THE TYGRRRR EXPRESS

NFL 2025 Week 11 Recap

New York Patriots at New York Jets was the Thursday night game. Bill “The Tuna” Parcells went from the Patriots to the Jets and Bill Belichick went from the Jets to the Patriots. Whenever Parcells played against one of his former teams, it was a “Tuna Bowl.” These were blood feuds. The tradition continued on this night. Aaron Glenn is a Parcells disciple while Mike Vrabel is from the Belichick tree. Yet the Patriots were the far better team and they were at home. This game had mismatch all over it. The Jets began facing 3rd and 1 at their own 37. Breece Hall gained 11. On 3rd and 4 from the New England 45, Justin Fields gained 14. On 3rd and 5 from the New England 27, Davis gained 7. On 3rd and 6 from the New England 16, Fields went to Mitchell for 10. Fields ran for a 5 yard touchdown to cap the 14 play 72 yard, 8 minute drive to make it 7-0 Jets. 

The Patriots took over at their own 31. Defensive unnecessary roughness added 15. On 4th and 2 from the Jets 38, Mike Vrabel went for it. Drake Maye went to Douglas for 7. On 3rd and 3 from the Jets 24, Maye went to Stefan Diggs for 5. The second quarter began with the Patriots facing 3rd and 1 from the Jets 10. Henderson gained 3 and then ran for the 7 yard touchdown. Each team scored on their first possession as the 13 play, 69 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive meant a 7-7 game. The Patriots got it back at their own 17. Maye went to Hunter Henry for 23. On 3rd and 7 from their own 43, Maye found Henry for 12. Maye hit Mack Hollins for big gains of 19 and 20. Henderson ran for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Patriots. The Patriots missed a field goal to end the half but got the ball in the third quarter at their own 31. Maye went to Hollins for 17 and to Diggs for 21 and 18. Maye threw a 6 yard touchdown to Henderson to make it 21-7 Patriots.

The Jets after a touchback tried to make a game of it. Fields went to Taylor for 7 and to Ruckert for 10. on 3rd and 6 from the New England 22, Fields went to Metchie for the touchdown. With 3 minutes left in the third quarter, the Jets were within 21-14. Yet in the fourth quarter the Patriots defense closed the door. Borregales hit field goals of 44 and 26, the latter set up by a Jets fumble. Just before the 2 minute warning the Jets faced 4th and 4 from the New England 15. Needing a touchdown to survive, Fields threw incomplete. he Jets fell to 2-8 while the Patriots are 9-2 on the year. 27-14 Patriots

Washington Commanders at Miami Dolphins was the Sunday early morning game from Madrid, Spain. These teams met in 2 Super bowls, each winning once. This game was not that significant, but the first ever game in Madrid was competitive. The game was tied 3-3 after one quarter and 6-6 at the half in a game deserving no more elaboration. A strong second half kickoff return had the Commanders beginning the third quarter at their own 41. Rodriguez had a pair of 12 yard gains. Marcus Mariota threw a 20 yard touchdown pass to Deebo Samuel to have the Commanders up 13-6 after three quarters. A field position game had the Dolphins facing 3rd and 7 at midfield. Tua Tagovailoa went to Washington for gains of 13 and 11. The Dolphins began the fourth quarter at the Washington 20. Tagovailoa went to Devon Achane for 9 and 7. On 3rd and goal at the one, Gordon got in for a 13-13 game. Both teams then turned it over on downs. With 15 seconds left, Matt Gay’s 56 yard field goal try to give the Commanders the win was wide right no good. On the first play of overtime, Mariota was immediately intercepted. The Dolphins took over at the Washington 33. Riley Patterson hit the 29 yard field goal to end things. 16-13 Dolphins, OT

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers — Earlier this year Al Michaels referred to the battle between over 40 quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers as the “Alta Caca (Old Fart) Bowl.” Yet the two gun-slingers put on a great game n Cincinnati that the Bengals won 33-31 on the final play. The rematch in Pittsburgh was a completely different game early on, as the defenses dominated. The Steelers began facing 3rd and 1 at their own 31, Heyward took the direct snap and gained 2. Aaron Rodgers then went to DK Metcalf for 17. Jalen warren broke off a 35 yard run. Rodgers went to Kenneth Gainwell for an 11 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Steelers. The Bengals soon faced 3rd and 11 from their own 28. Flacco went to Iosivas for just enough. On 3rd and 6 from their own 43, Flacco went to Iosivas for 7. Brown ran for 15. Flacco went deep to Tee Higgins for a 28 yard touchdown. Zac Taylor went for an unnecessary 2 point conversion try that failed as the Bengals trailed 7-6. The defenses dug in as Chris Boswell hit a 25 yard field goal to end the half for the Steelers. Yet Rodgers took a hard shot and suffered an injured hand on the drive. Mason Rudolph finished the game. In the third quarter Evan McPherson hit from 43 for the Bengals and Boswell answered from 30 to make it 13-9 Steelers.

The key play in the game came at the end of the third quarter. The Bengals were facing 3rd and 9 from the Pittsburgh 35 with a chance to take the lead. Flacco was intercepted by Duggar, who took the pic 74 yards the other way to pay dirt. The defensive touchdown gave the Steelers breathing room up 20-9. McPherson hit again from 48 with 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation, but after that the Steelers from their own 35 turned out the lights. On 3rd and 1, Gainwell gained 2. On 3rd and 11 from their own 45, Rudolph hit Warren for 20. Rudolph went to Gainwell for 28 and again for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 27-12 Steelers. One play after the kickoff, the Bengals fumbled and Pierre returned it 35 yards for the defensive exclamation point touchdown. A close game turned into a blowout. 34-12 Steelers

Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars — In the playoffs a few years ago, the Chargers led 27-0 in the first half only to have the Jaguars win 31-30 on the final play.  These teams have gone in different directions since then. This year has reflected that as the 7-3 Chargers took on a Jaguars team that has faded since a 4-1 start. Early on the Jaguars turned it over on downs, leading to a 41 yard Cameron Dicker field goal and a 3-0 Chargers lead. From their own 26, the Jaguars stormed back. Trevor Lawrence hit Mundt and Washington for 9 apiece. A 31 yard defensive pass interference penalty was followed by Tuten running for 11 and then the 4 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Panthers. A second quarter interception led to another Dicker field goal, but the Chargers offense took the remaining 43 minutes off. 

The Jaguars took over at their own 40. Tuten ran for 15. Liam Cohen went for it on 4th and 1 from the Chargers 36. Tuten gained 4. Lawrence found Mundt for 16. Travis Etienne gained 8, 6, and the 2 yard touchdown to have the Jaguars up 14-6 at the intermission. From their own 35 to start the third quarter, Lawrence hit Washington for 11. On 3rd and 12 from their own 44, Lawrence hit Jakobi Meyers for 21 and Patrick for 10. On 3rd and goal at the 6, Lawrence threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the one. Lawrence got in to make it 21-6 Jaguars. In the fourth quarter the Jaguars pounded the Chargers into submission. A staggering 16 play, 76 yard drive took 9 1/2 minutes off the clock. Lawrence hit Patrick for a one yard touchdown. On the very next play from scrimmage, an interception of Herbert had the Jaguars at the Chargers 13. Two plays and 13 seconds from that spot, Etienne got in for the touchdown. 28 unanswered points completed the blowout. 35-6 Jaguars

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills — A pair of 6-3 teams looked to rebound after losing last week. This was a pinball shootout thriller. An early interception of Josh Allen led to the Buccaneers facing 1st and goal at the 7. Yet on 3rd and goal at the 5, Baker Mayfield threw incomplete. Chase McLaughlin hit from 23 to make it 3-0 Buccaneers. A 61 yard kickoff return by Mecole Hardman had the Bills starting at the Tampa By 36. Sean McDermott went for it on 4th and 4. Allen hit Gabriel Davis for 7. On 3rd and 2 from the Tampa Bay 15, Allen gained 4. On 3rd and 1 from the Bucs 2, Allen got in. The Bills led 7-3, but the lead change was the first of many in what became an aerial show. 

The Buccaneers took over at their own 31. Mayfield went to Shepard for 16. On 3rd and 2 from the Buffalo 41, Mayfield ran for 13. The second quarter had the Buccaneers facing 4th and 1 at the Buffalo 4. Todd Bowles went for it and Mayfield scrambled for the touchdown to make it 10-7 Buccaneers. The Bills soon faced 3rd and 6 at their own 33. Allen went to Palmer for 13. Allen went deep to Shavers for a 43 yard touchdown to make it 14-10 Bills. The Buccaneers took over at their own 34. White ran for 9 and 2. On 3rd and 12 from their own 43, Mayfield found Shepard for 14. Tucker ripped off a 43 yard touchdown run to have the Buccaneers up 17-14. With 1:08 left in the half, the Bills were pinned at their own 8. Allen went to Shavers for 20 with 15 more tacked on for roughing the passer. On 3rd and 5 from their own 48, Allen connected with Johnson for a 52 yard touchdown to make it 21-17 Bills. Yet 36 seconds still remained. The Buccaneers moved from their own 36 to a 2nd and 4 at the Buffalo 11 with 5 seconds left. McLaughlin’s 29 yard field goal try was blocked, but defensive holding gave him a second chance. He was good for 24 as the Buccaneers trailed 21-20 at the intermission.

In the third quarter the Bills fumbled a punt and the Buccaneers recovered at the Buffalo 43. Tucker ran for 14. On 3rd and 3 from the Buffalo 14 Mayfield ran for 8. Tucker ran for a 6 yard touchdown. Todd Bowles went for 2 and Mayfield was sacked. Yet the 6th lead change of the game had the Buccaneers up 26-21. A great kickoff return gave the Bills a short field at the Tampa Bay 46. They settled for a 39 yard Matt Prater field goal as the Bills trailed 26-24. Yet Mayfield was then intercepted by Bishop, who returned the pick 12 yards to the Tampa Bay 25. One play and 5 seconds later, Allen went to James Cook for the touchdown. The 7th lead change had the Bills up 31-26. The Buccaneers soon faced 3rd and 1 at their own 47. Tucker gained 4. On 3rd and 6 from the Buffalo 45, Mayfield ran for 8 as the third quarter ended. On 3rd and 1 from the Buffalo 28 to start the fourth quarter, Mayfield went to Tucker for the touchdown. The game’s 8th lead change had the Buccaneers up 32-31 after the failed 2 point conversion try. 

The Bills took over at their own 19. Allen hit Cook for 18. On 3rd and 11 from their own 36, Allen found Samuel for 14. Allen went to Davis for 22 and to Dawson Knox for 23 more. Allen ran for a 5 yard touchdown. The NFL record for lead changes in one game is 11. The 9th lead change in this game had the Bills up 37-32 after the failed 2 point try with a full 9 minutes left in regulation. The Buccaneers faced 3rd and 2 from their own 39. Mayfield threw incomplete. The Buccaneers punted and the Bills took over at their own 15. Cook had a pair of 8 yard runs sandwiched around an 11 yard completion from Allen to Davis. Allen then went to Cook for 23. 

With 3 minutes left on 3rd and 4 from the Tampa Bay 29, Allen completed a pass for a 2 yard loss. Yet a killer defensive facemask penalty gave the Bills a new set of downs. Allen ran for a 9 yard touchdown with 2 1/2 minutes left to ice the game. Allen showed why he is the defending league MVP, scoring 6 touchdowns. He threw for 3 scores and had 3 more on the ground. 44-32 Bills

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings — An NFC North battle saw the surprisingly good Bears take on a Viking team that has regressed since last year’s 14-3 season. In Week 1 in Chicago, the Bears dominated for three quarters before the Vikings exploded for a 21 point fourth quarter and the win. Will Reichard hit a 31 yard first quarter field goal for a 3-0 Vikings lead. The Bears took ov er in the second quarter at their own 26. Caleb Williams ran for 7 and found Burden for 14 sandwiched in between runs by Swift of 8 and 6. On 3rd and 3 from the Minnesota 38, Moore got just enough. On 3rd and 1 from the Minnesota 16, Williams gained 3. On 3rd and 4 from the Minnesota 7, Monangai gained 6 and then got the one yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Bears. An interception of JJ McCarty was returned 23 yards by Byard to the Minnesota 25. Cairo Santos hit a 38 yard field goal to make it 10-3 Bears. Santos hit from 54 and 33 as the Bears had a 16-3 stranglehold after three quarters. Yet again, they did not put the game away.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Bears had to punt on 4th and 23 from their own 19. A 43 yard punt return by Price set up the Vikings at the Chicago 24. Mason did the rest, running for 8 and then for the 16 yard touchdown. The Vikings were within 16-10. For the Bears, this was a failure to close out the game, FCO1. The Bears moved from their own 35 to a 4th and 3 at the Minnesota 27 midway through the fourth quarter. Santos came in for a 45 yard try to give the Bears some breathing room. Santos was wide left no good. This was FCO2. With 3:15 left, the Vikings began their last chance at their own 18. McCarthy went to TJ Hockenson for 21. At the 2 minute warning the Vikings faced 4th and 4 at their own 45. McCarthy went to Jordan Addison for 5. This was FCO3. From midfield, McCarthy put on a clinic. He hit Justin Jefferson for 8, Hockenson for 11, Naylor for 16, and Addison for a 15 yard touchdown. For the Bears, this was FCO4. For the Vikings, they had a 17-16 lead with only 50 seconds left.

Devon Hester may be retired and in the Hall of Fame, but Devin Duvernay also knows how to return kicks. He returned the ensuing kickoff 56 yards to the Minnesota 40. With 4 seconds left, Santos came in for a 48 yard try for the win and redemption. With everything on the line, this time Santos snuck it just inside the left upright good. The Vikings fell from a 14-3 playoff team last year to 4-6 this year. The Bears are 7-3. They lead the NFC North. Yet their critics will rightly point out that they have yet to beat a team with a winning record. 19-17 Bears

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans — The Texans started the season miserably but have come on strong in recent weeks thanks to their stout defense. For the second straight week Davis Mills had to start for the injured CJ Stroud. Last week Mills was awful as the Texans trailed by 19 points after three quarters. Then the Texans ripped off a 26 yard fourth quarter for a shocking win. The Titans are just dreadful. Yet much of this game was a defensive slog as Houston’s offense again looked awful for long stretches. Joey Slye hit a 56 yard field goal at the end of the first quarter and a 47 yarder in the third quarter as the Titans had the stunning 6-0 lead. 

After a touchback the Texans finally got going. Mills hit Nico Collins for 18 and 14. Mills went deep to Higgins for 23. Mills found Collins for a 3 yard touchdown to put the Texans up 7-6. The Texans got it back at their own 14 and moved to a 4th and 5 at the Tennessee 23. Matt Wright hit from 41 to have the Texans up 10-6 after three quarters. Early in the fourth quarter on 3rd and 10 from his own 42, Cam Ward was sacked and Fumbled. The Texans took over at the Tennessee 42. Yet on 4th and 1 from the Tennessee 25 on the road, Demeco Ryans took no chances. Wright hit from 43 as the Texans led 13-6 with 12 minutes left in regulation.

With 5 minutes left, the Titans began their last chance drive at their own 5 yard line. They were not going to go 95 yards against Houston’s defense. On 3rd and 4Ward hit Helm for 6. On 3rd and 10 from their own 17, Ward threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant an 18 yard gain. Ward ran for 20. With 1:55 left on 3rd and 16 from the Houston 46, Ward went deep to Okonkwo for 39. Ward found Jefferson for a 3 yard touchdown. With 1:35 left the game was tied 13-13. The Texans moved from their own 35 to a 3rd and 16 at their own 42 with only 50 seconds left. Mills went to Collins for 17. Marks ran for 9, 5 and 2. With 2 seconds left, Wright came in for a 35 yard field goal try to win it. Wright was good. The Texans had clawed all the way back to 5-5 on the year.  16-13 Texans

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons — The Falcons came in having lost 4 straight. The Panthers looked awful to start the season but have rattled off several wins since then. Earlier this season in Carolina, the Panthers blanked the Falcons 30-0. In this game the Panthers began facing 3rd and 2 at their own 35. Bryce Young went to Coker for 15. Dave Canales gambled on 4th and 2 from the Atlanta 42. Young hit Xavier Legette for 22. On 3rd and 5 from the Atlanta 15, Young hit McMillan for 11. Young found McMillan for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Panthers. After that the Falcons took over.

From their own 25, Michael Penix went deep to London for 30 and back to London for 41 more. Bijan Robinson ran for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. In the second quarter the Falcons got the ball back at their own 5. Robinson gashed the defense for big gains of 5, 19, 7 and 6. Penix found Mooney for 20. On 3rd and 1 from the Carolina 29, a run lost a yard but defensive holding meant a 5 yard gain. On 3rd and 10 from the Carolina 24, Penix hit Mooney for 12 and Robinson for 11. Robinson go the last yard to make it 14-7 Falcons. The Falcons got it bak at their own 41. Robinson gained 11. On 3rd and 8 from the Carolina 46, Penix found London for 9 and again for 22. Tyler Allgeier got the last yard as the Falcons led 21-7 with 1:41 left in the half. Yet after 3 touchdowns, the Falcons would not reach the end zone again. It was up to their defense to protect a 14 point lead.

Fitzgerald hit a 34 yard field goal to have the Panthers down 21-10 at the midpoint. The Panthers began the third quarter facing 3rd and 1 at their own 41. Rico Dowdle gained 2. Young hit Coker for 21 and then went deep to Leggette for a 36 yard touchdown. The unnecessary 2 point conversion try failed but the Panthers were within 21-16. The Falcons fumbled the ensuing kickoff to set the Panthers up at the Atlanta 32. On 4th and 1 from the Atlanta 8, Dave Canales gambled and Young was blown up for a one yard loss. The Falcons suffered a bigger blow when Penix left the game injured on the next drive. Kirk Cousins finished the rest of the game. The Panthers got the ball back at their own 21 and moved to a 4th and 6 at the Atlanta 16. This time it was Fitzgerald hitting a 34 yard field goal as the Panthers were within 21-19 after three quarters.

In the fourth quarter Dave Canales gambled again on 4th and 1 from their own 55. This time Young was blown up for a 5 yard loss. With the short field, Zane Gonzales hit a 52 yard field goal to have the Falcons up 24-19 with only 2:43 to play. The Panthers were down to their las gasp facing 4th and 4 at their own 41 with 1:54 left. Young went to Sanders for 10, to Tremayne for 11, and to Dowdle for a 28 yard touchdown pass. Young went back to Dowdle for the 2 point conversion as the Panthers led 27-24 with 90 seconds left. 

A strong kickoff return had the Falcons takin over at their own 45 with 1:08 left. With 16 seconds left, Gonzalez came in for a 45 yard try to tie the game. Gonzalez was good as the game was tied 27-27. The Falcons got the ball first in overtime but lost a yard and punted. The Panthers took over at their own 30. A short pass from Young to Tommy Tremble saw him weave in, out, and around the entire defense for a 54 yard gain. Fitzgerald came in for a 28 yarder to win it. Fitzgerald was good. The Panthers swept the season series and have clawed their way to 6-5 on the year. For the Falcons, the loss was the tip of the iceberg. Penix had to be placed on injured reserve and is out for the rest of the season. 30-27 Panthers, OT

Green Bay Packers at New York Giants — These teams have had epic battles over the decades, but this game was not expected to be that. The Packers are a good team coming off a loss while the 2-8 Giants finally put Brian Daboll out of his misery. Offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Mike Kafka is the interim coach starting his very first NFL game as the head coach. Meanwhile, with Jaxson Dart out with a concussion and Russell Wilson playing badly, there was a Jameis Winston sighting. The Giants 3rd stringer who throws plenty of touchdown passes to both teams got his first start in awhile. The Giants began facing 3rd and 5 at their own 40. Winston does throw a great deep ball, and he hit Robinson for 20. Winston went to Hodgins for 20. Singletary ran for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Giants. 

The Packers eventually faced 3rd and 1 at their own 47. Josh Jacobs gained 2. Melton gained 17.  A couple plays later Jordan Love left the game injured. Malik Willis came in for the battle of the backups. On 3rd and 8 from the Giants 32, Willis gained 16. Jacobs ran for 6 and 5 to end the first quarter and for 4 more to start the second quarter. On 3rd and goal at the one, Willis found Watson for the touchdown. The extra point was no good but the 12 play, 62 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive had the Packers within 7-6. The Packers got the ball back with Love back in the game. On 3rd and 7 at their own 19. Love went to Watson for 12 and to Golden for 24. On 3rd and 8 from the Giants 43, Love found Romeo Doubs for just enough. Love found Doubs again for 22. Wilson ran for an 11 yard touchdown for a 13-7 Packers lead.

The Giants soon faced 3rd and 12 at their own 30. Winston found Tracy for 20. Tracy had a pair of 5 yard runs. On 3rd and 1 from the Green Bay 28, Winston gained 10. Defensive pass interference added 14. Singletary ran for a 2 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good as each team’s missed extra point had the game tied 13-13. The Packers began the third quarter facing 3rd and 1 at their own 43. Love hit Watson for 16. Defensive pass interference added 35. Love went to Whyte for a 2 yard touchdown. Another missed extra point had the Packers up 19-13 at the half. Then came a typical New York Giants drive. 16 plays. 56 yards. 10 minutes off the clock. On 4th and 3 from the Green Bay 10, rather than kick the field goal,  Mike Kafka went for it. Winston was sacked. 

The Giants got the ball back at their own 15 to start the fourth quarter.  Another long drive took 15 plays and 8 minutes. On 3rd and 5 Winston hit Tracy for 20. Tracy ran for 5 and 8. On 3rd and 7 from the Green Bay 44, Winston hit Johnson for 14. On 4th and 2 from the Green Bay 22 with a full 9 minutes left, Mike Kafka again passed up a short field goal and went for it. This time Winston hit Hodgins for 13. Winston ran for a one yard touchdown to cap the 85 yard drive. Missed kicks had Younghoe Koo getting kicked out of Atlanta. Yet this time he made the extra point as the Giants led 20-19 midway through the fourth quarter.

The Packers took over at their own 35. On 3rd and 10 from their own 47, Love went deep to Williams for 33. Love went to Watson for a 17 yard touchdown. Matt LaFleur went for 2 and Love hit Wilson successfully. The Packers led by 7, but the Giants still had 4 minutes left. After a touchback, the Giants moved to a 3rd and 6 at the Green Bay 14 with 40 seconds left. There was plenty of time for Winston to be the hero. He went to the end zone and was intercepted by Williams for a touchback. The Giants actually got the ball back at their own 35, but only 10 seconds remained. Winston has a cannon of an arm. A Hail Mary could reach the end zone. Instead, Winston was sacked and fumbled the ball away. The Packers escaped to get to 6-3 on the year. 27-20 Packers

Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams — This is why we watch football. This NFC West showdown has a pair of 7-2 teams tied for the division lead. Last week Seattle blasted Arizona to pieces while the Rams went into the San Francisco and humiliated their hated rival. Early on the Rams turned it over on downs while the Seahawks saw Sam Darnold throw an interception. Kinchens returned the interception 31 yards to the Seattle 3 yard line. On 2nd and goal at the one, Corum got stopped twice. Sean McVay went for it. On 4th and goal at the one, Kyren Williams got in to make it 7-0 Rams. Jason Myers hit a 57 yard field goal for the Seahawks, but the Rams offense was hot early on. On 1st and 20 from their own 16, Matthew Stafford hit Tyler Higbee for 23. On 3rd and 3 from their own 46, Stafford hit Puka Nacua for 10. On 4th and 1 from the Seattle 35, Mcvay gambled again. Williams ripped off a 34 yard gain down to the one. Stafford went to Davante Adams for the touchdown as the Rams led 14-3 after the first quarter. The rest of the game belonged to the defenses.

