Here are the standings after week 10:

Reeb the Unpaid Intern: 93-53
Alx: 91-55
Screw: 89-57
Jemp: 83-63
Pep: 81-65
​
Not much movement in the standings after last week, but Reeb gained a game on the rest of us, and pep lost one.  Maybe we can shake things up a little more this week, so let’s pick some games.
 
Titans at Steelers: 
Jemp: Steelers,  Reeb: Steelers,  Pep: Steelers,  Screw: Steelers
I guess this Thursday Night matchup is a good one on paper, because the Titans are almost certainly a playoff team.  There are about 10 teams in the NFC that I think are better than the titans, along with at least 4 in the AFC.  But after this one, the Titans get the Colts, Texans, Cardinals, and 49ers.  Even if they only beat 3 of those terrible teams, then they will be at 9 wins, which almost certainly will get you a wild card in the AFC.  The Bills are one game behind the Titans, but they are falling apart, and every other team is at least two games back.  Two of those teams would have to pass them in the standings for the Titans to fall out of the playoff picture, which I don’t think is happening.  And everyone should prepare some complaints about the camera angle for this game in case the SkyCam ends up sucking (which it probably will).
Prediction:  Steelers win 28-13
 
Lions at Bears:
Jemp: Lions,  Reeb: Lions,  Pep: Lions,  Screw: Lions
What the hell is John Fox thinking when he is letting Benny Cunningham play the same amount of snaps as Jordan Howard?  Maybe he has something in his contract where he isn’t allowed to beat the Packers.  Then again, the Bears always seem to get sneaky wins when we least expect it.  I think they get back to their run-heavy approach in this game, which limits the Lions defense’s ability to get turnovers as they are prone to do.  I think the Bears defense shows up as well, and they steal another win at home.
Prediction:  Bears win 20-17
 
Jaguars at Browns: 
Jemp: Jaguars,  Reeb: Jaguars,  Pep: Jaguars,  Screw: Jaguars
The Lions had the chance to channel the ’85 Dolphins and defend their perfect record, but the Browns did what the ’85 Bears couldn’t, and kept their streak alive.  They face another tough test this week, because while I believe the Jags have the best defense in the league and are a legitimate contender this year, they also know how to lose games when it comes down to it.  However, they were no match for the Chargers in that regard, and now they get the gold standard of losing this week.  No one thinks the Browns can win this one.
Prediction:  Jaguars win 24-0
 
Ravens at Packers:
Jemp: Ravens,  Reeb: Ravens,  Pep: Ravens,  Screw: Packers
I’m unsure what to make of the Packers.  It’s as if Brett Hundley exactly lit it up last week, but he at least looked competent.  Also, Aaron Jones is out for a while, and Ty Montgomery might miss this game as well, but don’t worry Packers fans, you get an upgrade at running back.  My man Jamaal Williams will save the day and win this game for the Packers.
Prediction:  Packers win 21-20
 
Cardinals at Texans: 
Jemp: Cardinals,  Reeb: Cardinals,  Pep: Cardinals,  Screw: Cardinals
Aaron Rodgers getting hurt may have drastically hurt the Packers playoff chances, but Deshaun Watson’s injury has been even more devastating for the Texans.  Suddenly the Texans are one of the worst teams in the NFL.  In fact, they are so bad that we are unanimously picking Blaine Gabbert to beat them this Sunday.  Remember, he was the quarterback that was benched a year after being a first-round pick for Chad Henne, by a franchise that has stuck with Blake Bortles for the past 4 years.  The Texans can try to get a good pick for next year.
Prediction:  Cardinals win 24-10
 
Buccaneers at Dolphins:
Jemp: Dolphins,  Reeb: Dolphins,  Pep: Bucs,  Screw: Dolphins
This game was supposed to happen in week 1, but fortunately a hurricane came instead.  Too soon?  Yeah probably, especially since we are now subjected to this game anyway.  Yet, the Dolphins are actually in the playoff mix in the AFC, just because of how bad the conference has been.  Still, they have been terrible all year despite starting 4-2.  Now they have lost 3 straight, but I think their offense has actually improved a little, and the Bucs don’t really have anything going for them, other than beating the Jets last week.
Prediction:  Dolphins win 20-17
 
Rams at Vikings: 
Jemp: Vikings,  Reeb: Rams,  Pep: Rams,  Screw: Vikings
It’s Keenum v Goff round 3.  First, we watched Keenum get the better of the number one overall pick on Hard Knocks, but Goff came back strong and took down the NFL films protagonist in All or Nothing.  We saw Case make a new home in Minnesota at the end of the show, and he has fought his way to be the starter of a 7-2 team.  Jared has done the same, so maybe Jeff Fisher can’t use the excuse that he didn’t have a quarterback.  However, we now get to watch what happens when these two QBs duke it out on the field.  I love Sean McVay, but I think the Vikings will get to enjoy some more of Kimberly’s victory waffles this week, as they have been all year.
Prediction:  Vikings win 28-24
 
Chiefs at Giants:
Jemp: Chiefs,  Reeb: Chiefs,  Pep: Chiefs,  Screw: Chiefs
People have completely forgotten about the Chiefs lately, with them losing 3 of 4 and then going on their bye.  Now, they essentially get another bye week, as they get to play to Giants, who look like they are planning their next vacation.  I don’t think anyone will mind if they decide to take a boat trip this January, because they definitely won’t have anything else to focus on other than possible meeting their new coach.  It’s sad that in Ben McAdoo’s first season as coach, he turned his team around after and took them to the playoffs, and yet no one is defending the idea of him keeping his job less than a year later.
Prediction:  Chiefs win 34-17
 
Redskins at Saints: 
Jemp: Saints,  Reeb: Saints,  Pep: Redskins,  Screw: Saints
Great winning streak by the Saints, but all streaks must come to an end sometime (unless you are the Redskins).  Hopefully the Saints can get back to their winning ways after this bump in the road, but this week they are doomed.
Prediction:  Redskins win 100-0
 
Bills at Chargers:
Jemp: Chargers,  Reeb: Chargers,  Pep: Chargers,  Screw: Chargers
So, I guess we get to see what Nathan Peterman is all about.  Yeah Tyrod has kept an offense devoid of talent afloat all season, and led the team to a winning record when people thought they were tanking, but of course it makes sense to bench him.  Then again, the Bills looked to be collapsing anyway, but I don’t expect Nathan Peterman to save them.  Again, I come back to how strange the AFC playoff picture is.  If the Chargers win this, they are just one game back of the 6th seed.
Prediction:  Chargers win 23-13
 
Bengals at Broncos: 
Jemp: Broncos,  Reeb: Broncos,  Pep: Bengals,  Screw: Bengals
I’m not sure what to make of the Broncos defense.  What was once the most feared defense in the league has given up over 90 points over the past two weeks.  However, they have been somewhat hamstrung by their offense and special teams, and have had to play against possibly the best two offenses in the league in that span.  They get a much more favorable matchup this week against the Bengals, so I expect at least the defense to bounce back.  However, I can’t pick Brock Osweiler to win.
Prediction:  Bengals win 13-10
 
Patriots at Raiders:
Jemp: Patriots,  Reeb: Patriots,  Pep: Patriots,  Screw: Patriots
The Raiders are another AFC team that is still somehow in the playoff hunt, even if they lose this game.  Oakland has looked a little better recently, but I don’t see them beating the Patriots unless Tom Brady drinks the tap water.  Actually, I wouldn’t put it past the Patriots to fill the Raiders Gatorade jugs with tap water.  I would respect that move.  Anyway, I think the Raiders put up a fight, at least more so than the Broncos did, but the Pats come out on top in the end.
Prediction:  Patriots win 30-21
 
Eagles at Cowboys:
Jemp: Eagles,  Reeb: Eagles,  Pep: Eagles,  Screw: Eagles
This one will be tough for the Cowboys to win with Ezekiel Elliot, Sean Lee, and possibly Tyron Smith all missing this game.  I’m not sure if Jason Garrett just wanted to demonstrate exactly how valuable Tyron Smith is last week or what, but did he consider helping out Chaz Green and Byron Bell?  I understand you want to be able to run your normal offense and protections, but you would think after around sack number 4 you might consider changing things up.  The Eagles also have an even more ferocious pass rush than the Falcons, so I don’t expect the Cowboys to be able to beat the red-hot Eagles.
Prediction:  Eagles win 34-20
 
Falcons at Seahawks:
Jemp: Falcons,  Reeb: Seahawks,  Pep: Seahawks,  Screw: Seahawks
It will be interesting to see the Legion of Boom try to play without Richard Sherman.  When the Legion of Boom is without Earl Thomas or Kam Chancellor, offenses have found that they don’t need to fear them.  However, without Richard Sherman, the LOB might have to start fearing the opposing offense.  JJ Nelson started to work Jeremy Lane after Sherman went out last week, so who knows what Julio Jones can do.  However, the Falcons tend to forget that Julio exists sometimes, and they are without Devonta Freeman.  Then of course there is the fact that this game is in Seattle, and Russell Wilson is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league.  I think the Seahawks get this one at home.
Prediction:  Seahawks win 27-24

Here are the standings after week 9:

Reeb the Unpaid Intern: 83-49
Alx: 82-50
Screw: 80-52
Jemp: 74-58
Pep: 73-59
​
Pep took quite the tumble after some bold picks led to a 4-9 record for him last week.  Jemp is no longer in last place thanks to him, but right now it looks like a three-man race until Jemp or Pep can make up some ground.  Let’s see if they can do it this week, and get to some picks.
 
Seahawks at Cardinals: 
Jemp: Seahawks,  Reeb: Seahawks,  Pep: Seahawks,  Screw: Seahawks
I’ve gone lone wolf on three straight Thursday Night contests, and I have gotten them all correct.  I have the opportunity to continue my streak by going with the Cardinals, but somehow, I can’t buy into Drew Stanton, despite his impressive feat of throwing two touchdowns against the 49ers.  The Seahawks took a hard loss at home, but that is to be expected when you play the Redskins.  I think they bounce back against the Cards.
Prediction:  Seahawks win 28-6
 
Packers at Bears:
Jemp: Bears,  Reeb: Bears,  Pep: Bears,  Screw: Bears
The Packers seem to have forgotten how to play offense and defense without Aaron Rodgers.  I guess they were never quite sure how to play defense.  The Bears know how to run the ball, and don’t seem very interested in learning to pass the ball.  This could be a game where the Bears don’t need to pass again, especially with Brett Hundley out there playing like John Beck.  I think Trubisky attempts 10 passes in this one.
Prediction:  Bears win 20-17
 
Browns at Lions: 
Jemp: Lions,  Reeb: Lions,  Pep: Lions,  Screw: Lions
The battle of the two most snake-bitten teams in NFL history.  Fortunately for Jemp, the Lions have had some good moments in the past decade.  Then again, the Browns have never had a winless season, but they are closing in on one for the second year in a row.  At least their fans have something to root for while they stay winless, and I don’t think that intrigue is going away this week.
Prediction:  Lions win 23-13
 
Steelers at Colts:
Jemp: Steelers,  Reeb: Steelers,  Pep: Steelers,  Screw: Steelers
Another barnburner here, as the Steelers come off their bye to go on the road against the Colts.  This is usually a game where the Steelers come out flat, but even if that happens, I don’t think the Colts have a chance.  Even if the Steelers offense struggles against the 31st ranked defense in the league, I don’t expect the Colts to jump out to big lead against that tough Steelers defense.  I think the Steelers win this one with relative ease.
Prediction:  Steelers win 27-10
 
Chargers at Jaguars: 
Jemp: Jaguars,  Reeb: Chargers,  Pep: Jaguars,  Screw: Jaguars
Finally, we have a good game.  The Jaguars have shown they are a true force to be reckoned with, as they sport arguably the best defense in the league, and arguably the best running game in the league.  It is just the fact that they have arguably the worst quarterback in the league that is holding them back.  That being said, Bortles has quietly been solid the last few weeks.  However, I think that changes with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram coming to town.  The offensive line for the Jags has played well this year, but I think the Chargers pass rush is good enough to get pressure on anyone, which doesn’t bode well for Bortles.
Prediction:  Chargers win 17-14
 
