NFL - Week Four Preview

The annual trip to London, England for a football game takes place this weekend as the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2) play host to the Atlanta Falcons (2-1) in what should be an entertaining game between two squads still feeling their way in the 2023 NFL season. 

The Jags are off to a slow start and were lambasted at home by the Houston Texans last week in a 37-17 loss. Meanwhile, the Falcons never got going offensively in a 20-6 setback at Detroit. This is a game that could go either way as both offenses have been slow to get it going in the first three games. Look for what should be a tight contest that comes down to the final minutes. 

 

The Thursday night action takes place in Green Bay where the Packers (2-1) will host the Detroit Lions (2-1) in what should be a good one in the battle for the top spot in the NFC North division. The Packers are fresh off a big comeback (18-17 win against New Orleans) as quarterback Jordan Love played well in the final quarter, scoring on run and also passing for a touchdown to help lead the way. 

The Lions knocked off the Falcons at home and their defense did the job and will look to do the same to the Packers, a team they swept last year in part by forcing five turnovers. The game will likely be a close one and a late field goal may be the difference in the final score. 

On Sunday afternoon, the Buffalo Bills (2-1) will host the red hot Miami Dolphins (3-0) who are coming off a 70-point offensive explosion against Denver. The Bills beat down the Washington Commanders, 37-3 in a big road win. Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill (25 receptions for 412 yards, four TD) have been unstoppable, so the Bills defense had best be ready.

The Dolphins also have a very strong ground game, evidenced by 350 team rushing yards last weekend in the rout of the Denver Broncos. The Dolphins are averaging 550 yards of offense per game so far. That is ridiculous. The Bills have QB Josh Allen and wideouts Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis and running back James Cook, who has averaged better than five yards per carry in the first three games. So the Miami defense had better be ready as well. This game could very well be a high scoring affair with the team who has the ball last perhaps getting the win. 

In the AFC North, a big tilt will take place in Cleveland as the Browns and Ravens (both teams are 2-1) go at it. The Browns defense has been tremendous so far and the Ravens offensive backfield has been a train wreck with injuries. Both of their top backs are out with injuries (JK Dobbins is done for the entire season) and it will be up to Melvin Gordon III and perhaps Kenyan Drake to carry the ball or else the duties for rushing yards could fall to quarterback Lamar Jackson, which the Ravens have been looking to avoid considering the beating he takes every season. 

The Browns brought back Kareem Hunt to run the football along with Jerome Ford after the season ending knee injury to RB Nick Chubb. Both teams play really solid defense, but Baltimore has some injuries in their secondary and that could be the difference in this one, especially if Browns QB Deshaun Watson and his receivers can get it rolling. 

The Sunday night "prime time" game will have the Kansas City Chiefs (2-1) traveling to face the New York Jets (1-2) in what could have been the BIG SHOWDOWN GAME between Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers. But Rodgers is gone until next year (Achilles injury) and the Chiefs will be pinning their ears back on defense as they go after Jets embattled QB Zach Wilson. The Chiefs should win this one for sure, but the strong Jets defense will keep it somewhat close. 

The rest of the action for Week Four follows below in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks are also on hand. 

Denver (0-3) at Chicago (0-3) - This could be the stinker game of the week in the Windy City. Toss up. 

Cincinnati (1-2) at Tennessee (1-2) - Two teams still trying to figure things out about themselves in the early part of the season. Another toss up game. 

L.A. Rams (1-2) at Indianapolis (2-1) - The surprising Colts host the Rams and could very well maintain their first place hold in the AFC South. The Rams have dropped two close games in a row. 

Tampa Bay (2-1) at New Orleans (2-1) - Saints will be going with Jameis Winston at QB (for injured Derek Carr) and he will be looking to burn his old team. Bucs defense should keep things tight in this one. 

Washington (2-1) at Philadelphia (3-0) - The Commanders came crashing back down to earth last week while the Eagles steamrolled Tampa Bay on Monday night. Take the Eagles. 

Minnesota (0-3) at Carolina (0-3) - Another potential stinker game of the week between two teams that have trouble getting out of their own way. 

Pittsburgh (2-1) at Houston (1-2) - The Texans will be feeling good about themselves after blasting the Jacksonville Jaguars. Meanwhile, the Steelers just keep getting it done on the field. 

Las Vegas (1-2) at L.A. Chargers (1-2) - Can the Chargers overcome the injuries to key players (WR Mike Williams and RB Austin Ekeler) on offense? As long as QB Justin Herbert keeps zinging the ball around, they should be fine. Raiders might not have Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback (concussion) in this game. 

New England (1-2) at Dallas (2-1) - The Cowboys got smashed by Arizona last week and must pick it up on offense. The Patriots defense has been solid so far and could give the Cowboys some problems this week. 

Arizona (1-2) at San Francisco (3-0) - Take the 49ers in this one. 

Seattle (2-1) at N.Y. Giants (1-2) - The Seahawks seem to have righted the ship after a stunning opening game loss. The Giants have been a mystery team in the first three weeks. Which version will show up on Monday night? 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Four  . . . . . . . . . . . .    (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS) 

 

Detroit over Green Bay 

Jacksonville over Atlanta (Game being played in London, England)

Buffalo over Miami 

Denver over Chicago 

Cleveland over Baltimore 

Cincinnati over Tennessee 

Indianapolis over L.A. Rams 

New Orleans over Tampa Bay 

Philadelphia over Washington 

Minnesota over Carolina 

Pittsburgh over Houston 

L.A. Chargers over Las Vegas 

Dallas over New England 

SAN FRANCISCO over Arizona 

Kansas City over N.Y. Jets 

Seattle over N.Y. Giants  

Last Week's Record - 13-3 

SEASON RECORD - 32-16 

Lock of the Week Record - 3-0 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Three Recap

It was definitely The Day of the Dolphin(s) in Miami.

