Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!<\/p>\n\n
Only two weeks left to the regular season, which means only two more chances to snag that $50 Gift Certificate to Bogie's Pub and Grill at Bay Meadows! Chris Bacon<\/strong> of Fort Edward<\/strong> was our Week 16 winner after the San Francisco 49'ers beat the Indianapolis Colts, with Chris being the closest to the final score to snag the prize.<\/p>\n\n We have a triple-header on the Christmas Day docket, plus two games Saturday before the Sunday slate begins, so you will want to make sure you get your picks in early on the Classic Hits Q101.7 app to be eligible for the weekly prize.<\/p>\n\n Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders - Christmas Day, 1:00pm on Netflix<\/strong><\/p>\n\n With Jayden Daniels shut down, Washington hopes Marcus Mariota will play as he has shown up Questionable on the mid-week injury reports. Josh Johnson is the next in line as the Commanders hope to figure out what they have for next year. Dallas is in the same boat, and could really use George Pickens to go back to the level he was at in the mid-season when Dallas was getting close to the playoff chase. Both teams are out, and being a divisional match, there will be nothing held back by either of these teams.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>DALLAS<\/p>\n\n Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings - Christmas Day, 4:30pm on Netflix<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Detroit is on thin ice, and a loss eliminates the Lions from playoff contention. A win keeps them alive for 48 hours, until Green Bay has the chance to clinch when they host the Baltimore Ravens. J.J. McCarthy is already ruled out for this game by the Minnesota Vikings as he deals with a hairline fracture. With the Vikings already out of the running for the playoffs, might be best to weigh your 2026 options now. On paper, this match belongs to Detroit, but you never know with divisional matches -- especially those with unknowns like the person starting under center.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>DETROIT<\/p>\n\n Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs - Christmas Night, 8:00pm on Prime Video<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Well, this game had the potential to be much more when the NFL was sorting out the 2025 schedule back in May. Little did they... or even we for that matter... know that this was going to be a forgettable season for Kansas City. Denver can clinch the AFC West with help, and the #1 seed with a lot of help (unlikely). Kansas City ... well, they're sending Chris Oladokun out after Gardner Minshew was injured last week in sub for the also injured Patrick Mahomes. <\/p>\n\n Kansas City needs the offseason to come.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>DENVER<\/p>\n\n Houston Texans at Los Angeles Chargers - Saturday, 4:30pm on NFL Network<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Houston can become the 6th team in the AFC Playoffs with a win on Saturday, and despite the scare last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, come in on a 7 game win streak and boasting one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Chargers have won 4 straight coming off their bye week and wants to keep pressure on Denver as those two teams battle next week in a game that could be for the AFC West. I like how the Chargers looked against the Denver defense back in Week 3, before we knew what the Broncos would be capable of this season. With the Broncos defense as potent as Houston's is, I like the home team's chances.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>LA CHARGERS<\/p>\n\n Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers - Saturday, 8:00pm on Peacock<\/strong><\/p>\n\n So Lamar Jackson has a back injury and is questionable for now. Both of Green Bay's quarterbacks are on the injury report as questionable and Josh Jacobs is also banged up. Two of Green Bay's tight ends are on injured reserve and a third is questionable. Green Bay comes in having lost two while Baltimore has lost 3 of their last 4 to put their playoff hopes on thin ice. Both teams need this game, but Green Bay has more wiggle room in the event they falter.<\/p>\n\n The question, I suppose -- who will play? This pick is made with the idea that Jackson doesn't play for Baltimore but a better decision on this game will be made when we get to Saturday -- remember, you have until 15 minutes before kick to change your pick before it locks.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>GREEN BAY<\/p>\n\n SUNDAY + MONDAY games to be posted FRIDAY. Merry Christmas!