Saints at Bills:
Jemp: Bills,  Reeb: Saints,  Pep: Saints,  Screw: Bills
The Bills got a cold taste of reality in a primetime matchup against the Jets, and now they get the red-hot Saints marching in.  The good news is that the Bills defense has been insanely good at home, and we all know the Saints haven’t historically been great when they have to play outside.  However, this is a different Saints team than the ones we have seen in the past.  They run the ball and play good defense, just like the Bills do, and I think they keep their winning streak going for one more week, before the Redskins dominate them next week.
Prediction:  Saints win 23-17
 
Jets at Buccaneers: 
Jemp: Jets,  Reeb: Jets,  Pep: Jets,  Screw: Jets
We missed out on the Ryan Fitzpatrick revenge game against the Bills, but we get a revenge game for him here against the Jets.  It’s good when you have played for like 18 teams so we get these great storylines.  The Bucs have been falling apart lately, and not even Jameis Winston’s fantastic motivational speeches have helped.  Maybe Ryan Fitzpatrick can get them motivated, but if licking your “W”-shaped hand doesn’t work, then I don’t know what will.
Prediction:  Buccaneers win 27-24
 
Vikings at Redskins:
Jemp: Vikings,  Reeb: Vikings,  Pep: Redskins,  Screw: Vikings
HTTR!  Kirk came up clutch last week, after following Charles Davis’s advice for most of the game by punting the ball away and trusting his defense.  Smart maneuvering, and it was also good to see DeAngelo Hall get back out there.  Smart move by the Vikings by not forcing Teddy Bridgewater’s first start to be against the Redskins, because that would completely destroy his confidence.  Instead, they are sticking with Case Keenum, who will have his confidence shattered by the Redskins, which will be a good excuse to go to Bridgewater next week.
Prediction:  Redskins win 100-0
 
Bengals at Titans: 
Jemp: Titans,  Reeb: Titans,  Pep: Bengals,  Screw: Titans
I feel like I mention this every week, but the Titans are on one of the most underwhelming winning streaks that I can remember.  Still, Bengals fans would probably take an underwhelming winning streak.  The Bengals can’t run the ball in any shape or form, but at least their best offensive player wasn’t suspended after maliciously attacking Jalen Ramsey.  Fortunately, it is the first time a Bengals player has done anything dirty, so I don’t expect this to continue.
Prediction:  Bengals win 28-17
 
Texans at Rams:
Jemp: Rams,  Reeb: Rams,  Pep: Rams,  Screw: Rams
The Rams have turned into a real contender in this young season.  They have blown past the weaker teams in the league and always put up a good fight when faced with a true challenger.  I would have said the same about the Texans when Deshaun Watson was their quarterback, but as we got the news late last week that he was out for the year, none of us had the opportunity to change our picks.  I have stated how he had quickly become my favorite non-Redskin player, as well as my fantasy quarterback in 9 leagues, so the news hit me pretty hard.  But I’m not giving up on the season.  I am giving up on the Texans’ season, but not the NFL season as a whole.
Prediction:  Rams win 34-10
 
Cowboys at Falcons: 
Jemp: Cowboys,  Reeb: Cowboys,  Pep: Cowboys,  Screw: Cowboys
We are supposed to be getting news on Zeke today, but as I have no idea what the ruling will be as I’m writing this, it is hard to make an accurate assessment of this game.  If Zeke plays, he may have a big day against the Falcons, but if it’s Alfred Morris, then the Falcons really have no chance.  Okay, they have a chance.  In fact, I’m picking them to win this game regardless.  The Falcons haven’t looked good lately, but they are still a talented team in prime position to bounce back against a weak defense.  I think we get a small glimpse of what the Falcons were last season in this game, even if they can’t keep it going all season.
Prediction:  Falcons win 38-28
 
Giants at 49ers:
Jemp: Giants,  Reeb: 49ers,  Pep: Giants,  Screw: Giants
It is pretty sad that the 49ers are favored in this game.  The Giants showed some brief flashes of what could have been throughout the season, but their terrible line play along with an injury to their offense have crippled their team.  Still, CJ Beathard is expected to start again, and while Kyle Shanahan hinted that Jimmy G could get some action too, I still think this 49ers team is too bad to beat the Giants.  They have one of the worst secondaries in the league, and their front hasn’t been as good as advertised, especially after the loss of Navorro Bowman.  Their offense also has essentially no redeeming qualities, with a struggling line, no receivers with Garcon on IR, and even George Kittle is going to miss this game.  I guess Carlos Hyde is fine, but he’s not an elite back.  The Giants at least have talent on defense, and their offense has some small bright spots in Shepard and Engram.  I think the Giants get their second win here, and the niners keep fighting for that top draft pick.
Prediction:  Giants win 24-14
 
Patriots at Broncos:
Jemp: Patriots,  Reeb: Patriots,  Pep: Patriots,  Screw: Patriots
Brock Osweiler gets to remember the game that made him a multi-millionaire.  He must thank the Patriots every day, although he did repay them last year by gifting them an easy playoff win.  However, I think he still feels he owes them, and will gift them a few more balls in this game.  I said the Broncos defense would at least contain the Eagles offense last week, and it didn’t work out.  However, I can’t see this defense giving up two performances like that in a row, so I see the Patriots winning a much lower scoring game in this one.
Prediction:  Patriots win 24-13
 
Dolphins at Panthers:
Jemp: Panthers,  Reeb: Panthers,  Pep: Panthers,  Screw: Panthers
From Thursday Night Football, to Sunday Night Football, and now Monday Night Football for the Dolphins.  I guess the schedule-makers didn’t want to show favoritism to any of the networks, so decided to give each of them one primetime Dolphins game.  At least we get to see two of the most charismatic quarterback duke it out.  At least no one will care in this game if Jon Gruden goes off on some tangent about Turkey Holes rather than addressing the fumble that going on in the game.  Anyway, everyone thinks the Panthers take this one at home.
Prediction:  Panthers win 20-10

Here are the standings after week 8:

Reeb the Unpaid Intern: 74-45
Screw: 73-46
Alx: 73-46
Pep: 69-50
Jemp: 66-53
​
Reeb took back sole possession of first place, but it was a pretty easy week for picking games as no one was worse than 10-3.  Maybe this week will house some more upsets, so let’s pick some games.
 
Bills at Jets: 
Jemp: Bills,  Reeb: Bills,  Pep: Bills,  Screw: Bills
I can imagine the schedule-makers laughing when they put this game on TNF in the offseason.  Who is laughing now?  Okay, let’s be honest, nobody is that excited for this game, but at least it has some playoff implications.  The Bills quietly are fully in control of a wildcard spot right now, and they have another winnable game here.  However, the Jets won’t go down easy, as our joke about the McCown to Robbie Anderson connection has blossomed into a real NFL tandem.  Another underrated storyline is that Josh McCown has made it through 8 straight games without getting hurt or benched.  He hasn’t started 9 straight games for one team since 2004.  How can I pick against the Jets with Josh on this kind of roll?
Prediction:  Jets win 23-20
 
Colts at Texans:
Jemp: Texans,  Reeb: Texans,  Pep: Texans,  Screw: Texans
I wish I could talk about something in this game other than how much I love Deshaun Watson… actually no I don’t.  Deshaun Watson went into Seattle and couldn’t have been less impressed with the Legion of Boom.  Watson has only lost this year when another elite quarterback has outdueled him in a shootout, and somehow, I don’t think Jacoby Brissett can accomplish that.  Watson may have lost to the best three quarterbacks playing right now, but I think next time he faces them, he can come out on top.  After all, he did it to Alabama, and he can do it to Seattle, Kansas City, and even the Patriots.  The Texans may have some problems on defense without Watt and Mercilus, but I still think the Texans have Super Bowl aspirations with number 4 at QB.
Prediction:  Texans win 34-20
 
Bengals at Jaguars: 
Jemp: Jaguars,  Reeb: Jaguars,  Pep: Bengals,  Screw: Jaguars
The Jaguars got just what they were missing over their bye week, a pro bowl defensive lineman with a big contract.  Have the Jaguars checked if Marcell Dareus can play quarterback?  Probably not, since they never even checked if Blake Bortles could play quarterback.  Alright enough shots at the Jaguars, since I actually like them as a team.  They already had the best defense in the league in my opinion, and I guess adding Dareus can’t hurt.  Their stacked defensive line also now gets to play the Bengals, which could get ugly real fast.  The Bengals can just gear up for next year at this point.
Prediction:  Jaguars win 24-0
 
Buccaneers at Saints:
Jemp: Saints,  Reeb: Saints,  Pep: Saints,  Screw: Saints
I think we can just dismiss the Bucs at this point.  They don’t really have anything going for them, and now they are playing a Saints team that has become one of the more dangerous teams in the league.  They have had a complete change in identity, as they are now a team that runs the ball and plays good defense.  Drew Brees hasn’t been quite as prolific as usual, but he’s still playing well, and he finally has some help.  The Saints should take care of business at home.
Prediction:  Saints win 34-13
 
Rams at Giants: 
Jemp: Rams,  Reeb: Rams,  Pep: Giants,  Screw: Rams
You know how we love revenge games here at PFJ, but Janoris Jenkins was suspended for this one.  Not only does that leave us with one less thing to talk about for this game, but it also really hurts the Giants defense that has stepped it up the past few weeks.  Fortunately, Eli Apple has been playing much better, and Sammy Watkins has been pretty much invisible anyway.  However, the Rams can attack you in so many different ways, and I trust Sean McVay to attack the holes with Jenkins out.
Prediction:  Rams win 30-17
 
Falcons at Panthers:
Jemp: Falcons,  Reeb: Panthers,  Pep: Falcons,  Screw: Falcons
Kelvin Benjamin is gone for the Panthers, so maybe that will make Cam Newton good again?  It worked in 2015.  The Falcons have struggled on both sides of the ball recently, but at least they squeaked by the Jets last week.  The Panthers win was even less impressive, but at least I trust their defense, which has played well all season.  Unfortunately, the offense couldn’t even get things going against the Bucs, so they could easily lose this game, but I’ll take the Panthers at home.
Prediction:  Panthers win 20-17
 
Broncos at Eagles: 
Jemp: Eagles,  Reeb: Eagles,  Pep: Eagles,  Screw: Eagles
Things have quickly gone downhill for Trevor Siemian since that Week 2 Cowboys game.  You know things are bad when even Jon Gruden is calling for you to be benched.  It’s even worse when you are actually benched for Brock Osweiler.  The Broncos defense is still fantastic, and I expect them to keep them in this game.  However, there is no chance I pick Brock Osweiler to win this game, especially against an Eagles team that continues to roll.  Now they have Jay Ajayi, whom I’m not sure they needed because he’s basically the same player as LeGarrette Blount, just slightly better.  Then again, Brock Lobster does manage to sneakily win some games despite being so terrible.
Prediction:  Eagles win 17-10
 
Ravens at Titans:
Jemp: Titans,  Reeb: Titans,  Pep: Ravens,  Screw: Ravens
How about Alex Collins on Thursday Night Football?  Apparently he does some weird Irish dance, and he may be the best running back playing in this game.  The Ravens defense also looked like they got right, but that may just be because they were playing the Dolphins.  Then again, the last time we saw the Titans offense, they were putting up 12 points against the Browns with the benefit of overtime.  Maybe the bye week allowed the Titans to get Mariota healthy and that reignites this offense, but I’m not counting on it.  I think the Ravens get another game here to stay on pace for being average.
Prediction:  Ravens win 23-13
 
Cardinals at 49ers: 
Jemp: Cardinals,  Reeb: Cardinals,  Pep: Cardinals,  Screw: Cardinals
It’s kind of strange how the 49ers suddenly have the best quarterback in this game... at least, we think they do.  Jimmy Garoppolo finally gets his chance to prove he is more than another failed Tom Brady backup.  Still, he can’t be any worse than Drew Stanton, and it’s not like the Cardinals are exactly loaded with talent.  I hope Adrian Peterson bounces back since I have him on a few fantasy teams, and I need him with Zeke suspended, but I’m not sure if it will happen in this broken offense.
Prediction:  49ers win 20-13
 
