What a disgraceful performance by Washington. But this loss feels notably worse, as it has left a disgusting taste in my mouth. My high expectations for this team at the start of the season made this loss feel shockingly more unpleasant than any recent loss. Collectively, they have failed to deliver anything positive this year.
The Offense looked hopeless against Miami. The fact that Terry McLaurin had zero catches should tell the whole story. The running game hasn’t developed into what I expected — Washington has 3 young, dynamic RBs in Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson, and Chris Rodriguez, and they have not utilized them properly. Curtis Samuel has skill sets similar to Deebo Samuel, and they have not figured out how to maximize his talent. The Speed of Jahan Dotson and Dyami Brown is getting wasted. On top of all that, we have TEs that cannot block or assist in the Run game or the QB protection.
It is time to admit that Eric Bienemy hasn’t lived up to the hype. His play-calling sucks, and he hasn’t developed a balanced Offense for a young QB like Sam Howell to thrive. There are Rumors surrounding Chicago’s interest in Eric Bienemy as their top-head Coaching candidate for 2024. Well… I say good riddance.
Defensively, we are a joke; they cannot stop anyone — Trading away 2 first-rounders was a direct indictment of this Defensive Coaching staff’s inability to optimize their talents. The selection of CB Emmanuel Forbes in the first round was a head-scratcher — primarily since Forbes has not produced as advertised. After all, they did leave more suitable players on the board. Most of the players selected after Forbes are already contributing to their teams.
If I do a deep dive into all the draft selections Ron Rivera and his general managers have made during their time in Washington, I will find nothing but missed opportunities, bad picks, long shots, and wasted talent. Anyhow, It is time to start over with a brand new coaching staff and a new GM. I have my eyes set on Houston’s OC Bobby Slowik as our potential head coach and Adam Peters from the 49ers as our new general manager.
Next, Washington is on a much-needed Bye.
WASHINGTON 15 — DOLPHINS 45
And for the rest of the league…..
EAGLES 19 — 49ERS 42
The Eagles were outmatched and out-coached in every aspect of this game. Jalen Hurts usual out-of-the-pocket scrambles did not make much of a difference. San Francisco’s top-ranked Defense was relentless with their consistent QB pressure. And Defensively, Philly had no answers for Deebo Samuel. Next, Philadelphia visits Dallas. My pick: The Philadelphia Eagles.
The San Francisco 49ers cemented themselves as the all-around best team in the NFL. Their Offensive firepower is unmatched by any other team in the entire league. Plus, the arrival of Chase Young has brought new life to their Defense. At 9-3, San Francisco is on track to secure the NFC West soon. Next, San Francisco hosts Seattle. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
COWBOYS 41 — SEAHAWKS 35
The Cowboys lucked out again. Geno Smith was not 100%, yet he kept this game extremely close. Dallas has 5 weeks of hellaciously challenging games ahead of them, and I envision an epic collapse. Next, Dallas hosts Philadelphia. My pick: The Philadelphia Eagles.
The Seahawks had this game within their grasp. But unfortunately, the absence of RB Kenneth Walker III made a difference here. Nevertheless, Seattle should rebound and focus on finishing the season strong. Three out of their five remaining games seem favorable for the Seahawks. Next, Seattle visits San Francisco. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
LA CHARGERS 6 — PATRIOTS 0
What a boring ass-game. The Chargers have been a massive disappointment this season. And Brandon Staley’s days are numbered. It is unbelievable for a team loaded with such Offensive talent to manage 2 Field Goals for the entire game. At 5-7, the LA Chargers are still mathematically relevant in the AFC playoff chase. Next, the LA Chargers host Denver. My pick: The Denver Broncos.
The Patriots are beyond pathetic. They have lost 5-games in a row, and they seem to get progressively worse. Bill Belicheater’s time in New England should end this season. At 2-10, the Patriots need to start looking ahead to the 2024 NFL Draft. Next, New England visits Pittsburgh. My pick: The Pittsburgh Steelers.
PACKERS 27 — CHIEFS 19
It was an epic season-saving win for Green Bay. Jordan Love was exceptional, finishing with 277 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. At 6-6, Green Bay is tied for 2nd place in the NFC North with Minnesota. Next, Green Bay visits the NY Giants. My pick: The Green Bay Packers.
The Offensive struggles for Kansas City should be a cause for concern. Particularly in the Passing game, it is all Travis Kelce or bust for the Chiefs. And their Wide Receivers have not made much of an impact this season. Fortunately, their Running game seems to be getting consistently strong. Isiah Pacheco fished up with 123 yards and 1 TD. At 8-4, Kansas City sits comfortably on top of the AFC West. Next, Kansas City hosts Buffalo. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
COLTS 31 — TITANS 28
Impressively, the Colts have won 4-games in a row. Gardner Minshew has provided a veteran steady hand for Indy. At 7-5, Indianapolis is closing in on Jacksonville for the AFC South Division title. Next, Indianapolis visits Cincinnati. My pick: The Indianapolis Colts.
