Thanksgiving Week: Unveiling NFL Week 13 Predictions

A Silent Thanksgiving and the Power of Nostalgia: Week 13 NFL PicksWelcome to the Pig Pen for our special Thanksgiving week edition of Big, Bold Predictions! The NFL schedule is bursting at the seams this week with games spread across four days—Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday—meaning no bye weeks and a full slate of football to digest alongside your holiday feast.Hosts Darin Hayes and Ed Kleese checked in to review the tumultuous results of Week 12 and lay out their choices for Week 13, including the highly anticipated Thanksgiving MVP bonus picks. Before diving into the scores, Ed took a poignant detour down memory lane, reflecting on the shared cultural experience of Thanksgiving Day football, forever tied to the unmistakable voices of John Madden and Pat Summerall. Though Ed humorously recalled one infamous "Silent Thanksgiving" ruined by a 2002 Commanders loss to the Cowboys, the overall reverence for the holiday tradition—of family, food, and the gridiron—was clear.Week 12 Review: Darin Extends His LeadDespite both hosts admitting to a generally poor Week 12 performance, the race for the season title tightened, with Darin managing to extend his narrow lead.Darin & EdBills over TexansTexans won0Both hosts missed the Texans' dominant defensive performance (8 sacks)._________________Darin & EdCardinals over Jaguars (Upset)Jaguars won0Cardinals committed 4 turnovers but still lost, sinking both hosts.________________Darin & Ed Cowboys over Eagles (Upset)Cowboys won2Both hosts correctly predicted the Cowboys’ second-half defensive shutout.__________________Darin OnlyChiefs win by 7+ vs. ColtsChiefs won by 61 pointChiefs won but missed the margin by one point, earning Darin partial credit._________________Darin OnlyBucs over RamsRams won big0 pointsThe Rams dominated, proving Darin wrong on the late-season surge.__________________________Ed OnlySeahawks win by 20+ vs. TitansSeahawks won by 60 pointsEd's bullish pick failed to reach the 20-point margin.______________Ed OnlySteelers over BearsBears won0 pointsSteelers lost, leaving Ed stuck on 2 points for the week.Week 12 Score:Darin Hayes: 3 PointsEd Kleese: 2 PointsSeason Standings: The Race is Neck-and-NeckThe difference remains razor-thin heading into the final stretch of the regular season.Total Season Points (Week 12 Complete)Darin Hayes: 56 PointsEd Kleese: 54 PointsDarin maintains a two-point advantage, but with three bonus picks available this week, the lead is very much in jeopardy.Week 13 Bonus Picks: Thanksgiving MVPFor Week 13, Darin and Ed introduced three bonus picks: selecting the MVP of each of the three Thanksgiving Day games, worth three extra points apiece.Game 1: Lions vs. PackersDarin’s MVP Pick:Jameer Gibbs(Lions RB)Darin is betting on the Lions' versatile running back to break out in the traditional early slot.Ed’s MVP Pick:Jordan Love(Packers QB)Ed believes Love, who has been shaky all year, will have a pivotal breakout game, leading the Packers to a late comeback victory.Game 2: Chiefs vs. CowboysDarin’s...

The 2025 college football season has emerged as a remarkable chapter in the annals of the sport, particularly spotlighting the impressive performances of true freshman quarterbacks. We delve into the extraordinary achievements of these young signal callers, who, only recently removed from high school, are now competing at the highest collegiate level. Throughout this episode, we will explore the statistics and contributions of six standout quarterbacks, including Bryce Underwood of Michigan and Bear Bachmeier of BYU, as they navigate the challenges of a pivotal season. The significance of their roles is underscored by the impending college football playoffs, which promise to further define their legacies. Join us as we reflect on the historical context of their accomplishments and the potential future they hold within the sport.Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news! Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