The Seahawks gradually chipped away. Myers hit from 30 and from 22 in the second quarter and from 29 in the third quarter. All those trips to the red zone, and the Seahawks could not crack the end zone. Yet they only trailed 14-12 after three quarters. Yet late in the third quarter, Darnold’s third interception was returned 22 yards by Kinchens to the Seattle 25. On 3rd and 1, Williams ran for 10. Stafford hit Cody Parkinson for a 6 yard touchdown and a 21-12 Rams lead one minute into the fourth quarter. Darnold then threw his 4th interception. Yet the Rams did not close the door. With 6 minutes left the seahawks took over at their own 16. Darnold went to Walker for 23 and former Rams star Cooper Kupp for 9 and 7. Darnold found Jackson Smith-Nigba for 9 and ran for 8 himself. Datnold found Smith-Nigba for 13 and Kupp for 7. From the one, Walker got in. The Seahawks only trailed by 2 points with 2:23 left. Seattle’s defense held but a great punt pinned the Seahawks at their own one with 1:41 left. The Seahawks moved to the Rams 43 yard line with one second left. Myers came in for a 61 yard field goal try. He had hit from that distance in a previous game against the Rams. Yet this time his kick was wide and short as the Rams survived. A rematch of these teams in the NFC Title Game would be well worth the watch. 21-19 Rams

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals — The 49ers have struggled in recent weeks, with a bunch of injuries taking their toll. They were beaten badly at home by the Rams last week. Yet after several weeks with backup Mac Jones, Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy was back on the field. Arizona is just awful, which has been the case for most of their existence that began in 1899. The 49ers exploded out of the gate. Moore returned the opening kickoff 98 yards, but not for a touchdown. He was caught at the Arizona one yard line. Christian McCaffrey got in on the first play from scrimmage to make it 7-0 49ers. The 49ers got it back and soon faced 3rd and 8 at their own 32. Purdy went to Jennings for 25, to Robinson for 13, and to George Kittle for a 30 yard touchdown. The extra point was blocked but the 49ers led 13-0.

The Cardinals soon faced 3rd and 3 at their own 35. Jacoby Brissett went to Wilson for 34. On 3rd and 1 from the San Francisco 8, Brissett gained 2. Knight ran for the 6 yard touchdown to get the Cardinals within 13-7. A 58 yard field goal try by Ryland to get the Cardinals within 13-10 was no good. The 49ers took over at their own 48. Purdy went to Jennings for 11. McCaffrey gained 14. From the Arizona 27 to start the second quarter, Purdy went to Kittle for 10. Purdy found McCaffrey for a 9 yard touchdown. Another missed extra point had the 49ers up 19-7. Ryland made a 26 yard field goal to get the Cardinals within 19-10. After that the 49ers slammed the door shut.

Pineiro hit from 48 and 47 in the second quarter and from 47 in the third quarter to have the 49ers up 28-10. Turnovers killed the Cardinals, and an interception of Brissett was returned 64 yards by Lenoir to the Arizona 14. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Purdy went to Kittle for the touchdown to have the 49ers cruising up 35-10 after three quarters. The Cardinals managed a pair of garbage touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but sandwiched in between them was another 4 yard touchdown run by McCaffrey. Purdy is clearly Mr. Relevant. As for Brissett, he set an NFL record in the loss with 47 completions. He finished 47 of 57 for 452 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. 41-22 49ers

Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns — The Ravens started 1-5 after suffering a hail of injuries. Then Lamar Jackson returned and the Ravens won 3 straight. The Browns have a decent defense and no offense. Tyler Loop hit a 25 yard field goal for the Ravens and Szmyt responded from 30 for a 3-3 game after the first quarter. Szmyt hit from 24 in the second quarter for a 6-3 Browns lead. Jackson was then intercepted by Bush, who returned the pick 23 yards to pay dirt the other way. Midway through the second quarter, the Browns had a surprising 13-3 lead.

The Ravens took over at their own 37. Derrick Henry ran for 9 and 6. Jackson went deep to Bay Flowers for a 45 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the 3, the Browns jumped into the neutral zone. From the one, Henry got in to have the Ravens within 13-10. Szmyt hit a 46 yarder as the Browns took a 16-10 lead to the locker rooms. Yet when the second half began, the Browns fans thought they had a different reason to cheer for all the wrong reasons. Dillon Gabriel was injured. It was time for the Shedeur Sanders era to begin. For those who tried hard to forget, Shedeur is the trash talking son of Hall of Fame Deion “Prime Time” Sanders. Yet Prime backed it up on the field. Shedeur slid from being the top overall pic in the Draft to a 5th round selection. Critics said he was just not that good. He kept squawking. Now it was time to see if Shedeur Sanders was more Otto Graham or more Johnny Manziel. He had a lead and just needed to manage the game.

On his first drive on 3rd and 8 from his own 27, Sanders was sacked for an 11 yard loss. On his next drive on 3rd and 10 from his own 17, Sanders was intercepted. The Browns defense got the ball back by intercepting Jackson. The third quarter was scoreless. The next Browns drive had them facing 3rd and 6 from their own 39. Sanders was sacked for a 14 yard loss. The Ravens took over at their own 32. Although Henry ripped off a 59 yard gain, the Dawg Pound managed to hold the Ravens to a 24 yard field goal and a 16-13 Ravens deficit. The Ravens got the ball back at their own 20 and moved to the Cleveland 26. Loop hit from 44 as the game was tied 16-16 with 5 minutes left. Sanders still had a chance to be a hero. 

After a pair of incompletions, on 3rd and 10 from his own 20, Sanders was flagged for a 15 yard intentional grounding penalty. The Browns punted on 4th and 25 from their own 5. A short 39 yard punt gave the Ravens the ball at the Cleveland 44. With 2 1/2 minutes left in a tie game, the Ravens faced 4th and 1 from the Cleveland 35. John Harbaugh went to his bag of tricks. Unlike Philadelphia, Baltimore does not do the tush push to protect Jackson. It’s a violent play. Last week tight end Mark Andrews lined up under center and handed the ball off. This week at the biggest moment in the game, Andrews lined up under center again. Yet rather than go up the middle, Andrews ran a naked bootleg that fooled everyone and went for the touchdown. 

The Browns trailed by 7 but still had 2 1/2 minutes to try and win the game. After a touchback, Sanders threw his best pass of the day, a 25 yard completion to Fannin. On 3rd and 10 from the Baltimore 40, Sanders went to Jerry Jeudy for just enough. Yet on 2nd and 5 from the Baltimore 25 with 1:!5 left, Sanders threw 3 straight incompletions. Sanders finished a miserable 4 of 16 for 47 yards, 0 touchdowns and one interception. He was still yapping in his postgame press conference. The bottom line is he played terribly. Meanwhile, the Ravens have won 4 straight and are now a 5-5 team clearly in the thick of things. 23-16 Ravens

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos — After 9 straight AFC West crowns, the Chiefs iron grip on the division seems to be weakening. After a slow start, they won some games to get to 5-4. Yet the Broncos are 8-2. Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix can both sling it, but Denver’s defense has been lights out. The first half was all field goals. Wil Lutz hit first quarter field goals of 29 and 24 for a 6-0 Broncos lead. The second field goal came despite the Broncos taking over at the Kansas City 11 after a 70 yard Marvin Mims punt return. Harris Butker hit from 31 in the first quarter and from 31 again in the second quarter for a 6–6 tie at halftime. The latter kick came after a 16 play, 77 yard, 9 1/2 minute drive could not garner a touchdown.

In the third quarter the Chiefs moved from their own 32 to a 3rd and 14 at the Denver 21. Then came a key play in the game. Mahomes rolled out and threw an interception to McMillan. The Broncos took over at their own 11. On 3rd and 8 from their own 25, Nix went to Franklin for 35 and to Cortland Sutton for 13. On 3rd and 2 from the Kansas city 19, Nix found Harvey for 11. McLaughlin ran for the 4 yard score to cap the 89 yard drive as the game’s first touchdown had the Broncos up 13-6 with 4 minutes left in the third quarter. The chefs soon faced 3rd and 7 at their own 28. Mahomes went deep to Thornton for 61. On 3rd and 1 from the denver 2, Karim Hunt got in. After three quarters, the game was deadlocked again 13-13. 

The Broncos took over at their own 20. Nix immediately went deep to Bryant for 48. Yet the drive died at the red zone. Lutz hit from 38 for a 16-13 Broncos lead with 13 minutes left in regulation. The Chiefs took over at their own 27. Hunt ran for 11. On 3rd and 20 from their own 28, Mahomes went deep and drew a 47 yard defensive pass interference penalty. On 3rd and 6 from the Denver 21, Mahomes found Travis Kelce for the touchdown. Butker’s extra point try was blocked as the Chiefs led 19-16 with 10 minutes left. A field position game had the Broncos taking over at their own 45 with 6 1/2 minutes left. Lutz nailed a 54 yard field goal for a 19-19 tie with 4 minutes left. Mahomes had the ball and the chance to be the hero for the billionth time. Yet this time he threw a pair of incompletions and on 3rd and 10 was sacked for an 11 yard loss. The Broncos got the ball at their own 26 with 3 minutes left. Nixon hit Sutton for 20. With one minute left from the Kansas City 47, Nix went deep to Franklin for 32. That was the difference. Lutz came in for a 35 yard try with 3 seconds left. His kick was good. The Broncos are 9-2 and he Chiefs are 5-5 and in deep trouble. 22-19 Broncos

Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles was the Sunday night game. In another potential blockbuster, the defending champions hosted last season’s team with the best regular season record. The 6-3 Lions offense was as potent as ever while the 7-2 Eagles were winning ugly. Yet one week after the Eagles won a brutal 10-7 game at Green Bay, this game was just as tough and nasty. An early interception of Jared Goff set up the Eagles at the Detroit 11. The Eagles settled for a 27 yard Jake Elliott field goal and a 3-0 Eagles leaf. Dan Campbell gambles have been the stuff of lore, but on this day he came up snake eyes. The Lions turned it over on downs twice in the second quarter. The latter led to a 34 yard Elliott field goal to make it 6-0 Eagles. Yet the Lions can strike quickly from anywhere. From their own 26, Goff went deep to Amon-Ra St Brown for 34 and to Williams for a 40 yard touchdown. Unsportsmanlike conduct on Williams after the touchdown meant a 48 yard extra point try. Jake Bates missed it as the game remained tied 6-6.

The Eagles took over at their own 36. Jalen Hurts went to AJ Brown and Dotson for a pair of 9 yard gains. Bigsby gained 17. Hurts hit Brown for 11. From the one, it was tush push time. with 16 seconds left in the half, Hurts got in to make it 13-6 Eagles. In the third quarter on 3 straight drives, Dan Campbell gambled on 4th down. All 3 times, he lost. He even tried a fake punt that failed. In a brutally tough game with points at a premium, field goals would have made sense. Instead the wasted opportunities meant a scoreless third quarter. The last turnover on downs gave the Eagles the ball at their own 45. Elliott hit a 49 yard field goal to make it 16-6 Eagles with 10 minutes left. With 3 minutes left the Eagles faced 4th and 1 at their own 29. This time it was Nick Sirianni who lost his mind. With Barry Switzer watching in football heaven. Hurts’s tush push was stopped cold short. At the 2 minute warning, Bates hit a 54 yard field goal to get the Lions within 7 points.

With 1:51 left, the Eagles faced 3rd and 8 at their own 37. Hurts threw incomplete, but then a flag came down. The Lions were flagged for defensive pass interference, giving the Eagles a critical first down. The call was horrendous. The receiver and the defender were jockeying for position. Both of them were clearly playing the ball. If anything could have been called, it would have been offensive pass interference. With football fans around the world in shock and disbelief, the Eagles took the clock down. The Lions took their last timeout with one minute left. Everything came down to the Eagles facing 3rd and 8 at their own 47. A run would allow the Eagles to take the clock down to under 15 seconds. The Lions would need a miracle such as a blocked punt. The Eagles could refuse to punt and kill the final seconds. It never came down to that. Saquon Barkley ran for an 8 yard gain. The Lions did not get the ball back. The Eagles are 8-2 and the Lions are 6-4 on the year. Again, Dan Campbell was far too aggressive in this game, even by his standards. 16-9 Eagles

Dallas Cowboys at Las Vegas Raiders was the Monday night game. The Raiders have a decent defense and a horrendous offense. Their offensive line is a sieve and Geno Smith makes too many dumb decisions. The Raiders just fired their special teams coach after losing games by one point due to a blocked field goal and three points from a blocked punt and a missed field goal. The Cowboys have a potent offense but no defense. They can’t stop anyone. Something had to give. An early sack of Dak Prescott forced a fumble that set up the Raiders at the Dallas 11. Geno Smith on his first play took a sack. This is because Chip Kelly refuses to run the ball. This is because the terrible offensive line can’t block. Daniel Carlson hit a 35 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Raiders. Brandon Aubrey hit from 50 and Carlson answered from 45. That was set p by the Raiders reaching 1st and 10 at the Dallas 17 before Smith was sacked again. Again, Chip Kelly won’t run the ball and the offensive line can’t block. The Raiders led 6-3 after the first quarter, but then reality set in.

The Cowboys took over at their own 32. Prescott went to George Pickens for 19 and 15. Williams ran for 10. The second quarter began with Prescott hitting CeeDee Lamb for an 18 yard touchdown to make it 10-6 Cowboys. The Cowboys got it back at their own 21. Prescott hit Pickens for 11. On 3rd and 3 from their own 39, Prescott hit Lamb for 14 and agin for 23. On 4th and 1 from the Raiders 5, Brian Schottenheimer went for it. Prescott went to Ferguson for the touchdown to cap the 12 play, 79 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive and make it 17-6 Cowboys. The Raiders moved to the Dallas 31. Smith then went deep and was intercepted by Bell, who returned the pick 24 yards to his own 31. On 3rd and 11 at the 2 minute warning, Prescott threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 22 yard gain. Williams ran for 16. Prescott went to Pickens for a 37 yard touchdown to make it 24-6 Cowboys with 1:10 left in the half. For some reason, the rest of the game was played.

The Raiders reached a 2nd and 5 at the Dallas 30 with 14 seconds left. Naturally, Smith threw incomplete twice. Carlson hit from 38 as the Raiders trailed 24-9. Chip Kelly only called 4 running plays in the entire first half. He began the third quarter by calling a run that lost 3 yards. He then abandoned the run and Smith threw incomplete again. The Cowboys took over at their own 20. On 3rd and 4 from their on 37, Prescott went to Pickens for 21 and to Luke for 12. Prescott hit Pickens for 17. Prescott found Flournoy for a 2 yard touchdown to cap the 12 play, 80 yard, 7 minute drive and make it 31-9 Cowboys. NFL rules do not allow games to be called for mismatch.

The Raiders actually managed a 14 play, 62 yard, 8 minute drive. Smith hit Tre Tucker for a 6 yard touchdown 90 seconds into the fourth quarter. The Raiders defense forced a stop as the Raiders had a ray of hope down 31-16. That hope quickly evaporated as a great punt pinned them at their own one yard line. First came a false start. Then came a deep handoff to Ashton Jeanty, who was gang tackled in the end zone for a safety to have the Cowboys up by 17. The Raiders tried to go onside kick on the free kick, which failed. The Cowboys took another 8 minutes off the clock and reached a 4th and 1 at the Raiders 4. With the chance for a 40 burger, Brian Schottenheimer went for it. Prescott had a wide open Lamb in the flat. There was no defender within a mile of Lamb. Lamb dropped the ball. 

With 4 minutes left in regulation, it did not matter. The Raiders offensive line can’t block, Chip Kelly won’t run the ball, Geno Smith has no pocket presence. Wash, rinse, repeat. The Raiders even went for it on 4th and 1 from their own 14. Smith was sacked. The Raiders even received a penalty for 12 men on the field when the Cowboys were trying to take a knee. Chip Kelly called 46 pass plays and only 11 runs. The Raiders had a net total of 28 yards rushing. The Cowboys still have a losing record but the Raiders are a miserable 2-8. 33-16 Cowboys 

NFL 2025 Week 11 Prequel

Thursday, November 13, 2025, 8pm

New York Patriots (-11 1/2) at New York Jets — Yes, the Patriots are the far superior team. However, the Jets have won two straight. The spread is too big for a road team on prime time against a team that is hungry and desperate. A garbage touchdown could defeat the spread. Patriots win but fail to cover

Sunday, November 16, 9:30am

Washington Commanders at Miami Dolphins (-2 1/2) — Both teams are awful but the Dolphins are coming off a big emotional home win over Buffalo. The Commanders are just too injured. The Dolphins are less injured. At home, go with the team that is not completely bruised and battered. Dolphins cover

1pm

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-5 1/2) — The Steelers have looked ugly the last couple of weeks but there is zero reason to back the Bengals until their starting quarterback returns from injury. nevertheless, these teams are fierce rivals, which can make for a close game. The Steelers should handle business, but not in a  blowout. Steelers win but fail to cover

Los Angeles Chargers (-2 1/2) at Jacksonville Jaguars — The Jaguars blew a 19 point fourth quarter lead last week. The Chargers have a very good defense. Both quarterbacks are great but the Jaguars have played badly in recent weeks. Go with the better defense. Chargers cover

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Buffalo Bills (-5 1/2) — The Buccaneers lost at home to New England. Now they go on the road and face a very good but angry Bills team who was humiliated at Miami last week. Expect the Bills to rebound, but both of these teams play close games. A blowout is unlikely. Bills win but fail to cover

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings (-3) — The Bears overcame a 10 point fourth quarter deficit to win at home last week. Meanwhile, the Vikings looked awful in a home loss against Baltimore. Under normal circumstances the Vikings would win easily, but the Bears are overachieving and the Vikings are underachieving. Go with the trend. Upset special, Bears win outright

Houston Texans (-7 1/2) at Tennessee Titans — The Texans overcame a 19 point fourth deficit to stun Jacksonville. Now they just have to avoid a hangover against a horrendous Tennessee team with an interim coach. The Texans have a good defense. Yet the spread is too high for a road team playing with a backup quarterback. Davis Mills led a 26 point fourth quarter last week, but that lightning will not strike twice. Texans win but fail to cover

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (-3 1/2) — Both of these teams are utterly inconsistent The Panthers won this matchup in Carolina 30-0. Yet last week at home the Panthers laid an egg in losing at home to lifeless New Orleans. The Falcons took Indianapolis to the limit in Berlin before losing in overtime. With these teams, the question is which version  of them will show up. Go with the home field. Falcons cover

Green Bay Packers (-8 1/2) at New York Giants — The Giants just fired Brian Daboll after their latest meltdown. The Packers are coming off of a brutal home loss against Philadelphia. The Packers are the better team, but it is common for a team to fight hard for an interim coach, especially in his first game at home. Jackson Dart is out with a concussion, but Russell Wilson has not forgotten everything. Packers win but fail to cover

4pm

Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams (-2 1/2) — This is why we watch football. A pair of 7-2 division rivals face off for the division lead. The Rams have the better offense but the Seahawks have the better defense. Home field is not an issue. The Seahawks blasted Arizona in a game that was over by halftime. The Rams are coming off of an emotional road win at hated san Francisco. Go with the defense. Upset special, Seahawks win outright

San Francisco 49ers (-3) at Arizona Cardinals — The 49ers looked awful in a home loss to the Rams. The Cardinals are just awful. If ever there was a week for the 49ers to regroup, this would be it. 49ers cover 

Baltimore Ravens (-8 1/2) at Cleveland Browns — The Browns lost to a Jets team that doubled their victories on the season with that game. The Ravens were 1-5 injured mess but have won three straight since Lamar Jackson returned. Yet the Browns have a good defense, which should be enough to defeat the spread at home. Ravens win but fail to cover

Kansas City Chiefs (-3 1/2) at Denver Broncos — The Chiefs have won the AFC West for the last 9 years. Yet the Broncos currently have the division lead. Patrick Mahomes is still all world but Bo Nix is quite good as well. The Broncos have the better defense and the home field. Sean Payton will certainly use being home underdogs as rocket fuel to motivate his team. If the Broncos are ever going to win the division, this is the game. Upset special, Broncos win outright. 

8pm

Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles (-1 1/2) — The Eagles are coming off a brutal road win at Green Bay. While they are at home, the Lions offense is back in championship form. The Eagles are the defending champions but the Lions still believe they are the best team. Jalen Hurts is slightly better than Jared Goff, while Saquon Barkley and Jahmyr Gibbs are both running wild. As well as the Lions are playing, this is one to go with the home field, especially if cold or bad weather slows the Detroit offense. Eagles cover

Monday, November 17, 8pm

Dallas Cowboys (-3 1/2) at Las Vegas Raiders — The Raiders have a good defense and a miserable offense. The Cowboys have a good offense and a miserable defense. Home field means nothing for this game. The Raiders fired their special teams coach after two heartbreaking losses. The Raiders lost by a missed field goal and a blocked punt at Denver. The Cowboys can’t stop anyone. The Raiders fight to the end. Yet they find ways to lose. Cowboys win but fail to cover

NFL 2025 Week 10 Recap

This was a week of sadness for the NFL family. Beloved former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue presided over a golden age with expansion and labor peace. He left this world at age 84.

In a shockingly tragic turn of events, the world also lost Dallas Cowboys defensive player Marshawn Kneeland. Last Monday, Kneeland recovered the football in the opposing end zone for his first and only NFL touchdown. Three days later on Thursday, he was dead by suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Details are murky and wounds are raw.

Hug your loved ones. Football is not life and death, but it is an oasis away from pain. With that, the rest of this column will focus only on football.

Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos was the Thursday night game. This was not the worst game ever played, but both teams would be well served by burning the tape of this game. The teams combined for barely 400 yards of total offense. A field position game had the Raiders taking over at the Denver 41 in the first quarter. On 3rd and 2 from the Denver 4, Ashton Jeanty ran for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Raiders. In the second quarter Pete Carroll gambled on 4th and 5 from the Denver 38. Geno Smith was sacked to set up the Broncos at their own 47. Bo Nix hit Franklin for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 7-7 at the half. In the third quarter Wil Lutz missed a 59 yard field goal try. With 3 minutes left in the third quarter, AJ Cole had his punt blocked. The Broncos took over at the Raiders 12 and went backward. Lutz hit from 32 to have the Broncos up by 3 after three quarters. An interception of Nix gave the Raiders a short field midway through the fourth quarter. With 4 1/2 minutes left from 48 yard out, Daniel Carlson’s field goal try to tie the game was no good. Carlson also missed an extra point last week in a one point loss. Given no help from the offense, the Raiders defense eventually broke and gave up the first downs that allowed the Broncos to run out the clock and end this miserable horrible awful game. The Raiders are 2-7 and getting worse. 10-7 Broncos

Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts was the Sunday early morning game from Berlin, Germany. An early Atlanta fumble set up the Colts at the Atlanta 23. Dulin ran for 22 and Jonathan Taylor got the last yard to make it 6-0 Colts. The extra point was no good. The Falcons took over at their own 19. Michael Penix went to Brooks for 30 and to London for 13. Defensive pass interference added 20. Tyler Allgeier ran for 13 and then for the one yard touchdown for a 7-6 Falcons lead. After a touchback, the Colts struck quickly. Taylor ran for 28 and Daniel Jones went to Pierce for a 37 yard touchdown to make it 13-7 Colts. Yet after the first quarter, the colts offense went ice cold.

