PIGSKIN 2017: WEEK SIX

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Six

RESULTS

Week One 

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Week Five

SCOREBOARD:

Week Five Record:  3-9
Overall Record:  24-42-1
Schmear of the Week:  3-2
Bagels in the Basket:  -16

1st and Ten:

• I picked Kansas City to lose last week, and therefore the Chiefs are the lone remaining undefeated team in the NFL.

• It would have been irresponsible for anyone to have suggested there would be a three-way tie for first place between the Bills, Jets, and Patriots, entering Week Six.  That, the Jets would be playing the Patriots for sole possession of first place in Week Six (while Buffalo sat idle with a Bye), even more improbable.

2nd and Long:

• It's going to be a long day for Eli Manning and his second-string offense against the Denver Broncos defense.

• Houston Texan DE, J.J. Watt, sustained a broken leg last week against the Chiefs.  It's his second straight season ending injury.

No Gain:

• Hurrah! to whoever's responsible for upholding Ezekiel Elliott's six game suspension.

• A Miami Dolphins assistance coach took video of himself snorting cocaine, sent the video to some chick he was supposedly courting, whom in turn outed his dumb ass on Facebook.

PUNT!

• I can't believe I'm including the New York Giants in the same sentence along with the Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers, as the only win-less teams in the NFL.

WEEK SIX
Friday Line ~ NYDN

JETS +10 (Patriots)
I might be playing right into Vegas' hands, but just look how these teams are trending.  The Jets are playing surprisingly sound and serious football, while the Patriots are trending last in most, if not all, AFC defensive categories.  The Pats also have had trouble keeping Tom Brady clean.  The Jets should be able to rough him too.  Now, if anyone is going to confuse a jobber quarterback (McCown), it's going to be Bill Belichick.  But I'll take my chances with the points.
ICYMI: NYJ: Mission Improbable Suddenly Not So Far Fetched
WIN  24-17 Patriots

BRONCOS -12 (Giants)
I see nothing good for the Giants coming out of Sunday's game in Denver.  In fact, I'm a tiny bit fearful Eli Manning might even get hurt.  The Giants defense is JPP.  Otherwise, the secondary is in a complete state of chaos, and the rest of the significant names are injured.  Right now, they couldn't prevent a mail box from gaining positive yards, or even stop some kid from flying a kite.
Loss  23-10 Giants

TEXANS -9 1/2 (Browns)
Tough break for J.J. Watt (pardon the pun).  But the Texans offense is still capable of blowing out the Browns ... I repeat, the Browns.
WIN  33-17 Texans

FALCONS -12 (Dolphins)
I'm still looking forward to Matt Ryan and the Falcons firing on all cylinders again.  This is a deservedly wide spread.  The Miami Sea Mammals are a complete mess right now.  They've only scored 41 points through four games.
Loss  20-17 Dolphins

Lions +5 (SAINTS)
The Saints are only laying five because they're home in the Dome.  But the Lions got this.  I swear I saw that five point spread wink at me last night in the French Quarter.
Loss  52-38 Saints

Packers -3 (VIKINGS)
Marginal differences between teams in defensive capabilities.  You can tell Aaron Rogers is just heating up.  He'll be the difference again for Green Bay.
Loss  23-10 Vikings

RAVENS -6 (Bears)
I'll side with anyone against the Bears right now.  I'm still having trouble decoding the Ravens.  But I'm sure the Bears are bad.  Lay the points at home.
Loss  27-24 Bears

D.C. HOGS -11 (49ers)
The Redsking are actually proving to be a solid team.  They're not overwhelming anyone on offense, but they're exhibiting fundamental competence.  The defense is playing fairly well too.  San Francisco's ineptness on defense will clear the way for an easy Hogs victory.
Loss  26-24 Hogs

JAGUARS -2 1/2 (Rams)
Jacksonville is fourth in the AFC in scoring, while limiting opponents to 16.6 points a game.  The Rams are second in the NFC in scoring, but give up a lot of points.  This spread is spot on.  Jaguars win a close one.  Think about it.  A late field goal wins.
Loss  27-17 Rams

CARDINALS +2 (Bucs)
An offensive line that's been having trouble protecting Carson Palmer, must now block for newly acquired Adrian Peterson.  He's going to help the Cardinals.  The Bucs are an up-ticking team.  But the Cards are still a good team.  Their window is closing, but they're still good.
WIN  38-33 Cardinals

CHIEFS -4 (Steelers)
Man, did you see what the Jaguars did to the Steelers last week?  Pittsburgh's locker room is in turmoil right now.  Mike Tomlin has been there a long time.  The question is does his voice still resonate with all the right players?  In the meantime, I'll stick with the undefeated Chiefs at home with a very favorable spread to dip my chips into.
Loss  19-13 Steelers

RAIDERS -3 1/2 (Chargers)
I don't know about this game.  If you're betting your children's college fund, I recommend you stay away.  The Raiders are a fraction better than the Chargers even with Derek Carr playing with a compromised back.  But give Philip Rivers a chance, and he'll wipe the spread right off your chips.
Loss  17-16 Chargers


SCHMEAR of the WEEK: (3-2)
Broncos -12
LOSS


Guten Appetit

• Bacon cheeseburger sliders sprinkled w/fried crispy onion bits; loaded oven roast potato chunks; homemade macaroni salad; homemade onion rings; homemade salsa and guacamole, with chips.
• Garlic rubbed oven roasted cornish hens stuffed with wild rice, asparagus and glazed carrots.  Green leafy stuff, w/tomato, cucumber.

Good luck, and have a Happy Football Sunday everyone!

Post-Game
Week Six Record:  3-9
Overall Record:  27-51-1
Schmear of the Week: 3-3
Bagels in the Basket:  -25