Here are my picks for week seventeen of the 2019 NFL Season.
Sunday, December 29th
New York Jets (6-9) vs Buffalo Bills (10-5)- 1:00, CBS: The Jets are coming off a home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bills are coming off a divisional road loss in New England against the Patriots in a hard fought game. The Bills are locked into the fifth seed in the AFC Playoff picture so I can see a world where Sean McDermott rests his players to not risk injuries so the Jets can take advantage of that and close out the season with a win.
Prediction: NY Jets 24, Buffalo 20.
Cleveland Browns (6-9) vs Cincinnati Bengals (1-14)- 1:00, CBS: The Browns are coming off a divisional home loss against the Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals are coming off a road loss in Miami against the Dolphins. The Bengals have the number one overall pick locked up and the Browns could very well fire Freddie Kitchens regardless of the result of this game and I think the Bengals get it done in what is likely Andy Dalton's final game with the team.
Prediction: Cincinnati 23, Cleveland 17.
Green Bay Packers (12-3) vs Detroit Lions (3-11-1)- 1:00, FOX: The Packers are coming off a big time Monday night road in Minneapolis over the Vikings. The Lions are coming off a road loss in Denver against the Broncos. The Packers are playing for a first round bye and perhaps home-field advantage and I do think Aaron Rodgers and company get it done on the road to at least ensure themselves of a bye.
Prediction: Green Bay 31, Detroit 20.
Los Angeles Chargers (5-10) vs Kansas City Chiefs (11-4)- 1:00, CBS: The Chargers are coming off a divisional home loss against the Oakland Raiders. The Chiefs are coming off a Sunday night road win in Chicago against the Bears. The Chiefs could get a bye if the Pats lose to Miami, but I do think they get the win against a Chargers team that's quit and could fire Anthony Lynn.
Prediction: Kansas City 36, LA Chargers 17.
Chicago Bears (7-8) vs Minnesota Vikings (10-5)- 1:00, FOX: The Bears are coming off a Sunday night home loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Vikings are coming off a disappointing Monday night divisional home loss against the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings are locked into the sixth seed in the NFC Playoff picture so I won't be surprised if Mike Zimmer rests players in this one, so I think the Bears close out a disappointing season on a high note.
Prediction: Chicago 26, Minnesota 20.
Miami Dolphins (4-11) vs New England Patriots (12-3)- 1:00, CBS: The Dolphins are coming off an overtime home win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Patriots are coming off a good divisional home win over the Buffalo Bills to clinch the AFC East title yet again. The Pats are playing for the bye and I do think they get it done against a Dolphins team that's looked frisky at times this season.
Prediction: New England 27, Miami 17.
Atlanta Falcons (6-9) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)- 1:00, FOX: The Falcons are coming off a home win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Buccaneers are coming off a home loss against the Houston Texans. This should be a high scoring game, but I'm not so sure due to the Bucs missing both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, so give me the Falcons here as they already announced Dan Quinn is returning.
Prediction: Atlanta 33, Tampa Bay 20.
New Orleans Saints (12-3) vs Carolina Panthers (5-10)- 1:00, FOX: The Saints are coming off a road win in Tennessee against the Titans. The Panthers are coming off a road loss in Indianapolis against the Colts. The Saints have an outside shot at a bye if things break right, but I do think they should beat a Panthers team that has just packed it in for the season.
Prediction: New Orleans 30, Carolina 20.
Washington Redskins (3-12) vs Dallas Cowboys (7-8)- 4:25, FOX: The Redskins are coming off an overtime divisional home loss against the New York Giants. The Cowboys are coming off a brutal road loss in Philadelphia against the Eagles. Despite last weeks defeat, the Cowboys still have an outside shot at the division if they get the win here and if the Eagles lose in the Meadowlands and I believe the 'Boys will do their part.
Prediction: Dallas 23, Washington 20.
Oakland Raiders (7-8) vs Denver Broncos (6-9)- 4:25, CBS: The Raiders are coming off a road win in Los Angeles against the Chargers. The Broncos are coming off a home win over the Detroit Lions. The Raiders have a very slim chance at the final AFC Wild Card playoff spot, but one of the things they have to do is win this game, but I do not think they will. The Broncos play very well at home and they'll close out the season with a win here at home.
Prediction: Denver 26, Oakland 13.
Arizona Cardinals (4-9-1) vs Los Angeles Rams (8-7)- 4:25, FOX: The Cardinals are coming off a divisional road win in Seattle against the Seahawks despite losing Kyler Murray during the game due to a hamstring injury. The Rams are coming off a Saturday night divisional road loss in Santa Clara against the 49ers. Sean McVay has a history of resting his players in meaningless games and I believe that will be the case again here and regardless of Brett Hundley or Murray taking snaps, I think the Cards end their season on a high note.
Prediction: Arizona 26, LA Rams 16.
Philadelphia Eagles (8-7) vs New York Giants (4-11)- 4:25, FOX: The Eagles are coming off a big time divisional home win over the Dallas Cowboys sans major injuries. The Giants are coming off an overtime divisional road win in Landover against the Redskins. The weather doesn't look very promising, but the Eagles have significant injuries on offense and I don't think they'll overcome them as the Giants close out a disappointing year with a win as the Cowboys win the division.
Prediction: NY Giants 27, Philadelphia 23.
Indianapolis Colts (7-8) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10)- 4:25, CBS: The Colts are coming off a home win over the Carolina Panthers. The Jaguars are coming off a road loss in Atlanta against the Falcons. The Jags already informed Doug Marrone that he won't be back next season, so I don't see them getting up for this one as the Colts close their season on a high note.
Prediction: Indianapolis 30, Jacksonville 16.
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) vs Baltimore Ravens (13-2)- 4:25, CBS: The Steelers are coming off a bad road loss in East Rutherford against the Jets. The Ravens are coming off a road win in Cleveland against the Browns as they already locked up home field advantage in the AFC Playoffs. John Harbaugh is resting a lot of key players in this game as Robert Griffin III will get the start at quarterback, but the Steelers need a win here as well as a Titans loss to clinch a playoff berth and I think that the Steelers defense will step up against RG3 to get the win.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 16.
Tennessee Titans (8-7) vs Houston Texans (10-5)- 4:25, CBS: The Titans are coming off a home loss against the New Orleans Saints. The Texans are coming off a road win in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers. The Titans need to win this game and they're in the postseason and I believe they get it done against a Texans team that has already wrapped up the division.
Prediction: Tennessee 30, Houston 23.
San Francisco 49ers (12-3) vs Seattle Seahawks (11-4)- 8:20, NBC: This game determines the winner of the NFC West and the loser plays the NFC East winner in the Wild Card round. The 49ers are coming off a thrilling Saturday night divisional home win over the Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks are coming off a bad divisional home loss against the Arizona Cardinals. Marshawn Lynch is back with the Seahawks after the team lost Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny for the season, but I'm not convinced he'll magically turn into Beast Mode and help the Seahawks to a Super Bowl run and that said, the better team is the Niners and they'll get it done to win the division and earn home field advantage in the NFC Playoffs.
Prediction: San Francisco 34, Seattle 20.
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Friday, December 27, 2019
2019-20 College Football Playoff: Semifinals Picks
Here are my picks for the 2019-20 College Football Playoff Semifinals.
Saturday, December 28th
Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl: (4) Oklahoma (12-1) vs (1) LSU (13-0)- 4:00, ESPN: This is the Sooners' fourth College Football Playoff appearance and their third in a row, this time led by former Alabama quarterback and Heisman finalist Jalen Hurts. This is the Tigers' first time in the College Football Playoff led by Heisman winner Joe Burrow. I do expect there to be a ton of points in this game although there's a chance Tigers running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire may not play due to a hamstring injury, but I don't see that affecting the result of the game. I do think there's a chance that Hurts, Cee-Dee Lamb, and the rest of the Sooners offense goes toe-to-toe with them a majority of the game, but ultimately I do not see the Sooners defense stopping Burrow and that offense.
Prediction: LSU 48, Oklahoma 35.
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl: (3) Clemson (13-0) vs (2) Ohio State (13-0)- 8:00, ESPN: This game is what I'm going to call "the defacto National Championship game" (barring significant injuries to the winner of this game) because I feel these are the best two teams in the country. The Tigers in the second half of the regular season is when they started looking like the team many imagined they'd be after a near loss at North Carolina as Trevor Lawrence started to play like the guy that looked like the best quarterback prospect since perhaps Peyton Manning. The Buckeyes have looked like the best team in the country nearly all season long led by stud Georgia transfer quarterback Justin Fields on offense and stud edge rusher Chase Young, who were both Heisman finalists. The winner of this game certainly would not surprise me, but the experience that Lawrence gained last season as well as guys like Travis Etienne, Tee Higgins, and Justyn Ross on offense will be a big difference in this game as the Buckeyes defense despite Young's presence as well as Jeff Okudah in the secondary showed leaks against better competition as the Tigers go to their second consecutive National Championship game and their fourth in five years.
Prediction: Clemson 41, Ohio State 37.
Saturday, December 28th
Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl: (4) Oklahoma (12-1) vs (1) LSU (13-0)- 4:00, ESPN: This is the Sooners' fourth College Football Playoff appearance and their third in a row, this time led by former Alabama quarterback and Heisman finalist Jalen Hurts. This is the Tigers' first time in the College Football Playoff led by Heisman winner Joe Burrow. I do expect there to be a ton of points in this game although there's a chance Tigers running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire may not play due to a hamstring injury, but I don't see that affecting the result of the game. I do think there's a chance that Hurts, Cee-Dee Lamb, and the rest of the Sooners offense goes toe-to-toe with them a majority of the game, but ultimately I do not see the Sooners defense stopping Burrow and that offense.
Prediction: LSU 48, Oklahoma 35.
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl: (3) Clemson (13-0) vs (2) Ohio State (13-0)- 8:00, ESPN: This game is what I'm going to call "the defacto National Championship game" (barring significant injuries to the winner of this game) because I feel these are the best two teams in the country. The Tigers in the second half of the regular season is when they started looking like the team many imagined they'd be after a near loss at North Carolina as Trevor Lawrence started to play like the guy that looked like the best quarterback prospect since perhaps Peyton Manning. The Buckeyes have looked like the best team in the country nearly all season long led by stud Georgia transfer quarterback Justin Fields on offense and stud edge rusher Chase Young, who were both Heisman finalists. The winner of this game certainly would not surprise me, but the experience that Lawrence gained last season as well as guys like Travis Etienne, Tee Higgins, and Justyn Ross on offense will be a big difference in this game as the Buckeyes defense despite Young's presence as well as Jeff Okudah in the secondary showed leaks against better competition as the Tigers go to their second consecutive National Championship game and their fourth in five years.
Prediction: Clemson 41, Ohio State 37.
Friday, December 20, 2019
2019 NFL Week 16 Picks
Here are my picks for week sixteen of the 2019 NFL Season.
Saturday, December 21st
Houston Texans (8-5) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)- 1:00, NFLN: The Texans are coming off a huge road win in Nashville against the Titans. The Buccaneers are coming off a road win in Detroit against the Lions. The Texans can clinch the division here with a win and with the Bucs missing both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin for the season, I don't see how they can match the Texans score to score. Houston won't have a problem as they'll clinch their fourth division title in five seasons.
Prediction: Houston 33, Tampa Bay 20.
Buffalo Bills (10-3) vs New England Patriots (10-3)- 4:30, NFLN: It's been a very long time where the AFC East division has not been clinched this late in the season. The Bills are coming off a big time road win in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. The Pats are coming off a road win in Cincinnati against the Bengals. All the pressure is on the Pats to put together a good effort against the upstart Bills to get the win to clinch the division and I think they'll get it done courtesy of their defense.
Prediction: New England 16, Buffalo 13.
Los Angeles Rams (8-6) vs San Francisco 49ers (12-2)- 8:30, NFLN: The Rams are coming off a disastrous road loss in Arlington against the Cowboys. The 49ers are coming off a heartbreaking home loss against the suddenly frisky Atlanta Falcons. The Rams are eliminated from playoff contention with a loss here and the Niners are playing for a division crown next week when they go to Seattle, but they also could have home field advantage if they win out. This will be a much closer and competitive game then the first time these two met and I think the Niners win a high scoring affair.
Prediction: San Francisco 27, LA Rams 24.
Sunday, December 22nd
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9) vs Atlanta Falcons (5-9)- 1:00, FOX: The Jaguars are coming off a comeback road win in Oakland against the Raiders to spoil the Silver And Black's final home game at The Coliseum. The Falcons are coming off a great road win in Santa Clara against the 49ers. The Falcons are playing very good football right now and there is a lot of drama going on with the Jags so give me the Red Birds to win comfortably.
Prediction: Atlanta 37, Jacksonville 16.
Baltimore Ravens (12-2) vs Cleveland Browns (6-8)- 1:00, CBS: The Ravens are coming off a dominant Thursday night home win over the New York Jets. The Browns are coming off a bad loss in Glendale against the Cardinals. The Ravens are still playing for AFC home field advantage and don't forget the last team to defeat the Ravens was this Browns team so don't underestimate the revenge angle here too. Ravens win it and eliminate the Browns from playoff contention.
