Author: sammano

2026-27 NFL Preview & Prognostications

During a recent lazy weekend I was scrolling thru the guide on my television, and the sports options available included lacrosse and something called the Grid League, which apparently is “a fast-paced, co-ed professional team sport centered around high-intensity fitness racing”. I have no idea what that means, and don’t care to find out. What it indicated to me is that it’s time for football season. As always, there has been plenty of offseason action…the draft, trades, free agency, the coaching carousel. All of that is great. It gives ESPN things to talk about. However, when it comes to the NFL, there is nothing I enjoy more than tuning into RedZone and enjoying seven solid hours of gridiron action, with my man Scott Hanson directing the chaos. I’ll spare y’all the details, but my summer…actually most of the year thus far…has been a fiasco, yet I am blessed to be easily entertained and have outlets that allow me to escape reality for awhile. That doesn’t mean that one should ignore their problems or not appropriately address issues. By all means…TCB. Occasionally though, it is nice to tune out the noise and enjoy simple pleasures. At any rate, we’ve been doing this little preview for nearly two decades, and I feel compelled to offer a few reminders. Please, don’t wager your rent or gas money based on my thoughts. I am just a somewhat knowledgeable, lifelong fan. I do this for fun and receive no compensation from anyone. I don’t do a bunch of deep research or statistical analysis. My opinions are based mostly on vibes & common sense, but especially when it comes to the NFL those barometers can prove wildly inaccurate. Also, injuries can change everything, and there’s no way to forecast such calamities. That being said, please enjoy my snarky wit & keen insight, and Here We Go Steelers!!

East

Philadelphia Eagles  (11-6) 10-7

Dallas Cowboys  (7-9-1) 9-8

New York Giants  (4-13) 9-8

Washington Redskins  (5-12) 8-9

Is it possible that receiver AJ Brown leaving Philly for the New England Patriots is a net gain for the Eagles?? I realize that sounds crazy, but apparently there was drama in the locker room surrounding Brown. If rookie Makai Lemon & former first round pick Devonta Smith rise to the occasion perhaps there won’t be a decline in offensive production. I believe we’ll see a significant improvement from the Cowboys as long as their revamped defense, led by newly acquired defensive tackle Rashan Gary & rookie safety Caleb Downs, upgrades that group’s 30th rank from a season ago. The Giants had their season torpedoed by injuries to receiver Malik Nabers & running back Cam Skattebo, but with both young men back on the field and QB Jaxson Dart having a year of experience under his belt, The G-Men could find themselves in playoff contention under the leadership of new head coach John Harbaugh. That leaves the Commanders. I have really liked QB Jayden Daniels until all of this LSU/jersey # silliness, but the bigger issue is that the former Heisman Trophy winner & Offensive Rookie of the Year only played in seven games last year due to injuries. Perhaps he’ll be dominant…or he might miss half the season again. Even if Daniels stays healthy I’m not that impressed with his supporting cast, with the possible exception of newly acquired WR Stefon Diggs, who’ll be playing for his fifth team in a decade. The receiving tandem of Diggs & Terry McClaurin could vault the team above my low bar. Washington’s defense has potential, but they were at the bottom of the league last year and probably need another season or two of tweaking. It feels like Philly’s division to lose, but keep an eye on the Giants.

West

Los Angeles Rams  (12-5) 15-2

San Francisco 49ers  (12-5) 10-7  

Seattle Seahawks  (14-3) 9-8

Arizona Cardinals  (3-14) 3-14

Everything seems to be falling into place for the Rams to make a serious Super Bowl push. At age 38 quarterback Matthew Stafford has shown no significant signs of decline. He has a solid offensive line and an impressive group of skill players to score points & control the ball. The defense added defensive end Myles Garrett & cornerback Trent McDuffie to improve a group that was middle-of-the-pack. Winning the division is only the first goal for the Rams. The defending champion Seahawks are likely to experience a notable regression after losing Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker as well as a few pieces from their Top Ten defense. They won’t be terrible, but it’ll be challenging for Seattle to earn a playoff berth. The Niners are a playoff team, but not an elite contender. They made a splash by adding receiver Mike Evans, but he’s 32 years old and it feels like a move that would’ve been more impactful a couple seasons ago. Running back Christian McCaffrey just turned 30, so he might continue to be great…or he might fall off a cliff. Their defense is good but not great, and injuries seem to befall the whole team every year. The Cardinals made some pretty big changes in the offseason, but, with the exception of rookie RB Jeremiyah Love, I don’t know if those changes move the needle all that much. Former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LeFleur is the new head coach. Kyler Murray is out at QB, Jacoby Brissett is in, with rookie Carson Beck the potential future. Love joins a crowded backfield that includes James Conner & Tyler Allgeier. There were a few other losses & additions in free agency, but nothing noteworthy. 

South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers  (8-9) 9-8

New Orleans Saints  (6-11) 8-9

Carolina Panthers  (8-9) 6-11

Atlanta Falcons  (8-9) 5-12

As always it’ll be an entertaining division from week to week, but I view Tampa as clear favorites despite the departures of veteran receiver Mike Evans & linebacker Lavonte David. They drafted for defense and added some depth in free agency. The Saints are making strides. I expect good things from second year QB Tyler Shough, and he has solid skill players to whom he can distribute the ball. They had a Top Ten defense last season and will need that to continue. I’m still not a fan of QB Bryce Young, despite him leading the Panthers into the postseason last year. Sneaking into the playoffs at 8-9 because the division is terrible is a dubious accomplishment. They’ve tweaked the roster here & there, especially the offensive line & a mediocre defense, but the folks in Charlotte shouldn’t anticipate much. I feel like the Falcons are taking one step forward & two steps back, although I do like new head coach Kevin Stefanski. The quarterback competition between Michael Penix Jr. & newly acquired Tua Tagovailoa won’t be won with talent, but by whoever can stay off the injured list. Those QBs do have an impressive trio of weapons with RB Bijan Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts, and receiver Drake London. If Atlanta’s mediocre defense can exceed expectations the team could possibly prove me wrong.

North

Green Bay Packers   (9-7-1) 10-7

Chicago Bears  (11-6) 9-8

Detroit Lions  (9-8) 7-10 

Minnesota Vikings  (9-8) 6-11

Alright, alright…perhaps I’ve been overly harsh with Bears QB Caleb Williams. There’s just something about the dude I don’t like, but the fact that he led the team to a division title and a complete 180 (5-12 in 2024 to 11-6 last season) can’t be denied. Young receivers Luther Burden & Rome Odunze will have to step up after the trade of DJ Moore to Buffalo. The Bears defense ranked near the bottom of the league a season ago, and I don’t think they did enough to fix it. That makes the Packers slight favorites in the division, although they didn’t dramatically improve their roster in the offseason. The defense was just outside the Top Ten in 2025, and I think it could be slightly better now. I really like QB Jordan Love, and he has an impressive array of weapons, especially if tight end Tucker Kraft returns from an ACL injury he suffered midway thru last season. It seems like just yesterday when we were excited about the Detroit Lions, but they took a huge step backward last year and it feels like the window might’ve already closed. The Vikings are excited to have QB Kyler Murray and have seemingly given up on JJ McCarthy. Murray will need every bit of that 4.4/40 speed to run for his life unless the offensive line has gotten much better. It seems like the offseason was focused on tweaking their Top 5 defense, but I think they may actually regress. I wonder how much receiver Justin Jefferson regrets signing that contract extension a couple years ago??

Playoffs: Rams, Eagles, Packers, Bucs, Niners, Bears, Cowboys

NFC Title: Rams vs. Packers

East

New England Patriots  (14-3) 12-5

Buffalo Bills  (12-5) 10-7

New York Jets  (3-14) 5-12

Miami Dolphins  (7-10) 5-12

Firing head coach Sean McDermott was a huge mistake for Buffalo. He was 98-50 in nine seasons, including 12+ wins four times. I understand that everyone had become impatient after seven straight disappointing playoff exits, but the move feels shortsighted. New coach Joe Brady might prove to be a terrific replacement, but I still think the Bills will regress a bit. That means the Patriots are in line for another division title. Adding receiver AJ Brown to a Super Bowl team is almost unfair. The Jets brought back QB Geno Smith, but at age 35, and with 4th round pick Cade Klubnik waiting in the wings, that situation is murky at best. Their defense was in the bottom third of the NFL last year and I don’t foresee much improvement. I am intrigued by new Dolphins’ QB Malik Willis, but unless he’s able to carry the entire offense on his back expectations should be low, and the defense isn’t good enough to win games themselves. New head coach Jeff Hafley used to be the Packers defensive coordinator though, so he might have some tricks up his sleeve.

West

Denver Broncos  (14-3) 12-5 

Los Angeles Chargers  (11-6) 10-7

Kansas City Chiefs  (6-11) 10-7

Las Vegas Raiders  (3-14) 6-11

I undervalued the Broncos a year ago, as they ended up winning the division. If QB Bo Nix hadn’t suffered a broken ankle in a playoff victory over Buffalo I feel like it might’ve been Denver representing the AFC in the Super Bowl instead of New England. If Nix remains healthy & establishes a rapport with newly acquired receiver Jaylen Waddle, and their second ranked defense from last season remains stout, good things could be in store. The Chiefs missed the playoffs in 2025 for the first time in a decade, and that was compounded by the loss of QB Patrick Mahomes with a torn ACL in December. Kansas City lost eight of their final ten games. I’m no medical expert, but the fact that Mahomes is attempting to return just eight months later is dubious at best. Despite the addition of Super Bowl MVP running Kenneth Walker III & a Top Ten defense, a postseason return might prove difficult. That could open the door for the Chargers, who have a Top 5 defense and Justin Herbert, one of the best signal callers in the NFL. They did lose both coordinators though, which is something to keep in mind. Raider Nation seems to be encouraged after drafting QB Fernando Mendoza with the #1 overall pick, but whether that optimism is warranted remains to be seen. Even if Mendoza is the real deal it’ll still take new head coach Klint Kubiak a couple of years to rebuild a broken franchise.

South

Houston Texans  (12-5) 11-6 

Jacksonville Jaguars  (13-4) 11-6

Indianapolis Colts  (8-9) 9-8

Tennessee Titans  (3-14) 6-11

Much like last season, the battle between Houston & Jacksonville for divisional supremacy should be entertaining. The Texans might be even better after fine tuning their offensive line and adding some pieces to the best defense in the league. Meanwhile, the Jags didn’t seem to make any impactful offseason moves. QB Trevor Lawrence enters his sixth NFL season, but after being the first overall pick and drawing comparisons to John Elway & Peyton Manning, it feels like he has underachieved. The Jags’ defense hovered just outside the league’s Top Ten last season, and they’ll need to be atleast as good, if not better. Keep an eye on the Jags/Texans contest in Houston about a week before Christmas…the winner could clinch a division title. As far as the other half of the division, my vibe is that Indy & Tennessee are teams in flux, and we’ll have more of an indication about their future by mid-season. Titans’ QB Cam Ward has potential, and new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll (the former Giants head coach) just might be the guy to help him take full advantage of it. Robert Saleh is Tennessee’s new head coach, and this is an opportunity to prove he’s better than a 20-36 record in three+ seasons with the Jets might indicate. The Colts looked pretty good last year until the wheels fell off in the latter half of the season, a skid that had already begun when QB Daniel Jones suffered an Achille’s injury in December. Even if Jones is healthy I don’t think he is the long term answer, and Indy simply MUST get more out of their mediocre defense.

