Category: Features

Head to Head: Hubbard vs White

03 Dec
Michael Dilley All News, Features , , ,

If there’s one thing sure to split opinion quickly it’s the age-old battle of who knows more about the NFL, the players or the staff?

To try and resolve the issue once and for all players take on coaches and backroom staff one on one to see who really knows their stuff.

The concept is pretty simple: each week one Eagles player and one staff member will go head to head predicting the outcome of the weekend’s NFL games, and by the end of the season the true power houses will emerge.

This week we have Wide Receiver Ross Hubbard taking on Head Coach Will White. So far the players have the lead with a score of 93-66 to 87-72, but let’s see what the weekend has in store…

Packers @ Lions (TNF)

HUBBARD: A harder pick than this would have been pre-Thanksgiving. The Packers are on the slide and the Lions are looking for their fourth straight win. Can Rodgers break the slump and galvanize the Packers season on TNF? Going with the team on a streak (god I hope #81 is not injured), Lions to Win!

WHITE: Pack over Lions by two scores, the Lions are struggling.

Texans @ Bills

HUBBARD: The Bills haven’t beaten the Texans since 2006 (thanks Google!) so JJ Watt and Co. to terrorize Tyrod Taylor and get their fifth win in a row. Texans to win!

WHITE: Texans over Bills. I’m not a Rex Ryan fan, he’s too damn cocky.

49ers @ Bears

HUBBARD: The Bears have an awful home record this year. Fortunately they are playing the 49ers, who are even worse on the road. Bears to win!

WHITE: Bears over 49ers, the Niners suck.

Bengals @ Browns

HUBBARD: The Browns lost as only the Browns can against the Ravens (though this was a bit close to home, where have I seen this before!). Austin Davis will not be anywhere near as good as last week, there’s a lot more pressure when starting. Bengals to win!

WHITE: Bengals over Browns with Cleveland having QB issues.

Ravens @ Dolphins

HUBBARD: The Ravens are my team and it has been painful to watch them this year. They have found a way to lose their games, never pulling away when in the lead! Their luck changed against the Browns and are 5-0 against Miami since 2007. Ravens win!

WHITE: Dolphins over a banged-up Ravens team with too many injuries.

Jets @ Giants

HUBBARD: Apparently the Jets haven’t beaten the Giants in the regular season since 1993, who knew! Jets to win.

WHITE: Jets over the Giants as I dislike Manning and his Smurfs.

Cardinals @ Rams

HUBBARD: Probably the easiest pick of the week. Cardinals to stack the box against Todd Gurley as he is the St Louis offense currently, and let #21 & #32 pick the recently-promoted Case Keenum all day long. Cardinals to win!

WHITE: Cardinals over the Rams – the Cards offense has too much for St Louis.

Falcons @ Buccaneers

HUBBARD: This is a big showdown in the NFC South. Atlanta had a player’s only team meeting this week and I have seen enough American Sports films to know that as a result of this they cannot lose…I never understand why teams don’t get together every week and talk about not losing. Buccaneers to win!

WHITE: Falcons over the Bucs as they look to get back on track.

Jaguars @ Titans

HUBBARD: This was close when they last played and the Titans let a win slip out of their hands. Titans to win!

WHITE: Jags over the Titans in the battle of bad teams.

Chiefs @ Raiders

HUBBARD: This is risky as OC/Chairman Neale is a Raiders fan (I think – he wears a cap all the time) but I can’t see them beating the Chiefs. Chiefs to win!

WHITE: Raiders over a banged-up Chiefs side.

Broncos @ Chargers

HUBBARD: Brock Osweiler is 2-0 since replacing Peyton and has knocked off Brady’s unbeaten Patriots. Only sign of hope for the Chargers is Ware will probably miss this week’s game and there could be a come down after a big win over the Pats. Broncos to win!

WHITE: Broncos over the Chargers, the Broncos defense will be too much.

Eagles @ Patriots

HUBBARD: Tom Brady to avenge their loss against Denver by throwing 5 TDs and that’s without Gronk. The Eagles defence has been like a sieve the last few weeks and the Pats aren’t the team to be playing after they’ve lost with a bad defence. Patriots to Win!

WHITE: Pats over the Eagles. Brady gets the boys back on track against a poor Philly team.

Panthers @ Saints

HUBBARD: Now that TB12 is no longer undefeated does that make Cam the #1 MVP contender? The Panthers get more impressive every week and with Superman at QB and Clark Kent on defence (Luke Kuechly, look him up) at the moment they arguably have the best Offensive and Defensive player playing on the same team. Panthers to win!

WHITE: Panthers over the Saints as they continue their run towards an undefeated season.

Seahawks @ Vikings

HUBBARD: The Vikings are at home and atop the NFC North but with Seattle now 6-5 and on a real hot streak, I’m going to take a risk and go with Seattle to steal one on the road. Seahawks to win, narrowly!

WHITE: Seahawks over the Vikes in a tight one fighting for a play-off spot.

Colts @ Steelers (SNF)

HUBBARD: The big question is whether Big Ben will play (he was fully participating in practice Thursday) as I think the Colts would win if Landry Jones plays most of this game. Steelers to win!

WHITE: Steelers win a tight one over a surging Colts team.

Cowboys @ Redskins (MNF)

HUBBARD: No Romo no wins, simple as that really. QBs are important, who knew? Redskins to Win!

WHITE: Redskins keep their winning streak going against a weak Cowboys team that has no Romo.

Summary

Match Hubbard White
Packers @ Lions (TNF) Lions Packers
Texans @ Bills Texans Texans
49ers @ Bears Bears Bears
Bengals @ Browns Bengals Bengals
Ravens @ Dolphins Ravens Dolphins
Jets @ Giants Jets Jets
Cardinals @ Rams Cardinals Cardinals
Falcons @ Buccaneers Buccaneers Falcons
Jaguars @ Titans Titans Jaguars
Chiefs @ Raiders Chiefs Raiders
Broncos @ Chargers Broncos Broncos
Eagles @ Patriots Patriots Patriots
Panthers @ Saints Panthers Panthers
Seahawks @ Vikings Seahawks Seahawks
Colts @ Steelers (SNF) Steelers Steelers
Cowboys @ Redskins (MNF) Redskins Redskins


Previous Results

Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6
Lineman of the Year John Rudgard 9-5 vs Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers 7-7
Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen 6-7 vs Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 5-8
Running Back Paul Settle 6-6 vs Defensive Coordinator Darren Hill 5-7
Defensive Back James Drake 11-3 vs Treasurer Nick Chapman
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 8-8 vs Gameday Manager Paul Smyth 8-8

You can let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on.

Amokah vs Smyth: The Results

01 Dec
Michael Dilley All News, Features , , , ,

In our most recent Head to Head of the season Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah took on Gameday Manager Paul Smyth. Here’s how they got on…

Eagles 14 Lions 45

AMOKAH: I said it last time and I’ll say it again: the Detroit Lions are way too talented for the record they have. Also there is only one team of Eagles that deserve a winning record and it’s not from Philadelphia. Lines for the win. Happy Thanksgiving, gobble gobble!
RESULT: Win! 1-0.

SMYTH: Detroit is twinned with Beirut except that most people would pick Beirut as a holiday destination. If Philly were much better they’d win by more. Eagles to win.
RESULT: Lose! 0-1.

Panthers 33 Cowboys 14

AMOKAH: Something else I’ve said before: Carolina is an underrated team. Also I really hate Dallas. I hated the TV show, I hated Bruce Willis as Corbin Dallas in the fifth element and I hate the Dallas Cowboys. Carolina for the win by loads.
RESULT: Win! 2-0.

SMYTH: Carolina looking pretty decent these days and Dallas are still “blessed” with Tony ‘Way to blow it’ Romo…Dallas will make a fist of it and look like they’re going to get in the game but the Panthers will blow them away. Panthers win.
RESULT: Win! 1-1.

Bears 17 Packers 13

AMOKAH: Jay Cutler and Aaron Rodgers appear to be two sides of the same coin. No scratch that Jay Cutler is a douche. Rodgers is actually a pretty funny guy. He likes his offensive line and his offensive line kind of like him. Draycott on the other hand hates his offensive line and his offensive line get free money for not blocking for him. Although both teams appear to be in a quagmire right now I see no version of events where Green Bay do not beat Chicago like the unwanted stepchildren they are. That’s right I said it. Nobody likes Chicago. Chicago doesn’t like Chicago. Why are they even here?
RESULT: Lose! 2-1.

SMYTH: This pains me but even though the Slackers are slacking, Fox seems to have given up on the season as a contest and is determined to experiment. Three TD passes and two pick sixes for Cutler. Packers win.
RESULT: Lose! 1-2.

Vikings 20 Falcons 10

AMOKAH: That Adrian Peterson is quite useful isn’t he? Since losing their unbeaten streak, Atlanta have been the model of inconsistency particularly in defence. Sober Adrian Peterson guy should run roughshod all over the Falcons. Vikings to bounce back for the win against Falcons!
RESULT: Win! 3-1.

SMYTH: Minnesota to beat Atlanta by a score, because well bleugh. Not really fancying either side but look for one of the Falcon D-Line to make a comment about spanking Peterson who’ll go on to a 200 yard game and three TDs.
RESULT: Win! 2-2.

Rams 7 Bengals 31

AMOKAH: For those who have been at training recently, you would notice I have spent time in the install, trying to RKO a lineman in front of me. Basically I like Randy Orton and he’s from St Louis. I don’t like the Miz, and he’s from Cincinnati Ohio (ed – pretty sure he’s from Cleveland but whatever). RKO over skull crushing finale any day of the week so St Louis win because of Randy Orton.
RESULT: Lose! 3-2.

SMYTH: Cincinnati to beat St Louis by three scores. The Bengals are the surprise package this year and the Rams are, well, the Rams.
RESULT: Win! 3-2.

Saints 6 Texans 24

AMOKAH: I thought New Orleans were supposed to be good this year. I also thought JJ Watt was going to be good this year too. A few mistakes have been made and quite frankly up until this point, New Orleans and JJ Watt, you have failed these cities! (I always try to fit in an Arrow reference when I can) so basically the question is which team is going to act right this week? Maybe Houston actually remember they have an offence and actually do something this week. I am officially giving up on New Orleans. Houston for the win.
RESULT: Win! 4-2.

SMYTH: Houston to beat New Orleans by a score. The Saints are having a poor season this year, struggling at the foot of their division and the Texans are not at their best but not at their worst. We won’t see the best from either side but the Texans will prevail.
RESULT: Win! 4-2.

Buccaneers 12 Colts 25

AMOKAH: Andrew Luck has still failed to say sorry for the reason why I’m still angry with the Colts. I am performing my rain dance, shaking off the voodoo doll, and just for good measure I’ve got snipers at the building ready to take Luck out. Tampa Bay for the win. Tampa Bay you’re welcome.
RESULT: Lose! 4-3.

SMYTH: Tampa to beat Indy by field goal. Neither the Bucs nor Indy are pulling up any trees but Tampa will shade this when Hasslebeck takes his afternoon nap in the 3rd quarter with Andrew Luck still injured.
RESULT: Lose! 4-3.

Chargers 31 Jaguars 25

AMOKAH: At this point it seems as though Jacksonville are figuratively sticking a middle finger up at the rest of the world. Maybe they’ll not win the Super Bowl this year, but that doesn’t mean but I’m not at the ticket office to jump on that bandwagon when it gets here. San Diego recently have found new and twisted ways of losing games. Jaguars win this convincingly. Or maybe they take the lead, remember that they’re the Jags, and let San Diego go back into it, only to win it by a single score.
RESULT: Lose! 4-4.

SMYTH: Jacksonville to beat San Diego by ten. The Jags are starting to show a bit of spirit this season, looking like they might actually win a couple more games – and the Chargers look like they’d struggle against my Nan and she’s been dead 20 years!
RESULT: Lose! 4-4.

Bills 22 Chiefs 30

AMOKAH: In the battle of how people like their chicken, both KC and Buffalo are capable of beating each other. Hang on, wait a minute, didn’t tie Rod Taylor come back? Yeah, Buffalo Bills with this. I like Andy Reid and what he’s doing in Kansas but let’s face it buffalo wings are always better than Kentucky fried chicken….I think.
RESULT: Lose! 4-5.

SMYTH: KC to beat Buffalo by two scores. The Chiefs and the Bills are another pairing of teams with .500 records but based on what I saw at Wembley the Chiefs are a much better prospect.
RESULT: Win! 5-4.