Prediction: Baltimore 34, Cleveland 23.
New Orleans Saints (11-3) vs Tennessee Titans (8-6)- 1:00, FOX: The Saints are coming off a dominant Monday night home win over the Indianapolis Colts as Drew Brees made history by taking the lead all time touchdown passes in league history. The Titans are coming off a tough home loss against the Houston Texans which will likely cost them a division title. The Titans are still playing for a wild card berth though and I think they get it done in an entertaining game at home.
Prediction: Tennessee 30, New Orleans 27.
Carolina Panthers (5-9) vs Indianapolis Colts (6-8)- 1:00, FOX: The Panthers are coming off a home loss against the Seattle Seahawks. The Colts are coming off a disastrous Monday night road loss in New Orleans against the Saints. By mostly all accounts this is a meaningless game, but Will Grier will make his first career start for the Panthers so that should be interesting. That said, I don't think the Colts defense is as bad as it looked because the Saints offense is really awesome and I think the Colts get it done at home to at least avoid a double digit loss season.
Prediction: Indianapolis 20, Carolina 16.
Cincinnati Bengals (1-13) vs Miami Dolphins (3-11)- 1:00, CBS: Here we have a Tank-A-Thon! The Bengals are coming off a home loss against the New England Patriots. The Dolphins are coming off a road loss in East Rutherford against the Giants. This is among the worst games on paper all season and I'll just pick the home team led by Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Prediction: Miami 26, Cincinnati 24.
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) vs New York Jets (5-9)- 1:00, CBS: The Steelers are coming off a tough Sunday night home loss against the Buffalo Bills. The Jets are coming off a Thursday night road loss in Baltimore against the Ravens. I expect both teams to perform better than they did a week ago although Dalvin Hodges does not look to be the answer for the Steelers. That said, the Steelers defense is the best unit on the field and I expect them to pick off Sam Darnold a time or two as that will be the difference.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 24, NY Jets 20.
New York Giants (3-11) vs Washington Redskins (3-11)- 1:00, FOX: Here's another somewhat Tank-A-Thon game, except these two teams want their rookie quarterbacks to perform well. The Giants are coming off a home win over the Miami Dolphins as Eli Manning had his swan song. The Redskins are coming off a divisional home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Dwayne Haskins played perhaps his best game a week ago and Daniel Jones returns from his ankle injury. I expect both young quarterbacks to play well and I think the Giants skill position guys are better and that's three difference.
Prediction: NY Giants 30, Washington 26.
Detroit Lions (3-10-1) vs Denver Broncos (5-9)- 4:05, CBS: The Lions are coming off a home loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Broncos are coming off a bad divisional road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs in the snow. I think Drew Lock and the Broncos offense bounces back here against a bad Lions defense and get the win.
Prediction: Denver 26, Detroit 13.
Oakland Raiders (6-8) vs Los Angeles Chargers (5-9)- 4:05, CBS: The Raiders are coming off a tough home loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars in The Coliseum finale. The Chargers are coming off a disastrous home loss against the Minnesota Vikings. I think points will come at plenty here and I think Phillip Rivers and the offense bounces back against a much weaker Raiders defense.
Prediction: LA Chargers 37, Oakland 24.
Dallas Cowboys (7-7) vs Philadelphia Eagles (7-7)- 4:25, FOX: This is certainly the biggest game on the Sunday slate as the NFC East is pretty much at stake here. The Cowboys are coming off a huge home win over the Los Angeles Rams. The Eagles are coming off a big divisional road win in Landover against the Redskins. The Eagles are still shorthanded all around so that gives the Cowboys a nice edge here as the NFC East finally has a back to back champion for the first time in a long time.
Prediction: Dallas 27, Philadelphia 20.
Arizona Cardinals (4-9-1) vs Seattle Seahawks (11-3)- 4:25, FOX: The Cardinals are coming off a home win over the Cleveland Browns. The Seahawks are coming off a road win in Charlotte against the Panthers. I can see this being a much closer game than people expect because the Seahawks host the 49ers next week, but I do expect the Seahawks to get the win.
Prediction: Seattle 31, Arizona 26.
Kansas City Chiefs (10-4) vs Chicago Bears (7-7)- 8:20, NBC: The Chiefs are coming off a dominant divisional home win over the Denver Broncos. The Bears are coming off a tough divisional road loss in Green Bay against the Packers in which they nearly pulled off a lateral touchdown which could have tied the game with a two-point conversion. The Chiefs are still playing for a possible bye in the AFC playoffs and I think they get it done on the road in a close one.
Prediction: Kansas City 26, Chicago 23.
Monday, December 23rd
Green Bay Packers (11-3) vs Minnesota Vikings (10-4)- 8:15, ESPN: This is a humongous game in the NFC North. The Packers are coming off a divisional home win over the Chicago Bears. The Vikings are coming off a dominant road win in Los Angeles against the Chargers. The Packers can clinch the division with a win here and the Vikings win the division if they win out. The Vikings are missing Dalvin Cook, but I don't think they'll miss him as they have the depth to replace him and I think Kirk Cousins finally gets a win on Monday Night Football.
Prediction: Minnesota 34, Green Bay 26.
Saturday, December 21st
Houston Texans (8-5) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)- 1:00, NFLN: The Texans are coming off a huge road win in Nashville against the Titans. The Buccaneers are coming off a road win in Detroit against the Lions. The Texans can clinch the division here with a win and with the Bucs missing both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin for the season, I don't see how they can match the Texans score to score. Houston won't have a problem as they'll clinch their fourth division title in five seasons.
Prediction: Houston 33, Tampa Bay 20.
Buffalo Bills (10-3) vs New England Patriots (10-3)- 4:30, NFLN: It's been a very long time where the AFC East division has not been clinched this late in the season. The Bills are coming off a big time road win in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. The Pats are coming off a road win in Cincinnati against the Bengals. All the pressure is on the Pats to put together a good effort against the upstart Bills to get the win to clinch the division and I think they'll get it done courtesy of their defense.
Prediction: New England 16, Buffalo 13.
Los Angeles Rams (8-6) vs San Francisco 49ers (12-2)- 8:30, NFLN: The Rams are coming off a disastrous road loss in Arlington against the Cowboys. The 49ers are coming off a heartbreaking home loss against the suddenly frisky Atlanta Falcons. The Rams are eliminated from playoff contention with a loss here and the Niners are playing for a division crown next week when they go to Seattle, but they also could have home field advantage if they win out. This will be a much closer and competitive game then the first time these two met and I think the Niners win a high scoring affair.
Prediction: San Francisco 27, LA Rams 24.
Sunday, December 22nd
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-9) vs Atlanta Falcons (5-9)- 1:00, FOX: The Jaguars are coming off a comeback road win in Oakland against the Raiders to spoil the Silver And Black's final home game at The Coliseum. The Falcons are coming off a great road win in Santa Clara against the 49ers. The Falcons are playing very good football right now and there is a lot of drama going on with the Jags so give me the Red Birds to win comfortably.
Prediction: Atlanta 37, Jacksonville 16.
Baltimore Ravens (12-2) vs Cleveland Browns (6-8)- 1:00, CBS: The Ravens are coming off a dominant Thursday night home win over the New York Jets. The Browns are coming off a bad loss in Glendale against the Cardinals. The Ravens are still playing for AFC home field advantage and don't forget the last team to defeat the Ravens was this Browns team so don't underestimate the revenge angle here too. Ravens win it and eliminate the Browns from playoff contention.
Prediction: Baltimore 34, Cleveland 23.
New Orleans Saints (11-3) vs Tennessee Titans (8-6)- 1:00, FOX: The Saints are coming off a dominant Monday night home win over the Indianapolis Colts as Drew Brees made history by taking the lead all time touchdown passes in league history. The Titans are coming off a tough home loss against the Houston Texans which will likely cost them a division title. The Titans are still playing for a wild card berth though and I think they get it done in an entertaining game at home.
Prediction: Tennessee 30, New Orleans 27.
Carolina Panthers (5-9) vs Indianapolis Colts (6-8)- 1:00, FOX: The Panthers are coming off a home loss against the Seattle Seahawks. The Colts are coming off a disastrous Monday night road loss in New Orleans against the Saints. By mostly all accounts this is a meaningless game, but Will Grier will make his first career start for the Panthers so that should be interesting. That said, I don't think the Colts defense is as bad as it looked because the Saints offense is really awesome and I think the Colts get it done at home to at least avoid a double digit loss season.
Prediction: Indianapolis 20, Carolina 16.
Cincinnati Bengals (1-13) vs Miami Dolphins (3-11)- 1:00, CBS: Here we have a Tank-A-Thon! The Bengals are coming off a home loss against the New England Patriots. The Dolphins are coming off a road loss in East Rutherford against the Giants. This is among the worst games on paper all season and I'll just pick the home team led by Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Prediction: Miami 26, Cincinnati 24.
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) vs New York Jets (5-9)- 1:00, CBS: The Steelers are coming off a tough Sunday night home loss against the Buffalo Bills. The Jets are coming off a Thursday night road loss in Baltimore against the Ravens. I expect both teams to perform better than they did a week ago although Dalvin Hodges does not look to be the answer for the Steelers. That said, the Steelers defense is the best unit on the field and I expect them to pick off Sam Darnold a time or two as that will be the difference.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 24, NY Jets 20.
New York Giants (3-11) vs Washington Redskins (3-11)- 1:00, FOX: Here's another somewhat Tank-A-Thon game, except these two teams want their rookie quarterbacks to perform well. The Giants are coming off a home win over the Miami Dolphins as Eli Manning had his swan song. The Redskins are coming off a divisional home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Dwayne Haskins played perhaps his best game a week ago and Daniel Jones returns from his ankle injury. I expect both young quarterbacks to play well and I think the Giants skill position guys are better and that's three difference.
Prediction: NY Giants 30, Washington 26.
Detroit Lions (3-10-1) vs Denver Broncos (5-9)- 4:05, CBS: The Lions are coming off a home loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Broncos are coming off a bad divisional road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs in the snow. I think Drew Lock and the Broncos offense bounces back here against a bad Lions defense and get the win.
Prediction: Denver 26, Detroit 13.
Oakland Raiders (6-8) vs Los Angeles Chargers (5-9)- 4:05, CBS: The Raiders are coming off a tough home loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars in The Coliseum finale. The Chargers are coming off a disastrous home loss against the Minnesota Vikings. I think points will come at plenty here and I think Phillip Rivers and the offense bounces back against a much weaker Raiders defense.
Prediction: LA Chargers 37, Oakland 24.
Dallas Cowboys (7-7) vs Philadelphia Eagles (7-7)- 4:25, FOX: This is certainly the biggest game on the Sunday slate as the NFC East is pretty much at stake here. The Cowboys are coming off a huge home win over the Los Angeles Rams. The Eagles are coming off a big divisional road win in Landover against the Redskins. The Eagles are still shorthanded all around so that gives the Cowboys a nice edge here as the NFC East finally has a back to back champion for the first time in a long time.
Prediction: Dallas 27, Philadelphia 20.
Arizona Cardinals (4-9-1) vs Seattle Seahawks (11-3)- 4:25, FOX: The Cardinals are coming off a home win over the Cleveland Browns. The Seahawks are coming off a road win in Charlotte against the Panthers. I can see this being a much closer game than people expect because the Seahawks host the 49ers next week, but I do expect the Seahawks to get the win.
Prediction: Seattle 31, Arizona 26.
Kansas City Chiefs (10-4) vs Chicago Bears (7-7)- 8:20, NBC: The Chiefs are coming off a dominant divisional home win over the Denver Broncos. The Bears are coming off a tough divisional road loss in Green Bay against the Packers in which they nearly pulled off a lateral touchdown which could have tied the game with a two-point conversion. The Chiefs are still playing for a possible bye in the AFC playoffs and I think they get it done on the road in a close one.
Prediction: Kansas City 26, Chicago 23.
Monday, December 23rd
Green Bay Packers (11-3) vs Minnesota Vikings (10-4)- 8:15, ESPN: This is a humongous game in the NFC North. The Packers are coming off a divisional home win over the Chicago Bears. The Vikings are coming off a dominant road win in Los Angeles against the Chargers. The Packers can clinch the division with a win here and the Vikings win the division if they win out. The Vikings are missing Dalvin Cook, but I don't think they'll miss him as they have the depth to replace him and I think Kirk Cousins finally gets a win on Monday Night Football.
Prediction: Minnesota 34, Green Bay 26.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
2019-20 College Football Bowl Season: Picks
Here are bowl picks for the 2019-20 College Football season.
Friday, December 20th
Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo (7-5) vs Charlotte (7-5)- 2:00, ESPN: The Bulls finished the season strong winning five of their last six games. The 49ers exceeded everyone's expectations this season and are currently riding a five game winning streak. This is the Niners first bowl game in school history, so you can argue they will have a motivation for them. The fact of the matter here is the Bulls are the better team and I think they'll win this by double digits.
