Green Bay Packers
Record: (4-0).
Recap:
Breakdown: Bye Week.
Seattle Seahawks
Record: (5-0).
Recap: Win Vs. Minnesota Vikings, 27-26.
Breakdown: The Seahawks are flying to new heights overcoming a 13-point deficit to squeak out a late dub on yet another jaw dropping Russell Wilson comeback capped off on a third-down slant route to D.K. Metcalf for the go-ahead touchdown with .15 seconds left. It was a tale of two halves as Seattle was atrocious the first half offensively giving up four sacks, throwing a pick and defensively giving up 13 points but turned the corner allowing zero sacks the rest of the game while also scoring four times in seven second-half drives. Receiver D.K. Metcalf hauled in five second-half catches with two touchdowns while linebacker Cody Barton had the game of his life with a career-high 14 tackles, stuffing Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison on numerous big downs. Now the Hawks are five and 0 for the first time in their storied franchise heading into a huge NFC West battle against Kyler Murray and the Cardinals in the desert next Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: (5-0).
Recap: Win Vs. Philly Eagles, 38-29.
Breakdown: The state of Pennsylvania still remains Black & Yellow as the Steelers clipped the wings of the Eagles in the battle of cross-town rivals. The dub train was conducted by rookie Chase Claypool who did something no other rookie has ever done scoring four times hauling in 116 all-purpose yards and served as the perfect compliment to another solid defensive outing by Mike Tomlin’s unit. Five sacks and two interceptions at the hands of Steven Nelson propelled some shaky run defense lapses just enough for Pitt to hold off a win-hungry Eagles squad. Now the Steelers are off to their best start since in decades as a rejuvenated Big Ben and squad look for their sixth straight win Sunday against the rivaled Cleveland Browns at home.
Kansas City Chiefs
Record: (4-1).
Recap: Loss Vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 40-32.
Breakdown: The Chiefs fell asleep at the wheel and woke up in a ditch in Vegas as the Raiders absolutely owned Kansas City in Arrowhead. The Chiefs defense got steamrolled by Las Vegas surrendering six plays of 20-yards or more with 144 on the ground and another 347 through the air as KC could not generate any pressure from their stars (Chris Jones, Frank Clark zero sacks or TFL’s). Offensively, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs struggled to get anything going in the second half scoring just one time in five possessions including a bad interception throw when trailing by 14. Nevertheless, the silver linings were rookie Willie Gay recorded his first sack as a Pro and tight end Travis Kelce was terrific hauling in 8 catches for 108 yards and a score. Andy Reid’s squad will try to group next Monday traveling to Buffalo to take on Josh Allen and the Bills in Orchard Park.
Baltimore Ravens
Record: (4-1).
Recap: Win Vs. Cincy Bengals, 27-3.
Breakdown: It was the best...day..ever in the city of Baltimore as the Ravens played their best game of the season Sunday. Seven sacks, two fumbles forced, 161 rush yards and a pick forced in a 24-point beatdown of their divisional opponent Bengals. A hobbled Lamar Jackson struggled throwing but orchestrated 332 yards of offense while John harbaugh’s defense held Joe Mixon and WhoDey to just 2-yards-a-carry and reminded Joe Burrow he is just a rookie holding him to just 183 yards passing with no touchdowns and a God-awful 5.5 quarterback rating. Big Truzz and the crew will look to make it three-straight next Sunday against Carson Wentz and the Eagles in Philadelphia.
Los Angeles Rams
Record: (4-1).
Recap: Win Vs. Washington Football Team, 30-10.
Breakdown: The brotherhood of the traveling Rams had a successful business trip to the Nation’s Capitol stomping the Washington Football Team by 20 on a rainy FedEx Field. Quarterback Jared Goff bounced back in a big way this week throwing for 309 yards and three total touchdowns while Troy Reeder had the game of his life totaling 11 tackles and three sacks in the victory. Los Angeles nearly shut out Washington’s run game surrendering just 38 yards off 2.7-yards-a-carry Sunday afternoon. Aaron Donald continued to show why he’s the best player in the NFL totaling four of the Rams eight sacks and running back Darrell Henderson rebounded from his 37 total yards last week to 68 with a key score to win number four for Inglewood’s finest. Sean McVay’s crew will look to make it three straight victories against Jimmy G and the 49ers in San Francisco this coming Sunday night.
