Your Saturday Afternoon NFL Football Open Thread

Ok, first thing. Today I read that Keith Richards is turning 80 on Monday and the Stones are touring next summer. Has a tour ever been canceled because a band member died of old age? Ok, second thing. This post will cover off both the 1pm (EST) and 4 o’clock fixtures because I’m a lazy, cranky monkey.

You know, I’ve railed against the NFL sked makers plenty of times this year but happenstance makes them shine bright today. All tilts feature +.500 teams that, naturally, are all jockeying for playoff spots. Well done, gods of coincidence!

To The Games!

Vikes/Bengals:

-This would be the second of three straight prime time games featuring dueling backup QB’s. This is the state of the NFL-not exactly the most desired outcome. Depending on your perspective the football being played is either interesting or wretched. I tend to lean towards the former in principle and the latter in reality.

-That said, many kudos to The Poet for being the scrappiest (in the best sense of the word) fella and keeping the dreams of Cincy fans alive. When I first saw him play I noticed that he didn’t have a dinky arm so the long ball to Chase could still be a part of the game plan.

-Have Boyd and Higgins just quit? Did you know that the last time Tee was targeted in the end zone was week 2?!. Seems like the coaching staff has quit on him as well.

-Nick “Rockabye” Mullens will start for the 18th time in his illustrious white bread career after directing the Vikes only scoring drive last week.

-Someone Auditioning for Next Year?: Chase Brown has had 20 carries the last two games, averaging 8.3 yards per. He seems to have the juice in his legs that Mojo now lacks.

Steelers/Colts:

-Another game between two 7-6 teams with a lot riding on the outcome? I’ll take it, thankyouverymuch.

-It’s Truth Biscuit vs Minshewmania, A Fight To The Dearth! (of talent) God, I love me a bad pun.

-For a team that needs a strong ground game to make the entire O function, Indy has come up short, averaging less than 80 yards in 4 of their last 6. I just don’t understand how they’re doing anything to be in a playoff spot, really.

-That Voodoo That Tomlin Do: Pitt has won the last eight games in this series.

-Key To Recent Success?: Minshew will be the 5th backup QB that the Steelers have played in the last seven games.

Feel free to waste your afternoon in the comment section!