burrow is out until the 2024 season. And backup QB Jake Browning is not equipped to lead this team into the playoffs. Next, Cincinnati visits Jacksonville. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
PACKERS 29 — LIONS 22
The Packers are quietly creeping back into the NFC playoff picture. Jordan Love was outstanding, throwing for 268 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. At 5-6, Green Bay is one game behind second-place Minnesota. Next, Green Bay hosts Kansas City. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
By halftime, the Lions were behind 23-6. They managed to get back into the game, but it was a deep hole to get out of. This game exposed some vulnerability from Detroit—nevertheless, there is no reason to panic. At 8-3, Detroit sits comfortably on top of the NFC North. Next, Detroit visits New Orleans. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
FALCONS 24 —SAINTS 15
The Falcons snapped their 3-game losing streak, and they did it despite the subpar QB play and turnovers from Desmond Ridder. It was the Ground Game that led the way for Atlanta. Their top playmaker was Bijan Robinson, who finished with 123 yards and 2 TDs. At 5-6, the Falcons are on top of the NFC South. Next, Atlanta visits the NY Jets. My pick: The Atlanta Falcons.
The Saints are officially in panic mode. Their Offense seems stalled and not going anywhere; against Atlanta, they managed 5 Field Goals for 15 pathetic points. And their Defense is getting pushed around from week to week. At 5-6, New Orleans is barely one game behind Atlanta. Next, New Orleans hosts Detroit. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
Rod Rioja 