NFL 2024 Week 6 Recap

October 13th, 2024

NFL 2024 Week 6 Recap

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks was the Thursday night game. Both teams looked to right the ship after embarrassing home losses to inferior teams. The Seahawks moved at the start from their own 36 to a 3rd and 5 at the San Francisco 25. Geno Smith went deep and was intercepted. The 49res took over at their own 3 yard line and moved 90 yards in 13 plays and 7 1/2 minutes. On 2nd and goal at the 7, Brock Purdy threw incomplete twice. Wright hit the 25 yard field goal to make it 3-0 49ers. The 49ers took over in the second quarter at their own 24 and needed only one play and 12 seconds to break the game open. Purdy went deep to Deebo Samuel for a 76 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 49ers The Seahawks fumbled the ensuing kickoff and the 49ers recovered at the San Francisco 29. On 3rd and 4, Purdy threw incomplete. Wright hit from 51 to make it 13-0 49ers. The 49ers got it back at their own 6 yard line and moved 77 yards in 14 plays, taking nearly 8 minutes off the clock. Wright hit a 35 yard field goal to make it 16-0 49ers.The Seahawks managed a field goal before the half ended, but this game was not a contest. After a touchback, Purdy went deep to George Kittle for 29 Guerendo ripped off a pair of 6 yard gains. On 3rd and 3 from the Seattle 10, Purdy went to Kittle for the touchdown to make it 23-3 49ers.

The game appeared over, but then Shenault returned the ensuing kickoff 97 yards for a Seahawks touchdown. Just like that, the Seahawks were within 23-10. The Seahawks got the ball back at their own 6 yard line. Smith hit Barner for 13. On 3rd and 8 from their own 21, Smith hit Tyler Lockett for 37.. Smith went to Fant for 12 and Kenneth Walker for 8. On 3rd and 3 from the San Francisco 19, Smith went to DK Metcalf for 8. Walker got the last yard to get the Seahawks within 23-17 after three quarters. The Seahawks got the ball back midway through the fourth quarter with all the momentum and a chance to take the lead. Yet on 1st and 20 from their own 15, Smith was intercepted. Green returned the interception 20 yards to the Seattle 15. On 3rd and 4, Purdy went to Kittle for the 9 yard touchdown with 6:20 left. The 2 point try failed but the 49ers led 29-17. After a touchback, Smith hit Fant for 12. On 3rd and 10 from his own 43, Smith went to Bobo for 11. On 3rd and 7 from the San Francisco 43, Smith hit Walker for 11 and Lockett for 13. On 4th and goal at the 9, Smith went to Lockett for the touchdown. The Seahawks were within 29-24 with 1:44 to play. The Seahawks had all 3 timeouts so Mike Macdonald decided to kick it deep rather than go onside. The 49ers took over at their own 19 yard line. Guerendo quickly broke the back of the defense with a 76 yard run. Guerendo ran for a 6 yard touchdown to put the game on ice.. Both teams are 3-3, with the Seahawks having lost 3 straight. 36-24 49ers

Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears was the Sunday early morning game in London. It has been tough to gauge the Bears because they have played bad teams, but at some point it may just be that top overall draft pick Caleb Williams is good. The Jaguars finally got a win last week. In the first quarter the Jaguars had a solid 14 play, 67 yard, 8 minute drive from their own 21 that reached 1st and goal at the 8. A false start killed the drive. Chase Little hit a 30 yard field goal for a 3-0 Jaguars lead. In the second quarter the Bears took over at their own 19. Deandre Swift ran for 12. Williams ran for 10. on 3rd and 6 at their own 48, Williams went to Johnson for 17 and to Cole Kmet for a 31 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Bears. Williams would throw an interception but the Bears defense held and the Bears got it back at their own 15 with 3 minutes left in the half. Swift ran for 10. Williams added 23. Williams hit Odunze for 12. On 3rd and 5 from the Jacksonville 34, Williams went to Allen for 10. Williams ran for 19. Williams hit Kmet for a 2 yard touchdown with 13 seconds left in the half to make it 14-3 Bears. On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter from their own 34, Trevor Lawrence hit Evan Engram for 24 yards. Yet Engram fumbled and the Hicks returned it 19 yards for the Bears to the Jacksonville 41. On 3rd and 8, Williams went to Allen for 11. Williams hit Swift for 19. On 3rd and goal at the 9, Williams hit Allen for a touchdown to make it 21-3 Bears.

The Jaguars tried to make a game of it as Lawrence led a 70 yard drive. A 21 yard touchdown pass from Lawrence to Davis got the Jaguars within 21-10. It didn’t matter. After a touchback on 3rd and 8 from their own 42, the defense got penalized for 12 men on the field. Then on 3rd and 3 Williams threw incomplete but defensive holding meant a first down. Swift ran for 17. On 3rd and 10 from the Jacksonville 31, a completion gained only one yard but defensive holding meant another first down. The Jaguars were killing themselves with defensive penalties. Swift ran for 19 and 4. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Williams hit Allen for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 28-10 Bears. 3 plays after a touchback on 3rd and 13 from his own 32, Lawrence was intercepted. Blackwell returned the pick 10 yards to the Jacksonville 36. Williams hit Kmet for 27. Swift ran for a 1 yard touchdown to make it 35-10 Bears. The Jaguars got a garbage touchdown but nothing else. The 4-2 Bears may be good. Caleb Williams was sensational, completing 23 of 29 with 4 touchdown passes and running for another 56 yards on 14 carries. 35-16 Bears

Houston Texans at New England Patriots — The Texans are a good team. The Patriots are a bad team. Yet the Patriots replaced Jacoby Brissett with their rookie draft pick Drake Maye. CJ Stroud went right to work from his own 35, hitting Dalton Schultz for 8, Tank Dell for 20 and Stuff Diggs for 11. On 3rd and 5 from the New England 18, Stroud hit Diggs for 13. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Stroud threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant now downs; Stroud hit Dell for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Texans. A 19 yard punt return gave the Texans a short field at the New England 45. On 3rd and 6, Stroud went to Dell for 12. Joe Mixon ran for 25. Stroud added 8. On 3rd and 9 from the New England 16, Stroud threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 6 yards and an automatic first down. On the next play Stroud hit Mixon for the touchdown to make it 14-0 Texans.

An ugly second quarter saw both quarterbacks intercepted and the Texans miss a field goal. With 53 seconds left in the half the Patriots took over at their own 16. Maye went to Douglas for 22. Defensive pass interference added 13. Maye went deep to Boutte for a 40 yard touchdown with 11 seconds left. Just like that after being dominated for 29 minutes, the Patriots were right back in it down 14-7. It was Maye’s first ever NFL touchdown pass. Yet the Patriots on the second play from scrimmage in the third quarter from their own 22 saw Maye get sacked and fumble. The Texans recovered at the New England 10. Two plays later Stroud hit Diggs for the 10 yard touchdown to make it 21-7 Texans. Field goal of 39 and 45 yards by Kaimi Fairbairn sandwiched around a New England fumble had the Texans cruising up 27-7.

The Patriots moved 70 yards and Maye found Hunter Henry for a 6 yard touchdown to get within 27-14. Yet in the fourth quarter the Texans turned out the lights. May was intercepted to set up the Texans at the New England 26. Mixon ran for a 20 yard touchdown to make it 34-14 Texans. May threw a 35 yard touchdown pass to Douglas to get the Patriots within 34-21, but they would get no closer. On 3rd and 5 from their own 35, Stroud hit Dell for 11. Dameon Pierce rushed for a 54 yard touchdown to complete the blowout. The Texans have very quietly gotten to 5-1 while the Patriots are 1-5 after 5 straight losses, having not won since opening day. 41-21 Texans

 

Washington Commanders at Baltimore Ravens — The Commanders have turned around under Dan Quinn and his rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Yet they would have a very tough test on the road against a good Ravens team. An early interception of Lamar Jackson was returned 35 yards by Sainristil just past midfield. The Commanders reached a 3rd and 7 at the Baltimore 13, but Daniels was sacked. Austin Seibert hit the 42 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Commanders. The Ravens after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 7 at the Washington 23. Yet a fumbled shotgun snap lost yards. Justin Tucker hit the 45 yard field goal to tie the game 3-3.

In the second quarter the Ravens took over at their own 7 yard line. On 3rd and 5, Jackson hit Bateman for big gains of 13 and 23. Derrick Henry gained 15. Jackson hit Bay Flowers for 23. On 3rd and 10 from the Washington 14, Jackson threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 11 yards. Henry ran for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 10-3 Ravens. After a touchback, Daniels hit Brown for 15. On 3rd and 6 just shy of midfield, Daniels hit Terry McLaurin for 8. Daniels hit Austin Ekeler for 25 and Brown for 11. Daniels went to McLaurin for a 10-10 tie with 4 minutes left in the half.

The Ravens took over at their own 22. Jackson went to Flowers for 10. Jackson went back to Flowers for 13 and to Nelson Agholor for 25. On 3rd and 5 from the Washington 30, Jackson hit Flowers for 15. On 3rd and 8 from the Washington 13, Jackson went to Mark Andrews for the touchdown. With one minute left in the half, the Ravens led 17-10. Seibert missed a 52 yard field goal for the Commanders to end the half, but he hit from 55 early in the third quarter to get the Commanders within 17-13. Tucker answered back from 32 to make it 20-13 Ravens. The Ravens got the ball back at their own 6 yard line. Henry ran for 2 and 12. Jackson hit Andrews for 15. On 3rd and 5 from the Baltimore 40, Jackson threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 10 yards and a first down. Jackson went deep to Andrews for 38. Henry ran for 5 and then for the 7 yard touchdown to have the Ravens up comfortably 27-13 after three quarters.

After a touchback, Daniels hit Zac Ertz for 11 and again fo 24 as the third quarter ended. The Commanders began the fourth quarter at the Baltimore 27. Daniels hit McLaurin for 14. On 3rd and 10 from the Baltimore 13, Daniels went to Ertz for 12. A failed run, an illegal formation and a pair of incompletions turned 1st and goal at the one to 4th and goal at the 6. Daniels hit McLaurin for the touchdown. With 12 minutes left in regulation, the Commanders were very much alive down 27-20. The Ravens moved from their own 22 to a 4th and 2 at the Washington 21. With 6 1/2 minutes left in regulation, John Harbaugh was not in a gambling mood. Tucker hit from 39 to give the Ravens breathing room up 30-20. After a touchback, the Commanders moved to a 4th and 5 at the Baltimore 30 with 2:48 to play. Needing 2 scores, Dan Quinn played it safe as well. Seibert hit from 49 to get the Commanders within 7. Now the Commanders needed a defensive stop. After a touchback, Henry ripped off a 27 yard gain. Everything came down to 3rd and 1 from the Washington 32 when the Commanders took their last timeout on defense. Jackson gained 2 and took a pair of knees. Both teams are 4-2, and the Ravens have won 4 straight. 30-23 Ravens

 

Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles — The struggling Eagles were expected to easily get a win over the inept Browns. Instead, a hideously ugly first quarter ended scoreless. Early in the second quarter, Jake Elliott hit a 49 yard field goal to get the Eagles on the board. The Eagles got it back at their own 16. Hurts went to Calcaterra for 34. Hurts then hit AJ Brown for 16. On 4th and 1 from the Cleveland 26, Nick Sirianni gambled. Hurts did the Philadelphia tush push and got the yard. On 3rd and 7 from the Cleveland 22, Hurts went to Brown for the touchdown to make it 10-0 Eagles. The Browns after a touchback finally showed signs of life at the 2 minute warning with a 43 yard Dustin Hopkins field goal. The Eagles moved from their own 28 to a 3rd and 1 at the Cleveland 31 with 30 seconds left in the half. Hurts was sacked. Now a 49 yard field goal try would be 57 yards. Elliott came in to try and extend the lead. Instead, insanity broke out in front of a shellshocked home crowd at Lincoln Financial Field. Myles Garrett pulled the Bobby Wagner move and jumped over the offensive line on the field goal try. The rule is now that if you make contact, it’s a personal foul and another try 15 yards closer for the offense. Yet Garrett cleared the line cleanly, stuck the landing perfectly, and blocked the field goal. McLeod picked it up and raced 50 yards the other way. Instead of being down 13-3, the Browns had tied the game 10-10 at the half. The second half was even uglier.

In the third quarter, Hopkins came in for a 52 yard field goal try to give the Browns the lead. His kick was wide right no good. Elliott came in for a 44 yard try that was good. From 49 yards out with 10 minutes left in regulation, Hopkins was good as the game was tied for the third time at 13-13. After a touchback, one play changed the game. From his own 43, Hurts hit Brown for 12. Then a short pass from Hurts to Devonta Smith somehow turned into a 45 yard touchdown. One defensive breakdown had the eagles up 20-13 midway through the fourth quarter. After a touchback, the Browns moved to a 3rd and goal at the 3 with 4 minutes left. Then came a false start followed by Deshaun Watson throwing incomplete. Then came another false start. Kevin Stefanski decided on 4th and goal at the 13 to kick a field goal and trust his defense. Hopkins hit from 31. The Eagles faced 3rd and 2 from their ow 32 with 3 minutes left. Hurts gained 6. On 2nd and 9 from his own 39, Hurts hit Doctson for 10. Then at the 2 minute warning on 2nd and 11 from his own 48, one play made the difference. Instead of a safe run, Hurts went bombs away to Brown for a 40 yard gain. Hurts took 3 knees as the Eagles escaped. 20-16 Eagles

Arizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers — A field position game early had the Cardinals punting from their own 9 and the Packers taking over with a short field at the Arizona 44. Josh Jacobs ran for 14 and Melton added 16. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Jordan Love hit Jalen Reed for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Packers. The Packers got it back at their own 20 and Love hit Romeo Doubs and to Wilson for a pair of 19 yard gains. On 3rd and 3 from the Arizona 35, Love hit Wicks for 9. On 3rd and 10 from the Arizona 15, the defense jumped into the neutral zone. On the first play of the second quarter on 3rd and 5, Love hit Doubts for a 10 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Packers. The Packers got it back at their own 10 and moved to a 3rd and 6 at the Arizona 18. Love threw incomplete. Narveson hit a 36 yard field goal to make it 17-0 Packers. A 39 yard punt return again had the Packers starting at the Arizona 44. One play and 7 seconds waa enough for Love to go deep to Watson for the score. With 4 1/2 minutes left in the second quarter, the Packers were dominating 24-0. They coasted the rest of the way. The Cardinals did manage a touchdown and a field goal before the half and another third quarter field goal to get within 24-13, but this game was over. The Packers after a touchback saw Love on 3rd and 5 run for 6. Love hit Jacobs for 14 and Sims for 10. On 3rd and 4 from the Arizona 20, Love went to Doubs for another touchdown to make it 31-13 Packers. The Cardinals fumbled 3 times in the fourth quarter alone. Narveson tacked on a 41 yard field goal to complete the blowout. 34-13 Packers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints — With the devastation of Hurricane Milton in the background, the Buccaneers were fortunate to be playing a road game. Many of the players had to evacuate from their homes. Football was a welcome respite from the pain. This game was insane. With Derek Carr our injured, Spencer Rattler got his first NFL start. The Buccaneers started at their own 26. Baker Mayfield hit Mike Evans for 12. On 3rd and 5 from their own 43, Mayfield hit Chris Godwin for 7, Shepard for 9, and Evans for 22. Irving ran for 15. Mayfield hit Godwin for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Buccaneers. After a touchback Rattler quickly got rattled. After completing a 27 yard pass, he fumbled a snap. On the next play the Saints fumbled, and Antoine Winfield returned the fumble 58 yards to paydirt. The defensive touchdown had the Buccaneers up 14-0. The Buccaneers got it back at their own 21 and moved to a 3rd and 3 at the New Orleans 8 yard line. Mayfield threw incomplete. Chase Mclaughlin hit a 26 yard field goal to make it 17-0 Buccaneers. The game was shaping up to be a blowout. The second quarter was ridiculous.

The Saints got the ball at their own 20 and moved to a 3rd and 3 at the Tampa Bay 25. A run only gained one yard. Dennis Allen decided not to gamble. Blake Grupe hit a 42 yard field goal to get the Saints on the board. The Buccaneers went backward and had to punt on 4th and 27 from their own 7. Rashad Shaheed returned the punt 54 yards for a touchdown to get the Saints within 17-10. The Buccaneers went backward again. On 2nd and 17 from their own 18, Mayfield was intercepted. Adebo returned the pick 20 yards to set up the Saints at the Tampa Bay 28. On 3rd and 7 from the Tampa Bay 11, Rattler was taken down for no gain. Grupe hit a 29 yard field goal to have the Saints within 17-13. Two plays later from his own 28, Mayfield was intercepted. Jonathan Abram returned the pick 30 yards to the Tampa Bay 10 yard line. One play and 4 seconds later, Rattler hit Means for Rattler’s first NFL touchdown pass. 20 unanswered points had the Saints up 20-17. 8 1/2 minutes still remained in the half, and the second quarter got crazier.

The Buccaneers soon faced 2nd and 13 at their own 21. Mayfield connected with Miller for a 39 yard gain. On 3rd and 6 from the New Orleans 36, Mayfield went to Sean Tucker for the touchdown. With 5 1/2 minutes left in the half, the Buccaneers retook the lead 24-20. After a touchback the Saints soon faced 3rd and 5 at their own 35. Rattler hit Means for 14. Rattler then went deep to Foster Moreau for a 41 yard gain. Alvin Kamara did the rest, running for 3 and then for the 4 yard touchdown. With 3 minutes left in the half, the Saints were back in front 27-24. Mayfield threw his third interception of the half. After failing to score in the first quarter, the Saints put 27 point on the board in the second quarter alone.

In the third quarter the Buccaneers began a drive at their own 8 yard line. Runs and short passes had the Buccaneers facing 2nd and 5 from their own 45. Mayfield connected with Godwin for a 55 yard touchdown. With 4 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter, the 92 yard drive brought the fourth lead change of the game as the Buccaneers led again 31-27. Yet while the game had moved from a blowout to a shootout, by the end it would again turn out to be a blowout.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Rattler was intercepted to set up the Buccaneers at their own 42. Irving got around the end for a 31 yard gain. Tucker got around the end for 18 more. On 3rd and goal at the 8, Mayfield hit Cade Otton for the touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Buccaneers led 37-27 with 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Buccaneers got it back at their own 29. Shepard got around the end for 24. Tucker added gains of 13 and 8. On 3rd and 16 from the New Orleans 26, Mayfield hit Irving for 18. Irving ran for 7 and then for the one yard touchdown to make it 44-27 Buccaneers. Another interception of Rattler had the Buccaneers at their own 36. Tucker ran for a 36 yard gain. On 3rd and 7 from the New Orleans 25, Tucker gained 12. Tucker ran for the 5 yard touchdown just past the 2 minute warning to complete the scoring. Despite 27 second quarter points, the Saints were shut out in the other three quarters. After looking unstoppable the first 2 weeks, the Saints have lost 4 straight. Meanwhile the Buccaneers are 4-2. Todd Bowles is known for defense, but apparently he learned a lot from Bruce Arians about offense. Dennis Allen is known for defense, but right now his defense is awful. 51-27 Buccaneers

 

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans — Joe Flacco started again in place of injured Anthony Richardson as the Colts took on a woeful Titans team. After an opening touchback, the Colts faced 3rd and 1 at their own 39. Sermon gained 4. On 3rd and 2 just past midfield, Sermon gained 5. On 3rd and 10 from the Tennessee 44, Flacco went deep to Mo Alie-Cox for 22. Flacco then went deep to Downs for the other 22 and the touchdown to make it 7-0 Colts. On his next series, Flacco was intercepted. Hooker returned the pick 30 yards to the Indianapolis 27. Will Levis hit Boyd for 8 and Tony Pollard ran for 10. Levis hit Nate Westbrook-Ikhine for a 9 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. A quiet second quarter saw Nick Folk hit a 44 yard field goal for the Titans and Matt Gay answer from 26 with 19 seconds left in the half for a 10-10 deadlock.

After a third quarter touchback, Pollard ran for 6 and 5. On 3rd and 9 from the Tennessee 47, the defense jumped into the neutral zone. On 3rd and 4, Levis hit Okonkwo for 5. On 4th and 1 from the Indianapolis 34, Brian Callahan passed up a52 yard field goal try and gambled. Levis hit Burks for 10. Ridley added 9. On 3rd and 19 from the Indianapolis 23, a give up run by Pollard went all the way for a touchdown and a 17-10 Titans lead. After a touchback, the Colts moved to a 2nd and goal at the 2 with a chance to tie the game. Sermon got stopped for no gain and then on 3rd and goal got blown up for a 2 yard loss. With the entire fourth quarter to play, Shane Steichen decided not to gamble. Gay hit the 22 yard field goal to get the Colts within 17-13. The Colts got it back and faced 3rd and 7 from their own 28. Flacco hit Downs for just enough.
Flacco hit Downs again for 11. Defensive pass interference on an incompletion added 33 yards. On 3rd and 9 from the Tennessee 10, Flacco hit Pittman for the touchdown. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Titans led by a field goal. With 5 minutes left, Levis was intercepted. With 2 1/2 minutes left, the Titans punted on 4th and 7 from their own 25. The Titans got it back at their own 3 yard line with 12 seconds left. Needing 97 yards, the hook and laterals came up 87 yards short. 20-17 Colts

Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos — In the first quarter an interception of Bo Nix had the Chargers at their own 31. They moved to a 4th and goal at the 2. Jim Harbaugh decided not to gamble on the road. Cameron Dicker hit the 20 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Chargers. The Chargers got it back and soon faced 3rd and 9 at their own 18. Justin Herbert hit Palmer for 24. JK Dobbins ran for gains of 8 and 12. Herbert went to Vidal for a 38 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Chargers. In the second quarter the Chargers from their own 9 embarked on the drive of the year. 20…yes, 20…plays. 78 yards. They took 10 1/2 minutes off the clock. yet on 1st and goal at the 7, a run lost a yard. Then after an incompletion, Herbert was sacked. Dicker hit the 33 yard field goal to make it 13-0 Chargers. The Broncos then fumbled the ball away to set up the Chargers at their own 44. On 3rd and 9, Herbert hit McConkey for 12. Herbert hit Will Dissly for 20. On 3rd and 1 from the Denver 14, Dobbins gained 2. On 3rd and 2 from the Denver 4, Dobbins got in to make it 20-0 Chargers. 4 scores on 4 drives had the Chargers dominating. The the third quarter the Chargers moved from their own 9 yard line to the Denver 29. Dicker hit from 46 as the Chargers were winning a laugher up 23-0 after three quarters.

The Broncos mounted a furious fourth quarter rally. They took over at their own 5 yard line. Nix hit Humphrey for 8. Estime gained 11. Nix hit Franklin for 29. On 4th and 2 from the Chargers 39, Nix connected with Vele for a 37 yard gain. Nix hit Franklin for the 2 yard touchdown. The Broncos were still down 23-7 with 10 minutes left in regulation. The Broncos got it back at their own 36. Nix hit Cortland Sutton for 20 and Vele for 17. On 4th and 5 from the Chargers 21, Nix gained 6. Nix hit Sutton for a 15 yard touchdown. The 2 point conversion try failed but the Broncos were within 23-13 with 5 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Broncos got it back at their own 4 yard line with 2 1/2 minutes left and quickly moved to a 1st and 10 at the Chargers 22 yard line. Yet only one minute remained and the Broncos needed 2 scores. Sean Payton decided to kick the field goal immediately. Wil Lutz hit from 40 as the Broncos were within 7 points. The onside kick failed. The Broncos were game, and the Chargers blew several chances to close out the game early. Yet it was the Chargers with the tough road win against a division rival. 23-16 Chargers

Pittsburgh Steelers at Las Vegas Raiders — Gardner Minshew was benched and Aidan O’Connell replaced him. This was already a white flag of surrender before the game started. O’Connell is immobile, and a terrible offensive line and lack of a running game hurt matters. Davante Adams and Zamir White were both injured, giving o’Connell nobody to run or throw to. It didn’t matter since the people in front of him don’t block very well. Chris Boswell got the Steelers on the board first with a 52 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Steelers. After a touchback, short runs and safe conservative short passes moved the Raiders to the Pittsburgh 21. O’Connell then went to Mattison for 19. Mattison ran for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Raiders. Last week the Raiders looked good on one offensive drive and then called it a day. Today was more of the same. They seem to think that the first team to 7 points wins.

In the second quarter Boswell hit again from 49 to get the Steelers within 7-6. With less than 3 minutes left in the half, the Raiders defense was keeping them in the lead. The offense was doing nothing but if they did not give the game away, they had a puncher’s chance. On 2nd and 7 from their own 30, Laube fumbled the ball. The Steelers recovered at the same spot. With 40 seconds left in the half, the Steelers faced 4th and 1 at the Raiders3 yard line. Of course Mike Tomlin went for it. He knew the Raiders defense would break at some point. That point was now. Fields ran for the touchdown. The 2 point conversion try failed but the Steelers led 12-7. In the third quarter the Raiders punted on 4th and 17 from their own 34. AJ Cole is one of the best punters in the league, but his punt was blocked. The Steelers had 1st and goal at the 9. The Raiders defense got a great stand and held the Steelers to a third Boswell field goal. The Steelers did get a touchdown pass from Fields but it was nullified buy a penalty on Fields for an illegal forward pass. The Steelers led 15-7.

The Steelers got the ball back at their own 20. Najee Harris ran for 26. On 3rd and 18 from their own 38, a completion gained only 6 but roughing the passer meant 15 yards and an automatic first down. Harris then ran for a 36 yard touchdown as the Steelers were winning a laugher up 22-7. After a touchback, the Raiders tried to make a game of it. The third quarter ended with an O’Connell touchdown pass being nullified by an offensive penalty for an illegal man downfield. The fourth quarter began with Amir Abdullah running for 10 to set up 3rd and goal at the one. This is where the Raiders are at their most terrible. They cannot run in short yardage situations. Abdullah got blown up and fumbled the ball away. The Raiders got the ball back and O’Connell was sacked to set up 3rd and 19 from their own 4. O’Connell was intercepted to give the Steelers 1st and goal at the 7. Fields again needed one play to run it in to have the Steelers up big. 26 unanswered points made it 29-7 Steelers. As expected, the Raiders got one garbage touchdown before surrendering Boswell’s fourth field goal.

Everything that is wrong with the Raiders over the last 2 decades was summed up in this one game today. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Every Raider game is the same. The offense gets one early touchdown. Then they kick field goals the rest of the game and put all the pressure on their defense. The exhausted defense cracks and finally breaks. Sometimes the Raiders get a garbage touchdown long after the game is out of hand.

The Raiders will never win consistently until:
1) They get a real quarterback. They had one in Derek Carr. They got rid of him. He was never the problem.
2) We need an offensive line. We had one. We gutted it. To save a few bucks.
3) We need a bruising running back, a battering ram. On 3rd and one when the defense knows you’re going to run, you run at them anyway straight up the gut to send a message. We had that running back. Josh Jacobs. We lost him to free agency rather than pay him what an elite player deserves.