In the second quarter Mike Badgley missed a 53 yard field goal try that would have put the Colts up 16-7. Instead, midway through the second quarter, the Falcons took o ver at their own 45. Penix went to Woerner for 14 and to London for 13. Penix found London for a 16 yard touchdown to make it 14-13 Falcons at the half. Zane Gonzalez hit a 43 yard field goal to have the Falcons up 17-13 after three quarters. In the fourth quarter the Colts finally woke up.

A 24 yard punt return to start the fourth quarter had the Colts with a short field at the Atlanta 47. Badgley hit a 34 yard field goal to get the Colts within 17-16. The Colts got it back at their own 9 yard line. On 2nd and 2, Taylor broke through the line and raced for an 83 yard touchdown. Shane Steichen went for 2 unsuccessfully but the Colts led 22-17 with 6 minutes left in regulation.

The Falcons took over at their own 29. Penix went to London for 15 and to Bijan Robinson for 8. Allgeier ran for a pair of 7 yard gains. Penix went to Pitts for 13. Allgeier gained 10, 8, and then the one yard touchdown. Raheem Morris went for 2 and Penix hit London to have the Falcons up 25-22 with 1:44 left in regulation. A 49 yard kickoff return by Amir Abdullah had the Colts taking over at the Atlanta 48.

A sack of Jones had the Colts facing 3rd and 21 from their own 41. Jones scrambled for a 19 yard gain. On 4th and 2 from the Atlanta 40, Shane Steichen didn’t want to try a 58 yard field goal. So he went for it. Jones hit Warren for 10. With 25 seconds left in regulation, Badgley came in for a 44 yard try. His kick was good and the game went to overtime tied 25-25.

The Falcons got the ball to start overtime but punted. The Colts took over at their own 43. Jones went to Warren for 23. Taylor did the rest, running for 7, one, and on 3rd and 2 from the Atlanta 25, 11. Taylor then ran for 6 and capped off the game with an 8 yard touchdown run. It was harrowing, but the Colts survived the very first NFL game in Berlin to get to 8-2 on the year. The Colts running game pounded the Falcons with 323 yards rushing on 41 carries, nearly 8 yards per carry. Jonathan Taylor had a whopping 244 rushing yards on 32 carries. 31-25 Colts, OT

Cleveland Browns at New York Jets — A pair of bad teams played. In the first quarter the Browns took over at their own 5 yard line. On 3rd and 4, defensive pass interference meant a 29 yard gain. Corley ran for 16 and Dillon Gabriel hit Jerry Jeudy for 13. On 3rd and 4 from the Jets 25, Gabriel gained 8 with defensive holding adding 5 more. Gabriel found David Nook for a 9 yard touchdown.

The Browns led 7-0, but 13 seconds later the game was tied. Nwangwu returned the ensuing kickoff for a 99 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. 3 plays and 36 seconds later, the Jets had the lead. Williams returned a punt 74 yards as 2 special teams touchdowns in one minute made it 14-7 Jets after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, an interception of Justin Fields was returned by Hickman 15 yards to the Jets 22. One play and 7 seconds later, the game was tied. Gabriel went to Jeudy for the touchdown and a 14-14 game. Nick Folk hit a 26 yard field goal to give the Jets the lead, but Szmyt hit from 45 to tie the game 17-17 at the half. The third quarter was scoreless.

The Jets faced 3rd and 4 at their own 48 late in the third quarter. Breece Hall gained 6. On 3rd and 2 from the Cleveland 38, Hall gained 3. The fourth quarter began with the Jets facing 2nd and 17 at the Cleveland 42. Fields connected with Hall for a touchdown and a 24-17 Jets lead. Kevin Stefanski gambled on 4th and 1 from the Jets 33. Gabriel was sacked. That led to a 37 y yard Nick Folk field goal to have the Jets up 27-17 with 6:13 to play.

Needing 2 scores, Szmyt hit from 29 to have the Browns within 7 with 3 minutes left. Kevin Stefanski decided to kick it deep and rely on his stout defense rather than go onside. With one minute left and the Browns out of timeouts, everything came down to the Jets facing 4th and 5 just shy of midfield. Rather than punt the ball Aaron Glenn decided to go for it. It was a ploy to get the Browns to jump into the neutral zone, and the defense bit. After starting 0-7, the Jets have won 2 straight. 27-20 Jets

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans — This was a crazy one. With CJ Stroud injured, Davis Mills began the game by throwing an interception. Cam Little hit a 3 2yard field goal for a 3-0 Jaguars lead. The Texans fumbled the ensuing kickoff to set up the Jaguars a the Houston 19. Trevor Lawrence hit Washington for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Jaguars. In the second quarter the Texans punted and Washington returned it 73 yards for a touchdown and a 17-0 Jaguars lead.

Matt Wright hit a 23 yard field goal to get the Texans on the board. Little answered from 53 to make it 20-3 Jaguars. After a touchback Mills hit Higgins for 11 and Nico Collins for 19. Roughing the passer added 15. Mills hit Collins for 16. Marks ran for a one yard touchdown. The Texans were within 20-10 but the Jaguars kept coming in the third quarter. Little hit from 33 to make it 23-10 Jaguars. The Texans turned it over on downs and the Jaguars took over at their own 42. Lawrence went to Meters for 11. On 3rd and 17 from their own 45, Lawrence went to Mundt for 21 and to Trammell for 18. Travis Etienne ran for a 6 yard touchdown for a 29-10 Jaguars lead after three quarters. Liam Cohen’s 2 point try failed, but this game was a blowout.

The Texans soon faced 3rd and 4 at their own 40. Mills hit noel for just enough as the third quarter ended. With 13 minutes left in regulation, the Texans were down to their last gasp, facing 4th and 2 at the Jacksonville 17. Mills hit Noel for 5. For the Jaguar, this was Failure to Close Out 1, FCO1. Mills went to Higgins for a 12 yard touchdown and to Collins for the 2 point conversion. For the Jaguars, this was FCO2 but The Texans still trailed 29-18. The Jaguars punted and the Texans took over just shy of midfield. Mills went to Collins for 22. Marks ran for 10. On 3rd and 3 from the Jacksonville 7, Mills went to Dalton Schultz for then touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Texans were within 29-24 midway through the fourth quarter. For the Jaguars this was FCO3.

The Texans got the ball back with 6 minutes left but they were pinned at their own 7 yard line. On 3rd and 10, Mills went to Schultz for 20. This was FCO4. Nick Chubb ripped off gained of 12 and 7. On 3rd and 3 from the Jacksonville 31, Mills hit Marks for 6. Defensive pass interference added 23 yards. With 30 seconds left in regulation, the Texans faced 3rd and goal at the 14. Mills scrambled all the way for the touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Texans had come all the way back to lead 30-29. This was FCO5. Yet the game was not over.

Despite blowing a big lead, the Jaguars needed only a field goal to win. The Jaguars moved from their own 33 to their own 45. Lawrence went to Washington for 12 and very long field goal range. Little a few weeks ago set the NFL record with a 68 yard field goal. Yet this time the gain was wiped away by offensive illegal use of hands. On 1st and 20, Lawrence was sacked and fumbled. Rankins ripped it out of Lawrence’s hands and rumbled 32 yards the other way for a defensive touchdown as the clock ran out. No extra point was attempted. A shocking 26 point fourth quarter turned a 19 point deficit into a division win. 36-29 Texans

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins — The Bills are a legitimate Super Bowl contender coming of an emotional win over Kansas City. The Dolphins are a disaster. The Bills were going for the sweep. In the first quarter the Dolphins took over at their own 8 yard line. On 3rd and 1, Alec Ingold gained 6. Tua Tagovailoa found Devon Achane for 15. Achane ran for 7 and 15, with 15 more tacked on for defensive unnecessary roughness. Achane added 9 and 3. Tagovailoa hit Washington for a 9 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Dolphins. Sean McDermott gambled on 4th and 1 just past midfield. Josh Allen threw incomplete. Tagovailoa went to Jalen Waddle for 14. On the first play of the second quarter Tagovailoa went deep to Waddle for a 38 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good as the Dolphins led 13-0. A Buffalo fumble led to a 46 yard Riley Patterson field goal. in a shocker, the Dolphins led 16-0 at the half and after a scoreless third quarter.

The Bills tried to get back into it in the fourth quarter. From their own 2 yard line, they mounted a 98 yard touchdown drive. Allen went to Coleman for a 35 yard touchdown. The 2 point try failed. The Bills were within 16-6 with 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Tagovailoa was then intercepted. Yet there would be no comeback as the Bills fumbled the ball back. Two plays later Achane ran for a 59 yard touchdown to make it 23-6 Dolphins. The Bills managed one more touchdown as Allen went Hawes for a 26 yard score, but they were still down 23-13 with only 3 1/2 minutes left. The onside kick failed. 3 plays later on 3rd and 8 from the Buffalo 35, Achane broke free for another touchdown to ice the game. Achane ran for 174 yards on 22 carries for nearly 8 yards per carry and 2 touchdowns as the Dolphins got the shocking blowout win. 30-13 Dolphins

New England Patriots at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Tom Brady played for both these teams, but this game was a big deal because both teams came in with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. The Buccaneers began at their own 35. Baker Mayfield went to Egbuka for 24. On 3rd and 1 from the New England 28, Tucker gained 7. Mayfield went to egbuka for a 2 1yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Buccaneers. The Tampa Bay defense was dominating until the last play of the first quarter. Drake Maye went bombs away to Williams for a 72 yard touchdown and a 7-7 tie. Chase McLaughlin hit a 36 yard field goal to make it 10-7 Buccaneers midway through the second quarter, but then the Patriots took over.

From their own 22. Maye went to Stefan Diggs for 19 and to Mack Hollins for 12. On 3rd and 7 from the Tampa Bay 40, Maye went to Douglas for 26. On 3rd and 2 from the Tampa Bay 6, Henderson gained 5. From the one, MAye got stopped and Henderson got taken down twice. Mike Vrabel went for it on 4th and goal at the one with 2 seconds left in the half. Maye went to Diggs for the touchdown to cap the 14 play, 78 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive as the bold gamble had the Patriots up 14-10. After a third quarter touchback, the Patriots struck quickly. Maye hit Hollins for 10. Henderson then ripped off a 55 yard touchdown. The Patriots were able to double up before and after the half for a 21-10 third quarter lead.

The Buccaneers took over at their own 8. On 3rd and 1, With gained 2. Defensive pass interference added 22. Mayfield found Egbuka for 11 and Cade Otton for 13. Johnson gained 11. On 3rd and goal at the 10, Mayfield went to Johnson for 10. Todd Bowles went for 2 unsuccessfully, but the Buccaneers were within 21-16 after three quarters. The defense dug in, but the dagger came with 90 seconds left. Looking to just run out the clock, Henderson ripped off a 69 yard touchdown run to make it 28-16 Patriots. Mayfield hit Johnson for an 11 yard touchdown with 33 seconds left, but the onside kick failed. The Patriots are 8-2 and the Buccaneers fell to 6-3 on the year. 28-23 Patriots

New York Giants at Chicago Bears — With light snow flurries coming down, these teams played a game that had ramifications after it ended. Both teams turned it over on downs on their first drive. With a short field, the Bears began at the Giants 47. On 3rd and 9, Caleb Williams was sacked but defensive holding meant a new set of downs. Williams went to Odunze for 15. On 3rd and 9 from the Giants 23, Williams found Odunze for 15 again. Monangai ran for an 8 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Bears after the first quarter.

In the second quarter the Giants took over at their own 20. Jaxson Dart calmly went deep to Darrius Slayton for monster gains of 31 and 38. On 3rd and 2 from the Chicago 3, Dart ran it in to make it 7-7. Both teams turned it over on downs again, but newly acquired and former Atlanta kicker Younghoe Koo hit from 32 to make it 10-7 Giants at the half. A strong kickoff return had the Giants starting the third quarter at their own 44. On 3rd and 5, Dart went to Robinson for 7. Tracy ran for 16. Dart raced for a 24 yard touchdown for a 17-7 Giants lead. A Giants fumble led to a 22 yard field goal late in the third quarter, but the Giants moved to a 2nd and goal at the one in the fourth quarter. A run lost a yard and then another run gained the yard back. Russell Wilson was in for the injured Dart. On 4th and goal at the one, a touchdown would all but ice the game.

Brian Daboll opted for the field goal. Koo hit from 19. The Giants led 20-10 with 10 minutes left. A few weeks earlier they led at Denver 19-0 after three quarters and gave up 33 fourth quarter points. This time they needed to protect a 10 point lead. Things looked good when the Bears turned it over on downs yet again. The Giants moved to a 4th and 6 at the Chicago 39. A 57 yard field goal try would force the Bears to need to score 2 touchdowns. Going for it and converting would allow the Giants to grind down more clock. Instead, Daboll punted.

The Bears got it back at their own 9 with 6:13 to play. Williams ran for 7 and found Loveland for 10. On 3rd and 10 from their own 26, Williams found Loveland for 20. Williams found Odunze for 18. Williams then ran for 29. Williams hit Odinze for a 2 yard touchdown. The Bears were within 20-17 but only 4 minutes remained. After a touchback, Wilson was sacked. On 3rd and 7 needing a first down to really tighten the screws, Wilson was sacked again. A shanked 26 yard punt gave the Bears the ball with 3 minutes left at their own 47 needing only a field goal to tie.

Williams went deep to Burden for 27. Williams then scrambled for a 17 yard touchdown to give the Bears the 4 point lead with 1:47 left. After a touchback from their own 46, Wilson completed a pass for no gain and then threw 3 straight incompletions. The Bears are a surprising 6-3 on the year. The Giants had blown another fourth quarter double digit lead to drop to 2-8. Brian Daboll was fired the day after the game. Meanwhile, Dart needs to find a way to play less reckless or he will keep getting injured. 24-20 Bears

Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings — The Ravens have been revitalized since Lamar Jackson returned while the Vikings were coming off an emotional win at Detroit. The Vikings began facing 3rd and 6 at their own 18. JJ McCarthy hit Justin Jefferson for 10. On 3rd and 4 from their own 34, McCarthy went deep to Jalen Nailor for 62. Aaron Jones ran for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Vikings. After that came the field goal kickers. Tyler Loop hit from 44 in the first quarter to get the Ravens on the board. Will Reichard hit from 49 in the second quarter to make it 10-3 Vikings. Loop hit from 28 and 30 in the second quarter and from 22 in the third quarter to make it 12-10 Ravens. The fourth field goal was set up by an interception of McCarthy.

The Vikings self-destructed, fumbling on the ensuing kickoff to set up the Ravens at the Minnesota 23. Justice Hill ran for a one yard touchdown to make it 19-10 Ravens. The Vikings turned it over on downs, but Loop’s 5th field goal try from 56 was no good. Reichard hit from 43 to have the Vikings within 19-13. The Ravens took over at their own 33. Jackson hit Derrick Henry for 8 and Henry ran for 14. Jackson found Deandre Hopkins for 9. Henry ran for 5, 8, one, and on 3rd and 1 from the Minnesota 22, 5 followed by 6. On 3rd and 2 from theMinnesota 9, Jackson ran for 7. Jackson hit Mark Andrews for the 2 yard touchdown. John Harbaugh went for 2 and Jackson hit Rashad Bateman successfully to make it 27-13 Ravens with 10 1/2 minutes left in regulation.

The Vikings took over at their own 35 with 5 1/2 minutes left. McCarthy went to Jordan Addison for 26. For the Ravens, this was FCO1. Defensive pass interference added 9. On 4th and 10 from the Baltimore 35, McCarthy found Naylor for 28. On 4th and goal at the 10, McCarthy found Naylor for the touchdown. with 3 1/2 minutes left. This was FCO2. Kevin O’Connell went for a pointless 2 point try that failed. The Ravens fumbled the ensuing kickoff but were lucky to retain possession at their own 17. A couple of first downs would end it. On 3rd and 1 from their own 26, Picard gained 3. At the 2 minute warning on 3rd and 4 from their own 35, Jackson threw incomplete. This was FCO3. The Vikings got the ball back at their own 8 yard line with 1:44 left. With 21 seconds left on 4th and 4 from their own 40, McCarthy threw incomplete as the valiant comeback attempt came up short. Both teams are 4-5, but the Ravens have reason for optimism. They are 3-0 since Jackson returned from his injury. 27-19 Ravens

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers — The Panthers had been playing good football in recent weeks and were coming off an emotional win at Green Bay. All they had to do was defeat a horrendous Saints team utterly bereft of talent. The Panthers began at their own 33. On 3rd and 8 from their own 46, Bryce Young threw incomplete but the defense jumped offsides. On 3rd and 3, Young gained 6. Young hit Mcmillan for 11. On 3rd and 9 from the New Orleans 31, Young was intercepted but roughing the passer wiped out the pick and gave the Panthers 15 yards. Rico Dowdle ran for a 5 yard touchdown run. The Panthers led 7-0 but inexplicably took the remaining 52 minutes off.

On 4th and goal at the 2 after an incompletion, Kellen Moore played it safe. Blake Grupe hit the 21 yard field goal to get the Saints within 7-3. In the second quarter the Saints faced 4th and 1 at their own 34. This time Kellen Moore went for a ridiculously bold and dangerous gamble. Taysom Hill came in and gained 2. Shoulgh then went deep to Chris Olave for a 62 yard touchdown to have the Saints up 10-7 at the half. The third quarter was scoreless. In the third quarter Fitzgerald’s 48 yard field goal try to tie the game was blocked. Yet after it crossed the line of scrimmage it touched a Saints player, making it a live ball. Think Leon Lett. Yet despite the Panthers gifted a first down at the New Orleans 30, Young fumbled at the 15 and the Saints recovered.

The Saints moved to a 4th and 4 at the Carolina 32 early in the fourth quarter. Rather than try a 50 yard field goal, Dave Canales went for it and Shough was sacked. Yet 2 plays later, Young was intercepted. The Saints took over at the Carolina 43. Though hit Mitchell-Padsen for 14. On 3rd and 10 from the Carolina 30, Though went deep to Johnson for the touchdown. The Saints got their second win of the year and though got his first NFL win. 17-7 Saints

Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks — The Seahawks are very good. The Cardinals are quite bad. Sometimes a bad team can go on the road and shock a good team in a major upset. This was not that game. Goliath beat the daylights out of David. The Seahawks began facing 3rd and 5 at their own 40. Sam Darnold went to Cooper Kupp for 7. On 3rd and 1 from the arizona 44, Darnold went deep to Jackson Smith-Nigba for the touchdown and the 7-0 Seahawks lead. Jacoby Brissett was then sacked and fumbled. Lawrence returned the fumble 34 yards for a defensive touchdown to make it 14-0 Seahawks. The Seahawks got it back at their own 19. Shaheed gained 10. Darnold went to Smith-Nigba for 17 and 14. Defensive unnecessary roughness added 15. Holani ran for a 9 yard touchdown to make it 21-0 Seahawks after the first quarter. It was deja vu all over again in the second quarter as Brissett was sacked and fumbled again. It was Lawrence again, this time for a 22 yard touchdown to make it 28-0 Seahawks. The Seahawks got it back and soon faced 3rd and 4 at their own 30. Darnold connected with Smith-Nigba for 67 yards. Charbonnet ran for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 35-0 Seahawks. A few years ago the Seahawks blanked the Cardinals 58-0. This time they took mercy. Arizona eventually got 3 touchdowns. The Seahawks tacked on 3 field goals to complete the blowout and get to 7-2 on the season. 44-22 Seahawks

Detroit Lions at Washington Commanders — Last year the Commanders shocked the 15-2 Lions in Detroit in the playoffs. Yet this year the Lions are back to rolling on offense while the Commanders have severely regressed. Last year injuries did the Lions in. This year, the Commanders. The Lions began at their own 22. Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 8 and 3. Jared Goff hit Amon-Ra St Brown for 16. On 3rd and 6 from the Washington 35, Goff hit Williams for 14. Goff went to Gibbs for a 14 yard touchdown for a 7-0 Lions lead. The Commanders managed a field goal but the Lions kept coming. After a touchback, Goff went to St. Brown for 16. David Montgomery ran for 12. Goff went to Sam Laporta for 14. On 3rd and 7 from the Washington 20, Goff hit Laporta for 8. On 3rd and 7 from the Washington 9, Goff went to St. Brown for the touchdown to make it 14-3 Lions. The Lions got it back from their own 13. Gibbs ran for 9 and 28. On 3rd and 2 from the Washington 34, Gibbs gained 3. Goff hit Raymond for 13. Gibbs ran for a 13 yard touchdown. A defensive personal foul resulted in a disqualification and led Dan Campbell to go for 2. Montgomery got in to make it 22-3 Lions in the second quarter.

The Commanders managed a touchdown before the half but the Lions just kept pounding. Jake Bates hit a 22 yard field goal to end the half with the Lions up 25-10. The Lions began the third quarter at their own 28. Williams ran for 22. Goff hit TeSlaa for 11. Gibbs ran for 14. Goff hit Williams for 11 and again for a 14 yard touchdown to make it 32-10 Lions. The Commanders would reach the end zone once in the third quarter and once in the fourth quarter, while the Lions tacked on one field goal in each of he final two quarters in addition to one more touchdown. Naturally, it was Gibbs racing for a 43 yard touchdown. Goff was a spectacular 25 of 33 for 320 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. The Lions gashed the Washington defense for 226 rushing yards on 33 carries, nearly 7 yards per carry. Gibbs led with 142 yards on 15 carries for nearly 10 yards per carry. One year after reaching the NFC Title Game, the Commanders are a 3-7 injured mess. 44-22 Lions

Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers — Both of these teams started the year hot but the 49ers have struggled in recent weeks under a hail of injuries. Mac Jones has filled in adequately for Brock Purdy, including leading a win over the Rams in Los Angeles. Yet the road team often wins this game. Kyle Shanahan just seems to have Sean McVay’s number. Yet early on this game was all Rams. From their own 36, Matthew Stafford went to Davante Adams for 12 and to Puka Nacua for 10 more. Kyren Williams ran for 12. On 3rd and 3 from the San Francisco 23, Williams gained 4. Stafford hit Adams for 13. Williams ran for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Rams. The Rams got it back at their own 14. Corum ran for 15. Stafford hit Adams for 23, Smith for 14, and Nacua for a 22 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Rams. The 49ers then fumbled and the Rams took over at their own 41. Stafford went to Nacua for 15. Williams ran for 7 and 9. Stafford found Tyler Higbee for 15. Stafford hit Allen for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 21-0 Rams one minute into the second quarter.