<\/em><\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1023\/68b05d5577a78.jpg","author":{"name":"Rockin' Rick"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.classichitswnyq.com\/_app_pages\/stations\/5013\/blogs\/posts\/83142"},{"id":"o1023-1580-6942e8823b150","url":"https:\/\/www.classichitswnyq.com\/blogs\/q101-7-blog\/post\/football-picks-w-rockin-rick-week-16\/","title":"Football Picks w\/Rockin' Rick - Week 16","date_published":"2025-12-17T17:29:00+00:00","summary":"Get ready for Saturday football! Only 3 weeks left!","content_html":" Two teams clinch their playoff spots, and multiple more find themselves now making plans for mid-January to not be on a football field. There's so much that still needs to be settled as we make our way into the final 3 weeks of the regular season. <\/p>\n\n Before the picks, congratulations to PATRICIA <\/strong>from Hadley. She was the top picker in Week 15 and won the $50 Bogie's Pub and Grill gift certificate. You can be the next winner, but only if you get your picks in on the Q101.7 app when you play Football Picks with Rockin' Rick<\/p>\n\n And with that, let's move onward to Week 16, and the start of Saturday games now that the NCAA Football season has moved into playoff + bowl season.<\/p>\n\n Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks - Thursday, 8:15pm <\/b>on Prime Video<\/p>\n\n The first meeting was a narrow win for the Los Angeles Rams, and while the Rams are holding serve on the #1 seed, they're going to find a battle here with the Seattle Seahawks. This being said, Seattle really needs to play a bit stronger compared to their latest efforts, including being behind thrown into service on less than a week's notice Phillip Rivers. Matthew Stafford and company are going to force the Seahawks to be strong throughout. The 12's will come out in full force and I think they'll be the deciding factor that will bring more chaos to the NFC West.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>SEATTLE<\/p>\n\n Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders - Saturday, 5:00pm<\/strong> on FOX 23 WXXA<\/p>\n\n The first Saturday game may of been a stronger divisional match earlier in the season when the Commanders were coming fresh off their playoff run last season, but injuries have turned this into what could feel like a lopsided appetizer to the main event later on Saturday. Philadelphia has issues, yes, but I cannot trust Washington.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>PHILADELPHIA<\/p>\n\n Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears - Saturday, 8:20pm <\/strong>on FOX 23 WXXA<\/p>\n\n Now this should be fun. Green Bay traditionally owns Chicago, so that might be the edge I go with. But Green Bay also now has to adjust to a playoff push without Micha Parsons, who torn his ACL last week. The Packers are a team that are questionable at times, but you cannot deny their record. Nor can you deny the presence that Caleb Williams is finally having with the Bears. 2 weeks ago the Bears lost at Lambeau Field 28-21. Can they learn their lessons learned for this match?<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>GREEN BAY<\/p>\n\n Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers - Sunday, 1:00pm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Both teams had a chance to take firm control heading into this first of two meetings between these two teams over the next three weeks. But they both lost last week -- though Carolina's is more concerning as they now have lost both games against the New Orleans Saints. Bryce Young still isn't providing staggering stats, which would make Baker Mayfield the better quarterback on paper of the two, but who knows what is going to happen in a divisional match. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>TAMPA BAY<\/p>\n\n Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns - Sunday, 1:00pm <\/strong>on CBS 6 WRGB<\/p>\n\n The Bills know they need to play this game strong, failure to do so could result in the New England Patriots winning the AFC East later on Sunday. This being said, the Bills also have the best chance they have this season to make the comeback to win the division, with the Patriots facing Baltimore. While you cannot control what other teams do, you have to take care of what you do. But Buffalo needs to play a full 60 minute game, this second half comeback that they've had the past two weeks, isn't sustainable. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>BUFFALO<\/p>\n\n Los Angeles Chargers at Dallas Cowboys, Sunday 1:00pm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n The Chargers kept pace with Buffalo as the best AFC wild card team and gave Kansas City their first elimination from playoff contention in Patrick Mahomes's career. Now they can end another team's playoff aspirations, even if those aspirations are so minimal that they could be dead by the time the two teams take the field on Sunday. You can't deny what Dak, George and CeeDee can do, but that defense even with some mid-season modifications, still needs some help. