Another Defensive debacle by Washington — By the 3rd quarter, Washington was trailing 0-20. The Rams were gushing us on the ground with Kyren Williams, who finished with 152 yards and 1 touchdown. Nothing went right for Washington; even our Long Snapper Cam Cheeseman was awful, so he was released early in the week. And we added LS Tucker Addington to the roster.
The Offense under Sam Howell struggled for 3 quarters. Howell threw for 102 yards with 1 TD and 1 pick. As a result, Howell was benched in the 4th quarter and replaced by Jacoby Brissett. The flow of the Offense changed dramatically after the Howell benching — Jacoby Brissett was outstanding, moving the Offense efficiently, connecting with Terry McLaurin for 29 yards and a TD, and then connecting with Curtis Samuel for another TD. But it was a little too late to mount a comeback.
It was eye-opening to see Brissett running the Offense better than Howell. Maybe Washington should’ve made this change earlier in the season. Also, if Howell continues to start and struggle, then perhaps Washington should turn toward picking a QB in the first round of the 2024 Draft. And keep Brissett and Howell on the roster.
Next, Washington visits the NY Jets. This is another winnable game for Washington — the Jets are in worse offensive shape than we are. Their QB situation is a disaster; Zach Wilson sucks, and Trevor Sieman has been historically awful as a starter. Plus, Aaron Rodgers has been activated from IR but will not play. So, on paper, the Jets offense should struggle against Washington. Nevertheless, our Defense doesn’t inspire much confidence. After all, on average, in the last 5 games, our Defense has allowed 35 points.
On top of all that, the Jets’ Defense is still considered a top-10 Defense. Which is super important for Howell and Eric Bienemy to show that our Offense is heading in the right direction. If Sam Howell struggles again, Brissett should come in by halftime.
My pick: The Washington Commanders
WASHINGTON 20 — LA RAMS 28
And for the rest of the league…..
COWBOYS 10 — BILLS 31
Another epic collapse by Dallas. They had no answers for James Cook, gashing them all over the field. Dak Prescott struggled to get anything positive going, finishing with 161 yards, no scores, and 1 pick — Dak should have been pulled out before the 4th quarter. Maybe Cooper Rush could have given their Offense a spark. Next, Dallas visits Miami. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
An impressive victory by this desperate Buffalo team in need of wins to remain in contention for a playoff spot. James Cook cooked Dallas’s Defense, finishing with 221 yards and 2 TDs. In back-to-back weeks, Buffalo has beaten Kansas City and Dallas. Next, Buffalo visits the LA Chargers. My pick: The Buffalo Bills.
EAGLES 17 — SEAHAWKS 20
The Eagles have lost 3 games in a row. And things are starting to get ugly in Philly. Jalen Hurts has struggled and is beginning to get exposed. However, the decision by Head Coach Nick Sirianni to bring Matt Patricio on as Defensive Coordinator will pay dividends for Philly. At 10-4, the Eagles have 3 upcoming favorable matchups. Next, Philadelphia hosts the NY Giants. My pick: The Philadelphia Eagles.
A colossal victory for Seattle. With only 28 seconds left in the game, the Seahawks were trailing 17-13. But Drew Lock connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the game-winning score. At 7-7, Seattle remains alive for an NFC playoff spot. Next, Seattle visits Tennessee. My pick: The Seattle Seahawks.
NY GIANTS 6 — SAINTS 24
The Tommy DeVito train came crashing down in New Orleans — DeVito was exposed as the 3rd stringer he truly is. At 5-9, the Giants will try to play spoiler for the remainder of the season. Next, the NY Giants Visit Philadelphia. My pick: The Philadelphia Eagles.
It was a must-win for New Orleans to remain alive in the playoff chase. Derek Carr was steady, throwing for 218 yards with 3 TDs and no picks. At 7-7, to clinch the NFC South, New Orleans must win out or hope for Tampa Bay to stumble along the way. Next, New Orleans visits the LA Rams. My pick: The LA Rams.