Cleveland Browns
Record: (4-1).
Recap: Win Vs. Indianapolis Colts, 32-23.
Breakdown: The last time the Browns were 4-1, Bill Belichick was their head coach...Bill freaking Belichick. Kevin Stefanski’s squad showed grit and toughness that every individual in the Dawgpound could get behind. Four straight wins thanks to huge performances by Jarvis Landry (88 receiving yards and one Mossing a Colts defender), OBJ (58 receiving yards and one trick play) and Kareem Hunt totaling 93 all-purpose yards and a score in his first game as the ‘Land’s starter. The defense made two key plays with a pick-six thanks to former Jag Ronnie Harrison Jr. and Myles Garrett continued to do what he does best: sack the quarterback bringing his season total to six through five games. This team is loaded and dangerous and now are playing confident thanks to Steganski’s leadership and will face a tough test as they head into Pittsburgh to try to give Big Ben and the Steelers their first loss in a AFC North battle.
Tennessee Titans
Record: (4-0).
Recap: Won Versus Buffalo Bills, 42-16.
Breakdown: These aren’t your Grandparents Titans Folks, as Mike Vrabel’s squad came out focused, poised and fired up scoring 21 first half points en route to a commanding victory. Ryan Tannehill was exceptional Tuesday night throwing for 195 yards while running for another 42 finishing with four total touchdowns. And he got help from his defense as they made life hell for MVP-candidate Josh Allen forcing a total of three Bills turnovers all of which lead to Tennessee points. Game balls go out to cornerback Malcolm Butler who picked off Allen twice (matching his entire 2019 output in one game) in key moments and A.J. Brown who came back after missing four games hauling in seven catches for 82 yards with a touchdown and now the Titans are 4-0 for the first time since 2008. Derrick Henry and the pro’s head to Houston to take on Deshaun Watson and the Texans in an AFC South battle.
Chicago Bears
Record: (4-1).
Recap: Win Vs. Tampa Bay Bucs, 20-19.
Breakdown: Fire up the bratwurst and pour yourselves a beer, cause Da Bears are 4-1! Off to their best start since 2012, Chicago won in the most "Bears," fashion as possible. Defense, special teams and just enough offense. The Bears defense harassed Tom Brady all night particularly Khalil Mack totaling two of their three total sacks including one stretch that included beating Tristan Wirfs off the line sacking Brady then proceeding to throw the 320-pound Wirfs like a rag doll after. Cornerback Kyle Fuller laid one of the hits of the year on Ke'Shawn Vaughn to force a fumble that enabled kick Cairo Santos to make a couple clutch field goals and Nick Foles and the crew to overcome a rocky three quarters and win. Foles is now 2-0 against Brady, one of a select few to have a winning record versus the H-O-Fer and he got plenty of help from two guys in Allen Robinson (10 catches for 90 yards) and David Montgomery (59 all purpose yards and a score).Up next Da Bears look for back to back wins against Teddy Bridgewater and the Panthers in Carolina next Sunday.
Buffalo Bills
Record: (4-1).
Recap: Loss Vs. Tennessee Titans, 42-16.
Breakdown: In the long history that is the Bills, Buffalo is 1-14 when trailing by 17 points or more at half: well make that 1-15 as Sean Mcdermott’s team struggled to do much of anything Tuesday night. Down key players like Tre'davious White, Matt Malano and John Brown made their struggles understandable but still you expected a team that hasn’t practiced for two weeks to suck and the other to roll. This was not the case as Josh Allen was a turnover machine throwing two back-breaking picks, Andre Roberts fumbled away a key possession and the Bills struggled to defend much of anything allowing six touchdowns and over 334 yards of offense Tuesday evening. Life moves at you fast as in seven days they will welcome Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to Orchard Park with hopefully a fully healthy squad Tuesday.
New Orleans Saints
Record: (3-2).
Recap: Won Vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 30-27 in Overtime.
