Josh Allen

2022 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 19

We’re in the home stretch, and there are a few things to consider. My season lead is only two games. Razor thin. Both of us are under .500, and though it won’t be easy finishing above that mark is always a goal. The NFL playoff picture has become pretty clear, though there are a couple of spots up for grabs and seeding to be determined. As always we strive to offer some variety and not pick games involving the same teams every week, but that becomes difficult late on the season since we logically focus on playoff drama. At any rate, Happy New Year Manoverse. I’m not into making resolutions & don’t believe everything is magically different on January 1st than it was on December 31st. However, I do think there’s something to be said for fresh starts & new beginnings. Hope is a powerful thing, so if you’re heading into 2023 with positivity & confidence I wish you all the best. 

My Season: 53-56

Zach’s Season: 51-58

Dallas (-10) at Tennessee 

I really thought the Titans would have double digit victories & win their division comfortably. Instead they are 7-8 and in a dogfight to even make the playoffs. Conversely, the Cowboys are 11-4 & will make the playoffs, though the Eagles will win the division. Tennessee has lost five in a row & QB Ryan Tannehill was lost to an ankle injury a couple of weeks ago, so it’s an uphill climb to be sure. Having said that, I’m not buying what the Cowboys are selling and haven’t since Day 1. They may win the game, but it’ll be a lot closer than the oddsmakers believe. Zach is feeling frisky and has more faith in Dallas QB Dak Prescott than the Titans defense. 

My Pick: Tennessee 

Z’s Pick: Dallas

Jacksonville (-4) at Houston 

No one expected much from either club coming into the season, but the Jags are in the playoff hunt, and despite the Texans probably having a shot at the #1 overall pick in next year’s draft they have become a team no one wants to play after beating Tennessee and giving both Dallas & Kansas City all they could handle. I like the upward trajectory Jacksonville is on their way up, but I don’t believe they’re there quite yet. Houston has embraced the role of spoiler, and I think they’ll get the job done on their home turf. Zach thinks it’ll be close, but believes the visitors will overcome all obstacles late in the second half. 

My Pick: Houston 

Z’s Pick: Jacksonville 

Cleveland at Washington (-2.5)

If the Commanders win their final two games they’ll be in the playoffs. They won’t be mathematically eliminated with a loss, but it would certainly complicate things. Conversely, the 6-9 Browns are exactly who I thought they were. I foresee an easy win for the home team.  Zach concurs. 

My Pick: Washington 

Z’s Pick: Washington 

LA Rams vs. LA Chargers (-6.5)

The Battle of Los Angeles sure would be alot more fun if the Rams were better than 5-10. Meanwhile, the 9-6 Chargers have clinched a wildcard berth. With nothing to play for except pride I think the defending Super Bowl champs will somehow find a way to win. Conversely, Zach thinks the Rams have too many injuries to key personnel to stay competitive. 

My Pick: LA Rams 

Z’s Pick: LA Chargers 

Buffalo (-1) at Cincinnati 

Both teams will playing in the postseason, but that doesn’t mean this game is meaningless. The Bills are battling the Chiefs for the AFC’s top seed & a first round bye, while the Bengals will either win the AFC North or earn a wildcard berth. It’s basically a pick ‘em, and think I like Buffalo given the revenge factor dating back to last years conference title game. Zach boldly predicts a game winning drive led by Joe Burrow, ending with a dramatic score with under a minute remaining. 

My Pick: Buffalo 

Z’s Pick: Cincinnati 

2022 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 8

We’re trying something new again folks!! This week we’re each picking three separate games, and there are four games we’ll both pick. I hope that makes sense. The season contest is tight and there are a plethora of really interesting matchups, so why not shake things up a little bit, right?? 

My Season: 21-18

Zach’s Season: 22-17

Mississippi State (-7) at Kentucky 

The Wildcats are on a two game losing skid, while the Bulldogs have won three in a row. Kentucky’s Will Levis, a potential Heisman candidate & possibly one of the top quarterbacks in next spring’s NFL Draft, missed last week’s game with a foot injury, and he may or may not be back this weekend. That puts me in an odd position, because with Levis I like the home team, but without him I agree with the oddsmakers. I’m a big believer in home field advantage, so I’m going to hedge my bets and hope that even without Levis the underdogs stay closer that a touchdown. 

My Pick: Kentucky 

Clemson (-3.5) at Florida State

A decade ago this was a marquee matchup, but the Seminoles have fallen on hard times. At 4-2 perhaps a turnaround is on the horizon, but they face a tall task. The Tigers are undefeated and in the playoff hunt. I don’t believe they’ll finish that high, but, as much as I’d love to pick the upset, I don’t think Clemson’s downfall will occur in Tallahassee. 

