Can you believe we are already at the halfway mark of the NFL Season?
Let’s talk about how the first half of the season went. First, we saw the Jags, Buccaneers, and Vikings start the season on fire, only to fizzle out. My 49ers saw QB Jimmy G go down for the year with a knee injury. The Eagles are on the verge of missing the playoffs, despite winning the super bowl last year. Gruden’s return has not been magical at all (in fact, I am betting both Gruden and Derek Carr are wishing Gruden stayed in the booth). And the Texans somehow went from worst to first, taking the division from the favored Jacksonville Jaguars.
But we still have a lot of football left. Time to see how the second half of the season will play out, as we march toward the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
London Game: (3-4) Philadelphia Eagles v (3-4) Jacksonville Jaguars
Talk about a change in trajectory. This game is literally two teams we did not see being below .500 at this point. Both the Jaguars and Eagles are fighting to get back to .500 and hoping to turn things around. The Eagles started the season as the defending super bowl champions, while the Jaguars threatened to be one of the most feared defenses in the league (remember Jalen Ramsey). The question is which team is in worse shape, the Jacksonville Jaguars or the Philadelphia Eagles? I am saying Jacksonville.
I am going to take the Eagles to win in London.
I will go with the Eagles as well.
(4-3) Baltimore Ravens v (4-2) Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers somehow managed to muster up a comeback last week. Being down 17-0 in the 3rd quarter, these Cardiac Cats gave the Eagles their forth loss. But the Ravens are not the Eagles, they are a better team with a much better defense. Carolina is going to have to play lights out to win this game, as there will not be any coming back on this defense. If this game get away from Carolina early, like last week, this game will be over. I do not see it being a one-sided game.
I also do not see Carolina winning this game either. Ravens take this one on the road.
Y’all already know who I am picking. Black and Blue for life (Panthers).
(3-4) New York Jets v (3-3) Chicago Bears
Sam Darnold vs that Bears Defense, there isn’t much to talk about here.
I am taking the Bears.
Bears as well for me.
(3-3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers v (4-3) Cincinnati Bengals
The AFC North Division has a tight race going on between the Bengals, Steelers, and Ravens. The Bengals have to feel like they have to keep winning to stay in the mix. Too many losses and they could find themselves out of the race. This is the kind of pressure that can either help propel a team, or cause them to crumble. Thankfully for the Bengals they have the Buccaneers. But the Buccaneers could actually surprise the Bengals, lets not forget this is the same Buccaneers that started the season on fire.
That said, I am taking the Bengals.
Bengals for me as well.
(3-3) Seattle Seahawks v (3-3) Detroit Lions
The Lions are a hard team to grasp. One game they play like playoff contenders, and the next they play like the Lions we have known for years. The Lions need to find a way to be consistent if they look to become a playoff team. Meanwhile the Seahawks are in a slump. They lost too many key players on both sides of the ball. But Russell Wilson still give the Seahawks a chance every week. I am so divided on this game because I really want to take the Lions, but their inconsistency has me leaning in favor of the Seahawks.
I am going to take Seattle in this game.
I have a little more faith in the Lions than you, I am taking them to win this one.
(3-4) Denver Broncos v (6-1) Kansas City Chiefs
Back in Week 4, the Chiefs won the first match up 27-23. This divisional rematch will be at home (for the Chiefs). Though the Denver Broncos managed to challenge the Chiefs back in week 4, they still ended up losing at home. Now with the Chiefs being on target to take the division, they know they need this win to stay ahead of the Chargers.
Kansas City will take care of business at home and go to 7-1, I like the Chiefs.
Yeah, I am liking how Kansas City has been playing as of late. Give me Kansas City for this one.
(4-2) Washington Redskins v (1-6) New York Giants
This is a game that the Giants could surprise the world and win. I say could because it is a division game, and division rivals tend to play close games. That said, the Giants are not much of a threat for that division. The past few weeks we listed off all the problems currently going on in the Giants locker room.
Because of that I am take the Redskins.
I’m convinced the Giants are playing for that #1 pick. I’m taking the Redskins.
(2-4-1) Cleveland Browns v (3-2-1) Pittsburgh Steelers
You know what would be awesome, if somehow this game ended in a tie. Then we will have a year where two teams tied in both meetings in the same year. Unfortunately, I do not see that happening. Steelers Nation was not happy with how the last game ended.
The Steelers will make amends for their fans and take the win here. I like the Steelers.
Yup, no-brainer here. Steelers
(2-5) Indianapolis Colts v (1-5) Oakland Raiders
Which team is worse, the Raiders or the Colts?
Well we will get to find out Sunday. The Raiders are having a career year (in reverse) for Jon Gruden. And the rumors of a schism between the head ball coach and starting quarterback is getting louder. The Raiders are not on the same page, but they are coming off of a bye. And Raiders fans are hoping they can see something out of their team the rest of the way.
I’m taking the Colts on the road.
Talking about heads exploding, you know Raider fans are not liking this. They have to feel like this is a nightmare for them, and it will continue with the Colts winning on Sunday.
(1-6) San Francisco 49ers v (1-6) Arizona Cardinals
From one disappointing Bay Area team to another, let’s talk about my 49ers. I continue to run out of words to describe my disappointment. I just don’t know what to say anymore. At this point I can only root for us to continue playing as hard as we have been playing the past few weeks. As much as a win against the Cardinals may feel great, it may actually hurt our order in the draft. And as far as I am concerned, if we are going to have a horrible year we might as well get something out of it. And a high draft pick would give us some hope for, as we could build a team that can make another run (similar to the run made by the Harbaugh era niners).
No prediction for me.
You look like you need a hug. You good? Tell you what, I’ll throw some good luck your way. Go Niners!!!
(3-2-1) Green Bay Packers v (7-0) Los Angeles Rams
The Packers are still in position to win their division, thanks to the Vikings having a so-so season of their own. But beating the Rams on the road is going to be a tough task. All I have been hearing by analyst on ESPN is how Aaron Rogers can beat the Rams. Though I think it is possible, we have to look at a few facts. These same Packers allowed the 49ers to look like a playoff team against them. Breida was getting chunks on the ground, while CJ Beathard was torching them in the air. That same 49ers team got embarrassed by the Rams last week. If the 49ers patchwork offense was able to run on that Packers defense, then you know what the Rams should be able to do. If the Rams lose this game, it was because they were not focused.
I am talking the Rams in this game.
Rams are the better team here. That Packers defense can not seem to stop the run. Aaron Roger’s magic may have helped them against the Niners, but the Rams are not the Niners. I am taking St. Louis.
Sunday Night Game: (5-1) New Orleans Saints v (4-2-1) Minnesota Vikings
The Rams may have the best record, and will likely gain home field advantage, but the Saints are the more dangerous team. The Saints have two backs that can wear down defenses, a receiving corps that can spread them out, and Drew Brees (who need no introduction). The Vikings, on the other hand, are trying to find their way. With this game being on the road, the Saints are going to have to battle that loud Viking’s fanbase. But they will quiet that team down with a couple of big plays.
I am taking the Saints. To note: I know who will quietly be rooting for the Vikings this week (*pointing to Dee Cee).
You don’t know me. Besides, I am not going to allow emotion to get in the way of a pick. Oh and me beating you again. I am taking the Saints.
Monday Night Game: (5-2) New England Patriots v (2-5) Buffalo Bills
I am not going to waste many words here, Pats win this one. The Monday Night crew will be bored by halftime.
Somehow I am betting the Bills will make a game out of this just to prove my above statement wrong. <—– (not likely)
Any way, Pats win on Monday Night.
Yup, Pats will take care of business here.
