After trading away two crucial first-rounders to San Francisco and Chicago, all I heard from the National TV punditry was about how Washington has given up for the season. What a bunch of crap — these so-called analysts have no idea what they are talking about. I prefer to listen to the local beat reporters who understand things better.
Anyhow, winning on the road is excellent, especially against Belicheater — who has been rumored to be interested in finishing his NFL coaching career in Washington. I hope not; I’ve always seen Belichick as a massively overrated coach and an awful General Manager. Belichick would wreck Washington for years to come.
In any case, Sam Howell continues to impress, throwing for 325 yards, 1 TD, and 1 pick. The protection was way better, not great, but definitely better. The Ground game benefited from the better O-Line protection; Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson combined for 97 yards with 1 TD for Robinson. The Passing game was also more effective. Terry McLaurin racked up 73 yards, and Jahan Dotson finished with 69 yards and 1 TD.
The Defense seemed more disciplined than in previous weeks. Second-round pick, Rookie CB Jartavius Martin intercepted Mac Jones late in the 4th quarter to seal this game for Washington. However, the refs tried to help New England by flagging a bogus roughing the passer call on Rookie DE KJ Henry. Still, we overcame the refs and won this game.
Next, Washington visits Seattle. This is a crucial game for both teams with NFC playoff implications. Currently, the NFC East Division title is out of the question. Nonetheless, Washington must start racking up some wins against NFC teams and improve our wildcard chances. The Seahawks have a strong Defense. But Baltimore beating Seattle 37-3 provided the blueprint to out scheme, Pete Carroll and company. My pick: Washington Commanders.
WASHINGTON 20 — PATRIOTS 17
And for the rest of the league…..
RAIDERS 30 — NY GIANTS 6
After firing Josh McDaniels, the Raiders delivered a statement victory in their first game without him. Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce had this team inspired and ready to play. AT 4-5, the Raiders are in a solid position to turn things around. Next, the Raiders host the NY Jets. My pick: The Las Vegas Raiders.
The NY Giants are officially done for this season. Daniel Jones is also done for the year with a torn ACL. Their only bright spot has been Saquon Barkley’s productivity. At 2-7, the NY Giants are all about improving their Draft position. Next, the NY Giants visit Dallas. My pick; The Dallas Cowboys.
EAGLES 28 — COWBOYS 23
The Eagles got a bunch of lucky breaks to sneak out another win. Jalen Hurts is limited with a banged-up knee. Still, he managed to deliver crucial game-defining TDs. 8-1, Philadelphia sits comfortably on top of the NFC East. But they are about to enter the most brutal stretch of their NFL schedule. Next, Philadelphia is on a bye.
The most overrated team in the NFL failed to deliver the goods yet again. Dak Prescott had a solid game, throwing for 374 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. And CeeDee Lamb went for 191 yards. But their lack of Ground game is their biggest offensive issue. Tony Pollard is not a feature RB — As the season enters its halfway point, Dallas will struggle Offensively. Next, Dallas hosts the NY Giants. My pick: the Dallas Cowboys.
CHIEFS 21 — DOLPHINS 14
The Chiefs went 21-0 by halftime and then leaned on their elite Defense to hold Miami back. At 7-2, Kansas City is on track to secure the AFC West again. Next, Kansas City has a week off.
The Dolphins got behind early and couldn’t catch up. Tua was limited to 193 yards and 1 TD. It seems Miami is not built to play down multiple scores. Next, Miami has a week off.
BENGALS 24 — BILLS 18
The Bengals resurgence is in full swing. Joe Burrow seems to have recovered from the calf injury that kept him limited earlier in the season. At 5-3, Cincinnati is in a 3-way tie with Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Next, Cincinnati hosts Houston. My pick: Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bills are having a tough time putting together back-to-back wins, which is why Buffalo has been one of the most inconsistent teams this season. Their lack of an effective Running Game should be a concern. However, at 5-4, they are fighting with Miami for the top spot in the AFC East. Next, Buffalo hosts Denver. My pick: Buffalo Bills.
PACKERS 20 — LA RAMS 3
The Packers finally woke up and ended their 4-game losing streak. Jordan Love was efficient, throwing for 228 yards, 1, and no pics. Aaron Jones got going with 73 yards and 1 TD. At 3-5, Green Bay has a chance to push for a second-place spot in their Division. Next, Green Bay visits Pittsburgh. My pick: Pittsburgh Steelers.
The LA Rams are starting to fall apart. Mostly, their Defense is vastly underperforming, And without Matt Stafford, Brett Rypien only had 130 yards with no TDs and 1 pick. As a result, the Rams signed Carson Wentz as a proper backup. Next, the LA Rams have a week off.
VIKINGS 31 — FALCONS 28
Kirk Cousins is out for the year, so Rookie QB Jaren Hall was named the starter for this game. But due to a concussion in the 1st quarter, Hall had to leave the game. As a result, Joshua Dobbs came in and led this floundering team to victory. Dobbs went for 224 yards, 3 TDs, and no picks. At 5-4, the Vikings have a proper backup QB to make a playoff run. Next, Minnesota hosts New Orleans. My pick: Minnesota Vikings.
