2025 NCAA 6-11
2025 NFL 8-16
2018-2025 NCAA 124-131-6
2018-2025 NFL 167-149-11
Cowboys +3.5 at Lions – Miss.
Virginia -4 vs Duke – Miss.
Jaguars +1.5 v Colts – HIT!
Rutgers basketball is on life alert. The team flat out does not have the talent to win games in the Big Ten, and truthfully would be a mid A10 team this year. As I am attempting to accept the #PortalKombat era, and Rutgers has 5 freshman 3 transfers, and 3 returners, I just find it hard to love. This is really my first year I feel I do not know this team. I’ve always loved that it felt the Rutgers teams love the University, and maybe this group does and will, but I just feel disconnected. I need the boys to bring it for forty minutes Saturday night at Seton Hall. I know this team will struggle in Big Ten play, but win this game and all else will be “whatever.” Seton Hall looks great man. They have a fun Jersey freshman too in Center Najai Hines out of Plainfield. I don’t like Hall, but I’m never a “hater.” If Rutgers ever decides to move on from Pikiell I’ve been saying Coach Sha is the #1 call. But all that being said Rutgers can come out of Saturday victorious. Rutgers is so streaky but they have shooters who will chuck it. They have Dylan Grant who pieces it all together. Ogbole has his shortcomings but he’s had moments where he controls the boards. Jamichael Davis isn’t that guy you look to do heavy lifting on scoring, but I’ve seen him hit timely 3s when Rutgers has needed it, and he ignites the team after with his press defense. The more talented team doesn’t always win, and while I’d prefer an actual offense being ran, we’ll need to rely instead on effort and grit. Go Knights.
Chargers +5.5 at Chiefs
In a non-context stat, give me the 4-1 team over the 1-4 team. The Chiefs have issues on the offensive line. They are down to their 3rd LT, and their starting RT is questionable trending to not playing. They also have no run game. The Chargers have their own issues but man they have talent in the RB and WR room. Justin Herbert is playing great ball and hasn’t thrown an interception vs the Chiefs since October 2023, where he also has thrown 21 touchdowns to 6 interceptions in his 10 games vs the Chiefs. Sure, KC won most of those, but they just seem to not have that winning touch at the moment in a matchup Herbert historically plays well. I don’t expect Herbert to go for 10 carries on 66 yards again, but between a healthy Omarion Hampton, and a shifty Kimani Vidal, I see the Chargers being balanced enough to keep KC on their heels. With the freezing temperatures, and the Chiefs A+ defense, I look for a low scorer here. Harrison Butker is kicking at 85% compared to Cameron Dicker’s 94% and little things like this will keep this a 3/4 point game.
Giants -2.5 v Commanders
I look at two bad teams here, but one feels they’ve quit, and the other is still competing. The Giants will start Jaxson Dart Sunday, and he’s going to be a star if he just learns to protect himself. He and the offense are scoring for the most part, but their defense is letting them down. Marcus Mariota has probably earned himself another contract with the Commanders, but this team and season is just off the rails, especially that defense. How do you let Nine and the Vikings throw up 31 on you, and not even score! It’s going to be cold at Metlife this Sunday and while statistically these two defenses are similar, give me the better run game of the Giants vs a team of quit and poor tackling in the Commanders. Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy are well rested, coming off a bye week, and don’t have much miles on them this season. Interim head coach Mike Kafka will need a convincing win if he wants any shot at keeping his job, and I think the team will play hard for him.
Steelers -3 v Dolphins
Am I putting too much stock in the weather on this pick? Probably! But cmon, we’ve seen time and time again the Dolphins freeze in the winter. The Steelers are knocking at a playoff birth and after last week’s win at Baltimore, I expect them to come out strong. Aaron Rodgers is experienced enough to know how to get his team going, and after two weeks ago embarrassment, him and the receivers had their best game. The Dolphins are hot right now and to their credit smacked the Bills, but Jets Saints and Commanders? You can only play who’s on your schedule and they did win but I’m not buying stock in their four game win streak. Devon Achane is a hellova running back, but I still view this defense, particularly run defense, soft. Steelers aren’t the greatest run team but between Warren and Gainwell they can wear teams out. I look for the Steelers to inch closer to the playoffs Monday night.
Power Rankings
- Rams (1)
- Broncos (3)
- Patriots (2)
- Packers (5)
- Texans (8)
- Niners (4)
- Seahawks (7)
- Chargers (13)
- Bills (10)
- Jaguars (12)
- Lions (18)
- Bears (6)
- Eagles (9)
- Steelers (21)
- Chiefs (15)
- Bengals (20)
- Panthers (17)
- Ravens (14)
- Dolphins (22)
- Cowboys (11)
- Bucs (19)
- Colts (16)
- Vikings (25)
- Falcons (24)
- Jets (23)
- Cardinals (26)
- Saints (30)
- Browns (27)
- Titans (32)
- Giants (29)
- Commanders (28)
- Raiders (31)
Thank you,
Goose
Kowal's Korner 
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