OK. I can understand why Santa didn’t bring me the new Mercedes-Benz I had on my list, it’s hard to get them in the sleigh. But I can’t understand why there were other items on my list Santa didn’t deliver, like the playoff spot the Ravens should have gotten last week. The Ravens were on the good list by beating the Jaguars but the Patriots, who are on the naughty list, didn’t beat the Dolphins. All we needed was for either the Browns, Colts, or Dolphins to lose combined with a Ravens win over the Jaguars which we knew would happen and we would have taken a playoff spot. Since the Browns, Colts, and Dolphins all won last week, nothing has changed this week, we still need one of them to lose and a Ravens win over the Giants to gain a playoff spot. This is were it gets hard and I mean really hard.

WARNING THE FOLLOWING IS NOT MEANT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!

We are rooting for the Steelers this week. I know…I know how can we be rooting for the Steelers? They play the Colts who we need to lose. May I suggest spiking our purple Kool-Aid with something strong like my favorite: several shots of Tito’s Vodka? Our only hope to ease the pain is for the Dolphins, who are playing the Raiders Saturday night 8:15, to lose so we won’t have to root for the Steelers like our lives depend on them winning. However, we will still need to root for them to give us a better seed. We just need to “suck it up” and do what’s best for the Ravens. If our Christmas list is answered this week, we won’t need to root for the Steelers next week. May I also suggest that immediately after the Steelers game you take a long hot shower to wash off Steeler stink?

Back to some normalcy, we are rooting against the Browns like we always do. Thank goodness! I would need more than vodka if had to root for the Steelers and the Browns in the same week.

Looking back at last week, the Ravens did what we all expected and crushed the Jaguars. All phases of the Ravens game played well. It was all topped off by Lamar smiling on the bench half way through the fourth quarter with QB Tyler Huntley under center for the Ravens getting some practice time against the Jaguars.

We play the New York Giants in Baltimore this week. The Giants are playing like a wounded animal fighting to win the NFC East. The Giants playing a backup QB lost to the Browns last week, but arguably played them better than we did two weeks ago. So don’t judge the Giants for their 5-9 record they are only one game behind Washington to win the NFC East. Also, the Giants may have their starting QB Daniel Jones playing against the Ravens. If Jones can’t play, Colt McCoy will start for the Giants. Even with Daniel Jones playing, the Giants have the second worst scoring offense in the league. The Ravens may be almost at full strength this week with only Jimmy Smith ruled out. Baltimore will continue to do their part for a playoff spot by winning on Sunday.

GO RAVENS!!!

Wildcard playoff update:

The three teams are in front of the Ravens, the Browns, Colts and Dolphins, all won last week. This leaves the Ravens still in the eighth seed: one spot outside of the wildcard playoffs.

The Dolphins play the Raiders in Las Vegas 8:15 Saturday night. Watch this game so we know how hard to root for the Steelers on Sunday.

The Browns play the Jets in New York 1:00 Sunday. The Jets got their first win of the season last week in LA so nothing is impossible.

The Colts play the Steelers in Pittsburgh 1:00 Sunday. Please see above for life saving instructions.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember don’t bet all the money you saved not buying gifts that you got to blame COVID for on my picks since they are for who we want to win to help the Ravens not who we think will win.

Friday / Christmas day

(11-4) Saints 52 over (6-9) Vikings 33
Both defenses took Christmas day off.

Saturday 1:00

(5-9) Lions over (9-5) Buccaneers
Don’t want to see Tom Brady in the playoffs.

Saturday 4:30

(8-6) Cardinals over (5-9) 49ers
Both NFC with Cardinals looking for a playoff spot.

Saturday 8:15

(7-7) Raiders over (9-5) Dolphins
This item on my Christmas list is stuck at the main post office waiting to be delivered.

Sunday 1:00

(9-5) Ravens over (5-9) Giants
Statistically the Giants defense is one of the harder defenses to score on. Having played teams in their division like Washington, Philadelphia, and Dallas who have a combined win total of 20 wins for the season, the Giants have note face any QB like Lamar. New York may have a good defense, but their offense is the second worst scoring offense in the NFL. Face that against the Ravens fourth hardest defense to score on. The Ravens defense will have another big QB sack game and Lamar, Mark Andrews and the Ravens offense will have a big game throwing the ball.

GO RAVENS!!!

(11-3) Steelers over (10-4) Colts
I had to override my computer’s auto correct since there was no way my written history would allow this to be correct. The last win the Steelers had was barely beating the Ravens who had two thirds of our starters in COVID protocol four weeks ago. Since them the Steelers have lost their last three games including losing to the Bengals last week. The bottom line is the Steelers stink and have very little chance of winning this game. But we always have hope especially this time of year.

(1-13) Jets over (10-4) Browns
Any given Sunday.

(3-10-1) Bengals over (9-4) Texans
With the Bengals it’s about the draft pick.

(13-1) Chiefs over (4-10) Falcons
If the Chiefs win, they lockup the AFC number one seed with it’s coveted bye week and eliminates the Steelers from getting it.

(1-13) Jaguars over (7-7) Bears
Don’t want the Jaguars to get the number one overall draft pick.

Sunday 4:00

(6-8) Washington over (4-10) Panthers
Keeping the high draft picks in the NFC.

(4-9-1) Eagles vs (5-9) Cowboys
Both NFC teams you pick’em

(9-5) Rams vs (10-4) Seahawks
Both NFC teams you pick’em

Sunday Night 8:00

(10-4) Titans over (11-3) Packers
This late in the season you throw your friends to the curb and say it’s nothing personal just football. We are rooting for the Titans to win the AFC East over the Colts. Since we lost to the Titans and beat the Colts we hold the head to head tie breaker against the Colts but not the Titans. After all, the Packers have clinched the NFC north and are getting greedy wanting the number one seed.

Monday Night 8:00

(6-8) Patriots over (11-3) Bills
Last week the Patriots were eliminated from the playoffs for the first time in way too long.