North

Cincinnati Bengals  (6-11) 10-7

Pittsburgh Steelers  (10-7) 9-8

Baltimore Ravens   (8-9) 7-10

Cleveland Browns  (5-12) 6-11

No one is expecting much from my Steelers, especially after the long overdue departure of head coach Mike Tomlin and the uninspiring hire of Mike McCarthy. The one thing that intrigues me is that McCarthy is an offensive minded guy, which might open things up a little as long as 42 year old quarterback Aaron Rodgers still plays at a reasonably high level. Pittsburgh has the highest paid defense in the NFL, but ranked 26th last season. That simply isn’t going to cut it. The Ravens made the stunning move to fire head coach John Harbaugh, so we’ll see how it works out for them. I get it…he’d been there a long time and hadn’t gotten to the Super Bowl since 2012. One could compare the situation in Baltimore to the Steelers & Mike Tomlin as well as Buffalo & Sean McDermott. Successful, but not as successful as they could’ve or should’ve been. Perhaps the Ravens don’t miss a beat with talented QB Lamar Jackson, battering ram RB Derrick Henry, and a defense that added Trey Hendrickson in free agency. However, Jackson & Henry haven’t led them to the Promised Land yet, and their once mighty defense was ranked in the bottom third of the league. Hendrickson is a nice get, but it isn’t enough. Meanwhile, not to beat an annual dead horse, but the Browns are the Browns. They have yet another head coach (their fifth in the last decade). The QB room includes noted massage enthusiast Deshaun Watson, nepo baby Shedeur Sanders, hobbit Dillon Gabriel, and rookie Taylen Green, who is a long term project at best. They had a Top 5 defense but traded Myles Garrett. That leaves the Bengals, who went from Super Bowl contenders to mediocre to terrible in less than five years, thanks in part to injuries suffered by QB Joe Burrow. He must remain healthy for the team to succeed. They renovated the defense to the point that losing Hendrickson may not even matter. Ja’marr Chase & Tee Higgins might be the best receiver tandem in the NFL. Cincy wins the division almost by default, and it’s possible they surprise everyone…including me…by doing so in dominating fashion. I tend to be a bit conservative though.

Playoffs: Broncos, Patriots, Texans, Bengals, Jaguars, Bills, Chargers

AFC Title: Broncos vs. Texans

Green Bay Packers   24

Denver Broncos         27

Top 5 Picks in 2027 NFL Draft

1 Arizona

2 NY Jets

3 Atlanta

4 Miami

5 Vegas

2026 College Football Pre-Season Top 25

Do y’all remember an episode of Seinfeld when George gets fired from the Yankees?? Since there is a severance package involved he enthusiastically looks at it as an opportunity for a three month vacation, but after a tumble down some stairs leaves him incapacitated the neurotic Costanza laments “This was supposed to be the Summer of George!”. I’ve been feeling that way after encountering some health issues and having two medical procedures in the past few months, which is why I’ve been looking forward to football season. Sitting in front of my 55 inch smart TV and watching wall to wall college football on Saturday & seven hours of NFL Redzone on Sunday is my happy place. I’m not very exciting and don’t lead an…impactful…life, but when one spends enough time dealing with certain circumstances simplicity & small comforts become significant. I have friends & family who, in recent months, have gone to the beach, jetted off to Europe, and taken road trips to some cool places. Conversely, I’ll be happy to spend weekends this fall comfortably ensconced in my humble abode watching countless hours of gridiron action.

25 Tennessee

Last Season: 8-5 (lost Music City Bowl)

Key Games: 9/26 vs. Texas, 10/17 vs. Alabama, 11/21 vs. LSU

The Volunteers QB situation concerns me just a bit, with two freshmen vying to replace former signal caller Joey Aguilar, who is trying to secure a spot on the Jacksonville Jaguars roster. Tennessee also has a new defensive coordinator who has an entirely rebuilt defense via the portal. Perhaps my expectations are too high for a team in the (alleged) toughest conference in the country, but Josh Heupel is a former SEC Coach of the Year, and with all three key games noted above happening in Knoxville I believe atleast one upset and a nine win season are reasonable expectations.

24 Arizona State

Last Season: 8-5 (lost Sun Bowl)

Key Games: 9/12 @ Texas A&M, 10/17 @ Texas Tech, 10/31 @ BYU

I am much higher on the Sun Devils than most. The Big 12 is looking like a dog fight, so one upset could make a huge difference. State will need to make their case on the road, and they’ll probably be another team using multiple quarterbacks after Sam Leavitt bolted for LSU. The offense has undergone a significant rebuild, so State will be leaning on its defense to win games. 

23 Nebraska

Last Season: 7-6 (lost Las Vegas Bowl)

Key Games: 10/17 @ Oregon, 10/31 vs. Washington, 11/27 @ Iowa

It seems like we’ve been waiting a very long time for the Cornhuskers to reclaim the glory they had back in the day when I was a boy. Unfortunately former Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule is a combined 19-19 in his three years at the helm in Lincoln, and this feels like a make or break year for his tenure. Nebraska brings back 69% of their production on both sides of the ball. The question becomes is that a good thing from a team that was 7-6?? How much does stability matter in college football nowadays, and is the number deceiving anyway since Dylan Raiola bolted to be the backup quarterback at Oregon?? I suppose we’ll find out the answers, and I think it is possible that Rhule, with his back against the wall, can pull a couple rabbits out of the hat.

22 Texas A&M

Last Season: 11-2 (lost in first round of playoffs)

Key Games: 9/26 @ LSU, 10/24 @ Alabama, 11/14 vs. Tennessee

A year ago, in his second season in College Station, head coach Mike Elko led the Aggies to double digit wins for the first time since 2012. They return 65% of their production from last season, including QB Marcel Reed. Of course, they also had a program record ten players drafted into the NFL. I think we’ll see a slight regression, and securing a playoff berth will be challenging, but don’t be surprised if A&M sneaks into the tail end of the final rankings.

21 Alabama

Last Season: 11-4 (lost playoff quarterfinal)

Key Games: 10/10 vs. Georgia, 10/17 @ Tennessee, 11/7 @ LSU

Head coach Kalen DeBoer enters his third year in Tuscaloosa, and if he can replicate last season’s success it would calm the waters, although we all know the ‘Bama faithful are getting restless since they’ve been without a national title since 2020. I have a feeling they’ll yo-yo between junior QB Austin Mack & freshman Keelon Russell until one of them seizes control of the job. The Tide returns less than 50% of their production from a season ago and lost ten players in the NFL Draft. Having said that, ‘Bama is the horror movie psycho of college football…just when we think they’re dead in the water they rise up. They host Georgia in October, which is huge. Trips to Rocky Top & Death Valley hold the keys for the entire season.

20 Navy

Last Season: 11-2 (won Liberty Bowl)

Key Games: 10/24 vs. North Texas, 10/31 vs. Notre Dame, 12/12 vs. Army

I always have a soft spot for our service academies, not only for what their players become off the field, but also because their games are unique and fun to watch. The Midshipmen have had two consecutive double digit victory seasons under 4th year head coach Brian Newberry, and I’m predicting another one. I don’t think they’ll upset Notre Dame, but keep your eye on the October visit from North Texas that could be significant in determining an AAC champion.

19 Ole Miss

Last Season: 13-2 (lost playoff semifinal)

Key Games: 10/24 @ Texas, 11/7 vs. Georgia, 11/14 @ Oklahoma

Former head coach Lane Kiffin famously ditched the Rebels before the playoff began a season ago, so this will be Pete Golding’s first full year in charge. I’m sure he is happy to have QB Trinidad Chambliss back under center after a tumultuous offseason of legal battles to secure another year of eligibility for the young man. Junior RB Kewan Lacy also returns, so the offense should be solid. I believe it will be an uphill climb to equal last season, but don’t be surprised if Ole Miss upsets an opponent or two and Chambliss is a serious Heisman contender.

18 North Carolina State

Last Season: 8-5 (won Gasparilla Bowl)

Key Games: 10/23 @ Stanford, 11/21 @ Florida St., 11/28 @ UNC

I find ACC football rather prosaic. I don’t know why. However, with Clemson’s era of dominance seemingly over, the conference is atleast more competitive. The Wolfpack have been average at best for quite awhile, with head coach Dave Doeren in that position since 2013 and winning 8 or 9 games eight times. Can they win just one more game?? Can they go on the road and defeat two or three teams that they should theoretically handle easily?? We’ll see. 

17 BYU

Last Season: 12-2 (won Pop Tarts Bowl)

Key Games: 10/17 vs. Notre Dame, 10/31 vs. Arizona St., 11/7 @ Utah

QB Bear Bachmeier, in addition to having a cool name, is only a sophomore. The Cougars also added tight end Walker Lyons from USC and 6ft.6 receiver Kyle Kasper from Oregon. An October upset of Notre Dame in Provo would certainly improve their playoff resume, but even without that, being in the thick of the Big 12 title chase and double digit victories seem like attainable goals.

16 Texas Tech

Last Season: 12-2 (lost playoff quarterfinal)

Key Games: 9/18 vs. Houston, 10/17 vs. Arizona St., 11/26 vs. TCU

Contrary to the legal victories that secured the services of Trinidad Chambliss at Ole Miss for another season, the Red Raiders found themselves on the short end of the stick when it came to the brouhaha surrounding QB Brendan Sorsby, who was supposed to transfer from Cincinnati to Lubbock, but apparently enjoyed gambling on football even more than playing football. At any rate, in addition to the quarterback situation, Tech has to replace almost half their defense that was drafted in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft. I don’t believe they’ll win as many games or be in the Big 12 title hunt, but neither do I think Tech will fall off the map.

15 Southern Methodist

Last Season: 9-4 (won Holiday Bowl)

Key Games: 9/7 @ Florida St., 10/17 vs. Virginia, 11/21 @ Notre Dame

After securing a playoff berth in 2024 the Mustangs fell off just a bit last season, but still had a nice year that could’ve been even better. They lost two overtime games, including one to eventual playoff runner-up Miami. I don’t think they’ll go into South Bend and take down the Fighting Irish in November, but an early season battle in Tallahassee against the Seminoles feels like a winnable contest that could set a positive tone for the year.

14 Georgia

Last Season: 12-2 (lost playoff quarterfinal)

Key Games: 9/26 vs. Oklahoma, 10/10 @ Alabama, 11/7 @ Ole Miss

A year ago, while ranking the Bulldogs 11th, I said that I had a vibe that they wouldn’t be in the SEC title race. To their credit they proved me wrong, winning the conference championship before losing to Ole Miss in the playoff quarterfinals. However, I’m stubborn, so I’m ranking them even lower this preseason. They return a plethora of starters, including QB Gunner Stockton, center Drew Bobo, and defensive backs KJ Bolden & Ellis Robinson IV, but a closer examination of last season reveals that they won a couple of games that could’ve easily been losses. The ball could bounce the other way in 2026, but even if it does, a ten win season is nothing to be ashamed about.