Breakdown: Prior to Monday Night’s game, Drew Brees was 1-48 all-time when trailing by 17-points in a game. Make that two and forty-eight as New Orleans roared back to win an end of game thriller in Overtime over Justin Herbert and the Bolts. The Saints secondary continues to be a major problem allowing Justin Herbert to throw for four touchdowns, most by a rookie during a Monday Night Football game including two 50-yard plus plays that lead to touchdowns. Drew Brees continues to struggle passing consistently needing 47 passes to get past 347 yards with a touchdown and poor decision interception finishing with a 66 (out of 100) QBR. Still bright spots included Alvin Kamara who continues to make the case for best back in the NFL finishing Monday with 119 all-purpose yards while receiver Emmanuel Sanders continues to make Saints fans miss Michael Thomas a little less hauling in a season-high 122 receiving yards off 122 receptions and he will need to stay hot as the overachieving Saints welcome Teddy Bridgewater and the surging Panthers to NOLA Sunday.
Las Vegas Raiders
Record: (3-2).
Recap: Win Vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 40-32.
Breakdown: Viva Las Vegas, as John Gruden and the rrrrRaiders (Chris Bermon voice) got their biggest win in his three seasons snapping the Chiefs 12 (13)-game win streak with a 40-32 victory in Arrowhead Sunday. Vegas played their style of football: dominating the time-of-possession by 10 minutes, rushing 35 times with the legs of Josh Jacobs (77 rush yards, two scores) and Devontae Booker (62 rush yards) and owning the air with Henry Ruggs III (two catches for 118 yards and a score) in the dub column. Derek Carr, after two subpar outings, was exceptional torching Charvarious Ward and co. with 347 yards and three touchdowns and the defense made life tough for Patrick Mahomes holding the high-octane Chiefs to just seven second-half points including three sacks and a key interception. Jon Gruden’s schedule doesn’t let up as the Raiders look for win number four Sunday against Tom Brady and the Bucs next next Sunday night in Vegas.
Carolina Panthers
Record: (3-2).
Recap: Win Vs. Atlanta Falcons, 23-16.
Breakdown: The Panthers pounded their way to a big divisional win over the Falcons in Atlanta making that back-to-back dubs without their best player. Since, Christian McCaffrey went down with an ankle injury, Carolina has rushed for 168 yards last week and 124 this week thanks in large part to Mike Davis. The seven-year journey man has been a revelation for the Panthers totaling 149 all-purpose yards and score while Teddy Bridewater has continued to be unbelievably efficient completing 73% of his passes with 313 yards and two touchdowns finding his favorite target speedster Robby Anderson early and often hauling in 112 yards off 8 catches. Matt Rhule’s pass defensive schemes have done well in consecutive weeks limiting Matt Ryan and the high-octane Falcons to just 226 yards (6-yards-a-pass) with an interception and two big sacks. The Panthers will continue their impressive “rebuilding season,” as they look for victory number four against Nick Foles and the Bears in Charlotte this Sunday.
Arizona Cardinals
Record: (3-2).
Recap: Win Vs. New York Jets, 30-10.
Breakdown: It’s really hard to measure how good you are when playing the Jets but given the losing record the Cardinals had playing in the Eastern Time Zone and the utter dominance they showed in Metlife I would say Arizona had themselves a good day. Kyle Murray threw for a season-high 380 yards (131 to DeAndre Hopkins) with two total touchdowns and the defense led by Budda Baker (10 tackles and a sack) completely shut down the Jets from the jump. Hopkins continues to make his case as the best receiver in football coming down with a jaw-dropping catch over a defense en route to a score and third-year linebacker Dennis Gardeck recorded his first two sacks on the likes of Joe Flacco and Geno Smith surrendering just 10 points as a unit. Kliff Kingsbury’s crew will look to make that win double Sunday as they take on Andy Dalton and the Cowboys in Dallas this Monday night.
Tampa Bay Bucs
Record: (3-2)
Recap: Loss Vs. Chicago Bears, 20-19.