Pick: Buffalo
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl: Utah State (7-5) vs Kent State (6-6)- 7:00, ESPN2: The Aggies are a team that has kind of underwhelmed this season despite winning three of their last four games. The Golden Flashes meanwhile have overachieved this season and have won their final three games. Jordan Love is dealing with off field issues and he is going to play for the Aggies, but I think it's a distraction and I like the Flashes to pull off the upset.
Pick: Kent State
Saturday, December 21st
New Mexico Bowl: Central Michigan (8-5) vs San Diego State (9-3)- 2:00, ESPN: The Chippewas overachieved this season and coach Jim McElwain deserves credit for that as they won six of their final seven regular season games before losing in the MAC title game to Miami. The Aztecs had a solid season, despite not even making the MWC title game since they lost two of their last three conference games. I feel that the Aztecs are the better team as their defense will lead the way.
Pick: San Diego State
FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl: Liberty (7-5) vs Georgia Southern (7-5)- 2:30, CBSSN: The Flames in their second FBS season are bowl eligible although they lost three of their final five games. The Eagles are a team that split their final four games although they aren't as good as they were last season. The difference in this one is the Eagles run game is prolific and the Flames defense is not good at all, although I can see the Flames hanging around a little bit due to their offense.
Pick: Georgia Southern
Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl: SMU (10-2) at FAU (10-3)- 3:30, ABC: The Mustangs have had a great season this year despite starting unbeaten and dropping two of their final four. The Owls have had a great season, currently riding a six game winning streak, despite Lane Kiffin departing for Ole Miss. I expect this to be a high scoring affair and I think the Mustangs are the better team and will get it done sans it being on the Owl's home turf.
Pick: SMU
Camellia Bowl: FIU (6-6) vs Arkansas State (7-5)- 5:30, ESPN: The Panthers finished the season dropping three of their final five, although one of the wins came against Butch Davis's alma matter in Miami. The Red Wolves won four of their final five games to finish the regular season. This was a tough game to pick and I like the Red Wolves to pull it out.
Pick: Arkansas State
Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl: (19) Boise State (12-1) vs Washington (7-5)- 7:30, ABC: The Broncos won their conference title yet again and are riding a six game winning streak. The Huskies are among the biggest disappointments this season in the sport and have dropped three of their last five. This is Chris Petersen's final game as Huskies coach and it's ironic that it comes against his former school, but his former school is the better team and I think they'll be motivated here and get the win.
Pick: Boise State
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: (20) Appalachian State (12-1) vs UAB (9-4)- 9:00, ESPN: The Mountaineers are one of the better Group of Five teams in the country as they won the Sun Belt again and are riding a five game winning streak. The Blazers won their final three regular season games, but are a team that has been more lucky than good this season as they caught breaks and wound up in the C-USA title game and lost. I think this is a blowout victory for the much superior Mountaineers.
Pick: Appalachian State
Monday, December 23rd
Bad Boys Mowers Gasparilla Bowl: UCF (9-3) vs Marshall (8-4)- 2:30, ESPN: The Knights finished their season strong winners of five of their final six games. The Thundering Herd are winners of six of their last seven to get to this point. It's just plain and simple that the Knights are more talented team led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
Pick: UCF
Tuesday, December 24th
Sofi Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii (9-5) vs BYU (7-5)- 8:00, ESPN: The Rainbow Warriors won their final four regular season games, but lost the conference title game against Boise State. The Cougars finished strong winning five of their final six games to get here. There's no doubt is will be a high scoring affair and despite being the road team in this game, I feel that the Cougars are the more talented team and will take this one.
Pick: BYU
Thursday, December 26th
Walk On's Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech (9-3) vs Miami (6-6)- 4:00, ESPN: The Bulldogs have had a solid year although they dropped two of their final three to end the regular season. The Hurricanes have had a underwhelming first year under Manny Diaz and they've played down to opponents a ton throughout the season and I believe this could be the case here again.
Pick: Louisiana Tech
Quick Lane Bowl: Pittsburgh (7-5) vs Eastern Michigan (6-6)- 8:00, ESPN: The Panthers have dropped three of their final five games after starting the season strong. The Eagles have won two of their final three to become bowl eligible. I won't be surprised if this game is closer than people expect, although I believe Kenny Pickett will lead the Panthers to a win.
Pick: Pittsburgh
Friday, December 27th
Military Bowl Presented By Northrop Grumman: North Carolina (6-6) vs Temple (8-4)- 12:00, ESPN: The Tar Heels started very well, but had to win three of their final five to just become bowl eligible. The Owls have had a solid season and have won three of their final four contests. This should be a fun game with a lot of points, but I think Mack Brown will get his team ready for this one as Sam Howell leads them to a win.
Pick: North Carolina
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Michigan State (6-6) vs Wake Forest (8-4)- 3:20, ESPN: The Spartans have underwhelmed this season and they had to win their final two games to become bowl eligible. The Demon Deacons have had a solid season, although they've lost three of their final four regular season games. Rumors are flying around about Mark Dantonio's future and I think that can distract the Spartans and I feel that the Demon Deacons offense will steal the show here.
Pick: Wake Forest
Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl: (25) Oklahoma State (8-4) vs Texas A&M (7-5)- 6:45, ESPN: This is a very interesting contest here. The Cowboys finished the season strong winning four of their final five although you can argue they should not be ranked. The Aggies are better them their record indicates due to the fact their five losses were against all very good teams. I think this is an opportunity for the Aggies to prove to the country that the perception about them is true as Vegas believes it is too.
Pick: Texas A&M
San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl: (22) USC (8-4) vs (16) Iowa (9-3)- 8:00, FS1: This is actually a great game. The Trojans have finished the year strong as they decided to keep coach Clay Helton around. The Hawkeyes have had a great year as they closed out the season winning five of their final six games. I think the best player on the field here is Trojans quarterback Kedon Slovis and he'll lead them to a nice win to close the season.
Pick: USC
Cheez-it Bowl: Air Force (10-2) vs Washington State (6-6)- 10:15, ESPN: The Falcons have had a phenomenal season closing the regular season out with seven straight wins. The Cougars regressed from a season ago and dropped three of their final five regular season games. The Falcons really did get snubbed from the College Football Playoff rankings this season and I think they have a lot to prove here as I think they win this game going away.
Pick: Air Force
Saturday, December 28th
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: (17) Memphis (12-1) vs (10) Penn State (10-2)- 12:00, ESPN: The a Tigers have had a phenomenal season with their lone loss coming in Philadelphia against Temple. The Nittany Lions have had a great season too although they split their final four games. Although the Tigers lost their coach Mike Norvell to Florida State, I still think Brady White and that offense will rise to the occasion against a Lions team that probably is disappointed they're not playing in Pasadena.
Pick: Memphis
Camping World Bowl: (15) Notre Dame (10-2) vs Iowa State (7-5)- 12:00, ABC: The Irish are a team that failed to win it's two most important games of their season, but finished strong winning five straight games. The Cyclones are a team that underachieved this season from a record standpoint, but have been just flat out unlucky. That said, the Irish are the better and more talented team led by Ian Book.
Pick: Notre Dame
Monday, December 30th
Servpro First Responder Bowl: WKU (8-4) vs Western Michigan (7-5)- 12:30, ESPN: The Hilltoppers had a very nice year and finished strong winning three in a row. The Broncos won four of their final six contests and the two losses were by a combined ten points. This should be a good game, but I feel the Hilltoppers are the better team here.
Pick: WKU
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Mississippi State (6-6) vs Louisville (7-5)- 4:00, ESPN: The Bulldogs have been an enigma this season and had to win their final two games of the season to become bowl eligible. The Cardinals had a nice first season under Scott Satterfield and they had some nice moments throughout the season. I feel that the Bulldogs are a team that seems not to care for being in this spot and I think Satterfield gets his team up and they get the win.
Pick: Louisville
RedBox Bowl: California (7-5) vs Illinois (6-6)- 4:00, FOX: The Golden Bears have had a nice year and overachieved courtesy of their defense and they've finished the regular season strong winning three of their final four. The Illini are another team that overachieved this season as they perhaps saved Lovie Smith's job. The Bears defense is probably the best unit on the field, but I don't love their offense and I think Smith will get his guys up for this game as they'll pull it out.
Pick: Illinois
Capital One Orange Bowl: (9) Florida (10-2) vs (24) Virginia (9-4)- 8:00, ESPN: These two teams are both talented and well coached and both earned their respective ways to this game. The Gators finished the regular season strong winning their final three games. The Cavaliers did lose the ACC title game to the superiorly talented Clemson Tigers, but that can't take away what a good season they've had. The best unit on the field in this game is the Gators defense and they'll lead the way.
Pick: Florida
Tuesday, December 31st
Belk Bowl: Virginia Tech (8-4) vs Kentucky (7-5)- 12:00, ESPN: The Hokies had a solid season yet again and they won three of their final four games to close out the regular season. The Wildcats lost their starting quarterback due to injury and rallied the troops to get here. I just feel that the Hokies are the better team here.
Pick: Virginia Tech
Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl: Florida State (6-6) vs Arizona State (7-5)- 2:00, CBS: The Seminoles had a disappointing season and fired Willie Taggart mid season. The Sun Devils had their ups and downs, but their ups were highlighted with upset wins over Michigan State and Oregon. Cam Akers won't play in this game for the Seminoles and I think that Herm Edwards will get his team up for this game and they'll get it done.
Pick: Arizona State
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: (23) Navy (10-2) vs Kansas State (8-4)- 3:45, ESPN: The Midshipmen have had a great season and have won their final three games. The Wildcats overachieved in Chris Klieman's first season, but they did split their final four games. I just feel the best player on the field in this matchup is Malcolm Perry III as he'll run all over the Wildcats defense.
Pick: Navy
Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Wyoming (7-5) vs Georgia State (7-5)- 4:30, CBSSN: The Cowboys have had a solid season, but they have dropped three of their final four regular season contests. The Panthers have had a nice season too, but they've also lost three of their final four games. The best unit in this contest is the Cowboys defense and I think they'll stop the Panthers offense enough to get the win.
Pick: Wyoming
Valero Alamo Bowl: (11) Utah (11-2) vs Texas (7-5)- 7:30, ESPN: The Utes have had a great season, despite losing in the Pac-12 Championship game in which it cost them a College Football Playoff spot. The Longhorns badly underachieved this season sans having a lot of talent on their roster. Tom Herman is excellent as an underdog, but the Utes have a chip on their shoulder and I think they'll dominate this one.
Pick: Utah
Wednesday, January 1st
Outback Bowl: (18) Minnesota (10-2) vs (12) Auburn (9-3)- 1:00, ESPN: This should be a great game between two teams that had great seasons. The Golden Gophers started unbeaten, but dropped two of their final three games. The Tigers won three of their final four games including a win over Alabama (without Tua Tagovailoa). The better team here is the Tigers, who have some key players including Derrick Brown playing in this game and I believe they'll get the win.
Pick: Auburn
VRBO Citrus Bowl: (14) Michigan (9-3) vs (13) Alabama (10-2)- 1:00, ABC: Heres a battle of big brands of the sport, who each didn't meet expectations for different reasons. The Wolverines won four of their final five with the loss coming against Ohio State. The Crimson Tide lost quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the season due to a serious hip injury, but they lost one with Tagovailoa, granted he was coming off his ankle injury. The Tide will be sitting some key players although Jerry Jeudy will play. This is a good opportunity for Jim Harbaugh to get a signature win as Wolverines coach and I believe with some of the Tide's players sitting, I think Harbaugh finally gets a big time win.
Pick: Michigan
Rose Bowl Game Presented By Northwestern Mutual: (6) Oregon (11-2) vs (8) Wisconsin (10-3)- 5:00, ESPN: This is a neat Rose Bowl between two awesome teams. The Ducks won the Pac-12 this season and had not been for an improbable Auburn comeback in Week 1, this team is certainly in the College Football Playoff. The Badgers had a nice season too winning their division and making it to the Big-10 title game. The best player on the field in this game is Jonathan Taylor and I believe he'll lead the Badgers to a nice win to close the season.
Pick: Wisconsin
Allstate Sugar Bowl: (5) Georgia (11-2) vs (7) Baylor (11-2)- 8:45, ESPN: This should be an interesting Sugar Bowl between two teams that have had great seasons to this point. The Bulldogs lost in the SEC title game against LSU in a contest that wasn't close. The Bears lost in the Big-12 title game against Oklahoma in overtime, so you can argue the Bears were somewhat closer to the College Football Playoff than the Bulldogs, despite what the rankings suggest. The Bulldogs are the more talented team, but I won't be surprised if they have a letdown and the Bears rise to the occasion, despite heavy rumors of Matt Rhule leaving Baylor to coach in the NFL.
