Edward Jones Dome

Stadium issues for the Rams in St. Louis which could render their lease at the Edward Jones Dome null and void by 2014 which could return the franchise back to Los Angeles where it called home for 49 years prior to moving to the midwest in 1995.

Owner Stan Kroenke committing one regular season Rams home game each of the next three seasons away from the Gateway City and heading across the pond to Wembley Stadium in London beginning next season.

All that’s sweet music for some 4,000 members of the Facebook group, Bring Back the Los Angeles Rams, who want their team home.

Loud Bring Back the Los Angeles Rams fans

They made their presence felt at Saturday’s inaugural AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at the Home Depot Center in Carson.

Amongst a cozy crowd of some 1500 football fans, about 75 to 100 Bring Back the Los Angeles Rams members sat in a section directly behind the National conference bench who were led by ex-St. Louis Rams head coach Dick Vermeil.

Vermeil led the Gateway City version of the Rams to a Super Bowl title after the 1999 season with the help of wide out Isaac Bruce who was on his National conference coaching staff for the game.

Listening to non-stop chants of “L.A. Rams…L.A. Rams!” and “Bring them back!…..Bring them back!” throughout the contest, both Vermeil and Bruce, who both got their NFL roots with the Los Angeles Rams, couldn’t ignore them.

Isaac Bruce signs autographs for Bring Back the L.A. Rams

After the game, hearing their chants of “Bruuuuuuuce”, he went over to their section to greet the fans and sign some autographs.

“I played my rookie year with the Los Angeles Rams and played my junior college ball at Santa Monica College.” said Bruce. “I wouldn’t change anything in my career but I sure did miss playing in L.A. during winter when it’s 70 degrees outside.”

Bruce even asked me who the last Los Angeles Ram was to catch a touchdown pass. It happened on Christmas Eve 1994 at Anaheim Stadium. I couldn’t answer it.

“Jermaine Ross.” Bruce said. I replied with, “Chris Miller probably tossed it.” Bruce said, “I think he was hurt. So it must’ve been Chris Chandler.”

We weren’t sure. I checked and guessed right. It was Miller.

As for the NFL returning to L.A., Bruce believes it’s inevitable.

“Surprising it’s been 17 years. This is a great place to play. These fans deserve a team. They’ll have a team here as soon as a new stadium’s built.”

When asked about a possible return by the Rams, it’s all speculation to him.

Vermeil signs autographs for Bring Back the L.A. Rams

“I wouldn’t know. That’s business. We have loyal fans in St. Louis. Was a lot of fun playing there especially during the ‘Greatest Show On Turf‘ years.”

Vermeil’s National Conference squad got the best of Tom Flores’ American Conference squad, 20-14.

After the game I asked the coach about those loud L.A. Rams fans in the stands.

Soon, a brand new state-of-the-art stadium will be built in the City of  Angels and at that time, we’ll all know if the Rams were brought back to it.

Playing for the American Conference in the inaugural AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Game at Home Depot Center in Carson, California, both players were told about Joe Paterno’s failing health from Tom Flores, their head coach in the game, just before kickoff.

“He was truly a father figure for me and my teammates on and off the field,” said Rohrbaugh, a long snapper in the bowl game. “His line to all of us was always ’Take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves. “

The 85 year old winningest coach in FBS history, Paterno, who was the Nittany Lions head coach for six decades, is suffering serious complications from treatments for lung cancer that was diagnosed November 18th of last year, just nine days after being fired in the wake of  sexual abuse charges against former assistant Jerry Sandusky.

As of Saturday night, Paterno was still connected to a ventilator at Mount Nittany Medial Center in State College, Pennsylvania. His family was debating taking him off the ventilator Sunday morning.

My goodness, I got spanked last week.

LAST WEEK:  5-11  SEASON TOTAL: 77-56

SUNDAY

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (3-6) -1 @ CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-6) 35.5 pts

-These two teams…….well. Jacksonville has Maurice Jones-Drew. JAGUARS (Browns, 14-10)

CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-7) +7 @ DETROIT LIONS (6-3) 47.5 pts

-This Cat Fight is one-sided although I’m anxious to see what Cam Newton will do. LIONS (Lions, 49-35)

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-5) +14.5 @ GREEN BAY PACKERS (9-0) 49 pts

-Honestly, Packers NEED to keep winning because the 49ers are SERIOUS. PACKERS (Packers, 35-26)

