Bryan Paul’s Puzzling NFL Predictions: Week 17

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As the National Football League regular season and the year 2012 conclude, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with the Bryan Paul’s Puzzling NFL Predictions posts this season.

Thank you to Chuck Pollock of The Olean Times Herald for letting me compete against you in NFL prognostication this year. Seeing how our methods compared with each other made this project interesting and fun to follow.

Thank you to St. Bonaventure University journalism and mass communication faculty members Michael Jones-Kelley, Chris Mackowski, Carole McNall, Patrick Vecchio and Denny Wilkins for your insight and promotional efforts.

Thank you to my parents, Larry and Deborah Clark, for supporting me in all my pursuits and endeavors. I’m so fortunate and proud to be your son.

And thank you to everyone who has read these posts the past 17 weeks. I appreciate that many of you have allowed me to email you the links to the predictions or have accessed them through Facebook and Twitter. I’m glad to have received so much positive feedback from my friends and colleagues.

Though my predictions method wasn’t always successful, I hope readers have found these posts entertaining and interesting. Research for each pick took a great deal of time and research, but it never seemed like work. Bryan Paul’s Puzzling NFL Predictions will continue into the NFL postseason, concluding with an especially extensive, random and unique Super Bowl XLVII post.

In honor of the climax of the NFL regular season and the year 2012, the Week 17 predictions theme is endings, finales and last times.       

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Cleveland Browns (5-10) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8)-Dec. 30-1 p.m.-CBS

The Cleveland Indians last won the World Series in 1948. Since 1948, the Browns have won 30 regular season finales. But they are 3-7 against the Steelers in those games.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Pittsburgh

Pollock’s Pick: Pittsburgh

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Baltimore Ravens (10-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)-Dec. 30-1 p.m.-CBS

The Indians and Browns both played at Cleveland Stadium until the Indians moved to Jacobs Field, now Progressive Field, after the 1993 season. Brian Mulroney resigned as the Prime Minister of Canada in 1993. The Bengals wish he was still in office. During Mulroney’s administration from 1984-93, Cincinnati was 19-16 in December games.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Baltimore

Pollock’s Pick: Cincinnati

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Jacksonville Jaguars (2-13) at Tennessee Titans (5-10)-Dec. 30-1 p.m.-CBS

Japan hosted the Group of Seven Summit, a meeting of government leaders of the world’s largest economies, in 1993.  The organization, now the Group of Eight, last held its annual gathering in Japan in 2008. The G8 leaders must have decided to curse the Jaguars at the 2008 meeting. Since 2008, Jacksonville is 28-53.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Tennessee

Pollock’s Pick: Tennessee

Bryan Paul’s Puzzling NFL Predictions: Week 16

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People all over the world have written lists of what they’d like for Christmas this year. Some ask for toys, clothes or gift cards. National Football League players, coaches and teams have their own holiday wishes.

Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller wants his coach, Chan Gailey,  to design plays that allow him to receive the ball more often in games. The Green Bay Packers want one of the Seattle Seahawks’ nine wins since replacement officials incorrectly awarded Seattle with a game-winning touchdown when the teams played each other in Week 3. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco wants a time machine so he could take back the pass that Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris intercepted for a 98-yard touchdown, making the halftime score 17-0. Sports Illustrated football writer Peter King wants a chance to revise of his preseason predictions because this summer he picked the Kansas City Chiefs, who have a 2-12 record, to win the AFC West and a playoff game.

This Christmas Eve, Santa won’t be delivering footballs; he’s letting New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez bring them to houses. Sanchez likes giving away footballs, as evidenced by his 29 turnovers this season.

In honor of the gifts, specials, movies, music and spirit of the season, the Week 16 predictions theme is Christmas.