Enjoy the games knowing the vaccine is on the way and 2021 will be a lot better.

And that’s just The (virtual) View From 151.

GO Ravens!!!

Hollywood could not have written a better script. The Primetime Monday night game against the Browns had everything you want in a blockbuster movie. This game had it all, excitement, drama, struggles, pain, and most importantly a Ravens win. We can also add improvisation, as much as the coaches want to script the game beginning to end, Lamar just can’t be restrained within the confines of a script. Lamar was looking like the MVP of last season rushing for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns, throwing 11 for 17 with 1 passing touchdown. I don’t think the script had Lamar running for almost as many yards as he threw for. The climax of the movie was when Lamar was in the locker room getting an IV for cramps or for our conspiracy theorist visiting the little boys room, the Ravens backup QB Trace McSorley goes down writhing in pain with a knee injury. The whole football world was wondering who the hell will replace Trace? When suddenly Lamar burst out of the locker room and onto the field (of course wearing a superman cape) only to throw a what seemed for a thousand yard touchdown on a fourth and five play. It brought a tear to my eye, please pass the tissues. It was a beautiful thing to watch!

Oh, I almost forgot Justin Tucker’s 55 yard field goal to win the game. Justin is up for the supporting roll Oscar.

Even with a spectacular win over the Browns we are still on the outside looking into the playoffs. We did move up one spot to the eight seed thanks to the Colts beating the Raiders. The Ravens need help and here is the wildcard playoff picture.

The teams holding the three wildcard playoff spots are (9-4) Browns fifth seed, (9-4) Colts sixth seed, (8-5) Dolphins seventh seed. The Ravens need help to get a spot, one or more of these teams need to lose. At the very least we need the Dolphins to lose so the Ravens can take over the seventh spot. Of course this assumes the Ravens beat the Jaguars this week.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember don’t bet the eggnog money on my picks since they are who we want to win not who we think will win.

Thursday 8:00

(5-9) Chargers 30 over (7-7) Raiders 27

Saturday, yes Saturday NFL football! What a great excuse to your spouse explaining why all their gifts came from a gas station. You didn’t have time-there was Saturday football. They will understand.

Saturday 4:30

(10-3) Bills over (5-8) Broncos
We want the Bills to win the AFC East

Saturday 8:15

(10-3) Packers over (4-9) Panthers
GO PACK GO!

Sunday 1:00

(8-5) Ravens over (1-12) Jaguars
My mother taught me if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all. So I won’t say anything about the Jaguars and that they have the worst defense in the NFL and that their offense is the fifth worst. But, I can say nice things about the Ravens and how we may set a new record for team rushing yards in a single game. Currently the record of 423 rushing yards is held by the Giants in a game against the Baltimore Colts back in 1950. Maybe Baltimore can be on the other side of this record. I think the Ravens defense may have ended up on the cutting room floor of the movie last week, but they will be headlining on the marquee this week with four or five sacks.

GO RAVENS!!!

(6-7) Patriots over (8-5) Dolphins
With a Ravens win and a Dolphins loss, we take the seventh wildcard playoff spot.

(4-9) Texans over (9-4) Colts
If we win and the Colts and Dolphins lose we will be the sixth seed.

(4-9) Cowboys over (5-8) 49ers
This will keep Christmas wishes alive in Dallas and the Cowboys in the hunt to win the NFC East.

(6-7) Washington over (9-4) Seahawks
Washington is in first place of the NFC East

(6-7) Bears over (6-7) Vikings
Rooting against the Vikings

(4-9) Falcons over (8-5) Buccaneers
Rooting against Tom Brady

(9-4) Titans over (5-8) Lions
We want the Titans to win the AFC East over the Colts.

Sunday 4:00

(4-8-1) Eagles over (7-6) Cardinals
For our Eagle fan friends.

(0-13) Jets over (9-4) Rams
This years Christmas miracle.

(12-1) Chiefs over (10-3) Saints
The Chiefs currently hold the AFC one seed that comes with a bye week, we don’t want the Steelers to have that spot.

Sunday 8:00

(5-8) Giants over (9-4) Browns
If the Ravens win, Browns, Colts and Dolphins lose the Ravens will take the fifth seed.

Monday 8:00

(2-10-1) Bengals over (11-2) Steelers
Enough said!

Enjoy the games knowing the gas station is always a great fallback for Christmas shopping.

RIP Lorenzo Taliaferro

And that’s just The (Virtual) View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

The Dallas Cowboys were just what the doctor ordered to give the Ravens a booster shot of momentum to jump start their push for the playoffs. The Cowboys came into Baltimore as the worst run-stopping team in the NFL and it showed with the Ravens putting up almost three hundred yards rushing. It didn’t hurt that Mark Ingram and JK Dobbins were both back from COVID protocol. Gus Edwards had a one hundred and one yard game with Lamar adding a thirty seven yard touchdown run on a fourth and one play in the first quarter to set the tone of the game. While Lamar was not as sharp throwing the ball, he did connect with Marquise Brown in the corner of the end zone with a beautifully thrown pass that was indefensible by the Cowboy CB. This is what drives me a little bit crazy with Lamar: he can throw with pin point accuracy at times and other times badly overthrow our receivers or, even worse, throw the ball right into the dirt. The Ravens Defense had Brandon Williams and Calais Campbell back in the lineup but they both looked slow with an nonexistent pass rush giving Andy Dalton way to much time to throw the ball. Also, we were helped by the Cowboys kicker missing three field goal attempts, I hear the Ravens will be writing his game check this week.

We are back on our original schedule going to Cleveland for Monday night football. I have been holding my breath this week hoping there would not be any more positive COVID tests on the Ravens, especially after what happened with Dez Bryant getting pulled off the field Tuesday night.

