For the Los Angeles Rams, despite their 46-9 thrashing of the Indianapolis Colts week 1, respect is still hard to come by. Sure, they’ve succeeded in turning a few heads but many aren’t convinced it wasn’t a fluke. Though most of these non-believers are outsiders and L.A.-hating or east coast biased self-perceiving experts, they have a point. However, not all the critics are outsiders.

Los Angeles is known for its willingness to easily move on to the next best thing. Week 1’s attendance last Sunday at the Coliseum was a clear indication that last year’s record-setting turnout was boosted by bandwagon-jumpers wanting nothing more than to be a part of history, the Rams returning to L.A..

I’ve even heard some so-called Rams fans quicken to slow the roll of excitement from after last week’s impressive beatdown.

“It’s just one game,” they say. And I’m certain many of you are hearing, “It’s only the Colts.”

Funny to me because prior to that game there was the same speculation I hear this week facing Washington. I also heard wonder and doubt. I’m hearing it again. And why not? It’s not only just the second week of the 2017 season, it’s one of the teams in the NFL that haven’t won much lately. What’s more, it’s human nature.

I mean, if you’ve ever been the type that falls in love way too easily then you can begin to understand the inner workings of some fans. In time, you grow into healthy skepticism. And I say “some” because others are simply “glass half empty” types. Avoid them. They’ll drive you nuts.

The disappointment that Rams fans have had to endure has cut deep for quite some time. It makes sense that realistically it will take more than one blowout for all to heal. But I pose a question...

Why not just enjoy victory when it arrives?

Heck, if you’re a fan you’ll spend an entire season following their wins and losses anyway, right? If not, face facts and admit you’re not a fan.

As one fan pointed out, “we deserve this.”

I happen to agree. We had our fill of Fishernomics, cried out for change and got it. Why bring lingering fear and doubt into the new era? If you can make it to the game Sunday, GO! It’ll do your soul some good to be around people that also cheer for the team you love but are afraid to get hurt by yet again. If you can’t go, cheer and believe. What you should be fearing is becoming one of those people that don’t feel at all and don’t believe in anything. Or worse, one of those whining to boycott the NFL because a handful of players decided to exercise the rights this great country affords, the rights those same whiners support.

Really. This is America’s favorite sport. If you can’t get behind it, win or lose, what can you believe in, government? If so, are you saying that you continue to vote because every election turns out exactly as you’ve hoped?

Look, I get that many, especially these days, just don’t “do” love. Many others call those people sluts or whores. Sometimes they even call themselves that. I’m not here to judge, I’m simply saying, if you call yourself a Rams fan (or a fan of any team), then be a fan and learn to love your team. If not, none of us real fans want to hear your bullshit negativity.

~ Out

#LARams #Rams #RamsNation #Football

I hear a bunch of, "Trending, you say? How silly!" Indeed. 

Well, if you've followed me during the regular season you may know that I'm old school and my 'trending' has nothing to do with social media. I could, in fact, rephrase it and simply say, "follow the signs!" 

In a year that sees sports lose Peyton Manning, Charles "Megatron" Johnson, Steve Smith, extremely-old school NFL head coach Jeff Fisher after ousting another in Tom Coughlin the year before, and yes, even Kobe Bryant (we also lost Prince for good) while welcoming a youth movement that includes Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott as two of the NFL's top figures, the NBA's Kyrie Irving emerging as penthouse-worthy in the Finals, even the youngest head coach in pro football's history appointed by the LA Rams in Sean McVay, should it be a huge surprise when the recognized best of the best shows us the possibility that they may never be the best again? 

Yeah-no, I get it, you say the Patriots are still at the top having made it to the big show. And sure, the brilliance of Bill Belichick may never get passed by. But let's be real. Tom Brady can't play forever and the fact remains, players wanna get paid (especially this new school brand-before-ball breed), something New England doesn't do well most of the time. Their plug'n play method is bound to backfire in a major way. I know, I know, I'm committing sin in some parts of the east coast suggesting the Patriots may need to rebuild inside the next few years, so let's move on before someone blames me for a Pats-loving relative's suicide. 

Don't like that perspective? Okay, screw the scenic route, I'll just be blunt. The Patriots get their asses kicked Sunday. 

Here's why: 

The Falcons are just simply more of a complete team with a team defense that steps up their game in the big ones. This unit is tied for the league lead in defensive scores while NE's is bottom 4. The Patriots' offense, as good as it is, is not built to come from behind in a game of this magnitude against a high-scoring team and be advised, they will fall behind Feb 5th. If the defense doesn't go soft and Atlanta doesn't take their foot of the gas the Falcons should be fine. 

Atlanta has too many dangerous weapons and unlike that Super Bowl against the Rams and their Greatest Show on Turf, New England won't be able to cheat or take cheap shots after the whistle (a brilliant second-half adjustment by their coaching staff when obviously out-classed) due to changes in rules since that better protect WRs and QBs. In a nutshell, even genius is out-gunned here. Quite possibly, the era of patriotic luck runs dry and its heroes go the way of the old days when only a few opinions were heard and everyone didn't have their own channel. 

All in fun, Super Bowl Predictions by comparison:  

Myself, resident Prose.com Expert(?): Atlanta Falcons 41, New England Patriots 27  

ESPN Experts 

Chris Berman, NFL Countdown host: Patriots, 27-21

Tedy Bruschi, NFL Live analyst and three-time Super Bowl champion: Patriots, 32-28 

John Clayton, writer/NFL expert: Patriots, 23-20 

Trent Dilfer, NFL analyst: Patriots, 34-27 

Mike Greenberg, co-host of ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike: Patriots, 27-26 

Mike Golic, co-host of ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike: Falcons, 27-24 

Jon Gruden, Monday Night Football analyst/ex-NFL head coach: Patriots, 34-24

Ron Jaworski, ESPN analyst: Patriots, 31-27 

Trey Wingo, NFL Live and NFL PrimeTime host: Falcons, 27-17 

Source: http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18585341/super-bowl-li-predictions-espn-staff-picks-new-england-patriots-atlanta-falcons

Sports Illustrated Experts

Greg Bedard: Patriots, 35-30 

Ben Baskin: Patriots, 28-24 

Greg Bishop: Patriots, 35-31 

Chris Burke: Patriots, 31-27 

Jacob Feldman: Patriots, 34-30 

Jonathan Jones: Falcons 27-17 

Eric Single: Falcons, 31-23 

Source: http://www.si.com/nfl/2017/02/01/super-bowl-2017-predictions-score-picks

www.NJ.com Experts (New Jersey sports) 

Darryl Slater: Patriots, 38-31 

Connor Hughes: Patriots, 27-21 

James Kratch: Patriots, 31-28

Joe Giglio: Patriots, 34-31 

(I'd post a few more but they're all a bunch of freakin' homers!) 

Source: http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/02/super_bowl_2017_picks_predictions_for_new_england.html

*CBS chose to allow the prediction to come from a Madden game: Patriots won, 30-20. 

*OddsShark's Super Computer, which calculates future scores based on past gameplay, has the Atlanta Falcons to win by a margin of around 8 points.  

What say you? 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL! 

Should be another great weekend of football with most of the playoffs positions still up in the air. 

For the bettors, last week continued the switch from early season with the favorites edging out, 8 games to 7 and 1 tie. You know me by now, I'm not playing it safe so don't expect selections you can get anywhere from experts and their consensus picks.  

Let's get it on! 

(NOTE: MOST WEEK 16 GAMES ARE ON SATURDAY. No more byes.  All times posted are Pac time. Handicapping below is done prior to knowing the odds unless unavoidable.) 

Weather Note: Light rain expected for Broncos/Chiefs & Jets/Patriots 

The Game of the Week: 

BALTIMORE RAVENS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The line: Steelers -6, The Game: Sunday 1:25PM NFL Network, The Skinny:

This hardcore rivalry had lost of some of its luster but this week it appears to have returned. This game means a lot and the two teams (and their cities) still hate each other. The Steelers clinch the division title with a victory, a Ravens win means both teams are 9-6 going into the final week of regular season play with Baltimore owning the tiebreaker. The Ravens, winners of their last 4 against Pittsburgh including the week 9 match-up by 7 points, held the top spot but gave it which adds a little fuel to their fire. Also of note, they've been scoring more than the Flacco-usual in recent weeks. But in the end, there's Antonio, LeVeon and Ben, hard to go against any team with three major weapons. They may also have WR Darrius Heyward-Bey and RB DeAngelo Williams back. The D-line is a bit banged up but replacements are stepping in and stepping up.

The phrase, “there will be blood” comes to mind and this one seems worth the time and billing.

Steelers at home take it, 24 – 20

NEW YORK GIANTS @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The line: Giants -1, The Game: Thursday 5:25PM NFL Network/NBC, The Skinny:

The Giants have beaten the Eagles at home by 5 points and I was inclined to give the Eagles credit this week because Janoris Jenkins is hurting, but the Philly defense has tailed off and that makes Eli’s weapons capable of overcoming any edge the Eagles might have. 