The Miami Dolphins are ridiculous! 

At least their offense is as they obliterated the visiting Denver Broncos, 70-20 on Sunday afternoon. The Dolphins rolled up 726 yards in total offense, including 350 rushing yards and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa passed for 309 yards and four touchdowns while running back Raheem Mostert scored four rushing touchdowns and rookie RB Devon Achane (18 carries for 203 yards) also scored four times, including a 67-yard TD run. The Dolphins (3-0) led 35-13 at the half and completely dominated the second half as well. The Broncos (0-3) were outgained by a two-to-one margin in total offense in the loss. 

 

The Kansas City Chiefs annihilated the visiting Chicago Bears, 41-10 as QB Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense made it look easy in building a 34-0 halftime lead. Mahomes passed for three touchdowns and the Chiefs (2-1) amassed 456 total yardage in offense, including 153 yards on the ground. The Bears (0-3) had just eleven first downs and 203 total yards as QB Justin Fields was sacked three times and threw two interceptions. 

Keeping pace with the blowouts on Sunday, the Buffalo Bills (2-1) went on the road to Washington, D.C. and blasted the Commanders, 37-3 behind a stingy and opportunistic defense that forced five turnovers, including four interceptions, one of which was returned 32 yards for a TD by defensive end A.J. Epenesa. The Buffalo defense also had NINE quarterback sacks in the rout. Bills QB Josh Allen scored on a run and also had a TD pass to help send Washington to 2-1 this season. 

The Los Angeles Chargers (1-2) overcame questionable decisions by their head coach Brandon Staley to beat the host Minnesota Vikings, 28-24 as QB Justin Herbert and wide receiver Keenan Allen went off to lead the way. Herbert passed for 405 yards and three touchdowns while Allen hauled in 18 receptions for 215 yards and also threw a 49-yard scoring pass to WR Mike Williams, who had seven receptions for 121 yards. The Vikings (0-3) had a chance to pull out the win when the 'Bolts were stopped on 4th-and-one on their own 24-yard line with 1:47 remaining in the game. But the Chargers defense stopped the Vikings when DB Kenneth Murray, Jr. intercepted a deflected pass in the end zone to seal the win. Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins had three scoring passes (along with 367 passing yards) and WR Justin Jefferson had seven catches for 149 yards (and one TD) in the loss. 

In Arizona, the Cardinals (1-2) stunned the visiting Dallas Cowboys, 28-16 and handed the 'Pokes their first loss this season. The Cards led 21-10 at the half and limited the Cowboys (2-1) to just two field goals in the second half while their offense rushed for 222 yards and three different players scored touchdowns. 

The Green Bay Packers (2-1) stormed back from a 17-0 deficit to win their home opener, 18-17 against the New Orleans Saints (2-1), who lost starting QB Derek Carr to a shoulder injury. Carr threw a TD pass to tight end Jimmy Graham and Rashid Shaheed took a punt back 76 yards for another score to built the 17-point lead. In the fourth quarter, Packers QB Jordan Love ran for a touchdown and passed for another along with a field goal and a two-point conversion to make the final outcome go their way. 

The Detroit Lions (2-1) knocked off the Atlanta Falcons, 20-6 behind QB Jared Goff passing for a touchdown and running for the other one to hand the Falcons (2-1) their first loss this season. The Lions defense held Atlanta to a meager 183 yards in total offense. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars are off to a slow start this season at 1-2 and on Sunday, they were walloped at home, 37-17 by the Houston Texans (1-2) as the lead was 17-0 at halftime. Texans rookie QB C.J. Stroud had a pair of TD passes and Andrew Beck took a kickoff back 90 yards for a score to get Houston back up to a 24-10 lead in the third quarter. Jags QB Trevor Lawrence had a TD pass and also threw an interception in defeat. 

The Cleveland Browns (2-1) and their defense dominated the visiting Tennessee Titans, 27-3 as the Titans (1-2) managed only 94 yards in total offense while getting just SIX first downs in the loss. Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett had 3 1/2  of the five sacks in the game. Cleveland running back Jerome Ford scored twice (one rushing, one receiving) while QB Deshaun Watson had a pair of TD passes to pace the offense in the easy win. 

 

The Indianapolis Colts (2-1) surprised the Baltimore Ravens, getting a 22-19 road win in overtime as kicker Matt Gay (pictured at right - center) made his fifth field goal in the game from 53 yards to win it. Gay drilled four field goals over 50 yards in the victory. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson scored two rushing touchdowns as his team dropped to 2-1 with the loss. 

 

 

An exciting come from behind win happened in Seattle for the host Seahawks (2-1) as they outlasted the Carolina Panthers, 37-27 behind a big second half from RB Kenneth Walker (97 rushing yards and two TD) and QB Geno Smith threw for another score. The Panthers fell to 0-3 as QB Andy Dalton threw for 361 yards and had two TD passes in the loss. 

The New England Patriots (1-2) beat the New York Jets (1-2) for the 15th consecutive time, this one a 15-10 win on the road in rainy conditions. Patriots QB Mac Jones had a TD pass while the defense got a safety on a sack late in the game to seal the win. 

On Sunday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) got a road win in Las Vegas, 23-18 as they held off the Raiders (1-2) with a defensive stand that resulted in a third interception of Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Pittsburgh built a 23-7 lead behind three field goals from Chris Boswell and two scoring passes from QB Kenny Pickett. The Raiders kicked a field goal with 2:22 left to play to make it 23-18 and they got the football back, but couldn't get it done in crunch time.