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Atlanta Falcons (12-2) at Detroit Lions (4-10)-Dec. 22-8:30 p.m.-ESPN

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been adapted in film, television and theater productions many times. In years a movie studio has released a live action film based on the story, Detroit is 28-14-2 at home. Falcons fans say “bah, humbug” to that statistic. No live action film based on or influenced by A Christmas Carol has been released this year.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Atlanta

Pollock’s Pick: Atlanta

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New Orleans Saints (6-8) at Dallas Cowboys (8-6)-Dec. 23-1 p.m.-Fox

In 1992, Jim Henson Productions released The Muppet Christmas Carol in theaters. Throughout its history, the company has produced a variety of Christmas films and television programs featuring Muppet characters. In years Jim Henson Productions has made a Christmas program, the Cowboys are 160-95. The studio didn’t release a holiday special this year.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: New Orleans

Pollock’s Pick: Dallas

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New England Patriots (10-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12)-Dec. 23-1 p.m.-CBS

The first Muppet Christmas special aired in 1970, the year ABC premired the Rankin/Bass production Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town. In years the studio has released an animated Christmas program, the Patriots are 18-28 in December games. Rankin/Bass hasn’t released a Christmas special since 2001.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: New England

Pollock’s Pick: New England

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Bryan Paul’s Puzzling NFL Predictions: Week 15

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On Dec. 13, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced the nominations of the 70th Golden Globe Awards, kicking off our entertainment culture’s annual film awards season that will culminate at the 85th Academy Awards on Feb. 24.  While it’s unclear whether Argo, Les Misérables or Lincoln will win the most honors, one thing is certain: Americans love to watch movies. According to the National Association of Theatre Owners, there were 39,580 movie screens in the United States as of 2011. Box Office Mojo reports films have collected $10,072.2 million at American theaters this year. Yahoo! says theaters receive 67 percent of revenue from ticket sales.

Sports often serve as a movie’s centerpiece. Pictures such as Remember the Titans, Friday Night Lights and North Dallas Forty have chronicled football on the big screen. Several football players have appeared in movies. Jim Brown starred alongside Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine and Charles Bronson in The Dirty Dozen. Alex Karras played Mongo in Blazing Saddles. Brett Favre had a cameo in the romantic slapstick comedy There’s Something About Mary.

In honor of the upcoming award ceremonies and the captivating, entertaining and compelling storytelling displayed year after year on the big screen, the Week 15 predictions theme is movies.

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Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-9)-Dec. 13-8:20 p.m.-NFL Network

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association first awarded the Golden Globes in 1944.  Philadelphia went 7-2-1 in 1944.  Eagles fans wish their team was having the same success this season as they were 68 years ago.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Cincinnati

Pollock’s Pick: Philadelphia

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New York Giants (8-5) at Atlanta Falcons (11-2)-Dec. 16-1 p.m.-Fox

Meryl Streep has earned 26 Golden Globe nominations in her career, more than any actress. She has won the award eight times. In years Streep has won a Golden Globe, the Giants have won seven games against NFC South teams. The Falcons have won eight games against NFC East teams. This year, Streep won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture-Drama for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Atlanta

Pollock’s Pick: Atlanta

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Green Bay Packers (9-4) at Chicago Bears (8-5)-Dec. 16-1 p.m.-Fox

Streep has won three Academy Awards in her career. Walter Brennan was the first actor to win three Oscars. In years he won an Academy Award, the Bears were 4-3 against the Packers. But Brennan won his last Oscar 72 years ago.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Green Bay

Pollock’s Pick: Green Bay

Bryan Paul’s Puzzling NFL Predictions: Week 14

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Walt Disney, whose imagination and creativity profoundly shaped American culture, would have celebrated his 111^th birthday on Dec. 5. What began with his initial interest in drawing as he grew up in Marceline, Mo. led to the creation of Mickey Mouse and to what is now a major entertainment enterprise consisting of feature films, television programs, costumer products and tourism.

According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences database, Disney received 26 Oscars and 59 nominations, more than any other person. Beginning with 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Walt Disney Pictures has released several classic animated features including Pinocchio, Cinderella and The Lion King. On the small screen, Disney entities include popular shows such as Lost, Desperate Housewives and Modern Family.

Disney dominates land and sea tourism. The company runs six theme parks in the United States and has international presence with parks in Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Themeit.com reported that in 2009, 119.1 million people visited Disney Parks, the most in the theme park industry. Disney Cruise Line, founded in 1996, has an armada of four ships that travel to destinations such as Alaska, the Pacific Coast, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Disney also has a relationship with football. The company owns both ABC and ESPN, the two networks that have broadcasted Monday Night Football games. Beginning in 1987, football players have declared their desire to go to Disney World after winning the Super Bowl.