Timothy P. Brown joins us to discuss a significant historical football game that took place on Thanksgiving in 1932, focusing on the remarkable achievements of Colgate University during that season. The discussion is based on Tim's Tidbit titled: The 1932 Colgate-Brown Thanksgiving Game for the Rose Bowl The Greatest Team That Wasn't Invited: Colgate's Unscored-Upon 1932 SeasonFor many, Thanksgiving means turkey and football. But in 1932, it meant a historic, high-stakes showdown that cemented one team's place in college football lore. This was the scene for the Thanksgiving Day game between the undefeated Colgate Red Raiders and the equally unbeaten Brown Bears, a story recently shared by football historian Timothy P. Brown on the Pigskin Daily History Dispatch podcast.The game pitted two Eastern powerhouses against each other in a deeply rooted rivalry game. Going into the matchup, Coach Andy Kerr’s Colgate squad boasted an immaculate 8-0 record, having dominated their opponents with a staggering 243-0 cumulative score. Brown was also 8-0, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated East Coast battles of the decade. Kerr, a notable disciple of coaching legend Pop Warner (he was even sent to coach Stanford for two years in Warner's place), employed a highly effective, pass-oriented double-wing offense that consistently produced high scores.21 Points of PerfectionThe national press built the game up as a Rose Bowl elimination contest, with the winner thought to be the most deserving contender. Colgate, fueled by the desire to cap an already legendary season, needed one specific number to secure another national title: the scoring crown. They needed 21 points against Brown to surpass West Liberty and claim the national scoring title.In a feat of near-perfect offensive execution, Colgate won the game 21-0. The win not only ensured they finished the year a national scoring leader, but more impressively, it completed the most dominant season in modern college football history.The Uninvited LegendColgate’s final record was 9-0, undefeated, untied, and unscored upon. Yet, when the invitations were handed out, the famous line was coined: The 1932 Red Raiders were “undefeated, untied, unscored upon, and uninvited.”The Pacific Coast Conference ultimately chose Pitt to play in the Rose Bowl, a team that subsequently lost to USC 35-0. While the Rose Bowl passed them over, Colgate secured a far more exclusive and permanent title: they remain the last major college football team to finish a season unscored upon. Coach Andy Kerr’s legacy extends beyond the 1932 team; in a four-year stretch, his teams averaged nearly 33 points a game while only allowing two, an incredible combination that defines one of football’s most enduring mysteries.Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news! Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

Gridiron Time Travel: Red Grange, Ivy League Chaos, and Heisman HistoryThe week leading up to Thanksgiving 2025 was a wild blend of honoring football’s past and watching history unfold in the present. Darin Hayes of Pigskin Dispatch dives into the biggest stories from the weekend, from a 100-year-old anniversary to the emergence of a new Heisman frontrunner.Here is a look at the history that was made, and the history that keeps on giving.🏈 100 Years Ago: The Power of the College GameThis weekend marked a significant anniversary: 100 years since the legendary Red Grange finished his college career and instantly redefined the professional game.November 21, 1925:Grange played his final college game for Illinois, defeating Ohio State 14–9. The game was a massive draw, pulling in an estimated80,000fans.The Next Day:Grange signed with the professional Chicago Bears, owned by George Halas.Thanksgiving Day 1925:Grange played his first professional game for the Bears, a scoreless tie against the Chicago Cardinals.The most striking detail is the crowd size for his first pro contest: only 39,000 fans attended. The fact that the same superstar drew less than half the crowd in the much larger city of Chicago—just four days after his college finale—perfectly illustrates the overwhelming dominance of college football over the professional game a century ago.(To commemorate this milestone, check out Chris Willis's new book, Red Grange Into Chicago Bears: The 100th Anniversary Scrapbook, available via Amazon and the Pigskin Dispatch store.)🏛️ Modern History: The Game Finally Leads to the PostseasonThe 141st edition of "The Game" between Harvard and Yale was about more than just rivalry this year. It was a winner-take-all battle for the Ivy League's first-ever automatic bid to the FCS playoffs, a monumental change after four decades of the league prohibiting football postseason play.The stage was set for an upset:Undefeated Harvard(9-0 overall, 6-0 in Ivy play) traveled to take onYale(7-2 overall).Yale dominated the contest, winning45-28. The Bulldogs scored immediately after recovering a fumble on the first play from scrimmage and never looked back.The victory created a virtual tie in the league standings, but the head-to-head win gives Yale the coveted automatic bid to the NCAA FCS playoffs. Harvard (9-1) is now waiting anxiously to see if they will receive an at-large bid. After years of demanding change, the student-athletes and coaches of the Ivy League now have their chance to prove themselves against the nation's best.🌟 Heisman History: Jeremiah Love's Unstoppable DayNotre Dame delivered a performance that rewrote the record books this weekend, largely powered by the sensational play of Heisman frontrunner Jeremiah Love.The Fighting Irish pummeled Syracuse 70-7, in a game that was historic for both sides:Notre Dame (8-2) Statistic Syracuse (3-7) 35 pointsPoints scored in the 1st Quarter (ND record since the 1930s)70 points allowed70 pointsTotal points scored (Most since 1932 vs. Haskell)70 points allowed (Most since 75-0 loss to Union College in 1891)Jeremiah Love's dominant day—which was largely confined to the first half—only solidified his Heisman candidacy:3 Touchdowns171 Yards RushingOn just8 Carries(an average of over 21 yards per...