Breakdown: Tompa Terrible: Thursday became the new Sunday Scaries for the Bucs as they had their three game win streak snapped by the Bears Thursday night. The easy answer as to why they lost would be that quarterback Tom Brady lost track of which down it was in the closing moments of the game. But according to Bruce Arians that wasn't that case (he knew what down it was, remarks Arians smugly postgame).The elongated answer would be they didn't score enough points. Brady led three drives (one after a pick during the first half that would have resulted in 21 points but only came away with 13. Tampa then proceeded to fumble the ball away on another moving drive that enabled the Bears to score right before half and actually make it a game at 13-7. From there, it was all Bears as penalties (11 for 109 yards, poor offensive line play (3 sacks allowed), and third down efficiency (4-for-14) derailed any chances the Bucs had for a comeback. The few silver linings were Ronald Jones AKA RoJo rushed for 106 yards (making that back-to-back games he's done so for the first time in his career) and rookie Tyler Johnson looked solid out of the slot finishing with four catches for 61 yards. Brady's Bucs will look to rebound next Sunday against a white hot Aaron Rodgers the Packers in Tampa.
New England Patriots
Record: (2-2).
Recap:
Breakdown: Game postponed due coronavirus
Indianapolis Colts
Record: (3-2).
Recap: Loss Vs. Cleveland Browns, 32-23.
Breakdown: The Colts just didn’t have enough horses to compete with the Browns through four quarters despite the valiant effort. It was an ugly one in Cleveland as both teams struggled to move the ball against hard-playing defenses but the Browns made just enough tough catches, field goals and trick plays to squeak out a dub. Indy’s defense played amazing again forcing two interceptions, a fumble and a sack as a unit but the offensive woes continued as Phillip Rivers threw two interceptions to no touchdowns that ultimately offset a sick 101-yard kick return by rookie Isaiah Rodgers for a score. Fortunately for Frank Wright’s squad their schedule starts to let up for a couple weeks beginning when they host rookie Joe Burrow and the Bengals to Indy this Sunday.
Miami Dolphins
Record: (2-3).
Recap: Win Vs. San Francisco 49ers, 43-17.
Breakdown: Ryan Fitzmagic may be 37 years old but he looked like he was 27 when playing Sunday in the Bay torching the Niners depleted secondary to the tune of 350 yards and three touchdowns. Brian Flores' squad had their best first half under him scoring 30 points while defensively they played terrific sackings C.J. Beathard and Jimmy G five times, forcing two fumbles and two interceptions all of which lead to Fins points. Second-year receiver Preston Williams had himself a day hauling in a career-high 106 yards off four receptions with a touchdown and running back Myles Gaskin ran hard totaling 91 all-purpose yards a key putaway score late. Next Sunday, Fitzmagic and the Fins will look for their third dub of the season against Sam Darnol and the Jets in New York Sunday afternoon.
Dallas Cowboys
Record: (2-3).
Recap: Win Vs. New York Giants, 37-34.
Breakdown: This one’s for Dak. In the aftermath of a gruesome ankle injury that had Prescott carted off the field in tears, Dallas dug deep and showed resilience staving off a win-hungry bitter rival New York Giants team to kick a late Greg Zuerlein 34-yard game-winner. Zeke Elliott finally got feed rushing for 91 yards and two touchdowns while CeeDee Lamb continued a terrific rookie campaign hauling in a career-high 124 yards off eight catches. Dallas’s league worst defense showed flashes of promise only allowing 89 yards rushing off 3.3-yards a carry and we’re able to sack Danny Dimes twice and force a key fumble. Fortunately for the Cowboys, Andy Dalton should be able to right the ship being a valuable starter with the Bengals for many years and will face that test as a starter in week six as Jerry and the Boys take on Kyler Murray and the Cardinals in Arizona this Monday.
San Francisco 49ers
Record: (2-3).
Recap: Loss Vs, Miami Dolphins, 43-17.
