Snapping a 3-game losing streak does wonders for a team in desperate need of momentum. And it also does wonders for my state of mind. It’s been a miserable 3 weeks of devastating losses, so this 24-16 win is beyond meaningful.
Sam Howell had a notable game, throwing for 151 yards with 3 TDs and no picks. But the sacks continue to add up, and the QB protection is concerning. The Running game was better but not ideal. Brian Robinson had 10 carries for 31 yards and grabbed 2 balls for 25 yards with 1 TD; Robinson needs to get more carries. Antonio Gibson wasn’t as involved as expected, but he caught 1 TD. Also, I was happy to see Chris Rodriguez get some action with 4 catches for 23 yards.
The Passing game was effective; Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel were our primary Receiving targets. But we need to spread the ball around more — Jahan Dotson, Dyami Brown, and Logan Thomas need way more targets than they got against Atlanta. Impressively, Jamison Crowder made his presence felt with a 61-yard punt return, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Defensively, we neutralized Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, which was a priority. On top of that, we had 3 picks: Kendall Fuller, Jamin Davis, and Benjamin St. Jude had a pick each. Still, the secondary is allowing too many long balls. Clearly, the coverage needs to improve. The benching of Emmanuel Forbes sent a clear message to the entire team, so we’ll see if it leads to any improvement.
Next, Washington visits the NY Giants. We have no idea if Danny Jones or Tyrod Taylor will get the start. Regardless of the starting QB, Washington has historically struggled against the Giants. And Daniel Jones has had our number, but Taylor can also create problems for our Defense. Neutralizing a healthier Saquon Barkley should be a priority. Plus, Darren Waller and Darius Slayton are dangerous Receivers; they could create matchup issues for our shaky secondary.
Washington should expect a relentless assault on Howell, so QB protection needs to be up to par. This Divisional game is a must-win for Washington. The Giants are 1-5 and teetering towards mediocrity — We must take advantage of this massive opportunity and deliver a dominating win. Advantage, Washington Commanders.
WASHINGTON 24 — FALCONS 16
And for the rest of the league…..
COWBOYS 20 — LA CHARGERS 17
The overrated Cowboys outlasted the Chargers to bounce back from their week 5 blowout loss to San Francisco. Dak Prescott got loose multiple times, running for a score and connecting with Brandin Cooks for another TD. However, it is always a bad sign when your QB is your top Rusher. Many issues plague the Cowboys, and will continue to struggle as the season progresses. Next, Dallas is on a Bye,
The LA Chargers were within striking distance of winning this game or taking it to OT. But a Justin Herbert pick ended their chances to pull off the victory. At 2-3, the Chargers are underachieving, and their playoff chances are slipping away. Next, the Chargers visit Kansas City. Advantage, Kansas City Chiefs.
BILLS 14 — NY GIANTS 9
By the 4th quarter, the Bills were losing 0-6, and it looked like another choke job by Buffalo. But then suddenly, Buffalo woke up, and Josh Allen put together 2 long scoring drives to sneak out a win. The Bills are not playing their best football, and they should be concerned. Next, Buffalo visits New England. Advantage, Buffalo Bills.
The NY Giants should move away from overpaid Daniel Jones and go with Tyrod Taylor for the remainder of the year. Taylor looked more efficient at running this Offense, throwing for 200 yards and no picks. Saquon Barkley seems to be slowly getting back to form. But they need more production out of Darius Slayton and Darren Waller. Next, the NY Giants host Washington. Advantage, Washington Commanders.
NY JETS 20 — EAGLES 14
The Jets delivered a statement victory here. Their Defense led the way by shutting out Philly in the second half of the game and intercepting Jalen Hurts 3 times. For the most part, their Running Game went nowhere. But their passing game was a different story. And remarkably, Zach Wilson had zero picks. At 3-3, the NY Jets have a chance to get back into the mix of things. Next, the Jets are on a Bye.
The Eagles luck finally ran out against the Jets. They were leading 14-9 at halftime, but the Jets Defense woke up and did not allow Philly to score again. Jalen Hurts is starting to resemble Daniel Jones in terms of trying too hard and becoming a liability. At 5-1. the Eagles are about to go on a tough schedule run and will be exposed. Next, Philadelphia hosts Miami. Advantage, Miami Dolphins.