The Raiders had a playoff team in 2021. That team was gutted by a coach who should never have been hired. Now his replacement is trying to win games with scrubs. Throw in an untested coach and a city with no real home field advantage, and the results are as terrible as they are expected. 32-13 Raiders

Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys — The Cowboys have gotten blown out at home more than once this season, while the Lions will not be able to sneak up on anyone after last year. This game sent a message to the league by both teams. After a touchback, the Cowboys moved to a 2nd and 8 at the Detroit 16. Dak Prescott threw incomplete twice. Brandon Aubrey hit a 34 yard field goal. The Cowboys led 3-0, but after that the roof caved in. After a touchback, the Lions faced 3rd and 5 at their own 35. Jared Goff went to Patrick for 42. David Montgomery did the rest, running for 7 and then for the 16 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Lions. The Cowboys after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 5 at the Detroit 7. Looking for the lead, Prescott was intercepted in the end zone for a touchback. The Lions from their own 20 moved to a 1st and 10 at the Dallas 22. The drive died there but Bates hit a 40 yard field goal to make it 10-3 Lions in the second quarter. The Lions got it back at their own 37 and struck quickly. Goff went to Amra St. Brown for 11 and then went deep to Sam LaPorta for a 52 yard touchdown to make it 17-3 Lions. The Lions got it back at their own 31 and moved to a 2nd and 9 at the Dallas 22. Goff threw incomplete and then was sacked. Bates hit from 48 to make it 20-3 Lions. In an act of desperation, Mike McCarthy gambled on 4th and 2 at his own 38. Prescott threw incomplete. Goff hit Patrick for 18. Montgomery ran for a one yard touchdown to make it 27-3 Lions in a laugher. Jerry Jones was ready to blow up Jerrahworld stadium for the insurance money.

The Cowboys managed a field goal before the half, but the Lions kept rolling. After a third quarter touchback, Gibbs ran for 11. Goff went to Gibbs for 20. On 3rd and 8 from the Dallas 37, Goff went deep to Williams for another touchdown to make it 34-6 Lions. Aubrey hit a 50 yard field goal, but Bates hit from 33 in the third quarter and again from 33 in the fourth quarter, the latter set up by a Dallas fumble. With the Lions up 40-9, Prescott was intercepted again and benched. Branch returned the interception 47 yards to the Dallas 4 yard line. One play later Goff hit St. Brown for the touchdown. Cooper Rush came in for mop up work and was intercepted. Then on his next drive the Cowboys tossed in another fumble for good measure. It was a costly victory for the Lions. Superstar defender Aidan Hutchinson suffered a broken leg in the third quarter. He fractured his tibia and fibula and will be out several weeks. Nevertheless, the Lions are a tough football team built in the image of their hard-nosed coach Dan Campbell. As for the Cowboys, Mike McCarthy’s seat is now white hot. Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are the highest paid players at their position, with Prescott being the highest paid player in the league. Jerrah knows he is not getting his money’s worth. The Lions are 4-1. The Cowboys have suffered multiple embarrassing blowout losses at home. 47-9 Lions

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers — The Falcons are an improved team. The Panthers are awful. In the first quarter the Panthers faced 3rd and 1 at their own 42. Chuba Hubbard gained 3. On 2nd and 12 from their own 43, Red rifle Andy Dalton went to Johnson for 17 and again for 19. On 3rd and 7 from the Atlanta 18, dalton was intercepted but the defense jumped offside to nullify the pick. On 3rd and 2, Sanders got just enough. On 3rd and 9 from the Atlanta 10, Dalton went to Johnson for the touchdown to cap the 12 play, 67 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive and make it 7-0 Panthers. After a touchback the Falcons faced 3rd and 9 at their own 31. Kirk Cousins went to Mooney for 12. On 3rd and 5 from their own 48, Cousins threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 14 yard gain. Tyler Allgeier gained 7, 9, 9 again, and one. On 3rd and 3 from the California 5, Robinson got in for the touchdown. The 13 play, 70 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive made it 7-7.

An Atlanta fumble in the second quarter gave the Panthers a short field at the Atlanta 41. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Dalton threw incomplete. Eddie Pineiro hit the 24 yard field goal to make it 10-7 Panthers. The Falcons took over at their own 24. On 2nd and 6 from their own 41, Cousins went deep to Pitts for a 52 yard gain. Robinson ran for a 7 yard touchdown. A defensive penalty for low block moved the extra point to the one yard line, allowing for a 2 point conversion try. Allgeier got in to make it 15-10 Falcons. A shanked 15 yard punt by Johnny Hekker gave the Falcons gift field position at the Carolina 27. Cousins hit London for 15. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Cousins hit London for the touchdown to make it 22-10 Falcons with 1:42 left in the half.

From their own 24, the Panthers fought back. Dalton went to Coker for 15 and Sanders for 21. Dalton ran for 18. Dalton hit Leggett for a 7 yard touchdown with 7 seconds left in the half to get the Panthers within 22-17. The third quarter belonged to the field goal kickers. Younghoe Koo hit from 21 for the Falcons. Pineiro answered from 40 for the Panthers to get them within 25-20. Koo hit again from 31 to make it 28-20 Falcons after three quarters. In the fourth quarter the Panthers moved from their own 12 to a 2nd and 9 at the Atlanta 32. Dalton was then intercepted. The Falcons took over at their own 16. Allgeier gained 18 and 3. Cousins hit Pitts for 14. Robinson gained 15 and 7. Allgeier added 5, 20, and finally the 2 yard touchdown to make it 35-20 Falcons with 5 1/2 minutes left in the game. Koo added a 35 yard field goal just before the 2 minute warning to complete the scoring. The Falcons are 4-2 on the year. 38-20 Falcons

Cincinnati Bengals at New York Giants was the Sunday night game. Both of these teams are bad but so many people believe the Bengals are better than their record. As former Giants coach Bill Parcells said, you are what your record says you are. Sometimes bad teams can come together and play a seat game for the ages. This was not that game. The Bengals began facing 3rd and 6 at their own 35. Joe Burrow ran for 10. Burrow hit Tee Higgins for 11. On 3rd and 18 from the Giants 47, Burrow got around the end and ran all the way for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Bengals. Both offenses then took the remaining 26 1/2 minutes of the first half off. A Cincinnati fumble gave the Giants the ball at their own 21 in the third quarter. On 3rd and 1, Daniel Jones gained 2. On 4th and 2 from his own 40, Brian Daboll went for it. Tracy gained 4. On 4th and 1 from the Cincinnati 35, Daboll gambled again and Tracy gained 5. Defensive pass interference meant an 18 yard gain down to the one. Tracy got the yard for a 7-7 game. After a touchback, the Bengals moved to 3rd and goal at the one. A touchdown run was nullified by offensive holding. Then Burrow was sacked. Evan McPherson hit a 37 yard field goal to make it 10-7 Bengals. With 10 1/2 minutes left in regulation, a 47 yard field goal try by Greg Joseph to tie the game was no good. The Giants got it back and with 3 minutes left faced 4th and 2 at the Cincy 36. Daboll passed up a 54 yard field goal try to tie the game and went for it. Jones threw incomplete. On 3rd and 12 from their own 34, Burrow went deep to Iosivas for 29. Chase Brown then ran for a 30 yard touchdown to lock up the win with 1:52 left. For good measure, with one minute left and needing 2 scores, Joseph missed again from 45 yards out to end this hideous effort. 17-7 Bengals

 

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets was the Monday night game. The underachieving Jets fired Robert Saleh. This was interim coach Jeff Ulbrich’s first game as an NFL head coach. After an opening touchback, the Jets moved to a 3rd and 4 at the Buffalo 16. Aaron Rodgers threw incomplete. Greg Zuerlein hit a 34 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Jets. After a touchback, Johnson gained 12. Josh Allen hit Kincaid for 14. Davis gashed the defense for big gains of 14, 6, 5, and 15, and 5 down to the one. Josh Allen got the last yard to make it 7-3 Bills. After another touchback, Rodgers went to Breece Hall for 21 and Ruckert for 8. Hall ran for 24. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Rodgers went to Garrett Wilson for the touchdown to have the Jets up 10-7 after the first quarter.

In the second quarter the Bills took over at their own 10 yard line. Allen went deep to Davis for 42. On 3rd and 6 from the Jets 29, Allen hit Shakir for 9. Defensive pass interference on an incompletion added 10 more. On 3rd and goal at the 8, Allen went to Mack Hollins for the touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Bills led 13-10. The Bills got it back at their own 20. Davis caught a pass from Allen for 8 and ran for 8 more. On 3rd and 1 from the Buffalo 45, Allen gained 2. Defensive pass interference on an incompletion added 23. Allen hit Kincaid for 9 and another defensive pass interference penalty added 8. On 3rd and 11 from the Jets 12, Allen went to Dawson Knox for the touchdown as the Bills led 20-10 with only 21 seconds left in the half.

After a touchback, Rodgers completed a 4 yard pass that left only 14 seconds. Rodgers then hit Wilson for 14, but with 8 seconds left the Jets were still at their own 48. Then Rodgers did it again. The greatest Hail Mary tosser in NFL history heaved a bomb to the end zone and Allen lazard came down with it for a 52 yard miracle touchdown. Just like that, the Jets were within 20-17. Neither team reached the end zone again in a horrendous second half. In the third quarter Tyler Bass followed up his missed extra point with a missed 47 yard field goal try. On 4th and goal at the 2, Jeff Ulbrich at home decided not to trust his offense, an understandable decision. Zuerlein hit the 20 yarder for a 20-20 game. The jets had multiple chances to take the lead but Zuerlein missed a 32 yard chip shot late in the third quarter and a 43 yarder that doinked off the upright with 10 minutes left in regulation.

In the battle of who wanted it least, the Bills had 4th and goal at the 3 with 3:43 to play. Sean McDermott was not taking any chances. Bass hit from 22 to put the Bills up by 3. After a touchback, the Jets faced 3rd and 16 at their own 40 at the 2 minute warning. Rodgers went bombs away again and had a wide open receiver. The receiver slipped and fell but was still in position to make another miracle catch. At the last moment Johnson stepped in to grab the ball away.Johnson ripped it out of the receiver’s hands and the play was ruled an interception rather than a reception. The Bills took over at their own 18 but the Jets had all 3 timeouts. On 3rd and 4 with everything on the line, Allen scrambled and gained 6. Allen then took 3 knees as the Bills escaped to get to 4-2 on the year. 23-20 Bills

 

NFL 2024 Week 6 Prequel

October 10th, 2024

NFL 2024 Week 6 Prequel

Thursday, October 10, 2024, 8pm

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (-3 1/2) — For whatever reason, this is not the same 49ers team as last year. They blew a double digit lead at home to Arizona last week. The spread is too high for a Seahawks team that somehow lost at home last week to the Giants. The 49ers are the more talented team, but the Seahawks have players familiar with each other longer. In a close one, take the home field. Seahawks win but fail to cover

Sunday, October 13, 9:30am

Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears (-2 1/2) — The Jaguars finally got a win last week, while the Bears are quietly improving under rookie Caleb Williams. The game is in London, which is usually a home game for the Jaguars. Yet the Bears are just playing better. Bears cover

1pm

Houston Texans (-7) at New England Patriots — The texans are good and the Patriots are bad, but the spread is too high for a road team that is still young. Jacoby Brissett is competent enough to keep this game close, with a garbage touchdown certainly possible. Texans win but fail to cover

Washington Commanders at Baltimore Ravens (-6 1/2) — The Commanders are a good team at 4-1, but this week they face a much tougher test than previous weeks. The Ravens shook up their September rust and are now looking like the good football team the NFL expected. Jayden Daniels and Lamar Jackson are both very exciting. The Ravens do not blow teams out, and the Commanders have earned the benefit of the doubt to keep it close enough. Ravens win but fail to cover

Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles (-8 1/2) — The Eagles may not be what they were two years ago, but the Browns are just awful. Deshaun Watson has severely regressed. Eagles cover

Arizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers (-5) — The Packers are playing good football while with the Cardinals, you never know what you will get week to week. After going on the road and upsetting San francisco, the Cardinals may have little left in the tank. Yet Kyler Murray creates plays out of nothing, which could make for an exciting game. Packers win but fail to cover

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3 1/2) at New Orleans Saints — The Saints lost Derek Carr to injury very late in last week’s loss. The Buccaneers will feast on Carr’s backup making his first NFL start. Baker Mayfield can play and he has weapons. The Saints are just a far worse team without Carr. As for the Buccaneers, they will be playing with plenty of emotion in the wake of Hurricane Milton. Buccaneers cover

Indianapolis Colts (-1) at Tennessee Titans — Joe Flacco found the fountain of youth in place of the injured Anthony Richardson. The Titans are just bad. The Colts can run the ball with Jonathan Taylor, while Flacco still has a cannon of an arm. Colts cover

 

4pm

Los Angeles Chargers (-3) at Denver Broncos — The Broncos beat up the Raiders with a tough defense and an improving Bo Nix. The Chargers had lost two straight but had a bye week last week to rest up. Go with the home field and the momentum. Upset special, Broncos win outright

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) at Las Vegas Raiders — The Raiders are a mess. Davante Adams wants out. Gardner Minshew has been benched. Aidan O’Connell is a stiff. The Raiders cannot run the ball, especially in short yardage situations. The Steelers pound the ball, which will eventually wear down the Raiders stout but overworked Raiders defense. Steelers cover

Detroit Lions (-3) at Dallas Cowboys — The Cowboys gutted out a win last week at Pittsburgh, but their offense is still not where it should be. The Lions are on a mission. Home field has not helped the Cowboys at all this year.The Lions had the bye week last week. Two weeks should be enough time for Dan Campbell and Jared Goff to prepare. Lions cover

Atlanta Falcons (-6) at Carolina Panthers — The Falcons are decent enough while the Panthers are pretty bad. Kirk Cousins threw for over 500 yards last week in a thrilling comeback overtime win. While the Falcons could be due for a letdown, the Panthers lack the talent to get the job done. The spread is too high for a road team that is inconsistent. Falcons win but fail to cover

8pm

Cincinnati Bengals (-3 1/2) at New York Giants — This is the very last week to give the Bengals the benefit of the doubt. The Giants are supposed to be awful, but they went into Seattle and got a win last week. The Bengals are 1-4. They are seen as much better than their record, but Bill Parcells always said that you are what your record says you are. The spread is just too high to trust a Bengals team that has not gotten the job done all year. Bengals win but fail to cover

Monday, October 14, 8pm

Buffalo Bills (-2 1/2) at New York Jets — The Bills have lost two straight after a 3-0 start, but the Jets just fired Robert Saleh. Josh Allen is playing better than Aaron Rodgers. Allen has more to work with on offense. Bills cover

NFL 2024 Week 5 Recap

October 7th, 2024

NFL 2024 Week 5 Recap

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons was the Thursday night game. In the first half, these division rivals put up the points early and often. After an opening touchback, Kirk Cousins went deep to Pitts for 32 yards. On 3rd and 7 from the Tampa Bay 33, Cousins hit London for 15. Cousins hit London again for an 18 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Falcons. The Buccaneers too over at their own 37. Baker Mayfield hit Mike Evans for 15. On 3rd and 5 from the Atlanta 43, Mayfield hit Evans for 9. On 3rd and 9 from the Atlanta 33, Mayfield went to Cade Otton for 15 and to Chris Godwin for 16. Mayfield hit Evans for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 7-7.

After a touchback the Falcons moved to a 3rd and 5 at the Tampa Bay 19. Cousins was sacked. Last week’s hero Younghoe Koo missed a 41 yard field goal try that would have given the Falcons the lead. Chase Mclaughlin did hit a 53 yarder to put the Buccaneers up 10-7. After a touchback, the Falcons faced a 3rd and 3 at their own 37. Cousins hit Mooney for 7. The second quarter began with the Falcons at their own 44. defensive unnecessary roughness added 15. On 2nd and 12 from the Tampa 43, Cousins hit Hodge for 22. On 3rd and 13 from the Tampa 24, Cousins went to Mooney for the touchdown to make it 14-10 Falcons. A 53 yard kickoff return set up the Buccaneers at the Atlanta 44. Mayfield went to Otton for 22 and to Evans for a 23 yard touchdown to make it 17-14 Buccaneers. After a touchback the Falcons moved to a 4th and 6 at the Tampa Bay 36. Koo nailed a 54 yard field goal for a 17-17 tie.

The Buccaneers took over at their own 18. Irving gained 11. White then ripped off a 56 yard gain. Irving caught a pass from Mayfield for 9 and ran for 4. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Mayfield went to Shepard for a touchdown to make it 24-17 Buccaneers with 1:54 left in the half. After a touchback, the Falcons quickly moved to the Tampa Bay 31. Yet a sack of Cousins killed the drive. Raheem Morris opted against a 57 yard field goal try with 19 seconds left in the half, punting instead. In the third quarter the Falcons moved from their own 20 to a 1st and 10 at the Tampa Bay 18. Consecutive sacks killed the drive. Koo hit a 48 yard field goal to get the Falcons within 24-20. After a touchback the Buccaneers moved to a 3rd and 3 at the Atlanta 7. Mayfield was sacked. McLaughlin hit a 32 yard field goal to make it 27-20 Buccaneers. 

After another touchback the Falcons soon faced 3rd and 8 at their own 32 Cousins went to McCloud for 22. Robinson ran for 25. The Falcons began the fourth quarter at the Tampa 18 yard line. On 3rd and 2 from the 10, Tyler Allgeier lost 2 yards. With almost the entire fourth quarter left, a field goal on 4th and 4 would have been reasonable. Yet Raheem Morris wanted to tie the game now. He gambled, and Cousins hit Mooney for the 12 yard touchdown and a 27-27 ballgame. 

After a touchback, the Buccaneers moved to a 4th and 6 at the Atlanta 35. McLaughlin nailed the 53 yard field goal to put the Buccaneers back in front 30-27 with a full 10 1/2 minutes still left in regulation. After a touchback the Falcons moved to a 3rd and 6 at the Tampa Bay 36. Cousins threw incomplete. With 6 1/2 minutes left to play, Koo came in for a 54 yard field goal try to tie the game yet again. It was not to be, as his kick was blocked.  

The Buccaneers moved from their own 44 to a 1st and 10 at the Atlanta 32. A touchdown would lock up the win. Instead, the Buccaneers fumbled and the Falcons recovered at their own 25 with 2:50 left. Now they had a chance to win. Yet a run lost yards and Cousins was sacked. Forced to go for it on 4th and 15 from their own 20, Cousins was intercepted. The Buccaneers took over at the Atlanta 28 with 1:44 left and a golden chance to put the game away. Instead they also went backward thanks to a failed run and offensive holding. Rather than try a 60 yard field goal, Todd Bowles punted. The Falcons took over at their own 20 with 1:15 left. Cousins quickly moved them to a 1st and 10 at the Tampa Bay 29 and spiked the ball with 2 seconds left. The Falcons then suffered a mindless delay of game penalty. Instead of a 47 yard field goal to tie the game, Koo would have to try from 52. Koo was good and this fine, fine football game was headed to overtime. 

After a touchback, the Falcons needed only 4 plays in overtime. On 3rd and 3 from their own 37, Cousins went to London for 18. On the next play, Cousins connected with Hodge, who outraced everyone for a 45 yard touchdown. Just like that, the game was over as the Buccaneers never saw the ball in overtime. Mayfield only threw for 180 yards on 24 passes, but he completed 19 of them with 3 touchdown passes and 0 interceptions. Cousins was simply insane, a lights out 42 of 58 for 509 yards passing, 4 touchdown passes and one interception. It may seem grating when he says it, but this time he has every right to say it. You like that? Yes. The home fans did very much. 36-30 Falcons, OT

New York Jets at Minnesota Vikings was the Sunday early morning game from London. The Vikings entered the game only one of two 4-0 teams. The overhyped Jets may have Aaron Rodgers, but Minnesota beat him plenty of times when he played for Green Bay. The Vikings in the first quarter moved from their own 11 to a 3rd and 2 at the Jets 24. Sam Darnold was sacked. Will Reichard hit a 54 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Vikings. On their next drive Darnold fumbled to give the Jets a short field at the Minnesota 42. Yet 3 plays later on 3rd and 6 from his own 38, Rodgers was intercepted by Van Ginkel. Van Ginkel returned the pick 63 yards to pay dirt to make it 10-0 Vikings. In the second quarter Kevin O’Connell and Matt LaFleur both gambled on 4th and 2 and both coaches lost. From his own 26, Darnold went to Justin Jefferson for 27. Darnold hit Gaskin for 11. Two defensive pass interference added 18 and 11. Ham ran for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 17-0 Vikings.

Last week the Vikings nearly blew a 28 point lead to survive with a 2 point win. This week the Vikings again allowed an opponent to claw back into a game. After dominating the first 28 minutes, the Viking allowed a 31 yard punt return with 1:22 left in the half. The Jets took over at the Minnesota 31. Rodgers hit Wilson for 10. On 3rd and 10 from the Minnesota 14, Rodgers hit Allen Lazard for the touchdown to get the Jets within 17-7. In the third quarter the Jets took over at their own 3 yard line and embarked on a mind-numbing 17 play, 83 yard, 7 minute drive. Yet on 2nd and 8 from the Minnesota 14, Rodgers threw incomplete twice. Greg Zuerlein hit a 32 yard field goal to get the Jets within 17-10. 

A field position game in the fourth quarter had the Jets punting on 4th and 13 from their own 4 yard line. The Vikings took over at the Jets 37. On 3rd and 8, Darnold threw incomplete. Reichard hit a 53 yard field goal to put the Vikings up 20-10 with 12 minutes left in regulation. The Vikings got it back and faced 3rd and 15 from their own 12. Darnold was intercepted to give the Jets the ball at the Minnesota 42. Rodgers went to Lazard for 7 and Wilson for 10. On 3rd and 10 from the Minnesota 25, Rodgers hit Williams for 18. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Rodgers threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the one. Rodgers hit Wilson for the touchdown. With 6 minutes left, the Jets were only down 20-17. 

The Vikings after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 7 at the Jets 23. Darnold threw incomplete. Reichard hit the 41 yard field goal to put the Vikings up by 6, but they did not lose the door. The Jets after a touchback had 3 minutes to win the game, plenty of time for Rodgers. With one minute left the Jets had already moved to a 1st and 10 at the Minnesota 26. After Rodgers threw incomplete twice, his 3rd and 10 pass went for it all. Rodgers came up snake eyes as he was intercepted by Williams at the Minnesota 9 yard line. The Jets are 2-3 and Robert Saleh’s seat is getting white hot. As for the Vikings, it is way too soon to start talking about 1998, but they are really good. 23-17 Vikings

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals — Both teams were expected to be good this year. The Ravens started 0-2 before winning 2 straight while the Bengals began 0-3 before finally winning last week. After an opening touchback, the Ravens faced 3rd and 1 Cincinnati 48. Derrick Henry gained 4. On 3rd and 2 from the Cincinnati 26, Justice Hill gained 5. On 3rd and goal at the one, Henry got in to cap the 12 play, 70 yard, 6 minute drive to make it 7-0 Ravens. In the second quarter the Bengals took over at their own 14. Joe Burrow went to JaMarr Chase for 9, to Moss for 14, and to Mike Gesicki for 19. On 3rd and 8 from the Baltimore 11, Burrow went to Tee Higgins for the touchdown to finish the 10 play, 86 yard, nearly 5 minute drive to make it 7-7. A field position game gave the Ravens the ball back just shy of midfield. Lamar Jackson went to Bateman for 18. Henry ran for 5 and 7. On 3rd and 5 from the Cincinnati 16, Jackson went to Bateman for the touchdown to make it 14-7 Ravens. 

Momentum changed with 6 minutes left in the half when a punt pinned the Ravens back at their own 2 yard line. Henry got the carry and got tackled in the end zone for a safety to get the Bengals within 14-9. With 34 seconds left in the half, the Bengals were pinned at their own 21. Zac Taylor got aggressive. Joe Burrow hit Higgins for 11, Moss for 9, Chase for 18, and Chase again for a 41 yard touchdown. The Bengals led 15-14 and decided to go for a 2 point conversion. Burrow’s pass was intercepted but defensive pass interference gave the Bengals another try. Brown ran it in to make it 17-14 Bengals. After a third quarter touchback, the Bengals faced 3rd and 14 from their own 26. Burrow went to Higgins for 17. On 3rd and 6 from their own 47, Burrow hit Chase for 12. On 3rd and 10 from the Baltimore 41, Burrow went deep to Iosivas for 39. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Burrow hit Higgins for the touchdown to wrap up the 12 play, 70 yard, 6 minute drive. 17 Unanswered points had the Bengals up 24-14.

The second half was a track meet as both offenses scored at will. every time the Ravens closed the gap, the Bengals opened it up again. From his own 26, Jackson went to Bay Flowers for 15 and deep to Kolar for 56 yards. Jackson hit Isaiah Likely for a one yard touchdown to get the Ravens within 24-21. After a touchback, the Bengals faced 3rd and 1 at their own 39. Burrow hit Chase for 4. On 3rd and 2 just past midfield, Burrow hit Chase for 16. On 3rd and 7 from the Baltimore 30, Burrow hit Gesicki for 12. The fourth quarter began with Burrow tossing a 4 yard touchdown to Brown to cap the 12 play, 70 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive and make it 31-21 Bengals.

The Ravens took over at their own 8 yard line. Rather than grind down clock, John Harbaugh went aggressive. Jackson went deep to Mark Andrews for 27 yards. Jackson then ran for 18. After offensive holding meant 1st and 20, Jackson ran for 13 and hit Flowers for 13 more. On 3rd and 1 from the Cincinnati 22, Hill gained 3. Jackson hit Andrews for 13. Jackson went to Kolar for a 2 yard touchdown to finish the 10 play, 92, 5 minute drive and get the Ravens back within 31-28. After a touchback, the Bengals needed 11 seconds to get back up double digits. Burrow connected with Chase, and Chase outraced everyone for a 70 yard touchdown and a 38-28 Bengals lead with 9 minutes left in regulation.

After a touchback, Jackson went to Andrews for 11 and to Flowers for gains of 17 and 12. On 3rd and 10 from the Cincinnati 32, Jackson hit Wallace for 12 with roughing the passer adding 10 more. Then came the play straight from the elementary school sandlot. Jackson fumbled the ball, picked it back up, stiff-armed two defenders trying to sack him, rolled all the way to his right, and just before getting knocked out of bounds, threw across his body between defenders to Likely for a 6 yard touchdown. With 5 1/2 minutes left in the game, the Ravens were back within 38-35.

6 straight touchdown drives, 3 by each offense, had this game practically on full tilt. After a touchback, the Bengals moved to a 1st and 10 at the Baltimore 28 with 3:10 to play. Another Cincinnati touchdown would pretty much lock up the win. Instead, a run and a false start was followed by Burrow getting intercepted. Now the Ravens had 3 minutes to work with from their own 28. On 3rd and 6 from the Cincy 38, Jackson threw incomplete. With 1:35 to play, it was up to the best kicker in the history of the game to tie the game. Justin Tucker holds the NFL record of 66 yards, and this one while long was at 56 well within his range. Tucker was good and the game was tied 38-38. The Bengals had 90 seconds to work with but a sack of Burrow killed the drive. This thriller was headed to overtime.

After a touchback, the Ravens moved to a 1st and 10 at the Cincinnati 39. Well within Tucker’s range, this time he would not get the chance as Jackson fumbled and the Bengals recovered at the Baltimore 38. The Bengals now had a golden chance to win. The Bengals netted only 3 yards, but Evan McPherson had a chance from 53 to be the hero. McPherson was wide left no good.  The Ravens took over at their own 43. One play was enough for Henry to bust through the defense for a 51 yard run down to the Cincy 6 yard line. At this point John Harbaugh was not taking any chances. On 1st and goal, Tucker came in for the 24 yard try to win it. He was good, and with 3 1/2 minutes left in overtime, the game was finally won. Both quarterbacks were magnificent. Jackson was 26 of 42 for 348 yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Burrow was 30 of 39 for 392 yards, 5 touchdown passes, and the one killer interception late. Yet the Ravens have won 3 straight while the Bengals fell to a surprising 1-4 on the season. 41-38 Ravens, OT

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars — The Colts started Joe Flacco in place of the injured Anthony Richardson. Meanwhile, the Jaguars came as the only NFL winless team. The Colts began at their own 29 and old man Flacco went right to work. Flacco hit Downs for 13, Mo Alie-Cox for 19, and Downs again for 20. On 3rd and 6 from the Jacksonville 15, Flacco hit Downs for 10. On 2nd and goal at the one, Sermon got the carry twice and got stopped cold twice. Shane Steichen gambled. On 4th and goal at the one, Flacco hit Pittman for the touchdown. The 12 play, 71 yard, 6 minute drive made it 7-0 Colts. 