Giants, 27 – 21   UPDATE (FINAL): A healthier Eagles team whips Giants, 24-19. 

MIAMI DOLPHINS @ BUFFALO BILLS

The line: Bills -4, The Game: Saturday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny:

This game should be more interesting than it sounds with both seeming evenly matched on paper. The Bills D appears to hold bad teams under 20 points but really needs a healthy DT Kyle Williams (missed Tuesday and Wednesday practices–his back) because they gave up a whopping 214 yards on the ground against this very team week 7. Miami’s D seems to take weeks off on occasion and one stat match-up stands out; the Bills are still the leading rushing team and the Dolphins are 30th against the run. This week, they could also be missing their best cover corner guy, Byron Maxwell (ankle). Weather in the 30s favors the mostly-active QB'd team, no? 

Bills win at home, 20 – 17

NEW YORK JETS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The line: Patriots -16½, The Game: Saturday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny:

The Patriots just beat two winning teams by 13 and 7 points while the Jets just lost to the Dolphins by 21 and allowed 23 points to the 49ers. Face value alone, the Patriots win easily and should cover the spread if it settles under 16 points. Oh, and N.Y. starts the rookie QB, Bryce Petty.

Patriots dominate (unless the weather hinders), 34 – 10

TENNESSEE TITANS @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The line: Titans -5, The Game: Saturday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny:

The Jaguars, losers of 9 straight and full-time head coachless, have at least been competitive and don’t get blown out often. The last game you can call a blowout happened at the hands of the Titans, however. I don’t expect that this time around but the Titans are much too physical now and the Jags are in the lower half of the league stopping the run. Hard to make a case for them here.

Titans wear’em down in the end, 26 – 18

MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

The line: Packers -6½, The Game: Saturday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny:

After losing 4 straight and allowing too many points, the Packers won 4 straight and gave up only points in the teens until last week’s narrow escape of the Bears. Not sure if you chalk that one up to rivalry week or are the Packers as inconsistent as the Vikings who had their butts handed to them by the Colts in a game that didn’t seem like a Zimmer-coached team at all. Since both teams give up and get sacks frequently enough, I have to go with the QB that handles pressure better.

Packers, 21 – 16

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS @ CLEVELAND BROWNS

The line: Chargers -4½, The Game: Saturday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny

The Chargers rank 29th in points scored against them. Guess what? This week it doesn’t matter because Cleveland can’t score. At 31st in both scoring offense and defense the Browns can focus early on who to bypass in the next NFL draft. If you have Phillip Rivers in your fantasy line-up, START HIM!

Chargers going away, 37 – 17

WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ CHICAGO BEARS

The line: Redskins -3, The Game: Saturday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny:

The Redskins blew it last week and make look to take it out on the Bears. Chicago, having only beaten the 49ers in several weeks, is now playing like they should’ve weeks ago when injuries riddled their line-up. The overachievers have fallen back to earth and Cousins & Company should benefit greatly if they haven’t quit themselves. Look for TE Jordan Reed (if he plays, not being 100%) to possibly play as a decor.

Redskins, 28 – 20

ATLANTA FALCONS @ CAROLINA PANTHERS

The line: Falcons -3, The Game: Saturday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny:

The Panthers scored 33 points against the Falcons week 4...but lost by 15. They’ve only managed that many points or more once since. However, their defense has now held both Washington and San Diego offenses to under 20 points the last two weeks so it’s hard to know which unit will show up for this one. The Falcons, coming off two consecutive romps of the Rams and 49ers, might find the going a bit tougher defensively this week. Don’t expect a 15-point victory but Atlanta do expect OC Kyle Shanahan to pour it on as his pre-interview auditions continue.

Falcons win, 30 – 26

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS @ OAKLAND RAIDERS

The line: Raiders-3½, The Game: Saturday 1:05PM CBS, The Skinny:

I didn’t see that Colts-over-Vikings beatdown coming last week. The Colts rose to the occasion like a team fighting for its playoff life but the Raiders stand in their way this week and they have more talent and heart. With a better overall record the Colts and Raiders could easily be a co-Game of the Week. The Raiders clenched a playoff spot already but not the division crown. At home, the Raiders find extra inspiration from their fans so this one goes bad for those believing in Luck.

Raiders, 30 – 23

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS @ LOS ANGELES RAMS

The line: Rams -4½, The Game: Saturday 1:25PM FOX, The Skinny:

This game just may resemble the old-time rivalry. The Rams have a score to settle by way of that fluke 28 – 0 thrashing by the ’niners week 1. Top draft pick Jared Goff is still in concussion protocol but expected to start. This may be good news for the 49ers because both back-up QBs for the Rams probably don’t have the learning curve Goff appears to have. The 49ers are last in total defense while the Rams are last in total offense, not the greatest match-up of the week but something’s gotta give and even without DE Robert Quinn, the Rams D-line figures to create havoc for the chaotic 49ers O-line. In a game like this, it’s usually the offense that breaks down and makes mistakes against a not-so-bad or better defense.

Rams get revenge, 23 – 16

ARIZONA CARDINALS @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The line: ??????? -2½, The Game: Saturday 1:25PM FOX, The Skinny:

In Arizona, these two squared off and when the desert dust settled the score did not and it ended in a 6-6 OT tie. The Seahawks, although somewhat inconsistent, have been playing the best ball of the two since and now they have the backing of the 12th man. Still, Carson Palmer might catch a break if  Seahawks D-lineman Michael Bennett can't go.

Seahawks hold’em off but it’s not easy/spread may not be covered, 17 – 16

TAMPA BAY BUCS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

The line: Saints -3½, The Game: Saturday 1:25PM FOX, The Skinny:

Having played just two weeks ago, losing 15 – 11, Drew Brees no doubt still has that bad taste in his mouth. In a game like this we get to see the value of good coaching and the adjustments made in second match-ups. The Bucs have been a gutsy no-quick team but unless they play a flawless game, they will find that this one a bit more difficult to overcome.

Saints at home, 22 – 20

CINCINNATI BENGALS @ HOUSTON TEXANS

The line: Texans -1, The Game: Saturday 5:25PM NFL Network, The Skinny:

The Bengals haven’t been playing extremely bad in recent weeks despite their losing record and this week A.J. Green could return if ready and if they want him to play a useless game now that they've been eliminated from post-season. However, the Texans may have found an answer on their offensive void to compliment the defense. QB Tom Savage gets the nod to start and ride with the success until he gives reasons not to.

Texans win, 20 – 14

DENVER BRONCOS @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The line: Chiefs -3½, The Game: Sunday 5:25PM NBC, The Skinny:

The say defense wins championships. What they should say is that an exceptional defense can win championships if the offense is at least mediocre, ala last year's Broncos. Denver has lost 2 of their last 3 despite allowing a combined 26 points. That's not a mediocre at best offense right now and unless they suddenly wake up the Chiefs (with arguably a better defense than any of those last three) will hand them yet another loss. Broncos' lead secondary tackler T.J. Ward is in concussion protocol and if he can't play that's a wrap. 

Chiefs protect their house, 17 - 12 

DETROIT LIONS @ DALLAS COWBOYS

The line: Cowboys -6½, The Game: Monday 5:30PM ESPN, The Skinny:

America's team gettin' the attention its used to again. Hard to knock the two year-one additions and they should be on point again this week. The Lions' Matthew Stafford (right middle finger), RB Theo Riddick (missed 2 games already–wrist) and their lead cornerback Darius Slay (nursing a hammie) are causes for concern and they were already facing an uphill climb if healthy. After a 5-game winning streak and holding down 1st-place in the NFC North, the Lions could be facing a 3-game skid (weeks 15, 16, and 17 against Green Bay) to end their season. 

Cowboys start another streak, 30 - 18 

(Games subject to last minute changes as updates arrive.)

That's a wrap! Good Luck & Good Day, Mr. & Mrs Betting Mann!

GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS, GOD BLESS OUR FOOTBALL!

Note: In my personal quest to get a party started here — an NFL community party — I’m taking a break from last season's sports online network as I finish another personal project. I urge anyone to join me with NFL articles of your own, challenging me all in fun or opinionated topics. It's a great place to showcase or store writing of any kind.

It’s only fitting, appropriate, and poetic justice that’s it’s us, the Rams team, organization and nation who are in a position such as this: The San Francisco 49ers can make history this week and the Rams stand in their way…Um, but LET’S NOT! Allow me to explain.

Firstly, in gambling on the NFL you should know that one of the basic tendencies is the home field allowance. It can fluctuate a bit upwards depending on the team but on the regular Las Vegas gives a 3-point sacrifice to the team that plays on their home field. The visiting 49ers are currently underdogs coming to Los Angeles by 3, meaning the Rams are favored by -3 points. This also means that the two teams are considered equal if playing at a neutral location. And of course, to us Rams fans this means that Vegas thinks we’re no better than them, all things being equal. Really?