CHIEFS 19 — BRONCOS 8
The Chiefs are winning ugly, but they are winning. Nonetheless, it took 4 Field Goals from Harrison Butker and 1 TD pass from Patrick Mahomes to Kadarius Toney to secure the win. Oddly, Kansas City’s strength is its Defense. Next, Kansas City hosts the LA Chargers. Advantage, Kansas City Chiefs.
The Broncos are in complete disarray. Russell Wilson was beyond pathetic, finishing up with 126 yards, 1 TD, and 2 picks. Their Receiving unit is a non-factor, and they can’t get their Ground game going. At 1-5, Denver is most likely already looking to start over. Next, Denver hosts Green Bay. Advantage, Green Bay Packers.
BROWNS 19 — 49ERS 17
The Browns shocked the entire NFL world and did it without Deshaun Watson. Backup QB PJ Walker leaned on his playmakers to get past San Francisco. Amari Cooper had 108 yards receiving, and Kareem Hunt racked up 71 yards with 1 TD. Still, Kicker Dustin Hopkins was the hero, scoring 4 Field Goals and adding 12 points to the final score. Plus, Cleveland’s Defense finally lived up to expectations. Next, Cleveland visits Indianapolis. Advantage, Cleveland Browns.
The 49ers lost Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, which made a massive difference in the outcome of this game. But a missed Field Goal by Jake Moody with a handful of seconds left sealed the loss for the 49ers. Next, San Francisco visits Minnesota. Advantage, San Francisco 49ers.
LA RAMS 26 — CARDINALS 9
The LA Rams ran away with this game. They relentlessly fed Kyren Williams the ball for 158 yards. Matthew Stafford was steady with 226 yards, 1 TD, and no picks. Most significantly, Cooper Kupp continues to put up robust numbers, finishing with 148 yards and 1 TD. At 3-3, the Rams are starting to get healthy at the right time. Next, LA hosts Pittsburgh. Advantage, LA Rams
The Cards struggled to get anything going all game and could only put up 3 Field Goals. Josh Dobbs needs a stronger supporting cast — Dobbs has shown he can be a dynamic QB, but he should not be their primary Rusher. At 1-5, Arizona isn’t going far. Arizona visits Seattle. Advantage, Seattle Seahawks.
DOLPHINS 42 — PANTHERS 21
The Dolphins dismantle the pitiful Carolina Panthers. Tua was effective, throwing for 262 yards with 3 TDs and no picks. Impressively, Tyreek Hill racked up 163 yards with 1 TD. And without De’Von Achane, Raheem Mostert picked up the slack and finished with 132 yards and 3 TDs. Next, Miami visits Philadelphia. Advantage, Miami Dolphins.
At 0-5, the Panthers cannot catch a break. Statistically, Bryce Young had his best game of the season, throwing for 217 yards with 1 TD and no picks. Veteran Receiver Adam Thielen remains Carolina’s top receiving threat, finishing with 115 yards and 1 TD. However, Carolina lacked the firepower to keep up with Miami. Next, Carolina is on a Bye.
VIKINGS 19 — BEARS 13
The Vikings and the Bears are basement dwellers in the NFC North, desperate for breathing room. Kirk Cousins did the bare minimum to keep this game within reach. The story of this game was 1 TD, 2 Field Goals, and 1 Defensive score for Minnesota. At 2-4, the Vikings should be in panic mode. Next, Minnesota hosts San Francisco. Advantage, San Francisco 49ers.
Chicago came to this game limping from their week 5 game against Washington. Justin Fields was under duress through most of the game and left in the 3rd quarter. At 1-5, Chicago’s season is slipping away. Next, Chicago hosts Las Vegas. Advantage, Las Vegas Raiders.
LIONS 20 — BUCCANEERS 6
The Lions are on a roll — Jared Goff is making a strong case for league MVP; Goff threw for 353 yards with 2 TDs and no picks. Amon-Ra St. Brown finished with 127 yards and 1 TD. At 5-1, Detroit is officially a legit contender in the NFC. Next, Detroit visits Baltimore. Advantage, Detroit Lions.
