Carey

Though I'd give him a pass. Especially in this game with the predictions and likely outcome. He'd never missed in that building, and Boswell is a big reason why Pittsburgh has been what they've been (especially in 2017)

About 40 years ago I entered my first and only football pool, which, astonishingly, I won. I decided, though, that participating made me root for the teams I'd picked, rather than the teams I liked. So I never did it again. Fair enough LOL! I usually run the pools as opposed to participating in them. I've had my fair share of wins, but I'm sorta glad I didn't win off the bat. The undefeated thing is decent, but I do love the competition & being able to win a ton (5 to 10 titles). Perfect example is the NCAA Tournament

Well, at least Pittsburgh will cover...

With about 10 minutes to go, I totally forgot about the spread for SNL & the games of the week (both on CBS & FOX as will be the case in Week 18): Chiefs favored by 6 with a 53.5 O/U: (Cards cover & the over hits) Packers favored by 1 with a 46.5 O/U: (Vikings cover, but the under is it) Bucs favored by 2.5 (Cowboys cover, though the over does NOT hit) The data comes courtesy of CBS Sports (except for the Green Bay game; that's from USA Today). ETA: Jacksonville still sucks, Carolina is not good & Rhule still gets tossed by year's end, and Indy? Forget about them ETA2: Man, as mentioned, San Francisco blew it, though they were sans Kittle. Still, it's Week One, but they gave position back to Los Angeles (where a tie-breaker wouldn't favor in too much barring a better AFC mark from someone else in the NFC West or if someone like the Packers or Vikings beat Buffalo)

RedZone > NFL Sunday Ticket

The latest AP Poll has been released, and Georgia has officially regained the Top Spot it hit around the aftermath of their big win against Alabama in January. And yes, Notre Dame is out of the Top 25. Not by the ranking number, but PITT and Tennessee basically swapped places (both Top 25 teams). Unless their second loss is against Miami, assuming the latter is very good, the Panthers will drop from the rankings with another loss. Penn State returns to the list, first appearance this season, and Oregon backdoors in, though their score was anything but. Texas A&M tumbled, nearly out of the Rankings, but they're 24th, and Kentucky is in the Top 10! One more thing on Scott Frost: I mean, I would've been surprised to see him last the season, but I was thinking boot him next month since he'd crumble elsewhere. Probably best to prolong the inevitable, with Nebraska not caring about the money. Maybe they can make a run for a Bowl Game or the unthinkable with a nice bowl (maybe NYSIX).

When's the parade & banner ceremony to honor the occasion? Might be mid first-quarter during Sunday Night Football next week when most people might not see it!

Same with me (wanna go head-to-head? LOL!). I'm not fond of picking games involving the Steelers. But I might do so from time to time, if not every time. Either way, I'll give reasons on their games & why one thing or another might play out. In brief for Week One, Cincy got better & they're at home. Pittsburgh really didn't but their defense might rise to the occasion this time like they did against Buffalo, who also has blown them out in previous games. Week One Picks: Atlanta, Carolina, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Miami, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Arizona, Jacksonville, Minnesota, Tampa, Denver FTR, I probably would bet that the Steelers will finish ahead of the Browns, and never the opposite. I don’t bet Pittsburgh stuff. However, there always seems to be something that has Cleveland looking up to the Steelers. Even though I’m predicting Baltimore over everyone else in the North, it would be hollow for the Browns to finally top them for nothing. Win the North or that QB trade was for nothing. Anyway, as mentioned, I’m not one to even pick Steelers games (I did last year for the first time in some time if not forever). Whether they lose 59-0, 34-6, cover or win on the moneyline (outright), it’s still one game. I think they’re in trouble because of the lack of seriousness toward the necessary stuff & even addressing. Due to their O-Line and competition, I honestly can’t see any games where I can say they will win the game. Almost similar to last year (save for Chicago & Week 17)! BTW, Pittsburgh got a tough deal having to face Cincy right out of the gate, but then for the rematch, the Steelers, while at home, face the Bengals coming off of a bye week. Steelers travel to Cleveland on a short week; the structure is not favorable. Somehow, the Steelers might bottom out at 8-8-1, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s their first losing season in a long time