The ’niners are the top team in points allowed and only they average allowing 30+ points per game in the NFL. Yes, our offense sucks and closes the gap between the two teams but I wouldn’t trade our offense for theirs and I’m sure they would want our defense.

Anyway, if you follow point spreads you might know this but for those that don’t gamble, (one example) if the Rams are favored by 3 points (-3) and you want to bet on them they must win by 4 points. If they win by 3 it’s a tie and ties lose. To beat that spread the ’niners must win or lose by less than 3 points, for those weirdos – I mean, fans – betting on them.

This season, the San Francisco 49ers are last in beating the spread currently at 2-11-1 (2 wins/11 losses/1 tie). Since this bit of information has been tracked (as per Odds Sharks, the premier odds documenters), no team has ever finished with less than three (3) wins ATS (against the spread). More amazing than that, at 2-12 (ATS), the Cleveland Browns can also accomplish history at the same time. But back to the 49ers, of course.

How BEAUTIFUL would this be to be the team on record to do this to them, especially with the year we’ve had? And it’s a record that should stand for awhile. I mean, with all of their bragging about the dynasty years when players on that team called us, “the same sorry-ass Rams,” being able to throw this back at their faces would just be… FREAKIN’ AWESOME and without being time-relevant!

On that happy note, here’s this week’s…

                 The HardKnockers vs The San Francisco 49ers

Neither team has had a great season so let's not expect many if any weekend highlights to come from this game. 

The Rams are last (32nd) in total offense, 49ers are 29th. But believe it or not, the Rams are not the worst passing team, the 'niners are (29th to 32nd). 

Amazingly, the 'niners have the 4th best ground game (to the Rams 31st) and this will be the main problem because the Rams defense can be vulnerable at times missing gaps or by attempting to get the knock-out punch rather than wrap somebody up properly and secure the tackle. 

Overall, the Rams are last in scoring to the 'niners 25th, BUT...  

The gap between the two teams are much father on the defensive side, especially when the Rams defense sustains for 4 quarters, hard to do when your offense can't sustain drives for extended periods of time. 

The Rams defense is ranked 11th. Deceiving because of the offense and the injuries they've had. When all the planets align this unit is easily top 5 in my humble opinion. 

The 49ers have the worst (32nd) defense and it's not deceiving at all. They're just horrible and lead the entire NFL in points allowed, being the ONLY team giving up 30+ points per game. They are also the worst run-stopping team in the league so could this be the game Todd Gurley goes off? 

The Rams have the 9th-best passing coverage but this is deceiving because they're so banged up now (and still, Seattle only scored 24 on them). Without turnovers or the Rams handing them the game, the 'niners shouldn't even see 20 points, and No, don't get it twisted by week 1, they aren't 28-0 better than the Rams. That game was a total travel-caused fluke!  

Basically, this game comes down to how well the Rams stop the run, how many penalties they DON'T get called against them, and the percentage of the book the Rams QB and WRs can get on the same page, which helps the run. So DOable, this game is well within our reach and I'll be predicting in my Thursday picks something like Rams 23 - 49ers 13. 

A Bit of Coaching Info That Adds an Interesting Dynamic  

On Colin Coherd's show, "The Herd" this morning, well-respected ex-NFL head coach Mike Shanahan was directly asked by Colin about expecting the Rams HC opening should the Rams come calling. What he said was interesting and not a bad idea at all. 

He started by saying that winning starts at the top and that a potential hire (or HIM) should ask, How bad do they want to win? "Do they want to make money or do they want to win?" Regarding the Rams, Mike did a really good job of saying that the Rams' front office was a grease fire and 'as is' he wanted no part of it. He also said he really has no head coaching desire and recommended his son...Then it got interesting. 

Colin Coherd tried but couldn't pull the words directly from Mike's lips, but what Mike did say was that he would help the Rams out in some capacity (upwardly, and upon the hiring of his son). Reading between the lines, Colin (and I) understood it to mean, "Hire my son, Kyle Shanahan and you get me as the GM." 

Since it's been reported that the LA Rams might clean house and that the new coach may want to name his own GM this is an interesting possibility depending on what Stan Kroenke actually wants...and Rams fans know he's a businessman more than a die-hard Rams fan. 

Mike made it clear that defense is the important thing, moreso than QB. The Rams have that and I would bet 'straight cash, homie' that son Kyle has or will be getting an earful of Mike's knowledge on prospective teams to go to. He mentioned the Rams and the Jacksonville Jaguars defense by name.  

If the vid's not posted on YouTube yet, part of that interview will be here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDidMd82mpDkKijLUqHp7A/videos 

That’s a wrap! 

Go to my NFL Pros@Prose Picks submission Thursday afternoon to see my prediction for this game and the rest of the league.

Later, Ramily. Horns up!

An important week of football. If the playoffs started this week, every team with a winning record is in!  Meanwhile, Mr & Mrs Betting Man continue to see the favorites try and finish the season strong after a very slow start, going 11-5 last week against the spread.  

Let's begin!

(NOTE: NO MORE BYES. All times posted are Pac time. Handicapping below is done prior to knowing the odds unless unavoidable.)  

The Game of the Week:

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS @ DENVER BRONCOS

The line: Broncos -3½, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny:

Denver’s the only team that’s had success against Tom Brady but this may not be the case in week 15. Despite having the same talented receivers, the Broncos are struggling offensively and their top-rated pass defense and deadly pass rush may not do enough to carry them this time.

Brady has a reloaded offensive weapons stash at his disposal, including the recently-waived-by-Arizona Michael Floyd at WR, a talented but inconsistent target while with Arizona. Expect running backs to get targets out of the backfield to offset the antics of Von Miller & Co.. It’s the game of the week but don’t be surprised at all if it gets ugly and one-sided.

Patriots steal it, 27 – 17

LOS ANGELES RAMS @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The line: Seahawks -15½, The Game: Thursday 5:25PM NFL Network, The Skinny:

Did the Rams fire Jeff Fisher a week to soon? His 5-4 won/lost record against the Seahawks is probably the best of his Rams-related accomplishments, going 26-41 against every other team as Rams coach. The word on the LA streets is that the players are crazy about interim head coach John Fassel and will be playing their collective heart out for him…not to mention, playing for their jobs as well. With Robert Quinn now on IR, Aaron Donald becomes slightly more manageable with the double-team. Looks like an uphill climb facing the pissed off Seahawks who made Green Bay look like Champions Denver Broncos with game played in 30 degree weather. BUT there’s something to be said about the HEART the Rams will show and the Rams have won the last 3 match-ups when few thought they could.

LATE UPDATE: The Rams’ kicked all the coaches out of the locker room just a few hours before pre-game warm-ups. Feelin’ a bit better about the prediction!

Rams play inspired ball, 20 – 16  

FINAL SCORE UPDATE: Seahawks win, 24 –3. So much for candy-coated hope.

MIAMI DOLPHINS @ NEW YORK JETS

The line: Dolphins -2½, The Game: Saturday 5:25PM CBS, The Skinny:

The Jets had to come from behind in the second half to beat the 49ers. I’m certainly not motivated to pick’em over a much better defense.

Dolphins take a big bite of apple, 23 – 13

GREEN BAY PACKERS @ CHICAGO BEARS

The line: Packers -5½, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny:

Expecting a temperature of 0 at game time. How fitting for these two teams.

Passing yards should be at a premium. A low-scoring affair makes sense to me and this may be advantage Green Bay unless Chicago’s RBs contribute in catches out of the backfield.

Packers win, 20 – 13

TENNESSEE TITANS @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The line: Chiefs -5½, The Game: Sunday 1:05PM CBS, The Skinny:

The Titans are looking for their 3rd straight win to keep pace with division co-leader Texans who play the 2-11 Jaguars. A loss and a Texans win likely solidifies Houston as AFC South champs with a 2-game lead in-division lead. But Kansas City’s defense is not very sympathetic these days and at home in single-digit degrees it’s extra tough for the Titans young QB. However, the Titans are 3rd rushing in the NFL and the Chiefs’ against the run are 27th. The game plan should be no secret in this expected low-scoring game.

Titans upset, 20 – 17

DETROIT LIONS @ NEW YORK GIANTS

The line: Giants -4, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny:

The Giants upset the Cowboys last week and no reason to believe they can’t handle the Lions…other than Matthew Stafford. A flawless performance by him makes things much more interesting but he’s at the mercy of his receivers. In New York, the receivers are at the mercy of Eli’s crucial mistakes.

Giants survive, 24 – 20

CLEVELAND BROWNS @ BUFFALO BILLS

The line: Bills -10, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny:

Rex Ryan, who may be playing for his job, seems to have nine lives in his coaching career. He's not a bad coach but cities starving to get back to their NFL glory days tend to demand more than 'not bad.' Plus, the Bills have more to play for on top of who they play. Period.

