“Everybody’s talking ’bout the stormy weather
And what’s a man do to but work out whether it’s true
Looking for a man with a focus and a temper
Who can open up a map and see between one and two.”
“Teenage Riot”; Daydream Nation by Sonic Youth (c) 1988 Enigma Records
Ravens fans are fretting after last week’s momentous beating the team took at the hands of the suddenly-respectable Bengals, who may be growing into the expectations fans were projecting before the season began. The panic is palpable as the Ravens’ IR list continues to grow, with little relief except this week’s bye week, which they sorely need. The AFC North seems different this week, as it’s been quite some time since the Bengals were last mathematically leading the division at any point, and while it’s not a fluke, it’s tough to not see Cleveland or Baltimore still having a say over the final divisional standings. The Steelers, albeit reduced from years past, still can produce surprising wins, as seen Week 1. The Bengals are by no means safe, but for now, I’ll let them bask in their recent accomplishments.
As usual, these picks are for fun and should in no way be used for actual wagering purposes. That is, unless you want to make a ton of money in a legal forum, because we know more stuff and things about football than you do or something.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns
Sunday, October 31, 1:00 pm, CBS
Boo howdy, it’s an intra-divisional Halloween game. While the last two games against their longtime foes have been nightmarish for Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and company, the Browns are dealing with some significant injuries that could affect their offensive output. As of this writing, the Browns have not chosen their starting QB, as depth chart-choice Baker Mayfield is still contending with a torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder (although recent report indicate he practiced well today). Backup Case Keenum remains ready, and given the Browns’ reliance on their rushing attack, he’s still a viable option. This may come down to a gametime decision, but we do know standout RB Nick Chubb will return for the Browns. This is a great development for the running game if they hope to establish themselves against a very good Pittsburgh defense.
The Steelers have eked out a few wins lately, for those of you not noticing, and stand one game shy of the Browns’ win total, which they’d surely like to match in this game. Expect them to do what they do on offense – pass short and often if the offensive line isn’t allowing the rushing attack to gain anything. The Steelers and offensive coordinator Matt Canada haven’t shown any consistency with their game plans, but that’s due mostly to a lack of viable talent to execute those games plans. Regardless, if the Steelers pull this one out, and they very well could, it will be largely due to the defense and the one-man wrecking crew of OLB/Edge T.J. Watt, whose excellent 2021 season has been necessary to bail out the offense at times by altering field position. Watt is easily the Steelers’ MVP at this point, and as he goes, so does the team, which is remarkable considering that cliché is usually reserved for quarterbacks.
Given the rough and tumble nature of these games, this one will be an eyesore at times. Enjoy.
Steelers 20, Browns 24
Cincinnati Bengals @ New York Jets
Sunday, October 31, 1:00 pm, CBS
Lo and behold, a team sporting Halloween colors! The Bengals, surely riding high after last week’s blowout in Baltimore, need to not be complacent in a classic “letdown” game. There’s little doubt they played with a lot of energy and focus, but this Jets team is a real possibility to surprise some fans and notch a substantial win against the upstart Bengals.
Heh. Okay, maybe not.
Realistically, this should be over by halftime. Jets rookie QB Zach Wilson was injured in last week’s ritual destruction at the hands of the Patriots and will not start. Backup QB Mike White appears to be the choice, even as the Jets signed 2020 backup Joe Flacco this week, and who, lest we be reminded, was winless in his four 2020 starts. Without going through all the positional matchups to show discrepancies, it’s safe to say that the Jets simply aren’t equipped to win this game right now, and barring a complete collapse and catastrophic wave of injuries, the Bengals already have this one in the bag and can afford to coast a little in practices this week. Sorry, Jets fans. When the team is healthy and capable, we’ll talk.
The Bengals will undoubtedly continue to go to their prolific passing game, ably backed by RB Joe Mixon and an underrated rushing attack. Look for QB Joe Burrow to continue racking up torrid numbers. Like last week, they won’t have much resistance.
Bengals 31, Jets 6
Note: The Ravens are on a bye week.
Go Team.
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