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>LA CHARGERS<\/p>\n\n New York Jets at New Orleans Saints, Sunday 1:00pm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n The worst in the AFC East takes on the worst in the NFC South. A thriller that only people in Louisiana and New York City will get to watch. I really don't have any thoughts about this one, going to side with New Orleans based on how they've played competitively all season.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>NEW ORLEANS<\/p>\n\n Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants, Sunday 1:00pm <\/strong>on FOX 23 WXXA<\/p>\n\n I still can't figure out this Minnesota Vikings squad. J.J. McCarthy is playing slightly better as the season progresses, but he's still having a bit of communication issues with one of the best receivers he has in Justin Jefferson. But one can turn a blind eye to that when the Vikings win like they did against the Dallas Cowboys. While the players may not be trying to keep the #1 draft pick, management and coaching might. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>MINNESOTA<\/p>\n\n Kansas City Chiefs at Tennessee Titans, Sunday 1:00pm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n The vibe feels different with Kanas City in both how they were eliminated from playoff contention and how they lost Patrick Mahomes for the rest of the season in the same game. I would feel more worried about Kansas City if they weren't facing the Titans. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>KANSAS CITY<\/p>\n\n Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins, Sunday 1:00pm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n So they're benching Tua, according to reports. A 7th Rounder will be tasked at showing Miami what they can do. It can't be much worse than Tua's lead leading 15 interceptions this season, but on an accuracy level, maybe it could. Joe Burrow is still frustrated with his defense, which might give us the wrong impression about Quinn Ewers's level of talent. Both teams are having a complete opposite of the season that they thought they would have at this point.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>CINCINNATI<\/p>\n\n Come Back Thursday for the late games as well as Sunday Night and Monday Night previews and picks. And remember to get your picks in for the chance to win the Bogie's Pub and Grill $50 gift certificates. Enter now on the Q101.7 app! Good luck!<\/em><\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1023\/68b05d5577a78.jpg","author":{"name":"Rockin' Rick"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.classichitswnyq.com\/_app_pages\/stations\/5013\/blogs\/posts\/83101"},{"id":"o1023-1580-6939a2ac5258f","url":"https:\/\/www.classichitswnyq.com\/blogs\/q101-7-blog\/post\/football-picks-with-rockin-rick-week-15\/","title":"Football Picks with Rockin' Rick - Week 15","date_published":"2025-12-10T17:00:00+00:00","summary":"The bye weeks are done, now it's time to get down to business","content_html":" Congratulations to LUIS FRIAS <\/strong>from Hartford, who has gone back to back after winning Week 13. He clinched his Week 14 win thanks to being closest to the final score of the Philadelphia Eagles\/Los Angeles Chargers game on Monday Night to break the tie.<\/p>\n\n It's Week 15 of the NFL season and no teams have clinched their spot in the postseason -- but there are some who are closing in on a January date. One of the biggest is in Foxboro where the New England Patriots will clinch the AFC East if they beat the Buffalo Bills. <\/p>\n\n Let's take a look at the games, and remember to participate on the Q101.7 app and you could win a $50 gift certificate to Bogie's Pub and Grill at Bay Meadows, Cronin Road in Queensbury. <\/p>\n\n Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers <\/strong>- Thursday, 8:15pm on Amazon Prime Video<\/p>\n\n Atlanta is now eliminated, which one may not have been expecting back in October when Buffalo fell to them when their defense could not contain Bijan Robinson. It's been a rough stretch for Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who have lost 4 of their last 5. That one win was a narrow 3 point victory to the Arizona Cardinals and with Carolina lurking next week, matches like this will matter for the Bucs.<\/p>\n\n I wish I had more confidence in Atlanta to get the job done, but for now, I'm going with the home team.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>TAMPA BAY<\/p>\n\n Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears <\/b>- Sunday, 1:00pm<\/p>\n\n Caleb Williams has had a mostly up season and a lot of the reason why is the various pieces surrounding Williams. Shedeur Sanders had a frustrating loss last week to the Tennessee Titans, including a questionable 2 point attempt at the end of the game where he was not utilized by the Browns. The Browns are in planning mode for 2026, while the Bears are trying to keep up with the Green Bay Packers after losing to them last week.