The Jaguars after a touchback moved to a 4th and 2 at the Indianapolis 26. Doug Pederson went for it and Trevor Lawrence threw incomplete. The Jaguars got it back at their own 11 and moved 84 yards in 14 plays and 8 minutes. On 3rd and 1 from the Indianapolis 4 yard line, Bigsby lost a yard. An exasperated Peterson decided not to gamble again. Little hit the 23 yard field goal to get the Jaguars on the board midway through the second quarter. The Jaguars got the ball back at their own 15 and this time needed only one play and 10 seconds to take the lead. Lawrence went deep to Thomas for an 85 yard touchdown to make it 10-7 Jaguars. 

The Colts after a touchback moved to a 1st and 10 at the Jacksonville 12. The drive died with a run that went nowhere and a pair of Flacco incompletions. Matt Gay hit the 30 yard field goal for a 10-10 game with 1:44 left in the half. The Jaguars fumbled the ball away, but the Colts fumbled it back in a devastating way. From his own 46, Flacco was sacked and the Jaguars recovered the ball all the way back at the Indianapolis 12 yard line. Only 6 seconds remained in the half, so Doug Pederson played it safe and took the points. Little hit the 30 yard field goal to make it 13-10 Jaguars. In the third quarter the Colts were pinned at their own 2 yard line and punted from their 7. Devin Duvernay returned the punt 53 yards to the Indianapolis 19. Bigsby recovered a fumble for a 3 yard touchdown and a 20-10 Jaguars lead midway through the third quarter.

After a touchback, runs and short passes led to a 3rd and 4 at the Jacksonville 30. Flacco hit Downs for 6. On 3rd and 1 at the Jacksonville 15, Flacco kept it for 2 yards. The fourth quarter began with the Colts facing 3rd and 15 at the Jacksonville 18. Flacco went to Cox for the touchdown to finish the 16 play, 70 yard, 7 minute drive and get the Colts within 20-17. The Jaguars after a penalty faced 2nd and 24 from their own 16. Lawrence went deep to Christian Kirk for  61 yard gain. Lawrence went to Davis for 10. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Lawrence found Strange for a 4 yard touchdown to put the Jaguars up 27-17.

After a touchback, the Colts moved to a 3rd and 9 at the Jacksonville 19 yard line. Flacco threw incomplete. Needing 2 scores with only 6 minutes left in the game, Shane Steichen played it safe. Gay hit the 37 yard field goal to get the Colts within 27-20. Yet 2 plays after a touchback, the Jaguars were in the end zone again. Tank Bigsby ripped off a 65 yard touchdown run to make it 34-20 Jaguars with only 5 minutes left. Yet winless teams are winless for a reason. They find ways to lose games.

After a touchback, the Colts needed barely more than 30 seconds to score again. Flacco went to Pierce for 24 and again for 46 yards down to the one. Sermon got the yard to get the Colts within 34-27. The Colts defense forced a 3 and out and their offense got the ball back at their own 23 barely more than 30 seconds after they gave it up. Again they needed only 3 plays. Sermon gained 17. Flacco then went deep to Pierce for a 65 yard touchdown to tie the game 34-34 with 2:40 left in the game. After a touchback, the Jaguars moved to the Indy 31 with 21 seconds left. Little came in for a 49 yarder to give the Jaguars their first win of the season. Little came up big. His kick was good. After a touchback, Flacco had 17 seconds to go 70 yards. Instead, he was sacked as the Jaguars finally got a win. Flacco was sensational, going 33 of 44 for 359 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, but it was not enough. Lawrence was a lights out 28 of 34 for 371 yards, 2 touchdowns and one interception. 37-34 Jaguars

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots — Sometimes a pair of boring teams can come together and play a thrilling game for the ages. This was not that game. With Tyler Huntley starting for the injured Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins began at their own 26 and moved to the New England 36. Jason Sanders hit a 54 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Dolphins. An interception of Huntley then gave the Patriots a short field at the Miami 43. On 3rd and 1, Jacoby Brissett hit Raimondre Stevenson for just enough. On the next play Stevenson got around the end for a 33 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Patriots. On the last play of the first quarter, Sanders doinked a 41 yard try off the left upright no good. Then the Dolphins had a punt blocked as the Patriots took over at the Miami 23. Yet Joey Slye missed a 33 yard field goal try in this hideous game. In the third quarter Slye hit from 38 to make it 10-3 Patriots.

Sanders hit from 32 and 47 as the Dolphins only trailed 10-9 after three quarters. In the fourth quarter the Dolphins began with a penalty and 1st and 18 at their own 12. Huntley went to Tyreek Hill for 21. On 3rd and 5 from their own 38, Huntley went to Smith for 8. On 3rd and13 from their own 43, Huntley threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 5 yards and an automatic first down. Wright ran for 16. Mostert added 18. Alec Ingold ran for a 3 yard touchdown. The point conversion try failed but the Dolphins led by 5 points with 4 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Patriots after a touchback moved to a 1st and 10 at the Miami 12 with 1:08 left. After an incompletion, Brissett fired to the end zone to Polk for the touchdown as the home crowd in Foxboro erupted in celebration. Yet on further review, Polk did not get both feet down in bounds. It was reversed to an incompletion. After another incompletion and a false start, it came down to 4th and 15. Brissett threw incomplete. The Patriots lost their 4th straight after an opening day win. 15-10 Dolphins

Cleveland Browns at Washington Commanders — The Commanders have been surprisingly good thanks to the quality play of rookie Jayden Daniels. The Browns have been awful thanks to the terrible play of the regressing Deshaun Watson. After an opening touchback, Kevin Stefanski gambled on 4th and 1 from the Washington 47. Donta Foreman got stopped cold for no gain. Later on a punt pinned the Browns at their own one yard line. They punted from their 5 and a 15 yard return but Zaccheaus set up the Commanders at the Cleveland 34. Daniels hit Terry McLaurin for 12 On 4th and 2 from the Cleveland 14, Dan Quinn went for it. Austin Ekeler gained 10. Robinson ran for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Commanders. The Browns did manage a 51 yard Dustin Hopkins field goal early in the second quarter, but after that the Commanders exploded.

From their own 20, Zaccheaus ripped off a 50 yard gain, fumbled the ball, and saw his teammate recover for 7 more yards. On 3rd and 1 from the Cleveland 14, Daniels gained 2. yet on 3rd and 10, a completion gained only 3 yards. Austin Seibert hit the 27 yard field goal to make it 10-3 Commanders. The Commanders got it back at their own 26. On 3rd and 10, the defense got called for too many men on the field. On 3rd and 5, Daniels hit McCaffrey for 9. Daniels then ran for a pair of 13 yard gains. On 4th and 3 from the Cleveland 40, Dan Quinn gamble again. Daniels ran for a 34 yard gain with defensive holding tacked on. Robinson ran for the one yard touchdown to make it 17-3 Commanders with 3 minutes left in the half. The Commanders got it back at their own 38 with 1:35 left in the half. On 3rd and 3, Daniels hit McLaurin for 11. Daniels went deep to Brown for a 41 yard touchdown as the Commanders were dominating 24-3.

After a third quarter touchback, the Commanders fumbled on the first play from scrimmage. Yet despite reaching 1st and goal at the 2, the Browns offenses began with a false start and bungled their chance. Hopkins hit a 31 yard field goal, but after that the Commanders turned out the lights. From their own 20, Daniels went to McLaurin for 23 and ran for 23 more himself. On 3rd and 7 from the Cleveland 27, Daniels hit Brown for 16 .On 3rd and 2 from the Cleveland 3, McNichols ran for the touchdown to have the Commanders dominating 31-6. A Cleveland fumble set up one more Seibert field goal from 30 to make it 34-6 Commanders. In the fourth quarter the Browns got one garbage touchdown. The Browns are 1-4 and playing like it. The Commanders are 4-1 and playing like it. 34-13 Commanders

Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans — A pair of good teams faced off as the Bills looked to rebound from being knocked from the unbeaten ranks last week. A field position game early on had the Bills taking over just past midfield. Despite 1st and goal at the 9, a run lost a yard followed by a sack of Josh Allen and a false start to kill the drive. Tyler Bass hit a 38 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Bills. After that, the Texans exploded. After a touchback, the Texans faced 3rd and 5 at their own 35. CJ Stroud went to Ogunbowale 28 yards and Nicol Collins for 11 more. Cam Akers ran for 11 and then for a 15 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Texans. The Texans got it back at their own 33 and needed only one play and 9 seconds to strike again. Stroud went bombs away to Collins for a 67 yard touchdown and a 14-3 Texans advantage. Kaimi Fairbairn hit field goals of 50 to end the half and 47 early in the third quarter to have the Texans cruising up 20-3.

The Bills had plenty of time to rally, and they did. After a touchback, Johnson ran for 19. Defensive unnecessary roughness added 15 more. Allen went to Kincaid for 26. Cook ran for a 5 yard touchdown to get the Bills within 20-10. The Bills got it back at their own 35. Cook ran for 11. On 3rd and 5 just past midfield, Allen completed a pass for no gain. Sean McDermott went for it. Allen went to Keon Coleman for the first down and the touchdown as the 49 yard connection had the Bills back in it down 20-17. There were still 4 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter. The defenses dug in and the Texans turned the ball over on their next 2 drives with an interception and a fumble. The latter gave the Bills the ball at the Houston 15. Yet a run went nowhere and Allen threw incomplete twice. Bass hit a 33 yard field goal as 17 unanswered points tied the game 20-20 with 3:18 left. 

The Texans had a chance to win it with 44 seconds left. On 3rd and 5 from the Buffalo 49, Stroud was called for intentional grounding to push the Texans out of field goal range. A great punt pinned the Bills back at their own 3 yard line with 32 seconds left. Rater than grind down clock, Sean McDermott went for it all. Allen threw deep incomplete 3 times. A 13 yard punt return gave the Texans the ball at the Buffalo 46 with 7 seconds left. Stroud hit Ogunbowale for 5 yards, leaving 2 seconds. Fairbairn came in for a 59 yard field goal try. Fairbairn leveled it for his longest kick ever. A playoff rematch between these teams would be well worth the price of admission but McDermott’s play-calling at the end of the game will be called into question. Meanwhile, Demeco Ryans has a 4-1 squad. 23-20 Texans

Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears — The Bears have very quietly been winning games at home, while the Panthers have been awful. Early in the game Dave Canales gambled on 4th and 1 from the Chicago 42. Johnson gained 4. Chuba Hubbard then ripped off a 38 yard touchdown run to make it 7-0 Panthers. After that, reality set in. After a touchback, Deandre Swift ran for 8 and 3. Caleb Williams hit Odunze for 11. Williams went deep to DJ Moore for a 34 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. The Bears got it back at their own 20.Williams went to Moore for 23 as the Bears began the second quarter at the Carolina 43. Swift gained 18. on 3rd and 5 from the Carolina 7, Swift gained 6. Johnson got the last yard to make it 14-7 Bears. A Carolina fumble set up the Bears at the Carolina 44. Williams went to Smith for 42. Swift got the last yard to make it 21-7 Bears. The Panthers turned it over on downs and the Bears took over at their own 38. On 3rd and 5 Williams went deep to Cole Kmet for 25. Williams went to Moore for a 30 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Bears were cruising up 27-7. A pointless second half saw the Bears kick a third quarter field goal and the Panthers answer with one of their own. Roschon Johnson ran in a one yard fourth quarter touchdown to end the scoring. 36-10 Bears

Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos — Although the Raiders had beaten the Broncos 8 straight times, it is tough to win without an offensive line or running game. The Raiders have tried to win games by scoring one early touchdown and tacking on enough field goals. After an opening touchback, the Raiders made it look easy. On 3rd and 8 from their own 32, Gardner Minshew scrambled for 11. Minshew then went deep to Brock Bowers, who spun away from a defender and raced for a 57 yard touchdown. Barely 2 minutes into the game, the Raiders led 7-0. The Raiders got the ball back at their own 10 yard line and moved to a 1st and 10 at the Denver 22. A run went nowhere and a false start killed the drive. Daniel Carlson hit a 40 yard field goal. The Raiders led 10-0 after the first quarter and were in total control of the game. 

A strong kickoff return had the Broncos taking over at their own 41. The Broncos began the second quarter with 1st and 10 at the Riders 22. Offensive pass interference, a sack of Bo Nix, and an illegal shift had the Broncos facing 2nd and 38. On 3rd and 34, a short pass from Nix to Williams gained 13. That was enough for Wil Lutz to hit a 51 yard field goal to get the Broncos within 10-3. The Raiders quickly moved from their own 31 as Amir Abdullah ripped off a 40 yard gain. With 9 minutes left in the half, the Raiders had 1st and goal at the 5. This was without the injured Davante Adams and Zamir White. Although the Raiders had long runs, they could not pick up one or two yards when it mattered. Yet the Raiders still had 3 chances to smash into the line and gain the yardage. A touchdown would put the Raiders up 17-3. Again, they were in total control. 

Then came one of the worst play calls in the history of the franchise. Rather than even try and run the ball, the Raiders called a pass play. Whether the blame falls on Antonio Pierce or offensive coordinator Luke Goetzy is irrelevant. The entire football world knows that you run the ball near the goal line. Minshew threw into traffic and had his pass intercepted by Patrick Surtain II. Surtain lit up the home crowd by returning the interception 100 yards for a defensive touchdown. Instead of being down 17-3, the Broncos tied the game 10-10. The Raiders never recovered. The defense was keeping the Raiders in the game, and with 18 seconds left in the half of a tie game, the Broncos were facing 3rd and 7 at their own 39. One stop would let the Raiders get to the half and try and regroup. Instead, Nix hit Franklin for 20. At the end of the half, Lutz’s 59 yard field goal try was no good. Yet the Raiders were flagged 15 yards for a leverage penalty. From 44 yards out, Lutz was good. The Broncos only led 13-10, but this game was over. The Raiders continued to self-destruct.

In the third quarter, a 38 yard punt return set up the Broncos at midfield. Williams ran for 6 and 9. Nix hit Humphrey for 27. On 3rd and goal at the 4, the defense finally broke. Nix hit Jaleel McLaughlin for the touchdown. Midway through the third quarter, the Broncos led 20-10. After a touchback, the Raiders faced 3rd and 11 from their own 40. Minshew went deep and was intercepted. When the Raiders got the ball back, Minshew was on the bench. Aidan O’Connell was in the game, which meant the Raiders had waved the white flag of surrender. Minshew was not playing well, but it was not his fault that the offensive line and running game were awful. O’Connell is stiff, as immobile as it gets. 

The Broncos got the ball back at their own 42 to start the fourth quarter. Nix ran for 11. On 2nd and 15 from the Raiders 40, Williams gained 17. Nix hit Adam Trautman for 19. Nix ran for a one yard touchdown with 10 minutes left in regulation for a 27-10 Broncos lead. The score would have been 34-10 had a perfectly thrown bomb by Nix not been dropped in the end zone by a wide open receiver. The Raiders got it back at their own 20 and O’Connell was immediately intercepted. The Broncos took over at the Raiders 39. On 3rd and 4, Nix went to Sutton for 24. Nix hit Reynolds for a 9 yard touchdown to make it 34-10 Broncos. The Raiders got one garbage time touchdown, but they are a bad team, especially on offense. After getting rid of Derek Carr and Josh Jacobs, now Davante Adams wants out. Nobody can blame him. 34-18 Broncos 

Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers — The 49ers were expected to easily take care of the Cardinals, but the Cardinals are a different team every week. From their own 28, Kyler Murray went to McBride for 22. Murray then ran for a 50 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Cardinals less than 2 minutes into the game. After a touchback Brock Purdy went to Brandon Aiyuk for 53 yards. Yet on 1st and goal at the 6, a run went nowhere, Purdy threw incomplete, and Purdy was then sacked. Jake Moody hit a 28 yard field goal to get the 49ers within 7-3. The 49ers got it back and faced 3rd and 6 at their own 28. Purdy went to Aiyuk for 16 and 9. On 3rd and 5 from the Arizona 30, Purdy went to Jennings for 13 and Aiyuk for 13 more. Purdy went to George Kittle for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 10-7 49ers. After a touchback the Cardinals moved to a 2nd and 7 at the San Francisco 12. Murray threw incomplete twice. Ryland hit the 30 yard field goal to make it 10-10 early in the second quarter.

The 49ers after a touchback moved to a 3rd and goal at the 2. Purdy threw incomplete. Kyle Shanahan decided not to gamble. Moody hit the 20 yard field goal to make it 13-10 49ers. The Cardinals after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 6 at the San Francisco 27. Murray threw incomplete. Ryland came in for a 45 yard field goal try to tie the game with 5 minutes left in the half. The kick was blocked and returned 61 yards for a touchdown the other way by Deommodore Lenoir to make it 20-10 49ers. 49ers kicker Jake Moody was injured on the ensuing kickoff. The Cardinals then moved from their own 38 to a 2nd and 6 at the San Francisco 24. At the 2 minute warning, Murray was intercepted by Nick Bosa, who returned the pick 30 yards to the Arizona 40. The 49ers moved to a 1st and goal at the 7 with 16 seconds left. With a chance to all but turn out the lights, Purdy threw incomplete three times. Wishnowsky hit the 26 yard field goal to have the 49ers dominating 23-10 at the break.

The second half was a completely different game. A third quarter interception of Purdy set up the Cardinals at the San Francisco 25. 3 plays netted only one total yard but Ryland hit a 42 yard field goal to get the Cardinals within 23-13. After a touchback, the 49ers embarked on a 7 minute drive. They reached a 2nd and 9 at the Arizona 13, again with a chance to turn out the lights. Then came a false start followed by a sack of Purdy. On 4th and 23 from the Arizona 27 and without a kicker, Kyle Shanahan decided to go for it. There was supposedly nobody else on the roster who could kick a 45 yard field goal. Purdy threw incomplete. 

From that spot, James Conner gained 3, 8 and 10. The Cardinals began the fourth quarter facing 3rd and 6 at the San Francisco 41. Murray went to Wilson for 10 and 11. Conner gained 14. Murray threw a 2 yard touchdown to Higgins. Roughing the passer moved the extra point from the two to the one, so Jonathan Gannon went for what would normally be a pointless 2 conversion try. Conner ran it in to get the Cardinals within 23-21 with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation. After a touchback the 49ers moved to a 1st and goal at the 8. Again, a touchdown and extra point would all but ice the game with 6 1/2 minutes left. 

Mason lost 4 yards and fumbled the ball away. The Cardinals took down the clock on a 14 play, 75 yard drive. On 4th and 3 from the Frisco 16 with 1:37 left, Gannon was not taking any chances. Ryland hit the field goal to give the Cardinals the one point lead. The 49ers took over at their own 27 needing only a touchdown to win it. Purdy hit Kittle for 15 yards. Then Purdy was intercepted. In a shocker, the 49ers offense was blanked in the second half while their defense melted down in the fourth quarter. The defending NFC champions are 2-3 on the year. Shanahan has blown 3 Super Bowl double digit leads. While this was not on that level, it is still a stunning collapse. 24-23 Cardinals

Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams — Both teams made the playoffs last year, but this year the Rams are struggling. In the first quarter the Packers took over at their own 4 yard line. Josh Jacobs had runs of 4, 7 and 11. On 2nd and 10 from the Green Bay 45, Jordan Love went deep to Reed for a 53 yard gain. Jacobs ran for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Packers. The Rams after a touchback moved to a 3rd and goal at the 4. Matthew Stafford threw incomplete. Sean McVay inexplicably decided to go for it. Stafford threw incomplete again. The Rams got it back at their own 45 and needed 13 plays and 7 minute to go 55 yards. Corum ran for 12. The second quarter began with Williams only gaining 2 yards on 3rd and 3. On 4th and 1 from the Green Bay 34, McVay gambled again. Williams gained 3. On 3rd and 3 from the Green Bay 24, Williams gained 8. Atwell added 7 and Corum ran for 5 and 3. On 3rd and goal from the one, Williams got in for a 7-7 game in the second quarter.

At the 2 minute warning, Jordan Love blundered. On 3rd and 12 from his own 8, Love faded back and was intercepted by Jaylen McCollough, who waltzed in for a 4 yard defensive touchdown. The extra point was blocked but the Rams led 13-7. After a touchback, the Packers moved to a 2nd and 7 at the Rams 19 with 37 seconds left. A sack of Love killed the drive. Narveson hit a 46 yard field goal to end the half with the Packers down 13-10. In the third quarter the Rams moved quickly from their own 29 to a 2nd and 6 at the Green Bay 27. Yet the Rams fumbled the ball away and the Packers took over at their own 30. Two plays later Love went deep to Tucker Kraft for a 66 yard touchdown to make it 17-13 Packers. The Rams moved from their own 27 to a 1st and 10 at the Green Bay 48. Stafford threw incomplete twice and then was intercepted by McKinney, who returned the pick 28 yards to his own 46. Reed gained 11. Love hit Jacobs for 21. Wilson gained 6 and 5. Love went to Kraft for a 7 yard touchdown as the Packers led 24-13 after three quarters.

The Packers began the fourth quarter at their own 7 yard line. They held the ball for over 8 minutes and ran 14 plays, yet somehow gained only 43 yards. On 1st and 10 from the Rams 36, A false start and a sack killed the drive. The Rams took over at their own 9 yard line with 6 minutes left in regulation needing 2 scores. The Rams got the 91 yard drive as Stafford hit Robinson for a one yard touchdown with 3 1/2 minutes left. The 2 point try failed but the Rams were within 5 points. The Rams got the stop on defense with only 30 seconds coming off the clock. They took over at their own 29 with a full 3 minutes left needing only a touchdown to win. With 1:05 left on 4th and 5 from the Green Bay 38, Stafford threw incomplete. The Rams fell to 1-4 as the Packers got the tough road win. 24-19 Packers 

New York Giants at Seattle Seahawks — The Seahawks were knocked from the unbeaten ranks last week, but all they needed to get back on track was win at home against a woeful Giants team. The Giants were not going to win anything with Daniel Jones, who seems to fumble the ball as often as he completes a pass. A sack of Jones forced a fumble that the Giants were lucky to retain possess of after a 15 yard loss. Yet on 2nd and 25 from their own 5, they dug their way out of it with Jones completing an 18 yard pass on 3rd and 17. After 16 plays and 79 yards, the Giants had held the ball for a whopping 10 minutes. Yet on 3rd and goal at the one, Gray got stopped short. Brian Daboll went for it on 4th and goal at the one. The Giants tried to break the plane of the goal. There was a touchdown, but it would not be by the Giants. They fumbled, and Rayshawn Jenkins returned it 102 yards for a defensive touchdown and a 7-0 Seahawks lead. These are the Giants.

In the second quarter the Giants took over at their own 19. On 3rd and 1, Jones gained 3. Tracy gained 27. Jones went to Johnson for 22. Jones ran for 11. Jones hit Robinson for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. The Giants got it back at their own 22 and moved 58 yards in 12 plays and 5 minutes. On 3rd and 2 from the Seattle 20, Jones threw incomplete. Greg Joseph hit the 38 yard field goal as the Giants actually led 10-7. After a touchback, the Seahawk only had 21 seconds to work with. Mike Macdonald went aggressive. Geno Smith hit Kenneth Walker for 17 and Tyler Lockett for 28. Jason Myers hit a 43 yard field goal for a 10-10 deadlock at the half. 

In the third quarter the Seahawks quickly moved from their own 29 to a 2nd and 3 at the Giants 31. Smith went to DK Metcalf for 10, but Metcalf fumbled and the Giants recovered. The Giants took over at their own 23. Jones went to Derrius Slayton for 41 yards. Jones went to Slayton again for a 30 yard touchdown to make it 17-10 Giants. The Seahawks after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 7 at the Giants 29. Smith threw incomplete. Myers hit a 48 yard field goal to get the Seahawks within 17-13. The Giants had long drives all day that ate up clock. From their own 27, an 11 play, 80 yard, 6 minute drive led to a 1st and 10 at the Seattle 12. Jones was sacked and threw incomplete on 3rd and 11. Joseph hit the 31 yard field goal to make it 20-13 Giants after three quarters. 

In the fourth quarter the Seahawks moved from their own 25 to a 4th and 1 at the Giants 35. Mike Macdonald went for it and Smith was sacked. The Giants took over at the Seattle 27 and moved to a 2nd and 3 at the Seattle 6. Rather than play power football, Brian Daboll had Jones throw the ball.. Jones threw incomplete twice. Joseph hit the 24 yard field goal to give the Giants breathing room up 23-13 with 12 minutes left in regulation. With 6 minutes left in regulation the Seahawks took over at their own 5 yard line. Smith went to Metcalf for 22 and Walker for 12. On 3rd and 2 from the Seattle 47, Smith hit Fant for 6. Smith went to Metcalf for 9 and non-relative Smith-Nigba for 15. On 3rd and 2 from the Giants 12, Smith hit Walker for 7. Smith again went to non-relative Smith-Nigba for a 5 yard score. The 14 play, 95 yard drive had the Seahawks within 23-20 with 2:09 left to play. 

Mike Macdonald decided against an onside kick. He kicked it deep and trusted his defense. The move was paid off as the Seahawks got the ball back at their 34 with 1:40 left needing only a field goal to tie the game. Smith quickly ran for a 32 yard gain against his old team as the Seahawks got to a 2nd and 4 at the Giants 28 with 1:13 left. Smith threw incomplete twice. With 55 seconds left, Myers came in for a 46 yard try to tie the game and possibly force overtime. Instead, the Seahawks became a victim of a play that they made famous. 

Bobby Wagner was known for blocking field goals by jumping over everyone and practically ramming the ball down the kicker’s throat. The NFL likes to punish players who do great things, so they started all but banning the practice. The rule is now that if you try to jump over people but don’t completely clear them without touching them, it’s a 15 yard personal foul. Very few athletes are as gifted as Bobby Wagner in terms of cleanly hurdling the offense, sticking the landing, and smothering the kicker. Well Isaiah Simmons did just that cleanly. He blocked the kick and it was returned 60 yards for a touchdown the other way by Bryce Ford-Wheaton. In front of a shell-shocked 12th man home crowd, the Giants led by 9 points. Although it was a 2 score game, Brian Daboll knew that if the extra point was blocked and returned, it would be a 7 point game. So Daboll smartly took a knee and refused to kick the extra point as the Giants got the stunning road win. 29-20 Giants 

Dallas Cowboys at Pittsburgh Steelers was the Sunday night game. These longtime rivals with rich traditions saw their game delayed by 90 minute due to lightning. The first half was a slog. Brandon Aubrey leveled a 55 yard field goal for the Cowboys. Chris Boswell answered from 41. In the second quarter Aubrey hit from 33 as the Cowboys took a 6-3 lead to the locker rooms. In the third quarter the Steelers took over at their own 28. Justin Fields threw incomplete but roughing the passer gave the Steelers 15 yards. Rather than Fields, it was Allen who found Pat Freiermuth for a 19 yard gain. Fields hit Van Jefferson for 7 and 11. Fields went to Hayward for a 16 yard touchdown. 3 minutes into the third quarter, the Steelers led 10-6. The Cowboys after a touchback moved to a 4th and 9 at the Pittsburgh 20. Aubrey came in for a 38 yard field goal try, but his kick was blocked. 

Midway through the third quarter, the Cowboys took over at their own 10. On 3rd and 1, Hunter Luepke. Prescott went to Ferguson for 13. Rico Dowdle gained 13. On 3rd and 5 from the Pittsburgh 48, Prescott went to Jalen Tolbert for a pair of 7 yard gains. On 3rd and 7 from the Pittsburgh 38, Prescott was sacked but defensive holding kept the drive going. The fourth quarter began with the Cowboys facing 3rd and 1 at the Pittsburgh 24. Dowdle gained 2. Prescott went to Dowdle for a 22 yard touchdown. The staggering 16 play, 90 yard, 8 1/2 minute drive had the Cowboys up 13-10. On the next Cowboys drive, Prescott was intercepted by Joey Porter, who returned it 16 yards to his own 37. 