BUFFALO BILLS (5-4) +2 @ MIAMI DOLPHINS (2-7) 43 pts

-Buffalo’s looked terrible since QB Ryan Fitzpatrick got that hefty, new contract. Dolphins have been in every game they’ve played and have won two straight. The Bills have too much offense. BILLS (Dolphins, 35-8)

OAKLAND RAIDERS (5-4) -1.5 @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-7) 45 pts

-This is a tough one because I seriously think the Vikings are much better than their record. New Raiders QB Carson Palmer looked pretty good against the Chargers last week. It’ll be close. RAIDERS (Raiders, 27-21)

DALLAS COWBOYS (5-4) -7.5 @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-6) 41.5 pts

-I still believe Tony Romo’s the most over-rated, over-hyped player in league history. If he’s going to do something, it’s got to be now because the Cowboys are right in the thick of the NFC East race. Washington’s got many issues. COWBOYS (Cowboys, 27-24 ot)

CINCINNATI BENGALS (6-3) +7 @ BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-3) 40.5 pts

-How is it the Ravens lost to the Seahawks last week! Do they want to give the division to the Steelers!? LB Ray Lewis is out of this one due to injury. I like the Bengals. BENGALS (Ravens, 31-24)

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-6) +2 @ ST. LOUIS RAMS (2-7) 39 pts

-How is it the Seahawks beat the Ravens last week! They’re not that good. Rams aren’t that good either. The Rams do have QB Sam Bradford and RB Steven Jackson. RAMS (Seahawks, 24-7)

ARIZONA CARDINALS (3-6) +9.5 @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ers (8-1) 41.5 pts

-Cardinals are a year away. The time is now for the 49ers. 49ERS (49ers, 23-7)

TENNESSEE TITANS (5-4) +6 @ ATLANTA FALCONS (5-4) 44 pts

-You’ve got to give it to Falcons coach Mike Smith for going for it on 4th down stuck in his own territory against the Saints. Not a good idea but if they had gotten the first down, he would’ve been a genius. FALCONS (Falcons, 23-17)

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (4-5) +3.5 @ CHICAGO BEARS (6-3) 45 pts

-The Bears have played very well the last month. This is about the time in the season the Chargers break out and win. Jay Cutler vs. Phillip Rivers has got to be entertaining. CHARGERS (Bears, 31-20)

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (3-6) +4 @ NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (6-3) 47 pts

-The “Night-mare Team” can’t afford to lose another game if they expect to make the playoffs. Giants lost a close one in San Francisco last week but are playing well. GIANTS

MONDAY

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (4-5) +15 @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (6-3) 48 pts

-Tyler Palco’s QBing the Chiefs. Some guy named Tom Brady QB’s the Patriots. Yeah, the Pats defense gives up plenty of yardage. But the Chiefs have to go score-to-score with them. PATRIOTS

THURSDAY

NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (5-4) -5 @ DENVER BRONCOS (4-5) O/U 40.5 pts

-I got Tebowed! JETS (Broncos, 17-13)

BYE WEEK: HOUSTON, INDIANAPOLIS, **LOS ANGELES (16 seasons, 11 weeks), NEW ORLEANS, PITTSBURGH

**BONUS PICK – No NFL in L.A. at the moment. We do have two MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER teams in L.A. (Chivas USA & the L.A. Galaxy)

MLS CUP- Sunday @ Home Depot Center

HOUSTON DYNAMO (12 wins, 13 draws, 9 losses – 49 pts) vs. LOS ANGELES GALAXY (19 wins, 10 draws, 5 losses – 67 pts)

-Both teams looking for their third MLS Cup Championship. Galaxy haven’t lost at the HOME DEPOT CENTER all season and guess where the championship game is! Could be David Beckham’s final game as a member of the Galaxy. Along with Beck’s the Galaxy have Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane. They’re too good. GALAXY

Joe Paterno

Don’t be sad for former Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno. A bit strange to say and type “former Penn State head football coach” when referring to JoePa.

He’s lived a charmed life in the entertainment field that is sports in one place for six decades.

Paterno patrolled the Penn State football sidelines, first as an assistant coach and 46 years as head coach, since 1950, when he was just 23 years old until his dismissal this past Wednesday night at the age of 84.

61 years.

What a tremendous run considering coaches get hired and fired in the college and pro ranks like it’s going out of style.

By now you know Paterno’s story. Worth revisiting.

After serving in the Army the final year of World War II, he went to Brown University on an athletic scholarship where he played quarterback for head coach Charles “Rip” Engle. He was to go to law school after graduation in 1950 but instead accepted an assistant coaching position at Penn State when Engle became the head coach of the Nittany Lions.

After 16 seasons, Engle retired and Paterno succeeded him.