Another must win game, if we want to make the playoffs, against the Browns who are playing their best football they have ever played. The Browns beat the Titans last week which is something we couldn’t do three weeks ago. Both the Ravens and Browns are run first teams, ranked first and second in the league. The Ravens must stop the Browns run game. With Brandon Williams and Calais Campbell not practicing this week but not listed on the injury report, it won’t be easy if they are not playing at full strength. If we can stop the Browns running game that puts pressure on Baker Mayfield who needs the run to set up the passing game. Lamar and the Ravens offense will need an “A” passing game since the Browns defense is healthy and is a top ten run stopping defense. But the match up to watch is our stable of healthy runners Ingram, Dobbins, Edwards, Hill and I even include Lamar in this group, against the Browns defense. The surprise of the week could be the play of our offensive line that may have the same formation of players for the second week in a row. It’s going to be another AFC North slug-fest that the Ravens will win.

Notes on the wildcard playoff picture, who is in front of the Ravens, and what we need to happen.

The four teams ahead of the Ravens (Browns, Colts, Dolphins, and Raiders) all won last week so no help there.

This week:

First and foremost the Ravens must beat the Browns. They are two games ahead of us, but with a win on Monday we would hold the head to head tie breaker.

The Chiefs need to beat the Dolphins (like that wasn’t going to happen anyway). The Chiefs are going to win the AFC West and won’t be in the wildcard picture.

The Colts and Raiders play this week and are both in the wildcard hunt making it interesting to call this game. The Raiders are the eight seed (Ravens are the ninth seed) one game out of the playoffs, the Colts are the seventh seed but the Ravens beat them in week eight so we hold the head to head tie breaker. So we are rooting for the Raiders and against the Colts. Plus one more thing to hurt your brain we don’t want the Colts to win the AFC South because that would make the Titans a wildcard team and they hold the tie breaker against the Ravens.

If the Ravens, Chiefs, and Raiders win this week the Ravens will be in the seventh and last seed. I think.

GO RAVENS!!!

Don’t bet your chance to get the COVID-19 Vaccine on my picks since they are who we want to win not who we think will win.

Thursday Night 8:00

(9-4) Rams 24 (6-7) Patriots 3
When was the last time New England had a losing record this late in the season? And that’s a good thing!

Sunday 1:00

(2-9-1) Bengals over (3-9) Cowboys
Dallas needs the better draft pick.

(6-6) Vikings over (7-5) Buccaneers
Both NFC teams

(6-6) Cardinals over (5-7) Giants
I became a Washington fan when they beat the Steelers last week.

(11-1) Chiefs over (8-4) Dolphins
See above

(8-4) Titans over (1-11) Jaguars
We need the Titans to win the AFC South

(4-8) Texans over (5-7) Bears
It’s about the draft picks

(4-8) Broncos over (4-8) Panthers
We want Denver in good shape to beat the Raiders in week 17.

Sunday 4:00

(0-12) Jets over (8-4) Seahawks
The Jets aren’t officially on the clock but it won’t be long.

(7-5) Raiders over (8-4) Colts
This is the game we are most interested in.

(5-7) Washington over (5-7) 49ers
Thanks Washington!

(10-2) Saints over (3-8-1) Eagles
Rooting for Washington to win the NFC East over the Eagles.

(3-9) Chargers over (4-8) Falcons

(9-3) Packers over (5-7) Lions

(9-3) Bills over (11-1) Steelers
As I have been saying all season the Steelers are not as good as their record. Thanks again Washington!

Monday Night 8:00

(7-5) Ravens over (9-3) Browns
The Ravens playoff run began last week with a win over the Cowboys. Now it’s time to squish the Browns like a bug on the stepping stone to the playoffs.

GO RAVENS!!!

Enjoy the games knowing this time next year we will be tailgating with friends and going to the games thanks to the vaccine.

And that’s just The (virtual) View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

It’s been a long week. After our Wednesday afternoon game of which I missed the opening kickoff thanks to work, I am driving home from work on Thursday in a mental fog and had to think what day it was. So after several minutes of deliberation in my head I decided it was Thursday and became energized that there would be a Thursday night football game on tonight. So as I slug through the evening I turn the game on around 9:30 and see that the game is Chiefs vs Buccaneers and it is half way through the second quarter and think wow this game is moving fast. As I am watching, something just didn’t fell right and then it dawned on me that this was a rebroadcast of last Sunday’s game. So, now this is really hurting my brain, what the hell.. wait.. then I realized the Ravens were scheduled to play the Cowboys Thursday night and that got postponed until Tuesday, I think. So please tell me what day is it?

At some point this week the Ravens, with what seemed to be the entire team out on COVID protocol, played the Steelers in Pittsburgh. As I have been saying all season the undefeated Steelers are just not that good! They barely beat us in Baltimore after we turned the ball over four times. Again on Wednesday (?) with hardly any Ravens starters on offense the Steelers needed to cheat to beat us. The Steelers definitely should have been flagged for delay of game just before the half. I could not have been more proud of our guys the way they played on Wednesday (I will never get used to saying that), with little to no practice, marched up and down the field against the Steelers defense and held their offense to nineteen points. So we need to chalk this one up to just another day in 2020, what ever day it was.

So we move on to Thursday night… no Sunday… no Tuesday, whats right Tuesday night at 8:00 (I think check your TV listings) in Baltimore. I know for sure the game is in Baltimore and we play the Dallas Cowboys. At this time I can’t tell you who will dress for the Ravens but I can tell you who ever plays they will be ready. The Ravens will get at least three days of practice and that’s all we should need against a Cowboys team that is banged up and only playing for a draft pick.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember don’t bet the rent on my picks since they are who we want to win not who I think will win.

Playoff picture notes:

The teams who are currently holding wildcard spots and are in front of the Ravens
Browns
Dolphins
Colts
Teams on the bubble and in front of the Ravens
Raiders

So we are rooting against the Browns, Dolphins, Colts, and Raiders

Thursday Night 8:00

Fill in the blank with what ever game you want to watch. May I suggest the Ravens 2000 or 2012 Super Bowl games?