Redskins at Seahawks:
Jemp: Seahawks,  Reeb: Seahawks,  Pep: Seahawks,  Screw: Seahawks
Alright, so the Redskins are dealing with some injuries.  Yeah, they had 4 of their starting lineman out at one point last week, and two of their backup tackles as well, but they still weren’t as bad as the Bengals line.  Sorry Reeb, I just couldn’t resist throwing that in there.  Injuries will impact the final score, but the Redskins still get the win.
Prediction:  Redskins win 99-0
 
Chiefs at Cowboys: 
Jemp: Chiefs,  Reeb: Chiefs,  Pep: Chiefs,  Screw: Chiefs
No Zeke in this one, at least he’s supposed to be out at the point I’m writing this, but who knows with this process.  Anyway, Alfred Morris is there to carry the load anyway, so I expect the Cowboys offense to still put up points in this one.  The Chiefs made some changes at cornerback which could bolster their defense, but one game against the Broncos isn’t going to convince me of that.  However, I trust the Chiefs offense win a shootout against this Dallas defense.
Prediction:  Chiefs win 34-30
 
Raiders at Dolphins:
Jemp: Raiders,  Reeb: Raiders,  Pep: Dolphins,  Screw: Raiders
The Raiders offense looked like they were going to continue to roll with a long touchdown drive on their opening possession against the Bills.  They forgot that they are supposed to continue to move the ball throughout the whole game though.  Fortunately, their offense couldn’t be as bad as the Dolphins if they tried (maybe they are trying).
Prediction:  Raiders win 24-13
 
Lions at Packers:
Jemp: Lions,  Reeb: Lions,  Pep: Lions,  Screw: Lions
The Lions managed to put up 482 yards against the Steelers, yet only 15 points.  That’s impressive.  At least they could move the ball, even if they just don’t know how to play in the redzone.  The Packers have looked lost with Brett Hundley at quarterback, but maybe Mike McCarthy got things right over the bye week.  They do get to play in Lambeau, which is always a tough place to play, but Matthew Stafford should be able to steal a game against a team with a winning record.
Prediction:  Lions win 23-20

Here are the standings after week 7:

Reeb the Unpaid Intern: 63-43
Screw: 63-43
Alx: 62-44
Pep: 59-47
Jemp: 56-50
​
I had a big week going 13-2.  In fact, I could have taken the lead if the Monday Night game had just gone a different way.  However, we are all going to pretend that didn’t happen, and just move on to this week.  Let’s pick some games.
 
Dolphins at Ravens: 
Jemp: Dolphins,  Reeb: Dolphins,  Pep: Dolphins,  Screw: Dolphins
The Raiders and Chiefs gave us a fun shootout last Thursday, so TNF decided to follow that up with a matchup between the 31st and 32nd ranked offenses in the NFL.  There are 32 teams in case you didn’t know.  Fortunately for the Dolphins, Matt Moore came in last week and made the offense look like it was ranked in the mid-20s.  My head thinks that the Dolphins win this game, but with everyone else picking Miami, I’m going to pick the Ravens.  This Dolphins team just doesn’t deserve to go 5-2.
Prediction:  Ravens win 15-13
 
Vikings at Browns:
Jemp: Vikings,  Reeb: Vikings,  Pep: Vikings,  Screw: Vikings
How many quarterbacks will the Browns go through in this game?  They might have to sign someone new, because only 3 for the season isn’t nearly enough.  Anyway, the Vikings get the double bye to recover from some injuries, and are looking like they could take the NFC North with ease.
Prediction:  Vikings win 24-7
 
Falcons at Jets: 
Jemp: Falcons,  Reeb: Falcons,  Pep: Falcons,  Screw: Falcons
The Falcons seem to have forgotten that they are supposed to be a good offense.  Steve Sarkisian has been trying to help Kyle Shanahan out by making his second half gameplan in the Super Bowl look like Marty-ball.  Devonta Freeman has averaged 6.7 yards per carry over the last two games, yet he has barely gotten the football, even in the Dolphins game where the Falcons sported a 17-0 lead.  Now they get the Jets, a team the Falcons should beat easily.  However, the Jets have been playing hard, and they certainly have no reason to fear the Falcons right now.  If they get the win this week, then the Falcons should really start to panic.
Prediction:  Falcons win 27-20
 
Panthers at Buccaneers:
Jemp: Panthers,  Reeb: Panthers,  Pep: Panthers,  Screw: Panthers
The Bucs have gone from trendy underdog Super Bowl pick to one of the worst teams in the league.  The offense surprisingly hasn’t suddenly become a juggernaut with the addition of Desean Jackson and OJ Howard.  Yet, it’s the defense that has been the problem, giving up the third-most yards per game and fourth-most points per game.  Granted, they have had some injuries to some key players, which caused them to fall apart after a great showing in their first game against the Bears.  Then there is the Panthers with one of the most bi-polar offenses I’ve seen in my lifetime.  However, at least the Panthers are good on occasion, so I’ll take Cam Newton on the road.
Prediction:  Panthers win 31-17
 
49ers at Eagles: 
Jemp: Eagles,  Reeb: Eagles,  Pep: Eagles,  Screw: Eagles
So much for the 49ers losing close games.  CJ Beathard was unsurprisingly bad in his first career start, despite his one good play against the Redskins the previous week.  Still, at 0-7, there is nothing to be gained by going back to Brian Hoyer at this point.  And I’d prefer not to talk about the Eagles.
Prediction:  Eagles win 33-14
 
Bears at Saints:
Jemp: Saints,  Reeb: Saints,  Pep: Saints,  Screw: Saints
The Bears managed to win a game in which Eddie Jackson scored two more touchdowns than anyone else in the game.  A game in which the Bears attempted 7 passes.  This formula for the Bears is starting to get ridiculous.  It can’t possibly work again, can it?  I don’t even mean in this game, I mean again this season.  In the Bears’ three wins, they have completed a total of four passes to wide receivers.  They have averaged 107 passing yards in those games.  I don’t think that will be good enough to beat the Saints at home, especially with them actually having a defense now.
Prediction:  Saints win 26-17
 
Chargers at Patriots: 
Jemp: Patriots,  Reeb: Patriots,  Pep: Patriots,  Screw: Patriots
The Chargers with the winning streak!  I knew you could do it, Philip.  Okay, I had my doubts at times, but I picked them in every game they have won so far.  Unfortunately, I never pick against the Patriots in Foxboro (unless the Redskins are coming to town).  The Chargers also haven’t been all that impressive in their wins, they have played pretty much the same way they have played all season without the last-minute collapse.  This is a good formula for the Chargers, but I still trust the Patriots more.  Don’t worry, the Chargers are still in the playoff hunt though.
Prediction:  Patriots win 27-24
 
Raiders at Bills:
Jemp: Bills,  Reeb: Raiders,  Pep: Raiders,  Screw: Raiders
Speaking of AFC West teams that aren’t out of it yet, the Raiders had an epic win over the Chiefs on Thursday Night.  Maybe the end was slightly watered down from the reviews and penalties, but it was still a fantastic game with a pretty good finish.  The Bills also seemed to find their offense last week, but that is to be expected when you add Deonte Thompson to your team.  Unfortunately, their defense got taken by the Bucs, and I think this Raiders team is poised to do the same considering Amari Cooper remembered how to play football last week.  The same week I traded Devin Funchess for him in fantasy just by the way.
Prediction:  Raiders win 28-20
 
Colts at Bengals: 
Jemp: Bengals,  Reeb: Bengals,  Pep: Bengals,  Screw: Bengals
Giving up 10 sacks in a game in rough, but calling out the offensive line on a team filled with holes is a kind of harsh.  I love TY Hilton, but this team has a lot more issues than just the offensive line.  The Jaguars also have possibly the best pass rush in the NFL and Jacoby Brissett often holds the ball for a while, so I don’t think blaming the o-line for this loss is quite fair.  You don’t see AJ Green calling out this Bengals offensive line, despite the fact that they are worse and it consists of several first and second round picks.  Fortunately Bill Lazor has made that offense viable, and the defense has been really good, so I’m taking the Bengals at home.
Prediction:  Bengals win 24-14
 
Texans at Seahawks:
Jemp: Seahawks,  Reeb: Seahawks,  Pep: Seahawks,  Screw: Texans
This one has me reeling.  I am always nervous about any quarterback playing against that Seahawks defense in Seattle, but I can’t quit Deshaun Watson.  I want him to go out there and ball out, but I don’t see him putting up 30+ on that Seattle defense.  The Texans also don’t have a great tight end or receiving back to attack the weak spots in the Legion of Boom, plus their defense just isn’t the same without possibly their two best pass rushers.  Mercilus > Clowney in my opinion.  I’ll be rooting for Watson, but I’m taking the Seahawks at home.
Prediction:  Seahawks win 27-24
 
Cowboys at Redskins: 
Jemp: Redskins,  Reeb: Cowboys,  Pep: Redskins,  Screw: Cowboys
Zeke has his possible suspension looming, and the Cowboys have to take on the Redskins at home.  I almost feel bad for Dallas fans.  Okay, not really.  Redskins dominate as always.
Prediction:  Redskins win 100-0
 
Steelers at Lions:
Jemp: Lions,  Reeb: Steelers,  Pep: Steelers,  Screw: Steelers
 Another intra-PFJ clash, with Jemp’s Lions hosting Screw’s Steelers.  The Steelers seem to be finding themselves, with Lev Bell looking like the best back in football, and the Steelers defense continuing to play well.  The Lions were trending in the opposite direction, but they had a bye to get themselves together.  Unfortunately, for them it is not just a matter of having your superstars step up, because they don’t really have any superstars.  There best chance is for their defense to take advantage of Big Ben, and maybe take one of his passes to the house.  That is tough to count on though, so I’m going with Pittsburgh.
Prediction:  Steelers win 27-17
 
Broncos at Chiefs:
Jemp: Chiefs,  Reeb: Chiefs,  Pep: Chiefs,  Screw: Chiefs
The Chiefs are in a small slump after starting 5-0.  Yes, the offense got back on track on Thursday, and just lost a shootout to a desperate Raiders team in Oakland.  But this KC defense is not good, despite its reputation.  Justin Houston and Marcus Peters are studs, and Chris Jones and Dee Ford are coming into their own, but the rest of this defense is the problem.  Fortunately for them, they are playing a Broncos offense that has looked far worse than their defense over the past two games.  Trevor Siemian apparently can’t play well past mid-October.  I think the Chiefs get this one easy.
Prediction:  Chiefs win 23-10

Here are the standings after week 6:

Reeb the Unpaid Intern: 53-38
Screw: 53-38
Pep: 52-39
Alx: 49-42
Jemp: 47-44
​
I made up some ground last week after going lone wolf on the Cardinals and Saints.  Pep also drew within a game of the leaders while Jemp took a tumble to the bottom, while Screw is upset he is still listed below Reeb even though they are tied.  Let’s pick some games.
 