The Steelers soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 45. Fields gained just enough. On 3rd and 1 from the Dallas 44, Fields threw incomplete. Mike Tomlin went for it on 4th and 1 and Najee Harris got the tough yard. On 3rd and 1 from the Dallas 34, Fields went to George Pickens for 21. Fields hit Freiermuth for a 6 yard touchdown. The 12 play, 63 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive had the Steelers up 17-13 with 5 minutes left in regulation. After a touchback, Dowdle gained 5 and 8. On 3rd and 1 from the Pittsburgh 48, Ezekiel Elliott got the yard. At the 2 minute warning, the Cowboys and 1st and 10 at the Pittsburgh 33. On 3rd and 9, Prescott found Ferguson for 10 and Luepke for 18. With 35 seconds left, the Cowboys had 2nd and goal at the one. Dowdle tried to leap over the to and got blasted by Roberts, forcing a fumble. Prescott dove on the ball a millisecond before a defender did. After an incompletion, it came down to 4th and goal at the 4. Prescott found Tolbert for the touchdown with 20 seconds left. From his own 21 with 15 seconds left, Fields threw an incompletion followed by some failed hook and laterals. It was ugly, but the Cowboys got the tough road win for beleaguered head coach Mike McCarthy. 20-17 Cowboys

New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs was the Monday night game. Derek Carr has plenty of experience battling Patrick Mahomes, but this time Carr did it with his new team. The Saints had a good opening drive going but then Carr was intercepted. he Chiefs took over at their own 22. Mahomes ran for 9. On 3rd and 3 from their own 41, Mahomes found Travis Kelce for gains of 4, 21 and 8. Mahomes found Gray for 15. Hunt ran for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Chiefs. A field position game had the Chiefs get the ball back at their own 40. They moved to a 3rd and 5 at the New Orleans 8 early in the second quarter. Mahomes threw incomplete. Harrison Butker hit the 26 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Chiefs.

The Saints soon faced 3rd and 6 at their own 30. Carr went to Alvin Kamara for 10 and Rashad Shaheed for 15. Carr went deep to Shaheed for a 43 yard touchdown to get the Saints within 10–7.  The Chiefs drove to the red zone on their next two drives. They did not reach the end zone but Butker hit field goals of 34 and 28 to put the Saints up 16-7 at the intermission. The Chiefs had chances to extend the lead in the third quarter but failed to do so. Butker’s 51 yard field goal try doinked off the right upright no good. The Chiefs then moved to a 2nd and goal at the 2 only to have Mahomes get intercepted in the end zone. Saunders returned the pick 37 yards to his own 35. Carr went to Shaheed for gains of 7 and 21 and to Kamara for 9. On 3rd and 1 from the Kansas City 28, Kamara gained 4. Carr hit Kamara for 14 as the Saints began the fourth quarter with 1st and goal at the 9. Carr went to Foster Moreau for a 6 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Saints only trailed 16-13.

The Chiefs took over at her own 32. Mahomes connected with Juju Smith-Schuster for a 50 yard gain. On 1st and goal at the 3, Walrus Andy Reid went to his bag of tricks. Kelce took the direct snap and handed it to Xavier Worthy, who got around the end for the touchdown. With 12 minutes left in regulation, the Chiefs led 23-13. After a touchback, the Saints moved to a 4th and 8 at the Kansas City 42. Carr threw incomplete. The Chiefs took 6 1/2 minutes off the clock. Butker hit a 38 yard field goal with 3 minutes left to put the Chiefs up 13. At this point Carr was not in the game, having suffered an oblique injury on the previous drive. Jake Haener finished the game. The Saints moved from their own 20 to a 3rd and 8 at their own 48 at the 2 minute warning. Haener threw incomplete twice. The Chiefs are now 5-0, which makes Andy Reid a most happy Walrus indeed. 26-13 Chiefs  

NFL 2024 Week 5 Prequel

October 1st, 2024

NFL 2024 Week 5 Prequel

Thursday, October 3, 2024, 8pm

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons (-1 1/2) — Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins can both sling the ball. These teams are evenly matched, and the spread reflects that. Home field is normally not a big deal in this series, but with the devastation of Hurricane Helene in the background for both teams, football will be a welcome respite. Look for the Falcons to give the home crowd a brief interval from their pain. Falcons cover 

Sunday, October 6, 9:30am

New York Jets at Minnesota Vikings (-2 1/2) — The Vikings can score at will, although they almost blew a 28 point lead last week. The Jets have underachieved all year or are just overrated to begin with. The Vikings are unbeaten for a reason. Vikings cover

 

1pm

Baltimore Ravens (-2 1/2) at Cincinnati Bengals — The Ravens got a big win against previously unbeaten Buffalo. The Bengals finally got their first win against doormat Carolina. Whatever ails the Bengals, playing a good Baltimore team is not the answer. The Ravens would love to put a dagger in their division rival early in the season. Ravens cover

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) — The Jaguars are a winless mess but the Colts will be without injured Anthony Richardson. The Jaguars lost a heartbreaker in the final seconds last week. They have been competitive. Against a wounded Indianapolis team, look for the Jaguars to finally win. Jaguars cover

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots (-1 1/2) — Without Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins are done. The Patriots have lost three straight after an opening day win. The Dolphins have more overall talent but the Patriots have the home field and can run the football. Patriots cover

Cleveland Browns at Washington Commanders (-3) — Jayden Daniels has been as terrific as the Browns have been terrible. Deshaun Watson has regressed. Washington is quietly starting to believe. Go with the confident team over the demoralized one. Commanders cover

Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans (-1 1/2) — Despite being pummeled out of the ranks of the unbeaten, the Bills still have elite talent on both sides of the ball. The Texans won a thriller last week, but that was against winless Jacksonville. The Texans are a good team, but the Bills are an elite team that will be playing angry after last week. Upset special, Bills win outright,

Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears (-4) — The Panthers have improved since Red Rifle Andy Dalton replaced Bryce Young, but they are still bad. Caleb Williams has shown some flashes, but he has little to work with as well. Go with the home crowd, but the Bears lack the talent to blow teams out, even weak ones such as Carolina. Bears win but fail to cover

4pm

Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos (-3) — The Raiders have beaten the Broncos eight straight times but expect that streak to end here. The Broncos have a defense. The Raiders have a bad offensive line and cannot run the ball. The Raiders tried to lose last week but Cleveland would not let them. The Broncos gutted out a tough win at the Jets in bad weather. Expect the Denver defense to tee off. Broncos cover

Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers (-7 1/2) — After an impressive start to the season, the Cardinals have regressed. The 49ers have suffered devastating injuries but still have far more talent on both sides of the ball. Even without Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers have too many weapons. This is a mismatch. Kyler Murray is exciting, but that is not the same as effective. 49ers cover

Green Bay Packers (-3 1/2) at Los Angeles Rams — The Rams are 1-3, while the Packers nearly overcame a 28 point deficit against unbeaten Minnesota. The Packers held it together when Jordan Love was out injured. Love should have success against the Rams, although they can turn it around at any moment. Packers win but fail to cover

New York Giants at Seattle Seahawks (-6 1/2) — Despite being knocked from the unbeaten ranks, the Seahawks have been playing well. Geno Smith has a rapport with his receivers. The Giants are just terrible. This game could be over by halftime. Seahawks cover

8pm

Dallas Cowboys at Pittsburgh Steelers (-2 1/2) — Both of these teams are overrated. The Steelers were knocked from the unbeaten ranks. They win games by pounding the ball, grabbing a lead, and playing defense. The Cowboys offense has not delivered what its highest paid stars Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb were paid to deliver. From a pure talent standpoint, the Cowboys should have enough offense to take care of a Pittsburgh team that only seems to win ugly defensive games. Upset special, Cowboys win outright

Sunday, October 7, 8pm

New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs (-5) — The Chiefs have suffered horrific injuries but stay unbeaten under walrus Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. The Saints have cooled after a hot start, although Derek Carr has had success against Kansas City. The Chiefs do not blow teams out. They win close games. Therefore, the spread is too high against a very competent Saints offense. Chiefs win but fail to cover

NFL 2024 Week 4 Recap

September 30th, 2024

 NFL 2024 Week 4 Recap

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants was the Thursday night game. The Cowboys suffered consecutive embarrassing home losses. A loss to the Giants could cause Jerry Jones to fire everyone immediately. The Giants moved from their own 15 to a 4th and 4 at the Dallas 34. Greg Joseph hit a 52 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Giants. The Cowboys soon faced 2nd and 5 at their own 30. Dak Prescott went to CeeDee Lamb for 11. On 3rd and 3 from their own 48, Prescott hit Luepke for 11. Lamb gained 10. Prescott hit Luepke for 7 and Lamb for 11. On 3rd and 3 from the Giants 23, Prescott hit Brandin Cooks for 16. On 3rd and goal from the 15 after offensive holding, Prescott hit Dowdle for the touchdown. The 12 play, 75 yard 7 minute drive made it 7-3 Cowboys. The Giants moved from their own 23 to a 4th and 6 at the Dallas 22.  Joseph hit from 41 to get the Giants within 7-6 in the second quarter. 

The Cowboys soon faced 4th and 1 at their own 39. Mike McCarthy, figuring Jerrah was going to fire him anyway, decided to go for it. Luepke gained 6. Prescott then went deep to Lamb for a 55 yard touchdown to make it 14-6 Cowboys. The Giants took over at their own 28 and moved to a 3rd and 4 at the Dallas 16 with one minute left in the half. Daniel Jones was sacked. Joseph hit from 38 to cap the 15 play, 52 yard, 8 minute drive. The Giants were kicking field goals and giving up touchdowns as the Cowboys led 14-9 at the break. The Giants in the third quarter moved from their own 28 to a 3rd and goal at the 8. Jones hit Robinson for only 5. Joseph finished the 11 play, 77 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive by hitting from 38 to get the Giants within 14-12. 

After a touchback, the Cowboys moved to a 3rd and 1 at the Giant 32. Offensive holding was a killer, but the Dallas kicker has a cannon of a leg. Brandon Aubrey hit from 60 to make it 17-12 Cowboys. A field position game in the fourth quarter had the Giants taking over at their own 48 and moving to a 1st and 10 at the Dallas 20. Yet again the Giants failed to crack the end zone. A pass completion lost a yard and a run lost 3 more. Joseph hit his fifth field goal to get the Giants within 17-15 with exactly 11:11 left in regulation. The Cowboys after a touchback moved to a 2nd and 6 at the Giants 21. A run lost a yard and Prescott threw incomplete. Aubrey hit from 40 to put the Cowboys back up by 5 midway through the fourth quarter. Yet the Cowboys did not close the door. Far from it. The Giants had plenty of time to pull out the upset win.

After a touchback, the Giants soon faced 4th and 6 at their own 45. A run went nowhere and Jones threw incomplete. Brian Daboll went for it on 4th and 6 with 3 1/2 minutes left. Jones threw incomplete. The Cowboys took the clock down to 32 seconds but had to settle for a 51 yard field goal attempt by Aubrey. The kick was wide right no good. The Giants only had 28 seconds to work with, but they were at their own 41. After a pair of incompletions, Jones tried a Hail Mary on 3rd and 10. It was intercepted at the 4 yard line. The Giants were game, but they had another loss. As for the Cowboys, this win was more a sigh of relief than anything else. They are really struggling. 20-15 Cowboys

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons — Division rivals put on a good quality football game. Yet early on it was not quality as the Saints fumbled a punt and the Falcons recovered in the was zone for a gift touchdown and a 7-0 Falcons lead. After a touchback, Derek Carr went to Chris Olave for 18 yards. On 3rd and 2 from the Atlanta 44, Taysom Hill gained 5. Alvin Kamara gained 13. Rashad Shaheed added 13 more. Hill took the direct snap for the 2 yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7. An interception of Kirk Cousins gave the Saints great field position at their own 47. On 4th and 1 from the Atlanta 27, Dennis Allen went for it. Hill gained 7. The Saints began the second quarter facing 3rd and 5 at the Atlanta 15. Carr hit Tipton for 6. Hill ran for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Saints.

The Falcons moved from their own 23 to a 4th and 1 at the New Orleans 30. Raheem Morris decided to go for it but a false start killed the try. Younghoe Koo hit a 53 yard field goal to get the Falcons within 14-10. After a touchback, the Saints soon faced 2nd and 9 at their own 43. Carr found Anderson. Problem: Anderson plays defense for Atlanta. Anderson returned the interception47 yards for a defensive touchdown and a 17-14 Falcons lead midway through the second quarter. In the third quarter the Falcons moved from their own 10 to a 2nd and 4 at the New Orleans 22. Cousins threw incomplete and then completed a pass to Mooney that lost 4 yards. Koo hit a 44 yard field goal to make it 20-14 Falcons.

The Saints moved from their own 25 to a 4th and 5 at the Atlanta 25. Blake Grupe hit a 43 yard field goal to get the Saints within 20-17. The Falcons moved from their own 19 on a 57 yard, 11 play, 7 minute drive. On 1st and 10 from the New Orleans 19, Cousins hit Robinson for a touchdown. Yet offensive holding nullified the score and killed the drive. Koo hit from 42 to put the Falcons up 23-17 with 10 minutes left in regulation. The Saints after a touchback moved 63 yards in 12 plays and 6 minutes. On 1st and goal at the 5, a run went nowhere and Carr threw incomplete. On 3rd and goal Kamara got tackled for a 2 yard loss. With 4 m minutes left, a field goal would cut the game to 23-20. Yet Dennis Allen decided to go for it. Carr threw incomplete. 

The Saints got a big defensive stand and a 17 yard punt return gave the Saints the ball back only 30 seconds later with 3 1/2 minutes left at their Atlanta 42. On 3rd and 6, Carr hit Olave for 13. On 3rd and 2 from the Atlanta 17, Carr hit Olave for 16 down to the one. On 3rd and goal, Kamara got the yard. With one minute left, the Saints had the 24-23 lead. After a touchback, Cousins threw deep incomplete with 30 seconds to play. A critical defensive pass interference call had the Falcons at the New Orleans 40. After a spike, Cousins threw incomplete twice. Koo came in with 2 seconds left for a mammoth 58 yard field goal try for the win. Koo had made 3 other field goals, but this was a big one. With everything on the line for both teams, Koss belted the ball through the uprights good. From South Korea to Atlanta, Koo had his fans beaming with pride. 26-24 Falcons 

Cincinnati Bengals at Carolina Panthers — The Bengals came in a head-scratching 0-3 while the Panthers finally got a win last week when former Bengals quarterback Red Rifle Andy Dalton replaced Bryce Young. qThe Panthers after a touchback moved to a 2nd and goal at the one. Dalton threw incomplete and Chuba Hubbard got stopped for no gain. Dave Canales gambled on 4th and goal at the one. Hubbard got the carry again and got stopped cold again. The Panthers got the ball back at their own 20 and soon faced 3rd and 8 at their own 34. Dalton was intercepted by Bell, who returned the pick 32 yards to the Carolina 16. Joe Burrow hit Tee Higgins for 12. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Brown took the carry up the gut for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Bengals. 

After a touchback, the second quarter began with the Panthers on the move. On 4th and 3 from the Cincinnati 40, Dave Canales decided t go for it. Dalton hit Johnson for 4. Dalton hit Sanders for 11. Hubbard got around the end for a 17 yard gain. Hubbard barreled in from 3 yards out to cap the 11 play, 70 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive and make it 7-7. 

The Bengals took over at their own 19. On 3rd and 3 from their own 37, Burrow connected with JaMarr Chase for a 63yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Bengals. The Panthers after a touchback soon faced 3rd and 10 at their own 30. Dalton was intercepted, but defensive holding nullified the pick and kept the drive going. Runs and short passes led to 3rd and 3 at the Cincinnati 47. Dalton hit Johnson for 5. Dalton hit Xavier Leggett for 17. Sanders got around the end for 14. Dalton hit Leggett for an 8 yard touchdown to tie the game 14-14. 

The Bengals took over at their own 34 with one minute left in the half. On 3rd and 5, Burrow hit Higgins for 11. Burrow then went deep to Iosivas for 29. Defensive pass interference added 17 more. On 3rd and goal at the one, Burrow hit Moss for the touchdown with one second left to make it 21-14 Bengals. The Bengals began the third quarter at their own 29. Burrow hit Alt for 10. Brown gained 8 and 20. Burrow added 10. Burrow hit Brown for 8 and Chase for 11 down to the one. Brown got the yard as a close game had been broken open for a 28-14 Bengals lead. With 5 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter, Dave Canales gambled on a fake punt on 4th and 3 from his own 35. Punter Johnny Hekker played quarterback in college. This time his pass was incomplete. The Bengals with a short field lost 3 yards but Evan McPherson drilled a 56 yard field goal to make it 31-14 Bengals.

After a touchback, the Panthers tried to make a game of it. Hubbard ran for a 38 yard gain. On 3rd and 2 from the Cincinnati 24, Sanders gained 3. Dalton hit Johnson for a 21 yard touchdown to get the Panthers within 31-21. An interception of Burrow gave the Panthers great field position at their own 41. They moved to a 3rd and 3 at the Cincinnati 30. Dalton threw incomplete. Eddie Pineiro hit a 48 yard field goal to get the Panthers within 31-24 midway through the fourth quarter. With 4 1/2 minutes left the Bengals took over at their own 37. They moved to the Carolina 28. With 1:15 left in regulation, McPherson came in for a 46 yard field goal try to lock up the win. His kick was good. Dalton failed to get a win against the team that jettisoned him while the Bengals finally got their first win of the year. 34-24 Bengals

 

Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears — A pair of struggling teams faced off. The Rams in the first quarter took over at their own 5 yard line and moved 68 yards in 13 plays and 7 1/2 minutes. On 1st and 10 from the Chicago 30, a sack of Matthew Stafford killed the drive. Harty hit a 46 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Rams. In the seance quarter the Rams moved from their own 26 to aa 3rd and 3 at the Chicago 18. Stafford threw incomplete. Harty hit from 37 to make it 6-0 Rams.The Rams got the ball back at their own 20 and disaster immediately struck. Stafford was hit and fumbled, and the Bears recovered at the Rams 16. On 3rd and 9, defensive pass interference on an incompletion  put the ball on the one. Johnson got the yard as the Bears led 7-6. The rams after a touchback moved to a 2nd and 5 at the Chicago 15. Offensive pass interference killed the drive and Harty missed a 43 yard field goal try that would have given the Rams the lead again.

The Bears took over at their own 33 with one minute left in the half. They moved to a 1st and 10 at the Rams 17. A sack of Caleb Williams killed the drive, but Cairo Santos hit a 40 yard field goal to put the Bears up 10-6 at the break. After a touchback, the Rams moved to a 3rd and goal at the 7. Stafford threw incomplete. Krty hit from 25 to get the Rams within 10-9. The Bears took over at their own 26. Williams hit Cole Kmet for 10. Swift ran for 9 and caught a pass from Williams for 11. On 3rd and 3 from the Rams 33, Johnson gained 8. On 3rd and 5 from the Rams 9, Williams went to DJ Moore for the touchdown to make it 17-9 Bears. After a touchback, Stafford hitWhittington for 16 and Tutu Atwell for 25.  Williams ran for 7, 14 and 5 to end the third quarter and for a 3 yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter. The 2 point conversion try to tie the game saw Stafford throw incomplete as the Rams trailed 17-15.  

After a touchback on 2nd and 10 from their own 42, Williams went deep to Kmet for 22. Swift then ran for a 36 yard touchdown to put the Bears up 24-15 with 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Rams after a touchback moved to a 4th and 8 at the Chicago 34. Needing 2 scores with a full 9 minutes left, the decision was easy. Harty hit from 52 to get the Rams within 6 points. The Rams began their final drive with one minute left at their own 8 yard line. Stafford was intercepted as the Bears got to 2-2 while the Rams were a surprising 1-3 on the year. 24-18 Bears

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers — The 1998 Vikings may be the best team to never win it all. They started 3-0 and went into Green Bay against a good Packers team. The Vikings manhandled the Packers, letting the league know they were very good. Randall Cunningham and Randy Moss are long retired, but this 2024 Vikings team started 3-0 and went into Green Bay against a good Packers team. Jordan Love was back from injury. This would test how good both teams really were. The Vikings went right to work from their own 27. Sam Darnold hit former Green Bay running back Aaron Jones for 12. On 3rd and 14 from their own 40, Darnold went deep to Naylor for 31. Darnold then went deep t Jordan Addison for a 33 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Vikings. After a touchback the Packers moved 51 yards in 10 plays and 5 minutes. On 3rd and 8 from the Minnesota 14 looking to tie the game a false start was followed by Love throwing incomplete. Then Narveson’s 37 yard field goal try doinked off the upright no good.

The Vikings again took over at their own 27. Jones gained 17 with a defensive facemask adding 15 more. On 3rd and 1 from the Green Bay 32, Darnold gained 9. On 3rd and 2 from the Green Bay 15, Darnold threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 12 yard gain. Darnold went to Josh Oliver for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Vikings. An interception of Love gave the Vikings a short field at the Green Bay 46 to start the second quarter. Darnold hit Mundt for 9 and Sherfield for 8. Darnold found Jones for 12. Addison ran for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 21-0 Vikings. The Packers saw Narvson miss a second field goal form 49 and Love throw another interception. Griffin returned the interception 28 yards to the Green Bay 4 yard line. After offensive holding, Darnold hit Justin Jefferson for a 14 yard touchdown. With 5 1/2 minutes left in the half, the Vikings were winning a blowout 28-0. 

The Vikings were in complete control of the game when the Packers punted with 40 seconds left in the half. The Vikings fumbled the punt and the Packers recovered at the Minnesota 3 yard line. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur pushed the Packers back to the Minnesota 15. Love went to Reed for the touchdown. The Packers still trailed 28-7, but they had life. A scoreless third quarter saw the Packers take over late at their own 11. Love went to Reed for 12 and to Josh Jacobs for 8. The Packers began the fourth quarter after an incompletion facing 3rd and 2 at their own 31. Jacobs gained 11. Love went to Melton for 28. Love hit Heath and Jacobs for a pair of 9 yard gains. On 3rd and 1 from the Minnesota 6, Love went to Wicks for the touchdown to get the Packers within 28-14 with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Two plays after a touchback, Darnold was sacked and fumbled. The Packers took over at the Minnesota 20. Two plays later Love hit Kraft for a 13 yard touchdown. Matt LaFleur inexplicably went for a 2 point conversion. Love went to Kraft again. All of a sudden, the Packers were right back in it down 28-22. 

The Viking were collapsing, but after a touchback they finally got going again. Darnold went to Jefferson for big gains of 17 and 27. On 2nd and 2 from the Green Bay 10, a run lost 5 yards and Darnold threw incomplete. Reichard hit a 33 yard field goal that was huge in terms of significance. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Vikings had breathing room up 31-22. The Packers cooled off, turning the ball over on consecutive possessions with Love throwing an interception followed by a Green Bay fumble. With 2:21 to play the Vikings faced 4th and 1 at the Green Bay 4 after getting stopped on third down. Kevin O’Connell went for it and Nailor got nailed for no gain. The Packers quickly went 96 yards, with Love hitting Wicks for a 17 yard touchdown. With 56 seconds left, a 28 point deficit had been whittled down to 2 points. Yet the onside kick failed. The Packers mounted a furious rally, but the Vikings survived to get to 4-0 on the year. 31-29 Vikings

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans — The Jaguars were in free fall since last season, starting 0-3. The Jaguars got a break early when the Texans fumbled a punt and the Jaguars recovered at the Houston 2 yard line. Trevor Lawrence hit Thomas for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Jaguars. The Texans after a touchback soon faced 3rd and 4 at their own 36. CJ Stroud hit Nico Collins for big gains of 18, 12 and 19. On 3rd and 2 from the Jacksonville 6, Stefan Diggs ran for the touchdown and a 7-7 game. The Jaguars moved from their own 23 to a 1st and 10 at the Houston 24. A false start killed the drive. Chase Little hit a 41 yard field goal to make it 10-7 Jaguars.  

In the second quarter the Texans faced 2nd and 16 at their own 20. Stroud went to Stover for 27 and to Woods for 10. On 3rd and 8 from the Jacksonville 41, Stroud hit Dare Ogunbowale for 9. Stroud went to Diggs for 20. On 3rd and 12 from the Jacksonville 14, Stroud threw incomplete but defensive holding meant 5 yards and 1st and goal. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Stroud found collins for the touchdown to cap the 12 play, 74 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive and make it 14-10 Texans midway through the second quarter. The Jaguars moved from their own 27 to a 3r and 1 at the Houston 34. Lawrence threw incomplete. Doug Pederson decided not to gamble on 4th and 1. Little hit the 52 yard field goal to get the Jaguar within 14-13. After a touchback the Texans moved to a 1st and 10 from the Jacksonville 11 with 10 seconds left. An incompletion left 5 seconds. Kaimi Fairbairn hit the 30 yard field goal to make it 17-13 Texans. 

In the third quarter the Jaguars took over at their own 26. Travis Etienne gained 12 and 3. Lawrence went deep to Thomas for 32. Thomas gained 13. On 3rd and 4 from the Houston 8, Lawrence went to Kirk for the touchdown. With 6 minutes left in the third quarter the Jaguars led 20-17. The Jaguars got it back and moved from their own 12 to a 3rd and goal at the one. On the last play of the third quarter, Lawrence threw incomplete. The fourth quarter began with Doug Pederson going for it on 4th and goal at the one. A touchdown would put the Jaguars up 27-17. Instead, Lawrence got stopped for no gain. After the goal line stand, both defenses dug in. With 3 minutes left the Texans began their final drive from their own 31. Stroud ra for 11. Stroud went deep to Collins for 26. With one minute left, the Texans had 3rd and 3 at the Jacksonville 8. Stroud hit Dalton Schultz for 6. With 18 seconds left in regulation, Stroud hit Ogunbowale for the touchdown. The Jaguars took over at their own 10 with 12 seconds left. The hook and laterals went backward as the Jacksonville season of misery continued. The Texans got to 3-1 on the year. 24-20 Texans

Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts — The Steelers came in 3-0 despite having scored only 3 total touchdowns in 3 games. After an opening touchback, Anthony Richardson on the first play from scrimmage found Pittman for a 32 yard gain. Jonathan Taylor gained 14. On 3rd and 6 from the Pittsburgh 20, Richardson gained 9. On 3rd and 1 from the Pittsburgh 2, Taylor ran it in for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Colts. The Colts got it back at their own 14. Richardson went deep to Pittman for 28. Richardson hit Downs for 11. Richardson ran for 14 more but got hit and fumbled. The Colts retained possession but Richardson was injured on the play. Veteran Joe Flacco came in and hit Taylor for 10. Taylor then ran for 13. Richardson returned after 2 plays on the sideline. On 1st and goal at the 6, Richardson kept it himself, gained one yard and got injured again. The young quarterback has shown plenty of talent but his style of play got him injured for most of last year. He left the game after only 12 minutes of play and did not return. Flacco played the rest of the way. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Flacco hit Downs for the touchdown to make it 14-0 Colts. After a touchback, a desperate Mike Tomlin gambled on 4th and 1 from his own 39. Justin Fields got stopped for no gain. With the short field, Flacco moved the Colts to a 2nd and 7 at the Pittsburgh 14. Flacco threw incomplete twice. Matt Gay hit a 33 yard field goal to make it 17-0 Colts.