Dolphins 20 Jets 38

AMOKAH: I like New York, it’s such a magical place. It’s got Times Square, it’s got the Empire State building, and it also has the greatest NFL team of all time. Sadly that team is not the Jets. However, with that defence, it’s one of the best going today. Miami have been the one of the most inconsistent teams this year. Normally I would say, it depends on which Miami turns up this week. However the Jets have something, so that throws everything out the window. Jets win.
RESULT: Win! 5-5.

SMYTH: Jets to beat Miami by two scores. Pretty much a repeat of their Wembley game. While firing Spagnola gave the Phins a lift briefly I don’t think they’ve got much here and are just lucky the Jets haven’t got much more.
RESULT: Win! 6-4.

Raiders 24 Titans 21

AMOKAH: Do you think Oakland know that they’re not supposed to be good? Do they know that they are supposed to prop up the AFC West? Clearly they don’t. With some of the results we’ve had this year, one can be forgiven for mistaking Derek Carr and company for actual contenders. At least Tennessee know their place right? Actually hang on, I don’t buy one game away from topping the AFC South? Dammit can this team stop being good now? I don’t know why but Tennessee wins.
RESULT: Lose! 5-6.

SMYTH: Tennessee to beat Oakland by a score. An embarrassment of mediocrity but the Titans to shock the slightly less woeful Raiders by a score.
RESULT: Lose! 6-5.

Giants 14 Redskins 20

AMOKAH: My beautiful beloved Giants. Let me count the ways in which I love you. Washington have nothing on you. The day that Kirk Cousins comes anywhere close to Eli Manning is the day I turn the gun on myself. Giants win by eight scores while Eli Manning throws nine touchdown passes.
RESULT: Lose! 5-7.

SMYTH: Giants to beat Washington by ten. Just can’t see the Redskins winning this divisional match up. They don’t have the best of records against the Giants.
RESULT: Lose! 6-6.

Cardinals 19 49ers 13

AMOKAH: Easy Peasy, Arizona, next!
RESULT: Win! 6-7.

SMYTH: Arizona to beat San Francisco by three scores. Ok right now I think Norwich could beat the 49ers (ed – steady) but I can see the Cardinals going easy and putting the 3rd string on.
RESULT: Win! 7-6.

Steelers 30 Seahawks 39

AMOKAH: Seattle are a very complicated team. We know they’re going to make the play-offs, however they are clearly making it as dramatic as they can. Pittsburgh pretty much on the same course, even fitting it in major injuries. Big Ben and Russell Wilson or too good to mess in the play-offs. However, only one of them can win this game, and this is a must-win game. Pittsburgh seem to need it more and will hurt themselves in the process. That justifies a Seattle win.
RESULT: Win! 7-7.

SMYTH: Pittsburgh to beat Seattle by two scores. Nothing particularly in this one by I can see Big Ben taking this one for the Steelers.
RESULT: Lose! 7-7.

Patriots 24 Broncos 30

AMOKAH: Tom Brady has always been the better quarterback in the age-old question “who is better – Tom Brady, or Peyton Manning?” Tom Brady keeps getting better, Peyton Manning has been replaced with some dude called Brock. Tom Brady has never lost in his first encounter with any quarterback. This Brock guy doesn’t really stand a chance. TB12 for the win – also, he has a team with him called the Patriots.
RESULT: Lose! 7-8.

SMYTH: Prats to beat Broncos by three scores. Well it pains me but I can’t see anything but a convincing win for the chea…Patriots. The rest of this comment has been removed for legal reasons.
RESULT: Lose! 7-8.

Ravens 33 Browns 27

AMOKAH: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Johnny football benched! Ha ha her her her her her ha ha. I still think with a terrible running back situation Baltimore are going to run all over Cleveland. Joe Hayden is not the force he was last year, And it’s very difficult to see what Cleveland have to offer. Admittedly Baltimore on not in the best of situations, but when they go to bed on the last game of the Thanksgiving weekend they will definitely be thankful that they are not Cleveland ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
RESULT: Win! 8-8.

SMYTH: Ravens to beat Browns by two scores. Ravens just slightly less woeful than the Browns at the moment, having dropped Johnny Manziel due to being unable to get him out of the pub poor form I don’t see it bringing any improvement.
RESULT: Win! 8-8.

As a result of this week’s scores the Coaches and Staff have stopped the rot, but the Players still lead by 93-66 to 87-72. Be sure to check back on Thursday for this week’s predictions.

Did any of this week’s results in the NFL surprise you? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet.

Previous Results

Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6
Lineman of the Year John Rudgard 9-5 vs Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers 7-7
Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen 6-7 vs Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 5-8
Running Back Paul Settle 6-6 vs Defensive Coordinator Darren Hill 5-7
Defensive Back James Drake 11-3 vs Treasurer Nick Chapman

You can let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on.

Head to Head: Amokah vs Smyth

26 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Features , , , ,

If there’s one thing sure to split opinion quickly it’s the age-old battle of who knows more about the NFL, the players or the staff?

To try and resolve the issue once and for all players take on coaches and backroom staff one on one to see who really knows their stuff.

The concept is pretty simple: each week one Eagles player and one staff member will go head to head predicting the outcome of the weekend’s NFL games, and by the end of the season the true power houses will emerge.

This week we have Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah taking on Gameday Manager Paul Smyth. So far the players have the lead with a score of 85-58 to 79-64, but let’s see what the weekend has in store…

Eagles @ Lions

AMOKAH: I said it last time and I’ll say it again: the Detroit Lions are way too talented for the record they have. Also there is only one team of Eagles that deserve a winning record and it’s not from Philadelphia. Lines for the win. Happy Thanksgiving, gobble gobble!

SMYTH: Detroit is twinned with Beirut except that most people would pick Beirut as a holiday destination. If Philly were much better they’d win by more. Eagles to win.

Panthers @ Cowboys

AMOKAH: Something else I’ve said before: Carolina is an underrated team. Also I really hate Dallas. I hated the TV show, I hated Bruce Willis as Corbin Dallas in the fifth element and I hate the Dallas Cowboys. Carolina for the win by loads.

SMYTH: Carolina looking pretty decent these days and Dallas are still “blessed” with Tony ‘Way to blow it’ Romo…Dallas will make a fist of it and look like they’re going to get in the game but the Panthers will blow them away. Panthers win.

Bears @ Packers

AMOKAH: Jay Cutler and Aaron Rodgers appear to be two sides of the same coin. No scratch that Jay Cutler is a douche. Rodgers is actually a pretty funny guy. He likes his offensive line and his offensive line kind of like him. Draycott on the other hand hates his offensive line and his offensive line get free money for not blocking for him. Although both teams appear to be in a quagmire right now I see no version of events where Green Bay do not beat Chicago like the unwanted stepchildren they are. That’s right I said it. Nobody likes Chicago. Chicago doesn’t like Chicago. Why are they even here?

SMYTH: This pains me but even though the Slackers are slacking, Fox seems to have given up on the season as a contest and is determined to experiment. Three TD passes and two pick sixes for Cutler. Packers win.

Vikings @ Falcons

AMOKAH: That Adrian Peterson is quite useful isn’t he? Since losing their unbeaten streak, Atlanta have been the model of inconsistency particularly in defence. Sober Adrian Peterson guy should run roughshod all over the Falcons. Vikings to bounce back for the win against Falcons!

SMYTH: Minnesota to beat Atlanta by a score, because well bleugh. Not really fancying either side but look for one of the Falcon D-Line to make a comment about spanking Peterson who’ll go on to a 200 yard game and three TDs.

Rams @ Bengals

AMOKAH: For those who have been at training recently, you would notice I have spent time in the install, trying to RKO a lineman in front of me. Basically I like Randy Orton and he’s from St Louis. I don’t like the Miz, and he’s from Cincinnati Ohio (ed – pretty sure he’s from Cleveland but whatever). RKO over skull crushing finale any day of the week so St Louis win because of Randy Orton.

SMYTH: Cincinnati to beat St Louis by three scores. The Bengals are the surprise package this year and the Rams are, well, the Rams.

Texans @ Saints

AMOKAH: I thought New Orleans were supposed to be good this year. I also thought JJ Watt was going to be good this year too. A few mistakes have been made and quite frankly up until this point, New Orleans and JJ Watt, you have failed these cities! (I always try to fit in an Arrow reference when I can) so basically the question is which team is going to act right this week? Maybe Houston actually remember they have an offence and actually do something this week. I am officially giving up on New Orleans. Houston for the win.

SMYTH: Houston to beat New Orleans by a score. The Saints are having a poor season this year, struggling at the foot of their division and the Texans are not at their best but not at their worst. We won’t see the best from either side but the Texans will prevail.

Buccaneers @ Colts

AMOKAH: Andrew Luck has still failed to say sorry for the reason why I’m still angry with the Colts. I am performing my rain dance, shaking off the voodoo doll, and just for good measure I’ve got snipers at the building ready to take Luck out. Tampa Bay for the win. Tampa Bay you’re welcome.

SMYTH: Tampa to beat Indy by field goal. Neither the Bucs nor Indy are pulling up any trees but Tampa will shade this when Hasslebeck takes his afternoon nap in the 3rd quarter with Andrew Luck still injured.

Chargers @ Jaguars

AMOKAH: At this point it seems as though Jacksonville are figuratively sticking a middle finger up at the rest of the world. Maybe they’ll not win the Super Bowl this year, but that doesn’t mean but I’m not at the ticket office to jump on that bandwagon when it gets here. San Diego recently have found new and twisted ways of losing games. Jaguars win this convincingly. Or maybe they take the lead, remember that they’re the Jags, and let San Diego go back into it, only to win it by a single score.

SMYTH: Jacksonville to beat San Diego by ten. The Jags are starting to show a bit of spirit this season, looking like they might actually win a couple more games – and the Chargers look like they’d struggle against my Nan and she’s been dead 20 years!

Bills @ Chiefs

AMOKAH: In the battle of how people like their chicken, both KC and Buffalo are capable of beating each other. Hang on, wait a minute, didn’t tie Rod Taylor come back? Yeah, Buffalo Bills with this. I like Andy Reid and what he’s doing in Kansas but let’s face it buffalo wings are always better than Kentucky fried chicken….I think.

SMYTH: KC to beat Buffalo by two scores. The Chiefs and the Bills are another pairing of teams with .500 records but based on what I saw at Wembley the Chiefs are a much better prospect.

Dolphins @ Jets

AMOKAH: I like New York, it’s such a magical place. It’s got Times Square, it’s got the Empire State building, and it also has the greatest NFL team of all time. Sadly that team is not the Jets. However, with that defence, it’s one of the best going today. Miami have been the one of the most inconsistent teams this year. Normally I would say, it depends on which Miami turns up this week. However the Jets have something, so that throws everything out the window. Jets win.

SMYTH: Jets to beat Miami by two scores. Pretty much a repeat of their Wembley game. While firing Spagnola gave the Phins a lift briefly I don’t think they’ve got much here and are just lucky the Jets haven’t got much more.

Raiders @ Titans

AMOKAH: Do you think Oakland know that they’re not supposed to be good? Do they know that they are supposed to prop up the AFC West? Clearly they don’t. With some of the results we’ve had this year, one can be forgiven for mistaking Derek Carr and company for actual contenders. At least Tennessee know their place right? Actually hang on, I don’t buy one game away from topping the AFC South? Dammit can this team stop being good now? I don’t know why but Tennessee wins.

SMYTH: Tennessee to beat Oakland by a score. An embarrassment of mediocrity but the Titans to shock the slightly less woeful Raiders by a score.

Giants @ Redskins

AMOKAH: My beautiful beloved Giants. Let me count the ways in which I love you. Washington have nothing on you. The day that Kirk Cousins comes anywhere close to Eli Manning is the day I turn the gun on myself. Giants win by eight scores while Eli Manning throws nine touchdown passes.

SMYTH: Giants to beat Washington by ten. Just can’t see the Redskins winning this divisional match up. They don’t have the best of records against the Giants.

Cardinals @ 49ers

AMOKAH: Easy Peasy, Arizona, next!

SMYTH: Arizona to beat San Francisco by three scores. Ok right now I think Norwich could beat the 49ers (ed – steady) but I can see the Cardinals going easy and putting the 3rd string on.