Chiefs at Raiders: 
Jemp: Chiefs,  Reeb: Chiefs,  Pep: Chiefs,  Screw: Chiefs
It’s a strange week when the Chargers are the only AFC West team to get a win.  However, the Raiders are starting to be an easy out for any team.  After being lauded as one of the best offenses in the NFL going into the year, the Raiders now sport the 30th overall offense.  Things are looking up though, as Amari Cooper got 5 catches last week, which is more than he had in the last 3 weeks combined.  The bad news is that those 5 catches only went for 28 yards.  The good news is that those 28 yards are also more than he has had in the last three weeks combined.  Even though the Chiefs struggled last week with a banged-up offense, everything seems to point towards them, even though the Raiders have a sneaky top 10 defense.  But I think Derek Carr will turn this offense around, and I think the Raiders get the big upset on Thursday Night Football.
Prediction:  Raiders win 24-21
 
Buccaneers at Bills:
Jemp: Bills,  Reeb: Bills,  Pep: Bills,  Screw: Bills
It’s everyone’s favorite time of the season, it’s a Ryan Fitzpatrick revenge game.  At least, I hope so.  Sorry Jameis, but it wouldn’t feel right if we didn’t get a full game of the Amish Rifle, so just chill out for this one.  Remember, you already used your bye week, so this is your best chance to rest up.  Besides, if you want to take less criticism about your turnovers, the best way is to let the fans see what life is like with Fitzmagic.  Assuming we get the bad version of Ryan Fitzpatrick.  You never know with him, but I don’t trust the Bucs with either quarterback, so I’m taking the Bills at home.
Prediction:  Bills win 24-16
 
Ravens at Vikings: 
Jemp: Vikings,  Reeb: Vikings,  Pep: Ravens,  Screw: Ravens
The matchup of the Ravens offense vs. the Vikings defense may be the biggest mismatch since the Giants offense vs. the Broncos defense.  Well that was just last week, and the Giants probably got the better of that one.  Yeah, we never really know what is going to happen in the NFL, just look at our pick records.  Still, the Ravens offense can’t buy a touchdown, they may as well just have Justin Tucker try those 84-yard field goals that he thinks he can make and call it a day.  As for the Vikings offense, they seem content to stick with Case Keenum at QB, but Teddy Bridgewater could be coming back into the fold soon.  I’m starting to think Sam Bradford isn’t going to play again this year, or maybe ever again.
Prediction:  Vikings win 23-6
 
Jets at Dolphins:
Jemp: Jets,  Reeb: Jets,  Pep: Jets,  Screw: Jets
Jets fans feel like they got robbed last week, but I think the refs thought there was no way Austin Seferian-Jenkins could have actually scored a second touchdown.  Still, I think they actually did Jets fans a favor, because the Jets most likely lose that game anyway, but at least now they can blame the refs and say “The Patriots never would have won that sixth super bowl if the refs didn’t make that bogus call against the Jets!”  It’s times like these that I’m grateful we don’t have a podcast so I don’t have to try to do a New York accent.  Anyway, the Dolphins somehow beat the Falcons, which I think was more confusing if you watched the whole game, since their offense didn’t look any better than it has all season.  I guess Jay Ajayi got going, and their defense is pretty good, so I guess I might as well pick the Dolphins?
Prediction:  Dolphins win 17-13
 
Cardinals at Rams: 
Jemp: Cardinals,  Reeb: Cardinals,  Pep: Cardinals,  Screw: Rams
Arian PETERSON!  Now that is something I would like to have audio for.  I was pleased to see that All Day live up to his name in his first game as a Cardinal, even though I benched him on a bunch of my fantasy teams.  Don’t worry, I still went 10-2 this week.  Hey Pep, at least I made it through the first five games without mentioning that.  Back to the game now.  The Cardinals were impressive, but the Rams have shown all season that they know how to win football games, so I’m sticking with the Rams at home.
Prediction:  Rams win 31-28
 
Jaguars at Colts:
Jemp: Jaguars,  Reeb: Jaguars,  Pep: Jaguars,  Screw: Jaguars
I commended the Rams on their win over the Jags, but it was hardly the fault of that stout Jacksonville defense.  In fact, it wasn’t even really the offense’s fault either, but allowing two special teams touchdowns didn’t give them much of a chance to win.  I still think this is a dangerous Jags team, and I haven’t forgiven the Colts for ruining my last lone wolf pick in last week’s pick’em.  I mostly blame Jack Doyle who couldn’t hang on to the ball to save his life.  I mean, Avery Williamson stripped him with his pinky.
Prediction:  Jaguars win 27-7
 
Saints at Packers: 
Jemp: Saints,  Reeb: Saints,  Pep: Saints,  Screw: Saints
Listening to Packers fans complain about Aaron Rodgers getting hurt is like listening to your rich friend complain that his butler is taking a vacation.  Sorry you don’t have an All-Pro quarterback for the first time in 25 years (other than a brief stint of Scott Tolzien and Matt Flynn), but this is how most of us live our lives.  Eh, who am I kidding, Brett Hundley will probably end up in the Hall of Fame.  Still, the Saints defense is no easy out anymore, so I like the Saints to continue their winning streak.
Prediction:  Saints win 24-23
 
Panthers at Bears:
Jemp: Panthers,  Reeb: Panthers,  Pep: Panthers,  Screw: Panthers
It’s a coach’s revenge game on both sides… kind of.  It’s hard to say that this is a revenge game for Ron Rivera, since he was just the DC of the Bears and left because he was offered a head coaching job, but still.  I am a little skeptical of what John Fox can do against this Panthers team though.  Both his wins have come when he has had just a ridiculous run-pass ratio.  Last week, the Bears ran it 54 times to just 17 pass attempts.  Jordan Howard was an absolute warrior like he has been all season, grinding out 167 yards on 36 carries.  However, I don’t know that the Bears will be able to do this against the Carolina front 7, even without Luke Kuechly.  Completing two passes to a wide receiver probably isn’t going to beat most teams.
Prediction:  Panthers win 17-10
 
Titans at Browns: 
Jemp: Titans,  Reeb: Titans,  Pep: Titans,  Screw: Titans
In a year filled with upsets and unpredictable play, the Browns have been the model of consistency.  We may not know what it going to happen with most teams week-to-week, but we can always count on the Browns to suck.  Thanks for the free game Browns.
Prediction:  Titans win 31-14
 
Cowboys at 49ers:
Jemp: Cowboys,  Reeb: Cowboys,  Pep: 49ers,  Screw: Cowboys
Wasn’t worried in during that 49ers game at all.  Twice they have been screwed by offensive pass interference calls on potential game-winning drives.  But we all know the Redskins would have stopped them anyway.  The Cowboys may not be so lucky, but they were lucky enough to get Ezekiel Elliott back for this game because a judge is on vacation.  He probably has Zeke on his fantasy team and really needs a win this week.  It probably means a win for the Cowboys as well, but maybe CJ Beathard can help the 49ers finally break through and get the upset.
Prediction:  Cowboys win 31-30
 
Broncos at Chargers: 
Jemp: Broncos,  Reeb: Broncos,  Pep: Broncos,  Screw: Broncos
The Chargers are on a winning streak!  I thought for sure they were going to screw that up when Anthony Lynn decided for some reason to trust his kicker and just sit on the ball rather than at least trying to run in the touchdown.  I know he wants to believe that he can count on his kicker to make a 25-yard kick, but sometimes you have to know your weaknesses.  Anyway, the Chargers won while the Broncos struggled to beat the lowly Giants.  I guess everyone else wrote that off to a weird week, but let’s not forget that the Chargers were a missed field goal away from sending this matchup into overtime the last time these teams squared off.  And remember, the Broncos had home field advantage for that one, and this time… okay they basically still have home field advantage.  But at least the Chargers won’t have to deal with the thin air in Mile High, so I’m giving the Chargers a shot.  I think things start to shake up in the AFC West.
Prediction:  Chargers win 20-17
 
Bengals at Steelers:
Jemp: Steelers,  Reeb: Steelers,  Pep: Steelers,  Screw: Steelers
 “I guess this old cowboy has a little left in him.”  Yes, good job Big Ben on handing the ball off to Le’Veon Ball and then throwing a pass off a defender’s face that Antonio Brown catches and runs for your only touchdown pass of the game.  Way to prove all the doubters wrong with a solid 19 points.  I want to take the Bengals just because of how especially obnoxious Ben has been this season, but I can’t, because the rest of this team is pretty damn good, and I think they take care of the Bengals at home.
Prediction:  Steelers win 22-14
 
Seahawks at Giants:
Jemp: Seahawks,  Reeb: Seahawks,  Pep: Seahawks,  Screw: Seahawks
You can probably just read my blurb about the Giants game last week against the Broncos, because everything there applies to this game too with a few names replaced.  However, the Giants somehow won that game in Bears’ish fashion.  Completing only 2 passes to wide receiver and getting a big day out of Orleans Darkwa apparently seems to be the Giants formula to win games.  Who knows?  Maybe it will work again, but no one here is counting on it.
Prediction:  Seahawks win 20-10
 
Falcons at Patriots:
Jemp: Falcons,  Reeb: Patriots,  Pep: Patriots,  Screw: Patriots
The Falcons go into a super bowl rematch coming off one of the most humiliating defeats in NFL history… giving up a 17-point lead to Jay Cutler.  That’s much worse than giving up a 25-point lead to Tom Brady in the Super Bowl in my opinion.  I think the Falcons gear up for this one, but at the end of the day, I can’t pick against the Patriots at home in primetime.
Prediction:  Patriots win 37-35
 
Redskins at Eagles:
Jemp: Eagles,  Reeb: Eagles,  Pep: Redskins,  Screw: Eagles
Why does this matchup have to happen now?  We have to play the Eagles who are atop the NFC East without Josh Norman when the Eagles have a long week to prepare after playing on Thursday, and then everything goes down on Monday Night Football when the Redskins are at their worst.  But it doesn’t matter, Kirk will take care of business on the road.
Prediction:  Redskins win 100-0

Here are the standings after week 5:

Reeb the Unpaid Intern: 47-30
Screw: 47-30
Pep: 45-32
Jemp: 43-34
Alx: 41-36
​
Pep rebounded nicely with a 12-2 record last week, while Jemp and I took a tumble with both of us going 5-9.  Screw screwed up his picks which actually ended up helping him out, as he went 10-4 and is now tied for the lead with Reeb.  Anyway, I’m anxious to have a bounce-back of my own, so let’s pick some games.
 
Eagles at Panthers: 
Jemp: Panthers,  Reeb: Eagles,  Pep: Panthers,  Screw: Eagles
The Panthers offense seems to have figured things out, with Cam playing lights out for the second week in a row.  All Cam’s weapons seem to be working right now, from Kelvin Benjamin to Ed Dickson.  I’d love to talk up Funchess as well since he’s on my fantasy team, but I don’t I can live up to the comedy stylings of Jourdan Rodrigue.  They also get to play against a weak Eagles secondary, but that is the only weak part of this Eagles team.  The Eagles had a dominating performance against the Cardinals last week, but I don’t think they are as good as the Panthers when they are on their game, so I’m taking the Panthers at home.
Prediction:  Panthers win 27-20
 
Bears at Ravens:
Jemp: Ravens,  Reeb: Ravens,  Pep: Ravens,  Screw: Ravens
Tough debut for Mitchell Trubisky, as he threw for less than 150 yards along with only one touchdown and the interception that lost the game.  However, he made a lot of good throws in his limited attempts and it’s hard to succeed when you are throwing passes to Tre McBride against one of the best defenses in the league.  He has to play another good defense this week, but the Ravens offense is still in disarray despite Mike Wallace having a big game last week.  The Bears defense has played well all season, and I think Trubisky gets his first win this week.
Prediction:  Bears win 13-10
 
Browns at Texans: 
Jemp: Texans,  Reeb: Texans,  Pep: Texans,  Screw: Texans
I think Deshaun Watson may be my new favorite non-Redskins player.  He has scored 5 touchdowns in back-to-back weeks, winning me numerous fantasy games while being awesome in the process.  He did the exact opposite of padding his stats in garbage time last week.  When quarterbacks are just trying to pad their stats in a blowout, they take the easy underneath throws against the soft defense, and slowly march down the field when they know they can’t win.  Deshaun knew that wasn’t the way to try to win, so instead he chucked it deep and did everything he could to get his team back in the game.  Losing JJ Watt and Whitney Mercilus hurts, but I have so much confidence in Watson, that I think he can beat the Browns anyway.
Prediction:  Texans win 31-14
 
Packers at Vikings:
Jemp: Packers,  Reeb: Packers,  Pep: Packers,  Screw: Packers
The Packers looked pretty good last week against the Cowboys.  With Mike Daniels and Nick Perry back and Kevin King playing well, their defense looks like it can hold its own, while Aaron Jones may have completed their offense.  Jamaal Williams was my guy, but he doesn’t fit the Packers as well as Jones.  I think the Vikings are one of the best teams in the NFC when at full strength, but with Diggs and Bradford banged up, and Dalvin Cook on IR, I don’t know if the Vikings can produce enough offense to keep up in this one.
Prediction:  Packers win 24-20
 