13 Southern California

Last Season: 9-4 (lost Alamo Bowl)

Key Games: 9/26 vs. Oregon, 10/3 vs. Washington, 10/10 @ Penn St.

The Trojans return 15 starters, including senior QB & possible Heisman candidate Jayden Maiava, who has drawn comparisons to Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger. Head coach Lincoln Riley enters his fifth year at the helm, with the past three seasons being solid yet unremarkable. They’ll need to approach double digit wins and upset a contender or two if Riley doesn’t want his seat to start getting a bit warm.

12 Indiana

Last Season: 16-0 (won CFP Championship)

Key Games: 10/17 vs. Ohio St., 11/14 vs. USC, 11/21 @ Washington

I understand that the Hoosiers are ranked in the Top 5 of most other polls. I know they are the defending National Champions. To be honest, I’m not even that sold on quarterback Fernando Mendoza as an NFL level talent, and believe it’s not a stretch to think incoming transfer Josh Hoover, a former starter at TCU, could replicate Mendoza’s success in Bloomington. The Hoosiers added additional talent thru the portal and of course retained head coach Curt Cignetti. Having said all of that, when one looks back and realizes that Indiana defeated Oregon (twice), Ohio St., Alabama, and Miami (FL) en route to perfection, it is simply difficult to fathom duplication of that achievement.

11 Boise State

Last Season: 9-5 (lost L.A. Bowl)

Key Games: 9/5 @ Oregon, 10/10 @ Fresno St., 11/14 vs. Oregon St.

The Broncos headline the revived & revamped Pac 12, which lacks the prestige of its former incarnation. However, if Boise wins the conference and gets to ten wins they will be a serious playoff contender, especially if they put up a fight in Eugene against the Ducks to open the season. I don’t expect Boise to win that game, but if they can keep the score within 15-20 points the powers-that-be will take notice.

10 Oregon

Last Season: 13-2 (lost playoff semifinal)

Key Games: 9/26 @ USC, 11/7 @ Ohio St., 11/28 vs. Washington

I’ll never get use to Oregon in the Big Ten. College football is stupid off the field. Anyway, QB Dante Moore decided to return to the Ducks rather than enter the NFL Draft, where he certainly would have been a first round pick. I suppose being throttled by Indiana in the playoff semis left a bad taste in his mouth. But can they even get that far again?? I think Oregon will need to score atleast one big upset on the road to be in the conversation. If they lose all three key games Moore may regret delaying his professional dreams.

9 Houston

Last Season: 10-3 (won Texas Bowl)

Key Games: 9/18 @ Texas Tech, 10/24 @ Utah, 11/21 @ WVU

The Big 12 is wide open, and I have no idea who may emerge on top. The Cougars return 65% of their production from a squad that won ten games. A key piece of the puzzle is senior QB Conner Weigman, who threw for over 2700 yards with an impressive 147.74 passer rating, added 700 yards on the ground, and had 36 total touchdowns. Houston also added a Top Ten transfer class from the portal. A year ago they were in the thick of the conference title scrum, but a couple of losses doomed their chances. They’ll need to be road warriors this season to flip the script.

8 Texas

Last Season: 10-3 (won Citrus Bowl)

Key Games: 9/12 vs. Ohio St., 9/26 @ Tennessee, 11/14 @ LSU

This will be QB Arch Manning’s final season in Austin, and it seems like the shine has worn off just a bit. Once upon a time Manning was a presumptive Heisman winner who most assumed would be the #1 overall draft pick, but now some are questioning if the hype was just that. The Longhorns weren’t terrible last year, but a season opening loss at Ohio St. set the wrong tone, and losing at Georgia in November doomed their playoff hopes. They have the Buckeyes at home this time, but will still need to win on the road for things to be better than a season ago.

7 Notre Dame

Last Season: 10-2 (declined bowl invitation)

Key Games: 9/6 vs. Wisconsin, 10/17 @ BYU, 11/7 vs. Miami (FL)

Fool me once, shame on you…fool me twice, shame on me. After ranking The Irish #1 a year ago, they thanked me with back-to-back season opening losses to Miami and Texas A&M. The schedule looks a little different this year because realignment has destroyed traditional rivalries, so I would be shocked if Notre Dame doesn’t sail thru the first half of the schedule, and anything less than ten wins and a playoff berth would be a huge disappointment. Sophomore quarterback CJ Carr is back, while running backs Jeremiyah Love & Jadarian Price are now plying their trade in the NFL. That being said, Notre Dame leads the nation in total returning production at 72%, bringing back 14 starters. 

6 LSU

Last Season: 7-6 (lost Texas Bowl)

Key Games: 9/19 @ Ole Miss, 11/7 vs. Alabama, 11/14 vs. Texas

There’s a new sheriff in the bayou, and his name is Lane Kiffin. Former head coach Brian Kelly was 34-14 in just less than four seasons, so Kiffin wasn’t hired to win 9 or 10 games and lead his team to the Citrus Bowl…they are expecting SEC titles & deep playoff runs in Baton Rouge. Kiffin brought in junior QB Sam Leavitt from Arizona St., while LSU is projected to have a Top 5 defense. A mid-September clash at Ole Miss will be hyped by the talking heads for obvious reasons (I’ll be stunned if ESPN’s Gameday isn’t on the scene), but November home games against ‘Bama & Texas will probably decide the conference championship.

5 Ohio State

Last Season: 12-2 (lost playoff quarterfinal)

Key Games: 9/12 @ Texas, 10/17 @ Indiana, 11/7 vs. Oregon

The Buckeyes are at the top of most other polls, but I can’t go there after back-to-back losses (in the Big Ten title game & playoff quarterfinals) to end last season. Talent is never a problem in Columbus. Sophomore QB Julian Sayin returns after passing for 3600 yards & 33 touchdowns with a completion rate of 77% (which led the nation). He finished 4th in Heisman Trophy voting. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith fell off a bit last year after a phenomenal freshman season, but that was due to a quad injury that negatively impacted two games in November. There were some huge departures from the defense. Four of the first eleven picks in the NFL Draft were from Ohio St., with three of those being defensive players. Rebuilding that unit is the biggest key to the team’s success.

4 Washington

Last Season: 9-4 (won L.A. Bowl)

Key Games: 10/3 @ USC, 11/21 vs. Indiana, 11/28 @ Oregon

The Huskies have flown under the radar the last couple of seasons since former head coach Kalen DeBoer left for Alabama after leading Washington to the CFP championship game in 2024. However, coming off a 9-4 finish there is a ton of optimism in Seattle. Washington is another west coast team inexplicably competing in the Big Ten, but I’ll refrain from beating that dead horse. Skill positions took a hit after RB Jonah Coleman & receiver Denzel Boston were drafted into the NFL, but returning QB Demond Williams Jr., who threw for over 3000 yards and scored 31 touchdowns last season, has been compared to Kyler Murray with flashes of Russell Wilson. Defense will be the difference maker, and I think we’ll see the Huskies pull off a couple of big upsets.

3 Utah

Last Season: 11-2 (won Las Vegas Bowl)

Key Games: 10/24 vs. Houston, 11/7 vs. BYU, 11/21 @ TCU

A year ago I overlooked the Utes in the Big 12, but they were in the hunt right to the very end of the season. I expect the conference to be just as competitive this season, if not more so. Head coach Morgan Scalley takes over for Kyle Whittingham, who left for Michigan. However, since Scalley had been the defensive coordinator in Salt Lake City for a decade, I don’t think continuity will be an issue. Senior QB Devon Dampier threw for almost 2500 yards last season, rushed for over 800 yards, and scored 34 touchdowns. Their defense will have to kick it up a notch or two, and Utah needs to defend their home field against some formidable opponents.

2 Penn State

Last Season: 7-6 (won Pinstripe Bowl) 

Key Games: 10/10 vs. USC, 10/17 @ Michigan, 11/7 @ Washington

I’m a big fan of my boy Rocco Becht, who will become the Nittany Lions new quarterback after following head coach Matt Campbell from Iowa St. to Happy Valley. There’s no way around it…last season was a disaster for Penn St., so they needed a total reset. Winning the Big Ten is a tall mountain to climb, but I think it’s doable. There are advantages to being disregarded & undervalued, and this is a team that may just take a few opponents by surprise.

1 Miami (FL)

Last Season: 13-3 (CFP Championship runner-up)

Key Games: 10/3 @ Clemson, 10/17 vs. Florida St., 11/7 @ Notre Dame

We’d been waiting for the once dominant ‘Canes to be a force once again, and last season they made it all the way to the CFP championship game. The ACC might be the most winnable conference in the country, and it’s odd to recall that Miami didn’t even play in the title game last year thanks to close losses to Louisville & SMU. They snuck into the playoff and went on an incredible run, defeating three Top Ten teams before falling to Indiana. Can they do it again?? Miami lost nine players in the NFL Draft, including three first round choices. QB Darian Mensah has transferred to Coral Gables from Duke, and he might be even better than former signal caller Carson Beck. However, the bigger issue is defense, which was Top 5 in the country a season ago. Can they reload?? Will a new look defense be as good as they were last year?? Winning the conference is a priority, in part because it would make the playoff path somewhat less difficult.

Winning & Musing…Volume 2.26

It’s been awhile Manoverse. Your humble Potentate of Profundity has been dealing with some health issues for a few months, but I am on the mend. The good news?? I’ve been watching a ton of sports, including a renewed interest in NASCAR and an effort to be more supportive of my Pittsburgh Pirates. Thru the years, while battling problems that leave me not really sick or even in pain as much as inconveniently incapacitated, I have been thankful to be a sports fan. It has helped me tremendously during some lonely and bleak moments.

Congratulations to the New York Knicks for winning their first NBA Championship since 1973. As y’all know, I don’t pay much attention to pro basketball’s regular season, but I do enjoy the NBA playoffs. My feeble fandom is fueled more by who I dislike for various reasons since I don’t really have a favorite team. When it got down to the final two it became easy to pull for the Knicks, not only because former WV Mountaineer Deuce McBride is a significant role player for the them, but also because of my disdain for San Antonio Spurs President (and former head coach) Greg Popovich. I know he’s been dealing with some health problems and I wish him no ill will, but he’s also been an ignorant blowhard in years past. Then there is Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama, a 7ft.4 center from France who can also shoot from way downtown. He seems like a real prick as well, and standing with his arms folded like a petulant 12 year old girl during the national anthem was a bad look. 

