Red River Shootout

2026 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 7

Allow me to give y’all some inside scoop, and forgive me if I’ve covered this territory previously. Here is a basic outline of how the process works. I look at the college & NFL schedules and choose a minimum of five games to pick. This time of year I lean more heavily on college games simply because when their season ends we still have a month of pro games, so I exercise restraint with those right now. It is undeniable that some teams (at both levels) are more interesting than others. You’ll rarely see us opine about a Syracuse/Boston College matchup, or a riveting Sunday afternoon battle between the Jets & Cardinals. That being said, I don’t enjoy being redundant, so we try not to pick games involving the same teams we just debated last week. There’s also the matter of my mood. Seriously. Clearly this is fun or we wouldn’t do it. That being said, sometimes I get busy or distracted with other matters, and occasionally I simply misplace my motivation. Thankfully those aren’t significant issues. I usually have next week’s games chosen by Sunday, find the point spreads on Tuesday, and message Zach with the pertinent information. I then put my thoughts on the page and finish up with Zach’s picks once I receive them. I put everything together on the site with the goal of publishing a final draft by Wednesday night or Thursday morning. This week I looked at the schedule and became intrigued by way too many games, but I’m feeling frisky so we’re loaded. I’ll try to minimize the verbosity.

My Season: 11-26

Zach’s Season: 17-20

Iowa at Washington (-2.5)

The Hawkeyes were undefeated until a beatdown by Ohio St. on their own field. The Huskies have lost two straight and clearly aren’t living up to my lofty expectations. This is a Friday night game on Fox, and I’ll flip over to it when wrasslin’ is over. I haven’t lost faith in Washington completely, and see them snapping their losing skid while defending their turf. Conversely, Zach is all in on Iowa. He appreciates how well they’re coached and their attention to fundamentals. 

My Pick: Washington

Zach’s Pick: Iowa

Texas (-9.5) vs. Oklahoma

Typically it is one of the most anticipated rivalry games on the schedule, but it’s hard to get amped up about the 2-2 Sooners taking on the #1 team in the country. It’s a neutral site game in Dallas, which is about the same distance from both campuses. I’d love to see an upset because that’s just how I am when I don’t have any strong feelings about either team, but I just don’t see it happening. Zach believes Longhorns QB Arch Manning is overrated, but fortunately for him Oklahoma isn’t very good.

My Pick: Texas

Zach’s Pick: Texas

UCLA at Oregon (-11.5)

Has anyone noticed that the Bruins are undefeated?? Not only that, but they’re outscoring opponents 45-19. The 3-1 Ducks are a different level though, despite an inexplicable loss at Oklahoma St. If this game was in Pasadena I might give the underdogs a puncher’s chance, but in the cozy confines of Autzen Stadium in Eugene I’d be surprised if the favorites didn’t handle their business no matter who starts at quarterback. Zach thinks the underdogs could make things interesting for awhile, but at the end of the day Oregon simply has too much of everything.

My Pick: Oregon

Zach’s Pick: Oregon

LSU (-10) at Kentucky

The 4-1 Wildcats have been making some noise, and they have the home field. The Bayou Bengals still have conference title dreams and playoff aspirations despite a heartbreaking loss at Mississippi a few weeks ago. Unfortunately for Kentucky fans, y’all are still a basketball school, and Lane Kiffin is about to make that abundantly clear. Zach sees LSU as a serious championship contender and doesn’t believe Kentucky poses much of a threat, despite their prolific offense.

My Pick: LSU

Zach’s Pick: LSU

Boise State (-7.5) at Fresno State

The Bulldogs are a solid program that has had intermittent great seasons. They just haven’t been able to hold onto a coach for awhile. Matt Entz is Fresno’s seventh head coach since 2011. Meanwhile, Boise might be one of the steadiest, most consistent programs in college football, and they’re aiming for their first Pac 12 title. It’s a 10:30pm Saturday night kickoff, and I sincerely hope I can stay awake to enjoy what might be a really good game. Zach is impressed by Fresno, but feels like Boise is a more complete team.