Coaching football at Penn State is the ONLY career job Paterno’s ever known. It was HIS REALITY.

Courtesy: Sports Illustrated

Paterno’s job description always was to win football games and make Penn State athletics relevant thus making the university globally renowned from a little place called “Happy Valley.”

In 46 years as the Nittany Lions head coach, Paterno holds the record for most wins in division one college football with 409. He’s tied for the most games coached with Amos Alonzo Stagg (548). Paterno’s coached in a record 37 bowl games winning a record 24 of them, two of those being national championships.

Based on those numbers alone. Mission accomplished. Job well done.

Paterno’s life is Penn State football.

Paterno’s paychecks have been issued by the Penn State Board of Trustees for six decades.

He’s from a generation that didn’t have to worry about labor compliance legal notices posted by employees for employers regarding things like sexual harassment or violence towards others in the workplace.

This is significant.

Albeit a few years younger than Paterno, I have a very close friend who’s from that generation.

My friend was in the competitive field of  radio sales selling advertising time beginning in the late 60s. He’s told me that it wasn’t uncommon for sales reps almost coming to blows with threats of violence back in the day because one was traversing into another’s “territory.”

Threats of violence are an obvious grounds for termination of both parties, in this day and age, with labor compliance notices posted everywhere in the workplace but swept under the rug back then where no labor compliance notices posted. Things were “worked out” between the two parties by going to a superior usually without involving law enforcement.

It also wasn’t uncommon back then for “casual flirting or sexual advances” in the workplace to occur, wanted or unwanted (see a Mad Men or Pan Am episode), between parties. Another obvious grounds for termination, in this day and age, with labor compliance notices posted everywhere in the workplace but swept under the rug back then where no labor compliance notices were posted.  Things were “worked out” between the parties by going to a superior usually without involving law enforcement.

After leaving the field in the late 90s, my friend was back in the radio sales business about 10 years later. Something occurred between him and another younger sales rep where threats were exchanged initiated by my friend who felt his territory was violated by the younger rep.

Mind you, Department of Labor Laws of Compliance notices were posted everywhere in that workplace. The younger rep went to the sales supervisor alerting him of threats made by my “old school” friend. My friend was immediately terminated.

After telling me this story, I asked my friend if he would consider going back into that field. His reply, “Nah. I’m from a different generation. Today, you innocently smile at someone the wrong way and you get canned.”

Brings me to this.

All the Penn State principles in this tragedy are a product of that “old school” generation where indiscretions were kept hush-hush, in the house amongst each other, swept under the rug.

Covered up.

Jerry Sandusky

Taking a look at the 23 page grand jury report detailing the absolutely disgusting and unimaginable alleged acts done to young boys by former Penn State assistant Jerry Sandusky, that “old school” mindset is obvious.

Why? Here’s why. All the parties who could’ve stopped what was going on lived in a “fantasy world” where football ruled over anything that’s morally and ethically right because that is a world where everyone in a small, irrelevant  town without Penn State football, prospered financially.

A bit like organized crime.

All parties sold their souls in the best interest of  “The Family” a.k.a. Penn State Football. Nothing was done in the best interest of all those young kids whose innocence was stolen and lives ruined forever.

Mike McQueary

Had Paterno, assistant Mike McQueary, who allegedly witnessed Sandusky raping a 10 year old boy in the athletic department showers in 2002 and did nothing to stop it, McQueary’s father, athletic director Tim Curley, former Penn State president Graham Spanier, a victim’s mother, the campus police and so on and so forth IMMEDIATELY told the proper authorities of Sandusky’s deplorable acts, so many young lives would‘ve been spared indignities forced upon them by Sandusky.

Because they didn’t, all became accomplices in the alleged crimes because they did nothing except protect their personal interests.

Their jobs.

In Paterno’s case, the only job he’s ever known.

So, instead of turning in Sandusky nine years ago the “old school guys” Spanier, Curley and Paterno did what they know best.  Keep the ugly incident hush-hush, in the house amongst each other, swept under the rug.

Covered up.

Graham Spanier & Joe Paterno

Why ruin the shine in their “Football Camelot.”

Paterno’s “old school way of doing things” worked fine in his football world. In the real world, sadly, it‘s rendered his football records extremely tarnished.

Quite honestly, Paterno, and the rest of his Penn State “old boy network,” should’ve been gone a long time ago.

