Buccaneers 24, Cowboys 16
Bucs came into this one with an undrafted rookie QB, and 0-4 record and Vegas had them at 9pt dogs. Oh well – that’s why they play the game. Dallas got off to a nice start with an opening TD drive as Javonte finished things with a nice run. But the ‘Boys would struggle as their defense couldn’t stop anyone, and committed multiple penalties. Dak had trouble against the Bucs D, he couldn’t quite figure out their blitz packages. The ‘Boys did have a 10-7 lead at the half. Unfortunately for the ‘Boys, they couldn’t stop Bucky Irving in the 2nd half. He would finish the night with 165 yards and a TD. Dak tried his best – his go-to Thursday was Pickens who did finish with some nice stats – 130 yards and a TD. The biggest problem for the ‘Boys were turn-overs that killed them. A fumbled kick-off and an interception kept the Bucs in the lead. The ‘Bucs weren’t perfect, though – they went for it on 4th and goal and got stuffed. Dallas turned that into a TD to get things a bit closer. Dak got the ball back again, but a missed pass to Ferguson bounced off his hands in the Bucs D and the game was over. This was a rough one for the ‘Boys and their defense continues to be a major issue.
Jaguars 19, Eagles 17
Jags are staying in London for a couple weeks again. Think they like London – they got a gift yesterday for sure. They weren’t sharp at all. They had a nice kickoff return for a TD get called back due to a penalty, and they had first-and-goal at the one, and came way from that possession with zero points. The Eagles have not been sharp on offense so far this year, and this game wasn’t much different. Hurts didn’t have a whole lot of help as Smith was out again, and their running game suffered as Shipley left the game early. He did put together a great drive and finished it off with a nice TD pass to Washington. They took a 17-16 lead with 11 seconds left on the clock. Jags had no timeouts. For the kick-off the Eagles decided to kick it to the return guy. His return put the Jags in FG range with one second left on the clock. The Jags long-snapper had gone out early in the game, and a defensive lineman stepped in. A bad snap early in the game, cause Little to miss one – but this kick went smoothly as Little nailed the 57-yarder for the Jags – they stole this one. Or the Eagles gave it to them – however you want to look at it.
Steelers 34, Colts 22
Colts were coming off and international game and decided not to have a bye week. Maybe not the best decision. They looked a little sluggish. Old Man Rodgers had a banner day as he turned the clock a bit. He finished the day with 235 yards and 3 TDs. One of those was a great run after catch by Warren as he broke a short pass for 80 yards and a score. Rodgers was 11 for 11 at one point and his O-line did a good job protecting him. The Colts did a good job keeping up, though. Jones was completing some passes and their place kicker kept them close – this game was 17-16 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Warren popped another big run – a 50-yarder for a TD. The Colts responded with another FG or two, but they needed TDs. Rodgers put together a nice 67-yard drive that was capped by a 17-yard pass for a TD to Freiermuth for the win.
Vikings 23, Saints 13
That Vikings D is for real, just ask Tyler Shough. His hope Monday morning is that is his worst game of his professional career. He finished the day with under 100 yards passing, no TDs and 2 ints. Very rough outing for that guy. The Saints were able to get a TD early on in this game, but turnovers and the Viking D really shut them down after that. The Vikes actually scored TWO TDs in this game as Murry played pretty well down the stretch. The Saints D recovered a fumble that was returned for a TD which tied the game. In the fourth quarter Murray put together a nice drive that ended with a 8-yard TD run by Jones. This put them up for good, and they added an insurance FG towards the end of the game.
Jets 17, Browns 12
Another crappy, rainy day in the Meadowlands. It was tough conditions for both teams, but the Jets got an early lead in the first half with a Garrett Wilson TD pass. The Browns had a couple decent drives that ended in FGs and it was a 7-6 game at the half. No scoring in the third quarter, but the Jets did get a FG in the fourth. Watson has had a couple games in a row with big finishes, and this one looked like another. He put together a great drive as the Browns started at their own 14 and finished with a 30 yard TD pass to Boston to take the lead. They swapped possessions after that, and when it was the Browns turn to punt- the ball went through the punter’s hands. This set up a short field that the Jets took advantage of for the go-ahead rushing TD by Allen. Nice win for the Jets.