My Pick: Boise St.

Zach’s Pick: Boise St.

USC (-1.5) at Penn State

The Nittany Lions have dropped two consecutive games, so their playoff dreams are on life support. Conversely, the 5-1 Trojans only loss was to Oregon, and there’s no shame in that. I have seen a couple of mock drafts that had USC’s 6ft.4, 225lb. QB Jayden Maiava land with our Pittsburgh Steelers, so I am intrigued. Having said that, I still like my boy Rocco Becht, and he’ll have over 100k fans in Happy Valley rooting for an upset. Zach doesn’t think Penn St. is good at all, while he believes USC might be on the cusp of returning to elite status.

My Pick: Penn St.

Zach’s Pick: USC

Georgia (-1.5) at Alabama

The Bulldogs haven’t won in Tuscaloosa since 2007. Wrap your brain around that. Both are unbeaten Top 5-ish teams. The loser probably won’t fall out of the Top Ten, but the winner will be in firm control of an SEC title game appearance. I think it’ll be a tight contest, and obviously the oddsmakers see it that way as well. My vibe is that Georgia is marginally more talented and better equipped to handle big moments. Zach believes the game will be decided in the final minute, and gives ‘Bama a slight edge.

My Pick: Georgia

Zach’s Pick: Alabama

Chicago (-2.5) at Green Bay

The 2-2 Packers have been underwhelming, to say the least. The 3-1 Bears are likely to start Tyson Bagent under center while Caleb Williams recovers from a hamstring injury. That, in addition to the home field, would normally make Green Bay clear favorites, but injuries & other issues have caused them to be ineffective. I think it’ll be a low scoring snoozefest, with turnovers and the leg of rookie kicker Trey Smack making the difference. Zach thinks Chicago is a better overall team and foresees them finding a way to pull off a close win.

My Pick: Green Bay

Zach’s Pick: Chicago

San Francisco at Seattle (-2.5)

The NFC West is up for grabs, but Frisco is undefeated and leads the way at the moment. The defending Super Bowl champs are only a game back though, and they enjoy one of the most significant home field advantages in the NFL. I still believe the Rams will ultimately win the division, but these teams would have to be considered serious wildcard contenders. I like QB Sam Darnold to have a huge game and lead his team to an important victory. Zach likes Niners QB Brock Purdy just a little bit more.

My Pick: Seattle

Zach’s Pick: San Francisco

NY Giants at Washington (-3)

I’m not surprised the Giants are leading the division. I am also not surprised that Washington QB Jayden Daniels has missed the last two games with yet another injury. It looks like Daniels is being forced into a return after backup Marcus Mariota also got hurt last weekend. A win by the visitors shouldn’t be considered an upset. Actually, unless Daniels pulls off a Michael Jordan-esque comeback performance, I don’t see how anyone could pick the home team. Zach believes new head coach John Harbaugh has made a huge difference for the G-Men.

My Pick: NY Giants

Zach’s Pick: NY Giants

Baltimore (-2.5) at Atlanta

Don’t overthink it. The Ravens won’t have QB Lamar Jackson, who is dealing with a sprained ankle. The Falcons seem to be on the verge of a breakthrough, and they have the home field on Sunday night after destroying New Orleans on the previous Monday. I believe the home team wins, and it won’t be particularly close. Conversely, Zach likes Baltimore to win a high scoring affair.

My Pick: Atlanta

Zach’s Pick: Baltimore

Buffalo at LA Rams (-2.5)

The 2-2 Rams haven’t been nearly as dominant as expected, and the return of defensive lineman Aaron Donald has fallen flat thus far. Conversely, the 3-1 Bills seemed to be firing on all cylinders until losing to the Patriots in the final two minutes last weekend. This is quite possibly a Super Bowl preview, but both teams still need to work out the kinks. It’s the Monday night game, and should be a dandy. It’s a coin flip for me, and I’ll take the home team to win by a field goal. Zach is choosing the other side of the coin and counting on the visitors to score a mild upset.