Photo courtesy: AP, LIFE, Sports Illustrated

LAST WEEK:  8-6  SEASON TOTAL: 72-45

SUNDAY

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (6-3)  -4 @ CINCINNATI BENGALS (6-2) O/U 41 pts

-Battle to stay close to the Ravens in the AFC North. Under head coach Marvin Lewis, I don’t think the Bengals have been lacking in talent. Problem’s always been some of that talent has been made up of players that did him and the team absolutely no good. They’ve turned the corner with QB Andy Dalton, WR A.J. Green and a top-notch defense.  The Steelers are the Steelers. It’ll be close. BENGALS (Steelers, 24-17)

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (6-3) PK @ ATLANTA FALCONS (5-3) O/U 50 pts

-Battle for the NFC South. Falcons have been playing much better. Saints having injury problems at RB. I’ll give it to the home team. FALCONS (Saints, 26-23 ot)

ST. LOUIS RAMS (1-7) +2.5 @ CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-5) O/U 37 pts

-Rams need to make sure their special teams don’t botch it. QB Sam Bradford should have the rust off after last week. Browns with injuries on both sides of the ball. RAMS (Rams, 13-12)

BUFFALO BILLS (5-3) +6 @ DALLAS COWBOYS (4-4) O/U 48 pts

-I just don’t trust the most over-rated, over-hyped player in league history, Tony Romo. This will be high scoring. BILLS (Cowboys, 44-7)

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-6) -3 @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-9) O/U 37.5 pts

-There’s no way the Colts go winless this season. If they’re going to win a game, this is it. COLTS (Jaguars, 17-3)

DENVER BRONCOS (3-5) +3 @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (4-4) O/U 41.5 pts

-A Broncos win and there’s a 3-way tie for second in the AFC West. Chiefs win and they’re tied with the Raiders for first and hold the tie-breaker with their 28-0 win at Oakland two weeks ago. CHIEFS (Broncos, 17-10)

WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-5) +4 @ MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-7) O/U 37.5 pts

-Dolphins have been in every game they’ve played. QB Matt Moore playing solid while the Redskins have issues and injuries. DOLPHINS (Dolphins, 20-9)

ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-6) +14 @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (3-5) O/U 46.5 pts

-Former Eagles QB Kevin Kolb is out. Eagles need win to stay in playoff hunt. EAGLES (Cardinals, 21-17)

HOUSTON TEXANS (6-3) -4 @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-4) O/U 45.5 pts

-Texans working a huge running game and defense. All this without WR Andre Johnson and DE/LB Mario Williams. Bucs with issues all of a sudden. TEXANS (Texans, 37-9)

TENNESSEE TITANS (4-4) +3.5 @ CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-6) O/U 46.5 pts

-Titans hard to figure. Panthers QB Cam Newton putting up huge numbers in losses. He’ll get another win. PANTHERS (Titans, 30-3)

BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-2) -6.5 @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-6) O/U 41 pts

-Ravens have inside track to Super Bowl from the AFC. Seahawks have inside track on Matt Barkley sweepstakes. RAVENS (Seahawks, 22-17)

DETROIT LIONS (6-2) +2.5 @ CHICAGO BEARS (5-3) O/U 43.5 pts

-Lions coming off bye week after two straight losses. Bears coming off big win over Eagles. Two of three NFC North teams who could make playoffs. Expect a lot of points. LIONS (Bears, 37-13)

NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (6-2) +3.5 @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ers (7-1) O/U 42.5 pts

-Eli Manning and the Giants looked impressive against the worst defense in the league last week. 49ers with a much better defense, a running game with Frank Gore and Alex Smith looks like the QB everyone thought he’d be when he was made top overall draft pick way back when. 49ers (49ers, 27-20)

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (5-3) +2 @ NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (5-3) O/U 47 pts

-Patriots have looked pretty average the last two weeks. Can’t protect Tom Brady and the defense is terrible. Jets are beginning to play like everyone thought they would. Pats beat the Jets in first meeting. Split. JETS (Patriots, 37-16)

MONDAY

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-6) +13 @ GREEN BAY PACKERS (8-0) O/U 51 pts

-Defending Super Bowl Champs give up plenty of yardage. It’s going to bite them in the rear eventually. Vikings torched the Pack defense for 435 yards in 33-27 loss earlier this season. Adrian Peterson lit them up for 175 yards rushing. Aaron Rodgers playing at MVP level. 13 points a bit too much. But the games in GreenBay. Don’t be shocked if there’s an upset here because the Vikings are much better than their record. Still…………PACKERS (Packers, 45-7)

THURSDAY

OAKLAND RAIDERS (4-4) +7 @ SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (4-4) O/U 47.5 pts

