People, I had every intention of writing some sort of holiday based intro to this thing. Maybe mentioning that the day after Halloween is the worst day for teachers. Perhaps a “let the Turkey have its day” rant. Instead, I came back from my walk with my Mocha Frappuccino to see this message from Brendawn: Don't think I didn't catch you trying to sabotage me in the table. I very clearly picked PIT via yinzer BS and you marked me down for Tennessee. I'm watching you…
This was followed by a text from the Cowboy saying, “Ohh that’s typical owl bullshit.”
Jeez. A guy makes one mistake and they’re all over me. All I have to say is that they’re more than welcome to do the setup and records themselves. I’m happy to give up that responsibility. Minor drama aside, let’s see how we did in Week 8:
Week 8 Records:
Blind Owl: 7-7-2
Concret3Cowboy: 7-7-2
BrendawnoftheDead: 7-7-2
We all tied. That’s boring. The only notable thing here is that Brendawn’s week to week win total went up by 7. That’s an incredible improvement. How does this impact the total standings?
Total Records
Blind Owl: 59-56-7
Concret3Cowboy: 59-56-7
BrendawnoftheDead: 55-60-7
It really doesn’t. A tie means the standings stay the same. I’m still shocked Brendawn is this close after a winless week. Let’s hope for some movement in Week 9!
TEN @ PIT: PIT -3
Blind Owl: Ahh yes. A Thursday night special. A useless game only like 12 people care about, but will still do better ratings than the World Series and World Cup. Let’s talk about this game. Did Tannehill lose his job? Is it even that big of a deal if he did? I don’t like either team, so I’ll pick the Steelers because they at least have a starting QB that is better than the backup.
Concret3Cowboy: Bad teams with good coaches. It’s impressive the way the Titans worked a stout Atlanta team. Levis is also absolutely shredded. I don’t know why I felt like adding that, I just spit (type) facts. The Steelers and Falcons defense is pretty equal with their production, even with the Falcons not having names like Watt and Fitzpatrick. The Falcons sent heat at the rookie and Levis ate it up. Playing on the road in Pittsburgh is different from wearing an oil rig on your hat in Tennessee. Even with that, screw it I’m buying the rookie to not just cover but for the Titans to beat the Steelers.
BrendawnoftheDead: I'll be honest, I hate picking both of these teams. The Titans alternate between B-tier and press F in the chat on a week to week basis. The Steelers… well yinzer BS, they look horrible for 3 full quarters and then lightning strikes in increasingly absurd ways. I'm picking Steelers because we have a rookie making his second start opposing TJ Watt on short preparation. I hope I'm wrong, the NFL is more fun when the Titans are good.
WAS @ NE: NE -2.5
Blind Owl: Who is ready for a boring game? That’s what is on the way here. Could this be Bill basically scouting what he has when he moved to the Commanders next year? That may be the case. Why the Commanders dumped two of their better playmakers nobody knows, but they do have some decent draft capital now. If Washington had some defensive talent, I would have picked them, but I have to go with New England here.
Concret3Cowboy: It’s weird that the Commanders traded both of their edge players on defense. The Washington defense has played far below par for what they were expected to do when we entered the season. When your head coach is defensively minded and when your DC is Jack Del Rio you would expect this to be the opposite. But here they are. The Pats stink.. Even with beating a stagnant Bills team. Jones did complete 83% of his passes during that game. His top receiver outside his runningback in Bourne is out for the season. I think I’ll take the Commanders over the Pats. I like Howell and what Washington is doing on O. If only they had that defense they were meant to.
BrendawnoftheDead: two teams going nowhere. The Commanders have thrown in the towel, trading away both edge rushers. The Patriots would have done the same if they had anyone of value that wasn't broken. I think I like the Patriots here because Washington doesn't have the defense to force Mac and his p shooter arm to throw to the outside. Maybe it's just wishful thinking?
MIA @ KC: KC -1.5
Blind Owl: if it weren’t for this game being in Europe, this might be the game of the week. The Dolphins should be very pleased they get to avoid going to KC to play the Chiefs. This should be a high scoring affair, but not as high as it should be. I’m anticipating a sluggish start but the offenses will pick it up eventually. It should be decently close so I’ll take the Phins with the point and a half.
Concret3Cowboy: There will be a lot of talk about Hill and Mahomes being MVP candidates. The former more than the latter in my opinion (which should be everyone's opinion). Mahomes isn’t playing at that level this year and it's boring to pick a guy because of his name. The Chiefs are also a man to man defense, Miami has too much speed for that. Give me the Dolphins to win and dare I say by a good margin.
