When I wrote last weeks picks column on Wednesday, I had no idea what would transpire from President Trump on Friday. Let alone hear what the president had to say regarding the "Taking A Knee" protests that had been a peaceful quiet thing, until the president blew the thing out of proportions.
I will not dwell on this topic for much on this column I will state this: my grandparents served in World War II, one fought against Nazi Germany, the other served in China to help defeat the Japanese while serving as a "Flying Tiger." My grandfather John, from my mother's side of the family, served under the Polish Army and was captured and put into a P.O.W. camp for much until the war was over. When it comes down to it, both of my grandparents fought against tyranny, corruption, and most of all evil that the Axis Powers had to bring.
While I believe in the freedom of protest in all walks of life, the President of the United States serves as a representative of the United States Constitution in its highest form, the man failed to do his duty as a representative. Did the president speak out against the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia? Did he condemn James Alex Fields Jr. on the murder of a 32 year-old woman, while injuring 19 others? Did he call him a "son of a bitch?" I'll let you decide.
The same ideologies that we fought against in World War II are still present here in America. The same racial tension that has existed in this country is still present here in America. The same reasons why this country is not the greatest country in the world. We are not treated equally. The justice system isn't equal. The police aren't treating the law as equally to the extent of the law. There are many problems that African-Americans deal with in this country, but disrespecting the military and the flag for which it represents is not the reason for these protests. It is the fact that African-Americans in this country are still treated the same way that their ancestors did and that nothing in this country has changed since then. That is why President Trump, you are dead wrong in these accusations and that you should apologize to everyone that you have offended.
How's that U.S. territory Puerto Rico that you largely ignored while on your NFL, Twitter rampage doing? Just remember you called for the police to be more aggressive. You threw gasoline into the fire which are these protests. You didn't call the white nationalists that hurt people in Charlottesville "sons of bitches." You didn't make America great again.
With what has transpired the NFL did see vast improvement in ratings, heck Monday Night Football game saw a vast improvement in ratings (which says a lot). The next few weeks that be will be important how big of a drop or gain it will be for the NFL in terms of ratings. Here's a cool video (and an important one to think about while you read this column):
With that said let's look at how well I did (and codename: Cardinal Viking, my roommate) in picks last week:
Me:
8-8 (The Monday night game, Sunday night game, as well as the Bucs-Vikings game spelled certain doom as I was put into the .500 column, as I picked the Cardinals, Raiders, and Buccaneers collectively)
Me:
8-8 (The Monday night game, Sunday night game, as well as the Bucs-Vikings game spelled certain doom as I was put into the .500 column, as I picked the Cardinals, Raiders, and Buccaneers collectively)
Cardinal Viking:
8-8 (He picked the Browns to beat the Colts last week, that game could've either ended in a win for both of us, and he also correctly called the Cowboys to win against his team, the Cardinals).
8-8 (He picked the Browns to beat the Colts last week, that game could've either ended in a win for both of us, and he also correctly called the Cowboys to win against his team, the Cardinals).
Week 4 in the NFL season will feature a Thursday Night game on national televison, a London game for the second consecutive time this season, eight early games, four late games, a Sunday night game, and a Monday night game to round out the 16 game slate. There will be no teams on bye-week for this week, but will be next week. The week begins in Green Bay, Wisconsin and ends in Kansas City, Missouri. HERE ARE THE PICKS:
Chicago @ Green Bay: Packers. The NFL's oldest rivalry renews as the Bears travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Packers. Both teams came off wins last week in Overtime but I see the Packers winning this one due to the quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, and overall I see the Bears defense having troubles stopping the Packers offense, while I feel the Packers defense will need to step up to stop the running attack of Jordan Howard. It will be a good one on Thursday. This will be the 195th meeting in this long running rivalry, the series is tied 94-94-6, which means whoever wins this game will hold the control the series.
Chicago @ Green Bay: Packers. The NFL's oldest rivalry renews as the Bears travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Packers. Both teams came off wins last week in Overtime but I see the Packers winning this one due to the quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, and overall I see the Bears defense having troubles stopping the Packers offense, while I feel the Packers defense will need to step up to stop the running attack of Jordan Howard. It will be a good one on Thursday. This will be the 195th meeting in this long running rivalry, the series is tied 94-94-6, which means whoever wins this game will hold the control the series.
New Orleans @ Miami: Saints. The game will be on FOX as the second game of the NFL UK series features the 1-2 Saints taking on the the 1-1 Dolphins. The Saints offense looks good and the Dolphins had trouble on the offensive front last week against the Jets, the game might come down to a shootout, but I feel the Saints will win.
Buffalo @ Atlanta: Falcons. Both teams got wins against two good teams in the Broncos and Lions. The game will come down to who stops who the most, and I feel the Falcons defense will prove to be the better of the Bills. The Bills are a team that is still rebuilding but I like the Falcons in this one.
Carolina @ New England: Patriots. The Patriots came off a close victory against the Texans, while the Panthers lost to the Saints at home. The Saints put up 34 points against them, and with Tom Brady and the Pats offense on the field it should be the same. The Panthers offense will be without Greg Olson for another week and will likely not see the football field again until week 11, which may be too late for the Panthers to make a run.