Pick: Baylor
Thursday, January 2nd
Boston College (6-6) vs (21) Cincinnati (10-3)- 3:00, ESPN: The Eagles canned coach Steve Addazio after a .500 season and they had to win their final game to become bowl eligible. The Bearcats have had a great season, despite losing their last two games in Memphis, including the AAC title game. The Eagles won't have star running back AJ Dillon for this game and I think the Bearcats close the season with a win.
Pick: Cincinnati
Indiana (8-4) vs Tennessee (7-5)- 7:00, ESPN: The Hoosiers have had a good season under Tom Allen although they dropped two of their final three games against much superior competition. The Vols have won their final five games to become bowl eligible after a slow start. The Hoosiers are a team I believe will play with a lot of heart and fight and will get this win over a Vols team that I'm not sure is going to get up for it.
Pick: Indiana
Friday, January 3rd
Ohio (6-6) vs Nevada (7-5)- 3:30, ESPN: The Bobcats underwhelmed this season and had to win their final two games to become bowl eligible. The Wolf Pack finished the season winning three of their final four games. I think this will be a competitive game and I think the Wolf Pack can pull off this upset.
Pick: Nevada
Saturday, January 4th
Southern Miss (7-5) vs Tulane (6-6)- 11:30, ESPN: The Eagles have had a nice year, but they dropped their final two games. The Green Wave did not have a strong finish to their season, dropping five of their final six games. This is a very tough call, but I'll take the Green Wave to get off their skid to end their season on a high note.
Pick: Tulane
Monday, January 6th
Louisiana (10-3) vs Miami-Ohio (8-5)- 7:30, ESPN: The Ragin Cajuns have had a sensational season and they won their final six regular season games before losing in Boone against Appalachian State in the conference title game. The RedHawks won six of their final seven games, including their conference championship game. I think this will be a high scoring affair and I think the Ragin Cajuns will take it.
Pick: Louisiana
Friday, December 20th
Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo (7-5) vs Charlotte (7-5)- 2:00, ESPN: The Bulls finished the season strong winning five of their last six games. The 49ers exceeded everyone's expectations this season and are currently riding a five game winning streak. This is the Niners first bowl game in school history, so you can argue they will have a motivation for them. The fact of the matter here is the Bulls are the better team and I think they'll win this by double digits.
Pick: Buffalo
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl: Utah State (7-5) vs Kent State (6-6)- 7:00, ESPN2: The Aggies are a team that has kind of underwhelmed this season despite winning three of their last four games. The Golden Flashes meanwhile have overachieved this season and have won their final three games. Jordan Love is dealing with off field issues and he is going to play for the Aggies, but I think it's a distraction and I like the Flashes to pull off the upset.
Pick: Kent State
Saturday, December 21st
New Mexico Bowl: Central Michigan (8-5) vs San Diego State (9-3)- 2:00, ESPN: The Chippewas overachieved this season and coach Jim McElwain deserves credit for that as they won six of their final seven regular season games before losing in the MAC title game to Miami. The Aztecs had a solid season, despite not even making the MWC title game since they lost two of their last three conference games. I feel that the Aztecs are the better team as their defense will lead the way.
Pick: San Diego State
FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl: Liberty (7-5) vs Georgia Southern (7-5)- 2:30, CBSSN: The Flames in their second FBS season are bowl eligible although they lost three of their final five games. The Eagles are a team that split their final four games although they aren't as good as they were last season. The difference in this one is the Eagles run game is prolific and the Flames defense is not good at all, although I can see the Flames hanging around a little bit due to their offense.
Pick: Georgia Southern
Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl: SMU (10-2) at FAU (10-3)- 3:30, ABC: The Mustangs have had a great season this year despite starting unbeaten and dropping two of their final four. The Owls have had a great season, currently riding a six game winning streak, despite Lane Kiffin departing for Ole Miss. I expect this to be a high scoring affair and I think the Mustangs are the better team and will get it done sans it being on the Owl's home turf.
Pick: SMU
Camellia Bowl: FIU (6-6) vs Arkansas State (7-5)- 5:30, ESPN: The Panthers finished the season dropping three of their final five, although one of the wins came against Butch Davis's alma matter in Miami. The Red Wolves won four of their final five games to finish the regular season. This was a tough game to pick and I like the Red Wolves to pull it out.
Pick: Arkansas State
Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl: (19) Boise State (12-1) vs Washington (7-5)- 7:30, ABC: The Broncos won their conference title yet again and are riding a six game winning streak. The Huskies are among the biggest disappointments this season in the sport and have dropped three of their last five. This is Chris Petersen's final game as Huskies coach and it's ironic that it comes against his former school, but his former school is the better team and I think they'll be motivated here and get the win.
Pick: Boise State
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: (20) Appalachian State (12-1) vs UAB (9-4)- 9:00, ESPN: The Mountaineers are one of the better Group of Five teams in the country as they won the Sun Belt again and are riding a five game winning streak. The Blazers won their final three regular season games, but are a team that has been more lucky than good this season as they caught breaks and wound up in the C-USA title game and lost. I think this is a blowout victory for the much superior Mountaineers.
Pick: Appalachian State
Monday, December 23rd
Bad Boys Mowers Gasparilla Bowl: UCF (9-3) vs Marshall (8-4)- 2:30, ESPN: The Knights finished their season strong winners of five of their final six games. The Thundering Herd are winners of six of their last seven to get to this point. It's just plain and simple that the Knights are more talented team led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
Pick: UCF
Tuesday, December 24th
Sofi Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii (9-5) vs BYU (7-5)- 8:00, ESPN: The Rainbow Warriors won their final four regular season games, but lost the conference title game against Boise State. The Cougars finished strong winning five of their final six games to get here. There's no doubt is will be a high scoring affair and despite being the road team in this game, I feel that the Cougars are the more talented team and will take this one.
Pick: BYU
Thursday, December 26th
Walk On's Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech (9-3) vs Miami (6-6)- 4:00, ESPN: The Bulldogs have had a solid year although they dropped two of their final three to end the regular season. The Hurricanes have had a underwhelming first year under Manny Diaz and they've played down to opponents a ton throughout the season and I believe this could be the case here again.
Pick: Louisiana Tech
Quick Lane Bowl: Pittsburgh (7-5) vs Eastern Michigan (6-6)- 8:00, ESPN: The Panthers have dropped three of their final five games after starting the season strong. The Eagles have won two of their final three to become bowl eligible. I won't be surprised if this game is closer than people expect, although I believe Kenny Pickett will lead the Panthers to a win.
Pick: Pittsburgh
Friday, December 27th
Military Bowl Presented By Northrop Grumman: North Carolina (6-6) vs Temple (8-4)- 12:00, ESPN: The Tar Heels started very well, but had to win three of their final five to just become bowl eligible. The Owls have had a solid season and have won three of their final four contests. This should be a fun game with a lot of points, but I think Mack Brown will get his team ready for this one as Sam Howell leads them to a win.
Pick: North Carolina
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Michigan State (6-6) vs Wake Forest (8-4)- 3:20, ESPN: The Spartans have underwhelmed this season and they had to win their final two games to become bowl eligible. The Demon Deacons have had a solid season, although they've lost three of their final four regular season games. Rumors are flying around about Mark Dantonio's future and I think that can distract the Spartans and I feel that the Demon Deacons offense will steal the show here.
Pick: Wake Forest
Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl: (25) Oklahoma State (8-4) vs Texas A&M (7-5)- 6:45, ESPN: This is a very interesting contest here. The Cowboys finished the season strong winning four of their final five although you can argue they should not be ranked. The Aggies are better them their record indicates due to the fact their five losses were against all very good teams. I think this is an opportunity for the Aggies to prove to the country that the perception about them is true as Vegas believes it is too.
Pick: Texas A&M
San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl: (22) USC (8-4) vs (16) Iowa (9-3)- 8:00, FS1: This is actually a great game. The Trojans have finished the year strong as they decided to keep coach Clay Helton around. The Hawkeyes have had a great year as they closed out the season winning five of their final six games. I think the best player on the field here is Trojans quarterback Kedon Slovis and he'll lead them to a nice win to close the season.
Pick: USC
Cheez-it Bowl: Air Force (10-2) vs Washington State (6-6)- 10:15, ESPN: The Falcons have had a phenomenal season closing the regular season out with seven straight wins. The Cougars regressed from a season ago and dropped three of their final five regular season games. The Falcons really did get snubbed from the College Football Playoff rankings this season and I think they have a lot to prove here as I think they win this game going away.
Pick: Air Force
Saturday, December 28th
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: (17) Memphis (12-1) vs (10) Penn State (10-2)- 12:00, ESPN: The a Tigers have had a phenomenal season with their lone loss coming in Philadelphia against Temple. The Nittany Lions have had a great season too although they split their final four games. Although the Tigers lost their coach Mike Norvell to Florida State, I still think Brady White and that offense will rise to the occasion against a Lions team that probably is disappointed they're not playing in Pasadena.
Pick: Memphis
Camping World Bowl: (15) Notre Dame (10-2) vs Iowa State (7-5)- 12:00, ABC: The Irish are a team that failed to win it's two most important games of their season, but finished strong winning five straight games. The Cyclones are a team that underachieved this season from a record standpoint, but have been just flat out unlucky. That said, the Irish are the better and more talented team led by Ian Book.
Pick: Notre Dame
Monday, December 30th
Servpro First Responder Bowl: WKU (8-4) vs Western Michigan (7-5)- 12:30, ESPN: The Hilltoppers had a very nice year and finished strong winning three in a row. The Broncos won four of their final six contests and the two losses were by a combined ten points. This should be a good game, but I feel the Hilltoppers are the better team here.
Pick: WKU
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Mississippi State (6-6) vs Louisville (7-5)- 4:00, ESPN: The Bulldogs have been an enigma this season and had to win their final two games of the season to become bowl eligible. The Cardinals had a nice first season under Scott Satterfield and they had some nice moments throughout the season. I feel that the Bulldogs are a team that seems not to care for being in this spot and I think Satterfield gets his team up and they get the win.
Pick: Louisville
RedBox Bowl: California (7-5) vs Illinois (6-6)- 4:00, FOX: The Golden Bears have had a nice year and overachieved courtesy of their defense and they've finished the regular season strong winning three of their final four. The Illini are another team that overachieved this season as they perhaps saved Lovie Smith's job. The Bears defense is probably the best unit on the field, but I don't love their offense and I think Smith will get his guys up for this game as they'll pull it out.
Pick: Illinois
Capital One Orange Bowl: (9) Florida (10-2) vs (24) Virginia (9-4)- 8:00, ESPN: These two teams are both talented and well coached and both earned their respective ways to this game. The Gators finished the regular season strong winning their final three games. The Cavaliers did lose the ACC title game to the superiorly talented Clemson Tigers, but that can't take away what a good season they've had. The best unit on the field in this game is the Gators defense and they'll lead the way.
Pick: Florida
Tuesday, December 31st
Belk Bowl: Virginia Tech (8-4) vs Kentucky (7-5)- 12:00, ESPN: The Hokies had a solid season yet again and they won three of their final four games to close out the regular season. The Wildcats lost their starting quarterback due to injury and rallied the troops to get here. I just feel that the Hokies are the better team here.
Pick: Virginia Tech
Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl: Florida State (6-6) vs Arizona State (7-5)- 2:00, CBS: The Seminoles had a disappointing season and fired Willie Taggart mid season. The Sun Devils had their ups and downs, but their ups were highlighted with upset wins over Michigan State and Oregon. Cam Akers won't play in this game for the Seminoles and I think that Herm Edwards will get his team up for this game and they'll get it done.
Pick: Arizona State
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: (23) Navy (10-2) vs Kansas State (8-4)- 3:45, ESPN: The Midshipmen have had a great season and have won their final three games. The Wildcats overachieved in Chris Klieman's first season, but they did split their final four games. I just feel the best player on the field in this matchup is Malcolm Perry III as he'll run all over the Wildcats defense.
Pick: Navy
Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Wyoming (7-5) vs Georgia State (7-5)- 4:30, CBSSN: The Cowboys have had a solid season, but they have dropped three of their final four regular season contests. The Panthers have had a nice season too, but they've also lost three of their final four games. The best unit in this contest is the Cowboys defense and I think they'll stop the Panthers offense enough to get the win.
Pick: Wyoming
Valero Alamo Bowl: (11) Utah (11-2) vs Texas (7-5)- 7:30, ESPN: The Utes have had a great season, despite losing in the Pac-12 Championship game in which it cost them a College Football Playoff spot. The Longhorns badly underachieved this season sans having a lot of talent on their roster. Tom Herman is excellent as an underdog, but the Utes have a chip on their shoulder and I think they'll dominate this one.
Pick: Utah
Wednesday, January 1st
Outback Bowl: (18) Minnesota (10-2) vs (12) Auburn (9-3)- 1:00, ESPN: This should be a great game between two teams that had great seasons. The Golden Gophers started unbeaten, but dropped two of their final three games. The Tigers won three of their final four games including a win over Alabama (without Tua Tagovailoa). The better team here is the Tigers, who have some key players including Derrick Brown playing in this game and I believe they'll get the win.
