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Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina Gamecocks can’t seem to catch a break. After a devastating loss to Tennessee, the coach who had a quip about everything if you put a microphone in his face had nothing to say. After 41 seconds at the podium, Spurrier was dejected and looked like a man who was beaten.

In all of the years of covering football, I have never seen the former Gator great in this condition.

For most coaches, losing is part of the equation. For this coach, it is the exception. What it means for him and the future of the South Carolina football program remains to be seen.

Just because a team has a losing record, it does not necessarily mean the coach is as bad as the team’s record.

As we all know, college football is in many ways cyclic. Every season there are teams that fall below expectations only rise above in a season or two. Here are six teams that have great coaches but the program’s record does not reflect it.

Butch Jones – Tennessee

Sooner or later, the Volunteers are going to bring Rocky Top to a fever pitch again. Jones was the hot coach before the season who was going to bring the Tennessee program back to prominence. Jones is the hottest thing to be on campus since Phil Fulmer was winning national titles back in the early 2000s. The Volunteers are a team on the rise for sue and should be an SEC Championship contender soon.

Charlie Strong – Texas

Do you think Charlie Strong knew things might be a little tough when he left the confines of the Louisville Cardinals confines for Austin to replace a legend in Mack Brown?

It all started with the loss of quarterback David Ash and has been a roller coaster he been on since. Strong is an innovator on defense and as he settles in at Texas, things will be better. There are kinder days ahead.

Steve Spurrier – South Carolina

Spurrier? Yes, the Ol’ Ball Coach. At the beginning of the season, the Gamecocks were one of the favorites to win the SEC East and possibly an SEC title. Now, Spurrier will be happy is he earns a post season bowl game. It’s a good thing those rumors about Spurrier returning to Florida have been put to rest.

Frank Beamer – Virginia Tech

It used to be that if you put together a list of great coaches in college football, Frank Beamer’s name would be amongst the best. These days, his Hokies have fallen on hard times. Logan Thomas is gone behind center and the defensive secondary is not what it used to be.

Larry Fedora – North Carolina

At the beginning of the year, Fedora was thought to be a coach in waiting. I thought he might be the next head coach at Florida. The Tar Heels program has been solid over the years, but after the game against Miami, where the Hurricanes running back Duke Johnson tore up the defense, it looks as though this team is mediocre at best.

Bret Bielema – Arkansas

There is something about the Razorbacks that makes up feel the light will go on pretty soon in Bielema’s program. The team is much improved from last season and have played the best (Mississippi State and Alabama) close and looks to be a team opponents will certainly fear in 2015.

Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina Gamecocks can’t seem to catch a break. After a devastating loss to Tennessee, the coach who had a quip about everything if you put a microphone in his face had nothing to say. After 41 seconds at the podium, Spurrier was dejected and looked like a man who was beaten.

In all of the years of covering football, I have never seen the former Gator great in this condition.

For most coaches, losing is part of the equation. For this coach, it is the exception. What it means for him and the future of the South Carolina football program remains to be seen.

Just because a team has a losing record, it does not necessarily mean the coach is as bad as the team’s record.

As we all know, college football is in many ways cyclic. Every season there are teams that fall below expectations only rise above in a season or two. Here are six teams that have great coaches but the program’s record does not reflect it.

Butch Jones – Tennessee

Sooner or later, the Volunteers are going to bring Rocky Top to a fever pitch again. Jones was the hot coach before the season who was going to bring the Tennessee program back to prominence. Jones is the hottest thing to be on campus since Phil Fulmer was winning national titles back in the early 2000s. The Volunteers are a team on the rise for sue and should be an SEC Championship contender soon.

Charlie Strong – Texas

Do you think Charlie Strong knew things might be a little tough when he left the confines of the Louisville Cardinals confines for Austin to replace a legend in Mack Brown?

It all started with the loss of quarterback David Ash and has been a roller coaster he been on since. Strong is an innovator on defense and as he settles in at Texas, things will be better. There are kinder days ahead.

