It was a horrific first half of Football by Washington; Midway through the 2nd quarter, we were down 20-0 — Sam Howell had an agonizing showing, throwing for 56 yards, zero scores, and 2 turnovers. As a result, Howell was benched in the 3rd quarter, and Jacoby Brissett took over as QB. Brissett made an immediate impact, slinging the ball around to multiple Receivers. And towards the end of the 4th quarter, Washington was leading 28-27.
An impressive comeback. But of course, as always, the Defense was a different story. In the first half, they played true to their worst-ranked Defense rating. And at times, they made Trevor Siemian look like Patrick Mahomes. But in the second half, once Brissett took over, to their credit, the Defense did not allow any more scores. Except for allowing the Jets to get into Field Goal range, and with a handful of seconds left — Greg “the Leg” Zuerlein put the game away with a 54 yard Field Goal
Anyway, it is time to finish the season with Jacoby Brissett as the starting QB. The Offense functions entirely differently and is much more effective with Brissett. And then, once this nightmare of a season concludes, let’s begin to clean house. I’m still high on Bob Slowik for the potential head coach position (if they fire Ron Rivera). There is a slight chance Rivera will survive another year.
Nevertheless, Washington MUST go after Caleb Williams, not Drake Maye or Marvin Harrison Jr.; we must get Caleb Williams. He will be the perfect fit for Washington, especially as a hometown kid returning home. Drafting Caleb Williams will inspire the entire DMV community to believe in Washington again.
Next, Washington hosts San Francisco. It is the return of Chase Young, Trent Williams, and, of course, Kyle Shanahan. We will probably get slaughtered. However, I expect Washington to play hard and make this game competitive. My pick: The Washington Commanders… I will never NOT pick Washington.
WASHINGTON 28 — NY JETS 30
And for the rest of the league…..
COWBOYS 20 — DOLPHINS 22
The Cowboys seem unable to beat any teams with winning records. Dak Prescott had a solid game, finishing with 278 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. But their lack of Ground Game has been an issue this season — Tony Pollard is not a feature back like Zeke was. Meanwhile, Pollard is more of a change of pace, play-action pass type of RB. That makes Dallas a pass-happy offense. At 10-5, Dallas is one game behind Philadelphia for the NFC East title. Next, Dallas hosts Detroit. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
The Dolphins have won 5 out of their last 6 games. This win brings them closer to securing the AFC East title. However, this game was tighter than I expected. Tyreek Hill, Jalen Waddle, and their top RB Achone came into this game banged up and dealing with lingering injuries. Still, Miami managed to do enough to put away Dallas. At 11-4, the Dolphins are one win away from clinching their Division. Next, Miami visits Baltimore. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
EAGLES 33 — NY GIANTS 25
The Eagles needed to bounce back from a 3 game-losing streak and get back on track to clinch their Division title. Jalen Hurts doesn’t seem as explosive as before. Yet, against the Giant, Hurts was more productive, finishing with 335 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 pick. At 11-4, Philadelphia must win out, and the NFC East title is theirs. Next, Philadelphia hosts Arizona. My pick: The Philadelphia Eagles.
The NY Giants tried to see if Tommy DeVito could recapture the magic from previous weeks. Unfortunately, the magic seems to be gone; DeVito was ineffective for the first 2 quarters, throwing for 55 yards and no scores. As a result, in the 2nd half, DeVito was benched for Tyrod Taylor. The Offense moved a lot better with Taylor under center, so they should keep Taylor as the starter. At 5-10, the Giants have plenty of questions regarding their future at the QB position. Next, the NY Giants host the LA Rams. My pick: The LA Rams.
SEAHAWKS 20 — TITANS 17
The Seahawks have back-to-back wins, and their playoff hopes are back on track. Geno Smith made crucial plays in the 4th quarter to edge out Tennessee. Geno finished with 227 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. At 8-7, Seattle must win their 2 remaining games and hope for the Rams to stumble. Next, Seattle hosts Pittsburgh. My pick: The Seattle Seahawks.
The Titans came into this game depleted of starters on all sides. Ryan Tannehill couldn’t get much going Offensively, finishing with 189 yards and no scores. RB Derrick Henry was outstanding, finishing with 99 total yards, 1 rushing TD, and 1 TD pass to WR Chigoziem Okonkwo. At 5-10, Tennessee has plenty of questions to address in the offseason. Next, Tennessee visits Houston. My pick: The Houston Texans.
BILLS 24 — LA CHARGERS 22
The Buffalo Bills have won 3 games in a row and are surging strong toward the playoffs. Josh Allen relied less on his mobility and allowed James Cook to carry most of the load, which signals a more balanced offensive attack. WR Gabe Davis had a productive day, with 130 yards and 1 touchdown. At 8-6, the Bills are locked in a 3-way tie with Houston and Indianapolis for an AFC playoff spot. Next, Buffalo hosts New England. My pick: The Buffalo Bills.