Pick: Auburn
VRBO Citrus Bowl: (14) Michigan (9-3) vs (13) Alabama (10-2)- 1:00, ABC: Heres a battle of big brands of the sport, who each didn't meet expectations for different reasons. The Wolverines won four of their final five with the loss coming against Ohio State. The Crimson Tide lost quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the season due to a serious hip injury, but they lost one with Tagovailoa, granted he was coming off his ankle injury. The Tide will be sitting some key players although Jerry Jeudy will play. This is a good opportunity for Jim Harbaugh to get a signature win as Wolverines coach and I believe with some of the Tide's players sitting, I think Harbaugh finally gets a big time win.
Pick: Michigan
Rose Bowl Game Presented By Northwestern Mutual: (6) Oregon (11-2) vs (8) Wisconsin (10-3)- 5:00, ESPN: This is a neat Rose Bowl between two awesome teams. The Ducks won the Pac-12 this season and had not been for an improbable Auburn comeback in Week 1, this team is certainly in the College Football Playoff. The Badgers had a nice season too winning their division and making it to the Big-10 title game. The best player on the field in this game is Jonathan Taylor and I believe he'll lead the Badgers to a nice win to close the season.
Pick: Wisconsin
Allstate Sugar Bowl: (5) Georgia (11-2) vs (7) Baylor (11-2)- 8:45, ESPN: This should be an interesting Sugar Bowl between two teams that have had great seasons to this point. The Bulldogs lost in the SEC title game against LSU in a contest that wasn't close. The Bears lost in the Big-12 title game against Oklahoma in overtime, so you can argue the Bears were somewhat closer to the College Football Playoff than the Bulldogs, despite what the rankings suggest. The Bulldogs are the more talented team, but I won't be surprised if they have a letdown and the Bears rise to the occasion, despite heavy rumors of Matt Rhule leaving Baylor to coach in the NFL.
Pick: Baylor
Thursday, January 2nd
Boston College (6-6) vs (21) Cincinnati (10-3)- 3:00, ESPN: The Eagles canned coach Steve Addazio after a .500 season and they had to win their final game to become bowl eligible. The Bearcats have had a great season, despite losing their last two games in Memphis, including the AAC title game. The Eagles won't have star running back AJ Dillon for this game and I think the Bearcats close the season with a win.
Pick: Cincinnati
Indiana (8-4) vs Tennessee (7-5)- 7:00, ESPN: The Hoosiers have had a good season under Tom Allen although they dropped two of their final three games against much superior competition. The Vols have won their final five games to become bowl eligible after a slow start. The Hoosiers are a team I believe will play with a lot of heart and fight and will get this win over a Vols team that I'm not sure is going to get up for it.
Pick: Indiana
Friday, January 3rd
Ohio (6-6) vs Nevada (7-5)- 3:30, ESPN: The Bobcats underwhelmed this season and had to win their final two games to become bowl eligible. The Wolf Pack finished the season winning three of their final four games. I think this will be a competitive game and I think the Wolf Pack can pull off this upset.
Pick: Nevada
Saturday, January 4th
Southern Miss (7-5) vs Tulane (6-6)- 11:30, ESPN: The Eagles have had a nice year, but they dropped their final two games. The Green Wave did not have a strong finish to their season, dropping five of their final six games. This is a very tough call, but I'll take the Green Wave to get off their skid to end their season on a high note.
Pick: Tulane
Monday, January 6th
Louisiana (10-3) vs Miami-Ohio (8-5)- 7:30, ESPN: The Ragin Cajuns have had a sensational season and they won their final six regular season games before losing in Boone against Appalachian State in the conference title game. The RedHawks won six of their final seven games, including their conference championship game. I think this will be a high scoring affair and I think the Ragin Cajuns will take it.
Pick: Louisiana
Monday, December 16, 2019
2019-20 College Football Bowl Season: Schedule
Here is the Bowl Schedule for the 2019-20 College Football Bowl season.
12/20- Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo vs Charlotte; 2:00, ESPN
12/20- Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl: Utah State vs Kent State; 7:00, ESPN2
12/21- New Mexico Bowl: Central Michigan vs San Diego State; 2:00, ESPN
12/21- FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl: Liberty vs Georgia Southern; 2:30, CBSSN
12/21- Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl: SMU at FAU; 3:30, ABC
12/21- Camellia Bowl: FIU vs Arkansas State; 5:30, ESPN
12/21- Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl: (19) Boise State vs Washington; 7:30, ABC
12/21- R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: (20) Appalachian State vs UAB; 9:00, ESPN
12/23- Bad Boys Mowers Gasparilla Bowl: UCF vs Marshall; 2:30, ESPN
12/24- Sofi Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii vs BYU; 8:00, ESPN
12/26- Walk On's Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech vs Miami; 4:00, ESPN
12/26- Quick Lane Bowl: Pittsburgh vs Eastern Michigan; 8:00, ESPN
12/27- Military Bowl Presented By Northrop Grumman: North Carolina vs Temple; 12:00, ESPN
12/27- New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Michigan State vs Wake Forest; 3:20, ESPN
12/27- Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl: (25) Oklahoma State vs Texas A&M; 6:45, ESPN
12/27- San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl: (22) USC vs (16) Iowa; 8:00, FS1
12/27- Cheez-it Bowl: Air Force vs Washington State; 10:15, ESPN
12/28- Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: (17) Memphis vs (10) Penn State; 12:00, ESPN
12/28- Camping World Bowl: (15) Notre Dame vs Iowa State; 12:00, ABC
12/28- Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl (CFP- Semifinals): (4) Oklahoma vs (1) LSU; 4:00, ESPN
12/28- PlayStation Fiesta Bowl (CFP- Semifinals): (3) Clemson vs (2) Ohio State; 8:00, ESPN
12/30- Servpro First Responder Bowl: WKU vs Western Michigan; 12:30, ESPN
12/30- Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Mississippi State vs Louisville; 4:00, ESPN
12/30- RedBox Bowl: California vs Illinois; 4:00, FOX
12/30- Capital One Orange Bowl: (9) Florida vs (24) Virginia; 8:00, ESPN
12/31- Belk Bowl: Virginia Tech vs Kentucky; 12:00, ESPN
12/31- Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl: Florida State vs Arizona State; 2:00, CBS
12/31- AutoZone Liberty Bowl: (23) Navy vs Kansas State; 3:45, ESPN
12/31- Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Wyoming vs Georgia State; 4:30, CBSSN
12/31- Valero Alamo Bowl: (11) Utah vs Texas; 7:30, ESPN
1/1- Outback Bowl: (18) Minnesota vs (12) Auburn; 1:00, ESPN
1/1- VRBO Citrus Bowl: (14) Michigan vs (13) Alabama; 1:00, ABC
1/1- Rose Bowl Game Presented By Northwestern Mutual: (6) Oregon vs (8) Wisconsin; 5:00, ESPN
1/1- Allstate Sugar Bowl: (5) Georgia vs (7) Baylor; 8:45, ESPN
1/2- Ticketsmarter Birmingham Bowl: Boston College vs (21) Cincinnati; 3:00, ESPN
1/2- TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: Indiana vs Tennessee; 7:00, ESPN
1/3- Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Ohio vs Nevada; 3:30, ESPN
1/4- Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Southern Miss vs Tulane; 11:30, ESPN
1/6- Lending Tree Bowl: Louisiana vs Miami-Ohio; 7:30, ESPN
1/13- CFP National Championship: TBD vs TBD; 8:00, ESPN
12/20- Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo vs Charlotte; 2:00, ESPN
12/20- Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl: Utah State vs Kent State; 7:00, ESPN2
12/21- New Mexico Bowl: Central Michigan vs San Diego State; 2:00, ESPN
12/21- FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl: Liberty vs Georgia Southern; 2:30, CBSSN
12/21- Cheribundi Boca Raton Bowl: SMU at FAU; 3:30, ABC
12/21- Camellia Bowl: FIU vs Arkansas State; 5:30, ESPN
12/21- Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl: (19) Boise State vs Washington; 7:30, ABC
12/21- R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: (20) Appalachian State vs UAB; 9:00, ESPN
12/23- Bad Boys Mowers Gasparilla Bowl: UCF vs Marshall; 2:30, ESPN
12/24- Sofi Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii vs BYU; 8:00, ESPN
12/26- Walk On's Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech vs Miami; 4:00, ESPN
12/26- Quick Lane Bowl: Pittsburgh vs Eastern Michigan; 8:00, ESPN
12/27- Military Bowl Presented By Northrop Grumman: North Carolina vs Temple; 12:00, ESPN
12/27- New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Michigan State vs Wake Forest; 3:20, ESPN
12/27- Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl: (25) Oklahoma State vs Texas A&M; 6:45, ESPN
12/27- San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl: (22) USC vs (16) Iowa; 8:00, FS1
12/27- Cheez-it Bowl: Air Force vs Washington State; 10:15, ESPN
12/28- Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: (17) Memphis vs (10) Penn State; 12:00, ESPN
12/28- Camping World Bowl: (15) Notre Dame vs Iowa State; 12:00, ABC
12/28- Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl (CFP- Semifinals): (4) Oklahoma vs (1) LSU; 4:00, ESPN
12/28- PlayStation Fiesta Bowl (CFP- Semifinals): (3) Clemson vs (2) Ohio State; 8:00, ESPN
12/30- Servpro First Responder Bowl: WKU vs Western Michigan; 12:30, ESPN
12/30- Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Mississippi State vs Louisville; 4:00, ESPN
12/30- RedBox Bowl: California vs Illinois; 4:00, FOX
12/30- Capital One Orange Bowl: (9) Florida vs (24) Virginia; 8:00, ESPN
12/31- Belk Bowl: Virginia Tech vs Kentucky; 12:00, ESPN
12/31- Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl: Florida State vs Arizona State; 2:00, CBS
12/31- AutoZone Liberty Bowl: (23) Navy vs Kansas State; 3:45, ESPN
12/31- Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Wyoming vs Georgia State; 4:30, CBSSN
12/31- Valero Alamo Bowl: (11) Utah vs Texas; 7:30, ESPN
1/1- Outback Bowl: (18) Minnesota vs (12) Auburn; 1:00, ESPN
1/1- VRBO Citrus Bowl: (14) Michigan vs (13) Alabama; 1:00, ABC
1/1- Rose Bowl Game Presented By Northwestern Mutual: (6) Oregon vs (8) Wisconsin; 5:00, ESPN
1/1- Allstate Sugar Bowl: (5) Georgia vs (7) Baylor; 8:45, ESPN
1/2- Ticketsmarter Birmingham Bowl: Boston College vs (21) Cincinnati; 3:00, ESPN
1/2- TaxSlayer Gator Bowl: Indiana vs Tennessee; 7:00, ESPN
1/3- Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Ohio vs Nevada; 3:30, ESPN
1/4- Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: Southern Miss vs Tulane; 11:30, ESPN
1/6- Lending Tree Bowl: Louisiana vs Miami-Ohio; 7:30, ESPN
1/13- CFP National Championship: TBD vs TBD; 8:00, ESPN
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
2019 NFL Week 15 Picks
Here are my picks for week fifteen of the 2019 NFL Season.
Thursday, December 12th
New York Jets (5-8) vs Baltimore Ravens (11-2)- 8:20, FOX/NFLN: The Jets are coming off a divisional home win over the Miami Dolphins on a game winning field goal. The Ravens are coming off a good road win in Buffalo against the Bills. This game is going to be ugly and one sided and I won't be surprised if we see Robert Griffin III late in game if this is a blowout as Lamar Jackson could rest his nagging quad injury.
Prediction: Baltimore 33, NY Jets 16.
Sunday, December 15th
New England Patriots (10-3) vs Cincinnati Bengals (1-12)- 1:00, CBS: The Patriots are coming off a disappointing home loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bengals are coming off a divisional road
loss in Cleveland against the Browns. This is a great "get right" spot for this Pats offense to go off against a bad Bengals defense.
Prediction: New England 30, Cincinnati 13.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) vs Detroit Lions (3-9-1)- 1:00, FOX: The Buccaneers are coming off a home win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Lions are coming off a divisional road loss in Minneapolis against the Vikings. David Blough is starting for the Lions and Jameis Winston is playing this week after being questionable due to a hand injury and I think this Bucs offense will keep it up.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 34, Detroit 16.
Chicago Bears (7-6) vs Green Bay Packers (10-3)- 1:00, FOX: The Bears are coming off a big Thursday night home win over the Dallas Cowboys. The Packers are coming off a home win over the Washington Redskins. The Bears are playing better, but I think they come up short here on the road.
Prediction: Green Bay 26, Chicago 20.
Houston Texans (8-5) vs Tennessee Titans (8-5)- 1:00, CBS: The Texans are coming off a bad home loss against the Denver Broncos. The Titans are coming off a huge road win in Oakland against the a Raiders. This could end up determining the division when it's all said and done and I think the Titans win their fifth in a row.
Prediction: Tennessee 34, Houston 27.
