It is common knowledge that Ron Rivera will be let go at the end of the season, along with both of his General Managers and most of the coaching staff. If Washington wins out and Rivera agrees to fire his General Managers, then Rivera might have a chance to save his job. However, the possibility of losing every single remaining game this season is pretty high. So, Rivera keeping his job is highly unlikely.
The defense has been the most underperforming unit for Washington, and they have regressed from where they were in 2022, which is astonishing to think, considering that they were loaded with first and second-rounders. Montez Sweat made headlines when he took a direct shot at the entire Washington organization by stating, “Where I came from, it was kinda like just waiting on the season to end.” It was a powerful statement by Sweat and an indictment on the entire football organization. The coaches have clearly lost this team, and the players are uninspired by them. Massive house cleaning is on the way for Washington.
On top of all that, there was another blow for our wounded Defense; Jammin Davis will be out for the year with a shoulder injury. They counter this loss by bringing DE Joshua Pryor from the practice squad. And they claimed CB Kyu Blu Kelley off waivers from Green Bay and cut Danny Johnson — nothing to get excited about.
Next, Washington visits the LA Rams. Our old buddy Sean McVay will likely torch our secondary and run up the score (if he can). However, Ron Rivera must figure out how to call a better Defensive game than they showed against Miami. Washington has a capable roster to win this game. However, the coaching has been unable to maximize their talents. Offensively, Washington has to get more balance between the Run and Pass Game. Unfortunately, Brian Robinson will not play against the Rams, so Antonio Gibson and Christian Rodriguez will share most of the load—Eric Bienemy’s pass-happy Offense has to figure out how to get the Ground Game going. My pick: Washington wins a close game by a Field Goal.
And for the rest of the league…..
COWBOYS 33 —EAGLES 13
Dallas benefitted from Philly’s demanding schedule, catching them at the tail end of a 6-week rough stretch of games. The most impressive thing from Dallas has been their kicker, Brandon Aubrey. I envision Dallas to stumble in these last 4 remaining games. Next, Dallas visits Buffalo. My pick: The Buffalo Bills.
After a hellacious 6-game stretch, the Eagles seemed to have been running out of steam. On top of that, Jalen hurts has struggled as a pocket passer. At 10-3, the Eagles have a strong shot in the next 4 weeks to overtake Dallas for the NFC East title. Next, Philadelphia visits Seattle. My pick: The Seattle Seahawks.
NY GIANTS 24 — PACKERS 22
The Tommy DeVito experience continues to surprise the NFL world. Although DeVito’s passing game seems unimpressive — leaning on their Ground game has been crucial for the Giants. Saquon Barkley finished with 102 yards and 2 TDs. As insane as it sounds, the Giants have a shot to land a playoff spot. Next, the NY Giants visit New Orleans. My pick: The New Orleans Saints.
Green Bay’s 3-game winning streak came to a shocking end. Jordan Love has had a rollercoaster season. At times, Love has shown flashes of greatness. But Green Bay’s lack of Ground Game has contributed to his struggles. At 6-7, Green Bay is chasing Minnesota for a wildcard spot. Next, Green Bay hosts Tampa Bay. My pick: The Green Bay Packers.
49ERS 28 — SEAHAWKS 16
The 49ers completed the season sweep of Seattle — San Francisco’s electrifying Offense seems unstoppable. Deebo Samuel finished with 150 yards and 2 TDs. Brandon Aiyuk hauled in 126 yards, Christian McCaffrey racked up 145 yards, and George Kittle had 76 yards and 1 TD. Plus, Brock Purdy is inarguably an MVP candidate. Next, San Francisco visits Arizona. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
The absence of Geno Smith made a difference in this game. Drew Lock had a middle-of-the-road performance, finishing with 274 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 picks. At 6-7, the Seahawks have lost 4 games in a row, and their playoff hopes are starting to slip away. Next, Seattle hosts Philadelphia. My pick: The Seattle Seahawks.
