DeAngelo Williams lost his mother to breast cancer and would like to honour her on the field.
Cameron Heyward lost his father, a former NFL player, and would like to honour him on the field.
The NFL will have nothing to do with either of those requests and even fined Heyward this week for his “violation.”
What did the Steelers lineman do? He wrote his father’s nickname “Iron Head” in his eye black.
All Williams wishes to do is wear pink accessories – which are traditionally worn throughout October for breast cancer awareness – all season long. Apparently that’s too much awareness for the NFL.
Why would either of these requests be denied? Because of uniform rules? What advantage would a little white writing on eye black or a couple of pink wrist bands afford?
This is just another example of the NFL failing to do what is right and another easily avoided strike for embattled commissioner Roger Goodell.
The lines are from Vegas and the home teams are in CAPs.
Atlanta -3.5 over NEW ORLEANS
I’m beginning to think that Devonta Freeman isn’t just a flash in the pan. He’s going to win some fantasy awards for sure. As for the game, well, I guess you can never count out the Saints at home.
Denver -4 over CLEVELAND
Josh McCown has somehow become the first Browns QB to throw for 300 yards three weeks in a row. I don’t see that streak continuing against the strong Broncos defence.
Cincinnati -3.5 over BUFFALO
This might be a big trap game for the Bengals, but the Bills could be starting EJ Manuel and Dan Herron against undefeated Cincy.
MINNESOTA -4 over Kansas City
The Chiefs may have lost to some great teams, but without Jamaal Charles, I’m not sure if that offence can move the ball against anybody.
JACKSONVILLE -1 over Houston
The Jags offence actually has some explosiveness to it for once. The Texans look like a mess that just won’t be sorted out until it settles on a QB and actually runs with it.
Chicago +3 over DETROIT
The Lions problems start with the O-line, but there’s something really wrong with Matt Stafford. His benching last week shows you where he stands with that team. As for the Bears, well, at least they’re getting points.
Washington +6 over NEW YORK JETS
Washington is looking underrated by Vegas at this point while the Jets aren’t good enough to be giving six points.
PITTSBURGH +3.5 over Arizona
Let’s lock this pick in before news of Big Ben’s potential return skews the line. Either way, this should be a really good game.
TENNESSEE -2 over Miami
The Titans aren’t going to be a playoff team, but they’re much better than last year and Marcus Mariota is showing some real potential. As for the Dolphins, I’m not sure the last time promoting your TE coach to head honcho worked out.
Carolina +7 over SEATTLE
The Panthers are coming off the bye, get Luke Kuechly back and always give the Seahawks headaches. When you remember that the Seattle has also blown some leads this season, you can’t lay this many points.
San Diego +10.5 over GREEN BAY
Aaron Rodgers very well could explode at home once again, but the Packers’ run of covers has to come to an end sometime, right?
SAN FRANCISCO +2.5 over Baltimore
The 49ers aren’t good and the Ravens aren’t much better. This game should be a struggle for both sides.
New England -9.5 over INDIANAPOLIS
Fact: The Patriots always crush the Colts. I’d take Tom Brady -14 in this one. Indy’s only hope to cover is a garbage-time score.
New York Giants +4 over PHILADELPHIA
The Eagles looked like they were on track last week, but the Giants are humming too and look to have fixed their mistake-prone ways.
Last week: 9-3-2
This season: 45-28-4