Cincinnati @ Cleveland: Bengals. In the Battle for Ohio, the Browns and Bengals both came off close losses last week to the Packers and Colts. Both showed heart but unfortunately in this league, one will win, and one will lose as I feel the Bengals have better offensive weapons and a trifling defense, and the Browns look to stay winless for this week. Otherwise this would normally be worthy of a Thursday Night game.
Detroit @ Minnesota: Vikings. In the other NFC north showdown this week the Lions go to the Twin Cities to take on the Vikings. Both teams look good on paper but I underestimated the quarterback factor in Case Keenum who had a career day last week against the Buccaneers. I won't make that same mistake again. Regardless whoever starts at quarterback for the Vikings, whether its Keenum or Sam Bradford, the Vikings look reassured that the position won't give them problems. Of course I could be wrong.
Jacksonville @ New York Jets: Jets. Both teams got convincing wins last week against the Ravens and Dolphins. Blake Bortles of the Jaguars had a great day in passing yards and touchdowns against the Ravens, while the Josh McCown-led Jets upset the Dolphins at home. The game could go either way as both teams look to improve their win total on the season, but I would have to pick the Jets as the underdog in this game. Upset pick of the week.
Los Angeles Rams @ Dallas: Cowboys. I will break tradition on this blog as I will pick the Cowboys who take on the Rams this week. Both teams came off wins against the 49ers and the Cardinals. The Rams are ranked 29th in rush defense so far this season, which means that Ezekiel Elliot will probably see the ball a lot in this game, while Dak Prescott will sprinkle a few passes here and there. The Rams are so far a surprise team this season, but I can't see them stopping the boys.
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore: Steelers. It'll be an AFC North showdown this week as the Steelers-Ravens rivalry renews as the Steelers go on the road against the Ravens. Both teams came off bad losses against the Bears and Jaguars. I feel the Steelers will have a bounce back game while I feel the Ravens will struggle on both sides of the ball in this game.
Tennessee @ Houston: Texans. The game will be a close one between these two teams. The Texans came off a close loss to the Patriots, while the Titans played well against the Seahawks. A lot of this game will depend on the quarterback position and the match up against the front seven of the defense as it is hard to tell which team will show up on Sunday. My gut says the Texans. Always go with the gut.
New York Giants @ Tampa Bay: Giants. Both teams come off losses last week. The Giants lost a heartbreaker to the Eagles, and the Buccaneers got blown out by the Vikings. The Giants looked off at times last week but turned on the jets (no pun intended) when it mattered most. The Buccaneers have key injuries on the defensive side of the ball, and it might be a field day for Eli Manning and the Giants.
Philadelphia @ Los Angeles Chargers: Eagles. The Eagles came off a win from a last-second field goal from Jake Elliot to beat the Giants, while the Chargers lost to the Chiefs in convincing fashion. The Eagles at times looked good but also bad at times, while the Chargers had to deal with Kareem Hunt all day. The Eagles may not have the running game like the Chiefs do but I feel the Eagles will get the win, while the Chargers will go winless again.
San Francisco @ Arizona: Cardinals. The two teams came up losing last week to the Rams and the Cowboys. The Cardinals without David Johnson in running back look lost without a paddle and may not get to the playoffs this season, while the 49ers proved a lot last week by scoring points (a lot of points) but the Cards will win at home. Please don't let me down, I mean you're taking on the Niners!
Oakland @ Denver: Broncos. What will be billed as the marquee match up of the week, the Raiders head to Mile High to take on the Broncos. Both teams came off last week in the loss column to the Redskins and the Bills. What proved to the nation is that since Trevor Siemian has taken over as quarterback of the Broncos in 2016, he is 4-5 as a starter away from Denver. This game will be at home, but this game will be close as the Raiders look to get back into the win column as well.
Indianapolis @ Seattle: Seahawks. The Colts held on to win against the Browns, while the Seahawks struggled to get anything going against the Titans. In this Sunday Night Football match up I foresee a blowout by the Seahawks, as I feel the Legion of Boom will have a bounce back game as Jacoby Brissett will start again for the Colts.
Washington @ Kansas City: Chiefs. In the bright lights of Arrowhead on Monday night, the night will belong to the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams came off wins last week against the Raiders and the Chargers. The Chiefs have the #1 best rushing offense, while Washington has the #2 rushing defense. One will decide the other. I feel good going with the Chiefs.
Local TV market schedule (subject to change, via 506 sports)
CBS Early:
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore
Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts
CBS Early:
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore
Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts
CBS Late:
Oakland @ Denver
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo
FOX Single:
Detroit @ Minnesota
Thom Brennamen, Chris Spielman
To check which teams are playing in your area, please go to NFL TV Maps & Schedule: Week 4, 2017
Record:
Week 1: 10-5
Week 1: 10-5
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 8-8
Overall: 28-19
Cardinal Viking, my roommates record:
Week 1: 7-8
Week 1: 7-8
Week 2: 13-3
Week 3: 8-8
Overall: 28-19
See you guys next week!
-Tom
-Tom
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