Last Thursday night, the San Francisco 49ers (3-0) throttled the visiting New York Giants, 30-12 as QB Brock Purdy passed for 310 yards and two touchdowns while RB Christian McCaffrey (85 yards) scored a touchdown and wide receiver Deebo Samuel had six receptions for 129 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown. The Giants (1-2) only had 150 total yards in the loss, including a paltry 29 rushing yards. 

On Monday night, the Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) beat the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 25-11 with solid defense and a balanced offense. The Eagles rushed for 201 yards and had 271 passing yards along with QB Jalen Hurts passing and running for a touchdown. The Buccaneers (2-1) managed to gain just 174 total yards in the loss. 

The other Monday Night Football game featured the Cincinnati Bengals (1-2) winning at home, 19-16 against the Los Angeles Rams (1-2) to get their first victory in the 2023 season. Bengals running back Joe Mixon scored on a 14-yard run and Evan McPherson made four field goals to provide the points. Cincy QB Joe Burrow passed for 259 yards (one interception) and linebacker Logan Wilson had two interceptions. The Rams scored on a one-yard TD pass from QB Matthew Stafford (269 passing yards, one TD, two INT) to WR Tutu Atwell with 1:03 left to play to provide the final score.

WEEK THREE RESULTS 

San Francisco 30, N.Y. Giants 12 

Miami 70, Denver 20

L.A. Chargers 28, Minnesota 24 

Detroit 20, Atlanta 6 

Green Bay 18, New Orleans 17 

New England 15, N.Y. Jets 10 

Indianapolis 22, Baltimore 19 (OT) 

Cleveland 27, Tennessee 3 

Houston 37, Jacksonville 17 

Buffalo 37, Washington  3 

Arizona 28, Dallas 16

Kansas City 41, Chicago 10 

Seattle 37, Carolina 27

Pittsburgh 23, Las Vegas 18

Philadelphia 25, Tampa Bay 11

Cincinnati 19, L.A. Rams 16 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Three Preview

 

 

One game this weekend has a battle of the unbeatens going at it as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Philadelphia Eagles. On the other end of the spectrum, two winless teams go head-to-head in Minnesota as the Vikings host the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Once again this week, there will be two Monday night games (Eagles vs. Bucs and L.A. Rams at Cincinnati) and the Sunday night game features a pair of 1-1 squads as the Pittsburgh Steelers travel west to face the Las Vegas Raiders. 

 

The capsule style previews are included and the Heftyinfo picks follow up. 

 

New York Giants (1-1) at San Francisco 49ers (2-0) - The 49ers should win this one, but the Giants will battle them. 

Indianapolis Colts (1-1) at Baltimore Ravens (2-0) - The Ravens have not trailed at all so far this season. They should win this one as well. 

Atlanta Falcons (2-0) at Detroit Lions (1-1) - The Lions do not want to start out the season at 1-2, but the Falcons have looked solid in their first two wins. 

Tennessee Titans (1-1) at Cleveland Browns (1-1) - The Browns lost running back Nick Chubb for the season with a knee injury, so in steps old friend Kareem Hunt to tote the rock. Take the Browns in a close one. 

Houston Texans (0-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) - The Jaguars should roll in this one. 

Denver Broncos (0-2) at Miami Dolphins (2-0) - Can the 'Fins send Sean Payton to an 0-3 record in his first year as Broncos head coach? You bet they can. 

Los Angeles Chargers (0-2) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2) - Believe it or not, the Vikings could drop to 0-3 and still be right there in the NFC North division. The Chargers cannot afford for that to happen to them in the AFC West. Toss up. 

New England Patriots (0-2) at New York Jets (1-1) - Bill Belichick and the Patriots own the Jets . . . and should do so again this week. 

Buffalo Bills (1-1) at Washington Commanders (2-0) - The Commanders will be looking to get off to a 3-0 start, but the Bills will have something to say about that. 

New Orleans Saints (2-0) at Green Bay Packers (1-1) - The Packers narrowly lost last week on the road (Atlanta) so look for them to rebound this week. 

Carolina Panthers (0-2) at Seattle Seahawks (1-1) - The Panthers could be without starting QB Bryce Young in this one. Take the Seahawks regardless. 

Chicago Bears (0-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-1) - Can the Bears do the impossible and win in Kansas City against Mahomes and the Chiefs?  Not happening. 

Dallas Cowboys (2-0) at Arizona Cardinals (0-2) - The Cowboys got a gut punch with DB Trevon Diggs being lost for the season with a knee injury. He is a big time part of that defense, but the Cardinals won't hang in this one. 

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) at Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) - This one could be a back and forth type of game that comes down to a last second field goal. Toss up. 

Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) - Have the Bucs been doing this with smoke and mirrors in the first two games? They have played two winless teams . . .  The Eagles are a different breed. 

Los Angeles Rams (1-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) - Can Joe Burrow and the Bengals get it going this week? A national TV audience on Monday night is quite a setting and the Rams have looked good so far in their first two games. 

 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Three  . . . . . . . . . .       (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS) 

San Francisco over N.Y. Giants 

Baltimore over Indianapolis 

Detroit over Atlanta 

Cleveland over Tennessee 

Jacksonville over Houston 

Miami over Denver 

L.A. Chargers over Minnesota 

New England over N.Y. Jets 

Buffalo over Washington 

Green Bay over New Orleans 

Seattle over Carolina 

KANSAS CITY over Chicago 

Dallas over Arizona 

Pittsburgh over Las Vegas 

Philadelphia over Tampa Bay 

Cincinnati over L.A. Rams 

 

Last Week's Record - 9-7 

SEASON RECORD - 19-13 

Lock of the Week Record - 2-0 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Two Recap

There were quite a few last minute finishes around the NFL in week two as there were two games on Sunday that went to overtime and overall, the games provided much excitement and some surprises. 