Chiefs in Trouble? Week 11 Reflections & Week 12 Bold PredictionsThe 2025 NFL season is flying by! Week 11 is wrapped, leaving the AFC playoff picture in chaos, and Week 12 is upon us. Darin Hayes of Pigskin Dispatch and analyst Ed Kleese returned to the Pig Pen to discuss the Chiefs’ unexpected struggles and lay down their biggest Bold Predictions for the coming slate of games.📉 Ed's Take: The Chiefs’ Nine-Year Dynasty is EndingThe most significant takeaway from Week 11, according to Ed Kleese, was the Denver Broncos’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs.Ed asserts that this loss is bigger than just one game; it signals a major shift in the AFC. The Chiefs are now 5-5 and have suffered losses to all the teams they're competing with for a Wild Card spot (Broncos, Chargers, Bills, and Jaguars)."They will not be playing any home games at Arrowhead in the playoffs this year for the first time in a decade. That is a huge change."Ed now believes the Chiefs will not win the AFC and are no longer a sure bet for the playoffs, meaning the AFC is now "open season" for other contenders. Darin agreed, noting that Denver head coach Sean Payton exposed a successful blueprint for beating the Chiefs: running the ball, eating the clock, and keeping Patrick Mahomes off the field.📊 Week 11 Results: Darin Takes the LeadWhile the Chiefs stumbled, Darin Hayes delivered his best week of predictions yet, flipping the script and snatching the overall lead.Darin Hayes' Week 11 Results: 8 PointsPick Details Outcome PointsLions at Eagles-Lions win Incorrect 0Bears at Vikings-Bears win & DeAndre Swift over 100 yards. Correct (Nailed both)2Bills at Buccaneers-Bills win & Josh Allen 4+ TDs. Correct (Nailed both)2Rams at Seahawks-Rams win & force 4 turnovers. Correct (Nailed both)2Panthers at Falcons-Panthers win by 10+Bonus (Panthers won)2Total Week 11 Score 8 - Overall Total 53Ed Kleese's Week 11 Results: 6 PointsPick Details Outcome Points Bears at Vikings.Vikings win Incorrect 0Rams at Seahawks.Seahawks win Incorrect 0Chargers at Jaguars.Jaguars win.Correct2Giants at Packers.Jameis fun/Packers win late.Correct (Giants had ball in the red zone late)2Raiders at Cowboys.Cowboys win easily.Correct2Total Week 11 Score 6 - Overall Total 52Darin now leads Ed by a single point, 53-52, as the season heads into its final third.🔮 Week 12 Bold PredictionsThe analysts now turn their attention to a critical Week 12 slate.Ed Kleese's Week 12 Bold PredictionsGame Bold Prediction RationaleBills at Texans.Bills win in a close one. The Bills will pull it out late, as missing the injured C.J. Stroud...

The episode presents a thorough examination of the evolution of defensive strategies in American football, with a particular focus on the tactics employed for fumble recovery. Speaker A, in conversation with Timothy P. Brown, articulates the fundamental premise of modern defensive play: to neutralize offensive threats by regaining possession of the football. The dialogue illuminates the historical context of fumble recoveries, tracing back to the early days of football when defenses had the opportunity to advance recoveries, a practice rooted in the sport's rugby ancestry.A salient point of discussion is the pivotal rule instituted in 1929 that restricted defenses from advancing fumbles, thereby altering the tactical considerations for both offenses and defenses. This modification not only impacted gameplay but also instigated a cultural perception shift regarding the act of 'stealing' the ball. The episode explores the implications of this rule change, highlighting how it led to the development of a new vocabulary surrounding defensive actions and how certain maneuvers were judged in terms of sportsmanship. Anecdotes regarding players like Chuck Taylor serve to exemplify the evolution of athleticism and the admiration for players who showcased remarkable skill in recovering fumbles and scoring.Furthermore, the conversation delves into the historical significance of various plays, notably the hook and lateral, and discusses how its recognition has evolved over time. The narrative elaborates on the return to allowing defenses to advance fumbles in college football, marking a significant shift that resonates with earlier practices and embodies a return to a more fluid and dynamic style of play. This exploration of both historical and contemporary football dynamics invites listeners to engage with the sport on a deeper level, fostering a greater appreciation for the intricate relationship between rules, strategies, and the ethos of American football. Through this discourse, the episode not only informs but also enriches the listener's understanding of the game as a historical and cultural phenomenon.Takeaways: Modern football defenses aim to thwart offensive plays primarily by reclaiming possession of the ball. Tim Brown elucidates historical strategies employed by defenses to recover fumbles effectively. The podcast explores the evolution of football rules regarding the advancement of fumbles by defenses over the years. A significant rule change in 1929 prohibited defenses from advancing fumbles, altering game dynamics substantially. Historically, the act of 'stealing the ball' from an opponent was considered unsportsmanlike conduct during early football. The term 'scoop and score' emerged in the 1990s, marking a shift in defensive strategies in college football. Companies mentioned in this episode: Tim Brown footballarchaeology.com Darrin Hayes pigskindispatch.com University of Pennsylvania Chuck Taylor Web Eubank Boise Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news! Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website. Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz...