The Steelers took over at their own 4 yard line and moved 91 yards. On 1st and 10 from the Indianapolis 15, Fields hit George Pickens for 10, but Pickens fumbled and the Colts recovered at their own 3 yard line. The Steelers got it back at their own 25 and moved to Indianapolis 31 with 4 seconds left on the clock. Chris Boswell hit a 50 yard field goal to finally get the Steeler son the board. In the third quarter with the Steelers facing 3rd and 10 at the Indianapolis 33, Fields ran for his life, lost 20 yards, and fumbled the ball away.The Colts took over at the Pittsburgh 42 looking to deliver the knockout blow, but they gained only 6 yards. Gay’s 54 yard field goal try was no good. The Steelers took over at their own 44. Fields went deep to Pickens for 38. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Fields ran for the touchdown. Instead of being down 20-3, the Steelers were only down 17-10 with 3 minutes left in the third quarter. 

After a touchback, the Colts faced 3rd and 10 from their own 30. Flacco hit Pittman for 12. Defensive unnecessary roughness on an incompletion added 15. On 3rd and 7 from the Pittsburgh 40, Flacco hit Downs for 25 as the third quarter ended. On 3rd and 10 from the Pittsburgh 15 to start the fourth quarter, Flacco hit Ogletree for the touchdown to make it 24-10 Colts. After a touchback from his own 43, Fields hit Najee Harris for 32 with 13 more added on for roughing the passer. On 3rd and 1 from the Indy 3, Harris got the yard. Fields ran for a 2 yard touchdown. With 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation, The Steelers were back in it down 24-17.

After a touchback, the Colts moved 64 yards in 10 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. On 3rd and 3 from the Pittsburgh 14, a run lost 2 yards. Gay hit the 35 yard field goal to put the Colts comfortably ahead 27-17 with 6 minutes left. Yet after a touchback, the Steelers kept coming. On 3rd and 2 from their own 38, Fields went to Pickens for 27 and to Jefferson for 12. On 3rd and 5 from the Indy 8, Fields went to Pat Freiermuth for the touchdown. With 3:40 to play, the Steelers had cut a 17 point deficit to a field goal. Pittsburgh held on defense and got the ball back at their own 17 with 2:40 left. The Steelers moved to a 1st and 10 at their own 42 with 1:43 to play. A couple of first downs would mean long field goal range and a chance at overtime. Yet after the shotgun, a Fields fumble meant a 12 yard loss. On 4th and 11 with 37 seconds left, Field threw deep incomplete. The valiant comeback fell short as the Steelers were knocked from the unbeaten ranks. It was a sweet win for old man Flacco, but the Colts know their season depends on Richardson being healthy. 27-24 Colts

Denver Broncos at New York Jets — The overhyped Jets had more to contend with than the media market this week as hard rain made the game a slog. On the 3rd play from scrimmage on 3rd and 18 from his own 22, a Jets fumble set up the Broncos at the Jets 30. The Broncos lost 14 yards and punted. Later on a Denver fumble set up the Jets at the Denver 34. a pair of runs went nowhere and Rodgers threw incomplete. Robert Saleh began the second quarter gambling on 4th and goal at the one. Yet a false start killed the attempt. Greg Zuerlein hit a 23 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Jets. Zuerlein hit again from 35 to make it 6-0 jets at the half. In the third quarter from their own 13, the Broncos moved 87 yards in 11 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. On 3rd and 7 from the Jets 8, Bo nix went to Cortland Sutton for the game’s only touchdown and a 7-6 Broncos lead. The rest of this awful game saw Zuerlein hit from 40 less than 90 seconds into the fourth quarter to make it 907 Jets. Wil Lutz answered from 47 to put the Broncos back up 10-9. With 90 seconds left in regulation, a 50 yard attempt by Lutz to expand the lead was wide left no good. The Jets took over at their own 40 and moved to the Denver 32 with 47 seconds left. Zuerlein came in for a 50 yard try to win it. His kick was also no good in a game that deserves no further description. 10-9 Broncos

Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Last year in Tampa the Buccaneers knocked the Eagles out of the playoffs. These longtime rivals both came in 2-1 on the year. The Buccaneers went right to work from their own 21. Baker Mayfield went to Mike Evans for 8. White ran for 17. On 3rd and 1 from the Philadelphia 46, Mayfield found Chris Godwin for 7. On 3rd and 2 from the Philadelphia 30, Mayfield went to White for 22. Mayfield found Evans for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Buccaneers. The Buccaneers got it back at their own 20. Mayfield hit Cade Otton for 16, Godwin for 28, Evans for 17, and Palmer for a 15 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Buccaneers. The Eagles then fumbled a punt, and the Buccaneers recovered at the Philadelphia 22. The second quarter began with Mayfield throwing incomplete on 3rd and goal at the one. Todd Bowles went for it and Mayfield got in to make it 21-0 Buccaneers. The Buccaneers got it back at their own 20 and moved 77 yards in 12 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. On 2nd and goal at the 3, Mayfield fumbled but the Buccaneers kept the ball at the same spot. On 3rd and goal Mayfield threw incomplete. Chase McLaughlin hit the 21 yard field goal. Midway through the second quarter, the Buccaneers were winning a laugher 24-0.

After a touchback the Eagles faced 3rd and 6 at their own 34. Jalen Hurt gained 7. Saquon Barkley gained 7 and 3. On 3rd and 1 from the Tampa Bay 35, Hurts gained 2. Hurts hit Dallas Goedert for gains of 9 and 18. 

On 3rd and goal at the 2, Barkley got half if it as the clock hit the 2 minute warning. Nick Sirianni all but had to go for it on 4th and goal at the one. Hurts hit Campbell for the touchdown to get the Eagles on the board. After a third quarter touchback, Barkley on the first play from scrimmage ripped off a 59 yard gain. On 3rd and 1 from the Tampa Bay 2, Hurts got the yard. Hurts then got the last yard. Now the Eagles were only down 24-14. 

After a touchback the Buccaneers faced 3rd and 7 from their own 33. Mayfield ran for 10. On 3rd and 11 from their own 42, Mayfield hit Godwin for 15. Irving ran for 8, 7, 5, one, and on 3rd and goal at the one, the last yard. An extra point would put the Buccaneers up 31-14. Instead, the extra point was blocked and returned all the way the other way for a two point defensive score. The Eagles only trailed 30-16. The Eagles moved from their own 27 to a 1st and 10 at the Tampa Bay 19. Hurts was sacked and fumbled. The Buccaneers moved from their own 24 to the Philadelphia 34. McLaughlin hit a 52 yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to make it a 3 score game and lock up the win. 33-16 Buccaneers 

Washington Commanders at Arizona Cardinals — A long opening kickoff return was fumbled by the Cardinals but they retained possession at their own 45. James Conner had runs of 6, 10 and 16. On 3rd and 1 from the Washington 2, Conner got stopped for no gain. Jonathan Gannon gambled and on 4th and 1, Kyler Murray hit Marvin Harrison Jr for the 2 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Cardinals. After that the Commanders took over. After a touchback the Commanders faced 3rd and 4 at their own 36. Jayden Daniels hit Zaccheaus for 16. On 3rd and 2 from the Arizona 40, Robinson gained 17 and 9. Robinson ran for the 6 yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7. The Commanders got it back at their own 7 yard line. On 3rd and 4, Daniels hit Zaccheaus for 5. Daniels went to Terry McLaurin for 11. The Commanders began the second quarter facing 3rd and 2 at their own 37. Daniels hit McLaurin for 5. Daniels hit McLaurin for 5 and Zaccheaus for 14. On 3rd and 1 from the Arizona 35, Robinson gained 2. McNichols ran for a 27 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Commanders.

The Cardinals moved from their own 30 to a 4th and 1 at the Washington 35 with 34 seconds left in the half. Jonathan Gannon passed up a 53 yard field goal try and went for it. Murray was sacked. The Commanders took over at their own 42 with 30 seconds left and moved to the Arizona 27 with 3 seconds left. Austin Seibert hit the 45 yard field goal. Instead of only being up 14-10, the Commanders led 17-7. After a third quarter touchback, Daniels went to Bates for 9. Defensive pass interference on a bomb meant a 47 yard gain. On the next play Daniels ran for a 9 yard touchdown to make it 24-7 Commanders. The Commanders got it back at their own 40 and moved to a 4th and 4 at the Arizona 19. Seibert hit from 38 as 27 unanswered points had the Commanders up 27-7. The Cardinals did manage one more touchdown in the third quarter, but the Commanders struck two more times in the fourth quarter to complete the blowout. Daniels hit McLaurin for a 10 yard score and McNichols ran for a 7 yard touchdown. It was sweet vindication for Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who was fired as head coach of the Cardinals one year ago. He received the game ball from Washington head coach Dan Quinn, who has a long-suffering squad at 3-1. Meanwhile, Daniels has completed over 82% of his passes in his first 4 NFL starts, an NFL record for any quarterback in the history of the game.  42-14 Commanders

New England Patriots at San Francisco 49ers — Both teams came in 1-2, which was a surprise for fans of the defending NFC champion 49ers. In the first quarter the 49ers moved from their own 7 to a 3rd and goal at the 3. Brock Purdy threw incomplete. Jake Moody hit from 22 to get the 49ers on the board. One play after a touchback, Raimondre Stevenson fumbled and the 49ers recovered at the New England 30. Mason gained 16 and 5. On 3rd and 4 from the New England 8, Purdy thew incomplete. Moody hit the 26 yard field goal to make it 6-0 49ers. The Patriot began the second quarter facing  3rd and 5 at their own 35. Jacoby Brissett was intercepted by Fred Warner, who returned the pick 46 yards to the house for a 13-0 49ers lead. The Patriots after a touchback moved to a 4th and 1 at the San Francisco 20. Jerod Mayo went for it and Stevenson got stuffed for no gain. Purdy went to George Kittle for 11 and Jennings for 32. Purdy hit Mason for 14 and Kyle Juszczyk for 12. On 3rd and 10 from the New England 12 after 2 touchdowns were nullified by penalty, Purdy hit Kittle for the touchdown that stood. With 3 minutes left in the half, the 49ers led 20-0. 

The Patriots managed a field goal before the half and a touchdown set up by a third quarter San Francisco fumble to get within 20-10, but this game was over. After a touchback Purdy went deep to Deebo Samuel for 53 and Mason for 13. Mason ran for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 27-10 49ers. The final 25 minutes were all defense. New England managed a fourth quarter field goal and so did San Francisco to complete the scoring. 30-13 49ers.

Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers — The 2 time defending champion and unbeaten Chiefs faced a tough test from the Chargers, who lost their first game last week. The Chiefs fumbled the ball away on their first possession and the Chargers took over at their own 26. On 3rd and 1, Gus Edwards gained 5. JK Dobbins gained 12. Herbert hit Will Dissly for 22 and mcConkey for 15. Herbert hit McConkey for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Chargers. An interception of Patrick Mahomes set up the Chargers at the Kansas City 20. A pair of offensive penalties cost the Chargers 25 yards but Cameron Dicker hit the 50 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Chargers. 

The Chargers defense was lights out for nearly the first 26 minutes. Then with 4 minutes left in the half, one play changed the game. Mahomes went bombs away to Xavier Worthy for a 54 yard touchdown to get the Chiefs within 10-7. Harrison Butker missed a 65 yard field goal try to end the half, but Dicker missed from 55 in the third quarter. Butker hit from 37 in the third quarter for a 10-10 deadlock. Early in the fourth quarter Jim Harbaugh gambled on 4th and 1 from the Kansas City 3 rather than kick the field goal and take the lead. Herbert threw incomplete. Midway through the fourth quarter the Chiefs took over at their own 40. Mahomes hit gray for 29. Perine ran for a 2 yard touchdown with 6 minutes left in regulation to give the Chiefs the 7 point lead. The Chargers punted with 3 1/2 minutes left, pinning the Chiefs at their own 4 yard line. On 3rd and 6, Mahomes hit Worthy for 15 and then took 3 knees. It was a street fight, but the Chiefs are 4-0, making Andy Reid a most happy Walrus indeed. 17-10 Chiefs

Cleveland Browns at Las Vegas Raiders — A pair of 1-2 teams with a history of being dumb had a contest to see who wanted to win least. The Raiders were without Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby. They were also humiliated at home last week by previously winless Carolina, and that was with Adams and Crosby playing. The Browns were playing badly, with Deshaun Watson in particular not living up to his potential, his previous play, or his contract. Yet nobody makes struggling players look like Hall of Famers like the Raiders. After an opening touchback, runs and short passes had the Browns facing 3rd and 10 at the Raiders 42. Watson hit Moore for 11 with roughing the passer adding 15 more. On 3rd and 2 from the Raiders 24, Watson hit former Raiders receiver Amari Cooper for just enough. On 3rd and 3 from the Raiders 5, Ford ran for 4. Watson hit Whiteheart for the one yard touchdown. The 15 play, 70 yard drive took 9 1/2 minutes off the clock. The Browns punched the Raiders in the mouth and led 7-0. 

The Raiders began with a penalty on the ensuing kickoff to start out at their own 16. On the first play from scrimmage, Gardner Minshew found a wide open Brock Bowers for what would have been a big game. Bowers dropped the ball. Then came an offensive holding call. The Raiders punted and actually suffered an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and had to punt again on 4th and 21 from their own 5. These are the Raiders. The Browns had a short field at the Raiders 46. The defense held Cleveland to a 56 yard Dustin Hopkins field goal, but the Browns led 10-0. 

After a touchback, Bowers took an end around 12 yards out. The second quarter began with the Raiders facing 3rd and 6 at their own 46. Minshew found Tre Tucker for 14 and then 14 more. Zamir White gained 8 and McAllister added 10. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Tucker took the end around and beat the defense to the corner pylon. The Raiders have struggled with conventional running, but the trick-lays were working as the Raiders were within 10-7. The Raiders got the ball back and moved from their own 21 to a 1st and 10 at the Cleveland 34. Offensive holding stalled the drive. Daniel Carlson nailed a 52 yard field goal for a 10-10 game with 3 minutes left in the half.

After a third quarter touchback, Minshew went to Jakobi Meyers for 19. On 3rd and 9 from midfield, Minhew threw incomplete but roughing the passer gifted the Raiders 15 yards. These are the Browns. On 3rd and 4 from the Cleveland 15, Minshew went to Meyers, who dropped it. These are the Raiders. Carlson hit the 34 yard field goal to put the Raiders up 13-10. The Browns from their own 26 to a 2nd and 8 at the Raiders 47. Then came a key play in the game. Watson went to Cooper for what should have been a big gain. The ball hit Cooper right in his chest. It bounced off his chest in the air and was intercepted by Moehring, who returned the interception 16 yards to his own 48. These are the Browns. Minshew hit Meyers for 13. On 3rd and 9 from the Cleveland 34, Mattison gained 16. DJ Turner then got around the end and dodged and weaved his way for an 18 yard touchdown. after three quarters, the Raiders led 20-10. 

The Raiders began the fourth quarter with the ball, the lead, and all the momentum from 20 unanswered points. All they had to do was run down some clock. The Browns had little to no offense. The Raiders had 3rd and 1 at their own 33. They only needed one yard. At worst, if they again failed to gain a yard, they could punt. All the Raiders had to do was not give the game away. Rather than play power football because they can’t, a lateral run was blown up in the backfield. Worse, it forced a fumble. Far worse, the fumble was returned 25 yards for a defensive touchdown by Rodney McLeod. The Browns were right back in the game. These are the Raiders. Yet the usually reliable Hopkins missed the extra point. The Brown trailed by 4 points instead of 3. These are the Browns.

The Raiders moved from their own 26 to a 3rd and 2 just shy of midfield. Unable to effectively run the ball in critical short yardage situations, a pass play was called. Minshew was sacked. These are the Raiders. A great punt pinned the Browns at their own 5. From their own 18, Watson escaped a sack and found a wide open Cooper. There was no defense anywhere near him. Cooper raced for an 82 yard touchdown to give the Browns the lead. These are the Raiders. Yet the touchdown was nullified by offensive holding. These are the Browns. 

With 3:17 left in regulation, the Browns began their final drive from their own 21. Helped along by a 35 yard Ford run, the Browns faced 1st and 10 at the Raiders 16 at the 2 minute warning. The Raiders defense was melting down. Watson then fumbled a snap. These are the Browns. The Browns were lucky to retain possession. With 40 seconds left, everything came down to the Browns facing 4th and 2 at the Raiders 9. The missed extra point loomed large. A field goal would not force overtime. With everything on the line for both teams, Watson rolled out and looked for an open receiver. The ball never left his hand as he was sacked. These are the Browns. 

The Raiders won in the ugliest manner possible, but they did it without their best player on each side of the ball. They got to 2-2 the hard way and for now saved their season. If ever there was a game that represented Al Davis’s maxim, this was it. Just win baby. They did. 20-16 Raiders

Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens was the Sunday night game. The Bills came in 3-0 while the Ravens won their first game last week after 2 agonizing losses. The Ravens took over at their own 13 yard line. Derrick Henry burst through the line for an 87 yard touchdown run to make it 7-0 Ravens. The Bills did get a 50 yard Tyler Bass field goal, but this game was not a contest. After a touchback, Lamar Jackson went to Zay Flowers for 10 and Justice Hill for 9. Defensive unnecessary roughness added 15. Jackson hit Hill for 14. On the first play of the second quarter, Jackson hit Henry for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 14-3 Ravens. The Ravens got it back at their own 19. Jackson went to Likely for 26. On 3rd and 11 from their own 44, Jackson went to Nelson Agholor for 12. Hill ran for 11. On 3rd and 14 from the Buffalo 37, Jackson went to Hill for 15 and again for a 19 yard touchdown. Midway through the second quarter, the Ravens led 21-3.

The Bills briefly grabbed momentum when Josh Allen threw a 52 yard bomb to Shakir. Johnson ran for a 3 yard touchdown to get the Bills within 21-10. Yet on the next Buffalo drive, Allen got sacked and fumbled. Baltimore took over at their own 41. Henry ran for 5 and 25. On 3rd and 7 from the Buffalo 26, Jackson hit Hill for 17. Jackson ran for a 9 yard touchdown to make it 28-10 Ravens. Down 3 scores, Bass missed a 48 yard field goal try to start the fourth quarter. The Ravens took over at their own 38. Jackson ran for 19. Henry ripped off a 38 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the one, Henry fumbled but an offensive lineman fell on it in the end zone for a touchdown on a night when everything was going right. 35-10 Ravens

Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins was the early Monday night game. The Titans came in winless while the Dolphins came in a mess after losing Tua Tagovailoa to a concussion. Tyler Huntley is the backup Dolphins quarterback who got the start in this game. Early on this game was ugly as Will Levis threw an interception and Huntley fumbled the ball back. Late in the first quarter Levis got hit and left the game injured. Mason Rudolph played the rest of the way in this battle of backups. 

Nick Folk hit a 53 yard field goal early in the second quarter to make it 3-0 Titans. Mike MacDaniel gambled on 4th and 1 from the Tennessee 48. Speedster Tyreek Hill took the end around and got stopped cold for no gain. Folk hit again from 52 to make it 6-0 Titans. Jason Sanders hit a 44 yarder for the Dolphins, but Folk ended the half with a 47 yarder as the Titans took a 9-3 lead to the locker rooms. In the third quarter Sanders hit from 56 to get the Dolphins to within 9-6 in a game deserving no further elaboration.

After a touchback the Titans faced 3rd and 4 at their own 36. Rudolph threw incomplete but defensive pass interference added 15 yards. Pollard broke free for a 41 yard run. Spears ran for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 16-6 Titans. Folk hit a 51 yard field goal late in the third quarter to make it 19-6 Titans. Early in the fourth quarter Mike MacDaniel gambled on 4th and 1 form his own 39. Achane lost a yard. Folk hit his 5th field goal to make it 22-6 Titans. The Dolphins got a garbage touchdown with 3 1/2 minutes left in regulation and got the ball back one minute later. Yet offensive holding in the end zone gave the Titans a safety and the free kick. just trying to run out the clock, Tony Pollard scored on a 4 yard touchdown with 24 seconds left to complete the blowout. The Titans finally won. 31-12 Titans 

Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions was the late Monday night game. The Seahawks came in a surprising 3-0, but a tough game at Detroit would show how good they really are.  The Lion took over at their own 7 yard line. David Montgomery ran for 11 and 4. Jared Goff hit Williams for 10. Goff went to Amra St Brown for 17.Gibbs gained 20. On 3rd and goal at the one, Montgomery got in to cap the 12 play, 93 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive and make it 7-0 Lions. A fumble by DK Metcalf was picked up by Davis, who rumbled 49 yards the other way to the Seattle 14. Goff hit Wright for 10. On the first play of the second quarter, Gibbs ran for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Lions.

After a touchback the Seahawks soon faced 3rd and 6 at their own 34. Geno Smith hit his non-relative Smith-Nigba for 10. On 3rd and 7 from their own 47, Smith only gained 2 but defensive holding meant 5 yards and a first down. Smith went to Kenneth Walker for 10. Smith went to Metcalf for 29 yards down to the one. Walker got the yard to get the Seahawks on the board. After a touchback, the Lions offense kept roaring. Goff hit St. Brown for 8 and Sam LaPorta for 9. Gibbs gained 3 and 9. On 3rd and 3 from the Seattle 19, Goff hit LaPorta for 13. Gibbs ran for a one yard touchdown to make it 21-7 Seahawks. The Seahawks missed a field goal to end the first half.

In the third quarter Mike MacDonald gambled on 4th and 1 from his own 34. Smith gained 2. On 3rd and 6 from his own 38, Smith hit Metcalf for 10. Smith found Fant for 16. Defensive pass interference on an incompletion added 21. Smith hit Barner for a 9 yard touchdown to cap the 10 play, 75 yard, 5 minute drive and get the Seahawks within 21-14. After a touchback, Goff went to Montgomery for 40 yards and t Patrick for 23 more. A trick play by Dan Campbell saw St. Brown throw a 7 yard touchdown pass to Goff to make it 28-14 Lions.

Every time the Seahawks tried to close the gap, the Lions opened it up again as the game was now a track meet. The Seahawks took over at their own 20. Walker ran for 28. On 3rd and 8 from midfield, Smith went to non-relative Smith-Nigba for 11. Smith found Tyler Lockett for 29. Smith hit Bobo for 10 down to the one. Walker got the yard. Mike MacDonald inexplicably went for a 2 point conversion and Smith threw incomplete as the Seahawks trailed 28-20. Yet one play and 11 seconds after a touchback, the Lions were in the end zone again. Goff went to Williams for a 70 yard touchdown that made it 35-20 Lions. 

After a touchback, Smithbhit Walker for 7 and Lockett for 5. Walker ran for 23. Smith hit Shenault for 18 and the third quarter ended. The fourth quarter began with walker running for a 21 yard touchdown. 7 straight touchdown drives, 4 by the Seahawks and 3 by the Lions had the Seahawks within 35-27. The Seattle offense finally cooled down and was unable to tie the game. The Lions took over at their own 20 with 9 minutes left in regulation. Goff hit Patrick for 29. Gibbs gained 3 and 8. Goff hit Laporta for 30. On 3rd and goal at the 8, Goff hit St. Brown for the touchdown to make it 42-27 Lions with 5 1/2 minutes left in regulation. 

The Seahawks after a touchback moved to a 1st and goal at the 3 with 2 1/2 minutes left. A game with all offense finally saw some defense as Smith threw 4 straight incompletions. The Seattle defense forced a safety to get with 42-29, but wasted the free kick opportunity when Smith was intercepted again in the end zone for a touchback with one minute left. The Seahawks were game but the Lions at home were hungrier as both teams are 3-1 on the year. 42-29 Lions

NFL 2024 Week 4 Prequel

September 25th, 2024

NFL 2024 Week 4 Prequel

Thursday, September 26, 2024, 8pm

Dallas Cowboys (-5 1/2) at New York Giants — The Cowboys have been horrendous the last couple of weeks, but playing the Giants might be just the tonic they need. If the Cowboys lose this game, Jerrah may blow the whole thing up before October. Cowboys cover

Sunday, September 29, 2024, 1pm

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (-1 1/2) — Both of these teams lost at home in tough games against good teams that could have gone either way. Now that the invincibility of the Saints offense has been punctured, go with the home team. Falcons cover

Cincinnati Bengals (-4 1/2) at Carolina Panthers — There is no papering over how bad the Bengals are, especially on defense. The Panthers looked like a high school team until Red Rifle Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young. On paper the Bengals are the better team, but until they win, they don’t get the benefit of the doubt. Upset special, Panthers win outright

Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (-2 1/2) — The Rams looked horrendous against Arizona but then pulled off a stunning fourth quarter comeback win against San Francisco. Sean McVay is a far better coach than Matt Eberflus. There is no reason for the Bears to be favored. Upset special, Rams win outright

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (-2 1/2) — Malik Willis played well in place of the injured Jordan Love, but the Vikings are playing on another level. It is way too early to declare this Vikings team like the 1998 team, but they are very good. They re red hot. A road win over a hated rival playing well would cement the Vikings as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Upset special, Vikings win outright

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans (-7) — The Jaguars 2023 collapse has spilled over into 2024. It is hard to believe a team coached by Doug Pederson and quarterbacked by Trevor could be this bad, but the Jaguars are awful. The Texans are the better team at home. Until the Jaguars show signs of life, they do not get the benefit of the doubt. Josh Allen torched the Jacksonville defense. CJ Stroud should as well. Texans cover

Pittsburgh Steelers (-1 1/2) at Indianapolis Colts — This is an interesting matchup. Anthony Richardson has shown flashes of brilliance, especially with the long ball. Yet the Steelers are unbeaten and playing Mike Tomlin smash mouth Steelers football. The Colts lack the defensive firepower to win a game in the trenches. Steelers cover

Denver Broncos at New York Jets (-7 1/2) — The Broncos looked very impressive in a road win at Tampa Bay. The Denver defense throttled Tampa. The hype around the Jets has long been overblown, but their defense shut down New England. It is too soon to declare Aaron Rodgers the same quarterback who recently won consecutive league MVPs. The spread is too high until the Jets show they are a juggernaut. Jets win but fail to cover

Philadelphia Eagles (-2 1/2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — The Eagles won a street fight at New Orleans. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay suffered a humiliating home loss against a previously winless Denver team. Baker Mayfield is a good quarterback, but Jalen Hurts is better. The Eagles won respect last week while the Buccaneers lost some. Eagles cover

4pm

Washington Commanders at Arizona Cardinals (-3) — The Commanders did get a road win against Cincinnati, but the Cardinals seem like an improved team. Yet the Cardinals did lose at home to a good Detroit team. Go with the home field. Jayden Daniels is playing well, but Kyler Murray has shown what he can do when healthy. Cardinals cover

New England Patriots at San Francisco 49ers (-9 1/2) — Despite blowing a double digit lead against the Rams, the 49ers have far more talent than the Patriots. The Patriots do not have enough defensive weapons to slow down the various playmakers the 49ers have on offense. The spread is high, but this is a mismatch. 49ers cover

Kansas City Chiefs (-8 1/2) at Los Angeles Chargers — The Chargers are improved, but they were beaten up in a tough game last week at unbeaten Pittsburgh. Now they face the unbeaten Chiefs. While the chiefs are barely winning every week, they have not even come close to reaching their offensive potential yet this year. However, the spread is too high for a road team that wins their games in harrowing fashion. Chiefs win but fail to cover

Cleveland Browns at Las Vegas Raiders (-1) — Both of these teams are awful. The Raiders looked pathetic at home against a bad Carolina team. The Raiders have a weak offensive line and an ineffective running game. This will be a battle of who wants it least. The Raiders have no home field advantage, but their defense could allow them to eke out a win with just enough offense. Raiders cover

8pm

Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens (-2 1/2) — The Ravens nearly blew a 22 point lead at Dallas to avoid falling to  0-3. Now they get an undefeated Bills team that just blasted Jacksonville by 37 points. The Ravens have plenty of talent, and are expected to turn things around. They can still run the ball, and Lamar Jackson has not forgotten how to play quarterback. John Harbaugh has not forgotten how to coach. A Bills win would have their fans thinking a deep playoff run. Yet the Ravens will be desperate. Go with the desperate team at home. Upset special, Ravens win outright

Sunday, September 30, 7:30pm

Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins (-1) — The Titans are winless while the Dolphins are a mess without Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins have a good coach in Mike McDaniel. The Dolphins are at home, and the Titans have shown very little fight. Dolphins cover 

8pm

Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions (-4) — The Seahawks are a surprising 3-0, while the Lions righted the ship last week with a quality win at Arizona. Geno Smith is playing well, but Jared Goff is better and has more weapons. The Seahawks have been overachieving, and the Lions need to show that their peak was not last year. Lions win but fail cover

NFL 2024 Week 3 Recap

September 24th, 2024

NFL 2024 Week 3 Recap

New England Patriots at New York Jets was the Thursday night game. The Jets have been unimpressive so far. This game against a hated rival would see if they are just overhyped. The Jets in the first quarter moved from their own 27. Allen ran for 11 and 5. Aaron Rodgers hit Ruckert for 11. Defensive unnecessary roughness added 15. Breece Hall ran for 10. Rodgers hit Gipson for 11 and Allan Lazard for a 10 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Jets. The second quarter began with the Jets facing 3rd and 6 at their own 13. Rodgers went to Lazard for 27 and Hall for 14. On 3rd and 5 from the New England 30, Rodgers hit Wilson for 9. On 2nd and 17 from the New England 28, Rodgers hit Conklin for 22. On 3rd and goal at the one, Hall got in to make it 14-0 Jets. The Patriots managed a field goal while the Jets missed one. In the third quarter the Jets moved 66 yards in 11 plays and 7 minutes. Rodgers hit Wilson for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 21-3 Jets. This game was about the Gang Green defense. They forced a fumble to set up a 28 yard fourth quarter Greg Zuerlein field goal to complete the scoring. 24-3 Jets

Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints — The Eagles blew a fourth quarter lead last week while Derek Carr has the Saints rolling like Drew Brees was still in the Big Easy. Dennis Allen knows defense, but over two weeks the Saints have had a high octane offense. Yet rather than a shootout, this game was a street fight. A 34 yard Blake Grupe field goal on the Saints first drive was all the scoring through three quarters as the Saints nursed a 3-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Saints had a chance to get in the end zone when they blocked a punt late in the third quarter. On the first play of the fourth quarter, the Saints faced 4th and 1 at the Philadelphia 16. Rather than kick the field goal and extend the lead, Allen gambled. Alvin Kamara got the carry and ran into a Philadelphia brick wall for no gain.