In the second quarter the 49ers finally got a break when a 27 yard punt return set them up at the Rams 36. Jones went to Jennings for 11. Kyle Shanahan pretty much had to go for it on 4th and 2 at the Rams 17. Jones hit George Kittle for 11. Jones hit Jennings for a 6 yard touchdown to get the 49ers within 21-7. After a third quarter touchback, Jones hit McCaffrey for 19. On 3rd and 1 from the Rams 34, Robinson gained 6 and 13. Jones went to McCaffrey for 13. Robinson ran for a one yard touchdown to have the 49ers within 21-14. The Rams took over at their own 36. Corum gained 7 and 3. Sean McVay gambled on 4th and 3 from the San Francisco 28. Stafford hit Nacua for 4. Stafford hit Adams for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 28-14 Rams. The 49ers took over at their own 30. Jones went to McCaffrey for 9, to Farrell for 6, and to Bourne for 19. On 3rd and 1 from the Rams 12, Jones went to Farrell for the touchdown. The extra point was blocked, but with 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation the 49ers were right back in it down 28-20.

The Rams took over at their own 36. Stafford went to Nacua for 13 and to Ferguson for 32. Stafford went to Parkinson for 12. Williams ran for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 35-20 Rams. With 8 1/2 minutes left on 4th and 4 from their own 41, Jones was intercepted. The Rams took over at the Frisco 38. Corum ran for 5 and 8. On 3rd and 7 from the Frisco 35, Stafford hit Higbee for 11. On 3rd and 2 from the Frisco 16, Stafford went to Parkinson for the touchdown to make it 42-20 Rams. The 49ers managed one more garbage touchdown but no more. The Rams stayed tied atop the NFC West at 7-2 while the 49ers fell to 6-4. Mac Jones had a great game, going 33 of 39 for 319 yards and 3 touchdowns, but that one late interception helped turn a close game into a blowout. Stafford was 24 of 36 for 280 yards and 4 touchdown with 0 interceptions. The Rams also pounded the ball on the ground for 126 yards on 30 carries, over 4 yards per carry. 42-26 Rams

Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Chargers was the Sunday night game. Both teams have been inconsistent but the Chargers in recent weeks are trending in the right direction. In a battle of great coaches and great quarterbacks, it was defense that made the difference. Chris Boswell nailed a 59 yard field goal in the first quarter, but little else after that. Aaron Rodgers was sacked in his own end zone by Khalil Mack for a safety for the Chargers. In the second quarter Boswell missed from 45, and momentum swung. Cameron Dicker hit from 32 to make it 5-3 Chargers. A key play came when Rodgers was intercepted in his own territory with 2 1/2 minutes left n the half. The Chargers took over at the Pittsburgh 38. Vidal ran for 8 and 3. On 3rd and 1 from the Pittsburgh 18, Vidal gained 3. Justin Herbert found Ladd McConkey for a 15 yard touchdown to break open a tight game and make it 12-3 Chargers. In the third quarter Dicker drilled a 59 yard field goal but doinked a 55 yard try off the left upright no good. In the fourth quarter the Chargers delivered the dagger with a 90 yard drive. On 3rd and 6 from their own 29, Herbert connected with McConkey for 58. Vidal ran for 11 and then the 2 yard touchdown to make it 22-3 Chargers. Dicker hit a 42 yarder with 5 minutes left to make it 25-3 Chargers. The Steelers managed one late garbage touchdown but this was never competitive. The Steelers are 5-4 while the 7-3 Chargers are winning with great defense. 25-10 Chargers

Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers was the Monday night game. This was a battle royale between 2 legitimate Super Bowl contenders. It was all defense, a throwback classic that was scoreless at halftime. Jake Elliott finally hit a 39 yard third quarter field goal to make it 3-0 Eagles. Matt LaFleur gambled on 4th and 9 from the Philadelphia 41. Jordan Love threw incomplete. The Eagles faced 3rd and 7 at their own 23 in the fourth quarter. In a defensive boneblack, 2 plays changed the game.Jalen Hurts connected with Saquon Barkley for 41. Hurts went deep to Devonta Smith for a 36 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Eagles. The Packers finally mounted an 11 play, 75 yard drive. Josh Jacobs banged in a 6 yard touchdown to get the Packers back within 3 with 6 minutes left. The Packers got it back and moved to a 4th and 1 at the Philly 44 with 90 seconds left. Jacobs got the carry but this time was blown up for a 4 yard loss and a fumble. With 33 seconds left, the Eagles faced 4th and 6 at the Green Bay 35. Nick Sirianni opted to go for it. Hurts threw incomplete. The Packers moved to the Philly 46. Only 2 seconds remained. Rather than try the Hail Mary, LaFleur brought in Brandon McManus to try a 64 yard field goal. He has the leg, but this kick on this cold night was like kicking a brick. He shanked it wide by a mile. This was a bare-fisted slobberknocker that deserves a rematch, perhaps in the NFC Title Game. Until then, the Eagles are 7-2 and the Packers fell to 5-3 on the year. Somewhere in football heaven, Chuck Bednarik of 1960 Eagles championship fame was smiling. 10-7 Eagles

NFL 2025 Week 10 Prequel

Thursday, November 6, 2025, 8pm

Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos (-8 1/2) — The Raiders are awful. The Broncos are very good. The Raiders have no offensive line. The Broncos have a solid defense. Do the math. This could be over by halftime. Broncos cover

Sunday, November 9, 1pm

Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts (-6 1/2) — The Colts will be angry after coming off a loss at Pittsburgh. Their high octane offense will take it out on an inconsistent Atlanta squad. Daniel Jones will spread the ball around and Jonathan Taylor will run wild. Colts cover

Cleveland Browns (-2 1/2) at New York Jets — Both teams are bad but at least the Browns have a decent defense. The Jets conducted a fire sale before the trade deadline. They have mailed it in. Browns cover

Jacksonville Jaguars (-1) at Houston Texans — The Jaguars started hot but have cooled ins ecent weeks. The Texans suffered agonizing losses throughout the season including a brutal last second home loss to Denver. The Texans have a good defense. Upset special, Texans win outright

Buffalo Bills (-9 1/2) at Miami Dolphins — The Bills are very good and the Dolphins are awful. The Bills are coming off an emotional home win against Kansas City and have to avoid a letdown. Yet the Dolphins looked so anemic at home against Baltimore that is is hard to give them the benefit of the doubt. The Dolphin played the Bills tough in Buffalo and the spread is too high for a road team that tends to win close games. Go with the garbage touchdown. Bills win but fail to cover

New England Patriots at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2 1/2) — Both teams are playing good football in what is the first Tom Brady Bowl since his retirement. Drake Maye and Baker Mayfield are both playing well. Home field is not a big deal here, but give the Buccaneers the benefit of the doubt with their offense that spreads the ball around. Buccaneers cover

New York Giants at Chicago Bears (-4 1/2) — The Giants are not very good. The Bears are far from special. Both teams play in cold weather, so discount home field. This could be a close game going down to the wire. Bears win but fail to cover

Baltimore Ravens (-4) at Minnesota Vikings — The Ravens finally righted the ship last week, but they only played Miami. Yet the return of Lamar Jackson does matter. JJ McCarthy looked good in leading the Vikings to a road win at Detroit. Both teams are well coached. Go with the home crowd, since Baltimore’s defense is still injury riddled. Upset special, Vikings win outright

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers (-5 1/2) — The Saints are horrendous. The Panthers have very quietly gotten to 5-4 on the year. The Panthers got an emotional win at Green Bay last week but do not expect a letdown against a Saints team bereft of talent. Nevertheless, the Panthers are winning close games. Panthers win but fail to cover

4pm

Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks (-6 1/2) — Kyler Murray is on injured reserve. The Seahawks are the far better team. Sam Darnold is playing well. This will not be the 58-0 beatdown of a few years back, but after watching the Seahawks throttle Washington by 31 on the road, they can win this one big at home. Seahawks cover

Detroit Lions (-8) at Washington Commanders — The Lions are burning for revenge after getting bounced out of the playoffs last year by the Commanders. Yet this Commanders team is not very good. Jayden Daniels is inured and the team has regressed. The Lions will be angry after a home loss to Minnesota. In a track meet, go with the Lions. Marcus Mariota is competent enough to keep the game exciting. Lions win but fail to cover

Los Angeles Rams (-4 1/2) at San Francisco 49ers — The spread here is ridiculous given that the 49ers in recent years have owned the Rams. The road team often wins this game. As great as Sean McVay is, Kyle Shanahan seems to have his number. Mac Jones is playing well enough. These are two good teams that hate each other. Go with the team that usually wins. Upset special, 49ers win outright

8pm

Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Chargers (-3) — Both teams are good but not great. Aaron Rodgers and Justin Herbert can both sling it. The Steelers can run the ball better, giving them a slight edge. Upset special, steelers win outright

Monday, November 10, 8pm

Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers (-2 1/2) — This could be the NFC Title Game. The Packers losing at home to Carolina was inexcusable. Jalen Hurts and Jordan Love are both superstars. Saquon Barkley is the difference maker. Upset special, Eagles win outright

NFL 2025 Week 9 Recap

Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins was the Thursday night game. Both teams were terrible, but the Ravens at 1-5 were expected to get an emotional lift with the return of Lamar Jackson from injury. An early 49 yard Riley Patterson field goal had the Dolphins up 3-0. Yet on their next offensive series, a Dolphins fumble set up the Ravens at the Miami 7 yard line. John Harbaugh gambled on 4th and goal at the 2. Jackson hit Mark Andrews for the touchdown to make it 7-3 Ravens. Patterson then missed a 35 yard field goal. The Ravens took over at their own 25. Jackson went to Bay Flowers for 10. On 3rd and 4 from their own 42, Jackson went to Isaiah likely for 35. The second quarter began with Jackson going to Andrews for a 20 yard touchdown to make it 14-3 Ravens. The Dolphins managed one more field goal before the half, but the second half belonged to the Baltimore defense. The Ravens began the third quarter at their own 32. On 3rd and 6, Jackson ran for 13. Jackson hit Likely for 10 and 15. On 3rd and 1 from the Miami 5, Andrews gained 2. Jackson hit Kolar for the 3 yard touchdown to make it 21-6 Ravens. The Ravens got it back at their own 40. Jackson went to Flowers for 39 and to Bateman for a 9 yard touchdown to complete the scoring. The fourth quarter was scoreless. 28-6 Ravens

Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots — The Falcons led 28-3 in the third quarter, 28-9 in the fourth quarter, and 28-12 late in the fourth quarter. They lost that Super Bowl 34-28 in overtime. In this game, the Patriots are a good team and the Falcons are inconsistent. In the first quarter the Patriots faced 3rd and 1 at their own 34. Jennings gained 6. Drake Maye went to Henderson for 11. Maye went for 12. Maye went back to Henderson for 19 and to Douglas for a 17 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Patriots. The Falcons took over at their own 47. Michael Penix went to Pitts for 22 and to London for 16. Penix hit Bijan Robinson for 12. Penix hit London for a one yard touchdown to make it 7-7 after the first quarter.

In the second quarter the Patriot faced 3rd and 10 at their own 35. Maye went to Hunter Henry for 11. On 3rd and 7 just shy of midfield, Maye went to Henry for 9. Maye hit Austin Hooper for 20. Jennings gained 11 and then the 3 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Patriots. The Patriots got it back at their own 28. On 3rd and 7 Maye went bombs away to Douglas for a 58 yard gain. Maye went to Stefan Diggs for an 11 yard touchdown and a 21-7 Patriots lead. 

The Patriots got it back and were at midfield when Maye was sacked and fumbled. Pearce returned the fumble 27 yards to the New England 6. Penix went to London for a 2 yard touchdown to get the Falcons within 21-14. The Patriots managed a 32 yard Borregales third quarter field goal to make it 24-14 Patriots. Over 21 minutes still remained, but the Patriots offense took the rest of the night off. The Patriots had to rely on their defense to preserve the win.

An interception of Maye gave the Falcons the ball just shy of midfield. Parker Romo hit a 38 yard field goal to get the Falcons within 24-17 one minute into the fourth quarter. The Falcons got it back at their own 15 with 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Penix went to Robinson for 10 and then deep to London for a 40 yard gain. On 4th and 4 from the New England 20, Penix went to London for 10. On 4th and goal at the 8, Penix went to London for the touchdown. Yet Romo missed the extra point. Rather than a tie game, the Falcons trailed by a point. With 3 1/2 minutes left, the Falcons got the ball back at their own 19 needing only a field goal to win and get redemption for Romo. At the 2 minute warning on 4th and 20 from their own 42, Raheem Morris opted to punt and trust his defense. Everything came down to the Patriots facing 3rd and 5 at their own 23 with 1:42 left and the Falcons out of timeouts. Maye went to Henry for 17 and then took a couple knees. The Patriots have quietly under mike Vrabel gotten to 7-2 on the year. 24-23 Patriots

Los Angeles Chargers at Tennessee Titans — The Chargers perpetually underachieve, but they were expected to steamroll the pathetic Titans. Early on Justin Herbert was intercepted by Barton, who returned the pick 24 yards for a defensive touchdown and a surprising 7-0 Titans lead. The Chargers got it back at their own 24 and a defensive facemask penalty gifted them 15 yards. Herbert hit Harris for 15. Herbert went deep to Gadsden for 34. Herbert hit Matlock for a 2 yard touchdown and a 7-7 ballgame. The Chargers got it back but had to punt on 4th and 15 from their own 7. Chimere Dike returned the punt 67 yards for a special teams touchdown and a 14-7 Titans lead. Yet while the Titans had a touchdown on defense and another on special teams, their offense would not reach the end zone. Their lead after the first quarter was illusory.

In the second quarter the Chargers moved from their own 35 to a 2nd and 8 at the Tennessee 9. Herbert threw incomplete twice. Cameron Dicker hit a 27 yard field goal to get the Chargers within 14-10 one minute into the second quarter. The Chargers got it back at their own 30. Herbert went to Ladd McConkey for 21 and again for 16. Herbert found Johnston for a 19 yard touchdown for a 17-14 Chargers lead. Joey Slye nailed a 49 yard field goal to tie the game 17-17 with 5 minutes left in the second quarter.

Dicker nailed a 52 yard field goal to have the Chargers up 20-17 at the midpoint. The third quarter was scoreless. Midway through the third quarter, the Titans had 3rd and goal at the one. A run went nowhere. Interim head Coach Mike McCoy went for it. Looking for the lead on 4th and goal at the one, Pollard got the carry for the second straight play and got stopped cold again. From their own one, the Chargers got aggressive. Herbert went to Gadsden for 14 and to Keenan Allen for 10. Patterson ran for 6 and 9. Herbert gained 10. On 3rd and 4 from the Tennessee 35, Herbert went to Johnston for 23. On 3rd and 1 from the Tennessee 3, Herbert gained 2. Herbert got the lsat yard to cap the 15 play, 99 yard, 9 minute drive. The Chargers led 27-17 with 13 minutes left in regulation. 

Needing 2 scores, Slye hit a 37 yard field goal to get the Titans within 7 with 4:20 to play. On 3rd and 3 from their own 42 with 3 1/2 minutes left, Herbert hit Harris for just enough. On 3rd and 1 from the Tennessee 46, Herbert gained 2 as the clock hit the 2 minute warning. On 3rd and 1 from the Tennessee 35 with 1:10 left, Herbert got the yard and then took a knee. 27-20 Chargers

Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals —  Sometimes a pair of boring teams can come together and play a thrilling game. This actually was that game. 11 seconds into the game, the Bengals led 7-0 when Jones returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. The Bears began facing 3rd and5 at their own 32. Caleb Williams went to Zaccheaus for 9. On 3rd and 10 from their own 41, Williams was sacked but defensive illegal contact meant a new set of downs. Williams hit Moore for 16 and 19. Ben Johnson gambled on 4th and goal at the 2. Williams hit Moore for the touchdown and the 7-7 tie. 

A strong kickoff return had the Bengals at their own 45. That was enough for Evan McPherson to hit a 41 yard field goal to have the Bengals up 10-7. The Bears took over at their own 26. Monanga ran for 13. Williams ran for 13 and 10. On 3rd and 5 from the Cincinnati 43, Monanga gained 9. On 4th and  6 from the Cincinnati 30, Cairo Santos came in for a 47 yard field goal try to tie the game. The kick was no good, but the defense jumped offside. That made it 4th and 1, and Ben Johnson decided to gamble. Monanga gained 5. On the first play of the second quarter, Williams went to Zaccheaus for a 15 yard touchdown, The first lead change of the game had the Bears up 14-10.  McPherson hit a 33 yard field goal and Santos countered from 24 to make it 17–13 Bears.

The Bengals took over st their own 37 with 1:24 left in the half. Joe Flacco went to JaMarr Chase for 19. Flacco then went bombs away to Tee Higgins for a 44 yard touchdown. The second lead change of the game had the Bengals up 20-17. Santos came in for a 47 yard field goal try to tie the game at the half. His kick was blocked. The Bears began the third quarter at their own 23, Williams hit Moore for 14, Monangai for 11, Zaccheaus for 14, and Monangai again for 11. On third and goal at the 5, Williams hit Loveland for the touchdown. The third  lead change of the game had the Bears up 24-20 midway through the third quarter.

The Bengals soon faced 3rd and 3 at their own 38. Flacco went deep to Hudson for 33 and to Tinsley for 27 more. Flacco found Higgins for a 2 yard touchdown. The fourth lead change and the Bengals up 27-24. The Bears took over at their own 26. Monangai gained 9. Williams went deep to Loveland for  31. On 3rd and 1 from the Cincinnati 25, Brown gained 2. Brown then ripped off a 22 yard touchdown run. The fifth lead change had the Bears up 31-27 after three quarters. As crazy as this game was, the fourth quote was even crazier. The teams would combine for 31 fourth quarter points.

Things started slow as the Bengals fumbled. Santos hit a 36 yard field goal to make it 34-27 Bears. The Bengals reached a 3rd and 3 at the Chicago 26, but an intentional grounding penalty on Flacco cost the Bengals 10 yards. From 54 yards out, McPherson was no no good. From their own 44, the Bears struck quickly. Monangai gained 39. Moore raced for a 17 yard touchdown. With 5 minutes left in regulation, 17 unanswered points had the Bears up 41-27. It appeared this game was finally over. The Bengals moved quickly to a 1st and goal at the 5. Flacco was then intercepted. Only 2:46 remained. From their own 4 yard line, Ben Johnson went ultra conservative with 3 straight runs. For the Bears, this was FCO1. The Bengals got the ball back at their own 45, but they were down by 14 with only 2:24 left and 0 timeouts.

Flacco went to Chase for 11, to Iosivas for 19, and to Fant for a 23 yard touchdown. They took only 30 seconds to score. Zac Taylor went for the nonsensical 2 paint try that coaches are now doing that hey should stop. This time it worked as Flacco hit Higgins successfully. With 1:43 to play, the Bengals were within 41-35. For the Bears, this was FCO2. McPherson then came up big as a perfectly executed onside kick gave the Bengals the ball at their own 43. For the Bears, this was FCO3. Flacco went to Higgins for 12 and again for 23. Flacco found Brown for 15. Flacco then found Iosivas for the 9 yard touchdown. For the Bears, this was FCO4. More importantly, the sixth lead change of the game had the Bengals overcome a 14 point deficit in the final 2 minutes. The Bengals had the 42-41 miracle comeback.

Yet 50 seconds still remained and the Bears from their own 28 needed only a field goal to win. On 3rd and 10, Williams gained 14. Yet Santos would never get his chance at the winning kick. He didn’t need it. In a game with no defense, this game stayed consistent to the end. Williams went bombs away to Loveland for a 58 yard touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Bears after the seventh lead change led by 5 points with 17 seconds left. The Bengals took over at their own 35. From their own 48 with 20 seconds left, there was still time to try one more shorter throw before the Hail Mary. Flacco has a cannon of an arm, but he never got the chance at the Hail Mary. His pass to set up was intercepted at the Chicago 20. After 89 points, it was defense that sealed the win. 

The teams combined for over 1,000 yards of total offense. The Bengals had nearly 500 yards of offense while the Bears had nearly 600. Flacco was a ridiculous 31 of 47 for 470 yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Williams was 20 of 34 for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns with 0 interceptions. Yet the Bengals only had 46 yards rushing on 15 carries. The Bears on the other hand pounded the ball 37 times for 283 yards, led by Monangai’s 167 yards on 26 carries for nearly 7 yards per carry. This instant classic was worth the watch. 47-42 Bears                                       

Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers — The Steelers were coming off an embarrassing home loss to Green Bay. Now the Steelers were at home against the 7-1 Colts and the hottest offense in the league. The Colts began at their own 21. Daniel Jones went to Pierce for 10. On 3rd and 11 from their own 30, Jones went to pierce for 18 and again for 36. Shane Steichen gambled on 4th and 1 from the Pittsburgh 7. Jonathan Taylor gained 2. Steichen gambled again on 4th and goal at the one. Jones got the yard as the 13 play, 79 yard, 5 minute drive made it 7-0 Colts. In the second quarter the Colts were driving again and faced 1st and 10 at the Pittsburgh 38. Then the key play came when Jones was sacked and fumbled. The Steelers took over at their own 44.

A defensive facemask penalty gave the Steelers 15 yards. On 4th and 1 from the Indianapolis 20, it was Mike Tomlin’s turn to gamble. Hayward took the direct snap 4 yards. On 3rd and 7 from the Indianapolis 13, Aaron Rodgers hit Austin for 11. On 3rd and goal at the one, Warren got in for a 7-7 ballgame. Jones was then quickly intercepted by Wilson, who returned the pick 17 yards to the Indianapolis 14. Two plays later Aaron Rodgers hit Pat Freiermuth for a 12 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Steelers. The Steelers got it back and moved all the way to a 1st and 10 at the Indianapolis 12 with 15 seconds left in the half. A sack of Rodgers killed the drive. Chris Boswell hit the 25 yard field goal. The Steelers led 17-7 at the half and by that same score after a scoreless third quarter. Another inception of Jones late in the third quarter gave the Steelers the ball at their own 44. Rodgers hit Washington for 11, Johnson for 9, Austin for 18, and Washington again for 13. The fourth quarter began with Warren running for a 2 yard touchdown. 24 straight points had the Steelers up big 24-7.

Needing 3 scores, the Colts tried to rally as Mike Badgley hit a 52 yard field goal. Yet a Colts fumble in their own territory led to a 46 yard Boswell field goal and a 27-10 Steelers lead midway through the fourth quarter. The Colts soon faced 3rd and 3 at their own 31. Jones went to Warren for 6. Jones hit Pierce for 17 and Pittman for 21 and 16. Jones found Downs for a 4 yard touchdown but the Colts still trailed 27-17 with 4 1/2 minutes left. The onside kick failed. Yet looking to put the game away with a short field, the Steelers fumbled. It didn’t matter as Jones was intercepted again. By the time the Colts got the ball back at their own 12, only one minute remained. Needing 2 scores, Badgley hit a 53 yard field goal with 9 seconds remaining to make the score look respectable. The onside kick failed and Rodgers took a knee as the Steelers closed out a win that was not as close ss the score made it appear. While this was not as big as the Steelers shocking the 1402 Colts in the playoffs 20 years ago, it was still a big win. 27-20 Steelers

San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants — These teams played some epic playoff games in the past, with the winner often winning it all. The 49ers came in the much better team but the Giants started hot out of the gate from their own 36. On 3rd and 5, Jaxson Dart gained 6. Dart threw a 15 yard touchdown pass to Johnson to make it 7-0 Giants. The 49ers soon faced 4th and 1 at their own 41. Kyle Shanahan gambled on his own side of the field and Mac Jones gained 2. Jones went to Christian McCaffrey for 9 and to Watkins for 19. McCaffrey ran for 16, 4 and 3. On 3rd and 3 from the Giants 5, Jones went to McCaffrey for the touchdown to make it 7-7.