BrendawnoftheDead: The Chiefs offense isn't the Chiefs offense of old. They do not have the firepower to put up the 30+ a game that everyone is used to. Guess that's what happens when your receiver room is full of jags. Miami does not have that issue, they have weapons for days. I like the Chiefs defense, they will keep them in it late but embarrassment of riches will eventually win out. Dolphins win by 7.
SEA @ BAL: BAL -6
Blind Owl: Nobody likes fantasy talk, but this week your boy has to ride with Geno Smith. Nobody likes that. As for the game, I don’t see the Hawks having much of a chance here. The Ravens have been looking good recently. Not to mention my fantasy team again, but Gus Edwards has been doing very well. Get on the Gus Bus with me y’all. Anyway, the Ravens will cover here. I just need Geno to put up some numbers.
Concret3Cowboy: I like the Ravens defense, their offense is coming along but I’m not buying them being a top team in the NFL right now. I’ve been high on Seattle but they haven’t been as good as last year. Metcalf has been MIA and Geno is middle of the road. They have a really good secondary but the rest of the defense leaves something to be desired. Give me the Ravens at home and to cover, It’ll be more around 10 points.
BrendawnoftheDead: The Seahawks should be better. On paper they have a 30+ point offense, but that isn't reality. The Ravens are well rounded and should win. Will they by 6….yes?
ARI @ CLE: CLE -11.5
Blind Owl: I know the Cardinals have no QB at all anymore, but an 11.5 spread for the Browns is a lot. Myles Garrett is going to feast upon Clayton. The only question is can the Browns offense put up numbers. Watson being back will help, but will he last more than a series? I say he does and the Browns win by a quiet 13.
Concret3Cowboy: Rules are Rules.. Even with a guy named Clayton at QB.. and PJ Walker isn’t scary enough to make me even doubt this pick.
BrendawnoftheDead: this is a big boy spread for a backup quarterback. But they are playing the backup quarterback's backup after trading their original backup quarterback at the start of the season. Also this poor fella is making his first start vs Myles Bryant…no thank you. I guess Cleveland
TB @ HOU: HOU -3.5
Blind Owl: I’m the last one to pick today, which usually isn’t the case. I’m going with a little gamesmanship here. I actually like Houston. They have some talent on offense, and if the standings weren’t so close, I’d pick them. But this is more about winning the season. So I’ll take Tampa and not lose any ground in the standings.
Concret3Cowboy: Ouch.. Houston loses to Carolina and then is favored over the Bucs? There’s a lot of talk about Stroud being that guy at QB and Collins being a top end WR for him, but this Texan defense is pretty solid. I like the Bucs defense’s ability to pressure and for their offense to do enough to win this game.
BrendawnoftheDead: Houston just lost to Carolina, a team that not yet won and for good reason. I can't, I won't, not today. The Bucs are in no man's land, too good to tank too bad to contend, but they'll win here.
CHI @ NO: NO -8
Blind Owl: The Saints have done what I needed them to, now I’m done with them. They can’t score enough to win by 8. Da Bears all day.
Concret3Cowboy: I don’t have that much faith in the Saints offense being able to score 20+ points. Carr is coming off a 300 yard game and 2 TDs but … the Colts are the worst defense in the league. Now I’m not saying the Bears are a lot better, they are better though. I know, the Owl is going to assume I’ll pick the Saints but I like the Bears (they screwed me last week.. It was also a bad pick).
BrendawnoftheDead: NO doesn't score enough to justify the spread. I like their defense but their offense is bland as hell and Derek Carr stinks. They'll win but they will not cover. A zillion screens to kamara won't score enough.
MIN @ ATL: ATL -3.5
Blind Owl: The Vikings are dead along with the Cowboy’s fantasy hopes. Atlanta is a decent team and they’re finally starting my guy Heinicke. It’s time to crush some Heinies in the ATL. Go Falcons.
Concret3Cowboy: Atlanta, Kirk is dead. Atlanta has a solid squad with its worst piece being its own QB, who isn’t playing.
BrendawnoftheDead: Hienicke time! Finally! The falcons finally figured out that Ridder stinks, what took them so long!? As far as the Vikings go, no JJ and no Capt Kirk…no thank you. Gimme the dirty birds by 7.
LAR @ GB: GB -3
Blind Owl: This spread seems wrong. I checked it twice though. I would’ve picked the Rams if they were favored by 3. I’ll take the points just like the whipped cream on my frappucino.