I suppose congratulations are also in order for the Carolina Hurricanes, who won their second Stanley Cup since evolving from the Hartford Whalers and moving south in 1997. I didn’t watch that series though because I just can’t get into hockey. However, I continue to be amused that an NHL team from Canada hasn’t raised the Cup since 1993. #GodBlessAmerica 🇺🇸

MLB has really stepped in it, haven’t they?? If they had just ignored three San Francisco Giants players who wrote a Bible scripture on their “Pride” themed caps the moment would have passed and no one would’ve cared, but instead, they decided to chastise the players and threaten to fine them $10k. To be clear, I understand the rules. Players cannot be allowed to use their uniforms as art projects. I get it. I don’t have a problem with the rule. What has become an issue for all professional sports leagues is their hypocrisy. Players aren’t permitted to deface their uniforms, but the league can do so to uniforms, end zones, basketball backboards, etc. These leagues pick & choose the agendas they want to promote, but the second players who might not agree with the messaging push back they’re in trouble. Here’s an idea. The players are paid to play the game. The fans are in attendance or watching on TV because they want to enjoy the game. Even people who might agree with the sociopolitical statements, at the end of the day, really just want to have fun watching the damn game. I seriously doubt that any slogan painted on the field or stitched onto uniforms has ever been a dealbreaker for people deciding whether or not to attend a sporting event. Sports leagues that focus on anything other than the game are not only damaging their own brand, but inadvertently causing harm to those they’re allegedly celebrating, because now fans who otherwise wouldn’t have paid attention now feel some sort of way. Nobody wins. Just play the game. Don’t invite controversy. It isn’t productive, and it’s actually rather stupid.

What is less interesting than hockey?? Soccer. Therefore, I have absolutely zero interest in The World Cup, unless Team USA makes it to the championship, at which point I MIGHT watch the last few minutes of the game.

The NFL Supplemental Draft is a strange bird that only die hard football fans understand. That being said, in the past it has given us outstanding players like Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter, quarterback Bernie Kosar, and linebacker Brian Bosworth. Okay, Boz was a far better college player than pro, but I digress. The last time a player was selected in the supplemental draft was 2019, but that’s probably about to change. Someone will roll the dice on former Cincinnati Bearcats QB Brendan Sorsby, an admitted gambling addict who is being run out of college football, a sport that is heavily sponsored by DraftKings & ESPNBet. I don’t know if he’ll be successful in the NFL, but I wish him luck,  because the hypocrisy of all these leagues, conferences, and institutions raking in millions of dollars from gambling while simultaneously condemning the activity is pretty gross. 

Should the Pittsburgh Pirates trade pitcher Paul Skenes?? It’s become a topic of discussion in the Pirates ecosystem. He is 24 years old, in his third year, and is signed thru 2029. Anyone who has been a Pirates fan for awhile can tell you how this goes. If Skenes maintains his established level of play for the next few years he’ll be offered a huge contract by the Dodgers, Yankees, or some other big market team. By then he will understandably be tired of losing and want to play on a team with a realistic opportunity to go to the World Series. He’s involved with aspiring actress Livvy Dunne, and if they’re still together, well…Pittsburgh, PA ain’t where it’s at for her. A pitcher plays in, at best, 32 games per season. Even if he wins every game (which is unrealistic) a team still has 130 other games. I am NOT discounting the importance of pitching in baseball. That’d be foolish. I am also not trying to diminish Skenes’ talent. All I’m saying is that, if a team were to offer a king’s ransom for Skenes, including good hitters & fielders that impact every game, some high draft picks, and a pitcher or two that might end up being almost as good as Skenes, I think the Pirates have to be open to the conversation.

You know what else I didn’t watch?? UFC Freedom 250 live from the White House. I got rid of my Paramount+ subscription a long time ago because it really offered nothing I’m interested in and choices had to be made. I wasn’t about to resubscribe for one event, especially since my interest in cage fighting is on par with my enthusiasm for hockey. Having said that, I need to address a couple of things. First, I had no problem with the event being held at the White House. Considering what other Presidents have done inside the place, I don’t think President Trump setting up an octagon on the lawn is that big of a deal. Perhaps a bit weird, but as long as everything is deconstructed afterward it’s fine. Secondly, can self righteous gas bags please stop whining about the dude who called former First Lady Michelle Obama a man?? It isn’t something I would have said, but the same people doggin’ this guy for what he probably perceived as being funny are the same people who have verbally mauled the entire Trump family for a decade, practically jumped for joy when Charlie Kirk was murdered, defended Jimmy Kimmel, and have made no secret of their contempt for half of the American population that doesn’t vote for the correct people (in their opinion). If they are under the delusion that they hold the moral high ground they’re mistaken.

WINNING & MUSING…VOLUME 1.26

It’s time to bid farewell to football and move on to other things, but not before one final update on everything that’s happened the past several weeks.

Congratulations to the Indiana Hoosiers for winning the CFP Championship, going undefeated in the process. I can’t explain the magic. They should’ve been underdogs to everyone they faced in the playoff, yet the Hoosiers, who had never achieved anything of consequence in the 139 year history of the football program, stared down Alabama, Oregon, and the Miami Hurricanes and came out on top every time. Before that they upset Ohio St. in the Big Ten title game. I don’t know what the future holds, but if Indiana is able to repeat their success next season, experts need to grill head coach Curt Cignetti Jr. and find out his secrets.

Since we last met in this space my Pittsburgh Steelers parted ways with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, or he parted ways with them if you believe the official story. Either way, I have a few thoughts:

  • I don’t hate Mike Tomlin, but his shtick had become tedious. Have you ever enthusiastically welcomed company into your home and initially enjoyed the visit, but then a few hours later you’re looking at your watch & yawning, desperately hoping they’ll take the hint that they’ve overstayed their welcome?? I am sure that Tomlin will land on his feet, but the fact is that the time for change had come.
  • Mike McCarthy becomes only the 4th Steelers head coach since 1969, while the Cleveland Browns have had a dozen coaches since the turn of the century. These two franchises are not the same. I have always appreciated that the Steelers value loyalty & stability and don’t hire & fire coaches willy nilly, but I do not believe that losing a coach who had won only ONE Super Bowl in two decades, hadn’t won a playoff game in almost ten years, and hung his hat on an admittedly impressive yet not as impressive as some might think streak of “winning” seasons is some sort of tragedy. Did Tomlin “do more with less”?? Perhaps. But he also underachieved. Both things can be true.
  • Let’s be honest…the issues in Pittsburgh are systemic, and run much deeper than Mike Tomlin. They fumbled the quarterback succession plan after the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger…badly. Actually, that ineptitude began while Big Ben was still playing, as he was clearly washed in his last couple of seasons. Drafting Kenny Pickett in the first round in 2022 was a monumental error in judgement, Russell Wilson was a misstep, and anyone who believes Justin Fields will ever be a great NFL QB is a fool. Aaron Rodgers, while being the best among limited options, is past his prime. Tomlin’s coaching staff was laughably bad (the man has NO coaching tree, which is odd). The powers-that-be tried to mask deficiencies with over-the-hill free agents. The George Pickens trade to Dallas made the Steelers organization look incompetent in real time. While they have spent alot of draft capital to build an offensive line, that group was TRUCKED in the playoff loss to Houston. They had the highest paid defense in the NFL while ranking 26th in the league in total defense, which is a problem. Obviously Tomlin can’t be blamed for ALL of these things, but let’s not pretend that he didn’t wield significant power in building that roster and making those poor decisions. 
  • So what about Mike McCarthy?? I don’t know. It’s an uninspiring, safe hire. He’s clearly a transitional coach. Chances are his team will be competitive yet still not a legit championship contender. Sounds familiar. I’m not particularly impressed with the coaching staff he has assembled, but I’d be happy to be wrong.

Apparently there is an Olympics happening right now 🤷🏻. I had no idea. It is funny that all of those indoctrinated, woke athletes have to perform on literal ice…but not amusing enough for me to watch. However, because news from the event is inescapable, I will offer an opinion. I am pretty sure that most companies have a policy against employees disparaging their employer in public. You can’t go on Facebook or Twitter and talk trash about your boss or workplace and expect to keep your job. Yet multiple American athletes, in the midst of the Olympic games, have apparently spoken negatively about the country they allegedly represent. I find that reprehensible.

Kudos to the Super Bowl LX Champion Seattle Seahawks. Despite the final score, the game was largely a defensive battle dominated by Seattle, which I believe is what most “experts” predicted. It’s nice to see a guy like Sam Darnold, who came into the NFL with so much hype before embarking on a journeyman’s trek during which most lost faith that he’d ever fulfill his potential, grab the brass ring. It is also revealing to watch a franchise tear it down, go all in with a young, first time head coach & a QB that people had given up on, and rebuild a team that had a couple of “winning” 9-8 seasons that were deemed not good enough. As far as the extracurriculars, I’m at the age when I skip most of the stupidity. I have no idea who the dude was that sang the national anthem, and didn’t bother to tune in for anything preceding that. I watched TP-USA’s halftime show, which was a bit too country for my taste. I am perfectly aware that Bad Bunny, who hails from Puerto Rico, is an American citizen. I am sure the vast majority of people who opted out of that show possessed the same knowledge, so for those who thought that was the issue, well, you were wrong just as you are the vast majority of the time. I always mute my television during commercials and see no reason to alter that habit for the Super Bowl, so I cannot participate in discussions involving all of that. I was focused on the football game, which proved that defense still wins championships.

I’ve been fascinated by the sports media’s collective conniption fit surrounding the exclusion of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft & former head coach Bill Belichick from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. First of all, I understand the significance of being a “first ballot Hall of Famer”, but let’s be honest…both men will likely be voted in as soon as next year, which makes the meltdown from the talking heads feel rather hollow. Secondly, Kraft found himself in legal trouble just six years ago for trying to find a happy ending at a massage parlor, so he isn’t exactly a paragon of virtue. As for Belichick, I think we got our definitive answer a long time ago as to who deserves more credit for the Patriots’ “dynasty”. Tom Brady left New England, landed in Tampa Bay, and immediately led his new team to a Super Bowl victory. Conversely, Belichick was 29-38 in his last four seasons without Brady. His overall NFL head coaching record without Brady is 83-104. And let’s not forget the cheating. Not even the NFL could cover all of it up, despite their best efforts to do so. Don’t worry folks…both men will land in Canton someday. Denying them on the first ballot seems like a mere slap on the wrist for the atrocities they committed in the past.

In case you are curious, Zach & I limped to the finish line of our picks, both closing out the season with a 2-5 mark in the final weekend. So I finished with a record of 53-70, while Zach secured the season victory by going 56-67. Hey, atleast we have fun, right?? 🫤

So let’s talk about who did get into the Hall of Fame. 

  • Drew Brees (Saints QB)
  • Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals WR)
  • Luke Kuechly (Panthers LB)
  • Adam Vinatieri (Patriots/Colts Kicker)
  • Roger Craig (49ers RB)

I have zero issues with that class. Craig probably should’ve been in the HoF two decades ago, but what’s done is done. I’m somewhat surprised & disappointed that Hines Ward, Jason Witten, and LC Greenwood didn’t make the cut, and a bit amused that Eli Manning didn’t get voted in, although I believe his surname is his best asset and will get him in eventually.

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 19

Happy New Year Manoverse!! I hate to end our year like this, but I’ve been ill all week and don’t feel particularly verbose. Unfortunately, no matter what happens this week, both of us will finish under .500, but kudos to Zach, who will win the season title. As recently as Thanksgiving I held a commanding eight game lead, but the final month of the season was a completely different story. Zach also won the dynasty league we are in, so he’s pretty good at this stuff.