 

The Seattle Seahawks (1-1) went into Detroit and knocked off the Lions, 37-31 in overtime as running back Kenneth Walker scored twice on the ground and the game winning TD in OT came on a six-yard pass play from QB Geno Smith (328 passing yards, two TD) to wide receiver Tyler Lockett (pictured left), who had two scoring catches. The Lions dropped to 1-1 as QB Jared Goff had three TD passes (323 passing yards and one interception) in defeat.

On Thursday night, the host Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) held off the Minnesota Vikings, 34-28 as running back DeAndre Swift went off, rushing for 175 yards and also scored a touchdown to go along with a pair of scoring runs by QB Jalen Hurts and a TD pass (63 yards to WR DeVonta Smith) and one interception. Vikings QB Kirk Cousins had four TD passes and 364 passing yards in the loss, which dropped Minnesota to 0-2 this season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to a surprising 2-0 start as they handled the visiting Chicago Bears, 27-17 and they got the clinching score on a 4-yard interception return for touchdown by Shaq Barrett with 2:03 remaining. Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for 317 yards and one touchdown pass. Meanwhile, Bears QB Justin Fields got roughed up, getting sacked six times and throwing two interceptions while also scoring on a run and throwing a TD pass in the loss.

The Atlanta Falcons (2-0) also won at home to keep pace with the Buccaneers in the NFC South as they rallied to beat the Green Bay Packers, 25-24 as kicker Younghoe Koo made a 25 yard field goal with 57 seconds left to go. The Packers (1-1) lead 24-12 heading into the fourth quarter, but Falcons QB Desmond Ridder scored on a six-yard run and also had a TD pass (in 2nd qtr.) and two field goals paced the comeback win. Packers QB Jordan Love threw for three touchdowns in the loss.

In Tennessee, the Titans (1-1) knocked off the Los Angeles Chargers, 27-24 in OT as kicker Nick Folk drilled the game winning 41-yard field goal to help drop the Chargers to 0-2. Titans QB Ryan Tannehill had a scoring run and pass to pace the offense. L.A. wide receiver Keenan Allen hauled in two scoring passes from Justin Herbert (305 passing yards) and had eight receptions for 111 yards in defeat.

The Baltimore Ravens (2-0) won in Cincinnati, 27-24 to drop the Bengals to 0-2 as QB Lamar Jackson had a pair of scoring passes to go along with a TD run by Gus Edwards. Bengals QB Joe Burrow re-injured his ankle in the game while passing for two scores (one INT) and Charlie Jones took a punt back 81 yards for a score in the loss.

Dallas (2-0) throttled the New York Jets, 30-10 for a home win as the defense forced four turnovers, including intercepting three passes from Jets QB Zach Wilson. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott had two TD passes and kicker Brandon Aubrey made five field goals to help the easy victory. The Jets (1-1) managed just 215 total yards and had the football for just over 17 minutes in the game. 

 

Mahomes to Kelce strikes again in DUUUUVAL in Chiefs win.

 

In Jacksonville, the Kansas City Chiefs (1-1) earned a hard fought 17-9 win against the Jaguars (1-1) as their defense did the job, getting four QB sacks and holding the Jags offense out of the end zone. Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes (305 passing yards, two TD, one INT) threw scoring passes to WR Skyy Moore and tight end Travis Kelce to lead the way.  

 

 

The Buffalo Bills (1-1) crushed the visiting Las Vegas Raiders, 38-10 as QB Josh Allen had three TD passes and their defense forced three turnovers (two INT, one fumble) in the rout. The Raiders (1-1) scored on their first possession, but nothing more after that as they had the football for 20 minutes as the Bills piled up 450 yards in total offense.

The Indianapolis Colts (1-1) won a road game, 31-20 against the Houston Texans (0-2) as starting QB Anthony Richardson scored two rushing touchdowns before leaving the game with a concussion. Indy backup QB Gardner Minshew had a TD pass to offset two TD passes from Texans rookie QB C.J. Stroud.

In Arizona, the Cardinals (0-2) blew a big lead against the New York Giants (1-1) and lost, 31-28 as the Giants scored the final 24 points in the game, including Graham Gano's winning 34 yard field goal with 19 seconds remaining. Giants QB Daniel Jones (321 passing yards, two TD, one INT) overcame a slow start to lead the come from behind victory with the TD passes and also a 14-yard scoring run. Giants RB Saquon Barkley had a rushing score and also a TD reception, but suffered a sprained ankle and will likely be out for three weeks.

The Washington Commanders (2-0) stunned the host Denver Broncos, 35-33 as they overcame an 18-point deficit behind a pair of scoring runs by RB Brian Robinson and two TD passes by QB Sam Howell (299 passing yards, two TD). The Broncos (0-2) had a chance to tie the game as they connected on a 50-yard scoring pass from QB Russell Wilson (308 passing yards, three TD, one INT) to WR Brandon Johnson as time expired, but the two-point conversion attempt failed. The Commanders defense sacked Wilson seven times in the win.

The San Francisco 49ers (2-0) held off the stubborn Los Angeles Rams, 30-23 behind three rushing touchdowns (one each by Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey) and two interceptions from their defense. McCaffrey rushed for 116 yards to help the balanced offensive attack (159 rushing, 206 passing) for the 49ers. The Rams (1-1) got two touchdowns from RB Kyren Williams (one rushing, one receiving) in the loss.