Denver Broncos (5-8) vs Kansas City Chiefs (9-4)- 1:00, CBS: The Broncos are coming off a good road win in Houston against the Texans. The Chiefs are coming off a big road win in Foxboro against the Patriots. I won't be shocked if the Chiefs have a letdown here, but I still think they get the win.
Prediction: Kansas City 31, Denver 27.
Miami Dolphins (3-10) vs New York Giants (2-11)- 1:00, CBS: The Dolphins are coming off a divisional road loss in East Rutherford against the Jets. The Giants are coming off a Monday night divisional road loss in Philadelphia against the Eagles. This is could be Eli Manning's final home game and I think the G-Men end their nine game losing skid.
Prediction: NY Giants 27, Miami 23.
Philadelphia Eagles (6-7) vs Washington Redskins (3-10)- 1:00, FOX: The Eagles are coming off a much needed Monday night home win over the New York Giants. The Redskins are coming off a road loss in Green Bay against the Packers. The Eagles literally have zero healthy wide receivers so I see an upset here.
Prediction: Washington 23, Philadelphia 16.
Seattle Seahawks (10-3) vs Carolina Panthers (5-8)- 1:00, FOX: The Seahawks are coming off a bad Sunday night divisional rods loss in Los Angeles against the Rams. The Panthers are coming off a bad divisional road loss in Atlanta against the Falcons. This is a good get right spot for Russell Wilson and that offense.
Prediction: Seattle 33, Carolina 16.
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9) vs Oakland Raiders (6-7)- 4:05, CBS: The Jaguars are coming off a disastrous home loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Raiders are coming off a bad home loss against the Tennessee Titans. I think the Silver And Black close out The Coliseum with a win.
Prediction: Oakland 31, Jacksonville 16.
Cleveland Browns (6-7) vs Arizona Cardinals (3-9-1)- 4:05, CBS: The Browns are coming off a divisional home win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Cardinals are coming off a home loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kyler Murray has hit a rookie wall and I like the Browns here to get back to .500 on the season.
Prediction: Cleveland 27, Arizona 16.
Minnesota Vikings (9-4) vs Los Angeles Chargers (5-8)- 4:05, CBS: The Vikings are coming off a divisional home win over the Detroit Lions. The Chargers are coming off a dominant road over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Adam Thielen returns to the Vikings lineup and I think they avoid the upset trap.
Prediction: Minnesota 27, LA Chargers 24.
Los Angeles Rams (8-5) vs Dallas Cowboys (6-7)- 4:25, FOX: The Rams are coming off a huge Sunday night divisional home win over the Seattle Seahawks. The Cowboys are coming off a bad Thursday night road loss in Chicago against the Bears. I think the Cowboys rise to the occasion when everyone is riding the Rams high.
Prediction: Dallas 27, LA Rams 26.
Atlanta Falcons (4-9) vs San Francisco 49ers (10-2)- 4:25, FOX: The Falcons are coming off a dominant divisional home win over the Carolina Panthers. The 49ers are coming off a great road win in New Orleans against the Saints on a Robbie Gould field goal as time expired. I think this is a closer than expected game as the Niners have a letdown of some sort.
Prediction: San Francisco 30, Atlanta 26.
Buffalo Bills (9-4) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5)- 8:20, NBC: The Bills are coming off a home loss against the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers are coming off a road win in Glendale against the Cardinals. I think the Steelers get the big home win as the Bills are peaking ahead to their big game in Foxboro next week.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 23, Buffalo 20.
Monday, December 16th
Indianapolis Colts (6-7) vs New Orleans Saints (10-3)- 8:15, ESPN: The Colts are coming off a road loss in Tampa against the Buccaneers. The Saints are coming off a heartbreaking home loss against the San Francisco 49ers. I think this is a close high scoring affair as TY Hilton returns for the Colts and the Saints are missing key pass rushers, but the Saints still get the win.
Prediction: New Orleans 34, Indianapolis 30.
Thursday, December 12th
New York Jets (5-8) vs Baltimore Ravens (11-2)- 8:20, FOX/NFLN: The Jets are coming off a divisional home win over the Miami Dolphins on a game winning field goal. The Ravens are coming off a good road win in Buffalo against the Bills. This game is going to be ugly and one sided and I won't be surprised if we see Robert Griffin III late in game if this is a blowout as Lamar Jackson could rest his nagging quad injury.
Prediction: Baltimore 33, NY Jets 16.
Sunday, December 15th
New England Patriots (10-3) vs Cincinnati Bengals (1-12)- 1:00, CBS: The Patriots are coming off a disappointing home loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bengals are coming off a divisional road
loss in Cleveland against the Browns. This is a great "get right" spot for this Pats offense to go off against a bad Bengals defense.
Prediction: New England 30, Cincinnati 13.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) vs Detroit Lions (3-9-1)- 1:00, FOX: The Buccaneers are coming off a home win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Lions are coming off a divisional road loss in Minneapolis against the Vikings. David Blough is starting for the Lions and Jameis Winston is playing this week after being questionable due to a hand injury and I think this Bucs offense will keep it up.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 34, Detroit 16.
Chicago Bears (7-6) vs Green Bay Packers (10-3)- 1:00, FOX: The Bears are coming off a big Thursday night home win over the Dallas Cowboys. The Packers are coming off a home win over the Washington Redskins. The Bears are playing better, but I think they come up short here on the road.
Prediction: Green Bay 26, Chicago 20.
Houston Texans (8-5) vs Tennessee Titans (8-5)- 1:00, CBS: The Texans are coming off a bad home loss against the Denver Broncos. The Titans are coming off a huge road win in Oakland against the a Raiders. This could end up determining the division when it's all said and done and I think the Titans win their fifth in a row.
Prediction: Tennessee 34, Houston 27.
Denver Broncos (5-8) vs Kansas City Chiefs (9-4)- 1:00, CBS: The Broncos are coming off a good road win in Houston against the Texans. The Chiefs are coming off a big road win in Foxboro against the Patriots. I won't be shocked if the Chiefs have a letdown here, but I still think they get the win.
Prediction: Kansas City 31, Denver 27.
Miami Dolphins (3-10) vs New York Giants (2-11)- 1:00, CBS: The Dolphins are coming off a divisional road loss in East Rutherford against the Jets. The Giants are coming off a Monday night divisional road loss in Philadelphia against the Eagles. This is could be Eli Manning's final home game and I think the G-Men end their nine game losing skid.
Prediction: NY Giants 27, Miami 23.
Philadelphia Eagles (6-7) vs Washington Redskins (3-10)- 1:00, FOX: The Eagles are coming off a much needed Monday night home win over the New York Giants. The Redskins are coming off a road loss in Green Bay against the Packers. The Eagles literally have zero healthy wide receivers so I see an upset here.
Prediction: Washington 23, Philadelphia 16.
Seattle Seahawks (10-3) vs Carolina Panthers (5-8)- 1:00, FOX: The Seahawks are coming off a bad Sunday night divisional rods loss in Los Angeles against the Rams. The Panthers are coming off a bad divisional road loss in Atlanta against the Falcons. This is a good get right spot for Russell Wilson and that offense.
Prediction: Seattle 33, Carolina 16.
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9) vs Oakland Raiders (6-7)- 4:05, CBS: The Jaguars are coming off a disastrous home loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Raiders are coming off a bad home loss against the Tennessee Titans. I think the Silver And Black close out The Coliseum with a win.
Prediction: Oakland 31, Jacksonville 16.
Cleveland Browns (6-7) vs Arizona Cardinals (3-9-1)- 4:05, CBS: The Browns are coming off a divisional home win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Cardinals are coming off a home loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kyler Murray has hit a rookie wall and I like the Browns here to get back to .500 on the season.
Prediction: Cleveland 27, Arizona 16.
Minnesota Vikings (9-4) vs Los Angeles Chargers (5-8)- 4:05, CBS: The Vikings are coming off a divisional home win over the Detroit Lions. The Chargers are coming off a dominant road over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Adam Thielen returns to the Vikings lineup and I think they avoid the upset trap.
Prediction: Minnesota 27, LA Chargers 24.
Los Angeles Rams (8-5) vs Dallas Cowboys (6-7)- 4:25, FOX: The Rams are coming off a huge Sunday night divisional home win over the Seattle Seahawks. The Cowboys are coming off a bad Thursday night road loss in Chicago against the Bears. I think the Cowboys rise to the occasion when everyone is riding the Rams high.
Prediction: Dallas 27, LA Rams 26.
Atlanta Falcons (4-9) vs San Francisco 49ers (10-2)- 4:25, FOX: The Falcons are coming off a dominant divisional home win over the Carolina Panthers. The 49ers are coming off a great road win in New Orleans against the Saints on a Robbie Gould field goal as time expired. I think this is a closer than expected game as the Niners have a letdown of some sort.
Prediction: San Francisco 30, Atlanta 26.
Buffalo Bills (9-4) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5)- 8:20, NBC: The Bills are coming off a home loss against the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers are coming off a road win in Glendale against the Cardinals. I think the Steelers get the big home win as the Bills are peaking ahead to their big game in Foxboro next week.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 23, Buffalo 20.
Monday, December 16th
Indianapolis Colts (6-7) vs New Orleans Saints (10-3)- 8:15, ESPN: The Colts are coming off a road loss in Tampa against the Buccaneers. The Saints are coming off a heartbreaking home loss against the San Francisco 49ers. I think this is a close high scoring affair as TY Hilton returns for the Colts and the Saints are missing key pass rushers, but the Saints still get the win.
Prediction: New Orleans 34, Indianapolis 30.
Sunday, December 8, 2019
2019 College Football Final Bowl Projections
Here is my final edition of my 2019 College Football Bowl Projections.
College Football Playoff
Fiesta Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (2) LSU vs (3) Clemson
Peach Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (1) Ohio State vs (4) Oklahoma
Rest of New Years Six Bowls
Cotton Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Memphis vs Utah
Orange Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Virginia vs Florida
Rose Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 5:00, ESPN: Oregon vs Penn State
Sugar Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 8:45, ESPN: Georgia vs Baylor
Other Bowl Games
Bahamas Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: Charlotte vs Buffalo
Frisco Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN2: Liberty vs Southern Miss
New Mexico Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: WKU vs Utah State
Cure Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:30, CBSSN: UCF vs Georgia Southern
Boca Raton Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 3:30, ABC: Tulane vs Central Michigan
Camellia Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 5:30, ESPN: Ohio vs Louisiana
Las Vegas Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 7:30, ABC: Boise State vs Washington State
New Orleans Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 9:00, ESPN: FAU vs Appalachian State
Gasparilla Bowl: December 23rd, 2019- 2:30, ESPN: SMU vs Marshall
Hawaii Bowl: December 24th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: BYU vs San Diego State
Independence Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Louisiana Tech vs North Carolina
Quick Lane Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Pittsburgh vs Illinois
Military Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Temple vs Boston College
Pinstripe Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 3:20, ESPN: Florida State vs Indiana
Texas Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 6:45, ESPN: Iowa State vs Auburn
Holiday Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 8:00, FS1: Minnesota vs Arizona State
Cheez-It Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 10:15, ESPN: Nevada vs Texas
Camping World Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ABC: Virginia Tech vs Kansas State
First Responder Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 12:30, ESPN: UAB vs Notre Dame
Music City Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Wake Forest vs Kentucky
RedBox Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 7:00, ESPN: Michigan State vs Washington
Belk Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Louisville vs Texas A&M
Sun Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 2:00, CBS: Miami vs California
Liberty Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 3:45, ESPN: Cincinnati vs Toledo
Arizona Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 4:30, CBSSN: Hawaii vs Georgia State
Alamo Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Oklahoma State vs USC
Citrus Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ABC: Wisconsin vs Alabama
Outback Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ESPN: Michigan vs Florida
Birmingham Bowl: January 2nd, 2019- 3:00, ESPN: Mississippi State vs Navy
Gator Bowl: January 2nd 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Iowa vs Tennessee
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: January 3rd, 2019- 3:30, ESPN: Western Michigan vs Air Force
Armed Forces Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 11:30AM, ESPN: Kent State vs Wyoming
Mobile Alabama Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Miami vs Arkansas State
College Football Playoff
Fiesta Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (2) LSU vs (3) Clemson
Peach Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (1) Ohio State vs (4) Oklahoma
Rest of New Years Six Bowls
Cotton Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Memphis vs Utah
Orange Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Virginia vs Florida
Rose Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 5:00, ESPN: Oregon vs Penn State
Sugar Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 8:45, ESPN: Georgia vs Baylor
Other Bowl Games
Bahamas Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: Charlotte vs Buffalo
Frisco Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN2: Liberty vs Southern Miss
New Mexico Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: WKU vs Utah State
Cure Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:30, CBSSN: UCF vs Georgia Southern
Boca Raton Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 3:30, ABC: Tulane vs Central Michigan
Camellia Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 5:30, ESPN: Ohio vs Louisiana
Las Vegas Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 7:30, ABC: Boise State vs Washington State
New Orleans Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 9:00, ESPN: FAU vs Appalachian State
Gasparilla Bowl: December 23rd, 2019- 2:30, ESPN: SMU vs Marshall
Hawaii Bowl: December 24th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: BYU vs San Diego State
Independence Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Louisiana Tech vs North Carolina
Quick Lane Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Pittsburgh vs Illinois
Military Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Temple vs Boston College
Pinstripe Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 3:20, ESPN: Florida State vs Indiana
Texas Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 6:45, ESPN: Iowa State vs Auburn
Holiday Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 8:00, FS1: Minnesota vs Arizona State
Cheez-It Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 10:15, ESPN: Nevada vs Texas
Camping World Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ABC: Virginia Tech vs Kansas State
First Responder Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 12:30, ESPN: UAB vs Notre Dame
Music City Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Wake Forest vs Kentucky
RedBox Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 7:00, ESPN: Michigan State vs Washington
Belk Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Louisville vs Texas A&M
Sun Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 2:00, CBS: Miami vs California
Liberty Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 3:45, ESPN: Cincinnati vs Toledo
Arizona Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 4:30, CBSSN: Hawaii vs Georgia State
Alamo Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Oklahoma State vs USC
Citrus Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ABC: Wisconsin vs Alabama
Outback Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ESPN: Michigan vs Florida
Birmingham Bowl: January 2nd, 2019- 3:00, ESPN: Mississippi State vs Navy
Gator Bowl: January 2nd 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Iowa vs Tennessee
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: January 3rd, 2019- 3:30, ESPN: Western Michigan vs Air Force
Armed Forces Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 11:30AM, ESPN: Kent State vs Wyoming
Mobile Alabama Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Miami vs Arkansas State
Saturday, December 7, 2019
2019 College Football Week 15: Picks
Here are my picks for week fifteen (Championship Week) of the 2019 College Football season.