-Battle for the top spot of the AFC West. Since acquiring QB Carson Palmer, Raiders have lost two straight with Palmer tossing six picks in the two games. After finally starting fast at 4-1, the Chargers have lost three straight. QB Phillip Rivers with 14 picks of his own, one more than he had all last season. 710 ESPN Los Angeles radio hosts Steve Mason & John Ireland set the over/under for interceptions between the two QBs at four. Take the over. Raiders RB Darren McFadden is out. Chargers RBs Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert are questionable. Raiders swept the AFC West last season. Oakland’s 1-2 so far this season. CHARGERS (Raiders, 24-17)

BYE WEEK: LOS ANGELES (16 seasons, 10 weeks)

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. I pick heads-up winners, not the spread. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY……….

LAST WEEK:  8-6  SEASON TOTAL: 72-45

THURSDAY

OAKLAND RAIDERS (4-4) +7 @ SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (4-4) O/U 47.5 pts

-Battle for the top spot of the AFC West. Since acquiring QB Carson Palmer, Raiders have lost two straight with Palmer tossing six picks in the two games. After finally starting fast at 4-1, the Chargers have lost three straight. QB Phillip Rivers with 14 picks of his own, one more than he had all last season. 710 ESPN Los Angeles radio hosts Steve Mason & John Ireland set the over/under for interceptions between the two QBs at four. Take the over. Raiders RB Darren McFadden is out. Chargers RBs Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert are questionable. Raiders swept the AFC West last season. Oakland’s 1-2 so far this season. CHARGERS (Raiders, 24-17)

How about revisiting the 1978 playoffs and the “Holy Roller!”

Remainder of week 10 on Friday.

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. I pick heads-up winners, not the spread. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY……….

LAST WEEK:  11-2  SEASON TOTAL: 64-39

SUNDAY

NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (4-3) +3 @ BUFFALO BILLS (5-2)  O/U 45 pts

-Jets winless on the road. Bills undefeated at home. Streaks got to come to an end at some point. JETS (Jets, 27-11)

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-5) +12 @ DALLAS COWBOYS (3-4) O/U 45 pts

-Pete Carroll’s Seahawks in the “Matt Barkley QB Derby.” Cowboys still in the playoff hunt with a win. COWBOYS (Cowboys, 23-13)

ATLANTA FALCONS (4-3) -7 @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-8) O/U 45.5 pts

-Falcons beginning to play like the NFC South Defending Champs. Colts with solid defense. But that offense is a snake with no head. FALCONS (Falcons, 31-7)

MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-7) +4 @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (4-3) O/U 40.5 pts

-Dolphins neck-and-neck with Colts in “Andrew Luck QB Derby.” Head coach Tony Sporano gets axed after this one. CHIEFS (Dolphins, 31-3)

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-3) +9 @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (5-3) O/U 50.5 pts

-Saints probably pretty angry they lost to the then-winless Rams last week. Bucs back from a week of eating “bangers and mash” across the pond. SAINTS (Saints, 27-16)

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers (6-1) -5 @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-4) O/U 37.5 pts

-Ex-Top Overall Pick QB Alex Smith just needed an old QB to teach him how to play. A solid running game helps too. Redskins have QB issues. 49ers (49ers, 19-11)

CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-4) +11 @ HOUSTON TEXANS (5-3) O/U 41 pts

-Browns QB Colt McCoy back in Texas. Texans WR Andre Johnson could be back in line-up. TEXANS (Texans, 30-12)

CINCINNATI BENGALS (5-2) +3 @ TENNESSEE TITANS (4-3) O/U 41.5 pts

-Cincinnati rookie QB Andy Dalton to rookie WR A.J. Green a formidable duo. Add Cedric Benson and one $$ defense and the Bengals are for real. Holdout RB Chris Johnson having holdout issues. His new $$ pockets are weighing him down. BENGALS (Bengals, 24-17)

DENVER BRONCOS (2-5) +7 @ OAKLAND RAIDERS (4-3) O/U 42.5 pts

-Here’s how you use Tim Tebow at this moment. Just like Urban Meyer used him at Florida during his freshman year.  Start Kyke Orton or Brady Quinn at QB. Bring Tebow in in goal line situations and/or in the Wild Cat or as an H-Back. Fans are happy and you give yourself a better chance at winning with a better QB starting. Carson Palmer had the bye week to get over his “pre-season” debut two weeks ago in the loss to KC and he has ex-Bengals teammate WR T.J. “Who’s-Your-Mama” to throw to. RAIDERS (Broncos, 38-24)

NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (5-2) +9 @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (5-2) O/U 51 pts