The Sunday night game went the way of the Miami Dolphins (2-0) as they knocked off the host New England Patriots, 24-17 to improve to 2-0 this season. The Dolphins raced out to a 17-3 halftime lead with QB Tua Tagovailoa hooking up with WR Tyreek Hill on a two-yard TD pass and RB Raheem Mostert (121 rushing yards, two TD) scoring on an eight-yard run. He later added a 43-yard scoring run to help lead the way to the final outcome. Patriots QB Mac Jones had a TD pass (and one INT) to tight end Hunter Henry and RB Rhamondre Stevenson had a two-yard TD run in the loss, which left New England with an 0-2 record. 

There were two Monday night games this week and in Carolina, the visiting New Orleans Saints improved to 2-0 as they held off the Panthers (0-2) for a 20-17 victory behind a pair of rushing touchdowns by RB Tony Jones, who took over when starter Jamaal Williams left the game with a hamstring injury. Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young threw a 3-yard scoring pass to WR Adam Thielen and the two-point conversion was successful with 1:16 left. But the Saints recovered the onside kickoff and ran out the clock. 

In Pittsburgh, it was the Steelers defense making the difference as they scored twice, first on an interception return 30 yards for a touchdown by Alex Highsmith on the first play from scrimmage for a 7-0 lead that paved the way to a 26-22 win over the Cleveland Browns (1-1). The Steelers (1-1) fell behind 11-10 before QB Kenny Pickett threw a 71-yard TD pass to WR George Pickens for a 16-14 halftime lead. Browns QB Deshaun Watson threw for a score in the loss and he was sacked six times, including a fumble (on sack by Highsmith) that was recovered for a scoop-and-score 16-yard TD by T.J. Watt midway through the fourth quarter. In addition, the Browns lost All-Pro running back Nick Chubb for the season to a knee injury.

WEEK TWO RESULTS 

Philadelphia 34, Minnesota 28

Seattle 37, Detroit 31 (OT)

Tampa Bay 27, Chicago 17 

Atlanta 25, Green Bay 24

Buffalo 38, Las Vegas 10 

Kansas City 17, Jacksonville 9 

Tennessee 27, L.A. Chargers 24 (OT)

Indianapolis 31, Houston 20 

Washington 35, Denver 33

Dallas 30, N.Y. Jets 10

N.Y. Giants 31, Arizona 28

San Francisco 30, L.A. Rams 23

Miami 24, New England 17

New Orleans 20, Carolina 17

Pittsburgh 26, Cleveland 22

How To Really Make America Great (Again)

The old slogan from the Ronald Reagan era was 'Make America Great' and then Donald Trump and his crew stole that line and said 'Make America Great (Again)' during the 2016 presidential campaign. 

If you really want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, start by getting rid of Trump and anyone of his ilk immediately. Ban these people from ever being allowed to run for political office or for that matter from even becoming a lobbyist to the D.C. political scene. 

These people are all traitors to the United States of America and anyone who supports them is one and the same. They attempted a coup of the U.S. government on January 6, 2021 and it failed miserably. Many of those suckers and losers (quoting Trump regarding our U.S. military personnel) are now imprisoned for their futile efforts for their dear leader. 

Hope it was worth it for them.

Suckers and losers. 

If anyone with half a brain knows better, they would dump the whole extremist right wing shit show in a heartbeat, but don't hold your breath. 

The only way back for this country to have real economic stability for more than just the chosen few is to shake up the U.S. Supreme Court that caved in and gave the billionaires what they wanted with the awful decision of  'Citizens United' 13 years ago. That led the way for an asshole to become the 45th president of our country.

The main stream media in this country is complicit with all the right wing bullshit as well and also needs a huge revamping to get them off their addiction to everything Trump and the extremism of the right wing.  Get back to reporting real news and not all the he said/she said distractions. Tell your corporate shill bosses to shove it up their ass.

The MAGA movement has done absolutely nothing for the United States and it never will. The whole concept of what these people stand for is useless to our country. 

Suckers and losers is what they are. 

You cannot be soft with these people. Hit them right between the eyes and don't let up. They will go away eventually if enough folks rise up and stand united against the collective bullshit they want to force upon this country. 

Eliminate Trump and his ilk and never let it happen again is the way to truly Make America Great Again.

 

NFL - Week Two Preview

Week two around the NFL kicks off on Thursday night with the Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) hosting the Minnesota Vikings. The Eagles struggled on the road, but won at New England, 25-20 while the Vikings (0-1) lost a close one at home, 20-17 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

The Eagles have to be ready in this one after jumping out to a 16-0 lead but then seeing their lead shrink in the opener and finally stopping their opponents to win the game. Minnesota needs a win to avoid the 0-2 start, but can their defense stop the Eagles high flying attack, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts? Probably not, but they have to settle it on the football field. 

Another good contest this Sunday should take place in Cincinnati where the Bengals (0-1) will host the Baltimore Ravens, who walloped Houston, 25-9 in their opener. The Bengals were crushed in Cleveland, 24-3 as QB Joe Burrow stunk it up, passing for only 82 yards in the blowout loss. Expect a much better effort from Burrow in this one. The Ravens (1-0) can score some points as well, but the Bengals have had their number the last two seasons. 

The Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) lost their opener, 21-20 at home to the Detroit Lions and now they have to go on the road and face the Jacksonville Jaguars, who beat the Indianapolis Colts, 31-21 last Sunday. It wasn't easy for the Jaguars (1-0), but in the final quarter, their defense got the stops they needed and the offense helped seal the game for the road win. 