Steve Spurrier – South Carolina

Spurrier? Yes, the Ol’ Ball Coach. At the beginning of the season, the Gamecocks were one of the favorites to win the SEC East and possibly an SEC title. Now, Spurrier will be happy is he earns a post season bowl game. It’s a good thing those rumors about Spurrier returning to Florida have been put to rest.

Frank Beamer – Virginia Tech

It used to be that if you put together a list of great coaches in college football, Frank Beamer’s name would be amongst the best. These days, his Hokies have fallen on hard times. Logan Thomas is gone behind center and the defensive secondary is not what it used to be.

Larry Fedora – North Carolina

At the beginning of the year, Fedora was thought to be a coach in waiting. I thought he might be the next head coach at Florida. The Tar Heels program has been solid over the years, but after the game against Miami, where the Hurricanes running back Duke Johnson tore up the defense, it looks as though this team is mediocre at best.

Bret Bielema – Arkansas

There is something about the Razorbacks that makes up feel the light will go on pretty soon in Bielema’s program. The team is much improved from last season and have played the best (Mississippi State and Alabama) close and looks to be a team opponents will certainly fear in 2015.

Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina Gamecocks can’t seem to catch a break. After a devastating loss to Tennessee, the coach who had a quip about everything if you put a microphone in his face had nothing to say. After 41 seconds at the podium, Spurrier was dejected and looked like a man who was beaten.

In all of the years of covering football, I have never seen the former Gator great in this condition.

For most coaches, losing is part of the equation. For this coach, it is the exception. What it means for him and the future of the South Carolina football program remains to be seen.

Just because a team has a losing record, it does not necessarily mean the coach is as bad as the team’s record.

As we all know, college football is in many ways cyclic. Every season there are teams that fall below expectations only rise above in a season or two. Here are six teams that have great coaches but the program’s record does not reflect it.

Butch Jones – Tennessee

Sooner or later, the Volunteers are going to bring Rocky Top to a fever pitch again. Jones was the hot coach before the season who was going to bring the Tennessee program back to prominence. Jones is the hottest thing to be on campus since Phil Fulmer was winning national titles back in the early 2000s. The Volunteers are a team on the rise for sue and should be an SEC Championship contender soon.

Charlie Strong – Texas

Do you think Charlie Strong knew things might be a little tough when he left the confines of the Louisville Cardinals confines for Austin to replace a legend in Mack Brown?

It all started with the loss of quarterback David Ash and has been a roller coaster he been on since. Strong is an innovator on defense and as he settles in at Texas, things will be better. There are kinder days ahead.

Steve Spurrier – South Carolina

Spurrier? Yes, the Ol’ Ball Coach. At the beginning of the season, the Gamecocks were one of the favorites to win the SEC East and possibly an SEC title. Now, Spurrier will be happy is he earns a post season bowl game. It’s a good thing those rumors about Spurrier returning to Florida have been put to rest.

Frank Beamer – Virginia Tech

It used to be that if you put together a list of great coaches in college football, Frank Beamer’s name would be amongst the best. These days, his Hokies have fallen on hard times. Logan Thomas is gone behind center and the defensive secondary is not what it used to be.

Larry Fedora – North Carolina

At the beginning of the year, Fedora was thought to be a coach in waiting. I thought he might be the next head coach at Florida. The Tar Heels program has been solid over the years, but after the game against Miami, where the Hurricanes running back Duke Johnson tore up the defense, it looks as though this team is mediocre at best.

Bret Bielema – Arkansas

There is something about the Razorbacks that makes up feel the light will go on pretty soon in Bielema’s program. The team is much improved from last season and have played the best (Mississippi State and Alabama) close and looks to be a team opponents will certainly fear in 2015.

Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina Gamecocks can’t seem to catch a break. After a devastating loss to Tennessee, the coach who had a quip about everything if you put a microphone in his face had nothing to say. After 41 seconds at the podium, Spurrier was dejected and looked like a man who was beaten.