Observations from Last Week:

  • Drew Brees in the booth > Tom Brady in the booth.
  • Kyle Whittingham is a solid hire for Michigan. Sexy?? No, but who cares?? I’m told that he was “pushed out” at Utah 🤔. We’ll see who benefits more from these changes.
  • The Idiot Rooney in charge needs to initiate a thorough Steelers housecleaning. Fire the entire coaching staff. Fire the entire front office. Fire the whole scouting department. Hell, fire all the ushers & food vendors. Wipe the stank of mediocrity completely out. If they go 0-17 for a few years I don’t freakin’ care. Just DO something!!!!!
  • Absolutely moronic to go for a two point conversion when an extra point will tie the game and send it to OT. I’ll never understand or agree with that logic.
  • I dozed off and missed the Falcons upset of the Rams on Monday night. Just one thing of many that sucks about being sick 🤒.

My Season: 51-65

Zach’s Season: 54-62

Ohio State (-9.5) vs. Miami (FL)

The Buckeyes have been the best team in college football all season. I truly believe they’d be unbeaten if their top two receivers hadn’t missed the Big Ten title game. Conversely, the ‘Canes participation in the CFP has been controversial, although credit must be given for upsetting Texas A&M in Round 1. I’d be stunned if Ohio St. loses, but will be honest in admitting that the points give me pause. But what the hell…I’m probably going to lose this thing anyway, so go big or go home, right?? Surprisingly, Zach concurs.

My Pick: Ohio St.

Zach’s Pick: Ohio St.

Texas Tech vs. Oregon (-2.5)

One of the battles I constantly fight in doing these picks is my head vs. my heart. What I WANT to happen is occasionally in opposition to what I think will actually happen. The only blemish on Oregon’s record is Indiana, and there’s no shame in that. The Ducks hold victories over Iowa, USC, and Penn St. before their season imploded. Meanwhile, the Red Raiders won the Big 12, which is kind of viewed as the adopted child that its siblings don’t like all that much. However, anyone who actually pays attention understands that the conference plays some damn good football. This game comes down to one thing: can Tech’s stout defense slow Oregon down and give their team a chance in a low scoring slugfest?? I think it is possible. Conversely, Zach believes it’ll be a high scoring affair, with the Ducks getting a close victory.

My Pick: Texas Tech

Zach’s Pick: Oregon

Indiana (-7) vs. Alabama

The Hoosiers still have their doubters, and now is their chance to change minds. Is it fair that people question their legitimacy after going undefeated and beating Ohio St. to win the Big Ten Championship?? Probably not, but college football is all about pedigree, legacy, and brand names, and in that regard Indiana has always been perceived as a basketball school. Conversely, there is no one with a more vaunted legacy than The Tide, so much so that they were gifted a berth in the CFP with three losses on their resume. Essentially, it comes down to what one believes in more. Are you beguiled by history and what programs have done in the past, or do you only see what a team has accomplished on the field during the current season?? I think the folks at Indiana understand that this is an opportunity to validate all of their success, regardless of what happens moving forward. Zach respects ‘Bama, but doesn’t think they’ll pull off the upset.

My Pick: Indiana

Zach’s Pick: Indiana

Georgia (-6.5) vs. Ole Miss

It’d be hilarious to see the Rebels win it all just to stick it to former coach Lane Kiffin. Sadly, I don’t believe that’ll happen. It’s one thing to beat up on Tulane in the first round, but the Bulldogs are an entirely different story. When these teams met back in October it was Georgia outscoring their opponent 17-0 in the 4th quarter for the win, but I don’t think they’ll need to do that this time. It might be an entertaining first half, but at the end of the day I foresee a double digit victory for the favorites. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Georgia

Zach’s Pick: Georgia

LA Chargers at Denver (-12.5)

There isn’t a whole lot left to decide about the NFL postseason, including the AFC West title. The Broncos have already won the division, but need a victory to secure the AFC’s first round bye. The Chargers are in the playoffs, but there is still some seeding left to clarify, so a win could be important. Having said that, it feels like the underdogs have already waved a white flag by sitting QB Justin Herbert. So, if we assume Denver will get a fairly easy win, the question is what does that look like?? When these two teams met way back in September it was the Chargers who won with a last second field goal, but this will be a totally different game. Will Denver grab a big lead then call off the dogs?? Might they sit their starting quarterback in the second half?? Could the underdogs score late in garbage time and cover the points?? Sure, let’s go with that. Zach concurs.

My Pick: LA Chargers

Zach’s Pick: LA Chargers

Seattle (-1.5) at San Francisco 

The NFC West has NOT been decided yet, and surprisingly the Los Angeles Rams will not factor in the outcome (though they will make the playoffs). When these teams met in Seattle WAY back in the first game of the season it was Frisco who scored a touchdown with a minute & a half remaining to squeeze out a victory, but that was a lifetime ago. Both teams come into the week with a six game win streak. The winner will secure the NFC’s top seed & a first round bye, which obviously makes it a huge game. It’s a prime time Saturday night kickoff, so don’t make any other plans. I am usually rather jaded and don’t expect many “big” games to live up to the hype, but this one has a chance. Pay attention to the oddsmakers…they know it’ll come down to a field goal either way. In that scenario I’m riding with the visiting favorites. Zach, on the other hand, has faith in RB Christian McCaffrey to lead the Niners to victory.

My Pick: Seattle

Zach’s Pick: San Francisco 

Carolina at Tampa Bay (-2.5)

Win & you’re in, lose and the season is over. Maybe. There is a scenario where the Panthers could lose and still win the division. That is predicated on Atlanta defeating New Orleans, which is more than plausible. However, I’m sure the folks in Carolina would prefer to take care of business on Saturday afternoon. I am a bit surprised by the mediocrity of the Bucs, especially since they were a solid playoff team the last couple of years, but losing seven out of the last eight games has torpedoed their season. If they’d won just a couple of those games we wouldn’t be having this conversation. It is possible that whoever wins the division will enter the playoffs with a losing record, which will become fodder for debate on all the sports talk shows. Anyway, these teams just played each other a couple of weeks ago, with the Panthers scoring a late field goal for the win. I think the outcome will be different this time. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Tampa Bay

Zach’s Pick: Tampa Bay

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 18

Merry Christmas Manoverse!! I have to believe there are some seriously hardcore fans that have been watching Christmas Day NFL games the past couple of years, because there are THREE of them this year. Now, I don’t mind, because we did our family thing last week so my yuletide clam bake will be spent in solitude, firmly ensconced in my humble yet cozy abode. Three football games interspersed with Ralphie Parker and whatever other movies might be on will help me quell loneliness, despair, and memories of what I’ve lost, but surely not everyone’s life is so empty & meaningless?? Are the NFL & their television partners taking a serious gamble?? We’ll see. At any rate, for those who will be making merry with a house full of people, please enjoy every second and take nothing for granted. To the ones who understand my perspective, just know that you are seen. Other folks do get it. Never forget the real Reason for the Season, which should provide even the most melancholy a measure of joy.

Observations from Last Week:

  • I wonder how much of Alabama’s athletic budget goes to officiating crews 🤔.
  • Can we dispense with whole idiotic idea of gifting Group of Five teams a spot in the CFP…please?? Notre Dame, Texas, BYU, and Vanderbilt all would’ve put up a better first round fight.
  • I should’ve known Oregon would take their foot off the gas in the 4th quarter 🙄. They certainly made alot of folks quite happy, while screwing over a bunch of others. IYKYK.
  • Packers backup QB Malik Willis could be an intriguing option for quarterback needy teams this offseason.
  • Am I imagining it, or are more players going down with torn ACLs & other similar injuries than ever before??

My Season: 50-61

Zach’s Season: 53-58

Detroit (-6) at Minnesota

Even as a Steelers fan I can admit that had to be a tough loss to swallow for Detroit. At 8-7 the Lions are hanging by a thread as far the playoffs go. Needless to say this is a must win. Conversely, the 7-8 Vikings might be experiencing a bit of buyer’s remorse when it comes to quarterback JJ McCarthy, their first round pick in the 2024 Draft. The kid might have the potential to be good if he could ever stay on the field. He’s injured…again…which means Minnesota isn’t winning the game. It’s a 4:30pm kick on Thursday, which is probably right around the time most happy families will be eating their Christmas dinner. But don’t worry Netflix…I’ll be watching. Zach agrees with my assessment.

My Pick: Detroit 

Zach’s Pick: Detroit

Denver (-13) at Kansas City 

This game probably looked really good to the folks at Amazon Video not too long ago, but unfortunately for them alot of things can go straight to Hell in a month. Despite their loss to Jacksonville, the 12-3 Broncos are still looking to be the AFC’s top seed and get that first round bye. Conversely, Andy Reid’s Chiefs will miss the postseason for the first time in a decade, and they’ll be starting someone named Chris Oladokun at quarterback. I wish TBS/TNT could add another couple of hours onto their A Christmas Story marathon. Zach understands that KC is a dumpster fire, but believes they’ll find a way to remain competitive.

My Pick: Denver 

Zach’s Pick: Kansas City

Jacksonville (-6.5) at Indianapolis 

The fickle hand of fate has really bent the NFL over and violated it this season. The Colts were going to win their division easily, but then they had to raid an orphanage and take two dozen kids’ elderly Daddy away from them during the holidays to solve a quarterback dilemma, losing six of the last seven games in the process. Meanwhile, the 11-4 Jags have quietly snuck down the chimney and stolen the AFC South. They’re still in the mix for the #1 seed & first round bye, but some things have to fall their way. Thankfully this is just a prosaic 1pm Sunday kickoff, because it probably won’t be much fun to watch if you don’t have RedZone. Zach appreciates what Philip Rivers has tried to do for Indy, but he believes the favorites will get the job done.

My Pick: Jacksonville 

Zach’s Pick: Jacksonville 

Philadelphia at Buffalo (-2)

This was my preseason Super Bowl matchup, and it could still happen. The 11-4 Bills are in a battle with the surprising New England Patriots for the AFC East, and probably need to win both of their final two games. Philly’s road has been bumpy at times, but at 10-5 they’ve already wrapped up their division and would need too many dominoes to align perfectly to grab the NFC’s top seed, which seems unlikely. Essentially, all of the pressure is on Buffalo, especially with the home field. I think it’ll be tight, but with high expectations I believe in Josh Allen to get the job done…for now. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Buffalo 

Zach’s Pick: Buffalo

LA Rams (-8.5) at Atlanta

Are the 11-4 Rams the most overlooked team in the league?? Shockingly, the answer might be yes. Despite a heartbreaking overtime loss in Seattle last week, Los Angeles still has a path to the division title and the conference’s top seed, although I don’t expect that to happen. On the other end of the spectrum, the 6-9 Falcons are the football equivalent of Bull Durham’s Crash Davis, when it is said “you have to respect a ballplayer who’s just trying to finish the season”. Atlanta has won two in a row, and they won’t go away quietly on Monday night. Can they play the spoiler role?? I think they’ll give it a damn fine try,  which means that m-a-y-b-e they lose by 7-ish points. Zach doesn’t have as much faith in the home team as I do and foresees a big win for the Rams.