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes should have his favorite target back this week as tight end Travis Kelce returns after missing the opener with a sore knee. The Jags defense better be ready for Mahomes and Kelce and as well their offense will have to account for Chiefs All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones, who ended his long holdout after missing the first game. This one could be the game of the week that goes down to the wire. 

The Dallas Cowboys (1-0), fresh off their Sunday night 40-0 beat down of the visiting New York Giants, will host the other New York football team, the Jets on Sunday afternoon. The Jets (1-0) beat the Buffalo Bills, 22-16 in overtime on Monday Night Football for the home win, but they lost starting QB Aaron Rodgers for the entire season with an Achilles injury. 

The Cowboys defense should run rough shod against Jets QB Zach Wilson, who is trying to overcome much criticism after a rough 2022 season that saw him get benched. The Cowboys offense will face a stiff test as well with the Jets defense that intercepted three passes (all by safety Jordan Whitehead) and recovered a fumble as well. This game could be closer that most people might think, but Dallas should get the win. 

The rest of the action for this week's games are broken down in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo predictions for all 16 games follow up. 

 

Green Bay Packers (1-0) at Atlanta Falcons (1-0) - This one should be a close game. Packers surprised the Bears with an easy win while the Falcons smacked down the Panthers. 

Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) at Buffalo Bills (0-1) - The Bills will be steaming after taking the loss on national TV to the Jets. The Raiders escaped with a close win and now have to go across the country for the earlier start. Take the Bills. 

Seattle Seahawks (0-1) at Detroit Lions (1-0) - Can the Seahawks pull off a surprise in Motown? It's possible, but these new look Lions will be looking to roar once again after beating the Chiefs on the road last week. 

Indianapolis Colts (0-1) at Houston Texans (0-1) - The first of the 'Who cares?' games this season. 

Chicago Bears (0-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) - Can Bucs QB Baker Mayfield spin some more magic this week and get the team to 2-0? It's possible because the Bears defense looks pretty bad once again. 

Los Angeles Chargers (0-1) at Tennessee Titans (0-1) - Somebody has to win this game. Both teams lost squeakers last week, but the Chargers could be without star running back Austin Ekeler, who is nursing a sore ankle. Toss up. 

New York Giants (0-1) at Arizona Cardinals (0-1) - Can the Giants rebound and score some points this week? The Cardinals defense showed a little something in a close loss to Washington, so don't count them out in this one. 

San Francisco 49ers (1-0) at Los Angeles Rams (1-0) - Take the 49ers in what could be a low scoring affair. 

Washington Commanders (1-0) at Denver Broncos (0-1) - This one will likely come down to the last possession. Denver rates a slight edge at home. 

Miami Dolphins (1-0) at New England Patriots (0-1) - Can the Pats defense slow down Miami QB Tua (Tagovailoa) and wide receiver Tyreek (Hill) and the high flying Dolphins passing attack? Not likely. 

New Orleans Saints (1-0) at Carolina Panthers (0-1) - These two teams take to the field in one of TWO Monday night games this week. Panthers could spring a surprise on the Saints, but the Saints should be ready. 

Cleveland Browns (1-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1) - The Browns defense devastated the Bengals last weekend and could do the same against a depleted Steelers offense, who could be without one of their top wide receivers. Pittsburgh's pass rush must get after Browns QB Deshaun Watson in this second Monday night game if they want to keep it close. 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Two  . . . . . . . . . . .       (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)

 

PHILADELPHIA over Minnesota 

Green Bay over Atlanta 

Buffalo over Las Vegas 

Cincinnati over Baltimore 

Detroit over Seattle 

Houston over Indianapolis 

Kansas City over Jacksonville 

Tampa Bay over Chicago 

L.A. Chargers over Tennessee 

N.Y. Giants over Arizona 

San Francisco over L.A. Rams 

Dallas over N.Y. Jets 

Denver over Washington 

Miami over New England 

New Orleans over Carolina 

Cleveland over Pittsburgh 

 

Last Week's Record - 10-6 

SEASON RECORD - 10-6

Lock of the Week Record - 1-0 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week One Recap

The old saying of 'That is why they play the games' rings true every season and in Week One of the 2023 NFL season, that was definitely the case. 

 

The Lions got it done in  Kansas City in the season opener.

The Detroit Lions went into Kansas City last Thursday night and beat the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs, 21-20 as running back David Montgomery scored on an eight yard rushing touchdown late in the game to help win it. The Lions defense did the rest as they thwarted Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense to seal it along with getting a "pick six" interception return of 50 yards for a touchdown by Brian Branch early in the third quarter. Lions QB Jared Goff had a TD pass while Mahomes passed for two touchdowns and had the interception toss in defeat.  

 

On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns blasted the visiting Cincinnati Bengals, 24-3 behind great defense that stymied Bengals QB Joe Burrow, limiting him to just 82 passing yards and allowing a meager 142 yards in total offense. Browns QB Deshaun Watson scored a rushing TD and passed for another to lead the offense.

The Jacksonville Jaguars beat the host Indianapolis Colts, 31-21 with QB Trevor Lawrence tossing two TD passes and RB Travis Etienne going 26 yards for a rushing score. The Colts held a 21-17 lead entering the final quarter behind a TD pass and scoring run from rookie QB Anthony Richardson, but the defense couldn't stop Jacksonville from taking over and getting the win. The Jags defense forced three turnovers to help aid the victory.

In Pittsburgh, the host Steelers were dismantled by the San Francisco 49ers, 30-7 with RB Christian McCaffrey rambling 65 yards for a touchdown while finishing with 152 rushing yards. 49ers QB Brock Purdy had two TD passes while the defense sacked Steelers QB Kenny Pickett five times and had two interceptions in the easy win.

