The Return of Locy's Locker Room: Week 10 in the NFL


You read that correctly. Locy's Locker Room is back! After a 30 year hiatus, the column is making its triumphant return to the public eye. Now I'm aware not all of you guys were students of Albion College from '89-'92 that might have read my Dad's sports section in the school newspaper, but hell, I guarantee you there has been something missing in all our lives after my Dad stepped down from the game. Well that void is about to be filled. It's time to breakdown week 10 in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers 52 - Carolina Panthers 21

What a freaking beatdown at Heinz Field. Wow. I did not expect Cam Newton and the Panthers to just lie down like that on Thursday night (I also bet the Panthers too). Their defense had no answer for Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and the ever so dangerous Steeler attack. The Panthers dropped another game on the Saints in the NFC South and more and more, it's looking like their only way into the playoffs is through the wild card. For the Steelers, even without Le'Veon Bell in the backfield for Pittsburgh, they looked primed for another run at the AFC Championship game behind that high powered offense. If the Steelers really want to have a chance at the Lombardi Trophy, their defense will have to step up late in the season when everything is on the line. The Panthers have a winnable game at the struggling Lions and the Steelers will make the trip down to Jacksonville in an AFC playoff rematch.

New Orleans Saints 51 - Cincinnati Bengals 14

I would like to know how opposing defensive coordinators try and stop Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, and the rest of the Saints offense. These guys are ROLLING right now. They've won eight straight after dropping their opener to Tampa Bay, and have been putting up ridiculous numbers week after week. Sunday was no exception. Drew Brees was 22/25 throwing for 265 yards and 3 touchdowns, 2 of those going to Michael Thomas. Marvin Lewis had no answers as his squad was assaulted at home in the Queen City as the Saints easily covered the -6 to beat the spread. The Bengals even had to fire defensive coordinator Teryl Austin today after the defense let up 500 yards in 3 straight games. It seems as if the only way to beat the boys from the Bayou is put up a 50 burger, and there are not too many teams in the NFL that have the fire power to do that. The Bengals seem very confused on offense without AJ Green and look to find the team that started the season 4-1. Cincinnati has a massive divisional matchup next in Baltimore next week. The Saints have the Eagles at home in the Superdome next Sunday.

 Cleveland Brown 28 - Atlanta Falcons 16

This was the game that really surprised me Sunday. I had the Falcons -5.5 and I honestly I thought it was a lock. Boy was I wrong on this one. You would think that the Falcons would have just an ounce of pride left the tank to beat up on the woeful Browns that just fired their head coach and offensive coordinator just 2 weeks ago, but I guess not. Lead by Nick Chubb's 176 yards and 2 touchdowns on the day, the Browns got out early and never looked back. The Falcons really can't seem to get any momentum going this season as they will fight to stay alive next at home vs. the Cowboys. After their third win of the season, Bob Wylie has the Brownies at 3-6-1 heading into their bye week.


Tennessee Titans 34 - New England Patriots 10

This just another example of how the NFL is full of parody. The Pats were favored by 6.5 points before kickoff on the road. By the time the game was over though, it turned into an absolutely torching of New England on both sides of the ball. Tom Brady was 21/41 while Sony Michel only had 31 yards on 11 carries. The Pats lone touchdown came from fullback James Develin on his first carry of the season for 1 yard. Now that's a stat line. Marcus Mariota had himself a day throwing for 228 yards and 2 TDs. Corey Davis finally showed up this week and was Mariota's main target. The Titans are now just 1 game back of the Texans in the AFC South after reeling off 2 straight wins. They have a very favorable schedule coming up with a lot of winnable games. If they play like they did yesterday and if the offense can keep moving downfield, they are my pick to win the AFC South. As far as the Patriots go, this is just a hick up that Bill Belichick should have fixed by next weeks time.

Chicago Bear 34 - Detroit Lions 22

What was I thinking when I said to myself "You know what, I think the Lions might actually keep the Bears close today. Let me take the Lions +7." Why would I ever bet the Lions. They always disappoint me in ways I have never imagined before. There are so many problems on the offensive side of the ball, the one part of the game the Lions rely on so heavily on, that they just can't get anything going. Now to be fair, their last two opponents have 5 top defenses, but that is no excuse ad I put these bad outings on the coaching staff. Mitch Trubisky had an excellent day throwing for 355 yards and 3 touchdowns. Somehow someway the Bears keep their lead in NFC North and have probably the biggest game of the season next week at home vs. the Vikings on Sunday Night Football. Soldier Field will be rocking.

Indianapolis Colts 29 - Jacksonville Jaguars 26

What a disappointing season for the Jags. For a team that was so close to beating the Pats in the AFC championship game a year ago, this is not what anyone expected to see from Blake Bortles & company. Some even picked these guys go to the Super Bowl. That defense that was one of the best in the league a year ago has not been the same and can't be relied on like last year. The thought of a trip to Atlanta on Feb. 3 after starting the season 3-1 has become just a distant dream. It's hard to see @BortlesFact have nothing to tweet about this year. I feel for the guy. As for the Colts, the AFC South is still wide open. With four more divisional games remaining, Andrew Luck can win the division if he keeps playing at an elite level. The problem here is that the offense is so streaky and can't be trusted to put the team on their back. Props to Vegas for setting that line at Colts -3.5, they got it right on the money.