Bills, 21 – 13

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS

The line: Vikings -5, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny:

The Colts have no shot at winning the division with ties so they must win out. But first they need to get back to .500 playing the Vikings, a team also in a MUST-WIN situation under the same condition, win the division (currently 2 games back) or most likely miss the playoffs. Minnesota has a stout defense and ranks first in points [NOT] allowed while the Colts have the edge on offensive weaponry.

Vikings survive, 17 – 13

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES @ BALTIMORE RAVENS

The line: Ravens -5½, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny:

This game looks really close on paper and it might come down to Carson Wentz’s ability. The Ravens are the best against the run but mid-level against the pass. Wentz can take-off running to complicate matters. But if the Ravens look as ready as they did against the Patriots in a losing effort, who knows what’s what. Either defense’s key turnover-creation wins this it seems.

Eagles, 16 – 14

PITTSBURGH STEELERS @ CINCINNATI BENGALS

The line: Steelers -3, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny: 

Because of the Bengals' lack of output this season, the match-up doesn't have the attention or glamour it once did – yet'n still, it doesn't dampen the bad blood between the two. The Steelers have won the last 3 on the road and appear to be the alpha dog in this fight, too, especially getting back DeAngelo Williams. 

Steelers bear down, 28 – 19 

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS @ HOUSTON TEXANS

The line: Texans -5½, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny: 

The Texans really need to win out whereas the 2-11 Jaguars, although pride is involved, may be playing their bench at some point. Texans' defense continues to carry the team and losing Braxton Miller doesn't allow them time to ease up for a moment. 

Texans, 23 – 16 

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS @ ARIZONA CARDINALS

The line: Cardinals -3, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny: 

The Cardinals defensive unit is not the same as the unit that gave up under 15 points per game (pre-Tyrann's injury) last season. Conversely, the Saints aren't giving up 30+ points per game like last year or the first half of this season. In fact, it's quite the shock to notice New Orleans has not allowed 30 or more points since week 6. How they manage to drop 5 of those 8 games with that offense is an issue, too. The Cardinals, with issues of their own and not making the playoffs as nearly everyone predicted pre-season, are not struggling to avoid last place like the Saints but will still have pride at home. 

Cardinals, 26 - 21

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS @ ATLANTA FALCONS

The line: Falcons -13, The Game: Sunday 1:05PM FOX, The Skinny: 

I tried to give the 'niners a win last week and they were on the way until the second half. As far as I'm concerned, that's a wrap on their chances to end the losing streak. The Falcons should destroy them at home. No need to go further than that except to say, I bet Chip's got his 2017 early-Christmas QB list all made out.

Falcons, 35 - 16

OAKLAND RAIDERS @ SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

The line: Raiders -2½, The Game: Sunday 1:05PM CBS, The Skinny:  

No doubt this is among the most exciting games to watch this weekend despite not meaning much to San Diego beyond playing the spoiler. The Raiders have to know they have a slightly-easier remaining 3 weeks while playing 2 of the same opponents the Chiefs have left as well. SD's Melvin Gordon's injury hurts big time here. 

Raiders win, 31 - 23 

TAMPA BAY BUCS @ DALLAS COWBOYS

The line: Cowboys -7, The Game: Sunday 5:25PM NBC, The Skinny:  

The Bucs, who haven't lost since week 9, are suddenly and surprisingly looking like a top 3-to-5 NFC contender and I have to respect the will they're imposing on opponents... rather good opponents. The Cowboys should have a bit more luck getting the ball to Dez but should establish the ground game early. Meanwhile, Jameis and his crew aren't making the same mistakes and growing up before their fans' eyes. The Cowboys got punched in the face last week and until I see how they respond I can't pick them here because I've now seen the Bucs respond a few weeks in a row. 

Bucs steal some beef in Texas, 23 - 21

CAROLINA PANTHERS @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS

The line: Redskins -6½, The Game: Monday 5:25PM ESPN, The Skinny:  

The Panthers responded to week 13's can-o-whoop-ass blowout by Seattle with an impressive victory over the Chargers last week. BUT Washington protects their QB better while having a better pass rush and secondary. This Monday night spotlight game has error written all over it as Cam and his band of merry men try and do too much. 

"YOU LIKE THAT?" returns. 

Redskins at home, 27 - 23 

(Games subject to last minute changes as updates arrive.)

That's a wrap! Good Luck & Good Day, Mr. & Mrs Betting Mann!

GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS, GOD BLESS OUR FOOTBALL!

Note: In my personal quest to get a party started here — an NFL community party — I’m taking a break from last season's sports online network as I finish another personal project. I urge anyone to join me with NFL articles of your own, challenging me all in fun or opinionated topics. It's a great place to showcase or store writing of any kind.

In the spirit of the New Year’s holiday season, out with the old, in with the new. Hopefully, “the new” doesn’t stop at Fisher’s exit alone.

JEFF FISHER’S FIRED AS HEAD COACH OF THE LA RAMS

Judging by the responses spiraling out of control in Cyberland, USA, the majority of Rams fans are quite happy with the ousting of one Jeff Fisher as head coach of the Rams. Even some well-knowns, from Eric Dickerson to Snoop Dogg to ex-Ram DE/SuperBowl Champ Grant Wistrom, think it was time for a change, and rightfully so. You cannot be content with mediocre in any success-driven profession and hope to maintain support. In the end, Fisher failed to adjust with the NFL after reaching the SuperBowl some sixteen years ago. Both he and GM Les Snead, who have both said on camera, “You can never have too many defensive lineman,” have failed in the sense that building through the draft is fine as long as you have veteran leadership to teach them how to be professionals. Training kids to fit in your system is not quite the same and is much simpler than helping them to grow up. For this Rams team to be successful next season and beyond they will need a guiding staff that knows this — that knows, there is a reason that practically-unknown players land in New England and become crucial pieces to Bill Belichick’s puzzle time and time again.

COO KEVIN DEMOFF’S PRESS CONFERENCE

In NFL Executive/Analyst Michael Lombardi’s words, “You want to win the press conference or you want to win games?”

Props to Kevin Demoff for saying all the right things in Monday’s press conference, the Rams’ next full-time head coach should definitely have a plan and be “the best coach for the team,” beit a hot assistant, a college coach, a good qualified coach currently not coaching an NFL team or whatever. We also like that he owned up to his part in it all. But although I won’t go as far as certain St. Louis TV station personnel and label Demoff a ’professional liar,” I will say there is more to this than fans were told. Of course, there always is.

Just two editions ago I stated that the Fisher/Dickerson incident was the opening curtain on the final Fisher act and that there is only one way this could end. I said that not because I’m smart but because Fisher and whoever else played a role in the handling of it thereafter were not. See, at that moment the fans became involved and when fans unite and decide to use their power ‘business men’ get involved in something they pay others to do, which is to keep positive cash flow positive. Fan attendance was sinking by both support of Dickerson and product play. After this past Rams loss the media was posting photos of empty seats and talking about how the fans left early while fans of opposing teams are filling more seats. Not good for business, especially a month before the San Diego Chargers apply to move in on your territory (not that Kroenke cares about that part as much). 

Ultimately, the fans have spoken. The truest of them speak loud because they care and want their team to become winners. The bandwagon-jumpers simply go to places like Disneyland or nail salons instead. Missing both shows up the same in total attendance and other related non-purchases so whether you believe Demoff's change-of-heart statements, the ludicrous belief by a few that Eric Dickerson got Fisher fired, or the timing factor that the Rams organization didn't want their name associated with Fisher's in the record books as the employer on record of the most losing-est head coach in NFL history, the reasons why don't matter to the counters (bank account holders) of the bottom line.   

SO WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

HBO’s HardKnocks series intentionally helped us know a few players and members of the staff better but unintentionally exposed a thing or two about how Fisher captains his ship. One example: Kenny Britt, the veteran receiver on the team, is possibly the most immature player on the team (zooming and zig-zagging his buggy all over a college campus even after being told not to AND after crashing) though he’s raised his game this season.

Michael Lombardi called the LA Rams ‘undisciplined’ Tuesday on Colin Coherd’s The Herd and he’s absolutely right. It shows up in their in-game play and includes the number of penalties per game. He also doubts very seriously that Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh would take the job here without full control because to succeed you need people that know football in the front office as well, the same reason Dick Vermeil first turned down offers to coach the Rams. They ended up giving him full control and we know how that turned out. People that know numbers and business don’t necessarily know how to run a winning football organization, people that have known football long enough know what it takes to win at football and it starts with a transformation to a winning culture or mindset.