BRONCOS 24 — LA CHARGERS 7
The Broncos are officially on a playoff hunt. They have won 6 out of their last 7 games. A remarkable coaching job by Sean Payton. At 7-6, Denver has to win out and hope for some AFC teams to falter along the way. Next, Denver visits Detroit. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
Another catastrophic loss for LA — The Chargers went from a playoff team last season, discussed as a possible contender for this year — and now they are in the midst of firing their Head Coach and starting over in 2024. At 5-9, the Chargers are on the brink of elimination. Next, the LA Chargers visit the Raiders. My pick: The Las Vegas Raiders.
PATRIOTS 21 — STEELERS 18
Regardless of their records, New England always has Pittsburgh’s number. Bailey Zappe finished with 213 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 pick. It looks like Zappe will remain the starter for the rest of the season, and Mac Jones is done. Next, New England hosts Kansas City. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
The Steelers fell behind early, and for some strange reason, they couldn’t keep up with Bailey Zappe. Mitch Trubisky had decent numbers, finishing with 220 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 pick. However, the firing of OC Matt Canada hasn’t provided any positive Offensive spark for Pittsburgh. At 7-8, Pittsburgh is chasing Cleveland and Baltimore for a possible playoff spot. Next, Pittsburgh visits Indianapolis. My pick: The Indianapolis Colts.
BILLS 20 — CHIEFS 17
A colossal win for Buffalo. The Bills had to win this game to remain alive in the playoff chase. Josh Allen finished with 265 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 pick. James Cook was outstanding, finishing with 141 yards and 1 TD. At 7-6, Buffalo is in a deep hole, so they have to finish strong and hope to sneak into the playoffs. Next, Buffalo hosts Dallas. My pick: The Buffalo Bills.
Tough loss for Kansas City. A controversial referee call decided it. But it was a correct call. Nevertheless. Patrick Mahomes lost his cool and went wild, blaming the referees for this loss. In any case, Kansas City’s AFC domination seems to have hit a wall. Next, Kansas City visits New England. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
BENGALS 34 — COLTS 14
Don’t look now, but the Bengals are chasing a playoff spot. Backup QB Jake Browing has been exceptional, providing steady play in the absence of Joe Burrow. At 7-6, Cincinnati has a legit chance to move up in the AFC North standings. Next, Cincinnati hosts Minnesota. My pick: The Cincinnati Bengals.
The Colts had their 4-game winning streak come to an end. Gardner Minshew was under constant pressure, making mistakes, getting sacked, and turning over the ball. At 7-6, Indianapolis is trailing Jacksonville for the top spot in the AFC South. Next, Indianapolis hosts Pittsburgh. My pick: The Indianapolis Colts.
TITANS 28 — DOLPHINS 27
It was a season-saving win for Tennessee. Will Levis showed some grit overcoming early mistakes — Levis finished with 342 yards, 1 TD, and 1 pick. Deandre Hopkins feasted on Miami’s Secondary, finishing with 124 yards and 1 touchdown. At 5-8, the Titans are mathematically alive for a playoff spot, but it is improbable they’ll make it in. Next, Tennessee hosts Houston. My pick: The Houston Texans.
The Dolphins blew a 14-0 lead. Their Secondary was torched, and the absence of Tyreek Hill was Miami’s undoing. This was a terrible loss for Miami’s AFC playoff seeding. But there is no reason to panic. At 9-4, Miami is on a steady pace to clinch the AFC East. Next, Miami hosts the NY Jets. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
BUCCANEERS 29 — FALCONS 25
Back-to-back divisional wins for Tampa Bay. Baker Mayfield was effective, finishing with 147 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 pick. At 6-7, the Bucs are temporarily on top spot of the NFC South. Next, Tampa Bay visits Green Bay. My pick: The Green Bay Packers.