The 49ers took over in the second quarter at their own 20. Jones found kyle Juszczyk for 12. McCaffrey ran for 12 and 8. Robinson added 16. Jones found Bourne for 21. On 3rd and 5 from the Giants 11, Jones hit Jennings for the touchdown to make it 14-7 49ers. Eddie Pineiro tacked on a 54 yard field goal to make it 17-7 49ers. Graham Gano wasted a fumble recovery for the Giants by missing a 45 yard field goal try near the end of the half. Pineiro connected again from 33 as 20 straight points had the 49ers up 20-7 in the third quarter. 

Midway through the third quarter, the Giants faced 3rd and goal at the 5 with a chance to get back in it. Dart threw a West Coast Offense dink and dunk pass that gained only 2 yards. As the crowd booed, Brian Daboll got them to boo even louder by refusing to go for its on 4th and goal at the 3. Gano hit the 22 yard field goal to get the Giants within 20-10. In the fourth quarter the 49er broke the game open. From their own 24, Jones went to Bourne for 13. McCaffrey ran for 9, 10, 5, 4, ad on 3rd and on1 from the Giants 35, a critical 2. Robinson ran for 10 and then for th 18 yard touchdown to have the 49ers up 27-10. The Giants managed a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter but the 49ers had too much firepower on offense. From their own 41, Jones hit McCaffrey for 39. On 3r and goal at the 3, McCaffrey got in to make it 34-17 49ers with 4 1/2 minutes left. The Giants got one more garbage touchdown. The 49ers got to 6-3 while the Giants fell to 2-7 on the year. 34-24 49ers 

Denver Broncos at Houston Texans — Both teams have very good defenses but the Texans lack the offensive firepower. They ere coming off an emotional slugfest win over San Francisco and looking to build with consecutive home wins. Ech team missed a field goal on their opening drive before Kaimi Fairbairn hit from 23 to make it 3-0 Texans. A second quarter interception of Bo Nix led to Fairbairn hitting from 41 to make it 6-0 Texans. The Broncos took over at their own 30. Nix went to Adam Trautman for 21. On 3rd and 7 from the Houston 46, Nix found Bandy for 16. On 3rd and 10 from the Houston 30, Nix went deep to Cortland Sutton for the touchdown to make it 7- 6 Broncos. The Texans would not reach the end zone the entire game but Fairbairn tacked on two more second quarter field goals of 38 and 40 and a third quarter field goal from 41. Fairbairn’s 5 field goals had the Texans up 15-7 after three quarters. 

The Broncos took over at their own 39. Nix went to Franklin for 13. The Broncos began the fourth quarter facing 3rd and 7 at the Houston 45. Nix went to Bryant for just enough. Nix went deep to Harvey for a 27 yard touchdown. Sean Payton went for 2 and Nix hit Franklin successfully. The game wa tied 15-15 with 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The defenses dug in as 7 straight punts followed, with 4 by Houston and 3 by Denver. With only 50 seconds left in regulation, the Broncos took over at their own 35. Nix broke free for a 25 yard gain. JK Dobbins ran for 9 and 2 and Nix added 9 more. With 3 seconds left, Wil Lutz came in for a 34 yard try to win it. Lutz was good as the Broncos got the tough road win and the Texans suffered another agonizing loss in a season of them. The Broncos are 7-2 on the year and leading the AFC West. 18-15 Broncos

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions — Last year these were the two best teams in the NFL. Yet sam Darnold is now in Seattle and Carson Wentz is out injured. Despite being in his second season, JJ McCarthy was starting just his third NFL game as he returned from injury. The Lions high octane offense got going right out of the gate from their own 28. Jared Goff went to Sam Laporta for 15 and 11. On 4th and 4 form the Minnesota 40, it was time for an early Dan Campbell gamble. Goff went deep to LaPorta for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Lions. The Vikings got an immediate jolt when Price returned the ensuing kickoff 61 yards to the Detroit 36. Aaron Jones ran for 11. On 3rd and 9 from the Detroit 24,  McCarthy went to Jones for 14 and to Justin Jefferson for a 10 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. 

The Vikings got it back at their own 36. Jones ran for 14, caught a pass from McCarthy for 6, and ran for 5. On 3rd and 9 from the Detroit 38McCarthy went deep to Addison for 31. McCarthy found TJ Hockenson for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Vikings after the first quarter. In the second quarter the Vikings had to punt on 4th and 13 from their own 4. A relatively short punt was returned 13 yards by Raymond to give the Lions excellent field position at the Minnesota 35. On 3rd and 1m Montgomery  got the yard. Goff hit Montgomery for 13 and Amra St Brown for 9. On 4th and 1 from the Minnesota 2, Dan Campbell naturally went for it. Montgomery got the touchdown for a 14-14 tie.

Will Reichard hit a 50 yard field goal to have the Vikings up 17-14 at the midpoint. In the third quarter the Lions faced 3rd and 13 at their own 6. Just trying to play field position and punt, Montgomery gained 11 but fumbled the ball away. The Vikings took over at the Detroit 35. McCarthy went to Addison for 17. On 3rd and 8 from the Detroit 9, McCarthy ran for the touchdown to have the Vikings up 24-14. Jake Bates hit a 41 yard field goal for the Lions to end the third quarter, but his 45 yard field goal try with 6:45 to play was blocked and returned 41 yards. The Vikings moved to a 4th and goal at the 2 with 3 1/2 minutes left. Kevin O’Connell was not taking any chances. Reichard hit the 20 yard chip shot to give the Vikings breathing room up 27-17. 

The Lions took over at their own 31. Goff went to St. Brown for 19. On 3rd and 1 from the Minnesota 37, Goff went deep to Williams for the touchdown. The Lions were within a field goal with 1:55 left. Everything came down to 3rd and 5 for the Vikings from their own 26. Rather than go conservative, the Vikings put the ball in the hands of McCarthy. He hit Naylor for 16 to seal the upset road win. Both the 4-4 Vikings and the 5-3 Lions have lost more games this year than they did all of last year. 27-24 Vikings

Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers — 30 years ago these teams met in the NFC Title Game. This current game featured a very good Packers team against an overmatched Carolina squad. Both teams had long drives that resulted in turnovers. After a scoreless first quarter, Brandon McManus hit a 49 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Packers. The Panthers took over at their own 24. Rico Dowdle broke off a 29 yard run. On 3rd and 5 from the Green bay 47, Bryce Young went to Leggett for 22. Dave Canales went for it on 4th and 1 at the Green Bay 6. Dowdle got the yard. Dowdle ran for a 5 yard touchdown to put the Panthers up 7-3 with 2:22 left in the half. With 10 seconds left the Packers moved to a 3rd and 6 from the Carolina 8. Jordan Love threw incomplete. McManus hit from 27 to have the Packers within 7-6. In the third quarter McManus’s 43 yard try to give the Packers the lead was no good. 

The Packers got it back but an interception of Love gave the Panthers a short field at the Green Bay 38. On 4th and goal at the 4, Dave Canales decided to go for it. Young threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the one. Dowdle got in for the touchdown. Yet Fitzgerald missed the extra point as the Panthers only led 13-6. Midway through the fourth quarter the Packers took over at their own 29. Love went to Musgrave for 21. On 4th and 3 from the Carolina 43, Love went to Heath for 11. On 3rd and goal at the one, Josh Jacobs got in. With 2 1/2 minutes left, the game was tied 13-13. The Panthers took over at their own 29. Young went to Coker for 9 and to McMillan for 10. Dowdle ripped off a 19 yard gain. With one second left, Fitzgerald came in for a 49 yard field goal try for the win and redemption. Fitzgerald’s kick was good, as the Panthers after the stunning road upset quietly got to 5-4 on the year. 16-13 Panthers

Jacksonville Jaguars at Las Vegas Raiders — Everything about the Raiders over the last 20+ years can be summed up by this one game. The Jaguars had mind-numbing drive that took 17 plays, 81 yards, and drained 10 1/2 minutes off the clock. Trevor Lawrence then went to the end zone and was intercepted for a touchback. The Raiders defense played inspired but got no help from the offense. Pete Carroll gambled with the Raiders facing 4th and 1 from the Jacksonville 37. He wanted to spark his team, but the offense is just not good enough for these kinds of bold gambles. They didn’t convert on 3rd and 1, so it made no sense to try again. Smith threw incomplete. The first quarter was scoreless. 

In the second quarter the Raiders took over at their own 5. Smith went to Ashton Jeanty for 13 and to Thomas for 9. On 3rd and 1 from their own 27, Smith gained 2. Defensive gained 12. On 3rd and 3 just shy of midfield, Smith went to Jakobi Meyers for 4 and to Tre Tucker for 10. On 2nd and 13 from the Jacksonville 40, Smith went to Brock Bowers for 21. Smith went back to Bowers for a 7 yard touchdown. The 13 play, 95 yard, 5 minute drive had the Raiders up 6-0. Daniel Carlson missed the extra point. Only 35 seconds remained in the half, but the defense went soft. The Jaguars took over at their own 31. They only made it to midfield with 5 seconds left. Yet rather than try a Hail Mary, Liam Cohen instead went for history.

The NFL record for a field goal was 66 yards, set by former Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker.  That kick hit the cross bar and got the favorable bounce. Cam Little was tasked with trying to make a 68 yard field goal. He had made a 70 yarder in preseason, but those do not count for record purposes. Little banged the daylights out of the ball. It might have been good from 75. The Jaguars trailed 6-3 at the half, but Little had just made NFL history. It gave the Jaguars momentum. The Raiders had a chance to blunt that momentum, but Geno Smith was immediately intercepted in the third quarter. Little hit from 33 for a 6-6 game. 

The Raiders got a 54 yard kickoff return from Raheem Mostert to start with a short field at the Jacksonville 43. The Raiders moved to a 1st and goal at the one. Jeanty got the carry and got stopped. Then came the false start. Smith then threw incomplete twice. This was typical Raiders. Carlson hit from 24. The Raiders led 9-6 after three quarters. Yet while the first three quarters were a slugfest, the fourth quarter all of a sudden became a track meet. After three quarters the teams combined for 15 points. In the fourth quarter the teams combined for 31 points. The fourth quarter featured four lead changes.

The Jaguars took over at their own 31. Trevor Lawrence went to Washington for 22. On 3rd and 5 from the Raiders 42, Allen gained 10. On 3rd and 1 from the Raiders 23, Trevor Lawrence gained 2. On 4th and 2 from the Raiders 13, Liam Cohen went for it. Travis Etienne gained 6. The second quarter began with Lawrence running for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 13-9 Jaguars. The Raiders took over at their own 31. On 3rd and 1 Smith gained 2. Defensive unnecessary roughness added 15. On 3rd and 9 from the Jacksonville 35, Smith went to Mostert for 14. Smith went to Jeanty for a 15 yard touchdown to make it 16-13 Raiders with 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation.

The Jaguars took over at th eir own 26. On 3rd and 11, Lawrence connected with Thomas for a 34 yard gain. defensive unnecessary roughness added 15. Travis Etienne ran for 20. On 3rd and goal at the one, Tuten got in. The Jaguars led 20-16, which was the exact score when the Jaguars overcame a 16-3 deficit to ruin the final Raiders home game in Oakland. Yet this time 4 minutes still remained. The Raiders took over at their own 38. Smith hit Bowers for a pair of 9 yard gains. Smith went to Mayer for 11 and Tucker for 6 at the 2 minute warning. Smith then found Bowers, who outraced everyone for a 27 yard touchdown. 4 straight touchdown drives, 2 by each team, had the Raiders up 23-20. Yet they scored too early. They left 1:52 on the clock. Because of the earlier missed extra point, the Jaguars needed only a field goal to force overtime. With 16 seconds left, Little delivered from 48. This game was going to overtime tied 23-23. 

The Jaguars won the overtime coin toss and Trammell returned the opening overtime kickoff 54 yards. The Jaguars began with a short field at the Raiders 44. Lawrence went to Washington for 13. Etienne ran for 10. Tuten added 11 and 7. On 3rd and goal at the one, Lawrence got stopped. An easy field gaol would give the Jaguars the lead, but the Raiders would have a chance with the ball. On 4th and goal at the one, Liam Cohen wanted it all. With everything on the line, Lawrence got in. The Jaguars led 30-23, but the Raiders would get one chance with the ball and 3 1/2 minutes to do it.

This time it was Mostert returning the ensuing kickoff 53 yards to give the Raiders a short field at the Jacksonville 45. Smith went to Tucker for 22. On 3rd and 6 from the Jacksonville 19, Smith went to Bowers for 10. With 16 seconds left in overtime, Smith found Bowers for the touchdown. The Raiders were an extra point from tying the game. Yet Pete Carroll wanted the win. 

No, no, no, no no! Take the tie. I understand that Herm Edwards said “You play to win the games!” Yet he was fired and has not been heard from in ages. It was one thing for Jack Del Rio to go for two in the 2016 Raiders season opener. Del rio had a stud quarterback in Derek Carr.  It made sense for Jon Gruden to go for 2 on the final play of the 2020 regular season on the road. He had a bruiser in Josh Jacobs. This 2025 Raiders team has proven over and over again that they are not good enough for these types of gambles. I get that Pete Carroll wanted to spark his team, but heart cannot overcome a lack of talent. The offensive line is awful. There are no running lanes. Geno Smith is not a good enough quarterback. Just take the tie. Carroll was determined to get his team to believe. Smith had a wide open receiver in the corner. Instead he threw over the middle and his pass was batted down incomplete. The Raiders lost again. 30-29 Jaguars

New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams — The Rams are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Saints are a mess. Sometimes a really bad team can go on the road and shock a really good team in an upset for the ages. This was not that game. Goliath beat up David and gave him a wedgie. The Rams took over at their own 12. Matthew Stafford went to Puka Nacua for 10 and 9, to Davante Adams for 20., and to Allen for 16. On 3rd and 4 from the New Orleans 27, Williams gained just enough. On 3rd and goal a the one, Stafford went to Higbee for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Rams. The Rams got it back and faced 3rd and 8 from their own 40. Stafford hit Ferguson for 18. The Rams began the second quarter with Sean McVay gambling on 4th and 3 from the New Orleans 35. Stafford threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 5 yards. Stafford went to Adams for a 3 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Rams led 13-0. The Saints managed a field goal but the Rams kept rolling from their own 35. Corum gained 21 and stafford hit Nacua for a 39 yard touchdown to make it 20-3 Rams. The Saints managed a touchdown before the half but this game was over. In the third quarter Stafford went to Adams for a 4 yard touchdown. In the fourth quarter on 4th and goal at the one, Kyren Williams got in to complete the scoring. The Rams are 6-2 while the Saints are 1-8 and getting worse. 34-10 Rams

Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills — This is why we watch football. The Bills always seem to win this game in the regular season only for the Chiefs to win the rematch in the playoffs. The Bills began at their own 16. James Cook had runs of 7 and 17. On 3rd and 5 from the Kansas City 34, Josh Allen hit Johnson for 9. On 3rd and 8 from the Kansas City 23, Allen went to Dalton Kincaid for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Bills. The Bills got it back and Sean McDermott gambled on 4th and 2 from the Kansas City 47. Allen threw incomplete. From that spot, Patrick Mahomes went to Rasheed Rice for 20. On 3rd and 1 from the Buffalo 9, Karim Hunt gained 6. Rice ran for a 3 yard touchdown on the first play of the second quarter for a 7-7 game. On their next drive Harrison Butker kicked a 46 yard field goal for a 10-7 Chiefs lead. 

The Bills took over at their own 30. Allen went to Hawes for 18. On 2nd and 13 from their own 45, Allen connected with Kincaid for a 47 yard gain. Johnson ran for a 3 yard touchdown for a 14-10 Bills lead. Walrus Andy Reid gambled on 4th and 3 from the Buffalo 39. Mahomes threw incomplete. Cook ran for 16 and 3. On 3rd and 2 from the Kansas City 36, Allen found Shakir for 3. Allen then ent deep to Dawson Knox for 30. Allen got in from the one to make it 21-10 Bills with 1:23 left in the half. The Chiefs moved to a 3rd and goal at the one with 9 seconds left. Mahomes threw incomplete, leaving 3 seconds. On 4th and goal at the one, Walrus Andy Reid surprised a lot of people by opting for the field goal. Butker hit the 19 yard chip shot to have the Chiefs within 21-13. 

Late in the third quarter the Bills took over at their own 26. Allen went to Shakir for 20 and to Coleman for 11. Allen went to Moore for 28. On 3rd and goal at the one, Allen got in to have the Bills up 28-13 after three quarters. The Chiefs took over at their own 34. On 3rd and 10, Mahomes went deep to Malcolm Hollywood Brown for 33. The fourth quarter began with the Chiefs facing 4th and 17 from the Buffalo 40. Mahomes went to Rice for 29. On 4th and 1 from the Buffalo 2 with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation, this time Walrus Andy Reid was going for it. Hunt got the touchdown. Reid went for 2 and Mahomes hit Kelce successfully to have the Chiefs down by 7. The Chiefs got it back and with 4 1/2 minutes left faced 3rd and 11 at their own 23. Mah9omes was intercepted. With 27 seconds left, a 52 yard field goal try for the Bills to lock up the win was no good. Yet on 1st and 10 from the Buffalo 40, 3 Hail Mary attempts by Mahomes fell incomplete. The Bills beat the Chiefs for the 5th straight time in the regular season. Yet the Chiefs have the Super bowl Rings. The playoffs will tell if the Bills are finally over the hump. 28-21 Bills

Seattle Seahawks at Washington Commanders was the Sunday night game. The Seahawks are playing good football while the Commanders have regressed. The Seahawks took over at their own 10. Sam Darnold went to Horton for 13. Jackson Smith-Nigba for 11. On 3rd and 3 from the Seattle 47 Darnold went to Barner for 8. Kenneth Walker gained 12, 6 and 3. On 3rd and 5 from the Washington 27, Darnold went to Walker for 14. Defensive pass interference added 10. Darnold hit Horton for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Seahawks.In the second quarter an interception of Jayden Daniel set the Seahawks up at their own 40. Darnold went to Smith-Nigba for 17. On 3rd and 3 from the Washington 36, Charbonnet gained 9, 6 and 4. Darnold went to Horton for a 25 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Seahawks. The Commanders fumbled the ensuing kickoff to set up the Seahawks at the Washington 26. One play and 5 seconds was enough for Darnold to hit Arroyo for the touchdown to make it 21-0 Seahawks. The Seahawks got it back at their own 13. On 3rd and 5, Darnold went to Smith-Nigba for 22. Darnold then went bombs away to White for a 60 yard touchdown and a 28-0 Seahawks lead. The rest of the game was pointless. The Commanders scored a second quarter touchdown while the Seahawks added a field goal. In the third quarter the Seahawks scored one more touchdown. In the fourth quarter the Commanders got one more garbage touchdown as the Seahawks got to 6-2 on the year. 38-14 Seahawks 

Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys was the Monday night game. In 1998 the Cardinals went into Dallas and shocked the Cowboys in the playoffs. This year the Cowboys have no defense while the Cardinals are a mess relying on a backup quarterback. If there was any game for the Cowboys to right the ship, this was it. Early on the Cowboys moved to a 4th and goal at the 4. Rather than jus take the easy field goal, Brian Schottenheimer went for it. Dak Prescott was sacked. Ryland hit a 48 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Cardinals. The Cardinals got it back at the Dallas 47. On 3rd and 14, Jacoby Brissett went to Marvin Harrison Jr for 20. Demercado ran for 16. On 3rd and 1 from the Dallas 6, Knight gained 2. Brissett hit Harrison for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Cardinals in the second quarter.

The Cardinals were dominating but then had to punt on 4th and 9 from their own 36. The punt was blocked. Marshawn Kneeland recovered the blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown to get the Cowboys within 10-7. The Cardinals took over at their own 26. Brissett went to Higgins for 16 and to Harrison for 16 more. On 3rd and 3 from the Dallas 35, Brissett hit Knight for 12. On 3rd and 1 from the Dallas 6, Knight gained 5. Brissett got the last yard to make it 17-7 Cardinals. Brandon Aubrey was allowed to try a 68 yard field to end the half and make NFL history. His kick was wide left no good. The Cardinals began the third quarter at their own 26. Brissett immediately went deep to Wilson for 50. Knight gained 17. Brissett went to Terry McBride for a 12 yard touchdown to make it 24-7 Cardinals. Aubrey hit a 26 yard field goal but Ryland answered from 34 to make it 27-10 Cardinals after three quarters. The Cowboys managed one garbage touchdown in the fourth quarter as their season of misery continued. 27-17 Cardinals 

NFL 2025 Week 9 Prequel

Thursday, October 30, 2025, 8pm

Baltimore Ravens (-7 1/2) at Miami Dolphins — Both teams are awful, which makes it all the more surprising that they won last week. The Dolphins went on the road and obliterated Atlanta. The oddsmakers were unimpressed. We keep hearing that the Ravens are better than their record, but with Lamar Jackson injured that is not true. Jackson is back, which drastically improves the team. Yet the spread is too high for a road team, especially if Jackson has any rust. Ravens win but fail to cover

Sunday, November 2, 1pm

Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots  (-5 1/2) — The Patriots are a good football team again thanks to Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye. The Falcons are too inconsistent to trust, especially after getting blown out home by a bad Miami team. Patriots cover

Los Angeles Chargers (-10 1/2) at Tennessee Titans — Yes, the Titans are pathetic. Yet the Chargers simply do not blow teams out. They play down to the level of their competition. On paper the Chargers are much better but games are not played on paper. This game is begging for a garbage touchdown to beat the spread, especially with the Chargers being on the road. Chargers win but fail to cover

Chicago Bears (-2 1/2) at Cincinnati Bengals — The Bears losing at Baltimore was forgivable, but the Bengals blowing a 14 point fourth quarter home lead to the previously winless Jets is not. It is really hard to give the Bengals the benefit of the doubt, but perhaps they will be angry in what is their third straight home game. This is the last chance to say the Bengals are not awful and the Bears are overrated. Upset special, Bengals win outright

Indianapolis Colts (-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers — 20 years ago the Steelers went into indianapolis and shocked the 14-2 Colts in the playoffs. That matters to someone, somewhere. The Colts are 7-1 and their offense is lighting up the league. The Steelers lost at home to Green Bay. Go with the hot team, even on the road. The Steelers are good, but the Colts right now are great. Colts cover

San Francisco 49ers (-2 1/2) at New York Giants — In 1990 these teams played two of the greatest defensive games ever and the most brutal NFC Title Game ever. Now the 49ers are a good team that laid an inexcusable egg at Houston while the Giants are slowly improving. At home, Jaxson Dart brings the energy. Losing Cam Skattebo for the season hurts, but go with the fiery quarterback in front of the home crowd. Upset special, Giants win outright

Denver Broncos at Houston Texans (-1 1/2) — The Texans did get an impressive win over San Francisco, but Denver presents a much tougher test. Both teams have good defenses, and right now Bo nix is playing better than CJ Stroud. Go with the hot quarterback. Upset special, Broncos win outright

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (-8 1/2) — First JJ McCarthy gets injured and now Carson Wentz is done for the year with an injury. As the Vikings are getting wounded, the Lions are getting healthy. That means their offense should roll. Lions cover

Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers (-12 1/2)— 30 years ago this was the NFC Title Game. 30 years later, the Packers are still the better team. Their win at Pittsburgh was impressive. Bryce Young should return after missing one week due to injury, but if he is even slightly hobbled by his ankle, this game will not be close. Packers cover 

4pm

Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) at Las Vegas Raiders — It is really hard to trust the Raiders on anything. They have no home field advantage, no offensive line, and lousy quarterback play. Yet they had two weeks to prepare for this game. After a lifeless shutout drubbing at Kansas City, this is the last chance to give them the benefit of the doubt this season. The Jaguars are inconsistent and the Raiders defense has improved. Upset special, Raiders win outright

New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams (-14 1/2) — This was a thrilling and controversial 2018 NFC Title Game. Now it is a very good team against a terrible team. Yet at the risk of being a broken record, the spread is too high when a potential garbage touchdown is factored in. The Rams could make this a blowout, but they often play down to the level of their competition. Rams win but fail to cover

Kansas City Chiefs (-2) at Buffalo Bills — Both teams won their respective games by 31 points last week. The Bills won on the road. The way this series works is that the Bills win in the regular season and choke against the Chiefs in the playoffs. Since this is the regular season go with the Bills to hold serve at home so they can get their fan base hyped up before disappointing them in January. Upset special, Bills win outright

8pm

Seattle Seahawks (-3) at Washington Commanders — Over a decade ago, the Commanders were the Redskins. RGIII was a rookie phenom who suffered a gruesome knee injury in a playoff game against Seattle that derailed his career. Now Jayden Daniels is back from injury but the Seahawks still seem to be the better team right now. Sam Darnold is airing it out and the Seattle defense is the best it has been since the Legion of Boom days. Dan Quinn helped build that defense, but giving up 44 points at Dallas in inexcusable. Until the Commanders right the ship, they do not get the benefit of the doubt. Seahawks cover

Monday, November 3, 8pm

Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys (-2 1/2) — The Cowboys offense exploded for 44 points against Washington. While the Dallas defense cannot stop anyone, luckily against Arizona that will not be an issue. This is one game where high octane offense alone should be sufficient. The Cardinals lack the firepower to keep up. Cowboys cover

NFL 2025 Week 8 Recap

Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Chargers was the Thursday night game. A pair of talented but inconsistent teams faced off in a one-sided affair. The Chargers began facing 3rd and 13 at their own 14. Justin Herbert hit keenan Allen for 17. On 3rd and 2 from their own 39Patterson gained 3. Herbert hit Gadsden for 13. On 3rd and 1 from the Minnesota 32 Herbert hit Ladd McConkey for 15 with 9 more added on for roughing the passer. On 3rd and goal at the 8 Herbert hit Gadsden for the touchdown to cap the 14 play, 83 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive and make it 7-0 Chargers. The Chargers got it back at their own 41. Runs and short passes led to Vidal running for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Chargers in the second quarter. The Vikings managed a field goal, but this game was never a contest. With 4 minutes left in the half, the Chargers took over at their own 6. On 3rd and 5 Herbert hit Allen for 6. Herbert went to McConkey for 17. Herbert ran for 18. Herbert went back to McConkey for 15 and one more time deep to McConkey for a 27 yard touchdown. The 94 yard drive had the chargers cruising up 21-3 at the half. Both kickers missed second quarter field goals. An uneventful second half saw the Chargers tack on a third quarter field goal. The Vikings did reach the end zone, but in the fourth quarter the Chargers buried the Vikings. A 12 play, 73 yard, 7 minute drive culminated in a 6 yard Herbert touchdown pass to Harris for a 31-10 Chargers lead. Cameron Dicker tacked on two late field goals to complete the blowout. 37-10 Chargers

New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals — The Bengals had 10 days to rest after an emotional win over Pittsburgh. Now all they had to do was beat the winless Jets. The Bengals made it look easy early on. They stalled inside the Jets 10 yard line as Evan Mcpherson hit a 26 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Bengals. Aaron Glenn gambled on 4th and 1 from his own 37. An end around got blown up for a 2 yard loss. Joe Flacco went to Fant for 16. On 3rd and 2 from the Jets 11 Samaji Perine gained 10.  Flacco got the last yard for a 10-0 Bengals lead after the first quarter. The Jets managed a second quarter field goal but the Bengals from their own 31 kept coming. Flacco went to Jamarr Chase for 17. Flacco went deep to Tee Higgins for a 44 yard touchdown as the Bengals lead 17-3.

The Jets took over at their own 22. Breece Hall gained 10. On 3rd and 1 from their own 41, Justin Fields gained 2. Fields went to Johnson for 34 yards. Aaron Glenn gambled on 4th and 2 from the Cincinnati 15. Fields went to Johnson for the touchdown to have the Jets within 17-10. The Bengals took over at their own 35. Flacco went to Chase for 7 and 6. Brown gained 11. On 3rd and 7 from the Jets 38, Flacco went to Chase for just enough. On 3rd and 4 from the Jets 25, the defense jumped into the neutral zone. Flacco went to Brown for a 19 yard touchdown to make it 24-10 Bengals. Twice the Jets moved inside the Cincinnati 10 yard line but had to settle for Nick Folk field goals of 25 in the second quarter and 24 in the third quarter to have the Jets within 24-16. The Bengals soon faced 3rd and 12 from their own 33. Old Man Flacco ran for 13. Perine ran for 9 and 2. Flacco hit Fant for 11. Perine ran for a 32 yard touchdown. The Bengals led 31-16 after three quarters. 

The Jets took over at their own 34. Fields went to Taylor for 15. Hall ran for a 35 yard gain. On 3rd and 2 from the Cincinnati 5 to start the fourth quarter, Hall ran for the touchdown. Aaron Glenn went for 2 and Fields got in successfully to have the Jets within 31-24. The Bengals took over at their own 27. Perine gained 21 and 11. Flacco went to Chase for 7 and 16. Brown ran for 12, 5, and the one yard touchdown. Every time the Jets tried to make a game of it, the Bengals pulled away. For the fourth time on the day, the Bengals led by at least 14 points. The Bengals led 38-24 with 10 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Jets were game, but this game was over for the hapless Jets.

A strong kickoff return had the Jets taking over at their own 40. With 8 1/2 minutes left, the Jets had to go for it on 4th and 1 just shy of midfield. One stop would end things. Instead, Flacco hit Ruckert for 24. For the Bengals, this was FCO1. On the next play Hall got around the end for a 27 yard touchdown. This was FCO2. Aaron Glenn then went for an unnecessary 2 point conversion. This is the new trendy thing where teams down by1 4 cut the gap to 6 under the illusion they will win later. It never works. Fields did go to Davis to have the Jets within 38-32 midway through the fourth quarter. The Bengals could have ground down clock. Instead Flacco threw a pair of incompletions and on 3rd and 10 was sacked. For the Bengals this was FCO3. 

A 21 yard punt return had the Jets at their own 41. Fields went to Smith for 23. Hall gained 10. On 3rd and 1 from the Cincinnati 16, Fields got the yard. On 3rd and 2 from the Cincinnati 7, Fields hit Taylor for 3. Hall then hit Taylor for a 4 yard touchdown. The extra point was good as Aaron Glenn’s earlier 2 point conversions actually worked. With 1:54 to play, this was more than FCO4 for the Bengals. The Jets led by a point. The Bengals took over at their own 25 needing only a field goal to win. On 3rd and 9 from their own 45, Flacco threw incomplete twice. The Jets scored 23 fourth quarter points to turn a blowout loss into a shocking win. The 1976 Buccaneers popped the champagne corks. The Jets won their first game and Aaron Glenn got his first win as an NFL head coach. 39-38 Bengals

Chicago Bears at Baltimore Ravens — The Bears came in winners of 4 straight while the Ravens came in having lost 4 straight. Again, Tyler Huntley started in place of the injured Lamar Jackson. in the first quarter Cairo Santos hit field goals of 32 and 39 to have the Bears up 6-0. The Ravens began the second quarter at their own 38. Derrick Henry ran for 2 and 8. Huntley went to Bay Flowers for 20. On 3rd and 7 from the Chicago 29, Huntley hit Flowers for just enough. Henry ran for 10 and then for the 2 yard touchdown to have the Ravens up 7-6. With one minute left in the half Tyler Loop hit a 42 yard field goal to make it 10-6 Ravens. Santos missed from 58 to end the half. Loop hit third quarter field goals of 28 and 32 to make it 16-6 Ravens. 

The Bears took over at their own 17. Deandre Swift ran for 5 and 13. On 3rd and 6 from their own 39, Caleb Williams went to Odunze for 27. On 3rd and 6 from the Baltimore 30, Williams found Swift for 25. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Swift got in to get the Bears within 16-13 with 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Bears got it back at their own 4 yard lien looking to tie the game, Williams was intercepted by Wiggins to give the Ravens gift field position at the Chicago 9. Huntley went to Kolar for a 10 yard touchdown to make it 23-13 Ravens. Needing 2 scores, Santos hit from 47 to have the Bears within 23-16 with 5 minutes left. The Ravens took over at their own 34. On 3rd and 7 from their own 48, Huntley went to Deandre Hopkins for 14. Mitchell got around the end for 13 more. Huntley gained 11. Henry got the final 2 yards just before the 2 minute warning to seal the win. 30-16 Ravens

Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons — The Falcons have been inconsistent all year but they were at home against a miserably bad Dolphins team that had appeared to quit on their head coach. The Dolphins took over at their own 21. Tua Tagovailoa went to Washington for 17. On 3rd and 2 from their own 46 Gordon gained 3. On 3rd and 1 from the Altanta 21 Gordon gained 4. Mike MacDaniel gambled on 4th and 1 from the Atlanta 8. Gordon got the yard, barely. Tgovailoa went to Devon Achane for a 3 yard touchdown to cap the 13 play, 7 9 yard, 8 1/2 minute drive and make it 7-0 Dolphins. The Falcons managed a second quarter field goal but Riley Patterson answered from 34 to make it 10-3 Dolphins. The Dolphins got it back at their own 18 and Tagovailoa hit Westbrook for 18. On 3rd and 3 from their own 43 Gordon gained 11. A defensive facemask at the 2 minute warning gave the Dolphins 15 more yards. On 3rd and 10 from the Atlanta 19, Tagovailoa found Waddle for just enough. Tagovailoa went to Washington for a 9 yard touchdown with 11 seconds left in the half for a 17-3 Dolphins lead. In the third quarter the Falcons fumbled and the Dolphins took over at their own 16. Achane ran for 10. Tagovailoa went deep to Waddle for a 43 yard touchdown to have the Dolphins dominating 24-3 after three quarters. The Falcons turned it over on downs in the fourth quarter and the Dolphins took over at the Atlanta 41. Tagovailoa went to Gordon for a 20 yard touchdown to make it 31-3 Dolphins. Patterson tacked on a 36 yard field goal to make it 34-3 Dolphins. The Falcons managed one garbage touchdown but in an absolute shocker, the Dolphins showed there is no quit on their team. 34-10 Dolphins

Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers — The Panthers came in surprising winners of 3 straight games. Red Rifle Andy Dalton started in place of the injured Bryce Young. The Bills had struggled to beat some of the worst teams in the league despite a stacked roster with sky high expectations. Matt Prater hit field goals of 45 in the first quarter and 43 in the second quarter to make it 6-0 Bills. The latter kick was set up by a Carolina fumble. The Panthers managed a field goal, but the Bills then carpet-bombed them into oblivion. The Bills took over at their own 23. James Cook raced for a 64 yard touchdown to make it 12-3 Bills. An interception of Dalton was returned by Espenesa 24 yards down to the Carolina 1. One play later Allen got n to make it 19-3 Bills. The Panthers missed a field goal to end the half. In the third quarter the Bills faced 3rd and 7 at their own 38. Allen threw incomplete but defensive holding meant a new set of downs. Allen then connected with Shakir for a 54 yard touchdown to make it 26-3 Bills. The Bills got it back at their own 12 and James Cook ran for 8, 7 and 12. Allen hit Coleman for 14. On 3rd and 2 from the Carolina 39, Allen went  to Coleman for 8. Cook ran for 10 and then for the 21 yard touchdown to make it 33-3 Bills. One play later Dalton was sacked and fumbled to set up the Bills at the Carolina 19. On 3rd and 7 Allen went to Hawes for 12. On 3rd and goal at the one Allen got in as the Bills were winning a 40-3 blowout. The Panthers managed one fourth quarter garbage touchdown but this was the Bills team the league expected to see all year. 40-9 Bills

San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans — The 5-2 49ers were not expected to have much difficulty with a Texans team struggling to win. Kaimi Fairbairn hit field goals of 33 yards in the first quarter and 34 yards in the second quarter for a 6-0 Texans lead. The first one was set up by a staggering 16 play drive that took 9 1/2 minutes off the clock. The Texans got it back at their own 18. On 3rd and 4, CJ Stroud hit noel for 7. Stroud went deep to Noel for 44. On 3rd and 5 from the San Francisco 18, Stroud went to Berrios for 6. Stroud hit Higgins for a 12 yard touchdown to make it 13-0 49ers. Fairbairn hit another field goal from 37 as the Texans were dominating 16-0. 

The 49ers managed a touchdown before the half, but the Texans defense was tough all day. I the third quarter the Texans took over at their own 6 yard line. Stroud went to Higgins for 10. On 3rd and 5 from their own 25, Stroud hit Noel for 8. On 3rd and 8 from their own 33, Stroud hit Dalton Schultz for 17. and Wayne for 17 more. On 3rd and 7 from the San Francisco 30, Stroud went to Hutchinson for the touchdown and the 23-7 Texans lead. The third quarter ended with Mac Jones hitting Tonges for a 25 yard touchdown to cap a 76 yard drive/ Jones hit Robinson for a 2 point conversion as the 49ers only trailed 23-15 after three quarters, Fairbairn hit his fourth field goal from 30 to give the Texans breathing room with 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Just before the 2 minute warning on 1st and 10 from the Houston 29, Jones was intercepted. 26-15 Texans

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles — The Giants shocked the defending champions by crushing them in New York. The Eagles were burning for revenge and to restore order in the NFC East. On the second play from scrimmage, Saquon Barkley torched his former team for a 65 yard touchdown run to make it 7-0 Eagles. A 58 yard field goal try by Jake Elliott to extend the lead was no good. The Giants soon faced 3rd and 8 at midfield. Jaxson Dart ran for just enough. Dart went to Darrius Slayton for 19 and to Cam Skattebo for an 18yard touchdown to make it 7-7.

The Eagles took over at their own 41. Nick Sirianni gambled on 4th and 3. Jalen Hurts gained 5. The second quarter began with Hurts hitting Devonta Smith for 26. On 4th and 1 from the Giants 11, Nick Sirianni gambled again. The entire football world knew the tush push was coming, but the issue was trying to stop it. Hurts gained 2. Hurts went to Barkley for a 9 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Eagles. Graham Gano hit a 47 yard field goal to get the Giants within 14-10, but the Eagles kept coming. The Eagles took over at there own 42. Barkley ran for 10, 6 and 5. Hurts went to Smith for 11 and 12. Hurts found Dallas Goedert for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 21-10 Eagles. Elliott hit a 40 yard field goal in the third quarter to have the Eagles up 24-10.

The Giants mounted a 15 play, 59 yard, 7 minute drive, but they bogged down in the red zone. Gano hit from 24 to get the Giants within 24-13. The Eagles then turned out the lights. Barkley ran for 28. A sack of Hurts meant 2nd and 26. Bigsby ripped off a 29 yard run. Hurts found Goedert for a 17 yard touchdown to make it 31-13 Eagles. The Eagles got it back at their own 27. Bigsby ran for 10, 7 and 12. Hurts went deep to Dotson for a 40 yard touchdown to make it 38-13 Eagles. The Giants got a garbage touchdown but nothing more. The Eagles gashed the Giants defense for 276 yards rushing on 33 carries, led by Barkley’s 150 yards on only 14 carries. 38-20 Eagles

Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots — Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye have revitalized the Patriots. The Browns have the top defense in the league but no offense. Borregales hit a 36 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Browns. The Browns soon faced 3rd and 11 at their own 29.  Dillon Gabriel went to Fannin for 19. Corley ran for 31. Gabriel went to Fannin for an 18 yard touchdown to have the Browns up 7-3. A 47 yard field goal try in the second quarter by Szmyt to try and extend the lead was no good. Borregales hit second quarter field goals of 32 and 42 to have the Patriots up 9-7 at the intermission. In the third quarter the Patriots offense exploded and buried the Browns.

The Patriots took over at their own 23. Henderson gained 6 and then 27. Drake Maye went to Mack Hollins for 19. Maye went to Hunter Henry for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 16-7 Patriots. An interception of Gabriel was returned by Robert Spillane for 33 yards to the Cleveland 6. On 3rd and goal at the one, Maye went to Stefan Diggs for the touchdown to make it 23-7 Patriots. Another interception of Gabriel led to an 81 yard drive by the Patriots. Maye went to Boutte for a 32 yard touchdown to make it 30-7 Patriots. In the fourth quarter the Browns managed one garbage touchdown. The Patriots defense added a safety to complete the scoring. An enraged Miles Garrett exploded on the sidelines. He had a Hall of Fame effort with 5 sacks. Yet it was all for naught. 32-13 Patriots

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints — The Buccaneers are very good. The Saints are very bad. The Saints defense fought hard but their offense turned the ball over repeatedly. After a scoreless first quarter, in the second quarter Spencer Rattler was intercepted by Nelson. Nelson glided 3 yards the other way for a 7-0 Buccaneers lead. Blake Grupe hit a 48 yard field goal for the Saints to end the half, but in the second half the Buccaneers defense clamped down hard. The Buccaneers began the third quarter  at their own 27. Baker Mayfield went to Johnson for 16, to White for 17, and back to Johnson for 12. Mayfield went to Cade Otton for 22 down to the one. Todd Bowles went for it on 4th and goal at the one. Tucker got in to make it 14-3 Buccaneers. Chase McLaughlin did the rest on 3 straight drives, hitting from 55 in the third quarter and from 52 and 54 in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring. 23-3 Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts — The Titans are awful. The Colts are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Sometimes a bad team can go on the road and shock a good team in an upset for the ages. This was not that game. Goliath beat up David and stole his lunch money. The Colts began with a 43 yard Mike Badgley field goal to make it 3-0 Colts. The Colts got it back and soon face 3rd and 1 at their own 36. Jonathan Taylor gained 2. Taylor then ran for 15. Daniel Jones went to Warren for 15. Taylor ran for 11 and then for an 18 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Colts. The Titans took over in the second quarter at their own 31. Cam Ward went to Dike for 18. On 3rd and 6 from the Indianapolis 42, Spears got around the end for a 41 yard gain down to the one. Ward found Helm for the one yard touchdown to get the Titans within 10-7. 

The Colts took over at their own 29. Jones hit Pittman for 11 and again for 14. Jones went to Warren for 20 and back to Pittman for a 21 yard touchdown to make it 17-7 Colts. In the third quarter the Colts delivered the knockout blow when Taylor raced for an 80 yard touchdown to make it 24-7 Colts. The Colts got it back at their own 26. Jones hit Pittman for 18. On 3rd and 13 from their own 38, Jones went deep to Pierce for 50. On 3rd and 8 from the Tennessee 10, Jones went to Downs for the touchdown to make it 31-7 Colts. In the fourth quarter the Colts took over at the Tennessee 46. On 4th and 1 from the Tennessee 37, Taylor gained 4. Jones went to Warren for 14 and to Taylor for a 19 yard touchdown to make it 38-7 Colts. The Titans got one garbage touchdown. The Titans are 1-7 while the 7-1 Colts are playing like a serious Super Bowl contender. 38-14 Colts

Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos — In 1977 the Cowboys won this Super Bowl matchup. This year the Broncos have a great defense and the Cowboys have no defense. An early interception of Bo Nix led to a 24 yard Brandon Aubrey field goal to make it 3-0 Cowboys. After that the Broncos erupted. On 3rd and 7 from their own 29, the Broncos got the Dallas defense to jump offside. On 3rd and 2, Nix went to Franklin for 26. Harvey ran for a 40 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Broncos. The Broncos got it back at their own 38. Nix went to Bryant for 16 and to Franklin for 10. Nix found Franklin for a 25 yard touchdown to make it 14-3 Broncos. 

In the second quarter the Cowboys took over at their own 41. Blue gained 14. On 3rd and 1 from th Denver 31, Luke gained 2. On 3rd and 6 from the Denver 25, Dak Prescott hit George Pickens for 9. Prescott went to Schoonmaker for 14 down to the one. Williams got the yard to have the Cowboys within 14-10. The Cowboys took over at their own 35. Nix hit Franklin for 13. Defensive pass interference on a deep ball meant  32 yard gain. Nix hit Evan Engram for 11. On 3rd and goal at the one, Harvey took the Wildcat snap and got in. A pointless 2 point try failed as the Broncos led 20-10. The Broncos got it back at their own 28. JK Dobbins gained 15. Nix hit Cortland Sutton for 11. Nix found Bryant for a 24 yard touchdown to make it 27-10 Broncos at the half. That was the exact reverse of the Super Bowl in 1977. 

In the third quarter the Cowboys mounted a 13 play, 65 yard, 7 minute drive. A one yard touchdown run by Williams got the Cowboys within 27-17. They would get no closer. Wil Lutz hit a 42 yard field goal to make it 30-17 Broncos. The Broncos got it back at their own 16. Nix hit Sutton for 9. Mims gained 9 and Dobbins gained 7. Nix went deep to Sutton for 39. On 3rd and 10 from the Dallas 21, Nix found Engram for just enough. On 3rd and 6 from the Dallas 7, Nix went to Franklin for the touchdown to make it 37-17 Broncos. An interception of Prescott set up the Broncos up at their own 45. Dobbins gained 15 and 5. On 3rd and 4 from the Dallas 22, defensive pass interference added 17 yards. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Nix went to Harvey for the touchdown to make it 44-17 Broncos. The Cowboys managed one garbage touchdown. The 6-2 Broncos lead the AFC West. 44-24 Broncos

Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers was the Sunday night game. Aaron Rodgers faced off against his former team seeking to become the third player in NFL history to defeat all 32 teams along with Tom Brady and Brett Favre. Chris Boswell drilled a 56 yard field goal early on to mow it 3-0 Steelers. The Packers took over at their own 33. Jordan Love went to Romeo Doubs for 24. Love went to Heath for 13 and to Kraft for a 16 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Packers. 

In the second quarter Brandon McManus missed a 57 yard field goal try for the Packers that would have extended the lead. Chris Boswell then hit second quarter field goals of 50 and 48 to have the Steelers up 9-7. The Steelers got the ball back at their own 16. Warren ran for 9 and 17. Gainwell added 14. On 3rd and 9 from the Green Bay 36, defensive pass interference added 21. Rodgers fund DK Metcalf for 10 and again for a 2 yard touchdown. The Steelers had a commanding 16-7 halftime lead. The Packers missed another opportunity at the end of the half when McManus missed again from 44.

The Packers began the third quarter facing 3rd and 5 from their own 15. The key play in the game came when Love went bombs away to Kraft for a 59 yard gain. Matt LaFleur went for it on 4th and 1 from the Pittsburgh 17. Love went to Williams for an 8 yard touchdown to get the Packers within 16-14. Boswell nailed a 56 yard field goal as the Steelers led 19-14 after three quarters. 