               The HardKnockers vs The Seattle Seahawks

(Game is in Seattle, THURSDAY eve at 5:25PM PT, NFL Network)

John Fassel, another SuperBowl runner-up with the New York Giants, thinks the Rams appointed the right man for the job of interim head coach with the selection of his son, Jim Fassel:

“He’s been very successful with his guys and they have a lot of fun with him. I’ve been around the players and seen the way they relate with each other.”

Members of the team also think so and we can expect a livelier effort this week against the Seahawks despite whatever the hell Vegas set the odds at. Alec Ogletree tweeted this on Monday:

"Coach Fisher will be missed incredibly. That being said, THE BEST COACH I’VE EVER BEEN AROUND JUST GOT THE KEYS TODAY.”

Personally, I think Rams fans can expect something they haven’t witnessed much this season. FUN. John Fassel is a big fan of trickery and he will take risks. I mean let’s face it, he has less to lose than to gain. Demoff’s socks have to be blown off for him to sign on with Fassel because although he’s been a head coach, he lacks NFL head coaching experience. But nobody’s socks get blown off by maintaining what Jeff Fisher had going on, right?

We’ve won more games against Seattle than we’ve lost lately so there’s no reason to believe it can’t happen under the storm clouds that currently cover our team.

That being said, this week’s The Rams Win If:

1. If the Seahawks repeats last week’s performance.

2. If Pete Carroll suddenly realizes his USC-success town has a job opening and he decides to throw the game doing a Jeff Fisher coaching imitation.

3. If a Rams victory becomes more important than the maturation of Goff and play-calling reflects it.

4. If the O-line is inspired enough to open holes for Todd Gurley instead of imploding backwards behind the line of scrimmage.

5. [This one actually worked before so I’m repeating it!] If Austin and Goff become bosom buddies, besties, kindred spirits, soulmates, lovers (I don’t care which) and get/stay on the same page.

All-in-all, the next 3 weeks will be more exciting to watch and we as fans should press the “RESET” button, delete the Fisher era and support our team!

That’s a wrap!

Go to my NFL Pros@Prose Picks submission Thursday afternoon to see my prediction for this game and the rest of the league.

Later, Ramily. Horns up!

It's been a rough week for die-hard Rams fans. Longer, actually. It started with last week's game; the loss was bad enough coming just after the prolonged Fisher extension announcement but the media feeding frenzy that followed was enough to make you turn off your TV, shutdown the PC...or toss your phone. 

Various reactions to the announcement and video loops of Jeff Fisher's bumbling challenge flag hunt still bombard the airwaves as I write this. Hey, Chicago had its Chicago Fire. A place like Los Angeles will never have such a thing (we hope and pray) but it's a great place for the occasional LA Grease Fire. Here, yesterday's news gets thrown out so fast that if the Rams win out no one will remember that they were once calling for Fisher's head on a platter, right? So I think, hmm...instead of complaining, let's see if we can help the coaching staff win more games, starting with this weekend's contest in this week's edition. 

                         The HardKnockers vs. The Atlanta Falcons   

Sitting all cool and calm this morning drinking coffee while doing some mild research, I came across a link to an article saying something like, "Vegas practically has the Rams favored." 

What the fuck?   (...yeah, like you didn't just think it, too!) 

Obviously, deeper research is needed here, being one of the die-hards I mentioned. I click the link and the first thing I see is a big photo of what else? 'Straight cash, homie,' which widens my eyes and broadens my excitement. But (...and this is a big fat 'ghetto but') the article is a short'n sarcastically-written one with that pokes more fun at my team and their chances at beating the Falcons. So now a perfectly good morning is dimmed somewhat by the jerk that wrote this and I think of how many other fans might have seen it. It motivates me to further bypass the ongoing Fisher bashing and give my peeps more hope in the HardKnockers article I have to write after drinking my liquid therapy (the morning version, not the stronger in-game/post-game remix). Later at the computer nothing is coming to mind. Totally blank until across the news wire...

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports this: 

"The Falcons are promoting WR Nick Williams from their practice squad today. An indication of how banged up their WRs are." 

A glimmer of hope! 

See, Falcons head coach Dan Quinn announced Friday that Mohamed Sanu will not be active for Sunday's game against us (groin). Julio has turf toe which makes it difficult to plant and cut, it's extremely painful, especially late in games...which can add a split-second to the precise timing Matty Ice is used to. I don't have to tell you fellow die-hard Rams fans that adding extra time to block Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn & the gang is dangerous to one's health. It can also promote turnovers. Great, because the Rams are short on that this year. 

Anyway, here's where the help comes in, and feel free to chime in with your suggestions. Who knows, someone may share this or know someone that knows someone that knows a member of the Rams staff...It could happen! Fisher himself may even be scanning the net for coaching tips and Belichick tidbits that might've slipped from his tight thin lips. 

Ready? 

This week's Bottom Line: 

The Rams win if.... 

1. Their tacking improves dramatically over that weak-ass effort against the Saints. 

2. The coaching staff's game plan includes some form of knowing that because the Falcons are ailing at receiver and because the Rams defense has slipped recently, Falcons' coach Quinn will likely lean more towards their pretty good set off running backs, Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. 

3. Tavon Austin (who practiced in FULL this week, THANK GOD!) and Jared Goff become kindred spirits, soulmates or lovers (I don't care which) before Sunday's game. That Goff-to-Austin bomb was a thing of beauty, but I wouldn't mind seeing more slants to Tavon as well. I really dislike watching other games and repeating the same question, "Why can't the Rams use Tavon like that?"  

4. Jeff Fisher takes his Dementia meds and remembers where he put the red  — Oops, I said I wouldn't!  

Hope it helps. 

That’s a wrap!  Seeya next week. 

Go to my NFL Pros@Prose Picks submission to see my prediction for this game and the rest of the league.

Later, Ramily. Horns up! 

That ol’ division rivalry game means something this time around!

The Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders are on a collision course towards the division crown as they face-off Thursday night. 

Wow!  Where'd the season go? It's the last quarter of the regular season and things are heating up as it cools off in December. 

For Mr. (& Mrs) Betting Mann, the underdogs that dominated early are feeling the sting of payback as week 13 saw even more success than the previous week going 10-and-5 against the spread. 

(NOTE: There are NO BYES. All times posted are Pac time. Handicapping below is done prior to knowing the odds unless unavoidable.)

The Game of the Week: 

(10-2) OAKLAND RAIDERS @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (9-3)

The line: Chiefs -3½, The Game: Thursday 5:25PM NFL Network, The Skinny:

Certainly the most important game this weekend, both these two division rivals figure to produce a playoff-caliber effort in their quest to be the new likely king of the AFC West. 

The Raiders have the edge and momentum riding a 6-game winning streak in which 5 of the 6 have been offensive outputs of 30 or more points. In fact, 6 of their last 8 games were 30+ points but this includes the last game they lost, a 26 - 10 thumping by none other than Thursday night's opponent. 

Like the Raiders, however, the Chiefs are winners of 7 of their last 8 games and have also beaten some stiff competition including that stunner last week over the Falcons which proved to be the most exciting game despite K.C.'s perceived boring persona. There's nothing boring about the Chiefs defense, ranked 1st in the turnover ratio department (INTs: tied for 2nd / Fumbles: tied for 1st). 

Having improved play and confidence of late, I seriously doubt Oakland falls 16 points behind this time around or play two entirely different halves of football like last week against Buffalo. They will need Amari Cooper to step back into the lead receiver role as Kansas City will be relentless going after Carr. The Chiefs will definitely need a healthier Jeremy Maclin to compliment other capable weapons. 

Chiefs outduel, 27 - 24   

PITTSBURGH STEELERS @ BUFFALO BILLS

The line: Steelers -3, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny:  

Buffalo's last 5 victories were against talent-shortened teams either by injuries, suspension or under-achievement so it's hard to see reasonable chances here. The Steelers run on more horsepower than most even when they're a cylinder or two short and with the defense playing better during their current 3-game winning streak the Bills drop to below .500 again with a suspect Sam Watkins. 

Steelers win soundly enough, 29 - 20 

HOUSTON TEXANS @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The line: Colts -6½, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny: 

In this division showdown both teams badly need a victory to keep pace with the [technically third-place] Tennessee Titans who figure to beat the Bears and stay afloat in a three-way tie for the AFC South crown. The Colts, having lost on the road in their first meeting (26 - 23 in OT), have won 3 of their last 4 and hold momentum over the Texans (current 3-game losing streak) and figure to return the favor at home.

Colts, 24 - 20

WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The line: Redskins -2, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny: 

Although these two teams are still in the playoff race, they are even more realistically fighting not to bring up the rear in their division. The Redskins, 1½ games up on the Eagles and the same below the 2nd-place Giants, are now just one team below having the the league's best overall offense despite sitting 10th in scoring. The Eagles have lost 7 of 9 games since the hot 3-and-0 start, are losers of their last three while not reaching 20 or more points in a month, have yet to win a division game (0-and-3) and Carson Wentz has dropped from the R.O.Y. running weeks ago. 