The Falcons were on a 2-game winning streak and seemed poised to win this game. But missed opportunities and missed Field Goals made a difference here. At 6-7, Atlanta has a solid roster to contend for the NFC South title. Next, Atlanta visits Carolina. My pick: The Atlanta Falcons.
SAINTS 28 — PANTHERS 6
The Saints feasted on Carolina — it was a morale-boosting win for New Orleans. At 6-7, the Saints are in a 3-way tie with Atlanta and Tampa Bay. Next, New Orleans hosts the NY Giants. My pick: The New Orleans Saints.
Another pathetic performance by Carolina. The Panthers are a clown show — they have not surrounded Bryce Young with adequate talent and playmakers to maximize Young’s skills. Next, Carolina hosts Atlanta. My pick: The Atlanta Falcons.
BROWNS 31 — JAGUARS 27
It was an impressive win for the Browns — Joe Flacco is slinging it around and making things happen for Cleveland. Flacco finished with 311 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 pick. At 8-5, Cleveland is right in the mix for an AFC playoff spot. Next, Cleveland hosts Chicago. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
Back-to-back losses for Jacksonville. Trevor Lawrence came into this game banged up with an ankle sprain. Nevertheless, Lawrence managed to keep this game close, finishing with 257 yards, 3 TDs, and 3 picks. At 8-5, Jacksonville feels the heat from the rest of the AFC South. Next, Jacksonville hosts Baltimore. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
NY JETS 30 — TEXANS 6
It was a shocking upset win for the Jets. Zach Wilson was excellent, throwing for 301 yards, 2 TDs and no picks. Breece Hall had a terrific day, finishing with 126 yards and 1 touchdown. At 5-8, the Jets are trying to finish the season on a high note. Next, the NY Jets visit Miami. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
Forgettable game for Houston. The Jets exposed CJ Stroud’s vulnerabilities as a rookie QB. At 7-6, Houston is in a tough spot, sandwiched between Jacksonville, Indianapolis, and Tennessee for a playoff spot. Next, Houston visits Tennessee. My pick: The Houston Texans.
RAVENS 37 — LA RAMS 31 OT
It took an overtime punt return for Baltimore to barely edge out the Rams. Lamar Jackson was sensational, finishing with 386 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 pick. Odell Beckham was their top playmaker, racking up 97 yards and 1 touchdown. At 10-3, Baltimore has a challenging 4-week final stretch of games. Next, Baltimore visits Jacksonville. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
Backbreaking loss for the Rams. This was a winnable game for LA, but they never had a chance to put this game away in overtime. Matthew Stafford threw for 294 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. Cooper Kupp seems to be back in top form, finishing with 115 yards and 1 touchdown. At 6-7, the Rams are on track to land a wildcard spot. Next, the Rams host Washington. My pick: The Washington Commanders.
BEARS 28 — LIONS 13
It was a massive win for Chicago to remain mathematically alive for the playoffs. The Bears now have back-to-back Divisional wins, but their path to clinch a playoff spot is murky. Next, Chicago visits Cleveland. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
The Lions failed to get anything positive going. Jared Goff was under duress throughout the game, threw 2 picks, and struggled to provide any Offensive spark. At 9-4, Detroit sits comfortably on top of the NFC North, but their playoff positioning will be on the line in the upcoming weeks. Next, Detroit hosts Denver. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
VIKINGS 3 — RAIDERS 0
The lamest game of the week. It actually went into the 4th quarter scoreless. The Vikings benched Josh Dobbs late in the game — Nick Mullens came in and did enough to get Minnesota within FG range. It took a Greg Joseph Field Goal to put this pathetic game away. Next, Minnesota visits Cincinnati. My pick: The Cincinnati Bengals.
The Raiders seemed like they were stuck in mud through this entire game. Rookie QB Aidan O’Connell hasn’t shown enough to justify him as the future starter for Vegas. Plus, losing Josh Jacobs in this game made things worse for Las Vegas. Next, the Raiders host the LA Chargers. My pick: The LA Chargers.
Rod Rioja 