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>CHICAGO<\/p>\n\n Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs <\/strong>- Sunday, 1:00pm<\/p>\n\n Kansas City now cannot win the AFC West. But they can become the Broncos best friend ... at least for a week ... if they are able to hand the Chargers the loss that helps the Broncos solidify their grasp on the division. Despite Patrick Mahomes's troubles this season, you cannot count him out but he needs to throw a bit better than the 10 picks he's thrown this season. The Chargers were gift-wrapped a win thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles -- and Jalen Hurts's 4 picks. While LA won the first game in Brazil, this one might be harder to pull off. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>KANSAS CITY<\/p>\n\n Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots<\/strong> - Sunday, 1:00pm, CBS 6 WRGB<\/p>\n\n I don't think the Bills have fully sorted out the ailments of their team, and New England is wanting nothing more than to clinch the division for the first time in 6 years on their home field in front of a division rival. I don't think the sports world was talking much about Drake Maye when the teams met first time, but they sure are talking about him now. <\/p>\n\n Two things work against the Buffalo Bills here, first being that the game is in Foxboro and that the Patriots are fresh off their bye week.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>NEW ENGLAND<\/p>\n\n Washington Commanders at New York Giants <\/strong>- Sunday, 1:00pm, FOX 23 WXXA<\/p>\n\n The Giants may be the spread favorites, but I have little reason believing they would come away winners. They're in line for the #1 draft pick, and Washington will do their best to wreck the Giants "tank". Both teams are eliminated, and longing for better times. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>NY GIANTS<\/p>\n\n Las Vegas Raiders at Philadelphia Eagles <\/strong>- Sunday, 1:00pm<\/p>\n\n Jalen Hurts may have had a night to forget on Monday night, throwing 4 of his 6 picks this season. He had an embarrassing play in the 2nd quarter where he not only threw a pick, but also fumbled the ball when the Chargers gave him back the ball on a fumble of their own. The best remedy for him and the Eagles is a home game against the Las Vegas Raiders who are eliminated and have a lot of question marks on offense... and defense. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>PHILADELPHIA<\/p>\n\n New York Jets at Jacksonville Jaguars<\/strong> - Sunday, 1:00pm<\/p>\n\n It's been a weird season for Jacksonville, but when you look at their resume, the teams they have lost to you can understand why -- two of the best teams in the NFC, a surging Houston Texans team that could be battling for the AFC South in the closing weeks, and a Cincinnati Bengals team that had Joe Burrow in the lineup until his turf toe knocked him out midway through the game. The Jets ... well, the less said about them, the better.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>JACKSONVILLE<\/p>\n\n Arizona Cardinals at Houston Texans<\/strong> - Sunday, 1:00pm<\/p>\n\n One of the league's best defenses vs. a wounded Arizona squad. If the Texans offense was as good as their defense was, they would easily be one of the heaviest favorites of Week 15.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>HOUSTON<\/p>\n\n Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos <\/strong>- Sunday, 4:25pm CBS 6 WRGB<\/p>\n\n This one should be good. Green Bay doesn't offer many opportunities as Jordan Love only has 4 interceptions this season and is complimented well by Josh Jacobs with his 12 rushing touchdowns. But the Denver defense is relentless. They create opportunities. Bo Nix has 4th quarter magic, but one of these days the Broncos will need to play a full game. The home field advantage might be the difference here as the Broncos are undefeated at Mile High this season. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>DENVER<\/p>\n\n Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams <\/strong>- Sunday, 4:25pm, FOX 23 WXXA<\/p>\n\n The Detroit Lions ... they are a mysterious team. They have quality talent, but a questionable secondary that has caused them to lose some games. But when you think to count them out, they come back with a game like they did against the Dallas Cowboys. The Los Angeles Rams are going to be a difficult foe for a team trying to fight their way into the NFC's convoluted playoff picture, And with the game being in Los Angeles, I'm going to side with the Rams here. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>LA RAMS<\/p>\n\n Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints<\/b> - Sunday, 4:25pm<\/p>\n\n The New Orleans Saints play tough, and Carolina knows that after losing the first game between these two teams in Carolina. Now with a chance to fight for an NFC South crown, the Panthers need learn from their loss to the Saints the first time around. They found that Rico Dowdle is a good compliment to Chubba Hubbard, but need Bryce Young to clean up his mistakes. I'm not sold on Carolina, but I can't trust New Orleans either.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>CAROLINA<\/p>\n\n Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49'ers <\/strong>- Sunday, 4:25pm<\/p>\n\n Tennessee may have won last week, but at the same time losing the control of the #1 draft pick for now to the New York Giants. San Francisco is not the Cleveland Browns, and I would be hard pressed to find the 49'ers falling here. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/b>SAN FRANCISCO<\/p>\n\n Indianapolis Colts at Seattle Seahawks <\/strong>- Sunday, 4:25pm<\/p>\n\n The Colts are falling off the cliff and are so out of quarterbacks that they are bringing Phillip Rivers out of retirement. What a team to have to face for your first time back as a 40+ year old quarterback. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>SEATTLE<\/p>\n\n Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys<\/strong> - Sunday, 8:20pm, NBC 13 WNYT<\/p>\n\n Safe to say this is not the season that Minnesota dreamed of at the start of the season. J.J. McCarthy has been very shaky but comes in after shutting out the Washington Commanders last week. However, Dallas has offensive weapons that will be tougher for the Vikings defense to stop.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>DALLAS<\/p>\n\n Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers <\/strong>- Monday, 8:15pm, ESPN + ABC 10 WTEN<\/p>\n\n Thankfully no recreation of that infamous mud bowl game in Pittsburgh years back that was best known for the punt that went splash in the mud. Aaron Rodgers looked better as he helped put Pittsburgh in position to lead the AFC North last week against Baltimore and the Steelers defense could have a field day with Tua if he continues his slightly better than 1 pick per game.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/b>PITTSBURGH<\/p>\n\n Make sure you get your picks in on the Q101.7 app and you could be our Week 15 winner of a $50 Bogie's Pub and Grill gift certificate! Enter your picks by 15 minutes of the kick in order to have your picks count. Good luck this week!<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1023\/68b05d5577a78.jpg","author":{"name":"Rockin' Rick"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.classichitswnyq.com\/_app_pages\/stations\/5013\/blogs\/posts\/83040"},{"id":"o1023-1580-6930873a068f8","url":"https:\/\/www.classichitswnyq.com\/blogs\/q101-7-blog\/post\/football-picks-w-rockin-rick-week-14\/","title":"Football Picks w\/Rockin' Rick - Week 14 [Updated]","date_published":"2025-12-03T05:00:00+00:00","summary":"Play along and you could win!","content_html":" Last week wasn't a disastrous week, but I did start with X's on my first four picks as I picked all the Thanksgiving games incorrectly and did not change my app pick from Philadelphia to Chicago before the game so that was seen as a loss as well. But I did finish up the week 9-7, so a winning week at least.<\/p>\n\n But it was a better week for LUIS FRIAS <\/strong>from Hartford, who went 12-4 and won after the New England Patriots defeated the New York Giants. This clinched Luis his second win for the season, another $50 Bogie's Pub & Grill <\/strong>gift certificate. Congratulations, Luis!<\/p>\n\n Now that the turkey's been served and the traditional Thanksgiving games are done, we return to one final week with byes for the season. Let's take a look at Week 14 of the NFL, and please note - picks are for entertainment purposes and should not be used for anything but that.<\/p>\n\n Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions <\/strong>- Thursday, 8;15pm, Prime Video<\/p>\n\n Dallas is the hot hand, having won three straight. The last two wins over the two teams who made it to the final week of the postseason in February. Detroit was ice cold on Thanksgiving when they faced Green Bay. At least both teams will have equal amount of rest coming in, a full 7 days. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>Dallas<\/p>\n\n Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons<\/strong> - Sunday, 1:00pm<\/p>\n\n Atlanta got gut-punched as Nick Folk walked it off for the New York Jets last Sunday at Met Life Stadium. Seattle was gift-wrapped a win from the Minnesota Vikings when an undrafted quarterback had to calm down his nerves against an NFL defense and cracked under pressure. But when you have talent, it's going to look as easy as Seattle made it. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>Seattle<\/p>\n\n Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens<\/strong> - Sunday, 1:00pm<\/p>\n\n Both teams coming off uncomfortable losses. Pittsburgh fell hard in the 2nd half to the Buffalo Bills. Baltimore had a tough time in a divisional tilt with Cincinnati as Joe Burrow made his return after missing 10 weeks due to his Turf Toe injury. It felt like the Ravens were getting things figured out after a slow start to the season. Pittsburgh grabbed Adam Thielen off wavers after Minnesota waived him to bolster their wide receiver corps but will Thielen be ready in time? <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>Baltimore<\/p>\n\n Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns<\/strong> - Sunday, 1:00pm <\/p>\n\n This game exists. I can easily see this game going either way but I'm not feeling strong about who will come out ... on top? One could argue coming out on top would mean improving one's draft position, so even that's debatable.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>Cleveland<\/p>\n\n Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars <\/strong>- Sunday, 1:00pm<\/p>\n\n The Colts have lost 3 of their last 4 games now that they are in the heart of the schedule that determines just how good this team truly is. Jonathan Taylor has been cooled off some, Daniel Jones has shown some of his old form and now play in this game where the winner owns the division lead ... for now. Jacksonville has had a couple questionable games like barely winning over Arizona two games back, but all of their losses are teams you can see beating them.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>Jacksonville<\/p>\n\n Washington Commanders at Minnesota Vikings<\/strong> - Sunday, 1:00pm<\/p>\n\n That was awkward, Minnesota. Yes, it was a green quarterback pressed into service due to injuries, but the Vikings already looked awkward beforehand. But Washington has had quarterback issues themselves. The main difference is that the Commanders QB's at least have shown they can handle the pressure. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>Washington<\/p>\n\n Miami Dolphins at New York Jets<\/strong> - Sunday, 1:00pm, CBS 6 WRGB<\/p>\n\n The Jets had a nice win over the Atlanta Falcons last week, but could have a harder time keeping the Miami Dolphins at bay.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Picks: <\/strong>Miami<\/p>\n\n Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills <\/strong>- Sunday, 1:00pm, FOX 23 WXXA<\/p>\n\n The Bills had a great second half against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers but now they have to try to contain a Joe Burrow rejuvenated Cincinnati offense that looked inspired against the Baltimore Ravens. The Bills will need to come out of the locker room at 12:55 ready to play, otherwise they will be pushed into the catch up position that has made them uncomfortable in multiple games over the season. While I believe they can, I can also see a world where Joe Burrow leads the Bengals to the road victory, too.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>Buffalo<\/p>\n\n New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/strong> - Sunday, 1:00pm<\/p>\n\n Tampa Bay should win their second in a row as they welcome Mike Evans back to the lineup.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>Tampa Bay<\/p>\n\n Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders <\/strong>- Sunday, 4:05pm<\/p>\n\n Denver keeps playing with fire, they had to go to overtime against the Washington Commanders before they emerged with their 10th win of the season. While Las Vegas being a divisional rival could be concerning, I don't think it's enough to stop Bo Nix and company in sin city.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>Denver<\/p>\n\n Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals <\/strong>- Sunday, 4:25pm<\/p>\n\n The Los Angeles Rams may have lost to the Carolina Panthers, but I do not see the Cardinals at this time having enough to overcome the Rams. Maybe if some of the regular starters were back with Arizona ... but even there, Stafford and Nauca will torch the Cardinals.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>Los Angeles Rams<\/p>\n\n Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers<\/strong> - Sunday, 4:25pm, FOX 23 WXXA<\/p>\n\n Now this will be a good match. I'm going to go with Green Bay on the basis that the Packers have owned Chicago over the years, and Josh Jacobs looked solid last week in his return to the lineup. Caleb Williams has blossomed and helped Chicago become one of the best NFC teams in 2025, but I feel the home field advantage moves the needle towards the Pack.