Sunday 1:00

(8-3) Titans over (8-3) Browns
The Browns are imposters they have only beaten one team with a winning record.

(2-8-1) Bengals over (7-4) Dolphins
Rooting against the Dolphins.

(0-11) Jets over (6-5) Raiders
Rooting against the Raiders.

(4-7) Texan over (7-4) Colts
Rooting against the Colts.

(1-10) Jaguars over (5-6) Vikings
Rooting against the Vikings and for the AFC Jags to have a later draft pick.

(5-6) Bears over (4-7) Lions
Both NFC teams rooting for the home team.

(9-2) Saints over (4-7) Falcons
Rooting against Matt Ryan.

Sunday 4:00

(8-3) Seahawks over (4-7) Giants
We want the early draft picks in the NFC. BTW the Giants at 4-7 are in first place of the NFC East- chalk another one up to 2020.

(7-4) Rams over (6-5) Cardinals
Both NFC teams

(3-8) Chargers over (5-6) Patriots
The Patriots are only one playoff spot behind the Ravens.

(8-3) Packers over (3-7-1) Eagles
GO PACK GO!

Sunday 8:00

(4-7) Broncos over (10-1) Chiefs
Just because.

Monday 5:00

(4-7) Washington over (11-0) Steelers
Enough said.

Monday 8:00

(5-6) 49ers over (8-3) Bills
Rooting against the Bills.

Tuesday 8:00

(6-5) Ravens over (3-8) Cowboys
Between now and Tuesday so much could happen but in the last couple of days no news from the Ravens about any additional positive COVID cases. Trace McSorley could be our starting QB with RGIII put on IR this week and Lamar still on the COVID list. If Trace starts he will most likely have the full stable of running backs to carry the load. Although Trace didn’t look bad Wednesday night especially when he throw that 70 yard touchdown pass to Brown. The Ravens defense will be almost back to full strength with Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams back in the lineup, but Jimmy Smith may be out. We should have no problem beating the beleaguered Cowboys.

GO RAVENS!!!

Enjoy the games if you can figure out what day it is.

And that’s just the (Virtual) View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Although the traditions of past Thanksgivings may have been put on pause, we still have football….maybe.

It seems that every time I look at a news feed another Raven player has tested positive and will miss the game against the Steelers. The list of COVID positive players includes:

Offensive, O-linemen Patrick Mekeri and Matt Skura, Running backs JK Dobbins and Mark Ingram

Defensive, D-line Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams, Linebacker Pernell McPhee

Since we have almost one third of our starting lineup in COVID protocol the NFL has decided to move our game to Sunday at 1:15. So this gives the Ravens time to add even more players to the list and reduce our chances of beating the undefeated Steelers in Pittsburgh. One good thing about moving the game to Sunday, if the Ravens lose it won’t ruin our Thanksgiving day.

Look on the brighter side of COVID and what we are thankful for.

Thanks to COVID: You can watch hours of football guilt free because the State of Maryland won’t let you do anything else.
I am thankful for: Having the NFL in Baltimore.
Thanks to COVID: We can’t go to the games, but think of all the money we are saving.
I am Thankful for: I am not a Browns fan.
Thanks to COVID: No traffic jam on RT95 coming home from work on Wednesday.
I am thankful for: I am a Ravens fan, an organization that we can be proud of win or lose.
Thanks to COVID: I don’t need to clean the house, since only immediate family are coming to dinner and you really don’t need to clean for them.
I am thankful for : Being able to read the news paper about sports as a way to escape reality.
Thanks to COVID: Escaping reality it a necessity of life.
I am thankful for: Family and friends.
Thanks to COVID: Family and friends mean just that must more.

This is were I would normally talk about the up coming Ravens game but since I don’t have a clue who the Ravens are going to put on the field Sunday (hopefully) I am just going to sit back and enjoy the game no mater who plays or the out come. Because watching football any football is always better than alternative of not having any football to watch.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember don’t bet the money you saved on not buying Ravens tickets on my picks because they are who we want to win not who we think will win.

Thursday 12:30

(4-6) Lions over (3-7) Texans
Like I said bad football is better than no football at all.

Thursday 4:30

(3-7) Washington vs (3-7) Cowboys
(Ditto)
The winner of this game will have four wins and in first place of the NFC East. At least until Sunday when the Giants play.

Thanks to COVID: No Thursday night Ravens vs Steelers game. I guess we start watching the 24 hour loop of the movie A Christmas story.

Sunday 1:00 or 1:15 for the Raven vs Steelers

(6-4) RAVENS over (10-0) Steelers
I still say even though the Steelers are undefeated they are not that good. We Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda beaten the Steelers week eight. After turning the ball over four times they only beat us by four points. That being said I don’t have high expectations of winning this game, but I am going to watch and enjoy it DAMM IT!

(3-7) Giants over (2-7-1) Bengals
The Bengals starting QB Joe Burrows is out for the season with a knee injury.

(1-9) Jaguars over (7-3) Browns
I don’t want to talk about it!

(0-1) Jets over (6-4) Dolphins
With the Ravens at 6-4 I can’t believe we are needing the Jets to help us.

(6-4) Cardinals over (4-6) Patriots
NFC over AFC

(7-3) Colts over (7-3) Titans
The Ravens hold the tie breaker over the Colts.

(3-7) Chargers over (7-3) Bills
We need help from the Chargers too.

(3-7) Falcons over (6-4) Raiders
Rooting for Matt Ryan this week.

Sunday 4:00

(7-3) Rams over (4-6) 49ers
Both NFC teams

(8-2) Saints over (4-6) Broncos
NFC over AFC

(7-4) Buccaneers over (9-1) Chiefs
NFC over AFC

Sunday 8:00

(7-3) Packers over (5-5) Bears
This game should have been on Thursday.

Monday 8:00

(7-3) Seahawks over (3-6-1) Eagles
The Eagles need a early draft pick.

Enjoy the games socially distant so we can enjoy the games together next year

Happy Thanksgiving!