My Pick: LA Rams

Zach’s Pick: Buffalo

2025 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…Week 7

Update: I’ve already lost interest in the MLB Playoffs. Perhaps a Tigers or Mariners World Series appearance could pull me back in. In other news, hockey has started, which is even less appealing to me than another Dodgers championship. On the bright side, my six fantasy football teams are a collective 22-7, which is probably as good as things have gone for me in 25 years of playing fantasy sports. I can’t help but brace myself for the moment everything falls apart, which, sadly, is kind of how my life goes. At any rate, let’s make some picks.

Observations from Last Week:

  • Kudos to the 49ers, who won on Thursday night despite a rash of injuries. Don’t be surprised if Mac Jones gets another opportunity to be a starting QB in the NFL.
  • Are we still handing QB Arch Manning the Heisman?? Drafting him #1 overall?? How bout Drew Allar?? 😂
  • Kind of a weird weekend for me. WV played on Friday night (my power went out & I missed most of the 2nd half). Both Marshall & the Steelers had a bye. 
  • “I thought, after scoring, a lot of times it takes a lot of energy. So I always thought I had done enough just by getting to the end zone. There was nothing left to do but to hand the ball to the ref and put six points on the board.” – Barry Sanders
  • Both of my Super Bowl picks…Buffalo & Philadelphia…lost for the first time, but I remain undeterred. They’ll figure things out by January.

My Season: 21-15

Zach’s Season: 12-24

Ohio State (-13.5) at Illinois

The undefeated Buckeyes remain the #1 team in the land, with no one really posing much of a challenge since Texas on opening weekend. The 5-1 Illini have only a 53 point beatdown at the hands of Iowa St. blemishing their record. It’s a home game for the underdogs, which may give them a puncher’s chance. However, as much as I’d love to see a thrilling nailbiter decided in the waning seconds of the 4th quarter, I don’t believe that’ll happen. Zach’s disdain for Ohio St. is well documented, so his choice isn’t surprising.

My Pick: Ohio St.

Zach’s Pick: Illinois

Alabama (-6.5) at Missouri

The 4-1 Tide seem to have steadied the ship after a season opening loss at Florida St. The undefeated Tigers are flying way under the radar. Some might point to their relatively weak schedule thus far, but wins over Kansas & South Carolina shouldn’t be overlooked. That being said, Missouri has an opportunity to make a statement and secure a signature victory that could define their season. Meanwhile, ‘Bama can’t make us completely forget that some were questioning the future of head coach Kalen DeBoer not that long ago. Alabama has won six consecutive games in this rivalry, dating back to 1978, including a 34-0 shutout last season when Missouri was also a ranked team. I’d love to be wrong, but there’s really no reason to believe in a legit chance for an upset. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Alabama

Zach’s Pick: Alabama

Indiana at Oregon (-14)

Credit where it is due…the unbeaten Hoosiers have been impressive, especially the last few weeks in victories over Illinois & Iowa. They are also coming off of a bye, which feels important. However, the 5-0 Ducks have been a buzzsaw. Not only did they go into Happy Valley and take down Penn St. in double OT, but they just had their bye week as well. These should be two healthy, well rested teams at full throttle. I’d be pleasantly surprised by an upset, but don’t think that’ll happen. Can Indiana keep it close though?? If they were at home I might lean in that direction, but in the unfriendly environment of Eugene, OR it feels like a high mountain to climb. Conversely, Zach really likes Indiana and feels like they are atleast talented & well coached enough to remain competitive.

