Who knew the Jets defense would blow up in the Black Hole, or who knew the Falcons would flop against the Bucs? Not this writer, who saw a 12-win week fall to a 10-4 record during the eighth week of the NFL season.
With six teams having a bye this week, the NFL slate is down to 13 games, of which only one — Green Bay at Carolina — has the slightest amount of sizzle. Thank goodness a full day and night of outstanding college games are on tap for Saturday, as this is the third of the past four Sunday’s where the NFL schedule has been a snoozer.
Off we go …
Thursday’s Game
BROWNS at BENGALS, 7:25 p.m., NFLN
The Frowns are terrible and while I try my best not to fall into the trap of rooting against individual players, there are some that I happily refuse to root for, and Manziel is high on that list … CINCINNATI 38-13.
Sunday’s Games
DOLPHINS at BILLS, 12 p.m., CBS
Both teams desperately need this win. As it is an AFC (boo!) and East (booooo!) tilt, I could care less, but am not exactly sure how … BUFFALO 20-19.
PACKERS at PANTHERS, 12 p.m., FOX
Only the continued presence of the Pretty Boy keeps Scam from topping my most-disliked list. That said, didn’t you use to be Aaron Rodgers? … CAROLINA 27-16.
RAMS at VIKINGS, 12 p.m., FOX
Look for Mr. Gurley to outgain A.P. as the Rams put their heads down and chew up yards, and the win … ST. LOUIS 24-14.
REDSKINS at PATRIOTS, 12 p.m., FOX
You never know … until you do … BOSTON 33-17.
TITANS at SAINTS, 12 p.m., CBS
Most of the fans at this game will be wondering what the hell happened to their Tigers in Tuscaloosa last night. The Saints will help them feel a little better … NAWHLINS 41-20.
JAGUARS at JETS, 12 p.m., CBS
The Jets were exposed last week, but the Jags do not have the weapons to exploit those weaknesses … NEW YORK/QUEENS/NEW JERSEY 26-12.
RAIDERS at STEELERS, 12 p.m., CBS
Pittsburgh gets Ben back, then loses Bell, and now a Raiders teams that is starting to figure it out comes to town … OAKLAND 27-23.
FALCONS at FORTY-NINERS, 3:05 p.m., FOX
I checked Webster’s and under the current definition of disarray it reads: See San Francisco professional football club … ATLANTA 25-9.
GIANTS at BUCCANEERS, 3:05 p.m., FOX
The Bucs are coming off an emotional win over the Falcons while the Giants are wondering how they scored 49 points and lost. Those factors would appear to favor Tampa Bay; unfortunately the visitors are simply the better team … NY 30-19.
BRONCOS at COLTS, 3:25 p.m., CBS
Can we please have one week where the Broncos are not the late or prime time game? … DENVER 34-17.
EAGLES at COWBOYS, 7:30 p.m., NBC *
This is one the Boys might just steal … DALLAS 24-23.
Monday’s Game
BEARS at CHARGERS, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
Chicago (2-5) against San Diego (2-6). ESPN must be thrilled. Look at it this way, Boltheads: after tonight your franchise will only have three games in San Diego, because L.A. is about to be your new home … SAN DIEGO 31-17.
Byes: Arizona, Baltimore, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Seattle.
Last Week: 10-4. Season: 74-45 (.623).