In honor of the innovative film making and storytelling developed by its founder and the legacy his company holds in popular culture, the Week 14 predictions theme is Disney.

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Denver Broncos (9-3) at Oakland Raiders (3-9)-Dec. 6-8:20 p.m.-NFL Network

Former Los Angeles Rams tight end Ron Miller married Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane, in 1954. He served as president of his father-in-law’s company from 1980-84. The Raiders wish he was still in charge. During Miller’s presidency, Oakland was 5-4 against Denver.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Denver

Pollock’s Pick: Denver

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Atlanta Falcons (11-1) at Carolina Panthers (3-9)-Dec. 9-1 p.m.-Fox

The Moroccan pavilion opened at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Center in 1984. The Falcons are 14-26 in years a new pavilion has opened. But one hasn’t opened since 1988. I guess it’s a small world after all.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Atlanta

Pollock’s Pick: Atlanta

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Kansas City Chiefs (2-10) at Cleveland Browns (4-8)-Dec. 9-1 p.m.-CBS

EPCOT opened in 1982. Hans Conried, who voiced Captain Hook in Peter Pan, died in 1982. Since his death, the Chiefs are 15-14 in Week 14 games. The Browns are 7-19.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Kansas City

Pollock’s Pick: Cleveland

Bryan Paul’s Puzzling NFL Predictions: Week 13

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When someone attends a football game, they will hear several sounds: referees’ whistles, players colliding, fans cheering and music.

Music has accompanied football throughout the sport’s history. Football games begin with a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” America’s national anthem. Several National Football League teams have fight songs. Washington’s “Hail to the Redskins,” Philadelphia’s “Fly, Eagles Fly” and the Buffalo Bills’ “Shout Song” play after the home team scores points. The 1985 Chicago Bears recorded “The Super Bowl Shuffle” during their historical 18-1 season. Sam Spence’s compositions helped NFL Films create a theatrical illustration of football.

NFL stadiums often host musical events. On Sept. 19, 21 and 22, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performed at MetLife Stadium, home of the Jets and Giants. On April 28, 15,000 fans watched a Dallas Opera simulcast of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” on Cowboys Stadium’s 72-foot high video board. The Tennessee Titans’ LP Field houses the main stage for the Country Music Association Festival every June in Nashville, Tenn.

The Super Bowl halftime show allows musicians to perform live for millions of viewers around the world . On Oct. 16, the NFL announced Beyoncé, will headline the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show. She will join music legends such as Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney and, infamously, Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake,  who’ve graced the Super Bowl stage

In honor of the motivation, excitement and power it provides on NFL game days and its place within American sports culture, the Week 13 predictions theme is music.

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New Orleans Saints (5-6) at Atlanta Falcons (10-1)-Nov. 29-8:20 p.m.-NFL Network

George Harrison, a former member of the Beatles, died on Nov. 29, 2001. The Falcons miss the “quiet Beatle.” Atlanta is 7-15 against New Orleans since Harrison died. Seven of those losses have happened at the Georgia Dome.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: New Orleans

Pollock’s Pick: Atlanta

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Indianapolis Colts (7-4) at Detroit Lions (4-7)-Dec. 2-1 p.m.-CBS

Each former Beatle has had a solo career. In years a former Beatle has released a solo studio album, the Colts are 105-128 in road games. The Lions are 113-109-1 at home. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the two living former Beatles, both released albums this year.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Detroit

Pollock’s Pick: Detroit

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Carolina Panthers (3-8) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-10)-Dec. 2-1 p.m.-Fox

Rivers Cuomo, lead singer and guitarist of Weezer, was born in 1970, the year the Beatles disbanded. Weezer formed on Feb. 14, 1992 in Los Angeles. Chiefs fans shouldn’t listen to any of the band’s songs before this game. Since 1992, Kansas City is 40-41 in December games.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Carolina

Pollock’s Pick: Carolina

Bryan Paul’s Puzzling NFL Predictions: Week 12

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Thanksgiving celebrates three “f” words: family, food and football. National Football League games, traditionally featuring the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys, have been played on Thanksgiving since 1920. Broadcast announcers salute winning team members with honors such as the CBS All-Iron Award and the Fox Galloping Gobbler Award. During his broadcasting career, John Madden awarded players with a turducken, a poultry cornucopia consisting of turkey, duck and chicken.