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>Green Bay<\/p>\n\n Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs <\/strong>- Sunday, 8:20pm, NBC 13 WNYT<\/p>\n\n Houston's defense is on fire, and they've taken a big step up thanks to their divisional win over Indianapolis last week. Kansas City is in a spot they haven't been in over a half decade, and needing to claw up into a playoff spot. The Chiefs will play hard, but the Texans defense can create opportunities. Now if only the Texans had a strong offense to compliment their defense. <\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>Houston<\/p>\n\n Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Chargers<\/strong> - Monday, 8:15pm, ESPN<\/p>\n\n Philadelphia has some serious problems and if they don't correct them in time, they'll find themselves locked up with a surging Dallas Cowboys squad. The Chargers may be without Justin Herbert and that might help borrow the Eagles some time to figure out their struggles.<\/p>\n\n Rick's Pick: <\/strong>Philadelphia<\/p>\n\n Don't forget to get your Week 14 picks in now on the Q101.7 app. Make sure you download it from the app store if you do not have it on your device and listen Monday for updates how this week's leaderboard is shaping up. <\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1023\/68b05d5577a78.jpg","author":{"name":"Rockin' Rick"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.classichitswnyq.com\/_app_pages\/stations\/5013\/blogs\/posts\/82981"},{"id":"o1023-1580-69208f538dc3d","url":"https:\/\/www.classichitswnyq.com\/blogs\/q101-7-blog\/post\/football-picks-w-rockin-rick-week-12\/","title":"Football Picks w\/Rockin' Rick - Week 12","date_published":"2025-11-21T16:12:03+00:00","summary":"We had our first undefeated winner last week! Could you be next?","content_html":" First, this is late, and I know it. It's been a busy week around here with the Foreigner\/Lynyrd Skynyrd <\/strong>and Motley Crue\/Tesla\/Extreme<\/strong> concert announcements, which is good because if you beat me -- you're in the running to win 2026 concert tickets and we needed shows for you to win those tickets for. <\/p>\n\n Second, congratulations to CHASE NIX<\/strong>. He is the first person to go undefeated during a single week of this contest, going 15-0 last week. He wins the $50 Gift Certificate to Bogie's Pub + Grill at Bay Meadows on Cronin Road in Queensbury. <\/p>\n\n Now onto the games. <\/p>\n\n BUFFALO at HOUSTON<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Buffalo lost. If I was going to write a preview for this game, I was going to warn that Houston has the Bills number. But with C.J. Stroud being out, I felt the Bills were going to be better made for the game. I was wrong here, but also not surprised.<\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>Buffalo [X]<\/p>\n\n NY JETS at BALTIMORE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n The only way I see Baltimore loses is if they cause their own troubles. Lamar's starting to get into a rhythm.<\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>Baltimore<\/p>\n\n PITTSBURGH at CHICAGO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Should be a good battle, but the Pittsburgh defense can be a menace. The Steelers always find a way to win, but the Bears can be a good solid team at times. I'm probably going to be wrong here. <\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>Pittsburgh<\/p>\n\n NEW ENGLAND at CINCINNATI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n There's a possibility that Joe Burrow returns on Sunday. If he does, will he be ready? The Bengals will be without Ja'Marr Chase after getting the game suspension for spitting against Pittsburgh. So that's one weapon off the field. The Patriots have a chance to extend their lead in the AFC East now that the Bills have lost. <\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>New England<\/p>\n\n NY GIANTS at DETROIT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n The Giants didn't look stellar last week. Meanwhile, the Lions did. The Lions should be more than capable of winning... if I don't curse them first.<\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>Detroit<\/p>\n\n MINNESOTA at GREEN BAY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n JJ McCarthy has yet to show a solid 60 minute game performance since joining the NFL. I do not trust the Vikings here. Even with Josh Jacobs out for Green Bay. <\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>Green Bay<\/p>\n\n INDIANAPOLIS at KANSAS CITY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n True test for Indianapolis, and maybe the Colts can do what Denver did last week. But I would feel much better if the game was in Indy opposed to out in the elements in Kansas City.<\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>Indianapolis<\/p>\n\n SEATTLE at TENNESSEE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Seattle should rebound easily here, even if they're playing at 10am Pacific.