This episode features a great chat with James Baxenfield about how American football got started and is growing in the Baltic countries, especially Estonia.James explains that football first popped up in Estonia right after the Soviet Union broke up around 1989. It started very small—just informal games with whatever equipment people could find.Now, things are much more organized. Over the last couple of decades, American football has become a more structured sport, with a rising number of local amateur teams and leagues. This growth is largely thanks to dedicated people in the communities who have worked hard to build a football culture.James also talks about the Baltic League, which includes teams from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This league is really important for getting American football noticed in the region. The sport still struggles because other games are much more popular, but teams like the Tartu Titans and the Vilnius Iron Wolves show the competitive and friendly spirit of this developing football scene.Finally, the discussion gives a sneak peek at James Baxenfield's new podcast, 'Gridiron Baltic'. His show will dive deep into the history and current status of American football in the Baltics, sharing local stories and helping people understand the sport's unique journey in that part of the world. It's a great chance to learn about a cool, developing corner of football history.Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news! Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website. Takeaways:Football's popularity is surging in America and across the globe, including the Baltic region.The upcoming podcast, Gridiron Baltic, will explore American football's history in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.Local teams in Estonia are competing in the Baltic League, which showcases regional football talent.Flag football is gaining traction in Estonia, with new teams forming to promote the sport.The first American football games in Estonia occurred in 1989 after the Soviet Union's dissolution.The podcast aims to increase visibility for American football in the Baltic region, reflecting its growing popularity.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

The Pigskin Daily History Dispatch embarks on an exploration of the illustrious Pigskin Parade, a celebrated series that first graced the pages of local newspapers in 1939, chronicling the rich tapestry of American football history. We delve into the origins of football, tracing its roots back to the 19th century when the game began to flourish in the United States, notably marked by the inaugural intercollegiate game between Princeton and Rutgers on November 6, 1869. Through a meticulous examination of the early rules and the evolution of gameplay, we uncover how the sport transitioned from its rudimentary beginnings to the structured game we appreciate today. This episode pays homage to the artistry and scholarship behind the Pigskin Parade, aiming to reinvigorate its legacy while enriching our understanding of football's historical context. Join us as we celebrate the game we cherish, illuminating its past with both reverence and insight.Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news! Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website. Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

As we navigate the eleventh week of the 2025 NFL season, our discourse centers on the myriad complexities inherent in the league's performance dynamics. Ed Kleese joins me to impart our audacious predictions, an endeavor that seeks to elucidate the evolving narratives of the teams vying for playoff contention. Throughout our dialogue, we examine the often underestimated tenacity of struggling teams, highlighting their potential to disrupt expectations even in adversity. This episode of the Pigskin Daily History Dispatch serves as a repository of football insights, intertwining historical contexts with contemporary analysis, as we reflect on the intricate tapestry of American football. Join us in our exploration of these themes, as we endeavor to offer a deeper understanding of the sport we hold dear.Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news! Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website. Takeaways:In the midst of the 2025 NFL season, our discussions focus on predicting key outcomes, especially leading into Week 11.We emphasize the relentless nature of professional football players, who continue to strive for excellence despite challenging seasons.The dynamics of team morale and performance are examined, particularly when addressing teams that appear to have little to play for.We find that the competitive spirit remains alive within every player, motivating them to perform regardless of their team's standings.Mentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

November 12th holds a significant place in the annals of professional football history, particularly within the context of Pittsburgh's rich football heritage. On this day, we commemorate the inception of professional football, marked by the remarkable achievement of William "Pudge" Heffelfinger, who became the first paid professional football player in 1892. Additionally, we reflect on the birthdays of notable figures such as Jack Butler, a Hall of Fame defensive back for the Steelers, born on this date in 1927, whose legacy continues to influence the game. Moreover, we explore the inaugural home game of the Steelers in 1933, which coincided with the repeal of the blue laws, a pivotal moment that allowed the NFL to flourish on Sundays. Join us as we delve into these historical milestones, celebrating the profound impact of November 12th on the fabric of Pittsburgh football and the broader landscape of the sport.Pittsburgh Steelers Historian and Collector Ryan Minnigh of the 304 Collectors Corner Substack joins us to tell the story. Find more of Ryan's work and collection at: r or on X.com as  ⁨@304collectorcorner3⁩  Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news! Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website. Links referenced in this episode:pigskindispatch.com304collectorscorner.comMentioned in this episode:Sports History Theme SongThis theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0