When Pete Rozelle, the long time NFL Commissioner, who had the vision to make the NFL what it is today, figured parity would be a good idea, certainly he did not think teams would go to the playoffs with below .500 records.
But that is the life we live in now. Teams with 7-9 records make the playoffs, win divisions, host playoff games. We have 6-6 college football teams going to bowls, and now this year, some 5-7 teams will get you a postseason bowl appearance. What's next, the 3-79 Philadelphia 76ers make the playoffs because the rest of the league feels sorry for them?
The NFL East is a disgrace to winners. The division has a tie for first with 5-6 Washington and New York. At 3-8, the talk in Dallas is, "if we can only get hot." What, a 3-8 team with five games to go without its QB, and they still think playoffs? Where is Jim Mora when you need him. PLAYOFFS?! YOU KIDDING ME?! PLAYOFFS?!
On to the picks....
San Francisco at Chicago - Both teams on the verge of collapse. Bears coming off emotional win at Green Bay. 49ers getting worse with every game, despite head coach saying his team is getting better. They are not even better than cross-town rival Oakland, and that is saying something. Bears, 17-10.
Cincinnati at Cleveland - And we wonder why we always make fun of Cleveland. The Browns invent ways to lose. Take last week. ready to kick field goal to win at end, only to have kick blocked and returned for TD for the Baltimore victory. Things like that only happen with cursed franchises. Cleveland is cursed. Cincy rolls, 34-13.
Jacksonville at Tennessee - Although the record does not show it, I believe Titans getting better. Jags had their moment in the sun three weeks ago, back to same ol' selves. Tennessee wins, 16-10.
Houston at Buffalo - Texans really getting cocky after getting over .500 and tying for the division lead. Buffalo swooning after two straight tough losses. Going Bills here, Texans freeze in north country, 20-17.
Baltimore at Miami - Close to being "no comment" game of week, but Baltimore pulled off miracle last week in Cleveland. Fish are sleeping with the Corleones these days. Ravens, 16-14.
Carolina at New Orleans - Carolina seems unstoppable these days, and look like a real football team. Newton is NFL MVP. Can they go 12-0? Yes. Saints defense still stinks, even though Rob Ryan has left the premises. Panthers, 34-20.
Seattle at Minnesota - This may be the game of the week. Peterson running wild, Seattle needs plenty of luck these days to win games. Take Vikings just for the fun of it. Pete Carroll goes through three packs of gum for this one. Minnesota, 24-20.
Arizona at St. Louis - Rams turning into Ewes these days, and Cardinals playing well enough to win these types of games. Love no nonsense coach at Arizona. Cards, 31-18.
Atlanta at Tampa - Remember when Falcons coach was criticized for having great regular season, only to fold in the playoffs. That coach has been fired, and now they have a coach that folds during the mid-season. Tampa in upset, 31-27.
NY Jets at NY Giants - Last time these two teams played, Giants stopped a losing streak, and went on to win Super Bowl. No such luck this time. Jets aren't very good, but Giants stink right now, and it kills me to say that. I love my guys, but really. Jets win, 23-21.
Denver at San Diego - Third straight game without Peyton Manning at the helm, and for Denver. That's a good thing. Bronco defense still carrying team, but at least they do not have to defend short field after Manning interceptions. New QB knows when to keep the ball. Denver by a safety, 25-23.
Kansas City at Oakland - How have the Chiefs won five straight? Six weeks in, they looked done for? Oakland has looked done-for the last 12 years, but seem to be getting act together. Go KC in old fashioned AFL game, 45-44.
Philadelphia at New England - Eagles becoming all-time under-achievers. Patriots coming off only loss with a vengeance. New England big, 34-13.
Indianapolis at Pittsburgh - Big Ben has a concussion, Oh wait. No, he doesn't. It's just ringing in his ears. Oh wait. He's going to the locker room for concussion protocol. Oh wait. He's back in the game. Nice concussion policy NFL. Colts win, 24-20.
Dallas at Washington - Washington puts Dallas out of wishful thinking mode. Thankfully! Washington, 31-20.
Have a great weekend, everybody!
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