Steelers @ Seahawks

AMOKAH: Seattle are a very complicated team. We know they’re going to make the play-offs, however they are clearly making it as dramatic as they can. Pittsburgh pretty much on the same course, even fitting it in major injuries. Big Ben and Russell Wilson or too good to mess in the play-offs. However, only one of them can win this game, and this is a must-win game. Pittsburgh seem to need it more and will hurt themselves in the process. That justifies a Seattle win.

SMYTH: Pittsburgh to beat Seattle by two scores. Nothing particularly in this one by I can see Big Ben taking this one for the Steelers.

Patriots @ Broncos

AMOKAH: Tom Brady has always been the better quarterback in the age-old question “who is better – Tom Brady, or Peyton Manning?” Tom Brady keeps getting better, Peyton Manning has been replaced with some dude called Brock. Tom Brady has never lost in his first encounter with any quarterback. This Brock guy doesn’t really stand a chance. TB12 for the win – also, he has a team with him called the Patriots.

SMYTH: Prats to beat Broncos by three scores. Well it pains me but I can’t see anything but a convincing win for the chea…Patriots. The rest of this comment has been removed for legal reasons.

Ravens @ Browns

AMOKAH: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Johnny football benched! Ha ha her her her her her ha ha. I still think with a terrible running back situation Baltimore are going to run all over Cleveland. Joe Hayden is not the force he was last year, And it’s very difficult to see what Cleveland have to offer. Admittedly Baltimore on not in the best of situations, but when they go to bed on the last game of the Thanksgiving weekend they will definitely be thankful that they are not Cleveland ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

SMYTH: Ravens to beat Browns by two scores. Ravens just slightly less woeful than the Browns at the moment, having dropped Johnny Manziel due to being unable to get him out of the pub poor form I don’t see it bringing any improvement.

Summary

Match Amokah Smyth
Eagles @ Lions Lions Eagles
Panthers @ Cowboys Panthers Panthers
Bears @ Packers Packers Packers
Vikings @ Falcons Vikings Vikings
Rams @ Bengals Rams Bengals
Saints @ Texans Texans Texans
Buccaneers @ Colts Bucs Bucs
Chargers @ Jaguars Jaguars Jaguars
Bills @ Chiefs Bills Chiefs
Dolphins @ Jets Jets Jets
Raiders @ Titans Titans Titans
Giants @ Redskins Giants Giants
Cardinals @ 49ers Cardinals Cardinals
Steelers @ Seahawks Seahawks Steelers
Patriots @ Broncos Patriots Patriots
Ravens @ Browns Ravens Ravens


Previous Results

Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6
Lineman of the Year John Rudgard 9-5 vs Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers 7-7
Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen 6-7 vs Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 5-8
Running Back Paul Settle 6-6 vs Defensive Coordinator Darren Hill 5-7
Defensive Back James Drake 11-3 vs Treasurer Nick Chapman

You can let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on.

Drake vs Chapman: The Results

24 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Features , , , ,

In our most recent Head to Head of the season Defensive Back James Drake took on Treasurer Nick Chapman. Here’s how they got on…

Titans 13 Jaguars 19

DRAKE: For every match I am going to choose who I want to win, then desperately attempt to justify my choice. I expect the fans to be the real winners here…Or not. The Jaguars haven’t been terrible this year, despite all their best efforts to be. See it being a two-score win for the Jags.
RESULT: Not a two-score win for the Jags but it’s a win for the Jags all the same. 1-0.

CHAPMAN: I like the Jags, I saw them beat the Bills at Wembley this year and they’re coming off a ridiculous win over the Ravens on Sunday that literally went down to the last kick of the game after the clock had already hit zero! The Titans on the other hand have struggled this season, other than putting 34 points down on the Saints in week 9 (not exactly hard with that defence) they haven’t won a game since the opening week. With Kendal Wright still out the Titans offence will come up short. Jags to win by 10+ points.
RESULT: Similarly the margin of victory was a little off but both our guys are off to a good start. 1-0.

Colts 24 Falcons 21

DRAKE: I really don’t care for either team, but this could be a good watch with Indy posting 20+ points for the last five weeks and (except week 1 & 2) they’re notorious for close games. Expect them to post at least 35 points against Atlanta and I can’t see the Falcons offence keeping up. Colts to win.
RESULT: It’s been a while since the Colts last scored 35 points – week 3 to be precise – but again it’s the result that matters to James goes to 2-0.

CHAPMAN: Well it seems the Luck has run out for the Colts after their impressive win over the Broncos before the bye week. The offence hasn’t really gotten going all season, which considering the weapons they have is very surprising. The Falcons have hit a rough patch recently having started the season so promisingly but I can see Julio Jones having a big game to get them back to winning ways. Falcons to win by two scores.
RESULT: Crashed and burned Chapman, crashed and burned. 1-1.

Rams 13 Ravens 16

DRAKE: There once was a time when the Ravens were the first team on the accumulator, and this is why I can no longer trust them. For absolutely no other reason than costing me lots of money, Ravens to lose – meaning the other team will probably win. That’s normally how it works.
RESULT: Drake gets his first one wrong, although I think he wanted to? Either way, he’s 2-1.

CHAPMAN: The Ravens have made a habit of losing close games this season. This game is going to depend on whether new Rams starting QB Case Keenum can take his opportunity and make some plays. Of course what ever the result Todd Gurley will remain as the Rams biggest playmaker. This one will go down to the wire and I’m going to go with the Ravens winning it by two points.
RESULT: Almost spot on. 2-1.

Redskins 16 Panthers 44

DRAKE: The Carolina Panthers are one hot outfit, riding a 13-game regular season winning streak and going 9-3-1 against the spread in the process. (Thanks Bleacher Report). No question, Panthers to win.
RESULT: The Panthers didn’t so much as beat the Redskins, they destroyed them. James moves to 3-1.

CHAPMAN: The Panthers have been unstoppable this season. I will be very surprised if Cam Newton doesn’t end his career with at least 1 Super Bowl ring on his finger. The Redskins confidence will be high after a big day vs the Saints on Sunday, but they will come crashing back down to earth this week. Panthers to win by 2 scores.
RESULT: Crashing down to earth indeed. 3-1.

Broncos 17 Bears 15

DRAKE: I don’t like the Bears, and Brock Osweiler (one of the hardest names in football) is now one of my favourite players for benching Peyton Manning. For no other reason, Broncos to win – somehow.
RESULT: The Broncos won somehow. Spot on. 4-1.

CHAPMAN: Being a Broncos fan has been tough this season. If it hadn’t been for our outstanding defence a 7-2 record could have quite easily been 2-7. With Manning out injured I’m quite excited to see what Brock Osweiler can produce. If the defence can help keep the pressure off for long enough he has a great chance of doing enough for the win against a Bears team that has lacked consistency this season. I think there will be more field goals than TDs in this one and I’m going with my Broncos to win by 6.
RESULT: Our Broncos fan will be a happy chappy after this one. 4-1.

Raiders 13 Lions 18

DRAKE: The Lions are no longer pretending to be asleep, they beat a legitimate team in the Packers – I don’t know how, no really I didn’t see the match. I am going for a Lions win and justifying it based on uniform attractiveness – that is why I joined the Eagles after all…
RESULT: You can’t know the Raiders for “uniform attractiveness”, their iconic silver and black look is one of the most recognisable in the NFL, but in a cruel twist looking good didn’t result in playing good for Oakland. 5-1.

CHAPMAN: The Raiders have been awesome so far this year, Amari Cooper is already playing like a veteran and Michael Crabtree is back on top form. The Lions on the other hand have just gone backwards this season, Megatron has been a shadow of his usual self and as for a running game…I still have no idea how they pulled off the victory in Green Bay on Sunday but they will be back to losing ways this week. Raiders to win by one score.
RESULT: Picking the Raiders to win on the road, Nick? They’re a lot better this year but let’s not get carried away. 4-2.

Jets 17 Texans 24

DRAKE: As a long-suffering Jets fan I want the Jets to win, for that reason I am backing the Texans. This means my Jets win, or I’m right (win-win).
RESULT: Drake is proving himself an evil genius. 6-1.

CHAPMAN: It was an impressive win for the Texans on Monday night over the undefeated Bengals, but I feel the Jets will have too much for JJ Watt & co this week. I’m hoping for a record breaking 8 TD day for Ryan Fitzpatrick as I’m starting him in fantasy! But more realistically Jets to win by two scores.
RESULT: Are the Texans back? Well they’re in the AFC South so anything is possible, but it’s a second wrong prediction in a row for Mr Chapman. 4-3.

Cowboys 24 Dolphins 14

DRAKE: As a Jets fan, the Dolphins will lose (I hope). Romo may be back for this one, which will make a difference. Romo as QB1, Cowboys to win. No Romo, it will be a tie : ). Cowboys to win. If Romo plays.
RESULT: Was Tony Romo the difference maker in this one? Probably. 7-1.

CHAPMAN: The Cowboys have really missed Romo this season and it’s looking like this is the week they’ll finally have him back. I can see him having a decent game too linking up with Dez Bryant for two TDs. The Dolphins are coming off the back of a very close game at the Eagles which they edged by a point. I think this will be quite a high scoring game with the Dolphins winning it in the 4th quarter with a Romo pick six!
RESULT: Oh Nick, this is starting to get away from you. 4-4.

Buccaneers 45 Eagles 17

DRAKE: I have a new found love for Eagles – bald, golden, Ouse Valley – this love does not stretch to Philly Eagles. Jameis Winston has been a great rookie QB on a mediocre team, so I just want him to get the W. Tampa to win by a point after leading by three scores.
RESULT: The Bucs could have made Winston wear a blindfold throughout the fourth quarter and they’d still have been too good for the Eagles. 8-1.

CHAPMAN: Jameis Winston has had a good first season so far. He had a lucky break against the Cowboys on Sunday but I think he will struggle against the Eagles D. Philly on the other hand will be looking to bounce back after losing to the Dolphins having been 16-3 up after the first quarter. I’m going for Eagles to win this comfortably by two scores.
RESULT: Nick could not have got this more wrong. 4-5.

Chiefs 33 Chargers 3

DRAKE: A divisional match puts a lot of pressure on this one for KC, but I love their cherry red kit – so sorry Chargers fans. That is all. Chiefs to win comfortably and look good in the process.
RESULT: Not much more to say is there? Drake’s on a roll. 9-1.

CHAPMAN: Easy one this, the Chiefs are going to walk it and the Chargers will lose their 6th game in a row. Chiefs by three scores.
RESULT: Cracking result for the Chiefs, and Chapman is just about hanging in there. 5-5.

Packers 30 Vikings 13

DRAKE: Another divisional game, I expect this will hold more value by week 17. I want the Vikings to win, they have AP back and he’ll break a few big ones off (or so my FF team hopes). After losing to the sleeping Lions, I think the Packers will go on a bit of a spin. Nick, I would bet on the Vikings here…
RESULT: The Vikes looked like making it interesting for a while but no dice. 9-2.

CHAPMAN: Green Bay have gone from Super Bowl contenders to play-off hopefuls in the space of three weeks. It seems they spent their bye week forgetting how to win. In contrast the Vikings have won all 5 games since their bye and are one of the in-form teams of the NFL at the moment. Rodgers is nursing a shoulder injury going into this game so the running game will be even more important to get right for the Packers. It will be a close one but I think Green Bay will sneak the win with a last minute touchdown drive.
RESULT: It wasn’t even that close in the end and Chapman is still in with a chance to level things. 6-5.

49ers 13 Seahawks 29

DRAKE: Both have been rather embarrassed this year and their division has pretty much flipped on its head from last season. In this topsy-turvy world of the NFC West I think the 49ers will squeak one out and join Seattle and sit half a game behind the Rams. That being said, my dad is a niners fan – So Seattle for the win by 3 scores.
RESULT: You can’t argue with the logic once you find it, and this correct prediction seals the win for Drake. 10-2.

CHAPMAN: Nobody was expecting the 49ers to come out on top against the Falcons in week 9. In fact I genuinely had a bet on for the Falcons to win by 43+ points. But lightning won’t strike twice and the Seahawks will win this by a similar margin to their encounter in week 7.
RESULT: Nick’s keeping things respectable but it’s too little too late. 7-5.

Bengals 31 Cardinals 34

DRAKE: Somehow both of these teams are good…go figure. This will just be Larry Fitz vs Tyler Eifert, and I love Larry’s dreads too much to go against him. Two-score win for Cardinals (absolute guess work).
RESULT: Dreads for the win. 11-2.