In all of the years of covering football, I have never seen the former Gator great in this condition.

For most coaches, losing is part of the equation. For this coach, it is the exception. What it means for him and the future of the South Carolina football program remains to be seen.

Just because a team has a losing record, it does not necessarily mean the coach is as bad as the team’s record.

As we all know, college football is in many ways cyclic. Every season there are teams that fall below expectations only rise above in a season or two. Here are six teams that have great coaches but the program’s record does not reflect it.

Butch Jones – Tennessee

Sooner or later, the Volunteers are going to bring Rocky Top to a fever pitch again. Jones was the hot coach before the season who was going to bring the Tennessee program back to prominence. Jones is the hottest thing to be on campus since Phil Fulmer was winning national titles back in the early 2000s. The Volunteers are a team on the rise for sue and should be an SEC Championship contender soon.

Charlie Strong – Texas

Do you think Charlie Strong knew things might be a little tough when he left the confines of the Louisville Cardinals confines for Austin to replace a legend in Mack Brown?

It all started with the loss of quarterback David Ash and has been a roller coaster he been on since. Strong is an innovator on defense and as he settles in at Texas, things will be better. There are kinder days ahead.

Steve Spurrier – South Carolina

Spurrier? Yes, the Ol’ Ball Coach. At the beginning of the season, the Gamecocks were one of the favorites to win the SEC East and possibly an SEC title. Now, Spurrier will be happy is he earns a post season bowl game. It’s a good thing those rumors about Spurrier returning to Florida have been put to rest.

Frank Beamer – Virginia Tech

It used to be that if you put together a list of great coaches in college football, Frank Beamer’s name would be amongst the best. These days, his Hokies have fallen on hard times. Logan Thomas is gone behind center and the defensive secondary is not what it used to be.

Larry Fedora – North Carolina

At the beginning of the year, Fedora was thought to be a coach in waiting. I thought he might be the next head coach at Florida. The Tar Heels program has been solid over the years, but after the game against Miami, where the Hurricanes running back Duke Johnson tore up the defense, it looks as though this team is mediocre at best.

Bret Bielema – Arkansas

There is something about the Razorbacks that makes up feel the light will go on pretty soon in Bielema’s program. The team is much improved from last season and have played the best (Mississippi State and Alabama) close and looks to be a team opponents will certainly fear in 2015.

Welcome back to another week of the Great NFL Pigskin Pick 'Em. I know, you all are absolutely craving my wisdom and insight into the weekend's games and lord knows I'm more than happy to force it upon you! Of course I barely broke above even last week but that's just a minor detail. 

At least there were no ties last week, though I'm still smarting over a dumbfounding Browns loss, a bizarre loss in which the Seahawks looked completely unprepared for the Rams and the collapse by the Texans as they allowed the Stillers to rip off about 600 points in two minutes. I have to imagine the sharps in Vegas are taking it on the chin this year. 

What strangeness does week eight hold? Who knows! It's not out of the realm of possibility that there could be two permanent quarterback changes following this week, another fired head coach, and I might even completely turn on my buddy Jay Cutler. Weird times these days.

So let's get to it, maybe this is the week things in the NFL, and my picks, finally settle down.

Last Week: 8-7 (No Lester)
Season: 61-45-1 (Lester 2-3)

• The scores for the last seven Thursday night games: 36-16, 26-6, 56-14, 45-14, 42-10, 33-28, 27-25. We seem to be trending in the right direction and tonight’s game should be a close one. SHOULD BE. 
• Top top! Time for Lester’s Lead Pipe Lock of the Week, British style.
• Doesn’t seem like too long ago a game involving the Vikings and Buccaneers would have been an NFC Championship preview. Not so much now. Also, I’m old.
• I think the Bills should start EJ Manuel just so we can see how many interceptions he and Geno Smith can throw in one game.