And that’s just The (virtual) View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

Since it’s Titan’s game day I won’t say a word about last Sunday Night’s devastating loss to New England.

I have to confess with the added worry, stress and changing restrictions of COVID I needed to look at the schedule to verify where the game was this week. So the Ravens face the Titans “in Baltimore” this week with a injury ridden line up. I don’t know if it is flashbacks or COVID induced hallucinations from last year’s playoff game, I keep seeing Derrick Henry running all over our Ravens defense. Both Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams will most likely miss today’s game cranking up the level of difficulty of stopping Henry and the Titans 5th ranked running game.

I have heard of Baseball pitchers getting the “yips” while not being able to throw a pitch across the plate, but I have never heard of a NFL center getting the yips and not being able to deliver a straight shot-gun snap. Well it happened to Matt Skura the last two weeks so he has been benched and Patrick Mekari will start at center this week. Mekari started several games last year when Skura was injured and play well enough to win every game Patrick started but one, the playoff game against the Titans.

More and more Ravens are either out with season ending injuries, including Nick Boyle who went down early last week with a knee or on the injury report list as doubtful. Nick will be replaced by a to be determined practice team player.

“Next man up” is the mantra of the week.

No matter who lines up today the game will be played and I will be watching from my couch with my fingers, arms, toes, and legs crossed no one else gets hurt and we win the game.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember save your Thanksgiving turkey money and don’t bet on my picks. They are who we want to win not who we think will win.

Thursday night 8:00

(7-3) Seahawks 28 (6-4) Cardinals 21
I have started a petition to start the night games at 6PM EST. Life is just too tough these days to stay up until midnight to see the end of the game.

Sunday 1:00

(6-3) RAVENS over (6-3) Titans
You will need to update your Ravens team rooster again, so you can look up the jersey numbers to identify the players on the field this week. Thank goodness number 8 Lamar will be on the field this week . The Ravens offense will be a work in progress with another rearranged O-line. Keep an eye on how Lamar sets up whether under center or in the shot-gun. Eighty percent of the snaps Lamar likes run the play from the shot-gun but with Mekari starting Lamar may need to be under center more often.

I know it seems like ages ago but, do you remember the second quarter of the Colts game (actually just two weeks ago) when the Ravens came out after the half and ran a very effective hurry up offense. Look for this again since the Titans may be able to dominate the time of possession by running the ball with Derrick Henry. We won’t have the luxury of executing our run first offense. Mark Andrews and Marquise Brown will need to step up and fight for this win.

Even though Ronnie Stanley, Tyre Phillips, and Nick Boyle are all out with injuries, we still have Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, and most of the offensive skill players starting today. This will be the difference in the game today.

GO RAVENS!!!

(1-8) Jaguars over (9-0) Steelers
Enough said.

(2-7) Washington over (2-6-1) Bengals
Washington fans desperately need something to be thankful for.

(3-5-1) Eagles over (6-3) Browns
It’s just downright embarrassing having the same record as the Browns.

(7-3) Saints over (3-6) Falcons
Drew Brees was put on IR this week with what was described as multiple upper body injuries including broken ribs and a collapsed lung. It’s hell getting old.

(2-7) Texans over (4-5) Patriots
I don’t want to talk about it.

Sunday 4:00

(0-9) Jets vs (2-7) Chargers
You pick’em, this game does not follow any of my rules for how it will help the Ravens. Also Jets fans are skipping Thanksgiving this year since they have nothing to be thankful for.

(3-6) Broncos over (6-3) Dolphins
Dolphins are in the Wildcard hunt.

(2-7) Cowboys over (4-5) Vikings
The Cowboys at 2-7 are technically only one game out of leading the NFC East.

(7-3) Packers over (6-3) Colts
We are back rooting for the Pack.

Sunday Night 8:00

(8-1) Chiefs over (6-3) Raiders
While I have not given up hope that we could pass the Chiefs in the AFC standings, it’s more likely we will be competing against the Raiders for a Wildcard spot.

Monday Night 8:00

(6-3) Rams over (7-3) Buccaneers
Rooting against Tom Brady.

Bye week: 49ers, Bears, Bills, Giants

Enjoy the games being thankful we are not Browns fans.

And that’s just The (virtual) View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

I don’t know what they put in the Ravens Gatorade at halftime last week, but I want some. The ultimate tale of two halves, the difference between the first and second halves was like night and day. The Ravens offense came out in the first half looking sluggish and tired. But in the second half the offense took control of the game scoring seventeen unanswered points to win 24-10.

Lamar said in an interview on Tuesday that he thought the opposing defenses were picking up on the Ravens plays and were shouting them out before he would snap the ball. So to offset this the Ravens made halftime adjustments to go with a no huddle hurry up offense. It was great! Lamar looked comfortable and in command. By not letting the very good Colt’s defense get set for the play the Ravens were able to pass and run the ball at will. Scoring seventeen points in the second half. We may never find out what was in the Gatorade but what ever it was, it worked.

The defense also had something to do with the win holding the Colts to ten points and harassing Phillip Rivers the entire game. The defense continues to hold the number one spot in points allowed per game. Also last week was the first time Lamar has won a game after trailing at halftime.

Now we just need to keep this momentum going into the second half of the season.

This week’s challenge is going on the road to New England to play the Patriots on Sunday night. But the challenge isn’t as daunting as in seasons past, Tom Brady is in Tampa Bay now and the Patriots are in third place of the AFC East, with the only reason they are not in last place is because the Jets are 0-9.

On a side note, for those who don’t believe in jinxes, last week I kinda gave Tom Brady a compliment and the result was him getting crushed by the Saints 38-3. You can thank me later.

Cam Newton is now the Patriots quarterback. Cam is old and slow, definitely not like his younger days of running the ball like Lamar does now. Cam will be a sitting duck waiting to be annihilated by the Ravens pass rush. The Patriots have one of the worst scoring offenses in the NFL and they can again thank the Jets for the reason the Patriots don’t have the worst offense in the NFL. Since Cam can’t throw the ball, the Patriots will try to run which plays right into our defensive strength.