<\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>Seattle<\/p>\n\n JACKSONVILLE at ARIZONA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Jacoby Brissett had a stellar performance in a losing effort against San Francisco, and maybe will fuel a spark for the Arizona Cardinals offense. Jacksonville is very inconsistent this season, looking like a playoff contender against Los Angeles, but this could be a trap. For now, I'm going Jacksonville but I'm not solid on this pick<\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>Jacksonville<\/p>\n\n CLEVELAND at LAS VEGAS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n This one's a tough one to pick. Cleveland has some talent, but so too does Las Vegas. This one could go either way, so I'm going with the home team here. <\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>Las Vegas<\/p>\n\n PHILADELPHIA at DALLAS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Philadelphia should have the weapons, but then again, they had very little of a show against the Detroit Lions. But the Detroit defense is not as flexible as the Dallas Cowboys defense has been this season.<\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>Philadelphia<\/p>\n\n ATLANTA at NEW ORLEANS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n I still like Bijan Robinson, even though he's going to be focused more with Michael Penix Jr. out for the rest of the season. And the Saints do have a defense that can make some moves. But I'll go with Robinson, for now. <\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>Atlanta<\/p>\n\n TAMPA BAY at LA RAMS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Tampa Bay needs to stop the bleeding, but the cure is not a Los Angeles Rams that looked really good against both San Francisco and Seattle in the past two weeks. <\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>LA Rams<\/p>\n\n CAROLINA at SAN FRANCISCO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Speaking of San Francisco, Christian McCaffrey is a tough player to defend against. Bryce Young will not have as easy of a time against this San Francisco defense. <\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>San Francisco<\/p>\n\n Remember to participate in the Football Picks with Rockin' Rick on the Q101.7 app for your chance to win!<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/1023\/68b05d5577a78.jpg","author":{"name":"Rockin' Rick"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.classichitswnyq.com\/_app_pages\/stations\/5013\/blogs\/posts\/82890"},{"id":"o1023-1580-6914cf8daf73a","url":"https:\/\/www.classichitswnyq.com\/blogs\/q101-7-blog\/post\/football-picks-with-rockin-rick-week-11\/","title":"Football Picks with Rockin' Rick - Week 11 [Updated]","date_published":"2025-11-12T18:18:00+00:00","summary":"We had our first repeat winner in Week 10! Your turn is next!","content_html":" We had our first repeat winner in Week 10. Craig Havens has earned his second $50 Gift Certificate to Bogie's Pub + Grill<\/strong> at Bay Meadows thanks to his 11-4 record. It doesn't matter if you have won before, if you're the top picker, you win!<\/p>\n\n So make sure you play along with us on the Q101.7 app.<\/p>\n\n Onwards to Week 11. <\/p>\n\n New York Jets at New England Patriots <\/strong>- Thursday, 8:15pm on Amazon Prime Video<\/p>\n\n The New York Jets won this past week, but against the Cleveland Browns. The New England Patriots also won, against a quality opponent in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rhemondre Stevenson being out is no problem since the Patriots have found another option at the running back position, this one who can hold onto the football ... for now. <\/p>\n\n The Bills fans really need the Jets to help them out... but they're not going to get it this week. <\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>New England<\/p>\n\n Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins <\/strong>(in Madrid, Spain) - Sunday, 9:30am on NFL Network<\/p>\n\n The final of the "international series" games pegs a Miami team that sent Buffalo into a panic because they helped reaffirm a problem first showcased when the New England Patriots beat them a few weeks prior against a Washington Commanders team fresh off a drubbing by the Detroit Lions. For Tua's problems all season long, at least he's been mostly working with the same receiver corps compared to Washington.<\/p>\n\n RICK'S PICK: <\/strong>Miami<\/p>\n\n Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons <\/strong>- Sunday, 1:00PM<\/p>\n\n Carolina shut out Atlanta the first time these teams met. But Carolina also just got shell-shocked by the New Orleans Saints this past week. While the Panthers have learned they have a threat with Rico Dowdle, you cannot forget Atlanta has Bijan Robinson. And Atlanta is going to want it to be known that the loss in Week 2 was a fluke, not a marking for the pecking order in the NFC South.<\/p>\n\n