Really Bill?

You really wanted to be the HC of the NYJ? And work for WJ, a man you supposedly despise?

You know, we can understand it. And here’s why Belichick, according to multiple reports, called the Jets before he got into it with North Carolina:

Aaron Rodgers.

Belichick was likely salivating over the chance to have Rodgers, who some don’t feel will be back with the Jets, be his quarterback. He’s figuring he can get the best out of the zany veteran, who actually is physically starting to look a little – just a little – more like his old self.

They’re screaming in New York that Woody Johnson and the Jets didn’t talk with Belichick. But now you know, Belichick apparently exhausted all options before diving in the Carolina job. And he’ll stay there for awhile, because he wants to coach, and he wants to build a team. You see, Belichick enjoys the team building aspect as much as the coaching. While his ego takes a hit, he’s back to a spot where his late father Steve used to coach and it’s a challenge of something different. We can see why he took it while many can’t. We’ll see if he can bounce back from a bad end in New England.

Meanwhile, we need to bounce back from a rare sub-.500 week:

CARDINALS 24, PATRIOTS 17

Many think the Patriots, coming out of the bye week, will pull out the win, being well rested and refreshed. Nope. We say the desperate Cardinals, despite quarterback Kyer Murray’s horrendous December record(8-23) pull this one out. Remember, they’re in a division race.

BRONCOS 27, COLTS 13

Bo Nix is OK, not great. Anthony Richardson not that great, and not OK. Advantage Denver. Also, the Broncos are home.

TEXANS 30, DOLPHINS 23

Miami is having a tough season for two reasons: A, the Tua absence for a few games because of the concussion, and B, the Dolphins defense stinks. Houston isn’t as good as last year, but the Texans and C.J. Stroud will prevail in this one and that’ll do it for th Fish and their playoff hopes.

PACKERS 24, SEAHAWKS 21

This could be a good one in the great Northwest. Seattle has bounced back to grab the AFC West lead but the Packers behind Jordan Love should be able to outscore their hosts, despite the ‘Hawks defense being above average.

VIKINGS 40, BEARS 22

Let’s face it, Da Bears are a train wreck, and were destroyed by a Niners team last week that couldn’t score the other night. Sam Darnold won’t be seeing ghosts in this one, he’ll be seeing his free agent value go up again.

BILLS 33, LIONS 30

Oh, this will be a 4:25 p.m. shootout. Detroit’s defense is ravaged by injuries, and it’s showing. The Bills and Josh Allen are always on point, and they’ll score points – enough to win.

EAGLES 17, STEELERS 10

We took last week off with rankings due to the Patriots’ bye, but we say right now the Eagles are the best team in the NFC thanks to Saquon Barkley. Russell Wilson won’t be able to get untracked in this one.

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow King on X (@Telegraph_TomK).