• When did Brandon Marshall become the sane, clear voice of reason in an NFL locker room? What is happening in the NFL this year?
• Is it time to press the panic button if the Seahawks can’t escape Charlotte with a win?
• I’d bet my life on the Jaguars coming out and looking like crap against the Dolphins.
• Never thought I’d be cheering for the Bengals but…who dey. This is as far as I go, Cincinnatians, keep your god awful chili away from me. Do you even know what chili is? THAT’S NOT CHILI. 

• You let Colt McCoy beat you. Go home, Titans, you're drunk.
• Battle of Missouri! A “Show Me State” show down! Winner gets to rule Missouri and gets dibs on Kansas.
• I secretly like the Cardinals far more than I’m willing to admit.
• Congrats on having the ugliest accent in America! Go Stillers! 

• Brian Hoyer is last in the NFL in completion percentage and last in an advanced stat called Accuracy Percentage developed by the folks at Pro Football Focus. Basically, Hoyer has trouble hitting water as he falls out of boats. Get your arm ready, Johnny!
• I don’t care if they’re playing inside of two domes, Saints ain’t winning this this one!
• There’s a really insensitive joke here about cowboys and indians, but let’s just say the Cowboys are probably going to win very easily. 

Keep a heads up for next Tuesday or Wednesday, probably Wednesday, as I bring back the redesigned logos slideshow for all to enjoy. 

Welcome back to another week of the Great NFL Pigskin Pick 'Em. I know, you all are absolutely craving my wisdom and insight into the weekend's games and lord knows I'm more than happy to force it upon you! Of course I barely broke above even last week but that's just a minor detail. 

At least there were no ties last week, though I'm still smarting over a dumbfounding Browns loss, a bizarre loss in which the Seahawks looked completely unprepared for the Rams and the collapse by the Texans as they allowed the Stillers to rip off about 600 points in two minutes. I have to imagine the sharps in Vegas are taking it on the chin this year. 

What strangeness does week eight hold? Who knows! It's not out of the realm of possibility that there could be two permanent quarterback changes following this week, another fired head coach, and I might even completely turn on my buddy Jay Cutler. Weird times these days.

So let's get to it, maybe this is the week things in the NFL, and my picks, finally settle down.

Last Week: 8-7 (No Lester)
Season: 61-45-1 (Lester 2-3)

• The scores for the last seven Thursday night games: 36-16, 26-6, 56-14, 45-14, 42-10, 33-28, 27-25. We seem to be trending in the right direction and tonight’s game should be a close one. SHOULD BE. 
• Top top! Time for Lester’s Lead Pipe Lock of the Week, British style.
• Doesn’t seem like too long ago a game involving the Vikings and Buccaneers would have been an NFC Championship preview. Not so much now. Also, I’m old.
• I think the Bills should start EJ Manuel just so we can see how many interceptions he and Geno Smith can throw in one game.

• When did Brandon Marshall become the sane, clear voice of reason in an NFL locker room? What is happening in the NFL this year?
• Is it time to press the panic button if the Seahawks can’t escape Charlotte with a win?
• I’d bet my life on the Jaguars coming out and looking like crap against the Dolphins.
• Never thought I’d be cheering for the Bengals but…who dey. This is as far as I go, Cincinnatians, keep your god awful chili away from me. Do you even know what chili is? THAT’S NOT CHILI. 

• You let Colt McCoy beat you. Go home, Titans, you're drunk.
• Battle of Missouri! A “Show Me State” show down! Winner gets to rule Missouri and gets dibs on Kansas.
• I secretly like the Cardinals far more than I’m willing to admit.
• Congrats on having the ugliest accent in America! Go Stillers! 

• Brian Hoyer is last in the NFL in completion percentage and last in an advanced stat called Accuracy Percentage developed by the folks at Pro Football Focus. Basically, Hoyer has trouble hitting water as he falls out of boats. Get your arm ready, Johnny!
• I don’t care if they’re playing inside of two domes, Saints ain’t winning this this one!
• There’s a really insensitive joke here about cowboys and indians, but let’s just say the Cowboys are probably going to win very easily. 