BUCCANEERS 34 — PACKERS 20
The Bucs have won 3 games in a row as they surge to the top of their Division. Baker Mayfield has led this Tampa Bay team into first place in the NFC South. At 7-7, Tampa Bay is in a tight playoff race. Next, Tampa Bay hosts Jacksonville. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
Devastating home loss for Green Bay. It was a Defensive letdown for Green Bay, as they could not figure out how to slow down Tampa Bay’s Offense. At 6-8, Green Bay is slipping away from playoff contention. Next, Green Bay visits Carolin. My pick: The Green Bay Packers.
49ERS 45 — CARDINALS 29
The 49ers are rolling strong into the playoffs. Brock Purdy was terrific, throwing for 242 yards with 4 TDs. Christian McCaffrey continues to make a strong case for MVP, totaling 185 yards with 3 TDs. At 11-3, San Francisco has clinched the NFC West Division title. Next, San Francisco hosts Baltimore. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
The Cardinals put in a valiant effort, trading scores with San Francisco. But they couldn’t keep up the scoring pace. At 3-11, Arizona is evaluating their current roster while trying to finish the season strong. Next, Arizona visits Chicago. My pick: The Chicago Bears.
LIONS 42 — BRONCOS 17
The Lions returned to their winning ways by throwing a party all over Denver. Jared Goff was excellent, passing for 278 yards, 5 TDs, and no picks. Jahmyr Gibbs finished with 108 yards and 2 TDs. Meanwhile, Amon-Ra St. Brown racked up 112 yards and 1 touchdown. At 10-4, Detroit is one win away from clinching a playoff spot. Next, Detroit visits Minnesota. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
It was a tough loss for Denver, as they are pushing hard for a playoff spot. After a flag on the Offense took away a touchdown, Sean Payton seemed unhinged, screaming at Russell Wilson on the sidelines. Not a good look for Payton. At 7-7, Denver is still mathematically alive for the playoff. But their chances are slim. Next, Denver hosts New England. My pick: The Denver Broncos.
RAIDERS 63 — LA CHARGERS 21
It was an epic beatdown by the Raiders, where they scored 49 unanswered points. It was a season-defining victory for Las Vegas, as they are pushing to finish the season strong. Next, the Raiders visit Kansas City. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
The Raiders obliterated the Chargers. And after this latest debacle, Brandon Staley and their GM, Tom Telesco, were finally fired. They wasted away an extremely talented roster. At 6-9, the LA Chargers are done for the year. So OLB coach GifF Smith is the new interim coach, and personnel director Jojo Wooden takes over as acting GM. Next, the LA Chargers host Buffalo. My pick: The Buffalo Bills.
CHIEFS 27 — PATRIOTS 17
The Chiefs snapped their 2-game losing streak. However, this game was much closer than expected, as their Offensive issues remain troublesome. Patrick Mahomes threw for 305 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 picks. At 9-5, Kansas City is back on track to secure their Division title. Next, Kansas City hosts the Raiders. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
The Patriots are playing out the schedule and counting down until Bill Belicheater’s future is decided. At 3-11, New England has become one of the worst NFL franchises. Next, New England visits Denver. My pick: The Denver Broncos.
COLTS 30 — STEELERS 13
The Colts have won 4 games in a row, and they are surging toward clinching a playoff spot. Gardner Minshew was solid, throwing for 215 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. At 8-6, Indianapolis is in a 3-way tie with Jacksonville and Houston for the AFC South. Next, Indianapolis visits Atlanta. My pick: The Indianapolis Colts.
The Steelers are falling apart, losing 3 games straight. For most of the season, Pittsburgh’s Offense has seemed hopeless — their QB position has been shaky, and their Defense has been inconsistent. On top of all that, Safety Damontae Kazee was suspended for the remainder of the year for multiple violations regarding illegal hits. At 7-7, Pittsburgh is on life-support and must win out to salvage their season. Next, Pittsburgh hosts Cincinnati. My pick: The Cincinnati Bengals.
BENGALS 27 — VIKINGS 24
It was the Jake Browning revenge game against the team that cut him in 2021. Browning was inspired, throwing for 324 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 pick. At 8-6, Cincinnati is one game behind Cleveland in the playoff chase. Next, Cincinnati visits Pittsburgh. My pick: The Cincinnati Bengals.