My Pick: Oregon

Zach’s Pick: Indiana

Oklahoma vs. Texas (-10.5)

It’s the 121st edition of the Red River Shootout, a rivalry that dates back to 1900. Texas leads the series 64–51–5, with each team trading wins back & forth the last several years. The shine seems to be wearing off Longhorns’ QB Arch Manning, who certainly hasn’t resembled his Uncle Peyton or even Uncle Eli while leading his team to a pedestrian 3-2 record. However, the unbeaten Sooners have quarterback issues of their own, with starter John Mateer having recently had surgery on his throwing hand. The injury came at a good time, as Oklahoma had a bye week then played with their backup QB against an overmatched MAC opponent, but this is different. They’re not defeating Texas without Mateer, and even if he returns there’s no way he’ll be 100%. It’s unfortunate, but sometimes that’s just life. Zach predicts a low scoring, run heavy game, with the underdogs figuring out a way to get it done.

My Pick: Texas

Zach’s Pick: Oklahoma

Detroit at Kansas City (-3)

Some folks were starting to lose faith in the Lions after a season opening loss at Green Bay, but now they are 4-1 and once again perceived as one of the best teams in the NFC. Conversely, the once mighty Chiefs are 2-3 after a Monday night loss at Jacksonville, and everyone is wondering what in the world is going on. No one is going to convince me that the absence of WR Rashee Rice has been THAT impactful, and I won’t even lay too much of the blame at the feet of Taylor Swift, whose new album apparently contains a song about Travis Kelce’s junk. Anyway, this game feels like an important moment. Will Detroit continue their winning ways and put another nail in KC’s coffin, or will Andy Reid remind his team just who in the hell they are?? Has Swift really Yoko Ono-ed her fiancé’s career?? Should Detroit be the prohibitive Super Bowl favorite?? We’ll know more on Sunday night, when I think we’ll see a mild “upset”. But is it really an upset?!?!?? Zach foresees a tight battle, perhaps even overtime. Ultimately he thinks the Lions will find a way to prevail.

My Pick: Detroit

Zach’s Pick: Detroit

2023 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 7

Greetings football fans. Hey, it’s my birthday!! Sadly, writing this lil ditty is about as exciting as my day will get, and that’s okay. At any rate, both of us had another mediocre week. I still can’t believe Georgia didn’t cover, and there are no words to explain what the hell happened to our Steelers. But, as Ferris Bueller once stated, life moves pretty fast. It’s time to focus on another weekend of gridiron action, and so we move forward.

My Season: 23-12

Zach’s Season: 20-15

Kansas State (-11.5) at Oklahoma State

We’re leaning heavily into the Big 12 this week, starting with a team I had high hopes for in the preseason. At 3-1, with only a close loss to Missouri blemishing their record, the Wildcats still have an opportunity to meet my lofty expectations. Conversely, the 2-2 Cowboys have lost two in a row and need to stop their downward spiral immediately. This is the prime time Saturday night game on ESPN, so someone somewhere must believe it’ll be fun to watch. The points concern me a little bit because I’m not sure the favorites are as elite as I’d hoped while the underdogs probably aren’t as terrible as the numbers might indicate. Having said that, anyone who has followed us here thru the years knows that I’m loyal to my preseason opinions until they’re proven wrong, so I’m riding with K-State to validate my prognostication with a statement victory. Zach isn’t impressed by either team but thinks the favorites have a more balanced attack that will lead to a comfortable win.

My Pick: Kansas St.

Zach’s Pick: Kansas St.

Texas Tech at Baylor (-1.5)

At 2-3 the Red Raiders look like fighting for bowl eligibility might be their ceiling. Ditto for the 2-3 Bears, who won 12 games & beat Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl just a couple of seasons ago. This feels like a pivotal game that could right the ship of the winner while tossing the loser deeper into the abyss. I have no idea what to expect and usually factor the home field rather heavily into these kinds of decisions, but The Vibes are gently nudging me toward Tech. Zach likes Baylor’s toughness to make the difference in a high scoring affair decided deep into the 4th quarter.