Lions at Saints: 
Jemp: Lions,  Reeb: Lions,  Pep: Lions,  Screw: Lions
So I have yet to pick any Lion game correctly this season, so Jemp should be begging me to take the Saints in this one.  Fortunately for him, that is exactly what I’m doing.  The Lions have been impressive this season, with their defense playing over their heads and Matthew Stafford continuing to make plays on offense.  He damn near came back against the Panthers last week, but the Panthers were just more talented.  The Saints aren’t quite as talented, but Drew Brees has still been playing as well as anyone, and we know they can light up the scoreboard in the Superdome, especially with Willie Snead back this week!  The defense has also picked it up, getting a shutout in their last game, even if it was against the Dolphins.
Prediction:  Saints win 27-24
 
Dolphins at Falcons:
Jemp: Falcons,  Reeb: Falcons,  Pep: Falcons,  Screw: Falcons
The Dolphins might have had the most unimpressive victory anyone has ever seen last week.  Another touchdown off an incomplete pass won them the game.  At least Jay Cutler actually threw a touchdown, and managed to outplay Matt Cassel.  Impressive, Jay.  The Falcons are coming off a bye, during which they were probably game planning for their game against the Patriots next week.  It just makes good sense to be prepared.
Prediction:  Falcons win 34-10
 
Patriots at Jets: 
Jemp: Patriots,  Reeb: Patriots,  Pep: Patriots,  Screw: Patriots
Here comes the battle for the AFC East.  The AFC East might be the worst division in history that has had every team at .500 or better this far into the season.  I said the Dolphins may have had the most unimpressive win I’ve ever seen last week, but the Jets might have had number 2.  They took down the Browns by just waiting for the Browns to shoot themselves in the foot.  It’s nice that the Jets are trying, but maybe they should just stop in this one before they embarrass themselves.
Prediction:  Patriots win 30-20
 
49ers at Redskins:
Jemp: Redskins,  Reeb: Redskins,  Pep: Redskins,  Screw: Redskins
Alright, not nervous at all for this game.  It hurts not having Josh Norman, but the 49ers are one of the worst teams in the league.  The Redskins are coming off a bye, there is no way they could blow this game right?
Prediction:  Redskins win 200-0
 
Buccaneers at Cardinals: 
Jemp: Bucs,  Reeb: Bucs,  Pep: Cardinals,  Screw: Bucs
Maybe it was a mistake to take the Cardinals last week.  They had put up a fight in all their games before that one, so I thought maybe that could continue against the Eagles.  At least they got John Brown a touchdown last week since I guaranteed he would outscore Alshon Jeffery.  He did thanks to that one touchdown, despite only having two catches for 26 yards.  Also thanks to Patrick Peterson, who has been balling out this year.  However, the rest of the secondary has been getting torched, but I don’t trust the Bucs, and I’m going to give the Cardinals one more shot, now that they have Adrian P’haaeterson to lean on.
Prediction:  Cardinals win 20-17
 
Rams at Jaguars:
Jemp: Jaguars,  Reeb: Rams,  Pep: Rams,  Screw: Jaguars
A battle of two of my favorite breakout teams this year.  The Jaguars defense is stacked with talent, which was evident the way they were flying around the field last week.  However, the way to beat aggressive defenses like that is with coaching, and no one has better offensive game plans than Sean McVay.  The Rams won’t light up the scoreboard against this defense, but they will be able to control the ball enough to put pressure on Blake Bortles, which isn’t exactly the hardest task in the world.
Prediction:  Rams win 19-14
 
Steelers at Chiefs: 
Jemp: Chiefs,  Reeb: Chiefs,  Pep: Chiefs,  Screw: Steelers
Oh no, Big Ben says he might not have it anymore!  If he was talking about not having melodramatic statements to the media anymore, then I think we all win.  Unfortunately, he was just reinforcing everyone’s perception of him.  Despite the quick dismissal of this statement, I don’t know that it is completely false.  Ben is certainly still an NFL quality starter, but the days of him being a top-10 quarterback might be over.  While Ben struggles with Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, and Martavis Bryant, Alex Smith is flourishing with Kareem Hunt, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce.  I didn’t believe in the Chiefs this year, because I thought they didn’t have a shutdown defense, and it would be hard to sustain the amount of scoring they got from their defense and special teams that they had last year.  I was right about all that, but the last thing I expected was them to turn into an offensive juggernaut with a 3rd-round rookie running back, a tight end, and a gadget player as the focal points of their offense.  Now I’m finally buying in and I think they get the win at home.
Prediction:  Chiefs win 31-20
 
Chargers at Raiders:
Jemp: Raiders,  Reeb: Raiders,  Pep: Chargers,  Screw: Raiders
I just don’t even know here.  Will Derek Carr play?  Will the Chargers choke?  Will Amari Cooper have more catches or drops?  The questions are endless here, as two of the most disappointing teams in the league square off here.  I find it hard to believe that Carr will be at full health for this one even if he plays, so I guess I’m going with the Chargers.
Prediction:  Chargers win 27-24
 
Giants at Broncos:
Jemp: Broncos,  Reeb: Broncos,  Pep: Broncos,  Screw: Broncos
NBC might have to up the TV ratings this week, because this one could get ugly.  Ereck Flowers might just retire once Von Miller and company get through with him.  Aqib Talib and Chris Harris will probably be bored covering Roger Lewis and Travis Rudolph, and Eli might want to just fake an injury.  I know he has his streak going, but it’s either fake an injury now or suffer a real one during the game.  Then again, Geno Smith might be the only thing that could make this game worse.
Prediction:  Broncos win 23-0
 
Colts at Titans:
Jemp: Titans,  Reeb: Titans,  Pep: Titans,  Screw: Titans
Everyone is taking the Titans right now despite a dreadful performance last week against the Dolphins.  This is another one of these games where my pick is completely tied to who is playing quarterback for the Titans.  Last week I thought the Titans might have a chance even with Matt Cassel, but there is no way I think they can win this one with him at quarterback.  It is kind of sad that Matt Cassel is so bad that he essentially has no shot to beat even the Colts, but that is where we are in life.  I remember when he led the Chiefs to the playoffs.  Anyway, if Mariota plays, then the Titans probably win, but I wouldn’t count Brissett out, and I love to go lone wolf so I’m taking the Colts.
Prediction:  Colts win 28-20
 

Here are the standings after week 4:

Reeb the Unpaid Intern: 38-25
Jemp: 38-25
Screw: 37-26
Alx: 36-27
Pep: 33-30
​
Pep had a rough week, going 5-11, tying the worst week in ProFootballJokes Pick’em history.  I was feeling good after getting two lone-wolf picks right in the early games, but having the Giants and Chargers lose close games almost simultaneously really hurt.  How could I have known that would happen?  Anyway, let’s pick some games.
 
Patriots at Buccaneers: 
Jemp: Patriots,  Reeb: Patriots,  Pep: Patriots,  Screw: Patriots
Tough loss for the Patriots last week.  Their defense has been awful, and their offense is completely reliant on Tom Brady.  As for the Bucs, they get back Doug Martin this week, and things couldn’t be looking better for him.  He gets to play the league’s worst defense on a Thursday night.  While everyone else on the field will be beat up on Sunday, Martin will be completely fresh.  Doug can help you win in fantasy, but no one thinks he will lead the Bucs to a win.
Prediction:  Patriots win 34-24
 
Jets at Browns:
Jemp: Jets,  Reeb: Jets,  Pep: Jets,  Screw: Jets
Neither of these teams has had their season go according to plan.  The Browns were looking to show some gradual improvement, and they seem to have gotten worse every week.  The Jets were looking to tank, and they couldn’t even get that right.  The Jets look competent, and the Browns look… well they look like the Browns.  However, Myles Garrett is on track to make his season debut this week, so I’m going to take the Browns because this is probably their best chance to win a game.
Prediction:  Browns win 23-20
 
Panthers at Lions: 
Jemp: Lions,  Reeb: Lions,  Pep: Panthers,  Screw: Lions
Big game for the Panthers in this one.  Their offense finally got their act together last week, but that may just have been because players were running wide open against that Patriots defense.  Then again, maybe all they needed was that confidence boost to get rolling.  Then there is the Lions defense that has been balling out.  They could easily be the most ball-hawking secondary in the league.  Their offense hasn’t exactly been lighting up the scoreboard, although Ameer Abdullah was so close to breaking that 100-yard rushing drought last week.  I don’t think he repeats that performance against a good Panthers defense, but I have the Lions winning a defensive game.
Prediction:  Lions win 20-17
 
49ers at Colts:
Jemp: 49ers,  Reeb: Colts,  Pep: Colts,  Screw: Colts
Credit Jacoby Brissett for giving life to that Colts team, but he couldn’t stop the Seahawks from ripping them to shreds in the second half.  The 49ers have been circling a win for the last three weeks, and this might be their chance to break through.  I expect DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas to wreak havoc against the banged-up Colts offensive line.  Brian Hoyer can finally celebrate a win.
Prediction:  49ers win 31-24
 
Titans at Dolphins: 
Jemp: Titans,  Reeb: Titans,  Pep: Dolphins,  Screw: Dolphins
Marcus Mariota is day-to-day, and is already expected to be a game-time decision.  It’s times like these that I wish we made our picks closer to gametime.  However, I like the challenge of projecting whether or not an injured player will play.  It’s only a hamstring for Mariota, so I think worst-case scenario is that he plays but just doesn’t run like he normally does.  Since all he has to do is outscore a Dolphins offense that has put up 26 points all season (7 of which came on a meaningless play on the last play of the game against the Jets), I think he will be up for that.
Prediction:  Titans win 24-14
 
Bills at Bengals:
Jemp: Bills,  Reeb: Bengals,  Pep: Bengals,  Screw: Bills
I’m tempted to take the Bengals, but I feel that like that would be disrespectful to the Bills.  They have handed both the Broncos and Falcons their only losses of the year.  Tre’Davious White is making his case for DROY, scoring his first NFL touchdown last week off an incomplete pass.  And Tyrod Taylor continues to somehow keep this offense afloat.  Speaking of offense, it looks like the Bengals may have theirs back.  We will still have to wait to see if this is because of Bill Lazor, or if it’s because of the Browns.  I don’t completely trust the Bills, but I’m going to take them on the road here.
Prediction:  Bills win 17-13
 
Chargers at Giants: 
Jemp: Giants,  Reeb: Chargers,  Pep: Chargers,  Screw: Chargers
Good news for those who predicted a Chargers vs. Giants Super Bowl.  One of your Super Bowl teams is probably going to get a win.  We could also call this a revenge game for both quarterbacks since they were both technically drafted by the team on the other side.  They have also both never missed a game since becoming a starter.  And did I mention that they are both 0-4?  At least the Chargers get to go on the road this week, which I feel is preferable to being embarrassed by your lack of fans at home, so I’ll go with the Chargers.
Prediction:  Chargers win 24-23
 
Jaguars at Steelers:
Jemp: Steelers,  Reeb: Steelers,  Pep: Steelers,  Screw: Jaguars
Screw wants to know if his Steelers really have a top-5 defense.  They are currently the second overall defense after shutting down elite offenses like the Browns, Bears, Ravens, and the Case-Keenum-led Vikings.  Now they get Blake Bortles so we may need to wait another week to see if the defense is legit.  I think they are a top 10ish defense but I’m not ready to put them in the top 5.  However, I definitely think they are good enough to shut down the Jags.
Prediction:  Steelers win 20-10
 
Cardinals at Eagles: 
Jemp: Eagles,  Reeb: Eagles,  Pep: Eagles,  Screw: Eagles
Larry Fitzgerald followed up his huge Monday Night game with a walk-off touchdown in the final minute of overtime.  I was scared that the Cardinals would end up having to kick a field goal for the tie on their first possession, causing fans to freak out about the overtime rules.  Fortunately, Larry caught the game-winning touchdown, so the league can pretend that scenario was completely out of the realm of possibility.  I don’t think this Cardinals team is going to make the playoffs, but I still think they are good enough to compete with most any team, and I think they steal a win in Philly.
Prediction:  Cardinals win 27-24
 
