Washington has lost 7 games straight, and I can’t recall Washington being this hopelessly pathetic since the Steve Spurrier era. The silver lining to this season’s misery and mediocrity is that we currently hold the 2nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This means we have a good shot at Caleb Williams or Drake Maye — or, at the very least, we have a shot at upgrading our current QB situation.
Anyway, Sam Howell started this game instead of Jacoby Brissett. It was reported that Brissett was injured during practice and was listed as questionable. In any case, Sam Howell was inconsistent again; He had some good moments, but not sufficient to help Washington win games. I’ve seen enough from Howell to justify not building next year’s team around him. Howell continues to turn the ball over and make poor decisions. However, the O-line protection is awful, and our roster’s Tight Ends do not block well. We must bring new Tight Ends to block and help with the Ground and Passing Game.
The Running Game was a joke again. Brian Robinson had only 9 carries for 44 yards. Antonio Gibson had 4 carries for 19 yards. It was not good enough — the power running from Christian Rodriguez was missed. Terry McLaurin remains our bright, shining spot on Offense. Through week 17, McLaurin has 946 receiving yards for the season and has a legitimate chance to reach 1,000 yards.
Defensively, we seem to be getting progressively worse. Benjamin St-Juste and Emmanuel Forbes continue to struggle; they are both a liability in our secondary. Kendall Fuller, Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, Jamin Davis, and Kam Curl have been the most consistent Defensive players this season. But none of them made the Pro Bowl. Hell, nobody from Washington made the Pro Bowl. — This is an indictment of this entire season.
Next, Washington hosts Dallas. The Cowboys can clinch the NFC East by winning at Washington. But they also want to rest their starters — they’ll probably expect to sit their starters after they go up multiple scores. For sure, Dallas will target our weak secondary and exploit it. Also, It looks like Sam Howell will start again since Jacoby Brissett has not fully recovered.
My pick: The Washington Commanders… I will never NOT pick Washington.
WASHINGTON 27 —49ERS 10
And for the rest of the league…..
COWBOYS 20 — LIONS 19
The Cowboys received a colossal assist by the refs to survive and barely win this game. Dallas has gotten plenty of referee calls to go their way here and there during this 2023 season. It all feels suspicious to me. Nevertheless, Dallas continues to rack up wins. At 11-5, Dallas can clinch the NFC East Divisional title against Washington. Next, Dallas visits Washington. My pick: The Washington Commanders.
The Lions flat-out got robbed in this game. However, the stubborn decision by Dan Campbell to go for the 2-point conversation over and over again was stupid. Detroit had the momentum, and Dallas was reeling. The Lions should’ve gone for the extra point and taken their chances in overtime. At 11-5, Detroit must finish the season on a winning note and hope to improve their playoff seeding. Next, Detroit hosts Minnesota. My pick: The Minnesota Vikings.
EAGLES 31 — CARDINALS 35
It was a shocking loss for the Eagles, as they have now lost 4 out of their last 5 games. Jalen Hurts seems to have hit a wall. Additionally, their Defense has allowed an average of 31 points per game, a recipe for disaster in the playoffs. At 11-5, to clinch the NFC East, Philadelphia must win their final regular season game and hope for a Dallas loss. Next, Philadelphia visits the NY Giants. My pick: The Philadelphia Eagles.
Arizona is relishing the role of spoiler, throwing a huge monkey wrench into Philadelphia’s playoff seeding. At 4-12, the Cardinals will continue the spoiler role against Seattle on week 18. Next, Arizona hosts Seattle. My pick: The Seattle Seahawks.
NY GIANTS 25 — LA RAMS 26
The NY Giants had this game in the bag, but a missed throw by Tyrod Taylor on a 2-point conversion sealed their loss. Taylor has shown his ability to run this Offense more effectively than Daniel Jones and Tommy DeVito. At 5-11, the NY Giants have a unique chance to play spoiler against Philly on their final game of the regular season. Next, the NY Giants host Philadelphia. My pick: The Philadelphia Eagles.