Kansas City Chiefs 26 - Arizona Cardinals 14

Was there any chance that the Cards could upset the Chiefs at Arrowhead? No. Would it be a blowout? That was the only question that needed to be answered Sunday in KC. With a rookie quarterback and a team with a season that is all but over, there a was 0% chance the Chiefs would let this one get away from them. Mahomes had himself another nice day through the air with 249 yards and 2 TDs. Just another day at the office for the best team in the AFC, but at the end of the day the Chiefs couldn't cover those 16 points to beat the spread.



Buffalo Bills 41 - New York Jets 10

Is the Nathan Peterman era over in upstate New York? God I hope so. In game that included two teams that are almost unwatchable, Matt Barkley, the former USC standout, had himself a pretty nice debut for the Bills as he put up 232 yards and 2 touchdowns. Now they did have the pleasure of playing the struggling New York Jets in a game where bragging rights were the only thing on the line. If the Jets keep losing like this, there is no doubt in my mind that there will be an opening at the head coaching position in East Rutherford.

Washington Redskins 16 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3

They say if you win the turnover battle, you should be able to win the game. Yesterday's game was no exception. The Bucs had 4 turnovers compared to the Redskins' 0. The Bucs also reached the red zone 5 times, but only came away with 3 points. That is a sure fire way to lose a game in the NFL, doesn't matter who you play. It is also a sure fire way to not hit the OVER at 51.5. Fitzmagic did not come through for me Sunday. Alex Smith on the other hand had an Alex Smith type performance unlike any other. The man did not make any big mistakes and managed the game unlike any other. Because of this, the Redskins have now taken a 2 game lead over the rest of the NFC East with a massive game against the 6-3 Texans next week.

Los Angeles Chargers 20 - Oakland Raiders 6

Jon Gruden's Raider squad is getting harder and harder to watch. I honestly have no clue what direction this guy is taking his team. I really can't figure out why Mark Davis would sign this guy to a 10-year deal. Every game they are in, I feel like have no chance to win. The Chargers got a good performance out of Melvin Gordon per usual. Couple that with veteran quarterback Philip Rivers and a stout defense that has been performing well all season, you get a 7-2 Charger team that will be sure to give Kansas City a run for their money in the AFC West. It really is a shame that the Chargers aren't in San Diego anymore though. They have 0 fans in LA and they play in a 20,000 seat soccer stadium. For how good a team they are, they don't get any support. The Broncos will come into LA next week and look for a win against the Chargers coming off the bye week.

Green Bay Packers 31 - Miami Dolphins 12

After 2 straight tough road loses for the Pack, a return to Lambeau Field was all they needed to get back on track. Behind Aaron Jones' 145 yards and 2 touchdowns, the Packers had no problem handling a Dolphin team that is trying to keep their season alive. I think that it's clear that Brock Osweiler has no business winning big games when there is a lot on the line. When he can't lead the offense to a single touchdown, something has to change. The thing is though, he's the back-up. Coach Adam Gase has been put in a tough spot these past 2 seasons with the loss of Ryan Tannehill. They take on the Colts next week in which will be a must win game for both sides. The Packers will travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks in week 11.

Los Angeles Rams 36 - Seattle Seahawks 31

This game was the marquee matchup on Sunday and it did not disappoint. This divisional battle produced a lot of back and forth action and was very exciting to watch play out. The Rams potent offense could not be kept in check for another week. Goff had a monster game racking up 318 yards and 2 touchdowns. Combine that with Todd Gurley's 160 yards from scrimmage and 1 TD, the Seahawks did not have many answers. Although the Wilson/Penny combo had a nice day too, they just couldn't keep up with the Rams, and ultimately lost this game where both defenses were a non-factor. Is the season over for the Seahawks? They have a very tough rest of the season with games against the Packers, Vikings, Panthers, and Chiefs, so the odds are not in their favor. But, if they can go 3-1 in these games, they will have a good chance of sneaking into the wild card. Do I think they can do it? No, but it will be fun to watch. The Rams have the Chiefs south of the border next week in Mexico City where we might have a Sergio Dipp sighting. Stay tuned.



Dallas Cowboys 27 - Philadelphia Eagles 20

Another NFC East SNF matchup. They should do more of these games, I feel like these teams aren't on primetime enough. Moving on, where was this Dallas team last week against the Titans? It looked like their season was all done when they suffered a primetime loss at home against a Tennessee team that was looking to find themselves, but they seemed to save their season last night. Dak Prescott took advantage of the Eagles' banged up secondary as the Cowboys had an extremely balanced attack with Elliot on the ground. If last night was the only night you watched the Cowboys, you would have no idea how these guys could be 4-5. The Eagles offense was slow and sluggish in the first half coming off their bye, but Wentz and the offense bounced back to tie the game 20-20 in the 4th. The defense couldn't hold the Cowboys though, as they scored a touchdown with 3:19 left in the game to win 27-20. Both teams have a lot of work to do if they want to make the playoffs, but are still barely in the hunt for the postseason.

New York Giants 27 - San Francisco 49ers 23

First things first, someone please get rid of Jason Witten and Booger McFarland. I actually can't listen to them anymore. Any who, when I saw this matchup this morning and said "wow, these two teams are awful." And they are. And this game did not mean anything to anyone. But for what their records show, the game wasn't too bad to watch. The was close all night long. and went down to the wire. Old man Eli Manning and Nick Mullins had two crazy drives at the end that had it all. Big plays, tons of controversial penalties, and a the TD pass to Sterling Shepard that sealed the deal. It is looking like Eli is not done just yet in New York. Shoutout to Karch with that elite Giants money line pick. That's just the kind of stuff we provide at LVLE.

Well, that was week 10. Locy's Locker Room is back and in full swing. See you next week.

-Captain Locy

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