CHAPMAN: I really dislike the Bengals. There’s nothing I want to see more than Dalton throwing five pick-sixes and being left humiliated in defeat. That probably won’t happen though. This is definitely the hardest game to predict this week. The bookies have made the Cardinals favourites but I’m going to go with Bengals to win by a score.
RESULT: Doh. 7-6.

Bills 13 Patriots 20

DRAKE: This decision is based on a couple of different reasons (none of which involve footballing logic): A – The Patriots cost me money in the Super Bowl, and B – I love watching Kevin Cadle try to remain professional when the Bills are winning. Bills to win by a couple of points (I expect to lose this one, but stand by it none the less).
RESULT: You can’t argue with logic when it doesn’t exist, but you also can’t argue with a man that has just gone 11-3 to tie the players’ highest score of the season so far.

CHAPMAN: Tom Brady looks hungry for ring no.5 and with Gronk on the pitch it’s hard to see anything but a tenth win out of ten for the Pats. The Bills will be totally outclassed on Monday night and lose to New England by three scores.
RESULT: The Bills kept it close but it’s the win that counts, so Chapman finishes with a respectable 8-6.

As a result of this week’s scores the Players have again extended their lead against the Coaches and Staff by 85-58 to 79-64. Be sure to check back on Thursday for this week’s predictions.

Did any of this week’s results in the NFL surprise you? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet.

Previous Results

Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6
Lineman of the Year John Rudgard 9-5 vs Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers 7-7
Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen 6-7 vs Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 5-8
Running Back Paul Settle 6-6 vs Defensive Coordinator Darren Hill 5-7

You can let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on.

Head to Head: Drake vs Chapman

19 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Features , , , ,

If there’s one thing sure to split opinion quickly it’s the age-old battle of who knows more about the NFL, the players or the staff?

To try and resolve the issue once and for all players take on coaches and backroom staff one on one to see who really knows their stuff.

The concept is pretty simple: each week one Eagles player and one staff member will go head to head predicting the outcome of the weekend’s NFL games, and by the end of the season the true power houses will emerge.

This week it’s a battle of the new boys, as new Defensive Back James Drake faces incoming Treasurer Nick Chapman. So far the players have the lead with a score of 74-55 to 71-58, but let’s see what the weekend has in store…

Titans @ Jaguars (Thursday Night Football)

DRAKE: For every match I am going to choose who I want to win, then desperately attempt to justify my choice. I expect the fans to be the real winners here…Or not. The Jaguars haven’t been terrible this year, despite all their best efforts to be. See it being a two-score win for the Jags.

CHAPMAN: I like the Jags, I saw them beat the Bills at Wembley this year and they’re coming off a ridiculous win over the Ravens on Sunday that literally went down to the last kick of the game after the clock had already hit zero! The Titans on the other hand have struggled this season, other than putting 34 points down on the Saints in week 9 (not exactly hard with that defence) they haven’t won a game since the opening week. With Kendal Wright still out the Titans offence will come up short. Jags to win by 10+ points.

Colts @ Falcons

DRAKE: I really don’t care for either team, but this could be a good watch with Indy posting 20+ points for the last five weeks and (except week 1 & 2) they’re notorious for close games. Expect them to post at least 35 points against Atlanta and I can’t see the Falcons offence keeping up. Colts to win.

CHAPMAN: Well it seems the Luck has run out for the Colts after their impressive win over the Broncos before the bye week. The offence hasn’t really gotten going all season, which considering the weapons they have is very surprising. The Falcons have hit a rough patch recently having started the season so promisingly but I can see Julio Jones having a big game to get them back to winning ways. Falcons to win by two scores.

Rams @ Ravens

DRAKE: There once was a time when the Ravens were the first team on the accumulator, and this is why I can no longer trust them. For absolutely no other reason than costing me lots of money, Ravens to lose – meaning the other team will probably win. That’s normally how it works.

CHAPMAN: The Ravens have made a habit of losing close games this season. This game is going to depend on whether new Rams starting QB Case Keenum can take his opportunity and make some plays. Of course what ever the result Todd Gurley will remain as the Rams biggest playmaker. This one will go down to the wire and I’m going to go with the Ravens winning it by two points.

Redskins @ Panthers

DRAKE: The Carolina Panthers are one hot outfit, riding a 13-game regular season winning streak and going 9-3-1 against the spread in the process. (Thanks Bleacher Report). No question, Panthers to win.

CHAPMAN: The Panthers have been unstoppable this season. I will be very surprised if Cam Newton doesn’t end his career with at least 1 Super Bowl ring on his finger. The Redskins confidence will be high after a big day vs the Saints on Sunday, but they will come crashing back down to earth this week. Panthers to win by 2 scores.

Broncos @ Bears

DRAKE: I don’t like the Bears, and Brock Osweiler (one of the hardest names in football) is now one of my favourite players for benching Peyton Manning. For no other reason, Broncos to win – somehow.

CHAPMAN: Being a Broncos fan has been tough this season. If it hadn’t been for our outstanding defence a 7-2 record could have quite easily been 2-7. With Manning out injured I’m quite excited to see what Brock Osweiler can produce. If the defence can help keep the pressure off for long enough he has a great chance of doing enough for the win against a Bears team that has lacked consistency this season. I think there will be more field goals than TDs in this one and I’m going with my Broncos to win by 6.

Raiders @ Lions

DRAKE: The Lions are no longer pretending to be asleep, they beat a legitimate team in the Packers – I don’t know how, no really I didn’t see the match. I am going for a lions win and justifying it based on uniform attractiveness – that is why I joined the Eagles after all…

CHAPMAN: The Raiders have been awesome so far this year, Amari Cooper is already playing like a veteran and Michael Crabtree is back on top form. The Lions on the other hand have just gone backwards this season, Megatron has been a shadow of his usual self and as for a running game…I still have no idea how they pulled off the victory in Green Bay on Sunday but they will be back to losing ways this week. Raiders to win by one score.

Jets @ Texans

DRAKE: As a long-suffering Jets fan I want the Jets to win, for that reason I am backing the Texans. This means my Jets win, or I’m right (win-win).

CHAPMAN: It was an impressive win for the Texans on Monday night over the undefeated Bengals, but I feel the Jets will have too much for JJ Watt & co this week. I’m hoping for a record breaking 8 TD day for Ryan Fitzpatrick as I’m starting him in fantasy! But more realistically Jets to win by two scores.

Cowboys @ Dolphins

DRAKE: As a Jets fan, the Dolphins will lose (I hope). Romo may be back for this one, which will make a difference. Romo as QB1, Cowboys to win. No Romo, it will be a tie : ). Cowboys to win. If Romo plays.

CHAPMAN: The Cowboys have really missed Romo this season and it’s looking like this is the week they’ll finally have him back. I can see him having a decent game too linking up with Dez Bryant for two TDs. The Dolphins are coming off the back of a very close game at the Eagles which they edged by a point. I think this will be quite a high scoring game with the Dolphins winning it in the 4th quarter with a Romo pick six!

Buccaneers @ Eagles

DRAKE: I have a new found love for Eagles – bald, golden, Ouse Valley – this love does not stretch to Philly Eagles. Jameis Winston has been a great rookie QB on a mediocre team, so I just want him to get the W. Tampa to win by a point after leading by three scores.

CHAPMAN: Jameis Winston has had a good first season so far. He had a lucky break against the Cowboys on Sunday but I think he will struggle against the Eagles D. Philly on the other hand will be looking to bounce back after losing to the Dolphins having been 16-3 up after the first quarter. I’m going for Eagles to win this comfortably by two scores.

Chiefs @ Chargers

DRAKE: A divisional match puts a lot of pressure on this one for KC, but I love their cherry red kit – so sorry Chargers fans. That is all. Chiefs to win comfortably and look good in the process.

CHAPMAN: Easy one this, the Chiefs are going to walk it and the Chargers will lose their 6th game in a row. Chiefs by three scores.

Packers @ Vikings

DRAKE: Another divisional game, I expect this will hold more value by week 17. I want the Vikings to win, they have AP back and he’ll break a few big ones off (or so my FF team hopes). After losing to the sleeping Lions, I think the Packers will go on a bit of a spin. Nick, I would bet on the Vikings here…

CHAPMAN: Green Bay have gone from Super Bowl contenders to play-off hopefuls in the space of three weeks. It seems they spent their bye week forgetting how to win. In contrast the Vikings have won all 5 games since their bye and are one of the in-form teams of the NFL at the moment. Rodgers is nursing a shoulder injury going into this game so the running game will be even more important to get right for the Packers. It will be a close one but I think Green Bay will sneak the win with a last minute touchdown drive.

49ers @ Seahawks

DRAKE: Both have been rather embarrassed this year and their division has pretty much flipped on its head from last season. In this topsy-turvy world of the NFC West I think the 49ers will squeak one out and join Seattle and sit half a game behind the Rams. That being said, my dad is a niners fan – So Seattle for the win by 3 scores.

CHAPMAN: Nobody was expecting the 49ers to come out on top against the Falcons in week 9. In fact I genuinely had a bet on for the Falcons to win by 43+ points. But lightning won’t strike twice and the Seahawks will win this by a similar margin to their encounter in week 7.

Bengals @ Cardinals (SNF)

DRAKE: Somehow both of these teams are good…go figure. This will just be Larry Fitz vs Tyler Eifert, and I love Larry’s dreads too much to go against him. Two-score win for Cardinals (absolute guess work).

CHAPMAN: I really dislike the Bengals. There’s nothing I want to see more than Dalton throwing five pick-sixes and being left humiliated in defeat. That probably won’t happen though. This is definitely the hardest game to predict this week. The bookies have made the Cardinals favourites but I’m going to go with Bengals to win by a score.

Bills @ Patriots (MNF)

DRAKE: This decision is based on a couple of different reasons (none of which involve footballing logic): A – The Patriots cost me money in the Super Bowl, and B – I love watching Kevin Cadle try to remain professional when the Bills are winning. Bills to win by a couple of points (I expect to lose this one, but stand by it none the less).

CHAPMAN: Tom Brady looks hungry for ring no.5 and with Gronk on the pitch it’s hard to see anything but a tenth win out of ten for the Pats. The Bills will be totally outclassed on Monday night and lose to New England by three scores.

Summary

Match Drake Chapman
Titans @ Jaguars (TNF) Jaguars Jaguars
Colts @ Falcons Colts Falcons
Rams @ Ravens Rams Ravens
Redskins @ Panthers Panthers Panthers
Broncos @ Bears Broncos Broncos
Raiders @ Lions Lions Raiders
Jets @ Texans Texans Jets
Cowboys @ Dolphins Cowboys Dolphins
Buccaneers @ Eagles Buccaneers Eagles
Chiefs @ Chargers Chiefs Chiefs
Packers @ Vikings Vikings Packers
49ers @ Seahawks Seahawks Seahawks
Cardinals @ Bengals Cardinals Bengals
Bills @ Patriots Bills Patriots


Previous Results

Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6
Lineman of the Year John Rudgard 9-5 vs Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers 7-7
Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen 6-7 vs Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 5-8
Running Back Paul Settle 6-6 vs Defensive Coordinator Darren Hill 5-7

You can let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on.

Settle vs Hill: The Results

17 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Features , , , ,

In our most recent Head to Head of the season Running Back Paul Settle took on Defensive Coordinator Darren Hill. Here’s how they got on…

Bills 22 Jets 17

SETTLE: I’m gonna go with the Jets just because I like their name as it sounds fast and I hate getting bills! I’m also feeling Christmassy at the moment and New York is a great place to Christmas shop so I’ve heard!?!?! So Jets it is!!
RESULT: Erm, let’s just put this down to early nerves and move on shall we? 0-1.

HILL: A difficult game to start with. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Bills, back in the day they lost 4 Super Bowls in a row, which takes some doing and my father in law lives just outside Buffalo. The Jets have also routinely sucked and haven’t been to the Super Bowl since the 1960s. However they are playing at home. Jets to win a close one.
RESULT: Home advantage seems to be the only reason Coach Hill sided with the Jets, and it means he’s also off to a bad start. 0-1.

Lions 18 Packers 16

SETTLE: I kinda like both the outfits and I’m gonna base most of my decisions on kits I like and the odd player I know. It has to be the Packers for the win mainly because I’ve always had a man crush on Christopher Parr and he follows the Packers!! And I like to eat cheese!! They have something to do with cheese right??!
RESULT: Oh boy. 0-2.