Seahawks at Rams:
Jemp: Rams,  Reeb: Rams,  Pep: Seahawks,  Screw: Seahawks
The Rams still have the highest scoring offense in the league after scoring 9 times against the Cowboys last week.  Nevermind that seven of those scores were field goals.  Still, I cannot help but be impressed in the transformation of this offense in just one offseason.  The coaching, the line, and the receivers are all different, and it looks as if they have a different running back as well.  However, we are past September now, so the Seahawks offense is working again, and its defense is still one of the league’s best.
Prediction:  Seahawks win 31-23
 
Ravens at Raiders: 
Jemp: Raiders,  Reeb: Raiders,  Pep: Ravens,  Screw: Raiders
These may have been the two worst offenses in the league over the past two weeks, something that I would not have expected to say about the Raiders.  Granted, they did have to play the best defense in the league, and then they had to play in Denver the following week.  The bad news is that EJ Manuel will be starting for them in this game against what I still believe is a very good defense.  The Ravens defense still played pretty well last week after forgetting to show up in London, but they were not given any help from their offense.  I am taking the Ravens because I think they are playing a much weaker defense this week, and I can’t pick EJ Manuel to win.
Prediction:  Ravens win 12-6
 
Packers at Cowboys:
Jemp: Packers,  Reeb: Packers,  Pep: Packers,  Screw: Packers
Wow everyone is going with the Packers on the road.  The Cowboys are coming off a loss to the Rams, but their offense looked good, and as crazy as it sounds, I think the Rams may have a better offense than the Packers.  Maybe the Packers get back to being an explosive offense, but so far, they are the 16th best offense in the league.  They could get their tackles back along with their two best pass rushers, so I could certainly see them getting the best of the Cowboys in this one, but the Cowboys have been the better team this season.  I think this may be the first time, and hopefully the only time, that I go lone-wolf picking the Cowboys.
Prediction:  Cowboys win 34-31
 
Chiefs at Texans:
Jemp: Texans,  Reeb: Chiefs,  Pep: Chiefs,  Screw: Chiefs
Rough weekend for Sunday Night Football last week.  Even Carrie Underwood couldn’t get me excited for that game.  However, I’m already hyped for this one.  Deshaun Watson killed it last week, and I expect him to keep winning games, both for the Texans and for my fantasy teams.  Suddenly a team lacking offense looks like it is filled with talent, and now they may have their toughest test yet.  The Chiefs are the lone unbeaten team in the league.  But Desean Watson steps up in the big moments as well as anyone, so I’m taking the Texans at home.
Prediction:  Texans win 31-27
 
Vikings at Bears:
Jemp: Vikings,  Reeb: Vikings,  Pep: Bears,  Screw: Bears
From one rookie quarterback in primetime to another.  Mitch Trubisky gets his first start on Monday Night Football against one of the best defenses in the league.  But don’t worry because he has Deonte Thompson and Josh Bellamy to throw the football too.  No, I didn’t forget you Kendall Wright, I just chose to omit you.  At least Trubisky makes this game much more intriguing, but I think it’s too much to ask to beat this Vikings teams in his first start, even without Dalvin Cook.  At least that means Trubisky has one less person to compete with for Rookie of the Year.  Now he just needs to outpace Kareem Hunt, Deshaun Watson, and Leonard Fournette.
Prediction:  Vikings win 24-14

Here are the standings after week 3:

Reeb the Unpaid Intern: 28-19
Jemp: 28-19
Screw: 28-19
Pep: 28-19
Alx: 27-20
​
It was a pretty bad week for everybody’s pick'em last week.  Now the race is about as close as it can get.  Don’t worry, I’m about to take the lead this week.  Let’s pick some games.
 
Bears at Packers: 
Jemp: Packers,  Reeb: Packers,  Pep: Packers,  Screw: Packers
Thursday Night Football brings us a battle between two quarterbacks coming off their first overtime wins.  I was going to add that they both did it against a team they had never beaten before, but it turns out Mike Glennon has beaten the Steelers before.  Unfortunately, he has never beaten the Packers, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.  Unless of course my man Jordan Howard delivers another heroic performance.  And we should give some love to Deonte Thompson as well.  He proved is the Bears number one wideout, as he had more catches and yards than all of the other Bears WRs combined.  But maybe he can do better than one catch for 9 yards this week.
Prediction:  Packers win 24-17
 
Saints at Dolphins:
Jemp: Saints,  Reeb: Dolphins,  Pep: Dolphins,  Screw: Saints
We got the classic Jay Cutler game last week, but at least he got DeVante Parker that garbage time touchdown for fantasy owners.  Now he is going up the Saints defense, which would normally mean a letdown game, but maybe since he is coming off such a bad performance, he will decide to light them up.  I am a little worried about how the Saints offense will fare in London, since they typically don’t play well on the road.  Wembley is about as far from the Superdome as you can get, both in terms of distance and in field conditions.  I’m still picking the Saints though, because the Dolphins just lost to the Jets.
Prediction:  Saints win 27-21
 
Titans at Texans: 
Jemp: Titans,  Reeb: Titans,  Pep: Titans,  Screw: Titans
The Titans look like they could be a dangerous team.  They took on two of the best defenses in the league the past two weeks, and their offense has worn them down over the course of the game.  However, if the other team has an offense that can move the ball, they may have to win another way.  As crazy as it sounds, the Texans might actually be that offense now.  Deshaun Watson just showed that he may be able to make the Texans offense more than just functional with the way he played against the Patriots last week.  I think Watson builds on his performance, and gets the win at home.
Prediction:  Texans win 27-24
 
Jaguars at Jets:
Jemp: Jaguars,  Reeb: Jaguars,  Pep: Jaguars,  Screw: Jaguars
Both of these teams surprised everybody with dominating wins last week.  ProFootballJokes hit the jackpot with a long touchdown by Robbie Anderson, and a 3-TD performance by Marcedes Lewis.  The Jaguars also decided to provide a joke of their own, by running a fake punt while up 37-0 late in the 3rd quarter.  I could just hear the NFL QB club commentator saying “There must be some bad blood between these two teams.”  As for the Jets, they are now behind in the Sam Darnold sweepstakes.  One more win could ruin the whole thing for them.  I think they get their act together this week and get the L.
Prediction:  Jaguars win 17-3
 
Panthers at Patriots: 
Jemp: Patriots,  Reeb: Patriots,  Pep: Patriots,  Screw: Patriots
Tom Brady threw five touchdowns last week against the Texans, while Cam Newton has thrown two all season.  The Patriots offense looked as good as it gets on Sunday, but their defense has been terrible.  They are lacking their typical brigade of pass rushers, and they are without Dont’a Hightower.  However, the Panthers couldn’t take advantage of the Saints defense, and I don’t expect them to come in and win in Gillette.  Then again, we all know what usually happens when the number one defense takes on the number one offense.
Prediction:  Patriots win 30-17
 
Lions at Vikings:
Jemp: Lions,  Reeb: Lions,  Pep: Lions,  Screw: Lions
Don’t ever go into a Lions den wearing a zebra striped shirt, they will eat you alive.  Lions fans have been screwed by the referees so many times that they may start to hate them almost as much as Reeb.  Had the refs ruled Tate down on the field, I think the Lions would have gotten another play off.  With 8 seconds left and everyone right around the line of scrimmage they should have been able to get lined up for at least a snap, even if they wouldn’t have had time to call any sort of play.  However, the review would have made it unfair to the Falcons if they didn’t have the runoff, so I guess someone was getting screwed regardless.  Anyway, let’s move on to the Vikings and Case Keenum, who made my pick of the Vikings look great, so guess what, I’m riding with the Vikings again.  They are the most complete team in the division, and even if Bradford misses another game, maybe Case can have one more good game.
Prediction:  Vikings win 27-20
 
Bills at Falcons: 
Jemp: Falcons,  Reeb: Falcons,  Pep: Falcons,  Screw: Falcons
The Bills were impressive last week, and they have been all season.  I was harsh on the Bills early on, thinking they were trying to tank just like the Jets, but I have to admit I was wrong.  Their defense isn’t half bad, and Tyrod continues to create a functional offense, despite being completely devoid of playmakers at the wide receiver position.  Their receivers have been so bad that they make Charles Clay look like a good tight end by comparison.  Anyway, the Bills might not be getting Darnold, but they aren’t beating the Falcons in Atlanta either.
Prediction:  Falcons win 28-20
 
Steelers at Ravens:
Jemp: Steelers,  Reeb: Steelers,  Pep: Ravens,  Screw: Steelers
The Steelers had one of their patented suck-on-the-road-against-a-bad-team games.  However, this Steelers team hasn’t gotten it going on offense all year.  They are the 22nd overall offense, but they have the 2nd best overall defense.  The Ravens defense that was playing out of their minds the first two weeks, just made Blake Bortles look like a real NFL quarterback.  However, I have more faith in this Ravens defense to bounce back than the Steelers offense to bounce back.  Especially in a rivalry game that is usually a defensive slugfest.  Oh yeah, and they’re on the road again.  The Ravens defense will contain the Steelers, but the Ravens offense will continue to struggle, so I’m taking the Steelers.
Prediction:  Steelers win 17-10
 
Bengals at Browns: 
Jemp: Bengals,  Reeb: Bengals,  Pep: Bengals,  Screw: Bengals
The good news for these two team is that someone has to win this game.  I thought things were really looking up for the Browns after week 1.  Their defense played well, and so did their rookie quarterback.  Now they have no receivers with Corey Coleman hurt, and Rashard Higgins flopping in fantasy.  The Bengals offense at lease scored a couple touchdowns last week, and they seem to be getting Joe Mixon involved.  Then again, there is a chance Myles Garrett could be back for this one, and I would love to see him destroy Cedric Ogbuehi in his first NFL game.  But I can’t take the Browns at this point.
Prediction:  Bengals win 17-14
 
Rams at Cowboys:
Jemp: Cowboys,  Reeb: Cowboys,  Pep: Cowboys,  Screw: Cowboys
Did Demarcus Ware just transfer his powers to Demarcus Lawrence when he retired?  I know Lawrence has missed games with injuries and suspension, but this season has seemed to come out of nowhere.  Can the league check him for PEDs please?  Preferably before they play the Redskins.  Anyway, just because Lawrence has been good doesn’t mean this Dallas defense can’t be had, nor does it help their offense return to its dominant ways.  Even though the Rams defense was lit up by the 49ers, Wade Phillips will have a good gameplan after a long week against the Cowboys.  Sean McVay also knows how to gash that Cowboys defense (not that it is a big secret), so I think the Rams go into Jerry World and get the win.
Prediction:  Rams win 31-27
 
Eagles at Chargers: 
Jemp: Eagles,  Reeb: Eagles,  Pep: Chargers,  Screw: Eagles
Of all the teams to let have 3 straight home games, why did the league have to give that honor to the Chargers in the early-goings of the season?  Let them get their road games out of the way first so they can maybe get some fans.  Then again, it only looks like they are continuing to lose fans at 0-3.  However, the Eagles just barely escaped losing to a winless Giants team last week.  I think Philly Riv carves up this hobbled Eagles secondary, and manages to win his first game in LA.
Prediction:  Chargers win 28-20
 
Giants at Buccaneers:
Jemp: Buccaneers,  Reeb: Buccaneers,  Pep: Giants,  Screw: Buccaneers
OBJ looked like his old self against the Eagles last week, having two impressive touchdown catches, and of course doing something controversial as well.  It looks like ProFootballJokes has some competition in the comedy department, if you saw OBJs first TD celebration.  However, Odell’s play brought that offense to life late in that game, and I think we see a marginally better Giants offense going forward.  The Bucs didn’t look good against the Vikings, and their defense suffered some key injuries, so I’m taking the Giants to get their first win.
Prediction:  Giants win 21-17
 
49ers at Cardinals:
Jemp: Cardinals,  Reeb: Cardinals,  Pep: 49ers,  Screw: Cardinals
The 49ers offense finally got it going last week, but I don’t think they will be able to replicate that performance against this Cardinals defense.  They shut down two pretty good offense in the first half of both of their losses.  The second half was not kind to them in either game, but I think their offense will play a little better in this game.  Carson Palmer looks decent, and the 49ers don’t have the best defense in the world.  Although, Seattle’s and Carolina’s bad offenses couldn’t do much against them, so who knows if Arizona’s bad offense can.
Prediction:  Cardinals win 21-13
 