The Packers took over at their own 22. Love went to Wilson for 14. On 3rd and 7 from the Pittsburgh 40, Love went to Watson for 33. Josh Jacobs ran for a 3 yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter. Matt LaFleur went for 2 and Love hit Doubs successfully to have the Packers back on top 22-19. The Packers got it back with a short field at the Pittsburgh 45. Wilson gained 15. On 3rd and 4 at the Pittsburgh 24, Love went to Kraft for the touchdown to make it 29-19 Packers. McManus tacked on short field goals of 28 and 25 as 21 unanswered points had the Packers up 35-19. The Packers managed one garbage touchdown but the Packers changing of he guard was vindicated as Love’s team defeated Rodgers’s new team. 35-25 Packers

Washington Commanders at Kansas City Chiefs was the Monday night game. The 3 time defending AFC Champions are coming into form while the Commanders have regressed. Early on Marcus Mariota was intercepted and so was Patrick Mahomes. The Commanders turned it over on downs and Mahomes was intercepted again. The Commanders turned it over on downs again. After an ugly opening quarter, the Chiefs took over in the second quarter facing 3rd and 2 at their own 36. Mahomes went to Travis Kelce for 11 and again for 31. On 3rd and 1 from the Washington 13, Karim Hunt gained 5. Rasheed Rice gained 7. Hunt got the last yard for a 7-0 Chiefs lead. The Commanders took over at their own 34. Mariota went to Sinnott for 22. On 3rd and 5 from the Kansas City 39, Mariota went to Nichols for 18 and again for 10. Mariota hit Terry McLaurin for an 11 yard touchdown to make it 7-7 at the half.

The Chiefs began in the third quarter at their own 20. Defensive unnecessary roughness gifted the Chiefs 15 yards. Mahomes hit Kelce for a 38 yard gain. On 4th and goal at the 2, Walrus Andy Reid gambled. Mahomes went to Hunt for the touchdown to make it 14-7 Chiefs. The Chiefs got it back at their own 35. Mahomes went to Juju Smith-Schuster for 24. Mahoems went to Rice for 9 and to Kelce for a 10 yard touchdown to make it 21-7 Chiefs. The Chiefs began the fourth quarter at their own 6 yard line. Mahomes went to Xavier Worthy for 9. Hunt gained 11. On 2nd and 17 from their own 19, Mahomes went to Rice for 25. Yet a taunting penalty on the offense moved the Chiefs back 15. Isaiah Pacheco gained 13. On 3rd and 2 from the Washington 31, Mahomes found Rice for 11. Mahomes went to Rice for an 18 yard touchdown. The 13 play, 94 yard, 7 minute drive completed the scoring. 28-7 Chiefs  

NFL 2025 Week 8 Prequel

Thursday, October 23, 2025, 8pm

Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Chargers (-3 1/2) — The Chargers perpetually underachieve, so it is hard to judge them on talent alone. Carson went is no scrub, so he can go blow for blow with Justin Herbert. This game could go either way depending on who has the ball last. Chargers win but fail to cover

Sunday, October 26, 1pm

New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals (-6 1/2) — Joe Flacco looked good in his debut against a good Pittsburgh team. Now he is at home against the worst team in the league. The Jets are a mess, but the spread is too high for a team still finding its way. A garbage touchdown is certainly possible. Bengals win but fail to cover

Chicago Bears at Baltimore Ravens (-6 1/2) —  The Ravens are a 1-5 team, but Lamar Jackson returned to practice this week. If he can play, that changes the entire calculus. The bears have won consecutive road games where they trailed 24-16 in the fourth quarter and won 25-24 on the final play. This is a totally different game with Jackson in it. Yet there will still be some rust. Ravens win but fail to cover

Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons (-7 1/2) — As awful as the Dolphins are, the Falcons are too inconsistent to trust the high spread. Yet flip it around. As inconsistent as the Falcons are, the Dolphins truly are awful. The Falcons do not blow teams out. Falcons win but fail to cover

Buffalo Bills (-7 1/2) at Carolina Panthers — The Bills are a good team that keeps playing down to the level of their competition. The Panthers are supposed to be awful, but they have quietly worked their way to a 4-3 record. The Bills will right the ship but the spread is too high given that the Bills are not blowing teams out. Bills win but fail to cover

San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans (-1 1/2) — The return of Brock Purdy should give the 49ers a lift. Both teams have a good defense but the Texans offense has been scattershot at best. They don’t have enough offensive production to trust them. Upset special, 49ers win outright

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-7 1/2) — The Giants led at Denver last week 19-0 after three quarters and 26-8 with 6 minutes left…and lost. They gave up 33 points in the fourth quarter. The eagles are winning close games, not blowing teams out. Jaxson Dart has shown a spark. The Giants with Dart might be able to keep the game just close enough. They beat the Eagles ine New Meadowlands,, but don’t expect a sweep. The Eagles will get their revenge. Eagles win but fail to cover

Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots (-7) — Bill Belichick coached both of these teams. Mike Vravel has the Patriots in the right direction while the Browns have a decent defense and a mess of an offense. The Browns lack the offensive talent to keep thus game competitive. Patriots cover

4pm

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-4 1/2) at New Orleans Saints — The Buccaneers will be angry after their loss at Detroit. The Saints are a mess. Yet the Buccaneers win close games in cardiac fashion. The Saints could make this a close game. Buccaneers win but fail to cover

Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts (-14 1/2) — The Colts are 6-1 and looking very good. The Titans are a complete and total mess.This game could be over by halftime. Don’t expect the Colts to have a letdown. They will move the ball at will. The spread is high, but the difference in talent is that severe. Colts cover

Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos (-3 1/2) — The Cowboys have no defense. The Broncos got shut out for 3 quarters last week and scored 33 points in the fourth quarter. They will not have a letdown at home. Bo Nix and Dak Prescott can both sling it, but the Broncos have the much better defense. Given how prolific the Dallas offense is, expect a close game. Broncos win but fail to cover

8pm

Green Bay Packers (-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers — The Steelers lost a heartbreaker at Cincinnati while the Packers barely survived Arizona. These are both good teams but not great teams. Aaron Rodgers faces off against his old team for the first time. Jordan Love would love to beat Rodgers in the same way Rodgers obsessed over beating Brett Favre. This is one game to go with the home field. If the Steelers can run the ball, they will win. Upset special, Steelers win outright

Monday, October 27, 8pm

Washington Commanders at Kansas City Chiefs (-12 1/2) — These are teams going in the opposite direction. The Chiefs offense is getting healthy and returning to what they have been the last few years. The Commanders have regressed. Forget the high spread. The Chiefs are winning games big and the Commanders were blasted at Dallas by 22 points. Chiefs cover

NFL 2025 Week 7 Recap

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals was the Thursday night game. Joe Flacco was traded from Cleveland to in-state division rival Cincinnati a few days earlier. Aaron Rodgers was in his first season in Pittsburgh. While the game itself was a dandy, the big winner was 80-year-old legendary sports announcer Al Michaels. With both quarterbacks combined to be older than Michaels, the Jewish announcer referenced some Yiddish in calling this game the Alta Caca Bowl. As for the game, the Steelers began at their own 30. On 3rd and 11, Rodgers went deep to DK Metcalf for 39 yards. Warren ran for 7, 10 and 4. On 3rd and 6 from the Cincinnati 10, Rodgers went to Smith for the touchdown and the 7-0 Steelers lead. In the second quarter the Steelers took over at their own 27. They moved 51 yards in 12 plays and nearly 7 1/2 minutes. Chris Boswell hit a 41 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Steelers.

The Bengals took over at their own 28. Brown ran for 27. On 3rd and 10 from the Pittsburgh 45, Flacco went to JaMarr Chase for 15 and 7. Perine gained 9. Flacco hit Chase for an 8 yard touchdown together the Bengals within 10-7. On the next play from scrimmage Rodgers was intercepted on a deep bomb. The Bengals took over at their own 24. Brown ripped off a 37 yard run. Flacco then went deep to Tee Higgins for a 29 yard touchdown to have the Bengals up 14-10 with 3 minutes left in the half. Rodgers was intercepted again to have the Bengals at their own 30 with 40 seconds left in the half. McPherson hit a 49 yard field goal to end the half with the Bengals up 17-10. The Bengals took over in the third quarter at their own 32, They moved 63 yards in 14 plays and 7 minutes. On 2nd and goal at the 5, Flacco threw incomplete twice. McPherson hit from 23 as 20 straight points had the Bengals up 20-10. 

The Steelers took over at their own 39. Warren ran for big gains of 5, 6 and 24. Rodgers hit Wilson for 13. On 3rd and 18 from the Cincinnati 19, Rodgers went to Pat Freiermuth for the touchdown as the Steelers were now within 20-17. The Bengals soon faced 3rd and 4 at their own 39. Flacco went deep to Iosivas for 37. Flacco went to Higgins for 6 and to Chase for 10. The Bengals began the fourth quarter facing 3rd and goal at the 5. Flacco hit Fant for the touchdown and the 27-27 Bengals lead. 

The Steelers took over at their own 27. Warren ran for 37. Rodgers hit Freiermuth for 18. On 3rd and 4 from the Cincinnati 12, Rodgers went to Washington for 8. Rodgers hit Washington for a 2 yard touchdown. The Steelers were within 27-24 with 12 minutes left in regulation. 

The Bengal moved from their own 20 to a 2nd and 3 at the Pittsburgh 17. Looking to lock up the win, a critical offensive holding penalty killed he drive. McPherson hit from 45. The Bengals led 30-24, but they did not slam the door shut. A field position game had the Steelers taking over with 2:45 left at their own 42. On 2nd and 20, Rodgers went bombs away to Freiermuth for a 68 yard touchdown. In front of a shellshocked home crowd at Riverfront Stadium, the Steelers led 31-30. Yet they may have scored too early. The Bengals took over at their own 30 with 2:20 left needing only a field goal to win. Flacco went to Chase for big gains of 15 and 18. On 2nd and 8 from the Pittsburgh 35, Flacco went deep to Higgins for a 28 yard gain. Higgins could have scored but smartly and unselfishly voluntarily gave himself up. A touchdown would give the Steelers the ball back with a chance to win. Instead, the Bengals took the clock down to 7 seconds. McPherson came in for a 36 yard try to win it. 

McPherson’s kick was good as the Bengals led. Yet 3 seconds still remained. Rodgers is still the King of the Hail Mary. From his own 40, Rodgers, launched a cannon shot that reached the end zone. It was well defended and batted down incomplete. Rodgers at 40+ can still sling it. Luckily for the Bengals, so can Flacco. Rodgers won his Super Bowl in 2010, and Flacco did in 2012. Yet in 2025, both men did the game proud as the Bengals won a fine, fine football game. 33-31 Bengals

Los Angeles Rams at Jacksonville Jaguars was the Sunday early morning game from London. A pair of 4-2 teams met but only one team showed up. The Rams took over at their own 40. On 3rd and 2, Matthew Stafford went to Tyler Higbee for 7. Stafford went back to Higbee for 9 more. Rather than try a 34 yard field goal, Sean McVay gambled on 4th and 3 from the Jacksonville 16. Stafford hit Kyren Williams for 9. Stafford hit Mumpfield for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Rams. The Rams got it back at their own 21. Stafford hit Parkinson for 23. Stafford hit Davantae Adams for 15 and Smith for 9. Stafford went to Adams for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Rams. In the second quarter the Jaguars missed a field goal, setting up the Rams at their own 40. Williams ran for 10. Defensive pass interference added 17. Stafford hit Adams for 16 and Parkinson for 16 more down to the one. Stafford went to Adams for the touchdown to make it 21-0 Rams at the half. The third quarter was scoreless. The Rams blew the game  open in the fourth quarter, marching 62 yards. Stafford went deep to Ferguson for a 31 yard touchdown to make it 28-0 Rams. The Jaguars scored one touchdown to avoid the shutout, but the onside kick failed. The Rams took over at the Jacksonville 45. Stafford hit Adams for a one yard touchdown to complete the blowout. Stafford set an NFL record with 5 touchdown passes, the most ever for a game outside the United States. 35-7 Rams

New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears — The Bears are slowly improving. The Saints are not. Early on the Saints fumbled. Jake Moody hit a 27 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Bears. Caleb Williams was intercepted, but the Saints missed a field goal. Moody connected again from 39 to make it 6-0 Bears in the second quarter. Spencer Rattler was then intercepted. Wright ran the pick back 38 yards to the New Orleans 30. Swift ran for an 11 yard touchdown to make it 13-0 Bears. A shanked 31 yard punt gave the Bears the ball back at their own 45. Swift ran for 5 and 6. Williams went to Moore for 26. On 3rd and 7 from the New Orleans 15, Williams hit Loveland for 9. Monanga ran for a one yard touchdown to have the Bears dominating up 20-0 with one minute left in the half. With the Saints getting the ball back at their own 9 yard line, this game seemed over.

Instead Rattler hit Shaheed for 13. Rattler went deep to Chris Olave for 57. Rattler went deep to Olave again for a 22 yard touchdown as the Saints trailed 20-7. The Saints took over at their own 20 to start the third quarter seeking to double up. On 3rd and 2 from their own 36, Taysom Hill gained 5. Rattler hit Johnson for 11 and again for 28. On 3rd and 4 from the Chicago 14, Rattler hit Olave for the touchdown. 2 straight touchdown drives had the Saints within 20-14 with almost 25 minutes of football left. Yet after that the Chicago defense cracked down. Moody hit from 24 with 4 minutes left in the third quarter. Rattler threw a pair of interceptions and Moody hit from 33 in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring. 26-14 Bears

Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs — Sometimes a really bad team can go on the road and shock a really good team in a thrilling upset for the ages. This was not that game. Goliath beat up David and stole his lunch money. The Chiefs first 4 drives were ridiculous. They moved 92 yards in nearly 6 minutes. Then they moved 84 yards in 17 plays, taking over 8 1/2 minutes. Then they moved 94 yards in 16 plays, taking 6 1/2 minutes. Then they moved 65 yards in 11 plays and 6 minutes. All 4 of those drives were touchdowns. In the first quarter, Patrick Mahomes hit Rice for a 2 yard touchdown. In the second quarter, Mahomes hit Malcolm Hollywood Brown for an 8 yard touchdown and Rice for a 3 yard touchdown. In the third quarter Isaiah Pacheco ran for a 7 yard touchdown. After 4 straight touchdown drives, the Chiefs on their 5th drive settled for a 38 yard Harrison Butker field goal. After three quarters, Walrus Andy Reid benched Mahomes to help him with his clipboard holding skills. Even against backups, the Raiders could not score. If this is not the bottom for the Raiders, it is scary to think what is. 31-0 Chiefs

Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns — A bad team with a decent defense hosted a worse team. Szmyt hit a 30 yard first quarter field goal for the Browns. Riley Patterson answered from 33 in the second quarter for a 3-3 game. The Browns got it back at their own 17. Dillon Gabriel went to Corley for 17. On 3rd and 6 from their own 40, an interception of Gabriel was nullified by defensive pass interference and a 14 yard gain. On the next play Judkins raced for a 46 yard touchdown and a 10-3 Browns lead. The Dolphins fumbled the ensuing kickoff and the Browns took over at the Miami 46. On 3rd and 11 Gabriel found Fannin for 12. Defensive unnecessary roughness added 15. Judkins took a direct snap for a 3 yard touchdown and a 17-3 Browns advantage. The Dolphins managed another field goal before he half, but that was it. Cleveland’s defense clamped down and pitched a second half shutout. On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, Campbell intercepted Tua Tagovailoa and raced for a 34 yard defensive touchdown. The Dawg Pound was rocking in the fourth quarter as Jenkins intercepted Tagovailoa and returned the pick 9 yards to the Miami 2. One play and 3 seconds later, Judkins scored again. Tagovailoa was intercepted again. 31-6 Browns

Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings — The Eagles came in having lost 2 straight as Carson Wentz faced off against his former team. The Eagles began at their own 25. Saquon Barkley ran for 8, 3 and 5. On 4th and 1 from their own 45, Nick Sirianni gambled. The entire world knew it was tush push time, and it didn’t matter. Hurts got the yard. Bigsby gained 11. On 4th and 4 from the Minnesota 37, Sirianni gambled again. Rather than move the chains, Hurts went for it all and found AJ Brown deep for the touchdown. The 12 play, 75 yard, 8 minute drive had the Eagles up 7-0. The Vikings moved from their own 20 to a 1st and 10 at the Philadelphia 19. Wentz threw incomplete twice. On 3rd and 10 out of the shotgun, a horrendous snap resulted in a fumble that cost the Vikings 22 yards. Will Reichard bailed the Vikings out with a 59 yard field goal. Early in the second quarter went was intercepted by Hunt, who returned the pick 14 yards for a defensive touchdown and a 14-3 Eagles lead. On their next series, Wentz was intercepted again. 

Reichard hit field goals of 34 in the second quarter and 28 early in the third quarter as the Vikings only trailed 14-9. Yet too many field goals hurt them when the Eagles kept scoring touchdowns. The Eagles took over at their own 16. Two plays later Hurts went bombs away to Smith for a 79 yard touchdown bomb and a 21-9 Eagles lead. The ensuing kickoff was short of the landing zone, setting up the Vikings up at their own 40. Defensive pass interference added 14 yards. Wentz hit TJ Hockenson for 10, Naylor for 11, and Hockenson again for 10. Wentz hit Jordan Addison for 9. Mason ran for a one yard touchdown to get the Vikings within 21-16. Early in the fourth quarter, a 42 yard field goal try by Jake Elliott to extend the lead was wide right no good. Reichard hit a 35 yard field goal as the Vikings only trailed 21-19 with 10 minutes left in regulation. 

The Eagles soon faced 3rd and 13 at their own 27. Hurts went to Brown for just enough. Barkley ran for 8 and 5. Hurts found Smith for 21 more. Hurts then went deep to Brown for a 26 yard touchdown. The Eagles had some breathing room up 28-19 with 6 1/2 minutes left. The Vikings needed 16 plays to move 61 yards from their own 28 to a 1st and goal at the 10. A sack of Wentz kill the drive. Needing 2 scores, Reichard hit from 29 to get the Vikings within 6 wit 1:57 left. Kevin O’Connell chose to kick it deep and trust his defense rather than go onside kick. With 1:46 left the Eagles faced 3rd and 9 at their own 44. Rather than move the chains, Hurts went for it all and hit Brown for a 45 yard bomb. That allowed the Eagles to run out the clock to get to 5-2 on the year. 28-22 Eagles 

Carolina Panthers at New York Jets — Sometimes a pair of bad teams can come together and play a thrilling game for the ages. This was absolutely not that game. The Jets turned it over on downs early, leading to a 30 yard Fitzgerald field goal and a 3-0 Panthers lead. In the second quarter the Panthers turned it over on downs, leading to a 34 yard Nick Folk field goal to make it 3-3. With 3:40 left in the half of this miserable game, a field position game had the Panthers at their own 48.  Dave Canales gambled on 4th and 3. Bryce Young hit McMillan for his second consecutive 11 yard gain. Young connected with Chuba Hubbard for 26. Young hit Leggett for a 3 yard touchdown. The only touchdown by either team had the Panthers up 10-3. For some reason, league rules prevented the second half from being canceled. Fitzgerald hit from 29 in the third quarter to extend the lead while Folk hit from 47 to get the Jets back within 7 with 6 1/2 minutes left in regulation. With 4 1/2 minutes left trying to tie the game, Justin Fields was intercepted. Out of respect for the game of football, league officials should consider burning the game tape. The Panthers very quietly got to 4-3 while the Jets are an 0-7 mess. 13-6 Panthers

New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans — Mike Vrabel faced off against the team that unceremoniously jettisoned him and then became the worst team in football. In the first quarter Joey Slye hit a 49 yard field goal for the Titans and Borregales answered from 36 for a 3-3 game. The Titans took over at their own 41. Cam Ward went to Dike for 17 and again for a 38 yard touchdown and a 10-3 Titans lead. In the second quarter the Patriots took over at their own 7. drake Maye went to Hunter Henry for 12. Maye ran for 19. Raimondre Stevenson ran for 4 and 11. Maye hit Bouette for 16 and Mack Hollins for 22. Maye hit Austin Hooper for a 3 yard touchdown. The 11 play, 93 yard, 7 minute drive made it a 10-10 game. The Titans moved from their own 36 to a 3rd and 7 at the Tennessee 27. A false start and an incompletion killed the drive. Slye hit a 50 yard field goal to have the Titans up 13-10 with 1:48 left in the half. Yet the rest of the game belonged to Vrabel’s defense.

The ensuing kickoff went out of bounds to set up the Patriots at their own 40. Maye ran for 9 and hit Hunter Henry for 12. Maye went deep to Bouette for a 39 yard touchdown to make it 17-13 Patriots. The Patriots began the third quarter at their own 12. On 3rd and 8 Maye went deep to Stefan Diggs for 24. and to Hollins fo 27. Maye ran for 6 on the next play but hit his head and went to the medical tent for a couple plays. On 3rd and 5 from the Tennessee 30, backup Josh Hobbs hit Douglas for 18. 

On 4th and 1 from the Tennessee 9 with Maye back in the game, Mike Vrabel went for it. Maye went to Douglas for 5. Stevenson ran for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 24-13 Patriots. On the next play from scrimmage Ward was sacked and fumbled. Chaisson returned the fumble 4 yards for a defensive touchdown to turn a close game into a blowout. 21 unanswered points and a scoreless fourth quarter got Vrabel hit revenge and continued Tennessee’s miserable season. 31-13 Patriots

New York Giants at Denver Broncos — 39 years ago these teams played in an uncompetitive Super Bowl. This regular season game was less significant but will live on forever. In the first quarter the Giants took over at their own 23. Jaxson Dart went to Robinson for 23. Dart then went deep to Bellinger for a 44 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Giants lead. In the second quarter the Giants took over at their own 18.Dart went to Cam Skattebo for 13 and to Bellinger for 29. Brian Daboll gambled on 4th and 1 from the Denver 13. Dart got the yard. On 3rd and 11 from the Denver 13, Dart went to Skattebo for the touchdown. McAtamney missed the extra point but the Giants led 13-0. In the third quarter the Giants took over at their own 41. Skattebo ran for 9 and 4. On 3rd and 2 from the Denver 28, Tracy gained 3. Tracy ran for a 31 yard touchdown. Daboll decided to chase points, which frequently fails. Dart threw incomplete. Yet the Giants were dominating 19-0 after three quarters. The Giants defense was a Big Blue brick wall. This game was over.

The Broncos took over at their own 22. Bo Nix hit Cortland Sutton for 16. JK Dobbins ripped off a 32 yard run. Nix went to Franklin for 12. Nix hit Franklin for a 2 yard touchdown. Sean Payton went for 2 and Nix hit Sutton successfully to get the Broncos within 19-8 one minute into the fourth quarter. The Giants took over at their own 33. Dart went to Robinson for 14. Skattebo ran for 18. On 3rd and 17 from the Denver 41, Dart went to Johnson for the touchdown. With just over 10 minutes left in regulation, the Giants led 26-18. An 18 point lead meant 3 scores. Again, this game was over. 