My Pick: Texas Tech

Zach’s Pick: Baylor

Oklahoma vs. Texas (-6.5)

I still call it the Red River Shootout even if the sports media has become too woke to do so. It’s the last time they’ll meet as Big 12 rivals, but unlike so many other great traditions that have been destroyed by conference realignment these teams will continue to battle annually as members of the SEC. After last season’s 6-7 abomination I had no expectations of the Sooners, but thus far they’re 5-0 & proving me wrong. I did have a reasonably high opinion of the Longhorns, but at 5-0 & ranked in the Top 5 they’ve outdone themselves. It’s a neutral site contest at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, with a Noon kickoff. It feels like Texas has much more at stake, with a possible playoff berth in their future if all goes well. Oklahoma looks to have too many obstacles in their path to work themselves into playoff contention, but ruining their opponent’s opportunity would be sweet. I’m looking forward to a real dandy, and think the favorites have enough firepower to win by a touchdown. Zach believes the total points may end up close to 100, with the underdogs scoring a mildly surprising upset.

My Pick: Texas

Zach’s Pick: Oklahoma

Jacksonville vs. Buffalo (-5.5)

I expected both teams to be playoff contenders, but so far I’ve been underwhelmed. I thought the 2-2 Jags would be the bandwagon everyone would jump on, but they lost a game & that spot to the Houston Texans. Similarly, the 3-1 Bills are atop their division, but share the lead with the Miami Dolphins, who have received a lot more buzz. This is a 9:30am kickoff in London on the NFL Network, the second consecutive week for Jacksonville in Merry Old England (they beat Atlanta last Sunday). That gives them a slight advantage in my mind, assuming they just stayed overseas instead of flying back & forth across the pond again. It would be an attention grabbing upset, and possible changing of the guard in the AFC. Zach thinks Buffalo has figured things out after a sluggish beginning to their season.

My Pick: Jacksonville

Zach’s Pick: Buffalo

New Orleans at New England (-1.5)

I feel like this is a must-win for both teams. The 2-2 Saints came out of the gate strong before dropping two straight. Injuries have been an issue. The 1-3 Patriots have folks questioning the perceived genius of allegedly one of the greatest coaches of all time. I could’ve told you years ago that was poppycock, but they kept winning Super Bowls by any means necessary. Witnessing New England’s implosion is delicious fun, and I wouldn’t mind seeing N’Awlins beat them by triple digits. Unfortunately the visitors aren’t that good. Are they good enough to squeak by in a close contest though?? I hope so. Conversely, Zach doesn’t thing Darth Belichick will lose two games in a row. He foresees them taking pressure off whoever starts at QB by establishing a strong running game.

My Pick: New Orleans

Zach’s Pick: New England

2022 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 7

Good news!! We’re both above .500!! After we each went 3-2 in our fun little experiment a week ago it’s back to business as usual. Your Godfather of Cyberspace turns 50 this week, but I don’t have anything too wild planned, and honestly I can’t think of a much better way to celebrate than watching hours & hours of awesome football action. 

My Season: 18-16

Zach’s Season: 20-14

TCU (-6.5) at Kansas 

I almost feel bad for the 5-0 Jayhawks. They’re having their best season in years yet find themselves underdogs at home simply because the 4-0 Horned Frogs beat the snot out of Oklahoma last week. I think that’ll be motivation for Kansas to win comfortably. Zach expects a shootout. He thinks TCU is probably the better team, but believes Kansas will atleast cover the points & may win outright.

My Pick: Kansas 

Z’s Pick: Kansas

Tennessee (-2.5) at LSU

The Vols are 4-0, with wins over Pitt & Florida, while LSU is 4-1, with only a one point loss in their season opener as a blemish on their record. I really like Tennessee, but Death Valley is a tough place for visitors. If this game were in prime time (it should’ve been) I’d really be tempted to pick the underdogs simply because of the atmosphere, but I think the light of day makes it a little less intimidating. Zach views this as Tennessee’s offense vs. LSU’s defense, but, though he has observed improvement, doesn’t think the Bayou Bengals are quite thru taking their lumps just yet. 

