THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – WEDnESDAy, nOVEmbEr 23, 2022 Page 5 “The Old Sachem” The NFL AFC East By Bill Stewart hree weeks ago, I predicted the Patriots as fi nishing with an 8 wins and 9 losses record, but the Jets changed all that this week. The Pats won 10-3 to keep their hopes alive for a playoff spot. I’m now betting on 9 and 8. On Thursday they play one of the toughest teams in the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings, in Minneapolis, and I can’t see the Pats winning. Mac Jones hasn’t led to a T touchdown in the last two games. He does not appear to look around for open receivers, instead tossing to the fi rst choice, covered or not. He also does not toss the ball away when he knows he is in trouble as most of the quarterbacks do. He has been sacked about fi ve times each over the last two games. Of course, the offensive line contributes to his problem, but someone has got to teach the off ense how to play the game. Is there a problem with the off ensive coaches who don’t know how to run an off ense? Anyway, I fi gure the Pats to lose at Minnesota (8-2) only four days after the Jets game. Next Buffalo (7-3) comes to Foxboro and only a miracle could see the Pats winning. That would be two straight losses. The Patriots should win their next two games: December 12 at Arizona (4-6), and at Las Vegas (3-7). Then they come home to host Cincinnati (6-4) on December 24, which could go either way. Their final regular season games are Miami (7-3) at Foxboro and at Buff alo, also 7 and 3, and to win either game is nearly impossible, unless either opponent loses their quarterback before or during the contests. Ranking the AFC East Division, it appears that either Miami or Buff alo should be the champion, with my favorite Buff alo. I expect Buff alo to win their last seven: at Detroit (46), at the Patriots (6-4), Jets (64), Miami (7-3), at Chicago (38), at Cincinnati (6-4), and fi nish with the Patriots in Buff alo. This would give them a 14 and 3 record. My take on Miami is three wins at home: Houston (1-8 -1), at San Francisco (5-4), at LA Chargers (5-4). Then they travel to Buff alo (7-3), which should be a loss. They should win their fi nal three games: at home against Green Bay (4-7), Patriots (6-4) and the Jets, also 6 and 4. I count the Jets out; they battle Minnesota (8-2), Buff alo (73), Detroit (4-6), Jacksonville (37), Seattle (6-4) and fi nish with Miami (7-3). I don’t have last week’s scores for San Francisco and Arizona who play Mon“The Old Sachem,” Bill Stewart day evening (after I submit the article). Through nine weeks Buff alo has a 27.3 point scoring average and allows 16.8 points average for opponents. Miami appears to have a weak average, scoring 25.2 points and allowing 24.1. The Pats are 22.6 and 18.4, and the Jets 21.8 and 19.6. My latest predictions for the season are Buff alo 14 and 3, Miami 13 and 4, Patriots 9 and 8 and the Jets 9 and 8. We’ll see if the Old Sachem is still capable of peering into the future of the NFL. I expect next week to do some comments on the FIFA World Cup of soccer, which is being played this year in Qatar. (Editor’s Note: Bill Stewart, better known to Saugus Advocate readers as “The Old Sachem,” is back after a hiatus from writing his weekly column about sports.) 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut St. We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-8 p.m. Sunday We Are Thankful For You. Happy Thanksgiving! We wanted you to know that we are truly grateful for our customers. We’ll be closed Thursday, November 24th in observance of the holiday. You can access your accounts using our ATMs and Online & Mobile Banking. Thank you! Monday Tuesday $9.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Adult Night 18+ Only Wednesday Thursday Friday Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Private Parties Private Parties 4-11 p.m. Saturday 12-11 p.m. $9.00 $9.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com
6 Publizr Home