My Pick: Atlanta 

Zach’s Pick: LA Rams

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 17

Bowl season has already began. Did you know that?? Did anyone even notice?? One of the concerns some had a long time ago about a college football playoff was that it would negatively impact bowl games, and that has proven to be the case. Teams like Notre Dame, Iowa St., Kansas St., and a bunch of 5-7 teams that never would’ve been invited in the past anyway, all turned down bowl bids, because really, if it isn’t the CFP it doesn’t matter. Why bother?? The transfer portal has essentially created a second recruiting period, and when you add the coaching carousel into the mix, coaches who are basically rebuilding a team from scratch on an annual basis, especially if they are in a new place, simply don’t have time to bother with the Kellogg’s Cereal Bowl against a mediocre directional school on a random weekday afternoon the week before Christmas. There is no honor or prestige anymore. A bowl game isn’t a reward, it is a burden. The benefits of extra practice time have evaporated because the team is going to be completely overhauled by spring anyway. NFL prospects aren’t risking their lucrative future with nothing significant on the line, like a national championship. The only entity that benefits from the bowl system these days is ESPN, because football fans will watch those odd matchups at 4pm on a Wednesday, or atleast their televisions will be providing background noise while they’re doing something more important. At any rate, all of this is just another reason why the entire collegiate athletics business model needs totally renovated, with legitimate leadership. I won’t hold my breath though.

Observations from Last Week:

  • Army-Navy rarely disappoints 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.
  • What’s the deal with Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia?? In the wake of finishing second in the Heisman voting to Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, Pavia apparently threw more than one temper tantrum, both in real life & on social media. At 5ft.10 (if that) Pavia is unlikely to make an impact in the NFL, but why torpedo the slim chance that might exist by acting like a petulant brat?? Sit down & shut your pie hole young man 🤐 . Peyton Manning & Marshall Faulk both placed second too, and they did okay in the aftermath.
  • Perhaps there is still hope for Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy 🤔.
  • I laugh at the people who say the Colts should’ve signed Cam Newton or Colin Kaepernick to solve their quarterback problem. Neither one of those guys would have been a better option than Philip Rivers. Sadly, there are no great options, but instead of recognizing that reality some have chosen to interject identity politics into the discussion, because that’s an easy cop out nowadays.
  • Tough season for the KC Chiefs, who were eliminated from playoff contention for the first time in a decade. Then, to make matters worse, Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL late in the 4th quarter, which could impact NEXT season 👀. The dynasty may really be over.

My Season: 48-55

Zach’s Season: 49-54

Philadelphia (-6.5) at Washington

The 9-5 Eagles got back on the winning track last week and hold an insurmountable lead in their division. The 4-10 Commanders have seen their season torpedoed by injuries. As a matter of fact, with nothing to play for they’ve already decided to shut down QB Jayden Daniels for the remainder of the season. I am beginning to wonder if Washington may use their Top Ten first round pick on another quarterback. Crazy?? Perhaps. Shocking?? Possibly. But Daniels, as talented as he may be, is injury prone, and potential can never be realized on the bench. Anyway, Philly should win this Saturday evening matchup rather easily. Zach views the Eagles as inconsistent, but also understands they tend to get their stuff together late in the season. Given the circumstances he is rolling the dice on the visitors.

My Pick: Philadelphia 

Zach’s Pick: Philadelphia 

Green Bay (-1.5) at Chicago

Bold prediction…sort of – don’t be surprised if the 10-4 Bears lose their remaining three games, finish 10-7, and miss the playoffs. Am I putting money on that scenario?? Of course not…but it is more than plausible. One of the teams that would benefit is the 9-4-1 Packers, who are clinging tightly to a wildcard berth, but will be without the services of pass rusher Micah Parsons after he tore his ACL last week. This is a Saturday night game, and it is h-u-g-e. Green Bay won the previous matchup earlier this month by a touchdown, and I think they can do it again despite Parsons’ absence. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Green Bay  

Zach’s Pick: Green Bay 

Las Vegas at Houston (-14.5)

I honestly thought the coaching comeback of Pete Carroll and trading for QB Geno Smith were positive steps for the Raiders, but sitting in the AFC West basement at 2-12 indicates otherwise. Conversely, the 9-5 Texans have been victorious in six consecutive games, which is certainly a switch after they began the season 0-3. They are in a hell of a battle in their division, and haven’t yet clinched a playoff spot. No one expects Vegas to win, but can Houston cover?? Although I am somewhat trepidatious, I will ride with the home favorites. Zach feels like the Texans are peaking at the right time.

My Pick: Houston

Zach’s Pick: Houston 

Tampa Bay (-3) at Carolina

The NFC South has traditionally come down to the wire, but the Bucs have been crowned division champs four seasons in a row. At 7-7 these teams are in a tie for first place, and it looks like a wildcard berth isn’t going to materialize for whoever finishes second. They play each other twice in the last three weeks of the season, and despite losing five of the past six games I still feel like Tampa is the better team. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Tampa Bay  

Zach’s Pick: Tampa Bay 

Tulane at Ole Miss (-17.5)

I have made my feelings clear on the playoff. I don’t believe these participation trophy invitations to Group of Five conference champions is the right way to go. This is actually a rematch, with the two teams having ironically met up way back in September. Mississippi won that game by 35 points. Despite the departure of Lane Kiffin, I’d be surprised if the Rebels encounter any problems administering another beatdown to the Green Wave. Zach has a bit more faith in Tulane to be competitive, but still sees Ole Miss pulling away in the fourth quarter.

My Pick: Ole Miss   

Zach’s Pick: Ole Miss

James Madison at Oregon (-21.5)

Ditto, only worse. The Ducks haven’t lost their coach and they’re a better team than Ole Miss. This could get ugly. Conversely, Zach has even more confidence in JMU than Tulane. He doesn’t think they have enough depth or speed to actually upset Oregon, but he doesn’t believe they’ll lose by three touchdowns.

My Pick: Oregon  

Zach’s Pick: James Madison

Alabama (-1.5) at Oklahoma

We can debate whether or not ‘Bama deserved a playoff berth, but atleast this is a compelling matchup. Actually, it is another rematch because, as I constantly have to remind myself, Oklahoma is in the SEC now 🤦🏻‍♂️. When these teams met in Tuscaloosa a month ago the Sooners defense caused three turnovers that led to 17 points en route to victory that wasn’t secure until the final minute. There has been alot of noise lately about Tide coach Kalen DeBoer bolting after just two seasons to take the Michigan job, which would be insane. At any rate, given that distraction and the home field, I believe Oklahoma will win again with a late field goal. Zach, on the other hand, doesn’t believe The Tide will be rolled by the same opponent twice.

My Pick: Oklahoma  

Zach’s Pick: Alabama

Miami (FL) at Texas A&M (-3.5) 

The CFP committee received some heat for giving the playoff nod to the Hurricanes over Notre Dame, but head to head results matter, and Miami beat the Irish in the season opener. Coincidentally, A&M defeated Notre Dame the following week. The Aggies were unbeaten until they ran into in state rival Texas on Black Friday. College Station provides a huge home field advantage, so, though I don’t think it’ll be a blowout, I believe the home favorites will win comfortably. Zach sees the game as a tossup, but feels like Miami, and especially QB Carson Beck, can be a bit erratic at times. He leans toward it being a much closer game than I do, but with the same result.

My Pick: Texas A&M  

Zach’s Pick: Texas A&M

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 16

Our picks will focus on the NFL this week, but before we get to that let us contemplate the College Football Playoff since the field has now been set.

Imagine if a bunch of suits were to sit in a room and decide whether the Green Bay Packers were worthy of being in the playoffs, or if the berth should be awarded to the Los Angeles Rams. Ponder the possibility of the New England Patriots winning their division but being left out of the postseason while the Buffalo Bills are invited to the party. Laughable, right?? So why is it okay in college football?? Look, this isn’t the time to address all of the issues, but let’s consider a few things. 

First & foremost, there is a clear separation, both in perception and reality, between the “Power Four” & “Group of Five” conferences. While it is a nice story that Tulane & James Madison made the CFP, no one will be surprised when they are obliterated in the first round. It’s way past time for FBS to be divided into two divisions, each with their own national championship. Secondly, what is the point of conference title games when a team can win the championship (Duke) but not be in the playoff, while a team that didn’t even play in that game (Miami) still gets into the playoff?? Make it make sense. How can a team like Alabama that has three losses & were dominated in their conference title game receive a bid, while Virginia, who has the same record and lost their title game in OT, is left out?? 

The NFL is a meritocracy. On the field results…wins & losses…decisive, unemotional, indisputable facts are the only things that matter. Conversely, college football is a beauty contest where brand names, pedigree, money, and PR become deciding factors in important decisions, and it doesn’t matter whether it is two teams (remember the BCS?? 🙄), four teams, 12 teams, or inevitably 16 teams, because the powers-that-be (mainly ESPN) LOVE the debate. It is utterly ridiculous.

Observations from Last Week:

  • “Snow Globe games” (shoutout Scott Hanson) are fun to watch on TV, but there is no way in Hell I’d attend one in person ❄️.
  • I don’t possess enough expertise to analyze what has gone sideways with the Kansas City Chiefs, so let’s just blame their downfall on Taylor Swift.
  • Six months ago no one would’ve said a team is cooked without QB Daniel Jones, but after beginning the season 7-1 the Colts have lost four of the last five games, all while the Jacksonville Jaguars have won 5 of their last 6. Now Indy has to make their playoff push with rookie Riley Leonard, MAYBE Anthony Richardson, or possibly…*checks notes*…Philip Rivers, who is 44 years old & hasn’t played in the NFL since President Trump’s first term. Good luck 👀.
  • Well, two of my six fantasy teams are playoff bound, so atleast I got that going for me, which is nice.
  • The Steelers obviously heard all the criticism concerning receiver DK Metcalf’s lack of involvement in the offense. Keep it up yinzers…apparently it takes a ton of public scrutiny for Pittsburgh’s braintrust to do what should’ve been done in the first place 👊🏻.

My Season: 47-51

Zach’s Season: 44-54

Baltimore (-2.5) at Cincinnati

As a Steelers fan I have no problem opining that yes…that was a touchdown. IYKYK. However, as many times as the Steelers have been screwed over by poor officiating in the past…well, let’s just say I didn’t lose any sleep over this particular questionable call. At any rate, coming into the season the Ravens were amongst the favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, but right now, at 6-7, they need to figure things out quickly just to make the playoffs. Meanwhile, the 4-9 Bengals have looked much better since the return of QB Joe Burrow, but still pissed away a victory in Buffalo last weekend. It’s almost as if we’ve yet to see who either of these teams really are this year, or perhaps what they are and what they were supposed to be are vastly different. With the home field I like Burrow to connect with his elite receiving corps on enough big plays to pull off a slightly surprising upset. Zach points out that the Bengals won the Thanksgiving meeting between these two in Baltimore, but doesn’t think they can do it twice. He agrees that the Ravens were unlucky last week, but still believes they are a superior team.

