Cancer survivor Ron Rivera, and star WR Stefon Diggs put their team first.
Ron Rivera speaks out against COVID vaccine misinformation. pic.twitter.com/h8tWHHeHCN
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) August 16, 2021
Week Fourteen Picks
Winners in Bold
Dallas at Washington
Before the season began, Ron Rivera, in an effort to educate his players and assuage any concerns they might have regarding the COVID vaccine, brought in renowned immunologist Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett to speak with the team and answer any questions they might have. Rivera, a players’ coach, wanted what was best for the team. He was also likely motivated by the fact that he is a cancer survivor.
Despite Rivera’s and Dr. Corbett’s efforts, DE Montez Sweat decided not to get the vaccine. At the time, he stated, among other inanities, “I probably won’t get vaccinated until I get more facts and that stuff.”
What the actual fuck?!?
I guess a highly respected immunologist couldn’t provide enough “facts and stuff.” No, this is nothing but pure, childish, oppositional selfishness. He’s essentially saying, “I don’t want to, and you can’t make me.”
Washington stumbled to a 2-6 start while struggling through injuries and inconsistent play. Since their bye, they’ve won four straight, improving to 6-6, and placing themselves in the thick of the playoff hunt. Sweat, a talented defender, hasn’t played since Week 8, after suffering a broken jaw. The team was looking forward to getting him back on the field for this week’s huge matchup against bitter rival Dallas.
Of course, that won’t be happening. Montez Sweat has COVID.
Well, they’ve won four straight without him, so maybe they’re better off if the selfish asshole stays home.
Jacksonville at Tennessee
It’s been a strange season for Tennessee. Their powerhouse offense never materialized due to injuries. They’ve beaten the likes of Buffalo, the Rams, and KC, but have lost to the Jets and Houston. And yet, there they sit at 8-4, about to square off with the dreadful Jags. Because of Indianapolis’s brutal remaining schedule, Tennessee is probably going to hang on and win the division, after which, I expect that they’ll be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
Seattle at Houston
Russell Wilson looked much better in his previous start. Houston is Houston.
Las Vegas at KC
I’m sorely tempted to pick Vegas here, but Darren Waller is Out, and KC has some guys who can get pressure on Derek Carr.
NO at New York J
NO still has some injury issues on the OL, and Taysom Hill isn’t really a good option as a starting QB. Alvin Kamara is expected to play, and it will be interesting to see how he looks after being out for a while. New York might be able to keep this one close, and an upset wouldn’t surprise me.
Atlanta at Carolina
My Matt Ryan watch continues, as I hope that this will be his last season in Atlanta. It’s hard to know what to expect out of Carolina’s offense, but their defense can rush the passer, and that spells trouble for Ryan.
Baltimore at Cleveland
Last time these teams played each other, I picked Cleveland, thinking that their running game would batter the banged-up Baltimoreans into submission. In that game, Cleveland’s offense, particularly Baker Mayfield, laid an egg. This time around, Cleveland is at home, Baltimore is even more banged-up, and damn it all to hell, I feel the same way as I did last time.
New York G at Los Angeles Bolts
With Keenan Allen Out due to COVID, I’d be tempted to pick the G-Men. Except that the G-Men are starting a G-Man at QB, Mike Glennon. Glennon, I’m told, has a pulse.
Detroit at Denver
Detroit finally notched a W last week, so they must be feeling pretty good about themselves. They should try and hold on to that feeling.
San Francisco at Cincinnati
Last I checked, San Fran were slight favourites in this game, which is just unbelievably disrespectful to Cincy.
Buffalo at Tampa
A mere ten months ago, Buffalo played in the AFC Championship game, and looked poised to rule the AFC East for years with a young star QB, a stacked team, and the Pats’ dynasty seemingly over. This week, they face their old nemesis Tom Brady and the defending champs, in a game that could end with Buffalo sitting two games behind New England in the AFC East with only four games to play.
What happened?
Before the season began, Sean McDermott expressed frustration that some of his players, most notably Cole Beasley, were refusing to get vaccinated against COVID. McDermott, Stefon Diggs, and others tried to convince Beasley, but “Hillbilly Edelman” wouldn’t budge.
All season, Buffalo has been inconsistent, undisciplined, sloppy. Josh Allen has regressed back to his wild beginnings. McDermott is at his wits’ end.
If you ask me, I say Beasley has divided the team. They came close last season, and the expectation was that they would go harder in order to complete their mission this season. Beasley’s stubborn, selfish stupidity has been the catalyst of an undercurrent of disunity within the team.
Sunday Night
Chicago at Green Bay
Even a banged-up Green Bay squad should have little difficulty beating Chicago.
Monday Night
Los Angeles R at Arizona
Arizona won the first matchup between these two division rivals. Arizona looks like the real deal. LA looks suspect to me.
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