My Pick: Tennessee 

Z’s Pick: Tennessee 

Texas (-7) vs. Oklahoma 

The Red River Shootout feels like its being played with cap guns. The Sooners are reeling after two straight losses, while the Longhorns are having a roller coaster 3-2 season themselves. This is a neutral site game at the Palace in Dallas, and I’d really like to pick the upset. However, Oklahoma’s starting QB may or may not play, which is significant. They do have a backup quarterback named General Booty, which is hilarious but not really a factor. Zach thinks Texas is probably the better team, but believes Oklahoma will atleast keep it close. 

My Pick: Texas 

Z’s Pick: Oklahoma 

Texas A&M at Alabama (-24)

Nick Saban & Jimbo Fisher grew up about a half hour away from one another here in northcentral West Virginia, although Saban is about 15 years older. I’m fascinated by this matchup mainly due to the heated words the two exchanged this past offseason and would love to hear what is said during the postgame handshake Saturday night. Unfortunately I don’t think it’ll be much of a contest, as the 3-2 Aggies haven’t found the right combination yet while the 5-0 Tide is rolling, as they tend to do more often than not. The only wild card is the points, and I believe Saban will be particularly invested in embarrassing his old buddy Jimbo. Zach is also looking forward to the postgame handshake, but the points are too scary for his taste. He thinks A&M will keep it respectable. 

My Pick: Alabama 

Z’s Pick: Texas A&M

Cincinnati at Baltimore (-3)

Thankfully for our Steelers the AFC North has gotten off to a pretty bad start as a whole, with the winner of this game taking control of first place with just a 3-2 record. The Ravens lost a heartbreaker to Buffalo last weekend, while the Bengals are on a two game winning streak after losing a couple of close ones out of the gate. I feel like momentum has shifted toward the visitors for the moment, although I expect the division to be competitive throughout the season. Zach really likes Lamar Jackson and foresees him leading his team to a two TD victory. 

My Pick: Cincinnati 

Z’s Pick: Baltimore 

2021 PIGSKIN PICKS OF PROFUNDITY…WEEK 6

Frustrating. That’s the word I’d use to describe the football season thus far. Both my WV Mountaineers and alma mater’s Marshall Thundering Herd have struggled. My five fantasy teams are a combined 4-16. In hindsight both my NFL Preview & preseason poll were way off base. My picks here haven’t gone well at all. Obviously in the grand scheme of life none of it is important, but as a lifelong football fan I pride myself on a certain level of insight about the game, and not knowing diddly squat this year is…unpleasant. At any rate, both myself & Zach were 3-5 last week, so we’ll try to do better. I suppose we can’t do much worse. 

My Season: 14-20

Zach’s Season: 13-21

Oklahoma (-3.5) vs. Texas

The talking heads won’t call it the Red River Shootout anymore, but I still do. The Sooners are 5-0, but haven’t really been blowing anyone away. QB Spencer Rattler is no longer a Heisman favorite, although the team is still in playoff contention. The Longhorns are 4-1 and no one is really talking about them. Can they change that?? As always this is a neutral site game being played in Dallas, and ESPN College Gameday will be on the scene. The Vibes are speaking to me, so I’m picking an upset that shouldn’t surprise anyone who has really been paying attention. The SEC would then have a clear path to putting two teams in the playoff. Zach isn’t sold on Oklahoma and likes new Texas QB Casey Thompson, so he too is thinking upset. 

My Pick: Texas 

Z’s Pick: Texas

Utah at USC (-3.5)

I’m going to give y’all a little inside information. I don’t have much of a life. No wife or girlfriend. No kids. Not much money. I haven’t been a party animal for many years. So on crisp autumn Saturday nights, while others may be doing cool stuff like bonfires or something involving flannel & pumpkin spice, I’m curled up in front of the TV watching college football. And since I’m a night owl I love it when there are compelling west coast games. It’s even better when I have a stake in the outcome, which is why you oftentimes see such matchups here. The Utes are 2-2, and most probably expected better. That triple OT loss to San Diego St. had to sting. Meanwhile, the Trojans are 3-2 and already made a coaching change. This game will set the tone for both teams for the remainder of the season, so it’s pretty big. I know the favorites have the home field, but I smell an upset brewing. Zach believes both clubs are mediocre at best, but he likes the home team to win a close one.