My Pick: Clemson 

Arizona (-3) at Seattle

The NFC West  certainly reflects parity in the NFL, which is a nice way of saying that none of the teams in the division have separated themselves from the pack & look much more ordinary than most anticipated. I’m not at all surprised that the 2-3 Seahawks have struggled, but the Cards’ 2-3 start is a bit unexpected. I still believe Arizona is a better team, but Seattle enjoys one of the greatest  home fields in the league, and QB Geno Smith has proven himself worthy thus far, so I’m pulling the trigger on an upset. 

My Pick: Seattle 

James Madison (-10.5) at Georgia Southern 

The 5-0 Dukes are ranked in the Top 25 and undoubtedly would like to stay there. The Eagles have lost two in a row and find themselves cellar dwelling in the Sun Belt. This is a 4pm kickoff on ESPN+, and I don’t think many doubt the outcome. The big question is are the points too much?? Zach doesn’t think so. He foresees a huge, high scoring beatdown.

Zach’s Pick: James Madison 

USC at Utah (-3.5)

The Trojans are ahead of schedule thus far, coming into this one unbeaten & ranked in the Top Ten. However, I predicted they’d lose atleast once and specifically mentioned this game and a late November battle with Notre Dame. That being said, I also expected the Utes to be better than 4-2 at this point. Specifically they are 0-2 against ranked teams. Zach thinks USC is actually underrated, and even though he respects Utah’s team speed he smells an upset brewing. 

Zach’s Pick: USC 

Dallas at Philadelphia (-5)

In the immortal words of the late, great Keith Jackson…whooooaaa Nellie!! NBC has themselves a ratings grabber. The Eagles are undefeated, while the Cowboys look like they have one of the better defenses to come down the pike in quite awhile. It doesn’t even matter that they’re starting an undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan at quarterback. Philly has the home field, but it’s possible that Dallas QB Dak Prescott could return from the thumb injury that has kept him out of action the past month. In other words, there are a lot of variables to consider. Zach isn’t sure who’ll come out on top, but thinks the winning margin will be under five points. 

Zach’s Pick: Dallas 

Miami (FL) (-7.5) at Virginia Tech

I’m a sucker for these old Big East battles. Call it nostalgia I suppose. The 2-3 Hurricanes are struggling, but the 2-4 Hokies aren’t any better. I hope everyone is enjoying that ACC money while being an afterthought in college athletics. It’s one of those games that I wish both teams could lose, which obviously won’t happen. Even though my WV Mountaineers beat Tech in Blacksburg earlier this season I still think it’s a formidable home field, so I believe they’ll atleast keep things close. Zach thinks the home team will start hot but cool off on the second half, allowing Miami to pull away for the win. 

My Pick: Virginia Tech 

Z’s Pick: Miami (FL)

LSU at Florida (-2.5)

Even though both teams come into this game at 4-2 and only battling for pride & bowl positioning to a couple of late December games no one will watch it’s still a compelling matchup that ESPN will hype the hell out of to make it seem important. I suppose it does matter to a degree in recruiting, so there is that. The Swamp is a difficult place to play, and the Gators seem to be trending in the right direction after losing three straight in September. Zach believes LSU will be competitive for awhile, but The Swamp is just too big of an obstacle to overcome. 

My Pick: Florida 

Z’s Pick: Florida 

Alabama (-7.5) at Tennessee

We have arrived at this week’s Greatest, Biggest, Most Monumental Game of All Time. The Vols aren’t getting much respect from the folks in Vegas, but perhaps that has more to do with their opponents than anything. ‘Bama is a proven commodity, with a track record of championships & steamrolling opponents…recent history that has actually occurred in this century. Conversely, Tennessee hasn’t won 10+ games in consecutive seasons since the late 90s. But…what about this year?? Not only is Neyland Stadium in Knoxville a daunting venue for visitors, but the home team is undefeated against a pretty solid schedule. The Tide is ranked #3, but struggled to beat Texas A&M last weekend without QB Bryce Young, the reigning Heisman winner who is dealing with an injured shoulder. If Young plays Alabama has a great chance at victory…if he sits again Tennessee should win comfortably. My vibe is that Young plays at less than 100%, leading his team in a valiant effort that falls short. Conversely, Zach thinks it’ll be Alabama’s defense that will lead them to an impressive victory. 

My Pick: Tennessee 

Z’s Pick: Alabama 

Buffalo (-2.5) at Kansas City  

The 4-1 Bills beat the hell out of our Steelers last weekend, but face a much more worthy opponent on Sunday. The 4-1 Chiefs are going to be good as long as Patrick Mahomes is leading the charge, so this game comes down to defense. Will it be a high scoring shootout, or can one of these defenses rise up and prove themselves?? After missing four games with an ankle injury will KC kicker Harrison Butker be active?? I foresee a high scoring game decided by special teams late in the 4th quarter, and The Vibes are telling me the home team will score a mild upset. Zach thinks Josh Allen is actually a better QB right now, and Kansas City can look a little sluggish at times. He thinks a last minute drive to win the game will be led by Allen. 

My Pick: Kansas City  

Z’s Pick: Buffalo