-Super Bowl 42 rematch. Giants ended Pats undefeated bid with 17-14 win over the then 18-0 Pats. Patriots lost at Pittsburgh last week. surely, they won’t lose a second-straight, especially at the Razor where they never lose. PATRIOTS (Giants, 24-20)

ST. LOUIS RAMS of LOS ANGELES? (1-6) +2 @ ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-6) O/U 41 pts

-Battle of back-up QBs. Rams’ A.J. Feeley better than Cardinals’ John “Red” Skelton. Plus, Rams have RB Steven Jackson back and their defense is better. RAMS (Cardinals, 19-13 ot)

GREEN BAY PACKERS (7-0) -6 @ SAN DIEGO CHARGERS of LOS ANGELES? (4-3) O/U 51 pts

-My upset special. Chargers having issues because all of QB Phillip Rivers’ “toys” have been nicked up all season. Can’t be consistent. I think they put it all together at home against the Super Bowl Champions. QB Aaron Rodgers and the Pack are better than last year. I just don’t think they’ll go undefeated. CHARGERS (Packers, 45-38)

BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-2) +4 @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS (6-2) O/U 42 pts

-Ravens destroyed Steelers in season-opener. Steelers playing much better and Ravens QB Joe Flacco’s been having “pressure-issues” fromt he likes of the Jaguars and Cardinals. Imagine what the Steelers will do to him. STEELERS (Ravens, 23-20)

MONDAY

CHICAGO BEARS (4-3) +7.5 @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (3-4) O/U 47 pts

-Bears back from a week of “bangers and mash” across the pond. eagles are playing like the team everyone thought they would be when they acquired all of those free-agents. EAGLES (30-24, Bears)

BYE WEEK:  CAROLINA PANTHERS, DETROIT LIONS, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS, LOS ANGELES*, MINNESOTA VIKINGS (of Los Angeles?)

*LOS ANGELES (16 seasons, 9 weeks)

LAST WEEK: 9-4  SEASON TOTAL: 53-37

SUNDAY

CHICAGO BEARS (3-3) -1.5 vs. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-2) O/U 43.5 pts
-This game’s in London, England. NFL suits have decided to have more than one game in merry old England through the 2016 season in hopes of gaining a fan base to permanently put a team in London. Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer owns soccer’s Manchester United. Who cares. Here’s an idea. How about concentrating on putting a team in the second largest market here…Los Angeles and fixing stadium issues in your current markets before looking to London!! BUCCANEERS

WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-2) +2.5 @ CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-5) 43 pts
-Redskins with QB issues starting John Beck. Panthers just fine at QB with rookie and top overall draft pick Cam Newton throwing darts in every game. PANTHERS

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (4-1) +1 @ NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (3-3) 43.5 pts
-Chargers off to a strong start for the first time in five seasons. Jets can’t run the ball. QB Mark Sanchez is having issues and that Jets defense isn’t what it was the last couple of seasons. CHARGERS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-3) +3 @ CLEVELAND BROWNS (2-3) 41 pts
-Browns GM Mike Holmgren going against one of his former teams. BROWNS

HOUSTON TEXANS (3-3) +3 @ TENNESSEE TITANS (3-2) 44 pts
-Texans banged-up. QB Matt Schaub, WR Andre Johnson questionable. DE/LB Mario Williams out for season. TITANS

DENVER BRONCOS (1-4) PK @ MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-5) 41.5 pts
-It’s Florida Gators Day in Miami. Broncos QB and ex-Gator gets his first start of the season. BRONCOS

ATLANTA FALCONS (3-3) +4 @ DETROIT LIONS (5-1) 47.5 pts
-Let’s hope the post game handshake between Atlanta’s Mike smith and Detroit’s Jim Schwartz goes well. I don’t think the Lions will lose two straight at  Ford Field. It’ll be close. LIONS

KANSAS CITY CHIELFS (2-3) +4 @ OAJLAND RAIDERS (4-2) 41 pts
-Raiders starting Kyle Boller at QB after Jason Campbell went down with a broken collar-bone last week. One bad throw and here comes newly acquired Carson Palmer. .Either way, Raiders better. RAIDERS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (4-2) -4 @ ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-4) 44 pts
-First meeting since that incredible Super Bowl 43 Steelers win. Cards with issues coming off a bye week. Steelers have Troy Polamalu back but are missing James Harrison who returned a Kurt Warner interception 100 yards for a score in Super Bowl 43. CARDINALS