Keep a heads up for next Tuesday or Wednesday, probably Wednesday, as I bring back the redesigned logos slideshow for all to enjoy. 

Welcome back to another week of the Great NFL Pigskin Pick 'Em. I know, you all are absolutely craving my wisdom and insight into the weekend's games and lord knows I'm more than happy to force it upon you! Of course I barely broke above even last week but that's just a minor detail. 

At least there were no ties last week, though I'm still smarting over a dumbfounding Browns loss, a bizarre loss in which the Seahawks looked completely unprepared for the Rams and the collapse by the Texans as they allowed the Stillers to rip off about 600 points in two minutes. I have to imagine the sharps in Vegas are taking it on the chin this year. 

What strangeness does week eight hold? Who knows! It's not out of the realm of possibility that there could be two permanent quarterback changes following this week, another fired head coach, and I might even completely turn on my buddy Jay Cutler. Weird times these days.

So let's get to it, maybe this is the week things in the NFL, and my picks, finally settle down.

Last Week: 8-7 (No Lester)
Season: 61-45-1 (Lester 2-3)

• The scores for the last seven Thursday night games: 36-16, 26-6, 56-14, 45-14, 42-10, 33-28, 27-25. We seem to be trending in the right direction and tonight’s game should be a close one. SHOULD BE. 
• Top top! Time for Lester’s Lead Pipe Lock of the Week, British style.
• Doesn’t seem like too long ago a game involving the Vikings and Buccaneers would have been an NFC Championship preview. Not so much now. Also, I’m old.
• I think the Bills should start EJ Manuel just so we can see how many interceptions he and Geno Smith can throw in one game.

• When did Brandon Marshall become the sane, clear voice of reason in an NFL locker room? What is happening in the NFL this year?
• Is it time to press the panic button if the Seahawks can’t escape Charlotte with a win?
• I’d bet my life on the Jaguars coming out and looking like crap against the Dolphins.
• Never thought I’d be cheering for the Bengals but…who dey. This is as far as I go, Cincinnatians, keep your god awful chili away from me. Do you even know what chili is? THAT’S NOT CHILI. 

• You let Colt McCoy beat you. Go home, Titans, you're drunk.
• Battle of Missouri! A “Show Me State” show down! Winner gets to rule Missouri and gets dibs on Kansas.
• I secretly like the Cardinals far more than I’m willing to admit.
• Congrats on having the ugliest accent in America! Go Stillers! 

• Brian Hoyer is last in the NFL in completion percentage and last in an advanced stat called Accuracy Percentage developed by the folks at Pro Football Focus. Basically, Hoyer has trouble hitting water as he falls out of boats. Get your arm ready, Johnny!
• I don’t care if they’re playing inside of two domes, Saints ain’t winning this this one!
• There’s a really insensitive joke here about cowboys and indians, but let’s just say the Cowboys are probably going to win very easily. 

Keep a heads up for next Tuesday or Wednesday, probably Wednesday, as I bring back the redesigned logos slideshow for all to enjoy. 

Welcome back to another week of the Great NFL Pigskin Pick 'Em. I know, you all are absolutely craving my wisdom and insight into the weekend's games and lord knows I'm more than happy to force it upon you! Of course I barely broke above even last week but that's just a minor detail. 

At least there were no ties last week, though I'm still smarting over a dumbfounding Browns loss, a bizarre loss in which the Seahawks looked completely unprepared for the Rams and the collapse by the Texans as they allowed the Stillers to rip off about 600 points in two minutes. I have to imagine the sharps in Vegas are taking it on the chin this year. 

What strangeness does week eight hold? Who knows! It's not out of the realm of possibility that there could be two permanent quarterback changes following this week, another fired head coach, and I might even completely turn on my buddy Jay Cutler. Weird times these days.

So let's get to it, maybe this is the week things in the NFL, and my picks, finally settle down.