Bengals 31, Dolphins 24
This game was tied up at 7-7 after a nice drive by both teams, but it was all Bengals from there. Final score was closer than the game really was. The ‘Fins QB Malik Willis had 2 interceptions to his one completion at one point in the game. Bengals let him off the hook after his first one, but used his second to take a 21-7 lead. The ‘Fins had a nice shot at getting closer, but a bad finish turned first and goal into a FG, and then the Bengals scored on their next possession. Burrow had a good day, shade under 200 yards, and 4 TDs including another highlight package to Chase. Miami’s late score made things look a bit better, but this game had been decided early.
Patriots 45, Raiders 17
Ummm, yeah – Drake May is FINE. 374 yards 4 TDs and one rushing TD fine. The Raiders came back their expected level this week as they kinda got curb-stomped in this one. Maye has been a turn-over machine, but he was clean in this one. The Pats did turn it over as RB Kiner lost a fumble, but the Raiders were unable to take advantage. The Pats led 21-7 at half, and just kept rolling after the break. About the best thing that happened to the Raiders was that the game was out of hand – so they put the rookie in. Mendoza had a few snaps and completed 6 passes. Domination by the Pats.
Commanders 27, Giants 27
A TIE?! Yep – shouldn’t have been, but both teams had really bad mistakes once this went to the extra period. This really looked like it was going to be an easy W for the ‘Ders. They had early leads of 19-6 and 27-13 going into the fourth quarter. That Jameis Winston guy does have his moments. He fed his guys Likely and Nabors to get the Giants back into this game. Likely caught the second of his 2 TDs to get the Giants within 7, and then Jameis hit Naber on a 17-yard TD to tie things up. If the Giants had ANY kind of kicker, they would’ve won this game. Zvada missed 3 FGs in this game, and he missed what could have been the winner as the Giants got close on their first possession of OT. The Giants got another shot after stopping the ‘Ders on their drive. This time, though – Skattebo fumbled after what had been a good day for him. He was chewing up yards in the OT, and with the bad kicking game it was the right call to send him up the middle, but he coughed it up. The ‘Ders got the ball back, and they moved well into FG range, but Daniels really hosed the last few seconds of this game and tried to scramble for a few yards with no time outs and time expired. Strange finish to the game, but the Giants felt luck to get out with the W.
Texans 26, Titans 3
Somewhat crazy to see the Texans at 0-4. And then things got off to a rough start as the Titans got out to an early 3-0 lead. Then their defense showed some of last year’s form. They got a fumble from Pollard and an interception from Ward, and they started rolling. CJ completed some passes to Collins and they had a 12-3 lead at the half. The Titans continued to struggle offensively, and the Texans were able to put 14 more points on the board for the final score. The Texans also made a move by trading a 2027 2nd round pick for Harrison Jr. from the Cards. A bit of a head-scratcher. This guy was the fourth pick of the 2024 draft, and has not been good. I hope that re-uniting with his college QB works for him and the Texans.
Packers 17, Bucs 14
This one was another curb-stomping. Did NOT see this one coming – who would’ve thought that Love had this game in him? 367 yards and 2 TDs. Seemed like every 3rd or fourth offensive play – the Packers were connecting on bombs as the Chicago secondary got lit up Sunday. Watson had a monster game with 143 yards and 2 TDs, and Golden went over 100 yards receiving. RB Lloyd didn’t have many yards, but did rush for 2 TDs. Not sure if it was the uniforms, but you know that Ditka would not have approved of the Bears effort. Bagent was terrible, and he was yanked in the fourth quarter after a miserable day with less than 100 yards and 2 interceptions. Very tough day for the Bears.
Broncos 23, Chargers 17
This was a bad performance by both teams, at least the Chargers had plenty of reasons. They started 3 rookie offensive linemen and for some of those guys it was their first start in the NFL. This is still a pretty good defense for the Broncos, and it was tough sledding for them all day. Fortunately for the Chargers, the Broncos still can’t play offense. HC Payton took play calling back, but no way you would’ve been able to tell if you didn’t know. Same old slow as crap starting Bronco offense. They got lucky with a short field TD after one of the many Charger turnovers to take an early 7 point lead, but they couldn’t get more than a FG before the half. The Chargers put together a really nice drive after a Bo Nix fumble and Vidal ran through the Denver D for a long run and the Chargers were up 17-10. Denver took advantage of a stop on 4th and turned that into 7 to tie things up and then got a couple FGs after more Charger turnovers. Herbert had a couple himself as he lost a fumble in second half and then threw a lollipop int to seal it for the Broncos. The Broncos have a short week as they face the ‘Hawks Thursday night. The Broncos have to get something going on offense, this is just sad. As for the Chargers? At 0-5 in the AFC West – that’s tough. I know a lot can happen, but they just look done.