ST; LOUIS RAMS (0-5) +14 @ DALLAS COWBOYS (2-3) 43 pts
-Rams made a trade for WR Brandon Lloyd. That filled an absolute need. Problem is QB Sam Bradford is out with a high ankle sprain suffered last week at Green Bay. A.J. Feeley starts for the Rams. COWBOYS

GREEN BAY PACKERS (6-0) -9.5 @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-5) 47 pts
-Norseman rookie QB Christian Ponder takes over for veteran Donovan McNabb who I think is getting a raw deal. Not his fault his receivers drop balls right in there hands or the Vikings defense gives up two second half 20 point leads. Anyway, Packers could go 16-0. PACKERS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-6) +13.5 @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (4-2) 49 pts
-First meeting since the Saints’ Super Bowl 44 win over the Colts. No Peyton Manning in this one. SAINTS

MONDAY

BALTIMORE RAVENS (4-1) -9 @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-5) 40 pts
-Ravens coming off a bye week. RAVENS

BYE WEEK: BUFFALO, CINCINNATI, *LOS ANGELES, NEW ENGLAND,
NY GIANTS, PHILADELPHIA, SAN FRANCISCO

*LOS ANGELES (16 seasons, 7 weeks)

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=225262640867539

LAST WEEK: 7-6  SEASON TOTAL: 44-33

SUNDAY

ST. LOUIS RAMS (0-4) +14 @ GREEN BAY PACKERS (5-0)  Over/Under 47 pts

-Too many injuries to key players (RB Steven Jackson) and no play makers for QB Sam Bradford to find. Super Bowl Champion Packers wearing 1920s throwbacks. Those 1920s teams could beat these young Rams. QB Aaron Rodgers the best in the game. PACKERS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-4) +12 @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS (3-2) O/U 40 pts

-Steelers are banged-up. But, the same old Steelers. They win. Jaguars are re-buiLding. STEELERS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-4) -3 @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS (3-1) O/U 47 pts

-”The Dream Team’s” got to win another game at some point. Redskins have had two weeks to prepare. EAGLES

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers (4-1) +4 @ DETROIT LIONS (5-0) O/U 46 pts

-Who knew this would be the game of the week!? It’s in Motown. LIONS

CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-4) +3.5 @ ATLANTA FALCONS (2-3) O/U 50.5 pts

-The scoreboard’s going to get a workout with QBs Cam Newton and Matt Ryan launching the pill. FALCONS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-5) +6.5 @ CINCINNATI BENGALS (3-2) O/U 40.5 pts

-Two solid defenses. Bengals with the much better offense. Colts “O” in disarray. BENGALS

BUFFALO BILLS (4-1) +3 @ NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (3-2) O/U 50 pts

-How about those Bills! They can run on anyone and have the smartest QB in football. Giants banged-up on the D-Line. BILLS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (4-1) -6 @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-2) O/U 49.5 pts

-Bucs lost at San Francisco last week, 48-3. SAINTS

HOUSTON TEXANS (3-2) +7 @ BALTIMORE RAVENS (3-1) O/U 45 pts

-Texans QB Matt Schaub banged-up and their best player DE?LB Mario Williams out for season. RAVENS

CLEVELAND BROWNS (2-2) +6.5 @ OAKLAND RAIDERS (3-2) O/U 44.5 pts

-”Just Win Baby”  – Al Davis. RAIDERS

DALLAS COWBOYS (2-2) +6 @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-1) O/U 55.5 pts

-If Pokes QB Tony Romo can take advantage of a defense that gives up big plays, here’s his chance. Problem is the Dallas “D” won’t be able to keep up with the “Pinball Wizard” a.k.a the Patriots’ Tom Brady. PATRIOTS

CHICAGO BEARS (2-3) -2.5 @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-4) O/U 41.5 pts

-Bears QB Jay Cutler’s going to get acquainted with Vikings DE Jared Allen. Vikings need to keep giving the damn ball to RB Adrian Peterson. VIKINGS

MONDAY

MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-4) +6.5 @ NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (2-3) O/U 42.5 pts

-Jets aren’t going to lose this one. If they do, Rex Ryan might as well resign. JETS

BYE WEEK: ARIZONA, DENVER, KANSAS CITY, *LOS ANGELES, SAN DIEGO, SEATTLE, TENNESSEE.

*LOS ANGELES: 16 seasons, 6 weeks

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. I pick heads-up winners, not the spread. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY……….