The New Orleans Saints outlasted the visiting Tennessee Titans, 16-15 in a yawner as the only touchdown came on a 19-yard scoring pass from Saints QB Derek Carr to WR Rashid Shaheed in the third quarter. Saints kicker Blake Grupe made three field goals and Titans kicker Nick Folk hit five kicks to account for all the scoring in the loss.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers surprised the host Minnesota Vikings, 20-17 as kicker Chase McLaughlin made a 57-yard field goal with 5:10 remaining to provide the winning margin. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield had two TD passes and the defense limited the Vikings to just 41 rushing yards. Vikings QB Kirk Cousins passed for two TD and 344 yards in the loss.

For the first time since 2017, the Atlanta Falcons won their season opener as they beat down the visiting Carolina Panthers, 24-10. Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier had a pair of scoring runs and QB Desmond Ridder had a TD pass to pace the offense. Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young had a TD pass, but was also intercepted twice in defeat. 

The Baltimore Ravens won at home, 25-9 against the Houston Texans but also lost as their top running back J.K. Dobbins was lost for the season with an Achilles injury. The Ravens got three rushing touchdowns (two by Justice Hill and one from Dobbins) and the defense limited the Texans to three field goals while getting five sacks on rookie QB C.J Stroud.

Washington beat the visiting Arizona Cardinals, 20-16 with QB Sam Howell passing for a TD and also rushing for another. The Commanders trailed 16-10 entering the fourth quarter as Cards linebacker Cameron Thomas scored on a two-yard fumble return. Howell went six yards for a TD and kicker Joey Slye made his second field goal (33 yards) to provide the final score.

The Green Bay Packers rode the passing of QB Jordan Love (245 yards, three TD) and two scores from running back Aaron Jones to beat the host Chicago Bears, 38-20. Packers linebacker Quay Walker took an interception back 37 yards for another score as Green Bay built the lead t0 24 points in the fourth quarter. Bears QB Justin Fields had a TD pass but also two turnovers (one INT and fumble) and was sacked four times.

 

The Miami Dolphins won the most exciting game of Week One as they outscored the host Los Angeles Chargers, 36-34  with QB Tua Tagovailoa (pictured right) passing for 466 yards and three TD (and one INT) with two of the scoring passes going to WR Tyreek Hill (11 receptions for 215 yards) and kicker Jason Sanders  making three field goals. The Chargers had a chance to pull it out late, but the Miami defense sacked 'Bolts QB Justin Herbert twice on the final drive, including on fourth down to seal the win. Herbert passed for a TD and ran for another one and Chargers RB Austin Ekeler scored a TD and rushed for 117 yards in the loss. 

The Las Vegas Raiders won a yawner in Denver, 17-16 against the Broncos to spoil the debut of Denver's new head coach Sean Payton. Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo hooked up for two TD passes with WR Jakobi Meyers. Denver QB Russell Wilson also threw for two touchdowns, but a missed PAT (Will Lutz) in the first quarter proved to be the difference in the outcome. 

In Seattle, the Los Angeles Rams pulled off the stunner of the day as they clobbered the host Seahawks, 30-13 by completely dominating the second half. The Rams trailed 13-7 at the half but took over from there as QB Matthew Stafford passed for 344 yards and running back Kyren Williams scored twice on the ground to lead the rout. The Seahawks managed just 180 yards in total offense and the Rams dominated by having the football for nearly 40 minutes. 

The Philadelphia Eagles held off the New England Patriots, 25-20 to earn the road victory as Jake Elliott drilled four field goals and Darius Slay took an interception back 70 yards for a touchdown and QB Jalen Hurts had a scoring pass. The Patriots stormed back after trailing 16-0 behind three TD passes from QB Mac Jones (316 passing yards and also one INT), but the rally fell short as the Eagles defense tightened the clamps in crunch time.

On Sunday night, it was no contest as the visiting Dallas Cowboys crushed the New York Giants, 40-0 behind a stifling defense that limited the Giants to 171 yards in total offense while also scoring on a "pick six" interception return (22 yards) from DaRon Bland. Cowboys RB Tony Pollard scored two rushing touchdowns and Noah Igbinoghene took a blocked field goal back 58 yards for the first TD of the game as the rout was on. 

In the Monday night game, the New York Jets defeated the visiting Buffalo Bills, 22-16 in overtime when Xavier Gipson took a punt return back 65 yards for the winning score. However, they also lost starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers to an Achilles injury for the remainder of the season. The Jets defense forced four turnovers (all by Bills QB Josh Allen) with three interceptions and a fumble recovery. Safety Jordan Whitehead had all three picks for the Jets. Meanwhile, Jets backup QB Zach Wilson had a TD pass (three yards to WR Garrett Wilson) and an interception while RB Breece Hall rushed for 127 yards. The game went into OT when Bills kicker Tyler Bass made a 50-yard field goal with two seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

 

WEEK ONE RESULTS 

Detroit 21, Kansas City 20

Cleveland 24, Cincinnati 3

San Francisco 30, Pittsburgh 7 

Atlanta 24, Carolina 10 

New Orleans 16, Tennessee 15 

Jacksonville 31, Indianapolis 21 

Washington 20, Arizona 16

Tampa Bay 20, Minnesota 17 

Baltimore 25, Houston 9 

Las Vegas 17, Denver 16 

Philadelphia 25, New England 20 

Green Bay 38, Chicago 20 

L.A. Rams 30, Seattle 13 

Miami 36, L.A. Chargers 34 

Dallas 40, N.Y. Giants 0

N.Y. Jets 22, Buffalo 16 (OT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week One Preview

 

At long last, the 2023 NFL season kicks off on Thursday night in Kansas City where the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs will play the Detroit Lions. This is a highly anticipated game as the Lions are getting so much hype leading into the new season while the Chiefs are going through some transition with their offense. 