Friday, December 6th
(5) Utah (11-1; 8-1) vs (13) Oregon (10-2; 8-1)- 8:00, ABC: This should be a very interesting conference title game in Santa Clara. The Utes have a chance to get in the College a Football Playoff here with a strong performance combined with a Georgia loss in the SEC title game and I believe they'll get it done in Santa Clara.
Pick: Utah
Saturday, December 7th
(7) Baylor (11-1; 8-1) vs (6) Oklahoma (11-1; 8-1)- 12:00, ABC: This should be a fun rematch in Jerry World. It should be a very high scoring game and I think the Sooners get it done with their offense led by Jalen Hurts and receiver Cee-Dee Lamb.
Pick: Oklahoma
Louisiana (10-2; 7-1) at (21) Appalachian State (11-1; 7-1)- 12:00, ESPN: This should be a fun conference title game in Boone and the Mountaineers beat the Rajun Cajuns in Lafayette earlier in the year. This time, I think it will be a close game and I do like the Mountaineers at home.
Pick: Appalachian State
Miami-Ohio (7-5; 6-2) vs Central Michigan (8-4; 6-2)- 12:00, ESPN2: This game will be played at Detroit's Ford Field. The Chippewas have been playing so well of late and they're favored in this matchup by a touchdown. Although they are missing their quarterback, the RedHawks have the better defense and I believe they have a real shot to win this outright.
Pick: Miami-Ohio
UAB (9-3; 6-2) at FAU (9-3; 7-1)- 1:30, CBSSN: This should be a fun C-USA title game in Boca Raton. These two teams did not meet in the regular season. The Owls are clearly the best team in the conference and I believe they'll get it done at home.
Pick: FAU
(20) Cincinnati (10-2; 7-1) at (17) Memphis (11-1; 7-1)- 3:30, ABC: These two teams met last weekend in the same stadium and the Tigers won by ten. The Bearcats I believe will keep it close yet again and I think the Tigers will win it at home to get a New Years Six bowl game.
Pick: Memphis
(4) Georgia (11-1; 7-1) vs (2) LSU (12-0; 7-1)- 4:00, CBS: This is going to be some championship game in Atlanta. ESPN's College GameDay will be on hand for this one as well. The Bulldogs (sans some first half suspensions) will be motivated for this game because the Tigers beat them in the regular season last year. I do think this is a close game and Joe Burrow will find a way to lead the a Tigers to the College Football Playoff for the first time ever.
Pick: LSU
Hawaii (9-4; 5-3) at (19) Boise State (11-1; 8-0)- 4:00, ESPN: This should be an interesting conference title game on the Smurf Turf. The Broncos creamed the Rainbow Warriors when they met there in the regular season. I do think this result will be somewhat similar to the first one as the Broncos are playing for a possible New Years Six bowl.
Pick: Boise State
(23) Virginia (9-3; 6-2) vs (3) Clemson (12-0; 8-0)- 7:30, ABC: These two teams did not hook up this season and they will at a time where no one wants to play the Tigers. The Cavs are a solid team, but it's no contest this time in Charlotte.
Pick: Clemson
(1) Ohio State (12-0; 9-0) vs (8) Wisconsin (10-2; 7-2) 8:00, FOX: These two teams hooked up earlier in the season as the Buckeyes creamed the Badgers in Columbus. This time in Indianapolis, I think the game is a little bit more competitive then the first one and I think the Buckeyes led by Justin Fields and Chase Young.
Pick: Ohio State
Thursday, December 5, 2019
2019 NFL Week 14 Picks
Here are my picks for week fourteen of the 2019 NFL Season.
Thursday, December 5th
Dallas Cowboys (6-6) vs Chicago Bears (6-6)- 8:20, FOX: The Cowboys are coming off an ugly Thanksgiving home loss against the Buffalo Bills. The Bears are coming off a Thanksgiving divisional road win in Detroit against the Lions. There are two obvious scapegoats if their respective team loses in Cowboys coach Jason Garrett and Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky and the pressure is on both teams here to come up victorious, especially the Cowboys who are in a winnable division and with a coach on the hottest seat arguably in the entire league. I do think the Cowboys defense gets enough stops to get themselves back over the .500 mark.
Prediction: Dallas 20, Chicago 17.
Sunday, December 8th
Carolina Panthers (5-7) vs Atlanta Falcons (3-9)- 1:00, FOX: The Panthers are coming off a bad home loss against the Washington Redskins. The Falcons are coming off a Thanksgiving night divisional home loss against the New Orleans Saints. This should be a high scoring affair and with new interim head coach Perry Fewell taking over for the recently fired Ron Rivera, the Panthers will play loose and I think they get a fire lit under them and get the road win.
Prediction: Carolina 34, Atlanta 30.
Baltimore Ravens (10-2) vs Buffalo Bills (9-3)- 1:00, CBS: Who would have thought these teams would have the records they have now back in the summer time? Well here we are! The Ravens are coming off a close home win over the San Francisco 49ers courtesy of a Justin Tucker field goal as time expired. The Bills are coming off a fantastic Thanksgiving road win in Dallas against the Cowboys. This should be an entertaining game I think the Bills crowd will be ruckus and Josh Allen will lead them to a big time win.
Prediction: Buffalo 23, Baltimore 20.
Cincinnati Bengals (1-11) vs Cleveland Browns (5-7)- 1:00, CBS: The Bengals are coming off their first win of the season at home over the New York Jets. The Browns are coming off a divisional road loss in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. I see this game playing out very similar to the Browns game against the Dolphins a few weeks ago in which this is a double digit win.
Prediction: Cleveland 31, Cincinnati 16.
Washington Redskins (3-9) vs Green Bay Packers (9-3)- 1:00, FOX: The Redskins are coming off a road win in Charlotte against the Panthers. The Packers are coming off a road win in East Rutherford over the Giants. The Packers have been great at beating up on bad team this season and I believe that continues here.
Prediction: Green Bay 34, Washington 17.
Detroit Lions (3-8-1) vs Minnesota Vikings (8-4)- 1:00, FOX: The Lions are coming off a Thanksgiving day divisional home loss against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings are coming off a tough Monday night road loss in Seattle against the Seahawks. I do think this screams Vikings bounce back here at home as they are so good at beating up bad teams in their own building.
Prediction: Minnesota 37, Detroit 16.
San Francisco 49ers (10-2) vs New Orleans Saints (10-2)- 1:00, FOX: This certainly could very well be a playoff preview. The 49ers are coming off a close road loss in Baltimore against the Ravens. The Saints are coming off a Thanksgiving night divisional road win in Atlanta against the Falcons. This feels like a close game regardless and I think Drew Brees & company find a way at home.
Prediction: New Orleans 23, San Francisco 20.
Miami Dolphins (3-9) vs New York Jets (4-8)- 1:00, CBS: The Dolphins are coming off a home win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Jets are coming off a disastrous road loss in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The Jets have a laundry list of injuries, but I don't love the idea of the Dolphins on the road and their defense is something I can see Sam Darnold taking advantage of. Give me the Jets in a spot where many people think this is an upset.
Prediction: NY Jets 27, Miami 17.
Indianapolis Colts (6-6) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)- 1:00, CBS: The Colts are coming off a tough divisional home loss against the Tennessee Titans in which the game turned late in the fourth quarter on a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown. The Buccaneers are coming off a road win in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. This was one of the harder calls of the season, but give me the Colts to bounce back on the road.
Prediction: Indianapolis 27, Tampa Bay 24.
Denver Broncos (4-8) vs Houston Texans (8-4)- 1:00, CBS: The Broncos are coming off a divisional home win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Texans are coming off a big Sunday night home win over the New England Patriots. I do think there is letdown potential for the Texans after that big win and that's why I see the Broncos hanging around here in this one.
Prediction: Houston 27, Denver 23.
Los Angeles Chargers (4-8) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8)- 4:05, FOX: The Chargers are coming off a heartbreaking divisional road loss in Denver against the Broncos. The Jaguars are coming off a bad home loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Nick Foles was benched. Gardner Minshew is starting in place of Foles and he brings some jolt for the team and he and Leonard Fournette will lead them to a win in a close one.
Prediction: Jacksonville 26, LA Chargers 24.
Tennessee Titans (7-5) vs Oakland Raiders (6-6)- 4:25, CBS: The Titans are coming off a great divisional road win in Indianapolis against the Colts. The Raiders are coming off a disastrous divisional road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs. Everyone is down on the Raiders right now after two straight blowout road losses and everyone is high on the Titans after two straight divisional wins. I expect a high scoring close game and for the Raiders to come out on top.
Prediction: Oakland 31, Tennessee 30.
Kansas City Chiefs (8-4) vs New England Patriots (10-2)- 4:25, CBS: The Chiefs are coming off a great divisional home win over the Oakland Raiders. The Patriots are coming off a disappointing Sunday night road loss in Houston against the Texans. Tom Brady has been starting to show his age of late and it could very well be due to the lack of impact skill position players, but I do see a bit of a bounce back here at home against a weak Chiefs defense.
Prediction: New England 26, Kansas City 23.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) vs Arizona Cardinals (3-8-1)- 4:25, CBS: The Steelers are coming off a divisional home win over the Cleveland Browns. The Cardinals are coming off a bad divisional home loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The Steelers are playing for the last Wild Card playoff spot in the AFC and I believe they'll get closer to that with a win here on the road.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 24, Arizona 16.
Seattle Seahawks (10-2) vs Los Angeles Rams (7-5)- 8:20, NBC: The Seahawks are coming off a huge Monday night home win over the Minnesota Vikings. The Rams are coming off a divisional rods win in Glendale against the Cardinals. I do think the Seahawks are peaking right now and the Rams haven't really beat a good team all season long (they beat the Saints, but Brees got hurt in that game), but I do think this game will be much closer than the Rams debacle against the Ravens a few weeks ago.
Prediction: Seattle 34, LA Rams 27.
Monday, December 9th
New York Giants (3-9) vs Philadelphia Eagles (5-7)- 8:15, ESPN: The Giants are coming off an ugly home loss against the Green Bay Packers. The Eagles are coming off a bad road loss in Miami against the Dolphins. Eli Manning is back as Giants starting quarterback as Daniel Jones sits this one with an ankle injury, but Manning held this Giants team back the past few years and is washed up at this point although this is probably his little farewell tour courtesy of the Jones injury, but the Eagles badly need this game and I think they'll win this by double digits.
Prediction: Philadelphia 30, NY Giants 16.
Thursday, December 5th
Dallas Cowboys (6-6) vs Chicago Bears (6-6)- 8:20, FOX: The Cowboys are coming off an ugly Thanksgiving home loss against the Buffalo Bills. The Bears are coming off a Thanksgiving divisional road win in Detroit against the Lions. There are two obvious scapegoats if their respective team loses in Cowboys coach Jason Garrett and Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky and the pressure is on both teams here to come up victorious, especially the Cowboys who are in a winnable division and with a coach on the hottest seat arguably in the entire league. I do think the Cowboys defense gets enough stops to get themselves back over the .500 mark.
Prediction: Dallas 20, Chicago 17.
Sunday, December 8th
Carolina Panthers (5-7) vs Atlanta Falcons (3-9)- 1:00, FOX: The Panthers are coming off a bad home loss against the Washington Redskins. The Falcons are coming off a Thanksgiving night divisional home loss against the New Orleans Saints. This should be a high scoring affair and with new interim head coach Perry Fewell taking over for the recently fired Ron Rivera, the Panthers will play loose and I think they get a fire lit under them and get the road win.