The Titans were up 17-7 but blew their lead and could never catch up. Derrick Henry was running hard, racking up solid yards before leaving the game with an injury early in the 4th quarter. Henry finished with 102 yards and 2 TDs. However, the kicking and punting were atrocious throughout the game. Which essentially cost Tennessee this game. As a result, Special Teams coach Craig Aukerman was fired over all their Punting issues. At 4-8, Tennessee’s playoff chances are pretty much done. Next, Tennessee visits Miami. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
BUCCANEERS 21 — PANTHERS 18
The Buccaneers barely survived Carolina and kept their playoff chances alive for another week. Star WR Mike Evans had a terrific day, hauling 162 yards and 1 TD. Also, their running Game continues to improve weekly — Rachaad White finished with 110 yards and 2 TDs. At 5-7, Tampa Bay is on solid ground to make a run for the NFC South Division title. Next, Tampa Bay visits Atlanta. My pick: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A 4th quarter pick ended Carolina’s late-game comeback push. It was another soul-crushing loss for the Panthers. Bryce Young showed some flashes of clutchness, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Tampa Bay’s relentless QB pressure. At 1–11, Carolina should play spoiler for the rest of the NFC South. Next, Carolina visits New Orleans. My pick: The New Orleans Saints.
BENGALS 34 — JAGUARS 31 OT
It was a tremendous win by Cincinnati. Rookie QB Jake Browning was sensational, finishing with 376 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. The Bengals might just have found a quality backup QB. At 6-6, Cincinnati has a tough road ahead to land a playoff spot. Next, Cincinnati hosts Indianapolis. My pick: The Indianapolis Colts.
It was a rough loss for Jacksonville, but it was rougher losing Trevor Lawrence to an injury in the 4th quarter. Backup QB CJ Beathard could not generate scoring drives, and Kicker Brandon McManus missed a potential game-winning Field Goal. At 8-4, Jacksonville is still on top of the AFC South, but Indianapolis and Houston are hot on their trail. And without Trevor Lawrence, their playoff outlook is not as optimistic. Next, Jacksonville visits Cleveland. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
TEXANS 22 — BRONCOS 17
Rookie CJ Stroud continues to impress as this season’s QB revelation —Stroud finished with 285 yards, 1 TD, and no picks. WR Nico Collins had 191 yards and 1 TD; it was his best game this year. At 7-5, Houston is in a tight race with Jacksonville and Indianapolis for the top spot in the AFC South. Next, Houston visits the NY Jets. My pick: The Houston Texans.
The Broncos had their 5-game winning streak snapped. But Denver showed resilience and made the game close late in the 4th quarter. At 6-6, Denver is making a late-season wildcard push — Sean Payton is slowly rebuilding Denver into a playoff team. Next, Denver visits the LA Chargers. My pick: The Denver Broncos.
FALCONS 13 — NY JETS 8
To remain ahead of their Divisional rivals, the Falcons desperately needed to get this win. It was another close, ugly win for Atlanta — they managed 1 TD and 2 Field Goals to edge out the Jets. At 6-6, Atlanta remains barely on top of the NFC South. But Tampa Bay And New Orleans are trailing closely behind. Next, Atlanta hosts Tampa Bay. My pick: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The NY Jets are a total disaster — after trying Tim Boyle as their starting QB for weeks 12 and 13, they’ve decided to release Boyle and sign Brett Rypien. This is another desperate move by the Jets to stabilize their Offense. At 4-8, the NY Jets are essentially out of the AFC playoff race. Next, the NY Jets host Houston. My pick: The Houston Texans.
LA RAMS 36 — BROWNS 19
The LA Rams have won 3-straight games and are starting to get hot at the right time. Matthew Stafford finished with 279 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. Rookie sensation Puka Nacua finished his day with 139 yards and 1 TD. At 6-6, the Rams are tied for second place in the NFC West with Seattle. Next, the LA Rams visit Baltimore. My pick: The LA Rams.
Without Deshaun Watson, the Browns are panicking about missing the playoffs. Enter Joe Flacco, whose experience might help them get Cleveland into the playoffs. Flacco was pretty effective, throwing for 254 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 pick. But their lack of productive Running Game continues to be an issue. Next, Cleveland hosts Jacksonville. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
CARDINALS 24 — STEELERS 10
Massive upset by Arizona — Kyler Murray fished with 165 yards, 1 TD, and no picks. But it was James Conner who led the way to victory with 105 yards and 2 TDs. At 3-10, Arizona is evaluating their entire roster for next season. Next, Arizona is on a Bye.
The Steelers got exposed. Their Offense strayed from the previous week. At the same time, their Defense seemed inept at stopping Kyler Murray and James Conner. Kenny Pickett left the game with an ankle injury and will likely be out for a few weeks. Replacing Pickett, Mitch Trubisky could not create any Offensive spark to get Pittsburgh back into the game. Next, Pittsburgh hosts New England. My pick: The Pittsburgh Steelers.
LIONS 33 — SAINTS 28
The Lions almost blew this game. By halftime, Detroit was up 24-7. But New Orleans made a remarkable comeback. However, It was the Sam LaPorta coming-out party. The Rookie TE hauled in 9 balls for 140 yards and 1 TD. Jared Goff now has another Offensive weapon. At 9-3, Detroit is on track to clinch the NFC North Division. Next, Detroit visits Chicago. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
New Orleans fell behind early and could not catch up to Detroit’s explosive Offense. The Saints relied on their Ground game for 3 scores, and Jimmy Graham made a cameo in the 2nd quarter with 1 TD reception. Derek Carr left the game in the 4th quarter with a concussion. At 5-7, New Orleans remains one game behind in the NFC South from first-place Atlanta. Next, New Orleans hosts Carolina. My pick: The New Orleans Saints
Rod Rioja 