The Tribune

WHEN I committed myself to doing this weekly “pick-em” challenge I truly thought that I could be somewhat good at this.

I believed that my regular Sunday strategy of watching absolutely every NFL game possible would result in an impressive record this season.

My managing editor has taken time out to commend my rookie effort, constantly reminding me that I am, after all, competing with ‘experts’ that have been trusted to carry out this job for a number of seasons.

However, week-to-week most family and friends I come across find the need to tell me how horrible I have been this season. My weekly performances have been likened to the Miami Dolphins of the last 15 seasons and the Dallas Cowboys since Jimmy Johnson got fired - mediocre.

Nonetheless, I am resolute in my effort this season - 116-92 win-loss on the year - which is good in some circles.

As it stands I am three games behind Naughty, five behind Renaldo, and yes (specifically to the pump attendant at Shell) a whole eight games behind Sannie “The People’s Favourite” Brown.

Three weeks remaining and like all of the Patriots’ new running backs would be this weekend, I am simply trying to do my best in the shadows of all-time greats (yes, that was shades at my colleagues).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) @ St Louis Rams (5-8)

Two mid-card teams looking to finish the season strong enough to be considered upstart next year. There is no escaping the fact that Todd Gurley is a stud, nor is there of Jamis Winston being able to put up numbers in this league.

BUCCANEERS

New York Jets (8-5) @

Dallas Cowboys (4-9)

Dallas should look to tank the rest of the year to lock up a top-five draft pick, but they still have a legit chance to win this division. Record-wise, not talent-wise.

JETS

Chicago Bears (5-8) @

Minnesota Vikings (8-5)

So what should a team do after their trusted kicker blows two consecutive games for them. If that team is the Bears, they take a trip to Minnesota and pray that Adrian Peterson is not too angry. My mind is telling me that he’s definitely mad.

VIKINGS

Atlanta Falcons (6-7) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (5-8)

My pick this week is definitely a reaction to what each team showed me last week.

JAGUARS

Houston Texans (6-7) @ Indianapolis Colts (6-7)

At this point, I honestly don’t know who is starting for the Texans at quarterback while the Colts are truly not that good. It sucks that one of these teams has to win this division. Or do they? Keep an eye on those Jaguars.

HOUSTON

Arizona Cardinals (11-2) @ Philadelphia Eagles (6-7)

Arizona in playoff form.

CARDINALS

Carolina Panthers (13-0) @ New York Giants (6-7)

I know I shouldn’t do this but ... if I don’t risk anything I can’t gain anything

GIANTS

Tennessee Titans (3-10) @ New England Patriots (11-2)

I wish injuries weren’t a real issue, but they are. Moments like this are when a coach’s contribution is explained in detail. The last I checked the New England Patriots had the best in the league.

PATRIOTS

Buffalo Bills (6-7) @ Washington Redskins (6-7)

Kirk Cousins has disappointed this season. For that reason - and that reason only - I am going to rock with the guy this week. You like that?

REDSKINS

Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) @ Baltimore Ravens (4-9)

Kansas City is going for their seventh straight. I want to see that.

CHIEFS

Miami Dolphins (5-8) @ San Diego Chargers (3-10)

This game doesn’t matter, but it is week 15 and the Dolphins normally don’t play well in the late stages of the year.

CHARGERS

Cleveland Browns (3-10) @ Seattle Seahawks (8-5)

Seattle are definitely back in championship form.

SEAHAWKS

Green Bay Packers (9-4) @ Oakland Raiders (6-7)

Charles Woodson is playing his former team, and for that reason I think Aaron Rodgers is going to have a big day.

PACKERS

Denver Broncos (10-3) @ Pittsburg Steelers (8-5)

Is Peyton back yet? If he isn’t then keep your eyes on the sky. Ben is definitely going to break a couple of records.

STEELERS

Cincinnati Bengals (10-3) @ San Francisco 49ers (4-9)

Life after Andy Dalton starts now but Cincinnati still have enough talent to get through this one.

BENGALS

Detroit Lions (4-9) @ New Orleans Saints (5-8)

Someone should tell Drew Brees there is zero chance of them making the playoffs. Maybe then he could relax. SAINTS