The Athenaeum Forum

Cleveland Browns:“Report: Browns denying OC interview requests for Freddie Kitchens” (PFT) - “Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the team has gotten ‘several’ requests from teams that want to interview Kitchens to become their offensive coordinator.”“If the Cleveland Browns don’t hire Gregg Williams Greg Joseph Jersey Stitched , should the Cincinnati Bengals?” (Pluto) - “Assuming the Browns don’t want Williams as head coach, he should be at the top of the Bengals’ list. Even if he’s a quick-fix guy, the Bengals need that.”“Nothing riding on Dorsey’s coach search except everything” (C-T) - “The honeymoon continues for John Dorsey, and why shouldn’t it? After years of building nothing out of something, the Browns finally hired an architect with a clue.”“The Ravens’ big run plays vs the Browns defense: Browns Film Room” (WFNY) - “he Cleveland Browns finished up their 2018 season with a tough 26-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Yet, the season was a success to say the least.”“In the midst of Antonio Brown drama, Jarvis Landry starts recruiting Steelers rivals” (CBS) - “In the midst of all this, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry decided to step into the ring. So, that’s fun! Landry is seemingly always on his recruiting grind...”NFL:“The 2018 NFL All-Rookie Team” (PFF) - “Mayfield was named our Offensive and overall Rookie of the Year for his efforts in turning the Cleveland Browns franchise around after a 0-16 season a year ago.”“Mike Tomlin: Change coming after frustrating season” (NFL.com) - “Lost in the hoopla regarding Antonio Brown during Mike Tomlin’s press conference on Wednesday was the coach’s admission that changes will be blowing through Pittsburgh this winter.”“Domestic violence charge against Reuben Foster is dropped” (ESPN) - “The State Attorney’s Office in Florida has dropped a misdemeanor domestic violence charge against Washington Redskins linebacker Reuben Foster...” We sure have been waiting for this Thursday night showcase. Top overall draft pick Baker Mayfield vs. No. 3 selection Sam Darnold, a mano a mano between the rookie quarterbacks.Oh, wait. Mayfield is a bench jockey in Cleveland right now, while Darnold is winging touchdowns and interceptions for the Jets.Enthusiasm peaked after Darnold destroyed Detroit in New York's opener, then came to a near halt when he struggled against Miami. The Browns have a developing defense led by the NFL's No. 1 draft choice in 2017 Youth Chris Hubbard Jersey , Myles Garrett. If Darnold can stay upright and cool, New York could win.But that's hardly the history for the Jets. You know, just when things are looking up ...The Jets, ranked 21st in the AP Pro32, are 3-point underdogs to No. 26 Cleveland. That's the value of a field goal, or three extra points. Maybe in the Browns' case, we shouldn't go there considering what happened in New Orleans with all the flubbed kicks.Of course, they have a new kicker 鈥?and will get their first win of the century. Well, not quite that long.BROWNS, 17-16KNOCKOUT POOLYes, we survived with the Rams after the Saints let us down in Week 1. Can't ignore that huge spread in Minnesota, so the VIKINGS are the choice.No. 20 San Francisco (plus 6 1-2) at No. 4 Kansas CityThis line appears a bit low given the Niners' struggles at times with the lowly Lions. Like the Ma-HOME-s team here.BEST BET: CHIEFS, 31-20No. 18 Pittsburgh (minus 2) at No. 8 Tampa Bay Chris Hubbard Jersey Stitched , Monday nightObviously, the oddsmakers don't believe in FitzMagic. Against this leaky secondary and turnover-prone opponent, we do.UPSET SPECIAL: BUCS, 30-26No. 32 Buffalo (plus 17) at No. 3 MinnesotaBuffalo once was an even bigger underdog at 17陆 points vs. Miami in 1985. Dolphins won 28-0.FYI, 80 teams have been 16-point or more underdogs and, forgetting the spread, went 5-75 on the scoreboard.VIKINGS, 28-0No. 14 Los Angeles Chargers (plus 7) at No. 1 Los Angeles RamsRemember when La La Land had no NFL teams?RAMS, 22-17No. 17 Chicago (minus 6) at No. 31 ArizonaSome will tell you the desert has no team this year.BEARS, 12-10No. 24 Indianapolis (plus 6) at No. 7 PhiladelphiaLooks like Carson Wentz will be back for Eagles, but don't expect too much so soon.EAGLES, 23-19No. 15 New Orleans (plus 3) at No. 9 AtlantaSaints are struggling, Falcons are banged up. Key early NFC South matchup.SAINTS Youth Terrance Mitchell Jersey , 28-27No. 29 New York Giants (plus 6) at No. 28 HoustonNow Eli has to avoid J.J. and Jadeveon? SACK ALERT!!!TEXANS, 20-9No. 27 Oakland (plus 3) at No. 13 MiamiDolphins are one of league's most pleasant surprises and remain unbeaten.DOLPHINS, 24-17No. 10 Cincinnati (plus 3) at No. 12 CarolinaBengals are one of league's most pleasant surprises and don't remain unbeaten.PANTHERS, 22-20No. 6 Green Bay (minus 3) at No. 22 WashingtonWe now are sure even a hobbled A-Rod is an elite quarterback. But that secondary is woeful.PACKERS, 30-28No. 11 Denver (plus 5) at No. 16 BaltimoreReturn of the Orange Crush. This could be defensive gem.RAVENS, 17-16No. 19 Dallas (minus 1) at No. 25 SeattleCowboys can rush QB, Seahawks can't protect QB. Seems simple.COWBOYS, 18-6No. 5 New England (minus 6 1-2) at No. 30 DetroitWill Belichick go easy on former assistant Patricia in prime time? Doubtful.PATRIOTS 27-17No. 23 Tennessee (no line) at No. 2 JacksonvilleJust when we were ready to make Jags the BEST BET, there's no line.JAGUARS, 26-92018 RECORD:Last Week: Against spread (9-6). Straight up (9-6-1)Season Totals: Against spread (17-13-1). Straight up: (19-11-2)Best Bet: 1-1 against spread, 2-0 straight upUpset special: 1-1 against spread, 0-1-1 straight up