Last Week: 8-7 (No Lester)
Season: 61-45-1 (Lester 2-3)

• The scores for the last seven Thursday night games: 36-16, 26-6, 56-14, 45-14, 42-10, 33-28, 27-25. We seem to be trending in the right direction and tonight’s game should be a close one. SHOULD BE. 
• Top top! Time for Lester’s Lead Pipe Lock of the Week, British style.
• Doesn’t seem like too long ago a game involving the Vikings and Buccaneers would have been an NFC Championship preview. Not so much now. Also, I’m old.
• I think the Bills should start EJ Manuel just so we can see how many interceptions he and Geno Smith can throw in one game.

• When did Brandon Marshall become the sane, clear voice of reason in an NFL locker room? What is happening in the NFL this year?
• Is it time to press the panic button if the Seahawks can’t escape Charlotte with a win?
• I’d bet my life on the Jaguars coming out and looking like crap against the Dolphins.
• Never thought I’d be cheering for the Bengals but…who dey. This is as far as I go, Cincinnatians, keep your god awful chili away from me. Do you even know what chili is? THAT’S NOT CHILI. 

• You let Colt McCoy beat you. Go home, Titans, you're drunk.
• Battle of Missouri! A “Show Me State” show down! Winner gets to rule Missouri and gets dibs on Kansas.
• I secretly like the Cardinals far more than I’m willing to admit.
• Congrats on having the ugliest accent in America! Go Stillers! 

• Brian Hoyer is last in the NFL in completion percentage and last in an advanced stat called Accuracy Percentage developed by the folks at Pro Football Focus. Basically, Hoyer has trouble hitting water as he falls out of boats. Get your arm ready, Johnny!
• I don’t care if they’re playing inside of two domes, Saints ain’t winning this this one!
• There’s a really insensitive joke here about cowboys and indians, but let’s just say the Cowboys are probably going to win very easily. 

Keep a heads up for next Tuesday or Wednesday, probably Wednesday, as I bring back the redesigned logos slideshow for all to enjoy. 

Week seven has arrived! We are now almost halfway through the season and that means two things:

• Time to start piecing the early playoff picture for both conferences together.
• I’m also doing some research for how I would redesign the logo for every single team in the NFL.

Barring a miraculous turn around from a downtrodden team or an unseen winning streak from a meddling club, the game film, stats and our eyes don’t lie when it comes to breaking teams down. 

In other words, by midseason, you are what you eat. 

It shouldn’t be too surprising then that my prediction abilities have rounded into better shape, unlike my waistline. As the weeks go on, these games do get easier to pick. Which is why I’m baffled when the talking heads on ESPN, FOX, CBS, etc., have losing records in their picks or struggle to get above .500. 

I know, I shouldn’t say anything since I was costing people out there their hard earned cash, but then again, why are you listening to a guy who uses his dog to make picks? Speaking of dogs, Lester had his bye week this week so there will be four fewer legs and slightly less fur in this edition of the Pigskin Pick ‘Em.   

For your artistic enjoyment, and mine as well, here are some NFL logo designs that are minimalist in nature. They’re a pretty cool take on the current logos and if I were even remotely artistic, I’m sure I could make something half as cool. On to the picks!

Last Week: 13-1-1 (Lester 1-0)
Season: 53-37-1 (Lester 2-3)

• What mind-numbingly awful play is Geno Smith going to pull out of his bag of tricks to embarrass the Jets on national tv? Mark Sanchez would like to know! 
• Combine my hatred of the Ravens with my now complete disdain for the Falcons and I’m not sure there’s a game I’m less interested in watching.
• Wait, check that. This is the game I have no interest in watching. This is like drinking flat, room temperature diet coke with a side of stale saltines.
• I’m fairly certain the Seahawks aren’t going to let the Rams pull one over on them.

• My personal lock of the week. I’d tell you to put the deed of your house down on the Browns to easily seal up this game but then again I’m homeless. Heed my advice with caution.
• How about a bonus lock of the week? The Colts are going to twist the proverbial ankles right off the Bengals. 
• If the Vikings and the Bills ever met in a Super Bowl (combined 0-8), I’d have to guess that the Steelers would somehow win it.
• Two decades ago, this would have been a premier matchup. Side note: 10-year-old me loved the Dolphins for some reason, probably because I loved that bright aqua color and the fact the dolphin on their helmet WORE A HELMET. I was a stupid 10-year-old.

