Alright, we’re (mostly) done slumming it with subpar teams & meaningless games. Last week I was 3-2, while Zach was 2-3, which is certainly an improvement for me. With just a few weeks to go in the season we will attempt to focus on consequential games with playoff implications, while trying not to be repetitive. That’s probably easier said than done, but it is the goal. Merry Christmas Manoverse. The last couple of years hasn’t been easy for most of us, but from where I sit the view is atleast brighter & more positive than it was 365 days ago, so we got that going for us, which is nice. I hope y’all get everything that was on your wish list. More importantly though, let’s not ever forget what CHRISTmas is supposed to be about.
My Season: 48-58
Zach’s Season: 44-62
LA Rams (-3) at Minnesota
Who will win the NFC West?? The Rams & Cards split their two matchups, so these few remaining games are huge. Both are likely to make the playoffs, but obviously winning the division is better than being a wildcard. The Vikings haven’t been mathematically eliminated from wildcard contention, and I’m sure spoiling the party for their opponents adds motivation. It’s definitely a must win for the underdogs, but almost as important for the visitors. I just don’t believe that Minnesota will be able to run on Los Angeles’ defense the way they shredded my Steelers a couple weeks ago. It’ll probably be competitive, but the favorites will pull away in the 4th quarter. Conversely, Zach believes in RB Dalvin Cook, and with their playoff lives on the line thinks the home team has what it takes to remain in the hunt.
My Pick: LA Rams
Z’s Pick: Minnesota
NY Giants at Philadelphia (-10)
This is our dud for the week. The only way these teams are getting near the playoffs is if they buy a ticket. However, it’s a division rivalry involving two notoriously feisty fanbases, so perhaps it will be a fun game. Giants’ starting QB Daniel Jones is out for the remainder of the season with a neck injury, but is that really a difference maker?? It’s a vibe thing for me and the points seem to be a bit much, so I’m picking the “upset”. Zach concurs.
My Pick: NY Giants
Z’s Pick: NY Giants
Denver at Las Vegas (-1.5)
In my season preview I predicted both teams would have losing records, but at the moment both are 7-7 and still in mathematical wildcard contention, though admittedly it’s a tough road. I feel like the Raiders are a slightly better team overall, plus they have the home field. Zach agrees and feels like momentum is with Vegas.
My Pick: Las Vegas
Z’s Pick: Las Vegas
Baltimore at Cincinnati (-2.5)
Steelers fans like us will be keenly interested in the result of this one. I acknowledge that it’s going to be an uphill climb for my guys in Black n’ Gold to sneak into the playoffs, but on the other hand they also have a legit opportunity to win the AFC North. The victor of this game will be in first place no matter what happens elsewhere, and since I predicted that Cincy would win the division, and because they have the home field, well…I have to go with the Bungles. Conversely, Zach thinks Coach John Harbaugh has probably learned from recent mistakes and feels as though, in a close game, better decisions will be made to secure the victory.
My Pick: Cincinnati
Z’s Pick: Baltimore
Washington at Dallas (-10.5)
The Cowboys won in DC a couple of weeks ago, but it was close. They will take the division crown easily and have their eye on being the top seed in the NFC, which is a really tight race amongst some very good teams. I suppose the Redskins aren’t mathematically eliminated yet, but this is undoubtedly a must win. It’s Sunday Night Football the day after Christmas, meaning no more competition from Ralphie Parker, Clark Griswold, George Bailey, Ebenezer Scrooge, or any iteration of Santa Claus. It is also one of the fiercest rivalries in the NFL, so you can pretty much toss the records aside. I’m going to venture out on a limb and say the home team wins but won’t cover the points. Zach concurs.
My Pick: Washington
Z’s Pick: Washington
It is weekends like this when I really feel the need to look for a different job. There is so much action I’m going to miss. Of course there’s also the fact that I haven’t been able to go to church in over a year, but that’s a whole other story. Y’all are here for football, right?? A week ago Zach & I both went 5-3, which is pretty good for us. I understand that much of the attention in the sports world is focused on the impending World Series, but luckily for The Manoverse I can multitask. There are some big games that we are ignoring this week (atleast in this space) for various reasons, but I think we have cobbled together a worthy lineup. Enjoy.
TCU (-3) at Kansas State
Baylor at Oklahoma State (-3)
Miami at Buffalo (-17)
Arizona at NY Giants (-3)
As I am writing this I’m watching the Packers play the Eagles on Thursday Night Football, and there is also a college game of little consequence over on ESPN, so a weekend full of gridiron action has already begun. Before we move forward though let’s travel back to last weekend, when we both went 3-2. That brings me back above .500 for the season, with Zach still a couple of games behind. The overall schedule isn’t very compelling this go round, especially when trying to avoid focusing on the same teams every weekend. I kind of miss parity in football and hope it returns soon.
Ohio State (-17) at Nebraska
Hey, have you heard that the Giants have a new quarterback?? While I think it’s too early to fall at the feet of rookie Daniel Jones and weep in 
the presence of his glory, I’ve always felt like Eli Manning was overrated and don’t think he belongs anywhere near the Hall of Fame unless it’s to attend the induction of his brother Peyton. The next several games won’t be easy for the Giants while running back Saquon Barkley is out with a high ankle sprain, so it’s going to be up to their defense to carry the team and let Jones ease into his starting role. The Redskins are 0-3 and a total dumpster fire. I’ve been expecting head coach Jay Gruden to get the axe for a few years now, and his stubborn refusal to replace QB Case Keenum with rookie Dwayne Haskins may finally spell his doom. Having said that, my expectation is that Jones will be made to look like the rookie that he is by the Redskins defense, and I’ll even go out on a limb and predict that Haskins will get in the game at some point and lead his team to victory. Conversely, Zach is all in on Jones and foresees a double digit Giants win.
The Manofesto 