Concret3Cowboy: Green Bay stinks, Jordan Love stinks, their GM stinks, their coaches stink, their left tackle hasn’t played in about 3 seasons so he stinks. The Rams stink far less so give me them.
BrendawnoftheDead: I don't like either team here. The Packers have quarterback problems and the rams, assuming Stafford doesn't play, have quarterback problems. I think the Rams have more talent; nacua, Kupp, Donald than the Packers. I don't feel great about it but I'm going Rams.
IND @ CAR: IND -2.5
Blind Owl: Hmm. I don’t know about this one. Neither team is great. Minshew may be the best backup QB in the league. I don’t think Bryce Young is what the Panthers hoped he’d be. Also, Zack Moss has been a welcome surprise for the Colts. I figured he’d lose it once Taylor came back but he’s kept it up. Nothing like a good one, two punch in the run game to help Minshew. I’ll take the Colts here, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Carolina did win.
Concret3Cowboy: Carolina the hottest team in the NFL? I hate Young and my LSU Tiger squad lost to Bama last night so let me reminisce on Jayden Daniels beating Bryce Young last year. I’m going to reach on this game, and go with the Panthers. Colts defense is that bad and… I already said I’m reaching, why am I trying to justify?
BrendawnoftheDead: I don't like Carolina here. They played their best game of the season and scored…15? That isn't getting it done here. Minshew mania!
NYG @ LV: LV -2
Blind Owl: I said I wouldn’t pick the Giants again this year. I’m going to stick with that, but this week will probably be the least confident I am in that. The Raiders firing McDaniels makes picking them a bit nerve racking, but I have to stick with my convictions. LV will have more of backyard football style this week and chuck it around. Davante will have a big day.
Concret3Cowboy: Raiders stink.. The Giants are bad enough to make me second guess who stinks more.. But the Raiders are really bad, benched their QB, fired their coach and fired their GM. All while holding one of the best wide receivers hostage in the desert. Gmen ride.
BrendawnoftheDead: I'm picking Vegas and it pains me to do so. The Giants defense has improved leaps and bounds but that offense!? Who is playing quarterback? He has negative yardage through the air last week. Don't watch this game unless you are as masochist.
DAL @ PHI: PHI -3
Blind Owl: Ok. This game is going to be good. Two of the better teams int he league squaring off in what could be an NFC title game preview. Both of my opponents picked the Eagles to cover. I would agree with them if this game was later in the year. Dallas will have a game where they come up high and dry against a divisional opponent. It’s still too early for that in my opinion. I’m going with Dallas here. Parsons and company will harass Jalen Hurts. Dak and the Cowboys will do just enough to win the game. I’m guessing a big strip sack, or bad pass under pressure ending the game.
Concret3Cowboy: I don’t know which coach is the worst. The grotesque lazy eyed ogre in McCarthy or the dude that watches all the Rocky movies before his game. As much as I like Rocky, I’ll say the latter because that guy is a douche. With all that, you can’t pick against Philly.
BrendawnoftheDead: Philly has the best offensive line in football, which will neutralize the strength of the cowboys defense. They also have good enough skill guys to win their matchups…I don't see how Dallas can make enough stops. Also McCarthy isn't a good coach, he won't help their cause.
BUF @ CIN: CIN -2.5
Blind Owl: Screw it. I was in the middle of writing my explanation for picking the Bengals but I talked myself out of it. The Bills have sucked lately but I just have a feeling. Burrow is the most overrated QB in the league. I can’t pick them here. Nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills.
Concret3Cowboy: Buffalo is shaking in their boots in anticipation of the game.. Not this one, but the game against the high riding Denver Broncos next week. Cincy has put Buffalo in their place more than a few times. Is Cincy back? With a healthy Joey B, that team looks completely different. Buffalo’s lack of run game and injuries on defense is exposing this team. Josh Allen has taken some steps back, I’ve said before in comparing Allen to Newton. Those big body QBs can suddenly lose their game. Especially as the season draws on and those little bumps and bruises become more nagging.
BrendawnoftheDead: Cincy has finally figured it out. Buffalo has been less than impressive and Josh Allen is pressing. Fine against mediocre talent, Cincy is not that. Sorry Bills, back to the middle you go. You had your chance, too bad.
LAC @ NYJ: LAC -3.5
Blind Owl: The Jets can’t score. The Chargers can. That easy.
Concret3Cowboy: Eeeee, I… kind of want to pick the Jets. Now hear me out, it’s the Chargers. That’s all I got.
BrendawnoftheDead: The Jets can't score and that's the bottom line. Stone Cold out.