Food perfectly complements football. Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday are the top two days of food consumption in America, according to the National Chicken Council. Fox Sports said viewers ate 1.25 billion chicken wings during Super Bowl XLVI. NFL pregame tailgating fare ranges from Kansas City barbeque to Green Bay bratwursts.

Drinks also have a role in football. In 2010, TreeHugger.com said Americans drank 325.5 million gallons of beer on Super Bowl Sunday. Bud Light became the official beer sponsor of the NFL in 2011 in an agreement valued at over $1 billion. Pepsi purchased Super Bowl XLVI advertisement time, likely paying around the average of $3.5 billion, according to ESPN, for a 30-second commercial.

Foods and drinks certainly fill football fans’ bellies and the league’s wallet. In honor of Thanksgiving and the many edible and drinkable football connections, the Week 12 predictions theme is foods and beverages.

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Houston Texans (9-1) at Detroit Lions (4-6)-Nov. 22-12:30 p.m.-CBS

Butterball, a poultry company, began selling turkeys in 1940. Lions fans should purchase their turkey from another producer this Thanksgiving. Since 1940, Detroit is 30-35-2 on Thanksgiving.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Houston

Pollock’s Pick: Detroit

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Washington Redskins (4-6) at Dallas Cowboys (5-5)-Nov. 22-4:15 p.m.-Fox

Detroit’s last Thanksgiving victory came in 2003. Pizza Today magazine named Domino’s Pizza “Pizza Chain of the Year” in 2003, 2010 and 2011. The Cowboys were 1-2 on Thanksgiving in those years. Luckily for Dallas, the magazine felt there “didn’t seem to be enough competition” to select a 2012 winner, according to Pete Lachapelle, Pizza Today’s president and publisher.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Dallas

Pollock’s Pick: Dallas

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New England Patriots (7-3) at New York Jets (4-6)-Nov. 22-8:20 p.m.-NBC

Lombardi’s Pizza in New York City claims to be the first United States pizza establishment. Patriot fans are happy it’s remained in business since 1905. Since Lombardi’s celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2005, New England is 12-5 against New York.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: New England

Pollock’s Pick: New England

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Bryan Paul’s Puzzling NFL Predictions: Week 11

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In 1891, Dr. James Naismith, a physical education teacher at the International Young Men’s Christian Association Training School in Springfield, Mass., created a new indoor game. In this game, players dribbled a soccer ball around a court and earned points by shooting the ball into a peach basket. Today, basketball remains one the world’s most popular sports.

Football and basketball are different. Football stadiums are large structures. Basketball arenas are smaller, more intimate facilities. Football players, shielded by helmets, face masks and pads, perform like Roman Empire gladiators. Basketball players wear a simpler uniform consisting of a jersey, shorts and sneakers and display their talents and skills with the same dramatic flair as Broadway actors.

There is less parity in basketball. Since David Stern became commissioner of the National Basketball Association in 1984, eight different franchises have won NBA championships. Fourteen different National Football League teams have won the Super Bowl.

There are similarities. Lucas Oil Stadium, the Georgia Dome and Ford Field have hosted Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four games. NFL players Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez and Julius Peppers played college basketball. Football and basketball coaches both have a range of interesting characters from the wise Vince Lombardi and Phil Jackson, to the stern Tom Landry and Larry Brown to the zany Jimmy Johnson and Bob Knight.

In honor of slam dunks, steals, three pointers and technical fouls, the Week 11 predictions theme is basketball.