The Ravens number one run offense will be able to run all over the Patriots who are ranked 28th in stopping the run. And that’s just the way the Ravens like it, run the ball to control the clock.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember to save your beer money and don’t bet on my picks, since they are who we want to win to help the Ravens not who we think will win.

Thursday Night 8:00

(5-3) Colts over (6-2) Titans
We beat the Colts last week and the Colts will beat the Titans tonight.

Sunday 1:00

(2-6) Texans over (5-3) Browns
It would be nice to have more room between the Ravens and Browns.

(3-4-1) Eagles over (2-7) Giants
Both NFC teams wanting to keep the better draft picks in the NFC.

(1-7) Jaguars over (6-2) Packers
Again it’s about the draft pick.

(2-6) Washington over (3-5) Lions
Those poor fans in DC just need something to smile about, a quarterback, an offense, and a defense.

(3-6) Panthers over (6-3) Buccaneers
Back to rooting against Tom Brady

Sunday 4:00

(2-5-1) Bengals over (8-0) Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger should have been an actor or maybe a soccer player. Did you see Ben hobble to the locker room before the end the first half last week? Only to have him come out in the second half and play like there was nothing wrong. So this week the Steelers are reporting Roethlisberger is in COVID protocol. I don’t believe it for one minute. I would equate this to be like the Russians saying they have a COVID-19 vaccine 97% effective and is ready for distribution. Just don’t believe it!

(2-6) Chargers over (5-3) Dolphins
Another draft pick game.

(3-5) Broncos over (5-3) Raiders
Raiders could be competing against the Ravens for a wildcard payoff spot.

(5-3) Cardinals over (7-2) Bills
NFC over AFC

(6-2) Saints over (4-5) 49ers
Just a tip of the hat to the Saints for crushing Tom Brady last week.

(5-3) Rams over (6-2) Seahawks
Both NFC teams, rooting for the home team.

Sunday Night 8:00

(6-2) RAVENS over (3-5) Patriots
Mark Ingram should play this week after missing the last two games, bringing our running back corps to full strength. Even though Gus and JK have done a good job while Mark was out. We ran for 250 yards against the Steelers and predict running for more than 300 yards this week. Could it be possible to have three one hundred yard rushers? Calais Campbell may be out this week but the Patriots still won’t be able to run against our run defense. The Ravens will get their first ever regular season win in New England.

GO RAVENS!!!

Monday Night 8:00

(5-4) Bears over (3-5) Vikings
Just don’t like the Vikings.

Bye week: Jets, Chiefs, Cowboys, Falcons

Enjoy the games knowing all the wind this week blow your leaves into the neighbors yard, so no need to rake the leaves.

And that’s just The (virtual) View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

In football and in life adversity is inevitable, but injuries and COVID don’t have to keep us from achieving our intended goals. Even though we lost to the Steelers (and I say we lost to the Steelers because Steelers didn’t beat the Ravens), Ronnie Stanley is out for the remainder of the season with a broken ankle, and Marlon Humphrey tested positive for COVID putting himself along with seven other Ravens defensive players in quarantine, all that this adversity does is identify the challenge. As long as we know what we need to overcome, we can plan and conquer the adversity and achieve our goals.

I don’t mean to pile on, but we also lost Tyre Phillips for at least three weeks leaving the offensive line down two starters.

The goal remains the same: win the Super Bowl.

Next man up, or should I say next men up since we have several positions that will be or could be filled with players who have never started a NFL game. Except for Humphrey the other players in COVID protocol barring another positive test could play Sunday but will not have practiced all week. The coaching staff definitely didn’t get any sleep this week. The coaches need to have plans A through Z and maybe into the Greek alphabet (like the hurricane names) to be ready for the Colts on Sunday.

The Ravens go to Indianapolis to face the Colts defense that is ranked as one of the best in the NFL. But on the other hand, so were the Steelers defense and we saw how Gus and JK Dobbins ran all over them, and I might add even after our O-line lost Stanley and Phillips. This is a “gut check” game for Lamar after turning the ball over four times to the Steelers last week (again the Steelers didn’t beat the Ravens even with four turnovers they only won by four points) he needs to forget about last week and stick to the basics, protect the ball and control the clock. This should be plan “A”.

GO RAVENS!!!

Even though sports betting was approved in Maryland don’t bet on my picks, since they are for who we want to win to help the Ravens not who we think will win.

Thursday Night 8:00

Packers (6-2) 34 over 49ers (4-5) 17
No surprise here.

Sunday 1:00

RAVENS (5-2) over Colts (5-2)
In his first season with the Colts Phillip Rivers has found new life. Phillip Rivers is running a very good offense that benefits from the Colts even better good defense. This game comes down to how well Lamar bounces back from last week and how well the coaches have kept the Ravens players focused on the Colts and not all the distractions swirling around the team. As far as a prediction about this game you know I will always say the Ravens are going to win, but since we don’t have a clue about who is going to play and where they might line up, I say keep your Ravens team rooster handy because we are going to see jersey numbers we may not have seen before.

GO RAVENS!!!

Washington (2-5) over Giants (1-7)
Washington definitely needs this win for the country’s sake.

Bears (5-3) over Titans (5-2)
NFC over AFC
The Titans have the same record as the Ravens.

Lions (3-4) over Vikings (2-5)
Both NFC teams rooting against the Vikings.

Panthers (3-5) over Chiefs (7-1)
In 2020 anything is possible.

Texans (1-6) vs Jaguars (1-6)
You pick’em, both teams playing for a draft pick.

Seahawks (6-1) over Bills (6-2)
Bills have the same record as the Ravens.

Falcons (2-6) over Broncos (3-4)
NFC over AFC

Sunday 4:00

Chargers (2-5) over Raiders (4-3)
We could be competing against the Raiders for a wildcard playoff spot.

