What an incredible win for Washington! As a lifelong, die hard Washington fan, this was one of the most satisfying victories in recent memory. Jayden Daniels put the entire NFL world on notice, finishing with 293 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. His connection with Terry McLaurin was electric, producing game-changing plays that the fanbase has been eager to see. The Daniels-to-McLaurin duo is officially here.
The Bengals came into this game fully aware of their defensive vulnerabilities, but they did little to address them—likely underestimating Washington as a threat. Once Washington took the lead in the second quarter, they never looked back. The fact that the team hasn’t punted or turned the ball over in two straight games is remarkable. The offensive line was solid, providing balance in both pass protection and the run game.
However, there are concerns. Washington’s defense allowed Cincinnati to move the ball too easily on multiple drives, an issue that needs immediate attention. The secondary continues to look shaky, giving up too many big plays to opposing receivers. Despite this, the 2024 Washington team is playing with a sense of pride, confidence, and competitiveness that I haven’t seen in years.
Next, Washington visits Arizona. The Cardinals are a run-heavy team, so stopping their ground game will be crucial. With Kliff Kingsbury’s experience as a former Cardinals head coach, I expect a well-crafted game plan to neutralize Kyler Murray’s strengths. Containing Marvin Harrison Jr. will be another major test for our secondary, as he’s an explosive playmaker. The defensive front, led by Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, and a now-healthy Johnny Newton, should start to show its full potential. Losing Austin Ekeler to a concussion is tough, but it could open the door for Jeremy McNichols and Cristian Rodriguez to step up alongside Brian Robinson.
This is a must-win NFC matchup with playoff implications down the line. Washington is the better team, and we should be the favorites going in. My pick: The Washington Commanders.
WASHINGTON 38 — BENGALS 33
And for the rest of the league…..
EAGLES 15 — SAINTS 12
The Eagles pulled off a lucky win after trailing 12-7 late in the 4th quarter. With just over a minute left, Saquon Barkley scored a rushing touchdown and successfully converted the two-point attempt. Despite Jalen Hurts’ inconsistent play, Philly has found ways to win close games early this season. Next, Philadelphia visits Tampa Bay. My pick: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Saints struggled to stop Philly from moving the ball and scoring in the final minutes, which cost them the game. Derek Carr wasn’t as effective as in previous weeks, but despite this loss, New Orleans is poised to rebound and continue asserting themselves in the NFC South. Next, New Orleans visits Atlanta. My pick: The New Orleans Saints.
RAVENS 28 — COWBOYS 25
The Ravens held a commanding 28-6 lead in the 4th quarter but allowed Dallas to score three late touchdowns, making the game closer than expected. Derrick Henry was a force, rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Next, Baltimore hosts Buffalo. My pick: The Buffalo Bills.
The Cowboys are gradually falling apart, and their lack of depth on both sides of the ball will likely keep them out of contention this season. Which brings massive joy to Cowboys-hating heart. Next, Dallas visits the Giants. My pick: The New York Giants.
NY GIANTS 21 — BROWNS 15
The Giants have found a potential star in Malik Nabers. Defensively, New York has some young talent that could make them competitive in the NFC East. However, as usual, Daniel Jones is likely to cost them a few games. Next, the Giants host Dallas. My pick: The New York Giants.
The Browns are struggling with multiple injuries on the offensive line, which has contributed to Deshaun Watson’s recent struggles. Their running game is practically nonexistent, and their defense is also banged up. The return of Nick Chubb will be crucial for Cleveland. Next, Cleveland visits Las Vegas. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
NY JETS 24 — PATRIOTS 3
Aaron Rodgers looked sharp, distributing the ball effectively and dismantling New England’s defense. This is the version of the New York Jets everyone expected to see last season before Rodgers got injured. The real question now is whether the Jets can maintain this level of performance against stronger opponents. Next, the Jets host Denver. My pick: The New York Jets.
The Patriots struggled all across the board—Jacoby Brissett was constantly under pressure, and with little protection, he couldn’t ignite the offense. Rookie QB Drake Maye came in late but looked uncomfortable. The Patriots need to be patient with Maye, focusing on his development rather than rushing him into a starting role. Next, New England visits San Francisco. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
CHIEFS 22 — FALCONS 17
The Chiefs edged out a controversial win in Atlanta, while struggling to keep pace with the Falcons throughout the game. Patrick Mahomes finished with 234 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Next, Kansas City heads to Los Angeles to face the Chargers. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
The Falcons let this game slip through their fingers. Their failure to put points on the board in the third quarter proved costly. With the running game virtually nonexistent, the pressure fell on Kirk Cousins to carry the offense — never an ideal situation. Next, Atlanta hosts New Orleans. My pick: The Atlanta Falcons.
PACKERS 30 — TITANS 14
Malik Willis got his revenge against the team that gave up on him, trading him for just a 7th-round pick. Willis was efficient, throwing for 275 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Head Coach Matt LaFleur has done an impressive job keeping Green Bay steady in Jordan Love’s absence. Next, Green Bay hosts Minnesota. My pick: The Minnesota Vikings.
Tennessee is in full rebuild mode under rookie Head Coach Brian Callahan, so expectations should be tempered for this team. Will Levis has shown legitimate quarterback skills, but the lack of a consistent running game is making life difficult for the young, developing QB. Next, Tennessee visits Miami. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
The Vikings dominated Houston in all phases of the game, with Sam Darnold delivering an outstanding performance, throwing for four touchdowns and no interceptions. Though it’s still early in the season, Darnold has officially entered the MVP conversation. Next, Minnesota heads to Green Bay. My pick: The Minnesota Vikings.