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Miami Dolphins (4-5) at Buffalo Bills (3-6)-Nov. 15-8:20 p.m.-NFL Network

The Los Angeles Clippers, formally the Buffalo Braves, played in Western New York from 1970-78. Since the Braves moved away, the Bills are 271-294. Imagine, Buffalo sports fans: Chris Paul and Blake Griffin playing at First Niagara Center. Oh well.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Miami

Pollock’s Pick: Buffalo

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Green Bay Packers (6-3) at Detroit Lions (4-5)-Nov. 18-1 p.m.-Fox

The University of Kentucky won its fifth national championship in 1978. This year, the program won its eighth title. The school’s triumph will doom Green Bay this week. The Packers are 1-6 in Week 11 games in years Kentucky wins the national championship.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Detroit

Pollock’s Pick: Green Bay

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New York Jets (3-6) at St. Louis Rams (3-5-1)-Nov. 18-1 p.m.-CBS

John Calipari coached this year’s Kentucky national championship team. He has coached four teams that reached the Final Four. The Jets are 6-7 in November games during those seasons. The Rams are 2-11-1. However, the National Collegiate  Athletic Association vacated two of those appearances due to player eligibility and academic issues.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: St. Louis

Pollock’s Pick: St. Louis

Bryan Paul’s Puzzling NFL Predictions: Week 10

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In 1776, American colonists declared their independence from Great Britain, establishing a new nation, the United States. Britain has been our country’s big brother. At first the sibling nations fought and agitated each other during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. The two countries are now strong allies and have come together to deal with the world’s social issues, economic concerns and global conflicts, notably World War I and World War II.

Britain has influenced American culture in several ways. The English games cricket and rounders are ancestors to baseball, America’s national pastime. Works by English writers such as Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare and Jane Austen are taught in American high schools and universities. The British Parliament consists of two chambers, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, similar to the two parts of the American Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate. The British Broadcasting Corporation aired The Office from 2001-03. The American version of the sitcom is currently in its final season on NBC.

Differences still exist. Americans drive on the right side of the road. The British drive on the left. What are known as French fries in the United States are called chips in the United Kingdom. Santa Claus in America is Father Christmas in Britain.

Since 2007, one National Football League regular season game has been played at London’s Wembley Stadium.  Football in Britain is soccer in America. However, the English don’t refer to American football as soccer.

In honor of the historical connections, the shared culture and customs and the partnership between our country and our friends across the pond, the Week 10 predictions theme is Great Britain.

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 Indianapolis Colts (5-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-7)-Nov. 8-8:20 p.m.-NFL Network

On Nov. 9, Skyfall, the latest  James Bond spy film, arrives in American theaters. The Colts will take out the Jaguars in this game with the same efficiency that 007 takes out his enemies on screen. In years a Bond film is released, Indianapolis is 184-156-4.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Indianapolis

Pollock’s Pick: Indianapolis

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New York Giants (6-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-5)-Nov. 11-1 p.m.-Fox

Three Englishmen, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and Daniel Craig have played James Bond. In years an English actor plays Bond in a film, the Giants are 17-20 against AFC teams. The Bengals are 21-19-1 against NFC teams. Craig, the current 007, was born in Chester, Cheshire, England.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Cincinnati

Pollock’s Pick: New York

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Oakland Raiders (3-5) at Baltimore Ravens (6-2)-Nov. 11-1 p.m.-CBS

Craig appeared in Elizabeth, a 1998 biographical film about Queen Elizabeth I. The Raiders didn’t appreciate this movie about the historic monarch. Baltimore defeated Oakland in Week 10 of the 1998 season.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Baltimore

Pollock’s Pick: Baltimore

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Bryan Paul’s Puzzling NFL Predictions: Week 9

On Nov. 6, Americans will decide whether President Barack Obama will spend four more years in the White House or if former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will succeed him.

Politics and sports have a history of coming together. Former President George W. Bush once owned Major League’s Baseball’s Texas Rangers. Bill Bradley played for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association before becoming a three-term senator from New Jersey. Track and field Olympian Jim Ryun represented Kansas’ 2^nd congressional district from 1996-2007.

Football is like politics. In order to be successful, football teams and political campaigns both require winning strategies, disciplined management and controlled confidence.

Football has several historic political connections. According to Lombardi by David Maraniss, Richard Nixon considered making Green Bay Packers head coach Vince Lombardi his running mate in 1968 until he discovered Lombardi was a Democrat. Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jack Kemp served in the House of Representatives, worked as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in George H.W. Bush’s administration and ran as the 1996 Republican Party vice presidential nominee. In 2009, President Obama appointment Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney as United States Ambassador to Ireland.