HILL: Easiest pick of the week. Detroit are awful, Green Bay aren’t. Green Bay will win by loads.
RESULT: Awkward. 0-2.

Cowboys 6 Buccaneers 10

SETTLE: Can’t stand Pirates they’re thieves so definitely going with the Cowboys for the win, and my mum loved the TV show Dallas so it’s gotta be Cowboys for the win without a doubt!!
RESULT: As much as I’d love Settle to have been right, he’s 0-3 and off to an absolute flyer.

HILL: Nellie is blaming me for his loss last week because he picked Tampa Bay on the strength of my recommendation of Tampa Bay and ex-Florida State Quarterback Jameis Winston. The Buccaneers QB was great, his Wide Receivers, and in particular first round pick Mike Evans (6 drops) were awful. It doesn’t matter, they are playing Dallas and they were bad without Dez Bryant and Tony Romo, Bryant is back Romo isn’t. Jameis is going to have a sore back after carrying his team to their fourth win of the season.
RESULT: We’re off the mark. 1-2.

Panthers 27 Titans 10

SETTLE: Now I’m no expert but I know that guy Cam Newton plays for the Panthers as he keeps flashing up in NFL videos on my FB page. He looks pretty good, a bit selfish but hey, you know what them QB’s are like!! So Panthers to take this one…
RESULT: First thing we can agree with so far, Settle’s no expert. He got this one right though, and he’s under way. 1-3.

HILL: Carolina are undefeated and this week they face the other Heisman winning rookie QB in Marcus Mariota. The reason he was taken second in the draft is because Tennessee weren’t very good, they still aren’t. Cam Newton keeps the Panthers undefeated.
RESULT: We’re off the mark. 2-2.

Bears 37 Rams 13

SETTLE: Got to be the Bears, right? As they are big and scary in the wild and seeing as teams must be named after what they think they’re gonna play like they must be good!! And that massive Fridge guy used to play for them!! So Bears it is…GRRRRRRRRRRR!!!
RESULT: Got to be honest, I laughed when Settle picked the Bears here. Should have known better. 2-3.

HILL: Another team from the eighties having a tough year are the Bears. St Louis aren’t great but they win this one comfortably.
RESULT: I thought so too, goodness only knows where this came from. 2-3.

Saints 14 Redskins 47

SETTLE: Redskins. Not sure why I’m going for these – probably cos their QB has dreads hanging out the back of his helmet which always looks pretty cool (ED – do you want to tell him or shall I?).
RESULT: Haven’t really got a clue how but Settle’s back to .500. 3-3.

HILL: I’ve been a Redskins fan for more years than I care to mention, we’ve had our ups and downs, and recently it’s been more down than up. The Saints, despite having a better record are a terrible team and over the last two weeks their once vaunted defence has allowed back to back QBs to have career games. This continues and the Redskins win at home.
RESULT: This one cost Rob Ryan yet another job. 3-3.

Dolphins 20 Eagles 19

SETTLE: I’m going select the Dolphins just because I’ve seen the TV show Ballers with the Rock and it looks like a nice place to live if you’re rich and in the NFL and own a yacht!!! Remember to buy tuna not using the nets which trap Dolphins though kids!!!
RESULT: Ballers is a great show to be fair. 4-3.

HILL: As a Redskins fan it has been interesting to watch the Chip Kelly experiment from afar. He started off well but didn’t trade up to get his college QB Mariota and I think this comes back to haunt him. He seems to have lost the players and he doesn’t have a decent QB. Having said all that Miami were one of the 6 teams to play in London this year…they were awful. Eagles win.
RESULT: If they’d had their starting QB for the entire game would the Eagles have won? We’ll never know. 3-4.

Browns 9 Steelers 30

SETTLE: Steelers sounds like they’re thieves but I’m going to go for the Steelers to take this one mainly because in the Batman film when the ground opened up after Bane rocked up in the stadium that receiver kept on playing whilst a major super hero baddie was trashing the field he was on!! So surely beating the Browns will be no problem?!?!
RESULT: They didn’t have enough for Bane but had plenty in the tank to beat Johnny Football and co. 5-3.

HILL: Currently one of the only saving graces of being a Redskins fan is that you aren’t a Browns fan. The franchise has been a model of ineptitude for as long as I can remember. Everything they do turns to rubbish. When Johnny “Football” Manziel was picked late in the first round a couple of years ago I was asked why he dropped so far. I replied that was because he was a good college QB but would achieve nothing in the NFL. That the Browns gave up draft picks to go and get him tells you everything you need to know about the Browns. The Steelers are having a poor year by their high standards but they still have enough to beat the Browns.
RESULT: Darren hits the nail on the head. 4-4.

Vikings 30 Raiders 14

SETTLE: Purple who plays in purple?!?!?! Raiders look far harder than the boys in purple and it would be embarrassing to lose to a team playing my wife’s favourite colour!! (Ed – do you want to tell him…oh forget it)
RESULT: Losing to a team in purple. Who’d have thought it? 5-4.

HILL: Another tough one to call. Minnesota are on a four-game winning streak. Oakland lost their last one but are having a decent season after years of struggling under old owner Al Davis whose pick of JaMarcus Russell with the first pick of the 2007 draft and subsequent signing of him to a $61 million deal was so awful that the NFL and the NFL Players Association agreed to completely restructure rookie contracts. I slightly favour the home team to win a close one. Raiders win.
RESULT: It should say enough about how far the Raiders have come this year that both our guys backed them against the much-improved Vikings. They were both wrong to do so though, so let’s move on. 4-5.

Patriots 27 Giants 26

SETTLE: I have a Giants t-shirt and am feeling Christmassy still so for the same reason as the Jets I’m gonna go with Giants to upset the Patriots. Any Given Sunday and all that!!
RESULT: Oh Paul, so close and yet so far. 5-5.

HILL: Bill Belichick is one of the best coaches in the game. He sometimes takes “gamesmanship” to the edge but he and Tom Brady have been at the top of the game for years. Unfortunately for the rest of the league the Commissioner decided to wind them both up during the off season. They are both on a mission and are destroying everyone they play. Their offence has played 32 quarters of football. They have scored in each of the last 31. They are too much for the Giants of New York and make the short trip back to New England with the win.
RESULT: The Giants ran them close but the unstoppable Patriot machine ploughs on. 5-5.

Chiefs 29 Broncos 13

SETTLE: Just watched Christian Okoye A Football Life documentary so I’m gonna say Chiefs!!!
RESULT: Regardless of how he got there Settle calls it right. 6-5.

HILL: Similarly Peyton Manning has been one of the best QBs in the league for a lifetime. After several neck surgeries he struggled at the start of the year but his offensive co-ordinator has adjusted and played him in his more familiar shotgun formation and the Broncos defense is playing absolutely lights out. Denver will be too strong for the Chiefs at altitude, Denver wins and Denver joins Indianapolis and Tennessee as places where an extraordinary percentage of the population name their children Peyton (boys) or Payton (girls) after the QB.
RESULT: Not quite the way it was planned. 5-6.

Cardinals 39 Seahawks 32

SETTLE: Running back with dreads hanging out the back of his helmet and I love skittles so Seahawks will take this against the Cardinals! And they’ve incorporated rugby tackling into their program so they must have some sense.
RESULT: The Seahawks don’t know if they’re coming or going at the moment. 6-6.

HILL: Another close game. Arizona are playing really well, as their record shows. Seattle have been in back to back Super Bowls, winning one and losing the other. Early in the season they struggled with the way they lost the last Super Bowl and the expectations of their players to get paid. However they have started coming into their own and at home they will be too much for Arizona.
RESULT: The Cards upset the Hawks and battle of brains once again comes down to Monday Night Football. 5-7.

Texans 10 Bengals 6

SETTLE: Texans. JJ Watt that’s why…
RESULT: How on earth did that happen? No matter, Settle finishes 7-6 and takes the win.

HILL: An easy one to finish. The Texans have the best defensive player in the league in JJ Watt, in the last 4 years the only player to average more than a sack per game, and 3 sacks off NFL Legend Lawrence Taylor’s 63 sack 4 year record, and they are still rubbish. The Bengals are on a rare winning streak and to be honest most people, even their own fans, aren’t expecting it to last, but it won’t finish against the Texans. Cincinnati to win easily.
RESULT: Ouch. Coach Hill finishes 5-8 but I’m sure this’ll be the last we hear of it. Honest.

As a result of this week’s scores the Players have extended their lead against the Coaches and Staff by 74-55 to 71-58. Be sure to check back on Thursday for this week’s predictions.

Did any of this week’s results in the NFL surprise you? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet.

Previous Results

Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6
Offensive Lineman John Rudgard 9-5 vs Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers 7-7
Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen 6-7 vs Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 5-8

Head to Head: Settle vs Hill

12 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Features , , , ,

If there’s one thing sure to split opinion quickly it’s the age-old battle of who knows more about the NFL, the players or the staff?

To try and resolve the issue once and for all players take on coaches and backroom staff one on one to see who really knows their stuff.

The concept is pretty simple: each week one Eagles player and one staff member will go head to head predicting the outcome of the weekend’s NFL games, and by the end of the season the true power houses will emerge.

Heading into this week where Running Back Paul Settle meets Defensive Coordinator Darren Hill, the players have the edge with a score of 67-49 to 66-50.

Let’s see what the weekend has in store…

Bills @ Jets (Thursday Night Football)

SETTLE: I’m gonna go with the Jets just because I like their name as it sounds fast and I hate getting bills! I’m also feeling Christmassy at the moment and New York is a great place to Christmas shop so I’ve heard!?!?! So Jets it is!!

HILL: A difficult game to start with. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Bills, back in the day they lost 4 Super Bowls in a row, which takes some doing and my father in law lives just outside Buffalo. The Jets have also routinely sucked and haven’t been to the Super Bowl since the 1960s. However they are playing at home. Jets to win a close one.

Lions @ Packers

SETTLE: I kinda like both the outfits and I’m gonna base most of my decisions on kits I like and the odd player I know. It has to be the Packers for the win mainly because I’ve always had a man crush on Christopher Parr and he follows the Packers!! And I like to eat cheese!! They have something to do with cheese right??!

HILL: Easiest pick of the week. Detroit are awful, Green Bay aren’t. Green Bay will win by loads.

Cowboys @ Buccaneers

SETTLE: Can’t stand Pirates they’re thieves so definitely going with the Cowboys for the win, and my mum loved the TV show Dallas so it’s gotta be Cowboys for the win without a doubt!!

HILL: Nellie is blaming me for his loss last week because he picked Tampa Bay on the strength of my recommendation of Tampa Bay and ex-Florida State Quarterback Jameis Winston. The Buccaneers QB was great, his Wide Receivers, and in particular first round pick Mike Evans (6 drops) were awful. It doesn’t matter, they are playing Dallas and they were bad without Dez Bryant and Tony Romo, Bryant is back Romo isn’t. Jameis is going to have a sore back after carrying his team to their fourth win of the season.

Panthers @ Titans

SETTLE: Now I’m no expert but I know that guy Cam Newton plays for the Panthers as he keeps flashing up in NFL videos on my FB page. He looks pretty good, a bit selfish but hey, you know what them QB’s are like!! So Panthers to take this one…

HILL: Carolina are undefeated and this week they face the other Heisman winning rookie QB in Marcus Mariota. The reason he was taken second in the draft is because Tennessee weren’t very good, they still aren’t. Cam Newton keeps the Panthers undefeated.

Bears @ Rams

SETTLE: Got to be the Bears, right? As they are big and scary in the wild and seeing as teams must be named after what they think they’re gonna play like they must be good!! And that massive Fridge guy used to play for them!! So Bears it is…GRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

HILL: Another team from the eighties having a tough year are the Bears. St Louis aren’t great but they win this one comfortably.

Saints @ Redskins

SETTLE: Redskins. Not sure why I’m going for these – probably cos their QB has dreads hanging out the back of his helmet which always looks pretty cool (ED – do you want to tell him or shall I?).

HILL: I’ve been a Redskins fan for more years than I care to mention, we’ve had our ups and downs, and recently it’s been more down than up. The Saints, despite having a better record are a terrible team and over the last two weeks their once vaunted defence has allowed back to back QBs to have career games. This continues and the Redskins win at home.