LAST WEEK: 8-8  SEASON TOTAL: 37-27

SUNDAY

OAKLAND RAIDERS (2-2) +5.5 @ HOUSTON TEXANS (3-1) 48.5 pts

-With Saturday’s passing of Raiders owner Al Davis, this one has huge significance for the Silver and Black. Although not yet where they want to be, the Raiders are built the way Davis built all his great teams, with a solid defense that pounds you with its physicality, a vertical passing game triggered with a strong-armed quarterback throwing to fleet receivers and a physical running game with two superior backs. I must say, I was never a Raiders fan. But let’s be honest, when the Raiders are good the NFL is much more fun. The Raiders have and always will be Oakland’s team. When they moved to Los Angeles for 13 years, their Super Bowl win came the year they moved and it was filled with Oakland’s players save for Marcus Allen. Say what you will about Al Davis. But, you’ve got to include visionary, ground-breaker and one of the greatest owners in American Team Sports History. RAIDERS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-3) -3 @ BUFFALO BILLS (3-1) O/U 50 pts

-I like the Bills, especially since they went to the throwback uniforms for good. They’re also pretty good. A must win for the “dream team”. EAGLES

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-3) +2.5 @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-4) 38.5 pts

-Much, too much talent on the Colts team. Peyton Manning didn’t win the Super Bowl by himself. COLTS

ARIZONA CARDINALS (1-3) +3 @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS (0-4) 45.5 pts

-These two teams hurt by the lockout because both their quarterbacks needed the off-season workouts to get into the playbook. I still think these teams are really talented and good. VIKINGS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (3-1) -5.5 @ CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-3) 51.5 pts

-This one should be fun to watch because Panthers rookie QB Cam Newton can throw the pill. Problem is, Carolina’s got nothing else on offense save for WR Steve Smith and the defense is bad. Drew Brees and the Saints will have a field day. SAINTS

CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-2) +2 @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-3) 37 pts

-Honestly, I think the Bengals are a good team. Head coach Marvin Lewis knows what he’s doing. Rookie QB Andy Dalton is fitting in nicely for the “retired” Carson Palmer. They can run and have a good defense. Jacksonville’s good one week, lousy the next. BENGALS

TENNESSEE TITANS (3-1) +3 @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-2) 39.5 pts

-Don’t look now but the Titans are quietly sneaking up on everyone. Plenty of talent especially with QB Matt Hasselbeck and RB Chris Johnson who should be ready to roll by now after his holdout. The Steelers are banged up and can’t protect QB Ben Roethlisberger. TITANS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-3) +9.5 @ NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (3-1) 43.5 pts

-Seahawks are playing out the string in the Andrew Luck Sweepstakes. GIANTS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-1) +3 @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ers (3-1) 41.5 pts

-49ers QB Alex Smith finally relying on RB Frank Gore keeping him out of the dog house. Bucs QB Josh Freeman is the real deal. BUCS

NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (2-2) +8 @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (3-1) 49 pts

-Jets will try to get back to that “bread and butter” running game they used so well the last couple of seasons. They’d better because QB Mark Sanchez is taking a beating. He can’t win a game by himself just yet. Patriots defense gives up a lot of points. QB Tom Brady can score more for the offense. PATRIOTS

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (3-1) -3.5 @ DENVER BRONCOS (1-3) 45.5 pts

-Don’t look now but the Chargers have come out of the starting gate well for the first time under Norv Turner. I don’t understand why the Broncos coach John Fox doesn’t use Tim Tebow in a wild cat formation, or down near the goal line in the red zone. He’s a great athlete and there’s got to be room for him somewhere in that offense. CHARGERS

GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-0) -6 @ ATLANTA FALCONS (2-2) 53 pts

-The Packers are the REAL DREAM TEAM. But they can’t go undefeated can they? Matt Ryan and the Falcons a much better team that will get off the ground eventually. I think it’ll be against the world champions. FALCONS

MONDAY

CHICAGO BEARS (2-2) +5 @ DETROIT LIONS (4-0) 47.5 pts

-The Lions are for real. This team is built like those 90s Cowboys teams with “the triplets” and a young, monster defense. Bears QB Jay Cutler has no “go to WR” and ends up on his back a lot. Lions DT Ndamukong Suh is “Deacon Jones-like” and will get up close and personal with Cutler all day. Lions getting rookie DE Nick Fairly in for the first time this season. They’re a scary team starting the season as 80-1 to make the Super Bowl. They’re now at 15-1. They could be in Indy in February. They’re that good. LIONS

BYE WEEK:

BALTIMORE, CLEVELAND, DALLAS, *LOS ANGELES, MIAMI, ST. LOUIS, WASHINGTON

*Los Angeles (16 seasons, 5 weeks)