My Pick: Cincinnati 

Zach’s Pick: Baltimore

 

LA Chargers at Kansas City (-4.5)

The 6-7 Chiefs aren’t winning their division, and though they aren’t mathematically eliminated from the playoffs yet, ALOT has to go their way in the final month of the season. Conversely, the 9-4 Chargers, who aren’t winning the division either, sit in a rather comfortable wildcard spot if they don’t implode in the next few weeks. It would undoubtedly thrill the folks out in Los Angeles to put the final nail in KC’s coffin, but where is the drama in that?? Depending upon one’s level of cynicism, you have to believe that it’d be far more interesting for the Chiefs to retain a shred of hope while casting doubt on the Chargers’ postseason aspirations. Zach is simply looking at the fact that the Chargers are a better team that is peaking at the right time.

My Pick: Kansas City 

Zach’s Pick: LA Chargers

Buffalo (-1.5) at New England

The 8-4 Bills haven’t been quite the juggernaut many might’ve expected this season, but after an epic 4th quarter comeback last weekend they remain in the thick of the fight. Their biggest adversary?? The surprising Patriots. At 11-2 there is no shadow of nefarious tactics or propping of alleged icons. This team is legit. I don’t think there is any chance that Buffalo can overcome the numbers and win the AFC East. However, I do think they’ll avenge an October loss and remind everyone who they are. New England has had a great season and will be crowned division champions, but they are still a young team with lessons to learn. Zach concurs, believing that Buffalo’s recent experience in big games gives them the edge.

My Pick: Buffalo

Zach’s Pick: Buffalo

Green Bay (-2.5) at Denver

The 11-2 Broncos have already exceeded expectations and have a firm grasp on their division, although there is certainly work left to be done. They have won ten games in a row, and I am the type of guy who is less surprised by a bubble bursting than good fortune continuing in perpetuity. The Packers sit at 9-3-1 and are riding a four game winning streak, but they’re in a hell of a dogfight in their division. Can the NFC North put three teams in the playoffs?? Even if that happens, there is a huge difference between a division champion and a wildcard, which could be the 7th seed in the conference. That means this is a HUGE game. As mentioned, I believe bubbles are meant to burst, so I think Denver’s run ends at ten games, but it won’t have much of a negative impact. I predict The Pack & the Detroit Lions will both overcome the Chicago Bears and have an opportunity to be the NFC’s top seed. Zach foresees a high scoring affair, but thinks the Packers will struggle a bit in elevated mountain air.

My Pick: Green Bay

Zach’s Pick: Denver

Indianapolis at Seattle (-11.5)

Good Lord, what is happening in Indianapolis?!?!?? They’ve lost 3 of the past 4 games, now sit behind Jacksonville & Houston in the AFC South, could miss out on a wildcard berth, and won’t have the services of starting QB Daniel Jones down the stretch due to an achilles injury. It probably can’t get much worse for the Colts. Conversely, the 10-3 Seahawks have won six of their last seven games and sit atop the NFC West alongside the L.A. Rams. The  conference’s top seed remains very much in their grasp. This would’ve been a far more entertaining contest a month ago, but now it seems like a foregone conclusion, with only the margin of victory in question. Can Seattle cover the points?? With one of the league’s best home fields I believe they will. Zach agrees that Indy is a dumpster fire, but the points are just too much.

My Pick: Seattle

Zach’s Pick: Indianapolis

 

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 15

It seems like just yesterday we were talking about season openers, yet here we are on the cusp of Championship Weekend in college football. That’s our focus for now…we’ll get back to the NFL next weekend. There’s alot happening, with the coaching carousel, playoff maneuvering, and bowl bids going out soon, but the games this weekend are meaningful and will have tentacles that reach into the future. Enjoy.

Observations from Last Week:

  • I was pleasantly shocked by Cincinnati’s Thanksgiving night upset of the Ravens. Five turnovers almost never bodes well, and it’s unusual to see Baltimore make so many mistakes. Sadly, my Steelers couldn’t take advantage of the early holiday gift.
  • Clearly WVU’s fandom is transactional. Sure, it’s been a terrible season, but it was embarrassing to see the sparse crowd gathered at Mountaineer Field on a lovely November afternoon for a game against a Top 5 opponent. Why would any talented athlete want to matriculate to Morgantown??
  • Can we just go ahead & split NCAA Division 1 football into two levels with two championships?? The Power 4 conferences (and Notre Dame 🙄) can argue about 16 playoff spots (although conference title games should be Round 1…kind of the reverse of four teams getting first round byes), while the rest would have a legit opportunity to compete for something meaningful.
  • Puka Nakua, in addition to having a cool name, is perhaps the best receiver in football right now. 
  • The needs in fantasy football & real football are frequently at odds. Running back tandems, deep receiving corps with multiple talented pass catchers, and prudent game management with an emphasis on time of possession, strong defense, & field position are all beneficial to actual NFL teams, while causing fantasy owners headaches.

My Season: 45-44

Zach’s Season: 41-48

Conference USA Championship 

Kennesaw State (-2.5) at Jacksonville State

I’ll be honest…I am completely out of my depth with this one. I have atleast heard of Jax St. since that is where Rich Fraudriguez had been slumming before he came crawling back to coach at West Virginia (I wish he’d just stayed put). Kennesaw is apparently located on the outskirts of Atlanta. They only began playing football in 2015 and joined C-USA last year, while Jax St. came into the conference in 2023. The 8-4 Gamecocks beat the 9-3 Owls a few weeks ago, and I see no reason that’ll change. It’s a Friday night kickoff on CBS Sports Network in case you have absolutely nothing else happening in your sad little life. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Jacksonville St.

Zach’s Pick: Jacksonville St.

Sun Belt Championship

Troy at James Madison (-22.5)

I really wish my Marshall Thundering Herd were playing in this game, but they couldn’t even achieve bowl eligibility. Hey, atleast their former coach, who left town like a lil bitch a year ago and took most of the players with him to Southern Miss, failed to lead his team to the title game, so that’s nice. At any rate, the 11-1 Dukes only have a respectable loss to Louisville blemishing their record, while the 8-4 Trojans have had a much bumpier road. The home team is winning the title, and I think they’ll cover as well. I can’t believe we’re still talking about “style points” in 2025, but James Madison needs to impress a bunch of people if they hope to grab the Group of Five participation trophy berth in the playoff. Zach concurs.

My Pick: James Madison 

Zach’s Pick: James Madison

American Athletic Championship

North Texas (-2.5) at Tulane

The Mean Green not only have a kickass nickname, but come in with an impressive 11-1 record. Their only loss was an absolute beatdown at the hands of South Florida way back in October. The 10-2 Green Wave (also a cool moniker) have victories over Northwestern & Duke, which is probably why they seem to be favored to snag the Group of Five token playoff spot if they win the AAC title. Both head coaches will be moving on to greener pastures (sorry, I couldn’t resist), but kudos to them for finishing the task at hand. This is being given a prime time Friday night slot on ABC, which is impressive. Tulane won a regular season matchup between the two a season ago, but we all know how much things change from year to year in college football. I usually lean toward the home field advantage in these scenarios, however, I think the visiting favorites get a close win and just barely cover the points. North Texas is apparently hiring former WVU head coach Neal Brown, so hopefully they get to enjoy one last hurrah before he asks their fan base to “trust the climb”…downward into mediocrity (at best). Conversely, Zach feels like Tulane has been battle tested with a tougher schedule, and he believes they’ll come out on top in a shootout.

My Pick: North Texas

Zach’s Pick: Tulane

Mountain West Championship

UNLV at Boise State (-3.5)

This will be the third consecutive year that these teams do battle for the conference championship, with the Broncos winning both previous meetings. 8-4 Boise also won the regular season matchup by more than three TDs. The 10-2 Rebels beat UCLA back in September, which would’ve been more noteworthy three decades ago. Boise has been here before. It’s part of the routine for them. Former Florida & Mississippi St. coach Dan Mullen is in his first season at the helm in Vegas, and he might have an opportunity to build something…if he sticks around, but that’ll have to wait. Boise will be moving to the rebuilt Temu Pac 12 next year, so this is their final opportunity to win an eighth Mountain West title, and I’d be surprised if they blow it. Zach thinks it’ll be tight, but also likes Boise to emerge victorious.

My Pick: Boise St.

Zach’s Pick:  Boise St.

MAC Championship 

Western Michigan (-2.5) vs. Miami (OH)

I haven’t kept up with MACtion since my Thundering Herd left the conference two decades ago, but I remember watching some fun games back in the day. Both teams are 8-4, with both, oddly enough, righting the ship after being 0-3 out of the gate. WMU’s last defeat came at the hands of the Redhawks right before Halloween. This is a neutral site game in Detroit, kicking off at Noon on Saturday, and I expect Miami to defy the odds by once again coming out on top. Zach is pulling for Miami simply because Ben Roethlisberger went there, which sounds good to me.

My Pick: Miami (OH)

Zach’s Pick: Miami (OH)

Big 12 Championship 

Texas Tech (-13.5) vs. BYU

As much of a downer as it has been watching my Mountaineers ineptly try to compete in the Big 12, I will begrudgingly admit that the rest of the conference is (mostly) entertaining to watch. The 11-1 Cougars suffered their only loss to the 11-1 Red Raiders about a month ago. Tech’s lone perplexing defeat came at the hands of Arizona St. in the final 30 seconds of the contest. I really think it’ll be a fun game…maybe the best of the entire weekend. Tech is hoping to lock in a first round bye in the CFP, while BYU needs a win to secure a berth. I’m not bold enough to predict a winner, but do feel confident in anticipating the game will be won by single digits. Zach agrees.

My Pick: BYU

Zach’s Pick: BYU

SEC Championship

Georgia (-2.5) vs. Alabama

Oh for f*^k’s sake 😱!! There seemed to be a real opportunity for the SEC to offer something new & fresh this season, but Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Texas all fell short, so now we’re getting this matchup for the fourth time since 2018. You have to go all the way back to 2013 to find an SEC title game with neither team. Perhaps I am in the minority, but it has become tedious. When they met near the end of September the 10-2 Tide rolled in the first half en route to a three point victory in Athens. This is a neutral site game in Atlanta, which isn’t as big of a home field advantage for the 11-1 ‘Dawgs as one might assume. I still think there are weaknesses in both teams, and neither will ultimately win the national championship, but it’ll be Georgia walking away with their sixth conference crown since the turn of the century. Zach believes coaching makes the difference, and Kirby Smart > Kalen DeBoer.

My Pick: Georgia

Zach’s Pick: Georgia

ACC Championship

Virginia (-3.5) vs. Duke

Ugh 🤦🏻‍♂️. The ACC is already the most prosaic of the “power” conferences, and they couldn’t even  treat us to a title game featuring slightly more appealing teams like Clemson, Florida St., Miami (FL), SMU, or Virginia Tech. Hell, even if UNC was involved we could poke fun at Belichick & his teenage concubine. Anyway, the Cavaliers are 10-2 and just beat the 7-5 Blue Devils a couple of weeks ago. This is a neutral site game in Charlotte, and though I think Duke will put up a better fight in the rematch, it’ll be Virginia winning their first conference championship since 1995. Zach likes Virginia to win the ACC then get beaten decisively in the CFP.