Dolphins @ Eagles

SETTLE: I’m going select the Dolphins just because I’ve seen the TV show Ballers with the Rock and it looks like a nice place to live if you’re rich and in the NFL and own a yacht!!! Remember to buy tuna not using the nets which trap Dolphins though kids!!!

HILL: As a Redskins fan it has been interesting to watch the Chip Kelly experiment from afar. He started off well but didn’t trade up to get his college QB Mariota and I think this comes back to haunt him. He seems to have lost the players and he doesn’t have a decent QB. Having said all that Miami were one of the 6 teams to play in London this year…they were awful. Eagles win.

Browns @ Steelers

SETTLE: Steelers sounds like they’re thieves but I’m going to go for the Steelers to take this one mainly because in the Batman film when the ground opened up after Bane rocked up in the stadium that receiver kept on playing whilst a major super hero baddie was trashing the field he was on!! So surely beating the Browns will be no problem?!?!

HILL: Currently one of the only saving graces of being a Redskins fan is that you aren’t a Browns fan. The franchise has been a model of ineptitude for as long as I can remember. Everything they do turns to rubbish. When Johnny “Football” Manziel was picked late in the first round a couple of years ago I was asked why he dropped so far. I replied that was because he was a good college QB but would achieve nothing in the NFL. That the Browns gave up draft picks to go and get him tells you everything you need to know about the Browns. The Steelers are having a poor year by their high standards but they still have enough to beat the Browns.

Vikings @ Raiders

SETTLE: Purple who plays in purple?!?!?! Raiders look far harder than the boys in purple and it would be embarrassing to lose to a team playing my wife’s favourite colour!! (Ed – do you want to tell him…oh forget it)

HILL: Another tough one to call. Minnesota are on a four-game winning streak. Oakland lost their last one but are having a decent season after years of struggling under old owner Al Davis whose pick of JaMarcus Russell with the first pick of the 2007 draft and subsequent signing of him to a $61 million deal was so awful that the NFL and the NFL Players Association agreed to completely restructure rookie contracts. I slightly favour the home team to win a close one. Raiders win.

Patriots @ Giants

SETTLE: I have a Giants t-shirt and am feeling Christmassy still so for the same reason as the Jets I’m gonna go with Giants to upset the Patriots. Any Given Sunday and all that!!

HILL: Bill Belichick is one of the best coaches in the game. He sometimes takes “gamesmanship” to the edge but he and Tom Brady have been at the top of the game for years. Unfortunately for the rest of the league the Commissioner decided to wind them both up during the off season. They are both on a mission and are destroying everyone they play. Their offence has played 32 quarters of football. They have scored in each of the last 31. They are too much for the Giants of New York and make the short trip back to New England with the win.

Chiefs @ Broncos

SETTLE: Just watched Christian Okoye A Football Life documentary so I’m gonna say Chiefs!!!

HILL: Similarly Peyton Manning has been one of the best QBs in the league for a lifetime. After several neck surgeries he struggled at the start of the year but his offensive co-ordinator has adjusted and played him in his more familiar shotgun formation and the Broncos defense is playing absolutely lights out. Denver will be too strong for the Chiefs at altitude, Denver wins and Denver joins Indianapolis and Tennessee as places where an extraordinary percentage of the population name their children Peyton (boys) or Payton (girls) after the QB.

Cardinals @ Seahawks (Sunday Night Football)

SETTLE: Running back with dreads hanging out the back of his helmet and I love skittles so Seahawks will take this against the Cardinals! And they’ve incorporated rugby tackling into their program so they must have some sense.

HILL: Another close game. Arizona are playing really well, as their record shows. Seattle have been in back to back Super Bowls, winning one and losing the other. Early in the season they struggled with the way they lost the last Super Bowl and the expectations of their players to get paid. However they have started coming into their own and at home they will be too much for Arizona.

Texans @ Bengals (Monday Night Football)

SETTLE: Texans. JJ Watt that’s why…

HILL: An easy one to finish. The Texans have the best defensive player in the league in JJ Watt, in the last 4 years the only player to average more than a sack per game, and 3 sacks off NFL Legend Lawrence Taylor’s 63 sack 4 year record, and they are still rubbish. The Bengals are on a rare winning streak and to be honest most people, even their own fans , aren’t expecting it to last, but it won’t finish against the Texans. Cincinnati to win easily.

Summary

Match Settle Hill
Bills @ Jets (TNF) Jets Jets
Lions @ Packers Packers Packers
Cowboys @ Buccaneers Cowboys Buccaneers
Panthers @ Titans Panthers Panthers
Bears @ Rams Bears Rams
Saints @ Redskins Redskins Redskins
Dolphins @ Eagles Dolphins Eagles
Browns @ Steelers Steelers Steelers
Jaguars @ Ravens Ravens Ravens
Vikings @ Raiders Raiders Raiders
Patriots @ Giants Giants Patriots
Chiefs @ Broncos Chiefs Broncos
Cardinals @ Seahawks (SNF) Seahawks Seahawks
Texans @ Bengals (MNF) Texans Bengals


Previous Results

Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6
Lineman of the Year John Rudgard 9-5 vs Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers 7-7
Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen 6-7 vs Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 5-8

You can let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on.

Pullen vs McMaster: The Results

10 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Features , , , ,

In our eighth Head to Head of the season Defensive MVP Gareth “Tish” Pullen took on Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster. Here’s how they got on…

Browns 10 Bengals 31

TishPULLEN: Bengals to romp home to victory and remain undefeated. As the only team with the same 53 men on the roster since September’s cuts, the Bengals are winning the right way.
Result: Cincy romped to victory alright. 1-0.

Nellie2MCMASTER: This shouldn’t be a tough decision, with the undefeated Bengals taking on the 2-6 Brownies, but I have a niggling feeling this game could be close. All it takes is Johnny Football to have screamer and it’s all in Andy Dalton’s hands, and I still don’t trust him yet. Of course, Johnny hasn’t done that since his A&M days, so it’s over to the Red Rifle himself. Bengals by 2 scores, but I just have feeling the bubble is about to burst here for Cincinnati.
Result: If you weren’t sure who Nellie thought would win this the first time you read it through, you weren’t the only one. 1-0.

Dolphins 17 Bills 33

TishPULLEN: Miami have had quite a resurgence and although they lost last week I feel they will still take the injury-riddled Bills.
Result: FAIL. And this week, where our Scotsmen have only predicted three games differently, this could already come back to haunt Tish. 1-1.

Nellie2MCMASTER: This is a brutal game to call, looking at the newly resurgent Dolphins vs the Bills, who have been treading water waiting for Tyrod Taylor to come back. I’m taking the home field advantage here, and taking the Bills. That’s about it, hoping Tyrod brings enough of a boost from the distinct averageness that is EJ Manuel, Bills by a score.
Result: If in doubt, go for home field advantage. 60% of the time, it works every time. 2-0.

Packers 29 Panthers 37

TishPULLEN: My head says Green Bay who will be looking to bounce back from the Denver loss but my defensive heart backs Luke Kuechly and the vaunted Panthers D. Panthers will sneak it with a field goal.
Result: Tish and his defensive heart are back in the game, and now it’s all eyes on the Giants at Tampa Bay. 2-1.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Another undefeated tries to defend it’s record here, and I think it may well do that. It’s going to come down to Packers passing attack against the Panthers secondary. I fancy the secondary here. Everything in my being tells me to go with Packers, but I’m ignoring that, and going with Carolina. Panthers by a score.
Result: Bang on. No messing. 3-0.

Rams 18 Vikings 21

TishPULLEN: St. Louis are going to run all over the Vikings, Gurley is going to go OFF on that D. Vikings are a good side but the Rams are on their way up.
Result: So close and yet so far for Tish. 2-2.

Nellie2MCMASTER: This could be a great game, watching Adrian Peterson go up against the next great back in Todd Gurley. I think Gurley wins that battle, and that leads to the win. The Rams defense is awesome, and I think that could well be the difference. Nick Foles is shaky at best, but I still think Rams by two scores.
Result: It’s the first trip up for the big man. Fortunately for him though he’s not alone. 3-1.

Redskins 10 Patriots 27

TishPULLEN: Redskins? They still playing? I expect this game to be over at the end of the 1st quarter. Patriots to treat Washington the same way Dan Snyder (Washington Owner) treats those protesting his team’s name, with no respect whatsoever and whip them by 35+ points.
Result: They didn’t win by 35+ points but you’d say it was over as a contest by the end of the first. 3-2.

Nellie2MCMASTER: The only game being played here is how quickly the Pats can get to 40 points, and will they bother to get the 50 Burger. Pats by a mile. YOU LIKE THAT Kirk Cousins?!
Result: The Pats the very definition of winning without needing to get out of second gear. Nellie goes to 4-1.

Titans 34 Saints 28

TishPULLEN: Saints riding high after an Offensive masterclass last week will roll over a floundering Titans who sacked their Head Coach this week and are in disarray. Saints put this one to bed early.
Result: Saints put it to bed early? How about the Titans win it in overtime? 3-3.

Nellie2MCMASTER: So Ken Whisenhunt is gone, no word on if Mariota is back playing this week, and in general the 1-6 Titans are in turmoil. On the other hand they are going up against a defense that conceded nearly 50 points last week (only saved by Tish’s Giants being even more woeful). I think Drew Brees wins this game for the Saints, and they take the match-up by three scores.
Result: He predicted a big win for the hosts, and got it wrong big time. 4-2.

Jaguars 23 Jets 28

TishPULLEN: A bouncing back Jax will be feeling confident after seeing an embarrassing Jets performance last week, the problem, the Jets had a great D who will have been soundly reprimanded by their defensive coaching staff and will be Jaguar hunting. Jets win.
Result: They threatened to make it interesting for a while but the Jags eventually remembered that they’re the Jags, and that’s enough to take Tish to 4-3.

Nellie2MCMASTER: I must admit, I’m developing a bit of a fondness for the Jags. Don’t get me wrong, they’re useless, but their push to grow the sport over hear endears them to me. On the other side of things, the Jets will have got the biggest rollicking of their lives after getting destroyed by the mighty Raiders last week, and will be looking to take it on someone. Jets win by a score.
Result: The Jags do what the Jags do. 5-2.

Raiders 35 Steelers 38

TishPULLEN: Pittsburgh reeling after the gruesome injury to poor Le’veon Bell and a Raiders side no longer the joke that they were, Silver and Black attack and beat the Steelers.
Result: The Steelers get the job done even without Big Ben, largely thanks to DeAngelo Williams. 4-4.

Nellie2MCMASTER: As a die-hard Raiders fan it killed me to pick against them the first time we did these articles, and I’ll be honest I’m concerned about going away to Pittsburgh this week. Our away form isn’t great, but the Steelers looked poor last week, and we did just destroy the #2 defense in the nation last week. Hello bandwagon, give me a second, I’m jumping on. Raiders win by 2 scores. #jinxed.
Result: Jinxed indeed Mr McMaster, jinxed indeed. 5-3.

Falcons 16 49ers 17

TishPULLEN: Falcons/49ers? Toilet Bowl anyone? Falcons to scrape a meaningless win being battled between two meaningless teams. Plus 49ers cut Hynes and put him on practice squad, they don’t get the love at the moment.
Result: Tish got everything right apart from who’d actually win, which is quite important in this game. 4-5.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Atlanta get to enjoy a little trip out to the West Coast this week, beast San Fran, then head home, it’s essentially a long weekend away. Blaine Gabbert isn’t gonna put up a fight. Falcons by four scores.
Result: Shall we just gloss over this and move on? Yes, let’s do that. 5-4.

Giants 32 Buccaneers 18

TishPULLEN: My Giants, my gallant, fantastic, NFC East leading Giants. Cruelly cheated by a very lucky Saints side who snuck the win in the last five seconds. Not this week, Eli rallies the troops and the D put on their big boy pants and dominate a Bucs side who just turn up and bumble along each Sunday. Giants win, GO BIG BLUE!!!
Result: As much as I wish it wasn’t the case, Tish calls it and he’s back to .500. 5-5.

Nellie2MCMASTER: These teams are only separated by one game, yet New York tops their division, whilst Tampa is bottom of theirs. Believe when I say this speaks more for how bad the Giants’ division is than anything else. Last week’s lost will have hurt New York, and Tampa’s win last week behind a decent Jameis Winston will have buoyed them. It’s the kind of game Eli should win, but I think last week took too much out them. Tampa wins in the last quarter by a score.
Result: Nellie gets his third result wrong in a row to allow Tish to draw level. 5-5.