• Lions bring the defense but something tells me they’re going to add a few crucial missed field goals to their misery in that department.
• Aaron Rodgers is like, good, man.
• Now that the Royals are in the World Series, the residents of Kansas City are likely going to extend their collective indifference for the Chiefs for another two weeks at least.
• I picked out the music for the Raiders season highlight reel thus far. I think it fits.

• Can’t believe that without the least bit of hesitation I put a big green thumbs up next to the Cowboys. 2014 has been a weird year.
• While this is a worthwhile Sunday Night Football matchup I’m not sure I can pull myself away from The Walking Dead long enough to see any snaps. I mean, did you see the season premiere? DID YOU SEE IT?
• Is Jadeveon Clowney back yet? I want the Texans to tear Big Ben’s arms off. 

Week seven has arrived! We are now almost halfway through the season and that means two things:

• Time to start piecing the early playoff picture for both conferences together.
• I’m also doing some research for how I would redesign the logo for every single team in the NFL.

Barring a miraculous turn around from a downtrodden team or an unseen winning streak from a meddling club, the game film, stats and our eyes don’t lie when it comes to breaking teams down. 

In other words, by midseason, you are what you eat. 

It shouldn’t be too surprising then that my prediction abilities have rounded into better shape, unlike my waistline. As the weeks go on, these games do get easier to pick. Which is why I’m baffled when the talking heads on ESPN, FOX, CBS, etc., have losing records in their picks or struggle to get above .500. 

I know, I shouldn’t say anything since I was costing people out there their hard earned cash, but then again, why are you listening to a guy who uses his dog to make picks? Speaking of dogs, Lester had his bye week this week so there will be four fewer legs and slightly less fur in this edition of the Pigskin Pick ‘Em.   

For your artistic enjoyment, and mine as well, here are some NFL logo designs that are minimalist in nature. They’re a pretty cool take on the current logos and if I were even remotely artistic, I’m sure I could make something half as cool. On to the picks!

Last Week: 13-1-1 (Lester 1-0)
Season: 53-37-1 (Lester 2-3)

• What mind-numbingly awful play is Geno Smith going to pull out of his bag of tricks to embarrass the Jets on national tv? Mark Sanchez would like to know! 
• Combine my hatred of the Ravens with my now complete disdain for the Falcons and I’m not sure there’s a game I’m less interested in watching.
• Wait, check that. This is the game I have no interest in watching. This is like drinking flat, room temperature diet coke with a side of stale saltines.
• I’m fairly certain the Seahawks aren’t going to let the Rams pull one over on them.

• My personal lock of the week. I’d tell you to put the deed of your house down on the Browns to easily seal up this game but then again I’m homeless. Heed my advice with caution.
• How about a bonus lock of the week? The Colts are going to twist the proverbial ankles right off the Bengals. 
• If the Vikings and the Bills ever met in a Super Bowl (combined 0-8), I’d have to guess that the Steelers would somehow win it.
• Two decades ago, this would have been a premier matchup. Side note: 10-year-old me loved the Dolphins for some reason, probably because I loved that bright aqua color and the fact the dolphin on their helmet WORE A HELMET. I was a stupid 10-year-old.

• Lions bring the defense but something tells me they’re going to add a few crucial missed field goals to their misery in that department.
• Aaron Rodgers is like, good, man.
• Now that the Royals are in the World Series, the residents of Kansas City are likely going to extend their collective indifference for the Chiefs for another two weeks at least.
• I picked out the music for the Raiders season highlight reel thus far. I think it fits.