It was a soul-crushing loss for Minnesota. Their QB position has been a revolving door since Kirk Cousins was lost for the season. Josh Dobbs showed flashes early on but fell apart. Nick Mullens was effective here, totaling 313 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 picks. But Mullens couldn’t generate any points in the 4th quarter. At 7-7, Minnesota is in desperate mode to put together some wins and remain in playoff contention. Next, Minnesota hosts Detroit. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
DOLPHINS 30 — NY JETS 0
The Dolphins shut out the Jets and took a considerable step into clinching the AFC East. In the absence of Tyreek Hill, Jalen Waddle stepped up as the primary receiver, racking up 142 yards and 1 touchdown. At 10-4, Miami remains 2 games ahead of second-place Buffalo in their Division. Next, Miami hosts Dallas. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
Awful all-round performance by the NY Jets. Their Defense was supposed to be their strength, but they had no answer for Miami’s dynamic Offensive attack. Also, veteran backup QB Trevor Sieman couldn’t generate any positive spark. At 5-9, the NY Jets are officially eliminated from playoff contention. So, there is no need for Aaron Rodgers to hurry back. Next, the NY Jets host Washington. My pick: The Washington Commanders.
TEXANS 19 — TITANS 16 OT
Without rookie QB sensation CJ Stroud, Houston turned to veteran backup QB Case Keenum, which paid significant dividends for the Texans. Keenum was effective, relying on his experience and leaning on the Ground Game with Devin Singletary. At 8-6, Houston remains alive in the playoff chase. Next, Houston hosts Cleveland. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
The Titans are officially eliminated from playoff contention. It’s another losing season for Tennessee, and Mike Vrabel’s job might be on the line once the football year ends. Next, Tennessee hosts Seattle. My pick: The Seattle Seahawks.
PANTHERS 9 — FALCONS 7
The Panthers just threw a massive monkey wrench on Atlanta’s playoff hopes. Eddy Pineiro was the hero for Carolina, scoring 3 Field Goals and outpointing the Falcons. Interim Head Coach Chris Tabor is looking to finish the season on a solid note. Next, Carolina hosts Green Bay. My pick: The Green Bay Packers
The Falcons were a disaster in all areas of the game. Desmond Ridder was ineffective, throwing for 152 yards, 1 TD, and 1 pick. Atlanta should probably return to Taylor Heinicke and try to salvage this season. At 6-8, Atlanta is now behind New Orleans and Tampa Bay in the playoff chase. The Falcons must win out and get some help to sneak into the playoffs. Next, Atlanta hosts Indianapolis. My pick: The Indianapolis Colts.
BROWNS 20 — BEARS 17
Joe Flacco continues his winning run in Cleveland, rallying from behind in the 4th quarter to get the win. Flacco’s experience came to fruition by overcoming 3 turnovers and pushing through. At 9-5, Cleveland is currently the number 5 AFC seed for the playoffs. Next, Cleveland visits Houston. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
The Bears were ahead for most of this game but blew a 17-7 lead in the 4th quarter. The Hail Mary play at the end of the game was insane — Darnell Mooney was in an excellent position to catch the Hail Mary pass. But he let the ball bounce off his hands. At 5-9, Chicago is out of the playoff race. Next, Chicago hosts Arizona. My pick: The Chicago Bears.
RAVENS 23 — JAGUARS 7
Baltimore officially clinched a playoff spot, and they are quietly becoming the most dangerous team in the AFC. Lamar Jackson continues to make positive things happen, finishing with 268 yards, 1 TD, and 1 pick. Unfortunately, rookie RB Keaton Mitchell had a season-ending leg injury. Baltimore will miss Mitchell in the playoffs. Next, Baltimore has an epic matchup in San Francisco. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
The Jaguars have lost 3 games in a row, losing ground in their Division lead. Trevor Lawrence was under duress for most of the game and is now in concussion protocol. At 8-3, Jacksonville is in a 3-way tie with Indianapolis and Houston for the AFC South title. Next, Jacksonville visits Tampa Bay. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
Rod Rioja 