Broncos 24 Colts 27

TishPULLEN: Although Peyton “God-damn” Manning has struggled this year, the addition of Vernon Davies will give the Forehead a great target in the redzone. Colts, again, are a team in turmoil who haven’t lit it up of late. Peyton the the Donkeys with the win off the back of a very strong D.
Result: Not entirely sure where it came from, but somehow the Colts got it done. Tish drops to 5-6.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Peyton coming home, Broncos D is Hall of Fame good, Colts struggling badly see’s this only go one way. Broncos by two scores.
Result: Nellie is in absolute free fall here. He’s having a mare. 5-6.

Eagles 33 Cowboys 27

TishPULLEN: Eagles-Cowboys? Can they both lose please? The Eagles experiment is still a season from fruition and having now seen what La’el Collins can do (you see the double block against the Seahawks?) I can see McFadden rumbling along behind that human bulldozer for strong yardage. Cowgirls grab the W.
Result: It doesn’t matter what the Cowboys do, they always find a way to lose. In a way it’s an impressive trait, if you think about it. 5-7.

Nellie2MCMASTER: No-one is a winner in this game, they are both brutal to watch, although La’el Collins is a personal favourite. Dallas are at home, so I think they win. Don’t watch this game if you like football!
Result: McMaster manages to drop his fifth straight game. 5-7, and it’s all down to Monday Night Football…

Bears 22 Chargers 19

TishPULLEN: Only the 13 games this week? Wow, better make this one count. In the battle of the most hated QBs in the league (both talk trash and have THAT look about them) I am giving the edge to Cutler’s Bears. Alshon Jeffrey went off last week and in no small part to some great passes thrown by Jay. I haven’t seen the same from Rivers who has struggled with a poor supporting cast who are getting more and more damaged and banged up. Bears take it.
Result: The Bears sneak it and double agent Tish claims the win on behalf of the players with a final score of 6-7.

Nellie2MCMASTER: SD have placed half their skill position on IR this week, which in the most obvious statement ever, isn’t going to help their situation. It’s bottom of the AFC West (not the Raiders woohoo!!!) against the 2-5 Bears. Jay Cutler is gonna do what he does (play brilliant in spells, plays brutal in other), and that’ll keep the Chargers in the game. Go for it, Bolts by a score, I’ve talked myself into it.
Result: He talked himself into it and talked himself out of the game with, wait for it, a sixth wrong prediction in a row. Unbelievable Jeff. McMaster can only McMastermind a 5-8 defeat on this occasion.

As a result of this week’s scores the Players have edged into the lead against the Coaches and Staff by 67-49 to 66-50. Be sure to check back on Thursday for this week’s predictions.

Did any of this week’s results in the NFL surprise you? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet.

Previous Results

Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6
Offensive Lineman John Rudgard 9-5 vs Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers 77

Head to Head: Pullen vs McMaster

05 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Features , , , ,

If there’s one thing sure to split opinion quickly it’s the age-old battle of who knows more about the NFL, the players or the staff?

To try and resolve the issue once and for all players take on coaches and backroom staff one on one to see who really knows their stuff.

The concept is pretty simple: each week one Eagles player and one staff member will go head to head predicting the outcome of the weekend’s NFL games, and by the end of the season the true power houses will emerge.

Heading into this week where Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen meets Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster, the scores are neck and neck at 61-42 to 61-42.

Let’s see what the weekend has in store…

Browns @ Bengals (Thursday Night Football)

TishPULLEN: Bengals to romp home to victory and remain undefeated. As the only team with the same 53 men on the roster since September’s cuts, the Bengals are winning the right way.

Nellie2MCMASTER: This shouldn’t be a tough decision, with the undefeated Bengals taking on the 2-6 Brownies, but I have a niggling feeling this game could be close. All it takes is Johnny Football to have screamer and it’s all in Andy Dalton’s hands, and I still don’t trust him yet. Of course, Johnny hasn’t done that since his A&M days, so it’s over to the Red Rifle himself. Bengals by 2 scores, but I just have feeling the bubble is about to burst here for Cincinnati.

Dolphins @ Bills

TishPULLEN: Miami have had quite a resurgence and although they lost last week I feel they will still take the injury-riddled Bills.

Nellie2MCMASTER: This is a brutal game to call, looking at the newly resurgent Dolphins vs the Bills, who have been treading water waiting for Tyrod Taylor to come back. I’m taking the home field advantage here, and taking the Bills. That’s about it, hoping Tyrod brings enough of a boost from the distinct averageness that is EJ Manuel, Bills by a score.

Packers @ Panthers

TishPULLEN: My head says Green Bay who will be looking to bounce back from the Denver loss but my defensive heart backs Luke Kuechly and the vaunted Panthers D. Panthers will sneak it with a field goal.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Another undefeated tries to defend it’s record here, and I think it may well do that. It’s going to come down to Packers passing attack against the Panthers secondary. I fancy the secondary here. Everything in my being tells me to go with Packers, but I’m ignoring that, and going with Carolina. Panthers by a score.

Rams @ Vikings

TishPULLEN: St. Louis are going to run all over the Vikings, Gurley is going to go OFF on that D. Vikings are a good side but the Rams are on their way up.

Nellie2MCMASTER: This could be a great game, watching Adrian Peterson go up against the next great back in Todd Gurley. I think Gurley wins that battle, and that leads to the win. The Rams defense is awesome, and I think that could well be the difference. Nick Foles is shaky at best, but I still think Rams by two scores.

Redskins @ Patriots

TishPULLEN: Redskins? They still playing? I expect this game to be over at the end of the 1st quarter. Patriots to treat Washington the same way Dan Snyder (Washington Owner) treats those protesting his team’s name, with no respect whatsoever and whip them by 35+ points.

Nellie2MCMASTER: The only game being played here is how quickly the Pats can get to 40 points, and will they bother to get the 50 Burger. Pats by a mile. YOU LIKE THAT Kirk Cousins?!

Titans @ Saints

TishPULLEN: Saints riding high after an Offensive masterclass last week will roll over a floundering Titans who sacked their Head Coach this week and are in disarray. Saints put this one to bed early.

Nellie2MCMASTER: So Ken Whisenhunt is gone, no word on if Mariota is back playing this week, and in general the 1-6 Titans are in turmoil. On the other hand they are going up against a defense that conceded nearly 50 points last week (only saved by Tish’s Giants being even more woeful). I think Drew Brees wins this game for the Saints, and they take the match-up by three scores.

Jaguars @ Jets

TishPULLEN: A bouncing back Jax will be feeling confidentafter seeing an embarrassing Jets performance last week, the problem, the Jets had a great D who will have been soundly reprimanded by their defensive coaching staff and will be Jaguar hunting. Jets win.

Nellie2MCMASTER: I must admit, I’m developing a bit of a fondness for the Jags. Don’t get me wrong, they’re useless, but their push to grow the sport over hear endears them to me. On the other side of things, the Jets will have got the biggest rollicking of their lives after getting destroyed by the mighty Raiders last week, and will be looking to take it on someone. Jets win by a score.

Raiders @ Steelers

TishPULLEN: Pittsburgh reeling after the gruesome injury to poor Le’veon Bell and a Raiders side no longer the joke that they were, Silver and Black attack and beat the Steelers.

Nellie2MCMASTER: As a die-hard Raiders fan it killed me to pick against them the first time we did these articles, and I’ll be honest I’m concerned about going away to Pittsburgh this week. Our away form isn’t great, but the Steelers looked poor last week, and we did just destroy the #2 defense in the nation last week. Hello bandwagon, give me a second, I’m jumping on. Raiders win by 2 scores. #jinxed.

Falcons @ 49ers

TishPULLEN: Falcons/49ers? Toilet Bowl anyone? Falcons to scrape a meaningless win being battled between two meaningless teams. Plus 49ers cut Hynes and put him on practice squad, they don’t get the love at the moment.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Atlanta get to enjoy a little trip out to the West Coast this week, beast San Fran, then head home, it’s essentially a long weekend away. Blaine Gabbert isn’t gonna put up a fight. Falcons by four scores.

Giants @ Buccaneers

TishPULLEN: My Giants, my gallant, fantastic, NFC East leading Giants. Cruelly cheated by a very lucky Saints side who snuck the win in the last five seconds. Not this week, Eli rallies the troops and the D put on their big boy pants and dominate a Bucs side who just turn up and bumble along each Sunday. Giants win, GO BIG BLUE!!!

Nellie2MCMASTER: These teams are only separated by one game, yet New York tops their division, whilst Tampa is bottom of theirs. Believe when I say this speaks more for how bad the Giants’ division is than anything else. Last week’s lost will have hurt New York, and Tampa’s win last week behind a decent Jameis Winston will have buoyed them. It’s the kind of game Eli should win, but I think last week took too much out them. Tampa wins in the last quarter by a score.

Broncos @ Colts

TishPULLEN: Although Peyton “God-damn” Manning has struggled this year, the addition of Vernon Davies will give the Forehead a great target in the redzone. Colts, again, are a team in turmoil who haven’t lit it up of late. Peyton the the Donkeys with the win off the back of a very strong D.

Nellie2MCMASTER: Peyton coming home, Broncos D is Hall of Fame good, Colts struggling badly see’s this only go one way. Broncos by two scores.

Eagles @ Cowboys (Sunday Night Football)

TishPULLEN: Eagles-Cowboys? Can they both lose please? The Eagles experiment is still a season from fruition and having now seen what La’el Collins can do (you see the double block against the Seahawks?) I can see McFadden rumbling along behind that human bulldozer for strong yardage. Cowgirls grab the W.

Nellie2MCMASTER: No-one is a winner in this game, they are both brutal to watch, although La’el Collins is a personal favourite. Dallas are at home, so I think they win. Don’t watch this game if you like football!

Bears @ Chargers (Monday Night Football)

TishPULLEN: Only the 13 games this week? Wow, better make this one count. In the battle of the most hated QBs in the league (both talk trash and have THAT look about them) I am giving the edge to Cutler’s Bears. Alshon Jeffrey went off last week and in no small part to some great passes thrown by Jay. I haven’t seen the same from Rivers who has struggled with a poor supporting cast who are getting more and more damaged and banged up. Bears take it.

Nellie2MCMASTER: SD have placed half their skill position on IR this week, which in the most obvious statement ever, isn’t going to help their situation. It’s bottom of the AFC West (not the Raiders woohoo!!!) against the 2-5 Bears. Jay Cutler is gonna do what he does (play brilliant in spells, plays brutal in other), and that’ll keep the Chargers in the game. Go for it, Bolts by a score, I’ve talked myself into it.

Summary

Match Pullen McMaster
Browns @ Bengals (TNF) Bengals Bengals
Dolphins @ Bills Dolphins Bills
Packers @ Panthers Panthers Panthers
Rams @ Vikings Rams Rams
Redskins @ Patriots Patriots Patriots
Titans @ Saints Saints Saints
Jaguars @ Jets Jets Jets
Raiders @ Steelers Raiders Raiders
Falcons @ 49ers Falcons Falcons
Giants @ Buccaneers Giants Buccaneers
Broncos @ Colts Broncos Broncos
Eagles @ Cowboys (SNF) Cowboys Cowboys
Bears @ Chargers (MNF) Bears Chargers


Previous Results

Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6
Lineman of the Year John Rudgard 9-5 vs Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers 7-7

You can let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on.

Rudgard vs Villiers: The Results

03 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Features , , , ,

In our seventh Head to Head of the season Lineman of the Year John Rudgard took on Special Teams Coordinator Gary Villiers. Here’s how they got on…

Dolphins 7 Patriots 36

RUDGARD: I’ve been to Miami, and New England within the same holiday. I liked them both, both were hot, but that was summer, this is winter (kind of) so I think the Dolphins will be all like “ooooh this isn’t nice weather like where we’re from” that plus Tom Brady plays for the Patriots and I’ve heard he’s good…so Patriots to win.
Result: The big man gets off to a good start, possibly because of the weather. Who knows. 1-0.

logo_color_squareVILLIERS: Everybody loves Thursday Night Football right!? Except the coaches and players who have three days fewer to prepare maybe? The Dolphins were awful at Wembley and the Patriots are NFL royalty with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady showing how to win again and again. But new HC Dan Campbell has The ‘Fins full of confidence with Ryan Tannehill on fire. Surely there’s no chance of an upset but I say the Pats get deflated this week. Dolphins win, no really!
Result: Should have stopped at “surely there’s no chance of an upset”. 0-1.