Cowboys (2-6) over Steelers (7-0)
I sure hope the Cowboys have a good plan.

Cardinals (5-2) over Dolphins (4-3)
NFC over AFC

Sunday Night 8:00

Saints (5-2) over Buccaneers (6-2)
Rooting against Tom Brady.

Monday night 8:00

Jets (0-8) over Patriots (2-5)
Interesting fact of the week: Both the 2-5 Chargers and 2-5 Patriots released long time quarterbacks Phillip Rivers and Tom Brady, while the teams they went to Colts and Buccaneers are 5-2 and 6-2. Just saying.

Bye week: Eagles, Rams, Browns, Bengals

With all the distractions in the world enjoy the games with focus and stick to the plan.

And that’s just The (virtual) View from 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

For what seems a lifetime ago it’s only been two weeks since we beat the Eagles in a game that was closer than it needed it to be. We let the Eagles score twice late in the fourth quarter but stopped them on a two point try when it counted to end the game. But we will always take that ugly win.

The Ravens will have four thousand fans in the stands of M&T Bank Stadium this week against the Steelers. A lottery was held for those tickets and I “won” the right to buy two. So what does a red blooded American, football loving father do during a pandemic? He sends his two daughters to do his bidding for him. I hope they appreciate the sacrifice it is to give up tickets to Ravens / Steelers.

Ravens / Steelers is a true rivalry, with the Steelers holding the win loss edge 25-23. We have won the last two games but this is a new season and Roethisberger is healthy and playing better than he has in years. While the Ravens have not been playing their best football they are 5-1 with our only loss to the Chiefs in Baltimore. We can’t afford another home loss which would mean going two games behind the Steelers in the AFC North. If we want to repeat as AFC North Champions it will require beating the Steelers on Sunday.

Under John Harbaugh we are 10-2 coming off a bye week. I can’t remember having the luxury of having a bye week directly before playing the Steelers. I sure hope the coaches have come up with a good game plan.

Even though it was a bye week, Eric DeCosta was hard at work. Eric traded a couple of draft picks to Minnesota for pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue, (it may take a week or two to learn how to correctly pronounce his name since I have heard it said several different ways) Eric also signed an extension with Ronnie Stanley, and signed Dez Bryant to the practice squad. Signing Dez may have been a surprise and could be a sign that our coaches don’t have confidence in our current cast of wide receivers.

Lamar and the Ravens offense will need to step up their game this week against a very good Steeler defense. Mark Ingram will most likely be out with an ankle sprain meaning Gus and JK Dobbins will be trying to crack open the NFL’s number one run defense. But let’s not put the full load on the running backs, the offensive line will need to play their best game not only in run blocking but to protect Lamar and give him time to throw down field to exploit the vulnerable Steelers secondary.

The Steelers defense may be number one in running yards allowed. On the other hand the Ravens are number one were it really counts-in points allowed. Adding Yannick Ngakoue to our defense will be huge but he may not be able to help much this week. Keep track of #91 for how many plays Yannick is in and if he can get to Roethlisberger.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember, save your money for extra trick or treat candy and don’t bet on my picks, they are not who we think will win but who we want to win to help the Ravens.

Thursday night 8:00

3-5 Panthers 27 over 2-6 Falcons 24
We were rooting for the Falcons to lose so they get a better draft pick to replace Matt Ryan.

Sunday 1:00

5-1 RAVENS over 6-0 Steelers
The bye week gave the coaches more time to scheme up game plans to beat the Steelers. With Ingram out, look for screen plays to Dobbins to take advantage of his speed around the edge and up field. Blitzburg is back, the Steelers have blitzed the QB the second most times in the NFL following the Ravens who have blitzed the most this season. Lamar will need to get rid of the ball quickly to avoid the Steelers pass rush. Mark Andrews will have a big day crossing the middle of the Steelers defense who lost their starting LB Devin Bush to a season ending knee injury. We need to mix things up on offense with a balance of run pass plays to control the ball and keep Roethlisberger off the field.

Getting to Roethlisberger has not been easy this season since he has converted from a down field thrower to a dink and dunk quick passer targeting receivers who can gain yards after the catch. Keeping the Steelers offense off the field is also not an easy task since they are ranked number one in time of possession. Our defense is up to the challenge. I say at least three Roethlisberger sacks.

GO RAVENS!!!

3-3 Raiders over 5-2 Browns
Rooting against the Browns.

1-5-1 Bengals over 5-1 Titans
Rooting for the Bengals to beat the Titans.

5-2 Rams over 3-3 Dolphins
NFC over AFC

0-7 Jets over 6-1 Chiefs
Any given Sunday!

5-1 Packers over 1-5 Vikings
It’s all about keeping the early draft picks in the NFC.

3-3 Lions over 4-2 Colts
We play the Colts next week. By the way, this was going to be our road trip game to see the Ravens in Indy. Thanks COVID.

2-4 Patriots over 5-2 Bills
And the Patriots thought they didn’t need Tom Brady any more.

Sunday 4:00

2-4 Broncos vs 2-4 Chargers
You pick’em

4-3 49ers vs 5-1 Seahawks
This is the game to watch after the Ravens beat the Steelers.

4-2 Saints vs 5-2 Bears
Both NFC teams you pick’em.

Sunday 8:00

2-4-1 Eagles vs 2-5 Cowboys
With a record of 2-4-1 the Eagles are in first place of the NFC East-what a powerhouse division.

Monday 8:00

5-2 Buccaneers over 1-6 Giants
Just trying to keep the early draft picks in the NFC.

Bye week Washington, Cardinals, Jaguars, Texans

Enjoy the games with a friendly ghost or goblin. Happy Halloween!