COLTS 21 — BEARS 15
Anthony Richardson had a rough outing, throwing for just 167 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. However, Indianapolis leaned heavily on the ground game, with Jonathan Taylor amassing 110 yards and two touchdowns. Next, Indianapolis hosts Pittsburgh. My pick: The Pittsburgh Steelers.
Caleb Williams is still early in his NFL career, so it’s no surprise that he’s struggling to overcome Chicago’s shortcomings. Despite the loss, Williams put up a solid performance, throwing for 363 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Next, Chicago hosts the LA Rams. My pick: The LA Rams.
VIKINGS 34 — TEXANS 7
The Vikings dominated Houston in all phases of the game, with Sam Darnold delivering an outstanding performance, throwing for four touchdowns and no interceptions. Though it’s still early in the season, Darnold has officially entered the MVP conversation. Next, Minnesota heads to Green Bay. My pick: The Minnesota Vikings.
The Texans had no answers for Minnesota, as CJ Stroud struggled to spark the offense, finishing with 215 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The absence of Joe Mixon only compounded Houston’s offensive struggles. Next, Houston hosts Jacksonville. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
LA RAMS 27 — 49ERS 24
It’s safe to say that Sean McVay has Kyle Shanahan’s number. Tutu Atwell emerged as a key receiving threat in the absence of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. At 1-2, the Rams are back in the mix. Next, the LA Rams visit Chicago. My pick: The LA Rams.
San Francisco is struggling on all fronts. Offensively, the losses of Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle have been crippling. Defensively, the effort has been lacking under new coordinator Nick Sorensen. Next, San Francisco hosts New England. My pick: The San Francisco 49ers.
DENVER 26 — BUCCANEERS 7
The Broncos desperately needed a win to avoid starting the season 0-3, and Bo Nix delivered with a solid performance, throwing for 263 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Sean Payton may have found his new version of Drew Brees. Next, Denver visits the Jets. My pick: The New York Jets.
The Buccaneers hit a unpredictable roadblock against a previously winless Denver team. Baker Mayfield struggled under constant pressure from Denver’s defense, and Tampa Bay never found its rhythm. With a tough schedule ahead, we’ll soon see if Tampa Bay is truly a contender in the NFC South. Next, Tampa Bay hosts Philadelphia. My pick: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
LIONS 20 — CARDINALS 13
The Lions played a well-balanced game to slow down a rising Arizona team. Jared Goff managed the game efficiently, finishing with 205 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The combination of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield was crucial in helping Detroit control the tempo. Next, Detroit hosts Seattle. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
The Cardinals struggled to keep pace with Detroit, missing key opportunities to score touchdowns and settling for field goals instead. However, we got a glimpse of the promising future with the Kyler Murray to Marvin Harrison Jr. connection. Next, Arizona hosts Washington. My pick: The Washington Commanders.
PANTHERS 36 — RAIDERS 22
Andy Dalton revitalized Carolina, showcasing his veteran experience in commanding the offense. Dalton finished with 319 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, further proving why Bryce Young benefits from sitting and learning under a seasoned QB. Next, Carolina hosts Cincinnati. My pick: The Cincinnati Bengals.
It’s time for concern in Las Vegas. The Raiders are showing clear signs of dysfunction and internal turmoil. Head Coach Antonio Pierce has publicly criticized the front office and their decision-making, raising doubts about his future. It wouldn’t be surprising if Pierce is let go mid-season. Next, the Raiders host Cleveland. My pick: The Cleveland Browns.
STEELERS 20 — CHARGERS 10
The Steelers remain undefeated with Justin Fields as their starting quarterback, and although head coach Mike Tomlin downplays it, a QB controversy is brewing. A difficult decision looms once Russell Wilson is healthy and ready to return. Next, Pittsburgh visits Indianapolis. My pick: The Pittsburgh Steelers.
The LA Chargers made the risky decision to start an injured Justin Herbert, which showed in his inconsistent play throughout the game. Herbert was eventually pulled, and Taylor Heinicke stepped in but failed to ignite the offense. Jim Harbaugh needs to focus on rebuilding and keep Herbert sidelined until he’s fully healthy. Next, the Chargers host Kansas City. My pick: The Kansas City Chiefs.
BILLS 47 — JAGUARS 10
Josh Allen was unstoppable, putting up incredible numbers against a surprisingly underperforming Jacksonville team. Allen threw for 307 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. It was also great to see Dalton Kincaid more involved in the offensive scheme. Next, Buffalo visits Baltimore. My pick: The Buffalo Bills.
The Jaguars have fallen to 0-3, and talk of benching Trevor Lawrence is growing louder. However, Jacksonville’s problems go beyond just the quarterback position. Defensively, they’ve allowed too much ground to opposing teams. If things don’t turn around soon, coaching changes in Jacksonville could be on the horizon. Next, Jacksonville visits Houston. My pick: The Jacksonville Jaguars.
SEAHAWKS 24 — DOLPHINS 3
The Seahawks are flying high at 3-0 and looking like serious contenders. Despite two turnovers from Geno Smith, Seattle managed to control the game and come out on top. Next, Seattle visits Detroit. My pick: The Detroit Lions.
The Dolphins’ offense isn’t the same without Tua Tagovailoa — Skylar Thompson struggled to get Miami’s playmakers involved. The lack of a ground game only compounded the difficulties for the backup quarterback. Next, Miami hosts Tennessee. My pick: The Miami Dolphins.
Rod Rioja 