Prediction: Carolina 34, Atlanta 30.
Baltimore Ravens (10-2) vs Buffalo Bills (9-3)- 1:00, CBS: Who would have thought these teams would have the records they have now back in the summer time? Well here we are! The Ravens are coming off a close home win over the San Francisco 49ers courtesy of a Justin Tucker field goal as time expired. The Bills are coming off a fantastic Thanksgiving road win in Dallas against the Cowboys. This should be an entertaining game I think the Bills crowd will be ruckus and Josh Allen will lead them to a big time win.
Prediction: Buffalo 23, Baltimore 20.
Cincinnati Bengals (1-11) vs Cleveland Browns (5-7)- 1:00, CBS: The Bengals are coming off their first win of the season at home over the New York Jets. The Browns are coming off a divisional road loss in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. I see this game playing out very similar to the Browns game against the Dolphins a few weeks ago in which this is a double digit win.
Prediction: Cleveland 31, Cincinnati 16.
Washington Redskins (3-9) vs Green Bay Packers (9-3)- 1:00, FOX: The Redskins are coming off a road win in Charlotte against the Panthers. The Packers are coming off a road win in East Rutherford over the Giants. The Packers have been great at beating up on bad team this season and I believe that continues here.
Prediction: Green Bay 34, Washington 17.
Detroit Lions (3-8-1) vs Minnesota Vikings (8-4)- 1:00, FOX: The Lions are coming off a Thanksgiving day divisional home loss against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings are coming off a tough Monday night road loss in Seattle against the Seahawks. I do think this screams Vikings bounce back here at home as they are so good at beating up bad teams in their own building.
Prediction: Minnesota 37, Detroit 16.
San Francisco 49ers (10-2) vs New Orleans Saints (10-2)- 1:00, FOX: This certainly could very well be a playoff preview. The 49ers are coming off a close road loss in Baltimore against the Ravens. The Saints are coming off a Thanksgiving night divisional road win in Atlanta against the Falcons. This feels like a close game regardless and I think Drew Brees & company find a way at home.
Prediction: New Orleans 23, San Francisco 20.
Miami Dolphins (3-9) vs New York Jets (4-8)- 1:00, CBS: The Dolphins are coming off a home win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Jets are coming off a disastrous road loss in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The Jets have a laundry list of injuries, but I don't love the idea of the Dolphins on the road and their defense is something I can see Sam Darnold taking advantage of. Give me the Jets in a spot where many people think this is an upset.
Prediction: NY Jets 27, Miami 17.
Indianapolis Colts (6-6) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)- 1:00, CBS: The Colts are coming off a tough divisional home loss against the Tennessee Titans in which the game turned late in the fourth quarter on a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown. The Buccaneers are coming off a road win in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. This was one of the harder calls of the season, but give me the Colts to bounce back on the road.
Prediction: Indianapolis 27, Tampa Bay 24.
Denver Broncos (4-8) vs Houston Texans (8-4)- 1:00, CBS: The Broncos are coming off a divisional home win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Texans are coming off a big Sunday night home win over the New England Patriots. I do think there is letdown potential for the Texans after that big win and that's why I see the Broncos hanging around here in this one.
Prediction: Houston 27, Denver 23.
Los Angeles Chargers (4-8) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8)- 4:05, FOX: The Chargers are coming off a heartbreaking divisional road loss in Denver against the Broncos. The Jaguars are coming off a bad home loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Nick Foles was benched. Gardner Minshew is starting in place of Foles and he brings some jolt for the team and he and Leonard Fournette will lead them to a win in a close one.
Prediction: Jacksonville 26, LA Chargers 24.
Tennessee Titans (7-5) vs Oakland Raiders (6-6)- 4:25, CBS: The Titans are coming off a great divisional road win in Indianapolis against the Colts. The Raiders are coming off a disastrous divisional road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs. Everyone is down on the Raiders right now after two straight blowout road losses and everyone is high on the Titans after two straight divisional wins. I expect a high scoring close game and for the Raiders to come out on top.
Prediction: Oakland 31, Tennessee 30.
Kansas City Chiefs (8-4) vs New England Patriots (10-2)- 4:25, CBS: The Chiefs are coming off a great divisional home win over the Oakland Raiders. The Patriots are coming off a disappointing Sunday night road loss in Houston against the Texans. Tom Brady has been starting to show his age of late and it could very well be due to the lack of impact skill position players, but I do see a bit of a bounce back here at home against a weak Chiefs defense.
Prediction: New England 26, Kansas City 23.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) vs Arizona Cardinals (3-8-1)- 4:25, CBS: The Steelers are coming off a divisional home win over the Cleveland Browns. The Cardinals are coming off a bad divisional home loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The Steelers are playing for the last Wild Card playoff spot in the AFC and I believe they'll get closer to that with a win here on the road.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 24, Arizona 16.
Seattle Seahawks (10-2) vs Los Angeles Rams (7-5)- 8:20, NBC: The Seahawks are coming off a huge Monday night home win over the Minnesota Vikings. The Rams are coming off a divisional rods win in Glendale against the Cardinals. I do think the Seahawks are peaking right now and the Rams haven't really beat a good team all season long (they beat the Saints, but Brees got hurt in that game), but I do think this game will be much closer than the Rams debacle against the Ravens a few weeks ago.
Prediction: Seattle 34, LA Rams 27.
Monday, December 9th
New York Giants (3-9) vs Philadelphia Eagles (5-7)- 8:15, ESPN: The Giants are coming off an ugly home loss against the Green Bay Packers. The Eagles are coming off a bad road loss in Miami against the Dolphins. Eli Manning is back as Giants starting quarterback as Daniel Jones sits this one with an ankle injury, but Manning held this Giants team back the past few years and is washed up at this point although this is probably his little farewell tour courtesy of the Jones injury, but the Eagles badly need this game and I think they'll win this by double digits.
Prediction: Philadelphia 30, NY Giants 16.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
2019 College Football Week 15: Schedule
Here is the National TV Schedule for Week 15 (Championship week) of the College Football season.
* = neutral site location.
*12/6- Utah vs Oregon; 8:00, ABC
*12/7- Baylor vs Oklahoma; 12:00, ABC
12/7- Louisiana at Appalachian State; 12:00, ESPN
*12/7- Miami-Ohio vs Central Michigan; 12:00, ESPN2
12/7- UAB at FAU; 1:30, CBSSN
12/7- Cincinnati at Memphis; 3:30, ABC
*12/7- Georgia vs LSU; 4:00, CBS
12/7- Hawaii at Boise State; 4:00, ESPN
*12/7- Virginia vs Clemson; 7:30, ABC
*12/7- Ohio State vs Wisconsin; 8:00, FOX
*12/14- Army vs Navy; 3:00, CBS
* = neutral site location.
*12/6- Utah vs Oregon; 8:00, ABC
*12/7- Baylor vs Oklahoma; 12:00, ABC
12/7- Louisiana at Appalachian State; 12:00, ESPN
*12/7- Miami-Ohio vs Central Michigan; 12:00, ESPN2
12/7- UAB at FAU; 1:30, CBSSN
12/7- Cincinnati at Memphis; 3:30, ABC
*12/7- Georgia vs LSU; 4:00, CBS
12/7- Hawaii at Boise State; 4:00, ESPN
*12/7- Virginia vs Clemson; 7:30, ABC
*12/7- Ohio State vs Wisconsin; 8:00, FOX
*12/14- Army vs Navy; 3:00, CBS
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
2019 College Football Week 15: Bowl Projections
Here is my week fifteen edition of my 2019 College Football Bowl Projections.
College Football Playoff
Fiesta Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (2) Ohio State vs (3) Clemson
Peach Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (1) LSU vs (4) Utah
Rest of New Years Six Bowls
Cotton Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Memphis vs Wisconsin
Orange Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Virginia vs Alabama
Rose Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 5:00, ESPN: Oregon vs Penn State
Sugar Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 8:45, ESPN: Georgia vs Oklahoma
Other Bowl Games
Bahamas Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: Charlotte vs Buffalo
Frisco Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN2: Liberty vs Southern Miss
New Mexico Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: WKU vs Utah State
Cure Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:30, CBSSN: UCF vs Georgia Southern
Boca Raton Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 3:30, ABC: Tulane vs Central Michigan
Camellia Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 5:30, ESPN: Ohio vs Louisiana
Las Vegas Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 7:30, ABC: Boise State vs Washington State
New Orleans Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 9:00, ESPN: FAU vs Appalachian State
Gasparilla Bowl: December 23rd, 2019- 2:30, ESPN: SMU vs Marshall
Hawaii Bowl: December 24th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: BYU vs San Diego State
Independence Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Louisiana Tech vs North Carolina
Quick Lane Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Pittsburgh vs Michigan State
Military Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Temple vs Boston College
Pinstripe Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 3:20, ESPN: Florida State vs Illinois
Texas Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 6:45, ESPN: Kansas State vs Tennessee
Holiday Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 8:00, FS1: Michigan vs Arizona State
Cheez-It Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 10:15, ESPN: Nevada vs Iowa State
Camping World Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ABC: Virginia Tech vs Oklahoma State
First Responder Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 12:30, ESPN: UAB vs Texas
Music City Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Wake Forest vs Mississippi State
RedBox Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 7:00, ESPN: Notre Dame vs Washington
Belk Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Louisville vs Kentucky
Sun Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 2:00, CBS: Miami vs California
Liberty Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 3:45, ESPN: Cincinnati vs Toledo
Arizona Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 4:30, CBSSN: Hawaii vs Georgia State
Alamo Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Baylor vs USC
Citrus Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ABC: Minnesota vs Florida
Outback Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ESPN: Iowa vs Auburn
Birmingham Bowl: January 2nd, 2019- 3:00, ESPN: Eastern Michigan vs Navy
Gator Bowl: January 2nd 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Indiana vs Texas A&M
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: January 3rd, 2019- 3:30, ESPN: Western Michigan vs Air Force
Armed Forces Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 11:30AM, ESPN: Kent State vs Wyoming
Mobile Alabama Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Miami vs Arkansas State
College Football Playoff
Fiesta Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (2) Ohio State vs (3) Clemson
Peach Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (1) LSU vs (4) Utah
Rest of New Years Six Bowls
Cotton Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Memphis vs Wisconsin
Orange Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Virginia vs Alabama
Rose Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 5:00, ESPN: Oregon vs Penn State
Sugar Bowl: January 1st, 2020- 8:45, ESPN: Georgia vs Oklahoma
Other Bowl Games
Bahamas Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: Charlotte vs Buffalo
Frisco Bowl: December 20th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN2: Liberty vs Southern Miss
New Mexico Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:00, ESPN: WKU vs Utah State
Cure Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 2:30, CBSSN: UCF vs Georgia Southern
Boca Raton Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 3:30, ABC: Tulane vs Central Michigan
Camellia Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 5:30, ESPN: Ohio vs Louisiana
Las Vegas Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 7:30, ABC: Boise State vs Washington State
New Orleans Bowl: December 21st, 2019- 9:00, ESPN: FAU vs Appalachian State
Gasparilla Bowl: December 23rd, 2019- 2:30, ESPN: SMU vs Marshall
Hawaii Bowl: December 24th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: BYU vs San Diego State
Independence Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Louisiana Tech vs North Carolina
Quick Lane Bowl: December 26th, 2019- 8:00, ESPN: Pittsburgh vs Michigan State
Military Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Temple vs Boston College
Pinstripe Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 3:20, ESPN: Florida State vs Illinois
Texas Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 6:45, ESPN: Kansas State vs Tennessee
Holiday Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 8:00, FS1: Michigan vs Arizona State
Cheez-It Bowl: December 27th, 2019- 10:15, ESPN: Nevada vs Iowa State
Camping World Bowl: December 28th, 2019- 12:00, ABC: Virginia Tech vs Oklahoma State
First Responder Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 12:30, ESPN: UAB vs Texas
Music City Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 4:00, ESPN: Wake Forest vs Mississippi State
RedBox Bowl: December 30th, 2019- 7:00, ESPN: Notre Dame vs Washington
Belk Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 12:00, ESPN: Louisville vs Kentucky
Sun Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 2:00, CBS: Miami vs California
Liberty Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 3:45, ESPN: Cincinnati vs Toledo
Arizona Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 4:30, CBSSN: Hawaii vs Georgia State
Alamo Bowl: December 31st, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Baylor vs USC
Citrus Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ABC: Minnesota vs Florida
Outback Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ESPN: Iowa vs Auburn
Birmingham Bowl: January 2nd, 2019- 3:00, ESPN: Eastern Michigan vs Navy
Gator Bowl: January 2nd 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Indiana vs Texas A&M
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: January 3rd, 2019- 3:30, ESPN: Western Michigan vs Air Force
Armed Forces Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 11:30AM, ESPN: Kent State vs Wyoming
Mobile Alabama Bowl: January 4th, 2019- 7:30, ESPN: Miami vs Arkansas State
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