Redskins steal one in Philly, 24 - 17

DENVER BRONCOS @ TENNESSEE TITANS

The line: Titans -1 The Game: Sunday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny: 

The 3rd-place Titans basically need to win out to have a shot at the division crown and possibly the playoffs as they are last in division competition, even behind the last-place Jaguars. They have a shot at starting this last quarter of the season right facing a Broncos team that has yet to name a starting QB for the match-up. If Paxton Lynch starts again this week look for the physically-tough running Titans to have the edge at home over their run-stopping-vulnerable opponents. 

Broncos, 21 - 16 (with Trevor Siemian) / Titans 17 - 13 (without) 

ARIZONA CARDINALS @ MIAMI DOLPHINS

The line: Cardinals -2½, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny: 

Despite the fact that Arizona is currently sub-.500, their defense is anything but (pass:3rd/run:11th). Miami's strength is on the ground (27th-ranked pass. off.) and that could be a problem if they fall too far behind early. The Cardinals may have found their stride in beating the Falcons last week so it's hard to go against the better overall team. 

Cardinals take this, 24 - 16 

MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The line: Vikings -3½, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny: 

The deceiving Jaguars defense is ranked 4th but largely because they're now the new #1 pass defenders. Against the run they kinda suck at 24th. The Vikings are the better overall team but not without issues. A mid-league ranking against the run but 4th against the pass. The Jaguars are hurting at RB with both back-ups banged up so Yeldon will get a workload...but that's only if they keep the score close. Neither team is very good at protecting their QB but the Vikings do unto others as well. 

Vikings leave Florida victorious, 21 - 13 

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS @ CAROLINA PANTHERS

The line: Panthers -1½, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny: 

With the Panthers having the 21st- best rushing offense and the Chargers surprisingly good against the run (3rd), Cam and his ex-fun bunch will rely on the pass having moderate success. The Chargers' RBs are more dangerous than their 21st-best ranking indicates and shouldn't be ignored. Carolina's much better at getting to the quarterback and they'll have to be because Rivers will have plenty of targets and opportunities. This is a close one on paper, can't wait to see Vegas' take on it. Throw in home field and the most dangerous QB in the league and the scale tilts in Carolina's favor. 

Panthers in a close one, 28 - 27 

CINCINNATI BENGALS @ CLEVELAND BROWNS

The line: Bengals -5½, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny: 

The Browns are just about 31st in every major defensive category except passing defense (18th) and offensively they go from 31st in scoring to 20th in passing (thanks to the emergence of Terrelle Pryor as a top-quality receiver. I underestimated the Bengals without A.J. Green last week. Not this week. 

UPDATE: RGIII is back and expected to get the start. 

Bengals win handily, 30 - 17 

CHICAGO BEARS @ DETROIT LIONS 

The line: Lions -7 , The Game: Sunday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny: 

The 1st-place Lions are going too good now to let a little thing like old school rivalry sidetrack them from doing what they need to do, right? On the flipside, it's a bit surprising that the Bears defense is mid-league ranked at 3-and-9. Considering both's won/lost records, it's also mildly shocking that Chicago's given up just a mere 19 points more to opponents. The Bears have a shot if the ground game dictates, but Detroit has a 4-game streak alive and I'm doubting they aren't focused. 

Detroit at home, 24 - 16 

NEW YORK JETS @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 

The line: 49ers -2½, The Game: Sunday 1:05PM CBS, The Skinny: 

I'm wondering if I should bother...Oh, alright, since you've read this far. 

I don't think Cleveland's giving up that top spot for the 2017 #1 draft pick (during the season, at least) so the 'niners can play hard and still be safe in their position. I think they take this at home despite the last-place ranking in points allowed. The Jets are almost as bad against the pass and actually average less points per game offensively. The cross-country road trip and hostile environment does them in. 

49ers finally get win #2, 27 - 24

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

The line: Seahawks -3, The Game: Sunday 1:25PM FOX, The Skinny: 

Only the home field advantage hints any kind of shot here for the Packers, and that's by some freak-of-nature miracle. Their pass defense is ranked 21st and honestly, that's seems a bit high. The Seahawks will add to that with RBs catching balls out of the backfield as well. Look for A-Rod to throw his arm out playing catch-up unless he gets lucky picking on the replacements. Heck of a QB to face when you lose someone like Earl Thomas. 

Seahawks keep at it, 30 - 23  

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS @ TAMPA BAY BUCS

The line: Bucs -3, The Game: Sunday 1:25PM FOX, The Skinny: 

The Bcs have been playing much better defense than their 22nd ranking would have you believe at first glance. They've just beaten 3 good teams in a row but face the best overall offense in the league. However, New Orleans are known for being very one-sided lately with the defense among the worst in the league. Saints need close to a shootout to win this road game...but they win they do. 

Saints, 29 - 27

ATLANTA FALCONS @ LOS ANGELES RAMS

The line: Falcons -6½, The Game: Sunday 1:25PM FOX, The Skinny: 

At 4-and-8 lacking offense and gaining travel miles, the Rams defense is finding it extremely hard to stay reliable late in the season. This might be a problem this week and coming from behind will take Todd Gurley out of the equation once again (if the O-line doesn't do that first). The mental advantage of home field can only go so far, especially when your team is in the news almost daily for all the wrong reasons. But the Falcons are banged up at the receiver position and if the Rams staff has the right game plan a lower-scoring performance by way of a great Rams defense could keep an improving Goff in the game. UPDATE: (Atl) WR Mohamed Sanu will not be active. 

Falcons love L.A., 20 - 16 

DALLAS COWBOYS @ NEW YORK GIANTS

The line: Cowboys -3½, The Game: Sunday 5:25PM NBC, The Skinny: 

Jerry Jones said that the Cowboys won't be taking their foot off the petal so with that I see no reason to believe that those two rookies can't continue to run things in the NFL. 2nd on the ground and against the ground game of others, this puts Eli in a throw-over-40-passes situation and there's bound to be at least one costly turnover because he has no choice but to risk it all with 1st-place nearly out of reach and 2nd-place nearly in the bag. UPDATE: (N.Y.) RB Shane Vereen is expected to be activated and play Sunday. This tilts the dynamic a bit if effective.  

Cowboys keep on keepin' on, 27 - 23 

BALTIMORE RAVENS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The line: Patriots -7, The Game: Monday 5:25PM ESPN, The Skinny: 

The Ravens could make a game of this one if they don't fall behind early and can generate offense like last week. They have the #1 defense in overall yards given up per game and against the run but their offense is just below mid-league ranking. No Gronk only adds intrigue but the game is in Foxborough...and the coach is still Belichick.  

UPDATE: There is possible snow in the forecast. This definitely favors the Patriots because the Ravens lack a run game.

Patriots win, 24 - 16

(Games subject to last minute changes as updates arrive.)

That's a wrap! Good Luck & Good Day, Mr. & Mrs Betting Mann!

GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS, GOD BLESS OUR FOOTBALL! 

Note: In my personal quest to get a party started here — an NFL community party — I’m taking a break from last season's sports online network as I finish another personal project. I urge anyone to join me with NFL articles of your own, challenging me all in fun or opinionated topics. It's a great place to showcase or store writing of any kind. 

Week 12 saw the favorites jump back on top, going 8-7-1. This week there are some interesting match-ups even with insignificant games. The Patriots are the highest-favored team this week but I think it's a trap play, Jared Goff being the designated Fisher-saver... you buy that? 

Let's go!

(NOTE: Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns have byes. All times posted are Pac time. Handicapping below is done prior to knowing the odds unless unavoidable.)

1st of two The Games of the Week:

DALLAS COWBOYS @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS

The line: Cowboys -3, The Game: Thursday 5:25PM NFL Network, The Skinny: 

(Color Rush jerseys worn here)

Offensively, the Cowboys and Vikings are going in separate directions; the Cowboys are ranked 2nd in rushing – Vikings are 32nd, Cowboys are 3rd in points scored per game – Vikings are 24th. Flip to the defense and you get Vikings 3rd overall to the Cowboys 21st. Yet some of us (including myself) still doubt if they are a top-tier team and every week they shoot holes in our opinions and predictions. Although I knew the day would come ‘round again when at least one team would prove that old school football (strong O-line and RB) prevails in the end over the so-called less boring pass-happy ball of today, I didn’t think it would be Jerry Jones’ Cowboys.

Minnesota’s a top 10 sack defense, the Cowboys aren’t even top 20 so if Dallas can’t get to Bradford it could be a long night especially if Stephon Diggs (questionable) can get and stay on the field. Still, In the last 6 weeks the Vikings have only scored more than 20 points once to beat what might’ve been considered their toughest game at the start of the season, the Cardinals. Ultimately, the Cowboys O-line wears down opposing trench guys and secondaries aren’t real keen on tackling that new Beast Mode-type upgrade I call “EZ Yards” Elliott…BUT there’s no accounting for a team motivated to "win one for the Gipper" (coach Zimmerman just had emergency eye surgery and will not be available). 