A few plays later, momentum drastically changed. Dennis Allen runs a high risk, high reward defense. When those aggressive defenses have a breakdown, they break down in the worst way. From their own 35, the Eagles handed the ball to Saquon Barkley, who found a seam off tackle and raced for a 65 yard touchdown. Just like that, the Eagles led 7-3. After a touchback, the Saints moved to a 4th and 6 at the philadelphia 20. Grupe hit from 38 to get the Saints within 7-6. The Eagles moved from their own 24 to the New Orleans 41. With 6:47 to play, rather than punt and play field position, Nick Sirianni brought in Jake Elliott to try a 60 yard field goal. The kick was wide right no good.

The Saints soon faced 3rd and 4 at the Philadelphia 44. Kamara gained 5 yards, but offensive unnecessary roughness after the play moved the Saints back 15. Carr went deep to Chris Olave for 29. Carr went to Olave for the touchdown. The 2 point conversion try failed by the Saints led 12-7 with 2:03 to play. The Eagles took over at their own 31. With 1:15 to play the Eagles were facing desperation with a 3rd and 16 at their own 35. Yet again a very aggressive defensive call by Dennis Allen backfired. He was not wrong to make the call, but Jalen Hurts was ready. He found Dallas Goedert in the flat, and Goedert rumbled down the sideline for a 61 yard gain. Barkley ran for a 4 yard touchdown. Barkley then ran the 2 point conversion straight up the gut and in to give the Eagles a 3 point lead with one minute left. After a touchback, Carr threw deep over the middle into traffic and was intercepted. This was a bare knuckle bawl, and a playoff rematch would be worth it. 15-12 Eagles

 

Los Angeles Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers — Both teams came in unbeaten. A field position game for the first 10 minutes had the Chargers taking over at their own 41. Justin Herbert hit McConkey for 13. JK Dobbins ran for 5 and 13. Herbert went to Quentin Johnston for 27 yard gain. The Steelers soon faced 3rd and 5 at their own 35.. Justin Fields went to George Pickens for just enough. The second quarter began with the Steelers at the Chargers 48. Fields went to Pat Freiermuth for 10. On 3rd and 4 from the Chargers 32, Fields went to Miller for 20. Fields ran for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 7-7 with 10 minutes left in the half.

After a touchback, the Chargers drove to a 2nd and 7 at the Pittsburgh 9. A run lost a yard and Herbert threw incomplete Cameron Dicker hit from 28 to make it 10-7 Chargers. Chris Boswell tried a 62 yarder on the last play of the half to tie it but was no good. Boswell did hit from 38 in the third quarter for a 10-10 deadlock. Less than one minute into the fourth quarter, Boswell hit again from 30 for a 13-10 Steelers lead. The Steelers got the ball back at their own 16 with 10 minutes left in regulation. Fields hit Pickens for 14. Harris ran for 10. Midway through the fourth quarter, Fields connected with Austin for a 55 yard touchdown to lock up the win. Jim Harbaugh lost his first game as chargers coach while Mike Tomlin has the Steelers unbeaten. 20-10 Steelers

 

New York Giants at Cleveland Browns — The Giants were trying to show that they are not the worst team in the league. The Browns wanted to show that the preseason hype around them was not a mirage. The Giants fumbled the opening kickoff and the Browns took over at the Giants 24. On the first play from scrimmage, Deshaun Watson went deep to Amari Cooper for the touchdown. Only 11 seconds into the game, the Browns led 7-0. The Giants took over at their own 19 and Daniel Jones was intercepted. Yet roughing the passer nullified the interception. Brian dabble, figuring he had nothing to lose, went for it on 4th and 1 at his own 43. Nabers gained 2. On 2nd and 16 from his ow 39, Jones went to Robinson for 20. Jones then hit Tracy for 12. On 3rd and 3 from the Cleveland 27, Jones went to Darrius Slayton for 7 and Devin Singletary for 23. Singletary then ran for 3 and finally for the one yard touchdown. The 13 play, 81 yard, 8 minute drive made it 7-7.

In the second quarter a punt pinned the Giants at their own 7 yard line. On 3rd and 2, Jones hit Robinson for 10. On 3rd and 5 from their own 43, Jones went to Nabers for 14. Jones went to Nabers again for 28 and back to Robinson for 10. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Jones went to Nabers for the touchdown. The 14 play, 93 yard, 7 minute drive made it 14-7 Giants with 1:44 left in the half. With 38 seconds left in the half, Watson was sacked and fumbled. The Giants recovered at the Cleveland 30. Jones hit Nabers for a 5 yard touchdown with 11 seconds left in the half. The Giants led 21-7.

After a scoreless third quarter that saw the Browns miss a 53 yard field goal try, a field position game had the Browns just past midfield one minute into the fourth quarter. Ford ran for 12 and Watson added 14. Watson hit Jerry Jeudy for 12. Watson went to Jeudy for a 6 yard touchdown. Kevin Stefanski went for a 2 point conversion try that was unnecessary. Watson hit Jeudy again as the Browns trailed by 6 with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Browns had 3 more chances with the ball. On 1st and 10 from the Giants 44, Watson fumbled the ball away. On 4th and 1 from their own 29 with 4 minutes left, Watson was stopped short. That put Greg Joseph in position for a 48 yard field goal with 3 minutes left to ice the game. His kick was no good. The Browns then had a golden chance to win it with 2nd and 4 at their own 44. Watson threw 3 straight incompletions as the Giants finally got a win. 21-15 Giants

Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts — Caleb Williams is a rookie. Anthony Richardson is technically in his second year but missed most of last year injured. Cairo Santos missed a 56 yard field goal try for the Bears in a scoreless opening quarter. In the second quarter the quarterbacks traded interceptions. The Colts took over at their own 30. Richardson went deep to Granson for 40. Jonathan Taylor out of the shotgun raced for a 29 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Colts. The Bears moved from their own 23 to a 3rd and goal at the one. Khalil Herbert got stopped for no gain. Matt Eberflus went for it. The Bears lined up in the shotgun. Every team that does this at the goal line should be hated until they stop doing it, line up behind the center, and play smash mouth. Anyway, on 4th and goal at the one, Deandre Swift lost 2 yards, leaving Matt Ebeerflustered and the Bears scoreless.

On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, Richardson was intercepted. Santos hit a 53 yard field goal to get the Bears on the board. The Bears got it back, Williams was intercepted, and the Colts turned it over on downs when a 4th and 3 gamble only gained one yard. The Colts on their next drive had to punt on 4th and 2 from their own 28 when the Bears jumped into the neutral zone. That killer penalty was followed by Richardson hitting Taylor for 25. Taylor then ran for 21. Sermon gained 15. Sermon ran for a one yard touchdown to make it 14-3 Colts after three quarters.

After a touchback, Williams hit Swift for 11 as the Bears began the fourth quarter at their own 41. On 3rd and 5 from the Indianapolis 42, Williams hit Odorize for 14. On 3rd and 7 from the Indy 25, Williams hit Cole Kmet for 10. On 3rd and 6 from the Indy 11, Williams went to Kmet for 8. Williams hit Odunze for the one yard touchdown. The 2 point conversion try failed but the Bears were within 14-9 with 8 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Bears quickly got the ball back and Williams was quickly sacked and fumbled. The Colts recovered at the Chicago 16. Richardson ran for 13. On 3rd and goal at the one, Taylor got in to make it 21-9 Colts with 5 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Bears after a touchback moved to a 4th and 1 at the Indianapolis 6. Williams went to Kmet for the touchdown just before the 2 minute warning to get the Bears back within 5 points. Matt Eberflus decided to kick it deep and trust his defense rather than go onside. This was odd given that the Bears only had one timeout plus the 2 minute warning. Taylor broke off a 13 yard run and Richardson then took 3 knees as the Colts got their first win of the year. 21-16 Colts

Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings —Both of these teams came in unbeaten, but one of them showed they were in Super Bowl mode. On the second play from scrimmage, CJ Stroud was intercepted to set up the Vikings at the Houston 21. On 3rd and gal at the 6, Sam Darnold hit Justin Jefferson for the touchdown to make it 7 -0 Vikings. Kaimi Fairbairn missed a 54 yard field goal try for the Texans to give the Vikings excellent field position at their own 44. Darnold went to Jefferson for 28. On 3rd and 2 from the Houston 8, Darnold went to Aaron Jones for the touchdown to make it 14-0 Vikings. For some reason, the final three quarters were played. After a scoreless second quarter, the Vikings began the third quarter at their own 23 and moved to put the game away. Darnold went to Naylor for 18. Darnold was sacked and fumbled but Powell picked it up for the Vikings and turned a loss into an 18 yard gain. Defensive pass interference added 28 yards. Darnold threw a 4 yard touchdown pass to Nailor to make it 21-0 Vikings. The Texans managed a third quarter touchdown to avoid the shutout but in the fourth quarter Reichard hit field goals of 35 and 58 sandwiched around Darnold’s fourth touchdown pass, a 2 yard toss to Mundt. 34-7 Vikings

 

Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — The Broncos came in winless and had tot ravel on the road cross country for an early morning game at the unbeaten Buccaneers. This was a blowout, but not what fans expected. After a touchdown, Bo Nix hit Cortland Sutton for 22, Adkins for 6, and Reynolds for 31. On 3rd and 2 from the Tampa Bay 3, Nix ran for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Broncos. An interception of Baker Mayfield was returned by Jones 37 yards to the Tampa Bay 9. On 3rd and goal at the one, Williams got stopped for no gain. Sean Payton went for it. On 4th and goal, McLaughlin got in to make it 14-0 Broncos. Wil Lutz hit a 43 yard second quarter field goal to make it 17-0 Broncos. The Buccaneers managed one touchdown just past the 2 minute warning, but after that the Denver defense turned out the lights. Lutz hit from 38 to end the half and from 53 and 43 in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring. On this day, the Broncos resembled the 1977 Orange Crush while the Buccaneers resembled the 1976 and 1977 Orange Creamsicles. 26-7 Broncos

 

Green Bay Packers at Tennessee Titans — With Jordan Love still out injured, Malik willis got the start against his former team. On the first play from scrimmage after a touchback, Willis went to Reed for 30 yards. On 3rd and 6 from the Tennessee 36, Willis went to Watson for 30 more. Willis ran for a 5 yard touchdown to quickly make it 7-0 Packers. After a touchback, Will Levis went to Whyte for 23. On 3rd and 9 from the Green Bay 35, Levis went to Boyd for 20. On 3rd and 8 from the Green Bay 13, Levis was sacked but the defense jumped offside. On 3rd and 3, Levis hit Whyte for 7. Levis went to Vannett for a one yard touchdown and a 7-7 ballgame. After that, the Packers took over.

After a touchback, the Packers moved to a 3rd and goal at the 3. Willis threw incomplete. Narveson hit a 21 yard field goal to make it 10-7 Packers. The Titans took over at their own 31. On the first play from scrimmage, Levis found Jaira Robinson. Problem: Robinson plays defense for the Packers. The 35 yard pick six had the Packers up 17-7. Narveson tacked on a 25 yard field goal to have the Packers coasting 20-7 at the midpoint. In the third quarter rookie coach Brian Callahan gambled on 4th and 2 from his own 37. Levis got taken down for no gain. With the short field, Willis hit Emanuel Wilson for a 30 yard touchdown to make it 27-7 Packers. The Titans managed one third quarter touchdown but nothing more. Narveson hit a 47 yard fourth quarter field goal to complete the scoring and keep the Titans winless. 30-14 Packers

 

Carolina Panthers at Las Vegas Raiders — The Raiders overcame a 10 point fourth quarter deficit to pull off an inspired road win at Baltimore. Now they could get to 2-1 on the year with a win at home against the worst team in the NFL. The Panthers benched Bryce Young in favor of veteran Red Rifle Andy Dalton, but the Raiders were still expected to beat up the lifeless Panthers. The Panthers began facing 3rd and 2 from their own 38. Dalton hit Adam Thielen for 5. Dalton went to Dio Johnson for 17. Chuba Hubbard ran for 8 and 5. Dalton went to Tremble for 20. Dalton went to Hubbard, who bowled over defenders for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Panthers. The Raiders after an exchange of punts took over at their own 3 yard line. On 3rd and 4, Gardner Minshew hit Mattison for 11. Mnshew went deep to Tre Tucker for 54. On 3rd and 4 from the Carolina 6, Minshew ran for just enough. Mattison ran for a 2 yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7. The 10 play, 97 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive was impressive, but after that the game changed.

The second quarter began with the Panthers at their own 25 and Hubbard gaining 3 and 8. On 3rd and 14 from their own 32, Dalton went to Johnson for 23 and Leggett for 35. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Dalton went to Johnson for the touchdown. The 10 play, 75 yard, 6 minute drive made it 14-7 Panthers. The Raiders moved from their own 40 to a 4th and 4 at the Carolina 39. Antonio Pierce gambled and Minshew threw incomplete. With 44 seconds left in the half, the Panthers were facing 3rd and 8 at their own 34 in a still close game. Dalton quickly went to Johnson for 35 and deep to Thielen for a 31 yard touchdown. Just like that, the Panthers led 21-7. A 57 yard Daniel Carlson field goal try to end the half was no good. Eddie Pineiro hit 5 field goals from 43 and 35 in the third quarter to make it 26-7 Panthers. The Panthers then moved 84 yards. Sanders ran for a one yard touchdown 90 seconds into the fourth quarter. 26 unanswered points made it 33-7 Panthers. The Raiders would get a pair of garbage touchdowns sandwiched around one more Pineiro field goal. with the game out of hand, Antonio Pierce had Minshew take a seat and let Aidan O’Connell get some mop up work. O’Connell led one touchdown drive. This was an embarrassment and Pierce lashed out at his team after the lifeless home effort. 36-22 Panthers

 

Miami Dolphins at Seattle Seahawks — With Tua Tagovailoa out concussed and Skylar Thompson replacing him, this game was never a contest. Jake Myers hit a 56 yard field goal to start things off for the Seahawks. A 57 yard try by Jason Sanders to tie the game was no good. The Seahawks took over at their own 47. Charbonnet gained 13. Geno Smith hit Fant for 11. Smith went to DK Metcalf for 22. Charbonnet ran for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Seahawks. An interception of Smith gave the Dolphins 1st and goal at the 6. They gained all of 2 yards and Sanders hit a 23 yard field goal. That concluded any semblance of offense for the Dolphins. The Seahawks took over at their own 29. One play and 11 seconds later, the Seahawks led 17-3. Smith hit Metcalf for the 71 yard touchdown to end the first quarter. The second and third quarters were scoreless. In the fourth quarter the Seahawks delivered a 98 yard drive for one final gut punch. Charbonnet ran for a 10 yard touchdown to complete the scoring. The Seahawks are a surprising 3-0 on the year under their rookie head coach. In the Mike Mac Bowl, Mike MacDonald defeated Mike McDaniel. 24-3 Seahawks

 

Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals — After a surprising home loss, the Lions looked to right the ship against a Cardinals team that was no pushover. After an opening touchdown, Montgomery got the Lions going with runs of 11 and 6. On 3rd and 6 from their own 45, Jared Goff went to Sam LaPorta for 12. Montgomery broke off runs of 9 , 14 and the one yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Lions. The Cardinals soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 38. Kyler Murray went to Wilson for 5 Murray then ran for 13 and found Harrison for 16 more. On 1st and 20 from the Detroit 38 after offensive holding, Murray ran for 21. Murray hit Harrison for a 10 yard touchdown to make it 7-7.

The Lions soon faced 3rd and 1 from their own 39. Jahmyr Gibbs gained 3. Goff went to Amon-Ra St. Brown for 11. On 2nd and 15 from midfield, Goff hit St. Brown for 20. The Lions began the second quarter facing 3rd and 3 at the Arizona 23. Gibbs gained 14 and 5. On 3rd and goal from the 5, Goff hit St. Brown for the touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Lions led 13-7. The Lions got it back at their own 28. Goff went to LaPorta for 24. On 3rd and 12 from midfield and the defense smelling pass, Gibbs ripped off a 14 yard run and then 6 more. With 30 seconds left in the half, Gibbs raced for a 21 yard touchdown to have the Lions up 20-7. The rest of the game was all defense. The Cardinals managed a field goal before the half and another one with 4 minutes left in regulation. With 2:20 left and the Arizona defense desperately needing a stop, on 3rd and 12 from their own 28, Goff went to St. Brown for 16. Goff scrambled for 8 more and took a pair of knees to lock up the win. 20-13 Lions

 

Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys — Both teams suffered stunning home losses las week. The Ravens blew a 10 point fourth quarter lead and lost to the Raiders. The Cowboys and their highest paid player quarterback Dan Prescott and highest paid receiver Ceedee Lamb got blasted by 25 points against New Orleans. The loser of this game would be indeed trouble early in the season. The Ravens took over at their own 29. Lamar Jackson ran for 12. Justice Hill added 17. Jackson went to Kolar for 30. Jackson ran for a 9 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Ravens. The Cowboys were desperate for points and Mike McCarthy was desperate to fire up his team. He brought in Brandon Aubrey to try a 65 yard field goal. The kick was good. The home crowd erupted as the Cowboys were down 7-3. Yet Aubrey’s kick was still one yard shy of the NFL record held by opposing kicker Justin Tucker.

The euphoria over Aubrey’s kick did not last long. On 3rd and 2 from their own 38, Jackson gained 3. Jackson then connected with Nelson Agholor for a 56 yard gain down to the Dallas 2. Derrick Henry gained one and then got the other yard for a 14-3 Ravens lead. The Cowboys moved down the field and began the second quarter facing 2nd and goal at the 9. Lamb caught a pass and fumbled the ball away. With 3 minutes left in the half the Ravens took over at their own 12. Henry bulldozed for gains of 12 and 13. Jackson went to Hill for 13 and Henry for 23. Jackson went to Bateman for a 14 yard touchdown to put the Ravens up 21-3 with 25 seconds left in the half. That was enough time for Aubrey to hit a 51 yard field goal to get the Cowboys within 21-6. The Ravens began the third quarter facing 3rd and 1 at their own 39. Henry ran for 29. On 1st and 20 from the Dallas 42 after offensive holding, Jackson ran for 16. Henry then ran for a 26 yard touchdown. The Ravens led 28-6 as Jerry Jones debated whether to blow up his stadium metropolis for the insurance money and fire everyone before the game ended.

With 10 1/2 minutes left in regulation, Tucker missed a 46 yard field goal. Yet with the Ravens up by 22, it did not seem to matter. Soon, it did. Prescott gets most of his yards and scores during garbage time. From his own 36, he found Ferguson for 16, Tolbert for 19 and Turpin for 23 down to the one. Prescott got the yard. The 2 point conversion try failed but the Cowboy were within 28-12 with 9 minutes left in regulation. The onside kick succeeded and the Cowboys took over at their own 44. On 3rd and 4 from the Baltimore 39, Prescott hit Brooks for 24. Prescott hit Tolbert for a 15 yard touchdown. The 2 point try failed again but the Cowboys were within 28-18 midway through the fourth quarter. The Cowboys got the ball back at their own 9 yard line with 5 1/2 minutes left. On 3rd and 2, Prescott hit Luepke for 24. On 3rd and 5 from his own 46, Prescott threw incomplete but defensive illegal contact meant a new set of downs.Roughing the passer added 15 more. Prescott hit Dowdle for 18. On 3rd and 10 from the Baltimore 16, Prescott hit Turpin for the touchdown. Now the Cowboys were within a field goal with 3 minutes left. One defensive stop would make this a comeback for the ages. With 2:18 left and the Ravens facing 3rd and 6 at their own 25, Jackson hit Bay Flowers for 9. Jackson then ran for 10 and took a couple knees to ice it. The Ravens will not be 0-3. Meanwhile, Jerrah will make sure nobody is happy at Happy Valley this week. and beyond. 28-25 Ravens

 

San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams — The 49ers always seem to have the Rams number, and with the Rams losing Cooper Kupp, this was expected to be another 49ers win. The one big win the Rams got over the 49ers was in 2021 when the 49ers blew a 10 point fourth quarter lead. Sadly for the 49ers faithful, that was the NFC Title Game. The Rams won the Super Bowl in a year the 49ers felt was their year to win it all. After an opening touchback, Brock Purdy went to Brandon Aiyuk for 11. A defensive facemark added 15 more. On 3rd and 3 from the Rams 31, Mason gained 7 and 4 and then caught a pass from Purdy for 7. Purdy went to Jennings for a 13 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 49ers.

The 49ers got it back and faced 3rd and 8 at their own 25. Purdy went deep incomplete but defensive holding gave the 49ers a new set of downs. On 2nd and 15 from their own 25, Purdy went deep to Jennings for 34. On 3rd and 7 from the Rams 38, Purdy again went deep incomplete and again defensive illegal contact gifted the 49ers another first down. On 3rd and 4 from the Rams 27, Purdy again threw incomplete and this time defensive pass interference meant 14 more yards. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Purdy went to Jennings for the touchdown and the 14-0 49ers lead.

The Rams finally got going in the second quarter from their own 13. On 3rd and 8, Matthew Stafford hit Tutu Atwell for 24. The Rams had to punt on 4th and 6 from their own 43. Sean McVay desperately needed to spark his team and called a fake punt. Rivers took the direct snap and gained 7 yards to midfield. On 3rd and 2 from the San Francisco 21, Williams gained 5 Stafford went to Williams for a 15 yard touchdown to get the Rams within 14-7. In the third quarter the 49ers took over at their own 9 yard line. On 3rd and 1, Purdy gained 2. Mason gained 14. On 3rd and 1 from their own 46, Mason got around the end for 18. On 3rd and 5 from the Rams 31, Purdy went to Jennings for the touchdown. The 49ers led 21-7 midway through the third quarter.

After a touchback and a false start, Stafford went deep incomplete. Yet defensive pass interference meant a 48 yard gain. On 3rd and 9 from the San Francisco 26, Stafford went to Atwell for 11. On 3rd and 1 from the Frisco 6, Stafford threw incomplete but defensive holding meant 1st and goal at the 3. Williams ran it in one play later to get the Rams within 21-14. After a touchback, the 49ers moved 62 yards in 13 plays and 6 minutes. Early in the fourth quarter after one fourth down conversion, the 49ers faced 3rd and 1 at the Rams 7. A touchdown would all but ice this game. Mason got the carry and lost a yard. With 12 minutes left in regulation on 4th and 2 from the Rams 8, Kyle Shanahan decided not to gamble. Jake Moody hit the 26 yard field goal to have the 49ers up 24-14.

After a touchback, the Rams moved 55 yards in 13 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. After a successful fourth down conversion set up 1st and goal at the 8, Stafford threw a pair of incompletions sandwiched around him getting sacked. Harty hit from 33 to get the Rams within 24-17 with 6:15 to play. The 49ers after a touchback moved to a 4th and 5 at the Rams 37. With 2:47 left, Moody was brought in for a 55 yard field goal try to put the game in ice. Moody’s kick was no good. The Rams had life. From his own 45, Stafford quickly went bombs away to Atwell for 50. Williams ran for a 4 yard touchdown. With 1:51 left, the game was tied 24-24. The 49ers offense ended up punting and Xavier Smith raced up the sideline 38 yards to midfield. Stafford went deep incomplete and drew a 25 yard defensive pass interference call. The Rams took the clock down to 5 seconds. Harty came in for the 37 yard field goal try to win it. His kick was good and the Rams had another double digit fourth quarter comeback win over their hated rivals. The 49ers have won most of these matchups in recent years, but the Rams have a recent Super Bowl ring. The 49ers do not as Kyle Shanahan has lost several of the biggest games with a fourth quarter double digit lead. 27-24 Rams

Kansas City Chiefs at Atlanta Falcons was the Sunday night game. The Chiefs came in unbeaten after winning a pair of games by razor thin margins. The Falcons started hot after a touchback as Kirk Cousins hit Mooney for gains of 9 and 26. Cousins went to McCloud for 15. On 3rd and 3 from the Kansas City 14, Cousins went to London for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Falcons. The Chiefs took over at their own 11 and embarked on a staggering 17 play, 75, 8 1/2 minute drive. Yet on 2nd and 8 from the Atlanta 14, Patrick Mahomes went to end zone and was intercepted by Simmons for a touchback. The Chiefs got the ball back and faced 3rd and 1 at their own 30. Mahomes went to Travis Kelce for 3. Mahomes went to Rice for 12. Perine ran for 9, 8 and 2. On 3rd and 8 from the Atlanta 33, Mahomes went to Watson for 13. On 3rd and 3 from the Atlanta 13, Mahomes went to Rice for the touchdown to cap the 13 play, 79 yard, 6 minute drive to make it a 7-7 ballgame in the second quarter. The Falcons soon faced 3rd and 6 at their own 34. Cousins threw deep incomplete but roughing the passer kept the drive going. Cousins then went deep to Pitts for 50 yards down to the one. Robinson got the yard to put the Falcons up 14-7.