My Pick: Utah 

Z’s Pick: USC

UCLA (-16) at Arizona

College football is just better when the PAC 12 is deep & competitive, and as much as I love underdogs I must admit it’s also more interesting when traditional powers like UCLA are winning games. The Bruins are 3-2 and look like they’re going to have an up & down, inconsistent season. Conversely, the Wildcats are quite consistent. At 0-4 they have been consistently bad. There’s no doubt that the favorites will win the game, but can Arizona muster enough moxy to not get blown out on their home field?? I think maybe they can. Zach really likes Bruins’ RB Zach Charbonnet, a Michigan transfer. He’s a little concerned about the points, but all in on UCLA winning big.

My Pick: Arizona 

Z’s Pick: UCLA

Penn St. at Iowa (-2)

I’m not sure anyone would have predicted a month ago that this would be a battle of two undefeated Top 5 teams, but that’s how things have shaken out. The winner isn’t guaranteed anything since Ohio St. & Michigan are still in the picture, but a victory sure wouldn’t hurt. This is a 4pm start on Fox, which means Gus Johnson will probably be doing play-by-play, and that dude could make paint drying or ice melting into an event. The Hawkeyes get the requisite home field bump, but essentially it’s a pick ‘em, and I think the Nittany Lions have more big play potential. Conversely, Zach believes the home field advantage at Kinnick Stadium is among the best in the nation and will contribute to the Hawkeyes grabbing a thrilling victory. 

My Pick: Penn St. 

Z’s Pick: Iowa 

Cleveland at LA Chargers (even)

As much as I hate to admit it the Browns look like they might live up to the hype. Maybe. At 3-1 they are in a logjam atop the AFC North, so this could be a rather important contest when it comes to playoffs, wild cards, and such. The 3-1 Chargers also find themselves tied for the lead in their division, though they’ve already beaten both the Chiefs & the Raiders. I haven’t gotten a lot right so far when it comes to my preseason prognostications, but the Chargers winning the AFC West is starting to look legit. I have to go with the home team in this one, because I just think Justin Herbert is a better quarterback than Baker Mayfield. Zach concurs. 

My Pick: Los Angeles 

Z’s Pick: Los Angeles 

Buffalo at Kansas City (-3)

It’s going down at Arrowhead!! Look, KC hasn’t been as elite as usual in losses to Baltimore & the LA Chargers, but they’re still a dangerous playoff contender that absolutely no one wants to play. Having said that, Buffalo is the better team right now, with an inexplicable season opening loss to my fading Steelers being the only blemish on their record. This is the Sunday night game, and I know I’ll be glued to the television. I think the home field is huge in this one, so I have to believe the Chiefs will win by a touchdown. Zach, on the other hand, is boldly predicting a huge statement win for the Bills. 

My Pick: Kansas City 

Z’s Pick: Buffalo 

Indianapolis at Baltimore (-7)

Full disclosure…this game is on the docket because WWE wrasslin’ has been a real snoozefest lately and I like to have a reason to be invested in Monday Night Football. On paper Baltimore looks like the clear cut superior team. Injuries have torpedoed Indy’s season, although there is still time to rebound. If QB Carson Wentz can remain healthy 😬 he atleast gives his team a fighting chance, which is what I’m counting on. I’m not sure if the Colts can pull off the outright upset, but I think they can keep it close. Zach is a little concerned about the points so he’s on the same page. 

My Pick: Indianapolis 

Z’s Pick: Indianapolis 

2018 Pigskin Picks of Profundity…..Week 6

It’s my birthday y’all!! However, the difference between 23 and 46 is that doing these picks will be the highlight of my day, sandwiched between doing laundry and going to work later tonight. Adulting really isn’t much fun sometimes. And speaking of no fun…last week was pretty brutal. Zach (4-4) bested me (3-5) and has now taken the season lead. Both of us are still below .500, but for now we’re not going to chase wins with bonus picks.

