NFL Quick Hitters:
Stupidest pick of the week - I picked the Dolphins over the Bills. I had this mixed up. I said the Dolphins had the Bills number. Not even close. Josh Allen is 11 - 2 against the Dolphins. I guess I had a senior moment. Maybe I was thinking of the Patriots who have had problems in Miami. Anyway, Bills look tough.
Tua - he says he has no plans on retiring after his third concussion. I get it. He loves the game. There is nothing like being part of a team, working towards a goal, together, everyday. And he should take the time he needs, speak to his doctors, and weigh all the options. However, he seems prone to concussions. It wasn’t a hard hit. And it seemed severe. If he keeps playing he will get another concussion. Period. How many concussions is enough? One more? Ten more?
Biggest disappointment Week 2: Dallas Cowboys - Cowboys looked horrible. They got pushed around. Defense which looked dominating against the Browns was non-existent against the Saints. It was the most points the Cowboys have given up in the first half in their entire history. They continue to believe they are a special team - like the Cowboys of the 70’s and the 90’s - but they never play like it in important games. And they usually get physically dominated in these losses. Now they play the Ravens. Good luck. We’ll see if they have any ‘bounce back’ or mental toughness.
Bryce Young gets benched - The Panthers have given up on the number one draft pick of the entire draft just two games into his second season. I get it. He’s played bad. He’s been beat up. They don’t have a chance to win with him. But the Panthers don’t have much talent and haven’t done anything from a scheme or player stand point to help him. Could be the end of Bryce Young. Another Zack Wilson situation. Very few QB’s coming out of college and landing with horrible teams survive. Let’s hope Young can bounce back someplace else.
Worse loss of the week - Eagles, Eagles, Eagles. You had the game. But 65 seconds, 70 yards, 6 plays, and a 7-yd touchdown pass, plus a 48-yard extra point; you lost. We’ll see if this leads to another meltdown. Or a team rally. They play the Saints next. Then the Buccaneers. Two losable games. If Philly is 1 - 3 going into their bye week, watch out. Changes, they are a-coming.
NFL Games: Week 3
Last week’s totals: 8 - 8: Bad week of picks. There were some upset. Some very unexpected upset - thanks 49ers, Ravens, Eagles, and others - but I need to get better each week. I will get better each week. At least that’s what every QB says after they lose. Still I should’ve got at least one of these upsets correct. Hindsight says the 49ers were an upset waiting to happen. Oh well.
Season’s totals: 19 - 13
Survivor pick: I’ve been in a survivor league with some friends. I’ve barely survived the first two weeks but I’m still in. Thought I’d throw up the picks for as long as I last. Rules are you can only pick a team once. Week One, I picked the Bills. Week Two, I picked the Chargers. My pick for Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
(Oh, and if you use these picks to gamble do so at your own risks. I’m a ‘gut feel’ type of picker. I don’t do a computer analysis.)
Thursday Night Game
Patriots vs. Jets - Jets but I think this will be a close game. It’s a division game on a short week. Patriots can play defense. Just don’t think they can score enough. Drake Maye will likely be the starting QB for the Patriots by mid-season. Won’t make much difference but at least he get his learning reps in. Jets win.
Sunday Games
Giants vs. Browns - It’s going to be a long season for the Giants. Browns win. The Browns are the most undeserving and disliked team in the league. It’s hard to root for the Browns with Watson at QB.
Bears vs. Colts - Colts bounce back. Richardson has talent. But he also has a lot to learn about playing QB. Close, close game. Bears haven’t shown enough on offense to pick them as a road winner. Colts win.
Texans vs. Vikings - Ooh, good game. I’ll take the Texans. Jefferson says he’ll play but they need him at full strength. Texans defense and pass rush is deadly. I think this is a bad match up for Darnold. Texans win.
Eagles vs. Saints - Another great game. The Saints looked dominate the first two weeks. Can’t believe it but I’m picking the Saints. Big question; does Philly implode like they did last year? Or do they use the ugly loss as motivation? Saints get an extra day of prep. Saints win.
Chargers vs. Steelers - Steelers are at home and I think they match up well with the Chargers. Chargers want to run first and work off of the play action. It’s tough to run on the Steelers. Both teams want it to be physical. Fields hasn’t wowed anyone yet but he is winning. Steelers win. Watts goes nuts.
Broncos vs. Buccaneers - Buccaneers are off to a strong start. They are a smart team. Rookie QB’s just don’t beat a Todd Bowles defense. This is my lock of the week. Buccaneers win.
Packers vs. Titans - Not an easy game for the Packers. Titans play tough but seem to find a way to lose the game. I think Levis avoids the big mistake this week and the Titans win at home.
Panthers vs. Raiders - Panthers may not win a game this year. They seem ill-prepared for each game. They lack talent and a strong offensive line. Bryce Young has looked lost and is now benched. Andy Dalton is taking his place. He’ll be better but it won’t make a difference. Raiders play tough. They aren’t easy for anyone. Raiders win.
Dolphins vs. Seahawks - No Tua. Lots of travel. Seahawks win.
Lions vs. Cardinals - Interesting game. If the Lions want to take that next step, they have to win this game. It’ll be high scoring. A shootout. Lions win. Just don’t trust the Cardinals to be consistent yet. But I think they have a shot at being a playoff team.
Ravens vs. Cowboys - I cannot believe the Ravens are 0 -2. I know it’s early but 0 - 3 is a deep hole. We call it a must win for the Ravens. Cowboys got pushed around last week. The Ravens like to push people around and Jackson is 20 -3 against the NFC. Cowboys get smashed. Ravens win. Can’t believe the Cowboys will be 1 -2. But it’s typical Cowboys. Dominate weak opponents and look great. Get smashed by tough, physical teams.
49ers vs. Rams - Rams are too beat up. Hopefully they bounce back from their injuries in time to make a run for it. But not this week. A mad 49er’s team wins.
Chiefs vs. Falcons - hate to say this but the Chiefs get a breather. Yeah, I know the Falcons came back and beat Philly but Kirk Cousins can’t really move yet. It was more a loss for Philly than a win for the Falcons. The Chiefs have opened with two very tough opponents. Two very tough defenses. They win this one and the offense romps. Finally. Mahomes always seems to find a way to win. Cousins always seems to find a way to lose. Except against Philly Chiefs win.
Monday Night Games
Jaguars vs. Bills - Jaguars have played tough but keep losing. They beat themselves against the Dolphins. Couldn’t get anything going against a very good Browns defense. Trevor has to play better. Bills win and the Jaguars are in a fight to keep the season alive.
Commanders vs. Bengals - Bengals are really upset and get the extra day to think about it. If they played everyone like they play the Chiefs they’d be killers. But they don’t. But they do get their season rolling here. Burrows likes the bright lights and Chase needs to start playing like he’s Ja’Marr Chase. I almost picked this as the lock of the week. Bengals win.
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