The Chiefs moved from their own 35 to a 3rd and 2 at the Atlanta 35. Perine got the carry and got stopped. Harrison Butker hit a 53 yard field goal to get the Chiefs within 14-10. The Falcons got aggressive with only 40 seconds left in the half and it cost them. oasis had a pass intercepted and returned 12 yards to put the Chiefs at the Atlanta 34. Butker hit from 44 to get the Chiefs within 14-13 at the intermission. After a third quarter touchback, the Chiefs moved to a 2nd and goal at the one. A run lost 2 yards and Mahomes then threw incomplete. Butker hit from 21 as the Chiefs now led 16-14. The Chiefs got it back and faced 3rd and 1 at their own 29. Steele gained 2. Mahomes went to Rice for 27. Mahomes ran for 15. Steele gained 8 and 2. On 3rd and 7 from the Atlanta 13, Mahomes went to Juju Smith-Schuster for the touchdown to cap the 11 play, 80 yard, 6 minute drive. The extra point was no good, keeping it a one score game. Yet 15 unanswered points had the Chiefs up 22-14 after three quarters.

The Falcons moved from their own 15 to a 2nd and 7 at the Kansas City 36 early in the fourth quarter. Cousins threw incomplete twice. Younghoe Koo hit the 54 yard field goal to get the Falcons within 5 points. The Falcons got it back at their own 11 and moved 93 yards in 15 plays and 7 1/2 minutes. On 3rd and 5 from the Kansas City 6, Cousins threw incomplete. 4 minutes remained. Raheem Morris made the very questionable decision to go for it rather than kick the field goal and trust his defense. Cousins threw incomplete. The Falcons got the ball back with 2 1/2 minutes left t their own 35. They moved to a 3rd and 1 at the Kansas City 13 with one minute left. Had the Falcons kicked the earlier field goal, they could win it with another field goal. Yet they needed a touchdown. They had 2 plays to gain one yard. Tyler Allgeier got stopped for no gain. On 4th and 1, rather than try smash mouth again, the Falcons tried to run laterally and got blown up for a 3 yard loss. The Chiefs again barely survived, but they are 3-0, making Andy Reid a most happy Walrus indeed. 22-17 Chiefs

Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills was the early Monday night game. The Bills came in unbeaten while the Jaguars came in winless. After an opening touchback, Josh Allen went to Cook for 19. On 4th and 3 from the Jacksonville 44, Sean McDermott gambled early. Allen went to Shakir for 12 and again for 12 more. On 3rd and 5 from the Jacksonville 15, Allen gained 9. Cook ran for a 6 yard touchdown to cap the 10 play, 70 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive. The extra point was blocked but the Bills led 6-0. The Bills got it back at their own 35. Allen hit Samuel for 10. On 3rd and 3 from the Jacksonville 48, Allen went to Kincaid for 28. On 4th and 1 from the Jacksonville 11, McDermott gambled again. Allen gained 2. On 3rd and goal at the 6, Allen hit Kincaid for the touchdown to finish the 11 play, 65 yard, 5 minute drive to make it 13-0 Bills.

The Jaguars managed a second quarter field goal, but the Bills then blasted them to pieces. On 3rd and 1 from their own 41, Alen went to Cook for 8 and again for 17. On 3rd and 11 from the Jacksonville 35, Allen gained 11. Allen went to Coleman for a 24 yard touchdown to make it 20-3 Bills. An interception of Trevor Lawrence gave the Bills a short field at the Jacksonville 41. On 3rd and 9 from the Jacksonville 27, Allen went to Shakir for the touchdown to make it 27-3 Bills just before the 2 minute warning. The Bills got it back at their own 36 with 1:12 left. On 2nd and 5 from the Jacksonville 46, Allen hit Shakir for 6 with defensive unnecessary roughness adding 15. Allen went to Johnson for a 16 yard touchdown to have the Bills up 34-3. League rules prevented the cancellation of the second half. The Jaguars managed one third quarter touchdown. Tyler Bass hit field goals of 27 in the third quarter and 43 in the fourth quarter to make it 40-10 Bills. The Jaguars threw in a fourth quarter fumble for good measure that the Bills recovered at the Jacksonville 21. Davis ran for a 3 yard touchdown. The Bills are unbeaten and the Jaguars are still in the free fall that began down the stretch of last season. 47-10 Bills

Washington Commanders at Cincinnati Bengals was the late Monday night game. The Bengals again started 0-2 but then usually get their act together. A home game against the lowly Commanders was expected to be the tonic. The Bengals began facing 3rd and 1 at their own 38. Joe Burrow gained 4. Moss gained 15. Burrow went deep to JaMarr Chase for a 41 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Bengals. The Commanders after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 1 at the Cincinnati 31. Jayden Daniels was tackled for a one yard loss. Dan Quinn gambled on 4th and 2. Daniels hit McCaffrey for 30. Robinson ran for a one yard touchdown to make it 7-7. The Bengals moved from their own 23 to a 3rd and 11 at the Washington 30 to start the second quarter. Burrow threw incomplete. A 48 yard field goal try by Evan McPherson to give the Bengals the lead was no good.

The Commanders took over at their own 38. Daniels went to Brown for 16. Daniels hit McCaffrey for 11. Austin Ekeler ran for a 24 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Commanders. The Bengals after a touchback moved to a 1st and goal at the 8. Burrow was sacked to kill the drive. McPherson hit from 28 to get the Bengals within 14-10. The Commanders soon faced 3rd and 1 at their own 34. Robinson gained 2 Daniels went deep to Terry MLaurin for 55 yards. Daniels ran for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 21-10 Commanders just before the 2 minute warning. McPherson hit a 31 yard field goal before the half, but in the third quarter the Commanders kept coming. A 62 yard return of the second half kickoff by Ekeler set up the Commanders at the Cincinnati 33. Daniels hit Scott for a one yard touchdown to have the Commanders up 28-13. Every time the Bengals offense tried to get back in it, the Commanders would torch the Cincinnati defense.

The Bengals took over at their own 22. Brown gained 16. On 3rd and 10 from their own 38, Burrow hit Tee Higgins for 16. On 3rd and 1 from the Washington 37, Moss gained 6. Burrow hit Moss for 11. Brown gained 12. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Burrow threw incomplete. Zac Taylor had to go for it and on 4th and goal Burrow hit Iosivas for the touchdown. The Bengals ere within 28-20. After a touchback the Commanders moved to a 3rd and 5 at the Cincinnati 24. Daniels threw incomplete. Despite converting on 4th down earlier in the drive, this time Dan quinn was not about to gamble. Selbert hit a 42 yard field goal to make it 31-20 Commanders.

After a touchback, Burrow hit Mike Gesicki for 7, Iosivas for 16, Gesicki for 11, and Chase for a 31 yard touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Bengals were within 31-26 with 10 minutes left in regulation. After a touchback, Daniels hit Zac Ertz for 12. On 3rd and 2 just past midfield, Daniels hit McLaurin for 4. On 4th and 4 from the Cincinnati 39 with 4 1/2 minutes left, Dan Quinn passed up a 57 yard field goal try and a punt and decided to go big and bold. Daniels hit Ertz for 9. On 3rd and 7 from the Cincinnati 27, Daniels went to McLaurin for the touchdown. With 2:10 to play, the Commanders led 38-26. The Bengals quickly moved 70 yards, and Moss scored on a one yard touchdown run to get the Bengals back within 5 points with 40 seconds left. The onside kick failed. Daniels took one knee to end the game and the only second half drive not resulting in a score. There is no sugarcoating that the Bengals are 0-3 and in trouble. 38-33 Commanders

NFL 2024 Week 3 Prequel

September 19th, 2024

NFL 2024 Week 3 Prequel

Thursday, September 19, 2024, 8pm

New England Patriots at New York Jets (-6) — The Jets have far too much hype around them that is undeserved until proven otherwise. These teams play ugly close games. Jets win but fail to cover

Sunday, September 22, 1pm

Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints (-2 1/2) — The Eagles bungled away the game last week. The Saints are a pinball machine, and no, drew Brees did not return. This is the week to see if the saints can handle prosperity. Saints cover

Los Angeles Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers (-1 1/2) — Both of these teams are unbeaten but neither one has played a true quality opponent yet. The Chargers have the advantage at quarterback with Justin Herbert. Upset special, Chargers win outright

New York Giants at Cleveland Browns (-6 1/2) — The Giants find new ways to be awful, but the spread is too high to trust a Browns team that has not done much. Browns win but fail to cover

Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts (-1 1/2) — Caleb Williams may one day be a star, but he has not done anything yet. Anthony Richardson is showing promise after missing last year injured. Go with the home field and the established quarterback. Colts cover

Houston Texans (-2) at Minnesota Vikings — The Vikings looked fantastic against a pretty good San Francisco team. Justin Jefferson is ridiculous. CJ Stroud is for real, but the Vikings are playing on another level. Upset special, Vikings cover

Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-6 1/2) — The Buccaneers got a quality road win at Detroit. Baker Mayfield playing well. Bo nix has had a rough start to his NFL career. The spread is high given that the Broncos have a decent defense. Buccaneers win but fail to cover

Green Bay Packers at Tennessee Titans (-2) — Malik Willis is not Jordan Love, but he was adequate enough in helping the Packers win last week. The Titans are just not very good. The Packers will continue to rally around their backup quarterback. Upset special, Packers win outright

1pm

Carolina Panthers at Las Vegas Raiders (-5) — The Raiders had an inspired road win at Baltimore, and now they get the worst team in the league at home.Yet the Raiders have decades of experience playing down to their competition. They will make it tougher on themselves than it needs to be. Raiders win but fail to cover

Miami Dolphins at Seattle Seahawks (-4) — with Tua Tagovailoa injured, the Seahawks should be able to handle business at home. Geno smith has matured, and he has the same receivers he is comfortable with. seahawks cover

Detroit Lions (-3) at Arizona Cardinals — The Lions suffered a surprising home loss to Tampa Bay, while the Cardinals obliterated the Rams. The Cardinals are better than expected, but the Lions will look to rebound. Lions cover

Baltimore Ravens (-1) at Dallas Cowboys — Both teams suffered stunning home losses last week/ The ravens blew a 10 point fourth quarter lead against the Raiders while the Cowboys got blasted to pieces by New Orleans. The Ravens are desperate not to go 0-3, but the Cowboys are also desperate. Lamar Jackson is better than Dad Prescott, and the Ravens run the ball better. Ravens cover

San Francisco 49ers (-7) at Los Angeles Rams — Both teams had surprising road losses last week, with the Rams getting blasted. The rams lost Cooper Kupp to injury. The 49ers always seem to have the Rams number, but the spread is high. 49ers win but fail to cover

8pm

Kansas City Chiefs (-3 1/2) at Atlanta Falcons — The Falcons got a stunning road win at Philadelphia. The Chiefs win close games. The Chiefs are the better team, but they do not blow teams out. Chiefs win but fail to cover

Monday, September 23, 7:30pm

Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills (-5) — The Jaguars are not playing well. The Bills are. This has mismatch all over it. Go with the home crowd and Josh Allen. Bills cover

8pm

Washington Commanders at Cincinnati Bengals (-7 1/2) — Forget the records. The Bengals are the far better team and they are at home. Joe Burrow will torch the Washington defense. Bengals cover

NFL 2024 Week 2 Recap

September 19th, 2024

NFL 2024 Week 2 Prequel

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins was the Thursday night game. The Bills swept the season last year to steal the division from Miami. Tua Tagovailoa was intercepted on his first drive. Ingram returned the pick 25 yards to the Buffalo 37. On 2nd and 2 from the Miami 16, Allen threw incomplete. Then on 3rd and 2 Johnson lost a yard. Rather than kick an easy 35 yard field goal, Sean McDermott took a big gamble and went for it. Allen hit cook for the 17 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Bills. After a touchback, Tagovailoa hit Smith for 15 and Tyreek Hill for 10. Achane ran for 14 and 8. On 3rd and 4 from the Buffalo 18, Tagovailoa hit Jalen waddle for 17. After a false start, Tagovailoa hit Achane for a 5 yard touchdown to cap the 10 play, 70 yard, 6 12 minute drive and make it 7-7.

Tagovailoa was intercepted again to give the Bills a short field at the Miami 44 as the first quarter was ending. In the second quarter the Bills moved to a 2nd and 7 at the Miami 25. Allen threw incomplete twice. Tyler Bass hit a 43 yard field goal to make it 10-7 Bills. The Bills got it back at their own 15. Allen went deep to Shakir for 21 with 15 more tacked on for defensive unnecessary roughness. Davis gained 8 and 10. On 3rd and 12 from the Miami 34, Allen went to deep to Johnson for a 33 yard gain down to the one. Cook got the last yard to make it 17-7 Bills. After a touchback, the Dolphins moved to a 3rd and 1 at the Buffalo 44. Alec Ingold got the carry and lost a yard. Mike McDonald decided to go for it on 4th and 2. Tagovailoa was sacked. The Bills took over just past midfield. One play and 9 seconds later, the Bills were in the end zone again. Cook raced for the 49 yard touchdown to make it 24-7 Bills with 3 1/2 minutes left in the half.

After a touchback, The Dolphins moved to a 2nd and 3 at the Buffalo 16 with 12 seconds left in the half. Tagovailoa threw incomplete but wasted 8 seconds in doing so. Instead of a pair of shots at the end zone, the Dolphins on 3rd and 3 only had 4 seconds to work with. Mike McDaniel opted for the field goal. Sanders hit from 34 to get the Dolphins within 24-10. In the third quarter the Dolphins took over at their own 11 and moved to a 3rd and 5 at their own 30. Tagovailoa found Ingram. Problem: Ingram plays defense for Buffalo. He returned the interception 31 yards for a defensive touchdown to have the Bills dominating up 21. Making matters worse, Tagovailoa was injured on a drive later in the third quarter. He sustained a concussion and did not return. As talented as Tagavailoa is, he has a history of bad concussions in his short career. Thompson came in and moved the Dolphins to a 1st and goal at the 7. The defense dug in. On 4th and goal at the 8, Thompson was sacked. 31-10 Bills

Las Vegas Raiders at Baltimore Ravens — The Ravens lost a heartbreaker at Kansas City by a toe. The Raiders lost badly in their opener and were expected to get blown out in this game. Their defense is much better but their offense is much worse. The Ravens began at their own 45 and Justin Tucker hit a 48 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Ravens. The Raiders hung tough and moved from their own 28 to a 3rd and 3 at the Baltimore 32. A run lost 3 yards. Daniel Carlson hit a 53 yard field goal in the second quarter for a 3-3 game. Tucker hit again from 42 to give the Ravens a 6-3 lead. Minshew was then intercepted, but the Raiders dodged a bullet when all world Tucker missed from 56. Carlson hit from 51 to tie the game 6-6 with only 1:37 left in the half. That was enough time after a touchback for the Ravens to move to a 3rd and 2 at the Raiders 14 with 7 seconds left in the half. The Raiders dodged a bullet when John Harbaugh opted not to run another play since the Ravens were out of timeouts. Tucker hit from 32. The Ravens led 9-6, but this supposed blowout was a street fight.

After a third quarter touchback, the Ravens sought to break the game open. Hill ran for 14. Lamar Jackson hit Mark Andrews for 16. Derrick Henry ran for 29. Jackson hit Bay Flowers for an 8 yard touchdown. Now the Ravens led 16-6. Their defense would surely finish off the overmatched Raiders. After a touchback, the Raiders moved to a 4th and 2 at the Baltimore 25. Needing 2 scores and still only midway through the third quarter, a field goal made sense. Yet Antonio Pierce wanted more. Rather than move the chains, Minshew threw deep incomplete. Yet the Raiders got a break and got the ball back when Jackson was intercepted. On 3rd and 7 from the Baltimore 43, Minshew went to Jakobi Meyers for 13. On 3rd and 8 from the Baltimore 28, Minshew went deep to rookie Brock Bowers for 27 down to the one. Mattison got the yard. After three quarters, the Raiders were only down 16-13.

The Ravens took over at their own 24. On 2nd and 11 from their own 32, Jackson went deep to Bateman for 18 to end the third quarter. The Ravens began the fourth quarter at midfield. Jackson hit Isaiah Likely for 15. Henry ran for 17. Henry ran for a 3 yard touchdown. With 12 minutes left in regulation, the Ravens led 23-13. At this point the game was over. The Raiders had lost 49 straight games when trailing by 10 or more points in the fourth quarter. The Baltimore defense was a buzzsaw.

After a touchback, a sack of Minshew was negated by a defensive facemark. Minshew nearly had his head taken off, but the Raiders were at their own 45. They moved to a 3rd and goal at the 6, where Minshew threw incomplete. 9 1/2 minutes remained and the Raiders still needed 2 scores. This time Antonio Pierce played it safe. Carlson hit the 24 yard field goal to get the Raiders within 23-16. The Ravens then faced 3rd and 1 at their own 29. A false start killed the drive as the defense forced Jackson to throw incomplete. The Raiders took over at their own 30. Minshew went deep to Davantae Adams for 29 and to Bowers for 15. On 3rd and 5 from the Baltimore 20, Minshew went to Bowers for 11. A sack of Minshew meant 3rd and goal at the 17. Minshew then threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 16 yards and 1st and goal at the one. Minshew hit Adams for the one yard touchdown. The Raiders tied the game 23-23 but 4 minutes still remained. That was plenty of time for the Ravens to handle business and get a win.

Instead Jackson was blasted for a 9 yard loss. With 2 1/2 minutes left, the Ravens punted on 4th and 16 from their own 24. Stout shanked a 24 yarder. Making matters worse, a penalty on Baltimore gave the Raiders gift field position at the Baltimore 43. One first down would mean long field goal range. Zamir White gained 8 and Minshew hit Meyers for 8 more. The Ravens took their last timeout with 1:57 left. Antonio Pierce played it very conservatively, running safe runs up the middle twice. With 30 seconds left, Carlson came in for a 38 yard field goal try to give the Raiders the lead. Carlson was good, but the Ravens still had 27 seconds to work with. After a touchback and an 11 yard gain, the Ravens were already at their own 41. They had the best kicker in the game. Another 20 yards would be enough to force overtime. After a spike, Jackson threw incomplete twice. One second remained. Rather than try a Hail mary, Jackson ran up the middle for 25 yards and lateraled the ball. The Ravens did get as far as the Raiders 29 yard line, but no further. 13 unanswered points gave the silver and black a shocking come from behind victory and left the Ravens an even more shocking 0-2 on the year. Just win baby. 26-23 Raiders

Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars — Both teams lost their openers. The Browns were crushed at home while the Jaguars had a lead on the road and gave the game away. The Browns took over at their own 11. On 3rd and 5 from their own 33, Deshaun Watson hit Moore for 22. On 2nd and 20 from their own 45, Watson hit newly acquired Jerry Jeudy for 21 and again for 9. On 3rd and 14 from the Jacksonville 16, Watson hit Bell for 12. Watson ran for a one yard touchdown to cap the staggering 16 play, 89 yard drive that took nearly 9 1/2 minutes off the clock and put the Browns up 7-0. The Browns got it back at their own 24 and marched 12 plays in eating up another 6 1/2 minutes. Dustin Hopkins hit a 53 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Browns. The Jaguars after a touchback moved to a 1st and goal at the 2 in the second quarter but could not punch it in. A run lost 2 yards and Trevor Lawrence threw incomplete twice. Little hit the 22 yard field goal to get the Jaguars on the board, but Hopkins hit from 38 in the second quarter and from 44 in the third quarter to make it 16-3 Browns. Things got worse for the Jaguars when Little doinked a 43 yard try off the upright no good.

The Jaguars finally got back in the game late in the third quarter from their own 28. Lawrence went deep to Thomas for a 66 yard gain. Travis Etienne ran for 2 and then for the 4 yard touchdown to get the Jaguars within 16-10. The Jaguars got the ball back at their own 10 and moved 83 yards in 13 plays and nearly 7 minutes. On 2nd and goal at the 2, a touchdown pass by Lawrence that would have given the Jaguars the lead was nullified by an illegal shift. Lawrence then threw a pair of incompletions. Little hit the 25 yard field goal to get the Jaguars within 16-13 midway through the fourth quarter. The Browns after a touchback moved to a 1st and 10 at the Jacksonville 24. Yet a 15 yard run by Foreman that would have meat 1st and goal was wiped out by an offensive facemask penalty and consecutive offensive holding calls. On 3rd and 36…yes, 3rd and 36…a give up run gained only 9 and did not get the Browns into field goal range. Yet a terrific punt pinned the Jaguars at their own 2 yard line just past the 2 minute warning. There would be no 98 yard drive. Instead the defense forced a safety to lock up the win. 18-13 Browns

New York Jets at Tennessee Titans — Both teams looked awful in their season opening loss. The Titans took over at their own 32. On 3rd and 5 from their 42, Will Levis hit Calvin Ridley for 15. Spears gained 6 and 7. On 2nd and 11 from the Jets 22, Levis hit Whyte for 12. Ridley ran for a 10 yard touchdown as the 6 1/2 minute drive put the Titans up 7-0. The defenses dug in. Midway through the second quarter, the Titans took over at their own 25. Levis went deep and was quickly intercepted. The Jets took over at their own 27. On 3rd and 8, Aaron Rodgers hit Lazard for just enough. Rodgers hit Allen for 11. Rodgers went to Wilson for 16. On 3rd and 2 from the Tennessee 28, Rodgers hit Wilson for 6 and Conklin for 10. Rodgers went to Allen for a 10 yard touchdown to cap the 12 play, 73 yard, 5 minute drive and make it 7-7 with 1:47 left in the first half.

The Titans took over at their own 26 and moved to a 1st and 10 at the Jets 17 with 20 seconds left in the half. Levis was then sacked to kill the drive. Nick Folk hit a 41 yard field goal to make it 10-7 Titans. The Jets began the third quarter facing 3rd and 15 at their own 25. Rodgers threw incomplete but a 15 yard roughing the passer penalty was a killer. Breece Hall then took an end around 30 yards. Rodgers then went deep to Hall for a 26 yard touchdown to make it 14-10 Jets. The Jets then blocked a punt to take over at the Tennessee 30. Yet on 2nd and 6 from the Tennessee 15, Rodgers threw incomplete twice. Greg Zuerlein hit a 33 yard field goal for a 17-10 Jets advantage.

The Titans soon faced 3rd and 1 at their own 38. Levis gained 21. Levis went deep to Ridley for a 40 yard touchdown and a 17-17 tie after three quarters. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Jets faced 3rd and 1 at their own 35. Rather than just move the chains, Rodgers went deep to Wilson for 26. On 2nd and 16 from the Tennessee 45, Rodgers went deep to Williams for 19. Braelon Allen ran for a 20 yard touchdown to put the Jets back up by 7 with 4 1/2 minutes left in regulation. After a touchback, the Titans moved the ball down the field. They took their first timeout on 2nd and goal at the 8 with 35 seconds left. Levis threw incomplete and was then sacked as the Titans took another timeout with 23 ticks left. On 4th and goal at the 14, Levis threw incomplete. The final defensive stand was the difference as Aaron Rodgers got his first win with his new team. 24-17 Jets

San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings — Both teams won their home openers, but not much stock was put into Minnesota’s own at the woeful Giants. The defending NFC Champion 49ers would present a far sterner test. A defensive first quarter saw the 49ers punt from midfield and the Vikings block it. Jackson picked up the blocked punt and race 37 yards to the San Francisco 24. Yet on 3rd and goal t the 4, Sam Darnold threw incomplete. Reichard hit a 22 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Vikings. The 49ers took over at their own 10 yard line and methodically moved 88 yards in 15 plays and nearly 9 1/2 minutes. On 4th and goal at the 2 in the second quarter, Kyle Shanahan decided to go for it. Everyone knows Shanahan hates running the ball. Darnold threw incomplete and the 49ers came up snake eyes. The Minnesota defense produced a goal line stand and their offense gave NFL fans the play of the year so far. Darnold went bombs away to Justin Jefferson, who crisscrossed the field for a 97 yard touchdown as the Vikings led 10-0. The 49ers after a touchback moved to a 4th and 2 at the Minnesota 43. Shanahan went for it again and Brock Purdy was only able to scramble for one yard.

The Vikings had all the momentum and a 1st and 10 at the San Francisco 21 with less than 5 minutes left in the half. Darnold was intercepted by Fred Warner, who returned the pick 25 yards to his own 35. Purdy went deep to Deebo Samuel for 28. Mason ran for 7 and 22. Purdy hit George Kittle for a 7 yard touchdown. With 1:53 left in the half the 49ers were within 10-7. After a touchback, the Vikings moved to a 3rd and 10 at the San Francisco 38 with 11 seconds left. Darnold scrambled for 18 and the Vikings took their last timeout with 3 seconds left. Rather than from 57 yards out, Reichard’s field goal try was a more manageable 39. He was good and the Vikings took a 13-7 lead to the locker rooms. In the third quarter, Purdy was intercepted by Meteilus, who returned it 12 yards to the Frisco 10. One play and 4 seconds later, Darnold hit Naylor for the touchdown to make it 20-7 Vikings.

The 49ers fumbled the ball away, and the Vikings had a chance to deliver the knockout blow. From the San Francisco 20, Darnold hit Jones for 18. Yet Jones got hit at the 2 yard line and fumbled the ball back. The 49ers took over at their own one yard line as the third quarter ended. Purdy came out throwing, hitting Samuel for 9 and 17, Conley for 4, and Brandon Aiyuk for 7. On 3rd and 10 from their own 42, Purdy hit Kittle for 14 with roughing the passer adding 15 more. Purdy went to Samuel for 13. After all of those passes, Mason ran for 5 and then for the 10 yard touchdown to cap 12 play, 99 yard drive. Instead of being left for dead down 27-7, the 49ers were very much alive only down 20-14 with 10 minutes left in regulation.

After a touchback, the Vikings moved 62 yards in 14 plays and took nearly 7 minutes off the clock. The Vikings settled for a 27 yard Reichard field goal but led comfortably 23-14 with 3 1/2 minutes left. After a touchback, the 49ers moved to a 3rd and 1 at the Minnesota 4 at the 2 minute warning. An end around by Samuel was blown up by the defense for a 9 yard loss. Needing 2 scores, Kyle Shanahan opted for the field goal. Moody delivered from 31 to get the 49ers back within 6. The onside kick failed and Darnold took a pair of knees to end it. 23-17 Vikings

 

Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers — The Panthers looked like the worst team in the league, getting carpet-bombed by 37 points in their season opener. Meanwhile, the Chargers had a new attitude under new coach Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers began the game facing 3rd and 2 at their own 41. JK Dobbins followed up his 5 yard run with gains of 11 and 3. Justin Herbert went to Quentin Johnson for a 29 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Chargers led 6-0. In the second quarter the Chargers faced 3rd and 1 at their own 44. Dobbins followed up his 9 yard run with a 7 yard gain. Herbert added 8 more. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Herbert went to Johnston for the touchdown to make it 13-0 Chargers. An interception of Bryce Young led to the Chargers facing 3rd and 1 at the Carolina 43. Dobbins got around the end for the first down and the touchdown as the Chargers led 20-0. League rules prevented the second half from being canceled. Eddie Pineiro hit a 38 yard third quarter field goal to prevent the shutout. Cameron Dicker hit from 46 in the third quarter and 42 in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring. The Panthers have been outscored 73-13 in 2 games as the Chargers are 2-0 on the year. 26-3 Chargers

Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots — Neither Bill Belichick or Pete Carroll coached this game. Tom Brady and Marshawn Lynch were also retired. Nevertheless, both teams won their opener. A 15 yard punt return gave the Patriots the ball at their own 40. Jacoby Brissett hit Hunter Henry for gains of 8 and 12 sandwiched in-between Raimondre Stevenson runs of 9 and 6. On 3rd and 2 from the Seattle 23, Brissett hit Henry for 17. Brissett hit Polk for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Patriots. The Seahawks took over at their own 28. From their 44, Geno Smith went deep to DK Metcalf for a 56 yard touchdown to tie it 7-7.

After a touchback, the Patriots moved to a 3d and 8 at the Seattle 11 in the second quarter. Brissett threw incomplete. Joey Slye hit the 29 yard field goal to make it 10-7 Patriots. The Seahawks soon faced 3rd and 4 at their own 36. Smith went to Smith-Njigba for 19. On 4th and 1 from the New England 36, rookie coach Mike MacDonald went for it. Smith gained 2. Smith then hit Smith-Njigba for 16. On 3rd and 5 from the New England 13, Smith threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 12 yard gain and 1st and goal at the one. Charbonnet got the yard to make it 14-10 Seahawks.

