Well, the Chase Young, Montez Sweat experiment is over. Chase Young went to the 49ers for a 3rd round pick, and Montez Sweat to the Bears for a 2nd round pick. These two were supposed to become elite pass rushers but never really lived up to the hype. Most significantly, as the number 2 overall pick in the 2020 Draft, Chase Young was expected to become a game-changing phenom — which he never did.
To be clear, they were both great players and showed flashes of greatness. However, Chase Young couldn’t stay healthy long enough to contribute as the fanbase expected. And Montez came and went without much impact on most games.
Nevertheless, I’m not too fond of the timing of these two trades; it feels like, at 3-5, we are giving up on the season.
On the other hand, this loss to Philly highlighted our deficient Passing coverage. Teams are torching our secondary. On the Offensive side, Washington showed that it has the personnel to make adjustments. Especially in QB protection — this time around, it only allowed 1 sack. It is clear to me that if protected, Sam Howell can make positive things happen on Offense.
Next, Washington visits New England. Once again, this is another game Washington should win. I’m curious to see what our Edge Rushing game will look like without Sweat and Young. This game could potentially become a season-defining game for Washington. My pick, Washington Commanders.
WASHINGTON 31 — EAGLES 38
And for the rest of the league…..
NY JETS 13 — NY GIANTS 10 (OT)
This was an unwatchable game of punts and field goals. Zach Wilson went for 240 yards, 1 TD, and no picks. Breece Hall was more involved in the Passing game with 76 yards and 1 TD. At 4-3, the NY Jets are a scrappy team trying to make a playoff run. Next, the NY Jets host the LA Chargers. My pick, LA Chargers.
This was a mess of a game for the Giants. They lost Tyrod Taylor to a rib injury, so backup QB Tommy DeVito came in but had nothing to show for. Also, Darren Waller was injured and will be out for a while. At 2-6, the Giants traded away Leonard Williams for picks, signaling an end to any playoff contention this season. Next, the NY Giants visit the Las Vegas Raiders. My Pick, the Raiders.
COWBOYS 43 — LA RAMS 20
Let’s not get carried away with this Dallas win — The Rams are a good team, but they are in the middle of a massive rebuild. So, I am neither surprised nor impressed with this Dallas victory. At 5-2, the Cowboys are all smoke and mirrors. Next, Dallas visits Philadelphia. My Pick, Philadelphia Eagles.
The LA Rams are overachieving, so this is not a shocking loss for me. Their Defense is shaky and unreliable. Matthew Stafford left in the 3rd quarter with a hand injury, and his future availability is now questionable. Next, the LA Rams visit Green Bay. Advantage, LA Rams.
BENGALS 31 — 49ERS 17
The Bengals woke up and finally lived up to expectations. For the first time this season, Joe Burrow seemed healthy, passing for 283 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. With this convincing win, Cincinnati just sent a message to the rest of the AFC. Next, Cincinnati hosts Buffalo. My pick, Buffalo Bills.
The 49ers have lost 3 games in a row. And trading for Randy Gregory and Chase Young should bolster their struggling Defense. However, Brock Purdy’s health should be a concern. Maybe it is time to see Sam Arnold and give Purdy some recovery time. Next, San Francisco is on a bye.
VIKINGS 24 — PACKERS 10
This was a bittersweet victory for Minnesota — We now know that Kirk Cousins tore his achilles and will be out for the rest of the season. As a result, the Vikings traded for Joshua Dobbs to bolster their QB roster. Losing Cousins is a tough blow for Minnesota, just as they were starting to get on a roll. Next, Minnesota visits Atlanta. My pick, Atlanta Falcons.
The Packers are racking up losses and falling way behind in their division. With Four straight losses, it is time to start panicking in Green Bay. Jordan Love has the skills to be a franchise QB, but the supporting cast is not up to par this season. Next, Green Bay hosts the LA Rams. My pick, the LA Rams.
BRONCOS 24 — CHIEFS 9
The Broncos shocked the entire NFL world and snapped their long losing streak against Kansas City. Russell Wilson had an effective game, passing for 114 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. Maybe all hope is not lost for Denver and this new Sean Payton regime. Next, Denver is on their Bye.
It was a stinker of a game for the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes had no TDs and 2 turnovers while struggling to get anything going Offensively. Maybe Kansas City is no longer the team to beat in the AFC. Next, Kansas City plays Miami in Germany. My pick, Miami Dolphins.
JAGUARS 20 — STEELERS 10
The Jacksonville Jaguars are quietly becoming the best all-around team in the AFC. Trevor Lawrence should be entering the elite NFL QB conversation soon enough. At 6-2. Jacksonville is sitting comfortably on top of the AFC South. Next, Jacksonville is on a Bye.
The injuries are starting to pile up for Pittsburgh. They lost Kenny Pickett and Minkah Fitzpatrick early in the first half of this game. Mitch Trubisky had some decent moments but averted to his old self by throwing 2 picks. AT 4-3, the Steelers are in a 3-way tie for 2nd place in the AFC North. Next, Pittsburgh hosts Tennessee. My pick, Tennessee Titans.
LIONS — RAIDERS
The Lions shook off their embarrassing week 7 loss at Baltimore and returned to their winning ways. At 6-2, Detroit is setting the stage for a top-seed NFC playoff battle. Next, Detroit is on a Bye.
The Raiders had seen enough and fired Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler. Former Washington LB Antonio Pierce will be the interim Head Coach for the remainder of the season. At 3-5, The Raiders, as a team and coaching staff, are now auditioning for 2024. Next, the Raiders host the NY Giants. My pick, the Las Vegas Raiders.