Breakdown: Just wait until Jimmy G is back, they said, he will fix the 49ers offensive woes they said: that answer got an abrupt no on Sunday as Brian Flores and the Dolphins pummeled San Francisco at home by 26. You can flip a coin between Jimmy G’s performance (77 passing yards, two interceptions and a benching) and Robert Sala’s pass defense (350 yards, three touchdowns) allowed to see who was actually worse. Kyle Shanhan’s pass protection struggled mightily too allowing five sacks and two fumbles in the loss as well. There weren't many bright spots but Raheem Mostert returned in a big way totalling 119 all-purpose yards off a 8-yard-per-carry average. For Shanahan’s sake, they will need Mostert, Kittle and Jimmy G to rebound in a hurry when they welcome Jared Goff and the Los Angeles Rams to the Bay Sunday evening.
Minnesota Vikings
Record: (1-4).
Recap: Loss Vs. Seattle Seahawks, 27-26
Breakdown: Welp it went from a romantic comedy to a horror movie for the Vikings as they let a presumptive win slowly slip away at the arm of Russell Wilson and hands of D.K. Metcalf with seconds left in regulation. Minnesota lost yes but in a lot of ways they outplayed the Seahawks. The Vikings defense played well sacking Seattle four times and forcing a timely pick to take a commanding 13-0 lead at the half. Then things slowly began to unravel as Kirk Cousins became a turnover King throwing a back-breaking pick and interception that enabled Wilson and co. right back in the game. Still, Mike Zimmer’s crew rushed for 201 yards nearly at five yards a clip with both Alexander Mattison (112 yards) and Dalvin Cook (65) dominating the ground as Adam Theilen continued to school corners en route to 80 yards off nine receptions with two scores. This team has had a tough schedule playing four 2019 playoff teams and the best overall defense in the NFL so the record isn’t truly indicative of how good this team is. Cousins and company will get a trip to prove me right this Sunday against Matt Ryan and the Falcons back at home.
Los Angeles Chargers
Record: (1-4).
Recap: Loss Vs. New Orleans Saints, 30-27 in Overtime.
Breakdown: The heartbreak kids continue to key their hearts to this time on Monday night to Drew Brees and the Saints. Anthony Lynn’s squad now has lost each of their four games by seven points or loss so obviously finishing the game is an issue, but so is maintaining one, three of the Bolts five games they have led by 8 points or more only have the lead blown and ultimately loss. I believe this is more of a coaching issue more than players and one player that showed up in a big way was quarterback Justin Herbert. The rookie continued his amazing season throwing for four touchdowns, the most by any rookie during a Monday Night Football game. His favorite target Monday, Mike Williams had a great game hauling in a season-high 109 yards and two touchdowns off just five catches while Gus Bradley’s defense (outside of points allowed) played their tails off. Despite missing Keenan Allen, several offensive lineman, star safety Derwin James and several other starters this team has the foundational pieces for a bright future and they will continue important experience this Sunday hosting Gardner Minshew and the Jags back in Inglewood.
Houston Texans
Record: (1-4)
Recap: Win Vs. Jacksonville Jags, 30-14.
Breakdown: Where there is age, there is beauty and at 73-years-young , Romeo Crennell and the Texans secured their first win of the season Sunday in Houston. The Texans owned the ground game rushing for 129 yards and outrushing the Jags by 50 yards including 96 with the legs of David Johnson. Deshaun Watson overcame some bonehead picks by slicing and dicing Jacksonville defenders to the tune of 359 yards and three touchdowns finding Brandin Cooks early and often en route to his season-high 161 receiving yards with a score. But it wasn’t just all offense, J.J. Watt and the defense played their part too sacking Duvall four times as well as forcing two key fumbles. Watson and the pals will look for win numero dos Sunday against Derrick Henry and the Titans in Nashville.
Washington Football Team
Record: (1-3).
Recap: Loss Vs. Los Angeles Rams, 30-10.
Breakdown: What a journey it’s been for Alex Smith. Since his horrific (potential) life-ending leg injury suffered in 2018, Smith battled his way back mentally and physically to see playing time Sunday throwing for 37 yards. The sighting was moving, inspirational and emotional. Other than this, it was all thumbs down for Washington as they rushed for just 38 yards, threw for only 70 surrendering 8 sacks and two fumbles in the defeat. The FedEx Fielders struggled to contain Jard Goff and company, giving up 429 total yards while losing the time-of-possession by a whooping 11 minutes. Neither Kyle Allen nor Alex Smith look like the starter moving forward but neither did Dwayne Haskins so Ron Rivera will have a decision to make before Sunday’s tilt against Danny Dimes and Giants in New York’s Metlife.