Raiders at Broncos:
Jemp: Raiders,  Reeb: Broncos,  Pep: Raiders,  Screw: Raiders
Tough game for the Raiders last week, but what else would you expect when you play the Redskins.  Now they just have to go into Denver and take on Von Miller and the Broncos defense.  Alright, that doesn’t sound too easy.  Last year, the Raiders won this game by running the ball down the throats of the Broncos defense, but I don’t know if that will work this year.  The Denver D has stuffed Melvin Gordon, Ezekiel Elliot, and LeSean McCoy in the first three weeks.  They have the top run defense in the league, and I don’t think the Raiders will be able to come in and bully them again.  I wanted to pick the Raiders to have a bounce back game, but I don’t see it going into Mile High.
Prediction:  Broncos win 24-20
 
Colts at Seahawks:
Jemp: Seahawks,  Reeb: Seahawks,  Pep: Seahawks,  Screw: Seahawks
The Seahawks lost on the road in September.  What else is new?  Now they get to come back home and play a bad Colts team, which should be easy.  However, Jacoby Brissett has played pretty well for the Colts.  I know his best game came against the Browns, but he was still learning the playbook the first couple weeks, and he looks like much more of a downfield passer than he did in New England.  I still don’t think he has any chance to go into Seattle and win, but I wanted to give him some credit.
Prediction:  Seahawks win 30-10
 
Redskins at Chiefs:
Jemp: Chiefs,  Reeb: Chiefs,  Pep: Chiefs,  Screw: Redskins
The Redskins going into Arrowhead to play a 3-0 Chiefs team?  No problem.  The Redskins never struggle on Monday Night Football.  Maybe Jay Gruden gets nervous knowing his brother is calling the game.  And so did Mike Shanahan and Jim Zorn.  John Gruden can be intimidating.  Actually, what year did Jaws stop calling the games?  Eh, too lazy to look it up.  Redskins dominate obviously.
Prediction:  Redskins win 100-0

Here are the standings after week 2:

Reeb the Unpaid Intern: 22-9
Jemp: 21-10
Screw: 20-11
Pep: 20-11
Alx: 19-12
​
Yeah I’m still in last place but last week really tightened up the race.  The Jaguars and Patriots went back to their rightful places, and the Giants may be the worst team in New York/New Jersey.  Anyway, let’s move on to Week 3 and pick some games.
 
Rams at 49ers: 
Jemp: Rams,  Reeb: Rams,  Pep: 49ers,  Screw: Rams
Classic Thursday Night Football bringing us the Rams and 49ers.  At least it can’t be any worse than the Texans Bengals game last week… right?  On the other hand, the 49ers have yet to score a touchdown this year, something that the Rams are all too familiar with.  They went into Week 3 last year without having scored a touchdown, but then Case Keenum caught fire in Week 3.  If Case Keenum can do it, then why not Brian Hoyer?  After all, the Rams seemed to be the cure for all the 49ers woes last year.  However, these are two completely different teams, and while I think the 49ers get that elusive touchdown, I think the Rams pull out the win.
Prediction:  Rams win 20-17
 
Ravens at Jaguars:
Jemp: Ravens,  Reeb: Ravens,  Pep: Ravens,  Screw: Ravens
My belief in the Jaguars was pretty short-lived.  The defense was good again on Sunday, at least for the first half, but the offense was abysmal.  And it wasn’t even Blake Bortles’s fault.  Well, it wasn’t all his fault.  He did what the coaching staff wanted in the first half by not throwing any passes that traveled further than ten yards (like literally zero, I went back and checked).  Unfortunately, his receivers dropped some passes and penalties kept moving the team back.  Then in typical Bortles fashion, he threw a pick off a tipped ball, and then another one in the second half.  The defense couldn’t hold up after constantly being left in bad field position and the Titans ended up with the blowout.  I don’t know if the Ravens offense is good enough to completely wear down this defense like Tennessee did, but I don’t know how the Jaguars offense scores any points against this Ravens defense.  I say they get their second shutout of the season.
Prediction:  Ravens win 16-0
 
Browns at Colts: 
Jemp: Browns,  Reeb: Browns,  Pep: Colts,  Screw: Colts
Another great matchup here between the Colts and Browns.  Damn even the team names sound boring when grouped together.  Let’s see what is an interesting storyline here…  Oh I know, how about the Barkevious Mingo revenge game?  We are all looking forward to seeing if Kiki can beat his old teammate Joe Thomas, who has somehow managed to play over 10,000 consecutive snaps on the Browns without killing himself.  We can also see if Deshone Kizer can bounce back, and we can watch Rashard Higgins become a fantasy breakout star.
Prediction:  Browns win 24-17
 
Giants at Eagles:
Jemp: Eagles,  Reeb: Giants,  Pep: Eagles,  Screw: Eagles
Wow the Giants offense looks terrible.  Somebody should probably tell the Seahawks, Bengals, and Giants that offensive lines are important if you want to have a good offense.  Maybe the Giants can start Brandon Marshall at left tackle.  It would probably have the same result as Ereck Flowers trying to block Brandon Graham, and I don’t think it will change B-Marsh’s receiving statline either.  The only chance the Giants have in this game is if OBJ takes over, since having Rasul Douglas or Jalen Mills cover him is just as big a mismatch as the one at the line of scrimmage.  I’m not banking on it though, since we don’t know if he will be 100% and either way, Eli will need at least some time to throw him the football.
Prediction:  Eagles win 17-13
 
Dolphins at Jets: 
Jemp: Dolphins,  Reeb: Dolphins,  Pep: Dolphins,  Screw: Dolphins
Don’t worry Jets fans, Josh McCown is still up and running.  He actually put up a nice fight against his former team last week, at least for a little while.  Now he will host one of the few teams he hasn’t played for… no sorry wait, apparently he was on the Dolphins practice squad in ’08.  Anyway, the biggest question with the Jets offense is where is Robbie Anderson?  Once he gets it going, the rest of the league is in trouble.
Prediction:  Dolphins win 28-10
 
Broncos at Bills:
Jemp: Broncos,  Reeb: Broncos,  Pep: Broncos,  Screw: Broncos
After two week, Trevor Siemian is tied for the most passing touchdowns in the NFL.  He is on pace to throw 48 touchdowns, while Tyrod Taylor is on pace for 4.  I calculated this because Tyrod throws 2 touchdowns when he plays the Jets, and 0 when he plays real NFL teams.  Sorry Tyrod, that was meant to be a shot at the Jets not at you, since it is clear that your team is purposely setting you up to fail.  LeSean McCoy has over twice as many receptions as any Bills WR.  The No-Fly Zone gets a well-deserved break in this game, but the run defense will have to show up once again.  Well I guess it doesn’t have to show all the way up, since there is no way the Bills win this game.
Prediction:  Broncos win 27-7
 
Saints at Panthers: 
Jemp: Panthers,  Reeb: Panthers,  Pep: Saints,  Screw: Panthers
While we have two offenses that have yet to score a touchdown this season, the only defense that hasn’t allowed one resides in Carolina.  Technically it’s in Charlotte, North Carolina, but that didn’t sound as cool.  The bad news is that the Panthers offense has struggled so far, with Cam Newton missing easy touchdowns in back-to-back games.  The good news is that they get to play the Saints defense, which I am sure will be glad to help them get back on track.  I hate to have to pick Drew Brees to start 0-3, but I don’t think he will be able to put up enough points on the road against this defense in order to make up for his miserable defense.
Prediction:  Panther win 26-23
 
Steelers at Bears:
Jemp: Steelers,  Reeb: Steelers,  Pep: Steelers,  Screw: Steelers
The Bears went from almost beating the Falcons to almost getting shut out by the Buccaneers.  The defense wasn’t terrible, but the offense was about as bad as it gets.  I don’t even want to talk about Jordan Howard, but I still think he will bounce back once he gets healthy.  If Howard doesn’t play this in this game, then Tarik Cohen essentially becomes the only weapon on the Bears offense, while the Steelers have Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, and the newly rejuvenated Martavis Bryant.  Granted, this is just the type of game the Steelers tend to lose, but I can’t pick against them in good conscious.
Prediction:  Steelers win 23-13
 
Falcons at Lions: 
Jemp: Lions,  Reeb: Falcons,  Pep: Falcons,  Screw: Lions
I keep going back and forth on this one.  The Lions have impressed me in two consecutive weeks, but I don’t know if their defense is actually good or if they have just played two completely inept offenses.  The Falcons are the exact opposite of an inept offense… which I guess would be an adept offense.  Anyway, you get the point.  The Falcons offense is a lot better than the Giants or Cardinals.  However, if this game ends up being close in the 4th quarter, I’m taking Matthew Stafford over Matty Ice.  You know, I’m not going against Detroit again, give me the Lions at home.
Prediction:  Lions win 31-30
 
Buccaneers at Vikings:
Jemp: Bucs,  Reeb: Bucs,  Pep: Bucs,  Screw: Vikings
The Vikings really screwed me over last week by ruling out Sam Bradford right before the game.  Surprisingly Case Keenum couldn’t lead them to win in Pittsburgh.  Now they leave me in another tough spot because I have no idea if Bradford is going to play.  Every time I have banked on a questionable player suiting up, it hasn’t worked out.  But I’m doing it again, I’m still not jumping on the Bucs hype train, but I love the Vikings.  Trusting Sam Bradford’s health has never gone wrong for anyone.
Prediction:  Vikings win 20-17
 
Texans at Patriots: 
Jemp: Patriots,  Reeb: Patriots,  Pep: Patriots,  Screw: Patriots
Jacoby Brissett won this game for the Patriots last year, so… yeah.  Sure, JJ Watt is starting to look like his old self, and Deshaun Watson has made some exciting plays.  Alright, maybe just the one exciting play.  So I think we are all in agreement that the Patriots will take this one with ease.  Their defense looked better against Drew Brees in the Superdome, and their offense looked back on track.  If Gronk doesn’t play then they might not be as efficient, especially without the Saints defense helping them out, but I still think they can outscore the Texans.  Also if you want a deep sleeper in fantasy, try Bruce Ellington on the Texans.  Belichick will want to take Nuk out of the game, the Texans released Jalen Strong, and Ellington made a lot of plays in the preseason with Deshaun Watson throwing him the football.  Just check to make sure he’s active before kickoff because he missed last week with a concussion.
Prediction:  Patriots win 30-13
 
Seahawks at Titans:
Jemp: Titans,  Reeb: Seahawks,  Pep: Seahawks,  Screw: Seahawks
This has all the making of a game that the Seahawks lose.  It’s on the road, early in the season, against a slightly above average team.  The Titans don’t make a lot of mistakes, and their defense is improved.  And that Seattle offensive line can make any defense look ferocious.  In contrast, the Titans offensive line looked back to form last week against the “Sacksonville” defense, and Derrick Henry is making me nervous as a Demarco Murray fantasy owner.  I have no doubt the Seahawks will work things out eventually, especially since all they have to do is beat out the Rams, 49ers, and Cardinals, but I think the Titans take this one at home.
Prediction:  Titans win 13-10
 
Bengals at Packers:
Jemp: Packers,  Reeb: Packers,  Pep: Packers,  Screw: Packers
The Bengals made a change at offensive coordinator, which can often give a boost to an offense for at least a game.  Unfortunately, I don’t know if Bill Lazor can magically fix the offensive line.  I think he might be able to somewhat scheme around the protection problems on the long week, and he might even be able to figure out a way to get the offense into the endzone.  And I don’t mean on a safety.  Outscoring Aaron Rodgers in Lambeau might be too tough a task for the new OC though.
Prediction:  Packers win 31-20
 
Chiefs at Chargers:
Jemp: Chiefs,  Reeb: Chiefs,  Pep: Chiefs,  Screw: Chiefs
I think the Chargers are getting a little lazy.  Usually they are much more creative with their heartbreaking losses.  This was just another missed field goal at the end, though there were some clock management questions with Anthony Lynn.  However, if they lost this game, their three fans would start to give up on them, which would make it much harder for the team to disappoint them.  I think the Chargers pull out the win on the road.  Oh, actually they are at home, I guess I was just confused by the fans in the stadium/bleachers.
Prediction:  Chargers win 27-24
 
Raiders at Redskins:
Jemp: Raiders,  Reeb: Raiders,  Pep: Raiders,  Screw: Raiders
The Raiders are a pretty fun team, and they are hard not to root for.  Derek Carr is one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and this week he gets to face off against the quarterback he replaced.  That’s right, don’t forget about the Terrelle Pryor revenge game here.  The Raiders will put up a nice fight but Pryor will go off, and the Redskins take care of business at home.
Prediction:  Redskins win 100-0
 
Cowboys at Cardinals:
Jemp: Cowboys,  Reeb: Cowboys,  Pep: Cowboys,  Screw: Cowboys
I won’t pretend I didn’t enjoy watching the Cowboys get destroyed by the Broncos last week.  That defense that was so dominant against the Giants made Trevor Siemian look like Dan Marino, and CJ Anderson look like Earl Campbell.  Yet the Cowboys performance in a bad loss was still more impressive than the Cardinals performance in a win.  The Cardinals barely squeaked by the Colts, which makes us all doubt if they can win any more of their games this year.  We all think the Cowboys get the perfect opportunity to bounce back this week.
Prediction:  Cowboys win 24-14

​Here are the standings after week 1.