My Season:     13-18

Z’s Season:     14-17

 

 

 

 

Texas                  vs.              Oklahoma (-7.5)

The Red River Shootout. I know the talking heads don’t use that moniker anymore because of misguided social engineering, but I don’t follow their rules. The 5-0 Sooners have steamrolled thru a fairly mundane schedule and haven’t missed former QB Baker Mayfield at all. The Longhorns are 4-1, but wins over USC & TCU have created a ripple of excitement in Austin, TX that’s been missing for several years. This is a neutral site game being played at the old Cotton Bowl in Dallas, which means no discernible home field advantage for either team. Oklahoma has looked unstoppable thus far, but this will be their first legit test. Texas has shown a spark here & there the past few seasons, but it never amounts to anything. So this appears to be a crossroads for both teams. I don’t know who will come out on top, but I believe that the victor will win by less than a touchdown. Zach concurs. He believes this game will be a high scoring affair with very little defense.

My Pick:     Texas

Z’s Pick:     Texas

 

 

 

LSU (-2.5)           at                Florida

The Bayou Bengals have been en fuego!! At 5-0 they have victories over Auburn, Miami (FL), & Ole Miss, which has them in the playoff conversation. The 4-1 Gators have looked pretty solid and The Swamp is one of the best home fields in college football. I think this will be a fun game, but at the end of the day LSU is clearly the better team. Zach thinks this game will be a lot better than most expect, but his concern is Florida’s inconsistency on both sides of the ball.

My Pick:     LSU

Z’s Pick:     LSU

 

 

 

Kentucky           at                Texas A&M (-6)

Kentucky is good…at football?? We have to go all the way back to 1984 for the last 9 win season for the Wildcats, but at 5-0 it looks like that is a reasonable goal. And with wins over Florida & Mississippi St. we can’t say their schedule has been soft. A&M is 3-2 under new $75 million head coach Jimbo Fisher, which probably has the folks in College Station dissatisfied, but they need to be patient. I’m a little surprised by the points. I know all about The Twelfth Man at A&M, and it’s no shock that folks are a bit hesitant to buy into Kentucky just yet, but a six point spread seems a bit disrespectful. Having said that, I have to go with the favorites. Zach is looking forward to a close game but believes Kentucky is legit.

My Pick:     Texas A&M

Z’s Pick:     Kentucky

 

 

Notre Dame (-6)           at                Virginia Tech

This is probably the best matchup of the weekend, with Notre Dame in the playoff conversation and Tech one baffling loss to Old Dominion away from being a Top Ten team. Of course it’s that inexplicable misstep that has everyone perplexed. If this game were being played in South Bend the Irish would be a double digit favorite, no one would bat an eye, and we probably wouldn’t even be discussing it. But strange things happen in Blacksburg on Saturday nights. I anticipate a really fun & close game, and I’m going to pull the trigger on picking the upset cause that’s how I roll. Zach agrees.

My Pick:     Virginia Tech

Z’s Pick:     Virginia Tech

 

 

Jacksonville                at                Kansas City (-3)

These are probably the two best teams in the AFC right now given New England’s shaky start and Pittsburgh’s dysfunction. I’m not sure that’ll be the case by season’s end, but we’ll deal with that when the time comes. Essentially what we’re all looking forward to seeing is the Chiefs’ high flying offense versus the Jags’ impermeable defense. In my season preview I called Jacksonville RB Leonard Fournette “an injury waiting to happen”, and sure enough he is missing games with a hamstring issue. Is that enough to cost his team this game?? I think it might be. Conversely, Zach likes the Jags’ defense to finally get KC quarterback Pat Mahomes to come crashing back down to Earth.

My Pick:     Kansas City

Z’s Pick:     Jacksonville