LA CHARGERS 30 — BEARS 13
The Chargers snapped their 2-game losing streak and looked dynamic at it. But it was against a Chicago team without Justin Fields. At 3-4, the Chargers still have a solid shot to make the playoffs. Next, the LA Chargers visit the Jets, My pick, LA Chargers.
The Bears are already thinking about next season. They traded a 2nd round pick for Montez Sweat with hopes of boosting their pass rush. At 2-6, Chicago will be picking high in next year’s NFL Draft. Next, Chicago visits New Orleans. Advantage, New Orleans Saints.
SEAHAWKS 24 — BROWNS 20
The Seahawks have quietly taken over the top spot of the NFC West. And they are starting to look like legit contenders. However, they have a brutal schedule ahead of them. Next, Seattle visits Baltimore. My pick, the Seattle Seahawks.
The Browns are not the same team without Deshaun Watson at QB. Plenty of things were plaguing Cleveland, but in this game, PJ Walker’s turnovers and lack of Red Zone productivity were the main issues. Fortunately, Cleveland’s week 9 Matchup should be favorable to boost their confidence. Next, Cleveland hosts Arizona. My pick, Cleveland Browns.
RAVENS 31 — CARDINALS 24
The Ravens survived a 4th quarter comeback push by Arizona. Lamar Jackson was contained to just 157 yards and 1 TD. Gus Edwards led the way with 19 carries for 80 yards and 3 TDs. At 6-2, Baltimore is surprisingly on top of the AFC North. Next, Baltimore hosts Seattle. My pick, the Seattle Seahawks.
The Cardinals traded Dobbs to Minnesota, signaling a complete revamp of the Offense by keeping Kyler Murray out and starting rookie QB Clayton Tune. At 5-1, it seems like Arizona has given up on the season. Next, Arizona visits Cleveland. My pick, Cleveland Browns.
BILLS 24 — BUCCANEERS 18
After an embarrassing week 7 loss to New England, the Bills needed a strong showing. Josh Allen threw for 324 yards. 2 TDs and 1 pick. Dalton Kincaid was finally targeted for 65 yards and 1 TD. At 5-3, Buffalo is now one game behind Miami. Next, Buffalo visits Cincinnati. My pick, Buffalo Bills.
Early in the season, Tampa Bay was overachieving at 3-1, but they have lost 3 games in a row and look like the team I expected to see at the start of the season. Baker Mayfield seems to be a good fit for the Buccaneers; they just need to add a few more pieces and find a dynamic RB to complement this Offense. Next, Tampa Bay visits Houston. My pick, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
SAINTS 38 — COLTS 27
The Saints ended their 2-game losing streak, while Derek Carr had a solid rebound from a few crappy performances — Carr went for 310 yards with 2 TDs and no picks. Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill combined for 3 TDs and 122 yards. At 4-4, New Orleans is trying to right the ship. Next, New Orleans hosts Chicago. My pick, New Orleans Saints
The Colts went toe-to-toe with New Orleans, but their lack of productivity in the 3rd quarter was the difference-maker. Gardner Minshew ended his day with 213 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 pick. Jonathan Taylor went for 95 yards, but he needs more than 12 carries per game. In the upcoming weeks, Indy has some favorable matchups and the chance to land a playoff spot. Next, Indianapolis visits Carolina. My pick, the Indianapolis Colts.
TITANS 28 — FALCONS 23
Rookie QB Will Levins had a sensational NFL debut, throwing for 238 yards, 4 TDs, and no picks. It seems like the Titans might have found their future QB. Also, Tennessee’s top playmakers stepped up big time in helping their new QB shine. Derrick Henry finished up 122 yards in both Receiving and Rushing — and DeAndre Hopkins had a monster day with 128 yards and 3 TDs. Next, Tennessee visits Pittsburgh. My pick, Tennessee Titans.
The Falcons were tailing 14-3 when Desmond Ridder left this game with concussion symptoms. Taylor Heinicke came in and brought Atlanta back within a score. But it wasn’t enough to keep up with an inspired Tennessee team. The Falcons keep losing closely contested games, so it is Heinicke time going forward. Next, Atlanta hosts Minnesota. My pick, Atlanta Falcons.
DOLPHINS 31 — PATRIOTS 17
The Miami Dolphins have swept New England this season and remain on top of the AFC East. Tua continues his undefeated streak against Bill Belichick, which is impressive. The Passing game was phenomenal; Jaylen Waddle finished with 121 yards and 1 TD. And Tyreek Hill had 112 yards and 1 TD. Next, Miami travels to Germany to play Kansas City. My Pick, Miami Dolphins.
The Patriots are a disaster —They struggle on all sides of the ball. If Mac Jones wants to be a competent QB, he needs to leave New England. Bill Belicheater’s future will be highly scrutinized at the end of the season. Next, New England host Washington. My pick, Washington Commanders.
PANTHERS 15 — TEXANS 13
The Carolina Panthers finally won a game. Bryce Young had his most productive game of the season, throwing for 235 yards, 1 TD, and no picks. Adam Thielen is having an outstanding season, emerging as Bryce Young’s top Receiving target. Still, their Lack of Running game is a concern. Next, Carolina hosts Indianapolis. My pick, the Indianapolis Colts.
The Houston Texans were racking up some unexpected wins and starting to get on a roll. But they showed up flat and unprepared for Carolina. Their Running game was a non-factor, and their Passing game was ineffective. And their Defense had an uninspiring performance. However, CJ Stroud continues to show flashes of greatness. Next, Houston hosts Tampa Bay. My pick, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Rod Rioja 