Here I go again picking against the 'boys but this should be their stiffest test yet.  

Vikings in a toughie, 24 – 23  

2nd Game of the Week: 

BUFFALO BILLS @ OAKLAND RAIDERS

The line: Raiders -3, The Game: Sunday 1:05PM CBS, The Skinny:

This should be a great game with the Bills’ #1 WR Sammy Watkins returning (Bills ranked dead last in passing offense), and the Bills really need a victory being 1 game behind the Dolphins (who might lose) and 3 behind the Patriots (who they have no shot of catching) and still in the playoff hunt. Their problem, as I see it, is that the defense is not playing its best and are given up 20+ points to lesser-scoring offenses. The Raiders are the 4th-highest scoring team in the league but 26th-ranked stopping the run and they face NFL’s #1 ground game in the Bills. They have home field in their favor but Buffalo is the desperate dog backed into a corner. Significant MUST-SEE TV as well as fantasy football-friendly, I don’t see this decided until late in the game. A very tough call, but Buffalo’s pass defense has an important edge.

Bills stick a temporary plug in the ‘hole’, 32 – 30

MIAMI DOLPHINS @ BALTIMORE RAVENS

The line: Ravens -3½, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny:

The Dolphins have only been held to less than 27 points once, by the Rams, in the last 6 weeks and boast a 6-game winning streak. They face the top run defense in the league (to their own 30th) and if their ground game can’t get going they’re in trouble because the Ravens pass defense is also a top 10 unit. Miami’s D may not be good enough here as it’s ranked 20th overall to Baltimore’s 2nd. Can't wait to see what Vegas thinks here, but...

Ravens, 23 – 21

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS @ CHICAGO BEARS

The line: Bears -1, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny:

What stands out first to me here is the fantasy football angle; if you are in need of QB stats, the 49ers rushing attack is 4th-ranked in part from Colin Kaepernick. You can also feel pretty good starting Chicago’s starting back as well, 49ers run defense being last. Other than that both teams are mid-to-lower ranked in most categories.

A good game for the ’niners to steal but this Chip Kelly team seems to run much better than throw. Jay Cutler’s done for the season but Barkley seems to be less of a downgrade than first thought. 

UPDATE: Snow is expected

Bears, 27 – 24

HOUSTON TEXANS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

The line: Packers -6½, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny:

In Green Bay’s last 8 games they’ve won only 3 and in all 3 they allowed 16 points or less. Of their last 7 they’ve lost 5 and in all 30+ points were allowed. Houston’s rushing defense is 19th to their passing defense at 4th but the Packers may not take advantage. Meanwhile, the Texans average just over 19 points a game to mostly average defenses and may not take advantage of Green Bay’s 23rd-ranked secondary. A crappy game on paper but the Packers appear to have the edge because Houston’s not living up to expectations these days, but if they have success by air... 

UPDATE: They're expecting snow on the field

Unless Houston wakes up, Packers take this, 21 – 13

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS @ ATLANTA FALCONS

The line: Falcons -5, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny:

The Chiefs are always tough to get a read on; the rank 23rd or lower in may categories yet 16th in scoring and 8th in holding opponents’ scoring. This means they get turnovers and sure enough, they are 4th in INTs. But what stands out in neon is that they are 31st in receivers drop percentage. We know Atlanta’s 1st in scoring and has weapons enough to counter nearly all that comes their way. You don’t want to drop critical passes against a team like this. 

UPDATE: Jeremy Maclin's ruled OUT.

Falcons, 28 – 20

LOS ANGELES RAMS @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The line: Patriots -13½, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny:

I don’t want to make Jeff Fisher comments here after my “HardKnockers” issue but damn, as soon as I state that the Belichick vs Fisher factor is worth 10 points alone in the Patriots favor it’s reported that Fisher doesn’t have knowledge enough of who carries the ball for the opponent he’s about to face. Meanwhile, Bill has already dissected Jared Goff in comments of praise to the media, a rookie he’s only had one game of footage to watch. Point proven.

But they have to play the game and I know this for a fact (as facts go in my head), the Rams defense will play much better than that Saints game, which wasn’t them at all, and it's certainly not harming them to not have to worry about The Gronk. The key here will need to be their play and ability to get sacks and turnovers because it’s the only unit that matches up equal or better. Goff will probably be tripped up a few times by what he sees but it's now known he can also extend plays (and sees) better than what they've had. Fascinating to witness his road to higher learning.   

UPDATE: Rams' Tavon Austin and Robert Quinn ruled OUT 

Patriots, 31 – 20

DETROIT LIONS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

The line: Saints -6, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny:

Winners of 6 of their last 7 games, the Lions will be a different animal than what the Saints faced last week. The defense has played better during this stretch but suffers when head-to-head with top shelf QBs like Brees. Matthew Stafford will need his WRs to be reliable and RBs to get free beyond the trenches.

2nd in scoring, the Saints figure to do well here having scored 20+ points on the toughest defenses on their schedule already. They have much more ground game than Detroit and will utilize it. Should be a fun watch and a high-scoring event, and I like the 5-6 Saints over the 7-4 Lions because of the competition level faced. I also LOVE the ‘over’ if the over/under is 54 or less.

Saints prevail, 34 – 31

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES @ CINCINNATI BENGALS

The line: Eagles -1½, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM CBS, The Skinny:

I gave the Bengals a little too much credit to survive without A.J. Green, not doing it this week. They’ve lost 3 in a row now and haven’t scored more than 20 points since the OT game a month ago. Not likely to happen against this Philly defense either. Losing 4 of their last 5 games, I’m expecting the Eagles to have a big chip on their shoulders as well after not taking advantage of that Packers D.

Eagles, 24 – 16

DENVER BRONCOS @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The line: Broncos -3½, The Game: Sunday 10:00AM FOX, The Skinny:

Losers of 6 in a row, the Jaguars can probably look forward to another successful draft season and claim that victory. The underachievers haven’t scored more than 21 points in over a month so don’t count on it here. The Broncos offense, also underachieving, should be able to manage this road game and have more motivation being 3rd behind the Chiefs and Raiders in the AFC West but still in the playoff hunt. 

UPDATE: QB Paxton Lynch will get the start for Denver

Broncos take this, 20 – 17

TAMPA BAY BUCS @ SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

The line: Chargers -4, The Game: Sunday 1:25PM FOX, The Skinny:

The Bucs are suddenly playing a couple of notches better than before beating the Seahawks (holding them to 0 TDs) and Chiefs back-to-back. Hard to believe they've reached the top shelf just yet however. The Chargers offensively are already top shelf (4th best passing) and the defense is considerably better than last year (ranked above the Bucs even). Their ground game is actually better than its 20th ranking so this makes them dangerous to a team like the Bucs overall.

Chargers at home, 24 – 20

WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ ARIZONA CARDINALS

The line: Cardinals -2, The Game: Sunday 1:25PM FOX, The Skinny:

The Cardinals ruined the game of the week potential here as they’ve lost 3 of last 4. The Redskins are having a winning season at 6-4-1 and won’t catch the streaking Cowboys but can still make the playoffs if they keep winning, possibly catching the N.Y. Giants. Having nearly beating the Cowboys last week, I have to see them as the better team here appear to be having more success with their weapons than Arizona (Cousins outplaying Palmer). Perhaps, it’s that 4th-in-sacks-allowed O-line. Washington is 2nd-best in that area, so...

Redskins are thieves in the desert, 28 - 26

NEW YORK GIANTS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The line: Steelers -6½, The Game: Sunday 1:25PM FOX, The Skinny:

Everybody knows the Giants have no ground game (31st) and that’s a shame going forward, both the Cowboys and Redskins do. And while their passing is their bread’n butter, they are only ranked 14th. The Steelers have both offensively but lack a better secondary so this gets interesting. They’ll need to lead early and run the clock a bit. Yes, they can do that. Both teams don’t give up may QB sacks so this should be a scoring contest, but Eli is vulnerable to one costly mistake under pressure. 

Steelers, 30 - 26

CAROLINA PANTHERS @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

The line: Seahawks -7, The Game: Sunday 5:25PM NBC, The Skinny:

The Panthers here are doomed to fail because their weaknesses are the Seahawks’ strengths. The Seahawks are 4th in sacking QBs and Cam (we all know) hates and doesn’t respond well to pressure. The secondary gives up what Seattle does best, scramble and throw. Don’t let rankings here fool you (Panthers 10th best scoring/Seahawks 23rd), it’s the defense winning (or losing) this one.

Seahawks, 28 - 20

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS @ NEW YORK JETS

The line: Colts -2, The Game: Monday 5:25PM ESPN, The Skinny:

The Colts are in 3rd in their division only a game back so they have something to play for. Can’t say that for the Jets at 3-8 though they’re at home and have veterans with pride. Though still in concussion protocol, Andrew Luck is expected to play if only by way of playoff hopes.