The LA Rams had a hard time putting away the Giants. Matthew Stafford was inconsistent, throwing for 317 yards and 1 TD, but he threw 2 picks. Nevertheless, Kyren Williams led the way, scoring 3 TDs and racking up 87 yards. At 9-7, the Rams have clinched a playoff spot. Next, the Rams visit San Francisco. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
STEELERS 30 — SEAHAWKS 23
The Steelers have won back-to-back games with backup QB Mason Rudolph. It was a meaningful game for Pittsburgh’s playoff aspirations. Rudolph was effective, throwing for 279 yards, no scores, and no picks. Najee Harris was their key to victory, Rushing for 122 yards and 2 TDs. At 9-7, Pittsburgh needs to win on week 18 and get some help to clinch a playoff spot. Next, Pittsburgh visits Baltimore. My pick: The Baltimore Ravens.
Seattle’s playoff hopes took a massive blow. The Seahawks could not keep pace with Pittsburgh’s Offense and only managed to settle for Field Goals instead of Touchdowns. At 9-7, Seattle must win their final game of the season and look for plenty of help to sneak into the playoffs. Next, Seattle visits Arizona. My pick: The Seattle Seahawks.
TEXANS 26 — TITANS 3
The Texans overachieving season rolls on. It took 4 Field Goals from Ka’Imi Fairbairn, one Defensive score, and a TD pass from CJ Stroud to Brevin Jordan to put this game away. Stroud had another strong game, finishing with 217 yards, 1 TD, and no picks. At 9-7, Houston is one game away from landing a playoff spot. Next, Houston visits Indianapolis. My pick: The Houston Texans.
Tennessee’s struggles, injuries, and losses continue to pile on. Will Levis left the game early with an injury — Ryan Tannehill took over, but not much productivity followed. Derrick Henry has been inconsistent. Plus, their Defense has been unreliable. At 5-11, the Titans must address many issues, including their future at QB. Next, Tennessee hosts Jacksonville. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
BILLS 27 — PATRIOTS 21
The Bills almost blew this game. Josh Allen continues to make things happen with his mobility. Allen finished with 213 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 pick. At, 10-6, the Bills got closer to securing a playoff spot. Still, they will need some help. Next, Buffalo visits Miami. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
The Patriots are trying to finish the season respectfully while playing more competitive football. However, their lack of overall talent is evident in all areas of the game. At 4-12, New England is set to begin a massive overhaul of their coaching staff, starting with Bill Belicheater. Next, New England hosts the NY Jets. My pick: The NY Jets.
BRONCOS 16 — LA CHARGERS 9
The Broncos benching of Russell Wilson did not solve their Offensive issues. Backup QB Jarrett Stidham was unimpressive but effective enough — finishing with 230 yards, 1 TD, and no picks. But it was Denver’s Defense that carried them to victory. At 8-8, Denver’s QB drama will continue into the offseason. Next, Denver visits the Raiders. My pick: The Las Vegas Raiders.
The LA Chargers have lost 4 straight games. And Justin Herbert has been out for the last 3 games. At 5-11, the Chargers are looking to start the rebuilding process as soon as the season ends. Next, the Chargers host Kansas City. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
SAINTS 23 — BUCCANEERS 13
The Saints took a crucial step to save their season. It was a praiseworthy victory for a team coming off a tough loss to the Rams. Derek Carr had a steady game, throwing for 197 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. At 8-8, to clinch their Division, New Orleans must win their final game of the season and hope for a Tampa Bay loss. Next, New Orleans hosts Atlanta. My pick: The New Orleans Saints.
The Bucs lost a huge opportunity to clinch their Division title for the 3rd year in a row. Baker Mayfield threw for 309 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 picks. But the turnovers proved costly for Tampa Bay. At 8-8, the Bucs must win their final game of the season and are in the playoffs. Next, Tampa Bay visits Carolina. My pick: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
RAVENS 56 — DOLPHINS 19
The Ravens have demolished San Francisco and Miami in back-to-back weeks. Midway through the 2nd quarter, Baltimore led 14-13, and the game seemed close. But Lamar Jackson broke through and was unstoppable, finishing with 356 yards, 5 TDs, and zero turnovers. At 13-3, Baltimore is the top seed in the AFC. However, Lamar Jackson’s playoff record isn’t great. Next, Baltimore hosts Pittsburgh. My pick: The Baltimore Ravens.