DrSpaceman73: I think San Francisco can get there in spite of Lance. Especially if they (have to) go back to Jimmy G. The NFC is weak this season. Green Bay, Tampa, and Los Angeles are okay. The Niners have a rather complete team with the QB situation their biggest question. If they find fortune, they should be able to get over the hump. They have had success against the Rams, and we know they can crush the Packers. I don't think they can beat the Bucs, but if they can avoid tough matchups, it's possible. BTW, my pick is exclusive of what happened on Thursday. I don't think LA is going back, even if they looked great, but they certainly can. Still put that over the other champions in the past (except New England and Kansas City). As for Kansas City.... ....yeah I don't see it either. Yet I picked them to do just that LOL. However, if it actually happens, it'll be with a winning record because I actually think the AFC West will be awesome this year. The good news is that they face the AFC South, but the bad news is that they face the NFC West. They could have a win in hand with Seattle, but they have to play the game. To be fair, the Chiefs finishing last in its division is as likely as every team within a division making it into the postseason. If there's ever a chance for that to happen, this would be the year, but I can't ignore the fact that Cincinnati & Miami (along with Baltimore, Tennessee, and Indy) will have a say. The AFC North may be a flip between the Bengals and Ravens, with 2nd place as a wildcard. Miami has a solid chance as the WC as well. Once again, Thursday's game doesn't factor in to the following in terms of this possibly being the Bills year to win. They could've lost (close or by a wide margin), and I'd still say this it's their season to lose. I don't have them making it to the Super Bowl, but I have them as the AFC Top seed, which I think is not only necessary, but will help a ton. The weather in Buffalo can be a total mess to where pretty much any team other than New England and Baltimore would falter. Green Bay could get there (SB57). TBH, I don't need to see A-Rod winning a third MVP in a row without getting to the big game. I picked Minnesota over GB due to what the latter lost & how I think (and agree with the pundits) the Vikings should be trending upwards with someone that can work with Cousins

The above is why the rest of the NFL was super-pissed at Cleveland for what they did to get Watson. To be fair, no one had a problem making fun of the Browns for their QB history (from 1999). So the Haslams said, "I guess we better get one to get everyone to shut up." Obviously, Baker Mayfield ain't no DeShaun Watson. However Cleveland had a QB that topped everything they had in the 19 years before the 2018 Draft. The Browns had their best season in a while (since years like 2002, 2007, and even 2014). Mayfield was hurt, but his leadership wasn't that top notch. Sometimes he showed it, but he is who he is. Still, the Browns sorta screwed the league. Chances are Lamar totally takes that deal had it not been for the Browns actions. Can't blame either the Ravens or Jackson here. Though I think the 2019 MVP still needs to do a bit more to give him more ammo to get such a deal. BTW, the fact that the NFL doesn't do guaranteed deals but the other sports do is not that cool. Smart business decision I suppose, but we're talking about the best position and one of the best players

I never got to the first rankings...as in sorta legit ones after the teams have played at least one game. Georgia and OSU swapped places. Utah fell out of the Top 10 thanks to their road loss to Florida, who entered the rankings. Georgia "literally" kicked Oregon out of the Top 25, and Notre Dame got typical treatment. Alabama remained at Number One. We'll see what's next. Will they flip Georgia and Bama before the Tide loses? It wasn't too long ago that someone bumped the Crimson Tide out before Bama lost (if at all). Think it happened within the past decade. ND should actually drop out of the rankings, but they'll likely boot Pittsburgh out instead, despite losing to a ranked team (albeit a lower ranked team but an SEC team nonetheless). Pittsburgh was banged up; they didn't cover (missed by half a point) but it did take OT for Tennessee to escape. The thing is that Pittsburgh who probably isn't there yet in terms of the Playoff, lost control if its destiny. Last year, PITT fell to Western Michigan at home, and the latter did look okay following that before they didn't. I see that happening to Tennessee, though they have to face Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. It's really all moot, since, like last year, I think the Panthers will lose again. I have them doing well. Whether they repeat as Coastal Champs who knows, but I think Clemson is getting their title back this year regardless of if it's PITT or Miami. A lot of people are on the legacy call stuff as it relates to Bryce Young's protection. I guess I get it. That no-call safety and other BS is debatable, but the second hit when Young was pretty much taken down & it was over is getting called more often than not

MY 2022 STANDINGS AFCW: Chargers, Broncos, Raiders, Chiefs AFCS: Colts, Titans, Jaguars, Texans AFCE: Bills, Dolphins, Patriots, Jets AFCN: Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Steelers NFCW: Niners, Rams, Cards,Seahawks NFCS: Bucs, Saints, Panthers, Falcons NFCE: Eagles, Commanders, Cowboys, Giants NFCN: Vikings, Packers, Bears, Lions AFC Postseason WC: Los Angeles over Kansas City // Indianapolis over Las Vegas // Baltimore over Denver DR: Baltimore over Buffalo // Los Angeles over Indianapolis AFCCG: Los Angeles over Baltimore NFC Postseason WC: New Orleans over Minnesota // Philadelphia over Washington // San Francisco over Green Bay DR: New Orleans over Tampa Bay // San Francisco over Philadelphia NFCCG: San Francisco over New Orleans SUPER BOWL LVII: Los Angeles Chargers over San Francisco 49ers

Pitt looked weak without Slovis at QB, they need him to be healthy going forward. I think a weakness if not (or addition to) and issue is their offensive line. Pickett was able to make magic happen. Slovis not today. It would have helped to have Addison. That 14-point swing early on was brutal. Though Tennessee had their special teams mishaps. On a related note (to what Pitt misses): If you're a fan of Stanford, just shut it down tonight and try again tomorrow. Just rest up for the start of a slate of Sunday football. If it's too early, then head out to the bars and tune into homer commentary with the Baylor game that follows the Florida/Kentucky game