The Buccaneers were overmatched by Detroit. Baker Mayfield had a rough time trying to generate an offensive spark. The Passing game was lackluster, and the Run game went nowhere. As a result, Tampa Bay had to settle for 2 Field Goals. At 3-2, Tampa Bay remains temporarily on top of the NFC South. Next, Tampa Bay host Atlanta. Advantage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
JAGUARS 37 — COLTS 20
This was a crucial Divisional game for Jacksonville. Trevor Lawrence was roughed up but managed to pull through and avoid costly mistakes. Statistically, Travis Ettiene had a pedestrian game but got loose twice for 2 scores. At 4-2, Jacksonville is starting to put some distance in the AFC South. Next, Jacksonville visits New Orleans. Advantage, Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Colts have officially lost rookie QB Anthony Richardson for the season. So, it is now the Gardner Minshew show for the remainder of the year. Minshew is an experienced NFL QB, but his turnovers are always a concern. Instead of relying on Minshew, Indianapolis needs to get Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss more involved and for them to lead the way on Offense. Next, Indianapolis hosts Cleveland. Advantage, Cleveland Browns.
RAIDERS 21 — PATRIOTS 17
This was Josh McDaniels and a bunch of former New England players against Belicheater — and the Ex-Pats came out on top. Jimmy G had 162 yards with 1 TD and 1 pick. But he left the game in the first half with another injury. Experienced backup QB Brian Hoyer came in to steady the ship and bring this game home. At 3-3, the Raiders are back in the mix of things. Next, Las Vegas visits Chicago. Advantage, Las Vegas Raiders.
Another dull performance by the Pats. Their Passing game sucks, and their Running game continues to perplex me. Rushing, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Ezekiel Elliot combined for 17 carries with 80 yards. The Patriots must consistently lean on their Ground game to give Mac Jones a chance. At 1-5, it is time to start panicking in New England and, at the very least, start thinking about next season without Belichick as GM. Next, New England host Buffalo. Advantage, Buffalo Bills.
TEXANS 20 — SAINTS 13
At 3-3, the Texans are defying expectations this season. In retrospect, CJ Stroud should’ve been the first pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Houston’s top playmakers are made up of experienced players like Dalton Schultz, Nico Collins, Robert Woods, and Devin Singletary, which has been a remarkable aspect of Stroud’s development as a rookie QB. Also, Houston’s Defense is contributing to Stroud’s development, providing solid stops at crucial moments. Next, Houston goes on their Bye week.
The Saints are the most up-and-down team I’ve seen this season. They first win 2 games in a row, then they lose 2 in a row, followed by a blowout win at New England. And now, on week 6, they lay an egg at Houston. Derek Carr is putting up great stats and spreading the ball around to Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, Taysom Hill, and Alvin Kamara. But they need better Red Zone productivity from their playmakers. Next, New Orleans hosts Jacksonville. Advantage, Jacksonville Jaguars.
BENGALS 17 — SEAHAWKS 13
Limping Joe Burrow had a subpar game, throwing for 185 yards with 2 TDs and 1 Pick. And yet, still, Burrow was effective enough to get it done. But Cincinnati’s Defense made crucial stops to sneak out the win. Next, Cincinnati is on a Bye.
Geno Smith was under constant pressure, threw 2 picks, and could not get anything going on Offense. Seattle should be concerned with their lack of Red Zone productivity. Next, Seattle hosts Arizona. Advantage, Seattle Seahawks.
RAVENS 24 — TITANS 16
Field Goals and Defense defined this game — Justin Tucker delivered 18 points, and Lamar Jackson connected once with Zay Flowers for a TD. Plus, Baltimore’s Defense was excellent at neutralizing Tennessee’s Passing game. Nevertheless, Baltimore should be concerned with the lack of productivity from Lamar Jackson and their entire Offense. Next, Baltimore hosts Detroit. Advantage, Detroit Lions
It was a frustrating game for Tennessee. Ryan Tannehill struggled to connect with his Receivers and left the game in the 3rd quarter with an injury. Backup QB Malik Wills came in but could not generate much on Offense. However, Derrick Henry got going late in the game, racking up 97 yards with 1 TD, but it wasn’t enough to get past Baltimore. Next, Tennessee is on a Bye.
Rod Rioja 