Colts (w/Luck), 23 – 20  

That's a wrap! Good Luck & Good Day, Mr. & Mrs Betting Mann!

(Games subject to last minute changes as updates arrive.)

GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS, GOD BLESS OUR FOOTBALL!

Note: In my personal quest to get a party started here — an NFL community party — I’m taking a break from last season's sports online network as I finish another personal project. I urge anyone to join me with NFL articles of your own, challenging me all in fun or opinionated topics. It's a great place to showcase or store writing of any kind.

If you read last week’s edition of The HardKnockers you might call this part two because it may just be the hope-inspiring straw that broke the camel's overloaded back. It eventually gets optimistic but I apologize in advance for my lack of an optimistic and uplifting tone. The Rams are losing and looking as unpolished as they did week 1, but if you’re a fan I’m preaching to the choir. I don’t want to bring you all the way down, however, Jared Goff showed some promise and if he survives the current era and gets upper-level leadership and teaching without any permanent damage he could potentially bring more to the table than any of the quarterbacks we've had since Kurt Warner. That first touchdown pass to Tavon Austin was a thing of beauty and should be the norm in the Rams’ future if the gods of football decide to align the stars over Los Angeles in time for the new stadium opening so that history doesn't repeat itself. 

Perhaps the current management is somewhat unfamiliar with what loyal longtime Rams fans have endured. In short, before we were abandoned in the dead of night like a panicking young mother leaving a baby at a church, we were pushed away from attending and supporting our team. I recall, like it was yesterday, the two separate and brief times I actually knew the feeling of hatred for my team (but it wasn't my team, it was the owner who ‘had no money’ while owning properties overseas); the last being that move to St. Louis, the first being the letting go of arguably the greatest running back that has ever walked the earth...and I use the word ‘arguably’ for any outsiders that may stumble upon this article. Most old school Rams fans know without doubts of any kind that Eric Dickerson was thee best, thee most naturally-gifted running back/athlete ever born. For the Bears, Bills, Lions and Cleveland fans I didn’t say the biggest, toughest, strongest or most elusive, I said thee most naturally-gifted.

Which brings me to my current mood, inspiration for this article and following question:

HOW THE HELL could a NFL franchise ban, bad-mouth, condemn or frankly, do anything but jump their collective asses up while asking “how high” to one of its all-time great legends when they ask something not unreasonable of that franchise that could only promote them and/or portray them in a positive light amidst the darkening clouds that dimmed the excitement of the return to L.A. and now threaten to rain on the parade of a growing fan base with the help of the success of the Oakland Raiders who have a huge number of fans here as well? Can anyone else see the Raiders suddenly becoming inspired to play in OUR new stadium knowing they’d make it their house instantly? Can anyone in Cleveland imagine their reaction to the Browns franchise suddenly banning Jim Brown?

Okay, for those that haven’t heard (all four of you) and according to ESPN’s Mike Silver (who’s known Fisher for over 25 years and will openly refer to Fisher as ‘my source’ when statements aren't off the record) after he spoke directly to Fisher Tuesday, said that a couple of weeks ago Dickerson wanted sidelines passes. Fisher called him to tell him that it is preferred that they (the Rams organization) put him up in a luxury box and not on the field because Eric’s been critical of Fisher’s staff so it’s not a great situation to have during game time. Silver also mentioned that Fisher offered Dickerson the chance to attend the Rams practices to see how they do things which is all fine and dandy but...

I would venture to say because Eric Dickerson has been on better teams and under better coaching staffs that sported better O-lines, and because he is indeed outspoken this makes him a valuable addition to the growth of one of the youngest teams in the NFL. Hell, everybody’s critical of the coaching staff now. Should we look forward to not being let in the gate when attending games because of it?

It’s enough to make one wonder who’s really running things in the front office because for a head coach to even think with such arrogance it suggests that either he has more clout than we imagined or this was the decision from an earlier discussion that had to include CEO Kevin Demoff or GM Les Snead or both. Imagine Byron Scott still with the Lakers and telling Kareem he can no longer come to the Lakers practices. WTF, right? Perhaps, Fisher should’ve at least had the decency enough to meet with Dickerson face-to-face to have this conversation where he can respectfully ask or discuss his concerns with what’s being said by about his staff. Who knows, the staff might even learn a thing or two.

The Fallout

By Tuesday evening the Rams were hogging the majority of attention of the football world for all the wrong reasons. When you’re losing, the team nor the fans want this kind of attention. Even ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was up in arms and adding fuel to the fire and by day’s end I found myself watching over twenty total minutes of multiple YouTube videos of his tirade on First Take when I can normally only stomach five or less when he gets on his roll. 

Oh, but the man also said what most of us now know to be true, except he said it publicly and loudly AND IT'S TRENDING FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE; The Rams powers that be now have the perfect opportunity to trade up at head coach. Fisher is now public enemy #1 in Los Angeles (until that new president visits) and that’s just bad business, Mr. Kroenke. As pissed as some of us were when we heard how E.D. was treated, we also smiled inside because it’s the curtains opening for the final Fisher act. If Jeff Fisher isn’t running things in the front office there is simply only one [correct] way this ends. The saying goes, ‘money talks, bullshit walks.’ 7-and-9 bullshit walks a bit slower when your agent is the dad of the Rams' CEO but still...  

For the record, I personally don't have any ill feelings towards coach Fisher outside of the team's won-lost record. I'm not, nor will I ever have desires of being some paid sports reporter looking to make a name for myself. No, what I am is a caring lifelong die-hard Rams fan that's doesn't like my team associated with words and phrases like 'incompetent' and 'grease fire," and I certainly won't appreciate the mistreatment of my team's greatest players. Hall of Fame players! Next year's free agents hear of this kinda crap and won't feel good about signing here. And now, many fans are threatening or intend to either boycott games until Fisher is fired or wear Dickerson jerseys or Team Dickerson gear to the remaining home games. 

The Los Angeles Rams are the latest soap opera to hit Tinseltown, USA now that last year’s L.A. Lakers are so ‘last year.’ We are well on our way to becoming Cleveland-west, and it sucks. It’s time for the brain trust to follow the Lakers’ lead and make swift changes in regards to how their young talent is brought along. After all, attempting to upgrade from career mediocre is not a bad thing.

              The HardKnockers vs the New England Patriots

(Game is in New England at 10:00AM Pacific time on FOX)

I’ll start by repeating my emphatic words of last week, “WE CAN BEAT’EM SUNDAY!” just for fun because the chances are good that I may not be motivated to say them again this season.

With the obvious exception of Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn, the Rams defense showed up last week to collect a check and not much more. I can forgive this because football is taxing and they played their hearts out the week before to the familiar tune of no offensive support. You and I know they are better than what we witnessed. Ogletree and company looked like they suddenly forgot how to tackle and the entire secondary appeared to say, “to hell with this” in the second half. I would say similar about the coaches’ ability to call the game on the level of the Saints’ Sean Payton and staff (specifically, the in-game and second-half adjustments or lack of) but they looked like they always look. At this point, I’m starting to doubt if they get revenge on the 49ers. I was so sure week 1 was a fluke until this week after S.F. almost handed the Cardinals a loss. Is it me or do you watch other NFL games and get the sense that no less than 75% of the league has more competent offensive play-calling?  

Sorry that I can’t candy-coat [manure] and pass it off to you as a Milky Way bar, the Rams will be beaten thoroughly week 13. The contrast in coaching staffs alone is worth 10 points. But when I say ‘thoroughly’ it doesn’t mean they’ll get blown out like last week, the defense will play much better. It just won’t matter in the end.

The Rams have trouble with covering backs out of the backfield with the linebackers available and Belichick knows this. The secondary doesn’t put ample pressure on the receivers early enough in routes to compliment their pass rush. Belichick AND Tom Brady know this, and Brady gets rid of the ball faster than anyone anyway. That in itself neutralizes our strength and what carries our team, the pass rush.

So what do they do? Hell, you’re a Rams fan and already know what Jeff Fisher and Rob Boras will do and what they won’t. The whole league knows. The Rams’ only chance will probably end up being that we get into a shootout and make it a high-scoring affair.

That being said, here’s this week’s bottom line:

The Rams win if...

1. Aaron Donald or Robert Quinn somehow get to Brady and knock him out of the game, but I’m not wishing him ill will.

2. Jared Goff has a whole game like his first half last week while the Rams get a few stops.

3. If it rains and New England staff members can’t deflate the ball on the DL.

4. If Belichick develops Alzheimer’s between now and game time.  

...but I sure hope reverse-psychology is in effect! 

That’s a wrap!

Go to my NFL Pros@Prose Picks submission Thursdays or Fridays to see my prediction for this game and the rest of the league.

Later, Ramily. Horns up!