The LA Chargers put on a valiant effort under backup QB Easton Stick, managing 215 yards with 1 rushing touchdown and no turnovers. At 5-10, the Chargers are trying to finish the season positively, as they will begin to rebuild around Justin Herbert and search for a new Head Coach. Next, the LA Chargers visit Denver. My pick: The Denver Broncos.
LA RAMS 30 — SAINTS 22
The LA Rams have won 5 out of their last 6 games and seem to be getting healthy and on a roll at the right time. Matthew Stafford is slinging the ball around to all his top playmakers, finishing up with 328 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. Rookie Sensation Puka Nacua racked up 164 yards and 1 TD. At 8-7, the Rams are getting closer to landing a wild-card NFC playoff spot. Next, the LA Rams visit the NY Giants. My pick: The LA Rams.
The Saints were on a 2 game-winning streak and contending for the NFC South title, but this loss puts them in a bad position. Derek Carr was productive enough, throwing for 319 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 pick. But their lack of effective Running Game continues to be an issue. At 7-8, New Orleans is on a challenging, must-win scenario against their two main Division rivals, Tampa Bay and Atlanta. Next, New Orleans visits Tampa Bay. My pick: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
RAVENS 33 — 49ERS 19
It was an ugly game for both teams, but Baltimore relied on their top-notch Defense and made positive things happen. Lamar Jackson was effective when he needed to be, throwing 2 back-to-back TDs in the 3rd quarter. Which pretty much sealed the deal for Baltimore. At 12-3, Baltimore is now the top seed in the AFC. Next, Baltimore hosts Miami. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
Brock Purdy was under siege for most of the game; he was rocked, rattled, and flustered while turning over the ball 4 times — 2 of those turnovers came in the first quarter. Trent Williams left the game in the 3rd quarter with a groin injury, while San Fran still had a chance to get back into the game. Clearly, Trent’s absence made a difference in the outcome. Nevertheless, Christian McCaffrey continued his MVP-caliber season, finishing with 131 yards and 1 touchdown. At 11-4, San Francisco will look to secure home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Next, San Francisco visits Washington. My pick: The Washington Commanders.
BUCCANEERS 30 — JAGUARS 12
Midway through the 3rd quarter, the Buccaneers were up 30-0 and on cruise control. Remarkably, Tampa Bay has won 4 games in a row, propelling them to the top of the NFC South. Baker Mayfield has been impressive this season. At 8-7, Tampa Bay is in a dogfight with Atlanta and New Orleans for their Division title. Next, Tampa Bay hosts New Orleans. My pick: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Jaguars are slowly slipping out of playoff contention — Mostly due to Trevor Lawrence’s lingering injuries. Nevertheless, at 8-7, Jacksonville remains tied for the top spot in the AFC South with Indianapolis and Houston. Next, Jacksonville host Carolina: My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
PACKERS 33 — PANTHERS 30
The Packers were on the verge of losing this game and facing elimination from playoff contention. But with a handful of seconds left, Anders Carlson’s 32-yard Field Goal saved the season for Green Bay (for another week). Jordan Love, Aaron Jones, and Romeo Doubs are getting hot at the correct time. Next, the Green Bay Packers visit Minnesota. My pick: The Green Bay Packers.
The Panthers are maximizing these remaining games by evaluating their current roster. Plus, Bryce Young continues to get proper in-game experience and statistically played his best game of the season. At 2-13 and without a 1st round pick, Carolina needs to figure out how to start adding talent around Bryce Young in 2024. Next, Carolina visits Jacksonville. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
BEARS 27 — CARDINALS 16
The Bears have won 3 out of their last 4 games, keeping them mathematically alive for the playoffs. Justin Jefferson continues to wreck Defenses with his mobility, finishing up with 267 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 pick. At 6-9, Chicago is a long shot to land a playoff spot, but the main topic surrounds Justin Fields’ future in Chicago — and what the Bears will do with their number 1 overall pick in the 2024 Draft. Next, Chicago hosts Atlanta. My pick: The Atlanta Falcons.
The Cardinals are finishing a disastrous losing season under rookie Head Coach Jonathan Gannon. Kyler Murray missed most of the season due to a torn ACL and has looked formidable at times. At 3-12, Arizona is in rebuilding mode. Next, Arizona hosts Philadelphia. My pick: The Philadelphia Eagles.