The Broncos took over at their own 26. On 3rd and 5 form their own 42 Nix hit Badle for 7. With 6 1/2 minutes left, the Broncos were down to their last gasp facing 4th and 3 at the Giants 44. One defensive stop would turn out the lights. Nix threw incomplete. Yet the celebration was short-lived. Defensive pass interference meant 4 yards and a new set of downs. For the Giants, this was FCO1. Nix then ran for 21. Nix hit Badle for 12. Nix then ran for a 7 yard touchdown. Sean Payton again went for 2 and Nix hit Franklin successfully. For the Giants, this was FCO2. Yet the Broncos still trailed 26-16 and barely more than 5 minutes remained in the game. The Broncos were down by 2 scores and the Giants and the ball.

The Giants soon faced 3rd and 5 at their own 35. Dart threw over the middle and was intercepted. Strand returned the interception 21 yards to he Giants 19. On 3rd and 5, the defense jumped offside to give the Broncos another first down. The clock ticked under 4 minutes. Nix went to Harvey for a 2 yard touchdown. With 3:50 to play, the Broncos were now within 26-23. For the Giants, FCO3. At the 3 minute mark, the Giants faced 3rd and 8 from their own 30. A first down would get the Giants much closer to running down the clock. Dart threw incomplete. This was FCO4. The Broncos took over at their own 32. On 3rd and 11 Nix went deep to Marvin Mims for 31. Nix found Engram for 20 as the clock hit the 2 minute warning. Nix then ran for an 18 yard touchdown. For the Giants, this was more than FCO5. It was an epic collapse. After giving up 0 points in the first 3 quarters, the Giants gave up 4 straight touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. The Broncos now led 30-26. Yet this insane game wss far from over.

The earlier missed extra point meant the Giants needed a touchdown. With 1:08 to play, the Giants were down to their last gasp facing 4th and 19 from their own 35. Under heavy pressure, Dart threw to Robinson near the sticks. Although replay appeared to show Robinson just short of the marker, a very questionable spot gave the Giants a first down. Also, a very questionable roughing the passer call on that same play gave the Giants 15 more yards. The rolls were reversed as now the Broncos had their FCO1 moment. On 3rd and 10 from the Denver 40, Dart went deep incomplete. Defensive pass interference meant a 38 yard gain, with unsportsmanlike conduct on an irate Sean Payton moving the ball from the 2 to the one. Dart got the yard. For the Broncos, this was FCO2. The Giants had the 32-30 lead with 37 seconds left. 

Had McAtamney made his earlier extra point, the Broncos would be down by 4 and needing a touchdown to win. Instead, a field goal would tie the game. Yet things got worse for the Giants. After the go-ahead score, McAtamney missed the extra point again. Rather than 34 or 33, the Giants were stuck on 32. Now the Broncos with w field goal would win. The Broncos took over at their own 23 with 33 seconds left. Nix went to Mims for 29. Then the Giants jumped offside. With 18 seconds left, the Broncos were at the Giants 43. A field goal try would be 61 yards. Nix went to Sutton for 22 and spiked the ball with 3 seconds left. Now Lutz would be trying a 39 yarder. Lutz’s kick was Good! FCO6 brought perhaps the worst collapse in Giants history. The broncos were blanked for three quarters and scored 33 points in the fourth quarter. A disbelieving Dart looked on as Nix celebrated one of the most improbable comebacks since Frank Reich. Every child to ever watch this instant classic will learn the most valuable lessons in life. Take nothing for ranted. Never ever give up. Also, find a kicker who can make a bloody extra point…or two. 33-32 Broncos

Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Chargers — Both of these teams are loaded with talent, but the Chargers had been underachieving indecent weeks. The Colts have been clicking. The Colts from their own 25 went right to work. Jonathan Taylor ran for 6 and 4.Daniel Jones hit Warren for 29 and Taylor for 13. Taylor ran for 23. The extra point was no good but the Colts led 6-0. The Chargers managed a first quarter field goal, but the Colts exploded in the second quarter. Shane Steichen lined up to go for it on 4th and 1 from their own 39. It was expected to just be gamesmanship, but the Colts snapped the ball and Taylor got the yard. On 3rd and 3 from their own 47 Abdullah gained 14 and then 5 more. Taylor ran for a pair of 6 yard gains. On 4th and 1 from the Chargers 19, Steichen went for it again. Taylor gained 7. On 4th and 2 from the Chargers 4, Steichen rolled the dice thrice. 

Jones hit Pittman for the touchdown. The mind-numbing 17 play, 70 yard drive took over 7 minutes off the clock and put the Giants up 13-3. The Colts got the ball back at their own 20. On 2nd and 6, a run lost 2 yards but defensive illegal use of hands instead meant a 10 yard gain. On 3rd and 17 from their own 27Jones went deep to Pierce for 48 yards. Jones then hit Taylor for 19. On 3rd and goal at the 5 Jones went to Warren for the touchdown to have the Colts rolling up 20-3. Justin Herbert was then intercepted on consecutive possessions. Mike Badly hit a 36 yard field goal to close out the half with the Colts romping 23-3. 

The Chargers offense got going in the third quarter. On 3rd and 5 from their own 35 Herbert went deep to Gadsden for 53. On 4th and 5 from the indy 7 Herbert hit Johnston for the touchdown. The Chargers were within 23-10. Yet Abdullah returned the ensuing kickoff 81 yards to the Chargers 14. Taylor ran for an 8 yard touchdown. Shane Steichen went for 2 and Jones hit Pittman successfully to make it 31-10 Colts. 

The Chargers took over at their own 24 and Herbert went to Keenan Allen for 17 and to Gadsden for 19. On 3rd and 3 from their own 48 Herbert found Harris for 14. Herbert went to Allen for 17. On 3rd and 1 from the Indy 6 Herbert gained 2. Herbert hit Allen for a 4 yard touchdown to get the Chargers within 31-17. Yet the Colts offense kept coming. From their own 27 Jones went to Warren for 29 and to Pierce for 14. Taylor ran for a 19 yard touchdown. The Colts led 38-17 after three quarters.The Chargers managed one more touchdown 90 seconds into the fourth quarter. Yet with 3 1/2 minutes left on 4th and 27 from the Indy 45, Herbert hit Johnston for only 23. Herbert was 37 of 55 for a whopping 420 yards and 3 touchdowns, but 2 killer interceptions. Jones was 23 of 34 for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns with 0 interceptions. Yet the Chargers only had 54 yards rushing while the Colts had 120, led by 94 from Taylor. The Colts are 6-1 and playing like it. 38-24 Colts

Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys — Both teams have underachieved this year, although Jerry Jones overrates his own team every year. The Dallas defense has been a sieve since Dan Quinn left to become the Commanders coach. Yet Washington bungled a fourth quarter lead last week at home against Chicago. The Cowboys took over at their own 34. On 3rd and 1 Dak Prescott hit CeeDee Lamb for 13. Williams ran for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Cowboys. The Cowboys got the ball back at their own one yard line. The next play never got out of the end zone as the Commanders defense gained a safety to get within 7-2. The Commanders took over at their own 35.Croskey-Merritt gained 9 and on 3rd and 1 picked up 3. Jayden Daniels went deep to Moore for 44. On 3rd and goal at the 5 Daniels hit Zac hertz for the touchdown. A 2 point conversion try failed but the Commanders led 8-7. 

The ensuing kickoff was kicked out of bounds to set up the Cowboys at their own 40. Brandon Aubrey hit a 47 yard field goal to make it 10-8 Cowboys. The Cowboys got it back at their own 26 and needed only one play and 11 seconds to strike Prescott went bombs away to Lamb for a 74 yard touchdown and a 17-8 Cowboys lead after the first quarter, In the second quarter Dan Quinn gambled on 4th and 5 at the Dallas 46 Daniels threw incomplete. Aubrey belted a 61 yard field goal to make it 20-8 Cowboys. With 1:56 left in the half the Commanders took over at their own 32. Daniels went to McNichols for 12. Daniels ran for 14. Mcnichols ran for 19. Daniels ran for a one yard touchdown. The Commanders only trailed 20-15, but 45 seconds still remained in the half.

Prescott was sacked, but on 2nd and 17 from his own 21 he went deep to George Pickens for 44. Williams ripped off a 33 yard gain. Prescott hit Ferguson for a 2 yard touchdown with 10 seconds left in the half to have the cowboys up 27-15. The Commanders in the third quarter moved to a 1st and 10 at the Dallas 39. Yet Daniels was sacked and fumbled. The Cowboys took over at their own 45.  Williams gained 8 and 17. On 3rd and 3 at the Washington 25 Prescott went to Pickens for 10. On 3rd and 7 from the Washington 12, Prescott gained just enough. Prescott hit Ferguson for the 5 yard touchdown. A close game had been broken open and was now 34-15 Cowboys. Making matters worse, Daniels was injured on the play. Marcus Mariota came on on the next series and led the Commanders to a 3rd and 6 at the Dallas 38. Mariota then found Bland, who plays defense for Dallas. Bland returned the interception 68 yards the other way for another touchdown and a 41-15 Cowboys lead. The Commanders managed one more touchdown and a quiet fourth quarter saw the Cowboys tack on one more field goal. 44-22 Cowboys

Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals — The Packers were the much better team on paper but the Cardinals put up a fight in a good football game. This was with Jacoby Brrissett filling in for an injured Kyler Murray. The Cardinals began at their own 27 and moved 59 yards in 15 plays and 7 1/2 minutes. Ryland hit a 32 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Cardinals. The Packers moved to a 4th and 5 at the Arizona 38. Matt LaFleur passed up a 56 yard field goal try and went for it. Jordan Love threw incomplete. In the second quarter Havrisik did hit a 31 yarder for a 3-3 game. 

Ryland answered from 40 to make it 6-3 Cardinals. The Cardinals got it back at their own 29. On 3rd and 23 from their own 16Brissett went deep to Zay Jones for 43. On 3rd and 4 from the Green Bay 35 Brissett went to Wilson for 14. On 3rd and 9 from the Green Bay 20 the defense jumped offside. On 3rd and 4 Brissett went to McBride for the 15 yard touchdown. The Cardinals led 13-3 and only 7 seconds remained in the half. 7 seconds. 

The Packers took over after a touchback at their own 35. Love went to Doubs for 22 and quickly called timeout with one second left. Havrisik buried a 61 yard field goal to get the Packers within 13-6 at the intermission. In the third quarter a sack of Brissett forced a fumble that set up the Packers at the Arizona 44. Love found Romeo Doubs for 18 and to Golden for 17. Jacobs got around the end for a 7 yard touchdown and a 13-13 game. 

The Cardinals took over at their own 35. On 3rd and 14 from their own 41Brissett went deep to Marvin Harrison Jr. for 35 yards. Brissett hit McBride for 9, 3, and for the 12 yard touchdown. After three quarters the Cardinals led 20-13. The Packers took over at their own 33. On 3rd and 3 Love went to Kraft for 22. Love ran for 12 more. On the first play of the fourth quarter Love hit Kraft for a 7 yard touchdown and a 20-20 game. 

A strong kickoff return and a facemask penalty on the kicking team gave the Cardinals golden field position at the Green Bay 45. Yet on 1st and goal at the 8, a run lost 2 yards. Brissett threw incomplete. On 3rd and goal from the 10, Brissett was sacked. Ryland hit the 21 yard field goal for a 23-20 Cardinals lead with 9 minutes left in regulation. The Cardinals got it back and moved to a 4th and 1 at their own 48 with 6 minutes left. Jonathan Gannon took a major gamble and lost. Brissett got stuffed on the quarterback sneak for no gain. 

The Packers soon faced 3rd and 7 at the Arizona 45. Love hit Kraft for 8. On 3rd and 1 from the Arizona 28 Jacobs got the yard. Love went to Kraft for 15. Jacobs did the rest, gaining 5, 8, and the one yard touchdown. With 1:50 left the Packers had a 4 point lead. The Cardinals took over at their own 35 and moved to a 1st and 10 at the Green Bay 26 with 32 seconds left. Looking for the win, Brissett was sacked. On 3rd and 11 with 19 seconds left, Brissett went deep twice and came up snake eyes with a pair of incompletions. It was a dogfight, but the Cardinals came up just short. 27-23 Packers 

Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers was the Sunday night game. The Falcons got a big win last week over Buffalo. This was a slugfest that was scoreless after the first quarter. In the second quarter Romo hit a 38 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Falcons. Mac Jones was intercepted but the 49ers got the ball back at midfield. Christian McCaffrey ran for 12, 6 and 13. On 3rd and 4 from the Atlanta 43 McCaffrey ran for 10 and 3. On 3rd and 3 from the Atlanta 26 Jones hit Jennings for 6. On 3rd and 4 from the Atlanta 14 at the 2 minute warning Jones hit McCaffrey for 13. McCaffrey got the last yard to make it 7-3 49ers. Michael Penix was then sacked and fumbled, setting up a 55 yard Eddie Pineiro field goal. After getting shut out for 28 minutes, the 49ers held a 10-3 lead at the half. Pineiro connected again from 43 in the third quarter for a 13-3 49ers lead. 

A strong kickoff return had the Falcons taking over at the San Francisco 48. On 3rd and 1 Tyler Allgeier gained 4. Penix hit Pitts for 17 and Bijan Robinson for a 10 yard touchdown as the Falcons trailed 13-10. With 6 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter, both defenses dug in fierce. With 8 1/2 minutes left in regulation the Falcons faced 4th and 1 at the San Francisco 35. Rather than go with a 53 yard field goal try to tie the game, Raheem Morris gambled. Penix threw incomplete. McCaffrey then ran for 10. On 3rd and 1 from the Atlanta 33 Jones gained 2. On 3rd and 13 from the Atlanta 21 with 2:46 to play, one defensive stop would keep the Falcons in the game. Jones hit mcCaffrey for 17. McCaffrey then ran for a controversial 4 yard touchdown. McCaffrey’s teammates carried him into the end zone, which should have been offensive illegal use of hands. The officials never called it as the 49ers grinder out a tough win to get to 5-2 on the year. 20-10 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions was the early Monday night game. A pair of very good football teams with high octane offenses played a game featuring plenty of defense. The Lions took over at their own 31. Jared Goff hit Jahmyr Gibbs for 20. On 3rd and 6 from the Tampa Bay 35, defensive illegal contact gave the Lions a new set of downs. Goff went to Amra St. Brown for a 27 yard touchdown. The Lions led 7-0 early on, but on their next two series the Lions fumbled the ball away and turned it over on downs. One play in the second quarter changed the game. On 3rd and 6 from their own 17, Goff threw incomplete but defensive illegal contact again gave the Lions a new set of downs. Then came the back-breaker as Gibbs raced for a 78 had touchdown and a 14-0 Lions lead. The game then got ugly as the Buccaneers fumbled, the Lions missed a field goal, and the teams traded interceptions. 

Chase McLaughlin hit a 53 yard field goal on the last play of the half to get the Buccaneers on the board. The Buccaneers began the third quarter at their own 33. Baker Mayfield went to Egbuka for 18. On 3rd and 3 from the Detroit 39 Mayfield hit Shepard for just enough. Todd Bowles went for it on 4th and 2 at the Detroit 28. White gained 4. Mayfield went to Johnson for a 22 yard touchdown. Bowles went for 2 and Mayfield threw incomplete. Yet with 21 minutes of football to play, the Buccaneers were right back in it down 14-9. The Lions took over at their own 27. On 3rd and 2 Goff hit Wright for 14. Gibbs ran for 15 and 3 and caught a pass from Goff for 28. Gibbs then ran for a 5 yard touchdown. The Lions led 21-9 with 4 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter. The Detroit defense did the rest. The Lions tacked on one field goal for the only score of the fourth quarter. The Buccaneers turned it over on downs on all 3 of their fourth quarter drives. The Lions played smash mouth, running for 164 yards on 32 carries, 5 yards per carry. Most of that was Gibbs running for 136 yards on 17 carries, 8 yards per carry. 24-9 Lions

Houston Texans at Seattle Seahawks was the late Monday night game. The Seahawks are playing good football. Sam Darnold is playing well and the defense, while not the Legion of Boom, is still very good. The Texans have regressed since last year, especially on offense. Early on the Texans and to punt on 4th and 31 from their own one. This gave the Seahawks a short field at the Houston 44. Darnold went to Arroyo for 27. Jones ran for a one yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Seahawks. The Seahawks got it back at their own 20. Darnold went deep to Cooper Kupp for 32. Mike McDonald gambled on 4th and 1 from the Houston 39. Barner gained 2. On 3rd and 11 from the Hsouton 25. Darnold only gained 3 but defensive unnecessary roughness added 11 more. Darnold went to Jackson Smith-Nigba for an 11 yard touchdown on the last play of the first quarter as the Seahawks led 14-0. 

The rest of this game was ugly. Every time it looked like the Seahawks were going to win in a blowout, they malfunctioned on offense and kept the Texans in the game. In the second quarter an interception of Darnold led to one Texans field goal and a missed Seahawks field goal led to a second Texans fired goal. Down only 14-6 at halftime, in the third quarter CJ Stroud was intercepted to set up a Seahawks field goal. The Seahawks led 17-6 and got the ball back at their own 4 yard line. On 3rd and 7, Darnold was sacked in the end zone and fumbled. The Texans recovered in the end zone for a gift touchdown. Demeco Ryans went for 2 and Stroud threw incomplete. Despite being dominated, the Texans only trailed 17-12.

The Seahawks moved from their own 35 to a 4th and 3 at the Houston 29. Jason Myers hit a 47 yard field goal to make it 20-12 Seahawks. Demeco Ryans then gambled on 4th and 1 rom his own 41. Despite his defense playing well much of the game, he took the risk and lost. Marks got blown up by the Seattle defense for a 2 yard loss. On 3rd and 7 from the Houston 36, Darnold went to Smith-Nigba for 19. Defensive pass interference added 15. Charbonnet ran for a 2 yard touchdown to have the Seahawks up 27-12 after three quarters. The fourth quarter was also ugly. The Seahawks fumbled but the Texans turned it over on downs. Darnold was then intercepted but the Texans turned it over on downs again. The Seahawks punted on 4th and 15 from their own one. 

The Texans took over at midfield. Stroud went to Noel for 22 and to Schultz for 13. On 3rd and 16 from the Seattle 21 Stroud gained only 15 but defensive illegal contact added 3 more yards. On 3rd and goal at the 4 Stroud found Marks for the touchdown. Despite being outplayed the whole game, The Texans were within 8 points. 2:04 remained on the clock. Yet the ensuing kickoff couldn’t make it out the back of the end zone to save the extra timeout. The Seahawks ran it back to use up 4 seconds and get to the 2 minute warning. On 3rd and 3 from their own 35, a conservative run lost a yard. It appeared the Houston defense gave the Texans life with one more shot with the ball. It was not to be. A mindless defensive unnecessary roughness penalty on the 3rd down run gifted the Seahawks a killer first down. The defender jumped on the pile after the officials stopped the play. Darnold took a pair of knees and thanked his defense for letting them escape with a win to get to 5-2 on the year. 27-19 Seahawks

NFL 2025 Week 7 Prequel

Thursday, October 16, 2025, 8pm

Pittsburgh Steelers (_5 1/2) at Cincinnati Bengals

Sunday, October 19, 9:30am

Los Angeles Rams (-2 1/2) at Jacksonville Jaguars — A pair of good football teams are facing off in London. The Jaguars have a fan base there, but home field is not really a thing in this game. Jared Goff and Trevor Lawrence are both superstars, but in a  close game go with Sean McVay’s creativity. Rams cover

1pm

New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears (-4 1/2) — The Saints are terrible. The Bears have quietly won back to back games by one point margins. Caleb Williams is finally getting help.The Bears are far from impressive but at home against a Saints team bereft of talent should allow the Bears to win their third straight. bears cover 

Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs (-12 1/2) — The Chiefs are only 3-3 but they won big last week against Detroit. The Raiders won last week, but beating Tennessee does not count. The Raiders are awful. While this is a mismatch on paper, this is one of those games to throw out the records. Maxx Crosby saves his best for Patrick Mahomes. If Geno Smith can avoid dumb interceptions, the Raiders could make this game competitive. Chiefs win but fail to cover 

Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns (-2 1/2) — Both teams are bad but the Dolphins have fractured locker room. Mike McDaniel is on the hot seat and Tua Tagovailoa tore into his teammates publicly. Tyreek Hill blamed Tagovailoa. The Browns have a decent defense. Go with the team that is staying together rather than being ripped apart. Browns cover

Philadelphia Eagles (-1 1/2) at Minnesota Vikings  — he Eagles have lost two straight, but this is the week they rebound. Carson Wentz would love to get a win against the team that let him go, but the Eagles have too many weapons. Both teams are well coached. Saquon Barkley will be the difference. Eagles cover

Carolina Panthers (-1 1/2) at New York Jets — This is the Stupor Bowl. When the Panthers were an expansion team, their first win as a franchise was against the Jets. This time it is the Jets who are desperate for a win. If Gang Green can force Bryce Young into interceptions, they have a chance. Upset special, Jets win outright

New England Patriots (-7 1/2) at Tennessee Titans — Mike Vrabel faces off against the team that fired him in a stunning move that set back their own franchise. Vrabel has already brought the same toughness to New England that he delivered to Tennessee. Drake Maye is playing better than Cam Ward. The spread is high for a road team, and the Patriots are improved but not spectacular. Patriots win but fail to cover 

4pm

New York Giants at Denver Broncos (-7 1/2) — These teams met in the Super Bowl 39 years ago. The Broncos have a solid quarterback in Bo Nix and a very tenacious defense. The Giants have seen some improvement under rookie Jaxson Dart, but his recklessness could get him injured. The spread is high given that the Broncos do not blow teams out, but their defense should get the job done. Broncos cover

Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Chargers (-1 1/2) — The Chargers barely escaped against a weak Miami team to avoid a third straight loss. The Colts have been an offensive juggernaut and are 5-1 for the first time sine their 2009 team went to the Super Bowl. Daniel Jones has been revitalized. The chargers have the better defense, but everything comes down to whether Jonathan Taylor can run enough for jones to remain Danny Dimes. Upset special, Colts win outright

Washington Commanders (-1 1/2) at Dallas Cowboys — Both of these teams have underachieved this year and regressed. Jayden Daniels and Dak Prescott can both move the ball. Neither team has been good on defense. home field does not really matter in this rivalry. The Commanders are coming off a bitter loss where they literally fumbled the game away. Go with the better team on paper. Commanders cover

Green Bay Packers (-6 1/2) at Arizona Cardinals — The Cardinals are awful while the Packers are good. Yet Kyler Murray is not a scrub. Jordan Love should be able to peas the Packers past the Cardinals, but the spread is high for a road team in a game that is not an obvious blowout. Packers win but fail to cover 

8pm

Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers (-2 1/2) — Both of these teams are up and down. The Falcons are a much better team at home than on the road. Michael Penix has shown flashes of brilliance. Mac Jones has filled in ably, but the return of Brock Purdy should help the 49ers. More importantly, the 49ers get George Kittle back. A healthy 49ers team is a loaded 49ers team. 49ers cover

Monday, October 20, 7pm

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions (-5 1/2) — The Buccaneers are 5-1 and a legitimate contender. Despite losing at Kansas City, the Lions are as dangerous as ever. The Lions will be angry at home. Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff both put a ton of points on the board. The Buccaneers have played cardiac games all year. Go with the home field, but in another nail-biter. Lions win but fail to cover  

10pm

Houston Texans at Seattle Seahawks (-3 1/2) — The Texans have had some tough losses this year while the Seahawks will be angry at home after losing a track meet against Tampa Bay. Sam Darnold is throwing it at will. Go with the 12th man against an inferior team. Seahawks cover