49ers 32, Seahawks 29
Great heavyweight matchup in the NFC West as the Niner’s kept their record clean moving to 5-0, but it was a good fight. This one was a little sloppy as both teams had turnover issues. Both QBs threw interception, and Darnold had 2. Both teams took advantage of early turnovers and scored TDs. The ‘Hawks took a good drive down for a FG, and then the Niners took advantage of a Wilson fumble to go up 14-10. ‘Hawks got another FG, and then fumbled at their own one on their next possession which the Niners recovered for a TD to put the Niners up 21-13 at half. In the third quarter, Darnold threw his 2nd interception, but his defense bailed him out. They kicked a FG on their next drive to cut the lead to 5. Midway in the third quarter Purdy threw his int – a rare bad throw, bad read by him, and the ‘Hawks turned that into a TD to go up 23-21, and then turned a Deebo Samuel fumble into another FG to go up 26-21 into the fourth quarter. Mike Evans (when healthy and playing) has been playing good football for the Niners. He had a gorgeous catch of a 50-50 ball which set up a TD and 2-pt to put the Niners up 29-26, and then got another FG later to go up 32-29. The ‘Hawks had the ball and a shot, but JSN missed a ball he usually gets, and Kupp came up just a bit short on a 4th down play. Crazy game. Can’t wait for the rematch in California.
Lions 45, Cardinals 21
Jared Goff had another great game. 271 and 3 TDs as the Lions made pretty short work of the Cardinals. Despite a slow start, and the Cards scoring first – it was all Lions from there on out. Goff sliced and diced the Cards secondary, and Gibbs had himself a night with 150 yards and 2 TDs rushing and another 56 yards receiving. Goff also threw 2 TDs to Williams. Brisset had started quickly for the Cards, but couldn’t get much going after that. Dominating win for the Lions.
Ravens 30, Falcons 23
Ravens were able to overcome not having their starting QB as Tyler Huntley got the start and played pretty well. He threw for 200 yards and two TDs. Mark Andrews had a rough night for the Ravens, though. He dropped one in the endzone, and then his fumble was returned for a TD by the Falcons D. Penix and the Falcons had a pretty good night and they had the lead for much of the game. The Falcons converted 9 of 16 third downs, and he was able to connect with Pitts and London. With the Falcons up 23-15, Huntley put together a great drive capped off by a nice pass to Walker for the TD, and a wildcat 2-pt conversion for Henry to tie the game and force OT. Ravens took the ball and chewed clock and yards. They kept the ball as Huntly completed 11 passes in a row and scored a TD to go up by seven. Penix was unable to come out for the Falcon possession – apparently, he had taken a good shot to the ribs – so in came Tua. He made things interesting for a hot minute with a nice completion to London for a big gain. However – his second throw went straight to the Ravens, and the game was over. Really nice win for the Ravens with their backup QB.
Bills 37, Rams 34
Super Bowl preview? Phenomenal game to wrap up week 5 as the Bills rolled into So-Fi to take on the Rams. Two great QBs went at it as both guys had good nights. Allen threw for 210 yards a TD, but also had over 100 yards rushing and yet another rushing TD. Stafford thew for almost 400 yards and 3 TDs. This game went back and forth all night as both teams took turns taking the lead. All FGs in the first quarter, as the Rams kicker missed a 50-yarder in the first quarter. Both teams scored TDs and the game was 13-7 at half. Second half was pretty crazy as the teams pretty much just traded TD scores and a 2-pt conversion or two and this game went into OT tied at 34. The Bills got the ball first and looked like they were going to score first. Allen got a huge catch and run to Shakir that put them in the driver’s seat. Unfortunately – RB Cook had his second fumble of the night to kill that drive and give the ball to the Rams. They took advantage and got the ball in FG range, but Mevis had his 48-yard attempt blocked. Bills got the ball back, and Allen took matters into his own hands a with a couple more long runs to put Bass into position to nail the winning FG for the Bills. Another great finish for the week.
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