• Can’t believe that without the least bit of hesitation I put a big green thumbs up next to the Cowboys. 2014 has been a weird year.
• While this is a worthwhile Sunday Night Football matchup I’m not sure I can pull myself away from The Walking Dead long enough to see any snaps. I mean, did you see the season premiere? DID YOU SEE IT?
• Is Jadeveon Clowney back yet? I want the Texans to tear Big Ben’s arms off. 

Happy Thursday to you, fellow NFL junkies. In case you hadn't noticed, it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month! I know, you probably missed that memo but I'm glad I could be here to remind you of breast cancer. Because if I didn't, surely this disease would go completely unnoticed.

I know I'm being cynical, but it's hard to take October at face value when you read about the insidious things the organizations behind the annual "pink washing" do to other charitible organizations and you realize that they aren't putting on these elaborate events and making these mega-partnerships with organizations like the NFL purely out of the goodness of their hearts. They're making boku bucks! We're talking HUGE money, folks. 

You might be saying to me, "screw you, isn't the point to raise money for breast cancer research?" Why yes, yes it is, except ZERO dollars raised actually go to research. They go toward awareness. What's the difference? 

Awareness is the slick commercials highlighting famous women with breast cancer before kickoff on Sundays.
Awareness is the pink wrist bands and ribbons people wear on their person and their vehicles.
Awareness is hashtags, Facebook posts, relevant instagram photos and photoshoots.
Awareness is the pink gloves, cleats, towels and sweatbands used by the players on the field.

So then what is research? Research is the people you never see spending hours in a lab with no fanfare or touchdowns. Research isn't sexy and it doesn't sell jerseys, pink or otherwise. 

I'm not one of those people to beg you to do anything, but I highly encourage you to check out the two links I provided up top, they're very thought-provoking and maybe they'll guide you when it comes to making donations toward worthwhile charities. In fact, go here for a comprehensive rundown of who does what the best among the vast ocean of non-profits vying for your attention.

To reiterate, I'm not saying ignore the message and don't donate to charity, just be aware of the purpose of the message. 

The serious pregame talk is out of the way, let's get to some snarky prognostication!

Last week: 12-3! (Lester 0-1)
Season: 40-36 (Lester 1-3)

• Speaking of blatant money grabs by the NFL, Thursday Night Football is maybe the most egregious of them all. I completely agree with Arian Foster; the NFL is only pretending to care about player safety. They want to expand the schedule and if they could, they would have a game on every night of the week. These Thursday games have been awful and the biggest factor behind the poor play is likely fatigue. On a personal note, I really hate being under the gun to get this column out every Thursday morning, I HAVE A LIFE, GOODELL.
• Lester looks to make a huge comeback, ala the Browns. Gee, wonder who he'll pick?
• Nobody circles the wagons like Tom Brady and the...wait a second! I'm supposed to say that about the Bills!
• I think this is the beginning of the Bengals' yearly swoon.

• Titans are out for vengeance after a completely disheartening loss last week. Jaguars are just the cure.
• Aaron Rodgers looks like Aaron Rodgers again. Look out, Dolphins.
• Still not sure what to make of the Lions, so I went old school and flipped a coin. Coin said Lions. Literally.
• This would be the upset of the year thus far. You know, if the Jets weren't a pile of crap that craps, then eats that crap and craps out more crap. I went too far.

• I'm picking the Ravens just because the Buccaneers completely jack up the formatting when I make these pictures.
• There's an old joke about the Raiders not being able to beat anyone, but given the climate around domestic violence I won't venture there. You can google it if you're curious.
• I'm already off the Falcons. I'm done, you hear me!? I hope Jay Cutler throws five touchdown passes then sleeps with all your wives.
• I was sooooooo tempted to pick the Cowboys. That big thumbs up next to the Seahawks is the equivalent of pulling a David Simms. I didn't go Roy McAvoy for this pick.  

• Let's table that talk about Kirk Cousins being the true quarterback for Washington, shall we?
• I like what the Giants are doing and this should be a good game but I'm sticking with those high flying Eagles.
• This Monday Night Game looked a lot better when Sam Bradford's leg was still in one piece.