Good road win for the Vols, I think they are back to being a strong team. Hopefully for Pittsburgh's sake they are. However, the Panthers have their own concerns

I wouldn't bet on ND getting booed from the rankings, but I wouldn't be surprised if they're gone (b/c it's ND). Marshall is still an FBS school, but ND is winless, and it's still Marshall. Oregon isn't ND, but no issue with them getting booted after losing to the champs despite being just outside of the Top 10. Notre Dame is still in the Top 10 before losing to OSU, but they'll argue it's a loss to a Top 5 team (without factoring in the fact that Oregon would have the same excuse)

You missed the lead, Xeliou66. A big reason was the loss of Ewers. After the GWFG, it probably was curtains for Texas. Game time was the real reason. I think the Longhorns definitely win with an additional 3 seconds to work it. Not much one can do with 10 seconds, though they "employed a PK names Auburn! Speaking of Arkansas, I actually have the Razorbacks being that sorta annual team that gives Bama its only loss (a future meaningless one) prior to the SEC fining them for storming the field. Was sorta scared since I mildly considered picking Texas outright

Yes it was, Magog. Great game that may have been yet another Bama route in most other years

I would have bolted so fast that no one would've had a chance if they tried. I guess I would get fined for violating media duties but whatever. On the other hand people may have it in them to participate & stay strong. Though it's easier when you've "been there before" as opposed to trying to reach a spot one might never get to again. I agree it's not a great thing, BitterApple. Though I'd disagree when it's part of the actual final. The semis I suppose would be forgivable, but it should still be optional. At least until the victim has the chance to recover and press forward

Definitely a great slate. Probably why it's easy to skip tailgating and all the festivities. Whether it's my place, the sports bar, or a casino sportsbook, it's the best day of the week. Now the pregame, the game, and the postgame is still great especially with a smartphone with service, but whew! A decent week with a couple Power Five vs Power Five before we hit conference play

At least those are legitimate dreams...stuff that can happen. I remember a dream I had a decade and a half ago. Basically the main part was Brady throwing a game-ending interception in Indianapolis. It was batted in the air by both the WR & the DB and stayed in the air for a good 15 seconds. The thing is that the game within my dream was at the same time; can't remember if it was NBC or CBS, but it wasn't called by Nantz/Simms. Instead, it was called by Al Michaels (with John Madden on color). It was spooky since it was a few days removed from Halloween, the previous game in the same venue had Tom throwing a pick to complete a blown 18-point lead, and it was on the weekend of November 3rd / November 4th. NFL dreams are not unusual at all. That I can agree with whoever has that thought

I think the bigger issue is the Bills offensive line isn't that great, but Allen can cover for them. This is Josh's 5th season; I think he needs to tone it down, while Buffalo addresses whatever to help him do that. Trend more toward Steve Young, and less toward Cam Newton and Ben Roethlisberger

The good news is that I can turn in early (as I have to be up super early despite having the day off). 15-2 is Buffalo's mark to lose; this game means nothing if the Bills croak against the Chiefs again to where it becomes a holiday tradition. Not sure about the aftermath if they fall to Cincinnati. Getting to the Superbowl should be simple, but I'll be fair: it's WAY too early to crown anyone. Just saying it'll be a painful loss if they don't get to the Superbowl. Despite 0-4, they don't have to win it (unless Tampa or Philly is the NFC Champion). I don't know if I'll laugh more if the Eagles beat the Bills or of the Niners beat the Bills. Way too early to crush the Rams as well. They're still not New England, but the Patriots, the last team to lose its opener at the champs, nearly repeated (which would've been a 3-peat), as they were pummeled by Kansas City (Mahomes debut on the roster)

Yeah, the over ain't hitting tonight (barring a second half explosion)

Meh. I don't think it's worth losing sleep over. The Thursday slate usually sucks. That said, it's still real football. FWIW, the game 2 weeks from now, you can skip that. I'll post my stuff sometime between Friday and Sunday before the early games kickoff. I guess I'm late but it's not a big deal. Right now, I have both Los Angeles & Buffalo winning their respective divisions, regardless of what happens. Unless there's a significant injury, nothing matters tonight that'll make a difference whether I post everything before the first game or after it. I do have the Rams beating the Bills tonight. It's about 15-2 for defending champs winning their home opener to start the season, 16-2 for the team playing at home, and 15-3 for the reigning NFL Championship winners. I actually don't have either team winning the Super Bowl. It's tough to repeat; as for the Bills, they probably need to gain homefield advantage to have a chance (plus, avoid a premiere AFC North opponent that can win on the road). If Tampa or San Francisco get it together, they could gain revenge on LA

Don't Sleep On The Cowboys (Though You Can Since You're Not Violating Federal Law)