My concrete reasons are completely logical and based in fact. The NFL has nothing to gain and everything to lose by rigging games. The NFL receives the same revenue regardless of who wins any given game. It is the networks that benefit by better matchups. However, a scandal involving fixing games could cost them billions and land dozens of individuals in the federal pen.

As I also pointed out, gambling authorities have divisions that do nothing but investigate possible improprieties including fixing of games. That's basically what brought down the referee scandal in the NBA several years ago.

There is even a greater reason why it is impossible to get away with fixing games. Every official would have to be in on it. Everyone in the league office would have to be involved. Everyone would have to keep it secret. You know that is impossible.

I understand the frustration, but it is not because the games are rigged. It is the officiating. Pure and simple. And I will readily admit THAT is on the NFL and could be addressed by fulltime officials and greater use of replay.