Stripes

The tailgate energy is electric two hours out.

The Bills jumped to 2.5 point favorites today. Not sure why. Might just be the money coming in on them already.

Jay Morrison made everyone on Twitter puke by insinuating the Browning elevation was Burrow-related. But no. They did it this time last season too. Gets their guy a game check.

Yep, quite possible. They’d be the worst playoff team, so bring ‘em on.

Joe Burrow can clinch a division tomorrow. Joe Burrow can break out cigars tomorrow. I like our chances.

Pittsburgh blows

Alright. Optimally this gross PIT/BAL game ends in a tie. That's just as good as a BAL loss for us. But yanno.

Broncos teaser TD.

Denver made a huge play that was erased with a terrible OPI call, and then the Chiefs promptly scored. So frustrating.

Whatever happens, I have zero fear of this Chiefs defense.

The game is close due to two Chiefs turnovers. That'll likely have to continue. Denver's defense has looked baffled trying to deal with Mahomes.

It's entirely possible if the Bengals fail to win the AFC North. They'd be the 5-seed and probably play the wild card round in Jacksonville.

Like I was saying. Touchdown Denver. 10 - 6 Broncos

To nobody's surprise, Denver sucks.

Watson currently has a lower passer rating than Zach Wilson.

From the “who do you want the Bengals to face in the first round” perspective, I could also root for the Jets. I think they’d be the best 7-seed to host over the Dolphins or Patriots if the Bengals get the 2-seed (but all three should be favorable anyway).

That’s about it. I’ll also root for the Chargers I guess. I’d prefer they win out and take the 5-seed, so the Bengals avoid them in the first round.

Last postseason was the best thing about 2022. Only one way to top it in 2023.

Some Bengals veterans (e.g., Boyd and Mixon) have been making some blatant comments about the Bills defense to the media that aren't necessarily "insulting", but will clearly be taken as bulletin board material in the same way Brady's "fairly tough defense" was. I'm not necessarily mad about it. Just make sure you cash every check you write. I don't know to what extent (if any) it's deliberate, but I could see the Bills being an ideal team to challenge in this way. They're the ones stuck under the hump with something to prove, and it could be easier to get in their heads that way -- not all that different from the Palmer/Dalton Bengals sans the utter postseason failure.

They have made it clear from draft day onward that they value versatility, and that extends to the coaches and the gameplans. It’s another example if adaptability. I just hope it works. I like Prince vs. Rousseau a lot more than I would Prince vs. Von Miller.

I’ll reserve judgment about the Prince decision until I see him on the field. The coaches have had things right so far this season.

It’s just one random simulation they pulled out of 10,000. Certainly one that’ll earn clicks from Bengalia.

Probably a little gamesmanship to keep the Bills uncertain as they gameplan.

A little concerning.

1-seed hopes took a hit today. I think we were all looking at the KC @ LV game as the best chance for a Chiefs slip up. Well the Raiders benched Derek Carr, and it’s pretty hard to see Jarrett Stidham winning that game.