The Falcons finally benched Desmond Ridder and gave Taylor Heinicke a shot to show what he could do. Clearly, Heinicke makes Atlanta a more dynamic team. And once better chemistry with top playmakers is established, the Falcons will start to make some noise. Next, Atlanta visits Arizona. My pick: the Atlanta Falcons.
STEELERS 20 — TITANS 16
The Steelers are not playing good Football but keep finding ways to win games. Kenny Pickett looks shaky at best. Their Passing and Running game is a non-factor, yet they continue to win. At 5-3, Pittsburgh is in a 3-way tie with Cleveland and Cincinnati in the AFC North. Next, Pittsburg hosts Green Bay. My pick: Pittsburgh Steelers.
After a sensational NFL debut on week 8, the Titans expected Will Levis to deliver a similar performance. Unfortunately, week 9 was a rougher outing for the Rookie QB. But it seems like Tennessee is all in on turning over the starting duties to Levins for the remainder of the season. Next, Tennessee visits Tampa Bay. My pick: Tampa Buccaneers.
SAINTS 24 — BEARS 17
Taysom Hill is by far the most valuable player for New Orleans. Hill caught 1 TD pass, threw a TD, and rushed for 52 yards — impressive stuff. Also, DB Paulson Adebo had a career day, forcing and recovering a fumble and 2 picks. At 5-4, New Orleans is leading the NFC South by one game. Next, New Orleans visits Minnesota. My pick: Minnesota Vikings.
Statistically, Rookie QB Tyson Bagent had a mixed day, throwing for 220 yards, 2 TDs, 3 picks, and rushed for 70 yards. If you take the turnovers away, Bagent could be a legit starting option for Chicago while Justin Fields recovers. Next, Chicago hosts Carolina. My pick: the Carolina Panthers.
LA CHARGERS 27 — NY JETS 6
The entire LA Chargers seem to have woken up — Their Defense with Khalil Mack and Joey Bossa was dominant, creating fumbles and turnovers. Their Special teams had a punt returned for a score. And their Offense was efficient. At 4-4, the Chargers are in the mix for a wildcard AFC spot. Next, the LA Chargers host Detroit. My pick: the Detroit Lions.
The NY Jets had their 3-game winning streak come to an end. It was a frustrating night on all sides of the ball — the O-Line was atrocious, allowing plenty of pressures and hits on Zack Wilson. Their Running Game with Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook was beyond ineffective. At 4-4, the Jets are still in the mix for a playoff spot. Next, the NY Jets visit LAs Vegas. My pick: the Las Vegas Raiders.
RAVENS 37 — SEAHAWKS 3
The Ravens effectively shut Seattle down to a Field Goal. Baltimore took away Seattle’s run game, limiting them to 28 in total yards. At 7-2, Baltimore has a 2-game lead on the rest of the AFC North. Next, Baltimore hosts Cleveland. My pick: Cleveland Browns.
Seattle got spanked on all sides of the ball. They couldn’t run the ball, and the Passing game was ineffective. But most significantly, they had no answers for RB Keaton Mitchell gashing through holes and gaining massive yardage. Next, Seattle hosts Washington. My pick: Washington Commanders.
BROWNS 27 — CARDINALS 0
The Browns impressively shut down Arizona, rendering them ineffective for 4 quarters. Deshaun Watson was solid, throwing for 219 yards, 2 TDs, and no picks. At —3. the Browns are starting to get on a roll. Next, Cleveland visits Baltimore. My pick: Cleveland Browns.
Trading Joshua Dobbs away to Minnesota, the Cardinals have officially given up for the season. This was a pathetic all-around performance — and at this point, Arizona should keep Kyler Murray out until next season. Next, Arizona hosts Atlanta. My pick: the Atlanta Falcons.
TEXANS 39 — BUCCANEERS 37
So far this season, CJ Stroud is the runaway NFL Rookie of the Year. Remarkably, Stroud threw for 470 yards, 5 TDs, and no picks. At 4-4, Houston has a lifeline. Next, Houston visits Cincinnati. My pick: Cincinnati Bengals.
The Baker Mayfield experience has been up and down all season long. However, thanks to Mayfield, Tampa Bay has been competitive in all games. At 3-5, Tampa Bay is one game behind second place in the NFC South. Next, Tampa Bay hosts Tennessee. My pick: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
COLTS 27 — PANTHERS 13
It was a must-win game for Indianapolis. Their Defense stepped up by delivering 2 pick-sixes. Plus, Gardner Minshew minimized the costly mistakes and relied on his playmakers to seal this win. Next, Indianapolis travels to Germany to take on New England. My pick: the Indianapolis Colts.
The Panthers are rebuilding around Rookie QB Bryce Young. So their struggles were expected, and their record should not reflect Bryce Young’s QB skills. Fellow Rookie QBs CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson landed on better rosters. At 1-7, Carolina is already looking at improving their roster through the Draft and Free Agency. Next, Carolina visits Chicago. My pick: the Carolina Panthers.
Rod Rioja 