The Dolphins have had a difficult time all year long away from Miami. It is the tale of two teams: at home, they win, and away, they struggle. Miami was overmatched by Baltimore and unable to slow down Lamar Jackson’s relentless attack. At 11-5, Miami must win against Buffalo to clinch their Division. Next, Miami hosts Buffalo. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
JAGUARS 26 — PANTHERS 0
Without Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville dominated and shut out Carolina. Backup QB CJ Beathard threw for zero scores but managed to drive the Offense close enough for Brandon McManus to deliver 4 Field Goals. Travis Etienne had a terrific game, finishing with 118 yards and 2 TDs. At, 9-7, Jacksonville must win their final game of the season to clinch the AFC South title. Next, Jacksonville visits Tennessee. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
Carolina was embarrassed and shut out — but the most embarrassing thing was David Tepper’s behavior towards a Jacksonville fan. Meanwhile, Bryce Young had a forgettable day, finishing with 112 yards, no scores, and 1 pick. At 2-14, Carolina is turning into the most dysfunctional clown show in the NFL. Next, Carolina hosts Tampa Bay. My pick: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
PACKERS 33 — VIKINGS 10
The Packers took an enormous step into landing a playoff spot. Jordan Love had an outstanding game, finishing with 258 yards, 4 TDs, and no picks. At 8-8, Green Bay is one win away from securing a playoff game. Next, Green Bay hosts Chicago. My pick: The Green Bay Packers.
The Vikings have been a disaster since Kirk Cousins went down for the season. Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall have struggled to give Minnesota a QB boost. At 7-9, Minnesota has plenty of issues to address in the offseason. Next, Minnesota visits Detroit. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
BEARS 37 — FALCONS 17
The Bears went up 21-7 in the first half and never looked back. Justin Fields continued his impressive display of Offensive prowess, finishing with 313 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. At 7-9, Chicago has secured the number 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Next, Chicago visits Green Bay. My pick: The Green Bay Packers.
It was a backbreaking loss for Atlanta. Taylor Heinicke had an up-and-down game, finishing with 209 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 turnovers. Heinicke left the game with an injury in the 4th quarter; Desmond Ridder came in and almost immediately threw a pick. At 7-9, Atlanta remains barely alive for a playoff spot. Next, Atlanta visits New Orleans. My pick: The New Orleans Saints.
COLTS 23 — RAIDERS 20
The Colts saved their season and survived to keep their playoff hopes alive for another week. Indianapolis got going early, up 14-3 in the first half, and never trailed. Gardner Minshew delivered a notable performance. Finishing with 224 yards, 1 TD, and no picks. Jonathan Taylor had his most productive game of the season, Rushing for 96 yards and 1 TD. At 9-7, Indianapolis could clinch their division title with a win in week 18 and a Jacksonville loss. Next, Indianapolis hosts Houston. My pick: The Houston Texans.
The Raiders had to win this game to remain in playoff contention. Las Vegas fell behind early but mounted a remarkable comeback to keep this game close. Aidan O’Connell finished with 302 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. Davantae Adams showed his elite Receiving Game, hauling in 126 yards and 2 TDs. At 7-9, the Raiders are officially eliminated from playoff contention. So, they will look to finish the season strong for Antonio Pierce. Next, the Raiders host Denver. My pick: The Las Vegas Raiders.
CHIEFS 25 — BENGALS 17
The Chiefs clinched the AFC West — scoring 6 Field Goals. Kansas City’s Kicker, Harrison Butker, was the hero here. Patrick Mahomes, Isiah Pacheco, and Rashee Rice are starting to get on a late-season roll. At 10-6, Kansas City will be a dangerous playoff team. Next, Kansas City visits the LA Chargers. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
The Bengals were playing for their playoff life. Jake Browning had some solid moments, but Kansas City’s Defense was too much for Cincinnati to overcome. At, 8-8. Cincinnati is officially eliminated from the playoffs. Next, Cincinnati hosts Cleveland. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
BROWNS 37 — NY JETS 20
The Browns are officially the most dangerous team in the AFC. Joe Flacco has reinvigorated this team, and they seem to be surging at the right time. Flacco finished with 309 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 pick. At 11-5. the Browns have clinched a playoff spot, and for their final game of the season, they will rest Flacco and some starters. Next, Cleveland hosts Cincinnati. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
The Jets are limping toward the season’s final week, riddled with injuries and inconsistent QB play. Their 4th starting QB, Trevor Siemian, has been more effective operating their Offense than Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle earlier in the season, which makes me wonder why Head Coach Robert Saleh took this long to go with the veteran QB. At 6-10, the Jets are looking to finish the season on a positive note. Next, the NY Jets visit New England. My pick: The NY Jets.
Rod Rioja 