My Pick: Virginia

Zach’s Pick: Virginia

Big Ten Championship

Ohio State (-5.5) vs. Indiana 

This is the big one. #1 vs. #2 before we even get to the CFP. The winner will obviously be the top seed in the playoff, while the loser could conceivably miss out on a first round bye. Very few are questioning the credentials of the unbeaten Buckeyes, except for some who point to games against lesser opponents like Grambling & Ohio U., which is fair criticism. Conversely, despite being undefeated this year and having been a playoff team a season ago, Indiana is still perceived as a basketball school. This is the prime time game on Fox Saturday night, emanating from Indianapolis, and I would LOVE for it to be epic. An instant classic. Win or lose, I would love to watch the Hoosiers prove their doubters wrong and show everyone that they belong on this big stage. Unfortunately, I believe this Ohio St. team is head & shoulders above everyone else. They have too much talent & depth. If they are challenged at all in the postseason it’ll be because of a key injury or some other calamity. Barring that, I’d be stunned if they don’t hoist their 40th Big Ten title & tenth National Championship. In a bit of a shocker that I did NOT see coming, Zach reluctantly agrees that OSU is the best team in the country and should be heavily favored to win it all.

My Pick: Ohio St.

Zach’s Pick: Ohio St.

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 14

It seems that we have arrived at Rivalry Week in college football, atleast the ones left standing after realignment. Most of these games, both college & pro, are happening on Thanksgiving Day & Black Friday, with a couple of huge battles taking center stage on Saturday. I am old enough to remember when only two NFL games…one featuring the Dallas Cowboys and the other with the Detroit Lions…took place on the holiday, but now we’re getting three Thanksgiving pro games and a game on Black Friday, in addition to a half dozen rather entertaining college games. No complaints here. Turkey & stuffing, football, Christmas movies, pie, and a whole lot of football sounds like a great time to me.

Observations from Last Week:

  • Unsportsmanlike conduct on the college level & roughing the passer in the NFL are two of the most ridiculously applied penalties, and that needs to be addressed in the offseason.
  • Why is it a Two Minute Warning in the NFL, but the Two Minute Timeout in college?? Is it a proprietary thing, or are college kids deemed too delicate for an ominous warning?? 
  • When I was a kid and announcers would mention “field goal range”, I thought that meant that the offense was required to make it to a certain area of the field before they were allowed to attempt a FG. I didn’t realize that…theoretically…a field goal can be tried from anywhere, though obviously it is unwise to do so.
  • So…JJ McCarthy is a bust. Alrighty then 🤦🏻‍♂️.
  • I can’t help but wonder what the Steelers offense might’ve looked like with Jameis Winston playing quarterback.

My Season: 42-35

Zach’s Season: 34-43

Ole Miss (-8.5) at Mississippi State 

The conversation surrounding the 122nd Egg Bowl has been dominated by the future of Lane Kiffin, who might be headed for allegedly greener pastures following his sixth season in Oxford. The 10-1 Rebels need help to reach the SEC title game even if they win, but a loss obviously knocks them out. The 5-6 Bulldogs must win to become bowl eligible. Ole Miss leads the series 66-46-6 and have won 4 of the past 5 meetings. I don’t see that changing this year, and though the points do give me pause, I think the favorites win by ten. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Ole Miss 

Zach’s Pick: Ole Miss 

Iowa (-4.5) at Nebraska

This is a relatively new and decidedly intermittent “rivalry”. The teams have done battle on the gridiron 55 times since 1891, but after Nebraska joined the Big Ten in 2011 it has become an annual Black Friday tradition. Both teams are 7-4, and though they’re not in the conference championship conversation, they’d love to finish strong and travel to a great bowl location. It feels like a tossup to me, so I’m riding with the Huskers at home to score a mild upset. Conversely, Zach foresees Iowa slowing the tempo & dominating time of possession en route to a victory.

My Pick: Nebraska 

Zach’s Pick: Iowa

Utah (-13.5) at Kansas

The 9-2 Utes need ALOT of help to back into the Big 12 title game, which seems unlikely. However, the first order of business is to win. That won’t be easy against the 5-6 Jayhawks, who have shown flashes of potential this season but find themselves in a must win scenario to achieve bowl eligibility. I’m not bold enough to pick an upset outright, but I do believe it’ll be closer than two touchdowns. Zach just thinks Utah is the better team. He predicts Kansas will remain competitive thru the first half before the visitors take over and win comfortably.

My Pick: Kansas

Zach’s Pick: Utah

Georgia (-12.5) vs. Georgia Tech

This is theoretically a neutral site game in Atlanta, although Tech’s campus is literally two miles down the road, whereas Athen, GA (home of the Bulldogs) is about 70 miles away. After getting to 8-0 and looking like a sure thing to play for the ACC title, the Yellow Jackets have lost two of their last three games and find themselves on the outside looking in unless a whole bunch of dominoes fall the right way. Conversely, the 10-1 Bulldogs only need Alabama OR Texas A&M to lose to secure a spot in the SEC Championship, which seems plausible. They call this game “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate”, which might be the dumbest freakin’ rivalry name I’ve ever heard. Anyway, Georgia leads the series 72-41-5 and has won seven consecutive matchups. I don’t think that’ll change this year, and I believe it’ll be a rather decisive victory. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Georgia

Zach’s Pick: Georgia

Texas A&M (-2.5) at Texas

Forgive me if I’ve mentioned it in previous years, but I always associate this game with the 1982 Burt Reynolds/Dolly Parton classic The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, in which the winning team is rewarded with a visit to The Chicken Ranch. In case you’re unfamiliar with the movie, though there are plenty of legs, thighs, and breasts, there are absolutely no chickens in sight. At any rate, the Aggies are undefeated and have probably locked up a spot in the CFP, but they need to win to guarantee an SEC Championship appearance, otherwise there’s a chance they could miss out. The 8-3 Longhorns haven’t been as successful as they’d hoped entering the season, but are still clinging to slim hopes of a CFP bid. The game being played in Austin concerns me just a bit, but I’m pulling for A&M to come out on top in an all time classic. Zach views the Aggies as well coached and likes QB Marcel Reed. He thinks Texas has shown improvement, but it won’t matter this week.

My Pick: Texas A&M

Zach’s Pick: Texas A&M

Arizona (-1.5) at Arizona State

The 8-3 Sun Devils still have an opportunity to play for the Big 12 title, but they need a couple other teams to lose. The Wildcats are also 8-3 but aren’t in championship contention. They should receive a fun bowl bid though. It is alternatively called the Duel in the Desert (👍🏻) or the Territorial Cup (👀), and there have been 98 previous meetings dating back to 1899. Arizona leads the series 51-45-1, although State has won six of the last eight games. These two teams feel even enough that the home field plays a role, so I am picking the mild upset. Zach thinks Arizona is the hotter team right now so he’s riding that hot hand.

My Pick: Arizona State

Zach’s Pick: Arizona 

Alabama (-6.5) at Auburn 

To be honest, I didn’t originally plan for us to pick this many games, and considered skipping the 90th Iron Bowl. However, despite the fact that ‘Bama has won the past five meetings and Auburn isn’t very good, I just couldn’t do it. The 5-6 Tigers have to win to achieve bowl eligibility, while the 9-2 Tide haven’t locked in a playoff berth just yet. The Tide has rolled to an all time series lead of 51-37-1 dating back to 1893. I would LOVE to see an upset, although I’m not dumb enough to put money on it. However, I think it is very possible that we see a close contest decided by a field goal in the final minute. Zach has faith in the visiting favorites to dominate in the 4th quarter when it matters most.

My Pick: Auburn

Zach’s Pick: Alabama 

Ohio State (-12.5) at Michigan

In my humble opinion, this is THE greatest rivalry…certainly in college football, and perhaps in the entirety of sports. Simply known as The Game, it has been played 120 times since 1897, with Michigan leading the series 62-51-6. Michigan has been victorious the past four years after Ohio St. had won eight consecutive meetings from 2012-19. Unless you’ve been off the grid for awhile you’re aware that the unbeaten Buckeyes have been the #1 team in the country all season. The Wolverines are a rather low key 9-2, with unfortunate losses on the road at Oklahoma & USC eradicating their conference title aspirations. I’d be quite surprised by an Ohio St. loss, but the points scare me, and the status of injured receivers Jeremiah Smith & Carnell Tate remains up in the air. If those dudes play the favorites win comfortably, but if they don’t then the outcome becomes questionable. I will roll the dice on both players being available. Unsurprisingly, Zach is all Blue all the time and has no respect for Ohio St.’s weak schedule.

My Pick: Ohio St.

Zach’s Pick: Michigan 

Green Bay at Detroit (-2.5)

Though it might be an NFC title preview, right now it is a battle for the division crown. The Packers sit a half game behind Chicago, while the Lions are a half game behind Green Bay. The Bears are receiving alot of love at the moment, but I still believe these two teams will surpass them. Green Bay won the season opener at Lambeau, but I think we’ll see a different result this time, with the RB tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs & David Montgomery helping Detroit grind their way to an important win. Zach agrees.

My Pick: Detroit

Zach’s Pick: Detroit

Kansas City (-3.5) at Dallas

The 6-5 Chiefs saved their season…for the moment…with an overtime win over Indianapolis, but the path doesn’t become easier. The 5-5-1 Cowboys also kept their head above water with a surprising victory over Philadelphia. So, once more unto the breach go two teams that had higher expectations yet find themselves scratching & clawing to avoid irrelevance. I wouldn’t be shocked if both eventually make it to the postseason, but neither will I be surprised if both are sitting at home during the playoffs. This game might be better than sweet potatoes & cranberry sauce, and I believe in KC to continue their climb out of the abyss. Zach, on the other hand, feels like Dallas has the momentum and will continue to improve.

My Pick: Kansas City

Zach’s Pick: Dallas

Cincinnati at Baltimore (-7)

Anyone with a brain knew that the Ravens weren’t done, despite beginning the season 1-5. Now, after five straight victories (and because the Steelers are mid at best), Baltimore sits atop the AFC North. Meanwhile, the 3-8 Bengals will have QB Joe Burrow back in the saddle for the first time since he injured his toe way back in September. There’s no way Cincy climbs back into playoff contention, but they will undoubtedly be better with their starting quarterback. This is the nightcap on Thanksgiving, and I’ll probably be watching Christmas movies. I would love to see an upset, but unfortunately that seems unlikely. Zach is a bit more hopeful, as he thinks the Bengals can come out on top in a shootout.

My Pick: Baltimore

Zach’s Pick: Cincinnati 

Chicago at Philadelphia (-7)

I have absolutely zero interest in Black Friday shopping, but even if I did I believe the way that whole thing works is the stores open obscenely early, and all the wackos who actually enjoy the insanity are finished and home by noon. So if you are participating you should still be able to catch the 3pm kickoff…if you have Prime Video. Anyway, it’s a great matchup featuring the 8-3 Bears, winners of four in a row, including a gritty skirmish with my offensively challenged Steelers, against the 8-3 Eagles, who still hold an overwhelming division lead despite forgetting to show up during the second half in their recent loss to the Cowboys. I may be proven wrong, but I’m still not sold on the Bears & QB Caleb Williams. Conversely, Philly’s track record speaks for itself, and it’s way too early to disregard their chance to be repeat champions. Zach believes the Bears just might be for real, and he predicts they’ll find a way to win a close one.

My Pick: Philadelphia

Zach’s Pick: Chicago