Better late than never, here are some storylines and predictions for today.

The Rivalry that used to be: Raiders @ Chiefs

Growing up in the 90s, these games were back and forth nasty, battles with real fights during the games. But since the Raiders made the Super Bowl in 2002, they have basically done nothing. Nothing has been even less since Mahomes became the Chiefs QB. He is 12-2 against the Raiders. The only good news for the Raiders is those 2 wins were at Arrowhead. The Raiders are already bad but they will also be without their best receiver and tight end today. Meanwhile, the Chiefs will finally have all their weapons back with the return of Rashee Rice. The offense is clicking like is hasn’t since 2022. The defense has been a little up and down but definitely has the opportunity to be up against what’s left of the raiders offense. Pete Carrol said before the season that he has been winning 10 games forever. Well this year isn’t forever. Barring a complete meltdown, the Chiefs should win this one and for my blood pressure, hopefully they win easily.

Chiefs 34 Raiders 17

Revenge of the Wentz: Eagles @ Vikings

The Eagles head to Minnesota after losing 2 straight. The Vikings were on a bye last week after playing two games overseas. The Vikings were really excited about JJ McCarthy until they saw him play. He also got hurt too I guess. Since then they have gone to Carson Wentz who the Eagles dumped a few years back. It’s gone pretty well overall with Wentz and if they win this they will have a real decision to make between him and McCarthy. Meanwhile, the Eagles limp into this one after blowing a lead to the Broncos 2 weeks ago and getting blown out by the Giants last week. I’m not sure what happened to the Eagles. All of the sudden they can’t run the ball, Hurts is turning it over and the defense isn’t stopping anyone. It doesn’t get any easier as the Vikings defense is good. In good news, the Vikings defensive weakness is the run game. So perhaps this will be a get right game for Barkley and the Eagles. If they don’t get the run game going today, they might be in trouble. While, I’d like to pick Wentz to win one and get back at his old team, I think the Eagles run over the Vikings and get Wentz to make a couple of mistakes.

Eagles 24 Vikings 20

Broncos D turns Skattebo into Skateboo-hoo: Giants @ Broncos

I like what the Giants have going on. Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo are both a lot of fun and brought new energy to a team that was pretty sad. The are basically college kids having fun running around like idiots and I’m glad I am here for it. On the other side of the ball, the Broncos are tied for first place in the AFC West and also beat the Eagles recently. Their defense is insanely good and have an amazing league leading 30 sacks. They are on pace for 85 sacks. To put that into perspective, the record for any team is 72. The offense has been sporadic to say the least. At times they look unstoppable and other times they can’t get a first down. Since starting Dart, the Giants are 2-1 with two wins at home against two good teams. Their loss however is on the road in a sloppy 5 turnover game against the lowly Saints. This is on the road against a very good defense so as much as I would love to predict the youngsters winning this one, I just don’t see it. Dart will make too many mistakes today.

Broncos 27 Giants 13

Indiana Jones vs the Savannah Bananas: Colts @ Chargers

Daniel Jones and the Colts have been on a tear with only one loss against the Rams which they should have won. Jonathan Taylor is running over everyone and Danny Dimes is playing mistake free football. The defense has been solid and their rookie tight end is a machine. I don’t think any of us saw this coming but good for the Colts. Meanwhile, the Chargers will be wearing their Savannah banana outfits. You’ll get it when you see it. They are still down a couple of offensive linemen still and their rookie running back. Herbert is playing well but may have a hard time staying upright in this one. In a close game like this I tend to go with the home team. But the Chargers never really play at home. The Colts keep it rolling in this one.

Colts 30 Chargers 20

Birds fly west for the fall: Falcons @ what’s left of the 49ers

Oh, the poor 49ers. They have more injuries than any team I have ever seen before. They are banged up once again and Mac Jones will start another one. In good news, they should get George Kittle back. That should help some but it is still rough times for the 49ers. Meanwhile, the Falcons will try to do something they haven’t done all year, put 2 good games in a row together. They upset the Bills on Monday night and now head west to try to keep the momentum going. Bijan Robinson has been amazing and Drake London has been tearing up secondaries. It really all comes down to Michael Pennix playing mistake free football. This should be easier with all the injuries the 49ers have on defense including being down their top two defenders in Fred Warner and Nick Bosa. The 49ers are scrappy and Shanahan will have them ready but I think the pressure from the Falcons D and the injuries on the 49ers D will be too much for them to overcome.

Falcons 24 49ers 20

The Bake Show takes the cooking to dirty D: Bucs @ Lions

The Lions and their fans are still upset about their player being penalized for punching a guy after the game. Because the Chiefs were mean to him during the game. The offense should get back on track as they are at home and Goff is always better in doors. I think they score a lot in this one with all the weapons at his disposal. The problem is they are missing all their secondary guys. We thought that the Bucs were going to be short handed on offense as it was predicted that they would be without their top 3 receivers. Godwin is out but it looks like Mike Evans will play. Egbuka now has a shot to play too. Regardless, I trust Baker throwing to anyone against what is left of the Detroit secondary. I’ll take the Bake show in a shootout.

Bucs 38 Lions 31