And that’s just The (virtual) View from 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

After getting sacked seven times last week, the number one overall pick of this year’s draft, Bengals QB Joe Burrows seemed like he just finished an eighteen round prize fight against Mike Tyson. During Burrows Zoom interview after the game he seemed dazed and confused failing to answering questions like “Do you know where you are right now?”. Joe may have not known what hit him but we sure did, it was the Ravens number one ranked defense (in points allowed). By the fourth quarter I was rooting for a shutout but the Bengals were able to muster a field goal during trash time with several Ravens defensive second stringers playing.

While our Defense looked in mid season form, Lamar and our Offense looked like they were still in preseason. I have heard several conspiracy theories that the Ravens are just toying with the other teams while we shuffle our offensive line to see what the best combination is. We are preparing for the real season to start against teams like Steelers, Patriots, Colts, and Titans. No matter which theory you gravitate toward, Lamar and the receivers need to sync up and complete some passes! We have not looked sharp, with dropped passes and balls thrown into the dirt. The running game has not looked as dominant as last year. The running-back- by-committee may keep our backs fresh but it does not allow any one of them to get into a rhythm. I don’t think we’ve had a one hundred yard rusher this year and for a team that set the NFL record for rushing yards in a season last year, that’s not a good thing.

This week the preseason continues. The Ravens travel up 95 to Philly to face the 1-3-1 Eagles. It is conceivable that three teams from our AFC North division could make the playoffs with no team from the NFC East deserving to be in the playoffs. This season the Ravens and our AFC North division play the NFC East division including the Eagles, Giants, Cowboys, and Washington who have a combined record of 4-15-1. So while the rest of the league didn’t get any preseason games we get to play the NFC East which is basically the same as having a preseason schedule.

The Eagles QB Carson Wentz is a fifth year veteran who is playing like a rookie and you know what our defense likes to do to rookies. Wentz averages getting sacked 5 times and throws 2 interceptions per game. It is not all Wentz’s fault, he has an O-line made of Swiss cheese in front of him. On the other hand the Eagles have a very good defensive front line who can cause problems for our O-line. So look for Lamar to get back to last year’s form scrambling and running the ball. And that’s a good thing.

GO RAVENS!!!

NOTE: Technically the blog is not late this week since, for COVID reasons above my pay grade we did not have a Thursday night game.

Remember don’t bet on my picks since they are who we want to win to help the Ravens not who we think will win. Save your money to pay somebody to rake your leaves, so you don’t miss any of the games.

Thursday night
Postponed due to some sort of COVID reason.

Sunday 1:00

4-1 RAVENS over 1-3-1 Eagles.
Lamar and the offense need to be in mid season form against the Eagles defense who is very good at getting to the quarterback. The Eagles give up a ton of points averaging 29 per game. So look for Lamar, while on the run to throw over the Eagles D-line to Andrews and Boyle across the middle. Time of possession will be big in this game to keep our defense fresh to go after Carson Wentz and force turnovers. Can you say pick-6? On defense the Ravens may even score twice. Plus we just want to beat the Eagles since they didn’t beat the Steelers last week like we wanted then to do.

This will be the last preseason game. Next week is our COVID rescheduled bye week them we have the Steelers in Baltimore week 8 our original bye week.

GO RAVENS!!!

4-1 Browns over 4-0 Steelers
This pick is based on a advanced math equation that has the Steelers undefeated with a better record than us, and the Browns with the same record as us but we hold the tie breaker since we beat them week 1. So hold your nose and root for the Browns.
Side note: Both the two undefeated teams in the AFC Steelers and Titans have only played 4 games due to COVID rescheduling. Weird…. I sense a conspiracy brewing.

3-2 Colts over 1-3-1 Bengals
There’s no way we could root for both the Browns and Bengals in the same week. We will beat the Colts week 9 in Indianapolis to hold the tie breaker.

1-3 Broncos over 2-2 Patriots
No conspiracy here, just a little cheating.

1-4 Texans over 4-0 Titans
The Titans had several players with COVID, they must be on the same steroids that Trump received, because they looked unbeatable last Tuesday night.

1-4 Washington over 0-5 Giants
The Washington DC area needs a positive distraction from all the mess that is going on down there.

0-5 Falcons vs 1-4 Vikings
Both NFC teams so you pick’em.
This is a league of the haves and the have nots. This is a game of the have nots.

1-3 Lions over 1-4 Jaguars
NFC over AFC
Another have not game.

3-2 Panthers over 4-1 Bears
Both NFC teams
Rooting for the home team.

Sunday 4:00

2-3 Dolphins over 0-5 Jets
OK I’m breaking my own rule rooting not to have the number one pick of the draft in the AFC. But I can’t think of a better town than New York City to have two winless teams Jets and Giants.

4-0 Packers over 3-2 Buccaneers
Tom Brady has three wins and that’s three too many. GO PACK GO!

Sunday night 8:00

2-3 49ers over 4-1 Rams
Both NFC teams you pick’em

Monday (Evening?) 5:00
Caulk another one up to the year 2020-a Monday game at 5:00 PM.

4-1 Bills over 4-1 Chiefs
This was a tough pick, but since the Chiefs hold the tie breaker over the Ravens buy beating us week 4.
Don’t work late on Monday (on second thought don’t go to work at all) this is a special occasion that may never happen again in our life time. A 5:00 PM game that just doesn’t happen! A Monday game that we won’t fall asleep on. A prime time game worth watching. A prime time game that doesn’t have the Steelers playing in it. This is a gift from the football gods, don’t waste it.

Monday Night 8:00

2-3 Cowboys over 3-2 Cardinals
Both NFC teams
The Cowboys starting QB Dak Prescott broke his ankle last week and will be out for the remainder of the season. So up from the ashes raises QB Andy Dalton to start for the Cowboys. We play the Cowboys week 13 in Baltimore. I hate to think about how many times Andy Dalton, while playing for the Bengals, has come to Baltimore in a meaningful game and beaten us.

Bye week: Seahawks, Chargers, Saints, Raiders (The Raiders deserve a week off after beating the Chiefs for us last week)

Enjoy the games with someone who isn’t reminding you that the leaves still needed to be raked.

And that’s just The (Virtual) View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!