The Patriots after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 9 at the Seattle 10. Brissett threw incomplete. Slye hit from 28 to get the Patriots within 14-13. A 23 yard punt return gave the Seahawks the ball back just shy of midfield with 27 seconds in the half. On 3rd and 7 from the New England 48, Smith hit Fast for 14 and Metcalf for 9. Jason Myers hit a 44 yard field goal to end the half with the Seahawks up 17-13.

Late in the third quarter the Patriots took over at their own 34. Stevenson ran for 18 and 7. On 3rd and 4 from the Seattle 42, Brissett hit Gibson for 7. On the last play of the third quarter, Brissett went to Henry for an 11. The fourth quarter began with the Patriots facing 3rd and 2 at the Seattle 3. Stevenson gained 2 and then took a direct shotgun snap for the one yard touchdown to put the Patriots back on top 20-17. The Patriots got the ball back at their own 20 and moved to a 3rd and 6 at the Seattle 21. Brissett was sacked. Slye’s 48 yard field goal try to extend the lead was no good.

The Seahawks took over at their own 38 and moved to a 3rd and 1 at the New England 15. Smith got the carry and got stuffed for no gain as the clock ticked down to one minute left in regulation. On 4th and 1, rookie coach Mike MacDonald was not in a gambling mood. Myers hit the 38 yard field goal to tie the game. The Patriots got the ball first in overtime and punted. The Seahawks moved from their own 16, aided by a 20 yard defensive pass interference call. On 2nd and 1 from the New England 13, MacDonald wasn’t taking any chances. Myers came in for a 31 yarder to win it. Myers was good as MacDonald got to 2-0 as a first time head coach, handing Jerod Mayo his first loss. 23-20 Seahawks, OT

New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys — Both teams blasted inferior opponents in Week 1, but the Saints were expected to come back down to earth in Week 2. The Cowboys had the highest paid player in the league in Dak Pescott and highest paid receive in CeeDee Lamb. This game was never competitive. The Saints began facing 3rd and 2 at their own 28. Derek Carr hit Rashid Shaheed for 17 and again for 9. Carr went deep to Chris Olave for 39. Alvin Kamara ran for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Saints. The Cowboys did get a 52 yard field goal from Brandon Aubrey, but the Saints offense kept rolling. One play and 9 seconds after a touchback, Carr went to Shaheed for a 70 yard touchdown to make it 14-3 Saints.

The Cowboys moved from their own 39 to a 3rd and 10 at the New Orleans 15. Prescott was sacked. Aubrey hit from 38 to get the Cowboys within 14-6. Yet after a touchback, the Saints kept coming. Carr went to Kamara for a 57 yard touchdown to make it 21-6 Saints. The Cowboys soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 30. Dowdle gained 5. On the next play, Prescott connected with Lamb for a 65 yard touchdown to get the Cowboys within 21-13.

It didn’t matter. The Saints offense was unstoppable. After a touchback, the Saints soon faced 3rd and 6 at their own 45. Carr went to Olave for 10. Kamara ran for 6 and 15. Kamara ran for a 12 yard touchdown to make it 28-13 Saints with 2:48 left in the half. With one minute left in the half, an interception of Prescott saw Adebo return the pick 47 yards to the New Dallas 20. Carr hit Olave for 19 and got the last yard himself as the Saints poured it on up 35-13.

Aubrey hit field goals of 48 to end the half and 40 in the third quarter to get the Cowboys within 35-19, but they would get no closer. They kicked field goals while the Saints scored touchdowns. The last Dallas field goal came because on 3rd and 8 from the New Orleans 9, Prescott was sacked. Dennis Allen’s defense was eating up Mike McCarthy’s offense, but now Allen also had an offense. After a touchback, the Saints moved 70 yards in 12 plays and 8 minutes. Kamara scored again, this time from 7 yards out. The extra point was blocked but the Saints were up 41-19. The Cowboys went for it inside their own red zone and turned it over on downs. Grupe hit a 26 yard field goal to complete the scoring.

The Saints have outscored opponents 91-29 in two games. Carr certainly doesn’t look washed up. It’s early, but right now he looks like an MVP. The Saints have yet to punt the ball or turn it over this season. They have scored every single time they had the ball, with 10 touchdowns and 4 field goals. Meanwhile Jerry Jones was a most unhappy man at Happy Valley. Jerrah may fire everyone and blow the whole thing up if the Cowboys don’t fix things now. 44-19 Saints

New York Giants at Washington Commanders — Both teams looked awful in season opening losses. This was expected to be the Stupor Bowl. Austin Ekeler returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a Washington touchdown, but offensive holding nullified the touchdown. The Commanders would reach a 4th and 1 at the Giants 6. Dan Quinn tied to go for it, but a false start killed the attempt. Austin Seibert hit a 27 yard field goal, a common theme on the day. Siebert was a lone bright spot as the Commanders led 3-0. A 28 yard kickoff return with 15 more yards tacked on for unsportsmanlike conduct had the Giants taking over at their own 47. Daniel Jones went to Nabers for 28. Devin Singletary ran for a 7 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good as the Giants led 6-3.

In the second quarter, Siebert hit field goals of 45 and 26. The Commanders again bogged down in the red zone but led 9-6 with 1:45 left in the half. The Giants took over at their own 31. Jones hit Malik Nabors for 13, Robinson for 11, and Darrius Slayton for 11. Jones hit Nabers for 21. Jones ran for 9. On 3rd and 1 from the Washington 4 with 8 seconds left in the half, Jones hit Nabers for the touchdown. The 2 point conversion try failed but the Giants led 12-9 at the midpoint.

The Giants fumbled the ball away in Washington territory in the third quarter. Again the Commanders moved the ball deep, only to bog down in the red zone. Seibert hit from 27 for a 12-12 game. It was Deja vu all over again as the Commanders settled for a 29 yard Seibert field goal and a 15-12 lead. After a touchback, Jones hit Nabers for 13. Singletary ran for 18 and 4. The fourth quarter began with the Giants facing 4th and 3 at the Washington 31. A 49 yard field goal would tie the game, but Brian Daboll went for it. Jones hit Nabers for 4. On 3rd and goal at the 7, Jones hit Robinson for the touchdown. Again Daboll went for 2 and again the Giants failed to convert. Instead of a 21-15 lead, the Giants only led 18-15. Yet they were scoring touchdowns while the Commanders were only kicking field goals.

It didn’t matter. The ensuing kickoff failed to reach the landing zone, setting up the Commanders at their own 40. They moved to a 1st and goal at the 6, but a pair false starts killed the drive. Seibert hit the 33 yarder to tie the game 18-18 midway through the fourth quarter. The Giants moved from their own 32 to a 4th and 4 at the Washington 22. A 40 yard field goal try would give them the lead with 2:04 left. Yet Brian Daboll for whatever reason decided to go for it and gamble on 7 when he only needed 3. Jones threw incomplete. Rookie Jayden Daniels did not throw a touchdown pass in this game. The Commanders could not score a touchdown the whole game. Yet Seibert hit 7…yes, 7…field goals, one shy of the NFL record in a game. His 7th and final field goal was from 30 yards out. It came on the last play of the game as the clock hit double zeroes to keep the Giants winless, witless and worthless. 21-18 Commanders

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions — The Buccaneers are a decent team with Baker Mayfield, but the Lions were supposed to steamroll them after barely missing out on the Super Bowl last year. After a touchback to start, the Buccaneers moved to a 3rd and goal at the 3. Mayfield was sacked and fumbled, but the Buccaneers retained possession. Chase Mclaughlin hit a 30 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Buccaneers. One play after a touchback, Jared Goff was intercepted. The Buccaneers had a short field at the Detroit 44. They settled for a 55 yard McLaughlin field goal for a 6-0 Buccaneers lead. Then it was the Lions turn to move after a touchback to a 3rd and goal at the 3. Goff threw incomplete. Bates hit from 22 to get the Lions on the board. Bates would hit again from 35 in the second quarter for a 6-6 game.

The Buccaneers soon faced 3rd and 10 at their own 30. Mayfield went to Chris Godwin for 17, again for 11, and finally deep to him for a 41 yard touchdown. The game’s first end zone visit had the Buccaneers up 13-6. Bates would hit a 32 yard field goal early in the third quarter to get the Lions within 13-9. The Lions got it back and faced 3rd and 10 at their own 32. Goff went to Williams for 13. Gibbs gained 16. On 3rd and 4 from the Tampa Bay 27, Goff hit Sam LaPorta for 7. On 3rd and 8 from the Tampa Bay 18, Goff hit Amra St Brown for 17 down ti the one. Montgomery got in to put the Lions up 16-13. After a touchback, a defensive facemark penalty was followed by Mayfield hitting McMillan for 21. On 3rd and 4 from the Detroit 22, Mayfield gained 11. Mayfield then ran for an 11 yard touchdown to put the Buccaneers back up by 4 after three quarters. The defenses dominated the fourth quarter. First Goff was intercepted. Then twice the Lions turned it over on downs. After spiking the ball to stop the clock with 14 seconds left, Goff had 3 chances from the Tampa 26. Three incompletions later, the Buccaneers had the upset road win. 20-16 Buccaneers

 

Indianapolis Colts at Green Bay Packers — In useless trivia news, both of these teams were terrible 30 years ago when Lindy Infante coached them. In more serious news, Malik Willis would have to lead the Packers after the injury to Jordan Love in the final seconds of their opening week loss in Brazil. Narveson hit a 46 yard field goal on the opening drive to make it 3-0 Packers. The Packers got the ball back at their own 18. Reed gained 22. Josh Jacobs gained 2, 5 and on 3rd and 3, another 5. On 3rd and 2 from the Indianapolis 40, Wilson gained 4. On 3rd and 4 from the Indianapolis 14, Willis went to Wicks for the touchdown to make it 10-0 Packers. After a scoreless second quarter, Colts coach Shane Steichen in the third quarter gambled on 4th and 4 at his own 46. Anthony Richardson threw incomplete. Narveson hit a 42 yard field goal to have the Packers up 13-0.

The Colts finally got on the board in the third quarter when Matt Gay hit a 34 yard field goal. Yet early in the fourth quarter fro 50, Gay was no good. Narveson added a 34 yard field goal but after an interception of Richardson, Narveson would miss from 45 as the Packers led 16-3. With 4 minutes left from his own 35, Richardson tried to lead a rally. Richardson hit Pierce for 18 and Pittman for 11. At the 2 minute warning the Colts faced 4th and 11 at the Green Bay 15. The Colts needed a miracle and got one when Richardson scrambled for just enough. Richardson the hit Pierce for a 4 yard touchdown tog et the Colts within 6 with 1:47 left. The onside kick failed but the Colts took their timeouts on defense. A perfect punt pinned the Colts at their own 5 yard line with 42 seconds left. They reached their own 41 with 4 seconds left. Richardson’s Hail Mary was intercepted at the one yard line. 16-10 Packers

 

Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals — Both teams lost heartbreaking openers, but the Rams were expected to plow through the Cardinals without much trouble. This game was never a contest. Sean McVay gambled on 4th and 2 from the Arizona 41. Matthew Stafford completed a pass for only one yard. James Conner then ran for 16 to have the Cardinals in business. Kyler Murray went to Harrison for a 23 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Cardinals. A 17 yard punt return gave the Cardinals great field position again at their own 40. One play and 10 seconds later, the Cardinals led 14-0 as Murray hit Harrison for a 60 yard touchdown. The next time the Cardinals got the ball, they were pinned at their own one yard line. Murray went to Harrison for 15. On 2nd and 19 from their own 7, a run only gained 3 yards but defensive holding meant a new set of downs. Murray went to Harrison for 32. On 3rd and 5 from the Rams 18 early in the second quarter, Murray hit Higgins for the touchdown to make it 21-0 Cardinals.

The rest of the game was pointless. Harty hit a 29 yard field goal for the Rams and Matt Prater answered from 48 to make it 24-3 Cardinals at the half. After a second half touchback, the Cardinals moved to ice the game. On 2nd and 15 from their own 41, Murray ran for 26. Conner added 22. Conner ran for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 31-3 Cardinals. Prater drilled a 57 yard field goal to make it 34-3 Cardinals. The Rams did manage to reach the end zone late in the third quarter, but in the fourth quarter the Cardinals scored in the luckiest way to cap a 70 yard drive. Conner fumbled near the goal line but the Cardinals recovered it in the Rams end zone anyway. In a stunner, the Cardinals blasted the Rams to pieces. Making matters worse for the Rams, star wide receiver Cooper Kupp was injured and will miss several weeks. He was placed on injured reserve. 41-10 Cardinals

 

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos — The Steelers won ugly in their opener on the road as Justin Fields prepared to sub in for the injured Russell Wilson fort he seconds straight week. Meanwhile, Bo Nix had a rocky start to his NFL career. This was another ugly game for both teams. In the first quarter the Steelers faced 3rd and 5 at their own 27. Fields hit George Pickens for 13. Fields ran fro 16. On 3rd and 3 from the Denver 37, the Denver defense jumped into the neutral zone. Jalen Warren ran for 3 and 11. Fields hit Pat Freiermuth for 14. Fields went to Washington for a 5 yard touchdown. The 12 play, 78 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive made it 7-0 Steelers. The rest of this game was too hideous for details. Chris Boswell hit a 22 yard field goal to end the half and a 53 yarder after a third quarter interception of Nix to make it 13-0 Steelers. In the fourth quarter Wil Lutz hit field goals of 35 and 29 to get the Broncos back within 7 with 1:54 to play in regulation. By the time the Broncos got the ball back at their own 19, only 9 seconds remained. From his own 34, Nix’s Hail Mary was 40 yards short of the end zone and intercepted. 26 yard Hail Marys will not get it done. Sean Payton is an offensive wizard but these things take time to gel. Meanwhile, nobody wins ugly smash mouth like Mike Tomlin. 13-6 Steelers.

 

Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs — These teams have played some instant classics in some of the biggest games, including a pair of AFC Title Games. This one was a wild one as well. The Bengals began at their own 38 and moved to a 2nd and goal at the 4. Joe Burrow threw incomplete twice. Evan McPherson hit a 22 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Bengals.After a touchback the Chiefs had a staggering 16 play, 69 yard drive that chewed up 8 1/2 minutes. Yet despite 1st and goal at the 2, a pair of runs by Isaiah Pacheco went nowhere and a pass on 3rd and goal from Patrick Mahomes to Pacheco gained only one yard. On 4th and goal at the one, Walrus Andy Reid went conservative. Harrison Butker hit the 19 yard field goal for a 3-3 game.

An interception of Mahomes by Davis-Gaither was returned 12 yards to end the first quarter as the Bengals took over at the Kansas City 31. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Burrow Iosivas for the touchdown as the Bengals led 10-3 early in the second quarter. After a touchback, the Chiefs moved quickly. On 3rd and 4 just past midfield, Mahoems gained 5. On the next play, Mahomes went deep to Rice for a 44 yard touchdown and a 10-10 ballgame.

After a touchback, the Bengals moved to a 1st and 10 at the Kansas City 12. Burrow threw incomplete twice and was then sacked. McPherson hit from 33 to put the Bengals up 13-10. The Chiefs then fumbled the ball away to give the Bengals a short field at the Kansas City 46. McPherson hit a 48 yard field goal to have the Bengals up 16-10 at the midpoint.

After a third quarter touchback, Mahoems went to rookie Xavier Worthy for 12. On 3rd and 1 from the Cincinnati 37, Pacheco got stopped. Rather than try a 55 yard field goal, this time Walrus Andy Reid went for it. Out of the shotgun, Steele gained 5. Mahoems ran for 7 and hit Pacheco for 13. Mahomes hit Morris for a one yard touchdown as the 13 play, 70 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive had the Chiefs up 17-16.

After a touchback, Burrow went deep to JaMarr Chase for 47 yards. On 3rd and 2 from the Kansas City 15, Burrow gained 4. On 3rd and 1 from the Kansas City 2, Burrow got the yard. After a loss and an incompletion set up 4th and goal at the 3, a gimme field goal seemed sensible. There was still 2 minutes left in the third quarter. Yet Zac Taylor rolled the dive. Burrow hit Iosivas for the touchdown. McPherson missed the extra point. The Bengals led 22-17, but missed extra points often loom very large.

The Bengals appeared in the driver’s seat after an interception of Mahoems to end the third quarter. Yet form his own 34, the fourth quarter began disastrously for Burrow and the Bengals. After a pair of incompletions, on 3rd and 10 Burrow was sacked and fumbled. Conner recovered it for the defense and rumbled 38 yards the other way for a touchdown. The 2 point conversion try failed but the Chiefs led 23-22. The Bengals moved from their own 32 to a 1st and 10 at the Kansas City 33. Offensive holding killed the drive but McPherson nailed a 53 yard field goal. With 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation the Bengals led 25-23.

The Cincinnati defense forced a punt, and the Bengals offense tried to run out the clock. Yet on 3rd and 6 from their own 42, Burrow was sacked. The Chiefs took over at their own 25 needing only a field goal to win and a full 2 1/2 minutes to work with. With 53 seconds left on 4th and 6 from their own 45, Mahomes hit Rice for 21. Yet illegal use of hands on the offense had the Chiefs facing 4th and 16 from their own 35. This was their last gasp. Mahomes threw high and incomplete. The Bengals celebrated, but it was all for naught. Defensive pass interference meant a 29 yard gain. The Bengals howled at the call. It was close, but it appeared the defender arrived a fraction of a second early. The call could have gone either way. The ball appeared high and possibly uncatchable. Nevertheless, the call stood. Butker came in for a 51 yard field goal try to win it. He was good. While nobody should care which pop stars or social media stars celebrated with or without each other, the game itself would make for an incredible AFC Title Game rematch. The Bengals are 0-2, while the Chiefs are 2-0, making Andy Reid a most happy Walrus indeed. 26-25 Chiefs

 

Chicago Bears at Houston Texans was the Sunday night game. Rookie Caleb Williams began his second ever game in prime time, while CJ Stroud showed what a rookie could do last year. Kaimi Fairbairn hit a 56 yard field goal early on for the Texans, while Cairo Santos answered from 53 for a 3-3 game. The Texans took over at their own 23. Stroud went to Nico Collins for 18. On 4th and 1 from midfield, Demeco Ryans gambled. Stroud hit Stover for 18. Dell ran for 1 8 more. Offensive unnecessary roughness had the Texans facing 2nd and 24 from the Chicago 28 to start the second quarter. stroud calmly went to Collins for the touchdown to make it 10-3 Texans. Fairbairn would tack on a 47 yard field goal to make it 13-3 Texans.

A field position game had the Bears taking over just past midfield. On 3rd and 3, Williams went to Moore for 16. On 3rd and 14 from the Houston 30, Williams threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 24 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Khalil Herbert got in to get the Bears within 13-10 with only 32 seconds left in the half. Yet that was enough time for the Texans to move from their own 35 to the Chicago 41 with one second left. Fairbairn leveled a 59 yard field goal to have the Texans up 16-10 at the break. The second half was hideously ugly. An interception of Moore led to a 53 yard Fairbairn field goal early in the fourth quarter to make it 19-10 Texans. Williams was the intercepted again. The Texans moved from the Chicago 45 to a 1st and goal at the 4. On the verge of turning out the lights, Cam Akers fumbled and the Bears recovered. The bears moved from their own 3 yard line to a 3rd and 4 at the Houston 36. Williams threw incomplete. Needing 2 scores, Matt Eberflus opted for the long field goal. Santos delivered from 54 to get the Bears within 6 with 2:51 to play. The Bears held on defense and got the ball back at their own 20 with 1:37 left. Yet on 4th and 17 from their own 40 with 34 seconds left, Williams threw incomplete. 19-13 Texans

Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles was the Monday night game. One week after barely surviving the first ever NFL game in Brazil on a rare Friday Night Football edition, the Eagles were in prime time again on Monday night. They were expected to handle the Falcons, who looked awful at home in their opener. After a scoreless first quarter, the Falcons in the second quarter moved from their own 27 to the Philadelphia 21. Younghoe Koo hit a 39 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Falcons. After a touchback, Jalen Hurts hit Smith for 18. On 4th and 3 from the Atlanta 41, Nick Sirianni decided to go for it. Hurts scrambled for 23. On 3rd and 11 from the Atlanta 19, Hurts gained 15. hurts hit Smith for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Eagles. The Falcons took over at their own 14 with 5 minutes left in the half and used it all. They moved to a 1st and goal at the 3 with 22 seconds left in the half. A run lost a yard and kirk Cousins threw incomplete twice. Koo hit from 22 to end the half with the Falcons only down 7-6. After a third quarter touchback, the Falcons moved to a 3rd and 4 at the Philadelphia 8. Cousins was sacked. Koo hit again from 34 to make it 9-7 Falcons. After another touchback the Eagles moved to a 3rd and 3 at the Atlanta 6. Hurts threw incomplete. Both teams moved deep but not to the end zone. Jake Elliott hit from 29 to make it 10-9 Eagles.

After a touchback, the Falcons soon faced 4th and 4 at their own 47. The obvious call was to punt. Raheem Morris thought otherwise. Cousins hit McCloud for 12. Cousins then went deep to Mooney for a 41 yard touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Falcons led 15-10. After a touchback, the Eagles mounted a mind-numbing 17 play, 70 yard drive that took a whopping 9 1/2 minutes off of the clock. The fourth quarter began with the Eagles facing 3rd and 4 at their own 46. Out of the shotgun, Hurts hit Covey for 9. On 4th and 1 at the Atlanta 46, Nick Sirianni went for it and Hurts took the tush push for 3 yards. On 3rd and 2 from the Atlanta 35, Hurts gained 12 yards. On 3rd and 3 from the Atlanta 5, Hurts went to Saquon Barkley for 4. It was another tush push as Hurts got the one yard touchdown. Barkley ran in the 2 point conversion to put the Eagles up 18-15 with 6:47 left in regulation.

One minute later, on 4th and 1 from his own 39, Raheem Morris went for it rather than punting and playing field position. Robinson got stuffed for no gain. The Eagles moved to a 3rd and 3 at the Atlanta 10. Only 1:46 remained. The Falcons were out of timeouts. A run would take the clock down to one minute. For some crazy reason, Nick Sirianni called a pass play. Hurts threw it right to Barkley, who just dropped it. Yes, Barkley dropped it. Yet it was still a strange call that preserved 40 to 45 precious seconds of clock. Elliott hit the 29 yard field goal to put the Eagles up 21-15, but they did not close the door.

After a touchback, Cousins hit Pitts for 11. Cousins then went to Mooney for monster gains of 21 and 26. On 3rd and 5 from the Philadelphia 7, Cousins hit London for the touchdown. The Falcons now had a one point lead with only 34 seconds left. After a touchback from his own 43, Hurts went deep and was intercepted. While Cousins earned his $100 million contract on this night, the Eagles were left to wonder what could and should have been. 22-21 Falcons

 

NFL 2024 Week 2 Prequel

September 12th, 2024

NFL 2024 Week 2 Prequel

Thursday, September 12, 2024, 8pm

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins (-2 1/2) — The Dolphins looked listless for large stretches last week until mounting a comeback. The Bills also fell behind early before righting the ship. The Bills swept the season series last year and stole the division from Miami at the last moment. The Bills have the better defense. Until the Dolphins show they can beat the Bills, they don’t get the benefit of the doubt. Upset special, Bills win outright                                     

Sunday, September 15, 1pm

Las Vegas Raiders at Baltimore Ravens (-8 1/2) — The Raiders defense is improved. Their running game is terrible, affecting their whole offense. The Ravens lost their road opener at Kansas City by the length of one toe. The Ravens will be angry. Lamar Jackson is tough to corral. Ravens cover

Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) — The Browns looked like the same old Browns in a blowout home loss against Dallas. The Jaguars were on the verge of building a 17 point lead when they gave the game away at Miami. Trevor Lawrence has shown he can play. Deshaun Watson has not shown he can return his old form. Jaguars cover

New York Jets (-4) at Tennessee Titans — Both teams looked awful in their opening week losses. Aaron Rodgers is obviously better than Will Levis, and the Jets have the better defense. Yet it is hard to trust the Jets with such a high spread on the road until they prove themselves. Jets win but fail to cover

San Francisco 49ers at (5 1/2) Minnesota Vikings — Both teams won last week, but a victory over the Giants might not count. The 49ers obliterated what was supposed to be a good football team, and they did it without McCaffrey. The spread is high for a road team. 49ers win but fail to cover

 

Los Angeles Chargers (-6) at Carolina Panthers — The Jim Harbaugh tea began with a win, and now they face off against perhaps the worst team in the league. The Panthers are a total mess. Expect Justin Herbert to throw the ball at will. Chargers cover 

Seattle Seahawks (3 1/2) at New England Patriots — Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick are gone, but both teams got impressive wins in their opener. The Seahawks have more talent on offense while the Patriots had solid defensive performance in their road win at Cincinnati. Go with the home crowd absent any compelling storylines. Upset special, Patriots win outright

New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys (-6 1/2) — The Saints put up 47 points last week, but Carolina is awful. The Cowboys are expected to make a deep playoff run and they won easily at Cleveland last week. The spread is high but this week will tell us if the saints are for real and if the cowboys really are that good as advertised. Cowboys cover

New York Giants at Washington Commanders (-1 1/2) — This is the Stupor Bowl. League rules prevent this game from  being canceled. After losing by 22 points at home, the Giants do not deserve the benefit of the doubt even against the lowly Commanders. Commanders cover

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions (-7 1/2) — The Lions showed guts and heart in surviving the Rams in overtime at home.Yet the spread is too high against a Buccaneers team that is not bad. Baker Mayfield can play, and he has solid wide receivers to throw to. Jared Goff should fare well enough to win, especially with Dan Campbell willing to go big and bold when needed. Lions win but fail to cover

Indianapolis Colts (-2 1/2) at Green Bay Packers — Both of these teams were awful when Lindy Infante coached them 30 years ago. Jordan Love suffered an injury in the final seconds of the loss in Brazil, and the oddsmakers are not impressed with Malik Willis. Anthony Richardson looked impressive. If he can stay healthy, he will light up the league. Yet it’s hard to bet against the Packers at home, especially since the team has enough talent at the skill positions to rally around Willis. Upset special, Packers win outright

4pm

Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals (-1) — The Cardinals put up a fight at Buffalo in a loss. They are an improved team with a healthy Kyler Murray, but the Rams are a superior team. Despite their loss at Detroit, it is tough to go against an offense led by Sean McVay. The Rams have more offensive weapons. Upset special, Rams win outright

Pittsburgh Steelers (-2 1/2) at Denver Broncos — The Steelers won on the road las week without scoring a touchdown. Justin Fields filled in for the injured Russell Wilson and will again. The Broncos lost last week. Neither team is that good or that bad. So in a battle of average teams with great coaches, go with the home crowd. Upset special, Broncos win outright

Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs (-5 1/2) — The Bengals looked awful in a home loss to New England, but they traditionally get off to slow starts before ramping up. The Chiefs barely survived their home opener by a toe. These teams play each other tough. Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes have different styles but both get the job done. The Bengals have had success in Arrowhead. The spread is too high for a Chiefs team that often was close games. Chiefs win but fail to cover

8pm

Chicago Bears at Houston Texans (-6 1/2) — This really does not deserve to be a prime time game, but the league wants to showcase Caleb Williams. Last week the Bears came back and won despite having no offense. CJ Stroud led the Texans to a thrilling road win at Indianapolis. Stroud proved himself in his rookie season. Williams has not proven anything yet. DeMeco Ryans has proven himself as a coach. Matt Eberflus has not. Go with the better team at home. Texans cover

Monday, September 16, 8pm

Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles (-6 1/2)