Detroit Lions
Record: (1-3).
Recap:
Breakdown: Bye Week.
Cincinnati Bengals
Record: (1-3-1).
Recap: Loss Vs. Baltimore Ravens, 27-3.
Breakdown: Through three games, Joe Burrow did not (in large part), look like a rookie. He did Sunday as the Ravens roughhoused the Bengals 27-3 in Baltimore. The LSU No. 1 pick was awful throwing for just 183 yards and no touchdowns but the rest of Zac Taylor’s team wasn’t much better: WhoDey got out-rushed by 91 yards, was a terrible 3-for-16 on third and lost the time-of-possession battle by nine minutes to Lamar Jackson and the flock. Burrow committed two turnovers and the team committed three surrendering 7 total sacks in the defeat. Cincy will look to mend their bumps and bruises before Phillip Rivers and the Colts welcome them to Indy this Sunday.
Denver Broncos
Record: (1-3).
Recap:
Breakdown: Game postponed due to coronavirus.
Philadelphia Eagles
Record: (1-3-1).
Recap: Loss Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 38-29.
Breakdown: In a battle of Pennsylvania, the Eagles got their wings clipped in a tough one. Despite the loss, there were several positives particularly on the offensive end that’s struggled mightily through four games. Receiver Travis Fulgham had the game of his life hauling in 10 catches for 152 yards and a touchdown while running back Miles Sanders looks like a stud as the second-year back totaled 99 all-purpose yards including a 74-yarder with two scores. The offensive line still sucks surrendering five sacks and Carson Wentz is still a turnover machine with two more interceptions but the sky isn’t completely falling in Philly as the Eagles generated 29 points on one of the stingiest defenses in the league. Doug Pederson’s schedule doesn’t get any easier as Lamar Jackson and the Ravens come into town Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Record: (1-4).
Recap: Loss Vs. Houston Texans, 30-14.
Breakdown: Minshew Magic has been anything but consistent for Duvall’s finest through four contests. Turnovers have killed the Jags compiling an average of one or more each game outside of week one. Jacksonville had two fumbles lost which pretty much offset the two picks they got off of Deshaun Watson and only rushd for 75 yards. This team is a hot mess and will struggle to win most weeks, maybe Sacksonville can prove me wrong in week six when they host Matt Stafford and the Lions Sunday.
Atlanta Falcons
Record: (0-5).
Recap: Loss Vs. Carolina Panthers, 23-16.
Breakdown: Welp, the nail may be in the coffin for head coach Dan Quinn as his Falcons struggled immensely on the defensive end surrendering 437 yards at the hands of Teddy Bridgewater, Robby Anderson and Mike Davis...Mike who? The offense wasn’t much better as without Julio Jones they scored just one offensive touchdown. The silver linings Sunday for the A-T-L were certainly Todd Gurley who had his best game as a Falcon rushing for 121 yards and a score and receiver Calvin Ridley continued his career-best season hauling in 136 yards off 8 catches. The Falcons will head into week six against Kirk Cousins and the Vikings in Minnesota potentially with a new name at head coach.
New York Giants
Record: (0-4).
Recap: Loss Vs. Dallas Cowboys, 37-34.
Breakdown: Prior to this game, the Giants had scored three offensive touchdowns as a unit. They matched that total through three quarters while playing the Cowboys in Dallas. Offensively, they were awful as always but had some nice performances from Darius Slayton (129 receiving yards) and Devonta Freeman (87 all-purpose yards) but defensively they played valiantly sacking Dak Prescott twice and forcing a pick-six as well. Joe Judge’s crew will look for their first win Sunday against Alex Smith and the Washington Football team in the Big Apple.
New York Jets
Record: (0-5).
Recap: Loss Vs. Arizona Cardinals, 30-10.
Breakdown: I’m tired of writing about the Jets, Le’Veon Bell wants more touches and Joe Flacco was starting at quarterback, you all know they got annihilated.
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