LIONS 30 — VIKINGS 24
The Lions made history by winning the NFC North Division title for the first time since 1993. The combination of Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Sam La Porta makes Detroit one of the most dynamic Offenses in the NFL. Plus, Detroit’s Defense is legitimate and dangerous. Head Coach Dan Campbell should be in the Coach of the Year conversation. At 11-4, Detroit looks to continue to improve their playoff seeding. Next, Detroit visits Dallas. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
The Vikings fought hard to keep this game within reach. Backup QB Nick Mullens had a notable game, throwing for 411 yards and 2 TDs, but turned the ball over 4 times. Justin Jefferson had an outstanding day, racking up 141 yards and 1 TD. At 7-8, Minnesota remains barely alive for a playoff spot. Next, Minnesota hosts Green Bay. My pick: The Green Bay Packers.
PATRIOTS 26 — BRONCOS 23
The Patriots played spoiler to Denver’s slim playoff hopes. Bailey Zappe had an inspiring game, throwing for 256 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. At 4-11, New England has already been eliminated from the playoffs and is looking ahead into 2024. Meanwhile, Belicheater is chasing Don Shula’s unreachable winning record. Next, New England visits Buffalo. My pick: The Buffalo Bills.
Denver’s playoff hopes took a massive blow. Losing their top WR, Courtland Sutton, early in the game to a concussion was devastating for this already anemic Offense. Russell Wilson’s relationship with Sean Payton seems to be on the brink of collapse. At 7-8, to sneak into the playoffs, the Broncos must win their 2 remaining games and hope to get help from other teams. Next, Denver hosts the LA Chargers. My pick: The Denver Broncos.
RAIDERS 20 — CHIEFS 14
It was a stunning win for the Raiders — they did it by generating 2 back-to-back Defensive scores and holding back Kansas City’s multiple comeback attempts. However, their lack of Offense should be a cause for concern. QB Aidan O’Connell threw for a mere 62 yards. Plus, the absence of RB Josh Jacobs is another major issue for the Raiders. At 7-8, the Raiders are barely ahead of Denver in the playoff chase. Next, the Raiders visit Indianapolis. My pick: The Las Vegas Raiders.
Something is obviously wrong with the Chiefs. They have no competent Receivers; It is all Travis Kelce or bust for the Chiefs. After Kelce, Isiah Pacheco is their most reliable offensive weapon. But Pacheco left the game in the 3rd quarter with a concussion, which changed the entire Offensive outlook for Kansas City. On top of all that, their O-Line is pretty shaky.
Nevertheless, their Defense will keep them in close games. At 9-6, the Chiefs are one win away from clinching their Division title. Next, Kansas City visits Cincinnati. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
FALCONS 29 — COLTS 10
Taylor Heinicke saved Atlanta’s season (for now). Heinicke provided Atlanta with steady and effective QB play, throwing for 229 yards, 1 TD, and no turnovers. At 7-8, to sneak into the playoffs, Atlanta must win their last 2 remaining games and get some help from other teams. Next, Atlanta visits Chicago. My pick: The Atlanta Falcons.
The Colts blew a significant opportunity to take the lead in the AFC South. Gardner Minshew was under constant pressure throughout the entire game. Their running game was a non-factor; Jonathan Taylor rushed for 43 yards and 1 touchdown. The Colts will need better production from their Ground attack if they intend to contend in the AFC. Next, Indianapolis hosts the Raiders. My pick: The Las Vegas Raiders.
STEELERS 34 — BENGALS 11
Without Kenny Pickett, who is recovering from an ankle injury, and with Mitch Trubisky’s mediocre QB play, the Steelers gave 3rd stringer Mason Rudolph a chance to start. And it paid significant dividends. Rudolph led them to a massive victory, finishing with 294 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. Plus, controversial WR George Pickens silenced his critics by hauling 195 yards and 2 TDs. At 8-7, Pittsburgh remains barely alive for a playoff spot. Next, Pittsburgh visits Seattle. My pick: The Seattle Seahawks.
The Bengals got swept by Pittsburg for the first time in 4 seasons. The Absence of Joe Burrow has been detrimental to Cincinnati’s playoff hopes. Backup QB Jake Browning had a forgettable day, finishing with 335 yards, 1 TD, and 3 picks. At 8-7, the Bengals remain mathematically alive for the playoffs, but this loss might come back to haunt them. Next, Cincinnati visits Kansas City. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
BROWNS 36 — TEXANS 22
The Joe Flacco experience keeps rolling, racking up crucial wins for Cleveland. Deep throws to Armani Cooper were the main story here. Cooper finished with 265 yards and 2 TDs. At 10-5, Cleveland is one win away from clinching a playoff spot. And by the way, Flacco’s playoff record should be taken seriously. Next, Cleveland hosts the NY Jets. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
Without CJ Stroud, Houston has lost their Offensive spark; Case Keenum was awful, throwing for 62 yards and 2 picks. In replacing Keenum, Davis Mills had a better showing, finishing with 158 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. At 8-7, Houston is at risk of falling out of the playoff chase. Next, Houston hosts Tennessee. My pick: The Houston Texans.
Rod Rioja 