Lions 10 Chiefs 45

RUDGARD: This should be close, both teams doing pretty rubbish, with the Lions having the edge on rubbishness this season slightly. However I see them being more at home in London (from what I remember from Robocop) so I’m going Lions to win.
Result: Not even close, Robocop and all. 1-1.

logo_color_squareVILLIERS: Everybody loves a home game at Wembley right!? See above. At least the Chiefs’ coaches recognise each other, whilst the Lions go into meltdown and wonder who will go next? Having said that, what does it say about The Chiefs when the kicker is the best player on offense? Looks like another Wembley classic. This week the Stafford and Johnson combo get it done for The Lions.
Result: This game couldn’t have been more of a blow-out, much to Coach v’s surprise. 0-2.

Buccaneers 23 Falcons 20

RUDGARD: This one’s easy, Falcons beat Houston and Houston beat Bucs…ergo Falcons to win. It’s pure science/maths…Next.
Result: Hard as it may be to believe, even science gets it wrong sometimes. 1-2.

logo_color_squareVILLIERS: The Falcons could well be off to another good start but, as is tradition, look like they are beginning to struggle with the excitement of a winning record, whilst the Bucs gave a lesson in how to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at Washington last week. They will be stung by throwing away a 24 point lead and giving up the winning score with 24 seconds left. Watch out for Doug Martin running the Falcons defense ragged. The Bucs to bounce back against their divisional rival. Buccaneers to win.
Result: Coach gets off the mark thanks to this surprising result in the NFC South. 1-2.

Cardinals 34 Browns 20

RUDGARD: Being confused as to why the Cardinals have a bird on their hats and not some sort of man of the cloth (like that team from Ipswich) I looked into it and found out it’s also a type of bird. Anyway I’m not sure why, but I’m backing Browns. They pushed the Broncos close recently, so maybe they’ll play well and win?!?!?! Go Browns.
Result: We’re not sure why you backed the Browns either John. 1-3.

logo_color_squareVILLIERS: Will Josh McCown be fit to lead The Browns or will be Johnny Manziel be steering the ship? Better a ship than a car…For Browns fans it seems like a rock and a hard place but The Cards secondary are licking their collective lips. Carson Palmer looks fit and strong safely behind the excellent Cardinals O Line and Chris Johnson is rushing for fun. Cardinals to win on the road.
Result: Never really in doubt, Coach is up to .500. 2-2.

49ers 6 Rams 27

RUDGARD: 13th century King of France has an NFL team named after him? And San Fran are named after the gold rush people of 1849? Anyway, I’m saying Rams gonna win, the SF defense looks a bit rubbish.
Result: The SF defense does indeed look “a bit rubbish”. 2-3.

logo_color_squareVILLIERS: Let’s face it, neither Colin Kaepernick or Nick Foles are NFL starting quality QBs. However, at least Foles has star (in the making) running back Todd Gurley who looks like one of the best rookies of 2015 with over 400 yards in 3 games whilst apparently not quite 100% fit! He also has the luxury of knowing that The Rams Defense will destroy The 49ers attack. Easy win for The Rams vs divisional rivals.
Result: It’s not just the SF defense that looks ropy. Imagine being told you’re being benched for Blaine Gabbert next week. Yeesh. 3-2.

Giants 49 Saints 52

RUDGARD: I’m not gonna lie, this is a tough one. Flip, I just don’t know…these guys aren’t good, but they aren’t rubbish either…9/11 was bad and Katrina was bad, but I saw on a Top Gear special how a lot of New Orleans still looks pretty rubbish, whereas New York is now all cleaned up…God bless all of those whom have suffered, but based on that I’m choosing the Saints.
Result: You can’t argue with a well thought out, constructed argument. 3-3.

logo_color_squareVILLIERS: Much depends on which Giants turn up this week. can you be “consistently inconsistent?” Maybe it’s to stop opposing teams scouting them?? Meanwhile, The Saints have won two straight and look like they are starting to get their season moving. Both Drew Brees and Eli Manning are quality with the ability to turn this game in their favour. The difference may well be Odell Beckham. Or maybe it will finally be a breakout game for CJ Spiller. It’s going to be close but The Giants have too much for The Saints.
Result: It was certainly close but Gary backed the wrong horse. 3-3.

Vikings 23 Bears 20

RUDGARD: A guy called “Adrian Peterson” plays for the Vikings, I saw him play once…He was good in that game and Wikipedia has told me he is regularly good. That on top of this season’s record the Vikings look the likely victors. For anyone that doesn’t know, the Bears also used to have a running back called Adrian Peterson. Vikings win.
Result: Wikipedia for the win! 4-3.

logo_color_squareVILLIERS: Apparently, The Vikings haven’t won at divisional rivals Chicago since 2007. With all the soldiers appearing to have abandoned the field this must be the year. The Bears Defense is just not good enough and giving up too many points. The Vikings with Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson are heading for the play-offs whilst The Bears will have an extended winter break. Vikings win.
Result: It may have only been by one score but the Bears’ miserable season continues. 4-3.

Chargers 26 Ravens 29

RUDGARD: San Diego, it’s the greatest city in the world. It’s a fact. Discovered by the Germans in 1904…I don’t know much about Baltimore, however due a to a recent post I saw on Facebook I did learn to distinguish between a Raven and a crow: look out for a larger, slightly downward curved beak on the Raven, and they also travel in pairs. These teams look a good match for each other. Looking through a lot of this season’s results, a lot of scores are very close, making win/loss records kind of unreliable as a predictor. Crumbs what a ramble…OK I’m going with the Ravens.
Result: Have no idea what is going on any more. 5-3.

logo_color_squareVILLIERS: The big question here is, “who cares?!” Two of the most disappointing teams in The AFC. The Ravens offering a lesson every week in how to “not quite win” and The Chargers totally unable to stop the rush and not great against the pass. This will be the Flacco and Forsett show as The Ravens finally nail it.
Result: If by “finally nail it” Gary meant “squeeze past by the skin of their teeth” then he got it spot on. He also moves to 5-3.

Bengals 16 Steelers 10

RUDGARD: Ooooh look at the Bengals being all unbeaten…but a few very close victories. Never the less, I’m ignoring what I said previously regarding league position as a predictor and I’m going with the unbeatens. Cincinnati is more fun to say also…
Result: Right for all the right reasons. 6-3.

logo_color_squareVILLIERS: One of the top games this week and a great AFC North divisional battle. The Bengals are off to an unbeaten start with Andy Dalton looking outstanding at the helm. Meanwhile, the Steelers must be relieved that they are still in with a chance of taking the division despite missing “Big” Ben Roethlisberger, mostly due to the quality of LeVeon Bell and Antonio Brown. The only way The Bengals can lose this week is if QB #1 Big Ben returns from his knee injury. Bad news Bengals fan, Steelers win.
Result: Nope. 5-4.

Titans 6 Texans 20

RUDGARD: Cripes, there are a lot of tough games to call here. I like this one because I know two players in it…Vince Wilfork: he bowls around in dungarees, a hat and boots (no t shirt/shirt) and gets bare lolz. And I also know JJ Watt, who a lot of people seem to like. I’m going with the Titans due to Houston’s unimaginative choice of the name “Texans”. Titans win.
Result: Wrong, but still for all the right reasons. 6-4.

logo_color_squareVILLIERS: Well both teams got beat up bad by a resurgent Dolphins and let’s face it, The AFC South is just awful. Somehow, the Texans coaches remain intact despite a poll in The Houston Chronicle that called for everyone to be sacked! The Titans have managed to lose 5 in a row but they do have rookie QB Marcus Mariota and may just be improving. Titans to nick it.
Result: Looks like the bubble might be bursting for Coach V. 5-5.

Jets 20 Raiders 34

RUDGARD: So the Jets jet off to Oakland to face the Raiders (at school this guy called Matthew Agrimi, aka “Gypsy”, got a rip-off NFL jacket with “LA Radars” written on the back, suffice to say he got rinsed for it). Jets look good, but I think Neale likes the Raiders so I’ll go with them. Raiders win.
Result: Correct, and sales in “LA Radars” merch goes through the roof. 7-4.

logo_color_squareVILLIERS: The Jets are having a good start and need a win to stay in touch with The Patriots. The Raiders are having an OK start but need a win to stay in touch with The Broncos. Lot’s of incentive for both teams with an eye on the play-offs. Jets may be without star RB Chris Ivory and Raiders’ RB Latavius Murray is due a big game. However, Ryan Fitzpatrick appears to have The Jets full of confidence and The Raiders have lost two at home so may feel the pressure? Tricky to call but I say Jets win.
Result: Uh-oh, Gary’s suddenly two games down with only three to play. John couldn’t could he? 5-6.

Seahawks 13 Cowboys 12

RUDGARD: I’ve heard that the Seahawks are called the Legion of Boom, like those wrestlers from WWF “Animal” and “Hawk”?!? My mate liked them, me not so much…sounds scary but they’ve lost a few already. All talk no trousers. Cowboys win.
Result: As much as I wanted this to be right, Big John’s momentum has been halted. 7-5.

logo_color_squareVILLIERS: The Cowboys are in free fall and have no QB capable of playing in the NFL let alone taking on The Seahawks defense. The Hawks are in “must win” mode and Russell Wilson will enjoy playing against a defense giving up 26 points per game. It will be all out attack and brutal. Seahawks win.
Result: The Cowboys D conceded half the points they usually do, but unfortunately their O couldn’t step up. Coach is back in it at 6-6. It all comes fown to Sunday Night Football…

Packers 10 Broncos 29

RUDGARD: Hot dang, big “bragging rights” to play for here as two unbeatens clash. Ever since the Broncos were ridiculed on the Simpsons, they’ve made it their mission to clear their name as a rubbish team, and they seem to be doing just dandy. So I’m going with them, I want them to win…that can make a difference if we all do it. I saw Uri Gellar do it once on “This Morning”, and some plonker rang in saying his TV started levitating…
Result: The power of positive thought has done it for John! 8-5 and an unassailable lead heading into MNF..!

logo_color_squareVILLIERS: Two unbeaten teams in a massive “Game of the Week!” Aaron Rodgers vs Peyton Manning in a QB battle that may well be a Super Bowl preview!? The Broncos are really tough to beat at home and have won their last 10. The Packers are pretty average away from Green Bay despite their hordes of travelling fans. The difference will be whether Manning can eliminate the recent mental errors that have seen him throw more interceptions than you’d expect from a top QB. Rodgers is a machine. Packers to spoil The Bronco’s home record.
Result: Green Bay clearly didn’t get the memo about how bad Peyton is supposed to be this year. Either that or the Denver D is really that good. In any event, Coach slips to 6-7 and it’s game over.

Colts 26 Panthers 29

RUDGARD: “Colts” is a rubbish name for a team, it basically means a little boy horse. Panther – badass big black cat…Panthers to win.

Result: The badass big black cat takes the win, and John finishes 9-5.

logo_color_squareVILLIERS: Are Carolina, “the worst undefeated team” in the league? Is that actually an insult??? You can only beat what’s in front of you! They looked pretty good against The Seahawks…Colts QB Andrew Luck is top quality, one of the best. He has absolutely no offensive line which makes life difficult. Cam Newton has The Panthers full of belief and more than ready to beat The Colts. Plus, I will never forgive The Colts for sneaking out of Baltimore…I have a long memory. Panthers to go 7-0.
Result: The long memory no doubt helped keep it respectable. Coach finishes 7-7.

As a result of this week’s scores we’re now neck and neck between the Coaches/Staff and the Players, 61-42 to 61-42. Be sure to check back on Thursday for this week’s predictions.

Did any of this week’s results in the NFL surprise you? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet.

Previous Results

Wide Receiver Chris Cowley 6-10 vs Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster 6-10
Tight End Jack Judge 11-5 vs Head Coach Will White 13-3
Offensive Lineman Danny Cousins 8-7 vs Vice Chairman Mark Chilton 9-6
Running Back Matt Duffin 10-4 vs Running Back Coach Neil Duffy 10-4
Wide Receiver Jack Davis-Fletcher 6-8 vs Treasurer Michael Dilley 8-6
Offensive Lineman Jon Amokah 11-3 vs Youth Team Head Coach Nick Benning 8-6