The reason being for the changes are the new faces at wide receiver as Kansas City saw two of their main targets for quarterback Patrick Mahomes leave during the off-season. Add to that the knee injury All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce suffered recently (his status for the game is uncertain leading up to game time) and that throws a big time wrinkle into things. 

The Chiefs defense is also without All-Pro defensive player Chris Jones (15 1/2 quarterback sacks last season) as he is holding out and might not return until possibly Week Eight. That's not a good thing for a defense that depends on pressuring opposing quarterbacks. The Lions have Jared Goff at quarterback and he is coming off a stellar season and could present problems for the Kansas City defense. 

 

The Lions have a different approach with their running game as Jamaal Williams (17 TD last year) is gone and also D'Andre Swift (five TD rushing and three receiving) and now on board are David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) to complement the passing attack. They better be ready to go in the opener. 

The opener should be an exciting game and Mahomes will utilize whatever talent surrounds him on the field, so look for a high scoring game with the difference being which team has less turnovers. 

The following will offer a capsule style preview for each game in Week One and the Heftyinfo predictions follow up.

 

Detroit at Kansas City - Take the Chiefs in a squeaker. 

Carolina at Atlanta - Toss up in this one, but the Falcons do have the home edge for whatever that is worth in an opener. 

Cincinnati at Cleveland - Don't be shocked if the Browns get the win in this game. 

Jacksonville at Indianapolis - The Jaguars should win this one on the road, but the Colts won't just lay down for them. 

Tampa Bay at Minnesota - The Vikings want to prove their doubters wrong and here is where they can start. 

Tennessee at New Orleans - This one could be a shootout. Take the Saints. 

San Francisco at Pittsburgh - Two teams with solid defenses going at it. Toss up here. 

Arizona at Washington - Two teams going with new quarterbacks in the opening game. Anything is possible. 

Houston at Baltimore  - The Ravens should roll in this game. 

Green Bay at Chicago - No more Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay? Take the Bears in a tight one. 

Las Vegas at Denver - The Broncos and their new head coach . . . the Raiders and their new quarterback. This one should go down to the wire. 

Philadelphia at New England - Will the Eagles have the Super Bowl (losing team) hangover? Doubtful, but never count out the Patriots at home in a season opener. 

Miami at Los Angeles Chargers - This could be the most exciting game in Week One. Toss up. 

Los Angeles Rams at Seattle - Take the Seahawks. 

Dallas at New York Giants - The Sunday night game . . . can the Giants solve the Cowboys this season? Here is their chance. 

Buffalo at New York Jets - The Monday night game and what a matchup between two of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. The Jets are a very hyped team while the Bills are determined to show they aren't done after the debacle they had in the playoffs against Cincinnati. 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week One  . . . . . . . . .      (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)

 

Kansas City over Detroit 

Atlanta over Carolina 

Cleveland over Cincinnati 

Jacksonville over Indianapolis 

Minnesota over Tampa Bay 

New Orleans over Tennessee 

Pittsburgh over San Francisco 

Washington over Arizona 

BALTIMORE over Houston 

Chicago over Green Bay 

Denver over Las Vegas 

Philadelphia over New England 

Seattle over L.A. Rams 

Miami over L.A. Chargers 

Dallas over N.Y. Giants 

N.Y. Jets over Buffalo 

 

2022 SEASON RECORD -  175-94-2

Lock of the Week Record - 16-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Fearless Forecasts For 2023 NFL Season

It's time for the opening kickoff for the NFL season. 

The Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl last year and they host the Detroit Lions on Thursday night to get it started for the 2023 season. Will quarterback Patrick Mahomes continue his magic for another season? Are the Detroit Lions worthy of all the pre-season hype? 

Those and many questions will be answered as the weeks unfold as all 32 teams battle for the chance to play deep into January leading up to Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas in February. The pick here is for a surprise team to come out of the NFC and perhaps even the AFC for the title. 

Here's a look at the division races this season and the playoff picks. (Wild card teams in bold italics)

AFC 

East 

1. Buffalo 2. NY Jets 3. Miami 4. New England 

North 

1. Baltimore 2. Cincinnati 3. Pittsburgh 4. Cleveland 

South 

1. Jacksonville 2. Tennessee 3. Houston 4. Indianapolis 

West 

1. Kansas City 2. LA Chargers 3. Denver 4. Las Vegas 

NFC 

East 

1. Philadelphia 2. Dallas 3. NY Giants 4. Washington  

North 

1. Detroit 2. Minnesota 3. Green Bay 4. Chicago 

South 

1. New Orleans 2. Atlanta 3. Carolina 4. Tampa Bay 

West 

1. San Francisco 2. Seattle 3. LA Rams 4. Arizona  

 

AFC Playoffs 

Wild Card Round 

Buffalo over NY Jets
Baltimore over LA Chargers
Cincinnati over Jacksonville

Divisional Round 

Kansas City over Cincinnati 
Baltimore over Buffalo

AFC Championship Game

Baltimore over Kansas City

NFC Playoffs 

Wild Card Round 

San Francisco over Minnesota 
Seattle over Detroit
Dallas over New Orleans 

Divisional Round 

Seattle over Philadelphia
San Francisco over Dallas 

NFC Championship Game

Seattle over San Francisco 

SUPER BOWL 58 

Baltimore Ravens over Seattle Seahawks