In honor of the drama and chaos of the campaign season and its connections to football, the Week 9 predictions theme is politics. Hopefully readers will find these predictions fair and balanced. However, it’s unlikely professional pollsters would endorse this blog’s prognostication method.

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Kansas City Chiefs (1-6) at San Diego Chargers (3-4)-Nov. 1-8:20 p.m.-NFL Network

Opinion polls predict a close election this year. History indicates a clear winner in this game. Since 1960, San Diego is 14-10 against Kansas City in president election years. Plus, the Chargers are 9-7 against the Chiefs in election years featuring an incumbent.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: San Diego

Pollock’s Pick: San Diego

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Arizona Cardinals (4-4) at Green Bay Packers (5-3)-Nov. 4-1 p.m.-Fox

President Obama is seeking to become the first Democrat to win reelection since 1996. The Packers are glad he wants four more years in office. In seasons a Democratic president seeks a second term, Green Bay is 60-38-4.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Green Bay

Pollock’s Pick: Green Bay

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Denver Broncos (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)-Nov. 4-1 p.m.-CBS

Bob Dole resigned as Senate Majority Leader in 1996 to run for president as the Republican Party nominee. After losing the 1996 election, Dole retired from public service. The Broncos are glad he did. Since the 1996 election, Denver is 154-115. Cincinnati is 103-153-1.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Denver

Pollock’s Pick: Denver

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Bryan Paul’s Puzzling NFL Predictions: Week 8

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Every year, Halloween conjures up both fun and fright with scary stories,  trick-or-treating, and crazy costumes. Horror films dominate movie theaters and television in the days leading up to Oct. 31. In 2004, James Earl Jones said “we all go see a horror movie because we like being scared.”

This must be true.

The Sixth Sense, Jaws and Signs rank among the top 100 all-time grossing films in America, earning $781,472,926 combined. From Oct. 21-23, 2011, Paranormal Activity 3 made $54 million in its opening weekend, the best debut for a horror film.

But while many horror films contain gruesome creatures, jump scenes and characters facing serious danger and peril, some focus on the genre’s gentle side and humorously depict ghosts, monsters and vampires.

Frightening figures also exist in football. The Minnesota Vikings defensive linemen of the 1970s were known as the “The Purple People Eaters.” Monday Night Football commentator Jon Gruden resembles the demonic doll Chucky from Child’s Play. Oakland Raiders fans dress in fierce and haunting regalia, turning O.co Coliseum into “The Black Hole.”

In honor of the horror, humor and high jinxes of Halloween, the Week 8 predictions theme is scary, sometimes silly, movies.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-4) at Minnesota Vikings (5-2)-Oct. 25-8:20 p.m.-NFL Network

Filming for Edward Scissorhands, the first collaboration between actor Johnny Depp and director Tim Burton, took place in Florida. 2012’s vampire comedy Dark Shadows is the eighth film Burton and Depp have worked together on. The Buccaneers don’t like this partnership. Tampa Bay is 1-5 in Week 8 games in years a Burton/Depp film is released.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Minnesota

Pollock’s Pick: Minnesota

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 Miami Dolphins (3-3) at New York Jets (3-4)-Oct. 28-1 p.m.-CBS

Martin Landau played horror film actor Bela Lugosi in the 1994 Burton/Depp film Ed Wood. The Dolphins won both games against the Jets that season. But Miami has swept its season series with New York only four times since 1994 and lost to the Jets in Week 3 this season.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: New York

Pollock’s Pick: New York

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 San Diego Chargers (3-3) at Cleveland Browns (1-6)-Oct. 28-1 p.m.-CBS

Raúl Juliá, who died in 1994, portrayed Gomez Addams in the The Addams Family, a 1991 adaptation of The New Yorker cartoon characters and the 1960s sitcom.  In years an Addams Family film has played in theaters, San Diego is 5-18 on the road. The Chargers don’t have to worry about any Addams Family member appearing on movie screens this year.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: San Diego

Pollock’s Pick: San Diego