Reeb the Unpaid Intern: 12-3
Jemp: 10-5
Screw: 10-5
Pep: 7-8
Alx: 7-8

So not a great start for me in the pickem.  Maybe it wasn’t the best idea for me to pick the Browns and Jets in week 1.  But I like to stick up for the little guy.  I should have gone with the Jaguars, but we will get to that later.  I’m like Matthew Stafford and play better from behind anyway, so let’s get to our picks.
 
Texans at Bengals: 
Jemp: Texans,  Reeb: Bengals,  Pep: Texans,  Screw: Bengals
Talk about kicking a city when it’s down.  Sure, having your home destroyed by a hurricane would suck, but being dominated in your home opener by the Jacksonville Jaguars is just plain embarrassing.  The only good news for the Texans is that they get to play the only team that looked worse than they did on Sunday.  The Bengals offensive line looked as bad as advertised against a tough Ravens front, and it won’t get any easier with JJ Watt and company coming to town on Thursday Night Football.  I also believe the Texans offense can be marginally better with Deshaun Watson at quarterback.  Three days is plenty of time to prepare to be an NFL starter right?
Prediction:  Texans win 17-13
 
Browns at Ravens:
Jemp: Ravens,  Reeb: Ravens,  Pep: Ravens,  Screw: Ravens
Speaking of rookie quarterbacks, how about Deshone Kizer?  Sure, he had that terrible interception to TJ Watt, but he moved the ball and might have won the game had it not been for the blocked punt touchdown.  And the Browns defense showed up in a big way sans Myles Garrett.  Myles will still be out for this one, but the Ravens defense is completely ready to go.  They were dominant last week, and I expect that to continue this week.  At least I don’t expect the Browns to get shut out.
Prediction:  Ravens win 19-7
 
Bears at Buccaneers: 
Jemp: Bucs,  Reeb: Bucs,  Pep: Bucs,  Screw: Bucs
Everybody is starting to believe that this Bucs team can make a serious playoff push, because adding Desean Jackson will obviously turn any team into a contender.  They also added Chris Baker, who will thrive playing next to Gerald McCoy, no matter how many rookies make fun of him.  Then, just a week before the season started for most teams, they signed the newly released TJ Ward.  However, I don’t think the Bucs are a playoff lock at all.  In fact, I think they finish 3rd in this division.  I still think they will take care of the Bears at home, despite the valiant performance by Tarik Cohen and the Bears last week.  But people need to calm down with Tarik Cohen, Jordan Howard is still the man.
Prediction:  Buccaneers win 24-20
 
Vikings at Steelers:
Jemp: Vikings,  Reeb: Vikings,  Pep: Steelers,  Screw: Steelers
Which set of triplets is better?  Can the Killer B’s compete with Sam Bradford, Dalvin Cook, and Stefon Diggs?  And let’s not forget Adam Thielen who had 7 times as many yards as Martavis Bryant last week.  Okay, maybe all that production was more due to the Saints pathetic defense, and maybe the Steelers just had one of their classic lackluster road performances, ready to bounce back this week.  However, the Vikings defense showed up in a big way on Monday Night (or Monday afternoon if you’re on the west coast), and I think their offense is here to stay.  I don’t think Sam Bradford is quite that prolific every week, but I don’t think he needs to be with the Vikings defense.
Prediction:  Vikings win 29-28
 
Patriots at Saints: 
Jemp: Patriots,  Reeb: Patriots,  Pep: Patriots,  Screw: Patriots
It was interesting last week watching Drew Brees and Tom Brady have mediocre performances, while watching from the sidelines as Sam Bradford and Alex Smith lit up the scoreboard.  Draft experts must have loved to watch both of those games.  But the good news for Brees and Brady is that they now get to play the defenses that struggled mightily last week.  I trust Bill Belichick to get his defense back on track, but I also trust Drew Brees to play like Drew Brees in the Superdome.  This game has shootout written all over it, but there is no way the Patriots start 0-2.
Prediction:  Patriots win 38-35
 
Eagles at Chiefs:
Jemp: Chiefs,  Reeb: Chiefs,  Pep: Chiefs,  Screw: Chiefs
I’m not going to talk much about the Eagles game last week, except to say that they were fantastic at magically turning incomplete passes into fumbles.  However, they lost Ronald Darby for a while, making their cornerback group among the worst in the league.  Last week they mitigated these issues by just having their corners give a ridiculous amount of cushion, and for some reason the Redskins decided to continue to go deep.  The Chiefs had some good deep shots last week, but the short game is what they do best, and I trust Andy Reid to take advantage of that in the revenge game.  I may have underestimated the Chiefs, mostly because I didn’t know quite how good Kareem Hunt was.  He may not have 250 yards and 3 touchdowns every week, but he showed he can not only take advantage of Andy Reid’s running back-friendly system, but create extra yards himself on pretty much every carry.
Prediction:  Chiefs win 31-20
 
Titans at Jaguars: 
Jemp: Titans,  Reeb: Titans,  Pep: Titans,  Screw: Jaguars
This is the game I am most looking forward to in the early block.  I should have gone with my gut and picked the Jaguars last week, but I bought into all the emotional hype about Houston.  The Jaguars did have to throw a whole 21 times, which Doug Marrone has admitted is 21 more times than he wants.  However, that defense is for real, and Leonard Fournette looked good too.  The Titans, on the other hand, didn’t run the football well last week, and the offensive line didn’t play nearly up to its high standards.  Sacksonville is coming for the Titans, and I think they win another game on the heels of that deadly defense.
Prediction:  Jaguars win 23-13
 
Cardinals at Colts:
Jemp: Cardinals,  Reeb: Cardinals,  Pep: Cardinals,  Screw: Cardinals
We still don’t know who will be starting at quarterback for the Colts, but does it really matter?  Scott Tolzien was completely inept, and Jacoby Brissett doesn’t even know the playbook.  Not to mention Brissett’s two starts as a pro have been a game where he just handed the ball to LeGarrette Blount and let Brock Osweiler win him the game, and a game where he was shut out by the Bills.  And both these games were with the Patriots, not a Colts team that is completely devoid of talent.  The Cardinals had a tough loss last week, with Carson Palmer looking old and their best player getting injured, but there is no way they will lose to this Colts team.
Prediction:  Cardinals win 38-6
 
Bills at Panthers: 
Jemp: Panthers,  Reeb: Panthers,  Pep: Panthers,  Screw: Panthers
The Bills couldn’t quite get the loss last week against the Jets, but it should be smooth sailing this week going into Carolina.  I picked the Panthers to go back to the playoffs this year, and they didn’t disappoint on Sunday.  Sure, Cam Newton missed some throws, and Kelvin Benjamin somehow got my hopes up again only to have one catch, but the defense looked great… against the 49ers.  Okay, maybe Sunday didn’t prove much, but Cam Newton will get healthy and the Stewart-McCaffrey duo looks good.  They also get another warm-up game this week against the Bills, so they should be fresh when they start playing real teams.
Prediction:  Panthers win 27-10
 
Jets at Raiders:
Jemp: Raiders,  Reeb: Raiders,  Pep: Raiders,  Screw: Raiders
The only intrigue in this game is the question of when Josh McCown will get hurt.  If you consider that intriguing.  The Browns are holding out hope he makes it to week 5 so they can get that bonus from Gregg Williams.  Oh right, we’re supposed to keep that on the DL now.
Prediction:  Raiders win 24-3
 
Dolphins at Chargers: 
Jemp: Chargers,  Reeb: Chargers,  Pep: Chargers,  Screw: Chargers
The Rivers-Cutler rivalry is back!  I already linked the classic video of the rivalry’s beginning in a previous pickem, so you guys can go find it yourselves if you want to get pumped for this matchup.  Unfortunately, I don’t think there will be as much jawing in this one, because Cutler doesn’t care and Rivers has had to remove all feelings from the game in order to withstand the Charger’s losses.  A blocked field goal after icing the kicker was a classic Chargers loss, but I think the Chargers are flat out better than the Dolphins, and they win their first game in LA.
Prediction:  Chargers win 30-20
 
49ers at Seahawks:
Jemp: Seahawks,  Reeb: Seahawks,  Pep: Seahawks,  Screw: Seahawks
I called the Bengals o-line the worst in football last week, and while the Bengals did everything to prove me right, the Seahawks then went out and proved me wrong.  By the second half Russell Wilson would catch the snap and immediately tried to run because he knew instantaneous pressure was coming.  Somehow the Luke Joeckel signing hasn’t fixed that line.  However, playing the 49ers might.  Although the strength of that 49ers team is their defensive front, so maybe that’s their key to the game.  I still can’t see Brian Hoyer getting anything going against that Seahawks defense that shut out Aaron Rodgers in the first half despite being on the field for the majority of the game.
Prediction:  Seahawks win 17-0
 
Redskins at Rams:
Jemp: Rams,  Reeb: Rams,  Pep: Redskins,  Screw: Rams
Alright, Sean McVay might be kind of good at coaching offenses.  However, he can try again against another team, because he’s not beating the Redskins.
Prediction:  Redskins win 100-0
 
Cowboys at Broncos:
Jemp: Cowboys,  Reeb: Cowboys,  Pep: Cowboys,  Screw: Cowboys
I can’t believe all my colleagues are taking the Cowboys in this one.  The Cowboys looked pretty good on Sunday, but I don’t put much stock in beating the Giants without Odell.  The Broncos looked fantastic on Monday Night, despite some bad turnovers at the end of the game.  However, I think the Broncos defense will limit the Cowboys similar to the way the Giants defense did, and they will get much more help from their offense.
Prediction:  Broncos win 24-17
 
Packers at Falcons:
Jemp: Packers,  Reeb: Falcons,  Pep: Falcons,  Screw: Packers
The Packers are in the same situation as the Cowboys, in that I am not sure if they actually have a good defense, or if they were just playing a completely inept offense.  Or at least an inept offensive line.  The Packers have also been shut out in the first half of each of their last two games, one of which was against the Falcons if any of you remember that.  People seem to be worried about the Falcons offense after only putting up 23 points against the Bears.  However, their most impressive stat last season was that they had 6.7 yards per play.  On Sunday against the Bears, they had 6.8 yards per play, so I’m not too worried about the offense.  I have to go with the Falcons at home until I see the Packers at least put up a fight.
Prediction:  Falcons win 34-24
 
Lions at Giants:
Jemp: Lions,  Reeb: Giants,  Pep: Giants,  Screw: Lions
The Lions may have impressed me more than any team not from Jacksonville last week.  I said they were mediocre at every position group other than quarterback, but almost every position overperformed (well except for Ameer Abdullah).  And classic Matthew Stafford led a great 4th quarter comeback, with Kenny Golladay paying immediate dividends.  However, I still don’t know if I believe in them against a Giants team getting OBJ back.  That Giants defense is too good, and Odell allows the offense impossible to shut down like the Cowboys did last week.
Prediction:  Giants win 20-17